Kenny Goins (201-PF-1996, college: Michigan St.) is a 29 year old 201cm forward that is playing his sixth professional season and first with Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL). He has gathered valuable experience playing in countries like Italy, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Mexico, France and New Zealand. He began his basketball career at Warren Mott High School. He then played at Michigan State (NCAA) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 131 games and in his last season averaged 7.9ppg, 8.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 72.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against German team Rostock Seawolves.

Thanks Kenny for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your 7th season in your 8th country. Do you feel like the ultimate basketball globetrotter?

I definitely feel honored to have traveled and seen as much of the world as I have.

Your playing your first season with Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL)What kind of an experience ha sit been so far? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It’s been a great experience both on and off the floor and I’m excited for the next few months.

Congrats on reaching the next round of the Fiba Europe Cup. The club has won 2 titles in the last 2 seasons. Do you sense a special culture in the organization in terms of having that will to win?

It definitely feels like the front office knows how to win it and we feel like we have the tools to do it.

What kind of a role do you have on the team? You are a guy that is very versatile. What special assignments do you have when you step on the court?

I feel like I try to fit in where I’m needed per game. It’s not always the same assignment.

You have never been that scorer in your career, but always can if needed. Are you a type of a Swiss army knife?

I try my best to win and it usually isn’t scoring that is lacking.

You played last season with the Manawatu Jets (New Zealand-NBL) averaging 10.7ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, BPG-5 (1.5), FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 70.6%. How vital was this experience coming off a tough season in France?

It was nice to pick it back up in a bigger role after a bit of time off with the birth of my child.

You played the 2023-2024 season with Limoges CSP Elite (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 3.6ppg, 2.8rpg. You had 2 good games in wins over Nancy. How tough was this season? What did you learn from it?

It was tough as a personal experience playing a lesser role in a minutes sense but I still tried my best to stay ready and active when I had my chance

You were with Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys (Lithuania-LKL) only in pre-season in the 2022-2023 season and then finished the season with Correcaminos UAT Victoria (Mexico-LNBP) averaging 5.4ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP-3 (68.8%), 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 84.6%. What kind of an experience was Mexico? It is a rising league isn´t it? Americans like playing in Mexico.

I would say it’s nice because it’s close to home and a much more familiar culture being so close. It is a tough league physically and talent wise as well.

You split the 2021-2022 season with GS Lavrio Aegean Cargo (Greece-GBL) averaging 4.6ppg, 3.9rpg: and in Dec.’21 moved to Atomeromu SE Paks (Hungary-A Division) averaging 8.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 28.6%. How did you experience Greece the second time around? Why was it a short stay?

Greece is always a good league to play in. It just wasn’t a fit for the team and me. I don’t have any hard feelings as I was able to play better in Hungary personally.

You finished the season strong in Hungary. It was another stamp in your passport. How do you remember Hungary? Is it a place where you would play again?

I can’t ever say I won’t play anywhere given my past.

You played the 2020-2021 season with Kolossos H Hotels Rodou (Greece-A1) averaging 9.8ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 71.0%. Despite Covid being there, you had a successful season. You had an incredible 34 point explosion against Aris. Was that one of your best pro games?

That was definitely one of my best pro games. I think outside of the offense, it was a well rounded game and even more important, a win in a needed part of the season.

You were teammates with top defender Kevin Tumba. Was he a guy where you could soak up some of his defensive qualities?

He was a menace in the paint on defense.

You played your rookie season with 2B Control Trapani (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 11.5ppg, 6.5rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 73.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I think every pro experiences the lack of foul calls compared to domestic players and that was the first time I really had felt some sort of difference consistently.

You spent some time with Denver at the NBA Summer League playing 1 game scoring 8 points against Houston. What memories do you have of that time? What was your coolest moment there? Did you meet any NBA legends?

It was a great experience to see how basketball at the top level operates and just be a part of.

You played at Michigan State from 2015-2019 playing a total of 131 games. In your first 3 seasons you averaged 2/3 but made a huge jump in your senior year averaging 7.9ppg, 8.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 72.9%. How did your game grow in the NCAA?

The confidence became much more apparent and trusting my own skills

You played 2 seasons together with future NBA players Miles Bridges and Xavier Tillman. What memories will you always have from them? How did they help make your game better in the daily battles in practice?

They were always great to compete against. They worked harder than most people I know so to keep up they pushed you to work harder.

You won 2 BIG 10 titles. Which one was sweeter?

You can never compare one from the other because I’m proud of both.

You reached the Elite 8 as a senior. What memories do you have of the big 68-67 win over Duke where you had a 10/9 game and faced Zion Williamson who had a big 24/14 effort in the loss.

All good ones. Feel like I can remember every play my teammates made as much as the shot I made at the end.

How did head coach Tom Izzo groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He always pushed you to be better than you were the day before. So the work ethic is always instilled in you.

Who is the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Probably Caleb Swanigan

Thanks Kenny for the chat.