
Bryce Hamilton (193-G-2000, college: UNLV) is a 23 year old 193cm guard from Pasadena, California playing his third professional season and first in Germany with the Rostock Seawolves. He played the last 2 seasons with the South Bay Lakers (NBA G League) averaging 14.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 69.8% and 16.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3FGP: 37.1%, FT: 68.2%, in Apr.’24 moved to ASP Promitheas Patras (Greece-GBL) averaging 12.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 76.9%. He began his basketball career at Pasadena high school and then played at University of Nevada – Las Vegas (NCAA) from 2018-2022 and as a senior averaged 22.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 76.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 83-66 win over the Frankfurt Skyliners.
Congrats on the massive 83-66 win over the Frankfurt Skyliners. How good does it feel getting the win after having lost 3 of the last 4 games?
It felt good. We had a big emphasis on getting the win. We had lost some games at home and wanted to get on the winning track again. We beat a very good team, but we know that we still have to get better.
Rostock had a strong first quarter winning it 23-16. The game began with 4 three pointers. Were you expecting that?
No not really. But these things happen during the course of a game. We knew going in that they were a good offensive team. But we were confident continuing that we would be able to wear them down.
You nailed 3 in a row. Were you already feeling good going in or did those 3 three´s surprise you a bit?
My shots felt good. I have a lot of confidence in the work that I put in. I always have that mentality when I shoot that the ball will always go in.
You have been a pretty solid three point shooter since your NCAA days, but this season it´s been incredible. Have you been in the gym a lot more or what do you credit your hot shooting to?
I think that my big focus has been staying in the gym and just being consistent. My 3 point percentage has really gone up in the last years. I trust the work that I put in and have a lot of confidence in my shot.
Godwin Omenaka also gave good energy and had 3 blocks. How important has his play been this season?
He is super important for us. His presence scares opponents when they drive to the rim. He blocks shots and effects where shots will go. He is also a great lob threat. It has been a big pleasure playing with him.
Malik Parson gave Frankfurt big time energy with 11 unanswered points. That guy is a walking bucket. He had a Euroleague offer last week, but Frankfurt didn´t let him go. Was that about as good as letting some steam out to let possible frustration loose?
Yeh probably. He is a great player though. He really got hot against us. He will have a great season.
Is it Parson´s quickness the most difficult part in containing him, or his shiftiness and finding his spots?
Yes he is very shifty and you never know where he will go. You just try to do your best and hope he misses. He can score at any level and doesn´t see a bad shot.
The game remained tight in the third quarter but Rostock kept the lead. What adjustments did the team make on the defensive end?
We just stuck to the game plan. We knew that with time they would miss shots. We were defending tough and forcing them to tough shots.
What did coach : Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz tell you guys to do going into the fourth quarter? You only allowed 9 points?
He just told us to keep doing what we were already doing. We know that we are a physical and great defensive team. We take a lot of pride in it. We knew that we had to finish the game well.
In the fourth quarter Rostock stepped up with big buckets from Schwartz and you early, but overall the whole team chipped in. What was key for controlling the fourth quarter?
We did a good job maintaining the lead and playing great defense. We moved the ball well and got out on transition.
Rostock controlled the boards and had only 6 turnovers. What was the biggest positive that the team got from this win?
Our togetherness. We just had to lock in and not fold, but stay composed.
German Robin Amaize chipped in with 16 points and 8 boards. What do you appreciate most about his game?
I love his game. He is a great player that plays with great energy. He can do it all. He guards the other team´s top player and hit shots on offense and can playmake. He is only getting better. It has been a pleasure playing with him.
How vital is it having a player like D´Shawn Schwartz by your side who can take the pressure off you at times?
He has also been a big help. He always gives great energy and is a tough match up. Even when he isn´t scoring, he brings other important things to the team to help win.
How key is it having a big guy like Philipp Hartwich on the court? What have you appreciated most about his game?
He is a great rim protector that can block shots. He is also a lob threat and great passer.
You had your highest point total in the BBL with 27 points. You have needed no adjustment coming from the G-League. What has been your secret to being able to adjust so well?
It has been just being confident in my game. I know that every game is tough, but I get the trust from my coach and teammates.
You shot 5/14 in the first 3 games and now are 15/31 in the last 4 games. Have you had more reps or has it been the extreme focus coach wants you to have while taking reps?
Coach has been a big help. He wants us super focused when we are taking reps. I have been totally locked in during shooting.
What was your impression of the Frankfurt Skyliners. This is a very critical stage in their season as they have many road games in a row. Their season could be made or broke.
They are a really good team. They played us tough and at times when we tried to pull away, they continued to play hard until the end. They have enough guys that can score. They may have a tough span now, but anything can happen in this league. Anyone can beat anyone.
You next play top team Telekom Baskets Bonn. How vital will it be getting a win as after that the team has a longer break?
This will be a huge test for us to see where we stand against a top team. We respect them, but won´t come out lightly against them. We will play to win.
Yesterday was Halloween. What was your fondest Halloween moment?
I won a Halloween contest. I was Batman.
Thanks Bryce for the chat.