Interviews

Dane Watts (ratiopharm Ulm): After Keaton Nankivil Wins The Three Point Shooting Contest, You Can Refer To Him As Money Ball

Dane Watts is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Warrensburg, Missouri. He is playing his first season for ratiopharm Ulm. He played at Creighton (NCAA) from 2004-2008 with NBA player Anthony Tolliver. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 11.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3Pts: 42.5%, FT: 71.8%. In 2008, he came to Germany and started his professional basketball career with EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 32 games: 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1(68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7%. In 2009-2010, he came to The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. Last season for Tuebingen, he played 33 games: 13.7ppg, Reb-4(7.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 54.5%; in May’11 moved to Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA): 3 games: 7.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg.  At Creighton, he won awards such as MVC Tournament Winner -05, 07, MVC All-Freshman Team -05, MVC Regular Season Runner-Up -07, and MVC Tournament Semifinals -08. He spoke to German Hoops before their game against the LTi Giessen 46ers January 8th.

Congrats on the 76-75 win at home against FC Bayern Munich. How much have you been aware of the German sports brand FC Bayern Munich since you arrived in 2008?

It wasn’t until last year until I realized how big they were when they put their basketball team together in Pro A. I had heard a little bit about soccer before but I don’t follow it too much.

ratiopharm Ulm had a great start and controlled the game until the fourth quarter when FC Bayern Munich tied the game. What were the main reasons for letting the team come back?

They played zone the 2nd half and we did not attack it aggressively enough and allowed them to come back.

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Marcus Slaughter (Brose Baskets Bamberg): I Am Not Really A Slam Dunk Kind Of Guy, But PJ Tucker Will Be Coaching Me

Marcus Slaughter is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Riverside California. He played at San Diego State from 2003-2006. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 16.5ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49%, FT: 76.2%. He started his professional basketball career in Turkey for Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir playing 29 games averaging 13.3ppg, Reb-3(10.2rpg), 1.3apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 67.2%. In 2007-2008, he was with the Miami Heat in preseason and then played in Israel and France for Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem, Israeli League: 8.0ppg, 6.4rpg, ULEB Cup: 5 games: 5.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, waived in Dec.’07, in Jan.’08 signed at BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral 15 games: 9.5ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP-3(63.2%), FT: 58.9%. in 2008-2009, he started with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven(8 games: 18.8ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.3apg, 2.6spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 60.0%) before moving to France to Le Havre playing 21 games: 16.0ppg, Reb-1(9.5rpg), 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 65.4%; Eurocup: 6 games: 12.2ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg, 1.8bpg. In 2009-2010, he played for Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProA): EuroCup: 6 games: 8.5ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.8spg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 76.7%; French League: 29 games: 12.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, Blocks-5(1.4bpg), FGP: 64.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.1%. Last season, he played for Blancos de Rueda Valladolid (Spain-ACB, starting five): 34 games: 9.9ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.4spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 65.0%, FT: 67.5%. He is back in the Beko BBL with the Brose Baskets Bamberg.  He spoke to German Hoops before the game against FC Bayern Munich January 7th.

Congrats on the 68-66 win in Bayreuth. How impressed were you with the atmosphere there?

I was very impressed. It is the loudest arena I have been in besides our own.I was a bit surprised how loud it can get in there.

Describe the game winning shot by Brian Roberts.

That shot helped us win the win and it was big. It was off a broken shot, but he is the type of guy you want taking a shot like that at the end of a game. He has been doing it for years.

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Dashaun Wood (Alba Berlin): I Can Focus More On Defense Now

DaShaun Wood is a 26 year old 185cm point guard from Detroit, Michigan that is playing his second season in Germany for Alba Berlin. He is a young point guard with natural leadership abilities, who directs teammates on the floor and takes the ball in clutch moments. Loves to go inside to score, challenging the big guys, but has also shooting range from behind the 3pts arch. Despite lack of size, he can be effective even at the defensive side. He played at Wright state from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 33 games averaging 19.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3Pts: 37.3%, FT: 88.3%. In 2007-2008, he played his rookie season for Tisettanta Cantu (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 38 games: Score-5(16.9ppg), 3.0rpg, Assists-4(3.3apg), 2.7spg, 2FGP:52.1%, 3PT-2(42.8%), FT:77.4%. In 2008-2009, he played for : Benetton Treviso (Italy-SerieA), injured in Oct.’08 and was off for 2 months: Eurocup: 12 games: 5.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 87.5%; Italian League: 17 games: 7.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 70.4%. Last season, he was the Beko BBL MVP with The Deutsche Bank Skyliners playing EuroCup Qualifying Round: 2 games: 13.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 5.0apg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 16.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 5.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 73.7%; German League: 42 games: Score-1(19.0ppg), 4.6rpg, Assists-2(5.9apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 80.3%. He spoke to German Hoops about the current season with Alba Berlin.

What was it like playing against former NBA player Bobby Brown? Had you played him back in the NCAA?

Bobby Brown and me are about the same age. As a senior we played against each other and we won by 15 points. We also played against each other at NBA camps where we went at it 1-1 and had shooting drills. We have known each other for a while.

You are playing your first season with Alba Berlin. How well have you adapted to your surroundings?

Berlin is a very big city and reminds me of New York. There are many people, excitements and many stores and we live right in the middle of the city. It is a great experience and I really like it a lot. However there is still a lot that I want to see.

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David Teague: I Played Until My Wheels Didin´t Move Anymore

David Teague is a 28 year old 196cm guard playing his first season for Ass.Pallacanestro Sant’ Antimo (Italy)  who is an athletic wing player who possesses an excellent perimeter shot, is a solid penetrator who can get to the basket off the dribble and is a tenacious defender who can shut down dribble penetration. He grew up in Indianapolis and went to Pike high school and at Bridgeton Academy. He played at Purdue from 2002-2007 and In his senior year, he played 34 games averaging 14.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3Pts: 41.2%, FT: 75.4% Purdue from 2002-2007. In his first professional season, he played in Greece for AEL 1964 playing 23 games averaging  9.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 78.0%. Last season, he played in France for JA Vichy Val d’Allier Auvergne basket playing 4 EuroChallenge games: averaging 8.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.8spg and playing 29 games in the French League averaging 13.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 73.4%. In 2009-2010, he played for the Giessen 46ers where he led the Beko BBL in scoring playing 2009-2010: LTi Giessen 46ers (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 18 games: Score-1(20.4ppg), 4.7rpg, Steals-4(1.5spg), FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 70.0%. Last season, he played for Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (Brazil-NBB, starting five): Liga Americas: 6 games: 16.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 61.1%; Brazilian League: 22 games: 13.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 2FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 81.3%. German Hoops spoke to Teague about his basketball career in Italy during the NBA lockout.

You are playing your first season in Italy in the Lega 2. How would you compare it to the leagues in Greece, France and Germany where you played previously?

It is lot like the France Pro A. There are a lot of good Americans playing in Italy and in the Lega 2.

You have been scoring nicely in the Lega 2. What is your role? Is it similar to what you had with the LTi Giessen 46ers?

It is a little different. As Campbell got hurt, my role sort of changed. Now it is a lot more like with Giessen where I am required to score more and be more aggressive on offense.

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Marquez Haynes(Gran Canaria): Quantez Robertson Is Relentless How He Attacks The Basket

Marquez Haynes is a 24 year old 191 cm guard from Irving Texas that is playing his first season in the ACB for Gran Canara as is their current leading scorer. He played at Boston College from 2005-2007 before transferring to Texas Arlington (NCAA) where he played from 2008-2010. In his senior year he was the third best scorer in the NCAA averaging (22.6ppg), 4.3rpg, 3.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 74.6%. Last season, he started his professional basketball career for ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA, starting five): 33 games: 14.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 73.1%. Currently he is averaging 12,1ppg, 1,8rpg and 2,4apg. He played at the 2011 European championships for Georgia playing 8 games: 8.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 53.3%. He reached the NCAA Sweet 16 with Boston College in 2006 and won the French Cup with Chalon. German Hoops spoke with the American before the Eurocup game against the Fraport Skyliners December 20th.

Congrats on the 89-70 win against Blancos de Rueda. What was key for getting this big win?

The key for the win was our rebounding and good shooting. We got off to a hot start shooting and jumped out on them early. It was nice to play with a lead throughout the game.

The team is slowly climbing the ladder back up the ACB standings and are currently at 12th place. What have been the main reasons for the turnaround in the ACB in the last weeks?

The main reasons for the turnaround is that I think we are simply starting to get better. Some teams have perfect chemistry from the get go and we are still searching for ours. We have made some good offensive adjustments also and we are playing faster and with more confidence.

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Danilo Barthel(Fraport Skyliners): People Underestimate My Ability To Pass The Ball

Danilo Barthel is a 20 year old 206cm forward from Heidelberg Germany and is playing his first season for the Fraport Skyliners. He also has a license to play for the team PRO B team. He started his basketball career with USC Heidelberg in 2008 and played there until 2011. Last season, he played 14 games: 4.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.0apg. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been German U18 National Team -09, European Championships U18 in Metz (France) -09: 8 games: 10.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 71.8%, German NBBL All-Star Game -10, German U20 National Team -10-11, European Championships U20 in Croatia -10: 7 games: 0.3ppg, and European Championships U20 in Bilbao (Spain) -11: 9 games: 4.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.0spg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

A tough 79-71 loss against BBC Bayreuth. The team has lost 12 of the last 13 games. How tough is it losing for you?

It has been a tough time. Every athlete hates losing. We can´t hang our heads and have to stay positive.

Muli Katzurin said the team is good enough to come back, but not win. Why can´t the team close the door on opponents?

Often we do a good job hitting our shots at the starts, but at the end are unable t o make our shots or draw fouls.

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Kejuan Johnson: I Was Acting As A Determined Basketball Player)

Kejuan Johnson is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Long Beach, California. He played together with Jibril Hodges at Long Beach State. The two guys are reunited now in Hungry playing for Jaszberenyi. He started his professional basketball career in 2007 for Hapoel Galil Elyon (Israel-Premier League, starting five): released in Dec.’07: ULEB Cup: 2 games: 4.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg. In 2009-2010, he played for CRE Eagles Itzehoe (Germany-Regionalliga): 19 games: 29.2ppg, 6.5rpg, 4.9apg, 3.3spg, 2FGP: 56.5%, 3Pts: 36.3%, FT: 79.8%. Last season, he tore up the German PRO A for Paderborn Baskets (Germany-ProA, starting five): 29 games: Score-1(21.0ppg), 6.0rpg, Assists-5(5.1apg), Steals-1(3.0spg), FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 81.3%. He started this season with BG Illertal Weissenhorn averaging 9,0ppg, 2,0rpg and 1,5apg. He recently left the team and he and the club had their differences and the American wanted to tell his side of the story to German Hoops.

Kejuan, thanks for taking some time to talk toGerman Hoops You had a very short stay at BG Illertal Weiseenhorn for 10 days. Are you disappointed that this team didn´t work out for you?

No, I am not disappointed. I believe everything happens for a reason, and those10 days served my purpose there.

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Michael Thompson(Fraport Skyliners): I Take 25-30 Floaters A Day

Michael Thompson is a 22 year old 177cm point guard from Chicago, Illinois that is playing his first season with the Fraport Skyliners. He played at Northwestern from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played : 34 games: 16.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 82.5%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been HS: Chicago Public League All-Academic Team -07, All-Big Ten Honorable Mention -10, All-Big Ten 3rd Team -11, Big Ten All-Tournament Team -11, and NIT Elite Eight -11. He took some time to talk to German Hoops about his rookie season with the Fraport Skyliners.

Congrats to the 83-65 win in Hagen. How much of a relief was this win?

It was a major relief. Even though that we have been playing well the last weeks, we had some close games that we were unable to pull out.

You had some experience losing at Northwestern in the NCAA. Were you able to digest the losing streak better than other players since you knew what its like?

I went through some losing my freshman year and I understand how it feels and what happens. I just continue to try to help the team win and continue to work hard.

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Jacob Burtschi: All I Have To Do Is Throw It Near The Backboard And Tez Would Handle The Rest

Jacob Burtschi is a 27 year old 198cm forward from Chickasha, Oklahoma who will be playing his second professional basketball season in the best basketball league in Europe the ACB in Spain this season for CAI Zaragoza.  He completed his rookie season for Phoenix Hagen averaging 14.2ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-3(1.5spg), FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 82.2%. He played at the Air Force from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 35 games averaging 13.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3Pts: 39.0%, FT: 77.3%. He had offers to play in the NBA, but served in the Air Force the last three years and could only play club ball. Some achievements that he got in the NCAA were  All-MWC Honorable Mention -05, MWC Regular Season Runner-Up -06, All-MWC 2nd Team -06, 07, NABC All-NCAA District 13 2nd Team -07, and NIT Final Four -07. He is still with ACB team Zaragoza waiting patiently for the right opportunity or the team finds a new player and he spoke to German Hoops about his desire to come play in Germany.

What kind of a feeling is it practicing with Zaragosa and playing in games even though you might be gone instantly?
In this business you must be ready to go every day. Whether it is with my team here or knowing I could be on a plane tomorrow to my next team.

What have been the most important things that you learned playing in the ACB against many top players?
My game has a lot of room for growth and improvement.

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Ilian Evtimov: There Are Always Difficult Moments In Sports, But It Is Never Too Late To Turn It Around For The Fraport Skyliners

Ilian Evtimov is a 28 year old 201 cm forward playing his second season in France for Chalon. He has the French-Bulgarian citzenships and played at North Carolina State from 2001-2006. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 10.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FG: 45.3%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT. After a short stint with Estudiantes Madrid in 2006, he played at VidiVici Bologna in the 2006-2007 season. He played FIBA EuroCup playing 15 games averaging 6.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 2FGP: 65.4%, 3FGP: 47.1%, FT: 72.2%; and playing15 games in the Italian league averaging 3.1ppg, 2.1rpg. In 2007-2008, he moved to The Deutsche Bank Skyliners playing 10 ULEB Cup games averaging 14.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 85%; and in the German League playing 44 games averaging 13.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 86.2%. In 2008-2009, he continued playing in Frankfurt playing 10 EuroChallenge:  games averaging 8.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 70.0%; and in the German League playing 34 games averaging 8.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 74.6%. In 2009-2010, he played for BC Levski Sophia (Bulgaria-NBL): 1 game: 6pts, 5reb, 2ast, 3steals; Balkan League: 1 game: 3pts, 1reb, 1ast, 2steals; in Oct.’09 moved to Proteas EKA AEL Limassol (Cyprus-Division EuroChallenge: 13 games: 10.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 45.6%, FT: 83.3%: FT-2(90.9%). Last season, he played for Chalon playing  33 games: 11.6ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 84.2%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

What was your impression recently of ex Skyliner Eric Chadfield who is leading the French PRO A in scoring?

He is a good player that can shoot and really knows basketball. You notice that he is a real player and has been around for a while.

How did you experience the NBA lockout in France?

The NBA lockout was a good thing French basketball. So many guys came back to play here from the NBA like Tony Parker and Nicolas Batum. This really helped bring media interest for basketball to a new level as it was more in the news.

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