Phillip Flowers (196-SF-1990, college: UWG) is a 34 year old 196cm small forward from Lauderdale, Florida and playing with the Bona Baskets Limburg (“ Regionalliga) this season. He has pro experience in Qatar, Brazil and in semi pro leagues in the States with teams Georgia Spartans (UBA) and the South Florida Gold (ABA). He played at : Eastern Florida State College (NJCAA) and the University of West Georgia (NCAA2). He spoke to germanhoops.com after a 65-57 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Thanks Philip for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the big win over Eintracht Frankfurt. The guests are filled with 80% youth players. Did it feel like men playing with boys?

Yes it did feel like that. Sometimes I have to get myself mad just to motivate myself to play. I´m bigger and stronger than those guys. You have to keep it simple when you play against young guys.

What was the key for getting the win at home?

We didn´t find an offensive rhythm. Only one guy was at practice yesterday. But we did give an overall consistent defensive effort.

You last played 5 years ago in the ABA. How did you land in Limburg?

I met a former Limburg player through my job in Wiesbaden. I´m a contractor in Wiesbaden and work for the government. I got a try out and the rest is history.

You live and work in Wiesbaden. Is the Limburg gig more a hobby or do you still have aspirations of chasing the pro dream?

Of course I still want to get to the next level. I won´t be able to get to the top, because of my job though. But I feel capable of playing in the Pro B or Pro A.

Did you have a 9-5 job the last 5 years? Did you continue to work on your craft or was the professional route on the back burner?

I worked as a contractor for the US government in different countries the last years. I played in Qatar, Brazil and in China tournaments.

What kind of an experience has it been playing for the Bona Baskets Limburg? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It has been cool. I have gotten to know some of the guys. I´m proud to have been a mentor for some of the young kids and try to give them knowledge and help them get better. I really love how we always have access to the gym.

You aren´t the only veteran, but Elijah Allen is also here. What is it like sharing the court with him? Is one more the leader and the other have a different function?

I can be a vocal leader, but also leader with actions. Elijah is the same.

How enjoyable has it been being teammates with Justin Stallbohm? Isn´t his smile infectious?

His smile is very infectious especially when his shot is going in. I get a lot of assists from him. He is a good shooter and leader as our captain.

You played in countries like Brazil and Qatar, but was never in Europe before this season. What do you believe kept you away from Europe? Was it failed representation?

It wasn´t really failed representation, but he just didn´t have a network in Europe, but more in South America. I would have liked to have played here earlier in my career.

You played for the South Florida Gold (ABA) reaching the final. What memories do you have of this season? What was missing from getting that chip?

We just didn´t play very well as a team. It was a big moment and they just had more experience than us.

You played 2 seasons with Botafogo F.R. (Brazil-Liga Ouro) winning a chip. What was so special about this team that season?

We had a bunch of really good players. We had strong imports and a really good team. It wasn´t only great to win the title, but to contribute

You played your rookie season with the Georgia Spartans (UBA). What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie?

My wake up call was realizing I had to get stronger. I always had the skills. I focused more on my body.

You began your college career at Eastern Florida State College (NJCAA). Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was a grind, but an experience they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

I agree. What many don´t realize is that JUCO has a lot of good players. Guys usually land here because of bad grades. I learned that if I want to get somewhere, I have to work hard.

You then played a season with the University of West Georgia (NCAA2). You only played a season there. Why didn´t you finish there?

I stayed only one season, because I was ineligible for a second season.

What was your fondest moment on the court? Possibly your 23/13 game against Carver?

I don´t even think that that was my best game. Maybe on paper it was. My fondest moment was winning the dunk contest at midnight madness.

How did head coach Michael Cooney groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

He taught me discipline. I understood that if I didn´t do something a certain way, I would sit.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Zac Taulien?

I won. Not too many beat me.

Who the toughest player you battled that reached the NBA?

I played against Bam Adebayo. I played against James Harden in a Miami tournament and did really well. He didn´t play defense. I put up 37 points against Jeremy Pargo also in Miami. I also played against Derrick Jones Jr.

Who are your 4 best teammates of all-time?

Kenny Boynton, Brandon Knight, Eloy Vargas, Keith Clanton

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Shaq

Who is your Goat?

Michael Jordan

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

Yes they should of left it alone.

Thanks Philip for the chat.