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

DJ congrats on the massive 71-70 victory over the EN Baskets Schwelm. How refreshing was it coming back from the disappointing loss against Giessen and winning at home?

Thank you !! Definitely a breathe of fresh air for a short amount of time. I think it’s been a theme that everybody wins at home in these playoffs, so we didn’t want to be the first to change that. But now we have to focus on breaking that when we go to Itzehoe.

Coach Rodriguez had a bizarre starting 5 with Germans Lieser and Mayer and Chad Wellian. What kind of dynamic did this starting five give you?

I thought that 5 was designed to get us off to a strong defensive start. I thought they did a great job of bringing us energy from the jump. And the guys that came in later, were able to sustain it!!

The contest was dead locked at 31-31 at the break. Was this typical playoff basketball? Why couldn’t anytime get away from one another?

Yes, it was a typical playoff game. I thought we could have made a run in the first half, but we couldn’t get going offensively. I thought we played a little too slow and playing to cautious. But we’re able to change it a bit in the 2nd half.

The EPG Baskets picked up their defense. What was key in how you defended in comparison to the Giessen game?

We knew that we had to do a good job with Scott, which I thought we did for 3 quarters. He runs the entire show, and they go as he does. Giessen was a bit more dynamic because they caused a few matchup problems we didn’t like. We liked our match up against Schwelm.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz took the lead in the third quarter, but couldn’t totally get away. You did a good job on Montrael Scott limiting him to 14 points, but couldn’t contain Anell Alexis. What made it so tough to keep him in check?

Alexis started out hot by hitting his first 3 threes. We knew he was capable by we didn’t want to panic because of it. We wanted someone else to beat us besides Scott and we were able to contain almost everyone else. If we cut down on turnovers and offensive rebounds, we probably pull away much quicker.

Chad Wellian hit the winner with 34 seconds as you made the assist. How good was it seeing him make the winner. His playing time has suffered with the depth that the team has.

Great, I knew he’d be ready to step up and knock it down. He’s struggled with adjusting since the addition of the new players but we all know what he’s capable of and him hitting that shot was just a small taste. He’ll be ready for Itzehoe for sure.

How nerve wracking were the last seconds as Schwelm had two chances to win the game. Does this type of ending give added self-confidence on the defensive end?

Not too nerve wrecking. I thought we played it smart, taking a foul because we had one to give, switching the inbounds to have a taller defender contesting the shot of Scott. But we have to find a way to come up with the long rebound. I’ll take it though.

How big was Calvin Oldham tonight? He had 10 points and 8 rebounds and continues to be that glue guy every game.

He’s a game changer. Offensively and Defensively. He takes the assignment. Doesn’t complain and gives us positive energy for 40 minutes. We need him on the court at all times and he never fails to make huge plays when needed to!

You had a 11/5/7 game and shot under 40%. I can imagine after a win like this that is what your most happy about even if the shots weren’t falling like usual.

Not so much. I’m not so concerned with percentages in these playoffs. I’m just here to do what I can to get the win. If it’s scoring one game, then I’ll bring it. Maybe defense another day, or assisting on another. All about the win.

What will be key to winning next game against Itzehoe?

Itzehoe will the be the last game and we have to drive 6+ hours to play them in their home gym. We have to contain Hooper and keep the other guys guessing all night. I think we match up well offensively. But they could cause some problems for us because of their size. It should be great game.

Gonzaga battles Baylor in the NCAA final. Who will take it all this year in March Madness?

I actually don’t want them to have an undefeated season. They’ve been cruising all season long, and I think this Baylor team is a little different than the competition they’ve seen all year. I can imagine them winning it. I’m taking Baylor this year.

Thanks DJ for the chat.