Deandre Lansdowne is a 26 year old 187cm guard from Albuquerque, Mexico that completed his third professional season and first with the Hamburg Towers averaging 12,3ppg, 5,0rpg and 2,3apg. Last season he played with Hertener Loewen Basketball (Germany-Pro B) playing 27 games: Score-2(22.9ppg), 8.1rpg, 3.6apg, Steals-5(2.6spg), FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 66.5% He played college ball at Fort Lewis (NCAA2) and as a senior played 32 games averaging 15.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 50.7%. He then gained his first professional experience with Pioneros de Delicias (Mexico-Chihuahua Vive) before continuing career in Germany. He spoke to German Hoops after the conclusion of the 2016-2017 season.

Deandre thanks for talking to German Hoops! Where are you at the moment and how has your few days been after the end of the season with the Pro A Hamburg Towers?

Thanks for having me again. Right now I am gearing up to head back to America. The last week has consisted mainly of relaxing, and hanging out with teammates before we all go our separate ways.

The Hamburg Towers made a furious run in the last weeks and just missed the playoffs landing in ninth place. The ambition of the Hamburg Towers is the BBL and one doesn´t always know if the goal is very soon or if the management wants to be there yesterday? After reaching the playoffs last season, was this season a disappointment?

Yes it’s always a disappointment when you don’t do as well in the standings as the season before. It took this team I think awhile to click, since there were only 3 returners.

How often do you feel will the bitter 82-81 loss to Crailsheim resurface in your memory? A win in Crailsheim could have been your ticket to the playoffs.

Yes it plays in my head from time to time. It hurt a lot, because that could’ve heighten ed our great late season playoff push. But as I say, that’s basketball. We had a lot of close games this season, some went out way, and some went the other. I wouldn’t say our season was defined solely off of that play.

After the 106-82 loss at MBC and March approaching the playoffs looked far away, but Hamburg went on a three game winning streak leading up to the Crailsheim game. How proud were you with the team that they continued to fight for the playoffs and didn´t put their heads in the sand?

Extremely proud! That was the mentality of each and every one of my teammates though. We would never give up, and we’d always keep fighting for each other.

What is your summary of the season of the Hamburg Towers. The club was inconsistent and if had had one stretch of a few more wins could have made the playoffs. Was there any other factors why Hamburg missed the playoffs?

I think we had some close losses throughout the beginning of the season that we needed to win. 1 or 2 possessions make a difference late in the season.

When you look at the organization of the Hamburg Towers, how far is the club away from being a BBL team?

It’s not far at all! From top to bottom it is one of the most professional organizations in Germany!

Which German player do you feel improved the most from the first day of camp to the last game against Ehingen?

I would have to say Lars Kamp! He went from what we considered a youth guy/double license player, to saying he’s a Leo factor when we win, and has the skill & confidence to be a top German player.

You had very many good games, but what was your personal season highlight? Possibly your 26 point game in the home win against Heidelberg?

Yeah I think that game was my best. I think I had 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Those two are the most important stats to me. Against a good team, and we had a few guys sitting, I played a majority of the Power Forward. And it was important to rebound, and take advantage of a miss match, and I think I did that well that game.

In the first few months of the season, you stated in our interview that you were happy that the season was long and that you could play much better. You averaged 12,3ppg, 5,0rpg and 2,3apg. What was your personal summary of the season?

I think that I did ok, but I got better throughout the season, and I think I proved that I can play in this league.

Do you feel as though you made steady strides as a Pro A player this season with the Hamburg Towers? How do you feel like your game developed further with the Hamburg Towers?

Yes I definitely feel that I got better as the season went on. I saw the game easier, and in a bit of a different style. Only helping expand my basketball IQ, and how to be a better player.

You proved that you were able to make the jump from the German Pro B with Herten to the Pro A with Hamburg. Do you feel like you can become even more of an impact player at the German Pro A level?

Yes I do. As I said early, I think I proved I can play in Pro A. Now my next step is to be one of the more dominant players in Pro A.

What is the next step for Deandre Lansdowne? Is the German Pro A league you want to continue to play at or could you imagine moving to another country?

1st league, no specific location though. I would love to just play at the highest level my skills allow me to.

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

Summer is mainly, working out, running kids skill camps, and relaxing with friends and family. I don’t think I will have any new adventures this summer.

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`?

It was amazing. I know a lot of people from that area loved this year in South Carolina sports with Clemson Football won National Championship, Women’s basketball winning, and the baseball team as well.

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?

Honestly I am so far behind in American sports. The time difference is just too many hours to catch as many games as I would like. But I have kept up with some NBA. I usually just stay up to date on TV Shows haha

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?

You know, I am not sure. I don’t like the fathers cockiness. But it’s all working out in their favor. They are getting the exposure and possible future advertisement endorsements being in the works as we speak. But I just hope he backs up his dads mouth, cause that would be quite embarrassing.

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 am not sure. I think when people are doing unspeakable things, people will make excuses of why they are doing it, and how it isn’t fair. I think what he’s doing is amazing, and there’s nothing negative I would consider.

What was the last movie that you saw?
Concussion.

 

Thanks Deandre for the chat.