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 Toru on the big 70–69 win over Oldenburg. This was the second close game won in the last 3 games. How good does it feel?

It feels amazing. Any win in this league is tough, but pulling out another close one says a lot about our resilience. We’re learning how to stay composed in tight moments, and that’s something every good team needs. So yeah, really proud of the group.

Talk about the 40 minutes and the highs and lows of the game. Was it a nail-biter throughout?

It definitely felt like a roller coaster. Neither team really managed to create a big gap, so every possession mattered from start to finish. There were stretches where we moved the ball well and defended exactly how we wanted, and then other moments where we let them find rhythm. But overall, it was one of those games where you had to stay mentally locked in the entire time. It was a grind.

Take me through the last seconds of crunch time. Did you feel like you had to take control?

In those moments, the game kind of slows down for me. I wouldn’t say I felt like I had to take over, but I knew I had to be aggressive and make the right decisions. Sometimes that means shooting, sometimes it means creating for someone else. We trusted the play, trusted each other, and stayed poised. That’s what made the difference.

The stats were very even for both teams. Can one say that this game was decided by a few possessions?

Absolutely. When the numbers are that close, the game really comes down to execution in critical moments, one extra stop, one offensive rebound, one smart decision. We managed to string together just enough of those key plays to come out on top.

You had another great game with 31/9/6/2. How content were you with your game?

I’m happy I could help the team, for sure. But I always look at how I can be better. The scoring is nice, but I focus on whether I controlled the pace, made the right reads, and brought energy on both ends. There’s still plenty to improve, but overall I felt good about how I contributed.

You had 4 turnovers. Do you feel like with added game experience you’ll be able to cut those down this season?

Definitely. Turnovers usually come from either rushing or trying to force something that isn’t there. With more reps, more film, and more familiarity with my teammates, I’ll keep cleaning that up. It’s an ongoing process, but I’m confident the numbers will go down.

You next play against 6–4 Braunschweig. What will be key to getting a win?

We have to set the tone defensively. They’re a team that can score in bunches if they get comfortable. Controlling the glass and dictating tempo will also be big for us. If we stay disciplined and keep sharing the ball like we have been, we’ll put ourselves in a good position to win.

Thanks Toru for the chat.