Kendale McCullum is a 185cm guard from Elgin, Illinois that is playing his rookie season in Germany with the Uni Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA). The Uni Baskets Paderborn have had many very talented point guards in the last years, but none better than Kendale Muccullum. At the moment he is averaging 17,5ppg, 5,6rpg, 6,9apg and 3,0spg and flirting with a playoff spot. He has had an enormous impact on the success of the club as he is fourth best scorer in the league and leading the league in assists and steals.He also is shooting a very respectable 40% from outside. He registered a rare triple double against Schwenningen with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists. He began his basketball career at Larkin High School and then played three seasons at Wisconsin Parkside (NCAA2) playing 73 games. In his last two seasons there he averaged 15.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 5.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 76.7% and 15.5ppg, 4.9rpg, 6.2apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 76.4%. He played his last season of college ball at Lewis (NCAA2) playing 31 games averaging 16.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 6.3apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 80.2%. He spoke to eurobasket about his basketball career before he signed with the club last summer. 

Congrats Kendale on signing with German Pro A team Uni Baskets Paderborn. How did you experience your first summer transfer period. How blessed are you about having Heinrich Sports represent you? It isn’t so common that a D-2 player reach the Pro A?

Heinrich believed in my game from the beginning. He knew he could get me in a really good league where I could showcase my skill. 

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had ex teamamtes or friends play here besides the big man Zygimantas Riauka?

I’ve done a decent amount of research and I’ve talked to some guys who played in Germany. They all loved it. Said the people were amazing, fans were cheering loud at games, food is amazing and etc. I haven’t talked to Ziggy much since he left Parkside. But one guy I talk to a lot was Andy Mazurczak. He talked to me about how it was when he played in this league and that’s it’s a really good start for my rookie season. 

How excited are you to be playing Adam Eberhard this season who is playing for the MLP Academics. Is there some revenge on your mind or did the exciting two wins with Lewis in your senior year erase that?

Adam and I became really good friends our senior year. He’s a really good dude and a competitor. So am I! We talk almost everyday and we’re both excited for each other and can’t wait to go against each other. So, there’s no revenge at all, more just having fun, competing with your brother and having bragging rights. 

You have a connection to another guy from Elgin where you come from. His name is Marcus Smallwood who played many years in Germany including the Pro A and belonged to the best big men. He lives in Chicago now, but over the years did you ever hear about him? Now that your playing in the Pro A, could a guy like that be like a role model for you?

I actually never heard of him before.. which is surprising to me. One of my role models is Andy Mazurczak! He taught me a lot the two years we spent together at Parkside. So, I reached out to him about the Pro A league. Also, had some conversations with Milosh Pulo! He played 11 years in this league. 

The Uni Baskets Paderborn are an ambitious Pro A team that once played in the BBL and haven’t reached the playoffs in a while. How focused and ready are you to lead this team to the playoffs?

We’re just going take it day by day and game by game and see what happens. I believe we have some really good talent on our team, we have a new coaching staff coming in. So we have the potential to be a threat in this league. There’s also other teams in the league with great talent and good coaching staff. So, we’ll see what happens. 

The Uni Baskets management is very convinced of your abilities especially head coach Steve Esterkamp who once helped Paderborn reach the BBL with 50 wins in a row 14 years ago. What were the main reasons for joining this club?

I met with coach Esterkamp and we had a great dialogue. We both dissected my game and he sees what I see. He also speaks really good English so that’s good for me. I related this club to Parkside! To whereas I like playing for teams that get no respect because it makes you play harder every game and when you accomplish things people don’t think you can is an amazing feeling. I heard the city of Paderborn isn’t too big but isn’t too small. Which is what I like, think it will help me adjust faster in a smaller city! It’s a really good league to start my career in, especially if I want to move up. 

Let’s talk about your game. You’re an aggressive 185cm point guard that can fill up the stat sheet like a Russell Westbrook. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say my stats are more like Russell but I think my game is very similar to Kyrie Irving! I study film on him every day and try his moves when I’m training and in games. 

Coach Steve Esterkamp really likes your will and determination. Are these qualities something that have been developed and grown on account of having played in the NCAA 2? How big is your chip on your shoulder to keep proving yourself that you are a lot better player than in the division you played at?

People don’t understand how good D2 basketball is. Some schools could beat some low major D1 schools. I think every D2 player plays with a chip on the shoulder. I think playing D2 did have an positive impact on me having that will and determination. But it also, started back in high school and during AAU season. A lot of politics with recruiting but it’s whatever. I know I could’ve been a mid-major d1 player, others coaches know that, my teammates know that and etc. but I’m glad I got to play D2 because I’m still playing Pro basketball at the end of the day and got my degree so that’s all that matters. Just a different route for me to get here. 

You can score, rebound, get assists and get steals. What other qualities do you have in your game that fans in Germany will see this season?

I think the passion and energy that i play with the fans will love! Sprinting over to pick up at teammate and those types of literally things. 

Getting steals isn’t everything about being a great defender. What other qualities do you have on the defensive end that don’t make you an above average defender, but a very good defender?

I play defense with pride! So, I’m playing a game with myself in my head. I never try to be that guy who gets beat every time. It happens because I’m usually guarding the best player but I never let someone bully me or say they ‘killed me’. I think having that mentality of ‘okay, I’m not letting you get by me’ is what helps me be an above average defender. 

You were so close to achieving a few triple doubles in your NCAA 2 career and as always filled up the stat sheet, but what do you feel has been missing for you to gain one?

I never really looked or asked during games about my stats. Only stat that I checked for were Turnovers. There were a few times where someone would say ‘hey you need 2 more rebounds to have a triple double’ and I would try too hard and not get them haha.. other times we were usually up by a lot and games would get a little out of hand and I’d tell coach to pull me. 

You shot over 40% twice from outside in the NCAA 2? How content are you with your shot and what are your goals to continuing to be a dangerous shooter at the pro ranks?

The biggest thing with me is having confidence. I know I can shoot the ball. I just have to take the shots and have confidence when shooting. I put the work in everyday, just got to knock them down with confidence. One thing I’m focusing more on is shooting 3’s off the bounce. I think once I get the hang of that, my game will be at another level. 

You’re a player that can do so many things on the court, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that still is off the radar for many?

I think my leadership of my game is still of the radar a little bit. My team knows I’m a good leader, but I don’t think others see that yet. Which is fine! I would also say, my shooting ability. Like I shot 52%FG and 40%3pt. But this year people will see that ability. 

You played three years at Wisconsin Parkside (NCAA2). You had a tough freshman season where you averaged 4.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg in 14 minutes and in your sophomore season averaged 15.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 5.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 76.7% in 31 minutes. Despite not playing much as a freshman, how important was that season for your game getting a feel for the NCAA 2?

I knew coming in my freshman year I wasn’t going to play much. It was going to be just getting my feet wet and next season adding more to my plate. I was playing behind Andy who was one of the best guards in the league. Having Andy helped me through my freshman year of the rough times. I learned a lot from him that year by watching and seeing how he controlled the tempo of the game. How he was a leader and more. That helped me make an impact my sophomore season. 

You played together with the double double beast Zygimantas Riauka as a freshman. What memories do you have of him as a player? What was your fondest memory with him?

My freshman year, he was like my big brother. We were together a lot off the court. He sprained his ankle the day before a game. And he played the next day on a sprained ankle and still got a double double. Guy is a true beast and competitor. 

You had two very good season at Wisconsin-Parkside, but then left for Lewis. What were the main reasons for making his change?

Main reasons for the change was because of all the violations the athletic department were receiving! I didn’t want any part of it! Also, talked to some people and said it would be best for me to leave. I think it worked out. Trost allowed me to have freedom and do what I wanted. If I messed up, of course I would get yelled at and that’s how it should be. The Lewis offense was my type of play style, all ball screens and a 4 out 1 in constant motion. At Parkside, it was more a system there. We were successful with it don’t get me wrong. We won a lot of games, conference champs and made the tournament. But it wasn’t truly my play style. 

You had many great games at Wisconsin-Parkkside, but how memorable was your 30/7/5/5 game in the 107-106 victory over Quincy?

That whole weekend was memorable! But that Quincy game I’d never forget. We where not supposed to win that game. Quincy missed 6 or 7 free throws down the stretch and it allowed us to take them to overtime. That’s when Andy and I took over. But at that moment, I knew I had a chance to really be good in this league and play professional basketball. 

How tough was it losing to top school Bellarmine twice in your last two games at Wisconsin-Parkside) What will you remember most from that weekend?

I did not expect that to be my last game at Parkside. We were so close and then we’d make a mistake and they would go on a run. I was telling the guys ‘we’re going get them next year’. I mean that next year they did beat them at Parkside. So I wasn’t wrong, just wasn’t a part of it. 

You had another strong season with Lewis (NCAA2) averaging 31 games: 16.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 6.3apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 80.2%. How do you feel did your game develop further as a senior?


I think having that year off to expand my game, get stronger and rest my body had a big impact on it. I think me being in a system where my skill can be shown helped as well. All my stats and percentages went it up. And it showed with all the accolades I received and the team achievements. 

How did Lewis head coach Scott Trost give you that last push in helping you be groomed and prepared for a professional basketball career?

Trost saw me play once when I was at Parkside and we went against each other. But once he saw me every day in practice and in games, he knew I could play pro and he helped me prepare for that. Every day, I was working on things I’d have to do professionally. Some things I may not be able to get away with. He pushed me every day to be the best player in the gym. During practice and in games. And I thank him for that. 

Who won a one on one in practice you of Adam Pischke?

Not going to lie, but the kid is a walking bucket. He’s not the biggest kid on the court but he’s going to guard you and he’s going to score on you. We never played one on one. Unless it was during a one on one drill in practice. He’d score on me, I’d score on him. We never kept track. I only play One on one with Anthony D’Avanzo because he thinks he can guard me. We’re actually tied 5-5 in the series

Who has been the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA or in Europe?


Jordan Loyd was a bucket machine. He dominated us every time we played them. 

Please list your five best teammates of all-time?

I have to give you six haha Andy Mazurczak, Chip Flanigan, Adam Pischke, Anthony D’Avanzo, Frank Vukaj and Donovan Oliver

Please name your personal own NBA Rushmore. Which four heads would you pick past or present for your list?

This is tough! I’m picking LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant 

What is your personal opinion of the never ending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

I think they both are phenomenal players and glad to see the LeBron James Era. I never saw the MJ era so I can’t pick. Based off the sports analysis and what I’ve seen LeBron James do on the court, I’m picking LeBron James. 

What was the last movie that you saw?

Netflix original, it’s called Point Blank. Fantastic movie, highly recommend it. Especially, if you like action movies. 

Thanks Kendale for the chat.

It is December 24^th Christmas Eve in the States and in Germany it´s the night to open the presents something that Americans that have balled in Europe for years have either gotten used to or not. Just how festive this Christmas will be for Adam Waleskowski will depend how quickly he can get the last tough Frankfurt loss of his mind. It has been less than 48 hours since the bitter 82-81 loss of the Fraport Skyliners against the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig and any loss is difficult to digest, but obviously the tight ones are harder than others. There were a few tragic hero´s in this 45 minute battle, but none more unfortunate than Adam Waleskowski. After the heartbreaking loss, I was ready to give my usual post game interview with him, but he actually denied me. At first I was perplexed, but then I remembered the last seconds of the game and understood. But after about 5 minutes and a few photos with sponsors, he returned a bit more up beat and answered my questions, but I knew deep down this would be a tough loss to forget. It is no secret that dog´s need to have their walks and with Waleskowski´s dog Barry it´s no different, but it would be interesting to know just how many times he had to get out in the last two days to just think and reflect on the last loss. With 13 seconds remaining in overtime and the Fraport Skyliners down 82-81, they had the opportunity to win the game just like in regular time, but couldn´t pull it out. Frankfurt had two golden chances and surprisingly missed. Waleskowski had a left handed hook shot. He was so close to the basket, it seemed like he was almost sitting on the rim, but the shot just didn´t want to fall. The ball then squirmed out to Richard Freudenberg who was the other tragic hero and he missed an off balance open three and the game ended with another loss for the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup winner. “I had no idea how much time was left. I rushed myself. I make that shot 9/10 times. I couldn´t hit anything today”, expressed Adam Waleskowski. Even a guy like new Skyliner Joe Rahon who has been with the team only a few weeks had that 100% confidence in both guys making the shots and was perplexed after the loss. “You would think that when Waleskowski gets a left handed hook shot near the basket and Freudenberg gets an open three that at least one would fall”, warned Joe Rahon. But that has been the story of the Fraport Skyliners this season. They are a lot better than their record, but finally need to produce wins.

            One thing that has really surprised me has been the early negativity and criticism that has been set upon the Fraport Skyliners. If I look at the standings, I see an unsatisfying 4-7 record and 13 place, but so what. The team is only two wins away from the last playoff spot. I wonder what would be going on in the Frankfurt basketball world, if Frankfurt had the Telekom Baskets Bonn 15^th spot and 2-8 record. Ok even for me that means nothing. The whole league is so tight from 6-18 that I am sure there will still be some big surprises this season and come May 2020 there will be a lot of juggling having happened in the BBL standings. I have discussed this fact before this season and will repeat myself, but I have to because the wins that should have been and didn´t happen just continue to arise. The Fraport Skyliners should have won in Bonn, should have upset FC Bayern Munich at home, should have beat Wurzburg on the road and won at home against Braunschweig. If that had happened where would the club be now? They would have an 8-3 record and be in fourth place and all would be normal and happy in Frankfurt Mainhatten. But that is how basketball works. A team doesn´t always get the breaks. A missed rebound, loose ball, shot or foul can cost a club a game and that has been crucial for the team not having the success they should have had. But you can´t look back on these tough losses, but stay positive and look ahead and just continue to work hard and get better. That is what Gordon Herbert has always said and he proved in the past that when his club started off slow, he was mostly able to get the best from his players the rest of the way and get better. This has to be a big focus of head coach Sebastian Gleim, but he knows that.

            On paper the Fraport Skyliners are a playoff team and I feel that on the court they can and will be. Obviously they have had a lot of misfortune with injuries and the departure of Anthony Hickey who was on a good way in pre-season making the transition to the regular season and then got injured. Where would the club be today had he not gotten injured? I honestly feel that they would have had at least 2 wins more. Akeem Vargas has missed two games and that lock down defender was so much needed in the game against Braunschweig. How successful would Trevor Releford have been had Vargas defended him on a regular basis? Releford had a great game, but also had some uncontested shots. And one aspect that is known, but really not mentioned enough is the Niklas Kiel misfortune. The poor guy was on a good way in his development, but then experienced one of three concussions and now his career seems in doubt. If the club had had Kiel last season healthy and strong, they probably would have made the playoffs and this season wouldn´t be in 13^th place. So many what if´s something that is usually mentioned when a team is losing.

            Just when looking at the current roster, you have a 12 man roster that can compete with many other teams that are currently in the playoff race. Lamont Jones is a deadly scorer and when he is on a top 5 scorer in the BBL, Leon Kratzer is another one of countless German players that have developed extremely well with the Skyliners and one of the top German big men in the BBL at this moment. He still misses to much at close range, but when he really refines that, he will be truly scary. No disrespect to the real Mr Skyliner Pascal Roeller, but the current Mr Skyliner is the future BBL legend Quantez Robertson. With Tez you know what you get. 40 minutes of his personal hell on the court filling the stat sheet and being able to make an instant impact at both ends of the court. He may not be in his prime anymore, but he is still a damn good player that any BBL team would love to have on their team. Richard Freudenberg has been the sunny boy that maybe had too much sun and forgot his sunglasses which has hindered his play and development in the first two seasons, but this season he stayed away from the sun and his game has been getting better. He has scored in double figures in 4 of the last 6 games and is shooting 50% from the parking lot. His game confidence is growing and he will continue to be an important piece to the puzzle and success in the next months. Only his 48% free throw percentage remains a mystery. Akeem Vargas has offensively been reborn. Coming into this season the highest he ever averaged in scoring in a BBL season was 5,4ppg in the 2014-2015 season with Alba Berlin. Currently he is averaging 9,3ppg and shooting an impressive 44% from downtown and has scored in double figures in 5 of 9 games. With him healthy the rest of the way this club is a playoff team.

            Shaquille Hines hasn´t been great or bad, but maybe played a bit under expectations. But sometimes that adjustment period takes longer than for other players. He showed that he could score in double figures in the NCAA, Greece and Sweden and at 7/4 in points and rebounds not as far from his 8/4 stats from Braunschweig last season. He could be more of a defensive factor, but important now will be that he gets healthy and returns back with vengence so he can make an impact on the court. I was really excited when the Skyliners got Adam Waleskowski. After covering him for 10 years with teams like BG Goettingen and the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg, I would finally get to see him play live on a regular basis. The only problem is I´m seeing him play, but honestly not enough. I´m sure he isn´t happy about his 10 minutes per game. I personally would like to see him play somewhere in the vicinity of 15-20 minutes. The Ohio native still has game at age 37 and is giving the team good minutes. Obviously the Braunschweig game wasn´t a good one, but I´m sure he won´t have a game like that again. He will continue to be a fighter on the court and important mentor for guys like Freudenberg and Mcquaid. I have been a big fan of Matt Mcquaid from the start, but he hasn´t become that player that the club hoped he would yet. I have a lot of confidence in this kid. I love his game. He can shoot, play tough hard noised defense, has an incredible IQ and has athleticism in him. When you only get 13 minutes per game, you have to be very efficient and it´s tough to really stick out. He has his break out game against Bamberg and had 11 points against MBC and showed flashes of brilliance with 6 points in the loss against Braunschweig. I am confident that he will get more consistent. He needs the trust from coach Sebastian Gleim and build on his self confidence.

            Ex Bamberg Guard Daniel Schmidt and Marco Voeller have been little factors for the club. Schmidt who has won more BBL titles than the rest of the team has averaged only 6,8mpg while Voeller only 3,2mpg. Schmidt is capable of being a solid back up point guard, but really has produced below expectations while Voeller just hasn´t seen enough minutes to really be a factor. I would have liked to have seen young German Bruno Vrcic get into more than 3 games, but it has been refreshing to have seen 17 year old talented guard Len Schoormann already play 3 BBL games and slowly get adjusted to the BBL game. These two Germans have a big future ahead and the more experience that they get already this season the better. I believe Schoormann will have some more exciting moments this season as he continues to slowly make more of a name for himself in the German basketball community. That´s the Fraport Skyliners roster or is it? Oh I forgot a player. How could I forget Joe Rahon? He will be the key in the end if the Fraport Skyliners make the playoffs or not. I don´t say this often after seeing a guy play live only twice, but I love this guys game. He had a very good game against Braunschweig with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 7 dimes and 2 steals. It is amazing to see how quickly this guy has been integrated and really is playing as if he has been there from the start. But he is a true professional and a real floor general. He has a keen sense when to finish and when to find the open man. He showed in the NCAA that he could average 10,0ppg at two different schools Boston College and St Marys, but hasn´t at the pro level averaging 6,0ppg in Belgium and with Braunschweig. Frankfurt has enough potential scorers with Jones, Kratzer, Freudenberg, Mcquaid, Waleskowski, but the consistency with some guys just hasn´t been there. Rahon can be a scorer for this team if he has to, but being that dependable playmaker is more important which could get this team over the hump in the next months. I said it before the season that the Fraport Skyliners would reach the playoffs and still believe it now. Bearing any more crucial injuries to key players, I feel this goal can be reached. Obviously the defense continues to be a work in progress, but the club has defended a lot better in 3 of the last 4 games and just have to continue to get better in the Herbert manner. It isn´t the best of times currently for the Fraport Skyliners, but ending 2019 with a big win in Ludwigsburg could be the real turnaround for the team. Of course this is easier said than done. John Patrick has built a real winning culture this season, but it is a known fact in the BBL that no matter what season it is, clubs hate playing the Fraport Skyliners at home or on the road. Frankfurt will come back from the holiday season and give a spirited effort in Ludwigsburg. Waleskowski will return back to an old stomping ground and be gunning for a win and definitely wants good thoughts on his new year´s walk with dog Barry.

Jequan Lewis is a 24 year old 185cm point guard form Tennessee playing his third professional season and first with PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece-A1). Last season he played with the Goyang Orions (Korea-KBL) playing 16 games averaging 16.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 5.8apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 48.2%, 3FGP: 34.7%, FT: 80.6%, in Dec.’18 moved to GS Kymis (Greece-A1) playing 16 games averaging 12.8ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-2 (5.7apg), Steals-3 (1.4spg), FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 78.9%. In his rookie season he played with the Wisconsin Herd (NBA G League) playing 49 games averaging 9.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 85.0%. He began his basketball career at Dickson County High School and then played at Virginia Commonwealth University (NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 141 NCAA games. In his senior campaign he played 35 games averaging 15.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 81.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after a 85-83 Basketball Champions League win over the Telekom Baskets Bonn where he contributed 12 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists.

Jequan thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Is this your first time in Germany? What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? 

Yes this is my first time here and I’ve always heard they had really good basketball here. 

Have you had any friends, former teammates or opponents ball in Germany? 

My teammate Aaron Best has played in Germany before and from a basketball stand point he loved it.

Your playing your first season with PAOK has been struggling in the Greek A league as well as in the Basketball Champions League. How much of an effect has the fact been that all 5 imports are new to the team? 

Were getting better and better each day, we’ve been through a lot so far this year but we getting it together! I expect big things from us!

What kind of experience has it been playing with PAOK that hasn’t won a title since 1999? For many they have the best basketball fans in Greece. What have you learned to appreciate the most from the experience? 

PAOK has the best fans I’ve seen in a while hands down, very passionate organization. 

How enjoyable has it been playing together with Adam Smith? Your both guards that are very good at creating for others and scoring. How do you compliment each other best? 

That’s my guy, he’s my shooter, we feed off of each other’s energy!

Even if you have been a professional now for some years how beneficial is it having an experienced veteran like Antwaine Wiggins? What do you believe has been the most important thing that you have picked up from his presence so far on and off the court? 

Wiggins is a great guy an great player on an off the court, he helps me with just the mental part of being overseas. 

You have played twice against Panathinaikos losing both times, but scored 12 points in your first ever game. Could those two teams that you played against have beat an NBA team? 

They are a great organization and I feel like they can compete in any league in the world 

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 185cm point guard that can do very much on the court. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I try to play an get up an down like Westbrook 

You had a very good first season in Greece with GS Kymis (Greece-A1) playing 16 games averaging 12.8ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-2 (5.7apg), Steals-3 (1.4spg), FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 78.9%. What is your personal goal for your game this season? Do you feel pressure to have to top that?

My goal is to just be consistent and lead my team to greater heights, a lot of doubters out there but I believe in my troops and what we can do! 

You have always been a good outside shooter. Where are you in your development as a shooter? Do you believe like you can be a 40% shooter from downtown? 

Absolutely, I will be 40% or maybe higher just have to take more and make more!

On what things are you working on most on your game as you continue to work yourself up the basketball ladder? 

Just reading the game in different ways, learning to pick my spots, and controlling tempo 

You began last season with the Goyang Orions (Korea-KBL) playing 16 games averaging 16.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 5.8apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 48.2%, 3FGP: 34.7%, FT: 80.6%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home? 

Just realizing that it’s just basketball, no matter where I’m at just have to remember that I’m getting to play the sport I love which is basketball 

It really doesn’t matter who I talk with but anyone that has ever played with Darryl Monroe have had nothing but good things to say. In your first game there he just missed a triple double getting 9 assists. Is he a guy that you will remember in 10 years? 

Yea Darryl is my big bro forever

How key was your first season in Greece? You came in in mid season and despite the team not winning that much were able to make the best out of it?

It was big time to just get a glimpse of how it was playing Europe basketball. 

As a rookie you played with the Wisconsin Herd (NBA G League) playing 49 games averaging 9.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 85.0%. What kind of experience was it getting that first taste of how the NBA works?

It was fun and it just showed me what I needed to work on to get to the high levels! 

You had very solid stats as a senior at VCU and there have been guys in the past that have made the NBA with stats like yours or worse A good example is your ex teammate at VCU Briante Webber. Do you feel like you could play at the NBA level now with the added experience in Europe?

Yea I will definitely make it one day!

You had a massive 32 points in a G-League game against Long Island. Do you feel like you can get noticed like that o do you have to score something like 50 to have one or the other NBA GM take note? 

You just have to do what you do consistently and you will get noticed, not all about scoring. 

You had a stellar career at VCU. What was your fondest moment? Winning the Atlantic 10 title as a sophomore or reaching the NCAA tournament?

Definitely winning a championship! And of course advancing in the NCAA tournament 

Was beating Fordham, Richmond, Davidson and Dayton the best 4 days in your NCAA time?

It was probably the hardest 4 days, back to backs against great teams were tough 

You won a huge duel over Davidson and Jack Gibbs as you both scored 27 points. Where do rate that game as your most enjoyable in the NCAA? 

It was definitely one of the funniest, Jack was a great player and great match up! Very fun to compete against 

You played for two coaches at VCU with Shaka Smart and Will Wade. How did these two coaches groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Both played a huge role, Wade recruited me there before he left and Smart helped me grow as a point guard, much respect for both of them 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Briante Webber?

I lost count lol we went at it every single day! Going against him made it easy come game time 

Who is the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA now or was? 

Probably Buddy Hield or Deandre Bembry, both really great players an hard match ups 

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

I tell you like I tell everyone else, they both dominated there eras!

Luka Doncic is tearing up the NBA at the moment. Is he a top 3 best player in the league now?

He is definitely top 5

What was the last movie that you saw?

Coach Carter

Thanks Dequan for the chat.

Curtis Hollis a 21 year old 198cm forward from Arlington, Texas that is playing his first season overseas and first in Germany with the Dragons Rhondorf currently averaging 22,0ppg,8,4rpg,3,8apg and 3,2spg. He began his career at Mansfield Summit High School. In 2017-2018 he played with Hutchinson CC (JUCO) playing 34 games averaging 6.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 66.3%. In 2018 he played in Lavar Ball’s new league with the Houston Ballers (JBL) playing 7 games: Score-5 (29.3ppg), 11.3rpg, 5.3apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 71.8%. He and I team up every week to talk basketball in the Miles basketball minute. This week it was a special Christmas edition.

Curtis thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. What does Christmas mean to you? What is the most important part of Christmas for you?

Christmas means a lot to me. Tied for my favorite holiday so it’s special!

You will be home for Christmas this season. How did you experience the pre Christmas experience in Germany?

I just got to chill with my teammates so that’s how I spent it.

Did you find any special presents for your family in Germany or will you do your x-Mas shopping at home?

My game jersey and my mom told me she wanted me to do something for her so that was cool!

On what particular thing are you looking most forward to Christmas this time as you are home with family and not in Germany?

Just being with my family is the most important thing. Hanging out with a few of my homies before I have to come back and get to work.

How does the Hollis family spend Christmas? Are there any special rituals that happen or is it just what other families also do?

Usually open up presents with each other then go to a family members house and hang there!

When you were a kid what was one of your first Christmas memories that is still with you today?

Honestly probably all of them. I always loved just being with my family, eating, & opening gifts.

What was your favorite toy as a child and are there any special presents that you are craving for this Christmas?

Man probably a power ranger thing. I use to love those haha.

If you had had the chance as a little kid to have sat on the lap of Shaq who was dressed as a Santa Claus what would you have wished for?

Probably to be in the NBA like him!

On what Christmas food will you indulge most on and what Christmas food did you love as a kid?

Macaroni, chicken, all those are major for me.

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

The polar express!

Thanks for the Christmas chat! Merry Christmas Curtis!

You can never make it right for any player when it comes to just how many games a team should play per week. Euroleague teams will have 2-3 games per week, while teams playing in the other international competitions mostly 2 games. Players of these teams will complain that it´s too much and not enough recovery time, but then again teams that didn´t make the playoffs the season before will mostly not play more than one game per week, which adds up to 4 per month. NBA players at least can travel in style in private jets and live in the best hotels, but they also have the tear and wear of playing12-16 games per month. But what happens in a player´s mind when they played only 1 game in the whole month? Well the player either totally gets sick of practice or gets used to the little competition. Well this happened to the Fraport Skyliners. With the way their schedule worked this season, they had one game from the period of November 23^rd to December 22^nd. “It´s tough having to always practice and stay focused for just 1 game. In practice it is always the same competition”, added ex BG Goettingen forward Adam Waleskowski. The good news for the 4-6 team was that they made the most of it and played a strong game 2 weeks ago defeating the Crailsheim Merlins that surprisingly began the season on fire winning their first 5 games in a row. Even with Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson being the ultimate warrior and competitor who would play 40 minutes each game if he could, surely didn´t mind the down time for his body. It was finally time to get back on the floor against the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig who also started the season with a bang winning four of their first five games, but since were riding a bitter 4 game losing streak. The guests also had a new meeting with ex player Joe Rahon who had played with them last season and recently joined the Fraport Skyliners. It was another one of those exciting games that went down to the wire with the game tied, Frankfurt had it in their hands, but 2 misses in the last seconds cost them the win losing 82-81. After the bitter loss new Skyliner Joe Rahon who had a strong game scoring 16 points and organizing the Frankfurt game well reflected on the tough loss. “We knew that they were a good offensive team. We played good defense allowing only 27 points in the first half. But in the second half, they started to make shots, Eatherton got going and their zone hurt us. This was a heart breaker loss. It will hurt for a few days, but we will bounce back”, stated Fraport Skyliner guard Joe Rahon. The Basketball Lowen Braunschweig needed a win badly after 4 loses and new player Jarius Lyles was jubilant after the win, but warned that they still can play better. “We still aren´t playing our best basketball. Our zone worked very well in the second half. But the most important aspect was that we fought, stuck together and came up with the win”, added Jarius Lyles.

When you haven´t seen the Fraport Skyliners play at home for a month, then the yearning to see them grows and even brings out extra fans as 5,002 people were in the Fraport arena. The Fraport Skyliners didn´t look rusty having played only 1 game in a month making 3 Braunschweig stops on defense and gave an early indication that they could dominate in the paint as Joe Rahon made a left hand lay in and ex Ludwigsburg guard Lamont Jones also scored on the penetration. Braunschweig finally got on the board going on their own mini 4-0 run as Karm Jallow scored on a hard one hand dunk and ex MBC guard Trevor Releford hit a step back jumper to dead lock the contest at 4-4. Braunschweig would take the 6-5 lead with a Jarius Lyles free throw, but Frankfurt quickly grabbed back the lead wit two Leon Kratzer shots. Braunschweig stuck to doubling dangerous scorer Lamont Jones which opened up the floor for Frankfurt to look for many offensive options and execute. After Waleskowski free throws, Austrian national player Thomas Klepeisz hit a tough off balance trey to cut the Frankfurt lead to 12-10. After another Jones double team session, Frankfurt got a trey from wide open ex Michigan State sniper Matt Mcquaid as the Fraport Skyliners led 15-11 after 10 minutes. “It was a slow start for us, but expected after a 2 week break. But we played solid defense”, stated Adam Waleskowski. The Fraport Skyliners shot 40 % from the two point range and 20% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig shot 29% from the field and 33% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners took control of the game and except for a minor Braunschweig run halfway through the quarter, the home team led by double digits at the break.  Frankfurt went on a 6-2 run to begin the second quarter to extend their lead to 21-13. In the run, Leon Kratzer scored on a hook shot, Quantez Robertson scored inside with his left hand and Rahon made a runner while Releford nailed a pull up jumper. After the Frankfurt run, it was Braunschweig that reacted going on a 5-0 run to cut Frankfurt´s lead to only 21-18. In the run ex BG Goettingen center Scott Eatherton scored all 5 points and was nursing 2 fouls. Frankfurt had lost some intensity in this phase, but it didn´t take them long to buckle down on defense again and go on their next run of 9-2 to extend their lead to 21-18. In the run, German forward Richard Freudenberg connected on a trey, Kratzer had an easy hook shot as there was little resistance from Eatherton who had 2 fouls,  and two lay ins from Jones and Robertson who had little trouble breaking into the zone and scoring. Braunschweig didn´t look good in this phase allowing many easy baskets as there was little communication on defense and no help defense either. In the last few minutes of the first half, Braunschweig did a good job getting to the free throw line, but didn´t execute as well and got 4 points from 27 year old 3 time Belgium cup winner Aleksandar Marelja. Frankfurt continued to control the paint getting two lay in´s from Rahon and one from Robertson as the Fraport Skyliners led 37-27 at half-time. “We ran our plays well on offense and continued to play solid defense. Jones did a good job attacking inside and we got Eatherton in foul trouble”, stated Adam Waleskowski. The Fraport Skyliners shot 59% from the two point range and 22% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig shot 32% from the two point range and 29% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

In the third quarter it looked like the Fraport Skyliners would wrap up the win early leading by as much as 17 points, but the invincible Trevor Releford would take matters into his own hands and get his team back into the game. The Fraport Skyliners got another rapid start going on a 6-2 run to extend their lead to 43-29. Frankfurt continued to attack the weak zone of Braunschweig getting easy buckets from Rahon, Jones and Kratzer. Jones continued to hurt Braunschweig with his quick intelligent passes out of the double team to produce easy baskets. Braunschweig got some key three´s from Klepeisz and ex Alba Berlin guard Lucca Staiger, but Frankfurt just had too much offensive power to contain. Robertson scored inside, but Frankfurt also let the long ball fly as Freudenberg and Mcquaid connected for the Frankfurt 52-35 advantage. But then all of a sudden the Frankfurt offense was slowed down as it became Releford time. The ex Alabama(NCAA) guard got on fire  and led Braunschweig on a 16-4 run to trail only 56-51 after 30 minutes. The American scored 15 points on three three´s, 2 lay in´s and a free throw. “I took what the defense gave me and I was more aggressive. I just tried to help my team as much as possible”, stressed Trevor Releford. “Releford single-handedly got them back into the game. He was hitting shots left and right. They shot the ball and moved the ball better”, added Adam Waleskowski. “Releford is the leader of the team. He hits big big shots and held us on his back. His play shows the commitment and work ethic that he has. He never quits”, stated Jarius Lyles. The Fraport Skyliners shot 63% from the two point range and 29% from the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig shot 36% from the two point range and 41% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

The fourth quarter proved to be a real dog fight as the Fraport Skyliners couldn´t shake the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig as they were forced into overtime. The Basketball Lowen Braunschweig came into the fourth quarter down, but not out and kept chipping away getting to the free throw line and got a key trey from Karim Jallow. While Frankfurt held the slim lead getting good offensive production from Freudenberg with a 2 handed dunk and trey for the 65-59 Frankfurt lead, but Frankfurt also picked up their fifth team foul at the 5,07 minute mark. Braunschweig continued to play with a lot of self-confidence and rattled Frankfurt with a swift 10-2 run to regain the lead again 69-67 something they hadn´t had since the first quarter. Releford continued to be an annoying menace scoring twice in the paint while Klepeisz hit another trey and Eatherton made a lay in for the lead. Whenever Frankfurt gave a punch with a basket with a Jones three, Braunschweig quietly countered with a swifter punch as Jallow was standing all alone inside getting the bullet pass from Staiger to tie the game at 71-71. The rapid punches continued as Robertson and Releford traded basket as the game was deadlocked at 74-74 with 23 seconds to go. Frankfurt had one last attempt to win the game as Jones penetrated and his runner was blocked, but Freudenberg anticapted well where he ball was and tipped it in, but not in time as the buzzer had sounded. “We continued to trade baskets and just stuck together at the end to force overtime”, stated Jarius Lyles. “The end was so close. Both teams hit big shots. We just came up short at the end”, stressed Adam Waleskwski.

Jallow began the overtime period with a lay in while Joe Rahon once again cracked the defense and scored an easy lay up to tie the game at 76-76. It was an outstanding home debut for Rahon who finished with 16 points shooting 58% from the field, had 4 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. After the bitter loss he explained his mind set during the game concerning his role. “I wanted to be aggressive myself as well as be aggressive to make a play. I took what the defense gave me. I scored some easy baskets on transition and found my spots”, added Joe Rahon. Even with the game tight, the Fraport Skyliners looked to be in control with their body language and executed twice well in the paint getting buckets from Kratzer and Jones for the 81-77 advantage with 1,19 to play. Now Frankfurt seemed to be in the driver seat. But Frankfurt would never score again. Braunschweig struck back with a key three from Staiger to cut the Frankfurt lead down to 81-80 with 58 seconds to go. Braunschweig then got a stop on Jones and came back and Releford hit 2 clutch free throws for the 82-81 lead. Frankfurt had 13 seconds left to win the game. In the last seconds they had two good looks from Waleskowski and Freudenberg, but were denied. Waleskowski missed a left handed hook shot while Freudenberg missed an off balance three that was uncontested. “They made their shots at the end. Mcquaid made a good pass to Waleskowski for a shot attempt and Freudenberg had a little more time then he thought. You would think that when Waleskowski gets a left handed hook near the basket and Freudenebrg gets an open three that at least one would fall”, stressed Joe Rahon. “I had no idea how much time was left. I rushed myself. I make that shot 9/10 times. I couldn´t hit anything today”, expressed Adam waleskowski. “Staiger hit a big shot. That is what he does. He is a vocal leader on our team. We fought hard on the last play and did what we could to limit their chances of scoring”, stressed Jarius Lyles. The Basketball Lowen Braunschweig were led by Trevor Releford with 28 points. Thomas Klepcisz added 12 points, Scot Eatherton had 11 points and Karim Jallow contributed 10 points and 6 rebounds while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Joe Rahon and Leon Kratzer with 16 points a piece. Quantez Robertson and Richard Freudenberg added 14 points a piece. The Basketball Lowen Braunschweig shot 39% from the field and 41% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 39% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Curtis Hollis a 21 year old 198cm forward from Arlington, Texas that is playing his first season overseas and first in Germany with the Dragons Rhondorf currently averaging 22,0ppg,8,4rpg,3,8apg and 3,2spg. He began his career at Mansfield Summit High School. In 2017-2018 he played with Hutchinson CC (JUCO) playing 34 games averaging 6.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 66.3%. In 2018 he played in Lavar Ball’s new league with the Houston Ballers (JBL) playing 7 games: Score-5 (29.3ppg), 11.3rpg, 5.3apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 71.8%. He and I will team up every week to talk basketball in the Miles basketball minute

Curtis a tough 99-96 loss at the hands of the Deutzer TV. A few weeks ago you had a 8 game winning streak and now it’s a 2 game losing streak going into the X-mas break. Will it be difficult at times now over the break not to think about the losing streak or will home in Texas be the best medication now?

Yes any time we lose it weighs on me. But I think it’s good we’re getting a break to re focus.

The team now has a 2 game losing streak. What has changed with the team’s play in comparison to what they were doing in the 8 game winning streak?

Well we have to give credit to teams we are playing . They aren’t making it easy for us which you have to respect! But it’s just little things with us that we can fix.

The Deutzer TV played very good basketball. How much respect do you have to have for a team that plays wonderful team basketball with only Germans?

A lot of respect to them. They played hard and made shots!

There were so many problems with the game of the Dragons Rhondorf from taking bad shots, to not rebounding well to giving up easy basket after easy basket. What do you feel was the biggest problem?

Just giving up open lay ups I think was a huge problem. Rebounding too

Kilian Binapfl had probably the worst game in his career going 0/10 from the field and scoring 3 points in 28 minutes. You told me after the loss that he didn’t pick his spots well and forced things. Did you talk to him and give him some good advice going into the break?

Not too much. I just told him to bounce back and not get down on himself it happens to the best of us. I’m sure he will be fine!

The Dragons Rhondorf play a lot of deny and like to gamble. Is it maybe not time to try a new tactic or do you feel that the team will be able to play like this with success down the road?

No it works. We just have to be more disciplined in it. Not gamble extra! Just make smart plays defensively!

What do you feel will be the most important thing mentally that the team has to understand over the break? How does the team have to be mentally when they start play in January?

Just that every team wants to beat us and give us the best! We’ve played every team so we know what to expect. We just have to be ready always!

This week’s teammate spotlight is on Jonas Falkenstein. How have you seen his development since day 1 and can his role grow in the second half of the season.

You can see his confidence grow every day, every game! It’s amazing to see he’s going to keep getting better.

You had a career high of 38 points and added 7 boards and 8 assists. Having a game like this does it make you confident that you can eclipse the 40 point mark this season?

Yes I know I can have 40 fo rsure. I probably will now that I’m going to start being more aggressive but in the end I just want to win.

You scored many points at the end in the come back attempt that just fell short . Despite getting the loss how vital was your explosive scoring for you mentally and physically?

It was good to maybe get a opportunity to have won the game but for me mentally it wasn’t surprising. I could do this every game. 

When your home in Dallas will you attend a Mavericks game? Can you add things to your game when you watch a Luka Doncic play?

Oh for sure! The NBA game is different than Europe but I watch him closely and try to take what I can!

The Patriots were killing the loser teams this season, but can’t beat the tougher teams. Are the Patriots slowly seeing that their dynasty is ending?

Yes! Ravens are winning the super bowl! Haha

Thanks Curtis for the char.

Ron Howard is an ex player that spent many years overseas and since retiring has focused his energy on helping unknown players get exposure by organizing games and in many cases helping them find professional jobs. He founded Howard Hoops in 2013 where he brought numerous players overseas to help them find jobs and since 2018 has started the Howard Hoops academy where he helps train unknown players and help find basketball jobs. He also has started the Howard Hoops Academy and recently had some German kids there for a month working on their games. One of those was Alex Haritopoulos. germanhoops.com spoke with the young German about basketball recently when he was in the States..

Alex thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is life going at the moment? 

Hey thanks for having me! We’re in Saint Louis Park in Minneapolis right now and just working out every day and having scrimmages at high schools and colleges which are organized by our Coach Ronald Howard. 

You have been in Minnesota for some weeks and training with Howard Hoops CEO Ronald Howard. Talk a little about yourself and your backround and how you got involved with basketball? 

Yeah, I’m living in a small city in Germany called Wuppertal it’s actually near to Duesseldorf and Cologne . I used to play basketball with friends out off my neighborhood when I was younger. At that time my best friend passed away on cancer . After that in like the 6th grade my sports teacher who actually played in college for Michigan ( s/o to Mr.Klompen ) said that I should sign in for a basketball team here in Wuppertal. And you have to imagine that I was really not the thinnest person at that time ,so I said ok why not this could be a good thing to get my mind straight again.
How did the contact come to Ronald Howard? –

The contact between Ron and me actually came from Max because Max was working out with him in California when he was 14 years old and they kept the contact from that point on . I just came in contact with him like probably 6 months ago. 

What made the Howard Hoops summer tour so fascinating to you that made you want to get involved with Ronald Howard and his basketball?

Man just the experience I gained Basketball wise and personality development wise in such a short period of time is just unbelievable .

You have been training with Ronald Howard in Minnesota. What is your goal in this program and as a basketball player? 

My goal is to become the best player I can be and to learn as much as I can out of that 1 month with Ronald Howard as a player and as a person. 

I have heard that when you train with Ronald Howard, it’s not the normal kind of training that many guys would experience. Ronald Howard is a very special trainer. Talk a little about what kind of training you do and how he isn’t like other trainers, but very much different?

-Yeah Ron separates himself from many good trainers especially because of his passion for the game and his experiences he gained over the years playing overseas for many different countries and teams. He pushes you very hard in practice and let’s you know what it takes if you’re really serious in becoming a professional basketball player .

How vital has Ronald Howard been with his training for your basketball game? What do you feel has been the most important thing that he has given you that has helped your game most? 

Man I’ve learned a lot of things but I think the most important thing he taught me over that time is playing with heart and pride. And every time you step on a court play with a chip on your shoulder. 

What has impressed you most about the person Ronald Howard? How important is his character and insane motivation for the game that allows for guys to buy into his philosophy? 

For my part it’s his seriousness about his business and the passion to the game of basketball which impressed me the most. He motivates me everyday even if it’s stuff I do completely wrong or just having the wrong mindset to, he’ll let you know and gives you straight opinions and solutions which I think is key for player development. 

Talk a little about your game. To what NBA player would you compare your game to and what are your biggest strengths on the court? 

I wouldn’t compare me to an NBA player yet because I think I’m just not on that level to compare me to some of the best guards in the league. But my favorite player watching is Damian Lillard and how he reads the pick&roll. I think my biggest strength is my shot which Ron helped me with getting a lot more consistent and confident in and reading the pick&roll and making the best decision out of that. 

What area’s of your game have you been working most on with Ronald Howard to help improve your game? 

Mostly all areas of the game but I think for my part I got a lot better in my shot and ballhandling. 

What is your general opinion of what is the route of young German players. 10 years ago there were more going through the NCAA and now it seems like the way is developing in Germany. Are you a guy that would rather get established in Germany or go to school in the states play ball and get an education? 

That is what Ron and me were talking about a lot. It’s a lot of stuff going on back at home with my family so I’ve have to speak with them first about that decision but if I’ve to choose I would definitely pick a school in the states where I get an education from because you obviously get the best basketball taught in the USA.

What is your long term goals with basketball? Are you prepared to invest all in becoming a professional player or do you have other goals? 

My main goal is like I said ,to become the best player I can possibly be and other than that getting an good education and making my own business with car trade besides basketball. 

If you had to pick your own personal NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick? 

Alright I’ll just name players I really watched playing . I would choose Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant for my NBA Rushmore. I know the most people will hate me for that and will probably say that there’re so many other great players before this decade which are better than these players I chose but I never saw them play so I can’t really relate to them. 

What is your personal opinion of the never ending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James? 

For my opinion Lebron James is the GOAT but I let the NBA Analysts do their job in that because I’ve never been able to watch Michael Jordan really play. 

What was the last movie that you saw? 

I’m more of a series guy but my last movie I saw was Creed 2 while flying to the States.

Thanks Alex for the chat.

Toure Murry is a 30 year old 196cm guard from Houston, Texas that is playing his 8th professional season and first with Sport Lisboa Benfica (Portugal-LPB). After an up and down season in 2017-2018 when he split time with Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL) ASP Promitheas Patras (Greece-A1) and HKK Zrinjski HT Mostar (Bosnia-Division I) where he finished strong winning the league title averaging 14.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 61.4%, he returned very strong last season with UCC Assigeco Piacenza (Italy-Serie A2) playing 30 games averaging 16.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg), FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 74.0%. He began his professional career in 2012 and played his first three seasons mostly in the G-League, but also played in the NBA with the New York Knicks, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards. He came to Europe in 2016 and played with Yesilgiresun Belediye (Turkey-BSL). He played at Wichita State (NCAA) from 2008-2012 playing a total of 139 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 12.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 78.9%: He finished career at WSU ranked first overall in games played (139) and assists (430), second in steals (180) and 11th in points scored (1,539). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against medi Bayreuth in Bayreuth. 

Toure thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome back to Germany. With what type of feelings do you have coming back here?

It was a great feeling coming back to Germany. Germany love it’s hoops. It was always fun playing in front of the German fans when I was playing with Ulm. 

What memories do you have of the 84-74 Ulm loss two years ago? Can you remember Gabe York going off for 24 points?

Yes I remember that game. Gabe York had a great game shooting the ball. 

Congrats on signing with Sport Lisboa Benfica (Portugal-LPB). You haven’t only played for many organizations in your career, but also with quite a few in Europe. Have you played for a club here that is as rich in history and tradition as this one which has won 31 country titles? What have you appreciated most about playing for Sport Lisboa Benfica (Portugal-LPB)?

Benfica is rich in tradition not only with basketball but with all sports. It seems like everyone in Portugal roots for Benfica. 

You won your first title in Europe two seasons ago and how aware are you that you could possibly win 3 with Sport Lisboa Benfica (Portugal-LPB)? This could be one of the best teams that they have ever had.

I think that we have a great chance to win titles this season. We have been gelling well since pre season. You have to gel on offense and defense. You also have to know to have fun during the season and take each game one at a time. Our main focus is to win titles. 

Talk a little about your teammates. There is so much experience with guys like Downs, Coleman, Mcghee and Hallman. Which one of these guys has impressed you the most with their game?

I would pick Eric Coleman. He is the oldest on our team and has been having great games. We all root for him to play well. He is a very important player on our team. He is our spiritual leader and we all fall behind him.

Last season you had your best season with UCC Assigeco Piacenza (Italy-Serie A2) playing 30 games averaging 16.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg), FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 74.0%. You were reborn after your tough season in 2017-2018. How important was last season for your career?

Last season was very important for my career. I had an up and down 17-18 season, but Piacenza gave me a chance and the coaches believed in me. I think that this experience will help me to continue to go far in my career. 

How much fun was the win and 34 points and 9 three’s against A Cota IM. Where does rank with your best games in Europe?

That has to be one of my 1-2 best games. I hit a lot of three’s in that game. I showed teams that I can shoot the ball and be a force. 

In 2017-2018 you split time with Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL): Eurocup: 10 games: 7.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 44.7%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 85.7%; German BBL: 13 games: 4.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.8apg, in Jan.18 moved to ASP Promitheas Patras (Greece-A1): 4 games: 3.3ppg, in Mar.’18 signed at HKK Zrinjski HT Mostar (Bosnia-Division I): 15 games: 14.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 61.4%. How tough was this season until you got to Bosnia and what did you learn about yourself?

We all want to be in one place for a season and feel comfortable. That was a tough season. It was very up and down. The season taught me to always remain positive. I learned to persevere and to never stop believing.

How proud are you of your ex teammate Octavius Ellis who like you came from another team to Greece and since is in his third year there with ASP Promitheas and found a new home. Did you guys do some soul searching together?

He was already there before I came. He is a great player that is athletic and can run and jump and block shots. I’m very happy that he has found a home in Greece for more than just one year. Usually players sign one year contracts.

After playing your first 4 seasons in the states you came to Europe for your first real season and played with Yesilgiresun Belediye (Turkey-BSL playing 6 games averaging 8.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, What was your wake up call to playing your first season in Europe where you knew that you were far away from home?

I had no problems on the court. I just wasn’t familiar with the business side.

You only played a short time in Turkey, but could you rank the Turkish league as the most skilled that you played in in Europe?

Every country that I have played in in my career has had their own style. Turkey has more Americans than all the other leagues that I have played in. In Turkey it’s more of a 1-1 league. There are a lot of guys in Turkey that know how to score. In Germany there are a lot of great teams and it is harder to score a lot. German teams scout very well. You have to use your teammates more. 

You played your first 4 professional seasons in the Stats amassing 56 NBA games for the Knicks, Jazz and Wizards. Despite making the big show do you feel like you were in some way let down by the NBA? Often players blame the process instead of looking at themselves in the mirror. 

I don’t feel like I was let down by the NBA. The NBA was a stepping stone in my career. Not many players can say that they played in the NBA. I take a chip on my shoulder and am blessed that I had got the opportunity to play in the NBA. The G-League gave me great exposure and I played with many great players in the NBA. It was an unbelievable moment being able to play with Carmelo Anthony, I will never forget these moments.

In the summer of 2012 you were in Israel and Turkey but came back to the States and then played with the at Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League) playing 52 games averaging 9.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 69.2%. What memories do you have of that first time in Europe? Did you at first think it was better getting your feet wet in Europe before going for the NBA?

When I was a rookie, I did not want to go to the D-League right away. I wanted to go to Europe and make some money for my family. Going to Europe at that time was the best situation, but it didn’t work out, so I was forced to go to the D-League. It was a blessing in disguise. Playing for Nick Nurse was huge. He was the first guy that really made me believe that I could paly at a high level. I knew I would have ups and downs, but I never gave up.

You had a solid rookie season, but not great one. Obviously the NBA dream was there, but how did you really feel about your NBA chances the second season?

I had every opportunity to sign with the Utah Jazz. Unfortunately I played only 1 game. It was hard to swallow after playing 52 games for the Knicks. I can’t sub myself in with the Jazz. I have great memories. I played for a great coach with Quinn Snyder and learned from great players like Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors. I would have liked to have played more, but I enjoyed the moment and appreciated it. 

You finally got your chance and played 52 games for the New York Knicks. Was your last game where you scored 15 points in the 95-92 win against Toronto your fondest game memory?

Yes for sure. Coach gave me the chance to play 26 minutes. I was able to showcase myself and finished the season with a win and had my highest point total. 

You were a young buck and were teammates with Carmelo Anthony and Ron Artest. What did it mean for you being able to work with them on a regular basis and what will always remain in your mind about your time with them?

One thing that I will never forget about Melo was that he was one of the few players that voiced for me to make the team. He really believed in me. In pre-season, I was a long shot to make the team. He went on ESPN and said some nice words about me. That made me happy and proud. Melo was so down to earth. He always told me how important work ethic is. I usually sat next to him on the bench during games. He was always schooling me on the game. He always stressed to work hard and be a great teammate. He also stressed to always be a good person. He was a mentor for me. 

The next season you were with the Jazz playing one game and played 3 games with the Wizards while also playing in the D-League. What did you learn that season where you clearly saw that the NBA is a business foremost?

I learned that you may be more talented than another guy in the NBA, but the cards are not always played out like that. I also learned that at the end of the day, you always have to be ready. You have to always be mentally locked in even if you haven’t played in 9 or 10 games. 

Did you have any interesting Paul Pierce stories for the grandchildren in the very short time that you were there? What stuck in your mind about his competitiveness?

Paul Pierce was the ultimate competitor. I sat next to him on the plane. He always stressed how important work ethic is. He always told me to continue to work hard and to be focused and not to get side tracked by the life style.

In the 2015-2016 season you split time with the Texas Legends (D-League) playing 36 games averaging 12.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 33.5%, FT: 66.0%, in Mar.16 signed with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League) playing 16 games averaging 7.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 47.1%. How do you remember see this season? Did you have to realize that season that you were far away from the NBA?

I used all the opportunities that I had. I didn’t want to go to Europe with regrets. Of course it was frustrating not getting called up. I gave it my all. The Legends always had great teams. I won a title with the Skyforce. It was a tough year and it was the end of my time, but it was nice ending it with a title. 

You played at Wichita State (NCAA) from 2008-2012. It has been 8 years ago, but what do you remember most about winning the 2011 NIT title?

That season was magical. We had a great team and fought hard the whole season. It was unfortunate that we didn’t make the NCAA tournament. The year before we had lost in the NIT. The 2010.2011 season we made a pack to win the national title. It was awesome playing in Madison Square Garden and in front of so many fans. I will never forget cutting down the net at the end.

What was toughest to swallow from the bitter 62-59 NCAA tournament loss to VCU in your last NCAA game where you had a very effective game with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 1 block?


We had a great record that year. This was a very emotional game. The ending was very controversial. The game had that up and down style one that we weren’t used to. I wanted to score more in that game. I took the last shot and missed and we lost. Even if we lost VCU had a great team. The memory will still be a great one.

You played your first two seasons with Clevin Hannah and your last two seasons with Joe Ragland. Two very talented guys that have carved out very good professional careers. How did your game profit from Hannah’s in the early going and how did Ragland’s presence help your game in your last two seasons?


Clevin was like my big brother and mentor. We were roommates. We still talk to this day. We have a special brotherhood. We have all been successful. We helped bring Wichita State to where it is today. I won the NIT title with Joe. I made history with both. We all went to the pro ranks and have had great careers.

How did head coach Greg Marshall groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Marshall challenged me in many ways from day one. I had to grow up quickly and take big shots and handle the ball in tough situations. He was tough on me and treated me like a professional from day one. I had to be prepared each day. He knew that I could be in the NBA, but he always kept me humbled. He taught me that you have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I passed every test that he gave me. When I started getting challenges as a pro, it never was a challenge because I was used to it.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Joe Ragland?

We didn’t play so much. I probably won the games and he will say he won. We both are competitors and love the game.

Please construct your personal NBA Rushmore. Which 4 heads past or present would you chose?


Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Shaq and Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Who was the toughest player you battled on the court that is in the NBA?


Off the top of my head, I would have to say Luke Babbitt of Nevada. He was a tough problem for us. Fred Van Fleet was also a tough cat to guard.

What is your personal opinion of who is the best Michael Jordan or Lebron James?


Jordan is the GOAT. Lebron looked up to him. Lebron is my era, but I’m still young enough to know what kind of an impact Jordan had.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Elf.

Thanks Toure for the chat.

Darius Thompson is a 24 year old 193cm. guard from Murfreesboro, Tennessee playing his second professional season and first with Happy Casa Brindisi (Italy-Serie A). Last season he played his rookie season with Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-Eredivisie) winning the cup and playing 39 games and leading the Eredivisie league in scoring with 19.0ppg, 4.1rpg, Assists-2 (5.4apg), Steals-1 (2.7spg), FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 81.7%. He played at 3 NCAA schools beginning with the University of Tennessee (NCAA) playing 37 games averaging 2.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.4apg. He then played at the The University of Virginia (NCAA) from 2015-2017 playing a total of 69 NCAA games averaging 4.1ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.5apg and 6.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 60.5%. He made one more move playing his senior year at Western Kentucky University (NCAA) playing 36 games averaging 13.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 73.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a basketball Champions League game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn in Bonn.

Darius thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Welcome to Germany. Did you make any trips to Germany while your rookie season in Holland?

Last season we went to Wurzburg for a game, but other than that I hadn’t been to Germany. I never got a chance to come to Germany because we had so many games. When I had an off day, I chose to lay around and rest.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had any friends or former teammates or opponents that have played here?

I have played and played against a number of guys that have played in Germany like Adonis Thomas. They have all spoke highly of the league and that it has great competition and has great tradition.

Your playing your first season for Happy Casa Brindisi (Italy-Serie A) The club is playing well in the Serie A and up and down in the Champions League. What kind of experience has it been playing in Italy?


It has been an overall very good experience playing in Italy. We started off strong, but recently haven’t been playing as well. For me personally this was a good step to make. It was a huge jump coming from Holland. I love to compete against the best teams and am able to do that here.

You led the Dutch league in scoring last season and have had solid stats this season. What was the biggest adjustment for you coming to a higher level with the Serie A?


The overall talent is a lot higher. The players in the Italian Serie A are bigger, stronger and faster. I think that the teams are deeper in Italy. Many of the rotation players in Italy could be starters for Dutch teams. There are no breaks in the Serie A. All players know how to make plays.

Let’s talk about your teammates. What kind of an experience has it been sharing the court with prolific scorer Adrian Banks. How has his experience and game helped yours mature at a new level?


It has been great being teammates with him. He is an experienced player and has been playing for years. A big thing that I have learned form him is that he knows when to slow down the game. That is when he out smarts other players. I love watching him compete. You can learn a lot from him. 

Has teammate Kelvin Martin gave you some information on Germany. He is a guy like you that started in lower levels and has moved himself up the basketball ladder.

I talk to him a lot. We have had similar experiences as players. We both played in the Dutch league and have been able to move up. It has been a great experience learning from him. He told me his experiences that he had with the MLP Academics. He is a great example of how hard work will get you up the ladder. 

You’re a guard that can fill up the stat sheet with ease. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

It’s hard to tell. I’m a bigger guard and I like to share the ball. I am a different type of player. I just try to take a bit from many different players. I just try to be the best that I can and continue to improve in all aspects. 

You have always been a very good defender. What part of your defense do you feel is off the radar?

Contesting shots with my length. If a player gets by me, I feel that I can recover faster with my length.

You have been shooting the three very well the last two years. What is your biggest focus on developing your shot further to go from a good shooter to a great shooter?

Just continuing to take more reps in practice. My team knows that I can hit open shots. We have many guys that like to attack the rim so they need a spot up shooter who can hit the open shot.

Last season you played with Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-Eredivisie) playing 39 games: Score-1 (19.0ppg), 4.1rpg, Assists-2 (5.4apg), Steals-1 (2.7spg), FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 81.7%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew right away that you were far away from home?

Being away from home wasn’t an issue since I had been used to it in college. I think that the biggest wake up call that I had was just the different style of basketball. There is more ball movement and team chemistry here. I am getting more and more used to playing here.

Was the thrilling 97-96 win in the Fiba Europe Cup against Turkish team Sakarya BSB your best personal game as a pro, but was a clear second to winning the cup title?

Yes that was one of my best performances as a pro in Europe. We were down 20 points and made an amazing come back winning and advancing to the next round.

How vital was Dutch national player Worthy De Jong in your rookie season. Do you feel like some of his leadership qualities rubbed off on you?

Just being around so many veterans with experience helped me a lot. He taught me how to keep my body right and stay in shape and just be able to last a whole season. There are so many more games at the pro ranks than in college.

What was your impression of Maurice Watson. He went through a lot a few years ago with that rape scandal which he was cleared from How far do you feel can he go with his game as a professional?

Sky is the limit for him. When he was college and healthy, he was one of the best point guards in the nation. He like me had to start at a lower level as pro’s than what we expected. Many doubted him and still do, but he just kept grinding. Last season he was in the top of the best assist guys in the Dutch league and Fiba Europe Cup. He is starting to get more looks and NBA work outs. He never gave up on himself. I am really proud of him. We talk at least once a week. He is like a brother for me. I think that in a few years he will be playing in a top league. 

What kind of experience was it playing NBA Summer League with the Toronto Raptors. Can one make own personal judgements about how far one is from the NBA after an experience like that?


It was a different kind of experience seeing how the NBA works. I felt like I learned a lot in my time there and was aware of what I have to keep working on to get better. The whole experience taught me that I have to be prepared for the next stage. It was great being around NBA personal and playing against the most talented young players. 

What kind of feedback did you get from coaches and players about your play? What was your coolist experience at the NBA Summer League?


For me it was just having the opportunity to be with the Toronto Raptors who had just won the NBA title. The atmosphere was great and being able to work with the coaching staff that had just won the NBA title was huge for me. 

Not every guy can say that they played at 3 NCAA schools. You played at Tennessee, Virginia and Western Kentucky. What part of your game do you feel profited the most from this experience which it may not have gotten if you had been only at one school?


I think that the most important thing that I got out of being able to play at 3 schools was having experience with different roles. At Tennessee I was more of a pass first guard as we had many experienced guards. The system at Virginia wasn’t as fast. At Western Kentucky it was more of an open style .I learned how to play different ways. Having had this experience with different teams and styles will help me very much.

You began your career with Tennessee where you averaged 2,0ppg in 16 minutes of time. What kind of experience was your freshman year and did you get anything positive from it?

It was a huge experience. Being able to go against future NBA players like Jordan Mcrae and Josh Richardson was important. I made good strides there. I was second in team assists as a freshman. We reached the NCAA Sweet 16. It was the craziest game. We played in the Indianapolis Colts arena. 

You then played two years at Virginia where your minutes and stats gradually went up. How do you feel did your game develop further under Tony Bennett?

I developed a lot under coach Bennett. It was a slower pace. It was a different style to adjust to. I played against different pro’s each night. It was a great experience. 

You reached the NCAA Elite 8 losing to Syracuse 68-62 and you had 9 points in 13 minutes. What memories do you have of this game and was this one of your toughest loses in the NCAA?

I had a lot of tough loses including losing by 30 points. We led most of the game against Syracuse and let it slip away. As a kid you always dream of playing in the NCAA Final 4. We were minutes away form winning. It was a very tough loss. 

What memories do you have of Malcolm Brogdan? He heightened his stats in each NCAA season and reached the NBA and has stayed. What was especially special in his game that other guys didn’t have?

He is the definition of hard work. He was always the first in the gym and the last one out. He was so locked in to always wanting to be the best. He took no days off. 

You moved one more time to Western Kentucky University (NCAA) playing 36 games averaging 13.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 73.6%. What did you learn about your game that you didn’t know about before?

We had more freedom under him. The offense had more freedom to make plays. We would attack each possession and make plays. 

You had an amazing triple double against Marshall with 33/10/10. Did you down the stretch that you were close to a triple double?

My teammates reminded me at the end that I was close. There were 2 minutes left to play and I needed 2 rebounds. When I got the triple double, all my teammates were going crazy. It was one of my best performances in college. I will never forget it.

How did head coach Rick Stansbury groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He opened my mind to never back down and always be in attack mode. He always forced me to be aggressive. 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Taveion Hollingsworth?


He was a really tough player. He always had to guard the other teams best player. He backed down to no one. I don’t think that we ever played each other. If we did we both got the best of each other. When all is said and done, he will be the Western Kentucky’s all-time leadings corer and will go down in history as the best player. 

Who was the toughest player you battled on the court that is in the NBA?

I played against so many. It’s hard to pick just one. 

Please construct your personal NBA Rushmore. Which 4 heads past or present would you chose?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Kobe Bryant

What is your personal opinion of who is the best Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

If you break down all the stats then I take Lebron. If it’s titles then it’s Jordan. 

What was the last movie that you saw?


Taking of the Pelham 1-2-3 with Denzel Washington.

Thanks Darius for the chat.

Justin Dentmon is a 34 year old 183cm guard that was born in Carbondale, Illinois and is playing his 11th professional season and first with Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-Jeep ELITE ProA). He has seen the world having played in countries like Israel, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Italy, China, Puerto Rico, South Korea and Lebanon. He also spent part of six seasons with The Texas Frisco Legends and had short NBA stints with the Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs. He played for the University of Washington form 2005-2009. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Rasta Vechta in Vechta. 

Thanks Justin for talking to germanhoops.com Welcome back to Germany. You were in Germany before playing Euroleague against Bamberg. What memories do you have of that?

The Bamberg games were always tough. They always had really good players especially the Americans. They always played me really tough. It was one of the toughest teams that I played in Euroleague. They always did a good job taking away the things I do well. 

Your preparing for a Basketball Champions League game in Vechta. You have played for 18 organizations and in many countries. Have you ever played in a smaller city than Vechta in your career?


No I have not. Vechta is very small and not a lot of noise here. For me it’s hard because I’m used to exploring and seeing the city. There aren’t any malls here.

Your playing your first season with Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-Jeep ELITE ProA). At this stage of your career winning titles is your biggest goal. The chances at the moment in the France Pro A and BCL seem difficult at the moment.

I feel that we have a chance. We need to figure some things out. We have had the injury bug which can hurt a team’s focus and desire. I need to keep the guys focused as a leader and help the team be successful until the rest come back. 

You have been an explosive scorer your whole life. What other strengths in your game are you focusing on most this season in bringing your team success besides just putting the ball in the basket?


When I was younger I focused on more things like being a floor general and playing defense. Now my focus is just to be me. Now I am focusing on things that I do well and not on things I don’t do well. My focus is always on winning and scoring. The France Pro A and BCL haven’t seen my best yet. But when they do it will be scary. 

At age 34, what are your biggest parts of your game that you are working on and how difficult is every new day when your in your mid thirties?

At this point of my career I’m thinking most about health, because I want to play as long as I can. A big focus for me now is getting to the free throw line more. I want to exert as little energy as possible. Getting to the free throw line is free

Let’s talk about your teammates. The team has a lot of experience and recently signed another veteran Ekene Ibekwe. He has seen a lot in his career as have you. How has it been exchanging stories of your careers?

The stories have been interesting with him. He has played with a lot of guys that I know and also have played with. We made a bet to who played with more teams and he won. He had something like 23 teams while I had 22. We have a lot of experience. We only have three players over 30 with Me, Ekene and Ronald Moore. We have to take the young guys by force and hope that they fall in line. 

How easy have your guard teammates Tyrus Mcghee and Ronald Moore made your life easier on the court?


Moore does a good job bringing the ball up and knowing how to run the team while Mcghee shoots the ball well and it helps me be able to look for him. I don’t need to do as much scoring when he is on the floor. 

Last season you played for three teams in the G-League, South Korea and Lebanon. The basketball globetrotter life has had no effect on you even now in your thirties. Is moving around so much in your life been in your blood?

I don’t know if it has been in my blood, but it has been fun and interesting playing in so many different countries and being able to explore so many different cultures. But I have to admit that at this age, I would rather know where I will be playing next season. It is hard bouncing around when your older. 

You played your last NBA game in the 2012-2013 season, but since then played NBA Summer league during 4 summers and have not returned back to the NBA despite putting up great numbers in many different leagues. Has the NBA really got younger over the years? It seems like it’s more difficult for older guards to get a job or is the competitiveness and influx of many guards a reason that it is harder to land a job there?

All of that in one. A lot of it had to do with bad timing. Some NBA teams took me that already had guards that played like me while other teams took me not wanting a scoring guard which put me in limbo. Now adays everyone is a scoring guard. It’s all about who you know. Agents have a lot of control and leverage over teams. It is hard being mad about the situation when things are out of your control. Charlotte liked me, but they didn’t want two Kemba Walkers. I always liked to play NBA Summer League, because I loved basketball and didn’t want to be at home doing nohting. 

Especially in the 2017-2018 season you averaged an overwhelming 28,0ppg in 24 games in the G-League. For me it’s mindboggling how you didn’t get a call up after something like that?

That was one of my most efficient scoring seasons in my professional career. I was #1 in scoring and three point shooting and #2 in steals. My agent talked to the Clippers and Knicks who were high on me. They wanted to see me play at a showcase. I was so confident that I was thinking who will it be the Knicks or Clippers, but then I got hurt. 

You have played parts of three seasons in China putting up numbers averaging 30,0ppg, 24,0ppg and 23,0ppg. Americans really dominate this league. Do you feel like your game could profit from here despite it being a league where defense isn’t so much on the menu?

China helped me build more confidence and taught me how to lead a team. Chinese teams don’t have such strength except for their import players. I also learned to be a better leader and taught me when I had to score and when not to in tough situations. I helped small teams become big teams.

There was a time in your 30,0ppg season in China where you scored 30 points or more in 11 straight games. What did that do to you mentally. Did it rise your invincible scoring mentality?


I remember it well. I was on a different planet. I got away from this kind of scoring mentality after I played there. I should just go out and play instead of thinking about making mistakes. I also was encouraged by t Stephon Marbury who was playing in the league. I wanted to be better than him.

You haven’t played much in Europe, but proved in the 2013-2014 being one of the top guards in the Euroleague with : B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania-LKL, starting five) playing 29 games averaging 14.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-3 (1.9spg), FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 83.3%; and playing 24 Euroleague games: Score-2 (16.9ppg), 3.4rpg, 4.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 44.3%, FT: 86.3%. How did it raise your game that season and what did it gain that you didn’t have the season before?

That was a great team and experience for me. They brought me in and right away treated me like family. I really liked playing for that team. That season helped me in that teams saw me as a European player and upped my status as a player for other leagues. I would have gone back, but they had money issues. Important also was that I was able to adapt to the culture and their style of play. I gave it my all in the Euroleague. It was hard to come back since China was offering a lot more money. Playing in Europe hasn’t always been easy for me with the travel and bus rides. It just isn’t a fit for me. 

What memories do you have having the privilege of playing with legend Sarunas Jasikevicious? What did you appreciate most about him being around and how was your relationship with him?


I remember his composure, leadership and how he carried himself on and off the court the most He was a winner and leader off the court as well. I knew that when I did make a mistake, that he would be there every time telling me what I had done wrong. He was like a big brother for me. 

Between 2011-2013 you played 8 NBA games with the Spurs, Raptors and Mavericks. Looking back did the NBA disappoint you that you didn’t hang around longer or were you just blessed for having the short opportunity?

It was a blessing and disappointment at the same time. It was a blessing with the first two teams that I made. I was just glad I made it. When I made the Mavericks, it was like a reward for playing so well even though they had no real intention of signing me. The NBA was a blessing and a disappointment because I wasn’t given a real opportunity to showcase that I belong.

You played two NBA games with the Spurs and was on the stat sheet with Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard. What one instrumental thing will always remain with you from each player?

Leonard was quiet, shy and goofy. Duncan was a cool quiet guy that liked to get on his lab-top. Parker wasn’t the best for me at the beginning. When I came up, he thought that I was one of the equipment guys. There were many guys that were called up. He later apologized. Manu Ginoboli was the massage guru. But these guys were all about winning. The Spurs were the most professional team that I have ever been a part of. It was like family. They all knew their roles. What I regret the most is that I didn’t take any photos with any of them. That makes me sick, because I played with so many great players. 

You have played for many many head coaches, but what is a positive attribute about Greg Popovic that not many know about?

He was straight forward and told you how it was. He was sarcastic with me and liked to joke around. I remember him saying that he didn’t know that rookies got massages. He didn’t care if it was Parker or Duncan, he would yell at you if it was wrong.

You also spent time with the Dallas Mavericks and was on the stat sheet with Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter and Shawn Marion. What was one thing from each guy that will always remain with you?

Carter was one of the nicest dudes. He was always encouraging me. I remember at the NBA Summer League he was trying to get other NBA teams to recognize me. Nowitzki was goofy. I remember him beating me by one shot in a shooting contest. He was polite and said ‘Thank you young rookie for shooting with me’ and then walked away. Marion was instrumental in how I approached other people and how I dressed. 

In your second professional season you played your first season in the D-League with the Frisco Texas Legends (D-League) playing 52 games averaging 18.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 84.3%. What memories do have of that time and how has the league changed? Weren’t there a lot older guys playing then than now?

Back then older guys were set in getting back to the NBA. Now the young players want to prove that they belong in the NBA. And if they don’t reach the NBA right away, then they are comfortable with staying there. A lot has changed in that time. There are different coaches and the playing style has changed. The Texas Legends will always be a part of me. They took me back even after I was injured. I have some club records, They are an unbelievable organization. 

You played your rookie season with Hapoel Afula (Israel-Premier League) playing 22 games: Score-1 (19.8ppg), 3.8rpg, 2.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 82.2%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew you were very far away from home?

It was an easy transition. I had been used to being away from home a lot when I was in college. Every thing was so new and slow for me that I was going at full speed at all times. I was taught to pace myself. It was a very nice country and I didn’t feel threatened at all. It was an important part of my career as it is where it started. After that everything fell into place. 

How important was your American teammate Steffon Bradford in your rookie season. Did he take you under his wing?

I only played two months with him as he came in late. He played very hard and had a lot of experience having had played on many teams. 

After a stellar NCAA career at Washington, you had an amazing experience at the Jamal Crawford summer league averaging 42 points per game and had NBA workouts. Do you feel that 2009 class was so strong that made your chances of getting drafted more difficult?


Yes the 2009 class was a tough one. You can only control what you can control. Portland really wanted me. If they would have selected Patty Mills earlier then they would have taken me, but they then selected him late. I decided to go overseas and get a year under my belt and then came back and showed what I can do. 

You played at Washington (NCAA) from 2005-2009 and reached two NCAA Sweet 16’s. Which of these runs remained most in your mind?


The title my freshman year was the most memorable playing with Brandon Roy and Bobby Jones. No one thought that we could win it all. Everyone thought that we would lose I the first round. We played very hard. We should of beat Uconn, but there were some questionable calls. 

How important was it having Brandon Roy as a teammate in your freshman year? What memories do you have of him and how did your game compensate the most as a freshman?


I was a two time Freshman of the week and made the all-freshman team. Roy made me look good. He was one of the top players that I ever played with. It’s a no brainer. He could score and play defense. 

A guy I had a lot of pleasure interviewing years ago when he was balling in Italy was your ex teammate Bobby Jones who seems to always get good responses from his ex teammates when I ask them about him. I’m sure that he also had a positive effect on you.

Jones was my roommate. He is one of the best teammates that you can have. He works hard, and is a great teammate. I have a daughter and he is a great father that I look up to. He is just a good guy.

In your senior year, Isaiah Thomas was a freshman and right away had a very solid season and would continue on to a strong NBA career. Were you like a mentor for him or didn’t he need it?

I was a mentor for him in his first year. After that he was Ok and started to grow. He also had mentors with Brandon Roy and Jamal Crawford. 

How did head coach Lorenzo Romar groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He prepared us mentally to endure the adversary that comeswith basketball. He also prepared us for the physical rigors. He was a father figure and a great leader. I liked him as a coach.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Isaiah Thomas?

Me.

Who was the toughest player that you battled at the NCAA level that reached the NBA?


Jerryd Bayless from Arizona (NCAA). Adam Morrison was also tough. He was the most unstoppable scorer that I ever saw. 

Please construct your own personal NBA Rushmore. Which 4 heads past or present would you pick?

Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Lebron James, Shaq

What is your personal opinion of the never ending debate of who is better Michael Jordan or Lebron James?


Michael Jordan. I grew up with him. If there would have been no Jordan then there would have been no Kobe or Lebron. One should discuss the greatest players od each era. 

What was the last movie that you saw?

6 Underground

Thanks Justin for the chat.