
Derreck Brooks Jr. (198-G-1994, college: Cent Arkansas) is a 31 year old 198cm guard that has played overseas for 8 seasons and recently played with the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt (Germany-ProB) averaging 11.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 80.4% and helped them reach the Pro B final. Overseas he has played in countries like Portugal, Sweden and Austria. He began his basketball career with Desert Ridge high school and then played a year at Phoenix College (JUCO). He then played 2 seasons at Central Arkansas University (NCAA) averaging 12.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 78.3% and as a senior averaged13.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 82.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2024-2025 Pro B season with Wolmirstedt.
Thanks Derreck for talking to germanhoops.com and congrats on a great season with Wolmirstedt. I always thought Wolmirstedt was deep but was Leverkusen possibly the deeper team?
No, I don’t think so honestly. I don’t think they beat us because they were deeper than us. Not to mention we had two injuries to guys that play major minutes.
How tough was the 76-53 loss at home? You split the season series 1-1, but hadn´t played against them since 4 months. How were they better than in January 2025 when you last played them?
I mean we knew it would be an uphill battle after that loss; not impossible but the odds weren’t in our favor. I think compared to January they were more solidified in their principles and roles, along with their game plan.
Leverkusen defended very well and with Dennis Heinzman in the middle a real rim protector. How key was the rebounding and lack of three point shooting for the loss?
I mean obviously if you have a 7 footer in pro b you’re playing with an extreme advantage and we were missing a big in Fabi and our best rebounder in Mo. So, yeah we got our ass kicked on the boards. As for the shooting, I knew the percentages would taper off because up until playing them, we were making everything.
Wolmirstedt has always been very ambitious and has wanted to move up since years. If someone had told you in September 2024 that the team would move up in 2025 what would you have thought?
I would’ve said that’s the only reason I’m here.
What is so special about the Wolmirstedt basketball culture? What have you learned to appreciate most about the organization?
I think we had one of, if not the best home court advantage in the league. Our crowd is relentless and I loved it.
The chemistry was great and the teams cored a lot and belonged to the best defensive teams in the Pro B north. What was this season´s team´s biggest strength? Perhaps “TEAM” as there was no big star?
Our biggest strength was strength in numbers. I think there’s guys with so many different skills on our team we can give teams a different look with every lineup we choose. That makes us harder to scout and predict.
How key was head coach Eiko Potthast in the success? What do you believe was his biggest strength as a coach`?
He put this team together so without that we wouldn’t be here having this interview.
Let´s talk a little about your teammates. Bill Borekambi has been there since 2021 and one of the leaders. He is a walking bucket and can score in so many ways. What do you appreciate most about his game and what is your favorite move from him?
I mean I think everybody’s favorite move from B is the fadeaway. More legendary than Dirks if you ask me. Bill is as solid as they come and I’m glad we could send him off that way.
Talk a little about the other American import Eamonn Joyce. What did you appreciate most about their# games this season?
E plays at his own pace and there’s nothing you can do to speed him up. He can shoot, get to the rim and his pump/pass fake worked every damn time. All that in limited minutes- elite.
Martin Bogdanov is also one of the leaders. How vital has his game and leadership been for the success?
Boggy was probably the most consistent this season with his leadership and overall play. He also plays with his own pace that a lot of teams couldn’t figure out. I respect his game a lot
Fabien Kondo made a huge jump in his game from last season. Was he one of the most improved players on the squad?
Fabi is going to have a great career. We asked so much of him and it was a lot of things that don’t show up on the stat sheet. I have a lot of respect for that young man’s work ethic and game. Looking forward to watching his journey.
You averaged 11/4/1 stats. How content were you with your game?
Very.
You had many great games in the German Pro A. What was your favorite game?
Probably that game against berlin at home or the last game against Essen to get promoted.
Will you remain with Wolmirstedt and is your game ready for the Pro A again? How are you a better player now than with Phoenix Hagen?
Ha, of course my game is ready for Pro A. in Hagen I was playing like I was happy to be there and trying to figure how to fit in. now, I know I am and how I can help a team and impact the game. My game is more mature in every way.
Thanks Derreck for the chat.