Keith Braxton (196-G-1997, college: SFU) is a 28 year old 196cm guard from New Jersey playing his fifth pro season and second in Germany and first with Science City Jena currently averaging 13,1ppg, 5,3rpg and 2,8apg. Last season he played with the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum (Germany-ProA) averaging PPG-2 (19.5), 6.2rpg, 4.9apg, SPG-5 (1.7), FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 74.3%. He played the 23-24 season with KFUM Jamtland Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 11.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.8apg, SPG-1 (1.7), FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 82.4%. He played the 22-23 season with Belfius Mons-Hainaut (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 12.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 3.0apg, SPG-5 (1.9), FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 81.8%. He played his rookie season with Maccabi Ma’ale Adumim (Israel-National League) averaging 19.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 5.3apg, SPG-3 (2.1), FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 80.3%. He began his basketball career with Delsea high school and then played at St. Francis University (PA) (NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 129 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Keith for talking to germanhoops.com. After playing your first 3 pro seasons in Israel, Sweden and Belgium, your now playing your second season in Germany in Jena. Has Germany become like a second home for you?

Germany has kind of become home because it has given me stability and I like the professionalism here. Teams are competitive, teammates are great, and it’s a great location to continue to grow my game.

You had to pay your dues for 4 seasons overseas, but now are playing in a top 5 league with the easyCredit BBL. How rewarding has your grind been?

The grind has been tough, but definitely rewarding. I’ve been in Israel by the beaches, in Sweden in the snow, and in the BNXT which is another good league. To be back in one of the top leagues is where I want to be, but I have to keep working and getting better.

Your playing your first season with Science City Jena. How vital was the fact that they were playing in the easyCredit BBL for you to join the team?

It was very vital for me. I wanted to get back to a top league and prove that I cannot only compete with the best of them, but also win as well.

How did the talks go with head coach Bjoern Harmsen? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

Talks with Coach Bjorn went well. We were both excited to work together and make something happen in the BBL. I appreciate his attention to detail the most about his philosophy. Small things can make a difference and he’s adamant about doing those things right.

Last season Bochum won the first game against Jena where you scored 27 points, but in the next 4 games lost by more than 10 points each time. What memories do you have of the battles with Jena? You were 0/7 from outside in the first 2 playoff games.

They were great battles that we had last season. I remember us winning at home and the environment was crazy. I also remember the playoff series and the energy that was in the arenas. I never would have thought that the crowd that was cheering against me would be rooting for me the next season.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I wouldn’t say it’s a comparison, but I like Luka Doncic. I like players that can do a little bit of everything. Luka can score, pass, rebound, and plays at his own pace. Those are all things I like to do, as well as play defense.

You fill the stat sheet like no other. Is versatility the staple of your game?

Versatility is a huge part of my game and style. I like to do whatever I can do to help my team win. Some nights your shot might not be falling and you need to help your team in other ways. I pride myself on being good at many different aspects of basketball and it separates me a little bit so I can play many roles.

You are a great scorer, rebounder and passer. What other strength is key in your offensive game?

Another strength to my offensive game is my basketball IQ. I can see what angles

I have to take and read defenders the right way. Being one step ahead and being reactive is huge to being able to do what you want on the court.

You have been at 35% or better from outside overseas and once reached 40%. What is your goal as a shooter in the BBL?

My goal as a shooter in the BBL is to be in the 50-40-90 club. It’s a good goal to strive for and will make me work hard and be consistent to achieve it.

Your also a great defender. What kind of a defender would you call yourself now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become in the next years?

I would call myself a smart defender. I have good anticipation and know when to be in the passing and driving lanes. I want to become a physical defender. I want to pick up full court and make things difficult for the opponent.

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

I’m working on my full court defense and making more difficult shots off the dribble. I have to be a pest and I know there will be few opens shots in the BBL.

In the 2023-2024 season you played with KFUM Jamtland Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 11.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.8apg, Steals-1 (1.7spg), FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 82.4%. What kind of an experience was Sweden? You lost a tough 5 game series against Boras?

Sweden was tough for me because it was the first time I came to a team mid season. I had to fill in a role and help the team win. The league was solid and I learned a lot from the coaches and players.

You played a season with Belfius Mons-Hainaut (Belgium- BNXT League averaging 12.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-5 (1.9spg), FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 81.8%. You won 2 playoff series and then lost to Mechelen. What memories do you have of that tough playoff series?

I just remember the series being physical and tactical. They were a good team and deserved to win. I remember how all of our guys left it on the line and played like it was their last game.

You played your rookie season with Maccabi Ma’ale Adumim (Israel-National League) averaging19.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 5.3apg, Steals-3 (2.1spg), FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 80.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I remember getting to my destination early in the morning and I was ready to call my parents and tell them. However, I was 7 hours ahead and they were all asleep.

How important was having this great season for your basketball development? You had a triple double against E.Kiryat Ata. How did your game grow as a rookie?

It was very important to start my career off right for my basketball development. My game grew as a rookie because my basketball IQ grew and I learned European basketball. It’s a little different from college, so getting a early grasp on it helped a lot.

You played at St Francis (NCAA) from 2016-2020 reaching 3 Nec finals. You were as consistent as could be. Did you learn gaining that consistency in your game there? Your consistency has been present since your rookie season overseas.

Yes I learned a lot about consistency in college. Coach Krimmel was huge on showing up and winning every day. Each day was a new opportunity to get better and prove yourself again. I give a lot of credit to him for teaching me to stay ready so I don’t have to get ready.

You had many great games at St Francis like registering a triple double against Fair Dickinson. You were close to triple doubles on 2 other occasions against St Francis NY and Lehigh. What was your best game in the NCAA?

My best game is college was probably my sophomore year against ranked Louisville. I had 25 points and 11 rebounds and that really gave me a confidence boost that I could be a great player.

In your second season you played against Duke holding your own with 13 points and 6 rebounds and battled future NBA guys like Bagley, Trent, Carter and Allen. What memories do you have of that game?

I just remember that game being a packed crowd on a small court. Everyone was going crazy and it felt like the college video games. It wasn’t a close game at all, but playing against Duke, NBA players, and shaking Coach K’s hand was something I won’t forget.

How did head coach Rob Krimmel groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Krimmel taught me how to be a leader and to be aggressive and confident in my game. He gave me tools to lead and always put me in the right positions to learn and grow. He used to get mad at me when I didn’t shoot and instilled so much confidence in me. Confidence, leadership, learning are crucial for a professional career.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Isaiah Blackmon?

I was the 1on1 champ my first 3 years of college but Isaiah finally dethroned me my senior year.

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

The toughest player I played in college was probably Marvin Bagley. I played the 4 my first 2 years so guarding him was really tough. He ended up being a lottery pick so being assigned to him was a good challenge.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tra Holder, Charlie Moore, Jamaal King, Isaiah Blackmon, and Mike Holloway

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron James

Did you see the remake of the classic coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I have not actually. I don’t know if that’s a sign that I shouldn’t have, but I am a firm believer that they should leave classic movies alone.

Thanks Keith for the chat.