Ken Horton is a 26 year old 199cm forward from Ossining, New York that is playing his second season in Germany and first with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Recently completed his fourth professional season with medi Bayreuth playing 34 games averaging 12.4ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 89.5% In the 2014-2015 season he tore up the league in Finland playing for Joensuun Kataja Basket (Finland-Korisliiga) winning the league title and playing 55 games averaging 16.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 86.8%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 17.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 76.3%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 87.5%. He started his basketball career with Cent.Conn.St. (NCAA) in 2007 and as a senior played 28 games averaging 19.0ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.7apg, 2.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 80.2%. He started his professional basketball career in 2012 with SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB): 16 games: 12.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 62.5%, 3FGP: 25.8%, FT: 75.9%, in Mar.’13 moved to Forex Time Apollon (Cyprus-Division A): 2 games: 12.0ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg. IN the 2013-2014 season he played for teams Huracanes de Tampico (Mexico-LNBP)playing 16 games: and averaging 17.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 59.1%, 3FGP: 24.1%, FT: 87.0% and Ballarat Miners (Australia-SEABL) playing18 games averaging 19.6ppg, 11.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.8spg, Blocks-2(9.7bpg), FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 39.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against ratiopharm Ulm at the Gezeiten Haus Cup in support oft he Basketball Aid charity.

 

 

 

 

Ken thanks for talking to German Hoops Welcome back to Germany. You were signed late into the transfer period by the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Was it worth waiting longer and more selective thinking about what your next move would be?

 It was definitely different waiting late into the summer to sign but I am happy. I’m with a really good organization and I’m excited to get the season started.

What has been your first impression of Bonn. What is the biggest difference to Bayreuth where you balled last season?

Bonn has been good so far, a bigger city than Bayreuth and it’s much more difficult to get used to driving in the city but I’m definitely loving it so far.

Does the proximity of the Rhine river in Bonn remind you a bit of home and the Hudson river?

I haven’t been to the river yet but being next to a body of water has kind of been a common factor every season that I’ve played. From France until now.

What was the main reason for signing with the Telekom Baskets Bonn? What appealed most to you about signing on the dotted line?

I knew it was a great organization and they’ve had a great history so being able to come here and try and make more history with a new group of guys really caught my attention.

You have needed no integration as you have stepped it up already in two test games against Aalstar and Antwerpen scoring 15 points in each game. Does knowing the BBL helped ease into your new team in Bonn?

 It makes it easier knowing the league already but I just let the game come to me and it also helps when the guys on the team are helping me too. I’m just trying to get used to the system and working with the guys. So these preseason games are really good for that.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn have an interesting roster and guys with Filip Barovic, Julian Gamble and Johannes Richter upfront. Where do you fit in and how will your role be different than in Bayreuth?

These guys are definitely strong upfront. I’m just coming in and trying to push these guys to the limit as I know they’ll do the same for me. My role is kind of the same as last year but coach has definitely told me he wants me to be more aggressive especially defensively. That will only help me and the team

The Telekom Baskets Bonn averaged giving up 60 points per game against Novo Mesto and Antwerpen. What has been vital early for the team finding a groove on the defensive end?

We are all just working. We are pushing each other and ultimately we know defense has to be the focus of our team.

Have you noticed that versatility at each position could be a huge factor for team success this season?

 It could definitely be a huge factor. We just need to keep working everyone will come into their own and that will elevate the teams game.

Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert called Johannes Richter his best offensive rebounding player last season. How much has his effort and fighting attitude stood out?

 He is definitely a fighter. I love going against him every day because he goes hard every single play.

A lot of the success for any team always has to do with the point guard. What have you noticed about the game of Josh Mayo early on that will give the Telekom Baskets Bonn success?

He’s definitely the leader on the team. He will be big for us as he can also do many things offensively and defensively. He’s someone that we all look to and will look to as the season goes on.

This weekend the Telekom Baskets Bonn will play at the Gezeiten Haus Cup in Rhondorf against ratiopharm Ulm and the Dragons Rhondorf. This also part of the basketball Aid international tour with the proceeds going to help children struck by cancer. How important is it for you to be a part of this cause?

 This is a great tournament to be a part of and it’s for a real good cause. It’s a serious thing and has affected the lives of so many people.

I have spoken with many players in the last week and every guy had been effected in one way or another by cancer in his family or with his friends. How has cancer effected your life?

Just recently my academic advisor from college passed away from Cancer. She had a huge impact on my life and is one of the reasons that I’m the man I am today. Also one of my friends recently found out that her son has cancer. It’s really sad especially to see a young kid battling this disease. “I love you Bobbie and Gio”

How excited are you to be playing against very competitive ratiopharm Ulm with ex NBA player Chris Babb. What kind of Ken Horton will we witness?

I’m just excited to be playing. You’ll see a Ken Horton that wants to win.

The Dream team won their third Olympic Gold Medal.in a row. Where does USA basketball stand right now? The team was without most stars, but still was able to win with lesser known players.

The Olympic Team was great this year. Even without some key players playing they still were able to sweep the games. That shows that USA Basketball has a bright future. Most of the guys on the team are 1st year Olympians. It’s looks real good for the future of USA basketball

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was “Jason Bourne”

Thanks Ken for the chat.