Conley Garrison (185-G-1999, college: Furman, agency: GoEmpire Group) is a 24 year old 185cm guard from Bolivar, Missouri that is playing his first professional season with the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum (Germany-ProA) currently averaging 14,5ppg, 4,7rpg, 4,3apg and 2,0spg. He began his basketball career at Bolivar High School and then played at Drury (NCAA2) from 2017-2021 playing a total of 111 games and averaged 17,0ppg in his last 3 years there. He played an extra season at Furman University (NCAA) playing 33 games averaging 9.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball

Thanks Conley for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum (Germany-ProA). What is the greatest thing about being able to call yourself a professional player?

I think the best thing is the realization of a lifelong dream. It is still weird for me when people ask what I do for work, and I get to respond that I’m a professional basketball player.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? There have been some guys that have played in Germany like Brandon Lockhart, Brandon Kimbrough and Cameron Adams that had played at Drury. Did you reach out to anyone?

I am not very familiar with Germany, but my wife has been doing a lot of research. I have spoken a little with Brandon Kimbrough, who coached me for two years at Drury. He has given really good advice!

What was your impression of head coach Felix Banobre in your first talks? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

Everything I’ve heard about Felix has been positive. I’m really excited to be playing for a coach with as much passion as he has.

You’re a 185cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I like to compare my game to Patty Mills. I think a combination of Patty Mills and Alex Caruso would best describe how I play.

Your shooting really stands out. You shot better than 40% in 4 of 5 college seasons. But you are so much more than a good shooter. Talk a little about your game and what other strengths you have?


I am a player who plays as hard as I can at all times and I also make a lot of hustle plays to go along with my ability to shoot the ball and make plays.

You have a very good IQ and have versatility. What kind of playmaker are you now and what kind of playmaker do you want to become?

I think I am a good playmaker in transition but I would like to become better in the halfcourt.

You are also a very good defender. Is it fair to say that you’re a two way player? How much of a factor does your defense play on a night where your shot isn’t falling?

I was taught to never judge your performance based on how well you shoot the ball, because sometimes shots just don’t fall. You can always control your effort, which I believe is 90% of defensive success.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now as you continue to improve your game?

I am working on having more of a scorer’s mindset.

You played at Drury (NCAA2) from 2017-2021. How vital were these 4 years in your basketball development? What kind of player were you in 2017 and what player were you when you left in 2021?


These years were important as I was able to diagnose my weaknesses at an early age and use the facilities on campus to really improve.

You reached the GLVC final in 2019 and 2021. Which final loss was more bitter?


2019. We had won 12 in a row to that point and it didn’t feel like we were going to lose again.

You had so many great games at Drury, but was your explosions against Mckendree or Illinois-Springfield your fondest moments on the court?

My favorite memory at Drury was a conference tournament game against the one seed in 2019. We won in overtime after being down by 7 points in that overtime period.

You then played an extra season in the NCAA with Furman University (NCAA) averaging 9.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 77.1%. What do you remember being your biggest adjustment coming from the NCAA2?

The biggest adjustment was the different role I needed to serve for the team to be successful. At Drury, I was a scorer and playmaker. At Furman, they needed shooting and toughness, which I thought I did at a high level.

How tough was not winning a title in school? You reached the SoCon final losing a bitter 64-63 game to Chattanooga. What will you always remember about that game?

A crazy game. That is why they call it March Madness! I will always remember the feeling I had after that game as I’ve used it for motivation plenty of times already.

You had many memorable games in the NCAA, but was your 19 points in the exciting 70-69 win over Wofford your favorite?

Individually, yes. That game occurred on Senior Day in front of a lot of my family against our rival in Wofford. My overall favorite game was the conference semifinal game. I love the win or go home games.

How did head coach Jimmie Williams give you that extra push to help groom and prepare you for a professional career?

Jimmie has been amazing for my development. He has been a great coach and great friend since the season ended.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Carter Whitt?

Carter came in this past offseason, after I had already graduated.

Who was the toughest guy besides your brother that you have faced on the court that reached the NBA?


I have only played against a handful of NBA players, but there weren’t any that caused me too many problems.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? The most enjoyable teammates I’ve had:

Brandon Emmert, Cal Hartley, Lane Duncan, Andrew Ballock, and Alex Hunter

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

MJ, LeBron, Kareem, Bird

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

I think he’s the best ever.

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

Jordan

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

I have never seen it.

Thanks Conor for the chat.

Tags : CONLEY GARRISON, VFL SPARKASSENSTARS BOCHUM, GERMAN BASKETBALL