BBL

Naz Bohannon Knew Eric Washington´s Last Shot Was Going In In Trier And Is Blessed To Witness His Daily Energy Which Is Culture Changing

pic credit: Nico Leistner

Going to play in Trier the last 2 seasons was never an easy task for Naz Bohannon (198-F-1999, college: Clemson) when he was strapping on the jersey with Phoenix Hagen. Here was a competitive guy who had had a 1-3 record in Trier and suffered a brutal sweep last season in the playoffs which stopped another journey to the easyCredit BBL for the ambitious Hagen squad. He left his heart on the floor during that sweep averaging 13/3/2/1 stats, but it simply wasn´t enough. But he finally got revenge again a few days ago with his new team Science City Jena. Here he was again in Trier walking on to the court to do battle against Maik Zirbes, Jordan Roland and co. The atmosphere in the Trier arena as always was incredible, but still something was different. “It is always a great atmosphere in Trier. Last season the Hagen fans went to Trier and the atmosphere was great. But I feel like now that the team is in the BBL, there is a different kind of buzz and excitement”, said Naz Bohannon. He had witnessed some really exciting games the last 2 years with Phoenix Hagen, but this time it would be different. He would finally get revenge for last season´s playoff series loss and put icing on the cake this time was that the win was not in the Pro A, but in the easyCredit BBL, a top 5 league in Europe. Fans saw an up and down game with high tempo and intensity that saw a massive run by Phoenix Hagen in the third quarter where the game looked out of reach. However the Romerstrom Gladiators staged a masterful comeback in the fourth quarter and the game went to the wire decided by a Eric Washington game winner on the last shot. “I would rank this game top 5 as most exciting in my career. I had other exciting moments like winning the title with Vechta. I also had some history with Trier as they put us out of the playoffs with Hagen. I had a lot of emotions coming into the game in Trier this time”, stressed Naz Bohannon.

Science City Jena had a difficult task in front of them with the game against the Romerstrom Gladiators. 48 hours earlier, they had lost a tough cup game which could of given them their first big success of the season as newcomer in the BBL with a top 4 ticket, but instead had lost 91-78 in Berlin. Would they have the strength to bounce back again and produce an upset against the BBL´s everybody´s darling Romerstrom Gladiators? “It is crazy but basketball has that next play mentality. We were sour after the cup loss in Berlin, a game we felt we should of won. But we only had a few days until the Trier game and paid attention to that. We had to be mature and be like men and be ready quickly. We focused on Trier and couldn´t scout until we were in the hotel in Trier”. remembered Naz Bohannon. Trier began with 3 dunks in a row to start the game from Urald King and Martin Linnsen. Giving a team that kind of energy in their own living room can be disastrous. “You never want to give up that kind of momentum especially in a place like Trier. But I noticed right away that those dunks didn´t rattle us. Dunks feel like 4 point plays, but we weren´t out of reach trailing only 6-3. We were still in the game”, stressed Naz Bohannon. The first quarter was a typical back and forth game with Trier leading 26-24. The game had a very fast tempo one that could have been very difficult to continue for 40 minutes considering the team had had a big battle in Berlin 48 hours earlier. “I feel like the pace that we had to play with then was fine. It is a kind of pace that we are used to play. However we also knew that it was our second game in 3 days. We knew that we had to conserve some energy for the whole game. We knew that we had to slow the game down a bit to sustain all our energy for the whole 40 minutes”, stated Naz Bohannon.

In the second quarter, Science City Jena lost a little focus and allowed Trier to go on a 8-2 run to trail 34-26. Talented guards Eli Brooks and Jordan Roland did all the damage scoring all the points. “They both are tough to guard. They play with a lot of confidence. They like to play fast. Important when defending players like that is to pay attention to what you can do in certain situations like giving them different defensive looks and not letting them get to comfortable. If you fail to locate them then it probably will be a bucket”, commented Naz Bohannon. The contest kept going in a positive direction for Trier as they led by as much as 10 points, but Jena kept fighting. Bohannon who played a season at Clemson had back to back baskets and Chris Carter a trey to trail only 54-52 at the break. A great quality that every new BBL team needs is to have are those defined fighting qualities that allows them to stay in games for 40 minutes and have a chance to win. “We are built on having those fighting qualities. We knew form the start that in order to be successful in a league like the BBL, we have to hang our hats on being a dog. That has been our core piece this season”, warned Naz Bohannon. The game was tight going into the second quarter and head coach Bjoern Harmsen reminded Bohannon and his teammates about what had happened in Berlin. “He told us that we had to build on what took place in Berlin a few days prior. We were in the same position like in Berlin. In Trier in this situation, we had to be men and be tough. It was time to step up and be focused and stand our character”, said Naz Bohannon. In the third quarter Science City Jena turned the game around with a 17-2 run to lead 69-56 and after 30 minutes led 79-66. Jena let it rain three´s early and also got to the hole. This had to be one of the best team basketball phases of the season. “For sure it was. I think like everybody saw then what people usually don´t see in practice. We now put it on front street and showed how we can play when all is clicking”, stressed Naz Bohannon.

Science City Jena had a mini run in the first minute of the fourth quarter and led by 18 points. But Jena was unable to run with the momentum and allowed a brutal 23-6 run to trail 93-90 with 1,58 to play. Did the team believe the game was won to early, because Trier still had energy and came back? “I don´t think that we believed the game was over then. We wanted to finish strong, but basketball is a game of runs. They gave a tough fight and we had to weather the storm. They did a good job slowing down the game. We had to find our way and somehow play through it. We knew that we had to string along some stops. They did a good job changing the flow of the game”, remembered Naz Bohannon. Trier trailed 93-92 and ex Iowa University (NCAA) forward Joe Wieskamp suffered an offensive foul with 23 seconds. Trier now had the chance to win the game on possibly the last possession of then game. “We were playing hard and Joe got caught up in it. We were making quick decisions. We had to fix it. We focused on the next play and knew we needed a stop”, warned Naz Bohannon. But Jena was aided by the basketball God in the hostile environment as German Nolan Adekunle scored to lead 94-93 and was nice enough to leave 5 seconds on the clock. Jena called timeout. Was the last play drawn up for Eric Washington or were their other options? “We had numerous options. We wanted to give Eric the ball and let him make a play and be ready for a rebound. In a situation like this it´s not about x´s and o´s but the Jimmy and Joe´s. We had total confidence in Eric making a play”, added Naz Bohannon. I´m sure if I asked all 17 easyCredit BBL coaches if they would like to have a guy like Eric Washington on their team, a majority would say yes. He is as clutch as it can be and simply a winner. The walking bucket has made big shots his whole life whether it was in Bosnia, France or Italy. He has BBL experience and did it a few years ago when he was with the MLP Academics Heidelberg as well. It was only logical that he would take and make the last shot in spectacular fashion with a step back jumper. “I knew his last shot would go in. I was under the basket and had the perfect angle. I´m a huge believer in work ethic and Eric has that. He is such a pro. Always first in the gym and last to go. He works on moments like these everyday. I think it is great that he is on the team. I want to take the next step in the BBL and to have a guy like that on the team is huge. He understands what it takes to be successful. He is a leader and to have him in the locker room is so important. His energy is culture changing”, warned Naz Bohannon.

Science City Jena go into the Fiba break sitting in seventh place with a 4-3 record. Beating a top team like the Romerstrom Gladiators couldn´t have occurred at a better time for them. “The win in Trier was huge. This win is definitely something we can build on looking ahead. We are a team that is tough and always takes pride. This win was very exciting”, stressed Naz Bohannon. BBL newcomers Trier and Jena have surprised many this season, but what will the troops of Bjoern Harmsen have to do to stay consistent and keep winning? “We need to capitalize on the Trier win. We don´t want to look ahead to much. Just take it one day at a time, on game at a time and one play at a time. We believe in ourselves. We have to stay together and tough. We are a gritty group. If we can do that we will be fine. We have to keep growing and maybe make some history this season.”, warned Naz Bohannon. The ex Youngstown State University (NCAA) forward was averaging only 4,0ppg and 3,0rpg in the first 6 BBL games, but broke out in the classic win in Trier with a 12/10 game. “It felt good to contribute the way that I did and fully engage. My start didn´t really bother me. It is all a process. I´m just comfortable with whatever I have to do on the court for the team to be successful. I was playing the role that coached called me to do”, smiled Naz Bohannon. The team now has the Fiba break and it is only logical that the team was really thrilled after the win. “We were very excited. We celebrated a bit in the locker room. We rested a bit on the bus, but our adrenaline was up. We might have slept an hour on the bus. We have some days off now. We will take sometime now to let our bodies recover, but at the same time never losing our focus on the task ahead”, warned Naz Bohannon. It will be interesting to see how Science City Jena will play again after the Fiba break. Nothing is given in the easyCredit BBL as they have 3 tough games before X-mas with 2 home games against Ulm and Bamberg and a road game against Frankfurt. It is always nice seeing these special cases with teams having success coming from the Pro A. It would be nice if Science City Jena can keep up the momentum and make some more upsets in the next weeks. Bjoern Harmsen surely will have his special basketball culture ready for battle every game.

JUCO Helped Demarcus Demonia Become The Humble Beast That He Is Today And His Versatility Into A Player That Most Aren’t

Demarcus Demonia (201-G/F-1999, college: ETAMU) is a 26 year old 201cm forward from Maryland playing his third professional season and first with the Bamberg Baskets averaging 12,5ppg, 5,8rpg, 1,0apg, 1,5spg and 1,0bpg. Last season he played with BBC Bayreuth (Germany-ProA) averaging 18.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 82.7%. He played his rookie season with Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions (Austria-BSL) averaging 19.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 76.1%.He began his basketball career at Friendly High School and also played at Charles H Flowers high school. He then played 2 seasons at Allegany College of Maryland (JUCO) averaging 18.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 55.2% and in his second season averaged 21.3ppg, 11.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 72.8%. He then played 3 years at Texas A&M University – Commerce (NCAA) and as a senior averaged 15.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 67.1%. He spoke to Germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Congrats Demarcus on signing with the Bamberg Baskets. How excited are you to be able to call yourself an easyCredit BBL player now?

Thank you!! It’s definitely exciting but I’m more proud of myself with the journey I’ve had to get to this place in my career. Also ready to show myself that I can compete at this level like I know I can.

How vital was it for you playing last season in the Pro A for extra grooming?
I feel like it was a great step in my career process but I feel as though I can play in any predicament. It may take a little adjusting to some things but it’ll be a quick one.

Are you aware of the history of the organization? Guys like Casey Jacobsen, Darius Miller and Daniel Theis all won titles here in the last few years. Were you aware of that?
No, I wasn’t aware of that at all but I’ll definitely do some more research and do my part on and off the court to help the team and organization back on that track.

It is a no brainer playing for a great organization like the Bamberg Baskets. What else do you like about the organization besides the great fans?
I’ve heard great things about the coaches as well and know some of the background of some players. In addition to the Arena, it is very nice.

What do you appreciate most about head coach Anton Gavel? What do you enjoy about his basketball philosophy?
I’m not sure yet but I’ve only heard good things about him so I can’t wait to get to Bamberg and see the things I can learn from him.

You were a scorer in Austria and Bayreuth. Do you feel like you can be an impact player in the easyCredit BBL?
Yes, I feel as though I can be that same player in Bamberg as well but most importantly is just going on the floor everytime giving it my all and doing whatever is best for the team to get a win.

You have shown in your whole career that you can be more than just a prolific scorer. Would you be able to step down from being a big scorer in the BBL if asked?
I’m sure I’d have my games where it might be a bad shooting night and will find other ways to help the team win. But if that’s what I’m asked of then I’d sacrifice that for the team. I work on perfecting my craft everyday so I wouldn’t think I’d have to change that or take less of a role.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I try to simulate my game to Paul George and Russel Westbrook.

You are such a versatile player. You were already versatile in JUCO. Talk a little about the development of your versatility in the last 7 years?

Over the last 7 years I’ve worked on becoming and staying a way the most players aren’t. I try to stand out and do more than just one thing on both sides of the basketball and on offense it’s hard to guard at times when you can do so many different things.

Your three pointer is still a work in progress. How vital is this part of your game at the moment? Is it big on your game agenda of continuing to improve?
Yes, I still want to improve it even more and have been working on it every day.

Talk a little about your defensive game. You have proven to be a versatile defender and be able to block shots. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?
I would like to polish up even more on how versatile I am, on defense right now and continue to do whatever it is that my team needs me to do. Also, becoming a better on ball defender.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
Everyday I’m working on everything, I’d like to be better with everything in my game.

You played last season for BBC Bayreuth (Germany-ProA) averaging 18.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 82.7%. How tough was this season? You did all you could, but lost so many games. What did you learn personally from this season?
I’ve learned a lot of lessons as far as in game situations and the season was very tough dealing with a lot of injuries from some players that was a big factor for us on the team.

You had so many great Pro A games. Was there a game that you will remember?
Both of the derby games will be games I’ll forever remember. Both were great atmospheres and felt like home games.

You played your rookie season with Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions (Austria-BSL) averaging 19.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 76.1%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
I think more so the way they play and certain things the coaches want you to do is like a wake up call and different languages.

How tough was that playoff series against Oberwart? The game 2 and 5 losses hurt so much. What will you always remember from that series?
This is a series I’ll always remember because I feel as though we got cheated out of the second game because the ref didn’t make a call that was clear as day but I’ve learned from that and know what I’ll do next time in that situation.

You played 2 great seasons with Allegany College of Maryland (JUCO) averaging 18.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 55.2%
and 21.3ppg, 11.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 72.8%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO has said it was a tough grind, but a grind that they wouldn’t have traded the world for? How was it for you?
It was a grind for sure but for me it wasn’t too tough but everyone’s situation is different. I wouldn’t trade anything about it though at all the friends I made and the challenges I had to overcome all made me the HUMBLE BEAST I am today.

How vital was head coach Tommie Reams early in your career? How did he help you make the jump from JUCO to the NCAA 2?
Him and Shane Scott really helped me develop more into a guard and seeing the floor certain reads and allowing me to play through mistakes and learn from them on the fly.

You played at Texas A&M University – Commerce (NCAA2) from 2020-2023. You were an impact player from the start to end. How did your game grow in those 3 years?
I had more resources here and more gym time so it was a little better to develop my game and Willie Rooks and Trey Conrod were our GA’s there helped me with certain workouts to become even more better and polish up my game.
You had 2 30 plus games within a week against UIW and McNeese State. What game was more memorable for you?
I’d say the McNeese State game because one of the coaches and I are like good friends and we always would talk trash to each other so it’s nice to get wins like that when scoring a lot to get bragging rights.

How did head coach Jaret Von Rosenberg groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
He helped me a lot on and off the court to become a professional and how to carry myself in certain situations.

Who won a 1-1 in practice, you or Luka Vasic?
We never played 1-1 but we definitely had some times where we both went at each other in pick up.

Who is the best player that you ever battled that reached the NBA?
Dalton Knecht.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Devin Bethely, Kalen Williams, Drew Buggs, Alphonso Willis, Augustine Ene.

Please name your personal NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore of your best 5 players of all-time?
Kobe, Shaq, MJ, Lebron, KDThanks Demarcus for the chat.

Versatile Naz Bohannon(Science City Jena) Knows That He Has To Become A Better Outside Shooter If He Wants A Long Career

Naz Bohannon (198-F-1999, college: Clemson) is a 26 year old 198cm forward playing his fourth professional season in Germany and first with Science City Jena. He played the last 2 seasons with Phoenix Hagen (Germany-ProA) averaging 12.4ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 60.8% and 13.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 60.9%. He palyed his rookie season overseas with at Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA) averaging 9.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP-1 (73.4%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 55.2%. He began his basketball career with Lorain, OH / Lorrain High School and left as the all-time leading scorer with 1,385 career points with 872 career rebounds and guided the team to a three-year mark of 69-8. He then played at Youngstown State University (NCAA) from 2017-2021 and in his last year averaged : 16.5ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 59.8%. He played an extra season at Clemson University (NCAA) averaging 5.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer bout basketball.

Thanks Naz for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we start, I keep reading the nickname “A One Man Buffalo Herd”. Where did you get that name?

The name One Man Buffalo Herd is something that has come since I’ve been in Germany. My playing style and motor have to be the reason the fans have given me the name, either way I like it. At home my basketball peers call me “Bully” for the same reasons these fans call me Buffalo.

When I say the #26 what does that mean?

I don´t know.

Well it means you have played 26 Pro A playoff games in 3 seasons. What was your favorite playoff game?

My favorite playoff game out of my time in Pro A outside of the game I won a championship is either game 5 versus Kircheim or game 4 versus Crailsheim. Both games were win or go home situations and the atmosphere in the Ischeland was second to none. Those are games you look forward to when dreaming about being a pro.

Your playing your fourth professional season and first with Jena. Is it fair to say that Germany has become like a second home for you?

It is definitely fair to say that Germany has become a second home to me. If I can learn the language fluently maybe I can get a passport lol.

What do you enjoy so much about Germany? You played in Vechta and Hagen not real big places, but great basketball addresses

These two places in particular are a big reason why I love Germany. I’ve been blessed to be able to be in two amazing basketball cultures and this has made my career worthwhile. Outside of basketball I enjoy traveling through Germany and just enjoying everything the country has to offer. I love to learn so being immersed in a completely different culture than what I come from has been amazing.

After playing 2 seasons in Hagen, your now in the easyCredit BBL. Was the fact that you could play in the BBL the biggest draw that you had for playing for this organization?

Since winning a championship and not moving up with the team, playing in the BBL has been a pursuit of mine. Playing in Hagen not only gave me a chance to be able to do that, but a chance to do it in a place that it would mean a whole lot. I’m a huge legacy guy and I love places that embody grit and grind. Those were my draws for playing for Hagen.

You had a 1-3 lifetime record against Jena. What was so appealing to battle them each time?

The battles with Jena were wars. Every game had a great atmosphere and felt like a prize fight that went into the dog rounds.

How did the talks go with mastermind head coach Bjoern Harmsen. He first coached Jena when you were 9 years old. He has had a impressive coaching track record in Germany. What did you appreciate most about his coaching Philosophy?

The talks went pretty quick, but they were effective and efficient. We knew each other well from the battles we had and once we understood the feelings were mutual about working together it was an easy choice. I loved to play them because as a basketball junkie I could appreciate their offensive schemes and attention to detail to the game.

Your 198cm forward that isn´t afraid to bang with anyone inside. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I personally don’t do NBA comparisons but a lot of people say Draymond Green. However, I love watching guys that came before this huge analytical era. I believe anybody who can get to 6’6 or above, be physical, have a great IQ, and sharpen all aspects of their game can become mismatch nightmares.

Your physicality and leadership really stand out, but for me it´s clearly your versatility. You always had it already at Youngstown. Can you become even more versatile then what you already are?

As the 3 ball starts to fall for me I definitely can become more versatile. If I make the opponent respect me as a three point shooter it will only open up the rest of my game.

Your three pointer still is a work in progress. You only shot 12,5% last season with Hagen? What is your agenda on becoming a better shooter? Can it be more than just repetition? Do you ever work on changing mechanics?

I’ve spent the entire summer working on shooting and it’s definitely gotten improved. Away from repetition my shot is and has been about consistency and that means me shooting the ball the same way every time. That coupled with the mindset shift of actually shooting it. I grew up playing basketball at the park and our mentality always was if you can’t stop me from getting to the rim why would I shoot it. However, in this new age of basketball I have to adjust to shooting if I want a long career.

How would you classify yourself as a defender? What kind of a defender do you still want to become?

As a defender I believe I am versatile as well and that helps not only myself, but any team I’m on. As I go to higher levels I can become a better defender of shooting wings and the on ball defender of ball screens.

On what areas of your game besides your three pointer are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

I’ve been working on handling the ball better, my overall touch and becoming a better athlete. These things will always translate to higher levels of basketball.

You played the last 2 seasons with Phoenix Hagen. How enjoyable were these 2 years? How did you grow further under Chris Harris?

These 2 years were fun as hell. My 2 years at Hagen made that place home and it will forever be in my heart. Chris is my guy, outside of growing as a leader and learning how to manipulate the european game as a go to guy, Chris provided a space for me to grow as a man.

You played 2 incredible 5 game series against Kirchheim and Crailsheim. Was that Kirchheim series the most exciting time ever in basketball?

My most exciting time ever in basketball happened when I was 15 years old and playing in front of my hometown. My high school team was undefeated and it felt like we were living in a movie. Every game was sold out, we even sold out a college.

You had some incredible teammates in Hagen. Which player had the biggest impact on you. Perhaps Siler Schneider who you were teammates twice with?

Siler is my brother. That is definitely one of my all time favorite teammates. We were two hard nosed hungry kids from the mid west that gelled perfectly.

You played your rookie season with Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA) averaging 9.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP-1 (73.4%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 55.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wakeup call from home had little to do with basketball actually. My wake up call was being in the grocery store for the first time and not being able to read the names of any of the groceries and being uneasy about asking for help because I wasn’t sure if someone spoke English.

What was so special with the Vechta team that won the Pro A title to reach the BBL?

The Vechta team was special because of how competitive we were. With no disrespect our practices were sometimes harder than the games. “Iron sharpens Iron” and we epitomized that.

You tried to play in the NFL. You worked out with Jacksonville. How was that whole process. What were the main reasons in the end that it didn´t work out?

That process was great and taught me a lot. It’s something I’ll forever be grateful for. In the end I was a product of the business and I’m not mad at that. I was in a situation where I needed longer to develop than what the team had to produce a winning situation.

You played at Youngstown State University (NCAA) from 2017-2021. You made a massive jump in your last season averaging 16.5ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 59.8%. How did your game grow in the last season there?

My game grew in my last season because I became more assertive and focused. I already have a great work ethic but that year my son was born and it kicked me into an entirely different gear.

You had many great games there like scoring 32 points against Green Bay or having a monster 14/20 game against Central Michigan. What was your fondest moment there?

My fondest moment there is when I played on ESPN and made the game winning pass to beat the conference giant Wright St. I had 28 points 8 rebounds and 2 assists on a big stage and my entire community got to watch from home.

You played 1 more NCAA season with Clemson University (NCAA) averaging5.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.6%. You averaged 12 minutes less than the season before. What positives could you get from this season?

The season at Clemson prepared me to be a pro, specifically for the year at Vechta. Being on a team loaded with talent you have to be able to adjust and play a role even if it may be undesirable at first. While frustrated in the beginning of the year there, I grew to figure out a way to be successful in whatever time was awarded to me.

How did head coach Brad Brownell give you that last push and help prepare you for a pro career?

Coach Brownell’s grit philosophy not only helps be a pro, but helps in every aspect of life. Passion and perseverance towards a long term goal while paying attention to details,being tough and being team oriented can help you in just about any setting in your adult life.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Hunter Tyson?

In the few times we did play 1s we had great battles

Please list your personal NBA, German and Serbian Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time?

NBA: Lebron, Shaq, Mike, Kareem

German: Dirk, Dennis Schroeder, Franz Wagner,

Serbia: Joker, Bogdanovic, Peja Stojakovic, Drazen Petrovic

Who is your GOAT?

My GOAT is Lebron. Simple and clear answer for me. As a basketball lover I am open to anybody else’s opinion.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I haven’t seen it, but I do think they should have left it alone.

Thanks Naz for the chat.

The Miles Vs Toru Dean Weekly Basketball Conversation Volume 7

Toru Dean (183-PG, college: Langston) is a 183cm guard from Miami Florida playing his rookie season overseas with the TSV Bargteheide Bees (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with South Miami High School and then played 3 seasons at Barry University (NCAA2) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 65.1% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 46.2%; and in his third season averaged 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 62.9%. He then finished at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.0% and 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He teams up every week with germanhoops.com to talk basketball.

Congrats Toru on the big 70–69 win over Oldenburg. This was the second close game won in the last 3 games. How good does it feel?

It feels amazing. Any win in this league is tough, but pulling out another close one says a lot about our resilience. We’re learning how to stay composed in tight moments, and that’s something every good team needs. So yeah, really proud of the group.

Talk about the 40 minutes and the highs and lows of the game. Was it a nail-biter throughout?

It definitely felt like a roller coaster. Neither team really managed to create a big gap, so every possession mattered from start to finish. There were stretches where we moved the ball well and defended exactly how we wanted, and then other moments where we let them find rhythm. But overall, it was one of those games where you had to stay mentally locked in the entire time. It was a grind.

Take me through the last seconds of crunch time. Did you feel like you had to take control?

In those moments, the game kind of slows down for me. I wouldn’t say I felt like I had to take over, but I knew I had to be aggressive and make the right decisions. Sometimes that means shooting, sometimes it means creating for someone else. We trusted the play, trusted each other, and stayed poised. That’s what made the difference.

The stats were very even for both teams. Can one say that this game was decided by a few possessions?

Absolutely. When the numbers are that close, the game really comes down to execution in critical moments, one extra stop, one offensive rebound, one smart decision. We managed to string together just enough of those key plays to come out on top.

You had another great game with 31/9/6/2. How content were you with your game?

I’m happy I could help the team, for sure. But I always look at how I can be better. The scoring is nice, but I focus on whether I controlled the pace, made the right reads, and brought energy on both ends. There’s still plenty to improve, but overall I felt good about how I contributed.

You had 4 turnovers. Do you feel like with added game experience you’ll be able to cut those down this season?

Definitely. Turnovers usually come from either rushing or trying to force something that isn’t there. With more reps, more film, and more familiarity with my teammates, I’ll keep cleaning that up. It’s an ongoing process, but I’m confident the numbers will go down.

You next play against 6–4 Braunschweig. What will be key to getting a win?

We have to set the tone defensively. They’re a team that can score in bunches if they get comfortable. Controlling the glass and dictating tempo will also be big for us. If we stay disciplined and keep sharing the ball like we have been, we’ll put ourselves in a good position to win.

Thanks Toru for the chat.

Chris Clemons(EWE Baskets)Learned From The Best From Harden And Westbrook And His Goal Overseas Is The Euroleague

Pic credit: Houston Rockets

I continue to have real fond memories of a G-League game I went to almost 4 years ago between the Maine Celtics and Capital City Go Go´s. I witnessed a pretty low scoring game under 100 and as usual after the game was hounding the players for selfie´s. I got some nice pics with some NBA players like Greg Monroe and Luke Kornet, but also was lucky to pose with some other fine players. With a few of them, I have had a special kind of connection after meeting them briefly on that very mild late November day as it had pushed 60 degrees. The years following that game, I would write articles on 2 Maine Celtics with Eric Demers and Deng Adel, both who are flourishing overseas. I actually still have contact with Demers to this day who has had success in Spain and who I have tried to help come to Germany. My journey with meeting players in the G-League and writing an article after they have moved on to overseas continued here with another player, I remember stopping and posing with a pic with Chris Clemons (175-PG-1997, college: Campbell). Clemons is an incredible player who is an undersized walking bucket and has seen it all. He played 40 games that season for Maine and surprisingly the game I saw, he played the least amount of minutes that season with only 17 and scored 5 points. He had 8 other games that season of 40 or more minutes. When I noticed that he was over seas in France, I got in contact with his agent and before I knew it, I had an interview with him. I always love saying the phrase, “it´s a small world when I inform guys that we had met before and now I´m interviewing them. It wasn´t any different with Clemons. He also had no problem naming Germany´s Euroleague teams Munich and Berlin when I asked him if he ever had any ambition of lacing up his sneakers in Germany. “Who knows, It might happen. You never know where basketball might take you. I never thought that I would ever play in France. The BBL is a good league to play in. I played with Tyren Johnson last season and this season he is in Germany. I want to get to the Euroleague”, warned Chris Clemons in April 2025. Clemons learned from the best from Harden and Westbrook and his goal is the Euroleague.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Chris Clemons in Portland, Maine 2021

The 175cm guard who lists Ja Morant as the toughest player that he ever battled in the NCAA was born on July 23, 1997 in Raleigh, North Carolina and idolized Allen Iverson growing up and tried to incorporate his lethal cross over into his own game. He played at / Millbrook High School and in his senior year averaged 24.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.2apg, 2.2spg. In his career there, he scored 1230 points which was the second highest in school history and had the single game record of 41 points. His explosive scoring continued at Campbell University (NCAA) where he played from 2015-2019 amassing a total of 129 games. He had a sensational freshman year averaging 18.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 84.4%. But his game really took off in his last 3 years as he averaged 25.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.6apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 82.5%, 25.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 85.6% and as a senior had the ultimate individual season averaging 30.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 86.9%. Were these 4 years some of the best times in his life? “I have had a lot of great years in my career, but my years in Campbell were great as well. I found a way in those 4 years to continue to keep getting better and what I needed to do to get to the NBA. I put in the work and always got better after taking part in some NBA pre draft work outs and never got complacent. I improved and in my last year went up 5,0ppg. My coaches believed in me and put me in a good position to be successful. I never took anything for granted”, stressed Chris Clemons. He scored in double figures in 128 of 129 games and owns the longest double-figure scoring streak (82) games among all active NCAA Division I players (8th-longest all-time). It is no secret that he owes a lot of his success to head coach Kevin McGeehan. “I´m so glad that he saw something in me, because I had on other offers. I believe he saw something very special in me. He gave me a lot of confidence in myself. I showed just how much I improved my game. He gave a lot of attention to my game and I can thank him 1 million times”, said Chris Clemons. His scoring consistency was incredible as he scored 20 points or more 92 times, 30 points or more 30 times, 40 points or more 6 times and had a 51 point game against UNC Ashville. One of his fondest memories was scoring 42 points against Liberty where he and teammate Marcus Burk hit 10 three´s a piece. “I still don´t know how that happened. It felt like we just took turns taking shots and nobody missed. We were on the road and it was a great team performance”, remembered Chris Clemons. 2 of his best accolades at Campbell was becoming the school´s all-time leading scorer and leading the nation as a senior in scoring, but which was greater for him? “I think that my biggest accolade was being the top scorer in the nation. I was already the school´s highest scorer before I was the nation´s top scorer. It is tougher to be the top scorer in the nation. To lead the nation in any category was tough. I will always be proud of that”, remembered Chris Clemons who recalls beating Marcus Burk is 1-1 battles in practice. Other achievements at Campbell included All-Big South Conf. Freshman of the Year -2016, All-Big South Conf. Second Team -2016, Big South Conf. All-Freshman Team -2016, All-Big South Conf. First Team -2017, 18, 19, Big South Conf. All-Tournament Team -2017, 19, Big South Conf. All-Academic Team -2017 NABC All-District 3 Second Team -2017 CIT All-Tournament Team -2017, USBWA All-District III Team -2018, 19, NABC Division I All-District 3 First Team -2018, 19, Mid-Major Madness All-Americans Honorable Mention -2018, Lou Henson All-Americans Team -2018, All-Big South Conf. Player of the Year -2019, USBWA All-America Third Team -2019, and Reese’s NCAA D1 All-Star Game -2019

The explosive guard who lists James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Andrew Eudy, Tyren Johnson, and John Wall as his 5 best teammates of all-time played at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) averaging Score-1 (18.3ppg), 3.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.7spg and then played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas) averaging Score-4 (20.2ppg), 4.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 30.4%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 78.9%. He had to pay his dues as a rookie first earning an exhibit 10 contract, then a 2 way contract and on December 27th finally was handed a standard NBA contract. In his rookie season he played 35 NBA games for Houston averaging 4.8ppg, and also played also with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBA G League) averaging Score-4 (23.9ppg), 3.9rpg, 6.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 85.5%. He like every player had that instant NBA wake up call where he had to always be wide awake. “The NBA is so fast paced and we had a lot of veterans. You can get lost in so many things outside of basketball. If you aren´t always focused something could go wrong in an instant”, warned Chris Clemons. He made his NBA debut against the Miami Heat and was an instant bang scoring 16 points. “I remember my family being there. I remember not being surprised, but I was very excited because I knew that I would play. Generally you never know when you play so when you do play, you have to leave a lasting memory. I remember bringing a lot of energy and always telling myself you have to make every shot, so they will remember me in the next game and put me in again”, commented Chris Clemons. Not many guys can say that they were teammates with James Harden and Russell Westbrook. He couldn´t have had better guard veterans than these 2 to soak up as much as possible on a daily basis. “Those 2 are some of the best passers in the game. Learning how to read the game and where help is coming from was huge. Harden is an offensive guru and I learned how to execute the pick and roll and when to do isolation. I also learned how key preparation is every day. Even after partying, these guys were always so locked in. I don´t know how they did that”, expressed Chris Clemons. He also was teammates then with a lesser known German big man named Isaiah Hartenstein. He shares the same opinion as I in why it took him so long to get respected by NBA teams. “It really is crazy how long it took him to get to the place where he is now. He was a very intriguing guy. His biggest attribute is his energy. He is one of the best motors I have ever seen. He gets very rebound. I don´t know how he does it. I´m super happy for his success. He deserves everything because he has worked so hard”, warned Chris Clemons. In his NBA season he scored in double figures in 7 games including 19 points against Minnesota and 17 points against Atlanta.

The North Carolina native who lists Jordan, Kobe, Lebron, Shaq, and AI on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore missed the 2020-2021 season due to a Achilles injury. He rebounded in the 2021-2022 season playing with the Maine Celtics (NBA G League) averaging 21.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 5.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 82.8%. He scored in double figures in 36 games and scored 20 points or more 19 times and 30 points or more 9 times and scored 41 points 3 times. He also set an NBA G League record for most points in a quarter on perfect shooting from the field with 27 points on 9–9 field goal shooting. He should have had an NBA call up, but didn´t. “Sometimes it has to do with timing. I don´t ever remember any other player putting up the kind of stats that I was putting up. After the season, I mis-picked some opportunities, but that is how it sometimes goes. I think at that time, I needed to score so we would win”, remembered Chris Clemons. He also had a 10 day contract from Atlanta, but didn´t play a game. He played the last 2 seasons in the G-League with Windy City averaging 15.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 33.3%, 3FGP: 44.7%, FT: 77.8% in his first season and in China and France. He continued to return back to the States for the NBA dream. Is that NBA dream still there now or is overseas his main priority? “I have been to the NBA and know what it takes to play there. I know that I could play there now. The NBA is so political and it is very difficult to get back there. Even if I did play G-League again, I would be passing up a lot of money of not playing overseas. I mean if I were to get a legitimate opportunity then I would take it. I´m very happy overseas being able to see new countries and cultures. The Euroleague is the second best league in the world and a place I want to reach”, warned Chris Clemons. He was fortunate to play under ex Euroleague player guard Henry Domercant and got an early introduction to how overseas basketball is played. “Henry talked about the overseas game a lot. I listened and learned from him. Things that he talked about was true. Everything he talked about involving practices, the language and fans was true. He was a really good influence on me without really being one. His coaching style was similar to what you see overseas. He really prepared me well”, said Chris Clemons. In his second season at Windy City he averaged 15.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.2apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 48.8%, 3FGP: 33.2%, FT: 78.3%30 minutes. Did he feel like he was close to an NBA call up or did he score too little in the minutes he got? “I don´t think that I scored to little. I think that I was always close to the NBA. It was just about waiting for that opportunity. What I really appreciate about the Maine Celtics was that when I got there, they told me exactly what I had to do to reach the NBA. I don´t think it is about scoring 30-40 points a game, but more like if you score 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists per game. I don´t think that The NBA looks at how much you score. Many don´t understand that and believe that if they score 30-40 points, that that will be their ticket to the NBA. They are confused with that, because they look for the role player and not the star. The most important thing for me was that we were winning when I was there”, stressed Chris Clemons. He also gathered further experience playing with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers (China-CBA) averaging 17.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 84.7%. “The experience was a lot different than Europe. You can´t drive there and you don´t have as much freedom. You can learn the language a lot easier in Europe. I have picked up enough French to be able to communicate, but you can´t just pick up Chinese. The fans are great. The atmosphere is great. It is similar to the NBA and how everything is set up. The Chinese want the Americans to dominate. That is why you often see crazy numbers by Americans”, added Chris Clemons. He scored in double figures in 18 of 26 games including a 55 point explosion against Shanxi L where he connected for 13 three´s. He also had the fortune of being teammates with a real character Taco Fall that many Celtics fans will never forget. “Traveling with him was really interesting. Everyone is small in China. It was a real spectacle when he was traveling. It was tough getting on buses and planes for him. He drew a lot of attention. He was a nice dude”, said Chris Clemons.

The North Carolina native who names Allen Iverson as his GOAT and felt that the original Coming To America was better than the sequel played his second season in Europe with Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 28 games: 15.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-5 (1.3spg), FGP: 39.0%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 86.3%. “Playing for Nancy was a real good experience. I have been very fortunate to have teammates that really enjoy each other. That has made the process a lot easier. It can sometimes be hit or miss overseas. My wife is here with me, so that has made the experience a lot easier as well. Each game in the Pro A is of high importance. The league is tight and the games are intense. The atmosphere is also great”, commented Chris Clemons. He also was fortunate having a veteran like Caleb Walker on his side and helping get adjusted and another big time scorer with Isaiah Washington on his side as well. “Caleb and I have a really good relationship. We hang out here and also have done it in the States. We are able to carry on a relationship past basketball. I think that he is a great veteran for anyone. He is also here with his wife and they have really been very helpful to my wife getting adjusted. We are very thankful for that. I love Isaiah and the person that he is. He is a really talented player. I like how he can create for himself and others. He is a really good dude to meet. He told me about Germany and how different of a role he had there. I think that we have a lot of similarities in our games. Unfortunately we haven´t played as much together on the court as I would have liked”, said Chris Clemons. Last season with Nancy he played 12 games averaging 16.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 5.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 82.1%. In the 2024-2025 season he showed that he needed no adjustment time. That consistency from Campbell seems to have rubbed over everywhere he has been as a professional player. “ I´m not the tallest guy so I have to be consistent in order to be successful at a high level. I have been very fortunate in my career to have been in great places and have had good people help me be effective in some way with my game”, stressed Chris Clemons. Often guys that come from the NBA have problems adjusting to the game, but he hasn´t had any problems. He fills the stat sheet like no other and has already proved to be a very good playmaker overseas as he has that good court vision already overseas that he also displayed in the NBA. “To be honest, it isn´t that much different. I just think that the court is more congested overseas and the spaces are tighter. I have always been a main focal point of the offense where ever I have played so nothing surprises me anymore. I have seen every kind of defense”, warned Chris Clemons. One dude who has paid his dues for years and now has finally reached the big time is TJ Shorts. He is 175cm just like Clemons. Wouldn´t it be something to see them go head to head in the Euroleague in the future? For now the Euroleague will have to wait as this season he is playing for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. His 52 points against Trier definitely will have turned heads from Euroleague clubs and even if the EWE Baskets started 1-6 in the BBL, he led his team into the BBL Cup top 4 with a game high 20 points. The season is still young and there surely will be more to come from Chris Clemons in a EWE Baskets jersey.

Ricardo Lindo Jr(JL Bourg en Bresse) Is A Versatile Defender Who Is An Elite Rebounder And Never Afraid To Do The Dirty Work Inside

pic credit:  JL Bourg en Bresse 

Ricardo Lindo Jr. (203-F-2000, college: GWU) is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Washington DC that is playing his third pro season and first with JL Bourg en Bresse (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). Last season he played with Ironi Hai Motors Nes-Ziona (Israel-Winner League) averaging 13.2ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, BPG-5 (1.1), FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 72.0%. He played his rookie season with Kouvot Kouvola (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 17.6ppg, RPG-5 (10.2), 1.6apg, 1.6spg, BPG-4 (2.0), FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 77.2%. He began his basketball career at Woodrow Wilson High School and then played 2 seasons at the University of Maryland (NCAA) and then 3 years at George Washington University (NCAA) averaging 11.4ppg, 10.7rpg, 1.4apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 65.2%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 64.7%, 7.7ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 60.% and : 10.6ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.2spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 71.0%, 3PT: 23.0%, FT: 71.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Niners Chemnitz

Thanks Ricardo for talking to germanhoop. com. You continue to climb the basketball ladder after paying your dues as a rookie in Finland and last season you were in the top league in Israel and this season in France. How blessed o you truly feel?

I feel really blessed, to be able to showcase my skills and versatility at a high level such as JL Bourgand it is something I won’t take for granted. Especially after climbing up the levels of overseas basketball!

Your playing your first season with JL Bourg en Bresse (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). And Your playing your first season in the very competitive Eurocup league. Do you feel like this league could take your game to another level?

I definitely do feel playing for this club in the Eurocup can take my game to a whole new level, being able to play not just the best competition in France but also to travel around the world and play other top level competition can only help me improve my game for the future.

Your playing against top teams in Europe including the Niners Chemnitz. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

Well from playing in the Heidelberg preseason tournament I’ve come to realize how physical German basketball can be and that’s something I need to experience if I want to continue play very high level basketball here in Europe

You fill the stat sheet like a 203cm Russel Westbrook. Is the Swiss army knife the perfect definition of you as a player?

I’m glad you mentioned Russell Westbrook because he is my favorite player, and I do think a Swiss army is the perfect way to explain my game. I believe that every great team needs a player that like that and I just want to prove that I can be that player every game.

You have been a great rebounder your whole life averaging 10 rebounds in a season in the NCAA and Europe. To what level as a rebounder can you still bring your game to now in your third pro season?

I think being an elite rebounder shows I’m not afraid to do the dirty work and get physical with the bigs here in Europe, which is something any great team needs to be successful

You are also an incredible defender. How would you describe your defensive game and what NBA player as a defender is your biggest role model?

My defensive game is more of a versatile defender. Being able to switch and guard multiple positions is something I take pride in. I think I try to model my defense game after guys like Paul George, kawhi Leonard, even role players like Royce O’Neal, Josh Okege, Dorian Finney Smith, Robert Covington and even a younger PJ Tucker. Hopefully if I make it to the NBA that’ll be the role I’ll mostly have, so I want to showcase it now.

As a guy that can do it all on the court, what area of your game do you feel is still a bit off the radar?

I feel like my offense live playmaking is still off the radar but playing with a great team I think I’ll be able to show case that without having to force anything.

Last season you played with Ironi Hai Motors Nes-Ziona (Israel-Winner League) averaging 13.2ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, BPG-5 (1.1), FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 72.0%. How key was this season in your pro career? Is it fair to say that that was your break through season in a top league?

I think it’s was key season for me because after playing in Finland and doing great out there I was able to take on a bigger role in Israel and play against top teams who play in European leagues like the BCL, Eurocup, and even Euroleague and to be able to play and showcase my skills against those teams is what I believe got me in the position I am in today.

Last season you battled 5 times against Euroleague team Maccabi Tel Aviv and lost a 3 game playoff series. What will you always remember from that series?

I’ll always remember how I can compete with those types of teams, even though I didn’t get a win I felt like I belonged and I wasn’t afraid of the name or the moment.

You played your rookie season with Kouvot Kouvola (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 17.6ppg, RPG-5 (10.2), 1.6apg, 1.6spg, BPG-4 (2.0), FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 77.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

That first week in Finland when I realized I had to figure everything out for myself. I couldn’t drive home to my parents and I was in a foreign country that I didn’t understand the language too. But staying in the gym and focusing on my goals is what got through that season

How valuable was it having a teammate like Thomas Gipson as a rookie? Was he like a mentor for you?

Thomas Gipson was a great Vet to have in my first season. Even thought he was there for half a season I learned a lot from him and he told a lot about how European basketball works.

In the summer of 2024 you played NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks (NBA Summer League in Las Vegas) playing 3 games averaging 1.0ppg, 1.7rpg. What kind of an experience was that for you? What was the best piece of advice that you got there?

It was a great experience playing for an NBA team even if it was summer league. I was able to experience a lot of NBA level workouts and practices and being coached by coach Jared Dudley really helped as well. A piece of advice I still carry from the time is to always give 100% and no matter act like a professional, during the good times and especially during the hard times.

You played 2 seasons at the University of Maryland (NCAA) playing 63 NCAA games. You averaged 11 and 7 minutes and reached the NCAA tournament. What positives could you get from these 2 years and battling guys like Aaron Wiggins and Jalen Smith each day?

Playing against those guys my first 2 years of college really opened my eyes to what’s it’s like being around NBA level guys. Just watching how they worked to where they are right now. It was definitely great sharing the court with those guys.

You then played 3 seasons at The George Washington University (NCAA). How did your game grow in those 3 years?

Playing at GW I was able to showcase my basketball ability a lot more than I did at UMD, but it still wasn’t enough to go straight to the NBA. I learned a lot while playing for the GW.

You had many great games there including against SFU and Richmond in double OT. What was your fondest moment there?

My fondest moment would have to be beating South Carolina at home and also a top ranked Dayton team at home as well.

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

I feel like coach Caputo really emphasized the professionalism of basketball to me, making sure we stayed on top of our game and how to manage ourselves after college.

You also have represented the Panamanian national team on many occasions. How is the state of basketball Panama? Do you have some future stars on the horizon?

The state of basketball is getting brighter as the sport is becoming more and more popular with a lot more resources being put into basketball

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

I would have to say Lamar Stevens from Penn State

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

James Bishop, Brendan Adams, Noel Brown, Kyle Lofton, Bryce Brown.

Please name your personal NBM Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant

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

I grew up watching LeBron James so I would have to say he is my goat

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I did not watch the sequel, I don’t think I saw the first either lol

Thanks Ricky for the chat.

Will Yoakum(Bristol Flyers) May Be Able To Shoot Out The Lights But Can Also Make An Impact On The Defensive End

Will Yoakum (196-G/F-1998, college: Nova SE) is a 27 year old 196cm swing man from Ohio playing his third professional season overseas and first with the Bristol Flyers (United Kingdom-SLB). He played his rookie season in Germany with Pro A team SC Rasta Vechta (second team) averaging 5.5ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 70.0%. He also gained further experience in Mexico with Abejas de Leon (Mexico-LNBP) averaging 12.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 64.9%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 73.1% and played twice with Angeles de Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico-CIBACOPA) averaging 13.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 77.9% and 18.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 62.8%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 75.4%. He began his basketball career at Max Hayes High School and then played 4 seasons at West Liberty State College (NCAA2) playing a total of 86 games. He then finished at Nova Southeastern University (NCAA2) averaging 20.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 52.3%, FT: 83.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against the Mitteldeutscher BC.

Thanks Will for talking to germanhoops.com Your playing your third professional season and first with the Bristol Flyers (United Kingdom-SLB). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about it?

It has been a great experience, I feel like it’s been something I have been working towards my past few seasons. I’ve enjoyed my teammates the most, I feel like I have 10 brothers.

The club has had a very good start in the SLB. It is an organization hungry to win. It hasn´t won a title since 2010. How hungry is this club for success?

This club is very hungry and it starts with our day to day approach, in practice we are very detail oriented. We know our ceiling and we feel we haven’t reached it yet.

The team has many Americans on the team. Does it at times feel like your back in the States and have that college atmosphere?

Yes at times, it feels like a college team with the amount of people that speak English. I’m used to a little bit of a language barrier with some players.

You have showed in the early going to be an integral part of the offense and success. What is your role? Are you the go to guy?

One of them for sure but we have a team with multiple guys that can score points in our system, our team does a good job of finding guys within our offense.

You have always been an incredible three point shooter, but in the SLB are shooting an amazing 61% and your picking your spots really well. What is your secret to being a great shooter?

Just being ready to shoot at all times and also finding open spots on the floor weather that be from three our inside. our bigs and guards are very good passers.

How much of a battle is it battling fellow American Cameron Holden? How do you make each other better?

He’s a great player and a winner. We live with each other off the court so we always are talking about what we can both do to be better for each other and the team, he knows where I am at all times on the court I feel like.

Last season you played with Angeles de Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico-CIBACOPA) averaging 18.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 62.8%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 75.4%. How did your game grow in Mexico after getting Mexico experience as a rookie? This time you had 4-5 months vacation in comparison to the rookie season where you played a whole year without pause.

My game grew a lot, my rookie year I was on a very talented team and having the success I had was huge for my confidence. This past year I was on another great team and we won a lot of games, the style of play was great for me as we played very fast, I was able to assert myself as one of the key players from the beginning of the season. I played the 2/3/ and a little of the 4 in our offense at the beginning. although we fell short of our goal of winning the championship, it was a fun year full of great memories. I was able to play my game and my teammates were doing the same, it was a great mix of guys who all were very very talented but very selfless and cared about winning. Those are my brothers.

You played a great playoff series against Tijuana, but lost. It went back and forth for 7 games. What will you always remember from that series?

I will remember our grit. We were down 0-2 and fought all the way back to force a game 7. It felt like a movie. Each game was war, that is why you train in the offseason and why you put up extra shots or do extra conditioning.

You played your rookie season in Germany and Mexico and played 90 games. That is like an NBA player. Was that a tough experience playing from August 2023-October 2024?

It was a tough for sure playing that many games and being in a few different countries in one year. It also helped a ton, I learned how to play different styles, different concepts that are commonly used at the pro level.

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

I don’t know if I have one particular moment but reading street signs and driving with different speed limits in Germany was different.

You were teammates with Jack Kayil and Johann Grunloh. What memories do you have of them and could you see them being Germans in the NBA in the next years?

They both were great teammates of mine, very special players as well. I look forward to seeing them have success at the D1 level. I think they both can play in the NBA or Euroleague level someday with their IQ, talent, and creativity.

You then played with Angeles de Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico-CIBACOPA) averaging 13.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 77.9% and with Abejas de Leon (Mexico-LNBP) averaging 12.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 64.9%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 73.1%. What was it like playing in Mexico? It is a league popular with Americans and continues to grow. How competitive is the league?

It’s a great league, there are a lot of ex- NBA or G league players in that league. There are many pros that are experienced. So it’s a good league to test your skill level against guys that have been at the top of the top for many years. There are a lot of very talented basketball players in CIBACOPA/ LNBP

You were teammates with ex NBA player Vander Blue. How enriching was it for you as a rookie seeing his play and soaking up as much as possible? What could you gain from his play?

Vander Blue was my Vet, He was a great voice to have around the team. He’s a winner and a leader. He knows how to play good basketball, I just would try and soak up as much from him my rookie year. I gained how much he liked good basketball and how much he looked for the right play or the best shot for the team. He has a winning impact on any team he plays for.

You had many great games in Mexico, but how special was your 28/11 game where you shot 7/7 from outside in the win over the Astros?

If I remember we were down 0-3 in that series so I just wanted to go out and play to win. But yeah it was a fun game for sure

You played at West Liberty State College from 2018-2022 and won the MEC title in 2022 and reached the NCAA 2 Elite 8 in 2021. How valuable was it playing for Ben Howlett? How did your game grow in those 4 years?

My game grew a lot while play at West Liberty. I got the freedom to play off the ball and become a better cutter as well and shot the ball a lot from the outside. Also I became a good offensive rebounder while playing at West Liberty. I played alongside some great players so it made my job easier. There were some ups and downs but Coach Howlett let me play my game from the time I was a freshman all the way until I was a 5th year.

You then played a graduate season with Nova Southeastern University (NCAA2) averaging 20.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 52.3%, FT: 83.2%. Your winning ways continued with the SSC title and D-2 title. Was this season some of the best if not best time in your life?

It was a great time for me, winning a ton of games and being in Florida. A year I will never forget and a team I will never forget.

You beat your ex school West Liberty and ex teammates and friends. How emotional was that title? What will you always remember from it?

It was a physical game, both teams knew what they wanted to do and it came down to who was going to play that style the best. Definitely a full circle moment for me and my family, I wasn’t very emotional leading up to to but after I was pretty happy celebrating with my teammates.

How did head coach Jim Crutchfield give you that last push to help you become a professional? Your game made another jump?

The system that Coach Crutch put into play lets players read and react. Not thinking too much on offense, just playing towards your strengths. He recruited me out of high school so he knew my game so it was just a match from Day 1. He recruits players that can shoot the ball at a high level and play with a different type of edge. Playing at Nova gave me another opportunity to play with great players and perfect my craft of cutting, shooting threes, and getting out in transition. I would say my game has made a jump on the defensive side. At West Liberty and Nova we pressed the whole game and I didn’t get to show my on ball defensive impact but since I’ve been a pro I can show that and I think it’s gotten better since college. I also see myself playing with more patience on offense, making reads etc.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Lukas Speidel?

Good question, we would always stay after practice and get extra Jumpers up. Not a whole lot of 1v1, we were the old guys on the team so we didn’t want to beat each other up too much. But I think I beat him once maybe

Who the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA 2 or anywhere that reached the NBA?

I played against Gary Trent Jr. in High School

Dalton Bolon, my Teammate from West Liberty

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

No Order

Rj Sunihara Lukas Speidel Shane Hunter Jacob Calloway Terrell Brown

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore

Lebron

Kobe

MJ

Steph

Larry Bird

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I have not seen it

Thanks Will for the chat.

Isaac Johnson(KB Istogu) Has Played All Kinds Of Roles In His Career And Always Found A Way To Become A Star

Isaac Johnson (196-F, college: Rogers St.) is a 196cm forward form Minnesota playing his rookie season overseas with KB Istogu (Kosovo-Liga e pare). He began his basketball career at Minneapolis North high school and then played at 3 NCAA schools. He played at Western Illinois University (NCAA) form 2017-2019 averaging 8.8ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 75.8% and 11.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 26.6%, FT: 79.7%. He then played a season at Nicholls State University (NCAA) playing 6 games averaging 4.0ppg, 2.0rpg. He then finished at Rogers State University (NCAA2) averaging 7.3ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 82.0%a and 14.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 68.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Your playing your rookie season with KB Istogu (Kosovo-Liga e pare). What kind of an experience has it been playing and living overseas. What have you enjoyed most about it so far?

It’s been a great experience. the players, coaches and ownership have been amazing and very helpful. I´m grateful to have a great group my first year especially hearing stories about how it isn’t always great.

You have needed no adjustment period averaging 30/11/3/4 stats. Has your good start surprised you just a little bit?

No surprise at all. I know I put the work in and I trust the work I put in to show on a nightly basis.

How good does it feel having made a massive impact after your last season where you sat out?

It feels great being back on the court doing what I love. It was a long year without the game and I´m just happy to be back.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I´m not really sure to be honest. I never really had a comparison because every team I´m on I play a different role and I feel like that versatility is what makes me special.

You showed in the NCAA that you could be a guy that fills the stats sheet and are showing it now as a pro. How vital is versatility in your game?

Versatility is my game. I have played all kinds of roles and I have always found a way to become a star in my role and I think that´s what sticks out to coaches.

You never shot higher than 34% from outside in the NCAA and this season are shooting 50%. What has been your secret to shooting out the lights this season?

No secret. Just put in the work. Stay in the gym as much as possible and shoot every shot with confidence.

Talk a little about your defensive game. What is your biggest asset as a defender?

I think this comes back to being versatile, I can guard the point guard full court or I can switch on to a big man and guard down low. I put a lot of pride into playing defense.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player?

I´m still trying to improve everything about my game, I believe nobody is perfect and you can always improve your skills

Last season you were at KK Euro Nickel 2005 Kavadarci (North Macedonia-Prva Liga), but left in pre season. What did you learn from this experience?

I learned the business side of this game very quickly.

You played 120 games at 2 NCAA schools and 1 NCAA 2 school. How valuable was it for your game to play for 3 schools. What kind of a player did you become?

In the moment it was hard to see it but it was very valuable to play for all those schools as they all taught me something different and helped expand my game in so many ways.

You played 2 seasons at Western Illinois University (NCAA) averaging 8.8ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 75.8%and 11.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 26.6%, FT: 79.7%. You made big strides in your game. How did your game grow best there under Billy Wright?

My game grew a lot at Western. It was my introduction to college basketball and it taught me the physicality you need to play with and the intelligence you need to succeed in this game.

You had some great games at Western Illinois including scoring 29 points against North Dakota. What was your fondest moment on the court?

My fondest moment on the court at Western was beating the top seeded SDSU in the first round of the conference tournament.

You then were 2 years at Nicholls State University (NCAA) playing only 1 season and 6 games. How tough was this experience and what did you learn from it?

That was a tough transition for me having to sit out a year because of transfer rules. And the second year I think was tough for the whole world with covid happening. I still learned a lot from a great coaching staff.

You then finished at Rogers State University (NCAA2) averaging 7.3ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 82.0%and 14.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 68.3%. Here you made big strides in your game again. How did your game grow in your senior year?

My game grew a lot at Rogers state. I had to grow up and learn how to really lead a team to be successful in a very tough D2 conference. But with a great coaching staff it all worked out and I learned so much.

You had some great games against UCO and FHSU, but how memorable will your 29 points game in the win over Northeastern State be? Was that one of your fondest moments?

Yeah the game Northeastern State was a great game. It a big rivalry and we were on the road and it was a tough first half and I had two quick fouls so only played a couple minutes and was down at half but the team pulled it together and I had an explosive second half to lead an overtime comeback.

How did head coach Justin Barkley groom and prepare you for a professional career?

Coach Barkley had a HUGE impact on preparing me not just on the court but off the court things to start my professional career.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Evan Anderson?

Haha i got the best of Evan most days.

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

Probably would have to say Trae Young.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My top 5 teamates i played with would have to be

Gary Trent jr.

Tre jones

Daniel Oturu

Brad Davidson

Kobe Webster

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe Bryant

Michael Jordan

Kevin Durant

Lebron James

Who is your GOAT?

Kevin Durant

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

Haha I did see it. I think classic movies should just be left alone.

Thanks Isaac for the chat.

Jalen Riley(FC Porto) Will Never Forget His VEF Riga Days As That Is Where He Learned To Be A Champion

Jalen Riley (184-PG-1993, college: ETSU) is a 32 year old 185cm guard from Wisconsin playing his 11th pro season and second with FC Porto (Portugal-Liga Betclic,). He began his basketball career with Sauk Valley Community College (JUCO) and then played 2 seasons with East Tennessee State University (NCAA) an din his senior year averaged 20.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 82.7%. He turned professional in 2015 and played in Slovakia. He also played in countries like Spain, Iceland, Lithuania, France,Latvia, Greece, China and Poland. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Rostock Seawolves.

Thanks Jalen for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your 11th pro season, playing in

your 10th country and have played 260 + games. How much of a ultimate basketball

globetrotter do you feel like?

It feels cool to think about in hindsight but as you’re in it you don’t realize how many places,

countries and cultures you’ve experienced playing the game you love. So yea I definitely feel

like I’ve been able to see a lot of the world at this point and I’m truly grateful for the

experiences. Where I’m from its uncommon to say the least.

You are in your second tour of duty with FC Porto. What is it like being back? Has much

changed with the organization?

It´s been great so far, Porto is a great organization with a super rich history so just like my first experience it feels cool to be a part of something bigger than yourself again and try to etch your place in that history. There’s some new faces from before but mainly familiar ones that had warm welcomes for my return. Hopefully we can make a great run this season!

The team last won the league title in 2016 and the last 2 cups. Are the expectations higher

now then in 2020 when you were there?

Probably so, I believe the hunger for the championship is greater because more time has

passed since the last one. Overall I believe the standard for winning is always there and from

my last time to now I think it´s the same.

Does FC Porto have the best American point guard trio with you, Wespaun and Dunn? Not to

mention having Veteran Miguel Cardoso also? What do you appreciate most about their

games?

Yeah we have a really talented group, were working still now to gel & keep growing more

comfortable together so that we can bring out the best in one another on the floor. They’re all

great guys, great competitors. Wes is great getting downhill and making plays, elite defender.

Dunn is great for us on both ends shooting and rebounding and defending. Miguel is a really

high IQ guy & great playmaker for us.


You have been a walking bucket almost your whole life overseas. This seasons team have

many scorers. Could this be a season where you might focus on other areas of your game to

help the team be successful?

Yea I just try to do whatever is necessary to help the team. I know I have the ability to both

score & be a playmaker so whatever is needed is always what I’ll focus on delivering. That

can change week to week, game to game so I just have to be ready to contribute in whatever

way.

Last season you split time with at Peristeri BWin Athens (Greece-GBL) and Tasomix Rosiek Stal OstrowWielkopolski (Poland-OBL) averaging 17.0ppg, 1.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 86.1%. How tough was this season? After a tough time in Greece, you closed out the season well in Poland. What positives could you gain from this season?


Yea last season was a bit difficult, we welcomed my son here in Jan so with that happening I

decided to stay home until after his delivery date. The situation I took on in Greece wasn’t

ideal, I was brought in to replace some injuries but guys came back sooner than expected

and unfortunately I never received an opportunity to play. On a positive note I’m glad I was

able to shake the rust off in Poland and stack a couple months of playing good ball to finish

off the season. I want to carry that momentum best I can into this full season back in Europe.

You played the 2023-204 season with Jiangsu Nangang Dragons Nanjing (China-CBA) averaging
14.7ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 81.4%. What kind of an experience was the CBA league. How was this experience different than any other thing that you have seen overseas?


CBA was a very unique experience, even with having to play through an injury majority of the season I had a very productive year. It was cool to experience how different the culture is there. I didn’t know what to expect but the league was very well run, from the quality of the arenas, the quality of travel, the amount of gear the league provides the players. The style of play was a lot different than Europe, they try to emulate the NBA style of play more than European clubs. Quick shots, lots of transition play, and they have very high usage rates to their foreigners/best players. If not for changes in my personal life that didn’t align as well as Europe does I would’ve targeted a return.

In the 2022-2023 season, you played with PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece-GBL) averaging

10.6ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 34.7%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 77.8%; and in the BCL averaged

(17.9ppg), 3.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 45.8%, FT: 82.4%. Was this possibly your best season stat wise as a pro? How do you think did your game grow best here?


Yeah I believe I played some of my best basketball in Greece, especially in European competition. It was my first experience playing solely at PG. I feel like I grew my game a lot as a playmaker there and being able to get guys involved around me while also finding balance to stay aggressive individually. Greece has a very competitive domestic league as well so it was fun season with a lot of good high level matchups to be motivated for. The fans in Greece are amazing as well so it was a fun experience for sure

You scored 27 points in a loss to Euroleague team Olympiakos. Do you have special memories of this game? Even if you lost, You were the best player on the court full of ex NBA guys?

Yea that was a fun game, I missed our home regular season game against them earlier in the season due to injury so was excited to be able to play them in front of our fans. we were able to get a win vs Panathinaikos that yr at home so I really wanted to be able to get one against them as well. That was a very good team though so as I said before it was easy to be motivated to play. I always want to show I’m one of the best players on the floor if not the best every time I suit up, so that series was no different and I’m glad I was able to put forth some good performances against them in the playoffs.

You played the 2021-2022 season with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL) averaging 13.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 70.0%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 86.7%;in the BCL and in the EstLatBL averaged PPG-5 (15.4), 2.3rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 44.5%, FT: 80.0%. You won 2 titles here. What was so special about this team?

We had a great group haha super simple! To win at a high level you have to be talented & connected. We won all 3 available trophies that season and everyone from our roster has went on to do great things since. Vef was a high quality organization and will always be a cherished chapter in my career I learned how to be a champion there and have been able to carry that experience throughout my career since.

You had your first tour of duty with FC Porto (Portugal-LPB) in 2020-2021 averaging 16.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 89.7%. You won the cup that season. How tough was losing that playoff series to Sporting? The last 2 games were only lost by a combined point total of 5 points. What do you think did you learn from this series?

Super tough, thankfully I don’t have too many but that is one of the biggest sore spots/what ifs in my career. It was my first experience playing true finals playoff (series) basketball and one I believe if I had been a bit more experienced we would have claimed the trophy. Until then I had only competed in final fours and 1 and done scenarios so the grind of playing series after series was new to me. We had some unfortunate calls that decided games in that finals series but we built a 2-1 series lead and that was on us we didn’t find a way to close it out. The cup win was great but the championship would’ve been a lot sweeter to bring back to Porto.

You were teammates with the great Larry Gordon. How special of a player was he and what will you always remember about him most?

Larry G was my guy, I was grateful to have shared the court with him in his last go around. Super talented, hard worker, played both ends of the floor & definitely a great teammate. I’ll always remember that he couldn’t guard me though but haha not too many people can so it´s all good LG. Hope retirement is treating you well brother.

You played the 2019-2020 season with Cholet Basket (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) averaging 11.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 35.6%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 85.2%. How tough was this season? Covid stopped the season, but you had a solid season in a top league in Europe.

Yea this was my first taste of high level competition in Europe, this was my jump in the water and sink or swim moment as a pro and I truly wish covid wasn’t a thing because I would’ve loved to seen that group finish the season. We had a great team, I think we were around 4th or so in the standings when it got cancelled. Of all my experiences except for maybe CBA china in Cholet I produced the most per minute I was being played. I was already confident going into my time at Cholet but that confidence took even more steps forward with that experience. Playing great games against teams like Asvel, Monaco, Tel Aviv, I knew or felt then I was able to compete with anybody in the world.

You played the 2018-2019 season with Palanga (Lithuania-NKL) averaging (26.0), 4.6rpg, 3.8apg, SPG-2 (1.9), FGP: 50.1%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 96.8%. How vital was this season in your career? You had to pay your dues in your first 3 pro seasons and then broke out in Lithuania. Did this season possibly save your career? You scored 30 points or more 18 times including 50 points against KTU winning 100-97. How special was this game in your career?

For sure my breakthrough season as a pro. I dealt with a lot of uncontrollable turbulence my first couple seasons, not uncommon to most rookies coming from the states with minimal connections, but the opportunity I had in Palanga completely changed the trajectory of my career. I was finally given an opportunity to be myself and truly showed myself as a player in Europe. I landed opportunities to move up to LKL early in that season and one of my best early career decisions was staying put & betting on myself to finish that season in a place I found comfort rather than throw myself into another unknown situation. I grew a lot of confidence and stability finally & played extremely well having an MVP season. I was able to put up respectively the best numbers in a single season in my career and opened up a lot of doors for myself the following summer which led to my jump to ProA France. The 50pt game was just a testament to how that season went for me. I had a lot of big scoring nights that year because I put in so many hours of hard work to build my craft in the 2 rough seasons prior to it. I knew I was capable of more and that season/game was just a culmination of that work really. Still my highest scoring mark in my career.

You played the 2017-2018 season with CB Cazorla Jaen Paraiso Interior (Spain-EBA) averaging (21.9), 4.7rpg, 4.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 83.4%. You played in the fourth league in Spain continuing to pay your dues. What memories do you have of this season. Were you extra in the gym this season ncontinuing to work on your craft?

Yeah very humble beginnings in Europe. I feel like I paid my dues early on and then some haha. I really just remember spending a lot of late nights in the gym we were in the countryside so it wasn’t much else to do besides play basketball or hang with the guys. Except for an unfortunate coaching change Cazorla treated me well & I’ve always viewed it as my 1st real playing experience as a pro. Every experience counts for something but whenever I’m asked where my career started its in Cazorla & Palanga. Made some great friends and memories there for sure.

You played briefly in the 2016-2017 season for Thor Akureyri (Iceland-Dominos League) averaging 18.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 58.3%. What memories do you have of Iceland. You were there only a few months. What was your coolest moment there off the court?

Not very many haha. It was a short-lived experience like majority of my 1st two seasons. I do remember the country landscape being very beautiful, lots of mountains and greenery for sure. Off the court I was lucky enough to experience seeing the northern lights while I was there as well, that was bucket list material.

You played your rookie season with BK Levicki Patrioti (Slovakia-SBL) averaging 5.5ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 15.4%, 3PT: 27.8%. You came very late into the season in March 2016. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Everything. My first experience was very uncomfortable to be honest just as a young guy dealing with a lot of culture shock & instability. A lot of people don’t know my first contract was actually in LEB Gold Spain on a trail contract with Ourense. In hindsight the only decision I may have made differently would be staying in Ourense even if it meant playing for free because it would’ve saved me a lot of troubles. I played well during my time there and to my knowledge if they weren’t experiencing such financial troubles at the time I would’ve continued with the club. I had some questionable advisement to take the contract in Levice super late in the year direct from Spain and it proved to be one of the learning experiences that helped to shape the player I am today.

You began your college career at Sauk Valley Community College (JUCO) and in your last season averaging 19.3ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 40.4%, FT: 71.2%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have said that it was a very tough grind, but one that they wouldn´t have traded the world with. How was it for you?

Super tough, but honestly some of my most valued experiences both on and off the court throughout my basketball career. The bonds you make sharing the JUCO grind are special and the basketball we played was all or nothing! You play good and make a way or you don’t and kiss playing basketball for a living goodbye. Very few people make it out from there, my story as a basketball player for sure stacks up with the best of them & I’m just grateful to look back at where I came from and appreciate where I’m standing now. S/o to 1307, that run at Sauk was legendary.

How valuable was it having AJ Sharp as your JUCO coach? How did he help your early basketball development

most?

I had the pleasure of being coached by Russ Damhoff during my time there. He pushed me and was the 1st coach I had since adolescence to really believe in me & see me as someone who could be a great player. He demanded a lot of me as a teenage kid just hungry to make it and I’m grateful for him pushing me. I was an All-American as a result and went from having 0 NCAA division 1 offers out of high school to taking multiple recruitment visits and earning full ride scholarships to continue my basketball dreams at the next level.

You then played 2 seasons at East Tennessee State University (NCAA) averaging 13.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 84.0% and 20.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 82.7%. How did your game grow in those 2 seasons?

My game grew so much! The 1st season was an adjustment period of just adapting to the increase in talent on the floor and more size/athleticism of the payers. I was trying to star in my new role as a 6th man and make the most of each and every opportunity. I didn’t go home after my junior year & stayed on campus all summer leading up to my senior year and I worked myself into such a comfort and confidence going into that year that everything just clicked. I still split time between starts and coming from the bench that season but it felt like every time we suited up for a game I was going to be unstoppable. I believe once conference play hit I was one of the top 5 scorers in the nation Avg. about 24/23ppg in SoCon. I was a huge jump for me but it was rewarding because I definitely put the work in and earned it.

You had so many great games in the NCAA like scoring 30 and 28 points against Lipscomb in your junior season. What was your fondest moment on the court?

I would say my fondest moment was when the fans/students rushed the court during our playoff game my junior season inside the old dome. I believe it was against either Lipscomb or UT Chattanooga. I had a huge dbl dbl that game and I had never experienced the crowd rushing the court before that night. Definitely one of my coolest moments in college!

How did head coach Murry Bartow groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Bartow was great for me, he challenged me all the time and was never the type to give you your flowers or satisfaction in the moment. He was a very fierce competitor just as myself and he put a lot of trust in me to come into that program and have the responsibility to deliver as primary option right away.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Rashawn Rembert?

Man we definitely had some battles. The group we had played king of the court almost everyday! Me, AJ Merriweather, Ike Banks, Desonta Bradford, Devin Harris, Petey McClain & more. 1v1 was a part of our culture & Shawn at the time was one of the greatest scorers to me, super smooth jumper I watched him set the record our junior year for made 3s in a season. He could play off screens, in the post, isolation, and was sneakily really athletic and would dunk on you. He pushed me to meet his level that offseason going into our senior year and I took the challenge to try and be the best player on the floor every open gym, practice, game because the season prior it was him.

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

I only had a few that actually stuck some time in the league but off the top of my head I would say Josh Richardson from UT or Torrey Craig from USC Upstate

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

This is super tough and I don´t know if I can boil it down to 5 really because there’s no standout teammate like a Lebron or Steph that would be like automatic. I’ve shared the floor with some great players throughout the years each of them that come to mind brought something special to the table.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

My personal Mount Rushmore would be, Allen Iverson, T-Mac, Steph Curry, Kobe/KD

Who is your GOAT?

MJ, Lebron has become a very close 2nd but I’m Team Jordan

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

Yeah lol its cool they brought it back but I’m going classics all the way. Give me any of the

classics from the 90s early 2000s & I’m good

Thanks Jalen for the chat.

Despite Scoring A Career High 45 Points Miki Novovic(KFUM Kalmar) Always Tries To Be A Team Player Before Chasing His own Achievements

Miki Novovic (208-C-1992) is a 33 year old 202cm center from Monenegro that is playing his 13th professional season and thiird season with KFUM Kalmar (Sweden-Basketettan). He began his basketball career with the BC Buducnost Podgorica junior team. He then went on to gain massive experience in Europe in countries like Spain, Germany, Italy and Denmark. He spoke to germanhoops.com after netting an incredible 45 points in a game in Sweden.

Thanks Miki for talking to germanhoops.com. You scored an amazing 45 points in a game against Lobas. Could you even enjoy the brilliant performance despite losing the game?

Thank you. Well it was tough to be happy after a loss. I was stuck in the moment so I was sad after the loss, but after all I was proud on my individual performance and achievement.

Despite the loss, what does a high scoring game like this mean to you? You weren´t always such a big time scorer in your career?

It means a lot. Individually it’s obviously big accomplishment, something I never chase honestly, I always try to play game the right way. I try to be more of a team player than chasing my own achievement. So I guess that’s the “award” after fulfilling all those stuff. I try always to find myself in spots I’m comfortable and be active on rebounds and the pick and roll game. Like I said I didn’t chase it, it came to me and of course opportunities to go score a lot are not quite often on any level so once I had it I was trying to stay focus and do plays on correct way.

The interesting thing in today´s game, one usually sees guards having big scoring games simply because they take many shots. Does a game like this give hope for all the big men out there to go out and take more shots than usual and know it is possible to score a lot?

Yes you right. Guards are always the ones having ball in their hands more time and they are creating shoots for themselves or others. Us bigs are basically depending on them and on passes. I think that bigs are underused in some of games, just because of “stereotypes “ where a big is just there just to set screens and take rebounds. I think the game is evolving and bigs are also having good touch, good ball handling, good feel for the game so I think they deserve more of having the ball in their hands. Of course I still believe that bigs need to fulfill a lot of other stuff like rebounds, good screens, good help on defense, closing paint and after fulfilling all those I think “award” should be more freedom in offensive play, and more options to score and be involved in action.

How did you get into the game. How quickly did you know that you could have a great scoring game?

Well I started as usual. Focus on setting tone with hard screens and controlling the paint. Run in opposite paint and try to position myself early. My team was able to find me pretty quick in transition so first points came easy. It was also second back-to-back game so my only focus is “push thru and give all today” because when you tired that’s when you need to try to find that extra energy to push yourself, and I started with that mentality early in warmup and than early on game. Once I scored first points I and had some good defensive possession I found that extra “fuel” and energy and I was just kept pushing.

You have had good scoring games this season, but do you feel like you had to do more with scoring because the team was losing in the game?

Yes. Like you mentioned before I was never just a scoring oriented guy. I try to do everything that my team needs. Either that’s only taking rebounds or just passing, or just staying in corners and play defensive. But this season things change a bit and I try to adjust. We decided to rebuild team, we sign all young guys. Almost every player on team is under 21 and me as the oldest, I knew I need to step up. So me scoring and doing extra stuff is the way to try to lead this young team and show them what they need to do. Also since I’m becoming more of a “threat” on court it gives them more space to play and work on their game. A lot teams focus on me so others on my team can be free and focus on their shoots, drives, assists and of course losing is part of it and I’m aware. We all are but I think with time theseyoung prospects will develop and it’s just matter of time when all “click” and we start with winning some games. Hopefully next one will be first.

Are you aware that if you had hit your three point attempt and made 2 more free throws, you would have reached 50 points. Does a game like this make a 50 point game for you more realistic in the future?

Hahah, yeah. After a game when I rewatched and all I figured out. I guess I got tired after all that and this game I couldn’t make it. But hopefully in the future you never know. I try to play right way and if opportunity comes I will definitely take it and try to use to the fullest.

The team had 23 assists. How thankful are you for having a teammate like Emil Drottman who had 10 assists and found you a lot?

It’s great. Emil among others has great potential. Young PG that works everyday. We spend a lot time together also off court, the age gape is big hahah but I try to be his mentor. He is a great kid willing to learn. If he do bad I say if he do good I say. That’s how he improves. I try to talk to him how to stay professional and how to act in different situations… etc. He is on a good path, and with his work ethic and dedication maybe he will break this small record that I have now.

Did you get any special wishes from friends and family around the world?

Yes. A lot of friends and family of course sent a lot of congratulations and compliments for achieving it. Some of them just checked after by stats and some of them watched game. It was tough, specially from friend and family that are “into basketball “ because they are happy for my achievement but also they know that in that moment I was disappointed because of another loss so they wait untill everything “cools down” a bit and then we analyzed it and celebrate together.

Will you do something special for your teammates who found you all day long to help you reach 45 points?

After they read and interview I will have to get them something haha. But yes I thought about it and next road trip dinner is on me for that.

What was your favorite basket of the game?

After I watched the highlights there were few of them I like. But I would say some of the dunks might be the favorites because they also hype and get up the energy to team and crowd, so those might be the favorite ones.

Thanks Mikki for the chat.