Victor Bailey Jr (193-SG-1998, college: GMU) is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Austin, Texas playing his rookie season overseas with German Pro A team PS Karlsruhe. He began the season with Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 9.7ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 39.0%, 3FGP: 34.3%, FT: 92.6%. He began his basketball career with McNeil High School. He began his NCAA career with the University of Oregon playing a total of 73 games. He averaged 6.7ppg, 1.7rpg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 87.0% and in his second year 7.4ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 91.1%. he then played 2 seasons at the University of Tennessee playing a total of 60 games averaging 10.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 82.8% and in his second season averaged 2.6ppg. He finished his NCAA career at George Mason University (NCAA) averaging 11.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 47.0%, FT: 80.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the game 1 win in Hagen.

Thanks Victor for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on reaching the semi-finals and having the 1-0 lead. PS Karlsruhe was already a good team in January when you came, but how has the team grown until now?

We have gotten closer and closer as a team. This is the first time that we have had a full roster. We are close on and off the court and it shows.

You had some ups and downs in March but came into the playoffs strong with a 4 game winning streak. What did the team tweak in that winning streak?

We didn´t tweak anything, but just continued to do what we did before. We got even closer as a team and got more connected which helped us play better.

I always said that PS Karlsruhe would be an annoying opponent for Frankfurt. The team defends really well and just plays hard. What is the secret to the success?

We have practiced hard since I got on board. The success is a testament of our hard work. We didn´t always see the results as soon as we wanted to, but the results continue at the end.

I guess you were also an annoying opponent for Giessen. Do you sense like they underestimated PS Karlsruhe after the blow out game 1 win?

It´s possible. We came in as a 7th team. Many figured Giessen would beat us. We are a good team and aren´t easy to beat.

Is there any fear that PS Karlsruhe may have peaked too soon after that Giessen series win?

There is no fear. It´s just basketball.

How important has head coach Alexsandar Scepanovic been? How much credit does he get for the success of team?

I think there has been an even distribution between coach and us players. He has prepared us well and we have worked hard and applied what he has given us. We push each other and he has put us in a good situation to succeed.

Talk about the exciting game 4 87-86 win over Giessen. Was that one of the greatest games that you have been involved in in your young career?

This is my first experience overseas and I will always cherish that moment. I will always hold it close to my heart. Beating Giessen was a very good feeling. I hope it continues for us in the playoffs.

Talk about the last minutes of the game and the play of Bakkary Dibba? Is he one of those guys that you could imagine climbing up the ladder in the next years?

Sky is the limit for him. He works very hard. He is very athletic and a special talent. He is always working on his shot and has improved it as well.

You beat favorite Hagen on the road and are in the drivers seat. Is there never worry that the thin rotation could tire out the starters as the playoffs continue?

At this point of the season everyone is banged up and tired. That´s part of the game. Guys are feeling it, but that is what we are paid to do. We need to fight through it and take care of our bodies on off days.

You took care of the ball really well in game 1 and hit 13 three´s. Is that and continued solid defense the recipe to the final?

Defense wins championships. The more stops we can get the better. We have always been a defensive team. We will continue to impose our will on defense

Your game really took off in mid March. How was the adjustment coming off the bench?

I have come off the bench in college so I know the feeling. It has never bothered me. I´m comfortable with it. I play if I get 5, 10 or 50 minutes. I´m always ready to play.

You had massive games against Giessen and have really shown your ability to score. Has your role changed since the start?

It´s still the same. Coach and my teammates have encouraged me to be aggressive and shoot the ball. The difference now has been that I have made more shots.

Frankfurt also upset the favorite Trier in game 1 on the road. Could we see a Frankfurt-PS Karlsruhe final?

It´s very possible. Frankfurt is a very good team. Any team can win in this league. You have to be ready to play every night.

Who will reach the NBA final and win it all?

I was born in Dallas. I want the Mavericks to win.

Thanks Victor for the chat.