Tim Smith Jr. (201-F-2000, college: N.Alabama, agency: 011 Sports) is a 24 year old 201cm forward playing his first season overseas with the Dragons Rhondorf. He began his basketball career at Lakewood high school and then played at 3 Universities. He began at California University of Pennsylvania (NCAA2) averaging 8.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 88.9%. He then played 2 seasons at Walsh University (NCAA2) averaging 10.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 72.1% and 16.1ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 87.1%. He then finished at the University of North Alabama (NCAA) averaging 9.4ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 79.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 104-97 win over BBC Coburg.

Congrats on the massive 104-97 win over Coburg. How good did it feel sweeping the season series against Coburg?

It felt amazing. Coburg is a tough team and they always come ready to compete, so to be able to sweep the season series against them is a big confidence boost for us. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but we stayed locked in and found a way to get it done again.

After only allowing 72 points last week in Frankfurt, what was the goal defensively going into the game?

Our main focus was to bring that same defensive intensity. We knew Coburg had weapons offensively, so the goal was to limit their rhythm, pressure the ball early, and force tough shots. We didn’t execute that perfectly the whole game, but in key moments we tightened up and made some important stops.

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?

Yeah, we definitely don’t want to make it a habit of getting into shootouts. While it’s nice to have offensive flow, our identity has to come from defense and controlling the tempo. So moving forward, we’ve got to set the tone earlier on the defensive end.

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?

That was a big moment. Danas brought the energy with that dunk—it definitely fired us up and got the crowd going too. Plays like that shift momentum and set the tone physically, and from there we fed off that spark.

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 so difficult for the Dragons being able to slow down BBC Coburg better?

They’re a team that responds quickly. We’d get a lead, and they’d answer with tough shots or transition buckets. It was challenging to completely disrupt their rhythm. We had some lapses defensively—missed rotations, letting them get second chances—and they made us pay for 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 tightened up on their ball movement and started switching smarter. We communicated better on screens, closed out with more urgency, and forced them into more isolation plays. That helped us get out in transition too, which really fueled our offense.

In the third quarter BBC Coburg fought back scoring 26 points and trailed only 79-69. Down the stretch Tobias Rotegaard hit 2 threes. What made it so difficult to contain him?

Tobias is a smart player. He moves well off the ball and has a quick release, so if you give him even a little space, he’ll knock it down. We lost track of him on a couple of off screens, and he made us pay. You’ve got to stay glued to him the whole time.

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?

It was huge. Our early offensive rhythm gave us that cushion, and even when they started making a push late, we had something to fall back on. Being consistent early takes pressure off in the final minutes—it allowed us to stay composed and not panic when they closed the gap.

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?
Staying calm and making smart decisions. We hit some timely shots, got key rebounds, and made sure we didn’t rush offensively. Everyone stepped up in those last possessions—whether it was a deflection, a stop, or knocking down free throws. That poise in the final minutes sealed it for us.

There were many great baskets in the game. What was your favorite basket of the game?

Probably the dunk I had at the end of the game to kind of seal it, mainly because APs pass went between the defenders legs.

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?

Our biggest strength was definitely our unselfishness. The 29 assists really show how well we moved the ball and trusted each other. When everyone’s locked in, sharing the rock, and creating for one another, we’re a tough team to guard. On top of that, winning the rebounding battle gave us control of the tempo and limited their second chances.

The Dragons Rhondorf have won 3 of their last 4 games. Is it slowly getting its playoff form?

Yeah, we’re definitely starting to find our rhythm. We’ve been locking in more on both ends of the floor, and the chemistry is building at the right time. Every game from here on out is about sharpening up, so to be hitting our stride now is a good sign. We’re not there yet, but we’re trending in the right direction.

Next week a must-win situation in Ludwigsburg. How big will the revenge factor be after the 91-86 loss at home?

That loss definitely stuck with us. We felt like we let one slip away in front of our home crowd, so there’s definitely some extra motivation heading into this one. But beyond the revenge factor, it’s just a huge game for playoff positioning. We know what’s at stake, and we’re coming in with a chip on our shoulder.

What will the Dragons Rhondorf be working on most this week in practice concerning the defensive end?

We’ll be focusing a lot on communication and transition defense. We also need to clean up our rotations and be more active with our hands to force more turnovers.

Seven guys in double figures. Only Marco Rahn struggled. But he has had good games the last weeks. How vital will it be having a guy like him in top form for the playoffs?

Marco’s been huge for us all season. One off night doesn’t change that. His ability to stretch the floor, rebound, and make smart plays gives us a whole different dynamic. Having him in top form heading into the playoffs will be a major boost, not just statistically, but also with the energy and leadership he brings.

You had another really strong game with 24/6/2 and 1 block. Are you slowly coming into post-season mode?

Yeah, I feel like I’m starting to lock in. I’ve just been working hard, staying consistent with my routine, and trusting in my game. As the playoffs get closer, the focus naturally sharpens. Every possession matters more, and I’m doing my best to lead by example and bring that intensity night in and night out.

In the last 4 games you’re shooting 7/16 from outside. Before that, you were 2/17 in a 4-game span. Have you done anything differently concerning your outside shooting?

Honestly, I didn’t change much mechanically. I just stayed in the gym, stayed confident, and trusted the reps. Shooting slumps happen, but I never let it shake my belief. I kept working on my shot, staying ready, and now the results are starting to show. It’s all about rhythm and mindset.

You have 6 blocks in the last 3 games. Do you see yourself being able to heighten your defensive game down the stretch?

Definitely. That’s a part of my game I’ve been focusing on being more active, reading the plays quicker, and using my length to impact shots. As the games get tighter, defense becomes even more important, and I take pride in doing my part on that end. I know I can be a difference-maker defensively, especially down the stretch.

Thanks Tim for the chat.