Tony Bishop is a 26 year old 201cm forward that is starting his fifth professional season and first in Germany with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Before coming to Bremerhaven he has played in Denmark, Lithuania, Puerto Rico and the D league. He started his basketball career in 2007 with Richland CC (JUCO) where he played two seasons and then went to Texas tech where he played from 2009-2011 playing a total of 62 NCAA games and as a senior played 32 games averaging 13.1ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.2spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 57.5%, FT: 63.8%. In 2011, he started his professional basketball career with Aalborg Vikings (Denmark-Ligaen) playing 26 games and averaging 19.0ppg, Reb-2(11.3rpg), 1.6apg, Steals-5(2.3spg), Blocks-5(1.6bpg), FGP: 49.9%, FT: 72.6%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for Nevezis Kedainiai (Lithuania-LKL) playing 17 games averaging 10.8ppg, Reb-2(8.3rpg), 1.4spg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 61.4%; Baltic League: 10 games: 9.4ppg, 6.9rpg, FGP: 52.1%, FT: 54.5%. He then returned back to the states and played two seasons with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League) playing atotal of 98 games and last season played 50 games averaging 15.5ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 54.7%, 3FGP: 35.0%, FT: 78.1%. Recently he laced up his sneakers for Atleticos de San German (Puerto Rico-BSN) playing 25 games averaging 15.1ppg, 8.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 73.2%. He spoke to German Hoops recently before coming to Germany.

Tony thanks for taking some time to talk to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

I’m in Dallas at the moment my summer has been good. I was in Puerto Rico most of it. Returned to Dallas couple weeks ago.

You may not have played in the NBA the last year, but you almost played a full NBA season in equivalence of game playing 75 games in nine months in the D-league and in Puerto Rico. How was your body feeling on June 26th after the last game against Ponce? I guess a 30 year old might have had a different answer than you?

Lol of course a 30 year old would. But I feel great. I took some time off to recover then returned with full force.

Do you take a different approach to your short summer now in preparation for the new season? Do you work out less and rest and work more on the mental aspect of the game and watch film or how does your summer look like?

Since this is my first summer doing the longer seasons I just took a little break spent time with my son and family.

Congrats on signing with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. In my article I had the title that you bring the perfect mix of here and there meaning you played two seasons in Europe and two seasons in the D-league. How important do you believe this mix is for your development as you plan to start your fifth professional season?

I believe having that mix is great because I know what type of game Europe is. It’s more physical and you have to think a lot more in my opinion. Game is slowed down and more team basketball then the D league.

You had NBA work outs in the summer of 2014 with teams like the Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs after a solid first season with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, but you had even better stats last season with them. Was the possibility of getting an NBA training camp invitation not an option or pursuing the NBA more after a strong D-league season?

The possibilities were high. But I went to Puerto Rico right after so I wasn’t able to attend mini camps to showcase my skills again in front of gms and coaches. I believe if I would have went to Puerto Rico for a short period I would have been on a summer league roster.

What is your summary of the D-league after having played there for two seasons? What did you enjoy most about your time with Rio Grande and what were some of the moments that you would rather forget?

My summary of the d league, I believe the d league is a great showcase for first year players out of college and guys who were in the league but had problems trying to get back in. D league showed me a lot learning from all types of coaches gaining their knowledge on the game. Rio Grande was a great place to start and they really take it serious. They have the best facilities and take care of their players. The city was good showed a lot of love for us. Moments I would rather forget is not making it to the championship where we were one game away my first year it was tough.

What memories do you have of Tim Ohlbrecht with the Vipers. His stay was short in the States as he made the big show playing 3 NBA games and is back in Germany now. Was his game and character simply to upright to survive in the NBA?

Big Tim that’s my guy! He is a great guy and is a NBA player. He works hard and has the ability!

What were the main reasons for signing in Germany with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven? What convinced you most that this club would be the perfect fit for you?

My agency and I thought it would be a great start back to Europe because the Eisbaren is a great organization and it’s a top league in Europe.

After playing in countries like Denmark and Lithuania what do you know in general about the country Germany and its basketball? Do you have any friends playing in Germany?

I’m excited! I know Germany is very professional and handles everything well. As of now I don’t think I have friends in Germany playing right now. But I’m sure I will know a few players.

The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven are starving for success. The club is looking for a longer drought period to reach the playoffs again. Besides winning every goal what other things do you want to achieve on the court with your game?

Individual accolades will come when winning comes that’s not my focus only thing is building chemistry and trying to win games.

You have the complete package at 201cm in that you can score, rebound and hit the three with consistency, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the floor?

My hidden strength is defense I can guard 1-4 and my passion for the game will show on the court

As a rookie you played for Aalborg in Denmark playing 26 games and averaging 19.0ppg, Reb-2(11.3rpg), 1.6apg, Steals-5(2.3spg), Blocks-5(1.6bpg), FGP: 49.9%, FT: 72.6%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were very far away from Texas?

Well in Denmark I played with my college pg so it wasn’t tough for me because we helped each other out being so far from home.

How important was it having your Texas State teammate Ryan White on the team as a rookie? Do you think that you guys will ever be teammates again?

I hope we could play together again.

In your second season you played in a higher league in Lithuania where you were the only American, but was able to have a solid season. When looking back on this season where you also balled in the Baltic league, what was most challenging coming from the weaker Danish league?

Only struggle I had in Lithuania was being the only American on the team. It was rough for me and switching coaches who didn’t speak a language I knew was hard I had to adjust and refocus my game.

Before playing two seasons at Texas State you played at Richland community college where you were NJCAA DIII Champion. How important was it making this experience early knowing that you can reach the next level the NCAA even if the odds are against you?

Well odds have always been against me. I have always been the underdog. My team at Richland we worked extremely hard to achieve that goal. I never been on a team that worked as hard as those guys I was with those guys for two years at Richland and they are my brothers for life!

You played under Doug Davalos in your last two seasons at Texas State. How did he prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?

Doug Davalos is a great guy he gave me my chance at division 1 basketball and he always had my back always. But I prepared myself for professional basketball with all the hard work I put in when no one was looking

Who would win a one on one in practice you or Cameron Johnson when you were a senior?

Of course I’m going to say me. Cam and I went at it in practice very physical lol a lot of blood and bruises.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? What does he still need to do to be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan?

I don’t think he should be compared to Jordan. Lebron is a bigger more smarter player in my opinion and he is more like Magic Johnson.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Last movie I saw was minions haha I took my son to see it he had a blast!

Thanks Tony for the chat.

Brandyn Curry is a 23 year old 187cm point guard from Huntersville, North Carolina that will be playing his second professional season in Germany with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. As a rookie he completed his first season in Europe for the SPM Shoeters Den Bosch (Holland-Eredivisie). In his rookie season in Holland he played 33 games averaging 14.9ppg, 4.1rpg, Assists-2(5.0apg), 2.0spg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 83.7%; EuroChallenge: 12 games: 16.2ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.9apg, Steals-5(1.8spg), FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 72.7% He played four years at Harvard(NCAA) playing a total of 113 NCAA games and as a senior played 23 games averaging 9.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 58.5%. He had the chance to talk with German Hoops during his short lay over in Munich before flying to his new second home Bremerhaven.

Thanks Brandyn for the quick chat with German Hoops. You were one of the first imports signed this season. Did your summer pass by as fast from the signing with Bremerhaven until now as a lightening trip from Den Bosch to Eindhoven for a nice evening of good Dutch soccer?

Hey Miles no problem at all. Haha yeah that’s a pretty good analogy of how quick the summer went for me. I’m on the way to Bremerhaven right now and I feel like I just got back home from Den Bosch not too long ago

You had a short lay over in Munich. Did you think about this season and the challenge that you will encounter when you will be playing against Euroleague and most famous German sports brand Bayern Munich?

Yeah I have definitely thought about the new challenges I will face this year in the BBL. Im very excited and looking forward to meeting this challenges head on. The league has a lot of great teams and players so every night will be tough. Nothing better than that

You moved to a higher league, but with moving to the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven you have sacrificed not playing international competition. What will you miss most about squaring off against foreign teams?

Playing in the Eurochallenge was a great experience for me last year. I really enjoyed traveling to different countries and playing against so many good teams. Definitely going to miss all that

You will have extra time to prepare for each weekend´s game in the Beko BBL with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Do you see yourself having a different type of mental approach each week in practices and before games than what you had as a rookie where everything was still fairly new for you?

I am looking forward to the extra perpetration time. One thing with playing internationally too is the travel and multiple games do make it tougher to prepare for league games. I feel like I got used to doing that though and handled it pretty well. So I think once I get the hang of our weekly schedule this year the extra time will prove to be very useful to me in my second year.

This season you have a different kind of talent than what you had last season with Den Bosch. How much are you looking forward to playing with so many talented guys?

I cannot wait to get to meet all the guys on the team. I feel like we have the pieces to have a really good team and we just have to put it all together during the preseason. I learned a lot from the my teammates last year and I have no doubt I will continue to learn and improve from the talented players I’ll be playing with in Bremerhaven

What part of your game do you see profiting more especially when you have a totally different type of basketball IQ around you for each play on the court?

I feel like the court will be even more open for me to make the right play whether it be scoring or setting my teammates up. When you are surrounded by talented players who all have high Basketball IQ it just makes the game that much easier for you. Opponents can’t just key in on one player and that opens the floor for everyone else

How much do you see yourself profiting from new teammate Jerry Smith at the guard position who is a guy that played 5 NBA games for the New Jersey nets in the 2011-2012 season when you were playing your second season at Harvard. Is taking on a leadership possible on such a team where there is experience?

Getting to play with and learn from Jerry is one of the things I’m looking forward to the most. He obviously is a very talented player who has been successful on every level so I’m going to learn as much as possible from him. I still feel I can have a leadership role even though I’m one of the younger guys on a team of vets. It doesn’t have to be vocally all the time it could just be leading by example and bring my best every single day to push everyone else. I know I will be learning a lot from these guys.

What are you most proud of the past few months in your summer work out schedule that you feel will come in handy right away when you have to show a good figure in the first weeks of practice?

I think I am in great shape right now. Even though my summer was short, after my cruise I got right back to work with my trainers. They turned it up a notch this summer and I feel like I improved to another level again so I am very happy with the work I put in with them.

Before heading to Germany you got a book as a gift called the Carpenter by Jon Holland. As a Harvard man how important is reading and always challenging the mind even for a professional basketball player? Can it help out on the court?

Oh yeah the lessons I learn from the books I read most certainly translate to the court. One thing I’ve learned from the players before me is that the game is more mental than people realize. Having the right mindset and attitude can have a significant impact on your play. These books help keep me mentally sharp

If you had to make a rough estimation at how many towns you visited last season that had rivers running left and right what would you calculate and what will you miss most form your rookie season in Holland?

Ha I really have no idea I’m going to say about 5. I’m going to miss the people of Den Bosch a lot. All of my teammates, coaches, and supporters of the team really made me feel at home last year. They are such great people and I was so fortunate to get to start my career off there.

NBA teams have signed many guys for their training camp places that weren´t drafted. What signing really made you happy to see giving that guy another step in possibly making his NBA dream come true?

My teammates Wesley Saunders and Kyle Casey from Harvard both are going to have a chance to make an NBA roster through training camp. Wes with the Knicks and Kyle with the Suns. They are some of most talented players I’ve ever played with so it really made me happy to see them get their chance to make their dreams a reality.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Just saw ‘Focus’ on my 9 hour plane ride!

Thanks Brandyn for the chat.

Jermel Kennedy is a 25 year old 201cm forward from Toronto Canada that is currently playing with Club Atletico Marne Montevideo (Uruguay-Metropolitan) an dthen will head back to Europe to start his third professional season with Cocinas.com CB Clavijo Logrono (Spain-LEB Gold. Last season he played for AB Contern (Luxembourg-Total League), in Oct.’14 signed at Porvoon Tarmo (Finland-1st Division) playing 28 games averaging 18.0ppg, 9.3rpg, 2.7apg, Steals-2(2.3spg), FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 24.7%, FT: 72.9%. He played his rookie season in the German Pro B with TV Langen in 2013-2014 where he played 24 games averaging 16.5ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 78.1%. He started his basketball career in 2008 with  Iowa Central Community College (NJCAA) playing 26 games: 4.3ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP:47.3%, FT: 57.1%. In 2009-2010, he played for Volunteer State Community College (NJCAA) playing 27 games: 11.7ppg, 8.2rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 83.0%. He finished his college basketball career at Lander in 2012 playing two seasons there and as a senior played  27 games: 11.0ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 66.1%, FT: 70.5%. In 2013 he was drafted by Moncton Miracles (NBL Canada,1rd(6). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Jermel thanks for talking to German Hoops The last time I saw you was about 16 months ago when you played your last game for TV Langen. Since then you have played in Luxemburg, Finland and Uruguay and now you will start a new journey in Spain. If someone had told you then in Langen that you would turn into a basketball globe trotter what would you have said?

Thanks for having me again Miles it always a pleasure speaking with you. I probably wouldn’t believe them. I’m honestly feel really grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to so many different places, experience different cultures, and learn so much about the different styles of basketball.I’m very excited to explore and learn about Spain, and can’t wait to see what experiences I’ll be able to take away from the time I’ll be spending there.

You played your rookie season in Germany and second season in Luxemburg, Finland and Uruguay. Do you feel like you have grown up as a basketball player in the last year with all that you have experienced?

I definitely learned a lot from all of those teams and places I have had the opportunity to be a part of, so yes I feel like I have grown much as a basketball player as well as a person and that’s what I strive for to learn and absorb as much as possible in any team or place I go

You had a short stay in Luxemburg with AB Contern and then signed with Porvoon Tarmo (Finland-1st Division). After your short stay in Luxemburg how confident were you that you would still be able to turn your second season around in Finland?

I never lose confidence in myself or my abilities so I didnt waiver at all. I was just looking for the opportunity to be somewhere permanent since AB Contern only had me for a couple weeks

In Finland you played 28 games averaging 18.0ppg, 9.3rpg, 2.7apg, Steals-2(2.3spg), FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 24.7%, FT: 72.9%. Finland is known to be a league where especially Americans like to go to to bolster their stats and to recommend themselves for higher leagues. You also had no problems getting adjusted quickly and playing very consistent. Do you feel this strong season had mostly to do with getting you the new job with Cocinas.com CB Clavijo Logrono (Spain-LEB Gold).

I strongly believe it did Miles. I felt like I did most of what I wanted to do last season and I am just happy it payed off and CB Clavijo noticed

Is the first Finish league a league where defense takes a back seat? The league is dominated by the import players?

I wouldnt say that I was pretty impressed with some of the defenders in the league but the league was definitely dominated by the import players most teams had 3 imports and they could all play at the same time so there were some pretty competitive games I would say

You obviously wanted to help Porvoon Tarmo (Finland-1st Division) win as many games, but on what things in your game do you believe were improved in this very strong season?

The biggest improvement I would say was my overall confidence just went up , not to say I wasn’t confident before it was just different there were just some games I felt like everything was clicking and I was focused in all aspects and the ball would just find its way in. I believe that came from getting the experience and listening and learning from my coach and my teammates as well

You scored in double figures in 27 of 28 games and had 11 double doubles. You had some huge games. What was your season highlight?

The one game that probably resonates with me the most and my season highlight was when we played Fokopo for the third time going into their gym 0-2 and finally beating them. I finished with 32 points and 12 rebounds and went 14-15 from the field my EFF was 42 that game

Who would win a one on one in practice you or Jerrah Young?

We played once me him and my other teammate. Jerrah left on top and I still owe him one.

You also played in Uruguay for Club Atletico Marne Montevideo (Uruguay-Metropolitan) which is actually still going on. You had a two month break between Finland and Uruguay. What were the main reasons for playing in Uruguay? Was extra game competition more important than the monotony of summer workouts in Canada?

Well it was actually a one month break between the two, I felt it would be more important for me to gain some more pro experience and also to get my name out there on another continent. I have learned a ton here and I have been slowly applying what I learned to parts of my game the best form of learning is playing so the summer workouts I had to miss so I could apply what I worked on last summer this season

What kind of experience has Uruguay been for you? Where would you rate the basketball and have they made you into soccer fans yet? Lol

It has been an overall learning experience nonetheless the culture and everything here is just eye opening if you care to pay attention there is a lot of beauty to go and see. I am not sure how to rate the basketball its difficult to gauge but its really physical and tough. Soccer is growing on me and I have seen one game so far live and I really enjoyed the atmosphere of it all

Congrats on signing with Cocinas.com CB Clavijo Logrono (Spain-LEB Gold). You now are playing in the second division in Span and the highest level so far in your professional career. How excited are you about this opportunity and will you be ready come September after you leave Uruguay?

Thank you I am pretty excited to embark on this new opportunity and I am up for the challenge and I am prepared and ready

Have you been practicing Spanish in Uruguay for Spain? You will be living in Logrono which is about 130km from Bilbao in the north. Have you had any talks with the coach? This is also a league where the import players play a major role. Do you see yourself being a central figure of the offense?

I have picked up some things here and there so my Spanish is not the greatest. I have spoke to coach a bunch we got the chance to touch base with each other on the upcoming season and things he will expect of me etc .Whichever role he has me in I will accept surely it will be for the better of the team

How excited are you to be playing with Czech national player and point guard Jakub Kudlacek who has played many years in the top Italian league. He is a pick and roll type of player that will get you the ball.

I am excited to play with him and all my teammates it will be interesting to see so many different styles working collectively to pursue one goal. Jakubs extensive experience will be perfect and I have heard great things about him

You really have come a long way from community colleges to Lander(NCAA) and lower leagues in Europe to Spain. Do you feel like there is still much upside in your game and potential that will still propel to bigger and better things down the road?

I am optimistic on what I can bring to the table but my focus right now is just improving my skills and honing my craft and see how far it will take me

Canada recently played at the Pan American games and got a silver medal. Canadian basketball continues to be on the rise. How big are your aspirations of one day wearing the colors of your country?

The opportunity to represent my country would be a great one. I am really proud of my country and representing my country one day is high on my bucket list

Could you imagine returning to the Beko BBL after a strong season in Spain?

If the opportunity presented itself I would be more than happy to put into consideration

If you had to ask your friend David Pruitt advice about basketball what would you ask him now that he is a college basketball coach?

I would ask him on things to better my game since he has experience on player development now and I am sure he can show me new things

Where do you see the journey of the Toronto Raptors ending this season?

I expect great things from them this upcoming year dont sleep on the Raps Miles

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

James is in his own lane he will go down as one of the greats. I am not much on comparing to different kind of players

What was the last movie that you saw?

Dinocroc vs. Supergator and I must say it was Dino-mite and Croc-Tastic.

Thanks Jermel for the chat.

Will Barnes is a 27 year old 185cm point guard from Tuscaloosa, Alabama that recently completed his second professional season and first with the Hamburg Towers. With Hamburg he played 28 games averaging 13.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 77.1% He started his basketball career in 2006 for Tennessee Tech (NCAA) where he played a total of 98 NCAA games. In 2012-2013 he played at  Lee (NAIA) playing 34 games: 20.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 77.7%. Last season as a rookie he played for the Finke Baskets playing 29 games: Score-3(18.8ppg), 3.5rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 64.3%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

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

Hello Miles, it’s always a pleasure getting to talk to you! At the moment I am in Indianapolis, Indiana, training with Anthony Young and Qdar Owens. They’re two good friends of mine that have pro experience. The level of basketball in this city and state is elite. I’ve been playing against great pros (overseas & NBA) to prepare myself for the upcoming season.

You stayed in Germany an extra month to get fit again. How difficult was your injury that you had last season and did it effect you a bit mentally?

Yes, I worked with a trainer and friend, Melvin Wiredu. He did a great job helping me get my knee back fit at a very fast pace. He helped me strengthen the deep muscles that help prevent further injury and increase my overall physical health. A lot of the credit goes to the job he did helping me! But the injury was difficult mentally mainly because of the timing. I hurt it the last game of the regular season with the Hamburg Towers which kept me out of the playoffs. I worked super hard during the season and offseason for that exact moment, the playoffs. I was still able to be a mental help to my team. But for a competitor like myself, it just wasn’t the same.

The most important question now is are you 100% again? What makes you most happy now with your body on the court that you are able to function again like a complete basketball player?

Yes, I am 100% fit. The work I put in with Melvin Wiredu combined with the daily routine he advised for to continue with through the summer has me completely fit and ready to play. I have always been a hard worker, but I worked even harder this summer. My body and skills have been taken to the next level. I was blessed with great facilities to use on an everyday basis, great training with professionals, and also very encouraging words and advice from my family and close friends. They all saw the difference on how focused I was on this upcoming season. I have the burn in my heart to explode again like I did my rookie season.

You are a point guard that had to play more shooting guard last season. What strides do you feel you made having played more the shooting guard position last year?

Yes, last year was definitely an adjustment having to play off of the ball so much. I did some facilitating and ball handling, but it was almost strictly through set pick and rolls. I am very effective in the open court and fast breaks also. I often found myself filling in the gaps instead of leading these breaks last season. But with that said, I definitely improved overall. I improved tremendously moving without the ball. My coach was on me constantly throughout the season about always moving. I was most of the time a heavy focus for the opponent’s defense so I had to work extra hard to get easy buckets. I gained the knowledge of how to make good cuts, moving off of penetration, and spacing out the floor while the ball is in the post. My pick and roll game improved tremendously also. I played with some great point guards last season and was able to pick up how they utilized every player as opposed to just focusing on the roller and scoring from the P&R. My team and 1 on 1 defense was the biggest improvement though. Coach Hamed was dedicated to helping me become a better defender. Especially on P&R’s. We constantly watched film together to pick out details and mistakes. This helped my understanding tremendously.

It is the beginning of August and you are still available. Are you getting a bit uneasy that you haven´t found the security yet of having a team for your third professional season?

Yes, I have found myself getting very anxious and uneasy. Especially considering the solid seasons I played in Germany for my first 2 years professionally. But nevertheless, I haven’t let it effect my work ethic and confidence in myself. I continue to work hard, pray, and keep the confidence I’ve had throughout my career. I have no doubts at all that whoever decides to sign me will be thrilled with their decision. Having to wait longer just makes me even hungrier to perform at an elite level this season!

You had two solid seasons with Paderborn and Hamburg and should be on a team for the next season. Do you believe that your injury woes last season might have scared off some teams?

Yes, I do believe this played a part. But if coaches & GM’s do the research, they will find out that last year was the first time I’ve had to miss games due to injury. I’ve always been complimented on being an “iron man” and being available to play a role throughout an entire season. The injuries last season were minor also. I never did any structural damage do any part of my body that required surgery or an operation of any kind. In a couple cases, I sat out in particular games because of the understanding Coach Hamed and I had. We constantly communicated and he would recommend that I rest my body and just focus on the next opponent. And as far as my knee injury, it wasn’t nearly as severe as people may have perceived. Within 3 weeks, I was back in the gym participating in workouts with my trainer. I don’t have a background of being an injury prone type player. Last season was just the worst I’ve had in my career so far. But with these experiences, I’ve gained more knowledge of the importance of physical therapy, rest, how to train in the weight room properly, and also how to utilize exercises that can be performed at home.

There has been interest from some German pro A teams, but in the end you were always on the short list. Were your experiences in Paderborn and Hamburg worthwhile that you would like to continue your career here?

Yes of course, I would love to return to the German Pro A league. The quality of basketball in this league is very high and is only getting better year by year. I proved that I am a top guard in the league in my first two seasons, no matter who I play against and who else is in the league. I noticed even more last season with the respect and preparation I received from defenses. I know that I have a high impact on the games I play in. Last season, I developed even more ways to be effective than before, and I am always looking to improve even more.

SC Rasta Vechta is still looking for a point guard and there have been rumors that a Carlos Medlock is in talks. What memories do you have from the games with Vechta last season? You had 23 and 13 point games. Is this a place where you could imagine playing for?

Yes, Rasta Vechta was a great & exciting club to play against. Their fans were very supportive of them and extremely loud! I have much respect for their players and club. I played very well against them last season, especially at home. The games against Vechta are actually the two that stick out the most because of the incredible intensity and fan support! It was amazing and reminded me of rivalry games I’ve played in back in college and high school! If the opportunity presented itself, I would without a doubt love to play my heart out for them. They are a proven club that has been very successful over the years; and I’ve heard nothing but great things about the club from players and coaches that I have talked to.

The basketball world is vast and so many countries to play. Would you be able to adapt to another style of play if you had for example have to play in South America or Asia?

Yes, I know that I could be just as effective if not more in other countries and markets. My game is very versatile and I pride myself on being efficient and very skillful. This is why I work as hard as I do on a day to day basis!

Please describe your game in a few sentences as to why you could help any team right now in the next season?

Well to add to the last question, my game is very versatile and skillful. My strongest asset is my ability to attack the basket and put pressure on the defense. Last season, I was able to develop this ability even more through a complex system with rules. I can be a threat off of screens, through pick and rolls, or break my man down one on one. I am also a consistent 3 point shooter. Even having to play through a broken finger last season, I feel I shot the ball well more often than not. The injury effected my shot but I managed. I also bring a fearless attitude. No matter how great the opponent, I am always coming with my best shot and I compete at a very high level. I also bring leadership. Last season I was captain of a first year club that had no expectations in the league. We proved to be a real threat in the German Pro A and made the playoffs in very first season of the club. I wasn’t just given this title either; our players and coaches voted on it. I’ve also noticed that my hard work and professional mindset is contagious. When it comes to getting a good workout before practice, getting up shots, doing yoga, or taking stretching serious. It always spreads to some of my teammates.

How does a normal work out day look like for you in the summer of 2015 on the court?

Well, in the morning I always lift first and get a ball handling workout in. I’m very obsessive of having a strict schedule and sticking to it. I plan weeks at a time and focus on what to develop. I later get in the gym and do numerous drills and skill work. I always have friends that love to get in the gym with me to pick up what exactly I do. I love this feeling because it lets me know that people not only notice, but they also see that it works! Hard work is the only way to separate yourself from the pack. I don’t want to be just average, I aim to be an elite player that wins games. Winning is the goal that I have at the top of my list because I see how players are rewarded that consistently win championships.

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

Lebon James is great man. No other way to put it. What he did in the 2015 playoffs was amazing. I’m not his biggest fan but one would have to be blind not to notice the incredible impact he has on the game. I don’t think he will surpass MJ’s greatness, but he is this eras Jordan rather one wants to admit it or not. What I respect about him most is the media labeled him a superstar in middle school. And instead of letting the hype go to his head, he worked hard to become everything that people that was capable of.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was Jurassic World. Great movie!

Thanks Will for the chat.

The Fraport Skyliners still are without a point guard and shooting guard for the upcoming season, but had something totally different on the agenda today as it was time for the draw of the new Fiba international club championship for the 2015-2016 season which one could also classify as Eurochallenge 2,0. After being idle from international club play between 2012-2014, the club returned with a bang last season and reached the Eurochallenge final four coming in fourth place. Today the Fraport Skyliners were in attendance in Munich for the draw with ex player Marius Nolte representing the 2004 BBL champion as the team drew strong and interesting teams.

The tournament is slated to start on October 28th. The teams will be geographically placed in two conferences which also takes into account the number of participating teams from each nation. Each conference will consist of seven groups of four clubs each. Each club will play the remaining three in their group in a home-and-away format with the top two teams from each group, along with the four best-placed third place teams advancing to the Round of 32.The Round of 32 will follow the same format as the Regular Season, with the two best-placed clubs from each group advancing to the Last 16 Play-Offs.The tournament Final Four is set to take place from 29 April to 1 May 2016.

It always depend on does a club want the best possible opponents with the risk of not advancing or the lesser talented teams with the better chance of moving forward. I am sure a Gordon Herbert, the head coach of the Fraport Skyliners would seek the best possible teams. The Fraport Skyliners didn´t get top teams like Asvel, Chalon or Le Havre of France or top Czech team Nymburk, but settled for an interesting mix with teams KK KRKA Novo Mesto of Slovenia, ZZ Leiden of Holland and FC do Porto of Portugal

When looking more closely at the teams of the Fraport Skyliners, they will face KK KRKA Novo Mesto of Slovenia that plays in the competitive Adriatic league and last season finished in ninth place with a record of 12-14. In this league they duel against top teams like Red Star Belgrad and Partizan Belgrad. The club has won the Slovenian league seven times, the cup twice and Super cup three times. They also reached the Uleb Cup final in 2003 losing to Pamesia Valenicia. They played Euroleague in 2002 and 2004. The Fraport Skyliners will also duel against Dutch team Leiden that finished last season in second place in the Dutch league behind Den Bosch who Frankfurt beat twice in Eurochallenge play. They were promoted to the first league in 2006 and since then won the league title twice in 2011 and 2013 and won two cups in 2010 and 2012. They have played Eurochallenge three times. In the past years ex Beko BBL players like Seamus Boxley of Giessen and Danny Gibson of Bayreuth have played for Leiden. The last team of the group is FC Porto of Portugal with the most tradition that was founded in 1926 and has won 11 league titles and 12 cups. In international play have played Euroleague, Korac and Saporta cup in the past and last played Fiba Champions League in 2003. The club last won the league title in 2011 and withdrew from the first division LPB in 2012 and played in the second division Proliga the last two seasons and will play LPB again this season. Notable players that have played for FC Porto that played in the Beko BBL were Chris Ensminger of Bamberg, Jeremy Hunt of Bonn, Christian Burns of ratiopharm ulm or Carlos Andrade of the then Deutsche Bank Skyliners. This is a very interesting group where a sleeper could easily develop between the four teams. The Fraport Skyliners should be seen as the favorite and advancing will be an obligation. With a core of the Frankfurt twin towers Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann, defense specialist and freak athlete Quantez Robertson and 2015 silver medalist at the Pan American games with Aaron Doornekamp, I see none of the other teams boasting such a strong leading quintet.How far the Fraport Skyliners come depends on how well the new point guard and shooting guard mesh in the first two months of the season. Bringing back the old duo and making a reunion of Dashaun Wood and Jimmy Mckinney would be like visiting a candy store for even some older Skyliner fans, but Gordon Herbert will most likely base his trust on two NCAA rookies like he did on Justin Cobbs and Sean Armand last season. If the two new players can make an impact as rookies like Cobbs and Armand will be the question.