Takal Molson (193-G-1998, college: JMU) is a 25 year old 193cm guard that was born in Buffalo, New York and will play his second pro season with Payabl EKA AEL Limassol (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League). Last season he played his rookie season overseas with Vevey Riviera Basket (Switzerland-SBL) averaging 18.5ppg, 7.1rpg, Assists-5 (5.1apg), Steals-5 (2.0spg), FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 77.6%. He began his basketball career at ST Mary´s school playing basketball and football. He then enjoyed a 5 year NCAA career playing a total of 139 games. He began at Canisius College (NCAA) averaging 12.8ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 70.1%and 16.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 75.4%. He then played a season at Seton Hall University (NCAA) averaging 5.3ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 70.2%. He finished at James Madison University (NCAA) averaging 12.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 75.0%and 11.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 71.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I’m currently home in Buffalo Ny and basketball is treating me great

You recently completed your rookie season with Vevey Riviera Basket (Switzerland-SBL) averaging 18.5ppg), 7.1rpg, Assists-5 (5.1apg), Steals-5 (2.0spg), FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 77.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call hit me daily waking up to mountains and lakes and in grocery stores where the prices were outrageous lol

You helped Vevey reach the playoffs. You lost a tough playoff series to Neuchatel. What kind of an experience was your rookie season and how did your game grow?

My rookie season was good and it helped me grow to realize what stage of my career I´m in and also the important of basketball to fans of clubs.

How important was it having an experienced guy like Ikenna Ndugb as your teammate at the guard position? He had had 2 years of G_League experience under his belt. What do you believe could you learn from his game?

It is always good to have an experienced guard on your team he was a tremendous help on and off the court for me hopefully we get to team up again. I learned a lot of things defensively on ball playing with Ikenna.

You had many great games in your rookie season, but how much did you cherish your 13/16/10 game in the 76-74 win over Nyon?

That 13/16/10 game is a representation of what I bring to the table and my versatility. That game happens to be one of the game I tend not to forget about.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player would best fit the description?

I think my NBA comparisons would be Jaylen Brown & Josh Hart in my opinion.

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet with ease. What do you feel is your biggest strength on the court?

My biggest strength on the court I feel is my mind/ IQ

You were a quarterback in high school. How much did quarterbacking help your court vision on the basketball court?

Being a QB and just playing football in general helps me basketball wise with physicality, rebounding, and defending.

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

I think I´m a technical defender that uses my mind and weaknesses of opponents to disrupt things. I want to become a defender coaches don’t want anywhere near their actions.

You shot 36% from outside last season your best since your freshman season at Canisius. How do you see the development of your shot and do you feel you can eclipse 40% overseas?

I will have multiple season of shooting 40%. I am very confident in 3pt shooting moving forward

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

Improving ball handling, my body, shotmaking

What´s the next step for you? Perhaps you will land in Germany? What do you know about the basketball in Germany and could you imagine playing there?

I’m not sure what my next steps are but if I do land in Germany I would love the opportunity and cherish it. I do t know much about Germany besides peers playing in Germany.

You played at Canisius College (NCAA) from 2017-2019 playing 64 games and averaging 12.8ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 70.1% and 16.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 75.4%. You made big strides in your second season. How valuable was it for you being able to play for Reggie Witherspoon?

Given more opportunity my second year at Canisius with some older guys leaving promoted a breakout year. Playing for Reggie was great taught me about life and basketball.

In your second season you lost to Villanova and held your own against future NBA players like Bey, Paschall and Gillespie. How important was a game like this for your confidence knowing you could play against top talent?

I will always know and believe I can play with anyone regardless of what level I always feel I’m the best on the court.

You then played a season at Seton Hall University (NCAA) averaging 5.3ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 70.2%. You played 13 less minutes. How tough was this season where you suffered growing pains. What did you learn from this season?

Seton Hall didn’t go as expected but it taught me the business and political side of basketball in which I am forever grateful.

You then finished at James Madison University (NCAA) averaging 12.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 75.0% and 11.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 71.5%. You had very consistent stats. How do you feel did your game grow after your difficult Seton Hall season?

JMU gave me a chance to bounce back in a comfortable environment I am thankful for.

How did head coach Mark Byington groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Byington held me accountable day in and out and believed in me through tough times and shared his experiences which also helped me tremendously

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Terrence Edwards?

There isn’t many people who have beat me in 1v1 in college or before.

Who was the toughest player that you have played against in your life that reached the NBA?

There wasn’t a college player that reached the NBA that I feel I didn’t get the best of in the matchup. One teammate that gave me a great matchup was Myles Powell.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Malik Johnson, Marcale Lotts, Myles Powell, Anthony Nelson, Alonzo Sule

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

Lebron, MJ, Kobe, Carmelo

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James.

Thanks Takal for the chat.