Interviews

Janek Schmidkunz Took On The Challenge Of Being More Of A Playmaker With Dresden And Succeeded

Janek Schmidkunz is a 28 year old 183cm point guard that finished his fourth professional season with the Dresden Titans averaging 14,9ppg, 4,0rpg and 5,3apg. He started his basketball career with Central Hoops Berlin (Regionalliga) in 2008. He then also got further experience at ALBA Berlin II (Regionalliga). He then went to the states and played at Amer.Internat. (NCAA2) from 2010-2014 playing a total of 86 NCAA games and as a senior played 26 games: 10.9ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 38.5%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 61.5%. He returned back to Germany in 2014 joiningthe MLP Academics Heidelberg (ProA): playing 21 games averaging 1.4ppg. In the 2015-2016 season he joined the Giants TSV 1861 Noerdlingen (ProB) playing 29 games averaging 17.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 76.1%. In the 2016-2017 season he played with BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (ProA) playing 30 games averaging 5.9ppg, 1.2apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 56.3%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 2017-2018 season.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Janek Schmidkunz after the 79-68 loss in Frankfurt where he steered 12 points, five dimes and two rebounds

Janek thanks for talking to German Hoops. It´s been 2 years since the last interview we did when your season ended with Nordlingen. Has time flown by since then for you as you had stops in Gotha and Dresden?

I wouldn’t say time has flown by, but a lot of new experiences and different situations have filled the past two years. I am enjoying this journey as long as I can and think that I can reflect on what has happened over the past two years with a lot of positive memories.

Let´s look back at the last season. After having a solid, but not spectacular Pro A season with Gotha, you took a step back to the Pro B. When you look back at the last season with Dresden, was this the right step?

I am very happy with moving to Dresden. After the success we had with Gotha as a team and overcoming the broken hand that sidelined me for three months, I wanted more security and a bigger role. Dresden wanted me to take over as playmaker and captain and I welcomed that kind of trust they put in me. It was a new challenge and therefore definitely the right decision. Finding new challenges is what makes you better as a player and as a person.

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Roland Nyama Learned That There was More To Basketball Than Just Putting The Ball In The Hoop

Roland Nyama is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Frankfurt, Germany that has the German/Cameroonian citizenship and recently finished his first season with PS Karlsruhe averaging 6,5ppg and 2,2rpg. He started his basketball career with the FTG Frankfurt junior team. He then got further valuable basketball experience with Eintracht Frankfurt (2.Regionalliga) in 2008. He then continued to play with Eintracht Frankfurt (2.Regionalliga) from 2009-2011 while also playing for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt II (Germany-ProB) where he played 6 games in two years. In 2011, he came to the United States and played for the Holderness School. He came to Stony Brook in 2013 and in his first full season played 34 games averaging 7.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 69.2%. In his last season he played 32 games averaging 10,3ppg, 4,4rpg and 1,4apg He spoke to German Hoops after he finished the 2017-2018 season with PS Karlsruhe.

Roland thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and what have you ben mainly doing days after your rookie season ended?

Hi Miles thanks for having me again. I’ve spent time reflecting and being thankful for the chance of realizing my dream. Besides that I’ve been doing yoga and primarily spending time with my husky puppy.

Congrats on an amazing season with PS Karlsruhe. Two years ago they were still in the Regionalliga and this season was one of the four best teams in the Pro A. Just comparing the talent on this team with so many of the other dep Pro A teams would you ever have expected last September that the team would go so far?

Everybody on the team knew what we were capable of. We just needed to show the outside world. From day one I had no doubt that we’d be special.

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Kaimyn Pruitt Is Motivated To Play In The BBL Before He Stops Playing So He Must Prepare Like He Is Already There

Pruitt-Smoot Kaimyn Pruitt is a 28 year old 203cm forward from Los Angeles, California that recently finished his fourth professional season with the Itzehoe Eagles (Germany-ProB) averaging 14,3ppg, 10,2rpg and 4,5apg. Last season with the Itzehoe Eagles (Germany-ProB) playing 22 games averaging 13.5ppg, Reb-2(11.5rpg), 2.7apg, Steals-3(2.8spg), 1.0bpg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 78.6%. He played his first two professional seasons with Neunkirchen (Germany-Oberliga). He started his basketball career at University High School and then played at Mt.San Antonio JC. He played at Adams St. (NCAA2) from 2011-2013 and as a senior played 26 games averaging 15.5ppg, 10.0rpg, 2.1apg, 1.9spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 76.6%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 2017-2018 season.

Kaimyn thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your off season so far?

First I will like to thank you for this and been waiting on my opportunity to have an interview on the website. Currently in back home in Los Angeles,CA getting ready for the season whereever I may go.

After completing your fourth professional season and fourth in Germany have you found time the last years to do some traveling at season end? If yes what place has stayed in your heart the most that you have experienced in Europe?

People asked me this all the but no I’m not really a big traveler so I haven’t seen that much of Europe.

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Dominic Early Believes That Something Greater Is On The Horizon And Is Ready To Take His Game To Another Level

Dominic Early is a 198cm forward from Atlanta, Georgia that recently completed his rookie season with Limburg in the German Regionalliga playing 15 games: Score-5(24.8ppg), 6.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 68.5%. He started his basketball career at Furman(NCAA) where he played 41 games in two seasons. He then moved to USC Aiken (NCAA2) where he played 19 games averaging 15.6ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 82.4%. As a senior he played for Co.Georgia (NAIA) playing 32 games averaging 20.9ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 73.7%. He spoke to German Hoops after the end of his rookie season.

Dominic thanks for talking to German Hoops You just completed your rookie season in Germany. What were your first thoughts after the tough 70-66 loss to Crailsheim? Possibly thank god this roller coaster rookie season is over?

No problem. Thanks for the opportunity. My first thoughts after the game was what we could have done differently to come out with the win. I was more thankful for the opportunity to play for Limburg then upset about the season.

Limburg gave a another great effort, but came up short again losing it´s fourth close game in a row. Did you sometimes think that the basketball God was purposely trying to scold the team by putting some type of curse on the team in crunch-time?

That’s an interesting way to look at it but sometimes things just don’t go your way. We had opportunity to win games but made some mistakes that resulted in losses.

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Van Girard Knows How To Turn Setbacks Into Huge Comebacks

GirardII Van Girard is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Los Angeles, California that completed his first season in Europe with the Nuernberg Falcons BC (Germany-ProA) averaging 3,0ppg and 1,7rpg.. He has bounced around North America in the last 4-5 years getting exposure in the Drew League as well as with the S.California Summer Pro League (And1 Select team)and Newport Beach Sunblockers (WCBL). He also got further experience with the Elite Talent Exchange Glo Japan playing 10 games averaging 12ppg, 8rpg, 2apg, 3spg and with Vaqueros de Saucillo (Mexico-Chihuahua Vive): Score-1 (27.5ppg), Reb-2 (12.9rpg). He spoke to German Hoops at the end of the 2017-2018 season.

Van, thanks for talking to German Hoops. You just completed your first season overseas and first with the Nuernberg Falcons BC. Your back in the states now. How good is it to be back home in Los Angeles. What was the first thing you did when you touched foot on home soil? Possibly search out your favorite eatery?

Loving being back home! Great weather and was great to see my family. First thing we did was go to in&out burger and eat! Love that place.

After reaching Europe for the first time in your professional career, you didn´t seem to travel anywhere, but returned home to Los Angeles right away. What did you learn to appreciate the most about Germany?

My family and I traveled a bit. Saw a few great sites in Germany, but also had the chance during a layover in Iceland to visit the blue lagoon. Both were amazing experiences.

Before we talk specifically about your personal season on the court, talk a little about your first experience overseas in Germany. It took you 6 years to get overseas. You averaged only 3,0ppg in 8 minutes in a very limited role. How do summarize your experiences in the German Pro A on and off the court?

Overall, this season only fueled the fire under me to continue to work hard and get better. Would love to come back to Pro A next season with an increased role to show what I really can do.

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Nick Hornsby Is Close To Being A 40% shooter From Outside

Hornsby Nick Hornsby is a 22 year old 201cm forward that was born in Irvine, California and just completed his rookie season with theGiessen 46ers II (Germany-ProB) averaging 13,9ppg, 7,6rpg and 2,9apg. He also played 2 BBL games for Giessen.. He won two high school titles with Tustin and then played at Sacramento State form 2013-2017 playing a total of 123 NCAA games and was able to improve his scoring and rebounding each season. As a senior he played 31 games averaging 11.3ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 71.2%. He spoke to German Hoops following his rookie season.

Nick thanks for talking to German Hoops. Your rookie season is in the books. Did your rookie season in Germany exceed all expectations or do you feel something was missing?

Yeah I think my rookie season was pretty good. I believe that I learned a lot and continued to grow over the weeks. I also think as a team we did great and exceeded a lot of expectations.

Your season ended with a do or die game against Rostock. Each game was more thrilling than the next. Was these three games the most exciting three games in a row in your young career?

I would say the last three games are definitely up there with my most exiting games especially in a row.

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Donte Nicholas Was Able To Adjust To A New Country Again And Put Up MVP Numbers

Donte Nicholas is a 31 year old 195cm forward from Washington Dc that played his first professional season in Germany with the Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB). He belonged to the top players in the league averaging 17,6ppg, 8,0rpg, 4,1apg and 3,3spg while shooting 41,8% from outside. He has gained experience down under playing with the Albury Wodonga Bandits (Australia-SEABL) and with the Rockville Victors (APBL) as a rookie in the States. Last season he played with the Plymouth University Raiders (United Kingdom-BBL) playing 33 games averaging 15.3ppg, 6.7rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-5(2.1spg), FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to German Hoops about his season in Germany with Iserlohn.

Donte, thanks for talking to German Hoops. This is our second interview since the summer of 2017 when you signed with Iserlohn. How quickly did this magical season in Iserlohn fly by for you?

It went pretty fast, seems like we were just in pre season and now we’re done.

I would like to congratulate you on a great season. Unfortunately the ride ended against Rostock. Despite the sadness of the season ending how proud are you of your team Iserlohn?

Honestly, I’m not even sad. If anything I was more shocked because I truly believed we would be the last team standing. I’m proud of what our team accomplished this year, we did way more than a lot of people expected from us.

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Brantley Bynum Wants To Follow In The Foot Steps Of His Uncle John Bynum

Brantley Bynum is a 196cm forward from Visalia, California that recently finished his two year NCAA career at San Francisco St. (NCAA2) where he played a total of 57 NCAA games. As a senior he played 30 games averaging 15,4ppg,6,6rpg and 1,8apg. Before playing at San Francisco St. (NCAA2), he played at Sequoias CC (JUCO). His uncle is John Bynum who had a long professional career in Germany. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Brantley thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how is your offseason coming along?

At the moment I am in San Francisco. This off season is a little bit different. This is the first time that I have not had a coach help me with workouts out or have to go to practice. It’s really tough seeing all of your and former teammates getting ready for practice.

You just finished your basketball career at San Fransciso State recently. With a guy coming from Visalia what kind of experience was it being able to live 3 years in possibly one of the most beautiful cities in America. How did experience being able to get an education and play basketball in a city instead of going to school at one of the other smaller CCAA schools?

San Francisco is really really nice. At first I would say it was a complete culture shock because everything was so different. The people are different and the city actually a city compared to a small little farm town. There are so many things to do and Sf is so cultured. There is so much culture at Sf that you get to learn a lot about different people and their beliefs. Sf does not have a huge campus but the school is in the middle of everything. You can get to the beach in 5 minutes and then go downtown in about 10 minutes if there is no traffic. A lot of the other campuses in our league are kind of in the middle of no where and at times they would not have a lot of people at their games to support or help out there schooled programs.

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Spencer Butterfield (ALBA Berlin) Coach Aito Corrects You In A Way That Makes Sense And Is Nonthreatening

Spencer Butterfield is a 25 year old 190cm guard from Loomis, California playing his third professional season and first with JSF Nanterre (France-ProA) averaging 12.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 79.7% and in the France Pro A while in the FIBA Europe cup averaged 12.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 79.7%. He played at Utah St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games averaging 13.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 46.0%, FT: 82.9%. He started his professional basketball career in 2014 with Melilla Baloncesto (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 25 games averaging 10.0ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 87.9%. In the 2015-2016 season he played with Juventus-LKSK Utenos (Lithuania-LKL) playing 40 games: Score-3(14.5ppg), 6.2rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 81.3%; In the FIBA Europe Cup he played 14 games averaging 15.0ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 78.4%. He had a very short chat with German Hoops before game 2 of the 2018 easyCredit BBL finals against FC Bayern Munich.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Spencer Butterfied after a Fiba Europe Cup win wit Nanterre over the Telekom Baskets Bonn in Bonn in 2017

Spencer, thanks for talking to German Hoops. It has been a little more than a year since we last talked. You have won two professional titles a cup in France and the Fiba Europe Cup as well last season with Nanterre. Now your two games away from winning the BBL title. How good is life at the moment for you?

Ya pretty excited about the opportunity to have a chance to win a title with Alba.

Before that you disposed of the EWE Baskets. How important was it going the distance and getting some early difficult competition. Do you feel like this strengthened the team mentality a bit more for the playoff stretch run?

Ya I think Oldenburg was a great test for us and we really had to dig deep to find a way to win that series. It definitely helped prepare us.

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Matt Vest Sacrifices And Puts The Team First Which Is Something He Will Never Shy Away From

Vest Matt Vest is a 25 year old 195cm guard from Kettering, Ohio that finished his fourth professional season and first with the Rhein Stars Koeln (Germany-ProA) averaging 7,8ppg, 2,3rpg and 3,2. He played two aseasons with Paderborn and as a rookie in 2014, he played with BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA): 38 games: 6.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 67.6%. He played at Wright State from 2010-2014 playing a total of 114 NCAA games and as a senior played 29 games: 7.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 65.4%, 3PT: 43.1%, FT: 64.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the end of the 2017-2018 season.

Matt thanks for talking to German Hoops. It´s never easy the day after but the season of the RheinStars ended abruptly with a 3-0 sweep. For me a total shock. Is this one of the toughest weeks in your basketball career?

The end to our season was definitely a disappointing one, but I’ve learned over my career that the most difficult times are typically the most beneficial in terms of learning and growing as a player.

The RheinStars were down 2-0 in the series. One would have expected a total turnaround at home, but instead you lost by 20 points. The RheinStars were so talented and so deep. Is there any kind of logical explanation for this?

We were a very talented and deep team, but we ran into some injury problems to key players during the playoffs. These injuries really came at a bad time for us and kept us from playing at our best.

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