Ricardo Artis II (198-F/G-1993, college: Wiley) is a 30 year old 198cm forward from Texas that is playing his second season in Germany and first with the bringiton Ballers Ibbenbueren (Germany-ProB). Last season he tore up the Regionalliga with SV Hagen-Haspe 70 (Germany-Regionalliga): 30 games: Score-2 (29.3ppg), Reb-3 (11.5rpg), 2.7apg, Steals-4 (3.2spg), FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 81.1%. Before coming overseas, he played back at home for TBL teams Dallas Skyline, and the Enid Outlaws and the Potawatomi Fire. He also played with the North Texas Prowlers (PBA) and Newfoundland Rogues (ABA). He played at 4 schools with Eastfield College (JUCO), McLennan Community College (JUCO), North Lake College (JUCO) and Wiley College (NAIA). He teams up with germanhoop.com each week to talk basketball.

Congrats Ricardo on the huge 89-63 win over Lok Bernau. How good did it feel helping the organization win it´s first ever Pro B game?

It felt good to give this city what they deserve. The energy from the fans are always great and motivational. I’m just glad I was able to contribute and become a part of history for this organization.

Ibbenburen had the commanding 49-34 lead at the break. What was key for being able to have the big lead at the break?

Defense was big. Staying together and the game plan were also key to our first half success.

How key was the Ibbenburen 10-0 run in the third quarter which gave you the 22 point lead? That pretty much decided the game early.

It was important but we knew it would take more than that run to seal the game. We gave up leads previously in the first 3 games so we knew we couldn’t celebrate and we had to continue to do our best to leave with a win.

You were up by 25 points after 3 quarters. How tough is it in general to get everyone on the same page and not let up? The team closed out the game strong.

We been up in all three of our first games and ended up on the losing side of the table. This team was eager for the win so even if we were up by 30 we would’ve continued to battle hard like we were down 30.

German Kai Hanig had a monster 21/13 game. How valuable was he and what do you appreciate most about his game?

Kai is an important piece for us on and off the court. He’s the only one with previous Pro B experience also if I’m not mistaken. The more comfortable we can get him the more pressure it takes off of me and the rest of our players on the court to make plays.

What was your impression of German big man Linus Ruff who finished with 22 points. He could have had more points had he hit his free throws better?

He’s really good, very young and his potential is through the roof. Great solid young player.

I believe you had your best game in the Pro B so far with a 21/14/6 stat line. Is it fair to say that your getting used to the Pro B?

Honestly Miles, I been used to Pro B. I´m a Pro A, BBL player and I still truly believe that. I had great stats playing Pro B teams in preseason when I was a part of SV Haspe 70 last year in R1. We played great Pro B teams like the Kangaroos and Rheinstars. I’m just getting comfortable with the plays and how to be the best me in this new system and organization. Thanks to the coaching staff and players for being patient with me and helping me by putting me in situations to make the best play possible for the team rather than for myself.

You only took 1 three pointer. Were you happy with your shot selection?

Yes sir, I just play and let the defender control what shot he wants me to take. I´m a 3 level scorer. I have seen a lot of open lanes for drives and I took advantage of the switches when the smaller defenders were on me by posting up. I really just take what they give me and although they had length at nearly every position, I was able to be aggressive and attack the basket.

After a monster game like that, what do you personally work on in the lab?

I will continue to work on everything I’ve been working on. Nothing will change. I’m not satisfied and I know I have even higher levels I can reach to help us be successful.

You next battle Iserlohn who has an identical record with Ibbenburen. How big will this game be and what will be key for keeping the winning streak alive?

We have a lot of pressure lifted off of us after our first win but I’m expecting us to go in the game like we still have yet to win a game. I’ll make sure my team knows the importance of every game and I’m sure our coaching staff will do the same. Also, I know the fans are ready for another great showing. They deserve it and we’ll try our best to make it happen.

Thanks Ricardo for the chat.