Stanley Whittaker (183-PG-1994, college: Keiser) is a 28 year old 183cm point guard playing his fourth professional season and first in the easyCredit BBL with s.Oliver Wurzburg currently averaging 18,5ppg, 2,4rpg, 4,9apg and 1,0spg. Last season with PS Karlsruhe he averaged (22.3ppg), 5.1rpg, Assists-3 (6.6apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 84.6%. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 88-72 win over the Fraport Skyliners.

Congrats Stanley on the big 88-72 win for S.Oliver Wurzburg. Another additional win for securing the BBL for Wurzburg and another loss for Frankfurt getting closer to the Pro A. Did this game show that 2 teams going in 2 different directions in their season?

I think we just want to come out and take a step forward as a team in general. Our focus is to continue to build good habits and stay consistent within those habits and try and get better everyday. I think tonight was a step in the right direction for our group.

How good did it feel to be back on the court for a game? What kind of game plan did the team have coming off a 83-73 loss to FC Bayern Munich and having to face the worst team in the league?

Yeah it always feel good to actually compete in league games. That’s what we practice hard for. We wanted to establish a defensive presence early and throughout the game and execute on the offensive end. I think we did a solid job at that.

S.Oliver Wurzburg won the first quarter 22-11. Is it fair to say that you won the game in the first quarter?

Me personally, I don’t think a game can be won in one quarter. But we did a good job at defending and finishing possessions. With that we gave ourselves a lead after the first.

The Fraport Skyliners coughed up the ball 8 times in the first quarter. Was this more because of the aggressive defense or Frankfurt making dumb mistakes?

I think our defense caused some of them, we were in the right positions, being active and on a string, so our intensity helped us get some turnovers.

Especially the guard terror and pressure was key. Was that the best first quarter of the season of s.Oliver Wurzburg?

Our best defensive first quarter for sure.

s.Oliver Wurzburg have allowed 89 points per game, but against Frankfurt it was only 72 points. What strides did the team make in this game?

Just wanting to be a better, more consistent and sound defensive group. To win in this league, we have to pride ourselves on the defensive end. Today was a solid step forward, but we have to do it consistently.

After the first quarter you guys did a great job just playing your game and maintaining the lead. What was key for the team being able to conserve the win so comfortably?

We just had to remain true to what got us the lead, and intensify what we were doing even more because we knew Frankfurt would make their runs. We stayed composed and weathered some of their runs and executed.

The bench also came up big for you. Talk a little about how valuable German veteran Felix Hoffman is? How much of a leadership role does he have on a team stuffed with Americans?

He’s great, he’s our team captain. He does a lot for our group and we lean on him for his experience in the league and his effort.

You and Cameron Hunt combined for 27 points and 11 assists. Is it fair to say that s.Oliver Wurzburg wouldn’t have won the game without you two?

Nah I wouldn’t say it’s fair, we have a good group of guys who can produce and contribute to winning.

You and Cameron Hunt are the dynamic duo. Do you feel like the league is recognizing you more?

I’m not sure. I just show up to work, looking to compete, and help my team in whatever ways I can to help us win. Cameron does the same. I prefer our team to be recognized for winning over anything.

You had another solid game with 13/5/7/1 stats. How content were you with your performance? You had 1 turnover.

I was okay. I’ll watch the film and check what areas I can be better in.

I can imagine 2 years ago in Austria you were dreaming of a chance like this. Now you’re here. Do you quietly dream a little about the next step one day?

For the most part, I try and keep myself grounded as much as I can. I don’t try and look too far ahead because then I won’t be able to give the present everything I have. I focus on what I’m up against now and try to excel. I’m a huge advocate for what’s meant for me will be for me, so the next step is all in God hands!

At the beginning of the 2021-2022 season you played a test game in Frankfurt with pro A team PS Karlsruhe. Is it difficult to see what has happened with this club? The standings are tight at the bottom. Do you feel like this team can rebound?

I think they have a good team, they have some good players. I’m sure they’ll come together and give it their best to win games, so we’ll see what happens.

How much do you feel for Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson. He had gotten less minutes from the new coach, but against Wurzburg had a solid game in 34 minutes. Was he Frankfurt’s best man on the floor?

He’s a veteran who’s been playing at this level for a long time. Credit to him, he’s a good player, he gets after it and I wish him all the best.

I have said from the start had the Fraport Skyliners got you from the start then they wouldn’t be in this situation. Did they show interest in the off season?

It was a lot going on with the entire wildcard situation, it was some interest there but nothing concrete. I wish them all the best only except when they play against us.

S.Oliver Wurzburg next battle the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. What will be key to extending the winning streak on the road?

Defending at a high level, valuing possessions and taking care of the ball.

Croatia beat Brazil in the quarters. Who do you see winning the 2022 World Cup?

I haven’t been keeping up with it honestly, I have no clue.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

Tags : STANLEY WHITTAKER, S.OLIVER WUERZBURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL