Andew Tiller is a 173cm point guard that was born in Sumpter, South Carolina and grew up there. He played at Morris College (NAIA) playing 10 games averaging 8.5ppg, 1.3apg, FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 30.2%, FT: 75.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I currently reside in Columbia SC, There are more open gyms here then they are in Sumter SC so I really play against good competition when I can.

You haven’t found a professional team since finishing at the University of North Georgia (NCAA2). How was the whole process for you in the last year trying to find a club or did you postpone it because of the difficulties with COVID?

I was at Morris College when COVID-19 came along. Ever since the school has been closed so I’m looking for another revenue to do besides school ball. Hopefully overseas!!

How big has your urge been to be a professional player since leaving school? Why do you believe hasn’t your dream of being a professional player panned out?

Ever since I saw my good friend Ja Morant make it to the professional stage it just gave me a big chip on my shoulder like man that could have been me! But I made some bad decisions throughout my career off the court that made me have a setback for a while!

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

I was incarcerated during COVID-19 so I really didn’t get to see the whole quarantine thing but while I was incarcerated I did what I could and managed to gain a lot of weight.

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

It gave me a lot of discipline and more aware of health issues also it taught me to be patient

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’m very extremely excited I think about the combine every day I feel like this is my last opportunity to really make it to the next level without having to go back to school!

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 never been to Germany before so it’s an experience that I can’t wait to endure! I love to travel to different places and see new things

How did you get in contact with CEO and founder Ronald Howard (181-PG-84, college: Mayville St.)? Did he find you or did you find him?

I found coach Ron on Instagram I saw he posted about the combine and looked into it and he’s been a great help so far

Ronald 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.

He’s an upfront guy he keeps it plain simple and to the point! I wished we had more men like him trying to give athletes opportunites

What is your biggest goal at the Howard Hoops Combine besides getting a job overseas?

Show off my talent. I take pride in this game!

How big is the chip on your shoulder? You have played at the NAIA level, but surely believe you can play at a higher level. How do you balance that chip on your shoulder?

It’s just like a waiting game. You have to wait your turn so flowers take a little longer to blossom

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 173 cm guard that is a sharp shooter, can facilitate and gets the team going. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would compare my game to Allen Iverson and Klay Thompson. I feel like I’m a smooth shifty guard that loves the three point

What other strengths do you have on the offensive end? What would you classify as your absolute biggest strength on the court?

My court awareness and IQ

How much passion do you take on the defensive end? You are a great full court defender. Do you feel that you can raise your defensive game at the next level?

I’ve been always taught to guard my man full court man to man since high school. That’s what won us a state championship at Sumter High School in 2015

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

Getting to the basket and finishing on bigger defenders and also learning how to keep that switch on when I’m playing I tend to get lazy when I could still be killing.

You played at Morris College (NAIA). What kind of an experience was that for you? What was your fondest moment there?

I loved playing at Morris I was right at home and I got a chance to meet new players and coaches My favorite moment is the first game of the season it was a packed gym at home and I went for 24 pts. And wasn’t in the starting line up.. I just was going thru a lot so when I got that chance to prove myself I did.

How did head coach Clarnece Houck groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He taught me to not be scared to shoot the ball I used to be very hesitant at scoring but one game he told me if I don’t shoot he’s taking me out. Ever since then I gained a trigger finger lol

Who won a one on one in practice you or Demetrius Knox?

We use to go at it in practice the battle would go both ways but he got the best of things lol I love playing against him and with Demetrius he taught me a lot as well, already being that he had experience playing in college already.

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

Ja Morant . He went to crest wood high and I went to Sumter we were crosstown rivals. I knew he was going to the league when he grew like 6 inches in one summer never seen that before. My greatest game against him was when we went into 4 overtime’s with a sold out crowd we won the game with the clutch free throws I hit. I had 16 points in Overtime I didn’t score at all during the 1-4th quarter but he still ended up having like 47 points lol that was crazy.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Raymand Johnson, Isiah Moore, Andreus Ramsey, Demetrius Knox, Cedric Rembert

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

Micheal Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Ja Morant

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

Mike

What was the last movie that you saw?

Space Jam 2

Thanks Andrew for the chat.