Interviews

Kevin Worsley (BC ENERGIE ZWICKAU, Regionaliga) The 1, 2, And 3 Are All Interchangeable Positions So You Should Be Able To Play Them All If You Are A Good Player

Kevin Worsley is a 24 year old shooting guard/small forward from Chesapeake, Virginia that is playing in Germany for BC ENERGIE ZWICKAU. He is a  very versatile player, who started his college career as a point guard at Neosho CC and then moved to the 2 and the 3 positions. He plays above the rim with his 36 inch vertical and has an outstanding mid-range jumper. This is why he can spend time even at the 4 position if needed. Also, he is a defensive stopper that always wants to check the team’s best player. Was top 100 in the nation in steals his senior season. He played at Norfolk Sate(NCAA) from 2006-2009. In his senior year, he played 32 games: 5.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 44.4%, FT: 69.7%. Last season, he played for Hampton Roads Cardinals (EBA): 18 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.8 spg. He took some time to talk to german hoops about basketball.

You are from Chesapeake, Virginia. What was your childhood like?

My childhood was like most kids I am the youngest out of 3 kids. I have an older brother named Kenny who has taught me mostly everything that I know about basketball and I have an older sister name Cassandra who is my biggest fan. I was raised with both of my parents living together so I am very blessed if I would say. My parents made sure I have the latest things so I could focus on sports and school instead being in the streets with the guys who gave up on their dreams. I had a strong supporting cast which consists of all the people in Virginia who believed in me and saw that I was determined to be successful. My family and friends never allowed me to get in trouble because they saw potential in me so they kept me on a straight path.

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Dashaun Wood(Deutsche Bank Skyliners) Both Pascal Roller And I Are Leaders On the Court

Dashaun Wood is a 25 year old 185cm point guard from Detroit, Michigan that is playing his first season in Germany for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. 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 avergaing 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%. This past summer he played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (LA Clippers). Dashaun took time to talk to german hoops about basketball.

Congrats on the 72-55 win against TBB Trier. Why was this win a lot more difficult than how it looked?

They played very hard. Even when they were down by 20 points, they were able to cut it down to 10 points. They play very hard on offense and defense and never give up.

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Bastian Doreth (Bayern Munich) Bauermann Has Taught Me To Always Be Thinking Two Steps Ahead

Bastian Doreth is a 21 year old 183cm point guard that was born in Nurnberg. He started his basketball career with Franken Hexer (2.Regionalliga) in 2006. In 2007-2008, he played with Baskets Nuernberg (ProA, starting five): 27 games: 5.4ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 57.1%. In 2008-2009, he played for Franken Hexer (ProB, starting five): 27 games: 11.5ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 39.3%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 79.1%. In the summer of 2009, he played the Championships U20 in Rhodos (Greece) -09: 5 games: 9.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 78.6%. Last season, he played for Baskets Bamberg (1.Bundesliga): EuroCup: 1 game: 0pts, had also license to play at Nuernberger Basketball Club (ProB): 28 games: 11.5ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-4(5.8apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 74.5%. He took some time and spoke with German Hoops about basketball and Bayern Munich.

What is it like playing for Bayern Munich? You play against many young Germans every week. Is it difficult as a young German playing for Bayern Munich?

It is a huge privilege to play for Bayern Munich. I am happy to be able to play against other young Germans and they are always asking me what it is like playing there. I feel very good playing for the team. I think that the level in the PRO A is better this season and it is great that so many young Germans are getting more minutes.

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A Conversation With Sean Sonderleiter(Ratiopharm Ulm)

Sean Sonderleiter is a 29 year old 206cm center who is playing his first season in Europe for Ratiopharm Ulm. He has a quick first step. He is the kind of a penetrator who attacks with the dribble and is capable of thunderous dunks. He played at Iowa from 2000-2004. He played in Australia in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, he played for Perry Lakes Hawks (Australia-SBL): 20 games: 23.9ppg, 12.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 56.0%, 3FGP: 20.0%, FT: 68.6%. In 2008-2009, he played for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League), left in Jan.’09, but returned shortly after leaving: 33 games: 4.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 2FGP: 41.5%, FT: 65.0%. Last season, he played his second season for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League): 45 games: 11.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 49.0%, FT: 72.3%. Recently he played Summer League in Las Vegas (New Orleans Hornets). He took some time to talk to German Hoops about basketball.

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A Conversation With Aaron Smith (Agent Of AJ Moye)

Aaron Smith is highly regarded and recognized in professional athletics. He has extensive experience dealing with professional athletes and their careers. In addition, Aaron has a great understanding of the expectations of a NBA athlete from both the personal and business perspective. His duties involve compiling all recruiting materials, researching player contracts, creating and maintaining client profiles and marketing materials, correspondence with coaches and team personnel, client services, marketing and media opportunities for clients, business development and creating and analyzing information for distribution to key NBA personnel , international clubs and strategic partners. Aaron is also responsible for many of our clients off the court business ventures and personal affairs. Aarons career began in professional sports when he interned with Pacers Sports and Entertainment. A native of Indianapolis, Aaron attended Indiana University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Marketing and Management. Upon graduating from Indiana University, Aaron was the Business/Personal Manager for a 2002 NBA Lottery Pick. In this capacity, Aaron assisted with Draft preparations and workouts, the transition to a new NBA city, appearances, marketing, basketball camps and all other personal affairs. Aaron first joined the Exclusive Sports Group while completing his Masters degree in Athletic Administration and Sports Management. He is the agent for Ajene Moye of the Deutsche Bank Skyliners and spoke to German Hoops about the condition of the Skyliner.

Bio of Aaron Smith courtesy of Exclusive Sports Group

How did you hear about the stroke of your client AJ Moye?

It was a scary moment for me. I checked the box score of his game Tuesday against Maccabi Haifa and didn´t see him on the stat sheet and was surprised. I then got a call from someone who told me what had happened. I was shocked and had a sickening feeling. Aj is a good friend of mine.

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Elvir Ovcina(Giessen 46ers) The War Was A Bad Experience, But We All Tried To Learn The Best We Could From This Experience

Elvir Ovcina is a 34 year old 211cm power forward/center that was born in Sarajevo.
He played for Syracuse from 1995-1999 reaching the NCAA final in 1996. After playing in Slovenia for two seasons, he came to Germany and played for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg from 2001-2004. In the 2003-2004 season, he played 27 games: 14.9ppg, 9.3rpg, 2.7apg, 2.8bpg. In 2004-2005, he played for Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1): Euroleague: 8 games: 4.3ppg, 5.6rpg; Greek League: 9 games: 5.7ppg, 3.1rpg, 2FGP: 52.0%, in Dec.’04 moved to RheinEnergie Koln (Germany-1.Bundesliga): ULEB Cup: 5 games: 11,2ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3Pts: 33.3%; German Bundesliga: 21 games: 10.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.5apg, 1.6bpg, 2FGP: 49.7%, 3FGP: 20.0%. In 2005-2006, he played for Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (Ukraine-Superleague): EuroCup Challenge: 2 games: 10.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 0ast, FG: 63.6%, 3PT: 50%; Ukrainian League: 8 games: 7.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 2FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 66.7%, in Dec.’05 joined Telindus BC Oostende (Belgium-D1): 21 games: 10.7ppg, Reb-4(7.8rpg), 1.7apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 55.0%. He then played in Belgium from 2006-2008 for Telindus BC Oostende winning the cup in 2008. In 2008-2009, he played for Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo (D1): Adriatic League: 5 games: 9.8ppg, 9.2rpg, 3.6apg. Last season, he played for Polzela (Slovenia-Liga UPC): 5 games: 12.8ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 66.7%, FT: 85.7%, in Jan.’10 moved to LTi Giessen 46ers (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 14 games: 14.1ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 69.4%. Some achievements in his career have been and Herzegovina National Team -97-05, European Championships -97, 99, 01, 03, German Bundesliga Cup Semifinals -02, German Bundesliga All-Star Game -03, German Bundesliga Cup Winner -05, European Championships in Belgrade -05: 3 games: 5.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 0.7apg, 1.3spg, Belgian League Regular Season Champion -06, Belgian League Champion -06, 07
and Bosnia and Herzegovina Cup Winner -09. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

The Giessen 46ers are the huge surprise of the season so far. Why is the team so strong this season?

We are a young talented team. I think we have had an advantage with the schedule in the early going. We didn´t play any team that was higher than 13th place. We haven´t had a win against  atop team like Oldenburg or Bamberg yet. I think that the team did  a good chance preparing for the season. Last season, the team started 0-6 and after six games this season had 4 wins already. Management did a good job bringing in new players. Only me and Jannik Freese remained. We might not have good results in preseason, but we always knew that if we continued to work hard, we would have success.

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Mire Chatman(Besiktas Istanbul) Pregame Thoughts To Eurocup Qualifying Game Against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners

Mire Chatman is a 31 year old 187cm guard. He is playing his third season for Besiktas Istanbul.He is an explosive guard who can fill it up in a hurry. Mire has the ability to break his defender down off the dribble as well as pull up from beyond the 3-point line. He shoots at a very high percentage and it thus a threat from anywhere on the floor. Mire uses his explosive quickness and athleticism to get open shots for himself and his teammates. In addition to Mire’s outstanding offensive ability, Mire is also an outstanding defensive player as evidenced by his 3.5 steals per game during his senior season. He was voted as an NCAA Division One Defensive All-American along with 14 of the other top defensive players in the NCAA Division One. Mire is a tremendous all around guard who can dominate the game with his offensive and defensive abilities. Mire also has a great work ethic and will continue to work hard to continually improve his game. He played at UTPA and in his senior year 2001-2002, he averaged (26.2ppg), 5.4rpg, 3.9apg, 3.6spg, 48.4%FG, 35%3pts, 70%FT; Led team to a 20 win season (20-10); 3rd in nation NCAA I in scoring and steals. He played at BK Ventspils (Latvia-LBL) from 2002-2004. In the 2004-2005 season, he played at Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez (France-ProA), got injured in March ’05 and was off for one month: Euroleague: 14 games: 16.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 6.2apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3FGP: 48.5%; French ProA League: 31 games: 15.6ppg, 3.9rpg, Ast-5(5.9apg), 2.1spg, FGP: 47.1%, 3FGP: 34.8%. He played for Dynamo Moscow from 2005-2007. In the 2007-2008 season, he played for Triumph Lyubertsy (Russia-A Superleague,starting five): ULEB Cup: 11 games: 12.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.2apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 72.7%; Russian League: 22 games: 12.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.6apg, Steals-3(2.0spg), 2FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 63.6%. He spoke to German Hoops prior to the Eurocup qualifying game against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners.

You are playing your third season for Besiktas Istanbul. Is there any reason besides money why you continue to play for this traditional Turkish team?

There is no real reason. I just want to help the team win. I do like the coach. He lets me play my game. I also want to continue to help the team finish what we couldn´t finish the last two years.

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The Rapid 7 Miles Questions Basketball Exchange With Dwight Thorne(BG Karlsruhe)

Dwight Thorne is a 22 year old 190cm guard from Arlington, Texas. He is a rookie playing his first season for BG Karlsruhe. At Arlington, Texas (Martin HS): he averaged 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists a game; and became the first player in the school’s 22 year history to play on the varsity all four years . His biggest moment of high school career was making two free throws with no time remaining on the clock to clinch the school’s district championship during his sophomore year.. He played at Colorado(NCAA) from 2006-2010. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 7.5ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 89.6%. He scored 9 points and hauled down five rebounds in a 78-56 win against Science City Jena. He took the rapid 7 Miles Questions Basketball exchange for German Hoops.

You are a rookie and playing your first season overseas. What has been the biggest adjustment in Germany on and off the court?

Yeah being a rookie is interesting on and off the court. On the court has been the traveling violation when I go right. In the US you get a extra step in FIBA you have to put the ball down first, so that has been a adjustment. Also the amount of help off the ball that teams provide. as soon as you go buy your man there are usually one or two guys waiting on you so the side step has become a nice move for me.

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The Rapid 10 Miles Questions Basketball Exchange With Sean Brooks(Proveo Merlins Crailsheim)

Sean Brooks is a 27 year old 196cm power forward from Bladensburg, Maryland. H eplayed at Drexel from 2001 to 2005. He was CAA Regular Season Runner-Up in 2004 and All-CAA 2nd Team in 2004. In his senior year, he played 20 games averaging 12.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 49.1%. He turned professional in 2005 and came to Europe to play to play in Holland for Polynom Giants Bergen Op Zoom (Holland-Eredivisie), left in Nov.’05: 1game, in Dec.’05 signed at Woon!Aris Leeuwarden (Holland-Eredivisie): 17 games: 9.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.5spg. In 2006-2007, he came to Germany and played for ASC Theresianum Mainz (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five, starting five): 29 games: 16.6ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 62.7%, 3FGP: 16.7%, FT: 60.0%. In 2007-2008, he played in Holland again for Omniworld Almere (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five); left in Oct.’07, in Nov.’07 moved to TV Werne (Germany-2.Regionalliga, starting five), in Dec.’07 signed at Proveo Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-ProB, starting five): 18 games: 15.6ppg, 8.5rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 65.2%, FT: 61.2%. He has played for The Proveo Merlins Crailsheim the last two seasons and in 2008-2009 played 29 games averaging 15.6ppg, 8.6rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 65.0%, FT: 64.2%. Last season, he played 28 games averaging 9.6ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 53.8%, FT: 60.6%. Sean will be starting his fourth season in Crailsheim and he took the rapid 10 Miles questions basketball exchange for German Hoops talking basketball.

Sean you had a nice long summer. How was it and how was your workout plan to get ready for the upcoming season.

I had a great summer. For the first time since I have been playing basketball in Europe, I went directly home and spent much needed time with my family. My workout plan for the summer was for me to wake up around 7am, do a hour and a half of cardio and lift weights and in the afternoon get shots up and play 5 on 5. Conditioning and mid-range jump shots were my focus for the summer.

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The Rapid 10 Miles Questions Basketball Exchange With Larry Cunningham(Science City Jena)

Larry Cunningham is a 25 year old 190cm guard that was born in Camden, New Jersey and grew up outside Los Angeles in Downey, California. He played at Cal.St.-Riverside (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 30 games: averaging 16.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 40.3%, 3Pts: 32.3%, FT: 82.5%. He scored 31 points against Hawaii to surpass Howard Lee (1969-72) and became UCR ‘s all-time leading scorer. He is an NBA level athlete who possesses high speed and strength which enables him to compete at the highest level. He has a quick release and the ability to create his own shot off the dribble and finishes well around the basket. He is an outstanding rebounder who likes to crash the boards, is aggressive one on one defender with impressive foot speed. He came to Europe in 2008 and as a rookie played in Holland for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 33 games: 13.8ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 75.6%.  He signed with Science City Jena and took the rapid 10 Miles questions basketball exchange for German Hoops talking basketball.

You played in Holland last season for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 33 games: 13.8ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 75.6%. Now your playing in Germany for Science City Jena in PRO A. What do you expect from the league?

The league is going to be very competitive this year. A lot of competition from top to bottom and I’m excited to be part of that.

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