O’Showen Williams (180-PG-1997, college: App State) is a 26 year old 180cm point guard from Macon, Georgia playing his 4th professional season and first with German Pro A team PS Karlsruhe. Last season he played with s.Oliver Wuerzburg (Germany-BBL) averaging 4.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg. In the 21-22 season he balled with Terme Olimia Podcetrtek (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) averaging 14.1ppg, 4.0rpg, Assists-4 (5.3apg), Steals-2 (2.2spg), FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 64.8%. He played his rookie season with the Reading Rockets (United Kingdom-NBL D1) averaging 21.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-5 (2.2spg), FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 75.9%. he began his basketball career at Stratford Academy and then played a season at South Georgia State College (JUCO) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.1apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 70.8%. He then played 3 seasons at Appalachian State University (NCAA) playing a total of 96 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 12.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 66.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks O´showen for talking to germanhoops.com. After playing your first 2 seasons in lower leagues in the UK and Slovenia, you played last season in Wurzburg. Now your tearing up the German Pro A with PS Karlsruhe. Was the easyCredit BBL last season a step too early?

I would not consider last season a step too early for me. Prior to signing with Wurzburg, I knew that the season would look different for me. I had spoke with the coaching staff and was ready to embrace my role, develop, and learn from the guys that were in front of me. Towards the end of the season my growth spoke for itself on the court as my minutes increased. I was able to capitalize off the opportunities that I was given and felt like my hard work had paid off.

I can imagine your size has played a role your whole career. What example in your career was instrumental in making you strong and just having that chip on your shoulder your whole career?

Throughout my career my size has been brought up several times, but it is something that I try not to let effect my game. I am aware of my size so throughout my career I have always tried to make up for it by being aggressive and active on defense, bringing energy to the court, and playing my game the way I know how.

Your really having a fantastic Pro A season. How blessed are you to have taken this step to Karlsruhe? Was it one of the better decisions that you have made as a professional player?

I am extremely blessed for this opportunity. It has been a great experience so far. I am happy with my decision to come and play here this season.

The team is playing a very good season. How much fun has it been playing for this team and what do you believe is the team´s biggest strength?

It has been a very fun season so far! I think our biggest strength is the chemistry we have with one another. We hang out often off the court, our talks in the locker room, and just getting to know each other has defiantly translated to how we play together on the court which is a big strength for us.

What has it been playing together with combo guard Garai Zeeb. He is a player like you that played BBL and moved back to the Pro A. How do you guys compliment each other best and what do you appreciate most about his game?

Its been a blessing playing with Garai, he is versatile and gives me an opportunity to showcase what I can do on and off the ball. We compete and push each other in practice helping make ourselves and the team better.

A big talent is Danish forward Bakkery Dibba. The guy is celebrating his break out season. How big is his potential as BBL is on the horizon for him.

He has a huge potential!! He is athletic, versatile, and plays with a ton of energy. The sky is the limit for him and he can go as far as he’d like! He can use his athleticism offensively and defensively which is a huge plus for him as well. It will be exciting to watch his journey as he continues to grow in his career.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 180cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I do not really watch the NBA, but Allen Iverson, has always been my role model and how I have wanted to shape my style of play.

You’re a player that likes and knows how to fill the stat sheet very well. What do you feel is your absolute biggest strength on the court?

I think my biggest strength is my on ball defense and my ability to get several steals a game. I think when I can start the game off with a good stop or steal it ignites my offense and gets me going.

You were a solid three point shooter in the NCAA, but became a 40% shooter as a professional. What was most instrumental to making that jump and where do you see the development of your shot in the future?

During the off season I put a huge emphasis on working on my shot! Off the dribble, catch and shoot, in transition, etc. All of my workouts start and end with shooting so to see it translate to the season and in game is nice! I will continue to work on my shot and try to get as consistent as possible. Confidence also played a role in this as I was given more opportunities to take shots, and show what I had worked on all off season.

You have always been a very ambitious and aggressive defender that gets steals easily. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I think my defense is still the same. I know that defense brings energy and easy steals, lead to easy offense! Each game I try to make that my focus coming in and I will continue to do so.

Last season you played with s.Oliver Wuerzburg (Germany-BBL) playing 34 games averaging 4.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3sp. How tough was that season for you and what did you learn about yourself?

The season was challenging for me, my competitive nature was dying to show that I could compete with those guys and at that level. As difficult as it was I accepted my role and developed my game as much as possible. I also took this as an opportunity to learn and soak in all the knowledge I could. I learned a lot about myself that season but the biggest thing I think I learned is patience and to trust the process. I stayed focused and things are paying off for me this year!

How refreshing was it playing together with Stanley Whittaker a player that continues to climb the basketball ladder. He had a great season with PS Karlsruhe that helped him reach the BBL. Was he like a role model for you?

It was great playing with Stan! I learned a lot from him, we competed against each other daily! Stan is like a brother to me now, as we created a great bond while playing together. We still stay in touch to this day!

You had 2 very good games against Alba Berlin and FC Bayern Munich, but Wurzburg failed to eclipse 50 points in both games. Despite the loses how key were these 2 games for your game in the BBL?

Despite the loses, for me those two games elevated my perspective. It showed me that I do belong, and I can compete at that level! It has motivated me to continue working hard and continue to improve my game for when that time comes again.

In 21-22 you played with Terme Olimia Podcetrtek (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) averaging 14.1ppg, 4.0rpg, Assists-4 (5.3apg), Steals-2 (2.2spg), FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 64.8%. In light of Luka Doncic´s 73 points recently, how do you remember experiencing the Luka legacy in his home country?

It was a good experience! It is not to often that you see so many people show one person so much love!

You played 2 tough playoff series against Ilirija and the Helios Suns. What memories do you have of those battles where you were a key figure?

The most memorable thing from that time was the community we were surrounded by and how proud they were of our team! The club had never gone that far and to help them and make the community proud is something I will never forget!

You played your rookie season with the Reading Rockets (United Kingdom-NBL D1) averaging 21.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-5 (2.2spg), FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 75.9%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas when you knew that you were far away from home?

It finally hit me when I was on the plane, by myself, and I only had a one way ticket! There was no turning back, it was time to grow up and become a real man! You realize very fast how much you have to change as far as mentality, eating habits, spending habits, etc. I had to figure a lot of things out by myself. Of course we had resources, and teammates but I had to grow up and do everything on my own, which I am very grateful for, especially while playing the game I love.

What memories will you always have of Samuel Toluwase? Was he like a mentor for you?

It was nice playing with him! It was later in his career when we played together so it was interesting to see how he still had good mobility and athleticism, he also took really great care of his body all the time.

You began your basketball career with South Georgia State College (JUCO) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.1apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 70.8%. Most guys I have interviewed who played Juco have said it was a real grind, but one of their best basketball experiences. How was it for you?

Juco is a real grind, it makes you decide quickly if you really love the game and tests your commitment as well. It helped me transition smoothly into an established D1 program already prepared for the grind that that would bring.

`You played at Appalachian State University (NCAA) from 2017-2020. You had your ups and downs, but broke free as a senior. How did your game grow in those 3 years?

My game took a turn when Coach Dustin Kerns and his staff came along! I stayed in Boone the summer they arrived and worked with them everyday to improve and learn their system. It really paid off for me once the season started! They trusted me on the court and knew what I was capable of!

You had many great games against S Alabama and UT Arlington, UALR, Coastal Carolina Etc. What was your personal fondest moment on the court?

My fondest moment, despite the loss, was against south Alabama. I hit 10 3-pointers and set a school record.

You were teammates with Michael Bibby who is the son of 17 year veteran Mike Bibby and his grandfather was Henry Bibby who was an NBA player and won 3 NCAA titles with UCLA. What was it like being his teammates for 2 years? Did he tell any meaningful stories of his family?

Michael Bibby and I were actually rooomates! It was great being his teammate and creating a bond with his family as well! I have visited them a few times in the summer time to train, and there is nothing like learning directly from a NBA player!

You played for head coach Dustin Kearns. How did he groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Kerns really pushed me everyday to be my best! As I mentioned, I stayed the summer he arrived and trained with him and the staff, so I knew he had great intentions for myself and the program!

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Michael Bibby?

Surprisingly, we have never played 1-1

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

I played on a great AAU circuit where we faced guys like Deaaron Fox, Jayson Tatum, and Miles Bridges every night! It is hard to name just one but that puts it in perspective for you! Haha

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time

Stanley Whittaker, CJ Bryce, Gasper, Dennis Tuntsal, Dibba Bakkary

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

Allen Iverson, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron James! His immediate impact on the game was something that we hadn’t quite seen before, and the way he continuously impacts at his age. It will be interesting to see how many more seasons he will play and how he will continue to impact the NBA world.

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

I didn’t see the sequel but I agree they should have left it alone!

Thanks O´Showen for the chat.