Milton Heckel (190-PG-2003) is a 21 year old 190cm guard that just completed the 2023-2024 season with Regionalliga team Bona Baskets Limburg. He began his basketball career with the Bayer Giants youth program. Last season he played with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Milton for talking to germanhoops.com. You played your first season with the Bona Baskets Limburg. What kind of an experience was it for you?

I had injury problems and tore my ACL and was out 6 weeks. It was really an up and down season for me. It was tough because when I came back, then a new set back came for me. It was an average season for me.

You averaged 33 minutes in the Regionalliga. It was the most you ever played in your life. How did that feel?

It felt good to play a lot and not having that pressure of coming out when I made a mistake. I had problems at the start with my fitness, but it got better from game to game.

How do you summarize your season of 7/1/1?

It was an ok season. But it could have been better. It didn´t really feel like a good season.

Was your stat line of 7/1/1 too little in 33 minutes?

Yes it was too little points in the minutes that I got. For me personally the points isn´t the most important, but the winning is. My three pointer didn´t fall well.

Do you feel like you couldn´t really blossom in Limburg because they had some guys that needed the ball in their hands more?

Yes I got lost in the shuffle, but I should have been more aggressive. But they scored a lot and helped us win games. So I can´t be upset about that.

What did you learn from your experience in Limburg?

I learned this season that I have to take care of my body more. If I don´t then I get out of rhythm. I learned also that you have to play with high intensity for 40 minutes.

You’re a 190cm guard. To what NBA player would you compare your game to?

I have heard the comparison to Braydon Hobbs.

What are your biggest strengths on the court?

My shooting and defense. I also am able to bring this calmness when other guys go all out.

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

I feel like I´m a solid defender now. I need to work on my body and then be a dog where nobody can get by me.

On what areas of game will you work on most this summer?

To drive and finish more

How tough was last season with the EPG Baskets? Did you get a fair chance?

It was a great experience to be able to play with my brother in one team. I was able to practice with the first team every day and that was really important. Every practice was always with high intensity. I was fortunate to get minutes here and there. It was always fun when I played. It was a big family.

What was the nicest moment with brother Marvin and how has he helped you most with your game?

My nicest moment with my brother was winning the Pro B title. It was great seeing him daily. He taught me confidence and to learn from my mistakes and just keep playing and have fun.

You played with Leverkusen from 2019-2022. You averaged 2,0ppg in your first 2 NBBL years and then 6,0ppg. Did you get a fair chance?

I think that I did get a fair chance. We had very good teams then. We had guys that played with the Pro A team and had 3 main scorers. We played team basketball where nobody cared who scored.

What did you learn most from head coach Jacques Schneider?

I learned the right defensive mentality from him and continue to use that to this day. He always pushed me.

What is the next step for you? I can imagine you will play elsewhere next season?

I want to play pro ball, but I don´t know where.

Who is the toughest player you faced in your life?

Leif Moeller

What is your NBA/Euro Mount Rushmore?

Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant/ Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Giannis

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant

Thanks Milton for the chat.