
Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest) is a 27year old 183cm point guard that is playing his fourth professional season and fourth in Germany and second with the Dragons Rhondorf helping them win the pro B title last season averaging 12.7ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-2 (6.1apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 79.5%. In 2022-2023 he played with PS Karlsruhe (Pro A) averaging 3,1ppg and as a rookie played with the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB) averaging 15.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 71.8%. He began his basketball career at Green Valley high school and then played at Red Deer (JUCO), Benedict College (NCAA2) averaging 9.1ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 66.7% and Northwest University (NAIA) averaging 7.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 36.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 62.1% and 13.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 54.2%, FT: 87.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the massive 104-97 win against BBC Coburg.
Congrats on the massive 104-97 win over Coburg. How good did it feel sweeping the season series against Coburg?
Thank you Miles, it feels great being able to sweep the season series and get another win on the year. We’re trying to finish the regular season strong and not only get into the playoffs, but get as good as of a seed as possible.
After only allowing 72 points last week in Frankfurt, what was the goal defensively going into the game?
Our goal was to continue to build on the performance we had in Frankfurt. We had a great showing there, but we knew how important it would be for us as a team to string back to back solid performances.
The first quarter was a scoring explosion with 58 points, but the Dragons had the 31-27 advantage. How vital is it for the Dragons to try to get away from these shoot out type of quarters?
It’s extremely important Miles, we don’t want to play that brand of basketball. We want to set the tone defensively by playing great team defense and rebounding at a high level, then having that transition into us playing together on offense.
BBC Coburg had a rapid start, but how important was the alley-oop dunk from Danas Kazakevicius? Did that give the Dragons the needed energy at that time?
Yeah it’s always great to start a game that way offensively! Get the crowd and the team into the game immediately from an energy standpoint.
The Dragons then had a big run to lead 29-19, but BBC Coburg punched back with a 8-2 run to trail only 31-27. What was difficult for the Dragons being able slow down BBC Coburg better?
They’re a good team, they came into the game playing very confident and wanted to win this game badly. Coburg was crashing the offensive glass, getting into the paint, and executing the pick and roll at a high level. We knew that Coburg wasn’t going to just give us the game, we had to go out there and take it.
In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf got a healthy lead and led by as much as 17 points and led 59-43 at the break. What adjustment did the Dragons make on the defensive end?
We started playing better pick and roll defense and limited their second chance opportunities. Our energy also picked up considerebly and when we’re flying around like that, the sky is the limit for us.
In the third quarter BBC Coburg fought back scoring 26 points and trailed only 79-69. Down the stretch Tobias Rotegaard hit 2 three’s. What made it so difficult to contain him?
They were setting pin downs and staggers for him all quarter. It seemed every single play was designed for him to come off 1 or 2 screens and get to his spots. He moves well without the ball and can shoot. It’s one thing guarding a guy like that, but when his teammates are focused on getting him open and getting the ball as well, it can be a tough cover.
BBC Coburg continued to fight in the fourth quarter and the Dragons couldn’t shake them. How vital was it for the Dragons showing that special offensive consistency early on to keep the comfortable lead?
We knew it was extremely important Miles. When we played them earlier in the year, we had a huge lead going into the fourth quarter but our offensive consistency dipped due to them going into a zone. We knew that we had to sustain our level on consistency both offensively and defensively for 40 minutes. Also, us having that prior experience, we knew they would be going into a zone in the second half and we were prepared for it.
BBC Coburg kept fighting and got another three pointer down the stretch, but it wasn’t enough. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win?
We just continued to play our game Miles and execute our game plan. We didn’t panic or get nervous, we knew what we needed to do to close the game out and did just that.
There were many great baskets in the game. What was your favorite basket of the game?
My favorite basket of the game probably would have to be the alley-oop to Danas to start the game! I can’t even remember the last time I’ve played in a game where we started out like that. Definitely games where we started out with a dunk, but never an alley-oop!
The Dragons Rhondorf won the rebound duel, had better shooting percentages and had 29 assists. What was the team’s biggest strength on the night?
Definitely our depth and sharing the ball. When we share the ball like that, it’s very tough to guard let alone scout. Everyone came in the game playing confident and aggressive, while also playing together and sharing the basketball.
The Dragons Rhondorf have won 3 of their last 4 games. Is it slowly getting it’s playoff form?
Yes, I believe we are Miles. We’re starting to come together as a team on and off the court. We’re playing together and trusting each other more, if we continue to build on this we’ll be in a great spot going into the playoffs.
Next week a must win situation in Ludwigsburg. How big will be the revenge factor after the 91-86 loss at home?
It’s huge Miles, every game is a must win from here until the end of the regular season. It’s only 3 games left, and we want to win every single game regardless of the opponent.
What will the Dragons Rhondorf will be working on most this week in practice concerning the defensive end?
For us to continue to be in the right spots on the floor. We need to realize when to shrink the floor and not allow guys to get paint touches. Whether that come from 1 on 1 or pick and roll scenarios.
How great is it seeing the awakening of Tim Smith Jr? He is finding his form of the early season. Could he be the difference of making the playoffs or not?
Tim has never went anywhere Miles. I said it to start the season, he’s such a great player and I can’t emphasize that enough. His skillset, size, shooting ability, defensive ability, he’s a true X-Factor that can help us not only get into the playoffs, but make a deep playoff run!
Antonio Pilipovic scored the 100th point. Does he have to get donuts?
Come on now Miles, you know that! AP! We need that Dunkin Donuts’ this week please and thank you!
Thanks Kelvin for the chat.