Pic Credit: UCLA

Prince Ali (193-SG-1996, college: UCLA) is a 30 year old 193cm guard that was born in the Bronx, New York and grew up in Florida and is in his seventh pro season and second with Flexicar Fuenlabrada Madrid (Spain-Primera FEB). He has seen a lot overseas as in the last six years has played in countries like Norway, Poland and Argentina. He has been in Spain the most playing parts of 6 seasons there with clubs like Easycharger Palencia (Spain-LEB Gold), Coviran Granada (Spain-Liga ACB), Hereda San Pablo Burgos (Spain-LEB Gold) and HLA Alicante (Spain-Primera FEB). He began his basketball career with Pembroke Pines Charter High School and then also got early experience with The Sagemont School and Southern Stampede (AAU). He then played at USC (NCAA) from 2015-2020 playing a total of 114 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his memories with Aaron Holiday at UCLA who will give his debut in Germany in Eurocup action against the Frankfurt Skyliners.

You played at UCLA from 2015-2020. What memories do you have of your freshman year playing along side Aaron Holiday? How competitive was the day to day battles in practice?

Aaron Holiday is one of the best basketball players I’ve ever competed against. He showed me more now in today’s time than then, what an NBA professional looks like. Day to Day was a battle. Everyone was a player.

In your 8th NCAA game you helped beat powerhouse Kentucky 87-77 netting 8 points in 12 minutes. Aaron Holiday had a solid 10/8/7 game. What memories do you have of that game playing against many future NBA players like Jamaal Murray? Was that a game where you knew you had arrived in the NCAA?

I wouldn’t say I arrived. However, the dunk that I made in that game definitely made its rounds. It happened 7 years ago and I still see it. Just yesterday actually.

In the 2017-2018 season you beat Kentucky 82-75. What memories do you have of that game? Was that the biggest win of season?

We actually played them so many times, I don’t remember that game.

There the end of the 2017-2018 season he had back to back 34 point games in wins over USA and Stanford. Was that some of his basketball you saw that season.

I do remember those back to back 34 point games. Aaron is one of a kind. He always had a clear vision and idea of who he wanted to become and what he was trying to do for a living. He went after it and pursued it. He has done pretty well.

What was your fondest moment with him off the court? How was he as a person in general?

We came in together and were in the same recruiting class. He were roommates for a bit and he is a really good guy.

Did you follow his career in NBA? Was there an NBA game that you won´t forget from him?

I followed his NBA career briefly, but not too much.

How will he do in Europe? Will he be an impact player?

He is definitely a Euroleague player. He is playing pretty well now from what I have seen. He is a great talent and dude and I have no doubts that he will do really well in Europe.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Aaron Holiday

Aaron

Who was the toughest player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA?

A lot of guys man. Jayson Tatum comes to mind. His ex teammate Jaylen Brown. My former teammate Aaron Holiday. A Lot of different guys

Thanks Prince for the chat.