J.J. Mann (198-SF-1991, college: Belmont) is a 32 year old 198cm forward that was born in East point Georgia and grew up in Chatham, Virginia. He is playing his 10th professional season and fifth in Germany and first with the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier. He played at the Hargrove Military academy and then played at Belmont (NCAA) from 2010-2014 playing a total of 140 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 18.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.6apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 39%, FT: 87.1%. He turned professional in 2014 and played his rookie season in Austria. He also played in countries like Belgium, Kosovo, Denmark, and Mexico. In Germany he played 2 seasons with Phoenix Hagen and 2 seasons with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the game 1 loss to the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks JJ for talking to germanhoops.com. The Romerstrom Gladiators lost a tough 72-70 game 1 at home in Frankfurt. How bitter was this loss?

Game 1 was definitely not the way how we wanted to start the series. It was a very good game until the last 2-3 minutes. Despite the loss I feel like we could take a lot of positives out of it.

Is it fair to say that this is a game Trier never should have lost?

Yes I think so. It´s the playoffs and crazy things happen. You play 40 minutes for a reason.

The Romerstrom Gladiators led 68-58 with 5 minutes to go. Frankfurt hadn´t scored in more than 4 minutes until the 3 point rain fall came. Did you guys get to comfortable with the 10 point lead?

A little bit. We didn´t do a good job on closing the door and left it open. Once Frankfurt saw 1 go in, the hole got bigger for them. The next thing we knew they hit some more and the next time we looked up, they had won.

The Fraport Skyliners closed out the game with a 14-0 run and 4 three´s. From your stand point how could that happen to such an experienced team like Trier?

The way we lost was very uncharachteristic of us. We aren´t perfect. Anyone can have difficult stretches, even experienced teams. This happens to the best of teams. We have to make sure it doesn´t happen again.

What did the team learn from this loss? Frankfurt went minutes without scoring and then Trier did. But Frankfurt did make the last run?

You had 2 really good shot making teams. It came down to who made the last shots at the end. We can´t allow them to make a last run like that again.

What words of wisdom did Don Beck give the team after the win?

He gave us great words that were very inspiring. He gave us a good perspective for game 2 and got us ready.

The guard trio of you, Barnes and Yakhchali combined for 47 points. On any other night that would have been enough to win, but you and Yakhcahli only shot 8/20. How aware are the trio that you could still have scored more?

We are aware of the power that we have. We are more than confident that we can score more in game 2.

Even if Trier has that lethal guard trio, how vital will it be getting Zirbes, Krimmer (0) points and Bacak more involved?

We are a complete team and have weapons all over the place. We have to utilize their games more. They can bring their A games and are studs. One game does not define their ability. I expect them to have strong contribution the rest of the way.

The postgame got ugly as Skyliners and Trier fans mixed it up. Did you feel the emotions on and off the court in game 1? This is a game of 2 ex BBL teams?

This series is an intense situation where the emotions are flying high. I expect it to continue.

Game 2 is a must win for Trier. How confident are you that you can win again like in January?

I´m very confident that we will win game 2.

How important has the acquisition of Jordan Barnes been for the injured Marcus Graves? What new dimension does he give the team?

Jordan has been awesome from day 1. He has been a fantastic player in his 3 years in Germany. He is a big time player that can make the big shots and has a ton of experience.

I love the game of Moritz Krimmer. What steps has he taken this step and where do you see his future going?

Mo has been awesome as well. He is the definition of consistency. He works hard in practice and competes hard in games. There is a difference between a professional athlete and professional competitor and he is a pro competitor. Good things happen when he is on the court. He is young and I see no reason why he can´t have a long career and play in first leagues.

Your having another solid Pro A season stat wise. How much fun is it playing in an offense where you don´t have much pressure to have to score 20 every night?

It is nice to know that I don´t have to score 20 points every night. It is great to have many options and we trust and believe in each other.

Game 1 and 2 against Munster were tough shooting days for you from outside, but found your stride again in the last 2 games shooting 7/18. How much of a challenge is it starting from scratch every game looking to get the best shooting percentage possible in the next game?

I just shoot it when I´m open. I always think I´m open. I trust my work and my shot. I will keep letting it fly. I have shown consistency the last 10 years being around 40%.

Who will reach the NBA final and then win it all?

I pick Denver meeting boston and Denver repeating.

Thanks J J for the chat.