Stanley Whittaker (183-G-1994, college: Keiser) is a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia that completed his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe averaging 22.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 6.6apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 84.6%. He will play the 2022-2023 season for s.Oliver Wurzburg. 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 spoke to eurobasket after signing with easyCredit BBL team s.Oliver Wurzburg.

Congrats Stanley on signing with the s.Oliver Wurzburg. If someone had told you two years ago before your season in Austria that you would be playing in the easyCredit BBL two years later what would you have thought?

Thanks Miles, & honestly I would’ve thought that it could’ve been a possibility giving the right opportunity and the circumstances being in order. As I was learning more and more about international hoop, I knew the BBL was one of the leagues I wanted to compete in. It’s a very high level, one of the best domestic leagues in Europe, so I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes. Thankful that Wurzburg gave me the opportunity!

How blessed do you feel about reaching the easyCredit BBL? I remember back in Austria, the BBL was already a goal for you then

Right exactly, it was a goal of mine back when I was in Austria. Since Austria is like a sister country to Germany, I would always here the guys speaking about the BBL and German basketball. It feels like I spoke it into the universe, manifested this, and worked for this but it’s all Gods Work and I’m truly blessed nevertheless!

You signed very quickly. It is very unusual for American players to sign so early since June is usually when the home grown players get signed. How many offers did you have in the BBL? Did you have good interest from other countries?

Really? I wasn’t sure that there was like a particular time period that Americans usually sign. However, in my case I felt that Wurzburg was a solid situation for me, from what I hear it’s a pretty good organization. I visited, met coach Sasa, and Kreso, seen the facilities, and got a introductory feel to coach and his philosophy, it felt right. I’ve had some other BBL offers as well. My team and I figured BBL was the next step ideally so we wanted to find a good fit for us there!

You signed very early. Were you 100% sure about this decision?

I’m sure about my decision!

What was your impression about head coach Sasa Filipovski and manager Kresimir Loncar. What sold you most about coming to Wurzburg?

Coach Sasa is a championship level head coach. He has a lot of high level experience and knows the game. Our conversation was interesting because as he was speaking he was speaking all the ‘basketball language’ I’m attracted to. And with Kreso, he’s played a very high level when was still active, he also is understanding which is important for me. I like what they stand for, the vision that they have and that they are truly devoted to the work! Makes for a good partnership!

What do you know in general about the club s.Oliver Wurzburg? Do you know that Dirk Nowitzki last played there in the 90’s before heading to the Dallas Mavericks

Honestly it wasn’t much I knew about the club itself. I knew that Dirk and Kleber is actually from the city, I wasn’t even aware that Dirk played there before he went to the NBA. Pretty cool to know though.

Management is expecting a lot from you. You proved in Austria and last season in the Pro A that you could lead a team. How confident are you that you will conquer any pressure?

That’s okay that they’re expecting things from me. I appreciate that. I definitely would like the things my two previous teams and I did over these two past seasons to have some value and be respected for sure. I’m confident that I can lead a team at a ‘higher level’ as well. So when it’s time, we’ll get the ball rolling and see what happens!

How excited are you about playing against top guards in the BBL? Is there a player now that you are looking forward to playing? Perhaps a Jaleen Smith?

I’m looking forward to competing against all teams in the BBL. There’s not one particular player I’m looking to compete against. The season is months away, so I just want to continue on preparing my mind and my body to be sure that I’m physically and mentally conditioned for what’s to come!

What words would you like to leave for the s.Oliver Wurzburg fans?

I’m fully looking forward to seeing them all!! I want them to know they’re getting a true competitor, someone that plays hard and gives maximum effort every time out. I’ll embrace them as I hope they will me and we’ll battle together because we’ll need they’re full support!

The 2022 NBA finals is 2-2 between the Celtics and Warriors. Who will take the chip?

I still think Golden State championship experience will get them over the hump.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

Tags : STANLEY WHI