Kevin Hamilton is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Queens Village, New York that is playing his second season for BBC Bayreuth. He played at Holy Cross from 2002-2006 and played together with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 17.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.5apg, 3.3spg, FG: 38.1%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 77.7%. In his rookie season 2006-2007, he came to Europe and played in Poland for Polpak Swiecie playing 19 games and averaging 13.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2(2.3spg), 2FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 64.2%. In 2007-2008, he played in France for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB) playing 2 games and averaging 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg. He also had a short tenure in Mexico with Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun. In 2008-2009, he returned back to Poland to play for SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg playing 32 games averaging 11.0ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-1(6.4apg), Steals-1(2.8spg), FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 66.5%. He was not lazy in the last three summers staying in game shape and playing in Puerto Rico playing 90 games. In tue summer of 2009, he played for Indios de Mayaguez playing  35 games and averaging 10.5ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-3(6.3apg), Steals-2(1.7spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 70.6%. His father was a draft pick of The Boston Celtics in 1980. In 2009-2010, he played his first season in Braunschweig playing 39 games: 10.1ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-3(5.4apg), Steals-2(1.9spg), FGP: 63.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.6%. In 2010-2011 for Braunschweig, he averaged 9,oppg, 4,1rpg and 4,3apg. Last season, he was injured and was only able to play  4 games: 8.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg. This past summer he played in Puerto Rico for  Indios de Mayaguez (Puerto Rico-BSN) playing  23 games: 7.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.6apg, Steals-4(1.6spg), FGP: 40.2%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 61.5%. He spoke to German Hoops about BBC Bayreuth and his friend Alexander Franklin of the Fraport Skyliners.

After missing most of last season, you came back ready to go, but now will miss another 1-2 months. How are you coping with another hardship in your basketball career?

It always sucks when you have to miss time with your team but I am optimistic that I will be back soon, and 100 percent healthy.

Will it be more beneficial to get a point guard for the short term or give the reigns to Simon Schmitz and Nate Rhonert?

I think so, it gives them a lot of reps at the position and some experience that will help us during the season.

Despite being without Jason Cain, Nate Rhonert and your self, BBC Bayreuth gave a good figure in the test game against Wurzburg. How pleased have you been with the development of the team in preseason. What is the strength of the team?

I have been pretty pleased. Like any team at this phase we have a lot to work on but we work hard and play together which are the most important things to accomplish in preseason in my opinion so I think the rest will fall into place.

I see the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg as a top 4 team despite the increased competitive nature of the Beko BBL? Where do you see this team and can they build on their success of last season?
They will definitely be a good team and they have a lot of experienced winners so I expect them to be tough, but anything is possible in this league.

Germans Nicolai Simon and Simon Schmitz were one and two in scoring for BBC Bayreuth in an early test game. Simon is still young, but has been around for ages starting in the Erdgas Ehingen program. How have you been helping him in practice?

Well I have seen Simon get progressively better these past two years and this year he has gotten stronger and much more aggressive. I think he is going to impress a lot of people. He has always been a hard worker and smart player and I think he will be able to establish himself as a top young German talent this year. Nicolai has been a player I have always been impressed with. He is a great shooter and also has a great work ethic. I have enjoyed the first few weeks getting to know him and I am happy he is on my team this year !

It seems a lot of talk as centered around what Gary Mcghee will be able to do or a Jason Cain having a big year, but quietly Joe Trapani has been playing his game with success. Who does his game remind you of and will he be bale to adapt to the high level of the Beko BBL?

I think Joe is going to have a big season for us. He causes a lot of problems at the 4 and 3 positions for other clubs and plays hard all the time. He is too fast and clever for most 4’s and too strong and athletic for people at the 3 position. Joe is also a great guy who is hungry to win so I am excited to suit up with him this year as well.

How fortunate are the Fraport Skyliners to have your friend Alexander Franklin on their roster?

Very fortunate , people in Frankfurt have a player to be excited about.

Recently the Fraport Skyliners gave your friend Alexander Franklin a try out contract. Knowing him well as a player and person how confident are you that he will be on the Skyliner roster on October 3rd when the season starts?

Alex Franklin will be a Fraport Skyliner all season. There are not many people in this league who can match up with him athletically and physically. He is going to bring a lot of energy and excitement to Frankfurt.

Franklin describes himself as very versatile on the court. If you had to choose one aspect of his game that will help the Fraport Skyliners most what would it be?

It is hard to pin point one thing. The obvious answer would be his athleticism and his strength. But I really appreciated his composure and decision making as a young player. He was a big if not the biggest reason for our team in Puerto Rico’s championship run.

You played this past summer with Alexander Franklin at Indios de Mayaguez (Puerto Rico-BSN). What was the most amazing thing that you saw him do on the court?

A dunk in the semi-finals…..Ridiculous !

Who would win a game in their prime the Dream team or Team USA 2012?

In their prime the Dream team

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Megamind.

Thanks Kev for the chat.

A year ago, the Fraport Skyliners had a taste of NBA flair joining them with 2012 Milwaukee Bucks Draft Pick Jon Leuer with the always present mischeovous Ferris Bueller appearance  and former NBA player Jermario Davidson who was growing a special patent on his fade away jumper from the wing and the only thing missing form him last season was a rap performance standing on the rim, but this season the Fraport Skyliners have swapped NBA taste with try-out taste in the likes of Anthony Jones, Johnahon Jones and Alexander Franklin. In the first pre season exhibition game, the Fraport Skyliners met 2012 Japanese league champion Toyota Alvark at Basketball city and two familiar faces returned back to face off with Jeff Gibbs who was known as being the smallest center in the Beko BBL often terrorizing players 20 centimeters taller than him and always having that competitive smile dueling with the smilers like Immanuel Mcelroy and Michael Hakim Jordan for the widest one and head coach Don Beck who coached 9 years in Trier winning two cup titles and coaching five years in Oldenburg helping form Euroleague players like D or Fischer and Doron Perkins. The Fraport Skyliners who had to play without an injured Quantez Roberston who broke his left ring finger last week and are still seeking a center,  gave a solid effort at the training facility, but had very little competition with the Japanese champion Toyota Alvark. “This was the worst game we have played in two years. We shot the ball very bad tonight. I think that we were a bit tired and that it was the end of our Germany trip. I wasn´t satisfied with our energy level. We had an off day. We are really a better team than this”, stressed Toyota Alvark head coach Don Beck. The Fraport Skyliners dominated the game and played a solid defensive game in the traditional manner of MUli Katzurin showing a forceful full press defense. Johannes Herber played an exceptional game and was pleased that the team could finally get their exhibition schedule started. “It was the first game and we were all a bit tired, but it was good to play against another team. We were able to see how we function as a unit and see where each player can use their strength. Toyota Alvark wasn´t as competitive and we lost a little concentration at times. We had problems at the rebound, but all in all it was a good performance”, stressed Fraport Skyliner shooring guard Johannes Herber.

Fraport Skyliner fans also saw the return of Mr incredible Jeff Gibbs who played in the Beko BBL from 2006-2010 leading the league in rebounding three years in a row. He is starting his third season with Toyota Alvark and was happy to see some familiar faces. “It is always nice to come back to my second home Germany. It is also nice to see familiar faces like the my ex teammate the warrior Emeke Erege”, stressed Jeff Gibbs. Try-out player Alex Franklin was able to take some glimpses of how the 188cm center Ohio Native works under the basket. “Gibbs was a beast that was a presence down low and  really knew how to use his body well”, said ex Siena player Alexander Franklin. Gibbs showed that he is an expert of filling up the stat sheet finishing with 6 points, 13 boards, and three blocks and was a menace on the offensive glass hauling down seven offensive rebounds. Fraport Sklyiners captain Marius Nolte had his battles down low with him as well as in the past in the Beko BBL and was still amazed of his game. “He is 32, but it is still amazing how he grabs rebounds. We had good duels with Paderborn-Ulm. I am happy that he hasn´t lost his game, because he is a very nice guy”, commented Marius Nolte. Johannes Herber had the hot hand through out the game and the only thing missing was grabbing a lounge chair and watching Mr incredible Jeff Gibbs operate. “I was a bit surprised that he didn´t start, but he was still their best player. It is fascinating how he fishes in the rebounds. It is really fun to watch”, expressed Ex Alba Berlin player Johannes Herber.

Before the game commenced one could see how anxious the fans were for the game to start, but also the players. Johannes Herber powered home a thunderous dunk getting a smile from injured Quantez Robertson something he could show more in games this season. On the opposing side, Jeff Gibbs was getting ready and already had his focused game face on as if he was about to play in  a game seven and Skyliner legend Pascal Roller was walking around with his kids and a ball in one hand as if he was looking for some shorts and sneakers to come in off the bench. When the game did start, it was very lopsided as the Fraport Skyliners got off to a fast start leading 8-0. Toyota Alvark seemed surprised by the Skyliners physical play and rude full court press and couldn´t hit a shot off the side of the barn. The Fraport Skyliners quickly got their offensive engine revved as Marius Nolte scored inside twice and Anthony Jones getting a quick steal and getting an easy transition bucket. The Frankfurt defense continued to wreck havoc as they got another steal and Michigan native Johnathon Jones scored on the fast break. Frankfurt led 8-0. “We got off to a slow start didn´t bring the energy that we should of. They played tough full court press and our shots didn´t fall. They plan outworked us”, stated ex Otterbein player Jeff Gibbs.  Toyota Alvark finally got on the score board as it almost took them six minutes to get their first points as Takeuchi Kosuke hit a mid distance jumper. Johannes Herber hit a three pointer from the top of the key as the Skyliner offense was giving the best Japanese defense problems. Toyota Alvark was #1 in 9 of 11 Defensive categories in the JBL league last season. However even when the floor was filled with PRO B players, Toyota Alvark couldn´t really find an answer against the Skyliner pressure. Perhaps the prettiest bucket in the first quarter was a give and go between Young guns Konsatntin Klein and Johannes Vogtmann as Klein finished with an easy layup. Toyota Alvark hit two shots from down town in the last two minutes from Matsui Keijuro and Kumagai Takayuki. Konstan Klein showed his quickness with a lay up getting a pretty feed from Devin Gibson as the Fraport Skyliners led 18-10 after one quarter. “Frankfurt dominated and defended well. Frankfurt was very active and did a good job not letting Toyota Alvark get inside”, stressed ex ratiopharm Ulm player Emeke Erege.

The Fraport Skyliners got off to a quick start once again in the second quarter going on a 8-2 run to lead 26-12. Anthony Jones got hot making a fade away jumper and then showing his scoring instinct hitting a three pointer. However this quick run didn´t impress Toyota Alvark as they responded with their own 8-0 to cut the Skyliner lead to 26-20. Toyota Alvark finally got some points inside as Phillip Ricci scored over Nolte, three point specialist Okada Yusuke who shot 40% from the parking lot last season in the JBL league hit from down town, Arao Gaku hit a runner from the corner and Skyliner Alexander Franklin had some misfortune tipping in a ball into his own basket. The second quarter continued to be a quarter of runs as now it was time for the Fraport Skyliners to shine again as went into half time with a 11-2 run and leading very comfortably 37-22. In the past when the Fraport Skyliners needed rapid points to get out of a dilemma fast, it would be a Dashaun Wood two seasons ago or Jermario Davidson last season and against Toyota Alvark it was ex German national player Johannes Herber who showed his leadership qualities  making a three pointer and scoring inside. Herber also made free throws as did Anthony Jones. Alexander Franklin might only have produced two points, but it was a very beautiful play as he scored inside in traffic. “Frankfurt continued to execute while Toyota Alvark was hitting some three pointers, but still missed many easy lay ups. Frankfurt was focusing a lot on Jeff Gibbs and he also missed some easy baskets”, added Jeff Gibbs friend Emeke Erege. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 39% from the field and 23% from outside as Toyota Alvark was shooting 20% from the field and 17% from outside. Toyota Alvark had the slim 24-23 rebound edge and six turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners had only three turnovers.

In the third quarter, The Fraport Skyliners were able to hold their lead, but in the latter half of the third quarter let Toyota Alvark back into the game. Muli Katzurin continued to experiment playing his whole bench especially the try out players and his PRO B wunder kinder. Toyota Alvark jumped on a mini 4-0 run cutting the Fraport Skyliners lead to 37-26 as Jeff Gibbs scored inside and Shonaka Takeki scored from the corner. Anthony Jones then showed some more brilliance scoring in bunches as he nailed a jumper in the corner and then read a Toyota Alvark pass and jumped in stealing the ball and going coast to coast for an  easy lay up. Herber then hit a jumper as the Fraport Skyliners led 44-26. Matsui Keijuro then hit a jumper. Gibbs then scored in his typical manner scooting inside for the position getting the ball under the basket making seemingly 1000 fakes and then hitting  a hook shot over the out stretched hand of Herber. Johannes Vogtmann then scored inside getting a super no look pass from Devin Gibson. The 19 year old 211cm center from the former East Germany played a spirited game scoring three points, getting nine rebounds and blocking Jeff Gibbs. “I liked the play of Vogtmann. He will develop if he continues to work hard”, stressed Jeff Gibbs. Gibbs showed his rebound power grabbing a rebound over Vogtmann who is 22 centimeters taller, but knows exactly who was the tallest player he surprised by shooting over. “I shot over Charles Shackleford. He was an ex NBA seven footer”, smiled Jeff Gibbs. After Takeki and Herber exchanged baskets, the Fraport Skyliners still led 49-33. Toyota Alvark closed out the third quarter strong trailing only 59-47. Deadly three point specialist Okada Yusuke hit two three pointers. Herber helped the Skyliners keep the cushion with a three pointer and steal where he was off to the races scoring a transition hoop. Konstatin Klein made the last basket as the buzzer sounded on a fast break play as the Fraport Skyliners led 59-47. “We finally played the way that we should and play our style which is our defensive intensity. We also picked up our shooting”, added Jeff Gibbs. “They came back because they are a good team and good teams make runs which we couldn´t counter”, said Fraport Skyliner forward Alexander Franklin.

Muli Katzurin must of found the encouraging words between quarters as the Fraport Skyliners jumped out on a 14-2 lead to decide the game as they led 73-49 in the fourth quarter. After Konstantin Klein hit a three pointer that got a lucky BCM  role, Phillip Ricci countered with a lay in. After a Vogtmann block on Gibbs, it was Anthony Jones who continued to fight for a contract setting the tone in the fourth quarter. He really showed how versatile he can be even though he is known for being able to hit from anywhere on the floor. He started with a clever pump fake in the corner and then dashing to the basket with a lay in which no Toyota Alvark big could pick up. He then timed a perfect ally-op pass to Danilo Barthel who shoveled the ball off the glass. Johnathon Jones then found some daylight from the wing and scoring on the penetration before it was Anthony Jones again scoring on a transition play as Johnathon Jones found him. “The Skyliners pushed it up an extra notch in the fourth quarter. Our intensity level wasn´t there.  They continued to knock down shots”, stressed Jeff Gibbs. Toyota Alvark would close out the game with a positive 9-5 run, but it was all too little too late. Danilo Barthel helped his stat line with a three pointer in the last minute as he finished with seven points and eight rebounds in 19 minutes. “One could see that the first season of Danilo helped him and he gave us exactly what we needed tonight”, stressed Fraport Skyliner captain Marius Nolte. The Fraport Skyliners were never really challenged and were consistent on defense. “We kept the defensive intensity for 40 minutes. We also executed pretty well. This was a stepping stone for us, but we still have things to work on. It is the little things that we need to improve like rotations and we got hurt on the boards”, stressed Alexander Franklin.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Anthony Jones with 23 points, six rebounds and four assists. “He is a scorer and I wasn´t surprised how well he played. I hope that there is more to come from him”, added teammate Alexander Franklin. “Anthony Jones has that feel to score. He fits into our system and team”, added Marius Nolte. Johannes Herber added 21 points. Toyota Alvark were led by Kumagai Takayuki and Matsui Keijuro with 10 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners shot 44% from the field and 36% from the parking lot while Toyota Alvark had a rough shooting day with 33% from the field and 31% from the parking lot. The Fraport Skyliners edged Toyota Alvark on the boards 40-39 and had 14 turnovers while Toyota Alvark had 17 turnovers. It was only the first test, but captain Marius Nolte was pleased with the first result. 2It was good to play against other players. We usually have that internal competition with each other in practice. I feel that we are all working together. This win will give us a push for the next game”, added Marius Nolte.

 

Dijuan Harris is a 175cm guard from Charlotte, North Carolina that is starting his third professional basketball season and first with the Lti Giessen 46ers. He is a guard that is super fast and strong point guard. Pushes the ball quick in transition and scores in a variety of ways. Uses ball screens well, and finishes in the lane with his strength. Creates open looks for all his teammates and puts a lot of pressure on the defense when on the fast break. He is a great defender because of his quickness, and beats the offense to the spot because of his great anticipation.Last season, he played for  Usak Universitesi Belediyespor (Turkey-TB2L, starting five): 36 games: 14.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 23.4%, FT: 72.9%. He played at Charlotte in the NCAA breaking various school records. In his rookies eason in 2010, he played for Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five), left in Nov.’10: 11 games: 19.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 75.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Welcome to the LTi Giessen 46ers. You will be starting your third professional season and first in Germany afte rplaying in Finland and Turkey. What were the main reasons for coming to Germany Beko BBL league?

There were several reasons in deciding to come to Germany BBL, but the top 2 reasons were because of the competition I would see on a day in and day out basis, and The League is very well respected in Europe.

You arrived in Germany recently landing in Frankfurt which is overwhelming with its big skyline. You are from a city Charlotte, but were you disappointed when you saw the small university town of Giessen for the first time?

No, not at all, I am actually accustomed to seeing the smaller cities in Europe, my first 2 years in Europe I have been in very small towns, so this is actually bigger than the first 2, so another step in the right direction.

What is your first general impression of Germany? What are you really looking forward to on and off the court?

I am looking forward to the competition and the atmosphere on the floor, and off the floor I have become a huge football fan so hopefully I can get to a game to watch Munich play before season is out.

The Beko BBL is a step up from lower leagues in Finland and TB2L Turkey. How ready are you for this challenge and how sure are you that you can step it up at this level?

Its nothing new to me, everybody everywhere put on their shirt and shoes just like I do, and I have been playing against the best since high school, and this is nothing different. Yes, it is a step up in competition, but I feel Like I can compete with the best of them, and I was just looking for an opportunity, and now I have it and I know ill make the best of it. I feel I will have a productive year, individually, and as a team. I am confident in my abilities, and when you work at your craft and you put the time and hard work in you know you ready for the big stage. I work with vets who been there and done what im trying to do such as TERELL MCINTYRE, VINCENT GRIER, ANTHONY MORROW, JUNIOR HARRINGTON, these are top level guards, and a NBA Player who I have either played against or worked out with.

You are a 175cm point guard. You will be teaming up with another diminutive guard Achmadschah Zazai. Have you ever been on a team where both point guards were under 180cm? What is advantage of having two very small guards?

Last time I played with another small guard was in college, It has its advantages but also has its disadvantages, but nonetheless I feel we will be fine, and will hold our own against bigger guards no matter what. I am accustomed to seeing big guards, either guarding me, or I have to guard them. Its just what comes with the territory.

You push the ball quick in transition and scores in a variety of ways. Uses ball screens well, and finishes in the lane with his strength. Creates open looks for all his teammates and puts a lot of pressure on the defense when on the fast break. What is a strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away?

My defense doesnt always get noticed, but I play very good on the ball, and passing lane defense.

What is your first impression of head coach Mathias Fischer? What has been your experience with past coaches? What is always the most important thing that you have with your coach?

He is a very open guy, and a proven winner. My experience with past coaches have been great actually, but I feel this will be best yet because he speaks English fluently. It will be a lot easier as the PG to communicate with him and speak with him about on the floor situations that may occur in the game. Its actually 2 things, one being communication and the other being trust. To be able to speak with my coach about everything, and my coach trusting me in tight and close situations, and knowing ill get us in the right set, formation, and put us in position to win.
Last season you played for Usak Universitesi Belediyespor. You were averaging 30 plus minutes in the first half of the season, but in the second half your playing time drastically got reduced. What were the reasons for this?

My minutes dropped because the rule for TB2L WAS ONLY 1 AMERICAN ON COURT AT A TIME, so when other transfer came, THEY PLAYED HIM MORE, CAUSING MY MINUTES TO DECLINE
Doneal Mack has about 20 centimeters on you. What was the most important thing that you learned from him last season?

Well he guarded me a lot during the season in practice and he helped me to get my shot off still against bigger defenders, in 1 on 1 situations where I had to create for myself. He helped me because his length and athleticisim will bother anybody who he guards.

As a rookie, you played in Finland. What was your wake up call as a rookie in that league?

My wake up call in Europe was when I was in Finland and I played my second game there I believe, and we won I had 31 pts, 6ass but only took 14 shots total, thats when a light came on and I knew I belonged and no matter what nobody said I felt like I could play with anybody giving the right opportunity.

You played at Charlotte(NCAA) breaking many records. Who was the most difficult opponent on the court that might be in the NBA now?

There were a few guys that was a tough cover in college actually, as far as size goes, I feel Greivis Vasquez was tough. He had a pretty good game, he knew how to use his size and when to use it. Played within himself and with a lot of confidence, and the other guy would be Stephen Curry because his range on his shot was not like nobody else, and he would raise up from anywhere. He used the ball screen at Davidson very well.
Who would win in their prime if they played against each other. The Dream Team or Team USA 2012?

I would love to see that game, but it would never happen so as a guess I would say Dream Team

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Friday.

Thanks Dijuan for the chat.

Ricky Harris is a 25 year old 188cm guard from Baltimore, Maryland that last season played for the s.Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing 35 games: 9.8ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 67.0%. He scored in double figures 16 times and best point total was 25 against the LTi Giessen 46ers. He played at  Massachusetts (NCAA) from 2006-2010 playing a total of 129 NCAA games and in hiss enior year palyed  31 games: 19.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 30.2%, FT: 72.9%. In 2010-2011, he started his basketball career with BC Siauliai (Lithuania-LKL): Lithuanian League: 8 games: 7.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 61.5%; EuroCup: 5 games: 12.6ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 47.6%; Baltic League: 14 games: 10.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 37.2%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 66.2%, in Jan.’11 moved to Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye (Ukraine-Superleague): 29 games: 9.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.6%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 67.4%, then moved to B-Meg Llamados (Philippines-PBA). At Massachusetts (NCAA), he played together with ex Bonn player Tony Gaffney for two seasons and the American only has fond memories of his ex teammate. “Ricky became one of my brothers while playing together at UMASS. He was always a great teammate and very hard worker. He is one of the more potent scorers I’ve ever played with, and while playing under a coach that is not going to put a leash on him, he could really flourish into a prominent European player. Always been a lot of fun to be around, and wants to do anything to help his team and teammates succeed and as a basketball player, those are the kinds of teammates that make seasons so enjoyable, people like slick rick”, stressed Tony Gaffney. Harris spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Ricky where are you presently and how has your summer been? What was the coolist activity that you were able to do this summer?

I am currently in my hometown Baltimore Maryland, my summer has been great and all but it’s time to get back to work and I am very eager and excited to see where I will end up

September is quietly rolling around and basketball teams in Europe in general are getting their rosters in order. How surprised are you that you are still currently unsigned for the coming season

I am a bit surprised because I think that I have had 2 very good seasons this past one being my second season, I have played on a Eurocup team my first year and I have also been a part of two final four team of their respective leagues. I know that the market has been a bit slow this season but I’m just waiting on my call it will come soon I hope.

Last season, you had a pretty solid season in the German Beko BBL for the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg playing 35 games: 9.8ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 67.0%. You got an offer, but the pay was low. Are you a bit disappointed that the club didn´t want you more?

The club wanted me back and I wanted to go back there, but we had trouble reaching an agreement and they went in another direction, that is part of the business though. I do miss them guys a lot and hopefully one day I will wear that jersey again in the future. They are a very good group of guys and the staff there now is amazing. I wish them nothing but the best this upcoming season and in years to come

The club got a superb shooting guard Jimmy Mckinney and experienced Lamont Mcintosh. Do you think that new coach Marcel Schroeder wants to go in a new direction at that position?

Marcel told me that it was mine he wanted me back. We just had a hard time finalizing a deal that both parties agreed on. Jimmy Mckinney is a very good player and I wish him well in Wurzburg, I have never seen Lamont Mccintosh play but I’m sure he will be a great asset to the team, Marcel is a great guy and I learned a lot from him this past season. He is going to be one of the best head coaches in Germany and wherever he coaches, he knows how to get the best out of his players in a good way.

In the last 12 games, you were only able to score in double figures one time in the last game of the season in Ulm. Did John Patrick lose confidence in your play?

I’m not sure if he lost confidence, but I do know what I am capable of and what I would have been able to do had I been given the the opportunity. Coach Patrick has been a winner in the Beko BBL for a long time now, and I do not question him or his decisions. I know that coach Patrick knows what type of player I am and what I can bring to a team. I wish him well in his future and upcoming opportunities.

What is a strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away on the court?

I can do a lot of thing on the court penetrate pass shoot and rebound. This past season I was just labeled as a shooter but there is a lot more to my game than just shooting. I am a competitor that wants to win.

If you could sell yourself best, why would a top level team in Europe want to hire Ricky Harris?

I am a winner, a great team guy, great person on and off the court, I’m responsible and able to except my faults but most importantly willing to learn from them, I am a student of the game eager to learn more.

If you had the choice would you still like to play in the Beko BBL and why?

I would love to play in the Beko BBL. Germany in itself is a great place to play and live, the fan support is amazing whether you are at the top of the league, or in the bottom of the league you still have the support of your fans. If another German Beko BBL offer presents itself I’m sure me and my agent would be very eager and excited to work with that club.

Who was the toughest player that you had to match up against last season in the Beko BBL?

There are many good players in the German league to many to name, but if I had to say the toughest players, I would have to say practicing against my teammates everyday. John Little, Ben Jacobsen, Chester Fraizer, Chris Kramer, we went after each other so hard in practice that when it was game time it was easy to go out and play other teams toughest guys.

How does a summer work out plan look like for Ricky Harris? What do you do in the Am and PM to keep in shape and your basketball in shape?

In the morning I go to the YMCA to lift weights, at night I go to Towson University and work out on my basketball skill and conditioning

German talent Maximilan Kleber has been injured here and there the last years, but still has a lot of potential. You saw him in practice daily. How do you see his development and where will he be in 5 years?

Maxi is going to be in the NBA. He has the talent, athletic ability and skill set to be a NBA player. He is something to watch in the near future.

Who wins in their prime, the Dream team or Team USA 2012?

The Dream team would win.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Hunger Games

Thanks Ricky for the chat.

Christopher Copeland is a 28 year old 203 cm power forward from Orange, New Jersey that recently signed a contract with the NBA New York Knicks. He went to the University of Colorado from 2002-2006. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 12.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 44%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 68.8%. In his first season overseas, he played for Beirasar Rosalia (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five), only pre-season, then moved to C.B. L’Hospitalet (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five) playing 4 games averaging 4.0ppg, 8.0rpg and then moved to Matrixx Magix Nijmegen (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five) playing 28 games and averaging 18.0ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 79.3%.in 2008-2009 season, he moved to Germany to TBB Trier playing 34 games averaging 13.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 74.8%. In 2009-2010, he continued to play for TBB Trier playing 33 games: Score-2(16.8ppg), 4.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 76.0%.In 2010-2011, he played for  for Generali Okapi Aalstar (Belgium) he played 36 games: 14.6ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 33.5%, FT: 73.8%. Last season for Generali Okapi Aalstar, he played Belgian League: 33 games: Score-1(21.8ppg), 5.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 57.2%, 3PT-2(44.7%), FT: 79.1%; EuroChallenge: 11 games: Score-2(20.1ppg), 4.0rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 79.2%. This summer, he played NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (New York Knicks): 5 games: 13.8ppg, 4.0rpg He spoke to German Hoops about his season in Belgium and his time with TBB Trier this summer before he signed an NBA contract with the New York Knicks.

You recently played your second season in Belgium. How quickly has time flown by since your days with TBB Trier?

Time has been flying so I must be getting older. I had a great time in Belgium.

You have played two seasons with Generali Okapi Aalstar and have a contract for next season. Did you get tips from ex teammate James Gillingham about staying with one team for a longer time?

He was a great leader and friend when I was with TBB Trier. We haven´t talked in a while, but he used to always give me advice about things.

You wanted to come to the TBB Trier-Fraport Skyliners game, but you were held up in Belgium?

Yes I was in Belgium. I had been planning to come to that game for a while and see Jamal Shuler, but we lost an ugly game on the weekend and had to practice Sunday. I would loved to have come, but that comes with the job.

You live in Aalsz Belgium which is smaller than Trier. How did you like living there?

The people were great there and its more quiet which is my speed. It was a great situation. Trier was bigger and I loved the people there also. I already enjoyed going to the Petrisberg in Trier. I loved the fans in Trier.

You won the Belgium cup this year against the Antwerpen Giants. What kind of a feeling was it winning your first title in Europe?

Winning was very amazing. It was so more special the way we won. We had to claw back and fight back and win in OT. It is always so much more special when you can win like that especially in a big game.

You had a big 24-10 fourth quarter to bring the game to OT. What was key for getting the win?

Defense, defense, defense. We had to get stops and started hitting our shots. We took the game into OT and took over from there.

Have you ever seen a better Kevin Kruger who was named MVP with 31 points?

I have seen Kevin have many great nights this season. He was very important in our comeback and showed how great a point guard he is by controlling the tempo having a bigger lineup. He kept us in line and is just a great point guard.

You have played against 2008 Beko BBL scoring champion Tim Black. What do you like most about his game?

He is an intelligent player with a high basketball IQ. He is a very good decision maker and takes good shots. He makes his team better and it is hard to defend him. You never know what he will do.

What was it like playing in a 9 team league instead of an 18 team league like in Germany?

With less teams, you play the teams more and become more familiar with the teams. It becomes more challenging when you see the same guys so often. Scouting becomes so much more important.

You have always been a scorer, but this season you led the Belgium league in scoring. Did something change in your role compared to last season?

I had a much bigger role this season. We lost many talented guys so I had to step it up a bit.

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

Everybody talks about my scoring, but my passing gets underestimated.

What can you still improve on your game?

I can still improve my defense. My one on one is solid, but my off ball defense can get better.

Your teammate was Jorn Steinbach who is a Belgium national player. Can he make the next step to another country or will he always play in Belgium?

He can play anywhere. He is very talented and smart. I am looking forward to the next years to see where he will play and how he will develop.

What has been the most amazing thing that you have seen Kevin Kruger do in a practice?

He is very good and making half court shots.

Who is the best player that you have faced in Belgium?

Mike Haynes who used to play in Germany. He is very athletic and just an all around good player.

What are the biggest differences to Belgium and the Beko BBL?

I think that they are pretty much similar, but there are 9 teams more in Germany. The Beko BBL is taller. There are more bigs in the Beko BBL.

Do you still have contact to ex TBB Trier players?

I have contact to many, but mostly to Derek Raivio and Jamal Shuler.

What else do you miss from Trier besides the Petrisberg?

I hung out there very much, but if I wasn´t there, I was playing video games with George Evans, Jamal Shuler and Derek Raivio.

You had a 2-2 record against Frankfurt. What player do you remember most? Maybe Quantez Robertson?

Tez was very exciting and was all over the court, but I remember Derrick Allen the most. He was always the guy that I matched up against.

Maik Zirbes could land in the NBA someday. Did you already sense some years back that he had potential?

Yes I did. Maik has some natural abilities that not many have. He is a very hard worker and sky is the limit for him.

What was the perfect Derek Raivio to Chris Copeland pass?

That is hard, because he made so many great passes. He gave me ally-op passes or long passes that hit me in the chest.

What were the most free throws that you made in a row in practice?

At Colorado(NCAA), I once made a little less than 100. Josh Levin was my rebounder.

What was your most crazy shot in your basketball career?

In the corner way out of bounds shot from behind the basket.

With what players would you like to play together with?

With Jamal Shuler and Derek Raivio again?

If you had to chose between Nate Fox and Chris Young to play a one on one game with, who would you chose?

Neither. It would be a punishment to have to play against one of them. They are so hard to defend, because they are so big.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Inglourious Basterds.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Not only has summer found a small crack through the back door in Germany with the weather heating up the deprived country this weekend the same way 100 meter lightening bolt Usain Bolt does the fans with his pre race facial expressions, but 2013 European championships qualifications got revved up this weekend in Hagen with 1993 Euro winner Germany facing off against tiny neighbor Luxemburg. With Germany having posted a stellar 7-2 record this summer in friendlies, the exuberant crew of head coach Svetislav Pesic didn´t leave any of their past success this summer lost in Turkey or Bamberg, but were as focused as new New Orleans Hornet Brian Roberts always was on the court for Bamberg, Lionel Messi finally was in the second half of the 3-1 win against Germany this week where he scored one goal, but could of scored three or American gold medalist James Harden who has engraved the fear the beard phrase forever on the court as Germany trounced Luxemburg 101-53 winning their first game in the European qualifications for the Euro 2013. “We came into this game wanting to give everything we had. They weren´t easy to play as they were very small and quick. Our goal was to go inside to our big men which also opened it up for our three point shooters”, stressed ex Telekom Baskets Bonn forward Tim Ohlbrecht. Despite the big loss, Luxemburg players exited the dressing room after the loss in awe, but understood why they had lost this game. “This was a great experience for me. I have never had the chance to play against a team like this on the pro level. I think if this game would only have had three quarters, we would have been in the game. If we hadn´t had that awful first quarter of 0/7 shooting from outside, we would have had a chance. We were also too short to handle their big men”, stressed Luxemburg guard Christopher Jones. Not only was Luxemburg in awe after, but so was new Phoenix Hagen American Abe Lodwick who saw his first international game in Germany. “Luxemburg played out their hearts, but Germany was simply too talented and athletic. I liked the atmosphere. It is a small arena so the sound stays loud”, commented Abe Lodwick.

Despite the beach like humidity in the Enervie arena, where the only thing missing was Felix the Thunderbird mascot uncovering a hammock and ordering margaritas, the German national team didn´t really let any of the scorching heat disturb their play as they were able to manhandle Luxemburg as if they were on the north pole. For the 2,566 fans that had bought a ticket getting used to the sauna like conditions was difficult since they had been deprived of the summer with cooler temperatures this year, but the German players were used to it already. “It is hard to play in these temperatures and be aggressive, but we were used to these temperatures in Turkey”, stressed Tim Ohlbrecht. For 2010 NBA draft pick Tibor Pleiss, he will have to get used to these temperatures when he plays in the ACB this season for Caja Laboral. “They better have air conditioning there, or I will have to drink a whole pool before the game”, joked Tibor Pleiss. “It was so hot today, I could hop around the corner and jump in the Ischland pool”, laughed ratiopharm Ulm point guard Per Guenther. For Luxemburg player Christopher Jones who led his team in scoring with 19 points, he could of pulled a James Harden with his own theme with Fear the heat. “It was like a sauna and you lost energy fast, so you had to drink a lot. We weren´t used to playing in this type of heat. When it is this warm, you really need to get back to resources and play with routine. After this game, I wish I could be at the beach IN Belgium where I have family”, said Christopher Jones. “This heat was crazy. This was the hottest I have played in Europe this year. The heat makes it even tougher to play Germany in conditions like this”, said Luxemburg player Jairo Ferreira.

Even though Germany and Luxemburg are neighbors, both teams hadn´t played against each other since 1976 where Germany prevailed 69-50. Germany also wanted to make amends for their negative record in Hagen of 10-15 going into this game. In the first five minutes both teams were at even eyelevel even though it took Germany more time to find their rhythm. Per Guenther got Germany on the board first with a three pointer, but Luxemburg quickly showed that they weren´t timid as Raul Birenbaum and ex TBB Trier forward Sammy Picard scored in the lane as Luxemburg led 4-3. Both teams kept exchanging leads as they were still feeling each other out. Ex Brose Baskets Bamberg giant Tibor PLeiss made a tip in and Pit Koster some how scored over 215cm Tibor Pleiss with his 182cm as Luxemburg led again 6-5. FC Bayern Munich forward Jan Jagla made two free throws giving Germany the 7-6 lead, but it was Samy Picard again who played 52 Beko BBL games scoring over Jagla as Germany trailed 8-7. However then as is so often the case in basketball, one team kept scoring while the other didn´t as Germany ended the first quarter with a 18-2 run to lead 25-10. Germany was very versatile in their scoring any which way and their only mistake was when Jones stole a ball out of the hands of Per Guenther. Germany got needed production from Guenther and Jagla inside and a three pointer from Robin Benzing as Germany led 14-10. Luxemburg kept attacking with their run and gun, but were missing everything and Germany played heads up defense as Benzing made a monster block on Alexandre Rodenbourg. Ex TBB Trier center Maik Zirbes nailed a mid distance jumper, Tim Ohlbrecht made a tip in and Benzing ended the quarter with a bomb from downtown. “I thought that Germany took Luxemburg a bit lightly at the start. Luxemburg was playing well. Germany wasn´t 100% in the game and were giving up too many easy offensive rebounds. Germany was taking too many three pointers. Germany then found their rhythm and Picard and Schumacher didn´t hit their shots”, expressed eurobasket.com basketball expert Daniel Poerschke. Germany was shooting 47% from the field and 37% from outside while Luxemburg was shooting 26% from the field and 0% from outside. Germany led the rebounding easily 17-8 and both teams had four turnovers a piece.

The scoring rampage continued in the second quarter as Germany scooted out of the block with a 9-1 run to lead 34-11. Germany was subbing in and out and everyone was getting playing time. Maik Zirbes who looked like a monster compared to the Luxemburg players who seemed lost and out of place with their smaller bodies made a tip in off an offensive rebound. Bastian Doreth played with a lot of high intensity and is always putting the opponent under pressure hit a jumper and more big men did damage for Germany as Ohlbrecht made a tip in after his third try and Pleiss made a mid distance jumper as Germany led 34-11. From this stand point Luxemburg played a lot better mixing up their style with a healthy inside out game closing out the second quarter with a 16-11 run, but still trailed 45-27. Luxemburg went on a mini 5-0 run as Ferreira hit a three pointer and Schumacher scored inside with hard penetration as Germany led 34-16. Lucca Staiger stalled the Luxemburg run somewhat with a jumper, but Jones scored on penetration as Germany led 36-18. Staiger was hot and showed his scoring touch as netting 106 points in a youth game when he was 16 was no fluke nailed a step back 6 meter jumper from downtown Hagen. Luxemburg tried to keep pace with a Jones and Ferreira buckets, but Germany simply had too much fire power as Pleiss scored inside and Jan Jagla hit a pretty fade away jumper as Germany led 43-25. Jagla and Pablo Genevo whos dad palyed Davis Cup tennis for Luxemburg traded baskets at the end of the second quarter. Germany still led comfortably 45-27. “Germany kept their rhythm despite that little Luxemburg run, but Pesic took two timeouts to correct some things. Germany rebounded better, but it is very hard for Luxemburg to defend with all these mismatches”, stressed Daniel Poerschke. Germany was shooting 45% from the field and 31% from the three point line, while Luxemburg was shooting 34% from the field and 8,3% from the three point line. Germany had the commanding 28-15 rebound advantage and both teams had 8 turnovers.

If fans thought that the game was over at halftime, they were in for a big surprise as Luxemburg still had some kick in their tanks. Tom Schumacher started off the second half with a three point blast which was quickly answered from Heiko “I can hit from anywhere Schaffartzik in the corner as Germany led 50-30. Picard then flew by Pleiss who was still looking for something as he scored on a lay up. Benzing then scored again as Germany continued to keep the nice lead 52-32. One could say Luxemburg then went on a 11-3 run to cut the lead down too only 55-43, but better was the Christopher Jones show as he socred all 11 points. He nailed three three pointers and made two free throws. “Jones usually plays like that. He is a streaky scorer, but when he gets going , it is hard to stop him. His 11 points kept us in the game”, added Jairo Ferreira. “I guess you can say I was in the zone. I got hot. My 11 points was a team effort. My teammates had trust in my shot”, said Christopher Jones. Howver that was as close as Luxemburg would get as Germany closed out the third quarter with 15-5 run to lead 70-48. With the hot temperature, it was evident that Luxemburg was getting tired. Germany also had an easier time to read their run and gun game as they had no inside game. Germany hit three three pointers in this run from Per Guenther who hit a in your face Schwarz jumper, Philipp Schwethelm and Kartsen Tadda also hit. “We played too relaxed in their comeback. We ended the quarter with more concentration. We mixed up our game more which helped”, added Tim Ohlbrecht. “They played zone and we couldn´t hit our shots at the end of the quarter. It was easier for them to guard our perimeter play and we had problems moving the ball”, stressed Jairo Ferreira.

The fourth quarter was a walk in the parka s Germany closed out the game with a nasty31-5 quarter. Germany kept punishing Luxemburg inside as the lob pass proved to be very effective as Ohlbrecht scored twice inside and Zirbes also did thanks to an Ohlbrecht feed. Staiger and Doreth also hit jumpers as Germany had the overwhelming 84-53 lead. Germany then ended the game with a 17-0 run. The only thing challenging the German team and fans was the question as to wheather Germany could crack the 100 point mark. Germany kept supplying the fans with a smorgasboard of beautiful offensive plays. Benzing found some daylight from the wing and nailed a two handed dunk which was followed by back to back three pointers from Staiger and Schwethelm as Germany led 96-53. With a minute too go, Germany continued to keep their defensive pressure on par forcing turnovers and extended chnaces of hitting the 100 mark. Ohlbrecht then fed Pleiss with a lob pass that the German stuffed home. Germany then had the last possession and Tim Ohlbrecht finished off the game with a rare three pointer. “I was very happy to make that shot. I didn´t have too many chances last season to take the three pointer”, smiled Tim Ohlbrecht. “This was a tough game. We were in the game for three quarters, but then just broke down. Germany played at a high level for 40 minutes”, added Jairo Ferriera. “We played better in the second half on offense and defense. We boxed out better under the basket”, commented Tom Ohlbrecht.

Germany was led by Robin Benzing with 17 points. Maik Zirbes, Tim Ohlbrecht and Maik Zirbes chipped in with 12 points a piece. Per Guenther and Tibor Pleiss added 10 points a piece. Luxemburg was led by Christopher Jones with 19 points. Tom Schumacher contributed 12 points. Germany shot 48% from the field and 44% from the three point line, while Luxemburg struggled all night shooting 32% from the field and 21% from the three point line. Germany dominated the boards 51-27. Germany had 17 turnovers and Luxemburg 21. Germany allowed only 53 points and will need to keep up their physical presence in the next games on defense. “Germany isn´t scared to be physical. Sometimes they give an elbow and that is something that the opponent needs to live with. This was the toughest defense that I have encountered”, stressed Christopher Jones. Germany has to forget this game and focus on Bulgaria who they meet Tuesday in Sofia. “Bulgaria will be more an exciting game. They play at a total different level. We will have to rebound well and keep that healthy balance of inside out”, warned Tim Ohlbrecht.

 

Philip Mickey Perry is a 188cm guard from Maywood, Illinois. He played at Wisconsin(NCAA) from 2005-2007 and then finished his college basketball career at Dayton from 2007-2010. He played a total of 95 NCAA games at Dayton. In his senior year, he played a total of  37 games: 5.4ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 39.8%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 61.7%. In 2010-2011, he played for the  North West Indiana Magic Stars (ABA). Last season, he played for the  Dayton Air Strikers (PBL): 29 games: 15.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 76.6%. The American spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Your buddy London Warren was signed recently by a Hungarian team. How happy are you for him and does his fight for not giving up to find a team motivate you?

Yes I saw the article and talked to him shortly after and I was most definitely happy for him going through some tough and great times during our college days at University of Dayton and it most certainly did that you never know when your opportunity may come and hoping Iget the chance to prove myself just like he’s gotten that’s all i want.

Where are you at the moment and how has your basketball summer been like?

Well my summer has just been all work and no play early May went to china for my 3x with the Seattle Mountaineers ABA team for a tour playing a CBA team in the a tough best of 7 series all around China winning the series in a tough game 7 finishing with 17ppg,  5ast and 5rebs and 2sts and being from Basketball Heaven Maywood IL been able to get some very good open gyms runs at my Highschool Proviso East with some A1 talent guys like Dee Brown Illinois Jacob Pullen Kansas State both products of Proviso East my former Wisconsin Badger teammate and all time leading scorer in that schools history Alando Tucker just to name a few that come through but its most def kept my game sharp

You haven´t played for a team since 2011. How tough is it searching searching and searching for a team? What keeps you motivated and how is the search going?

Yea my Love for the game of basketball has been tested that’s for sure in regards to getting to the higher levels of pro basketball but I love the game and think in every opportunity that I have been blessed enough to get so far I’ve taken advantage of and i know I’m ready to make that jump given the opportunity.

Since your days at Dayton, you have played in the ABA and PBL leagues. Are you ready to make the jump to Europe?

Playing for the Dayton Airstrikers was again a beautiful struggle lol being cut first at training camp then brought back and showing that I could play was all I wanted to prove. It was cool to be playing semi pro ball where I went to college and knew my way around and have the Flyer community as they always do come out and support me and the team there support is what sold me on going to the University of Dayton transferring from the University of Wisconsin #1 in the country at the time

If you had to compare the PBL to the NCAA how would you in terms of skill and level?

Well honestly the PBL was a tougher league than some people or organizations in Europe might think guys from Big time D1 programs to Juco players guys played extremely hard and with pride so in my opinion the skill level was pretty high to be have an opportunity to do what we love and that’s play basketball a couple of the tougher teams left that league and formed their own league Canada given the reason why I decided to leave that following season.

Your a 188cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would you compare it too?

If Ihad to compare my game to an NBA player it would have to be Jason Terry. I can score the basketball catch and shoot off the dribble but I can also can put the ball on the floor and help get my teammates a good shot and I most certainly know I can defend on the ball or picking up a certain teams defensive scheme being fortunate enough to be a winner at every level i’ve played on Defense is what separate players cause everyone can score these days.

What is a strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed?

A strength of my game that I think that doesn’t always get noticed is just making the simple play at times and what ever that may be an extra pass, help the helper on D, getting a lose ball just what ever it takes a player can impact the game in so many ways and I just Go Hard when I’m on the court in what ever the team needs at the time.

What is your finest quality in your game that any coach in the professional ranks would love to have in a player?

The finest quality in my game that any coach in the professional ranks would love to have in a player? My Drive and dedication to just get better. I love the game of basketball and know that you get out what you put in and when I step on the court in my workouts, a practice I go like its game real to be the very best i can be.

How does a normal workout day look like for you? What things do you work on on your game to improve?

A normal workout day for me would be weights/conditioning early in the morning to start my day off right trying to be done with both of those by 11am and the workouts varies day to day and then hitting the court at least twice the rest of the day first workout being ball handling cause you can always improve your handle being a basketball player and shots of the move i feel my catch and shot abilities are pretty good and going hard for no more than hr and half and if not some pick up then the 2nd workout always starting with ball handling and getting some catch and shoot shots up keeping that sharp always counting makes never misses and finishing with shots off the move jumpers, floaters just trying to be a complete offensive player and that start with being in shape

You played together with Brian Roberts. What is the most amazing thing that you ever saw him do on the court besides scoring in bunches?

Yea playing with one of the flyer greats Brian Robers was something else and yea he could really score but like any great player his work ethic and basketball IQ always showed even the games he wasn’t dominating the game with his scoring.

What is your nicest memory of London Warren at Dayton? What will you never forget from him?

My Nicest memory of London would have to be just his never ending motor always high energy all time and as basketball goes I had just transferred to Dayton and had to sit out and was in the rex plex getting some run in with some of the guys on my floor and London dunking I think one of the top 100 dunks of All time if I’m not mistaken was pretty impressive a guy his size

Who would win in their prime, the Dream Team or Team USA 2012?

Without question in their prime the 92 Dream would dominate inside with Ewing, David Robinson, Karl Malone and sir Charles the 2012 to me just wouldn’t have answer

What was the last DVD that you watched?

The Last Dvd I watched was the game of thrones just finished the last season and it was something else would most definitely recommend checking it out

Thanks Mickey for the chat.

Quentin Pryor is a 28 year old 193cm shooting guard/small forward from Eupora, Mississippi That recently completed his first season for Wels in Austria playing 31 games: 14.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-4(1.9spg), FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.7%. He started his college basketball career at Jackson State, before finishing at Morehead State from 2005-2007. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging11.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3Pts: 36.8%, FT: 71.7%. In 2007, he started his professional basketball career in Germany with FC Schalke 04 playing 29 games and averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-1(2.5spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 75.2%. He played for Phoenix Hagen from 2008-2011 and in the 2008-2009 season, he played 30 games averaging 14.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 75.2. In 2009-2010 he played 33 games: 8.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 72.9%. In 2010-2011, he played 33 games averaging 11,3ppg, 3,5rpg, 2,2apg and 1,5spg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Hi Q where are you at the moment and how have you been spending your summer?
Hello Miles. I am currently in New Albany, In right across the bridge from Louisville, KY. My summer has just been basketball, basketball, basketball. Working out and working camps.

It is still August and you still are without a basketball team. How frustrating is it still kicking around at home whereas other players are already heading to Europe to their teams?

Yes I am still home waiting. It’s very frustrating to me because I’ve never had to wait this long. But I have to keep my faith and continue working because something will come up and I will be ready.

You had a pretty solid season in Austria averaging 14.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-4(1.9spg), FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.7%. You were a eurobasket second team player, named to the all defensive team and an allstar. Can you figure out why your still jobless. Have you just gotten the wrong offers?

I don’t understand but I can’t stress myself over it. I’ve had 2 offers but they were not good situations for me.

You are 29 and in the best basketball age. What is your current biggest strength on the court that would help any team?

I’m actually still 28 now. I think my biggest strength is my versatility. I can all the guard positions and defend them all.

Sometimes its not wrong heading back to a former team. Why doesn´t Phoenix Hagen have interest in you? You could spark the team vocally, on defense and offense?

I think that they wanted to take their team in a different direction and me as player wanted to go another way. I had a good time there and good memories.

The Fraport Skyliners still have many open holes in their roster. Are the Skyliners a team that you would like to play for and why?

I would love to play for the Skyliners. They are one of the better teams in the BBL and always in the playoff hunt. That is what I like because I’m all about winning and competing. They also have a loyal fan base that is completely behind the team.

If you could describe your play in one sentence that would be appetizing  teams, how would you do it?

I’m just a relentless player that wants to win.

How does a typical summer workout day look like for Quentin Pryor?

I go to University of Louisville and workout with my former teammate Andre McGee. I lift for 60 minutes then get in skill work for another 90 minutes. Depending on the day I either attend open gym there or go to Indiana University Southeast. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I hit track for my conditioning and agility drills.
Michael Jordan recently retired and will coach at Colgate. What will always be your sweetest memory of the point guard?

I would have to say when he made the shot to beat Giessen. It was a big game for us and one we had to have and he came through for us.

Who would win a game in their prime, the 1992 Dream team or 2012 USA basketball team?

That is a must see. Its tough but I have to go with the 92 team. I think that they would be too big inside to match up with. They also were focused on the defensive end.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I watched the movie Safehouse with Denzel Washington.

Thanks Q for the chat.