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 germanhoops.com each week to talk basketball. This was his last weekly interview as he has headed back home leaving Ibbenburen.

Ibbenburen suffered a tough 79-60 loss to the Berlin Braves. How tough was losing the game to new Pro B team? How was the atmosphere in the game?

It was very tough because we really wanted to get back into the win column. The atmosphere was great but in my opinion it is way more electric in our home gym on game days.

The game was deadlocked 32-32 at the break. What adjustments did Ibbenburen make on the defensive end in the second quarter to allow only 9 points?

We executed our defensive principles to our full potential.

The game was close until mid way to the fourth quarter, but a 9-0 run by Berlin got them going. Did Ibbenburen run a little out of gas?

They hit some tough shots and got multiple key stops on defense.

How tough was it controlling Mampuya and Jean Louis who combined for 28 points. How tough was it containing these ex pro A players that are flat out scorers?

For me, not tough at all. But as a team we struggled to contain them. I didn’t see any pro a potential out of them I just saw great team play and good coaching adjustments from the Braves coaching staff. No disrespect to them, they are good solid players but I have seen a fair share of flat out scorers in my career and I wouldn’t put them in that category.

What hurt Ibbenburen more the Braves work on the boards or their three point shooting?

Their execution in the 4th quarter defensively and offensively is what hurt us the most.

You had a surprising quiet day with 10/3/3 stats and took 11 shots. Did they scout you well?

I didn’t see anything different of how they guarded me than the rest of the teams we played have done. Everyone’s been guarding me physically and denying me the ball. I tried getting my team involved more this game and I wasn’t as aggressive as I should’ve been.

What did you learn from the game and what will you correct in the lab this week?

I learned we have to do better at finishing games. We have to fight harder and figure out ways to get the most out of what we have as a unit. As for my corrections in the lab this week, I’ll continue my same routine as I always do.

You next play against top team Leverkusen. This is another must win. This would be great timing for an upset. What will be key for the win?

Miles last game, will actually be my last game as a Baller. I’ve had personal problems going on at home that are serious and need to be intended to. I’ve been here for months battling these issues and I have tried to stick it out to the end. But mentally and emotionally it’s been hard for me to focus on basketball in my career right now with everything that has been going on. My general manager and teammates have done the most to make me feel like home but it still hasn’t changed my circumstances back at home. It was a difficult decision for me to make as a basketball player but as a man it was an easy, must do decision. I’ll take my time away from basketball to regroup and I’ll still be in the gym staying in shape for the next opportunity. Although, I only played a few games and have yet to even play my full potential that I know I’m capable of, I believe I made a statement that I’m a high caliber player in this league so I’ll leave with no regrets. I want to thank you personally for these opportunities to speak my truth on a weekly basis and hope that we can continue to stay in touch in the future wherever the basketball takes me. It’s been a honor.

What was your favorite Halloween childhood memory?

I visited this house with my grandma when I was around 8 years old and as I was approaching to ring the doorbell, a man came running from behind the house with a chainsaw. It frightened me and that moment has stuck with me ever since then and I am reminded about that particular moment every time Halloween rolls around.

Thanks Ricardo for the chat.