Gorg Alhag (190-SG-97, college: Mayville St.) is a 23 year old 190cm guard from Mankato, Minnesota that is taking part at the 2021 Howard Hoops Combine in Germany. He began his college career at North Dakota State College of Science (JUCO) averaging 3.0ppg, 1.5rpg. He then played a year at Rochester Community & Technical College (JUCO) averaging 12.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 67.9%. He tehn finished at Mayville State University (NAIA) averaging 13.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 82.2%
as a junior and as a senior averaged 13.7ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 72.9%. He won two North Star tournaments at Mayville State University. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

Hi Miles, I am currently in Minnesota. Basketball life is treating me well. I’ve been able to get in and get my work in so that’s always a positive.

You finished school in 2019 and had a little professional experience with Team Auckland (Eurobasket Summer League in Chicago). Have you had a normal day job or have you focused 100% on basketball and having a professional career?

I currently have a job as a direct support staff with hours based around my workout schedule.

How big has your urge been to be a professional player since leaving school? You have professional experience. Why do you believe has it been so difficult to find job opportunities as a professional basketball player?

The urge has been huge. It has always been a dream of mine and I hope to achieve it. I believe it’s been tough because of covid, restrictions, and guys not being able to travel.

Let’s talk a little about COVID-19. What were the biggest challenges for you during this time? Was it tougher keeping that normal work out routine?

The biggest challenge would be not being able to get in everyday and get shots. During covid it was definitely tougher to get that workout routine in just because so many gyms were closed.

With everything that you have experienced during COVID-19 off the court how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?

I learned to be more patient and trust the process of what I am trying to achieve.

You will be taking part at the Howard Hoops Combine in Germany in August. How excited are you to show your abilities in front of GM’s and coaches?

I am very excited. I have been waiting for this even since September so it has been a while, but I feel like I am as ready as ever now.

How excited are you to be playing in Germany? What do you know about the country and it’s basketball? Have you had friends or ex opponents or teammates play there?

I don’t know much about the country but I do know a little about the basketball in Germany. I watch highlights here back home of the BBL league daily.

How did you get in contact with Howard Hoops Combine founder Ron Howard? Did you meet him in a gym in Minnesota?

I met Ron through my head coach at my university and we connected right away. I’ve trained with Ron in the twin city area.

Ron Howard is a legend. He is the voice for the unknown players wanting to get a job overseas. What kind of relationship do you have with him and what do you appreciate most about his character.

I have a good relationship with Ron. He’s a humble guy and I appreciate what he does for me I appreciate the time and effort he puts into things that he cares about.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 190 cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

If I had to compare myself to an NBA player I would say like a Kendrick Nunn/Dennis Schroder. I can score when needed and facilitate but also get after you defensively

Talk a little about your game. You can do a lot like score, defend, fly with your athleticism and lead a team. What would you say is your biggest strength on the court?

I would say my biggest strength on the court would be playmaking. I am a good read and react guard who can handle the ball so making plays is a strength on mine.

How much pride do you take on the defensive end? Do you feel like you could be that lock down defender at the professional level?

I take a lot of pride on the defensive end. My last year at Mayville I was runner up for DPOY. Defense is all effort and heart

You shot the ball pretty well in your last two years of school at Mayville State. Do you feel like you could make that next step at the pro level as a shooter?

I can be an effective shooter at the next level. Since graduating I have been working a lot on mt shooting and I know it has improved.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most so you can continue to grow as a player?

The area of my game I am working on the most is in the post. I feel as if I can be an effective posting guard with my length.

You began your college career at North Dakota State College of Science (JUCO) playing 8 games averaging 3.0ppg, 1.5rpg. How difficult was that first JUCO year? Players always tell me that JUCO is a very tough league to play in.

My first year of JUCO was difficult just because I wasn’t patient and wanted to play right away coming out of high school. We had a great team, which was older so I didn’t get as much playing time. It was difficult for me as a person but we were winning, and that’s all that matters.

In your second JUCO year you blossomed at Rochester Community & Technical College (JUCO) playing 29 games averaging 12.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 67.9%. How do you feel like did your game grow that year?

My second year I had more freedom which played a huge part. The coach trusted me out there and that’s what built my confidence.

You finished your last two years at Mayville State University (NAIA) averaging 13.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 82.2% and as a senior averaging 13.7ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 72.9%. What steps did your game take in your last two years?

My last two years I really wanted to become that team leader. I wanted us to win and everyone to be happy while doing it. As for my game, I had a coach who trusted in my work and allowed me to be free which helped me blossom.

You won the North Star tournament in 2018 and 2019. Talk a little about both runs and which one was sweeter?

‘Winning the NSAA was great. Makes it even better when you win back to back. The first one was definitely sweeter just because it was my first season at Mayville, and we were predicted to finish last. The second run I felt was for the new guys on the team who haven’t experienced winning in college yet. It was still a great feeling just not like the first time around.

How did head coach Darren Tighe groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach taught me a lot, not just about basketball but life in gerenal. He always held me accountable and told me to always do things right the first time. He pushed me to work hard everyday and never let me settle for less.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Daniel Lindgren?

Dan is a good player but 1 on 1 I got him.

Who was the best player that you ever battled that went to the NBA?

Not sure.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Dan Lindgren, Marco Green, Max Cooper, James Batemon, Akeem Smith

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Jordan, Magic, Lebron, Kareem

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player in my opinion.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Misfits

Thanks Gorg for the chat