Jeremy Miller is a 19 year old 208cm freshman at Northeastern currently averaging 8,5ppg and 4,1rpg. He has scored in double figures in 11 of 30 games this season. He started his basketball career at the New Hampton school. This summer, he will make the journey to Germany with Northeastern to take part in the Basketball AID International Opportunity Tour and play against top class German professional teams. He recently spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Jeremy thanks for taking some time from your studies and basketball to talk with German Hoops. Northeastern is looking to get back to the NCAA for a second year in a row. How confident are you that the team will achieve that goal?

Thanks for having me. The team is very confident getting back to the big dance, we are led by a core group of returners who know what they are doing. It’s not going to be a easy one, but we know that we will have to grind out the 2nd half of the season to get ready for the CAA tournament.

You are a 208cm freshman for Northeastern currently averaging 8,5ppg and 4,1rpg. What has been the most difficult thing that you have had to adjust to coming from prep school to the college ranks?

The most difficult thing for me was the physicality of the game. I knew the NCAA had some big boys and I needed to get stronger, which I have. I knew I was going to fit into our offense nicely but defensively would be a challenge.

Northeastern is led by senior trio David Walker, Zach Stahl and Quincy Ford. How well are they grooming you with their play and words for taking over the torch when they leave this summer?

Our senior group is amazing, there is so much experience on the floor when we all step out there. I have learned so much from them and I wish them the best after this year. Each one of them has talked to me personally about what I need to do to be a great player for my time here. I believe every word they say because they’ve been through hell and back trying to put Northeastern University Basketball on the map.

You have had some big games this season with 23 points against William & Mary, 18 points in a win against Stony Brook and 15 points in a win against UNC Wilmington and Delaware. What exactly is your role as a freshman this season?

My role is just to learn the game, be there for my teammates, rebound the ball and shoot when I’m open. I need to know the difference between a good shot and a great one. I also try to lead the other four freshman since we are going to be together for the next four years.

You played high school ball at New Hampton prep which has had some notable alumini like NCAA champions with North Carolina Rashad Mccants and Wes Parker as well as professional players Lawrence Moten and Darius Songaila. What made your Prep school basketball experience special?

After my four years at New Hampton and playing under Peter Hutchins, I really learned how to be mentally tough. Going to New Hampton was the best decision of my life because the way New Hampton plays reminds me of Northeastern. Practices are hard and what we do in practice translates to our games. Both coaching staffs are willing to do anything for us and they really know what they are flaking about.

How important has Northeastern head coach Bill Coen been so far for you making the transition from high school to the NCAA and what have you learned from him in this short time?

Bill is such a good person and coach. He expects the best of you on and off the court. The one thing I love about him is that he gets to know you personally first and then builds from there. I’ve learned that this level of ball is faster, stronger and smarter than high school, and he told me that during recruiting. He really paved out the picture and I fell in love with the school.

Northeastern will travel to Germany at the end of August 2016 to help strengthen the German-American friendship, play against professional teams and to support the BASKETBALL AID e:V which is a charity to aid children with cancer. How excited are you to be a part of this?

This is actually my first time hearing about this! I am very excited to say the least! I’ve only been out of the country once and I visited Italy and France. This will be a challenge for next years group without the leadership of our core seniors. But I believe we are up to the challenge, as long as we see what’s across our chest, we know what we are playing for.

How important will it be for you to be a part of this cause where you will get the experience of playing against top level professional teams and learn about a new culture?

It’s going to be very important because this is going to let me grow as a player, teammate and friend. Going against these professionals will really set the bar high and we either have to meet it or take it up higher.

I interviewed 2014 Euroleague(second most valuable professional basketball title in world after NBA) champion with Macabbi Tel Aviv Shawn James recently who played two seasons at Northeastern from 2004-2006 and he said he didn´t feel the legacy of Reggie Lewis at Northeastern when he was there. How is it for you and what does it mean for you playing for the school where Lewis made a name for himself?

Well being a Boston resident, I can feel the legacy of Lewis around campus. He left such a legacy here and I don’t think anyone will top it. It means that you have to be ready to go to war with your teammates and coaches. It means that you will do anything to win and it means to have a meaningful reason to wear that jersey.

Coming from the younger generation what player do you see taking over for Lebron James in the next years or isn´t a player like that moving up?

I see Steph Curry taking over when Lebron is done. The stuff that he is doing right now is not fair. He’s way to good right now and it’s scarey because he is really young. He’s not even on a big contract yet, he has a lot to prove and will take over this league if he hasn’t already.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I have seen, I think it was Point Break. It was very interesting. I would recommend it if you are the daredevil type. There are a lot of crazy stunts in the movie, which makes it really crazy and entertaining.

 

Thanks Jeremy for the chat.

 

 

Sterling Carter is a 24 year old 183cm point guard from Seattle, Washington and was playing his rookie season in Germany with Pro A team Dragons Rhondorf. Today the club announced thathe was heading home thus ending his rookie season. He started his basketball career at Pacific, then played three years at Seattle(NCAA) and finished at Purdue in 2014. Carter played 25 games averaging 15,6ppg, 3,5rpg and 3,5apg. He spoke to German Hoops about his rookie season and why he left.

 

 

 

Sterling thanks for talking to German Hoops. Today came the announcement that you have left the Dragons Rhondorf to go back home. With what kind of feelings are you leaving Germany?

I’m leaving Germany with my head held high and grateful for the opportunity in Rhondorf that I had to Play my First Professional Season.

The club stated that you were going home, because of personal reasons while head coach Christian Mehrens had signalized that you wouldn´t be playing a role for the rest of the games. Was it really a bit of both or was it just personal reasons?

Well honestly it was the fact that I worked really hard all season and stuck with the club through a lot of things then the head coach tells the team he’s only going to play the guys he wants to be back next season and with me having a wife and child I figured it would be best to just go back to my family because it’s not fair to them if I’m just away sitting on the bench. I’ve been away from them for 7 months and if I’m not doing my job anymore no need to keep them waiting my family is very important to me they support my every move.

I am sure when you came to Rhondorf, you never expected your rookie season to go like this. Was your rookie season like a bad dream where you never woke up from?

Well honestly it wasn’t as bad as it looked. I learned a lot from playing there and it motivated me and I know now that the only way I can go from this situation is up. I left with no hard feelings

The club has only two wins. Players came and went and a good team chemistry was never built. Was this a big reason why the club was never able to get a consistent level in their play?

Yea I think it had to do with that and a few other things but I enjoyed those two wins and I know that me and the guys that was there the whole time those games meant a lot for us to win.

Obviously players came and went, but you always stayed and as the leader had to keep the ship afloat. Were these duties just a bit too much for you as a rookie?

No it wasn’t too much for me and it was actually a good challenge for me and it has helped me a lot. But with me being a rookie it was hard to gain the trust of a few guys. I gave my all to the club and sad it had to end this way but everything happens for a reason.

Did you at times feel like being let down from your teammates, because you seemed like you had to do so much on the court. Did you really want to do this or were you in a way forced to have to take many shots?

No I was never let down by my teammates. They all worked hard and played their best and it was me that had the ability to take and make shots that was my role on the team.

You took a total of 218 three pointers and shot 33,5%. Some said you were taking too many shots and not creating enough for your teammates. Do you feel that this might have created a little rift early within the team that was never healed?

Yea well those shots I took where the same from the start of the season to the end I was asked to take and make shots and for those people that thought I didn’t create enough. I would just tell them to go back and look at some of the game film. I almost averaged 4 assists a game and I think my team understood what my role was and what I was good at.

Do you feel like if their had been better communication between you and Boris Kaminski earlier that it could have had an effect on the outcome of the season?

Well I think that if he would have communicated to the whole team what he communicated with me then we would have all be on the same page a little earlier but I would blame our season on that.

What was your biggest highlight of the season? Possibly your 31 point game in the win against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen?

I would say my biggest highlight was my game against Nürnberg when I had 17 points and 10assists It was my first double double being a professional and I feel like it showed that I can create and score the ball as well.

What did you learn from your rookie season in Germany with Rhondorf that will make you better as a player in the future?

I learned that you have to be mentally tough to play professionally and that it takes a strong guy to be able to travel across the country and play in an unfamiliar environment. I also learned that if you want to be the best you have to start at the bottom and earn your respect on your way to the top and I feel that I earned a lot of respect in the Pro A this season.

How would you like the Rhondorf fans to remember you. Could you please give some last words to the faithful supporters?

I just want them to know that I gave them my all in my time there and that I will forever have them in my heart and wish them all the best for their seasons to come.

What is the next professional step for Sterling Carter? Would you like to play in Germany next season if the opportunity comes along?

I will like to play where ever the best opportunity is for me and my family with no specific place, but just the best opportunity I’m open to just about all.

How do you recap the NBA trade line deals? What teams did the best?

I don’t think any team really gained much of an upper hand in the trades no one made a big trade at all which was a shocker to me.

Ex NBA players have attacked the Golden State Warriors saying the NBA isn´t as physical as it once was. Are these players just jealous or would Steph Curry and the Warriors not dominate say 20-30 years ago?

Haha I don’t know the league back then was very physical and I’m not sure guys back then would allow him to do the things he’s doing but we will never know.

Recently ESPN ranked the top 100 NBA players of all time. They placed Lebron James at #3 before NBA legends Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Bill Russell. Do you feel that is justified?

No I don’t agree with that won’t be able to tell until Lebron retires.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Ride Along 2.

 

Thanks Sterling for the chat.

 

 

 

Thaddus Mcfadden is a 28 year old 188cm guard from Flint, Michigan playing his seventh professional season and second with Petrolina AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-Division A). Last season he played 25 games: Score-5(15.6ppg), 2.8rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-1(1.8spg), FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 79.7%. He started his basketball career at St. Clair CC (NJCAA)in 2006 and then moved Fairmont St. (NCAA2) and played there form 2007-2009 and as a senior played 29 games: ScoreNCAA2-2(25.4ppg), 5.4rpg, 3.9apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 79.6%. He started his professional basketball career in 2009 with SLUNETA Usti nad Labem (Czech Republic-NBL) where he played until 2012. In the 2012-2013 season he played for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig (Germany-BBL) playing 15 games: 5.4ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 39.4%, 3FGP: 39.5%, in Jan.’13 loaned to SLUNETA Usti nad Labem (Czech Republic-NBL) playing 14 games: 16.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 80.6%. In the 2013-2014 season he played for Cytavision Apoel Nicosia (Cyprus-Division A) playing 15 games: Score-2(14.1ppg), 3.1rpg, 2.9apg, Steals-1(2.5spg). He spoke to German Hoops during the Europe Cup playoff series against the Fraport Skyliners some weeks ago.

 

 

 

Thad thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. How often were you back in Germany since your short stay with Braunschweig?

This will be my first time back in Germany since I left Braunschweig

After being a top player in the Czech Republic, you have found a second home in Cyprus in your third season there. Is Cyprus a place where you could see yourself playing many more years?

Yes Cyprus has been my second home, I don’t know what the future will hold only God knows but yes, I have built a lot of good relationships in Cyprus and have had a lot of good memories in Cyprus

Two seasons ago you were second in league scoring with Cytavision Apoel Nicosia and last season fifth with AEK. What makes this level and style so appealing to your game?

I can make any style of basketball at any level of basketball appealing to my game. I’m a very confident player and I feel like as a player you have to know every country is different as there will be adjustments, you just have to make it fit in with your game. I was used to the run and gun high scoring games but here in Cyprus I had to adjust to the more physical, grind it out games, more defensive game which I take great pride in. Our goal as team is to make teams score around 60-70, in in both league (Cyprus and fiba) we are around that. We take pride in defense

AEK currently is in first place with a record of 11-2 tied with Kernavos. What has been the secret to the success of the team?

Defense, team work chemistry and coaching. We play together and everybody in the locker room likes each other and it’s like a big family, we can count on each other on and off the court, you should see the group chats we have , may seem simple but if you did, you’ll see this team cares for the next player and I feel like that’s big and this team represents the coaching, and our coach is a winner, and I love that because I feel like when you step on the court it’s about will and who wants it, not about what level this team is or this team has a huge budget, so coach is a huge part of the success and we have to keep up a level head because we still have goals to accomplish

The club has 8 players 30 or older. How vital has the experience factor been for the team being so successful?

Funny because I’m one of the young guys at 28 we joke about that lol but it’s been key, especially in close games, we have been in a lot of close games and tough situations but remained calm because with experience you know what to do and how to adjust but it’s been a blessing for me especially because I’m learning and learning so I’m taking advantage

In the last round of Europe Cup the team had a 3-3 record, but could easily have been 5-1. How bitter was losing the last 2 games by a combined total of 4 points?

Well it’s easy to get over it when you advance lol but honestly it was tough to swallow, because it would of been great to have home court advantage for round of 16 in front of our amazing fans but since I’ve been here and we all joke about it, nothing has been easy we always do things the hard way, so yes very tough losing close games and believe me I HATE losing but it’s over, learn from it and move on, we still have work to do

Is AEK Larnaca a better team than what it´s record shows in Europe Cup play?

Yes I strongly believe this, coach says it all the time, we have not reached our full potential as a team yet and even after a win he’s on us like we lost because he knows how good we can be. We have had a couple of injuries which I hate to use as a nexcuse, so we played short- handed in a couple games and having our big man out as he is a key player to our team, it was tough but we still believed and found ways to win games now with him being back and addition of CJ Leslie just made us stronger.

You were the go to guy at Fairmont State(NCAA2), BK Usti and Labem, and Cytavision Apoel Nicosia. Is that pretty much the role you also have with AEK this season?

Honestly we have a lot of guys you can go too, a lot of players on this team play a key role, my role is to be a playmaker and pressure the ball (play on ball defense), but yes I like to be one of the guys to go too.

You are an incredible defender with a lot of energy and led the league in Cyprus the last two seasons in steals. Does your defense mostly fuel your offense?

Yes good defense turns into good offense. The championships I won was due to good team defense, and it’s a fact playing good defense is a confidence builder. There are several factors to good defense where the other team shoots a bad shot adds to a long rebound easy fast break bucket or a steal and an easy bucket and its a lot more benefits from good defense. They say defense wins championships and that’s true

You are an explosive scorer, can score in bunches and are a first class defender, but what do you feel still gets unnoticed in your game even today

My ability to see the floor, I can play the point guard just like I play the shooting guard, people look and say ok he’s just a pure scorer but I know how to adjust, if you need me to be a pure pg I can do it, and I feel like it shows especially this year

Jujuan Cooley always told you to never be satisfied with your game. What are you working on most these days to keep getting better?

That’s very true. Last summer my focuses was getting stronger to take contact and still finish, my ball handling skills, and just reading situations, learning from one of the smartest point guards in Europe (Jujuan Cooley) helped a lot and I feel like the work over the summer is showing, but still not satisfied can always improve in every aspect of my game

How much of a thrill has it been playing with California native Brandon Bowman? Have you ever played with a guy that worked harder than him?

It’s been GREAT for me, this man lives in the weight room, true professional, take care of his body, works hard in practice, put in the extra work like I said a true professional, great example for me, I know I can go to war with him. He never cheats his self. It’s a lot more good I can say about him, when I think of Bo I just think hard work pays off , lets get better!!!!

Has he infested you with gym phobia. I called him last summer when I was in Malibu to say hi and where was he but in the gym in Santa Monica. It seems like he lives in the gym.

Not to brag but I’m a gym rat myself so it was easy connecting with Bo, because we both had the same mindset when it comes to putting in the extra work, funny because I told him recently I want to come to Cali to work out with him because I see the work ethnic

You now face the best team in Europe Cup play with the Fraport Skyliners who are 12-0. Do you see it as an advantage going in as the underdog as you have nothing to lose or will you have a different focus going in?

You got to love the challenge and we love a good challenge. We are highly confident in what we do and our abilities and we know we are playing a good team that’s been together for a while but we feel like if we stick with the game plan and continue to play good defense and team ball we have a good chance and like our chances at advancing. We are not satisfied with just the round of 16, and we know Frankfurt is hungry too, so this should be fun

The Fraport Skyliners are all about team and totally unselfish and defend very well. AEK also defend well in Europe cup. What kind of series can we await and what will be key to advancing?

You already said it defense and unselfish play, I can see a physical low scoring series, I feel like both team strategies are the same, key for us is just staying consistent in what we do

In the 2012-2013 season you played against the Fraport Skyliners losing 61-59 with Braunschweig. Quantez Robertson had 12 points and 10 boards in that game including a massive ally-oop dunk. What do you remember about his game?

I remember him being athletic, a good defender, and being the leader of the team, from what I see from watching film on them in fiba cup now, I still see him as one of the key players to their success

You only played a half of a season with Braunschweig. Was that just a total misunderstanding from the club´s part not knowing how to use you properly? Plus the guard rotation was quite full with emerging Dennis Schroder?

I felt like the club knew I was a good player but just wanted to go a different way in the style of play. I felt like I could of been very successful there, but that’s the business, you have to do what you have to do, no hard feeling still have respect for the club, firm believer of everything happens for a reason

What memories do you have with your short time there with Dennis Schroeder. There was hype starting that season, but did you think that he would reach the NBA

We was cool, and with us being the younger guys on the squad we connected well and we still do, I actually went to him play in the eastern conference finals last season, but I remember thinking man he’s good for his age and have a good chance at the NBA, and telling people that. He’s playing good ball in the NBA right now and has had a good start to his career. I’m proud of him well deserved

As a young buck what did ultimate professional Immanuel Mcelroy give you with his play and basketball wisdom that you took from Germany?

Mac was the OG lol the one that kept me level Headed, was like a older brother when I was there, taught me a lot on and off the court just about the European way on and off the court, the glue of the team and the guy you went to for advice because he been there and done that

You were a star in the Czech Republic, but didn´t win any titles. What did you gain there in your 3.5 years that has helped your game develop further?

Gained wisdom about the European style and actually helped me in my winning attitude, you can score but are you winning doing only that? Winning is the most important and you can be a key player by doing the little things, doing the little can win games. The Czech Republic gave me more of a winning attitude. I always had a winning Attitude but being in the Czech Republic made it stronger and helped me to realize what I have to do to win in the European game

You played two seasons at Fairmont State from 2009-2011 tearing up the NCAA2 and you continued to do so as a professional. Why do you believe have you been underrated your whole career? Your definitely not an undersized guard to get that label?

Good question!!!! I used to think about that but now it’s just something I feed off of and makes me even more motivated because I know my abilities and what I’m capable of and highly confident in them but I never question God´s work. Every where I’ve been has been a blessing for me, I learned more and more so I have no regrets and just continue to prove wrong and hopefully in the end I can be an inspiration to small college kids in not having to have a big school behind your name

Wiliam Hatcher is only three years older, but in terms of how his career has gone is he a major role model in your career?

Yes Bean is a competitor well I love and represent flint (my city) well. I saw how he grew in his career and didn’t go to a big school and just give me more confident because it’s someone you look up to growing up and also from the same playgrounds as you, so yes Bean played a good part in my career n mindset

How did head coach Tim Murphy groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach was like a father to me and still is, helped me become a man, going to Fairmont was one of the best choices I made funny because I had other visits but I just took the Fairmont visit and said this the place for me my mom said you not going to go to the other and I said no need and coach just gave me that killer confidence, that if you want something work for it and get it, and don’t let no tell you you can’t

Who was the toughest guy that you battled in college that made the NBA or is in Europe?

My best friend Kevin Tiggs not saying this because we are close but Kevin Tiggs I played him in junior college, could do it all and still can, athletic forward, don’t have many weaknesses, a good all around talent

What is the state of Lebron James in 2016? When all is said and done will he be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

That’s tough Micheal Jordan is the greatest and I do believe Lebron is the best overall talent I’ve seen because his size and what he can do with his size is unbelievable but in the same breath as Jordan the GOAT that’s tough, as there will never be another Jordan my opinion

What was the last movie that you saw?

John Wick lol my favorite movie

 

Thanks Thad for the chat.

Bryan Smithson is a 30 year old 185cm point guard from Kennesaw,Georgia playing his thried season in Germany. He started his basketball career at Middle Tennessee St. (NCAA) in 2003 where he played two seasons. He then moved to NC-Asheville (NCAA) where he finished his college career and as a senior played 29 games: 16.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3Pts: 41.1%, FT: 83.5%. He played two seasons for the Kirchheim Knights in the German Pro A where he was top 5 in assists in the league the last two seasons. Last season for Kichheim he played 28 games: 12.0ppg, 3.4rpg, Assists-5(5.0apg), FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 88.2%. This season he is playing for the MLP Academics Heidelberg and spoke to German Hoops after the big 63-62 win against the ETB Wohnbau baskets Essen.

 

 

Bryan congrats on the 63-62 win against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen. For a rare time you weren´t the hero at the end of the game, but it was actually your teammate American Devon White. You have won games at the end on numerous occasions this season. Does it seem strange when someone else does what you have done so often this season?

Hi Miles, thank you for the interview and the congratulations. I felt very satisfied that Devon was able to make such a big defensive play at the end of the game vs. Essen. Individually speaking, it must be gratifying for him due to the history he has with Essen, but Devon also understood the importance of this game for our team and he came through for us. I do not feel strange if I am not making the game winning play, but it gives me that much more confidence in my team at the end of games.

The MLP Academics Heidelberg proved again how well they stick together as a team in tense moments. Was this win another step in the long march towards reaching a playoff spot?

We are still learning here in Heidelberg. Many changes have taken place this season and we are still developing our chemistry week to week. Every win is a step toward reaching the playoffs.

It was another very hard battle until the end between Heidelberg and Essen. Was this game another example really how balanced the German Pro A is in that you can´t take any nights off?

Essen is a tough team and we knew it would be a battle on our home court. They have a lot of experience to go along with a coach who competes every season in a tough German ProA league. There is no nights off in this league and you have to be focused on your opponent every week or you will get beat.

Devon White won the game with a free throw and then made a big block of top Essen player Tre Bowman. Did White once again prove that he is without a doubt the team´s best defender?

Devon’s extra effort at the end of the game ensured that Essen did not get another shot at the basket to win the game. He is special defensively and I would call him our most versatile defender. Devon is able to guard every position on the floor because of his length and athleticism. When a player like that is on the court it opens up many options when it comes to defensive schematics.

Did you see video of Steph Curry´s winning three against The Thunder last night? As a guy who has hit numerous big shots this season and otherwise in your career, do you ever think about big winning shots that have been made when you are on the floor in clutch moments?

I was lucky enough to witness the shot Steph hit vs OKC the other night. I do think about big winning shots, but I try to stay focused on my personal success with those shots because it gives me the confidence I need at that pivotal moment. Off the floor, I am no different than any other basketball player putting myself in the shoes of the great ones and imagining how I might react in the game winning situations they are in.

You are the leader on the team and have come up big so many times this season in games. How quickly did you notice in the game against Essen that you had to be more of a scorer than a creator?

I took a quick rest on the bench at the start of the 2nd quarter and at that time I realized I needed to be more aggressive offensively. When I checked back into the game I made sure to establish myself as a threat with the ball and that allowed the other guys to play off me later in the game. Sometimes it is necessary for me to take the scoring mentality on this team.

The MLP Academics Heidelberg are 12-12 now and in good range of making the playoffs. How much did the losses against Leverkusen and Baunach hurt?

The losses against Leverkusen and Baunach hurt because every loss hurts your chances to reach the playoffs. Of course, at this time of year losses are magnified but when I look back to earlier in the season, we let a few games slip that equivalently hurt our campaign for the playoffs.

Before the win against Essen, Heidelberg had lost five of their last six games. The team didn´t play particularly bad, but just had some misfortune in this stretch. What does the team need to do better in the next five games to reach the playoffs?

For Heidelberg to make the playoffs it is simple, we need to win 3 of the next 5 games. In order to accomplish that, we must be better offensively by moving the ball and making decisions purposefully. On the defensive end, we have got to put together longer stretches of discipline and make the 2nd and 3rd rotation consistently.

Recently you played 50 minutes scoring 31 points and dishing out 11 assists in a 94-90 loss to Baunach. What hurt more as the siren sounded, your muscles or losing another tight affair?

The pain of losing such a hard fought game drained me physically and maybe even more than the 50 minutes itself.

You really are playing a lot of minutes at the moment. What is key at age 30 to be as fresh as possible in the stretch run of a season?

At my age it is important for me to understand how my body moves, reacts, and recovers to different stimuli. Understanding my body and listening to it is the key to performing night in and night out. I am typically the first one in the gym and the last one to leave. My teammates often times laugh at me for the things that I do but hopefully it rubs off on them and they start to understand the importance of it all. Also, I am extremely lucky to have a great medical team in Heidelberg that continue to help me achieve my physical goals.

How do you recap the NBA trade line deals? What teams did the best?

There were not any deals that excited me this season. The Clippers made a great move to receive Jeff Green which will help them throughout the rest of the season. The only other deal that I liked was the Hawks bringing Hinrich back because he gives them some more experience that will be important come playoff time.

EX NBA players have attacked the Golden State Warriors saying the NBA isn´t as physical as it once was. Are these players just jealous or would Steph Curry and the Warriors not dominate say 20-30 years ago?

I can not say the players from the past are jealous, however, it is apparent that they are just as competitive today as they were when they played in the NBA. I think it comes out in bad taste because they had their time and instead of trying to compare eras, everyone should sit back and have fun watching history be made. The NBA is not as physical today but the NBA was not as athletic before so it is impossible to compare. I am enjoying watching the Warriors win and I am excited that I get to see a guy like Steph Curry do the things he does.

Recently ESPN ranked the top 100 NBA players of all time. They placed Lebron James at #3 before NBA legends Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Bill Russell. Do you feel that is justified?

Rankings are always messy and debatable because everyone bases their rankings upon different criteria. To keep it simple, I think it is premature to rank Lebron in front of Larry Legend, Magic Johnson, and Bill Russell.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Zookeeper with Kevin James.

 

Thanks Bryan for the chat.