Nicholas McMullen (203-F-2002, college: Georgia St.) is a 23 year old 203cm forward form North Carolina who is playing his rookie season with Munster. He began his basketball career with Ben L Smith High school. He then played 2 seasons at Murray State (NCAA). He then played 2 seasons with the University of North Carolina – Asheville (NCAA) averaging 8.0ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 48.3% and 9.9ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 56.7%. He then latched one more season on with Georgia State University (NCAA) averaging 9.3ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 58.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Your playing your rookie season overseas with Munster. What kind of an experience has it been and what have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It has been a crazy experience I´m so thankful to be able to wake up every morning and be able to play the game I love. It is beautiful here and I love the city. The coaching staff is great as is the GM and everyone else in the organization. I don´t know many from home that have been to another country. I couldn´t have asked for anything better in my life.

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

When I first got to Munster. I mean it wasn´t really a culture shock, but the Architecture was different. The time difference was also getting used to. When I called people here at 4-5 pm it´s dark and my people are just getting up at home. It feels like we are different worlds, but it´s cool.

It has been a tough season so far for Munster at 5-15. What have been the biggest problems and will the team get out of the hole?

I think our biggest problem have been injuries. Not having had big man Adam Touray has really hurt us. We also have lost close games. We have to figure out how to win close games. I think a win like in Giessen can help us turn around our season. We have the momentum now. We have the players and coaching staff to revive our season.

Your having a very solid season as a rookie averaging 15/9 stats and shooting 41% from outside. How content have you been with your game?

I´m really thankful that I have ben able to showcase my abilities well this season. This is the most points that I have averaged since high school. I love basketball and sacrifice a lot for the game. I´m also super hard on myself, but my results don´t surprise me at all. I´m like a perfectionist. That kind of mentality helps my game.

You have been a major force on offense. What exactly is your role on the team?

My main role is to be a physical presence at the 4. I bring my rebounding skills and put pressure on the rim and finish at a high percentage. I feel like my game is blossoming this season.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

People have compared me to a Dennis Rodman and a Montrezl Harrell. I see myself as a type of Julius Randle. We are both lefties.

You’re a guy that can score and rebound the ball really well. What other strengths does your offensive game have?

I played off ball a lot in college. I feel like I´m a solid passer and can make reads well. I also feel like I could be a post player in certain leagues. I did a good job finding the angles against the 7 footer from Leverkusen Dennis Heintzmann.

Your 3 pointer has been up and down in your career and this season your shooting very well at 41%. How do you see the development of your three pointer. What steps do you want to make in the next years with your shot?

I worked on my three pointer all through college, but unfortunately it didn´t show, because I wasn´t allowed to sue it. I didn´t shoot many three´s because it wasn´t my role. I´m blessed that I can showcase my three this season and put up a good percentage.

Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I want to continue to grow as a defender. You see tall guys now way more on the perimeter overseas. I want to be able to guard 1-5 or at least 2-5 and be able to switch on a bigger 5 man. I love to rebound and would rather become an elite rebounder than defender.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player?

I think that being able to rebound and defend well has more to do with your mentality. I like to work mostly on my offensive game in the gym. I continue to keep getting reps and also work on stretching the floor and making reads.

You played 2 seasons at Murray State University (NCAA) averaging 1.6ppg, 1.6rpg and 3.2ppg, 2.9rpg. How do you remember these early years in your development. What positives did your game get there?

It was Covid when I was here. I played with so many great players and played against many great players. The level of competition really opened my eyes. I watched how well teammate KJ Williams could score the ball. I also was teammates with Tevin Brown who is having a great season with Vechta. We had one of greatest season´s in the history of Murray State and reached March Madness. It was an incredible experience being there for 2 years.

You won the OVC title in 2022 and reached the big dance. What memories do you have of that run?

I had many memories but the biggest was beating an in credible Memphis team at their place. They had legendary player as coach Penny Hardaway and future NBA player Jalen Duren. Beating them was crazy. It was like a dream. Every game in March Madness was incredible. The arenas were all huge and the atmosphere intense.

You then played at the University of North Carolina – Asheville (NCAA) averaging 8.0ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 48.3% and 9.9ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 56.7%. What kind of a player did you become there for Mike Morrell?

I got more of an opportunity here to make a name for myself. I came into a starting position. I was able to feel things out and learned a lot there. We won the conference our first year and went March madness. That was crazy. I was a role player that first year. Our only focus was on winning. I figured out how I could become a scorer there and found my spots well. I also was able to score in the post.

You reached the big dance and had good games against Presbyterian. What was your fondest moment there?

Our home games were so fun. My family and friends always came. I had so many great memories. We came from behind to beat Campbell, but lost to Longwood in the final.

You then added an extra season with Georgia State University (NCAA) averaging 9.3ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 58.3%. You became more of a rebound monster. What happened that season that almost allowed you to average double double stats?

We had a great team once again. We just didn´t have the success we wanted. I found a way that season to be able to impact the game at both ends. That season helped me grow as a rebounder and now I can impact the game as a rebounder at both ends.

How did head coach Jonah Hayes give you that last push to prepare you for a professional career?

All my 3 coaches at all 3 schools helped me in different ways. Jonah helped me become more of a man. He gave me a lot of advice and put me in many situations that helped me become a professional. His mind set really helped me.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Cesare Edwards?

I don´t think that we ever played. He has a great offensive polished game. I think a 1-1 game would be close and entertaining.

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

I would say Jaime Jacquez Jr and Jabari Smith. I remember trying to dunk and Walter Kessler came out of no where and blocked me from behind. I couldn´t believe it.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

KJ Williams, Tevin Brown, Drew Pember, Tajion Jones and Justice Hill

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore

Lebron Jones, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

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

I didn´t see it, but the first was great.

Thanks Nicholas for the chat.