Chase Adams is a 27 year old 188cm point guard from Baltimore, Maryland is playing for the Finke Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA) this season. He started his basketball career at Centenary (NCAA) in 2006 where he played three seasons and a total of 89 NCAA games. As a senior he moved to Pittsburgh (NCAA). He turned professional in 2001 and played briefly in the ABA and in the UBL before making Germany his home as he played for teams like Dortmund, Bochum, and Science City Jena. He spoke to German Hoops after a big win against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen.

Chase thanks for talking to German Hoops and congrats on the 67-64 victory against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen. It was the third two game winning streak of the season. How vital was it beating direct competitors in the standings with Rhondorf and Essen the last two weekends?

These were MUST wins and major confidence boosters. Much respect to both teams they took us all the way to the end; winning such close/intense games will help us in the games to come. Finishing out games was one of our weak points.

Essen had a strong first quarter and Paderborn a potent second quarter and the Finke Baskets led 38-34 at the break. Was buckling down more on defense in the second quarter a key element that head coach Uli Nachster wanted the club to focus on?

Coach made a good call by switching up our defensives and we put a lot of emphasis on limiting Bowman´s touches. When we buy into the game plan and everyone is focused we can compete with anyone.

Why were the Finke Baskets Paderborn not able to slam the door on Essen in the second half? Essen made a 8-0 run at the end of the third to tie the game at 50-50 and simply hung around in the fourth never letting you breathe comfortably until the horn sounded after 40 minutes?

We just weren’t making shots and we were going away from what was working. To put a team away, especially in the 4th, you have to make the easy opportunities. Missing layups and Free throws kept the game close.

How proud are you of the team that despite you and Steven Bennett having quieter nights combining for 10 points, it was still able to grind out a big win?

I Love it!! Knowing that my teammates can pick up the slack like that will benefit us in the long run. We didn’t always have that throughout the season and now we are pushing for the playoffs we will need players to step up however they can on any given night.

The team has some good size, but still lost the rebound battle as they had trouble containing American Stan Brown. After scoring only three points in the first game, he made amends scoring 24 points and hauling down 13 boards. What was so difficult in keeping him in check?

When we are in zone it’s always hard to box out, It surely didn’t seem like they won the rebound battle. We might have to review the tape on that one because that’s what helped us to keep them at bay.

Despite losing the rebound battle 185cm point guard Dominik Wolf grabbed 9 rebounds. How important is it having a guy like German Wolf setting the tone that under the boards everyone has to help out and not just the big guys?

Dominik is an amazing athlete and finally he got to show off some of his talents. He truly has a knack for grabbing offensive rebounds; that lifted us early in the game.

If Paderborn hadn´t started so well, then the club would most likely be in the basement. Before the win against Rhondorf the club was suffering a 11 game losing streak. Was the despair very bad or was that belief that the team would turn it around always there?

Heads were done and confidence was low but each week we prepared for a win. It was just a matter of time before we started clicking on all fronts. Now it’s all about consistency and not getting complacent. I stated we would be in the top of the league at the beginning; that didn’t work out but I believe we are a playoff team still.

How big was the pickup of American Steven Bennett? He didn´t have his best game against Essen, but before that was a big scoring option in every game?

Steve-O is exactly the pick up we needed. I call him “An instant Bucket” because he is a tremendous offensive threat off the bench. He will bounce back and it will make us more dangerous around the perimeter.

Does the arrival of Steven Bennett take some pressure off your game? Now you don’t have the whole load on your shoulders.

Yes. Now teams can’t just lock in on one of us and this allows me to bring more intensity on the defensive end. I used to get exhausted late in the game because I couldn’t take a break and now I can play with the same intensity from start to finish.

Your averaging 12,5ppg, 4,4rpg and 4,6apg. Your scoring has been down as you scored in double figures in nine of your first ten games and now four times in your last 11 games. You are also taking less shots. Has your role changed or are you paying very close attention to shot selection?

Honestly I’m just trying to get my teammates more involved and I’m trying to bring it on the defensive end. If I can lead these guys by being unselfish and doing all the intangibles that aren’t on the stat sheet I can live with that. The team is better than the individual and it will all come together with patience; letting the game come to me.

Your defense has been very strong all season long as your averaging 2,1spg. Often the defense ignites the offense of a team. Is this something that could restart your offensive scoring capabilities?

Most definitely and that’s always my first priority. The same aggression I put on defense will correlate to me attacking the basket and shooting my 3s again it’s just a matter of time.

Do you see it being justified that ESPN has Lebron at #3 of the best NBA players of alltime list before guys like Magic, Bill Russell and Larry Bird?

I saw that but I’m just happy my guy Allen Iverson is being inducted into the Hall of Fame. LeBron is a Beast though it’s well deserved.

Now with the Super Bowl history what sporting event do you follow? Are you an NCAA madness freak?

It’s all about the NBA, I’m not an NCAA fan.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Dope.

Thanks Chase for the chat.

Usually in the German Pro B one marvels each weekend about the amazing young German talents going head to head as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors present Niklas Kiel one of the biggest German talents from the year 1997 that wants to go the NBA route the German way the way Dirk Nowitzi and Dennis Schroder did or 18 year old Garai Zeeb who came from the Bremerhaven school of basketball and has lightning speed when he glides to the rim while opponent Weissenhorn also has potent youth to offer with guys like 19 year old German/Austrian point guard David Kramer who has played Eurocup this season with ratiopharm Ulm and sometimes seems like a human slinky as he moves about the court or a Joschka Ferner who is a 20 year old 202cm forward that has unending talent oozing from his body as he had his first Eurocup experience at age 17 and never gets enough from basketball as last season he played in 4 leagues with BBL, Eurocup, Regionaliga 2 and NBBL just always trying to get better each season. But sometimes there is that oldie effect that lets you refrain from marveling at the youth and reminiscing about the past especially when the combined age of 71 go head to head with a Marius Nolte and Nils Mittmann. Nolte is 35 and played in the Beko BBL from 2006-2013 with Paderborn and Frankfurt and fought against 36 year old Mittman when he was playing with Ludwigsburg, Braunschweig and Tuebingen. Nolte is the charismatic center that has moved from the court to the front office while still having the love for the game dueling against kids 16 and 17 years younger each weekend, while Mittmann is the ultimate warrior who already played in the BBL in the late 90s with Braunschwieg and stayed faithful to the North German team for 8 years. They met only once in the Pro B and that was last season where the Fraport Skyliners Juniors won 75-50. Frankfurt also won the first game in Weissenhorn 93-78, but this oldie battle didn´t come to take place as Mittmann was there, but Nolte was not. Nolte has been known to not have played all games this season, but usually was at the home games, but if Valentines Day had anything to do with the disappearance wasn´t really known, but then again the god of desire Cupid does rule on this love day. Niklas Kiel and Garai Zeeb were also absent, but Johannes Richter was present as he was the difference leading the Fraport Skyliners Juniors past the Weissenhorn Youngsters 87-83 despite a massive comeback by the guests in the fourth quarter. “We did a good job moving the ball tonight, but should never have allowed Weissenhorn to comeback in the fourth quarter. We did a good job the whole game not allowing Weissenhorn any easy points”, stressed ex Bamberg center Johannes Richer. The losing continued for Weissenhorn as it was their sixth in a row and fourth where the team lost by a combined total of only 9 points as crunch time continues to be a nasty thorn in their side. “Losing the last games has been tough by only a few points. We continue to be unable to execute down the stretch the way we should. We lost focus mentally and it can be a layup, rebound or a play that we miss. We can´t allow our opponent to lead by 15 points at half time. If we would have played in the first three quarters the way we did in the fourth, then we would of won the game”, stressed California native Christopher Anderson.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors got on the board first as Johannes Richter got a good feel of the rim getting an offensive rebound off a Stefan Ilzhoefer miss and making the put back. However Weissenhorn quickly demonstrated how quickly their offense can get going as they scored seven unanswered points as many guys were getting involved as long slender guard David Kramer dropped a trey, 36 year old ex Beko BBL oldie Nils Mittman made a lay in as Kramer found him streaking to the hole and 20 year old rising German talent Joscka Ferner fed 21 year old 213cm big man Bjoern Rohwer for the easy bucket. However the Fraport Skyliners didn´t hesitate long to get their offense in gear as they rattled off back to back three pointers from Ilzhoefer and Richter to give Frankfurt the 8-7 advantage. Then came some lightening production form Weissenhorn as within 30 seconds they rattled off seven straight points started by the diminutive Anderson who made an off balance shot and then stole the inbounds pass from Merz and made an easy layup and Ferner then dropped a three pointer as all of a sudden Frankfurt was reeling in come back mode trailing 14-8. However as is so often the case in basketball, it is a sport of runs and the momentum button can be switched on and off as rapidly as Klay Thompson releases the next bomb from the three point line. Frankfurt closed out the first quarter with an explosive 14-0 run to lead 22-14. In the run, it was Max Merz scoring in bunches as he nailed a jumper and three pointer, Richter scored six points as he was aggressive inside drawing fouls and Alaska native Travis Thompson hit his first shot after he had been taken out of the offense well. “Weissenhorn did a good job keeping Thompson from shooting. Frankfurt was making easy mistakes and had too many turnovers”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Jordan Theodore. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 41% from the field and 44% from outside while Weissenhorn was shooting 38% from the field and 25% from outside. Weissenhorn had the 10-9 rebound edge, but six turnovers while Frankfurt had four turnovers.

Weissenhorn got off to a good start in the second quarter retrieving the lead briefly, but the Fraport Skyliners Juniors got it back in an instant and would go into halftime with the lead. After Mittmann and Ilzhoefer traded buckets, Weissenhorn cruised out on a 9-0 run to grab back the lead 25-24. In the run, Weissenhorn was fortified by the young Germans as Rohwer connected on a three pointer showing that he has even more rainbow than Johannes Voigtmann and Ferner scored six points as he made a three pointer and hit a pretty turn around shot over Ilzhoefer. Frankfurt then got some instant offense as Merz hit a pull up jumper at the free throw line and Ilzhoefer another trey as Frankfurt led 30-25. Then Rohwer scored inside and Thompson displayed his penetration skills as he scored with contact and Merz snuck inside again as Weissenhorn trailed 34-27. The game continued to be driven by runs and Weissenhorn continued to stay on the door step of Frankfurt as they went on a 6-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 34-33. In the run, the aggressive and nasty Weissenhorn defense led to two transition buckets as Anderson and ex Finke Baskets center Til Pappe made steals that led to easy transition hoops from Ferner and Anderson. However a huge strength in the game of Frankfurt was often when Weissenhorn were threatening, they were able to use their three pointing accuracy and nail back to back shots as Thompson and Michael Fuss did propelling the home team into halftime with the 41-33 lead. “Frankfurt did a great job at the end to shift gears after two bad turnovers to hit two big three pointers. Frankfurt was also rebounding very well”, stressed ex Seton Hall guard Jordan Theodore. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 45% from the field and 47% from the three point line while Weissenhorn was shooting 45% from the field and 33% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 19-16 rebound edge and eight turnovers while Weissenhorn had 9 turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors executed very well in the third quarter, but Weissenhorn kept fighting and cut the Frankfurt lead to seven points, but a big run by the home team at the end broke the game wide open again. Just like in the first half, German Max Merz demonstrated his scoring in bunches ability as he nailed a high rainbow from the corner and then made an off balance jumper extending the Frankfurt lead to 46-33. The Frankfurt offense was really rolling now as Richter made a beautiful old school hook shot and Ilzhoefer made a three pointer as Weissenhorn trailed 51-39. After Kramer and Merz traded buckets, Weissenhorn got some offensive daylight going on a 9-4 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 57-50. In the run, Weissenhorn got heavy production from Anderson who got going making a lay in as did Mittmann and 2015 Beko BBL slam dunk contestant Marvin Omuvwie. Frankfurt also got buckets inside from Germans Konstantin Schubert and Richter. Frankfurt then put a lid on this new Weissenhorn momentum closing out the third quarter with a furious 12-4 run to make a once more close game back to a blowout leading 69-54. Frankfurt was displaying sound inside out basketball giving the needed intensity inside as Ilzhoefer made a tip in and then for the third time in the game got back to back three´s from Thompson and Richter. Thompson then nailed three free throws while Anderson connected on a three pointer. “Basketball is a game of runs. Thompson and I hit some big three pointers at the end. When you are in rhythm you tend to get runs”, stressed Johannes Richter. “We had some tough defensive break downs at the end which led to open shots for them. It was tough going into the fourth quarter down by 15 points, but we stuck together and made one more push”, commented Christopher Anderson. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 51% from the field and 50% from the parking lot while Weissenhorn was shooting 45% from the field and 44% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 30-20 rebound advantage, but 14 turnovers while Weissenhorn had 12 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, Weissenhorn had enough energy for one more come back, but at the end it was the little things that cost them the loss. Weissenhorn got going quickly as Kramer made a three pointer which sparked the team on a 26-9 run to take the lead at 80-78 and all of a sudden Frankfurt was having Saarlouis nightmares all over again. In the run Weissenhron were led by Anderson who secured 11 points and Kramer had nine points. Kramer hit three trey´s while Anderson was unstoppable in the lane as he made four buckets. In this phase the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had totally lost their rhythm as they were coughing the ball over on a regular basis. Weissenhorn had done a good job clogging the lane closing that down and getting out on the shooters better. “Weissenhorn gave us problems going to a smaller line up. They were more versatile with their shooting and penetration. We lost our rhythm and they were back in the game”, added Johannes Richter. However with Weissenhorn having acquired the momentum back, Frankfurt didn´t cave in, but stayed calm. Frankfurt closed out the game with a crushing 9-3 run as Richter was the hero scoring six points. After Omuvwie scored a seemingly impossible lay in where he went sprawling to give Weissenhorn the 82-80 lead, it then was time for the Richter show as he played heads up catching a Merz floater air ball for the put back, free throw and then made another offensive rebound and feeling he would be fouled heaved up a desperation shot underhand submarine style that went in high of the glass giving Frankfurt the 86-82 cushion that they needed. “I got the rebound on my last basket and knew I was fouled and just tried to get the shot off in the direction of the bucket. I was lucky that it went in”, smiled Johannes Richter. “We dug in as a team in the comeback. We finally got defensive stops and got out on transition. That is when our offense is at it´s best. Kramer hit big three´s and it was fun playing. We made more plays then they did”, added Christopher Anderson. Kramer then closed out the game with a free throw. “We were tough inside getting offensive rebounds and giving us more offensive rebounds”, said Johannes Richter. “We had mental lapses at the end. We needed to dig in deeper and have the bigger need to want to win”, warned Christopher Anderson. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Johannes Richter with 27 points and 15 rebounds. Max Merz and Travis Thompson had 16 points a piece and Stefan Ilzhofer had 14 points. Weissenhorn was led by Christopher Anderson with 24 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and eight steals. David Kramer contributed 16 points. Joschka Ferner contributed 14 points while Nils Mittmann had 11 points and Bjoern Rohwer had 10 points. Frankfurt shot 48% from the field and 44% from outside while Weissenhorn shot 49% from the field and 44% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound battle 40-31, but had 19 turnovers while Weissenhorn had only 14 turnovers.

Jordan Talbert is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Little Rock, Arkansas that is playing his second professional season with the Giants Nordlingen. He came to Germany as a rookie last season and played with the Giants TSV 1861 Noerdlingen (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 26 games: 21.6ppg, 9.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, Blocks-4(1.5bpg), FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college career at Missouri SO(NCAA2) from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 11.7ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 70.1%. He spoke to German Hoops after the big 79-78 win against the BIS Baskets Speyer.

Jordan congrats on the huge 79-78 victory against the BIS Baskets Speyer. The Giants Nordlingen came into the game averaging 86 points per game in the last four. What has changed in the offensive approach and execution since the loss to Frankfurt where the club scored only 56 points?

I don’t think much has changed in our style of play. We’ve had some good shooting nights collectively as a team and our chemistry continues to grow going into the playoffs.

The Giants Nordlingen won their fifth game in a row and it´s no secret that head coach Mario Matic wasn´t happy with the outcome of the game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors, but seriously did he give the team some special kind of words of wisdom after that loss that has been able to rub off on the team since?

No he didn’t. We put that loss behind us and focused on the next games ahead. I think it was a wake up call that we needed and it helped get us back on track.

The Giants Nordlingen had the comfortable 47-34 advantage at half time thanks to an offensive explosion with 35 points. Was that a display of just how lethal the Giants offense can be when they get going?

Yes, I think we’re able to put together great runs at any point in the game. Our focus right now should be how to maintain that intensity and not let up giving the opponent a chance to get back in the game.

However you were unable as team to carry the momentum into the third quarter as the BIS Baskets Speyer scored 23 points getting back into the game. What did Nordlingen get a way from doing that caused the comeback? I

I think our intensity just wasn’t there on the defensive end and we made careless mistakes on the offensive end. We let Woodmore get going and we didn’t have an answer for him in the 3rd quarter.

You won the game with free throws with 17 seconds. The last few minutes were dominated with making your free throws. How big did the free throw percentage actually play a role in the result as Nordlingen shot 75% and Speyer 64%?

Free throws are always a major factor in close games. We only won the game by 1 point so a few misses on our side or a few more makes on theirs and it’s an entirely different ending. Free throws is usually how you close out tough games.

BIS Baskets Speyer guard DJ Woodmore had one more chance, but missed. Was your heart pounding a little extra more simply because he had been on the whole night finishing with 29 points.

Yes I was definitely nervous for the last shot. He got a clean look at the basket and we were lucky it didn’t go in.

Obviously the win was thrilling for you, but overall how much do you enjoy a game like this where you are being challenged by a guy like DJ Woodmore who had a huge game with 29 points, or Khobi Williamson who had 15 points and 15 rebounds, but went home with the loss.

I definitely enjoy games like this. When players on the opposing team are playing at a high level it forces you to step up your game. With me being the ultimate competitor I’m more than willing to step up and meet the challenge.

How good is basketball life now? The self confidence continuing to grow with every additional win. Is this team slowly becoming invincible?

Basketball life is good. Most importantly it’s still fun. Yea our confidence is still growing but we’re far from being invincible. Our game against Speyer proved that. We still have things we can be better at, potential that has yet to be reached, and goal for the season that hasn’t been achieved yet.

Last week you were Eurobasket Pro B player of the week with 20 points and five boards in the win against Weissenhorn, but this weekend you were even better with 26 points, 13 boards and five assists and a second Eurobasket player of the week award should become reality. You have been good and consistent all season long, but do you see yourself having picked up your game a bit more in the last three games or is it more a compliment to your teammates who have supported you?

I think it’s been a little of both. I struggled a little bit early on in the season. The effort was there I just wasn’t playing my best basketball. Now that we’ve grown so much as a team we know each other games a lot more which has resulted in better play for all of us not just me.

You have had so much consistency in your game, but do you sometimes think more about what you have to do personally than you may like or do you go into every game thinking team and winning?

My focus coming into every game is effort on the defensive end and in rebounding, everything else happens in the natural flow of the game. I’m definitely a team first guy and always have been. I was a role player for much of my college career so I know how important the little things are to helping a team win and I pride myself on doing whatever it takes for us to get a victory.

Head coach Mario Matic isn´t mentioned often, but really deserves to now. How much credit does he deserve to get with the current success that the team has achieved?

He definitely deserves much credit to our season. We started the season 2-4, losing our team captain in the process. We’ve gone on to win 11 out of 13 since then. He’s done a great job of pushing us and challenging us and deserves much credit for doing so. When you look at our team we’re not that impressive, but we have discipline and play well together which is a sign of great coaching.

ESPN recently named the 100 best NBA players ever. Do you see it justified that Lebron made it at #3 before guys like Magic, Bill Russell and Larry Bird?

No definitely not. I think the list was flawed in many places. They also had Steph Curry ranked above Isaiah Thomas and Scottie Pippen when Steph has only had 2 good seasons. I think they do things like this just to get people to talk about the list but it has no merit to people who actually know basketball.

Now with the Super Bowl completed, what sporting event do you focus on now? Are you a NCAA March madness freak?

Actually none really, until the NBA playoffs start. I used to be a huge march madness fan but with me living over here and the time difference the games aren’t that appealing any more. I will watch the highlights but that’s it. I’m more focused on our team and what we have going at this point.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Space Jam.

Thanks Jordan for the chat.

Isaac Gordon is a 26 year old 196cm guard from Los Angeles, California playing his fourth professional season and first with SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career at Mercer (NCAA) in 2006 playing 25 NCAA games. He then moved to UTEP(NCAA) playing three seasons and a total of 73 NCAA games. He turned professional in 2012 and played for Templeogue Azzurri Dublin (Ireland-Division ) from 2012-2015 and last season played 13 games averagingb17.2ppg, 6.7rpg, Assists-5(5.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 47.5%, FT: 78.8%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Isaac thanks for talking to German Hoops. You played the last 3 yesrs in Ireland. If you had to estimate where it has rained more on average in a season would you say Ireland or Germany?
Ireland by far. There was so much rain that I forgot what it was like to see sunny days and a clear sky.

SC Rist Wedel suffered a tough 84-72 loss last weekend against aspiring Rostock. Could one say it was one of those games where your team could never get fully over the hump even if the game was tighter in the first half?
Every loss is tough, and this one was no different because we went in prepared and ready to get a win on the road against a good team. I felt that we had great effort on both sides of the ball, but that our defense wasn’t as strong as we needed it down the stretch in the 3^rd and 4^th quarters as we gave up too many easy baskets and second chance points in the paint.
Was controlling the boards and Hunter and Murrillo one of the biggest keys for not being able to break the teams losing streak?
I think the rebounding last game was definitely a key factor. Any time you give up as many offensive rebounds as we did and give a solid team extra possessions with easy looks in the paint it is hard to overcome.

Despite the less than average 5-13 team record SC Rist wedel is only two wins from a playoff place. How realistic are the playoffs from the current team play or is the playdowns more realistic?
We prepare every week to play what is the biggest game of the season. That’s our approach and we understand that there is still a lot at stake, so we’re focused on preparing for Itzehoe this weekend and working to secure a home win. From there, we can only control what’s in our hands and take it one day, practice, and game at a time.
One big problem this season has been the lack of putting up points as SC Rist Wedel averages only 62 points. Why is this such a big problem this season?
We have an extremely talented roster with players that can score from every position. Starting with pre-season and throughout the year we have lost a few key players with season ending injuries, had some players in and out with other injuries, and added some new faces along the way. Although versatile and dangerous, we’re continuing to mesh as we have our full roster for the first time just over the past few weeks. We are definitely due for a breakout game offensively and I have no doubt it is going to happen.
The team defends very well giving up on average only 65 points. How frustrating is it for a team when it gives 100% on the defensive end with major results, but can´t do it on the other end?

Defense is something that we take pride in because we know that regardless of who we’re playing, we can control our own effort and intensity while making things tough on our opponents. Although frustration sometimes sets in, we are all working together as we continue to press forward and bring all the pieces together offensively for a final playoff run.
How much of a joy has it been playing with German talents Louis Olinde and Helge Baues? How much potential do they possess?
It has been phenomenal playing with all of the young guys on our roster. Louis in particular has really impressed me with his work ethic, coachability, and obvious natural gifts. He is a true superstar in the making that has the ability to play at the Div 1 NCAA level, top level in Europe, and even the NBA. He can go as far as he wants if he’s willing to put in the work. Helge has really grown throughout the course of the season and I think his versatility has been instrumental for our team. He allows us to have a lot of different attack options on offense and defense because of his length and creativity around the basket. But I also must give praise to our other young guys: Lenny, Abu, Jack, Alex, and Janis who have worked their tails off all year and have grown throughout the season.

You are playing in your fourth professional season. How much of a leader are you for the young German guys?
From day one I knew that I was going to be in a position of leadership with this young team. I’ve always been a natural leader, but with every team you have to find your voice and really learn the individual players and coaches so that you can be the most effective leader for that specific unit. With this team, it has really been a joy because we have an unselfish, hard working group of guys that are committed to getting better.

Do you feel that the young German players look up to you especially since you are an American and are well traveled and have played NCAA?

I’m not sure if they look up to me, but I do understand that they are always watching me, and my actions will definitely have an impact on their approach to the game now and possibly for some years to come. I really just try to focus on being a professional each and every day, as I take great pride in my work ethic and commitment to being present everyday regardless of the circumstances.
Currently you are averaging 13,4ppg, 4,8rpg and 3,4apg. How happy have you been with your play in your first season in the German Pro B?
I’ve been extremely satisfied with my growth and maturity as it relates to leading this team on a nightly basis in whatever capacity they ask. The past few years, I’ve been put in a position to score a bit more, but with this team I’ve really been able to use my versatility to impact the game in ways that often go beyond the stats. Some nights I’m in a position to score 25+ points, other nights I’m the point guard and floor general, and some nights I’m a glue/energy guy that makes the whole engine run. For me, I’ve had to sacrifice a bit of my natural game at times but it is rewarding as a leader when you see others around you growing and the team becoming stronger because of it.

How important has head coach Michael Claxton been this season for the further development of your game?

Coach Claxton has been a consummate professional and has the blue-collar work ethic I love. When I came to this club, one of the first things I told coach was that I needed to be challenged and pushed out of my comfort zone as I continue my personal development to play at higher levels. He has really challenged me to be better in some of my weaker areas and has put a ton of trust in me to be the leader of this team. Experiencing some of the struggles we have as a unit has really allowed coach and myself to form a bond together as we’re constantly trying to find ways to put this team in the right position to win games. We are both resilient, hard working individuals and I have a tremendous amount of respect for coach and look up to him as a mentor and leader.

The next game is against Izehoe a real north derby. SC Rist Wedel lost the first game 68-65. What do you remember from that game? It was your best game of the season with 27 points and eight boards and you nailed six three pointers?
The last time we played Itzehoe both sides brought their best and there was no let down until the horn sounded. Both teams used different line-ups, shuffled defenses, and made adjustments throughout the game as it was back and forth. I expect a tough team in Itzehoe to come into our gym and make us earn everything.

Will taking care of the ball be a big priority this time as SC Rist Wedel coughed up the ball 18 times in that game?
Taking care of the ball is always high on our list of priorities. 18 turnovers are too many in any game if we want a good chance at coming out on the winning side.

You played the last three seasons for Templeogue Azzurri Dublin (Ireland-Division). How would you compare the style and level there compared to the German Pro B?
Both leagues are quite similar in level, although the style of play is really different. I think the game in Ireland is a little free flowing in terms of player movement on offense. Here in Germany, I notice that offenses are really much more system oriented with emphasis more on ball movement and pick and roll action rather than player movement off the ball and utilizing the dribble drive attack in Ireland. Defensively, I think both leagues are similar with tough, physical play.

It is quite unusual for a young American player to play three seasons in Ireland. What really had you bound to Ireland and it´s basketball?
Playing for Templeogue Basketball Club three years straight was really a journey where I grew and matured both on and off the court. The opportunity to grow with a club and take it to the top of the league was a challenge that I readily accepted and wanted to be a part of. Over my three years, I got to play with a tremendous group of players and coaches whom all instilled confidence in my abilities and allowed me the opportunity to craft my game and mature from a college kid to an adult. We went from the bottom of the league when things started to playing for the championship my last season, and Templeogue is now in a position where they will compete for cup and league titles every year. To have been an instrumental part of that really means a lot to me because I developed great relationships with my teammates, coaches, and all of the club supporters. That will always be my Irish home and family.
As a freshman you played at Mercer with then freshman James Florence who has made a good career in Europe and played in Germany recently. What do you remember in his game then as a kid that didn´t surprise you that he has developed so well?

James was a hard nose competitor that wanted to win. I’ve always thought really highly of him and admired his mental toughness and competitive nature. When I check and follow his career I’m never surprised that he is flourishing because he has all of the tools physically and mentally to compete at any level. Hopefully we will have a chance to cross paths and compete against one another because I know he will pull the best out of me and I will do the same for him.

You played three seasons with ex NBA player Julyan Stone. I recently saw him play in Germany and was fascinated by his game. What fascinated you most about his game and what was the most amazing thing you remember him doing on the court?
Julyan is like a brother to me and I’ve always been fascinated about his ability to impact the game well beyond the stat sheet in so many different ways. You can only appreciate his game if you watch and really understand basketball because stats will not tell the entire story. As a 6’7” point guard he is willing to do whatever it takes to put his teammates in the best position to be comfortable and give his team the best chance to win. Julyan is one of the most unselfish and versatile players that I’ve ever played with. The most amazing thing I see in his game is the passion and pride he takes in his individual defensive match ups. Although I’m the only person he can’t guard, his approach to guarding 1-4 positions is awesome and inspiring.

How did head coach Tony Barbee groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?
All three of my college coaches groomed and prepared me. Coach Mark Slonaker from Mercer taught me about the importance of teamwork and having “One Heartbeat.” Coach Tony Barbee taught me about pushing through adversity and enjoying the journey, not always focusing on the destination. And coach Tim Floyd taught me how to play defense and how to represent your team, school, and city with class.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2016? When it´s all said and done will he be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?
LeBron James is a dominant player in the NBA and we’re going to see him competing for more championships over the coming years. I’m personally a Kobe fan and I’ve watched him since I was 8 years old, so I’ve been trying to catch as much of his final season as possible. In order to be mentioned with Michael Jordan, you have to have the championships. If LeBron is able to get some more rings, then I think people will add him to the debate with Kobe and Jordan.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was Ride Along 2 with Kevin Hart and Ice Cube.

Thanks Isaac for the chat.

Ray Mitchell is a 26 year old 201cm forward from California playing in Germany this season for the Westfalen Mustangs (Germany-Oberliga). He played college ball at Chadron St. (NCAA2) and CS Stanislaus (NCAA2). He started his professional basketball career in 2013 and played for teams like Inland Empire Invaders (ABA), Issa Town (Bahrain-Premier League), and Soles de Ojinaga (Mexico-Chihuahua Vive).He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Ray thanks for talking to German Hoops. It´s Rosen Montag a big carnival thing in the west part of Germany. Did you catch any of this atmosphere the last days or is it more quiet in Rheda Wiedenbruck?

It is a very quiet and peaceful town, more older people than younger. Though I do enjoy the small town, helps me focus on improving my game.

You have been a professional since 2013 that has taken you to the semi pro leagues in the states, Bahrain, Mexico and now Germany. Would you classify yourself as a basketball globetrotter?

Haha not exactly, I have a lot more work to do at this stage of my career, just enjoying the experience of playing and traveling.

How difficult has the last 2 years been for you in general just finding a new team and finding a way to survive?

It’s very difficult, some years you have more offers than needed and other years you have to take what you can get. The toughest part is seasons in different countries collage within each other so you have to pick one or the other. The percentage of you playing pro at any level is under 1% so I feel blessed to be a part of any team/club or organization.

What has kept you going since 2013? Is it your absolute passion for the game that won´t allow you to ever give up your dream?

At this point basketball is all I know, even if I was done playing, I would find a way to coach or find some way to be a part of the game. Though passion has a big part of it.

Currently you are playing for the Westfalen Mustangs (Germany-Oberliga) which is the 6th league in Germany. What kind of experience has Germany been coming from Bahrain and Mexico?

It’s been cold! That’s the biggest change because in Bahrain or Mexico, the winters are still summer weathers. But I am enjoying it no different, just adjusting to different cultures.

How would you classify the level of the Oberliga compared to what you saw in the States, Bahrain and Mexico?

Everywhere I play seems to have their own set of style. As Germany and Bahrain seem to have more of a set offense of trying to get the ball where it belongs in the offense. While Mexico and the states are more up and down, run and gun style but more physical, as the referee let the players play.

Currently Westfalen in 16-0. What do you believe has been the secret of the success of the team so far?

Being aggressive, sharing the ball, playing both ends of the court. Playing every team as if they was the best team in the league. Never taking any team lightly.

Currently you are averaging 26.8 pts. 9.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists for Westfalen. Do you feel like a man playing with boys?

Like the great Shaquille O’Neal once said, “with great team work, comes great individual play”. I also feel no Matter what level I play, my numbers will be similar from my previous club because how hard I work and play.

You are a versatile 201cm forward, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed?

My ball handling ability and passing skills. People see my athletic ability, shooting, scoring and defense but fail to realize how much effort I put on other aspects.

You play with a mix of older and younger Germans. How special would you classify your leadership role that you have on the team?

A big role but not too big, the team does a decent job of taking responsibility of their mistakes and as do I. No one is perfect so we try to pay close attention to details

I am sure that you have seen other levels in Germany like the Regionaliga or Pro B. Are these levels that you believe you could play at?

No doubt about it, just need the opportunity and I am sure I will make any organization very pleased.

Last season you played with Issa Town (Bahrain-Premier League). What kind of experience was that? Were there any invitations to giant palaces or was the whole affair more laid back?

Well it’s something like the Disney movie Aladdin though I had a chance to have training camp in Dubai which made the experience a lot better. The toughest part about playing in Bahrain is each team can only have one import, which makes my job a lot tougher on both ends of the floor. Not only that but I was the smallest and youngest import that season.

Recently you played for Soles de Ojinaga (Mexico-Chihuahua Vive). You scored 51 points against the Tigers. Were you feeling it from the first minute?

No it was a slow game, and the other American was in foul trouble early. I had to pick up the slack, and ended up shooting 19/21 from the Free throw line. It also help me being 14-22 from the field. It felt really good because we won that game by 4 points. I wouldn’t call it my best performance ever but highest point game.

You played at Chadron St. (NCAA2) and CS Stanislaus (NCAA2). How was the whole college basketball experience for you? Did you know coming out that being a professional would be such a challenge?

College was fun, wouldn’t change that experience for nothing. I did think pro teams would be knocking at my door but it didn’t happen like I thought. It was more of a process that I am still learning more about today.

As a rookie in 2013 you got your first professional experience with Inland Empire Invaders (ABA) and the Los Angeles Revolution (NEBA). Was there ever a point where you wanted to just pack it in and quit? How tough was this period for you?

No because I was proud to be a part of the invaders, they helped me in my development in furthering my career. My coach, Dwayne Richardson had over 10 years of pro experience and he became the coach right after his last season pro in 2013. He helped out a lot and so did management. The competitions was way better than I anticipated, and we made it all the way to the sweet 16 as a team with over 90 teams fighting for spots. Very good experience for me as a rookie. Lastly the NEBA I never participated in, I really don’t know how that came about on my profile.

You are only 26 years old. Have you reached your prime yet and what is your biggest basketball goal now?

No of course not, I got at least another 10 years in me, I believe once I hit 30 years of age is where my true prime will be. Now a days I believe players understand the longevity of playing. I still feel, run and jump like I am still 22 years old.

Who was the best player that you ever battled in college or in summer leagues that is in the NBA now?

Paul George, we been playing against each other since high school, and ran into each other in the Nike say no classic, drew league in Los Angeles California, and more pick up runs. I knew he would be good but never knew a super star! Glad to see he is still playing well and healthy.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The water boy! I enjoy the classic movies.

Thanks Ray for the chat.