Thomas Schreiner is a 27 year old 195cm point guard from St Polten, Austria that will be playing his third season with Spanish team  MoraBanc Andorra (Spain-Liga Endesa)helping them move up this season to division one. He started his basketball career in 2003 for : UKJ SUBA St.Polten (B Bundesliga) where he played until 2006. In the 2006-2007 season he played for  BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (A Bundesliga): Stage 1: 21 games: 3.1ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.8bpg; Stage 2: 14 games: 7.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.0apg, 2.3bpg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 71.4%. Then in 2007 he returned back to St Polten where he played until 2011. In the 2011-2012 season he played for  ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (A Bundesliga). Since 2012 he has been playing for Andorra. Currently he is a member of the Austrian national team and spoke to German Hoops after the loss to Germany in qualifying.

 

Thomas thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough 77-64 loss to Germany in the second game of European qualifications. I guess Austria learned tonight that a game has 40 minutes and not 35 minutes. Is this a game that Austria will be able to forget quickly?

 

It was definitely a tough loss for us. We have to move on from last nights game quickly, we have to draw confidence from our first 35 minutes and learn from our mistakes. We have to move on quickly because we have another big game on Sunday against Poland.

 

With five minutes to play Austria led 64-56, but then totally lost their rhythm allowing Germany to finish the game with a 21-0 run. Did Austria get tired? What were the main reasons for not being able to score in the last five minutes?

I don’t think it was about us getting tired. We just had a couple of mental breakdowns and got to passive because of their defensive intensity.

Germany lost the first game in Poland and were on the boarder of losing in Austria. Were you surprised how Germany played for 35 minutes? Is Germany overrated or just not playing to their potential despite having NBA player Dennis Schroeder and other top players?

It’s obvious they’re not playing up to their potential so far. I think that they’re a really talented team but haven’t had a chance to prepare properly because of the NBA summer league. Also, you cannot forget that they’re a really young team.

Enis Murati led Austria with 27 points and shot 11/16. He has played in Austria his whole life. Do you believe that some German teams now know who he is after this performance?

I think after last nights performance everybody who watched the game in Germany now knows him. I’m glad he played well and got a chance to show that they’re also good players in the Austrian league.

What German player impressed you the most in the game? Maxi Kleber was a big factor in the fourth quarter why Germany could come back and win the game.

Maxi Kleber was the X factor for Germany. He is a really talented player and had an outstanding performance against us. I think he has a bright future ahead of him.

How content are you that Austria can still advance? Austria now plays Poland next who is 2-0.

We knew coming into this group that it would not be easy to qualify for the European championships. We are heading into every game with the mindset that we want to win, and I still believe in our team that if we play our best basketball we can still qualify.

You already led the Austrian league in assists as a 21 year old in the 2007-2008 season with 7,6 assists per game. Has passing and finding your teammates always come easy to you?

I’m a player who does whatever the team needs to win games. For me as a Point Guard to try to get everybody involved.

You will be playing your third season for MoraBanc Andorra (Liga Endesa) and helped them move up from Leb Gold to the Liga Endesa. How thrilled are you to start to play in the best league behind the NBA this season?

I’m very excited, and look forward to competing with the best players in Europe.

You were second best in the Leb Gold in assists last year. What will be most challenging on the court this season for you coming from the Leb Gold league?

I think the biggest challenge will be to compete against even better players and teams than last season. I also think the speed of the game is another notch higher in the Liga Endesa.

You played with Jordi Trias who played 6 seasons for FC Barcelona and this season Victor Sada will join the team who played 8 seasons for FC Barcelona and won medals at the 2011 European championships and 2012 Olympics. Since you have been there has Trias told any interesting stories from his Barcelona days?

Yes, like every veteran he shared a lot of interesting and also funny stories about his career, and especially his time in Barcelona.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Captain America 2

Thanks Thomas for the chat.

 

Sometimes just seeing one game of a player can leave a lasting impression and even if Matt Bauscher (190-G-85, college: Boise St.) beat the Fraport Skyliners on a March day in 2012 with a buzzer beater it wasnt just that shot that will keep the name Bauscher in my memory bank, but the way he played the game. Matt Bauscher may only be 29 years old and probably in his best basketball age, but surprisingly he decided to hang up his sneakers for good today after a six year professional career where he made a name of himself in Holland. He also played briefly in Germany and Cyprus.

When I look back on that 2011-2012 season, it was a season to forget for the 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen as they had only won 2 games leading up to the game in Frankfurt and really were only playing for pride as they knew that they would be returning back to the German second division after being in the Beko BBL for 5 years. For the Fraport Skyliners, they played an amazing second half of the season beating big name teams like Munich and Bamberg and it came down to a last game in Bonn to reach the playoffs which they lost. Guys like Jacob Burtschi or Michael Thompson surely will never forget this buzzer beater loss to BG Goettingen becuase a win surely would have pushed them into the playoffs.

When looking back at that buzzer beater win, I had to look back into my collection of German Hoops articles I have written. With 5.4 seconds to play, BG Goettingen had one more play to win the game and won it with a Matt Bauscher buzzer beater. I have hit some buzzer beaters in my career, but this was my first in Germany. I got the ball slipped as did Mckinney, kept my composure and just took the shot. It felt very good after it left my hand, explained Matt Bauscher. You have to tip your hat to Bauscher. He made the shot over two players, added Quantez Robertson. Bauscher made a tough play, but big time players will make big time plays, stressed Skyliner guard Devin Gibson. After playing in Holland the last three years, Bauscher was humble and lauding the BG Goettingen organization despite their hard times this season. It has been great playing for this organization. They have die hard fans. The fans have showed a lot more heart than what we could ever ask for. It has been a pleasure playing here, stressed 2009 Dutch scoring champ Matt Bauscher. There were quite a lot of memorable games in the 2011-2012 season, but the Justin Gray and Matt Bauscher buzzer beater games will always be in my mind.

Matt Bauscher never had it easy when it came to basketball as when he came out of high school, he was offered no scholarship to any school and decided to get away from Boise and went to Spokane community college. He then did get the chance with very hard work to play for Boise St. (NCAA) from 2005-2008 where he played a total of 92 NCAA games. As a senior he played 9.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3Pts: 43.5%, FT: 50.0%.

Bauscher then started his professional basketball career in Holland and right away had no difficulty getting adjusted to the European style as he played for Aris Friesland Leeuwarden (Holland-Eredivisie) playing 37 games and leading the league in scoring with (22.2ppg), 3.9rpg, and was top assist man with (5.9apg), Steals-5 (2.4spg), FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 67.0%. He then played two seasons for GasTerra Flames (Holland-Eredivisie) where he helped win the 2010 Dutch league title. He really cleaned up with the Eurobasket awards winning four with Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie Player of the Year -10, Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie Guard of the Year -10, Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie Import Player of the Year -10, and Eurobasket.com Dutch Eredivisie All-Defensive Team -10. In 2011-2012, he came to Germany and played for BG Goettingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga9 EuroChallenge: 2 games: 9.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg; German League: 24 games: 10.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 64.1%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for Eiffel Towers Den Bosch (Holland-Eredivisie) 39 games: 11.5ppg, 3.2rpg, Assists-5 (4.8apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 60.0%. Last season he got further experience playing for Petrolina AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-Division A) playing 15 games: 8.2ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-1 (3.9apg), 1.1spg. In every professional season except for his time in Germany, the American was top 5 in assists. Bauscher was a team player and the best example for any basketball player out there that is fighting with the decision to keep pushing that basketball dream or not that even when the odds are against you, you should never give up and follow your basketball dream

Matt Smith is a 23 year old 201cm forward from Whitewright, Texas that will commence his professional basketball career this season in Germany with the Finke Baskets Paderborn. He started his basketball career in 2009 with  Wisc.-Green Bay (NCAA). He then transferred to Toledo(NCAA) where he played from 2011-2014 plying a total of 94NCAA games there. As a senior he played 34 games: 3.8ppg, 1.8rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Matt thanks for talking to German Hoops. It has been almost 5 months since your last college game against Southern Mississippi. Despite averaging only 11 minutes your senior year and 3,8ppg, how confident were you that a professional career as basketball player could happen?

I was very confident, because I know what kind of player I am and that if I am put into the right situation then I will flourish.

How was your first experience testing the players market this summer. At the end you can s ay better late than never, because you were signed very late by the German pro A team Finke Baskets Paderborn. What did you learn from the whole experience?

I learned that this is a business and in order to be wanted, you have to produce the year before.

What do you know about the country Germany and the basketball scene there? Tyrus Mcghee who you know recently also got signed in Germany by the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven.

I really do not know much about Germany. I am anxious to get there and see everything! Yes, Tyrus and I grew up together and I was super excited when I found out that he was going to be playing in Germany as well.

Your town Whitewright and Germany are linked. Back in World War 2, US Lieutenant Joe Tom Meador who comes from Whitewright looted some major German pieces of art from a cave and had it sent back to the States. He died in 1980 and in 1992 the art was returned to Germany. Did you know this? This could be an interesting story to German folks. Do you remember being taught German history in school?

Actually, I had no idea that happened. I will definitely have to look this up more so I can share this with others.

After a stellar career at Whitewright high school, you went to UW-Greenbay where as a freshman you started 34 of 35 games averaging 3,2ppg and 2,1rpg. Why did you transfer after your freshman year? Did you see yourself having a different kind of role that head coach Tod Kowalczyk had for you?

Coach Kowalczyk took the head coaching job for the University of Toledo at the end of my freshman year. The coaching staff asked if I wanted to come with them to help rebuild and I was honored, so I decided to transfer.

How difficult was it sitting out the 2010-2011 season due to transfer rules at Toledo? What was the most valuable things you learned practicing and watching games form the sidelines?

My redshirt year was one of the most difficult years of my life. It was extremely frustrating that I had to watch my team struggle and could not contribute. The most valuable thing I learned sitting out was to see a coach’s perspective during that year. I started really understanding what the coaching staff had to go through to prepare for practice and games, so it made me more appreciative.

After playing many minutes your second and third seasons and being one of the top three point shooters in the MAC conference, you had a lesser role last season. How difficult was it for you to take a step back and have to watch more?

It was difficult at first, because I wanted to be out there so badly. I then heard a quote that changed my whole way of thinking. The quote was, “I don’t know how many minutes, points, or rebounds a game I will get, but I know I will give 100% every time I step out on the court.” After hearing this, it made the year much easier.

Toledo had very talented guys your senior year. Having gone through this experience as a senior, how do you think that you have grown as a player that will be beneficial for you right away as a rookie professional?

I know how hard it was for us to be good. I am a rookie, but I am a seasoned one. I feel as if I can teach the younger guys things.

Your coach at UW-Greenbay Tod Kowalczyk followed you to Toldeo in 2010. What was the most important thing that you learned from him on and off the court that will have you ready to take on the battles on the court as a professional?

He always told me that no matter what I do I am always being evaluated by someone. That helped me want to set the best examples on and off the court.

You are a 201cm forward that can do it all especially spread the floor. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

My help defense. I love rotating over and taking a charge to help out my team!

You played three seasons with point guard Julius Brown. Where do you see his journey going as a professional in the future?

He is going to be a great player overseas! He makes difficult moves look so easy and smooth. He will definitely make some money playing this game.

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

I usually wake up at about 7 am, eat a snack and run anywhere from a mile to 3.5 miles. Afterwards, I will get cleaned up and have breakfast with the family and take on whatever activities they have planned for the day. In the evening, if I can get into a gym to get a workout in I will, otherwise I will go for another 1-2 mile run.

Who was the best player that you had to play against that is in the NBA now?

Blake Griffin. I played against him in AAU my freshman year in high school.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Lion king.

Thanks Matt for the chat.

Taylor Brown is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Atlanta that will be starting his third professional season where hard work has taken him from the third league in Germany via Sweden and the first division in Belgium to Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul (Turkey-TBL) this season. He played at Bradley(NCAA) from 2008-2012 playing a otal of 89 NCAA games and as a senior played 28 games: 14.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 81.4%. In the 2012-2013 season he turned professional and played for Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt II (Germany-ProB, starting five): 12 games: 16.8ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 19.0%, FT: 73.1%. Last season he played for KFUM Nassjo Basket (Sweden-Basketligan): 26 games: Score-2(22.2ppg), Reb-4(9.4rpg), 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 82.2%, left in Feb.’14, in Mar.’14 moved to Basic-Fit Brussels (Belgium-Ethias League, starting five): 11 games: 13.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 48.3%, FT: 90.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

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

I’m in Atlanta Georgia. Summer has been fast but very gratifying at the end with the new team opportunity.

It seems like it was yesterday that you were playing with young Germans like Danilo Barthel and Konstantin Klein with Frankfurt. In the last 16 months has seen you go to Sweden and Belgium and now your headed to Turkey. Has time flown by for you and what kind of experience has it been for you? 

Yes time is flying by. It’s been a great experience I’ve had the chance to play for some good coaches and teams that needed me and some great teammates who I still keep up with via social media.

After playing in the German Pro B, you kept moving up the ladder and played in better leagues in Sweden and even better league in Belgium. You seemed to have no problems adjusting each time. What do you think was key each time for being able to respond on the court in a strong way?

The key is having confidence and once you have that you have to have the work ethic to back it up. Once you’ve done that its not much that can stop you. God has blessed me with some good seasons but the best are yet to come.

I was excited to see you play again this September as Basic-Fit Brussels will play the Fraport Skyliners in a test game, but now you have moved up another level to Turkey to play for Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul (Turkey-TBL). Please explain how this came about? How excited are you to be playing in another league better than your previous league in Belgium?

I’m very excited because I know how great this league is and how close the NBA eyes are in the league. One day I was praying to my little brother who passed for a better opportunity the next morning my agent contacted me saying the Turkish team was high on me and wanted me.

So far in your professional basketball career you have mastered every challenge that you have come across. How have you prepared yourself even better this summer to be ready for this challenge?

Thank you. I just stay focused and stay close with god and my family. You have to be at peace in your mind if you want to be successful, then go out and put the work in. My other brother is 14 and 6’3 we have been in the gym every day because I know he is up next!

You started the 2013-2014 season with Nassjo in Sweeden and tore up the league averaging 22.2ppg), Reb-4(9.4rpg), 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 82.2%. Your first 5 games were solid, but you then exploded with 28 and 40 points and from then on just dominated the league. How much more did you have to step up your game form the German Pro B to dominate even more in Sweden?

 I had to step up a lot. They are different levels, my confidence had to rise and once your teammates trust you and have confidence in you that gives you an extra boost. I was and am just focusing on helping my team, and setting myself and future up to its best abilities.

With Nassjo, you played together with American James Washington who also played in the German Pro B when you were with Frankfurt. He also had a very strong season with you. What do you cherish most on and off the court with him?

James and I are close, we are the same but totally different at the same time. I needed the balance during the season and some of his wisdom. We had many talks about Swedish league Belgium league and players all over the globe. He is a smart person.

After such a strong season in Sweden, you opted to finish the last few months with Brussels. How were you able to motivate yourself after such a strong season in Sweden? Did you realize there that you can play at any level in Europe? You had two 30 plus games.

Well I knew Sweden wasn’t enough for me to move up like I wanted to. I was very happy with my best year so far. But never satisfied. Yes I told you when I first met you I could play BBL and any level. That mindset has grown stronger with my good games in Belgium. I’m ready to do the same to TBL!

What do you remember from your 32 point game against Liege where you won the scoring game against Liege American Mike Smith?

It was a tough game, Mike and his team wouldn’t go away. I was hot from the 3 and felt like I couldn’t miss. It was a great game and an eye opener. Like I can do this at any level against any team!

Your teammate in the last few months was American Adam Hall who has 9 years on you. What could you take from his game and experience that helped you in your short time there?

I can take his preparation for practices and games. He was very meticulous and knew exactly what he needed for games and practice. Get into a comfortable routine is vital at this stage.

Your ex teammate Danilo Barthel played NBA Summer League this summer with the Miami Heat. Had you ever expected that he could go this route when you were practicing with him daily in Frankfurt?

 Yes I wasn’t surprised at all. I watched him Play a couple games.

His dunking may stand out, but his passing is very good and he can also shoot the ball. What did you take to heart most from the game of Barthel?

He is a very athletic player who has a high ceiling. We all said that in Germany. If he played college basketball in the states he would be on ESPN every night.!

In todays day and age where athleticism is so important, could you see Danilo Barthel reaching the NBA in the next years?

Yes I could he is still very young and has no where to go but up. All he has to do is work!

Where will the journey of the Atlanta Hawks end this season?

 I hope they make the playoff at least.!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 Last movie was “the perfect stranger”

Thanks Taylor for the chat

• Diante Watkins is a 24 year old 174cm point guard that will be starting his third professional season and second in Germany with SC Rist Wedel. He started his basketball career with Daley CC (JUCO) He then moved to Robert Morris(NAIA) where he played his last two seasons of college ball. As a senior he played 27 games: 24.4ppg, 7.4apg, 3.0rpg, 2.1spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3Pts: 38.9%, FT: 82.7%. In 2012 he started his professional basketball career for the Chicago Redline (IBA-PBL): 2 games: 22.5ppg, 5.0apg, 3.5rpg, 3.5spg, FGP: 45.9%, FT: 77.8%. Last season he played for SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB, starting five): 30 games: 16.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 86.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball
• Thanks Diante for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

I’m fine miles my summer has been good, I’m currently back home in Chicago just working out and trying to get better for this upcoming season.

 

You had a very successful season for SC Rist Wedel where you reached the playoffs beating Leipzig, before bowing out to eventual Pro B champ Oldenburg. You had a very productive season playing 30 games: 16.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 86.9%. What were the main reasons for coming back?

 

My main reason for coming back was I tested the waters to see if I could get a higher league to give me a shot but nothing came up I had some interest according to my agent but no offers. I didn’t want to wait around too long knowing I had a great home in Wedel.

 

As is so often the case in the German Pro B, there is often a strong starting five, but it comes down to the bench how well a team will perform through 40 minutes. With Lee Jeka, Davey Hopkins and yourself, Wedel had very strong players. Did you sometimes put to much pressure on yourself to perform?

 

I believe I did put a lot of pressure on myself because I came off the bench, I wanted to show people I could really play because my minutes were limited. Also, I just wanted to impact the game the best way that I could so we could win.

 

What personal goals have you set for yourself for this season? In what areas of your game do you want to improve on this season?

My personal goals, I want to win the PRO B, we were so close last season and since I’m going back to Wedel I think the fans and my teammates who I played with last year deserve it. I also want to win the MVP of the league and show people I can play at the higher level. Right now I’ve been working back on my 3 point shot my % was down from my college seasons. And also just getting better in conditioning & sharpening up on my pick & roll game as well as my off ball defense.

 

 

What was your impression last season of talented German Janis Stielow? What impresses you most about his game?

I love Janis composure, he plays with a confidence you don’t see in young players. The way he studies the game and got better throughout the season was great. I love the way he makes big shots he made a lot for us last season.

 

You had many great games last season, but what remained your season highlight? Your buzzer beater or the 29 point 10 assist game in the playoffs against Leipzig?

I think the playoff game against Leipzig was my best game. It felt good I was making some real good plays and it came at a very important time, game 1 of a tough playoff series.

 

It is never easy to find a job coming out of the NAIA, but you and Billy Rush who also played at Robert Morris have made it to Europe. Rush like yourself comes from Illinois. Have you guys ever motivated each other to keep pushing? What kind of relationship do you have to him? Have you guys met?

Me and Billy have a good relationship when we see each other we tell each other to keep working and continue to grow as players. I know Billy we play in the same tournaments sometimes throughout the summer in Chicago. He’s a great guy and a really good basketball player

Your head coach at Robert Morris was Al Bruehl. How did he make you into a better basketball player in college that got you ready for the grind of being a professional?

Coach Al always told us whatever you think you’re doing it won’t be enough and it made you work harder. He understood his players, he allowed me to flourish in his system on top of pushing me in practice by playing against the best players on our roster. That helped me a lot.

 

How does a normal Diante Watkins work out day look like in the summer on and off the court?

I get up eat breakfast a bowl of maple wheat oatmeal, than at 8am I go run 1-2 miles at the track, than head to my workout with my trainer Brian Benjowich and my close friend who is played in 1st league Italy last season Aaron Johnson. Leave go get a smoothie and lunch. Maybe get a nap or go watch summer basketball. Then I go back to the gym at night to lift the weights get extra shots up and get in the pool

 

Will the Chicago Cubs ever win a World Series in our lifetime?

 

And lol I don’t think the Cubs will ever win a World Series again I’m from the SouthSide so I’m a white sox fan.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Think Like A Man, very funny movie. Thanks again Miles for the interview I really appreciate you taking the time out to talk to me.

 

No problem and good luck this season.

 

 

 

Myles Hesson is a 24 year old 198cm forward that last season played in Germany for the LTi Giessen 46ers (ProA) playing  33 games: 16.1ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 78.8%. He started his basketball career in 2009 for the Birmingham Aces (EBL2, starting five): 13.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 60.0%. In the 2010-2011 season he played for Essex Pirates Basketball Club (BBL): 11 games: 9.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 68.4%. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Liverpool Mersey Tigers (BBL, starting five): 27 games: 15.1ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.the 3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 61.5%. In the 2012-2013 season he came to Germany playing for the 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. In the summer of 2013 he played at the European Championships in Slovenia -13: 5 games: 11.8ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 77.4%. He spoke to German Hoops before the start of the 2014 European qualifications as he gets set to play for England.

 

 

 

Myles thanks for talking to German Hoops again. Before going to national team were you able to enjoy some off time from basketball in early summer? What was your nicest experience you had the last months?

 

Yeah I went on holiday with my girlfriend to Mallorca, it was good to get away from everything for a while.

Last summer you made a name for your self having a very strong European campaign in Slovenia for Great Britain playing 5 games: 11.8ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 77.4%. How has the experience been this summer? With a year more of experience what expectations did you have coming in fighting for a spot again?

We have played some good opposition so far this summer and has prepared us well for our upcoming  European qualification games. I know what to expect this time round, so I have a good idea of what I need to do to help the team.

Great Britain recently placed third at a tournament in Tbilisi. You lost to Belarus, but defeated Moldavia. What kind of experience was this for you at the team and is the club ready for the European qualifications?

It was good to go over there and play 3 teams with differing styles of play. We learned a lot about ourselves and what we need to do as a team to win our qualification games.

Great Britain is without big names like Luo Deng and Joel Freeland. Do you see yourself having to step up even more than last season?

It was the same for us last year without those guys. I just do my best to help the team succeed.

Do you feel a lot of pressure having a good qualifying tournament or is it something that you can adjust to as even with very good role players with Giessen with TJ Dileo and Steven Bennett, you often had to step up in the playoffs or the team would most likely have lost.

I just take every game as they come, the pressure to win and play well is always the same for me. The result at the end of the game is all that counts.

Going into the Euro qualifying, what part of your game has most improved in the last year with your season in Giessen under ex German national player and now coach Denis Wucherer?

I feel my ball handling and my 3 point shooting have improved since last summer so hopefully I can continue to improve on those aspects.

Great Britain skipper Drew Sullivan has lauded you this summer and has trust that you can fill the shoes of Luo Deng. How has he helped you on the court most this summer with his words of wisdom?

His belief in me as a player is really good for my confidence. Coming from someone as experienced as him it means a lot

How important has a player like Gareth Murray been for you? He is an allrounder, but also gives strength inside with his play. Are you able to take something form his inside game to help your game?

Murray has been really solid for us so far this summer, his perimeter shooting is something I look up to in his game.

A big talent on the team is Devon Van Oostrum. You played with him last summer and this summer. He has played in Spain the last years.You and him could be teammates for many years to come on the national team, Where do you see the journey of this kid going?

Yeah Devon is an exciting player to watch and play with and I hope makes it to the NBA one day, there’s a lot of young European talent getting drafted in recent years so I dont see why he couldn’t if he continues improving

Devon Van Oostrum, is the kid with the English first name and Dutch last name. Do you ever kid him about his name or does he have to put up with other teammates? Lol

Nah I dont joke about that haha

Great Britain will be playing a game in Iceland. Even though you will be highly concentrated to win the game, are you able to still be able to enjoy the experience of being in an exotic place at least for a short while?

I hope so maybe after the game I will be able to see some of the sites but its business first.

Last season you could of played Beko BBL, but opted to gain some more experience playing in the German Pro A. This season, you might not play in Germany, but in another country with a good league. Are you as surprised as I am that a Beko BBL team didn´t believe as much in your abilities?

I  still havent signed yet so theres still a chance I could play in Germany again hopefully, I will just have to see what interest there is after the qualifications are over

After playing two seasons in Germany, could you feel a touch of happiness for Germany winning the 2014 World Cup? Did you follow the tournament a bit?

Yeah in fact as soon as England were out, they were who I was rooting for. I watched quite a few matches, it was a great tournament.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I just watched guardians of the galaxy, I recommend it.

 

Thanks Myles for the chat

 

Ricky Taylor is a 25 year old 195cm guard from Brownsville, Tennessee that will be starting his second professional season for  Newcastle Eagles Esh Group (United Kingdom-BBL). Last season as a rookie he played for the Finke Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA) playing  30 games: 11.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 84.9%. He started his basketball career in 2008 for Chattanooga (NCAA) where he played until 2012 playing a total of 114 NCAA games and as a senior he played 31 games: 11.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 78.2%. He spoke to German Hoops about his rookie season in Germany and his next challenge in England.

 

 

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

It’s my pleasure to speak with eurobasket.com again and at this current moment, I just signed with the Newcastle Eagles in England in the BBL. I’m blessed to be a part of the most successful team in the “HISTORY” of the BBL!

Recently you spent some time in New York. What seems to fascinate you most about the big apple?

New York was definitely mind blowing for me and an experience that I’ll never forget. I had the opportunity to see the World Trade Center. the Statue of Liberty, and Madison Square Garden. I can go all day and list what I’ve seen, but just know that I have seen a lot haha. I’m from a small town, Brownsville, TN where the population is not high so when I arrived in New York, it’s like a different world to see so many people in one place at one time. I love the fast pace that they have. No, I don’t think I would want to live in that environment every day, but it is good to see every once in a while.

You recently finished your rookie season in Paderborn with the Finke Baskets. The club didn´t reach the playoffs. Paderborn was very up and down last season. Was it more the fact that you weren´t able to find a consistent rhythm throughout the season or the vast competition level that the German Pro A possessed last season?

Paderborn has a great program, and they are definitely headed in the right direction. We were inconsistent throughout the season because I believe of our lack of experience. There were about 5 games I know for sure that we should have won for just being more experienced players. The competition in the Pro A is definitely competitive, nonetheless, at the end of the day, everybody is a professional player. It came down to the small things—getting that defensive rebound, executing the play that we were supposed to run, and not taking breaks defensively. It were the small things that we needed to make happen to become more consistent.

You played 30 games averaging 11.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 84.9%. How content were you with your rookie season in Germany?

I was pleased and disappointed with my rookie season all at the same time. I was pleased because with the minutes that I played, I was productive and efficient. I was really disappointed because I know that I can be more productive. I only had about 3-4 weeks to prepare for a long, professional season. I accepted a coaching job at Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, TN and I was working out here and there but I wasn’t working out to prepare for a pro season. Therefore, I lacked a lot of explosion and power and there were certain angles and moves that I couldn’t make due to my lack of strength and explosion. I now have been working out for 2 1/2 months and this should be a better year!

You shot 38% which was higher than your last three seasons at Chattanooga (NCAA). Is this something that pleased you also going into summer vacation?

Yes! I was definitely satisfied with my shooting percentage from the 3 for my rookie season in Germany. By being a pro, we have shooting practice early in the morning and this definitely helped my shooting. I learned how to be patient and how to take the best shot possible. Hopefully, I can eventually get that percentage up into the 40s soon.

What was your season highlight? You had some strong games like in the wins against Kirchheim and Leverkusen.

My season highlight was against Leverkusen. In that game, I showcased my complete game by making 3 point shots, scoring in the mid-range area, and finishing at the rim. Leverkusen had beat us pretty bad in preseason, so we all had to send a message back to them.

Your ex teammate Will Barnes will play for new German Pro A team Hamburg Towers. You both were rookies last season. How did he make you better and how did you make him better?

Will Barnes is the man! I learned so much from him my rookie season. Watching him play in practice and in games was definitely an ESPN highlight for me every day haha. I love his work ethic and his willingness to work on his game the whole season. I learned from him some effective moves that can increase my overall play. He is so good, but what I really respect about him is that he is humble.

Early in the preseason, we guarded each other a lot during practice so we kind of went at each other back and forth so I hope that I challenged him in practice to make him a better player.

You got to practice with one of Germanys biggest talents from the year 1997 with Niklas Kiel. What impressed you most by his game and where do you see his journey going in the basketball world?

Niklas is going to be an awesome basketball player. I thought he was a grown man when I first saw him play and then I discovered that he was a teenager haha. He will definitely make a whole lot of money one day haha.

How was the summer transfer experience for you? You had solid stats, but opted to go to play in England. Did you have other offers as well?

I had interest from other countries, but I feel that England is the best option for me at this point. I think that it was the best decision that I made so it was a smooth transition for me.

You will lace up your sneakers this season for the Newcastle Eagles Esh Group (United Kingdom-BBL). How thrilled are you to be playing in England?

I have a different mindset this year. I now have experience and I know what to expect from other teams. I now have more confidence and I’ll be a step ahead for my second year. I am acting like a little kid right now by being a part of Newcastle. I just feel that the organization including coaches and players want to WIN!

Did your new head coach Fabulous Flournoy describe how FABULOUS it will be to come and play for Newcastle? What were the main reasons for joining this team?

We talked for almost an hour prior to me signing. I loved everything that he had to say because we think just alike when it comes to basketball. He was on point and honest about everything he and the club had to offer. I can tell that he is a “FABULOUS” coach all by his conversation. I joined this team because of their winning tradition. Newcastle has a phenomenal coach. They are in the BBL, and I sense that they want to win every championship!

Often players will stay in Germany for some seasons before going to another country just because everything works so well in Germany on and off the court. What will you miss most from the country Germany?

I will miss probably the food in Germany haha. I can’t really compare until I complete the season in England.

After seeing the brutal injury to Paul George, does one as a player think a bit more about his moves on the court the day after seeing something horrible like that?

I am definitely in prayer for Paul George. I don’t think players will think too much about their moves because we have been playing almost our whole lives. PG was simply in an unfortunate situation.

How does a summer work out day look like for Ricky Taylor on and off the court in 2014?

In the morning time, I go to UTC and get up a lot of shots. I eat and I may have some basketball clients in between and then I train with my strength and conditioning coach, Ryan Marsh, who is whooping my butt in the weight room. I’m definitely accomplishing goals with him. I am now taking YOGA classes, and once I’m done with YOGA, I go back to the gym and work on game situation moves (moves on the move, floaters, etc).

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD movie that I saw was…hmmm…it’s been a while. It was probably “Love & Basketball.”

 

Thanks Ricky for the chat!!!Good luck with Newcastle in the BBL!!.

 

 

 

 

 

Jermelle Fraser is a 26 year old 186cm guard from New York that has the American and Antiguan citzenships. He started his basketball career with  SUNY Maritime (NCAA3) in 2007. As a professional player he has played for teams like  NYC Thunder (ABA), Jersey G-force (IBL) and the Westchester Dutchmen (EBA). Last season he got his first taste of European basketball playing for KB Drita Gjilan (Kosovo-SuperLeague, starting five): 1 game: 12pts, 2reb, 1ast, 2steals; Kosova SuperLeague: 7games, 18.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.6spg, FT – 80.2%, 3FG – 28.7 %, 2FG – 48.6 %. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

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

 

Thank you Miles for your time. Right now I am home in NYC and my summer has been good so far.

 

Last season we did an interview and you got signed soon after. Hopefully this time you will have as much luck getting signed. How has your off season team search been going?

 

The search has been a little rough but much better than before because now I have a little experience. I am gaining interests from some clubs, so hopefully I will begin to get some offers. Wherever I sign, I know it will not be such a high level so I plan on dominating and leading my team in good standing for a full season ! I also still have my 2nd passport which helps in countries like Spain and Denmark etc as a ” Cotonou player”

 

Last season you got signed by KB Drita Gjilan (Kosovo-SuperLeague), but your stay was short because the team didn´t pay you. Please explain your Kosovo experience?

Yes like many countries there can be some financial problems throughout the season. Looking back, Kosovo was just a start for me to see if I could really compete in Europe. I really enjoyed my teammates and the people. We didn’t practice as much because guys had school or work so I had put in some extra training on my own. But I don’t regret going there because in the end, I had to start somewhere.

 

There were other guys on the team from the States and Canada. Did they also have problems getting paid? What have you learned from this experience that will help you on future decisions?

I think everyone last season in Europe, not just Kosovo, had problems getting paid. Even in the higher level leagues in Europe you hear it all the time about guys not getting all of their money. So as players we must still try to be professional and handle the situation as best as we can until things get better. I think having a good agent also helps.

 

You played  7games averaging 18.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.6spg, FT – 80.2%, 3FG – 28.7 %, 2FG – 48.6 %. You seemed to be getting into a nice little rhythm in the Superleague in Kosovo. What did you get used to on the court quickly and what took longer to get used to in your short time there?

Yes I was just getting started in those 7 games ! I had already been studying the European game as best I could without any experience, so that helped. The competition was decent nothing crazy at all, so I adjusted just fine. What took longer was learning to defend the pick and roll and finding my shot within the offensive sets.

 

In Kosovo everyone called you by the name “Speedy” .. How did that come about ?

Speedy was a nickname given to me by my friends since I was about 10 years old after the cartoon character “Speedy Gonzalez”. Growing up I was really small and could never get rebounds. I would play basketball outside for hours using my speed and quickness without getting tired trying to steal the ball and drive to the basket before getting blocked lol. Until this day everyone in my neighborhood calls me Speedy, no one calls me by my real name there are some who for years never knew my real name. In Drita they saw that I responded to the name Speedy and not Jermelle so they stuck with it plus it was short and easy for them to pronounce.

 

 

 

Despite your hard ships in Kosovo was there anything positive that you could take from this short experience?

It taught me how to really be a professional and to have patience on and off the court. The people were nice and although their English was not so good they still welcomed me with open arms and showed respect. The fans there were very passionate at times for their home team which made the games really good and competitive!

 

 

You have been training very hard this summer. I have seen some videos where you slalom around chairs. If you could have one defender to stand in for the chair that would push you most who would you want to have defending you?

 

Haha I don’t know. I love to compete and welcome challenges, so probably any guard who is considered a lock-down defender !

If you could sell yourself in a few sentences as to why any professional team should snap at your services how would you describe your play now?

I’m a very hardworker. There are not many NCAA 3 pros in Europe so the few of us that do make it usually have that toughness and strong work ethic. But as far as my game, I’m a natural point guard with a lot of upside. I handle the ball well and I excel at finding my teammates. With my speed and quickness I can get to the basket easily and my shot from deep is finally coming along. My perimeter defense is solid and I often crash boards to help with rebounding. My work ethic and desire to get better is extremely high.

 

 

How does a normal 2014 summer work out day look like for Jermelle Fraser on and off the court?

This summer I have been focusing a lot on my 3pt shot and athleticism. I think those two things will allow me to move to higher divisions which is what I plan to do.

 

Where will the journey of the New York Knicks end next season?

 

They will make the playoffs!

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

House Party.

 

Thanks Jermelle for the chat.