Jguwon Hogges is a 33 year old 173cm guard that completed his 6th professional season and sixth with SB DJK Rosenheim (Germany-Regionalliga). In his 6 seasons with SB DJK Rosenheim he never averaged less than 17,3ppg in a season. This past season he had one of his best statistical seasons playing 21 games averaging 22.7ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.4apg, 2.9spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 72.1%. Before turning professional he played at Oregon Institute of Technology (NAIA). He spoke to germanhoops.com during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Hi Jguwon 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?

I am currently in America with my family. I feel sorry for all the people who are affected by the Corona Virus. It has caused me to miss out on the game of basketball but this whole thing is bigger than basketball.

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

I did not know to be honest. I just thought it was much like the Ebola outbreak where it may affect some people. I never thought it would get to the scale of affecting the whole world.

How did you experience the day to day life in Germany 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?

I was actually sent home right before the big shut down and the travel ban was enforced. If I would have stayed I would have been alone in my apartment. I am glad that I was able to come and be with my family this time. I am a very social person so for me to only see a certain amount of people has been hard. Plus I can’t go in the gym so I have been having to find creative ways to workout and interact with people. 

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

I did, but I think that is common sense. No one wants to be sick.

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

I was disappointed, I really wanted to finish out the league. Our team has a couple of games that we needed to win to stay in the league, and I was sad that we did not get to face that challenge.

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?


In this instance I thought that was very dangerous and reckless. I understand they wanted to protect the fans, but what about the players. Ultimately the players and coaches and organizations drive the league so why put them in danger.

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


I have learned that some things are just out of your control and you have to roll with what is given to you.

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 like to give myself some time off normally away from basketball. I play a lot of golf and work on some project cars in my down time. Then I let my body tell me when it is time to start gearing up for the next season. This longer preseason will help me work on injury prevention and get my body ready for another season. The only disadvantage is not knowing when the leagues will start back up.

The whole world economy is going to be affected including German 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 really think it is going to be a lot different in the game of basketball for a while. I think it is going to take some getting used to when we do start playing again. Much like when Magic Johnson returned after contracting HIV. Some people will be ok with playing while others will be scared to catch something. It is just hard not knowing what can and can’t happen. There is just a lot of uncertainties at this moment. 

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 have just been keeping myself busy with a couple project cars and playing my bass guitar. The first couple of weeks I was required to stay home since I had flown from Germany so I did not work out. Now that I can go outside I do some running and small circuit training in my front yard. Lots of plyos and strength workouts.

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?

Peter Breitfeld

Let’s talk about the season of Rosenheim who finished in 13th place with a record of 6-16. How would you summarize the team season?

It was not a successful season record wise. We were young and I think the guys learned a lot being in the position that we were in this year and that is what is most important. Being able to take what we learned this year and apply it in the future.

The club began the season losing 5 of 6 games, then won 4 games in a row and then lost 11 of 12 games. How frustrating is it knowing this and why couldn’t the team have more successful moments during the season?


That is how basketball is sometimes. Like I said we were young this year and some of the guys had not had a full year in the 1st Reg, so it takes time to adjust to certain things. Most of those games we were in and just had a few mistakes here and there. So I do not see it as being unsuccessful, I see it as learning for our team.

In the 4 game winning streak the club showed steel of nerves winning 3 tight games. What did you enjoy most about the winning streak?

It was good to see the younger guys win at the level and validate that they could play there.

The team averaged 74 points and gave up 81 points. I personally think you were missing a couple more scorers to help score more points. How do you see that?

I think that we just could have been a little stronger on defense collectively as a team. We missed some assignments at critical parts of close games and that was the difference.

What was the season highlight? Possibly the exciting 77-76 victory over Jena 2?


Yeah that was a great game. We played well and our young guys really were tough on the road. We grinded that one out till the end.

Let’s talk about your teammates. Talk a little about the Marz brothers Jonas and Bastian. They play with the FC Bayern Munich youth teams and have been taking the long ride from Rosenheim to Munich to play the game they love for years. How have you observed their development in the last years?

It has been a pleasure to see the way they have grown as players. I got to coach Basti in his youth and he and his brother play hard and are exceptional talents.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 173cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would have to say Earl Boykins.

You finished your 6th season with Rosenheim and the club has finished in 10, 13,9,11,12 and 13th place. Is this a great example of when a team and coach like Bob Miller takes care of you, you don’t need to leave. Why do you keep coming back besides the magnificent landscape with the Bavarian alps?


I was blessed to be able to come and play for Sportbund and stay for as long as I have. The whole club has been a joy to be a part of. The club has been gracious enough to continue to want me to come back. I keep coming back because I love the club and the team and I want to set an example for the younger generation.

You have been a top guard in the German Regionalliga for 6 years. You must have had some offers from higher leagues. Or do you feel like you have been severely overlooked over the years?


That is tough. I understand that I do not pass the eye test. Most of the time I am the smallest guy on the court in stature but I try my best to make up for that size disadvantage with heart. So it is tough for teams from higher leagues to judge in the un measurable parts of the game. I think they want measurables, so when teams compare me with a player who is 189 cm and can do some of the things I can I think it is easy for them to go another route.

You have averaged 7,0rpg or more 4 times and averaged 8,0rpg the last two season’s. If you want to be a good rebounder at 173cm does effort at times outweigh skill and height in being able to get the rebounds?

Attention to detail/ desire are things I focus on when rebounding. This year my coach was on me about boxing out and it helped keep us in games this year.

Your turning 34 in September. Do you feel like your already past your prime? On what things are you working most on your game at this stage of your career?

I do not think I am past my prime. My body feels strong and I am healthy. So I continue to work on ways to ensure I stay healthy. I continue to work on all facets of my game. I think that is a problem for players as they get older. They work on one aspect of their game so much that other parts begin to suffer.

You produced a triple double this season against Vilsbiburg. You’re a guy who has produced double figures in rebounds and assists each season. What do you feel has kept you from achieving more triple doubles?

I am honestly not a true point guard, but this year it was easier to find open shooters. I think not having multiple weapons spotting up has kept that from happening more.

I couldn’t find the stats of the 2015-2016 season, but in your other 5 seasons with Rosenheim you scored in double figures in 136 games out of 143 games. What was your most memorable game in the 6 years?

My most memorable had to be the first win of my first season in Rosenheim. It was against Oberhaching and I made two freethrows with no time on the clock to win the game. It was the teams first Reg 1 win since moving up. 

You played at a NAIA school before turning professional. Have you always had that chip on your shoulder especially after being D-2 champion in 2008? How can you feel content with your career without always having to deal with the mental side of where you are?

Not a chip on my shoulder. More of a desire to prove to the people who said ‘ he is to small to play at the next level’ wrong. I have been hearing that my whole life. So every day I step on a basketball court it just drives me to be better and play bigger than I look.

Who was the toughest guy that you faced in the Regionalliga this season?

That is a tough one, but I would have to say Nick Freer.

You played at Oregon Tech (NAIA) winning the D-2 title in 2008. What memories do you still have of those great times?

I will always remember the times at OIT. There are so many memories that come to mind but I remember the fans and how I was treated at OIT. It is why I love Rosenheim so much, it has the same family atmosphere that OIT had.

How much of a pleasure was it playing with legendary head coach Danny Miles who had a 1043-437 lifetime record. How did he groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

I learned so much from Coach Miles. Things that I do not think I would have learned anywhere else. I still talk to him from time to time about basketball. The most important thing coach Miles did for me was prepare me to be a great person outside of basketball. Do things with integrity and you will go far in life. I try to bring that everyday on the basketball court.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Trenton Newton-Jones?

Me, sorry T – Newt!

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA?

Demarcus Nelson – NBA
Scott O’Gallagher – NBA D league 

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Peter Breitfeld
Andy Siverly
Stephan Hlatky
Josh Wetzler
Ryan Lancaster

Please produce your own personal NBA Mount Rushmore with 4 heads past or present?

Michael Jordan/Kareem Abdul Jabbar/ Lebron James/ Kobe Bryant
Honorable Mention: Larry Bird / Shaq

What is your general opinion with the debate between who is greater Michael Jordan or Lebron James?


I am biased to this question. I had two cousins play for the Bulls with Michael Jordan (Craig Hodges/ Corey Williams) so you know how I am going to vote. But Lebron is great in his own right and it his time to carry the league. Good luck to whoever has to take up the mantle after Lebron is done because between him and Jordan I don’t know what else can be done.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Bad Boys 4 Life

Thanks Jguwon for the chat.