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 took part at the Mastercage Combine in Italy and spoke to germanhoops.com

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

It was a nice mix of good hoops, and good people.

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

I like the physicality of the European game. As a tall guard, defenders like to be more physical with me, which gives me an advantage to leverage that pressure they are applying to my advantage.

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

I’m a four level scorer, I can score at the 3, in the midrange, and at the rim, and get to the free throw line. So I think my versatility offensively and defensively translates very well to any style of play. I’ve played in various different systems so I’m adaptable to whatever style of play is needed.

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

B-. I played well, I averaged 26 points 9 rebounds and 4 assists. I wanted to lead my team to the championship, but didn’t. My leadership could have been a lot better. I should have taken the time out to organize my teammates better. If we were all on the same page, we would have had a better outcome.

How do you feel your game grew in the short time?

I made good adjustments. I’m a really good 3 point shooter but I didn’t find a rhythm in the first game. Instead of getting frustrated, I just stayed level-headed and found a solution to be effective and efficient by attacking the paint more and getting to the foul line.

Talk about your favorite game?

The 2nd game. I had 32 points (10-15fg), 14 rebounds, and 4 assists and a 39PIR, and 34 Efficiency. I showcased that I’m an efficient and effective playmaker.

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

In the 3rd game, defenders were denying me full court. But, I got open in the backcourt and was able to bring the ball up. The defender was trying to make it tough on me by being physical so I just gave a little bump with my shoulder which opened up the angle to the rim, so I took off and dunked it over the help side defender who contested it at the rim. At that moment I thought it was okay. Then I saw the video and was like, “that was kind of tough!”

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

We got along well. All my friends are former or current basketball players. For me it’s easy to get along with fellow hoopers.

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

I didn’t get to. He wasn’t able to make the trip. After the first game he told me to get to the rim more, and finish through the fouls. Making that adjustment helped me get to the free throw line 5 or 6 times the 2nd game. Which helped me score an efficient 32 points and have 39PIR for the game.

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

Let’s say opportunities are coming. I did meet a few coaches that liked my game. So, we’ll see what comes from that.

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

Good people, there were a lot of helpful people that helped myself and my teammates during our time there. Paolo, Mattia, Asso, Lucca…thankful for those guys.

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

Greece. I’ve been to a handful of countries in Europe but not Greece yet.

Thanks Rathen for the chat.