
Jordan Camper (203-C, college: Lincoln, PA) is a 203cm forward that played his second professional season and second with the Sunkings Saarlouis (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 18,0ppg, 10,3rpg and 2,3apg.. Last season as a rookie he averaged 19.0ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.2apg, Blocks-5 (1.5bpg), FGP: 65.5%, 3PT-1 (50.0%), FT: 60.0%. He began his basketball career with Chester high school- He then played at the Lincoln University of Pennsylvania (NCAA2) playing a total of 115 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Jordan for talking to germanhoops.com You played division 2 basketball and are playing overseas. How blessed do you feel? Do you enjoy each day like it could be your last?
I cherish each moment I get to step on that court. I am extremely blessed to play the sport I love for a living and to be able to provide a better life in a new country for my family. You never know when your last game or last breath could be, so I make sure to make the most of it everyday.
Are you the Jokic of the German Regionalliga? You had a triple double and 10 assists as a center. That’s very unusual?
Haha, Jokic is a very funny comparison. I hope to be a triple double machine and champion like him. I think my coach and teammates recognize my skillset and do our best to work around my abilities.
Was the win over Giessen with your triple double the best game of your career? In your second season in 29 games in the NCAA 2 you only had 6 assists and now you dish out 10 in a game.
Individually I think this was my best professional performance so far. It was even more special to know that my teammate had a triple double in the game as well. I’m not sure but that has to be some type of German history or at least Regionalliga history. And I’ve always been a good passer throughout my career, as a kid I idolized Magic Johnson & Larry Bird which were two of the best passers ever especially for their size.
Your played your second season with the Sunkings Saarlouis (Germany-Regionalliga). Has Saarlouis become like a second home for you?
Saarlouis has truly welcomed me as one of their own. The transition has been pretty smooth. And it’s even better this second year because I was able to have my wife & kid join me as well. So I’m extremely blessed for the opportunity and to have them here with me.
You’re a double double monster now in your second pro season. You didn´t have these minutes or stats in college. How refreshing has the pro game for you considering that you can showcase your abilities?
I always felt that my game was more suited for the Pro level. So I’m just glad to be able to showcase my skills & abilities. I work very hard at my game and there are still parts I want to improve on. So hopefully as time goes on I have a chance to showcase that.
You didn´t play last season. Why did you sit out the season?
During the summer of 2023 I suffered a severe injury. So I decided it was best to just fully rehab and recover. I enjoyed the time off back home and I actually feel as though I’m a better player than I was before the injury.
2 years ago the Sunkings finished second, but this season it hasn´t been going as well. Why is the team in the middle of the pack? The team doesn´t score as much but defends well and has lost 4-5 close games. You could be a lot higher in the standings had you won some more games.
It’s been a rough season for us in terms of record. We lost a key veteran in Florian (who was like a second coach) and Ricky is now a full time coach in Luxembourg so the responsibility has fallen a lot on the younger guys. It’s been a transition but I think with my return we’ll continue to head in the right direction.
What has it been like being teammates with Regionalliga legend Ricky Easterling? He is in his 17th season with the Sunkings and has played more than 400 games with them. Is he like a mentor for you?
Ricky has been like a big brother. I consider him family, I’m not sure I would’ve came here if it wasn’t for him. He really made my first year go fairly easily especially with us coming from similar backgrounds. I’m constantly asking him questions and he always has answers. Also we both have two young girls around the same age and they’re practically best friends.
You don´t play the same position, but what have you soaked up most from his game that has helped you in your development?
Although we have different positions on the court he understands the game so well, and my game so well that he’s given me the blueprint to be successful with this league. He’s like a coach, brother, mentor, trainer, and teammate all in one. Honestly I’d say just learning how to get to my spots efficiently is what I picked up most from him.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm center. To what NBA player would you compare your game to?
I’d say the best comparison would be Giannis Antetokounmpo. The way he can get downhill and attack on offense with his length and athleticism. Also his two way ability to guard on the perimeter and protect the rim. Although I’m listed as a center, I commonly play a Point Forward role within our offense. I would also say Bam Adebayo is a fair comparison as well.
You can score and rebound, but are also a shot blocking threat. What is your biggest strength on the court?
Honestly my biggest strength on the court is my versatility whether on offense or defense. I’m able to guard pretty well on the perimeter and imposing enough to defend the rim. And on offense I can either be a post player, roll man, or the ball handler for pick and roll creating plays for myself & others.
Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?
I’d say I’m a solid all-around defender. My role is mostly used as a rim protector, which I’d say I’m pretty good at. But I would like to showcase my full court defensive skills and be able to pick up guys full court. I’ve always admired defenders like Scottie Pippen & Dennis Rodman. As my career continues I would like to increase my steals production and be able to guard the opposing team’s best offensive threat each game.
On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?
I’m continuing to just master my spots and get different in game reps to maximize my efficiency. I’ve put in about 10,000 hours with different aspects of my game so it’s just about sharpening iron & focusing on making my teammates better. Leadership is something I pride myself on and continuing to grow as a leader is one of main priorities.
You have shown that you can be a top center at the Regionalliga level. What goals do you have as a player? I´m sure you have checked out Pro B and Pro A games in places like Trier and Speyer or Karlsruhe?
I haven’t really checked out any other leagues besides the NBA. I am curious to learn about the different leagues in Germany. Personally I would like to play at the highest level which would be either the NBA or Euroleague.
You played at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania (NCAA2) from 2017-2022. What kind of an experience was that for you? You didn´t have massive stats. What kind of a role did you have?
My experience at Lincoln was honestly bittersweet. My first few years I played under Doug Overton. He was a former NBA player & coach, so playing for him is really what attracted me to Lincoln. My main role was to just develop my first couple of years, be a leader, and just have high energy. My last year was different under a new head coach who wanted to rebuild the program with his incoming freshman. So my job was to be a mentor to the freshman so they can excel in their later years. Which I think I did pretty good at because the young guys are absolutely hooping right now. LU!
You had many great games in the NCAA 2 like having a 26/13 game in a win over Kutztown. What was your fondest moment on the court?
My fondest moment on the court was actually my first college point which was a free throw in West Virginia. Besides that I would say a few of my poster dunks & monster blocks were pretty nice.
How did head coaches Doug Overton and Corey Lowery groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Coach Doug Overton really showed me what it takes to be a pro. He had first hand experience with playing and coaching at the highest level. So I was constantly asking him questions, in the gym with him, and in his office watching film. Coach Lowery was very different, he loved to talk about his accomplishments and was great for younger guys. His messages were more towards the younger guys since I had already shown I was a responsible athlete. Most of our conversations were about family, faith, and people.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Deaquan Williams?
Me & DayDay wouldn’t play 1 on 1 too much but when we did I’d say it was about even. I would win some, and he would win some.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your career that reached the NBA?
Mo Bamba was very difficult to play against. I played him twice in high school and he sat in the middle of their 2-3 zone. I honestly don’t think we had any paint points or offensive rebounds.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
I’ve had so many teammates over the years but the five best that come to mind are Zahrion Blue, Bernard Lightsey, Cameron Campbell, Deaquan Williams, and Gevon Arrington.
Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?
MJ, Kobe, Lebron, Magic.
What is your take on the Luca Doncic trade? How crazy is it to digest that as a fan?
I’m honestly surprised they traded Luka, especially in the middle of the season. I think short-term it benefits Dallas, and long-term it benefits LA.
Who is your GOAT
My goat would probably be MJ. I think if you put him in a best of 7 he would win 9/10 times.
Thanks Jordan for the chat.