Devon Goodman (184-PG-1997, college: Pennsylvania) is a 26 year old 185cm guard that completed his second professional season with the Dragons Rhoendorf (Germany-ProB) averaging 19/4/8. Last season as a rookie he played with S.C. Lusitania EXPERT (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 14.6ppg, 3.7rpg, Assists-4 (5.2apg), 1.9spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 47.3%. he began his basketball career at Germantown academy and then played at the University of Pennsylvania (NCAA) winning the Ivy League title in 2018. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2022-2023 season.

Congrats on a solid Dragons Rhondorf season that ended in a sweep against the Basketball Lowen. How tough was losing this series and not being able to play game 2?

It’s always tough to lose in the playoffs since you have aspirations to win it all. It was definitely frustrating to say the least, that I was unable to be out there and help my teammates.

The Dragons Rhondorf gave all they had in game 2. Did fatigue play a role at the end?

I am very proud in the way we battled in game 2. Especially in the 2nd half, you can tell how paranoid we were to win, but unfortunately the Loewen was able to make a couple key plays at the end which resulted in us falling short.

From the stats how much did the offensive rebounds of Erfurt and your 7 more turnovers play a role in losing the game?

Anytime you give a team extra possessions, it will ultimately hurt you. The Lowen converted those mistakes into a lot of 2nd chance points which played a key role in losing the game.

It was a tough season for the Dragons Rhondorf. The untimely and tragic death of Mubarak Salami affected all. How proud are you of how the whole organization stuck together after his death?

I am extremely proud of the way the whole organization stuck together. We went through more than any other team in this league had to endure and I am grateful for every single guy apart of this team.

With all that happened this season, how do you summarize the season of the Dragons Rhondorf? It was their first playoffs in 5 years.

Resilient. From injuries, to guys leaving the program, to the tragic death of one of our teammates, this group of guys stayed resilient and stuck together to the end. Although we had bigger goals than just making the playoffs, I am still pleased in what we were able to accomplish this year.

It was a joy to watch the offense of the Dragons Rhondorf, but the inconsistent 1-1 defense plagued the club all season long. Why do you feel could the team never develop a true defensive identity?

It was something that we continuously worked on throughout the season, and I do believe towards the end it was improving, but wasn’t enough. Definitely our Achilles heel.

The club had many big wins like over the Sixers and sweeping Schwelm. What was your personal team highlight of the season?

The Sixers game was probably one of my personal team highlights of the season. I believe we were down double digits going into the 4th quarter and were able to come back in win. The game was exciting as well as the atmosphere in the Dragon Dome with all our fans dressed in crazy costumes for Karneval.

For me the team MVP was you. If you had to pick a second MVP who would it be?

Every guy played a key role in the success of our team, but Florian Koch had a remarkable season. He is one of the best shooters that I have ever played with and just an overall competitor.

For me the unsung hero was Paul Albrecht. Who was your unsung hero?

Paul Albrecht was definitely the unsung hero of our team. As one of the older guys, he brought leadership, consistency, and did all the little things that kept this team together.

For me the most improved was Zaba Bangala. Who was your most improved player?

Throughout the season Zaba has consistently grown as a player on and off the court. In my opinion he is the best youngster in the league and has a bright future if he continues to improve.

You had a great first pro B season averaging 19/4/8. How would you summarize your season?

Overall, I am pretty content in how I played this season, but there is also things that I have to work on. This summer I look forward to taking what I learned from the season and continuing to improve as a player.

You were that important leader on the team. How do you feel did your game grow this season?

I feel my game has grown this season on both ends of the ball . Especially as a PG offensively, I believe my ability to read the defense and make the right reads/adjustments have tremendously improved.

You averaged 2,0spg. How do you feel did your defensive game grow in the German Pro B?

My quickness has always been an advantage for me to get steals and off the ball I am continuing to improve on being in the right spots.

You had many massive games and had 37 points against Erfurt in game 1. What was your personal best and favorite game this season?

Erfurt was probably my personal best this season with 37 points and 14 assists. My favorite game was either beating the Sixers at home during Karneval weekend or winning the Derby against Koln at their place.

Your three pointer remains a work in progress and one that opponents allow you to use more than your drive. Is your shooting a big area you will work on this summer?

Of course. Being a consistent threat from three will open up the floor and make the game a lot easier for me with my quickness. It is definitely a big area I will work on this summer.

What kind of an experience was it playing a Basketball Champions League game against Rytas. What will you always remember form that game?

Playing in a BCL game was a great experience. After practicing with Bonn all year, it felt good to get some minutes on the floor against Rytas and the atmosphere in the Telekom Dome was unmatched.

What is the next step for you? I can imagine you playing well in the German Pro A? Did you see some games. Would that be an option for you?

I think this season will allow me to take a bigger step in my career and German Pro A could be an option. This summer I will sit down with my agent and figure out the next steps in my career.

What was your coolest experience in Germany off the court?

Besides hanging out with my teammates, I was able to do some sightseeing to cities like Frankfurt and Cologne to see amazing buildings like the Cologne Cathedral.

Who will reach the NBA finals and who will win it all?

My prediction is Sixers vs Suns in the Finals. My home-team Sixers to win it all!

Thanks Devon for the chat.

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