pic credit MSU

D.J Stewart Jr is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Mississippi that is playing his third professional season and first overseas with Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM). Last season he played with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G League) averaging 20.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 69.8% and with Marineros de Puerto Plata (Dominican Rep.-LNB) averaging 9.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 88.9%. He split his rookie season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G League) averaging 17.8ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 71.7%, and with the Austin Spurs (NBA G League) averaging 14.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 81.0%. He began his basketball career at Riverside High School and then played 2 years at Mississippi State University (NCAA) averaging 8.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 70.0% and 16.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 80.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Hamburg Towers.

Thanks DJ for talking to germanhoops.com. Your one of those rare non NBA guys that went pro after 2 years in the NCAA. Do you ever wonder what may have happened had you played 2 more years in the NCAA and be a rookie now?

Thanks for having me. I really don’t think much about it because nobody really knows what would’ve happened but God and maybe if I did go back and I would’ve probably gotten drafted, then again if I would went back and had a serious injury? I think me leaving after my second year in college was best for me to go and develop in the NBA style of play in the G-league I took my chances betting on myself knowing that I belong.

You put up really good stats in both G-League seasons. Do you feel like the NBA let you down. You played at 3 NBA Summer Leagues. Is that a reason why you chose to come overseas?

I don’t feel like the NBA let me down, everything has to be the right timing for you to be in the right situation at the moment and when it’s not it doesn´t mean that you’re not good enough or belong it’s just not the right timing so you just have to stay motivated and waiting for your turn and your calling. I chose overseas because I feel like I can have a great career in overseas as well. The NBA is still my main goal but I can make a living and support my family overseas making good money doing what I love to do why not ?

After 2 years in the G-League you are overseas for the first time this season playing with Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM). What kind of an adjustment has it been coming from the United States to Slovenia?

I would say the main adjustment is spacing and how crowded the painted area be on the floor without the 3 seconds in the key like NBA. I would say learning the time windows on when to attach the defense.

How often have basketball folk in Slovenia asked you about Luka Doncic? Is he like a basketball God in Slovenia?

I haven’t really gotten any Luka questions. But they definitely love him for sure.

It has been a tale of 2 extremes concerning the ABA league and Eurocup. In ABA the team is 13-2 an d in the Eurocup 0-13. What has been the problem in Eurocup? The team allows way too many points, but it has also lost a lot of very close games?

They are both tough leagues and eurocup we just had to learn to finish games out all 13 losses maybe 3-4 of those that we just completely lost but most of them has been hard fought battles that we have to overcome and come out victorious in the end. I say we just have to learn how to finish games.

What has it been like playing with veteran Justin Cobbs. He has been overseas now a decade. Is he a guy that has shown you the ropes? And what do you appreciate most about his game?

It has been fun playing beside him and asking questions about being overseas and picking his brain. I appreciate the mid range game he got because that is something in my game that we can relate on but I love the midrange game too.

You have needed no real adjustment time putting up very solid stats in the ABA and Eurocup. What have you enjoyed most about the European style of play?

I love how the ball moves side to side and everybody being involved on every trip down the court

Your shooting your best ever from outside in the ABA. What do you believe has been your secret for your accuracy from downtown?

Being in the gym getting up reps and building confidence.

You’re a very versatile player. Is that Swiss army knife a good description for your play and what kind of player do you still want to become?

I really feel like I have everything you want as a player I would saying become more consistent of a shooter and just perfecting the things that I am already good at doing.

Last season you played with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G League) averaging 20.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 69.8%. You scored 20 points or more 25 times including 4 times 35 points or more and had a 41 point explosion. Do you ever feel like you were close to a NBA call up?

I mean I feel like I deserved one but I didn’t so I just had to keep pushing and pray and hope that I was going to get one.

What was it like being teammates with Justin Champagnie? He plays your position and has had stints in the NBA. The competitiveness must have been huge?

We definitely competed in practice everyday when we did have practice. Iron sharpens iron. Of course we were able push to make each other to get better.

You split your rookie season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G League) averaging
17.8ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 71.7%, in Mar.’22 signed at Austin Spurs (NBA G
League) averaging 14.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 81.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being in the G-League where you knew that you were far away from home?

Coming out college you kind of get used to not being at home so it really wasn’t a big change for me.

You had the chance to be teammates with NBA champion Mario Chalmers who did it with the Miami Heat. I´m sure you attempted to soak up as much as possible form him. How do you remember him and what were the key tips he gave you?

Definitely was my big bro and I still keep in contact with him up until this day. Always picking his
brain and he sharing knowledge his part of being a great basketball player in the NBA.

You played at Mississippi State University (NCAA) from 2019-2021 playing 63 NCAA games and averaging 8.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 70.0% and in your senior year averaged 16.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 80.6%. You made a huge jump in your game in your second year. How did your game grow there most?

I’ll say just opportunity really played a part in my jump and me staying in the gym wanting to be the best. Getting reps in practice and proving to coach that I deserve to be on the floor.

In your freshman season you scored 15 points against NCAA powerhouse Kentucky. What memories do you have playing against guys like Immanuel Quickly and Tyrese Maxey?

I’m bad when it comes to basketball memories but always fun to compete with other high level players from different teams.

In your second season you beat Kentucky 74-73 scoring 9 points. Was that one of your most memorable wins in the NCAA?

I wouldn’t say my most but it’s definitely one of them. MSU beating Kentucky for the fist time since Calipari was there so it was a big one.

In the NIT tournament you had incredible games against St Louis, Richmond and Louisiana Tech, but lost to Memphis. Was the thrilling 1 point win over Richmond that will most stick in your mind?

Yea that one definitely did

How did head coach Ben Howland groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He gave me the confidence and letting me know how good I can be and comparing me to the great players that he coached just boosts you confidence through the roof and having confidence in yourself can be the best thing for you.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jalen Johnson?

I’m picking myself on anybody

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

Cam Thomas LSU

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

All my teammates are the best

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe

Jordan

Durant

Shaq

Who is your GOAT and why?

Kobe because my dad was a big Lakers fan and that’s all we used to watch

Thanks DJ for the chat.

The new year woes continued for the Fraport Skyliners as they came into the game against Rasta Vechta 2 riding a 2 game losing streak and slipped to fourth place. Only 2 weeks prior had the Fraport Skyliners met Vechta on the road and suffered a brutal 96-78 loss where they relied too much on their three ball and couldn´t stop the opponents three point rain fall accumulating to 15 jumpers. It was no secret that the Fraport Skyliners wanted revenge in their own living room. Rasta Vechta has been an organization on the rise in the last years as all their teams are in some form successful as they do it and rely on young German kids and a young and hungry head coach with Hendrik Gruhn who led Vechta into the Pro B and Pro A and the NBBL U-19 team to back to back finals. For the Fraport Skyliners it was a must win and the troops of German head coach Dennis Wucherer didn´t disappoint as they stepped on the floor from the get go on a mission and played the Skyliners ball of old that had been witnessed in the first 9 games as they overpowered Rasta Vechta 2 with a convincing 89-61 win. Canadian David Meunkat that is feared as a mismatch nightmare also unleased his off balance shot that was absolutely lethal on this afternoon and was more than super content after the game ending siren sounded. “We dominated for 40 minutes and stayed focused and aggressive and never took the foot off the gas pedal. We did a good job getting to the free throw line and was consistent on defense getting consecutive stops and used our physicality to our advantage at both ends”, stressed Fraport Skyliner forward David Muenkat (201-F-2000, college: St.Francis X.). Rasta Vechta 2 was unable to find the momentum from the win over Frankfurt a few weeks ago as they had to play catch up basketball all day long and had no remedy how to control Frankfurt´s efficient offense. “We knew they would come out aggressive, but we weren´t ready to match their physicality. We gave them open shots and easy baskets in the paint. They took away our ball movement and forced us to difficult shots”, explained Rasta Vechta 2 guard Kevin Smit. “This was a must win. The defense carried us to the win”, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Felix Hecker.

Jacob Knauf at the FT line

Rasta Vechta had to endure the absence of Johan Grunloh and Luc Von Slooten who played with the easyCredit BBL teasm in Ludwigsburg while Frankfurt was missing Kevin Mcclain who had the flu and Bruno Vrcic who still wasn´t 100% ready to return. In the first few minutes of the first quarter, both teams were feeling each other out and the guests actually had 2 leads as they got baskets inside from veteran guard Kevin Smit and ex Regionalliga player Roman Bedime. But it didn´t take Frankfurt long to find their lead as they jumped out on a 14-7 lead as they took a break from the 3 ball and concentrated on getting the ball inside and playing transition. Frankfurt was rewarded with 2 buckets from Minnesota native Booker Coplin who was his usual aggressive self and super athlete Justin Onyejiaka. Frankfurt was in a flow at both ends especially on defense where nothing Vechta got on shot selection was easy. 2023 NBBL champ Jack Kayil dropped a trey as Rasta Vechta 2 trailed only 14-10, but Frankfurt then went on a brutal 14-4 run to have the overwhelming 28-14 advantage after one quarter. In the run, Frankfurt received superb support from elegant player Jacob Knauf who supplied 7 points while 2018 JBBL champ Nolan Adekunle added a trey and Muentkat and ex Indiana State (NCAA) guard Cameron Henry added baskets. ”We set the tone early and got good stops. On offense we didn´t settle for difficult shots, but just made the game easy on ourselves. We did a good job making it hard for Kaden Anderson. Brenneke did a good job on him. He went off on us in Vechta and we took it personally”, warned David Muenkat. The Fraport Skyliners shot 56% from the field and 25% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 2 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 33% from the field and 20% from outside and had 5 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Kaya Bayram from outside

In the second quarter Rasta Vechta 2 was able to heighten their intensity and continued to fight, but the Fraport Skyliners just did enough offensively to never trail by less than 8 points as they still had the comfortable 11 point advantage at the break. In the first 3 minutes the guests got some vital input from ex easyCredit BBL player Kevin Smit who added 5 points while Kayil added free throws and ex ANGT player Karl Buehner scored on transition as Frankfurt had their lead shaved to 33-23. Both teams had a good rhythm on offense and Rasta Vechta 2 just couldn´t make any real ground on Frankfurt. The guests got solid support from 2023 U-18 euro Bronze winner Linus Trettin, Texas native Elijah Schmidt and Bedime with lay in´s while Kayil added an off balance shot while Frankfurt was aided by a Booker Coplin lay in, Muenkat three pointer and pretty old school hook shot by Knauf. Frankfurt continued to do a masterful job on 3 time Pac West winner Kaden Anderson as he was held scoreless at the break. Frankfurt led 42-31 at the break. “Vechta came back through their transition. Frankfurt kept playing with high intensity and were strong on the rebound”, stated Felix Hecker. The Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 27% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 5 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 33% from the field and 22% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 6 turnovers. “We didn´t take our foot off the gas pedal. We stayed level headed and continued to play our game. We remained really physical and let them feel it”, expressed David Muenkat.

David Muenkat with the off balance shot

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners continued to execute at a good rate on offense as Rasta Vechta battled and battled, but just couldn´t get over the hump. The Fraport Skyliners came out focused after half time and began with a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 49-33. In the run Frankfurt got key contribution from Canadian Aiden Warnholtz with a turn around shot, an Onyejiaka trey and Brenneke lay in on transition after an Onyejiaka block. Frankfurt just continued to play their game and stuck to the game plan with smart execution and using their physicality and exploiting the mis matches. Bedime continued to shine for the guests as he was a work horse inside scoring while Onyejiaka remained aggressive and scored on the drive as Frankfurt led 51-35. Then at the 5,30 minute mark of the third quarter, Washington native Kaden Anderson was finally set free out of his scoring misery as he made his first field goal with a free throw as Rasta Vechta 2 trailed 51-39. In the next minutes Frankfurt had a few defensive break downs as they allowed three´s to Anderson and Kayil, but they were led by David Mr off balance” Muenkat who would supply 4 difficult off balance shots. “I grew up playing at the YMCA and on playgrounds. We played without fouls and you had to find ways to score. That is why I´m unorthodox in how I score. I have been used to it”, smiled David Muenkat. Frankfurt also got added scoring insurance from Onyejiaka and Knauf to lead 65-49 after three quarters. “We continued to remain aggressive and physical on defense and on offense we knew what to look for and stayed patient”, said David Muenkat. “We continued to fight, but we also suffered dumb turnovers and they punished us. We are a young team and have to learn from our mistakes”, stated Kevin Smit. The Fraport Skyliners shot 51% from the field and 22% from the parking lot and had 33 rebounds and 6 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 47% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Kayden Anderson at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners slammed the door shut on Rasta Vechta 2 as they held the guests to 12 points while scoring24 points. The Fraport Skyliners didn´t waste anytime as they unleashed a 9-0 run to start and kept their high defensive intensity extending their lead to 74-49. In the run Frankfurt sparkled with their unselfishness sharing the ball with love as Samare scored in the paint and Knauf added a massive dunk. Cameron Henry continued to show his 2-way player qualities as he made a steal in the back court and scored an easy basket and later took after teammate Muenkat with an off balance shot. The guests had lost some steam and Frankfurt just continued to execute beautifully. Anderson stopped the Frankfurt run with a lay in and Bedime followed with a fine hook shot as Frankfurt led 76-53. But Frankfurt had no long offensive lapses as they punched back with back to back buckets by Lorenz Brenneke as Rasta Vechta 2 trailed 80-53. The guests got some added punch from 2022 NBBL champion Kaya Bayram and Elijah Schmidt, but that was it as Frankfurt finished the game with continued great execution as Samare made a hook shot, Warnholtz added 4 points and ex Hanau sniper Bruno Albrecht supplied a three pointer as Frankfurt easily won 89-61. “They got a little discouraged in the fourth quarter. They are young and have potential. They will figure it out”, added David Muenkat. “Frankfurt felt it and it was tough getting back into the game. We tried it with three´s, but it wasn´t enough”, added Kevin Smit. The Fraport Skyliners were led by David Muenkat with 17 points while Jacob Knauf added 15 points while Rasta Vechta 2 were led by Jack Kayil with 11 points and Kaden Anderson with 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 52% from the field and 21% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 7 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 36% from the field and 23% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors came back home wanting to start a new winning streak after getting pounded in Munich by FC Bayern Munich 2 ending their 3 game winning streak. A poor shooting day, losing the rebound battle and a hot Ivan Khartchenkov gave Frankfurt a long ride home on a untypical Tuesday game day. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors definitely wanted to get back on the winning streak to keep their playoff hopes alive and met 12th placed club Team Ehingen who came into the BCM sporting a poor 4/11 record. Team Ehingen had lost 3 of their last 4 games and like Frankfurt is a club that houses many young talented players looking to make the next step. On a blistery cold evening, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were able to have 3 of their Pro A license players with Nolan Adekunle, Jordan Samare (202-PF-2002) and Justin Onyejiaka in uniform and when you have that luxury, the chances to win rise as rapidly as a gushing volcano in Iceland and they combined for 52 of the team 84 points totally destroying Team Ehingen 84-66. It also didn´t help the guests cause that their top import player Adam Thoseby was out with an injury. Frankfurt played great for 30 minutes and then let up in the fourth quarter, but all in all it was another normal day at the office for the Juniors. “We had a slow start, but then found our rhythm and got a nice lead and then built on it. We let up in the fourth quarter as our mentality wasn´t good, but overal we offered a good team effort and played well together”, stated Fraport Skyliner Junior Jordan Samare. Team Ehingen had to play catch up basketball for the most part of the game and just had no strong defensive intensity to be able to slow down the Frankfurt offense. “Our rebounding was really bad as we showed no effort. We defended with too little intensity and gave up too many drives”, stated Team Ehingen Urspirng forward Jared Grey.

Jordan Samare at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were without Felix Hecker and Bennet Schubert, but had long injured Bruno Vrcic back in the lineup, but he didn´t play. Team Ehingen Urspring jumped all over Frankfurt going on the quick 10-4 lead as they tried to set the tone in the paint area as young German Vincent Neugebauer scored 3 times including 2 put backs off offensive rebounds. Ehingen was very active on the glass while Frankfurt couldn´t find a rhythm despite having some good looks. But then seemingly out of nothing the Fraport Skyliners Juniors showed how lethal their offense can be as they bolted out on a 13-0 run to suddenly lead 17-10. Jordan Samare led the charge with back to back three´s and veteran Nils Leonhardt who played youth basketball in Ehingen and was out with injury for a long time gave big time energy with a tip in and lay in on transition. Frankfurt´s athleticism and intensity was a few gears above Ehingen´s and the guests were unable to find a smooth offensive flow as they opted to much with individual play. German Jared Grey stopped the run, but Frankfurt held on to the momentum and continued to execute as they closed out the first quarter with a 10-4 run to lead 27-16 after 10 minutes. Sniper Drago Crnjac added a trey, Alvin Oniya 4 points, and Samare added 3 points. “When you have so many Pro A guys, it makes it a lot easier for everyone. They can supply power at any time. But the whole team contributed to the success in the comeback”, stated Jordan Samare. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 56% from the field and 50% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 1 turnover while Team Ehingen Urspring shot 44% from the field and 0% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Philip Schneck from down town

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued their offensive rampage while playing solid defense and led by 18 points at the break. The Fraport Skyliners began with a 6-2 run as Frankfurt presented the Jordan Samare show as he supplied 6 points. That he fancies running the break is no secret as he has the perfect athleticism and showed it 3 times off 2 steals and lay in´s and finished it with a massive dunk. The guests got the second basket from young 16 year old Pablo Estelle as he gave vital support and energy from the bench. “He gave us key energy and baskets and did a good job cutting into the open spaces. I like his game”, added Jared Grey. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to execute and after the Samare show came the Justin Onyejiaka show as he was on fire scoring 3 times including a real acrobatic fade away put back. “He is a special player. He gave us a push with his play”, added Jordan Samare. Frankfurt was doing a good job forcing Ehingen to contested shots and took advantage by getting easy baskets on transition to lead 40-23. Ehingen had found a healthy offensive rhythm, but couldn´t get over the hump as Frankfurt continued to score at ease. Ex Tuebingen guard Daniel Zacek nailed a trey and big man Vincent Neugebauer made his third offensive rebound and put back of the game, but couldn´t make any ground as Nils Leonhardt was aggressive on the glass making a put back and Justin Onyejiaka hit a three pointer for the 49-33 advantage. Justin Samare would add another trey while Estonian guard Jorke Aav made free throws as Frankfurt led comfortably 53-35 at half time. “We concentrated more on the fast break. We continued to defend well building on our lead”, stated Jordan Samare. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 56% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Team Ehingen Urspring shot 40% from the field and 14% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Jordan Samare from outside

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were able to heighten their game another notch in the third quarter as they were able to lead by 30 points as they gave up only 11 points. Frankfurt got 3 stops to open up the second half, but could take advantage of it getting only a Nolan Adekunle free throw. Jared Grey finally made a three pointer to get Ehingen on the board who would finish with 16 points. “I got many touches at the start and helped me get into rhythm. It also helped that I got to the free throw line a lot which gave me confidence with my shooting. I could of done more, but overall was a good game”, stated Jared Grey. The guests got some solid support from Finish national player Valtteri Mervola who added 2 baskets while Frankfurt got the free throw line a lot after forcing Ehingen to the 5th team foul early and they still led 61-44. But Frankfurt simply had too much offensive fire power as they closed out the third quarter with a lethal 13-2 run to have the overwhelming 76-46 lead after 30 minutes. In the run, Frankfurt got most of the damage from Nolan Adekunle who added 5 points including a trey while Trevian Bell who had been quiet contributed 5 points with a three pointer and running hook shot and Drago Crnjac added a floater from the wing. “We had no intensity and just fell apart. We had no communication on defense”, added Jared Grey. “We did a good job taking away their drive as their three wasn´t falling anyway. On offense we did a good job on the offensive glass, moved the ball well and got 50/50 ball”, commented Jordan Samare. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 53% from the field and 39% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 8 turnovers while Team Ehingen Urspring shot 34% from the field and 13% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Vincent Neugebauer with the dunk

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors went into the fourth quarter with the masterful 30 point lead and simply lost intensity and were out scored 20-8, but were never in any real danger of losing the contest. Justin Onyejiaka began with a lay in that was met by a hard 2 handed dunk by Neugebauer. Young 16 year old Pablo Estelle continued to shine nailing a trey, but that was matched by a Adekunle three pointer as Frankfurt still led 81-51. Neugebauer added another dunk and 2017 JBBL finalist Calvin Schaum added an offensive rebound and put back as Frankfurt had their biggest lead of the game at 84-53. But that was the last points of the game for Frankfurt as the guests closed out the game with an impressive 13-0 run. In the run, Ehingen was led by consecutive three pointers by Daniel Zacek while ex Giessen big man Finn Doentgens added 4 points and Neugebauer a reverse lay up. “We let up a bit. We already had the win in our minds”, expressed Jordan Samare. “We played a lot better and got easier transition baskets. Zacek gave us a big push with his three pointers”, added Jared Grey. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Jordan Samare and Justin Onyejiaka with 18 points a piece while Nolan Adekunle added 16 points while Team Ehingen Urspring were led by Vincent Neugebauer with 17 points while Jared Grey added 16 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 49% from the field and 33% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 16 turnovers while Team Ehingen Urspring shot 37% from the field and 23% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

pic credit Hofstra

Desure Buie (182-G-1997, college: Hofstra) is a 26 year old 182cm guard from the Bronx, New York playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. Last season he played with : Kocaeli BSB Kagitspor (Turkey-TBL) averaging 18.3ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-1 (7.6apg), Steals-5 (1.9spg), FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 87.8%. In the 2021-2022 season he played with BKM Lucenec (Slovakia-Nike SBL) averaging 18.2ppg, 2.9rpg, Assists-4 (5.5apg), Steals-4 (1.8spg), FGP: 51.7%, 3PT-2 (46.5%), FT: 86.0%. He played his rookie season with the t Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBA G League) playing 4 games averaging 2.0ppg. He began his basketball career at Wings academy and then played at Hofstra (NCAA) from 2015-2020 playing a total of 141 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com after he helped lead the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg into the top 16 of the Basketball Champions League.

Thanks Desure for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your fourth pro season and first in Germany with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. What kind of an experience has it been playing BBL and BCL? These are by far the best competition you have seen as a pro.

It’s been very competitive and fun. I’m enjoying the ride.

Is it fair to say that you finally have made it to a top league after having to pay your dues the last years? Did you have a chip on your shoulder coming from Hofstra to overseas?

It’s great to be at the top league, I wouldn’t say finally because my journey is my journey but I’m happy to play here. I always have a chip on my shoulder because where I’m from that’s how we carry ourselves

This season is showing just how competitive the BBL is. You have teams like Ludwigsburg, Bonn and Alba Berlin around the 8th place. What have you enjoyed most about playing in the BBL?

I enjoy the competition mostly anybody can beat anybody so there’s no days off

The club is having a so so BBL season. What do you believe does the team need to clean up in the second half of the season?

As the players we have to do a better job with playing every game like it’s our last & have a sense of urgency every day

In the BCL, you just reached the BCL top 16 in great fashion winning a do or die game against Darussafaka. How much potential does the team have to win a chip?

Like I said before anybody can beat anybody but if we are on our p’s and q’s every game I think we have a great chance

The team really has a very talented trio of guards with you, Jayvon Graves and Silias Melson. What do you appreciate most from their games and their characters?

I appreciate most about our players is that it doesn’t matter who’s having a night we all uplift eachother & only care about winnng

What have you leraned to appreciate most from head coach Josh King? Is he one of those coaches that has just allowed you to be you on the court?

What I appreciate about Josh is he lets me be me & hes going to push me to be the best me I can be everyday.

Your putting up solid stats in both BBL and BCL. You seem to be very efficient in the minutes that you get. What part of your game do you feel has benefited the most in the BBL? Your averaging 6,0apg which is fourth best in the BBL-

In my game that makes me who I am is my IQ & my shot making ability

Is there anything that has bothered you about your game? Possibly your turnover ratio?

Of course I would love for it to better but It will get better

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to develop well as a player?

I need some more weight but other than that I work on all areas of my game

Last season you played with Kocaeli BSB Kagitspor (Turkey-TBL) averaging.3ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-1 (7.6apg), Steals-5 (1.9spg), FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 87.8%. What kind of an experience was playing in the second Turkish league. Is it fair to say that the league is underrated?

I would say it’s some great talent in that league, I played against some good players last year

You played your second pro season with BKM Lucenec (Slovakia-Nike SBL) averaging Score-5 (18.2ppg), 2.9rpg, Assists-4 (5.5apg), Steals-4 (1.8spg), FGP: 51.7%, 3PT-2 (46.5%), FT: 86.0%. You won your first pro chip with the cup. Was there any specific struggle that the team had to overcome to get the dub?

It was more so consistency with our team. We had great pieces and a good coaching staff. We just made some changes before that and them guys fit in instantly so it worked out

What memories do you have of the tough playoff series against Levice? You lost the series 3-1 and lost by 30 points in game 3.

That game I had the flu so I didn’t play. My best memory was me scoring 48pts with the Win and then I caught the flu the night before game 3.

You began your rookie season in Holland, but left because of Covid going back home. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I already been away from home in college but I didn’t realize I was really overseas to stay until 2 weeks later when it kicked in. Everything was pretty much different the food, living & everything

You finished the season in the G-League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBA G League) playing 4 games. What did you get out of this short experience?

I didn’t get much out of the Gleague season

You played at Hofstra (NCAA) from 2015-2020. The first 3 years were a grind on and off the court? What was your biggest challenge in this time and what did you learn about yourself?

The biggest challenge was tearing my Acl & becoming a father which saved my career because my daughter made me grind harder.

You came in the same year as Justin Wright-Foreman and he remained 4 years with you at Hofstra. What kind of a relationship did you guys form and are you brothers for life?

We built a great relationship during college because we were the two freshmen from NY & we were roommates for the first two years.

What memories do you have of winning the CAA title in 2020. Could you really enjoy it? How tough was Covid cancelling the season and March Madness?

I really did enjoy it because my family was at the championship game and got to witness it but it sucked making the tourney and not being able to show the world how good we were

Do you still go back today and watch clips of your 44 point explosion against Elon where you shot 15/19? A game like that would give anyone confidence.

I use to watch it often but now I don’t anymore. If I do I’m sure it’ll still give me chills.

How did head coach Joe Mihalich groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Not just coach Mihalich but my whole coaching staff prepared for my professional career because they made me work for everything I’ve earned while being there. Nothing at Hofstra was handed to me and I appreciate that more than anything.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Justin Wright-Foreman.

We never played 1-1.

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

Didn´t play but Grant Riller weas drafted.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time

Jessie Govan, Randy Corporan, juanye green, ameen tanksley & Justin wright foreman

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

Lebron,Mike,Kobe,Allen Iverson & Shaq

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron James what he’s doing for the game & how he dominated the game for two decades. He continue to be a great dad & businessman

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

I didn’t see it but I agree they should have

Thanks Desure for the chat.

Hilmar Henningsson (195-G-2000) is a 24 year old 195cm guard form Iceland that is playing his first season in Germany for Pro A team Eisbaren Bremerhaven currently averaging 12,8ppg, 2,6rpg and 2,1apg. He began his basketball career with Haukar Hafnarfjordur where he palyed 4 seasons. He also played 2 seasons for Valencia Baskets Second Team (EBA: He also played a season with Stjarnan in Iceland. The ex youth Icelandic national player spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Hilmar for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Your 24 and have much experience in Iceland, national team and Spain. How excited are you for a new challenge?

I’m very excited for sure. I had some good talks with coach Key over the summer and everything he said matched the things I was looking for as a next step in my career.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Some Icelandic players have played in Germany over the years like Jon Axel Gudmundsson.

I don’t know a lot about the country as of how it is to live there but everyone I have talked to has really liked living there so I’m not stressed at all and I’m sure I will fit in to their culture pretty easily.

The German Pro A is a very challenging league. How confident are you that you can be an impact player?

Very confident. I know I have what it takes to make an impact for our team this season, I think I am in a good spot on the team so that I will be able to play my game naturally.

You played many years in Iceland´s first division. Is it fair to say that this league is on the rise? Has the quality of Americans grown?

For sure. I think the Icelandic league is pretty underrated with both the quality of Icelandic players that have come out of that league and also the quality of foreign players that come to Iceland.

Let´s talk a little about your game. You’re a 195cm guard/forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would probably say Devin Booker. The way he can both shoot the ball and attack the rim is something I pride my game on.

You can fill the stat sheet with ease. How important is versatility in your game?

Versatility is very important for me. You never know what each game will have in store for you, sometimes the points come to you naturally and other games the pass to the next player is a better decision, I’m not one to look to fill up the stat sheet I just try to be aggressive and see where that leads me every game.

Your three pointer continues to be a work in progress. How focused have you been in making this ability in your game more present?

Shooting is very important especially in today´s game, I’m confident in my shot but I think the combo of having a good shot and also the ability to get to the rim can be very hard to guard.

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

I’m a good defender now but I want to become a great defender.

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

I work on a lot of different stuff. I never just focus on one thing at a time, that makes training fun and different everyday.

You began your career with Haukar Hafnarfjordur (Subway League) and after 3 years away returned last season averaging 19.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 4.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 79.1%. How did your game grow in the last years?

For sure my game grew a lot, my body got more ready and mature of course, I became more explosive, quicker and more versatile.

How tough was losing the playoffs series against Thorl Thorl? You were up 2-1 and lost 3-2 including game 5 95-93 where you produced 23 points. What will you always remember from this dramatic series?

It was very tough for sure, we believed we were the better team and to lose it the way we did was heartbreaking, this is just something you learn from and take as a lesson. Playing in front of a packed gym with people standing the whole game because there were no more seats was a great feeling.

Last season you played with Stjarnan (Subway League) averaging 12.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 71.6%. You won the Icelandic Cup. What memories will you always have from the cup title and what was special about that team?

It´s always a good feeling to accomplish something like winning the cup and I was really happy to be a part of the group that year, the whole group just got on well with each other so when we were able to translate that onto the court as well it was very hard to stop us.

Your teammates Robert Turner was one of those exceptional Americans. Did you have many wow memories with his game?

Rob is a phenomenal player and can create a shot out of absolutely nothing. His confidence and aura on the court was always pretty special to me.

After beginning your career with Haukar Hafnarfjordur (Dominos League) you spent 2 seasons with Valencia Basket Second team playing in their fourth division called EBA. How valuable were these 2 years having to deal with Covid and playing in Spain?

Very valuable, I was pretty young at this point and I got to train 2 or 3 times a day for two years straight in one of the best clubs in Europe so it is something that I will always treasure.

Were you able to practice with ACB team Valencia? At that time Martin Hermannsson was on the team. Is he one of those guys that has helped you over the years when possible like a mentor?

Yes every of season and when they had injuries I would practice with them. Martin funnily enough is my cousin so yes he has helped me a lot over the years with some bigger decisions and just overall getting pointers and opinion from him is very special to me.

You exploded for 43 points against against Puerto Sagunto. Was that one of your best games as a professional? You shot 16/19 from the field.

No I don’t think so, the level in EBA was not the best so I don’t consider that to be one of my best performances even though it is a memory I will never forget.

You began your career with Haukar Hafnarfjordur (Dominos League) and broke out in 2018-2019. How key was head coach Ivan Asgrimsson in your early basketball development?

Ivan had a big part, even before that he used to coach me in the youth teams of the club so I spent a lot of time under his coaching and he gave me the space and opportunity to have a big role at a young age and let me make mistakes and learn from them and I will always be grateful to him for that.

You were a very consistent youth national player. How important was this time for your overall basketball development. What part of your game grew most?

Very important. At a young age in Iceland not a lot of coaches from other countries will look at your games but the national team was an opportunity for me and my teammates to be seen on a bigger scale.

Who is the toughest player that you have ever faced that reached the NBA?

Deni Avdija

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Stephen Curry Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan Steve Nash Lebron James

Who is your GOAT and why?

MJ right now but I think I can’t even deny it will be Lebron James when he retires. Undeniable!!

Thanks Hillmar for the chat.

Sometimes something happens in a player´s career that isn´t necessarily a positive thing at the start, but over time it can become a serious blessing in disguise. That is exactly what happened to talented forward Delante Jones (195-SG-1995, college: Seattle). I get the opportunity to interview the new EPG Baskets Koblenz pro A player and a question I love to ask is what was the first eatery that you visited after a season overseas. What many overseas don´t understand is despite their being great food in every country, there is nothing like momma´s home cooking or visiting one of the many fast food restaurants. I mean American ballers can only get so much of Mcdonalds and Burger King that are as rampant overseas as Nordsee is in Germany. I was shocked when he told me he still hadn´t been to the well liked Chick-fil-a a place that ballers like Kyle Hines, Tyler Cheese, Justin Alston and Shaun Willett like to visit when they return home, because he was still in Germany weeks after his last game to end the season. I mean what American still hangs around in Europe after the season is over. Of course many will go on vacation and visit exotic places like Rome or Barcelona, but he was still in the small Tuebingen not necessarily a household name in Europe. Sometimes you begin to really like a place when you had success and had good experiences there. He went from a losing culture in Schwenningen to a winning culture with the Tigers. It was like night and day. “It was a new world. The practices with the Tigers were much more intense and precise. We had a clear goal with the Tigers and we worked very hard to execute that goal. Every practice was a challenge, but my teammates were amazing and helped me whenever I needed it along the way”, remembered Delante Jones. Even if he didn´t get the massive minutes he was used to in Tuebingen as they were shaved down from 30-16, the whole experience in his 4 months are one that could pay huge dividends for his further career. “One of the advantages to playing 30 minutes is the confidence it gives you. Finding a rhythm in that much time is easy. I was able to really focus on helping the team with the little things. Extra energy on the court. I loved the challenge of defending and winning my match-up and executing our scheme. I had one of my career best rebounding games in Tübingen. I was very happy about moments like that and I will keep building on them. I just fell in love with doing whatever it took to get wins for our club. Offensively, I was efficient but it came naturally. The offense created a lot advantages for me that I was able to take advantage of. My teammates and I always made the extra pass and the ball tends to find the open guy. So I just played naturally, didn’t force anything, and I was able to play well”, stressed Delante Jones. He also profited big time from influential teacher and up and coming coach Danny Jansson. “Danny is brimming with basketball knowledge. I tried to be a sponge. I picked up a ton of different concepts offensively and defensively. Danny introduced me to Bilbao action, for example. Danny also recommended I watch “Game Changer”. I switched to a plant based diet after that and saw immediate gains in my performance. I’ll keep with it the rest of my career and expect the change to take me to another level”, warned Delante Jones. Tuebingen could have unraveled to have been a career changing moment as he joined the EPG Baskets Koblenz, but injury halted his season after only 2 games.

Delante Jones who lists Ben Simmons as his toughest opponent ever and remembers him playing center and being dominant in the first half, but in the second half played point guard and blew the game wide open was born on August 25th, 1995 in Fairfax, Virginia. He grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia and attended Virginia Episcopal School. He then began his NCAA career at the American University and played a total of 60 games in 2 seasons between 2015-2017. In his freshman season he averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 69.8% and in his second season averaged 11.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 68.5%. He demonstrated his consistency and scored in double figures in 41 games. Some of his best scoring games included netting back to back 23 point games in wins over Navy and Lafayette. “ My fondest moment was probably beating Bucknell at home that year. They were the best team in our league and they had a respected SG I matched up against. Bucknell also recruited me pretty hard out of high school, so it had that extra meaning for me. I think I finished with 18 points that night and it felt great to beat a quality opponent and some familiar faces on our home court”, said Delante Jones. He picked up some awards including All-Patriot League Rookie of the Year -2016 and Patriot League All-Rookie Team -2016. He then decided for a change and transferred to Seattle University having to sit out his first season due to transfer rules and then finishing in 2020. He had a marvelous junior season averaging 11.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 77.9%, but had a less than spectacular senior season where Covid ended his season and he averaged only 7.2ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 76.9%. It wasn´t an easy senior year with Covid and his minutes being shaved down to 9 less. “It was tough for sure. We had a good team and felt we could win our league. None of the 6 seniors got to walk the stage or anything like that. It carried over to the next season for me. I wasn’t able to find a job and spent the whole year at home. That was my toughest year of my career. I felt capable but my coach lost confidence in some parts of my game. He felt as though I could help the team most as a corner 3 point specialist. I had tough time adjusting my game to that role and it showed. It caused me to grow a lot as a person and as a player”, stated Delante Jones. He played a total of 55 games for Seattle and scored in double figures in 28 games including exploding for 26 points in a win over Omaha and 19 points against GCU. He was able to grow as a player mainly through the guidance from head coach Jim Hayford. “He really valued shooting. He made all of us be accountable for making 300-500 shots per day. He also was very analytical and didn’t hesitate to point out where you were statistically great and statistically poor. I think this helped me evaluate my game through a different lens and find more ways to improve”, remembered Delante Jones who remembers beating Mattia Da Campo more in 1-1, but lost their last match decisively which accelerated his development and he really honed in on his game even harder after that monumental experience.

The explosive scorer who names Bryant Crawford, Jon Davis, Terrell Brown Jr, Myles Carter, and Ibrahim Sylla as his 5 best teammates of all-time began his rookie season in Lithuania with BC Silute (Lithuania-NKL) and needed little adjustment time on the court as he averaged 17.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT-3 (44.5%), FT: 80.5%. For Americans coming overseas, it isn´t always easy to adjust to everything and he found out that the training methods do vary from place to place. “Lithuania and America are vastly different. Early in the preseason I got a wake up call.. We spent a few hours running through the woods. That was a new one”, commented Delante Jones. He also got his first introduction to how fierce playoff series can be overseas losing a tough 5 game series against LSU-Atletas where he averaged 15/4/2 stats. “That series showed me how intense and competitive professional playoff games are. How important fighting for every inch is at that time of the season. One loss can cost you your season. You have to be ready to seize the moment”, expressed Delante Jones. He scored in double figures in 30 of 37 games and scored 20 points or more 12 times including 2 explosions of 42 points against Gargzdu and 38 points against Vilkaviskis. He couldn´t have picked a better place to begin his professional career. “I loved the energy and spirit Lithuania as a whole has for basketball. Outside courts are everywhere and they’re never empty. New have trouble finding a pick up game. I made it to Zalgiris and Neptunas games often, they were electric. My teammates were great, and we were close knit”, added Delante Jones who feels the classic Coming To America flick with Eddie Murphy should have been left alone..

The Virginia native who names Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O Neal, and Steph Curry on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore went to Austria in his second season, but had a short stay with BK IMMOunited Dukes Klosterneuburg staying only a few months and playing 3 games, but he did take positives from the experience. “Chris O’Shea helped me get better at reading screens going left and making left hand passes to shooters. Great shooting drills as well. I also made some lasting relationships during my time there”, said Delante Jones. It didn´t take him long to get a new gig as he came to Germany and joined the wiha Panthers Schwenningen (Germany-ProA) playing 10 games averaging 16.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 48.6%, 3FGP: 48.9%, FT: 76.2%. The team had problems winning and went 4-6 in his time. He had a great win against Duesseldorf netting 27 points and a tough 3 point loss to Bochum scoring 24 points. “ During my time there, we really came together as a team and we’re able to turn things around. I just came in and tried to help bring intensity to practice and work hard. In the game I just played freely and with confidence and we were able to scrape out a couple wins. I learned to never be too high and never be too low, seasons are long and things can turn in your favor quickly. The assistant coach there, Saša Nadjfeji, showed me how to use body fakes and head fakes in the paint to create advantages and other footwork”, stressed Delante Jones. Now he is ready for the next massive challenge with new Pro A team EPG Baskets Koblenz. It is no surprise that he would sign with an ambitious team like that. I mean how can you not feel comfortable listening to Pat Elzie talk? “! Our conversations went well, and I definitely felt there was an immediate connection. I was impressed by his coaching experience. Coach Elzie has been promoted on 8 different occasions throughout Germany! Incredible. I am very excited to learn from and play for him. They want to move to the BBL and have the recourses to do it. They had a historic season last year setting several league records. They have a winning mindset and I wanted to be a part of that kind of organization”, commented Delante Jones.

So what kind of player could the EPG Baskets have seen from Delante Jones? The ex NCAA player who sees Jordan as having had the greatest career, and Lebron as being the greatest player ever is a 196cm guard who has pieces in his game from players like Tyler Herro, Tyrese Halliburton, Dejounte Murray and Austin Reaves. “ I think I am a solid defender. I enjoy playing defense and can be a tough match up for opposing players with my blend of length, strength and foot speed. I think my ability and mindset to make the right play and not just the play for myself really helps me to be able to be a dynamic offensive force. I take pride in studying the game and my opponent and I think this preparedness helps me to make plays that ultimately win games”, warned Delante Jones. He was a solid three point shooter in the NCAA, but has really upped his shooting percentages as a pro eclipsing the 40% mark a few times. “I really worked on improving my ability to shoot off the dribble. In college I shot a lot of catch and shoot 3s, but not off the dribble. Being able to have the confidence to shoot off of ball screens, step backs, and other separation moves really opened up the floor for me and has allowed me to find more comfortable shots”, stated Delante Jones. But the versatile player is so much more than just an offensive force, but is a two way player. “Now I am a guy who enjoys defending and competes on defense every possession. I also want to continue to improve and be able to get through every single screen. Last but certainly not least, rebounding. In Tubingen I was able to find myself as a rebounder. Now that I know what that tastes like, my goal is to average 6 rebounds per game over a season”, warned Delante Jones. He came to Koblenz in tip top shape. “I focused on my body. Adding muscle. I’m focused on my nutrition as I mentioned earlier. I think I will come back in the best shape of my career. Skill-wise, I am focused on finishing moves. Finishing with my left hand and passing with my left hand. I am also working on my low post game to take advantage of matchups with smaller guards. And, working on some dribble moves to help me efficiently get downhill”, warned Delante Jones. This player is the real deal and could have been a key player for Pat Elzie. I remember sitting next to EPG Baskets Koblenz CEO Thomas Klein at the final game in Koblenz against Rasta Vechta and he was telling me to be excited about what American they would soon sign. Now I know he was talking about Delante Jones. He definitely wasn´t kidding. It´s just too bad that EPG Baskets fans could only see 2 games of his talent. But I´m sure when he returns to 100%, then he will make up for lost time and dazzle everyone with his impressive game.

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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 Camp 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 after achieving a career high 40 points against Ludwigsburg.

Congrats DJ on the big 90-74 win in Ludwigsburg. When you entered the Nordhalle, did it feel like anormal day or did you feel something special could happen?

Thank you, we really needed that win!! But no I didn’t think it would be anything special. Just extremely focused on playing better than I did last week.

After 2 tough and close loses to Frankfurt were you extra motivated to play in Ludwigsburg? Did you have something extra special in your pre game meal?

Absolutely. Felt like we let two games against Frankfurt get away from us. Could of made some better plays down the stretch. But nothing different in the pregame meal, just better rested and it’s always easier to prepare at home.

Especially the last game in Frankfurt wasn´t only a tough loss, but you shot only 3/10. Did you put up extra shots last week to be best prepared for Ludwigsburg?

Yes! I was pissed off for days after the last performance. Just felt like I could have done more to prepare myself. And if I didn’t struggle shooting so much, we could have came out last week with the win. It was definitely a different approach this weekend.

You hit 2 three´s early in the first quarter. Did you sense that maybe it could be a special shooting day for you?

It wasn’t until the 3rd three that I felt like it was a good shooting day. And a couple midrange pull-ups. Felt like I was making all the right decisions even when I didn’t shoot the ball. Plus my teammates running stuff and looking for me early made it easy.

Speyer led 21-6 after 10 minutes. Was that the best quarter this season for the team?

I think so, pretty sure we had a couple good ones earlier this season. But that one felt like we were shooting the ball well plus the defense was working perfectly. Only had one breakdown the entire quarter if I remember correctly.

Speyer had the commanding 50-26 lead after 20 minutes. Your play and shooting was high and did you feel in the zone by the break?

Yes. I was locked in the entire 40 minutes. I found myself making sure I stayed aggressive the whole game because I typically stop being so aggressive when we have a bigger lead. Didn’t want that to be the case this time.

The team led by more than 20 points after 3 quarters. How does it feel to playmake when seemingly everything you touch goes in? You have always been an unselfish player, but when shots are falling does one have more of an urge to just keep shooting?

Crazy feeling knowing that everything and every decision was working. Like I said, usually after a big lead like that, I would look to get others more touches but they kept looking for me. But it felt different, because even though we were up big, it never felt like Ludwigsburg was out of the game. Felt competitive for the first 35 minutes.

Was this one of the more complete Speyer games of the season? What did you appreciate most by the team play?

Yess probably our best complete game all year besides Breitengussbach on the road. 40 Minutess of focus is what it takes to win in this league. When we have it, we’re hard to beat. But I really appreciate the love and unselfishness from everybody on the team, on the bench, or on the court. Feels like they’ve been pushing for me to have a game like this all season and wanted to see me get to 40.

You finished with 40 points. What does this achievement mean for you personally?

Definitely one of the best feelings I’ve ever had on a basketball court. Never reached 40 in my life. And To do it at home, with family and friends watching was amazing.

You shot at a high clip. How will you go through this week in preparation for the next game. Obviously the self confidence is very high, but does one have that feeling that anything you touch goes in?

Same approach this week in practice. Make sure I get some extra shots up and stay locked in. I’m sure I won’t get those same open shots anymore all season, so I got to find other ways to score a bit. Fellbach will be difficult but if we can start strong again and stay consistent, we’ll be fine.

Do you have to take the team out to dinner for your great game or will they treat you in some way?

Haven’t discussed it yet. But I’m down for whatever. I would love to celebrate in some way with the guys. They deserve it just as much as I do!!

Is it fair to say that this was your best game in your pro career or was there a better one in your opinion?

Yes, it’s definitely the best game in my basketball career. Nothing comes close at this point

Thanks DJ for the chat.

Jarell Eddie (201-F-1993, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 32 year old 201cm forward playing his 10th professional season and first with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala). He began his basketball career at Cannon high school and then played 4 years at Virginia Tech (NCAA) playing a total of 122 NCAA games. He played his first 4 pro years in the NBA and G-League. In the NBA he played a total of 34 games for teams like Washington, Phoenix, Boston and Chicago. He came overseas in 2018 and has played in countries like France, Spain, and Turkey. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm.

Thanks Jarell for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your 10th professional season and first in Romania. What kind of an experience has that been after seeing France, Spain and Turkey?

It´s been great. I like my club. The club is run well and it´s always nice to be a part of winning.

Your playing for your sixth organization in Europe. Do you feel like the classic basketball globetrotter? What have been the positives and negatives of this lifestyle personally for you?

It´s tough on my family. I think the goal is to find some kind of stability and find a home for more than a year. I have moved around a lot in my career and I would prefer that it wouldn´t be like that, but I accept that it´s a business. You just go where they want you to go.

You have always been consistent in your stats where ever you played in. How much credit do you give your days in the NCAA where you already showed it? You learned at a young age?

I found out in school that I wasn´t super athletic. So I decided to work on my shot and I embraced scoring the ball. I figured that if I could shoot from outside that I could be successful. I discovered shooting was my trademark in school and that has carried on through my pro career.

You played 4 years in the NBA and the 6 in Europe. What kind of player were you in 2018 coming to Europe and what kind of player are you in 2024?

I believe that I´m the same player that I was in school. When I was in the NBA, I wasn´t a stretch 4. When I came to Europe I became that stretch 4 player and had to adjust. That has been my role since coming overseas. I feel blessed to be able to have that role.

U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca have won 7 titles in Romania since 2020 and really making strides. Have you noticed this special atmosphere in the organization and tradition? What does it mean to you personally to play for an organization like this?

I feel like the organization has that standard of excellence. They are used to winning and I feel like I have a great opportunity to help the club add new titles. I´m still looking for my first overseas title.

The club is playing great ball. It is undefeated in Romania and near the top in Eurocup. It kept some, but also added 8 new guys and everything is clicking. What is the secret to the success?

We have a lot of great guys and we all like each other. The team was put together well and is well coached. We have our own style that meshes together well. That is a nice recipe for success.

What has it been like being teammates with ultra veteran Patrick Richard who has been on board since 2019. What kind of a bond have you been able to form with him?

We are roommates on the road. He is a great leader and player. He is always ready and so helpful. He was also was helpful for me in adjusting to the coach. We have gotten to know each other really well.

Last season you had your second tour of duty in Turkey and played with Buyuksehir Hastanesi Konyaspor Basketbol (Turkey-BSL) averaging 13.9ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 85.0%. You were teammates with German Gavin Schilling. He is one of few Germans playing abroad in high leagues. Can he make the next jump outside Germany?

Gavin is a high energy player that brings a lot of athleticism. I think that if he continues to work hard then he can make the next jump.

In 2020-2021 you played with top Euroleague team Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) averaging 13.2ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 67.9%, 3PT-2 (54.3%), FT: 80.0%; and in the Euroleague averaged 5.9ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 44.9%, FT: 90.5%. Did it feel strange being mostly inserted for Euroleague than for the BSL? Was it a tough adjustment?

I played some Turkish league games but the problem was our roster had 11 imports and only 5 can play. In the Euroleague there is no limit. It was an adjustment. I wasn´t used to playing during the week and not on the weekends. It´s a unique part of the business. That´s what happens when you play for a great club. I learned that season that you need to make sacrifices for the good of the team and always stay ready.

You had 2 great games against top team CSKA. After losing the first contest by a point, you won the second. Was that win one of the more memorable for you that season?

Yes for sure those games stuck out the most.

In the 2019-2020 season you played with Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 14.4ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 89.2%. You had a 34 point explosion on 10 three´s against Joventut, but lost the game. Was that one of your best individual performances that you had overseas?

Yes it is. I like to go back and watch games and evaluate. That was my best game in Europe.

You played your first season overseas with SIG Strasbourg (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) averaging 11.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 46.4%, FT: 88.2%; BCL: 9 games: 10.3ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 85.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

There wasn´t a specific moment where I had a wake up call. I came in November and I remember that In December I finally had gotten used to the place. I had a feel for the rhythm of the game. At that point I understood what it meant to be a pro overseas.

You played your rookie season with the Austin Spurs (D-League) averaging 13.0ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 86.7%. You got a 10 day contract from the Atlanta Hawks. How do you remember your rookie season? What was your wake up call to being with the Hawks?

It was a grind. You go to work each day and just try to perfect your craft. The Hawks was a unique situation. I didn´t play in any games and just had my first intro to the NBA. I understood that the NBA is a business. It isn´t always about being the best player, but about timing and what the team needs.

How do you remember great veteran Elton Brand? Were you able to get in any meaningful conversations as a rookie?

He was a great veteran. To be honest, on a 10 day contract there is so little time to get the full effect of your teammates. He tried to give me confidence and told me I was there for a reason.

After a strong NBA Summer League with the Spurs in 2015 you finally reached the NBA with the Washington Wizards (NBA) averaging 2.5ppg, played also at Austin Spurs (D-League) averaging 14.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 52.5%, FT: 94.4%. You scored 12 points in 14 minutes in your debut against Brooklyn. What memories do you have of that game and do you still remember how you scored your first NBA basket?

My favorite game ever is my first NBA game. I never forgot my first NBA basket. I remember going into the game near the end of the third quarter and throwing a last shot at the other teams free throw line as time expired and it was point on and I believe I hit the rim. I started in the fourth quarter and I got my first NBA basket off a screen, a shot I take a lot and it felt good and it went in. I felt good and felt hey I can do this. My second basket was a scramble shot where Otto Porter set a screen and I made it from the corner. My confidence continued to rise and the next play pick and roll with John Wall and I made my third shot in a row. Now I felt really good and was felt like I was tip toeing. Wall called the next play for me again and this time Marcin Gortat got me the ball and I made my fourth shot in a row. I knew guys were shouting who is this guy. I had just hit 4 three´s in a row in 3 minutes. That was when I knew that I was an NBA player.

You played twice against Lebron James that season losing. What memories do you have of him and how amazing is his ability to still be playing today at a high level?

What Lebron is doing at 39 at the NBA level is amazing. He is the first guy where you can say he is winning the fight against father time. We have never seen that before what Lebron is doing. To be able to play so consistent is incredible. I remember playing against Lebron the third game after my Brooklyn debut. I check in and as I reach the floor, I hear Lebron say to JR Smith you got Eddie. I was like Lebron knows who I am. I was impressed that he called my name. That just shows you how well he prepares for each game.

In the 2016-2017 season you split time with the Austin Spurs (D-League) averaging 11.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 87.5%, in Jan.’17 signed at Windy City Bulls (D-League) averaging 17.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 49.3%, FT: 84.6%, in Mar.’17 signed at Phoenix Suns (NBA) playing 5 games averaging 4.8ppg, 1.4rpg. How tough was this season having to bounce around in the G-League after having played 25 games the season before? What did you learn about yourself?

That was my third year with Austin. The Spurs are big on getting young guys developed in G-League. They passed on me and just moved on. I had a different role so I went to Windy City. My coach Nate helped me a lot there. That’s when everything changed. I remember my wife was pregnant and we were talking about spending the summer in Phoenix where my wife´s family was from. I remember my agent calling me at 12.30Am telling me the Suns may want to do something with me. A little bit later the Suns did call. Earl Watson was the assistant coach with the Suns and he had been my coach some years earlier in Austin. I went to Detroit where the Suns were playing and Earl came to me with a straight face and said we need you to shoot 15 three´s. Devin Booker was out with a ankle injury. I was on a team with guys like Tyler Ulis, Jared Dudley, TJ Warren and Ronnie Price. My first shot was an airball. Then I made a three and then 3 free throws after being fouled attempting a three. I finished with 13 points, but didn´t shoot well going 2/7. I got signed for a second 10 day contract, but I didn´t play. Booker had returned. I was at the game where Booker scored 70 points.

In the 2017-2018 season you played primarily for the Windy City Bulls (NBA G League) averaging 17.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 91.9%. You also played a game with Chicago and 2 with Boston. How did you think of the NBA after this season. Did it let you down or did you always have that it´s a business first in the back of your mind?

I was the victim of the business of the NBA too many times. I had a daughter and had to think of my family. I knew I was done with the NBA. I decided to come overseas. I wanted more stability. It was just tough having to go back to the G-League. I wanted to have a career overseas.

You were only a short time with the Boston Celtics. What did it mean to you playing in this organization being teammates with Kyrie Irving and a young Jayson Tatum. Can one even enjoy and realize what is happening when one is so brief with a organization?

There are so many talented guys in the G-League that work so hard nonstop just for that NBA call up. It´s so exciting when you get called up. It´s just hard to realize what has happened because your time is so short with a 10 day deal. It was difficult picking a number with the Celtics because so many legends are retired.You try to find a way to stay. Your situation is a lot different to a guy like Taytum lor Irving. The first 4 days is so exciting as you try to do everything possible to get into a game. Day 4-7 you try to get a wow moment in hopes of getting into a game if you haven´t already and 8-10 is stressful, because your thinking have I done enough to have impressed them.

You played at Virginia Tech from 2011-2014. The school didn´t make noise winning titles, but you did score 1000 points there. What does that achievement mean to you today?

It really doesn´t mean anything to me today. I feel I would still have gotten to where I got to even if I hadn´t scored 1,000 points. It really doesn´t matter where you come from, because at the end of the day, were all on the court. I would rather have won a conference title or reached the big dance.

You played a season with Dorian Finney-Smith who went on to Florida. What memories do you have of his freshman season. Would you have expected him to go on and be a NBA veteran?

We were told that when he got to Virginia that he would be an NBA player one day. He had those long arms and was a really good defender. I´m really amazed what he has done in the NBA and that he stayed so long with Dallas. I´m really happy for him.

Was beating Winthrop with your 34 points and ACC champion Miami 61-60 in OT your most fondest games at Virginia Tech?

I don´t really have so much fond memories of the Winthrop game, but I like the win over Miami. I made the winning shot. Another fond memory was also beating Duke my freshman year as they were ranked one. I didn´t play so much, but it was such a great win.

How did head coach Seth Greenberg groom you best for a professional career?

He taught me the value of getting to the next play. The game is so fast that you have no time to sulk.

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

Harrison Barnes. He didn´t have a good first half, but in the second half he showed that he was different. He went crazy on us.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jan Vesley, Bradly Beal, John Wall, Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe, Jordan, Lebron, Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant

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

I think so.

Thanks Jarell for the chat.

Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 27 year old 185cm guard playing his third professional season and first with BG Hagen. Last season he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. he began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

Congrats on the huge 102-63 clubbing of Munster. I guess they didn’t learn anything from the first meeting?

Thank you. I mean we just didn’t want to underestimate a young team with two pro A veterans and we made sure we left no doubt at the end of the game. It was a great win for us.

BG Hagen continues to roll in the new year. Do you feel like your teammates are more focused now than in 2023?

Not more focused than in 2023, but we’re starting to figure everything out as a whole and everyone is on the same page and it makes us dangerous.

Talk a bit about the 40 minutes. Did BG Hagen have control of the game from the get go?

Only the first quarter the game was close but after that we switched our defense and tightened up and we took control and didn’t look back. Everyone was having fun.

It was another great defensive performance by BG Hagen. Is there a new identity on the defensive end now?

Yes but we still have more work to do beforethe playoffs. We know that we can stop any team from having high scoring games when we play defense like this but we also know our weaknesses and this is what we aim to improve until the playoffs.

What was your impression of new guy Malik Bullock? He scored 6 points in 10 minutes? Do you see his minutes count to rise in next games?

Malik hit 2 three pointers and played great defense when he got in the game and I think that was a great debut for the minutes he had. He literally just got here and two days later we played so I give him props for learning quick and being able to go in there and make an impact immediately. His minutes are 100% going to rise come the next games.

He is supposed to take some of the scoring pressure off you. Do you see that occurring?

Definitely. He has experience and has shown he can score the ball so once he finds his rhythm and gets comfortable, it’ll be just what we need as a team. Teams won’t be so keyed on me and could make it easier for me as well.

How much easier is playing a Regionalliga team when they have no American? Munster sure could have used a scoring guard.

Well Munster has a Pro A team so I noticed the pattern that these 2nd teams that have a higher league team usually don’t have Americans so that they can develop the younger players which I totally understand. It builds confidence in them early and maybe doesn’t make sense to bring in an import.

You had another superb performance double double with 33 points and 13 boards. You shot 78% ,had 3 steals and had 1 turnover. There surely wasn’t much to cry about from your end?

Not much at all I can’t complain. Turnovers were down and we won deservingly.

You next play Grevenbroich who you defeated 99-98 in first game. What memories do you have of that game and what will be key to winning this time?

I’m looking forward to this game because I remember how competitive it was and there was a lot of talking going on so we’re definitely going into this game with extra energy and want to make a statement. The key I think is being able to finish the game and not have it come down to the end when it didn’t need to with dumb turnovers and decisions.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

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.