Pic credit Aris Media Factory

Kris Bankston (206-F-1999, college: Norfolk St., agency: Mansfield and Associates) is a 24 year old 206cm forward from Arkansas playing his rookie season with Aris Thessaloniki (Greece-GBL). He began his basketball career at J.A Fair High School. He then played at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock from 2017-2021 playing a total of 80 games. He then finished at Norfolk State University (NCAA) averaging 11.1ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 71.2%, FT: 53.9% and in his last season averaged 14.2ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 69.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 71.4%, He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm.

Thanks Kris for talking to germanhoops.com. From Israel to Greece. How blessed do you feel to be able to play the game you love?

Thank you for taking the time to talk with me about my experience playing basketball overseas. I feel very blessed to have the opportunities I have been given. I’ve worked hard to get here and I am grateful for all of the support playing the game I love.

You signed to play your rookie season with Hapoel Altshuler Shaham Beer Sheva (Israel-Winner League). How crazy was this for you? Were you already prepared to go to Israel and then war came? How did you realize that whole development?

Yes, I was ready and prepared to play my rookie season in Israel. You hear about war and the possibilities but it was different experiencing it. My coach called letting me know what was happening and what I needed to do. He wanted to make sure I was ok, especially having my family with me.

You found a new team with Aris Thessalonki. How blessed do you feel to be playing and living in Greece. As a kid from Little Rock has Greece been like a culture shock?

I am grateful for Aris Thessaloniki embracing me. The country is amazing and full of life. I have been welcomed and treated with so much respect and I’m enjoying the experience. I wouldn’t say it’s a culture shock however I am learning and experiencing new things daily.

What kind of an experience has it been playing for Aris? How crazy is the crowd support? You must have seen crazy examples of fans already?

The crowd’s support is the best!! The stadium is filled and you just feel all the energy from the fans. It’s great having their support at our away games too.

You already played against the 2 top Greek Euroleague teams Panathinaikos and Olympiakos. You scored 16 points against Athens. What kind of an experience was it playing against so much talent and what could you take from that game?

This entire season, each game has been a learning experience for me. My job is to be on the court and give my all and continue building my game. I see the talent; I digest it and keep working hard.

Your averaging 8/3 in Greece and 6/3 in Eurocup. What has been the biggest challenge for you on the court?

Being this is my first pro year I am still learning and developing my game. I have a great team of seasoned professionals that are there to help.

You have always been a player that has scored and rebounded. What do you want to add to your game with your overseas experience?

I would like to add to my game shooting from the perimeter

You developed into a solid shot blocker at Norfolk State. What touches did you put on your defensive game in the last 2 years?

I worked on my footwork, being quick on my feet, and maintaining balance.

Last summer you played NBA Summer League with the Minnesota Timberwolves. What kind of experience was that and did you meet any legends in Vegas?

It was a great experience and opportunity to be invited to play in the NBA summer league. You see everything you work for right in front of you.

How tough was it getting little minutes and having to accept that guys the club are really scouting get the most minutes? What did you learn from the NBA Summer League?

You always want to play however every experience is an opportunity to evaluate and improve your mindset and your game.

Did the coaching staff give any meaningful advice besides the normal blab la of keep working?

The coaching staff talked about player development and continuing to improve your game.

You played at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (NCAA) from 2017-2021. You had up and down times there as you had a solid second season, but then only played 19 games in your 2 last seasons. How do you remember your time there and what positives could you get from the 4 years?

University of Arkansas at Little Rock was a great start to my journey and I am grateful for my teammates and coaches that believe in me as a player.

You then finished at Norfolk State University (NCAA) averaging 11.1ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 71.2%, FT: 53.9 and 14.2ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 69.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 71.4%. How did your game grow there?

Finishing at Norfolk State I was a seasoned player and developed my game more mentally and physically. I was given the opportunity to be my best on the court and be a leader. I worked harder and had a great team and great coaching staff that supported me.

You won the MEAC title in 2022 against Coppin State. What will always be your fondest moments of that run?

The best moment was winning the MEAC championship. The team pulled together and worked hard to win. Everything we trained for was for that moment and we won.

You lost by 36 points to Baylor in the first round of March Madness. How tough was it losing so big? What memories do you have of that game?

It was a great experience being in the first round against Baylor. Of course, it would have been great to win but it just made us want to fight harder and be better as a team.

How did head coach Robert Jones groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Robert Jones believed in my ability to be a leader and work hard for the next level of basketball.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Dana Tate?

We played different positions so that’s a hard one. He’s a shooter and I dominate the paint

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

Jeremy Sochan with the San Antonio Spurs

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Joe Bryant

Dana Tate

Markquis Nowell

Jaizec Lottie

Rayjon Tucker

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Magic

MJ

Kobe

KG

Lebron

Who is your GOAT and why?

Shaq because he dominated

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

No I actually didn’t see the sequel.

Thanks Kris for the chat.