David Taylor is a 24 year old 190cm guard that is playing his first season with Pro B team Basketball Lowen Erfurt. Last season he played with the BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (BBL) playing 21 games avergaing 2.6ppg. He was born in Bayreuth and grew up in Eckersdorf, Germany. He started his basketball career with the BBC Bayreuth 2 (2.Regionalliga) team in 2009. He then played two seasons with the Nuernberger Basketball Club from 2010-2012 getting his first taste of pro B ball at age 15 and pro A ball at age 16. He then moved to TSV Troester Breitenguessbach (ProB) in 2013 where he played 16 games averaging 6.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 73.7%, played also at Troester Cybex Breitenguessbach U19 team (NBBL). He moved to the United States in 2013 to Pacific(NCAA) where he played until 2017 playing a total of 104 NCAA games. His most productive season was his second where he played 31 games averaging 7.9ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 80.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball before the Pro B game against the Dragons Rhondorf
Thanks David for talking to germanhoops.com It has been a year and a half since our last interview. A lot has happened for you basketball wise. Has time flown for you in that time?
Sadly time always seems to fly but I think I have enjoyed this season so far.
You went from the easyCredit BBL to the Pro B. How tough was the last year and a half with all the basketball stress you went through?
Last year was really tough. We had a lot of blow backs and downs with a very few ups. But I think you can learn and grow from that experience
Gotha had a tough season in the easyCredit BBL last season. Despite all the turbulence what do you feel did you get out of this experience that helped your game and you personally as you continue to go your basketball route?
I think I learned that I hate losing and that I’ll do anything not to be in that position again.
You had a lot of veterans on the team, but when times were tough did you go to your dad Derrick for advice. What was the most important piece of advice he gave you besides not to give up?
Me and my dad talk a lot of basketball. So here and there he sneaks in some comments about my game and things he sees I can improve
You knew coming in that it wouldn´t be an easy season with Gotha with all the guards on the roster. Do you feel like you got a fair shot to show your talent for the minutes you got?
I think it was a good learning experience getting to play with veteran guards like Jerome Randle. Having to compete with them every day I learned that I can be a leader as well on any team I play for. I also think my minutes went down due to injuries
You stated in our last interview that you will have to prove yourself with Gotha in the BBL. Was the step last season too early?
No I don’t think so. Like I said a few injuries slowed me down
How important was a guy like German national player Andreas Obst for you? How did his play and presence help your game when you weren´t getting many minutes?
Andi is a great guy and we still keep in touch. He’s probably the best shooter I know and a great competitor so we pushed ourselves every day in practice
Was your 8 point game in the 74-63 victory over BG Goettingen your fondest memory last season?
Yeah winning is always nice and even more when you were able to contribute
Who was the toughest player that you faced in the easyCredit BBL last season on the court?
I think I got to say Stefan Jović (Bayern) or Peyton Silva (Alba)
You now have taken a step back from the easyCredit BBL to the Pro B to the Basket Lowen. How difficult was it making this decision and when looking at how the season is going and how your playing has it been the right decision?
I think it’s always tough to take a step back but I think it will pay off in the long run. Sometimes you have to take a step back to take three forward. I think the season is going well so far but there is a lot more to come
The club began slowly losing it´s first five games and since have won 8 of 10 games. What has been the secret to the rapid turn around of the club considering the teams allows more points than it scores?
I think the team started to play with more intensity and grit and winning our first game helped build confidence especially in the young players.
How important were the close back to back wins against Coburg and Giessen that started the upward trend? Did the team then realize it could win games and beat anyone no matter the situation?
Yes those games were huge. Winning close games as an underdog is a big confidence builder. Everyone understands now that we can win any game in this league
How key has German coach Florian Gut been for the success of the team. What has been his biggest strength as a head coach?
I think he has done a great job so far. He has given all his players trust and the freedom to perform. I think the biggest strength is that he stresses the importance of defense as well as keeping the game simple
Let´s talk a little about your teammates. How important has American veteran Robert Franklin been for the success. It seems his experience and old age has motivated the team in special ways with his hard work and consistency for his almost 38 years of age?
He has been huge. He is a great teammate and player. With his older age he brings a great deal of consistency which is important for a young team as well as toughness.
Three Germans have been very important in helping carry the team with Maxi Kuhle, Tobias Bode and Lucas Wobst. Please describe their worth to the success of the team?
Off the court I enjoy all three guys. We are one big family. Max is a well known shooter and helps the team to score. When he gets hot it’s fun to watch. Tobias is a blue collar player. He is relentless at the boards getting crucial tip ins and sets hard screens. Just really tough. Lucas Wobst might be one of the best on ball defenders in the league. And is slowly developing a jumper as well.
Let´s talk about your game. Your leading the team in scoring and is also at the top of other statistical categories. How happy have you been with your game?
I’m pretty happy so far. I have never had a scores mentality so this has been new to me. The team needs me to score and create so I’m finding new ways to help the team be successful. The first half of the season was just a feeling out process but I’m ready to finish the season strong. Scoring is all nice but I just want to win as long as that continues I’m happy
Now that your in the Pro B on what things are you working on most as you continue to work to move up the basketball ladder?
I’m working on my leadership skills. Communicating with my teammates and reading the game. Becoming a true floor general
You have been very up and down with your three pointer this season. What has been the biggest challenge in your shot development this season
I’ve been actually working all summer on my jumper. I think my mechanics are fine and that will show by the end of the season
There are so many athletic players around. How do you continue to work on your athleticism so you can continue to rise in your game with your big strength your athleticism?
I usually try to improve my athleticism in the summer but in season I have three weight sessions to try to maintain my strength to be at a consistent level. Because I want to stay healthy and when that is the case I’ll always be one of the more athletic guys in the court.
Who is the toughest guy that you battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA besides Cameron Payne?
Lonzo Ball was also a very tough match I had. We went at each other
If you had to pick your personal favorite starting five of teammates over the years which players would you chose?
I played with many talented guys so it’s hard to pick 4
What is your personal opinion about the never ending debate of who is the greatest between Michael Jordan and Lebron James?
I only grew up seeing LeBron. I never had the privilege of seeing MJ live. So it’s hard for me to compare. But I never seen a player like LeBron who is that big that strong and that fast.
What is your early opinion where Luka Doncic will end one day in the NBA? Could he be one of the greatest Europeans that ever played in the NBA when all is said and done?
He his having a great rookie season. I didn’t think he would be that great in his first year. If he continues to improve and can stay healthy and consistent over the next 10 years he for sure will be considered one of the greatest Europeans ever
What was the last movie that you saw?
The last movie was Aquaman. Everyone should go see it. It was really good.
Thanks David for the chat.
German Hoops 