Raylonn Brooks is a 25 year old 180cm guard that recently played at the HowardHoops Tour in Hilden Germany. He is another one of many players on earth chasing the professional basketball dream. He got experience playing at Edmonds community college in Lynwood Washington, Centralia College and at New Hope Christian in Eugene Oregon. He spoke to Germanhoops.com about his basketball life.

 

 

 

 

 

Raylonn  thanks for talking to Germanhoops.com Where are you at the moment and is the heat wave in Germany still minor compared to what your used to in the states in the summer?

 

I am currently in Dortmund at the moment, the heat is a major change out here because of the humidity. Back home in California it’s just dry heat and I can handle that. Humidity is a different story, we don’t have much of that back home in Southern California.

 

 

 

You just took part at the Howard Hoops Tour in Hilden, Germany. What kind of experience was this for you? How do you feel did the Howard Hoops weekend help you most as a basketball player?

 

Howard hoops tour in Hilden was definitely a reality check, but also a great experience. We all thought we were going out there to demolish everyone, but did the exact opposite. I feel like it helped in a way because I got to see a different pace in the game. They play different, than out here in the states. Meaning they play more as a team! Us on the other hand, seemed like everybody was just looking out for themselves. Completely selfish! You can’t win games, if there’s no team ball. Learned that team work makes the dream work, and if you do the little things your game will be noticed. Learned that anybody can score the ball. So I try and do the other things to make my game stand out.

 

 

 

 

You have little to no professional experience. With what kind of feeling did you go into the weekend concerning your professional future?

 

 

Going into this Howard Hoops tour, I knew I had to make a name for myself. I was nervous, anxious, but also very excited. Didn’t know exactly what to expect coming into the tour. I take pride in defense, so that was my main focus going into this weekend. My job was to make sure nobody can get passed me. I have no experience out here in Germany. I learned that if everybody thinks they can score try & do something else that stands out. That’s what I did. I take pride in defense and actually commit to locking down my opponent it can open up doors. Competing makes the game way more fun, and competitive, plus it gets you better. That’s all I’m about.

 

 

 

Exactly what kind of professional experience do you have and why do you feel has it been so difficult for you to find a team? Will you play for Ron Howard´s ABA team in Minnesota?

 

 

I have no professional experience. Currently in the process of looking for a spot on a pro team now. It has been very difficult to find a team, because of my resume. I didn’t come from a big school, and didn’t have much highlights. This passed weekend Ron Howard selected five men to be a part of his aba team in Minnesota. I was one of those five people. Although the tour didn’t go as we planned. I still was grateful for the opportunity and want to thank Ron for blessing me with another opportunity to play basketball. I will be attending his aba team in Minnesota.

 

 

 

How content were you with your game on the weekend in Germany. On what phases of your game do you feel were you able to shine?

 

 

This weekend I felt like I could’ve produced a little bit more, but overall I would give myself good credit because of the fact nobody could get passed me. I was trying to get my teammates involved as much as possible, throwing smart passes and making the right decisions. The defensive end definitely stuck out the most felt my game shining on defense because I was always at the right place at the right time.

 

 

Talk a little about you game. What are your strengths and if you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would you chose?

 

My strengths when it comes to basketball I would say is being a very talkative point guard, getting people in the right spots running the floor. Another strength will be my defensive game. I always have the mindset of nobody scoring on me and it shows out there on the court. I would describe my game as a mixture between Patrick Beverly, and Chris Paul. I feel that way because as like Patrick I take pride in defense. As like Chris Paul I can score when a team needs me to score, but mainly focusing on how to help my team win and get better.

 

 

How were you able to get adjusted to the style of play during the weekend? What do you feel was most difficult for you to get adjusted to?

 

 

I felt like I adjusted very quickly in the Howard hoops tour. They play much more aggressive, but also slower. I noticed they like to use that hook a lot. Most difficult to get adjusted to was the hooking, they most likely going hook 9 out of 10 times out here in Germany. Back in the states that would be a foul, so that definitely was the most difficult to get used to.

 

 

 

There were a lot of talented players taking part on both sides of the court with the Howard Hoops teams and the German teams. What players really stood out for you?

 

 

I saw plenty of talent this weekend. I like the German teams. They were much bigger making us work in the paint. Running an inside out game. We had no choice but to block out. But as far as playing like a team we looked terrible out there. German teams stood out more to me because of the fact that everybody on their team touched the ball before putting the ball in the basket. Which is called basketball and winning games. Going one on one looking off your teammates is what I felt the Howard hoops team did a lot, and that’s why I feel like we came up short.

 

 

 

 

 

How impressed have you been with the whole Howard Hoops experience. What stood out most for you during the weekend that you will never forget?

 

 

I have been very impressed with the Howard hoops experience. before going into the tour coach Ron let us all know what we had to do. Not everybody was on the same page locked and loaded. Listening was a major key and we weren’t all aboard. That is why we lost games. The thing that stood out the most is that there’s no I team. If we would’ve came together as a whole, things could’ve turned out way better for the Howard hoops players.

 

 

What was your impression of Howard Hoops CEO and tour coach Ron Howard. Did you notice quickly that he has extreme passion for the game and trying to help talented guys get noticed?

 

My first impression of CEO Ron Howard was that he is very hard worker, and a man of his word. I have been following up Ron a couple years now, and seen how many players he got signed and the people who actually believed and stuck with his plan is still playing today. Notice the passion for the game right away, he’s always thinking 3 steps ahead. Definitely think he is all about getting talented players out without getting anything in return. He understands how hard the grind is. If you can hoop he will get you signed, and I am a believer of that because I saw it with my own eyes.

 

 

 

The Howard Hoops tour has a good rate of placing players on teams. What is the next step for you? Will you test the professional market and would you be comfortable playing in a lower league somewhere? Did you get a try-out with Regionalliga team Dortmund?

 

 

I feel like if we would’ve came out here to Germany & did what we were supposed to do, then coaches would’ve been contacting Ron left & right. Coaches look for winners! The next step for me is to contact coaches, network and see if I can come into a practice for an opportunity to join a team. I will play anywhere, starting on lower division that will be perfectly fine. I need to just get my foot in the door  and get a start somewhere. I Just want an opportunity to get better, compete, and make everyone else around me better. Definitely will help any team out as much as I possibly can.

 

 

 

If you had to describe your game in a few sentences and why you could help any professional team right now how would you describe it?

 

 

 

I am a very competitive person, I try and make everybody I’m guarding better by going all out and competing. Paying good attention to detail, as a point guard I would be able to run the floor. I will make sure my teammates are in the correct spots on the floor. I’ll Push the tempo when it’s needed, as we continue to win games.

 

 

Talk a little about what college experience you have? You played at Centralia college. What positives did you get from playing there?

 

Centralia College was a very eye opening experience. Reason I say that is because, no matter where you’re at whether it’s school or a pro team you have to treat it like a business. I had to learn the hard way. Not everyone whether you’re teammates are not are on your side. They will throw you under the bus so they can succeed. Learned that no matter how good you may think you’re there’s always someone out there looking to take your spot. So you have to come to compete every day

 

 

 

A few years late you played at New Hope Christian in Eugene Oregon. But that was short as you didn´t have enough transferable credits. Did it feel like your basketball life was over?

 

 

When I found out I didn’t have enough transferable credits at New Hope Christian I thought to myself my basketball career was for sure done. Devastated ready to give up, but never gave up on the vision and continued to stay in the gym no matter what.

 

 

 

You went home quite a few times in the last years to help your mom out and worked. How important was this time being there for the family, but never ending your basketball dream as you kept it alive?

 

 

I was back home after New Hope, trying to help my mother out as much as possible. We weren’t the richest nor the poorest, but somehow we always made it happen and provided for one another. Family time is always the best time. I was working full time bringing in as much money as I could. I would also stay in the gym as well, because of the fact I still wanted to make a dream a reality. May have had a few setbacks, but not once have I given up on my dream of becoming a professional basketball player. I have people who don’t believe in my journey, but I’m here to prove everybody wrong & hope to continue to play the game that I love.

 

 

 

A juco player Jordan Brangers made waves at the Miami pro league and got signed by German top division team Eisbareren Bremerhaven. Does a story like this keep your dream alive that anything is possible that even guys from the JUCO can reach the top?

 

 

 

 

Hearing about the story of Jordan Brangers how he came from Juco & made waves at the Miami pro league to the top German league is very strong motivation. That definitely shows that if you stay committed and workout everyday your time will come eventually. You just have to keep faith, and stay in the gym. A story like this definitely keeps a dream alive, this just proves that anything is possible. The sky is the limit!

 

 

 

If you had to construct your very own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick old or new?

 

 

If I had to pick any 4 players from the NBA to build my own Rushmore I would select Chris Paul, Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal. Chris Paul because he does it all, but mainly love the way he runs the floor and gets players where they need to be. Ray Allen because he was always the best pure shooter to me in my eyes. Kobe Bryant, because he was the best scorer to play the game. Nobody else locked in the way Kobe did, known as the mamba mentality. A lot of players don’t have that in today’s basketball. I also chose Shaq aka Superman because he was definitely the best big man. He had crazy foot work, handles, and made some good decisions as a big

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is your personal opinion of the never ending debate about who is better Lebron or Jordan?

 

 

 

My personal opinion on the never ending debate between Michael Jordan and Lebron James is that Lebron is all around player. I feel like he is better. He will fill up the stat sheet and bring you into NBA finals while playing team ball looking to get his teammates involved. Lebron is out of his prime still playing every game of the season and putting up huge numbers. Giving back, opening up schools, just overall a better person who actually cares about the community outside of basketball. Sets a very good example for being the best in the NBA

 

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

 

The last movie I watched was uncle drew with Kyrie Irving. Very funny, and good movie. I been following up on the series of uncle drew on YouTube for quite some time now. So when they finally made a movie in theaters it was a must watch for me. I’m a big fan of kyrie Irving, & his uncle drew series. Very creative work! Much respect.

 

Thanks Raylonn for the chat.

 

 

 

 

Naqwan Crowell is a 185cm American basketball player looking to live the dream of being a professional basketball player. He played recently at the HowardHoops Tour in Hilden Germany. He got experience playing at Sullivan CC (JUCO) reaching the NJCAA D3 Elite Eight in 2013 and playing two years with Bridgeport (NCAA2) and winning the ECC Tournament in 2014 and 2015. He took some time to talk to German Hoops about his basketball career.

 

 

 

Naqwan Crowell thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and was the heat wave in Germany still minor compared to what your used to in the states in the summer?

 

Greetings miles it’s a pleasure to be talking with someone who represents eurobasket.com. At the moment I am currently in Stuttgart, Germany and the weather has been very hot out here in Germany. This heat here in Germany is very different from the United States but I keep myself dehydrated at all time.

 

 

 

You just took part at the Howard Hoops Tour in Hilden, Germany. What kind of experience was this for you? How do you feel did the Howard Hoops weekend help you most as a basketball player?

 

 

The Howard hoops tour was a great experience for me! I got to play basketball against a few teams and experience Germany as well. I personally think the tour did help me because I was able to play in 4 scrimmages against live European defense. So I was exposed to the different playing styles out here in Germany.

 

 

 

You have little to no professional experience. With what kind of feeling did you go into the weekend concerning your professional future?

 

Yes I have yet to play professionally somewhere but I am confident in my abilities to play the game of basketball at a high-level. I didn’t know what to expect coming from the states but I knew the Germany teams would play hard as I heard.

 

 

 

 

Exactly what kind of professional experience do you have and why do you feel has it been so difficult for you to find a team?

 

 

Like I said earlier I have little experience professional but I am confident in my game and worked very hard at improving my game daily. It has been difficult to find a team because I think my experience of having yet to play overseas.

 

 

 

How content were you with your game on the weekend in Germany. On what phases of your game do you feel were you able to shine?

 

 

I was very excited to get out there and play this past weekend here in Germany! I was able to create for my teammates and play great defense. My game is always on the attack. Never settling on my opponent

 

Talk a little about you game. What are your strengths and if you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would you chose?

 

My strengths are passing, defense and scoring. I would compare my game to Jrue Holiday.

 

 

 

 

How were you able to get adjusted to the style of play during the weekend in Germany? What do you feel was most difficult for you to get adjusted to?

 

 

I was able to adjust to this past weekend but it wasn’t easy I had to observe what worked consistently. I had to adjust to the running clock and pace of the game.

 

 

 

There were a lot of talented players taking part on both sides of the court with the Howard Hoops teams and the German teams. What players really stood out for you?

 

 

A few players stood out to me and played extremely hard on the defensive end and helped their teams when it counted the most.

 

 

 

 

 

How impressed have you been with the whole Howard Hoops experience. What stood out most for you during the weekend that you will never forget?

 

 

The Howard hoops experience was great and I am extremely happy to be a part of five years of it. The thing that stood out the most this past weekend? Had to be Ron Howard and the opportunities he provides to young-men like myself trying to start a basketball career

 

 

What was your impression of Howard Hoops CEO and tour coach Ron Howard. Did you notice quickly that he has extreme passion for the game and trying to help talented guys get noticed?

 

 

I noticed after this past weekend that Ron Howard is an extremely passionate guy who loves the game of basketball and enjoys helping others better themselves. Special thanks to Ron Howard for the opportunity too

 

The Howard Hoops tour has a good rate of placing players on teams. What is the next step for you? Will you test the professional market and would you be comfortable playing in a lower league somewhere? Did you get a try-out with Regionalliga team Dortmund?

 

 

I want to try the professional market and play somewhere. I am aware that playing in a lower league isn’t the end of the world because it isn’t about where you start at all it’s where you finish. I haven’t gotten any tryout with any Regionalliga teams but I am trusting the process and keeping hope alive

 

 

 

If you had to describe your game in a few sentences and why you could help any professional team right now how would you describe it?

 

 

 

My game is very exciting and I’m full of heart. I play the game the right way. Always staying positive and looking for teammates.

 

 

You played at Sullivan CC (JUCO) and reached the NJCAA D3 Elite Eight in 2013. What kind of experience was this run and year?

 

The run to the elite eight back in 2013 was great and I had a blast partaking in the run. Each player that year played for each other and our coach

 

 

 

A Juco player Jordan Brangers made waves at the Miami pro league and got signed by German top division team Eisbareren Bremerhaven. Does a story like this keep your dream alive that anything is possible that even guys from the JUCO can reach the top?

 

Stories like Jordan Brangers is why I still play the game of basketball and stay ready. It’s great to hear things like that actually happens to players. It keeps me motivated to keep striving

 

 

 

You played at Bridgeport (NCAA2) from 2013-2015 winning the ECC Tournament in 2014 and 2015. Which title was the sweetest?

 

Playing at the University of Bridgeport was great. I was able to play at basketball at a high level and Both titles were awesome to win while there

 

 

 

What stories do you remember hearing at Brdigeport about the legendary Manute Bol and Japhet Mcneil who has enjoyed  a long career in Germany and is still playing now-

 

I heard great stories of the two players Manute Bol and Japhet McNeil. They were great players who in their era at Bridgeport were fun to watch. They are remembered for their accomplishments and stellar careers.

 

 

How did you benefit from head coach Mike Ruane in your years at Bridgeport? How were you a better player when you left?

 

I benefited from coach Mike Ruane´s system while at Bridgeport. He is a big hearted guy who challenges his players. Also assistant coaches Kranthi Senahi and Will Logan did an amazing job with player development. I became a better player while at Bridgeport because of my teammates and competitive drills we did regularly.

 

 

 

 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Ernest Rouse?

 

 

 

I won one on on drills that’s one of my most favorite things to play. Nothing like a good sparring match!

 

 

 

 

If you had to construct your very own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick old or new?

 

If I had to build a NBA Mount Rushmore it would consist of Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Lebron James and Julius Erving

 

 

 

 

 

What is your personal opinion of the never ending debate about who is better Lebron or Jordan?

 

 

 

I personally think both players played in two different eras and were great in their prime.

 

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

The last movie I saw was mission impossible.

 

Thanks Naqwan for the chat.

Jordan Burris is a 26 year old 201cm forward from Bakersfield, California that completed his second season with BBC Coburg averaging 16,8ppg, 6,6rpg and 2,9apg. In the 2016-2017 season with BBC Coburg he averaged 21.4ppg, 8.8rpg, 2.3apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 69.2%. He started his basketball career in 2010 with Nevada (NCAA) where he played until 2013 playing 92 NCAA games. As a senior he moved on to CS San Bernar. (NCAA 2) playing 25 games: 14.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 72.0%. He turned professional in 2014 and played for teams like the Santa Monica Jump (IBL),  Reno Bighorns (D-League) and  Indiana Diesels (PBL). He spoke to German Hoops after his second season with BBC Coburg.

 

 

 

 

Jordan thanks for talking to German Hoops. You just compelted your second season in Germany with BBC Coburg. If someone had told you in September that the team would move back down to the Regionaliga would you have believed it?

 

No I wouldn’t have believed it but we had a lot of obstacles throughout the season that could of held any team back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After such a great first season with BBC Coburg where you moved from the Regionaliga to the pro B, how disappointing is the fact that the club was unable to stay in the Pro B?

 

 

 

It’s very disappointing because BBC Coburg is such a great club and we have great fan support. But like I said from injuries to coaching changes there was a lot of obstacles to overcome that most teams didn’t have to deal with.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BBC Coburg didn´t start off well losing it´s first three games, but then caught fire winning three of four games. What kind of atmosphere was within the team with that 3-4 record at that time?

 

I think we kept the same atmosphere all year. Every week we came in optimistic because we knew we had a good team we just couldn’t seem to get over the hump.

 

 

 

 

 

The club showed that they could win in crunch time at that moment beating Leverkusen and Wurzburg, but then it all went down hill. The team then lost 6 in a row including tight affairs against Iserlohn and Rhondorf. Was this the turning point of the season?

 

I don’t think that was the turning point. We beat Elchingen right before the break, which gave us some momentum. We just couldn’t capitalize on that momentum and ultimately we lost too many close games.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then came the huge 105-97 win against top team ScanPlus Baskets. One would have thought that after this big win, something would get ignited within the team, but you then proceeded to lose 6 of the last 8 games. Why do you feel after good moments, the club was unable to take the momentum and carry it into future wins?

 

Ultimately too many close losses I think we finished the season 9-19. And 13 of those losses were by 10 pts or less. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You were solid in the playdowns with a 3-3 record, but it wasn´t enough as Wurzburg remained in the Pro B with one win more. Was there a game in the playdowns what you feel cost the team the Pro B?

 

Yea I think the first game against Karlsruhe hurt us a lot. Karlsruhe is a good team but we came in to the play downs in a position where we needed to out play Wurzburg, so losing to the last place team was not an option. Also the game at Wurzburg was huge. But road games were not our friend all season.

 

 

 

 

 

The teams biggest handicap was their defense allowing 80 points per game. Why was the team unable to find a more consistent rhythm on the defensive end this season?

 

I think we were a very young team. I look at it like growing pains. No pain no gain. I think we are all better for having to go through a struggle like this.

 

 

 

 

It is no secret that success in the Pro B comes from having team unity, but also good imports and a good functioning German core. You had a lot of German experience on the club, but was the scoring depth missing at times from them?

 

No. Everybody played their part. We just came up just short too many times. I think if you look up  the “team efficiency” stat we were up towards the top or middle which is rare that you end up lower in the rankings.

 

 

 

 

I would imagine the season highlight was the win against the ScanPlus Baskets. What are your fondest memories of this win?

 

Yea that was definitely a highlight (also Eividas Moloschiakas hitting the game winner against Wurzburg). But my fondest memory of that was 4th qtr and overtime. We struggled all year closing games on the offensive and defensive end. So to find success against the eventual champions felt great. Everyone stepped up big in that game. Especially Byron

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let´s talk about your teammates. How much of a pleasure was it playing with American guard Byron Sanford. How did you see his game develop throughout the season and is he ready to tackle a higher level?

 

It’s great playing with B. His motor is so high and it rubs off on everyone. Especially me because we lived together, everything was a competition. Which leads to each person bringing out the best in the other. He’s also very skilled and has a high basketball IQ. It’s hard coming over and adjusting to a different play style and different rules, but Byron handled it with ease, which says a lot about him. He’s definitely ready to succeed at a higher level.

 

 

 

 

How did you experience the daily battles with Anell Alexis on the court. He is in a way similar to you in that he is also trying to establish himself more in Europe. How do you feel did he profit from your game and vice versa?

 

Anell was very fun to play with. Like you said we play the same position so every day we competed (I always won of course😉). And his basketball IQ is very high and he can guard almost every position. He’s very versatile. Definitely benefited from playing with him. And I hope he feels the same about playing with me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How long did it take for you to find out who Anell Alexis´s dad was? Do you remember hearing stories from back in the day?

 

Not long. His dad is a legend out here. I heard a couple stories from back in the day about how he dominated at Alba Berlin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You played with many talented Germans, but if you had to pick one who developed the best who would you pick?

 

That’s a tough question. We had so much talent. Chris Wolf is a great shooter and smart player and great competitor . Max Von Der Wippel is a huge body but still has soft touch around the rim. Steffen Walde throws some of the most amazing passes I’ve ever seen and finishes with kyrie irving like layups! Yasin Turan is the prototypical point guard and plays with so much heart. Eividas Moloschiakas great shooter, great passer and great defender. Daniel Stawowski might be the best post scorer I’ve ever played with. Kevin Eich is a great shooter with a great handle on the ball to set up teammates. Sinan Özdil was the most talented person in life. He’s literally good at everything. Matze Fichtner is an excellent shooter with unreal athleticism, I’m really excited for his future. Even our young guys Bauer, Ben, and Louis showed good signs and got better throughout the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let´s talk about your game. This season in the Pro B you averaged 16,8ppg, 6,6rpg and 2,9apg. How content were you with your game this season?

 

I’m never content. I’m always looking for ways to improve myself and the play of the team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You played about the same minutes as in the Regionaliga, but averaged 4ppg and 2,rpg less. What kind of adjustment was it for you coming from the Regionaliga to the Pro B?

 

It was definitely a different level of play. I think the two major differences were the level of talent and the other teams preparation. I didn’t get a lot of wide open shots like I did in Regionliga. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do you feel has your game developed since coming to Coburg in 2016? How would you describe Jordan Burris the player in April 2018?

 

 

Like I mentioned before Germany has a different style of play than the U.S. so I feel that I’ve incorporated both into one to become a better player. It’s made my basketball IQ higher. Also I was one of the older guys on this years team so I feel that I grew a lot as a leader. All together I’m 2 years wiser and 2 years better than when I started in Coburg. And I feel that I’m entering my prime now as a player where I’m combining basketball IQ with my peak athleticism so I´m excited going forward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your three point shooting was down from 42% to 38% this season. What goals do you continue to have with your outside shooting? Do you feel like you can become a guy who can be around 40% or higher?

 

 

Yea I definitely feel that I’m a 40% or higher type of player from 3. This year I took a lot of late shot clock and half court buzzer beaters that dragged my percentage down a little. But no excuse those are shots that I expect to make still. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You also had six games with 5 or more assists and improved your assist average from last season. Do you feel like your creating for others has progressed having been introduced to the European game?

 

That was definitely a personal progression of mine. It just opens up the game for everyone. If the defense is worried about the pass, the drive and the 3 there is no way they can guard all 3. It also speaks a lot to my teammates that had to finish the plays and make shots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You stated in our first interview that a hidden strength is your communication. How tough was it for you this season as being the glue guy having to accept the losing? What positives can you take from the season that will make your game stronger in the future?

 

It’s tough on everyone when you have a losing season. But some positives I took from the season was learning how to be a better leader,  learning the importance of communication on and off the court whether winning or losing. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your best personal game was probably the win against the ScanPlus Baskets where you steered home 32 points, but let me unearth another good game in the 90-78 win against Wurzburg where you had 14 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 steals. With all the games you play is that a game you still remember?

 

Yea that was one of my most complete games of the season. Also the one time we beat Munich. I think I finished with 16 pts, 10 rebs, 8 asts, and 4/5 stls. But the most important stat in all 3 of the games is that we won. 

 

 

 

How cool was it seeing Pro B guys Kameron Taylor, Jeril Taylor and Miles Jackson-Cartwright make the jump to the easyCredit BBL. Does that give hope for you in the unending process in your quest to move up the basketball ladder?

 

It gives me confidence I know those players are good but it also lets me know that I can definitely compete at the highest level. I’m happy for them and wish them nothing but success and health!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the next step for Jordan Burris? Would you like to stay in Germany or test another country?

 

That’s one thing about this game and lifestyle is that the next step is so unpredictable. It’s fun but also makes you nervous you know? I’m confident that things will play out for the best though! 

 

 

 

 

 

How does a summer work out day look like for you on and off the floor? On what things will you be working on this summer to keep tweaking your game?

 

Summer workout consists of 2/3 workouts a day. In the morning I try to lift and do a basketball workout. Then afternoon come in and get some shots up. Then at night play open run 5 on 5 to get some cardio and work on new moves. I really enjoy the summer grind. This summer I’m looking to add some post moves and work on explosiveness as well as tuning up some areas I’m already strong in. 

 

 

 

 

 

Any chance of catching up with Kobe Bryant this summer? You were in a commercial with him some years ago. Did some kind of connection remain with him or is he just to big to keep a connection like that?

 

I haven’t kept in contact with him but that’s still one of my fondest memories. He’s my favorite player and a legend so even if it was for just a couple hours getting to pick his brain and him personally giving me a lesson on his fadeaway was a once in a lifetime unforgettable experience for me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

That’s a tough question because there was a lot of talent this year but I would say Kam Taylor and Karim Jallow were the toughest competitors. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How did you experience the 2018 NCAA March Madness? What was the most spectacular upset in the tournament?

 

 

I actually didn’t get to watch much college basketball this year given the time difference. But my Alma Mater University of Nevada, Reno advanced to the sweet sixteen so that was pretty cool to see!

 

 

 

 

Deandre Ayton seems lie he could be the #1 NBA draft pick in 2018. But having been in Europe this season you must of seen some highlights of Real Madrid´s 19 year old stand out Luca Doncic who belonged to the best players in the Euroleague. Should a guy like that be the automatic #1 pick just from sheer experience and talent?

 

I got to watch a little bit of both and I don’t think you can go wrong with either one. Both are very young and very talented.

 

 

 

 

 

Lebron James makes amazing passes in every game, but really showcased it in a game this season against the Los Angeles Lakers. He already is like a point guard, but if he played just point guard and concentrated only on playmaking how many assists do you feel would he average per game?

 

Lebron is one of the greatest players to ever live. There’s no telling how many assists he could average. Same thing can be said for scoring or rebounding. If he decided to focus on only one thing there’s no telling how great he could be at each one individually. But that’s what makes him great is that he does it all.

 

Thanks Jordan for the chat.