Patrick Richard is a 24 year old 196cm swingman from Carencro, Louisania that will play his first season in the Beko BBL fort he Mitteldeutscher BC. He played four years at  Mc Neese St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 18.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 76.9%. In 2012-2013, he started his professional basketball career being drafted by the  Iowa Energy (D-League) and played at Sandringham Sabres (Australia-SEABL-East, starting five): 24 games: 18.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.7%. Last season he played in Holland for  Matrixx Magixx Wijchen (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 38 games: Score-4(15.3ppg), 4.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 78.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Patrick how are you? Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer?

Hi I am great! I am currently in Carencro Louisiana which is my hometown but will be heading to Houston Texas to further my offseason training. I have been enjoying my summer by spending time with my family and girlfriend and also training

After getting experience in Australia, you made the jump to Europe and played in Holland for Matrixx Magixx Wijchen (Holland-Eredivisie) From your stats one could see that you needed little adjustment. What was the biggest hurdle for you to get used to in the European style?

The biggest hurdle to adjust to was maybe certain moves I once did were not allowed in Europe but everything else was actually a very easy transition

Matrixx Magixx Wijchen (Holland-Eredivisie) got swept in the Dutch playoffs by Den Helder. What was missing for the team to have gotten past them to the next round?

I think the reason we could not defeat Den Helder was all based on matchups.They were loaded with shooters at pretty much every position and it was tough to guard them as a team for 40 minutes

You scored in double figures 29 times displaying consistency last season. What was your season personal highlight? Possibly your 32 point game against later champion Groningen?

My personal highlight was probably that same game even though we did not win. I am so much all about winning that I wouldn’t call a loss a highlight though.

Now you have made the jump to the next level the Beko BBL and MItteldeutscher BC. Head coach Silvano Poropat said he was impressed by you in your talks. What sold you on wanting to further your basketball career in WEissenfels?

What sold me on wanting to play for MBC was of course the immediate interest they had in me following the season ending. Also I noticed the fan support and how respected the BBL league is. I feel it’s a great step forward for me personally. Talking to the coach also sold me on it as well because from the talks I like his philosophy and the way he would like the game played.

Weissenfels isn´t a big city, but moreover a town, but still six times greater in population than your hometown Carencro. Is it that small town feeling that you wanted to have again when making the decision to come to MBC as well?

The small town feel wasn’t a deciding factor but now that I am heading there it will be an easy adjustment for me since I am from a pretty small town in Louisiana

From videos one can see that you can shoot, run the floor and rebound. What is a hiden strength that doesn´t get noticed right away?

A hidden strength is probably my vision on the court and passing. And also I can slash to the goal as well

You played at Mcneese State from 2008-2012. 10 years earlier a former Beko BBL player Demond Mallett played there. Do you remember hearing any amazing stories about him when he played there?

I don’t know Demond personally but I do know he is a heck of a player that has proven himself at every level he has played on. I respect that even though I don’t know him personally

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA that may be in the NBA now or in Europe?

While in college I played against a lot of great players like Marcus Thornton and Isaiah Thomas come to mind. Both were really tough.

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

A summer day and workout for me consist of weights in the morning and cardio then straight to the basketball court to work on my game.  A break for lunch then back to the gym again later in the evening.

Could one say that you are the second most known athlete to come out of Carencro after former Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots Kevin Falk? Have you ever met him back home?

Yes one can say that and I know Kevin very well. We speak often and he is a legend here. I’ve been knowing him since I was a young kid.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD movie I’ve watched was the movie NON-STOP.

Thanks Patrick for the chat.

 

 

Jarrell Crayton is a 23 year old 200cm forward from Omaha, Nebraska that will be playing his first season in Germany for EBC Rostock Seawolves (Germany-ProB). Last season he played for Thor AK (Iceland-D1) playing 20 games: 20.9ppg, Reb-2(12.2rpg), 2.1apg, 2.5spg. Before turning professional, he played for Boise St. (NCAA) and in his senior year played for  Montana St. – Billings (NCAA2) playing 30 games: 16.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.5spg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 57.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Jarrell, thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment an dhow is your summer going?

Summers going good. Right now I’m doing a little training up in Sheridan Wyoming.

You recently signed for new German Pro B team EBC Rostock Seawolves (Germany-ProB). How thrilled are you to be able to play your first season in Germany?

I’m excited to be coming over to Germany. Heard good competition over there is tough. Ready for the challenge.

What were the most important reasons for coming to play for German coach Sebastian Wild? Did you have talks with him? If yes what was your early impression of him?

Reason that I’d like to play for coach Wild is that he has coached at the college level & after talking to him he runs his practices like a college program. That is important to me because I want to get better. college practices are intense & you can’t take a single day off. They not only make you a better player but when the lights come on the game is way easier than a practice. My early impression of coach Wild was that off the court he’s a chill dude, he’s got certain expectation for his  players & the team must uphold, also he’s seems like a players coach, but when you step foot on that court he becomes intense & pushes his players to in order to bring the best out in them.

How important was it for you to sign early? Now you can enjoy your summer as well as keep in shape and get ready for your new home in Germany.

Yea it’s stressful playing the waiting game but signing early wasn’t important. Finding a program that’s the right fit was key. You want to go somewhere that you know you’ll be in a good situation.

What do you know about German basketball and do you have any friends or teammates playing in Germany?

I don’t really know that much about the basketball in Germany but I do have a a former friend/teammate that’s playing for a pro A team in Germany & another that may be signing to a team over there.

Last season you played for Thor AK (Iceland-D1) playing 20 games: 20.9ppg, Reb-2(12.2rpg), 2.1apg, 2.5spg. Was it a big adjustment coming from NCAA2 and playing in the second division in Iceland?

No it’s wasn’t a big adjustment, in the off season your supposed to spend countless hours in the gym working on your craft. To in order to get ready for the up coming season. All that hard payed off in the end.

You really dominated the second league in Iceland. You were the only American on a team mostly of guys from Iceland. How important was it as a rookie for you to slip into the role as leader and go to guy?

Wasn’t that important to be either of those things. You’ve got to earn those position that are not just given to you. My main focus was handle business, & as the season progressed those things came with time.

You are a 200cm forward that can score and rebound. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

My mental aspect to how I approach the game. I know there will always be someone that’s better than me but I tell myself I’m the best player on the court & no one can mess with me. No one is going to out work or out hustle me and if we lose it’s not going to be because of me I gave it my all.

As a senior you played at Montana St. – Billings (NCAA2) playing 30 games: 16.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.5spg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 57.0%. What was the most important thing that you learned from head coach Jamaie Stevens that has prepared you for a professional career? He seemed to motivate you the right way after your disappointing season at Boise State?

Most important thing go somewhere that’s a good fit & you’ll be happy. Happiness is essential in anything you want to do in life.

You scored 51 points as a senior at Belleve high school as was the first player in nearly three decades to do it in the state of Nebraska. Has it been difficult being a top player from Nebraska, having a strong senior season at Montana State having to prove yourself in Iceland and now in a lower league in Germany with Rostock?

Yes it’s been difficult but my former coach Steve Smiley would always drop this line to us pain of regret pain of discipline. I don’t want to have any regrets in life so I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

You now have a long summer to keep working on your game. How does a normal workout day look like for you on and off the court?

A normal day for me is wake up around 8ish make some breakfast & get my mind right for the day head to the gym around noon get a lift some cardio & end with some swimming. After the gym take a little drive to a nice little quite spot to enjoy nature & read for a bit. After that get some subway head home & take a nap. After I wake up gather myself for about 45 minutes then it’s back to the gym for a basketball workout. Come home eat something, wait for my best friend to gets off work then will play 2k till about midnight. Sleep then do it all over again the next day.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Last movie I saw was X-men days of futures past.

Thanks Jarrell for the chat.

 

Cardell Mcfarland is a 26 year old 182cm point guard from Evansville, Indiana that just finished his second professional season and first for the Giants Nordlingen and was down under playing for Gladstone Port City Power (Australia-QB).. He started his basketball career at Missouri State and then played his last two seasons for  Ky Wesleyan (NCAA2). Last season as a rookie he played for CS Farul Constanta (Romania-Division A): 7 games: 12.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 88.5%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Cardell thanks for talking to German Hoops. You have ended your season early with two games left. How difficult was it doing that as the leader of the team?

 

I’ve been playing with bone spurs in my ankle for the past 6 months. It had been really bothering me over the last few weeks. Went to the doctor and he advise me to shut it down a few weeks and rest. 

 

 

What is your summary of the season of the Giants Nordlingen. The club lost the first two games combined by 67 points and lost four of the first five games. Why did the club start so slow and was this hard to recover from?

 

I think my absence is really affecting the team because they were so used to my creating and making plays for the team or myself. Right now just seems like they are lacking confidence. 

 

 

You totally dominated the Pro B averaging 24,0ppg. Was it for you like being a man playing with kids on the court?
I just approached the season game by game and prepared myself for the opponent. Watched film of other teams, and look at how I can be affect offensively to make plays for myself or the team. 

 

Last season you played for CS Farul Constanta (Romania-Division A). How was the adjustment coming from the Romanian league? Was coming to Germany a small step backwards in terms of the level of play?
Coming from Romania League top league to Germany Pro B league you would think the talent level would be different but there is good players everywhere at every level. In Romania I didn’t get the chance to prove myself as a player. Which caused me to leave after 7 games and other issues I had in Romania. Germany Pro B surprised me with the level it wasn’t that bad. Some German BBL players play in Pro B & it was some good Americans. My coach was telling me all season the league is better than it’s ever been. 

 

 

You had some great games. You scored in double figures 15 times and over 30 points four times. What was your season highlight?

 

Highlight of the season is beating Leipzig in OT with only 3 players remaining on the court. I believe 4 players fouled out for us. We only traveled with 7 for that game. And scoring 15 straight games with 20 or more shooting over 60% from the field for a Point Guard is amazing. 

 

 

Did you ever feel pressure to have to carry the team. You were the first and best scoring threat. Did you like the fact that the team might say ok Cardell get us some points now?

 

Never felt pressure to score. I didn’t have to force up shots. I believe the most shots I attempted in a game this year was 19. So I didn’t have to shoot a lot to get my points. 

 

 

You are a scoring point guard that can also set up his teammates. What is a strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed?

 

Strength in my game that doesn’t always get noticed probably would say my defense. I think people notice what I do on the offensive end but defense is just as good. Quick feet and my toughness I’m only 5’11 167 pounds and never back away from a challenge. 

 

 

 

What young German player on the roster do you see having a very good career in the future?

 

J.R he’s 17 if he focus and develop his body, and basketball game he can be good cause his size and shooting ability. 

 

 

 

Which player in the German Pro B was your toughest opponent on the court?

 

I really can’t give you the toughest player off the top of my head but it was good players all around the board. 

 

 

 

Do you think that you will return to Germany? I am sure making the next step to the German pro A is in your mind set. Josh Parker dominated the Pro B last season and even made it to the Beko BBL this season.

 

I’ve had other coaches from around Germany come watch me play this season so hopefully they liked my passion and love for the game and I could help some team next year in Germany. 

 

 

What was your impression of young German Max Gentner? How were you able to make him a better player?

 

Max was one of the best German shooters on the team. And ankle injury kept him sidelined for most of the season. But hopefully he did learn from my work ethic on and off the court. So I wasn’t able to spend that much time with him on the court. 

 

 

You played two seassons at Missouri State. What were the main reasons for leaving and going to  Ky Wesleyan (NCAA2)?

 

At Missouri state was just a freshman starting on a good mid major Division 1 team. had some issues off the court that comes with being young and immature. Which led to my departure for a new college. 

 

 

At Missouri State you played two years with Kyle Weems. What was the most amazing thing that you saw him do in a game or practice?

 

That’s a tough question about Kyle. Kyle can get hot at any moment from 3pt line. In practice or game he can make like 6 or 7 in a row if he gets hot. 

 

 

He played NBA Summer league last season. What is missing from his game to reach the NBA?

 

I think Kyle is missing ball handling and creating his own shot. Kyle plays his best being a stretch 4 man cbeause he is deadly from 3pt line. Just give Kyle time before his career is done he will play a game in the NBA. He has the size for a 3 man and shooting ability. 

 

At Ky Wesleyan (NCAA2), you really tore up the league in two seasons there. You shot over 40% both years. Is shooting that you especially improved on in your two years there?

 

I shot over 40% in 3pt because I got open opportunities when they doubled Anthony down low on the block. Which made it an easier on me. 

 

 

How did Todd Lee help you get prepared to becoming a professional best? What was the most important thing that you learned from him?

 

My last two season of college Todd played me at Point Guard which I had the freedom and allowed me to create. I never played point guard before then. Always was an undersized 2 guard. 

 

 

 

You played two seasons there with current Essen player Anthony Young. Do you follow his game in Germany and can he make the next step up a level?

 

Yes Anthony and I speak almost every week through text and we both follow each other still. He’s having a good season in Pro A. I believe Anthony will at some point of his career will be playing at a high level. 

 

 

 

Both you and Young had great careers at Ky Wesleyan (NCAA2). What is your fondest memory with him on and off the court?

 

Fondest memory Anthony and on one games was probably the most fun. We both don’t like to lose and that winning attitude is what we both have in common. We went to war with each other just to make each other better and it payed off for the both of us. 

 

 

 

 

You played as a rookie for  CS Farul Constanta (Romania-Division A). What was your wake up call to being a rookie in a foreign country Romania?
Last season in Romania I really learned the business of European basketball. Romania wasn’t a good experience coming from college to Europe. But I learned from that experience and it helped me grow as a person and ball player. 

 

 

What will you be doing this summer? And how does a Cordell Mcfarland work out day on and off the court look like?

 

Summer best time for me. I really work on my game with a personal trainer who also played in Europe in many leagues. Weight room 5 days a week. And on the court 3 days a week. And probably some pick up ball on the weekends. Off the court normally spend a lot of time with my family. 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Last DVD would be We’re the Millers 

 

 

 

Thanks Cardell for the chat.

 

 

Jason Boone is a 28 year old 198cm power forward/center from Sugar Loaf, New York. He recently finished his third season with the s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg playing 28 games and averaging 8,4ppg and 4,1rpg. He played three seasons for BG Goettingen. He played at New York University(NCAA 3) from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 28 games averaging 14.1ppg, 9.6rpg, 2.4bpg, 2.9apg, FG: 63.0%, FT: 64.3%. In 2007-2008, he played at Bernau(Regionalliga) before making the jump up three leagues to MEG Goettingen. In 2008-2009, he averaged 4.4ppg, 4.0rpg, FG: 53.7. In 2009-2010, he won the Eurochallenge playing EuroChallenge: 16 games: 10.7ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.6%, FT: 53.8%; German League: 35 games: 9.1ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 60.3%, FT: 55.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

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

At this current moment I’m in Denver. But I’ve been moving a mile a minute so far during my summer vacation. I’ve already been to New York, Las Vegas, Kansas City and Omaha. And I have a few more places I need to get to before the summer ends.

I saw some photos on social media and you are already very early in beast mode getting in shape. Other players tend to take off May and June and slowly start to get in shape in July for the upcoming season. You will be starting your eighth professional season and will be 29. You will be in your best age as a player. Are your expectations very high this upcoming season after missing the Beko BBL playoffs two seasons in a row?

I’m used to playing in May and June and then resting in July so it has not been too tough to stay active during the beginning of my vacation. I will take most of June off and then start really getting back after it in July. But I tend to leave the basketball alone for a while in the summer and play a lot of tennis and boxing. When I finally do pick the basketballs back up next year, my expectations are through the roof. You work hard to build a legacy as a player, and in the last two years, mine has been jeopardized. I will do everything in my power to get back to the winning ways.

Last season with the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg was a season to forget. Marcel Schroeder hat to leave early as the club started off slow and Stefan Koch came in, but couldn´t save the team. Was the team put to together wrong or what were some of the reasons why the club couldn´t have a more solid season?

Having time to analyze it after the fact, I’m blaming a lot of it on pride. Basketball is a team game and you need to trust that the players coaches and organization are all on the same page. We haven’t had that in the last few years.

You were injured during the season and was off for six weeks. This was the first time in your professional basketball career where you had a more serious injury. What kind of experience was it being out and having to do the whole rehab process and coming back. What did you learn during this time that will help you for the future with situations like that?

Injuries are part of the game and I try to always keep myself in the best physical shape to avoid those things but sometimes they are out of your control. Patience and determination will always get you back but in the interim I had to learn a lot about trust. Trusting the doctors to diagnose it correctly, trusting my teammates to pick up the slack while I was out and trusting my ankle to hold up once I returned.

There weren´t really very many positive highlights to the season, but if you ahd to pick one which would you take? You did lose to MBC, but you ahd your best stat game of 23 points and nine boards.

The biggest highlight of this season was the day it ended. All things considered, the previous season wasn’t so bad. Tying for the last playoff spot with six people having surgery during the year, I can take that. But this year was miserable. It made me question if my lifelong dream of playing professional basketball was worth it. And when it gets that bad, you just can’t wait for it to be over.

You have seen the development of Maxi Kleber the last three years in Wurzburg. Where would you rate him at the moment against other young German forwards like Danilo Barthel or Elias Harris? What kind of an impact do you see him making in the next 3-4 years?

I can’t say enough about Maxi. The kid works his tail off on a daily basis. He can be the best player in the BBL very soon. He obviously has to stay healthy for that to happen and be in a situation, playing for a coach, that lets him thrive. But in terms of skill set and potential, there isn’t anyone I’ve seen that’s even close.

You have played the last six seasons with Ben Jacobson and John Little and one could call you the three amigos. The chance that all of you might be together are little unless John Patrick brings you to Ludwigsburg. How thankful you have you been of having the chance to play so long together with two players something that isn´t as typical in Europe?

That has honestly been the biggest joy of my professional basketball career. I ask myself why Oldenburg keeps bringing back Ricky Paulding, or Bamberg keeps bringing back Anton Gavel. There are certain guys that just know how to win. I’ve been lucky enough to call two of them my best friends and teammates for my entire career. And if this season was the last one we get to spend together it’s kind of bittersweet because we didn’t get a chance to show what we really could do these past two seasons.

Ever since John Patrick had to depart Wurzburg in 2012 after the playoff loss to ratiopharm Ulm, it seems like the club has gone down hill. Patrick was very important for bringing so much success to the club. When you look back at the last three years where would the club have been had Patrick stayed on board and there had not been such a rift between him and management?

It’s difficult to say. From my understanding, things had gotten so bad between Patrick and the management that something had to change the year after we lost in the semifinals. One thing is for certain, as John Patrick proves again and again, he would have done a better job of getting winners on the team. I haven’t had the luxury of having a Chester Frazier or an Ivan Elliot since they left the team two years ago. And that’s not a knock to all of my teammates over the past two years, but definitely to most of them. A lot of them just didn’t know what it took to win.

You will not play for the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg next season. Would you accept the possibility of going to Ludwigsburg? There has been speculation that Chris Mcnaughton may go to Ludwigsburg. How big of an option could playoff team Ludwigsburg be for you?

I would love the chance to stay in Germany and prove myself yet again. And Ludwigsburg would be the perfect landing spot, especially if I had a chance to play with the other two amigos. But with the way the talks are going right now, I may have a chance to play for some EuroCup teams and some teams outside of Germany. I’m really trying to take my time in the decision making process to put myself in the best opportunity to be successful.

You take a lot of pride in working out and keeping in basketball shape. How does a normal Jason Boone work out day look like on and off the court in 2014?

I’ve had to taper my workouts as my career has gone on. You aren’t allowed to be stronger than anyone in the BBL these days. The way the games are called, pure strength can get you punished. But I still like to do a lot of body weight exercises to increase my mobility and flexibility. In the summer I like to do a lot of pool workouts and Yoga. Partially because of the low impact but mostly because of the bikinis and yoga pants. On the court I just like to play if there is some decent competition, lots of free throws and tons of stretching.

The San Antonio Sprus beat the Miami Heat in the 2014 NBA final 4-1. This silenced many of the Lebron supporters. Where is your personal stand on this whole Lebron debate on where his standing is at the moment as greatest player? Michael Jordan has six NBA rings and Larry Bird three.

I’ve never been one to compare the greats. They each had their era and there are too many “what ifs.” LeBron is the best player in the game but the Heat lost to the best team and arguably the best coach. There’s a reason the Spurs play so well together, the pieces fit. Basketball is a simple game when you get the right pieces to fit. My career has been on opposite ends of that spectrum so I know what I’m talking about.

How good is your golf game? You also have been playing during the summer. What annoys you the most on the course about the game of golf in general when not everything is going your way?

My golf game needs some work. But I finally play enough golf to where an investment in the right size clubs is worth it. So I have a funny feeling it will be improving as the summer goes on. That putting is going to be the death of me though. My learning of golf has many parallels to my learning of basketball. The strength was always there, but it’s the soft touch around the hole that I need to work on.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Field Of Dreams was the last DVD I watched. I was on my way to Omaha for the College World Series with a quick stop in Iowa. It seemed fiting.

Thanks Jason for the chat.

 

Maurice Williams is a 30 year old 192cm guard from Gary, Indiana that just finished his fifth professional season and fourth in Hannover. He played at  Medanos JC (NJCAA) before turning professional in 2009. He played briefly in the ABA for teams like  North Texas Fresh (ABA), Arlington Bulldogs (ABA), and North Dallas Vandals (ABA). He came to Hannover late in the 2010-2011 season. Last season for Hannover he played 21 games: 9.4ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP-2(67.0%), 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 80.7%. He helped Hannover to the 2012 and 2014 Pro B North regular season titles. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Maurice thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are still in Hannover, Germany and the season has been over for many weeks. Don´t you miss being at home and in Indiana Pacers country especially now where they are in the playoffs?

 

Yes im still here in Hannover enjoying the off season with my girlfriend. I do miss my family but never was a Pacers fan always been a fan of good basketball no matter what team is doing it.

Hannover were 2014 Pro B north co champions, but like in 2012, the club was ousted in the playoffs. I hate to bring this up, but was Hannover simply just a better regular season team than a playoff team?

I wouldn’t say that I think it takes a special group of guy’s to stay focused and keep the momentum protect the ball and players 1-12 has to be locked in to accomplish any championship

In 2012, Hannover lost in three games to SC Rasta Vechta and in 2014 in three games to Baunach. What was missing this time around against Baunach to move on?

To be honest we had what it took to finish them and move on but I have to give Baunach their credit as a team they out played us they played to win and we played not to lose.

After the series loss to Baunach, how sure were you that this team could actually had the ability to move up to the German Pro A?

I have nothing but respect for Baunach. For them to be a young team they executed their game plan well and I was rutting for them to go all the way and they did.

You had a solid season for Hannover playing 21 games: 9.4ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP-2(67.0%), 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 80.7%. How content were you with your season on the court?

To me my season was ok but I feel like I could have been much more effective. My rebounding could have been better and for sure 3 point and free throw percentage has to improve. And im putting in the work to improve in those areas.

One notices your very high field goal percentage which is very high for a guard. You were second in the Pro B with 67%. Does this have to do more with clever shot selection or just extra shooting practice after practices?

It has a lot to do with shot selection. I’m the type of player that tries to execute a coaches system so its easier to pick shots and I excel in transition.

You scored in double figures 11 times. What was your season highlight on the court with Hannover?

My highlights for this season I have to say is my in game dunks and there was a stretch in the season where the team had a lot of injuries and I stepped my game up and we went on our longest winning streak.

Your teammate German Tobias Welzel has been in Hannover like you since 2010. He started his basketball career with BG Goettingen and played Beko BBL and won the 2010 Eurochallenge. How has his development been the last four years. He is still young at 24, but can he make the jump back to the Beko BBL, or will he always be a solid division two player in Germany?

Tobi has improved each year and I do think he can make that jump to the BBL, but its easy for me to say its just all up to him and the work he puts in to improve

After playing in the minor leagues in the States in the ABA, you must be very thankful for playing years in Germany. Would you like to stay in Germany or could you see yourself going to another country?

Yes I can see myself living in Germany forever. When it comes to basketball anything is possible if I have an opportunity to play in another country why not but I LOVE Germany and I may get my citizenship.

You played college ball at Medanos JC (NJCAA). Have you gotten adjusted to having to always prove yourself wherever you have played? How important has self confidence been for you in your basketball career?

Yes I enjoy having to prove myself everywhere I go. Its motivation for me and its a great feeling to have if you knew where I came from to see me now.

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

I’m a team first type of player I will never talk bad about my teammates, coaches, and management. I’m very down to earth and can get along with anybody.

If you could describe yourself in a few sentences as to why you could help any team at any level how would you do it?

I can expect any role that a coach has for me I will always bring energy to games and practice. I will always play this game of basketball with pure passion.

What dreams to do you still have as a professional basketball player? Where do you see yourself in five years?

My dreams as a professional basketball player is to take it as far as possible and continue to take the steps to better myself. In five years from now I would like to say I’ve helped a team or two reach their goals and continue to be a positive image for German basketball.

If Kendall Chones is chugging into the lane in practice and your in the way, what could you compare his bumping into you with? Lol

A BULL for sure he’s by far the strongest player I played with or against.

How does a normal summer workout program look like for Maurice Williams on and off the court?

Wake up breakfast then weight room, then I alternate Run, ride bike, swimming pool. Then lunch and every afternoon in the gym getting up shots (set and off the dribble).

Where is a place that you would like to go to this summer where you have never been to?

hahaha no Gary Indiana I love this city with all my heart I was born and raised but this is a city if your not from there or have family there then you probably don’t need to be there.

Do you see the Indiana Pacers continuing to be a very good NBA team in the years to come?

The Pacers have a good team and management. I would think they will make the right moves to accomplish their goals.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I watched was “The Quiet Ones”.

Thanks Maurice for the chat.