Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Devonte McCall in Koblenz in 2025

Devonte McCall (198-F-1998, college: Post)l is a 27 year old 198 cm forward that was born in Amherst Mass and is playing his fourth professional season and fourth in Germany and first with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. He played his rookie season with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen (Germany-ProA) averaging 12.9ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-3 (1.2bpg), FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 68.5%. He played the last 2 seasons with Phoenix Hagen (Germany-ProA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 68.5% and 7.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 24.7%, FT: 70.3%. He began his basketball career at Westminster and then played a season at Franklin Pierce University (NCAA2) averaging 5.0ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 41.2%. He then moved to Post University (NCAA2) averaging 12.6ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 50.0% and in his last season averaged 19.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 66.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the game against Nurnberg.

Thanks Devonte for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome back to Germany. If any place then Germany right? You have played your whole career in Germany.

Yes since day 1. I came back to Germany mainly because of familiarity and just knowing the feel of the ball. I have always felt real comfortable in Germany.

Welcome to Koblenz and the EPG Baskets. How excited are you to be back in Germany in the Pro A?

I´m super excited. I have had good seasons here and also up and down seasons. I´m super confident that I can shine in the Pro A. I have worked very hard on my game and want to show the league how I have improved.

Why did you find a club so late after 3 fruitful seasons in the Pro A in Schwenningen and Hagen?

It was a matter of waiting for the right situation. I wanted to find the right situation and have the role where I can show my abilities best. I want to show that I can make an impact on another team.

Wasn´t returning to Phoenix Hagen an option in the off season?

No comment.

How did the contact to the EPG Baskets Koblenz come about. I can imagine that the EPG Baskets contacted you first or was it the other way around?

I had been in talks with the EPG Baskets during other seasons. I had had good games against them. I think I also had my career high vs them. The timing was perfect now and they had interest in me.

You have a 3-0 career record against the EPG Baskets. How do you remember them as a team?

They always had great players even if their record didn´t show it. They were always a tough team to play against. You could never take them for granted. I really like their gym. I like the wood floor and their back drop. It has that USA college vibe. Plus I had a really good game there.

What were the main reasons for you to join the EPG Baskets Koblenz? How did the talks go with Stephan Dohrn?

Jannis Sonnefeld is out and they needed help. It was just good timing to come join and contribute. Coach Stephan was great. He was up front with me in our first talks. He told me about the process and what my role would be. He has good energy and I have a good feeling about this opportunity. I have only heard good things about him and coach KJ Sherril.

The EPG Baskets have a new team and are strong at every position. What is your impression of the roster?

I like the team. They have big players and much versatility. I will be able to play my position of 2/3 here. The team is very intriguing as well as how they play.

When you look at the roster, is there a player that really stands out for you?

I´m really intrigued by DJ Jeffries and Tim Smith Jr. Jeffries reminds me a lot of my ex teammate Naz Bohannon. DJ gets downhill well. Tim is super versatile. I´m really looking forward to playing with both them.

You’re a versatile 2 way player. What do you feel will be your role on the team?

I have been one of the best defenders in the pro A the last years. I´m very familiar with players in this league and their tendencies. I won´t miss a step. I´m comfortable in any defensive system. However I also want to show that I can be a good shooter. I want to be more efficient. I was a defensive stopper in Hagen, but now want to show that I improved on offense.

You told me some years ago that you want to become a knock down shooter. How have you seen that development despite shooting 24% from outside the last 2 seasons in Hagen?

I really worked so much on my shooting in Hagen with many reps. It was more a confidence thing for me. Coach Harris always gave me confidence to keep shooting the ball even if I wasn´t shooting well. It was more about mechanics. I worked a lot on that last summer. I´m ready to show that I´m a better shooter.

How do you feel like did your game develop further under Chris Harris? How are you a different and better player than in Schwennningen?

I learned a lot the last 2 years in Hagen. I learned to be a true professional and too never take any plays off. Each possession counts. Coach Harris always said “No moment of relaxation. That stayed with me.

The EPG Baskets could be at a turning point in their season. They have won 2 of their last 3 games and are at 4-6. 5 of the next 6 games are against teams with the same record or worse. How exciting is it for you to come in now at this juncture?

Coach and I talked about the tough schedule that the team had at the start. He told me that the next games are the most vital of the season. Anyone can beat anyone. Every game is important.

The defense continues to be a problem. Could your defensive skills help the club improve in the next weeks?

For sure. I´m an impact player on defense. I will always be that defensive stopper no matter what, but why not also be a threat on offense.

The next game is against Nurnberg. They are 6-4 and have been sort of a surprise. What will be key to winning?

They have big players and are one of the best rebounding teams this season. We have to set the tone early. We have to pressure them all the time and tag up on the rebounds and box out well. That will be the difference of the game.

What would be the perfect X-mas gift for you? Possibly having a 5 game winning streak?

That is what I would dream for. That would be the perfect welcome to Koblenz. It could happen. It starts Sunday.

Thanks Devonte for the chat.