Pic Credit: FCB Basket
Stanley Umude (198-G-1999, college: Arkansas) is a 27 year old 198cm guard from Texas playing his fifth professional season and first overseas with FC Barcelona. He began his basketball career at East Warren high school and then played at the University Of South Dakota (NCAA) from 2017-2021 and then added a season at the University of Arkansas. He began his pro career in 2022 and played parts of 4 years in the NBA with Detroit, Milwaukee and San Antonio. He also played in the G-League for Motor City, Wisconsin Herd and Austin. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Stanley for talking to germanhoops.com After 4 years in the NBA, your now overseas for the first time with FC Barcelona. As a guy from Texas, what has it been like living in Spain and the cultural feeling of Barcelona. Have you had a defining moment so far living in Barcelona?
It has been a great experience. This is actually my first time in Europe. The culture has really opened up my eyes. I check out the great restaurants. I have really enjoyed how the fans have embraced me. The fan culture and atmosphere is great here.
The team have a 3-2 start in the ACB and 5-3 in the Euroleague. What has bene the adjustment like for you getting used to everything on the court?
I think that I have adjusted pretty well. Here the games are shorter and each possession is a lot more intense. Each game matters and your always playing against great opponents. Every night you have a must win situation. You have to always be focused.
Your averaging 14 minutes in both competitions and 5,0ppg. What exactly is your role on the team?
My role is to do whatever it takes to help my team win. Some night I may have more shots than other nights. I have to be consistent and do the little things like crash the boards and be opportunistic on the offensive end while continuing to expand my game.
You played 4 years at the University of South Dakota (NCAA) averaging 16.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 74.5% and 21.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 79.9% in your last 2 years. How vital were these last 2 years for your basketball development playing for Todd Lee?
I had my break out year in my second year. I have always had to find ways to adapt in my career and it was the same here. I kind of took a back seat my junior year, but still produced. In my senior year most of the older guys had left and I took on a big leadership role. I had to learn how to lead in different circumstances. I really learned to be a leader by example.
I saw your ex teammate Tyler Peterson from South Dakota 3 days ago play his first game in Germany for his new team. He smiled when I mentioned your name? What memories do you have of his game? He seemed like a very controlled point guard.
Tyler was super controlled. He was my guy on and off the court. We still have contact today. He could do it all and was a very hard nosed player. He didn´t look tough, but he really was.
You added a NCAA season with The University of Arkansas (NCAA) averaging 11.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 72.4%. The legend Keith Smart was an assistant coach. What memories do you have of him? I bet he had some cool stories to tell?
He definitely had stories to share. Our head coach was Jeff Musselman and he was really tough on us. He only wanted the best for us. Coach Smart was the kind of guy that would always make you feel better when you were down. He always made you feel like you were in the right place. He being there was huge for me and I appreciate him very much.
After a solid NBA Summer League with Detroit, you played most of that season with the Motor City Cruise (NBA G League) averaging 15.4ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 77.5%. But you did play 1 NBA game. You made your debut against Boston making 2 free throws. What memories do you have of checking in?
I remember that I came in with like 2 minutes to play. Jayson Tatum had 38 and my coach gave me the assignment and said “You got Tatum Get 0”. I had to play as hard as possible and make an impact. I did that getting a steal and block and getting to the free throw line. Tatum didn´t 40.
What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie in the NBA/G-League where you knew that you were far away from home?
I remember how the training camp, physicality and skill level were totally different to what I had ever seen. I wasn´t really to shell shocked, because my time at Arkansas really helped prepare my for the NBA. I had had a role there that I would also have in the NBA. Paying attention to detail was also something more different than what I had seen.
In your second season you played with the Detroit Pistons (NBA) playing 24 games averaging 5.3ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 45.3%, FT: 90.6%, played also at Motor City Cruise (NBA G League) averaging 16.7ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 77.5%. You were teammates for a short time with the great French player Evan Fournier and recently played against him in the Euroleague. Was he a guy where you tried to soak everything up from?
For sure Evan was one I tried to soak everything up from, but also from Cory Joseph. They were both great veterans and great guys to be around. They both led by example and I paid close attention to everything they did each day. I still see them now in the Euroleague and it´s good to know that they still have my back. That is a great feeling.
In your third season you played with the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) palying 22 games and also played with the Wisconsin Herd (G-League) averaging 17.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 80.0%. How tough was this season always having to stay ready?
That season was tough. I had actually finished my second season strong with Detroit and had started like 13 games, but then I got injured near the end. Then the team waived me and I went to Milwaukee. There were many great veteran leaders on that team like Giannis, Damian Lillard and Taurean Prince. I tried help team the best way I could in practice even if I didn´t play much in games. Those guys all showed a lot of appreciation for what I did. I really felt like part of the team.
Last season you played for the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) playing 2 games and played also at Austin Spurs (NBA G League) averaging 16.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 74.7%. did you lose faith in NBA which prompted career swing to Europe?
I think it was a combination of both, but mostly just having a very open mind about playing overseas. My brother had played overseas and told me how intense it was. Many former NBA players have done it and I felt it was right to go overseas and tap into the Euroleague.
You played 2 games with the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama. Is he Goat material in the future?
He has a long way to go as there are others on that list. But from what I have seen so far, he has real GOAT potential. He is one of a kind.
You played against many great NBA players. Who was the toughest?
Tyrese Haliburton.
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson
Who is your GOAT?
Michael Jordan/Steph Curry
Thanks Stanley for the chat.
