Keane Thoman is a 27 year old 211cm enter from Olney, Illinous playing his fifth professional season and second with the Bakken Bears (Denmark-Ligaen). He started his basketball career with Missouri So. (NCAA2) in 2008 where he played until 2012 playing a total of 117 games and as a senior played  30 games: 21.5ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 63.3%, FT: 72.9%. He started his professional career in 2012 with Horsens IC (Denmark-Ligaen) playing 36 games: 18.0ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 53.7%, FT: 72.7%. In his second season with Horsens IC (Denmark-Ligaen) he played  34 games: 10.1ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 69.1%. In the 2014-2015 season he played with BMI Bloodhounds (Denmark-1st Division) Last season was his first with the Bakken Bears (Denmark-Ligaen): 26 games: 5.0ppg, 2.2rpg; FIBA Europe Cup: 6 games: 2.0ppg, 1.7rpg. He spoke to German Hoops recently before the Champions League game with the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Keane for talking to German Hoops. You are playing your fifth season as a professional in Denmark. Could one say that Denmark is your second home now?

 I’ve spent 10 months a year for the last 5 years in Denmark. I wish I could see my family more often but DK feels like home.

What have you learned to appreciate most about Denmark? Do people act surprised sometimes when they learn that you American since you have that Northern European look?

I like the simplicity of everything here. Riding bikes to get around and soaking in the atmosphere is a good way to get around. I often get confused for a Dane when I first meet people.

You had a great rookie season for Horsens IC and have stayed in Denmark ever since. Would you say that your game fits the style of the league right from the start or did you grow into it?

My play style fits into the team pretty easily. Having a point guard like Skyler Bowlin, that I already knew so well, made it even easier.

You are playing your second season for the Bakken Bears (Denmark-Ligaen) and last season won your first professional title with them winning the cup. Is this a feeling that you feel that you will be able to taste again this season with your team?

We hope to win more than the cup this year. Wining the league tournament is something I have yet to experience, so that is the goal.

Talk a bit about the worth of the three Danish veterans Thomas Larke, Nicolai Iverson and Chris Christoffersen. I saw them play two seasosn ago in a Eurochallenge game in Frankfurt. Would this team be functioning as well without them?

They all have different styles of leadership. Thomas leads by example with his passion for the game. Iverson is a great motivator and has a tremendous work ethic. Chris keeps the team focused on games by talking strategies.

The team is off to a solid start in the country league, but 1-9 in the Champions League. How hard was it nit being cleared to play until the Ironi Nahariya game?

It is tough to sit out as your team plays. Win or lose, everyone wants to do all they can to help the team. I just have to wait for my opportunity.

Baken has lost most games fairly easily. What do you believe have been the major problems with competing in this league?

 We have a tendency to start games very well, but we don’t always stick to the methods that got us going.

What has it been like playing with Adama Darboe who is your teams most experienced player. He nailed a buzzer beater in Frankfurt two seasons ago to help his team Boras win a Eurochallenge game. Does he keep the team together?

He’s a great player and a vocal leader for us when he is on the court.

You average 13 minutes this season from the bench. How would you classify your role in the team?

I like to set a lot of screens and shoot when I’m open. I ty to clog up the lane on defense as well.

You were mainly a scorer in school, but have not had that role now in the last two seasons of getting excessive minutes. Has this been a difficult task to accept?

 Not too difficult. I have always liked setting screens and getting physical with people. I still look to score when the opportunity arises.

How challenging has it been having to share the center duties with Michel Diouf who has 9 years experience playing in Spain. How do you feel has he lifted your game on the court?

Practicing with Diouf every day helps my post up. His long arms and quickness make it difficult to get the ball inside

You are a big man that can score and rebound, but what would you say is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

I would say that catching quick unexpected passes is a strength of mine.

As a rookie you played with Horsens IC. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Denmark where you knew that you were very far away from Olney, Illiniois?

Not having my truck was a big change. Off the court everything was different, but basketball remains the same.

How refreshing was it playing your first two professional seasons with ex college teammate Skyler Bowlin? Did it at times feel like you were back in school?

 I am very grateful for that. Seeing at least 1 familiar face made the transition so much easier.

Is Bowlin the best example of how hard work does pay off even if it doesn´t happen right away? It took him six years but he reached one of the top leagues in Europe with the BBL in Germany.

 I would agree with that. He is one of the hardest working players I know. I’m glad it is working out for him.

How has his game developed and improved since school where you were teammates?

He has gotten more flexible in his given roles. Through his teams he has had to take different responsibilities and he has handled them all very well.

 

What was your fondest memory of Skyler Bowlin in school and something you like to look back on even now on a cold and rainy day in Denmark?

Probably playing video games in the dorms with our teammates after practice. We can still do that online every once in a while.

You played at Missouri So. (NCAA2) from 2008-2012 improving your points and rebounds each season. When did you realize then that you had the game to become a professional?

 It wasn´t until my senior season that I decided to try pro ball. It just occured to me one day. Id never given it much though before that.

Another one of your ex teammates Jordan Talbert has also worked his way up the level ladder in Germany playing this season with PS Karlsruhe. Was his ridged work ethic something you already noticed in school? What impressed you most about his game?

Jordan was always a hard worker. His shot blocking ability always amazed me.

How did head coach Robert Corn groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Corn always supported me despite some nagging injuries I had through my 4 years there. The best part about coach Corn and Missouri Southern was that we felt like a family. Nothing motivates like working for your family.

Olney has produced some well known professional baseball players, but no NBA players. Is Olney strictly baseball country?

Olney is a very supportive town to its Athletics. Football is perhaps the most popular but not necessarily the best.

If you had to construct your own NBA Rushmore, which 4 heads would you choose?

Shaq, David Robinson, Jordan and Kobe

Lebron finally brought an NBA title to the Cavs. Where does he stand at the moment in the never ending debate with where he stands as the best of all-time?

In terms of physical ability, he is one of the most amazing players. I don’t always like what he does but he was born to play ball.

Where do you rank Kevin Garnett with the best power forwards that ever played the game?

I have always preferred the center position like Shaq, Robinson and Tim Duncan, but KG is an outstanding player.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Marvel’s Doctor Strange.

Thanks Keane for the chat.