Interviews

MarQuez Haynes (Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv) Alba Berlin Is A Tough And Scrappy Team And It Will Be A Game Of Styles And Who Can Dictate The Game Best

MarQuez Haynes is a 28 year old 191cm guard from Irving, Texas that is playing his fifth professional season and first with Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League). He started his basketball career in 2005 with Boston College(NCAA) where he played until 2007 playing a total of 65 NCAA games. He then moved to Texas Arlington (NCAA) in 2008 and as a senior he played 30 games ScoreNCAA-3(22.6ppg), 4.3rpg, 3.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 74.6%. In 2010-2011 he started his professional career with ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA) 33 games: 14.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 73.1%. In the 2011-2012 season he played with C.B. Gran Canaria 2014 (Spain-ACB)): EuroCup: 8 games: 11.1ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 50.0%; Spanish League: 34 games: 10.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 28.5%, FT: 79.1%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for the Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-BBL) 33 games: 12.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 73.0%; EuroCup: 6 games: 8.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 75.0%. Last season he played for EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (Italy-SerieA): Euroleague: 10 games: 3.0ppg; Italian SerieA: 11 games: 4.5ppg, 1.0apg, in Dec.’13 moved to Montepaschi Siena (Italy-SerieA) 34 games: 14.6ppg, 2.1rpg, 4.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 80.8%, 2.7rpg, 4.7apg; Eurocup: 6 games: 12.0ppg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 24.2%, FT: 80.0%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Euroleague game in Berlin against Alba Berlin

Marquez welcome back to Germany. What has been your response to the shocking news today that Indiana Pacer Chris Copeland was stabbed outside a New York club. Does this make you think twice about the next time your out on the town?

I heard about that today. Something like this doesn´t make me think twice about it. Things like this always happen. You just have to be careful about your surroundings.

Last weekend there was violence in Turkey as a soccer team was shot at when they were in their bus and a few weeks ago Turkish fans caused havoc in the O2 arena in Berlin causing the game to start a hour later. What has been your experience of hardcore fans in Israel this season?

My experiences in Israel have been positive this season. Fans there are very passonite about basketball. Our fans support us very good. I haven´t experienced anything crazy this season in Israel.

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Moses Ehambe(Eisbaeren Bremerhaven) Deandre Liggins Has Made Me A Better Player On Defense And Put The NBA And Me In Perspective

Moses Ehambe is a 28 year old 198cm swing man from Arlington, Texas that now resides in Minnesota and is playing his seventh professional season and first in Germany with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He started his basketball career in 2004 with ORU(NCAA) and as a senior played 11.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 40.5%, 3Pts: 40.6%, FT: 86.0%. In 2008 he started his professional basketball career with the Tulsa 66ers (D-League) where he played until 2010. In 2010-2011 he played for Aquas De Sousas Club Ourense Balonceto (Spain-LEB Gold): 16 games: 9.6ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 38.2%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 91.3%; left in Dec.’10, in Feb.’11 moved to Austin Toros (D-League, starting five): 9 games: 10.8ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 23.3%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 84.6%; in Mar.’11 signed at Iowa Energy (D-League, starting five): 17 games: 14.5ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 46.3%, FT: 91.7%. IN the 2011-2012 season he had breathed NBA air with the New Orleans Hornets (NBA), then moved to Iowa Energy (D-League, starting five): 48 games: 12.9ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 84.1%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for FIATC Joventut Badalona (Spain-Liga Endesa, starting five): 34 games: 7.4ppg, 1.4rpg, FGP: 36.0%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 92.6%. Last season he played for the Iowa Energy (D-League) 52 games: 14.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3FGP: 41.8%, FT: 82.6%. Currently for Bremerhaven he is averaging 13,7ppg, 3,8rpg and 3,2apg while shooting 45% from outside. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners in Frankfurt.

Moses thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are playing your first season in Germany with Bremerhaven. What kind of experience has it been for you?

It has been an amazing experience for me and my family. I didn´t expect the BBL to be so professional and competitive. I like how there are so many teams with different styles of play. It is never easy getting the right guys on a team, but my Bremerhaven teammates have been phenomenal which makes the experience as a player even better. My family loves Bremerhaven and my kids are learning German.

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Myles Hesson (Eisbaeren Bremerhaven) My Aim Is To Get Better Each Year Until I Go As Far As I Can In This Sport

Myles Hesson is a 24 year old 195 cm forward from Birmingham, England and was one of the 12 best players in Great Britain in 2013 and was selected for the 2013 national team playing in Slovenia at the Eurochampionships. He currently is playing in the Beko BBL for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Last season he played for the Giessen 46ers (ProA) playing 33 games: 16.1ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 78.8%. Two seasons ago he played for Weissenhorn Youngstars (Germany-ProB, starting five): 20 games: 19.7ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.5bpg, 2FGP: 54.4%, 3FGP: 27.4%, FT: 65.6%, in Mar.’13 moved to Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL): 9 games: 4.2ppg, 2.8rpg. He started his professional career in 2009-2010 for Birmingham Aces (EBL2) averaging 13.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 33.3%. In 2010-2011, he played for the Essex Pirates Basketball Club (BBL): 11 games: 9.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 68.4%. In 2011-2012 he played for Liverpool Mersey Tigers (BBL, starting five): 27 games: 15.1ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 61.5%. He spoke to German Hoop before the game against the Fraport Skyliners in Frankfurt.

Thanks Myles for talking to German Hoops. You will be making your debut in Frankfurt. How excited are you to be playing in Frankfurt this week?

I am really excited to play there, and hopefully keep our win streak going.

Did you ever visit the arena the season you played in Giessen on off days? How did you like the atmosphere?

Yeah I managed to get down to one game last season, the atmosphere was great.

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Terrell Everett (Artland Dragons) I Think That We Can Make The Playoffs As There Is A Lot Of Upside On This Team

Terrell Everett is a 30 year old 193cm guard from Charleston, South Carolina that is playing his ninth professional season and fourth in Germany and first with the Artland Dragons. He started the season with Steaua CSM EximBank Bucuresti (Romania-Liga Nationala): 17 games: 11.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 56.8%, 3FGP: 47.9%, FT: 71.8%. He started his basketball career with SW Missouri St. – West Plains JC and finished his last two seasons of college with Oklahoma(NCAA) in 2006. In the 2006-2007 season he started his professional basketball career with ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA): 34 games: 11.6ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-5(5.2apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 20.9%, FT: 68.0%. IN the 2007-2008 season he played for CEZ Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL, starting five): 2 games: 8.5ppg, 3.5apg, 1.5spg, released in Oct.’07, next month moved to JDA Dijon Bourgogne (France-ProA, starting five): 22 games: 11.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 20.4%, FT: 73.9%. In the 2008-2009 season he returned to the States and played with the Tulsa 66ers (D-League): 2 games: 4.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.0apg; left in Dec.’08, at the end of Jan.’09 signed at Bakersfield Jam (D-League): 26 games: 7.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 70.0%. In the 2009-20102 season he played with Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA): 6 games: 5.7ppg, 3.3apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 35.7%, 3PT: 54.5%; in Dec.’09 moved to ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA): French League: 17 games: 10.5ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-3(6.4apg), Steals-2(2.0spg), FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 20.6%, FT: 75.0%; EuroChallenge: 8 games: 8.3ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-1(7.4apg), Steals-5(1.9spg), FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 64.7%. In the 2010-2011 season he played with Iraklis Thessaloniki (Greece-A1, starting five): 7 games: 13.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.4apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 39.7%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 65.1%; left in Dec.’10, next month moved to KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (Croatia-A1): Adriatic League: 3 games: 2.7ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.7spg, left next month, in March’11 signed at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga) 13 games: 12.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 26.5%, FT: 80.4%. In the 2011-2012 season he stayed with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing 33 games: 11.3ppg, 4.5rpg, Assists-3(4.9apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 61.0%. In the 2012-2013 season he played with Cholet Basket (France-ProA): Eurocup: 6 games: 9.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 6.3apg, 2FGP: 44.4%, 3FGP: 18.8%, FT: 41.7%; French ProA: 14 games: 9.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.9apg, 2FGP: 39.5%, 3FGP: 30.0%, FT: 76.9%, released in Dec.’12, in Feb.’13 moved to Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-BBL)10 games: 5.7ppg, 1.5rpg, 3.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 80.0%. Last season he played with BC Odessa (Ukraine-Superleague)19 games: 11.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 5.7apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 74.6%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Terrell thanks for talking to German Hoops. After almost two seasons away from Germany your back. What did you miss most from Germany?

I missed the whole professionalism of the BBL in the last two years and the level of play. The BBL and country is just better put together than Romania and the Ukraine where I played the last two seasons.

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Maxim Schneider (TV Langen) I Think That I Have Gotten More Responsibility This Season Than I Have Ever Had Here

Maxim Schneider is a 23 year old 184cm point guard playing his fourth season with TV Langen. He started his basketball career in 2008 with DJK MJC Trier (Regionalliga). He spoke to German Hoops after the 61-60 loss to the Licher Basket Baeren.

Maxim thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough 61-60 loss to the Licher Basket Bahren. What were the main reasons for the win loss against Lich?

It was almost like last week where we played good for 35 minutes and couldn´t hold the lead at the end. The Lich zone killed us. We had a miscommunication on the last play. Sharda called a different play than what the others expected. The Tom Alte shot wasn´t planned.

TV Langen play against Lich, Speyer and Saarlouis in the play downs. How do you see the chances overall for TV Langen?

I think that we will have a good chance against Speyer. They play a structured basketball like we do. Saarlouis will be tough because they play more college style. Rickey Easterling is tough and we need to control him. Despite the Lich loss we still have good cards in the play downs.

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Terrico White (Enisey Krasnoyarsk) Being Fearless On The Court Came From My Childhood Where I Didn´t Want Anybody To Be Better Than Me

Terrico White is a 24 year old 196cm guard form Memphis Tennessee that is playing his fifth professional season and first for Enisey Krasnoyarsk (Russia-VTB). He played at Mississippi (NCAA)from 2008-2010 and as a senior played 35 games: 15.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 71.4%. He was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2010 at #36 in the second round. As a rookie he fractured his foot and couldn´t play. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Idaho Stampede (D-League, starting five): 18 games: 12.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 62.2%. In the 2012-2013 season he moved to Europe and played for Radnicki Kragujevac (Serbia-A League, starting five): 12 games: 14.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 61.7%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 72.5%; Adriatic League: 27 games: 14.4ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 56.7%. Last season he played for Royal Hali Gaziantep (Turkey-TBL): 12 games: 3.4ppg, 1.8rpg; EuroChallenge: 9 games: 5.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 2FGP: 45.0%, 3FGP: 36.0%, FT: 71.4%, in Feb.’14 moved to Hapoel Eilat (Israel-Winner League, starting five): 15 games: 14.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 84.2%. He spoke to German Hoops before game one of the Eurochallenge quarterfinals against the Fraport Skyliners.

You are playing your first season for Enisey Krasnoyarsk (Russia-VTB). How would you compare the style of play between the Turkish and Israel leagues where you balled last season with the VTB league.

This is the first time I have played on a team mainly with Russian players, but in general I feel that the style of basketball is the same. It doesn´t matter in what country you are, basketball is basketball.

Currently Enisey Krasnoyarsk (Russia-VTB) is one of the teams near the end of the standings. Why has the team had difficulty this season not being able to have a better record? Has the injury of Kosta Perovic been a reason?

I don´t think that not having Perovic has been the reason. We have had lulls in the VTB league all season long. There have been 7-10 games that we have lost by 4-5 points. We take a 10-15 point lead in the first half and then fall apart in the second half. We just haven´t been focused the way we should.

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Kevin Luyeye (TV Langen) I Don´t Need To Score, But If I Do Then It´s Nice

Kevin Luyeye is a 23 year old 196cm forward that is playing his first season with TV Langen. He started his basketball career with ASC Theresianum Mainz (ProB) in 2008 where he played until 2010. He then moved to the Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt II (ProB): 18 games: 1.8ppg, 1.6rpg, also played at Eintracht Frankfurt (2.Regionalliga). He then moved back to ASC Theresianum Mainz (Regionalliga) for two seasons. Last season he played for SG TVD-BIS Speyer (ProB) playing 28 games and averaging 7.6ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 22.5%, FT: 44.8%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 76-66 loss to TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy.

Kevin thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough loss against Wurzburg tonight. What were the main reasons for the loss?

We gave the game away in the fourth quarter with many turnovers. We weren´t playing aggressive and lost our self confidence.

TV Langen was in the playoff hunt until last weekend. It lost five of the last six games. Why was the team unable to win games in these important stretch?

I think that the loss to Hanau was the deciding point. We still had a chance for the playoffs, but that loss robbed us of our self confidence. We had many tight loses and our motivation left us. We didn´t have much luck the last weeks.

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Deandre Liggins (Eisbaeren Bremerhaven) It Really Doesn´t Matter Where You Are Overseas If It Is On The Court Or In A Back Yard Somebody From The NBA Is Always Watching You

Deandre Liggins is a 26 year old 198cm forward that is playing his fourth professional season and has joined the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He started the season with the Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), in Oct.’14 signed at Krasny Oktyabr Volgograd (Russia-VTB): Eurocup: 12 games: 6.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.4apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 47.4%, 3FGP: 36.7%, FT: 60.0%; VTB United League: 10 games: 7.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.7apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 45.0%, 3FGP: 28.6%, FT: 58.3%. He started his basketball career at Kentucky(NCAA) in 2008 and played a total of 99 NCAA games and as a senior played 37 games averaging 8.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 65.0%. In the 2011-2012 season he played for the Orlando Magic (NBA): 17 games: 1.9ppg. In the 2012-2013 season he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA), in Nov.’12 assigned to Tulsa 66ers (D-League, starting five), then called back to Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA): 46 games: 1.4ppg, 1.5rpg, in Dec.’12 assigned to Tulsa 66ers (D-League): 23 games: 12.1ppg, 6.8rpg, 4.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 71.0%. Last season he played for the Miami Heat (NBA): 1 game: 2pts, 1reb, in Mar.’14 signed at Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League) playing 47 games: 14.2ppg, 7.1rpg, 4.7apg, Steals-1(2.6spg), FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 78.8%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Welcome to Germany Deandre. It has been a whirlwind season for you starting IN Los Angeles, going to Russia and now your in Germany. After being in the United States for the first three years of your career, how would you describe your first time abroad in Europe?

It has been a different experience for me. The food tastes different and it is a totally different plan style. It reminds me a lot of college practicing twice a day and having one game a week. The whole Europe experience has been a motivation to keep playing. I have been in Bremerhaven now three days and today was my first day of practice. I really like the communication in Bremerhaven something I didn´t have in Russia. I have been enjoying every moment in Bremerhaven and just happy I can play here.

What prompted you to come to Germany and too a team near the bottom with a very tough head coach?

It was a matter of me getting repetition. I knew about the situation when I came in. I want to help this team and give it a push and take some momentum into next season. I respect this team a lot for bringing me in and I just want to help the team turn it around. I honestly don´t feel any pressure.

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Jimmy Dorsey (BG Karlsruhe) My Childhood And Canada Helped Me To Grow Up And Taught Me How To Be Successful And Be The Human Being And Player I Am Today

Jimmy Dorsey is a 188cm point guard from Baltimore, Maryland that is playing his rookie season in Germany with BG Karlsruhe. He played at Cape Breton University (Canada-CIS) from 2009-2013 and as a senior played 23 games Score-4(21.2ppg), 6.2rpg, Assists-3(5.4apg), Steals-1(3.3spg), FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 85.7%. He was Atlantic Division Champion in 2010 and 2013 with Cape Breton. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

You signed your first professional contract with BG Karlsruhe in Germany to play Pro B basketball. How was this whole process for you? Did you have other offers? What was the deciding factor that convinced you that BG Karlsruhe was the right team for you to start your professional basketball career?

I was sitting around and my agent came to me with the offer from BG Karlsruhe. He is good friends with our ex coach Ralf Rehberger and he told me that the club would be good for me. I never promoted myself, but waited for teams to come to me, but didn´t. That is why it took me longer to find a team.

You have been tearing up the German Pro B. Is it sometimes for you like a man playing with boys?

No not at all. I am still learning what it takes to be successful at this level. The basketball is a lot different than at home. Coaches here have their own system that you follow. I am still finding my way and just trying to be the best I can.

What was your best game the 29 points against Wurzburg or 28 points against Saarlouis?

I think the Saarlouis game since we won it. I was more effective in this game that we won.

Every player wants to move up the next level? Could you imagine staying in Germany and playing in the Pro A?

I could imagine to keep playing in Germany. I had a lot of fun playing scrimmages against Pro A teams and seeing guys that I had played against in college. I have heard that basketball in Germany is one of the toughest outside Spain. I really love Germany.

You finished at Cape Breton(CIS) in 2013 and didn´t play last year? What were the main reasons for that and was it difficult not being able to further your career then?

I just wasn´t ready to leave yet. I was physically ready to go and play, but not mentally.
You are a 25 year old rookie which is very unusual. Do you believe that your life experiences has helped you make an impact on the court right away coupled with your basketball talent?

My childhood wasn´t the best one. When I was in high school I never thought about the future, but just what was going on then. I think with what I experienced at a young age as well as going to college in Canada, it helped me to grow up and taught me how to be successful and be the human being and player I am today.

You are from Baltimore, Maryland a city with a crime rate that is very high. You were going to go to a div one school, but got into some problems with the law. A house party raid doesn´t seem like a big problem, but it disallowed you to play Div basketball in the States. If you had been hanging around the right crowd then, do you think that you would have played college basketball in the States

I think that if I would have had a different childhood that I probably would have played college ball in the States. After my dad left I had that role of taking care of my siblings and besides that I pretty much did what I wanted to do. I didn´t necessarily hang out with a bad crowd, but it wasn´t an atmosphere that motivated me to pursue my future

NBA player and 2014 German champion Malcolm Delaney is also from Baltimore. Did you ever have any ties with him over the years in Baltimore? He seemed to be able to get out of Baltimore and have a solid career?

I haven´t met him, but often hear about how successful he has been in Europe and at Virginia Tech. He is a few years older than me

How thankful are you of Bennie Edison who helped you get to Canada? Was he one of the few people that believed in you?

He is a big inspiration for me and we still have contact today. He helped me become the point guard that I am today. Whenever I got down and my shot wasn´t falling, he would calm me down and gave me confidence and always said to let the game come to me. He is like a mentor to me and I am so thankful that he was around.

You played four years for Cape Breton in the CIS. How strange was it playing basketball in Canada in a country that lives for ice hockey?

It was a bit strange. When I first came to Canada, I didn´t know what to expect and didn´t even know if the coach wanted me. After I scored 26 points in my first game I knew that this was a place where I could be successful. I adapted to three different coaches and ran the show for each coach. None of them tried to change me.

You are a scoring point guard that also can establish high assist stats. But what is a strength in your game that doesn´t get recognized always?

I feel that I have the ability to see the next play and have a high basketball IQ.
How has Matt Skinn prepared you best for a professional basketball career? What have been the most important things that you have learned from him?

He is a very intelligent coach that always pays attention to the little details. He made me a more efficient scorer and passer.

Cape Breton is a very beautiful place to live for 4 years. When you look back at your time, how much did the tranquility of life there help you develop as a human being?

My time at Cape Breton really taught me to appreciate the little things. It is a very tight knit community with a great support system that is very family orientated. It was always cold there, but I loved it there. I was able to focus on basketball there.

Cape Breton was Atlantic division champion 2010 and 2013. Which title was the sweetest?

I think my 2013 win was the sweetest, because it was my last year and the expectations were high and I wanted to go out on a high note. Winning in 2010 was a shock as I had the realization just how talented I could be. I worked more for the second win. I came to school early, because I really wanted it. I killed myself to be ready for the season and it worked out as we had a great season.

Who was the toughest player that you faced against in the CIS? Did you ever battle Warren Ward who played in Germany last season?

I never battled against him even though we talked often about the chance to playing against each other. The toughest guy was Terry Thomas who is playing in Germany also. We usually played four times a season and I won most of the battles.

Who wins a one on one you or Kenny Fluellen?

I would win, but he beat me the first time at around the world.

Will John Wall be a top 3 best point guard in the NBA?

Yes for sure. He keeps developing each season. He is averaging double double stats. From the skill level, he is a top 5 point guard in the NBA.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

John Wick.

Thanks Jimmy for the chat.

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Je’Kel Foster (medi bayreuth) Jerry Green Taught Me How To SurviveAs A Rookie In Ludwigsburg

Je Kel Foster is a 31 year old 193cm guard that is playing his ninth professional season and sixth in Germany and first with medi Bayreuth. He played at Ohio State from 2004-2006. He started his professional basketball career 2006 in Germany for EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 42 games: 13.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 45.3%, 3FGP: 34.0%, FT: 75.3%. In the 2007-2008 season he played for Paris-Levallois (France-ProA) 30 games: 14.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.9apg, Steals-2(2.4spg), 2FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 65.6%. He then returned back to Germany and played for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg from 2008-2010 helping the club win the 2009 Beko BBL title. In the 2010-2011 season he played for Vanoli-Braga Cremona (Italy-SerieA) 29 games: 12.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 71.8%. In the 2011-2012 season he returned back to Germany and played for : FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): EuroCup: 3 games: 7.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg; German League: 32 games: 13.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 71.4%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for Belgacom Spirou (Belgian Ethias League) 8 games: 11.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg; Eurocup: 6 games: 7.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, in Dec.’12 moved to ALBA Berlin (Germany-BBL) 24 games: 7.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 34.7%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 72.1%; Euroleague: 14 games: 7.4ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 35.8%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 84.6%. Last season he played for JSF Nanterre (France-ProA) Euroleague: 10 games: 4.9ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.6apg; French ProA: 12 games: 6.8ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 54.2%, 3FGP: 36.6%, FT: 61.1%, in Feb.’14 moved to Sidigas Avellino (Italy-SerieA) 12 games: 5.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.2spg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Welcome back to Frankfurt. You played many times against Frankfurt with Ludwigsburg, Oldenburg, FC Bayern Munich and Alba Berlin. When you look back at those games is there one game against that you will never forget besides the loss to Frankfurt with medi bayreuth?

I have played many times against Frankfurt, but most with Oldenburg. I remember our title run 2009 where we met Frankfurt in the playoffs. It was a hard fought series, but I remember that season most against Frankfurt.

I have one game in my memory where you helped FC Bayern Munich beat Frankfurt 58-57 in Munich where you hit huge three pointers in crunch time. What memories do you have of this game where you hit two three pointers and it isn´t every day that a Jimmy Mckinney doesn´t hit a three pointer.

I also remember that game. That was a good game that came down to the last minute. Frankfurt has been a good defensive team the last years as they also kept that game low. We grinded that game out. I have played against Jimmy Mckinney so many times that it is a battle each time we play.

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