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 RheinStars 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.

The RheinStars Cologne suffered a tough 94-91 loss at Orange Academy. Was tis another good example of how tough the pro B South is?

Yeah I feel every team is capable of beating anyone. So really have to be disciplined and focus all 4 quarters.

The Rhein Stars had everything going well leading by 17 points at the break after scoring 28 points in the first quarter. Did they already make defensive adjustments in the second quarter to cut your team to only 15 points?

I think we missed a lot of easy baskets. Those really hurt us and we have to finish the easy ones.

Frederik Erichsen then hit a spectacular 3 to bring game into overtime. What made it so tough finding some consistency on the defensive end?

Rotations on defense wasn’t what it needed to be. It’s the second efforts that we have to get better at.

The RheinStars then began well in overtime, but then suddenly Orange Academy punched back going on a run as Jordan Mueller led the charge. What was key in overtime for Orange Academy getting the win?

They executed and made shots. While we missed some and took tough ones.

You played 27 minutes averaging 13/4/2/3. How did you feel coming off your injury?

It felt okay. I wasn’t in rhythm like I’m usually is but it was okay game for me.

The Rhein Stars now have to be careful not to slip to position 4 in the next weeks. The team will get home court advantage for the first round, but want to go on a run now to end regular season strong. The next game is against FC Bayern Munich where a must win is needed. What will be key to getting win?

We have to play strong on both ends of the court. We have to be the aggressor the whole 40 mins because they also are a young team but have talent.

Thanks Malik for the chat.