Elijah Miller (183-PG-1997, college: UPEI)s a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Ontario, Canada playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro A team Eisbaeren. Last season as a rookie he played for KK Kozuv AD Gevgelija (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 10.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 81.3%. He also played 2 seasons with the Edmonton Stingers (CEBL) averaging 8.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 75.0% and 8.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 80.0%. He began his basketball career with the University of Prince Edward Island (U Sports) averaging 15.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 82.1%, 20.7ppg, 5.4rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-4 (2.7spg), FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 86.6% and in his last year averaged 19.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 5.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 89.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a game against the EPG Guardians Koblenz.

Thanks Elijah for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second pro season and first in Germany with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-ProA). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about it?

This year in Germany has gone pretty well so far. I’ve learned so much on and off the court. It helps that the team is having a good season and I’m playing well also. What I enjoyed most about the season is learning about the German culture and bonding with my teammates and coaches.

Does that water look give you memories of Prince Edward Island where you went to school?

The water has some similarities to the water in Prince Edward Island. One thing that Germany has an advantage of over my school is that there is hardly any snow in the winter.

The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven are having a good season. What has been the secret to the success?

The reason we’re having a good season is because each individual on the team is bought in into the team philosophy. There are no selfish players on the team and our team chemistry is what helps us win games. We rely on our defense and our speed in our games and I feel we’ve done a great job at that so far.

The team has no real stars, but 10 guys that average 7,0ppg or more. Have you ever seen this before in your career? Does everyone play for each other?

I haven’t seen a team where multiple players avg 7ppg but it shows how unselfish we are and we don’t rely on one player to win the game. Any given night, someone different steps up and makes big plays to help win the game. We all trust each other as a team that anyone can score at any given moment in the game

The team allows the second least points in the Pro A with 75 per game. What is the biggest strength on the defensive end that has allowed the team to have this special identity?

Our biggest strength on the defensive end is our trust. Coach Steven has emphasized trusting our defensive philosophy and trusting that we have each others back on the defensive end of the floor.

What has it been like being teammates with young German Peter Hemschmeier? Are you like a mentor for him?

Peter has a bright future ahead of him. For as young as he is, he’s shown he can play at a very high level and we sometimes look to him to lead our team in scoring. I try to give him advice when it’s important but I think allowing him to learn from his mistakes is what he will help him in the future. He’s going to have a great career and I’m excited to see it in the future.

The team has so many great players. Who would you call the team´s Swiss army knife? Possibly Carlos Carter?

Carlos is definitely our Swiss Army knife. He can guard positions 1-4. With his long arms, athleticism he’s able to get a lot of steals are guard some of the toughest players in the Pro A. Not to mention how offensively skilled he is. He is another player on this team whose ceiling is very high for their career.

Your having a solid Pro A season averaging 13/4/6/1 stats. How content have you been with your game?

There is a lot of areas I need to improve on my game but so far I’m not satisfied with how I’ve been playing. I’m always looking to improve.

Tomorrow you play the EPG Guardians Koblenz. You won the first game. What will be key to getting the win?

To win our game against Koblenz, we have to stick to the game plan which starts on the defensive end. These last 5 games are being treated as playoff games and we have to play with a lot of energy on both sides of the ball. We need to continue to play with speed and move the ball and create open shots. We need to get back in transition and have ball pressure. If we can do it together as a team, we’ll be in a good position to win the game.

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

I compare my game to Rajon Rondo, or Chris Paul. I am a high IQ pass first point guard.

You were a lethal scorer in school but averaged 5,0apg. This season your averaging the most assists in your career. Are you more a pass first or scoring point guard? Head coach Steve Esterkamp says you’re a selfless playmaker.

Even though I was a lethal scorer in college, I was still a pass first point guard. I still broke the single season assist record and had the most assists in a single game in school history. I really enjoy seeing my teammates score off of my assists.

You have always shot the ball well from outside but this season currently only at 28%. Are you creating more shots for yourself then getting easy attempts off the catch and shoot?

My three point shot is something I need to improve on. My teammates have done a good job creating open threes for me. I just need to continue to get the reps in the gym at practice and shoot it with more confidence

You’re a very ambitious defender. Where would you rate your development as a defender now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I’m starting to buy in more on the defensive end. It is still something I need to improve on. I need to get stronger as teams are looking to put me in post defense situations. I want to become an all around defender where I am not a mismatch on the floor.

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

Improving my three point shot and getting stronger will be my main focus during the off season. Other than that continue to improve finishing around the rim and decision making.

Last season you played with KK Kozuv AD Gevgelija (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 10.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 81.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My time playing for KK Kozuv was very humbling. It was a very high stressful environment as the team was looking to stay in the league. That being said, I am thankful for the opportunity to start my overseas career there.

How important was Brandon Penn for you as a rookie? Was he like a mentor for you?

Brandon Penn was someone I relied on to give me advice on what the overseas lifestyle would look like. He helped me a lot my first year.

You played 2 seasons with the Edmonton Stingers (Canada-CEBL). What kind of an experience was that for you? How valuable was it getting this early pro experience?

Playing for the Edmonton Stingers was amazing. I was able to play with and against a lot of great players and gained a lot of confidence from those seasons. The coaches and players for really helped with my development as a player. The CEBL is a great league.

What memories will you always have of Nick Hornsby? He played many great seasons in Germany including with the Eisbaeren. What could you soak up from him?

Nick Hornsby is like a big brother to me. Being his teammate was amazing but also spending time with him and his family was special as well. I’ve always admired how well he saw the floor and passed the ball. I definitely took some of his attributes and added it to my game.

You had a massive battle against Justin Wright-Foreman winning as he scored 34 points with Winnipeg and you had 20 points. Where do you rank that battle in your all-time guard battles in your career?

My battle against Justin Wright Foreman was fun. He’s a great player one of the toughest players I’ve ever played against. Luckily I was able to come out with the win. It is definitely high on the list as one of the toughest guard battles I’ve been in.

You played 3 years at the University of Prince Edward Island (U Sports). How special were these years for you? What did you enjoy most about the opportunity?

My three years at the university Prince Edward Island were amazing. Not many players get recognized from that school but I was able to make a name for myself over there. I am forever grateful to that school. What I enjoyed most about my time there was being able to put the basketball program back on the map as one of the best schools in the Canada.

In your last 2 seasons you averaged 20/5/5. How did your game grow in those last 2 seasons?

In my last two years at Prince Edward Island. The one thing I improved on was picking my spots. When to get my teammates involved and when to take over games in certain moments. Learning that led to a successful season individually and as a team.

You had many great games for the University of Prince Edward Island (U Sports) including numerous 30 plus point games and near triple doubles. What was your fondest moment there?

My favourite game from my time in college was my first playoff game where I had 37 points. I made a name for myself after that game and got a lot of respect. It was more meaningful because we weren’t expected to make the playoffs that season and ended up making it to the championship game that season.

How did head coach Darrell Glenn groom and prepare you for a professional career?

Coach Glenn was amazing for my development as a player and a person. I remember being in his office and making a plan on what I need to do to be a pro. Those countless hours we’ve spent watching film and talking about my development as a player were essential for me. Without him I don’t think I am in the position I am today.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kamari Scott?

Kam and I had a lot of 1 on 1 battles. He’s a great player and will start his professional career next year. That being said I have a lot more wins than losses against him and I’m sure he’ll say differently.

Who is the best player that you faced in your career that reached the NBA?

There are many players I’ve played against that made the NBA. I’d say the best player is Cat Barber. He played for the Atlanta Hawks. He currently plays in Portugal now.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Kamari Scott

Brody Clarke

Adika Peter Mcneilly

Nick Hornsby

John Alex Vos

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron James

Michael Jordan

Shaquille O´Neil

Steph Curry

Who is your GOAT?

My goat is LeBron James because he’s been consistently great for 22 years and has never cheated the game.

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

I did not see the sequel of coming to America. I don’t believe in making sequels to classic movies. They are never greater than the original movie.

Thanks Elijah for the chat.