Julian Larry (190-G, college: Texas) is a 190cm guard from Texas playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. He began the season with Munster averaging 12,3ppg, 1,9rpg, 3,6aqpg and 1,4spg. He began his basketball career at Lone Star High School and then played at Indiana State (NCAA) from 2020-2024 amassing a total of 128 games. He then added an extra season with the University Of Texas. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 115-67 loss in Nurnberg.

Thanks Julian for talking to germanhoops.com You suffered a tough 115-67 loss in Nurnberg. That was definitely not the way you wanted to begin your new career in Koblenz. How much did this loss hurt?

That loss hurt for sure. That first game for me was more about learning everything and just observing. I watched first and played more in the fourth quarter. It was more about learning the team for me.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz allowed an unacceptable 33 points in the first quarter. After allowing 100 points to Phoenix Hagen the week before, how can one explain a start like this?

We have to be tighter together on defense. I feel like we have a really good team. It is just a few things that we have to string together and just push through it.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz scored better in the second quarter and were only down by 13 points at the break. However a 17-2 run early in the third quarter decided the game and the team allowed 57 points in the second quarter. What was the biggest deficiency on the defensive end for the 40 minutes?

Our transition defense really hurt us. Nurnberg are known for liking to throw the TD passes.

A big problem this season has been the mentality of the team when things don´t go well. There has to be more input vocally form the leaders. Do you see the team having some real soul searching in the next days?

I feel like we have to get back to the drawing board. We have to watch film and learn from our mistakes. Important is that we are better prepared for adversary when it comes again. Adversary is one of those things that comes a lot.

This is the kind of a loss where answers have to come in the next game. It won´t get any easier on the road again against Munster who are coming off a big win in Giessen. I can imagine you will be really focused to win. What will be key to beating your new team?

It all starts with defense. We have to tighten up our transition defense and have better on ball pressure. We also need to dictate the pace. We weren´t able to do that against Nurnberg.

How excited are you for your new challenge with the EPG Baskets? What is your general impression of the team? You saw them allow only 69 points against you and Munster this season. You have seen a good side of them?

My first impression after they beat us when I was with Munster was that they were big and long. That leaves a lot of room for what you can and can´t do on defense. I liked how they pushed the ball. It was hard guarding guys when they constantly came down hill at you. My impression now is that I have really talented teammates. I´m really excited to paly with these guys.

You scored 5 points in 16 minutes in Nurnberg. How did it feel in general playing for them?

It felt great being out there for the first time. I had some wind to catch up with, but overal it was Ok. I only had had one practice. I have some catching up to do.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz have good guards. What kind of a role do you envision having with them? Do you feel like you could have a different role than in Munster?

100%. My role here is just to come out and be solid. I´m here to make easy plays and help the team win any way possible.

You couldn´t have asked for a better teammate then Calvin Wishart. What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?

That dude is always in attack mode. I guarded him a lot in the first game. He is really difficult to guard. He is super underrated with his hands on defense.

You began the season with Pro A team Munster averaging 12/1/3/1 stats. What did you like most about the organization?

I liked my time there and learned a lot. My role was different there. My role was to be one of the main players. My role was to be the point guard and be aggressive.

What kind of an experience was it on the floor coming from the NCAA to overseas? What was the biggest adjustment for you?

The way the Euro game is played is a lot different. Winning overseas is also different to what I saw in the NCAA. Also the rules are different.

What was your wake up call to being overseas as a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

Everyone riding bikes in Munster. We had to ride bikes like 10 minutes to get to the team cars. I took cabs when it got colder, but overall it was ok because the gym was only a 10 minute walk.

You scored in double figures in 11/17 games. Why did you have to leave the club?

They told me that they needed a change.

What is your biggest basketball wish in the last months of this season?

My biggest wish is to help the EPG Baskets Koblenz make the playoffs.

Thanks Julian for the chat.