Steven Bennett is a 25 year old 173cm point guard from Los Angeles that is playing his second professional basketball season with the Giessen 46ers. Last season he played for  the Spot Up Medium Baskets Braunschweig. With Braunschweig he played 10 games averaging 22.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 5.1apg, 2.4spg, 2FGP: 57.5%, 3FGP: 34.2%, FT: 76.6% He is one of the few special players that has a tenacity and will to win that is unmatched; it is impossible to judge him based upon height alone because he can compete with anyone in the world. He has proven this in the Maui Invitational division I tournament in 2010, and was recognized as one of the top players (All-Maui Award) from a field of other top US point guards such as Kemba Walker, Kailin Lucas and Brandon Knight. Bennett is known for his great court vision and passing ability, and is able to get in the lane at will and finish against anyone with either left or right hand. Every team bases their defensive strategy around Bennett and is forced to take create his own shot and take his three point shots off the dribble. He is an excellent shooter, but wants to continue to improve his already respectable 40% three point percentage. Steven is known for having excellent leadership skills, and is highly respected by all of his peers and coaches. He played at Citrus JC (JUCO) from 2007-2009 and then played at  Chaminade (NCAA2). Last summer he also found experience playing for the  Rockingham Flames (Australia-SBL) He played three games with 2013 NBA draft pick Dennis Schroeder last season in the Pro B. He spoke to German Hoops after advancing by Science City Jena in 5 games

 

 

Steven congrats on the 87-73 do or die win over Science City Jena. This was your first playoff series as a professional. How did you experience the five games?

 

It was a hard fought series and we actually had 6 games in a row as we ended the season playing them. I can say now that after six games, I can identify the game of each guy of Jena. I really enjoyed the series and learned that you have to be mentally tough, because there are so many ups and downs in a series.

 

What was key for 40 minutes for being the better team in game five?

 

We made sure that we would be the aggressor and not let them be more aggressive than us. We did a good job on offense creating shots and on defense getting rebounds and just playing at a pace that suited us.

 

What was the most difficult thing that Giessen had to overcome in this five game series to be successful?

 

Their fighting qualities. They were by far the most aggressive team in the German Pro A. Jena was very good at causing distractions on the court and making us play a different kind of basketball. We had to stay mentally very tough and not throw the ball all over the place because of their aggressive play.

 

What was key for getting the win in the fourth quarter?

 

Jena had done a good job in this series making a comeback in the fourth quarter. We didn´t want that to happen again so coach told us to stay composed and just take shots when we were open.

 

What was key in crunch time that Giessen was able to get to the next round against BG Goettingen?

 

All bodies were tired in the fourth quarter, but we wanted to make a statement and wanted to take it to them right at the start of the fourth quarter. With Sim out, we decided to control Hudson and it paid off at the end.

 

You had another solid game with 16 points. How happy were you with your own game?

 

I always want to get into the game aggressive and get the team into a good flow on offense and defense. I try to be aggressive hitting shots or creating for others.

 

Myles Hesson did hit for 30 points like the other two games, but was still a big factor in the win with his 17 points. How else was he valuable?

 

He tends to get more aggressive when I am aggressive. When I am aggressive, he can conserve his energy and use it for rebounding and on the defensive end.

 

You were probably happy not to have to guard Dennis Tinnon for the last six games. Can he reach the next level the Beko BBL?

 

He is so aggressive and a beast on the boards. He is probably the most aggressive four man in the Pro A. If you have the type of energy that Tinnon has then you can play at every level. I think that he could with that energy level.

 

How important was the coaching of rookie Denis Wucherer in this series?

 

Coach has experienced all of this as a player and he told us that we may never get an experience like this again so the combination of leaving it on the court and enjoying ones self was important.

 

Who was the Giessen unsung hero of the Jena series?

 

I think our unsung hero was TJ DiLeo. He is a defensive minded player and is like a solider. Whatever you need on the court, he will give it to you. He always battles for 40 minutes.

 

What will be the focus for the next series against BG Goettingen?

 

We have to be ready and be aggressive from the start. We have a young team while they have experience. But we played a tough first round which will help us. We understand how playoffs are with the experience of the Jena battle.

 

Do you see the Atlanta Hawks making a first round upset and what is your take on ex teammate Dennis Schroeder´s first season?

 

I think that Atlanta has no chance to advance. I didn´t see many Schroeder games, because of the time difference, but I feel that he held his own and it wasn´t easy being behind  a guy like Jeff Teague who had his best season and Shelvin Mack also had a good season. I think that he has the potential to step up next season.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Dennis Wilson.

 

Thanks Steven for the chat.

 

 

 

 

After the big Giessen  87-73 do or die victory in the Osthalle over ex Beko BBL club Science City Jena, there was a tall 198cm dark haired German young man walking around and most people didn´t even notice, but he was filling the gym with some family like big game aroma as his dad had won countless important games for Werder Bremern, AS Rom or the German national team like the 1990 World Cup. The soccer player that is a German sports legend is Rudi Voeller and the young man walking around was son Marco Voeller who plays for Hanau and saw a very entertaining game. However the Giessen 46ers didn´t need any extra aid of having family of a famous German sports figure with some of that winning rubbing off, but had everything under control for 40 minutes as Giessen took care of business from the start letting Science City Jena only have one lead of 5-3 in the first two minutes and then retook the lead and never looked back.  Despite winning the first two games at home, Giessen learned from those games and didn´t want to make it too exciting at the end again. “Every game in this series was different. It was a challenge to always find new ways to have to beat Jena. After a while we really knew their tendencies, so it was cool to look for new options. The difference in game five was that in the first two wins in Giessen, we had an easy mind set and figured we would beat them easily at the end, but they came back each time. In game five we decided to take it too them right away and not give them that chance to fight back”, warned ex Auburn center Rob Chubb. Science City Jena once again fought very hard in game five like the others, but it seemed like the atmosphere, an upgraded defense and big shots simply was too much for Science City Jena. “This was a tough series, but Giessen played great defense and took us out of things that we like to do. We played with so much heart and especially me as being one of the older guys pushed the team even harder and we had a chance to win, but Giesen played us very tough”, stressed North Carolina native Dorenzo Hudson. “Giessen played very well and Jena was always fighting back. Giessen hit many big shots while Jena was missing that one big shot”, stressed Phoenix Hagen point guard Ole Wendt.

The Giessen 46ers got on the board first as ex Temple guard TJ DiLeo knocked down a three pointer. Science City Jena came storming back as Illinois native Billy Rush hammered home a three pointer and Dennis Tinnon pushed the ball forward scoring on the fast break and Giessen trailed 5-3. However this didn´t hinder Giessen at all as they were on a mission and didn´t want to disappoint their fans as they cruised out on a 13-2 run to lead 16-7. Englishman Myles Hesson got the run going with a one handed dunk, Steven Bennet and Benjamin Lischka connected on consecutive three pointers, Bennett scored inside with his left hand and Hesson also scored inside. Then came the prettiest scene of the game as Lars Wendt under the watchful eye of brother Ole Wendt of Phoenix Hagen lobbed up the perfect ally-op pass that Billy Rush slammed home. Wendt then scored inside as Science City Jena cut the Giessen lead to 18-11. Science City Jena then got some forceful production from Green Bay native Dennis Tinnon who showed his work horse qualities scoring inside twice as Giessen led only 20-16. Ex TBB Trier guard Joshiko Saibu then put a little damper in the comeback leading Giessen on a 5-0 run with a floater and three pointer, while German Julius Wolf closed out the first quarter with a three pointer as Giessen led 25-19. “Jena always had a problem with starting games in this series. Giessen played with high intensity which led to Jena turnovers”, stressed Phoenix Hagen guard Ole Wendt. The Giessen 46ers were shooting 60% from the field and 57% from outside while Science City Jena was shooting 50% from the field and 29% from outside. Science City Jena had the 10-5 rebound edge, but four turnovers while Giessen had only one turnover.

In the second quarter it was business as usual for both teams as the Giessen 46ers were the enforcers and Science City Jena continued to fight back, but couldn´t regain the lead back. Lars Wendt got his second foul and had to depart to the bench, but Ermen Reyes-Naploes who has played in Jena since 2004 proved to be a valuable replacement as he dropped a three pointer and Tinnon scored with his left hand as suddenly Science City Jena was only down by 27-24. However Giessen never really had a dull stretch in the game offensively as they pretty much scored when they had to as Jonathan Malou got a back door feed from team player DiLeo and Bennett snuck inside for a quick two as Giessen led 31-24. It didn´t help Science City Jena either that Billy Rush and Julius Wolf had two airballs in one minute while Daniel Mayr and Saibou traded baskets as Giessen led 33-26. Hudson who was kept quiet by Giessen had a quick spurt of two back to back pull up jumpers over Chubb and Lischka cutting the Giessen lead to 35-30. Both teams finished out the second quarter strong on offense as neither could run away with the lead as Chubb scored inside getting the extra pass from Hesson that he did twice on that day to the American and Hesson then made a fancy spin move around Kristian Kuhn for the 42-32 advantage. Giessen was just unstoppable from downtown closing out the second quarter with a 6-2 run as DiLeo and Bennett nailed consecutive three pointers and Kuhn scored inside as the Giessen 46ers led 48-36 at the break. The Giessen 46ers were shooting 53% from the field and 38% from the three point line while Science City Jena was shooting 50% from the field and 25% from the three point line. Jena had the 18-15 rebound edge, but seven turnovers while Giessen had three turnovers.

The Giessen 46ers did a great job keeping the lead in the third quarter, but it was evident that Science City Jena wouldn´t end the season without a fight in the fourth quarter. Science City Jena actually started out a quarter fast for a change charging out on a 8-2 run to cut the lead to 52-44 as the Jena role players came up big as Kristian Kuhn took a chapter out of the Dennis Tinnon aggressiveness book scoring inside twice catching a Hudson airball and making a put back and getting a tip while Wolf also scored inside. However just when Science City Jena was threatening it was a Giessen big shot that halted that dangerous run as Myles Hesson hit a clutch three pointer to give Giessen the 55-44 advantage. Chubb and Tinnon then traded buckets as Giessen still led 57-48. It seemed like Giessen head coach Denis Wucherer would look at his bench and nod to a player which meant that it was his turn to produce and that is exactly what German Falko Thelig did hitting a big pull up jumper and three pointer from the corner to keep Science city Jena at bay as Giessen led 63-52 after 30 minutes. “We had many guys supplying big shots today like Di Leo or Hesson and even Thelig came up big was asked to play point guard and did a great job”, stressed Rob Chubb. The Giessen 46ers were shooting 51% from the field and 40% from the parking lot while Science City Jena was shooting 45% from the field and 19% from the parking lot. Jena had the 28-21 rebound edge, but 13 turnovers while Giessen had nine turnovers.

In the fourth quarter to no ones  surprise, Science City Jena wanted to save their season with one last come back try, but Giessen remained very cool and never let the guests get closer than five points. Science City Jena started off the fourth quarter with a bang with a lightening 5-0 run as Tinnon escaped inside as he always does scoring and getting the free throw and Rush made a steal and scored as Giessen led only63-57. However even if Science City Jena was a thorn in the side of Giessen, Giessen would  take that thorn and unleash it back at Jena blocking their run with more big shots as Di Leo nailed a three pointer and jumper as Giessen led 68-59. Science City Jena had their moments on defense as Tinnon made a monster block on Bennett. Reyes-Napoles hit another big shot cutting the Giessen lead to 68-62. Then seemed to come the turning point of the game as Tinnon lost his nerves getting a technical, but DiLeo only made one free throw and Jena then made a stop on Hesseon and Rush came down the floor on the next possession nailing a three pointer as Giessen led only 70-65. Giessen stayed calm and went on a 8-3 run to decide the game and  lead 78-68. Giessen was the more aggressive team in this phase as Saibou knocked down two shots and Hesson grabbed an offensive rebound and got the put back. Hudson did get some buckets, but it was too little too late. Giessen then closed out the game at the free throw line as Bennett, DiLeo and Malou nailed shots. “Giessen played great defense. They did a good job taking one of our players out of the game and tonight it was me”, added Dorenzo Hudson. Team basketball was huge tonight as it has been the whole season. Basketball is a team sport. Individual play just harms the team. Rebounding was  huge in the fourth quarter. Tinnon had got rebound after rebound in the first three quarters and in the fourth we did a better job due to our mental toughness”, stressed Rob Chubb. “The zone of Giessen was tight as Jena only scored on the three pointer or transition. Jena had no inside game and Giessen rotated very well”, said Ole Wendt.

The Giessen 46ers were led by Myles Hesson with 17 points. Steven Bennett added 16 points. TJ DiLeo netted 15 points, four rebounds and six assists while Joschiko Saibou added 12 points. Science City Jena was led by Dennis Tinnon with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Billy Rush added 14 points and Dorenzo Hudson 11 points and Kristian Kuhn 10 points. Giessen shot 49% from the field and 35% from outside while Science City Jena shot 45% from the field and 26% from outside. Jena did win the rebounding duel 35-33, but ahd 20 turnovers while Giessen had 16 turnovers. Giessen now faces 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen in the semi finals and Rob Chubb knows what got Giessen past Jena and what the club has to do now to reach the final. “WE kept our composure in the Jena series. They trapped us all over the court, but as soon as we got by that we made the right choices with the next pass. We proved the league wrong that we can play together as a team. Goettingen has experience and our smart. For us it will be a test of patience and playing together”, warned Rob Chubb.

 

Myles Hesson is a 23 year old 195 cm forward from Birmingham, England that is one of the 12 best players in Great Britain and was selected for the 2013 national team playing in Slovenia at the Eurochampionships. He currently is playing in the German Pro A this season for the Giessen 46ers. Last season 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%. Last season 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%. This past summer, he was a member of the British national team taking part in preparations for the 2012 Summer Olympics. He also took part at the British 3×3 Mixed and menTeam for World Championships in Greece  in 2012. He spoke to German Hoops before game five against Science City Jena in Giessen

Myles a tough 82-78 loss in Jena in game four. The series remains very crazy. Why has no team been able to steal a game on the road?Y

 

Yeah home court advantage has definitely played a part in this series. Lets hope it stays that way for game 5.

 

 

Science City Jena did a great job in the third quarter until Giessen tied the game at 61-61. What was key for getting back into the game?

Taking care of the ball and making the most out of our opportunities to score.

 

 

Each game seems to have another crazy ending. You gave Giessen the 78-76 lead with 3.40 to play, but Science City Jena closed out the game with a 6-0 run. What went wrong at the end?

Im not sure if we were tired or what the case was but we had a few good looks close to the basket, I myself missed two easy shots but thats how it goes sometimes.

 

How much does this loss hurt. Giessen was so close to winning the series on the road. What was the most positive thing that Giesen could take out of this game?

It hurts for now because obviously we wanted to win and close the series, but game 5 is Tuesday so there is no point dwelling on what could have been.

 

You had another great game with 31 points and are averaging 30 points in the last two games. How frustrating is it knowing making one or two three pointers from you could of given you the series win?

I didnt have any look from beyond the arc but like I said thats just how it goes sometimes, I cant be down on myself for missing shots. it comes down to more than that, rebounding and transition defense played a big part in why we lost.

 

The Giessen 46ers were hit hard on the boards. Is rebounding and limiting turnovers two key points to focus on for game five?

Yes I would say so, we cant allow them to take advantage of silly turnovers and offensive boards.

 

 

With only 48 hours until game five, how do you prepare mentally and physically for a do or die game?

 

I will get as much rest as I can so I am physically ready to go again, and mentally, I´ll try and forget about the previous 4 and focus on the upcoming game on Tuesday.

 

 

How excited are you for this do or die game? How often have you been in a do or die game and will we see Myles Hesson the beast??

 

This will be my first in a long while playing a leading role. I will do whatever I can to help my team win.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Raid

 

Thanks Myles for the chat.

Steven Bennett is a 25 year old 173cm point guard from Los Angeles that is playing his second professional basketball season with the Giessen 46ers. Last season he played for  the Spot Up Medium Baskets Braunschweig. With Braunschweig he played 10 games averaging 22.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 5.1apg, 2.4spg, 2FGP: 57.5%, 3FGP: 34.2%, FT: 76.6% He is one of the few special players that has a tenacity and will to win that is unmatched; it is impossible to judge him based upon height alone because he can compete with anyone in the world. He has proven this in the Maui Invitational division I tournament in 2010, and was recognized as one of the top players (All-Maui Award) from a field of other top US point guards such as Kemba Walker, Kailin Lucas and Brandon Knight. Bennett is known for his great court vision and passing ability, and is able to get in the lane at will and finish against anyone with either left or right hand. Every team bases their defensive strategy around Bennett and is forced to take create his own shot and take his three point shots off the dribble. He is an excellent shooter, but wants to continue to improve his already respectable 40% three point percentage. Steven is known for having excellent leadership skills, and is highly respected by all of his peers and coaches. He played at Citrus JC (JUCO) from 2007-2009 and then played at  Chaminade (NCAA2). Last summer he also found experience playing for the  Rockingham Flames (Australia-SBL) He played three games with 2013 NBA draft pick Dennis Schroeder last season in the Pro B. He spoke to German Hoops after the big 84-75 win in game three against Science City Jena.

 

Steve congrats on the 84-75 win in game three and 2-1 series lead. Does it seem a bit strange how all three games have been pretty the same in the way it ended?

 

Yes it has. We have had a good start to all games and control the game, but let Jena back in the game in the second half, but win at the end except for game two. These games come down to execution and free throws at the end.

 

Science City Jena made a 11-0 run in the second quarter. The Jena runs are no surprises anymore are they?

 

No they aren´t. We are used to them. We just have to keep our composure. They like that high tempo basketball, so it is nothing unusual.

 

Giessen did a great job in the third quarter in that whenever Science City Jena tried to cut down your lead to 10 or under, you made big shots. It seems like there are so many guys that can step up in these pressure situations.

 

Yes we have many guys like that. Jena like to scramble all ove rteh court, but we did a great job keeping our composure and finding the right players to knock down shots.

 

It seems like if Myles Hesson doesn´t get at least one dunk per game it is as unusual as an American not visiting Mcdonalds or Burger King at least once per week in Giessen. You and Hesson hooked up for a beautiful ally-op dunk. How many have you done in games and practice this season?

 

That is tough since we have been together for 8-9 months. I would say we hav hooked up for about 60 ally-ops. If Myles gives that dunk a five then so do I considering his jumping ability. We have eye contact and I try to tell if the defender is lazy and if he is then I give him this special look and go back door for the dunk.

 

Hesson was huge for the win in game one as he hit big free throws and did it again in game three. It seems like Giessen and Hesson go hand in hand for success.

 

He was key for the win. He had that look and he hadn´t been happy with his game in Jena. Without Hudson and the small guards, he got into a good rhythm. He gave us  apush on defense with his rebounding, shot blocking ability and deflections.

 

It seems like Science City Jena never go away especially in the fourth quarter. How impressed are you with this team that plays with so much heart and always has the ability to come back when they need to?

 

I am very impressed, but at the same time they are a very irritating team to play. They hit you with random traps that forces you out of rhythm. They play at a high tempo and with big plays and hitting shots get more confidence.

 

You scored only nine points, but had six assists and three turnovers. How happy were you with your performance?

 

It wasn´t one of my better games, but I thought my passing was good. My passing created problems for the Jena defense. I didn´t get as many open looks, but they didn´t want to give me any open looks.

 

Giessen has its star Myles Hesson and Science City Jena has Dennis Tinnon. How hard is it to play against him?

 

He is a tough player that is long and athletic and is so quick on his feet and can handle the ball well. Plus he can push the ball in transition and has a nice touch around the rim.

 

Giessen can end the series Sunday in Jena. What will be key in getting the win?

 

We have to keep our composure, come out fighting strong and just handle business in Jena.

 

How surprised were you that UConn won the 2014 NCAA tournament?

 

You could see how important it is for the star player to play well. Shabezz Napier was a great leader that made big shots. This win was one the biggest shocks for me besides the Butler back to back final appearances.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

More than a game.

 

Thanks Steven for the chat.

Myles Hesson is a 23 year old 195 cm forward from Birmingham, England that is one of the 12 best players in Great Britain and was selected for the 2013 national team playing in Slovenia at the Eurochampionships. He currently is playing in the German Pro A this season for the Giessen 46ers. Last season 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%. Last season 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%. This past summer, he was a member of the British national team taking part in preparations for the 2012 Summer Olympics. He also took part at the British 3×3 Mixed and menTeam for World Championships in Greece  in 2012. He spoke to German Hoops before game three against Science City Jena in Giessen

 

 

A tough 93-82 loss in game 2 in Jena. Were you surprised by any of the adjustments that Science City Jena made in game two?

 

No not really it wasnt a surprise. We just didnt play smart and together in the second half.

 

Giessen once again like in game one had a nice lead at halftime 41-25, but let Science City Jena fight back exploding for 28 points in the third quarter. What were the reasons for this massive onslaught?

We missed our open shots, they made some tough ones and we started to doubt ourselves.

In the OT, Science City Jena once again exploded for 21 points. Did the surprise effect that they got more clutch points from the role players than the American players surprise Giessen?

It wasnt a suprise for us, their role players played well and stepped up when it counted. I think we were a bit deflated by not ending the game when we had the chances to in regulation.

Lars Wendt and Kristian Kuhn combined for 32 points. If the three Americans and these two Germans have productive nights again than it could become hard for Giessen. Will we see some adjustments in game three?

Yeah, we need to respect all of their players and adjust accordingly.

Giessen held Science City Jena to 67 points in the regular season but to 83 points in the first two playoff games. Why has it been more difficult to defend Science City Jena in the playoffs?

I wouldn’t say its been more difficult. Its just playoff basketball, players make shots they normally wouldn’t and miss ones they normally would make, its just how it goes.

If someone had told you before the game that Joshiko Saibu would outrebound you in game two would you have believed him? How valuable is he helping out on the boards?

Yes Joshiko has been really good for us on the boards the whole season , his energy on both sides of the court helps us tremendously.

You shot only 3 for 11 from the field. Will we see a different Myles Hesson on the offensive end in game three?

I hope so, it wasnt my best outing but all I can do is what is best for the team, I dont go out there with a number in my head that I am trying to attain, but I  just do what I can to help us win.

What will be key to getting the game three win?

We need to focus for the whole 4 quarters and not be phased when they go on their runs.

If someone had told you before the season that UConn would win the 2014 NCAA title would you have been surprised?

I didnt follow college basketball too much this past season so I wouldnt have known much.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Thor 2

 

Thanks Myles for the chat.

 

 

TJ DiLeo is a 23 year old 190cm guard from New Jersey that also has the German citizenship is a rookie playing for the Giessen 46ers this season. He played at Temple from 2008-2013 playing a total of 126 NCAA games. In 2010, he played for the German U20 National Team in 2010 and played for the European Championships U20 in Croatia  playing 9 games: 10.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

TJ thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. Congrats on the 75-74 win in game one against Science City Jena. How was it playing in your first playoff game as a professional? You played in many big NCAA games, but how does Pro a basketball playoff time feel?

 

This was an awesome first game to have. This is the first time that I have played in a series. In the NCAA it was always just a game that was important. The atmosphere and fans were great. Science City Jena is a great team that you can never count out.

 

 

It was a very interesting game and game of two halves. Giessen dominated in the first half, while Science City Jena fought back in the second half and lost the game on the last possession. Talk a little about the 40 minutes.

 

We were awaiting a surprise from Jena and they played a zone challenging us to hit shots. We rans our plays and got in a flow. In the past when we played against zone and didn´t hit shots, we would panic and struggle. However Steven Bennett started to hit shots early which got us going and we all fed off that. In the third quarter, Jena mixed up their defense which we kind of expected and did  a lot of trapping  which has worked all year for them and it worked against us. We weren´t as poised with the ball. In the fourth quarter I remember joking with Thierno Agne telling him how he hit his first three pointer of the game at the most important time. We kept our composure at the end, made plays and came out with the win.

 

TJ let us talk about your season. You got off to a slow start, but you have found your rhythm in the second half. How happy have you been with your rookie season?

 

I feel more comfortable now than at the start. My goal is always to guard the other teams best player and be a good team player on offense. I like the style in the German Pro A  as there is more spacing. Players read the pick and role very much better in Europe and it is all about making the right decision and knowing what to do then. If you watch Euroleague, you see players making the right decision on the pick and role and then its over.

 

How important has Giessen head coach Dennis Wucherer been for your development as a rookie. What is the most important thing that you have learned from him this season?

 

I have learned from him that he demands toughness from his players. He was a tough player and expects that from his players. He wants you too always make the right decision. I played for him for the German U-20 team and I feel very comfortable playing for him. He is a players coach and knows what us players go through. The whole team has connected with him.

 

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

 

I think my ability to anticipate. I am able to get in passing lanes, picking off easy passing and making deflections.

 

Your teammate Myles Hesson once made 7 dunks in a game and you see him dunk each day. In game one he made a nice ally-op dunk. In Frankfurt we call Quantez Robertson a freak athletic player. Would you describe Hesson like that also?

 

Yes Myles is freaky athletic. We just throw up the ball and he always gets it up on the rim. The defenders usually know it and try to get up with him with their body. His best dunk was against Paderborn. He got an inbounds pass thrown up at the rim and he dunked over a Paderborn player. We know in practice not to get up and jump up to him and challenge him.

What is your goal as a player. Would you like to have a long career in Germany or explore your options in the future?

 

My goal is too move up a level. I already signed on for next season with Giessen. I talked with coach and he thought it be better that I stay one more year and develop further and then be ready. I feel very comfortable in Germany and plan to take German classes next year. I understand it pretty well. I want to get even more aggressive on offense. Sometimes I tend not to be as aggressive as I would like to be. I feel I get passive at times. I like to create for others as myself.

 

Steven Bennett is another guy that could move up a level. How impressed have you been with his development this season?

 

He is like a bull dog and is such a competitor. He always wants to win. He is taking more big games now and I feel he has really developed well in the last 7-8 games.

 

You played at Temple(NCAA) with ex Fraport Skyliner Ryan Brooks. What is your fondest memory with him on the court?

 

I see him a lot in the summer and we work out together in Philadelphia. He is such a competitor. When I was a freshman, I was injured and he was a junior. I remember we played Arizona State and he pretty much shut down James Harden. He held him to like nine points. he only had 4-5 points near the end until Harden made a three pointer. He did a really great job on harden. We lost the game to Arizona State.

 

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

There are many players that I played against in my time at Temple. As a freshman I played against Kansas and Thomas Robinson. In my second year I played against Kawhi Leonard. As a junior I played against Austin Rivers and Ben Mcelmore and as a senior against Michael Carter Williams.

 

What do you like most about Germany?

 

I think that there is no real transition here. It is all so Americanized. I have friends playing in other countries where the culture is so much different and harder to get used to.

 

Who will reach the 2014 NCAA final and win it?

 

I have UConn vs Kentucky with UConn winning it.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

All my American teammates went to see Captain America and I saw A long way down in German.

 

Thanks TJ for the chat.