Frank Bartley IV (190-G-94, college: La-Lafayette, agency: BeoBasket) is a 27 year old 190cm guard from Baton Rouge that completed his third professional season and first with medi Bayreuth averaging 14,3ppg, 2,7rpg, 2,4apg and shot 32% from outside. He played his first two professional season in Canada with the Saint John Riptide (Canada-NBL Canada) averaging 19.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 82.0% and last season played with Carramimbre CBC Valladolid (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 16.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.1apg, Steals-5 (1.5spg), FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 67.5%. He began his basketball career at Brigham Young University (NCAA) in 2013 and played 64 NCAA games and then finished at the University Louisiana at Lafayette (NCAA) playing 64 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 18.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 86.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 99-95 win in Goettingen.

Frank thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the big 99-95 win on the road against BG Goettingen. How proud are of the guys for finishing the season with a 4 game winning streak?

I’m so proud of how the guys won in Goettingen and how they finished the season. This was a very crazy season. We were so up and down. To be able to finish the season on the road on a good note speaks for the resilience of the team.

How tough was it watching that 41 point first quarter explosion from BG Goettingen? Did you ever see a display of offense in your career like that against a team you played?

Yeh I did see this actually this season as teams made shots against us. They made a lot of three’s. Dawkins lit up the first half. They played very good team ball and made open shots.

What adjustments did medi Bayreuth make in the next two quarter allowing only 31 points?

We just found a way to get the job done. We switched things up on defense with full court press and zone and took them out of their rhythm. We were more aggressive on defense and rebounded the ball very well. It also helped that we made shots.
BG Goettingen fought all game, but would you agree that the medi Bayreuth consistent offense for 40 minutes got you the win?

Yes I think so. Minus the first quarter, I think that we stuck to our offense and made many shots. Important was also that every one pitched in and stepped up. Tiby, Doreth and Olisevicius made big shots that helped us secure the win.

Matt Tiby said that David Walker is the team’s hidden gem. He only scored 5 points, but his three at the end of the game was the biggest shot of the game.

David is a baller. I have to agree with Matt that he is our hidden gem. He is our most athletic player and one of our best defenders. He does so much that isn’t seen on the stat sheet. He has been shooting the ball with a lot of confidence. He didn’t shoot so much tonight, but he made the shots when we needed them.

The club was strong on the offensive glass and took care of the ball well. What strength do you feel was a bit off the radar?

We always have known what were capable of as a team. We just sometimes weren’t able to show it this season. Our chemistry has been pretty good this season. When we play hard for long periods of time, then we are hard to beat. I thought we played hard for three quarters tonight.

Medi Bayreuth found it’s groove at the end. This team was a lot better than it’s record. How would you summarize the team’s season best?

It was definitely a special season. It was a type of season that we had never seen before. We can be very grateful for having a group of guys that really went through so much like being quarantined, then coming out and finding a rhythm. That’s shows the resilience of the team. We lost some games and had downs and we could of quit, but came back and were in the playoff picture. We fought hard all season long and wanted to end the season strong for our fans and ourselves. We didn’t leave anything on the table.

Which player do you feel was the most improved player on the team?

I felt that our most improved player was Kay Bruhnke. He battled injuries early and had school and didn’t play much. He never quit, but stayed with it. Some young players who don’t play get frustrated which messes with their attitude and work ethic, but he never showed that. He came to work each day and we saw the results in his growth in games. He got better with time and has a crazy future ahead of him.

Let’s talk about your game. You averaged 14,3ppg, 2,7rpg, 2,4apg and shot 32% from outside. How content were you with your game?

This was probably the hardest season for me. This was my first time in the BBL and I had personal goals for myself. I wanted to accomplish things, but couldn’t. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and enjoyed every moment. My season was Ok, but not great. I know what I have to work on this summer. I need to work on my three pointer and being more consistent and efficient.

After leading the Spanish Leb Gold, you made a new step in a higher league. How do you feel did your game grow this season?

I think key this season was learning how to play with better players. I learned to find my spots well and take good shots and improved on reads.

You have put up very consistent stats in Canada, Spain and Germany. What is your secret to being so consistent?

I was proud how I played this season, but I hold myself to very high standards. I know that I can score with the best at any level. I’m just a very confident player. Moving forward I need to improve my shot selection and shooting at a higher clip.

Who was the toughest guard that you battled this season in the easyCredit BBL?

The best player that I played against was Wade Baldwin. He is one of the best on ball defenders in the BBL. He really made me work.

Chris Paul recently passed Magic Johnson for fifth all-time in assists. Where do you rank him with the best point guards all-time despite never having won a ring?

CP is top 5.

Where do you see the journey going with Jayson Tatum who recently scored 60 points? Is he a top 10 player in the NBA now?

Tatum and Doncic will be the top players in the future. They aren’t even close at their peak. They are still getting better. Both are top 10 and have bright futures.

Dino Radja recently said he couldn’t see Russell Westbrook leading a team in Europe to success. Do you agree?

No not at all. That’s crazy. He took the Wizards to a ninth place. People think that it’s normal for him to get triple doubles, but it’s really hard to do that. I believe that he can go anywhere and win. He has the drive to win.

Draymond Green recently said he is the best defender of all-time. Do you agree?

No I don’t agree. He is top five though.

Have you seen the Coming to America sequel? It has had mixed reviews. Shouldn’t they just have left it alone?

I think so. There are some classics that aren’t to be messed with. I guess that they needed to make one for the modern day.

Thanks Frank for the chat.