Quashawn Lane (188-G, college: New Haven) is a 188cm guard playing his rookie season in Germany for Pro A team Gartenzaun 24 Baskets. He began his basketball career at Trenton Catholic Academy. He then played at New Haven University (NCAA) from 2018-2023 playing a total of 106 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Quashawn for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first professional season In Germany and living in Paderborn. What have you learned to appreciate the most about Germany?

Being in Germany has made me appreciate how big the world truly is outside of what we are used to. The differences in lifestyle, language, culture has all been a new and exciting experience for me.

Your playing your first season overseas with the Gartenzaun24 Baskets. What has been the biggest challenge for you on the court coming from the NCAA?

The subtle rule changes. There are some rules that differ from those back in the states. I think adjusting to that and the physicality was the most challenging in my first few weeks here in Germany.

The club has started 1-1. It lost the first game badly against Jena, but won their first of the season against Duesseldorf. The team is still finding itself. What do you feel is the club´s biggest strength on the court?

I think our biggest strength is how close we have been to grow to one another in such a short time. Everyone is close off the court and really enjoys being around each other. I think this allows us a deeper sense of togetherness when we are playing out there.

What have you learned to appreciate most about Yenor and Chappel´s games?

I really enjoy playing with them both. They both bring a sense of American style to the team, along with myself. They both have the ability to create their own shots, read the game, and get to their spots. I really enjoy watching them thrive and learning alongside them as we grow and improve everyday.

Have you seen Nicholas Buchholz shoot out the lights yet? How else will he help the team besides his knock down shooting?

Of course, he is a great shooter and when he gets hot, it could get scary. Outside of his shooting, he brings a lot more to the team. He is a versatile player that can play various positions and roles for the overall betterment of the team, offensively and defensively.

What kind of an experience has it been playing for head coach Steve Esterkamp? Is he a guy that gives you 100% freedom?

Playing for Steve has been really fun. He knows the game really well, Which I believe is constantly helping me grow as a player. The style we play is free but also structured and detailed. Steve puts each person on team in spots/positions that allows us to play at our strengths.

You shot an incredible 43% from outside all 4 years in the NCAA? You obviously have a lot of self-confidence now, but what goals do you have as a outside shooter when you already have incredible accuracy? I guess nonstop consistency has to be a goal?

I would not say I have certain goals. I train/play with the mindset of trying to make every shot. I feel as though if I am able to get a clean look at the basket, then there is no reason why I can’t make the shot. Obviously perfection is unattainable, but this mindset, I believe, has allow me to maintain a decent shooting efficiency overall.

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

I have always been a solid defender at all levels of my career. I’m quick enough to guard faster shorter guards, as well as tall and strong enough to affect bigger players as well. I just want my defensive nature to continue to improve as I continue to improve my overall game.

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

Reading the game has been what I have been working on the most. The European style of basketball is faster paced than that of college. I am making strides to see things before they happen but the goal is to improve to be able to see everything before it happens, both on offense and defense.

You had St Anselm´s number as a senior winning 3 times and having greats coring games. What will you always remember from this school?

They have a great program over there. They always posed problems for us throughout my college career. It was really fun going up against them, we definitely had some great battles over the years.

How tough was the 20-21 season that wasn´t because Covid was there? What did you learn about yourself and your game in that year?

That season was very tough with all the restrictions and the season being canceled. Even through everything, that season gave me the ability to hone in on my skillset and really make a push into the next season. I worked out everyday that year and just focused on improving my mindset, as well as my overall game. It was a bitter sweet experience throughout that entire process.

How did head coach Ted Hotaling groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Well Coach Hotaling believed in me from day 1. He allowed me to make mistakes and really grow into what I became today. I appreciate him so much because he was tough on me when needed. Going through all the ups and downs, he stayed by my side, allowing me to improve and develop completely. He might not know, but I thank and admire him tremendously because he was a big part in me gaining the confidence I have today.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I cannot name top 5 best teammates from all time. I have had so many great teammates in my lifetime and I am thankful to have met so many real and genuine individuals. So many of my teammates helped me gain knowledge and a brotherhood that will last for life.

Who is your GOAT and why?

Kobe Bryant; Since I was young, I was always just memorized with how he played the game. All of his abilities on either side of the ball was just amazing to me. As I grew older and learned about his philosophies and dedication to the game, it stamped him being my GOAT over any other player ever. I even have a tattoo dedicated to him because of how much he inspired me.

Thanks Quashawn for the chat.