Chase Adams is a 28 year old 188cm point guard from Baltimore, Maryland that completed hiss econd season with the Uni Baskets Paderborn averaging 11,9ppg, 4,1rpg and 5,6apg. He started his basketball career at Centenary (NCAA) in 2006 where he played three seasons and a total of 89 NCAA games. As a senior he moved to Pittsburgh (NCAA). He turned professional in 2001 and played briefly in the ABA and in the UBL before making Germany his home as he played for teams like Dortmund, Bochum, and Science City Jena. He spoke to German Hoops after the conclusion of the 2016-2017 season.

Chase thanks for talking to German Hoops Where are you at the moment and how have you been able to digest the end of the season?

Still here in Germany switching gears directly into off-season grind mode. It was tough at first but realizing all that we accomplished in 2 seasons with the same roster is something special in itself. It’s best not to dwell on what “could’ve-would’ve-should’ve happened”. I’ll take all the positives and build on that momentum for my next steps.

Days after the season ended you were in the gym again with talented German Til Gloger. I guess you didn´t want this season and nice Paderborn run to stop?

It felt like we were just getting started and just like that it ended abruptly in the last two games. Only way to distract myself from that disappointment, at this point, is to start working on my weaknesses and health in this down time. The Paderborn run is a testament to what consistency , faith, and patience can do for you.

Congrats on helping Paderborn to their best season since 2012. In the end, you just missed reaching the playoffs. Do you feel like if the season would have had a few more games more that you would have reached the playoffs?

I wish we did have a few more games, I believe we would have been a sleeper in the playoffs. There was a lot of gas still left in the tank and we were still getting better.

Near the end of the season Paderborn had won 5 of 6 games and were playing great basketball. The game against the RheinStars was the game you had to win. Paderborn mustered only 51 points the lowest all season. Do you feel like the basketball God was invisible on this day?

The Basketball Gods were a No show, that’s a fact. We made a lot of unforced errors and offensively our rhythm was just flat off. They capitalized off that and never looked back once they got a substantial lead. It was quite frustrating to lose like that especially when we know what we’re capable of offensively.

Paderborn was hammered by 20 rebounds more from Cologne. If you could have this game back what would you have done better?

I would have crashed the offensive boards a lot more and attacked their bigs better to get them in foul trouble.

You stated in an earlier interview this season that this would be a season to remember and it was. You almost made the playoffs. What was your summary of the season and how proud are you of the success of the team?

This season we proved our doubters wrong and we received big support from the city. Everyone on the team making important improvements to their game showed me how hungry they were and I hope they never lose that. I am beyond grateful and proud to have teammates like these guys. Each player made their contribution, they bought into the system and they played with heart in each game. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

 

Til Gloger really had an impressive season. How do you feel your leadership helped him make the next step in his first professional season?

As a PG it’s important to have a strong connection with your Big. Til is a Big Sponge that I enjoyed working with. Always soaking up everything and actually putting it to work in practice/game. I always wanted to make sure we had an understanding on the floor, and as a rookie developing your IQ will put you a few steps ahead of the opponent. In addition to that, reassuring my confidence in his ability really allowed him to be comfortable on the floor. Making those minor adjustments became easier as the season progressed.

What German player do you feel improved the most this season from the first day of camp to the last game against MBC?

Dominik Wolf. One of the most athletic people I’ve ever played with, showed a lot more than that this season. Improving his decision making, shooting, and most importantly his on ball defense. A lot of shining moments in crucial games, it was like he finally came out of his shell.

You stated in our interview at the start of the season, in order to get over the hump, I need to turn it up a few notches. Do you feel as though you turned it up a few notches this season?

That was #1 on my agenda for this season, to show up consistently. Being more efficient offensively and forcing constant defensive pressure helped us get in to fighting position for playoffs. Even with the success of this season, it’s still not enough for me. The competitor I am won’t allow me to settle for this seasons performance.

How do you feel were you able to improve your game in your second Pro A season? Obviously you knew the league better, but what specifically do you feel did you do better on the floor in your second season?

Game to game there is a lot of preparation needed. Being more mentally sound on scouting and the game plan, sticking to the weekly routine, and competing in every practice not only prepared me but pushed my teammates to new heights. I specifically did a better job of translating all of that preparation to game time situations. Reading the ball screens, setting my teammates up for better shots and help side defense were my biggest improvements.

Your 28 years now. Do you feel like you are in your prime now or do you still see potential in your game to still keep growing?

These are the pre stages of my prime. I’m definitely not slowing down, just starting to get my flow back. Seeing Players all over the world still competing at a high level way into their 30s let’s me know I’ve still got time.

 

What is the next step for Chase Adams? You have proven that you are a very good Pro A player and belong to the top 10 point guards in the league. Paderborn is surely a place where you feel very comfortable, but would you risk comfort for a new challenge next season?

I ask myself the same question 1,000 times a day. I’ve been on quite the rollercoaster ride since I left college and at this point in my career I’m ready to keep climbing. I have aspirations on playing at the highest level possible, so I will continue to build and work toward that goal; even if it’s challenging. I’m not ruling out anything at this point, just thinking about what’s best for my family and I.

What are your summer plans? Will you visit some place that you have never been to?

Catch up with family, train players, and start a new workout regiment. I plan on visiting the Dominican Republic for the first time, for my brother Dino Gregory’s wedding.

How special was the run of South Carolina at the 2017 NCAA tournament? Do you feel like this was the story of March Madness 2017`?

Can I even say I was shocked? It’s March Madness. They have a brilliant coach in Frank Martin, whom I played against in college. I figured with their ferocious defense they would make a run, but I didn’t expect them to make it to final four.

Now that the 2017 NCAA tournament is history, what do you concentrate most on? Are the NBA playoffs and MLB seasons something that you will follow?

It’s all about the NBA from here on out. Playoffs, Championship, Draft.

Is Lonzo Ball the real thing? Do you feel like he will be able to develop further despite the antics of his father on social media?

Lonzo is talented, so I hope he gets drafted into a good situation where he can actually play. As far as his fathers antics, I don’t think it will hurt him, if anything it will enhance their brand.

There has been criticism of Russell Westbrook to be focusing more on rebounding to help inflate his stats and possibilities of getting triple doubles instead of focusing on his defensive assignments. Do you feel that this is a fair assessment to the player Russell Westbrook?

I disagree full heartedly, that doesn’t seem like the type of player he is. OKC is one of the league leaders in fast-break points , so at least he’s turning those rebounds into one of their key strengths.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Get Out.

 

Thanks Chase for the chat.