Malik Riddle (193-G-1999, college: HSU) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Tennessee playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team RheineStars Cologne. Last season he played with Gzira Athleta Birkirkara (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 28.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 75.5%. He began his basketball career at Rossville Christian Academy. He then played 2 seasons at Morehead State University (NCAA) and then played 3 seasons at Henderson State University (NCAA2). He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

Congrats Malik on the big 91-84 win. How good does 5-0 feel?

Feels good to be 5-0, but we also know we and continue to get even better.

The RheinStars controlled the game from the start, but Frankfurt never gave up. What impressed you most about the young German team?

They played very hard until the end, and they fueled off of the mistakes we made especially on the defensive end. Think they are a great young team.

In crunch-time, Frankfurt cut it down to 4 points. Was the individual qualities of the RheinStars the difference?

We had a couple players make some big shots for us down the stretch also it was getting some key stops on defense that was a big help.

Ruppert Hennen hit 2 big shots at the end. Where would this team be without him?

Tough to say, he is our captain and a great point guard as well as person. He’s been with the team for a couple years so he knows what needs to be done to help us win.

How much fun is it to paly with big man Bjoern Rohwer?. How much of a role model is he for the young German players?

It is a lot of fun playing with Bjoern he is a beast down low and can shoot. I enjoy being on his team not to many bigs like him in this league.

You had a solid game of 8/2/3/5 but shot 3/12. How content were you with your game?

Not content at all, I have to do a lot better and give more to the team. I know I’m capable of playing much better than that and have to show it.

Your finding your defensive game. How much more dangerous are the RheinStars with your energy on defense?

Yeah I felt I was doing as well offensively so I needed to up my defense. Coaching staff really emphasizes defense so I try to be aggressive and focused on that end. I think great defense translate to great offense and energy for the team.

The RheinStars next play the basketball Lowen. What will be key to getting the win?

Sticking to our principles and playing aggressive on defense and play with a lot of energy for a full 40mins as a team.

Thanks Malik for the chat.