Zach Copeland (193-G-1997, college: Illinois St.) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Berkeley, California that is playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with Brose Bamberg currently averaging 17,7ppg, 2,6rpg, 4,1apg and 1,4spg. Last season he played with Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 15.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 83.3%. In 2021-2022 he played for Krivbas Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague) averaging 14.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 46.4%, 3FGP: 33.6%, FT: 90.9%, in Nov.’21 moved to LoKoKo Bisons Loimaa (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 17.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.8%. He played his rookie season with Bristol Academy Flyers (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 9.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 93.3%. He began his basketball career at Berkeley high school and then played 2 years at San Francisco City College (JUCO9 averaging 11.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 79.5%
and in his second season averaged 18.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 47.7%, FT: 86.2%. He then played at Illinois State University (NCAA) averaging 9.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 85.2% and as a senior averaged 14.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 78.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Zach for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your fourth professional season and first in Germany with Brose Bamberg. How blessed do you feel about playing pro ball? If someone had told you in 2016 while you were playing Juco ball that in 2023 you would be playing in one of Europe’s top leagues what would you have thought?

I feel very fortunate to be able to be playing pro in one of the best leagues in Europe. Without Jesus Christ my lord and savior none of it would be possible. If someone would have told me I would be doing this back in 2016 I would have told them ‘no, I think I’m going to be in the NBA’

After playing in England, Ukraine, Finland and Italy, your now in Germany. What have you appreciated most about the country Germany?
I appreciate the style of play they play with, first off because most teams play off of their guards which fits right into my playing style. Also I appreciate how much people speak english here, haha that is definitely helpful.

It hasn’t been a great season for Brose Bamberg so far, Especially on the defensive end the team has had problems allowing 91 points per game. What will be key to making a turnaround?

The key to making a turn around for our defense to playing better is getting rebounds to finish possessions. We give up way too many offensive rebounds and second chance points to other opponents. Every time we win our defensive rebounds play a huge factor.

What has it been like being teammates with Trey Woodbury? What have you appreciated most about his game?

I love Trey as basketball player on and off the court. Off the court we are super cool he loves to talk about the games and where he can improve, he is a simple guy and does not need much to make him happy. On the court he is great to play with because he takes pressure off me with scoring and I think we really feed off of each other. His game is blessed with many talents, IQ, Shooting, Driving ability, Defense, Passing, and of course he very athletic. I see a lot of similarities in our game and mindset the way we approach the game so it is always refreshing to have a guy like that on your team.

What have you appreciated most about German legend Karsten Tadda? He won countless titles with Bamberg with guys like Darius Miller, Brad Wanamaker, Daniel Theis and PJ Tucker?

Karsten Tadda definitely has a lot of experience in the league and just tries to help me out with being poised in crucial situations or when to calm down because sometimes I’m too hard on myself. He is always being a vocal leader and letting me know the little things to look out for to have an advantage in timeouts and halftime.

You had to pay your dues in your first 2 years overseas but made your breakthrough last season in Italy. How has your game progressed in the last 1.5 years?
I think my game progression has been based off of experience and getting used to the playing style overseas. It is much more physical than in the states. Once you get familiar about what you can and can’t do you start to be more successful.

Your shooting the best from outside since Juco. Have you done anything different this season in terms of reps or shot selection or shooting mechanics?

I have not really done anything drastically different to help my shooting this year. I really like the feel of the BBL basketballs and how they feel when I release. Also I think winning a championship in Italy has played a big part in my success shooting this year because we went so deep into the season. I didn’t get to go home until June 20th and I arrived in Bamberg in August so my summer was short I never took any time off from basketball.

Your 26 years old and not at your prime yet. On want areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

To improve my game I want to be better as a point guard when coach puts me in that position and making my teammates better along with my scoring. I want to be physically stronger, and I also need to improve my finishing ability at the rim through contact.

Last season you played with Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 15.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 83.3%. You won the A-2 title. What do you believe was so special about this team?

I think my Pistoia team was so special because we had a great balance of guard scoring, inside play, defensive hunger and a great coach who always put us in great positions to be successful. Also we had guys with experience who knows what it takes to win.

Was the Cantu series one of the most incredible basketball experiences in your life? You were down 0-2 and won 3-2 beating Cantu and top player David Logan.

Yes Cantu was by far the best series I have ever been a part of. After we won that series I knew we were going to win it all. We showed that we wanted it more than anybody else in the league.

In 21-22 you split time with Krivbas Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague) averaging 14.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 46.4%, 3FGP: 33.6%, FT: 90.9%, in Nov.’21 moved to LoKoKo Bisons Loimaa (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 17.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.8%. How crazy was this season. You left before the war broke out in the Ukraine. What kind of effect did the war have on you mentally? Knowing when war broke out there were people still there that you knew?

This season was crazy because in Ukraine my coach and I didn’t really see eye to eye with his system. So we agreed that it would be best for me to find another team. At that time I was leaving nobody was really talking about the war. That just shows you God works in mysterious ways because I happened to leave right before the war and I feel very fortunate for that. Mentally it didn’t affect me I was still talking to my teammates making sure they were ok and safe.

You had an insane 46 points against Kyiv Basket. Was that your best overall individual performance in your career? How quickly did you know that you would have an amazing night?

Yes this definitely my best performance of my career so far. I scored 20 points in the first half. Once I hit my first 3 pointer in the 2nd half I knew I had a good chance of having a breakout game

You closed out that season with a bang in Finland and scored 38 points twice. What was your nicest moment in Finland?

Scoring 38 twice was obviously fun haha but my best moment in Finland was feeling accepted by my teammates and coach because I arrived late and they took me in with open arms and for that I am very appreciative.

You played your rookie season for Bristol Academy Flyers (United Kingdom-BBL). What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Honestly I didn’t feel a wake up call the moment I was a rookie I was used to being away from home because I went away for college. The biggest thing you notice overseas is the time difference, you can’t really talk to any of your friends and family like you want.

You only played a few months before getting injured. What do did you learn about yourself in these tough moments?

The biggest thing I learned from being injured was to never take this game for granted. Before I got injured I didn’t take recovery as seriously and I was more arrogant about my talents towards other people instead of being humble. I switched that mindset completely and started enjoying the game more and I think that has been a huge part in my success.

You played at San Francisco City College from 2015-2017. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have reported that JUCO was tough but an experience they wouldn’t have traded for anything. How was it for you?

For me JUCO was a moment in my life where I realized my life and I go either left or right if I don’t play well. So my mentality was to kill every opponent that stepped in my way. Off the court it was tough to eat and maintain because of money situations and not having time to work because of school and sport, but the struggle definitely made lock in more and work harder.

How do you feel did your game grow in Juco under Justin Labagh?

My game grew under coach Justin after he gave me some important confidence I needed for that season. I had planned on grey shirting at the beginning of my freshman year with him, because in my opinion the team was so good I didn’t think was going to be good enough to play with them. He told me to keep working and don’t worry I would be fine, and he was absolutely correct.

You played at Illinois State University (NCAA) from 2018-2020 averaging 9.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 85.2% and 14.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 78.6% in your last game. How did your game grow in your senior year?

At Illinois State my game grew because I was more locked in and stayed in the gym more. I know I am a naturally skilled player but when I work extra hard and put the time in it shows. Plus I feel like my junior year we should have been in the NCAA tournament. So I wanted to prove to everyone that I was good, and raise my stock for the NBA draft.

How did head coach Dan Muller help groom and prepare you for a professional career?

Muller was very hard on me but in a good way because he made my game efficient. He helped me minimize my mistakes because he put me on a high pedestal. He also helped me with my jump shot form one summer which help me shoot better as well.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Keyshawn Evans?

Me for sure I am the 1 on 1 King.

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

The toughest player I played in college that reached the NBA was Nicolas Claxton.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Milik Yarbrough Jalen Canty Jordon Vanardo Elijah Clarence Madison Williams

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan Shaquille O’Neal Steph Curry Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Who is your GOAT and why?

My GOAT is Michael Jordan because his game and style influenced so many for the game of basketball. He has two 3 peats which will probably never be done again. He has an undefeated record for team USA. He averaged 30ppg for his career. He never lost a championship and he has the best shoes of all time.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I have only seen the first Coming to America and it was great and funny. When I heard a sequel was coming this late I knew I was not going to be that good, yes they should have just left it alone it’s already a classic.

Thanks Zach for the chat.