Duane Wilson (190-G-1994, college: Texas A&M) is a 29 year old 190cm guard from Wisconsin that completed his 4th professional career and second in Germany and first with the JobStairs Giessen 46ers averaging 17.8ppg), 2.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 79.1%. Last season he played with Stella Azzurra Roma (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 16.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 44.9%, FT: 79.7%. Two seasons ago he played with Yoast United (Holland-DBL, starting five): BNXT League) averaging 17.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 85.4%. He played his rookie season with the Nuernberg Falcons BC (Germany-ProA) averaging 18.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 4.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 76.7%. He began his basketball career at Dominican high school an dthen played at Marquette University (NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing 95 games. He played his senior year at Texas A&M University (NCAA averaging 8.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 74.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about bask.

Thanks Duane for talking to germanhoops.com com. You played your second season in Germany and first in Giessen. What kind of an experience was it ? What did you enjoy most about this organization?
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It was a great experience. I really enjoyed my teammates and the organization here. I really enjoy most is the fans. Every game is almost sold out and even when I’m out in public fans recognize me so it is really dope.

Have the Giessen fans been the most passionate that you have seen in your pro career?

Yes, Giessen fans for sure has been the most passionate fans I’ve seen before. I love it.

What kind of an experience was it been being teammates with American Trevian Crews? How do did you guys compliment each other best?

It’s been great with him. We have a really good connection on and off the court. We have a real good chemistry on the court of finding each other and motivating each other.

What was it like being teammates with Robin Benzing? He is a German basketball legend. What have you learned about him that really impressed you

It’s been the best honestly. He’s a true vet and leader. I’ve learned a lot from him. He knows the game so well and he’s really skilled for his size is impressive.

You just keep grinding as a professional. How big is your chip on your shoulder? You have been a great player in 3 2 leagues and still seem not to have received the respect from top leagues. Do you feel like you’re off the radar of many?

I have a very big chip on my shoulder & yes I feel like I haven’t had that big opportunity yet to make the next jump hopefully it will come eventually. Just going to keep working and staying in the gym. It will happen when it’s time. I just try to stay focused on what I can control.

How tough is it in general in Europe being a top guard that can score. There are so many guys that can do that? What do you feel is missing from reaching a top league in Germany, Italy or France?

It is very tough because it is so many of us. It’s really just about timing and opportunity. Also your agency plays apart too. Last year was my first year with tangram sports which has been great for me. But I also need to win more and get on a playoff team.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 180cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say Lou Williams. We are the same height and can really score in bunches while playing combo guard.

You’re a top scoring guard. It seems like your scoring got better overseas. How do you explain that?

I just put a lot of work in during the off season. Working on my game always putting hours in the lab. hard work always pays off.

You’re a scoring guard. You did average 4,0 apg twice overseas. Do you feel like your scoring out shadows your playmaking at times?

Yes I do think so. I can really pass and have great vision off ball screen reads. I’ve just always been placed in a heavy scoring role.

You have been a solid three point shooter since the NCAA and once shot over 40% from downtown. How would you describe the current development of your three pointer? Is it going ín a positive direction?

The current development of my three pointer has been very solid and consistent but again in the summers I’m getting a bunch of reps in daily. I believe it is going in a positive direction.

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

I think I’m becoming a smarter defender. Learning new things everyday with being a on ball defender or getting switch on a big and having to front. I want to become a solid defender that can get stops and be great off the ball also in help side.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

I would just say defensively. Being a two way player.

Last season you played with Stella Azzurra Roma (Italy-Serie A2)16.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 44.9%, FT: 79.7%. What kind of an experience was the Italian A-2 league. It belongs to the top 2nd divisions in Europe? What was most challenging thing you encountered there?

It was my favorite league. It was so much talent there and great matchups for me to show my talent. The most challenging thing I encountered was being on a team that was 0-10 to start but we turned it around and were able to stay in the league which wasn’t expected from us

In your second pro season you played with Yoast United (Holland-DBL, starting five): BNXT League) averaging (17.0ppg), 2.8rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 85.4%. You were the third best scorer in the league? Was this the toughest league top to bottom that you played in in the pro level?

Yes I was the 3rd best scorer and I wouldn’t say it was the toughest I think Italy a2 was honestly.

Was the 93-92 win over Bal Weert where you exploded for 36 points one of your most memorable games that season? What memories do you have of that and the tough playoff loss to them?

Yes it was most definitely one of my most memorable games. That’s the most I’ve ever scored in a game during my professional career. I just remember every shot was falling for me that day and my teammates just kept feeding me the ball. It was also one of my best defensive games ever too.

You played your rookie season with the Nuernberg Falcons BC (Germany-ProA) averaging 18.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 4.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 76.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

It really hit me during the holidays being alone and just having to make the best of my time but also be grateful I get the chance to be living out my dream.

You played at Marquette University (NCAA) from 2014-2017 playing a total of 95 games. Your first 2 seasons you averaged 11,0ppg and in your last season only 4,8ppg. What memories do you have of your 3 years there?

I have a lot of good and bad memories. I played in a lot of big games and played the NCAA tournament. It was great beating #1 Villanova on our home court and having the fans rush the floor. It was difficult playing for a coach who didn’t recruit me but it is what it is. I’ve learned a lot from that situation.

You had many great games at Marquette including a 30 point game against Tennessee. What was your fondest moment there?

I would say the fondest moment was the stage I was on. We were playing on espn2 and we were at Disney world so I knew everyone was watching the game.

You played at Texas A&M University (NCAA) averaging 8.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 74.4%. What kind of an experience was your senior year? How did your game grow there?

It was a great experience. I really had to be a leader and help guide those young guys on and off court. My game grew so much. I played strictly point guard there which I’ve always wanted too. If it wasn’t for my injury I believe we would’ve been a final four team that year.

You played your last NCAA game against Kentucky. What memories do you have of battling against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? How tough was he then and is he a top 5 guard in the NBA at the moment?

Man SGA was tough. A lot of people were still sleeping on him at that time but he was by far the best player. His change of pace and mid range game was so smooth. & yes I believe he is a top 5 guard at the moment.

How did head coach Billy Kennedy groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He gave me the keys to run the team from day 1. He believed in me a lot and gave me a ton of confidence. Also the assistant coaches Issac chew, Amir Abdul-Rahim, & Ulric Maligi. They really taught me how to be a leader.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Admon Gilder?

Haha we actually never played 1-1 because we were so competitive.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life on the court that reached the NBA?

I would say Jalen Brunson or Julius Randle.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time.

Nate Britt, Robin Benzing, Samme Givins, Sam Hauser & Robert Williams.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, & Shaquille O’Neal

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron because he’s literally been the best player in the country and world since he was 12yrs old and he has lived up to all the hype. Also he’s going down as the all time leading scorer ever in the NBA & he’s not even a scorer.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I did see it. It had some funny moments but they most definitely should’ve left it alone.

Thanks Duane for the chat.