Cameron Henry (198-G-1999, college: Indiana St.) is a 25 year old 198cm guard from Chesterfield, Virginia that is playing his second season overseas with the Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim (Germany-ProA). Last season he played with the Fraport Skyliners averaging 8.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 75.3%; . He began his basketball career at Lloyd C. Bird high school and then played 3 seasons at Lincoln-Memorial University (NCAA2). He then moved to Indiana State (NCAA) where he played 2 seasons averaging 14.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 71.3% and as a senior averaged 11.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 76.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 92-73 win over the Giessen 46ers.

Congrats Cam on the huge 92-73 win to open the season. How good did this win feel?

The win felt good. We have a number of new guys new to the league and veterans. To be able to get that first one under our belt was important. Giessen is a tough team.

What was it like playing against former teammate Aiden Warnholtz? Do you see him being more of a productive player in Giessen than Frankfurt?

It was fun to play against him. We talked in warm ups and caught up about the summer. I know that he will be successful where ever he will play. I think that they want him to be more of a leader and more aggressive on the court. He is a great shooter, but more importantly a great teammate.

After 1 game from the score could one say a bit similar to what you saw last season in Frankfurt? 2 teams that could score and defended with passion?

We have similarities, but also differences. We have bigger guards that can post up. We also have bigger stretch 4´s. We have many mismatch spots at the 4.

The game was pretty even in the first quarter until the last minutes where Kirchheim got away. How important was the early support from the German players like Lucas Mayer?

Lucas is one of a kind. He has a special work ethic and his speed is so amazing to see. His energy and ability to finish at the rim will help us a lot. He came from a losing program in Paderborn and now is really focused to win.

In the second quarter Kirchheim extended their lead to double figures as the 3 ball was popping as 4 different guys scored. Is the three ball going to be something that could be a huge staple on offense?

I think it can be. We have many possibilities to spread the floor. We like to pick the weakest defenders and create advantages. We get up a lot of shots. Shooting wide open shots come natural to us.

In the third quarter Kirchheim did a good job managing the big lead. You continued to be a offensive force. Do you see yourself being more of an offensive force than in Frankfurt as a rookie?

I think I will get more of an opportunity to make plays for myself and others. Frankfurt had a way deeper team so it was hard for me to showcase my abilities. But I´m really thankful for my rookie season in Frankfurt. It taught me a lot. I feel a lot more comfortable in the Pro A. I have been able to slow down the game more. I´m able to get going better and help others to get going.

In the fourth quarter Giessen cut it down to 7, but then bang Kirchheim went on a 12-0 run. How proud are you that the team finished the game strong?

I was really proud of how we finished the game. In the Pro A to be able to play well for a half isn´t enough. You have to bring it for 2 halves. I think to be able to stop their run and then punch back so well in the season opener was good. That speaks for our metal toughness and just staying focused and keeping our mind on the same track.

I guess the only negative stat was the 14-3 offensive rebounding advantage for Giessen. Is rebounding going to be a thorn for the Knights this season?

I think that we will be able to be successful playing small ball this season. I gave up 4-5 offensive rebounds. I need to box out better. Losing Antonio Dorn at half-time hurt us. Key for us is to be able to rebound better and to be more disciplined and just finish plays. We guard at an elite level so I can deal with a stat like that in a win.

How thrilling is it playing together with Braden Norris? The rookie never averaged more than 10,0ppg in the NCAA Could he be a potent scoring point guard?

The funny thing with Braden is that we go back about 3-4 years. When I came to Indiana State, he was at Loyola and we played against each other 2-3 times. I have to be honest that we hated each other and talked a lot of smack in those games. We had battles, but I began to respect him. He fights hard against bigger players and is an elite shooter. You can´t leave him open for a second. When I saw that he signed in Kirchheim, I right away wanted to be teammates with him. That’s says a lot. He is a dream point guard to be teammates with. He is a guy that only shoots when it´s a good shot. In the game against Giessen, he only took 2 shots in the first half and both were at the end including the buzzer beater. He could of taken 6-7 shots in the first half.

You witnessed Aitor Pickett twice last season as a rookie. What have you learned to appreciate most about his game in the early going?

Aitor is simply relentless. He has better feet than I thought he had. He can guard point guards and protect the rim. What I love about him is that he doesn´t need to score in a game to feel good about how he played at the end. He is our best passing big man. He keeps everything so simple.

Your teammates with ultra veteran Demetrius Ward. Even if your not a rookie anymore, is he like a mentor?

Oh definitely. I call him uncs short for uncle. He is like a big brother. We all have the utmost respect for each other. Whatever he says goes. He keeps us all locked in. He will stay after practice and do extra video with guys who need it. Nobody leaves the gym until he feels all are on tone. Last season Marco Voeller was like that. He is like a second coach for us.

Kirchheim changed their roster a bit from last season. They were a strong team already last season. How is this years team different than last season´s?

Kirchheim scores the ball well like last season, but I think the biggest difference is our defensive intensity. They were already a good defensive team last season. They were definitely a team I didn´t want to see last season in the playoffs. This season we will score well, but what about those days where we don´t? How will we respond? We have the team to get stops this season.

What has it been like playing for head coach Igor Perovic? He is very calm, but how well is he with the x´s and o´s. He really knows how to bring out the best with what he has as players.

I have never played for a coach like Igor. He is so calm and is a guy that does things a certain way. As soon as you learn how to play for him, then it becomes so easy to paly for him. He has so much confidence in me. I didn´t have a long leash in Frankfurt. He trusts me 100% and tells me when I get the rebound to make the call for the next play. He keeps all balanced and focused.

What is your role like with the Knights? Is it very much different than what it was with Frankfurt?

I think that my role is the same. It is a little different compared to last season with more minutes here and more opportunities on offense. I think I have more of an opportunity to make plays here. Most important for me is to bring winning. I think I have more of a opportunity to show what I can bring overall to the table.

How did your defense develop last season and what are your personal goals as a player this season?

My intensity on defense was better last year. I missed a lot of box outs in the last game. That may not have been seen on the stat sheet, but seen on video. I have to work more on finishing plays this season. I will continue to pressure the ball as much as possible and not take off plays.

Who won a 1-1 in practice last season you or David Muenkat?

I´m undefeated against David in the mini drills. I gave him problems and so did he, but I think that I´m still undefeated.

Thanks Cam for the chat.