Toto Fagbenle (206-F-2001, college: Coppin St.) is a 23 year old 206cm forward that is playing for the Caledonia Gladiators this season. In England he got experience playing for Christs College Finchley and Nottingham Trent University (NBL D2). He then played 2 seasons in the States at Morgan State University (NCAA) averaging 2.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.1spg and with Coppin State University (NCAA) averaging 5.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 49.3%, FT: 56.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.

Thanks Toto for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with the Caledonia Gladiators (SLB). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about playing for this organization?

Thanks for having me! It’s been an amazing experience. I’ve been welcomed with open arms from coaches to players which has made it even more enjoyable. It’s completely different from college and it’s your full-time job now so I’ve still got to get used to that. I’ve enjoyed playing freely. In past years I feel like I haven’t been able to play freely and play to my strengths but I feel like I can do it here and ultimately contribute to the team.

After playing the last 2 years in the NCAA, how do you feel did your game grow in those 2 years?

I feel like I have improved my all around game, from defense to offence. I have also gained more confidence which is a big help in a players development/growth. I would also like to say I can jump a lot higher.

The Gladiators have a lot of depth and talent. What exactly is your role on the team?

I would like to say my role on the team is to be a high energy two way player. Be in the right place at the right time and make the right play. Whether it’s when the ball is in my hands, off ball or on defense. Space the floor, attack the rim aggressively, get steals and blocks and rebounds, that’s my role.

What has it been like being teammates with Trevond Barnes? Is he like a mentor for you? How has he helped your game most?

Man it’s been great! That’s really big bro. I spend a lot of time with him off the court as we live together so I’ve really been able to get to know him. He’s always giving me advice for basketball and life which has definitely helped me boost my confidence for basketball games. He’s a great guy!

Another talented player at your position is Tanner Stuckman? Has his nonstop energy infected your play at times?

Tanner is also a great guy. Really funny but knows when and when not to be serious. He can shoot really well so I love guarding him as I feel like it challenges me. I wouldn’t say infectious as I’ve naturally got high energy but it’s definitely infectious to the team.

What has it been like playing for legend Gareth Murray? What do you respect most about his basketball philosophy and how has he helped you most with your game this season?

It’s been a really great experience. Coach G is of course a legend so I’m really grateful playing under him and learning from him. You can tell he’s been in the game for a while as it shows through his coaching which is cool to see. He’s definitely helped me by boosting my confidence for sure. He’s given me words of wisdom which have helped me grow day by day.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm forward. If you had to compare your game most to a NBA player who would make the best fit?

I’ve been asked this question a lot. I would like to say either Pascal Siakam or Andrew Wiggins. A lot of people compare me to Kevin Durant which is a great compliment but that’s one of my favourite players ever so it’s hard accepting that.

You can score and rebound, but what would you classify as your biggest strength on the court?

My biggest strength for sure is my pride on defense. I find it insulting when someone scores on me so I love to get defensive stops, even if they don’t show on the stats. I would also say my athleticism. That’s quite a strength of mine.

What kind of a defender are you and is becoming a type of rim protector a goal of yours?

A high energy defender who loves playing defense. I love to play defense, especially on quick guards as it hones my agility and reaction times. I’m quite quick for my height which is very helpful in playing defense. Being a rim protector is a great addition to a player’s arsenal but I would say my goal is to become a great all around defender who can not only protect the rim but get steals and stops on defense.

What do you feel is still an area of your game that is off the radar for everyone?

My shooting and ball handling ability. I’ve been fine tuning my jump shot for a couple months and I feel like I’m starting to get more consistent/confident with my shot. On the other hand, my ball handling ability is not seen as I’ve not really needed to use it in game but this year I feel like everyone will see that I can handle the ball quite well.

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

My shooting and finishing through contact. Before I played in college in America, I used to shoot a lot in the UK and then when I got to America, it wasn’t really my role so I hardly practiced on that which naturally made my shooting decline so I’ve been working a lot on building it back up. And for finishing through contact, I just want to get more posterisers so been working on that.

You played at Morgan State in 2022-2023 for playing 16 games averaging 2.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.1spg. How was this season for you? You only averaged only 13,4 minutes. What positives could you take of that season?

Yes. My first year in college was definitely one to remember. It sucks that it was cut short due to unseen circumstances but it was not taken for granted. I learnt that no matter who you are or who you think you are, you’ve got to work your butt off to play. You can’t be lackadaisical or nonchalant. There’s hundreds of players that are dying to be in your position so it’s really just given me a different outlook on life in general which I appreciate every day.

Your best game was in a blow out against Lynchburg scoring 14 points and registering 6 steals. Was this one of those games where you felt like you had arrived in the NCAA?

I remembered how I felt after that game. It felt good playing well that game but I didn’t feel like I had arrived in the NCAA as it wasn’t a conference game so there were still bigger challenges ahead. It was a great team win nonetheless!

What kind of an experience was it playing against top school Arizona? You lost by 25 points, but you played 17 minutes?

The atmosphere was crazy. I believe that was the biggest stadium I’ve played in. I played against some NBA level players which really showed me the point I was at in my career and how to grow from it. So I learnt a lot from playing against them.

Last season you played with Coppin State University (NCAA)playing 17 games averaging 5.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 49.3%, FT: 56.4%. How did your game grow in this season?

I was more accustomed to the college style of play and understood my role on that team more which meant I was more comfortable. I definitely became more physical and used my athleticism more to my strengths in comparison to other years.

You had some really good games at Coppin. What memories will you always have playing against you ex school Morgan State losing 89-86. You had a good game with 9 points, 6 rebounds,2 steals and 3 blocks?

I really wanted to win that game badly especially since it was against my former team. I remember talking to a couple of players from Morgan mid game and trash talking and making jokes which was a cool little experience. I made life long friendships at Morgan so it’s always love.

How did head coach Larry Stewart help your game so you could come back to Europe for the next step?

Coach Stew helped a lot. He was adamant on me playing to my potential and playing hard especially since it was my last year in college. So he helped me to play harder each and every play.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Khali Horton?

Me and Khali never really had a 1-1 in practice but that’s my guy. I would always take me over anyone however, that’s just my mindset.

Who was the greatest player that you ever faced on the court that was in the NBA?

I don’t think I’ve played against anyone that’s in the NBA to my knowledge but if the WNBA counts, the greatest player is my sister Temi Fagbenle. She’s a bucket.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

That’s a tough one. In no order, I’ll say Malik Miller, Damarni Vellinor, Blake Bowman, Will Thomas and Matthew Disu. They’re just the first to come to mind.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

I might get hate for this but: Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Kobe and Shaq are interchangeable.

Who is your GOAT?

Basketball player? Stephen Curry and I’ll stand on that. GOAT in life? The creator, God.

Thanks Togo for the chat.