Interviews

Dane Watts(Gotha) I Always Want To Be Playing For Something Greater Than Myself

Dane Watts is a 30 year old 203cm forward from Warrensburg, Missouri that is playing his ninth professional season and first with the BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA). In his first two games with Gotha, he is averaging 15,5ppg, 6,0rpg and 2,0apg. He played at Creighton (NCAA) from 2004-2008 with NBA player Anthony Tolliver. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 11.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3Pts: 42.5%, FT: 71.8%. In 2008, he came to Germany and started his professional basketball career with EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing 32 games: 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1(68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7%. In 2009-2010, he came to The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. In 2010-2011 for Tuebingen, he played 33 games: 13.7ppg, Reb-4(7.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 54.5%; in May’11 moved to Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA): 3 games: 7.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg. He then played for ratiopharm Ulm from 2011-2013. In the 2013-2014 season he played briefly for the Fraport Skyliners before another injury forced him to cut his season short. In the 2014-2015 season he played for Baloncesto Sevilla (Spain-Liga Endesa): 7 games: 2.4ppg, 3.6rpg; Eurocup: 6 games: 2.0ppg, 2.0rpg, in Jan.’15 moved to Limburg United (Belgium-Scooore League): 15 games: 8.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.5spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 64.1%. Last season he played with UBC Magnofit Gussing Knights (Austria-A Bundesliga): 27 games: 15.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 74.8%; FIBA Europe Cup: 10 games: 13.5ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 77.6%He spoke to German Hoops about his move back to Germany to Gotha.

 

 

 

Thanks Dane for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. You were away for two years playing in Spain, Belgium and Austria. What did you miss most about Germany?

Spain was a totally different culture but Belgium and Austria were more familiar for me and my family after being in Germany so long. We have made a lot of good friends over the years being in Germany so we missed seeing them and of course the schnitzel.

I was actually preparing an article concerning your ex teammate Michael Jenkins who will play in Frankfurt again after 7 years where he played the first time in 2009 with Tuebingen and you as his teammate. I almost put Dane Watts as retired in the section with many players from that season, but didn´t because I was figuring you might not be done yet. An hour later I heard the news that you signed with Gotha. Did you have less offers this year than in the past?

Not less offers but with a rough market a lot teams were taking rookies or young players. With a family and two kids there are only certain situations I’m looking to play in overseas.

When I say you have a 7-3 record against somebody affiliated with Gotha could you guess off the top of your head who I mean?

Reading the question below is see Chris haha. Don’t know anyone else I could have played against 10 times

You owned your new head coach Chris Ensminger as a professional in Germany having a 7-3 record against him. You were perfect with ratiopharm Ulm 4-0 against him and Bonn, you were 3-1 with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen against him and Bonn, but 0-2 with Ludwigsburg against him and Paderborn. Now that you know this will you have some friendly ribbing with him at some point letting him know about your success?

That is in the past and when I was in Ulm we beat everyone except Bamberg. I want us to enjoy success together now working in the same organization.

Will it be strange having Chris Ensminger as a head coach or do you see it as being able to learn something new at age 30?

It’s not strange, just makes me realize I have been around for a while. When I was younger I thought it was weird when my teammates said they played against the coach or were teammates before. Now I played against the coach for many years and also was a teammate with the assistant.

You had some serious battles with him as a professional. One either hated or loved the guy. He was a very tough player on the court. What did you respect about him as a player and competitor?

I respected that he was able to play so long at a good level, especially as a big guy you never know how the body will hold up. To me that means he was being a true pro and taking care of himself. To do that for so long, have a family and still produce on a top level is impressive.

Currently the team is in ninth place with a record of 5-5 and still finding themselves. Do you see yourself as being a type of savior or a guy that will bring the needed energy to the team?

I am coming here to provide leadership and experience, playing in some of the top leagues in Europe over my career I have learned a lot and help this team with their goals. There is a good group of guys here and we will come together.

Last season you had a very solid season with UBC Magnofit Gussing Knights (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 27 games and averaging 15.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 74.8%; FIBA Europe Cup: 10 games: 13.5ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 77.6%. Do you feel like your role will to be a scorer or more of a glue guy?

I showed last year that I can be the reliable veteran every night and lead a winning team. It was a crazy situation that ended our season but we were 29-4 before they didn’t let us finish the season. I am coming here to help the team win, if I need to score then I can but there are other intangibles that I bring that help teams win and that is probably most important at this point.

What do you believe is still your biggest asset as a player now at age 30?

Leadership and experience can’t be taught, having played so much you see things that younger guys don’t see yet. Having another voice tell a young something guy can help him learn quicker. I have played with some great guys and will help others just like they did for me when I was coming up.

How excited are you about this new experience? You will be the oldest guy on the team. Are you looking forward to be teaching the youngsters tricks of the trade on the court?

I am excited about this experience. It is good for my family and my wife is also excited to be back in Germany. My son was born here and we have had good experiences and memories here. Also for basketball it is a chance to help a club that has aspirations, I always want to be playing for something greater than myself. I was the oldest on my team last year in Austria, I don’t feel old, just experienced.

You didn´t spend much time with the Fraport Skyliners in 2013-2014 playing only four games, but when you see how successful they were the last two seasons and see how much their struggling now, do you feel a bit for your ex teammate Quantez Robertson who has his hands full as captain?

I really enjoyed the team and my time in Frankfurt. I was disappointed in how that ended for me there. I followed them ever since and was happy to see them succeed in the Fiba cup and see the players grow individually. It’s always tough to see friends struggle, I know the coaches and everybody around the team is doing things right so it’s hard when it doesn’t translate into wins.

Who won a one on one in practice last season you or Cody Larson?

I would give Orville buckets

If you had to construct your own NBA Rushmore, which 4 heads would you choose?

Shaq, Dirk, Larry, MJ and Bron Those are the guys that I liked watching growing up, there will always be debate but that’s who I like.

Lebron finally brought an NBA title to the Cavs. Where does he stand at the moment in the never ending debate with where he stands as the best of all-time?

Not sure there will ever be a clear cut debate on who is the best all time. If a Bron wins more titles that will make it harder for sure

Where do you rank Kevin Garnett with the best power forwards that ever played the game?

Not far behind Duncan. He was a great competitor and always played with intensity.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The man from U.N.C.L.E was on the airplane ride over here.

Thanks Dane for the chat.

 

 

 

Kyle Hines(CSKA Moscow) At My Age I Don´t Need To Always Rely On My Athleticism But More On My Basketball Wisdom

Kyle Hines is a 30 year old 198cm power forward from Sicklerville, New Jersey that is playing his fourth season with CSKA Moscow. 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. Last season for CSKA Moscow he played 39 games averaging 8.4ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 64.9%, 3PT-3(50.0%), FT: 63.0%; Euroleague: 29 games: 10.9ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 67.4%, FT: 65.8%.He spoke to German Hoops before the Euroleague game in Bamberg.

 

 

 

 

Kyle thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how are you enjoying basketball life at age 30?

 

I am in Moscow at home. I have experienced so much in Europe in the last years and it´s been an incredible journey for me. My 20´s went well with basketball and I hope it will continue in my 30´s.

 

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Michael Thompson(Besiktas Sompo Japan Istanbul )Defensively Quantez Robertson´s Hard Work And Desire Was Unreal

 

 

 

Michael Thompson is a 27 year old 177cm point guard from Chicago, Illinois that is playing his sixth professional season and first with  Besiktas Sompo Japan Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). He played at Northwestern from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played 34 games: 16.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 82.5%. He turned professional in 2011 with the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-1.Bundesliga) in 2011 and palyed EuroCup: 6 games: 7.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 34.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 83.3%; German League: 27 games: 8.5ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 76.1%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (France-ProA) playing  35 games: 10.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 84.8%. In the 2013-2014 season he played for Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-ProA) playing 30 games: 11.6ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 40.5%, 3PT: 45.5%, FT-3(93.8%). In the 2014-2015 season he played for SPO Rouen Basket (France-ProA) playing 33 games: 13.9ppg, 1.7rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 86.1%. Last season he played for Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-ProA) playing 36 games: Score-1(17.9ppg), 2.1rpg, 5.1apg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 89.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Champions League game against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.

 

 

 

Mike thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are playing your first season in Turkey with Besiktas. How refreshing is it having such normal warmer temperatures at this time of the year? Something you never witnessed in Chicago, Germany or France the last years?

 

 Thanks for having me. It’s very refreshing to have had such wonderful weather, but it is starting to get cold. Last year in Pau, France the weather was warm for the majority of the season.

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Tyrone Nash(Ironi Nahariya) My Last Game With Tuebingen Against Phoenix Hagen Felt Like A Playoff Game

Tyrone Nash is a 28 year old 203cm forward from Queens, New York playing his sixth professional season and first with  Ironi Nahariya (Israel-Winner League). He started his basketball career with  Notre Dame (NCAA) in 2007 and played 118 NCAA games until 2011 and as a senior played  34 games averaging 9.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.9%. He started his professional career in 2011 with the  Walter Tigers Tuebingen where he played for three seasons playing 99 BBL games and in his last season there played  33 games: 10.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 68.4%. In the 2014-2015 season he played for SPO Rouen Basket (France-ProA): 11 games: 8.3ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.1%, FT: 50.0%. Last season he returned back to Germany to play for the Basketball Loewen Braunschweig (Germany-BBL) playing 34 games averaging 10.9ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 66.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Champions League game against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

 

Tyrone thanks for talking to German Hoops. Your playing your first season in Israel for Ironi Nahariya (Israel-Winner League). You played the last years mostly in Germany and one season in France. In terms to weather how close are you to living in a paradise atmosphere?

 

It is really great waking up to sunshine everyday and having the beach literally across the street from me. I can see why a lot of players choose to play here.

 

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Thomas Scrubb (Giessen 46ers) My Summer With The National Team Really Helped Prepare Me For The BBL

Thomas Scrubb is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Vancouver, Canada that will play his second professional season in Germany with the Giessen 46ers and recently completed his rookie season with Joensuun Kataja Basket (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 40 games and averaging 14.1ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP-1(62.8%), 3PT-1(44.4%), FT: 79.0%; FIBA Europe Cup: 12 games: 12.3ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 65.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 86.4%. He played at Carleton University (CIS) from 2010-2015 with his brother and combined they won 16 titles with 10 CIS titles and 6 OUA titles. As a senior at Carleton he played 24 games averaging 17.5ppg, 8.5rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 49.0%, FT: 76.4%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 69-52 win at home against the Fraport Skyliners

Thomas congrats on the big 69-52 win against the Fraport Skyliners. The last time Giessen beat Frankfurt at home, you were 11years old. How does that make you feel knowing you had a big part in the win with 21 points?

Thanks. It definitely felt good to win. I am not too familiar with the Giessen Frankfurt rivalry but I could tell how much it meant to the fans so I am happy we were able to give them a win.

How disappointed were you that your brother Philip Scrubb couldn´t play. How difficult has it been waiting to finally compete against him as a professional?

Its been tough for Phil. I just want him to be back on the court as soon as possible. It would have been fun to play him since we’ve never had that opportunity but it just wasn’t meant to be.

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Terrence Billups(Uni-Riesen Leipzig) We Have To Prove That We Can Defend With Teams

Terence Billups is a 198cm forward from Jeffersonville, Indiana that is playing his fourth professional season and third in Germany. After tearing up the Regionaliga with Cottbus and Rendsburg, he now will attempt the next step in the pro B with the UNI-Riesen Leipzig. He started his basketball career with Western Dakota Tech (JUCO) and then moved to Indiana SE (NAIA) in 2012 playing 20 games averaging 9.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 46.0%, FT: 85.7%. In 2013 he started his professional basketball career with West Michigan Lake Hawks (ABA). In the 2014-2015 season he came to Germany to BBC White Devils Cottbus (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 22 games Score-3(24.8ppg), 8.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, Blocks-2(2.0bpg), FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 76.3%.In the 2015-2016 season he played for Basketball Club Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 26 games averaging 18.9ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 27.2%, FT: 67.3%. He spoke to German Hoops after the big 73-67 win on the road against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

 

 

 

Congrats on the big 73-67 win on the road in Frankfurt. Describe the ride back home to Leipzig. Was their some serious celebration going on or was it more relaxed knowing it was only one game and the team needs many more wins?

It was a relaxed ride back. We are happy we won this game for sure, but this isn’t the time to have a celebration. We still have a long way to go.

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Virgil Matthews(BV Chemnitz) I’m Probably Harder On Myself Now Just Because I’m Smarter And See Things Better

Virgil Matthews is a 33 year old 188cm guard from Federal Way, Washington that is playing his tenth professional season and third with BV Chemnitz. Last season for BV Chemnitz he played 33 games averaging 12.6ppg, 6.1rpg, Assists-2(7.6apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 75.2%. He played at Montana (NCAA) and in his senior year played 31 games averaging 10.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FG: 49.8%, 3PT: 48.4%, FT: 76.1%. In 2006-2007, he turned professional and came to Germany and played for KICKZ Muenchen Basket (Germany-2.Bundesliga) playing 29 games averaging 18.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 5.2apg, 2.6spg, 2FGP: 57.3%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 66.5%. In 2007-2008, he played for Tacoma Jazz (IBL). In 2008-2009, he returned back to Germany and played for Schwelmer Baskets (Germany-Regionalliga). In 2009-2010, he played for Olympia Reign (IBL) playing 28 games averaging 23.1ppg, 7.2rpg and for Seattle Aviators (NABL).In 2010-2011, he played his first season for Erdgas Ehingen playing 32 games: 11.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 71.3%. He would play until 2014 with Ehingen playing 126 games with three seasons in the Pro A and one in the Pro B. He spoke to German Hoops after the 79-63 win against the Hamburg Towers on the road.

 

 

 

Congrats on the 79-63 win against the Hamburg Towers. After a three game losing streak, BV Chemnitz now are riding a two game winning streak. How good is basketball life now?

Basketball life is always good when you’re winning and its nice to get back to winning after three straight losses

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Jordan Sibert(PAOK Thessaloniki) The NBA Is A Real Business And You Can´t Dwell On The Past

Jordan Sibert is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Cincinnati, Ohio playing his second professional season and first in Europe with PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece-A1). Last season as a rookie he played in the NBA Pro Summer League in Orlando (Orlando Blue): 3 games: 11.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg. He then was signed by the Orlando Magic (NBA), released in Oct.’15, then moved to Erie Bay Hawks (D-League): 44 games: 13.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 87.1%. He started his basketball career at Ohio St. (NCAA) in 2010 and played a total of 49 games. He then finished his last two years at Dayton (NCAA) and as a senior played 36 games: 16.1ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 61.0%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 78.8%. He spoke to German Hoops a day before the Champions League game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg in Oldenburg.

Jordan thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. Is this your first time in Germany. I guess the weather reminds you a bit of home Cincinnati at this time of year?

Yes this is my first time here. It reminds a lot of home with the grey skies and cold.

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Braydon Hobbs(ratiopharm Ulm) Guarding Per Guenther Each Day In Practice Has Helped My Defense Big Time

 

Braydon Hobbs is a 27 year old 196cm point guard playing his third season in Germany and first with ratiopharm Ulm. Last season he played for the  Giessen 46ers playing 33 games averaging 10.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.8apg, Steals-3(1.7spg), FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 86.8%. Two seasons ago he played for  rent4office Nuernberg (Germany-ProA) where he averaged 11,9ppg, 4.1rpg, Assists-4(5.9apg), Steals-2(1.9spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 82.4% . He started his basketball career in 2008 with Bellarmine (NCAA2) playing a total of 133 games. He turned professional in 2012 and played for Caceres Basket (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five): 35 games: 7.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 87.9%. In 2013-2014 he played for Alba Fehervar (Hungary-A Division, starting five): Eurocup: 10 games: 11.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 52.3%; Hungarian League: 32 games: 9.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-2(2.3spg), FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 72.7%. He also played three summers professionally in Australia. He spoke to German Hoops after the 84-74 win against Science City Jena last week.

 

Congrats Braydon on the 84-74 win Jena. Another BBL game and another win putting the team at 9-0. Would this undefeated season feel any better if the Brose Baskets Bamberg weren´t present?

The start to the season has been great for us. I don’t think it would be any different if Bamberg wasn’t in the competition.

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Jordan Faison(UNI-Riesen Leipzig) You Don’t Have To Make The Assist Pass All The Time But That Hockey Assist Pass Is Just As Important

Jordan Faison is a 22 year old 201cm forward from Lake Forest, California that is a rookie in Germany playing for the UNI-Riesen Leipzig. He played at Cal Poly Pomona (NCAA2) from 2012-2016 playing a total of 107 NCAA games. As a senior he played 30 games averaging 16.9ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.8apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 22.5%, FT: 65.4%. He spoke to German Hoops about his rookie season recently.

 

 

 

 

Jordan congrats on the big 71-68 victory against the Dragons Rhondorf. How good did it feel finally helping the club win it´s first game of the season?

It felt great! We were so hungry to get this first win, and it’s exactly what we needed to get the ball rolling on this season.

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