Dante Maddox Jr. (188-G, college: Xavier) is a 188cm guard playing his rookie season with : Okapi Aalst (Belgium-Pro Basketball League). He began his basketball career with Bloom High School and then played 2 seasons with California State University, Fullerton (NCAA) averaging 11.7ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 89.8% and 6.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 71.4%. He then played 2 seasons at The University of Toledo (NCAA) averaging 11.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 45.4%, FT: 75.2% and 15.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 86.0%. He then finished at Xavier University (NCAA) averaging 7.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 40.3%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 88.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

You’re playing your rookie season in Belgium. What kind of an experience has it been playing for Aaalst? What have you enjoyed most about it?

Aalst has the best fans in Belgium. They travel everywhere and they are diehards for this team. This has definitely been one of the highlights of my experience being here.

The team is doing well in the standings. What has been the secret to the success of the team?

Team chemistry

There is another young American on the team with Edie Colbert and the rest are from Belgium. Do you have a sort of mentor this season in Belgium?

We are all there for one another. Not a specific mentor to speak of. We are eager to learn from those who have been here before.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 188cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

Isaiah Canaan and Mike James are two guys that I have always looked up to and have tried to learn from and emulate their games. Not sure that I would compare myself to anybody in the NBA right now – I’m trying to do the best job at being me.

You are an incredible 3-point shooter. What other offensive strengths does your game have?

Versatility as a three-level-scorer at an efficient rate. I’m still very much a work in progress and am working hard to add more to my game so I can be a winning player and a great teammate.

You shot 40% or better from outside in 4 of 5 NCAA seasons and this season shooting over 50%. What goals do you currently have with your three pointer?

I mostly care about winning games – that’s the main goal – regardless of the percentages.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I want to be as impactful defensively as I am offensively. Working towards getting in the best shape I can possibly be so I can achieve that.

After playing 2 seasons at California State University, Fullerton (NCAA) you then transferred to The University of Toledo (NCAA) averaging 11.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 45.4%, FT: 75.2% and 15.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 86.0%. How key was it going there? Was that the best basketball decision in your life?

Yes, it was a great decision and set me up for the next step by helping me develop as a man as well as basketball player.

You made big strides in your game. How valuable was head coach Tod Kowalczyk in your basketball development? How did he help your game most?

He is a great coach and has had very high experience with very high-level guard (e.g. RayJ Dennis; Ryan Rollins). We were a very good team – but he helped me learn how to impact the game with other talented players around me on the team. He has been very impactful to me.

What was your fondest moment on the court at Toledo?

The 17-game win streak in conference. Which was a record in the MAC at the time (and I think, still is).

You added an extra season at Xavier University (NCAA) averaging 7.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 40.3%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 88.1%. You reached the big dance beating Texas and losing to Illinois. What was the coolest experience that you will always remember there?

Winning against Texas was a big and proud moment for all of us. Also, getting to play my hometown school (Illinois) even though we came up short.

You had many great games at Xavier. Where does the 26-point game against Providence rank?

It ranks pretty high. But I’d say my two games against UCONN ranked pretty high as well. UCONN was the 2-time reigning national champions and I was fortunate to make some big plays down the stretch in both games.

How did head coach Sean Miller give you that last added push and helped your game be ready for the pro level?

He definitely exposed me to a level of work ethic that you need to have to maintain high level success in college and the pros. His attention to detail and his competitiveness were really important in my development. I was very lucky to have been coached by someone of his status, resume and track record of producing great pros.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Marcus Foster?

That was my roommate, and we spent a lot of time together. He is a very talented player, and I enjoyed playing countless 1-1 games against him. Lots of good battles for sure.

Who was the best player that you ever faced in your life on the court that reached the NBA?

Keon Johnson in a game and Talen Horton Tucker in summer workouts

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time.

Been blessed to have played with some great players next to me. Would be very tough to narrow it down to 5.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron, MJ, Kobe, Steph

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron James

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

Haven’t seen the sequel – only the original, but the original is definitely a classic and it would be hard to beat.

Thanks Dante for the chat.