Anthony Gaines (193-G-1998, college: Siena, agency: VM Hoops Agency) is a 25 year old 193cm guard playing his second pro season and first in Germany with the Nurnberg Falcons BC averaging 10,3ppg, 4,3rpg, 2,4apg and 1,6spgh. He played his rookie season with the Newcastle Falcons (Australia-NBL One East) averaging 14.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 62.8%. He began his basketball career at New Hampton School. He then played 4 years at Northwestern (NCAA) playing 98 NCAA games. He played a fifth year at Siena College (NCAA) averaging 10.9ppg, 7.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 73.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Anthony for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season in Germany with Pro A team Nurnberg. What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about the country Germany?

No problem. Thank you, for the opportunity. It has been an amazing experience thus far. I have been very fortunate to be able to sign with a very welcoming organization, with a great manager, great teammates and coaches, as well as everyone that does the work behind the scenes. It has certainly made my time here in Germany a great experience as these are the people that I am spending the majority of my time here with. But outside out that I have just enjoyed the opportunity to explore new places and experience German culture.

After playing your rookie season in Australia, you now are in Europe for the first time. The German Pro A is a stronger league than what you saw in Australia. Your putting up solid stats so far. What do you credit your early season success to having this consistency?

To be honest I’d have to credit a lot of my early season success to my time in Australia. When I was heading into that league I was recovering from an injury that occurred at the end of my college career. So when I got to Australia that was my first opportunity to compete again as well as have my first experience playing basketball overseas. That season was a great learning experience for me as well as an opportunity to grow from the injury that occurred. So I am very appreciative of my time there. But a lot of that credit also goes to the organization that I am currently with because again with the team and staff being so welcoming and encouraging it allowed for me to have a comfortable transition and see how I can be effective and helpful to this team.

What has it like been playing with German player Bastian Doreth? He is a former German national player. Could the team have a better captain than him?

Basti is the man! It has been an amazing experience playing with Basti because of his talent and experience but more importantly because of the person that he is both on and off the court. He is a great captain for this team for a couple reasons. He comes to compete everyday, obviously knows what it is to be a professional and you can see that in the way that he carries himself, has the experience and knowledge of playing at a high level, does a good job of holding guys accountable and being someone who keeps guys together off the court.

What has it been like playing for head coach Virgil Matthews who is in his first year. He was a guard like you as a player. What do you feel has been the most vital basketball ingredient that you have soaked up from him?

I have had a great experience playing for coach Virgil. The most vital information that I have received from him and am still learning from him is how to read the game from that point guard position and the understanding of how the game is played over here in Europe.

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?

If I had to compare my game to an NBA player I would say guys like Jrue Holiday or Russell Westbrook. Guys that bring a lot of energy on both sides of the ball in their ability to defend, create for others, attack and rebound.

Your a guy that can fill the stat sheet. Do you feel like that you’re a 2-way player?

Yes I feel that I am a 2-way player. I feel that I am someone who is going to bring a lot of energy and activity on the defensive end. As well as someone who can create opportunities on the offensive end for my teammates and myself.

Your three pointer is still a work in progress. What is the biggest challenge overseas to be able to hit that shot with consistency?

Yes that and every part of my game is still a work in progress as there are always opportunities to grow as a player. But with my shot specifically I don’t think it is a challenge of being overseas. It’s just about consistent reps and confidence that the ball will go in.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you want to become down the road?

Right now I am a good on ball defender, I have the ability to guard all positions, good instincts, and a good rebounder. The next progression for me comes with my off ball defense. With that I want to be just an all around great defender. Definitely a part of the game that I enjoy a lot and think I am effective.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

At the moment I am working on my ability to read and create within ball screens as well as my shooting, and free throws.

You played your rookie season with the Newcastle Falcons (Australia-NBL One East) averaging 14.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 62.8%
What kind of an experience was living there? What was your fondest moment off the court?

I had an AMAZING experience living in Australia. It was also an eye opening experience from what I have thought of Australia to be like. From an outsider’s point of view I was always exposed to videos and the thought of the more scary things in my eyes. Such as huge spiders, snakes, Kangaroos, and all of that stuff. But fortunately I hadn’t seen any of that stuff during my time there which could be my fondest moment of the court. But honestly just the beautiful weather, amazing beaches and places to visit, the people there were very nice, the energy and vibes were great. Truly an unbelievable experience. But I think reconnecting with my great friend and former teammate in Derek Pardon and being able to watch him compete in the NBL championship was one of the greater memories.

What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie down under where you knew that you were far away from home?

It was really the time change when I knew I was far away from home. It was about a 16 hour time difference from my family so just being able to be in contact with them was pretty difficult.

You played at Northwestern from 2017-2021 and never averaged more than 6,9ppg. You were team captain in your last 2 seasons. What kind of a special role did you have and how did your game grow in those 4 seasons under Chris Collins?

During my time at Northwestern my knowledge and understanding of the game grew a lot. I was able to play with some really talented players and good coaches that challenged me. During my time there I had a big role defensively always having to guard the other teams best players and to fit into a role that would best help the team.

In your second season at Northwestern, you scored in double figures in wins over Illinois and Indiana. What was your fondest moment on the court there?

My fondest moments on the court during those games were just being out there and getting to compete with those guys that were on the floor with me and on that team. To be honest from those games the memory that really stands out is my teammate Aaron Falzon had a great game for us against Indiana. He made some huge shots for us in that game and I can just remember being extremely happy for him.

You played a fifth season at Siena (NCAA) averaging 10.9ppg, 7.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 73.7%. How vital was this fifth season in your development as a player?

My fifth season at Siena was important for me as a player. During my time at Siena I played under a different role as a player where more was expected from me as a leader and a player. For that I believe it was important reason I believe it was important for me and my growth as a player.

You had strong games against Iona and Rider. What was your fondest moment on the court there?

Both two completely different moments but both some great experiences. The atmosphere of the Iona game was incredible. One of the best games to play in that season. But those who know about that match up, know about the excitement that is built around those two teams competing. The Rider game however was a great win for us on the road. That was one game that really fought through and were able to come up with the win in Overtime.

How did head coach Carmen Maciariello give you that last push and help groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Carm had a big hand in my transition to a professional career. During my time at Siena he gave me the opportunity to step into a position to take on a bigger role as a player. Which helped my confidence and helped me grow in a role that would translate to how I play as a professional. It was also through his connections that I was offered the spot in Australia.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

I have faced a lot of great players in college but the one that gave me the biggest challenge would probably be from my freshman year in having to guard Max Strus. Just having to chase him off of a bunch of screens, him hitting some tough shots, and I fouled out that game so for that reason I say it was one of the tougher challenges.

Who is your GOAT and why?

LeBron James! My goat and my favorite player because of his talent of course but a big reason being the person he is off the court as well and the impact that he has made on his community. Which is something I always aspire to do, being able to go home and have a positive impact on the city and people that helped raise me.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I have not seen the sequel to Coming to America and to be honest I didn’t even know that there was one.

Thanks Anthony for the chat.