Seth Hinrichs is a 24 year old 203cm guard from Clara City, Minnesota that completed his second professional season in the German Pro A with the Kirchheim Knights averaging 11,6ppg, 6,1rpg and 2,7apg. Last season as a rookie he played for FC Porto (Portugal-LPB): 20 games: 8.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 20.7%, FT: 79.1%; FIBA Europe Cup: 6 games: 6.7ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 64.7%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 83.3%. He played at Lafayette (NCAA) from 2011-2015 graduating from Lafayette as the all-time leader in 3PG % in Patriot League history. As a senior he played 32 games averaging 12.9ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 83.1%. He spoke to German Hoops at the conclusion of the season.

 

Seth thanks for talking to German Hoops. 2004 Fiba Europe Cup winner MBC swept the Kirchheim Knights. How big is the disappointment and how long will it take to digest it?

 It’s definitely disappointing. Every year I want to be playing for a championship and we came up short this year. It’ll take some time before it really sinks in.

MBC swept Kirchheim in the regular season and won the playoff series averaging winning by 22 points per game and averaged 94 points per game. Was MBC simply too good for Kirchheim this season?

MBC was solid from top to bottom and they executed their plan on offense and defense so well. Every weakness we had was exposed so give them credit they’re a great team.

The Kirchheim Knights averaged giving up 78 points per game, but allowed 94 points in the MBC series. Why was MBC offensively so strong and able to dominate your defense? Was closing out on possessions still a big problem?

Like I said they attacked every weakness we had and converted on every mistake we made. Whenever we made an adjustment they made another adjustment. You’re not going to win too many games or series giving up 94 points.

Do you feel like the 5 game series against Heidelberg and coming back from 2-1 had a toll on the team energy and strength to give it´s best effort against the pro A´s best team MBC?

 I don’t think the five game series against Heidelberg played too much of a factor in the series. We had some time in between to rest and recover. I think the injury to Preston Medlin really hurt us in the MBC series because of the play making ability, experience and depth he provided. Unfortunately we didn’t make it to the championship but I’m proud of how everyone kept battling against MBC and all season.

The Kirchheim Knights are a talented team, but do you feel separates the team from being a BBL team?

I think we had BBL talent but our defense was usually what let us down in the games we lost. We were too inconsistent on that end. All in all it was another successful season for the Kirchheim Knights.

What was your season summary? Did the club meet it´s season expectations?

 The goal that was set at the beginning of the year was to be a top four team. We did that in the regular season, finishing fourth, and then again in the playoffs making it to the semifinals. I think overall the club is happy with those results and hopefully moving forward can finish even higher.

What German player do you feel improved the most from day one until game three against MBC?

I have to give a shout out to Justin Hedley. Justin and I would shoot together after practice every day. He’s a younger German who works hard in the gym and has the drive to play at a higher level. I’m confident Justin will continue to improve and get better.

Talk about Carrington Love who scorched MBC for 39 points in game three and Jonathon Williams who led the team in scoring. What part of their game makes them worthy of making the next step up a level?

They can both get a bucket whenever they need to. They’re elite scorers and are so tough to stop one on one. Jon was a mismatch problem at the three for most guys in the Pro A, and Love was one of the quickest guys in the ProA. It was fun playing with both of them and I know they’ll do big things next year.

You had a solid German Pro A season averaging 11,6ppg, 6,1rpg, 2,7apg and shot 41,3% from outside. What was your personal season summary? Were you content with your season and did your game progress from your rookie season in Portugal?

 I think I improved throughout the season and put up solid numbers. One of my main goals was to improve my three point percentage this year in comparison to last year in Porto and I did that. I’m always trying to develop and refine my game and shoot a higher percentage. I’m looking forward to getting in the gym this offseason and working on some new things.

You stated in our last interview a few months ago that “My role on the team is to knock down shots and rebound so when I’m not doing that at a high rate its hurts the team. And defensively I’m always trying to work on my lateral quickness and anticipation. Do you feel like you were able to maintain these traits?

I think I was able to maintain and even get better in some of these areas. I just tried to be consistent with what I did and how I did it and fill whatever role the team needed.

You were close to a triple double in game two against MBC. You are a player that knows how to fill up the stat sheet. Do you feel like your overall versatility is something that will continue to grow as you gather more experience?

 I definitely think it will. With more experience comes better understanding of different offensive and defensive strategies. I feel as though those experiences help me when I’m working out in the offseason to focus in on certain areas of my game and what I need to improve upon in order to continue to grow as a basketball player.

What is the next step for Seth Hinrichs?. Do you feel like you can make the next step to a higher league?

My goal is to be playing in a higher division next year. I believe that I can make that next step and I’m looking forward to what’s in store for this offseason.

Are you just going to be chilling at home for the most part this summer or will you take a trip somewhere where you have never been to?

 My wife and daughter and I will be home in Minnesota for the summer. After being overseas all year and experiencing new places and cultures it’s nice to return home and be with our family and friends for a while.

Now that the NCAA tournament is long history, what sports do you concentrate on watching more during the summer?

The summer is mainly still basketball with the NBA playoffs, draft, free agency, summer league, etc. But I’ll go to a few Minnesota Twins games too.

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

 I think getting a triple double is hard but usually the easiest category is 10 points so when you have to get 10 assists or steals or blocks for a triple double that’s pretty difficult. Draymond Green is a special player because he can impact the game so much without even scoring. I think he’s the Warriors unsung MVP.

Devin Booker lit up the Boston Celtics and was only the sixth player to ever have done that in the NBA. Did it surprise you that it was him and not someone else as there are other guys that come to mind that could probably have done it before the talented 20 year old?

 It did surprise me a little bit but Devin Booker is a prolific scorer and he was hot that night.

What is your opinion about Boston Celtic point guard Isaiah Thomas. Is he a top 5 NBA point guard at the moment or does he need a big playoff run to get there?

 He has to be. He has put together some great years in Boston but just doesn’t get the respect he deserves. He’s basically Boston’s only superstar so hopefully he can carry them far in the playoffs.

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 and is the best choice as MVP?

 I think he’ll win the MVP but I don’t necessarily think he’s the best player stat wise.

 

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`?

 I think they had a great run and came out of nowhere to make the Final Four. It was fun to watch them and had to be one of the biggest stories for sure.

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?

I think he’s the real thing. We’ll see where he gets drafted and if it’s a good fit for him. He’s a great player so I’m sure he’ll do well in spite of his dad.

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 think Russ does whatever he thinks he needs to do to help his team win.

What was the last movie that you saw?

 Star Wars: Rogue One.

Thanks Seth for the chat.