Tyler Watkins (185-G-1997, college: Southwest) is an American basketball player that has experience playing at JUCO school Temple and at the University of the Southwest. He is taking part at the Mastercage event in Italy now. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Tyler for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

I’m currently home in Dallas, Texas. Basketball life is good for me right now. I’m in the gym consistently and excited for this opportunity in Italy.

You finished school in 2023 and are still looking for your first pro experience. How tough has the grind been and how have you managed to survive?

The process can be challenging for people mentally while we are in the waiting period of our first contracts but the everyday grind is worth it. I’ve managed to survive by keeping my mind focused on the end goal and praying every single day.

Do you have a9-5 job to help make ends meet?

I had a job for a little bit just to have extra money coming in. I have been blessed with a family that’s helped me keep focused and want to see my hard work payoff.

Why did you chose the Howard Hoops combine in Italy?

I was actually in communication with a guy named Lorenzo Belli. He was helping me with this process and put me in contact with Coach Howard. I trusted his judgment and decided to go for it.

How blessed are you for this opportunity? You will be playing in front of many important basketball figures in Italy?

I’m very blessed for this opportunity. I know God works for me and he has me coming to play there for a good reason. I have a very positive mindset going into this event.

What is your impression of founder Ron Howard who has been doing the combine since 2012? What have you appreciated most about him?

Coach Howard is a genuine guy. I knew from the first time I talked to him that he was somebody I would love to be connected with. He did not know me personally, but he didn’t hesitate to learn more and more about me once Lorenzo sent me to him. He was honest from the jump and I trust him moving forward.

What is your main goal at the Combine? Score out the lights or be the ultimate team player or something else?

My main goal at this combine is to win as much as possible. I know coaches, scouts, and GM’s love winners, so there is no better way to be recognized than to win. I have to control what I can control, which is playing hard and being a good teammate every chance I get.

Let´s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 185cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would be the best choice?

I honestly wouldn’t know who to compare myself to from the NBA. I’m a very willing passer, I can knock down shots and make tougher shots off the dribble, and I get out in transition to run the floor or initiate the break well.

How would you describe your offensive and defensive game? What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I’d say my biggest strength on offense would be playmaking and vision. I like to get others involved often so everyone stays locked in throughout the course of the game. I’d describe my defense as a solid on-ball defender, good at anticipating plays off-ball, and vocal for myself and my teammates. I want to be one of the best defensive guards in whatever league it is I go on to play in.

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

Deep range shooting, pick and roll situations, and just sharpening every part of my game.

You played at JUCO school Eastfield College. Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was tough but a great thing to do. How was it for you?

Yeah, I actually attended Temple Junior College in Temple, Texas. It was a grind because in JUCO, you do not have all the resources you may have at a university. However, JUCO taught me what it means to really want something and be hungry to go after it every day. No excuses.

You played at the University of the Southwest for 4 years. What kind of an experience was that? What was your fondest moment there?

Southwest was a unique place because it’s in the middle of nowhere. It’s in a small town, small campus, but you have what you need. I appreciated the friendships I formed, the coaches I had, and all the lessons I learned throughout my time there.

In your senior year you averaged 10.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 83.2%. How did your game grow in your last season?

Unfortunately, those were my end-of-the-year averages, but I was battling some bad injuries that restricted me from playing at a higher level. I started the year off strong. I had some really good games, and my deep-range shooting was much better. In the middle of the season, I started dealing with a bad foot injury, shortly after I had a groin injury. Everything ended up taking a toll, but I finished the season strong as I could in the last 2 weeks.

You had a 25/8/6 game in a big 116-111 win over Jarvis Christian. What memories do you have of that game?

That game was a fun game for me. My team got off to a strong start, but Jarvis never quit playing hard. They had a player who ended up catching fire from 3 and had a huge impact on their comeback. I kept telling myself we were not going to lose the game, though. I was just trying to do whatever was needed to win.

How did head coach James Voight groom and prepare you for a pro career?

Coach Voight prepared me to be tough. He had me in some of the best shape I’ve ever been in. He prepared me mentally and physically to be playing 35+ minutes a game for him at a point during the season. Injuries impacted it, but overall, I appreciate Coach Voight for believing in me.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Sherrod Whitey?

I’d have to say myself. I don’t remember our specific game but I did not lose many 1-1 games.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

I would have to say Jarrett Culver, Trae Young, Jared Vanderbilt, or PJ Washington

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jalen Harris

Kedrian Johnson

TJ Starks

Miles McDougal

David “Tre” Thomas

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore

Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Steph Curry

Honorable mention – Kevin Durant

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant

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

I honestly don’t remember it. I was a kid when I watched it.

Thanks Tyler for the chat.