Jaleen Smith is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Freeport, Texas that is playing his fourth professional season and second with the MHP Riesen currently averaging 15,7ppg, 5,2rpg, 5,5apg and 1,8spg. Last season he played 28 games averaging 10.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 82,8%. In 2018-2019 he played with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA) averaging 12,7ppg, 3,9rpg and 2,7apg. In his rookie season with New Hampshire (NCAA) from 2013-2017 where he played a total of 120 NCAA games. He improved his scoring, rebounding and assists average each season and as a senior he played 32 games averaging 15.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.1%. He spoke to eurobasket after the tough 81-78 loss in game 3 against FC Bayern Munich.

Thanks Jaleen for talking to eurobasket.com. You experienced a tough 81-78 loss in game three against FC Bayern Munich. Now you have your backs to the wall down 2-1. Is it a strange feeling being in a situation like this that you have never seen this season?


This is a new situation for us at the moment but I feel like well come out like we did against Bamberg with our backs against the wall and come out and hoop.

It was a very tight first half. What do you feel was missing for the Riesen to get over the hump and get the better lead in the first half?

We just missed the extra run we needed to close out that first half. You look at the game and we had them but we never took advantage that much.

The MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg played tough in the third quarter, but allowed FC Bayern Munich to get away. Wade Baldwin and Vladimir Lucic were really thorns in your side. How instrumental was their overall offense on this night?

The third quarter was the difference in the game and they played super aggressive and we wasn’t ready for it. They just couldn’t miss a shot and they got anything they wanted.

In the fourth quarter FC Bayern Munich was able to break away and lead by as much as 13 points. What was crucial for them getting over the hump and getting away?

Their aggressive difference changed the game for them. Plus the ability to make shots was the turning point in the game.

The MHP Riesen never gave up. As you kept grinding and getting close it was Vladimir Lucic who hit big shot after big shot. If you’re the easyCredit BBL MVP then isn’t Lucic the MVP of FC Bayern Munich?

Anytime they need a basket they would go to him and he delivers every time for them.

The MHP Riesen never gave up. The fight the club gave was incredible. How key is this mentality as you prepare for game four in Munich?

We just have to come out with an aggressive attitude and be ready to fight another game to live another day.

Talk about the importance of American Jonah Radebaugh? This guy has made incredible strides in the playoffs.

He has been amazing during the playoffs. Showing he can defend multiple positions and his ability to knock down shots. The way he found his confidence is great.

You had another incredible game of 29/8/7, but 5 turnovers. Does the fact that you have the ball in your hands so much help sooth the 5 turnovers? There is no player that has the ball in their hands as much.

That comes with the responsibility but some of my turnovers were careless which I didn’t like for myself I defiantly have to clean that up to give us a chance to win.

How vital is it for you to find the right mentality so you can close out the series in consistent fashion?

We just have to play our game and fight every possession through out the game and we will have a shot at winning it.

How do you prepare on an off day in Munich? Do you get up more shots in practice or do you watch extra film on Munich players

I do more recovery stuff because of the short window we have between games. I try to get my body to 100% as much as possible to be ready for the next game. I watch film a little more to learn players tendencies and what they like to do also.

The Washington Wizards lost in the playoffs. Will this loss put another dent in Russell Westbrook’s resume for putting up insane stats but not getting his team to win?

Just for that Washington team to get to the playoffs is crazy. They way he puts up stats was one of the reasons they made the playoffs but the stats don’t matter in playoffs if you don’t win. I don’t think this will dent his career moving forward.

How high can one place a Nikola Jocic for his effort with the Denver Nuggets with a very thin supporting cast. This guy is playing like a MVP

. In my Opinion, he is the MVP of the league. We does a little bit of everything. I also see his team making it into the NBA Finals out of the Western Conference.

What’s wrong with the Lakers. They are down 3-2. Will there be discussions again about Lebron James with the haters should they bow out?

Of course there will be a discussion about it. We always talk about it with LeBron but the way his career has gone its just another bump in the road for him.

Thanks Jaleen for the chat.