Isaiah Whaley (205-C-1998, college: UConn) is a 26 year old 205cm center from Gastonia, North Carolina that is playing his third professional season with Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia-VTB United League). Last season he played with the MLP Academics Heidleber averaging 11.4ppg, Reb-3 (7.2rpg), 1.2apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-5 (1.2bpg), FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 67.5%. He played his rookie season with G-League team Greensboro Swarm averaging 8.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 63.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 61.8%. Then he played with Astros de Jalisco (Mexico-CIBACOPA) averaging18.0ppg, Reb-3 (9.3rpg), 1.2apg, Blocks-1 (2.6bpg), FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 65.5%. He began his basketball career at Ashbrook high school, then played at Evelyn Mack Academy and finished at Mount Zion Baptist prep school. He then played at well known UConn from 2017-2022 playing a total of 134 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basket

Thanks Isaiah for talking to germanhoops.com. As a guy from North Carolina, how did you experience the breathtaking scenery of Heidelberg and seeing the castle`? How blessed were you beingv able to live in this historic city?

Yeah Heidelberg is absolutely beautiful. Everyday that I drive around in Heidelberg, I always find myself looking out in amazement with how everything looks. This is my first experience in general overseas so I feel really blessed for my experience here in Heidelberg.

After playing your rookie season in the G-League you are overseas for the first time in Germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg. What did you learn to appreciate the most about the country Germany?

I appreciate how kind and passionate people are here. I didn’t know what to expect with playing and living in Germany, but my experience so far has been great. When I first got here, I didn’t understand a lot of things, and it would be a complete stranger around to help me and embrace me.

Your had a very solid season and have needed no adjustment period to Euro ball. What was your secret to being able to fit in without problems?

I think it has a lot to do with my upbringing in college. I played for a coach who required nothing less than %100 from you, so keeping that mentality has helped a lot.

With Ingo Freyer the club had a very experienced coach that is known for being able to save teams and likes the run and gun. How did you come to terms with his style?

I love his style. He likes us playing fast and free. That gives players confidence to just go out there and play their game.

After being clobbered by 26 points in Munich, you came back and won by 7 in Heidelberg. Did that winning atmosphere remind you of the NCAA and some of those arenas and energy of the fans?

It reminded me exactly of an NCAA game and I absolutely loved it. Those are the type of games that you live for as a basketball player. To go up against a great team in front of a great crowd, it was my favorite game of the season.

You had a sold game scoring 10 points against FC Bayern Munich. Was playing against a massive former NBA veteran like Serge Ibaka a highlight for you?

It definitely was. He was someone I looked up to earlier in my career with how he approached defense. It was definitely a cool feeling to go against someone you were watching on television growing up.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’ll probably say someone like John Collin’s. Someone you can plug in different scenarios of the game. Undersized but able to use that as an advantage.

You can score, rebound, block shots and step out and take the three. Would you call yourself a modern day big man?

Yeah definitely. The modern big in today’s game is basically someone that can do a little bit of everything. Players like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic have really changed the way Modern bigs are in today’s game.

You can do so much on the court, but what would you describe as a hidden talent in your game?

I think a hidden talent of mine is definitely my passing ability. It’s something that I want to show more on the court so it’s not so much hidden anymore.

You have been a very good defender since UConn. What kind of defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

At UConn I was a great shot blocker and pick and roll defender but I feel as if I’ve completely reshaped myself as a defender since being in Germany. I’m someone who feels comfortable with being switched on to guards while also being able to still guard bigs. I’m still a pretty good shot blocker but I feel as if I’m a more versatile defender now.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player?

I’m working a lot more on my game on the perimeter. I want to be a guy you can put in any situation and expect positive results.

You played your rookie season with the Greensboro Swarm (NBA G League) averaging 8.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 63.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 61.8%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

Really it was the long travel days and back to back games that really my wake up call.

How difficult was it getting minutes.You averaged 21 minutes per game and had ups and downs in your minutes. If you had had 10 minutes more, you could have had a NBA call up. Is there anything you can do as a player to up those minutes besides putting in the work daily?

Putting in work and being ready when your name is called is sometimes the only thing you can do in those situations which I learned. You have to just control what you can control and I had no control over the Hornets sending down guys to play and now my minutes get cut in half. It was something that was difficult for me to grasp but I became better from it

You saved your best for last netting 30 points in your last G-League game against the Raptors 905. Do you feel like you have NBA game?

I do feel like I have an NBA game. Defensively and offensively I think would fit right in.

You played at the well known UConn from 2017-2022. You left the season before they won back to back NCAA titles. Did you see this success coming after you left?

I definitely did see it coming. It’s something that I take pride in everyday that I was able to leave my mark there and watch guys that I went to battles with win.

You reached the NCAA tournament twice losing to Maryland and NM State. Which run was more memorable for you?

Probably the Maryland one. It was a long time since we made the tournament so it was a special feeling to finally bring us back there after some bad seasons.

You never averaged double figures in scoring in the NCAA, but talk about the special role that you had at UConn? Your minutes rose every season in your last 3.

My Role was the glue guy. I was someone that people didn’t really expect much from but I kept working and eventually earned a starting spot and eventually earned defensive player of the year. I brought the energy and passion.

You had many great games at UConn like scoring 17 against Seton Hall or blocking 7 shots against Butler. What was your greatest game in the NCAA?

It was probably my last year Against Villanova. Up until then, they would beat us every time but after we beat them that game, I feel as if that was the turning point for the entire program.

How did head coach Dan Hurley groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I honestly feel like he’s the reason why the transition to professional hasn’t been so difficult. He was super intense and wanted nothing but your best but you always knew it was from a place of love. I still carry many of his philosophies with me till this day.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Adama Sonogo?

It would go back and forth. There would be days where I would beat him and there were days where he would beat me but overall I feel as it was pretty even.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Probably Evan Mobley. Ge moves a quick and fast as a small guard so I would probably say him.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tyler Polley Josh Carlton Brendan Adams Andrew Hurley Tyrese Martin

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan.

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

I actually have not seen it yet and probably won’t because I feel like it should’ve been left alone.

Thanks Isaiah for the chat.