Tyseem Lyles (185-SG-1992, college: Mercy) is a 32 year old 185cm guard from New York playing his 7th professional season and fourth with the CATL Basketball Lowen Erfurt. In Germany he also had previous experience with Eimsbuettler TV Hamburg and PS Karlsruhe. He began his basketball career at Tompkins Cortland Community College (JUCO) and then finished at Mercy College (NCAA2). He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 93-92 win over the RheinStars Cologne.

Congrats Tyseem on the big 93-92 win over the RheinStars. The team now has a 2 game winning streak and has won 3 of the last 4 games. Are the Lowen on the right track now?

Yes I feel like we are. Coach Florian Gut paid attention to our defense at practice and installed some new things that has helped us the last games. That push has given us added enthusiasm and we also have been moving the ball better.

The RheinStars came out strong leading 25-12. Kenny Lagab had 10 points and 2 dunks. Did you guys not have him fully on the scouting report?

We did have him on the scouting report, but they got a lot of transition baskets. I didn´t know how quick they could score from the inbounds play. That caught us off guard at times. That got them going and gave them added confidence.

In the second quarter, Erfurt bounced back being down early 39-34, How vital was your alley op pass to Lenni Kunzewitsch? Did that energy spark the team?

It did. That was a big moment that showed the home crowd and team that we were there to play.

Noah Kamdem was a beast getting many baskets in the second quarter. Does the team realize his worth? He could have been the difference the last years between a title and not when he was injured.

Yes for sure. We know that if he had played more the last years, that that would of made a big difference. Things happen for a reason. We are very happy that he is with us now and we embrace it.

Samuel Nellessen also gave good energy with 2 baskets. How have you observed his development this season?

He has been so good at keeping it simple. That is what makes him so reliable. He is great at on ball defense, cutting and shooting when he is open. What more can you ask from a guy coming from the bench.

The game was tied at 61-61 after 30 minutes. Erfurt continued to fight and stay with the RheinStars. What was key for staying on track?

Before there were times where we got hectic and made unforced turnovers. We stayed calm and made the right reads and just trusted each other.

Ruppert Hennen scored at ease the whole game. Is his mid distance game unstoppable?

I wouldn´t say that. His big man Bjoern Rohwer sets great screens that makes it difficult for us to contain him. I feel like if we play him 1-1, then he isn´t that unstoppable.

Lenni Kunzewitsch made a huge block which led to your three pointer. How key was that for the Lowen´s route to overtime?

I think that this was the play of the game. That gave us great burst of energy. We really needed that, because we were so exhausted.

The overtime was very exciting and went back to back. Paul Albrecht made a key block to lead to your winning free throws. How accurate is it to say that Pail Albrecht is Mr everything?

That is exactly what it is. He is always rebounding the ball well and he makes the right read every single time. He is always helping with his hook shoot. He is Mr everything.

What is going through your mind when your standing there and have to make the free throws. Is everything around you totally locked out?

I seriously like to embrace the moment. I tune into the crowd. These are the moments you dreamed as a kid. I take my time. You don´t get many moments like that.

The only negative aspect was the rebounding. Is that a continued work in team progress?

Yes for sure. You can never stop getting better. Rohwer really made it tough for us to rebound. But we showed against them that we could go toe to toe with tough players. I feel like that gave us added self-confidence. That will help us continue to make steps in our rebounding in the future.

The defense continues to be a work in progress. Do you see any defensive identity trying to be formed?

I think so. We are still trying to find a way as a defensive team. Coach Flo always wants extreme on ball pressure. But that is difficult when you play 40 minutes. We have to find a way to become more consistent. We haven´t found our groove yet, but we will never give up. I feel like we will get better with time.

You played 43 minutes. Did you feel like a marathon man?

I don´t know, because I have never run a marathon. I felt satisfied after the win for getting rewarded for playing so hard.

You had 26 points and shot 11/35. That was the most shots that you have taken in your pro career. Was it just one of those games where you really felt the need to have to shoot more than usual?

When I went into the locker room at the break, I went in with my head down. I missed many shots and realized that I had put a lot of pressure on myself needing to perform with high efficiency. I knew I had to clear my mind and put aside my own goals and get the job done as best as I could to get the win. I didn´t feel an extra need to shoot more. I understand that I have to take open shots and don´t complicate anything. When I see daylight, I always need to shoot.

Your three pointer continues to be your big weapon, but you also have a nice drive and mid range game. Could you imagine taking more 2 point range shots or is it always what the defense gives you?

That’s is a result that has happened over the years from coaches telling me my mid range shot is a bad one. This year it´s all about getting back to myself and taking mid range shots. I took a crucial mid range shot late in the fourth quarter

You next play Orange Academy. They have had a solid start. What will be key to getting the win?

We have to stick together and really buckle down on defense. We know that if we want to continue this win streak, we will have to be very focused and be concentrated. If we do that then we can win against anyone.

Thanks Tyseem for the chat.