Shavar Newkirk is a 24 year old 183cm guard from the Bronx, New York that played his second season in Germany with FC Schalke 04 (Germany-ProA) averaging : 13.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 78.2%. Last season as a rookie with FC Schalke he averaged 15,4ppg, 4,2rpg, 2,8apg and 1,5spg. He began his basketball career at Cardinal Heyes HS /Bronx, NY. In 2014 he began his NCAA career with St.Joseph’s (NCAA) playing 31 games averaging 3.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.3apg. In his sophomore season with St.Joseph’s (NCAA) he played 37 games averaging 8.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 73.8%. In his junior season at St.Joseph’s (NCAA) he played 12 games averaging 20.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 84.7%. In his senior year with St.Joseph’s (NCAA) he played 32 games averaging 17.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 76.4%.He spoke to germanhoops.com and his current basketball situation.

Shavar thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

Hello Miles, thank you for talking with me . I am currently in Egilssttaoir, Iceland with Hottur basketball club. The basketball life is treating me pretty well thus far, I have been able to travel to different places in the world and meet wonderful people while playing the game that I love

The last time we spoke, you reported what you had experienced with COVID-19 at the start, but let´s rewind a bit and go back to the long summer. How did you experience the first few months in New York? New York was one of the worst places to be at in the States

It has been a very long summer. Luckily I was fortunate enough to get into a private gym and still be able to work on all aspects of my game on and off the court . Due to New York being shut down, I got to enjoy my family during that time.

There are many professional players from the metropolitan area. Did you have the opportunity to trade stories about COVID-19 or even find ways to work out? How much of a challenge was it working out and finding basketball time during COVID-19

I was blessed to be able to connect with personal friend and trainer Jason Cole. It was dope, he was able to get a lot of the top tier New Yorkers past and present to compete in the gym and get better each and everyday. I worked out with Joe Tousiannt( Iowa university), Clive Allen(Former Cardinal Hayes star) , Isaiah Washington( Long Beach University) and Mike Williams( Hemel Hempstead in London ) just to name a few. Covid have pushed everything back for professionals and college players allowing players to have a longer summer to work on their skills .

Did you find your self taking up new kinds of ways of staying in shape? Some guys made their living rooms into gyms or ran in underground parking lots. How was it for you?

I was able to get into a great private facility and get in the weight room and use the equipment there to stay in top condition

How do you feel were you able to get your game the best benefit during COVID-19, that you felt helped you be able to keep getting better despite the challenges?

I was able to work on my endurance, to help me allow to play at a high rate for a longer period of time. I got to improve my jump shot and put up countless shots.

With everything that you experienced off the court, how do you feel did you become stronger as a man during COVID-19

During Covid , I picked up a few skills to expand my intellect. I learned how to trade foreign currency with this program called “Forex”. I learned how to finally make myself a few decent meals because I lacked skills in the kitchen

It was no secret that COVID-19 would change the whole transfer period and money would go down. A player like yourself before COVID-19 would never have signed in Iceland. What did you learn in this period?

I learned in this period that many job opportunities wouldn’t come and I would have to leap to the opportunity to provide for my family and I.

You did sign in Iceland with Hottur scoring 24 points in a loss. Was your signing in Iceland in an indication of just how difficult the basketball market is during COVID-1)

My signing in Iceland was a chance to showcase my skills and continue to make money during the harsh times of Covid.

Recently you were released. What kind of short experience did you have in Iceland and why was your stay so short?

My stay in Iceland was pleasant , I got to visit the hot springs and The Blue Lagoon. The people are were very pleasant and I got to connect with a great group of guys that showed me the true definition of a team

You had 2 very strong seasons in Germany with FC Schalke. The logical choice would be to return. Could you imagine going back to that team should an injury or release happen?

Schalke are no longer a basketball club. If the opportunity presents itself for me to go back to Germany, I would gladly take it .

The German Pro A and Pro B leagues are still operating. Would you be willing to play in the Pro B for less?

Yes I will be willing to play in Pro B for less. I will be able to play and continue to showcase my skills and add to my resume that can help me in the future

With COVID-19 having struck and effected the whole world, are you aware of what you once had as a player and where you would like to be again? How hungry are you to get back on the court?

With Covid being here, I am well aware of how blessed I am and fortunate to continue to do what I love . I am extremely hungry to get back on the court and show what I have and what I got to prove .

Thanks Shavar for the chat.