• Kelly Beidler is a 24 year old 199cm forward from Virginia Beach, Virginia that will start his third professional season and first in Germany in the Beko BBL for the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played at Mt.St.Mary’s (NCAA) from 2006-2010 playing a total of 119 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 10.7ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 74.1% . In 2010-2011, he was a rookie playing for : IR Reykjavik (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 24 games: Score-4(21.7ppg), Reb-2(12.4rpg), 3.8apg, Steals-5(2.5spg), Blocks-3(2.0bpg), FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 72.9%. Last season, he played for Karhu Kauhajoki (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 44 games: Score-4(19.2ppg), Reb-5(9.8rpg), 1.4apg, Steals-1(2.3spg), Blocks-1(1.9bpg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 70.8%. German Hoops gave him a welcome to the Beko BBL interview.

  Congrats on your signing with the Mitteldeutscher BC. What convinced you that going to this team was the right move?

  My agent and I talked it over. We understood we had options to choose from for this upcoming season. My agent want’s whats best for me and my career and he felt this was the right move. Also the BBL is a very well respected league.

  What do you know about the top German league Beko BBL? Are there any friends of yours playing here?

  I don’t know a lot about the BBL but I know that it’s tough competition and some of the best players in Europe play in this league. In order to be the best you have to beat the best. I don’t believe I know anyone personally in the league but I have heard of a few names. Corey Hassan and I played in the same conference in college.

  How excited are you about playing for MBC? What will be the first thing that you will do when you arrive on German soil?

  I’m thrilled to play for this ball club. Played against them last year in a tournament and remember them being a good team. First thing I’ll want to do is most likely meet my teammates. Not a whole lot of time until the season begins. Want to know about them as much as I can before the season starts.

  You are a very versatile player that can do just about all at 199cm. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away?

  My will and desire to win is big. Every time I step on the court I take on the challenge of being the best player and teammate. I take pride in defense and my offense comes second

  You never scored more than 10,9 ppg in a season in the NCAA. Was it a big adjustment having to be that first scoring option in Iceland and Finland?

  Not a big adjustment at all. The thing about my college team was that any of the starting 5 on my team could score 20. We played excellent team ball and all the pressure wasn’t on one man. I take on the challenge of being the leader on the court so scoring the ball was just a part of my game

  How would you compare the Finnish league to the NCAA? Was the NCAA level tougher?

  No disrespect to the Finnish league but yes NCAA was tougher. Wide range of skilled athletic players all with in the age group of 18-22 with the desire to win. No money involved, just passion for the game.

  The Beko BBL is at a higher level than what you saw the last two seasons. Do you feel a lot of pressure?

  No pressure at all. This is my job, something I’ve been doing since I was a little kid. I read books about some of the greats and they all say pretty much the same thing, “For people to remember your name you must step up to the plate and be ready when your number is called. This is my chance and I’m ready.

  What was the most important thing that you leraned from Milan Brown that got you ready for the professional level?

  Milan Brown is one of the smartest people I’ve met and always had wise words up to this day. I remember two things he would say, “To reach the highs, you have to experience the low” I didn’t feel like I belonged in Iceland but hey I did it and here I am and another was “every player is equal when stepping onto the court but when the lights turn on and it’s time to play ball, the best separate themselves from the pack”. That’s what I try to do every time i step on the court.

  Who won the majority of the one on one games in practice last season you or Casey Reed?

  ME OF COURSE!!!! but no, Casey Reed was a good player and better yet a great person. He definitely helped me improve my game and I hope I did the same. Great Friendship that will last hopefully forever

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

  Blake Griffin

  Would you rather have dinner with Kobe Bryant or Lebron James if you could only chose one and why?

  Lebron James

  What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

  The Dream Team Documentary

  Thanks Kelly for the chat.

Ismet Akpinar is a 17 year old 182cm point guard from Hamberg that recently completed his first season in the Pro B for SC Rist Wedel. He played 24 games averaging 5,9ppg, 1,5rpg and 2,3apg. He started his basketball career for : BC Hamburg Tigers junior team in 2009 and last year played for the Oberliga team. Last summer, he took part at the European Championships U16 in Czech Republic -11: 9 games: 13.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 63.9%He recently spoke to German Hoops about his season with SC Rist Wedel.

Many PRO B teams have 3-4 Americans but SC Rist Wedel only had two Americans. What made the team so special?

We were one team ans we did all together as a team. Nobody had egos and nobody played for stats. We won our games playing defense and that was one of the reasons why we made the playoffs.

How was the adjustment coming from the Oberliga to the PRO B?

It was a big jump, but my goal wasn´t to sit on the bench, but give gas from the start and always have energy and just do my thing.

You averaged 18,7 minutes per game. Would you have thought before the season that you would get so many minutes?

No I never would have thought that. I had to fight for every minute that I got. I am proud that my coach gave me so confidence in my play. The most important thing is to get playing time so I can keep improving.

What is the most important thing that you need to improve on your game now?

My decision making. It has to be quicker and better decisions. My shooting and penetration can be more stable.

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

My will and want to win games in crunch time. I always give 120-150% in clutch situations.

How is your relationship to coach Ozhan Gurel?

We have a very good relationship and it has been open from the start. I have known him many years and we just understand each other very well.

Your teammate Augie Johnston said that most players your age don´t have the right attitude and already think that they know everything. You always want to learn. Where does your positive attitude come from?

I have always had that attitude and it came from my parents and my big brother who plays in Turkey. My brother always wanted to get better so I felt the same way. I always want to be better and train as hard as I can to get better.

You are very self critical. Is that the difference between being a good and very good player?

Yes, I always need to work on my game. I am never good enough. The most important thing is to be consistent at a good level.

Augie Johnston said your game is similar to Jeremy Lin. How much did that flatter you?

It flattered me a lot when I read it at eurobasket. Lin is a great player.

How has the Linsanity effected you?

It has been amazing how he has risen. He scored 20 points and then hit 30 points on Kobe Bryant. If he continues to be consistent then he could become my favorite player.

In the playoff game against Nordlingen where you won the game with a buzzer beater, you looked like a Kobe Bryant taking a two step pull up fade away jumper. Don´t you feel pressure in these moments as a 16 year old?

I love these moments and always want the ball in my hand. I am just happy to have the ball in my hands. Some guys may be afraid to get the ball thinking that all will be mad if the shot is missed. I don´t think about what can happen, but just about making the shot and believing in myself.

How many floaters do you practice per day?

I love floaters. In the past, I worked more on them than now. Now I am concentrating more on my pull up jumper.

If you could ask Jeremy Linn one question what would you ask him?

How he was able to so quickly be successful in the NBA. I also would ask him how he handles all the hype.

How important has Fabian Bocke been for the team?

He is a giant under the basket. The lane might be free and you might think that you can shoot, but then all of a sudden, he is there and blocks the shot or changes the shot. You always have to be thinking what will I do when Bocke comes. I like playing on his team in practice. His mid range jumper is like a lay up.

Who would win a 1-1 you or Augie Johnston?

Augie would win. He is a great shooter with great touch. He plays good defense and rebounds well and is just an allrounder.

What was your childhood like?

It was nice. I grew up in Hamburg an din the summers we always visited my family in Turkey.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

My big brother and Tracy Mcgrady in his prime.

Who was your favorite German player.

Without a doubt Dirk Nowitzki.

How did you start playing basketball?

I started with 8 years. At that time, I had the choice between basketball and soccer. I always wanted to become a professional athlete. My big brother played a huge role. I saw what he did and wanted to follow him.

You started your basketball career at BC Hamburg. What was the most important thing that you learned in this time there?

I learned the basics of the game. I had three coaches and Andreas Nierhaus really showed me how to build up my game.

How much do you miss a Beko BBL team in Hamburg?

I miss it a lot. It is so sad that there is no team. There are so many potential good players, but if you are better than the PRO B, you have to leave Hamburg.

How tough is it combining, school, basketball and friends?

It is hard to combine all. I train twice a day and have away games as well. I do have a private life and spend time with friends. I just know what my principles are and basketball is #1.

What was your nicest memory of the European championships 2012 in the Czech Republic where Germany had an 8^th place?

Just playing at a top level and knowing you are at a tournament where you can become European champion. We won 4 games in a row and the emotions were amazing. The feeling to have played there was great.

Which player do you remember the most from the 2012 European championship?

The Spanish center who is 215cm. He blocked everything.

David Taylor is another very talented German form the year 1995. What do you like most about his game?

His speed. He is so fast from 0-100. When he gets a rebound, he uses the open court so well and already has scored a lay up before the defense can get back.

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

39

Your most crazy shot in a game?

A half court bank shot with my back turned.

What are your hobbies?

Relaxing, sleeping and play station.

If you could play for a Beko BBL team where would you like to play?

I would want to play for a team where I play. I would like to play for Alba Berlin.

Your favorite German point guard?

Heiko Schaffartzik and Per Guenter.

Your favorite international point guard?

Juan Carlos Navarro.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Ziemlich beste freunde.

Thanks Ismet 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 tat fell to Gmunden in the semi finals of the Playoffs. 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. For Wels, he played 31 games: 14.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-4(1.9spg), FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.7% He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Recently you were in Prague. How did you like it?

I loved it, but I had to leave a little early, because my kid got sick.

Mission Impossible was filmed partly in Prague. It they would have asked you to have been in the film and asked you to jump off a bridge into the Moldau, would you have done it?

It would have depended on what time of year it was. I definately would have done it in summer.

You recently played your first season in Austria for Wels. How did you like the country?

The country is nice and very scenic. The Austrian league is a lot better than it gets credit for. It is a lot more competitive than I thought it would be.

The Austrian league isn´t as strong the Beko BBL. What is the league missing besides better quality players?

The teams have lesser budgets and the arena´s are a lot smaller more like PRO A gyms. The refs also need a crash course. They miss a lot. You can´t do a spin move here.

How was your role different than it was in Hagen?

I had the ball more in my hand this season. Coach Miller told me before the season that he would need my scoring, but defending is still a big part of my game.

How is Wels different than Hagen and vice-versa?

Wels has two malls something that Hagen didn´t have, but the city center in Hagen is more compact and bigger. I like both places.

You had four teammates that have played in Germany with Martin Kohlmaier, Joe Werner, Logan Stutz and Davor Lamesic. Were they able to make the transition easier for you?

Yes those guys helped me a lot telling me what to expect in Austria on and off the court.

21 year old 196cm forward Romed Vleider was named to the Austrian national team. How much potential does he have?

He has unlimited potential. He is so long and gets better every day. He told me that he hasn´t had a summer off in the last five years and his body is a bit banged up. He needs to find his confidence again.

How was your relationship with head coach Pete Miller who coached in Germany for many years?

I loved him. He has shown so much trust in me. He takes my input and uses it for the games. He is more of a players coach. He doesn´t yell much, but he will let you know what is right and wrong.

Who wins a one on one you or Todd Brown who has three centimeters on you?

I will have to go with me. I would attack him constantly and use my speed. He is quick to, but I think that I have the advantage.

Your teammate Joe Werner was on the Green Bay Packers roster in 2007. Have you met his body in practice a lot?

Every day I met his body. I knew who he was before the season, because in the game at Giessen, I got an elbow from him chipping my tooth.

How is the popularity of basketball in the Austrian media?

It isn´t as popular as I thought it would be, but its getting better. The players do get recognized in town.

Do you still keep in touch with your Hagen ex teammates like Bernd Kruel?

Yes I do. I talk to him on occasion seeing how each other is doing.

What was it like in the 2009-2010 season when filming was taking place for the documentary Phoenix in der asche? Was it hard to focus with so many cameras rolling?

It wasn´t hard to focus, but more difficult to watch what you said. It was a tough season for us as you could see in the movie.

Have you seen the movie? What is your impression?

I saw the movie on WDR and liked it. A few scenes were cut out, but I like how it turned out.

The scene of the movie is the Michael Jordan tirade in Frankfurt. How much do you remember that speech?

When I saw it again on you tube, I remembered it well. All what he said at that moment was true and we needed to hear it from him.

Could Michael Jordan start a movie career after he retires from basketball? He once told me he would like to be in a sitcom?

I don´t know about a sitcom, but he would be great in a drama. He would do a good job in a sitcom, because he is funny, but he is more an edgy person so drama would probably suit him better.

Michael Jordan missed the last week of the season being sent home. He really isn´t portrayed well in the movie. How was it really? He always wants to win.

I was a bit upset how he was portrayed. When he came in, he was supposed to be the savior, but then all of a sudden everything turned against him and I didn´t like the spin on the movie. He always wants to win and we were losing so much that everyone had issues which led to confrontations.

Michael Jordan and Chase Griffin didn´t harmonize on the court. Why couldn´t these two guys gel on the court?

I don´t know and still don´t know. Before Mike came on board, Chase had the ball in the hand, but when Mike came the coaches wanted him to make the decisions and I think that both kind of had the feeling that the other was trying to take the ball away.

Phoenix Hagen assistant coach Steven Wriedt gave a great performance. How would a sitcom of Mike Jordan the man from Philly and his German/American friend Steven Wriedt?

I really don´t think that a sitcom like that will come about. If it did, I am sure it would be funny. Steve is a funny guy.

What was your nicest memory of Jacob Burtschi?

My best memory was at the Allstar game in Trier with the Don´t drop the Rimmy Martin. My wife had a bottle of that and almost dropped it and Jake yelled don´t drop the Rimmy Martin.

Last season Jacob Burtschi was the monoply king in Hagen, but hasn´t seemed have gotten the Monopoly game board out. Do you know why?

No I don´t know, but if he said he was monopoly, then he is lying. He won some games as did David Bell and Malte Schwarz.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

American Gangstar?

Thanks for the chat.

Tramar Sutherland is a 23 year old 190cm guard that was born in Toronto, Canada. He started his basketball career at South Plains JC (JUCO) in 2008. In 2010-2011, he transferred to UALR (NCAA) where he played a total of 65 NCAA games. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career so far have been Sun Belt Tournament Winner -11, and Sun Belt West Division Regular Season Champion -12. Tramar is embarking on his professional basketball career and spoke to German Hoops about is basketball dreams.
Hi Tramar thanks for taking some time to talk to eurobasket.com. where are you now exactly and how excited are you at testing the european market?
I am home in Toronto, Canada. I just graduated from school. I am very excited about testing the European market. I feel like it’s the next big step.

You are a rookie. You just finished at UALR (NCAA). How ready are you for playing professional basketball?

I believe that I am ready to play professionally because I have been working hard for this moment. I’ve worked out with pros that have played in Europe and I compete at a high level.

How difficult was it making the adjustment from Juco at South Plains to the NCAA at UALR?

It wasn’t that difficult but the expectations were a lot higher and I expected that. I would stay in the gym and work on my game endlessly at south plains because I knew that I would play a lot if my game was on point. This kept me on the floor and I became a better player. At UALR I realized that everybody is in the gym working out just like I am. Everybody is fighting for a spot on the court and this motivated me to step my game up even more. There was no room for error.

You are a 190cm guard. What is your biggest strength as a player?

My slashing to the basket ability and my ability to defend at any level is my strength. I am athletic and can score against many different matchups. I really think the game and I can adjust to any line up.

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

I am athletic and can score against many different matchups. I really think the game and I can adjust to any line up.

You were the Sun Belt West Division Regular Season Champion in your senior year. What will you never forget from this run?

I will never forget our togetherness as a team and our willingness to never give up. I treated every game like it was my last because I didn’t want to lose. I will also never forget making the last 2 free throws to give us the win to capture the west division title.

What was the most incredible thing that you saw Dandre Williams do on the court?

I seen him steal the ball twice in less than 10 seconds to help us win the sun belt conference championship. He’s  a match up nightmare!!

You played 2 seasons for head coach Steve Shields. What was the most importan thing that you learned from him?

I learned that I have to pay attention to detail while playing and soak up everything that is taught to me like a sponge.

What NBA story will always stick out in your mind when thinking about assistant coach Joe Klein?

He’s a good shooting big man. I would say when he won the 6^th man honors in his early career.

Who was your toughest opponent in the NCAA(player)

Guarding Tristan Thompson from North Texas. He runs around screens all day.

how does a typical summer work out day look like for Tramar Sutherland?

I wake up and hit the weight room with my friend Alex Johnson he played at NC State and My friend Dane Smith from Tennessee Martin. Then I would do drills on the court before scrimmaging with the guys. This may take a while. After we are done we would do some conditioning before leaving the gym.

What is your most important asset that will convince any coach that he should hire you?

I am coachable and I will do any task in order to win. I do my best to make others better around me and I am a team player. I am a versatile player.

What is your dream as a player?

My dream is to play for many years and stay healthy. I want to have growth as a player every year and I want to be successful.

Thanks Tramar for the chat.