Jeff Garrett (201-F-1994, college: LSUS, agency: Players Group) is a 31 year old 201cm forward playing his 8th professional season and second with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Last season with Bonn, he averaged 12.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 77.1%. He played with the Niners Chemnitz winning the Fiba Europe Cup from 2023-2025. He also has vast experience overseas having played in Lithuania, Ukraine, Finland and Luxemburg. He began his basketball career at Oldsmar Christian high school in Florida. He then played 2 NCAA seasons with Northern Kentucky University (NCAA) and in his last season played with : Louisiana State University at Shreveport (NAIA) averaging 18.8ppg, 14.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6bpg, 2.0spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 75.3%. He spoke to eurobasket after the convincing 96-72 win over Hamburg.

Congrats on the 96-72 win over Hamburg to open up the season. How good did that win feel?

It felt really good. It was a big win. It always feels good to win the first game of the season and then on your home court. Hamburg was very dangerous. You can´t take any team lightly in this league.

How perfect of a game was this from your stand point for a season opening game? The team hit three´s well, won the rebound battle, allowed 72 points and only coughed up the ball only 6 times.

That win was as close to perfect as you could get. We shot the ball really well and took care of the ball well. It is an incredible feat to only have 6 turnovers in a game. That speaks a lot for the type of team we have. We have many guys back who know the system as well as some guys back like Leon Kratzer who is also familiar with the system. Then we also have the new guys that have adapted well in the early going.

From all these strengths I mentioned, what was the team´s biggest strength in the win?

I think our togetherness and chemistry. You know just being on the same page. We were never too high or too low. We did slack off a bit at the end, but all in all, we were always able to punch back after they punched.

The team kept 9 players. How hungry is the team to make the next step? Last season you got swept by Munich. Is that still on the mind of some players or is it long forgotten?

You will have to ask the others about that, but for myself, I still have a sour taste in my mouth after that series loss to Munich. I have respect for all, but I think that we can beat anyone. We don´t want to repeat last season, but Be better this season.

Is the final or even the BBL title possible this season?

Yes I think that that is all possible. I feel the same with our chances in the BCL. It is still early in the season, but I think with the personal that we have, we could have a great season. If we gain success early, we can´t get comfortable.

The club has extra duties with the Basketball Champions League. Is this team ready for double duty and will the work load not effect the BBL schedule?

Of course the double duty will have a different effect on us. The wear and tear and possible injuries will play a part in the season, but I think that we are deep enough to manage that still be successful.

The guy kept so many guys from last season. Is there one player where you could say you have a special relationship with?

I honestly have a good relationship with every single player on the team. Some relationships are different and stronger than others. But if I had to name some guys, then it would be guys like Tylan Birts and Alijah Comithier as well as Michael Kessens who played a big role for me joining the Telekom Baskets Bonn.

Grayson Murphy already had a great BBL season last season. Do you see him making another step in his game with the BCL added?

I think that Grayson is capable of having another great season. He is the type of player that will do anything to help the team. It helps that he came back to a familiar situation.

Alijah Comithier is another player that had a super BBL debut. What part of his game do you see him making the next step in this season?

I think that he will take another step on the defensive end. He is already a good defender, but he could even be better with his athleticism and on ball pressure. He was great last season coming to the help side and making big plays. His on ball defense also helped us a lot.

Sadu-Aminu and Birts had great BBL seasons last season. What potential do you see in their games this season?

I think that sky is the limit for both. Joel also has an advantage that he has returned and is familiar with all. He also has the utmost trust from the coaching staff. Tylan is already a very confident player. He has shown coming back strong from injury and he will do it again. I think that Tylan will be scary. He showed flashes last season of exactly what he could do on the court. I personally thought he was BBL defensive player of the year.

An interesting newcomer Is John Michael-Wright. Do you see him making the next step form Croatia? Could he become the go to guy or will there not be a go to guy with Bonn since it has so many great scorers?

We already have so many good scoring options. I think that he is also capable of being that go to guy. He loves basketball. He is always willing to help all. He played mostly off ball, but with us he will run the offense. It will be a new challenge for him. He will help us.

The team made a great addition with veteran Marcus Foster. What will be the best asset he will give the team besides his experience?

Marcus is still young and had a full season with MBC. He still needs to figure certain things out, but he can be a really dangerous player. He can really put the ball in the hole. He is a very complete player and a solid defender. Plus he is a great teammate. Guys like to be around him.

What has been your impression of Aleksa Kovacevic? He played BBL with MBC and has Pro A experience. Will he make his BBL break through?

He will have a good opportunity to do that with us. He is a scrappy guard who makes it really uncomfortable with his defense. Plus he knows how to run a team. He also still needs to get a feel for the team, but he will be all right.

I love the game of German of Kenan Reinhart. Can he make his BBL breakthrough?

He also could make the next step. He really puts in the work. He puts in extra shots and practices twice a day. I think that if he continues to work hard, then his confidence will continue to rise at this level. I think that he will have a great Pro B year.

Your in your eighth pro season. I know for you its all about titles. Are you hungrier than last season?

Yes I am hungrier. I had a solid season last season, but my expectations are a lot higher than just solid. I struggled with my new role off the court. Last season my family was with me. In the past they had been with me, but sometimes for a month or two and then were gone again. I struggled with the daily routine off the court. I left a lot on the table last season. I will get it back this season and have a great year.

You’re a guy that can score and rebound. Do you have the same role as last season?

Yes I have pretty much the same role as last season. As one of the leaders on the team, I want everyone to be able to count on me every night at both ends of the court. I will do whatever to win. I will give that vocal support and be a great teammate

Last season you averaged 12.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 77.1%. What are your personal goals as a player this season?

I want to up my scoring this season. I also tended to be a bit too unselfish last season instead of making something happen. I want to be more aggressive. I also want to get closer to averaging 10 rebounds per game.

Your scoring consistency has been a question mark at times. Does that faze you when you have so many good scorers on the team. In what area do you want to improve?

Consistency is really important for me. I have understood that my lifestyle effected my consistency. I learned from last season about my routine. This season I know what I have to do on a daily basis to be successful.

Where would you like to see the Telekom baskets Bonn at X-mas in the BBL and BCL?

I want to be #1 in both competitions at X-mas. But most important will be staying together, being healthy and continuing to figure things out.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Melvin Joostman?

I will win. But Melvin is my boy. He really has had a great start to this season. He is a lot better in certain situations. I have told him that he has played great.

Thanks Jeff for the chat.