Interviews

Face To Face With John Patrick

The former Pac-10 Point Guard and 1992 Stanford University graduate has been 5 times Coach of the Year and won 3 Championships in the last 7 seasons in 4 different leagues. (Japan Super League, 2nd German Bundesliga, BBL, and FIBA Eurochallenge) His low-player-budget BBL teams qualified for European competition in each of the last four seasons. Last season, Würzburg’s inaugural season in the BBL after finishing 2nd in the Pro A (German 2nd league) the previous season, Coach Patrick’s team had the lowest scoring defense in the BBL, and knocked Alba Berlin out of the playoffs, before dropping 3 hardfought games to Thorsten Leibenath’s Ratiofarm Ulm in the Semis. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

It has been five months since your dismissal from the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. How difficult has this time been not being a head coach for a team?

It has been a great chance to refresh and hopefully gain a sense of perspective about Coaching and the Basketball Business as a whole.

Was it like a bad dream when you were informed from the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg that you weren´t going to coach another season for the team?

It was unexpected, of course, after such a great season with so much unexpected success. But sometimes success can be as difficult to deal with as failure. (Morgan Wootten used to tell us this at DeMatha.) Maybe the success came too fast for some.

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Allan Ray (ratiopharm Ulm) I Try To Wreck The Others Team´s Offense

Allan Ray is a 28 year old 188cm guard from the Bronx that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL for ratiopharm Ulm. He is a an explosive scoring guard, tremendous leaper, finds the open man, beats foes off the dribble or with a jumper, has range beyond the 3-point arc  and is a conscientious defender. He played at Villanova with NBA players Kyle Lowery and Randy Foye. He played at Villanova from 2002-2006. He was n´t drafted but got signed by the  Boston Celtics (NBA), in Feb.’07 was assigned to Austin Toros (D-League): 2 games: 14.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.0apg, in March ’07 recalled to Boston Celtics (NBA): 47 games: 6.2ppg, 1.5rpg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 76.4%. In 2007-2008, he came to Europe and played with Lottomatica Virtus Roma (Italy-SerieA, starting five): Italian League: 9 games: 12.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.6apg, 3.3spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 90.2%; Euroleague: 6 games: 6.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.3apg, left team in Jan.’09, later that month moved to Carife Ferrara (Italy-Serie A, starting five): 15 games: 15.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-5(2.7spg), FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 84.3%. In 2010-2011, he played with 2010-2011: Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 29 games: 10.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 74.3%. Last season he played for Krka Novo Mesto (Slovenia-Telemach League, starting five): Adriatic League: 1 game: 10pts, 1reb; EuroCup: 2 games: 18.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 4.0apg, 1.5spg, later that month moved to Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-ProA, starting five): French League: 22 games: 15.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 89.6%; EuroChallenge: 3 games: 14.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.0apg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

After many years in Italy and last season in Slovenia and France how do you like the Beko BBL?

This league is very competitive. You could see it with the oT games at the start of the season. There are good teams and good players.

How does your teammate Lance Jeter help most on the court?

He brings a lot of energy and he knows how to score. He is a big guard and is usually bigger than his opponents. He gives us a spark when we need it.

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Larry Gordon (Phoenix Hagen) Basketball Is A Business And You Have To Produce If You Want To Keep Your Job

Larry Gordon is a 25 year old 196cm forward that is playing his first season in the German Beko BBL for Phoenix Hagen. 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 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 about basketball.

Welcome to Hagen, Germany. You played the last two seasons in Austria. Now you are in Germany. In both countires, teh language german is spoken. What has been a distinct difference that you have seen since coming to Hagen in the two countries?

I think the biggest difference is the dialect from Hagen and Austria is a bit different. I mean I dont know German all that well to really draw a comparison, but I can sense a difference of how they speak here in Hagen then in Austria. 

You played in Holland and Austria the last three seasons and now are ready to make the next jump to the higher league Beko BBL. Are you ready to make the next jump and what are your expectations this season?

Im definitely ready for this move, this is something as a basketball player you strive to get to and that is the highest level of basketball and competition. I have developed as a Pro player every year and I think playing in the Beko BBL is only going to make me into a better player after the season because of all the talent here. My expectations for myself is to play hard and do what ever in ability to help my team here in Hagen reach our goals and have a successful season.

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Kenny Frease (Walter Tigers Tuebingen) Something That Comes Naturally To Me Is Passing The Ball Out Of The Low Post

Kenny Frease is a 21 year old 213cm center from Ohio that is starting his rookie season in Germany in the Beko BBL with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He played at Xavierf rom 2008-2012 playing  a total of 137 Ncaa games. In his senior year, he played 36 games: 10.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 51.4%, FT: 56.9%. he scored in double figures 21 times and had five double doubles. This past summer, he had workouts with the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), and Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA). Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Atlantic 10 Regular Season Champion -09, 11, Atlantic 10 Tournament Semifinals -09, 10, Atlantic 10 Regular Season Co-Champion -10, NCAA Sweet 16 -10, 12, All-Atlantic 10 Honorable Mention -11, and Atlantic 10 Tournament Finalist -12. He spoke to German Hoops about his upcoming rookie season this past summer in Germany.

Welcome to the Beko BBL Kenny. How did your first off season experience go finding a team. What did you learn for the first time in the shark like professional transfer pool when choosing a team?

My first off season is going really well. Im starting to learn the system and I am getting in better shape every day. The most important thing I learned is that I need to just keep working hard and things will work themselves out.

How did a normal summer training/work out day look like for Kenny Frease?

I started out the summer in Houston. Worked out a couple times a day with some really talented guys. Once I got home. I would run when I woke up, then went to the gym to get shots up, and at night try to find someone to play 5 on 5.

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Ahmad Smith (Gotha) My Goal Is To Help Win Games And Bring leadership

Ahmad Smith is a 27 year old 194cm guard from Virginia that is playing his first season for the  BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA). He played at St.Bonaventure(NCAA) from 2002-2006 and in his senior year played 28 games: ScoreA10-8(14.2ppg), RebA10-10(6.2rpg), AssistsA10-9(3.5apg), FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 59.8%. In 2006-2007, he played for Mardyke UCC Demons Cork (Ireland-SuperLeague): 9 games: 18.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 60.8%. In 2007-2008, he played for SVD 49 Dortmund (Regionalliga): 6 games: 30.2ppg. In 2008-2009, he played for : BSV Wulfen (Germany-Regionalliga) 23.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 6.0apg, 3PT: 35.2%. In 2009-2010, he played for Hertener Loewen (Germany-ProB)29 games: 18.2ppg, Reb-2(8.7rpg), Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.5%. In 2010-2011, he played for s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): left before the season started, then moved to SVD 49 Dortmund (Germany-Regionalliga): 6 games: 12.8ppg, waived in Nov.’10, in Jan.’11 signed at Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProB, starting five): 15 games: 8.3ppg, 6.8rpg, Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 69.1%. Last season for the Kichheim Knights he played  35 games: 9.9ppg, 6.1rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 62.0% He spoke to German Hoops about the upcoming season.

Hi Ahmad, thanks for talking to eurobasket. How was your summer? What was your most memorable off court summer highlight this year?

Hey Miles! My summer was really nice got to spend lots of time with my family and close friends. Probably the first day I came home was the best one seeing my parents and friends for the first time after a long season.

After a very successful season last year with Kirchheim, I was hoping for a call from the Beko BBL. Instead you signed early with Gotha in the PRO A. Was it money or just the security of getting a job in the not always easy job market?

The situation in Gotha was just too hard for me to turn down. They have a great foundation here and a great plan for the future.

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John Bynum (BV Chemnitz) We Want To Win Games And Take It One Game At A Time

John Bynum is a 34 year old 191 cm guard from Visalia California that recently completed his second season with TBB Trier playing  32 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 63.6%. He returns back to the PRO A and will play for BV Chemnitz. He is a good fighter, fast and good in offensive playing. He is great athlete who shoot the ball with consistency from 3 and finish with authority on the break. He is a tremendous defender on the ball. He played college basketball at College of the Sequoias Junior College:from 1996-1998 and then transferred to Metropolitan St. (NCAA2): and played there from 1998-2000. He started his professional basketball career in 2001 in the Uk for the Solent Stars (United Kingdom-NBLConf): 31 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assist. In 2002-2003, came his first tour of duty in Germany for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga): 24.7ppg, 9.2rpg, 6.7apg, 3.5spg. In 2003-2004, he played for the Ulriken Eagles (Norway-BNLO): Regular Season: 14 games: 20,1ppg, 8,1rpg, 2,5apg, 2,9spg, 0,4bpg.In 2004-2005, he was back in Germany playing for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-2. can Bundesliga): 30 games: Score-5(26.0ppg), 7.7rpg, Ast-4(5.4apg), 1.7spg, 2FGP: 55.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 63.6%. In 2005-2006, he played for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-A1): only pre-season, then joined COOCOON Baskets Weiden (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 8 games: 15.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 51%, left in Jan.’06 and later that month signed at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 21 games: 7.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 56.5%. In 2006-2007, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 5.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 25.0%, FT: 55.9%. In 2007-2008, he played for USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 14.4ppg, 4.4rpg, Assists-5(4.6apg), 2.3spg, 2FGP: 54%, 3FGP: 27.3%, FT: 58.5%, left in Jan.’08 due to shoulder injury, in Feb.’08 moved to Digibu Baskets Paderborn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 13 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 70.0%. In 2009-2010, he played in the PRO A for Proveo Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-ProA, starting five): 27 games: 16.9ppg, 7.1rpg, Assists-3(5.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 62.8%.  Last season with TBB Trier, he played  35 games: 6.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 64.3%. He sat down with German Hoops to talk about his new team and basketball.

Thanks for talking to eurobasket John. The summer came and flew by. You spent some time in Asia. How was that experience for you and what did you learn there that you never had known before?

Yea I got to spend some time in Taiwan and the Phillipenes and it was a great experience. It was my first time in both of those countries and got to spend some time there and see Manilla and saw some great things that made me smile and at the same time saw some things that made me humble as well. It was a great time and I hope to go back again some day.

After two years in the Beko BBL, you return back to the PRO A hwere you also have played. How disappointed are you that you left TBB Trier? Was it a departure from both sides or how was this chapter ended?

To be honest it didn’t dissapoint me at all, It is a business and both parties needed a change and I loved the city of Trier and people I came across but I didn’t feel comfortable at all there anymore in the second year for various reasons but I appreciate and thank the organization for giving me a chance back to the BBL but trust me the memories are in the back of my head and I’m ready for a fresh start in Chemnitz.

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Jeff Gibbs (Toyota Alvark) My Toughest Player Opponent Ever In The BBL Was The Team Of John Patrick)

Jeff Gibbs is a 32 year old 18cm forward/center from Columbus, Ohio that is playing his third season in Japan for Toyota Alvark. He played at Otterbein(NCAA3) from 1998 to 2002. He was NCAA3 champion and Final Four MVP in 2002. He holds the record for rebounds in a game (25) at NCAA3 Final Four, record for rebounds (40) in a NCAA3 Final Four and holds Otterbein’s record for career rebounds. He went to Germany in 2003 to start his professional basketball career to play for TSG Ehingen. In 2004-2005, he tore up the second Bundesliga playing 22 games and averaging 21.5ppg, Reb-1(12.8rpg), 1.8apg, 2.3spg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 62.6%, 3FGP: 31.6%, FT: 70.7%. In 2005, he went to Ratiopharm Ulm where he would play for until 2009. In 2005-2006, the team won the second Bundesliga south and came to the BBL. He was the BBL top rebounder for three straight years (2007,2008,2009). In 2009-2010, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven playing 44 games: 13.9ppg, Reb-1(8.6rpg), 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 73.5%. Last season for Toyota Alvark, he played 48 games: 12.9ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.7apg, Steals-4(1.6spg), FGP-2(57.3%), 3PT-1(43.8%), FT: 72.0%. He had 10 double doubles. He returned back to Frankfurt for an exhibition game against the Fraport Skyliners and spoke to German Hoops..

Welcome back to Germany Jeff. You are back in Germany playing an exhibition series against TBB Trier, FC Bayern Munich and the Fraport Skyliners. How happy are you to be back?

I am very happy to be back. I saw some Ulm fans at the game against Munich in Rosenheim. It is cool that Munich is playing in the BBL. I always thought that they should of had a team in the league considering the budget that they have. It was a great experience playing against them despite losing.

What have you missed most about Germany?

I have missed everything especially the homely atmosphere. My wife loved it as much as I did. Germany will always be a second home to me. I couldn´t wait to have Wiener Schnitzel and Pommes when I got to Germany. I had it in Trier at a nice restaurant with Don Beck.

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Kevin Bright (I Want To Be Consistent Over A Whole Season At A High Level)

Kevin Bright is a 19 year old 198cm swing man from Mannheim Germany. He played for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule from 2007-2012 playing a total of 83 German second division games. In the 2011-2012 season, he played 25 games averaging 8,5ppg, 2,9rpg and 2,5apg. He will be attend Vanderbilt university in the 2012-2013 season. German Hoops sat down with the German to talk basketball.

After moving up to the PRO A last season, Erdgas Ehingen finished the season in 11th place. Can one be happy with the end result?

We had some problems at the start, but we beat some top teams in the second half of the season. All in all, one can be satisfied with the season.

You scored 24 points in the first game at MBC. What will you always remember from this game?

I will remember the great atmosphere in their arena. Even though that we lost, we showed that we could play with  atop team.

In your first PRO A season, you averaged 8,5ppg, 2,9rpg and 2,5apg. How satisfied were you with your own season?

I wasn´t too happy with my season. I had some bad games, but I think that I learned from my mistakes and the PRO A was a good experience and preparation for the NCAA.

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Vic Morris (I Can Play Several Roles On A Team)

Victor Morris is a 25 year old 185cm guard from Inkster Michigan. He played at Cleveland St. From 2003-2007. In his senior season, he played 22 games: 7.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 38.7%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 84.0%. He came overseas in 2007 and played for TS Goeppingen (Germany-Regionalliga, starting five): 18 games: 20.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 6.0apg. In 2008-2009, he played in Germany and Finland for TS Goeppingen (Germany-Regionalliga): 8 games: 15.5ppg, in Dec.’08 moved to Porvoon Tarmo (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 27 games: 14.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 64.2%. He Help lead TS Goeppingen to Final Four of the Regionalliga Cup in 2008, led the Regionalliga (South-West) in free-throw percentage 2008,ranked top 5 in scoring in Regionalliga (South-West) 2008, scored a career high 44 points in German BBW Cup Championship 2008, set a career high in assists with 13 against Rastatt 2008, was German BBW Cup Champion 2008, German BBW Cup Final Four MVP 2008 and a Regionalliga All-Star in 2008. He played for Team Amsterdam (Eurobasket Summer League in Chicago). His last team was Moncton Miracles (Canada-NBL) where he played 19 games averaging 9.3ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 82.9% He spoke to eGerman Hoopsabout his future.

Hi Vic thanks for talking to German Hoops Where are you currently and what have you been up to this summer?

Right now Im in Louisiana moved here a few months ago. I wanted to get away from a lot of things and just focus on basketball and improve my game. So I dedicated this summer to training and improving all aspects of my game. Othe rthan that, I have been watching the nBA Summer League games, USA games and enjoying my family. 

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Darrell Tucker (BG Goettingen Have The Greatest Fans In Germany)

Darrell Tucker is a 32 year old 204cm power forward from Oakland, California that recently played in the Beko BBL for BG Goettingen. He played at USF from 1999-2003. He was the WAC Freshman of the Year in 2000. The American started his basketball career in 2003 and in this span has played in 10 countries. Some of the teams that he played for were Stade Clermontois Basket Auvergne (France-ProA), Energa Czarni Slupsk (Poland-DBL), Eiffel Towers Den Bosch (Holland-Eredivisie), Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA), or Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion (Israel-Premier League). He won the Dutch cup in 2008. He took some time to talk about basketball with German Hoops.

You have played all over the world in various leagues with The top German League being your most recent stop and what do you have to say about the top League in Germany?

The BBL is a well organized league and is extremely competitive. Every night in the BBL you must bring your ‘A’ game. From top to bottom this league is good.

How would you compare the Beko BBL with other leagues and Europe and how would you rate it against the others?

The Beko BBL is easily in my top 10 leagues regarding Europe. If I had to place it I would say the BBL is 6th on my list. From top to bottom this league is very competitive with good players. The BBL is a scouting league and each game feels like an intense Chess Match. Many games are won based on how well a team execute their offense and defense in the BBL. Compared to a French team/league where many games could be won on pure athleticism.

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