Khalil Miller (203-F-1996)r is a 27 year old 203cm forward from Ontario, Canada that is playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with the EN Baskets Schwelm. He has previous pro experience with the Ottawa Blackjacks of the CEBL. He began his basketball career at Seneca College (CCAA) and finished at McMaster University (U Sports) playing 23 games averaging 10.3ppg, 10.2rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2spg, Blocks-2 (2.5bpg), FGP: 53.7%,3PT:24.1%,FT:66.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.comabout basketball.
Thanks Khalil on talking withgermanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with Pro B team EN Baskets Schwelm. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?
I’ve heard a lot of great things about Germany and how it’s really competitive, I feel like it’s going to take my game to the next level.
Have you had any friends or ex teammates or opponents play in Germany? More and more guys have come form Canada in the last 10 years.
Yes I’ve had a friend that played in Germany actually, on the same team, his name is Robert Alexander, and he told me great things about Germany, Coach Falk and the GM Stephan Voelkel.
How excited and cool will it be playing with the EN Baskets Scwelm? You watched some videos already to get a feeling of how the fans are in Schwelm.
I’m excited to play in Germany with the Organization EN Baskets Schwelm, I’ve watched a couple of clips from the team, and hope the fans welcome me with open arms
What were the main reasons for signing with the EN Baskets Schwelm? What was the deciding aspect that made you sign on the dotted line?
The main reasons why I signed with EN Baskets Schwelm is because after talking with Coach Falk and Stephan I just had that butterfly feeling as if this is where I am meant to be. I’m thankful that the organization gave me the opportunity to play the game I love, I promise to not disappoint this season!!
What was your first impression of head coach Falk Moeller? What did you like most about his basketball philosophy?
My first impression of Coach Falk was that he was straight forward with what he expected of me on and off the court as well as what I can expect to get out of this experience. He made me feel comfortable even though we haven’t met in person, so it was a no brainer for me on signing with EN Basket Schwelm
Let us talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward/center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
If I had to compare my game to NBA players there are 3 players that come to mind. Giannis, Anthony Davis, Brandon Ingram. I can shoot the 3 pointer well, pick an roll, pick and pop
You had 10/10 stats in your last season at McMaster. What other strengths do you have besides scoring and rebounding?
Besides my 10/10 at McMaster, I can score the basketball in the paint, the midrange and the 3 pointer, I also protect the rim very well, as I have 3 defensive player of the years under my belt, two from Seneca college, and one from McMaster University
You are also a great shot blocker. What kind of a defender are you right now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?
The kind of defender that I am is a very good one, I want to get better at guarding the perimeter, I would usually average 3 blocks a game I want to push it to 4/5 blocks a game. For me my defense comes first and my offense just flows with it.
ON what areas of your game are you concentrating on most to improve so that you can continue to progress in Germany?
The areas that I want to concentrate on are defending the perimeter better and my ball handling, I feel like once that gets better I can take my game to heights they have never reached before.
You already played a pro game with Ottawa (CEBL). How was that experience for you? What positives could you get out of it despite playing only 1 minute?
Playing in the CEBL with the Ottawa Blackjacks was a great experience for me, I’ve learned a lot from the coaching staff and the players as well, they also helped me enhance my game and get better during the time I was there. Stepping on the court wheather it was for 1 minute, 5 minutes, I can say to myself that I was ready
What was it like seeing Canadian bigs like Thomas Kennedy and David Muenkat. Were you like a sponge during the game?
Playing against bigs like Thomas Kennedy and David Muenkat was a good challenge, I went head to head with the both of them and I know for sure that I’m on the same level as them, great guys and great competitors.
You began your college career at Seneca College (CCAA). You won the title in 2018 in your first season. What was so special about this team?
At that point in time of my career, going to Seneca college was the best move for me, winning the OCAA And CCAA championships was everything, everyone on that Seneca team are my brothers for life, we had a bond that was different and everything was just right, no egos on the team and everyone knew their roles, which is why we did what we did and went undefeated that year.
How vital was Jay Mcneilly in your early basketball development. How did he prepare you for McMaster best?
Coach Jay Mcneilly was one of my favourite coaches, he’s still to this day a father figure in my life and I have nothing but love and respect for him. His coaching philosophy was simple, he didn’t care who you were, how good you were, if you didn’t work hard, love and care about the game like he did it was simple you can leave!. Coach Jay wanted me to be the best person that I could be on and off the court, and for that he will always hold a special place in my heart. Even though he was extremely strict with his methods. Clearly it was worth it as the ending of the season showed all the hard work blood sweat and tears that we put into the game and ended with becoming national champions.
What was your fondest moment at McMaster? You had a 17 point 19 rebound and 6 block game in a win over York?
I can say that the game against York was for sure on of my fondest moments , the double double plus 6 blocks, but I can’t stop there. Just going on the road with my teammates for away games I can also say they we’re the fondest moments, just creating that bond with them and getting to know them better, a group of funny guys for sure. Going to miss them
How did head coach Patrick Tatham groom and prepare you best for a pro career at McMaster?
Coach PT was definitely a huge part of me getting to where I’m at now, he understood me very well because he was a big man himself so he understood the game in my eyes. He is also a cut throat coach as well. Thankful for everything he has done for me.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Ares Culley-Bremner?
1 v 1 I take that game every time, Ares is like a little brother to me, and I’m excited to see how far he goes with basketball, and for sure looking forward for him to have a monster season at McMaster this up and coming season.
Who is the toughest player that you have ever faced that reached the NBA?
Jamal Murray for sure hands down!
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
This is a hard one. My 5 best teammates of all time, I would have to say Yusuf Ali, Daniel Wright, Isaiah Ankra, Mychael Paulo, Johnny Kitenge
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
My NBA Mount Rushmore is. Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Who is your GOAT and why?
Kobe Bryant is my GOAT no questions asked, he just had a killer instinct and love for the game that no other player in my eyes ever had, being drafted in 1996 the year I was born made it even bitter sweet, he was just relentless
Thanks Khalil for the chat.
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