Deontray Anderson (180) is a 180cm guard that played at Oak Hills Christian College (NCCAA). He will take part at the Howard Hoops Combine in Italy in July 2024. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Deontray for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball treating you at the moment?

I´m in Dallas, Texas at the moment just working and basketball is going very smooth for me. Making sure I stay in shape and continuing to improve my skills.

You just finished your NAIA season. How excited are you to be testing the pro waters this summer?

I am very excited. It’s a blessing and I thank God for getting this opportunity to be able to test my skills overseas and see the differences in overseas basketball.

You will be taking part at the Howard Hoops Combine in Italy. Will this be your first time overseas? With what type of expectations are you coming

Yes this will be my first time being overseas and being in a different part of the world. My expectations are to come into this combine and stay locked in the whole time. Do not be distracted nor discouraged about anything. Just play my game and be a great teammate/leader.

How did you find contact to CEO Ron Howard? His network keeps growing from day to day.

One of my contacts named Sean helped me reach out to him and told me a few things about Ron. I messaged him one day and we just connected after that. He’s a great, helpful person and cares about people.

How aware are you of his incredible track record of more than a decade of getting guys jobs overseas for more than a decade now?

I was aware when I did my research and how he told me before that he tries his very best to help guys fulfill their overseas dreams to get a spot on someone’s team. Just the way he talks about helping players get jobs overseas helps me know he definitely cares about the players.

What was your first impression of him? What did you appreciate first from him about his demeanor and character?

Ron came across very honest and made a great first impression of himself. Before the first conversation we had, I was hesitant at first, but after the long talk we had, it helped me see how great his character is and who he is as a person.

It is really difficult for NAIA guys find jobs overseas but it has been done more than not. How big is your hunger to prove people wrong?

I just try to continue to know who I’m doing it for and just let the other people think what they want to. Anything is possible and as long as I keep my perseverance and continue to be resilient, I’ll be fine.

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

I would say that I compare my game to Trae Young. I’ve heard a lot of people say that I play very similar to him because of how I use my float game and my ability to shoot from distance.

You have proven that you are a very reliable scorer, but what other strengths does your game have?

Other strengths that I have is knowing how to be a great leader, my hustle, endurance, and my defense is starting to be one of my greatest strengths.

Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of defender are you right now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I am working on my defense and it is getting better and better everyday. I want to be able to play defense like Davion Mitchell. I’ve watched a lot of film on how he plays defense and I try to emulate that. I want to be a dog on defense and be aggressive, but not too too aggressive.

On what areas of your game are you tweaking most right now so you can make the next step as a player?

I’m learning how to make more mid range shots consistently, learning how to build my IQ on the court, learning how to be a better defender, learning how to be a more effective leader, and learning how to be a 3 level scorer.

You began your career at Paul Quinn college,. What memories do you have of the early days?

I remembered when I first tried out for Paul Quinn and made the team. This was my first time ever playing collegiate sports so I was very nervous in a lot of these games. Once I got adjusted, the game kind of came natural. I was not as good as I am now, so I have developed my game during those times. I am very thankful that I got the opportunity to play in my first collegiate games there.

You then played at Oak Hills Christian College. What kind of an experience were these years? You lost many games there. How tough was it facing adversary a lot?

Transferring to Oak Hills was a major step for me. Coming from Dallas and going up to Minnesota was exciting for me but I was also anxious. First year was a development year for me to help elevate my game more and to see what teams I would be playing against. Close to the end of the first year was when I started growing as a player. I saw myself evolve over that year. The second year was my breakout year where I averaged 25ppg and achieved player of the year which helped me prove a lot of people wrong. My third year was a year for me was to learn how to take the leadership role instead of just trying to be the scorer role. It helped me bond with my teammates and create great chemistry with them. I did lose a lot of games there but to me they weren’t losses. They were lessons for me to see what we could do better on the next game. Although I do not like losing, it helps me build my character. I never let it get to me and always tried to seek positivity out of that loss. I thank God for the opportunity for being able to play all my years at Oak Hills Christian College. It changed my life around in a lot of great ways.

What was your fondest moment there? You showed that you were a versatile player in many games?

My fondest moment there was probably just being able to bond with my teammates and being on and off the court with them. We made each other better and challenged ourselves in different ways. Every time we traveled, there were always great vibes and attitudes. Even when we lost, we still found a way to smile.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Quincy Wilson?

It would be a great game between me and Quincy because we have a lot to be bring to the table with how our games are so versatile, but I know that I’ll win.

Who is the best player that you ever faced on a court that reached the NBA?

The best player that I have faced would be Mason Jones. He played in the G league and had made it to the NBA as well so that’s one of the best players I’ve faced on the court by far.

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

My top 5 teammates would be Mark, Jerome, Manny, Josiah, and Jex.

What is your personal NBA mount rushmore of past or present heads?

Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant.

Who is your GOAT and why?

My GOAT is Kobe Bryant. Kobe is just a great, intelligent person in general. The way he impacted the game changed a lot of people´s lives and I was one of those people. It’s the way he speaks to you and informs about being greater than good. A lot of his quotes have stuck to me and will always be in my memory.

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

I think the sequel to the movie wasn’t that bad to me. I actually enjoyed it.

Thanks Deontray for the chat.