Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, college: Keiser) is a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball

Congrats on a big 89-85 win over new Pro A team Itzehoe. How good did it feel winning again after a tough loss to Bremerhaven?

It felt good to get back to winning ways. We knew it was important to get this win and not dropping two games in a row

How would you describe the focus the team was in after the brutal loss to Bremerhaven?

It was a short turnaround so we had to lock back in right away and focus on Itzehoe!After a tight first quarter Itzehoe exploded for 30 points in the second quarter to lead 52-42. Chris Hooper was a monster with 8 points and big man Yasin Kolo hit back to back three’s. What was most difficult in containing them who combined for 44 points.

They both are two really good players that understand where they are effective at on the floor. They got going in the second quarter, we tried different looks at them but they got into a solid rhythm.

The guests continued to be very strong in the third quarter but PS Karlsruhe never let down trailing only 5 points after 30 minutes. What was key for being able to withstand their pressure and get back into the game?

The key was we played with a higher sense of urgency, played defense quite better and made shots, that helped us cut the lead.

Crunch-time was very exciting. You took over making big shots, free throws and assists. How gelled was your decision making between finishing and creating on this night?

It wasn’t my best night shooting the ball by any chance. But luckly I was able to hit some timely shots and find my teammates.

What adjustments did you make on Chris Hooper in the fourth quarter? He only scored a basket?

Chris plays a lot of minutes and is asked to do a lot for his team. I think he actually slowed up, we threw different bodies at him to try and wear him down as much as possible.

Filmore Beck gave a scare with a three at the end. What do you believe was PS Karlsruhe’s biggest strength in crunch-time on this night?

I think our defense was our biggest strength. We were able to get timely stops which lead to us able to get some solid looks on offense.

You had 24/7/9/4 stats and shot 32% from the field. Was this one of your best all around personal games in the Pro A?

I don’t think this was my best performance. I was able to make some plays late but I know for sure I can perform at a higher level and be much more effective and efficient.

PS Karlsruhe next face Phoenix Hagen who are playing good basketball as of late. What will be key to sweeping the season series?

We have to have a high level of focus throughout our preparation and be ready to accept the challenge.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.