KJ Sherrill (203-F/C-1991, college: Augusta) is a 33 year old 203cm forward that enjoyed a 8 year pro playing career overseas. He played with the Bona Baskets Limburg, the SG Luetzel-Post Koblenz (Germany-Regionalliga), Dragons Rhondorf, Telekom Baskets Bonn 2 team, Herten and the Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA). He played college ball at Charlotte (NCAA) from 2009-2012 playing 75 NCAA games and also played a season at Augusta University (NCAA2). He was an assistant coach with the Dragons Rhondorf from 2023-2025 and now will be an assistant with Pro A team EPG Guardians Koblenz. He spoke to eurobasket about the 24-25 season with the Dragons Rhondorf and his future with the EPG Guardians Koblenz.

Thanks KJ for talking to eurobasket.com. It was a tough season for the Dragons Rhondorf. Was it still a minor success for reaching the playoffs?

Yes definitely was a tough season for us, but I take it as a learning experience. I’d say it was an unexpected accomplishment for us making it to the playoffs.

Still the Dragons gave all they had in their last home game. How proud were you of the team and how they played?

We knew the game was going to be a very tough one, Leverkusen was the best team in the league but the effort we gave that game was great! If we played the same way the whole season, we would’ve also been a top team. I’m very proud how we fought against them. We showed heart!

The second quarter in game 2 against Leverkusen was the best defensive quarter of the season for the Dragons. How special was it for you being a part of that?

It was great seeing our guys making consecutive stops and being very engaged as a team defensively. I believed at that moment we were very hungry and wanted to prove that it wasn’t going to be easy for Leverkusen as to what people were thinking it would be.

The Dragons Rhondorf reached the playoffs. What is your season summary? It seemed like the Dragons had the talent to get further or not?

Overall I think the season was a big learning experience for us all, even us coaches. We had a very young and talented team with great vets, but not practicing with a complete team daily was a bit frustrating for us all. Unfortunately, it showed on the court with the way we lost games.

Can one say the season was up and down? The team never had more than a 2 game winning streak. What do you believe hindered the team from winning more games?

The season definitely was a roller coaster but I think we were beyond a better team than what our ranking says. Our biggest problem was not playing as one unit, but also everyone not practicing with one another daily was the issue.

Defense was a problem. How did you see the development of the defense and the team overall this season? Was it able to develop further?

Defense is best when the whole team is on the same page. Communicating and making stops is what we lacked, but when we did show it, we could stop any team!

How did you see the development of the young players? Was there a player that developed the best? Perhaps Josh Behrend?

My relationship with the young guys was amazing! Josh, Dyami, Kenan, and Aurel all developed over the season in my eyes. Each one worked out their game daily, even when there were times neither guy played in games. They never complained and always came to practice ready to work. They all have my biggest respect!

How did you see the development of Tim Smith Jr? Is he ready for the Pro A?

Tim Smith Jr was one of the best scorers in the league. To see his worth ethnic was great and I know for sure he’s ready for Pro A. Really hope he gets the opportunity. I know he will succeed no matter where he plays.

How did you see the development of Alex Lagerman? He took on more responsibility in the second half of the season.

I would say Alex Lagermann was by far one of our best scorers. His ability to get to the rim but also knock down three pointers was phenomenal. Alex showed us that he could be one of our best scorers on the team, he definitely took on a great role in the 2nd half with his elite scoring.

Who was the most improved player on the Dragons team?

Most improved goes to Lagui Diallo. Even if he didn’t get the biggest opportunity and didn’t have a big role, he had the hardest work ethic and he practiced hard every single day.

Who was the MVP of the season for the Dragons?

MVP goes to Tim Smith Jr.

Welcome back to Koblenz. How happy are you to be part of the Guardians coaching staff?

Very happy and grateful for the opportunity to be back in Koblenz with a new role but I’m even more excited to be coaching with Stephan Dorhn and Kai Shallenberg. Excited to coach in the EPG Arena and make my coaching debut in Pro A.

How excited to be coaching in the Pro A? What will be your biggest coaching quality that you will give the EPG Guardians?

My biggest role will be player development. Training the guys individually as well as in practices. I also will help them become as comfortable as possible by building trust. The more comfortable they are on the court the better they will play.

In 2020, you played your last Regionalliga game there and 3 years later the club was in the Pro A via the Pro B. Did you see that coming?

I knew with the potential the Koblenz organization had, that they would strive to make it to the top leagues.

You played 2 seasons in Koblenz. What was your fondest moment on the court there?

My 2 years in Koblenz was very nice! We were successful on the court, but the relationship I built with my teammates was the best. Players like Yassin Mahfouz and Zaire Thompson made playing for Koblenz exciting. Best moments had to be winning games with them being apart of the success.

How much respect do you have for Thomas Klein? Is there a basketball manager in Germany that has more heart for their team than him?

My respect level is beyond high for Thomas Klein. His passion for the club is like no other. I am great appreciative for him allowing me to rejoin the club. Couldn’t be anymore happier!

You and Dohrn were very successful in Rhondorf. How confident are you that the EPG Guardians will also be successful now with you?

We are hoping that we can keep the same success while in Koblenz. We know things may get tough, but us coaches have a strong bond and we will get the guys in the right position to win. I’m very confident!

Unfortunately Kelvin Omojola won´t follow you, because he has retired and will seek his masters at UNLV. How proud are you of his decision?

Sad to see Kelvin retiring but the opportunity he has is great for him! When he told me the news I was happy for him and very proud! A lot of people don’t get that opportunity, so he deserves it!

I always sensed that you had a great relationship with Kelvin. What will you miss most from him?

Kelvin will definitely be the one who I miss the most. We’ve spent 2 years together and have built a brotherhood. Not seeing him or hearing his jokes everyday will be highly missed.

You had many great memories together. What was your nicest memory with him?

The memories Kelvin and I have are endless. Being with each other every day for the last 2 season has created so many memories. Maybe us having our German Lessons together will be the best memories and of course him playing the biggest role in us winning the Pro B championship.

It looks like OKC will meet Indiana in the NBA final. Will SGA be to much for Haliburton? Who will win it all?

I’m hoping SGA takes home the trophy! One of the best guards in the league.

Thanks KJ for the chat.