Tristan Harper (198-F, college: Langston) is a 198cm forward from Columbus, Georgia playing his rookie season with BBC Herford. He began his basketball career at Columbus High School. He then played 2 seasons at Gordon State College (JUCO) averaging 3.5ppg, 1.3rp, and in his second season averaged 12.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 39.0%, 3PT: 17.0%, FT: 74.7%. Then he played 2 years at Middle Georgia State University (NAIA) averaging 17.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 75.9% and in his last averaged 18.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 79.1%. he finished his college career at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 15.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 81.0%. he spoke to eurobasket about his basketball.

Thanks Tristan for talking to eurobasket.com. Your playing your first season with BBC Herford. What kind of an experience has it been so far? How have you come to appreciate Germany most?

The greatest thing has been the acceptance of my teammates. I like my teammates a lot. The scenery in Herford is similar to Georgia with a lot of woods. The only difference is the weather.

What has been the biggest adjustment to Euro ball coming from the NAIA?

The rules changes and refs.

I saw the team play against top pro A team Koblenz a few weeks ago. Granted the opponent was a pro A team, I wasn´t that impressed by BBC Herford. Except for you and Shawn Gulley, I didn´t see much scoring power besides you to. Can this team develop into a Pro B playoff team?

Koblenz was a lot bigger than us. Our guys feel more comfortable playing against Pro B teams. We had more help scoring against Bernau. The plan is to find consistency in scoring from many guys. I feel we can reach the playoffs.

What has it been like being teammates with Shawn Gulley? Has he showed you the ropes a bit in Germany on and off the court?

Shawn has been great. He is a great veteran and teammate. He has helped with how I can be more comfortable on the court and how I can find my spots better.

What has been your wake up call to being a rookie in Germany where you knew that you were far away from home?

When I first got here, I had problems with my sleep. It was all messed up. My first day, I didn´t sleep until 9:00Am.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I have heard comparisons to DeAaron Fox, Carmello Anthony and Michael Beasley. I played for different schools and had different roles.

You have been a scorer your whole life, but what do you feel are other strenghs in your game?

I feel like my defense has gotten better. I wasn´t known as being a great defender. I feel like I rebound well and my passing gets overlooked.

You shot over 40% twice at 2 different schools. What do you have to do to become an elite shooter at the pro level overseas?

I just need to keep getting my reps up. It has been tough in Herford since I have no ball machine. I try to get up between 300-500 per day.

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

I want to become a defender that guards the other team´s best player. I´m not there yet. I want to have guys put the switch off me than on me.

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

I´m working most on my ball handling. In college I didn´t have the ball that much in my hand as here. I have to make my team better.

You played at 3 different schools with JUCO and 2 NAIA schools. How are you a different player with this experience than had you played only JUCO?

I had to play a different role for each school. Being able to play at 3 schools helped me put more skills in my bag.

You played 2 seasons and 50 games at Gordon (JUCO) Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO have told me that it was a tough experience but one they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

It was pretty tough. I won´t lie to you. JUCO was a wake up call for me. I had to get my stuff together as a man.

How vital was Bruce Capers in your 2 years there. What was the most important thing that you learned from him?

He instilled the hand fake into my brain.

You then played 2 seasons at Middle Georgia State University (NAIA) averaging 17.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 75.9% and 18.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 79.1%. You made a huge jump in your game. How did your game grow in those 2 years under Scott Moe?

I learned in these 2 years that I couldn´t depend on others. Granted the coaching staff helped me a lot, but only I could make myself better.

How memorable was your 33 point explosion against Dalton State? What memories do you have of that game?

We got the win at home. I remember my mom was there and was screaming her head off.

You finished your college career at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 15.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 81.0%. You won the SAC title and reached the NAIA Sweet 16. Was this the best times of your life?

Basketball wise yes. I played for my favorite coach and team. It was the best school. We had a great support system winning the SAC title. We felt like we were on top of the world. We made history being the first team there to win the conference.

How did head coach Chris Wright give you that last push best in grooming and preparing you for a professional career?

He is the best coach that I ever played for. He was a no-nonsense guy and tactical coach. I learned a lot from him.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Chereef Knox?

He is my guy but he can´t mess with me. I won.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court that reached the NBA?

I played against Immanuel Quickly in AAU. He probably won´t remember me.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Rontae Anderson, Cortez Mosley, Seth Brown-Carter, Elavian Bowles, and Jordan Willis

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, Jordan, Kobe, Curry

Who is the GOAT between Jordan and Lebron and why not Kobe?

For me it´s Lebron. He was a force on the court. Kobe was a great player but didn´t make his teammates better the way Lebron does.

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

I never saw it. I have to check it out.

Thanks Tristan for the chat.