DJ Woodmore (190-SG-1992, college: VWU) is a 31 year old 190cm point guard that is playing his ninth professional season and 7th with the Ahorn Basket Bis Baskets Speyer. Last season with Speyer he averaged 16.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 86.6% and the season before 15.5ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 81.0%. In the 2020-2021 season with the EPG Baskets Koblenz he averaged 13,3ppg, 6,0rpg, 4,3apf and 1,3spg. In 2019-2020 with the Morgenstern BIS Basket Speyer (Germany-ProB) he played 21 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 87.3%. In 2018-2019 13.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 71.6%. In his first two seasons with Speyer he averaged 14.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 72.1% and 17.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 76.4%. he played at Virginia Wesleyan College (NCAA3): from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 20.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3% (219/435), 3Pts: 46.0% (91/198), FT: 76.9% (93/121). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Pro B game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

Thanks DJ for talking to germanhoops.com. I have been following your career since your rookie season in Germany. How many interviews do you think have we done up until now?

I would say 20 something.

It has been 27 interviews. Your playing your 9th pro season and 6th season in Speyer. In the Pro B you get a 2 week break? Were in Germany or in the states?

Yes! Crazy it’s been so long. I remember when the breaks used to be longer. But this Christmas I was in Germany. Went up north to Bremen.

How did you celebrate New Years Eve and do you go into the new year with New Year resolutions?

Didn’t do much this year, very relaxed. Just made dinner with my girlfriend and watched some movies all day. I usually like to set a few goals for myself each year. Helps me to stay focused and hold myself accountable to reach them.

It hasn´t been a great season so far for the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer. It has had 2 2 game winning streaks, but has lost 4 of the last 6 games. How would you summarize the season so far?

Still a work in progress. We have a very young team this season, but it feels like things are now falling into place. Will be a better second half of the year for sure.

The team scores points well, but also allows many points. What is still missing to say being able to allow 70-75 points per game?

I think we have to find a way to collectively rebound. Only having one true center leaves is vulnerable at times. But we’ll find ways to adjust.

It seems like the team has lost depth the last 2 seasons? How different is it to compensate that and stay in games for 40 minutes?

We just have to adjust our style of play a bit. But I think some of the younger players are ready to take the next step. Once we get them up to speed, I think you’ll see a change.

I believe as soon as German Christoph Rupp steps up his game, he could be the missing link to having an even more potent offensive attack. Is he still getting a feel for the new team?

Yes I agree, he’s experienced and a team first guy. Once we get him on the right track, I think we’ll see things become a lot easier offensively and defensively. He’s been doing a great job thus far with stats you don’t see in the stat sheet. But the shots are going to fall soon.

2 years ago you had Cardenas and Omojola. Would you love to have 2 guys of that quality back?

I would love to have those two back. But I think we have a good group now. Just in different ways. Chris is turning the page and Carlos has been solid all season. Dennis and Simon are defensive stoppers and the Pisic brothers can really shoot it.

You and Carlos Hidalgo are the 2 main scoring threats. Do you feel like teams will know how to slow you 2 down better in the second half of the season in the second time around?

I think we’ll be ready. I’m sure teams have been scouting us all season so far, but we’ve been able to find ways around it. Once some other guys get involved, it’ll help free us up a bit.

How much fun is it playing with Spanish guard Carlos Hidalgo. How do you guys compensate each other best and what do you appreciate most about his game?

Always nice to play with a pass first point guard. Makes my game easier so I don’t have to go 1 on 1 so much. I love his unselfishness and leadership. And he’s not afraid of the moment, offensively or defensively!!

Another player who has stepped up is German big David Aichele. How have you followed his development in the last years in Speyer?

He’s been improving for the last few season drastically. He blocks and alters shots so well, that it cobwebs up some of the mistakes the guards make on defense. It’s easy knowing you have a seven footer behind you. Offensively he’s still finding his form. But we need him to be a beast down there.

German David Pisic has made huge strides coming from the Regionalliga 2 to Pro B. What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?

The work ethic is almost robotic. He’s the last one to leave the gym everyday. He never gets too high or too low. But he shoots the ball with the best of them. If he’s open, I think it’s going in every time.

Your having another great season. You have improved your scoring average each season since 2021. Does your increase this season have to do with you having to have to score more?

Maybe a little bit. But I’ve been working on my game a lot in the off-season and during the year. I’m having to score a little more, but I try my best to remain efficient. Percentages are important for me. Let´s me know if I’m taking good shots or bad shots. But my teammates trust the ball being in my hands and I try to make the right play each time.

A big reason for your consistency has been staying healthy and putting in the work. Does the work out and practices still give you as much joy as say 5 years ago?

Absolutely. I look forward to playing everyday. I’d be lying if I said I still enjoy the running and conditioning part of it, but I’ll deal with it in order to stay ready to compete. I have been fortunate to be injury free. Hoping that stays the case. But each week, I’m trying to be better than the last.

Your continuing to shoot the ball very effectively from outside. You have proven that you’re a 3 level scorer. When do you feel did you get the 3 level scorer definition?

I’ve always been a threat from the outside and midrange. But over the last years I’ve been trying to work on my ball handling and one on one ability. I think since the end of last season I’ve noticed a change and it’s shown this year. Now just need to work on getting to the free throw line more.

In our last interview you said all you care about now is winning titles. How difficult is it motivating ones self each day when you know that the team material isn´t championship calibur on paper?

It can be frustrating at times but I believe we’re always good enough to compete against the best. Maybe that’s a bit of being overly confident, but I always play with the mindset. On paper is different than on-court. That’s what counts.

You told me in our last interview that you will keep playing until the wheels fall off. How well secured are your wheels in 2024?

Very!! body feels fine. Diet is improving and motivation is extremely high!

You swept the Fraport Skyliners Juniors last year for the first time in your career with Speyer. How good does it feel coming back this season to Frankfurt?

Completely different team this year. Felt like we were one or two plays away from winning last game against them. But we’ll be ready this time around.

Last season you won on a buzzer beater by Quadre Lollis Jr. What memories do you have of that game?

I remember coach had drawn the play for me to get the ball for the last shot, but I thought Q had the better match up. We changed it a bit in the timeout. And the inbound play worked perfectly. Q with his signature step back over the defense.

Frankfurt lost playmaker Philipp Hadenfeldt, but still have a deep team. What will be key to getting the win?

I didn’t know they lost him, He just gave us a great game two weeks ago. He really makes them go, along with the Tre and Alvin. I’m sure they’ll have some guys ready to step up. We just have to stay focused for 40 minutes. No matter who plays for them.

Carl Mbassa was always your coach in Speyer. What is something about him that not many know about?

Coach is still a beast, 45 years old and like 3% body fat is unreal. True story but he can still dunk. I ask him to show me every year and he still makes it look easy!!

Thanks DJ for the chat.