ProA

Preston Medlin(Kirchheim Knights) We Might Not Have The Deepest Rotation But When We Need Guys To Step Up They Have

Preston Medlin is a 25 year old 193cm guard that is playing his third professional season and first with the Kirchheim Knights in the German Pro A. He started his basketball career in 2009 with Utah St. (NCAA) where he played until 2014 playinga total of 102 NCAA games. As a senior he played 32 games averaging 12.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 41.1%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 78.0%. He started his professional basketball career in 2014 with BK Saldus (Latvia-LBL): 29 games: Score-4(14.7ppg), 3.1rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 75.8%. Last season he had limited duty with Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas (Greece-A1): 3 games: 3.7ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.3apg. German Hoops talked to Preston after the tough 90-72 loss in Trier.

Preston thanks for talking to German Hoops. You came into the game with Trier with a 11-1 record and had won 8 times. As a professional basketball player does a time come when one has won a lot that you just think it will go on and on?

Going into the Trier game we felt like we were rolling and nothing could touch us and we got a reality check, which I think in the long run, will be good for us.

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Vance Hall (MLP Academics Heidelberg) I Take Pride In Making Toughness Plays

Vance Hall is a 25 year old 193cm point guard from Frankfort, Kentucky that is playing his second professional season and first with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA). Last season as a rookie he played for Thor Thorl (Iceland-Dominos League) playing 26 games: 23.6ppg, 6.8rpg, 4.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 86.8%. He started his basketball career in 2010 with Wright St. (NCAA) where he played until 2010 playing a total of 55 NCAA games. In 2012 he moved to Bellarmine (NCAA2) playing 32 games: 14.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 45.9%, FT: 91.4%. As a senior for Bellarmine (NCAA2) he played 31 games: 14.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 41.4%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 64-49 win against Nurnberg.

Vance thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the big 64-49 win against Nurnberg. Coming into the game Heidelberg had lost three of four games. How important was getting the win and is this the start of a longer winning streak?

Losing 3 out of 4 games is very tough but I hope we learned from each of those games. It was very crucial that we went to Nurnberg to handle business and get back on the winning side of things. Hopefully this is a start to a longer streak of wins

Last week Diante Watkins went off for 34 points. This time you held him to 14 points and six turnovers. How vital was it really making basketball life difficult for him for 40 minutes?

It was very important for us to limit him in that game and we did so by team defense. That was one of our goals for the game.

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Kruize Pinkins(Hebeisen White Wings) I Won´t Force Any Three´s But If They Are There Then I Will Take Them

Kruize Pinkins is a 23 year old 201cm forward from Marianna, Florida that is playing his second professional season with the Hebeisen White Wings. He started his basketball career at Chipola (JUCO). He then played at USF (NCAA) from 2013-2015 and as a senior played 32 games averaging 13.9ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 65.0%. As a rookie last season with the Hebeisen White Wings he played : 29 games averaging 13.1ppg, Reb-3(9.1rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 68.9%He spoke to German Hoopsafter the big 71-65 win against Crailsheim.

Congrats Kruzie on a big 71.65 win against top team Crailsheim. In the last weeks it has been a short rotation equals win. Have the Hebesien White Wings proved in the last weeks that a team doesn´t necessarily always need that deep team to win?

I dont think that is the case. We know that we need everyone in order for us to be a great team. Im just ready for everyone to get healthy because we need each person on this team. Rather its them playing 15 mins or its 30 mins. It could be the difference.

How much has Jordan Wild´s struggle with the health of his father sparked the team in this phase?

It has motivated us a lot. We always say that we are doing it for Jordan and his father. He is a big part of out team.

Crailsheim had the six point advantage at halftime, but that didn´t faze Hanau regrouped in the third quarter scoring 24 points having the 56-53 lead after thee quarters. What did head coach Simon Cote tell the team to do better in the third quarter?

He Just told us that it was a six point game and that we didnt play as good as we were capable of and that we needed to pick up our defense we picked up the defense in the second half.

The Hebeisen White Wings held the lead in the fourth quarter as you continued to play tough defense. What was key in the crunch-time for getting the win?

It was just a matter of possesions and which ever team got defensive stops and made shots was going to win and we did both and was able to get the win.

How has the short rotation sparked the team in that even late in the game where the strength might not be as much as earlier in the game to come out and just continue to be tough and make plays?

We just knew from the begining that it was going to be a tough game so we just stuck with it and kept fighting.

You had another huge game with 28 points and 11 boards. Has your mentality to your role changed any in the last weeks on account of the small rotation?

No my mentality hasnt changed. Its still the same. My shot was falling and my teammates just kept finding me on the court.

Your three was falling as you netted three. The most that you have made as a professional. How happy were you that you took five three´s and will this be a trend you could enjoy on a game basis?

It was good that my three was falling and it really opend up the rest of my game but Im not going to force any threes, but Im just going to take what the defense gives me and read and play and if the threes are there then I will take them.

Hanau has a three game winning streak in the last weeks with a short rotation and have won seven of the last eight games. How much of a winner mentality has the team developed in the last eight games that will continue to carry over through the rest of the season?

We work so hard at practice so it makes the game fun and we really enjoy playing with each other but we just have to stay hungry and not be satisfied and keep working to get better each week

How vital has the arrival of Sherwood Brown been? What does he give to the team that it didn´t have before?

He was really big for us. A lot of the things that he did wont be on the stat sheet but he plays really hard and he got us a lot rebounds and hustle plays.

What have you learned to enjoy most about his game in the first few days that you have seen him play on the court?

He plays really hard and is a great rebounder from the wing position. Brings good energy to the team.

What have you learned to appreciate most from assistant coach Joey Cantens who came from Indiana, PA (NCAA2).

He is always working. We can call him anytime of the day and he’ll stop what he is doing and come put you through a workout or what ever you need. He really knows the game and has helped me a lot.

The next game is against Paderborn. What will be key to getting the win and do you expect to play with another small rotation or could somebody return?

We just have to go and play harder than them and make sure we are playing good defense and we give ourselves a good chance to win. Im not sure if Paul and Brian will be back this week.

Kelvin Martin has retired at age 33 after having some very productive seasons with the Sacremento Kings. What was your impression of his game and are you surprised he retired so young?

He was a great scorer and could really shoot. I didnt even know he retired. Im pretty sure he had a good reason but he had a great NBA career.

Thanks Kruize for the chat.

Dane Watts(Gotha) I Always Want To Be Playing For Something Greater Than Myself

Dane Watts is a 30 year old 203cm forward from Warrensburg, Missouri that is playing his ninth professional season and first with the BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA). In his first two games with Gotha, he is averaging 15,5ppg, 6,0rpg and 2,0apg. 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) playing 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%. In 2010-2011 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. He then played for ratiopharm Ulm from 2011-2013. In the 2013-2014 season he played briefly for the Fraport Skyliners before another injury forced him to cut his season short. In the 2014-2015 season he played for Baloncesto Sevilla (Spain-Liga Endesa): 7 games: 2.4ppg, 3.6rpg; Eurocup: 6 games: 2.0ppg, 2.0rpg, in Jan.’15 moved to Limburg United (Belgium-Scooore League): 15 games: 8.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.5spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 64.1%. Last season he played with UBC Magnofit Gussing Knights (Austria-A Bundesliga): 27 games: 15.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 74.8%; FIBA Europe Cup: 10 games: 13.5ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 77.6%He spoke to German Hoops about his move back to Germany to Gotha.

Thanks Dane for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. You were away for two years playing in Spain, Belgium and Austria. What did you miss most about Germany?

Spain was a totally different culture but Belgium and Austria were more familiar for me and my family after being in Germany so long. We have made a lot of good friends over the years being in Germany so we missed seeing them and of course the schnitzel.

I was actually preparing an article concerning your ex teammate Michael Jenkins who will play in Frankfurt again after 7 years where he played the first time in 2009 with Tuebingen and you as his teammate. I almost put Dane Watts as retired in the section with many players from that season, but didn´t because I was figuring you might not be done yet. An hour later I heard the news that you signed with Gotha. Did you have less offers this year than in the past?

Not less offers but with a rough market a lot teams were taking rookies or young players. With a family and two kids there are only certain situations I’m looking to play in overseas.

When I say you have a 7-3 record against somebody affiliated with Gotha could you guess off the top of your head who I mean?

Reading the question below is see Chris haha. Don’t know anyone else I could have played against 10 times

You owned your new head coach Chris Ensminger as a professional in Germany having a 7-3 record against him. You were perfect with ratiopharm Ulm 4-0 against him and Bonn, you were 3-1 with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen against him and Bonn, but 0-2 with Ludwigsburg against him and Paderborn. Now that you know this will you have some friendly ribbing with him at some point letting him know about your success?

That is in the past and when I was in Ulm we beat everyone except Bamberg. I want us to enjoy success together now working in the same organization.

Will it be strange having Chris Ensminger as a head coach or do you see it as being able to learn something new at age 30?

It’s not strange, just makes me realize I have been around for a while. When I was younger I thought it was weird when my teammates said they played against the coach or were teammates before. Now I played against the coach for many years and also was a teammate with the assistant.

You had some serious battles with him as a professional. One either hated or loved the guy. He was a very tough player on the court. What did you respect about him as a player and competitor?

I respected that he was able to play so long at a good level, especially as a big guy you never know how the body will hold up. To me that means he was being a true pro and taking care of himself. To do that for so long, have a family and still produce on a top level is impressive.

Currently the team is in ninth place with a record of 5-5 and still finding themselves. Do you see yourself as being a type of savior or a guy that will bring the needed energy to the team?

I am coming here to provide leadership and experience, playing in some of the top leagues in Europe over my career I have learned a lot and help this team with their goals. There is a good group of guys here and we will come together.

Last season you had a very solid season with UBC Magnofit Gussing Knights (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 27 games and averaging 15.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 74.8%; FIBA Europe Cup: 10 games: 13.5ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 77.6%. Do you feel like your role will to be a scorer or more of a glue guy?

I showed last year that I can be the reliable veteran every night and lead a winning team. It was a crazy situation that ended our season but we were 29-4 before they didn’t let us finish the season. I am coming here to help the team win, if I need to score then I can but there are other intangibles that I bring that help teams win and that is probably most important at this point.

What do you believe is still your biggest asset as a player now at age 30?

Leadership and experience can’t be taught, having played so much you see things that younger guys don’t see yet. Having another voice tell a young something guy can help him learn quicker. I have played with some great guys and will help others just like they did for me when I was coming up.

How excited are you about this new experience? You will be the oldest guy on the team. Are you looking forward to be teaching the youngsters tricks of the trade on the court?

I am excited about this experience. It is good for my family and my wife is also excited to be back in Germany. My son was born here and we have had good experiences and memories here. Also for basketball it is a chance to help a club that has aspirations, I always want to be playing for something greater than myself. I was the oldest on my team last year in Austria, I don’t feel old, just experienced.

You didn´t spend much time with the Fraport Skyliners in 2013-2014 playing only four games, but when you see how successful they were the last two seasons and see how much their struggling now, do you feel a bit for your ex teammate Quantez Robertson who has his hands full as captain?

I really enjoyed the team and my time in Frankfurt. I was disappointed in how that ended for me there. I followed them ever since and was happy to see them succeed in the Fiba cup and see the players grow individually. It’s always tough to see friends struggle, I know the coaches and everybody around the team is doing things right so it’s hard when it doesn’t translate into wins.

Who won a one on one in practice last season you or Cody Larson?

I would give Orville buckets

If you had to construct your own NBA Rushmore, which 4 heads would you choose?

Shaq, Dirk, Larry, MJ and Bron Those are the guys that I liked watching growing up, there will always be debate but that’s who I like.

Lebron finally brought an NBA title to the Cavs. Where does he stand at the moment in the never ending debate with where he stands as the best of all-time?

Not sure there will ever be a clear cut debate on who is the best all time. If a Bron wins more titles that will make it harder for sure

Where do you rank Kevin Garnett with the best power forwards that ever played the game?

Not far behind Duncan. He was a great competitor and always played with intensity.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The man from U.N.C.L.E was on the airplane ride over here.

Thanks Dane for the chat.

Richard Williams(RheinStars) We Have Quality People To Make Our Plans Come To Fruition

Richard Williams is a 29 year old 178cm guard that has joined the RheinStars after having started the season with Phoenix Hagen playing 5 games averaging 12.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.4apg, 2FGP: 54.2%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 82.4%,. Last season he played for Kirchheim Knights averaging 15,5ppg, 4,2apg and 8,0rpg. In the 2014-2015 season, he played for the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL): EuroChallenge: 2 games: 9.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 6.5apg, 2.0spg; German BBL: 9 games: 8.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 40.6%, 3FGP: 48.0%, FT: 70.6%, in Jan.’15 moved to SC Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA): 12 games: 4.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg. He is a very fast guard that can play either one or two. Great at pushing the break. Can score by shooting the three or using his explosiveness to beat his man. Gets to the basket and scores in traffic. A specialist in steals that uses his quickness to intimidate on defense. Great ball control. Gets the whole team involved when playing the point but can takeover a game at any time. He started his basketball career at San Diego St. (NCAA) in 2005 where he played until 2009. In his senior year he played 36 games: 7.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3Pts: 37.5%, FT: 64.2%. In 2009-2010, he started his professional basketball career for The San Diego Surf (ABA), in Jan.’10 moved to FSU Selfoss (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 8 games: 27.5ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.4apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 72.7%. In 2011-2012, he played for UBC Hannover Tigers (Germany-ProB) 33 games: 18.3ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-4(5.7apg), Steals-2(3.2spg), FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 75.8%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for SC Rasta Vechta playing 38 games: 15.6ppg, 5.2rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), Steals-1(2.5spg), FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 79.9%. In the 2013-2014 season for Vechta he played 34 games: 14.6ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.4apg, Steals-3(1.9spg), FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 82.7%. He spoke to German Hoops after signing with the RheinStars.

Richie congrats on the big 91-85 victory against the Dresden Titans. How did it feel presenting your basketball abilities with the RheinStars?

I had a great time. They gave me a very warm welcome and I appreciated that.

Except for the third quarter, one could say it was an offensive minded contest. Could one say that Cologne was the better offensive team on the night and had what it took to get the win?

Lol. That’s a fair assessment.

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Virgil Matthews(BV Chemnitz) I’m Probably Harder On Myself Now Just Because I’m Smarter And See Things Better

Virgil Matthews is a 33 year old 188cm guard from Federal Way, Washington that is playing his tenth professional season and third with BV Chemnitz. Last season for BV Chemnitz he played 33 games averaging 12.6ppg, 6.1rpg, Assists-2(7.6apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 75.2%. He played at Montana (NCAA) and in his senior year played 31 games averaging 10.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FG: 49.8%, 3PT: 48.4%, FT: 76.1%. In 2006-2007, he turned professional and came to Germany and played for KICKZ Muenchen Basket (Germany-2.Bundesliga) playing 29 games averaging 18.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 5.2apg, 2.6spg, 2FGP: 57.3%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 66.5%. In 2007-2008, he played for Tacoma Jazz (IBL). In 2008-2009, he returned back to Germany and played for Schwelmer Baskets (Germany-Regionalliga). In 2009-2010, he played for Olympia Reign (IBL) playing 28 games averaging 23.1ppg, 7.2rpg and for Seattle Aviators (NABL).In 2010-2011, he played his first season for Erdgas Ehingen playing 32 games: 11.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 71.3%. He would play until 2014 with Ehingen playing 126 games with three seasons in the Pro A and one in the Pro B. He spoke to German Hoops after the 79-63 win against the Hamburg Towers on the road.

Congrats on the 79-63 win against the Hamburg Towers. After a three game losing streak, BV Chemnitz now are riding a two game winning streak. How good is basketball life now?

Basketball life is always good when you’re winning and its nice to get back to winning after three straight losses

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Jordan Wild(Hebeisen White Wings) The Key To Our Success Has Been Defense As Our Attention To Detail Has Been Good

Jordan Wild is a 27 year old 203cm forward from Kingsburg, California that is playing his third season in Germany and first with the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau. He started his basketball career at Fresno Pacific (NAIA) in 2007 where he played until 2011. As asenior he played 34 games: 11.8ppg, 7.4rpg, FT: 78%. He played in Australia the last three seasons. As a rookie he played fort he Joondalup City Wanneroo Wolves (Australia-SBL) playing 27 games: 20.6ppg, 11.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, 1.5bpg, 2FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 72.9%. He played for the Stirling Senators (Australia-SBL) the last twos easons and this past summer played 29 games averaging 21,2ppg, 14,0rpg and 3,0apg. In the 2014-2015 season he played for the VfL Kirchheim Knights (Germany-ProA) playing 23 games: 8.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 53.5%, 3FGP: 30.3%, FT: 71.4%. In the summer of 2015 he played for the Stirling Senators (Australia-SBL) playing 6 games: 15.5ppg, 10.7rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 39.3%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 86.4%. Last season he played for VfL Kirchheim Knights (Germany-ProA) playing 32 games: 8.2ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 84.6%. He recently spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Jordan congrats on the huge 70-66 win on the road in Nurnberg. How good is basketball life for you at the moment?

I’m enjoying it. Great location with a really well supported club.

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Sterling Carter(I’ve Prided Myself On The Defensive Side Of The Ball My Whole Career)

Sterling Carter is a 26 year old 183cm point guard from Seattle, Washington and played his rookie season with Pro A team Dragons Rhondorf last season averaging 15.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 34.2%, 3PT: 33.5%, FT: 64.6%. He started his basketball career at Pacific, then played three years at Seattle(NCAA) and finished at Purdue in 2014. Carter played 25 games averaging 15,6ppg, 3,5rpg and 3,5apg. He is still unsigned and spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Sterling thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how is your life going at the moment?

At the moment I’m at home getting ready to watch the Seattle Seahawks game. Life is going ok it would be better if I was on a team playing ball.

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Eugene Harris(Hebeisen White Wings) Consistency Comes With Preparation So We Have To Continue To Get Better Everyday

Eugene Harris is a 29 year old 193cm point guard from Pittsburgh and is playing his sixth professional season and first in Germany with the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau. Last season he played for Siarka Tarnobrzeg (Poland-TBL): 13 games: 6.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 32.6%, 3FGP: 25.4%, left in Jan.’16, later that month moved to KTE-Duna Aszfalt (Hungary-A Division): 11 games: 6.4ppg, 1.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 75.0%. He started his basketball career in 2006 with High Point (NCAA) where he played until 2010 playing a total of 121 NCAA games. As a senior he played 30 games averaging 14.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 38.7%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 87.5%.In his first five professional seasons, he has gained vast experience having played in countries like Lithuania, Georgia, Cyprus, Macedonia, and Ukraine. He spoke to German Hoops after the big 70-66 win against Nurnberg.

Eugene congrats on the huge 70-66 win on the road in Nurnberg. How good is basketball life for you at the moment?

Thank you ,It’s always good to get a win on the road in a tough environment and our team responded well. We will enjoy this and then refocus on what’s ahead.

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Tyson Hinz(Mitteldeutscher BC) I Need To Be Efficient And Effective Whether I play 10 Minutes Or 30 Minutes

Tyson Hinz is a 24 year old 20cm forward from Ottawa, Canada that is playing his third professional season and first in Germany with the Mitteldeutscher BC: He played the last two seasons with Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie) playing a total of 73 games and last season played 35 games averaging 13.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.8apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 76.6%. He started his basketball career at Carleton University (CIS) in 2009 and played there until 2014 playing a total of 123 CIS games and as a senior played 27 games averaging 15.4ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 76.1%. There he won four CIS titles and three OUA titles. He spoke to German Hoops after the 79-65 victory against BV Chemnitz

Tyson thanks for talking to German Hoops. The Mitteldeutscher BC is currently 6-1 and have a three game winning streak. How good is basketball life for Tyson Hinz at the moment?

I am always extremely fortunate to be able to play basketball as my profession. Having our team tied for first in the league is always a nice bonus but there is still a lot of basketball to be played.

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