Interviews

Richaud Pack (Isiah Thomas Taught Me To Never Let Pressure Bother Me And To Always Stay Under Control)

 

Richaud Pack is a 23 year old 190cm guard from Birmingham, Michigan that recently completed his rookie season in Europe with : Michelin Etha Engomis Nicosia (Cyprus-Division A) playing FIBA Europe Cup: 6 games: 11.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 35.5%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 90.9%; Cypriot Division A: 21 games: Score-4(16.8ppg), 2.7rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 84.9%. He started his basketball career in 2010 with FIU (NCAA) where he stayed until 2012, but played only 19 NCAA games. His next destination was N.Carolina A&T (NCAA) where he played 28 games averaging 17.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 81.7%. He moved one more time and as a senior played for Maryland (NCAA) playing 35 games averaging 5.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 69.7%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

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

I am currently in Washington, D.C. I have had a great summer. I’ve had the chance to travel many places and train with some of the best players in the United States.

(more…)

Tabari Perry (wiha Panthers) Coach Velcic´s Style Of Play For The Game Is The Type Of Guy I Am On The Court

Tabari Perry is a 203cm forward that will be starting his second professional season and first in Germany with the wiha Panthers. As a rookie last season he played for Nagennises Germasogeia (Cyprus-Division A) playing 3 games: 14.3ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.0apg, in Jan.’16 moved to Templeogue Azzurri Dublin (Ireland-Premier League). He started his basketball career in 2008 with Cecil College (NJCAA): 24 games, 7.2ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 31.7%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 56.0%. He then played three seasons with Slippery Rock(NCAA2) playing a total of 64 games and as a senior played 32 games averaging10.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.1apg, 0.9spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 82.5%. He spoke toGerman Hoops about basketball.

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

My summer is amazing. Been doing a lot of working out to prepare myself for my next professional contract .

Congrats on signing with German Regionaliga team wiha Panthers. How excited are you to be playing your second professional season in Germany?

Thanks a lot I appreciate that. First I would like to thank the man above Jesus Christ for blessing me with this talent and giving me opportunity to play pro basketball , I’m very excited and blessed to be playing in Germany for my second year. It’s a honor and a privilege.

(more…)

Freddie Jackson (I Love Defense Just As Much As I Love Offense)

Freddie Jackson is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Wilmington, North Carolina with one season of professional basketball under his belt as he played with AS Soleuvre (Luxembourg-Total League) and  BZD Ikh-Aravtuud Bulls (Mongolia-Superliga) last season. He started his basketball career in 2011 with NC-Wilmington (NCAA) where he played until 2015 playing a total of 121 NCAA games and as a senior played 32 games averaging 13.3ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 63.6%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Freddie thanks for talking to German Hoops. What makes your game special in your opinion? You can fill up the stat sheet, but what would you say is a hidden strength in your game that gets overlooked time after time?

 I’m Freddie Jackson from Wilmington NC. I’m a typical big guard who is supposed to do everything on the court. My playing style is very versatile, I can score on all 3 levels effectively. I’m a two way player with good size at 6’4 and also well conditioned. I really can fill up the stat sheet, but it is also important for me to get my teammates involved. I think most coaches that I have played for or against in the past will say that I’m a great leader who leads by example and is vocal. What some teams don’t have on their scouting sheet is that I can guard positions 1 through 3. I take pride in being a great defender.

(more…)

Will Barnes (SC Rist Wedel) I Don´t See This As Taking A Step Back, But I Do Have To Reprove Myself

 

Will Barnes is a 28 year old 185cm point guard from Tuscaloosa, Alabama that will be playing his third professional season with SC Rist Wedel. Last season he signed with German Pro B team Weissenhorn, but a serious knee injury kept him from playing last season. In the 22014-2015 season he played for the Hamburg Towers playing 28 games averaging 13.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 77.1% He started his basketball career in 2006 for Tennessee Tech (NCAA) where he played a total of 98 NCAA games. In 2012-2013 he played at  Lee (NAIA) playing 34 games: 20.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 77.7%. As a rookie he played for the Finke Baskets playing 29 games: Score-3(18.8ppg), 3.5rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 64.3%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball

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

What’s going on Miles? Everything’s good my way. Excited about getting back on the court! I’ve been focused on taking care of my family and training this summer. Nothing more, nothing less. I’m really motivated to come back stronger than before my injury.

(more…)

Terence Billups (UNI-Riesen Leipzig) I’ve Developed The Mindset To Take Over In Crucial Game Situations

Terence Billups is a 198cm forward from Jeffersonville, Indiana that will be going into 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 about basketball.

 

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

Thank you for the interview! I’m pleased to be part of this! I am currently in my hometown of Jeffersonville, IN. This has been a good summer for me thus far. I have been preoccupied with a part time job working with teenagers, visiting and spending time with my family and friends, doing my basketball workouts in the gym and weight room, and preparing myself for  another successful year in Germany.

(more…)

Damon Smith (Bayer Giants Leverkusen) Passionate Coaches Like Achim Kuczmann Have Winning Records And I Want To Play For Those Kind Of Coaches

Damon Smith is a 28 year old 200cm forward from Milwaukee, Wisconsin that is going into his fourth professional season and third in Germany and first with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He started his basketball career with Ellsworth CC (JUCO) and then finished at Mary (NCAA2) and as a senior played 26 games averaging 16.5ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.1apg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 57.8%, FT: 67.9%. He started his professional career in 2012 with SISU Copenhagen (Denmark-Ligaen) playing 30 games averaging 15.8ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 72.6%. In the 2013-2014 season he moved to Germany to the Dresden Titans (Germany-ProB) playing  27 games: 13.4ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 26.2%, FT: 69.2%. In the 2014-2015 season he stayed with the Dresden Titans playing 29 games averaging 12.7ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 69.4%. Recently he got further experience with Trigueros de Ciudad Obregon (Mexico-CIBACOPA). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Welcome back to Germany. Congrats on signing with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. This will be your third season playing in Germany. What makes Germany and it´s basketball so appealing to you as a professional player?

Thank you. What makes German basketball so interesting? I think it’s how very different it is from the way I was shown here. US basketball is worlds apart from German basketball. Not saying it’s a bad thing. Every country has their style but Germany is one of the areas that I’ve learned the most.

(more…)

Aaron Nelson (Dragons Rhondorf) I Don’t Feel Like I’m Really Doing My Job Unless I Get A Double-Double

Aaron Nelson is a 203cm power forward from Bloom Township, Illinois that will be playing his third professional season and first in Germany with the Dragons Rhondorf. He started his basketball career with SW Illinois JC (JUCO)and then moved to S.Indiana (NCAA2) and as a senior played 29 games averaging 19.3ppg, Reb-1(12.7rpg), 2.3apg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 60.4%, FT: 63.3%. He started his professional basketball career in 2014 with Los Leones de Quilpue (Chile-Liga Nacional, starting five): Liga Americas: 3 games: 24.0ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 54.5%, FT: 80.0%; Chilean Liga Nacional: 28 games: 21.1ppg, Reb-4(11.6rpg), 2.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 63.7%. Last season he split time with Atletico Tabare (Uruguay-LUB): 4 games: 15.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, in Dec.’15 moved to Salta Basket (Argentina-TNA). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

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

Hello Miles, how are you? I am currently back and forth between Chicago & Nashville TN. My summer has been great. I’ve been in the gym 24/7, got to travel a little bit, and spending time with my family.

(more…)

Thomas Scrubb (Giessen 46ers) Within Our Team Family And Friends I Didn’t Feel Like They Put My Brother On A Pedestal Over Me

Thomas Scrubb is a 24 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 about basketball shortly after signing with the Giessen 46ers.

 

 

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

Thanks for talking to me. I am currently in Ottawa just training and staying in shape for the next season.

You had a long but successful rookie season with Joensuun Kataja Basket (Finland-Korisliiga) reaching the playoffs and quickly got signed for your second season with the Giessen 46ers. What was most vital in making the next step to the high level Beko BBL?

I think the most important thing that allowed me to make the step to the BBL was my work ethic during the year. It was a long year but I felt that I showed the ability to be consistent and make an impact in all areas of the game.

(more…)

Diante Watkins (Nurnberg Falcons BC) I’m Excited To Return Back To Germany And I Have To Refresh The Minds That I Can Still Play

Diante Watkins is a 26 year old 174cm point guard that is going to be  playing his fourth professional season and first with the Nurnberg Falcons BC. Last season an injury in pre season derailed his path playing for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He started his basketball career in 2009 with Daley CC (JUCO): 28 games: 26.5ppg, 5.8apg, 2.7rpg, 2.0spg, FGP: 44%, 3Pts: 38%, FT: 86%. He then played two seasons with Robert Morris (NAIA) and as a senior played 27 games: 24.4ppg, 7.4apg, 3.0rpg, 2.1spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3Pts: 38.9%, FT: 82.7%. In 2013-2014 he started his professional basketball career with SC Rist Wedel where he played 30 games averaging  16.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 86.9%. He improved his play in 2014-2015 with SC Rist Wedel playing 32 games: Score-2(21.3ppg), 3.8rpg, Assists-1(6.8apg), Steals-2(3.2spg), FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 87.4%. He cleaned up the Eurobasket awards winning Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Honorable Mention -14, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Player of the Year -15, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Guard of the Year -15, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Import Player of the Year -15, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B 1st Team -15, and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro B All-Imports Team -15. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Diante thanks for talking to German Hoops. Have you only been in Chicago this summer or had been able to travel a little?

Hey Miles, I been in Chicago for the most part, I did a little traveling but nothing too special.

(more…)

Trent Weaver (FC Schalke) Understanding Your Teammates Tendencies Is Crucial For A Team To Be Successful

Trent Weaver is a 21 year old 203cm forward from Columbus, Ohio that will be starting his professional career in Europe in Germany with FC Schalke. He got an early taste of being  a professional this year as he played for the Columbus Condors (CBA). Before turning professional he played for Ohio Dominican (NCAA2) from 2012-2016 playing  atotal of 98 games. As a senior he played 28 games: 15.5ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 72.5%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Trent thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer?

Thanks Miles, I am currently in my hometown Columbus, Ohio. So far this summer I have been preparing heavily to advance my game and body by a series of workouts and staying on top of the nutrition side of things. I have also been working to make a little money, and spending time with family before I leave for Europe.

(more…)