Arcaim Lallemand (198-F-96) is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Naples, Florida. He will be taking part at the 2021 Howard Hoops Combine in Germany in August. He began his basketball career at Golden Gate High School. He then played at Eastern New Mexico University (NCAA2) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 92 games. He best year was his junior year where he averaged 7.6ppg, 5.6rpg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 66.7%, FT: 73.3%. As a senior he averaged 5.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 11.1%, FT: 75.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Arcaim thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

Hello Miles, Thank you for having me. I am currently in south Florida and basketball has been slower than I am used to but always been good to me.

You finished school in 2019 and had professional experience in Mexico. Have you had anormal day job or have you focused 100% on basketball and having a professional career?

Well, I am 100% percent focused on having a professional career. But I have been working with Special Olympics Florida and while working towards more schooling I took on a job doing Cabinetry.

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

I think I am as anxious as one can be to be back in a professional setting. I believe that Mexico sometimes does not get the respect it deserves as far as basketball goes internationally, although there is a lot of talent there. So that added to the fact that I replaced a player midseason. It is humbling but understandable how a club could hesitate.

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

I think COVID was tough on all of us. I completely was taken out of my daily routine and had to adjust. Not only were gyms closed but park rims were removed and gates onto courts were locked. I had to get creative with my workouts in my yard and just keep in mind what I was working towards.

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 think during that time I was able to learn a lot and work on mental toughness. I found new hobbies and ways to challenge myself which I think will help in the long run.

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?

Extremely excited. I truly love to play basketball so just this opportunity is crazy but to I know I will be surrounded by some of the biggest basketball clubs and names in international hoops is a blessing.

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 have been doing some research on Frankfurt’s Art and culture so I am excited to see some of that, but I loved what I’ve learned so far about German culture and can’t wait to experience it. Two good friends and teammates of mine Chukuka Emili and Andre Hughes

What has it been like for you coming in contact with Howard Hoops Combine CEO Ron Howard?. How blessed are you to know this gentleman

He is an Awesome guy who has a lot of knowledge and big heart. I am super appreciative of him and what he is helping me accomplish. We have kept in touch regularly since first connecting. This will be my first time meeting him in person which makes this more special.

Let’s talk about your game. You are a 198cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

That would be tough because I am not sure if there is a player built like me. Respectfully. Players I model my game after Rudy Gay, DeMar DeRozan and Paul George.

Talk a little about your game. Your athletic and can play above the rim and guard multiple positions. What other strengths does your game incorporate?

Well, I can shoot the ball pretty well and I have fun passing the ball. I think a big assist can get a team going just as much as a dunk or a three sometimes.

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 think I give problems on the defensive problems for any matchup. Setting the tone defensively is very important I feel like everyone can score but not everyone wants to sit in a stance.

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

I have been working on picking my spots and making reads to make those openings possible. I think a big thing at the professional is knowing what shots you can get are not always the shots you want.

You played at Eastern New Mexico University (NCAA2) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 92 games. Talk about your time there and what was your fondest experience? As a junior you had a huge game against Cameron with 20/11 stats in a 70-67 win. Was this one of your best games at the NCAA 2 level?

I think It was my favorite game just to come in and steal a conference game. Not to mention I gave trouble on both sides of the floor.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Chukuka Emili?

Well, me of course! Kidding, but it would usually come down to heat up from three first, Chu was another High IQ athlete/ defender so we would not let each other get to any of our spots.

You also have had professional experience in Mexico. What kind of experience was that getting your feet wet at the pro level?

I would say it was interesting to say the least. I had great teammates and a coach who believed in me a ton and was able to go against great talent and prove I belong.

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

John Collins was a strong talent even when I faced him in AAU. He has had all his game and the only difference is he was a lot heavier.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time.

Jonathan Isaac Jeffercy Jean Chris Wyms Lawrence Domingo Chukuka Emili

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

Lebron, Magic Johnson ,Jordan, Bird, Julius Irving

What is your personal opinion of the never-ending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

I think it is two players that are great beyond their times. I think they both dominated their era’s no matter which one you put them in. I believe if Lebron gets one ring he might be the ‘GOAT.’

What was the last movie that you saw?

Fast and Furious 9! Great movie, love the actions and the driving scenes. It could not me driving like that though!

Thanks Arcaim for the chat.