Brandon Jefferson is a 23 year old 175cm point guard from Flower Mound, Texas that will be play his second professional season and first in Germany with Phoenix Hagen. Last season as a rookie he played for KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 48 games: Score-4(18.5ppg), 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, Steals-2(2.2spg), FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 88.0%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 13.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 88.5%. He started his basketball career in 2010 for Metro State(NCAA2) where he played a total of 129 NCAA games. In college he was able to improve his scoring and rebounding average each season. As a senior he played 34 games averaging 21.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.4apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 45.3%, FT: 92.3%. He spoke to German Hoops about his basketball life.

Brandon thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

I’m currently in Texas right now. Made it home from Florida yesterday morning. Summer has been great. Did some traveling and went to a couple amusement parks all over the United States

Congrats on signing with Phoenix Hagen. Did head coach Anton Mirolybov who was your coach in Finland last season give you some tips about the possibility of coming to Germany?

Thank you, it means a lot to me that I signed with a great league like the BBL in my second season as a pro. Have to give credit to Two Points, which is my agency. Also have to thank a lot of people who put in good words for me. Yes coach Anton helped me. He told me some things about Germany since he recently coached there. Learned a lot from coach Anton and is a great coach!

How vital was Phoenix Hagen head coach Ingo Freyer in you helping you make the decision of moving to Germany this season? Did you have talks with him and what was your first impression of the German coach?

Never spoke with coach Freyer before heading to Hagen. Actually spoke with the assistant coach. He helped me a lot and let me know how the city was and how Hagen likes to play. My agency helped me make the decision though. They let me know how Hagen plays and that it would fit my playing style.

Last season you played as a rookie in Finland with KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga) reaching the semi finals. Now you enter the higher level Beko BBL. Some other players have come to Germany this season that played in Finland like your teammate Kenneth Simms and Ken Horton. What makes you think that you can make the next step in the BBL in Germany this season?

I’m a confident and humble young man. The work I put in has given me the confidence. I know there will be ups and downs but my past has built me up to handle all situations. God is on my side and with Him, anything is possible. I’m very excited for this opportunity and very thankful to Phoenix Hagen for the chance to play with them.

You don´t have the highest assists average in college or Finland. Would that allow one to assume that you are primarily a scoring point guard?

My assist totals have been low, but that’s what I was asked to do for those teams. Was asked to score the ball. I can definitely get my teammates involved. I do whatever the team and coaching staff ask me to do.

Ingo Freyer takes a lot of pride in choosing his point guards the last years as his system revolves greatly around that position and he likes the high scoring point guard. How excited are to be playing for this high paced system of Phoenix Hagen and what other strength in your game will you be able to bring to the table besides your knack to score?

I’m excited and honored that Coach Freyer saw the potential in me as the point guard. I will bring leadership and work ethic to the team. Not just scoring. Want to bring pressure on defense as well.

You are a 175cm point guard and patent your game after Nate Robinson. What is something that you wish you could develop even more from his game?

Nate Robinson is a great player. Look up to him and Isaiah Thomas of the Boston Celtics. Both are small guards, but heart over height as they say. Want to improve my athleticism and develop more of a floater. Also, continue to learn the game each and every day.

Besides your scoring, you are a very skilled defender, but what is a hidden strength in your game that you feel often doesn´t get recognized right away on the court in your game?

I Think a hidden strength in my game is my IQ. Love the game and want to always learn more. Play smart out there on the court.

Last season in Finland you had some talented Americans around you with Kenneth Simms and Lance Ulmer, but KTP Basket Kotka lost in the semi´s. What was missing for the team reaching the final?

Yes we had a talented team, but came up short at the end. Sometimes the ball doesn’t go your way. A lot of things need to line up in order to win a championship. We have no excuses. We had the team to get the job done, but it didn’t happen. We led the Korisliiga all season, so we had the team. Lack of execution ultimately got us at the end and ran into a team that outplayed us.

Your consistency speaks for itself as last season you scored in double figures 46 times in 48 games and you had 20 points or more 23 times. Is consistency something you always have had on the court or something that you have developed over time on the court?

My whole life, my coaches and parents have spoke to me about consistency. Always take that very seriously and want to bring my A game every time I step on the court. Can still develop it more though. Still have a long way to go though.

Last season what was your rookie wake up call to being a professional basketball player where you knew that you were very far away from Metro State and Flower Mound, Texas?

Didn’t have a coach or assistant coach always watching what I was doing like in college. As a pro, I was by myself really. Had to learn and pick up things quickly, but my parents and college coaches helped me a lot to get ready to be a pro. Learned how to use my time wisely. Also learned that I really need to take care of my body with the long season.

You had a work out with the Denver Nuggets in the summer of 2014. What kind of experience was that for you. There are so many talented players in the world, but really how big do you see the difference between being an NBA player and not?

Being with the Nuggets over the 2014 summer was a great experience. Got to measure myself up against those guys. I was nervous at first but I seen that I can play with those guys. Can’t really put my finger on the gap between NBA players or not, but I know that if its meant to be, it will happen and if you can play, NBA teams will find you.

You played at Metro State(NCAA2) from 2010-2014 and reached the NCAA2 final 4 in 2014. What is still the most vivid thing in your mind about your last game at Metro State?

My senior year still is in my mind because we lost in the final four in the last seconds. We were number 1 in the country the whole year. We had the team to get it done but fell short. Still bothers me and motivates me to this day.

Despite playing NCAA 2 basketball, you had an NBA work out, have played in Finland and have made the next jump up a level to the Beko BBL. However do you feel that you still have to prove yourself time in and time out because you played NCAA2? Does that make you want to work harder each practice?

Yes with playing division 2 and being the height that I am, I’m always fighting an uphill battle and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It motivates me and makes me want to go out there and prove to people that I can play. Some Division 2 players are as good as the D1 players.

You and head coach Derrick Clark came to Metro State in 2010 and saw the highs and lows. How did Clark prepare and groom you for a professional basketball career best?

Coach Clark has been a father figure to me. He has helped me so much in becoming a young man. He spoke the truth to me about life and I love him for it. He was tough on me and really pushed me to be the player I am today. Also thank you to the assistant coaches at Metro who are coach Bahl, Wall, and Taylor Harris.

You broke so many records at metro state and had so many great games, but when looking back at your illustrious four year career, what was your greatest achievement on the court there?

The greatest achievement I had at Metro State was being able to represent the school in a positive way. Just wanted to leave a legacy at Metro!

Who won a one on one in practice you or Jamal Mcclerkin?

Jamal and I used to go at it in practice, but I would get the better of him.

As a senior you had four Australian players on the roster. At the end of the season what did you learn about the mentality of Australian people?

Loved playing with the Aussies. They are very skilled and bring different things to the table. Learned that they are very tough and like to compete!

What stories do you remember being told about John Bynum who won the NCAA2 title in 2000 at Metro State?

I know that John Bynum was a great player and even better person. Heard a lot about him as well as that 2002 team! Coach Dunlap is a legend!

Where do you see the Dallas Mavericks heading this season? They have top point guard Deron Williams. Can they be reborn in the west?

I cans see the Mavericks making a strong push buy the Western conference is loaded! See the Spurs, Warriors and Thunder competing to come out of he west.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan?

Lebron is the best player in the world. He will bring his team back to the Finals. Don’t know if they will win it though. Depends on the health of their team at the end of the season. Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time and I don’t think anyone will be worthy of mention. Lebron and Kobe are right under him though.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Actually saw a movie last night called Paper Towns. It was a good movie. Jurassic Park was the movie before that though. Definitely recommend people seeing that!

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

Andre Lockhart is a 29 year old 183 cm point guard that has the Barbados/British citizenship and is a professional basketball player. He played most of his basketball career in Barbados, UK and Germany. He played the last two seasons in Germany. He split the 2013-2014 season with BG Biggessee (Germany-2.Regionalliga) in Nov.’13 signed at Giants Duesseldorf (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 10 games: 11.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 34.1%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 55.6%, in Feb.’14 signed at Essex Leopard. Last season he played for BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 26 games: 16.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.5apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 80.7%. He played his college career at Rust(NCAA3) and Queens NC(NCAA2). Other stops as a professional have been Sagicor Tridents (Premier League), Newcastle Eagles (United Kingdom-BBL) and Lumber Company Lakers (Premier League). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Andre thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

No, thank you the pleasure is all mine so thanks for having me. I am currently in Barbados , visiting family and friends and working some camps giving back to the kids on the island as I used to be one of these kids with the same dream an aspirations of playing college and pro . So coming back here and giving back shows them it can be done . I am working out every day and playing in the league in Barbados, which my team is in the playoffs starting August 4th

August is around the corner and you are still searching for a team. Are you slowly getting a bit nervous or moreover just itching to play basketball again?

I’m not nervous at the current moment because I understand the process but I am itching to be signed with a team so I will know my teammates , coaches and my role with the team as I have a lot to bring to a club .

You have played your whole career Barbados, the UK and in Germany. What makes the German style of play so appealing to you and your game?

Germany has been great! The style of play isn’t much different from other parts of the world. Teams are coached really well and players have a high IQ and strong fundamentals for the game . The German game is also fast paced and players have numerous skills, so I fit right in.

Last season you played for BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-Regionalliga) and the club finished in fifth place in the division with a record of 18-8. What could the team have done additionally on the court to have had an even better season?

The first half of the season we were actually in first place before the Christmas break so we were on track and doing really well. One of our import players had an issue coming back from the states and that hit our club really hard but the guys we had worked really hard and we still pushed to finish as high as we could an I am really proud of the team and leading those guys. They’re a great group of guys.

Last season for BG Topstar Leitershofen you played 26 games averaging 16.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.5apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 80.7%. Those are very solid stats, but often you see imports putting up crazy stats of 25ppg in the season. How pleased were you with your performance on the court?

I was ok with my season and my stats because I am a point guard and a leader. I don’t play for my stats and I do what my team needs me to do. I am a playmaker that can score. Most players just focus on stats, I cared about my teammates and making sure I got the most out of them . I take my game after Chris Paul . He can score the ball but knows for a team to be successful at times you need to make a sacrifice and if it was me taking less shots to create for my teammates to get the most out of them I will be that as a team player. But if my team needs me to be a scorer I can do that just as well.

You were very consistent scoring in double figures in 24 of 26 season games. Is it important for you to get going quickly to be consistent or do you just go by what the defense gives you and find your groove like that?

I prepare from the beginning of the week before the game for the opponent I have to play. This allows me to go in with a game plan to see if I should start aggressive or passive first but that can all change during the game depending on how defensives plays me . As some teams play to keep the ball out of my hands and trapping me making stuff difficult, so to the prior question this is where teams have to pick their poison as I can affect the game by passing, scoring and defensively

What was your season highlight? Possbily your 28 points against Treuchtlingen?

Yeah the entire season was great but that game was huge for us as a club. We were down the entire game by 20 plus point and I was in foul trouble the first 3 quarters and for me to score 21 points in the 4th and help my team with 6 assists, 5 steals and 3 rebounds was the most important because scoring 28 and losing means nothing, but to make all the right plays coming down the stretch where my team needed me and also scoring the go ahead bucket to seal the deal made me very proud to help my team

What makes you feel like you could make the next step in the German Pro B?

I always felt like I could play in pro b. There are some good players in that league but I know within myself I could help a team just as much and have a great impact in that league. I am a competitor so I never settle I am always working, if a coach/club saw my play or asked any of the coaches I played for they will get an honest opinion of my game and they will know I can help a team be successful by winning games .

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away on the court?

The hidden strength in my game would be my basketball IQ. I am a student of the game always preparing and trying to become more knowledgeable of what I am doing with my game and how to deal when in certain situations , read offenses, defenses and ways how I can be a better player to help myself and team .

Were you like a mentor for young German Julian Breuer? How did his game develop further?

Yeah I was also brought in for that reason, Julian can be very good player once he slows down the game mentally in his head. All young players suffer from playing too fast and making mistakes so once he over comes that hurdle he will be fine . Towards the end of the season him playing both leagues helped him an I saw the flashes of his game developing which was a great sign. I was brought up on tough love as when I was the young guy I had to work really hard on my game which I still do so I hope the knowledge I passed onto him and my work ethic he will share with others when he gets to my point in his career as it is a cycle .

Please explain your game a bit in a few sentences as to why you could help any team this season?

I love to push the ball and have an uptempo game, but can run a half court set. I am a coach on the floor and I rather help set up teammates to score, but I am able to score off the dribble and much improved 3 pt shooting, knowing when my number is called to attack by reading the defense and the game flow. I know I can help a team to go in the direction they want to go as my character and my basketball abilities will be a great fit for any organization.

How does a typical summer work out day look like for you on and off the court?

My typical summer workout can be a very challenging one, as this summer I am focusing on being more lean and quicker on my feet. In the morning I will coach kids until 11:20 then go work on basketball stuff ( shooting and dribbling ) 11:30-1:30 and then around 3:00-7:00 back in the weight room working on endurance and muscle strength. After that straight on the court to do more shooting and basketball workouts . Then recovery making sure body is fresh and ready to get after it the next day .

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath with Michael Jordan one day?

LeBron is great player. Will be one of the greats but he will always be compared to Jordan but he will never be in the same breath as MJ to me. LeBron reminds me more of a Magic Johnson type player . MJ six rings and not ever losing a finals and winning mvp every time isn’t the only deciding factor but is just one out of the numerous points that MJ can’t be matched as yet. I am also a Lakers fan and Kobe Bryant fan at that, so in terms of skill set Kobe is the closest thing to MJ but not even Kobe was as dominating as MJ.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I’ve seen was Terminator. It was great didn’t think they could actually make another one that would keep me engaged but it was great and enjoyed it . Arnold Schwarzenegger is still doing his thing lol.

Thanks Andre for the chat.

Mike Nwelue is a 196cm forward from Lewisville, Texas that recently finished a two year college career at Drury (NCAA2). He played two seasons at Southwestern before moving to Drury. As a senior he played 16 games averaging 8.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 59.6%, FT: 64.5%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Mike thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

Thank you for reaching out, I really appreciate it! This summer I’ve been working on all parts of my game. I workout with a couple of current and former overseas players every day. My older brother Brian, is a coach (who played college basketball and received offers to play overseas) and he trains me throughout the week whenever possible. The last couple of years, I have spent my summer at school for classes and workouts, so it feels good to be around family for a longer period of time this go around. God is good!

Your teammate from Drury Cameron Adams recently signed with German Regionaliga team Schwenningen. How proud are you of him signing his first professional contract?

I am very proud of him! He is a very hard worker and knows the game. It does not surprise me that Schwenningen saw that in him as well. I am sure he will do just fine out there.

There is no secret that you could play professional basketball like your friend Cameron Adams. How serious are you pursuing a professional career now or are you just testing the waters?

I was raised to put 100% into anything I do and live with results. I realize that most people don’t get the chance to play college basketball let alone professional basketball so I don’t take this opportunity for granted. My agent, Evaldas Rimkus (Octagon Europe) has been very helpful throughout this process.

What do you know about the country of Germany and its basketball? Do you have any friends playing over seas?

Marvin, one of my good friends, went to my high school as a foreign exchange student from Germany and I’ve learned a little bit about the game and culture over there from him. We still keep in touch till this day. I also met a few German people while I was Drury. From the German’s I’ve met, I’m guessing Germany is a very nice country! I know quite a few people that are or have played basketball overseas. My old teammate from high school Brandon Jefferson recently just signed to play in the top league in Germany. I know 4 people that are currently playing or have played in Germany alone.

The European style is more structured than the up and down tempo in the states. What part of your game do you feel would benefit the structural play of Europe best?

I believe my game as a whole will transition nicely to the European style. Throughout college I have played on teams that like to get up and down, but at the same time have a system that we are drilled to execute. As Coach Hesser would say, “There is a method to the madness”. I like to use my athleticism to my advantage, and I am a very disciplined player. I know how to be effective through a set offensive play or defensive scheme.

Before finishing at Drury(NCAA2) you played two seasons at Southwestern(NAIA). What do you believe was the most important thing that you developed in your game in that time that helped you make the transition smoother at Drury?

I believe my shooting ability really increased in my time at Southwestern. I always had a quick first step and had the ability to drive and finish strong. I noticed that players started backing off of me forcing me to shoot, and that’s when I started putting extra shots up to make sure they had to respect my shot as well. Coach Bostwick (Southwestern head coach) gave me the freedom to play my game, and I appreciated that.

Your athleticism stands out in your game, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

I believe my vision and ability to play off the ball are hidden strengths of mine. I am good at putting myself in position for easy points and rebounds. Also I really look to get the ball to my teammates at the right time in their “sweet spots”

If you could describe in a few sentences as to why you could help any professional team this season what would you say?

I put 100% into whatever I do. If it means I have to lock down the best player, score a lot of points, get every rebound, get my teammates involved, play inside, or play outside, I am going to give it my very best shot. It has worked for me so far, why stop now?

You reached the NCAA 2 elite 8 in 2014. That was a great run, but despite all the games you played and plays, you must remember something from that last game in the Elite 8 that still runs in your mind?

I remember the momentum leaving is in the second half. There was a player on the other team that came off the bench and went 6/6 from the three point line. Each three he hit, you could feel the energy and momentum of the game moving in their favor. We ended up losing by ten points and it hurt like crazy. We used that feeling as motivation to get better for the next season.

What was your personal highlight in your two seasons at Drury? Possibly your 21 points against St Josepth´s?

Yes, I did have a good game against St Joseph, but I would have to say it was the first game of my senior year against our rivals. I had 19 points, 12 rebounds, a steal and a block. It was a big game in a packed arena, and those are the environments players love to play in.

How did Drury head coach Steve Hesser prepare and groom you best for a professional career in your two years at Drury?

He taught me that nothing worthwhile comes easy. You have to have some toughness in you to reach your full potential, in anything you do.

Now you get some revenge for your ex teammate and friend Cameron Adams. Who would win a one on one in practice last season?

I’m not rude like Cameron so I won’t say much. All I know is that anytime I was ready for one on one, he always had some mysterious injury, so he wouldn’t play me. Weird right?

What do you see the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets achieving this upcoming season in the NBA?

It will be interesting to see how Raymond Felton plays this season coming off the injury. It would have been nice to get Deandre Jordan here, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be. I think James Harden will come out determined next season after the way their season ended this year. The West looks like it will be difficult as always, but I see both teams making the playoffs.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Do you ever see him being mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan?

Lebron is clearly the best player in the NBA. I believe he should be mentioned in the same breath, but I would not say he is better. I just think Jordan had the mentality and body language that he was never going to lose when he stepped on the court, especially in the playoffs.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was God’s Not Dead. I have watched it several times now and it is a great movie. I highly recommend anyone reading this to watch it! Thank you once again for the interview and God bless.

Thanks Mike for the chat.

Cameron Adams is a 22 year old 196cm forward from FT Smith, Arkansas that will start his professional career in Germany with the Schwenningen Panthers. He played at Drury(NCAA2) from 2011-2015 and as a senior played 17 games averaging 15.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 66.4%, FT: 76.3%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Cameron thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer in 2015?

Currently, I am living in Springfield Missouri and working out to prepare for the upcoming season in Germany. I have been thoroughly enjoying my summer so far and I have been spending a lot of time with my family and friends before I head to Germany and begin the offseason with my team.

How crazy is it that you left the Panthers and now will be joining the German Panthers. When you look back at the last 4 years at Drury, what was the secret to the grit of the Drury Panthers when you were there?

It is completely crazy and unexpected I just thankful for the opportunity to continue playing the sport I love. There was no secret to the Drury Panthers we just had a great group of guys who all wanted to play our hearts out on the court and that paired with our Coach led us to having a successful four years at Drury.

Congrats on your first professional contract with German Regionaliga team Schwenningen Panthers. How excited are you to make the trek to Germany soon and start your professional basketball career?

I am very excited to make the trek to Germany! I have never been out of the country before so to get the chance to see a whole new country and play basketball is an amazing experience and a blessing! I’m am too excited to put it into words.

What was your first experience like the last few months entering the very competitive transfer shark tank and trying to land that first contract? Did you have other offers?

My experience has been eye opening and enlightening. I had never been through a process like this before and I did not even know how to get started in this field. I had some great people to help me out with everything and explain things when I had questions. Honestly, no I did not have any other offers, a team from Denmark had asked about me but they never offered me a contract. I mean of course it would be nice to have multiple offers on the table, but I did not i’m going to work hard this year so that I have more offers on the table for next year!

What do you know in general about the country Germany and its basketball? Do you have any friends balling in Germany?

I had a few friends from college that were from Germany so all I know about the country is what they told me but I am in the process of learning about the country’s culture, landmarks, and food. Food is very important to me and I’m excited to try authentic German food. Brandon Lockhart and the other is Sanayika Shields played in Germany and all played at Drury.

Were you able to talk to Panthers head coach Alen Velcic? What was your first impression of him?

I was able to talk to Coach Velcic. My first impression of the Coach is that he is a very passionate and driven and has a love for the game of baskeball. The two of these things combined make for a great coach in my opinion I cant wait to meet him face to face and shake his hand and play for him.

He is very impressed by your game. How quickly did you notice that he really wanted you on his team?

I noticed he wanted me on the team early into our conversation. He was very straight-forward about what he wanted in a player next year and how I could help move the team move forward in the coming year.

He described you as very athletic with a good drive, but you can also shoot the three. What is your biggest strength on the court?

My strength on the court is definitely my athleticism, I use it to my advantage on the defensive end, and in turn it allows me to drive and attack the basket on the offensive end as well.

Another strength is your leadership role. You had to take over that role as a senior at Drury and at times get in the faces of your teammates. Which NBA player would you best like to compare yourself with how you showed your leadership skills and getting into a teammates face if needed?

Well my favorite NBA player is Kobe Bryant but I don’t believe I am as stern worded as he is on the court. Still I would say I want to embody his passion and leadership on the court.

You are a very versatile shooter and your high field goal percentage in the 60´s really stands out for a player at 196cm. But what is a hidden strength in your game that you believe isn´t noticed right away on the court?

I do not believe I have a hidden strength I just play hard for the entire time that I am on the court. I just love the game.

It seems having that knack of playing under the NCAA always gets players very motivated and hungry. Your coming from an NCAA 2 school and now have to reprove yourself again in the fourth German league. Do you feel like you always have to revent yourself and prove yourself?

Yes, you always have to prove yourself no matter what. You can have a good year one year and if you just think people will back down you are crazy. I love having the opportunity to prove myself.

It has been two years since winning the NCAA 2 title, but what still is most vivid in your mind about this glorious evening for Drury?

The whole game was memorable from beginning to end I would say what I remember most about it was when our point guard Brand Lockhart made a lay-up and got fouled and for the first time all season showed real emotion and screamed at the crowd.

If you look back at that title game, how important was the game of Alex Hall not only in that game, but in the title run season?

Alex was vital to our title run. Our offense ran through him and Brandon. We would first get him open and then play off of that. I loved it because he was a great player because he made the game easier for people around him. That is what great players do.

You always have much talent, developed further as a player at Drury, but some credit much also go to head coach Steve Hesser. How was he able to prepare you best for a professional basketball career at Drury?

The best lessons that he taught me were to never be satisfied because when you are satisfied that is when you stop growing. Complacency is the enemy of progress. The second lesson he taught me “big time is where you are at.” That one speaks for itself.

Who would win a one on one in practice last season you or Mike Nwelue?

I would. Mike is a great players but I am not losing. Besides you can ask him and he would tell you I would win too.

How does a typical summer work out day look like for you on and off the court in 2015?

Depends on the day I have never played professionally so I do not know what the workouts will be like. I usually go for a run in the morning, then I will lift weights and shoot afterward and I go shoot again for about an hour later in the day.

Did you have more of a bond to college basketball growing up simply because where you came from in Arkansas and later at Drury Missouri, there is no NBA team to follow or go to games?

Actually my favorite team is the L.A. Lakers but growing up I would watch as many of their games on TV as I could. I do have a strong connection to college basketball but where I grew up and not having the chance to attend more professional games did not deter me.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? He just lost the NBA title. Everybody is making the Michael Jordan comparisons. What does king James need to do to be mentioned in the same breath with Jordan or is he already?

Lebron will never be what Michael was until he passes him in championships the same as Kobe. Until someone wins 6 championships they cannot be compared to Jordan.. He is a great player and one of the greatest all time but I will never have respect for him the same way as Michael because Jordan mastered almost every asset of the game and he did not make a spectacle out of the game like Lebron has done at times. Still lebrons finals performace last year was amazing he put up numbers that only Jordan has and he led a team of no names to the finals. Give Lebron another 6 years and ask this question again and my answer my be different .

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I saw was the Gambler with Mark Wahlberg it was a great movie.I was surprised how good it actually was I love watching movies and I did not see that movie when it was in theaters because I did not think it would be good at all.

Thanks Cameron for the chat.

Eric Kibi is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Ontario, Canada that just completed his second season in Germany and first with Basketball Club Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 20,5ppg and 15,0rpg. He started his basketball career in 2008 with Jacksonville College (NJCAA) where he played until 2010. He then played a season with UALR (NCAA) playing 29 games: 4.4ppg, 4.2rpg. He finished his college career in 2012 with Abil.Christian (NCAA2) playing 20 games: 8.2ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 60.0%. In 2012 he started his professional basketball career with Abil.Christian (NCAA2) playing 20 games: 8.2ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 60.0%. Last season he played with Ottawa SkyHawks (NBL Canada): 29 games: 4.4ppg, 4.7rpg. He will play in the German Pro B next season for Herten. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Eric thanks for taking some time to talk to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer?
I was in Albuquerque, New Mexico for most of the summer which is where I went to high school, pretty much training with the high altitude and visiting friends and family. Now I’m back home in Canada for my last 3 weeks before I head back to Germany.

Congrats on getting signed by the Herten Lions. How relieved are to have made the next step in the German basketball world moving up from Regionaliga to Pro B?
Thank You, it feels great to make that move up but at the end of the day I expected that out of myself at the beginning of the season so I’m happy I reached my goal.

After your rookie season with BG Halstenbek/Pinneberg where you had very strong stats of 19/9, you played a short season in Canada and then came back to Germany to play for Rendsburg. Do you feel that these two seasons were needed for your game to develop more so that you would be 100% ready for the Pro B now?
I kind of agree with that, I feel like I could of played ProB after my rookie year but the opportunity to play in my hometown in Ottawa was too much to pass up. Even though I struggled with playing time in Canada that year in the NBL it made me so hungry because of the high level guys that I practiced with everyday day.

How thankful are you for Ballinforlife Faboom who got you the contact to Herten. He may be the youngest agent in the making.
Haha Faboom is my man, he’s so passionate about the game and knows so many people so I’m thankful for him for sure.

Will the adjustment on and off the court be made easier with your buddy Deandre Lansdowne? How happy are you that he will be with you on the team?
Oh most definitely, he was one of the first guys I met when I moved to the states to play ball when I was 15 and we been great friends ever since. This summer we trained together all summer and played in many tournaments so we definitely have a good feel for each other’s games. As far as off court with him and the other Canadian Justin Dennis I think it’ll be great to have those guys around.

What have you been working on your game mostly this summer so that you will arrive in the German Pro B best prepared?
I’ve been working really hard to get my jump shot more consistent as well as my ball handling. I feel like last season I made a good step as far as being more confident in my shot but obviously I could still be better so I’m making sure I’m prepared because I know defenses will already be prepared for my slashing and athleticism.

Do you see yourself being a dominant player in the Pro B? What do you feel will be your biggest asset for Herten?
I definitely see myself as being a dominant player I don’t say this because I’m cocky but because I know how hard I work at my craft. I definitely can score but I think I can do more than just that because I have such a high motor. With the things I feel like I’ve added this summer to my game add that to the 15 rebounds a game and I think thats the best way I can help my team win every night.

You had a great season for Basketball Club Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 22 games: 20.5ppg, Reb-1(15.0rpg), 1.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 17.4%, FT: 63.4%. However the team finished in eighth place with a record of 8-14. Why wasn´t the team able to perform better as a unit?
You know the season was a bit difficult at times we would win a few in a row and then lose a few so it was definitely challenging. Sometimes as a team we didn’t make the best decisions in clutch times. Overall this season taught me a lot and I’m thankful for the opportunity in Rendsburg.

You were one rebound away from finishing the season with 22 double doubles in 22 games. Your 13/9 stats against Bernau was stat wise probably your worst game. Do you remember these kind of games even now?
Oh I definitely remember that game, that was probably my worst game as pro. Give credit to Bernau though they were probably the best defensive team in our league. I appreciate games like that though because I watch those games on film in the summer and see the things I can work on.

All in all where you able to satisfy your season goals with Basketball Club Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) Was the season a success for your own game or do you feel that you could of played even better?
I was satisfied with my season but of course I feel like I could of played even better to help the team win more games. There’s a few games that I feel if I was given more of an opportunity to stay in the flow of the game we could of won. I look forward to improving on last seasons success this year in Herten, I’m excited for the new challenge.

Was your 28/26 your season highlight against Cottbus or was it another game?
That was definitely the highlight of the season because we won and I was able to actually hit a buzzer beater to win but to me it was more special because it was such a great team win after we lost our first 3 games of the season so it was a great feeling. The stats are just a bonus.

In the Regionaliga it is always interesting to see how much the talent level varies with the German players as you have young and old. If you had to choose a German player that could make the next step who would you choose from last years team?
The best German player I saw this season was Konstantin Kovalev of Alba Berlin. Even though he’s a young guy, that guy competed and went at me every play and I really respected that, hes long and athletic, he has a bright future.

How does a summer day work out session look like for you in 2015 on and off the court?
I’ll get up around 5:15am eat a good breakfast go play pickup at 6am at a local high school after that we get in the lift, swim and run for cardio and steam room. We then conclude the day with an on the court workout finished off with 1000 shots on the shooting machine.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath with Michael Jordan?
Lebron is my favorite player for sure but I think to be mentioned with Jordan he has to win more championship but he’s definitely the most gifted athlete we have ever seen.

What was the last movie that you saw?
Haven’t seen a movie in a while but I’ve been watching the show Power.

Thanks Eric for the chat

Gerald Beverly is a 21 year old 201cm forward from Rochester, New York that just finished his college career at Daemen(NCAA2) In his senior year he played 12 games averaging 20.7ppg, 12.1rpg, 3.5bpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.8%. After a very strong junior season where he played 28 games averaging18.9ppg, 10.0rpg, 4.0bpg, FGP: 57.3%, FT: 64.6%, NBA teams started to notice his game. This past summer he has been on the radar of many NBA teams, but the American has decided to start his professional career in Germany. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Where are you at the moment Gerald and what was your best summer experience off the court?

I am currently in Buffalo working out with my coaches from school. As well has hanging out with friends.

The last few months you have been going from NBA workout to NBA workout. Do you still have to pinch yourself about having these kind of experiences?

Definitely, the workouts were a great experience and it gave me a chance to go up against other NBA prospects and gauge my level of skill. In which I thought I did pretty well

With all the attention that you have received as well as what you have seen from the NBA in the last weeks, could you give a better jaw breaking expression than Home Alone star Macaulay Culken? How would the Gerald Beverly jaw breaking expression look like after the last weeks?

I was definitely grinning from ear to ear the whole time through my NBA experiences

You met with teams like the Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers and was interest from the Golden State Warriors and massive interest from the Milwaukee Bucks. What experience was the best for you and what did you learn from the NBA moment the last few weeks?

I learned that it takes a lot of hard work to make it in the NBA and there are a lot of guys they look at and you have to do what you can to make yourself standout and make a name for yourself.

You have consistently improved your stats each season at division 2 school Daemen and didn´t get NBA interest until late in your college career. When did you know that you there might be a professional basketball career possible for you?

My coaches always felt that I had a strong chance for a professional career somewhere as long as I kept working hard, and that is what I did and a lot of it came to light this year.

You almost didn´t go to Daemen, but were going to play at division 3 school Hibbert. Do you think that your career wouldn´t have panned out the way it did now with Daemen?

I don’t think it would of if I had went to Hilbert. The guys and people I met at Daemen and the coaching along with the level of play I think really pushed me to better myself at the game, and that may not have happened for me at Hilbert.

Your senior season at Daemen NBA scouts started coming to watch you. After a while you told your head coach Mike Mcdonald not to mention that anymore. How difficult was it to focus on your game and improve when you knew that NBA scouts were always watching? Did you feel pressure?

Scouts started coming to our games my senior year. I did ask for my coach to not tell me when a team was coming because it would be a little nerve racking for me, because I would think about it too much in games.

NBA superstars like Scottie Pippen or Charles Oakley and Dennis Rodman all didn´t play at NCAA division one schools and all made it big time as professionals. Were these the guys that also might have had an indirect impact on you working even harder to be the best that you could on the court?

Definitely it just shows that it can be done like a guy like me coming from the school I’m coming from can still make it. It may be a longer path but there is still plenty of opportunity to get there.

You have a very versatile game, but your drive, work ethic and athleticism really stand out. However what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed on the court right away?

Well I think that I can shoot the ball a bit better than I am given credit for as well as I think I can pass decently well to.

Mike Mcdonald was your head coach at Daemen as a senior, but how did head coach Don Silveri help you develop in your first three years that helped you get into a position on the court for NBA teams to be interested in your game?

Well coach Silveri was the one who gave me the opportunity to come to Daemen and I am forever grateful. As my coach he pushed me to become better in more ways than one and I am glad I got to play for him.

What was your most memorable game as a senior your 27 point 21 rebound effort in the 89-88 win against Dowling or your 25 point 20 rebound game against Molloy in the 75-61 win?

My favorite experience was when we beat Canisus college and division 1 program in an exhibition game which was an amazing feeling.

What will you miss most from teammate Torrence Dyck on and off the court?

I will miss a lot from all my teammates it was unfortunate for Torrance because he had a season ending injury about halfway through our season. I will for sure miss his drive and work ethic and he was a great teammate.

You have signed to play for a Beko BBL team in Germany. Did security and money play a role for you signing early in Europe over not taking the NBA/D-League route as a rookie?

It was just a good situation and opportunity that I wanted to take advantage of and I think will work out well for me.

What do you know about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

I know Germany has produced great basketball players such as Dirk Nowitzki and that Germany is a great country with a lot of tourist attractions and history

In Europe the game is more structured then the more up and down pace in the States and the driven one on one game. On what things will you be working on the court in the next weeks before you head over for your rookie season in Germany?

I have been getting myself ready for the adjustment and understanding all new adjustments and tweaks I will have to make to my game.

Did you ever see Javon Mccrea play when he was balling at Buffalo(NCAA)? He was a rookie last season in Germany and had a great season. He is a 201cm forward like yourself.

I played pickup against him once but I never actually went to an official UB basketball game while he was there.

Tony Gaffney who played at UMass and has the distinction of being on the Celtics and Lakers roster, but never playing an NBA game played in Germany some years ago. If you could, what would you like to have from his game?

Tony Gaffney is a great player if I was to want something from his game it would probably be his ability to run the fast break and handle the ball in transition. But I feel with my work ethic I will be able to gain those aspects to my game.

How does a summer work out day look like for Gerald Beverly in the summer of 2015?

It would consist of me going through a basketball workout and drills with my coaches and then go right into lifting weights after. On certain days I play pick up with my former teammates and basketball players in the area.

What do you see the New York Knicks accomplishing in the 2015-2016 NBA season. Can they be a playoff team?

It is definitely hard to say I think that they will for sure improve from last year and if they develop a good team chemistry I think they may be able to make some noise. I have faith in Phil and think he is doing the right things.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Jurassic World.

Thanks Gerald for the chat.