Greg Whittington is a 26 year old 205cm forward from Columbia, Maryland that is playing his fifth professional season and first with Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) averaging 12,4ppg, 4,9rpg and 1,6apg while shooting an astronomical 52% from outside in the BSL and averaging 12,5ppg, 6,5rpg and 1,4apg while shooting a strog 48% from outside in the Eurocup. Last season he played with Hapoel Galil Gilboa (Israel-Winner League) playing 30 games: Score-3 (18.4ppg), Reb-1 (9.6rpg), 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 69.0%. Previously he has gained added experience playing in the D-league with the Sioux Falls Skyforce and also played in Japan and Australia. He began his basketball career at Oakland Mills High School averaging 23.5ppg, 11.6rpg, 4.4bpg, 3.0spg, 2.7apg. He then played at Georgetown (NCAA) from 2011-2013 and as a sophomore averaged 12.1ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 60.6%. He then began his professional basketball career with the Miami Heat before going to the D-league and overseas. He spoke to germanhoops.com recently when he played a Eurocup game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. 

Greg thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we start from now going back in your career, I want to begin with a question concerning your time with Georgetown. You were a freshman there while Jason Clark was a senior. What memories do you have of him and what did it mean to you having him as a teammate?

I have many of memories of Jason, but one him being an all around player and always competing! Also it meant a lot having him as a senior and mentor and also having Henry sims there as well! Both taught me to always work hard and achieve anything! 

You played your first time on German soil in your career losing a Eurocup game to the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. What impression did you get from the country and the basketball?

My first impression of Germany was this is a peaceful country and was beautiful! Even though it was cold! The basketball play is a high level they are very aggressive and always competing! 

Your playing your first season with Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). What kind of experience has it been playing with this traditional organization that has won 13 Turkish league titles and has the competitive level of the Turkish league been higher than the Israeli Winner League?

It’s been an amazing experience coming to a club that is this well known and big in the Turkish league! It’s the biggest club I’ve been on for playing overseas! It’s a lot more competitive in this league then in Israel every night is a dog fight and I love it! 

The last league title was in 2013 and before that in 1990. With a few top Euroleague teams Efes and Fenerbahce and other teams, how high are the expectations of the team to realistically win titles?

Our expectations are always high to go win the tittle! We have a great group of guys! We know we have the talent to compete so that’s what we are trying to do! 

The team has so much talent with ex NBA players and high level guys that have played well overseas. What makes it so special playing together with these group of guys?

Things that make it special is that we all played at high levels and know the game really well! We all went to great schools as well so our backgrounds are strong! We are all unique players! 

What has it been like having a guy like young Ben Moore on the court? What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?

It was great having Ben Moore on the team! He worked hard! His game was nice a slasher that could shoot and hustle! 

I covered Tai Webster two seasons ago when he was a rookie in Frankfurt. I remember seeing a very talented young player, but with making the typical rookie mistakes. How have you seen him mature as a player in the early going?

Tai is an great player and everyday I see him maturing into an great point guard! I like the progress he’s making everyday on the court and off!

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward that can score and rebound very well and hit the three. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I compare my game to Kevin Durant with him being from the DMV area! 

This season your shooting out the lights from outside What has been different with your success rate? It seems like shot selection has been big for you this season.

Yes I’m just trying to put extra shots up before and after practice! Like you said my shot selection is a lot better this year!

You were always a solid scorer in your career in the NCAA and pro’s, but not overwhelming until last season where you averaged 18,0ppg in Israel. Did last season give you added self confidence that you can be more than just a solid scorer?

Yes coach put a lot of confidence in me to score! So it made me realize I can out score anyone any night! Even though I already knew that but was always humble! 

What are your goals this season on keeping to develop as a player? What parts of your game are you continuing to tweak and are there other areas of the game that you want to add to your game?

My goals are to keep becoming the best player I can be for myself! To always go all out every night and prove people wrong! I’m tweaking my handle more tight! 

Last season you played with Hapoel Galil Gilboa (Israel-Winner League). It was your first season in Europe. Americans always rave about the amazing living conditions and culture. What was your best experience there?


The fans where amazing! The people was always nice when your out! Tel Aviv was always great to be in! 

You averaged 18.4ppg, Reb-1 (9.6rpg), 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 69.0%. It was your best season ever. What do you feel was key for you having such a great personal season? Was it extra hardwork or the style of play and your teammates?

It was me having at team that needed me to really showcase my abilities! Yes I was putting in extra work that whole offseason and during the season to stay sharp! My teammates helped open it up too having Bryant Crawford and Ian Miller was big!

Two season ago you played with Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo (Japan-B League) playing 18 games averaging 11.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.8%. What kind of experience was it playing in Japan. Was there an experience off the court that you will never forget concerning their culture?

It was a lot of fun playing in Japan! The style of basketball was different but i enjoyed it a lot! I love the food they had! I tried shark soup and many more! 

Three season’s ago you played for a time with the : Sydney Kings (Australia-NBL) playing 28 games averaging 11.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.8apg, Steals-4 (1.5spg), FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 70.7%. What did it mean being teammates with such an experienced guy like ex NBA player Josh Powell. Was he like a mentor there and how did his game influence you?

It was amazing playing with josh Powell! One of the best teammates I’ve had! He was for sure a mentor to me always giving me the ends and outs to the game! Especially with me just losing my dad before I came! He was great! Loved his game I took a little bit out of his book! 

You played two seasons in the G-League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce putting up solid stats. What kind of experience was it for you? Did you ever feel like you were close to an NBA call up?


The G league taught me a lot and was a great experience! Yes I was going to get a call up but then I broke my wrist! 

You won the 2016 D-League title. How special was that and how much more special was it winning it with your Georgetown teammate Jabril Trawick?

It was super special to win that title! We set the record for the wins that year! And it made it even more sweet having my boy Jabril on my team since we both was Hoyas together! 

You last played NBA Summer League in 2015 with the Miami Heat and played with them in pre season leaving a lasting impression. What do you feel has kept you away from the NBA?

Just felt like I needed to get stronger! And just prove people wrong more!

You played only 46 NCAA games for Georgetown from 2011-2013. You played with some top class guys like Jason Clark, Otto Porter, Hollis Thompson and Henry Sims just to mention a few. Which of these guys or other player had the biggest influence on you while you were there.

Henry Sims and Jason influenced me a lot and taught me a lot! 

You missed the 2013-2014 season with Georgetown due to an ACL and missed the 2014-2015 season at Rutgers. Do you ever wonder how your career may be now and how your game may be had you had four years of NCAA experience?

I always think about it everyday! My game would have been super polished and I would of did a lot of big things in college! 

You had many great games at Georgetown, but where did your 25/11 game in the win against W Carolina rank?

It ranks high with all my great games I’ve had in my career! 

How did John Thompson the third help groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He was like a father not only my coaches but he always taught to be respectful and be a hard working man! Amazing coach to have! 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Otto Porter?

Ha, I won a lot of those battler with no question! You can ask the staff! 

Who was the toughest guy that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA today?

Will Burton, was a tough player in college! 

If you had to construct your own personal NBA Rushmore, which 4 heads would you pick that bets fits your taste?

Michel Jordan, LeBron, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant! 

Where will the journey of the Golden State Warriors go now with the injury to Steph Curry? Is the Dynasty now over?

Yes it’s over since they lost Kevin Durant! This season will be for them to get other players ready for the next step! 

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

To me Jordan is the goat and forever will be! But LeBron has for sure proven that he’s a goat as well in this era and will be for a long time! 

What was the last movie that you saw?

Black & Blue

Thanks Greg for the chat.