DJ Woodmore (190-SG-92, college: VWU) is a 29 year old 190cm point guard that is playing his first season with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. Last season with Morgenstern BIS Basket Speyer (Germany-ProB) he played 21 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 87.3%. 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): from 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). Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and DJ Woodmore team together each week to talk basketball.

Thanks DJ for talking to germanhoops.com. What were you thinking most about the loss to Dresden on the long ride home?

How bad our starts always seem to be when we play a tough opponent. The games we should come out with energy and intensity are the games where we lack it the most in the first half. We have to find a way to change that.

After the win over Speyer, the team officially made the playoffs. Despite the loss to Dresden, can you say the team is slowly making positive strides towards the playoffs?

Yes, I think we’re making steps in the right direction. It’s been pretty difficult to find that chemistry with the new players because that naturally happens over time. But slowly it’s coming along.

The Dresden Titans had a very strong first half leading 48-35. What gave the EPG Baskets Koblenz the biggest problems on defense?

Just keeping our man in front of us. 1 on 1 defense was terrible in the first half. Too many wide open drives to the basket and not enough help side defense. 2nd half we picked it up and it made it extremely tough for them to score.

The EPG Baskets made a furious comeback in the fourth quarter. What adjustments did you make on the defensive end?

Just playing with a sense of urgency. We knew we could compete with this team, but for some reason we decided to wait until there was no other choice. If we play the first half the way we played the fourth quarter, we come away with a win.

What did you like about the team play most in the fourth quarter?

It showed again that we stay together during hard times. I think that’s what I liked the most. With all the challenges we’re constantly facing, everybody stayed together for the common goal. I think that will be important as we move into the playoffs.

You were down 79-76 with 15 second to play. Is there anything the team could have done better tactically in this phase to get closer?

No. Not really. I thought their coach made the smart play by fouling us before we had a chance to run an offensive and tie the game. We only converted 1-2 free throws and that put them in a great spot to secure the game. Even if we make both free throws, we’re still in a position to foul and give them the ball back.

Philipp Liesser had a good game with 17 points. What does he give the guard rotation that it didn’t have before?

He brings good size at the guard position. He creates mismatches with his size and skill. And when his shot is going, he’s extremely hard to defend.

You had a tough shooting day with only 5 points on 2/8 shooting. Could you take anything positive from your game?

Not really. Wasn’t my day offensively at all. Trying to adjust to another new role after integrating the new players. But I’ll figure it out and be better Saturday!!

The next game is against top team Giessen. Koblenz won the first meeting in dramatic fashion 82-80 on the road. They are a much better team. What will be key this time to getting the victory?

Stopping their 3 main guys!! If we can make it tough for one or two of their key players, I think we have a good chance. Their offense runs entirely through their bigs so it’s going to be a scrappy defensive game.

The reactions to Coming To America 2 haven’t been great. You can’t beat the original. Is this a movie that you will watch?

Agreed. It’s always hard to beat the original. Especially after so long between movies. But I’ll definitely check it out when I get some time. Would be nice to see it in theaters but doesn’t look like that will happen anytime soon.

Thanks DJ for the chat.