Pic credit: Alix Sophie

Naz Bohannon (198-F-1999, college: Clemson) is a 27 year old 198cm forward playing his fifth professional season in Germany and first with the Artland Dragons. Last season he played with Science City Jena averaging 5.2ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 65.6% He played the last 2 seasons with Phoenix Hagen (Germany-ProA) averaging 12.4ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 60.8% and 13.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 60.9%. He played his rookie season overseas with at Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA) averaging 9.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP-1 (73.4%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 55.2%. He began his basketball career with Lorain, OH / Lorrain High School and left as the all-time leading scorer with 1,385 career points with 872 career rebounds and guided the team to a three-year mark of 69-8. He then played at Youngstown State University (NCAA) from 2017-2021 and in his last year averaged16.5ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 59.8%. He played an extra season at Clemson University (NCAA) averaging 5.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big win over BG Goettingen.

Congrats on the massive 81-69 win over BG Goettingen. What a statement after the tough 91-87 loss to Giessen. How good does this win feel? The first of the season?

It was a great feeling. We have abunch of young guys so any win is exciting. We have been together only 7-8 weeks and I came late to the team. This win helped us continue to build momentum and consistency.

Zach Jackson had a big game in the loss to the RheinStars, but didn´t play tonight. How fortunate was that he didn´t play or would the Artland defense had stopped him as well?

We tend to focus on ourselves. That is the best that we can do. We had no clue that he wouldn´t play and we prepared thinking that he would play. We focus on what we can control. That is the best way to win.

Artland had the fast 7-2 lead thanks to a basket by Buzz Anthony and 2 assists. How vital is his leader ship and play for the Dragons success?

I played against him in Pro A years ago. He has a household name in the league. He is the heart beat of the Dragons. We connect well as a team with him and have learned what he needs and we help him. He is a leader and the heart on the floor.

Artland had the big 20-7 lead, but after 10 minutes led only 23-20 allowing a 13-3 run in the last minutes. What was key for BG Goettingen getting back into the game?

I think that phase was just a part of having growing pains with a young team early in a new season. We were trying to find our consistency. We also got away from certain things on offense and allowed them back in the game. We need to learn to value every possession so we don’t sway in a direction that will allow the opponent come back.

In the second quarter the Artland Dragons kept the pressure on keeping the sound lead as German Ralph Hounnou had a trey and 2 assists. What have you appreciated most about his game?

I love Ralph. He is a real sponge that is always eager to learn. He loves the game so much that he wants to keep growing as a player. He has so much potential and he knows what he has to do so he can become exceptional.

The Artland Dragons had the comfortable 45-34 advantage at the break. After allowing 91 points against Giessen, where did you want to make the most strides on the defensive end?

I think that we focused on what we want our team identity to be which is being a defensive team. We did a good job getting defensive rebounds and getting in the gaps. We did the small things really well and defended well as a team. We take pride on defense.

In the third quarter the Artland Dragons continued to manage the lead well, but lost a little control in the last minutes to lead only 63-57. Did the team get a little sloppy on defense?

We got out of the things we usually do. We slowed down the offense and didn´t let them get comfortable. The flagrant was a big swing in the game.

In the fourth quarter the Artland Dragons heightened their defense allowing only 12 points. What was the biggest strength on defense during the 40 minutes?

Our energy and effort was our biggest strength. These are two things that you can´t teach. Elijah Ndi was huge for us. He set the tone on defense and his energy was infectious.

Domonic Dolic and Grant Teichmann were kept combined to 3 points in 24 minutes. How hungry are you guys to break out again in Koblenz?

I think that we have a team where any guy can step up on any night. When the ball is popping and they start to see it go in, then they will start knocking down more shots. We are a dangerous offensive team and the ball will find them.

The Artland Dragons next battle 1-1 team EPG Baskets Koblenz. What has been your impression of them?

It is hard to pinpoint exactly what type of team they are so early in the season. They have a lot of young guys that have found their way early. Key for us will be to break up their rhythm and make them feel uncomfortable. Every team is dangerous in the Pro A. You can´t underestimate anyone. The young uys will feel like they have something to prove after the loss against Nurnberg.

They are an explosive scoring team that likes to play physical. Can the Dragons have another impressive defensive performance against them?

It will a real battle. They lost a tough game. Some guys may feel like they beat themselves. Our identity is our defense. We can control that. We will be fine. I like our team. I think that with our energy and enthusiasm, we can defend anyone.

Last season you averaged 5.2ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 65.6% with Jena. The season ended well staying in the league, but your minutes were 10 less than the year before. How did you summarize your season?

Key last season for me was growth as a human being. There were things going on in Jena last season that the public didn´t see. Despite the difficulties, I chose to stand tall and keep pushing forward. We had a great group of guys and banned together. If you focus to much on stats then you may lose yourself. I never complained, but fought through adversary. I was really fortunate to paly in the BBL and my path will work. I feel like I played well in the minutes I got last season.

What are your expectations for your game this season? Your back in the Pro A with a talented team?

I´m here to help in any way. I think that there is always room for improvement. I want to show in games this season which I have worked hard to improve. I achieved a lot in the Pro A stat wise and with teams. I want to build that again now with the Dragons. I want to be the best me that I can be.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Jamal Fuller?

I love his game. But I don´t take many guys over myself. When we play, it will be a fun game.

Thanks Naz for the chat.