Tyren Johnson (202-PF-1988, college: Louisiana) is a 36 year old 202cm forward from Louisiana playing his 15th professional season and first in Germany with the SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL). He began his basketball career with West St John high school. He then played with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (NCAA) playing a total of 114 games. He began his professional career in 2010 over seas in Belgium. In the last years he has played in many various countries including France, Turkey, Japan, Greece and Mexico. He spent most of his career in France playing 9 years there. He also spent a season in the G-League. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the easyCredit BBL top 4.

Thanks Tyren for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your 15th season and are 36. What is your secret to your longevity besides the usual blab la of keeping your body in good shape? There must be other reasons as well?

Well, keeping your body in good shape is the simple answer. Everything about basketball is simple. Years of discipline from training, nutrition, managing of stress levels, and very disciplined sleep schedule extends your playing career.That’s the simple answer. The other reasons is because I’m still on my journey. I treat my career like a movie. Every season I have something that I’m playing for. Something that motivates me. That keeps the seasons exciting. I haven´t been playing for the money or to play at the top levels. I understood early that there’s politics in this business and some things you just can’t defeat. So I try to live in the moment and not focus on the future or the past. The young players also inspire me. It brings me joy that I can see them blossom. Last but not least I’ll be involved in basketball for the rest of my life. So I’m also using these seasons as internships. I’m studying my coaches and teammates everyday so that I can prepare myself for whenever I takeover a team coaching. It keeps me going.

You have played in so many parts of the world but most of your career in France with 9 seasons. How big is the adventure in you, to continue to seek new opportunities in new countries at your age?

It’s huge, because I’m just starting to enjoy my career. I’ve always put so much pressure on myself to strive to be the best that I didn’t really enjoy playing the game. Now at 36 I still feel good, and haven’t had any significant injuries. If I don’t get the type of job I’m looking for next season I think this will be my last year in Europe. I love Europe, but I would like to explore different markets before I retire.

What has it been like playing for the Syntanics Weissenfels? The organization has a lot of history. What have you enjoyed most of the opportunity?

It’s been very interesting playing in Weissenfels. I told my agent I wanted a challenge. He’s been my agent for some time now, and he knew French teams felt I was too old so we had to try a different market. I told him I wanted to stay close to my wife’s family. She is Belgian. When he told me about Weissenfels I instantly told him yes. I like the small town teams. It’s been fun mainly because of my team. I don’t do much in the city, so I’m kind of consumed with basketball everyday. It’s hard to find teams where all the teammates get along. It’s been super fun playing with this group of guys. We have a good mix of guys from all ages. The thing that I’ve enjoyed the most is seeing everyone get better week after week. We have a very demanding coach who seems to specialize in getting the most out of his players. In the beginning I have to admit I wasn’t receptive of this style of coaching, but he has unlocked parts of my game that I’ve never used before. We have surprised many teams this season, and that’s what I live for. I love being the underdog. I would feel better winning a championship with a team like Weissenfels instead of a team like Bayern. Nothing against Bayern, but they have advantages that should always have them fighting for titles. Teams like Weissenfels have to create a special environment, and seeing it all come together is very fulfilling.

The club has many key players including you. What exactly is your role on the team besides being a leader and mentor?

We’re not given direct roles. But I think my role is to use my versatility and IQ. I can play 3 positions so that gives us some advantages. Being a consistent shooter and helping out on the boards is something the team expects from me.

What is it like having big German Martin Breunig as a teammate? How valuable is a guy like that for your game?

He’s good for my game because he’s versatile too. He can play the four or the five. So we’re in the game together we’re very interchangeable. Plus he has good hands. I love to attract attention and get him some drop offs so he can get some easy buckets.

The playoff picture at the moment couldn´t be more exciting. The places between 7-15 are so tight that anything can happen. Are the Syntanics a team that has the potential to do more than just reach the playoffs?

I think so, if we stay humble and hungry. We can compete with anyone. But we have to stay humble. We need every guy on the team to max out their abilities.

You won 2 titles in France and have the opportunity to do it again with the BBL Cup. All it takes is 2 games. How excited are you to play the cup top 4 on your own floor in Weissenfels?

Just another game for me. I’ve been to many titles in my career. I’m a different type of player when it comes to supposedly big games. I treat them all the same. Titles don’t excite me. Maximizing our abilities do. If we do all we can and we lose I’m satisfied. If we win it I’m satisfied, but I’ll be right back to practice focusing on the BBL the next week.

The team has to be very very motivated to face FC Bayern Munich. You played them once and won at home 79-75. How big is the mind set to do it again?

I think the mindset is big. Many guys are excited about the chance to do something special. For some guys this could be career changing. Having the Cup at home also helps with the motivation. We’re all small city, but this could be a big accomplishment for our dedicated fans. That’s the beauty of the game. The stories that it creates. We have a chance to do something special, and I think the guys are excited about that.

In that first game they destroyed MBC on the boards and shot the three better. But the MBC held them to only 7/17 form the 2 point range and to 18 turnovers. What else was key for the win?

I don’t remember much from the game. I just remembered we played extremely free and confident.

Is this cup game perhaps one of the top 5 biggest pro games in your career? What will be key to getting win?

No I don’t think so. I guess because I’m new to the league. I don’t quite understand how big this is. I’ve had some big games in my career. I’ve been to many championships. I think the key to getting the win is to play our brand of basketball. Rebound, play uptempo, and knock down shots.

Last season you played with Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 10.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 78.5%. What was it like playing with explosive scorer Chris Clemons? How will you always remember his game?

Me and Chris had chemistry from day one. Chris is one of the best shooters I ever played with. We had this high pick and pop that was difficult to stop because one of us always had a mismatch. He was fast and strong for his size. Plus we have a good relationship off the court so it made the chemistry even better on the court.

You played with ADA Blois Basket 41 from 2016-2023 winning 2 titles. How special was this time? Was there never the thought of ending your career there?

ADA was a very special time for me. I feel like I never left. I’m still very connected with the team. I plan on being connected with them as long as possible. It’s like family for me. Definitely a home away from home. I’ve built many lifelong relationships there. The supporters of that community was special for me. I was connected to the staff in the office, the president, the coaches, the supporters, and even the kids. I knew the kids on a first name basis. I was really involved in that community. It made playing for the club that more special. I’m forever indebted to that club. The moments we created were special. Yes I thought I would retire there. But once again I know this business. They’re like family now so I didn’t want the business and the love get in the way. So we decided it was best for me to leave when I did. If it was up to me though I would have played for ADA until the end.

You played 6 seasons for Mikael Hay. That is a long time to play for 1 coach. How did he help you most in your thirties to keep expanding your game?

I get emotional talking about him. He was really everything for me and my career. I didn’t know a thing about European basketball even though I played multiple years in Europe. I depended heavily on my talent. He taught me how to use my brain. He was patient with me. Most coaches are threatened by my personality, but he let be myself. He taught me how to accept coaching. He demanded me to be consistent on a daily basis. He was tough on me, but he also gave me freedom. The combination of those two things were great for me. I think the best thing he taught me was how to trust my teammates. Once I learned that we became very successful as a team. I love that guy man.

How special was playing Pro A your last season there after paying your dues in the Pro B in your first 7 France seasons? Which win over the Euroleague teams Monaco, Asvel and Paris was the most special?

It was very special. I had always wanted to play Pro A with a team from Pro B. I received offers in Pro A multiple times, but they all were a joke. So I wanted to prove a point. I wanted to win my way there and then make everyone pay who didn’t take me serious.
I think the 2 wins over Monaco was special. I don’t think anyone thought we would be close. Like I said about playing in Weissenfels. I love to be the underdog that surprises teams.

You were teammates with a young Kevin Punter. Did he have that Euroleague potential already in 2016? Would you have thought that he could go that far then?

Yes, all he needed was the opportunity. I saw it in practice. He worked hard daily as a rookie. He did it on his own. Nobody had to tell him get in the gym and put in extra work. That impressed me.

You lost to Panathinaikos but held your own with 10/6 stats. How special was holding your own against so many great players and guys that reached the NBA?

I’m not the kind of guy that gets excited about things like that. It just a team, and they’re just players. I knew given the right situation I would be playing against them on a nightly basis so I was never really impressed. I live in Houston in the summer. We beat up on NBA players everyday.

In 2015-2016 you played with Kyoto Hannaryz (Japan-BJ League) averaging 16.9ppg, 7.9rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 68.4%. How was that experience in Japan. What was your coolest moment off the court?

Japan was a very great experience. I had a great time there. The team was very close and we had a great season. The style of play was different but it fitted my game perfectly. It was more American style. I don’t like the style of European basketball. So it felt good playing the style I wanted to play. The team was very professional. Everything I needed was being taken care of. The coolest moment off the court was after the games the fans would have goodie bags for you. They would research the things you like and try to put in a gift bag for you after the game. They did a lot of research to make you feel at home. I thought that was very cool.

In the 2014-2015 season you played with Okapi Aalstar (Belgium-Scooore League) averaging 12.8ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 72.3%. That was your second tour of duty there. I can imagine this club will always have a special place in your heart, because of giving you that first opportunity overseas?

Okapi is right up there with Blois for me. Obviously Blois was my most special club, but Aalst was also special. It goes back to the same thing. I was very involved in the community there. The head coach was Brad Dean. After Mikal Hay he was the next most influential coach for me. They believed in me. We went to the championship my rookie season with Aalst. We were on path to do great things my second tour, but we lost one of the best centers in the league (Tofi) and it’s difficult to replace him. Aalst will always have a special place in my heart.

I actually saw you play in Frankfurt in the Eurochallenge that season. That was a strange 2 game series. Each team killed the other team at home. You had some great players with Braun, Clark and Lodwick. You have had sooooo many teammates, but do you actually keep in contact with one of these 3 players?

I keep in touch with Braun. We were the closest on that team. He was a rookie so I had to help him adjust. We keep in contact on instagram every now and then.

In the 2013-2014 season you balled with Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProB) averaging 15.8ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 64.0%. What memories do you have of that season? At this time you had totally established yourself as a top player in the Pro B.

That season was interesting. I had pretty much retired from basketball. I went to Toulon because I was bored. I didn’t have much ambitions because I was sick of the business of basketball. We ended up having a good season. The team was in trouble before I got there and we finished strong. Playing with Axel Julien was a pleasure. He was a bonafide winner. Also coach Laurent Legname was very instrumental in me being excited to continue my career. He gave me a lot of freedom that year, and I was able to do great things there. We was a close team. I still keep in contact with Clemont Cavollo.

In the 2012-2013 season you played with Chalons-Reims (France-ProB) averaging 14.5ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 59.8%. It was your first season in the France pro B. What memories do you have of Justin Burrell? At this time he was in his second season. He is like you a dino and still playing today and carved out a great career in Japan. How worthwhile were the battles in practice then for you both?

JB was like Megatron. It was so easy playing with him. He got every rebound, played above the rim, and had a pretty good mid-range. He’s easily one of my favorite teammates. That guy is hilarious. He’s like a big teddy bear, but once the game starts he morphs into something else. Me and JB used to go at it in practice. He was in great shape. I used to talk a lot when I was young. JB didn’t like that. During practice he told me “Watch when you come to the locker room, I’ll be waiting”. Practice was over, and I stayed about an hour after working on my game. JB was still waiting for me lol. He wanted to beat my head in. We laughed about it and he ended up cooking dinner that night. He loved to cook. That’s how it was with us. We competed hard, but we also had a great relationship off the court.

In the 2011-2012 season you played with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League) averaging 11.7ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 70.3%. That was a long time ago. Has anything changed in the last 13 years in how clubs select guys from the G-League for the NBA? Obviously today the NBA is even more athletic.

I’m not sure about what’s going on with the G-League. I do know that the players are getting paid more, and I’m happy about that. The G-League is more competitive than Europeans think. As for how NBA teams select guys today I feel it’s a bit better than when I played. Especially with the two way players and exhibit 10 contracts.

What memories do you have of the G-League. There weren´t many guys that reached the NBA that season? You were teammates with the eccentric Courtney Fortson and other guys that played in Germany like Lee Humphrey. Do you ever feel like you were close to a NBA call up?

It was an amazing season. I got to play for Nick Nurse. Another great coach. He’s been an NBA coach ever since I left. I made the G-League All Star game. That was pretty fun. I was averaging about 21ppg. I was one of the top guys on the call up list, but the Rockets sent down Marcus Morris and that kind of killed my season since we played the same position. The G-League works like that also. Another reason why I’ve retired twice. I get tired of the politics sometimes.

You played your rookie season with Generali Okapi Aalstar (Belgium) averaging 9.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 18.0%, FT: 62.8%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

They had to force me on the plane. I truly didn’t want to come to Europe. For many Americans coming to Europe is like a punishment. I knew I was far away from home when I got hungry around 10pm and wanted to go and get some food. Everything was closed. I was used to the connivence of America. Grocery shopping really humbled me. As far as basketball I never really had a wake up call. I didn’t respect my situation at the time. I was just focused on getting back to the NBA.

That season you were teammates with 4 great Americans. All guys that played in Germany with Stan Burrell, Anthony Hilliard, Chris Copeland and Alex Ruoff. Which guy had the biggest impact on you that season? I could imagine Chris Copeland?

Chris Copeland for sure. That was my big brother. We did everything together, and we still keep in contact to this day. I played position three that season. When I came back for my second stint with Okapi coach told me he wanted me to try at the position four. I studied a ton of Chris Copeland film. I basically stole his game. He was a great player.

You played at the University Louisiana at Lafayette (NCAA) from 2006-2010. You made a massive jump in your game in your senior year averaging 17.9ppg, 8rpg, 3.3apg, 1.8spg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 69.0%. How did your game grow there?

My game grew gradually in college. I didn’t come into college a big name. I was the last guy recruited. So I knew it was going to be tough to get minutes cause I didn’t have a name like the other players. Early in our freshmen year everyone seen very quickly I was one of the most talented. There was just no space for me to play. So I buried myself in the gym and waited for an opportunity. I didn’t have a college life. I spent most of my time in the gym and studying. I came in pretty raw with limited skills because I started playing at 16. I was extremely motivated and hungry to be great. I think that’s how my game grew because I started from the bottom. The only way was up.

How tough were your first 2 seasons there? Did you sometimes doubt the NCAA process?

It wasn’t that tough because I wasn’t stupid. I understand the business of basketball real well. The coach that recruited me left and went to another school. So I knew I didn’t have anyone to support me except the head coach. I never doubted the process because I would dominate practice and the streets. I just needed an opportunity. I knew it would come because we were losing a lot of games. At some point they were going to have to try something else.

How did head coach Robert Lee groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Lee prepared me very well for the game. Everything he pretty much told me came through. He let me know what to expect. I was very immature, and I needed a guy like Coach Lee to be honest with me. He also prepared me with skill work. When I got to college I didn’t know what a triple threat position was. So we got to start from the bottom. A lot of the things he taught me I still use today. I’m very thankful of Coach Lee.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Lamar Roberson?

Lamar is one of my best friends. I use to dominate him 1 on 1 lol.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your career that reached the NBA?

I went against Paul George a lot. But there was also a guy named Andre Emmit (RIP). He was difficult to contain.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

That’s difficult you put me on the spot lol. I have so many friends that were my former teammates. Chris Copeland, Thomas Cornely, Ben Monclair, Thomas Hieu Courtois, and Suleiman Bramioh. If you’re talking about most talented. Chris Copeland, Frank Mason, Chris Clemons, Kevin Punter, and Shevon Thompson.

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kareem Abdul – Jabbar, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Tracy Mcgrady.

What is your take on the Luca Doncic trade? How crazy is it to digest that as a fan?

I think it was a good trade for both teams. The Lakers get a star for the next decade with Luka being so young. It also opened them to a more international market. Dallas got one of the top players in the league. They will be competing for a championship in my opinion. It’s not crazy for me as a fan. I understand this business real well. I don’t put anything past any team. At the end of the day us as players are just numbers. Sad reality, but it’s the truth. If a 25 year old superstar can get traded what do you think about the rest of the league? So when things like this happens I don’t have much of a reaction. I like to see how things turn out in the end.

Who is your GOAT

Lebron James! My favorite player is Tracy Mcgrady though

Thanks Tyren for the chat..