Tyler Bark (188-G/F) is a 190 cm guard from Kingston, Ontario. He has college experience with St. Lawrence College-Kingston (CCAA). He will be taking part at the Howard Hoops Pro Combine in Milan, Italy. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Thanks Tyler for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

Basketball’s good, trying to get better every day. Just rehabbed some injuries and now my body’s feeling prime again.

You will be taking part at the Howard Hoops Pro Combine in Italy. How excited are you to come overseas and show your skills?

I’m very excited, I think it’s going to be a great opportunity to showcase my abilities, network, and get better.

How did you find the contact to Ron Howard? Was it more through guys you know of finding information online?

Yeah, I basically found him through word-of-mouth. I heard a bunch of good things about him and thought I’d reach out.

How thankful are you of having found Ron Howard? He has been helping guys get jobs overseas for a decade.

I’m very grateful for the opportunity he provides, the world needs people like that. I’m excited to get to work

What have you appreciated most about him? He is a guy that lives and breathes basketball and wants to give the underdog a shot.

I’ve had limited experience with him so far, but I do appreciate how open he is with plans and I really appreciate that’s he’s trying to get the best for everyone he works with.

Your from Canada. With what kind of expectation and what are your goals coming to Italy to play against mostly pro players in the combine?

I’ve played against a lot of pro guys in my past experiences and I think it’s going to be similar. I feel like competition will be tough, as there are many good players; but, at the same time I’m confident in myself and my work ethic

You have a little pro experience. Coming overseas is no cake walk. Have you look around to get tips from guys who have played overseas? Do you know guys that have played overseas?

It’s going to be tough for sure, but I’m excited for that. I know a few guys and some of my current teammates play in Europe, and they gave a lot of advice mainly related to the culture and how the game is called.

Let’s talk a big about your game. If you had to describe your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I think it’s hard to pick one player that fits my game, but if I had to, I’d say a mix of James Harden and Carmelo Anthony. I feel like my shot creating compares well to both of their games. As well I feel like I find teammate’s similarly to hard and use my body to rebound and get to the rim like Carmelo Anthony

You’re a 190cm guard. What really stands out at first glance is your rebounding. Have you always been a good rebounder or has that developed over time?

I’ve always been told I was a good rebounder but it definitely developed over time. I think it all stems from my hunger, aggressiveness, and competitiveness – when rebounding you’re competing against 9 other people instead of just 5 which I like. I like to find a game within the game.

Talk about your strengths. You can really fill the stat sheet. How big is versatility in your game?

Looking at my game I think I have a lot of strengths. Obviously from the film I have a lot of success creating space for jumpers or breaking my defender down to finish at the rim or assist a teammate. I think I’m also exception playing off the ball, coming off screens for jumpers, back cuts, etc. I can score from all three levels, but I do it in an unselfish way – I’m always looking for an open teammate and passing up a good shot for a great shot. Versatility is a major part of my game, especially because there’s going to be nights where shots aren’t falling. In those situations, I try to pay extra attention to getting on the glass and making a defensive impact.

What kind of defender are you now and what kind of defender do you want to become?

I’d say I’m a good defender, I’m not going to sit here and act like I’m Kawhi Leonard, but I can definitely guard. I also think my on-ball and off-ball defense is often overshadowed by my offense. Currently I think my size, length and athleticism gets the job done on defense; however, in the future I want to work on my on-ball anticipation and continue to develop my understanding of different offensive sets so that I can be one of the players that calls out what’s going to happen before it does.

What is a hidden strength in your game that isn’t noticed right away on the court?

I think my biggest hidden strength is my leadership and coaching. I’m able to recognize patterns and sets on the court quickly which allows me to point out defensive flaws and offensive tendencies, ultimately making my teamsters lives easier while translating to more wins.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most at the moment so you can continue to grow as a player?

At this stage I’m basically trying to fine-tune everything. I think I have an exceptional foundation; I just want to get better in all aspects. I want to make sure my shots keep falling, that I’m finding teammates for better shots, that I can create for myself and others, rebound, be aggressive, be a force on defense. That kind of thing.

You began your career at St. Lawrence College-Kingston (CCAA). What kind of an experience was this for you? What was your fondest moment here?

That’s quite a loaded question. There were definitely times that were great and others that were not so great. I don’t think anyone can say 4 years of their life went completely perfect and as planned. Overall, it was a good experience and I’m very grateful for it. It’s one of those things I think about on an almost daily basis. My fondest moment was probably when we grinded for the second half of the season in my second year and finished 9-1 doing that.

You played for head coach Kevin Smart. How did he shape you best there in terms of development of your game?

Primarily, Kevin really shaped my defense. He’s and outstanding defensive coach. He taught us how to play the percentages, force our opponents into taking the shots we want, and most importantly he taught us what it takes to compete.

You have pro experiences from a Pro Am. You really exploded with 31/11/6 stats. How valuable was this for your self confidence?

Personally, I’m always confident in myself. I know the work that I put in and I trust the process. I can’t lie, playing well like that obviously makes me feel good and I’m looking to take that momentum to Italy. Although, at the end of the day all that matters to me is winning.

You also have been with the Trinidad & Tobago national team. What vital things could you pick up from that experience?

We’ve trained a few times and played a couple teams, unfortunately no international competition yet but nonetheless, there are many things I’ve taken away from the experiences. My confidence has exponentially improved as my teammates, coaches, and administration staff push me to be the best version of myself both on and off the court. The biggest thing I’ve gained from playing with T&T is experience, there is nothing like the development that you gain from competing with pro guys.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

I played against a few, but it’s for sure Shai Gillgeous-Alexander.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tom Withey, Isaac Sanderson, Brad Richards, Cole Syllas & Sleiddy Joseph

What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain

Who is your GOAT and why?

Unequivocally Lebron James. When I think about the GOAT, my mind immediately goes to greatness and longevity. There hasn’t been another player even close to dominating the league in all aspects for 20 straight years. He’s going into his 21st year and we’re still comparing him to guys in their 8th that’s crazy to me.

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

Haha, no I haven’t seen it. But as they say, sometimes less is more.

Thanks Tyler for the chat.

Tags : TYLER BARK, ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE-KINGSTON, GERMAN BASKETBALL