Interviews

Nate Gerwig (Anytime I Go To A New team, The Top Thing That I Concentrate On Is Rebounding And Defense

Nate Gerwig is a 26 year old 206cm center that grew up in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He played at Kent State from 2001-2006. He was unable to play the 2003-2004 season on account of being a medical redshirt. In his senior year, he played 32 games averaging  6.4ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 58.0%, FT: 58.1%. He turned professional in the 2006-2007 season playing for Porvoon Tarmo (Korisliiga) playing  22 games and averaging 2.9ppg, 2.6rpg. In the 2007-2008 season, he returned back to the States and played in the D League for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants playing 40 games and averaging 3.6ppg, 5.9rpg, FGP: 49.6%, FT: 49.1%. n 2008-2009, he played his first season in Germany in the PRO A for BV Chemnitz 99 playing 30 games and averaging 15.6ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 65.0%, FT: 61.8%. In 2009-2001 he played for the Paderborn Baskets (Germany-1.Bundesliga) averaging 7.3ppg, 5.8rpg. In 2011-2012 he played for Saar-Pfalz Braves (Germany-ProA, starting five): 6 games: 7.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.6%, FT: 50.0%; left in Oct.’11, in Dec.’11 moved to Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA, starting five): 16 games: 11.9ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 60.7%, FT: 64.9%. Last season he played for  BC Prievidza (Slovakia-Extraliga) and the BSW Sixers (Germany-ProB). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Nate thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how are you spending your Sunday?

I am currently in Cleveland Ohio and I spit my time between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. It is Sunday so today I am just relaxing watching football.

The 2013-2014 season in Europe has started and you are still unsigned. How tough has it been sitting around and staying positive?

Its been very difficult for me to stay positive, but also motivational when I do get my chance to play this season I will not forget the feeling of sitting around having to wait to play, and all of the teams and people who have doubted me so whatever team is smart enough to pick me up will have a highly motivated player to say the least.

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Blake Poole (Herten) I Think Once I Get Going On Defense, My Offense Will Follow

Blake Poole is a 24 year old 195cm center that is playing his first season with RheinLand Versicherungen Hertener Lions (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career in 2007 with St.Martin’s (NCAA2) where he played until 2011. In his senior year he played 29 games: 19.3ppg, 11.6rpg, 2.8apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3Pts: 28.9%, FT: 73.5%. In 2011, he started his professional basketball career with Bellingham Slam (IBL) left during the season: 17 games: 12.5ppg, 10.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.3% and then played for BG Dorsten (Germany-ProB) playing  26 games: 14.9ppg, Reb-1(12.9rpg), 2.8apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 70.1%. Last season he played for  Bellingham Slam (IBL): 20 games: 18.7ppg, 13.2rpg, 4.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 80.4%and for BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-ProB), injured in pre-seaon, in Oct.’12 moved to BG Dorsten (Germany-ProB): 10 games: 14.7ppg, 14.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 79.4%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Herten have started the season off at 1-2. Last weekend the club celebrated a 74-70 win against Braunschweig. What was giving the team the biggest problems in the first two games?

 Our problems have just been getting used to playing together and understanding our roles on the team.

You only scored four points in the win against Braunschweig. How fortunate was the team for having big games from Americans Matt Reid and Jeremy Robinson?

 It’s great to have players like them. It takes a lot of pressure off knowing that even if I don’t have a good game they will carry their part of the load and we can still come out on top.

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Michael Fakuade (ETB Wohnbau Baskets) I Have To Get Used To Doing More In A Shorter Amount Of Time

Michael Fakuade is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Chicago, Illinois that also has the NIgerian citizenship and is playing his second professional basketball season with the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen. He just completed his rookie season for UBC Hannover playing 15 games: 15.2ppg, Reb-5(10.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-1(2.8bpg), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 67.6%. he started his basketball career in 2007 for  N.Illinois (NCAA) where he played until 2010 playing 54 NCAA games. He then changed to play for  Ill.-Springfield (NCAA2). He played a total of 45 NCAA 2 games and as a senior played  24 games: 14.5ppg, RebNCAA2-6(11.0rpg), BlocksNCAA2-2(3.5bpg), FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 3-6, FT: 56.7%. He spoke to German Hoops about his new team ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen.

Michael thanks talking to German Hoops again. How has been the transition from Hannover to Essen? Both cities are bigger sized places, but is there something different with the mentality of the folk?

The transition has been good. I’m still getting used to the city. Still trying to figure out where everything is. The people are good. I haven’t noticed anything different about them.

The ETB Wohnbau baskets Essen have started slow with a record of 2-3. What have been the main reasons for the slow start?

We are still building our chemistry as a team. I still think that we are headed in the right direction and have plenty of time to show we are a playoff team.

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Anthony Young (ETB Wohnbau Baskets) Igor Krizanovicis a great coach, he stays on you but he shows tough love

Anthony Young is a 23 year old 200cm forward from Indianapolis, Indiana that is playing his second professional season with ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen. He started his basketball career in 2008 for  Kankakee CC (JUCO) where he played until 2010. He finished his two last seasons of school at  Ky Wesleyan (NCAA2) an din his senior year played  31 games: 19.7ppg, 7.9rpg, FGP: 49.9%, 3Pts: 40.0%, FT: 84.6%. Last season as a professional rookie he played for BSV Wulfen (Germany-ProB, starting five): 22 games: Score-4(21.1ppg), 8.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 82.3%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Anthony thanks talking to German Hoops again. How has been the transition from Wulfento Essen? You go from a small city to a big city and is there something different with the mentality of the folk?

The city being bigger makes it a little more difficult for me driving wise. Lol. I struggle with that at times, however the mentality is the same as Wulfen. The people are pretty much the same, everyone is friendly.

The ETB Wohnbau baskets Essen have started slow with a record of 2-3. What have been the main reasons for the slow start?

I wouldnt call it a slow start, if you look at our games that we have lost we only lost by 1 or 2 points. 2 games we gave away at the end that we should have won.

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Ronald Ross (Basketball is Number One And Music Never Distracts Me)

Ronald Ross is a 30 year old 188cm guard that will be starting his third season in Croatia for Jolly. He is originally from Hobbs New Mexico and played at Texas Tech from 2001-2005. In his senior year, he averaged 17.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.0apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3Pts: 43% and reached the NCAA Sweet 16. He started his professional career with Univer Castelletto Ticino (Italy-Lega2) and then moved on to the CBA in 2006-2007 for Butte Daredevils playing 48 games averaging 15.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2(2.4spg), FGP: 49%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 74.2% and in 2007 for the Albany Patroons (USBL, starting five) playing 21 games: Score-3(17.4ppg), 3.0rpg, Assists-4(4.0apg), Steals-1(2.5spg), FGP: 47.6%, 3FGP: 41.4%, FT: 84.2%. In 2007-2008, he played for ENBW Ludwigsburg playing 34 games and averaging 14.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.3apg, Steals-2(1.7spg), 2FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 77.9% reaching the cup final in 2008. In 2008-2009 he started in Israel before moving on to the Artland Dragons playing 12 games and averaging 15.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.0apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 57.1%, FT: 70.0%. in 2009-2010 for the Artland Dragons, he played 12 games: 10.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 83.0%; German League: 32 games: 11.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 75.7%. In 2010-2011 he playedfor  Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 24 games: Score-5(15.9ppg), 4.2rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-4(1.5spg), FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 80.2%. He played the last two seasons for  Jolly Jadranska Banka Sibenik (Croatia-A1) and last season played 32 games: Score-1(20.6ppg), 5.1rpg, 3.6apg, Steals-1(2.8spg), FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 76.6%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball life in Croatia.

You played four years in Germany and now you have played the last two seasons in Croatia. Has Croatia become your second home now?

Yeah, I definitely love Croatia! I’ve been very fortunate to meet a lot of special people there and really find a comfort level suitable to my liking.

You play for the team Jolly in the Croatian league where you have to battle teams like Cibona, KK Split or Cedvitta. How has your experience been playing for Jolly as a whole? The team reached the semi finals the last season.

Overall, my experience with Jolly has been humbling. It’s been really nice playing with players that have high ambitions and a desire to win. We didn’t have any of the big names, budget, or whatever excuses people use for not winning, but we had the right ingredients as an organization and we accomplished more than what was expected with a focused attitude. I was really proud to be a part of Jolly last season.

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Larry Gordon (Phoenix Hagen) The chemistry is good right now but we can definitely improve

Larry Gordon is a 26 year old 196cm forward that is playing his second season in the German Beko BBL for Phoenix Hagen. Last season for Phoenix Hagen he helped the team reach the playoffs playing 37 games: 12.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 83.2%He played at  Cal Poly Pomona (NCAA2) from 2005 to 2009 playing a total of  116 NcAA2 games. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 15.7ppg, 10.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 75.7%. He was a CCAA Player of the Year and NCAA D2 Finalist in 2009. In 2009-2010, he came to Europe as a rookie and played for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 36 games: 14.0ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 75.8%. He played for ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-A Bundesliga) the last two seasons and in his last season played  38 games: 14.7ppg, Reb-3(8.4rpg), 1.8apg, FGP-3(65.2%), 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to German Hoops after the win against SC Rasta Vechta

Congrats on the 80-78 win against SC Rasta Vechta. Was this just  another proof how difficult the Beko BBL is with the newcomer giving 2013 Beko BBL playoff team Phoenix Hagen a real run for the money?

I guess you can say so, they did a good job at slowing us down a little bit and were stronger than people think. They will Win some games this season.

Your three pointer wasn´t falling so you concentrated more on the glass. How important is your versatility this season concerning the success of Phoenix Hagen?

My versatility is one of my strong suits in my game, so when something is not working I just do what is and let everything else take care if itself.

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Cedric Brooks (If You Are Not First Then You Are Last)

Cedric Brooks is a 32 year old 185cm guard that was born in Frankfurt, Germany and grew up in Texas. He has been a professional basketball player for 10 years. He started his basketball career at  Pittsburg St. (NCAA2) and in his senior year played 28 games: 20.8ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.9apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3Pts: 30.0%, FT: 82.4%. He started his professional basketball career in 2003 and in his first two seasons played in some Spanish summer leagues, in the WBA and in mexico. In 2005 he came to Germany and has played here most of his career. He played for Nordlingen from 2005-2007 and in his second season led the German second Bundesliga in scoring playing  30 games: Score-1(24.9ppg), 2.9rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-2(3.4spg), 2FGP: 59.4%, 3FGP: 35.1%, FT: 82.4%. In 2007-2008, he played for Saint Vallier Basket Dr쎴me (France-ProB): 11 games: 9.7ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 72.0%, left the team for medical reasons, played shortly at Correcaminos UAT Victoria (Mexico-LNBP, starting five): 3 games: 10.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.3apg, 3.0spg, in Feb.’08 joined Atomeromu SE Paks (Hungary-A Division): 8 games: 10.8ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.0apg. In 2008-2009 he played for  FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-ProA, starting five): 23 games: 15.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-5(2.0spg), FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 76.5%. He played for the Kirchheim Knights from 2009-2013 playing a total of  112 games. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Thanks Cedric for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and what are you doing?

Hello Miles. I am currently in Texas. Working out with some Austin Toros of the NBA Developmental League and also working at a car dealership for a little extra money until I can find an offer to come back to Europe.

How was your summer? What was the coolist experience that you had in the last months in the States?

My summer was great, I had the chance to see some old friends and go to a wedding. I also went to Orlando to work out with some teams. The coolest experience was being around friends and family, being able to travel and play basketball without any stress or worries.

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Dennis Tinnon (Sciene City Jena) This Year people Will Get A True Grip What Type Of Player I Really Am

Dennis Tinnon is a 24 year old 203cm forward from Green Bay, Wisconsin. He is starting his professional basketball career for Science City Jena. He played at  Kansas City (Kan) (CC) from 2009-2011 and then transfered to  Marshall (NCAA) and in his senior year played 32 games: 10.5ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 64.5%. he spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Dennis the summer is winding down and you are about to start your professional career. How was your summer and what was the coolist thing that you experienced this summer?

I had a really great summer got to spend a lot of time with my family and catch up with a lot of friends one of the most amazing experience this summer was watching my son begin to crawl its always great to be there for those moments that are important in your child’s life

You just signed with pro A team Science City Jena. What were the main reasons for you to sign at Jena?

I made the decision to sign with Science city because I feel like they are a great team what the potential to do amazing this year and I feel like starting in Germany is a great opportunity for my career I look forward to meeting the people and immersing myself in their culture.

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Face To Face With Davin White

Davin White is  a 31 year old 186cm point guard from Phoenix, Arizona that is a very good athlete that plays the thinking man’s game against opponents. He will be starting his ninth professional basketball season with  Lukoil Academic Sofia (Bulgaria-NBL). He started his basketball career at Cal.St.-Northridge (NCAA). As a professional he played in the D-league, Canada, Serbia and spent most of his time destroying the Mexican league. His best season in Mexico was in 2011 where he played for  Mineros de Cananea (Mexico-CIBACOPA): 50 games: Score-2(28.0ppg), 3.4rpg, Assists-4(5.4apg), Steals-1(2.3spg), 1.1bpg, FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 81.1%. Last season he played for Phoenix Hagen playing 36 games: Score-1(17.2ppg), 2.3rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-1(2.0spg), FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 68.4%. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Guard of the Year -13, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 1st Team -13, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Imports Team -13, and Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Defensive Team -13. He spoke to German Hoops about his incredible season with Phoenix Hagen before hopping on  a plane to Bulgaria to join his new team

Thanks Davin for talking to German Hoops. The summer is slowly coming to an end and you recently got signed by Lukoil in Bulgaria. Many of the Phoenix Hagen Players from last season got resigned. Many were hoping that you would return. Was your price just too high that Phoenix Hagen couldn´t match it?

No my price wasn’t to high for Hagen me and my agent decided to test the market, Hagen gave me a nice offer but we wanted to test the market. If I could go back and sign with Hagen I would with a question. But they couldn’t sit around and wait so we parted ways

You were one of the best point guards in the beko BBl last season winning the scoring title, leading the league in steals and sixth in assists and also won Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Guard of the Year -13, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 1st Team -13, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Imports Team -13, nad Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Defensive Team -13. It was no secret that you loved your time in Germany. Are you a bit sad that none of the top teams like Bamberg, berlin and Munich gave you offers? You certainly would have deserved it.

I wouldn’t say sad but, I was a little disappointed because for the simple fact these teams see you for nine months know what your capable of, but at the end of the day its really if you fit the coaches plans and playing style.

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Larry Gordon (Phoenix Hagen) I Set A Goal For Myself To Be More Of A Threat This Year In The BBL

Larry Gordon is a 26 year old 196cm forward that is playing his second season in the German Beko BBL for Phoenix Hagen. Last season for Phoenix Hagen he helped the team reach the playoffs playing 37 games: 12.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 83.2%He played at  Cal Poly Pomona (NCAA2) from 2005 to 2009 playing a total of  116 NcAA2 games. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 15.7ppg, 10.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 75.7%. He was a CCAA Player of the Year and NCAA D2 Finalist in 2009. In 2009-2010, he came to Europe as a rookie and played for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 36 games: 14.0ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 75.8%. He played for ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-A Bundesliga) the last two seasons and in his last season played  38 games: 14.7ppg, Reb-3(8.4rpg), 1.8apg, FGP-3(65.2%), 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to German Hoops during pre season

Larry thanks for talking to German Hoops again. Congrats on winning the Krombacher challenge in Hagen. How awake and alive was the home crowd already in this young preseason?

The home crowd was very active this weekend, I love the fans in Hagen. They take real pride in being our fans and they really our like our sixth man out there. They are definitely ready for me and the regular season to start!

Phoenix Hagen Beat 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen and Beko BBL team Telekom Baskets Bonn. In a way this was a title for Phoenix Hagen. Despite it being a pre season tournament that doesn´t mean anything, how much could you be thrilled about this win?

It’s always good to Win no matter what you are playing for. It sends a good message in how we are going to be in the upcoming season. Being able to finally play against a team in the BBL this pre season definitely helped us build a sense of confidence. But we still were excited about the Win!

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