Taje Kelly (203-F/C) is a 203cm forward from Georgia playing his rookie season in Germany with BBC Bayreuth. He began his basketball career at Grayson high school. He then played at Charleston Southern University (NCAA) from 2021-2025 playing a total of 120 NCAA games. He was able to improve his scoring average each season and as a senior averaged 20.3ppg, 8.7rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 61.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Thanks Taje for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome to Germany. How excited are you to begin your basketball career overseas with BBC Bayreuth?

I am really excited and blessed to have the opportunity to start my career off in Germany, as it is one of my dream countries to live in and I feel I will have great success here.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

I do not know much about Germany besides some old history and pretzels. I do know that Germany is very competitive in European basketball though.

One ex Charleston Southern University player Phlandrous Fleming balled in Germany last season. Did you ask him for any advice?

No I did not but I definitely will.

What was the deciding factor that allowed you to make the decision to join BBC Bayreuth? They also are rich in basketball history. Florian Wedel stated that you were the clubs the absolute desired player that they wanted.

I feel that they would give me the best opportunity to show off my skills while winning games. Also I built a good relationship with the head coach and just felt like a proactive decision.

How did the first talks go with head coach Florian Wedel? What did you appreciate right away about his basketball philosophy?

First talks felt really naturally, he expressed their interest in me and how they viewed me in their system. I appreciated the honesty he portrayed and the ways they said I could be used in the system to help bring home some wins.

You had a great career at Charleston Southern University and was player of the year in the All Big South Conference. How confident are you that your game will translate to the German Pro A?

I am real confident that my game will transfer because I will not only bring my skills that I have already but I will add new skills to my game.

Are you a guy that will watch videos of BBC Bayreuth and the Pro A to be best prepared when you arrive in Germany?

Yes

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Probably and old school Paul Milsap with the ceiling of a modern day Julius Randle

You’re a modern day big man. Your also a very versatile player. Talk about how your versatility has developed in the NCAA?

I feel like I was more of a small ball traditional big up until my senior year then I moved to more of a four man who could bring it in transition and make a play. I feel my biggest growth in versatility has been through playing slower and my decision making and passing.

Your three pointer is something you have used more in the last 2 years. It rose in shots taken from 38 to 59. How would you describe your 3 pointer now coming overseas. Is it still a work in progress?

I would say my best 3 ball hasn´t been displayed yet so definitely a work in progress.

Talk a bit about your defensive game. You never averaged more than 0,5spg in a season in the NCAA. Stats don´t tell the whole story. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to be become?

I feel that I am a smart defender, my defense may not load the stat sheet but I am able to make people miss shots, I have good fundamentals and I am able to switch onto any person onto the floor.

Your also have a big IQ. What other strength do you have that you believe is still a bit off the radar?

Passing

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you will be able to continue to improve your game?

Passing, ball handling, defense, shooting

You played at Charleston Southern University (NCAA) having a great career. You improved your scoring and rebounding average each season. How did your game develop there? What kind of player were you coming in and what kind of player when you left?

I feel my game developed as my confidence grew, coming in I didn´t know what to expect but coming out have the upmost confidence in my game.

You finished your freshman year strong having 24 points in a big 79-78 win over UNC Asheville. What memories do you have of this game?

I remember taking over the final stretch of the game and hitting the game winner and rolling my ankle directly after.

In your next 3 seasons you lost to UNC Asheville all 3 times in the All Big South tournament games. Is that opponent one you will never forget?

Definitely will not

You had many incredible games in the NCAA including 28 points in a thrilling 71-70 win over Presbyterian. What was your fondest moment on the court?

I would say my freshman year buzzer beater against Asheville

What will you always remember from teammate Daylen Berry? He came from UNC at Charlotte averaging only 1,6ppg in 23-24 and broke out last season at Charleston. He also had a versatile game.

His ability to play at his size and be that efficient also his knack for passing lanes.

How did head coaches Barclay Radebaugh and Saah Nimley groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He taught me how to be the guy and poured their confidence in me consistently. Also loads of defensive practices.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or RJ Duhart?

Me 100%

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

Jabari Smith

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Deivon Smith

Caleb Murphy

Rj Johnson

Ian Schiefflien

Claudell Harris Jr

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, MJ, Steph, Tim Duncan

Who is your Goat?

Lebron

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

No I did not

Thanks Taje for the chat.