Pic credit: Angel Media

Garrett Hicks (183-PG-2001, college: Samford) is a 24 year old 183cm guard playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro A club EPG Guardians Koblenz. He played his rookie season with RASHI Tbilisi (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 18.9ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-5 (1.6spg), FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 80.8%. He began his basketball career at James Clemens high school. He then played 4 seasons at : Alabama A&M University (NCAA) playing a total of 102 games. He added a 5th year at Samford University (NCAA) averaging 6.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 80.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the massive 107-89 win in Bochum.

Congrats on the big 107-89 win over the VFL SparkassenStars Bochum. How good did it feel getting that first win of 2026?

It felt great back in the win column after a 2- game skid against a good Bochum team

What lesson did the team learn from the tough 105-98 loss against Kirchheim?

Our loss against Kircheim allowed us to recognize what flaws we had offensively and defensively. We learned that we needed to be more disciplined each and every possession and that leads to wins.

Bochum came into the game with a 3-3 record and up and down. Did the team have an idea what to expect? What was the game plan going into the game?

We knew that their guards would dictate the game and we had to limit their effectiveness to have a chance to win.

The first quarter was very high scoring as the EPG Baskets led 32-29. A great scoring quarter for Koblenz, but too many points given up. What were the main problems on the defensive end in the first 10 minutes?

We had turnovers that led to some easy baskets for them & some backcourt mistakes that led to more transition opportunities.

The turning point of the game came in the second quarter as Koblenz went on a 14-2 run to lead 46-31. What was key in the run for getting away from Bochum?

We played disciplined defense and ran the court on offense to propel our lead in the second.

In the third quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to control the game. Wishart and Smith Jr were a 2 man wrecking crew. Did the heightened defense spark the offense?

Definitely, when we get stops on defensive it helps our offense tremendously.

Koblenz led 85-66 after 3 quarters. Antonio Williams hit big shots and finished with 17 points. What made it so difficult to contain him?

He’s very quick and capitalized on our mistakes defensively.

Koblenz did a great job maintain the lead in the fourth quarter. In the past Koblenz have given up leads. It has had mental lapses this season. Was keeping the lead and finishing strong mentally a big step?

Yes, for sure. We know that we have let leads slip away multiple times this season so it’s key to stay disciplined throughout the game and execute our gameplan.

How refreshing was it seeing young kid Omer Girgin make the last points a 3 pointer of the game?

Omer is a great young talent and has worked hard throughout the season in practice so it was great to see him knock down his first shot of the season.

The EPG Baskets continue to give up too many points. On a lesser scoring night you may have lost. Did you see any new steps made on the defensive end?

I thought we communicated some lapses we had on defense in the first half and corrected those mistakes in the second half.

Tim Smith Jr had another great scoring game with 27 points. He continues to be one if not the most consistent player on the team. How much does his scoring punch power the team?

Tim is a great talent in our league and has a very versatile scoring bag. He’s always making the shots we need most in the fourth and he came up clutch tonight.

Calvin Wishart had another incredible game with 18/6/10/2 game. Is he a pro A MVP candidate?

Definitely, he leads the team and brings the energy that everybody feeds off of. He’s a tough matchup for anybody in the league and he shows that every night.

You next face Giessen another playoff team. What will be key to getting the win?

Continuing to push the pace on offense and staying disciplined on defense will be key.

You had a 5/1/1 game in 10 minutes. That was very efficient. Were you content with it?

I thought that I brought energy where it was needed tonight and helped contribute to the win.

You played 10 minutes the least this season. How tough is it finding a rhythm when your minutes fluctuate like crazy?

I must be ready when my name is called at all times & be aggressive once I’m in.

How tough has this season been being a talented offensive guy on a team with many other talented offensive guys. How big is efficiency in your game? It seems like you try to get that quick rhythm with a three pointer often in games when you get on the court?

I know I must be in attack mode to start the game. This helps the whole team

Thanks Garrett for the chat.