Chris Carter (193-G-1992, college: Florida Tech) is a 32 year old 193cm guard that is playing his 10th professional season overseas and ninth in Germany and first with Medipolis Jena. He began his basketball career at the Air Force academy. He then played at Air Force (NCAA) and Florida Institute of Technology (NCAA2). He began his pro basketball career in the Ukraine and then played in Germany with the Niners Chemnitz and Rasta Vechta. He helped all 3 German teams that he played with move up a league. He then played 4 years with the Rostock Seawolves.He has played 300 + pro games and 97 easyCredit BBL games. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big win over Kirchheim.

Thanks Chris for talking to germanhoops.com Congrats on the big win against Kirchheim. The club is currently on it´s second win streak after losing to Trier in between. How is the team better now in comparison to the first win streak?

I think we are just getting a better understanding of what it takes to win games at a high level.

Jena jumped all over Kirchheim at the start and led 26-20. 20 points was still a lot of points to allow. What do believe led to Kirchheim being able to score better after your quick start?

They have very talented individuals that can score the ball well.

Diminutive point guard Zac Cooks gave good energy at the start. How do you guys compliment each other best? You guys play a lot together which puts you more at the 2 when that happens?

Yes Zach is a phenomeal player who can shoot the ball well and bring speed that is just tough to handle. I think we balance each other well out and it´s hard to prepare for.

The game was dead locked at 45-45. Kirchheim came back. Cam Henry gave Kirchheim good energy. After 33 points on Friday, he only netted 15 against Jena. What makes him so difficult to slow down?

He can score the ball very well and plays with extreme confidence. I like his game.

Jena led by 3 points in a tight game after 3 quarters. What did head coach Bjoern Harmsen tell you guys to do better going into the fourth quarter?

Just to take your matchups personal on defense and get stops. Then move the ball on offense.

In the fourth quarter Zach Cooks led the charge and made big baskets to secure the win. What else was key for getting the win in crunch time?

Just playing smart and using the clock to our advantage. Then exploiting the mismatch.

The team found a good rhythm on defense early in the season allowing 76 points per game. Does this team have the will to step it up a notch in the second half of the season? What still has to be tweaked?

Yes we have to play much better on defense and there is still a lot to improve on. We have to put the work in daily.

What has it been like being teammates with ultra veteran Raymond Morgan. He is nearing the end of his career and plays very little. From vet to vet, what can a guy like you still add to your game from a guy like that?

He is a great teammate and I think he still has some more good years in the tank if he wants. I would say besides how strong he is, what surprised me is how good of a free throw shooter he is.

Another great teammate is Rasheed Moore a player that simply can do it all and is the ultimate team player. Is there anything that you haven´t seen him do yet?

Rasheed can play pretty much every position which is a pleasure to have. I always played against him in the past years so I am just happy to be on the same team this time. Great player.

Kristofer Krause gave good energy and points at many junctures in the game. He has developed well from a pro b player into a Pro A player. What have you appreciated most about his game?

Krissi is a great player that brings energy and I think is the best defender in the league. But now he is playing with confidence on offense and he is just another problem that teams have to worry about.

Your playing your first season with Jena. One thing you have done well your whole career has been choosing the right winning teams. This could be your 4th team that you help reach the BBL. What makes this team so special?

The team chemistry is great with this group of guys. It would be special to go for number 4 but it would be my first as a German.

You have been working some months with Bjoern Harmsen. Are you like an added assistant coach? What do you appreciate most about his coaching philosophy?

No, I wouldn’t say that. I am still a player and I lead the best way I can. Bjorn is a genius as a coach and knows how to make adjustments. He is a hard nosed coach but I can appreciate that.

Your averaging the most minutes since your senior year at Florida Tech with 30. That is very special with age 32. Do you feel like your aging like fine wine on the court

Yeah I think that I am playing at a high level and have a lot of good years in the tank God willing.

This is your best Pro A season as a pro. You had strong seasons from 2016-2018 with Chemnitz and Vechta. Does the game feel easier for you now with more experience despite being older?

Yes I definitely can see my experience playing a huge factor to the success of the team so far as well as quality coaching.

How would you compare the Pro A now with 2016. The Pro A is more competitive now, but how else is it different now than then?

The pro A is drastically more competitive. The talent on each team is much better with more quality. Also guys coming down from the first league is helping strengthen the league too.

What duties do you have this season besides leadership? There are so many incredible personalities on the team. Is leadership less of a duty this season than in season´s past?

Yeah I don’t really try to lead. I just try to have fun and stay positive and whatever happens happens.

Are you like a mentor for Raphael Falkenthal? How have you observed his development? What does he need to do to make the next step?

He is a great young talent and I try my best to give him confidence and put him through all the drills that I do. I think the more reps he gets then he will continue making big steps forward.

You have lived in many great cities in Germany. Now Jena is home. What do you enjoy most about the city?

It’s a small city where everything is a 5-10 min drive so I like it.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Zach Cooks?

He is a great 1v1 player but I think I would use my size.

We never play though.

Thanks Chris for the chat.