Rathen Carter (201-F, college: Washburn) is a 201cm forward that recently played for Pioneros de Los Mochis (Mexico-CIBACOPA) averaging 6.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3apg. He also has professional experience having played with the Kapfenberg Bulls (Austria-BSL) averaging 1.3ppg, 1.0rpg and in the Alpe Adria Cup averaged 8.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 72.7%. He began his basketball career with Heritage Hall High School and then played Eastern Oklahoma State College (JUCO) and Pratt Community College (JUCO). He then played at McKendree University (NCAA2) for a season before finishing at Washburn (NCAA 2) for 3 seasons. He is taking part at the Mastercage Combine in Italy and spoke to eurobasket.

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

No problem. I’m in Paris at the moment. Basketball life is good. I’m grateful to wake up and get to do what I love everyday, and learn more about life and myself along the way.

You played JUCO and NCAA 2 and in the NCAA 2 never averaged more than 5,2ppg, but you reached Austria and Mexico as a pro. How tough has the grind been for you? I guess you never gave up and just kept pushing.

I didn’t start taking basketball seriously until senior year of high school, so I knew I was just scratching the surface potential-wise in college. I knew I had a lot of work to do. You can say it’s been tough, but it’s been a journey just like it is for everybody. I know how great I can be. So I just continually strive for that on a daily basis. I’ve stayed loyal to the game, to the grind, and to myself so I knew I was going to be a pro. I’m looking forward to piecing it all together so I can win and succeed at the highest levels.

You have played 15 pro games and are looking for every opportunity to prolong your career. Why did you choose the Mastercage combine in Italy?

I’ve heard good things about Ron and Howard Hoops for a few years now. So, I decided to take advantage of this opportunity.

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

Very blessed and grateful, I’m excited to showcase my talents there!

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

I’ve appreciated Ron’s authenticity and expertise. As a former 13 year pro, to a coach, to founder of Howard Hoops he understands the complete picture. Having this type of perspective from all angles is a dime a dozen. So, to work with him is a rare opportunity.

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

Obviously score at an efficient and effective level. But, what I want to do is lead our team to the Championship. I want to win. I’ve won 2 State championships in high school, and a MIAA championship in college. It’s time to win at this level.

Let’s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would be the best choice?

Jaylen Brown, would be the best comparison.

Talk a little about your biggest strengths at both ends of the court?

Versatility. I can play and guard 1-4. Offensively, I’m an elite transition scorer, a 50% 3-point shooter last year, and 43% in college. I excel in 1-on-1 situations. As a ball handler, I create space for teammates by collapsing defenses. Defensively, my agility allows me to pressure point guards full court, while my size lets me guard forwards.

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

I’m a defender that wears you down. I like to pick up ball handlers 94ft to shorten the shot clock, and force tough shots. So throughout the course of the game you’re tired, and haven’t gotten in a rhythm. I want to get better at setting the tone with physicality. My coach in Austria wanted me to commit a hard foul during the first possession of games, just to set the tone for the refs, and for the other team.

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

My IQ. I watch a lot of Euroleague games, some ABA games. I want to be able to read actions faster for defensive reasons. Secondly, I want to be able to manipulate defenses more. Watching more European basketball will continue to help my understanding of the game as I continue my career in Europe.

Your last pro team was Pioneros de Los Mochis (Mexico-CIBACOPA) averaging 6.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3apg. What kind of an experience was Mexico for you?

I never explored the Latin Basketball Market before going. So, I went into it somewhat blind. But, I enjoyed my experience. I was brought in as a temporary injury replacement after training camp. So, my stint was brief but it was fun. You play 4 games a week. You play a back to back, fly to another city then play another back to back that same week. I wish I could’ve stayed longer. I think playing that many games, at the rate, would’ve been great for my development.

You played your rookie season with the Kapfenberg Bulls (Austria-BSL) playing 7 games averaging 1.3ppg, 1.0rpg.What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call was in preseason. We went to Italy and played Germani Brescia. I had 13 points shot 3-3 from 3. We lost so I wasn’t happy. So, I was one of the last ones out of the gym, as I walked out a crowd of the Germani Brescia fans stayed and gave me a round of applause. It just displayed the respect the fans had for good basketball.

You played well in the Alpe Adria Cup averaging 8.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 72.7%. Why was your stay so short in Austria?

I played decently in the Alpe Adria Cup games. My stay was brief because I damaged a ligament in my ankle in the BSL Preseason Cup. I sat out a week or so, and I should’ve sat out for months. Personally, I was so eager to play, I tried to play in the regular season but I couldn’t even walk without pain. So, it was rough trying to play, hence the poor performance, and when I finally got my MRI in November the team doctor told me to stop all physical activity because of the damage. So, the team and I decided to part ways. Then I ended up coming home to get surgery to repair the damage.

Ever since Austria, you haven’t been able to find footing in Europe again. Has failed representation with an agent hampered your basketball journey? How tough has the grind been?

No, my representation at the time was great! My agent and I had a plan laid out. It just didn’t go as planned because I didn’t handle my injury correctly. If I just sat out until I was healthy, and 100% I would have performed well and my stats would have been good. I’d be more solidified in my career in Europe. But, that’s life, you live and you learn. So I’ve learned to be patient, and listen to my body more.

You played at 2 JUCO schools with Eastern Oklahoma State College (JUCO) and Pratt Community College (JUCO). Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO has said it was tough but a great thing to do. How was it for you?

JUCO is different for everyone. In my situation my programs had limited resources, and limited assistance and it’s really on you to get better, and get out of there. After that I just kept my head down and worked on my game. It makes you hone in on what you want to do with your life. In JUCO you have to make a decision: am I going to elevate from this environment or settle?

You played 2 years at McKendree University (NCAA2), but only played 9 NCAA 2 games. What positives could you still get from this experience?

From my experience at McKendree I learned I have to be adaptable. We had a coaching change, and our team philosophy and concepts changed a lot the 2nd year. For instance, my first game back I was the leading scorer in a comeback win game. But, I struggled to fit the team’s identity the second year. But it was tough. I was dealt a bad hand when it came to injuries these 2 years. If you look back I led the team in scoring in the first games and then had an injury. These years were tough because I knew I could be the top guy for our program and be the team and stats leader but injuries left me sidelined. But I kept my sights aligned on the goal, so I just rolled with punches and kept working.

You then played 3 seasons and 56 games at Washburn University (NCAA2). What kind of an experience was this and was winning the MIAA title your biggest basketball achievement?

It was a great experience. Getting back to winning culture was great. I did have to learn to put my ego aside and put the team’s best interest before my own. But, winning the MIAA title and making it to the NCAA Tournament was worth putting my personal shine and stats to the side.

How did head coach Brett Ballard groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

Honestly, he curated a winning environment. We had to prepare and practice at a really high level everyday. Bad days weren’t allowed from an energy, effort, and performance standpoint. The pressure to win, and perform day in and day out prepared me.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jeremy Harrell?

We never played.

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

Ja Morant or Lindy Waters III.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tyler Geiman, Jordan Allen, Brad Greene, Justin Blanks, Kevin Franceschi

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore

KD, Tracy McGrady, Kobe, Tony Parker, Steph Curry

Who is your GOAT?

KD. I’m OKC. I grew up watching tons of KD. I like his approach to the game, his skillset is insane, and he just loves hoops.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

No, I didn’t see it

Thanks Rathen for the chat.