Ahmad Smith is a 30 year old 194cm guard from Virginia that recently played for SC Rasta Vechta, but left the team. Last season he played for Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProA) playing 35 games: 12.1ppg, 5.8rpg, Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 66.7% In the 2012-2013 season he started the season BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA)12 games: 7.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.7apg, 2FGP: 48.9%, 3FGP: 14.3%, FT: 72.2%, in Jan.’13 moved to Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProA, starting five): 19 games: 9.6ppg, Reb-4(8.5rpg), Assists-2(6.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 35.5%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 77.6% He played at St.Bonaventure(NCAA) from 2002-2006 and in his senior year played 28 games: ScoreA10-8(14.2ppg), RebA10-10(6.2rpg), AssistsA10-9(3.5apg), FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 59.8%. In 2006-2007, he played for Mardyke UCC Demons Cork (Ireland-SuperLeague): 9 games: 18.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 60.8%. In 2007-2008, he played for SVD 49 Dortmund (Regionalliga): 6 games: 30.2ppg. In 2008-2009, he played for : BSV Wulfen (Germany-Regionalliga) 23.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 6.0apg, 3PT: 35.2%. In 2009-2010, he played for Hertener Loewen (Germany-ProB)29 games: 18.2ppg, Reb-2(8.7rpg), Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.5%. In 2010-2011, he played for s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): left before the season started, then moved to SVD 49 Dortmund (Germany-Regionalliga): 6 games: 12.8ppg, waived in Nov.’10, in Jan.’11 signed at Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProB, starting five): 15 games: 8.3ppg, 6.8rpg, Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 69.1%. Last season for the Kichheim Knights he played  35 games: 9.9ppg, 6.1rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 62.0% He spoke to German Hoops after leaving SC Rasta Vechta.

 

 

Ahmad thanks for talking to German HoopsYour season with Rasta Vechta came to a drastic end with them releasing you. Why wasn´t SC Rasta Vechta not that right fit for you?

 

There was a mutual agreement on me leaving first of all not like the press release. With that being said my playing style and the coaching philosophy just didn’t fit.

 

The club has very big aspirations to move back to the Beko BBL. Your stats weren´t great, but not bad either. Do you feel that they lost patience in your game?

 

No I don’t think they lost patience with me I wasn’t comfortable there so it was best for both sides to go in a different direction.

 

Did you have any talks with head coach Stephen Arigbabu? You are a veteran and he is a rookie coach. Did the outlook on basketball clash between you or possibly was it a conflict of ego´s?

I had many talks with him and what we talked about in our meetings never converted to the games. I think he didn’t watch much film on me before he signed me just looked at stats from previous seasons. My playing style didn’t fit with his coaching.

 

Your scoring was down twice and you put up the goose egg twice not scoring. You have been known to have been able to fill up the stat sheet wherever you have played in Germany. Do you think that your playing style just didn´t fit the style of SC Rasta Vechta?

 

Yeah I’ve never felt that uncomfortable on the basketball court before in my career. My playing style definitely didn’t fit there.

 

 

You have played with many teams in Germany. Did you personally feel comfortable on the court with your teammates? Sometimes a team isn´t put together correctly and the whole team chemistry can be put into disarray.

I didn’t have any problems with my teammates. I just feel that our playing styles didn’t fit together. Hopefully they can get a point guard in to run the system the coach wants because they have a solid roster there.

 

In your last game SC Rasta Vechta were massacred by the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg 101-67. In that game you had stats of 0 points, 0 rebounds and 0 assists in 23 minutes which is very hard to believe. Did you already know something was up or how was it possible for a player of your caliber to be shut down like that?

 

That game was a blur I actually played 13 mins which I thought came out of nowhere. I just didn’t feel comfortable playing for that coach he didn’t allow me to be myself on the court.

What lesson did you learn from your short stay with SC Rasta Vechta? Did both sides make mistakes in this working agreement?

I learned with SC Rasta Vechta that taking a job for more money sometimes isn’t always the right answer. But my career isn’t over so I will capitalize on the next situation I’ll be ready!

 

Some may say you could be a difficult character because you have played for many teams in one season. How can you defend yourself and why can Ahmad Smith help any team now?

I think thats it’s a great advantage that I have played with different teams it’s taught me how to adjust to different coaches and teammates. I have left some difficult situations in Gotha and turned around things in Nurnberg making the playoffs. I have won and moved teams up at every level in Germany so if thats being a difficult person I’m fine with that. I play hard every game and with passion and that rubs some people the wrong way I guess.

 

Where do you see SC Rasta Vechta landing this season? Can they move back up to the Beko BBL or is the German Pro A too strong?

They have a solid roster and will compete to move up.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Carlito´s Way.

 

Thanks Ahmad for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Myles Hesson is a 24 year old 195 cm forward from Birmingham, England was one of the 12 best players in Great Britain in 2013 and was selected for the 2013 national team playing in Slovenia at the Eurochampionships. He currently is playing in the Beko BBL for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven.Last season he played for the Giessen 46ers (ProA) playing 33 games: 16.1ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 78.8%. Two seasons ago he played for Weissenhorn Youngstars (Germany-ProB, starting five): 20 games: 19.7ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.5bpg, 2FGP: 54.4%, 3FGP: 27.4%, FT: 65.6%, in Mar.’13 moved to Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL): 9 games: 4.2ppg, 2.8rpg. He started his professional career in 2009-2010 for  Birmingham Aces (EBL2) averaging 13.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 33.3%. In 2010-2011, he played for the Essex Pirates Basketball Club (BBL): 11 games: 9.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 68.4%. In 2011-2012 he played for Liverpool Mersey Tigers (BBL, starting five): 27 games: 15.1ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 61.5%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 101-68 loss against FC Bayern Munich.

 

Myles a tough 101-68 loss against FC Bayern Munich. How quickly was Bremerhaven able to digest the loss in Bayreuth? Was the preparation time for FC Bayern Munich too short?

Its not the first time this year that we have had a schedule like this so no the preparation time wasn’t too short.

The game was played in a huge arena in Bremen with 9,523 patrons. When you look back to Ulm, how was the atmosphere in Bremen? How do Germans pack a big arena in the north?

It was a great atmosphere playing in front of so many people, the atmosphere was great and the fans were behind us the whole game.

Bremerhaven had the 24-19 lead after one quarter, but FC Bayern Munich really stepped it up in the second quarter to score 31 points. What adjustments did FC Bayern Munich seem to make to go on such a scoring run?

Its hard to say. I just think they executed their plays well and exploited our weaknesses.

Bremerhaven came out flat in the third quarter letting FC Bayern Munich go on a 16-0 run and Bremerhaven went scoreless for five minutes. How much of a factor was the individual class of FC Bayern Munich?

They were the better team on the day but I dont think it is out of our reach to beat them next time we play.

FC Bayern Munich forced Bremerhaven to 24 turnovers. What was most annoying having to atta they are a big, long team so finding passing angles was pretty difficult.ck FC Bayern Munich in the set play?

They are a big, long team so finding passing angles was pretty difficult.

It was a big loss, but how important was gaining this experience for young guys like Helge Baues and Gray Zeeb and even yourself?

You gain experience with every game you play so it was good learning experience for all of us.

There were only two blocks in the whole game and they came from you? How many steps forward were you able to take as a defender with this valuable experience against FC Bayern Munich?

I always take pride in my defense, so being able to defend some of the best players in the league with FC Bayern Munich was a challenge I relished.

Bremerhaven now have a whole week to prepare against Crailsheim that recently won their first game against TBB Trier. How proud are you of your exteammate Joshiko Saibou who is averaging 14,5ppg, 2,7rpg and 3,5apg. Did you know with Giessen that he had the potential to be more than just a bench player, but a key player in the Beko BBL?

I am really happy for him, yeah I think he showed that last season that he could play at this level.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Scarface.

 

Thanks Myles for the chat.

 

When you observe Cuxhaven American center Edward Seward(48 BBL games with Phoenix Hagen) who stands in at 206cm and weighs 110 kilo and can smile with the best of them after a victory or a tasty Big Mac, but he also can show his gritty and physical side when he is battling in the paint. The smiles and laugh wrinkles in his face have been nonexistent this season as team Cuxhaven Bascats have started 0-5 including two 100 point plus massacre loses to Baunach and Wurzburg as Bavaria seems to be a place to avoid at the moment, the team has given up an average of 94 points per game and lost to their opponents on average by 29 points. It is 10 before midnight in Cuxhaven as the head coaching chair of Latvian Krists Plendiskis is as unstable as a Stork bird that gets lost in a feeding time trail of Leopards in Nambia. Cuxhaven has attained no real luck to win games whereas three time Beko BBL champion Giessen 46ers have had luck and non luck as they have a 2-3 record, but lost a one point game at home to Hamburg and lost on a buzzer beater in Leverkusen, but also won a nail bitter in OT In Jena. Cuxhaven was praying for any kind of trace of success to finally get that first win and get those cheek wrinkles of Seward working overtime again while the Giessen 46ers were hoping to get back on the winning track again after losing to Kirchheim last week and hoping for added team chemistry with late signing ex German national player Johannes Lischka who was benched for two games, but back in the lineup last week netting 9 points in 20 minutes against Kirchheim. Lischka who at times has as stern an expression as the Wonder Years teacher Ben Stein snuck into six minutes against the Cuxhaven Bascats and after the game despite a nailbitting 74-70 win still looked like a younger Stein just with dirty blond hair. Once again there was enormous excitement and working on those nails for 40 minutes, but Giessen found some lady luck getting by the Cuxhaven Bascats 74-70. After the win Giessen American Eric Palm tried to put some perspective on the luck that Giessen have and haven´t ha dthis season. “We are used to these tight games this season. These kind of games keep us focused more on offense and defense. Getting wins like this will help us in the playoffs when you encounter more tight games. We struggled on offense again as we have all season long, but once we get our rhythm then we will be a very dangerous team”, stressed Illinois native Eric Palm. The Cuxhaven Bascats haven´t had any kind of luck this season and the way the season has been going, even when they are so close the luck just doesn´t seem to land on the side of the team. “We knew that this was a big game and we were ready for it. I hope that despite the loss that this game will help us move forward and I hope we know that we played very hard and fought until the end, but just came up a bit short”, stated Cuxhaven point guard Aaron Cook.

As the first quarter moved on, Cuxhaven fans may have thought that they were in a pleasurable movie with a happy ending being constructed as the North German team played with a lot of energy and controlled 85% of the first quarter letting Giessen closer in the last minute. Cuxhaven took the quick 4-2 lead as German Dennis Nawrocki hit free throws and ex Lich forward Bill Borekami showed his touch around the glass with an offensive rebound and put back. However Giessen stayed with Cuxhaven as ex Bremerhaven center Jonathan Malou thought two can play that game following Borekambi with the same trick. Cuxhaven started to get more and more rhythm on offense while staying true to their aggressive defense rolling out on a 11-4 run to lead Giessen 15-9. In the run, Cuxhaven continued to dominate the boards as 36 year old veteran Edward Seward who played his first four years of professional basketball in the Regionaliga with Aschersleben scored twice on put backs after securing offensive rebounds. Young German Jeffery Martin who played 12 Beko BBL games for Bremerhaven last season was on fire hitting form all over the court as he finished the first quarter with 9 points. Cuxhaven just played with a lot of intensity while keeping Giessen off guard switching up their defensive sets and had more effort on the glass. However Cuxhaven couldn´t quite keep that tempo allowing Giessen on a 6-2 run to cut the Cuxhaven lead to 17-15. In the Giessen run, 33 year old veteran Bjoern Schoo who is playing for his 13^th team hit a pull up jumper and found Cuban Yorman Polas for the back door dunk. “Martin had a big quarter as the team has full confidence in his abilities. We played defense aggressively and just were very physical and didn´t let them take comfortable shots”, stressed Maryland native Aaron Cook. Cuxhaven was shooting 40% from the field and outside while Giessen was shooting 40% from the field and 25% from outside. Cuxhaven had the huge 12-6 rebound advantage, but four turnovers while Giessen had only one turnover.

The second quarter remained very tight as Cuxhaven held the lead until the break and had their biggest lead of seven points, but Giessen always stayed on their door step not letting their opponent to close the door shut on them. Cook started the second quarter with two free throws, but Giessen guard Besnik Bekteshi countered with a three pointer, but Giessen still trailed 19-18. Cuxhaven then got a spurt of momentum escaping on a 8-2 run to lead 27-20. In the run Cuxhaven was led by North Carolina native Keith Sherril who scored on two mid distance jumpers. 20 year old 205cm German Helge Baues also showed his amazing foot work dancing inside twice and scoring without problems. Giessen rallied on a 4-0 mini run as Cuxhaven threw up an air ball and made a turnover while Giessen capitalized with a Benjamin Lischka hook shot and Johannes Lischka free throws as Giessen trailed 27-24 and seemed to be threatening. However Cuxhaven had two good offensive sets where Cook nailed a three pointer and Edward Seward snuck up the court like Rajon Rondo getting the easy bucket while the Giessen transition defense was helpless and crawling back. Then the Giessen fans witnessed a classical Lischka brother combination as Johannes made the put back off the Benjamin miss as Giessen trailed 32-26. Giessen closed out the second quarter with a lightening 5-0 run to go into half time trailing only 32-31. TJ DiLeo made a steal and went coast to coast and then Cook shot a bit too early giving Giessen seven seconds as Palm nailed a three pointer. “Cuxhaven was playing good basketball, but still finding their way. As the underdog, they had a big desire to win. Cuxhaven was playing good defense, but Giessen also wasn´t executing and missing easy shots”, stressed TV Lich guard Jermale Jones. Cuxhaven was shooting 43% from the field and from the three point line while Giessen was shooting 36% from the field and 27% from the three point line. Cuxhaven led the rebound battle 25-11, but had 11 turnovers while Giessen had only two turnovers.

In the third quarter, the Giessen 46ers were able to achieve their first lead of the game halfway through, lose it again and retain it at the end. Seward started off the third quarter with what he does best getting mean under the boards getting his sweaty hands on the rebound and putting it home. Cuxhaven kept the lead despite a Benjamin Lischka lay in as Giessen trailed 34-33, but Cuxhaven German Dennis Nawrocki tested his 26% three point shooting percentage dropping a big three as Cuxhaven led 37-33. Giessen then got their first lead of the game in part of a crafty 6-0 run to lead 39-37. Malou scored inside made a free throw and Bekteshi threw a bomb over Cook for the lead. However this sudden burst of Giessen power didn´t scare Cuxhaven as they quickly regained the lead on a mini 4-0 run as their defense sparked the offense as Seward blocked Bekteshi and Cook fed Baues for the fast break finish. Cook then nailed a step back jumper as Cuxhaven led 41-39 again. After Polas tied the game with free throws, it was Cook again giving Cuxhaven the lead with an off balance shot 43-41. The game continued to go back and forth, but Giessen got some extra special momentum at the end as they got two consecutive steals from Palm and Wells that led to DiLeo and Palm lay ins as Giessen kept the lead after 30 minutes 48-46. “Their press defense changed the tempo of the game. They capitalized on the steals which gave them rhythm”, commentated Aaron Cook. “We picked up our defensive intensity and our full court pressure rattled some of their younger players. This was the turning point of the game”, expressed ex BV Chemnitz guard Eric Palm. Giessen was shooting 34% from the field and 29% from the parking lot while Cuxhaven was shooting 40% from the field and 38% from the parking lot. Cuxhaven still had the overwhelming 37-22 rebound edge, but an unacceptable 16 turnovers while Giessen had five turnovers.

The Giessen 46ers kept that momentum from the end of the third quarter and carried it into the fourth quarter. Cuxhaven could tie the game three more times, but after that Giessen never looked back despite the fighting qualities of Cuxhaven that never eroded. Cook tied the game at 48-48 with a pull up jumper. Palm responded with perhaps the prettiest play of the night with a finger tip roll while falling to his right for the 50-48 advantage. Borekambi then tied the game again at 50-50 with a mid distance jumper. Cuxhaven got their last lead of the game at 52-50 as Sherril hit his bread and butter the mid distance jumper. Giessen then jumped out on a 8-0 run to lead 58-52 and would never relinquish the lead again. Ex Citadel(NCAA) guard Cameron Wells scored two consecutive buckets and Polas nailed a three pointer. Sherril stopped the run with a put back, but Giessen continued to hammer Cuxhaven with consistent shooting as Palm nailed a three pointer and then made another pretty basket spinning and hitting off balance as Giessen led 63-56. Cuxhaven never gave up and it was the young guys on this day who stepped up as Martin and Borekambi combined for 23 points. Borekambi had nerves of steel now seemingly taking Cuxhaven in the come back trail alone hitting two buckets to cut the Giessen lead to 64-61. However Giessen always had an answer as they got big buckets from DiLeo and Polas to get their lead back to 68-63. Cook made free throws and if it wasn´t Borekambi then it was the other young buck Martin to take command hitting a huge three pointer as Cuxhaven remained on the Giessen door step with one leg inside their living room as they trailed 69-68. However down the stretch, Cuxhaven missed an easy lay in by Borekambi and Cook missed a three pointer while Giessen hit their free throws from Palm who dropped five at the end to secure the win. “Key at the end was knocking down free throws. This has been a problem for us this season and especially for me. Usually I am at 85%, but I think hitting some early got me in rhythm and our guards found me for some open shots”, explained Eric Palm. “We have a lot of trust in Bill Borekambi and he can get by anyone. He was a bit unlucky at the end. The play at the end was designed for me. I only had a split second and had to take it. I had that last shot in my head so many times since the loss. I would have traded my 17 points for that last three getting us into overtime”, added Aaron Cook.

The Giessen 46ers were led by Eric Palm with 19 points. Yorman Polas added 12 points and five rebounds. Cuxhaven was led by Aaron Cook with 17 points and nine assists. Jeffery Martin added12 points and Bill Borekambi 11 points. Giessen finished the night shooting 41% from the field and 33% from downtown while Cuxhaven shot 44% from the field and 35% from downtown. Cuxhaven won the rebounding duel 40-30, but coughed up the ball 18 times while Giessen did 10 times. Despite another bitter loss, there seems to be hope for the future of Cuxhaven. “I don´t really look at wins or loses but as a team building to get better. I think that we took a step forward. If we continue to be physical and defend like this, then I think we can win games”, warned Aaron Cook. Giessen is 3-3 now and the win had its plus and minus side. “We have to rebound better. We were down 25-11 at halftime. We won´t lead many games like that. In the second half, I think that we picked up the rebounding. There were some long rebounds where our guards helped out. Despite it being a roller coaster game. Our defensive intensity was good. It set the tone for us to end the game well”, warned Eric Palm.

Myles Hesson is a 24 year old 195 cm forward from Birmingham, England was one of the 12 best players in Great Britain in 2013 and was selected for the 2013 national team playing in Slovenia at the Eurochampionships. He currently is playing in the Beko BBL for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven.Last season he played for the Giessen 46ers (ProA) playing 33 games: 16.1ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 78.8%. Two seasons ago he played for Weissenhorn Youngstars (Germany-ProB, starting five): 20 games: 19.7ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.5bpg, 2FGP: 54.4%, 3FGP: 27.4%, FT: 65.6%, in Mar.’13 moved to Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL): 9 games: 4.2ppg, 2.8rpg. He started his professional career in 2009-2010 for  Birmingham Aces (EBL2) averaging 13.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 33.3%. In 2010-2011, he played for the Essex Pirates Basketball Club (BBL): 11 games: 9.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 68.4%. In 2011-2012 he played for Liverpool Mersey Tigers (BBL, starting five): 27 games: 15.1ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 61.5%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 64-56 loss in Bayreuth.

 

 

A tough 64-56 loss in Bayreuth. Can you remember playing a more crazy game like this scoring no points in the first quarter and then holding medi Bayreuth to 25 points in the second half and coming up short to win?

 

It was a very weird game with a lot of ups and downs, we came out flat as a team and couldnt make open looks that we usually knock down.

 

 

Bremerhaven was down 22-0 after one quarter, a stat that one needs to look at twice or three times or even four times to believe it. What was going through your head after the first 10 minutes. Were you feeling more embarrassment or anger for the team performance?
It was quite embarrassing to be honest at the time but all I could think about was making up the difference and winning the game.

 

What words did head coach Calvin Oldham find after the first quarter? This was also a new experience for him and he has seen it all in the last 35 years as a player and head coach.

He made sure that we stayed focused and didnt hang our heads.

 

The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven made an amazing comeback and got back to 58-56 with 2.45 to go on a Sven Schulze three pointer, but then gave up a 6-0 run. What was key down the stretch for medi Bayreuth getting the win?

 

They hit a deep 3 late in the shot clock and also had a questionable and 1.

 

 

Despite the loss, this was like a movie for Bremerhaven with many different parts. Despite the loss, what could the team learn from this loss?

 

The biggest thing to learn from that game is that we cant ever start off like that again.

 

Was a key point keeping Trevon Hughes pretty much in check? He usually has big games and Bremerhaven did a superb job limiting his scoring and forcing him to four turnovers.

 

Our guards did a good job keeping him in front of them and forcing him into taking difficult shots.

 

What was your impression of young medi Bayreuth German David Brembly who led the team with 12 points and hit three big three pointers. He showed nerves coming up big and taking on the slack that some of the American veterans.

 

He was pivotal for them down the stretch, the 3 he hit was somewhat of a back breaker for us.

 

The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven don´t have much time to recuperate as they next meet top team FC Bayern Munich. How excited are you to play them and will the medi bayreuth learning lesson help against them?

 

I am looking forward to the challenge of taking on a euroleague team. As long as we dont start as bad as we did today we will be alright.

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

Jet li – fist of legend.

 

Thanks Myles for the chat.

 

 

Jimmy Sherburne is a 23 year old 191cm guard from White Fish Bay, Wisconson that is a rookie in Germany playing for the VfL AstroStars Bochum (Germany-ProB). He played at Princeton (NCAA) from 2009-2014 and was an Ivy League champion in 2012. Currently for Bochum he is averaging 14,5ppg, 4,0rpg and 2,0apg. He spoke to German Hoops before coming to Germany last summer.

 

Jimmy thanks for talking to German Hoops. You got signed very late in the off season to German Pro B team Astrostars Bochum. Were you losing some hope this summer about being able to start your professional basketball career or did you already have a nice high paying job lined up should basketball not work out?

I didn’t have a job lined up in the event that a contract offer didn’t come, so there were times when I couldn’t help but get a little worried about the situation. However, I played well enough in Las Vegas that I really believed things would work out in the end.

You studied and played at top Ivy league school Princeton for four years. Besides working out during the summer is your routine off the court during the summer a bit different than perhaps the normal basketball player? Do Ivy league graduates in general have different habits off the court than the normal basketball player that didn´t go to a top school?

The main difference for us at Princeton was that we didn’t have to be on campus during the summer. A lot of guys used the summer to get internships, but my main focus in the summer was always basketball.

What sold you most on the Bochum program? Did you have talks with head coach Kai Frie

What sold me most on Bochum was that they wanted me on their team. It was an easy decision for me.

With what expectations did you come to Germany? What do you know about the country and basketball in Germany? Did you talk to some ex teammates like Ian Hummer or Douglas Davis who have played in Germany?

I expect to enjoy my time in Germany. I have spoken with Ian and Doug about their experiences, and they had nothing but positive things to say about the quality of play and fan support. I’ve never been to Germany before, but based on everything I’ve heard, I’m sure I’ll enjoy every aspect of my time there.

In 4 seasons at Princeton, you played a total of 72 games. How was this whole basketball experience for you? When you started there in 2009, did you ever think that you might go a professional basketball route?

At Princeton, I fell short of the expectations I had for myself. But at the same time, I improved so much since 2009 that I set myself up to have the opportunity to play professionally. That was definitely a goal of mine when I got to school.

You had to battle injuries all through your career starting as a freshman where you came to Princeton with an injury and sat out the 2012-2103 season. How difficult was this time for you? Did you learn more about patience and believing in your abilities during your injuries?

My injuries helped me learn to be patient and to really appreciate having the ability to play. During my time away from school in the 2012-13 season, I was able to vastly improve my game. Without that year off, I don’t think I’d have been nearly as prepared to begin a pro career as I am now.

You had some nice games as a senior playing 37 minutes in a win against Florida A & M notching 13 points and dishing out 5 assists and also scored 15 points in a loss to Portland. Was the Florida A & M game your personal season highlight? What do you remember from that game?

I don’t know if I’d consider that the top highlight of my season, but I do remember being very proud after that game because it was my first game back after missing an entire season. I had worked really hard to get healthy and come back to make an impact, and to be able to play well in that first game like I did was a good feeling.

From your stats it is a bit difficult to read what your biggest strength is, but if you took a look at your game and had to describe a hidden strength that seems to be often off the radar what would you say is that disguised strength on the floor?

I think my biggest strength is how well-rounded my game is. I don’t feel as though I have any glaring weaknesses. I can obviously improve every aspect of my game, but I don’t think you could say there’s one thing I do poorly. But if I had to pick one aspect as my best, I believe I see the floor and read defenses as well as anyone I’ve played with.

You had two head coaches at Princeton with Sydney Johnson and Mitch Henderson. How did Coach Johnson and Coach Henderson prepare you best for a professional career?

They prepared me best by being honest with me about areas I needed to improve, especially offensively. My ball-handling and shooting improved dramatically during my college career.

During the 2012-2103 season you had to sit out due to injury and worked at a Law Firm. How was this experience for you and was it difficult coming back after not having played a full season?

I had a very productive year away from school. I worked about 30 hours per week at the law firm and also tutored high school kids in my area in various subjects. Between these jobs, shoulder rehab, and weightlifting and skill work, I stayed really busy and had very full days during the week. This helped me stay sharp and by the time I came back to school, I felt like I picked up right where I left off. But the best thing about my shoulder injury was that it forced me to improve my left hand.

Last season German Hans-George Brase really emerged averaging 11.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 73.8% in his second season. How much potential does he have and where do you see his journey as a basketball player heading to?

Hans is already a very good player, but I think he still has so much room to grow. If he keeps improving at the rate he has been, he’ll have outstanding junior and senior years. I think he could be a great addition to the German national team and have a long professional career.

How does a normal summer work out day look like for Jimmy Sherburne on and off the court?

A typical day for me this past summer would begin with training a neighbor of mine. He’s going to be a junior at our high school, and we worked on his skills nearly every morning this summer. After that, I would go the gym for skill work with my younger brother, who is 18 years old and will be attending a post graduate year at Brewster Academy this year. After dinner, I would return to the gym with a friend of mine for additional shooting and then weights.

In high school, you were also a very gifted football player playing quarterback and being captain and was a two-time first-team all-conference and honorable mention all-area in football. As a kid did you ever dream of playing for the Green Bay Packers? Why did you later choose basketball over football?

The Packers are my favorite sports team, but when I was younger, my only dream was to play in the NBA, not the NFL. I have always preferred basketball over football, even though I think I had more natural ability at quarterback. I ultimately chose basketball simply because I enjoy it more.

You are from a small village called White Fish Bay of 15,000 people, but still it has a big list of notable people with professional baseball, football and basketball players having come from your town. Is there something in the fish there that has made so many talented athletes come out of there?

Ha I don’t know if it’s the fish, but you never know! I really don’t know what it is, but I know that I’m proud of where I come from and don’t think I’d have had the same level of success without being surrounded by as many great athletes growing up. My group of friends growing up was very athletic in a variety of sports.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I can’t remember the last time I watched an actual DVD. But I went and say A Most Wanted Man in theaters last week, and I thought it was really good. It actually takes place in Hamburg.

Thanks Jimmy for the chat.

 

Will Barnes is a 26 year old 185cm point guard from Tuscaloosa, Alabama that is playing his second professional season and first with the Hamburg Towers. 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 after the first home game of the Hamburg Towers defeating the Bayer Giants Leverkusen 74-64.

 

 

 

Will congrats to the 74-64 win against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen at home. What experience did you have after the game celebrating? I am sure you have way more options to enjoy a big win in Hamburg than in Paderborn?

Thanks Miles! It definitely was a great win for us. Our first home game was an experience that I will never forget. It was amazing to play in front of a sold out crowd. We celebrated by hanging it with fans at a restaurant that sponsors us, Mr. Kabob. They’re great people!

 

For months, the Hamburg Towers have been working on getting the arena done and it was ready for the first home game. Please explain the atmosphere in your new living room and how would you compare it to other settings that you have had in your career?

 

It’s great! It’s easily the nicest gym I’ve had to call my own. Everything is brand new and the area that surrounds the gym makes the experience even better. I am walking distance away. It’s just seems to all fight perfectly.

 

Hamburg controlled the game never really getting a huge lead in double figures, but just doing enough to always be leading. How perfect was this game in terms of lead management and just always having your nose in front and never letting Leverkusen to get the lead?

I wouldn’t describe it as perfect because it was a hard fought game. Leverkusen is a very dangerous team that has tons of shooters. I feel like we didn’t play our best basketball but played enough defense to maintain our lead the entire game. We have a lot of heart on this team and I feel more than anything, that will take us a long way.

 

The Bayer Giants Leverkusen was without their American point guard Willy Manigat. Did this take some pressure off Hamburg being able to just concentrate on their own game and getting that consistent offensive rhythm?

Yes, but that’s also a part of basketball. People get injured and players play banged up. Of course they are better with him but we just have to focus on what’s in front of us.

 

Hamburg wasn´t as consistent from the distance, registered only eight assists and had 15 turnovers, but won the rebounding duel. What would you say was the biggest strength of the Hamburg Towers in the home opener?

 

I would say our defense and energy. Just as you mentioned, this wasn’t our most efficient game so we had to do a lot of dirty work. The rebounding more than anything helps us control the game.

How difficult was it playing your first 4 games on the road. How did this period help the team mature and build chemistry as well as trust in each other early in the season?

The 4 game road stretch was definitely a big challenge that we handled quite well. Coach Hamed prepared us in the preseason by scheduled a lot of true road games. We were ready mentally for the challenge. It was just a matter of coming out and executing. The stretch helped our chemistry tremendously though. None of the four games were easy. Many times we had to face adversity and stick together as a team. We gained trust in one another.

 

You are the leading scorer on the team averaging 14,6ppg, grabbing 2,8rpg and dishing out 2,0apg. How happy have you been with your own performance?

I feel like I’m playing ok. I’m playing a lot better on the defense end and with more intensity. I haven’t been as efficient as I usually am but as long as we are winning I have no complaints. I love my teammates and truly want to see everyone succeed. Having our gym finally open will help a lot also. I now can hit up the gym whenever I like and put in the work like I’m used to. It was tough early on because we practiced in a different gym around Hamburg every day.

 

Before the season started you stated that you want to be a better leader in your second season than how you were with Paderborn. How have you changed your leadership ways or made them different than in Paderborn?

The biggest change I’ve made is to take everything one game at a time and focus all the way in on my opponent. I’m not worried about other teams, players, or my stats. It’s all about winning. I’m also trying my hardest to make that mindset contagious throughout our team. Seems to be working quite well so far but we still have a lot of work to do.

There is not one real superstar on the team, but it seems obvious the club has this we mentality instead of me mentality. How much of this early chemistry can be credited to head coach Hamed Attarbashi?

Almost all of it honestly. He trusts in every player’s ability and gives everyone fair opportunity. Our system also helps us spread the ball around and keep everyone involved. Our team’s willingness to play this way is huge also. Not once this season have players had attitudes or allowed selfishness to creep in. Things haven’t been perfect but we work & talk all of our disputes out.

 

Michael Wenzl has really turned into one of the German leaders averaging 11,4ppg and 9,4rpg. He has had Beko BBL experience and seems to be developing very nice as a center. In a team that concentrates on team, do you see the German expanding his role even more and becoming even more dominating as the season continues?

Yes, Big Mike is huge for us. When he’s on top of his game and controlling the boards, we elevate to another level as a team. Honestly, we don’t do a good enough job of feeding him the ball. We get caught up in playing too much of a penetrating game sometimes. But Mike is great. He is and will continue to be huge for us this year, no doubt.

 

 

When I see Bazoumana Kone penetrate it looks like Dennis Schroeder is in the house. What has been your impression of him in the first five games and what advice do you give him?

Bazou is like my little brother. We guard each other every practice and really compete at a high level. His defense and on the ball pressure has rubbed off on me and my team. He sets the tone and is a pest for every point guard that we play. His skill set at his young age is very impressive. I feel like the sky is the limit for him. He controls his own destiny.

 

 

The German PRO A has become more and more competitive each season. Currently there are two 5-0 teams and a few 4-1 teams. It looks like it will be another very exciting season. How proud are you in general how the team has played in the first five games. It is still early, but on what things does the team need to concentrate most on in the next games to keep their position near the top?

Of course we are happy we have been successful early but we feel like we haven’t even come close to reaching our potential. We’ve won a bunch of ugly games playing bad offensively; yet we still win. We just have to continue to focus in on our defense and watch film to make the necessary adjustments to continue with our early success.

 

Have Marvin Willoughby or Pascal Roller showed their basketball skills in a shoot around yet or have they kept on their working clothes? What do you appreciate most about your 2 bosses?

Haha, Marvin tends to shoot some shots and play one on one with the team sometimes! He’s more hands on with the team than Pascal is. Pascal handles more of the business side of things which keeps him in the office a lot. But they both have done a tremendous job of getting the club operating the way it is. They’ve been under tons of pressure and stress but they have handled it well! I personally have a good relationship with them both and love playing for them.

 

Alster lake, Reeperbahn or harbor. In what place have you been most to in Hamburg and why?

I’ve been to the Harbor the most. It’s such a beautiful place to go and relax. People are always out there, and it’s just a great vibe. I haven’t had the chance to visit the fish market on Sunday mornings but I will very soon.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The last movie I watched was Sin City!

 

Thanks Will for the chat.