Julian Scott is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Sacramento, California that will play his fourth professional season with the Iserlohn Kangaroos. He completed his third professional season playing in four countries with Germany, France, Luexemburg and in Iraq. His last team was  Residence Walferdange (Luxembourg-Total League) where he averaged 17,0ppg and 8,2rpg. Last season he played for the Uni Riesen Leipzig playing 23 games: Score-5(20.4ppg), Reb-2(10.5rpg), 1.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 17.9%, FT: 66.7%. He picked up Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Forward of the Year -16, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B 1st Team -16, and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro B All-Imports Team -16. As a rookie, he played for TSV Quakenbrueck (Germany-2.Regionalliga) playing 16 games averaging 29.7ppg. He started his basketball career at Yuba junior college and then played two years at S.Utah (NCAA). He finished at Adams St. (NCAA2) playing 27 games: 10.8ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 70.2%. He spoke to German Hoops about his fourth professional season and the future.

Julian thanks for talking to German Hoops! We spoke about a month ago as your summer was just getting started. We are slowly approaching July. How has your summer been so far and what has been your nicest experience so far this summer?

Hey miles great speaking with you. My summer has been great family time has been awesome and so far it’s been crabbing.

You said in our last interview that “Next step for me is to get back to my family and reflect on this past year and make changes for the better. So the next club I play for gets the best of me at all times”. On what did you reflect most on from your whirlwind last season?

I reflected on a lot of things, but one of the main things being my focus of why I play the game that it’s more than just about money. I mean it definitely helps but I was so driven on just that I lost track of what was important and that was just the love of the game and competing.

You stated in our last interview that “I learned that never be satisfied with what you did in the past since it doesn’t matter until you hang up the shoes. Always look to improve each year on something you were weak at before and prove to yourself first than others you have what it takes” Where did you learn this mentality from?

 

I learned this mentality from just last season. After my year in Leipzig going in to play for Ehingen I was so confident I was going to take the Pro A by storm but failed in regards to adapting to a playing style that didn’t always have the ball in my hands to which I was so used to and I struggled. I want to change for the better.

 

You stated in the last interview also that “I mentally grew and I realized how tough this business can be and realizing this made me stronger and more humbled”. What was most challenging last season that made you mentally stronger?

How cutthroat the business can be definitely that if you had a bad game you had to look over your shoulder because there would be somebody coming in to take your job. This happened to me and I had to compete against other imports who were just trying out during a regular season just to solidify my job.

 

Congrats on signing with top Pro B team Iserlohn. How was the transfer period in general for you in the last month? Did you have a good number of offers despite your crazy season?

 

 

Offers were still there yes but Me and Michael have been in contact over the past year and he has stayed confident in me as a player and still does. I just want to be the best player I can for that clubs organization and from there whatever happens happens.

What memories do you have from the playoff series against Iserlohn in 2016 where Leipzig got swept, but you performed well averaging 16,0ppg and 8,0rpg. Do you feel like the club remembered and respected what you brought to the table then?

All I remember is that we got swept haha performance wise I didn’t play good enough for us to win and that’s all that matters. But one thing I will say is this the atmosphere was awesome I was so excited for each game. Yes I do think they did.

 

I thought that this phrase was very interesting and powerful as you stated in the last interview that “I want another chance to play Pro A and prove I am definitely more than capable of playing in that league and dominating it. Leaving Ehingen left a sour taste in my mouth. I want redemption. How disappointed are you in a way that you won´t be going the Pro A route?

The past is over with I learned from it and moved on not every player fits all coaching styles I never thought I’d be one of those players but anything is possible. So not disappointed excited and going to see what life is like being an Iserlohn kangaroo.

 

How thrilled are you that Iserlohn really wanted you? They stated that they already wanted you last season before signing with Ehingen. Was that the main reason you passed on Iserlohn, because you wanted that Pro A chance?

Yes the goal is to make it to the BBL . Even though the road is going to be hard getting there Michael has been supportive and was very understanding of that and wished me nothing but the best and I respected him for that.

 

 

 

Are you coming to Iserlohn with a big chip on you shoulder after last season wanting to prove that you are a top forward at that level? Are you hungrier than ever to show what your capable of?
I’m hungry yes and excited we will see what happens.

 

 

You will be replacing forward Moussa Kone who had a huge season. Do you feel pressure having to fill his shoes?

I don’t feel pressure at all I’m not filling anyone’s shoes I’m just coming in trying to be the best I can for my team to help them win as many games as possible and from there we will see.

 

 

What Pro B player would you like to meet most on the court again this season from your memories with Leipzig two seasons ago?

 

Iserlohn is in the North Leipzig was in the south so I don’t really to many people in the North I guess I’ll be happy to meet with Patrick, the Itzehoe coach again.

Manager Michael Dahmen remembers what you did with Leipzig and had no fear announcing you can easily put up 20 points and 10 rebounds. Do these words help motivate you to work even harder on your craft this summer to possibly come to Iserlohn even stronger?

 

That’s all I’ve been doing this summer to be a better version and I love the confidence he has in me so I just want to prove to myself and then others that this is who I am.

 

After a season away from Germany, what are you most looking forward to seeing and enjoying in Germany again?

 

 

I miss the Nutella muffins haha! No but I miss the fans the energy and excitement for each game some other countries it was like that.

 

 

 

 

How is Julian Scott a better player now than in 2015 when you came to Leipzig after a very strong season with TSV Quackenbruck?

 

I would say I’m a smarter player regarding decisions that can definitely be a difference maker.

 

You have stated that your working on your complete skill set, but on what aspect of your game do you want to be better at in August when you arrive in Iserlohn?

Easy my three point shooting ability that’s all I’ve really spent time on is my shot to make it as consistent as possible.

 

 

 

How does a normal work out day look like for Julian Scott on and off the court in 2017?

 

On the court it’s skill training my touch around the rim and a lot shooting and ball handling. Of the court stretching and lifting weights to stay solid.

Besides on working on your game this summer, you are also doing something else worthwhile and helping young kids with their game. What do you feel is your most worthwhile thing that you will be able to give young kids on and off the court?

 

What I feel I can give is excitement to make a sport that I love and turn it into something that they can potentially love as well.

 

Lebron was unable to win his fourth NBA title. Where does Lebron stand right now in the neverending debate with Michael Jordan as the best player of all-time?

 

Micheal Kobe then Lebron haha

 

 

What were your highs and lows of the 2017 NBA Draft?

 

Highs are good on Lonzo Ball. Also super happy for Isaiah Hartenstein and his family for being drafted to the Houston Rockets. He was a teammate when I was a rookie so seeing that was great.

 

 

What players do you feel could be real good players that many see more as sleepers?

 

 

I’m not sure there’s definitely a lot of them.

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

 

My last movie was Alien.

 

Thanks Julian for the chat.