Kris Douse is a 29 year old 198cm forward from Toronto, Canada that is playing for Regionaliga team Cuxhaven on a try out.He played at Laurinburg (N.C.) Institute while Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson played at Laurinburg (N.C.) prep. He started his college career at  Nebraska (NCAA) and then played two seasons at Delaware State. As a senior he played at Point Park (NAIA) playing 27 games: 20.1ppg, 12.6rpg. In 2011-2012 he started his professional basketball career at Liverpool Mersey Tigers (United Kingdom-BBL, starting five): 18 games: 15.9ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 13.6%, FT: 54.6%; then agreed terms with Keflavik (Iceland-Express League): 6 games: 9.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 44.7%, FT: 69%.In the 2012-2013 season he played for Turi Svitavy (Czech Republic-NBL): 2 games: 0pts, left in Oct.’12, in Nov.’12 moved to BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 17 games: 14.1ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3Pts: 10.0%, FT: 50.4%. In the 2013-2014 seaosn he played for EVL-Baskets Limburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 25 games: 26.2ppg, 11.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 58.4%, 3Pts: 32.1%, FT: 59.1%Last season he played for Plymouth University Raiders (United Kingdom-BBL): 3 games: 5.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3bpg, in Nov.’15 moved to Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus-Division A): 6 games: 1.5ppg, 1.7rpg, in Jan.’15 signed at SG ErftBaskets Euskirchen (Germany-Regionalliga): 9 games: 21.8ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.7spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 62.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the exhibition game against the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven.

Kris welcome back to Germany. After three seasons in the German Regionaliga with Aschersleben, Limburg and Euskirchen where you put up big stats, you get a try out with Cuxhaven. Is that not kind of an insult when considering you are good enough to play in higher leagues in Germany?

I think sometimes numbers can be hard to judge and considering cuxhaven just was in the Pro A I think they aren’t so easy to impress with just statistics I believe they want to know whoever they bring in personally. I feel they are more interested in bringing in the right personality then just talent and I feel that is a positive thing

What kind of experience have the first days in Cuxhaven been with the team? Does one notice the sadness still that the city went from being a Pro A team to a Regionaliga team from one day to the next?

I really like the city it’s beautiful and reminds me a bit of a city I played in when I was in the UK at Plymouth as far as The environment I think it’s been extremely hard on Cuxhaven fans because they are diehard fans and they bleed cuxhaven but I also believe the performance we displayed today had people a lot more enthusiastic but I can’t lie I wanted to win the game against Bremerhaven

Cuxhaven has four Croatians on the team. Have you felt more team basketball on the team with these guys on the team?

Well this is only my third day here but they bring their own style and personality to the team I love the toughness they bring to the team today showed me them as well as the other guys on the team are warriors and have my ultimate respect

How well do you feel that you have been harmonizing with Deon Mitchell who played at Northern Iowa? This is also a guy that on paper seems to be able to play at a higher level.

Ahhhh Deon is a hell of a player with an incredibly bright future ahead of him and what I like most about his game is that for a young player he is really mature and confident out there on the court and he is definitely a spectacular talent and a joy to play with

You have played for so many teams in Germany played in the UK, Cyprus and Iceland that it seems like you have no problems adjusting to a new situation. What is your main goal besides getting a contract for the season?

I just want show my improvement I thank God every day for taking me to Cyprus and showing me a high level of basketball. It changed my approach to the game and ultimately led to me working my tail off this summer in a way I never have before I just want to get another shot at that high level again sometime in the future and show I can play with the big dogs

Do you see yourself having a big season like in Limburg or is the talent level to high in Cuxhaven?

I feel I can have an amazing season here and win statistically I’m not so worried about I feel that I’ve shown on multiple occasions I can fill up the hole at this level but I want to show that in a great program such as Cuxhaven I can win and I know that I’m better than I have ever been

You were down by four points at halftime in a test game to BBL team Bremerhaven, but lost 85-62 and you held your own with 14 points. What kind of experience was this for you?

I loved it and would like to thank both Cuxhaven and Bremerhaven for giving me an opportunity just to be a part of that game and matching my talents with the best in Germany and it was a hell of an experience

Did this really heighten your confidence level knowing you can play with BBL players?

My confidence right now is at a whole different level and it just makes me want to work harder because I still see that I can get better in so many ways. I’m so excited for whatever journey basketball takes me on this season I am going to be ready in a big way

Besides trying to help your team, make right decisions and contribute, were you able to pick up things from the BBL players or were you too focused on your own team?

I’m a student of the game and I enjoy learning I’m always trying to pick up little things to add to my own understanding of the game especially since that’s where I would love to be someday but what I took notice to the most was the intensity they bring on the defensive end. It is really really something they play with such a high level of energy which made it easier on me to match it and push myself to try to play on that same level of passion it really motivated me to give my all on that court today

You played against ex NBA player Jerry Smith, ex German national player Philipp Zwiener who played at the 2008 Olympics as well as top players like Larry Gordon and Brandyn Curry. Does a game like this give you even more incentive to work hard and prove that you can play at a higher level?

It really gave me a lot I’m so easily motivated and this was something I needed something to chase for the year when I’m in the gym practice weight room I’m going to be thinking about what player’s on that level are doing I don’t take the experience lightly not everyday someone gets the opportunity to play against a BBL team I’m taking a lot from the opportunity that I had tonight

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

Lebron is a hybrid player to me. He is Magic and Scottie Pippen wrapped in one and is a player we have never seen before with his physical gifts and understanding of the game and in my opinion will be remembered as one of the greats but Jordan to me revolutionized the game of basketball until this day we all dream to play like Mike did just for a moment he was a savage on the court and dominated the game I mean he is one of the few who never lost in the finals and it says a lot about him he is the G.O.A.T

What was the last movie that you saw?

Ted 2 had me cracking up loved that movie.

Thanks Kris for the chat.

Cory Cooperwood is a 27 year old 200cm forward from Kensett, Arkansas that recently finished his first season in Germany for the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau playing Hebeisen White Wings Hanau playing 21 games averaging 13.7ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 54.0%, 3FGP: 30.8%, FT: 77.4%. He played at Wright State and as a senior played Wright St. (NCAA) playing 32 games: 9.3ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 71.2%. He got brief basketball experience in Finland and in the American IBL playing for Dayton before moving to Australia in 2012. In his first season in Australia he played for the Sandringham Sabres (Australia-ABA, starting five): 27 games: 18.7ppg, 9.6rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 63.0%. He played the last two seasons for the Stirling Senators (Australia-SBL) and last season played 24 games averaging 18.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 5.3apg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.4%. This past summer he played for the Geraldton Buccaneers (Australia-SBL) playing nine games averaging 11,6ppg, 6,4rpg and 1,1apg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Cory thanks for talking to German Hoops. You had no summer in the states as you had a time period between April and May of six weeks were you had off between Hanau and Australia. Was this a time to relax or were you staying in shape at this time?

I came to Australia on vacation to visit my girlfriend. Once in Australia I was asked to play for remainder of the SBL season.

This was your fourth American summer in a row where you played in Australia. Is the extra court competition worth more to you than the boring day to day work out grind during the summer in the States?

I think so, it is fun to play year around. Playing in Australia is a good way to stay in shape and have a vacation at the same time.

This summer you played for the Geraldton Buccaneers (Australia-SBL). How beneficial were these three months and what did you try to work on most on your game in game time situations?

This is a perfect time to practice moves and use them in games in the summer. This is when I decide on what moves I keep or throw away. My main focus has been one on one moves from the perimeter.

You played your first season in Germany last season with the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau (Germany-ProB) playing 21 games and averaging 13.7ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 54.0%, 3FGP: 30.8%, FT: 77.4%. How pleased were you with your play in the German pro B?

I felt like it was a solid year. I left Germany with a new understanding of the type of basketball that is played in Europe. I study my game film from this past season and think the improvements of my game will be evident this coming basketball season.

The Hebeisen White Wings had a tough playoff loss to eventual finalist Rostock. What do you think was missing in game three from winning that do or die game? •

I think toughness was the main factor in that game.

Except for a few games against Speyer and game three against Rostock which you might want to forget where you scored only two points, but didn´t get many shots, you scored in double figures in 17 of 21 games. Has consistency always come easy to you on the court?

I feel as if I can consistently play hard, scoring will take care of itself. I try not to think to much during games. That’s when mistakes happened. I just play hard and use my basketball instinct.

You had many good games, but what was your personal season highlight? Possibly the wins against Frankfurt, Wurzburg or Bochum?

I think the third Bochum playoff game would have to be my favorite one. Scoring 24 points and advancing to the next round felt good.

You played the last three summers in Australia, but didn´t have a team in Europe. If you don´t find a team now would you consider playing in the minor leagues in the states this season?

I honestly haven’t gave it much thought about playing in a minor league. I just take it one day at a time and work on my game. Everything else will take care of its self.

If you had to describe yourself on the court and why you could help any team now how would you do it best?

I consider myself as a blue collar worker that brings energy to a team. I am a player that can make an immediate impact when I step on the basketball court. Talking, playing good defense and communicating with my teammates comes natural to me.

What was the most amazing thing that you remember American Cardell Mcfarland doing on the court last season?

The way he plays in the open court on the fast break is amazing. He is a constant threat on the offensive end of the court.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

The only person that can be compared to Michael is Kobe. I really feel that Lebron is more like Scottie Pippen than Michael Jordan.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Jurassic World.

Thanks Cory for the chat.

Orlan Jackman is a 27 year old 201cm forward that recently finished his second season with the the NOMA Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB)playing 28 games averaging 16.0ppg, 8.4rpg, 2.7apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 73.1% He started his basketball career at Seminole State (JUCO).He then played two years at Oklahoma City University (NAIA): 27 games: 13.4ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 69.6%. In 2012 he started his professional basketball career with the London Lions (BBL) playing 30 games: 16.0ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 60.8%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Orlan thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

Right now, I’m in Thailand exploring the world because of the break we get from basketball and trying a bit of cross training as I heard it does wonders for the body along with rest. Summer workouts have been going extremely well both on and off the court, I love working on my game and seeing my game improve during the summer runs I attend with all the pros back from different countries and off the court I’ve been learning about the game from the coach’s side.

It is mid August and you are still unsigned at the moment. Are you feeling a bit nervous that you are still unsigned?

It’s the nature of the business, supply and demand. The supply outweighs the demand and so things get overlooked but I have faith in my ability as a player and the agency working for me that we will find the perfect fit for me.

The last two years you played with the Iserlohn Roosters moving up from the Regionaliga to the Pro B. Would you have stayed with Iserlohn had they won the German Pro B and moved up to the German Pro A?

That would have been the perfect way to enter the Pro A, with the same team that signed me two years ago. The friendships, the management, the sponsors, the whole organization and I would have loved it.

Was staying in the German Pro B not an option? Obviously you had a great season in the Pro B so making the next step was on the agenda for you?

Every year, I want to improve. Improve my stats, improve the level of competition and mostly improve everything in every aspect of life. So with that being said, it’s only right that I try to improve the league that I would attempt to play in.

Last season for Iserlohn you played 28 games averaging 16.0ppg, 8.4rpg, 2.7apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 73.1%. How upsetting was losing 2-0 to SC Rist Wedel when many had predicted Iserlohn as winning the Pro B!

At the start of the season, my teammates read a magazine that said we would be struggling to stay in the Pro B, so from the beginning, no one thought we would even survive in the Pro B. As the season went on and teams saw that we were for real, we had built a level of expectation that we should do something special. SC Rist Wedel came out and done what they had to do and beat us, it was very upsetting, but to see how we grew as a team and with the young players/team we had. It was still something special.

You scored in double figures in 26 of 28 games and except for a 8 point game against Wurzburg and 1 point game against BG Karlsruhe, you dominated every game. What grade would you give your season?

B-… Every team’s end goal should be to want to win a championship! We had a very real opportunity to do that with the team we had. We didn’t and I demand and high level from myself, at all times. I am my own worst critic

Do you see your ex teammate Moritz Krume making the next step in the Beko BBL with Phoenix Hagen?

I’m proud of Mo! (I won’t use his other nicknames) I’ve seen the dedication it takes to be a double licence German player, first hand with the travelling and extra training sessions he has with Phoenix. I hope he gets to show his true potential.

What will always be your fondest memory of two years Mathias Grothe as head coach behind the bench?

I won’t talk about the times he fell over playing soccer or the time I took his money at poker by winning the tournament or the jokes before film session, I think the best memories I have of him would be when we beat BG Hagen in Hagen and just about secured promotion or when we came from 14 points down against Schalke to win in OT! Shout out to Thomas and Yannick!

You had a try out with Pro A team Hebeisen White Wings Hanau. What kind of experience was that for you?

It was just talks between them and my agent, I really don’t know what happened if I’m honest.

How confident are you that you could make the next step in the German Pro A if you were given the chance?

I’m 100% confident in my ability and work rate to know that I’ll be an impact player if given the chance. In the pre season, we played against some Pro A teams and I’m sure I can make a big difference.

After two seasons in Germany, it looks like you may return back to England to continue your career. Is it possible to have a satisfying career in the UK if one would accept it? Would you be happy playing many years in the future in your home country?

Players have made a great living from solely playing in the UK, plus it’s a growing market. I would love to play in my own country, if given the right situation. The right situation is harder to find in the UK than it is aboard.

If you had to sell yourself in a few sentences as to why you could help any team now how would you do it?

My numbers are good, my work rate is better and I’m coachable! Good scorer, great defender and even better teammate.

How does a summer work out day look like for you in the summer of 2015?

Wake up and make something good to eat then go to lift weights, after weight lifting it’s form shooting and ball handling. Once that’s completed it’s lay up drills and mid range jump shots. After that I go home and grab something to eat and then go to an open run where I know the competition will be good to put what I’ve worked on into real game situation.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

LeBron shouldn’t be compared to MJ because he’s not that type of player, if he should be compared to anyone it should be Magic Johnson because of his willingness to get others involved. But I will say this, Lebron has done things that no one has ever done. They gave the MVP of the finals to the guy that was guarding him.

What was the last movie that you saw?

It was an English movie called ‘Hackney’s Finest’.

Thanks Orlan for the chat

Jacob Burtschi is a 31 year old 198cm forward from Chickasha, Oklahoma that will be playing his sixth professional season and first with the Nilan Bisons Loimaa (Finland-Korisliiga). He played at the Air Force from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 35 games averaging 13.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3Pts: 39.0%, FT: 77.3%. As a rookie in 2010-2011 he played for Phoenix Hagen averaging 14.2ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-3(1.5spg), FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 82.2%. In the 2011-2012 season he played for  CAI Zaragoza (Spain-ACB) playing 9 games averaging 2.6ppg, 2.4rpg; left in Nov.’11, in Dec.’11 moved to Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL): German League: 22 games: 8.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 87.5%; EuroCup: 2 games: 5.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg. In the 2012-2013 season he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-BBL) playing 33 games: 9.8ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 45.9%, 3FGP: 40.3%, FT: 89.3%. He played the last two seasons for the Fraport Skyliners and last season played EuroChallenge playing 8 games averaging 8.6ppg, 7reb, 2ast, 1steal and 15 BBL games averaging 7.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 87.5%. In three seasons for Frankfurt he played a total of 63 BBL games. He talked to German Hoops about his new job in Finland and ex team Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks for talking to German Hoops Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

I’m currently in Oklahoma City, OK. The summer has been great. Traveled some and spent some time on the lake.

How long can you hold out in a sauna and are you looking forward to getting to know how it is in a real Finish Sauna?

I’d say 15 minutes and I guess we will see what the Finnish sauna is all about.

The news came tonight that you have signed with Nilan Bisons Loimaa (Finland-Korisliiga). The Fraport Skyliners kept Aaron Doornekamp. Did you know then that your days in Frankfurt were over?

Had a good feeling. Gordy and I have a great relationship and we are always straight with each other. Aaron is a great player and can play more than one position. So having me come back would just take away minutes from both of us.

When you look back at last season you came in late to the Fraport Skyliners, but helped the club reach the playoffs again, Eurochallenge Final 4 and hit your ex team Bremerhaven with 36 points. Were you pleased with your game despite coming so late to Frankfurt and coming back from injury?

A little less than pleased. It was great to be back and play. Had some good games but I didn’t exactly play well in the playoffs vs Munich when it really mattered.

Your season highlight was probably your 10 three pointers and 36 points against Bremerhaven. How often as a player do you question yourself why it isn´t possible to hit more three pointers at a consistent rate like that?

Sometimes it’s getting that many looks or just being in rhythm. That’s s once in a lifetime kind of night.

You have signed with Nilan Bisons Loimaa (Finland-Korisliiga). How important was it that ex Skyliner Mikko Koivisto was on the team. How much did that weigh in on your decision to come here?

Mikko helped play a big role. Not only to recruit me but also encourage the coaches to take a chance on me.

The team also plays in two leagues with the Finish league and VTB league that will take you to countries like Russia, Estonia, Czech Republic, Latvia, Georgia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. This will be a very rigorous travel schedule. Could this season be the biggest challenge in your professional career?

Traveling wise and taking care of my body, absolutely. This is a new and exciting challenge. Need to get over my fear of flying ASAP I guess.

You will be living in Loimaa which is a tad bigger than your home town Chickasha,Oklahoma with 16,000 and like Quackenbruck home of the Artland Dragons. The nearest airport is about 60 kilometers away with city Turku. Will this be a place where you will totally be able to focus on basketball 100% again?

I’ll definitely be focused on basketball but everyone needs their breaks. I’ll have my Xbox and golf clubs to help from time to time to get away from ball.

Finland is known as a league where Americans get many minutes and score much. Could this be a season where you will find your consistent scoring touch again?

Well only in Hagen I have been needed as a scorer. Everywhere else I am more of a glue guy. There are a lot more better scorers out there than me on most teams so I just try and get them the ball. I’m happy to get Wins, not points.

At the moment you are the oldest player on the team. Besides adding experience and helping the younger players, do you see yourself also being a type of glue player?

I guess you could say that. I’m an easy going guy that can connect with people pretty well. So hopefully I can help keep a good team chemistry going.

You are 31 years old and not getting younger. What have you learned to appreciate most as a professional basketball player as you get older?

Cherish these moments. I know I don’t have a ton of years left so I’m enjoying the ride.

You were teammates with Danilo Barthel for three seasons and saw him as a shy, but hungry and talented player come on the scene in 2011 to being a BBL allstar and NBA Summer league player. What did you appreciate most in his development while you were in Frankfurt?

It was great to watch him develop. From a timid player to a monster to deal with now. He has made huge strides and is still getting better.

Where will the journey of the Oklahoma Thunder go this season in the NBA?

Hopefully they win it, but I won’t lose any sleep if they don’t.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

One day he will. What he did in the finals is unheard of. Have to respect him.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Gift.

Thanks Jacob for the chat.

Garlon Green is a 24 year old 201cm swing man from Missouri City, Texas that will be playing his third professional season and first in Germany with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen after stops in the D-League, Australia and Japan. He played at TCU (NCAA) from 2009-2013 playing a total of 125 NCAA games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 9.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 36.6%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 77.5%. He started his professional basketball career in 2013 with the Frisco Texas Legends (D-League), in Dec.’13 signed at Canberra Gunners (Australia-SEABL) playing 25 games: 23.6ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 72.9%. Last season he played for the Kumamoto Vorters (Japan-NBL) playing : 53 games: 18.0ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 78.9%. He spoke to German Hoops recently when he was still in the States before ehading to Germany to play for the Walter TIgers Tuebingen.

Thanks Garlon for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

Good, enjoying time back in America with my family

Congrats on signing with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. You were in Las Vegas and that is where head coach Igor Perovic noticed you. How was this whole Las Vegas experience for you?

It was really good, the camp gave me and a few other guys to showcase ourselves in front of European teams

Were you able to see some of the NBA Summer League games? If so what player really impressed you the most and has the best chance of being an NBA player?

Stanley Johnson looked really impressive with his size and ability to finish with contact at the NBA level.

What do you know about the country Germany and its basketball? Do you have any friends playing here?

I know it’s a really good league. My former AAU teammate Rubit Augustine and new teammate Jesse Sanders are both hometown friends

Your athleticism is what everyone marvels about when they talk about you. Would you classify yourself as a freak athlete?

It’s kind of hard to think of myself as a “freak athlete” but it’s nice to know people enjoy how I play

Head coach Igor Perovic also stated that you’re a good shooter, defender and have an uncanny ability of driving past and over bigger players. To what NBA player would you describe your game?

Dwayne Wade and Andre Igoudala.

After two massive seasons in Australia and Japan where you averaged 23ppg and 18ppg, you now enter the more skilled and competitive German Beko BBL. With what kind of personal expectations are you going into the season?

I’m just looking to be me, I feel playing in the big 12 and against high level NBA pros over the summer I can compete with anyone in the world

How excited are you be teammates with point guard Jessie Sanders who you played against in high school? Have you seen him over the summers in Texas? What is his biggest asset?

I’m extremely excited to be playing with Jesse. We actually train together sometimes and we have both talked about hoping to play with each other in the near future. He is a big guard who can defend and a great ability to get guys in great positions to score.

Last season you played for Kumamoto Vorters (Japan-NBL) dominating the league and scored in double figures in 46 of 53 games. Did it sometimes feel like you were a man playing with boys?

No I would not say that, there are guys there who have NBA experience or could definitely play at any high level

As a rookie you played for Canberra Gunners (Australia-SEABL) playing 25 games: 23.6ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 72.9%. The weather was probably nice like in Texas, but other than that what was your wake up call to be a rookie down under where you knew that you were very far away from home?

Yea it was definitely an humbling wake up call but it was a good time for me. Some of the guys I played with will be my forever friends

What is it like in general being the brother of an NBA player like Gerald Green? I bet it was cool when you were 14 when he entered the NBA. Did you get many fringe benefits?

It’s feels kind of normal to me because that’s my brother. I don’t see him as “Gerald Green the NBA player” He is the same older brother who drinks all the soda

What do you remember from the 2007 NBA slam dunk contest that your brother won? Did you think that he had any chance of winning it before it started?

Honestly at the time I didn’t know who he was actually going against or if they could jump like him. I just knew my brother was by far the highest jumper I’ve ever seen

Your brother is only five years older than you, but because he went straight to the NBA out of high school had more time as a professional and will be starting his 11th season. Does that feel strange at times how long he has been on the NBA scene? What do you cherish most out of this brother/brother relationship.

He is my brother and I love him just like my other siblings

You also are a very talented dunker. You were the best dunker in Houston and took part at the college dunk contest in 2013. Did you get tips from your brother over the years or has it been developing your own style your biggest priority?

No I definitely took tips from him and my dad who also was a great athlete

TCU didn´t win any titles with you, but you still achieved so many personal records. Was becoming the 31st player to enter the 1000 club your biggest achievement there?

It’s always good to make your mark on school history

You had two coaches at TCU with Trent Johnson in your senior year and Jim Christian in your first three seasons. How did these two guys combine to prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?

Both prepared me uniquely in their own way to get me to this point today. I try to be a student and really learn from all the coaches that I’ve played under

Your ex teammate Connell Crossland played at Herten in Germany and you were also teammates at TCU. Who would win a one on one in practice you or him?

Connell Crossland is an athlete !

Where will the journey of the Houston Rockets go this season? Will they make some noise in the playoffs?

I’m a fan of the Hometown so I hope they do big things this year

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan?

I think he is going to go down as one of the greatest of all time

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was Jurassic World.

Thanks Garlon for the chat.

Torvoris Baker is a 32 year old 201cm forward that was born in Albany, Georgia and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He played at Detroit Mercy (NCAA) and as a senior in 2005-2006 he played 32 games averaging 8.9ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.3apg, FG: 50.6%, 3PT: 11.1%, FT: 64.1%. He turned professional in 2006 and as a rookie played for Neptune Cork (Ireland-SuperLeague) playing 16 games averaging 23.0ppg, 14.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 65.5%, FT: 44.2%. He came to Germany in 2007 and has never left having played for teams like Herten, Chemnitz, Osnabrueck, Wurzburg and the last four years with Gotha. He has played a total of 169 Pro A games. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Torvoris thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

Hi Miles. Thanks for having me for this interview. At the moment I am in Osnabrück, Germany. A second to America for me. My summer was a bit stressful. Top priorities were to make sure my wife and I find an apartment because we knew I wouldn’t be resigning with Gotha. Secondly, arranging how we would move and finally, keeping myself fit for any tryouts I may have. In which I only had one in Hanau. Was in talks with Elchingen but they folded their cards before I could even get there. So yeah, that’s my summer in a nutshell.

Its mid August and you still don´t have a team. You have played the last eight years in Germany. Are you getting a little nervous now about finding a team?

Funny that you ask because earlier in my career after playing for Chemnitz and Osnabrück in which I believe were decent years for me. I also was forced into waiting until mid August to sign. After these situations I decided to stay in Germany over the summer for tryout availability.This year the feeling of no team being interested is very frustrating.

I am shocked that you have had no interest from teams. Is it fair for one poor season to really have such a big factor in how teams view the abilities of a player?

This thought crossed my mind that whole season as I predicted in the summer before I resigned with Gotha that I wouldn’t get to play. I thought that even with a poor season, my name and what I accomplished here in Germany would be enough to get a team. Even if I had to take 1 or 2 steps back in leagues.

Has there been a single person that really has kept you positive this summer during this more down time as teams haven´t been knocking on your door?

My wife would help keep my head clear in times where I felt like there was no hope. Also conversations with my mother and just believing that God has a plan for me.

You aren´t necessarily getting any younger at age 32. Do you feel like perhaps your age could slowly be scaring teams away?

To tell you the truth, my age is not factor yet. Lol! I know for sure that I can still keep up with the young guys. For instance, last season we had a young team in Gotha and I felt good in every training sessions.

You played the last four years with Gotha. After two strong statistical seasons there, you averaged only 7,9ppg in your third season and last season 2,5ppg in 18 games. Was the emergence of Will Reinke what got in the way even though you didn´t have him in competition at your position?

Actually Will played the center position. Great player though. Weird that he hasn’t signed with a team yet. But anyway, there were two good German players playing in my position and I was told that, “it was difficult to find playing time for me because of the German player rules”. 2 Germans on the court at all times. Same situation my third year in Gotha for the first half of the season. But it was unfortunate that this season Jan Lipke dislocated his knee but fortunate for me as playing time opened up for me. 15 minutes 10pts and 5rebs is what I averaged in the second half of that season and helping the team reach a playoff birth.

Did something get in the way with the relationship with head coach Chris Ensminger last season? Was it one of those situations where a player shouldn´t take it personally because basketball decisions always take top priority?

First of all I would like to say the coaching staff and management did a great job last season. My relationship with Ensminger I would say was more like a hi and bye situation. I mean we talked rarely. I understand that this is a business and with that being said sometimes we have to make business decisions. But if a player comes and works his/her ass off in every training sessions and I know that he/she can get the job done from jump ball to the end of the fourth quarter, I will give that player what’s due to them. I’m the type of person that if I tell you will play 15-20 minutes for me then you will. Unless you are not performing well. Not because of a rule. I was told that if I was in the game and a German player wasn’t performing and an import had to be substituted in the game then I would be substituted out to bring in another German player.After my third season in Gotha only getting to play because of injury problems of my teammates, I was hesitant to play another season in Gotha. I was convinced that I would get that playing time that I was afraid I wouldn’t receive and asked to return another season.I chose to stay because I had once again no offers and I have a family so my decision was also based on what’s best for them.

In the 2012-2013 season you averaged 12.8ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 72.0%. You opted to stay with Gotha with new head coach Chris Ensminger coming in. When you look back would this not have been the perfect opportunity to tackle the BBL more or were there no offers at that time?

BBL would have been nice. But I found Gotha to be the perfect situation. I can remember that year Ensminger didn’t want to have as a player but was convinced by owner and president Frau Kollmar that I could get the job done. I had no other offers after that decent season. In which was also frustrating. Well I had one. But it was to play for the second team in Gotha.

Another Pro A veteran Ahmad Smith who you were teammates with also is jobless and trying to find a team. Does it surprise you that he also is looking for a team like you?

I’m very surprised. Ahmad and I go back to playing against each other in Ireland. Ahmad is a great player. Unfortunately we didn’t get to play a whole season together in Gotha. Enjoyed playing with him. Ahmad’s basketball IQ is one of the best at the pg position. He’s like a triple double machine. Wherever he ends up playing, that club will have made a great choice.

Even early in your professional basketball career in Germany you had strong seasons with Chemnitz and Osnabrueck. If you had to sell yourself best as to why you could help any team in Germany now how would you do it?

I’m not really a talker because I believe in the SHOW ME term. But if I had to sale myself through talk. No words would better describe me than LOYAL. Whatever is needed from me I will get the job done and if not I will find with any means necessary I will find the solution. There is no other way. This is my job and I must get it done.

At the age of 32, you have unending experience. What skill could you also give to young players on a team with your words and not necessarily only with actions on the court?

Personally I believe every player should be treated the same as far as relationship. Not every player will get the playing time that they want. But having a true relationship with all players is important. Communication is the key with all relationships. It makes everyone feel important to the plan for the season. This is what I tried to with my teammates every season that were less unfortunate when it comes to playing time. Keep them positive and confident to where when they would come into the game that their confident level would be good enough to perform. You have a lot of guys as well as myself, that at times it’s hard to do your job if your coach and teammates don’t believe in you.

How does a summer work out day look like for you in 2015 on and off the court?

Thanks to Steffen Droske athletic trainer in Gotha. He kept me fit with weight lifting and conditioning program. Now that I’m in Osnabrück I will follow his philosophy and work on my own.

What do you see the Detroit Pistons achieving this season in the NBA?

Not really interested in the Pistons. Lakers fan!!! More interested to see how things unfold there.

What is the current state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath with a Michael Jordan?

I really don’t like to get into that topic. LBJ is one of the greats to do it but no besides Kobe will be the closest thing to Jordan. I mean I’m sure everyone knows Kobe Bryant has most if all moves that MJ has.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Haven’t watched movies lately but the movie that comes to mind is the last Rocky movie. Favorite scene is where he had a conversation with his son. A lot of motivational quotes in this movie. Thanks for your time Miles.

Thanks Torvoris for the chat.

Milen Brown is a 28 year old 191cm guard from Springfield Missouri that will be playing in Germany this season for Regionaliga team BBC Bayreuth and who has had  experience playing ball in the States as he started his basketall career at Bacone College (NAIA) and as a senior averaged 13,2ppg, 6,2rpg and 4,5apg. He led the Bacone team to a conference championship and a trip to play at the nationals. After finishing school, he signed in the Minor leagues with ABA team Texas Rimrockers and played there two seasons. He really didn’t need any time to adjust to the professional level as in his two seasons there, he averaged 17.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.8apg. Brown made a very good impression there as his spirit and athletcism really sparked his team each night out on the court. It seemed like after two strong seasons in the ABA, the American might be able to make the next step and possibly get signed in  Europe, but then he suffered a major set back in his life off the court. He lost his little brother to a car accident and then he just lost touch with basketball for a time as    coping with the loss of his loved one took a great toll on his body and mind. There  were times where he thought about giving up basketball to restart his life elsewhere, but his love for the game and drive to always get better were greater than that little  voice inside him that kept doubting his basketball dream. Brown stepped back on the court again and tried his first attempt of landing in europe with a French team, but that didn’t work out, so he stayed in the states and played for the Springfield Thrill in the UBL and played two seasons averaging 27.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.3 apg. In 2014 the American moved to Orlando, Florida on account of his wife getting a job there and he continued to play professionally with the South Florida Spartans of the CBDL and    there he averaged 17.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.1 apg. The first time in France didn’t work out, but he has gotten a second chance with BBC Bayreuth. Brown was recommended  to BBC Bayreuth Head coach Darko Mihajlovic who developed Fraport Skyliner  national player Johannes Vogtmann in Jena and was impressed by Brown after      seeing film. Brown now at the age of 28 can finally show his abilities at a different stage in Germany and knows that now its really time to do work, because he knows that not every player gets that second chance and that it isn’t self evident. The American is thrilled about joining BBC Bayreuth. “I joined BBC Bayreuth because I still believe in my talent and ability to shoot the rock from long range. Nothing has    ever been given to me with basketball, I’ve earned or went to take it. My goal is to    stay this time overseas by any means necessary by being a team player and  coachable on both ends of the floor”, stressed Milen Brown . One thing is for sure his little brother will be watching from above whenever Milen is playing in Germany this season. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Milen thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

No problem Miles, I’m currently in Orlando, FL at the moment, my summer has been a roller coaster with trying to figure out where my life is going at 28. I was in the process of becoming a sheriff but thought I’d give myself one last shot at basketball and thankful for God that it worked out.   

One thing I noticed about you is that you have a lot of fans or at least people that really care about you. This can´t only have to do with your ability, but this must also have to do with your character. Have you always been a popular guy in your life?

Since being a star in high school I’ve kind of been on the popular side at least the right peopleMy character hasn’t always been the best but these last few years life has humbled me into a better sibling, husband and most of all a better son of God.

I brought the story yesterday that you will start your overseas career in Germany with BBC Bayreuth. You fly over Monday. How excited are you to be making this adventure?

I’m very excited for this new journey in my life. Everything that I’ve been through these last 3 years have prepped me for this moment.

Talk a little how the contact came about with BBC Bayreuth? You had no real ties to Germany. I guess networking and internet can come in handy at times when looking for a job?

I basically just shot out some emails with my player profile and film. It was tough the first  week but as the summer went I kept getting many replies, I chose the one that had the best  situation that suited my life right now that could possibly set up my future.

Despite being 28 and playing in the minor leagues in the States do you feel a bit like an older kind of rookie coming to Germany?

Your only as old as you feel. I don’t feel any certain way, there are many of us that will go through life not getting opportunities to do what we love. I’m just blessed to be in this situation so I don’t consider my age.

You played in the minor leagues in the States the last years like the ABA and UBL. How did these experiences help you mature as a professional even if it was only semi-pro?

It definitely helped me gain more knowledge on the game in every way, whether it was knowing when and where to shoot along with how to break down a structured offense.

What do you know about the country Germany and its basketball there? Do you have any  friends playing in Germany

I just know about the food that my wife has told me about. I’ve talked to Kyle Weems who played n Bayreuth and he told me it’s a beautiful country.

There are so many guys like you that have the ability, but never really got a chance outside the States, but you will get it now in Germany. What really has kept you going all these years to go after your basketball dreams? Has the fact that people kept encouraging you that  you had the game to play at a higher level?

People have encouraged me all my life but I created the drive to always keep pushing no matter how many no’s I received. I would play in different leagues and open gyms, guys would always ask why aren’t you doing this overseas or the D-League. That question also  kept me going to prove that could play on any level if given the chance.

You lost your little brother a few years ago to a car accident. You had a rough period after  that, but recovered and kept your basketball dream alive. Has this situation made you stronger as a person on and off the court?

Man it was tough. I felt like the world stood still when I heard the news, even harder to view his body on a table. My blood pressure sky rocketed, instant nose bleed when I saw him lying there. After 2007 with losing my father me and both my brothers had grown really close. We had to be there for each other, so when he died he took a huge part of my heart with him. Definitely has made me a tougher person, I take nothing for granted.

Talk a little about your game? What are your biggest strengthes on the court and what do you do better now that at age 23 on the court?

I have an all around game. Everyone that has played against me knows I can shot, but also post up small guard using back to the basket to score easy buckets. Biggest strength is shooting from anywhere on the floor, what differs from now than at 23 is just knowledge of the game.

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

My quickness off the dribble is a shocker. I’m a natural born shooter from long range, I confuse players on how to guard me.

How did Juan Davis prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career when you were at Bacone?

Coach Davis treated me like family not just as a player. He always preached to go out and take what is not given. I appreciate the love he showed us as individuals.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

I absolutely hate this comparison Miles. Two different styles of play other than being great at what they do. Lebron is a monster but will never have the killer instinct that MJ had.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I watched Into the Woods, my wife watches the movies I normally wouldn’t but for some  reason I always end up liking them.

Thanks Milen for the chat.

Omari Knox is a 28 year old 188cm guard from Brooklyn, New York that is recently finished his fifth professional season first with the Rhein Stars Koeln (Germany-Regionalliga) where he played 15 games averaging 13.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 80.6%. He started his basketball career with Bloomfield (NCAA2). In 2009, he started his basketball career in Germany with TSV Dachau Spurs (Germany-Regionalliga) where he played until 2014 playing a total of 99 games and last season played 24 games: 27.5ppg, 9.5rpg, 4.2apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3Pts: 34.7%, FT: 81.0%. In the last three seasons he averaged 26ppg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Omari thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

Hey Miles, It’s always a pleasure. I am currently in New Jersey. My summer has been pretty cool.

It is almost mid August and you are still looking for a team. Are you slowly getting nervous?

Yes, I definitely get a bit nervous whenever August comes around and I have not found a team. I have not had consistent representation throughout my career so I always tend to worry.

How has the team search been going this season in comparison to other years. You played four years with German Regionaliga team TSV Dachau Spurs that always kept you, but last season you made jump to aspiring RheinStars Cologne. Why has it been so difficult this summer to find a team?

The team search has been pretty difficult this season, since I am without an agent to represent me. In the past years I always had the option to return to Dachau but explored other options at the end of the season. This summer I haven’t had representation. Many teams, as I have discovered had assumed that I would be signed already or would have returned to Cologne so they did not bother to reach out to me.

Your in the best basketball age at age 28. Does it feel like there are many guards around in the world like leaves on a tree?

I feel that I’m in great shape at age 28. I think that there are just so many guards around the world like leaves on a tree.

How confident are you that you will still find a team and who has been supporting you most this summer with keeping your head up?

Even though it is pretty late in the signing process, I feel confident that someone is going to sign me for this season. I have been getting help and support from friends Moritz Korff and Fabian aka “Faboom”. They both try to keep my name out there in the market and let me know which teams are looking for players.

Last season you played for the Rhein Stars Koeln (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 15 games averaging 13.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 80.6%. With all circumstances how happy were you with your own performance in those 15 games?

I know that I could have played much better but it took some time for me to figure out exactly what my role would be for the team. I was coming from a team where I was asked to carry the bulk of the scoring load, to a team where I was surrounded by several talented and experienced players. It was not a problem for me that I wasn’t scoring huge numbers, as long as we were winning games.

Your season seemed to end in January when the club got American David Downs. Was there ever an explanation why they had to get him and you had to suffer not playing anymore?

We had some injuries within the team and the club needed to find possible replacements. When we were unable to find an EU or German guard, the club had to bring in another U.S. guard.

After being a star in the Regionaliga you suddenly didn´t play any more games, just practiced, got paid and watch games. How tough was this for your ego and how did you cope?

I admit this was a tough situation to be in, but (like I do with anything else) I made the best of it, and stayed professional. I enjoyed practice so I still was able to get plenty out of it, and stay in shape in case I decided to change teams. I also was able to play in the Pokal games with David which I enjoyed.

You have no bad words for the RheinStars Cologne. Despite not playing the second half of the season how would you describe the overall experience playing with future Beko BBL team RheinStars?

The overall experience with the Rheinstars was a success. Things did not go completely as planned, but in the end my job was to come in and help the team to win a championship and that goal was accomplished.

What did you learn in this season that you feel will help you as a player in the future?

Playing for Coach Mario and JJ Strasser, I have learned plenty! Playing in Europe the first few years, I was able to add more to things to my game, as well as gaining experience. However, I think that if I had landed a Pro A job immediately after playing in Dachau, it may not have worked out because there were so many important concepts that I had no idea about until playing this season. I enjoyed this season, regardless of how things ended and I will definitely be ready for whatever opportunity comes next.

If you could describe yourself in a few sentences as to why you could help any team now how would you do it?

I would describe myself as a multi-talented player with a team-first attitude. I am able to contribute to the team in many ways such as (scoring, defending, rebounding from the guard position, and distributing) My past numbers show that I can carry a team if necessary, but I’m also willing to do whatever it takes to win.

How does a normal summer work out day look like for you in the summer of 2015?

I run a mile in the morning (early before mid-day and it gets really hot). In the afternoon I go to the gym to work out. I lift weights first, and then get on the court to do some cone drills and get a lot of shots up.

What is the current state of Lebron James? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

Lebron James is a great player! The league has never seen anything like him before. However, he won’t be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Jurassic World.

Thanks Omari for the chat.

EJ Gallup is a 33 year old 193cm guard from Gloverville, New York that has been a professional basketball player since 2003. He is a very positive player on the court, who plays with talent and personality. Has great offensive skills and knows how to do at the defensive side. He started his basketball career at Albany (NCAA2) in 2000 and played there until 2002. He then transferred to Co.Carolina (NCAA) where he played until 2004. In his senior year, he played 29 games averaging 17.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 89.6%. He started his professional basketball career in 2006 with Albany Patrons (CBA). He then moved to Germany in the same season playing for ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 10 games: 4.7ppg, 2FGP: 35.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 2-3. In 2007-2008, he returned to Ulm playing 34 games: 12.2ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 87.3%. He stepped away from the court from 2008-2011 before returning to play for the Albany Legends (IBL) averaging 17ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.6apg, 3PT: 56%(1). He returned back to Germany in 2011 and played for TBB Trier playing 10 games averaging 6.8ppg, 1.7rpg, FGP: 32.1%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 83.3%. He returned back to the United States in 2012 and played for the Schenectady Legends (IBA) the last years. He is looking to come back to Europe to play professional basketball again. He spoke to German Hoops about the game he loves.

EJ thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

I am currently home in New York. Summer has been great, been keeping very busy opening a new business and also playing in a bunch of different summer leagues and Pro Ams. For the past few months I’ve had 4-5 games a week.

Just when I thought I would never hear your name again, an agent contacted telling me that you want to come back to Europe. What has propelled you to a third comeback at almost 34 years of age? Which particular leagues and countries are you targeting right now and why? How closely have you been following the developments in European basketball in the past few years? Do you have a plan in mind or a tactic figured out to convince a team to obtain your services?

Yea, well that is part of the reason I agreed to play in so many different leagues at one time. I wanted to be in the gym every day, getting in shape and seeing how my body would respond to playing so much and I feel great. You’re only as old as you feel and I feel really good playing a lot of minutes every night. I am 33 going on 34 and I know I have plenty of gas left in the tank. It’s funny for athletes when you’re 29 you’re in your prime and then when you turn 30 you’re suddenly considered old lol. There are plenty of guys that take care of themselves overseas and in the NBA that stay productive well into their 30s. As far as countries I’m targeting, I’m really open to anything at this point. When I played in Trier I spent a lot of free time in Luxembourg and really liked it there. So Luxembourg is definitely a place I wouldn’t mind playing. Also other Leagues like Holland, Austria, UK and Switzerland I believe would be good fits for me. I still l have a lot of former teammates that are playing overseas so I try to follow them as much as possible and wish all of them nothing but the best.

You played three seasons with ratiopharm Ulm and a season with TBB Trier, never playing in any other country except Germany. What made Germany and its basketball so appealing to you? Do you still follow the career of your former coach Mike Taylor who took over the Poland national team now? How thankful are you that he helped you achieve your first real breakthrough in Europe in 2007?

Yeah, Thomas Stohl and Mike Taylor at the time signed me in Ulm, I loved my time there, myself, Brian Lucas, Jeff Gibbs, Sean Finn, Dru Joyce, Kyle Bailey, Romeo Travis, Konrad Wysoki, Sebastian Betz and the rest of the guys we had a very fun team. When it’s all said and done as a player those are the things you remember, the friendships that you make and the good times that you had. The fans there were always very good to me and at the time we were building something there in Ulm and to see where they are now is great. I still keep in contact with Mike Taylor. He’s first and foremost a great guy but also a great coach and is by no surprise to me continuing to build a very good career for himself in the coaching world and I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity he and Thomas gave me in Ulm. The Bundesliga in my opinion is one of the very best leagues overseas. It’s very professional ,all the teams have great fan bases and there are a lot of very good players. My time in Trier was much shorter than in Ulm. There I got to reconnect with a former teammate and friend that I played with in Ulm, Dru Joyce. I’m am also very grateful to coach Henrik Roedl for the opportunity he gave me in Trier. Trier was also a very nice city and have great fans there as well and will be back on top very soon im sure.

After playing in Ulm, you opened a restaurant and then came back to play for TBB Trier. Afterwards, you yet again went back home to teach basketball. Was it difficult to stick to the life as a professional basketball player overseas? Did you not see any more long term perspective with professional basketball at age 30? Or would you say it was because basketball and making money playing basketball wasn’t your only option to make a living?

It’s funny, when I came out of college everyone said to me that I would have a 12-15 year career overseas. I have a lot of friends that are going to have those type of careers and I really respect them for that. For me I always just took it one year at a time. If there was a good situation and a good fit to play somewhere then I would play. Also if there was a good situation or opportunity for me at home doing something else then I would do that. Basketball always has been and always will be my passion but at the same time it doesn’t last forever for anyone so I always wanted to keep building things for myself to fall back on at home for when Basketball doesn’t pay the bills anymore.

You played only a short time with TBB Trier, but what do you feel was the most important thing you could gain in this period from head coach Henrik Roedl? Despite leaving prematurely, would you say you parted ways on good terms with your last team? Does the fact that you averaged good numbers despite limited minutes give you extra confidence for this new comeback?

Playing for and learning from Coach Roedl ,though only for a short time, was great. He is a guy that I knew first of as a player and a guy that has a playing career like he did for me is someone that has instant credibility to me. When you play for a coach that used to be a very successful player like Henrik the things he may point out or adjust in your game, you know it’s coming from a place of great experience. I left in good terms with him, I will email him once in a while wishing him the best. I have great relationships with every coach I’ve ever played for whether it be High School, College, or any professional team. My role in Trier was a little different than it was in Ulm, I knew that it was going to be going into my time there. I think a key to any successful team is having guys that know and accept their roles. I was a veteran to help some of the younger guys while also still being a starter, I was expected to be productive in my minutes. So that’s what I tried to do, I just made the most out of my minutes and wanted to help the team in any way possible.

In the last three years you were back in the States and coached basketball as well as stayed in shape playing for the Schenechtady Legends (IBA-PBL). How were you able to grow as an athlete and mentor during this time? What goals do you have as a player now at age 33? This will probably be your last hurra in Europe and you will surely want to make the best out of it.

Whether I am overseas or at home in the States, no matter what, I’m going to be playing ball. I think I speak for a lot of players when I say just because I’m not on a roster overseas it doesn’t mean that I’m not in shape or playing a lot of Basketball. The Schenectady Legends has been a great way for me to stay in shape, keep playing in a very competitive and high level of Basketball while being home and not overseas. This past season we went 15-0 in the IBA and won the Championship in Chicago in December. Our team in particular is full of guys that are talented enough to play overseas, so that’s a great way for me to stay on top of my game. My goals at 33 are the same as they were at 23. I’d like to find a team that is the right fit and be and immediate impact player and do whatever I can to help them win games. I realize I am closer to the end of my career than to the start of it. So if it does happen that I do make another trip overseas to play, I think I will just take it all in a little more, enjoy the little things. But it is by no means a farewell tour or swan song, I’m too competitive for that, when I go somewhere I’m there to work hard make shots and help the team win games.

You can still make the open shot at ease as there are many recent videos of you online showing you working and toning your basketball skills. Is shooting something for you that you just can´t unlearn? On the other hand, does it bother you that you might be seen as a one dimensional shooter even though you have many other fine skills, like passing and game understanding?

Shooting the basketball is obviously what I’m known for. The videos are mainly just to show teams/coaches/agents that I can shoot it now better than ever. My whole career starting in college and then overseas going into it I was just thought of as a shooter and then, after a few days with a team, my coaches were always surprised that I can also put it on the floor and make plays for others. I grew up playing point guard in high school before my last growth spurt going into college. I became a two guard. I use that to my advantage, I go into games hoping that the scouting report on me just says „stand still shooter“. It usually gives me a couple surprise moments and free opportunities every game to make a play off the dribble.

Do you have other methods now to keep your body in shape compared to, lets say, 10 years ago? What is your secret to still being in such good physical condition? Please explain why you can help any professional basketball team this season on the court. What does EJ Gallup in year 2015 have that other players don’t have?

I am much more conscious of the things I eat than I was 10 years ago, I drink a lot more water than ever but the biggest thing for me is stretching. I really have made an effort to stretch before and after all workouts and just become more flexible. If you want to play into your 30s at a high level, then these are just things you have to do to take care of your body. For me honestly I just play a lot to keep in shape, whether it’s workouts or pickup games or Pro Ams, I’m always in the gym. What I have to offer is being a veteran who has played at some of the highest levels in some of the biggest games. I bring leadership and experience to any backcourt and help spread the floor and keep double teams off any front court.

How does a normal day look like for you on and off the court in the summer of 2015?

A normal day for me this summer is working on building my business during the day and then either heading to the gym and weight room for a workout or playing in a summer league game at night.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

In my opinion he is far and away the best player on the planet and even if he stopped playing today would be a top 5 player of all time. I am slightly biased being former teammates and friends with Dru Joyce and Romeo Travis I got to see a little bit first hand of the work Lebron puts in on his game and just really respect what he does on the court. I am not sure any great in the history of the game is so closely scrutinized, and still he continues to push through all of it and continues to dominate. But I am hoping my Knicks make some noise this season!

What was the last movie that you saw

I can’t even tell you the last full movie I’ve seen. By the time I get home at night from a game or workout and start a movie I am passed out half way through it lol

Thanks EJ for the chat