Louis Darby is a 32 year old 196cm guard from Pacoima, California playing his ninth professional season and first with German Beko BBL team Mitteldeutscher BC. He played most of his professional career in Romania with CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu winning the Romanian cup last season and playing a total of 181 league games and last season helped the team march to the Eurochallenge final four playing 14 games averaging 10.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 86.1%. In the Romanian division A last season he played 28 games: 13.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 86.2%. He also had experience early in his professional career playing for Al Wahda Damascus (Syria-D1)and the Carlsbad Beach Dawgs (WCBL). He started his basketball career in 2003 with Long Beach St. (NCAA) until 2007 playing a total of 99 NCAA games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 5.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3Pts: 34.8%, FT: 69.5%. He joined MBC in January and has played eight games averaging 5,5ppg, 1,4rpg and 1,0apg. AS of late the Mitteldeutscher BC had finally been winning games and in a real battle to stay in the league. He spoke to German Hoops recently when he joined the club.

 

Louis thanks for talking to German Hoops. With 2016 very young what new years resolutions have you made for yourself the player and person?

As a player I want to be consistent and as a person off the court.

You are in Germany playing with the Mitteldeutscher BC. Is this winter there tougher than what you experienced the last 7 years in Romania?

I think it’s tougher because I spent so many months away from the court. I usually workout the whole time.

This season was the first time that you didn´t start with a team at the beginning of the season. After 7 years with CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu didn´t you ever challenge the question to finish your career there at 32 considering last season was so successful with the Eurochallenge?

It was great last season. This year I wanted to spend more time with my family. I felt so many years playing I missed out on many things with my daughter.

Your stats were down last season with CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu, but still were the team leader with your experience and an always important offensive weapon. Did the club feel your time had run out or was your mission finished with the club?

 I felt this past season I didn’t need to do much scoring. We had many scoring weapons. So I accepted a different role that would make it better for the team to win. Winning is better than scoring to me at this age. I had a chance to go back to the club but I had decided to quit playing basketball after this past season.

What was some of the most important things that you realized the last months sitting at home in California where you could reflect on your career as a player and knew that you still had much energy left in the tank?

The most important thing that I learned while at home is that you can never rule out playing until you just can’t walk or feel you can’t play anymore And I feel I still can play way more basketball.

Now you joined MBC that is the door mat of the league in 18th place. With CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu, you never finished lower than 11th place. With what kinds of emotions are you going into this situation?

I’m expecting to help the team in any way. It’s not how you start, but it’s how you finish. I am here to finish with this team and do a great job as a team.

What is your first impression of your new club? What do you believe is the most important mechanical thing that the team has to do very well to get back on the winning road?

I think the new team is very professional. The group of guys they have work really hard and are dedicated to getting better and want the same goal. That’s getting better the second part of the season.

Do you see adding additional leadership skills to the extremely experienced Marcus Hatten or do you see giving your basketball expertise in other areas?

I see myself as the new guy who is just trying to fit in and help in anyway I can. Marcus is very experienced at a high level and knows what it takes to be successful. As well as the coach. Both very experienced.

Do you feel that your vast offensive skills often overshadow your very potent defensive skills on the court?

I think I’m known as a better defender than offensive. I came to Europe more scoring minded. So it stood out more than my defensive.

Last season CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu made it to the Eurochallenge final 4 in Turkey. What was your highlight, the thrilling series against Le Mans or finishing third with the win against the Fraport Skyliners?

I think our overall season was a success. Even though we didn’t win the champion ship. I’d rather beat every team than just a certain team. The goal is to finish first. Not 2nd not 4th or 8th. But to the credit of my team we did beat some good teams last year in the Eurochallenge

In that game against Frankfurt you played against big man baby faced Johannes Voigtmann who was back up to Tibor Pleiss at the 2015 Euro championships and has garnered interest from the NBA. What was a memory of his game that is still vivid for you?

To tell the truth I didn’t really remember names of the players. I just went in knowing that they were a good team. Although all their players were pretty good bigs and guards.

You played 6 seasons with Porter Troupe with CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu. Could one say that you are both brothers and would you of become the player you are today without him as a teammate?

We are like brothers. We came into a place with a little name and made them known. We went through it all together. Injuries everything. Heck we always helped each other on and off the court. He will always be a brother to me.

You won the Romanian Allstar slam dunk contest in 2011 and 2015. Which one was sweetest for you?

I think 2011 was better because I really put effort into that dunk contest.  

As a rookie in 2007 you played for Al Wahda Damascus (Syria-D1). What was your wake up call to being a rookie in the middle east where you knew that you were very far away from California?

 My wakeup call was that I didn’t have access to my family like I thought I would. I didn’t have any internet access. Nothing for 3 months. The people in Syria were great to me though.

You played at Long Beach State from 2003-2007. On the 2006-2007 team you won the big West tournament against Cal Poly to top of your college career. When you look back from now until then, did you ever think that you could have such a long and fruitful professional career considering you were 7th in team scoring as a senior?

 I thought I was good enough to play at a high level I think if I had all the right people around me in college as far as coaching then I would have been better prepared for the next level. I always had the support of family and friends. That’s why I’m in the position I’m in now. They pushed me. I’ve always been competitive so to see myself playing so long just shows I’m still hungry and have s love for the game.

How did Long Beach State coach Larry Reynolds groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 I don’t think Reynolds prepared me for anything honestly. Only thing I can say he did was make me mentally stronger. The guys that played professional under Reynolds were just hungry honestly. Guys like Kevin Houston, Mark Dawson, Jibril Hodges, Kejuan Johnson and Aaron Nixon. I think what we got we earned.

You played three seasons with Jabril Hodges. What story about his father Craig stands out in your mind most when you look back at your college days?

Me and him actually came into long beach together. What stands out the most is our first day playing against the players at long beach state before we graduated from school. And that day we both decided to sign at Long Beach.

The Cleveland Cavaliers fired David Blatt today. How crazy is that? Do you feel that it was a hasty decision by the club?

I think that it’s all business. Probably the first coach in history to get fired after being in first place in their conference. I think he will be back in the NBA soon.

What was the last movie that you saw?

 The last movie I saw in theatres was with my wife. Creed. “Great movie”.

Thanks Louis for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Jones is a 32 year old 191cm shooting guard that has been a professional basketball player since 2007 and has returned back to the Dresden Titans this season. He played at Miles(NCAA2) and has played in Germany for most of his professional career with four seasons with the Dresden Titans and three seasons with the BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga). He also gained experience playing with teams like Marietta Storm (SEBL), BC Celtics (SEBL), C.B. Aridane (Spain-EBA) and Universidad Tecnologica Equinoc. Quito (Ecuador-National League). Last season he played for BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19,9ppg, 6,5rpg and 3,9apg. He spoke to German Hoops before the do or die game in Rostock.

 

 

Congrats Andrew on the big 95-84 win against the Rostock Sea Wolves to force a deciding game three. In how many do or die games had you been in before game 2 in Dresden?

Thanks Miles! I’ve been in quite a few of those games. I would like to remember the wins only, but the losses make you ready for the next opportunity.

It was a team effort again by the Dresden Titans, but how happy were you that Randall Holt was on board again?

I was excited to know he is back! When he is at the point guard it changes the structure of our team. He is dangerous just being on the court.

Seriously would the Dresden Titans had won without his 22 points, 13 assist and seven rebounds?

We had a good chance of winning the first game without him. However, with him playing our chances are better.

How was the week of practice? In what special way did head coach Steven Clauss motivate and gear the team in the right direction?

Coach focused on the simple mistakes we made in the first game. We played our game, but we had too many mental breakdowns against Rostock. Also, our floor general would return.

Both games have been high scoring affairs. Why have both team´s defenses not been able to keep the score down more?

We push a high pace game which will also increases the opponents pace as well. So scores will be high most of the time.

The game 2 was a very tight battle from the get go. The Dresden Titans led only by two points at halftime. How confident was the team after 20 minutes that the season wouldn´t end 20 minutes later?

We needed to start the 3rd quarter strong. Going point for point with a team like Rostock is dangerous.

The game was decided in the third quarter as the Dresden Titans went on a 19-2 run fueled by back to back three pointers by Randall Holt. How key was the Dresden team for totally dominating the first five minutes of the third quarter?

At halftime we talked about increasing the intensity and not letting off the gas. We wanted to swing the momentum in the third quarter and finish them off in the fourth.

How proud were of the team for keeping a powerful team like Rostock at bay in the fourth and never letting Rostock be down by less than double digits points?

I was very proud! It’s always great to still be in the fight!

I don´t need to stress the importance of the Germans Daniel Krause, Walter Simon and Philipp Lieser who combined for 47 points, but has their confidence risen in the last weeks?

We have a very good group of ball players here. Walter and Daniel coming from ProA last year have a lot of experience. Phillip is a 6’5 pg that creates many matchup problems for guards. Everyone here is feeling confident!

Next weekend is a new do or die game. Do you think that your excitement will rise this week as the day gets nearer?

I’m excited already! The next game will put the winners in the second round. It will be a scrappy game.

Head coach Steven Clauss doesn´t have good memories of last season as he was in the same situation as he is now in Dresden as he had come in as a fireman in Hanau saved the season, led the team into the playoffs and lost a game three in Rostock. How will this game be different this time in that he will go home as the winner?

It goes back to your question about how many do or die games I’ve been in personally. The scenario is the same for Coach Clauss. After losing last year he had time to think about it. Now that he is presented with the same situation, he has the opportunity for redemption from last year.

Matt Hunter was hot as usual with 29 points, but Dresden kept other guys in check. Will there be more focus on Hunter or is just focusing on a superb team defensive performance most key in a demanding game like this?

Hunter is a good player. He will find ways to score always. We will try to apply our defensive principles and keep them working hard for every point.

Who will reach the 2016 NCAA final Oklahoma or Villanova and what other team will march to the final?

I have to say Oklahoma, they look pretty good in the tournament.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Mentalist (Tv Show).

Thanks Andrew for the chat.

 

 

David Sturner is a 206cm power forward/center playing his first season in Germany for pro B team Dresden Titans and currently is averaging 11,4ppg and 6,4rpg. He started his basketball career with Orgeon State playing 13 NCAA games and then moved to S.Oregon (NAIA) and as a senior played  31 games: 14.6ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 56.2%. He started his professional basketball career recently with the West Adelaide Bearcats (Australia-Central ABL) before coming to Germany. He spoke to German Hoops after the big do or die win against Rostock.

 

 

 

Congrats David on the big 95-84 win against the Rostock Sea Wolves to force a deciding game three. In how many do or die games had you been in before game 2 in Dresden?

Thank you Miles! I’ve probably played in do or die games every season since high school. As one of my college coaches once said, “If you make the playoffs, there’s only one team at the end of the season that doesn’t finish with a loss.” It was exciting to play the game in front of our home crowd and to have such a great turnout.

It was a team effort again by the Dresden Titans, but how happy were you that Randall Holt was on board again?

We knew with Randall our team plays so well. He brings so many offensive weapons to the floor and tonight he showed them off.

Seriously would the Dresden Titans had won without his 22 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds?

That’s hard to say, but I believe in our team whether we have every player healthy or not. Randall is an excellent player, and our leader on the court, but I think he would be the first to say that we could win without him.

How was the week of practice? In what special way did head coach Steven Clauss motivate and gear the team in the right direction?

We took all of the things we had struggled with in our last game vs Rostock, and really just focused on them all week. Rebounding, transition offense, and protecting the paint. It obviously was a great way to prepare for tonight.

Both games have been high scoring affairs. Why have both team´s defenses not been able to keep the score down more?

Well we pride ourselves in being a transition offense heavy team. We like to keep the possessions per game very high so our opponents are going to have more chances to score as well.

The game was a very tight battle from the get go. The Dresden Titans led only by two points at halftime. How confident was the team after 20 minutes that the season wouldn´t end 20 minutes later?

We were confident throughout the game. We knew we just had to play our game and the rest would take care of itself. Rostock is a relentless team so they hung in with us through to the end. We just stuck to our game plan and stayed aggressive.

The game was decided in the third quarter as the Dresden Titans went on a 19-2 run fueled by back to back three pointers by Randall Holt. How key was the Dresden team for totally dominating the first five minutes of the third quarter?

This was a huge momentum shift for us. Coach told us to continue to be aggressive and attack offensively. The run we made ended up being the difference at the end.

How proud were you of the team for keeping a powerful team like Rostock at bay in the fourth and never letting Rostock be down by less than double digits points?

I’m very proud of the team, Rostock came back on us in the first game after we had a 12 point lead, so for us to keep them out of striking distance tonight was a great way to finish the game.

I don´t need to stress the importance of the Germans Daniel Krause, Walter Simon and Philipp Lieser who combined for 47 points, but has their confidence risen in the last weeks?

They really played great, and Max Von der Wippel and Marc Nagora also stepped up and played great. I don’t think their confidence has changed in the last few weeks. They always are confident, and have the experience to perform in the playoffs.

How happy were you with your game? You shot well from the field and had 10 points, but also stepped it up on the defensive end with two blocks and a steal?

I wasn’t particularly happy with my performance tonight, but when we come out on top I would rather celebrate the win and success of the team, then focus on myself and the negatives I can take away. I really tried to focus on stopping their bigs from having big nights and I think we limited them for the most part.

Next weekend is a new do or die game. Do you think that your excitement will rise this week as the day gets nearer?

Of course, we know this next game is the difference between going home, and the second round. I’m sure we will have high energy practices and everyone is excited to get the chance to play another game.

Head coach Steven Clauss doesn´t have good memories of last season as he was in the same situation as he is now in Dresden as he had come in as a fireman in Hanau saved the season, led the team into the playoffs and lost a game three in Rostock. How will this game be different this time in that he will go home as the winner?

I think it will come down to our determination. I’m sure Hanau was a great team, and coach Clauss obviously did a great job with them. Any team can win or lose a series, but the team who wants it more is going to come out on top. We know what we’re capable of and have the focus and drive to make sure it happens. Coach has given us all the tools to succeed and now we need to put it all together.

Matt Hunter was hot as usual with 29 points, but Dresden kept other guys in check. Will there be more focus on Hunter or is just focusing on a superb defensive team performance most key in a demanding game like this?

I think Hunter is going to get his points. He is a great player and finds different ways to score. We will continue to focus on team defense as usual, and do our best to keep Hunter in check throughout the game.

Who will reach the 2016 NCAA final Oklahoma or Villanova and what other team will march to the final?

I actually have Oklahoma winning the championship in my bracket so that’s my first team. I think North Carolina will be the other.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was with my fiancé in Dresden, and we watched the new Star Wars. In English too! Great movie. As always, thanks Miles! It’s a pleasure.

 

Thanks David for the chat.

 

Demetrius Ward is a 25 year old 188cm guard from Detroit, Michigan playing his forth professional season with MTV Wolfenbuettel  Herzoege (Germany-ProB). This is his third Pro B season with the club after having helped the team move back up from the Regionaliga last season where he played 23 games averaging 18.4ppg, 7.6rpg, Assists-2(7.0apg), Steals-4(3.2spg), FGP: 66.2%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 76.4%. He played at Western Michigan from 2008-2012 playing a total of 129 NCAA games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 12.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 76.2%. He spoke to German Hoops before the do or die game against Wesissenhorn.

 

 

 

Demetrius thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough 89-82 loss last weekend against Weissenhorn. How disappointed are you that the club was unable to pull out the series then?

Hello Miles thanks for having me. We were disappointed with the loss but it’s a learning experience.

Wolfenbuettel was playing catch up basketball all night long, but made a little run in the fourth quarter to cut the Weissenhorn lead to 80-73. What was key in the last minutes that didn´t allow you to get over the hump?

 Turnovers, we had to many turnovers that didn’t allow us to get over the hump.

When your playing catch up all night long, you tend to get fatigued. Did that play a role in the stretch run of the fourth quarter?

No, I don’t think that played a role, I think we are a team that is in good shape.

Nils Mittmann had 28 points and Chris Anderson 11 points and 13 assists. Many other guys can go off on that team, but are those the main two guys that the team will really have to watch in game three?

They have a lot of good players that can get going, plan is to not let that happen.

You battled against many talented point guards this season in the Pro B north, but this is your first time competiting against Pro B south teams. How challenging is it playing against a guy like Chris Anderson who when in the paint is very hard to stop?

Anderson is a very small quick pass first point guard. Challenge is making others make decisions and not him.

Wolfenbuettel gave up 27 more points in game two. What will the team have to do better on the defensive end in game three?

 Limit our turnover and know personnel

You have played at Western Michigan and this is your fourth season in Germany with Wolfenbuettel. How many do or die games do you remember having in your career and how has your track

Last season was a do or die game in Stade to win the league and we won it so 1-0

What will be key in game three for Wolfenbuettel moving on too play the Fraport Skyliners Juniors?

The key would be to rebound and limit our turnovers.

This is your fourth season in Germany with Wolfenbuettel. How enjoyable have the last two seasons been for you moving up last season and reaching the playoffs this season?

 It’s been really good,moving up was a big accomplishment being player coach. This season nobody expected us to finish second in the league with a new cooperation and young team.

In the seasons 2013-2015 , you averaged 6,8rpg. Was this major increase in rebounds and having that consistency something that surprised you?

 No, it’s something I was always able to do. Sometimes it just goes unnoticed.

You are the only American on the team this season. What do you appreciate most about having this role and playing with young talented Germans?

Being the only American helps me to learn more German. It’s good to be around a good group of players that’s hard working and willing to listen and learn.

Your scoring average is down this season from other seasons. Does this have to do with the balanced scoring and play of the young Germans?

Yes, my role isn’t to score this season but to be a leader and help win games.

You’re a guy that can always fill up the stat sheet, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed?

 My IQ, and my unselfishness on the court.

What has been your overall impression of 18 year old

Lars is such a great guy on and off the court. He has the potential to be special.

You played at Western Michigan from 2008-2012. How did head coach Steve Hawkins prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 He made it very clear that things will not be handed to you. Also always being respectful and having good character.

You played little in your first two seasons at Western Michigan, but what do you remember most on the court with teammate Donald Lawson who has had a successful career in Germany?

I can remember Don always being reliable.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or German Robin Amaize?

That would be a good game but I’m sure I would win.

Some of the older NBA players that played at different times are having a hard time giving Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors credit for their success saying they might not have had that success 20-30 years ago. Are these former players just jealous or why can´t they just give credit where it´s due?

I think that things have changed over time. 20-30 years ago rules were different in the NBA. So who knows what would’ve happen.

Do you see it being justified that ESPN has Lebron at #3 of the best NBA players of alltime list before guys like Magic, Bill Russell and Larry Bird?

I think Bill Russell should be in front of Lebron for sure.

Which two teams will reach the NCAA final and win it?

 North Carolina and Oklahoma

What was the last movie that you saw?

Dirty grandpa.

Thanks Demetrius for the chat.