Casey Benson (190-PG-1995, college: GCU) is a 27 year old 190cm guard from Tempe, Arizona playing his fifth professional season and first in Germany with the wiha Panthers. He has extensive professional experience having played parts of 3 seasons in Slovenia and also played in Finland, Bulgaria and Belgium. He began his basketball career at Corona del Sol High School and then played 3 years at the University Of Oregon reaching the NCAA final and Elite 8. He then ventured to paly his senior year at Grand Canyon State University (NCAA) averaging 9.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.4apg, FGP: 39.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball.

Casey thanks for talking to germanhoops.com . Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

Life is great! I’ve been back in Arizona enjoying time with my family. Staying in shape and focusing on getting better this off-season.

Your 27 years old and after playing in Slovenia, Finland, Bulgaria and Belgium, you will play the 2022-2023 season in Germany. Do you classify yourself as a basketball globetrotter?

I’ve never really thought of myself with that label because whenever I think about ‘globetrotters’ I think about the group that does tricks and fun entertainment. But in this case, I would classify as one since I’ve traveled the world playing basketball.

You have signed with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball. Did you ever get to visit in your time in Belgium last season?

I follow a lot of leagues around the world so I obviously know Germany has very respected basketball leagues. It’s a very high level so I am excited to have the opportunity! I know it’s a beautiful country so I am looking forward to exploring it when I have time. I wasn’t able to visit during my season in Belgium but I went to Munich a couple years ago which was awesome!

You have signed with the ambitious Pro A team Wiha Panthers. How were the talks with head coach Alen Velcic? Often his extreme love of the game and wanting success is what players remember most. How was it for you?

The talks with Coach Velcic were great! He was the main reason I chose to sign with Schwenningen because he was honest with me from the beginning and made it clear that he believed in me. I know he has great passion and a strong desire to win so I am very excited for the opportunity to learn from him!

Alen Velcic sells his product very well. What was the deciding factor where you knew that this was the correct opportunity for you?


Coach Velcic has huge fire and passion that you want to be around. The biggest thing was how I know he believes in me. He was very open and honest about everything which really meant a lot. We talked about building trust and I feel that we have done that and will continue to build on it!

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Growing up, I always tried to model my game after Steve Nash. And now I would say Goran Dragic as well. We are both lefties and have a similar type of play style.

You always put up very high assist stats in Slovenia, but showed in Finland that you can score the ball. Would you classify yourself as a classic pass first point guard or a player that can adjust as a playmaker in any way needed in a coaches system?

Definitely. I would classify myself as a PG that does whatever is needed to win. Whether that is assisting, scoring, defending, etc I just want to impact the game in a lot of ways to help our team win.

You seem to be a very versatile guard. What other strengths does your game have that will help make an impact in the German Pro A?

In addition to assisting and scoring, I focus on being a very good rebounding and defending guard as well. I also want to bring leadership to the team too. As a PG, I want to be an extension of the coach on the floor and make sure the team sticks together.

Talk a little about what kind of defender you are and is your three pointer still a work in progress?

I believe I am very solid defender. There is always room to get better and grow but that is something I have really focused on improving the last few seasons. My 3 pointer is always a work in progress. I shot 40% from 3 this last season but I want to continue to improve on that every season. As a competitor, you always want to get better and so every part of my game can always improve.

Last season you split time with Terme Olimia Podcetrtek (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM,) averaging 14.7ppg, 5.1rpg, 7.6apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 46.9%, 3FGP: 40.0%, FT: 56.3%, and in Nov.’21 moved to Hubo Limburg United (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 4.0ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.4apg. This was the second time in a season where you split time with 2 clubs. You had good stats in Slovenia and then played a smaller role in Belgium. How do you summarize that season? You did win a cup final in your third try.

I really enjoyed the season. Both Slovenia and Belgium are great places and I had a lot of fun. We were able to win the cup in Belgium so that was awesome! I’d lost in the final in 2 seasons before so to be able to win one was a blast.

You couldn’t have been more blessed to have been able to call veteran and ultimate team player Cliff Hammonds your teammate. I’m sure you were able to soak something up from his defense.

Cliff is my guy! We got to be really close and I tried to learn as much as I could from him. He’s had an incredible career and so it was awesome being able to play against him in practice every day.

In the 20-21 season you played for Zlatorog Lasko (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) averaging 12.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 5.8apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 60.6%. You had an excellent 34/5/11 game in a win against Triglav hitting 7 three’s. Was that one of your best individual performances as a pro?

Definitely my best individual performance as a pro. I’ve had some other good ones but this one was the best. Especially because I impacted the game in every way with efficiency and we won the game! Wouldn’t have mattered if we had lost.

In 2019-2020 you split time between UU-Korihait Uusikaupunki (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 12.7ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.5apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 52.8%, 3FGP: 34.5%, FT: 55.6%, and in Jan.’20 moved to Balkan Botevgrad (Bulgaria-NBL) averaging 6.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 71.4%. You seemed to have a solid season in Finland, but in Bulgaria Covid got into the way. What memories do you have of this season?

That was also a fun season! We were in 1st place with Balkan but then the season got cancelled so we weren’t able to finish unfortunately. But I really enjoyed both places and still talk to guys from both Finland and Bulgaria!

In Finland you were teammates with one of my favorite guys Richaud Pack. He continues to move up the ladder. Was his chip on his shoulder visible from day 1?

Absolutely. Ricky can really score and I’m happy to see him continuing to further his career and play so well! He was a great dude and I enjoyed playing with him.

You played your rookie season with Hopsi Polzela (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) averaging.3ppg, 4.4rpg, Assists-3 (5.6apg), FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 69.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I think preseason was a wake up call. It was different than anything I’d ever experienced in college and so it didn’t take long for my eyes to open. Every season has its ups and downs but that was the furthest I’d ever lived from home obviously so that was an adjustment.

How tough was it losing that last playoff game against Helios Suns 80-78? How much did your 4 turnovers frustrate you after the game?

Very tough. We had such a great season and had beaten them 3 or 4 times in the regular season so to lose to them in the playoffs was hard. Especially when I feel like we didn’t play our best in that playoff series. I typically don’t turn the ball over so that was frustrating to have those TOs. You learn from it and move forward though.

You played at Oregon (NCAA) from 2014-2017 and reached a NCAA final and Elite 8 something most players never would. You played good minutes as a sophomore. How would you classify your 3 years there. How did your game benefit most?

My time at Oregon was a blast. To be able to play in the Final 4 was a dream come true and something I still look back on. We had a great group of guys and won a lot of games throughout those years which was a ton of fun. I’d say my game benefited because I played with other great players so it really pushed me to be the best I could be every day.

You were surrounded by incredible guard players with Joe Young, Tyler Dorsey and Payton Prtichard. What one of those guys do you feel had the biggest impact on you?

They all had an impact in different ways. All great players and are still playing at a very high level. One thing I respected about each of them was how hard they worked on their game to grow and improve each day.

At the 2016 NCAA tournament you had a solid 11/4/8 stat game in the massive win over Duke showing you could match up against guys like Brandon Ingram and Grayson Allen. What do you remember enjoying most about that victory?

That was a top 3 memory I have from my college career. Duke is such a historic program and so to play well and beat them in the NCAA tournament was pretty special. I remember just the feeling of elation after beating them because there was so much build up to that game.

Was the 77-76 loss to North Carolina one that you will definitely never forget? A little trivia for you. Tar Heel Nate Britt played for the wiha Panthers 2 years ago.

For sure. That was a very tough loss when we had opportunities to win it. It was still an incredible to season but in the moment it was hard to lose obviously. I did see that Britt played for Wiha a couple seasons ago and had a great season!

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Payton Pritchard?

We went back and forth. Payton is a big time competitor and so we really pushed each other every day.

You then finished at Grand Canyon (NCAA) averaging 9.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.4apg, FGP: 39.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 75.8%. Do you ever wonder how your career may have gone had you finished at Oregon (NCAA)?

No, not really. I transferred to GCU because my brother was an assistant coach there and it was 20 minutes away from where I grew up. Playing for him in my last college season and having my family there to watch every game was very special and something I wouldn’t trade!

How did head coach Dan Majerle groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Majerle played at the highest level for a lot of years and so he knew what it took to be successful. He demanded a lot from us and so it prepared me mentally and physically. I tried to learn as much as I could from him in my season there.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

I would say Brandon Ingram and Frank Mason were the 2 toughest. Aaron Holiday was really tough as well.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Man, that’s a hard one. I don’t think I could name 5 because I’ve had too many good ones. From high school, college, to professional I’ve really been around great guys and am super grateful for all the relationships I’ve built!

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

MJ, Kobe, Lebron, Kareem

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

My personal opinion is Jordan will always be the greatest. And I would take Kobe 2nd with Lebron 3rd.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?


I haven’t seen it yet but I’m assuming it’s not even comparable to the first!

Thanks Casey for the chat.

Otis Livingston II (180-PG-1996, college: GMU) is a 25 year old 180cm point guard from Linden, New Jersey that will play his fourth professional season and first in Germany with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. He played his first three professional seasons in Denmark with Horsens IC, in North Macedonia with KK Kumanovo 2009 and last season with KK Mladostz MaxBet Zemun in Serbia. He began his basketball career at Linden High School and then played at George Mason (NCAA) from 2015-2019 amassing a total of 132 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his career this summer.

Otis thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

Thank you for having me. I am currently in New Jersey. I am working out in the weight room and on the court. I enjoy playing golf too so I am spending some time on the course as well.

Congrats on signing with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. After playing in Denmark, North Macedonia and Serbia, you now will battle in the highest league that you have ever played in easyCredit BBL. What have you heard about this league over the years playing overseas?

I have heard that the BBL is a very strong league. I have heard that is physical with a lot of size. They have a couple of teams that play in international competitions so that will be fun for me. It’s a league that is very good from top to bottom and I am excited to participate.

You have joined the ambitious club Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. How did the talks go with head coach Sebastian Gleim and what were the main reasons for taking this challenge?

The talks were great with Coach Gleim. We talked about how he uses his point guard and what he expects out of me. It was great to talk about his philosophy and his background as a coach. We have a basic understanding of each other which will improve over time.

In the last three years coaches Iisalo and Gleim made the right choices signing unproven guards Russell, Bell-Haynes and Shorts who all had impressive seasons. They had a good track record. Do you feel any pressure coming in needing to keep the fine point guard position running successful?

I don’t feel any pressure to be honest for that reason. I hold myself to a high standard of excellence on the court so any pressure that I will feel will just come from wanting to be the best I can be, not by thinking of the past guards that were here.

Let’s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 180cm guard that has been a proven scorer your whole career. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

If I had to choose a player to compare myself to I will choose Chris Paul. He is undersized and runs the team well. He can also exploit mismatches on the court and he is really cerebral.

You can fill up the stat sheet nicely and have shot the ball very well from outside the last 2 seasons. What other strength does your game incorporate?

My passing ability is a talent of mine that I really take pride in. I grew up playing the game as a pass first point guard, so that is natural for me. I can score the ball too but my passing ability is also at a high level

You also have showed that you’re a very gritty and aggressive defender. You have developed very well as a defender. What kind of defender are you now and what kind do you want to become?

I’m a defender that picks up 94 feet and puts pressure on the opposing guards. In the future I want to become a more physical defender, to use my size and center of gravity as a strength.

You really picked up your playmaking as a professional while becoming more of an explosive scorer. How do you explain your rise in these statistics the last 3 years?

It’s a combination of a couple things. My confidence is at a high level, my work ethic is at a high level, and the coaches have put me in positions to be an explosive scorer and playmaker. All three of those factors combine to explain my rise in playmaking and scoring these past three seasons. I hope to continue to make improvements this season.

On what area’s of your game will you be working on most this summer so you will be very well prepared for the German BBL?

I will be working on my strength and confronting and also my footwork. I will always work on my game as far as dribbling and shooting, but those areas that I mentioned first will be what I focus on too in order to be prepared for this upcoming season.

Last season you played for KK Mladost MaxBet Zemun (Serbia-KLS) averaging 22.8ppg), 4.0rpg, Assists-2 (6.6apg), Steals-2 (2.4spg), FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 87.9%. You had an incredible playoff series against Borac Ca averaging 28,0ppg, but it wasn’t enough as your team lost. What will you always remember from this series?

Playoffs are a special time of year and I will remember this season by losing our first game and having to win the next game in order to win the series. It was backs against the wall for us and we showed tremendous fight by winning Game 2 at home. I played at a high level and I was in a really good groove that series and I just remember my confidence during that time and playing well.

In your second professional season you played for KK Kumanovo 2009 (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 18.7ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-3 (6.8apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 80.6%; and in the Balkan League averaged (18.0ppg), 3.3rpg, Assists-2 (6.1apg), Steals-1 (2.0spg), FGP: 62.9%, 3PT: 44.8%, FT: 81.0%. You played another great playoff series against MZT Skopje but lost a 94-93 heartbreaker despite putting up 17/5/10 stats. Was this one of your tougher loses as a professional?

Yes, that series against MZT was a tough and fun one. The loss in Game 3 was one of the tougher losses of my career. I believe if we win that game, we have a good shot at winning the whole thing. Anytime you lose in the playoffs and the season is over, it is tough and you remember that feeling forever.

You played your rookie season for Horsens IC (Denmark-BasketLigaen) averaging 12.1ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-3 (5.0apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 78.4%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home?

My wake up call came when I just remember my play being up and down. It was a different style of play, shorter shot clock and just a different environment as well. It was a tough time and season but I learned a lot about myself and the game during that season.

You played 4 seasons at George Mason (NCAA). How would you classify your development there? You delivered consistent stats right from the start.

My development was great at George Mason. The coach gave me an opportunity from the start to play a lot and that is the best way to learn, through experience. I worked really hard to be an important piece of the team and it showed through my play on the court.

You had some really huge games in the NCAA against schools like St Louis, VCU, or Baylor. What do you remember being your greatest moment in the NCAA?

My greatest moment from a personal standpoint was scoring 33 points and winning against UMASS on the road. As a team it will be when we beat Fordham in the A10 tournament and we were down by 7 with 34 seconds left. We forced overtime and eventually won in overtime.

How did head coach David Paulsen groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Paulsen held me to a high standard. He added to my confidence and held me accountable. He also runs a European type of offense and defense. A combination of those two things helped prepare me for European basketball.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Jaire Grayer?

We played a lot of times and I would say it is 50/50. I loved playing against him because he is stronger and taller so it helped make me a better player.

Who was the toughest guy that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

London Perrantes from UVA was really good. He is a point guard and the way he controlled the pace of the game and how he influenced the game really stood out to me.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jaire Grayer, Roberto Gallinat, Shane Gibson, Jarred Reuter, Strahinje Gavrilovic.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan ,Kobe Bryant , Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry, LeBron James.

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

It’s hard because I didn’t watch Jordan how I watch LeBron. It is hard to answer that question because of the different eras and what players had access to at different times could be proven to give an edge possibly. It is a hard debate and that is a question I don’t answer.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I did not see the sequel. I saw the original and I love it. I heard the movie was average but I like to see things for myself before passing judgement.

Thanks Otis for the chat.

Tags : OTIS LIVINGS

For some guys all it takes is to fall in love with one woman and they become a one woman guy and lifer. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have been married since 34 years, Denzel and Pauletta Washington have kept the fire burning for 45 years while Ron and Cheryl Howard are still going strong after 52 years. It isn’t any different for professional basketball players. In the easyCredit BBL one generation is slowly dying out as Rickey Paulding and Per Gunther recently retired after showing their neverending loyalty and dedication to the Ewe Baskets and ratiopharm ulm for 15 and 14 years. Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson is keeping the torch up as he will play in his 14th season with Frankfurt this season. Ok so no player will ever remain 30 plus years together with an organization simple because their bodies won’t be able to go that long, but playing 15 years for 1 organization in modern times is just unheard of. What Rickey Paulding did with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg will probably never happen again. Maybe another American named Tucker Haymond (198-G-1994, college: W.Michigan) will finally play a long time with one organization. Even if that doesn’t happen, he will at least play in Japan for a long time. The American who loves to shoot the deep 3 played with 7 teams in his first 4 seasons including in the G-League, Cyprus and the Czech Republic as well as in Germany where he played with 4 organizations with the Rhein Stars, Hamburg, Schalke and Wedel. His globetrotting ways continued last season as he got a new stamp on his passport as he played at the other side of the world in Japan. After moving around so much in his career, I figured he might continue that and move back to Germany a place that showed him so much love in his time there, but boy was I wrong. ‘The next step for me is staying in Japan. I plan on staying in Japan for the rest of my career, I have really found a place that I’m comfortable and I really love everything Japan has to offer. The opportunity for players making money in Japan is also really great. People in third division Japan can make the same money as a Euroleague player. I’m very excited for next season with my new team and teammates, my goal is to win as many games as possible’, warned Tucker Haymond. But if he wants to catch ex easyCredit BBL player Jeff Gibbs, he will have to play a long time as the Ohio native has played 12 seasons in Japan.

Tucker Haymond is a 27 year old 198cm guard from Washington state that wanted to find a new challenge with Toyoda Gosei Scorpions Aichi (Japan-B3 League) and one can say the rest is history. I reach the American during the dog days of summer in July is enjoying his time back home seeing family and friends, but also dabbling with golf and Real Estate to keep him busy. Just like everyone else, he had to continue to live through Covid and did the best that he could with all the regulations, testing, game cancellations, practice cancelations, and multiple quarantines. But it was a part of the game worldwide and he just had to learn to adapt to every new situation and go with the flow. When he came to Japan at the start of the 2022-2023 season, he didn’t see too much new things with the restrictions as it had been similar to what he had seen in Germany in Hamburg and Wedel. Going to the other end of the world can be overwhelming, but it didn’t take him long to fall in love with Japan. ‘I was a little nervous at first because I had never been to Asia before. But I quickly learned that the culture and people were very welcoming and it was nothing but amazing’, said Tucker Haymond. Often the way guys are able to present their unique basketball skills reflects how they are able to deal with the off court experience. It is no secret that things are done differently in Japan and their culture is very different to what Americans are used to. The love for the country was there from the start mainly because he was welcomed by loving arms. ‘I really enjoyed the Japanese customs. It was very unique and it’s something you can’t experience in America or Europe. There is a lot of things that are unique to Japan, which I enjoyed because it was completely different and learning to adapt to different cultures is something that I enjoy. It was not difficult to adapt, in my opinion it was easy because the people were very nice and helpful’, remembered Tucker Haymond.

The Seattle native who currently lists 4 time NBA champion Steph Curry as a top 3 NBA point guard of all-time played for Toyoda Gosei Scorpions Aichi. I have covered guys who have played in the Japanese first and second divisions, but never a guy in the third division called B-3. In the Japanese B-3 league you saw the range of teams go from being 44-4 to 1-47. One would be surprised just how competitive and good the skill level is when comparing it to German leagues. ‘ The range of talent in Japan was very big. The top teams in B3 would be a top team in Pro A Germany. And have some BBL talent for individual players. The rest of the teams would compare to mid level teams such as Czech league to a top level pro B Germany teams’, stated Tucker Haymond. In Germany the third league is the Pro B and the differences to the B-3 is like night and day. For him it was as if he had never left BBL team Haburg Towers where he balled a few years ago. ‘From my experience and what I hear most of the teams are run like a BBL team in Germany. Traveling was amazing, the food and hotels was awesome to experience. We always travel a day before games and it is always set up very professional. I really enjoyed my first year in Japan’, commented Tucker Haymond. One thing one never sees in Europe are back to back games. He had seen it on occasion in the G-League as a rookie, but seeing the extent to how it is used in Japan needed time getting used to. ‘Back to back games every weekend was definitely different. In the G league we had a few back to backs but not always. Some days in Japan we would play 2 games within 17 hours. It’s a challenge, but it just adds an element to the game of learning your body even more, and learning when to recover, when to save your energy and when to exert your energy. Everyone has the same schedule so it was the same for everyone in all leagues’, expressed Tucker Haymond. Even if he was only in the third division, he was able to battle every game against a top notch player. ‘We played a few EX- NBA players. The quality of Americans in Japan is very good. Most Americans have a high level resume in USA and Europe. It’s a very competitive league to get into. The toughest opponent would be AJ Gaines. Very skilled wing player and we had some good battles playing against each other. I always enjoyed playing against him’, warned Tucker Haymond.

The ex Western Michigan (NCAA) great who feels that the pick ups of Brogdon and Gallinari really improved the Boston Celtics and could have been the missing pieces to a ring last season has put up consistent stats his whole career and it wasn’t any different in Japan. He played 30 games and averaged 18.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 79.2%. He is his hardest critic and only gave himself a C. Not winning and shooting his second worst percentage in Europe from the parking lot held him from not giving himself a better grade. But being the sniper that he is lacking in self-confidence isn’t in his vocabulary. ‘I’ve had a down year in % before. Last time was my first year in Germany. It was a bit of a transition to get used to the style of play and finding where my shots will come. Next year returning to Japan I will have a greater understanding for all of these things and I am confident my percentages will be where they normally are in the 40% range.’, warned Tucker Haymond. He scored in double figures in 27 of 30 games. He scored 20 points or more in 15 games. His fondest moment was closing out the season scoring 55 points combined in 2 victories over Kanazawa on the last game weekend where he also was able to show his all-around game. He also hit Kagoshima for 31 points and Tokyo HT for 30 points. He wants to continue to make the next step in Japan and is very busy at the moment grinding in the lab. ‘Right now I’m working on being able to play the 1 a bit more. Working on getting a deeper range and more consistent on tough shots off the dribble’, stressed Tucker Haymond. Two and a half years ago as he was paying basketball dues after having to leave Cyprus, he returned to Cologne to keep in shape and stay ready at the phone for the next challenge. Life was so tough that he had to sleep on the floor for a month. He overcame that ordeal and basketball life is very good again. When your in Japan, it is common to sleep on the floor under much better conditions then what he witnessed back in 2019. But so far it hasn’t become a reality yet. ‘Unfortunately I was not able to experience sleeping on the floor in Japan, although I had heard it was very traditional and many people I know lived like this, it is still a goal of mine to sleep at a traditional Japanese hotel with no beds. I think it would be an awesome and unique experience’, stressed Tucker Haymond. Since he has proclaimed that he will become a Japanese lifer in basketball, the chances are good that he will get that experience on the floor again, but only this time not have an aching body the next morning.

Treshawn Gause (178-PG, college: WWU) is a 178cm guard from Arkansas that has professional experience that played his rookie season with the Lebanon Leprechauns (Canada-NBL Canada). He began his basketball career with Springdale High School and then played at Eastern Oklahoma State College (JUCO) averaging 8.6ppg, 2.1rpg, 6.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 78.6%. He then played 2 seasons at William Woods University (NAIA) averaging 11.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.1apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 41.6%, FT: 78,6% and in his last season averaged 7.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 35.6%, FT: 73.9%. He spoke to

germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Treshawn for talking togermanhoopscom. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

Thank you for having me. I’m back in my hometown Springdale , Arkansas and basketball life is treating me very good. Just getting ready for this upcoming season.

Your battling for the next pro contract and have played at some showcases. How has the exposure been for you?

Yes I just attended the Signning day shootout. And had a very good camp and led my team to a undefeated record and won the championship

You recently had your first professional experience in Canada with the Lebanon Leprechauns (Canada-NBL). You didn’t play that much. How tough was the watching instead of getting more minutes?

Yes I played my first season in the TBL. And had some good vets around me that showed and taught me a lot of things. And I learned a lot by watching as well. It was tough because the success I had in college and now I was in a different role. But overal I learned a lot and got a lot better as a player.

You had a good game against Z*Indiana All-Am. How do you feel did your game grow in your 3 month pro experience in Canada?

My game grew a lot and it was the little things that coach was telling me that was going to my game better. Just understanding and paying attention to details a lot more. Far as playing at a different pace. When to pick my spots and how to control a game. So once I started to get that down my game became a lot better and got even more confidence in myself.

How much of a role did Covid play in you not finding a job for the 20-21 season where you were a rookie? Was the transfer market like a shark tank where getting that job was really tough?

It played a big role because I sat out a whole year and didn’t know what was going to be next. So I just grinded and worked hard so when my opportunity came I made the most of it.

Did you ever lose faith in the basketball process prior to getting the job in Canada? Does your love for the game outweigh everything else?

No I never lost faith because I prayed and put God first and everything I do. So my favorite quote from the Bible is ‘faith without work is dead’. So I knew if I stayed true to m self and my goal it would come.

Guys coming out of NAIA have it tough finding a job and you being 178cm doesn’t help either. Have you had doubters your whole life? How have you dealt with it mentally?

Yes I had doubters my whole life. But I don’t listen or pay any attention to them because I know who I am as a man and player. I also know how hard I work when people are not around. So as long as I prove to myself that I am going to be great and accomplish my goals that’s all that matters.

The good news there have been guys come out of the NAIA like Cameron Hunt or Kyle Mangas that reached a first division in Germany and the Czech Republic. Do guys like these give you hope to keep grinding each day?

Knowing other guys came from NAIA and had a career always gives someone hope. But for me I knew my journey would be different and I just had to get in front of the right eyes.

Let’s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 178cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I don’t really like to compare myself to anybody. But I would say Chris Paul just because I take pride at running a team and being the extension of the coach on the floor.

Bayi handy describes your game to the great Providence guard John Linehan who had a long and stellar career overseas. Has a young buck like you heard of this legend?

Lol no I think I’m to young to know who John Linehan is. But I saw some of his clips and he had game!

Handy said your offense is fire but you will earn your money with your defense. Is defense your biggest strength?

I feel like I have a lot of strength but yes defense is something that surprises a lot of people because I’m undersized and I can switch on bigger players and hold my own and understand defensive angles and how to make players uncomfortable.

Does locking down good division 1 players help power your offense. Who are some of the dudes that you have closed down on defense?

Yes locking down players gives me an extra swagger on the offense end because I can get to any spot I want to on the court. And I understand how to pick my spots when to score and to get my teammates involve.

Talk about your offensive skills? Are you the type of guard that can fill the stats sheet or do you have other attributes?

I can do both on the stat sheet. But I pride myself on running a team because I know through the course of the game I will pick my spots when to score. But I love getting my teammates involved. But I know I can get to my spots and score on anybody.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most nowso you can keep improving your game?

Just keep shooting 3s and just making it more consistent.

You began your career at Eastern Oklahoma State College (JUCO) averaging 8.6ppg, 2.1rpg, 6.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 78.6%. Every guy I have interviewed has said that JUCO was a very brutal and tough experience but one they would never have traded in for anything. How was it for you?

Juco was very tough. But I enjoyed it because of the grind. That’s is somewhere where you want to grow and move on to the next level.

You then made the jump to William Woods University (NAIA) averaging 11.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.1apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 41.6%, FT: 78.6% and 7.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 35.6%, FT: 73.9%. How do you feel did your game grow in these 2 years?

At William Woods is when I really knew that I could be a pro. Because my game started to grow even more and my confidence and swagger was there.

You had many great games in the NAIA but what was your fondest moment there?


I would say playing against Columbia college because I took over the whole game and it was nothing the other team could do a bout it. 20 points 7 assist and 7 rebounds.

How did head coach Charles Belt groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Belts taught me how to respond to adversity a lot. And how to make myself as a player more disciplined and not always go for the home run plays. And how to be more of a leader at the point guard position and how to play off the ball.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or DAaron Owens?

Daron can hoop but I gave him work. Lol but that’s my guy and was a great teammate.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life somewhere on a court that reached the NBA?


I would say Courtney Fortson NBA player and overseas legend. Also he is my big brother. And Mailk Monk and Dusty Hannahs

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My 5 best teammates of all time are. Shad Kimble, Jerome Seegers, Ronnie Boyce, Darius yohe, Mackenzie Fasler

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

My NBA Mount Rushmore is. Kobe, Lebron, Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson

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

I guess we would never know what would really happen lol.

Where do you currently see Steph Curry in debate of the greatest point guards ever?

I think Curry might be the greatest point guard of all time because he changed the game of basketball.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

Yes they should have left that movie alone lol they messed it all up.

Thanks Treshawn for the chat.

Zach Patrick is an enthusiastic basketball player that is pursuing a professional playing career at age 29. He has no real playing experience due to many unfortunate experiences but that hasn’t made him give up the dream of being a professional. He is taking part at the 2022 Howard Hoops Germany pro Tour. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his interesting journey.

Thanks Zach for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

Just graduated from Lake Erie College with my Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management and Athletic Coaching. Basketball life has shown me that no matter how hard you work and ambitious you are you may not get noticed.

I have interviewed many many guys but I have never come across a player like you that just won’t give up following the dream. You’re 29 and never played in high school or college but still want to play professionally. What has kept you going and remaining positive the last decade?

What has kept me to remain positive or consistent is renting other people’s belief that I have the potential to play Professional. Although I do have confidence in my skill set, there are times where I felt discouraged after attending opportunities and not reaching the end result I was looking for.

The chances of becoming a pro so late and not having any real experience is a reach. I can imagine there are people that don’t understand you. Have you had support from family and friends over the years?

My mom growing up always would preach to me to surround people who will lift me up. As I’ve gotten older I have built a stable support system. I have family and friends that support my ambition, yes.

How have you made a living in the last decade while staying in shape and working on your basketball skills? How has your life been?

I just worked to save money to be able to travel to my next opportunity while still going to school. I have always been big into fitness and really pushing to stay in healthy physical shape. At times it has been tough to consistently get to the gym while I was in college because I was working a part-time job on top of going to school full-time while trying to train. My life in the past decade has been a bit frustrating or stressful because I struggled being in the classroom because I wanted to be on the basketball court doing what I am so passionate about. I have always felt I could turn pro with just the right timing and luck within the situation.

Talk a little why you didn’t play in high school. You could have played but you walked out of try-outs and then didn’t play senior year. Do you sometimes wonder how your career might have gone and where you would be today had you not walked out?

Walking out goes back to my middle school days. 7th Grade- I tried out and was so nervous that I couldn’t even handle the ball so I got cut. 8th Grade- I felt I did a little better in the drills and scrimmage but still ended up getting cut from the team. 9th Grade- I felt like I got screwed and even some of my teammates had agreed that I should have made the team instead of another player. 10th Grade- I felt that I had done well and that I had a good enough chance to make the team and still didn’t make the team. I felt like a roster spot was taken from me. 11th grade- I was in the gym all the time. I would always be the first to open gyms and the last to leave. I would do ladders, suicides or even run outside with a weight vest to help myself prepare for the season . I would do all of this on top of the additional running we would do in the open gyms. Tryouts would officially start after several months of conditioning. I was doing a drill and thought I was performing poorly. I had flashbacks of my past experiences and felt if I am playing as poorly as this, there is no way I am going to make the team and I walked out. I almost constantly as I am working out and preparing for my name to be called it almost runs through my head constantly walking out of tryouts my junior year in high school. I have always wondered where my career might have gone had I not done that.

How important is high school basketball in the development of a player? What do you believe you miss out most on?

Playing high school basketball can definitely help you gain exposure to play at the college level. I missed out on playing at one of the biggest or well known high schools in Division I basketball in the State of Ohio.

In college you had the opportunity to play again, but didn’t. You got cut freshman year and then transferred and had no more college eligibility. Talk about how stressful this time was?

It was hard to not play as much as I wanted to. I had a lot of personal responsibilities I had to take care of also that had a play why I had stopped. It was frustrating and stressful because I deep down wanted to play. An old friend once told me that if you’re good enough to play they will eventually find you.

Would it be fair to say the world never saw your potential and talent due to bad timing and bad luck?

Yes, I think so. Although, life teaches you how to deal with adversity. Some things in life are going to take more time than others. Just have to be patient and go for the ride!

You will be playing at the Howard Hoops tour in Germany and hope that will get you a overseas job. How did you get in contact with tour manager Ronald Howard (181-PG-1984, college: Mayville St.)d?

I got in contact with Ronald Howardd by networking on Facebook. I saw his profile and credentials then reached out to him.

How blessed are you for this opportunity. The Howard Hoops tour has given many guys that had no basketball futures a future. How confident are you that you will have success?

I am thankful and appreciative for the opportunity. I am quite confident that I will have success as long as I play well and show what I can do the best.

How did you learn to appreciate Ronald Howardd the most? What have you respected most about his character?

I learned to appreciate Ronald Howardd through his understanding and patience. I have been talking to Ronald Howardd on/off for the past year or two. I had wanted to go to the HoopTour last year but I had to back out. I had to take care of my schooling first. I had promised my paps (grandpa) I would finish school so I stayed home to finish but didn’t quite finish in time before he passed away. I appreciated Ronald Howardd the most with his understanding of my priorities at the time. I needed to finish a chapter in my life to give this opportunity the best chance to start my pro career.

Let’s talk about your game. What kind of a player are you and what are your biggest strengths on the court?

I am a 3PT specialist! I am a player that knows his talent but is willing to give up the ball if need be. I can communicate on the floor well, I can read the floor Offensively or Defensively, pass well, encourage my teammates and most importantly help my team WIN.

Despite not having played competitively much, how do you feel your game has developed over time?

Always wanting to learn more within the game and being open-minded to coaches and other players’ criticism.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

I am trying to keep my game IQ sharp, trying to make my shot more consistent, conditioning as best as I can and trying to gain versatility on the floor offensively and not be afraid to put the ball on the floor to make a play.

Who is the best player that you ever played against on a playground or other place that reached the NBA?

Delonte West- Cavs Camp
Larry Hughes- Cavs Camp

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

PossiblyMichael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Stephen Curry

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

My personal opinion is it’s tough to compare two different players who played in different eras. Both players have played against different kinds of players. The game during Michael Jordan’s career is not the same as today. It’s hard to say in a way who is the best all-time but if I had to pick probably Michael Jordan due to his will of wanting to win.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I haven’t seen the movie. I couldn’t tell ya!

Thanks Zach for the chat.

Daevonte Munson (188-G) is a 188cm guard from Roseville, Minnesota that is currently enrolled at Valley City State University (NAIA). He averaged 5.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.1spg and 5.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 79.2% in the last 2 seasons. He began his basketball career at Roseville Area High School. He then played 2 years at Dakota County Technical College (JUCO) averaging 3.1ppg, 2.5rpg and 9.5ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 83.3%. He is taking part at the 2022 Howard Hoops Germany Pro Tour and spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Daevonte for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at a moment?

So right now I am entering my senior year at the NAIA level of basketball. Basketball has taken me a lot of places as far as competition and just traveling the world. I’m choosing to go this route in basketball because I want to get comfortable with the professional life before I actually go play in the euro league. This is something I want to make apart of my life.

You now are with the 2022 Howard Hoops tour. How did connect with Ron Howard?

I connected with Ron through my cousin Suzanne Gilreath. She used to hoop at the university of Wisconsin and trained with me a few times throughout the years and believed I had some skill to play professionally. She sent me Ron information and just went from there.

Ron Howard has a super track record for getting guys jobs. How blessed do you feel having got to know Ron Howard

I feel very blessed. This has been a dream of my brothers and I my whole life and for it to come true one day is a blessing from God.

How have you learned to appreciate him as a person who has been trying to help unproven guys get a job overseas since a decade?

I appreciate his honesty and his dedication to getting talent out there.

It is rare but NAIA guys find jobs. Here some guys who came out of the NAIA with Chris Coffey, Cameron Hunt and Kyle Mangas that have made the transition. How tough was it for you coming out of the NAIA to find a team as a rookie?

The hard part was connecting because even if you reach out to people and they don’t know you or what you can do then it’s easy to pass you up and I’m grateful Ron put his trust in me

Does knowing that there have been NAIA guys make a name for themselves give you hope about landing a job overseas?

Hoopers hoop.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 188cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

Shai Gilegous Alexander

You can score and rebound the ball well. What other strengths does your game have?

Defense.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so that you will be best prepared for your next challenge?

Creating my own shot and using my length

How do you feel could you be an instant asset to any professional team overseas with your game?

Defense and quickness.

You began your career at Dakota County Technical College (JUCO) playing 54 games. I have interviewed many guys that played JUCO and every guy has said it was very tough but an experience they would always do again. How was the whole experience for you?

Juco is definitely not for everyone so if you don’t love hooping then don’t go Juco it’s not going to end well.

You then made the jump to Valley City State University (NAIA) averaging 5,0ppg in both seasons. How do you feel did your game grow further in those 2 years?

I became an aggressive scorer and way more advanced rebounder than I was in high school and Juco. I believe I would average more points at Valley City State if I was eligible my first year playing and if I didn’t get hurt the first half of the season my second year. My last year there will be my best year for sure.

How did head coach Ryan Montgomery groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Positioning and staying in shape is something he has taught me in the long run of the game of basketball. He realizes anyone can score with confidence but once you find it, he will make something happen for you

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jalen Addison?

We usually played three dribble and Jalen taught me some things about skill that I have adjusted to my game. He would win and I would win but he definitely got that crown throughout my two years being there.

Who was the toughest player that you ever battled on a court anywhere that made the NBA?

Daniel Oturu

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tate Hebrink
Eddie Oyet
Deshawn Walker
Amitri Collins
Jalen Addison

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan
Lebron James
Kobe Bryant
Stephen Curry

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

Jordan is better.

Where do you rank Steph Curry right now of the best point guards of all-time

THE best

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I have not seen it.

Thanks Daevonte for the Chat

Tags : DAEVONTE MUN

Caleb Orange is a 175cm guard chasing the overseas professional basketball dream. He was at 4 different schools, but never played for a club but somehow with the help of some taught himself the game at a young age. He hopes some exposure at the 2022 Howard Hoops Germany pro Tour will give him an opportunity at that first job. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his journey.

Thanks Caleb for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

Whats up Miles, I appreciate the opportunity to do this interview. I am currently in Munich, Germany, training for the Howard Hoops tour. Although the tour is from august 25th-29th, I have been here since June 25th. Originally, I intended for this trip to be a working vacation. It has ended up being 98% work and maybe 2% vacation. I spend almost all my time training. I’m either at the park or the local basketball gymnasium, Munich indoor Basketball. If I am not training I am usually watching European basketball or on the internet learning about different aspects of the game. Basketball life has been treating me very well, I have made massive improvements in both skill level and IQ since I have been here

You are a real basketball warrior. The odds for a guy like you to turn professional are very limited. You have no college or professional experience. Knowing that what gives you the hope that you will be a lucky one?

With all due respect, I do not believe luck has much to do with it. I have worked extremely hard over the past few years in honing my skills and really learning what it means to be a point guard on the professional level. All I ever think about is basketball, it consumes me. With as much confidence as I have, it is still important to be realistic. At the end of the day, I know that there are ‘levels’ to this professional basketball thing and having watched hours of videos on YouTube of different regional level teams and Oberliga and Landesliga teams, I believe that I can compete on this level. By this time next year, the goal will be to be confident and skilled enough to compete on a higher level and continuing to level up if you will.

You now are with the Howard Hoops Germany pro tour. How did connect with Ronald Howard (181-PG-1984, college: Mayville St.)?

I have been aware of the tour for a few years now. While building my skillset, I always saw the Howard Hoops tour as a good option for getting my pro career started. After I gained enough confidence in my skill to pursue the professional route, I started to think about whether I wanted to be the type of player to try to play all around the world or try to actually build a life in one particular country, using basketball as a tool to get started. The latter option seemed the most attractive to me, and Germany seemed like the most attractive country to do that. I knew that the Howard Hoops tour would give me the best opportunities to get my foot in the door in Germany, so I reached out to him on facebook.

Ronald Howard has a super track record for getting guys jobs. How blessed do you feel having got to know Ronald Howard? What have you learned to appreciate the most about him?

Man I am so appreciative of Ron and this opportunity. There are so may different characters in the overseas basketball space that claim to do the things that Ron actually does. There is a certain sense of comfortability in knowing that the guy you’re working with is the real deal, and will do what he says he will do. What I appreciate the most is his honestly. He made it very clear in our first team conference call that he would be brutally honest about what he expects and will hold us to that standard while we are on the tour. That type of feedback and constructive criticism is what I need, especially coming from a former player that has spent so many years playing here

Sometimes an incredible showcase can help a guy get a job no matter what his resume says. Is this something that your banking on?

JA! That is exactly what I am banking on. I am preparing myself in every way to play great basketball, and to exceed the expectations for what these teams are looking for in a point guard. If I do that, my lack of a resume won’t matter. Knowing the impact that this showcase can make on my career is something that really motivates me

Working hard for years and never being rewarded for it by a professional team must be extremely tough. What has kept you going all these years. How much does simple love for the game play a role?

If you have a goal for yourself, you really must see yourself there. You must be able to close your eyes and visualize accomplishing your goals. I guess what has kept me going is my belief that, if I worked hard and worked smart, I could make it to the top levels of European basketball. Its one of those things where its like, its at the finish line waiting for me, all I have to do is keep running my race and I will grab it. I know I will achieve greatness because not only do I have an intense love for the game, I have an intense love for the grind and struggle that it takes to be great.

You fell in love with basketball at age 4 and played until 8th grade and then didn’t play in high school. Why do you feel did you lose interest then?

I think I lost confidence in it. At that time, I wasn’t willing to put in the effort to be great. Because I played on high level AAU teams, I saw my peers getting further along in their skill development than I was. In my younger years I used to quit a lot as soon as the road got tough or when I would get discouraged.

Then after high school the interest came back and you attended 4 different universities but never played for a team. You pretty much taught the game to yourself. Did other people think you were crazy doing all the work not knowing if it would pan out in the end?

Its so funny man. When I tell people my goals, they won’t just come out and call me crazy, but I can tell that they’re thinking it. People are usually very surprised at the combination of my lack of experience and supreme confidence that this will work out. Most people believe in taking the conventional or the safe route in life. I believe in fully chasing your dreams until you can’t anymore. That way, if it doesn’t work out, you will find peace in knowing that you gave it everything you had.

In the end you didn’t land on a team and school was over after 10 semesters. What possibly kept your motor hot and burning to continue to follow the dream for a professional career?

There is something about knowing your back is against the wall that can propel you to achieve great things. I know that basketball is my ultimate dream. To be honest, I don’t have a truly conceptualized plan b. Hooping has to work, and it will.

How have you been able to pay the bills all these last years. Do you sometime s lose faith in the process?

I’ve mostly been doing security jobs. They’re relatively easy to get and always available once you get a certain amount of experience. I have never lost faith in the process. There have been some days when the grind would sometimes become overwhelming in thinking about all that I have to do to accomplish my goals. When I would start feeling that way, I knew it was a good time to take a day off, and then attack the next day with a recharged battery

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 175cm guard If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

Its hard to say because I watch so much basketball and take moves and reads from so many different guards. I guess if you had to make a comparison, it would be Terry Rozier

What are your biggest strengths on the court and On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so that you will be best prepared for your next challenge?

My biggest strengths are my speed, ball handling and ability to create. When I have the ball in my hands, I feel like I can make anything happen for myself and my teammates, ESPECIALLY out of a pick and roll. I have a constantly attacking mindset. I have been the most focused on playing without the ball, from cutting to spot up shooting to making movement shots like drifts and lifts and flares.

Who was the toughest player that you ever battled on a court anywhere that made the NBA?

I have never battled with anyone that made the NBA

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I really cannot answer this question. If I played more basketball In school I probably would be able to. Most of my teammates were either from men’s leagues or pick up games, and they change too much for me to solidify an all time top 5

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, OG Isaiah Thomas

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

Michael Jordan. I feel like I am one of the few people that does not consider rings when it comes to this debate, I only consider impact on the game. MJ was so dominant on both ends of the court. Possibly the greatest mid range shooter of all time, crazy athletic elite ball handler. The man had no weaknesses. Lebron is the greatest all around player but Jordans impact on winning was just unmatched.

Where do you rank Steph Curry right now of the best point guards of all-time

Its crazy that my favorite Euroleague point guard Mike James is catching flack for his opinion on Steph Curry but Steph is easily top 5 all time. He might even be the most skilled guard of all time just based on his ability to take on point guard responsibilities with the ball, and being the greatest shooter ever and possibly the greatest at moving without the ball

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I never saw it because I felt like it should have been left alone haha. It seems like every American movie is either a superhero movie or reboot. We need more originality

Thanks Caleb for the chat

Omajae Smith (196-G) is a forward that was born in San Diego, California and grew up in El Cajon, California. He began his basketball career at Foothills Christian high school. He then played a season with Humboldt State University (NCAA2) averaging 4.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.5apg. He then played 2 seasons with Fullerton College (JUCO) averaging 7.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 78.8% and in his second season averaged 11.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 71.9%. He then played his senior year at California State University Stanislaus (NCAA2) averaging 4.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 20.7%, 3PT: 15.0%, FT: 75.0%. He is taking part at the 2022 Howard Hoops Germany pro Tour.

Thanks Omajae for talking togermanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

Currently I’m in San Diego. Basketball is treating me better than what it was a few months ago.

You just finished school at California State University Stanislaus (NCAA2). You only played 6 games in the last 2 seasons. Do you feel like Covid had an effect on your development?

No, but at the same time yes. The reason I say that is because my recruiting suffered a lot because of covid, I wasn’t able to take visits or really talk to a lot of coaches because of everything that was going on due to quarantine.

Do you feel like Covid also had an effect on your success on the transfer market. How did the search go for you? Do you have an agent or did you have to do everything alone?

Yes, transferring from junior college was hard because covid ended our season during playoffs and that is usually when a lot of coaches recruits. I don’t have an agent, I have been mostly doing everything alone for the most part.

You now are with the Howard Hoops tour. How did connect with Ron Howard?

I connected with Ron Howard through one of my cousin’s husband that used to play overseas and he told me to reach out to him if I still had aspirations to go overseas.

Ron Howard has a super track record for getting guys jobs. How blessed do you feel having got to know Ron Howard?

I am grateful to have this opportunity because I know opportunities like this don’t usually come around for most guys especially when you are doing this alone.

Have you met Ron Howard? What kind of an impression have you gotten through the talks with him?

I have only talked to Ron through zoom and whatsapp but I have not yet met him in person. The impression of Ron is that he seems like a very stand up guy and seems like he genuinely wants to help players get to the next level.

How confident are you that you will be able to find a job after your tour with Howard Hoops?

I am pretty confident in myself that I will get a job somewhere after the tour.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I am more so a shooting guard/backup point guard than a forward, but I can play forward as well. If I had to compare myself to someone in the NBA I would have to say Jimmy Butler, the reason I say that is because he is a pass first guard but score when needed, and a defensive dog.

You can score and rebound the ball well. What other strengths does your game have?


Defense is one my main strengths along with making plays for others. Also, I have a high basketball IQ.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so that you will be best prepared for your next challenge?

It’s always important to work on ball handling and shooting

You began your career at Humboldt State University (NCAA2) where you only played 6 games as a freshman. What positives do you feel did you gain in this season despite hardly seeing action?

I started and majority the games as a freshman then I got hurt. But the positives I got out of it was I knew I was capable to play at any level.

You then took a few steps back to play JUCO at Fullerton College (JUCO). Was doing this one of the best decisions that you ever made?

Definitely, it helped me build on every facet of my game. If I had to redo my journey I most likely would have chose to go to junior college first, the only stress of Juco was getting out, but I like that type of stress because it taught me to work hard and focus on my goal.

You really raised your game there and showed in your second season how versatile you are. How did your game grow there?

During my second season I had a different role than my first year. During my first year my role I gave myself was to pass first and defend the other teams best player. My second year, my role was more to score and make plays for others.

How important was head coach Perry Webster in your development there? How did your game mature under him?

Coach Perry was a huge part of my development as well as my assistant coaches, Andrew Bock and McKay Lasalle. They helped me in every facet of the game, from building my IQ to finishing better around the rim, and even shooting.

You then finished at California State University Stanislaus (NCAA2). How tough was coming off a high from JUCO where you were rewarded to play NCAA 2, but then Covid disrupted everything? What positives do you feel could you still attain?

It was tough transition and decision. The reason I chose to play at Stan State was to be closer to my family, then my other choice in Washington. I didn’t attain any positives from playing at Stan State that I could think of.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Travion Williams?

Me.

Who was the toughest player that you ever battled on a court anywhere that made the NBA?

Lonzo Ball

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

TJ Leaf
Christian Grey
Tawon Elston
Morgan Means
Lucas Siewert

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James
Michael Jordan
Kobe Bryant
Magic Johnson

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

Lebron is better than Michael Jordan in every facet of basketball.

Where do you rank Steph Curry right now of the best point guards of all-time?

I would rank Steph Curry 3rd after Magic being 1st and Isaiah being 2nd.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

Never saw it, But yes classics should be left as Classics.

Thanks Omajae for the chat.

Lorenzo Ervin (200-F) is a 200cm forward that has one season of professional expereicne having played with FC Artsakh (Armenia-League A) playing 7 games averaging 10.0ppg, 7.3rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 13.3%, FT: 66.7%. He is taking part at the 2022 Howard Hoops Germany pro Tour in Duesseldorf. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Lorenzo for talking togermanhoops..com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

You’re welcome it’s my pleasure, I am currently in my home town of Kent Washington a smaller city located outside of what most people know as Seattle. Basketball life is treating me extremely well, I’ve been in the lab working on my game both strengths and weaknesses to be 100% ready to shock the world during the Howard Hoops Tour.

You are a real basketball warrior. Do you ever wonder if one could compare you to a cat and 9 lives? Despite all the hardships you have had to never die but always get up again?

It’s actually funny that you say that, because recently I had a friend compare me to a cat he asked me if I was a cat because of how many chances life has given me. At that moment it hit me I feel as if any hardship I face I choose to overcome them instead of giving up because I know there’s pressure to make it but one thing is certain pressure makes diamonds. A great example of a hardship during my journey that taught me to always get up again was when I was convinced of an opportunity in the country of Dominican Republic being sold false dreams, was told there would be scouts at the game and they weren’t there and dealt with pretty harsh living conditions, etc. At that point I could have given up, because I knew when I came home back to the United States I wouldn’t have a source of transportation I quickly realized I put all my eggs in one basket but through this all I kept faith in God and feel like the best of the journey is yet to come.

There have been guys at the Howard Hoops tour that have no college, but I don’t remember a player having no college but still landing a job overseas. How often have you heard the line ‘Why didn’t you play in college’?

I would say its’s a blessing and a curse being told that almost everyday. I feel like I’ve battled statistics my whole life. Not playing college can sometimes be the fuel to my fire knowing I have that chip on my shoulder. But that never stops me from my end goal. A lot of the reasons why I couldn’t play college would be due to a 1 year High School career, no college offers and a personal family tragedy.

Let’s go back to the start. Your career didn’t begin well either. You broke both legs in high school. How does one do that?

Honestly just thinking of this question gives me chills flashing back to that moment. It honestly feels like an out of body experience looking back because I played a whole half on a broken leg with will power and adrenaline to get me to the finish line, now how did it happen you may ask? It was 8th grade summer going into freshman year of high school, I remember the energy in the gym was out of this world one of my first times playing in front of a big crowd. Everything felt great like nothing could stop me but I was totally wrong. It was a very intense and close game and my team was in a full court 1-3-1 defensive press and I was the guy in the very back to intercept cross court or full court length passes, during the play in which I injured myself the ball went over my head and I tried to make a play tipping the ball out of bounce not knowing the distance from the hoop to the wall and landing with all my weight on one leg against the wall. A day I will never forget.

Did that experience already give a big dent in your mental state and self-confidence?

Honestly no it didn’t give a big dent in my mental state of self confidence because as a kid I felt like I was ahead of my time. With the mental strength that my Father in bedded in me at such a young age, I was taught that injures were a part of the game and that you’re not defined by what happened, but by how you over came it. If anything the experience gave me more confidence because the doctors told me I would never play the game of Basketball again, at a high level. So I had to enter mamba mentality.

You then also only played for the C- team. Is it fair to say you have always had doubters in your career?


One hundred percent. I have always had doubters in my career and I still do until this day. Seems like I’m constantly trying to prove myself.

Was playing for a C- team a reason you didn’t play in college? Did anybody want you?

It wasn’t the main reason, but it was defiantly one of the reasons why I didn’t play college, because I never heard of a Cinderella story of somebody making it to college that only played 1 year of High School. So I felt like going pro was my only option. Sad to say but during my High School career I had zero college offers.

In high school you played for coaches Kent Meridan and coach Pizzalatto. Despite all the tough times you went through did you get anything positive from their teachings?

Even though the High School journey wasn’t easy, I actually did get something positive from coach Pizzalatto’s teachings such as, the only limit on things is yourself. He taught me what it’s like to fight through adversity because at times I felt like I should’ve been on junior varsity as a freshman with all my friends but he made sure that mental battle wouldn’t affect my play on the court and help me develop into a man. Lastly, a positive teaching from Coach Pizzalato is discipline. At times during practice I would think we were a track team with all the running that we would do.

Last season you got a job with t FC Artsakh (ArmeniaLeague A) averaging 10.0ppg, 7.3rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 13.3%, FT: 66.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home?

Well for starters, I was on an 18 hour flight, time zones were different by 12 hours from back home, every store or restaurant that I entered there were no English words. So there was defiantly a language barrier. I couldn’t even walk down the street without everybody staring at me wondering where I came from, I have never had that many eyes on me waking down a street before.

You lost a game by 50 points + and then lost some nail bitters. How tough was this first experience overseas and what did you learn about yourself?

Its honestly crazy to say I was apart off a game losing so many points because it was a whole new experience for me and I never lost by that much in my entire career, so it was an unfamiliar feeling. One nail bitter game that I remember vividly would be the last game I played before I left where we lost by one point in a very controversial game. The first experience overseas actually started for me in pre-season. I remember being extremely nervous knowing that I would be competing against some pro’s, division 1-3 college guys because I didn’t know the quality of competition to expect but playing against the highest level always brought out the best in me as a player. It was just a matter of getting comfortable of the pace of overseas play. I learned a lot about myself during my time in Armenia. I learned that mental strength can push you to limits that I never thought could be overcome. I learned that I actually thrived and can play well in a system when I get assigned the right role display my talents.

You now are with the Howard Hoops tour. How did connect with Ronald Howard (181-PG-1984, college: Mayville St.)?

Ron and I actually met via social media maybe about 3 years ago and I heard about his Howard Hoops tour before I actually met him through other connections and they had nothing but great things to say. So I thought now would be a perfect time to attend the tour in Germany.

Ronald Howard has a super track record for getting guys jobs. How blessed do you feel having got to know Ronald Howard?

I am beyond blessed to know someone as great as Ronald Howard, because he’s the only person to give me a chance to display my talents on a big stage in front of legit decision makers. Without his guidance I wouldn’t know where my next step would be in my professional career. But he is given me the confidence to shoot for the stars and aim for the moon. So to have met Ron I am forever grateful.

Do you feel like having had that Armenia experience will give you an advantage?

I wouldn’t say it gave me an advantage on the court but it would defiantly give me an advantage off the court being that I’ve already played at a pro level before, so I know the expectations of an American player playing overseas.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 200cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

The NBA player that I would have to compare my game to which so happens to be one of my favorite players in the league would have be Kyle Kuzma, because I feel like we share the same qualities such as being able to defend multiple positions, stretch the floor with my shooting, play making abilities as a taller wing, finishing well in transition and unorthodox like game.

You can score and rebound the ball well. What other strengths does your game have?

I would say my best strength would have to be shooting because as a younger kid I was forced into developing a consistent jump shot because I had a skinny frame and had to find other ways to score without absorbing too much contact being that I always play against older and much stronger people.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so that you will be best prepared for your next challenge?

Scoring off the dribble has been a key focus as of lately because I know with my size and shooting ability I would be able to get my shot off over anybody. Plus it would allow me to pick apart the defense in other ways than just catch and shoot.

Who was the toughest player that you ever battled on a court anywhere that made the NBA?

Playing AAU growing up it opened up my eyes to competition all over the country and during those times I ran into a few players that made it to the NBA such as Jaylen Nowell who is currently on the Minnesota timber wolves, Malachi Flynn who currently is on the Toronto Raptors I also played against Internet sensation Jordan McCabe who plays at UNLV and will be entering the NBA draft next year. So I’ve defiantly have had battles with some high level guys.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I’m glad you asked this question because honestly this is my favorite question out of all of them, it actually makes me feel like a kid again thinking of all the teammates I’ve had over the years but if I were to crunch it down to five it would have to be in no order but those guys would have to be: Romaine Jackson Jelani Bell Dewan White Ethan Walker Tyler Lord These are my dawgs I’d go to war for them out there on the court.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan Shaq

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

Simply Lebron for me, I grew up in the ‘King James’ era. I could go hours on why I think Lebron is the greatest of all time, I’ve gone as far as full on heated arguments with friends over this topic alone, so I’m going to leave it as, Lebron is the goat.

Where do you rank Steph Curry right now of the best point guards of all-time

In my personal opinion with the way he has changed the game I would say he is the second greatest point guard of all Time currently but I could see him passing Magic Johnson when his career is said and done, I’ve never seen a point guard with the abilities that Stephan Curry displays.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone? P

Please don’t hate me for this, but I’ve never seen Coming to America a day in my life but after this interview that will be the first thing that I watch and then I would be able to answer that little better you can hold me to that.

Thanks Lorenzo for the chat.

Tim Frazier (178-PG, college: MacMurray) is a 178cm point guard that was born in Springfield, Illinois and grew up there. He began his basketball career at Lanpher high school and then played at MacMurray College (NCAA3) form 2013-2017 playing a total of 52 NCAA 3 games. He only played 5 games in his first two years but then got his chance averaging 7.6ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 60.5% as a junior and 13.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 67.5% as a senior. He has had professional experience having played with the Springfield Panthers (MBL) and with Team Milwaukee (Eurobasket Summer League in Chicago) averaging 6.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.3spg. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the start of the 2022Howard Hoops Germany Pro Tour.

Tim thanks for talking togermanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

I am in a great place. I’m very confident in my game and ready to play at the next level. I train everyday and give my all during every workout.

Before we get to basketball, I have to ask you how often you get asked about Tim Frazier the NBA player of the Grizzlies? Does it happen a lot and how do you deal with it?

It’s been happening since he was at Penn State. People would make jokes or references to me about him. I’m ok with it .

How big has your urge been to be a professional player since leaving school? You have played semi-pro ball in the States.

I been wanting to play pro since I was a child. Nothing has changed. The more I play The more Urged I am to complete that goal.

Have you also had a 9-5 job the last years to pay the bills? Were you able to use your degree and work in the field you wanted to?

I have had jobs at harbor freight, a mentoring program , and Fedex . While I chase my goals I still need to support myself.

What do you believe has been the biggest obstacle for you not having landed overseas yet? Obviously you don’t see many NCAA 3 players reach the professional level, but it has been done.

My biggest obstacle has probably been lack of consistency in networking or being in front of the right people. I have been to combines but I don’t think I have been to enough of them to really get my name out there.

Let’s talk a little about COPVID-19. What were the biggest challenges for you during this time? Was it tougher keeping that normal work out routine?

At first it was very hard because all of the gyms were closed and they removed all of the rims from the parks. I did stationary drills at home and many body weight exercises until the gyms opened back up

With everything that you have experienced during COVID-19 off the court how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?

I always appreciated things because as a child I grew up in a poverty stricken environment so I had to make a lot out of a little. So when the gyms were taken away and given back to us I started to spend more hours perfecting my craft because I didn’t know if we would be stripped of the gyms again.

You will be taking part at the Howard Hoops Germany Pro Tour in August. How excited are you to show your abilities in front of GM’s and coaches?

I’m very excited. I never been overseas before so to actually be in front of the people who can help me reach my goal it’s breathtaking.

How excited are you to be playing in Germany? What do you know about the country and it’s basketball? Have you had friends or ex opponents or teammates play there?

I’m very excited. I actually don’t know much about Germany but I’m eager to experience it . I don’t know anyone that has went to play in Germany.

How did you get in contact with CEO and founder Ron Howard? Did he find you or did you find him?

I found him . I saw his social media profiles and contacted him because I believe he can help me reach my goal of becoming a professional basketball player.

Ron Howard is a legend. He is the voice for the unknown players wanting to get a job overseas. What kind of relationship do you have with him and what do you appreciate most about his character.

I would like a great mentor that I can come to for many tips . I appreciate that he is patient , understanding , and very helpful.

What is your biggest goal at the Howard Hoops Germany Pro tour besides getting a job overseas?

My biggest goal is to learn a little bit about how the business works outside of basketball . I want to network with as many people as I can.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 178 cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

If I had to choose one person I’ll say Nate Robinson because of my athleticism.

What was it like growing up and even in the NCAA 3 concerning your height? Did you hear the usual comments about your height?

I was doubted by many people but I worked two times harder than the next men so it wasn’t a big problem.

Talk a little about your game. You’re a point guard that can fill up the stat sheet easily. Is your versatility your biggest strength?

Yes it is . I’m a hustle player that never gives up. One small slip up from the next player and I’ll edge them. Whether it’s on a rebound , fast break and etc

What other strengths does your game have at both ends of the court?

I’m very quick and I’m strong for my size. It’s going to be a battle every play.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most so you can continue to grow as a player?

I work on everything but conditioning and shooting are my main priorities.

You played at MacMurray College (NCAA3) from 2013-2017. What kind of an experience was that for you?

It was very different for me because there weren’t too many people that even wanted to play basketball after college . So my drive was a bit more intense than others.

You only played 5 games in your first two seasons. How tough was it experiencing those growing pains at the start?

It was very tough on me mentally but I stayed consistent and prepared my game so that when my shot came there would be no doubt that I could help my team.

You really picked up your game in your last two seasons averaging 7.6ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 60.5% and as a senior 13.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 67.5%. How do you feel did your game grow as a senior?

I started to figure out how to slow the game down and take advantage of every opportunity my opponents gave me. I became a lot more poised and it worked for me.

How did head coach Todd Creal groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He always told me I needed to get physically stronger so that I wouldn’t be a liability at my height . He also showed me that sharing the ball more helps me out in the end and opens me up more.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Marshall Corbon?

Marshall was a good player and worked just as hard as me. It was challenging but I believe I got him a little more than he got me.

You have professional experience with the Springfield Panthers (MBL). What kind of experience was that and what do you feel did you gain from it?

I got to see what it was like to play 48 minutes in a game and I had to condition more to be able to be successful in this league.

In 2019 you played with Team Milwaukee (Eurobasket Summer League in Chicago) averaging 6.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.3spg. What do you remember from this summer league and how brutal is the competition at those places?

This was challenging for me because everyone there wanted to play professionally and played their hearts out. I learned a few new things about myself and worked on them afterwards.

Who was the best player that you ever battled that went to the NBA?

I haven’t played anyone that made it to the NBA but there are countless that played overseas.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I’m going to list the people that really helped their team in all ways more than scoring . Josiah Gordon (high school ) , Derek Bourke (college ) Marshall Corbin (college ) ) Michael Cameron (college ) Hunter Flesner (college )

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

Michael Jordan Lebron James Kobe Bryant Stephen Curry Shaquille O’Neal

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

My pick is Lebron James. When I judge someone on being the greatest I look at all around gameplay . He dominates every stat line and has done it for years.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was the new Space Jam . I enjoyed it although I think it’s more for the kids to watch.

Thanks Tim for the chat.

Tags : TIM FRAZIER, NE