Interviews

Jordan Morgan (Petrol Olimpija Ljubljana) Has Become An Offensive Impact Player

Jordan Morgan is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Detroit, Michigan playing his fourth professional season and first with Petrol Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM). Last season he played with GS Kymis (Greece-A1) playing 11 games averaging 11.6ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.5%, FT: 69.2%. In the 2015-2016 season he split time with Hermine Nantes Atlantique (France-ProB) playing 14 games averaging 9.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 54.0%, FT: 56.4%, in Jan.’16 moved to Paris-Levallois (France-ProA) playing 7 games averaging 5.6ppg, 5.6rpg, 2FGP: 54.8%, FT: 55.6%, left in Mar.’16, later that month signed at Canton Charge (D-League) playing 7 games averaging 2.7ppg, 4.3rpg. As a rookie he played with Virtus Acea Roma (Italy-Serie A) playing 24 games averaging 7.5ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 48.0%, FT: 66.7%;In the Eurocup he played 18 games averaging 9.1ppg, 6.7rpg, FGP: 62.6%, FT: 78.0%. He played at Michigan from 2010-2014 playing a total of 142 NCAA games and reached the NCAA final in 2013 and Elite 8 in 2014. He spoke to German Hoops before the basketball champions league game against medi Bayreuth in Bayreuth.

Jordan, thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. In your rookie season with Rome you played against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg splitting the Eurocup series. Do you have any memory of the loss in Oldenburg or do the number of games you have played in your professional career make it difficult to recollect certain games?

I remember that game well. We lost to Oldenburg. I remember them having a good year. Rickey Paulding also was having a good year as he is this season. We didn´t have one of our best games.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Do you have any friends playing in Germany?

My current teammate Taylor Battle played in Germany as did Euroleague player Will Clyburn. Currently my friend Dwayne Evans is playing in Germany.

Your playing your first season with Petrol Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM). After playing in Italy, France and Greece in Europe, what kind of experience has it been playing and living in Slovenia as a fourth year professional?

Slovenia has been great. It has been a very interesting season and I feel that we haven´t hit our stride yet. We had some great wins, but also tough loses. It has been a real challenge playing in three leagues. It´s a lot of games and not many practices. For me it has been good as a player to get experience playing in three leagues. I have gotten the chance and freedom to be able to make mistakes and be able to respond to them,

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Jarvis Ray Has The Scoring Gene, Versatility And Leadership To Shine Anywhere

Jarvis Ray is a 27 year old 198cm forward from New Orleans that played at TCU(NCAA) and has experience in Europe in Austria and Cyprus. Last season he played with Enosis Neon Paralimni (Cyprus-Division A) playing 22 games: Score-4(15.1ppg), 3.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 65.0%. In his rookie season he played with Basket Swans Gmunden (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 41 games averaging 10.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 56.4%. He played at TCU from 2010-2014 playing a total of 81 NCAA games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 9.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 15.2%, FT: 67.5%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Jarvis thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how did you enjoy the holiday season?

At the moment me and my family is are located in FortWorth,Texas. I enjoyed my holiday got the chance to see some family that I haven’t got a chance to see in a couple years.

With 2018 here are you a guy that believes in setting new years resolutions or do you more refrain from that?

Yes sir you can say that, but not so much of changing myself but always trying to set a goal for myself and find a way to better myself.

After two very solid seasons in Austria and Cyprus, you are currently without a team. How difficult is it for a competitive guy like you to accept that?

Its very tough for me to be without a team because I know what I did in Austria and Cyprus. And both years I’ve gotten better. But one of goals always is to just stay positive and stay ready.

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Tyler Honeycutt (BC Khimki Moscow Region) I Want To Be More Of A Point Forward

Tyler Honeycutt is a 27 year old 203cm forward playing his third season with BC Khimki Moscow Region (Russia-VTB). He started his basketball career at UCLA (NCAA) and as a senior played 33 games averaging 12.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.8apg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 73.6%. He was drafted by the Sacramento Kings (NBA,2rd(35) in 2011 and played two seasons with them playing 22 games while also playing in the G-League for Reno and Rio Grande. In 2013 he made the jump to Europe joining Ironi Nes-Ziona (Israel-Winner League) playing 29 games averaging 15.6ppg, Reb-2(9.1rpg), 3.8apg, Steals-3(2.1spg), 1.2bpg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 66.9%. Last season he played with Anadolu Efes Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) playing 27 games averaging 7.7ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 31.9%, FT: 67.3%; In the Euroleague, he played 35 games averaging 9.2ppg, Reb-3(7.3rpg), 2.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 68.0%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Euroleague game against Brose Bamberg in Bamberg.

Thanks Tyler for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. You have a a 1-5 record against German teams. What memories do you have in general of playing against Brose Bamberg?

The first thing that stands out is the tough arena. The fans really support their team. It feels like a college atmosphere. They are really well coached and fight until the end. I watched the game against Barcelona. It was amazing how they came back and won.

What do you know in general about the country of Germany and what is your impression of its basketball?

German teams in general are always tough nosed. I remember playing against Munich a few years ago and those were tough games.

Your back at BC Khimki Moscow Region (Russia-VTB) for a third season. How good does it feel to be back and playing again and is it like a second home?

I would say so. Being in Russia is the longest that I have been in one place outside of California. The first two years with Khimki were tough. I didn´t really know what to expect and I had a tough coach. But this season all is well and I know what is going on. The coach has been good, and we have one practice per day. It has been an enjoyable experience for me.

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Julian Gamble (Telekom Baskets Bonn) I Think Increasing My Efficiency Will Automatically Take My Game To The Next Level

Julian Gamble is a 28 year old 207cm power forward/center from Durham, North Carolina that is playing his fifth professional season and second in Germany with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He started his basketball career at Miami(NCAA) in 2008 and played there until 2013 playing a total of 127 games. In 2013 he started his professional career with Saint Vallier Basket Drome (France-ProB): 44 games: 16.3ppg, Reb-3(9.0rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2spg, Blocks-1(1.5bpg), FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 10.0%, FT: 62.9%. In 2014 he moved to the Basic-Fit Brussels (Belgium-Scooore League) playing 25 games: 17.0ppg, Reb-3(7.6rpg), 1.4apg, 1.1spg, Blocks-1(1.6bpg), FGP: 57.0%, FT: 69.2%. Two seasons ago, he remained with the Basic-Fit Brussels (Belgium-Scooore League) playing 36 games: Score-5(16.6ppg), Reb-2(8.3rpg), 1.3apg, 1.5spg, Blocks-1(1.9bpg), FGP: 60.8%, FT: 68.1%. Last season with the Telekom Baskets Bonn he played 37 games averaging 13.2ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.7apg, Blocks-3(1.2bpg), FGP: 61.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 58.0%; He also played 16 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 12.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 61.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 58.2%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Julian Gamble doing some play by play at the Gezieten Cup in Rhondorf in 2017

Julian thanks for talking to German Hoops How did you enjoy the holiday season a second time in Germany and how special is it celebrating the new year in Bonn?

My holiday season was great. It is always good spending that time with family and my team. It gives us a chance to not think about the games as much and enjoy time with each other and the fruits of our labor

Are you the kind of guy that believes in new years resolutions or do you tend to shy away from that?

I believe in New Year resolutions to a degree. I think we should always try to improve ourselves and set goals to achieve, but a New year resolution is a way to focus on a bigger goal for the calendar year.

Congrats on the big win against the Giessen 46ers. How important was it closing out 2017 with that win?

Closing out the year with a win is always good! Especially when you have a little break between games, it’s always good for the mood of practice for the next week to be coming off of a victory.

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Kris Richard Knows That In The Basketball Arena You Are Your Own Business

Kris Richard is a 27 year old 196cm guard playing his seventh season and was recently with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen (Germany-BBL). He was surprisingly released recently despite putting up solid stats averaging 11,5ppg, 2,0rpg and 2,6apg. He has gathered professional experience in Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Latvia. Last season he played with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL) playing 26 VTB United League games averaging 9.7ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 87.1%; In the Latvian LBL, he played 24 games averaging 11.1ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-3(1.8spg), FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 80.8%. He played at Tulane(NCAA) from 2007-2011 playing a total of 120 NCAA games and as a senior played 30 games averaging 11.4ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 71.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball recently before his release.

Kris thanks for talking to German Hoops. Your career continues to be a spiral going up as after playing in Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Latvia, you are now in the best league that you have played in in your seventh professional season. Has the road to Germany felt a bit long and difficult at times?

Yeah, the BBL is very competitive, same as the VTB was for me last season. It’s definitely been a blessing to have continued success and professional progression each year. Each season has had its challenges, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

How was your mentality through your first six professional season. Has it felt a bit like a Cinderella story or do you feel it was just part of your special process of getting here?

Yeah for sure, with all the negativity that comes with playing at lower levels it was hard not to get discouraged and try to find another profession. In the basketball arena you are your own business. You construct a plan, pray, and trust that your process will work in your favor.

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Thomas Walkup (MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg) Our Unselfishness Has Created Our Recipe For Winning

Thomas Walkup is a 25 year old 193cm guard from Pasadena, Texas playing his first season with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. He played his rookie season with the Windy City Bulls (D-League) playing 40 games averaging 7.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 84.5%. He played at SF Austin (NCAA) from 2012-2016 playing a total of 133 NCAA games. In his senior season he played 34 games averaging 18.1ppg, 6.9rpg, 4.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 62.7%, 3PT: 25.6%, FT: 81.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg in Oldenburg.

Thomas, thanks for talking to German Hoops. Last season you were in the States for Christmas and New year playing in the D-League, but this season playing in Germany a day before Christmas and playing after New Years. Are you a fan of this type of schedule or would you rather have that special time with family and friends?

Spending time with the family is always very special. I was lucky to have my family visit me on December 26^th. But at the same time this is my job and you have to make sacrifices and you have to be ready to play.

The NBA is the goal of every player, but after a season in the G-League, you decided to put it on hold and come to Europe. How vital has the signing with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg been considering how well the season is going for the team and your play?

It has been very important. As a player I am reaching my potential here and doing all I can to fit the system. It has been a great fit for me. I really like to play for coach Patrick. The team and coach also fit well and is one of the reasons why we have been successful.

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Van Girard (Nuernberg Falcons) I looked Internally And Spent Time Developing My Game Trying To Take It To The Next Level Rather Than Blaming The World

Van Girard is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Los Angeles, California playing his first season in Europe with the Nuernberg Falcons BC (Germany-ProA). He has bounced around North America in the last 4-5 years getting exposure in the Drew League as well as with the S.California Summer Pro League (And1 Select team)and Newport Beach Sunblockers (WCBL). He also got further experience with the Elite Talent Exchange Glo Japan playing 10 games averaging 12ppg, 8rpg, 2apg, 3spg and with Vaqueros de Saucillo (Mexico-Chihuahua Vive): Score-1 (27.5ppg), Reb-2 (12.9rpg). He spoke to German Hoops recently about basketball.

Hi Van thanks for talking to German Hoops. Before we start I have to ask you about your name Van. It is one of those uncommon names and I actually only have heard it once before with ex NBA player Van Wafer. How much do you like having this rare unique name and with what kind of experiences did you have growing up with the name as well as today?

I’ve liked it a lot. I’d get the occasional joke about “driving a van” or wearing “Vans” brand tennis shoes, but for the most part it was all about my dad. I’m named after him (Van Girard Sr.) He’s actually a well known and respected basketball coach especially around LA and in the NCAA world so everywhere I go people ask if that’s my dad, or if I’m related to him! It’s actually kind of cool because we look a lot alike too.

Thanksgiving is around the corner and the Christmas holiday season is also around the corner. How have you experienced living in Germany as a kid coming from Los Angeles. What have you learned to appreciate the most about Germany and it´s culture?

Germany is definitely different than LA, in a good way though. I really appreciate the history, the culture, and the hospitality. People are welcoming, and Nürnberg specifically is absolutely beautiful. Definitely lucky to be living here.

What did you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball before you came? Your ex teammate in high school Caspar Ware had played here. Did you have any other friends playing in Germany over the years?

I’ve actually always had my sights set on playing in Europe, so I had definitely done a little bit of research. I always compare the type of basketball to how the Spurs play. Very balanced, very strategic, and team oriented. I like that a lot. And yes my buddy Kaiymen Pruitt has been playing in Germany for a while so I’ve heard nothing but good things from him.

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Demetrius Ward (MTV Wolfenbuettel Herzoege) My Goal Is To Be Efficient Without Taking So Many Shots Scoring The Ball With Limited Dribbles

Demetrius Ward is a 27 year old 188cm guard from Detroit, Michigan that is playing his sixth professional season with MTV Wolfenbuettel Herzoege (Germany-ProB) and last season played 22 games averaging 19.0ppg, 6.4rpg, 4.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 83.6%. He played at Western Michigan from 2008-2012 playing a total of 129 NCAA games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 12.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 76.2%. He spoke German Hoops to about basketball.

Demetrius, thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and what are you looking forward to most this Christmas?

Hello Miles I’m currently at home in Detroit. I am looking forward to spending time with my family during the break.

Before we talk about Wolfenbuettel, I have to remind you about this quote you gave me in your last interview in April 2017. “I definitely think I can make an impact in the Pro A on and off the court. I’m not a one dimensional player, I can create my own shot and also create for others. I guess all I need is a chance to show my talents at the next level”. Are you very disappointed you didn´t catch on with a Pro A team? What do you feel is missing for getting that opportunity?

It was disappointing but, I have a great opportunity here in Wolfenbuttel which maybe better than playing in the Pro A. I think I don’t have the representation or anyone pushing me to go to the Pro A. My time will come eventually or maybe its not meant to happen but I definitely can play Pro A.

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Vaughn Duggins (s.Oliver Wurzburg) My Job Is To Be An Aggressive Creator On Offense And A Bulldog On Defense

Vaughn Duggins is a 30 year old 190cm guard from Pendleton, Indiana that is playing his seventh professional season and first with s.Oliver Wurzburg. Last season he played with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg playing 22 games averaging 10.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 85.2%. In 4 BCL games he averaged 11.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg. He started his basketball career in 2006 with Wright St. (NCAA) where he played until 2011 paying a total of 130 NCAA games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 18.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 82.2%. In 2011, he started his professional basketball career in Germany with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen where he played until 2013 and in his second season played 33 games averaging 14.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 82.0%. He then played two seasons in France with Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France-ProA) playing 31 games averaging 10.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 85.9%; and 10 Eurocup games averaging 10.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 79.2%. He also played with Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProA) playing 32 games averaging 14.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 79.3% and played 12 Eurocup games averaging 11.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 78.6%. He spoke to German Hoops before the BBL game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Vaughn thanks for talking to German Hopps. Congrats on becoming a dad for the second time. What is most different about being a dad for the second time than for the first time?

The biggest difference is the amount of time it takes to do anything. If you expect any task to be done in a certain amount of time, double it!

Before we get to basketball, I have to ask you about German Christmas. You have seen it in Tuebingen and Oldenburg and now witnessing it in Wurzburg. How has the atmosphere been in the Bavarian city and is there anything more unique about it in Bavaria than it was before?

We love the old German charm of the cities here in the South and Würzburg is no different. Great for families and the location is perfect.

Last season you experienced an amazing run with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. How special was that run for you personally and being a teammate of Mr Oldenburg Rickey Paulding?

It was special because the season was very challenging for us at times. It was great that it all came together at the right time. Rickey is an amazing player but it doesn’t touch how good of a person and teammate he is!

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Kendall Timmons (Baskets Vilsbiburg) Great Coaches Have Challenged Me To Be A Complete Player And Not Just Rely On My Athleticism

Kendall Timmons is a 27 year old 195cm guard from Fort Worth, Texas playing his fourth professional season and second with the Baskets Vilsbiburg (Germany-Regionalliga) currently averaging 18,5ppg, 12,2rpg and 4,9apg, 3,8spg and 1,0bpg. He played at Tulane(NCAA) from 2008-2013 playing a total of 117 games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 8.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 66.0%. He started his professional basketball career in 2013 with U.M.F. Grindavik (Iceland-Dominos League) playing 2 games averaging 14.5ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.5apg, in Dec.’13 moved to Jackson Showboats (ABA). In the 2013-2014 season he played with Sampaense Basket (Portugal-LPB, starting five): 21 games: 12.9ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.9apg, Steals-5(1.8spg), FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 61.9%. Last season he came to Germany to paly with the Baskets Vilsbiburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 15 games averaging 17.6ppg, 9.7rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-3(3.3spg), FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 59.1%. He spoke to German Hoops about his basketball career.

Kendall thanks for talking to German Hoops Thanksgiving came and went and for the fourth time in five years you were away from home for this big American holiday. What was your favorite childhood memory of thanksgiving?

My favorite memories of thanksgiving have to be all of the different foods and desserts that my family would make.

You are playing your second season with Baskets Vilsbiburg (Germany-Regionalliga). After being a runner up in the Regionalliga last season was it only logical for you to return to win it all this season and move up to the Pro B?

After finishing second last season only playing half of the season with the team, I thought that there would be a great chance of having another great season this year.

The club Baskets Vilsbiburg (Germany-Regionalliga) have started off well. The scoring really stands out as the club has scored 80 points or more in nine of it´s 13 games. Is this the team´s biggest strength at the moment?

I do think that because we are able to score a lot of points that it makes our team very difficult to play against because everyone is capable of contributing.

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