ProB

Jimmy Dorsey (BG Karlsruhe) My Childhood And Canada Helped Me To Grow Up And Taught Me How To Be Successful And Be The Human Being And Player I Am Today

Jimmy Dorsey is a 188cm point guard from Baltimore, Maryland that is playing his rookie season in Germany with BG Karlsruhe. He played at Cape Breton University (Canada-CIS) from 2009-2013 and as a senior played 23 games Score-4(21.2ppg), 6.2rpg, Assists-3(5.4apg), Steals-1(3.3spg), FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 85.7%. He was Atlantic Division Champion in 2010 and 2013 with Cape Breton. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

You signed your first professional contract with BG Karlsruhe in Germany to play Pro B basketball. How was this whole process for you? Did you have other offers? What was the deciding factor that convinced you that BG Karlsruhe was the right team for you to start your professional basketball career?

I was sitting around and my agent came to me with the offer from BG Karlsruhe. He is good friends with our ex coach Ralf Rehberger and he told me that the club would be good for me. I never promoted myself, but waited for teams to come to me, but didn´t. That is why it took me longer to find a team.

You have been tearing up the German Pro B. Is it sometimes for you like a man playing with boys?

No not at all. I am still learning what it takes to be successful at this level. The basketball is a lot different than at home. Coaches here have their own system that you follow. I am still finding my way and just trying to be the best I can.

 

 

What was your best game the 29 points against Wurzburg or 28 points against Saarlouis?

 

I think the Saarlouis game since we won it. I was more effective in this game that we won.

 

 

 

Every player wants to move up the next level? Could you imagine staying in Germany and playing in the Pro A?

 

I could imagine to keep playing in Germany. I had a lot of fun playing scrimmages against Pro A teams and seeing guys that I had played against in college. I have heard that basketball in Germany is one of the toughest outside Spain. I really love Germany.

You finished at Cape Breton(CIS) in 2013 and didn´t play last year? What were the main reasons for that and was it difficult not being able to further your career then?

I just wasn´t ready to leave yet. I was physically ready to go and play, but not mentally.
You are a 25 year old rookie which is very unusual. Do you believe that your life experiences has helped you make an impact on the court right away coupled with your basketball talent?

 

My childhood wasn´t the best one. When I was in high school I never thought about the future, but just what was going on then. I think with what I experienced at a young age as well as going to college in Canada, it helped me to grow up and taught me how to be successful and be the human being and player I am today.

You are from Baltimore, Maryland a city with a crime rate that is very high. You were going to go to a div one school, but got into some problems with the law. A house party raid doesn´t seem like a big problem, but it disallowed you to play Div basketball in the States. If you had been hanging around the right crowd then, do you think that you would have played college basketball in the States

 

I think that if I would have had a different childhood that I probably would have played college ball in the States. After my dad left I had that role of taking care of my siblings and besides that I pretty much did what I wanted to do. I didn´t necessarily hang out with a bad crowd, but it wasn´t an atmosphere that motivated me to pursue my future

NBA player and 2014 German champion Malcolm Delaney is also from Baltimore. Did you ever have any ties with him over the years in Baltimore? He seemed to be able to get out of Baltimore and have a solid career?

 

I haven´t met him, but often hear about how successful he has been in Europe and at Virginia Tech. He is a few years older than me

How thankful are you of Bennie Edison who helped you get to Canada? Was he one of the few people that believed in you?

 

He is a big inspiration for me and we still have contact today. He helped me become the point guard that I am today. Whenever I got down and my shot wasn´t falling, he would calm me down and gave me confidence and always said to let the game come to me. He is like a mentor to me and I am so thankful that he was around.

You played four years for Cape Breton in the CIS. How strange was it playing basketball in Canada in a country that lives for ice hockey?

 

It was a bit strange. When I first came to Canada, I didn´t know what to expect and didn´t even know if the coach wanted me. After I scored 26 points in my first game I knew that this was a place where I could be successful. I adapted to three different coaches and ran the show   for each coach. None of them tried to change me.

You are a scoring point guard that also can establish high assist stats. But what is a strength in your game that doesn´t get recognized always?

I feel that I have the ability to see the next play and have a high basketball IQ.
How has Matt Skinn prepared you best for a professional basketball career? What have been the most important things that you have learned from him?

 

He is a very intelligent coach that always pays attention to the little details. He made me a more efficient scorer and passer.

Cape Breton is a very beautiful place to live for 4 years. When you look back at your time, how much did the tranquility of life there help you develop as a human being?

 

My time at Cape Breton really taught me to appreciate the little things. It is a very tight knit community with a great support system that is very family orientated. It was always cold there, but I loved it there. I was able to focus on basketball there.

 

Cape Breton was Atlantic division champion 2010 and 2013. Which title was the sweetest?

 

 

 

I think my 2013 win was the sweetest, because it was my last year and the expectations were high and I wanted to go out on a high note. Winning in 2010 was a shock as I had the realization just how talented I could be. I worked more for the second win. I came to school early, because I really wanted it. I killed myself to be ready for the season and it worked out as we had a great season.

Who was the toughest player that you faced against in the CIS? Did you ever battle Warren Ward who played in Germany last season?

 

I never battled against him even though we talked often about the chance to playing against each other. The toughest guy was Terry Thomas who is playing in Germany also. We usually played four times a season and I won most of the battles.

 

 

 

 

Who wins a one on one you or Kenny Fluellen?

 

I would win, but he beat me the first time at around the world.

 

 

 

Will John Wall be a top 3 best point guard in the NBA?

 

Yes for sure. He keeps developing each season. He is averaging double double stats. From the skill level, he is a top 5 point guard in the NBA.

 

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

John Wick.

 

Thanks Jimmy for the chat.

 

 

 

 

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Anish Sharda (TV Langen) I Can Defend Better Than What Coaches Give Me Credit For

Anish Sharda is a 32 year old 188cm American point guard that also has the Indian citzenship and is playing his ninth professional season and first with TV Langen. He started his basketball career in 2001 with Moorpark JC. H ethen finished school at University of Mary (NAIA) in 2005 and as a senior averaged 15.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.8spg, 45.9% FGs, 38.7% 3-pts, 83.2% FTs. He came to Germany in 2007 and played two seasons for ASC Theresianum Mainz (Germany-Regionalliga) helping them move up to the German Pro B in 2008. He then played a season for USC Freiburg and for Hanau from 2010-2014 helping them move from the Regionaliga to the Pro B in 2011. Last season for TG 1837 White Wings Hanau (Germany-ProB) he played 24 games averaging 12.4ppg, 2.9rpg, Assists-5(4.9apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 85.4%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball

Anish thanks for talking to German Hoops. You came to Europe in 2007 and have always played in Germany. Why has Germany become your second basketball home?

Yes it is my second home. I am very thankful that I got another opportunity to play in Germany. My wife is from Mainz and another reason why I love Germany. I have felt comfortable wherever I have played in Germany and have always been treated well. I am so thankful that I can continue to do what I love which is play basketball.

Except for a season in Freiburg you have mostly played in the Rhein Main area. Has the international flair in general here been something that has kept you comfortable and have had the need to explore other basketball areas in Germany. You signed late into the season with TV Langen. Were you almost retired at age 32. How close was the end of your professional basketball career had you not signed for Jogi Barth in Langen?

I have always felt very comfortable in this region. Even now playing for Langen I live in Mainz. Mainz isn´t big but has that city flair. I signed late as I had a hard time trying to find a team and I don´t know why. The later it got the less I thought of retiring. I stayed in shape with the Mainz team and am thankful that Jogi Barth took a chance on me as I will do my best to help the team win games.

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Kyle Fossman´s Key Three Pointers Pace The Fraport Skyliners Juniors Past TV Langen 88-67

TV Langen and South Carolina native Martinis Woody could call the Fraport arena his second living room as he is there almost every weekend watching the Fraport Skyliners and his buddy Quantez Robertson battle Beko BBL or Eurochallenge opponents, but even if he often visits the BCM gym with TV Lich guard Jermale Jones where the Fraport Skyliners Juniors duel against German Pro B teams, he couldn´t call this mi casa in the last two years as he has departed the floor like a beaten dog does after his master has scolded him and refused him a dinner with Kibbles N Bits. Since coming from Bernau in 2012 to TV Langen, Woody has lost twice in Frankfurt with a combined score of 188-121. In both games, TV Langen were run off the floor the way a pack of Lion´s does a herd of antelope. Woody didn´t muster much in both games averaging only nine points and six boards. Two seasons ago TV Langen and he were trampled by Frankfurt 103-53 as he got an introduction to the future of German basketball as the big three Konstantin Klein and twin towers Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann combined for 42 points. American Larry Wright added salt to the nasty wound dropping 27 points. Last season TV Langen got hammered 85-68 as Kevin the light is Bright fired home 21 points, Johannes Voigtmann got in some practice with 16 points and 11 rebounds and Johannes Richter supplied 17 points. These two games may have been a bad nightmare for Woody, but sometimes three can be a charm as he returned back to the BCM hoping to finally return home to Langen with a victory, but once again was denied as TV Langen were flattened 88-67 by the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. After three straight loses, Woody and TV Langen have been outscored 276-188, but a curse isn´t on the mind of the ex Benedict(NCAA2) player. “There is no curse for me, but moreover Frankfurt doing a great job of making adjustments and taking me out of the game. Frankfurt double teamed and just shut me down. My team has to be able to find me even if the opponent is making pressure. We had a good first half, but broke down in the second half. Frankfurt came out aggressive and we couldn´t match their intensity”, stressed TV Langen forward Martinis Woody. For Fraport Skyliners head coach Eric Detlev, there was no curse for Woody, but just a great answer from his team concerning the last bad defeat in Hanau. “Woody has no curse, but seems to have had the short end the last few years. We were always the better team. We came out twice this season against TV Langen and played well after two bad loses. We know that Woody is a very good one on one player so we play good team defense and don´t allow him to play well”, added Eric Detlev. “We played a good first quarter getting easy baskets on transition while in the second TV Langen scored more easily getting back in the game. In the third quarter we started to move the ball better and made open shots. Our good rebounding was a big part of our success”, commented Canadian Kyle Fossman.

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Tom Alte (TV Langen) I Am A Better Shooter Than What I Get Credit For

Tom Alte is a 20 year old 205cm German center playing his second season for TV Langen. He started his basketball career with KIT SC Karlsruhe (Regionalliga) in 2012. Last season for TV Langen he played 12 games: 0.5ppg, 1.2rpg, played also for Schoder Junior-Giraffen Langen (NBBL). He spoke to German Hoops after the 88-67 loss against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

Tom thanks for talking to German Hoops. What were the main reasons for the 88-67 loss against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors?

We had problems with our pick and role defense. Frankfurt stayed aggressive hitting shots against our zone. We also had some unneeded technical fouls that hurt us

Niklas Kiel is two years younger than you. What has been your impression of his game and how much potential does he have?

Kiel has a lot of potential and can really go far. He is big, can move and shoot. He has all the tools to go far.

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Johnson And Johnson Of Schwelm Patch Up TV Langen 85-70 Causing Havoc Everywhere

When one sees the beautiful countryside around Greenville, South Carolina one could expect to catch some nice hiking routes, but one can also find enticing festivals in nearby Fountain Inn where they close Main street as many vendors share their craft with folks. If this is a distance that TV Langen forward Martinis Woody travels between work outs during the summer is unknown, but approximately that same distance of 22 kilometers is a route he likes to take in Germany when he travels from Langen to Frankfurt to watch his friend Quantez Robertson play with Beko BBL team Fraport Skyliners. If his schedule permits, one can always see Woody in the front row sitting next to the wives and farm team players taking in a good game and possibly picking up new tips from the players even if one would think that the 32 year old 201cm forward has learned all he needs to know in six years of professional basketball. It hasn´t been the easiest of seasons for Woody as he got a rude welcome in the first weeks as teams seemed to double team him more which annoyed him and his play. Last season he averaged 18,3ppg and 9,3rpg, but reached his season average of 18 points last season just once in the first 10 games scoring 19 points against Wurzburg this s eason. Now if he has received extra tips on the floor in the Fraport arena from Skyliners or visiting teams is unknown, but in the last three games the American has been in serious beast mode as he has averaged 21 points and 15 rebounds per game. TV Langen lost against Saarlouis where Woody produced massive stats of 22 and 18, but since then the club has really come alive in the last two games winning on the road in Speyer and Karlsruhe as he displayed 25 and 21 points and 13 and 14 rebounds. Of course the injury to TV Langen top scorer Nick Freer has hurt the team as Woody has gotten the burden of the scoring on his shoulder again, but that is something he has been used to the last years and is showing again that he can still be a nasty creature in the paint for any opponent. The EN Baskets Schwelm visited Langen and Woody and the American had the burden again of having to dominate down low, but the visitors did their homework keeping him in check and coasting to a comfortable 85-70. The EN Baskets Schwelm were led by their Johnson and Johnson duo of American Jody and Chris. Johnson and Johnson is an American multinational medical devices pharmaceutical and consumer packaged goods manufacturer which brands include numerous household names of medications and first aid supplies. The Johnson and Johnson duo may not have used any oversized band aids to slow down TV Langen, but just patched them up on both ends of the court with their play that left the home team helpless in their own living room. “Woody is a skilled big man. We just wanted to double him as much as possible when he touched the ball. He got some buckets, but overall I thought that we contained him well and capitalized off it. This past week our new coach Omar Rahim and us just worked on getting our intensity back. We worked a lot on pushing the ball and just getting out on transition. We did a good job doing this against TV Langen. Having regained that intensity back again, we were able to control the boards. Everyone helped with our two bigs, Chris and myself as well as new guy Max Massing. We always go into games wanting to win the rebounding duel”, stated Washington native Jody Johnson. After the loss it was unknown if TV Langen forward Martinis Woody who was chatting with his buddy Quantez Robertson and Mike Morrison of the Fraport Skyliners was talking about being blocked by Max Massing or who was going to win the forward duel in Frankfurt Sunday between German talents Danilo Barthel and Daniel Theis. After he said farewell to the players, he could only predict certain stats since there were no stats available at that time due to technical problems and had a solution why he couldn´t match the 21 ppg and 15rpg average he had the previous three games. “Turnovers cost us the game tonight. I think we had something between 18-20 turnovers. In the last three games I wasn´t getting double teamed until the second half. Tonight they did it from the start and didn´t let me do anything with it”, stressed TV Langen forward Martinis Woody.

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Lennart Okeke (Fraport Skyliners Juniors) Coach Detlef Has Done A Great Job Stabilizing My Shot And Teaching Me When To Insert It Best Into My Game

Lennart Okeke is a 18 year old 191cm guard that plays NBBL and Pro B for the Fraport Skyliners. He started his basketball career in 2011 for Eintracht Frankfurt. He played his first German Pro B game at age 16. Last season he played for the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt II (ProB) 9 games: 2.3ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.2apg, played also at Eintracht Frankfurt U19 team (NBBL). He spoke to German Hoops after the 69-42 NBBL win against the Young Tigers Tuebingen last weekend.

An easy NBBL win against the Young Baskets Tuebingen 69-42. What were the main reasons for the loss?

This win showed that we have gotten better as a team. This was the same type of game that we had in Tuebingen earlier this season, but then we had Niklas Kiel and Armin Musovic in the lineup. Today we had many young players in the lineup and played very well as a team.

How do you explain the success and consistency of the team that always has changing lineups?

 The coaching staff does a great job getting all guys on the same page. No matter who is playing the coaching staff has everyone ready so that playing together doesn´t become difficult. We learn the basics well so that even if someone has never practiced with the team, they can do it right on the court.

Today you played two games in a span of seven hours. How do you prepare for a game like this?

I go to bed early and eat well. Last weekend I had three games so I had a similar schedule. When I played national team we had something like 11 games in 12 days so the body always has to be prepared. You always have to have energy. During the three hour break between NBBL and Pro B games today I will go to Jules Akodo´s place eat and rest.

You played recently at the 2015 NBBL allstar game. What kind of experience was this day for you?

It was a great arena playing on a big stage in front of so many people. I thought that it was great that even though we didn´t practice as a team there was still a flow in the game on the court. We were treated very well there getting food and drinks. I felt like a professional that weekend.

You scored ten points. How happy were you with your own performance?

I thought despite the circumstances that I did a pretty good job. My teammate Kevin Bright had told me from his experience that often in these type of games that players play their own game and push it so it isn´t easy to get the ball.

What players impressed you the most in the NBBL allstar game?

 Of course my two teammates Niklas Kiel and Armin Musovic as well as Mahir Agva who I played with in the U-16 as well as game MVP Harris Hujic who is big but can shoot and has good ball handling.

You are playing your second full season in the German Pro B. You averaged in double figures in minutes in your first 8 games, but as of recent the minutes have gone down. Have you had a talk with coach why this is?

I feel that we had a big roster the last games and coach also had some of the injured players back so my minutes went down a bit.

If you could describe yourself to a German player that fits your style who would you take?

That’s difficult, but looking back at the 2015 Allstar game I would say David Brembly who won the three point shooting contest. I think that we share many similarities in our games. We bot can shoot the three pointer, penetrate and are athletic.

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

I think it is my three point shot. Last season I was more known for my penetration, but I have improved my three pointer.

Kyle Fossman has been getting many minutes at the position two with Armin Musovic playing point guard. What tips have you took from the play of Fossman that has helped your play?

I think just getting confidence in my shot. When you see him play you can see that he shoots with confidence.

How difficult has it been for the team with so many different lineups this season. Is there still a chance for the playoffs? I am sure the team takes it a game at a time.

I think that we still have a chance for the playoffs. We have good players and if we can bring much energy than we can always beat teams.

Head coach Eric Detlef is a guy that is very good with young players. How has he helped your game mature?

Coach has helped me much giving me a good strength and conditioning plan and also doing individual training with me. He has done a great job stabilizing my shot and teaching me when to insert it best into my game. He just gives me confidence in my game

What memories do you have of your first Pro B game back in 2013 where Dresden won 88-80. Did you remember Taylor Brown´s 28 points or Andrew Jones´s 38 points more?

I had heard that the Americans were always good. Brown and Jones really impressed me with their scoring in that game.

You also play NBBL. How do you keep school and sport balanced? What is the toughest in getting this all done?

You need to make a structured plan. You can´t live day to day, but be prepared and know what is happening that week. If you have an important test in school you need to tell coach well in advance if you will miss a practice. I have learned discipline and responsibility.

How do you see your future? Will you study in Germany, go to the States or start an apprenctiship and how serious are your basketball ambitions beyond the Pro B?

A year ago I was thinking about going to the States to go to college, but now I will finish school in 2015 and then study at university in Germany. I hope that I can reach the Beko BBL in the future. We will see what will happen.

It was made public that you teammate Jakob Merz has to retire at age 17 due to injury. How did you react to this?

This news really shocked me very much. I am very close friends with him and to see such a young talent have to retire at such a young age is very sad. He has such a strong personality and I know that he will get through this. He has already coped with this so well. It is just so hard when you have played from such a young age and now suddenly have to stop.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Kyle Fossman?

I would say me, but it goes back and forth

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Prometeus.

Thanks Lennart for the chat

Rickey Easterling Does The Ginobili As His Predictable Deadly Go To The Left Leads Saarlouis Past TV Langen 81-71

Except for one season when Anish Sharda was balling for USC Freiburg in south Germany in 2009-2010 where he could visit France and Switzerland within an hour, the US/India native has played professionally since 2007 in the Rhein main area and has built a square like home between Mainz-Hanau-Langen. After starting his basketball career at moorpark(JC) in 2001 and then playing for University of Mary, he made his destination Germany and played two seasons for ASC Theresianum Mainz helping them move up to the German Pro B in 2008 and then played for White Wings Hanau helping them move up to the Pro B in 2011. Sharda was recently signed by TV Langen on account of an injury to starting point guard Maxim Schneider. The 32 year old 188cm point guard is known for his scoring ability. He is comfortable shooting from anywhere, and can score in a number of different ways. His shooting range is pretty deep, but he is effective driving into the post, too. Since coming to TV Langen, he is 0-2 having lost to Iserlohn and Saarlouis. He is still searching for his form and rhythm as he was averaging 5,5ppg, 3,5apg and 1,5rpg and had coughed up the ball 8 times in the first two games. Sharda wasn´t only looking for his first win with TV Langen, but also the first in his new living room the Georg Sehring Halle, but he had stiff competition from Rickey “Mr Regionaliga” Easterling as he led all scorers with 24 points while Anish Sharda had his moments during the game, but finished with 0 points and three assists in 20 minutes as Saarlouis swept the season series against TV Langen while they lost their fourth game in a row. After the game Sharda was contemplative, but one could feel that he wasn´t satisfied with the game of the club and himself and was fuming inside. “I am really happy to be here and unhappy we couldn´t win in my first home game. I am still figuring out the players and how to work with them on the court. My role coming off the bench is one that I have never had before in my career. I have always had tough and interesting games in Langen over the years. I want to thank Jogi Barth for this chance and I will do all I can to help the team win”, stressed Anish Sharda. Baltimore native Ricky Easterling was all smiles after the game because he had helped his club sweep TV Langen this season and was happy to play against Sharda again. “Any win is a good win in this league. We continue to get better as a team and it was just that we played to our potential the two times we played against TV Langen and got the wins. Sharda is a very good and smart player. Normally a guy like that will adjust easily and quickly to a new situation. One could see that he is on a good way finding his teammates nicely and getting up shots”, added Ricky Easterling. For Easterling scoring is a normal day at the office no matter if he wins or loses, but tonight he was scratching a triple double dishing out nine assists and hauling down seven rebounds. His game isn´t necessarlly flashy, but he is simply consistent and his mid distance shot is as deadly as the stomping ground in the paint of Shaq back in the day. “We knew about his back door play, but we were late a few times and he either scored or got to the free throw line. You can´t let him get to the free throw line because he hits all. He is like Ginobili, because you know he will go to his left, but you just can´t stop him. He is good at changing speeds and just a real strong finisher with his left”, added Anish Sharda.

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Jan Moritz Overdick (TV Langen) The NBBL Isnt About Me But It Is Important That We Play Well As A Team And That Everyone Contributes

Jan Moritz Overdick is a 17 year old 207cm power forward from Germany that plays NBBL and Pro B for TV Langen. He started his basketball career for TV Hofheim and moved to TV Langen in 2012. This season he has played seven games for TV Langen in the Pro B averaging 4,0ppg and 2,1rpg and in the NBBL is averaging 20,4ppg and 8,2rpg. The German spoke to German Hoops following the 65-52 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt.

A tough 65-52 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt this weekend. The first quarter was very tight, but Eintracht Frankfurt broke away in the second quarter and never looked back. What were the main reasons for TV Langen not being able to come back?

Eintracht Frankfurt played with more intensity for 40 minutes than we did. We were unable to react the right way against their aggressive defense. They made us crazy with their defense and we were unable to play our game. The second quarter decided the game for us. When you are down 15 points, it is difficult to come back against a team like that that has a deep bench.

How disappointed were you not being able to play against Niklas Kiel who injured himself in Schwelm?

I am sorry that he got hurt. I would have liked to have played against him, because you always wanted to compete against the best. He is one of the best German players from the year 1997.

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Nick Freer (TV Langen) I Can Adjust To Many Styles Of Play

Nick Freer is a 28 year old 198 cm shooting guard/small forward from Stevensville, Michigan that is playing his first season for TV Langen. He played at E.Michigan (NCAA) from 2004-2007 and then transfered to Grand Valley St. (NCAA2). In his senior yearthere, he played 37 games: 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 77.9%.He started his professional basketball career in 2009 for the Holland Blast (IBL) and then In March 2010 signed at Newcastle Hunters (Australia-ABA) playing 21 games averaging 22.7ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 80.5%. In 2010-2011, he played for the TV 1864 Salzkotten (Germany-Regionalliga) and the Southwest Slammers (Australia-SBL).In 2011-2012 he played for the Webmoebel Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA) playing 29 games: 10.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 85.2%. In 2012-2013 he played for the Uni-Riesen Leipzig (Germany-ProA) playing b30 games: 12.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 55.9%, 3FGP: 31.3%, FT: 73.1%. Last season he played for the London Lions (United Kingdom-BBL): 15 games: 9.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 55.7%, 3FGP: 36.8%, FT: 72.2%, in Feb.’14 moved to Surrey United (United Kingdom-BBL) playing 11 games: 16.5ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 82.1%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Since our last interview in 2011, how has your game developed further?

I have played in many places, but I think my game has stayed pretty much the same as I have seen many different styles and always had to adapt. In Leipzig I struggled a bit at the start, but finished strong. The next season, I went to London and that team had very good players and I was more of a role player. I then moved to Surrey and was the main guy. I just try to be aggressive and give my athletic game wherever I play.

What memories do you have from your season in Paderborn? You showed that you had no problems adjusting to the German Pro A coming from the German Regionaliga.

Paderborn had a real good group of guys. Coach Glasauer did a good job getting all his players adjusted in his system.

How much fun was it playing with Jefferson Mason. Recently you were opponents in the German Pro B as he plays for Hanau.

 It was great. I think we both helped each other in practice. Mason likes to attack while I like to spot up. We had some good battles in practice.

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Willy Manigat (Bayer Giants Leverkusen) Osvaldo Jeanty Is In Many Ways The Reason I Started Taking Basketball Seriously

 

Willy Manigat is a 26 year old 180cm point guard from Montreal, Canada that will be playing his third professional season and second in Germany and first with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. Last season he played for the Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig (Germany-ProB, starting five): 8 games: 20.1ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.4apg, 3.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3Pts: 41.2%, FT: 81.6%, in Feb.’14 moved to New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig (Germany-BBL): 2 games: 3.0ppg. He started his basketball career in 2005 with  the University of Ottawa (CIS). In 2007 he moved on to  Carleton University (CIS) where he played until 2012 and as a senior played 28 games: 11.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 40.4%, FT: 86.0%. He started his professional basketball career in 2012 for  Summerside Storm (NBL): 36 games: 3.4ppg. He talked to German Hoops about basketball during the summer.

 

Thanks Willy for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how are you enjoying your summer?

Hey Miles, thank you to you and German Hoops for choosing me for this interview. I am currently in Ottawa, Canada, this is where I train for the summer at Carleton University where I attended school. My summer has been going by very quickly with all the training going on but so far so good.

You signed to play for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. How thrilled are you to be able to continue your career as well as staying in Germany?

I’m extremely happy with my return to Germany. When the season ended last year, one of my goals was to come back to Germany in order to continue building on the success of last season. I’m looking forward to this upcoming season with Bayer Giants Leverkusen.

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