Tyler Stephenson-Moore (190-G, college: Stony Brook, agency: Players Group) is a 190 cm guard from Brookville, New York playing his rookie season for Phoenix Hagen (Germany-ProA). He began his basketball career at Long Island Lutheran High School. He then played 5 seasons at Stony Brook University (NCAA) playing a total of 140 NCAA games. In his last 2 seasons he averaged 14.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 83.9% and 16.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 84.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Tyler for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with German Pro A team Phoenix Hagen. If you could describe your excitement in 1 word what would it be?

Ecstatic!!!!

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Have you had any friends or former teammates and opponents ball in Germany?

Just the basics honestly. True sports fans at all levels, beautiful scenery, good food and lastly a welcoming culture. I do have a friend who played basketball in Germany, not sure exactly where but he said it was one of the best countries he played in as a professional hooper.

German Roland Nyama helped lead your school to their only NCAA appearance in 2016. He graduated in 2017 and since then has been a German pro A vet. Had you heard of him or even met him over the years?

No I haven’t actually, hopefully our paths cross during the season so we can talk more in depth.

What really enticed you the most about signing with Phoenix Hagen? You watched some games and did you in a way fall in love with the great fan atmosphere? Did that remind you a bit of what one sees in the NCAA?

Great fit in terms of style and play defensively/offensively. Phoenix Hagen’s fans are awesome and truly show a lot of support and love the team. The energy at the home arena looked electric!!!

Talk a little about what you appreciate most about the basketball philosophy of Hagen head coach Chris Harris? What do you enjoy most about his brand of basketball?

Extremely respectful guy and was honest in what type of player he was looking for. Consistently checked on me during my process and always wanted to have a chat. I really liked how everything is for the TEAM and not ones personal goals. Very fast pace basketball with a ton of ball movement. He elaborated a lot on having a great team culture which is something that reminded me of my LuHi High School Basketball Team in 2018-2019.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description`?

Honestly thinking about it right now Derrick White. Mainly regarded as a shooter but can do everything, knows his role and does what it takes to help the team win.

How would you describe your game? You’re a great scorer and three point shooter and bring great defensive energy.

I am an all-around player who will do anything to make sure the energy of the team is positive and that things are flowing smoothly.

You raised your amount of three point shots each year and twice eclipsed the 40% mark. Your three pointer seemed to make big strides in your third season and fifth season. How would you describe the development of your shot? –

Just staying consistent and having a lot of confidence. One thing you learn as a college athlete is how to keep a positive mindset within yourself. This can take months even years to really grasp but once you get past the mental part everything becomes easy. Remember we all started playing because it is FUN!

How big is the development of your passing on your basketball radar? What do you need to do to be able to develop your playmaking overseas?

Playmaking definitely needs to be improved, but it all comes down to the type of play style and certain positions my coach utilizes me in. I feel I am more than capable of handling the basketball and making the right reads to help get my teammates shots/opportunities to make plays to help us win.

You only averaged a 1 steal per game in a season in your NCAA career. Do you do a lot of things defensively that aren’t always seen on the stat sheet right away?

I can get you a couple deflections with my active hands. I can 100% also get a block and alter a lot of shots taken on me due to my athleticism.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

Everything. I am constantly working on everything that will keep me at my top performance!

How tough were your first 2 seasons at Stony Brook (NCAA) where you never averaged more than 4 and 2 points per game. Covid was around and could you take any positives from this tough time?

Freshman year is always the year you can simply brush off, sophomore year aka covid year was 100% the hardest year for me. I thought I was ready to step up and take on a bigger role at Stony Brook and it was ultimately a failure. I lost complete confidence in myself as a player and thought about quitting. Looking back on it I wouldn’t change anything, there were lessons learned and I personally feel I will be ready to tackle any challenge that comes my way moving forward with a clear and humble mind.

During a stretch at the end of your freshman year you were averaging 35 minutes and hit UNH and Binghamton with 19 points a piece back to back. How important was this time? Did you feel like you had arrived in the NCAA?

Very important! That was a time when I started to grasp some of the college basketball concepts and just felt extremely comfortable on the court. I wouldn’t say I felt like I arrived but honestly just having that feeling of letting some people know that I am fully capable of being a really good basketball player!

After a tough second seasons where your minutes dipped, you rebounded with a better third year and really took off with your game in your last 2 seasons as you averaged 34 minutes and 14.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 83.9% and 16.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 84.8%. How did your game grow in your last 2 seasons in the NCAA?

My confidence and work ethic got 100% better! I worked on my mentality as well, really instilled in my head that I am fully capable of being a great basketball player and needed to switch my mentality from nonchalant to being more aggressive and assertive. I went to every workout my grad year with the mindset of being a professional basketball player.

You had many great games in the NCAA like hitting Drexel with 21 points in an exciting 67-66 win or 26 points in a tough loss against Charleston in your last NCAA game where you nailed 7 three´s. What was your fondest game in the NCAA?

Playoff performances are always the best and most watched! I really enjoyed my performance against Charleston in the chip game because I knew I gave everything I had, we didn’t come out victorious but as a top player on the team you would rather perform when the lights are brightest then underperform.

You were teammates for 2 seasons with Leon Nahar who´s father Mike was drafted by the NBA and had a long and fruitful career. He didn´t play much. What memories will you have of him and how much potential does he have?

Leon is going to be a great college and professional player. He has dealt with injuries the last few years and has really been getting his body right to have a great year this year. He can space the floor with his shooting ability plus with his size he can play the 4 and some 3 depending on matchups. Great character and always has high energy.

How did head coach Geno Ford groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Ultimately just trusting me as a player over the years, took some time but he gave me the opportunity to go out there on the floor and do what I do without feeling any pressure my final two years at Stony Brook.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Anthony Roberts?

Never really played straight 1 on 1 with Anthony Roberts my junior year like that, but he would’ve won some for sure. We always competed when it came down to our 4v4 or 5v5 live periods in practice. An elite offensive scorer, definitely a guy that brought the best out of me defensively, a ton of respect.

Who is the best player that you ever faced on a court

Ochai Agbaji of the 2021 Kansas NCAA title team.

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

I’ve had so many teammates that I can’t even really pick 5 lol. All of those guys were really cool and always respected me as a person and player.

What is your personal NBA mount rushmore of past or present heads?

MJ, Lebron, Kobe, Shaq, Stephen Curry

Who is your GOAT and why?

I truly don’t have one. I like a ton of players and I like Lebron and MJ the same!

Did you see the sequel to the classic coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I haven’t seen the sequel, but I can honestly say I didn’t want to see it because movies nowadays do a terrible job on reboots. Just keep the classics classic.

Thanks Tyler for the chat.