How often does a grown man get his long awaited Sunday morning rest sleep or an intense Sunday afternoon football game with a nice plump burger and fries interrupted by an annoying, high squealing voice of a female in freak turmoil that would put the shouting of a pubescent girl in pig tails and braces in the first row at a Justin Bieber concert in shame when they see a little harmless spider crawling up a wall or moving in despair in a bath tub trying to escape? This fear of the eight leg creature doesn´t just pop up sometime before puberty, but studies have shown that female babies already associate creepy crawlers with being afraid before their first birthdays unlike boys who appear unfazed by the creatures, while other studies have already displayed that women are four times more likely to have a phobia for spiders than men. Men on the other hand are also afraid of things, but of more conventional means like talking to your boss, speaking in public, meeting women, dancing or dying. So for a man to be afraid of a spider its big news, even if the male recipient is German big talented basketball player Danilo Barthel that is making massive basketball headlines this season in a rising, but still rather secondary sport in Germany. Recently the 207cm forward that is slowly making dunking a normal daily occurrence for him as it is for Kevin Love to get an NBA double double found a spider in his mail box, but it soon was revealed that it was a fake rubber spider and the secret of his dislike for the quick runners was slowly lifted. Who the prankster was that placed the spider in the mail box of Barthel was never revealed, but I would have bet a fat money ball or my Dominique Wilkins autograph on prankster Jacob Burtschi or the silent and innocent looking Johannes Voigtmann. One thing that Barthel is not is scared to present is his sharp and improving basketball skills on the court as he continues to develop since coming to Frankfurt in 2011. Barthel may be the first guy that will be half way up a tree by the sight of a spider before a kid has had three licks on a chocolate ice cream cone, but if Beko BBL teams came upon the idea to place a spider on a rim to keep Barthel away, they better think twice, because despite his fear of the little creature, the rim is the best friend of the German on the court. That is probably the only place where Barthel will forget how disgusting a spider really is ,because put a big black spider on the basketball rim and Danilo Barthel will dunk it into sweet misery. Small bored kids who have a ban on playing their beloved X-box or an embargo on internet might go outside and decide to play doctor and experiment with spiders terrorizing them until they can no longer move. So what better way than to put the hairy creature out of its misery by placing them on the rim that Barthel will attack that day so he can put them out of their misery quickly with another thunderous two handed dunk instead of letting kids dissect it and let it have a slow and painful death.

Since coming to the Fraport Skyliners in the 2011-2012 season nothing seems to have changed with the demeanor of Danilo Barthel as he is still the calm quiet big man from Heidelberg that at times can glide past you in a hall way as if he was trying to avoid his university professor from getting the result of the last paper, but his appearance in no way is any disrespect, but just how he is. He may still come over as reserved as a person, but his game is anything but restrained, but he has become a real force on the court and among young Germans one of the best candidates of making the big breakthrough in the next two years as according to current top Beko BBL rebounder Larry Gordon from Phoenix Hagen. As a rookie in the 2011-2012 season, he had to play for Muli Katzurin who wasn´t known for giving young Germans a chance as he had coached Alba Berlin to the 2011 Beko BBL final without ever really letting German national players Lucca Staiger get heated up or letting Andreas Seiferth take off his warm up jersey. However on a cool rainy autumn day in Tubingen in October 2011, Katzurin put Barthel into cold water as the club was hampered with injuries and attitude problems as his eight points were less remembered than ex NBA player Jermario Davidson sitting at the end of the bench playing with his mobile phone. “I was very surprised. I played little minutes in the preseason and then to come in and score so well was like a dream for me”, stressed Danilo Barthel. In his first year the Heidelberg native played 13 Beko BBL games and averaged a very respectable 8,33 minutes per game averaging 2,8ppg and 1,1rpg. It wasn´t simple getting ample playing time that season as four man Jermario Davidson was the work horse of the team and one of the main factors why the team almost made the playoffs. As a rookie, he got valuable experience in Eurocup play playing four games and continued to be able to work on his game in the German Pro B playing 16 games averaging 13.1ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.7apg, Blocks-4(1.6bpg), FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 22.7%, FT: 71.4%. Having current NBA player Jon Leuer as a teammate for three months helped his game mature as well at the start. “Playing against such a strong offensive player like Jon Leuer that is so versatile really helped my game. My 1-1 defense was helped with his play. I also remembered some of his spin moves to incorporate into my game”, stressed Danilo Barthel.

In his second season with the Fraport Skyliners, management made it clear early with the arrival of further German wunder kids Konstantin Klein and Johannes Voigtmann that they would go a totally new route by taking advantage of the 6-6 rule and giving young Germans playing time. The concept of signing talented Americans and reaching the playoffs was first put on hold as rebuilding and looking to the future was first on the agenda. Back in the day when the team was called Opel Skyliners, they also went this route and principally only had two talented Americans with Tyrone Ellis and Chris Williams and were able to win the German Beko BBL title in 2004 after a three year plan of bringing along Germans. If the team will be able to challenge for the Beko BBl title in 2015 after three years is highly doubtful since the competition has improved and risen in the last ten years, but why not in four to five years? Last season, Muli Katzurin noticed the talent level of the Germans and gave them minutes. The role of Barthel increased from his rookie season as he played 30 games and averaged 17,3 minutes per game. Just like in his rookie season he had a another work horse in front of him with Zach Peacock, but what better way than to learn from him the way he did from Davidson. Last season Barthel averaged 4.3ppg, 2.9rpg. He scored in double figurers four times with 15 points against Bayreuth being his best points effort. It was last season that he found a new relationship to the rim besides just hitting shots, but getting a better feel for what they feel like and how soothing a dunk is when one rams the ball through the netting with authority. His dunking breakthrough came in the first month in a home game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn where he flew through the air making a fierce penetrating two handed dunk over Patrick Ewing junior and Johannes Wolfarth-Bottermann feeling the breeze of the German. That dunk seemed like that special basketball release for him. From then on dunking has become a big part of his basketball repertoire. If you were to have told NBA legend Larry Bird that he could jump, one would have been lying, because he grabbed rebounds more through effort than athletic ability and that white men can´t jump is more of a cliché, because Danilo Barthel could star in his own movie called White men can jump. He continued to play in the Pro B last season as well playing 12 games and averaging 12.7ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 67.7%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 75.6%. He ended the season with massive back problems, but worked hard over the summer and came into this season fit.

Barthel who´s favorite player is Dwight Howard and likes to mold his game around 63 point man Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks is playing his third season with the Fraport Skyliners and currently is the second leading scorer of the team behind ex NBA player Andrew Rautins. This season, ex Toronto Raptors assistant coach Gordon Herbert has given the big German three of Voigtmann, Klein and Barthel more responsibility and are in the starting lineup each weekend. Barthel is averaging 29 minutes per game, Klein 25 minutes per game and Voigtmann 22 minutes. If one had predicted this last season that this could happen, many might not have thought it happening so quickly, but a lot of the credit goes to the Skyliner coaches of Gordon Herbert, Klaus Perwass and Eric Detlef who put in countless hours of teaching the kids how to get better. A big reason for his breakthrough season is the immense confidence that Gordon Herbert has given the German. Currently he is averaging 11,9ppg, 5,2rpg and 1,6apg. Barthel who seems to continue to not have reached his fullest athletic or skill potential is a player that shows that that unending killer instinct to want to get to the bucket whenever possible and just finish off the play with a monster dunk. However a criticism in his game this season at times has been his hesitation of taking the three ball. Currently the Heidelberg native is shooting 31,6% from the parking lot at 12/38 in 18 games. From a span from December first until January fifth, the German was 0/10 in six games including two games where he didn´t even attempt a three pointer. However in the last two games, he has taken on more responsibility from downtown and with the absence of injured Andrew Rautins and Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi, Barthel has had to take more of the bulk of the three pointer as he is 5/9 in the last two games making three against Alba Berlin and two in Artland. His passing gets underestimated, but there isn´t a better passing combination of four and five men in the Beko BBL with Johannes Voigtmann and Barthel as he has improved his passing with the daily practice with the German center. He has been working on his one on one defense which has improved from last season as blocks are becoming more of a standard in each game for him. His mobility is a strong suit which will help him more and more with experience on the defensive end.  He has registered five blocks in the last four games and is getting less fouls as his timing and IQ on one on one defense continues to improve. Consistency also has been a negative point in his game, but he has still scored in double figures 12 times this season and there are Americans in this league who have played more than double as many years as Barthel and aren´t as consistent. Experience and playing minutes will always help Barthel and one has to remember he is only in his third professional season. His ex coach Thorsten Daume at USC Heidelberg always preached to give all he has in every minute on the floor and that is what Barthel has done. Recently he made his debut at the 2014 beko BBL allstar game in Bonn as only the second German Skyliner  ever after legend Pascal Roller and held his own scoring eight points and showing his usual aggressive play and blocked ex Euroleague player David Logan. 1993 German European champion Henning Harnisch who heads basketball academy and won just about everything with Leverkusen in the 90s and was general manager of Alba Berlin had nothing but praise for Barthel after examining his play in Bonn at the Beko BBL allstar game. Barthel surely would have been invited by German national coach Frank Menz last summer to training camp, but his back problems  put a dent in getting this invitation. For Barthel not to be invited this summer to show his basketball skills with the best other German players is about as unlikely as Boris Schmidt finding new friends in Bayreuth. There is massive competition at the four position for Barthel, but just another reason to see just how far he is when he mixes it up with guys like Elias Harris, Robin Benzing and Maxi Kleber at the four position. But until then Barthel will continue to be standing in the starting lineup each week for the Fraport Skyliners giving his best to win, filling up the stat sheet and giving fans a never ending new basketball moment with a pulsating dunk. In his free time, the 22 year old does what many others like to do like relax with play station, watch a movie like Harry Potter which he did as a rookie with ex teammate Falko Thelig or reading a book from David Hunter. The German also is an enthusiastic cook who won´t shy away and cook for his teammates. As long as no teammate has the food wish of fried spider which is a delicacy in Cambodia, then there will be no fear of Barthel hanging up the apron and dragging the team to Mcdonalds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CJ Harris is a 22 year old 191cm guard from Winston-Salem, North Carolina that is a Beko BBL rookie playing for the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg. He played at Wake Forest from 2009-2013 playing a total of 124 NCAA games. AS a senior he played 31 games: 15.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 43.1%, FT: 84.7%. He won the three point shooting contest at the 2014 Beko BBL allstar game and spoke to German Hoops after winning the title in Bonn.

 

How has it all sunk in moments after winning the 2014 three point shooting contest at the Beko BBL allstar game?

 

This was my first title ever in a competition like this. I feel good and had a great time cheering on the guys. I had Per Guenther going into the competition as the favorite. I knew that he was a good shooter and I had seen Edgar Sosa hit seven three pointers in Eurocup play.

 

You weren´t really classified as a pure shooter when you were coming up the ranks, but was there a pure shooter that you liked?

 

I really liked Reggie Miller as a kid. When I was a kid, I was skinny and had big ears and everyone said that I looked like Reggie Miller. I also liked Ray Allen who was one of the best shooters ever. I also don´t want to forget Justin Gray who was one of the best shooters I ever saw at Wake Forest.

 

You were the last guy to shoot and had to beat the 19 by Guenther and Sosa. Did you feel pressure as you stepped into the corner to start shooting?

 

I am a rookie and felt that I wasn´t on the radar while Guenther was more known. I loved the fact that I was last so I knew what I had to reach. I knew that I could do better than 19.

 

Did that money ball feel good as you released it for the win?

 

The money ball always feels different than the normal ball, but that is more in mind than anything else. Having to hit with the money ball put added pressure, but I felt good all day and the release felt good as well.

 

How did you enjoy the 2014 Beko BBL event?

 

The atmosphere was amazing, the fans were great and their support makes the event so special. The whole event was run very well.

 

What guys were you looking forward to see play in the 2014 Beko BBL Allstar game?

 

I obviously had to root for team international and I wanted to see Isaiah Swann and David Logan the most.

 

The Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg are in ninth place. How happy have you been with the first half of the season?

 

We had many close games that could have gone either way. We have to work on finishing games better, rebounding and defending.

 

What has been the most important thing that you have learned from head coach John Patrick in the first four months?

 

I have learned that you have to play tough either night wheather your playing the best or worst team in the league. Every team will come at you and you have to be ready. He takes no game for granted and he preaches good preparation for each game.

 

Who has been the unsung hero of the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg in the first half of the season?

 

Our heart and soul Keaton Grant has been our unsung hero. When he is on a roll than the whole team goes with him.

 

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

 

Everyone knows that I can shoot, but I have more athletic ability than what I get credit for.

 

Who was the best player that you ever played against in your life?

 

That would be Chris Paul. He comes from my state North Carolina and back in high school I played for his CP3 team. I know him since I am 16 years old. Whenever he is back home, he returns back to Wake Forest and plays pick up. He has two faces on and off the court. Off the court he is the nicest player, but on the court he just wants to win. Chris Paul taught me that you can´t be a nice guy on the court.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The Hobbit.

 

Thanks CJ for the chat.

Jermel Kennedy  is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Toronto Canada that is playing his first season in the German Pro B with TV Langen. He started his basketball career in 2008 with  Iowa Central Community College (NJCAA) playing 26 games: 4.3ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP:47.3%, FT: 57.1%. In 2009-2010, he played for Volunteer State Community College (NJCAA) playing  27 games: 11.7ppg, 8.2rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 83.0%. He finished his college basketball career at Lander in 2012 playing two seasons there and as a senior played  27 games: 11.0ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 66.1%, FT: 70.5%. Last summer he was drafted by Moncton Miracles (NBL Canada,1rd(6). He spoke to German Hoops after the 73-58 win against Leipzig

 

 

Congrats on the 73-58 win against Leipzig. TV Langen are riding a two game winning streak. Life feels very good for you guys. What has been the turn around for the team in the last two weeks?

On the defensive end we been bonding much better as a team and continuosly communicating which has been working

It was a tale of two halves as there was offense in the first half and more defense in the second half. Is this something that one could have predicted at halftime that there would be les scoring in the second half?

Well coach Thomas continuously emphasizes defense so I guess we picked it up more in the second half and coach utilized the fresh legs on the bench to combatant there limited rotation

TV Langen had the comfortable 46-36 lead at halftime. You held Leipzig to six points in the third quarter. What adjustments defensively did TV Langen make in the third quarter?

We simply kept our original game plan and it consistently worked. They lost most of their momentum in the third and we benefited from it

TV Langen was up 65-42 after the third quarter. Thanks to the big lead, TV Langen weren´t punished for scoring only eight points in the fourth quarter. Was the team mentally tired in the last quarter?

Not necessarily we decided to be more patient and value more our possessions and most of our offensive threats weren’t on the court at this time

Martins Woody had a monster game with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Would TV Langen have won the game without his services?

Woody got it going early in the game and we definitely needed his offensive prowess around the rim it was very effective

You had more a quiet game with six points and three rebounds and you only took three shots. Was what the defense was giving you something that didn´t get you into a healthy rhythm?

Well Woody was playing extremely well and the team was focusing on finding more shots for him so that’s what we concentrated on. Also they played a zone a good part of the game and I couldn’t find much offensive opportunities there during the time I was on the floor

TV Langen gave up 58 points the last two weekends. You held Leipzig to 36% from the field and 20% from outside. Was this a better defensive performance than last weekend and what has improved on the defensive end the last weeks?

We have been playing well defensively lately and we will just continue to do that. I wouldn’t measure it with our last win but I’m sure we came in with the same mentality

Did Sebastian Barth treat the team after the win since it was his birthday or will he make amends on another day?

He will make his amends tomorrow Super Bowl Sunday he knows he has too

 

Thanks Jermel for the chat.

 

Richie Williams is a 26 year old 178cm guard that is playing his second season with SC Rasta Vechta. He is a very fast guard that can play either one or two. Great at pushing the break. Can score by shooting the three or using his explosiveness to beat his man. Gets to the basket and scores in traffic. A specialist in steals that uses his quickness to intimidate on defense. Great ball control. Gets the whole team involved when playing the point but can takeover a game at any time. He started his basketball career at  San Diego St. (NCAA) in 2005 where he played until 2009. In his senior year he played  36 games: 7.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3Pts: 37.5%, FT: 64.2%. In 2009-2010, he started his professional basketball career for The San Diego Surf (ABA), in Jan.’10 moved to FSU Selfoss (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 8 games: 27.5ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.4apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 72.7%. In 2011-2012, he played for  UBC Hannover Tigers (Germany-ProB, starting five): 33 games: 18.3ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-4(5.7apg), Steals-2(3.2spg), FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 75.8%. Last season for SC Rasta Vechta he played  SC Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA): 38 games: 15.6ppg, 5.2rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), Steals-1(2.5spg), FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 79.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the next game against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg

 

Richie a tough 86-72 loss in Ludwigsburg. Ludwigsburg swept the season series. The game was somewhat close in the third quarter, but Ludwigsburg was able to break away in the fourth quarter getting the win. What was key for Ludwigsburg getting the victory?

 

The key was to dominate the paint and we didn’t do that. They killed us in rebounds which is what we do best and they did a better job of getting to the free throw line and making free throws.

 

Was new Ludwigsburg center Gary Mcghee a bit off the radar with his 13 points and 14 rebounds or did SC Rasta Vechta know what he was capable to bring to the table?

We were aware of what he’s capable of but didn’t do a very good job of keeping him off the boards. That’s a team thing. No one person is at fault for that.

 

What is it like when your on the court and read two very well know NBA names like Stockton and Karl which one doesn´t see each day in the Beko BBL? Was your focus and energy even a bit higher than usual in Ludwigsburg?

 I don’t pay attention to the name. I judge players based on their abilities not the name on their uniform. The focus was there because it was a win we needed to get.

 

You know Michael Stockton form the Pro A last season. You have seen him in two games now. How have you seen his development? In a way his situation is similar to you in that you both have proved that you can play at the highest basketball level in Germany.

He deserves to be where he’s at. We worked hard, got an opportunity and he’s making the most of it. I can’t be anything other than happy for a guy who been able to do what he’s doing.

 

A lot of pressure as well as responsibility lies on your shoulders. You had five turnovers in Ludwigsburg. Do you sometimes try to do too much on the court in your quest to lead your team to victory in any possible way?

I don’t feel I do too much. Everything I do is to make something positive happen for the team. Sometimes it’s good intentions gone wrong. It’s part of the game. No one plays mistake free basketball.

 

How advantageous is it that SC Rasta Vechta faced Wurzburg 21 days ago and you had your best team defensive performance letting up 52 points?

That’s definitely a positive thing to have just played them but they’re a different team that we play them last time. Key guys coming back from injury and guys being added to the team. This is a must win for us.

 

Wurzburg is known for having a very scrappy defense. How proud were you that SC Rasta Vechta only had nine turnovers. How vital will that stat be again this time around as well as keeping their outside shooters at bay which you did at 7/31?

For sure. Each possession will be that much important because there will be less of them. Especially when you know it will be a low scoring, defensive minded game.

 

What is your 2104 Super Bowl prediction? Can the Seattle Sea Hawks win this game or is Peyton Manning invincible?

I predict that Peyton Manning will go out on top

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The wood.

 

Thanks Richie for the chat.

 

 

 

Jay Threat is a 24 year old 180cm point guard from Richmond, Virginia that is playing his second professional season and first in germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg. He started his basketball career with George Mason and then transefered to Delaware State where he played from 2009-2012 an din his senior year played 26 games: 8.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 6.0apg, Steals-1(3.0spg), FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 26.4%, FT: 82.1%. He played a total of 89 NCAA games. Last season as a rookie he played for Ungmennafelagio Snaefell (Iceland-Dominos League): 28 games: 18.5ppg, 5.3rpg, Assists-1(8.9apg), 1.9spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 77.8%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Crailsheim Merlins

 

 

Jay congrats on the 86-73 win against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. The game was very even at halftime, but the MLP Academics opened up the game in the second half leading to the win. What was key for getting the home win?

 

Defense the way we started the season

How sweet was the win considering the bitter 84-83 loss you had to digest shortly before Christmas in Leverkusen?

 

It was good to get a win but were not at all content with that win.

 

Did you buy Michael Jost a beer after the game? Who would have thought that a German would be top scorer before the four Americans on the team. He is having a great season and continues to be a very important player for you.

Michael Jost is a very talented player. When he plays like that we are very tough to beat. He was another one who was hurt for a while. He’ s a big part of our team.

 

How early did the MLP Academics realize that getting the ball inside and getting penetration points would be one of the keys to the win as you scored 60 points inside?

That was the most points we have scored in the paint all season. We’re making a better effort to get the ball down there a little more and not settling on just three’s.

 

Newcomer Anthony Hill had 15 points and seven boards. Have you been pleased how he has been integrated and what is his biggest strength on the floor?

Ant is another talented player. He is coming along well. We are still learning his game as a team but the best is yet to come from him.

 

You had another solid game with 17 points and six assists. You are the most consistent player on the team having scored in double figures in each game except one. Will we see even a stronger Jay Threat in the second half of the season?

Thanks I appreciate that. I pride myself on being consistent. Me finally being healthy is huge, I will continue to improve my game and make my team better.

 

The next game is against the Crailsheim Merlins who you beat 101-87. What do you remember most from that game?

Not a lot. I just remember that we played a pretty solid game as a team. I didnt play really well but as long as we win thats all that matters.

Will the biggest focus be containing Carlos Medlock who scorched Heidelberg with 29 points?

I think Carlos is their best player so we will give him a lot more attention this time.

What is your 2014 Super Bowl prediction? Is there anyway that the Seattle Sea Hawks can win?

Seahawks! Russell Wilson is from my city and i know him so i hope he wins. Their are another 4 players on that team from my state so im routing for those guys.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Im Watching “the Wolf on Wall Street” right now

Thanks Jay for the chat.

 

Jermel Kennedy  is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Toronto Canada that is playing his first season in the German Pro B with TV Langen. He started his basketball career in 2008 with  Iowa Central Community College (NJCAA) playing 26 games: 4.3ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP:47.3%, FT: 57.1%. In 2009-2010, he played for Volunteer State Community College (NJCAA) playing  27 games: 11.7ppg, 8.2rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 83.0%. He finished his college basketball career at Lander in 2012 playing two seasons there and as a senior played  27 games: 11.0ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 66.1%, FT: 70.5%. Last summer he was drafted by Moncton Miracles (NBL Canada,1rd(6). He spoke to German Hoops before the game against Leipzig

 

 

How important was the 87-58 win against Speyer after TV Langen started 0-2 after the break?

 

Beating Speyer was important to us simply because of our slow 0-2 start after the holiday break. We already beat them so there was a great level of importance to beating them again at home

 

TV Langen controlled the game and played a solid game for 40 minutes. What were the main reasons for getting the win and being able to dominate so well?

Our main goal as a team now is to play every game as if it were our last and to use the momentum of last weeks win to fuel us to continuously play at a high level

 

You had another very nice game scoring 23 points, but shot the least shots this season form the field with six. You usually take more shots, but how important is it getting a handle on shot selection as a rookie already?

 

I never had a problem getting a rhythm or handle on shots and I try to aim to take shots that I am most comfortable with and that are good for me . I try to be as efficient as possible.

 

David Pruett seems to be getting better accustomed to the team and league as he had another solid game. How have you seen his development since he arrived before Christmas?

 

 David is steadily figuring it out being more patient and letting the game come to him. I continuously encourage him and be positive so that this transition is easier for him because I personally know what he is capableof. Each day and games he has gotten better.

 

The next game is against Leipzig who you lost 82-64 to at the start of the season. What do you remember from that game?

I remember a very aggressive physical set of athletes that weren’t going to let us beat them at home. Also our team wasn’t molding that well at the time and things defensively kept falling apart and we couldn’t maintain any type of momentum.

 

They didn´t have a star, but each starter scored in double figures and the bench provided only eight points. What will be key for getting the win besides playing good team basketball?

 

Leipzig has a very well rounded starting 5 and they all have the ability to score. We must not miss a nuance from this team not even a player not listed on the scouting report. This game is very important to me as well as our team and we will be ready.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last movie I watched was a classic “Blue chips” great basketball film

 

Keaton Grant is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Kissimmee, Florida that is playing his first season in Germany for the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg. He played at Purdue from 2006-2010 playing a total of 138 NCAA games. As a senior he played 35 games: 6.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 28.7%, FT: 75.4%. In 2010 as a rookie he played for Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 49 games: 9.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 71.4%. In 2011-2012 he played for Astrum Levice (Czech Rep.-NBL, starting five): 36 games: Score-4(17.9ppg), 5.8rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 78.9%; also played at Onyx Levice (Slovakia-Extraliga, starting five): 13 games: 16.8ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 31.9%, FT: 76.1%. Last season he played for AS Apollon Patras (Greece-A1, starting five): 28 games: 13.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-2(2.0spg), FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 75.2%. He was a spectator at the 2014 Beko BBL allstar game in Bonn and talked to German Hoops about basketball.

 

You watched your buddy CJ Harris at the Beko BBL Allstar game win the three point shooting contest. How did you like the atmosphere and why didn´t you go home for the break?

 

I really liked the atmosphere in Bonn. We only had a three day break and I would loved to have gone home, but I don´t go home for three days. There just wasn´t enough time.

 

How proud are you of CJ Harris who won the three point shooting contest?

 

I am very proud of him and I was confident that he could win it. When he gets going then he is unstoppable and so effortless in his shooting. I practiced with him leading up to the competition and when he hit 16, I knew that he had it won.

 

How happy are you with the first half of the season for the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg?

 

I think that we had a good first half of the season. We could of won more close games. It was tough getting a rhythm, but I think that we have more momentum now.

 

How happy have you been with your game. Currently you are averaging 15,5ppg, 3,4rpg and 1,3apg.

 

I think it is going well, but I can always rebound and defend better. I want that we win more games in the second half and I want to take my game to a new level.

 

How great is it having two NBA names like Stockton and Karl on the club?

 

It is great. Karl is a good guy and both really have a great basketball IQ and it is nice going to work with them every day.

 

Who has been the unsung hero of the team so far this season?

 

CJ Harris has been our unsung hero player. He is shooting over 50% and just does his job each day.

 

You played together with Chris Kramer at Purdue. What moment do you remember most about his play?

 

I remember a game either against Florida or Arizona where he got the rebound fell and made the shot sitting down on the court.

 

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

 

Eric Gordon of the Pelicans. You can´t touch him. He had no weakness in college and had so much range on his shot.

 

What wish do you still have as a professional basketball player?

 

I want to be able to put myself to be a better player each day and just reach my fullest potential.

 

What player do you want to see take off in the 2014 Beko BBL allstar game?

 

I want to see if Isaiah Swann can score.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Lone survivor with Mark Wahlberg.

 

Thanks Keaton for the chat.