Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Bryan Battle in Rhondorf, Germany in 2024

Bryan Battle (196-SG-1999, college: FHU) is a 25 year old 196cm guard from Arizona that played his fourth professional season and first with the RheinStars Koln averaging 13.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.5apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 65.8%. Last season he played with Ammerud Basket Oslo (Norway-BLNO) averaging 15.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.6apg, Steals-2 (2.8spg), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 72.0%. In 21-22 he balled for U.M.F. Skallagrimur Borganes (Iceland-D1) averaging 23.1ppg, 7.5rpg, 5.4apg, Steals-2 (2.8spg), FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 76.6%. he split his rookie season with KK Promo Donji Vakuf (Bosnia-Division I) averaging 2.0ppg, 1.7rpg, in Jan.’21 moved to Urartu V-bet Yerevan (Armenia-League A) averaging 11.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 41.7%. He began his basketball career at South Mountain Community College (JUCO) and then played a season at Rogers State University (NCAA2) averaging 2.2ppg, 1.5rpg. he finished at Freed-Hardeman University (NAIA) averaging 16.2ppg, 7.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 62.6%. He recently worked out with the free agents of Klutch Sports in front of more than 20 NBA teams in Las Vegas

Thanks Bryan for talking to germanhoops.com. The RheinStars lost in the final to the Dragons Rhondorf. How tough was losing the last game at home?

It was tough because I envisioned us winning at home. But, unfortunately, that never happened.

I never thought the Dragons could eclipse the 15 three´s from the Friday game, but they did making 20 three´s. Was it just one of those days where you have to accept a team performance like that or was their much fault on the Cologne defense?

What a great question. We forced them to take a lot of tough shots. It was one of those streaks where they just weren’t missing.

What did you personally learn as a player from this final series against the Dragons Rhondorf? What would you have liked to have done better as a team as a whole?

To play with more passionate, urgency, dependency. That is what cost us those games. I think we would tend to forget that we weren’t unstoppable, and we had to show up at our best at every given moment.

The RheinStars never gave up during the final game in Cologne. How proud are you of your teammates despite the loss?

I’m proud because we played all year like we deserved to win the final. And it just didn’t go our way.

It was a very special season for the RheinStars. It was very consistent having 2 stretches of winning 11 in a row and another winning 14 of 15 games. What was so special about this year´s team?

We played for something bigger than ourselves. We played for a championship together, as a unit. We were a solid, consistent team that united to work towards the common goal.

Something that I noticed was that the team was talented but not the most talented on paper, but it seemed like the team got everything from everyone including the younger players. How tight knit was this team? That seemed very special to me?

The young guys showed up to practice and contributed as if they were one of the starters. They wanted to get better and compete. So, I feel like, I’m brothers with anyone that wants to compete and be serious about the game. We had good, young players.

Having a talented and experienced guy like Stephan Baeck as head coach at the pro B level is a massive gift. What did you learn from him and how did he lead the team best?

Another good one. I would say I learned essential shooting fundamentals and footwork. He was a great leader for mental preparation before the game.

You had so many great teammates, but how special was Ruppert Hennen. Where would this team have landed without his services?

Rupi is very talented. I looked forward to competing in practice with him everyday.

How tough was it for the team not having J Von Seckendorff in the final? Could he have given you the extra push?

My heart broke for Jannis not being able to play in the finals after playing in every single game all year. It sucks we couldn’t win it for him.

Bjoern Rohwer had a massive game in Rhondorf but had unbelievable misfortune missing easy lay ups in the last game. How big was his effort at the center position and what did you enjoy most about his game?

I love how much passion he played with. He was one of those guys that just throws his heart into the game. You can’t do anything but respect that. I enjoyed always knowing he was going to be fired up, ready to play.

Grantas Vasiliaukas had a strong season as well under the boards. How vital was his game for the team and how do you feel did he help the team most this season?

He was a very tough player, especially on the glass. He played the game the right way.

Who do you feel was the team´s most improved player this season?

I feel like I played my best basketball towards the end of the season and into finals when it counted the most, so I’d say me.

You averaged 13/5/2/2 stats in the German pro B. What is the summary of your personal season? You didn´t have to score 20 a night, but your versatility was there every night?

It was a good year for me and I improved on a lot of things. The next year’s goal is to do the same, as well.

You’re a chameleon that did all you could do to help your team win. You showed on the court how much was in your veins to help your team win. I believe you passion for the game grew even more with this experience with the RheinStars?

The passion and love for the game has been there since I was a kid. But it was a blessing to be able to experience the community in Cologne. It was an experience I will never forget.

You told me last summer that your versatility is your biggest asset. How did your game grow this season?

I learned how to play off the ball, make cuts and reads off the ball better, and I grew as a team defender.

You shot very well this season from outside. How do you see the development of your three pointer. Is it something you see continuing to grow in the next years?

I worked on some mechanics in my shooting so now it’s just perfecting the repetition, and becoming more confident in the shot itself. I have no doubt it will continue to get better.

How did you follow the development of your defensive game in the RheinStars system? How did it grow under Stephan Baeck?

I touched on this earlier, but I grew as a team defender. I learned how to play defense connected with the whole unit, not just as one person.

On what areas of your game will you keep working on this summer besides your shot?

Playmaking and defense.

You had so many great games this season with the RheinStars including many in the playoffs, but what game was your best?

The game against Schwelm when I had 8 steals in the second to last game of the season. I was 9 of 9 at the two.

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

Trey McBride. With Leverkusen being the rival to Cologne, it was always a fun match up.

What is the next step for you? You have seen so many countries. Is to stay in Germany an option? I´m sure the pro A should be a goal for you?

No hints. But, I will say that I’m excited for the future and what comes with me playing the game I love.

What was the nicest experience that you had off the court in Germany? Did you explore any cool places that you won´t forget?

Visiting the Cathedral with my daughter was a really cool experience.

I will never forget that.

Thanks Bryan for the chat.