Interviews

Kruize Pinkins (Mitteldeutscher BC) I Think Being A Knock Down Shooter Would Really Open Up My Game A Lot More

Kruize Pinkins is a 25 year old 201cm forward from Marianna, Florida that is playing his third professional season and first with the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played with the Hebeisen White Wings in his first two professional seasons. In his second season with Hanau he averaged 17,9ppg, 9,5rpg and 2,5apg. He started his basketball career at Chipola (JUCO). He then played at USF (NCAA) from 2013-2015 and as a senior played 32 games averaging 13.9ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 65.0%. As a rookie last season with the Hebeisen White Wings he played 29 games averaging 13.1ppg, Reb-3(9.1rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 68.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners on Easter Monday.

Kruize, thanks for talking to German Hoops. This is your third season in Germany and our seventh interview. Your third professional season is coming to an end. Has time flown by since your first professional game against Vechta where you netted 12 points and hauled down 12 boards After two very strong seasons in the Pro A with Hanau, you made the jump to 2004 Fiba Europe Cup champion Mitteldeutscher BC. How much of a blessing has it been for you being able to play in one of Europe´s top 5 leagues?

It´s a big blessing and I never take it for granted. It´s a very tough league that is making me a better player.

The Mitteldeutscher might only have won 8 games to this point, but any season where it remains in the BBL is a big success. How have you experienced your first season in the BBL? What have been the team highs and lows so far?

It´s been a great experience for me. I have learned a lot of things throughout the course of this season. The hardest thing I had to deal with was being out two weeks with an injury but we have a great medical staff here which helped me return quickly

The club lost 4-5 very close games The club allows 88 points per game. Where do you feel the team would be today if it had been able to play more consistent defense? What have been the main flaws on the defensive end this season?

It was not about defense in most of those close loses. Sometimes the ball just doesn’t drop your way and every possession matters. Most of those teams were very experienced. Our guys go out and play their hearts out on defense every night. Every team has a defensive drop here and there, it´s a part of basketball.

Marcus Hatten doesn´t play your position, but belongs to the players with the most professional experience in the BBL. He is a guy that has seen it all. Have you become an overall smarter player on the court just by seeing his play and stories about his basketball life?

Yeah, Marcus has taught me a lot. It´s made me a better player just by getting knowledge from him. So yes I take as much knowledge about the game from him as I can!

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Courtney Belger (FC Schalke) This Season I Have Focused On Having To Flat Out Step Up And Win The Game In Crunch Time

Courtney Belger is a 27 year old 187cm guard from St Louis that is playing his fifth professional season and second with FC Schalke 04 (Germany-ProB). Last season with FC Schalke he played 25 games averaging 16.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 5.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 22.4%, FT: 78.9%. In 2015-2016 he played with the Itzehoe Eagles (Germany-ProB) playing 24 games averaging 12.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 65.6% and Kalamunda Eastern Suns (Australia-SBL) playing 14 games averaging 21.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.1apg, Steals-4(3.1spg), FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 22.4%, FT: 80.8%. He played his first two professional seasons with TV Ibbenbuehren (Germany-Regionalliga). He started his basketball career at Quincy (NCAA2) in 2008 where he played until 2012 playing a total of 113 NCAA 2 games. As a senior he played 27 games averaging 11.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 10.5%, FT: 72.0%. He improved his scoring and rebounding average each season. He spoke to German Hoops before game 2 against MTV Herzoege Wolfenbuettel.

Courtney thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the hard fought 71-69 win against MTV Herzoege Wolfenbuettel. That was definitely not a game for weak nerves. When you look back at the regular season you had many more close wins than loses. Was this one of the biggest wins of the season and how key was keeping your cool at the end as a team?

This was definitely the biggest win we have had of the season. Mainly because it was a playoff game and we had worked hard to win that game. It would have been very disappointing to lose that one after playing so well. At this point in the season to me every win we get seems like the biggest one of the season.

With 5 minutes left FC Schalke looked like the sure winner, but you gave up a 15-0 run as Wolfenbuettel trailed only 68-67. What was key for them making this crazy run?

Wolfenbuettel is a resilient team like us. We started trying not to lose, instead of to keep trying to win. They stayed hungry and erased the lead quickly.

You have stood at the free throw line countless times at the end and made the big free throws, but how did it feel this time? Was it just 2 normal shots like usual or did you feel a little pressure this time?

My team has a lot of trust in me so it feels like just a normal two shots. I always like to finish the game on my terms and live with the results so that was a perfect situation for me. I enjoy those moments.

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Jordan Theodore (EA7 Emporio Armani Milano) Last Season I Was The Hunter And Now I´m The Hunted

Jordan Theodore is a 28 year old 182cm point guard from Englewood, New Jersey that is playing his sixth professional season and first with EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (Italy-Serie A). Last season he played with Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-BSL) playimg 31 games: Score-3(18.4ppg), 3.7rpg, Assists-1(7.2apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 81.2%; In the BCL, he played 19 games: Score-4(16.2ppg), 4.1rpg, Assists-1(7.5apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 76.3% In the 2016-2017 season, he had his most successful season as a professional winning the FIBA Europe Cup with the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL) playing 37 games: 14.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 83.1%; FIBA Europe Cup: 18 games: 14.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 90.2%. He started his basketball career in 2008 with Seton Hall (NCAA) where he played until 2012 127 NCAA games and as a playing a total of senior played 32 games averaging 16.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 6.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 82.7%. In 2012, he started his professional career with Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye (Turkey-TBL) playing 29 games averaging 15.8ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-for Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyesi (Turkey-TBL) playing 27 games averaging 12.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 73.5%. In the 2014-2015 season he played for JL Bourg Basket (France-ProA, starting five): 17 games: 12.7ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-2(6.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 21.6%, FT: 87.2%. He spoke to German Hoops after the tight 83-78 Euroleague win against Brose Bamberg in Bamberg.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with Jordan Theodore after the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup win in Chalon, France

Jordan thanks for talking to German Hoops. We spoke more than a year ago as you were preparing for a Basketball Champions league game in Oldenburg with Banvit. How does it feel to be back in Germany again?

It was great being back in Germany. This was my first time back at Freak City since playing with Frankfurt here. I loved playing for a German team with Frankfurt and love coming back. The Germans always give me a lot of love. I wasn´t 100% since I´m coming off an injury and played only 7 minutes. I was just happy to be back on the court.

Easter time is here. What were your fondest memories of Easter as a kid?

My fondest Easter memory as a kid was the candy and the Easter egg hunts. I got really rotten teeth and paying for it now. I did have 2 teeth pulled recently, but all is good. I still have nice white teeth and a nice smile.

Two seasons ago with the Fraport Skyliners you split the season series winning an exciting 88-86 game at home, but then losing in Bamberg 71-58 where you had a good game netting 21 points in a losing cause. With what kind of feelings did you come back too Bamberg?

It was good walking back into the Bamberg arena knowing that I had had a good game my last time with Frankfurt. I felt comfortable being back on the court. Bamberg has been up and down this season. The fans weren´t as active as both teams were playing for nothing except pride. It is always great playing against a great team that has great players. Being out the last 2 months has been tough. I wasn´t traveling with the team the last months and at times it felt like I wasn´t part of the team. But the team has really stayed behind me during my comeback.

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Ron Mvouika (Bayer Giants Leverkusen) Chris Mullin Treated Me Like A Pro From Day One

Ron Mvouika is a 26 year old 196cm forward from France that played a short second professional season and first with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen playing only 4 games before an injury cut his season short. He was able to make an impact in the pro B averaging 17,0ppg, 4,5rpg and 3,5apg while shooting 45% from outside. He started the season with the Plymouth University Raiders (United Kingdom-BBL). Last season as a rookie he played with Aurore de Vitre (NM1). He spent a lot of time in the states going over in 2010 going to Huntington, WV / Huntington-St.Joseph Prep School. He then played two seasons with Sheridan JC (JUCO). In 2013 he transferred to Missouri St. (NCAA) playing 31 games averaging 6.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 59.2%. In his junior season at Missouri St. (NCAA) he played 2 games averaging 5.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.0spg. For his senior St.John’s (NCAA): 32 games: 8.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 66.2%. German Hoops spoke to him when he was playing in Germany for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen before his injury.

Ron thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. For a guy that is from France, but lived for 6 years in the States, did you have any previous dealings with the country Germany? What do you in general about it´s basketball?

I don’t have any previous dealing with Germany, Its my first time here and I enjoy it. Over the past years, Germany has had a great reputation when it comes to basketball. Dirk played a huge role in that, after the career he is having in the NBA, he put Germany on the map. New guys like Dennis Schroeder is bringing even more light into the country so its positive and beneficial for all the leagues here.

You lived 6 years in the States and are back in Europe to play professionally. Do you ever wonder where your basketball career would have gone had you stayed in Europe? Where do you think could you be today without the American experience?

Yeah, I wonder sometimes where I would be if I didn’t play in America for so long. I’m sure I would of been playing in France somewhere, but I don’t regret anything if I had to do it all over, I wouldn’t change anything. Live my life with no regrets is my way of life.

Congrats on signing with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. How did the club wet your appetite best for signing with them?

It´s a honor to play for the winningest club ever in Germany. A club with so much history and a historical Coach is something that I couldn’t turn down. I was fortunate enough to play in great and historical programs in the NCAA, hall of famers like Coach Mullin but also Mitch Ritchmond and Coach Achim is a figure in Germany so I take it as a blessing to learn from these masterminds. I stay in sponge mode and learn everything I can while I’m here.

Head coach Achim Kuczmann is extremely impressed with your leadership qualities and the need to take responsibility on the court? What other strengths do you have on the court?

I could always score the ball with ease since I was young but a part of my game that people are not really aware of is my ability to pass the ball. I love getting assist for my teammates. I like it just as more as scoring. Outside of that, I love rebounding the ball also, get in the mix with the bigs and fight for it, I enjoy it, I´m a fighter so its a fun thing.

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James Robinson (medi Bayreuth) If We Take Care Of The Ball And Make Simple Plays Then We Feel Like We Can Break Down The Ludwigsburg Press

James Robinson is a 24 year old 190cm guard from Mitchellville, Maryland that is playing his second professional season and first with medi Bayreuth (Germany-BBL) averaging 8,6ppg, 2,2rpg and 3,8apg. Last season as a rookie he played with BC Igokea Aleksandrovac (Bosnia-Division I) helping them win the cup playing 16 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT-2(48.8%), FT: 75.8%; He also played in the Adriatic League playing 24 games averaging 12.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 86.3%. Before turning professional he played at Pittsburgh (NCAA) form 2012-2016 playing a total of 137 games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 10.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 5.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Basketball Champions League game against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing medi Bayreuth PG James Robinson after scoring 9 points in a 72-68 loss against the Fraport Skyliners in Frankfurt

James congrats on a fine season with medi Bayreuth. We are coming up to the stretch run of the season. Medi Bayreuth is in the Basketball Champions League quarterfinals and in fourth place in the EasyCredit BBL standings. How good is basketball life for you at the moment?

I’m loving playing basketball here in Bayreuth. The fan support has been great and our team is continuing to get better and better each day as we approach the end of the regular season.

A big basketball battle starts in the Basketball Champions League tonight with medi Bayreuth against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. How excited are you for this and how confident are you that you can advance past this very tough team?

I’m really excited to be competing with my teammates as one of the 8 teams remaining in the BCL. I think it shows how strong the basketball is in the BBL to have two of its teams represented this late in such a big time international event. The games will be hard fought and filled with a lot of excitement, but if we play how well we know we can, we will advance.

Medi Bayreuth has to have a lot of revenge after the embarrassing 78-47 loss. What memories do you have from that nasty loss?

It was a bad game from us on that night, we have learned from it and gotten better since.

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Dexter Werner (Lok Bernau) Changing Your Pace To Keep Your Defender Guessing On Your Next Move Is Something I Will Continue To Improve On

Dexter Werner is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Bismark, North Dakota that that recently finished his rookie professional season in Germany with Lok Germany averaging 14,0ppg, 8,0rpg and 2,0apg. He just finished a stellar career at N.Dakota St. (NCAA) where he played from 2013-2017 playing a total of 105 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 12.0ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.5spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 61.2%, FT: 73.7%. He spoke to German Hoops after bowing out against Iserlohn.

Dexter thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on reaching the playoffs, but you got swept by Iserlohn. How disappointing was losing game 2 at home by such a tight score of 78-76?

Losing a close game like that is always disappointing no matter what the circumstances are. It was good that we made the playoffs, but we also had goals of going much further.

How long did you still have the last seconds in your mind? Was this one of those games that took you longer to forget?

The last second shot was a tough way to lose that game. A loss like that where it is so close sticks with you a little longer than most games.

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Jarvis Davis (VFL SparkassenStars Bochum) It’ll Be An Upset If The ScanPlus Baskets Beat Us Because I Know We’re A Title Team

Jarvis Davis is a 183cm guard from Columbia, South Carolina that will play his second professional season in Germany with the Rostock Seawolves. As a rookie he played for AngraBasket/Vaquinha (Portugal-Proliga) averaging 25,2ppg, 7,5rpg and 2,9apg. He started his basketball career with Cent.Florida (NCAA) in 2010 an dthen moved to Gardner-Webb (NCAA) and as a senior played 35 games averaging 8.8ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 87.1%. He spoke to German Hoops after getting by the Fraport Skyliners Juniors in the Pro B playoffs.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Bochum guard Jarvis Davis who dropped 12 points in the 78-70 win in game 2 against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors

Thanks Jarvis for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the easy 82-60 do or die win against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. You had a long ride home on Saturday. What was going through your mind the most after the game two win?

Put the series away in the first 5 minutes of the game. Let them know who is the better, more physical team.

Bochum could have wrapped up the series in Frankfurt had they won game one at home. How important was it for the team confidence winning two do or die games in a row?

It was important because now we know we have some toughness about ourselves and that if needed, we can dig out of a hole.

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Scottie Wilbekin (Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul) The Kids In Turkey Call Me The Turkish Steph Curry But I Think That´s A Little Too High

Scottie Wilbekin is a 24 year old 188cm point guard from Gainsville, Florida that is playing his fourth professional season and third with Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). Last season he played 26 games averaging 13.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 82.4%. In the Euroleague, he played 31 games averaging 11.6ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.2apg, Steals-4(1.4spg), FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 40.4%, FT: 87.0% As a rookie he played with Cairns Taipans (Australia-NBL, starting five) playing 32 games averaging 15.2ppg, 3.7rpg, Assists-4(4.3apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 28.4%, FT: 83.5%, in Mar.’15 moved to AEK Athens (Greece-A1) playing 9 games averaging 8.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 66.7%. He played at Florida from 2010-2014 playing 143 games and as a senior played 34 games averaging 13.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 72.5%. He scorched FC Bayern Munich for 65 points in the two game Eurocup series. In game two he scored 41 points leading Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul to the 87-83 victory and Eurocup final. German Hoops spoke to him after the win.

Scottie thanks for talking to German Hoops. You have been in Germany before playing against teams Alba Berlin and the Brose Baskets Bamberg. Was last seasons tight series against Bamberg where you won both games by only two points your biggest highlights against German teams before Munich??

Yes those games were big, and biggest was my teammate last season Brad Wanamaker scoring 30 points in our two point win. He really took control in that game.

One could call you Mr crunch-time as well as your team. You beat Bamberg twice in crunch-time, bear Munich a few days and tonight again overall Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) has been exceptional this season in the Eurocup winning tight games. What has been the secret to being so strong in the last minutes this season?

Our defense has been the key this season for our ability to win close games. Guys like Howard Sant-Roos, Michael Eric and Jajuan Johnson are all about defense. These guys really take their game on the defensive end to a totally new level on the defensive end in crunch-time.

Congrats on the exciting 87-83 win in game 2 in Munich. What an amazing and tight series. Besides your 41 points tonight what was key for reaching the final? Did you guys just want it a bit more than the German team?

I don´t know about that, but I do know that we wanted to win this game a lot. We knew coming into game 2 in Munich that it would be a tough environment with the fans. We were able to bear down at the end and key was our defense and defensive rebounds.

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Kameron Taylor (Dragons Rhondorf) My Teamamtes Gave Me A Lot Of Trust And Confidence And Made Me A Better Leader

Kameron Taylor is a 23 year old 198cm guard from Hyattsville, Maryland that recently finished his second professional season and first with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf and tore up the Pro B averaging 23,4ppg, 7,9rpg and 5,6apg, and 2,6spg. Last season as a rookie he played with Team Ehingen Urspring (Germany-ProA) playing 29 games averaging 10.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 43.9%, FT: 80.2%. He started his basketball career at DeMatha Catholic and in 2012-2013 started his career at Seton Hill (NCAA2) and as a freshman played 28 games averaging 7.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 70.0%. In his second season at Seton Hill (NCAA2) he played 27 games averaging 12.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.6apg, 2.0spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 77.9%. In his junior season at Seton Hill (NCAA2) he played 16 games averaging 13.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 70.6%. In his senior year at Seton Hill (NCAA2) he played 27 games averaging 20.8ppg, 8.7rpg, 4.1apg, 2.2spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 76.8%. He spoke to German Hoops after the Dragons Rhondorf ended their season losing the playoff series to MTV Herzoege Wolfenbuettel.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Kameron Taylor after his buzzer beater against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors

Kameron thanks for talking to German Hoops. How is the day after for you after the game 2 loss in Wolfenbuettel and ending of your Pro B season? What was going through your head the most on the long bus ride back to Rhondorf?

I was proud of my team because we didn’t quit. We had a lot of guys playing through injuries and everybody giving their best is all we could ask. It definitely sucks that we lost but we are a young team and everyone can use this experience to learn in the future.

The Dragons Rhondorf were focused and motivated to steal a win in Wolfenbuettel and come home for game three. The defense was a big staple in the Dragons game in the first half, but let you down in this series. When you look back at the series were there any adjustments one could of done better besides the length advantage of Wolfenbuettel?

We left it all on the floor, looking back at it Wolfenbüttel played very well in the series.

Statistically the MTV Herzoege Wolfenbuettel were better in all phases except for the turnovers where you had two less. You never want to make excuses, but for me MTV Herzoege Wolfenbuettel was a team that the Dragons Rhondorf didn´t match up well to. You could have drawn many other teams and possibly be in the next round. Do you share my opinion on this?

It wouldn’t matter who we faced, we matchup up well with anyone when we had our full team but can’t make excuses because every team faces injuries and hardships

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Robert Nortmann (Romerstrom Gladiators) I Am A Late Bloomer And Been Playing Catch Up My Entire Career

Robert Nortmann is a 30 year old 204cm forward from Nassau, Bahamas playing his first professional season in Germany with the ROMERSTROM Gladiators Trier (Germany-ProA). He has been a solid force from the bench averaging 6,0ppg and 3,0rpg in 15 minutes of action. He has played most of his professional career in Canada with teams Halifax Rainmen (Canada-NBL Canada), Island Storm (Canada-NBL Canada), and Windsor Express (Canada-NBL Canada). He also gained experience with teams Maitland Mustangs (Australia-WARATAH) and Francavilla Fontana (Italy-Serie C Silver). He played four years at Dalhousie University (Canada-CIS) and as a senior played 21 games averaging 14.6ppg, 6.4rpg, FGP: 49.4%, FT: 61.7%. He spoke to German Hoops at the start of 2018 about his basketball career.

Robert, thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. 2018 is here. Are you the kind of guy that sets new years resolutions each year or rather are you a guy that doesn´t believe in that?

I do believe in setting goals every year. However, I do not believe in resolutions. I believe that you should build habits for success, every single day. Why wait for the new year to start your success.

You have the German citizenship as you have a German grandmother. What do you know about the country Germany in general and it´s basketball?

My father is German but he was born and raised in Canada. His parents moved to Toronto from Germany before he was born. My grandfather was from Hamburg. I know quite a bit about the country and I have visited in the past. I am excited to learn more about my father’s side of the family and my German heritage. I also have many friends who have experience with professional basketball in Germany, so they told me what to expect.

Congrats on signing with the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier. One could say you helped blow a positive wind to the team as it is undefeated since you arrived. Do you feel like a sort of good luck charm based on the current success?

It definitely looks like it! The Gladiators are a very talented team. They were just missing a piece to bring them over the hump. The team needed a physical presence in the paint and some more experience. Fortunately, I was able to bring both of those things to the team.

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