Anton Ivy (203-F, college: ACU) is a 203cm forward from Peoria, Illinois that played his rookie season in Germany with REWE Aupperle Fellbach (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.8ppg, 8.9rpg, 2.5apg, 1.4spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 63.4%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 44.4%. He began his basketball career at Manual Academy. He then played 2 seasons at Rend Lake College averaging 5.6ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.1apg, 2.7bpg, FGP: 52.3%, FT: 62.5% as a freshman and in his second season averaged 9.3ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.6apg, 2.4bpg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 67.4%. He then palyed a year at the University of Charleston (NCAA2) averaging 4.6ppg, 3.2rpg and finished at Arizona Christian University (NAIA) averaging 3.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.9bpg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Anton thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. You finished school in 2019. What did you do professionally the last two seasons and how difficult was it not being able to find a club until 2 years later?

Anton: After finishing school I pursued the chance of playing over in Spain but without proper management I decided not to take the offer and see what I can do the following season. Then of course corona hit and changed everything so, I devoted myself to being ready when things finally opened back up.

Fellbach started off 2-2. What is your explanation for this rapid up and down game?

Anton: It was a learning curve for mostly everyone on the team all season with a bunch of new pieces coming together as the season progresses.

What kind of an experience was it playing ex NCAA player KJ Sherril? How much do you get up for big time players like him who belongs to the best players in the league

Anton: I love playing against great talented players, this is what basketball is about competing at your highest level and trying to get better everyday.

What kind of an experience was it been playing with Fellbach as a rookie? How blessed where you feel being able to call yourself a professional player?

Anton: It was an honor playing for Fellbach, everyone was welcoming and that’s the dream many of us desire to be called a professional.

What was the biggest adjustment for you coming over from the States with adapting to European ball?

Anton: Just learning how they play the game here, its reminiscing to basketball back in the 90’s and 00’s. They play inside out and they do a great job at dictating the pace of the game, whereas in the states everything is usually outside and fast paced.

You’re a 203cm forward. To what NBA player would you best describe your game to?

Anton: I’m not sure who I’d compare myself to but I like to think of myself as a swiss army knife, having a bunch of things that I can do when it’s needed.

You didn’t average more than 4,6ppg in your last two years in school. How cool was it finally playing minutes again?

Anton: Felt great, wasn’t sure why things were how they were my last two collegiate seasons but blessed to be on this stage showing my abilities.

You are a very good rebounder and shot blocker. What other strong points does your game have?

Anton: Defense and rebounding were always been in me since picking up the ball in high school, but also, I believe I’m a great passer and have the ability to score at any level along with great IQ for the game.

On what parts of your game are you working on most now that will help you continue to climb the basketball ladder?

Anton: I feel like I didn’t have a great showing of my scoring ability in college so I focus on being more aggressive.

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t always get noticed right away?

Anton: My IQ, I feel it was slept on mostly in college. The fact that I was able to learn and adapt to how things are played here from the states in a short amount of time should be proven.

You played at 3 schools with Rend Lake College (JUCO), University of Charleston (NCAA2) and Arizona Christian University (NAIA). How do you feel did your game profit most from having played at 3 schools?. What did each school give you that helped you on the court most?

Anton: Each school taught me many different things, I got to learn different playing styles going from east coast to west and being from the Midwest.

You began at Rend Lake College. Every guy I talk to who played JUCO all say it was a tough experience, but one that really helped their development. What did you get most out of this experience?

Anton: Yes very tough but it’s the grit and grind that builds you as a player, with that being most guys first college experience or coming from high major schools.

You then played a season at University of Charleston (NCAA2) playing 24 games averaging 4.6ppg, 3.2rpg. What kind of an experience was playing in the NCAA2? Do you feel like you got a real chance there to display your talent?

Anton: I enjoyed the experience, but I wasn’t able to put my full talents on display.

You then finished at Arizona Christian University (NAIA) playing 34 games averaging 3.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.9bpg. How tough was it taking a step back to play in the NAIA? You ha dthat defensive stopper role.

Anton: I embraced the role but as the season went changes were made and I fell out of the conversation of been defensive player of the year. We had a great run their wish we could have brought home that title.

You once had 9 blocks in a game. How would you personally compare that to how many points, rebounds or assists that would compare to?

Anton: anyway I can effect the game I’m going to try to do that.

In your last college game you lost 80-79 to Georgetown KY. You battled Chris Coffey who had 15/11/5 stats. Curently he is playing in germany’s top league easyCredit BBL. Knowing this does that make you want to grind harder every day to get better?

Anton: yes of course

How did head coach Jeff Rutter groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Anton: A lot of off the court preparations I’m thankful to have had him for.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Anton: all of my teammates have been amazing, they all were there for me at pivotal moments in my life, and they will always be family.

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

Anton: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson

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

Anton: it’s a tough argument but I think it just comes down to people’s preferences.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Should they just have left it alone?

Anton: yes I did, and yes I think all these remakes of older movies aren’t all that good especially years after.

Thanks Anton for the chat