Daniel Norl (191-SG-95, college: Omaha) is a 26 year old 188cm guard from Clarksville, Tennessee that completed his third professional season and second with PS Karlsruhe averaging 12.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 73.0%. In his first season with PS Karlsruhe he averaged 10.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 76.6% He scored 26 points against Nurnberg and 23 points against Paderborn. As a rookie he played with Cheshire Phoenix (United Kingdom-BBL) playing 32 games averaging 13.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 73.4%. He began his basketball career at Eastern Kentucky (NCAA) playing 9 game averaging 1.3ppg. In 2015-2016 he moved to Mineral Area CC (JUCO) playing 31 games averaging 10.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 77.5%. He finished at Omaha (NCAA) playing 29 games as a junior averaging 5.6ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 80.0% and as a senior at Omaha (NCAA) upped his stats playing 30 games averaging 13.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 81.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 20-21 season.

Thanks Daniel for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you and how is basketball life tertaing you?

Basketball life has been okay. I just recently got back into the swing of things and working out after having a minor injury in my foot. It feels good to be getting back on the court and preparing for the next season.

When you touched down back in the States what was the first eatery that you sought out?

The first thing I got to eat when I got back home was ‘Cookout’. A chain restaurant with burgers and other southern foods.

The 20-21 season was a tough season for every basketball player. What was the biggest challenge for you this season with the whole drama around COVID-19?

This past season was a tough season. I think the hardest thing about it was being away from home with little to no interaction out here due to the Covid rules.

PS Karlsruhe didn’t reach the playoffs. How can one honestly rate this season with so many things happening for teams that didn’t allow them to play at 100%

The Covid was tough on a lot of teams this year but you still have to give credit to those that were able to look past that and be successful with such a unique time.

On February 27th the club had just won four out of five games and then finished the season with a 6 game losing streak. How tough was it ending the season like this?

It was very tough going out like that. We had a rough patch where we lost our last 6 games. I feel like a lot of those losses had to do with the where we were at during that part of the season. We were just off of a two week quarantine, trying to get back in to a rhythm and never caught one.

In the losing streak most loses were blow outs except for a one point loss against Phoenix Hagen. The club allowed 86 points. Why was it so difficult to find a defensive identity this season?

I don’t think it was tough to find a defensive identity this season. We just weren’t consistent throughout the year.

Was the season highlight beating top team Bayer Giants Leverkusen? What memories do you have of that incredible win?

That was a good game for us but I wouldn’t say that was our seasons highlight. The highlight of our season was being together and growing as a team

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much fun was it playing with big man Maurice Pluskota. After posting solid 12/8 stats isn’t this guy finally ready for a bigger type of role for a easyCredit BBL team?

Maurice can definitely play in the BBL for a lot of teams. He’s very talented and bring s a toughness that a lot of teams can use.

How valuable was veteran Adam Pechacek for the team after playing in Italy and Spain first divisions? How did he impact the game best with his play?

Adam was very valuable for our team. He made our team better when we played bigger teams. You saw what happened when we lost him at the end of the season

Greg Foster played his first season in Europe. What did you appreciate most about his game and what story about his globetrotting days did you enjoy most?

Greg brought leadership and toughness to our team that you can always appreciate. It was always an honor to watch him grow and transform as a player on and off the court like he did this season, considering the new situation.

Let’s talk about your game. You averaged 12,2ppg, 2,9rpg and 2,1apg and shot 44% from outside. How content were you with your season?

I wasn’t too satisfied with the season. We didn’t win enough games. Regardless of the stats, we just didn’t win enough. As a player you always feel like you can do more to help the team win and that wasn’t enough this year.

You increased your minutes from 23 to 29 minutes in your second season with PS Karlsruhe. You always have been a aggressive offensive player. How have you grown as an offensive player in your two seasons?

I would say that I shot the ball a little bit better this past season, particularly from three. I was also able to step back and change my game a little bit because of the guys that were brought in. I was able to adapt and be more a floor spacer instead of a Creator.

In our last interview you stated this about your three point shot. I think shot selection is important, but for me it’s more mental. I have had games where I have shot the lights out and then I have had games where I haven’t shot it well. Obviously getting the reps is important, but mentally it’s also a big part to being able to shoot well’. This season you shot the best in your career at 44%. What was the secret to having this breakout?

Just knowing that’s what the team needed from me. We needed shooting to surround some of our penetrators and post guys. Maintaining the confidence to continue to shoot the ball and take the shots I’m supposed to be taking.

You have stated in the past that your playmaking and defense gets overlooked. Have you made strides in these area’s in the last two years?

I believe I have made strides. Especially defensively. I look to continue to improve my playmaking ability in the next season as well.

You had many great games, but was your 23 points in the exciting 86-83 win over Bremerhaven your personal most memorable moment this season?

Nah, not really. That win was a good win for us though and any time you can impact the game and help the team win, it always feels good.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the Pro A this season?

I can’t think of someone that really stands out. The league presents itself with a lot of good ball players.

On what things will you be working on most this summer to continue to improve your game?

Things I’ll be working on mostly this off season is shooting off the dribble and playing with pace. I want to be able to have the ball in my hands more and make plays for myself and teammates.

What is the next step for you? I can imagine you will continue to want to remain in Europe?

I’m not too sure what the next step for me will be. Right now I have resigned with PSK and my focus is on that season and that one only now.

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?

Chris Paul is one of the purest point guards this game has ever seen. Even without a ring, I would put him top 5 point guards ever.

How have you seen the development of Boston Celtic Jayson Tatum? He has scored 50 plus points this season and recently 60. Where will his journey go as a player in the next years?

Jayson Tatum is one of the best young players in the league. It’s great to see what he’s accomplished and he’s only going to get better.

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

That’s hard to say, but the European game is much different than the NBA game. Nevertheless, he’s such a talented, transcendent player, he’s always going to leave his mark on the game.

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

I don’t agree that Draymond Green is the best defender in the history of the game, he’s definitely a great defender but this league has seen a lot of them!

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

I haven’t seen it yet.

Thanks Daniel for the chat.