Pic credit: Maryland basketball

Patrick Emilien (201-F-1999, college Maryland) is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Toronto, Canada playing his rookie season in Europe for the Baskets Swans Gmunden. He began his basketball career at the Toronto Basketball academy. He then embarked on a 3 year journey with Western Michigan University (NCAA) playing a total of 77 games. He then played a season at St Francis College (NCAA) averaging 12.5ppg , 6.2rpg , 1.1apg , FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 11.1%, FT: 75.0%. He played hiss enior year at the University of Maryland (NCAA). He got his first pro experience down under with Casey Cavaliers Cranbourne (Australia-NBL One South): 10 games: 18.9ppg , 5.1rpg , 1.3apg , 2FGP: 53.7%, 3FGP: 27.6%, FT: 67.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a test game against German Pro A club Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Patrick for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season in Europe for the Basket Swans Gmunden. What kind of an experience has it been for you so far? What have you learned to appreciate the most? How vital was already tasting experience in the last months in Australia and Canada for the adjustment period?

It was very important for me, I got the chance to experience a professional environment and develop my skills as a primary guy in Australia.

The club has won titles in the last years. Have you felt the tradition of having to win the early going?

Yes I have already felt the winning culture of the club so far everything is intense and done with a purpose, I’m excited to learn from such a succesfull club.

What has been your wake up call to being in Europe so far where you knew that you were far away from home?.

This is my first experience not speaking the local language so that will definitely take some time to get used to. Aside from that everyone has been great in welcoming me here.

You’re a 201cm forward. What kind of a role will you have this season. You proved in the NCAA and Australia that you can be a reliable scorer?

We have yet to play our first game so I’m not sure what role the club will expect from me. But I will do whatever is asked of me to contribute to winning basketball. And yes I feel very confident in my ability to score the ball in different ways.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm player. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Two players I like watching in the NBA are Tobias Harris and Paolo Banchero, I think my game is unique so I can’t really compare it to someone but I try to take things I see from versatile players my size.

You can score and rebound but what is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength is my versatility, I feel like I can be successful in many positions. From guarding multiple positions, rebounding, or scoring, I feel like I can contribute in multiple ways.

Your three still is a work in progress. Is it the usual repetition confidence and shot selection that you need to work most on or are there other factors as well for you to become a consistent shooter?

I feel very good about my three point shot, I have improved more in the past 5 months than ever in my career. I will keep working at it because I know it is vital to be successful in today’s game, but I have extreme confidence in my shot making ability.

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

I am a versatile defender, I feel like I have the ability to guard 1-5 effectively. I was able to do that throughout my college career. But of course I can still improve by working on my quickness at getting to spots.

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

My playmaking and shooting are two aspects that I am consitently working on. I want to perfect them so I can help any team win.

You played briefly for the Brampton Honey Badgers (CEBL) averaging 3.0ppg, 3.8rpg. What kind of an experience was it playing in your home land? What positives could you gain?

It was definitely a good experience. I missed the whole season while playing in Australia and only played about 3 games so it was not ideal but I had an amazing time being home playing the game I love.

You had your first rookie experience down under with the Casey Cavaliers Cranbourne (Australia-NBL One South) averaging 18.9ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 53.7%, 3FGP: 27.6%, FT: 67.6%. You had a really good short season. You exploded for 34 points in your first game? How did your game grow there in your first pro stint?

I am grateful for Casey for giving me my first pro experience, like I mentioned I was able to get more comfortable being a primary guy and go to scorer. It elevated my game a lot and I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the club.

How important was it for your development as a player and person playing at 3 NCAA schools? Do you ever wonder where you may be now had you only played at Western Michigan?

I learned something valuable from every NCAA school I attended. I would not change a thing about my collegiate path. I don’t think I would be in the same position I am if I had not left my first school but I am forever grateful for the relationships I made there. I also would not have met my former teammate Michael Cubbage who introduced me to my amazing agent Eyal Grossbard.

You played your first 3 seasons at Western Michigan playing 77 games and never averaging more than 5,2ppg. How was this experience? Did you have a special role?

Like I said I am very grateful for my time and experiences at Western Michigan University. I think I grew most as a person there and met some of the closest people in my life.

What memories do you have of Michael Flowers who played in Germany last season? What kind of a bond did you have with him?

Michael Flowers is an amazing basketball player. I played with him for 2 years and he is one of the best shooters I have ever witnessed play this sport. I consider him a close friend and I am excited to follow his season.

You then had your break out NCAA season at St. Francis College (NY) (NCAA) averaging 12.5ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 11.1%, FT: 75.0%. What did you learn about yourself as a person that season? You had many great games there. What was your most memorable game?

St. Francis was the first time I was able to gain some true confidence. I was given a lot of freedom which expanded my game more than ever before. The first game of the season was memorable for me. It was my first time playing a game with the team and I went 8/11 against a Big 10 team for 18. That was a good way for me to start of a fun season.

You played a fifth season at the University of Maryland (NCAA) averaging 3,0ppg, 2.8rpg. How tough was it seeing your minutes dip from 30 to 17. I guess reaching March Madness was a big consolation that season for you?

Reaching March Madness was my main goal through college and I am grateful I was able to do it with some an amazing group of teammates. That experience made it all worth it.

How did head coach Kevin Williard give you that last push in your preparation for a pro career?

Coach Willard was one of the best basketball minds I have ever played for. He had an incredible understanding of the game and I think I was able to retain a lot of it.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Hakim Hart?

Me and Hakim never played 1-1 but he was an all conference player and even better person.

Your from Toronto. Have you had any deals with the Scrubb brothers Phil and Tommy. These guys were legends at Carleton University.

I have never had any interactions with the Scrubb brothers but everyone back home knows about their impact on Canada basketball.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Obi Toppin had a great game against my Western Michigan team, that was a memorable one for sure.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My five best teammates are William Boyer-Richard, Caelum Swanton Rodger, Jason Whitens, Michael Cubbage, and Kawanise Wilkins

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Magic Johnson, Shaq

Who is your GOAT and why?

In my eyes Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time because of his pure dominance.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I have not seen the sequel I’ll have to watch it!

Thanks Patrick for the chat.

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