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 recently took part at the Mastercage event in Italy. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his first experience overseas in Italy.

Thanks Tyler talking to germanhoops.com. You just took part at the Mastercard combine in Italy. If you could describe the experience in one sentence how would it be?

The experience was eye-opening in a positive way.

You played games against European competition. How did you like the style of play overseas?

I like the play style overseas. It’s a lot of ball movement and most players on the court can shoot the ball. It’s physical and played at a great pace once you get adjusted to the speed.

How do you feel was your game able to best adjust to the way the game is played overseas?

I feel like my game was able to adjust to the style of play very easily. The type of player I am will be able to show a lot of my skills because I can fit into multiple systems and roles for teams.

Talk a little about your own play. If you had to give it a grade what would you give it?

Looking back over my games, I would give myself a B+ or A. I was able to get adjusted quickly once I got some sleep after the long flight to Italy. I finished the event averaging 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists over 5 games.

How do you feel did your game grow in the short time?

I think my game was able to grow quickly because I knew to adjust to the physicality. Once I knew how to navigate the game without depending on any help from the refs, my game was nice.

Talk about your favorite game?

My favorite game was the last game for sure. We were on a losing streak and came close too many times, so that win felt good. I also had 31 points with 0 turnovers. I felt like I was able to will my team to a win and end the event on a good note.

Did you have a favorite play like a dunk or game winner?

My favorite play from the event was in the last game when the clock was running down and it was crunch time. I had the ball on the left wing and was determined to take the shot trying to will us to a victory. I was forced into a pick-up. Instead of passing, I did a pivot step-through and hit the shot off the backboard. After I saw the shot go in, I knew mentally we weren’t losing that game.

How did you get along with the other Americans Like Rathen Carter, Miles Mcdougal and Michael Williams?

I got along with them very well. It was a very easy adjustment being around them during our time in Italy.

How was it spending time with Ron Howard? What was the most important piece of advice that he gave you?

Our time with coach Ron was good. He’s a cool guy and always has the best interest for us. The most important piece of advice he gave me was to be aggressive 24/7. At times I was letting other things happen in the game instead of dictating what was going to happen. Whenever I was aggressive, my game flourished but our team success was also better.

What is the next step for you? Did you meet any coaches or GM´s that could assist you with a job?

The next step for me is prayerfully playing somewhere this fall. I met some good people. Coach Ron is helping assist me with a job currently.

What did you like most about Italy? Did you eat pasta every day?

The thing I liked most about Italy was how nice the people were. Everybody was very welcoming and easy to talk to. They made the experience fun. I ate pizza most of the time I was out there.

If you could visit another country in Europe tomorrow what would it be?

If I could visit another country in Europe tomorrow, I would visit Greece or Germany. Hopefully one day I may be playing in one of those countries.

Thanks Tyler for the chat.