Johnathan Boatright (190-SG-1994, college: GSU) is a 31 year old 190cm guard from Illinois who as pro experience with Basketball Academy of Moldova (Moldova-Divizia Nationala). He began his basketball career at Joliet Junior College (JUCO) and then played 2 seasons at Governors State University (NAIA) averaging 7.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 75.6% and 17.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 73.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before taking part at the TRSI Las Vegas Overseas Combine.

Thanks Jonathan for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing at the RSI Las Vegas Overseas Combine. How excited are you to taking part and showing your talent?

I’m very excited to play in this combine. I really needed this opportunity to showcase my talent

How did you find about the offer and why did you believe it was the right opportunity for you?

Coach Howard´s Instagram page is how I found it and I knew this time around I’ll be ready

What is your impression of the man in charge Ron Howard? Are you aware of his incredible track record of helping place guys overseas with jobs?

I believe coach Howard is a great guy and hard working man on and off the court. I’ve seen a lot of things he has done for others and I know he’ll do what he can for me as well.

What do you appreciate most about Ron Howards character and his ability to help hungry guys get set with a pro career?

He is 100% understanding and transparent and he can relate with you on all aspects.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say Russell Westbrook because I play the game so hard no matter what you’ll get 100% from me every single game.

What are your biggest strengths on the offensive end and do you have a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away?

I’m a 3 level shooter but what will surprise you about my game is my court vision I can really pass.

Talk about your shooting. Where so you see it currently and what steps do you still need to do to be an even more consistent shooter?

My shooting is great. You really can’t leave me open but I want my shooting to be to a point where you have to guard me by half court.

Talk about your playmaking. How did your game grow in school and where do you see your playmaking at the moment?

My playmaking grew in school because I love PNR game that’s my specialty.

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

I’m a great defender at the moment. Defense wins you championships and I always pride myself on the defensive end. I want to be an even better lockdown defender.

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

Being even more crafty at the rim honestly.

You played a season of pro ball in 2021-2022 with Basketball Academy of Moldova (Moldova-Divizia Nationala) averaging 18.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 3.5apg, 1.5spg. That was a long time ago. What memories do you have of that rookie season?

Just the overall experience was a learning process and you really got to adapt to your environment

You only played 2 games. Why was your stay so short?

We played a full season actually but within the first games COVID had hit so the club had to figure things out. So all the stats are not fully updated.

Have you had a 9-5 job the last years? How do make a living and how much of a challenge is it working and grinding in the gym for your dream?

Yes I have worked 9-5 it’s not had to chase a dream when you really want it you’ll do what you have to do to achieve it.

You played 2 seasons at Joliet Junior College (JUCO) averaging 3.1ppg, 1.8rpg and : 9.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 68.4%. What kind of a player did you become in JUCO under Joe Kuhn?

I’ve became a glue guy under Joe Kuhn where I did everything needed to be done to win.

Every guy that I have interviewed that played Juco have said that it was a tough grind, but one he wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

Juco definitely made me the man I am today because nothing is given everything is earned.

You then played 2 seasons with Governors State University (NAIA) averaging 7.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 75.6% and 17.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 73.1%. How vital were these 2 years in your basketball development? How did your game grow there?

. I’ll just say put the work in and the results will so everytime!

You had many great games against Robert Morris and St Xavier just to name a few. What was your fondest moment in the NAIA?

First round playoffs against Olivet I couldn’t miss that entire game had about 20+. Very upset we couldn’t pull the win out though.

How did Tony Bates groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Bates let me know that if you get grinding and performing nothing can get in your way. Also he helped understand left outside of basketball to have a vision.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Gerald Duckworth?

Me.

What is your biggest dream as a pro player?

Biggest as a pro player is win championships and become MVP

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

Ben Moore.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

5 best teammates Ben, KG, Cal, Rob, Tawone

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time?

Lebron, Kobe, MJ, Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

God.

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

I didn’t see that so I can’t comment.

Thanks Johnathan for the chat.