Rocky Trice Is a 32 year old 185cm shooting guard playing his 10^th professional season and his seventh in Germany. He played as a rookie with the  Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA) in 2007 an dthen made the jump to the BBL playing a season for BG Goettingen and then played three seasons for ratiopharm Ulm. He then played two seasons for Energa Czarni Slupsk (Poland-TBL) and a season with  WKS Slask Wroclaw (Poland-TBL). Last season he played for MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg (Germany-BBL) playing 29 games averaging 11.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.6apg, Steals-5(1.6spg), FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 79.3%; Eurocup: 15 games: 8.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.7apg, Steals-2(2.2spg), FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 84.0%. This season he started with MKS Dabrowa Gornicza (Poland-TBL) playing 3 games averaging 7.7ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.7apg, 2.3spg, 1.0bpg. He spoke to German Hoops before the EasyCredit BBL cup weekend in Berlin.

Rocky thanks for talking to German Hoops You started the season with  MKS Dabrowa Gornicza (Poland-TBL) playing only 3 games averaging 7.7ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.7apg, 2.3spg, 1.0bpg. The team is playing a solid season and fighting for the playoffs. Why was your stay so short in Poland this time around?

I had to deal with some health issues. I wanted to go back home and get a second opinion from a doctor back home. we cancelled  the contract from here.

Was the short stay at least a bit worthwhile since you were teammates once again with Kerron Johnson who had been in Ludwigsburg the last two seasons. He had two very solid statistical seasons in Germany and now is doing the same in Poland. Do you see him being able to make that next step again and move to an even higher level in the future?

Yes, it was good seeing KJ and playing with him again even though it was short lived. and yes  if he keeps putting in work,  like I know he will he  will make it to an even higher level.

How thankful are you that you are back in a known environment like Ludwigsburg? I guess you didn´t need much time to say yes to the offer from head coach John Patrick?

It’s always good to go back to an environment where you are comfortable and know the system already.

I guess of all the coaches you have ever played with you know best what to expect when playing for John Patrick?

Haha you can say that. This will be my 3rd stint with john. 

Did you have a little doubt about getting sufficient minutes since John Patrick as usual has a very strong 12 man roster? So far you are averaging 23 minutes in the Champions League and 25 minutes in the EasyCredit BBL. Are you happy with your minutes and role?

Before I came back JP and I talked and he told me what role he wanted me to play and how many minutes he would want me to play. i am very happy with the minutes. i’m not looking to play 30 plus minutes ever game. Getting older now and we do have a lot of guards so there is no need for me to play that long.

It is no secret that you can fill up the stat sheet, give 180% energy, are an excellent defender and is still as athletic as in the past at age 32. Was it more the versatility in your game at both ends that got you this job or being a man that will give the defensive principles an added push?

Well some of the athleticism is leaving as I get older but I think  its always been my versatility that gets me jobs.  I have always been that guy that does just about everything  even the little things. I think every team needs at least one of those guys.

The MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg haven´t been playing their best basketball in the EasyCredit BBL, but from what you have seen in the last few weeks how confident are you that this team will be one of the top 8 teams in May 2017?

I am very confident. As a team we have to buy into the system, believe in each other, and keep working to get better.

The club has a lot of experience and you’re the oldest on the team as Cliff Hammonds and Chad Toppert are a year younger than you, not to mention experienced German veteran David Mccray has joined the 30 club. Do you guys just individually do the best possible to make the team better with your overall knowledge of the game or is there one specific guy that is the true vocal leader?

Yea its crazy this is the first time  I have been the oldest on a team. man I am getting old haha but yea I think its more of a collective thing rather than one guy who talks all the time.

He is only five years younger than you, but what has it been seeing the Athletic craziness of Kelvin Martin? Does his athleticism sometimes amaze you?

Man this guy can get up!!  I saw some highlights from some earlier champions league game. I was amazed.

The club has 2 chances to win a title with the Champions League and the EasyCredit BBL cup this weekend in Bamberg. How excited are you for having the chance to win your first professional title with Ludwigsburg?

It´s always exciting when you have a chance to win a championship.

In 2015 you were a Super Cup finalist with WKS Slask Wroclaw (Poland-TBL). Now you have the chance to win another title, but it won´t be an easy hurdle as you have to get by Germany´s best basketball team Brose Bamberg. In the BBL, you have a 3-8 record. You won twice with BG Goettingen and once with ratiopharm Ulm. You must remember your first ever BBL game in 2008 against Bamberg winning 71-69. What do you remember most from that game?

Honestly I don’t that was like 8 or 9 years ago. but I know at that time they were not as good and dominant as they are now.

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

Thats tough!! I would say, Micheal Jordan, Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson

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?

He is up there but MJ is still the best

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

He is in the top five for sure.

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

One if in not the greatest shooting performance I have ever seen.

Draymond Greene recently had a triple double without scoring 10 points or more. Why do you believe has it taken long for someone to do this?

Honestly I didn’t think that would happen and how often does anyone get 10 steals?

What was the last movie that you saw?

Nocturnel animals.

Thanks for the chat Rocky.