Eric Ross is a 23 year old 201cm forward that is playing his rookie season with TSV Crailsheim Merlins 2nd team (Germany-Regionalliga). He had a very busy college basketball career as he played at four schools in four years at Blinn JC (JUCO) playing 25 games averaging 4.6ppg, 6.8rpg, at Triton JC (JUCO) playing 29 games averaging 7.2ppg, 9.1rpg, FGP: 47.3%, FT: 47.3%, at S.Connecticut (NCAA2) playing 26 games averaging 3.5ppg, 4.0rpg and at Shorter (NCAA2) playing 25 games averaging 9.7ppg, 12.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 60.9%, FT: 36.1%. He is averagig 15,7ppg, 14,6rpg 1,3apg, 1,5spg and 1,4bpg and spoke to German Hoops earlier in the season about basketball after signing with Crailsheim 2.
Eric thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are from Chicago Illinois and playing your professional basketball career in Germany with the Crailsheim 2 team. Have you witnessed some culture shock or did the smaller places you visited while playing at many schools help ease the big city feeling of Chicago?
Yes coming from Shorter university it made me adjust to being in little towns so I’m used to it.
How excited are you to be starting your professional career in Germany with the Crrailsheim Merlins 2. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?
I’m really excited to be playing professional basketball. I always dreamed of doing it one day, and god finally blessed me with an opportunity. Also I actually don’t know nothing about Germany, This being my first time ever leaving the United States, but I’m up for the new experience.
Tim Abromaitis is a 28 year old 203cm forward from Farmington, Connecticut playing his sixth professional season and third with Iberostar Tenerife CB Canaria(SPAIN ACB). Last season he played 29 ACB games averaging 6.6ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 87.5%. In the BCL he played 20 games helping the club win the title averaging 9.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 63.3%, 3PT: 45.5%, FT: 88.6%. He also gathered experience playing in France with ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket and Strasbourg IG and in Germany with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. He played college ball at Notre Dame (NCAA) from 2007-2012. He spoke toGerman Hoops before the Basketball Champions League game against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.
Tim thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. It´s been three years since you played in Germany with Braunschweig. Has time flown by since you last played in Germany professionally?
It definitely doesn’t feel like three years have passed since I was playing in Germany so I would say that time has flown by. Maybe it seems that way to me because I’ve only been on one team since that season.
Your playing your third season for Iberostar Tenerife CB Canarias (Spain-Liga ACB) and preparing for the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. You split with Braunschweig and lost In Ludwigsburg, but played a good game scoring 16 points, getting seven rebounds and dishing out six assists. What memories do you have of that game?
I remember that was a really big game for us at the end of the year. If we had won then we would have had a really good chance at the playoffs, but unfortunately we couldn’t get it done and they took the last playoff spot over us.
Shawn Jones is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Florida playing his fourth professional season and first with Banco di Sardegna Sassari (Italy-Serie A). Last season he split time with Hapoel Jerusalem (Israel-Winner League) playing 15 games averaging 5.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 51.8%, FT: 56.7%: In the Eurocup: he played 18 games averaging 5.5ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 62.1%, FT: 53.1%, in Apr.’17 moved to Scandone Avellino (Italy-Serie A) playing 3 games averaging 12.3ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.0spg. He came to Europe in 2015 and played with MoraBanc Andorra (Spain-ACB) playing 34 games averaging 8.7ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 64.7%, FT: 63.5%. He played his rookie season with the Miami Heat (NBA), released in Oct.’14, then moved to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League) playing 52 games averaging 13.2ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 67.9%. He played at Middle Tenn.St. (NCAA) from 2010-2014 playing a total of 126 NCAA games and as a senior played 32 games averaging 13.9ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 57.6%, FT: 68.3%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Basketball Champions League game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg in Oldenburg.
Shawn, thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. Last season with Hapoel Jerusalem you lost 103-77 in Ulm. What memories do you have of that tough game?
I remember we had a tough travel day. We got in late and we practiced at midnight. That was the latest that I had ever practiced. We had some flight delays which was the reasons for the late arrival. Ulm was like a machine in the game. They hardly missed. It just wasn´t our night.
What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Do you have any friends playing in Germany now or in the past?
I have some former teammates playing in Germany like Reggie Upshaw and Marcos Knight in the past. I remember having some battles in college with Augustine Rubit. I have heard only good things about Germany. Guys have said that they have called Germany home for the 10 months that they were there.
Banco Di Srdegna is playing solid in the Serie A and Basketball Champions League, but surely has a lot of upside. What are you most excited about that this team has and will still show in the coming months?
I am more excited just seeing our potential to keep improving every day. I feel that we can still improve in all aspects and don´t really have a real feel for each other yet.
Mike Tobey is a 23 year old 213cm center from Monroe, New York playing his second professional season and first with Iberostar Tenerife CB Canarias (Spain-ACB). Last season as a rookie he played with the Charlotte Hornets (NBA) playing 2 games averaging 1.0ppg, 1.5rpg, He also played also at Greensboro Swarm (D-League) playing 35 games: averaging 2.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 19.6%, FT: 72.9%, in Mar.’17 moved to Valencia Basket (Spain-ACB) playing 3 games averaging 5.3ppg, 4.7rpg: He played at Virginia(NCAA) from 2012-2016 playing a total of 136 games and as a senior played 35 games averaging 7.2ppg, 4.4rpg, FGP: 61.7%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 61.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Basketball Champions League game against the MHP Riesen in Ludwigsburg.
Mike thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. Is this your first time in Germany? What do you know in general about the country Germany and its basketball?
This is my first time in Germany. I have only heard good things about Germany from teammates and former teammates. My ex teammate Luke Sikma is playing here at the moment with Alba Berlin.
Before we really get into the basketball interview who has the nicer campus Avon Old Farms school or Hotchkiss? Did you ever play Avon in basketball in your one season there and what memories do you have?
Wow that was a long time ago. I will have to go with Hotchkiss, but I was only there one year. I have no memory, but I am sure we played them. There are so many beautiful campuses in Connecticut.
After playing in the NBA, D-league and ACB last season how confident are you that you won´t be bouncing around as much this season in your second professional season?
I am confident that I will stay the whole season with Tenerife. That is my plan.
Ryan Harrow is a 26 year old 188 cm guard from Georgia playing his third professional season and first with Rosa Radom (Poland-PLK) after starting the season with Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys (Lithuania-LKL) playing 5 games averaging 15.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.4apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 52.1%, 3FGP: 42.9%, FT: 66.7%. Last season he played with Consultinvest VL Pesaro (Italy-Serie A) playing 20 games averaging 10.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 49.2%, 3FGP: 42.1%, FT: 67.6%, in Mar.’17 moved to Rosa Radom (Poland-PLK) playing 12 games averaging 15.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 81.8%. AS a rookie he played with A.G.O Rethymno Aegean (Greece-A1) playing 25 games averaging 12.7ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 73.1%. He played at three NCAA school´s North Carolina State, Kentucky and Georgia State and as a senior at Georgia St played 28 games averaging 18.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 3.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 71.7%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball before the Basketball Champions League game against medi Bayreuth in Bayreuth.
Welcome to Germany. Is this your first time to Germany and how have you liked it?
This is my first time in Germany. Even if it was dark with us coming in, I had a nice first impression. The Christmas lights were up in Bayreuth.
What do you know in general about the country Germany and its basketball? Do you have any friends playing here?
I don´t know much about Germany, but watched the movie Atomic Blond which is set in Berlin and has the wall in it. My friend Tre Bussey just signed in Germany with Bremerhaven. We’re family. He lives five minutes from me at home.
Your playing your first season with Polish team Rosa Radom. Was the attraction to be able to play Champions League basketball a big reason why you joined this team?
I finished with Rosa last season, but ended up in Lithuania this season. Rosa wanted me to come back so I returned.
Kevin Punter is a 24 year old 188cm point guard from the Bronx, New York playing his second professional season and first with Rosa Radom (Poland-PLK). Last season as a rookie he played with GS Lavrio (Greece-A1) playing 21 games averaging 12.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 2FGP: 45.8%, 3FGP: 43.2%, FT: 80.0%, in Mar.’17 moved to Port of Antwerp Giants (Belgium-Euromillions League) playing 16 games averaging 11.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.6apg, Steals-2(1.9spg), FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 89.1%. He started his college career at State Fair CC (JUCO) and finished at Tennessee (NCAA). In his senior year he played 26 games averaging 22.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 81.7%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball before the Basketball Champions League game against medi Bayreuth in Bayreuth.
Kevin thanks for talking to German Hoops. Before we start how often have you heard the wise comment “How far can you punt the ball?
When I was a little kid I often heard the phrase do you play football, but now I don´t hear it anymore.
Welcome to Germany. Is this your first time to Germany or did you check it out when you played in Belgium briefly last season?
This is my first time here. We got in late, but it´s cool.
Kameron Taylor is a 22 year old 198cm guard from Hyattsville, Maryland that is playing his second professional season and first with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf and tearing up the Pro B averaging 23,3ppg, 7,2rpg and 4,5apg. 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 about basketball before he signed with the Dragons Rhondorf.
Kam thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are playing your second professional season and first with the Dragons Rhondorf. You had a solid rookie season in Germany with Ehingen, but chose to play in the Pro B for Rhondorf. What were the main factors for you making this move?
Rhondorf gave me a direct access to learn and train with the Telekom Baskets BBL in where I can not only compete with the highest competition but also see where my skill and athleticism is compared to the athletes of the BBL, and can directly help Rhondorf and keep my gameplay high for the Pro B.
Sometimes taking a step back can be seen as a step forward. Why did you choose to take a step back to the Pro B? It isn´t like you have to prove yourself after what you showed in the Pro A last season?
Yea sometimes you have to take a step back to take two steps forward.
What has been your early impression of this years Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf? They have a solid core of Germans led by Viktor Frankl- Maus and three talented imports. What kind of style do you see the team playing and how successful will the team be?
I really enjoy the team, we have great chemistry on and off the court. I especially think the chemistry off the court is important because it eliminates selfishness between the team. I feel we are a defensive team that can get out run as well as run a good half court offense. I expect a really good season because our success will depend on us coming out ready to play every game.
Cory Higgins is a 27 year old 196cm forward from California that is playing his seventh professional season and third with CSKA Moscow (Russia-VTB). He played at Colorado (NCAA) from 2007-2011 playing a total of 132 NCAA games and as a senior he played 38 games averaging 16.1ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 86.6%. He played his first two professional seasons with the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA) playing a total of 45 games and also played with the Erie Bay Hawks(G-League. He came to Europe in 2013 playing with Triumph Lyubertsy (Russia-VTB) playing 22 games: Score-2(20.3ppg), 4.0rpg, 3.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 85.9%;In the EuroChallenge, he played 15 games: Score-2(17.9ppg), 2.5rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 46.5%, FT: 80.2%. In the 2014-2015 season he got further European experience with Royal Hali Gaziantep (Turkey-TBL) playing 29 games averaging 16.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 78.7%. With CSKA Moscow he won two VTB League titles and the 2016 Euroleague title. He spoke to German Hoops before the Euroleague game against Brose Bamberg in Bamberg.
Cory thanks for talking to German Hoops. Before we start I have to tell you a interesting story. In 1983 I was a kid. I was a big autograpth collector and along with Orlando Woolridge, Quintin Dailey and Reggie Theus I also got the signature of a Mr Rod Higgins. Is this the first time that someone has told you a story of them getting an autograph of your dad?
You aren´t the first that has told me that. When I was growing up in the Bay area, he was very popular there and had fans.
Welcome back to Germany. You have a lifetime 4-1 record against Brose Bamberg? With what kind of feeling are you heading back to Bamberg?
It is always exciting to play in Bamberg. The fans and atmosphere is amazing. As a player you always want to play in an atmosphere like that in Bamberg.
What stories have you heard over the years about the city Bamberg and organization from your teammate Kyle Hines?
He hasn´t told me too much. But the main one is just how passionate the fans are there. They are very knowledgeable fans and appreciate the game.
Kyle Hines is a 31 year old 198cm power forward from Sicklerville, New Jersey that is playing his fifth season with CSKA Moscow and currently is averaging 9,5ppg, 4,7rpg and 1,1apg in the Euroleague and in the VTB is averaging in the VTB and 10,3ppg, 4,0rpg and 1,3apg. He is a powerful player who loves to attack the basket. Has a good 1-vs-1 game and likes to go inside. He is undersized to play the power forward, but his great wingspan (7-1) allows him to guard taller players and to intimidate. He’s also a great leaper and reads the opponent’s game well. He played at NC-Greensboro (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 19.2ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.8spg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3Pts: 12.5%, FT: 62.8%. He was invited to play at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 17.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2.3spg, 3.3bpg, FGP: 78.6%, FT: 72.7%. He then had predraft workouts with Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA). He then went to Europe to Italy and played with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 34 games: 16.9ppg, Reb-4(8.6rpg), 3.0spg, Blocks-2(1.8bpg), FGP-2(66.0%), FT: 58.5%. In 2009, he took part in the Orlando Pro Summer League (Oklahoma City Thunder). In 2009-2010, he stayed in Italy with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 40 games: 18.5ppg, 8.1rpg, Steals-2(3.5spg), Blocks-4(1.6bpg), FGP-3(64.0%), 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 57.8%. He played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (New Orleans Hornets) in the summer of 2010.In 2010-2011 he played for the Brose Baskets Bamberg (Germany-1.Bundesliga): Euroleague: 10 games: 12.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 64.3%, FT: 46.7%; German League: 46 games: 10.4ppg, 4.6rpg, Blocks-3(1.2bpg), FGP-3(61.1%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 52.4%. He won the double with Bamberg. He played for Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1) from 2011-2013 winning two Euroleague titles. German Hoops did its 14th interview with the 6 time Euroleague Final 4 player and three time Euroleague winner before the Euroleague game in Bamberg.
Kyle thanks for talking to German Hoops. This is our 14th interview since you played in Moscow. In our first interview you were a non Euroleague winner. Now you have three Euroleague titles. Has time flown by since Bamberg?
When I first became a professional, I was aiming to play at least 10 years, and now when I look up it has been 10 years. It feels like yesterday when I was playing with Bamberg. I am a 8 year Euroleague veteran and the game is still so fun for me. I don´t feel like 31 and hope I can still play the game for a long time.
Since our last interview in June, almost six months have passed. You’re 31 years old. What was your main focus last summer on the court so that you would be best prepared for this upcoming season?
It mainly was small things. Just making sure my conditioning and stamina is correct. I only took one to two weeks off last summer, before getting back into the gym. I also looked for ways to work on being more dynamic around the basket and working on my free throws. Last season I had a hand injury and didn´t feel like I was in peak shape. I made sure that I came into this season being in peak shape.
Your playing now your fifth season with CSKA Moscow after playing two seasons in Greece, one in Germany and two in Italy. Some call Quantez Robertson a Skyliner lifer. Do you feel like your going in the direction of a CSKA Moscow lifer?
I hope so. I love the city, organization and fans. I have spent half my career in Moscow. It feels crazy. I hope that I will be here as long as possible and finish my career here.
Miles Jackson-Cartwright is a 25 year old 190cm guard from Van Nuys, California that is playing in his third professional season and second in Germany and first with the TG s.Oliver Wuerzburg (Germany-ProB) averaging 14,7ppg, 5,0rpg and 4,8 apg. His last club was the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau (Germany-ProA) playing 29 games averaging 11.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 71.4%. In his rookie season he played with Aris Leeuwarden (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five) playing 18 games: Score-3(16.1ppg), 3.3rpg, Assists-1(5.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 80.2%. He started his basketball career at Pennsylvania (NCAA) in 2010 and played there until 2014 playing a total of 115 NCAA games and in his four year career averaged 11,6ppg, 2,6rpg, 2,8apg and 1,0spg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
Miles thanks for talking to German Hoops. We both have a very uncommon same name. How many other Miles´s have you met in your life? My count is less than 5.
Ha! I have actually met quite a few, to be honest. Definitely more than I can count.
You sat out a whole season. Talk a little about your time off. Was it a planned thing to pursue other interests or were offers scarce and just not the right opportunity to play professionally last season?
I actually signed with a Bulgarian team last season before the new year. It did not work out for the best, but I was appreciative of the team for giving me the opportunity obviously, I wanted things to work out differently but I probably would not be in the position that I am now if not for what happened last season.
Congrats on signing with TG s.Oliver Wuerzburg (Germany-ProB). Two seasons ago you played in the German Pro A with the Hebeisen White Wings. Do you feel like your taking a step back this season or what benefits do you see by playing in the Pro B this season?
Thank you! I truly believe that this is the best situation that I’ve been in so far. It’s the best of both worlds for me. I get the chance to lead a young group with the Pro-B team, all while being able to play and learn from Coach Dirk Bauermann and the talented group of guys on the BBL team. Being here with Coach Liam Flynn has always been something that I’ve looked forward to, and the opportunity to also play in BBL games is truly a blessing. This organization is first-class in all facets and I have never been more excited to be playing for a team like I am here.
German Hoops 