Interviews

Ken Horton (Telekom Baskets Bonn) I Support Basketball Aid As Cancer Is A Serious Things And Has Effected The Lives Of So Many

Ken Horton is a 26 year old 199cm forward from Ossining, New York that is playing his second season in Germany and first with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Recently completed his fourth professional season with medi Bayreuth playing 34 games averaging 12.4ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 89.5% In the 2014-2015 season he tore up the league in Finland playing for Joensuun Kataja Basket (Finland-Korisliiga) winning the league title and playing 55 games averaging 16.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 86.8%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 17.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 76.3%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 87.5%. He started his basketball career with Cent.Conn.St. (NCAA) in 2007 and as a senior played 28 games averaging 19.0ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.7apg, 2.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 80.2%. He started his professional basketball career in 2012 with SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB): 16 games: 12.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 62.5%, 3FGP: 25.8%, FT: 75.9%, in Mar.’13 moved to Forex Time Apollon (Cyprus-Division A): 2 games: 12.0ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg. IN the 2013-2014 season he played for teams Huracanes de Tampico (Mexico-LNBP)playing 16 games: and averaging 17.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 59.1%, 3FGP: 24.1%, FT: 87.0% and Ballarat Miners (Australia-SEABL) playing18 games averaging 19.6ppg, 11.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.8spg, Blocks-2(9.7bpg), FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 39.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against ratiopharm Ulm at the Gezeiten Haus Cup in support oft he Basketball Aid charity.

Ken thanks for talking to German Hoops Welcome back to Germany. You were signed late into the transfer period by the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Was it worth waiting longer and more selective thinking about what your next move would be?

It was definitely different waiting late into the summer to sign but I am happy. I’m with a really good organization and I’m excited to get the season started.

What has been your first impression of Bonn. What is the biggest difference to Bayreuth where you balled last season?

Bonn has been good so far, a bigger city than Bayreuth and it’s much more difficult to get used to driving in the city but I’m definitely loving it so far.

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Julian Gamble (Telekom Baskets Bonn) I Support Basketball Aid And Believe One Day A Cure Will Be Found For Cancer

Julian Gamble is a 26 year old 207cm power forward/center from Durham, North Carolina that will be starting his fourth professional season and first 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%. Last season 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%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Gezeiten Haus Cup in Rhondorf.

Julian thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are living in Bonn now. What has been the biggest difference for you living wise coming from the Belgium capital Bruessels?

Living in Bonn has been great so far. The city isn’t as big as Brussels but having Cologne so close with the combination of Bonn has been great. My family and I, along with my teammates have all been exploring the city together and have enjoyed it this far.

You have been with the Telekom Baskets Bonn now for a month. How has the integration period been for you? Was there any big difference to coming from the Belgium league to Germany that has stood out?

The integration into the team has been great. We are all working towards our common goal of having a good team and taking that process one day at a time. We are making very good progression in this regard. The biggest difference I have noticed is the physicality, but I think my opinion on this subject will be more clear as we play more teams in our league.

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Chase Adams (Uni Baskets Paderborn) Glad I Can Participate In Basketball Aid And It´s Only Right I Give Back In Anyway

Chase Adams is a 27 year old 188cm point guard from Baltimore, Maryland is playing his second season for the Uni Baskets Paderborn in the (Germany-ProA) this season. He started his basketball career at Centenary (NCAA) in 2006 where he played three seasons and a total of 89 NCAA games. As a senior he moved to Pittsburgh (NCAA). He turned professional in 2001 and played briefly in the ABA and in the UBL before making Germany his home as he played for teams like Dortmund, Bochum, and Science City Jena. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig which is part of the 2016 Basketball Aid international tour that stopped in Paderborn.

Chase thanks for talking to German Hoops. You had a long summer in Baltimore. How was your summer and what did you reflect most about concerning your professional career?

This was most certainly a challenging summer for me training wise pushing my limits. I spent a lot of time thinking about my shortcomings and how I can push through when times get rough.

You will be playing your second season with the Uni Baskets Paderborn. A professional basketball players career might not always be a long affair so one has to appreciate it as much as possible. How much have you appreciated the city of Paderborn and has it become like a second home for you?

I made the decision to come back because I do have that home feeling and I’m blessed they welcomed me back with open arms. The city shows a lot of Love and that propels me to go harder.

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Adama Darfoe(Danish National Team) I Believe In This Team And That We Can Take Us To The Euro In 2017

Adama Darboe is a 30 year old 190cm guard that is a Danish national player and will play for the Bakken Bears (Ligaen) this season. He is a versatile guard with strong build, can play some time at the small forward too, and is a good rebounder for his size. He started his basketball career for Horsholm Basket (Basketliga) in 2002 and played there until 2006. He then played for U.M.F. Grindavik (Iceland-Express League) from 2006-2008. He then played for Huelva Baloncesto (Spain-LEB Bronze) in the 2008-2009 season. He then returned to Horsholm 79ers (Basketligaen) for a season before playing three seasons for Svendborg Rabbits (Ligaen). He then played for KFUM Jamtland Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) and the last two seasons with Boras Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) and last season played FIBA Europe Cup: 12 games: 10.6ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 90.0%; Swedish Basketligan: 36 games: 11.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT-2(89.0%). He spoke to German Hoops before the Euro qualifying game against Germany in Kiel.

Adama thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

Right now, I am with the national team preparing for the upcoming games in a little city called Vejen. We got great facilities here, so things are going in the right direction.

You just completed two successful seasons with Boras Basket in Sweden, but unfortunately the club couldn´t get over the hump losing in both semi-finals to Uppsala and Sodertalje. I would imagine the two point loss to Sodertalje hurt more than the 97-72 loss the season in game 5?

Yes it was very tough for the club and for me personally, not making the finals. I really thought that we had great teams both years, but it was tough, and both teams that we lost to in the semis, deserved their spot in the finals.

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Jordan Talbert (PS Karlsruhe) I´m A Motivated And Driven Player

Jordan Talbert is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Little Rock, Arkansas that will be playing his third professional season and first with the PS Karlsruhe Lions. He came to Germany as a rookie in 2014 and played with the Giants TSV 1861 Noerdlingen (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 26 games: 21.6ppg, 9.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, Blocks-4(1.5bpg), FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college career at Missouri SO(NCAA2) from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 11.7ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 70.1%. Last season with Nordlingen he tore up the Pro B averaging 17.5ppg, Reb-1(11.0rpg), 2.4apg, 1.7spg, Blocks-5(1.5bpg), FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 73.4%. He spoke to German Hoops about his new adventure with PS Karlsruhe.

Jordan thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

No problem, my summer was great and fulfilling. I really enjoyed my time back in the states with family and friends. At the moment I’m in Karlsruhe preparing for the upcoming season.

Congrats on signing with PS Karlsruhe. How was the summer transfer period for you? You signed rather late. Did you have a good share of offers that made your decision making tougher?

No the decision was fairly easy for me. And to my knowledge I didn’t have many offers to choose from but I’m happy that PS Karlsruhe had enough interest in me to bring me in.

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Karl Moore (Crailsheim Merlins) Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Doesn’t Work Hard

Karl Moore is a 203cm forward born in 1987 and is playing his third professional season with the Crailsheim Merlins 2 team. Last season he played for Telstar Hesperange (Luxembourg-N2). As a rookie, he played for TV 1872 Saarlouis (Germany-ProB) where he played 28 games averaging 16.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.7%, FT: 73.5%. He scored in double figures in 25 of 28 games including three double doubles. He scored 20 points or more eight times. His best scoring games was 28 points against Hanau and 27 points against BG Karlsruhe. He played college ball at Schoolcraft Community College (JUCO), Rio Grande(NAIA), and Culver Stockton (NAIA). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball and his next experience with the Crailsheim Merlins.

Karl thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. You have been only a short time in Crailsheim, but what has been the biggest difference there to when you were a rookie in Saarlouis?

Hello Miles! Thanks for the opportunity. The biggest difference are the times that we practice. While in Saarlouis, I practiced once a day with the Pro B team during the night. Here In Crailsheim, I practice three times a day. Twice with the Pro A team and once with the Regionaliga team. Physically it is tough but mentally I cant say that it’s something that I can’t survive, because right now there is a person in Africa growing up in conditions that I can’t survive.

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Alex Foster (RheinStars) Playing Against The Fraport Skyliners At The Wiesbaden Airbase And Supporting Basketball Aid Will Be A Special Game For Me

Alex Foster is a 23 year old 203cm forward that grew up in Portland, Oregon and also has the German citizenship and will be playing his second professional season with the RheinStars(Germany-ProA). Last season as a rookie with the RheinStars he played 29 games averaging 9.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 33.5%, FT: 78.4%He played at Emory (NCAA3) from 2011-2015 playing a total of 108 NCAA3 games and as a senior played 20.1ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 79.8%. He was able to improve his scoring and rebounding average each season. He spoke to German Hoops before the exhibition game on August 25th against the Fraport Skyliners at Wiesbaden Airbase with all proceeds goingto the Basketball Aid foundation.

Alex thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are playing your second season now with the RheinStars. When you look back at your rookie season and progression of your German, what was your most used German sentence?

I always say “eben so,” after someone wishes me “ein schönen Tag” at the grocery or bakery. A lot of my German teammates tease me for using that phrase, because I guess it’s more formal than what they’re used to. Or maybe it’s because it’s a Southern-German thing. My mom’s family is Schwäbisch.

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Lamar Mallory (Licher Basket Baeren) I Don´t Look At The Expectations As Pressure Because That Was Just Me Playing Basketball And Enjoying The Game

Lamar Mallory is a 198cm forward from Dayton, Ohio that will play his second season in Germany with the Licher Basket Baeren (Germany-ProB). Before coming to Germany, he started his professional career with the Albury Wodonga Bandits (Australia-SEABL) playing 5 games: 17.8ppg, 10.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 56.5%, FT: 57.9%. He played at Glenville St. (NCAA2) and as a senior played 25 games: 18.6ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: NCAA2-2(68.1%). Last season with the Licher Basket Baeren (Germany-ProB) he played 21 games averaging 17.9ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 67.5%. He scored in double figures in 19 of 21 games and had monster games against Speyer with 29 and 28 points and had a 28 point explosion against Wurzburg. He spoke to German Hoops before the start of the 2016-2017 season.

Lamar thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

No problem guys, I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me. I am in Germany, I stayed here over the summer. My summer has been great, a lot of off season workouts, individually and with groups. Its good.

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DJ Bennett (Mitteldeutscher BC) I Have To Take My Game To The Next Level And I Love That Challenge

DJ Bennett is a 203cm forward from Chicago, Illinois that will be playing his second professional season and first with the Mitteldeutscher BC. As a rookie he played with the BSW Sixers Sandersdorf (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 18 games averaging 15.3ppg, 8.7ppg, 2.3bpg, FGP: 66.9%, FT: 67.9%. He started his basketball career with Indian Hills CC (JUCO) and moved to Oklahoma (NCAA) in 2013 where he stayed two years playing a total of 61 NCAA games and reaching the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2015. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

DJ thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

My summer has been very productive, I went to China for almost 2 months on a basketball tour representing America playing a lot of Chinese teams and now I’m currently in Thailand finishing off the second half of the season with a team here. So I’ve been just trying to keep my self going and in shape until an opportunity like this presented itself.

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Mateusz Ponitka (Polish National Team) You Can Know How To Score 30 Points But It´s Not The Same If You Don´t Know How To Win The Game

Mateusz Ponitka is a 22 year old 196cm guard that is currently with the Polish national team and playing at the Super Cup in Ulm against teams like Germany, Russia and Finnland. He will play for Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (Turkey-BSL) this season. He started his basketball career in 2008 with Kasprowiczanka Ostrow Wlk. He then played three seasons with Tempcold AZS Politechnika Warszawa (1Liga). In the 2012-2013 season he made the jump to Asseco Prokom Gdynia (PLK): 34 games: 8.7ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 27.2%, FT: 70.7%; Euroleague: 10 games: 8.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 61.0%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 38.1%. He then played two seasons with Telenet BC Oostende (Belgium-Scooore League). Last season he played for Stelmet Zielona Gora (TBL): 41 games: 10.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 61.8%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 76.1%; Euroleague: 10 games: 12.0ppg, Reb-3(7.9rpg), 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 67.6%; Eurocup: 10 games: 13.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 47.6%, FT: 69.4%. Recently he took part at the NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Denver Nuggets): 4 games: 2.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.3spg. He spoke to German Hoops during the Super Cup weekend in Ulm.

Mateusz thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. Welcome back to Germany. You are currently in Ulm preparing for the games in the Super Cup with team Poland. You were in Germany last at the start of 2016 in Ludwigsburg playing Eurocup with Stelmet. You led your team to the win scoring 14 points. What other memories do you have of this game?

That was very tough game for us. I remember the whole game was like one big war. In the end of the day we found a way to win and that was really important one for us. To be honest that was even funny because in Eurocup we were wining everything on the road and losing everything at home. And all this streak started in Ludwigsburg. I think there is very good atmosphere at the games in Germany. I like coming here.

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