pic credit Lisa Lowe

Clay Guillozet (193-F-1997, college: Valdosta St.) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Greenville, Ohio playing his fourth professional season and first with the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier. Last season he played with AB Contern (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 23.7ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 78.3%. In 2022 he also gained experience playing with the Thang Long Warriors (Vietnam-VBA) averaging 24.4ppg), 9.9rpg, Assists-5 (4.6apg), 1.9spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 74.7%. In the 2021-2022 season he palyed with Oulun Basketball (Finland-1st Division) averaging 27.7ppg), 8.7rpg, 4.7apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 74.0%. He played his rookie season with Avanti Mondorf (Luxembourg-Nationale 2). He began his basketball career at Greenville high school and then played a season at West Liberty State College (NCAA2) averaging 11.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 64.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 69.6%. He finished at Valdosta State playing 92 games and improving hiss coring and rebounding average each season and as a senior averaged 16.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 64.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Clay Gulliozet in Frankfurt in 2024

Thanks Clay for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season in Germany for the Romerstrom Gladiators. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization?

My time with the Gladiators has been amazing thus far. We have a group of high character guys who truly play for one another, all with the same goal and drive to win. The coaches and management believe in us, support us, and put us in great situations to be successful.

You played second division in Finland and Luxemburg and in Vietnam. You have been grinding your whole life. How big is your drive to reach the highest level?

I fell in love with the game of basketball at a very young age and have dedicated my life to becoming the best player I can be. Having the opportunity to travel the world, experience new cultures, and do what I love everyday is second to none. I am extremely motivated to continue my journey, grow as a man and as a basketball player, and continue to push to play at the highest level.

The team is playing great basketball. The roster is deep and talented. What has been the secret to the success?

We have a group of guys who all play for one another. We are committed to each other, trust in each other, and battle every game for each other with the same goal of winning.

The team has a real mastermind in Don Beck. He is a legend in Trier having won a cup title in 2001. What have you appreciated most about his coaching style and how has your game profited most from it?

As you mentioned, coach Beck has coached at an extremely high level with high success to go with it. I appreciate his drive and commitment to the team regardless of prior successes. His passion for the game is unmatched. I’m thankful to be able to play for him, learn from him, and grow as a player.

What kind of an experience has it been being teammates with beast Maik Zirbes. The guy won many titles in Serbia and has Euroleague experience. What have you appreciated most from his game?

Maik is a great friend of mine and someone who has played at the highest level. His experience for the game is something that everybody on the team can benefit from and learn from. I appreciate Maik´s competitiveness, along with his willingness to share his knowledge in order to help the team grow.

What has it been like being teammates with Marcus Graves. It´s his first season in Europe as he played his first 4 seasons in the G-League. Have you bonded and what do you appreciate most from his game?

Marcus is a true fan of the game and you can see it in his commitment to the game. Being a combo guard myself, Marcus has helped me grow as a point guard with the ball in my hands. He gives me tips on what makes things easier as a guard controlling the offense and the team.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Personally, I try to expand my game to be as versatile and efficient as possible. Defensively I work to be as solid as possible. Defense wins championships and I know the highest level of basketball requires elite defense. Something I’m committed to doing myself. Offensively I strive to be versatile in scoring the ball. I think the best part of my game is my ability to score at all 3 levels (3pt, mid range, and at the hoop). Being able to put pressure on the defense so they have to guard me at all 3 levels gives me chances to exploit any minor mistakes they make. I think someone in the NBA who is a great scorer at all 3 levels is Devin Booker. He’s someone I would love to be able to work with and learn from.

You have always filled the stat sheet. How vital is versatility in your game?

I think versatility is huge in being a key asset to a team. Some nights the team may need a defensive stopper, maybe the next night they need a scorer, facilitator, rebounder, I pride myself in being the asset a team needs to WIN. Regardless of what that entails. I am a competitor and a winner, and I’m willing to sacrifice anywhere to help the team achieve this.

You have always been a solid three point shooter, but last season and this season eclipsed 40% What has changed in your game?

As a shooter it is extremely important to get into flow and have a confident mindset. Getting into flow allows me to elevate my consistency, and confidence allows me to always feel as if the next shot will go in. I work very hard improving my consistency, confidence in my shot, and maintaining a level head which has helped me continue to grow as a shooter

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

The highest level of basketball requires you to be an elite defender. I enjoy watching the euro league and how difficult the defense makes it for the offense to score the ball. Every shot is contested. I see extreme value in this and will continue to work on my defense to make it as hard as possible on the offense I’m playing against.

Last season you played with AB Contern (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 23.7ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 78.3%. You had 45 points in a game. Can one as a competitor remember a game like that any more despite having lost the game?

I remember nearly every game I play in, whether it’s a win or a loss and regardless of how I play. I try to use each game I play as a learning tool on what I can do better, and what works for me. I believe there is great value and lessons to be learned in both wins and losses.

You were teammates with Aziz Ndiaje. A little known fact is he played with Frankfurt a decade ago. What memories do you have of his game. He returned to game after 6 years being inactive?

Aziz is a great guy. What I remember most from him is his openness to growing and getting better. Along with his willingness to give back and teach the game to the younger generation. I’m glad to of been able to play with Aziz.

You played with the Thang Long Warriors (Vietnam-VBA) in 2022 averaging 24.4ppg, 9.9rpg, Assists-5 (4.6apg), 1.9spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 74.7%. What kind of an experience was that and how good was the competition and players compared to other leagues you played in?

Being able to play in Vietnam was an unforgettable experience for me. Whether it was culturally, or within basketball, I loved being able to meet new people and continue my journey playing the game I love. Basketball in Vietnam was different than in Europe. From my experience, it was a consistent faster paced game over a longer period of time. Compared to my experiences in Europe where there has been more balance between an up-tempo pace and a slower pace of play.

In 2021-2022 you played with Oulun Basketball (Finland-1st Division) averaging 27.7ppg), 8.7rpg, 4.7apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 74.0% You scored 48 points against Tapiolan Honka in the regular season in a loss and then lost a tough 5 game series against them. What memories do you have of that series?

Anytime you lose a series, especially a game 5 series in the semi-finals it stings. The team fought hard and gave everything we had. I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish as a team in Finland and wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.

You played your rookie season with Avanti Mondorf (Luxembourg-Nationale 2). What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I think the hardest thing playing overseas for a rookie is the time change, along with missing holidays and special moments with family. I’m extremely blessed with a family that supports me 100% and believes in me. I always try to learn the culture, and experience or live the culture in which I’m playing. I think this helps me grow with comfortability and makes the transition easier in my personal experiences.

How much motivation does a guy like Alfonso Mckinnie give you who played his rookie season in Luxemburg in the second division and a few years later was in the NBA?

It goes to show you that no matter where you’re at, being ready and taking advantage of any opportunity given can lead to success.

You played your freshman season at West Liberty State College (NCAA2) averaging 11.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 64.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 69.6%. You won the MEC title. What memories do you have of the exciting 67-65 win over Fairmont State?

The West Liberty – Fairmont State rivalry is probably one of the biggest in D2 basketball. Being able to win a championship in such a special game is incredible, something I still remember to this day and something I learned greatly from.

You were teammates with Dan Monteroso who played some years in Trier. What was your fondest moment with him in school?

Dan is one of the most competitive guys I’ve ever met. I truly benefited from competing with Dan. We are both huge fans of American football and both played the game as well. Something I truly believe has benefited me in basketball as well.

You then played 3 seasons and 92 games for Valdosta State University (NCAA2) and made a big jump in your senior year averaging 16.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 64.7%. How did your game grow in those 3 years?

I committed to growing my game in every aspect, but focusing on the finer details of what also had made me successful up to that point in time.

You had many memorable games there like hitting W Alabama for 26 points in a win. What was your fondest moment on the court?

Being down 18 points at halftime to west Alabama, and grinding back to win the game in front of our home crowd was one of my greatest moments in college.

What did it mean playing with Beau Justice and learning from Blake Justice who was assistant coach? How did that family atmosphere effect the team on a daily basis?

Both Beau and Blake were great players themselves. Beau is still one of my best friends to this day. I think that goes to show how close of a family we were and the benefits of sticking together when times get tough.

How did head coach Mike Helfer groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

The system we ran at Valdosta allowed my game to grow from what it was before. This helped tremendously in expanding my game to a more professional level which has helped me on my journey.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life on the court that reached the NBA?

Anthony Edwards is the best player I ever competed against. It was also one of the best games I’ve played. I love competing and face every challenge head on with confidence to win regardless of the matchup. It was a great experience for me playing against a player of his caliber.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time

Maik Zirbes, Zavier Simpson, Behnam Yakhchali, Beau Justice, David Dennis.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant

Who is your GOAT and why?

LeBron James. His ability to affect the game in so many different ways is beautiful. He scores, facilitates, defends, and is a leader at the highest level. His knowledge of the game and ability to manipulate the game is fascinating.

Thanks Clay for the chat.