Dennis Mavin is a 26 year old 190cm guard form Gainsville, Florida that recently completed his third professional season with the Giessen 46ers where he played two BBL games and also 9 games for their farm team in the Pro B averaging 18,4ppg,3,6rpg and 2,6apg while shooting 36% from outside. He played his first two professional seasons in Morocco winning 2 titles. He played a total of 123 NCAA games for two schools with Florida Atlantic (NCAA) and  FIU (NCAA). In his senior year at  FIU (NCAA) he played 33 games averaging  17.2ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 64.3%. He spoke to German Hoops at the end of his third professional season in Germany.

Dennis thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and what was the first eatery that you scoped out when you returned home?

At the moment I’m in the Bahamas on vacation enjoying myself before the summer grind. The first restaurant I went to was “Yamato” a Japanese restaurant.

After playing two seasons in  Morocco, how did you experience playing your first season in Europe? Is this a territory where you want too remain for good in the next years?

My first season in Germany was amazing. I was blessed to be a part of such a great organization with so much history like the 46ers. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation. Europe is definitely a spot I want to remain at.

Your season ended with a do or die game against Rostock. Each game was more thrilling than the next. Was these three games the most exciting three games in a row in your young career?

Yes!  I would say. Everything about that series was exciting I enjoyed every moment.

Game three was an amazing game that ended 93-89 in double OT. How bizarre was the technical call at the end of regulation that saved Giessen´s basketball season for the time being. Were you close to a heart attack?

I never witnessed nothing that crazy before I couldn’t believe it happened.

What gave Rostock the win in game three and ended Giessen´s amazing 2017-2018 season? Perhaps the incredible crunch-time play of Brandon Lockhart who led the team to victory with clutch shooting?

I can’t pen point the exact play but that definitely was a big shot by him nothing but respect for them. Both teams displayed great fight unfortunately we came out on the wrong end.

Let´s talk about the strong Giessen Pro B season. How proud are you of the team and it´s accomplishments? The club had a solid 7-5 record on December 13, but finished the season 8-1. Talk about how the team was able to develop in the last few months?

I’m beyond proud of my guys and what we were able to accomplish. We were coached by two amazing coaches Rolf and lutz and they made our environment fun and all the players enjoyed going out working hard and getting better before and after practice which made us come together and win a lot of games.

The club went through so many challenges and always kept a cool head. It wasn´t easy with Jeril Taylor leaving for the BBL and you also had some BBL experience. What do you believe was the club´s biggest strength this season on the court?

In my opinion the biggest strength of the club was how we were able to stay together through it all.

How refreshing was it seeing so many Pro B American players get a chance in the easyCredit BBL with guys like Kameron Taylor, Miles Jackson Cartwright, Jeril Taylor, and yourself? Do you feel like the higher leagues BBL and Pro A took notice?

It’s a true testament to all of the guys hard work up until that point. Taken advantage of the opportunity. I think they took notice and will hopefully give more underdogs the opportunity to showcase their talent at that level.

What was the club highlight of the season with you on the team? Possibly the game 2 win in Rostock where you stopped Rostock on the last possession to keep your season alive?

Yes! Game 2 that was huge for us because it was win or go home.

Let´s talk about your teammates. How refreshing was it being around  Jeril Taylor and having him as a teammate. What did you appreciate most about his game?

Jeril is my brother and someone who I consider family. He was one of the first guys to show me everything when I first got to Giessen and he helped me get adjusted quick. I appreciate his story and the way he came from the bottom. He can score the ball and he’s a dog on the defensive end.

Did you notice a chip on Jeril Taylor´s shoulder early on? Is he a guy that will get that chance in the BBL next season with his good play there last season?

Yes of course when you’re the underdog it will always be a chip on your shoulder.

How did you get to experience having Johannes Lischka as a teammate? He went through so many hardships, but came back and is still playing. Is he one of the German teammates you will remember the most?

I have nothing but respect for him. He’s one of the guys who I look up to and someone that motivated me. He will forever be my brother.

What was your impression of young German 18 year old point guard Bjarne Kraushaar? Is he still very raw or has his development taken a good course last season? Where do you see his journey going?

I love Bjarne´s game. I think he has a chance to be one of the top PG´s in the league and he’s very poised for his age.He will be great for a long time.

You played two games in the easyCredit BBL. What kind of experience was it playing against ratiopharm Ulm and big time players? How far away do you feel are you from being a BBL player?

It was a great experience playing with the BBL team I got a chance to see where my game matched up against the best talent. I don’t feel I’m far off at all. This will be one of my best summers so who knows what could happen in the future.

The first thing that stands out when one observes you on the court is your quickness and then your scoring ability. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would you pick?

Monta Ellis.

You are an offensive scoring machine, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

My passing skills.

After having a solid NCAA career at two different school´s in Florida, you played your first two seasons in Morocco. How tough was having to accept that? What do you feel did you learn from this experience on and off the court that will help you further down the road as you continue to climb the basketball ladder?

At first it was tough but once I got over my pride and understood that life is a marathon not a sprint it put a lot of things into perspective for me. I’ve always had unbelievable confidence in my ability and it was just ceasing the opportunity whenever it presented itself.

You had your first dose of European ball as a rookie with Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys (Lithuania-LKL) playing 5 games averaging 4.4ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.0apg, Why was your stay so short and how did you experience the amazing Lithuanian basketball culture there?

The basketball culture in Lithuania was great. I enjoyed it my time there.

You played your first two college seasons with Florida Atlantic for head coach Mike Jarvis. When you look back at your time there, what positives could you take out from that time and did the guard depth force you to move?

My 2 years at Florida Atlantic were nice. I got a chance to go to the NIT My freshman year and we won the regular season conference title.

In your second season at Florida Atlantic you led your team with 17 points in 21 minutes in a 77-54 loss against powerhouse Kansas. What memories do you have playing against future NBA players Thomas Robinson, Tyshawn Taylor and Jeff Withey?

I just remember how big Thomas Robinson was compared to our guys. I knew we were in for a long game with him.

Do these type of games where you held your own against NBA player Tyshawn Taylor continue to drive to be the best you can be? Do you think about these experiences at times when your torturing yourself in the gym?

I use everything as motivation when I do my training in the gym.

You finished at FIU in 2015. How did head coach Anthony Evans give you that last touch of grooming and preparation for a professional career?

He mentored me on and off the court giving me life lessons daily and always getting me to see the big picture.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Marco Porcher-Jimenez who played in Germany this season?

I never lost a one on one battle.

What is the next step for Dennis Maven? You had a solid season in Germany. Could you imagine staying in Germany and getting some Pro A or BBL offers?

I have to continue to work hard and take my game to another level. I could see myself playing in Germany again. Germany is a beautiful place and a great spot for basketball.

How does a normal summer day workout plan look like for you on and off the court?

I try to do different things on and off the court to keep things fresh. My last summer workout, I did a lot of boxing training.

Who was the toughest player that you battled on the court this season?

Miles Jackson Cartwright.

What is your personal opinion of the never ending debate of how is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

Both are great! 1A and 1B You can’t go wrong.

How did you experience the 2018 NCAA March Madness? What was the most spectacular upset in the tournament?

To be honest I wasn’t watching any of the games. My school lost in the first round of the conference tournament so I stopped watching college basketball.

Deandre Ayton seems lie he could be the #1 NBA draft pick in 2018. But having been in Europe this season you must of seen some highlights of Real Madrid´s 19 year old stand out Luca Doncic who belonged to the best players in the Euroleague. Should a guy like that be the automatic #1 pick just from sheer experience and talent?

He’s very talented and has lots of potential. I think if the organization feels its right why not.

Lebron James makes amazing passes in every game, but really showcased it in a game this season against the Los Angeles Lakers. He already is like a point guard, but if he played just point guard and concentrated only on playmaking how many assists do you feel would he average per game?

At least 15 easy.

What was the last movie that you saw? Let me guess Black Panther?

I haven’t watched Black Panther yet lol  

Thanks Dennis for the chat.