Jordan Talbert is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Little Rock, Arkansas that is playing his second professional season with the Giants Nordlingen. He came to Germany as a rookie last season and played with the Giants TSV 1861 Noerdlingen (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 26 games: 21.6ppg, 9.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, Blocks-4(1.5bpg), FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college career at Missouri SO(NCAA2) from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 11.7ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 70.1%. He spoke to German Hoops after the big 84-59 win in game one against Oldenburg.

 

 

Jordan congrats on the huge 84-59 win against Oldenburg for the 1-0 series win. How was the two week preparation different for this Pro B north team then it was for the Pro B south teams this season?

The preparation wasn’t much different. We just had more time to do it. We prepared the same as always which is focusing on playing at our best instead of worrying about what the opponent does.

How exciting was this game for you? It was your first playoff game as a professional. Did you have some nerves at the start or was it a normal game for you?

 I was very excited for the game especially since we had a 2 week break leading up to it. I’m nervous before every game but once the game began the nerves always goes away.

At halftime Nordlingen had the overwhelming 49-23 lead. How much % of the game plan had the Giants successfully completed after the first 20 minutes?

 We definitely executed our game plan to great satisfaction. We came out and played team basketball at an extremely high level.

Nordlingen was defending great in the first half and had a good offensive rhythm going early. Was this Nordlingen basketball that the team was playing where everything was working?

Yes this was one of those rare games when the team comes out and the chemistry is at its full potential. We’ve had a couple games like this early in the year so it was perfect that we could start the playoffs this way.

You led by as much as 34 points in the third quarter. Was it tough to focus at times in a big lead or was the big lead a benefit more by how they were playing?

We’ve given up big leads before. You want to ease up sometimes but we know that the minute we do we give them confidence which can carry over to the next game and ultimately change the series. We really just wanted to keep our intensity and focus at the same level it was the entire game.

Winning the rebound duel 35-34 may not seem like much, but Oldenburg has a huge size advantage over Nordlingen. How proud are you of the team that they were able to match up well down low?

Rebounding has been a struggle for us sometimes this year. For us to win the rebounding against a bigger more physical opponent is something to be really proud of.

How confident are you that when the big three score in double figures plus two more players with Leo Vrkas and Kwame Duku that you will go very far in the playoffs?

I definitely like when we’re all scoring because it means we’re playing as a team and makes us extremely tough to guard. I think our effort on the defensive end was the most impressive thing. When we guard like we did then rebound and get out in transition it makes our offense that much potent.

How much did the defensive energy of American Brandon Lockhart spark Nordlingen in game one?

Brandon did a great job of disrupting their offense and making their guards uncomfortable. He’s really good at reading plays and picks good spots to get in the passing lanes.

You almost played 40 minutes How did you feel after 40 minutes? Did the two week break benefit your conditioning a bit?

Yea the two week break definitely helped. I felt good physically going into the game. After the game I was pretty tired but I’m sure I’ll be ready to go again for game 2.

You scored 13 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and getting six assists while getting two steals and two blocks. It wasn´t your best shooting game, but were you happy that you contributed in so many other areas?

Yes I think that’s the best part of my game. Even if I’m not able to score I think I can still find ways to help the team win. My teammates picked up the scoring slack for me and I got to contribute in other areas of the game.

Nordlingen can wrap the series next weekend in Oldenburg. Nordlingen had 17 steals in game one. Will another defensive effort like in game one get you the win even if the offense isn´t as sharp getting 28 assists and more points in game 2?

It’s going to take great effort on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. We know they’re going to come out with high energy and motivation to stay in the league. We’re going to have to weather the storm and just play our game that’s gotten us to this point.

Were you surprised by so many upsets in the NCAA March Madness? Is there more parity with NCAA schools than possibly in the past?

There’s always a good amount of upsets every so no I wasn’t surprised at all. Anything can happen when it’s single game elimination. You know there are going to be upsets you just have to choose which team.

What sleepers that are alive now do you see possibly making a run in the 2016 NCAA March Madness?

 I haven’t really kept up with the NCAA this year because of the time difference. But from what I’ve seen I like Iowa St. I think Niang is a great versatile player with enough skill and experience to lead his team to a championship.

What was the last movie that you saw?

 Deadpool.

 

Thanks Jordan for the chat.