Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Alani Moore in the CGM arena in Koblenz

Alani Moore II (178-PG-1998, college: Temple) is a 25 year old 178cm guard from Rockville, Maryland that played his second professional season and first with the EPG Baskets Koblenz helping them win the pro B title and move up to the Pro A averaging 33 games: 15.3ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.5apg, Steals-2 (2.8spg), FGP: 46.9%, 3PT-2 (44.4%), FT: 84.8%. Last season he played with Sanaat Mes Rafsanjan (Iran-Superleague) playing 16 games averaging 18.8ppg, 4.0rpg, Assists-3 (4.7apg), Steals-4 (2.3spg), FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 76.9%. He began his pro career with the Houston Push (TBL) averaging 12.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 5.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 86.1%. He began his basketball career at the Montrose Christian school and also played at Friendship Collegiate Academy. He then played at temple (NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 122 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 8.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 28.3%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 86.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the season.

Congrats Alani on winning the Pro B title. Was this your biggest achievement in your career? You did win the TBL title with the Shreveport Mavericks.

Thanks and it was definitely one of my biggest achievements. Anytime winning a championship with a team after a hard and long season is an achievement.

How was the celebrating after the game. When did you get to sleep? Do the Germans know how to party properly?

I barely got any sleep the night after the game. And of course, especially my teammates.

After a tough playoff series against Schwelm and the Lowen, is it fair to say that the team played it’s best basketball of the season against the Sixers and Vechta?

Yes, I think everybody was clicking together and figured out that we had to bring it all together to show ourselves how good we can be.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz stepped up their game a tad against Vechta 2. Would be unfair to say that Vechta was fatigued going into the series?

They had a lot going on, a very young and talented team. Certain circumstances just caused some fatigue which is unfortunate.

JJ Culver said energy was a big difference in the second final in Koblenz. You also easily won in Vechta. What do you feel was the difference in the final series?

I think the difference was our defense and intensity. We played hard and aggressive from the beginning of the game which carried over throughout.

The team went 31-3. Is this the best team you have ever played with in your career?

Besides AAU years ago, this is for sure one of the best teams I’ve played on.

The team had high expectations form the start and the pressure kept building throughout the season. How visable was that winning mentality from day 1?

The coach gave us confidence and encouraged us that we need to maintain that ‘winning’ mentality throughout.

How key was the mastermind of the success Pat Elzie? What one theme will you remember always hearing from him from day 1 until the end?

He was very key to our success. His understanding of each player and bringing out the best in players. A theme I will remember is that he brings out 150% of each player when they play.

Let’s talk a bit about your teammates. Talk a little how special your bond was to Marvin Heckel. He called you and him the Lillard and McCullum duo. But please tell me who is who? Are you Lillard or McCullum?

The bond with Marvin is special, we correspond with each well on the court. I would say I’m Lillard because I shoot more threes and Marvin is like McCollum because of his mid range.

How key was Dominique Johnson? He was like the team’s hidden captain. Seriously how important was his constant support for the team throughout the season? He is a guy every guy wants as a teammate and hates as an opponent?

DJ was for a key piece to our success. When people weren’t ready to play/practice, DJ would boost the energy of everybody and make sure we were ready. We were up 15 vs Vechta 1st game and he was still loudly encouraging us to not play lazy and play harder. DJ also can be a big bro, whenever you need to talk or just get something off your mind/chest, he’s always available.

After 3 years in Koblenz Brian Butler will go. What will you always remember most about his game? It seems like his last dunk may have been one of his greatest in his career and he has had many. What a way to leavr Koblenz.

I will remember his turnaround shot and free throws. We worked on those all year and made improvements. And of course his dunks, like come on, it’s Brian Butler.

Thomas Klein always said Moses Poelking was the best center in the Pro B. What steps did you see him make during the course of the season?

I think Moses started the season not knowing his role but then progressed and started becoming more and more effective doing a little bit of everything. He helped us big time on defense when others made mistakes, Moses was always there to help out.

Please give your 2 cents about the 3 role players Moritz Huebner, Niclas Sperber and Leo Saffer and their worth to the success?

These three guys gave us big minutes when we needed them. They stepped up when the coach called their number and filled the role they needed to play.

Who was the Team unsung hero and most improved player?

I would say Leon is the unsung hero. There were games where we would struggle to score and he would just catch fire and pull us through. I would say Moses is most improved.

Let’s talk about your game. Congrats on winning Eurobasket.Com player of the year. If someone had told you in September you would win an achievement like that what would you have thought?

Thank you so much. I didn’t know until I saw this. But it’s just hard work and dedication. Not really worried about the awards but just to produce and win. Much appreciated though!

You averaged 15/4/5/2 stats. How would you summarize your first pro season in Germany?

It was a great season for me, I learned a lot and also was helping my game by just adjusting to the different styles of basketball.

You demonstrated your versatility. You showed quickly how easy you could harmonize with Marvin Heckel. How vital was playing with him for you being able to show your versatility?

When there are two different threats attacking, it’s hard to stop us. Some days he’s hot, so we feed him. And vice versa, if I’m hot, they feed me. Love playing with Marvin.

You have never shot the ball better than you have in the last year. Talk a little about the development of your three from the TBL throughout your pro B season.

I just went to the gym. Coach makes us shoot a lot of shots in practice. That benefits all of us.

You had many great games this season. What do you feel was your personal favorite?

our home game vs Sandersdorf. Even though karthause was small, I liked the environment. I also think i played a good game.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the Pro B this season?

The Sandersdorf guard.

A question I love to ask Americans after a season is what will be your first meal at home? I can imagine your favorite dish from your mom?

Some meatloaf and Mac and cheese. Amazing

Thanks Alani for the chat.

Tags : ALANI MOORE II, EPG BASKETS KOBLENZ, GERMAN BASKETBALL