Kendall Stafford is a 23 year old 193cm guard from Corinth, Mississippi that completed his rookie season in Germany hooping with the Baskets Vilsbiburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 20 games averaging 21.3ppg, 9.8rpg, 3.2apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 61.7%. he began his basketball career at Corinth High School and then played at Northeast Mississippi Community College (JUCO) from 2015-2017 averaging 6.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 57.9% as a freshman and 10.7ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 68.0% in his second year. He then moved to the University of North Alabama (NCAA2) averaging 15.6ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 45.8%, FT: 65.8% as a junior and 10.6ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 65.9% as a senior. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the Coronavirus crisis.

Hi Kendall where are you at the moment and how is your current mood despite the world turmoil at the moment because of the out break of the Corona Virus?

I am currently at home, in Corinth, MS. My mood is actually pretty good, because I am finally at home with my family and friends. I am enjoying spending as much time with them (at a distance) as I can before returning back overseas. I miss them so much. Although, I am disappointed our season was cut short. 

When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world?

When I first heard, I did not expect it to be as serious as it is. The main reason why is because public officials and media did not portray it to be a big deal. They acted like it was just a common flu or seasonal allergies. I believe that America should have acted sooner, and possibly this could all be under control by now. It is crazy how this one virus has affected almost the whole entire world. 

How have you experienced the day to day life in Germany during the Corona Virus outbreak? Did you see that corona effect on the culture there or was it not so much different happening in your day to day dealings?

I did not get to experience the effects of COVID-19 in Germany. My coaches sent me back to America before things became how they are. I do believe that the Germans would take it more seriously than us, Americans.

Did you become more aware about how you handle yourself in public in terms of shaking hands and not being in the line of fire with somebody coughing

Yes, I have learned a lot about the 4-6 feet rule, washing my hands often, and avoiding crowded places. I also try to avoid people who think they have been in contact or showing symptoms of COVID-19. 

Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe. How disappointed were you about this and not being able to finish the season?

I was very disappointed because we just had begun figuring each other out and all it took to win. We were also on a win streak and I believe we could have won the rest of our games at the rate we were playing. 

Before leagues were shut down there was a BCL game in Bonn against AEK Athens and a Fiba Europe Cup game in Bayreuth without spectators. What is your overall opinion of playing a game without fans?

I would personally not like playing without fans, because I enjoy having people watching me. It is a motive to do good and try my hardest. When the crowd’s energy is there, so is mine. 

What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person?

These times have taught me to not take life for granted. You never know when your last game, practice, social event, or just day alive will be. We all need to start taking better care of ourselves and our environments.

Wil it be a big adjustment having to start 3 months earlier with workouts and basketball skill development? What will be the advantages and disadvantages of this?

The advantages will be getting back in the gym sooner and working on perfecting and advancing my crafts. I will be able to get back doing what I love. There are really no disadvantages to this when you are a gym rat and basketball is your passion. 

The whole world economy is going to be affected including Polish basketball. How worried are you about the future of professional basketball. The next season will have many changes. How are you handling this mentally now not knowing what to expect?

I believe that in the beginning a lot of people are still going to be afraid of big crowds and big events, so fan base will smaller. I am not really worried about the future though, because I know everyone loves sports. Everyone is constantly talking about sports starting again and being broadcasted. Although, I am anxious to see how things will turn out next year.

How have you experienced the day to day life back home in the States? How has the Coronavirus affected your daily life? How have you been keeping in shape inside your home. Talk about the type of exercises and work out you have been able to perform inside your own 4 walls.

It is difficult being at home and not being able to do some things. I was so excited to come home and go eat at my favorite restaurants and go shopping at my favorite stores. When I got home, everything was almost already closed or closing soon, and I did not get to enjoy those things. I wanted to go on vacation also, but unfortunately that will probably not happen either. 

If you had to name another player besides guys from your team that you have been in most contact via Social Media who would it be?

Kendarius Smith

Let’s talk about your rookie season in Germany with Baskets Vilsbiburg. The club finished in 6th place with a 11-9 record. How would you summarize the team season?

I would not say it was the best season, but it was pretty solid. A few factors contributed to our season not going as successful as it could. One factor was injuries and the other factor was team chemistry. Like I said in a previous question, I believe we would’ve finished higher if we were able to complete our season. We were just figuring each other out and we were becoming unstoppable

The club began the season 6-8, but played their best basketball in 2020 winning 5 of their last 6 games. Why do you feel did it take so long to finally get some team consistency?

We had a coach change in the middle of our season and I believe getting to know the new coach’s style was an adjustment that took time for us. We also had a few injuries that changed the lineup and we had to get used to that as well. 

The club scored 88 points per game, but also allowed 86 points per game. What kind of an adjustment was it for you coming from the NCAA and experiencing how defense is played overseas?

There was not really an adjustment. 

You and experienced American Kenny Fluellen averaged 40 pointscombined per game. Do you feel like the club at times relied too much on you 2 guys for the scoring?

No, every person on a team has a role. It just happened that Kenny and mine role was to score and we were fine with that if it meant our team would win. 

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much of a pleasure was it playing with Kenny Fluellen? Was he like a mentor for you and was that NCAA 2 connection a big benefit as you both knew where the other came from

A big pleasure, he was a great player and friend. Our games really complemented each other’s.

What was it like being teammates with Czech republic big man Lubos Novy. He got injured just as the team started rolling. How was his game most valuable for the team?

He was fully of energy and we needed that. He was unstoppable offensively and defensively. We really need his inside threat for our offense.

Let’s talk about you game. You averaged 21.3ppg, 9.8rpg, 3.2apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 61.7% as a rookie. How content were you with your game?

I was not content at all. Every day and every game I worked to be a better player than the day before. I will continue to work to get better. I will never get complacent. 

If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Lebron James because I am a versatile player just like him. I am just a little bit less athletic and explosive. 

You are an amazing and lethal rebounder for 193cm. You made huge strides from JUCO to the NCAA in terms of rebounds and continued into the pro ranks. How do you explain your huge surge in being able to rebound the ball?

All of my coaches told me I had it in me to get all rebounds, I believe them and I went for it. To this day I still do. Plus, getting rebounds leads to easy points. 

You have been an ok three point shooter in your last 2 seasons in the NCAA and pro’s, but shot an overwhelming 45% in your junior season. What is your strategy in continuing to improve your outside shooting?

I will keep getting up as many shots as I can in my free time. I will also continue working on my confidence, when I am confident I see my shot is a lot better.

On what other aspects of your game will you continue to work on as you attempt to climb the basketball ladder?

Ball handling is something I also need to work on. 

You had 2 amazing games as a rookie scoring 40 points against Troester Breitengussbach and a fascinating 28 points, 17 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 steals. What game was more memorable?


28, 17, 7, & 7. I had a good overall game and I also had my teammates involved. The win was just a good one for all of us.

Against Regnitzal you were on a quadruple double path. Was that the best game in your career and what did you learn about your game after 40 minutes on this night?

I do believe it was the biggest game of my career. I realized that I can be a versatile player, and I have what it takes offensively and defensively. It showed me that when I am locked in and focused, it is really hard to stop me.

Who was the toughest guy that you faced in the Regionalliga this season?

Erik Land.

You showed as a senior at University of North Alabama (NCAA, that you can be a very good NCAA player, but had to pay your dues in JUCO and did it this season in the German Regionalliga. Talk a little about how huge the chip on your shoulder is and how you deal with it mentally. It must be very high at the moment after a strong rookie season overseas.

I do have a chip on my shoulder, because I know that I can play on a high level. Although, I humble myself enough to know that I am not where I want to be and I have a lot of work to do to get there. 

How important were your two years at Northeast Mississippi Community College (JUCO). What was key for your game in these 2 years that helped you make the jump to the NCAA?

Northeast prepared me for what it took at UNA to be the player I was. I was formally a guard coming to NE, but ended up playing multiple positions. It helped me become the well-rounded player I am today. 

You played at the University of North Alabama playing NCAA 2 in your junior year and NCAA in your senior year. How cool was being able to move up and how do you feel did your game develop best I these 2 years?

It was cool because I got to play against a variety of different talents and environments. I feel that my game developed best in the Division 1 & 2 level because the talent I played was good. My basketball IQ and efficiency was changed the most these two years. With my IQ increasing, my efficiency increased as well because I was seeing things better and taking better shots.

You lost 96-51 against powerhouse basketball school Gonzaga. How did it feel standing on the floor against this school and future NBA players after having played in JUCO only 2 years earlier. What will you remember most from this game?

It was a great experience being in front of such a big crowd and being on that stage with great players. When you are presented an opportunity like this you have to give it your all. You never know when you will get another opportunity to be on a stage that big to showcase yourself and what you have to offer to someone else.

How did head coach Tony Pujol groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?


Coach P was one of the coaches that pushed me to be the rebounder I am today. He also molded me into a leader my last year at UNA. I tried to bring my leadership role to BasketsVilsbiburg and I believe that it helped our team.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Jamari Blackmon?


Never got the chance, but if we did it would be a good game!

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

Devin Booker

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Kendarius Smith
Leroy Buchanan
Raheem Sorrell
Sharwyn McGee
Wesley Harris

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

Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Paul Pierce, and Carmelo Anthony

What is your general opinion with the debate between who is greater Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

Michael Jordan is the best basketball player and competitor. Although, Lebron is the best ‘ALL-AROUND’ player. 

What was the last movie that you saw?

Angels in the Outfield

Thanks Kendall for the chat.

Coming from Boston, it isn´t unusual for a basketball enthusiast kid to like 2 basketball teams. The first major choice was obviously the Boston Celtics who had the amazing 60´s dynasty around Bill Russell and in the 80´s it was Larry Bird and Co which made many a nights more enjoyable in the living room. The second most obvious choice at least for me growing up was Boston College. They are a basketball program that have reached the NCAA tournament 18 times and have placed countless players in the NBA and in Germany over the years. I´ll never forget getting my first taste of the Boston College Eagles close hand in the early 80´s. After watching Doug Flutie punish Rutgers 27-21 on the football field, I ran across the street after the game and ran into the Eagles basketball practice gym and would see future NBA players like John Bagley, Michael Adams, John Garris, and Jay Murphy practice their autographs for me. That was my earliest basketball NCAA memory and I was always a close follower of college basketball as a kid and also loved the Georgetown teams around Patrick Ewing and North Carolina around Michael Jordan, but soon UConn would also be a school that I would constantly be reminded of. I don´t know how many bus rides I took from Boston to Harford when I was going to Avon Old Farms school, but it was a lot and every time we were chugging down I-90, not long after entering Connecticut a sign would pop up “Storrs” home of the UConn Huskies. UConn basketball has been around since 1901 and their program didn´t start to have big success until 1999 where they won their first NCAA title and the next ones followed in 2004, 2011 and 2014. They have played in 33 NCAA tournaments, reached 5 NCAA final 4´s and 11 Elite 8´s. The basketball factory have placed many former players in the NBA with the most notable being Kemba Walker, Ray Allen, Rudy Gay, Richard Hamilton, Caron Butler and Emeka Okafor. But there have also been a few players that have played in Germany that played at UConn. My journalistic connection to the basketball school is traced to 3 of their NCAA titles. I was fortunate to interview ex NBA player and 1999 NCAA winner Khalid El-Amin who played with BG Goettingen for 2 seasons, saw Souleyman Wane play in 2005 in Germany when he played for Giessen who won the 1999 title and I have been covering Niels Giffey for years as he is the only German player to have won 2 NCAA titles with the 2011 one with Kemba Walker and 2014 title with NBA player Shabazz Napier. I was fortunate to interview Nils Giffey back in the fall of 2010 when he was a freshman at UConn and when he turned professional in 2014 with Euroleague team Alba Berlin. There haven´t been many guys that played at UConn to have played in Germany as the list is short with Khalid El Amin, Niels Giffey, Souleyman Wane, Marc Suhr, Enosch Wolf, Leon Tolksdorf, Sam Casell Jr and Daniel Guest, but a new one has arrived with Christian Vital. The easyCredit BBL is enriched anytime a new UConn player like a Christian Vital(BG Goettingen) comes into the league.

                Christian Vital was born on March 21^st 1997 in Queens Village, New York and is the oldest of 6 kids and was an avid chess player as kid beginning at age 5 and took part at tournaments in New York through high school. Even if he is a player who loves the quick paced game, chess gave him that calmness that he would be able to bring to his game in certain situations where the game had to be slowed down. He played at various schools like the Rectory school in Pomfret, Connecticut and the Thomas More school in Connecticut where he played his final 2 years of high school averaging 16.8 ppg, 7,0rrpg and 2,2apg leading his team to a 31–7 record and the National Prep Championship final. He earned New England Preparatory School Athletic Council Class AAA first team honors and was picked to play in the Jordan Brand classic scoring 13 points, dishing out 7 dimes and had 4 steals. UConn wasn´t first on his list of school´s that he wanted to attend, but he actually wanted to play at UNLV, but then declined as head coach Dave Rice left. Despite getting an offer from Louisville, he chose UConn and the rest is history.

            The American like so many other guys in the NCAA was a player that set foot on the Storrs campus and wasn´t a high recruit coming in, but instead of sinking his head in the sand, went on a mission to make his UConn career a memorable one. He never ever was short of self-confidence, but actually possessed a very healthy one which allowed him to perform at a high level and knew that if he worked hard, he would be rewarded in games. Even if the program wasn´t winning during his stay, he had extraordinary leadership skills that helped him keep his teammates on the same page in tough times. As a freshman, he started 10 games and averaged  9.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 70.8%. UConn finished with a less than satisfactory 16-17 record and it was the school´s first losing season something that the American had to swallow. In that first season he did score in double figures in 13 games. With head coach Kevin Ollie at the helm, the club continued to be a losing program then going 14-18 in his second season, but Vital made big strides in his game averaging 15.0ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 84.5%. He would set records at UConn and the first ones occurred that season as he ranks second and third with most points off the bench with 30 against Boston University and 29 points against Columbia. He led the team in rebounds and steals and scored in double figures in 24 contests He declared for the 2018 NBA draft, but decided to return to school as he still had things to prove in the win column.  In his junior season, he had a new coach with Dan Hurley, but they still couldn´t get over the hump registering a 16-17 record. He continued to offer consistent stats averaging 14.2ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 81.3% and led the team in steals. He scored in double figures in 27 games.

As a senior everything turned around as the team finally got back on the winning track having a 19-12 record and was 5^th in the ACC with a 10-8 record. It was too bad that COVID-19 hit, because like for so many other players in leagues around the world, the American was left with that sour “what if” feeling about how the season would have ended. He improved in many categories in his senior year having his best stats in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals averaging 16.6ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.6apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 89.7%. He scored in double figures in 25 games and finished his career red hot averaging 24,0ppg in his last 7 games and in his last 3 games averaged 27 points as he scored 28 points against Tulane, 27 points against East Carolina and 26 points against Houston and helped the school win it´s last 5 games in their shortened season. UConn assistant coach Tom Moore is in his 16^th season as an assistant having been part of 2 NCAA titles and in between coached 10 seasons at Quinnipiac University. ““My favorite memory of Christian is him playing a great game in a huge win against a tough Houston team in his last appearance at home in Gampel Pavillion. To see him address the crowd and thank them for all the support after the game was heartwarming and something I won’t forget.”, added UConn assistant coach Tom Moore. For a player who never played in an NCAA tournament at UConn in 3 decades, he sure played like he wanted to be there. Sometimes things just don´t work out as well as you want. If he would have been a bit older, he could of experienced totally different scenario´s with guys like Walker and Napier on his side. He continued to leave it all on the court in his senior year and was rewarded as the team had a winning season. He played 110 games in a row and scored 1,735 points in his UConn career, nailing an AAC-record 265 three-pointers. For a guy where nobody was expecting much from when he began at UConn, he didn´t do badly as he passed ex NBA players like Donyell Marshall and Khalid El-Amin to become the 13th leading scorer in UConn history. ““He had the misfortune of coming to UConn during the only rebuilding period in the last 30 years of the program. That did not ever beat him down though as he kept his belief in himself and his teammates until the end. It was extremely frustrating to see COVID take away the end of his career because he was playing at the highest level he’d ever played at and he was extremely excited to see if we could finally get into an NCAA Tournament.”, stressed UConn assistant coach Tom Moore

                Now he begins his professional career in Germany with 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen. The club reached the easyCredit BBL in 2008 and until this season had mostly been led by 2 head coaches with John Patrick and Johan Roijakkers. Roijakkers came in 2012 and after 2 seasons back in the Pro A have stayed in the BBL since 2014. BG Goettingen is one of those clubs that doesn´t have the biggest budget, but mostly have been able to remain in the league because of good coaching and being able to land steals with players. Roijakkers has made the next step to Bamberg and now BG Goettingen will be led by head coach Roel Moors of Belgium who came from Bamberg. It will be a rebuilding year as many new faces will grace the floor like ex G-League player Aubrey Dawkins and ex NBA player Jorge Gutierrez or German BBL veteran Akeem Vargas who returns back to his old stomping ground  or British national player Luke Nelson who has played in Europes best league in Spain called ACB. So how will Christian Vital fit in? He should fit in well. Head coach Roel Moors is thrilled about having the rookie start his career in Goettingen. “He is a very versatile guard that can play various positions at both ends of the court. He is a good shooter from outside, a very good defender and for a guard a good rebounder”, added Roel Moors. If there is any doubt that Christian Vital can get the job done with BG Goettingen, then UConn assistant coach Tom Moore quickly dismisses those doubters with brutally strong and effective words. ““Christian is a tough-minded, determined young man. He has as much self-belief as any player I’ve been around in my 33 years of coaching college basketball. That may be his biggest strength. He has great confidence that he can make the next shot, the next play, or get the next stop.”, warned Tom Moore. One thing is for sure, it is a good omen that an ex UConn guy like Khalid El Amin had played in Goettingen 5 years ago. He almost brought them into the playoffs his first year and saved them his second season from moving down. Maybe Vital will do something that El Amin didn´t do and help the club reach the playoffs? He finished strong at UConn and why shouldn´t that momentum carry on with BG Goettingen. No matter how the season goes, Vital will leave it all on the court. It is what he did at UConn and really all he ever did and knows how to do.

2

Trevon Evans is a 24 year old 183cm guard from Kansas that completed his rookie season in Germany with the HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim 2nd team (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 22 games averaging 20.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.7apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 70.0%. He began his basketball career at Eisenhower High School. In 2014-2015 he played at Pratt Community College (JUCO) playing 32 games averaging 7.1ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 58.6%. In 2016-2017 he moved to Dodge City Community College (JUCO) playing 28 games averaging 9.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 75.4%. He played his last 2 college seasons at the University of Sioux Falls (NCAA2) averaging 21.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 78.9%, and : 22.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 75.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Hi Trevon where are you at the moment and how is your current mood despite the world turmoil at the moment because of the out break of the Corona Virus?

Right now I am currently in Sioux Falls, South Dakota working out and training trying to get ready for this upcoming season. I’m trying hard not to let this whole situation get me in a weird mood. I’ve taken this time to work on other things outside of basketball that are helping me mature in all areas of my life. This time made me realize how many things I’ve taken for granted, especially basketball.

When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world?

At first I wasn’t really worried about it, but as more cases and casualties started to happen all over the world I realized pretty quickly that this thing is REAL. It’s sad and everybody is affected by it in some way I do believe that better days are coming though.

How did you experience the day to day life in Germany during the Corona Virus outbreak? Did you see that corona effect on the culture there or was it not so much different happening in your day to day dealings?

Not much changed. It was at the very beginning so a lot of places were still deciding if they should shut down or not. I came home before it got any worse because I wasn’t trying to be stuck in Germany during all of this. 

Did you become more aware about how you handle yourself in public in terms of shaking hands and not being in the line of fire with somebody coughing

I feel like before all of this happened if anybody coughed it wasn’t a big deal. I still try to keep my distance regardless, but coughing happens if you’re sick or not. I’m already the type of person who gives fist bumps instead of hand shakes or just a head nod. But this situation definitely helped me to enforce that instead of handshakes. 

Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe. How disappointed were you about this and not being able to finish the season?

I was upset. I wanted to finish out the season more than anything. We were having a pretty solid year too so it sucked that we couldn’t finish it out. 

Before leagues were shut down there was a BCL game in Bonn against AEK Athens and a Fiba Europe Cup game in Bayreuth without spectators. What is your overall opinion of playing a game without fans?

I feel like it would feel more like a scrimmage than a game if there is no spectators. The fans bring a lot of energy to the games and without that, it just kind of feels like a exhibition game or something. It’s definitely a different feeling to the game when there are spectators at the game.

What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person?

Perseverance. Tough times aren’t meant to break us. Everybody experiences hard times throughout life, but maintaining and pushing through the storm helps us mature and grow. It’s not easy but it’s worth it in the end.

Will it be a big adjustment having to start 3 months earlier with workouts and basketball skill development? What will be the advantages and disadvantages of this?


I don’t think so. I feel like it’s more of an advantage than disadvantage. It gives players either more time to rest if they need it, more time to get their body ready, and more time in the gym. Off season is extremely important so a little extra time Is more beneficial. 

The whole world economy is going to be affected including Polish basketball. How worried are you about the future of professional basketball. The next season will have many changes. How are you handling this mentally now not knowing what to expect?

I’m trying not to worry about all of that. All I can do is focus on what I can control and that’s how I perform on the court. I can’t do anything about the other stuff. If I tried to worry about that then it would cause more stress to my life that I don’t need, especially not right now. Just trying to keep praying and letting God take care of the rest. 

How have you experienced the day to day life back home in the States? How has the Coronavirus affected your daily life? How have you been keeping in shape inside your home. Talk about the type of exercises and work out you have been able to perform inside your own 4 walls. Have you been able to work with Shane Hennen?

To be honest my trainer, Shane Hennen, has been able to get me in the gym and start working out so I haven’t had to do much workouts inside my house. If anything I would go on runs outside or run hills to try and stay in shape. But, now I’m able to be on the court so I’m beyond thankful for that. 

If you had to name another player besides guys from your team that you have been in most contact via Social Media who would it be?

I can’t even name just one I stay in touch with a lot of my guys who are playing overseas. Cameron Hunt, Cameron Clark, and Justin Taylor to name a few. 

Let’s talk about the season of Crailsheim 2. The club finished in 5th place with a record of 12-11. How would you summarize the season as a whole from a team standpoint?

Overall I feel like we had a pretty good season. We lost a few games that we should’ve won so our record doesn’t show how good we really were. Plus we were the youngest team in the league so we played really well against a lot of the more experienced teams. 

Just how competitive was the Regionalliga South West this season? From standings #3-11 there was only a difference of 2 wins. What did you enjoy most about the league and competitive level this season?

Each game was a dog fight. Not one game was considered ‘easy’. Especially since all the teams were so close. One loss could take you from 3rd place to 11th so you had to play your best every single game. I wasn’t sure what to expect before I went out there but the league was really competitive so I enjoyed it.

How much did the competitive level and skill of the league help to continue to push your game as a rookie? With every game being so tough, do you feel like that helped your game and let you give your best?


It definitely did. Especially playing against the more experienced teams. You can’t take any games off so you had to prepare yourself mentally and physically to go out there and play the best you can play. That’s what I like though. 

Talk a little about the season. The team had a 4 game losing streak in January, but finished strong winning 3 of 4 as Corona halted play. Did you end the season with a good feeling?


Yeah we had a little slump in the middle of the season. What’s crazy is the fact that a lot of those games we lost were close games and we were all in a shooting slump during that time. We shouldn’t have lost 4 straight. We found our rhythm again going into the last few games of the season and we felt good as a team so yes, I say we ended the season with a good feeling. Especially since we won our last game. 

I can imagine that the season team highlight was sweeping second placed team Koblenz and especially winning one of the games in very exciting fashion with 86-84. What are your memories of that game?

Most definitely! That was the best memory from the season for me at least. I remember we played Koblenz at home earlier in the year, the game we won 86-84, and that was one of the most intense and hyped up game I’ve ever played in. The energy was unreal and both teams were playing at a high level. I’ll always remember that game

Talk a little how special this team was. There was a 28 year old with leo Vrkas and you were 24 and a rookie. The rest were all younger. The team was so young and still had a very strong season. How much credit goes to Marco Stankovic and the coaching staff?

Right I feel like the coaches did a great job! It’s not easy coaching younger players especially when all the other teams in the league are older. They took the challenge as coaches and definitely helped us all get better. I give a shoutout to Coach Marko and the assistants because they really took the time to make sure we would be ready every game. 

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much of a joy was it playing with the most experienced guy on the squad Leo Vrkas? How key was his presence also for you to be able to sometimes take some pressure away on offense?

Leo is a great player and an even better teammate. He brought a different level of energy, hustle, and work ethic to the team even during practices. It’s nice to have an experienced player who knows what it takes to win in this league. He definitely made it easier for me offensively because with a player like him it forces the defense to spread out and gives me more space to work. He also worked hard defensively and crashing the boards. He’s a very good player overall. 

How important were the 2 young imports Sandro Antunovic and Vladan Lazic for the success. They were big time contributors on offense as well. What did you appreciate most about their games?

Sandro and Vladan were a HUGE part of our success. Both came ready to play and work every day. Sandro was a great pick and pop player so again it forced the defense to space out and give me more space. Teams had a hard time guarding the pick and roll against Sandro and I. Vladan is extremely aggressive offensively so I loved that about him. He is constantly in attack mode and putting pressure on the defense. He’s also a great shooter so that made it easier for me to drive the lane and if teams collapsed on me its an easy kick out 3 for Vladan or whoever. 

Let’s talk about your game. You averaged 20.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.7apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 70.0%. How content were you with your rookie season?

Statistically, it looks good, but I know I was capable to do so much more. I got in a bad shooting slump in the middle of the season, battled fatigue, etc. So it irritated me that I wasn’t doing what I knew I could do. It’s okay though because I’m happy with how I played my rookie year and I know what I need to improve on to keep getting better,

You’re a guy that fills the stat sheet well and have been a prolific scorer the last 3 years. What happened coming from Pratt Community College (JUCO) and Dodge City Community College (JUCO) where you never averaged double figures in scoring to the University of Sioux Falls (NCAA2) where you began to average over 20,0ppg and continued to take it into your professional career?


JUCO ball is not the same as D2 or professional. There wasn’t much team play in JUCO, but I’m thankful for the experiences I had at JUCO. I always knew I could score and make things happen for whatever team I play on and once I got to the University of Sioux Falls, coach Johnson told me I would be that guy for the team to do so. So hearing that from him gave me more confidence in myself and made me want to work harder to help contribute to the team.

You shot 40% once from outside in JUCO and been near 40% the last 3 years. What do you feel will take for you to become a 40% shooter? Is it the usual bla bla of taking more reps and watching shot selection or could there be other factors like mechanics?

It’s a mix of all of that. I need to get more repetitions of course so I can feel more confident with my shot, make sure I’m taking the right shots in a game instead of forcing at times, and I have a problem with my guide hand sometimes when I shoot. So working on all of that will help me a lot. But at the end of the day, I just have to make the shot regardless. 

The amount of steals doesn’t tell the whole story of how a guy defends, but you averaged 1,0spg the last years, but as a rookie heightened it to 2,3spg. How do you feel did you make another jump in your defensive game this season?

It was something I tried to take pride in this year. I’ve always heard that I don’t play defense so I took it as an insult to my game. Also, the way our team played defense was aggressive and fast paced so I loved that. I know I can be a great defensive player too. It’s a mindset that I’ve been trying to work on. 

How much does a game like your second last to the season against top ranked team Karlsruher SC where they held you to 5 points motivate to grind even harder in the gym. What was so tough playing against them? In the first game you did score 16 points.


It was one of those games where I couldn’t find a rhythm offensively. They did a good job scouting and making sure I had a hard time getting to my spots or even getting the ball. I hate having games like that so it makes me want to get back in the gym and work on my game. I missed a lot of shots I usually make too so it was irritating for me. I’m working on being more consistent with my jumper this off-season.

On what things will you be working on this summer to continue to grow as a player? Your left hand has been a weak point. Is that something that you believe improved during this season?

Most definitely. I’ve been working a lot on being more confident when using my left hand. It’s not that I can’t go left or finish with my left, it’s more of me being more confident in doing it. I actually prefer to go left most of the time but it’s something I’m trying to work on. Also, my pick and roll reads, passing, more consistent with my jump shot, making sure that I’m in better and taking care of my body. 

Who was the toughest guy that you faced in the Regionalliga this season?


Ricky Easterling. Dude could fill it up from anywhere. I’m pretty sure he had 40 on us at their place. He was hitting 3s, taking it to the rim, making pull ups, etc. Even with good defense he was still making tough shots. He’s a bucket getter for sure. 

You played your first two college years at 2 different JUCO schools named Pratt Community College (JUCO) and Dodge City Community College (JUCO). How important were these 2 years for your development and why do you feel was it key having that experience at 2 schools instead of only 1?


It helped me mature as a player. You have to be a dog to play JUCO and I feel like JUCO gave me that mentality. There isn’t anything like the JUCO life though I can tell you that. All JUCO players know what I’m talking about. 

You then moved to the University of Sioux Falls (NCAA2) exploding both seasons averaging 21.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 78.9% and 22.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 75.9%. You proved any doubters wrong about your basketball skills. How do you feel did your game mature in these 2 years?

I became more of an all around player at USF. Coach helped me grow in every aspect, not even just offensively. The way we played helped me strive as well which is what I’m grateful for. Having a coach/coaching staff who believes in you more than you do yourself at times is a blessing and that’s what I had at USF. The fact they believed in me so much gave me more confidence in myself! 

American Players that hoop in the German Regionalliga would be lying if they said that they don’t have a chip on their shoulders, because they all do if it’s Tyseem Lyles from Eimsbuettel, Christopher Edward from TV Langen or a Curtis Hollis from Rhondorf. How do you deal with that chip being a player that has a lot of talent but has to continue to pay your dues? 

It’s part of the process. Yes, it’s tough paying your dues but that’s the hand we were dealt. If that doesn’t fire you up and make you want to prove people wrong then you aren’t going to move up. At the end of the day it’s a marathon and I believe I’ll make it to where I want to play at. May take some time, but I’ll get there. Everybody’s route is different.

You had so many huge games, but also many in losing causes like your 39 points in a loss against MSU Moorhead or your 42 points in a loss against Northern State. You had 2 great back to back games with 35 and 33 points at the end of your junior season in wins against Concordia-St Paul and Minn-State-Mankato. What was your most memorable game?

The game against northern was my most memorable out of those games. I was lighting them up from everywhere. It was one of those games where I felt like every shot I took was going in and nobody could stop it. I will never forget the game against MSU Moorhead my junior year at Moorhead when I hit the game winner though. It was right after the 42 point performance against Northern then the next day played at Moorhead and had 29 plus the game winner. The game was crazy!

How did head coach Chris Johnson groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?


More than anything I feel like coach Johnson made sure I was ready in all areas. Offensively, defensively, leadership wise, etc. I remember at practices coach would tell all the players that they can’t communicate or say anything because he was trying to get me to be more vocal on the court. At the time I was pissed because I didn’t see the big picture. But those lessons and experiences helped me out a lot. Coach didn’t let me take it easy, ever. But that’s why I love him and appreciate him. 

Who won a one on one in your senior season Milan Surlic or you and did he give you a good introduction to how basketball is played in Europe?

Sorry Milan, but I was definitely out there taking all the W’s. Milan is my boy! He definitely helped me with a lot preparing for the European game. Also, if it wasn’t for Milan I wouldn’t have the agent I have now. Out of all the teammates I’ve ever had Milan and I bonded faster than anybody. Weird because we are both from two completely different cultures and all of that, but Milan and I are similar people and it’s scary. That’s my brother for life.

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

Alonzo Trier, Stanley Johnson, Devin Booker, Malik Newman and Kelly Oubre were TOUGH. I can’t even name one so I named a few. All scored in different ways but were elite in their own way. 

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I have played with some really good players. It’s tough to pick 5. I’ll have to say Allonzo Trier, Shake Milton, Drew Guebert, Dennis Jones, and Vladimir Brodziansky

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

Kobe, MJ, LeBron, and Shaq. 

What is your general opinion with the debate between who is greater Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

We will never have the true answer of who is better because they won’t ever play against each other. They are both great players for the era they played in and I feel like if either player played in the other era they would still be dominant. It’s tough though that’s for sure. 

What was the last movie that you saw?


Angel Has Fallen I watched that whole series. Olympus Has Fallen, London Has Fallen, and then Angel Has Fallen. GREAT series. 

Thanks Trevon for the chat.

Christopher Edward is a 201cm forward from Los Angeles, California that completed his second professional season and second with TV Langen averaging 22.2ppg, Reb-5 (10.9rpg), 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 66.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 53.7%. In his rookie season he averaged 22.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 1.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 56.7%. He began his basketball career at Claremont high school and then played 2 years at Chaffey College (JUCO). He played at Concordia University, Oregon (NCAA2) from 2016-2018 and as a senior played 28 games averaging 16.0ppg, 10.8rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 1.0%, FT: 56.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the Coronavirus crisis.

Hi Christopher where are you at the moment and how is your current mood despite the world turmoil at the moment because of the out break of the Corona Virus?

I am in Los Angeles, California. My mood is all over the place, for the most part I am doing well. It is sad to see all the damage that is going on due to the virus. To see all those big milestones for people get cancelled or postponed or done in a nontraditional manor. I am safe and healthy, at this point that is a great thing to be so I am grateful for that. 

When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world?

No I did not, I thought it would be just like the flu that got people sick. Then the more and more it grew and infected people the more serious I saw this virus. It really has impacted the world in a way that I don’t think anyone could have for seen.

How did you experience the day to day life in Germany during the Corona Virus outbreak? Did you see that corona effect on the culture there or was it not so much different happening in your day to day dealings?


I had left the country right before the outbreak had reached pandemic levels. As the levels were rising I saw some concern from people but for the most part the day to day dealings were the same not much change was going on. 

Did you become more aware about how you handle yourself in public in terms of shaking hands and not being in the line of fire with somebody coughing

Coming home, yes I became more cautious about shaking hands with people. I have always been cautious about germs in general. So my habits in regards to dealing with people in public were the same, just nice to see the rest of the world being just as cautious. I try to avoid people who are coughing or sneezing anytime of the year all my life, not just during this crisis. 

Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe. How disappointed were you about this and not being able to finish the season?

I was a little disappointed, I felt that there were some games to left to prove. We had two ‘revenge’ games with playing Mannheim and Karlsruhe. I was definitely disappointed that we didn’t get the chance to show that we are not that same team they played the first time around. It’s never fun to have a season cut short and definitely not on the embarrassing way we lost the last game of the year. However, as unfortunate as it is. It was only three weeks left so not too much was cut out and I was happy I was able to make it home safely. 

Before leagues were shut down there was a BCL game in Bonn against AEK Athens and a Fiba Europe Cup game in Bayreuth without spectators. What is your overall opinion of playing a game without fans?

I think it is weird. Even if you have a smaller crowd, it is still exciting to play in front of those people. There is a different atmosphere of the game when you play without a crowd. It feels like a scrimmage that doesn’t matter too much, so I think the mentality of the players had to be different. 

What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person?

The whole thing is scary in itself, I have learned to trust in the Lord much more. It’s a bunch of unknown but to put my confidence in him has made me much stronger than I could have ever thought. 

Wil it be a big adjustment having to start 3 months earlier with workouts and basketball skill development? What will be the advantages and disadvantages of this?

The biggest adjustment, for me, is not having as easy access to a gym to play basketball. I am home earlier than I expected to be and doing workouts earlier, but that is not a bad thing. I got a little bit more time to rest and recover from the season, that is a big advantage. Allows me to slowly work back into workouts and build that endurance again giving me more time to do more intense workouts as the new season gets closer. My skill development is what I am most concerned about. With the virus shutting down gyms, parks, pretty much any place that I can play basketball, I can just do dribbling drills at home and some phantom shooting. I am hoping that will change soon and I can get back to playing.

The whole world economy is going to be affected including Polish basketball. How worried are you about the future of professional basketball. The next season will have many changes. How are you handling this mentally now not knowing what to expect?

I am worried about the smaller leagues that really depend on certain sponsors that won’t be able to pay due to lack of business. I am doing my best to not let it get to me, as I mentioned before this is a wild time of unknown. At this point I take it day by day, week by week, month by month. It’s the best way to handle something like this, for me personally.

How have you experienced the day to day life back home in the States? How has the Coronavirus affected your daily life? How have you been keeping in shape inside your home. Talk about the type of exercises and work out you have been able to perform inside your own 4 walls.

It’s a bit odd. I haven’t seen most of my family and friends since I left last August. I miss them so much and it sucks that I am home but still have to keep my distance. Daily life is relatively the same with the exception that I cannot go to a gym to shoot or lift. I am forced to do home workouts. I stay in shape by doing some sort of workouts, like bicep curls, tricep extensions, yoga, pushups, squats, wall sits. I go for walks everyday and I go for a run every other day. On my walks I bring a ball to dribble around just so I continue to have a feel for the ball. 

If you had to name another player besides guys from your team that you have been in most contact via Social Media who would it be?

Not on any team I have played on would either be Maurice Jones or Igor Markiewicz

Let’s talk about the season of TV Langen. You guys finished in 3rd place with a record of 12-10. How do you summarize the season performance of the team?

The team played well this season. We had some really good wins and some really bad losses. It took us some time to find a rhythm but when we did we were a force to be reckoned with. I don’t think anyone besides the team thought we would place as high as we did and I am so proud of our team. We worked hard in practices and we proved a lot of people wrong.

How competitive was the Regionalliga South West. Between 3rd and 11th place there was only a difference of 2 wins. Did the competitive nature of the league and players motivate you and heighten your game more?

Very competitive. Any team could win their matchups for the week. Yes absolutely, nobody wanted to lose and I definitely was one of those. I would push myself to be ready for the matchup and ready to go home with a win. I wanted to be sure that I did everything I could to help the team be in the best position to win. 

TV Langen had their best stretch of the season from mid December to mid February attaining a 7 game winning streak. Why do you feel was the club most successful in this time?

We focused on our defense. As a team we had no problem scoring. The thing to work on was can we step up and stop our man and play great team defense. During that stretch we did that, and did it very well. 

The club had some very exciting wins like the two 3 point victories against Tuebingen and Idstein. Do you feel like one of these wins was the team highlight of the season?

I would say the Idstein win at Idstein was a big highlight for us. Such a hard fought battle from tip off to the final buzzer sound. An amazing team win!

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much of a pleasure was it playing together with German Rueben Spoden. He played many years in the German first division BBL. What could you soak up from his game that helped you most?

It was great. Ruben’s basketball IQ is crazy high, I was able to learn a lot. From him giving me advice, to watching him, guarding him, him guarding me. I felt like having him on my team the first couple years really helped me elevate my game. 

Sebastian Barth played only 2 games but is a TV Langen legend. Was he another one of those veterans where you could get something from his game and words of wisdom?


Yes, Basti was another one of those high IQ veterans he came in and in his game you could just tell he knows what he is doing. Reads the defense great, makes the right play. A pleasure to have him on the team. 

The club had a lot of German players. If you had to choose one that improved the most who would you pick?

Felix Feilen. From my first year to last season he improved in shooting and more importantly confidence. I am super excited to see where he goes with basketball. 

Let’s talk about your game. This season you averaged 22.2ppg, Reb-5 (10.9rpg), 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 66.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 53.7%. How content were you with your season?

I was very proud with my season this year. It’s hard not to be. Although I know there are a lot of things I need to work on and improve on, definitely my freethrows. However, I am proud of myself and I am excited to continue to get better. 

Your stats form your rookie season with TV Langen are almost identical. How difficult is it to improve yourself when you have such a productive rookie season?

It’s very hard especially when the second half of season rolls around and everyone knows you even better. Every year, there are some slight differences in how you play, adjusting to your team and the needs of the team. I think improvement was made but in small areas of my game, areas that are not always shown on the stats. 

You played 2 minutes less per game than in your rookie season. How do you feel did you develop further as a player in your second season?


I felt I was much more efficient this year. I took the better shots, I made better passes. Overall I felt as if my IQ went up. 

You shot a total of 10 three’s in the last 5 years including your 2 years with Concordia and 1 year at Caffrey College. Do you see yourself developing your three more to become more of a versatile player in the next years?

Yes of course, I always want to be more versatile. I do work on my threes every off season and during practice. But, I want to put my team in the best position to win so I take the shots that are the best for me and the team. 

You’re a very good rebounder and defender. How else do you want to improve in these area’s to continue to grow as a rebounder and defender?

Thank you, rebounding would be simply increasing my vertical. Getting better at boxing out is always a plus a basic fundamental that can always be improved. Defending, to work on my agility and quickness. To be able to guard from PG to Center just in case there is a switch and I will have to stand my ground and contain. Both these areas are what I am looking to improve big time this offseason. 

Who was the toughest guy that you faced in the Regionalliga this season?

Phew tough question, but I would probably say Ricky Easterling. His layup package is great, his midrange is one of the best I have seen. As a center, having a PG score, those layups is so frustrating. He can hoop.

What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Germany where you knew that you were very far away from home?

It was one of the first couple weeks there. I was just so lonely and bored, that it hit me. Like, I am so far away from anyone I usually talk to. This is insane. Sitting by myself in this apartment waiting for practice all day was just a lot of time to me, perhaps it was too much time. 

I’m sure you went some Fraport Skyliner games in the last 2 years who ball in the first division. When you watch a game like that what do you observe most closely to help you the next time in practice when your working on your game?

I watch the centers/power forwards. How they defend each other, how they run the floor, how they make their moves on offense, how they play help side defense. 

You played your first 2 seasons at Chaffey College (JUCO) and almost averaged double double stats in your second season with points and rebounds. How vital were these 2 years for your early basketball development?

Huge for my basketball improvement. To this day, a decision I will make again forever. Extra time to play with some real talent and gain muscles, get used to my body a bit more, learn to be more athletic, run the floor. The knowledge I got from those two years are incredible. 

When you start in JUCO does a chip start to grow on your shoulder? How have you come to terms with your early basketball journey? Is your chip at an all-time high now after 2 strong Regionalliga seasons?

I think the chip grew before you even step foot in the JUCO gym. But yeah, there’s always a chip on my shoulder. I want to be great, I want to go as high as I can. I come from a small high school where basketball is not big. I was overlooked besides from my coaches at Chaffey, they gave me a chance and that’s all I needed. My chip is still there for sure and it absolutely gets bigger and it gives me that competitive edge I have. I have it everyday I work and this offseason I still have it. 

You then played your last 2 years at Concordia University, Oregon (NCAA2) and had a solid junior season with 10/8 stats but really broke out as a senior with 16/10 stats. How did your game grow in your last 2 years?

Concordia really gave me the confidence in my game. My junior year, I felt like I had something to prove and my senior year I wanted to make a statement, saying this is my year. Those two years I really developed a lot but I would say my confidence was probably the biggest growth area in those two years, which trickled down into my offensive growth and defensive presence. 

A lot of your best games came in close loses, but you had solid games in a 65-64 win against CS San Bernardino and 16 points and 15 rebounds in a 60-58 win against Simon Fraser. Was one of these games your most memorable game as a senior?


As a Senior both games were memorable. CSUSB, was a big win for me because those are the guys I played in HS and Juco so it was playing against hometown rivals and to come out on top with such a dominant performance was great. Then Simon Fraser was big, it broke a rather long losing streak and the feeling of finally getting a win was unmatched. I would say my most memorable game though would be against Western Oregon at Western Oregon, the game where I broke my own career record in scoring and it was against a top ranked team. 

How did head coach Brad Barbarick groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

The entire staff at Concordia played a big part. Whether it was providing me a place to have a voice, to lead, to give me drills to use to improve on my skill. Extra workouts. Especially the athletic training staff of Liz Corbett and Kyle Nelson. They kept my body intact and helped me be able to play. Even though I was full of injuries, without the help of these two I would not be where I am today. 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Deanndre Stallings?

I did. Every time! 

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

In High-School the toughest player would probably be Lonzo Ball.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Brian Beard
Jarrett Gray
Latrell Wilson
Ruben Spuldon
Omar Mahmoud 

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

Wilt Chamberlain
Micheal Jordan
Kobe Bryant
Lebron James

What is your general opinion with the debate between who is greater Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

MJ is the goat. I think he did so much more for the game than Lebron. Don’t get me wrong LBJ is a monster but MJ has him beat. 

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw at the cinema was Joker, however the last movie I watched was When the Game Stands Tall on DVD. 

Thanks Christopher for the chat.

Montrael Scott is a 27 year old 190cm guard that finished his fifth professional season and first with the EN Baskets Schwelm (Germany-ProB) playing 22 games averaaging 17.5ppg, 6.0rpg, Assists-1 (7.1apg), 2.3spg, FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 81.5%. Last season he plyed with the VfL Sparkassenstars Bochum (Germany-ProB) averging 15.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.8apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.6%. In 2017-2018 he played with the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (Germany-ProB) playing 27 games Score-3 (18.8ppg), 7.0rpg, Assists-5 (5.6apg), 2.1spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 72.2%. He played his first two professional seasons in Kosovo for Golden Eagle Ylli (Kosova-SuperLeague) playing 15 games: Score-2 (20.8ppg), 4.7rpg, Assists-2 (5.5apg), Steals-1 (3.6spg), FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 70.0% and for KB Trepca Mitrovice (Kosovo-SuperLeague) playing 27 games averaging 14.0ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 68.4%;and played 9 Balkan League games averaging 13.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 78.3%. He began his basketball career with Prairie View A&M (NCAA) in 2011 playing a total of 124 NCAA games and as a senior played 29 games averaging 15.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 74.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the Coronavirus crisis in 2020.

Hi Montrael where are you at the moment and how is your current mood despite the world turmoil at the moment because of the out break of the Corona Virus? 

-Whats up, I’m currently back home in Dallas,Texas. My mood honestly is somewhat okay. Only thing I’m probably frustrated about is not being able to go hoop. This pandemic has stopped a lot of things worldwide. Hoping things will be back normal sooner than later. 

When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world? –

To be honest, when I first heard about it, I thought it was a Hoax lol. Like me and my teammate at the time were like it isn’t as serious as people where making it. As time went on, I started to think to myself maybe I need to take this serious. Just made me realize that whether it affected me or those around me, it was a serious matter. 

How did you experience the day to day life in Schwelm when you were still in Germany? What things did you notice in the surroundings there that showed that life wasn’t normal? 

The day to day life was still the same for us in Germany besides waiting to see whether the season would proceed or cancel. We still were able to go to the gym, go workout, etc but as matters became serious, all of that came to a halt. So I didn’t really notice a difference maybe because I was in my apartment majority of the time haha. 

Did you become more aware about how you handle yourself in public in terms of shaking hands and not being in the line of fire with somebody coughing?

Not too be rude but, I give out more fist pumps than anything. I’m very cautious of my surroundings as well as my health. As far as people coughing, I really wasn’t around people besides my roommate, who never coughed and if so, we joked about it. In all seriousness, I had been aware of it before the virus even came to light. 

Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe including the Pro B. How disappointed were you about this and not being able to finish the season? 

Disappointed and frustrated the most about the whole situation. Mainly, because we were peaking at the right time going into playoffs and I know my guys and I were hungry to fight our way through the playoffs, trying to achieve our goal as winning the Pro B season. It definitely sucked and still think about it as of today. 

Before leagues were shut down there was a BCL game in Bonn against AEK Athens and a Fiba Europe Cup game in Bayreuth without spectators. What is your overall opinion of playing a game without fans? 

What’s crazy is one of my friends actually played for Bonn this season; Donald Solan. I looked at it as a good and bad thing. Good that came from it was being able to still play ball and enjoy what we love. Bad thing about it was not having that fan support that teams would be use too. Fans really make a difference in sports because besides ourselves, our family, we play for the fans as well. 

What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person? 


As a person, it’s just basically understanding that tough times don’t last always. I been through tough times in previous years of playing ball. So I wouldn’t say I was prepared for this but yet in still, I knew how to adapt to things being tough for the time being. 

Will it be a big adjustment having to start 3 months earlier with workouts and basketball skill development? What will be the advantages and disadvantages of this? –

I wouldn’t say it will be a big adjustment because basketball is my life. it just feels different because I’m literally supposed to still be playing right now. Advantages for me would be that I get the chance to actually rest my body and get proper treatment as needed. and I don’t think for me personally there is any disadvantages because I’m still going about life as if I were still playing right now. 

The whole world economy is going to be affected including German basketball. How worried are you about the future of professional basketball. The next season will have many changes. How are you handling this mentally now not knowing what to expect? –

I’m worried but I’m not worried because professional basketball is what the world needs honestly. The economy for sure will take a hit in every aspect possible but it’s always still hope you know. Mentally I’m handling it like everything else in my life, control what I can and leave the rest up to God. Plus, my agent and I talk on various occasions about the best scenario for next season and the future. 

If you had to name another player besides guys from the team that you have been in most contact via Social Media who would it be? 

Probably Kevin Rogers, Blayor Bears alum, who also plays professionally aboard or probably Jamaal Smith who played in Pro B this season. 

How has the day to day life been now in the States with the outbreak of the Coronavirus? Have you noticed any differences and are there any differences between the Americans and German people on how they are coping and handling themselves? 


Day to day life in the states is cool to me because I’m sort of like the guy who don’t really be in the mix. Things I notice is that people are buying up more stuff than they usually do. The gyms are closed, which sucks. Restaurants open for take out and plenty much more. Here in Dallas, its slowly becoming normal again but yet, no gyms are open right now. 

How has your approach to family changed since the outbreak of Corona? What things have you seen yourself do that you may not have done before? 

I’m still the same with my family. I promote this healthy lifestyle with them and also my family is staying safe always. I think the only thing I do now that I’ve never done is wearing a mask everywhere I go these days. It’s very uncomfortable for me honestly.

Let’s talk about the season of EN Baskets Schwelm. Congrats on winning the Pro B North. How tough is it never knowing what would have happened in the playoffs and who would really have won the title fair and square?


Man its tough, like I literally think about it or talk to a few teammates about what if we were still playing. In all honesty, I think the Pro B playoffs this year would have maybe been its best playoff rounds this year. I’m riding with me and my guys to be that team to have won the title fair and square. Just think, we finished tied for first, beat the number one team and were on the better end of improving the season. So I would have to say En Basket Schwelm vs Elchingen in the finals. We take home the trophy!!! 

The club has 3 parts to the season. It began explosive with a 12-2 record, then lost 4 of 5 games and then finished strong winning 3 of 4. How would you summarize the season best? 

Every season will not be undefeated, a winning or losing season. To summarize the season is simply we weathered the storm and didn’t fall apart. Every team has their runs, ours just happen to have been in the beginning. At the end of the day, we finished the season how we should have just by the way we prepared ourselves going into the New year. 

Talk about the secret of the success. It seemed like the club didn’t do one thing really very well, but were a versatile squad and team that were just solid all across the board? 

The secret to success for us was grinding everyday in practice and becoming better. Think about it, our team was balanced in a sense to where we could some days hit you from the guards spot or our front court as well. I think it just mainly was on me as one of the leaders to lead in a way that everybody would feel comfortable being themselves and contributing the best way individually as possible. 


How vital was the experienced Falk Moeller? How much credit does he receive for being able to help build a team chemistry that wasn’t self evident considering most of the top players were new? 

The experience of Coach Falk and knowledge of the game was very vital to our season. He deserves as so much credit for actually just bringing us together and enjoy playing with each other. Of course with new players, it can bring different egos and attitudes. Yet, Falk managed to keep everything in place and on course. Just like our main goal as players were to win Pro B; Falk main goal he instilled into us is to give our all every game lose win or draw. Falk in my opinion may be one of my favorite coaches to play for in my years of playing. 

What was the season highlight? Possibly beating the other top team Itzehoe in the last game. You didn’t know it then that that would be the last game, but now it must be a good way to close the season?


That was probably the season highlight and turn around for us this season. We knew we could match up with them and it would be a dog fight in the end. With that being the last game, it still feels great to know we beat the number 1 team.

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much of a pleasure was it playing with David Knudsen. What did you notice in his game and character that demonstrated that he was in fact an Au player and not a German player? 

It was a pleasure definitely having David on the team. I mean when we first met, I wasn’t too sold on him because I didn’t know much. Once the season came, that’s when all things started show for itself. David was by far one of the best shooters on our team. Even with him being a rookie, he’d lack the confidence from missing shots but as I used to tell him, keep shooting it bro. So he had a major part in the success of the season this year. 

How vital was having the massive experienced Nikita Khartchenkov on the team. He has seen just about every gym in Germany. He is known as a sniper, but please talk about his versatility on the floor that sometimes get’s overlooked? –

It was extremely vital having him and that experience around us all year. For a guy who played arguably everywhere and maybe have championships too; it was needed. -Sometimes his versatility got overlooked and it was tough. As point guard and knowing the type of player he is, I always wanted to make sure I got him shots where he was comfortable or even just letting him create for himself. 

Talk about the growth of Anell Alexis. He made another jump from his Pro B season with Schwenningen. Did he tell any stories about his famous dad Wendell? 

I mean with this being my first year playing with him, I knew not much about him. Prior to the season, I sat and watched a few of his highlights plus a game or two. In my opinion, his game took another great leap from his scoring, to his ability to create for himself, etc. He never mentioned stuff about his dad but I did look him up. I saw that his pops wasn’t too bad himself as well. 

Let’s talk about your game. You averaged 17.5ppg, 6.0rpg, Assists-1 (7.1apg), 2.3spg, FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 81.5%. How content were you with your third Pro B season and how did you make another step in your game?? You picked up 3 Eurobasket awards. 

-This season was probably an all around great year for me. Never content with how it went because I could’ve played way better some games. My game did make another step and more so with my decision making when it comes to taking my shots or looking for my teammates. 

You have stated in a past interview that you’re a natural point guard. In the first two seasons in the Pro B you couldn’t play the position. You seem to have always been labelled more as a natural scorer in Germany. Did last season’s 7,1apg silence any critics you had?


It’s a gift and a curse because as good as I am scoring, I’m 10 times better as a point guard. My IQ for the game and getting my teammates the ball is what makes me a natural point guard. I think I may have silenced a lot of critics, not to mention, I did have multiple games with double digits in assists. Numbers don’t lie at all!! 

Your three continues to be a work in progress. Does your 29% from this season motivate you to work even harder this off season to continue to improve it?


My 3 point percentage is what it is due to just the lack of confidence with shooting in the game. I’m so comfortable with getting to my mid range, that I sometimes don’t care to shoot a three. Nevertheless, this summer will be focused mostly on my 3pointer amongst other things too.

Defense continues to be a big part of your game. How do you feel did you make strides on the defensive end? 

Defense has always been maybe the first priority of my game I focus on. Defense isn’t something you go to the gym for hours to work on. Instead, it’s a will and a want to stop somebody from scoring on you or even stealing the ball. I think I honestly have a nat for the ball and that’s what makes my defensive side even more impressive. 

I believe your 4,0 turnovers must really have annoyed you. What has unnerved you the most with taking care of the ball? Is this more mental than anything or is your ball handling a part that also needs more tweaking? 

It’s really nothing major besides the fact that passes I make are because I have seen an opening for a split second then it’s gone. Honestly, I don’t really turn it over like that but, sometimes it seems like that by my numbers. My ball handling can always use tweaking because I’m not where I would want to be as a player. Improve on it every summer. 

What was your personal game highlight of the season? Possibly your 28 points, 5 assists, 12 rebounds and 3 steals in the win over Duesseldorf? 

I mean that’s probably up there with a few from the season. I would have to say the one for me is against Isherlon at their gym. I ended up scoring like 44 points which is a career high. If you were there to watch, then you’d know we were down by as much as like 20+. Ended up winning the game within the final 2 or 3 minutes. Great Christmas present for our team as well as myself.

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

Chris Hooper or Conner Washington 

Luka Doncic had an amazing sophomore campaign. Is he a top 3 NBA player now? 

Luka is nice, let me rephrase that, LUKA IS DIFFERENT. In my opinion, he can edge up to be in that 3 spot but I got him as top 5 in the league right now. His game is so skilled and him being in his second year, he will be the MVP of the league one day. 

Where were you when you heard about the death of Kobe Bryant. What kind of influence did he have on you during adolescence?


We were watching our second team play, when my roommate showed me on twitter that it was going around that Kobe died. no lie, my heart stopped and I was real life sitting there confused. I didn’t believe it but as days passed, sources confirmed, it sucked BADLY. The influence Kobe had on me and I’m sure every other athlete was just that Mentality to just go out and kick somebody’s butt. growing up, everybody wanted to be like Kobe and his impact touched everybody in every sport there is known to man. 

How bitter is it that the NCAA March Madness has been canceled? This tournament for some kids is the greatest time of their lives. What advice would you give that senior who worked hard for 4 years and would have had his one and only chance now?


It’s bitter for sure because those kids play all season to have a chance to fight and make the big dance every year. As for the seniors, if they had the chance to finish the season, advice I would give them would probably be LEAVE EVERYTHING ON THE COURT BECAUSE ONE GAME CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. 

What was the last movie that you saw? 

The Belko Experiment. Fabulous movie 9/10 stars from me.

Thanks Montrael for the chat.

At the beginning of September 2019 the pre season had just began for the Dragons Rhondorf as the Gezeiten Cup tournament rolled along where fourth division team Dragons Rhondorf could measure themselves against first league team and cooperation partner Telekom Baskets Bonn. On the court was guard Trey Mckinney-Jones who has played one NBA game with the Indiana Pacers and never given up trying to get back having played an astounding 7 NBA Summer Leagues. On the other side of the court was a young man by the name of Curtis Hollins age 21 with no NCAA experience and only a season of Community College and 7 games in Lavar Ball’s league JBA. But the buzz around the gym that day was that this young man from Texas has NBA range and is on the shopping list of NBA teams. Hollins is a very special player that is raw, has special unending potential and has the heart of a lion and this exceptional self confidence that one could only witness in a Hollywood movie. The young guard/forward had a sub par Community College season, but did severe damage in the JBA league destroying every opponent on the court with his overall game as if there was no tomorrow. But wait a minute, why was this special prospect balling in the German fourth division where most Americans play for a monthly wage of 700-1000$? Even if he lit the JBA league on fire, he still seemed unproven and not ready enough to get a chance from a higher level team. Despite all the NBA talk, he didn’t t feel any pressure. Despite his amazing talent, he had to start at the bottom of the totem pole. But that didn’t t bother him one bit as he knew exactly where he is going. ‘It makes me feel great hearing the talk. I always feel like I can play and contribute at the highest level. I love the Euroleague and it would be amazing if I had the opportunity to play there’, warned Curtis Hollis (198-G/F-98, college: Hutchinson). Having to play in the fourth division did put a chip on his shoulder, but it wasn’t a heavy one, because he was so focused on getting better each day. ‘I don’t really have a huge chip on my shoulder. For me it’s more about coming in and developing. I have a pretty good shot to play with not just the national team as well so I feel like everything will play itself out’, stressed Curtis Hollis. Hollis may be underrated, but has the heart of a champion. He played his rookie season with the Dragons Rhondorf, but departed in January to go back home citing personal opinions, but in his 5 months in the German Regionalliga, he definitely turned heads and left a lasting impression. ‘I just want to tell the fans that I love them to death I’m sorry about how it ended but man they really helped us out at the nightly home games and was like a 6th man for us! My goal every night was to win and to make sure I put on a show for the fans so they were entertained and enjoyed watching us play. So I just want say to them thank you thank you thank you! You guys are honestly amazing. They supported every weekend’, stressed Curtis Hollis

Curtis Hollis grew up in Arlington, Texas and began his basketball career with Mansfield Summit High School where he also excelled at football. He played against many high level players at the high school level that would play in the NCAA and now some have landed in the NBA, but instead of landing in the NCAA, he found himself playing at Hutchinson CC (JUCO). He had offers from schools like San Diego and Lamar, but looked at the whole spectrum of where he wanted to go in his basketball career and never saw the NCAA as a place that could truly help him. ‘I feel like there’s a lot of hidden agendas in the NCAA with high level players and coaches. A lot of coaches don’t care about you and your development so it’s tough for a guy like me that’s been underrated for a long time. Plus I’ve always wanted to be a pro and develop and play basketball all day. Not be in school and have study hall and all that so I felt like if I had the opportunity to play professionally why not jump on it? Life’s so short you have to take advantage of opportunities while you can’, stressed Curtis Hollis. Instead he gave Hutchinson CC (JUCO) an opportunity, because he knew it was an outstanding program, but he never found to his game as in 34 games he averaged 6.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 66.3%. Even now two years after his last game for them, he remembers the experience as if it was yesterday. ‘It was a crazy experience to say the least. Obviously they recruited me. Hutch has an amazing basketball program and facilities. I just feel like I didn’t really get the full opportunity I wish I did. They held me back a lot and like I said kind of pushed me to the side & told me to wait my turn. Luckly I had some great teammates that helped me along the way and I also got to really develop and work on my game in practice going against the starters killing them. So it was an up and down year but I always like looking at the positive of things so overall as a man and a player I got better and learned from that year at JUCO. I left because I just felt like I wasn’t treated fairly. I could have went to any JUCO in the country and chose Hutch and had to deal with hidden agendas so at the end of the day I had to do what was best for me & my career’, warned Curtis Hollis. 

In the summer of 2018, Curtis Hollis who lists Marques Bolden (Cleveland Cavaliers) , Trevon Duval (Houston Rockets) , Terrance Ferguson (OKC Thunder) , Mitchell Robinson (New York Knicks) , and Trae Young. (Atlanta Hawks) as his best five teammates of all-time made the next step in his career and decided to ball in the newly established JBA league founded by Lavar Ball the dad of NBA guard Lonzo Ball. The JBA league is one where young players can play professionally who don’t necessarily want to go to school. This decision proved to be the right one as he put up huge stats and was able to make a name for himself. He played with the Houston Ballers (JBA) and finished as the leagues fifth best scorer averaging 29.3ppg, 11.3rpg, 5.3apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 71.8%.The American also felt that taking a chance of playing in the JBA league was the correct one as it led to bigger and better things. ‘The league was just in its first year so it had its ups and downs especially with my team. But when we went to Europe it was amazing. We played high level talent and beat them as well’, stated Curtis Hollis. He had some huge games in the JBA league scorching Philadelphia for 37 points, Dallas for 34 points and Chicago for 31 points. His hardships at Hutchinson helped groom him for the JBA league. ‘With the JBA I had an opportunity. When I played at my JUCO the opportunity wasn’t really there for me. My coaches had 2 sophomore guards who had just won the national championship so his loyalty was really with them. They kind of pushed me to the side and told me to wait my turn. Which was really hard because obviously I felt I had the talent and game to play big minutes as a freshman. That year really helped me mature though’, added Curtis Hollis. Putting up big stats in the JBA was just another step in his long road up the basketball ladder as his game definitely profited from the experience. ‘I felt like it developed a lot because of the opportunity to play and make mistakes. It was tough night in & night out nothing was given or easy so that helped me a lot. Especially playing with NBA rules & a lot of traveling and NBA 3pt line’, warned Curtis Hollins. He also will never forget playing against other top JBA players Jordan Ray and Deon Lyle. ‘It was always competitive. We all love winning and we were all talented. We battled every day at practice every chance we could. There’s so many memories I can’t really point out a specific one’, stressed Curtis Hollis. 

With his stellar play in the JBA league, the Texas native was selected to a USA select team that went overseas to compete against professional teams. Once again he didn’t disappoint as he put up ridiculous stats averaging 29,7ppg, 6,5rpg and 3,9apg. He got on the basketball radar in Germany after an amazing 40 point performance against easyCredit BBL team Brose Bamberg’s farm team Baunach who compete in the second division called the Pro A. ‘Memories probably was it was a tough game. We started off slow but eventually got into our rhythm. They never gave up and really fought us down to the wire. I didn’t know they had an NBA prospect on that team. I felt I played really well and I think I’m a NBA prospect as well so it’s always good going against those type of guys’, stated Curtis Hollis. After the great opportunity of being able to compete against high level teams and players in Europe, he made his decision of remaining here so much easier. ‘The experience was amazing. We played so many good pro clubs and pro grown men players so it was great. Playing well did make turning pro easier for me. I realized I could play at a high level professionally too so it was a great feeling’, added Curtis Hollis. 

One guy who paid close attention to Hollis in that 40 point masterpiece was Bamberg youth coach Yassin Idbihi. When he returned to his old stomping ground Rhondorf to become CEO of Sport, he hadn’t forgotten Curtis Hollins as that memorable game in Bamberg paved the way to Rhondorf for the 198cm American. Having Yassin Idbihi behind the scenes in Rhondorf and knowing that he was more than wanted was a huge reason why he signed with the Dragons Rhondorf. ‘Yassin was a huge reason for me signing. He came to me with a plan and he really believed in me & my talent so it was only right that I trusted him as well & the double license for me felt like just the perfect situation. I really believe in what Yassin had planned for me. We had a plan set in place for me & my development so that was really big for me.’, added Curtis Hollins. He really didn’t know much about Germany and it’s basketball coming in except that Bamberg had been known for having great teams, fans and a certain ex Kentucky (NCAA) standout Darius Miller who made it back to the NBA from that program. He had a huge pre-season giving fans an early impression of what he would bring to the table filling up the stat sheet like a Russell Westbrook and helped the Dragons be one of the top teams in the Regionalliga West. He played 18 games for the ex Pro A team averaging 22,7ppg, 8,2rpg, 3,6apg and 3,0spg. He scored in double figures in 17 of 18 games, scored 20 or more points in 13 games and his two best games was a triple double against Leverkusen 2 with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 steals and also exploded against Deutzer with 38 points. He also registered 6 double doubles. When looking back at the last months, his time in the German Regionalliga was the perfect setting for his game to grow. ‘I developed crazy. And really fast! I didn’t expect it but like I said I was working so hard every day every week so it was only right for me to start becoming elite. The difference from September to January was my patience, my understanding of the European game, my reads in the PnR, off the ball movements, starting to attack more and more every time down! Really just everything I had really started to figure it out’, warned Curtis Hollis.

Hollis who has an interesting NBA Rushmore preference with Michael Jordan, Kawhi Leonard, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant has a very versatile game and could of almost uncovered a list of players that he compares his game to as it wasn’t short as he sees his game similar to NBA guys like Will Barton, Jeremy Lamb, Brandon Ingram, Jayson Tatum, and Paul George. He sees himself as a long athletic guy that is very versatile, can score it, shoot it, and defend at a high level. But besides also having that ruthless composure like a ballerina and of a 10 year veteran and being able to defend the positions 1-4, he can do so much more. ‘I can kind of do it all. I feel like other strengths I can show is my leadership and ability to help my teammates and run the team’, warned Curtis Hollis. His smooth moving on the court is very fun to watch not to mention his high flying when he sees that air and dunks the ball hard. But he also knows that he still has many area’s to improve. ‘I feel like I can shoot it a lot better than people think and have seen. It’s still a work in progress but I’m not really too worried about it. Shooting is all about reps and mechanics and I’m ALWAYS in the gym and working so I think it will all come together soon’, warned Curtis Hollis. He has skinny legs which help him get to the rim quickly, but he also wants to add 10-15 pounds to get to 200 pounds so he can fight against the physicality of the game. Another important and noteworthy strength that he possesses is his focus. He is a player that knows that he is a very good, but is never satisfied with his game. He wants to get better everyday and that is always a positive sign about the character of a player as well. His confidence is also a strength as he has always had it in good and bad times and that will continue to accompany him as he continues to move up the basketball ladder. 

He has a special connection to the Bamberg organization. Two years ago current Bamberg player Kameron Taylor played a breathtaking season at Rhondorf as he took a step back from the Pro A to get added self confidence and put up huge stats in the Pro B. Two years later via a season in Hungary, he played with top BBL team Brose Bamberg and played a key role in their success. Rhondorf is definitely a fine address for unproven and at times players that are off the radar to get on the radar while getting ample minutes and improving their game for the next level. Unfortunately his successful run with the Dragons Rhondorf ended too soon, but he was very thankful for the opportunity and being able to play for Yassin Idbihi. ‘I’m so thankful for him I can’t even put it into words. He was such a honest and trustworthy guy. He brought me here to develop to a high level and help him win and understand how the European game works on and off the court. Without him I’m not sure where I would be European basketball wise. My lasting memory will probably just be every memory I had with him. He was so hard and tough on me and really really wanted to see me be successful and use all my talent. But even thou he was tough he would be the first to tell me how much better I was doing or that I was doing a good job. So I’ll miss Yassin and like I said I can’t put into words how thankful I am for him. We will have a relationship forever’, warned Curtis Hollis. He is ready for the next step. ‘I’m going to enter the 2020 NBA Draft so we will see where it takes me but it’s just the beginning for me and my career. This year really helped me. I learned so much’, warned Curtis Hollis. Recently he declared for the 2020 NBA draft. He has been working really hard at his game in the last months leading up to the 2020 NBA draft One thing that won’t hinder him from reaching the NBA, will be a lack of having self-confidence. He may be underrated, but he has the self-confidence of a champion and that will get him far in the basketball business. 

Jordan Loyd is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Milton, Georgia that completed his fourth professional season and first with Valencia Basket averaging 12.8ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 40.4%, FT: 84.3% in the ACB and 11.1ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 40.5%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 77.4% in the Euroleague. He will play his 5th professional season with KK Crvena Zvezda MTS Beograd In 2018-2019 he split time with the Toronto Raptors (NBA) playing 12 games averaging 2.4ppg, and played also with the Raptors 905 Missisauga (NBA G League) playing 42 games averaging 22.5ppg, 6.1rpg, 6.1apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 86.0%. In the 2017-2018 season he played with Hapoel Eilat (Israel-Winner League) playing 38 games: Score-4 (17.4ppg), 4.9rpg, 3.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 86.0%. He played his rookie season with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League): playing 52 games averaging 14.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 86.8%. He began his basketball career at Milton High School and also played with the Georgia Netburners (AAU). He began his career at Furman in 2011 and played 2 seasons there. He then played at the University of Indianapolis (NCAA2) from 2013-2016 and as a senior played 29 games averaging 20.9ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 50.1%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 85.8%.He spoke to germanhoops.com during the Coronavirus as he was still in Valencia, Spain waiting to see what would happen with the season.

Thanks Jordan for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is your current mood despite the world turmoil at the moment because of the out break of the Corona Virus?


I always try to be positive. I always look at the situation and think it could be worse. There are a lot of people who are struggling during this. I just always try to make the best of it. Some days are better than others. I just go day by day.

When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world?

No. I had seen what had happened in China and people around the world didn’t take it seriously. It was tough to know what would happen. It was something new for everyone. I never imagined that this would put the world on pause.

How have you experienced the day to day life in Valencia? Spain was hit hard. What things did you notice in public where you knew right away that something wasn’t right?


As soon as we had some games without fans, I knew that it was serious. Then when the lock down came, I knew that it was very serious.

Did you become more aware about how you handle yourself in public in terms of shaking hands and not being in the line of fire with somebody coughing

I have always been aware of my surroundings and how to handle myself being taught to cover my mouth when I cough. Nothing changed for me when the virus came because I was already doing it. People started to wear masks and gloves, but I didn’t overreact. I have always practiced good sanitation. People need to do this after the virus is over.

Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe. Many countries are only postponed instead of cancelled including the ACB and Euroleague. How confident are you that you will be playing again?

It is hard to comment on this because I don’t know. All I can say is that us players all want to play again. I was out 2 months before the virus came am I’m really itching to play. But at the same time we know that health comes first and want everyone to be safe as well. 

Before leagues were shut down there was a BCL game in Bonn against AEK Athens and a Fiba Europe Cup game in Bayreuth without spectators. What is your overall opinion of playing a game without fans?

It’s tough. As a player you want to play for the fans. Fans get you going and drive you to play your best. Not playing in front of fans isn’t ideal, but at the same time we have to deal with it. We just have to stay as positive as we can with the situation.

What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person?

Just stay mentally positive and have a daily routine. I work out every day and find other things I can do to occupy my time. I have never been much of a reader, but in these times have found my time reading more. Also I have seen myself check up on people more. Usually I’m so busy with life. I am more of a perspective person now and just try to be a better person and grow as a man.

How have been coping with being so far away from home from family. Do you have a daily routine where you stay in contact with everyone?

I talk to my mom, dad, grandparents, sister and girlfriend each day. I work out in my apartment and on the terrace and watching TV and playing video games. I also have had a lot more time being able to work on my flexibility and stretching more. 

The whole world economy is going to be effected. How worried are you about the future of professional basketball. The next season will have many changes. How are you handling this mentally now not knowing what to expect?

I know that with this profession you never know what to expect. I’m used to this because my professional route has helped me cope with the unknown and I can only control what I can.

If you had to name another player besides guys from Valencia that you have been in most contact via Social Media who would it be?

Mostly ex teammates and guys from school, but not on a regular basis. 

How has your approach to family changed since the outbreak of Corona? What things have you seen yourself do that you may not have done before?

I’m a big family man. Family is the most important in my life. I have taken more time through all of this of having longer conversations with family members than in the past. I have already planning trips to visit everyone.

You were teammates with Greg Monroe last season in Toronto. You won the first meeting at home against FC Bayern Munich 82-56. What kind of a feeling was it like playing against him in Europe?

It was cool playing against Greg again. We built up a pretty good friendship in Toronto last season. He showed a lot of love and support for me last season. It wasn’t too cool though how he blocked my shot. But all in all he has had a career that we all strive to have. I tried to learn as much as I could from him with Toronto. He is a good dude.

Your playing your first season with Valencia Basket (ACB). After having a great G-League season last season and playing in the NBA and winning the title with the Toronto Raptors, your back in Europe again. After having so much success last season why did you chose against trying for the NBA again and returning to Europe?

I was in my second year and had a 2 way deal. I felt that I had nothing more to prove at the G-League level. I always wanted to play in the Euroleague. I feel being able to play in the Euroleague has made me more diverse and marketable. I wanted to show everyone that I can play at that level and believe I have proved it this year. Being able to play Euroleague has given me another box to check.

Two years ago you were the third best scorer in the Israeli Winner League with Hapoel Eilat and last season played in the States. How has your game developed in the last year and how is Jordan Loyd a different player now then when he played in Israel?

Last year playing in the G-League and NBA was my first real chance of getting professional individual work on a consistent level. I was able to work on my skills better and it really opened my eyes to a new world of basketball. Having the work outs, drills and playing in the NBA on a day to day basis really helped me better my game and transform it into this season. I was raw going into Israel a few years ago, but coming into this season, I had more experience at a high level and just saw a lot. I didn’t come to Valencia overwhelmed, but prepared.

Valencia is currently in 7th place in the ACB and in 11th place in the Euroleague and with chances of reaching the post season. How can one judge now where the journey will go after such a long break should the leagues start up again?

It’s tough not knowing what would have happened had the season not stopped. We are definitely in a good position to make the playoffs in both competitions. That has been our goal all a long. We have shown a lot of fight and promise and have showed that we can play with anyone. We will see what happens. I’m glad that we were playing well leading up to the break.

How refreshing has it been having only two Americans on the team and playing with so many different nationalities. How do you feel has your team play improved just with being around so many different kind of players and characters?

It’s great having so many different guys on the team from different countries and to see how they all play different. A lot of those guys have played Euroleague before and I just tried to fit in and learn as much as possible.. All of us have different ways of playing and it did take some time to mesh together, but when we did it was special. 

How beneficial has it been for you being able to play with highly talented and big time veterans Joaquin Colom and Sam Van Rossom? How have their games shone a positive light on your game?

They have been great. I had long talks with them at the beginning and they have me useful insight to how game is played in Spain. I followed their lead. I definitely want to have a career like they have. They helped me quickly make a smooth transition and it has been a lot of fun playing with them. They are great guys.

You have been a very dominant scorer which you showed in the NCAA2 at Indianapolis, in Israel and the G-League. You haven’t been able to do that this season because Valencia is stacked with so many scoring options. Do you feel like patience and decision making has really benefited your play with this team?

Having so many scoring options has given me a new outlook of how each player is different. That has helped me able to adapt to any style of play. 

Your also shooting your best from downtown since your senior year at Indianapolis shooting over 40% in the ACB and Euroleague. Has your stellar shooting this season been a combination of reps, shot selection and having good teammates or have you changed something up on mechanics?

I didn’t change any of my mechanics. I just put up a lot of reps last summer. That helped me transition into this season. I think what also helped me a lot was that I was able to extend my range. I was forced to shoot from very far away in the NBA. But I also have to credit my teammates for doing a really good job getting me the ball in good positions. I also have been able to make quick decisions. I am shooting the ball with a lot of confidence now.

Last season you played with the Raptors 905 Missisauga (NBA G League) averaging 22.5ppg, 6.1rpg, 6.1apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 86.0%.Was it weird playing your first NBA game before even playing in the G-League? What memories do have from the loss against the Milwaukee Bucks?

It was more of a surreal moment. When I checked in, I remembered that the NBA was always a dream of mine. It was like a flash and then it happened. I was very nervous, but at the same time so excited to finally do something that I had always dreamed of. Having this type of milestone is really cool. 

You went back and forth playing in the G-League and NBA last season. How challenging was it always being prepared and what did you learn about yourself last season that helped you play a successful season?

This goes back to the unknown. I was in the G-league and you never know when you might get called up. You have to always be prepared for the call up. I didn’t know when it would happened so all I could do was stay calm. When your in the NBA, you have to be able to do what the teams needs you to do. If it means getting in a game or just being a good practice player, you always have to remain mentally strong, because you will have your ups and downs. 

You had two triple doubles last season in the G-League against Windy City and FT Wayne .How much meaning did these performances mean to you? Were these two games a good example that you are truly a versatile player?

Yes I think so. I want to be show everyone my skills and that I’m able to run a team and get all involved. I also have been able to show that I can be a scorer and rebounder. I just want to be able to do a bit of everything. My knock has always been that I couldn’t play the point guard position. It was questionable the last years, but last year I proved I can be a point guard and that was very special. 

You played 12 games and won a NBA title despite not playing in the playoffs. Is it tough mentally justifying the fact that you didn’t play minutes during the playoffs?


I was very lucky that I was in the right place at the right time. It is hard not playing in the playoffs especially when you get so much praise and congrats of winning the NBA title. I just continue to reassure myself knowing that I was part of the team and contributed in practice was part of the team and that was a feat. I credit the whole team because they are the reason I have a ring. 

What kind of experience was it soaking up basketball from veteran Kawhi Leonard and rising star Fred Van Vleet? How did these guys influence your game best?

I played against Freddy when in the D-League when I was a rookie. It was cool playing against him then and then being teammates. It is amazing to see how he grew and developed in only a few years. He played amazing in the finals. He has an awesome own unique game. His journey has been similar to mine. That gives me hope that anything is possible. He is a real bull dog and has that ‘I don’t care mentality. It was fun being his teammate. I have never seen a player like Kawhi. His work ethic is crazy. He is so poised and is never too high or too low. The way he works hard each day shows what it takes to get to his level. I really cherished being teammates with him. 

What did you learn about the NBA that shows that it will always be a business before anything else?


The main thing is probably guys coming and going all the time. You constantly see great coaches having to go or good players leave in mid season. The owners treat it as a business. Players also need to see and understand that it is a business first. The fluctuations and changes are crazy. You need to have the mentality that nothing is promised. 

You played your first season overseas with Hapoel Eilat (Israel-Winner League) playing 38 games: Score-4 (17.4ppg), 4.9rpg, 3.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 86.0%. What was your wake up call to being in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home?


My time in Israel was amazing. A wake up call was the 8 hour time difference. I liked that a good amount of the people spoke English. The food was different from what I was used to, but it was good. It was amazing traveling around Israel and seeing cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. I always tell my family that I would vacation in Israel in a heart beat.

How cool was it being teammates with ex NBA player and ex Wisconsin (NCAA) stand out player Alando Tucker who retired 6 games after the season started. Was he a guy that you were able to easily bond with?


Alando was a good dude. He was at the end of his career. He gave me a lot of important knowledge and awareness of the things I needed to focus on. He was such a polished player as were all the other Americans. I bonded very well with him

As a rookie you played with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League) playing 52 games averaging 14.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 86.8%. You put up extremely consistent stats there. Did you ever feel like you were close to a NBA call up?

I never thought as a rookie that I was close to a NBA call up like I was last year with Toronto. I had come from division 2 and still had a lot of work on improving my game. But I felt I did a good job as a rookie leading the team to the playoffs.

You began your NCAA career at Furman where you played a total of 28 games between 2011-2013. What do you remember from these two years and could you gain anything positive from it?


I feel the best thing out of my experience at Furman was the people that I met. Also coach Jackson was great as well.

You then moved to the University of Indianapolis (NCAA2) where you made a huge impact improving your stats each season. What kind of transformation did your game take there and how did your game develop as a senior where you averaged 20.9ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 50.1%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 85.8%

I think that me becoming that player as a senior just happened. I was a late bloomer. I had a great coach and teammates around me. I was comfortable and was able to get going. Of course I had to prove myself at the start, but after that everything fell into place. I was lucky to have competitive practices and teammates that always pushed me. That helped me better myself. I also knew early on that I could become a professional player one day which helped me push myself as well. 

You lost your last NCAA 2 game to Ferris State 89-87 despite dropping 35 points. Is this a game that you can still watch today or is that a game you can’t watch?

I don’t think that I ever watched that game. Despite losing that game, I don’t believe that I went out on a sad note, but on a high note. My family was at the game which was important. I wouldn’t have a problem watching that game today again. 

How did head coach Stan Gouard groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

I don’t even know where to start with coach Gouard. He was a true players coach. He was tough on you, but also positively encouraged you to become better. He gave me the feeling that I was the guy. He was a huge mentor in my life.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Joe Retic?

Joe was a crazy isolation player then. He was big time. I actually won’t take myself, but give it to my boy. Back in the day he had more isolation skills then I. I would of beat everyone else on the team.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Finding a player you might know is tough. I will say Bellarmine was always tough to play as a team.

Please name your personal NBA Rushmore of past and present players?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant.

Where were you when you heard about the death of Kobe Bryant. What kind of influence did he have on you during adolescence? 

It was crazy. I was hurt and in a restaurant watching Valencia play. I was there with teammate Mike Tobey and he asked me if I had heard about Kobe. First I figured he had done something great, but when I heard about his death a tear rolled down my cheek instantly. I never met him, but he was my favorite player. I wore #8 as a kid and wore #8 last year. I idolized him. If I could meet one person it would have been him and Barack Obama. Kobe impacted so many lives without people even knowing it. Seeing his Mamba Mentality is really all you needed to be strong

The debate seems to favor Jordan James of who is the best of all-time, but where does Kobe Bryant fit into the equation?

For me the best will always be Kobe. I think when all is said and done Lebron will have the Jordan type numbers. 

What was the last movie that you saw?

Primal Fear.

Thanks Jordan for the chat.

Brandon Mclean is a 25 year old 201cm center from Cartersville, Georgia that last played for TSV Neustadt temps Shooters (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 20 games averaging 14.0ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.9%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 76.8%. He played his rookie season with Krypteia Capital Huelva (Spain-EBA) playing 4 games averaging 7.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.0bpg, in Dec.’18 moved to BC Athletic Constanta (Romania-Liga Nationala) playing 19 games averaging 4.8ppg, 4.7rpg. He began his basketball career at Woodland High School and then played at Huntingdon College (NCAA3) from 2015-2018 playing 74 NCAA3) games. He was able to improve his scoring average each season and as a senior played 25 games averaging 14.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 57.0%, FT: 61.7%. germanhoops.com spoke to Brandon in late Spring 2020 about basketball. 

Hi Brandon where are you at the moment and how is your current mood despite the world turmoil at the moment because of the out break of the Corona Virus?

Right now I am currently in Atlanta Ga. My mood is currently hopefully during this pandemic. I am staying positive hoping for better times and the world picks back up soon.

When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world?

When the Corona Virus first surfaced, I thought it would go away as fast as it can in China. I had no clue it was such a big problem that would affect the world as it is doing now.

How did you experience the day to day life in Germany during the Corona Virus outbreak? Did you see that corona effect on the culture there or was it not so much different happening in your day to day dealings?


While in Germany, my day to day life definitely changed when Corona became more of a risk. I didn’t go out as much as before because I knew I would be less vulnerable to be in contact. Corona definitely affected the culture by closing businesses, less people out and about enjoying their lives. 

Did you become more aware about how you handle yourself in public in terms of shaking hands and not being in the line of fire with somebody coughing

I most definitely instantly started distancing myself from people. On the trains I made sure I sat in my own section, I didn’t go with large groups of people because like the news said you never knew who had it. They could have the Corona Virus or a regular cold but the symptoms are so close to distinguish .

Basketball leagues shut down all over Europe. How disappointed were you about this and not being able to finish the season?

The leagues shutting down hit hard because players know they have to value every game of the season. You are fighting to show other teams and fans the fight that the players and coaches have put in.

Before leagues were shut down there was a BCL game in Bonn against AEK Athens and a Fiba Europe Cup game in Bayreuth without spectators. What is your overall opinion of playing a game without fans?

Of course fans play a huge part of a basketball game but I think sports can always still perform with the knowledge and support from spectators at home. Viewing ratings for these games would increase and teams would still receive revenue from the games. 

What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person?


I think these tough times made me more stronger by teaching me discipline, self motivation, and taking care of yourself by not putting yourself in unnecessary risk.

Was it be a big adjustment having to start 3 months earlier with workouts and basketball skill development? What will be the advantages and disadvantages of this?

I think starting back earlier is not a big adjustment, as a player you always want to be in shape to go whenever you are called upon. There are many advantages of this such as more court work, working on your body and mental, learning the game a step more. Disadvantages would only be not being able to get back to the season at a normal period. 

The whole world economy is going to be affected. How worried are you about the future of professional basketball. The next season will have many changes. How are you handling this mentally now not knowing what to expect?

I am not as worried about my future for my career, I am staying ready at all times to be able to go back and produce. Mentally, I am staying hopeful that it will all fix itself in the mix of the world opening back up.

How did you experience the day to day life back home in the States? How has the Coronavirus affected your daily life? How have you been keeping in shape inside your home. Talk about the type of exercises and work out you have been able to perform inside your own 4 walls.

Day to Day experience for me as has been on half since I touched down from Germany. Coronavirus definitely affected my life majorly but has not halted my training. I have been keeping up with training but on a different level. I been really running around my neighborhood or I would switch it up and go biking. Then I would come back and get some shooting up on my basketball hoop in my backyard. Later in the day, I would get some weights in with the little bit of weights I have in my house. 

If you had to name another player besides guys from your team that you have been in most contact via Social Media who would it be?

I would say I have been in most contact with Deondre Ray, we played together in Romania and we kept in contact. True brother and friend that helped me stay positive in Romania.

Let’s talk about your second season in Europe in Germany with TSV Neustadt. The club finished with a 11-9 record and were in 6th place. What is your summary of the team effort for the season?

I feel as the team effort was there at a high level, as always basketball has it times when you can be on and you can be off.

It was a tale of 2 season as you started off well 6-2 and finished 5-7. What were the main reasons for the club not finishing strong?

Tale of 2 season for sure, I think the main reason we were so stagnant at the end was due to the long Christmas break without basketball. We came back weak before our first game back and wasn’t at our top performance level. This definitely had an effect on our success level. Also we still knew for sure we will stay in the league and didn’t have that sense of urgency to get after it every game.

The club averaged 83 points per game, but allowed 81 points. Why do you feel couldn’t the club play more consistent on the defensive end?

The club was a good defensive team overall but we excelled on the offensive end by having 6 players avg over double digits. We started to figure that if we play harder defense and team defense that would lead to more offensive possessions for us.

Let’s talk about your teammates. How challenging was it battling Mamadou Diop in practice each day? How do you feel did you both profit from each other on a daily basis?

Practice against Mamadou was a battle everyday, a guy coming from Euroleague level with that kind of experience definitely helped me with this season. It was a battle where we would be fighting in our 1v1 games and trying to come out on top. We both profited from playing with and against each other majorly.

What did you appreciate most from starting point guard Abdulai Abaker? He showed that he could fill the stat sheet and make an impact at both ends of the game.

I really appreciated Abu, for a guy to pick up on defense full court, play the passing lanes and get steals, push the ball on fast break, get so many assist sand steal score the ball on a high level. All you can say is he is a player you need on every time even though he is a short fellow. 

How much potential does young German Marc Klesper have? How did you see his game develop from day 1 until the end?

Marc has a lot of potential and will put that on showcase on the next opportunity, he has been committed to the grind from day 1, always in the gym working and getting extra shots in. He became more confident and started getting the killer mentality towards the middle of the season and he was showing it. 

Let’s talk about your game. You averaged double double stats with 14,0ppg and 10,0rpg. How happy were to get minutes again after playing little as a rookie in 2 countries?

Wow, it was a big spin and a step into the role of a key player on a team. The minutes I was receiving was a blessing, and from day 1 Neustadt put trust into me. That is all a player could ask for and I couldn’t let the club, fans or myself down.

How would you summarize your season with TSV Neustadt? How content were you with your game?

My season with Neustadt will go down as my breakout year, I saw what it felt like to be a leader of a professional team. Of course I always feel as I could of done more during my games but I always try to channel that into the name game.

You also were a force on the defensive end averaging 1,7spg and 1,0bpg. Stats don’t always tell the whole story, but how would you describe how your defensive game was able to grow in Germany?

My defensive force helped the team a lot. As being an undersized big, I was more versatile and able to help on the defensive side. Being able to switch on guards and play defense, then to rebounding with my athleticism helped the club a lot. I think I was able to do numerous off the chart such as alter shots or talking in the heart of the zone or press.

You had many memorable games with TSV Neustadt but where does the 94-92 win over Weser Baskets rate where you scored 12 points, 13 rebounds and 6 steals?

That game ranks up there with top 3 games of the season, to have stats in that manner, almost a triple double and help get that close game win can’t beat that.

How much of a joy was it playing for German coach Lars Buss? How did he help you best with your game considering he had a very long career as a big man?

I can t tell you how great of a coach Lars Buss is, It was nothing but fun and handwork. His coaching style helped the team achieve what we did. He helped in many ways, from talking on a personal level to a business level, he kept it real. His game as a big man helped during this season with me by giving me some tips and moves that he found were efficient and that he helped me add to my game.

Who was the toughest guy that you faced in the Regionalliga this season?

The toughest guy I had to face in the center position in the Regionalliga was Malte Giljan from SC Rasta Vechta

Last season you split time with Krypteia Capital Huelva (Spain-EBA) averaging 7.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.0bpg, in Dec.’18 moved to BC Athletic Constanta (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 4.8ppg, 4.7rpg. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home?

When I saw how they had games set up and the atmosphere is different made me wake up to the European world. My wake up call when I was in Europe was when the major holidays swung around and I was only with my American teammates and saw my foreign teammates with family. 

In Romania you played together with my guy Brandon Lockhart. How much easier did he make your game on a daily basis?

Lockhart is a great guy, He was a great leader and was an unselfish guy. He can get to any spot on the floor and create out of it for himself or others. He set me up whenever I was open and in the right position.

You played at Huntingdon College (NCAA3) from 2015-2018 being able to improve your points and rebounds each season. What was key for your development? How much did your chip on your shoulder help you keep grinding more each season to continue to get better?


Wow, 2015-2018 was a crazy time period, from sitting out a year of basketball to picking it back up was a rough start. I was always working, everyday had workouts in the morning, then had to go to class and the workouts before lunch, then back to class to team practice at night. The way my team was grinding I knew I had to make sure this paid off. The key development was sticking to it and staying in the gym. The thing that was holding me back the most was my weight. Once I started shedding the weight I started being able to move more comfortably and shape my game. When senior year came I was in the best shape of my college career. Working in the offseason, into the preseason in great shape made me ready for all battles senior year.

How important has your older brother Jamel been in your career? How has he helped you most in being the player that you are today?

Older brother Jamel played a huge role in my career. He opened my eyes to playing in college and then into professional leagues. I didn’t have a clue that this was even possible to do. He has helped me greatly by being able to workout with him and learn the things he has learned on top tier teams and battle against him. 

How important was head coach Mike Pugh in your first two seasons with your early development?

Mike Pugh was a tough coach but a great coach at the same time. He kept it real with me. As I stated before, I was little fat and he pushed me for sure. He was always making sure I was getting extra work in and losing that weight. He also taught me more coordination and trained me on the agility ladder.

How did head coach Caleb Kimborough help groom and prepare you best for a professional career in your senior season?

Coach K right here, was a fearless leader and branded this trait into me, My senior year he showed me how to lead, be a driving force and bring all my teammates with me. He was one of the most inspirational coach I have ever had along with Ben Strong who now works with the Phoenix Suns. They both fine tuned my game and showed me the keys to winning with what you have, it all starts in the heart.

Who won a one on one in practice back in the day you or Charlie Johnson?

Back in the day I would win a 1v1 against Charlie but he had height on him so it was difficult but I would come out victorious.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Deondre Ray, Bj Gladden, Abduali Abaker, Jerrod Pettus, Rishi Kakad

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

Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant

What is your general opinion with the debate between who is greater Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

I think Lebron James is a phenomenal player but Michael Jordan paved the way

What was the last movie that you saw?

Last movie I watched was the Extraction

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

Tyrell Sturdivant s a 25 year old 201cm forward from Chester, Pennsylvania that recently completed his second professional season with the VfB 1900 Giessen Pointers (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 22 games averaging 20.5ppg, Reb-1 (13.7rpg), 1.6apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 71.8%. He will play the 2020-2021 season with BBC Arantia Larochette (Luxembourg-Total League). The season before as a rookie he played with AS Soleuvre (Luxembourg-N2) avergaing: 22.3ppg, 14.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 67.6%. he began his basketball career at Chester high school and then played at Stony Brook form 2014-2018 playing 129 NCAA games. His best statistical season was his junior season where he played 32 games averaging 10.6ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 44.5%, FT: 64.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the Coronavirus crisis.

Hi Tyrell where are you at the moment and how is your current mood despite the world turmoil at the moment because of the outbreak of the Corona Virus?

Hey man, really appreciate you reaching out. I’m currently back in the states and I’m being positive despite everything that’s going on in the world.

When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world?

I was actually very nervous when I first heard about the virus. I remember when the first case reached Giessen I started to do a lot of research on ways to prevent the virus

How did you experience the day to day life in Germany during the Corona Virus outbreak? Did you see that corona effect on the culture there or was it not so much different happening in your day to day dealings?

Its the same as my day to day life now, just trying to take as much precaution as I can while also enjoying the time home with family.

Did you become more aware about how you handle yourself in public in terms of shaking hands and not being in the line of fire with somebody coughing

Yea of course, It’ll be interesting to see how the world adapts after all of this is over. It’s really been eye opening for me.

Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe. How disappointed were you about this and not being able to finish the season?

So disappointed, I think our team was in a good place to win our last 3 games so it’s frustrating but at the same time we want to practice safety so I understand the decision.

Before leagues were shut down there was a BCL game in Bonn against AEK Athens and a Fiba Europe Cup game in Bayreuth without spectators. What is your overall opinion of playing a game without fans?

Seeing the world without basketball makes me realize I would do anything to have it back so if it meant we could play I would 100 percent play without fans.

What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person?

I’ve really learned to try to stay positive and keep my faith in God during these times, it s been rough but being around family makes things go way easier.

Wil it be a big adjustment having to start 3 months earlier with workouts and basketball skill development? What will be the advantages and disadvantages of this?

I think it will only help, more time to perfect my craft and work on things that needs it. I also have much more time to watch film now so there are plenty of advantages. The disadvantage for me is obviously playing meaningful games will be missed but it just means I will be even more prepared for next season.

The whole world economy is going to be affected including Polish basketball. How worried are you about the future of professional basketball. The next season will have many changes. How are you handling this mentally now not knowing what to expect?

It’s going to be tough but I always remember to control what I can control, so I’m just going to keep working and whatever happens next season no matter what I’ll be ready. ‘You never have to get ready if you stay ready’

How have you experienced the day to day life back home in the States? How has the Coronavirus affected your daily life? How have you been keeping in shape inside your home. Talk about the type of exercises and work out you have been able to perform inside your own 4 walls.

Yeah its tough not having a gym but I’ve been getting some great work in. I’ve been working out with my former teammate Junior Saintel who played in Spain last season. We do zoom calls with trainer Rob Fishbein. He puts us through a 45 min HIIT workout with many exercise and strength training. Along with that I keep my cardio on my workout bike and also have been doing a lot of yoga.

If you had to name another player besides guys from your team that you have been in most contact via Social Media who would it be?


I would say either Junior Sainter or Jameel Warney.

Let’s talk about the season of the Giessen Pointers. The club finished in 13th place with a record of 10-13. How would you summarize the team season?


I think we were just missing a little bit of consistency, we were great some weeks and average others. I feel like we were hitting our stride at the end of the season its rough that we didn’t get to finish it out. But personally I think I grew as a player during the season and made a huge jump from my rookie season and that’s all I can ask of myself is steady improvement.

Just how competitive was the Regionalliga south west? There were 6 teams with a 10-13 record and from 3-11 in the standings there was only a difference of 2 wins? Do you feel like the team could have achieved more had they had a few more bounces here and there?


It was very competitive, every game was winnable which made it a fun league to play in. We had trouble with our 3rd quarter performances, we would always be winning at the break and then come out flat in the 3rd quarter. With better 3rd performances I think our record would be 13-10 easily. 

The Giessen Pointers had an ok start, stumbled a bit in the middle and finished ok. What do you feel could the team have done better to be more successful?

I’ve mentioned it a little in the last question but our 3rd quarters really hurt us this year. We were in a position to win nearly every game this season but our 3rd quarters would mess us up and we would have to fight from behind in the 4th,

Let’s talk about your teammates. Anthony Watkins came in January and you were only teammates with him for a short period. He recently declared for the 2020 NBA draft. What did you appreciate most about his game and just how much potential does he have?

What I appreciate the most about his game has nothing to do with in-between the lines. Anthony has a great basketball mind, we would talk basketball for hours after practices and after games. We would dissect film and break it down and that’s what I appreciate the most about his game, its his love for it.

You and young German Lucas Mayer were aa 2 man wrecking crew. He is another one of those very talented players. What do you feel stood out most in his game that will bring him to high level in the future?


Lucas is such a fun player to play with and either his aggressiveness or his ability to move without the ball. He will for sure play at a high level because he’s a player that can go get his or play in a team system. He’s the best cutter I’ve played with. 

Let’s talk about your game. You averaged 20.5ppg, Reb-1 (13.7rpg), 1.6apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 71.8%. How content were you with your second season?

I think I improved from my rookie season so I was happy to see improvement. Something I really am proud of is my free throw percentage, I shot about 65% in my rookie season so to see that jump is something that I’m proud of. I wish I could have led us to a few more wins but it’s a season I will continue to watch film and learn from this summer and be ready for next season and continue my improvement.

Your stats were similar to your rookie season in Luxemburg. How would you rate the second division of Luxemburg to the German Regionlliga and in terms of how you could develop further?

I think both leagues are really competitive and I’ve learned a lot in these two years. The professional game is really physical and both leagues prove that. The main difference between the leagues are that in Luxembourg two Americans are allowed as opposed to just one in the Regionalliga but both leagues are very competitive and I’m thankful for my experience in both leagues.

Your 201cm beast that can score and rebound with the best of them, but really can do it ll. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would you pick?

I would say Lamarcus Aldridge, he’s someone who I’ve always tried to model my game after. I love his versatility on offense and his ability to play team defense. I think he’s the perfect mix of back the the basket and face-up forward.

You began to shoot more three’s in your senior year at Stony Brook (NCAA) and have continued to do so in your first two professional seasons. How much of a work in progress is your three and what do you need to work on most with it to make the next step with it?

I think the most important thing for me is knowing when to step out and shoot and when to try to dominate in the paint. I think that will help me take it to the next step, as a rebounder I usually always want to be close to the paint for offensive rebounds but obviously shooting 3’s limits your ability to rebound offensively. 

You have produced 3 20/20 games in your professional career so far. How much do games like that motivate you to get even more rebounds in every new game?


It’s a great feeling getting a 20/20, its mostly just a mindset that you want to grab every rebound. It’s like when a shooter is in a hot streak, it’s the same with rebounding. Sometimes you get in a zone and feel like you can grab every rebound and it’s a great feeling. I for sure want to add more 20/20 games to my resume. 

Your such a versatile player, but what are you working on most now to continue to be an even better all-round player?

I’m really working on my foot speed and my flexibility, I want to consistently be able to guard multiple positions so this is what I’m going to focus on. I’m doing a lot of foot ladder and a lot of yoga.

Who was the toughest guy that you faced in the Regionalliga this season?

The toughest guy I’ve faced this year was Chris Edwards from Langen. He’s a tough player to play against because of how efficient he is. If he gets 10 shots he’ll make 7 so with him you can’t take any plays off.

Last season you played with AS Soleuvre (Luxembourg-N2) playing 11 games averaging 22.3ppg, 14.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 67.6%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home?

It’s really when you have to make dinner for yourself after a practice at 8pm when it hits you. Those are the times you miss moms cooking the most.

You had two 20/20 games last season against Contern but lost both games. How tough was it being a dominating beast and losing both games?

Those games are tough because you always replay the mistakes you made and wondering if you could have did more to change the outcome. 

You played at Stony Brook (NCAA) from 2014-2018. You reached 3 NCAA tournaments in a row which was an amazing feat for the school. Which one was the most memorable? Possibly playing against top powerhouse Kentucky?


Playing Kentucky was a crazy experience, they had maybe 5 or 6 NBA guys on that team. Playing in front of 20 thousand people felt unreal, but when the game started it was just like any other game but it’s an experience I’ll remember forever.

What kind of a challenge was it battling Jameel Warney in your first two seasons at Stony Brook?


He’s such a tough player to guard because of how physical and athletic he is. Match those two things with his skillset he’s almost unstoppable to guard which is why he dominated everywhere he’s been.

He dominated the G-League for 2 seasons and was rewarded with 3 NBA games with the Dallas Mavericks. He played last season in Seoul making big bucks. What do you feel is missing for him to be a consistent NB player?

I think he’s NBA ready, he does a little bit of everything. I think he would be the perfect NBA glue guy if given that chance.

Have you been keeping tabs on your ex teammate Roland Nyama who you were teammates with for 3 years. Were you bale to visit him or did he see one of your games this season?

Yes, we actually saw each other in tubingen and we also talk pretty often on Instagram.

In the 85-59 loss against top basketball school Kentucky you had 2 points and 3 boards in 11 minutes. What kind of an experience was it playing against guys like Murray, Briscoe and Ulis. When you look at how you have developed from then to now, do you feel like there is so much missing in your game compared to theirs?

It was a great experience just seeing how I match up to legit NBA talent. I consider myself a late bloomer and I still feel like my best basketball is ahead of me. When we played Kentucky I was still a role player but getting that experience is something i’ll never forget. 

How did head coach Jeff Boals groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?
He really encouraged me to start shooting 3s and gave me the confidence to take them in games. Without that development I’m not sure if I would be shooting 3s today.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Jameel Warney?

I can’t lie I don’t think I’ve beaten him 1 on 1 before but we haven’t played in a few summers so stay tuned for the matchup this summer

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

I think Jamal Murray, he plays the game so smoothly.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Anthony Watkins
Jameel Warney
Mahir Johnson
Jerome Kaefer
JoJo Cooper

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

MJ, Kobe, Lebron, Kareem (No order)

What is your general opinion with the debate between who is greater Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

I go back and forth all the time on this one, I think Lebron is a better player but I think MJ is the GOAT if that makes sense.

What was the last movie that you saw?


StepBrothers, my favorite movie I watch it once a week.

Thanks Tyrell for the chat.

Shaun Willett is a 193cm forward from Palm Bay, Florida that will be playing his second professional season and first in Germany with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen. Last season as a rookie he played with BBC Arantia Larochette (Luxembourg-Total League) playing 12 games: Score-1 (29.8ppg), Reb-4 (13.6rpg), 2.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP-3 (62.8%), 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 71.1%. He began his basketball career with Heritage High School and then played with Indian River State College (JUCO) playing 25 games averaging 13.5ppg, 6.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 65.1%. In 2017-2018 he moved to Queens University (NCAA2) playing 36 games averaging 9.3ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 63.0%. In his senior year at Queens University (NCAA2) he played 36 games averaging 19.9ppg, 11.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 71.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career. 

Shaun thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how are you coping in these difficult time with COVID-19?


Hey man how’s it going? I’m currently home and in Palm Bay Florida and I’m coping with this pandemic as well as I can by trying to be as safe as possible 

You played your last game on March 7 as COVID-19 then halted play. How did you experience that early time in Luxemburg with the Corona Virus?

When I was in Luxembourg during the virus I was a bit worried because I wasn’t aware about the virus at the time so it was kind of worry sum.

When did you come back to the states? How did you deal with the daily COVID-19. What did you experience on a daily basis and how did you stay in shape best?

Well I got back to the states around March 18th and first it was hard dealing with the daily covid methods trying to stay healthy and stay safe. Once I understood more about the situation it got easier I started working out at home and running around my block

What is your overall opinion of playing a game without fans? –

I feel like I played in games where there were barely any people so yeah it would feel kind of weird in a sense wouldn’t that with not having people cheering you on by the same time it wouldn’t affect my game in my opinion.

What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person? –

I learned to appreciate the opportunities we have on a daily basis. being able to go to the gym when we want, and being able to workout when we want, and being able to just go places we want to go to. Having those things taken away from me really made me learn to appreciate the small things in life in a sense. 

The whole world economy is going to be affected including German basketball. How worried are you about the future of professional basketball. The next season will have many changes.? You are one of the early fortunate players that has found a new team. How blessed are you now that you have that worry behind you?

I feel like I’m extremely blessed. I say it every day. The fact that I have my job already signed, and I know where I’m playing is huge. Not just for me, for my family as well because now they don’t have to worry about me or what I’m going to do next it’s just a lot of weight off my shoulders.

Congrats on signing with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen. How vital was the positive talks with head coach Alen Velcic to help you make the decision of coming to Germany? 


The talk with coach Alen was very vital because I like knowing who I’m going to play for and knowing what to expect and he just kept it real with me from the jump and the eagerness in his voice just told me from the jump that he was a man ready to win at all costs and demanded you to play hard.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?. There have been a few guys like Reggie Hopkins, Tre Mcclean, Antonio Stabler and Daniel Camps that played at Queens (NCAA2) and then played in Germany. Did you get in contact with any guys to get tips and information about the country?

Well I’ve only been to Germany a few times so I don’t really know much about it but I did get to get in contact with Daniel Camps and he told me some good things about it And I also have a brother that is stationed in Frankfurt Germany so I always have someone who knows the area quite well around me.

You had a huge rookie season in Luxemburg and you won’t put up those kind of stats at the Pro A level. Do you feel some pressure and what will be your biggest focus you will have in Germany concerning your game?

It’s actually quite the opposite. I feel less pressure than I did when I was in Luxembourg, because now I wouldn’t have to have such a big role on the team, demanding me to play 40 minutes a night. So now I can play as hard as I need to knowing that I’m going get a break coming soon. My biggest focus is just going to be on and whatever I need to do to make us win rebound score play defense whatever it takes to win.

You have gone from Juco to the Pro A in only 4 years. How big is the chip on your shoulder and has that been a huge motivation that has allowed you to have so much success in the last years?

Oh man I’ve been playing with this chip in my shoulders since I was a junior in high school. And it’s only gotten bigger from then. Coming from a D2 school and being told that you weren’t going to go anywhere or play where you think you want to play at, the chip got pretty big it’s there to remind me of what everyone said and how far I’ve come. So yeah I can’t wait to unleash it this upcoming season.

Let’s talk about your game. You an undersized forward, but can score and rebound very well. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Well my game is pretty unique, but if I had to choose one I would say it would have to be LeBron James. Just because I feel like I’m very dominant at what I do. I can guard bigs, I can guard guards. bigs are too slow And guards are too small in the paint. So it’s just like a mixture that I feel closely resembles LeBron James.

You made a huge jump in rebounds between your two seasons at Queens (NCAA2) and averaged 11,6rpg as a rookie in Luxemburg. How do you explain your rapid rise in being able to rebound the ball that well. 

Rebounding has always been natural for me. So just being at a different level meant for me to play harder, which in result made me grab more rebounds, just because I wanted to win more at a higher level. So I had to demand myself to play at a higher level so that I can perform at a high level.

You have been shooting the ball from outside well in the last 3 seasons. Where do you see your current development concerning your three and what besides consistency do you want to keep being able to tweak with your shot?

I want to develop my shot on to just be as reliable as it can be. I’m drive first play so I don’t rely on my shooting that much. The goal however is certainly be able to be a dependable shooter for my team when my number is called. My work ethic is going to help with that I’m certain of it.

Your points, rebounds and field goal percentage really stood out in your rookie season, but how much pride do you take on the defensive end? Do you see yourself being able to become an impact player on the defensive end at a higher level like Pro A?

I pride myself on defense that always comes first! I played both ends in Luxembourg averaging I think about 2 steals per game. I’ve always been great at defense because of my athletic body. I’m definitely faster than I look. I know I will be a major factor on defense this year. 

On what area’s will you be tweaking the most this summer in the basketball lab as you get ready for playing in Germany?

I will look to work on playing on the wing more. Yea I used to play it before I transferred to Queens. I had to play the 4 because we were small. My true position is 3/2. so I’m working on ball handling and shooting constantly.

You began your rookie season with the IOWA Wolves (G-League). What was your introduction to the G-League?

The G league is great organization I got the chance to practice with the team and play in a few scrimmages. It was a great experience, because those guys can really go. It opened my eyes to a new world of basketball that I can see myself at soon. Even high honestly. 

What kind of experience was it challenging top NCAA and borderline NBA players? What did you feel was the best thing that your game got out of this time?

Playing against those guys you really see that it’s all about competing and out working one another. It was fun playing against players from all levels but at the end of the day it’s all about who’s playing the hardest. I feel that my game grew just being there and seeing what I have to work on and where to get better at. So it really opened up my IQ for the game.

Did you have any dealings with assistant coach and ex Maccabi tel Aviv legend Devin Smith? Did he give you any tips on playing overseas?

No I didn’t sorry.

You had a monster rookie season with BBC Arantia Larochette (Luxembourg-Total League) playing 12 games: Score-1 (29.8ppg), Reb-4 (13.6rpg), 2.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP-3 (62.8%), 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 71.1%. Did it sometimes feel like you were a man playing with kids?

Haha I mean it was great competition, it had guys there that were high Division 1 athletes and guys that played in the G league and so on. I just played every game as hard as I could
And the results just spoke for themselves.

How did your game profit most from being able to dominate the Luxemburg league? Obviously your self confidence must of rose, but what else was able to help your game develop at the professional ranks?

I grew as a whole player I would say. From having a role like that in my first year was really a blessing. It gave me a taste of having to be the star player and trying to lead my team to victory early in my Pro career. It expanded my game for the fact I had to play many positions.

How much of a pleasure was it being able to play with Adarius Avery who also put up massive stats like you with 23/11? Did you guys click having both come from JUCO and knew what the other has been through?

Oh man playing with Adarius was great. We had similar games so on nights when we were clicking we were pretty tough to beat. We actually mad a great playoff run late in the regular season, but came up short. Great player though and teammate.

How much does your triple double 43/20/10 game in the win over Amicale mean to you? Was that your first triple double in your career and what will you always remember most about this massive game?


That triple double game is definitely on my top five list of games I’ve played. It was my first triple double though and it was pretty tough to get as well. What I would remember most though is that my guy Armond Davis had 45 that night to go with my 43 and he went I think 11-14 from 3. That was a great game to be apart of.

You began your college career at Indian River State College (JUCO) playing 25 games averaging 13.5ppg, 6.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 65.1%. How vital was this season in your basketball development that helped you make the step to the NCAA 2?

That season was vital because it really showed me that I had to work harder than I had to grow more as a player. That season showed me that I could play at a high level because, it was like my first real season. I didn’t play my freshman year of college, so that was my first time having a big role and actually be a part of the team and playing. so it showed me that I I can play at a high level.

You had an amazing 2 year career at Queens (NCAA 2) reaching the SAC final and reached the D-2 Final 4 and Final 8. What was your fondest memory at Queens?

My fondest memory at Queens. I would have to choose my senior year regional championship game. That game was the most packed out game with the fans just going crazy the whole game back and forth yeah that game was one to remember. I remember when I was at the free throw line and the fans started chanting, ‘MVP!! MVP!!’ That was something that I would remember forever.I ended that game with 33 and 13 rebounds. That definitely would have to be my favorite game ever on my list.

Is the 77-75 loss to Lincoln Memorial one that you will remember for a long time? What happened in the last seconds that you won’t forget?

The loss to Lincoln Memorial isn’t really something I think about a lot because, we won when it mattered the most and that was for the Regional Championships. That game was a tough game though none the less, and Lincoln Memorial is a great team!

You had many memorable wins, but where will the 87-86 victory over Catawba stick where you scored 22 points had 10 rebounds and 4 assists?

The 87-86 win against Catawba would probably be number 6 on my top 10 games that I’ve played. It was so rememberable because I had 2 points going into the 2nd half, and we were down by I think 14 also. Then we made our way back and it was a battle the whole game, I scored 20 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the second half alone. Then Kenny hit the 3 to put us ahead by one with like 3 secs on the clock! Yea that game was great. 

How did head coach Bart Lundy groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?


Coach Lundy made me have to become an everyday hard worker. When I first got to Queens I didn’t understand how valuable it was to practice hard every single day, and coach Lundy opened my eyes to that from the jump. He instilled hard work in me not just for games, but for everything I do so that I can play at a high level at all times.

What are your fondest memories of Daniel Carr and where do you see the professional journey of him going and did you guys ever challenge each in a one on one or game of horse?

My fondest memories of Daniel Carr are just too much too put on paper. My senior year we really grew close and became like brothers. We went through a tough year losing 7 seniors and other players that were a part of our final four team and it was hard to get guys to buy in to what our culture was. DC though was right by my side every game playing his heart out and we won a lot of games together and had lots of fun memories in games and practice. I see him playing at a high level overseas in these next years to come. He’s a hard worker and a big time player in my books. We actually played one on one a lot, but I am winning in the series for sure haha.

Who was the toughest player you ever battled on the court that landed in the NBA?

The toughest player that l battle on the court and is in the NBA now would have to be Bryce Brown. He’s in the G League but he should definitely be in the NBA. But Bryce was one of the toughest dudes I had to guard weather it’s just pick up or one on one he’s a problem. He can shoot the ball at an elite level and he is quick of the dribble and can finish at the rim. He is all an amazing defender. One to the hardest working dudes I know for sure. 

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?


My 5 best teammates of all time would have to be, Mike Davis Jr, Todd Withers, Ike Agusi, Elijah Farrakhan, and Armond Davis.

Please name your personal NBA Rushmore of 4 past or present players

My top 4 NBA Mount Rushmore would be, in no order. Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and James Harden. 

Will the Last Dance documentary finally give Michael Jordan the respect he deserves about being the GOAT or can Lebron James still make a claim for that title?

In my opinion Michael Jordan as been the goat and will be the goat for time to come. LeBron is an amazing player and in some people’s eyes he is the goat, but I just been stuck with Jordan as being the goat and the last dance confirmed my opinion for me. He is my goat forever.

What was the last movie that you saw??

The last movie I saw was menace to society. Great movie if you have never watched it I recommend it.

Thanks Shaun for the chat.