Avery Sullivan (203-F/C-1999, college: Lamar) is a 24 year old 203cm center from Texas that completed his third professional season and first with the Dragons Rhondorf averaging 13.7ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 60.1%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 70.2% and helping them win the Pro B title. Last season he played with KB Teuta Durres (Albania-Superliga) averaging 16.0ppg, Reb-3 (11.0rpg), 1.6apg, 1.5spg, Blocks-4 (1.1bpg), FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 70.5%. He played his rookie season with at Depiro Rabat Imtarfa (Malta-BOV League D1). He began his basketball career with Pflugerville High School and then played 4 seasons and 102 NCAA games at Lamar averaging 12.3ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 50.2%, FT: 74.0% and in his senior year averaged 9.8ppg, 7.2rpg, FGP: 44.3%, FT: 77.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball

Congrats Avery on winning the 2024 Pro B title. How were the hours after the title? Did the team celebrate together or did the players go their separate ways?

They were great, most of us all ended up coming back to Bad Honnef and celebrating with the fans which was a perfect way to end the day. We all wanted to spend one last night together before we all went our separate ways for the summer.

You have won already many titles in your career. What were your thoughts when you received the trophy in Cologne with your teammates? How was this feeling different than in Albania and elsewhere?

I was super excited and just filled with joy when we received the trophy. This feeling was different because this was the first 10 month season I’ve had which was a grind physically as well as mentally. Also, being the last team standing to win this trophy made this championship feel way sweeter than the others.

The goal was clear at the start that the Dragons Rhondorf wanted to win the title. The club had ups and downs like any other successful team, but what made this group of individuals so special?

The special thing about this team is the sacrifices everyone made, and that no one let their own egos get in the way of the goal. I truly believe everyone on our team could have played with another club and averaged 15 points a game. We only play with one basketball and a 40 minute game, so that wouldn’t be possible all on one team.

The Dragons Rhondorf allowed a 9-0 run to end game 1 in Rhondorf to win only by 2 points. How much of this was a blessing in disguise for the team mentality going into the final game in Cologne?

Yeah we talked about it the next day during film and shoot around. It was just an interesting situation with trying to continue playing fast or slow it down as every point counted unlike the other rounds where it was a best of 3. We took it on the positive note though that instead of watching the score in game 2 just go win it and nothing else will matter.

Another blessing in disguise was Antonio Pilipovic who wanted to show his ex team RheinStars that he is an incredible player. Was his focus at another level during the weekend? How sure were you that he could heighten the Friday game on Sunday?

AP was great for us the whole weekend. We knew the whole week he was going to play good playing against his old team and back in his city. I was not surprised at all with how familiar he was with the gym I’m sure he felt like he was playing another home game.

Going into the Sunday game, I was sure the Dragons could eclipse it’s 15 three’s from Friday. It hit I believe a season 20 three’s. What exactly did the team do together on Saturday during shooting practice?

We didn’t do anything special, just the same thing we have been doing all season. We saw where we would get the open shots on film, and made sure we shot the ball with confidence on Sunday.

How focused was Antonio Pilipovic? He hit 13 three’s in the two games against his old team RheinStars. What kind of relationship did you have with him over the season?

AP and I have a great relationship. We clicked early on in preseason with him going to college in the states, and sharing similar experiences with me on and off the court. I knew he was locked in for the game the whole week during practice he just had a different demeanor to him.

The team also played it’s best defense of the season when it counted the most on Sunday in Cologne. You told me after the game that the team didn’t really make any adjustments. Did the intensity and passion to defend conquer all?

Yes I believe we all knew what was at stake. We knew all season we would not have a problem scoring the ball, so when we really committed on the defensive end everything came together.

How vital was head coach Stephan Dohrn for the success? Was his motivation and in game coaching that helped you guys the most this season?

Coach Stephan was great all year. He instilled confidence and let the guys play their game and free all year long which is very hard to guard for opposing teams. Always had us ready to play with good film breakdown of whatever opponent we had coming up next. Also Coach KJ Sherill played a big part with breaking down personnel of teams every week.

The whole Dragons Rhondorf team were part of the success, but talk about the motor of Tyreese Blunt. Where would the club have been without his focus and will to always win and play his best and to be able to hit big shot time in and time out?

Tyrese was huge for us. We always knew he was going to come in the game with a spark no matter what the score is. He is such a great player and was a huge part in our success this season.

Badu Buck was also a very important player in the season. He may have gotten a little lost in the shadow of Tyreese Blunt. Now looking back what did you appreciate the most about his game?

Badu was one of the most selfless players we had this year without a doubt. The thing I appreciated the most about him was his willingness to make the right play every time down the court.

Janne Muller had a great rookie season. A 17 year old that played many years past his real age. His self-confidence and drive is unnormal for his age. What one experience with him will you always cherish?

Janne is going to be a great player, and I cannot wait to see where his career will take him. I will always cherish the consistent work he always put in before and after practices.

Marko Rosic, a player that was as efficient as possible whenever he came off the bench. How did you see his game grow as well?

I saw Marko’s confidence grow throughout the year. He also became a leader as that is a huge role of a point guard when trying to direct a team and make sure everyone is on the same page.

Who was the most improved player on the Dragons Rhondorf this season?

Lagui Diallo easy answer. Everyone saw him shine in the home finale but that is just a small snippet of all the hard work he has been putting in all year.You had a very strong season averaging 13/9 stats. How would you summarize your season from a stat point of view?

I think it was a very solid year, and my season is defined way more than what those stats show.

You really improved your game. You incorporated a three and was the rim protector. Is it fair to say that you developed into a 2-way player?

Yes I believe I should be considered a 2-way player no doubt. I think I really improved my game in those 2 areas as well as others that just make me a more versatile player.

You were a big part of the defense. Talk a little about how your game could grow in that area in coaches system?

Just being more talkative and being the anchor of the defense.

On what areas of your game will you work on most this season as you continue to improve your game?

I believe my focus areas will be shooting he 3 ball and playmaking.

You had so many big games like your 34/12 game against Ludwigsburg or 20/10 game against Fellbach with 3 steals and 3 blocks. What was your personal favorite game of the season?
It would either be the Ludwigsburg game or the Wolmerstedt game. 2 games where we really had to grind out the win which I also had major impacts on the games.

Who was your toughest player that you faced in the Pro B this season?

I would have to go with Paulauskas from Wolmerstedt. He just such a tough matchup with his height and mobility.

What is the next step for you? Is a bigger role on a German pro A team a big goal for you?

Not sure yet but we will see

It seems like Luka Doncic is for real. Can he win it all for Dallas over Boston?

Luke is great, but I just do not think the Mavs have enough pieces to compete with the Celtics.

Thanks Avery for the chat.