Carlos Carter (197-G/F-1999, college: Shippensburg) is a 24 year old 197cm forward playing his rookie season overseas for the Uni Baskets Munster. He got his first pro experience with the Hub City Hogs (ECBL). He began his basketball career at Indiana high school and then played 4 years and 120 NCAA 2 games for Shippensburg University. He was able to improve hiss coring and rebounding average each season and as a senior averaged 18.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 81.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 91-67 loss to the Fraport Skyliners.

The Uni Baskets Munster suffered a tough 91-67 loss at home against the Fraport Skyliners. After a low scoring first quarter, the Fraport Skyliners exploded for 36 points in the second quarter. Was it more their offense or the way you guys defended?

I think that is was a little bit of both. It looked worse on us. We had a lot of open looks, the same we practiced in practice. Our shots just weren´t falling. Their shots were falling in that second quarter and ours weren´t. We took a lot from the game and will be ready in the next game.

What was your overall impression of the Fraport Skyliners? Do you see this team giving many other Pro A teams problems?

They are a very talented team. Coming into the game coach stressed that not all are shooters. We wanted to play the percentages. They had guys that knocked down shots all night long. It was their day. If they can continue to shoot like that, then they will have a successful season.

Your playing your rookie season in Germany for the WWU Baskets Muenster (Germany-ProA). You have said you have worked your whole life for this opportunity. How important has your work ethic been for you being able to achieve your goals in life?

Obviously one of the most valuable things to have in life in order to be successful is good work ethic. I have the attitude that if you always work hard then it will pay off. There are always guys doing the same or more. I never want another guy to out work me. I´m just going to continue to keep my head down and keep working hard.

What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you appreciated most about Germany?

The thing that I have appreciated most so far is the chemistry built with the guys. I think so far being able to learn about the playing style overseas has been most valuable.

What kind of an adjustment has it been coming from the NCAA 2 to the Pro A? What part of the game has been most difficult to get adjusted to?

The traveling has been the hardest to adjust to even if it has been minor for me. But the refs really key in on it and call it a lot. It definitely has been fun learning the style overseas.

Your teammates with Americans Nathan Scott and Avi Toomer. What have you learned to appreciate most from their play on the court?

I have appreciated their will and drive the most. They are very professional and put in the work. Basketball isn´t a job for them, but it´s their desire. I have picked up a lot from their work ethic. It feels good knowing that they have the same attitude as I do.

Hilmur Petursson and Cosmo Gruehn are also key figures on the team. Can a guy like Petursson help with the team game and Gruehn with his splendid inside out game?

They have been big. Hilmar is a slasher and tough. He is small but plays physical. Cosmo stretches the floor and can drive. They will both lead us to success this season.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 197cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I have heard Kevin Durant. I´m long and lanky and can shoot and drive. I have a mid range game.

Your a very complete player. Could one give you the nickname Swiss army knife?

Yes it could be. Coach usually uses something like that term. He wants me to do it all on the court.

Your three pointer is still a work in progress, but your numbers improved in your last 2 years in school. What is your goal with your shooting this season?

I was around 35% in college. I shot more three´s then I do now. I want to stay in that range this season and add 5% each season. My shooting percentages will flow with the offense. I´m still getting a feel of how to fit in with Munster.

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

This season I´m guarding bigger guys and guys that have higher Iq´s, guys that have more experience. I want to become a good defender. I didn´t have to be that good defender in school. I have my defense lead to my offense. I want to be a pest on defense and be a work horse at both ends.

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

At the moment I´m working on 3 area´s of my game most. I making a lot of progress with my court vision. I´m also work as usual on my shot and defense. I want to be a knock down shooter.

You recently had your first pro experience with the Hub City Hogs (ECBL). How is the competition level and how good are the ballers there?

It was an interesting experience. I played about an 1 hour away from school. Most guys were around 26 or 27 years old and had played D-1 or overseas. It was a good experience to get a feel of playing against older guys.

You played at Shippensburg University (NCAA2) from 2018-2023. You improved your scoring and rebounding average each season. What kind of player were you in 2018 and what kind of player in 2023?

Playing D-2 was a totally new experience. I really had no goals or expectations going in. I realized after a while that I could have a good career there. I left with high spirits and was very grateful for the opportunity. My IQ improved greatly and that helped me translate into a pro experience. I worked off my butt there and had success and will continue to do so as a pro and hope for further success.

You had many great games at Shippensburg University (NCAA2). You had a near triple double against Kutztown and back to back explosions against Slippery Rock with 33 points and 30 points against Fairmont State. What was your most memorable game there?

It is a tie between the Slippers Rock game and Sheperd games. Sheperd was our big rivalry and we always had big battles. I loved playing them. Both schools talked trash.

How did head coach Chris Fite groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Fite told me from the start that I had a shot to become something there, but I would have to work my butt of. He told me work ethic sets apart the great from the good players. I took that approach. He is a great coach and put me in the right position to be successful. I´m more thankful for his guidance.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Rashon Johnson?

We had some real battles there. We both won our share of games. I´m a better shooter, but he was very athletic and physical. I will let him decide as to who won more battles.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA?

Dustin Sleva

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tommy Arbuckle, Jake Biss, Antonio Kellem, Dom Sleva, Michael Dunn

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, Jordan, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry

Who is your GOAT and why?

Kevin Durant. I have followed him for so long and he was always my favorite player. I have modeled my game after his. He may be funky but I think he is cool.

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

I didn´t see it.

Thanks Carlos for the chat.