pic redit Ronald Ross

I have seen many great coaches in my 20 year basketball journalistic career overseas and at the moment I can rank 2 at the top of my personal list. I had the pleasure to meet Larry Brown who won an NBA and NCAA title with Detroit and Kansas in 2018 when he had a go in Europe at the helm in Italy With Torino and my other would have to be Gordon Herbert who I have covered since his early days in Frankfurt and recently won the World Cup with Germany. But one legendary coach I have never seen live was Bob Knight and unfortunately one I will never see because he recently passed away. I don´t remember the first time where I remember hearing his name or seeing him on TV as I liked to follow college basketball as a kid, but I do remember seeing his famous chair throwing incident in the local sports news the day after it happened against Purdue in 1985. The incident is one that will forever be remembered in basketball nostalgia and one Knight would talk about on David Letterman. Knight isn´t the greatest college coach of all-time as that honor has to go to the great John Wooden who would win 10 NCAA titles with UCLA, but with all respect to the state of North Carolina and it´s great rival coaches Dean Smith and Mike Krzyzewski, one can place Knight at #2. I remember following Indiana´s magical 1987 run with Keith Smart, but imagine what it must have been to play for the guy. Off the top of my head there were 2 guys that I followed in Germany that did that with Ronald Ross and Will Chavis. Both of them didn´t witness his successful ways at Indiana; but at Texas Tech where Knight coached from 2001-2008. There is no doubt for Ronald Ross that Bobby Knight is the GOAT. “My opinion is biased, but he’s number one without a doubt. I don’t dismiss the long list of incredible coaches after nor before him, but he set the bar for being able to coach the game at the highest levels with a limited amount of talent through all his Indiana years as well as his time at Texas Tech. Nobody was better at getting the best out of their players, teams, and coaches than he was. In my opinion it was his ability to mastermind the fundamentals and build up from there. He still has the last undefeated college basketball team to this day. In addition, run the long list of great coaches he developed or had influence on their careers. It’s almost unmatched. His achievements go far beyond awards”, stressed Ronald Ross.

Ronald Ross who turned 40 this year had an illustrious professional basketball career where he played 13 years and accumulated 438 games in countries like Italy, Israel, Germany, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, and Romania. He also played in the D-League and USBL in the United States. After playing at Hobbs high School, he played 129 NCAA games at Texas Tech from 2001-2005 under the guidance of legendary head coach Bobby Knight. Both reached the NIT Final 4, NCAA Sweet 17 and Big 12 tournament final. He was able to improve his scoring, rebounding and assists average each season and had a stellar senior year averaging 17.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.0apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3Pts: 43%. After he retired he was an assistant coach for 2 years at Texas Tech where he helped guide the 2018-2019 team to the NCAA final. He left after 2 years and had no regrets. “Truthfully, I stepped away from basketball because I needed time to grieve the loss of my mother. During my coaching stint at Tech she passed tragically after 6 months of being diagnosed with cancer and it shook my world. I wasn’t able to focus the way I needed to and I didn’t want to internalize it and potentially implode from not taking a step back from the game. Fast forward, I got the time I needed, feel restored, and I’ll be coaching basketball for the rest of my life. Things are brewing as we speak”, stressed Ronald Ross. Currently he is back living in Hobbs, New Mexico and helping out the town´s high school basketball team. “. It’s been a blessing being able to give back to the community and a basketball program that help give me my start. Basketball life is always good to you when you’re good to it”, stated Ronald Ross who learned of Bobby Knight´s death during a training session at Hobbs.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Ronald Ross in Frankfurt in 2007

One can truly say time flies as it is hard to believe that it´s been more than 22 years since Ronald Ross landed on the campus of Texas Tech and could play for the legendary Bobby Knight. But his journey to the school to play for Bobby Knight was no cake walk. “I was a freshman and I was one of the last players to join the team. Although, a lot of people remember from our run in the NCAA tourney and me being a Basketball Times First-Team All American or whatever people forget I initially joined the program as a walk-on. I worked at Wells Fargo Bank for 2 years and I even unloaded boxes out of trucks for a company for a short period. It was a grind being there the first 2 years. Nevertheless, I started as a freshman and did whatever I was told to help impact winning and the rest of the story wrote itself”, remembered Ronald Ross. That Ross came to Texas Tech with a chip on his shoulder is an understatement. It must have been as large as Bobby Knight´s rage after failed execution during the game. Ross had won 3 straight state high school titles and led a perfect sophomore season at Hobbs. Knight came to Texas Tech also with a new challenge after an illustrious career at Indiana and 3 NCAA titles. “Coach Knight was locked in and preparing us (the players), the coaching staff, and everyone connected to our program to win. It was non-negotiable. He had no reservation for his past success, but a hyper-focus to win at Texas Tech. The year before coach arrived the team was 9-23 and after his first year we were 23-9 with an NCAA appearance. He had an immediate impact”, warned Ron Ross. It is hard to pinpoint what Knight´s biggest success was with Ross at Texas Tech, because they never won a title there. “While at Tech I would say our biggest success was my senior year when we made it to the Big 12 Final and the Sweet 16. It happened all in the same year. Honestly though, Coach Knight was pleased with the effort, but winning a championship was always his standard and nothing less. His work ethic and approach to winning reflected that”, commented Ronald Ross.

It wasn´t just about the x´s and the o´s, but Bobby Knight was a man that had so many more qualities that would enrich the lives of his players. Especially his love of books rubbed off on his players. He quizzed Ronald on road trips about books he had told him to read. There were numerous books he remembers, but one he rmemebers very well was about a player Knight battled in the 70´s at Indiana, a guy that is the GOAT for many in Boston. “One of my favorites was on Larry Bird called Drive. I was just really fascinated by his story and his personality”, said Ronald Ross. Even if it´s hard to believe, he never truly had one moment that was more special. Every day was out of the ordinary with Bobby Knight. “I don’t just have one moment. I absolutely loved the process. I loved practicing every day, learning, and being pushed to places I didn’t think I could go. We were a big family and it was all the little things that made everything special on a day to day basis”, stated Ronald Ross. But then again after close thought, there was one moment in his stellar last year where he took perhaps the most important advice about basketball from him. “We had one significant moment my senior year and coach asked me whether or not I can lead our team. It was one of our many very serious, lengthy conversations we had on leadership and what I needed to do to be successful. What I took away from it was eliminating any “gray area” situations or setbacks. I had to all out commit to what I wanted to do and my intentionality towards that had to be unwavering. In addition, I tried to mirror his process and rigorous preparation routine and as a result, it gave me more confidence than I could have ever imagined. A lot of coaches/players prepare, but did they prepare the right way”, remembered Ronald Ross in 2011. Often when guys graduate, the communication between a player and coach becomes less or even ceases, but with him and Knight, there was always a bond forever. “I stayed in contact with him, his wife, his son Pat, and his grandson over all the years. His has a beautiful family and support circle that is just as strong-willed as he was. All loving, caring, and ingrained with a winning mentality. As far as coach remembering me, I think or hope he would think I’m a player that tried to give him everything I had with a genuine, pure approach to trying to be the best basketball player I could possibly be. He was not only my role model, but he was like a father to me and I wouldn’t change ONE thing or experience I had with Coach Knight”, stressed Ronald Ross. Even if he had this intimidating and forceful persona in the public, but for the people who really knew him, he was something special. “You could 100% talk to coach if you needed anything. He had an incredible sense of humor and was very witty. He’s one of the most caring and brilliant people I know. When my mother passed a few years ago he was one of the first people to call me to make sure I was good or to see if I needed anything. He didn’t have to do that, but he did. He was never disconnected from the people that he cared about and on the other side of that coin, he was and is a very loved man! So many people love Coach Knight”, warned Ronald Ross. I will probably always think of that chair first when I hear the name Bobby Knight, but that´s probably for many others that had never met him or just knew Knight from TV. For Ronald Ross, his memories about Knight will go on forever. I bet if he really tried, he could gather enough material for a book about Bobby Knight. But then again keeping all the other memories just for himself and just his close knit family and friends is probably most meaningful. The basketball community will never forget Bobby Knght.

Jeremy Agosto (177-G-1997) is a 26 year old 177cm guard that was born in Puerto Rico. He has had experience playing in countries Puerto Rico, Nicaragua with Costa Caribe Managua (Nicaragua-LSB) averaging 21.5ppg, 7.7rpg, Assists-2 (6.4apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 24.6%, FT: 56.8%) and Club de Baloncesto Cojute (El Salvador-Liga MB) averaging 24.7ppg, 6.8rpg, Assists-1 (8.1apg), Steals-2 (3.0spg), FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 63.2%. Currently he is in El Salvador playing for Cojute averaging 37,2ppg, 6,7rpg, 8,0apga nd 2,5spg. He recently did the unthinkable scoring 100 points in a game against Chalchuapa winning 160-93. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his memories of the game

Thanks Jeremy for talking to germanhoops.com. You scored 100 points in a pro game in El Salvador. How crazy is that. How did you experience the first hours after that mentally? What goes through your head?

It was crazy. I was just so happy and grateful, and the adrenaline was from another world.

Was your cell phone flooded with messages. About how many messages did you get? My cellphone was so flooded with messages.

I didn’t expect it. I got like more than 400 messages just to give an estimate.

Who were some of the most well known players that congratulated you?

Walter Hodge, Javier Mojica, Xavier Zambrana and more from PR.

Scoring 100 points is difficult. Last year an American did it in Germany but under easier conditions as he played at times against 3 players as many had fouled out. What does this 100 points game mean to you?

It was difficult because the team was playing hard giving it their all ,but I kept pushing for it and my teammates were helping me.

This must be the best reward for smaller players that anything is possible. Your only 177cm. How tough has your career been for you due to your size? I can imagine you have been doubted your whole life?

It has been very difficult to get opportunities because of my size, they have doubted me but my talent has let them know that I can do it and that I deserve to play, and when I do get the opportunities I always give it my all. My heart for this game is bigger that anything.

You can now tell everyone I scored 100 points and so did NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain. Chamberlain was way before your time, but everyone knows about Chamberlain’s legacy. If he was still alive what would you have liked to have told him?

I would have like to have a cool conversation with him and any tips that he could give and to be able to take a photo with such a big legend as Wilt Chamberlain.

Let’s talk about the 100 point game. Did you go into the game feeling good with your game or did you have a special pre game meal or was it just the same usual feeling going into the game?

I was in the mindset that I was going to have a great game and I was just really pumped to play.

You made 32-37 shots in the game from the two point range. How quickly did you feel like you were in the zone and that it would be a great game for you?

I felt in the zone when we finished that first quarter and had 40 points, I thought to myself I can do something great tonight.

When did you know or keep counting towards 100 points? Were your teammates telling you you were getting close?

All the fans and my teammates were screaming the points all the game, it was a really big celebration and the support was just crazy.

In another game you scored 49 points in 40 minutes and your 100 points in 37 minutes. This is totally insane. To score so much in only 37 minutes is amazing. How much credit does your team get? They dished out 48 assists

It was extremely hard to score 100 points in 37 minutes. My teammates get all the credit they saw that I was in the zone and they played to help me do my thing.

The El Salvador league isn’t a top league, but to score 100 points is an incredible feat. How high do you believe can one rate this accomplishment?

For me personally on a scale from 1 to 10 I would have to say that it is in my top five accomplishments. I’m really just happy and grateful.

One guy who was in your shadow was teammate Nick Moore who hauled down a crazy 30 rebounds. How important was he for your success on this day?

Without him it wouldn’t have been possible, 30 rebounds is really a crazy amount.

Do you feel like a game like this could open the door to Europe? I’m sure teams have you on their radar now?

I would hope so, and if the opportunity was to present itself, I’m ready to give it my all and to just do what I love, that is just to play basketball.

How did you celebrate after the game? Did you take your teammates out to dinner?

We celebrated with a get together and they gave a really nice gift for the accomplishment that we had that night.

Thanks Jeremy for the chat.

Shawn Scott is a 27 year old 185cm guard playing his third professional season and first with BG Hagen. Last season he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. he began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

Congrats on the 86-83 OT win over Telekom Baskets Bonn 2. How good did it feel to get back on the winning streak?

Thank you, it felt really good but we still have so much work to do.

This is a game you couldn´t have lost. On paper BG Hagen was the heavy favorite. This team was full of youth players and one Canadian rookie that supplied 45 points. Why couldn´t BG Hagen finish them off earlier?

From the start we were not focused and locked in and didn’t want to play to our potential until the second half. This continues to be our issue along with defense.

Talk a little about the OT period. What was key to get the win?

We don’t lose many OT games so we’re naturally confident when overtime happens but we were able to get stops and then capitalize on offense with big shots.

BG Hagen didn´t shoot well, but rebounded very well and had only 8 turnovers. What else did the team do well in this game?

To be honest, we didn’t do much well this game but still managed to get the win. I’d say just in the second half we did much better playing defense how we practice it.

Mychael Paulo exploded for 45 points. Talk a little about his game? He seemed to be in the zone?

Yeah he was very calm the whole game and didn’t seem bothered at all. It seemed like everything he put up was going in and it was hard to stop him. Much respect to him.

What do you appreciate most about Jaro Abrams game? He went 9/9 from the field?

Jaro is a great slasher and attacker going to the basket and he loves to play defense. He finds a way to turn his defense into offense and when we don’t shoot well from outside, we can count on him to attack the basket.

You had a strong 33/12/5/5 game. Was your aggressiveness exactly where you wanted it to be at?

Not exactly where I wanted it to be but it was enough to get the win. I think everyone knows what they will get from me every game but I think it took me awhile to get going in this game. Teams are really trying their best to keep me out of the paint but I’m always watching film and analyzing so that I’m always a step ahead. I’ll always do whatever it takes to put my team in a position to win.

You next play 5-3 Salzkotten. What will be key to getting the win?

We have got to focus heavy on defense this week because they have very strong guards and bigs so it will be a lot on our plates. We need to really come together as one and all be on the same page defensively then I think we will be fine. Will be a great game for sure.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

pic credit:  Tbilisi State University

It was that time again for me where I had an opportunity to interview a guy that has been staring at adversary more times than none despite having game. It seems like I´m interviewing a guy from division 2 or lower college/university leagues every week. People maynotice it who cover country first divisions as much since these guys aren´t as prevalent there, but those guys that have a heart bigger than the population of New York and love the game more than a kid does the local candy shop on main street and grind as hard as a poor factory worker in Detroit are all over Europe trying to make their mark any way they can. Another skilled player that I stumbled across was Tyree Boykin (180-PG-1999, college: App State). Just like a few weeks ago where I heard beautiful words from Jay Jay Chandler who was more than thankful for a guy from the press giving him the time of day overseas, it wasn´t any different with Boykin. He greeted me with his first message back after I asked to interview him with “I appreciate you for reaching out to me and I greatly appreciate you for this opportunity”. At only 180cm, he was overlooked by D-1 schools at first and had a stellar 5 year career at Union University (NCAA2) and then was rewarded with a last year at Appalachian State University (NCAA). Now he is a rookie in Georgia and riding a chip as big as Mount Everest. “It’s a huge chip. Proving everyone wrong is nothing new to me. I work extremely hard every day, I show up to perform, and I know the results will speak for itself”, warned Tyree Boykin who never saw the sequel to the classic Coming to America because he didn´t want to risk ruining an all-time classic movie by seeing the sequel. Tyree Boykin wants to continue to show that if you can ball then you can play at any level even if he played division 2 ball.

Tyree Boykin who lists Terry Taylor of the Chicago Bulls as his toughest cover in the NCAA was born Feb 6 1999 in Clarksville, Tennessee. After playing at Kenwood high school, he embarked on a 5 year career at Union University where he played a total of 95 games. He was able to average double figures in scoring each season. In his last 3 seasons he averaged 18,0ppg in 62 games and scored in double figures in 58 of 62 games and scored 20 points or more 29 times. He had massive games against West Georgia with 33 points, hit Lee for 31 points and Valdosta state twice for 30 points. “My time at union was extremely influential in the development of my game. I was under great coaching from David Niven, Easton Bazzoli, Sean Blackburn, and Christian Goodwin in my time there that instilled so much confidence in my game. This group of men along with my teammates gave more the support of a lifetime and still do to this day which fuels me and has made me a better player”, warned Tyree Boykin. But his biggest game there was against Spring Hill College where he exploded for 48 points. “ The greatest part about this game was that my teammates enjoyed and celebrated me having a career night much more than I did. At half time I had to remind them that we still had another half to play and the game wasn’t over just yet. This just speaks to the character and genuine camaraderie that we had as a team that is truly rare”, remembered Tyree Boykin. He couldn´t of made such incredible strides at Union without head coach David Niven who will forever be in his heart. “David Niven is one of the greatest influences that I have in my life. He not only coached me to be a great basketball player, but to be a great man. The way he has impacted my life spiritually along with on and off the court, I will forever be extremely grateful. He challenged me every single day to be a great leader, player, and teammate. The first day I met him, he told me that he would coach me as if I were his son, and in my 5 years there I never had to question that”, stressed Tyree Boykin. He played an extra year at Appalachian State University (NCAA) averaging 9.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 76.8%. He scored in double figures in 12 games including 2 great games against Louisville and Coastal where he scored 14 and 16 points in tight 1 point wins. “The best part of the games is the last couple of minutes where you’re trading baskets, working hard to get stops, feeling the adrenaline rush, and hearing the crowd go crazy. Those are the situations where you see what players are really made of and it’s always good to come out on top in games like that”, commented Tyree Boykin.

The diminutive explosive guard who lists Tylandrius Parks, Terrandus Smith, Tamell Pearson, Boe Nguidjol, and Justin Debuck as his 5 best teammates of all-time is playing his rookie season with Tbilisi State University (Georgia-Superleague). He is a guy that definitely isn´t taking anything for granted and is relishing every moment with the overseas grind. “God has truly blessed me beyond measure. Nothing would be possible without God. I’m extremely grateful to be a part of TSU. I have so much support from my coaches, teammates, and management that has made my transition to playing professionally very smooth. I am also very thankful for my agent, Zois Christou with Phenom Sports Services, for making this opportunity happen. Playing professionally has been my dream as long as I can remember, and I’m grateful that it has come true. I take a lot of pride in playing D-2 basketball because there are so many great players that play D-2 due to a number of different circumstances. There is a lot of great talent at the D-2 level that gets overlooked. At the end of the day, if you can hoop then you can hoop on any level”, warned Tyree Boykin. Georgia isn´t Germany or France, but he isn´t complaining. “ I love Georgia. It is much different from my home in Tennessee, but I have been adjusting very well. One thing I really appreciate is how rich the culture is here in Georgia. Since I have been here with my team, it has felt like family from day one”, commented Tyree Boykin. He also has figured out when exactly is the best time to call his dad. “My wake up call being overseas was trying to call my dad when I woke up in the morning not realizing it was a 9-hour time difference and it was the middle of the night for him”, said Tyree Boykin. He has needed no adjustment time to the court as he is putting up great stats, but what about coming to terms with his teammates long names like Jintcharadze, Turdziladze, Tsindsadze or Andronikasvilli? “It has honestly been extremely easy getting to know the guys. They welcomed me with opened arms and have been teaching me a lot about the culture, language, etc.. And as for the last names, they already have nicknames for each other so that was an easy adjustment”, stated Tyree Boykin.

The Tennessee native who lists Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, and Shaquille O’Neal on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore and also names Lebron as his GOAT because he is statistically the greatest player in every facet of the game has needed no adjustment time to overseas ball. In his first Fiba Europe Cup game against German team BG Gottingen, he had a super 19/6/8 game while shooting 6/12 from the field in a tough 88-81 loss. But there are still things that he has to get used so he can be as consistent as possible. “The biggest challenge in my opinion is learning to react and think on the fly. In basketball, 24 seconds is a lot shorter than 30 seconds on the shot clock. With that, you have to make decisions faster and react quicker”, warned Tyree Boykin. He is a player that studies many NBA point guards and would compare his game most to Jalen Brunson, because he is small but strong like him and even played in the post in school. He is a guy that has proven he can score in school, but now wants to demonstrate that he can also be an efficient playmaker at a higher level. “I think my game is much better with team play and it will develop me into a better professional going forward. It is also a lot more fun to play this way. I definitely believe I could improve my playmaking skills with the European play style. I have a lot of faith in my playmaking skills, but there is a lot of improvement that must be made as I continue my career. Playing with and watching George Tsintsadze has been a big influence on my playmaking skills and overall development. It’s a blessing to play and learn from one of the best point guards in Georgian history”, stressed Tyree Boykin. Becoming a two way player is also something that wouldn´t hurt in his quest in continuing to climb the basketball ladder and reach higher leagues down the road. “I think right now I’m a pretty good defender, but I have a lot of work to do. I want to become a much more disruptive and physical defender. I want to be the guy that the other team hates to see coming”, added Tyree Boykin. It will be interesting to see how his basketball career keeps progressing and where he lands in the next seasons. He is definitely another guy that with continued impressive outings against German teams could be in the notebooks of easyCredit BBL teams next season and land in Germany.

Pic credit Leche Rio Breogan lugo

Anthony Polite (198-G-1997, college: FSU) is a 26 year old 198cm guard from Switzerland playing his first season with Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (ACB). Last season he began with LDLC ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) playing 8 Euroleague games and then moved to the Veolia Towers Hamburg (Germany-BBL) averaging 13.2ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 85.5%;and in the Eurocup averaged 15.6ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career with Benetton Fribourg and then made the trek overseas and went to school at Boca Raton, FL / St. Andrew’s School from 2013-2017. He then played at Florida State (NCAA) from 2017-2022 playing a total of 106 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn.

Thanks Anthony for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

Hello I am currently in Lugo, Spain.

Your playing your first season with Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (ACB). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you learned to appreciate from the ACB the best league in Europe and what is the biggest challenge?

It’s been great! The organization and the fans have been extremely supportive. I am loving it. I came here because I know Coach Mrsic can help my game elevate and I have always wanted to compete in Spain. There is not much room for mistakes as each game comes down to a 1 or 2 possession game and one small mistake can cause you to lose the game. Keep adapting to better my game.

Leche Rio Breogan Lugo has no American on the team which is very rare. The club has players from Lithuania, Serbia, Croatia, Argentina, Italy and Greece. How special is this team and how far can the journey go for the organization this season?

I believe this team is very special. We have everything a team needs to win. It’s a pretty new team, there are only 5 returning guys. Everyone works extremely hard and is willing to learn. We will be in the gym everyday working and will let the results speak for themselves.

Last season you finished strong in Germany with the Hamburg Towers. What expectations do you have with your game in the ACB. How would you like to see your game develop?

Keep growing keep getting better each and everyday. Breogan it’s definitely where I want to be and can see myself taking the next step in my career as a player. I don’t like to look too far ahead but just work win and enjoy the journey.

What has been your impression of young big man Matej Rudan? He developed well with FC Bayern Munich and broke out last season with BC Mega MIS Beograd (Serbia-KLS). What has impressed you most about his game?

He’s a great young man, extremely talented can pretty much do everything on the court, I’m glad to have him on my team!

Last season you began with LDLC ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). You only averaged 10 minutes in the France Pro A and left after a few months. How tough was this time? Could you gain any positives out of the experience?

I take that experience as a positive, I saw how a Euroleague program works. I played with and against some of the best players in Europe. I know I can play at that level, and now I know exactly what I need to work on to get back there.

What was it like being teammates with Nando De Colo? Was he a guy that took you under his wing since you were a rookie?

It was a cool experience having someone with that many accolades and accomplishments. Trying to pick his brain on different aspects of the game.

You then finished the season strong with the Veolia Towers Hamburg (Germany-BBL) averaging

13.2ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 85.5%; and in the Eurocup averaged

15.6ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 83.3%. The team didn ´t make the playoffs, but still you helped them win some games. What do you feel was the biggest positive that you got from playing there?

Being able to play and get better. Being my first year professionally I think it was good to play and don’t just have a small role.

How memorable was the 89-87 Eurocup win over Italian team Trento where you scored 27 points? Were you feeling it early on?

It was a huge win as we locked a spot in the playoffs. It was one of those games we couldn’t lose the whole team had great energy and we all were able to play good basketball and convert. I was made a couple shots early on and the team was able to keep finding me for good looks.

You played at Florida State (NCAA) from 2017-2022 reaching 2 NCAA Sweet 16 ´s. Which loss was tougher too swallow, the one vs Gonzaga or Michigan?

Probably against Michigan as I had a bigger role on the team.

There was so much talent on the 2 teams that reached the SWEET 16. 5-6 guys that reached the NBA. What was missing to go all the way?

I don’t think anything was missing, it was just how the game went. Both teams played very well and it is called March Madness anything can happen.

You had many great wins, but where do you rate the 79-78 victory over Duke where you contributed 9 points?

It was a really good win and it felt great but it can’t compare to the wins in march madness or when we won the Regular season title.

How did head coach Leonard Hamilton groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He’s a great Coach and person, he prepares his players not only for basketball after college but life. He teaches you lessons that you will have to face in real life.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or M.J Walker?

We played so many times we both won

Who is the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Ja Morant, Zion Willamson

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James

Kobe Bryant

Michael Jordan

Shaquille O’Neal

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron James. There is nobody that can do what he did from the start of his career until today 38 years of age

Thanks Anthony for the chat.

Pic credit Chicago Bulls

It is hard to believe it has been 6 years since I remember checking the 2018 NBA Mock drafts and seeing where Luka Doncic and Isaac Bonga were standing while they were into their final season overseas before reaching the big show. But checking on these 2 players and seeing where their game worth was as kids wasn´t the only thing that was grabbing my attention, but also something else. At that time, I also remember reading the fascinating story about a player that at that time was living the total Cinderella dream having began his professional career in the second division in Luxemburg and then via the G-League with the Windy City Bulls, returned in his third season and cracked the Toronto Raptors lineup and a season later became a vital role player for the Golden State Warriors who would reach the NBA final. The player that I´m referring to is Alfonzo McKinnie (203-F-1992, college: Green Bay). I love these Cinderella stories of guys who are talented but for whatever reasons had to begin at the bottom. Ever since that I had been following his career and when I learned that he had signed back in Europe to play in Italy, I told myself, I have to interview him. So I checked his work of employment which was Dinamo BDS Sassari to see if there were any players that I knew and bang there was Stanley Whittaker, a guy that I have loved covering and seen move up the basketball ladder from low leagues in Serbia and Austria to reaching a top 5 league in Europe in Germany with the easyCredit BBL and this season in Seria A Italy. Whittaker is a player that I featured time in and time out again the last 3 years and shown him the kind of media love that many would dream of having. He was a true gentleman and helped set up the interview with Alfonso Mckinnie. But the funny thing is that many observers in Europe don´t even know that he played his rookie season in Luxemburg. “Some people don’t have that on their radar. A lot of people see NBA and skip over Luxembourg but the Eastside Pirates was the first professional club I played for”, stressed Alfonso Mckinnie. It is only fitting that a guy like Whittaker help me out. Guys with chip on their shoulders and who have come from the bottom to the top stick to each other. “I sense that chip in Stanley every day whether it’s practice or a game. He’s the first person to the gym everyday. He’s a hard worker and brings it everyday. He’s been a guy on this team that I’ve talked to a lot to help me with my transition to playing here in Italy. The chip will always be on my shoulder. Not to prove anybody wrong but just to keep learning and trying to be the best version of myself. I’ve played at the highest level and even though I’m not in the NBA right now, I’m still that caliber player”, said Alfonzo McKinnie. Even if the American isn´t sure if he is a role model for Americans overseas dreaming of playing in the NBA, his story is definitely inspiring. “I don’t know if I’m their role model but I definitely think guys look at my story and it gives them some kind of inspiration. Inspiration to never settle and that anything is possible”, warned Alfonzo McKinnie. Alfonzo McKinnie (Dinamo BDS Sassari) lived the Cinderella dream going from Luxemburg to the NBA and was near tears when Steve Kerr told him about getting roster spot.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Stanley Whittaker in Frankfurt Germany in 2023

Alfonzo McKinnie who has future NBA player Kenneth Faried being his toughest foe in the NCAA as a guy who had an unmatched motor who was literally dunking on everyone on every possession and never got tired was born on September 17th, 1992 in Chicago, Illinois and grew up on the west side. He began his basketball career at Curie Metropolitan High School and then finished at Marshall Metropolitan High School where he earned All-Red West Conference honors averaging 11,2ppg and 8,5rpg. He then played 2 years and 54 NCAA games at Eastern Illinois University making a big jump in his second season averaging 10.2ppg, 7.0rpg, FGP: 56.7%, FT: 72.2% after only averaging 3,6ppg and 3,6rpg as a freshman. He scored in double figures 13 times in his sophomore season including having Maine´s number scoring 24 and 20 points. “My two years at EIU were some of my best times in college. I had a lot of fun at that school. My freshman year I didn’t really play and my sophomore year I got a lot more minutes. Watching and learning the system from the previous year had me ready for my sophomore season. I had some pretty good games that year. I ended up transferring though because of a coaching change. When that happened I had an opportunity at UWGB to team up with my best friend and former HS teammate Keifer Sykes. Also Coach Chrys Cornelius who had recruited me to EIU in the first place before leaving for UWGB”, remembered Alfonzo McKinnie. He then transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Greenbay (NCAA). “The biggest positive I took to UWGB was that I could play Division 1 basketball and that I could be an impactful player. Just having big games my sophomore year at EIU gave me that confidence”, said Alfonzo McKinnie. He played 43 games with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, but he had to battle injury woes tearing his meniscus twice. “I redshirted my first year at UWGB. I was looking to get big minutes that next year because we had some seniors graduating. I had a good redshirt year and towards the end I tore my meniscus. I had surgery and then right at the beginning of the following season I tore it again. One of the roughest times mentally for me because I was so excited to play and then one move on the court and I was sidelined again. This made realize that I have to cherish the game everyday that I´m able to play because it could be taken away so easy”, warned Alfonzo McKinnie. He had some great games scoring 23 points in a win over Wisconsin-Milwaukee and 16 points in a win against UALR and also reached the NIT tournament. “Looking at the bigger picture the NIT was a highlight for the program because we qualified to play in a post season tournament. Not everyone gets to play post season. Our personal goal was to make The Big Dance (NCAA) so we as players weren’t so excited for the NIT”, said Alfonzo McKinnie. He was fortunate to have been able to play for the right coach in Brian Wardle where he could flourish. “The biggest thing I took from Coach Wardle was on how to focus on being a star in my role. That was very beneficial for me because every year no matter what team i was on. I was able to identify my role and do that to the best of my abilities”, stated Alfonzo McKinnie who doesn´t remember having played former teammate Greg Mays, but if he did probably won.

The forward who lists MJ, Lebron, Kobe, and Steph on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore came overseas in 2015 and played his rookie season in Luxemburg with The East Side Pirates in the second division. It was only logical that coming from Chicago to Luxemburg was like night and day and an experience that was hard to get adjusted to. “I went to Luxembourg I didn’t know what to expect. For one I’ve never heard of Luxembourg until my agent at the time mentioned it to me. When I mentioned Luxembourg to everybody else they would say “Germany” lol. Everything about Luxembourg was a complete 360. Completely different everything. It was a culture shock for me. I was so used to being around family and not being far away from home and now I’m in Luxembourg isolated. I couldn’t understand the language. I didn’t know how to drive a manual car so I pretty much stayed in the house majority of the time. That year taught me a lot about mental health and how powerful it is. Mentally I was going through it because I felt out of place. But thanks to my family and friends and some teammates just keeping me motivated I was able to make it thru the year”, remembered Alfonzo McKinnie. He finished his rookie season in Mexico with Rayos de Hermosillo (Mexico-CIBACOPA) averaging 15.3ppg, 7.5rpg, FGP: 62.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 63.2% and scored 30 points in his first game. “I enjoyed playing in Mexico. The competition was higher than Luxembourg. The Rayos were #1 in the league when I arrived. I literally remember talking to the Rayos on like a Tuesday/Wednsday and I was in Hermosillo playing my first game like Friday. Atmosphere was crazy. My teammates were cool. The city showed me a lot of love. After being in Luxembourg for 8 months and pretty much losing every game. Mexico sort of rejuvenated me in a sense, upped my spirits because we were winning. We fell short in the finals but overall I enjoyed Mexico”, commented Alfonzo McKinnie. He scored in double figures in 19 of 24 games. In his second pro season he played with the Windy City Bulls (D-League) averaging 14.9ppg, 9.2rpg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 70.6%. There he was reunited with Alex Brown from Wisconsin and was teammates with many talented guys like current NBA player Spencer Dinwiddie of the Brooklyn Nets. He was very consistent especially in the middle of the season. Unfortunately he never got an NBA call up. “My year with Windy City was special. I was able to be close to home and my family could attend all my games. That was the biggest plus for me. I ended up making the D league All star team that year as well. I felt like I should of got a call up but it didn’t happen so that kind of added fuel to the fire. That year took my confidence to another level. I felt like I was good enough to make a NBA Roster because I had performed well against a lot of NBA guys who was down in d league playing on assignment. Guys who were at my position. So after that year was over, my goal was to go to whatever mini camp I could go to and then get to summer league and sign to a team”, expressed Alfonzo McKinnie. He scored in double figures in 41 of 50 games including netting 29 points against Sioux Falls and 26 points against Greensboro.

The Chicago native who lists Keifer Sykes, Draymond Green, Demarcus Cousins • Lorenzo Brown and Demar Derozan as his 5 best teammates of all-time finally reached the NBA in his third season playing 12 NBA games with the Toronto Raptors and also played with the Raptors 905 Missisauga (NBA G League) averaging 13.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 69.3%. He made his NBA debut against Portland and in his second game scored 9 points in 9 minutes against Denver. “I remember checking in that game and just looking around in somewhat of Awe. It was the first real game I got to play in. I just wanted to go out and not mess up honestly. I ended up getting a few buckets. I can’t remember if we won or lost but I was just happy I got to play”, expressed Alfonzo McKinnie. When you’re a rookie in the NBA, there is usually no way about getting around having certain duties for the veterans. “My rookie year I had some rookie duties. I had to carry this little girly pink book bag with the letter A on it haha. I had to take that thing everywhere with Me. Other little rookie duties were just having to go get the team breakfast before a flight or something or making sure the vets bags got to the room on a road trip. Nothing too crazy. I had some cool vets”, remembered Alfonzo McKinnie. He was teammates with so many incredible players during his NBA time including Serge Ibaka who has come overseas this year and is playing in Germany for FC Bayern Munich and is easily the greatest ex NBA player to ever play in Germany. “I remember Serge being a cool dude. Down to earth guy. Probably the most fashionable guy on the team. He was a hard worker and it showed on the court. He was one of our best players. Glad to see him back playing and getting do what he loves”, stressed Alfonzo McKinnie.

In his fourth season he made the roster of the Golden State Warriors. He was able to play 94 NBA games and helped the club together with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson reach the NBA final. This was like a dream where he felt like a little kid locked in a candy store. “My year in Golden State is probably the most memorable. I signed with them for training camp for no money. I had the chance to secure a two way spot but I ended up getting a roster spot after pre season. I remember Steve Kerr telling me I was going to get my exhibit 10 converted to a two way and then the day after it was going to get converted to a roster spot. I was speechless. Honestly could have dropped a tear because it took me back to my rookie season in Luxembourg. Just seeing where I started out at and where I was now. I was with the back to back defending champs. Steve Kerr gave me an opportunity early in the year and I took advantage of it and I was able to be crack the rotation that year. Playing and then finishing #1 in the west and making it to the NBA finals. Huge accomplishment for me to be a part of”, remembered Alfonzo McKinnie. He lost the final to his former team Toronto Raptors and despite not winning will forever cherish that time. “The finals I remember the atmosphere being next level. Everything about it, on and off the court was next level. Nothing I’ve seen before. The overall experience was bittersweet though for me because we lost but at the same time I was able to experience that. Alot of guys don’t get to experience that. I’ll always cherish that experience. I remember flying my family to Oakland and setting everything up for them to come watch me in the Finals. I wanted them to apart of that experience too”, added Alfonzo McKinnie. He scored in double figures in 7 games including netting 19 points and hauling down 10 rebounds against his home town team Chicago Bulls. He had the special opportunity to play with the NBA´s greatest three point shooter Steph Curry, a guy who is on many of the younger generation NBA Mount Rushmore. “Steph was a genuine dude. I watched him work day in day out and go showcase his game at the highest level every night. Something he’s done for a long time now. A story I tell people is Steph was the first person to congratulate me on making the team and the day I got cut he called me and we talked for a little bit about what had happened. That there showed how genuine and how good of a guy he was. I honestly don’t think I’ve met anybody who doesn’t like Steph though”, stressed Alfonso Mckinnie who believes the original Coming to America is funnier than the sequel.

The scoring forward who has Lebron James as his goat next suited up for the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) averaging 4.7ppg, 2.9rpg. This was a very young team and he had one of his best games scoring 15 points in a victory over the Detroit Pistons. “My year in Cleveland was a roller coaster to say the least. We were a young cored team. Had a few vets. I didn’t really play to start but as the year went on I was able to get more oppurtunity and then we had a coaching change. Coach JB gave me more opportunity and I had kind of made myself a rotational player. Crazy thing in Cleveland was I got cut then ended up signing a 10 day then getting cut then signing a another ten day then ended up signing a deal with the Cavs. Crazy right. Unfortunately, covid happened and our season got shut down when we’re kind of finding our way”, said Alfonzo McKinnie. He scored in double figures in 5 games including 14 points against the New York Knicks. Covid hit the world and he actually was able to remain in the NBA in such an uncertain time in the world. He was able to lace up his sneakers with the Los Angeles Lakers and call Lebron James his teammate. “I got traded to the Lakers right when it was time for camp. I got covid so I had to miss training camp pretty much. That whole year covid played a big role in everything. Guys would have to miss games because they tested positive for covid. There weren’t any fans allowed in the arenas to start. As time went on some were allowed back. That year was pretty crazy when you really think about it. We were a part of a global shut down and then came back to play still not really knowing everything about Covid”, stated Alfonzo McKinnie. He played 41 games and scored in double figures in 4 games including 11 points against Sacramento. Any player would die to be able to be Lebron James´s teammate or battle against him. It´s no wonder that Lebron James had a positive influence on him during his time there. “I’ve watched Lebron since his HS Days. Arguably the greatest player to play the game. It was interesting to see how he carried himself. How he approached every practice, every game. Probably the smartest IQ wise that. As far as stories, I mean I got to see him go off in a lot of games so a lot of them would basketball stories”, expressed Alfonzo McKinnie. In the 21-22 season he experienced playing in the G-League and NBA with Capitanes de Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico-NBA G League) averaging 24.1ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 46.3%, 3FGP: 43.3%, FT: 86.2%, and Chicago Bulls (NBA) averaging 3.5ppg, 1.9rpg. “Getting called up to Chicago was a dream of mine. I knew I was going to get a call up. It was a matter of when and to what team. I was blessed to get called up to the home team. Also was blessed to be the first guy to sign for the full season out of the G league. I always wanted to play for the Bulls since a kid. One of the dopest moments of my career. My family being able to come to all the games. You would think I had a lot of tickets.l but I got 4 tickets every game and I gave them to my mom and she decided who got the other 3. Made it easy for me”, smiled Alfonzo McKinnie. He played 17 NBA games for the Bulls and scored 16 points against Houston while in the G-League scored 32 points against Rio Grande and 30 points a piece against Birmingham and Memphis. Last season he played with Capitanes de Ciudad de Mexico (NBA G League) averaging 14.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 72.2% and lived in the giant city Mexico City and had no complaints. “Mexico City was dope. One of the best food scenes I’ve seen. Living situation was nice, nice arena, we had a great fan base. I enjoyed living in Mexico City. MC is a place I’ll go back and visit for sure. Beautiful City. Traffic was crazy, hell it’s 23 million people living there so I wouldn’t expect it to be any different. Thank god I didn’t have to drive out there though”, said Alfonzo McKinnie. Hes cored in double figures in 29 of 41 games including scoring 33 points against Iowa and 31 points against Memphis.

Now 7 years since his Luxemburg rookie season, Alfonzo McKinnie is back in Europe balling in Italy. The differences of the 2 countries in terms of the basketball is like day and night. “Luxembourg D2 and Italy Serie A two completely different leagues. The level of completion being the main factor. Also a lot of guys on my Luxembourg team had regular jobs while I was the only American and professional on my team. In Dinamo everybody is a professional”, added Alfonzo McKinnie. When you played so many years in the States, it it isn´t a cake walk to come back overseas and score 20 points every night and win games. “The experience playing in Italy so far has been an adjustment for me. On and off the court. Just being in a different country and not speaking the language is the biggest challenge off the court. On the court it’s a different style of play and different rules from what I’ve been used to the last 7 years. I’m learning more and more each day though. Coming in everyday and competing and just finding a rhythm and where I fit into the system here. Overall though Italy is a beautiful country and I’m interested in exploring it more and seeing what it has to offer”, stated Alfonzo McKinnie. The club has started off slow in the Serie A currently at 1-5 and 0-2 in the Basketball Champions League. There is a lot of room for improvement. “We haven’t had a great start but that’s expected with everything that has gone on in the club with injuries. I mean I had a few days of practice before playing my first game. But the more we practice the more we get to learn each other and find out what works best for us as a unit. As far as my role, I think I’m here to help on both ends of the floor. Be able to run the floor and create some opportunities,space the floor on offense and make shots and then to be a defensive presence on the other end”, warned Alfonzo McKinnie. “He is 31 years old now and is the NBA still reality for him? “If the right oppurtunity presents itself for me to get back to the NBA. It’s definitely something worth looking into but now I’m focused on the right now and just enjoying the journey. Wherever it may lead me. I´m 31, but still got a lot left to give this game”, warned Alfonzo McKinnie. It will be interesting to see if he can get back to the NBA? Guys have done it with PJ Tucker. Why not Alfonzo McKinnie. His massive chip on his shoulder definitely will continue to drive him to get back to the NBA a place he deserves to be at.

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Brevin Pritzl (191-G-1996, college: Wisconsin) is a 26 year old 191cm guard from Wisconsin that is playing his fourth professional season and second in Belgium and first with the House of Talents Kortrijk Spurs (Belgium-Pro Basketball League). He began the season in Germany with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. Last season he played with Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) playing 28 BNXT League games avergaing 16.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 83.3%. In 2021-2022 he played with Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen) playing 28 games averaging 16.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT-13 (97.4%). He played his rookie season with KK Tamis Pancevo (Serbia-KLS) playing 29 games averaging 13.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT-8 (89.0%). He began his basketball career at De Pere High School and then played at the University of Wisconsin (NCAA) from 2015-2020 playing a total of 122 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball late in the summer before coming to Germany.

Thanks Brevin for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

I’m currently back in Wisconsin and working as a basketball trainer, helping kids improve their skills. I’m also working out and training myself in the evenings.

A question I like to ask the American ballers is what was the first restaurant you sought out after returning home from a season in Belgium? Or did you actually take in a home cooked meal from mom?

The first place I went to when I got back to the U.S. was Culver’s for some chicken tenders. I made my dad stop after he picked me up at the airport.

Congrats on signing with ambitious easyCredit BBL team Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. Was taking this offer almost like a no brainer?

I’ve always wanted to play in the BBL, so when my agent told me about this offer, I was very excited and wanted to jump at the opportunity.

How many guys do you know that have played in Germany? I´m very sure some of your ex Wisconsin teammates have played here like Jordan Hill.

I know a few guys who have played in Germany and have followed along with them for quite a while. Ethan Happ was here two years ago and one of my brother’s former teammates TJ Bray played in Germany too.

How excited are you to challenge yourself in a top 5 league? One can say you deserved this after grinding in lower leagues and moving up the ladder?

I’m very excited! Every season that I’m able to continue playing basketball is a blessing and I’m just thankful to be able to play. I try to enjoy every new experience, culture, and meeting new teammates – no matter the league. It has been fun to grind my way up to where I am now.

How big is the chip on your shoulder especially after having a tough junior year? How big is your drive to always get better and knowing you have to always prove yourself again?

I wouldn’t say I have a chip on my shoulder after my junior year at Wisconsin. Of course, I was frustrated with the way the season turned out because I believe I was a better player than I showed in college. To answer the second part of your question, I’m always trying to get better and perform better. I want to see how far basketball can take me, so I just keep working every year.

You’re a 191cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

If I had to compare my game to an NBA player’s, I’d dream it would be Klay Thompson. He has such a beautiful jumper and can really shoot it off of screens and on the move.

You come from a very sports orientated family. How important was having that kind of background in your development as a player?

My dad played basketball in college and instilled a strong work ethic in my brother, Brandon, and I as kids. Being four years younger than Brandon, I got to watch him go through everything first – AAU, college recruiting, etc. I was always trying to better than he was.

How established is the word versatile in your game background? You’re a guard that can fill the stat sheet with ease. Talk a little about your strengths?

I think my biggest strength is my shooting and that’s what I’m most known for. However, I’m always trying to get better and add new pieces to my game. No matter, I play hard and give my all to each game.

You reached the magical 50/40/90 plateau in Denmark. How developed is your shooting now coming into your fourth pro season?

In my eyes, shooting is the great equalizer in basketball because just a few threes can close a big gap. This is why I’ve always focused on becoming a better and better shooter. Each year I try to come back a better shooter than I was the year before.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you want to become?

I’ve never been known as a defender, but I’ve always had coaches who pushed me to try and become one. Right now, I would say I’m a willing defender because I will give my best effort every time. I’m always trying to continue to improve as a defender and working hard at it.

On what area of your game are you working on most this summer to keep refining your game best?

This summer I’m focusing on my conditioning to push myself into even better shape. I want to be able to play at even higher energy during the games and need less rest.

Last season you played with Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 16.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 83.3%. How did your game improve in a stronger league coming from Denmark?

Coach Casteels pushed me to play with the ball in my hands more than anyone ever has. I was able to do things with the ball that I hadn’t really done since I was a teenager. In Leuven, I was also pushed to take on bigger challenges defensively and that allowed me to stay locked in on the game. Each season, I continue to understand the European game better and that helps me perform.

You played a great playoff series beating Aalst and Den Bosch, but then lost a tough series against Charleoi. What memories do you have from this experience?

I just remember being so singularly focused on the playoff games that it felt like I was in the zone constantly. My teammates and I had a blast competing in practice every day, which made the games easier to play.

You played your second pro season with Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen) averaging 16.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT-13 (97.4%). You reached the 50/40/90 plateau. Talk a little about this season. Do you feel pressure to have to reach this plateau again?

Coach Hipsher had a great offense that allowed all of us that season to maximize on our abilities. He put each of us in a position where we would work best, and it showed. I wouldn’t call it pressure to hit these stats again, but it’s something that I believe I can do and want to do each year.

You were teammates with American Vincent Bailey who had played in Germany early in his career. What memories will you always have of him?

Vinnie was a great teammate and a lot of fun to be around. He is a very unusual player being a big man with guard skills and guard size. Vinnie was dominant for us that season and really helped elevate our team.

You played your rookie season with KK Tamis Pancevo (Serbia-KLS) averaging 13.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT-8 (89.0%). You were a rookie as Covid was in main force. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie in Serbia where you knew you were far away from home?

The first real culture shock I had was when I got off the airplane in Serbia and I couldn’t read any signs. Luckily the team owner’s sons picked me up and helped give me the lay of the land.

How special was your 42 point explosion in the thrilling 104-103 win against Dynamic SP where you shot 15/18 from the field. I suppose this was your best shooting game as a pro.

I would have to agree. I haven’t ever really had a game where I was that efficient. It was a great feeling! It really felt like every single time the ball left my hands, there was no doubt it was going in.

You played at Wisconsin (NCAA) from 2015-2020. What memories do you have of the 2017 NCAA tournament run where you won an exciting game over Villanova with 3 points and then lost a tough game to Florida 83-82?

I remember that we had a great group of guys, many of which have made successful pro careers, who played well together. Teamwork is what really allowed that Wisconsin team to be successful.

How tough was your junior season? Your minutes dipped from 29-19. Then your senior year they were up to 27 again. How did you cope in that season against adversary?

Stuff happens. You get cold and you don’t play as much. We had so many talented players on the team and our coaches were trying to play the guys who were “on” and who they thought could help us win and unfortunately that year it just wasn’t me. I just stayed the course, put my head down, and continued working to improve my game.

How tough was your senior season which ended abruptly due to COVID? What was your most memorable game at Wisconsin? You had a great game against Minnesota near the end of the season.

My senior season ending due to COVID was hard, especially since we were playing our best basketball and I was getting into a bit of a groove. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s hard to pick my most memorable game at Wisconsin, but I think the game against Minnesota would have to be up there for sure. So was beating Marquette at home my senior year.

How did Greg Gard groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Gard helped me improve my game throughout college and allowed me to learn more about myself in the process. I had never really considered a professional basketball career until Coach Alando Tucker came in and started to talk to me about the possibility of being a pro. He also did many workouts with me before my final season, that helped me develop my game to translate to the pros better.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or D`Mitrik Trice?

I don’t think Meech and I ever actually ever played 1-1 in practice, but if we did I would say it would be a pretty even split.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA?

The toughest players I faced in the NCAA were Luka Garza and Cassius Winston.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

This one was tough because I’ve played with so many talented guys. But my five best teammates of all-time would probably be Nigel Hayes, Ethan Happ, Vitto Brown, Aleem Ford, and then Michael Ballard or Carter Higginbottom. While they didn’t play that much, Mike and Carter’s teammate value was through the roof.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

MJ, Lebron, Kobe, Kareem

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron is my GOAT. He is the all-time leading scorer, he’s won championships, the Olympics, etc. In my eyes he is the best player of all time but I would say MJ is right there too, it is too hard to pick just one really.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I haven’t seen it and I can’t recall if I’ve seen the first one either!

Thanks Brevin for the chat.

After a tough loss at Orange Academy, the Dragons Rhondorf didn´t have much time to digest the loss as the next incredible team filled with Germany´s next talented young players arrived in the Dragons Dome with Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg. Dragons fans couldn´t have asked for a better showdown as they saw the 2 best teams in the Pro B south with identical 5-1 records. Ludwigsburg is a young, but experienced team that have played together for years combined with an ambitious and knowledgeable young coach with Khee Rhee. The Dragons Rhondorf have demonstrated all season long that they are a very lethal offensive team scoring 94 points on average, but relying on shoot outs won´t get them the Pro B title as they still haven´t found a defensive identity yet as they allowed 90 points per game. Ludwigsburg were also an offensive powerhouse, but defended better than Rhondorf. The Dragons Rhondorf had to be prepared to remain undefeated at home. Once again their defense wasn´t consistent and 1-1 defense horrible, but when it counted most in crunch-time, they stuck together and gave all they had at both ends and won a real nail bitter 97-95. It wasn´t pretty, but a win is a win. “We were resilient tonight. When they took the lead in the fourth, we found a way to come back and play defense and finish the game. Every guy that touched the court made an impact. We all had each others back on defense at the end”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf center Avery Sullivan (203-F/C-1999, college: Lamar). Even if Ludwigsburg moved to 5-2, one can´t forget that the team has an average of 18,5 years of age. After the loss Ludwigsburg head coach Khee Rhee was still proud how his boys played. “This was a high scoring game that was played at a high intensity. I think this was the best game that the Pro B has seen this season. The reason we play young guys is so they can play possession by possession and not hang their heads. The way my guys played for 37 minutes was admirable. We never gave up and always came back. This was the first time this season that we had to come backl”, stressed Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg head coach Khee Rhee.

Dominykas Pleta at FT line

Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg were without Lenny Anigbata while the Dragons Rhondorf were without Jekabs Beck and Tyrese Blunt. Both teams didn´t shy away from using their offensive weapons right away. Ludwigsburg had the quick 7-3 lead showing their inside out game as ex Erfurt forward Dominykas Pleta and Ognjen Veljkovic scored inside and ex Dragon Eslie Edigin nailed a trey. But Rhondorf didn´t let down quickly tying the game at 9-9 as big men Leon Bulic and Avery Sullivan scored inside. Ludwigsburg made their presence quickly on the offensive glass getting extra offensive rebounds. The teams would trade leads often and Pleta was in attack mode from the get go and would go on to have his best scoring game in the Pro B. The Dragons Rhondorf tried to get away going on a 7-0 run to lead 20-13 as Sullivan and 17 year old Janne Muller hit three´s, but Ludwigsburg punched back with a 10-2 run to lead 23-22. In the run the guests got super production from young Dutch man Mock Icke with 2 baskets inside, a reverse lay up by Pleta and a clutch three points by young German Luca Stuebel with the 23-22 advantage. But ex Orange Academy guard Marko Rosic had the last laugh with a lay in and 24-23 Rhondorf lead. “We played too fast at the start. When we found to our game, we got rolling. We also had problems on the boards. We took it personal and did a better job in the second half”, stated Avery Sullivan. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 38% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 6 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 42% from the field and 25% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Kelvin Omojola at the FT line

In the second quarter the game would continue to be at even eye level except for the last minutes where the Dragons Rhondorf tried to pull away, but the guests fought back to trail only by 2 points at the break. There were 10 lead changes. Pleta continued to do his thing attacking the paint and scoring at ease while Omojola and Bulic also scored inside, but Ludwigsburg led 29-28. The Dragons Rhondorf then found some daylight getting away on a 10-2 run to grab their biggest lead of the contest at 38-31. In the run the Dragons got vital support from Texas native Avery Sullivan who showed his beast qualities with 2 buckets including a dunk while Bulic also scored inside and Croatian sniper Matje Silic nailed a trey. Rhondorf had upped their intensity and Badu Buck did a great job with the playmaking while Ludwigsburg were too hectic in their offensive sets which can happen with youth. Ludwigsburg stayed sharp and continued to chip away at the Rhondorf lead continuing to attack the paint. Abdulhay Komurkara, and Nico Santana scored while guard Stuebel got an offensive rebound and put back that was totally unacceptable for the Dragons giving up to trail 41-37. Aeneas Jung finally found his game nailing a trey and lay in while Pleta was in the zone all game long getting a lay in and dunk getting Ludwigsburg over the hump and 46-45 lead. “He is very mobile and a solid big. We did all we could to contest him, but he did whatever he wanted against him. We will be better prepared next time”, warned Avery Sullivan. Despite Jung hitting a trey on the last possession, it wasn´t enough to keep the lead as Muller and Sullivan added key buckets for the 52-51 Dragons lead at half-time. “We knew going in that they had the most possessions in the league. We knew it would be a back and forth game. We knew that they would make their shots so we just had to keep fighting and stay with them”, added Avery Sullivan. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 51% from the field and 31% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 7 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 49% from the field and 21% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Nico Santana from outside

The contest continued to be a close affair, but the Dragons rhondorf controlled the third quarter and were up by 6 points after 30 minutes. After Junga and Bulic traded baskets, Pleta continued to be up to his deadly execution scoring inside as Ludwigsburg led 55-54. The Dragons Rhondorf then upped their defensive intensity and finally showed some consistency getting stops with 4, but could only get a three pointer and offensive rebound and put back from Leon Bulic to lead 59-55. The three´s weren´t falling so both teams attacked the paint with consistency. Ludwigsburg got baskets from Veljkovic and Edigin while Rhondorf got buckets from Omojola and Muller to lead 63-59. Muller had his break out game in the Pro B with 18 points, but something his teammates expected from him. “That performance was no surprise for us. He works so hard in practice. It was only a matter of time. He stepped up big time”, stated Avery Sullivan. That 4 point lead was quickly shaved down to 1 point after Stueble made 3 free throws. But Rhondorf closed out the third quarter with force with a 7-2 run to lead 72-66. In the run, Rhondorf produced some stops and got lay ins from Omojola and Buck and free throws from Silic and Sullivan. “When we are able to get stops and get in transition, then we can be strong. We did that and kept them on their heels”, warned Avery Sullivan. “We attacked them over and over in the paint, but with some match ups, those baskets weren´t that easy to get. The tempo is so high that it makes it difficult to make the lateral movement on defense. We tried to keep a high tempo to make them tired”, commented Khee Rhee. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 25%2 from the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 10 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 45% from the field and 15% from the parking lot and had 31 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Avery Sullivan lay in

n the fourth quarter, both teams had the chance to decide the game, but instead it was the Dragons Rhondorf that had to fight back at the end get over the hump and let the Sullivan and Omojola show take over. It seemed like the Dragons Rhondorf had found Ludwigsburg´s number continuing to execute in the first minute grabbing the 79-72 lead as Sullivan nailed a beautiful old school hook shot, Muller made a lay in and ex Cologne German Antonio Pilipovic hit a trey. Rhondorf was on top, because they were getting support from many sides while Ludwigsburg seemed to only have a Pleta who could make a bucket blindfolded on this night. But they also had their 2 captains and main leaders Santana and Jung who began to contribute getting some baskets to trail only 79-77. After a Bulic step back jumper, Ludwigsburg made their last run of 11-2 to lead 88-33. In the run, the guests as usual got heavy production with Pleta who scored twice, and and Edigin made a thunderous dunk. The guests held the momentum as the Dragons 1-1 defense was nonexistent and now wanted to slam the door shut on the dragons with a Jung runner, Santana and Pleta free throws to lead 93-87 with2 minutes to play. “We were ok. We practice those situations all the time in practice being down by 5 points. We just stayed calm and fought back”, stated Avery Sullivan But the Dragons didn´t give up. Buck came up huge with a trey while Kelvin Omojola fed Sullivan with the perfect dime for the alley-oop dunk as Rhondorf trailed 93-92 with 1,30 to play. “Avery and I work on the alley-oop play. I had him in the corner of my eye”, said Kelvin Omojola. After a stop, Sullivan made free throws to give Rhondorf the 94-93 lead back. Esli Edigin came up big with a lay in with 47 seconds to play. Rhondorf that executed again as the Sullivan-Omojola show continued as Omojola found Sullivan wide open inside for the 96-95 lead. Omojola could of shot, but instead found the better positioned Sullivan for the winning basket with a few seconds to play. “I could of shot it, but I read the defense and saw him a mile away. He was the 99% basket”, warned Kelvin Omojola. “Kelvin and me are close on and off the court. Our chemistry showed. He is unselfish and just wanted to make the winning play”, expressed Avery Sullivan. Rhondorf then buckled down and forced Santana to a turnover and Sullivan closed out the victory with a free throw. “We had no communication on defense. Young guys get hectic. We didn´t execute the way we should of this. This was a learning lesson”, stated Khee Rhee. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Avery Sullivan with 34 points and 12 rebounds. Janne Muller added 18 points and Leon Bulic 16 points while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg were led by Dominykas Pleta with 29 points and 16 rebounds while Nico Santana added 16 points and Esli Edigin 15 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 29% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 13 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 48% from the field and 145from outside and had 40 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

Aeneas Jung (203-PF-2002, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 21 year old 203 cm power forward that has the German/Cyprus citizenship and is playing his second season with Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg and has a double license with easyCredit BBL team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. Last season in the Pro B he averaged 10.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.8%. He made his easyCredit BBL debut in the 2020-2021 season. He also is a member of the national team of Cyprus. He spoke to eurobasket before a pro B game against the Dragons Rhondorf.

Thanks Aeneas for talking to eurobasket.com. You have been in the Ludwigsburg organization for some time. What makes this organization so special?

I believe that the Ludwigsburg organization is really good for my basketball future. It is run very professionally. The resources are great here. You can combine school and basketball well. Everything is run very smoothly.

This season the Ludwigsburg pro B team is 5-1. Is this simple recipe for success correct? The team is experienced, many have played together for years and it has a talented and ambitious young coach with Kee Ree?

Yes that is correct. We are very young. Some guys have been together for years and know each other very well. It really is like a family here. We do things together on and off the court.

You and Nico Mojica are the leaders. How special is it having Nico as a teammate?

It´s very special. He helps me a lot to keep control. I was captain alone last season. Now we are both captain. We have a very good relationship as well as with the coach. That makes everything easier.

How talented is Luca Stuebel? Could he be the next Patrick in the Ludwigsburg stable of point guards coming up?

I hope that happens. He is very talented and has developed well here. He has good phases. I continue to keep telling him to be aggressive. I keep telling him that not many can keep up with him at the Pro B level. He is a very hard worker. If that continues then he will have a very bright future.

How athletic is Esli Edigin? Have you experienced a wow moment with him on the court?

I see wow moments form him often. What he can already do at his age is wow. He is very fast and controls the ball well. He also has a good shot. He is always the last one out of the gym. I hope that he will go far in his career.

How valuable has Kee Ree been in your second season? How has he helped you with your game best?

He gave me so much trust from the start. If I told him that my knee was hurting then he told me to rest. Not all coaches are like. He wanted me too feel good first and not keep playing to get hurt again. It isn´t easy to cope with pain, but he really helped me come back from my long injury in getting the feel on the court again that I needed.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward/center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I´m a power forward. I´m a little slow now but that was because of my injury. I´m working hard to regain my quickness again. I hope to be where I want to be with my quickness in 2 years. I have heard comparisons to Euroleague player Kostas Papanikolaou. He moves well off the ball, can shoot and pass. My goal is to play like him.

You’re a very versatile player. Would you call yourself a modern forward? How big is versatility in your game?

It is big. Now all bigs can shoot. You don´t have an influx of heavy players in the post. The game has become fast. I like to push the ball.

How defined is your three pointer? How vital is it getting a consistent shot to being able to make the next level as a player?

A big goal is to get a consistent shot. I´m working very hard on that. I have my ups and downs, but I continue to work on it.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I´m still slow. I have no problems against big men, but I want to be able to guard guards on the switch

On what area´s of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to climb the basketball ladder?

I´m working mostly on my shot.

What are your goals as a player? Ludwigsburg have many talented youth players and cracking the BBL team roster is tough. Do you see yourself getting more minutes this season?

I want to have a good season and help my team as much as possible. I want to be consistent and not force anything. I simply want to play as best as possible.

You are a member of the Cyprus national team. How is the state of basketball in that country. How positive do you the future for the country in basketball?

Basketball is getting better and better in Cyprus. The problem is that the young talented players aren´t getting tough competition. The country doesn´t have the proper resources for the guys to work on their game. We have talented young players but it is waisted potential.

You missed the whole 2021-2022 season because of injury. How tough was this season? Plus Covid was still around. What did you learn about yourself in that time?

It was a very tough time. I tore my second ACL: I knew how it went, but having to do it a second time was tough all over again. I had to start at 0 again. I am thankful for my physical trainer who helped me a lot and got me back to where I am now. I was alone many days and it was tough mentally I never knew if I could get back to my old level. I learned to be tougher. I feel like my mind set got stronger as well. I began to work even harder, because I valued be able to paly again. I´m very grateful that I can still play.

You played NBBL many years ago with Jacob Patrick and have seen him develop. How big is your desire to go the same route as him as he has worked himself well into the BBL rotation?

Each guy has their own path. Some get there earlier and others later. My goal is to work hard each day and If I continue to do that then I know that I will get my chance.

You played your first BBL game in 2021 against Braunschweig. What memories do you have of that game?

I will never forget my offensive charge and Andrew Warren hitting many three´s. I´m really grateful that I got a chance.

You played for John Patrick. He is a tough coach. What do you believe was the most worthwhile thing you could take with you from his presence in Ludwigsburg?

He taught me to stay humble and focused no matter if you win or lose.

Who was the toughest player that you have ever faced in game in your life?

In the Pro B it was Jeremy Sochan and Ariel Huckporti who was my teammate.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore.

Lebron, Jordan, Kobe, Shaq

Who is your GOAT and why?

If I had been born in Jordan´s era then it would be him. But since I´m not it is Lebron.

Thanks Aeneas for the chat.

Koen Sapwell (193-G-1999, college: CS Monterey) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Adelaide, Australia playing his first season in Europe in Germany with pro A team Dresden Titans currently averaging 15,8ppg, 3,8rpg and 2,0apg while shooting 42% from outside. He began his basketball career with the Central District Lions. He also has gained experience down under with teams Hobart Chargers, South east Melbourne Phoenix, Ballarat Miners, Brisbane Bullets and last played with the Southern Districts Spartans (NBL1 North) averaging 25.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.0apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 66.2%. He also played 3 years with the California State University Monterey Bay (NCAA2) playing a total of 60 games. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Koen for talking to germanhoops.com. How does it feel for an Australian boy to be living in historic Dresden? What have you appreciated most about the city so far?

Dresden is an awesome city! I’ve loved being able to get out and experience everything. I love the history side of the city and find it super interesting. I’ve definitely been the tourist taking photos of everything so far.

An important aspect for you coming to the Dresden Titans was the fact that many guys remained. Do you feel that family like atmosphere with this club?

Absolutely. From an international perspective, it´s always hard to get a real gauge on the culture from the outside looking in, but when I was able to talk to fab over the phone and talk about so many guys returning, it´s pretty obvious that people like Fabo and head office have made a culture and family environment at the Titans. It also speaks to the character of the other guys on the team, no one has any hidden agenda and just wants the best for the guy next to them. Makes a winning culture.

What have you learned to appreciate most about the basketball philosophy of Fabian Krauss? Is he a coach that will help you make the next step?

I think the biggest thing which is hard to find in many head coaches, is that we’re humans first. He understands that at the end of the day, we’re going to be better basketball players, teammates, partners, husbands and son’s if we’re all happy off the court. He sees his players as humans and that’s something I really like, and it makes you want to play for him more, and I think this naturally helps me get to the next level.

What has it been like being teammates with Tanner Graham and Grant Teichmann? What have you appreciated most about their games?

Tanner and Grant are great guys, makes it really easy to get integrated quick when you have other guys that are natural English speakers. It helped me early with bridging the gap with the other local guys on the roster. I’m at the point now were I’m really comfortable with all the guys and enjoy any time spent with them, on or off the court. As far as basketball goes it’s pretty clear that they’re great players, it makes my life easy when they have the ball, I know they’re always going to make the right decisions. I back them 100%

This is your first time in Europe. How would you rate the level of play in Germany compared to what you witnessed in Australia and NCAA 2?

Playing in the NBL the last 2 years has been really fulfilling and something that I will forever be grateful for, as it’s a top 3 league in the world. Being able to come from a league with so many great players I think has prepared me really well for this next chapter of basketball in Europe. The league here is really good, and I think our close game to Hamburg last weekend speaks for itself. We’re a good team, and when were at our best we’re going to be a tough team to beat.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm combo guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

It’s always hard to answer this type of question because I think the NBA is a league that’s very 1v1 based and rely on too many individual pieces to succeed. I’ve always prided myself on being a team guy and want to play the right way. If I had to choose I would love to say someone like Devin Booker, CJ McCollum or Klay Thompson. Someone that doesn’t really need the ball to succeed, and someone that can create for himself and others when I need to. I’ve always been someone that can shoot, so I’d love to think I play like these guys. Obviously just not as good LOL.

You’re a guy that can score very well and fill the stat sheet well. What is your biggest strength on the court?

I think my biggest strength is my ability to create plays and read defenses. I’ve played this game for a very long time and grown up in a household where my father and brother played and talk basketball 24/7, so I like to think I have a high basketball IQ. I trust myself to make the right plays at the right time, whether it’s scoring, assisting or defending.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

Defense is something I pride myself on. Something that I’ve worked on really my whole life. Being touted as a defender and getting the best defensive assignment every night is something that I look forward to and something I take personally. As an Australian playing international basketball I want to make sure I represent that well by being a hard-nosed defender, and someone that can change the game regardless of how I’m playing offensively. Moving forward I want the narrative around me to be that I’m an elite defender and someone that other teams don’t want to play against.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to climb the basketball ladder?

Becoming a better rebounder is something that I would love to improve on, and I think I’m going to have an opportunity this year to do so. We’re a relatively small team, so we’re going to have to rely on people like myself, Grayson, Grant and Daniel to being good rebounding guards.

You played the last few years down under since playing in the NCAA2. How has your game grown most in the last few years?

If I was to compare myself now to what I was when I was in college it would seem though I were two different people. While college is a great stepping stone and something that prepared me for professional basketball, it is still very, very different. I was able to work in a professional environment where my only obligations were to improve as a basketball player. I have become someone that isn’t just a shooter and someone that would only play if I was shooting well/not, to a player that is slowly becoming a more well rounded player. I would say that I’ve gotten better at almost every aspect of basketball since I started college.

You played at California State University Monterey Bay (NCAA2) from 2017-2020 playing 60 games. Talk a little about your time there. What was your fondest moment there?

College for me was more about becoming a man more so than anything else. I think moving away from home when you’re 17 is a really big life choice, and to allows you to really take care of yourself. Some of my greatest memories are things that were not involved with basketball, but meeting best friends, eating the same $2 ramen meals with your roommate who is just as broke as you are. At the end of the day I was able to make lifelong friends and have stories that I will tell my future kids about, and they mean more to me than any stat line I had over my 3 years.

You had many great games but where do you rate your 22 points in the exciting 78-76 win over California-San Diego?

I rate it very highly! It was something that no one thought we would be able to do, and something that made us all come together closer as a team. They were nationally ranked, and it was one of our few good team wins that season, so it made it all the more sweet.

How tough was your last season at California State University Monterey Bay (NCAA2) Your season ended on November 30th and then COVID came. How do you remember that season?

´2020 as we all know was a pretty tough time in everyone´s lives. I think the scariest part of it all at that point was just the uncertainty of everything. We didn’t know if we were going to finish our season, or even how deadly Covid actually was. I actually left college and went back to Australia a little bit early, and luckily missed a lot of the COVID protocols that were rolling through California at the time.

How did Isaac Williams groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Isaac was helpful for me in a way that he challenged me each day and gave me a coaching style and perspective that I would never have gotten if I stayed in Australia. He helped me improve as a professional, and allowed me to learn how to really hold myself accountable for each day I was playing for him. Something I am very thankful for to this day.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jahvon Johnson?

I’m going to go with me, but surprisingly enough we didn’t play that many 1-1 games.

Who is the best player that you ever faced on the court that reached the NBA?

Playing in the NBL there are a lot of players who have played NBA minutes. Some people I got to know really well and see their work ethic daily were Mitch Creek and Ryan Broekhoff. Ryan played a number of years in the NBA and both guys were always open to having me pick their brains about basketball. Another guy I played against a lot was Bryce Cotton. He’s a player that has won 4 out of the last 6 MVP’s in the NBL.

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time? Best basketball players

Tyler Johnson 2. Nathan Sobey 3. Mitch Creek 4. Aron Baynes 5. AK Gak Best teammates 1. Josh Kollman 2. Brent Hank 3. Chevy Spurr 4. Matt Johns 5. Ambros Eugster

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Wilt Chamberlain

Who is your GOAT and why?

Michael Jordan He is just the GOAT.

Thanks Koen for the chat.