Matthew Ragsdale (194-G-2001, college: BHSU) is a 23 year old 194cm guard playing his pro rookie season in Germany with Pro A team Dresden Titans. He began his basketball career with Lewis palmer high school and then played 3 seasons at Western State Colorado University (NCAA2) averaging 12.4ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 72.0%, 20.8ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 80.3% and 21.5ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 44.5%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 82.3% in his 3 seasons. He then played 2 seasons with Black Hills State University (NCAA2 averaging 13.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 82.0% and 22.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 83.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I am currently in Colorado Springs, Colorado with my family right now. Basketball life has been treating me good. I’ve been busy playing in two pro ams this summer along with training and weight lifting on top of that.

Congrats on signing with the Dresden Titans. Is becoming a pro like a dream come true? It isn´t self-evident that a NCAA 2 player can come overseas. It is a rare thing, but it happens.

Becoming a pro means everything to me. It’s been a dream of mine since I was younger so for it to become a reality is surreal. Working hard and staying focused since an early age has definitely paid off.

You showed in the NCAA 2 that you were a walking bucket at 2 different schools. Do you have a chip on your shoulder? You surely could of played in the NCAA?

I definitely have a chip on my shoulder. I feel like I’ve been overlooked my whole life and I always remember that when I step on the floor so that definitely helps me. I would say I play with a lot of confidence which helps me so much. I actually was signed to Evansville university which is D1 after my three years at western but the coaching staff got fired by the new athletic director so I recommitted and signed with Black Hills State.

What do you know in general about the country Germany? Dresden is a very historic city. Could you fall in love with the city?

I don’t know much about Germany if I’m being honest. But I’ve heard amazing things about the country and I’m so excited to be able to learn another language and learn new cultures that are not in the US. From the pictures I’ve seen, I think I could fall in love with the city of Dresden for sure.

What do you know in general about German basketball? Have you had any friends, former teammates or opponents ball in Germany?

I know that Germany basketball is super high level with so many talented guys. I’ve watched a lot of games this summer to prepare myself for how it’s going to be. I actually know like 5-6 people that will be in Germany this upcoming season so it’s super cool to see a bunch of people I know chasing their dreams out there with me.

What were the main reasons for joining the DresdenTitans? What was so enticing about the organization for you to join?

My main reasons for joining the Titans was the opportunity as a rookie to start in a very respected league with amazing talent. I built a good relationship with Coach Fabian right away and I felt very comfortable after a couple phone calls with him. His ideas of working hard towards an end goal really intrigued me. I want to win and will do whatever it takes so I was on board with his ideas right away. It was a no brainer after discussing with my agent about it.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 194cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

If I had to compare my game to someone in the NBA, it would be CJ McCollum.

Your shooting really stands out at first glance. What other strengths does your game incorporate? Your ex head coach Ryan Thompson stated that self-confidence is a big strength of yours.

Coach Thompson definitely nailed it. I do play with a lot of confidence which helps me a lot. I’d say outside of just shooting, I bring a lot of attention to any defense with my ability to score at all three levels. The past two years I have become a much better playmaker which makes me even more of a threat.

How vital is consistency for you? Last season in the NCAA 2 you shot 0/13 in a 2 game span and then came back in the next 2 games shooting 11/20.

Consistency is everything for me. I know in the back of my mind that I will go through shooting slumps. The best shooters in the world go through slumps. So I’ve always trusted that all the reps and hours I’ve put in will pay off and eventually show at the end of the day.

You never averaged more than 2,0apg in the NCAA 2. At Black Hills you developed into more of a complete player. Is playmaking something you would like to develop more as a professional?

I developed into a complete player and playmaker at Black Hills for sure. It’s always something I can keep improving on. I’m always looking to get better in all areas of my game so I will be focusing on that for sure at the professional level.

You only averaged 1,0spg in the NCAA 2. Are you more of a defender that does the dirty work and things that aren´t always seen on the stat sheet?

I stay really sound on defense. Meaning I’m in the right spots when I need to be and I take pride in not letting my guy score on me or making it as tough as possible.

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

I’m going to keep improving my defense and rebounding, along with playmaking for others. The European game is a lot more physical from what I’ve seen and heard so I know I will have to keep improving those areas.

You played 3 years at Western State Colorado University (NCAA2) averaging 20.8ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 80.3% and 21.5ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 44.5%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 82.3% in your 2 last seasons you had some amazing games against CSU-Pueblo with 46 points and 53 points against BHSU. What was your fondest game there?

The game against Black Hills was the craziest game I’ve ever played in. I was in a zone that I’ve never been in before and it felt like any shot I took was going in no matter the difficulty of it. What made it crazier is that my high school teammate Joel Scott also had 50 points in the same game. It was just a super cool experience and to do that along side one of my closest friends was special and something I will never forget.

You then finished at Black Hills State University (NCAA2) averaging 13.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 82.0% and in your second season averaged 22.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 83.7%. You averaged the NCAA 2 Final 4 in 2023. What memories do you have of the loss to West Liberty?

The memories I have of the west liberty loss are frustrating to say the least but it was a blessing to be able to play on that big of a stage. The whole playoff run was so special and not many teams get to say they made it to a final 4 so just being able to get there was special and a great experience overall.

How did head coach Ryan Thompson groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Thompson helped me so much and I will never be able to thank him enough for what he did for me as a player. He is so smart and his IQ of the game is amazing so being able to see that and learn from him the past two years for amazing for me. He helped me become a better playmaker and defender but he also helped me become a man. He was super hard on me at times and really pushed me to become the player I am today.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or friend Joel Scott?

Joel and I have had so many battles since we were in the 5th grade. We both have wins against each other and it’s always a competitive battle whenever we play 1 on 1.

Who was the best player that you battled so far in your life that reached the NBA?

I’ve battled so many great players. I played against Jalen Wilson in my AAU days. Dshawn Schwartz and Hunter Maldonado are two players that I’ve looked up to in Colorado Springs and they are amazing players.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My five best teammates of all time are Joel Scott, Adam Moussa, Sindou Cisse, PJ Hayes, Sava Dukic. All of them played on the final 4 team.

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

My NBA Mount Rushmore is Lebron, MJ, Kobe, and Steph.

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James is my Goat. No player has dominated the game like Lebron has. He is the most complete basketball player ever in my opinion and it isn’t even close.

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

I did not see the sequel unfortunately

Thanks Matthew for the chat.