Travante Williams (193-SF-1993, college: Alaska) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Alaska playing his 7th professional season and fourth with Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic). He averaged 17,0ppg twice in a season and 16,0ppg in a season. He also played two seasons with U.D. Oliveirense (Portugal-LPB). He played his rookie season with Tskaltubo (Georgia-A League) averaging (32.3ppg), Reb-4 (10.3rpg), 1.9apg, Steals-2 (3.4spg), FGP: 53.7%, 3PT-2 (41.2%), FT-3 (82.9%). He played a season with Adams State University (NCAA2) averaging 8.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.6spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 61.0% and at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (NCAA2) averaging 18.7ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.7apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 80.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the exciting 84-83 Fiba Europe cup win in Goettingen.

Thanks Travante for talking for germanhoops.com. Your in Germany playing BG Goettingen in a Fiba Europe Cup qualifying game. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

I know there’s great talent in that country. They play high level basketball and the top league is very competitive and physical

Have you ever heard of ex Auburn great Quantez Robertson? He is playing in Germany with the Fraport Skyliners and it is his 14th season with the same team. Your playing your 4th season with Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic) and have won 6 titles in 3 seasons. Could you become a lifer for this team?

Never heard of him but that’s great to have a long lasting career like that. Right now I’m locked and focused on this season. Whatever happens in the future will happen. I just want to continue to improve and have fun.

There are guys that play 10 + seasons and win no titles. You have played 6 seasons and won 10 titles. That is really mind boggling. What kind of an approach do you have in general to basketball when you have won so much?

At this point that’s what’s important to me. Winning has always been my goal. Thats the beauty in competing

Does the hunger to win always become more? You are in a special class. There aren’t many guys overseas that have won double digit titles in a career?

It doesn’t matter what game it is. It could be dodgeball , ice hockey or Rock Paper Scissors. Winning makes me happy

Your playing your fourth season with Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic). What makes it so special playing for this organization?

I was here when it first game back after being absent for 20 years. I am the only American that remained from the past 4 years. It’s an honor to defend what I started with ..

What was your most special title so far with Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic)? I can imagine the exciting clincing title win in 2021 over FC Porto where you scored 25 points in the 86-85 win could be near the top?

Hahah I am not exactly sure at this point. Of course some feel better than others but ultimately winning and capturing titles is always special

You have played with so many special guys in Lisabon, but what was it like being teammates with ultra veteran Micah Downs? What do you remember being your fondest moment with him?

Just an incredible basketball player with so much versatility. I remember when he made freethrows to lead us to our first championship at sporting. That was big ..

Let’s talk about your game. Your listed as a 193cm small forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I am not sure if there’s just one player who plays the game like I do. I think I would have to combine some guys together, but moreover guys like Pat Beverly , Damian Lillard , Luka Doncic, and Kevin Durant

You’re a guy that can really do it all fill the stats. What do you personally feel is your biggest weapon on the court? Possibly your versatility?

I believe it’s just my will to win along with my iq and natural feel for the game. It doesn’t matter what’ the stats say, who we are competing against going out there and competing means the most

You shot the ball really well over 40% from outside a few years ago and in the last years been below 40%. Are you doing anything else to try to get back to 40% or better?

Taking better shots, controlling my breathing, not being flustered or rushed and playing at my pace has been my focus

You played your first two seasons in Portugal with U.D. Oliveirense (Portugal-LPB) already winning 4 titles. Did you recognize early that winning titles could be in your genes?

Hahha my momma told me I was special when I was younger . I’m just living in the moments and seizing the opportunities that come

You played 2 seasons with American James Ellisor and Eric Coleman. Did guys become like brothers for you and how important was forming relationships with guys like that?

That’s my family for sure. Those years we spent together can never be forgotten! Relationships that you build through basketball are special and you cherish them along the journey

You played your rookie season with Tskaltubo (Georgia-A League) averaging (32.3ppg), Reb-4 (10.3rpg), 1.9apg, Steals-2 (3.4spg), FGP: 53.7%, 3PT-2 (41.2%), FT-3 (82.9%). What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Walking outside in the country of Georgia and seeing stray dogs , pigs and cows walking freely through the streets.

You have won so much, but what does your 50 point game against BE Titebi mean to you in your career? Not many guys can say they scored 50 in a game?

Before I had 50 I had 48 haha . But It was the first time I manifested a stat line. Makes it more special we won that game, but prior to it I was challenging myself mentally to go above and beyond yeah you scored 35 and 48, can you get 50 though ?

You played at Adams State University (NCAA2) averaging 8.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.6spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 61.0%. What memories do you have of this experience? You put up sold stats for a freshman?

I went to Adams state as a junior but that’s were I learned some valuable lessons about brotherhood being your brothers keeper and working for the next man and being a part of a team

A year later you moved to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (NCAA2) averaging 18.7ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.7apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 80.5%. Was it the logical choice to move back home?

I’m where I’m at now so I guess it all worked out. During that time I wanted to be able to give my family a chance to watch me work and it was special for sure

You made a huge jump in your game that season. What kind of player did you become?


I was able to put everything I learned 3 years prior at Adams State , San Francisco City , and College of Alameda all together. My coach allowed me to be myself and showcase my abilities

You had some huge games like netting 35 points against W Washington, but lost 100-99. Is that one of those games you will never forget?

That was a great game. If I’m not mistaken I was 0-10 from the three point line and we loss on a buzzer beater. It was definitely an eye opener

How did head coach Mick Durham groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He allowed me to play freely and put me in situations offensively to create and perform at a higher level

Who won a 1-1 back in the day you or Joe Slocum?

Hahahah Joe Slocum was one hell of a player. Honestly we might be tied in wins but now I’d kill him

Who is the best player that you ever faced that reached the NBA?

Just off the top of my head probably Demarcus Cousins in a summer league game in Las Vegas, but I also competed with Pierre Jackson who is on a different level, Trey Burke and Juan Toscano

Please name the 5 best teammates of your career?

Eric Coleman , Shakir Smith , Diogo Ventura , Jose Barbosa , and probably Malik Abu

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe , Lebron , Jordan , Luka , Kevin Durant , Shaq

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


Jordan’s career is over. Lebron is still playing. Lebron the greatest for now

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

I missed it but they probably should have. The first one was enough

Thanks Travante for the chat.