Keyshaun Langley (185-G, college: UNCG, agency: Players Group) is a 185cm guard playing his second professional season and first with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. Last season he played with the Nitra Blue Wings (Slovakia-Tipos SBL) averaging 16.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-5 (2.0spg), FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 88.1%. He began his basketball career at / Southwest Guilford High School and also played at Wesleyan Christian Academy. He then played at the University Of Noreth Carolina at Greensboro (NCAA) from 2019-2024 playing a total of 146 games and in his last 2 seasons there averaged 14.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 78.3% and 15.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 84.5%. he spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Keyshaun for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome to Germany. After playing your rookie season in Slovakia, how excited are you for a new challenge in Germany?

I am extremely excited about the new challenges in Germany’s Pro A league.

Your playing your first season in Germany. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

I just began to research and watch game highlights of the German leagues. When I committed to playing with the Merlins, my cousin Keith Gatlin (Played several years in the German BBL many years ago) began to give me insight of the style of play and he spoke about his time playing in Germany. I also inquired about German basketball from a few of my former UNCG teammates that spent time in the leagues.

You stated in the Merlins press release that you joined The club because you are able to accomplish something special. Would that be winning the Pro A title?

Absolutely! I believe this team will have what it takes to compete for a title.

How were the first talks with head coach David Mccray? He is an up and coming coach that knows how to work with young players well and also has a good character. What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

Our conversations were easy. We got to know each other. He informed me what he expected from me on the court. He also gave an overview of the culture and history of the organization. I feel this is an opportunity for me to develop and excel. I believe this is a terrific fit for me.

Your coming from Slovakia and want to make the next step in Germany. How confident are you that you could become an impact player?

I believe and trust in the work and the process that I have been fortunate enough to experience through my collegiate years. So many people have poured into my development as a basketball player. My faith in what God has in store for me keeps me uplifted and confident.

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

There are not many two-way small guards in the league, but my style of play is a mix of Damian Lillard, Jamal Murray and Trae Young.

You’re a player that has a strong offensive game that can score in many ways. Would you classify yourself already as a 3 level scorer?

Yes. I just take what the defense gives me.

In the NCAA you never averaged more than 3,4apg, but in Slovakia was at 4,5apg. How would you classify yourself as a playmaker going into your second pro season?

In college, I played in the backcourt with my twin brother Kobe Langley. Although, we shared point guard responsibilities my team needed me to score more. Kobe is a wizard with the ball and he has a way of creating for others, so he often led the team in assists. The game is faster than what I experienced in college, therefore my opportunities to create more for my teammates has been amazing. I will always do what is needed to put my team in position to be successful.

You made an incredible jump with your 3 pointer in your last 2 seasons at UNCG shooting 41% and last season in Slovakia was at 39%. Your confidence must be sky high now. How have you seen the development of your 3 and what is your goal this season?

My confidence comes from repetition. Repetition removes doubt. My goal is to continue to improve my 3 point percentage. I really don’t hunt for 3 pointers. I just take what the defense gives me and play within myself.

Your also a very ambitious defender that can disrupt any kind of offense. How would you describe your defensive game right now and where do you still want to get to as a defender?

I try create chaos and disrupt the offensive flow of the other team. I rely heavily on the coaching staff ‘s defensive scheme for the game, but I also have really good instincts within the team’s system. I am still a work in progress defensively. I will need to adapt to the style of play in Germany.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can be best prepared for the German Pro A?

Right now, I am working hard on a bit of everything. I am maintaining my skills while getting stronger and being in game shape.

You played your rookie season with the Nitra Blue Wings (Slovakia-Tipos SBL) averaging 16.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-5 (2.0spg), FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 88.1%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

During pre-season when my team struggled and I realized this is a business and nobody cares, “Work Harder.” I knew I needed to stay focused and limit distractions. It’s not how you start, but how you finish.

You have been very fortunate to have played with your twin brother at UNCG and in Slovakia. How special is that relationship with him?

Playing with him was a blessing. The chemistry we have is undeniable. He has my back and I have his back. He is a warrior and he does not have any quit in him. We created so many memories together on the basketball court.

What memories do you have of the tough 4 game series loss to Levice? You gave all you had averaging 25,0ppg in the first 3 games.

The game-winner in the 4th game. My teammates and I showed so much resilience throughout the playoffs. Levice was a worthy opponent, but we believed and gave a good showing.

You played at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (NCAA) from 2019-2024. How quickly were you aware of Kyle Hines who also played at your school? He is the winningest American having won 4 Euroleagues? How big of a role model is he for you?

I was aware of Kyle Hines before I committed to UNCG. I attended several of his college games as a kid. I also watched how he carried himself on and off the court from afar. He is definitely someone I look up to when it comes to playing professionally overseas. His resume speaks volumes.

You won the SoCon title in 2021. What memories do you have beating Mercer (NCAA) and then playing at March Madness losing to FSU?

-Winning the SOCON title with my teammates during COVID was a great accomplishment. Our team’s goal was to win both regular and conference titles. Playing well against FSU in the NCAA Tourney was a highlight of my career. Nothing like March Madness!

You had many great games in the NCAA including 20 points in a thrilling 89-87 win over Furman or beating Arkansas on the road. What was your favorite personal game at UNCG?

The Arkansas game for sure. They were a top 10 team. We made history. I was locked in the entire game. Beating Furman on their home court has to be up there too.

You played for Wes Miller and Mike Jones at UNCG. How did each coach help groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

Coach Miller helped me understand how important it is to stay in the gym perfecting my craft. Create good habits that will prepare me like a pro. Coach Jones helped me with leadership and utilizing antalytics to grow my game efficiently.Both prepared me mentally and physically.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or your brother Kobe?

Me for sure

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

-Andrew Nembhard

-Cole Anthony

-Anthony Edwards

-Aaron Wiggins

-Tyrese Maxey (Probably the Toughest)

-Scotty Barnes

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

-Kobe Langley

-Kameron Langley

-Wendell Moore

-Isaiah Miller

-James Dickey

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

-Lebron James

-Michael Jordan

-Kobe Bryant

-Shaq O’Neal

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

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

Yes; Should have left it alone. Classics are Classics.

Thanks Keyshaun for the chat.