Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Braden Norris in Koblenz 2024

Braden Norris (183-PG-1999, college: Loyola, IL) is a 25 year old 183cm point guard from Ohio playing his rookie season overseas with the Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim (Germany-ProA) currently averaging 14,0ppg, 2,7rpg, 4,0apg shooting 37% from outside. He began his basketball career at Oakland University (NCAA) and then played 4 years at Loyola University of Chicago (NCAA) where he played a total of 126 games and won 2 MVC titles and reached the NCAA Sweet 16. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Braden for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season in Germany for the Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim (Germany-ProA). What has it been like coming from small Hilliard, Ohio to Kirchheim? Kirchheim has about 5000 more people living there.

To be honest it doesn’t feel much different at all. Hilliard actually feels bigger than Kirchheim even though it’s clearly not.

What has it been like living in Germany. What have you enjoyed most about the country Germany and it ´s culture?

It has been good so far it has been a shift of lifestyle, but I am enjoying the culture and life. I have enjoyed the more relaxed and slower lifestyle over here.

Your playing your rookie season with the Knights. What were the main reason for joining this ambitious organization? Did you talk with ex teammates Ryan Schwieger and Aher Uguak who have played in Germany before making the decision?

My main reasons were that I knew it was in a good location of the country, in a good league and I knew that coach Igor would put me in good positions to win and show what I can do on the court. I did talk to my former teammates before making the decision.

What has it been like playing for head coach Igor Perovic? What have you enjoyed most about his basketball philosophy?

I have really enjoyed playing for Igor thus far he has really good insight on the game, and he lets me play my game with a lot of freedom.

You won the first game over Giessen 92-73. The team showed it cans score a lot while defending with passion. Will defense be the team staple or three point shooting?

I think a combination of our three-point shooting and defense will be our best recipe for success.

What has it been like playing with James Graham. How much does he make your game easy?

Playing with James has been great whenever you play with a scorer like that, it frees up everyone else’s game.

What has it been like playing with Cam Henry. He told me you were the reason he signed in Kirccheim to be able to be teammates. You guys had real battles in the NCAA, but he totally respects your game. What do you like most about his game?

Playing with Cam has been great. I really respect how he approaches the game of basketball and how he sees the game. He is a very high IQ player that can do all things on the court. He is a great teammate that brings good energy to the gym every day. Most importantly he is a winner and has had a lot of success everywhere he has gone.

Talk about some of the battles you had with Cam Henry in the NCAA. You had his number 2-0.

Yeah Cam and I had a couple of good battles in college. He played for a really good coach in college so the games were always high level on both sides of the ball.

What has it been like being teammates with Lucas Mayer? How much pressure does he put off your game being another talented creator and shooter on your side?

Lucas has been great. He brings something we don´t have much on this team and that is high level speed on both sides of the ball. He is a smart player that can shoot the 3 and it is nice knowing I have him in the backcourt with me

Let ´s talk about your game. You’re a 183cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say I am similar to Colin Gilespie who played at Villanova and is now playing for the Nuggets I believe.

You shot an incredible 43% in the NCAA. How rare is it having a sniper as a point guard who is really a pass first point guard?

Yeah I think its pretty rare in these times of basketball. A lot of point guards are now playmakers for themselves and not so much running a team and putting guys in the right spot. I believe I can do a little bit of both of those things.

What are your goals as a three point shooter as a rookie? Do you feel pressure to be able to keep shooting at 40% at the pro level overseas?

Don’t really have any goals. I know that if I am doing my job and putting the work in then I should be around 40% but I´m not too focused on anything other than preparation to make the next shot.

You averaged 4,0apg in a 5 year NCAA career. What will be the biggest challenge for you to continue to grow as a playmaker?

I think it is just continuing to learn the game. Their isn´t a defensive coverage I haven´t seen so just being able to make quicker decisions will make things even easier as always.

Your also a solid defender. Talk a little about your defensive game and it ´s strengths?

I would say I´m more than just a solid defender. With my IQ and my communication I think it makes up for my lack of size and athleticism. If you watch me play I very rarely get beat off the dribble.

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

Continuing working on different shots in the paint and off the dribble.

You began your NCAA career at Oakland averaging 8.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 5.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 30.0%, 3PT: 49.0%, FT: 74.0%. What positives could you get out of that season?

The positives were proving to everyone that I am plenty good enough to play at that level.

You then transferred to Loyola University of Chicago (NCAA) winning the MVC title twice over Drake. Which one was sweeter?

They were both equally as sweet- winning never gets old.

You also played at 2 NCAA tournaments losing to Oregon State and Ohio State. What memories do you have of those runs?

Just being in those moments with my brothers. Those moments are what you work for as a player and to be able to share those moments with people you love is special.

How did head coach Drew Valentine groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I wouldn’t be in position without Drew. He pushed me to get to where I´m at and I´m forever grateful.

Who was the greatest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

RJ Barrett or Darius Garland.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Cam Krutwig, Lucas Williamson, Aher Uguak, Keith Clemons and Phil Alston.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, MJ, Steph and Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron

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

I did not see that.

Thanks Braden for the chat.