pic credit NBBL

Bruce (207-SF-2002) is a 21 year old 207cm forward from Weinheim, Germany that played withGartenzaun24 Baskets Paderborn (ProA) last season playing 27 games averaging 3.4ppg, 2.9rpg. In the 2022-2023 season he played with the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer (ProB) playing 24 games averaging 10.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 72.2%. He began his basketball career in Weinheim and then played in the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg system playing NBBL (U-19). He also played a season with CB Fuenlabrada Second Team (Spain-EBA) playing 14 games averaging 6.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 2FGP: 55.2%, 3FGP: 29.5%, FT: 59.3%, in Feb.’22 moved to BSG Basket Ludwigsburg (Regionalliga) playing 12 games averaging 9.3ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 55.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his memories of teammate and friend Ariel Hukporti who was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks and then traded to the New York Knicks.

You were teammates with Ariel Hukporti in Ludwigsburg. If you could say one word describing him what would it be?

Cheerful. When you see his face, you automatically get happy. He has the ability to get you to laugh.

How proud were you that he was the last player picked in the 2024 draft by the Dallas mavericks and then traded to the New York Knicks? It wasn´t self-evident that he would get picked as he was seen as a possible late second round pick.

I can´t describe it in words. I had one or two tears on my cheek. He went through so much. It was his plan to get to the NBA and he deserved it.

Describe the feeling when you heard the news?

At first I thought he wasn´t going to get drafted as somewhere around the middle of the second round, I got the call that it wouldn´t happen. But then came the call again that he was the last pick. I was overjoyed.

There is a big whats ap chat with David Mccray and players. Did everyone follow the NBA Draft?

I don´t know if everyone followed the draft that night, but every guy supported him.

How important were his 3 years away from Germany for his development in Lithuania and Australia?

He understood the definition of what it meant to be a pro in those 3 years. He learned what to do and what not to do on the court. He grew up quickly.

Everyone talks about his incredible defense and rebounding. What is off the radar with his game?

I think that many don´t realize that he will help his team anyway he can on and off the court.

Do you feel like he can crack the Knicks rotation right away?

I believe he will if he gets a chance. He will then show what he can do.

What would you like to see Ariel Hukporti achieve in his first season in the NBA?

I want him to have fun and play with a smile and just live the dream and bring out his best

What is your fondest moment with him on the court?

I think playing ANGT and when we beat Alba Berlin.

He seems to have a massive heart for the people in his inner circle. What is your fondest moment with him?

There are way too many to name. But I would follow David Mccray as well and say the way he takes time and plays with his kids. He is a family guy and just likes kids in general.

How big is still that bond from the Ludwigsburg days? Hukporti and Tyreese Blunt are like brothers to you. How strong is this bond today?

We try to write each other or talk to each other each day. Our bond is unbreakable.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or him?

Unfortunately Ariel.

Thanks Dejan for the chat.