Patrick Samoura (198-F-00, college: Cochise CC) is a 20 year old 198cm forward currently with the Czech Republic national team that will be playing at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Japan. He has played his whole career with USK Praha (NBL) and last season played 16 games averaging 13.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 72.7%. He also played two seasons with Cochise College (JUCO) playing 30 games averaging 7.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 77.7% and 8.8ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 76.5%. He also has played at the U-16 and U-18 European Championships. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the Czech Republic qualified for the 2021 Summer Olympics.

Patrick thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on reaching the 2021 Olympics. Did Victoria get to know what it is like when very happy Czech men party?

I wouldn’t say party, but we had our little gathering to celebrate this huge achievement.

What was going through your head when the siren sounded to end the game against Greece?

That I cannot believe this. This is my first year with the men’s national team and in it we make it to the Olympics games which is one of my dreams. Also, that our little country is making this happen. We are almost every time the underdogs and not many people believe in us. However, we have our quality and team chemistry.

Were the last minutes the longest of your life?

Not really, because we were up by 30 points and the game prior to against Greece was against Canada where we were up by 10 points with 52 seconds left in the 4th quarter. Those were the longest seconds of my life and imagine going to overtime after that.

One has to realize what the Czech national team achieved in the last week. Not only did the club reach the Olympics but beat Canada and Greece back to back with in 24 hours. Is this the biggest achievement in Czech basketball history?

I would say this is the biggest achievement in modern history. The last time Czechs went to Olympics games was 40 years ago and this was a huge achievement too. However, in modern history I would say this is the biggest. I would like to think that it also surpasses the 6th place in the World Cup that was in China in 2019.

Let’s begin with the Canada win. How key was the 80-79 win over Uruguay on Friday? Did this put the team in a little different mind set going into the Canada game raising the confidence even more?

For us this game was do-or-die. Without it we would just go home. I don’t want to say that it raised our confidence because we had to win it to get to the semifinals. However, it helped us. We go into each and every game with the winning mentality even though our opponent may be more talented, we are competitors.

The Czech Republic had a nice lead at the end but they stormed back. How were you guys holding up mentally leading up to the Tomas Satoransky game winner?

It was out of this world. We lost the 10 point lead in 52 seconds. Of course it was mentally tough but we believed in ourselves and made it through the storm.

Tomas Satoransky won the game with dazzling 1-1 play and nailed the shot with a bank shot? Did you know that the ball was going in?

I was hoping I did not see it in a good angle, so I had to guess. However, the shot was incredible. Especially against one of the best defenders in the world Luguentz Dort who plays for the Thundes. After that it was just euphoria.

Ondrej Balvin had a monster game as did Blake Schilb. I remember Schilb being very far from a monster in Hamburg at the Super Cup. Was he saving his best for last?

Ondej had a big game with 19 boards which helped tremendously, also his passes, size and vision made it possible for us to win because Canada played small-ball. Blake erupted in that game. Perhaps, he was saving his best for this game but I think in our team anybody can score high numbers, but it depends on the game. In that one it was Blake.

What kind of an experience was it playing against these very talented Canadian players with loads of NBA experience? Which player stood out most to you?

It was amazing. I saw how NBA players play and carry themselves. I saw the physicality and aggressiveness with which they play and also the high IQ. Who most stood out for me from Canada would be Nickeil Alexander-Walker. He was great his finishing around the rim, shooting and the one on one stood out for me.

Against Greece you led 81-53 after three quarters. You had absolutely no mercy. What did you learn about the team’s offense on this weekend that you didn’t know about before?

That we have more offensive potential than we realize which for us is an advantage that we have to utilize in upcoming Olympics.

When you look back over the Olympic qualifying weekend what was the biggest quality of the team. Obviously every team wanted to reach the Olympics, but would it be fair to say that deep down the Czech republic wanted it more?

Our biggest quality is team chemistry and because of that no matter the situation we stick together until the vey end. Everybody wanted to go to Tokyo that is undeniable. However, we managed of all teams to show it and execute it on the court.

The Czech Republic didn’t look so good in Hamburg, but you guys sure did work on everything after leading up to the qualifying tournament. How are you a different team now then when you left Hamburg at both ends of the court?

It is safe to say that in Hamburg we were not ready to compete against those teams. Nevertheless, it was a learning experience where we saw how the basketball is supposed to be played. As we completed our roster, we competed at each and every practice and it brought us fruit.

What kind of special words did head coach Ronin Ginzburg find for the club after the Greece win?

Let’s win this freaking game!

Does it feel like you’re a small kid in a candy store when thinking about playing against USA? Is this like a triple dream come true?

I really never thought about it but now as it is coming closer, I am getting more and more excited. I will be playing against the best players in the NBA which for me is something spectacular.

Which USA player are you looking most forward to playing against?

Probably Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Jayson Tatum.

The Czech Republic have a tough group with USA, France and Iran. What will you have to do as a team to advance?

Our mindset is that everybody is beatable, and anybody can be beaten and with that we have to go into each game whether it is USA, Iran or France.

On what things are you most looking forward to at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics? Are there any athletes that you really want to meet?

I cannot wait to see how Japan or rather Tokyo looks. The culture, people, food everything is superb for me.
Until now I did not think about meeting any particular athlete. I will see who I meet when we get there.

What was the last movie that you saw?

It was a movie Gangs of New York.

Thanks Patrick for the chat.

Making that first impression is so important in life no matter if you’re wanting to be a stock broker, paramedic or a cook. How you present yourself in that interview can be so vital and it isn’t any different for a professional basketball player. Usually the organization have the upper hand in the first talks simple because they have gotten recommendations from that player’s ex coaches and seen hours of footage. But not only does a club have to be 100% sure that they have the right player, but the player also has to be totally convinced that his new basketball home will benefit him in the best way as possible. If a player and coach don’t see eye to eye from the get go then that player has to go on and find the next possible team. Often one hears the normal bla bla in German basketball team’s press releases of how good the talks were between player and coach and that was it. In the case of wiha Panthers head coach Alen Velcic, you get that added bonus of more in depth detail from the players about his character. It doesn’t really matter who the player has been in the last years that has signed with the Pro A team from south west Germany, Alen Velcic has gotten the total positive full treatment from new players that have only spoken with him. You have to wonder what kind of a indisputable second impression he makes on players in that first face to face encounter at the first day of practice. New players Quatarrius Wilson stated this ”He’s all about winning and he has high intensity’ while Luka Dolman stated ‘The biggest thing for me is his passion for the game As a player I know he’s going to push me to be the best player and teammate that I can be’. The lauding of Alen Velcic just continues and continues just as the constant lauding for Giannis of the Milwaukee Bucks a day after winning the NBA title is non stop. The praising and good first impression of Alen Velcic wasn’t any different for new player Grant Sitton either. ‘ He is a straight shooter, He tells you what you need to hear and not what you want. I admire that in a coach. He seems to really care about coaching and the team and not just here for the money’, warned Grant Sitton. I don’t know how his first impression of Rostock head coach Dirk Bauermann was in January 2020 when the ex German national team coach came on board, but he didn’t want to answer a question about him so one is able to decipher that his experience with him wasn’t what he had expected. Sitton is back in Germany with a lot to prove and wants to make the next step with the wiha Panthers. That so important first impression has been great for Sitton, now the question will be, can he and Velcic harmonize on the court?

Grant Sitton who lists current NBA player Dejounte Murray of the San Antonio Spurs as his toughest opponent ever was born on April 27, 1993 in Brush Prairie in Washington state. He began his basketball career at Prairie High School. Instead of going the NCAA route, he had to start at the bottom at Clackamas Community College. It was here that he developed a chip on his shoulder. ‘I loved Clackamas I still keep in touch with the coaches and players there. A lot of good memories. I think coming from a community college you always have a chip on your shoulder but it helped me get to where I am today’, stressed Grant Sitton. He then went a rare route for an American and chose not to play in the United States, but in Canada for the University of Victoria. There was a massive advantage to playing in Canada something that Americans probably don’t even know about. ‘In Canada you get 5 years to play instead of 4 (in USA) coming from a community college I wanted that extra year to develop my skills as a basketball player’, remembered Grant Sitton. In his three years at Victoria he played a total of 68 games and really made a huge jump in his last two years averaging 14.4ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 81.8% and in his last season 19.2ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 77.3%. He was able to improve his scoring, rebounding and assists averages in every season. What his game gained in those three years continues to help his game today. ‘As I get older I’m better at reading and understanding the game of basketball as well as what I’m capable of on the court’, stressed Grant Sitton. He was a very consistent scorer in his last two seasons scoring in double figures in 34 of 42 games. He had unforgettable scoring explosions against Saskatchewan with 33 points, 32 points against Lethbridge and 30 points against TRU. He credits lead assistant coach Josh Mullen for being instrumental in him being a player that has had success everywhere he has been as a professional. ‘He believed in me and my goal to play over season and him and I spent countless hours over the course of my college career. His knowledge of the game is the reason why I’m the basketball player I am today’, warned Grant Sitton. He never lost a one on one battle in practice to teammate Hayden Leyeune and also remembers how lethal of a scorer Mr Canada and ex Fraport Skyliner Philip Scrubb was in school. ‘I remember Philip being unstoppable. We had the opportunity to play them multiple times and both times were a challenge. But it always fun to go up against a really talented player and he is one of the best’, remembered Grant Sitton.

The Washington native lists his five best teammates of all-time as Marcus Tibbs, Donte Nicolas, Jobi Wall , Rodney Glasgow and Noah Charles began his professional basketball career with BC Prievidza (Slovakia-SBL). He needed no time to adjust as he played 37 games averaging 14.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 43.1%, FT: 81.1%. There are guys who play 10 professional season and never experience the feeling of winning that chip, but he did it as a rookie. He was a prolific scorer his rookie season scoring in double figures in 27 games. He scored 30 points and 25 points against Rieker KN and 25 points against Nova Ves. In his second season he played with top Dutch club Donar Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie) playing 41 games averaging 7.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT-2 (90.5%). He also got his first international club competition playing 14 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 7.9ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 34.8%, 3PT: 44.7%, FT: 88.6%. After winning back to back Dutch Eredivisie titles in 2017 and 2018, Donar Groningen couldn’t pull off the triple losing a fierce five game battle against Zwolle. Being able to play Fiba Europe Cup had a huge impact on his game. ‘The amount of exposure I had playing all these different teams in all different countries was eye opening to me. I tried to soak as much knowledge of the game of basketball I could bring surrounded by such good players’, remembered Grant Sitton. He scored in double figures in the Dutch league in 14 games including 16 points a piece against Limburg and Den Helder. In the Fiba Europe Cup he scored in double figures in five games including 18 points against Italian team Openjobmetis. He also had two ex BBL players that enriched his game with ex Bamberg guard Teddy Gipson and ex Ludwigsburg forward Jason Dourissaeu. ‘They are good guys I learned a lot about how to conduct myself as a pro and what it takes to compete at a high level. Jason and I were roommates when we would travel so we spent a lot of time together on the road’, added Grant Sitton.

In the 2019-2020 season he played with the Rostock Seawolves playing 26 games averaging 9.2ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 46.0%, FT: 85.9%. He may not have good memories of Dirk Bauermann, but he does have very fond accounts of the faithful Rostock fans and that the versatile Donte Nicholas is one of his five best teammates of all-time is no surprise. ‘I loved the fans support in Rostock. I was chosen by a group of fans to do a meet and greet. They were a lovely family and still wish me luck. Donte and I are still good friends even after Rostock. He is by far one of the most versatile players I’ve played with. We used to play against each other in practice, it was really competitive and a lot of fun’, remembered Grant Sitton. He scored in double figures in only 8 games, but had three massive games producing 24 and 22 points against PS Karlsruhe and 23 points against the Niners Chemnitz. Last season he wanted to return back to Germany, but couldn’t and decided to go back to an old stomping ground with BC Prievidza (Slovakia-SBL). It was his best personal season as he played 25 games and was the second best scorer in the league averaging 18.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT-2 (45.8%), FT: 82.6%. It was a no brainer coming back to the organization that made him a champion in his rookie season. ‘What makes them special is that they were the first and only team to offer and eventually give me my first contract as a professional basketball player. I have a strong bond with management and the fans Over there and I will always be grateful for them’, warned Grant Sitton. He was unable to win another title as he lost a tough three game series it Iskra Svit. ‘Losing any playoff series is tough and yes I was disappointed but I was really happy with how hard my teammates played during the season and in playoffs they deserve the credit with how they competed’, stated Grant Sitton. He had huge games against Iskra Svit scoring 36 points and had 32 points against Lucenec.

So let’s fast forward to 2021. The ex University Of Victoria forward who lists Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Shaquille O’Neal on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore did only have the challenge last season of continuing to climb the basketball ladder, but also having to deal with COVID. The last year has been tough for everyone during COVID and he will never forget those boisterous Rostock fans and having a season without fans was tough. ‘The challenges playing with covid were hard but I think the management and players handle it very well. For me the only issue was that fact the was no fan interaction the whole time I was there. I always like to show my appreciation to them’, expressed Grant Sitton. He continues to grow as a player with every new experience in new countries and Covid also helped him grow as a man. ‘COVID gave me a new perspective of life and how you take for granted all the little things you can do. I’ve come to appreciate more of the small things in my life’, commented Grant Sitton. What didn’t happen last season finally came true again now as he will be playing in Germany again with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen. He knows that he still has a lot to prove and with the ambitious Panthers organization, he has the perfect chance to. If COVID hadn’t come on to the scene, he may have remained in Germany last season. ‘Covid played a huge role. I’m very thankful that BC Prievidza offered me a contract and let me come in for the remainder of their season. They have always treated me well’, said Grant Sitton. That first impression that head coach Alen Velcic gave him was a big reason for him committing to the Pro A team. ‘I think it’s a good fit for me after talking with the coach and sharing our interest, I feel confident that we have the tools and the mindset to be a great team this season’, stated Grant Sitton. He has good and bad memories of his two games against the Panthers. The good memories was that he won both games, but the bad memory was that he didn’t have his A-game prepared. He put up a big goose egg in the first game and shot only 3/12 combined in both games. ‘Sometimes the bad games stick out more. I only remember the first game because I played so poorly’, stressed Grant Sitton

So what kind of player will German basketball fans see with the American who feels Michael Jordan is the best of all-time and the last movie that he witnessed was Space Jam 2? He will be on a club that will supply much scoring support with guys like Lamonte Beardon, Quatarrius Wilson Raiquan Clark and Chris Frazier, but there should be enough room and minutes for him to heighten his game even more from his Rostock season. People have compared his game to a white Kevin Durant, but he believes that is a joke. He doesn’t like to compare his game to only one player, but rather likes to take things from many NBA players. He is a modern day forward and even if he can bang, he does prefer to utilize his strong shooting ability. ‘I feel like I shoot a high enough percentage from the 3 point line that sometimes it’s better than shooting inside. That being said I pride myself on being versatile as a player’, expressed Grant Sitton. He shot 38% from outside in his last three seasons at Victoria and has continued to raise his three point percentages as he has shot above 40% as a professional in every league he has played in except the Dutch league. His recipe for success is based on two things. ‘My Dad and mom taught me the fundamentals as a kid as I grew older I watch good shooters and took parts of their shot and tried to add them to mine. But the secret is there is no secret getting up shots and gaining confidence are the two most important things when it comes to shooting’, warned Grant Sitton. But in order to be a modern day forward, you have to be able to do more and his facilitating will help out the offense this season. ‘I’m a great passer, I read the floor well and I understand the game enough to make my teammates better around me’, stressed Grant Sitton. He also knows that playing top at one end of the court isn’t the way to being that complete player, but you have to bring it always at both ends of the court. ‘Although I have improved my defense a lot over my career it’s always something I constantly try to work on. I feel that’s something that is holding me back to the next level’, stressed Grant Sitton. Hearing a comment like this has to be as soothing for Alen Velcic as it has been for Team USA opponents seeing them struggle the last weeks leading up to the 2021 Olympics. Not only did Sitton have a very positive first impression of Velcic, but so did Alen Velcic of Sitton. This has to be a match made in heaven.

Marck Coffin (193-PG-91, college: Idaho Coll.) is a 29 year old 190cm guard from Caldwell, Indiana that completed his third season with the WWU Baskets Muenster (Germany-ProB) playing 30 games averaging 12.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 44.8%, FT: 85.7% after averaging 9.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 64.3% the season before. He played his first three professional seasons with the ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 125 games. He also got experience in the States playing at Treasure Valley Community College (NJCAA) and playing 49 games for the College of Idaho (NAIA). He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

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

I am currently in Muenster, spending my last couple of days here finishing up last minute appointments. The basketball life is treating me well, it’s a great feeling knowing I do not have to prepare physically for a season in the coming fall.

You played a full season during COVID-19. How did you experience this season with all the restrictions and drama of COVID-19 on and off the court?

I’m thankful our team didn’t have any positive cases. That speaks discipline and dedication about our organization and team. It was definitely an experience I will never forget; no fans, testing before each game, hearing every single player and coach shouting during the games.
Off the court I’m pretty laid back and don’t go to too many places, I did miss coaching my young U12 team though. Due to Covid all of the youth sports were cancelled, and that was a huge bummer for those kids.

What were the biggest challenges for you in getting through this season and trying to have as much success as possible?

Personally my biggest challenge was staying motivated, knowing possibly once we all tested negative, there could be a probable chance the opposing team would test positive and all our work and preparation from that week would feel like it was wasted in a sense.

It was a very successful season for the WWU Baskets Muenster. But how can one seriously rate a season like this where really each team had their difficulties with COVID-19?

We knew from our success from last year that it would translate to this season. Although we had some great players depart, we also had great additions. We tried to focus on us as much as we could and not have any external distractions come into our team, even when Covid influenced the schedule.

You guys lost a tough three game series to Bochum. You had the momentum going into game three, but lost 97-86. How tough was it losing that final game?

It was hard, I’m not going to lie. That whole weekend my sleep schedule spiraled; after the first game I stayed up till 2am and was already awake at 5am. I never sleep past 8:30, but that was two nights in a row. I was very excited about the series, but I also think maybe subconsciously anxious, because I knew it was coming to an end. I didn’t play up to my standard, or what the team needed in that last game, and that hurt even more. I hate to disappoint people, especially the ones I care so much about.

I guess the regular season means nothing at the end when you don’t win the title. But still how would you summarize the season of the WWU Baskets Muenster? What was your fondest moment?

I don’t like when people use that logic, because you still learn, and grow as individual players, coaches and as a team during that whole year. I would summarize our season as a fun and exciting rollercoaster ride. We had a few injuries at the most inconvenient times; I got injured briefly during the preseason after feeling great; Cosmo Gruehn after showcasing a 27 pt game injures his hand for a good chunk of the season; Adam Tourey goes down at a crucial end stretch of the season with a torn LCL but that’s a part of the game. One of my favorite memories was in our first round in the playoffs when we played away at Coburg. Guys were in the best moods, encouraging one another, having fun, sharing and moving the ball. No one played outstanding, but I felt everyone contributed in a way that made the game so easy and fun to play.

Head coach Philipp Kappenstein continues to do very good work with the club. How have you seen him develop as a head coach in the last years?

Philipp is an amazing coach, period! The way he can relate and communicate with players is like none other I’ve ever experienced before. His most noticeable growth I’ve noticed is that he was willing to adjust more willingly according to matchups and personnel on the floor. He likes his teams to play very aggressive and at times it was just not the right decision for some teams and players. He was willing to change it up and be more passive, which won us a lot more games in the end.

Let’s talk about your teammates. There are so many good big men in the Pro B and one of those is Malcolm Delpeche. What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?

Malcolm is one of the most dominant nice players I’ve ever met. He could easily average 20-15 in the Pro B, I would bet my salary on that. But he is too nice of guy, which I think holds him back. Depending on the day he’ll give you a double double, or he’ll kind of float along the game. However, that’s one of the things I’ve learned and loved to appreciate about his game the most. He’s so unselfish and kind that he’s looking for others, before he looks for his own.

One guy I enjoyed watching early in his career was Cosmo Gruehn. He made huge strides in Muenster the last two years. How is he a different player today then he was on day one in 2019?

I mean Cosmo is a special case, the guy is young, about 204cm, 110kg, can defend, can score from all three areas and has some playmaking ability. I see what he can do every day in practice so it’s no surprise for me when he has a game like 19pts, 9 rebs and 5 assists, in 25 minutes on 7-10 shooting. From the beginning what I noticed though was how he was able to bounce back from the injury and not having a shorter leash for mistakes in game. He stayed confident and delivered when we needed him most. So, his confidence and perseverance were things I noticed most.

Jasper Guenther took a step back last season from the Pro A and had a very strong Pro B season. How did you see him develop and is the younger brother of BBL legend Per ready now for the BBL?

Jasper is a dogg!!! He’ll do anything to win and I really admire that about him. That must be the Guenther genes, because if those guys were any taller, they’d be terrifying opponents. I think he’s grown his decision making a lot from what I saw. He’s also a guy who can score on all three areas and at times he’d either shoot a tough 3 pointer, or drive into traffic. I think he’s found a good balance when to do each of those and also utilize his midrange game. I don’t think he’s BBL ready now, but he definitely has the heart and work ethic to be a solid player at that level if that’s a goal of his.

The club continues to develop many young German players. Which guy do you feel improved the most this season?

I think that’s a little tough to answer, I don’t think any of our young guys developed more than the other, but they developed different aspects of their games.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the Pro B this season?

I think Montrell Scott, he’s also a guy who can score at all 3 levels, and with his height and quickness he can be difficult to contain when he gets it going

You played professionally in Austria and Germany. Why have you decided to retire after only 5 professional seasons?

No particular reason, I just don’t want to play basketball anymore. I’ve had an amazing 5 years, I’ve established some amazing relationships and the experience I’ve gathered has no price.

Talk a little about your life after professional basketball. You will be getting into coaching. How instrumental was your dad Mike in helping you make this decision?

I plan on learning as much as I can from current, and past coaches. I know a lot back in the states, so I will be a sponge and soak up as much information as I can. I want to eventually become a head coach, but to start I plan on being an assistant at the High School or Collegiate level. I just want to help young players develop their individual skills and knowledge of the game. More importantly be a great role model and help with any mental barriers players may have. He wasn’t instrumental at all. I’ve coached in the past during the summers and I always knew I would want to do it after I was done; I just didn’t expect it to be this soon I guess.

What was the most important thing that you learned from your dad that helped you on the court as a player and also what will help you in the future as a coach?

The most important thing is that you can’t be everyone’s friend. You cannot make everyone happy and if you try you will fail. Those were some of the lessons I learned under his tutelage. I believe these aspects will help me, because I do try and please everyone.

There are many guys that would do anything to win one professional title. You won 8 in Austria. You have won more titles than Tom Brady.

I’m very blessed and thankful. I was privileged enough to join a team in Kapfenberg at the right time. I believe luck and timing play a big role in sports. For me I happened to come at the right time of Kapfenberg’s success. Hahaha I hope Tom Brady continues to win more titles so he can surpass me

Of all the 8 titles you won, if you had to pick one, which was the sweetest?

Definitely the first. That first year in Kapfenberg we had such an amazing and deep team. The personalities and characters on that team just meshed, it was so harmonious. Also, we had about 5 young guys and they were all special in their own way. To be able to celebrate that success with that entire group, and my mother and father were there to see me win; I was speechless

You played two seasons with Kareem Jamar and went through much with him. Did all those titles together give you guys a special bond for life?

Kareem and I were tight from day 1. We always drove to practice and ate lunch together. We also would always get in extra work before, or after practice together. I believe had we not won titles ou rbond would be just as strong. It does make it that much sweeter that we won together though.

Your success was surely helped by your chip on your shoulder after playing JUCO and NAIA. With all the success you had in Austria, did that lesson the burden of your chip somewhat on your shoulder?

It never burdened me, I was always overlooked, to my own fault, but it definitely prepared me for what was to come. I’m not sure, possibly but I always play to win, and I believe any team I’m apart of always has a good chance of winning. That’s always been my mentality, even when I was a kid and we would play a simple game of tag.

How did head coach Scot Garson help groom and prepare for a professional basketball career?

I think his biggest lesson was not taking plays off. He would scold me at times to push myself further when I thought I had exhausted myself, but he knew I had more in the tank to give. That definitely helped me overall, especially when working out and pushing myself further in the offseason workouts.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Emanuel Morgan?

Emmanual Morgan is one of the quickest and fastest guys I’ve ever seen. He has that ball on a string like no other. We never played outside of practice and when we would do one on one drills in practice I never got matched up with him. It would be interesting to find out though.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

That’s really hard.
I’ve had so many amazing teammates, who have brought different attributes and skills to the game.
In no particular order:
Alex Campbell
Kareem Jamar
Nemanja Kristic
Malcolm Delpeche
Albert Ngoy

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore from past or present NBA heads?

In no particular order:
Michael Jordan
Bill Russell
Lebron James
Tim Duncan
Kobe Bryant

Chris Paul recently passed Magic Johnson for fifth all-time in assists. Where do you rank him with the best point guards all-time despite never having won a ring?

Chris Paul is a winner, period. Wherever he goes wins and other players flourish. I don’t think it’s fair to rank him, and only because he’s not done yet. The way he’s playing, he could go for 3-5 more years. If he retired today though, I would rank Magic Johnson first, Isaiah Thomas second, and Chris Paul third.

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

I think the debate is annoying at this point. It was fun a few years ago, but we all know that MJ ranks number 1. And also, they are each great in their own ways. For all I care people will debate till the end of time about those 2.

Have you seen the Coming to America sequel? It has had mixed reviews. Shouldn’t they just have left it alone?

I saw the mixed reviews before I saw the movie and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. I appreciate the direction they went for, and bringing back nearly every character after 30 years was definitely not an easy task. Everyone seemed enthused and motivated as well, so in my eyes it was the correct decision.

Thanks Marck for the chat.

Ben Marello (198-F-95, college: FSC) is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Daytona Beach, Florida that is playing his third professional season and first in Germany with SG Luetzel-Post Koblenz (Germany-ProB). Last season he played with Raisan Pas Pielagos (Spain-EBA) playing 13 games averaging 20.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 64.0%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 79.5%. As a rookie he played with Belfast Star (Ireland-Super League) playing 6 games averaging 21.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.5apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 58.6%, 3FGP: 40.0%, FT: 87.1%, in Jan.’20 moved to SKN St. Poelten Basketball (Austria-BSL) playing 6 games averaging 13.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 62.1%, 3PT: 46.4%, FT: 54.5%. He began his college career with Henderson State University (NCAA2) in 2015 averaging 6.7ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 62.7% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 71.4%. He then finished at Florida Southern College (NCAA2) averaging 9.2ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 63.5% as a junior and averaged 9.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 71.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Hi Ben, thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

I am currently home in Florida and basketball training has been coming along well.

Before we talk about basketball, I have to ask you about how you experienced COVID last season in Spain. What was the most challenging thing you witnessed on and off the court and still allowed you to play the season?

The most challenging thing would probably have to be all of uncertainty. You never know if you would actually play that week because of Covid.

With everything that you saw during COVID off the court how do you feel did everything make you stronger as a man?

The covid year definitely made me a stronger person overall.

Congrats on signing with German pro B team EPG Baskets Koblenz. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

I’ve heard that the country is beautiful and I know that the basketball is played at a very high level.

How did you experience the talks with new head coach Mario Dugundzic? What impressed you most in the first talks?

He seems like a very genuine guy. He seems very positive about the club and it gives me confidence going forward.

What were the main reasons for signing with this very ambitious German pro B team? Was there the feeling that playing for this club could help your game develop further and did ex teammate Kelvin Lewis give you tips on Germany?

I had actually just spoken with Kelvin about my decision the day before I signed. He agreed that playing in Koblenz could help me get to the next level with enough hard work.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’d say I play like Paul Pierce or maybe Dirk Nowitzki

You were a solid scorer in school, but really heightened your scoring as a professional in Ireland and Spain. Did this happen only because of a bigger role change or did something improve with your scoring abilities?

I think my confidence took a big leap and I was forced into a scoring role which helped me become the player I am now.

You can really score the ball and rebound well, but what other strengths does your game incorporate?

I think I have very good hands defensively and I am a decent shot blocker.

You also seem to be a very ambitious defender. Do you see yourself not only making an impact on the offensive end, but also more on the defensive end as you continue to climb the basketball ladder?

I want to continue to grow at both ends of the court as I go forward each year.

Your three point shooting still seems to be a work in progress. How confident are you that this could become more of a weapon over time?

I have a ton of confidence in my shot and mechanics. I’ll continue to work and I know it will pay off.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most now to continue to improve as a player?

I’ve been really trying to gain muscle and become a more physically dominant player.

Last season you played with Raisan Pas Pielagos (Spain-EBA) playing 13 games averaging 20.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 64.0%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 79.5%. How do you feel did your game blossom here and grow in your second professional season?

It taught me patience and I learned how to become more well rounded player

As a rookie you started with Belfast Star (Ireland-Super League) playing 6 games averaging 21.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.5apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 58.6%, 3FGP: 40.0%, FT: 87.1%. How much was it a wake up call coming from warm and sunny Florida to rainy Ireland?

It was definitely an adjustment but the people were so kind that it made up for the bad weather.

You finished the season with St. Poelten Basketball (Austria-BSL,) playing 6 games averaging 13.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 62.1%, 3PT: 46.4%, FT: 54.5%. How important was this experience. How vital was pure scorer Kelvin Lewis for your play there?

His ability to score really spaced the floor for me and he did a great job of finding me at the perfect times.

The Austrian league is a good league and higher than the German Pro B. Do you feel pressure to have to come in right away and make not an impact, but a huge impact in the Pro B?
No I don’t feel any pressure. I just go out there and do what I know how to do.

You began your NCAA 2 career at Henderson State University (NCAA2) playing 50 games. You improved your stats dramatically in your second year. What kind of an experience was it playing there and why did you go after two years?

I’m grateful for my 2 years at Henderson State and I learned a lot. I wanted to be closer to my family my last 2 years of school so I made the transfer.

You had many fine games at Henderson State, but was your 21 points in your last game a good way of closing out your stay there despite the loss?

I would say it was a good way to go out. We lost but I gave the team everything I had left in me.

You then finished at Florida Southern College (NCAA2) playing 2 seasons. How enjoyable was it closing out your NCAA 2 career wining the SSC title? What memories do you have from that run?

It was an unreal experience winning the title. I have unlimited memories of just being around the players and staff that make me smile to this day.

How did head coach Mike Donnelly groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He helped me understand the game even more. His style of coaching helped me open my eyes to different styles and paces that have definitely helped me become a more balanced player.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Slinky Jones?

We have had our fair share of wins vs each other

Who was the best player that you have ever faced in your life on a court anywhere that reached the NBA?

I’d have to say Grayson Allen was probably the best. He was so dominant in high school.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Kelvin Lewis, Matt Panaggio, Jacob Schner, Aaron Cooper, Kevin Marfo

Please construct your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain

What is your personal opinion of the non stop debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

LeBron James is the greatest player of all time. He’s so well rounded

What was the last movie that you saw?

Forrest Gump

Thanks Ben for the chat.

Blake Schilb (201-G/F-83, college: Loyola, IL) is a player that has seen very much in his 14 professional seasons, played in many countries in Europe including the Czech Republic, France, Serbia, Turkey, and Spain which has spanned approximately 591 professional games not including his national team caps and 118 NCAA games with Loyola University of Chicago (NCAA). The American born naturalized Czech Republic player from Rantoul, Illinois has experienced so many things in his professional career, but remembers that first meeting with French/Bulgarian sharp shooter Ilian Evtimov as if it was yesterday in 2007 when he was a rookie playing an exhibition game against the Deutsche Bank Skyliners in Frankfurt. Sometimes the basketball world can be so small as Schilb was a rookie with Era Basketball Nymburk that had the talented guard duo of Monty Mack and Arthur Lee, not to mention a young 25 year old Petr Benda who was playing his first season there and was starting his amazing and unbelievable run of winning 25 club titles that is still active today as he won the double in 2021, plus head coach Muli Katzurin who would coach Frankfurt a few years later and a certain young assistant coach Ronen Ginzburg who is the mastermind of the 2021 Czech Republic run to the 2021 Summer Olympics. While on the other side of the floor was second year man Ilian Evtimov who had come off a less than spectacular rookie season in Italy, but had had a stellar NCAA career at North Carolina State. Evtimov was surrounded by great talent as well with Skyliner legend in the making Pascal Roller as well as Mr ballerina Derrick Allen, sniper Jimmy Mckinney and German national player Nino Garris. Both would later cross paths again playing with ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA) from 2010-2013 and having their biggest success as professionals together. Not only did they help the organization win their first ever professional title, but won 4 in that span including two league cups, a AS Cup title as well as the Pro A title. When having had so much success together, it isn’t surprising that Blake Schilb can have nothing but the utmost love and respect for his ex teammate. ‘You know I first met Ilian while he was playing in Frankfurt. I was in Czech Republic at the time playing for Nymburk and we came over to play a friendly match. I didn’t know who he was before then but he made sure that I never forgot him after lol. Of course the rest is history with what we did in France together. Real stand up guy; hands down one of the best shooters I’ve ever played with’, warned Blake Schilb. The love for each other is mutual. ‘I do remember that meeting in Frankfurt very well. He is a well rounded player that could do anything. A gentleman on the court. What I didn’t realize is how high his IQ actually is until I played with him. Everything was easy and simple. Basketball was fun and flawless when we played together in Chalon. We would laugh often when we would do something, and speaking just with the eyes, and then we would trick the opponent for an open shot or lay up. He is the best player I have ever played with, because he had the ability to take over the game alone but more importantly he elevated other teammates to play their best basketball’, stressed Ilian Evtimov. His teammates also have the utmost respect for him. ‘He is a great teammate that has given me a lot of knowledge about the game. He is a great personality that is always calm. When you need a difficult basket, he will get it for you’, stated Patrick Samoura.

The ex Loyola University of Chicago (NCAA ) great who was on the radar of the Milwaukee Bucks when he was a junior and would have been drafted, but opted to return back to school instead of being drafted finished his career there ranked fourth on Loyola’s career scoring chart (1,879 points) and also ranks as the all-time leader in three-point field goals made (204), 19th in rebounds (600), sixth in assists (430) and fourth in steals (159) recently made history in his country helping lead the Czech republic national basketball team to their first Olympic games. But getting their wasn’t an easy task as they had to qualify and did it in absolute super mega incredible fashion ousting the highly talent Canadian team that had an abundance of NBA stars not much different to the USA and also disposing of Greece who are always stacked with unforgettable players. All in all the Czech Republic seemed to always heighten their play from game to game starting with a comfortable win over Turkey 87-70 which was followed by a real tight affair against Uruguay 80-79 which raised their self-confidence going into the battle against France. ‘The games against both Uruguay and Canada were both nail biters. You would think that escaping with a 1 point win, we would not want to repeat that. However, some costly turnovers in regulation against Canada and we found ourselves in overtime with the hosts. It was a heavy weight battle; both teams throwing blows back and forth. There was a point when I thought it would never end’, remembered Blake Schilb. The Czech Republic were playing superb basketball against Canada, but the contest is never over until the fat lady sings as Canada stormed back in the fourth quarter. The heroics for the game winner fell in the lap of none other than NBA player and star of the team Tomas Satoransky who helped Czech Republic basketball once again reach a new milestone in their basketball history with the 103-101 victory over Canada after reaching sixth place at the 2019 World Cup. The ex FC Barcelona guard made a dazzling one on one play and nailed the shot a bit surprisingly untypical with a bank shot. ‘Those last few seconds when Saty (Tomas) had the ball it was like being in and watching a movie with only one take. When he took the shot, I did not even think to go rebound because I knew it would go in. What I didn’t know is that it would go in off the glass first. I asked him after ‘did you call bank?’ He then replied ‘I called game’, smiled Blake Schilb. Both big man Ondrej Balvin (14/19/4 stats and Blake Schilb (31p and 7a) had monster games and were instrumental in the win. Schilb who was still a bit rusty at the Super Cup in Hamburg a few weeks before saved his best for last and didn’t shy away from showing his sense of humor. ‘Ondrej Balvin is the rock for our team; he controls the paint on both ends of the floor and has just become such a prominent factor in our team’s success. As for the guy Blake Schilb. I think he surprised himself a bit that day’, laughed Blake Schilb. Canada had a smorgasbord of incredible players like Andrew Wiggens, RJ Barrett, Trey Lyles, Cory Joseph, Luegenz Dort and Dwight Powell just to name a few and for the younger players like Patrick Samoura, it must have been like being a five year old boy in a Walgreens and drooling over the newest Fireman Sam toys. For Schilb there was one player who especially stood out to him with his play. ‘The roster for Canada was loaded with NBA players; on paper you could perhaps match them up with some of the stronger USA teams. The player who stood out the most to me in that game had to be Nickeil Alexander-Walker; to me he played with a sense of urgency the whole game’, expressed Blake Schilb who balled at the 2015 European Championships.

If the win against Canada wasn’t already enough, team Czech Republic still weren’t qualified and had to beat Greece in the final and the underdogs still weren’t satisfied and wanted more. On paper Greece were the heavy favorite, but in today’s basketball, it doesn’t mean anything as Nigeria showed recently beating team USA in an exhibition game in preparation for the Olympics. The Czech Republic went into the Greece game with nothing to lose and played their hearts out as the favorite had no chance. The Czech Republic totally dominated and led easily 81-53 after three quarters. The Czech Republic never lost focus and buckled down until the final buzzer and won 91-72. ‘My feeling from the tip against Greece and the way we stormed out was we were going to show no remorse. Patrik Auda led our team in scoring; It was also great to see Jan Vesely bring his energy in that game as well. I believe we had 5 players in double figures that game, so it showed we have capabilities to score from everywhere’, warned Blake Schilb. The last quarter must have been as long for the Czech Republic players like it is for that poor kid in Europe who sees all the gifts under the tree, but has to wait until dinner is over to finally open presents the way some families celebrate Christmas there. ‘The last minutes were very long, especially since we had a controlling lead. There were a bit of worries on the side still because the way we let leads slip the prior two games (Uruguay and Canada) but we showed maturity in the final’, added Blake Schilb. The ex Paris-Levallois (France-ProA) player has played many many games in his career, but seldom did he have the kind of special feeling when the siren sounded and he knew he would be going to Tokyo for the 2021 Olympics. ‘It was actually hard to fathom once the final second on the clock expired but I think the expressions shown were blissful. It’s hard to actually process at the moment, I’m still trying to grasp the idea that we will be going to the Olympics right now at 540am’, said Blake Schilb. After a win like that, one can understand that the elation that everyone has is enormous and finding the right words and length can be very short. ‘After the Greece win coach didn’t say much but that he was proud of everybody involved. He was soaked in all the water we poured on him once he came in the locker room lol he kept it short and sweet’, stated Blake Schilb. Who knows how the Czech Republic team would have been celebrating in the Canadian city Victoria had there not been COVID, but with the current situation people saw a different type of Czech Republic team joy. ‘I believe Victoria got just a taste of what it’s like to see a happy Czech basketball team. Considering we were in the bubble most of the time; I think it allowed us to have the most fun out on the court’, expressed Blake Schilb.

Just like no one has to debate now that Lionel Messi is on top of the world after leading Argentina to the Copa America title, it is the same for the Czech Republic national team that qualifying for the 2021 Summer Olympics is the absolute biggest achievement in their basketball history. ‘I think it’s safe to say that this has to be the biggest achievement in our generations history. Going to the World Cup and finishing sixth was awesome but building on that by qualifying for the Olympics has showed another level for the Czech basketball’, warned Blake Schilb. But the Czech National team don’t want to be tourists at the Olympics, but make an impact in their group. But that won’t be an easy assignment as they drew USA and France in their group. But if they keep their ‘You Gotta Believe attitude then really anything is possible. ‘For sure our group is a tough one. It’s the Olympic Games; every team is going to try to bring their best shot. The order in which we play our games could be significant in our favor. Most important is believing like we always do’, stressed Blake Schilb. He is really looking forward to the opening ceremony and just seeing all walks of life representing their nations and world sport again. The Czech Republic aren’t near to having the same talent like many other nations in the tournament, but they have two very vital things that will help them achieve success. ‘This team of guys has chemistry and have been together for a while now on the national stage. Except for a few of the younger talents who have fit in nicely. We all like to play basketball no doubt but also know about one another’s lives when we are not with the national team’, commented Blake Schilb. Not only do the guys play together very well, but they all like each other and care about each other on and off the court. What better conditions can one have then that for making possible sweet memories at the Olympics.

Stan Okoye (198-SF-91, college: VMI) is a 30 year old 198cm forward from North Carolina that has the American/Nigerian citizenship. He made his debut with the Nigerian national team in 2013 andplayed at the 2019 World Cup averaging 5.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.0apg. Currently he is with the Nigerian national team and belongs to the roster for the 2021 Olympics. He began his basketball career at Knightdale High School and then played at Virginia Military Institute (NCAA) form 2009-2013 playing a total of 123 NCAA games. He put up huge stats in the NCAA and as a senior played 31 games averaging 21.5ppg, 9.4rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 66.8%. As a professional player he played his first season in Australia, Greece and Israel, but since 2014 has concentrated playing in top leagues Italy and Spain. He played three seasons in Italy and will be playing his fourth season in Spain in 2021-2022 and second with Casademont Zaragoza (Spain-ACB).He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Stan thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you and how is basketball life treating you?

Hey, Miles. I’m currently in Las Vegas, with the national team, we’re continuing our preparation for Olympics. The basketball life has been treating me pretty well, I enjoy being able to do this for as long as I have.

Before we talk about your basketball career, please explain how you experienced COVID last season with your season with Herbalife Gran Canaria (ACB). What were the biggest challenges that you personally faced and had to deal with?

Well most of the year we had avoided issues with the virus. It was very challenging to play without fans, but the games had to continue and eventually we got accustomed to it. Unfortunately, I caught the virus in February when I was in a good moment during the season. I had pretty strong symptoms and it took me a while to feel normal again. My team continued to do well, which I was very happy about, and we ended up having a pretty good season.

With everything that you dealed with during COVID in the last year off the court, how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?

I wouldn’t say that it made me stronger, but it revealed a lot of things. The initial quarantine that began in March of 2020 was especially tough. Being alone for two months, without real face-to-face interactions took its toll on me. I found myself in bed a lot, in the dark for most of the day, just wishing the time would pass. Eventually, I was able to pick up on things that made my days more positive. Apart from exercising I would read, study some Spanish, watch documentaries, and catch up with friends from around the world that I hadn’t spoken to in a while. It made me appreciate more the small things that I have and the people that are in my life.

Currently your with the Nigerian national team preparing for the 2021 Summer Olympics. Was the amazing 90-87 win over USA one of your biggest wins in your career?

It was one of the biggest wins in my career. It meant a lot being able to beat them. My first year with the national team was in 2013, a year after the big loss we faced against the USA in the London Olympics. In 2016 I was a member of the team who also lost to them in an exhibition match in Houston. For me, this win was a sign of progress that this team has made since then, and I’m more proud of that than anything else.

USA had pretty much everyone there except for Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton who are fighting for the NBA title with the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks. How highly can one rate a win like this?

I am sure USA will play totally better when the Olympics start. I don’t know how to rate it, but at this stage all of the teams are just evaluating themselves and seeing what they need to work on. Though it was a historic moment for Nigerian basketball, our team is focusing on our performance in Tokyo.

You’re a veteran that has played many years in Italy and best league in Europe ACB in Spain and have seen your share of great teams and players. But still when you get on the floor and see all these incredible USA players, is one in awe just for a moment or were you able to block it out?

I was able to block it out. For sure there are moments in the game where something very impressive happens, but we were there to competing and trying to win a game. It’s always an honor to be able to play against those guys, but I see my teammates as very special players as well.

When you see all these NBA players and look at your career having played four years in the ACB, do you have that certain satisfaction that not only can you hang with these players, but that you could play in the NBA and make a difference if just given the chance?

I’ve always had that thought in my mind. I never thought I would be a superstar on that level, but I know that I could fit in a role that could help a team win, no matter how big or small that role might be. But I’m happy with how far I’ve come already, to be able to play ball for a living is already a dream come true.

What was it playing against Draymond Green? Do you watch a guy like that closely to try to pick some new nuisances from his defense to help your game?

Yeah it’s interesting to see certain guys like him who isn’t always the most talented player, but sometimes the most impactful because of their defensive intensity and IQ. I have a lot of respect for what he does out there on the court.

Except for the top Players like a Durant, Green, Taytum, Beal, etc was there a player that impressed you that you wouldn’t have thought could be before the game? Well everyone on that team is a household name already.

I was super impressed with my teammates performances, and most proud of how my guy Caleb Agada played that game. I know how good teammates are, and to see it displayed in such a way was fulfilling.

I can’t remember the NIgerian national team ever having 6 NBA players on a roster. Is this the strongest team that Nigeria has ever had?

I believe it is, year by year in every major competition this team gets stronger and it has shown, with 3 consecutive Olympics appearances from this team and more young Nigerians being drafted in the NBA each year.

Talk a little about the Nigerian team. Obviously your athleticism stands out, but what other strengths does the team have that will help them have success?

Defensively we have shown that we can control the pace of the game with our intensity on that end of the floor. That’s something that must remain consistent to be able to win out there. We also have a team full of capable shooters, something that we really haven’t had in the past. Lineups in positions 1-5 that can spread the floor and knock down 3’s.

The minutes are balanced very well. No player eclipsed more than 20 minutes against USA. How strong is the team versatility and depth?

Yeah the team is pretty deep, a lot of athleticism and guys with similar skill sets. Everyone plays extremely hard on both ends, so I anticipate seeing short spans of playing time.

What has it been like practicing with Precious Achiuwa? He is a big talent. Where do you see a player like that going with his game in the next three years?

The sky is the limit for him, he’s extremely gifted and a very hard worker. I can see him being a very important piece on a successful team. The future is bright for him.

Talk a little about guard Gabe Vincent who carried Nigeria to the win over USA with 21 points. He played in a lower conference with the University of California Santa Barbara (NCAA) and reached the NBA via the G-League. Could a huge Olympic games resurrect his NBA career?

He’s another guy that has worked extremely hard to get to where he is. He has always been an under the radar. I’m not in a position to know what could result from a huge Olympics, but in my opinion he has already shown that he belongs in the NBA.

There are many other very talented guys on the team that aren’t in the NBA. Is a guy like Caleb Agada a player to watch during the Olympics?

Definitely, as I mentioned before he has been one of the most impressive guys on the team. He’s a very aggressive scorer and is coming off a huge season in Israel. We’re all proud of his journey.

What exactly your role on the team? Is it different than what you had the last years with Herbalife Gran Canaria)?

I’ve been more of a defensive player, I play within the system and try to bring energy to the team. My role is smaller here, but that’s always been a sacrifice I’ve humbly made when playing for the national team.

What has it been like playing for head coach Mike Brown? What has been his biggest weapon as a coach in guiding Nigeria in the early going?

It’s been a great experience so far. I’ve spoken with him for over a year before actually meeting him in person. He’s a great coach, but before that a great man. He is very passionate about Nigerian basketball and furthering the program. I think his biggest weapon has been pulling us together to play within a free flowing system that suits everyone. He’s very big on how intense our defense must be as well, and I think that will be the backbone of this team.

Let’s look at your group B. I seriously think that this could be the toughest group with Australia, Germany and Italy. Is it correct to say that there is no heavy favorite in this group?

Yeah that’s correct. All of those teams are full of very experienced players who have played with each other for many years. It will be an extremely competitive group.

Germany has been playing very well minus Dennis Schroeder and other NBA players. How dangerous do you see Germany being in this group?

With respect to each team, I see every one very capable of advancing. Germany is definitely in a good moment and will be even better when those guys suit up.

What are you looking forward to seeing most at the Olympic Games? Is There a certain athlete that you would love to meet if you had the chance to in Japan?

If I am blessed enough to make the final 12 and reach the Olympic Games I would love to see a variety of sports. There isn’t one specific athlete that I would love to meet, but I hope to be able to watch some track and field events, swimming, and gymnastics.

Did you see the sequel to Coming To America? Shouldn’t they just have left it alone?

Haha! I did. I think they probably should have left it alone, because of the huge gap in time. It’s always hard to follow up a classic movie like that with a sequel. But, I guess I can say that I was pretty entertained.

Thanks Stan for the chat.

Jeremy Ireland (198-F-96, college: Elmhurst) is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Oak Park, Illinois that has two years of semi-pro ball experience in the United States and is looking to make the jump overseas. He began his basketball career at Fenwick High School. He then played two years at North Central College and then finished at Elmhurst College (NCAA3) averaging 14.8ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 45.5%, FT: 80.4% as a junior and 14.5ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 75.4% as a senior. In the last two years he sampled professional experience with teams The Chi (ABA) averaging 19.5ppg, 11.5rpg, 3.5apg, with Phoenix Valley Outlaws (ABA) averaging 24.3ppg, 9.7rpg, 3.6apg, 1bpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 82.0% and with the West Coast Breeze (TBL). He spoke to eurobasket about his basketball career.

Jeremy thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

Jeremy: It has been going well. I’m currently in Chicago and playing in various pro leagues throughout the city while still working on my game.

Before we talk about basketball, I have to ask you how you witnessed COVID the last year in the States. What was the most challenging thing for you to get used and with all you had to do as a professional player?

Jeremy: I think the biggest adjustment was not being able to be around my friends and family. It was also very hard to find food with everything being closed earlier in the day.

With all that you witnessed off the court how do you feel did COVID make you stronger as a man?

Jeremy: I think COVID made me focus on the things that were important to me. It forced me to use all my connections to find gyms and weight rooms, and make the time that I had worth it. It made me truly ask myself if I loved playing this sport.

You have been a professional player now for two years but have only played in semi-pro leagues in the States. How big is your urge to come overseas to ball?

Jeremy: I’ve really wanted to play overseas since I was a sophmore in high school. Coming from a small school, I was easy to overlook and I feel like I’ve put in the hours to really compete with guys who went to a bigger school.

Why do you feel haven’t you gotten a job yet overseas? Has it been mostly failed representation?

Jeremy: I do believe that most agents aren’t looking for small school players because it is not as easy to find jobs for those players. However, players, like myself, are a bit hungrier once we get our oppourtunity and that’s what I’ve set out to prove.

You played the last two seasons in the ABA and TBL. What kind of experience was that and do you feel like your game could grow?

Jeremy: The TBL was a pro league, and ran nationally. Since COVID shut down most of travel, the TBL had ex-NBA, G-League and former overseas MVPs that I got to play against nightly. I was able to see the role I might take in a G-League, or a larger market and where I could take my opportunities to thrive. The ABA was a great semi-pro league because it allowed me to work on my game against the best players in my area that either didn’t make it to school or were past their time.

Talk a little about the ABA. Is that the strongest semi-pro league? The competition level and drive of players must be huge. So many guys wanting to prove themselves.

Jeremy: The ABA is definitely pretty challenging due to the physicality. The talent may not be as high, but players have just as much passion and don’t like to see others scoring over and over. I took some of my hardest hits in ABA games.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill? Jeremy:

Offensively, I really modeled myself a lot after Carmelo Anthony or Tobias Harris, guys that can score at every level but loves to post up on smaller forwards.

You proved at the college and pro level that you can score and rebound. What other strengths do you have?

Jeremy: I pride myself on guarding the best player defensively, something that Chicago taught me. I also have a very high IQ, being in the right spots in the right time on both ends and using my ball handling to make guys better.

On what area’s of your game are you currently working on so that you can continue to get better as a player?

Jeremy: Definitely ball handling, once you can handle the ball without thinking it opens the game up in so many ways.

Please describe in a few words why you could help any professional team right now?

Jeremy: I’m a scrappy, high energy, high IQ guys who plays to win on every single possession. I’m willing to make mistakes but I’m eager to learn and more than anything I love the game.

You played at North Central College (NCAA3) from 2014-2016, but played only 22 games. Talk a little about this time. Did you suffer immense growing pains?

Jeremy : Yes of course. I played behind 4 All-Conference forwards in my two years there. It is where I developed a mental toughness and really defined my game in order to compete with those guys every practice.

You then finished at Elmhurst College (NCAA3) and played 51 games. You put up huge stats with 14/8 and 14/6 stats. How do you feel did your game grow in these two years?

Jeremy: The one year I sat out I really learned how to carry a team. I went thru some growing pains again once I started to see double teams but I figured out how to close games as the best player by the time that I was done.

You had many great games at Elmhurst College (NCAA3). What was your fondest moment there in your two years?

Jeremy: Elmhurst was in the same conference as North Central College. The first game we played them, we were down big early, we came back in the 2nd half and dominated the rest of the game. Near the end, when I went to the free-throw line, the fans were chanting, “Thanks for Jeremy. clap-clap”. I ended with 21 points as well.

How did head coach John Baines groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Jeremy: Coach Baines was a great leader and he always had a sense of peace that I admired. He was always calm in the storm, and it because of his preparation. He was always thinking about the next move because he thought about the next move before it even happened. He also allowed me to lead as fire to his ice.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Lavon Thomas?

Jeremy: Lavon is a great friend of mine, we actually played against each other in high school as well. At that time, I had Lavon’s number about 3/4th of the time, but whenever he would score a couple I would definitely hear about it. Lavon has improved a ton since then I’m excited to see where he ends up.

Who was the best player that you ever faced that reached the NBA?

Jeremy: Roscoe Smith I played against him in the TBL and he had such a complete game he was a really tough guard.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?Jeremy: Scott Lindsey, Mike Smith, Jake Rhode, Alex Sorenson, Greg Carter

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads.

Jeremy: Dwyane Wade, Damien Lillard, LeBron James, Michael Jordan

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

Jeremy: I’m taking Michael because that mid range was too smooth. Then he would just dunk on you once you take that away.

What was the last movie you saw? Jeremy:

The Forever Purge. I’ll give it a B+

Thanks Jeremy for the chat.

There are hundreds if not thousands that have began their college career in JUCO and slowly fought their way up to the higher college leagues like NAIA, NCAA 3 or NCAA 2. But very rarely do you see a player go from the JUCO directly to the NCAA, but it has been done. Usually a player makes the next step after dominating in the JUCO or at least having very solid stats. One guy that came to mind was Mark Gordon who played two seasons at Daytona State College (JUCO) averaging 11/5 and 15/5 stats before making the direct jump to the NCAA with Bethune-Cookman University (NCAA)) where he had no adjustment time averaging 9.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 62.2%. But what happens if you play two seasons in the JUCO and never averaged more than 2,8ppg but still reach the NCAA the season after? You would think the odds of reaching the NCAA would be as difficult as DeMarkus Cousins ever shooting 90% from the free throw or Kevin Duran deciding to play next season in the Czech Republic NBL league. But that is exactly what happened to Quatarrius Wilson (203-F-96, college: SEMO). He went from the JUCO playing at Moberly Area Community College directly to the NCAA and played his junior year for Mcneese State. ‘I was extremely blessed to make it there. Those coaches saw something in me and they believed in me. I had a good season being with those guys. Coach Dave Simmons believed in me and let me play my game. He helped me a lot and he believed in a kid that didn’t do too much in JUCO stat wise. He gave me the confidence’, remembered Quatarrius Wilson. It doesn’t matter to what player I have talked to that played JUCO, but all have stated that it was a difficult league, but that they wouldn’t have traded the experience for anything. It wasn’t any different for Wilson. ‘Moberly area community college laid the foundation for me to be a tough player mentally. I dealt with injuries while I was there which hindered me from making more of impact. It definitely was humbling for me but I also learned a lot from my coaches to my teammates. It made me the player I am today. I definitely benefited from the growing pains. It taught me to be tough and play hard. It helped me with my basketball IQ. It help some players to be mature. It helped me to be mature. It’s definitely a tough league’, warned Quatarrius Wilson. Playing JUCO seems like ages ago, because now the American is a professional player who is coming off a monster rookie season in Holland and now wants to make the next step in Germany with Pro A team wiha Panthers.

Quatarrius Wilson who lists Malik Pope and Jalen McDaniels as his toughest foes in the NCAA was born on June 26th, 1996 in Mobile, Alabama. He started his basketball career at Gardendale High School. He then preceded to play at Moberly Area Community College (JUCO) for two seasons and totaled 56 JUCO games. He then got his massive break through at Mcneese State and rapidly proved that he could be an impact player at the NCAA level as he put up impressive 10.8ppg, 10.2rpg, 1.3apg,FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 61.5% stats. One may have thought that he might of felt some pressure putting up good stats after mediocre stats in JUCO, but he had an incredible mind set that blocked any pressure. ‘I didn’t feel no pressure because I always knew I’ll make it to that point/ level in my career. I always was prepared for it’, said Quatarrius Wilson. He finished with 18 games scoring in double figures and registered 14 double doubles. Some of his best games with Mcneese State occurred against Incarnate Word with 20 points and 10 boards as well as 20 points and 14 rebounds against SE Louisiana. He also had a game with 17 rebounds and three games with 16 rebounds. Even if he and Mcneese State got clobbered 83-52 against San Diego State where he chipped in with 15 points and 8 boards, this was his fondest moment in his college career simply because San Diego State had always been his dream school.

Coach Dave Simmons got fired from Mcneese State which prompted him to make one more move and he went to Southeast Missouri State University (NCAA). He had to sit out the 2018-2019 year because of transfer rules. His senior year wasn’t as good as his junior year at Mcneese State, but still having to sit out a year to further work on his game was beneficial. ‘I feel it improved gradually but right before entering my playing season I had an injury on my thumb that caused me to have surgery. My senior season wasn’t the best but I worked on my weaknesses for sure. Also, I developed more of my skills’, expressed Quatarrius Wilson who remembers his one on one battles in practice with teammate Sage Tolbert being equal. In his senior year he played 31 games averaging 7.1ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 8.3%, FT: 63.2%. In his senior year he scored in double figures in 11 games and put up 3 double doubles. He finished his senior year strong scoring in double figures in five of his last six games. He was extremely valuable in back to back wins against UT Martin 74-72 having 12/7 stats and against SIUE 75-71 having 13/9 stats. He was also to mature his game a step further with the help of head coach Rick Ray. ‘He helped me with my IQ of the game. We watched film and it translated to my professional career’, stressed Quatarrius Wilson. He also will always be thankful for all the coaches that helped him guide his way to a professional career and having had the opportunity to play at three schools. ‘It benefited my game by learning quickly and adapting quickly to any environments I was in’, warned Quatarrius Wilson.

The American who lists his five best teammates of all-time as De’ Marco Owens, James Harvey, Trevor Jasinsky, Delfinkco Bogan, and Leonard Harper-Baker and wanted to name more guys played his rookie season overseas with Basketball Academie Limburg (Holland-DBL) and just like every other pro player had to deal with COVID. It wasn’t that typical rookie season as he had many challenges that he had to accept, but at the end of the day, it never effected his game. ‘The most challenging thing about Covid was staying in shape. Having little interaction with my teammates off the court and on the court social distancing. Also, dealing the league shutting in November and we did not know when the season will start back. The league started back up in January’, remembered Quatarrius Wilson. Not only did his game grow on the court, but so did he as a man thanks to COVID. ‘I learned a lot. I learned to be more patient and always be ready. Taught me to be resilient and be focus at the task. I really matured’, stated Quatarrius Wilson. He played 23 games in his rookie season averaging 14.7ppg, Reb-2 (10.1rpg), 1.6apg, FGP: 56.7%, FT: 61.2%. He had no problems adjusting to overseas basketball as not only was being a top 2 rebounder a gigantic achievement as a rookie, but so was winning the Dutch cup. ‘Just being mentally strong and believing my teammates, also my coaches helped me have success. When adversity hits you just have to handle it in a great way. Also, being a great teammate is what helped me. It was a great winning the cup. Making history and being with my teammates and coaches was the best memories’, added Quatarrius Wilson. He also was very fortunate to have a great teammate in Trevor Jasinsky who like him was a rookie and had had a stellar career at Western Washington University (NCAA2). ‘Trevor was extremely important to the front court. He released a lot of pressure for our team. He’s a clutch player and he plays hard. Whenever I had a bad game or when I was in foul Trevor picked up the slack. Yeah he had a great rookie season’, remembered Quatarrius Wilson.

Now the Alabama native who lists Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Stephen Curry, Lebron James, and Kobe Bryant on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is prepared for the next challenge in Germany with the wiha Panthers. He already has done some research on Germany, but also knew the typical known information that Germany’s best basketball player ever has been Dirk Nowitzki and that Mercedes Benz manufactures from there. He also may have gotten some added information last season in Holland from German teammate Neil Masnic who had come from the Oldenburg farm team. The ex JUCO player also knows that the BBL is the highest level and that his new league Pro A is second highest. After having started to ball in JUCO, he knows that he wants to continue to climb the basketball ladder and the wiha Panthers will give him the best opportunity to do that. ‘The main reason for me joining was playing at a higher level. I feel coach will help me get there. Also, I know coach will push me to be a better player’, stressed Quatarrius Wilson. Like most other wiha Panthers who have played in Schwenningen in the last years, having had those crucial first talks with Alen Velcic set the foundation for a fine working climate. ‘He’s all about winning and he has high intensity that’s what I got from his character’, said Quatarrius Wilson. He had been very lucky to have had a coach who really had believed in him at Mcneese State with Dave Simons and it isn’t any different with Alen Velcic. His eyed sparkled when he heard that was Velcic’s most desired player to get in the off season. ‘I did not know that. It makes me feel great. I know I have to work extremely hard. It makes me feel like he believes in me which he does. I just feel motivated about it’, stressed Quatarrius Wilson.

So what kind of player can the German Pro A await this season with Quatarrius Wilson who last watched the Marvel movie Black Widow? He is a 203cm big man that is a mix of Anthony Davis and Carmelo Anthony. Like Davis, Wilson can score, rebound and play defense and with Anthony they have the same height and have similar movements. Wiha Panthers head coach Alen Velcic lauded his transition game, work under the basket to score consistently as well as run transition, but his biggest strength in his game is playing hard, because when he does that everything comes easy to him. As a modern big man a three pointer is still missing in his game, but one that will be added. ‘Definitely developing the 3 point is one of my goals. I feel if I can make those consistently it’ll take my game to a whole another level’, warned Quatarrius Wilson. Not only will German basketball fans see his overpowering scoring and ruthless rebounding, but also witness his unique skills on the defensive end. ‘I take a lot of pride in my defense. My strength is being able to switch on any position’, said Quatarrius Wilson. With the start of training camp not far away, he is occupied in the lab and continuing to refine his game as he wants to make the next step as a professional in Germany. Currently he is working hard on being more of a consistent shooter as well as getting his ball handling more crisp. He also is spending more time in the gym to get his body stronger. It is no secret that a majority of players balling overseas have a chip on their shoulders as the urge to get better and move up the basketball ladder is as important as it is for Steph Curry nailing every three pointer, but where is that chip for Quatarrius Wilson who has moved up the basketball ladder so nicely since playing JUCO? ‘I was hungry and I had a point to prove from the people that doubted me and peers I wanted them to see that I was a good player, also a competitor. I believed in myself all those sacrifices I made. My work ethic is not questionable I will always work hard’, warned Quatarrius Wilson. That should make head coach Alen Velcic happy, because as a coach seeing those underdog guys working their butts off is what makes coming to the gym and coach a player like that worth it every day.

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John Patrick is head coach the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg and will be going into his 10th season with the organization. He joined the club in the 2012-2013 season keeping them in the BBL. Over the years he has been an important factor for the club gaining consistency and reaching the playoffs in 8 of 9 seasons. Especially in the last two years the club has made huge strides reaching the final in 2020 and last season he led the team to first place in the regular season. He played at Stanford winning the NIT title and as a professional player played many years in Japan and later came to Germany playing for BG Sartorius Gottingen (Germany-2.Bundesliga). He began his coaching career in Japan and then came to Germany and helped BG Goettingen move up to the BBL in 2007. In 2010, he celebrated the Eurochallenge title. He then gained further experience coaching s.Oliver Wurzburg and leading them to the playoffs and upsetting Alba Berlin. He has been named BBL coach of the year three times. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

John thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how has life been treating you in these difficult COVID times?

Thanks, Miles. It has been a blessing to be able to continue working and coaching during the pandemic. The league did a great job of managing a difficult and unpredictable situation. Lots to be thankful for

You have been with the MHP Riesen since 2013. Obviously this organization has become your second home. You surely must have had many offers the last years. Is having that absolute freedom and control something that over time has allowed you to be so successful there?

Ludiwigsburg is an amazing city, and our basketball Club is on solid footing; with experienced management and energetic people working in the organization. We work together as a team in the coaching staff and also in the organization side, After 8 years together, of course trust and routines are developed that makes working easier. It is a serious Club and work is done businesslike. I’m very fortunate to live and work here with the family nearby. It is often otherwise in our business.

COVID changed the whole world. The last year and a half made being a player or coach in the easyCredit BBL a real challenge. What was the biggest challenge for you as a coach in being able to bring consistency in terms of winning to the MHP Riesen last season?

The biggest challenge is always getting guys on the team who fight for each other and love the game. We were very fortunate the last two seasons to have some great characters here in the team and staff. When you can’t go out because of Covid, it helps a lot to be around people you like in the gym.

You helped lead the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg to a magical season which brought back memories to that fascinating Silvano Poropat group in the 2006-2007 season. If you look back to the last days before the begin of the first full Corona season would you have thought from the roster you had that the club could finish in #1 place in the regular season?

I never make predictions before a season. We have had some really good teams here, and I think each season is unique so I don’t really like to compare. Going 30-4 this season was pretty cool. So was going 17-3 last year. We just missed having the fans there. It would have been completely nuts at home. Our guys from this season might never know how loud it gets in the MHP arena.

We saw the character of the team during the regular season and in the playoffs as it won a game 5 against Bamberg and even in games 4 and 5 vs FC Bayern Munich never gave up. Was this one of the best character team’s you have had since you arrived in Ludwigsburg?

We had a group that gave everything on the court. Leaders on the team like Tremmell Darden, Jordan Hulls, Jaleen, Yorman, and Wobo set the tone. Having good guys from top to bottom on the team and in the staff makes playing hard come second nature. They fought for each other.

You have keen sense of knowing which players will function best in your system. Your special touch of bringing in exactly the right players is incredible. How much credit has your assistant coach Josh King had in the off season scouting? It’s no secret that he had the connection to Jaleen Smith.

Josh is a stud. He is going to be a top head coach whether he ends up here in Europe or back in the NCAA. Josh gets along with everyone, and his knowledge of the game is off the charts., both tactically and technically.

Jaleen Smith deservingly was named league MVP. He can do so much on the court and has importantly great energy and leadership qualities. What steps did you see in his game that will allow him to share his game at the Euroleague level?

Jaleen checks all the boxes for what you want in a player. He loves the game, he is coachable, he has an extremely high basketball IQ, he is talented, and he works his butt off every day to try and get better. He deserves every bit of success that he gets. He is a humble and very likable person in addition to being a top player.

You brought in ex Stanford (NCAA) standout Oscar Da Silva for the stretch run to help raise his stock for the NBA Draft. I thought he did a great job of adjusting quickly and being a consistent offensive contributor. How do you feel could he add new nuances to his game after departing the NCAA?

Oscar did a great job of adjusting. Basketball at the BBL level is almost a different sport than college basketball. There are many points of difference. Oscar handled a lot of information in a short time frame, and helped our team to win. I feel like we had an opportunity to mutually benefit from this special situation, and Oscar was able to manage his time and do the things he needed to improve himself strength and skillwise, while also preparing for our games. His coach at IBA, Robbie, was very important in facilitating the transfer. We are thankful for his help.

Your two sons Johannes and Jacob already made their BBL debut last season. I remember seeing them play NBBL in January in Frankfurt and never would have thought that they would be in the BBL so quickly. It would already be difficult having one son to coach, but probably not easier with two. How important have their presence been for the development of Lukas Herzog? Healthy competitions has always been beneficial.

I don’t think it is easy to have your father as your coach, but having had Dave Gale and now Dave McCray as the NBBL coach has made it easier for our young guys to integrate early with the pros and feel confident competing. We have had others, like Quirin and Ariel, who like Jake, Johannes, and Luki, made their BBL and International debuts as teenagers. It helps for sure for our young players to have great competition and be pushed in the U19 practices, but I think that they practice with the pros on a regular basis is what makes them ready. Gets them daily out of their comfort zone.

You are already constructing the roster for next season. The most interesting pick up for me was Scottie James Jr. I noticed him last season and wasn’t noticed by the media, but other BBL teams had him on their radar. I think he is your next gem that could really break out the way Jaleen Smith did?

Scottie James plays hard and played well against us. So I like him.

I interviewed Quinton Hooker 2 years ago when he played in Latvia. Last season he had a very productive season with the Synatnics MBC: You are confident that he will make the next step with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. How quickly was he on your radar last season?

Ditto for what I said about Scotty. Quinton just plays a different position. I like guys from mid or small major colleges who are well rounded and versatile. It is also a positive thing that Quinton knows our league.

What has it been like working with David Mccray? What do you feel is his most vital coaching ability and when will he be easycredit BBL ready?

Dmac is first and foremost a great person, and if you walk into our arena there is one jersey hanging up there. It’s there for a reason. Dave is doing all the things that he needs as he steps to be a head coach some day. Right now he is an amazing role model and head coach for our NBBL guys, as well as our strength and assistant coach for the BBL.

You coached Charles Lee back in the day with BG Goettingen. He reached the NBA final as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks. Have you been following his career and did you know when you coached him that he would be a coach one day?

Chuck ‘helkicopter’ Lee was a heck of a player, and a funny, articulate guy. It doesn’t surprise me at all that he is listed on the short list of NBA head coaching searches. As a young player he was blessed with toughness and a high basketball IQ. His teammates at the time, Kyle Bailey, John Little, and one year later Dwayne Anderson, Mike Meeks, and Chester Frazier are also very successful as coaches today.

You have coached many guys that would go on to the NBA in the last years like Kelan Martin and . Royce O Neal who were in Ludwigsburg in 2018-2019 and in 2015-2016 as a rookies. What do you remember being special about them most when you were able to coach them?

Maxi, Royce, DJ, Jack, Kelan, and next maybe Ariel, maybe Kareem, Nick, Jaleen, or Oscar. You never know who is going to make it but most of the time, the guys who do make it are determined and keep working to make it happen. They made some adjustments to get better. The guys who made it so far, all of them often did extra work after practice.
Germany is going back to the Olympics. What is your whole take on Joshiko Saibu. The outcry by German fans against his nomination has been huge. How would you have handled the situation had you been in Henrik Rodl’s shoes?

I am extremely proud and excited that we qualified. I watched the games with my family, and it was clear that we had a great team chemistry and never-give-up attitude. Joshiko ended up showing his stuff on the court. That is where we need to focus the discussion. This is a basketball team of young men representing their country with pride. Nothing more to say.

Who do you have winning the NBA finals. Obviously your heart has to be with the Bucks and Charles Lee, but as a fan you have to root for Chris Paul. Who will win the series?

You will have to ask our team manager, Yannick Rohatsch. He watches the NBA games. I can tell you about the FIBA U19 tournament.

Did you see the Coming To America sequel? Shouldn’t they just have left it alone?

I didn’t see it. Sorry.

Thanks John for the chat.

Jarelle Reischel (200-F-92, college: EKU) is a 29 year old 199cm forward that will play the 21-22 season with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. he played the 20-21 season with the Rostock Seawolves (Germany-ProA) playing 23 games averaging 9.6ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 90.9%. In 2019-2020 he played for Rasta Vechta (Germany-BBL) playing BBL 18 games averaging 2.9ppg, 1.6rpg; and played 11 BCL games averaging 4.1ppg, 1.8rpg. In 2018-2019 he played for the Telekom Baskets Bonn playing 34 BBL games averaging 2.7ppg, 1.4rpg; and played 14 BCL games averaging 5.1ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 72.0%. In the 2017-2018 season he played with PS Karlsruhe Lions (ProA) averaging 13,9ppg, 5,9rpg, 3,0apg and 1,8spg. As a rookie in 2016-2017 he played with Rasta Vechta (BBL) and the Westchester Knicks (D-League). He was born in Frankfurt, Germany and grew up in Frankfurt, Germany. He headed back to the states in 2008 and returned in 2016. He played at Pleasant Beach HS and then played for three NCAA schools with Rice, Rhode Island and E Kentucky playing a total of 125 games. He had his break out season as a senior at E.Kentucky (NCAA) playing 30 games averaging 17.9ppg, 6.8rpg, 3.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 78.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 20-21 season.

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

I am currently in Frankfurt Germany. Basketball life has been treating me well, just being able to have a team during this pandemic is a blessing. So many of my friends and former teammates didn’t play this year because of the budget cuts and other covid related issues.

It has been a crazy season for all. What was for you the biggest challenge this season concerning COVID-19 and how you played on the court and lived in Germany?

The biggest challenge this season concerning Covid was to get tested multiple times a week. The PCR test was very uncomfortable because I have a very sensitive nose. Also Not being able to physically interact with our fans, family and friends as much, as well as the constant schedule changes became a challenge.

Please give the best example from Sept 2020 to now where you experienced close hand how devastating COVID-19 was for you? One never knew what to expect in this COVID-19 season.

Thankfully everybody in my surroundings were and is healthy. However we as a team did experience a lot of schedule rearrangements due to other players catching the virus during the season.

Rostock was ambitious and wanted to move up to the easyCredit BBL. They beat Science City Jena 107-104 and then the season just ended. How disappointing was this?

It was very disappointing. Our mission the whole season was to move up to the BBL and we fell short. So yeah it hurts and will sting for a while. We had everything to move up. We were such a close group, everybody liked each other and worked extremely hard for our goal.

It was a great regular season as Rostock began 10-2, then had some mid season blues losing going 5-5, but finished out the season on a 11 game winning streak. How much fun was it playing basketball this season in a winning culture??

It was a lot of fun playing in a winning culture and being at the top of the Pro A for most of the season. We had a lot of unselfish guys on the team whose main priority was to win. winning is always fun.

Then the post season came and Rostock only had a 2-4 record. Did that first close loss against Jena 85-81 hurt the club mentally and let it effect their play the rest of the way?

I will say so, being the number one team and having to play maybe the most important game on the road as our first playoff game was definitely energy draining. The loss did not affect our play for the rest of the playoffs because we still had a chance to move up.

Did fatigue play a role in the playoffs that hurt Rostock’s play?

Fatigue did not play a role we had a very deep team where each player could be a starter on another pro A team.

How instrumental was Dirk Bauermann for the success of Rostock? How did his philosophy and way to coach lead to this consistency?

Dirk was great all year around and he is a very defensive oriented coach with a lot of enthusiasm and a very good offensive system. I believe his coaching style really pushed us to having such great regular season. The best season in Rostock history.

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much of a thrill was it playing with American Trevor Lacey? A guy that has had much experience in international play. What were you able to soak up from his play?

It was great playing with Trav. He is such an unselfish scorer and a great guy to be around. His experience speaks for itself, but we also had a lot of other players who have first league and international experience.

Brad Losing was a high energy player that makes every team better. How vital was it for your play having a creator like him on the court with you?

Playing with Brad was amazing as his energy was through the roof all year around and his leadership skills were very impressive and helped us tremendously during our season.

Seldom do you see an Iranian player in Germany like a Behnam Yakhchali. What did you appreciate from his game and what did you learn about his culture and character? Let’s talk about your game.

What I learned from B was that Middle Eastern guys can really play! I also didn’t know that he was the first Iranian to ever play in Europe, which was huge for him his country and us. I wish that Covid didn’t exist so that we could show him a bit more of the European lifestyle.

How instrumental was the playmaking duties and leader ship qualities of Chris Carter for the success of the team?

Chris was great. He is a winner he does whatever it takes to win. I’ve known Chris for a while now and we always had a good connection. this year we were finally got to play together and were able to show how well we played off each other.

Let’s talk about your game. You averaged 9,6ppg, 4,2rpg, 1,4apg, 1,0spg and shot 34% from outside. How content were you with your season?

I felt like I’ve could’ve done more and better. But I always think that. I know it’s not possible but I always try to play a perfect game/season. that’s just me and my competitiveness. I am my own biggest critic.

After playing two seasons in the easyCredit BBL playing 54 BBL games how do you feel did your game grow in those two years in the BBL?
I gained a lot of experience after my two years playing in the BBL and the champions league. Just being able to understand the European game and to play good basketball along with being a complete professional is something I take away.

You had many great offensive options with Rostock. How do you feel did your game grow at both ends of the court under the guidance of head coach Dirk Bauermann?

I was extremely focused on the defensive side this year since we had so many offensive weapons. I would say my defense improved a lot especially under coach Dirk and Chris who are both coaches who preach defense day in and day out.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the pro A this season?

The big man from Leverkusen. Heinzmann he is 7’2 whenever he came to play he impacted the game so much because of his presence.

On what areas of your game will you be working on most this summer to continue to improve your game?

Like every summer I will work on every aspect of my game becoming a more complete all around wing who can shoot pass dribble and defend at the highest level.

What is the next step for you? Would a new challenge in the BBL, another year in the Pro A for grooming or a challenge in another country be most appetizing for you?

I am not sure about my next step but whatever it is I will be ready for the challenge.

Chris Paul recently passed Magic Johnson for fifth all-time in assists. Where do you rank him with the best point guards all-time despite never having won a ring?

Chris Paul is a great floor general which we all know. However winning a ring solidifies a player. If he gets it done then I believe he will go down as a top three point guard in NBA history.

How have you seen the development of Boston Celtic Jayson Tatum? He has scored 50 plus points this season and recently 60. Where will his journey go as a player in the next years?

Tatum is so versatile and he is improving every year that I believe he could be one of the best players that played in the NBA when his career is finished.

Dino Radja recently said he couldn’t see Russell Westbrook leading a team in Europe to success. Do you agree?

I believe the European and the NBA game are completely different. But I also believe that having a guy like Russell Westbrook improves any team.

Draymond Green recently said he is the best defender of all-time. Do you agree?

Green is a great player and a great defender. He still has some more work to do to be considered the best defender of all time. But that’s just my opinion.

Have you seen the Coming to America sequel? It has had mixed reviews. Shouldn’t they just have left it alone?

No sorry I did not see coming to America sequel.

Thanks Jarelle for the chat.