Simonas Lukosius is a 18 year old 199cm guard from Lithuania that is playing his second season in the Dragons Rhondorf organization. Last season he played with the Rhondorf U-19 team averaging 16.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 39.6%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 87.1%. In the Regionalliga he averaged 8,0ppg, 2,0rp and 2,0apg last season. He also played with the FC Bayern Munich U18 team (Germany-ANGT) playing 4 games averaging 13.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT-5 (94.7%). He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career

Simonas thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how much do you miss basketball at the moment?

I’m still here in Germany waiting for the season to continue, fortunately I have been able to practice so it’s not that bad but I do miss the games since we haven’t had any in the past weeks.

Before I get to the current season explain a bit how tough the last 7-8 months was with COVID-19? What was the most challenging thing that you had to encounter on a daily basis?

I think it was tough for everyone, personally my biggest challenge was that I was in my last year of school and it wasn’t that easy to graduate in those circumstances, but I think it went quite well.

How do you feel has COVID-19 helped you become stronger as a man with everything that you have experienced off the court)

Thankfully the virus didn’t really affect me personally that much so it hasn’t been a huge challenge in my life and hopefully it stays that way and everything goes back to normal soon.

After losing the first game at home against Ibbenburen, the Dragons Rhondorf won the next 3 games and then COVID-19 hit. How difficult is it having this break. Are you confident once the season resumes that the club will be able to continue to be successful on the court?

For sure we would have liked the season to continue so we could take advantage of the momentum we had, but I am confident that we can pick up where we left off once we start playing again.

Are the Dragons Rhondorf practicing now or has head coach Yassin Idbihi given the players special duties so they can stay in shape?

I’m not sure how it’ll be this week but up until now we have been practicing.

The Dragons Rhondorf had huge difficulty defending last season and want to be a lot better this season. In the last 2 games the club allowed only 65 points on average. How are the Dragons a better defensive team this season?
I think it mostly comes down to the fact that the roster this year is different, we have a much younger team and that naturally transitions that we play better, more energetic defense.

Let’s talk a bit about your teammates. How vital has the experience of German Paul Albrecht been? What kind of an effect has he had on you on and off the court?


Paul has been very important, he’s a very good player and also helps us young guys out so he’s a perfect veteran for our team. 

The club is so young these season with very many young players. If you had to choose one player that has impressed you the most who would it be?

I would say Bruno Albrecht. He is a very creative and talented player and has a very good work ethic and attitude. He has been playing well this season and I’m sure he will continue having good performances.

How talented is Ousmane Ndiaye? Curtis Hollis said in a podcast that this guy is going to be great: How have you seen his development and just how good is he?

I completely agree with Curtis. Ousmane is a once in a generation talent and if he keeps on working and developing the way he is now there is no limit for what he can achieve.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 199cm guard that is very versatile. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would like to say Luka Doncic. I remember watching a Euroleague game and Luka was still 16 and was playing a couple minutes at the end of the game and my dad told me to pay attention to how he plays. I started following him ever since then and it’s crazy considering what he has achieved already and back then he was just barely getting minutes in Madrid.

Yassin idbihi wants to use you a lot more as a point guard this season. What has been the most challenging thing for you playing the point guard position in the Regionalliga?

The biggest challenge is finding a good balance between being a scorer and a facilitator for others. Now I have more stuff to take care of when I’m on the court but I like it and I believe I’ll get much better at it throughout the season.

On what area’s on defense do you feel do you need to improve on the most?


I think I need to improve on the mental part the most. Being always ready and awake is something I need to work on to be better and more consistent on defense.

You are not seen as a selfish player, but could practice more 1-1 in games. Do you see yourself developing more of a mid range game?

I definitely feel that I am taking less mid range shots this season than the last couple years. I do want to work on it and I think it can be an important part of my game.

You went 0/9 in the first game and then 10/17 from outside in the next games. Did you change anything up in the days after the poor Ibbenburen shooting or was that game just one of those nights where nothing fell?


I just shot extra before and after every practice and that just helped me keep my confidence and fortunately the shots started falling in the games as well. 

What kind of an impact has Yassin Idbihi had on you? How has he been able to help you develop best since you arrived?

The impact has been huge, if you compare me now to how I was when I just came here last summer the difference is insane.

Last season you played your first season in Germany for the Dragons Rhondorf averaging 8/2/2 stats in the Regionalliga and shooting an impressive 48% from outside. How do you feel did your game mature best as a 17 year old playing with men?

I think it was very good for my development that everyday in practice I was competing against players who have so much experience and I think playing and practicing against men helped me get better at nearly every aspect of basketball.

Last season you had the opportunity to be at the Addidas Next generation tournament with the FC Bayern Munich U-18 team. How important was it for your self confidence that you played very well against the best young players?

It was definitely important. I didn’t know what to expect at first, but the coach showed a lot of trust in me and I played well and it was a great experience.

What kind of an adjustment was it being an outsider playing for FC Bayern Munich that mostly had Munich players? Did you feel respect from your teammates as you came in and played well?


The team was very friendly as soon as I came there so it really wasn’t that big of an adjustment being a guest player. The whole team spirit was very good so I think everyone had respect for each other regardless of who was playing well and who wasn’t.

What impression did you have of Sasha Grant who has played BBL and young German Benjamin Schroeder that won the 2019 JBBL title. What impressed you most about their games?

They’re both great players with huge potential. Sasha is very physically gifted and has a great combination of size, athleticism and skill. Benjamin is very crafty and good at getting to the basket as well as finishing. I’m sure they both will have great careers.

Talk a little about your childhood in Lithuania and why you came to Germany? What are your goals in the next 3-4 years?

My father is a basketball coach so I’ve been playing basically my whole life, I wanted to play somewhere else than Lithuania and the opportunity came and I thought it would be a good decision to come here. My goal is to improve as much as I can and play at the highest level possible.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Pal Ghotra?

I win the one on one.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?


Curtis Hollis, Azuolas Tubelis, Augustas Marciulionis, Sasha Grant and Emilis Butkus.

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

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson

What was the last movie that you saw?

Some horror movie I watched with a couple of friends. I don’t even know the name of.

Thanks Simonas for the chat.

Just before the weekend began basketball Germany was hit with the news that the Regionalliga leagues and NBBL league would take a break from basketball in November due to the continuing COVID-19 basketball. Luckily for EPG Koblenz fans there was still Pro B basketball around even if they weren´t able to see it Live. The whole nasty, unpredictable and increasingly annoying COVID-19 crisis hasn´t effected the EPG Koblenz club as they have produced a 2-0 record exploding over BBC Coburg on the road 103-85 and then took care of Erfurt 92-75 as their deep roster have come through with an overwhelming lethal offense that just continues to overpower their opponents. The EPG Koblenz team met Karlsruhe team Arvato College Wizards that sound more like an American team over in Germany during a tour instead of a German professional team. Karlsruhe entered the EPG Baskets Koblenz living room with a 0-1 record as they had lost to the Dresden Titans 91-81 as they were unable to contain Dresden´s three point line as they were hit with 15 trey´s. Besides seeing basketball, a huge German basketball figure was on the court for Karlsruhe with 39 year old Rouven Roessler who still doesn´t tire from playing basketball. The German has played most of his career in Karlsruhe, but also played 6 seasons in the easyCredit BBL and was a member of the German national team. It never gets old seeing Roessler play and despite getting a lot of heckling from Koblenz observers, the 39 year finished with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The guy is still so good, the question is how much longer can he still play? “He still plays with a high quality and he proved that today. He hit many tough shots and it is really nice to still see him play. He is still so fit, that I can see him play a few more years”, added EPG Baskets Koblenz guard Marley Jean-Louis. Roessler head coach Daniel Nelson had a bit more confidence in his teammate than Jean Louis. “He will play another 15 years. No but seriously if he still can keep playing like this, he will play a long time”, stressed Arvato College Wizards head coach Daniel Nelson.

The game overall was a very hard fought game that was at eye level for 40 minutes where no team led in double digits. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were in control for the most part, but could never close the door early, but had the stronger nerves in crunch-time prevailing 83-78 moving to 3-0 while Karlsruhe fell to 0-2. “We had a slow start despite leading 9-2. We had no emotion and didn´t start the way we wanted to. We allowed them to stay in the game until the end and always gave them hope. They stayed in the game with hustle plays. But we had the better individual class that allowed us to win. But we still have a lot to do to find a groove as a unit”, stressed ex FC Schalke guard Marley Jean-Louis. The guests played with a short rotation and were without 209 cm big man Eyke Phrast who had injured himself Friday in practice. They got the core of their scoring from Roessler and Thompson who combined for 42 points, but German role players Rupp, Maisel and Stark played very well coming up with big shots during the game combining for 25 points. “Koblenz is a very good team and I have to pay my respect to them. They have 4 players that can score 20 points on any night. We did a pretty good job countering their aggression. They can rack up 100 points any night. We almost took over the game, but we gave up too many extra possessions. They made too many three´s. But still it was still a pretty good defensive effort from us”, said head coach Daniel Nelson.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz stopped Karlsruhe´s first 3 possessions and quickly jumped out on a 9-2 advantage. Jean-Louis hit a three showing early on what kind of a day it would be for him, ex Speyer guard DJ Woodmore scored inside, ex Ehingen forward Butler made a lay in and Bosnian veteran Edin Alispahic connected on a hook shot. Koblenz did a good job mixing up their defenses and didn´t allow Roessler to get sufficient touches. The Arvato College Wizards then switched gears up going on a rapid 6-0 run getting a basket form German Aaron Schmitz, Roessler hit an off balance shot and ex Auburn(NCAA) 203cm forward Alexander Thompson connected on a lay in to cut the lead down to 9-8. The EPG Baskets Koblenz got careless on offense and lost intensity on defense while Karlsruhe got easy baskets to get back into the game. Then Jean-Louis and Roessler traded three pointers to dead lock the contest at 11-11. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz closed out the first quarter with a 9-3 run to lead 20-14 after 10 minutes. In the run, the club led by head coach Danny Rodriguez let the long ball fly as Jean-Louis and Jacob Mampuya hit back to back three´s. The individual class of the EPG Baskets Koblenz ruled as their many offensive options overpowered the guests.

The game continued to be a very tight affair, but the Arvato College Wizards never gave up chipping away at the EPG Baskets Koblenz and even being able to take the lead twice before the home team won the lead back leading at the break. Brian Butler who wón the easyCredit BBL allstar slam dunk contest in 2017 got the first points of the second quarter producing some nice fakes against Thompson and then tip toeing past him for an easy bucket. But the guests rallied back and hit with a lightening 6-0 run with 2 trey´s from Thompson and German Marcel Davis cutting the Koblenz lead to 22-20. The Arvato College Wizards were playing calm offense looking for the good shot and on defense clogged the inside making it a bit more difficult for Butler to get in his comfort zone. After a 20 footer from ex BBL player Jacob Mampuya who had a quiet scoring day with 4 points giving Koblenz the 24-20 lead, the Arvato College Wizards found some day light going on a lethal 7-0 run to take their first lead of the game at 27-24. In the run, it was German Aaron Schmitz who is the brother of ex BBL guard Simon Schmitz scored 4 points. He usually doesn´t score a lot, but is vital in his organizing of the game and had 8 points and 9 assists in the loss. Thompson also scored on a transition alley-oop. When you have a lethal offense like EPG Koblenz has, the club is capable of exploding at anytime which they did going on a 10-2 run to regain the lead back at 34-29. Jean-Louis nailed 2 back to back three´s, ex Fordham(NCAA) guard Zaire Thompson made an offensive rebound and put back and ex Leverkusen forward CJ Oldham hit a 20 footer as no Karlsruhe player challenged him. Jean-Louis is an amazing shooter and scorer that can hit the tough shots and knows that he can shine in his situation with Koblenz. “I´m a competitive guy and always want to help the team win every time. My team and coach have a lot of confidence in me. I work all summer on my shot and that makes it easier for me to hit the difficult shots”, said Marley Jean-Louis. Roessler and Thompson hit some big shots down the stretch as the Arvato College Wizards trailed 36-34 at the break.

The third quarter continued to be an intense battle where no club could get away and the EPG Baskets Koblenz still led after 30 minutes 57-54. Koblenz went on a fast 5-0 run as Jean-Louis scored all points extending their lead to 41-34. It wasn´t always the 2 stars of Koblenz Roessler and Thompson that contributed, but also got support from their Germans as Rupp scored. 18 year old guard Konrad Stark who came from Orange Academy gave the team a lift on the defensive end with a steal that led to a Rupp basket and he then scored getting a no look pass from Schmitz cutting the Koblenz lead to 45-43. The Arvato College Wizards got close again tying the game at 45-45 with Roessler free throws, but every time that happened, the EPG Baskets Koblenz had an answer. They went on a 7-2 run getting 2 baskets from Woodmore and a lay in by Alispahic for the 52-48 advantage. The EPG Baskets Koblenz did a solid job taking advantage of the mis matches and height advantage, but also missed many easy shots that they should have made. Karlsruhe then tied the contest 52-52 registering their prettiest basket of the evening. Stark scored on a perfect executed transition play as Thompson got the rebound and gave the outlet pass to Roessler who set up the German with the perfect bounce pass. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz closed out the third quarter in style getting buckets from Thompson and Butler to lead 57-54. “We knew that we had to have more energy in the third quarter. We got it with more talking”, stressed Marley Jean-Louis. “Konrad Stark gave us the needed energy. I told him to create havoc and get us extra possessions. He did that. This is his first time playing Pro B. He is hungry and wants to do well”, added Arvato College Wizards head coach Daniel Nelson.

In the fourth quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to have control of the game and never allowed the Arvato College Wizards to get the lead back. Rupp got Karlsruhe on the board first with a basket cutting the Koblenz lead to 57-56. But whenever Karlsruhe threatened Koblenz had the right answer going on a 5-0 run to extend their lead to 62-56. In the run, Koblenz got production from Butler and Thompson. Butler finished the day playing 35 minutes scoring 17 points and hauling down 11 rebounds(7off reb). The German is unstoppable inside and does such a great job working to get the best position for the easy basket. “He is so physical and has a nose for the rebound. I love how he plays”, expressed head coach Daniel Nelson. Karlsruhe continued to play catch up basket getting baskets from Roessler, Thompson and ex Trier guard Nils Maisel to cut the Koblenz lead to 65-64. Twice Koblenz would take a little lead, and twice Karlsruhe cut the lead to 1, but on every next play, it was Jean-Louis hitting 2 three´s for the 76-72 advantage. Woodmore added a lay in for the 78-72 lead with 2 minutes to play. Koblenz understood now to overpower the guests as their fatigue was easy to see. Maisel scored a basket cutting the Koblenz lead to 78-75 with 1.53 to play, but that was as close as they would get. Down the stretch, the Arvato College Wizards had their opportunities, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz played tough defense getting stops while Oldham made a free throw and usual weak free throw shooter Butler made 4 sealing the win. For everyone who had heckled Roessler during the game were hit with a buzzer beater ending trey by Roessler. “If you let a team stay in the game then anything can happen. We had some luck at the end that they didn´t make their shots, but we also were concentrated on defense making the needed stops. Our competitive level was high helping us to the win”, added Marley Jean-Louis. “We gave everything we had until the end, but our shots didn´t want to fall”, commented head coach Daniel Nelson. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Marley Jean-Louis with 29 points. Brian Butler added 17 points, DJ Woodmore 14 points and Zaire Thompson 10 points and 7 dimes while the Arvato College Wizards were led by Rouven Roessler with 24 points while Alexander Thompson added 18 points and 8 boards. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 51% form the field and 50% from outside and had 46 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the Arvato College Wizards shot 45% from the field and 30% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

With 61 German Regionalliga teams playing this season, there is a very good chance that you will see an at least one American player playing in any game and it wasn´t any different when I visited TV Idstein battle FC Kaiserslautern last weekend. In German soccer, FC Kaiserslautern is a legendary team, but in German basketball just another team. On this night there were 3 Americans on the court with Aaron Ellis who had a stellar career at Wichita State, Edward Hall and a diminutive 183cm point guard from Madison, Alabama named Jeremy Ingram. At first glance, his hair reminded me something between a Kenneth Faried and Courtney Fortson, but the long wavy hair didn´t keep my attention long as his game began to do the talking. It didn´t take long to notice that this quick, flashy guard was a lot better than the rest of the guys running up and down the court. He scored 33 points in the first win over Giessen which is often seen by the American guards putting up many many points to help their stats, ego and climb up the ladder, but against FC Kaiserslautern it was different. Ingram scored only 20 points in a comfortable blow out victory  Ingram probably could of scored 40 on this night, but he didn´t showing not only his team play, but unselfishness trying to do the best for his team. ““I know that I don´t have to score 30 points each game. I have great teammates and shooters around me. I try to get my teammates involved as much as I score“, warned Jeremy Ingram. The American has had an interesting professional career playing for 2 Regionalliga 2 teams(5^th division) and a Oberliga(6^th division) team, but his journey has been a tough one and may never have landed in Germany as a professional had he not had had the initative to come to Germany in 2016, because his mom was living there. “I didn´t play my senior season because me and the coach never got along so he ended up putting me off the team my senior season for something that wasn’t my fault. Even though I was very talented, he pretty much just didn’t like me so he kicked me off the team like I wasn’t even important, when everybody knew my senior season was going to be very special. Coach Hayes was my coach and he definitely didn’t help my career at all just being honest. He made my basketball journey a lot harder than what it had to be. But I do appreciate him for giving up on me because it made me work even more harder to get to where I’m trying to go. He pretty much tried to end my career. I sat in his office and cried for him to let me play my senior season and he said No. Well my journey is dedicated to him. Even though I was put off the team I stayed in school and graduated with my bachelors degree in sports management in 2014. I also had a D-League tryout for the Dallas Mavericks which I did very well and pretty much scored more points than anyone else there but basically was told Even though I can score very well, the team wasn’t looking for a 5’11 shooting guard at the moment. So I worked an overnight job for about a year until finally I just decided to move to Germany in 2016 because my mom was living there for about 4 years. So I moved to Germany to chase my dreams of being a professional basketball player and here we are 4 years later. I would say I made a great decision”, warned Jeremy Ingram. Even though annoying obstacles tried to end his career in school, he never gave up and is still grinding to get to the top.

            Last season his fourth professional season with VfL Bensheim (Germany-2.Regionalliga) was interrupted by COVID-19 and instead of going home right away, he had to hang out in Germany longer than what he may have liked to. Like so many other players around the globe, he had to face the challenges of day to day life. “Because of Covid I didn’t go home until June. And I only stayed for a few weeks because training started for me here in Germany around the first week in August so I had to come right back. Most of the time I was in Atlanta while I was back home and there wasn’t many restraints honestly. The people there don’t take Covid as serious as we do here in Germany”, commented Jeremy Ingram. Finding a place to work out at times was as difficult for players as it is answering the much talked about debate between who is the best of all-time Jordan or Lebron. But then again, Ingram doesn´t even see those 2 legends as the GOAT. “I think Kobe Bean Bryant is the best player ever. PERIOD! Not up for discussion”, warned Jeremy Ingram. A guy like Virgil Matthews of the Niners Chemnitz went back to Germany a few months earlier to get the freedom of training, because there was absolutely nothing available in Seattle,  some guys traveled thousands of miles in the States to find places to keep in shape while ex Dallas Maverick Gal Mekel who was stranded in Malaga, Spain ran and dribbled the ball in his apartment underground parking lot. It wasn´t any different for Ingram who also had to become creative and find ways to train. “When Covid first started it was very difficult to find places to workout because all the gyms were closed. I would play on outside courts , lift weights that I have at my house and do a lot of Running, but it still wasn’t the same as being in the gyms. So eventually, I just used all the free time I couldn’t be in the gym to give my body the rest it needs to get through a long upcoming season”, stated Jeremy Ingram. Even if COVID-19 has been a very tough time for the world, everybody has learned from it in some ways including Ingram who also got closer to kids. “Covid taught me , as well as the whole world that we should stop taking so many things for granted, because it can be taken from you at any moment. Covid also showed me that staying at home with kids all day, Everyday will drive you crazy! But I think all in all , the world was getting out of control and there was way too much going on so Covid maybe brought us back to a harsh reality”, warned Jeremy Ingram.

                Ingram who says his game is a mix between guys like Kobe Bryant, James Harden and Steph Curry was born in 1991 in Madison, Alabama and began his basketball career at Lawson State and then went to Enterprise State Community College (JUCO). Basketball wise JUCO often helps players make the next step, but for the American it actually helped more in the classroom. “. I had a pretty good season there which helped me transfer to Division 1 basketball the next year. But To be honest there was not much positivity that came from there except I got a free education and made life-long friends that I still communicate with even today”, remembers Jeremy Ingram. He then transferred to Alabama A&M University (NCAA) as a junior playing 22 games averaging 5.5ppg, 1.1rpg, FGP: 32.8%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 58.8%. At first glance, his scoring stats won´t excite anyone, but not playing consistently and getting the minutes you should will always put the stats in the dumpster. “Well my statistics don’t really show me any justice because some games I would lead the team in scoring and then next games wouldn’t even get in. Which made my average a lot lower than it should be. But all in all Í´m happy for the opportunity to play Division 1 basketball and flying all over the country to the games was pretty dope and I really enjoyed that”, said Jeremy Ingram. He showed that he could mix it up against current NBA players Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr who back then played for Michigan(NCAA) and now for the Dallas Mavericks as he scored 14 points while Burke added 19 points and Hardaway 13 points in a 30 point blowout loss. He will never forget playing against them, but knows that had he played the minutes that they would have had which was double his, then his scoring out put most likely would have doubled their output. “Every time I watch the Dallas Mavericks play and I see those 2 of course I always think back to playing them but I don’t think about them too much . They played for a great Michigan program and had successful careers which led them to the NBA. I didn’t have it as easy as those guys did so I try not to stress it so much. I never felt like any of those big names was better than me . I scored 14 points but if I played the same amount of minutes that they did I probably end up with 30. I was really on fire that game but my coach didn’t really let me play until the 2nd half of that game”, stressed Jeremy Ingram.

            The American who also lists Glen Rice Jr as one of his toughest covers in the NCAA began his basketball career in 2016 in Germany with Speyer (Germany-Oberliga). Coming from the United States is often a total culture shock for Americans, but for Ingram it was more on the court things that woke him up to being a rookie in Germany. “Well my 1st season in Germany I didn’t get a lot of foul calls that I deserved I guess because I was much better and faster than everyone so it got frustrating at times. I really struggled with adjusting to German food also”, remembers Jeremy Ingram. In his second professional season he moved to SG Mannheim (Germany-2.Regionalliga) playing 23 games averaging 18.7ppg. He helped the club to a Regionalliga 2 title. Often when a team is having a lot of success, you get extremely tight with your teammates and that is exactly what happened with the American who will never forget that Mannheim season. “I think my fondest moment was when it snowed that season on 1 of our away games , We had a big team snowball fight. We even hit the coaches with snowballs. I was cool with all my teammates that season but Our Captain, Martin was really my guy. I stayed the night at his house in Mannheim nights before games because I lived an hour away. He always woke me up with breakfast, he was almost like my wife. He was a great guy and a great teammate”, added Jeremy Ingram. He also demonstrated with his stellar play that he needed no real adjustment period moving up a level. “There was nothing challenging about moving up playing with Mannheim. I was well prepared for the level of play. The thing that was challenging was getting my coach and teammates to accept my style of play. Because the beginning of the season I had to hold back in order to make the team happy. But eventually we all got on the same page and end up sweeping through the league easily, 24-2”, expressed Jeremy Ingram. In his third professional season he moved to TV Idstein (Germany-2.Regionalliga) and did the trick again winning a chip helping them move up to the Regionalliga. The American felt something special when he arrived in Idstein and success was something that seemed programed that season. “The thing I liked about the TV Idstein team the most in 2018 is that we all came into the season with 1 goal. When I signed the contract that season it was understood we all wanted nothing less than a championship. Anything less would have been a failed season for us. The championship was determined all the way to the last game of the season .. and we were down that game and I remember scoring like 10 points straight to give us the lead and ultimately help us win that championship game. That feeling after the game actually brought tears to my eyes Because if I didn’t play as good as I did, we lose that game”, stressed Jeremy Ingram.

            Last Season he played for VfL Bensheim (Germany-2.Regionalliga) and this season has brought his winning mentality back to TV Idstein and is ready for a second round of winning that next title. The American who lists Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan Lebron James and Stephen Curry on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore has helped TV Idstein to a 2-0 record so far this season. He is very confident that this is also a special team and they have a very strong core of players this season. This is the American´s 5^th professional season of playing for peanuts, but the love of the game and winning titles outweighs the negatives about not earning that much money. “Winning the championship definitely makes it all worth it at the end. But the teams I have played for has showed me so much love and they made sure I was well taken care of and had everything I needed. I´m grateful for the opportunities”, warned Jeremy Ingram. Even if the pay hasn´t been good, the organizations that he has played for in Germany have been good to him and just the standard of living has been high. Combining all those things has effected his game in a positive way and helped him grow in the last 4 years as a player “Germany has a been a great experience for me. I feel like it was the perfect place to start my career. I have learned a different style of basketball. For example, in America basketball is based of 1 on 1 style of playing where as in Europe, its based on a lot of screen and rolls . Also in Europe I´ve seen guys who aren’t the most athletic and not the fastest on the court still be effective! So I´ve learned a whole different method of the game that I feel can help my career last a lot longer. I feel like I get better every year no matter what league I play in because I work hard ,I´m always working on something new to add to my game, and I´m always studying the game of basketball”, added Jeremy Ingram.

            When you watch Ingram on the floor in small school gyms playing the game he loves for a living, you see a very crafty and a quick guard who offensively can aid a team with explosive scoring, will put scoring on the back burner and find his teammates when needed and will grab a rebound and get out on transition with lightening speed. He excels with his mid range game, but can also nail the three pointer when needed On the defensive end, he is a very disciplined defender who can get into the passing lanes and create disruption against his man. He doesn´t hesitate from finding the absolute best players when comparing his game to NBA players. “I say my game is a mixture of a few different players. I grew up watching my favorite player , Kobe Bryant, so if you watch my game close you will notice my mid range game and mid range pullup comes from him. I study his footwork. Even when I post-up guards my size I use his footwork and most definitely his back to the basket fadeaways. Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden is who I take after in todays game. Shooting mechanics like Curry, dribbling and crossovers like Irving, and step back 3s like Harden”, warned Jeremy Ingram. To be a top scoring player in the Regionalliga, you can´t be one dimensional, but be versatile. He takes a lot of pride in his mid range game the same way Saalouis legend Ricky Easterling does. “I feel like I have many strengths on the court. Obviously scoring being my biggest strength. But I feel my midrange game is what separates me from other Americans in my league. Because my players these days only look for layups or 3 pointers. Midrange is very important to me”, stressed Jeremy Ingram. His attitude is also excellent as he never gets content with his game as he knows, if he wants to keep climbing the basketball ladder, he will have to continue to grind in the lab to get better. “I´m working on my game as hard as I did when I was 18. And I will keep working on my game until I´m at the level I deserve to be at. 30 isn´t nothing but a number, THE GRIND DON’T STOP ! I work on everything , dribbling, shooting, defense . I feel like you can always get better no matter what age you’re at, commented Jeremy Ingram.  Another big strength is his character. Like so many other Americans that dominate the Regionalliga, he is way to good for the league and should be a higher level. He proved in the NCAA that he can compete and stick with future NBA players which has created that massive chip on his shoulders. A very very important fact that many players don´t always get right away is that the whole basketball experience and where you are and why  is due to the process. “I honestly played great against the big teams like Michigan and Georgia Tech but only played 1 half of those games. I was way too fast for those bigger colleges and I could shoot from NBA range which is why I always led the team in scoring against the bigger schools where I actually got in the game. I could lead the team in scoring 1 game and not even get in the next game after that. It was just Madness, but my coach never wanted to give me the proper respect and the proper chance to showcase my talents that I deserved. Every time I got in I played great. Everybody knew I was a problem on the court, but in life you run into people who try to hold you back or try their hardest for you not to be great. And this was just 1 of those situations. Honestly, I’ve had a chip on my shoulder my whole life. I’ve always been told I wasn’t good enough, I wasn’t tall enough, I could never play college, I was too cocky , I could never play professional basketball. But look at me everything they said I couldn’t do, I did  and I´m still doing. So yes there´s a chip on my shoulder because I know my talent level deserves for me to be playing in higher leagues but its ok because I always had to work extra to get anything I wanted in life. It’s just part of the process! I will get to where I want to be if I just keep working hard like I’ve been doing my whole life”, warned Jeremy Ingram. One thing the friendly American won´t have to worry about is playing one half and sitting the next. If TV Idstein want to compete for the Regionalliga South East title this season, they will need Ingram on the floor each quarter. Ingram´s desire, focus and grind will help him achieve his and TV Idstein´s goals. He proved once before with TV Idstein that he can win it all, so why not a second time?

Ricky Easterling is a 36 year 189cm guard form Baltimore, Maryland playing his 15th professional season and 13th season with the Sunkings Saarlouis (Germany-Regionalliga). He has made a name for himself in the Regionalliga over the years as he averaged over 30,0ppg twice and led the Pro B in scoring from 2014-2016. Last season he averaged 24.9ppg), 6.3rpg, 5.0apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 83.2%. He began his basketball career with Bridgewater College (NCAA3) and as a professional also has had experience with the the Baltimore Pearls (ABA), TSG Reutlingen (Germany-Oberliga) and the Bergheim Bandits (Germany-Regionalliga). He spoke to germanhoops.com shortly before a Regionalliga game in Limburg, but shortly after the game was called due to COVID-19. The interview has been edited and left the way it is as a pre game interview. 

Welcome back to Limburg. Today is Halloween. What is the perfect Halloween costume for Ricky Easterling in 2020 if he were a kid?

It’s a pleasure to hear from you again Miles! Thanks for the warm welcome! If I was a kids I would probably be a ninja for Halloween. That was my go to costume back in the day! 

What were your favorite Halloween moments as a kid? Can you list some costumes that you wore when you were a kid? 

Some of my favorite moments as a kids on Halloween was definitely going to the Haunted dungeons or the Haunted houses back in my home town. Even thought they are staged with actors and I knew it all was fake it still scared the mess out of my friends and I. I remember my football team and I took a trip to Pennsylvania and went to this place called the Haunted Hayride. You had to first navigate through the mansion with your small group, alone without a tour guide. Once you made it through there you ended up outside. There was a tracker with a big trailer filled with Hay would pick your group up and send you on a ride through the woods. After that it would drop you off in the middle of the woods and you had to find your way back. That was probably the best Halloween event I ever took part in. Normally on Halloween I was a ninja. I was in karate as a kid so that was the reason I liked to be a ninja most of the time on Halloween. 

Back in the 2017-2018 season you swept Limburg. Can you remember the 77-75 win here where you scored 21 points? 

Yes, I remember this season. I also remember this particular game you mentioned. It was a overtime game and it was tied up with only seconds left in the game. We had The ball The last possession and the play was originally drawn up for me to have a Isolation situation at the top of the key. I started to do my thing and the defense pinched the gaps to help out my defender. So I noticed it and kicked it out to one of my teammates Alan Bedirhan and he knocked down a clutch 3 pointer to win the game. 

Here is some trivia that was the 12th time since October 2017 where you played the whole 40 minutes. Included in those 12 times was a 45 minute and 42 minute game. What is the biggest challenge for you personally of playing the whole game? 

The challenge about playing 40 plus minutes is having enough energy at the end of close games. So I always had to make sure I was in top shape. In my situation teams use multiple defenders to guards me throughout the game. None of them are playing 40 minutes. So that means all these dudes get a chance to rest during the game. Understanding the situation, I dedicated myself to being as fit as possible so at the end of games I could help my team close out games without being fatigued.

Do you see yourself sometimes as an extra coach on the floor? What piece of advice do you like giving your teammates most?

I been around for a while so it is my duty to be a leader and an extension of the coach on the floor. There is not a favorite thing I like to do or say when I am leading my team during the game. I just believe it is important to huddle as much as possible during the game to make sure we are all on the same page and to talk quickly about previous and upcoming possessions. In my opinion this makes a big difference as your playing the game. I like to think of these moments as mini timeouts. Good teams do this a lot during the game and I always try to make sure my team is taking advantage of these opportunities. 

I couldn’t find any box scores from you before 2015. What memories do you have of playing Limburg in your early career? Do you feel like you came out the winner most?

I remember playing them a couple times before we moved up to Pro B some years ago. There was one game where I had a hard collision with a Limburg player on the floor resulting in stitches and a concussion. Somehow I played through it and ended up with 39pts. All I can remember is that I totally blacked out and had to rewatch the film to remember what happened in the game. After this game I had to stay 2 nights in the hospital because of the concussion. If I remember correctly we are winning the head to head match up vs Limburg. I actually don’t remember ever losing to Limburg. At least in my time in Saarlouis. Maybe I could be forgetting a game but I don’t think so. 

Saarlouis continue to play with a 6 man rotation and after that very young Germans on the bench with little minutes. Is this not risky should 1 or possibly even 2 of the starting 5 players get injured? 

Yeah it can be risky but at the moment it is not too much we can do about that. This is our team and we will go out and play as hard as we can with what we have. 

What is it like battling American KJ Sherrill on the floor? Is he another one of those guys like you that is way to good for the Regionalliga? 

He is a beast! He has size, he is strong and he is very skilled. It is going to be a issue trying to slow him down out there but we are going to try our best. It is always a pleasure to come across him during the season and I am looking forward to playing against him again. 

How much of a challenge is it getting in the paint and using your mid range game with a guy like Sherril always lurking in the shadows?

It’s a great challenge. But it is something I have grown used to! Over the years I have had the pleasure to compete against many good post players in the Pro B, Pro A (in cup and charity games) and also summer leagues back at home in the states. So I am always prepared for a situation like this but at the same time I respect his abilities as a rim protector. 

In the first game loss against Kronberg it was the least amount of points 10 in a game that you scored since March 25, 2017 your last season in the Pro B. How strange is it having a low scoring game like that? 

For me, to be honest it is something I do not enjoy seeing but every now and then it happens. Teams know about me and always concentrate on me. Most of the time I am able to overcome these special type of defenses designed to slow me down. Then there are some games where the team plays good defense against me and are able to slow me down. This was one of those games. But best believe I will be ready to come back strong after a game like that. 

Will you study film of that game longer than games where you score 30 points? What do you look for most on film when you have a low scoring game? 

I will watch this game like I do all games. I know what they were doing against me. Wasn’t anything I haven’t seen before. They face guarded me and eventually went box and 1. I have seen these defenses before. My team and I we just not able to counter it effectively this time. Like I mentioned in the previous question we will be ready the next time we come across a situation like this. 

You have played many many years with 39 year old German Jimmy Peter Lauter? What have you appreciated most about his play and character? 

Jimmy is my guy! He is one of my day one teammates here in Saarlouis. He is a great person and a good friend of mine. We don’t have to talk often But when we meet or talk we know we are brothers. We all know he has a deadly jump shot but what I also appreciate about his game is that he is a fighter. He doesn’t take plays off and he plays every possession as hard as he possibly can. I can allows step out on the court with confidence when I have a teammate like that on the court with me.

Does his long career and staying power motivate you to keep going and have that drive to keep playing for many more years and until your legs fall off?

Yes at times I forget that he is a little bit older than me. The last year’s without him I was always the oldest so I got used to that. And now I can finally say I’m not the oldest anymore haha! I’m motivated to play until my legs fall off but to have a live example with me on the team of course motivates me a little bit more. 

What was the last movie that you saw?

Last movie I seen was ‘The Old Guard’.

Thanks Ricky for the chat.

Andre Lockhart is a 34 year old 183 cm point guard that has the Barbados/British citizenship and is a professional basketball player. He played most of his basketball career in Barbados, UK and Germany. He played the last 5 seasons in the UK with The lOndon Lions playing 151 games and will play a sixth season for them in 20-21. He played two seasons in Germany. He split the 2013-2014 season with BG Biggessee (Germany-2.Regionalliga) in Nov.’13 signed at Giants Duesseldorf (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 10 games averaging 11.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 34.1%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 55.6%, in Feb.’14 signed at Essex Leopard. He also in 2014-2015 played for BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 26 games: 16.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.5apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 80.7%. He played his college career at Rust (NCAA3) and Queens NC (NCAA2). Other stops as a professional have been Sagicor Tridents (Premier League), Newcastle Eagles (United Kingdom-BBL) and Lumber Company Lakers (Premier League). He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

• 

Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been despite the COVID_19 crisis?

I’m currently in the UK with my family, we are just trying to stay safe and healthy as possible. My summer has been a strange one. Normally I would only take two weeks off at the end of a season then I would quickly get back to working out. The pandemic cause things in the UK to be closed longer than other countries as we’ve been hit hard with the virus. Players have been forced to workout on outside courts as gyms have been closed until the 25th of July. I’m just eager to get back training as this season is huge and exciting.

Our last interview is 5 years ago. Has time flown by since then and finding a second home with London?

I was born in London so it has always been home. I enjoyed traveling while I was younger to other countries, at the time was even planning on staying in Germany longer term but things didn’t plan out that way and I couldn’t be more grateful to the Lions Organisation for giving me the chance to realize home is where I want to be and playing the game I love with my family.

In the summer of 2015 you were coming off a season in Germany. If someone had told you then that you would play for the same team London Lions in 2020-2021 then what would you have said?

Germany I had a good season, I enjoyed it. Things didn’t workout how I would of liked. Playing for London Lions everything worked out how it was supposed to and I couldn’t be more pleased how they have panned out. I’m happy in London and with my club, the organization is like family. So, still being with my family couldn’t be happier.

I remember the last and only interview we ever did in 2015, you were looking for a team. At that time young German Fabian Beierlein was helping you out. Do you still have contact to him and have you followed his path as an agent?

Fabian is my guy!! He is a great person and we still speak to this day. Actually spoke to him last week and we both still follow each other careers and support each other. He has grown in his career and I’m proud of him.

You will be going into your sixth season with the London Lions. How blessed do you feel to have been able to play so long for this club?


Full of energy and excitement. The pandemic has put so many things into perspective for me, I know my role with my team when my number is called I’ll be ready. I feel extremely blessed to be able to play this long period, God has truly blessed me and I’m so thankful.

What has been the secret to your longevity with London Lions? You have never averaged more than 6,5ppg in a season, but still the club always wants you back.

Not much of a secret, I’m a hard worker and I know my role with this team. Being one of the veteran guys for this club, we take pride in the culture that has been set and when my number is called I try to just play my game .

How important was head coach Nigel Lloyd in your early time there for being able to find yourself and be able to be successful?

Head coach Nigel Lloyd was huge for my career. Being a young kid watching him, then him being a mentor. The Head coach for the Barbados national team and also recruiting me to the Lions. I am nothing but extremely grateful for Nigel towards my career. I’m also happy that in the last national tour he coached, I was on the team that helped him finish with a bronze medal.

In your second season you were teammates with BBL legend Alex Owumi. He wrote a book and seems to always have lasting impressions on teammates. What kind of an experience was it sharing the court with him?


Sharing the court with Alex was cool, he was a good leader always talking to guys and wanting the best for them. He showed me that never to judge a book by it’s cover hahaha, I’m not talking about his actual book by the way which is a great read. Alex is a guy when your in a fight he has your back.

Do you have a special story to tell about Alex Owumi which clearly illustrates the kind of player and person he is?

Alex, great teammate off the court but ultra competitive when on the court. He is one of those players that if you judge him from watching him play you would think he isn’t a nice guy but soon as the game or practice is over genuinely one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

In Germany you were a consistent scorer and player but in the UK BBL you have had a different kind of role. Was that a tough adjustment having to play behind Justin Robinson for the last 3 years?

In Germany yeah I was mainly the guy and I enjoyed being the leader of those teams. My role would of only been tough if I never accepted it. I wanted to be back in the BBL after I didn’t return to Germany. Justin is very talented and deserve all that he gets. I match up with him everyday in practice , so I know first hand. It’s doesn’t bother me coming off the bench on this team, it’s about sacrificing to win and not about starting games but finishing them. 

You have played with many talented big men in your career, but has Brandon Peel belonged to the best of them who will ball in Finland this season.

Brandon is a good player, when he first joined Lions he lacked confidence but that grew over time. It’s hard to say as I’ve played with really talented players. He will do well in Finland, I’m happy for him.

Last season you played with Jules Akodo a guy I covered for some years in Frankfurt. Is he a player that came to you for the important pointers as he saw a mentor in you?

Jules is a good person and works hard at his game, reminds me of myself. Always early and one of the last guys to leave. We have good communication. He is a young player and I’m always willing to help the younger guys as that’s what my vets did for me. Hopefully one day he will pass on his knowledge also to the next generation when that time comes.

How much of an effect do you feel has COVID-19 had on players signings this summer. Do you feel the fact that the London Lions could sign a guy like ex NBA player Deandre Liggins has something to do with it?

I’m not sure to be honest how it has affected players, as I know teams are still operating like normal for the new season. Having an ex NBA player is always good for any club in Europe and to be honest Liggins signjng with the Lions is huge but we are a club on the come up and it’s great to have a guy proven in the NBA joining us. 

You have played with so much talent in the UK BBL in the last 5 years. You have molded your game after Chris Paul. How do you feel has your game progressed in this time? 


I’ve learnt from so many players and still learning to this day. I’m a vet now and I know my role. Everyone wants to play big mins and show what they can do, but I’m at the point in my career I’m happy with my role and doing my part. Chris Paul I still study but I also study other small guards like Fred Van Fleet, Shabazz Napier and other small guards to see how they can impact the game, also those two mainly because they come off the bench and impact the games by scoring or getting others involved.

You will be playing your sixth season with the London Lions. Is this a club where you feel you will end your career with?


I know all good things come to and end but I never put that in my thought process. I love this club and it has become my family. Let’s say I hope when I’m ready to hang it up this club will be the club my last game will be with. 

You had many great personal games like your 18 point game against Surrey, 17 point game against Manchester and scored 16 points twice against Sheffield. Was one of these your most memorable games or did you have another?


Honestly having a high scoring game doesn’t make games a great game. I’ve had games in the BBL when I’ve scored more than 20 also but in the BBL we have different competitions like the trophy, cup, championships and playoffs. Not sure if it was the cup or trophy I had my highest scoring game. Winning the championship was my most exciting moment. It was against the team where I started my pro career so to win on that floor was very special as I still have fans there that I love dearly. 

You have been a resident of London for 5 years. How cool has it been being able to call London home and what has been your coolest experience living in the capital of Great Britain?

It’s very cool as I was born in London, so to be able to play for this club is beyond a blessing. My family is here and I’ve made numerous friends who I’ve become close with. I don’t really have a coolest experience, being born here and leaving at young age, I would always spend my summers in West London until I moved to the USA. So here has always been my home. 

Will you be following end of NBA season? Do you feel like a surprise team might win it all?

Yeah definitely! I’m a Lakers fan since 96 so Lakers all day! 

Please name your best 5 teammates of all-time:

Some of my best never made it pro, but here I go 
Ormond Haynes- Junior level in Barbados national team 
Daniel Bailey- Pro / College teammate
Joe Ikimwin – London lions teammate 
Junior Moore- Barbados national player
Kai Williams – former teammate

Please construct your personal own NBA Mount Rushmore with 4 heads past or present?

MJ, Kobe, Magic and Shaq. 

Where were you when you heard about the death of Kobe Bryant? How much of an influence did he have on your game growing up?

I was at home on the couch, when someone messaged me, I thought they were joking so I quickly went on social media and then Google, still don’t want to accept it. He had a huge influence on me, his mentality, work ethic and ability just inspired a kid without having a real relationship or idea that I existed.

Why isn’t Kobe Bryant mentioned more in the debate between the best of all-time between Michael Jordan and Lebron James?

I think he is. We live in a world of what happens right this minute seem to take precedence. Lebron is that guy still and Jordan is still seen as that Goat. Kobe is a better player than Lebron even with their different skill sets. If Kobe is supposed to be a clone of MJ then how couldn’t Kobe be rated highly. I get it tho different era and different criteria for who is the Goat.

What was the last movie that you saw?


The last movie I saw was Fatal Attraction with my girl, it wasn’t a great movie but you know how it does when you start something you just have to finish it.

Thanks Andre for the chat.

Gal Mekel is a 32 year old 192cm point guard from Israel that is currently playing for Unicaja Malaga (ACB). He has had an extensive career having played in countries like Israel, Italy, Russia, Serbia, United States and Spain for top teams like Maccabi Fox Tel-Aviv (Winner League), Dallas Mavericks, Benetton Treviso (Italy-SerieA), New Orleans Pelicans, Crvena Zvezda Telekom Beograd (Serbia-KLS), Herbalife Gran Canaria Zenit Sankt Petersburg (Russia-VTB), and Grissin Bon Reggio Emilia (Italy-Serie A). He played 35 NBA games for the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans played 34 Euroleague games and 36 Eurocup games. He also has taken part at 4 Eurochampionships for his native country Israel. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm. 

Gal thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. You won’t be traveling to Ulm, but have had your experiences playing against German teams. If you had to guess what your record is against German teams since 2009 what would you say?

Before reading your questions, I would have thought, I had a positive record, but after seeing the second question, I have a negative 3-6 record.

I will help you. You are 3-6 against FC Bayern Munich, Bamberg, Alba Berlin and ratiopharm Ulm. What memories do you have playing against German teams. One year you swept Alba Berlin including winning a very exciting game 75-72.


I remember the games we won against Alba Berlin well. That was an important game to qualify for the quarterfinals with Gran Canaria, I remember that Alba Berlin team as being very good. That was the first year of that new foundation that they had built with Aito and guys like Sikma, Siva and Giffey. I remember playing very well in Berlin. I remember hitting some big shots at the end. I was really happy that my dad and best friend had been there to watch me. 

Before we talk basketball I have to ask you about your experiences in 2020 during COVID-.19. What was the biggest challenge for you on a daily basis that you had to cope with in life?

The last months haven’t been easy. I signed with Malaga last season in March shortly before COVID-19 came. I played 1 game against Badalona before the shut down came. I was there alone. My wife and son were supposed to come, but then the lock down came. I stayed in Spain by myself for 4 months. That was a tough time but I’m a positive guy and just tried to make the best of everything. During those 4 months, I was able to spend time with myself and do things that I wasn’t able to do before the lock down. 

How do you feel did COVID-19 make you stronger as a man?


I was able to focus on things that I didn’t have time to do before the lock down. I read a lot. I saw lectures on things that interested me. I also had enough time to take care of my injuries. I learned to cook and speak a little Spanish. I really took advantage of the situation. I also have to say that the club took very good care of us. They sent us equipment form the weight room. My living room looked like a fitness room. I ran and practiced dribbling the ball at night in the underground parking lot. It was a very challenging time, but I made the best out of it. 

In the last 7 seasons you have played for 9 teams. You are a real basketball globetrotter. How do you feel have you grown as a player having seen so many different styles in comparison to a player who plays 8-9 years for only one club?

That’s a very good question. Sometimes situations control us instead of us controlling the situation. I had many good seasons that helped me get that next better contract with another team. There were enough times where I really would have liked to have remained longer with a club, but it just didn’t work out. I have achieved a lot of things in my career winning titles and playing in the NBA, but the one thing that I never achieved was playing for one team for a long time. I have learned that sometimes a career will take you down a different path. What I’m really proud of is having played for 4 teams that had their best season sin their history when I was there. I have been very fortunate to have good seasons with those clubs in those times. But at the same time, I have that feeling in my head that I never became that symbol of a team in Israel and being recognized more. 

Your playing your first season for Unicaja Malaga. The team is 3-4 in the ACB and a strong 3-1 in Eurocup. Why has the team been like night and day in the 2 competitions?

I think that it is still early and we are trying to find our identity. Last season we finished strong in the bubble and many players stayed and we have a good balance. We have some injuries at the moment and are still waiting for them to return. You can’t forget that the ACB is a very strong league. We have played well, but suffered close loses. What makes the ACB the best league in Europe is that you can win or lose on any night. If you aren’t strong on a given night, you will lose. We have played good games in the Eurocup and are a good candidate to go far. One of our goals is to go far in Eurocup so we can qualify for Euroleague.

You have many very experienced and talented teammates, but how talented is 16 Yannick Nzosa? He is predicted as a NBA draft pick. What kind of an impression has he left for you in practice?

He is an amazing kid. He is really young, but a super professional. He works hard, is dedicated and humble. At the second week of training camp, I remember telling a teammate that he will be a big part of the team this season. He brings things to the game that you can’t teach. He is long, has great timing and is a big shot blocker threat. I see him having an amazing future f he keeps working hard. He can be an NBA prospect. I enjoy playing with him and being a part of his career.

Before playing in the NCAA at Wichita State (NCAA), you played for Maccabi Tel Aviv youth team. Later as a professional you played parts of 4 seasons for the Euroleague power house. Did you have serious ambition to have wanted to have a longer career with them or was your desire to get experience with more teams interest you more?

Maccabi Tel Aviv and I just weren’t meant to be. I finished my junior career with them when I was 17 or 18 years old. After college, I signed 3 years with them, but they loaned me to Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Premier League). I had amazing seasons with Galil Gillboa, but I wanted playing time which I wasn’t getting with Maccabi. So I left and went to Italy. My second time with Maccabi was after the NBA. When I went back to Maccabi, I arrived at a very bad situation. I did good putting up good numbers, but we only won the cup and lost in the league Final 4 in a close game. The second season was the craziest ever for me. Management went through 5 coaches. The situation wasn’t stable and I felt it. I felt that I played well again and it was a real challenge to face the roller coaster. But with Maccabi Tel Aviv all that matters are the results. After that season they decided to change the whole team. It was wrong timing for me. I would have liked to have stayed a long time. For every young Israel player it is the goal to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv. I’m happy that I was able to reach the NBA not through Maccabi Tel Aviv. I was confident with my skills that I could have success without them. It was never a disaster for me that I didn’t stay with Maccabi Tel Aviv, 

You played 2 years at Wichita State playing a total of 62 NCAA games. How do you feel did your game benefit most from getting those 2 seasons of American basketball?

Playing in the NCAA for Wichita State was an unbelievable experience. I left my parents house at age 18 and went to a new country and experienced a new language. I met new friends that I’m still in contact today and will be for the rest of my life. I feel going to college was the perfect stop between junior basketball and pro ball. In Israel many go to the army at age 18 and need 3 years of playing time. I think the NCAA improved my physicality and athleticism. I came to Wichita State as a skinny kid and got stronger in the gym. You really work hours in the gym. I also improved defensively. Playing in the NCAA was one of my best decisions in my life. 

In 2009-2010 you were briefly with Maccabi Tel Aviv. I remember that club having incredible talent with Chuck Eidson, Alan Anderson, Doron Perkins and D ‘OR Fischer to name just a few. What memories do you have of this team and where in your opinion did it stand against other great Maccabi teams?

That was an unbelievable team. I remember it being a very long pre-season. We played exhibition games in the States against NBA teams. The quality of the players was high level. I was young and tried to pick up as much as I could from my teammates. One player that I really looked up to was David Blue. He was my idol for professionalism. He taught me how to take care of my body and to get better each day. I left in mid season and joined Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa. It was a lot of fun to come back at the end and beat them for the title. I had teammates like Jeremy Pargo, Brian Randle and Isaiah Swann. It was a great close to the season.

In the 2011-2012 season you played for Benetton Treviso (Italy-SerieA) playing 5 EuroCup:games averaging 4.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.0apg; and played 22 Italian League games averaging 6.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 24.2%, FT: 65.5%. What memories do you have of ex NBA player Brian Scalabrine? You must have a funny story concerning his personality?

I was injured then and that was the first time that I had been out of Israel. Brian was a funny guy. He was a talented player that really knew the game. It was the season of the lock down and back then he wanted to experience something else than the NBA. He was fun to be around. Basketball wise he was a big part of the team. It took him time to make the adjustment from being a role player in the NBA to being the main guy for us. I think though all in all he was waiting for the lock down to end. He would sign with Chicago for a few more seasons. I remember seeing him at the NBA Summer League where he was an assistant coach with the Warriors. I’ll definitely will never forget him.

In 2012-2013 you played with Maccabi Bazan Haifa (Israel-Winner League) playing 30 games averaging 13.3ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-2 (5.4apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 77.9%. You led the club over Maccabi Tel Aviv to win the Winner League title. How did your game mature in that season?

That was one of the most important seasons of my career. I remember in the summer of 2012 the sponsor Beneton disappeared. I had one season left on my contract, but because the sponsor left, the club moved down. I didn’t want to go back to Israel. I wasn’t getting any good offers, so I decided to go to the States. I remember asking my friend Omri Casspi who had played his first season in the NBA if he could get me the best individual coach for me. He got me David Thorpe. He was based in Clearwater, Florida and had trained with many NBA guys. I flew to Florida in mid September and that turned out to be one of the best choices in my life. I spent 1 month 1-1 with him. I wasn’t totally fit, but after 2 practices he told me that I was an NBA player. He told me that if I would have a good season in Europe that he would make sure that NBA teams would look at me. He did a great job in that 1 month to help me develop further and to dream bigger. When I returned to Europe I still had no offers from other teams in Europe. In Israel I had to offers from Jerusalem and Haifa. Something in my stomach told me that the Jerusalem offer wasn’t the right one. I believed that Haifa was the right one and I signed in November. It was an amazing team with a small rotation. Many guys got many minutes. I took a huge step in my career winning the title and MVP. I knew that NBA teams had been looking at me the whole season. 

In that final game you defeated Israeli legend Guy Pnini who has been your teammate in the national team. What has it meant being his teammate over the years?


Guy is a great friend of mine. We grew up together. His younger brother was my best friend. I know Guy since I’m 5 years old. He has had a great career. It is always fun to paly against him. He is a great competitor. He really likes to talk trash against me. We go very hard against each other on the court. 

Do you feel like your very good play with Maccabi Bazan Haifa and winning the title and finals MVP opened up the door more for the NBA?

Definitely. I already had camps booked before the season had ended. I remember that it wasn’t easy going from an amazing peak and winning the Winner League title and making the switch so quick and find enough energy and be competitive to make my NBA dream come true. I opened eyes for many teams. I had good camps and fortunately I got an offer from the Dallas Mavericks. 

What do you still remember from the 113-105 loss to the Houston Rockets where 2 Israeli players you and Omri Casspi played against each other in a game? You got revenge a few months later beating Houston

That was a very exciting game. It was early in the season. The hype was big in Israel. It was the first derby in the NBA for 2 Israeli players. We both played great. My future wife, father and aunt came to the game. It was a great experience. 

You were teammates with Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas and also knew him from the Euro championships. What kind of a teammate as he to you? Did act differently to you because you were a fellow European and what did you learn about him that you hadn’t known before.

Dirk is a great person that acts great to everyone. We both obviously had a connection from Europe. He was always a leader by example. He was never a guy that would talk a lot, but he would make everyone around him better with his play on the court. He really helped me a lot when I first got there. We hung out a lot. Only a few months ago, he saw my dad in London and texted me and told me that he had seen my dad. I don’t need to say anything about his game.

In 2014-205 you played 4 games for the New Orleans Pelicans. You Beat the Los Angeles Lakers 104-87 playing 12 minutes. What did it mean for you to battle Kobe Bryant and what kind of an impression did his basketball legacy leave on you?

My time with the Pelicans was great experience, but super short. I remember joining the team in Los Angeles. At my first practice, there was no tape or contact and I was learning the plays on a I-Pad. I had back to back games. Everything went so quickly. I had signed for 1 month It was a great experience to play with Anthony Davis, Playing for the Pelicans was a great experience. They are a very good organization. I remember Kobe not playing, but he was there with the team. Just seeing him there and his presence was amazing. I remember my eyes being on him at all times like a kid seeing if he watched me when I scored. When he is in the room, all eyes are on him. I was very sad when I heard the news of his death. I’m still hurt by his death. 

You played 35 NBA games. What will you always remember about the NBA that you will never experience playing basketball in Europe?


I will always remember the professionalism and the intensity of everything going on with the flights, games, hotels etc. You don’t see the pace of the NBA in Europe. 

In 2015-2016 you played briefly for Crvena Zvezda Telekom Beograd (Serbia-KLS) before moving back to Maccabi Tel Aviv. What was the craziest memory you have seeing the incredible support by the club fans?

I will always remember the fans for sure. They are one of the best in Europe. They are always super intense. It was amazing seeing them in action and they always gave the team energy. Sometimes they were the 6th player. Even when there were seasons when they didn’t have the biggest budget or record they would still overachieve and the fans were a big part of it. 

In 2016-2017 you were back with Maccabi Tel Aviv. You have played for many coaches in your time, but how special was it learning from a legend like Pini Gershon? What example do you have that fully shows that he is a basketball junkie?

Pini is the general manager of the national team now. He is a very unique coach. For me he is like an artist. He isn’t the basketball junkie or numbers guy 24/7, but he just has an amazing feel for the game and his biggest quality is his ability to manage the game and take decisions under pressure. He has coached great teams and has had a lot of success and was able to help the teams work together and achieve great success.

In the 2017-2018 season you played for Herbalife Gran Canaria (Spain-Liga ACB) playing 40 games averaging 8.4ppg, 1.3rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 73.3%; and played 17 Eurocup: games averaging 9.6ppg, 1.6rpg, 5.1apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 72.5%. That season you were 2-/4 against Real Madrid. Did you ever think in that last season that Luka Doncic would have such a quick impact in the NBA?

Doncic was unbelievable that season. He won the Euroleague with Real Madrid. I remember the playoff series that season against him. We lost the series 3-0, but all games were close coming down only to a couple of possessions. I knew that he would be good in the NBA, but I never thought that it would happen so quickly. I was super happy when Dallas drafted him. I remember texting head coach Rick Carlisle and telling him how happy I was they got him. I’m still a Mavericks fan. They have a great base for the next years. I will cheer for them and hope that they will compete for the title. 

In 2018-2019 you played with Zenit Sankt Petersburg (Russia-VTB) playing 20 games averaging 7.4ppg, 1.8rpg, 4.9apg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT-3 (94.7%); and 7 Eurocup games averaging 7.7ppg, 2.6rpg, 6.6apg, FGP: 36.2%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 68.8%. You were teammates with Brandon Jennings. What kind of a lasting impression did he leave you there? He seems to have retired at age 30 only.

Brandon is an unbelievable talent. He had a bad situation with Zenit. His experience in Russia was a lot different to what he had been used to. I really liked playing with him. He was a great competitor and super fast. He was one of fastest guys I ever saw. 

You played at 4 European championships. You played your best basketball at the 2015 Euro. Can you still recall the endings of the Poland and Bosnia games?

Yes I remember those games. I remember losing very badly to Italy in the top 16. I had some great campaigns with the national teams. I truly believe that our generation should have done a lot better than we did. We had many guys in their prime and many guys playing at top levels in Europe. I feel that I have 1-2 more chances to play for the national team. I really want to achieve success with the National team. I think the future of Israeli basketball is looking good. We have a chance with the new generation. Our U-20 team won the Gold medal and we have some great prospects.

How special was the exciting 2017 82-80 Euro win over Germany against Dennis Schroeder, Daniel Theis and co? Is that a game you might watch again in your free time?


Yes I would watch that game again. It was in Israel and the crowd was crazy. It was a big game and the atmosphere was great. It would be a fun game to watch. 

Who has been the toughest player that you have ever faced in your career?


I think the toughest guy I had to guard was Mike Conley. He was super fats and crafty and hard to keep in front of you. He is one player that I remember saying it is going to be a long night. 

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Dirk Nowitzki, Anthony Davis, Dontae Smith, Omri Casspi, Markus Errickson

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

Jordan, Lebron, Magic. Kobe

What is your personal opinion in the debate of who is the greatest Jordan or Lebron?

I will always go with Jordan. I grew up with him. He was the first to change the game globally.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Peaky Blinders.

Thanks Gal for the chat.

Jamuni Mcneace is a 24 year old 208cm center that was born in Decatur, Illinois and grew up in Allen Texas and is playing his second professional season with the HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim. Last season he played his rookie season with Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 34 games averaging 11.9ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.6apg, Blocks-4 (1.2bpg), FGP: 59.2%, FT: 51.0%. he began his basketball career with Allen High School and then played with The University of Oklahoma (NCAA) form 2015-2019 playing a total of 120 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career. 

Thanks Jamuni for talking to germanhoops.com Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?


I am currently in Oklahoma. It’s where I can access the gym. This summer has been different but it is for everyone.

You played your last professional game on March 11th against KTP Basket winning the game. How tough was it ending your rookie season so abruptly? How often did you contemplate the ‘what if’ question about how the season would have ended?

I think we were on a roll. We were having a good last half of the season and I believe we were going to compete in the playoffs for the championship. It’s hard seeing all our progress come to an end but the safety was more important at the time. I’ve thought about what if’s a lot when the season was first ended but I’m looking forward to this up coming season.

How did you experience the whole COVID-19 crisis in 2020 after coming home from Finland? How challenging was it staying in shape and just putting up with daily life in hard times?

For the first few months I didn’t have access to any gyms. I had to go out and buy a hoop and workout equipment for the house. It’s hard to get in basketball shape when you are required to stay inside you house. I’ve spent the last month training hard with what I have

How do you feel did the whole COVID-19 crisis make you stronger as a man?


If you are able to come out of this healthy and in shape it shows how well disciplined you are. That is what I say what made me stronger is continuing to stay disciplined at a time like this.

Congrats on signing with German BBL team Crailsheim Merlins. How blessed do you feel today landing in one of Europe’s top 5 leagues considering you started the game late and didn’t have the big time stats at Oklahoma?

I believe my time at Oklahoma was spent developing. Even my senior year I believe I was going to have a breakthrough season because of all the work I had been putting in through out my years there. Sadly with my ankle injury that year it’s just another what ifs. I’m thankful for my time there I believe it’s made me better.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had any friends or ex teammates or ex opponents play in Germany?


I’ve talked to a few people this summer about the basketball there. I’m familiar with the pace they play at but you can only experience it for yourself. I played in a tough league in college and I’m ready for the challenge in Germany.

Merlins head coach Tuomas Iisalo.thinks highly of your qualities. What did you appreciate about him from the first conversations that allowed you to sign with them?

Coach Tuomas and I had a very good conversation. He believes I fit their system defensively and plays a fast pace offensive which is very attractive to all athletic big men. He also recruited guys that I know and have played against which makes transitioning to a new country easier. Spending 10 months away from family is hard but that makes it easier.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 208cm center that can score, rebound and block shots and have much athleticism. To what NBA player would you bets describe your game to?

There are a few guys that I like to watch. Dwight Howard was one that I grew up watching and after seeing the way he could jump and move at his size I’ve always wanted to be compared to him. 

Talk a little about your other strenghes in your game.How much pride do you take on the defensive end and how vital is your energy in propelling your offense in certain situations?

I’ve been blessed with athleticism and length as those are not up to you to decide. They allow me to defend multiple positions and play the pick in roll with lob threat drawing help defense. I’ve also been able to finish with both hands as it was a major skill my coaches at Oklahoma wanted. We played a lot of 1 on 1 in the post so naturally all of use bigs there developed nice post scoring abilities.

The easyCredit BBL is a step above the Korsliga. On what area’s of your game are you working on this summer so you will be best prepared to be successful in Germany?


I’ve been working on my shooting touch. I’ve never been a great free throw shooter. This summer we’ve been focusing on holding my release so that my follow through and shot are becoming more consistent. 

Last season as a rookie you played with the Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 34 games averaging 11.9ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.6apg, Blocks-4 (1.2bpg), FGP: 59.2%, FT: 51.0%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I really enjoyed playing more. My coach in Finland had very high expectations of me and he knew how my season was the year before with the ankle and how it had affected me. He gave me the confidence I needed by allowing me time to develop and providing a lot of one on one time to work on shooting. Our team had a lot of chemistry and we all enjoyed playing for and with each other. Having those types of guys are going to make the transition easier and when you are happy where you are you can compete at a high level.

You were a very efficient player as a rookie. How advantageous was doing the most in the minutes you got at Oklahoma in helping you grow as an efficient player in Finland?

I try to do what I do best and what we planned before. At Oklahoma you had to compete because there was 3-4 guys waiting for their shot as well. I was on a roll before my ankle and once the season ended I worked on nothing but strengthening my legs back. You have to be efficient especially as a center. You have to protect the rim and stop your man from scoring. It’s a tough position to play so you have to be good at what you do best.

You were only teammates with him for 7 games, but what kind of experience was it playing together with the very experienced Jeramiah Wood? What do you feel could you soak up most from his game in the short time you were together on the team?


Wood was very vocal. He plays as hard as he can for as long as he can. He does what he does best all the time. He doesn’t try and be fancy or cool he goes in and gets his work done. That’s how I want to be. Effective and efficient.

In the summer of 2019 you had NBA workouts with teams OKC Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, and San Antonio Spurs. What kind of experience was that for you and with what team do you feel did you leave the best impression?


It was a very good experience. It was exciting that teams allowed me to come and workout for them even after how my senior season went. I’m was excited and it help build more confidence.

With all the work outs you had, do you remember having a meaningful conversation with a coach or player that you won’t forget?


Yes, during my workout with the suns I remember talking to Monty Wlliams and him telling me, that even though they gave us a play to use, you have to always read what’s going on and react to that instead of trying to force the play. Once I got to Finland and played with Teemu I realized there was a lot of reads that can come off a single play and you have to not be afraid to see them rather than forcing a play.

You played at the University of Oklahoma from 2015-2019. You reached the NCAA Final 4 in 2016 as a freshman. What memories do you have of the tough 95-51 loss to Villanova where you scored 4 points and had 1 block? Is it sometimes easier to forget a slaughter than losing at the wire?


We all joke about it calling it the final 44. But after a beating like that it’s hard not to laugh. 

You were teammates with 2 amazing guards with Buddy Hield at the beginning and Trae Young near the end. How much easier did they make your job and please give an example of each player’s game that you will never forget?


Trae and Buddy being the best players in college basketball their respected years are going to make anyone’s job easier. Trae allowed me to score career highs by just throwing lobs over people. Buddy was getting a bucket every time he touched the ball.

How important do you feel was it banging daily with big men like Hannes Polla from Finland and Matt Freeman from New Zealand in terms of you being introduced to other ways of playing against other big men? 


We played a lot of 1 on 1s at OU. Hannes plays more like a traditional big man and Matt is a stretch 4. I’ve played against big men who played like guards to big man who were 6 inches taller than me. Playing basketball for Oklahoma gives you the opportunity to play against guys that are some of the best in the world. 

You had many memorable games at Oklahoma, but where do you rank your 14/14 game in the 70-66 victory over Texas?


It’s always fun beating Texas. OU Vs TX was not me of my favorite games and it is was excited to beat them in our house. 

How did head coach Lon Kruger groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?


He gave me a lot of responsibility my senior season. Him and our assistant coach Carlin Hartman
gave me a lot of attention and even changed the offense to run through the post. Mike Shepard gave us a tough schedule that put us against the toughest competition and allowed us to develop. The whole experience at Oklahoma would prepare you for a pro career. It’s tough and professional.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Khadeem Lattin?

I was very good at one on one. I haven’t lost many.

Who was the best player that you battled at your position in the NCAA that reached the NBA?


Blake Griffin has played pick up with us a few times and he’s the best player I’ve played against. 

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time?


This is impossible I love all my teammates 

Please list your own personal NBA Mount Rushmore of 4 heads past or present?


Kobe, Lebron, Jordan, Shaq 

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the best of all-time Michael Jordan and Lebron James and why isn’t Kobe Bryant mentioned more in this discussion? 

Lebron is the best basketball player to very play the game. People who don’t mention Kobe as one of the best of all time don’t need to have an opinion until they educate themselves on who Kobe was.

What was the last movie that you saw?

In theatre the Joker.

Thanks Jamuni for the chat.

If your driving down the A3 highway between Limburg and Frankfurt, you will meet beautiful landscape, rolling hills with the top of the Feld berg(mountain) always somewhere to seen as one gets closer and closer the closer to Frankfurt. But not only will one see an abundance of beautiful nature, but also a few truck rest stops and gas stations. But also tucked away somewhere half way is a beautiful little town called Idstein. It has 23,000 plus inhabitants and it´s history goes back as far as 1102. What the town also has is a professional basketball team called TV Idstein that has made huge strides in the last 3 years as it was playing in the Oberliga(6^th division) and this season is in the Regionalliga(4^th division) and with a very ambitious roster and head coach Igor Starcevic who could play for the title if COVID-19 doesn´t get in the way. The club has real talent with ex Iowa(NCAA) German Dominique Uhl, ex big Frankfurt talent Jim Gietz, American Jeremy Ingram who scored 33 points in the first game against Giessen, but has a chip on his shoulder that won´t ever leave and 36 year old veteran Cedrick Quarshiw who played 60 Pro B games and played 6 seasons with TV Langen. TV Idstein met Kaiserslautern who were crushed in the first game against TV Langen 94-58 and are led by veteran American Aaron Ellis who is in his 7^th season with the club. 1 FC Kaiserslautern came to Idstein with their hands full after a blow out loss and had to combat the depth of TV Idstein and couldn´t as the game was as good as decided at half-time with TV Idstein ahead 54-21. TV Idstein displayed a well rounded offensive game coupled with their fierce transition game and hard nosed defensive game helping them to the easy 92-55 victory over 1 FC Kaisersluatern. After the tough loss a torn and pooped Aaron Ellis who is in his 7^th season with the club and played at Wichita State(NCAA) seemed like he was at a loss of words for the poor team showing, but after a few seconds tried to explain what didn´t function as a unit. “We played terrible transition defense and missed way too many shots. We had a horrible percentage from outside. We had a game plan and just didn´t stick to it. We played zone and when they hit tough shots we went to man, but nothing worked”, stressed Aaron Ellis. TV Idstein got off to a quick start and just continued to extend their lead to more and more despite losing some intensity in the fourth quarter, they played a very strong game at both ends of the court. After the win a content Jeremy Ingram let out some confidence while not forgetting that they had had respect for the opponent. “We knew it would be an easy game so we knew all we had to do was execute. This result was to be expected without sounding to over confident. We ran our plays well and we knew that they would play a zone. If we penetrated a bit then we knew that we could get our big men the ball. We played hard on defense”, stressed 29 year old 183cm guard Jeremy Ingram who played at :Alabama A&M University (NCAA).

Max Herzog who really got going in the fourth quarter got the guests on the board first with a lay in, but TV Idstein didn´t wait long to get going and quickly rattled off a 10-0 run. In the run, TV Idstein received points from 4 players. Ex Limburg guard Julius Zurna who had a tough game against Giessen scored 11 points in the win scored twice inside, Ingram who played 2 years for : Alabama A&M University (NCAA) hit a pull up jumper, ex Iowa(NCAA) forward Dominique Uhl hit free throws  and 209 cm big man Julian Reinwald who played 2 years for MTV Kronberg scored a massive 2 handed dunk. TV Idstein did a good job working around the guests zone and moved the ball well. 1 FC Kaiserslautern showcased a static offense which often led TV Idstein to run the break. The only bright spot by the guests was there dominance on the offensive glass, but didn´t always lead to buckets. The guests got some baskets from Aaron Ellis and American Edward Hall, but just couldn´t string up some consistent stops. TV Idstein were like a fury on offense getting baskets anyway they wanted. Reinwald continued to be a menace in the paint getting put backs while Zurna used his blazing speed to good use with a lay in. Ex Limburg guard German Michael Johannes hit a trey for the overwhelming 26-11 lead after 10 minutes. “We didn´t want a slow start. After our quick start in the first game, we became lackadaisical. We wanted to keep a consistent pace for 40 minutes”, added Jeremy Ingram.

In the second quarter TV Idstein would run away with the game and extend their 15 point lead to an overwhelming 33 point lead. 1 FC Kaiserslautern came out with more energy and went on a 5-0 run with Ellis free throws and a massive tip in dunk by Hall to cut the TV Idstein lead to 26-17. However this didn´t faze TV Idstein as they totally calmed down after this slow start rattling off 27 points while allowing only 4 points. TV Idstein did a super job taking advantage of every rebound and loose ball to get out on transition. 28 year old Czech Republic guard Jan Dolejsi who finished with 16 points got baskets on transition and also hit  a pretty three pointer after perfect TV Idstein ball movement. German Dominik Uhl who didn´t score in the first quarter got into the scoring mode in the second quarter getting to the free throw line, and making a trey Having to score in blow outs isn´t necessary for the big man who played in Ireland last season. “I do it all on the court. If we are leading by a lot, I pass and rebound more, but if the game is tight, then I will take more responsibility and score”, added Dominique Uhl. 1 FC Kaiserslautern continued to have problems calming down on offense and just couldn´t make easy shots in the paint even if they were often disrupted by the TV Idstein defense. TV Idstein went into the break with the gigantic 54-21 lead.  “Important for us was making open shots. We had our problems today, but we could live with it because we scored on transition and inside a lot”, said Jeremy Ingram.

In the third quarter TV Idstein continued to put on the pressure at both ends of the court and extended their 33 point lead to 37 points leading 73-36 after 30 minutes. TV Idstein got much support from the bench and just continued to spread the scoring around. TV Idstein got production from the quick German Jim Gietz who came from the Fraport Skyiners organization and continued to get many baskets inside as the extra big man passes worked well the whole evening as Reinwald and Uhl scored. TV Idstein didn´t get as many fast break point baskets in the third quarter, but were able to execute on the set play and just dominated inside. Down the stretch of the third quarter, Jeremy Ingram continued to be aggressive and score baskets. On one play, he took matters into his own hands and did a few cross over moves against his man and scored in traffic. “I know that I don´t have to score 30 points each game. I have great teammates and shooters around me. I try to get my teammates involved as much as I score, “said Jeremy Ingram  “We wanted to come out and keep our intensity. We were able to do that. Our biggest strength this quarter was our ball movement”, added Dominique Uhl. “Inconsistency was a big problem for us. We made many mental mistakes which led to turnovers. They capitalized on all our mistakes”, expressed Aaron Ellis.

1 FC Kaiserslautern had their best moment in the fourth quarter as they scored 19 points and kept TV Idstein to only 19 points. 1 FC Kaiserslautern got exceptional support from German Max Herzog who exploded for 14 points and dropped 4 three´s. TV Idstein lost some intensity which isn´t unusual when your leading by 30 plus points. The game also got  a little sloppy at times from both sides. At certain moments, one would see the extraordinary talent of American Jeremy Ingram who let his mid range game speak as he was cold shooting from down town at 1/5. Ingram scored a couple baskets inside while Reinwald also scored. It was a good game for Reinwald who registered the double double getting 5 offensive rebounds. “I wish we could have started the game the way we did the fourth quarter. I liked how we didn´t give up and continued fighting. We are a young group, but just continued to keep pushing”, said Aaron Ellis. “I believe some of us were tired. We didn´t have the same energy as at the start”, added Dominique Uhl. TV Ingram had 5 players score in double figures. Jeremy ingram had 20 points. Jan Dolejsi added 16 points while Julian Reinwald contributed 14 points. Dominique Uhl produced 12 points and 14 boards. 1 FC Kaiserslautern was led by Max Herzog with 21 points. Edward Hall contributed 12 points and Kevin Croom had 11 points. TV Idstein shot 53% from the field and 26% from outside and had 48 rebounds and 22 turnovers while 1 FC Kaiserslautern shot 28% from the field and 26% form outside and had 36 rebounds and 22 turnovers.

Richaud Pack is a 28 year old 190cm guard from Birmingham, Michigan that is playing his fifth professional season and first with BC GGMT Vienna (Austria-BSL). Last season he played with UU-Korihait Uusikaupunki (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 18 games averaging 17.9ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 61.3%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 90.2%. In 2018-2019 he played with Hestia Menorca (Spain-LEB Silver) playing 33 games averaging 13.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 67.2%. In the 2017-2018 season he played with Ametx Zornotza (Spain-EBA) playing 33 games averaging 20.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 78.9%. In the 2015-2016 season he played with Michelin Etha Engomis Nicosia (Cyprus-Division A) playing 6 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 11.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 35.5%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 90.9%; and played 21 Cypriot Division A games: Score-4 (16.8ppg), 2.7rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 84.9%. He started his basketball career in 2010 with FIU (NCAA) where he stayed until 2012, but played only 19 NCAA games. His next destination was N.Carolina A&T (NCAA) where he played 28 games averaging 17.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 81.7%. He moved one more time and as a senior played for Maryland (NCAA) playing 35 games averaging 5.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 69.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

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

Hello Miles, I am in Vienna, Austria. Basketball life is treating me well. I’m in a good mental and physical space at the moment and I’m grateful for it.

How is it in general for you now as a professional basketball player having to deal with the daily grind of sticking to regulations because of COVID-19? What has been the biggest challenge for you?


The biggest challenge was actually dealing with Covid-19. I actually had it. As an asthmatic, it was hard on my respiratory system. I was out of practice for almost 3 weeks. Leading up to the first game of the season, I hadn’t practiced but a few days. I was careful before, but I’ve been beyond careful since then. I travel with gloves, sanitization, and mask at all times.

How did you deal with COVID-19 the last months in the States. What was for you the biggest challenge with daily life?

It didn’t disrupt much of my daily life in the states. I used the time without distractions to lock in to my workout routine. I wasn’t able to travel for vacations, which was unfortunate because I really like to travel. I had older relatives who didn’t leave the house or allow any visitors so not being able to see certain family members to keep them safe was probably the hardest part.

How do you feel did COVID-19 make you stronger as a man?


The time where everything was closed allowed me to focus on what’s truly important. Family, health, and purpose. I spent so much time with family, working out with my family members, and working towards my purpose. It showed me how much I could grow without any distractions.

Your playing your 5th and first professional season with BC GGMT Vienna (Austria-BSL).Have you ever gotten offers from German teams the last years? It’s too bad you haven’t played for a German club yet.


I have not received any offers from German teams. My first time ever visiting Europe, I saw my first ever European basketball game which was a game of the Frankfurt Fraport Skyliners. From that point on, I had a fascination with the BBL and German basketball. I could definitely see myself playing there in the future.

How is the whole COVID-19 situation in Austria and the city Vienna? How are you copping with life and still trying to be the best player that you can be?

As I mentioned earlier, I had it myself. For a moment, Vienna was a hotspot. It’s hard living in a city as nice as Vienna, and not doing anything. I would love to visit more museums, castles, and other buildings that are so beautiful but I know it’s safer to stay to myself so that I can have my best chance at full health.

Your 1-1 so far and scored 34 points, but lost the game. How tough is it for you personally having a great scoring game, but losing?

It’s funny you ask this. In the first game, an opponent had 32 points against us, but we won! I made the shot the secured the game with 10 seconds left. Nothing else mattered. I told one of my teammates after, I would rather score 10 points and win than score 30 something points and lose, so I was more than happy. We are currently shorthanded (2-3 missing players). Once we have our full team, I expect championship caliber play and a lot of wins for this team.

You made 17-20 free throws, the most ever attempts as a professional. In Cyprus you onec were 11/11 in a Fiba Europe Cup game against AEK Athens. Was there something different in your approach that helped you get 20 free throws?

I was very aggressive. I felt there was no one on the other team that could stay in front of me. I overheard the coach tell his players that if I got passed them, to foul me so I didn’t get in a rhythm with a bunch of easy shots. I used this to my advantage and made sure I beat my player off the dribble as much as possible.

What kind of impression has this team given you? It has some nice Americans with Jason Detrick and Duke Shelton and talented Austrians. What can this team achieve this season?

I believe we have the best team in the league. We have players who have played in the ACB, EuroLeague, Fiba EuropeCup, Greece, etc. A coach who has won championships in Italy. A President who has played at the highest level in France and Italy as well. The experience and talent is unmatched in my opinion. Once we are at full health as a team and have all of our players cleared to play, the sky is the limit.

Our last interview was in the summer of 2016 after your rookie season in Cyprus. You had had a scoring season with North Carolina A&T State University (NCAA) averaging 17,0ppg, but in other seasons like at Maryland you didn’t. You averaged in double figures in scoring in Cyprus as well. Since then you have exploded as a scorer in Spain and Finland. What did you do different to become that dominant scorer, or was it really always in your blood?


Scoring has always been in my blood. I have and always will be a scorer. Before a hand injury, I was in double figures in scoring at Maryland. I think I can score with the best of them. Aside from the fact I played with Melo Trimble (ACB), Dez Wells (CBA), Jake Layman (NBA), Robert Carter Jr (Turkey/CBA) haha shots are not as easy to come by playing with four potential NBA players. I’ve worked on my game a lot and have been able to expand the ways in which I can score. I think that’s the biggest difference.

You have experienced so much in the last 4 seasons and seen many new styles. How are you a better player today then in 2016?

I can play multiple positions. My defense has improved. My confidence has improved. I’m much more of a professional. I take every day with the utmost seriousness. Any coach or GM I have played for will tell you that. I can read the pick and roll 10x better and I can score off of the dribble a lot better.

Your mentor and former coach was Isiah Thomas who played for the Detroit Pistons taught you to never let pressure bother me and to always stay under control. How has that helped you most the last years?

I think when it comes times to get jobs, something that might attract coaches is that I always show up in the big moments. I don’t let time, score, or pressure break me. I’m my best in those moments. It’s allowed me to help win my team a lot of games.

You had many ups and downs at Maryland (NCAA) in your senior year. Your head coach then Juan Dixon taught you how to mentally get out of a slump. Does his advice and your experience then help you in tough moments now that you may have during a game to help you get back on track?


Absolutely. I still train with Juan Dixon, who’s now the coach at Coppin State, in the summers! He’s still helping me add to my game. My mental is 10x better now when I’m not making shots. Something that really helps me is knowing I can affect the game in other ways. I can shut down my man, get steals, communicate, and get other players shots.

On what area’s of your game are you still working on now to help you improve your game?

I work on pick and roll reads and a lot of 1-on-1 off of the dribble play with my trainer Rudy in the summers. I want to be able to generate points for my team in as many ways as possible. I think this will be my best year in assists. I’m working on the mental parts as well. Staying aggressive, making the right play at the right time. So that takes a lot of film and studying.

You have played in the Spanish EBA and LEB Silver and Finland and now your in Austria. It seems like teams of higher levels still aren’t giving you that real break through opportunity. Does that bother you and how heavy is your chip on your shoulder?


I took a year and a half off after being a top 5 scorer in Cyprus and averaging double figures in EuropeCup with 40% 3 pointers my rookie season. I had interests from big leagues after that. I never imagined I would have to start over from the bottom when I came back. I initially took a year off because my father had a stroke. Before passing away, he told me to keep my basketball dream alive, so I returned. I know that if I continue to get better and produce at my best, I will get the real breakthrough opportunity. I understand that I’m on God’s time, not mine. I just have to work in the meantime. I try to focus on dominating where I am rather than focusing on where I could be or where I might go in the future

One thing that I have noticed that you have been able to adapt to different leagues and styles the last seasons very well. Do you study extra tape in your free time or how do you explain your extreme consistency the last years?

I always watch games from the previous years in whichever league I am going to. I want to know how the refs call the game, how the pace of the game is, how the players are spaced on the floor in the league. I look for patters. I pick out spots where I know I can succeed. I also think I have a game that translates to multiple styles of play. I can be a catch and shoot guy. I can be a 1-2 dribble and score guy or I can be the guy that takes difficult shots at the end of a possession.

Last season you played with UU-Korihait Uusikaupunki (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 18 games averaging 17.9ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 61.3%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 90.2%What kind of experience was Finland and what did your game get most from this experience?

I really enjoyed Finland. I had the opportunity to play with my childhood best friend Trey Zeigler. I also still have a really good relationship with my old Coach Jarno Nikula. The floor is very spaced in Finland and the national players can shoot it really well. Finnish players are some of the best shooters in Europe in my opinion. Whenever you make a mistake defensively, you pay for it with a 3 pointer. It elevated my awareness on defense

Was your 23 point game in the slim exciting 88-86 victory against Kouvot one of your most memorable games in Finland?


It definitely was! That was sort of my breakout game. After that, I think I averaged 22ppg the rest of the season and only shot under 50% once or twice. That game gave me the confidence I needed moving forward. We were able to win some games after that against teams like Kataja and KTP. The momentum for the team and I continued after the Kouvot game.

In 2018-2019 you played with Hestia Menorca (Spain-LEB Silver) playing 33 games averaging 13.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 67.2%. What kind of experience was it living on the island Menorca? It is a beautiful place and a lot quieter than Mallorca. Were you able to really concentrate a lot on basketball here and work on your game more than in other places?

Menorca is a beautiful island. The food and views were unbelievable. The off days were like being on vacation. The team had and ACB caliber gym (from when they were in the ACB) with unlimited gym access. So I was able to get in the gym a lot. Luckily for me, most of my teams professionally have given me all the gym time I need.

How did your game profit in the LEB Silver league in Spain. This is Spain’s third league, but has many talented players and a good league to help players make the next step?


The game is very technical. You can grow in any league in Spain because the basketball is such a high quality through and through. In my years in Spain I played against guys like Jalen Riley (France Pro A) and Jalen Nesbitt (Den Bosch Fiba Europe Cup). It’s a league with quality players who aren’t recognized, working to make the next step.

In 2017-2018 you played with Ametx Zornotza (Spain-EBA) playing 33 games averaging 20.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 78.9%. How humbling was it coming from the first division in Cyprus to the fourth division in Spain? Did your exceptional play really give your overall confidence level another boost?

It was hard mentally. I knew I was better and could do better. Looking back, it was not the best basketball decision to go there for my career after a year off. I probably could’ve waited for a better job. However, I don’t regret it. I grew and I learned. The management and coaches at Zornotza were some of the best people I’ve ever met in life. I still communicate with them to this day. Those are some really good people. I love Basque Country.

You had a huge 32 point game against Cantbasket in an exciting 89-88 win, but also exploded with 43 points in a 76-72 win over Santurtzi. Which game was more memorable?

The 32 point game was more memorable because my family was there. The smiles on their faces was priceless. They came all the way to Spain just to see me.

You still haven’t won a professional title. How big is your hunger to finally get that professional chip?

I lost in the finals with Zornotza vs Menorca. I was one game away from winning a championship. I am super hungry to get that first professional title. It’s one of the reasons I came to GGMT Vienna. I knew we would be a top 2-3 team in the league and have a chance to win a championship.

What other goals do you have as a player besides winning a title? Do you feel like you will get that opportunity from a top league in Europe? 


I want to win player of the year on a championship team. Whatever league or team that is. My goal is to be the best player on the best team. That would mean a lot for me. I do feel I will get that opportunity in due time.

Is it tough to see a guy like Trae Golden your ex teammate in Cyprus career go in another direction. Do you sometimes question why you haven’t gotten some breaks down the line?. Do you still talk to him today?

Haha it’s not tough at all. In fact, his story inspires me. He got cut in Finland and didn’t play for a year. Now he’s considered one of the best players in the world. That’s one of my best friends! We talk literally every day. We will be in each others weddings. I’m super proud of him. His grit has inspired me. When I need advice about how to produce more, he’s the guy I call. His mentality is unmatched. I understand you have to get the right opportunity at the right time and that big break will come. Leading Austria in scoring is a start. Winning a championship will make that happen. You will see me at the top leagues in Europe, just like my friend Trae Golden.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Melo Trimble
Trae Golden
Ray McCallum
Jake Layman
Dez Wells

Who has been your toughest player that you have battled in Europe over the years? In our last interview you said that Brandon Heath was your toughest cover and not Thaddus Mcfadden. Have you noticed the amazing jump Mcfadden has made in the last years just leading his team to the 2020 BCL title

To this day in my professional career, Brandon Heath was still my hardest player to guard. At the time, I was a rookie and he was a veteran. He understood the game so much better than me at that time. I’m proud of Thad McFadden! He’s from the same state as me, Michigan. What he has done is amazing. He keeps thriving and keeps winning. I have watched him dominate in Europe and make so many big shots! However, I scored almost 40 points against his AEK team. It gives me belief and motivation that I can follow in his footsteps 

What is your personal opinion of the never ending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?


I believe Michael Jordan is the greatest and LeBron James is the best. There is a difference in my opinion LOL but that explanation I can probably only express verbally

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was Outlaw King.

Thanks Rachaud for the chat.

 Aaron Harrison is a 25 year old 198cm guard from Texas that is playing his 6th professional season and first with Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-Euroleague). He played the last 2 season with Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). From 2015-2018 he played in the NBA for teams Charlotte and Dallas playing a total of 35 games. He also spent time in the G-League for teams like the Oklahoma City Blue, Erie Bay Hawks Greensboro Swarm, Delaware 87ers, and the Reno Bighorns . He played at the University of Kentucky from 2013-2015 playing a total of 79 NCAA games averaging 13.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 79.0% as a freshman and 11.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 78.2% as a sophomore. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Euroleague game against FC Bayern Munich in Germany. 

Hi Aaron thanks for talking to germanhoops.com 2020 changed the world in so many ways. How does it feel being a professional player with all the regulations that you have to observe on a daily basis?

I’m just very thankful that I can still play at a high level. This whole period has been tough not being ablet o see my family and friends the way I wanted to. It’s just been different a big adjustment

How did you experience COVID 19 the last months in the States? What was the most challenging thing that you had to experience on a daily basis?

The toughest thing was not being able to get into the gym the way I wanted to. Sometimes gyms were open and sometimes not. I think I was consistently in the gym like for 3 weeks out of the 3 months that I was home.

How do you feel has COVID-19 made you stronger as a man in 2020?


I think the big thing was just having to adjust to things and being able to learn to deal with things. 

Your playing your first season for Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-Euroleague). With what kind of feelings are you going into this season playing only during the week and having the weekends off?

We just practice during the weekends. It has been tough a new adjustment for me having only 1 game a week. I think you have to look at the positives being that this gives your body a good opportunity to rest. I think that COVID-19 actually could add a few years to my career.

Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-Euroleague is a very interesting team. It has 3 Americans with Martin, Mckkisic and Ellis all coming into the Euroleague, 2 ex NBA players with you and Jenkins and many talented Greek players. How have you seen this team develop so far?

I feel that as a team we are getting better every day. The biggest thing that we have is that we have such a deep team, that we have no drop off. What makes us so good is that nobody will play bad, because all know that they will play. That makes us more dynamic. 

What has it been playing with 38 year old Greek legend Vassilis Spanoulis? How incredible of a player is he and can you soak up things from him?

He is definitely super competitive and always wants to win and at all cost. You don’t see that in the NBA. In the NBA it isn’t important to win every night. It is refreshing to see how he wants to win so much. He also will let you know when your not doing your job. The most important thing for him is always to win. He is so determined and want to take his focus with me.

Last week you beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 85-82 on a buzzer beater. You have had quite a few buzzer beaters in your career. How did this one feel?

That buzzer beater was a great feeling. I was very excited that coach gave me the ball in that situation instead to one of the veterans. I’m very comfortable getting the ball in that situation and winning the game with the last shot. I also don’t mind missing shots. It may bother other guys, but it doesn’t bother me. 

You played the last 2 seasons with Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) putting up very consistent stats averaging in scoring in double figures and shooting over 40% in the BSL and Eurocup. How do you feel have you grown as a player in Europe?


I think that the biggest thing that I learned the last 2 years was just learning to be more efficient. You can’t take 25 shots in Europe just because a team may need it. But you have to do those things what the team really needs to win. What I really enjoy in Europe is that it’s all about winning and not stats.

After beginning the 2017-2018 season with the Reno Bighorns (NBA G League) averaging 18.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 83.5%, you signed Mar.’18 with the Dallas Mavericks (NBA) playing 9 games averaging 6.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.5%, 3PT: 20.9%, FT: 76.5%. How sure were you after your 45 point game against Oklahoma with Reno that you would land back in the NBA?

At that moment I felt like I could land back in the NBA. I was dominating at that time. I felt that that was the time then. All they needed was shooting and I was giving that. 

One hears the coolest stories concerning Dirk Nowitzki. How did you experience him as a teammate and what did it mean for you to be teammates with him?

I really didn’t interact much with Dirk at that time. It was near the end of the season for them. What I can remember about Dirk the most was how big his presence was and how much respect he got. It was the same at away games. I just remember watching him as a kid on TV. So it was cool being able to be teammates with him.

In the 2016-2017 season you played with the Charlotte Hornets (NBA) playing 5 games and played also with the Greensboro Swarm (D-League) averaging 17.9ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 82.1%, in Feb.17 and with the Delaware 87ers (D-League) averaging 17.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 48.2%, FT: 83.8%. You began the season in the NBA and then played for 2 G-League teams. How difficult was it going back to the G-League and were you expecting a call up towards the end where you were putting up consistent stats?

Yes I did. I understood about the politics in the NBA then, but I felt that I was the best on the team. I wanted and expected a call up. I understand now better than then that in order to reach the NBA, it’s more about only being the best on the team. 

What was it like playing with Kemba Walker? What is missing for the Celtics and Walker to win a NBA title?

Kemba is a great dude and one of my favorite players that I have played with. He was so cool and humble. I honestly didn’t watch too much of that series against the Miami Heat. Maybe the Heat were too tough and the Celtics needed more of that from the players. Brad Stevens is a great coach and the team has gotten better. I’m sure that they will get over the hump. 

In your rookie season you played with the Charlotte Hornets (NBA) playing 23 games: 0.8ppg, and also played with the Oklahoma City Blue (D-League) playing 4 games averaging 9.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.8apg, in Mar.16 joined the Erie Bay Hawks (D-League) playing 9 games averaging 21.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 84.0%. You were with Charlotte from November to May with stops in between in the D-League. What do you feel was the most important thing you were able to soak up in the NBA as a rookie?

I had a frustrating rookie year. I was trying to understand the business side. As a kid all you think about is I’m good enough for the NBA. I felt like I had deserved more of a chance then what I got. But I am very thankful for the experience. Coach Clifford was great. I feel that I could have gotten the job done had I got more of a chance. 

What will you remember from the 101-82 win against the Lakers where Kobe Bryant scored 23 points in 23 minutes off the bench? Were you a Kobe fan as a kid like so many others?

Growing up I was a huge Kobe fan. It was cool playing against him and seeing him up close. I don’t remember too much since I was on the bench. At least now I can say that I played in the same game as Kobe.

You also beat your ex Kentucky teammate Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns. How have you followed his career and isn’t time he plays for a winning program?

I am very excited for him and how his career has gone. I really think that he is in an amazing experience with the Suns. Maybe he would not have developed the way he has had he not gone to the Suns. Maybe he would have landed with a team that won more, but things not work out. Other than not winning with the Suns, he has done everything. What else can one ask of him. Things can’t always be perfect. He will figure them out. 

You saw how the NBA worked for 3 years when you were up and down between the NBA and the G-League. What was the best example that you witnessed that showed that the NBA will always be a business first before anything else?

I don’t know. I have experienced and seen so much. I just remember the NBA Summer League times as being very frustrating. I could be the best in practice, but then only play 5 minutes in a game. There are a lot of politics involved with teams focusing on the draft picks. I accepted the situation and was able to cope with it. 

You played NBA Summer League in 2018 and 2019. How much of a priority is the NBA still for you? Your only 25. A guy Like PJ Tucker played in the NBA and then some years in Europe and then returned to the NBA and never came back to Europe. 

It would be super cool and a dream of mine if I could return back to the NBA. But I’m not dwelling on it that much at the moment. If a team wanted me, then I would jump at the situation. But I have to say that at the moment, I’m really enjoying my life in Europe. What I really enjoy here is that trying to win every possession is basketball at it’s purest. What else can I ask for. The love to win every possession and to win is the beauty of Europe

You played at the University of Kentucky from 2013-2015. What kind of experience was it playing for the Wild Cats and do you ever wonder where you might be today had you played longer in the NCAA?


No I don’t wonder about that. I actually have wondered more where I would be today had I only remained 1 year at Kentucky. My time at Kentucky was amazing. It was just great beginning there and playing for coach Calipari. Playing basketball at Kentucky reminds me a lot of Europe. There it was also about winning every possession. 

What kind of a relationship do you and your twin brother Andrew have? Do you talk every day and is it like a dream to one day play on the same team again?

We talk 3-4 times a day. It’s not really a dream now to be reunited again on the same team. The most important thing that we want for each other is to be as successful as possible and just be happy with life. 

What memories do you have of your back to back three point winners against Michigan and Wisconsin in the 2014 NCAA tournament? Was one more special than the other?

No I don’t. Both were cool. I get reminded of those games and my game winners a lot. It is really cool being a part of tournament history. Those were awesome times and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. 

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


The most important thing I got was that competitive edge and confidence. You really needed confidence in order to deal with him. He tested you a lot. In order to deal with all the pressure there, you needed to have extreme confidence. I really built my confidence level there. 

Who wins a one on one in practice you or your brother Andrew?

It really depends on the day. Each one of us can win. I would say 60-40 for me. 

What do you remember from the Jordan Brand Classic 2013 and Dennis Schroeder. Did you feel like he could become that good NBA point guard?

I don’t want to lie. I don’t remember him now from that game. He is a great scoring guard. If he is put in the right situation then he is effective. I really like his game. 

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that later would go to the NBA?

I really have no idea. I played against so many great players. I remember Florida being the toughest team I played as a freshman. I remember them having guys like Scottie Wilbekin and Patric Young.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My whole High school team, my brother Andrew, David Stockton (He really helped me understand the politics when I was at Reno), Alex Poythres (great dude. Everybody that meets him likes him right away. He is a great family guy and good friend), Jon Korkmaz (He is a good dude. Even if I was the best on the team last season, he still pushed me. I really appreciated that. We still talk every 2 weeks)

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present players.

Jordan, Lebron, Kobe, Iverson

What is your personal opinion of the never ending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

Jordan is great. Lebron has been a talent that we have never seen before. Jordan is the greatest and Lebron maybe the best that we have seen. 

What was the last movie that you saw?


I watched 2 really good Amazon series called the Boys and the Hunters.

Thanks Aaron for the chat.