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 on the thrilling 97-96 win vs FC Bayern Munich. How good did the 2 week break do the team?

Thanks. It was great break for us felt some of the guys needed some time with family so it was good.

This was another close win after the Ahorn Baskets. How good does the team feel in general in crunch-time?

Yeah it was another close one. I think we understand what we need to execute on both ends of the court during crunch time.

The RheinStars exploded for 35 points in the first quarter. Was that the best offensive quarter of the season?

I think that’s one of the best quarters we’ve had this season offensively.

FC Bayern Munich 2 fought back in quarters 2 and 3 scoring a combined 52 points. What did the team lose control of on the defensive end most?

As a team we got out of our details and being disciplined, such as ball pressure and our rotations were late. We have to do a better job at that if we want to keep winning.

How key was the 8-0 run to start the fourth quarter? Cologne were spot on attacking the rim:

Just being more aggressive going to the basket and feeding the bigs on the role. We had to get a few easy baskets.

How dangerous was Ivan Volf who led the comeback in the fourth quarter and was Munich top scorer with 24 points. What did you like most about his game?

He had a good game. He shot the ball well and got to free throw line quite a few times.

Davi Remagen hit the wining basket. How much is the minutes for young Germans paying off?

Was a huge shot by Davi and I feel like he is getting more into rhythm. I feel the more the minutes make them feel more comfortable on the court.

You had a solid game with 16/3/3/5 stats. How much did your 33% from the 2 point range bother you?

I just had to be more aggressive with my finishing couple mid range was in and out but just have to focus more on finishing through contact

You had a super defensive game. How do you feel is your game as a defender growing this season?

Coaches expect me to be more dangerous defensively so I’ve really been trying to focus on that end a lot more. Great defense usually turns in to great offense

The RheinStars next play another young team with Ludwigsburg. I can imagine Stephan Baeck will want not such a close finish again. What will be key to win?

Yes of course try to play a lot better than we did this past game. We definitely have to do better defensively with being aggressive and being disciplined also. The key will be a lot more focus on defense than the previous game.

Thanks Malik for the chat