Alex Foster is a 24 year old 203cm forward that grew up in Portland, Oregon and also has the German citizenship and is playing his second professional season with the RheinStars(Germany-ProA). Last season as a rookie with the RheinStars he played 29 games averaging 9.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 33.5%, FT: 78.4%He played at Emory (NCAA3) from 2011-2015 playing a total of 108 NCAA3 games and as a senior played 20.1ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 79.8%. He was able to improve his scoring and rebounding average each season. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Thanks Alex for talking to German HoopsHow did you get into 2017 and did you have any new years resolutions or are you more a guy that doesn´t believe in that hype?

I brought in the New Year with friends here in Cologne, but didn’t make any big new years resolutions. I still have some goals from 2016 that I’m working towards.

This season the RheinStars didn´t have a long holiday break as you had a game on the 23rd of December against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets and on the seventh of January against Baunach. Do you feel this was more beneficial in keeping the team sharp or could a few more days rest helped the club?

Last season we only got two days off, so this year’s holiday break felt much longer. Unfortunately, we went into the break after a bitter loss. It was tough having to wait so long to play again, but once I put that loss behind me, I enjoyed the holidays with my family. As for the team, I think everyone came back from the break with some extra motivation for the second half of the season.

How important was the win against Baunach to start 2017 after the bitter loss to Essen before Christmas in having the team have the right focus going into the Hanau game?

It was important for us to get back to winning. There aren’t that many games left in the regular season so very win comes at a premium.

Just like last season, winning in Hanau didn´t happen, but the club came out with a lot better effort at home against them. What in your opinion is always most difficult when playing Hanau?

They always come in with energy and confidence, which makes them a tough team to beat, but we kept their offence in check and made enough plays ourselves to get the win. The game was no easy matter as it was tight going into the fourth quarter.

What do you feel was key in the fourth quarter for pulling out the win and getting your second win in a row in 2017?

We tightened up our defense in the second half and played together offensively. We’re starting to develop a win-at-all-costs identity and I think that showed against both Baunach and Hanau.

Kruize Pinkins had another typical strong game with 23 points and 10 rebounds. You have faced him 4 times now. Why in your opinion is he such a tough guy to stop?

He’s great around the rim and his teammates do a good job of finding him in scoring areas. Defending him, you have to stay engaged on defense at all times.

The RheinStars are in eighth place with a record of 9-9. What was your first half summary of the season?

We dug ourselves a deep hole, but are climbing out.

How much potential is in this season´s team? The team is eighth best in points scored and points let up? In what area does the team have the most potential to do harm?

I think we have the potential to go all the way. Ultimately, we want to hold down our home court for the rest of the season and start knocking off teams on the road.

How valuable was the pick up of former BBL player Anthony King? What does he give the team most besides experience at that low post presence?

AK brings a calm sense of confidence to our team. He’s a player you want with the ball when the game is on the line. Plus, he helps bring out the best in his teammates.

It seems like Richard Williams has been playing a bit under his expectations, but he hasn´t been totally fit. How soothing is it knowing that when he breaks out, the club will be even more dangerous?

I think Richie’s done a great job learning and running the offense in such a short time. I was amazed by how fast he picked up all of our sets. He’s made winning plays since he first got here, which I’m sure will continue throughout the season.

How content have you been with your game? You pretty much have the same stats as last season, but your playing 10 minutes less. Do you feel like you have become more of an efficient player this season?

Our roster is stacked with talent, so I didn’t expect as many minutes as last season, but I know that for our team to be great, I need to play my role well. I’ve also gotten a better feel for European game since I got here, which helps my game.

Your right near the 40% mark from outside. How content are you that you can make that plateau in the second half of the season?

I expect that of myself.

What are your personal continued goals for this season as a player? On what things are you working on on the defensive end to become a better player?

Right now, my focus is on helping my team get to the playoffs. On defense, I want to be able to stop my man one-on-one and help my teammates within the concept.

In December you watched a game of your friend Will Trawick in Rhondorf. How much do you miss playing with him? At Emory(NCAA3) you played three years together.

He’s carved out a good spot for himself in Rhondorf and it was fun to watch help play live. I’m sure we’ll have a chance to play together this summer back at Emory.

Klay Thompson recently hit 60 points in 29 minutes touching the ball for only 90 seconds. Where does this performance rank with you?

It as good as any player has every ran the floor and shot the ball.

One always talks about Lebron and Curry, but one has to mention Russell Westbrook. He is averaging triple double stats at the moment. Is he stat wise the best player in the world right now?

Lebron and Curry are NBA Champions, so Russ still has some work to do.

What was the last movie that you saw?

La La Land.

Thanks Alex for the chat.