Lorenzo Williams is a 31 year old 187cm point guard that recently completed his second season with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven playing 22 games and averaging 5.6ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 73.7%. He was born in Arkansas, but grew up in Texas. He played at Rice University from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 29 games averaging 9.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 5.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3Pts: 34.6%, FT: 71.4%. He was drafted by the Anaheim Arsenal in 2007, but decided to come to Europe and played in Germany for BC Groer Recycling Weissenhorn, but left during the season, in March 2008 and moved to Skanska Pezinok (Slovakia-Extraliga). In 2008-2009, he played in Slovakia for AB Cosmetics Pezinok playing 28 games: Score-2(20.8ppg), 3.2rpg, Assists-2(5.8apg), 1.8spg, 2FGP: 62.3%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 83.9%. In the 2009-2010 season, he came to Germany and played for the Giessen 46ers playing  25 games: 11.4ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 67.2%. In the 2010-2011 season he played for Zalakeramia-ZTE KK (Hungary-A Division, starting five): 19 games: 15.6ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-1(7.3apg), 2.5spg, FGP: 65.2%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 70.4%, in Feb.’11 moved to Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (Ukraine-Superleague, starting five): 15 games: 9.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 24.3%, FT: 87.5%. He then played two seasons for  Atomeromu SE Paks (Hungary-A Division). In the 2013-2014 season he played for BK Ventspils (Latvia-LBL) winning the league championship playing  24 games: 11.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 82.4%; EuroChallenge: 11 games: 10.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.4apg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 22.6%, FT: 73.0%; Baltic League: 16 games: 9.8ppg, 3.4rpg, Assists-4(4.4apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 72.7% In the 2014-2015 season he came to the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-BBL) palying 28 games averaging 10.7ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-3(5.9apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 88.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

 

Lorenzo thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

Im currently at home in Houston, Texas preparing for the upcoming season. My summer has been great. My wife and I recently bought a new home and we are enjoying time with our son and family.

Teams are filling up everywhere and your still unsigned. Are you getting a little nervous about finding a team for this season?

A little bit but I feel that over the course of my career I have shown that I can compete at a high level. So I just focus on the process which is Working out and preparing myself for the next opportunity.

You have gone into every professional season having found a club before the season starts except for last season. Is the transfer market more challenging this season than in past seasons?

I think the market for me could be a bit different this summer than in the past. I didn’t have the best statistical season but I’m confident that I can still contribute a lot to several clubs around Europe.

Your turning 32 in November. Have you passed your prime or still in it?

I feel that physically and mentally I’m the best I’ve ever been. I’m working harder and smarter every day. Being a veteran I know what it takes to prepare for the grind of a long season.

Last season was a season to forget with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. You came in December as the boat was sinking. How did you experience this chaotic season?

Last season was very tough for me, especially coming off of the season I had the previous year. I take every situation as a learning experience and try to use what I learned in the future. Things definitely did not go as I thought they would. But that’s how the game works sometimes. I’m very thankful for my year and a half there and I wish them the best in the future.

In the 2014-2015 season you had a very solid season for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-BBL): 28 games: 10.7ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-3(5.9apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 88.0%. Did you feel it a bit disrespectful that they didn´t resign you, but when they had injuries felt the need to get you back again?

I didn’t feel disrespected at all. It’s a part of the business. I was thankful for the opportunity to be there.

You came to a team that had an influx of guards with Jerry Smith and Brandyn Curry. You played 22 games averaging 5.6ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 73.7%. Was the team play something that effected your play?

Our team had a lot of talent but unfortunately we were not able to put it all together on the floor. It was not easy having three point guards on the roster who could all impact the game in a different way. Unfortunately for me I was unable to find a rhythm and a significant role within the team. I think we all did whatever we could to make the best of the situation.

Last season was your worst of your professional career. What did you learn from this experience and what will you do better the next time if a situation like that presents itself again?

I learned that you have to just focus on the things that you can control and continue to work hard and be positive.

How confident are you that at almost 32 years of age that you can get back to your stellar play of the 2014-2015 season where you averaged 10.7ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-3(5.9apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 88.0%?

I’m very confident that I can have a major impact on a BBL team. My experience in the league and familiarity with the players and style of play would be a positive. I’ve improved as a player each year and I’m ready for the next opportunity to come.

How do you feel you can rebound from last season? You have proved time after time to be a consistent performer having done that in numerous different countries. Is your consistency something that will give you confidence going into that next situation?

During the past 9 seasons I’ve gained the confidence to be unbothered by things in the past. I think my understanding of the European game over the years has improved each season so I can definitely rebound from last season. I take pride in being a consistent player and making my teammates better, which I believe will help with a transition to a new club.

The Fraport Skyliners are a team that will be rebuilding this season and have a lot of youth. With only one very experienced player Quantez Robertson and experienced Mike Morrison going into his fifth professional season, they mostly have kids at the moment. Would this situation with your experience be one that would be appealing to you?

This certainly would be a situation that would interest me. They have a very good coach and are returning a few players that have made an impact in the BBL. I think my leadership would help the young guys a lot. I played in Bremerhaven with Garai Zeeb. He’s a talented young player they have who is on the rise as well.

Coach Gordon Herbert has liked the scoring point guard types like Dashaun Wood, Justin Cobbs and Jordan Thedoore which he had in the past. Could you be that type of player if you had to be?

I think I can do whatever a coach needs. I’m a very unselfish guy and I’ve improved my game each year. My game offensively is predicated on getting my teammates involved because that is the job of a point guard but I can score if needed. I’ve shown on several occasions that I’m capable throughout my career.

 

Describe in a few sentences as to why you could help any team at the moment with your play?

I’m a hard working unselfish player who understands the European game. I believe a point guard should be the coach on the floor and I’ve developed the leadership qualities over the years to do that. Leading by example is key in every situation and I understand the importance of that.

 

If you had to construct your own NBA Rushmore and chose 4 NBA heads which best four would you pick?

Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Lebron James and Shaq

Now that Lebron finally brought an NBA title to the Cavs where does this further NBA title put him against the best that ever played the game?

I think Lebron has proved throughout his career that he is one of the best to ever do it. The title is just icing on the cake.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Space Jam with my son.

 

Thank Lorenzo for the chat.