Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Tim Smith Jr in the Dragon Dome

Tim Smith Jr. (201-F-2000, college: N.Alabama) is a 23 year old 201cm forward playing his first season overseas with the Dragons Rhondorf. He began his basketball career at Lakewood high school and then played at 3 Universities. He began at California University of Pennsylvania (NCAA2) averaging 8.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 88.9%. He then played 2 seasons at Walsh University (NCAA2) averaging 10.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 72.1% and 16.1ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 87.1%. He then finished at the University of North Alabama (NCAA) averaging 9.4ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 79.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big win in Fellbach.

Congrats Tim on the big 78-75 win on the road over Fellbach. How does it feel to get your first pro win under your belt?

It felt good. I really wanted it. We really had to work for it. It was a good win seeing that we could come back from behind. Good teams always find a way to win even if it´s ugly.

How fortunate can the team feel getting the win despite coughing up the ball 20 times and having 9 more turnovers?

Yes we were very lucky. It wasn´t only the turnovers, but they missed a lot of free throws as well. They missed 17 free throws.

How tough was it losing captain Kelvin Omojola after 2 minutes. Who do you believe tried to take on that responsibility as leader on the court?

It was tough losing Kelvin. He was on the sidelines seeing if he could come in. We didn´t have his voice on the court which hurt. We didn´t really have a leader then, but I took it apoun myself to take on the leadership role. I told the guys that we have to play together. I think that my play in the fourth quarter lit a fire and we played the way we should of. We stuck together and all it really takes sometimes is a few plays to get back into it.

You guys started off strong making 2 three´s, but gave up lay up after layup. What did head coach Stephan Dohrn try to make adjustments in that area?

Coach was telling us whole game we have too defend better 1-1. We were really bleeding in that area. They got straight up lay ups on us. We knew we had to lock up on defense and did in the fourth quarter.

Alex Lagerman hit a crucial three late in the first quarter and finished with 14 points. How important will his input be this season`?

He made big shots early, but was also in early foul trouble. He made big plays in the fourth quarter and played great defense especially on Zaire Thompson. He has size and length and we will really need him this season to defend well.

You finally found your scoring groove in the second quarter. Were a bit nervous in the early going?

They began face guarding me in the first quarter. I just didn´t get any touches. I wasn´t nervous at all. I was wanting the game to come to me. At some point assistant coach KJ Sherrill told me to please score the ball.

In the third quarter Fellbach made their move to lead 67-58. Getting stops on the penetration continued to be a problem. Did the Dragons lose some of that fire?

I think that we didn´t really have a good first half either. It was ugly. We didn´t play our brand of basketball in the third quarter. We just couldn´t get stops.

Zaire Thompson was a menace and led his team in scoring. Was finding his spots one of his biggest strengths that night?

He didn´t shoot the three well, but got to the rim and free throw line well. But he did find his spots well.

How tough was it defending top undersized center Brian Butler. That guy is very difficult to move out of the zone.

He is really athletic and strong. I had to guard him 1 or 2 times and he scored on me once. He is big and quick and hard to stop. He has good spin moves as well.

What did head coach Stephan Dohrn tell the team heading into the fourth quarter to do better on the defensive end?

He told us to play harder and more aggressive. Regardless of what happens, I feel like if you can do that as a team then you can get stops and find a way to win.

How proud were you of the incredible defensive effort in the fourth quarter allowing only 8 points? In the last 6,31 you allowed only 2 points on free throws and no field goal

It was really incredible that we could pull out a win like that in a hostle environment. We showed that we can stop a team when we need to and just lock in as a team. But we have to show now that we can do it for 40 minutes and not only 6 or 10 minutes.

How exciting was the last minute? The Dragons made free throws and there was a big block from and steal with 37 seconds remaining.

I have been in this type of situation more than I have wanted to in my career. It is just stressful especially for my family who is watching. We knew that we just had to make plays. On my block, I was actually out of position, but sprinted over and got it. Your body just moves on instincts in do or die situations.

Could one say that the Dragons Rhondorf wanted it more at the end?

Yes for sure. Our energy was amazing. Everyone on the team had the mindset that we could win the game. We battled out our hearts.

You finished with 27/5/3/1/2 stats. How contest were you with your pro debut?

I can´t complain, because we got the win. I played pretty well. I didn´t shoot the three ball well which is my staple, but I got to my spots well. I played hard. I got like 8-10 points on offensive rebounds. I was just battling hard. I wanted to make those last free throws so much. I just didn´t want to lose the first game of the season. The worst loses are when you battled your heart out, and the best wins are when you battled your heart out.

The next opponent are the RheinStars Cologne who is the big rival. The Dragons are favorite on paper. A lot of respect as they play 2 16 year olds. What will be key to getting win?

We have to come out with the right energy. We have to play the same way we did in the fourth quarter. Just flying around, talking and having much energy. We have to feed off the energy of the crowd.

How confident are you in the play of Marko Rosic? These next games could be big in his development in Kelvin Omojola´s absence.

Marko practices with the BBL team Telekom Baskets Bonn and holds his own. He does get tunnel vision sometimes, but he is a great passer and knows how to find his spots well. He just needs to learn the game a bit better, but that will come with experience.

How wins a 1-1 in practice you or Marco Rahn?

I do. I will always take myself because nobody can guard me.

Thanks Tim for the chat.