Terrell Harris (191-G-93, college: Georgia Coll., agency: Players Group) is a 28 year old 190cm guard from Indiantown, Florida that finished his fifth professional season and second with the NINERS Chemnitz (Germany-ProA) averaging 11,4ppg, 3,3rpg and 3,9apg. He will play his sixth professional season with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. In 2019-2020 in the Pro A with the Ninners he averaged 14,1ppg, 2,6rpg and 5,0apg. In 2018-2019 he played with the Rostock Seawolves (Germany-ProA) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 66.3%. Three seasons ago he played with the Svendborg Rabbits (Denmark-Ligaen) playing 24 games averaging 17.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 71.6%. In his rookie season he played with the Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB) averaging 18,1ppg, 4,3rpg and 1,8apg. He started his basketball career at Mars Hill (NCAA2) in 2011 and then moved to Georgia College in 2012. As a senior he played 29 games averaging 24.6ppg, 6.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 76.8%. He concluded his college basketball career winning the All-PeachBelt Player of the Year 2016. Harris spoke togermanhoops.com after the magical 77-68 win over FC Bayern Munich.

Congrats Terrell on the amazing 77-68 win over FC Bayern Munich. Take us into the locker room How does one celebrate Merlins style after a win like this?

We celebrate every win together with laughs and some music then we are on to the next one. It doesn’t matter if it’s Bayern, Bamburg, or Fibaeurocup on to the next. It’s going to be a long season.

You have beaten FC Bayern Munich twice in two seasons. Some teams don’t beat FC Bayern Munich ever. Last season Dominique Johnson beat Munich on a buzzer beater and today it was the Merlins defense. How do you personally compare this win to the thrilling Thornton buzzer beater one?

But today was more of a grinder out low scoring game. We got stops when we needed to so we were able to win comfortably.

The Merlins began quickly leading 7-0 and led 22-11 after one quarter. Could you see the shock on the faces of FC Bayern Munich?

Bayern do a lot of traveling, teams like that you have to play with energy and try to get out ahead early because it’s a matter of time they wake up which they did. It wasn’t a surprise at all since we wanted to get off to a great start.

What does it say of the fight and talent of the Merlins when TJ Shorts didn’t even make a field goal in the first quarter?

TJ is a dawg, very competitive with a lot of heart. He’s fearless, he can create his shit anytime so we never worry about him. Just a matter of time before he sees one go end and then the basket gets big for him

In the second quarter FC Bayern Munich fought back. KC Rivers led the attack scoring 17 points. Was that the best single player performance in a quarter that you have seen since arriving in the BBL?

He’s a smooth player I didn’t realize he scored 17 until halftime. He got going on the low block and with his jumper.

Did you know coming in that he could be so overpowering? What made it so difficult to keep him under wraps?

He’s very strong he started to post us up and use his strength. Not too many players in this league can do all 3. From the three, dribble, and post up from the guard position.

What did head coach Sebastian Gleim tell you guys at half time and what adjustments did you make on defense to allow only 13 points?

Just to keep playing and live with tough jumpers, we will always have a chance when our defense is clicking.

With the Merlins up 62-58 you nailed a three pointer with 5,45 to play. This was very instrumental in the Merlins not allowing FC Bayern Munich to get over the hump. How good does it I general feel making a shot like this compared to when you made big shots in the Pro B with Iserlohn back in the day?

I try to do whatever the team needs at the moment.

What was key down the stretch for not allowing FC Bayern Munich to get over the hump? Did they ever reach an offensive rhythm on the night?

We just tried to stay active and clean the boards since they have a good team it’s Bayern. They weren’t making shots so we were able to get out and run some.

KC Rivers only scored 6 points in the second half. What key adjustments did you make to limit his lethal scoring?

We played the same, he didn’t post up a lot the second half. We were very alert wherever he was on the court.

68 points was the least amount that FC Bayern Munich have scored in the easyCredit BBL this season. Was this the Merlins best defensive effort of the season?

We played a few good defensive games vs Hamburg and Ludwisburg so it’s probably up there.

Please explain how the team defense could allow the top BBL team to only 68 points on 3 steals and forcing only 6 turnovers? That is something one won’t see often.

Just staying active and crashing the boards and they also missed some shots as well.

I can’t imagine there have been many BBL teams that have beaten FC Bayern Munich with only one guy in double figures. How did the team chemistry and unselfishness grow another step tonight?

We just tried to share the ball as much as possible and then in the fourth TJ did what he do best closed the game for us.

What step did head coach Sebastian Gleim make with this win? This was without a doubt his biggest BBL win so far?

He very competitive but it’s a long season we don’t dwell on wins and losses because we have quick turnarounds

The Hakro Merlins next face your ex team Niners Chemnitz. How excited are you to play your ex team? What words of praise will you give Rodrigo Pastore when you see him again?

I’m also excited to play every team. Chemnitz has a good team so I’m sure it will be a battle from start to finish. It’s all love and good energy between us. He gave me my first chance to play BBL and I will never forget that so best of luck to him with his coaching career.

What was your favorite childhood Xmas memory and what do you enjoy most about Christmas in Germany?

When we were little we used to always get bikes and ride them around the neighborhood all day for Xmas, like a bike crew. Now days in Germany I enjoy the markets but due to Covid the markets are closed.

2022 is around the corner. Do you have any New Years resolutions lined up?

No resolutions just continue being the best version of myself and staying healthy

Thanks Terrell for the chat.