Toru Dean (183-PG, college: Langston) is a 183cm guard from Miami Florida playing his rookie season overseas with the TSV Bargteheide Bees (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with South Miami High School and then played 3 seasons at Barry University (NCAA2) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 65.1% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 46.2%; and in his third season averaged 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 62.9%. He then finished at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.0% and 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He teams up every week with germanhoops.com to talk basketball.

Congrats Tore on the big 114-69 win over Freibeuter. It seems like every win this season is a cake walk. Was this win as easy as the score suggests?

Honestly, the score looks one-sided, but every game has its moments. We stayed focused, but Freibeuter made us work for it early. Nothing comes easy if you want to play at your best.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was the game as easy as the score shows? Was there any down phase in the game from Bargteheide?

There were a few stretches where we had to reset defensively. I think we handled it well and never let it turn into a long slide. It’s about staying consistent the full 40 minutes, and I think we did that.

Bargteheide did a good job taking care of the ball and won the rebound battle. But despite that, was defense the biggest strength on the night?

Defense always sets the tone for us. We take pride in protecting the paint and forcing turnovers. Tonight, it helped us get out in transition and score easy buckets.

How key was Jamo Ruppert who scored 15 points in 20 minutes off the bench? What do you enjoy most about his game?

Jamo was huge for us tonight. He’s confident, moves without the ball, and always seems to make the right play. I love that he can change the game in a short time—it makes a big difference.

Bargteheide has allowed only 70 points in the last 2 games and eclipsed 100 points on offense in 4 of 5 games. How does the team remain hungry when one is already so good so early in the season?

We try not to get comfortable. Every game is a challenge, and we know there’s always room to improve. Staying humble, working hard in practice, and focusing on the next game keeps us sharp.

You had a great game of 25/4/8/7. How pleased were you with your performance?

I’m happy with my numbers, but it’s about the team first. If my stats help us win, that’s all that matters. I’m just glad we got the W.

You had 7 steals. Are you the minister of defense on the team?

Haha I don’t know about minister, but I take pride in defense. If I can help the team create opportunities and get stops, I’ll do it any night.

You next play Bergedorf who are 3-1. What will be key to getting win?

We have to focus on the little things—ball movement, communication, and taking care of the defensive end. If we do that, we give ourselves a chance to get another W.

Thanks Tore for the chat.