Jake Biss (188-G-1998, college: Shippensburg) is a 25 year old 188cm guard from Latrobe, Pennsylvania playing his second professional season and first in Germany with the Gartnezaun24 Baskets Paderborn. Last season he played with the Den Helder Suns (Holland-DBL) averaging 12.7ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 90.3% in the BNXT league. He began his basketball career at Greater Latrobe High School and then played at ShippensburgUniversity (NCAA2) from 2017-2022 amassing a total of 118 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball in 2024 during his season with Paderborn

Thanks Jake for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome to Germany and signing with Pro A team Paderborn. After a solid rookie season in Holland, you didn´t land a job until now. Did clubs in Europe underestimate your talent?

No I don’t think they underestimated my talent, I had to get surgery on my ankle late in august and wasn’t back to good health until recently

Did you ever visit Germany in your rookie season? What do you know about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

I did not visit Germany in my rookie season, this is my first time in the country. Don’t know a whole lot about it either, but I do know I’m in a very talented and respected league.

Head coach Steve Esterkamp was very happy to find you. What kind of an impression did he leave you in the first talks?

Coach Esterkamp seemed very welcoming from the jump. He explained things to me bluntly and let me know he could use what I bring to the table.

Paderborn is struggling. Do you feel a little pressure having to step up right away and help the team win?

I know the team and the fans have expectations with this club having the rich history it does, and I plan to help the club succeed in any way possible. I’m sure if I give this team all I got they’ll embrace and support me whatever the outcome may be.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a player that can fill the stat sheet well. What kind of player will Germany see?

I think Germany will see a player that’s consistent. I know coach Esterkamp will put me in the right situations that best suit me well and allow me to succeed the way I know I can

If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I wouldn’t compare my game to Devin Booker, but he’s definitely who I try and mold my game after. I like getting to the midrange and shooting the ball at a high clip

You can fill the stat sheet well. How defined would you classify your versatility on the court?

I see myself as a pretty versatile guard. I‘ve been a point guard my entire life up until last year where I got moved to the 2, but I really developed my shot last season and feel that I can make plays when needed or score the ball from all three levels.

What do you believe is a hidden strength in your game that is still a bit off the radar?

I think my defense is what a lot of people overlook. I may have to adjust to a few different strategies coach Esterkamp uses in his defense, but I’m confident I will adjust quickly and do well defensively.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

Like I mentioned I think I’m a solid defender. I’m not somebody that’s going to give you 4 steals a game, but I’m going to be solid all around and frustrate teams defensively

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

This past summer I’ve really been working on my shot, especially off the dribble from 3. My mid range has always been my go to, but shooting a lot more three’s last season has developed my shot from distance and has made me want to expand even more in that direction.

Last season you played with the Den Helder Suns (Holland-DBL) averaging 12.7ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 90.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Outside of basketball I think just hearing people speak a different language and all the street signs and advertisements you see around the city being in a different langue. I was quick to notice all the cars being a little smaller too. Nothing crazy, but it definitely takes some adjusting to.

Head coach Peter Van Noord gave you a lot of freedom as a rookie. How do you feel did your game grow in your rookie season?

He did draw up a lot of looks for me in timeouts which I appreciated and throughout the season I feel like I learned how to play more aggressive, whether offensively or defensively

You played at Shippensburg University (NCAA2) from 2017-2022. What is your summary of your career there? You had ups and downs and was very consistent. What was your fondest moment there reaching the Sweet 16 or the PSAC final?

My time at Shippensburg was great. That’s where I figured out with the help of my coaches how to become a scorer. Reaching the sweet 16 my freshman year was a really cool moment and definitely one of my favorites. Especially learning from and being led that entire year by my teammate Dustin Sleva, who is having a great career playing in Europe.

In 2020-2021 the season was cancelled because of Covid. How do you remember this time? Were you an animal in the gym?

Not having a season in 20-21 was pretty rough for everyone. It was hard to even find gym’s that were open, but fortunately a family friend allowed me to use his gym during most of that time.

You had so many great games including numerous 30 plus point games. What was your best personal performance in the NCAA 2?

My best performance was probably the first game of my junior season against Virginia Union. It set a great example for the rest of the season and helped build more confidence in myself and my team

How did head coach Chris Fite groom and preparer you best for a professional career?

Coach Fite did an outstanding job with me. After grooming me and helping me adjust to the college game my freshman year he basically game me the keys to the car and told me this was my team the following season. That alone filled me with a confidence I never knew I had. His trust in me is what really helped develop my game and led to a successful 4 seasons at Shippensburg.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kyon Hardy?

Hahaha I don’t know if Kiyon and I ever played 1’s in practice, but I’m sure they would be tight games if we did. Kiyon was a great player, super smart out on the court and an even better teammate.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

The only player I know I played against in college who ended up playing in the NBA was BJ Johnson from La Salle, the one D1 school who would play us. Other guys like Amir Hinton, Anthony Lee and Jacobo Diaz were always tough to play against too. The PSAC produces a lot of professional talent.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My top five teammates of all time are Sean Graytok, Reed Fenton, Austin Butler, Bryce Butler, Tim Kisick in no specific order

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Current players NBA Mt. Rushmore is probably Joker, KD, DBook and Steph

Who is your GOAT and why?

I’m honestly not a big fan of the Goat debates. There’s too many stipulations like eras and stats and championships to ever get a good answer. If I have to pick probably Kobe. I just respect him as a person and his game more than any other player.

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

I did not see the sequel to that movie unfortunately. I’m assuming it wasn’t as good as the first one lol

Thanks Jake for the chat.