Curtis Hollis is a 21 year old 198cm forward from Arlington, Texas that is playing his first season overseas and first in Germany with the Dragons Rhondorf. He began his career at Mansfield Summit High School. In 2017-2018 he played with Hutchinson CC (JUCO) playing 34 games averaging 6.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 66.3%. In 2018 he played in Lavar Ball´s new league with the Houston Ballers (JBL) playing 7 games: Score-5(29.3ppg), 11.3rpg, 5.3apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 71.8%. He and I will team up every week to talk basketball in the Miles minute.

Curtis thanks for talking to germanhoops.com A big 94-85 win in Deutz. The Dragons shot very well, but lost the rebound battle, had 20 turnovers and you scored only 8 points. How big was this win for the self-confidence of the team knowing that you can still win games when you aren´t playing your best basketball?

It was good for our team and getting a win is always good for the teams confidence, but as you said I only had 8 points so that’s never a good thing. But we are just going to continue to try and get better & better everyday.

48 hours ago the team was 0-1 and now is 2-1. What have been the biggest improvements that the Dragons Rhondorf have made since the first loss?

Our defense and playing hard as a team for 40 minutes has been the biggest thing. We’re trying to limit as many mistakes as we can. We have been getting better in practice we just have to continue to work and learn.

You told me after the win against the New Elephants Grevenbroich that Anish Sharda does so much for the team. He exploded for 28 points. What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?

Honestly I appreciate everything about his game. He’s so mature and smart really knows the game. He also really helps lead us young guys. So I really appreciate everything about his game!

You had a great pre season and started off well into the Regionalliga season. What has been the biggest adjustments that you have had to make in the German Regionalliga

Really I’m just trying to learn and understand how they play in the league that’s been my main one. I know the league is very physical and I have to pick my spots and be more patient. I’m just watching a lot of film and learning more how to score and play also how to get my teammates more involved as well. 

You scored only 8 points, but had 4 assists while shooting 3/11 against Deutz. Did you sense that the opponent had scouted you well or was your shot selection a big off in this game? 

I think it was a little bit of both I couldn’t really find a rhythm today. I just have to watch the film and figure out what I have to do better. 

You don´t have many less than average games, but what do you concentrate on most in the next week of practice concerning your game and preparation  for the next game?

Just continuing to work every day. Nothing  specific I’m going work on all parts of my game and how to play in this league then be ready to play Saturday. I approach every day the same.

Have you had tasted the German veal dish Wiener Schnitzel yet? Your 37 year old teammate Anish Sharda has cut it out of his diet since 2014. If you had to provoke him to try a Wiener Schnitzel again how would you go about doing it?

Honestly I haven’t! Lol but I will have to try. I’m not sure how I would do it but I would for sure try my best! Haha

Thanks Curtis for the chat.