Taye Fields (193-F-2003, college: N.Alabama) is a 22 year old 193cm guard playing his rookie season with HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL). He began his basketball career at Lee High school and then played 3 seasons at Missouri Western State University (NCAA2) averaging 6.8ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 77.8%,10.7ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 73.3%, and 12.8ppg, 9.5rpg, 3.9apg, 1.1spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 77.7%. He added an extra season at the University of North Alabama (NCAA) averaging 11.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 3.5apg, 1.5spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 74.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against German team MBC.

Thanks Taye for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with the HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It has honestly been a great experience for my first year as a professional. I’m very grateful to have a coaching staff and teammates who really embraced me coming into my rookie season. I’ve especially enjoyed competing against players I played with or against in college. Seeing all of us continue to live out our dreams and build careers doing what we love is truly heartwarming.

As a guy from Alabama, what has it been like living overseas? What have you learned toppreciate most about the Austrian culture?

It’s been a very unique experience. I’m extremely family-oriented, so not seeing my family for about ten months has definitely been an adjustment. What I appreciate most is the pride people take in their country and culture. It’s an amazing thing to witness.

The organization has won 17 club titles and the last in 2020. Do you feel that urgency of the organization to win again?

Most definitely, and not just for the team and the club, but for the Bulls fans across Austria as well. Once you learn the history of this organization and see the pride and ambition of the fans, it makes you want to play ten times harder. Every game feels like a championship game, and our coaching staff does a great job instilling that mindset in practice through healthy competition.

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

It really hit me at the airport in the U.S., walking away from my parents. I tried to stay strong, but it was tough. I was grateful and excited for the opportunity to keep playing, but realizing I wouldn’t see my family for a while made it very real in that moment.

What has been your summary of the season. The club is near the top of the BSL standings but struggling in the ENBL. What have been the reasons for the up and down play?

I think the biggest thing for us has been closing out games. We’ve had leads for most of the game or late in games, and then a few mistakes allow those leads to slip away. Once we clean that up and stay efficient for all forty minutes, we’ll be a very tough team to beat. Turning those tough losses into lessons will really pay off as the season goes on.

You’re playing a solid rookie season in the BSL and ENBL. How content have you been with your game?

I wouldn’t say I’m ever content with myself. Of course you have days where you feel good, but I never want to feel complacent, and I’m always looking for ways to improve. Having a coach like Coach Klym really helps with that. He consistently pushes me, holds me to a high standard, and challenges me to be better every day.

You have needed no time to adjust. What do you believe has helped you the most be able to come to terms with Euro ball?

My teammates and coaching staff, without question. They encourage me to be myself as a player and as a person, which has helped me feel comfortable and confident on the court.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player, who would best fit the description?

I’d say players like Josh Hart, Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, and OG Anunoby. Guys who impact winning in many ways and contribute on both ends of the floor.

You fill the stat sheet very well. How big is versatility a staple in your game and what is your biggest strength within your versatility?

Versatility is a huge part of who I am as a player. My biggest strength is being able to play and guard multiple positions. Coach has asked me to play everything from point guard to center when needed, and I’m always willing to do whatever the team needs to win.

You rebound the ball really well. You have been doing it since Missouri Western State University. How do you want to keep developing as a rebounder in the next years?

By maintaining my drive and taking care of my body. Being a professional is about more than just playing basketball. Proper recovery, treatment, and nutrition allow me to perform at my best every time I step on the court.

You’re also a great defender. How vital is it for your game to become a lock down defender overseas? Is that a goal of yours?

Defense is extremely important to me. I want my coach to trust me in every situation. If that means guarding the other team’s best player, I’m ready. My goal is to become the most complete player possible on both ends of the floor.

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

I work on every part of my game, but my main focus right now is becoming a more consistent three-point shooter and spending more time watching film to improve my reads and understanding of the game. Good or bad game, watching each one is critical.

You began your college career at Missouri Western State University (NCAA2) averaging 6.8ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 77.8%, 10.7ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 73.3%?, and 12.8ppg, 9.5rpg, 3.9apg, 1.1spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 77.7%. What kind of a player did you become in these 3 years there?

I became a more mature and confident player. I learned to understand the game better and focused on getting one percent better every day for the benefit of my team.

You had a massive game near the end of the season as a freshman scoring 29 points in the exciting 76-74 win over UNK. What memories do you have of that break out game?

I was starting to find my rhythm as a freshman, and we really needed that win to stay in position for the postseason. Getting that win with my teammates was a great feeling.

You had many memorable games as a senior including hauling down 19 rebounds twice against Bethel KY and Northeastern State. What was your fondest on court moment as a senior?

Breaking a twelve-year losing streak against our rivals, Northwest Missouri State. It felt like a huge weight was lifted off our shoulders and is one of my favorite college memories

How key was head coach Will Martin in your early basketball development. What one part of your game did he help you most with?

Coach Will helped me see and think about basketball differently. From offensive actions to off-ball movement, he really expanded my basketball IQ. I’m especially grateful for the life lessons he taught me about being a good person and spreading positivity.

You then added a season at the University of North Alabama (NCAA) averaging 11.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 3.5apg, 1.5spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 74.3% and reached the big Dance. What memories will you always have of the game against Bradley?

We fought until the very end. I love those guys, and I’m incredibly thankful for them giving me the best senior year I could have asked for.

How did head coach Tony Pujol help give you that added push to help prepare you for a pro career?

He was very honest and demanding, but it always came from a place of love. He taught me that everything I do on and off the court must be intentional and efficient.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jacari Lane?

It was about even, he would win some days and I would win some days

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

Trevor Hudgins

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I have many great teammates and it’s too tough to pick 5!!!

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Dirk Nowitzki
Hakeem Olajuwon
Kevin Durant
James Harden
Tracy Mcgrady

Who is your GOAT?

Kevin Durant

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

Unfortunately I haven’t watched the sequel, so I’m going to have to check that one out.

Thanks Taye for the chat.