Johnathan Loyd is a 173cm point guard from Las Vegas, Nevada that is starting his professional basketball career with German Pro A team ETB Wohnbau Baskets. He played at Oregon from 2010-2014 playing a total of 141 NCAA games and as a senior played 34 games averaging 7.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 4.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 82.4%. He reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2013 and spoke to German Hoops about basketball before he came to Essen.

Congrats on signing your first professional contract as you will play in Germany for the ETB Wohnbau Baskets In Essen. How did you experience your first summer in the transfer period? Did you have some freedom to choose from more offers or were the offers more rare?

This summer I didn’t have to many offers. I felt like coming to Essen was the best place for me to start off my pro career.

What were the main reasons for joining the ETB Wohnbau Baskets? Did you get some advice from ex teammates Garret Sim, Waverly Austin or Jay Strowbridge who have all gained experience in the German Pro A?

The main reason for coming to Essen was that I heard how competitive the Pro A league is here in Germany so I felt like it would be a great place to start my career. I confided in a couple of my ex teammates and coaches who know what it was like and they also said it would be a great fit.

What do you know about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Some ex teammates at Oregon have played here as well as German Martin Seiferth who was your teammate your freshman year.

I didn’t know much about German basketball before I got here. I had just heard it was a well respected league in Europe and to be here for my first job was a blessing.

Was it important for you to join a team where you knew that there would be an experienced point guard like Gary Johnson who will help you adjust.

It wasn’t very important that I had an experienced pg, the most important thing was that I went to a program that would help develop me as a player and had winning aspirations. And also a program where I could use my strengths.

You recently played at the China Four Nations Tournament in Chenzhou, Jiahe, Shenzhen and ZaoZhuang (Team USA) playing 7 games averaging 16.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 8.1 apg, 3.1 spg. You had very good stats. Was this most a great confidence builder for you coming off a year off from basketball making the transition from the football field?

Yes it was a very big confidence booster. Having not played in a real game for a while, it was important for me to get back out on the floor in order to get my timing down. Practicing with the Oregon basketball team helped but this tournament was truly what I needed.

When looking at your basketball vita, one sees you had a solid college career that ended in 2014 and then there is a hole. However there was a reason for that as you played a fifth year in another sport football something that is very rare. Why did you decide to do this?

I decided to play football because I wanted to see what I could do on the field. I was pretty good in high school so I wanted to test out my abilities at the next level. Also I have a lot of pride for the University of Oregon so being able to help them win is very satisfying. And I knew this would be my last chance to put the shoulder pads on one last time so I didn’t want to regret the choice.

Did the idea of possibly getting injured and putting a professional basketball career in jeopardy not enter your mind? Or did you not see this as being a risky venture?

If you think about injury you are bound to get hurt. I didn’t really have that in my mind but of course there was always the possibility.

How difficult was it for you to adjust to football again which you hadn´t played in 5 years since high school? Did you have to make a basketball body into a football body?

The transition to the football field was a very difficult one. I had to change my mindset and my body in order to be able to compete.

How would your football year have ended up if you hadn´t had a guy like Keanon Lowe pushing you from day one?

If K Lowe wasn’t there for me from the start I don’t know if I even would have played to be honest. He was the one who convinced me to strap up.

You played mostly special teams on the Oregon football team. Did this experience help you in any way physically concerning your future basketball career? What did you learn from this year playing football?

Playing football helped me a lot. I learned a lot from the excellent coaching staff and even the leaders on that team. Becoming the punt returner was my ultimate goal so when that happened it was a dream come true.

You had a very solid basketball career at Oregon winning 94 games. You had numerous great games like the win over Arizona, or your 23 points and 15 assists against Ole Miss or your 19 points over UCLA. Was your alltime own best game one of these or was it another?

My all time best game would have been in the PAC 12 tournament championship. Just the gravity of the situation and what was at stake makes that game much better than any other.

You played against so many great point guards over your career like Larry Drew at UCLA or Justin Cobbs at California, but if you had to pick one player that was the toughest you faced who would it be?

The toughest player I played against I would say was Isaiah Thomas at the university of Washington. I was a freshmen when he was a senior and I could tell he was ready to be a pro. And also the whole Duke team my freshmen year. Their whole team was great.

You also had to witness some tough loses like the game winner from Justin Cobbs over Oregon. What do you remember from that game most?

I just remember not having a very good offensive game. I remember Justin Cobbs hitting the game winner on me and just being devastated.

How did Oregon head coach Dana Altman prepare you best for a professional basketball career at Oregon?

Coach Altman taught me how to come to work every day. Regardless of what is happening in your life, when you hit the basketball floor it’s all about basketball.

In your last two seasons how did Dominic Artis make you better as a player? I am sure the head to head battles in practice made both of you better at the point guard position

Playing against Dominic Artis everyday forced me to be ready because he was coming at me. He’s a great player so if you not locked in he’ll make you look bad.

You are from Las Vegas. Do you catch some of the NBA Summer League games? If yes what player made the biggest impact on you this summer?

I do check the summer league games out. In the summer league Seth Curry was most impressive.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015. How far is he really from being mentioned in the same breath of Michael Jordan or is he already?

In my personal opinion you can’t compare Lebron and Jordan. They have two different styles of play and they are on two different levels mentally. Jordan is the best ever and a better comparison to him would be Kobe who is next in line.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was straight outta Compton.

Thanks John for the chat.

German regionaliga team Limburg are ready to kick off their season on September 19th against SV 03 Tuebingen and have their team as well as complete, but are missing that one import player that is so usual in the Regionaliga. As far as the German players on board, head coach Danny Stalllbohm can work this season with players like son Justin Stahllbohm, Norman Klima, Robin Pflueger, Daniel Hahn, Kaan Kus from Idstein, Mike Sharma from Horchheim, Henry Volkert from Gieen and Devidas Balka from Noerdlingen. The club left the football organization that it belonged to and formed their own organization and as a result money that was usually there in the budget is missing for this season.

The position of the import player has yet still to be determined. The club has had Americans in for try-outs, but nothing has become official with a signing yet. Currently there are two Americans in try-outs with the club and possibly one could be signed? When that new player will signed is unknown, but it would be benficial if he was before the season opener. In the last years, the club has been very fortunate having guys that really carried the team like Canadian Kris Douse and Ron Howard two years ago. Douse has made a name for himself in the German Regionaliga having played in Euskirchen last season and will ball with Rot Weiss Cuxhaven this season. Douse recently hammered home 14 points against Bremerhaven in a test game. Howard has retired and quickly out of almost nothing formed his own player agency named Howard Hoops and already placed some players with teams. Last season Limburg had talented American BJ Miller who went back to Florida, Kwame Duku who has moved to Pro B team Nordlingen and Irish lad Paul Dick who has made the next move heading to Spain and will play in the third division with Araberri Basket Club (Spain-LEB Silver).

Limburg has been on the risesince 2009 when it moved to the Bezirksliga and then to the Landesliga playing two seasons in that competition. They continued to march up the ladder getting to the Regionaliga 2 and in 2012 moved to the Regionaliga and in their first two years reached the positions 10 and 13 and last season had a surprising, but well earned fifth place with which many didn’t expect. A lot of this success has to do with head coach Danny Stallbohm who eats drinks and sleeps Limburg basketball as he even played there in the late 90s.If Stallbohm can duplicate or better the success from last season is unknown, but if he can it won’t be easy. A lot will have to do with how well his Germans play and can mesh quickly into the season as a slow start will hamper their season as well as how well the new import player can perform. His son Justin Stallbohm (182-PG-92) is optimistic that the club could have success if many pieces fall into place. “Our team has had many changes. many guys left, but we have young talented players, a player from Lithuania and two Americans in try-outs. I am expecting a tough season, because the other teams are strong and built competitive teams and we will go with many young players. Our goal is to remain in the league. However I go into every game to win which means anything can happen. I feel that if we can present ourself well as a team then we can move up in the standings during the season. Robin Pflueger and I have to lead the team and try to integrate the new players into the team. We also have to score more as our scorers from last season are gone. I will continue to work hard in every game and give the team what it needs and hope to reach our goals”, warned Justin Stallbohm.

Cor-J Cox is a 25 year old 195cm swing man from Washington, North Carolina that has played two professional seasons. He played at Miss.Valley St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 34 games averaging 11.1ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 54.5%. In 2012 he started his professional basketball career with Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar (Hungary-A Division) then moved to BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 31 games averaging 11.1ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 74.2%. In the 2013-2014 season he played for : Porvoon Tarmo (Finland-1st Division) playing 12 games averaging 13.1ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 53.8%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

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

At the moment I’m home in North Carolina & My summer was awesome! I just got back from France teaching kids basketball and English. Also did the ACC Barnstorming Tour with Quinn Cook, Trevor Lacy, Darius Leonard And Angelo Sharpless.

What do you get asked more about daily from strangers what is your favorite own dunk or how do you get such a unique name as Cor J Cox?

Good question! Usually I’m asked why I’m so humble and why I’m not in the NBA yet. That I should be there in the near future. My favorite dunk to do is a windmill over multiple people. My name came from my grandmother. I always asked her how she came up with the name but she say it was given to her in a dream.

You had a great career at Miss.Valley St. (NCAA) winning the SWAC tournament in 2012, was on more ESPN top 10 plays than anyone in NCAA history, dunked before President Obama, played two seasons in Europe, but last season in the ABA and are jobless at the moment. This is really hard to believe. What is keeping you going at the moment?

My faith and hard work. I know it’s not the end for me and that with patience I will be back doing what I love. Until then I will continue to work hard, pray, be a leader/mentor and grind.

Has your year away from Europe been giving you the biggest problems this summer finding a team or what do you believe has kept teams away from you?

Honestly I think not playing this past season in Europe but it’s also from my injury I had in Finland. Had a minor meniscus tear that had me out for 4 months. I came back during that year and helped my team in the playoffs but we finished 2nd place.

You just got back from France teaching kids basketball. What kind of experience was this for you and were you not able to get some try outs with teams?

The experience was awesome and thanks to my Teammate Arthur Framery for the opportunity! I always love teaching the kids and motivating people to be the best they can be in life. During my time there I wasn’t able to get a workout.

How thankful were you last season for being able to play in the ABA for the NC Coyotes where you averaged 30ppg, 8rpg and 7apg. Your grandparents were sick so you stayed in the States, but at least you could play and keep your resume updated.

I was thankful and it was my rebuilding year. We lost in the championship game to the Baltimore Hawks.

You are obviously way to good for the ABA. Besides keeping consistent stats was this a time for you to work on your game as well or were you more concerned just with having incredible stats?

The stats wasn’t what bothered me my goal was to stay consistent and work on my weaknesses.

You obviously give many fans memorable and unforgettable moments at you tube watching your dunks or fans in arenas, but do you sometimes feel that people see you more as a high flyer that can dunk over anyone, but forget that you have other attributes in your game

Sometimes I feel that way but my accolades and stats show that I can do more than fly. I’m a leader and I do what it takes to win. I want to better myself for my team and the whole organization.

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

My shot and defense intensity

As a rookie you played for BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 31 games averaging 11.1ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 74.2%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were far away from home from North Carolina?

My wake up call was that I had to grind hard and do this for my family. If this what I’m going to do for years to come I have to continue to better myself.

You got swept in the playoffs to Klosterneub and you had 19 points combined in the three games. Did you just ran out of gas at the end of the season?

It was a up and down year for us as a team but we stuck together and fought hard.

In your second season you played in Finland for Porvoon Tarmo (Finland-1st Division) playing 12 games averaging 13.1ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 53.8%. You started the season off well scoring in double figures in your first seven games then got injured. Do you believe that if you would have stayed healthy that you would have had your break out season as a professional?

Yes sir I feel that it was my breakout year until my injury. But I will still have that breakout year soon.

You played for head coach Sean Woods at Mississippi Valley State. How did he prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?

He treated us like professionals so I never felt like a college athlete. He showed us what it took to be pros and it was up to us to handle every moment in a professional manner.

You had many memorable games against top NCAA schools Like North Carolina, Wisconsin or Florida were you were very good, but Mississippi Valley State were beat badly. What positives were you able to take out of loses where you played well?

I looked at those games as opportunities to play against the NBA level prospects and show that I’m just as great as them. It also showed me that as a team we was great and in our conference no team would match our game.

In your senior year you played against so many future NBA players, but if you had to pick one that was the toughest play against who was it?

I would say my boys from UNC. The NBA Champ Harrison Barnes.

You were on ESPN top 10 plays more than any player in NCAA history. What was your favorite ESPN play?

My favorite would be my first ever play on Top 10 lol my junior season.

Who would win a one on one in basketball you or Falando Jones in college and Finland?

Lol Me Of Course. Big Ups To My Brother.

Why are there so many great basketball players that come out of North Carolina?

That’s what we breed here a lot of athletes that look for opportunities to showcase their talent. In some areas like mine, we don’t get the exposure like everybody else. So we have to find ways to be seen.

Where do you see the journey of the Charlotte Hornets going this season?

They have a great team I see a bright future for them. And if they added me I would help the future shine as bright.

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

Lebron James is by far the best all around basketball player in this generation. As far as rings go I consider him one of the best to come before he retires. Being mentioned as MJ no because I see 2 different eras. Lebron Is dominating this era all around and in MJ era he was destroying teams in every way possible.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Last movie I saw was He Got Game one of my favorite movies.

Thanks Cor-J for the chat.

Eric Kibi is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Ontario, Canada that is playing this season for the Hertener Loewen Basketball (Germany-ProB). Last season he 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.

Hi Eric, thanks for talking to German Hoops 25-20 sounds like a football score, but those were your stats recently. What is the perfect football score/Eric KIbi stat line if you had to choose?

Hey Miles, thanks for having me, and yeah haha definitely those are some crazy numbers but I’m not surprised, I work hard so that’s just a result of the hard work we put in the summer and pre season. The perfect stat line To me most importantly is we got the Win against a very tough and physical team and then the stats is a bonus.

You are playing your first season in the German Pro B with the Herten Lions. What has been the secret to your adjustment being so strong after coming from the Regionaliga?

Honestly my mentality hasn’t changed not one bit since I came to Germany in 2012. I’m an undersized player so people automatically count you out so that’s fine, it just makes me play with a chip on my shoulder which in the end seems to Result in success more often than not.

You tore up the German Regionaliga last year and it looks like you will the Pro B also. What is the biggest difference in style and skill between the Pro B and Regionaliga?

Well the difference is that it’s way more physical in the ProB, guys are much bigger and active so that’s makes a huge difference. I also find that the German players are better as well.

What has it been like working together with head coach Shaladi Majdi? Does your pre season play and success imply that you will have unending freedom on the court?

Coach Majdi and coach Ceddy have been great so far. I love their style of play and passion for the game because that’s the type of player I am. I mean it’s only preseason so I don’t want to get ahead of myself but they really let us play through our mistakes which not all coaches do and in my opinion that’s the best way to become the best basketball player you can be.

How confident are you that the other two imports Justin Dennis and Deandre Lansdowne will be able to make an impact with you? How has the meshing together been so far?

I’m very confident they will have a big impact as well. We all have the same work ethic and hunger to succeed, were always putting in the extra work together daily. Dee and I worked out all summer together in Albuquerque so I know he’s ready and Justin is a Toronto which is near my hometown so I already know what kind of hunger to succeed guys from down there have. It’s a blessing to have older guys like those two to help me out every day, I learn daily.

You recently dropped 25 points and grabbed 20 rebounds against Dutch first division team Rotterdam in a 85-63 win. Is this an early indication that Herten will be a favorite in the Pro B or should one not overrate a pre season game?

I mean yes it’s a great result against a very strong opponent. They were very physical and disciplined so it was a tough game to play. Even though it’s pre season that was an important win for our team as we build towards the season opener. I don’t want to necessarily get into predictions for the season that is for you journalists to do haha, I’ll just play ball and let the game do the talking.

Was your 25 point 20 rebound effort against Rotterdam the perfect example how even players in the Pro B can compete and dominate against a first division team?

Definitely, when the ball gets tossed up you can’t hide anymore there’s no more 1st division and so on, that’s all on paper. Game always speaks, sometimes it’s all about opportunity and seizing that opportunity. I respect all my opponents, but my goal is to play first division so when I get a golden opportunity like yesterday’s I have to dominate but most importantly win.

What do you believe that you can realistically accomplish in the Pro B on the court with your game?

Once again I won’t predict anything haha, I see and read everything that’s said about my game so that just fuels personal and team goals that I have for myself. I will just be the best basketball player I can be daily and the rest will take care of itself.

You focus so much on scoring and rebounding, do you imagine being able to implement other things into your game like possibly a three pointer? –

Definitely, I feel like I’ve extended my range the last few years. Last season I hit a few three pointers so this season I have to improve on that to keep defenses honest.

Do you see yourself as a leader on this club and what besides winning and having big double double games do you want to bring to the court in your game?

Yes I see myself as leader by example. I’m not a guy who says too much I always try to lead by example by being an everyday guy with my habits and work ethic so I think that’s what I can bring to the team. Guys like Dee and Justin love to talk already so they can do all that.

You were recently at a Schalke football game. What do you appreciate most about the German football?

Man I love the atmosphere and passion of German football. Every time I go to a football match out here it amazes how passionate the fans are. In a second life I would of definitely loved to be a soccer player. It was a great game as well, I’m a huge Dortmund fan so I was in enemy territory but Schalke looked great yesterday, they move the ball very well and create a lot of scoring chances.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I recently watched Straight outta Compton and Southpaw. Best two movies I’ve seen in years.

Thanks Eric for the chat.

Braydon Hobbs is a 26 year old 196cm point guard that completed his third professional season and first in Germany with rent4office Nuernberg (Germany-ProA) where he averaged 11,9ppg, 4.1rpg, Assists-4(5.9apg), Steals-2(1.9spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 82.4% . He started his basketball career in 2008 with Bellarmine (NCAA2) playing a total of 133 games. He turned professional in 2012 and played for Caceres Basket (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five): 35 games: 7.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 87.9%. In 2013-2014 he played for Alba Fehervar (Hungary-A Division, starting five): Eurocup: 10 games: 11.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 52.3%; Hungarian League: 32 games: 9.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-2(2.3spg), FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 72.7%. He also played three summers professionally in Australia. He will play for the Giessen 46ers this season in the Beko BBL and spoke to German Hoops after winning the QBL title in Australia with the Mackay Meteors.

Braydon thanks for talking to Germna Hoops Congrats on winning the Australian title with the Mackay Meteors. How good does it feel having won your second professional title?

It feels good to win the championship over there. It’s my second time winning the ship with Mackay. Your ultimate goal, when you play in competitions, is to win the championship and we achieved that goal.

How would you compare this title in importance to your other title the NCAA “ win with Bellarmine. How was this win different for you now as a professional?

Every championship is important. The NCAA was a little bit more challenging because we were playing teams from all over the country. In Australia it was only the state of Queensland we were competing against.

You beat Brisbane in a do or die game three 88-86. Take me through the last seconds as you rode to the win in dramatic fashion.

It was a tough series against Brisbane. They competed extremely hard and had a very deep team that gave us a lot of match up problems. The final seconds were a bit hectic. In the end, our captain it a three pointer with about 24 seconds left on the clock that helped us get over the line.

When looking at the team game stats they were pretty even. Did you guys just want it more in the end?

Yes, the stats were very even in the game but I think the home court advantage helped us win it in the end. We definitely pushed hard and wanted that game, but it could have went either way.

It was a whole team effort, but how vital were teammates Chris Cedar and Matthew Adekponya who like you were consistent throughout the season?

It definitely was a team effort. We had some guys step up big in that decisive game three. Chris and Matty were extremely vital to us all season. Without those two guys being aggressive all year we definitely would not have won that championship or finished first during the regular season.

You returned back to the Mackay Meteors after a three year absence. How proud are you about this organization and did you have a good feeling coming in that the short season could be a special one?

I played there in 2012 and we were successful that year. Being successful again this year made it special. I’m proud that they brought me back so we could win another championship. We knew before the season that we were going to be good, but we didn’t know exactly how the team would gel. It definitely ended the way we were hoping it would.

You led the team to a 16-2 record. With your career taking off in Germany, do you think that you will return back to Australia next summer for another chance of winning some hardware?

I am not exactly sure what will happen next season in Australia. With a baby on the way, we will more than likely take next summer off and head home. I will focus this season with Giessen and go from there at the end of April.

You averaged 14,7ppg, 5,8rpg and 4,8apg. What are you most happy about your game this summer down under that will translate best to the Beko BBL?

I think my ability to make other players around me better, by passing, will transfer best to the BBL. I can get guys in the best position to score the ball and hopefully my passing will help these guys out.

How excited are you of coming to Germany soon and playing for the Giessen 46ers? Do you feel your title experience and motivation will carry over to your team?

I’m super excited to get started with Giessen. I’ve been excited ever since I signed the contract with them. Hopefully my experience and my leadership will carry over so we can be successful this season.

This was your third season in Australia. What was your most unforgettable experience this time off the court?

Here are a lot of unforgettable moments my wife and I had in Australia this summer. The best memory we had this year was probably taking a helicopter ride over White Haven beach. We landed on the beach for lunch as well. It’s the nicest beach we have ever been on. We are naming our baby girl, Haven because of that beach.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I watched was Gladiator.

Thanks Braydon for the chat.

Kyle Randall is a 23 year old 183cm point guard from Youngstown, Ohio that has been a professional since 2013. He started his basketball career in 2009 with NC-Greensboro (NCAA)where he played three seasons before moving to Cent.Michigan (NCAA) in 2012 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 18.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 85.5%. In 2013 he started his professional basketball career with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League): 24 games: 4.3ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.4apg, in Mar.’14 signed at Canton Charge (D-League): 3 games: 4.3ppg, 2.0rpg. Last season he played for the Rochester RazorSharks (PBL) playing 17 games averaging 10.9ppg, 4.2rpg, Assists-2(6.2apg), FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 77.2%. This past summer he had his second tour of duty in the NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Sacramento Kings): 4 games: 2.8ppg, 1.0apg. Kyle spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

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

My pleasure, I’m honored to be talking with you. I am currently in the state of Washington where I have been all summer. My summer has been great honestly. I’ve had time to relax with family and friends, but I’ve also been hitting the gym hard. I really feel my game has taken leaps forward this off-season.

The new season in Europe is fast approaching and you seem to want to go in this direction after playing in the D-League and last with the Rochester RazorSharks (PBL). How big is your desire to play in Europe and show your talent overseas?

I have a huge desire to play overseas this upcoming season. I’ve played in the states my first two years of being a professional and now I think it’s time for me to venture out and challenge myself across the waters. I feel that my game will translate well with the style of play overseas, maybe even more so than it does with how it’s played in the states.

Your desire to show what you got as a player is enormous at the moment. You have to prove yourself, but obviously want and need the right situation. How would you describe your desire to show the world that you can lead a team and perform well?

My desire to lead a team is pretty big. I’ve led a team at every stage of my career and I think it is now time to do the same at the professional level. I have been on young teams and veteran teams, which has taught me a lot about being a leader in different environments. These past two seasons, especially, have been huge learning experiences for me in terms of knowing what to expect as a professional and also learning more about myself as a basketball player. I feel that this upcoming season, wherever it is, is my time to show the world what I’ve got and I am ready.

You are so anxious to show the world what you got that you will play for very little just to get the chance to prove yourself. Would you place basketball at the number one spot at the moment?

Basketball is my life; I live, sleep, eat, breathe basketball. Having the opportunity to play professionally is a blessing and a dream come true. One thing that the game has taught me is, no matter how good you are everything must be earned. With that being said, I am not opposed to playing for less money this season overseas. Although I have played professionally for two seasons, this would be my first overseas so I must earn my stripes and make a name for myself. So if a team were to pick me up, they would get a two-year veteran at the price of a true rookie. My main concern this year is making a name for myself and playing well, not the money.

Last season you played for the Rochester RazorSharks (PBL) playing 17 games: 10.9ppg, 4.2rpg, Assists-2(6.2apg), FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 77.2%. Last season was kind of a lost season. You weren´t represented well. What did you learn from last season that will help you not go down the wrong road again?

Like you said, last season I did not have good representation so I ended up playing in a league that is not well respected around the world. As a young player I had no idea this was the case, and my agent never told me. To me, I felt that playing somewhere was better than not playing anywhere at all but I found out that is not true in most cases. So going forward I now know that I must be more careful on where I decide to play. Young players make mistakes but I am ready to move forward and make a name for myself overseas.

You recently played at the 2015 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas with the Sacramento Kings. What kind of experience was this for you? You didn´t get many minutes and had stiff competition from a David Stockton who is on the verge of becoming a full time NBA player.

It is always a great experience playing in the NBA Summer League. This was my second go around with it and I played well. Although I did not get many minutes in games, I did my best to maximize any opportunities I did have. However, in my opinion, the games are not the best part about Summer League. I got the chance to compete with NBA caliber players and learn from NBA coaches in practice every day. It was in those practices where I gained a ton of knowledge about the game and myself as a player.

You were lauded by well known basketball faces like Nancy Lieberman and Vlade Divac. How discouraging was it not getting an NBA invite to a training camp?

Not getting invited to an NBA training camp was disappointing but not discouraging. It’s hard to be discouraged when I still get the chance to play basketball every day. I will get many more chances to get an invite; this year just wasn’t my year. As long as I am playing basketball, I am happy.

What kind of experience was it playing besides a David Stockton who is 10 cm smaller than you? How did you guys make each other better?

It was great. David is a good player and super competitive. We battled a lot in scrimmages and shooting competitions after practice. I loved it, competing is what makes this game fun. Going up against him, a guy who is on the brink of being a full time NBA guard, and holding my own reassured me that I can play at that level too.

You had a rookie season to forget in 2013-2014 playing for Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League): 24 games: 4.3ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.4apg, in Mar.’14 signed at Canton Charge (D-League): 3 games: 4.3ppg, 2.0rpg. What went wrong in your rookie season?

Being in Fort Wayne was not a good situation for me. I didn’t really get the chance to showcase my abilities. If anyone looks at the season closely, they’ll see that when I got good minutes I played well. With that being said, I should have done a better job at maximizing the time I did get. I was 21, I was a rookie and didn’t handle things well mentally. I needed a season like that though because it taught me a lot and made me tougher mentally. That season, although statistically not very good, was a blessing in disguise for me. It made me a better player and helped shape how I approach the game today. Now, 23, I am the age of most rookies coming out of college except I have two years of professional experience under my belt.

The D-League is a place where there are many very talented players placed into a cage and it is obvious that not every player will get their suitable minutes. The D-League can help players or in some situations not at all. How important is that player/coach relationship in this league?

Player/Coach relationships are very important in the D-League. That alone can sometimes determine whether a player plays good minutes or not. But that’s a part of the game. There is always going to be politics in basketball because at the end of the day it is a business. However, in most cases players determine how much they play. Player/Coach relationships also can help determine how much freedom you have on the court as a player. I think it all just depends on what type of situation you’re in. Some coaches keep the personal side separate from basketball and some don’t.

You are a scoring point guard. Talk a little about your game. You never had high assist totals until last season in the PBL. You scored a lot as a senior at Central Michigan while Chris Fowler was more the playmaker. Have you had to score more in your past than necessarily having to be more of a playmaker depending on the teammates you had and what system a coach had implemented?

I think my game adapts to the situation I’m in. If a team needs me to score I can do that. If they need me to get assists I can do that too. I think having the ability to score actually helps my passing ability. It makes the defense play me honest because I am always a threat. However, my main focus when I play is to win games so whatever it takes to win, that is what I will do. When I was at Central Michigan we had a young team, so in order for us to be competitive I needed to score. Last year, we had scorers already so all I had to do was get them the ball.

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t necessarily get noticed right away when looking at your stats?

I am a good defender. Statistically I may not average many steals, but defense is about more than getting steals. I can keep the ball in front of me, get through/over screens, and I play good help defense as well.

Please explain in a few sentences as to why you could help any professional team now with your game?

I am an experienced point guard who can make his teammates better and also score the ball. I am used to the speed and strength of the pro game because I have played in it for two years. I am a hard worker, a good teammate, and a good leader. I think all those things give me the ability to come in and make an impact on a team right away.

You moved from North Carolina-Greensboro(NCAA) to Cent.Michigan (NCAA) in 2012. How important was it making this step when looking back at how your senior year progressed?

It was very important for me to make that move. UNC-Greensboro was great my first three seasons, but I felt we were moving in different directions going into my senior year. It worked out perfect too since I graduated and earned my degree in those three years. I was going to be able to play right away while being in grad school at CMU. I definitely would not have had the same type of success in my senior season if I would have stayed at UNC-Greensboro.

As a freshman you played with Mikko Koivisto of Finland who is playing at the 2015 Euro with Finland. That was your first time playing with a European at the college level. What do you remember most from his game that definitely wasn´t American?

Mikko was great to play with. He didn’t care about scoring a ton of points; all he wanted to do was win. One thing that stood out about Mikko was that he moved well without the ball. He didn’t need the ball in his hands the whole time to make something happen. He knew when to cut, when to spot up, etc. That wasn’t something I was use to.

Do you remember hearing stories at North Carolina-Greensboro about Kyle Hines who went against many odds and has won 2 Euroleague titles in Greece. Does a story like his motivate you to keep working hard and never giving up?

I wasn’t in school with Kyle Hines but I heard all the stories. He came back to UNC-Greensboro every summer while I was there though so I had a chance to meet him and play in pick-up games with him. His story definitely motivates me. He had to overcome many obstacles to get where he is. Another former UNC-Greensboro player that has had success overseas that also motivates me is Ricky Hickman. He was on the Maccabi team coached by David Blatt that won the title. He started off in the lowest league and worked his way up to the top. Both players are huge inspirations and proof that hard work pays off.

What was the most important thing that head coach Keno Davis gave you as a senior at Cent.Michigan (NCAA) that prepared you best to make the next step as a professional?

Coach Davis gave me the opportunity and freedom to be myself. He never tried to put me in a box and tell me to only do this or only do that. He wanted me to do whatever was needed to help the team win. He trusted me to lead the team my way and that is something that I will forever be grateful for.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Chris Fowler at Central Michigan?

Chris Fowler is like a little brother to me. In that one year playing together we became really close. He has played a part in the player I am today because he is always pushing me to be better. With that being said, it is always competitive when we play no matter if it’s one on one or if we’re on opposing teams in five on five. I have won and lost games, but he is a great player so it’s always fun competing.

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

LeBron is the best player in the game today and is already being mentioned in the same breathe as Jordan. I think he will come back this season looking for some revenge after losing in the finals last year. He still has some years left to play too, so maybe one day he could surpass MJ in terms of accomplishments. MJ will always be the greatest in my eyes though.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was Straight Outta Compton. It was an awesome film. Not only was it just a good movie, it taught the viewers a lot about the group, the era they came up in, and what they did for hip-hop. Even if you don’t like hip-hop, I recommend going to see it.

Thanks Kyle for the chat.

Bobby Dixon is a 32 year old 178cm point guard from Chicago that will be playing his 10^th professional season and fourth in Turkey and first with Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). Currently he is playing with the Turkish national team at Euro 2015 in Berlin. He played at Troy St. (NCAA) and turned professional in 2006. Over the years he has played in countries like France, Poland, Ukraine, and Italy. Last season he played for Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (Turkey-TBL) playing 40 games: Score-4(17.3ppg), 3.9rpg, 4.6apg, Steals-2(2.0spg), FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 82.9%; Eurocup: 20 games: 16.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.2apg, Steals-5(2.0spg), FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 84.5%. He won the cup in 2009 with Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France-ProA) and a cup and 2015 Turkish league title with Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir. He spoke to German Hoops before the clash against Germany.

Bobby thanks for talking to German Hoops Is this your first visit to Berlin? What has been your impression of the atmosphere and the Mercedes arena?

This is my first time in Berlin. I like the city and the arena is very nice as well. I have played in many nice arena´s and I would rank it in the top as one of the best. Its dope.

You became a Turkish citizen in 2015 and your Turkish name is Ali Muhammed. Was the main reason just to play for the national team or was there even a deeper reason for making this move?

Boxer Muhamad Ali is my idol and when I was told I had the possibility to change my name then that was the name that I really wanted to have. My coach at Pinar is also an assistant with the Turkish national team and he asked me if I wanted to play for the national team and I agreed.

How is it different playing for a national team than for a club team? Do you feel the country pride?

It is a lot different, because the whole country is behind you and the expectations are very high for you to succeed. The fans are very passionate and we know that we have to perform well for the country.

The Turkish national team has three guys that play in the NBA and the rest players that play in Europe. AS the point guard you have a big responsibility, but what is your standing on the court?

I am the point guard and have to make sure that the offense is moving as well as to score and to get my teammates the ball. It isn´t any different than when I am playing club basketball.

After a big 89-87 win against Italy, Turkey was slaughtered by Spain 104-77. What lessons did the team learn from this loss that you will have to do better against Germany?

The Italy game was very tough for us. We then had to face Spain the next night which wasn´t easy either. We started off soft and got many fouls. Spain was very focused and were able to build a lead. We were unable to catch up.

Turkey lost an exhibition game in Hamburg to Germany where they were leading by 24 points. How big is the revenge factor?

We don´t feel any revenge for that game. That was a preseason game where both teams were getting ready for Euro 2015 and finding themselves.

Both Germany and Turkey are 1-1 and this is a must win situation. Both teams are reeling off tough loses. What kind of game can we await?

It will be a good battle. We are just going to go in play our game and get the win against Germany.

A key is containing Dirk Nowitzki and Dennis Schroeder, but could the bench be a type of the ex factor in this game?

The bench could possibly be the ex factor in this game. We play so many games in such a short time that you need a bench to step up to take pressure off the starters.

If you had to choose a player on the Turkish squad that you have learned the most from this summer who would it be?

I have to be honest that for me it is more about getting used to playing with my new teammates. I am a very experienced player

In the beginning of your professional basketball career you were a type of basketball globetrotter, as You have played in countries like Poland, Ukraine, France, and Italy, but no have calmed down and will be starting your fourth season in Turkey with Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). Why has Turkey become like a second home for you?

Turkey is like a second home for me. I feel very comfortable here and know the league.

As a rookie in the 2006-2007 season you played for Saint-Etienne B. C. (France-ProB). What was your wake up call to being a professional where you knew that you were very far away from home in Chicago?

It was big shock for me leaving the states. I came to Europe and at first was thinking “do I want to be here”? No one spoke English and it was tough, but I stuck it out.

In the 2009-2010 season you played for ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (France-ProA). What was your fondest memory that season of playing Euroleague basketball?

I learned very much that year. I thought that we had a team that really wasn´t strong enough for the Euroleague. The critics said a big reason why the team didn´t advance was because of me which wasn´t fair. When you lose, there is always a guy that has to take the blame and that was me. It was an important learning experience.

In the 2010-2011 season you played for Enel Brindisi (Italy-SerieA). What memories do you have playing with ex NBA player Anthony Roberson. Both of you were born in 1983. I can imagine the competition is practice was very high.

The competition was very high with Anthony. He has also remained a good friend to this day. We had great offensive fire power that year with me at the point guard position and Anthony at the shooting guard position, but we struggled on defense.

Who would win a one on one in practice, you or him?

We actually never played one on one, but had shooting contests. We usually split those games.

You won cups in France and Turkey, but how special was winning the assist crown in Poland in your second professional season with Polpak Swiecie?

It is always great to win a stat title as it fuels the ego. I just got the guys the ball that year like I would any other season. It is nice to win a stat title like this, but if you don´t win a team title, then it really doesn´t mean anything.

You played at Troy State. How did head coach Don Maestri prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?

 

Coach Maestri gave me much freedom there and just let me play my game. He gave me very good advice in my time there and I really appreciate that.

In your senior season Richard Chaney didn´t play as he was a transfer student, but he practiced with the team. Did you know then that he could have a long and fruitful professional basketball career?

I saw a very athletic guy come to Troy that had very long arms and really had all the tools in his game to succeed as a professional. He was very good then already as a young guy and it didn´t surprise me that he has had a good career

Did Detroit native David Holston give you tips on moving to teamPinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir. How much of a bond do two small point guards from Chicago and Detroit have?

 

No David didn´t give me tips. I actually didn´t know him until I came to play in Turkey. We are ok and not the best of friends. We were very competitive on the court and I remember him being a little edgy. It was a good battle, but I came out with win both times.

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

Both guys are completely different players. It is unfair to compare both guys. Lebron has changed the game in his own right. You can´t compare anyone to Jordan. Jordan is at a different level, but Lebron has proved that he is the best in the world now. This is the era of Lebron.

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

Straight Outta Compton.

Thanks Bobby for the chat.