Interviews

Paul Carter (Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket) The D-League Will Make A Man Out Of You Quick Because It’s Truly Sink Or Swim

Paul Carter is a 29 year old 205cm forward from Little Rock, Arkansas playing his sixth professional season and first with Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket. the New Zealand Breakers (Australia-NBL). This season he has already played with three teams starting with ALBA Berlin (Germany-BBL) playing 4 Eurocup: games averaging  4.5ppg, 1.3rpg and playing 8 German BBL  games averaging  2.5ppg, 1.6rpg and then moved to the New Zealand Breakers (Australia-NBL) playing 11 games averaging 9.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 2FGP: 39.5%, 3FGP: 50.0%, FT: 64.3%Last season he played with the Sharks Antibes (France-ProA) playing 33 games: 10.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 70.5%. He started his basketball career with Minnesota(NCAA) before moving to  Ill.-Chicago (NCAA) for his final year and played 31 games averaging 14.7ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 76.7%. He started his professional basketball career in 2011 with  Proteas Danoi AEL (Cyprus-Division A): 4 games: 14.8ppg, in Dec.’11 moved to Utah Jazz (NBA), later that month signed at Idaho Stampede (D-League): 34 games: 11.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 79.3%. In the 2012-2013 season he joined the Idaho Stampede (D-League): 9 games: 3.0ppg, 2.7rpg, in Jan.’13 signed at Springfield Armor (D-League): 23 games: 5.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 40.2%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 77.8%. In the 2013-2014 season he played for Elizur Ashkelon (Israel-National League): 8 games: 15.1ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 79.5%. Two seaons ago, he got further experience with Lapuan Korikobrat (Finland-Korisliiga,playing 40 games: Score-2(19.7ppg), Reb-1(12.5rpg), 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 22.6%, FT: 79.8%. He spoke to German Hoopsafter leaving Alba Berlin and going to the New Zealand Breakers.

 

Paul thanks for talking to German Hoops Where are you at the moment and how was your Christmas?

Thank you! I’m Currently in Auckland New Zealand. My Christmas was unusual being that I spent it on a plane. My wife and I left The States Christmas Eve and landed the day after Christmas.

The new year 2017 is slowly coming upon us and you are headed to New Zealand to the Breakers. What personal goals in basketball and as a man do you want to achieve the next year?

I honestly want to help the Breakers get back to the finals and win! As a man I’m hoping to be able to start a family this year!

You had a short stay with Alba Berlin coming in getting a short term contract. Many people didn´t understand why the club got two forwards with you and Tony Gaffney. It was only obvious one player would suffer less minutes.

Yes, it was an interesting situation, one I wasn’t accustomed to for sure. Playing minimal to no minutes was very hard but I learned a lot about myself and the business as well.

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Jordan Theodore (Banvit) Each Season Has Been A Stepping Stone For Me And I Don´t Think That The NBA Is Far Away

Jordan Theodore is a 27 year old 182cm point guard from Englewood, New Jersey that is playing his fifth professional season and first with Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-BSL). Last 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 before the basketball Champions League game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg in Oldenburg.

Jordan thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. How does it feel to be back in Germany. I believe you were in Frankfurt recently on a break in play?

Yes I was a couple days in Frankfurt to clear my head. It feels good to be back in Germany and always fun to come back, but my trip to Oldenburg is all business.

You are in Oldenburg getting ready to battle the EWE Baskets in the Champions League Playoffs. You had a 2-1 record last season against them, but lost the second regular season game in Oldenburg. What memories do you have of that game?

I remember that game. It was a tough loss that we lost by 4-5 points. But it was the start of the season where everyone was still coming together. We had got John Little a week earlier and no one really knew their role yet. I was the point guard and was still picking my spots. We came together and later in the season had no problem beating them twice.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg aren´t really to much of a different team from last season returning 9 players. They are having an average BBL season, but playing a great Champions League season. How is Banvit going into this series?

We are going onto the series with Oldenburg looking to play hard and do what it takes to win. We are coming off the cup win and a win last season in the BSL league and are ready. We will like always play our brand of basketball of playing tough defense.

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Kerry Carter (Bayer Giants Leverkusen) I’ve Connected With My Teammates In A Variety Of Ways And I’ve Learned Where Guys Prefer The Ball And When

Kerry Carter is a 26 year old 188cm guard from West Covina, California that is playing his second professional season and first with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen (Germany-ProB). Last season as a rookie he played for Iberostar Tenerife CB Canarias (Spain-Liga Endesa) playing 5 games: 3.2ppg. He started his basketball career with Citrus College and then moved to St.Mary’s, CA (NCAA) where he played 63 NCAA games and as senior played 31 games averaging 12.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg. He currently is tearing up the German Pro B league averaging 29,0ppg and spoke to German Hoops after the 95-79 win against the ScanPlus Baskets.

Kerry thanks for talking to German Hoops 2017 is here and already in full swing. Did you make any new years resolutions this year or are you more a guy that doesn´t get involved with that?

I didn’t make any resolutions but shortly before the new year I gave up meat & poultry and adopted a pescatarian diet. It’s took a lot of discipline not to cave in at first but I’ve gotten acquainted with it.

Congrats on the big 95-79 win against the Giants Nordlingen. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen were already down by 10 after one quarter, but stepped up the defense in the second quarter while scoring 28 points. What adjustments did the team make to get back into the game?

We made a few adjustments to our line up and defensive approach but mostly we just kept playing. It’s a 40 minute game, so down 10 early never gave us any doubt. We never thought we weren’t going to win.

The Bayer Giants Leverkusen did a good job averaging 27 points in the last three quarters and winning the game with their offensive arsenal. Was the consistent offense in the last three quarters key for the win?

Offense was key. We had more guys in double figures tonight than the average night. Anytime we score that way, with several guys contributing, we’re a tough team to beat.

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Terrell Harris (Iserlohn) Matthias Grothe Is A Warrior And I Am So Thankful To Have Him As Coach

Terrell Harris is a 23 year old 190cm guard from Indiantown,Florida that is playing his rookie season in Germany with the : Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career at Mars Hill (NCAA2) in 2011 and then moved to Georgia College in 2012. As a senior he played 29 games averaging 24.6ppg, 6.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 76.8%. He concluded his college basketball career winning the All-PeachBelt Player of the Year 2016. Harris spoke to German Hoops after the 79-78 victory against Stahnsdorf.

Terrell thanks for talking to German Hoops! 2017 has come and did you make any new years resolutions or are you more the guy that doesn´t bother with that?

No I did not make any new year resolution. I have yearly goals to work on bettering myself on and off the basketball court. Just trying to be a better all around individual.

Congrats on the exciting 79-78 win against Itzehoe. Iserloh won the first game 85-65. Was the opponent a much improved team or was Iserlohn not as strong as in that first game?

The first time we played them, Itzehoe was bothered by our pressure and early trapping which caused a lot of early turnovers. We were able to get an early comfortable lead. The second game it was like the roles reversed. They started out strong making some tough shots and capitalized on our turnovers. Which gave them an early 17 point lead.

 

What did Iserlohn learn from their one point loss last weekend against Wolfenbuettel that it didn´t make against Itzehoe?

We learned that no lead is safe in this lead. You have to execute on both ends of the floor to win in this challenging league. You have to bring it every night and play. The moment you let up and give your opponent hope, anything can happen such as the last play in Wolfenbuettel.

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Brendan Lane (s.Oliver Wurzburg) Dirk Bauermann Has Been Transitioning Me More At Position Four Which Will Help Me Develop More

Brendan Lane is a 26 year old 206cm center from Rocklin, California playing his third professional season and second in Germany in the EasyCredit BBL with the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. As a rookie he played with Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins (Japan-NBL): 52 games: 12.8ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 73.4%. He started his basketball career in 2009 with UCLA(NCAA) where he played until 2012 playing a total of 79 NCAA games. He finished his college basketball career at : Pepperdine (NCAA, starting five) playing 29 games averaging 13.2ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.2apg, 2.4bpg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 62.4%. Last season with Wurzburg he played 37 games averaging 13.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 14.8%, FT: 73.6%. He belonged to the top centers in the Beko BBL He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Brendan thanks for talking to German Hoops! 2017 is here and were almost into March, but did you make any new years resolutions this year or are you more a guy that concern himself with that?

No I’m not really one to make specific new years resolutions like that.

A tough 101-84 loss on the road to the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Bonn pretty much already had the game sealed at halftime leading 54-32. I wouldn´t have wanted to be a fly in the locker room since head coach Dirk Bauermann prides defense. What went wrong on the defensive side in the first 20 minutes?

We started the game off letting them get some easy lay ups in the half court and in transition. That gave them their confidence early and that led to them knocking down open 3’s and we dug ourselves into a deep hole.

Wurzburg found better consistency on offense in the second half, but couldn´t get consistent stops. Was this just one of those nights where no matter what adjustments were made nothing really worked?

We just started to try being more aggressive too late and our defensive effort wasn’t there the whole time. By the second half they already had so much confidence it was difficult to get stops.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn are having a solid season and are a favorite to win the Fiba Europe Cup title despite having a change at the coaching position due to sickness have kept the team chemistry. What do you believe is the team´s biggest strength?

They have a lot of offensive firepower and play an up tempo pace that puts a lot of pressure on the opposing teams defense. They seem to play at another level at home too. They’ve had some really good games there this year.

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Rocky Trice (MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg) I Have Always Been That Guy That Does Just About Everything Even The Little Things.

Rocky Trice Is a 32 year old 185cm shooting guard playing his 10th professional season and his seventh in Germany. He played as a rookie with the  Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA) in 2007 an dthen made the jump to the BBL playing a season for BG Goettingen and then played three seasons for ratiopharm Ulm. He then played two seasons for Energa Czarni Slupsk (Poland-TBL) and a season with  WKS Slask Wroclaw (Poland-TBL). Last season he played for MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg (Germany-BBL) playing 29 games averaging 11.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.6apg, Steals-5(1.6spg), FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 79.3%; Eurocup: 15 games: 8.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.7apg, Steals-2(2.2spg), FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 84.0%. This season he started with MKS Dabrowa Gornicza (Poland-TBL) playing 3 games averaging 7.7ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.7apg, 2.3spg, 1.0bpg. He spoke to German Hoops before the EasyCredit BBL cup weekend in Berlin.

Rocky thanks for talking to German Hoops You started the season with  MKS Dabrowa Gornicza (Poland-TBL) playing only 3 games averaging 7.7ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.7apg, 2.3spg, 1.0bpg. The team is playing a solid season and fighting for the playoffs. Why was your stay so short in Poland this time around?

I had to deal with some health issues. I wanted to go back home and get a second opinion from a doctor back home. we cancelled  the contract from here.

Was the short stay at least a bit worthwhile since you were teammates once again with Kerron Johnson who had been in Ludwigsburg the last two seasons. He had two very solid statistical seasons in Germany and now is doing the same in Poland. Do you see him being able to make that next step again and move to an even higher level in the future?

Yes, it was good seeing KJ and playing with him again even though it was short lived. and yes  if he keeps putting in work,  like I know he will he  will make it to an even higher level.

How thankful are you that you are back in a known environment like Ludwigsburg? I guess you didn´t need much time to say yes to the offer from head coach John Patrick?

It’s always good to go back to an environment where you are comfortable and know the system already.

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Patrick Richard (Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion)It’s Never Over And We Will Fight Until The End Against Ludwigsburg

Patrick Richard is a 27 year old 196cm swingman from Carencro, Louisania that is playing his fifth professional season and first with Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion (Israel-Winner League). He played four years at  Mc Neese St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 18.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 76.9%. In 2012-2013, he started his professional basketball career being drafted by the Iowa Energy (D-League) and played at Sandringham Sabres (Australia-SEABL-East, starting five): 24 games: 18.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.7%. In the 2013-2014 season he played in Holland for  Matrixx Magixx Wijchen (Holland-Eredivisie) playing 38 games: Score-4(15.3ppg), 4.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 78.9%. In the 2014-2015 season he played for the Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL) playing 32 games: 13.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 76.1%. Last season he played for Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket (France-ProA) playing 34 game averaging  9.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 79.3%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Champions League game against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.

Patrick thanks for talking to German Hoops.2017 is here and did you make any new years resolutions or are you the kind of guy that doesn´t waste his time?

I’m not one for New Years resolutions I just try to be the best player, husband, and father daily!

Your playing your first season for Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion (Israel-Winner League) and your first experience in international club play in the basketball Champions League. What kind of an experience has it been for you being able to play against the best as well as see Europe and it´s many fine countries?

This is my first year playing in Europe so it’s been a great experience! Playing against high level competition and being able to prove myself on this level can help me for the future!

Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion (Israel-Winner League) advanced to the playoffs and are facing the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. They beat you badly in the first game at home 83-66. Do you feel the win for the guests had more to do with their strong scouting or how you presented itself as a team?

That loss was a very very tough one! They did a great job of making us pay for mistakes made on defense and we turned the ball over 20 times. Against them that hurts Big time.

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Nick Minnerath (Avtodor Saratov) I Am Playing My Best Basketball At The Moment And Focus Is To Play Hard Every Game

Nick Minnerath is a 28 year old 207cm forward playing his fourth professional season and first with Avtodor Saratov (Russia-VTB). He started his basketball career with Jackson CC (JUCO) in 2009 and then moved to Detroit Mercy( where he played from 2010-2013 playing a total of 71 games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 14.6ppg, 5.9rpg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 78.8%. He started his professional basketball career in 2013 with Blusens Monbus Obradoiro CAB (Spain-Liga Endesa) playing 15 games averaging 6.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 43.8%, FT: 81.3%, in Jan.’14 moved to STB Le Havre (France-ProA) playing 15 games averaging 11.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 41.5%. In the 2014-2015 season he played with Cholet Basket (France-Pro A) playing 34 games averaging 13.6ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 85.9%. Last season he played with the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), released in Oct.’15, then moved to Canton Charge (D-League) playing 53 games averaging 18.4ppg, 6.9rpg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 89.3%. He currently is leading the VTB and Champions League in scoring and spoke to German Hoops before the Champions League playoff game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

Nick thanks for talking to German Hoops Before we start talking basketball, as a fellow New Englander had you lost hope after the new England Patriots were down 28-3 at halftime?

I didn´t watch the Super Bowl because of the time difference, but I am a Pats fan. I obviously saw the highlights. That was a pretty good comeback.

Your playing for first season with Avtodor Saratov (Russia-VTB) and you won a tight 87-84 game against German team EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Was this one of those fourth quarters where you could say you were happy to have been able to pull out the win?

Yes we were happy to be able to have won that game. We didn´t play well in the second half and came out with the three point win.

A book could have been written about the fourth quarter as excitement and drama were given a new meaning with 8 lead changes. So much happened as Brenden Fraizer had 11 points, Nick Minnerath gave a lot of enery and the team just stuck together. What do you feel was key in crunch-time for being able to pull out the victory?

We were able to limit our turnovers at the end and didn´t give up offensive rebounds.

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Matt Vest (Uni Baskets Paderborn) My Defense Was A Big Reason Why I Got Opportunities To Play In Gotha And Paderborn

Matt Vest is a 24 year old 195cm guard from Kettering, Ohio playing his third professional season and second with the Uni Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA): Last season with the  Uni Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA), he played 22 games averaging 9.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 60.5%. As a rookie in 2014, he played with BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA): 38 games: 6.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 67.6%. He played at Wright State from 2010-2014 playing a total of 114 NCAA games and as a senior played 29 games: 7.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 65.4%, 3PT: 43.1%, FT: 64.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 82-72 win against the Dresden Titans.

Matt tanks for talking to German Hoops. Time really flies, it has been more than two and a half years ago since I gave you a welcome to Germany interview when you signed with Gotha. Is playing basketball overseas and the lifestyle what you thought it would be when you came over in the summer of 2014?

Living and playing in Germany the last two and a half years has been an absolute blessing. I have met some life-long friends and mentors here, and it has become a second home for me. It has been all I could’ve imagined and more.

Congrats on the 82-72 win against the Dresden Titans. Did this game prove despite that team having only one win, that if you don´t play for 40 minutes that you can lose to any team?

There is never an easy win in this league, period. The balance and competitiveness in the Pro A is unlike any league I’ve seen.

Dresden played very well for 25 minutes, but then gave up a 14-3 run in the third quarter letting Paderborn back into the game which gave the momentum to you. What was key for making this turn around in the game which led you on to winning the game?

The key for us in the third quarter was all about the defensive end. We stepped up our activity level and were able to put Dresden in some uncomfortable situations. Our defense is always the key to our offense because when we get stops we are able to play at a higher pace.

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Kelvin Martin (MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg) No Cup Miracle Against Bamberg But We Just Need To Play Our Game And Trust Ourselves

Kelvin Martin is a 27 year old 195cm swing man from Adel, Georgia playing his fifth professional season and second in Germany and first with the MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg (Germany-BBL). Last season he gained further experience with Moncada Solar Agrigento (Italy-Serie A2) playing 37 games averaging 16.9ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.3apg, Steals-1(2.2spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 61.7%. He played his first two professional seasons with  Matrixx Magixx Wijchen (Holland-Eredivisie) and two seasons ago played with the : MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 33 games: 15.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.8apg, Steals-1(2.1spg), FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 70.2%. He started his basketball career at  Charleston So. (NCAA) in 2008 and played 115 NCAA games over 4 seasons and as a senior played  31 games averaging 15.4ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.7apg, 2.1spg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 60.2%. He spoke to German Hoops about the EasyCredit BBL cup weekend in Berlin and his professional basketball career.

Kelvin thanks for talking to German Hoops.2017 has come and we are well into the new year. Did you set any new year´s resolutions or are you more the kind of guy that doesn´t bother with that?

Thanks for the opportunity. Yeah, I don’t really bother with that.

You have come a long way from playing first division in Holland, second and third divisions in Italy and Pro A in Germany and now you have reached the EasyCredit BBL. How good is basketball life for you at the moment?

Basketball is good for me. I’m very thankful and blessed to be in the position I am in now.

You were part of the slam dunk contest and now your at the easyCredit BBL top 4 weekend in Berlin. When you look back at your professional career are you surprised it took you 5 seasosn to get here?

I wouldn’t say surprised because when I became a professional I had to prove to teams I could play the 3/2. But after having back to back meniscus tear surgeries my first year professional I knew I was going to be held back. I’m sure if I didn’t have that surgery my career would of went different but everything happens for a reason. God has always had a plan.

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