Cameron Gause is an American basketball player that is a point guard and grew up Tucson, Arizona. He has college experience with New Mexcio State and Northern Colorado and professional experience in the ABA. He was going to take part at the 2020 Howard Hoops tour in Germany for a second year in a row, but won´t due to a passport problem, but it´s always fun to talk basketball with him. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball. 

Cameron thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Where are you at the moment and how have you been holding up the last months during COVID-19?

Hey wassup Miles. At this exact moment I am In Los Angeles, California. I have been holding up well, I can’t complain too much.

How has the whole COVID-19 crisis affected your life in the last 4 months? What kind of adjustments did you have to make in terms of training?


The COVID-19 effect has been pretty interesting these past 4 months. It hasn’t affected me as bad as other, it was sort of a blessing in disguise for my situation. The adjustments I made for my training were just workout the body as much as I can at home or away from the gym. For actually basketball activity training wise. There really wasn’t any until the parks started back opening. LA had pretty much shut the city down by placing a curfew, and taking down all the hoops at parks around the city or boarding them up.

COVID-19 has affected the whole world. How do you feel have you become stronger as a man off the court during these hard times?

I wouldn’t say I became stronger as man during this time with Covid, I would say it just taught me more to rely on God more and more everyday than rely on anything else.

This is our second interview. Last summer I interviewed you as you were to play at your first Howard Hoops tour. What memories do you have of last summers Howard Hoops tour? How much of a positive experience was it for you?

Last year’s Tour was definitely a overall good experience, it could have gone a little better. But I feel like I controlled was much as I could to the best of my ability at that time. Some of the memories I have are leading the tour in scoring for our team. Going 5-1 in our games, seeing a different part of this beautiful world. And getting a taste of what it’s like to be a Professional overseas.

Did you make any meaningful connections and life long friendships with the teammates that you had then?

Yes, I definitely feel like I made life long friends. We still have a group chat from that tour, even though we don’t use it that much. But I definitely feel like if I ever need anything and those guys can help me they would. And vice versa.

What was the coolest experience that you had at last years Howard Hoops tour that continued to be in stories that you told to people?

I think the best part personally for me was the first game we played. That was my first competitive game in a while so I was anxious to get out there. So it was like a breathe of fresh air to get on the court outside the country and play for something. Which resulted in me scoring 20pts off the bench first half & leading our team to a win!

You are going to take place at a second Howard Hoops Tour which isn’t so normal as players usually find a job then. With what kind of expectations will you be coming back to Germany in 2020?


I am coming back to Germany expecting to be on a team this upcoming season, as long as basketball is being played.

How much hungrier are you this summer than last summer to make your mark at the Howard Hoops and to continue to grow as a player and ink that much desired contract

I am definitely hungrier because I am in my prime years and I’m not getting any younger. I’ve spent a lot of time this year studying and at NBA G-League games and I feel like I can eventually play on that stage, so I am eager to get this ball rolling.

How did you experience the whole transfer period after your first Howard Hoops tour? Some teammates found playing jobs. How was it for you? Did you find a job in the last year?


It was interesting. I stayed in Europe and visited friends and family in England. I was in talks with one team through Ron who’s coach said they wanted me on the team. But with the GM pulling all the strings and living situations still being needed to figure out. They went in a different direction.

One phrase that I remember vividly from our last interview was when you said ‘Ronald Howard (181-PG-84, college: Mayville St.) doesn’t need me, but I need him’. Give a good example of his selfless approach to life and how important every single player is for him form his Howard Hoops tour?

I feel like a good example is his tours. He’s doing this to help underdog players get jobs that wouldn’t necessarily be available without him. Every player is important to him because the better we do the better it reflects on him. Especially for RSI guys like myself who have signed to him, we are a family.

Talk a bit about how you experienced Ronald Howard at the last Howard Hoops tour. What kind of relationship did you have with him and what was the most important piece of advice that he gave you?

It was my first time meeting him so I wasn’t fully sure what to expect. But we built a solid relationship. If not I probably wouldn’t be back again ha! I remember him saying you have to be a Dawg! And have that Dawg mentality. So I’ve definitely kept that in mind as far as being aggressive as a player. I definitely took that with me when I had a tryout with the Delaware Blue Coats once I came back to the United States.

Ronald Howard is a workaholic and has done so much in the last years from starting Howard Hoops, to training players individually to helping guys get jobs with his agency. Ultimately he wants to coach. From having him as a coach last summer, how far do you feel can he go as a college coach?


I feel like he can be a good Head Coach. He’s a players coach, he lets you go out there and play your game. But he also knows that players can and can’t do, so for the X & O’s he will put you in the best position to succeed.

What have you appreciated most from his coaching style and how did he help your game most in the short time that you were with him in the summer of 2019?

I appreciated that he let me play my game, which always instills confidence in a player. once we started playing and he saw more of my ability to shoot the ball and run a team. He put me in the position to do exactly that.

How did you spend the last year off the court? You studied journalism in school and had been working at a Jewish community center. Did anything change in the last year in terms of the things you did off the court?

I officially extended my Stay in LA. When the season started and I was jobless basketball wise. I started working at Starbucks which i still work at. I wanted a job to which i could pick up and leave at any moment if need be.

In our last interview you stated that you would compare your game to a Quinn Cook or Tyler Ulis and your strengths are quickness, ball handling, effort, passing, and I’ll say shooting because I’ve spent a lot of time this past year shooting and working on my shot. How would you say has your game grown in the last year with the countless work that you have put in?

I would say shooting still because you can never become too good at shooting. Just look at Steph Curry as an example. And I’ll say lower body strength and quickness.

On what things are you working on currently to continue to improve as a player and achieve the type of growth that you need as a player?

I’m working on defense, overall strength, and conditioning. And different finishes going to the rim. If you look at the top undersized guards in the world. They are very crafty at finishing different ways at the rim. And of course more shooting.

In our last interview you described that having played for winning programs is something that any team could use in terms of your services as a player. How big is your chip on your shoulder to prove that you can give more on the court than the average player

I meant to correct you on the last interview, but only One winning program I was under but didn’t play outside of practice. That was New Mexico State University. The other University I attended I had sat out and only worked out with the players and ran open gym. The chip on my shoulder is bigger than ever. Especially with getting that taste last year and then playing with High level guys my confidence in myself is through the roof! If you ask anyone that knows me. They will all tell you I work extremely hard at my craft, whether that be the weight room, skill work, shooting, or conditioning. I’m always the hardest worker.

Where were you when you heard of the death of Kobe Bryant? How did he influence you the most when you were growing up as a kid?

RIP Kobe, I was just getting to work when someone told me. First thing I said was stop playing, I don’t know why you even joking like that. I wanted to cry at work but I couldn’t. I couldn’t believe the Great Kobe was gone, and I hadn’t even gotten to meet him yet. He influenced me greatly, with him playing High school ball in Philly. Me being Born in Philly I felt we had that Philly connection. I’ve worn almost every shoe, tried to model my game after him growing up footwork wise and mid- range jumper wise. MY FAVORITE PLAYER OF ALL TIME.

In our last interview I asked you one of my standard end of interview questions of who is the best of all-time MJ or Lebron and you picked MJ and said maybe Lebron later. Why isn’t Kobe mentioned in this conversation more?


Kobe is still mentioned in that. To me Kobe is Jordan. But to the Jordan era folks. Kobe is the copy cat, so it’s like if you see someone copying someone else and doing it great your going to just go with the original. But now it’s more like rings and stats which determines greatness.

Will you be following the NBA restart? Do you feel like we could see a surprise winner this season with all the drama that has happened with COVID-19?

Of course I will be, got to see if my guy Pascal Siakam will win another ring for New Mexico State Aggie nation. And see what Bron can do with my Lakers. But yeah this years NBA championship is up for grabs, I feel like the way the season was suspended and with the new play in situations. Anyone can win.

What was the last movie that you saw?


The last movie I’ve watched was The Jordan Documentary. Thank you for your time Miles, much love. God bless you, stay safe and make sure you #getyafruitsin .

Thanks Cameron for the chat.

Oliver Amajoyi is a 201cm forward from Rancho Cucamonga, California that began his basketball career at Los Osos HS. He then played at 2 JUCO schools Trinidad State Junior College (JUCO) and Citrus College (JUCO). He then played at William Jessup University (NAIA) from 2017-2020 playing a total of 73 NAIA games and as a senior played 21 games averaging 7.1ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 45.4%, FT: 66.1%. He will take part at the 2020 Howard Hoops Tour in Germany and spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Oliver thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how have you been holding up the last months during COVID-19.


Currently I’m back home in Rancho Cucamonga, California after graduating from William Jessup. Lately I’ve been holding up well just working out and staying safe.

You played your last college game on March 5th against Arizona Christian losing 92-81 scoring 7 points and hauling down 5 rebounds. How tough was it having to end your NAIA career like this?

No it wasn’t the best way to end my college career but even getting to the conference tournament was a blessing itself despite my team’s injuries and other walls of adversity that hit us throughout the year but we never backed down and that’s one thing I could always hold my head on.

How did you keep busy the last 4 months? How much of a challenge was it staying in shape? Did you know in March 2020 that you wanted to prepare and be ready for a possible professional career?


These last 4 months have been hard working, a little creative and rewarding. So far I’ve dropped 20 pounds since I’ve been at school so now I’m sitting at that 240 range now. The fact that gyms were closed did make it difficult but then it gave me the opportunity to go back to where it all started at the parks so I would get some work in on the outside courts after my morning runs while making the best of what I have at home to get my exercises done there and just been keeping at it and its lead to my body feeling at its best. It was well before March that I wanted to be ready for this because I know I would regret it if I didn’t chase my dream.

You just finished your college career at William Jessup University (NAIA). How excited are you to be able to test the professional waters this summer?

I’m looking forward to testing the professional waters since I’ve been motivated by my playing experiences in the Venice Basketball where I was blessed to receive an All Star team accolade and the Drew League. Playing with and against all those professionals and holding my own against them gave me inspiration that I could take this to the next level and excel in it.

COVID-19 has affected the whole world. How do you feel have you become stronger as a man off the court during these hard times?

The pandemic helped in quite a few ways. I learned how to be quick to adjust which I know will help me going to a foreign land. Along with that it forced me to be more patient with waiting for this opportunity. Then another would be learning how to make the best of the situations or conditions that come about.

I have often met American players having high expectations of themselves and not knowing how brutal the professional basketball world is. How aware are you that having that long professional career coming from NAIA isn’t easy, but it can be done?

I am truly aware of how difficult it is to get to that professional basketball journey started and lasting but I’m confident that I’ll be able to push through those walls given the obstacles I’ve had to beat it in the past which motivates me to always keep striving to be better at anything I do and always bounce back when being hit.

A good example of how tough professional basketball is Kendall Williams who played at your high school Los Osos. He had an amazing career at New Mexico, played NBA Summer League and played at some top levels in Europe, but now after some years last played in Ireland as his career has gone backwards a bit. Is he like a role model for you? Have you met him or seeked advice from him in how to survive overseas?


It is funny you mention that because Kendall and I go way back to when I was a 4th grader when him and my brother are very close friends and even played on the same team from 8th grade through high school so I grew up with him basically. I never got any advice from him though I wish I could’ve.

How big is your hunger to prove people wrong after playing at 3 schools in 6 seasons? How big is your chip on your shoulder to show people just what you are made of on the court?

I have a big chip on my shoulder for the fact that I’ve been doubted multiple times throughout my time in basketball at every level I was on, I am a late bloomer considering I had some setbacks during my college career. Grateful to God that I was able to push through those obstacles.

You have signed up with the Howard Hoops Tour. How did the contact to Ron Howard come about. He is currently living in Minnesota and has been training young hungry players for years. Is that how the contact came about?

The contact actually came from my teammate from William Jessup. Yeah, my guy Erik Kinnebrew connected me with Ron around March then its history from there on.

How excited are you about having the opportunity to go to Germany and show your talent as a player? What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?


I’m very excited to go and show my talents along with experiencing a new culture. About basketball in Germany I know that it is growing out but that’s about it, but I’m looking forward to learning about it all because it will help me get better and while gaining more knowledge.

What do you know in general about the Howard Hoops Tour? How aware are you of the positive record of Ron Howard helping get guys like you with little or no experience jobs? Has that increased your hunger even more to succeed?


I know how the process of how Ron is doing this helps put his clients in the best position to get a contract. He’s proven that he’s done so along with that he’s always kept it real with me and that’s what made me trust him while it motivated me to prove him right since he believes in me. 

How big is your dream of becoming a professional player. Does your feeling of wanting that succeed any kind of feeling you have ever had for anything in your life?

This dream of mine is pretty big. I just want to use my love for this game to help inspire and help people wherever I’m at the best way I can and my desire for wanting to help people keeps me going because this is the first time I’ve been this passionate about something. 

Talk a little about the man Ron Howard. He is an absolute basketball workaholic. How have you gotten to know the man on and off the court the best and what do you appreciate most about him?


Personally I’ve only gotten to know Ron through phone calls and social media, but I’ve learned how dedicated he is to his craft which is being an agent in this sense. One thing I do appreciate about the man so far is that he’s straight forward with you and that’s what makes people better. 

How important will it be for you not going into the Howard Hoops tour totally alone as there will be some fellow William Jessup University players along for the ride. 


Yeah it feels good knowing I got one of my best teammates going with me on this tour does help since I’ll have someone who I already have chemistry on the court with.

Let’s talk a little about your game. You’re a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would bets fit the description? 


I would give my comparison to a Eric Paschall of the Warriors since we have around the same build as undersized post players that are versatile in shooting and scoring inside the paint along with the ability to guard multiple positions. Then to top it off with the athletic ability.

Talk a little about your strength as a player. What kind of attributes will be on display when you play in Germany?

I look to bring toughness and defense to Germany along with the ability to display my I.Q to the coaches and scouts. I look to show my ability to make the open shot along with doing the dirty work rebounding through traffic. I also look to show my ability to be coachable and do what is needed to win whether that is defense, rebounding, scoring, etc. 

On what parts of your game are you working on most in the lab so that you can continue to improve your game as you continue to move forward as a player?

This summer I improved on my footwork and shooting. Dropped 20 pounds so far so I could build up my quickness, and endurance, but it actually helped me with my overall game completely. I’m still looking to improve on all aspects of the game moving forward because you never know what a team will need

You began your college career at Trinidad State Junior College (JUCO) playing 24 games averaging 2.0ppg, 2.0rpg. What kind of experience was it getting that first JUCO experience? I have interviewed many JUCO guys in my career and often hear that playing JUCO is really tough. Is that why so many guys have chips on their shoulders?    

 That first year was an experience like no other because it was the first time I left home and I soon come to find out that I wasn’t ready for that even though there was a lot more I could’ve grown being out there but at the end of the day it was God’s plan and I learned from it. 

You then played a year at Citrus College (JUCO) playing 5 games averaging 1.2ppg, 1.8rpg. How tough was this season after having played so little the season before? Did you get any positives out of this experience?

Okay, this was a time for real growth in my basketball journey. I partially tore my ACL, MCL, LCL, strained calf and pulled hamstring all in one play on November 21, 2015 and took me out that season then again on July 16, 2016 with the same ACL and my meniscus root which sat me the following year so my experience at citrus wasn’t really positive but more life learning and knowledge rewarding on how the game should be played.


You then played at William Jessup University (NAIA) from 2017-2020 playing 73 games. How important was it being able to be with this program for 3 years. What did you learn about yourself as a player and man here that wasn’t present in your 2 JUCO years?

I believe Jessup was the school I needed to be at to really find out who I really was as a basketball player and how to get my basketball IQ up to prepare myself for the next level. I learned how to survive on my own compared to the JUCO lifestyle where I commuted from home

You were able to improve your scoring and rebounding each season. How do you feel did your game grow in your 3 years at William Jessup University (NAIA)?

The more healthy I was getting after that knee surgery was when I made my jumps each year. I’m a late bloomer and I was able to accept that keep pushing and getting better.

What memories do you have of the 2019-2020 season? You won a really exciting semi-final game against Vanguard before losing the final to Masters.

Going to the NAIA National tournament

As a senior you scored in double figures in 8 games. Was your 11 points and 11 rebounds in the win against Ottawa, Arizona one of your most memorable games?

I wouldn’t say it was my most memorable, but it will be a remembered game most definitely.

How did head coach Lance Von Vogt groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach V taught me most how to react when adversity hits.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Erik Kinnebrew?

Haha I did.

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Keith Phillips 
Khalil Williams 
Austin Dill
Kevin Maclemore
Jaydon Clark

Who has been the best player that you have battled on a court anywhere that has been in the NBA or a high level?

Ben Maclemore 

The best known NBA player from your home town Rancho Cucamonga is Darren Collison. You live in a big area, but is he a guy that you have come across in your life and possibly even trained with in a gym?

No I wish I could that would be a blessing 

Please list your personal NBA Rushmore of 4 NBA heads past or present?

MJ, Lebron, Kobe, Wilt

Where were you when you heard of the death of Kobe Bryant? How much of an influence did a guy like that have on you growing up?

I was driving home from school and it hurt me deeply knowing the reason for me playing basketball past away.

People often compare Jordan and Lebron as the best ever, but why isn’t Kobe Bryant mentioned more often in this discussion? Do you feel like Kobe gets a little side tracked in this discussion?

Kobe gets very side tracked in this debate but I don’t think the people are ready for that talk.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The 5 bloods.

Thanks Oliver for the chat.

Every season you can witness extremely talented guards showcasing their goods in the Pro A and there are always players that have been good enough for the easyCredit BBL, but didn´t make it simply because there are simply such an abundance of great guards in the world greater than all of Paris Hilton´s closets filled with her exoctic shoes. Just in the last few years there have been great Pro A guards like Davonte Lacy, Rayshawn Simmons, Shy Ely, Casey Hill or Kendale Mccullum who could easily have been barking plays on the floor for BBL teams. A guy Like Kendale Mccullum currently has BBL offers and another guy that you can add to this list is Chris Carter. The only difference between Carter and the rest of this pile of extra ordinary guards is that Carter has made it to the top of the basketball mountain reaching the BBL playing  a season for Rasta Vechta. Another difference between him and these other top players is that he is the Pro A to BBL magician having helped and played a gigantic role for Rasta Vechta and the Niners Chemnitz reaching the easyCredit BBL in the last few years. Even if I find that he has those special leadership qualities and focus to reach his goals and has displayed those basketball magician qualities in helping Vechta and Chemnitz reach the big show, it is actually his humbleness that won´t allow him to accept having that Pro A to BBL basketball magician title. When I asked him about being that basketball magician on the day that his new club Rostock Seawolves announced his arrival, he was quick to fire two sentences back at me. “No I’m not. I just been blessed to be a part of two good programs”, warned Chris Carter. Yesterday his new club Rostock Seawolves made it official that he will play the next two seasons in Rostock. After his second season in Chemnitz, he was happy to have gotten minutes again and had an important role in comparison to the season before in Vechta where he didn´t play much. “I learned a lot from my stay in the BBL last year but most importantly I learned how to be a winner and how to be a leader. I needed this season for my mental health for sure because I told myself last year that I had to take one step back to take two steps forward. I bet on myself basically saying I know I am a BBL player and I will be back in 2 years”, stressed Chris Carter. Because Carter is remaining in the Pro A, he might have to wait 3 years to get back to the BBL. But for some players it is that amazing challenge of trying to help a club move up that is more important than playing in the BBL:

            Chris Carter is a 28 year old 195cm guard that was born in Brooklyn, New York and is from Port St. Lucie, Florida that completed his fifth professional season and second with the Niners Chemnitz averaging 9.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 5.1apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 66.7%. He played with Rasta Vechta from 2017-2019. In 2018-2019in the BBL he averaged 4.0ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.4apg. In his first season with Rasta Vechta he helped the club move from the Pro A to the easyCredit BBL winning the Pro A title averaging 11,0ppg,3,4rpg and 5,3apg and shot 40% from outside. In 2016-2017 he had his first tour of duty with the Niners Chemnitz(Pro A) playing 40 games averaging 12.4ppg, 4.2rpg, Assists-4 (5.7apg), Steals-4 (2.1spg), FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 73.4%. As a rookie he played for Bipa Basket Odessa (Ukraine-SL Favorit Sport) playing 32 games averaging 14.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 5.0apg, Steals-1 (2.2spg), FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 77.3%. He started his basketball career at the Air Force (NCAA) and then played the last three years of school at Florida Tech (NCAA2) playing 77 NCAA games averaging in his 3 years  17.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.9spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 73.7%, 17.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 7.4apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.5%, 3PT: 29.8% and 14.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 75.8%. The American has had a very fulfilling professional basketball career and has played major minutes in 4 of his 5 pro seasons and won 2 titles helping 2 teams move up to the top league. Now he will have that golden chance to do it a third time with the Rostock Seawolves.

            It is the end of July when I reach a very relaxed and up beat Chris Carter who has been in Rostock for a few days. In Vechta he was in the countryside and could have counted cows if bored and in Chemnitz lived in a big city where he had more recreational options than in Vechta and now he will call Rostock home for 2 seasons. He will live by the water and have home Port St. Lucie, Florida in his thoughts. “ I think it is cool that the beach is here. I hope the weather is nice for a while to enjoy it though”, stressed Chris Carter. The possible transfer to Rostock had already been leaked by someone last weekend, so the signing of him wasn´t  a big surprise for many. Just like so many other people in the last months, life has been hectic due to COVID-19, but he has tried to make the best of it and used that extra time to spend with his family. After the amazing season that he had experienced with the Niners Chemnitz, you would have thought that he would go into the easyCredit BBL with the club the same way he did with Rasta Vechta a few years back, but sometimes you chose from the heart and go where you feel the most appreciated. “It wasn’t a difficult decision. At the end of the day you have to go where you are wanted. That is what I did”, added Chris Carter. In the basketball language you hear the phrase “it´s a business” about as much as NBA fans are already proclaiming the Lakers as the COVID-19 2020 NBA champion and in the case of Carter it wasn´t any different. There were no hard feelings in the second separation between him and the Niners. “That wasn’t my decision. There is a business side to basketball and they made a business decision with me. I wish the club nothing but the best”, expressed Chris Carter. In the press release the American gave his thoughts to why he chose the Seawolves. “I know Rostock is a great city and you can experience a lot there. But more important is that Rostock is an ambitious club that is hungry for success. The training staff, fans and organization are top. I am ready to go to work”, warned Chris Carter. Going to Rostock was obviously a no brainer and when asked what reason was more appealing, the ambition of the club or playing for legendary head coach Dirk Bauermann, he decided to remain neutral. “It just made sense to go to Rostock. Their ambition to move up and to play with coach Bauermann were all very appetizing to my decision”, commented Chris Carter. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is getting that chip. Carter has done it twice as a professional and his new teammates Ronald Zakis and Behnam Yakchali also have won chips coupled with having a legend like Dirk Bauermann in control of the reigns, there really can only be one goal. “The goal is to be the best team in the league and to lead my team to a championship”, warned Chris Carter.

            Carter has been very fortunate to have played for two very good head coaches in the last four years for Pedro Calles and Rodrigo Pastore. He is more than confident about what Calles will be able to achieve in Hamburg. “Pedro is a fantastic coach. I have no doubt he makes that team a top 5 team this year”, warned Chris Carter.  Now he will be able to add a third great coach to his list with Dirk Bauermann. Bauermann is a German legend that helped lead the Bayer Giants Leverkusen to 7 titles in the 90´s and Bamberg to two titles in 2005 and 2007 while also coaching the German national team for many years and leading them to a silver medal at the 2005 European championships together with NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki. He will have plenty of time in the next weeks to learn more about the head coach. “I heard he is a great coach, knows the game, harps on defense,and will bring the best out of you”, warned Chris Carter. Carter is mostly known for having those unique leadership qualities as well as being that brutal floor general that will do whatever it takes for his team to be successful while filling the stat sheet like no other. But something that at times gets forgotten is his defense. He has always taken a lot of pride on the defensive end. Even if he was fourth in steals in the 2016-2017^th season and first in steals in the 2017-2018 season, he does so much more on the defensive end including things you don´t see on the stat sheet. That should please the defensive guru Dirk Bauermann. The American is excited to be able to work with the coaching legend and despite being a great defender has that drive to always improve “I am always willing to learn and become a better defensive player”, stressed Chris Carter. Consistency has always been an important aspect to Carter´s game not only on the offensive end, but also on the defensive end and he already knows what he will be striving on improving this season under Bauermann. “Just being solid and being in the right place all the time”, warned Chris Carter. He also knows that once in a while you have to get away from the x´s and o´s on long road trips to Nurnberg, Trier or Heidelberg and that could be a good opportunity to pick Bauermann´s brain concerning Dirk Nowitzki.  Bauermann wasn´t kidding when he described Carter as the absolute winner in the club press release. In the BBL season with Vechta, it was Carter´s most difficult season in his career  as he wasn´t playing and had to suck in the disappointment. His great character also allowed him not to take it personal and laud coach Calles for his superb coaching even if he wasn´t playing him. His ex teammate Seth Hinrichs described the Carter character best after that amazing Vechta run. “Chris could’ve easily tried to get his own but he sacrificed his own personal numbers for the sake of the team”, warned Seth Hinrichs. Carter´s response to Hinrich´s quote was. “I just try to compete every day in practice and play with passion. I try to make sure my team is on the same page offensively and defensively and just try to learn as much as I can from the vets and the coaches”, stressed Chris Carter. Rostock Seawolves fans have witnessed a lot of joy in the last years moving up from the Regionalliga to the Pro A and now with the legendary head coach Dirk Bauermann and top character guy and Pro A to BBL basketball magician Chris Carter on board, three´s a charm could be the motto now going into the season and be the reality in May 2021 with the American´s third title in Germany.

Jayson Edwards is a 175cm guard from Plymouth, Minnesota that is taking part in the 2020 Howard Hoops tour in Germany. He played at Robbinsdale Cooper High School and played 2 years at Lake Region State College (JUCO) playing 29 games averaging 4.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.0apg and in his second year played 28 games averaging 6.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 34.0%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 66.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Jayson thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Where are you at the moment and how have you been holding up the last months during COVID-19?

Hello, thank you for interviewing me. I’m in Minneapolis Minnesota. During this time I’ve been really working on myself, my skills & spending quality time with my family.

Before we get to basketball and COVID-19, I have to ask you about your first name Jayson. When I first read it, it reminded me right away of Jayson Williams or Jayson tatum. How have you been able to live with this spelling and not the usual Jason? Have you had any interesting experiences with your name in your daily life?

My dads name is Jason. I love the uniqueness of a different spelling. I would say the people who don’t know me well would mispronounce my name as Jay-son. I just correct them and giggle about it. 

You played 2 years at Lake Region State College (JUCO) and then wanted to play at a 4 year school from 2017 onward. I couldn’t find any information on that. What have you been doing with your life the last 3 years? You were seeking a degree in Kinesiology. Have you been able to use that?

I stayed in the gym and worked on my craft on a daily basis. In the summer 2017 I was invited to play in two Minneapolis Pro Am tournaments. Where I was a champion in both leagues. I learned a lot from my mentor Cameron Rundles who is a 10 year veteran playing across the waters. Sticking around guys like that have improved my knowledge for the game and also competing on a professional level. I’m still pursuing my dream as an overseas basketball player so I have yet to start my career with Kinesiology. I have coached 7th graders boys basketball so I’ve been able to use some of my knowledge with them.

COVID-19 has affected the whole world. How do you feel have you become stronger as a man off the court during these hard times?

I’ve had time to self reflect on my goals and ambitions and creatively finding ways to stay healthy. Also valuing the time with my family. 

The itch for wanting to have a professional career despite your basketball resume must be big. How difficult is it wanting to realize this when you have had so little experience?

I’ve always believed in myself and my abilities and although having a resume is big I’ve always depended on my work ethic & showing my skills on the court. 

You have signed up with the Howard Hoops Tour. How did the contact to Ron Howard come about. He is currently living in Minnesota and has been training young hungry players for years. Is that how the contact came about?

Absolutely, over Instagram we followed each other for the love of the game. I noticed how many opportunities he was giving players to play across the water. I reached out to him and he eagerly accepted. 

How excited are you about having the opportunity to go to Germany and show your talent as a player? What do you know in general about the country Germany and its basketball?

I’m beyond excited for the opportunity to come to Germany and learn more about the country. I know very little other than a few players who have played in Germany. 

What do you know in general about the Howard Hoops Tour? How aware are you of the positive record of Ron Howard helping get guys like you with little or no experience jobs? Has that increased your hunger even more to succeed?

I am confident in him and his agency. With the opportunity he is giving me, but I know the rest is up to me. 

How big is your dream of becoming a professional player. Does your feeling of wanting that succeed any kind of feeling you have ever had for anything in your life?

I’ve been hungry for this for as long as I can remember. When I was 5 years old I would tell people I would be going to moving to China. Weird thing is I still want to go to China today. It’s always been in me to travel overseas and play the game I love.

Talk a little about the man Ron Howard. He is an absolute basketball workaholic. How have you gotten to know the man on and off the court the best and what do you appreciate most about him?

Of course, he’s a real motivator. Very honest and intense guy. He is the right man for the job with getting hoopers opportunities overseas. 

Let’s talk a little about your game. You’re a small guard at 175CM. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would bets fit the description? Is a guy like Nate Robinson in your list?

I have the passion of Kevin Garrett within me. My height isn’t bigger than my heart. If I have to name one player comparison it would be the drive, tenacity and athleticism of Derrick Rose. 

Talk a little about your strength as a player. What kind of attributes will be on display when you play in Germany?

I’m a push the pace type guard that loves to defend and score the ball. I get to the middle of the paint regularly with a consistent mid range pull up. I am vocal on the court and my energy is high. 

On what parts of your game are you working on most in the lab so that you can continue to improve your game as you continue to move forward as a player?

Catch and shoot threes have been a weakness of mine but it is something I have improved on over the years. 

What memories do you have of battling fellow diminutive 174CM guard Aaron Boone? How important was it having these daily confrontations on the court with him?

We battled. During practice for lose balls I guess I could say we were never friends on the court till it was time to face somebody else and we both needed that. Vital because you only want someone around you who can get you better.

You played at Robbinsdale Cooper High School and also played AAU basketball. Describe your early basketball life. Was there a point where you knew that playing NCAA basketball would be tough?

Always competitive. I always played a grade level up at a young age which demanded more out of me. In high school I was primarily the ball handler and the scorer on the team with that I had to even guard the next teams best player. AAU I played on the best team in my state Net Gain sports where I played with Mr. Basketball day in & night out. We competed against the best teams across the country like Jaylen Brown from the Celtics. That alone improved my game and is something I’ll always remember. 

You played two years at Lake Region State College (JUCO) playing 57 games. What memories do you have of playing JUCO basketball in that program?

Toughness is the word I would use. JUCO basketball is no game. Our meal plans were terrible, long Bus rides but also good memories came out. Joyful moments with my boys and friendships that still last today.

You averaged 18 minutes per game in both seasons. What kind of an experience was it being a role player and how do you feel did your game grow there in your 2 years?

I learned the game with the minutes I earned. I noticed my game was more aggressive offensively and knew that my coach pushed me to be the best I could be. 

How did head coach Jared Marshall groom and prepare you best for continuing to seek that professional basketball career?

He put me in good situations for me to excel to my strengths and when in doubt he pushed me. 

What memories do you have of battling fellow diminutive 174CM guard Aaron Boone? How important was it having these daily confrontations on the court with him?

We battled. During practice for lose balls I guess I could say we were never friends on the court till it was tome to face somebody else and we both needed that. Vital because you only want someone around you who can get you better. 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Aaron Boone?

Me. He wouldn’t be able to score on me today and he knows it. 

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time? 


– Mr. Basketball Minnesota Jt Gibson – Joey King Minnesota Gopher alumni – Brandyn Frelix Bethany Lutheran guard – AJ Nywesh Lake Region State College guard – Cameron Rundles 10 year veteran 

Who has been the best player that you have battled on a court anywhere that has been in the NBA or a high level? 

Jarvis Johnson Minneapolis Minnesota Gopher guard. We’ve battled since 6th grade and till this day in local pick up games 

Please list your personal NBA Rushmore of 4 NBA heads past or present? 


Michael Jordan LeBron James Kobe Bryant & Allen Iverson 

Where were you when you heard of the death of Kobe Bryant? How much of an influence did a guy like that have on you growing up? 


I was in the gym shooting free throws and I got the notification on my phone. I admired him because of his relentless work either. Literally nobody could guard him and I use moves from him today. 

People often compare Jordan and Lebron as the best ever, but why isn’t Kobe Bryant mentioned more often in this discussion? Do you feel like Kobe gets a little side tracked in this discussion? 


I believe he should be compared to MJ more then Lebron. In fact of his rings and his pursuit to winning. 

What was the last movie that you saw? –

Gemini man starring Will Smith. Decent film but it got my attention the entire time.

Thanks Jayson for the chat

J’Quan Brown is a 24 year old guard that played at Emmanuel Christian High School. He never went to college, but has semi-pro basketball experience with two teams Glynn County Crusaders (2015-16) (Semi-Pro) averaging 13.3 PPG 5.3 APG 3.2 RPG 1.3 SPG and the T.R.U.E. Eagles (2016-17) (Semi-Pro) averaging 20 PPG 6.3 APG 4.4 APG 2.3 SPG. He is part of the Howard Hoops tour in Germany for the second consecutive year and spoke about his basketball career and the tour.

J Quan thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Where are you at the moment and how have you been holding up the last months during COVID-19?

Thanks for having me. At the moment, I’m currently in my hometown. As far as this COVID-19 stuff, I’ve been holding up pretty well. Just trying to stay out of the way.

How has the whole COVID-19 crisis affected your life in the last 4 months? What kind of adjustments did you have to make in terms of training?

It really hasn’t affected me much. Other than the fact that I wasn’t able to see a lot of my family and friends. I actually didn’t need to make any adjustments as far as my training goes. I had full access to a gym, so I was able to get my work in with no problem, which I’m very fortunate for!

COVID-19 has affected the whole world. How do you feel have you become stronger as a man off the court during these hard times?


For me, it was understanding that I could only control what I could. I had no control over the COVID-19 and the limitations that it brought upon us, but I did have control over my reactions toward it and how I wasn’t going to allow it to control my attitude.

This is our second interview. Last summer I interviewed you as you were to play at your first Howard Hoops tour. What memories do you have of last summers Howard Hoops tour? How much of a positive experience was it for you?

A lot of memories, for sure! A lot of site-seeing and going to different places. The food was pretty amazing!! And of course, I got the chance to play the game that I love at the professional level!!

Did you make any meaningful connections and life-long friendships with the teammates that you had then?

Yes, I did, for the most part. I don’t really keep up with every teammate from last year’s team, but I’m still in contact with a few of them.

What was the coolest experience that you had at last years Howard Hoops tour that continued to be in stories that you told to people?


Coolest experience. I would say probably the fact that the McDonald’s over in Germany had chicken wings, lol! And it was real chicken! Really good too! Where I’m from, McDonald’s serving chicken wings isn’t a normal thing. I still talk about that to this day, lol!

You are going to take place at a second Howard Hoops Tour which isn’t so normal as players usually find a job then. With what kind of expectations will you be coming back to Germany in 2020?


My expectations are to contribute to the team as best I can, be a sponge, stand out, and sign my first pro contract. Simple as that.

How much hungrier are you this summer than last summer to make your mark at the Howard Hoops and to continue to grow as a player and ink that much desired contract

A lot more hungrier now. Last summer, I actually injured my hip. Developed a hip impingement which caused some nerve damage. It limited me a bit as far as my performance. But I’m healthy now and ready to get the ball rolling’!

When you talk with other players, how often are do you feel like not having played college ball really has been missing for you? Do you feel like you would be a different player today, have a different development and be somewhere totally different on the basketball ladder had you played college ball?

A part of me does feel like me not playing college ball is missing. Would I be a different player today had I played in college? Probably so. Would I be somewhere different on the hoop ladder had I played in college? Possibly, but not 100% guaranteed. I know guys who have played all 4 years in college are still struggling to sign a contract. Their first contract at that! But I don’t dwell on that. I’ve been dealt a hand of cards and that’s what I’m going to work with. No regrets, I control what I can control.

How did you experience the whole transfer period after your first Howard Hoops tour? Some teammates found playing jobs. How was it for you? Did you find a job in the last year after having a few semi-pro jobs?


So, I mentioned that I developed a hip impingement that caused nerve damage. When I returned back home, getting that checked was an absolute MUST!!! Even sitting on a plane for 8 hours bothered me. Once I found out that it was a hip impingement, I was sidelined 4 months. No running, no jumping, no basketball, no nothing for 4 whole months. Talk about a difficult time! And then the process of rehabilitation and getting the strength and mobility back in that area was a task as well. But I got through it and feel better than ever!!

Howard Hoops tour director Ronald Howard (181-PG-84, college: Mayville St.) is a basketball players best friend. He tries to help any guy who is willing to work hard to achieve their goals’. Give a good example of his selfless approach to life and how important every single player is for him form his Howard Hoops tour?

The best example would be that there have been so many guys that have played overseas and done well, just like Ron! But none of them are doing the things that Ron is doing. He’s literally taking guys and opening up avenues for them to pursue their hoop dream. Most guys could care less! And he’s not getting a dime from it! We really need more like him!!

Talk a bit about how you experienced Ronald Howard at the last Howard Hoops tour. What kind of relationship did you have with him and what was the most important piece of advice that he gave you?


I actually grew pretty close with Ron from last summer. Like I said before, other than the fact that we’re both undersized guards, we’re both HUGE Nipsey Hussle fans. He kind of found it funny that he’s from South Central and I’m from Georgia, but I knew so much about Nip. And as far as advice? Man, it’s kinda hard to pick one particular thing because he’s dished out so much… I’d say… Just be a dog! Being small, you gotta work 10x harder than the next! So you gotta have that dog in you!!

Ronald Howard is a workaholic and has done so much in the last years from starting Howard Hoops, to training players individually to helping guys get jobs with his agency. Ultimately he wants to coach. From having him as a coach last summer, how far do you feel can he go as a college coach?

I feel he can go as far as he’s willing! Ron’s a player’s coach. Meaning as a coach, he can understand things from a player’s perspective. He has so much knowledge for the game and although he no longer plays, he still has that same fire and passion, just now on the coaching and training side

What have you appreciated most from his coaching style and how did he help your game most in the short time that you were with him in the summer of 2019?

One thing I love about Ron’s coaching style is that his system is set up for everyone to thrive! My game is pretty simple. And Ron realized that even though I am a PG, I can also flourish playing off of the ball, putting me in positions to flourish and execute to the best of my ability.

How did you spend the last year off the court? Last summer you told me that you had fractured your shoulder blade and had been working at a local gym. Did anything change in the last year in terms of your off court activities and having a job?

For the most part I spent a lot of time recovering and rehabbing my hip to get it back to where it was before, and even better! That was the first time in my life where in order for me to get better physically I had to sit down, literally! For 4 whole months! I was still working at the local gym, but once I got to the point where I could move freely with no hip pain and was cleared, it was back to the Slow Grind!!

In our last interview you stated that ‘My game is pretty simple, for the most part. I don’t like my game to be labeled. Yes I can score, but I’m also a guy who loves to make plays for others and don’t need the ball in my hands to make an impact on the game. I also use my size to my advantage. Yes, I’m small, but I’m definitely strong enough to hold my own. Your also a passionate defender. How do you feel has your game grown and gotten better in the last year in the many hours of work that you put in in the lab?

I feel that my game has grown more on the mental aspect. Learning how to slow the game down and play at the pace that I want to play at, rather than allowing the defense to dictate my pace. Just simplifying my game all together

On what things are you working on currently to continue to improve as a player and achieve the type of growth that you need as a player?

Everything, literally! The things that I’m not so good at, I work on those to convert them to strengths. The things that I am pretty good at, I continue to work on those to keep them sharp, although I work on my weaknesses a bit more. I’ve played enough basketball and know my game pretty well to know the things that I need to work on at this point.

In our last interview you said that any team could use in terms of your services as a player because ‘ I bring good qualities to a club. Scoring, playmaking, energy, leadership, great work ethic, determination, and a passion that’s unmatched! And though my resume isn’t the best, I know for a fact that I can play at this level. And I’m going to prove it’. How big is your chip on your shoulder to prove that you can give more on the court than the average player


That chip is about as big as I am, I’ll tell you that much! I’m far behind the 8-ball, but I trust the work that I’ve put in and ready to put it on display!

Where were you when you heard of the death of Kobe Bryant? I know that he is your all-time favorite player. How did he influence you the most when you were growing up as a kid?

Man I was actually at my little sister’s softball game. My phone was ringing off the hook! When I first heard, I didn’t believe it. I thought it was some crazy joke. But then alerts hit my phone. SportsCenter, NBAtv, Bleacher Report, the news, even the NFL Pro Bowl Game stopped to announce it. When I tell you that my heart was shattered?!?!?! I cried….. I put my phone on airplane mode because I didn’t want to be bothered by anyone! Kobe influenced me primarily off of his work ethic. I heard the stories about Kobe having a 6am workout but being there 2 hours before the trainer gets there, already in a full sweat! The man literally had an entire 2 hour workout with no ball. No ball?!?! That’s insane! He was pretending he had a ball, working on different moves and counters. And just his will to win and his desire to be the best. Kobe was different man… Even to this day, it’s still weird to know that he’s no longer here. Long Live The Mamba!!!

In our last interview I asked you one of my standard end of interview questions of who is the best of all-time MJ or Lebron and you stated Kobe Bryant is my all time favorite player! But I personally believe that Lebron is the greatest to ever do it! That’s no disrespect to MJ, he was great! But Lebron is a different animal. 6’8 260lbs and is able to do what he does at the highest level. It’s ridiculous! Everyone has their opinion on it. And there are even some who don’t believe that neither of the two are the greatest. But to each it’s own! Why isn’t Kobe mentioned in this conversation more?


I think a lot of people leave Kobe out of the conversation because he pretty much mirrored his entire game after MJ. And you can only have one. But when you analyze their games. other than superior athleticism, I feel like Kobe was a more skilled basketball player than MJ. In my opinion, the most skilled player ever!! From the footwork, the fall away jumper, ball handling, pull up jumpers, Kobe was an absolute purist!! He should definitely be in the conversation! I think him, Lebron, & MJ are the 3 greatest ever!

Will you be following the NBA restart? Do you feel like we could see a surprise winner this season with all the drama that has happened with COVID-19?

Yea, I plan on following it. I’m Lakers all the way though! This will be the most difficult championship to win due to the circumstances that they’re up against with the season being on pause due to COVID-19 and not knowing whether or not it would resume and now knowing that it is they have to deal with the bubble. It’s a lot, but I’m rocking’ with the Lakers. It’s been long over due. Do it for Kobe!!!

What was the last movie that you saw?

Grown Ups 1 & 2.

Thanks J’Quan for the chat.

is an ex player that spent many years overseas and since retiring has focused his energy on helping unknown players get exposure by organizing games and in many cases helping them find professional jobs. He founded Howard Hoops in 2013 where he brought numerous players overseas to help them find jobs and since 2018 has started the Howard Hoops academy where he helps train unknown players and help find basketball jobs. He recently started Revizion Sports International which helps players get placed on professional clubs. germanhoops.com has been covering his work since years and have interviewed him again about the current 2020 Howard Hoops Tour in Germany

Ron thanks for talking to germanhoops..com. Where are you at the moment and how have you been coping with the whole COVID-19 crisis the last months? 

Hey Miles thanks for having me, at the moment I am in Minneapolis Minnesota. This is a crazy time we are in right now. Dealing with this Covid-19 has really shaken the world in a major way. 

Talk a little about how you have been able to keep doing your thing the last months despite the COVID-19 outbreak. How challenging was it for you functioning as best you could with your many business activities? 


For me over these last few months I’ve stayed safe but very active. Doing majority everything virtually, but this has given me so much time to develop and plan how to move forward in the best way possible to be safe not only for myself but for others around.

COVID-19 has affected everyone around the world and it has been tough times for many in the world. How do you feel has this whole COVID-19 experience made you stronger as a man?

I feel the whole COVID-19 experience just brought me closer to family and to open my eyes to how much safer we must be in general.

Before we get to the 2020 Howard Hoops tour and your new agency, please give an update about how your Howard Hoops training facility developed in the last year? You were training boys and girls and also continuing to develop your coaching skills.

Yes the Howard Hoops Academy training facility was an amazing business opportunity but I have closed down since the Covid and have enrolled back into college to pursue my Masters Degree so I can obtain my ultimate goal of being A College Head Coach. 

You recently started the RSI international agency. Please talk a little about this idea came about? 

Revizion Sports International is a consultation, promotion, management & placement company based in Minneapolis Minnesota. RSI’s job is to properly advise/manage, train & place players on the best path to success. We are placing basketball players men & women all over World!

What are your long term goals with RSI? You want to be a coach down the road and will not give up this venture, but most likely pass it on.


My long term goals is to grow RSI to being a agency that deals with players from all pro levels, then be able to hand the company over to my partners when I’m a colligate coach.

You have been helping unknown hungry players get jobs since years. How do you feel has your communication skills grown over time? You have to make deals and have been successful for many players.


I think that my communication over the years has improved. As you know it takes time to get things right. I believe I have grown over time and my hunger has gone up even more from the success of my former players. 

Please give a quick update to 2019 Howard Hoops Tour players Dorea Wilson, Brandon McElvy & Devin Buckley . How did they profit form the tour and how are they doing in 2020?

Dorea Wilson was offered by Olpe but decided that he wanted to go another direction. Devin Buckley coaches High school basketball this past season and Brandon McElvy I have recently signed to RSI https://www.instagram.com/tv/CC33UbwAvUX/?igshid=qtll67gno2u

The 2020 Howard Hoops tour is just around the corner. This will be the 7th one. Is it true that it will be the last one?

It’s crazy how H.H tours have grown to be known the way it is. I have a great feeling about this tour even with the COVID-19. This year makes it exclusive games will be live streamed on Facebook Instagram YouTube. There will be strict Restrictions & Guidelines that will be followed. I’m excited! As far as this being the last one, it WILL NOT BE. I will be coming back to Germany again in January 2021 then expanding to another country in Europe. 

How challenging was it finding a 10 man roster for this years tour. On what things do you keep an eye on most when picking the candidates?’


As always it’s not hard at all. But this year was different. I went for character more than talent. I feel character goes a long way and it speaks volumes as a man. So the guys I have this year we’re picked out of a group of 30 players. 

One guy who should have a great 2020 Howard Hoops tour and should be signed is Keith Phillips. Please talk a little about how you found him and just how much potential he has? 

I like Keith Phillips a lot. He is a straight go getter. He can score in so many ways and he plays both ends of the floor and is extremely athletic. He will be a player to watch. 

What can we await from some of the other players on the 2020 Howard Hoops Tour. There will be some second timers like Cameron Gause and J’Quan Brown, but also newcomers like Jayson Edwards, Pindo Drammeth, Oliver Amajoyi and Rene Melemdez. 

I’m interested to see how the newcomers will do Cam & Quan understand what needs to be done this time around. I’m anxious for Jayson ,Rene, Oliver but especially 6’10 
Pindo Drammeth 
https://youtu.be/OBH-qpcqIRg

The tour will have games around Frankfurt, but also a new attraction this time as the games will be streamed. Do you feel like this will give the players an added boost in terms of teams and managers becoming more aware of them? 


Yes I think this will be next level because teams are going to have to do similar things when the season starts in October. Great thing is I have already been preparing and have gotten a little push from Social Media BIL https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCtUHYAglU-/?igshid=1lisixthddq9t

You will be coaching the Howard Hoops tour team again. In the back of your mind your big goal is to be a college coach. How have you seen your development as a coach go in the last years as you continue to work at becoming the best kind of basketball teacher? 


This year I will not coach the Howard Hoops tour team. I am having a German Coach from Frankfurt Aiken Marino coach the team this year. I am still learning everyday, but I have the best mentors in the game. I can’t wait to make my debut as a Head coach!!

A 2020 Howard Hoops player said this about you. ‘So many guys that have played overseas and done well, just like Ron! But none of them are doing the things that Ron is doing. He’s literally taking guys and opening up avenues for them to pursue their hoop dream. Most guys could care less! And he’s not getting a dime from it! We really need more like him’. What continues to be your drive to continue to be a mentor for kids while really seeing no real financial gain? 

Man I didn’t know that. That means a lot. I truly try to do the best I can to put my players first and to put them in the best position possible to showcase their game to start their career. 

You were an undersized guard as a pro and I have seen you take undersized guards every tour. This summer you have a guy by the name of Jayson Edwards at 175CM: I sometimes get the feeling that the chip on your shoulder is still there now in your work after your professional career. How huge is that chip and how important has it been still having it and helping you be successful in so many things now off the court?

As you know when I played I did it all. So as I’m training Jayson Edwards in Minneapolis I’m explaining and expressing to him the kind of guard he needs to be when he arrives in Germany. https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCoENABgv9G/?igshid=h01umig8v89u It’s not that I have a chip, but you remember when I started the HowardHoops Tour people thought it was a fantasy. We’re 7 years in now, I just want to keep showing that there are players in America that don’t get the credit they deserve because they played at a lower Tier college. ‘Here is your platform show what you can do’

Where were you when you heard about the death of Kobe Bryant? What kind of an influence did he have on you growing up?

I was in my home. I couldn’t believe it and until this day it’s still weird to even think that something like that could happen to him. Just shows you we are all human and we need to cherish every moment we have with our loved ones.

Why isn’t Kobe Bryant more in the discussion with the usual comparison of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James.


Because people don’t want to give Kobe the credit he deserves. 

Will you be following the 2020 NBA restart in Orlando? Do you feel like we may see a surprise NBA champion? 


Man I can’t wait, I’m so happy the season is getting back started. You know I’m a die hard Laker Born and raised. It’s are year LAKERNATION!!!

Thanks Ron for the chat.

 Pete Strobl has been around the European basketball scene for 20 years having had a stellar professional basketball career and was an assistant coach for German easyCredit BBL team ratiopharm Ulm in 2018-2019. Currently he is head coach of the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. He played at Niagara (NCAA) from 1997-2000 and then had a 9 year professional playing career that took him to countries like Germany, Austria, France, Ireland, Iceland and Switzerland. He founded The Scoring Factory in Pittsburgh and wrote a must read book called Backspin. He is a very interesting basketball mind that doesn’t shy away from speaking his mind especially on Twitter. German Hoops and Pete Strobl (agency: Octagon Europe ) (agency: Octagon Europe ) team up so often talking basketball with the title ‘Current basketball affairs with Pete Strobl (agency: Octagon Europe ) (agency: Octagon Europe ). You can follow Pete Strobl (agency: Octagon Europe ) (agency: Octagon Europe ) on twitter @petestrobl

How is the market moving and when will we see new signings from Braunschweig? 

Overall the European market is moving much slower than in the past, but obviously we’re all facing the same challenges with Corona. Nobody can accurately predict the future, so it’s normal that teams are being very careful and diligent in their planning process. With the transition to new ownership here thanks to Dennis Schroeder, we also have a new sports director so I’m excited about what the future holds. We’ve recently announced the very important signing of Lukas Meisner, but we still have some work to do and there will be more additions announced in due time.

How is the new team structure?

As is the case with any company that has new ownership, there’s a necessary learning phase for all parties to get acclimated and adjusted. Longtime coach and Braunschweig legend Liviu Calin is back with our team and it’s been a joy to work together with him in the gym everyday developing the players we still have under contract from last season. Oliver Braun is our new sports director and was actually here in the past so he knows the landscape and has the connections to bring people together to focus on our common goal. I can tell you that there’s a lot of positive energy in Braunschweig behind the scenes right now and people are all slowly starting to move in the same direction. 

What are your projections for next season? 

It’s way too early for me at this stage to make predictions about next season because we don’t even have a full team together yet. In many ways next season will represent a new beginning for us as an organization and I’m excited to be a part of this process. Our future success will be determined by our ability to bring people together and truly work hand in hand for a common goal. Braunschweig has a rich basketball tradition and there’s still work to be done behind the scenes to repair some of those old wounds while simultaneously planting seeds for the future. I can promise that we will work hard, play a style of basketball the represents our city with pride, focus on player development and take it game by game.

has been around the European basketball scene for 20 years having had a stellar professional basketball career and was an assistant coach for German easyCredit BBL team ratiopharm Ulm in 2018-2019. Currently he is head coach of the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. He played at Niagara (NCAA) from 1997-2000 and then had a 9 year professional playing career that took him to countries like Germany, Austria, France, Ireland, Iceland and Switzerland. He founded The Scoring Factory in Pittsburgh and wrote a must read book called Backspin. He is a very interesting basketball mind that doesn’t shy away from speaking his mind especially on Twitter. German Hoops and Pete Strobl (agency: Octagon Europe ) (agency: Octagon Europe ) team up so often talking basketball with the title ‘Current basketball affairs with Pete Strobl (agency: Octagon Europe ) (agency: Octagon Europe ). You can follow Pete Strobl (agency: Octagon Europe ) (agency: Octagon Europe ) on twitter @petestrobl

How is the market moving and when will we see new signings from Braunschweig? 

Overall the European market is moving much slower than in the past, but obviously we’re all facing the same challenges with Corona. Nobody can accurately predict the future, so it’s normal that teams are being very careful and diligent in their planning process. With the transition to new ownership here thanks to Dennis Schroeder, we also have a new sports director so I’m excited about what the future holds. We’ve recently announced the very important signing of Lukas Meisner, but we still have some work to do and there will be more additions announced in due time.

How is the new team structure?

As is the case with any company that has new ownership, there’s a necessary learning phase for all parties to get acclimated and adjusted. Longtime coach and Braunschweig legend Liviu Calin is back with our team and it’s been a joy to work together with him in the gym everyday developing the players we still have under contract from last season. Oliver Braun is our new sports director and was actually here in the past so he knows the landscape and has the connections to bring people together to focus on our common goal. I can tell you that there’s a lot of positive energy in Braunschweig behind the scenes right now and people are all slowly starting to move in the same direction. 

What are your projections for next season? 

It’s way too early for me at this stage to make predictions about next season because we don’t even have a full team together yet. In many ways next season will represent a new beginning for us as an organization and I’m excited to be a part of this process. Our future success will be determined by our ability to bring people together and truly work hand in hand for a common goal. Braunschweig has a rich basketball tradition and there’s still work to be done behind the scenes to repair some of those old wounds while simultaneously planting seeds for the future. I can promise that we will work hard, play a style of basketball that represents our city with pride, focus on player development and take it game by game.

The last months has been a tough time for the world with the whole COVID-19 crisis effecting everyone´s life while depending a lot where you live in the world. Having to rearrange your life, losing loved one, friends, jobs etc has been a toll for everyone. People have had so much time to think and reflect about life so that for many the daily job routine may still have been there, but for many not as in the spotlight than before COVID-19. Thinking about the present and future is something everyone is dealing with so when a hungry, dedicated and at times annoying basketball aficionado and reporter asks a player to go back and recount his dealings and game of an ex teammate 7 years ago, one may not expect too much, but when your German Til Gloger, your not only a good sport, but surprisingly still has a very good recollection of what it was like being teammates with Xavier Pollard at Maine(NCAA). Gloger has had more than 1000 practices in the last 7 years at Maine(NCAA), Paderborn, MBC, and Trier, played hundreds of games and experienced many teammates and even more opponents. When I asked the ex BBL player to look back in his memory bank concerning Xavier Pollard, he wasn´t only happy to do it, but still remembered a lot about his game something that isn´t always expected when you have experienced the whirlwind of the daily basketball life in the last 7 years. Xavier Pollard is featured in the ex teammate scouting report Till Gloger Vs Xavier Pollard. Of course one can´t forget that the American has grown in his game and isn´t that same player he was when Gloger was teammates with him at Maine, but he still has the qualities he once had back in the day. Only today his skills are more refined and he has a lot more experience than he did then having 3 years of professional experience now.

                Pollard is a 28 year old 193cm guard from the Bronx, New York that will be playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He began his basketball career at Suffield Academy about a 20 minute ride north from Hartford Connecticut where he averaged 20,9ppg, 9,9rpg and 6,2apg in his senior year. He finished his high school basketball career at the Winchendon school in Massachusetts where he averaged 17,0ppg and 7,0rpg. The American who has 7 siblings began his NCAA career in 2011 at the University of Maine where he had a normal freshman year getting a feel for the system and team averaging 11 minutes and 3,6ppg and 2,2rpg. In his sophomore season his basketball life at Maine changed rapidly as his minutes per game went from 11 to 29 thus bolstering his stats to 9.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 16.9%, FT: 60.6%. A witness to his rapid rise was German freshman Till Gloger who had come from the Paderborn Baskets and would have a stellar 4 year career at Maine(NCAA) from 2012-2016 and be teammates with Pollard for 2 seasons. In his freshman year the German pretty much experienced the first year blues getting little minutes and averaging 14 minutes and 2,9ppg and 2,3rpg. The last time that Gloger played together with Pollard was 6 years ago and in 2020, he didn´t hesitate long to mention what came to his mind right away when he was presented with the name Pollard. “The first thing that comes to my mind now is that he was an outstanding competitor in practice and during the games”, stressed Til Gloger. The German remembers scoring in double figures twice as a freshman against Brown and Fisher as well as having to accept the normal ribbing that first year guys have to live with. “I remember that he was doing some trash talk in the locker room with some freshmen after practice. It was just another example of how competitive he is”, expressed Till Gloger. In his sophomore season the American scored in double figures in 14 games including a 20 point game against Boston University and a 17 point game against Duquesne. In Gloger´s second season at Maine, he also was able to profit from more minutes averaging 7.7ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 55.8%, FT: 74.5%, while Pollard also was able to up his stats to 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.0apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 69.7%. With both guys on the court together for many minutes helped their chemistry. “, I remember him mostly playing the point guard position. However, he was also used a lot for the shooting guard position. We harmonized very well on the court and that he knew where to find me”, added Till Gloger.

                Maine(NCAA) plays in the America East Conference and won´t face the big NCAA powerhouses the way school´s might in the Big 10, Big East or some other conferences, but every now and then you do get a big name school on the schedule. In Gloger and Pollard´s last season together, the pair were able to compete against top school UCONN which would go on to win the NCAA title that season with German Nils Giffey who currently plays with Alba Berlin and is the only German born player with 2 NCAA titles. Maine had absolutely no chance in this game getting creamed 95-68. Pollard put on a show leading all scorers with 20 points. UCONN had some future NBA players on the roster including current Washington Wizard Shabazz Napier who scored only 7 points in the romp. This was a game of hundreds each NCAA season where one can see the high level play of guards that are present, but so often there are so many players that won´t ever breathe a second of NBA air or even get to the Euroleague or Eurocup competitions, but rather end up in a low league like Luxemburg the way Pollard did. “The spots in the NBA are very limited and it is very competitive to get one of the 60 spots in the NBA draft. Xavier is a perfect example how you can work your way up and land on a very good team in the Easycredit BBL”, warned Till Gloger. In 3 seasons at Maine Pollard had 733 points, 293 rebounds, 240 assists and 93 steals in 80 games.  After 2 seasons together at Maine, their ways parted as Pollard chose to play his last NCAA season at Kent State. Even if they were only teammates for 2 seasons, the German still has fond memories of the American today. “I appreciated most that he was a guy who liked to lead and take responsibility in games. He also had a very good Basketball IQ and could read the game with ease”, stressed Till Gloger. The American played his senior year at Kent State playing 22 games averaging  11.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 63.5%. Sometimes when there is a better opportunity, you have to jump at it. “I was not really surprised when Xavier told me that he wanted to pursue the rest of his college career at Kent State. He had the potential to play for a higher major college with a better winning history. Therefore, his step to Kent State was the right next step in his career”, stressed Till Gloger. His senior year he scored in double figures in 14 games and had more than 20 points 4 times. He hit Ohio and Pittsburgh for 23 points a piece and hit Ball State for 22 points and Buffalo for 21 points.

                The American had to pay his dues in his first 3 professional seasons playing in lower leagues in Europe. As a rookie he played with  BBC Arantia Larochette (Luxembourg-Total League) playing 14 games and finishing second in scoring with 26.1ppg, 8.5rpg, Assists-5(4.7apg), Steals-1(2.4spg), FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 77.0%. In his second season he made the jump to the Lugano Tigers (Switzerland-SBL) playing 27 games and leading the league in scoring at 22.3ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-1(5.4apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 77.4%. Last season he made another jump in his career moving to Fiba Europe Cup team  Fribourg Olympic (Switzerland-SBL) where he played 6 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 15.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.8%; and played 19 Swiss SBL games averaging  14.8ppg, 3.9rpg, Assists-5(4.9apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 75.9%. He couldn´t dominate the way he did in his first two professional seasons on account of having better teammates and more scorers on the team. He has given the name consistency a new meaning in that he has played 70 professional games in his first three seasons and scored in double figures in 64 games. He has scored 20 points or more in 32 professional games. Some of his best personal games was a 41 point explosion against the Lakers and 38 points against Boncourt in the Swiss league, and he scored 38 points against Heffingen in the Luxemburg league. He had two strong Fiba Europe Cup games against Oradea with 23 points and 22 points against Sibiu in wins. He hit his future team T,elekom Baskets Bonn with 15 points. He now is prepared to make a another step in his career as he will play in the top 5 top league in Europe with the easyCredit BBL with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Kemba Walker is very far away from Bonn as he is in the NBA bubble in Orlando, Florida with the Boston Celtics prepping for the conclusion of the 2019-2020 season, but fans may see something familiar to Walker in Bonn this season. “I remember that one of his favorite players was Kemba Walker. I think his style of play fits very well to Kemba´s game. Xavier is a tall guard and he knows how take advantage of that. Especially with his drive to the basket, he is really hard to stop”, warned Till Gloger.. Even if Pollard as shone as a professional as a scorer, he can fill up the stat sheet like no other and will help the Bonn club in an area where they struggled the most last season. “The Telekom Baskets Bonn will benefit from his defensive mind set. He can be a lock down defender who can make a difference on the defensive end”, warned Till Gloger. The Telekom Baskets Bonn have been known to have been fortified in the last years with strong guards like Eugene Lawrence, Branden Frazier, Mickey Mcconnell, Winsome Frazier and Josh Mayo to mention just a few, but can Xavier Pollard make the grade as well and later be remembered as a guard who was able to make a difference? “I am confident that he will be successful playing for Bonn the upcoming season. He knows how to fight for his spot on the team and I am sure he will have a big impact in the Bonn system”, warned Till Gloger. Even if it has been ages since Gloger last saw Pollard, the ex teammate still has an impact on him. If they were to meet again he might even not recognize him because of his longer hair, but then again a meeting would be worth a trip from Rostock to Bonn. “I I look up to his work ethic and resentfulness. I hope I will be able to watch some games of Bonn this season”, added Till Gloger.  With an ambitious organization like the Rostock Seawolves and a famous head coach with Dirk Bauermann, getting a private jet for a short trip down to Bonn has to be in the budget.

Mike Holton Jr is a 29 year old 185cm guard from Portland, Oregon that completed his fourth professional season and first in France with Lille Metropole Basket (France-ProB) averaging 15,1ppg, 3,2rpg and 2,2apg. He will play the 2020-2021 season for Hapoel Ramat Gan Givataim ( (Israel-National League). Two seasons ago he played with BC Zaporizhye-ZOG (Ukraine-Superleague) playing 38 games averaging 17.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 85.2%. In 2017-2018 he played in Germany with RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (Germany-ProB) averaging 18.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 80.0% As a rookie he played with ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 38 games averaging 8.4ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 75.7%; He also played 6 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 10.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 87.5%. He started his basketball career in 2010 at St.Michael’s (NCAA2) and as a senior played 17 games averaging 14.9ppg, 4,5rpg, 3,8apg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 79.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the Coronavirus crisis

Hi Mike where are you at the moment and how is your current mood despite the world turmoil at the moment because of the out break of the Corona Virus?

Hi Miles, I’m currently still in Lille, France. We just got the announcement last week that the season here will be suspended until September and that there is no possibility of returning to play this spring. My mood has been up and down honestly. Trying to remain positive because I have my health, which is most important; but the disruption of everyday life and not being able to play has been a tough adjustment. 

When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world? 

When I first heard about the Coronavirus, I understood that it was dangerous and affecting thousands of people, but I had no idea that it would have spread and grew to have the impact that it has had on the world now.

How have you experienced the day to day life in France during the Corona Virus outbreak? Did you see that corona effect on the culture there or was it not so much different happening in your day to day dealings? 


The lockdown in France has been in place since March 17th, and over the last 5 weeks here I’d have to say that wearing a protective mask to go grocery shopping, and figuring out ways to stay in shape while at home have been my biggest adjustments. 

Did you become more aware about how you handle yourself in public in terms of shaking hands and not being in the line of fire with somebody coughing Definitely. 

I bring hand sanitizer and a protective mask with me when I leave out from home, and I try to keep my distance from people when I’m out and about. For the last 2 games that we played at the beginning of March, we were advised to not shake hands with the referees, opposing players, or fans after the game. It was a really strange thing to adjust to. 

Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe. How disappointed were you about this and not being able to finish the season? 


It’s been a really tough reality to deal with. Really strange and unfortunate way to end the basketball season. It’s a shame that all the hard work done over the year can’t come to a complete and clear finish.

Before leagues were shut down there was a BCL game in Bonn against AEK Athens and a Fiba Europe Cup game in Bayreuth without spectators. What is your overall opinion of playing a game without fans? 

I understand that playing a game without fans would be strange, but if that was the only option available for competing then I think I would do it for sure. We play and compete daily in practice without fans anyways. 

What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person?

I’ve learned that there’s just always going to be things in life that happen unexpectedly, and you just have to focus on controlling what you can. I’ve also gained more perspective about things that are important to me in life, and I’m just happy to have my health at a time like this. 

Will it be a big adjustment having to start 3 months earlier with workouts and basketball skill development? What will be the advantages and disadvantages of this? 

I’ve been trying to compartmentalize this situation and relate it to something like having a season ending injury. There’s a longer road ahead now until we get to play games, and that itch to play is going to be very strong. There’s a lot of time now to recover, get stronger, work on our skills, study film, and be ready to go again when things clear up. 

The whole world economy is going to be affected including French basketball. How worried are you about the future of professional basketball. The next season will have many changes. How are you handling this mentally now not knowing what to expect? 

There’s so many unknown variables at the moment, and it’s hard to try and make sense of everything right now. At the moment I’m just trying to focus on doing what I need to do, and remain patient and optimistic about the basketball market for the upcoming season. 

How have you experienced the day to day life back home in the States? How has the Coronavirus affected your daily life? How have you been keeping in shape inside your home. Talk about the type of exercises and work out you have been able to perform inside your own 4 walls. 

I’m actually still in France at the moment. To stay in shape I’ve been going out for runs while wearing an elevation training mask, and at home I’ve been going out on my back patio and doing jump rope and lots of different body weight and resistance band exercises.

If you had to name another player besides guys from your team that you have been in most contact via Social Media who would it be? 

I’m often in communication with Filip Kramer, Shawn Ray, and Reger Dowell via social media. We were all teammates during my rookie season in Austria and have been close ever since then.

Let’s talk about your season in France. You had a 13-9 record and were 6th place in the France Pro B. How would you summarize your second season away from Germany? 


I’d say overall that this was a successful season. The club had finished 13th last season, and we were at 6th and really picking up more momentum heading towards the playoffs. I was able to carve out a big role within our team and string together some good performances throughout the season. 

Lille began the season well winning 3 of 4, then lost 6 of 9 games and then won 7 of 9 games. How confident are you that the club could have made a run in the playoffs? 


I feel like we were really starting to click as a team and figure out our identity, and it showed with winning 7 of our last 9 games. We had already won games against each of the top 4 ranked teams throughout season, and I really feel like we had what it takes to go deep in the playoffs.

Let’s talk about your teammates. How cool was it being teammates with ex BBL players Sherman Gay and Adika Peter-Mcneilly? How satisfying was it for you playing with them knowing that they were BBL players when you were a Pro B player in Germany? 


Those guys were great teammates and I enjoyed playing with both of them this season. They both came during the season as injury replacements and really gave our team a needed boost. With them both having recent BBL experience, it validated my belief that I can also play at the BBL level and perform well if I were given the opportunity. 

Let’s talk about your game. You played with so many different nationalities. How important do you feel was this for your overall game and how did your game profit the most? 


I think that my experience, having played in 4 different countries, has added a lot to my game and basketball IQ. I’ve been able to learn and add things to my game each season, and I think the ability to play in multiple different countries, with different styles and philosophies, shows an ability to fit and adapt to different teams’ needs at various levels. 

Two years ago in our last team interview you stated ‘Content is not a perspective I have as a basketball player. The goal is to always get better’. How do you feel is Mike Holton a better player today then in March 2018? 

Since March 2018, I’ve been able to be a part of 2 different teams having more successful seasons than the seasons they had before I got there. I think I’ve become a more consistent player and a better leader. 

In our last interview you stated that ‘Shooting is something that I’ve paid a lot of attention to over the course of my career with repetition and routine and, as long as basketball is played with a scoreboard, scoring will always be important. However, my learning curve this season has taught me that while getting good shots and the ability to score is an important skill set, true effectiveness can only come from team execution. My coaching staff and team put me in a position to get good shots and I play with a group of guys that executen’. Your shooting was near 40% the last two seasons. How do you rate your shooting development the last 2 seasons as you near your prime? 

I’ve been able to shoot the ball well in recent seasons, and I think this is due to understanding the types of reps and routines I need to have that work well for me. My aim is to continue improving for as long as I am able to play.

In our last interview 2 years ago you stated that ‘I don’t necessarily think that you have to get steals to play good defense. The most important thing to me defensively is to keep the ball in front of me and to limit the amount of times our defense gets rotated. My personal challenge defensively is to not give up straight line drives towards the basket. I want to limit the amount of possessions that I give up dribble penetration, which is always a challenge for anybody who is tasked with defending primary ball handlers’.: You may have had the best talent this season that you ever had as a professional. Did that extra added talent spark your defense? 


Iron sharpens iron. Competing on a daily basis in practice with and against great players has been great for me and I believe it has helped me to improve many areas of my game, including my defense. 

Last season you played with BC Zaporizhye-ZOG (Ukraine-Superleague) playing 38 games averaging 17.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 85.2%. How satisfying was it coming from German Pro B and having a great season in the first Ukrainian league?


It was an opportunity that I was ready and prepared for. I needed to pay my dues while playing in Pro B Germany, but I always knew that I could play and perform well at much higher levels. I still don’t believe I’ve reached my ceiling. 

You needed no adjustment time in the Ukraine. You scored 36 points in your third game. What do you feel was the secret to your success and being so consistent in a new league? 

Continuing to work on my craft, and being confident in my abilities has helped me to perform well on a consistent basis and that was evident during my season in Ukraine. 

How refreshing was it being teammates with American Kyndahl Hill? He has a similar path like you as he continues fighting his way up the basketball ladder. 


Kyndahl was a great teammate to have and it was fun playing together last year. I was happy to see that he had another great season. Year after year he is improving and showing consistently that he brings a lot to the table for teams. 

You had huge games in the playoffs. How do you feel did your game grow during the 3 playoff series? 

The playoffs have a very different atmosphere from regular season games. When you play a team up to 5 times in a row, scouting is at a high level and you still have to be able to perform well in spite of that. I gained more confidence in pressure situations in winning 2 playoff series last year and earning a medal for our team. 

What was your opinion of the Horse competition that the NBA did? If you had a choice what kind of new competition would you like to see the NBA create during the Coronavirus crisis?


I thought it was interesting and entertaining. Definitely better than not having any NBA content to consume. The NBA is really progressive and it was a smart move to keep fans engaged with the players. I see that they’re launching an NBA Players-Only NBA 2K tournament as well and I think that’s also a really smart move by them.

How bitter is it that the NCAA March Madness has been canceled? This tournament for some kids is the greatest time of their lives. What advice would you give that senior who worked hard for 4 years and would have had his one and only chance now?

It’s really unfortunate for those kids who were looking forward to the March Madness experience. I never experienced playing in the tournament myself, but I would tell those kids to not let the disappointment of not playing in the tournament define their season or their careers. If they were about to be a part of March Madness then that means they were part of a special team and season this year, and I’m sure the memories from that will last with them. Let the disappointment of not playing fuel them to manifest their next goals in life

. What was the last movie that you saw? 


The Irishman.

Thanks Mike for the chat.

DJ Woodmore is a 28 year old 190cm point guard that recently finished his fifth professional season and fourth with Morgenstern BIS Basket Speyer (Germany-ProB) playing 21 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 87.3%. He will play next season for SG Luetzel-Post Koblenz (Germany-ProB. In 2018-2019 13.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 71.6% in the Regionalliga. In his first two seasons with Speyer he averaged 14.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 72.1% and 17.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 76.4%. he played at Virginia Wesleyan College (NCAA3): form 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 20.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3% (219/435), 3Pts: 46.0% (91/198), FT: 76.9% (93/121). He spoke to egermanhoops.com during the coronavirus crisis

Hi DJ where are you at the moment and how is your current mood despite the world turmoil at the moment because of the out break of the Corona Virus?

At the moment I’m back home in Virginia Beach with my family. I returned at the end of March. It’s a bit weird coming home with everything being the way it is. Usually the first few weeks of the offseason are filled with catching up and hanging out with family and friends that I haven’t seen in months. But I haven’t had a chance to do any of that. But knowing that the people I’m closest to are healthy, makes the situation a little better for us. 

When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world?


Not at all. Never thought it would take over the world the way it is now. It’s the only thing everybody thinks and talks about. Almost impossible to have a single conversation without mentioning the virus these days. 

How did you experience the day to day life in Speyer? Are you still there as I know many Americans haven’t been able to go home yet? What things did you notice in the surroundings there that showed that life wasn’t normal?


Luckily I was able to fly home exactly one week after the season was canceled. Even though I wanted to stay in Speyer a while longer, being around my family during this outbreak just felt like the right thing to do for me. But in the time I was still in Germany, everything changed drastically. Once the supermarkets ran out of toilet paper and pasta (which I still don’t understand) that’s when I knew the situation was only going to get worse. 

Did you become more aware about how you handle yourself in public in terms of shaking hands and not being in the line of fire with somebody coughing. 

Absolutely. Here in Virginia, some stores have a rule that you cannot enter the store without a mask, or some kind of cover/protection over your mouth. I haven’t shaken hands with anybody in the month that I’ve been back home. Just trying to keep my distance at all times. 

Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe. How disappointed were you about this and not being able to finish the season? 

Extremely disappointed. Speyer had reached the Pro B playoffs for the first time in club history, and the league shuts down 2 days before the first playoff game. We had a chance to really make some noise in the first round and I think the team was feeling confident about our chances. But we’ll never know. 

Before leagues were shut down there was a BCL game in Bonn against AEK Athens and a Fiba Europe Cup game in Bayreuth without spectators. What is your overall opinion of playing a game without fans?


I think you have to look at it from two different sides. The Players just want to go out and compete. It would take a little adjusting to, but at the end of the day, athletes practice, train, compete all week without any spectators. It would be such a big deal for them once the game starts. From the Management side of things, its all about the money and security of the clubs. If the players step on the court, they want to get paid . And without the income from the ticket sales, fan shops, and sponsors, it makes it difficult. I completely understand both sides. Even though it sucks, managers and fans have to look out for long term success and safety of the players and clubs

What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person?

For me, not so much has really changed from my day-to-day approach. Just doing what I can to stay fit and ready for when things get back to normal again. I love that it has given me a chance to spend more time with the family. But the whole situation gives you a chance to see what’s really important and what’s not. What you can’t live without and what you can.

The whole world economy is going to be affected including Italian basketball. How worried are you about the future of professional basketball. The next season will have many changes. How are you handling this mentally now not knowing what to expect?

I’m actually a little worried to be honest. I think the thought of not being able to play for another year hurts to think about, but I’m also trying to stay as positive as I can in the situation. I think some countries are taking the right steps towards trying to get things back to normal quickly, while other countries might feel the effects of everything a little bit longer. 

If you had to name another player besides guys from Morgenstern Speyer that you have been in most contact via Social Media who would it be? 


Benedikt (Connor) Nicolay. We played a season together a few years ago and kept in contact ever since. Probably the person I talk to the most about basketball in Germany.

How has the day to day life been now in the States with the outbreak of the Coronavirus? Have you noticed any differences and are there any differences between the Americans and German people on how they are coping and handling themselves? 


Things in my area have been okay. Not the best but not the worst. Not very many cases of the outbreak considering how big the city is. I think German citizens are taking the rules a little bit more serious than the people here are. But that’s no surprise. I’m just thankful that the people in my city are taking care of themselves and others the best they can. 

How has your approach to family changed since the outbreak of Corona? What things have you seen yourself do that you may not have done before?

Nothing’s really changed too much these days for my family and me. I think we’re all just a little bit sick of being in the house all day long. I’m looking for any reason to get out of the house these days. Whether its working out, going to the super market, or driving around the city.

Let’s talk about your season with Morgenstern Speyer. It was a tough season for the club. I had this team as one of the favorites to win the pro B south. Is it fair to say despite some guys missing games due to injury that the team underachieved?


I think that’s very fair to say. It was a very frustrating season for us. I thought we had a legitimate chance to finish near the top of the league with the roster that we had. But things happen. 

The club won it’s first 4 games, but after that the team went 6-12. What happened from mid October until the end of the season that the club just couldn’t get something going as consistency was a huge problem. 


Injuries played a large part, but I still think with the guys we had on the court, we were good enough to win every game we played. I think after teams realized we weren’t just ‘another Regio team that moved up’ they started taking us a little bit more seriously each week.

A big problem was the defensive end. Why wasn’t the club able to create a sound identity here with so many experienced players on the team? 

I think our Pick and Roll defense was the problem this year. Our team actually played great 1on1 defense, but we were just missing a strong defensive presence during P&R situation, and teams took advantage of that all season.

This team remined me a bit of the 2008-2009 then BBL team Nordlingen team which by the way had your head coach on the team Carl Mbassa. They also had 4-5 guys averaging in double figures and had to rely on them much as the bench was thin. Did you see that problem with your team as well?


I don’t think our bench was too bad this year honestly. I thought we had a lot of different guys that brought different things to the table. But when 4 players average 35+ its hard for the others to get in a good rhythm when their number is called. 

Did you end the season with mixed emotions. You lost the last 2 games, but luckily slipped into the playoffs that weren’t played. Would anything have changed or do you feel like the club could of got something going against top pro B team Itzehoe?


Yes I definitely had some mixed emotions about the way the season ended. Like I said earlier, we really underachieved this year but I also think with the experience of the guys we had this year, we had a legitimate shot to beat anybody we played in the playoffs. It would have been tough for sure but I think we were up for the challenge.

The team had some nice wins like against Hanau 81-78. Was that the best and most memorable win of the season for Morgernstern BIS Baskets Speyer?

I think the double overtime win against Coburg was the most memorable this season for me. By far one of most exciting games I’ve played in during my career. The energy in the arena was amazing and for the game to go to 2OTs after two buzzer beaters, was absolutely crazy. 

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much of a pleasure was it playing with other Spanish point guard Jordi Salto. You guys are around the same age. How did his experience and Spanish style help your game on a daily basis learn new ounces of the game?


Jordi and I had been close for several years before I returned to Speyer last season. All admired his knowledge and understanding of the game. One of the most gifted passers I’ve ever played with in my life. I thought we instantly had chemistry when we stepped on the floor together in Regio a couple seasons ago. Unfortunately with the new Import rules in Pro B, we didn’t get a lot of time on the court together this season. But I still learned so much from him living and competing together each day. 

Talk about the experienced trio of Germans Tim Schwarz, Albert Kuppe and Dimitrj Kreiss. I don’t believe that there was a more experienced German trio in the whole Pro B. What did each guy bring to the table and which guy impressed you the most? 


Each of them brought something great to the club these last two years. When healthy Dima was easily the best on-ball defender in the league. Tim was easily the best shooter in the league and Albert was easily one of the best scorers in the league. The issue was just staying healthy. We needed each of them for our team to be as successful as possible. In the last two years, I think we only lost 3 games when all of them were healthy.

Let’s talk about your game. How proud were you of your season after being away from the Pro B for 4 years and last playing Regionalliga and Oberliga? You averaged 16.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 87.3%. How content were you of your season?


I was actually pretty content with how my season went individually. Like I said before, a lot of things were difficult because of the import rule in effect. We had two import guards and two import post players which makes it hard to get in a good rhythm, especially when only 2 of us were allowed to play together. That was extremely frustrating to say the least, but I think I played my role and did what I could in the time that I had. 

How tough was this season being able to put up consistent stats considering the team had a very dominant starting 5? How important was it especially this season with picking your spots and making the right play?

Extremely tough. We weren’t a very big team, so we needed to have Mich (Michael Acosta) in the game at all times. He was one of the most skilled post players in the league in my opinion. So when I was on the court with him, it was about trying to find that balance between being aggressive, and keeping him involved. Mich was such a great passer, it made it easier for me to get open shots because of all the attention he got when he catches it in the paint. 

You have always been a very good shooter, but this season had your best shooting season ever including going back to your college days. What was key for the big turnaround this season? Was it more reps and better shot selection or did you change mechanics?

Besides the work I put in during the offseason,I think the biggest key for me this year was shot selection. I think I finally got to a place in my game, where I could always get the shot that I wanted. So I didn’t have to ever force anything. If I had an open look at 3 I took it, but I also knew I could create the space I needed to get my shot off. Either mid-range or finishing around the rim. I played free and with a lot of confidence this season. 

You don’t seem to get any older on the court but getting older like fine wine. On what things do you concentrate the most on on the court as you get older? 


I appreciate that. I actually took a year off basketball to go back to school and coach before returning to Speyer. I think that added another year of fresh legs to my career. I think the focus is more on being efficient and smarter on the court instead of relying on my athleticism to get an edge. Now its about smaller details like footwork and preparation that create the edge.

What is the next step for you? Could you imagine remaining a Speyer lifer or could you imagine seeing a new country like you did with France a few years ago?


I absolutely love it in Speyer. They’ve given me the opportunity to start and restart my career. But as a competitor, I want to challenge myself to play at the highest level possible. Next season I hope to take the next step to Pro A and prove myself at that level. But I’m not opposed to playing in a new country. I’m always up for new challenges and experiences. That’s the only way I can grow as a player!

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the Pro B this season? 

I think between Adam Thoseby, Cameron Hunt, and Lamar Mallory, a lot of teams had their hands full this season. 

Luka Doncic had an amazing sophomore campaign. Is he a top 3 NBA player now?

Not yet, but he is well on his way. I think in a few years, he’ll be the face of the NBA.

Where were you when you heard about the death of Kobe Bryant. What kind of influence did he have on you during adolescence?

I was at a teammates house having dinner when we found out. It didn’t seem real at first, like some sort of prank. His death hit hard for about a week or so. He was a big inspiration to me. I used to watch highlights of his footwork, shooting form, and just overall skill set everyday. One of the best to ever pick up a basketball. 

How bitter is it that the NCAA March Madness has been canceled? This tournament for some kids is the greatest time of their lives. What advice would you give that senior who worked hard for 4 years and would have had his one and only chance now?


I really feel bad for the seniors who didn’t get to experience that. I don’t really have any advice to give those who had it taken away from them. I can only hope that they made the most of the time that they did have together with their teammates. Those were by far the best years of my life.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Equalizer and Equalizer 2. Only the classics these days.

Thanks DJ for the chat.