Peter Kalthoff (206-F-1999, college: Hillsdale) is a 206cm forward that is palying hiss econd professional season and first in Germany with the VFL SparkassenStars Bochum (Pro A). Last season he played with BK Iskra Svit (Slovakia-Nike SBL) playing 31 games averaging 15.7ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT-2 (42.4%), FT: 72.6%. He began his basketball career at Hillsdale high school and then played at Hillsdale College (NCAA2) from 2018-2023 playing a total of 64 games. In his senior year he averaged 14.1ppg, 7.2rpg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 66.7%, FT: 68.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Pro A game against the EPG Guardians Koblenz.

You’re playing your second pro season and first in Germany with the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum. What kind of an experience has it been so far?

It has been a good experience so far. There is always a period of adjustment but I am thankful for the opportunity to be in Bochum.

What were the main reasons for joining the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum? What kind of perspective
did you see for yourself by joining this organization?

The family culture, the hunger to work hard, and the conversations I had with the staff.

I thought this would be a good step for my career and a good situation for my family.

How did the talks go with head coach Felix Banobre? What did you like most about his basketball
philosophy?

I appreciated that Coach Felix wanted to take a step forward with the club and that he treated me as a whole person, both a basketball player and a human being. I liked that he has experience and wanted to play in a way that would challenge me to improve but also fit my game as it is as well.

After a season in Slovakia, you have moved to the German Pro A. This league is a bit better than in
Slovakia. What will be your role and can you be that impact player?

I think all the roles on the team are important, and essential, in their different ways. A winning team always has a group of men doing their jobs well. I hope to have a significant role and if I do my role well then I think I will have a good impact on our team and bring to fruition the staff’s vision for the team.

How do you and Keith Braxton compliment each other best. How vital will his offensive versatility be
for the success on offense?

I have enjoyed playing with Keith thus far. I think we complement each other well because we have similar effort and approach and of course partly because we play different positions.

How much fun is it playing with Matthew Strange? Who wins a three point shooting contest?

It is always good fun to have an excellent shooter on the perimeter.

Let´s talk a little about your game. You’re a 206cm forward. Would you describe yourself as a modern day big man? You can shoot the three well and do all the other things that a 206cm forward does?

yes

You also have a very good IQ. Is that something that came gradually over time or was that something
that you always had?

Gradually over time, I still have much learning to do.

What kind of a defender would you classify yourself now and what kind of defender do you want to
become in the future?

A solid on-and off-ball defender and I would like to become a great on-and off-ball defender.

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

ball handling, decision-making, efficiency, everything.

You played your rookie season with BK Iskra Svit (Slovakia-Nike SBL): 31
games: 15.7ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT-2 (42.4%), FT: 72.6%. How tough was it going
overseas after having been at home your whole life through Division 2? What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I played at a high-level Division 2 school so being on the basketball court didn’t feel that far from home last year. It was outside of the gym felt the most different in Slovakia. The increased level of physicality was one feature that was quite different from college last year. I had to adapt and learn some new skills. There was definitely and still is a learning curve.

You really had some monster games in Slovakia with a 30 point game and 7 three´s against Levice.
What was your fondest moment there?

I think we threw that game away and lost in the last seconds so it was not that game. We had a big win on the road vs Komarno that was a fun memory but there were a lot of fun team moments last year.

You played at Hillsdale College (NCAA2) from 2018-2023. In your first 4 seasons you only played 35
games and were injured also. In your last season you played 29 games. How tough were the first
years there?

They were quite challenging of course because I would have liked to play more minutes but also a wonderful opportunity to grow in different ways and learn what it means to be part of a winning team in different ways.

You finally had your break out season in your fifth season averaging 14.1ppg, 7.2rpg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT66.7%, FT: 68.1%. How did your game grow that last season?

I knew that my time would come and I had been preparing to be ready for that moment so it was more than just that last year that my game grew. But experience on the court in game situations is impossible to replicate so that was an important area of growth.

You had many great games at Hillsdale including a 29/10 game against Northwood. What was your fondest moment there?

My fondest memory from Hillsdale was going to the NCAA2 Elite Eight in my fourth year. I broke my hand at the end of that season but I had an important role that year and loved my teammates and the journey.

How did head coach John Tharp groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

In many ways, on the court, he helped shape me into the player I am today, and off the court, he helped me see what basketball is about and how it reflects all of life. I am very grateful to him and the whole coaching staff at Hillsdale for their investment in me and confidence in my abilities.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Eric Radisevic?

Eric is a very skilled big man, and he definitely would score some points but I must take me and my age and experience.

Who I the toughest player that you ever faced in your life anywhere on the court that reached the
NBA?

Aaron Wheeler was in Slovakia-Nike SBL last year and he won the league MVP, I think he spent a little bit of time in the G-league and was very skilled.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Not necessarily as individual players but as teammates for a squad: Jack Gohlke, Patrick Cartier, Kyle Goessler, Julius Brown, Joe Reuter.

Please list your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, Jordan, Kobe, Curry, KD

Who is your Goat and why?

Lebron do I need to say why?

Thanks Peter for the chat.