J’Quan Brown is a 23 year old guard that played at Emmanuel Christian High School. He never went to college, but has semi-pro basketball experience with two teams Glynn County Crusaders (2015-16) (Semi-Pro) averaging 13.3 PPG 5.3 APG 3.2 RPG 1.3 SPG and the T.R.U.E. Eagles (2016-17) (Semi-Pro) averaging 20 PPG 6.3 APG 4.4 APG 2.3 SPG. He is part of the Howard Hoops tour in Germany and spoke about his basketball career and the tour.

J’Quan thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

It’s a pleasure, thanks for having me. Right now, I’m currently in Orlando, Florida, preparing for my flight to Frankfurt tomorrow morning. My summer has been one of a kind. Late nights and early mornings, literally. But all in all, summer was really busy.

You’re a 23 year old guard from Georgia that has no college experience, but at least played for two semi-pro teams. How difficult is the whole process of mentally keeping that basketball dream alive when you realistically it is very difficult?

It’s extremely hard! Particularly not knowing when and where opportunity will arise. But the biggest thing for me is to stand on faith and just stay ready. I’d rather not have an opportunity and be ready for one than to have one and not be ready. It’s a motto that I live by.

You had a stellar high school career with Emmanuel Christian High School (2013-14) 25.4 PPG 4.1 APG 6.1 RPG 3.3 SPG 1.3 BPG There you were named Player of the Year. With a resume like that why didn’t you land at some college?

As a kid, I’d always wanted to go straight to the pros out of high school. But I didn’t necessarily have that luxury. Emmanuel was such a small school. Like, extremely small. It wasn’t a top high school where I’m from. And it wasn’t top notch competition neither. It was a small private institution, so the school would never get any recognition. I would make personal calls to college coaches about coming out to games and checking them out, but no one would acknowledge. So no, I wasn’t recruited coming out of high school. Very unfortunate, but you control what you can control.

You played with two semi pro teams where you registered pretty good stats. What kind of experience was that and can you get better at the semi pro level?

It was a different experience and also a very frustrating one. Where I played, sometimes you’d have a game scheduled and then it would get cancelled just hours before! Crazy! So there was a lot of inconsistency. As far as getting better at that level, yes you can. But I want to be one of the best players in the world! So I know in order for me to accomplish that, I must shoot for the highest level possible!

With the two semi pro teams Glynn County Crusaders (2015-16) (Semi-Pro) you averaged 13.3 PPG 5.3 APG 3.2 RPG 1.3 SPG T.R.U.E. Eagles (2016-17) (Semi-Pro) 20 PPG 6.3 APG 4.4 APG 2.3 SPG. What stands out right away that you are a scoring guard that also knows how to find your teammates. Talk a little about your game.

My game is pretty simple, for the most part. I don’t like my game to be labeled. Yes I can score, but I’m also a guy who loves to make plays for others and don’t need the ball in my hands to make an impact on the game. I also use my size to my advantage. Yes, I’m small, but I’m definitely strong enough to hold my own.

You get a lot of steals as well. Would you classify yourself as a passionate defender that always wants and can lock down his man? Talk a bit about how much pride you take on the defensive end?

I take a lot of pride in defense! I was told by my uncle as a youngster that I should always destroy whoever was guarding me, but never give up baskets! It’s kind of like being the head of a household and protecting your home and family. You wouldn’t allow anyone to run up in your house and bring harm to you and your family, right? That’s how I feel about playing defense.

You didn’t play last season. What job did you have and were you able to continue to stay in game and body shape? How difficult is it shuffling a job and that basketball dream?

One reason I didn’t play anywhere last year was because I was dealing with a fractured shoulder blade. I went to the Slammers Basketball Combine last summer. Felt I did pretty good, but received no offers. So I worked at a local gym in my hometown where I have access to a basketball court, weight room, swimming pool and all! So I took full advantage! It is hard to juggle working and also chasing the hoop dream. Working early mornings and late nights while also making sure that I’m working on my craft in between all of that. Not to mention the fact that I’m getting on average four hours of sleep/night! But that’s the sacrifice you make when chasing your dreams! It’ll all pay off, I’m sure of it!

You are taking part at the 2019 Howard Hoops tour in Germany. How excited are you to be able to be in Europe? With what kind of expectations are you going to Germany with?

I’m very excited, actually. But I’m not going get too high, nor too low. I have to stay even kill. I’ve been over in Europe one other time, last summer. Great experience! And this will just add on to that. My expectations are to come over, enjoy the experience, play hard, compete, be a sponge and soak up as much as possible, do my best, and let God do the rest!

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? What are you looking forward to most with this experience?

I don’t know a whole lot about the game over there. I do know that the country loves the sport! The thing that I’m most looking forward to, I’d say, is just the experience in general. Not everyone gets an opportunity like this, so I’m going make sure that I take full advantage. This is a blessing!

How thankful are you of getting this experience from tour CEO Ronald Howard (181-PG-84, college: Mayville St.). How did the whole contact come about and what do you believed impressed him most from your game to invite you?

Oh, I’m beyond thankful! Out of all the camps and showcases that I’ve been to, I can honestly and truly say that this is first legit one that I’ve gotten. So it’s only right that I give my all! Ron was actually recommended to me by a buddy of mine, Chris Miller. Like Ron himself, I’m an undersized guard. And with no college experience, he figured that this would be the best opportunity for me! Also, I think we kind of gravitated toward each other because we’re both HUGE fans of the late great rapper out of Los Angeles California, Nipsey Hussle. May God rest his soul.

Ronald Howard has an amazing trach record of helping guys like yourself land on a team. How confident are you that through his guidance you would be able to find a team?

His resume speaks for itself. He knows what he’s doing. He can get in contact with any team out there but he can’t go out and play for us. So it’s our job to go out and play to represent Howard Hoops Academy the best way possible. He’s going do his part, so it’s on us to do ours. Together, as a team!

Is your basketball dream big enough to earn somewhere between 300-500 euro to start?. That is a tough lifestyle and some guys can’t cope with it while others can. Are you aware how tough it will be once you get a shot?

Yes, my hoop dream is big enough for that. And yes, I am aware of how tough that could be. I can understand how some guys can’t cope with it. Especially those with a family. And some of those guys have jobs where they live where they make more money. I don’t have a family. I’m single with no kids, so I’m willing to take the risk! You got to start somewhere and I’m more than willing to work my way up. I’ve come too far to quit now!

Please explain in a few sentences as to why you could help any team despite the kind of resume that you have?

I bring good qualities to a club. Scoring, playmaking, energy, leadership, great work ethic, determination, and a passion that’s unmatched! And though my resume isn’t the best, I know for a fact that I can play at this level. And I’m going to prove it

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore. Which 4 heads old or present would you pick?

This is a topic that’ll forever exist! I don’t typically get involved in topics like this, but my personal NBA Mount Rushmore would be: 1. Lebron James 2. Michael Jordan 3. Kobe Bryant 4. Magic Johnson

What is your personal opinion of the never ending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

Kobe Bryant is my all time favorite player! But I personally believe that Lebron is the greatest to ever do it! That’s no disrespect to MJ, he was great! But Lebron is a different animal. 6’8 260lbs and is able to do what he does at the highest level. It’s ridiculous! Everyone has their opinion on it. And there are even some who don’t believe that neither of the two are the greatest. But to each it’s own!

What was the last movie that you saw?

The very last movie I saw was the brand new Lion King, which is by far the greatest movie ever created! I love that movie to death and will watch it 100 times a day if I could!

Thanks J’Quan for the chat.

Derrick Allen amazed basketball fans in Europe for 16 years including 14 years in Germany. He gave fans in many cities many unforgettable nights as he played two seasons with BG Karlsruhe, one season for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen, three seasons for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners, two years with Alba Berlin and also wore the jersey for teams like the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven, Braunschweig, Rasta Vechta and Science City Jena. At the end of 16 seasons, he won two titles in Iceland and a league title in Belgium. He reached the BBL final with Frankfurt in 2010 and 2011 with Alba Berlin. He played a total number of 477 BBL games and as a professional including his short stint with the Southern Crescent Lightning (WBA) in 2004 a total of 642 professional games. He spoke to eurobasket about his 16 year professional career.

Derrick thanks for taking time to talk to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

My summer has been great, I’ve just been working out and speaking time with family at our home in Cumming, Georgia.

I have been covering you for 15 years since your early time with BG Karlsruhe. I will always remember you as a role model for everyone. A guy who played the game with a passion and had those mind boggling and dizzy like moves in the paint. How will you always remember me?

I will remember you miles as a guy who changed the way journalism is done in Germany. It’s fun to read your columns, and you do a lot of great interviews. Something Americans need more of in Europe!

You have announced your retirement at the age of 39 years old. If someone had told you in the fall of 2003 as you were making first experiences as a professional player in Iceland with Iprottabandalag Keflavikur that you would be play 16 professional seasons how would you have responded then?

Man I wouldn’t have believed them. I told my self I wanted to play until I was 35. But when I got to that age, I felt so well physically that I just kept playing.

A day before you announced your retirement via the social media,your ex teammate with Science jena Dru Joyce did the same saying he had joined the Cleveland State coaching staff. Did you have a talk with him earlier in the summer about the possibility of retiring?

I saw Dru in Vegas this summer for NBA summer league. We talked more about family life & basketball more than anything .

How tough was your decision to make this step to hang up your jersey. It seemed lie your family had a big part of it? 

It wasn’t a tough decision at all. I could have continued to play the waiting game. Or go play in Asia for one more year, but I didn’t want to do that. My family always comes first, and I thought about what my next steps would be.

I always said you were like a 28 year old in body and mind instead of your actual age. How were you feeling this summer. How many more years could you still have played?

No my body feels great, I trained the whole summer like I was playing this upcoming season. My decision about retiring came about 2 weeks ago. I had my mind set on playing just one more year! I didn’t like the way we finished the season in Jena. Dropping out of the league, and then retiring was not what I wanted to do.

You know my interviews are unending so I will try to make it as short as possible and go back from the start to the present. You began your college career at Southern Union State CC in 1998 and played two seasons then. How important was it for your early development and mentally for going this route. Did having to start at the bottom give you a type of chip on your shoulder that helped shape your unbelievable work ethic that you would carry with you your whole career?

Absolutely, playing in junior college made me hungry until the last day I walked off the court. I wasn’t highly recruited in high school. So all my basketball career, I’ve had to prove myself.

You then finished at Mississippi (NCAA) averaging 9,2ppg and 8,2ppg in your last two seasons. How vital was head coach Rod Barnes for your development from a college player into a professional player? How did he groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Playing in the SEC was great for me. Playing against some of the best in college basketball. Playing for Coach Barnes taught me about life, how to be a man, and don’t make excuses.

You played your rookie season with Iprottabandalag Keflavikur (Iceland-Epson League) putting up big time stats FIBA Europe Cup: 8 games: 26.6ppg, 9.4rpg, 2.5apg, 1.8spg; Icelandic League: 22 games: 23,4ppg, 10.5rpg. What memories do you have of your rookie season? You won your first two titles with them.

My memories from Iceland were. I just got cut from a team in France (Bolouzac), and I was ready to do damage in that league. I played with some wonderful guys there. Who made my 1st full season in Europe one to remember.

You then came to Germany and played two seasons with BG Karlsruhe. You quickly became a top forward in the league. Here you began your long tour in your career playing with amazing teammates. How important was veteran Narcisse Ewodo for your first two seasons in Germany. What do you remember being able to soak up most from his presence on and off the court?

Narcisse was true Veteran player who just knew how to score. He did that in every league he played in. That’s what most I learned from Narcisse.

You then played with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing 38 games: Score-1 (16.5ppg), 7.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 50.6%, 3FGP: 32.3%, FT: 72.2%. You led the BBL in scoring. You had many great seasons as a professional, but in terms of your own play was this your best season concerning your game?

My year in Leverkusen was a good. We made the playoffs, and that help me kind of take another step in my career.

You were teammates with Nate Fox who passed away a few years ago. He was the type of player that the home fans loved and opponents fans hated. What will you remember most from his game and character?

Nate was one of the best teammates I ever had. It’s truly sad that he’s not here with us anymore.

You then played three years with the Frankfurt Skyliners.from 2007-2010. It was the longest stint that you had as a professional with one team. You had a very close relationship with the fans. Is it fair to say that your stay in Frankfurt was your most cherished in your professional career?

Frankfurt is like home for me! That’s where I grew the most as a player. The organization, fans, and my former coaches & teammates all have a special place in my heart.

On any normal day what phrase do you think did you hear more? D.A or Babbba (referring to head coach Murat Didin’s nickname?

DA I heard most from my teammates and the staff in Frankfurt. I only heard Bubba from Murat! He taught me how to look at the game differently, so I could become an elite player. I’m grateful for all the things I learned from Murat.

You made a slow progression as a professional in Germany making your way to the top. Finally in 2010 you signed with Alba Berlin six seasons since starting in Germany. Do feel like if you had come up later as a player that you may have made the jump to a top team quicker?

No, everything happens for reason! I’m very glad with how my career went. And the time it took me to play for a team like Alba.

You played two seasons with Alba Berlin from 2010-2012. You had so much talent around you. Was this when you were in your prime? How do you feel did your game grow in these two years?

Playing with great players makes the game, so easy for you. It makes you want to step up your game, and be ready for every practice or game.

You then played a season with Belgacom Spirou (Belgium-Ethias League) averaging 10.4ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 56.7%, FT: 65.1%; EuroCup: 5 games: 12.4ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 76.9%. You won the Belgium title. What was so special about this team that gave you your last title as a professional?

Well we didn’t win the title that season. It’s a Eurobasket mistake! Lol, but guys on that team I still talk with this team. On that Charleroi team, we just had a lot of good genuine people on the team.

You returned to Germany and played with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. How tough was this season after playing many years of having success? What memories do you have of Bremerhaven and the sea from a guy coming from Alabama?

It wasn’t tough at all! You play with great teams, and you play with teams who play to stay in the league. I’ve done both in my career. My best memory of Bremerhaven, was finding out my wife was pregnant with our first child.

You then played a season with the Basketball Loewen Braunschweig (Germany-BBL) playing 34 games averaging 10.1ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 57.4%, FT: 60.2%. Here you were teammates for the first time with Dru Joyce. The second time came with Science City Jena. How special of a teammate was he and how much easier did he make your game?

Dru is just a great dude, and good family guy. My family and his family hung out a lot during our time in Braunschweig. Also he’s a great guy to play with on a team.

You then played two seasons with Rasta Vechta helping the club move up to the BBL in 2016. How special was this season moving up and was the fanatic atmosphere the best you ever witnessed with all the teams you played with?

Playing in Vechta was great! They probably have the best fans in the league.

You finished your career in Jena playing 65 BBL games with them. What did it mean to you finishing your career with BBL legends Immanuel Mcelroy and Julius Jenkins. You had played with both before in Berlin. What did they mean to you having them as teammates?

Playing with Mac & Julius meant everything. We are all like brothers, and it was so easy to play with them again in Jena. Playing together again was amazing.

You averaged double figures in scoring in 12 of 14 seasons in the BBL. Obviously your work ethic had much to do with your consistency. Was work ethic for you as normal as it is for a person riding a bike or driving a car? Where did you get this discipline from?

I got my work ethic from my mom. She showed me with discipline & hard work you can achieve anything.

You had an unforgettable 16 year professional career. What will you miss the most from being a professional 
player?


I miss the daily grind of getting ready for practice, being around the guys, and just playing the games on the weekends. I’m a basketball junkie, always have been.

The fans loved you in Germany. Please give a last parting message to the fans.

To the fans: Thank you for all of your support during these 14years in Germany. It’s been great to share many memories with you guys. Although I’m retiring from basketball. I will remain around the game, and I’m sure our paths will cross again. DA15

Thanks D.A for the great memories on the court!

 Devin Buckley is a 190cm guard from Brooklyn Park, MN that began his basketball career at Park Center High School. He then played at Wisc.-River Falls (NCAA3) from 2013-2018 playing a total of 93 games. In his freshman season he played 21 games averaging 7.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 70.2%. In his second season at Wisc.-River Falls (NCAA3) he played 18 games averaging 7.0ppg, 1.7rpg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 49.2%, FT: 87.1%. In his junior season at Wisc.-River Falls (NCAA3) he played 29 games averaging 10.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 72.4%. In his senior year with Wisc.-River Falls (NCAA3) he played 25 games averaging 6.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 36.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 68.6%. He got his first professional experience in 2018 with Team Amsterdam (Eurobasket Summer League in Dallas) playing 2 games averaging 17.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg. The American is taking part at the Howard Hoops Tour in Germany this week and spoke to germanhoops.com about his career.

Devin thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?
Thank you for featuring me on your website! I am currently in Brooklyn Park, MN and my summer has been great, just been working hard, training everyday getting ready for my opportunity to try and earn a contract to play professionally overseas.

You have been working out with player trainer Ron Howard and will be joining his Howard Hoops tour in next weeks in Germany. How did the contact come about to him?
I work out at a training facility called GameFace Training and Ron Howard used to do basketball training at the Facility. One day I worked out with him and I really enjoyed the session. He has a lot of knowledge for the game so after we worked out we had a conversation about my future and he told me that he has connections in Germany and that’s when he presented me with the opportunity to compete for a job in his Howard Hoops Tour.

You played your last NCAA 3 game in 2018. What have you been doing in the last year during your search for a professional team? Did you get that job at Target?
I’ve been training 5 days a week doing speed and agility, jump training, and strength training. Also I do some sort of basketball work out 6 days a week, such as basketball work out sessions, open gyms, and summer leagues. I actually did get the job at Target, but I turned it down to pursue my dream in playing professional basketball!

You have been struggling to find a professional fit since ending your NCAA 3 career at Wisc.-River Falls (NCAA3) in 2018. Your second summer is winding down and still no pro team. Despite knowing that how high is your self confidence that it might work this time now that you know Ron Howard?
I am very confident. I never get discouraged because I know that God’s plan for me is bigger than anything that I could ever imagine! I believe that God put Ron into my life for a reason, everything is going to work out this time and I will become a professional basketball.

What kind of training program have you had with Ron Howard? How has his program helped your fitness and game grow since you have known him?
Ron is very creative with his work out programs not only is he great at improving your fundamentals like dribbling, passing, and shooting, but he always develops advanced skills such as court vision, on and off ball screen work, and even conditioning. He makes sure that you are ready for any scenario and all aspects of the game!

What have been the biggest difficulties in finding a professional club? Has the addition of an agent or not been a factor that has hindered you to be able to play the game that you love?
I would say that there have been a couple things that have made it difficult to find a professional club to play for.
1, I feel like the majority of clubs overseas think that D3 players aren’t very skilled compared to D1 and D2 players, but that isn’t completely true. Throughout my college career I competed against a number of D2 schools and performed well and actually defeated most of the D2 schools I played against so I think that because they haven’t seen me play in person they feel that I’m not as good because I played D3 basketball.
2. The other thing is just finding an opportunity to be seen, but now that Ron is providing this opportunity to play in front of different coaches and clubs I can show them that D3 guys can play and that I could benefit a team and help them win this upcoming season!

You haven’t been totally without professional experience. In the summer of 2018, you had the opportunity to play with Team Amsterdam (Eurobasket Summer League in Dallas) playing 2 games averaging 17.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg. What kind of experience was this and what did you get out of it?
Yes, I did, it was a great experience I had the chance to compete against D2, D1, and even former pros that played overseas the year before! And I believe that my numbers showed from the 2 games that I performed very well and can compete at the next level as a pro ball player. The exposure camp with Eurobasket give me the confidence that professional basketball is obtainable and that I am good enough.

You will be a part of the Howard Hoops tour in August in Germany. How excited are you for this opportunity and what are you looking most forward to in this week when you come to Germany?
I am beyond excited! I’ve been waiting for this chance to show that I can play and now that it is finally almost here I’m ready to get there and prove myself! The thing I’m looking forward to most is playing against different pro teams in Germany it will be such an amazing experience!

Will you continue your special ritual of putting on your left sock and left shoe before your right sock and right shoe?
You’ve really done your research! It’s really cool that you know that, but of course I will. I’ve been doing it since I was a little kid and I don’t think that’s ever going to change.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had any friends or ex teammates or opponents that have had a chance to ball professionally in Germany?
I don’t know a ton about Germany as a country. I know that it is a beautiful with great food and great people. As far as the basketball there I’ve heard that it is very physical so I will have to be aggressive and not be afraid of contact. I don’t have any friends/ex teammates that have played in Germany, but I do have some friends/ex teammates that have played in Europe such as Poland, France, and Hungary.
Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm guard. So people can get a feel of what type of player you are to what NBA plyer could one describe your game best to?
If I had to choose one player in the NBA to describe me I would say Bradley Beal. I think my game is similar to Beal, he is a sharpshooter that is great from 3pt range, but he can also score in many other ways (cutting to the back, post up game as a big guard, and a good ball handler that can get to the basketball). Also I believe we both possess the ability to get our teammates involved through our play making abilities. So if I had to compare myself to an NBA guy it would definitely be Bradley Beal.

You scored only once in double figures in the NCAA 3 at 10,6ppg. What strengths does your game possess and what will you be showcasing in Germany most?
Although this is true I think that my stats from college aren’t a good representation of what I’m capable of doing if given the chance to play professionally. In college my Head Coach’s offensive philosophy was to get it into the post as much as possible. So I didn’t get to play completely the way I wanted to play and I didn’t get to shoot the ball very much, which explains why I’ve only averaged double figures once in college. But like I stated in my answer above, my game possesses not only the ability to be a knock down shooter, but also a guard that has a high basketball IQ, always makes the correct basketball play, and the ability to get my teammates open shots. 

How do you feel did your game grow at Wisc.-River Falls and on what parts of your game do you continue to work on to grow as a player as you go into the professional ranks?
I’d say my athleticism greatly improved throughout college I am now able to move a lot quicker laterally. Also I think my feel for the game improved, just being able to find my spots on the court making it was easier for me to score. My shot selection improved over the years, and being able to make the extra pass to get a great shot for my team. 

You played at Wisc-River Falls from 2013-2018 being a WIAC tournament finalist in 2016 and 2018 and won it in 2017. What were the highs of your college career and what was your most memorable moment?
Those tournament championship games were definitely highs during my college careers because the atmosphere and the intensity was so incredible in each of those games. And I’d say that playing in the NCAA tournament was the most memorable moment in my college career. But some of the best moments of my college basketball career were the rides home from long road trips and the trips out of State, being able to create chemistry with the guys, talk about things on the bus and in the hotel rooms, and just being together helped create memories that I will never forget.

Was your 29-point game against St Thomas one of your most memorable games in school?
It was an amazing game in my career! It was the first game of the season and we played such a successful program, so to beat them and to score the most points in the first game of the season in UW-River Falls history with 29 points it was a great night for sure!

How did head coach Jeff Berkhof groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?
The best thing that Coach Berkhof taught me is to never get too high or too low on myself and just to focus on being better than I was yesterday through hard work and dedication on my craft.

Who won a one on one in school you or Clay Seifert?
Oddly Clay and I never played a game of one on one against each other, He is a good player but if we did I think I would edge him out!

Who was the toughest opponent that you played in the NCAA that is in the NBA or in Europe now?
The toughest players that I have played that are in the NBA or Europe now would have to be Tyus Jones and Rashad Vaughn.

Please list your five best teammates of all-time?
1.Quinton Hooker
2.Alex Herink
3.Jon Christensen
4.Ollie White
5.Grant Erickson

Please name your personal own NBA Rushmore. Which four heads would you pick past or present for your list?
1.Michael Jordan
2.Kobe Bryant
3.Magic Johnson
4.Lebron James

What is your personal opinion of the never ending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?
I think that these two players are the only players that can be debated on as the GOAT, and Lebron James is unbelievable with his ability be so versatile and to be a 6’9 point guard, but based on the eye test as a basketball player, all the accolades, records, and championship, the GOAT has always been and still is Michael Jordan! 

What was the last movie that you saw?
The last movie I watched is in my opinion the greatest movie ever, it takes you on an emotional roller coast, it is based on a true story, and is the greatest upset of all time, and that movie is Glory Road! 

Thanks Devin for the chat.

Ron Howard is an ex player that spent many years overseas and since retiring has focused his energy on helping unknown players get exposure by organizing games and in many cases helping them find professional jobs. He founded Howard Hoops in 2013 where he brought numerous players overseas to help them find jobs and since 2018 has started the Howard Hoops academy where he helps train unknown players and help find basketball jobs. germanhoops.com has been covering his work since years and have interviewed him again about the current 2019 Howard Hoops Tour in Germany.

Ron thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

Right now I am currently getting on a plane to Frankfurt for the Howard Hoops Summer Exposure Tour. My summer has been UnReal!!

You have been in the States again for many months, but are returning back to Germany to run your well known Howard Hoops tour. What do you enjoy seeing most when you return back to Germany?

Although there are many things I enjoy seeing while coming back to Germany, but what excites me is knowing I have 9 Player’s from America ready to lay it out on the line to earn a roster spot this summer.

You have been running the Howard Hoops Tour now for 5-6 years. With so much experience now, how challenging is it for you with every new tour making it the best possible and most advantageous for hungry players looking for that professional job?

While this being the 6th year running H.H. Exposure Tour I wanted to make it a bit more competitive. This year bringing in 2 Regionalliga Teams Deutz & Olpe, because if my H.H. Team displays everything I believe they are capable of doing. It will be a great turn out for this group. 

In our last interview in November 2018, you stated that the Howard Hoops tour developed further with expanding a Basketball Academy in Santiago, Dominican Republic. How has that been coming along in the last 8-9 months?

‘Let’s not talk about the DR’

Talk a little about this summers Howard hoops Tour in Germany. Where will the games be and what can players expect from the 2019 edition?

This summer we will play a warm up game against EOSC Offenbach then over the weekend we will play in a 4 team tournament in Olpe.

You have to put in much preparation each year into arranging the Howard Hoops roster. Do the player applications grow each year and on what things do you look for most in giving players the chance to be a part of this tour?

Yes they grow each year but this year I really went after character and I feel like I have a great group of young men.

Give a little introduction about what players will be playing in this years tour? What guys do you believe to be able to make the biggest impact?

I think Dorea Wilson & Brandon McElvy & Devin Buckley stand out the most to me. 

Talk a little about some of your ex Howard Hoops Tour players. Which guys have you been following most and is a Chris Miller continuing to climb the basketball ladder?

Yes Denzel Brito is having a great summer of training and can’t wait to see him this season. Chris Miller will be headed to China for a Year of Coaching. 

How are guys like Ivan Vernon and Philipp Jenkins continue to move up the basketball ladder?

They are both doing well and having a great summer of training, I’m looking forward for them breaking that barrier this year and climbing the ladder.

In our last interview you listed some guys like Marquis Jones and Taylor Jordan. How have these guys developed further and did any get jobs?

Taylor Jordan now does skill training & Marquis Jones has a nice youth girls program he has developed and is taking off!!

A thing that I love about you is that you are never content and what to better yourself and help others achieve and get better. What future goals do you have. Are there any new ideas that you are working on to get realized down the road?

Yes I have recently opened up a Howard Hoops Training Facility in Saint Louis Park Minnesota. I am brining in 2 international German player’s/students and to come train their skills and develop their game with me and live in America for 4 weeks. They will understand how college works and go on college tours also have live scrimmages each week. I’m trying to bring the culture together through basketball. International German players coming August 18-September 18 are (Max Montag) and (Alexander Haritopoulos)

You also have been spending a lot of time in Minnesota with personal training of players. How has this task been occupied best in 2019 and what is your biggest goal with continuing to pursue this?

My biggest goal is to be a Collegiate Head Coach, but as for now my focus is to keep reaching kids and developing talent and teaching the game of basketball the correct way.

The 2019 World Cup is coming up and Team USA will be very young. The most experienced veterans will be Kemba Walker and PJ Tucker. How do you see this team doing against the European competition?

I think it’s going to be tough, but we are young and hungry. Team US all the way!!

What was the last movie that you saw?

Aladdin

Thanks Ron for the chat.

Derrick Allen has retired. He amazed basketball fans in Europe for 16 years including 14 years in Germany. He gave fans in many cities many unforgettable nights as he played two seasons with BG Karlsruhe, one season for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen, three seasons for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners, two years with Alba Berlin and also wore the jersey for teams like the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven, Braunschweig, Rasta Vechta and Science City Jena. At the end of 16 seasons, he won two titles in Iceland and a league title in Belgium. He reached the BBL final with Frankfurt in 2010 and 2011 with Alba Berlin. He played a total number of 474 BBL games and as a professional including his short stint with the Southern Crescent Lightning (WBA) in 2004 a total of 642 professional games.  I sampled tribute messages from teammates, opponents, team employees and fans. The peers of Derrick Allen will never forget him.

Dietmar Haubrich/Natascha Mnich( long time Derrick Allen fans and friends from Frankfurt)

DA is probably the only player that played for 10 teams in his career and stayed in the heart of every organization. He and his family were able to leave something unique in every place they were through their loving and open nature

Katja Von Der Beeck(Long time Alba Berlin fan)

When Alba Berlin announced that he was joining us, I was very happy. The name was already very well known then. I already liked his game style before he came to Alba. I was so happy to see him play every week. After he left Alba, we remained in contact and one was always happy to see the other. I don´t want to lose the contact to family Allen

Murat Didin(Ex coach Deutsche Bank Skyliners)

He ran the ship with pure heart. I remember his first practice. He was doing everthing perfect, but he had some disturbance in his knee. Doctors didn´t let him play the next day. DA was really upset. I then worked with him  a few days. Management said that if there was an injury that his contract would be cut. I told him that that wouldn´t happen. Nobody can stop you. His knee was never a subject again. Then he had some very nice years with Frankfurt. I always thought that if he had had a bit better shot then he would have been a Euroleague player. First he was an action player and then he became a team player where he saw everything. I was very proud to have been able to coach him. I wish him a lot of luck now. He can help young players because he has the experience and heart.

Ahmet Didin(Son of Murat Didin)

8 Years after we moved away from Frankfurt and my father wasn’t coaching him for a long time, but DA still wishes me happy birthday every day and asks how my siblings and parents are doing. This just showed how genuinely nice and caring he was. I always appreciated him, and I still wear my #15 Allen Skyliners jersey when I play basketball just because he was such a role model as an athlete. And every time when I see a big shot and a dribble pull up 15 foot jumper reminds me of him.

Achmadschah Zazai(Hamburg Towers)

A great player has retired. You could always rely on him on the court. He always gave 100%

Stefano Garris(Ex player)

Derrick was always very diligent and very professional. He always put in the extra work.

Eric Taylor (Ex player)

Derrick was a prolific scorer who was always ready to bring fire to the offense. He was a great teammate who supported what was best for the team. Derrick was a consistent, and reliable teammate who knew what was right to make the team succeed. Most importantly, Derrick was a really good person, he had a kind heart and always a beacon of positive energy, always bringing people together off the court.

Pascal Roller (Ex player Frankfurt Skyliners legend)

DA was a workaholic(gym rat) that had the fastest feet in the low post that I ever saw. Because he was always moving in the paint, he was impossible to defend and was always a go to option on offense. He was able to play at a high level for so long because of his role model like attitude and staying in shape so well. But more important was his character that made him such a popular figure. His leadership qualities with that lead by example attitude made him a very valuable building block for every team that he played with

Vincent Yarbrough(Ex NBA player ex Bamberg/Bonn)

“Derrick’s career is a testament to his work ethic. Self starter. Go getter. Look at those years. Look at those teams. Look at the success. I wish you all the success in the world on your next chapter”

Michael Umeh(Polski Cukier Torun (Poland-EBL)

Met DA first summer I got out. One of the guys any rookie would look up to in regards to professionalism and staying prepared. Just want to congratulate DA on a great career.

Helge Baues(WWU Baskets Muenster)

I played together with him for one season in Bremerhaven. He was a good captain even in bad times. I was a young player then and he was a super role model for me with his professional attitude and effort on the court.

Chris Ensminger(ex player)

He worked his way up the BBL ladder and had many outstanding years. First time I believe when I saw him was in Karlsruhe where Derrick played in the BBL with a young team. One thing that always amazed me was the amount of work he put into his pregame routine. He made me tired just watching. It was like he was playing a game before the game. Full energy bouncing around, same routine,spinning the ball for his mid range jump shot. Pump faking the air, up n unders, usw…… Undersisized 4/5 that competed hard and seemed to be a GREAT teammate from all of the things I heard from his former teammates. Leader by example, 100percent work ethic. Which explains why he played such a long career. Taking care of his body I’m sure in many different ways. DA as many know him definitely wasn’t the flashiest or most athletic with high flying dunks or Alley oops. Perhaps a PF playing below the rim like myself. but a winner, someone who competed every game and each possession. A teammate who had your back and would like on your team . DA will be successful in his next career after basketball because of this mindset. It is a shame we never had a chance to play with each other but I have many memories competing against him! Congratulations on a great BBl and European career! All the best and sure our paths will cross again somewhere!

Demond Mallet(ex player)

I played against DA on several occasions. He was a high energy guy that could do everything. You had to bring it every time you played against him. He just made his team better. Not only that, he is a great person off the court. I know his second chapter will be just as successful.

Braydon Hobbs(EWE Baskets)

Derrick had a great career. It was always nice to compete against him because you knew he was always going to give 100 percent. He was a super hard worker. He would be the first guy on the court, for a game, and get a full workout in. I have never seen someone workout so hard before a game and still have energy left to perform in the game. It was incredible. I wish him all the best for his future, and we need more people around the game like Derrick Allen.

Adam Waleskowski(MHP Riesen)

Derrick Allen was one of the hardest working, talented guys I have played against. From his intensity during his pre-game warm up until the final buzzer, DA was always working his ass off and playing at 100 percent. Taking pride in being a tough-nosed hard worker like him, every time I played against him I knew it was going be a dog fight. He always made his teammates better and was a great personality that I’m sure fans loved to support where ever he played. I want to congratulate DA on such a successful career and wish him all the best in his next step after retirement!

Velimir Radinovic(Ex player)

Terrific energy guy. You could never take any possessions off against him, otherwise he’d make you pay because he had such a great motor.

Jukka Matinen(Former player)

I played against him when he was In Karlsruhe.. He played really tough and effective every game. He has a way To find the simplest solutions on The court, which are the most effective. When you add really good basketball fundamentals and a tough mentality, it is no wonder he had an amazing career.

Jasmin Perkovic(U.M.F. Tindastoll Sauoarkrokur Iceland-Dominos League)

I don’t know what to say about Derrick, in last ten years I changed so many teammates. I always can say about them something but I really don’t know Derrick personally, only from scouting report. Honestly, I can only remember he was fast in transition and he had fast feet.

Lorenzo Williams(Neptunas Klaipeda Lithuania-LKL)

I played against Derrick Allen for the first time back in 2009-10 season when he was in Frankfurt. I played for Giessen so this was our rival. I didn’t know him but what stood out to me was how hard he worked every possession. He never took any plays off. But the biggest thing I took from him is how well he communicates with his teammates on the court. I could tell that he was a great leader and his guys had a lot of respect for him. Without him even knowing, he has helped me in my career a lot. I’m sure other players feel the same.

Michael Hakim Jordan(ex Player assistant coach Colgate(NCAA)

I’ve always appreciated DA because of how hard he played. He was a guy I never had the chance to play with but always wanted to. Hated playing against him.. He was always a good dude

Steven Wriedt(assistant coach Giessen 46ers)

He was a great player and great guy. He was always one of the fastest players in the league even for his size and age. I would always tell our young players to watch how he would warm up full power the moment he went our on the court, always very professional and focused.

Quantez Robertson(Fraport Skyliners)

DA was always a hard worker and had a great sense of humor. He never made any excuses or complaints about anything. Everybody liked him and were still good friends to this day.

Gordon Herbert(head coach Fraport Skyliners/Team Canada)

DA is an awesome person, great family man and a tremendous professional and great teammate. He was a great example on and off the floor. It was an honor to coach Derrick.

Grayson Moyer(former player)

Derrick was one of the hardest working players I have ever played with. He led by example and never gave anything less than 100% at all times. He was a great friend and teammate.

Giordan Watson( CSM CSU Oradea Romania-Liga Nationala)

First thing I remember about Derrick was how active he was on the court. And then noticing, he can do this all game and never look tired. He had a great motor and I think it was infectious to his team. Best of luck in the after life DA!

Nik Caner Medley(Ibaraki R Japan)

I played against Derrick my 1st year as a pro in Germany when I played for the Artland Dragons. What stood out the most to me was his competitiveness and passion for the game. I have always said I am a fighter who plays basketball and he was one of the first guys I played against who had that same approach, it was inspiring to see! Congrats on a great career Derrick you inspired guys that you may not have even known and that is a sign of greatness.

Besnik Bekteshi(Tigers Tuebingen)

He is a fascinating player and a role model. Only a player like him who cares so much for his body can play as long as he did. He was a leader and was always prepared to help the young players. I´m glad that I was able to play with him for one season. I wish him all the best for the future.

Jakob Muziol(Former press speaker Bayer Giants Leverkusen)

I can only say what probably everyone else has said. DA was always nice and you could rely on him and without big stories off the court. As a press secretary you always want a player like that on the team.

Illian Evtimov(Chorale de Roanne Basket)

DA was the most professional player I have ever played with. On and off the court. He would always warm up 100%, then he would always stay in after practice. I have never seen anyone treat the practice the way he did. He sets the tone without even trying. When we played together, we combined on the post, and he played the 5. He was cooking every 5 man we played against even though he is undersized for a 5. Smart, hard working, coachable, and exemplary are the best words to describe him. He is a true example for every kid out there who is trying to make it as a professional.

Pete Strobl(Head Coach Basketball Lowen Braunschweig)

Derrick Allen was one of the most consistent players to ever play in Germany. His passion and professionalism should serve as a role-model for players of all ages. I’ll miss watching him compete and wish him success in the next stages of his career.

Mike Taylor(Head Coach Hamburg Towers/Poland national team)

He has just completed a legendary career. If there is a Bundesliga Hall of Fame, he needs to be in it. It´s not only about being a very good player on some very good teams, but the way he conducted himself. He was first class on and off the court. He was a role model for how you wanted your import big men to be like.  He was successful for several teams and had an impressive run. Now he can move on to the next chapter in his life and left a great lasting impression on the German Bundesliga and German basketball.

Wolfgang Heyder(Brose Bamberg legend)

I witnessed Derrick over 15 years not only as a great player or unbelievable energizer, but a player that always played hard, fought intensively for the win, but was always a fair and pleasant player and even after the toughest fight on the court wanted to have that friendly relationship. I wish him the best now after his playing career.

Jay Thomas(Ex player)

No matter which team he played on, no matter the record of his team or opposing team, no matter who his coach was, one thing was always certain – D.A. would bring it every night!

Rauol Korner(Head Coach medi Bayreuth)

DA is the prototype of a real professional. Someone you can show to the young players and say: „this is how you have to practice, how to be hungry but humble, how you take care of your body, how to be a leader and this is the energy you should bring every night!“ He was a role model to everyone around him and it was a real pleasure and honor coaching him.

Rickey Paulding(EWE Baskets)

DA is the ultimate competitor. I´ve never seen anyone outwork him. From the first time I played against him until now, I´ve always respected the way he played and how he approached the game. I will definitely miss competing against him and his presence in the league.

Skyler Bowlin(s.Oliver Wurzburg)

Man, DA was just a great teammate. He was a good leader, he outworked everyone, he was a great father and husband. He was the total package of how a person should be and I was very lucky to be a part of his journey.

Maurice Jeffers(Ex player)

First of all DA is just a good, high character person. Treats everyone with respect. Just a really solid dude! On the court he was the ultimate pro. I always enjoyed competing against DA because you knew he was going to do everything in his power to help his team win. I always respected how he went about his business. It was a pleasure to compete against him. He’s a real pro and I congratulate him on a great career!

Moses Ehambe(Vostok-65 (Russia-Superleague)

Derrick Allen was a leader beyond leaders. A true professional on and off the basketball court. His tireless work ethic is one I will never forget. Truly inspiring!

Ben Perkins(Ex player)

Derrick was a Pro’s Pro! During my years playing in Germany even though he is my age he had been in the League for a few years and I truly respected. There is no surprise he had such a long successful career, his approach to the game is a example all Americans should learn from! Huge congrats on a great career!

Jacob Burtschi(Ex player)

I do remember Derrick Allen. DA was the ultimate professional. From his pregame routine to how he competed on the floor. The guy never quit and he was relentless. Definitely one of my toughest battles during my time in the BBL. I’ve always had great respect for Derrick and cheers to a great career!

Deandre Lansdowne(Germani Brescia Leonessa (Italy-Serie A)

I heard about his career from many. He was such a competitor on the court, but a great leader and person off the court. He left a huge mark on the BBL, and his name will forever be in the history books.

John Bynum(Ex player)

Derrick was one of the hardest working players that I played against in Germany and it is one of the reasons why he lasted so long. He had an elite game and I always remember what a tough match up he was for other bigs around the league to defend. Off the floor he was a class act and many young players should look at his career and use that as a tool of motivation of what success is.

Stefan Letzelder(Former athletic coach Frankfurt Skyliners)

Where to start? Warrior on the court, gentleman off the court. Fun to be around. Hard worker and great overall athlete. I remember clocking him sub 11 in the 100m during a pratice at Nidda park.

Dan Oppland(Lok Bernau)

He was a great player and the ultimate competitor. He had a great career.

Dashaun Wood(Ex Alba Berlin/Frankfurt Skyliners)

He was a great professional and a great leader. He’s the kind of guy you want as a teammate He gave the game everything he had and you have to appreciate a guy like that.

He’s a great example of being a true pro.

Kevin Johnson Jr(Ex Giessen 46er)

I will always remember Derrick as a fighter on the court. He was always light on his feet and tough to guard. He always turned it up a notch for the Frankfurt vs Giessen derby games. Congrats to Derrick on a great and extremely long career!

Carlos Medlock(Trefl Sopot (Poland-EBL)

Man I wish I could’ve played with DA more than that one year in Vechta. He was a high class professional and a great captain for our team. Showed me how to lead a team the right way. A person who is willing to help out anyone still to this day I call and ask him for advice. He’s definitely going to be a good coach in his next chapter of his life.

Quentin Pryor(Ex player)

DA was the ultimate pro. His motor was unmatched. Probably the fastest big from end to end. Off the court, he was full of knowledge and advice that  younger players needed.

Jared Newson(Ex player)

Me and DA met in 2006 working out in Atlanta. He was my teammate for Bayer Giants Leverkusen my first professional year of basketball in 06-07.’ From day one I saw professionalism and work ethic. A person who worked on his craft and perfected it. DA was known for “putting people in the blender” with his spinning foot work in the post. DA was a bucket getter, a actions speak louder than words leader, and a model teammate off the court. Congratulations DA and best of luck to your next endeavors.

Jimmie Hunt(Luxuris Celje (Slovenia-2SKL)

Congrats to a great career. D.A. was a great player, tremendous competitor and even better friend. Much love and respect to you and your new chapter in life. God bless

Radenko Pilcevic(KK Lovcen Cetinje (Montenegro-Erste Liga)

Derrick is easy to describe, which is the hardest thing to do. I played against him when he was in his best basketball years and we played together when he was near the end of his career. Derrick is synonymous with professionalism. His attitude towards training at the age of 36 will remain in my memory for the rest of my life. It showed everyone what kind of relationship you have to do if you do something you love, if you want to do something at all. simply, Derick is a positive example!

Sotiris Gioulekas(SELLBYTEL Baskets Nuernberg)

I think that he played in Karlsrue when I played in Nurnberg. And we played together at the All star game in Koln. He had very good career and played with good teams. He was a very good scorer and was a strong and difficult player to play against. And he was a player that took the big shots.

Chris Carter(Ninners Chemnitz)

He was a fierce competitor and took his pregame routine very serious to make sure he was ready to play. A true testament of what being a professional is all about.

Igor Perovic(Head Coach ScanPlus Baskets)

Derick was a great player and he is even a greater person. I played for Wûrzburg and Tübingen when he was in Karlsruhe and I remember him very well. He was extremely active on the court. He always gave 100%. I have coached against him also when Derrick played for Frankfurt, Alba, Braunschweig and Vechta. He was a night mare for other players that have to play against him. He was an excellent fast break player, great mid range shooter, always went for offensive rebounds, very good low post game. Definitely he was one of the best 4 man in Germany in last 15 years. But he was always nice to other people. I remember his smile and friendly charachter. I wish him all the best in his new life without playing pro basketball.

Adrian Breitlauch(Eisbaeren Bremerhaven)

Derrick was a player that stood out. He was always the first one on the court when we faced him. Hours before the game, he was working on his shot, his post moves and other parts of his game to go and get ready for game time. A true professional. From his time with the Eisbären Bremerhaven, the team manager and physio still talk about him to this day and always point out, what a great guy he is. A true BBL-legend. I wish him all the best.

Elijah Allen(Tigers Tuebingen)

I scrimmaged Derrick Allen when I played for Lich in Pro B. At the time he was with Vechta Pro A. He was a player that I remember played with a great motor. I remember him being very vocal on offense and defense. I respect his game very much. He was the type of player that could impact the game without always having the ball in his hands. He made a great career here in Germany and I hope he enjoys his retirement.

Jannik Freese(Hamburg Towers)

Derrick seemed to always be ready 24/7. He was the first one to be on the court to get his shots up but always had a quick minute to chat it up before the game until he hustled back to his spots to shoot. He dominated the league with his hustle and persistence and had great stats up until his last year. That alone speaks for all the hard work he put in to get where he is and he deserved all of it!

Chris Oliver(Ex player)

First I want to just say congratulations to DA on a blessed and successful career. Playing against him was always a battle. We brought the best out of each other. I’m very happy for him as he embarks on this next chapter of his life. Blessings and happiness to him and his family.

Jahmar Thorpe(Earthfriends Tokyo Z (Japan-B2 League)

DA was a great player! Hard worker. And had tremendous energy! He was a leader on and off the court! A true professional!

Deandre Haynes(Ex player/ assistant coach Illinois State)

Derrick Allen was one of the toughest players I’ve played against overseas. I tell my players about him every year. He was a relentless rebounder and was always going to outwork you, and you couldn’t stop his jump hook. He had a successful career from being a great teammate and outworking everybody on the floor. He was a winner! He was the guy you wanted on your team, because that’s all he cared about was winning from what I seen and heard from coach Murat Didin. I wish him nothing but the best with his next career.

Reggie Redding(ex FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-BBL)

Nothing but respect for DA and his career. Was always a cool dude to me and played the game with the live and passion it deserves!

Tory Walker(Ex player ex Giessen, Artland and Braunschweig)

My man DA was the hardworking energizer of his team. His Love and commitment to the game of basketball showed throughout his successful career. And his durability is something that we as athletes admire because we know the grind year after year can wear a body down. The Captain has cemented his name as one of the best Americans to play in the German League!

Tim Abromatis(Zenit Sankt Petersburg (Russia-VTB)

Derrick was obviously a great player, even late in his career when I played with him, or else he wouldn’t have had such a successful career. But I remember him more for being an incredible teammate and one of the hardest workers I’ve ever known. He went full speed 100% of the time in practice, and his pregame workouts were insane. He approached the game as a true professional and I am lucky to have had one year to learn from him.

Tyron Mccoy(Ex player EWE Baskets/Leverkusen)

I would like to say congrats to D. A. on an awesome career!! You will go down as one of the all time greats in the BBL. you were always a fierce competitor who led with hard work. Bro, I wish you nothing but blessings as you begin your new chapter in life and good things come to good people!

Jaleen Smith is a 25 year old 193cm guard from Freeport, Texas that completed his second season in Germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA) averaging 12,7ppg, 3,9rpg and 2,7apg. He will play this season in the easyCredit BBL with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. In his rookie season with Heidelberg he averaged 7,6ppg, 2,8rpg and 2,9apg. He had a stellar four year career with New Hampshire (NCAA) from 2013-2017 where he played a total of 120 NCAA games. He improved his scoring, rebounding and assists average each season and as a senior he played 32 games averaging 15.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com at the end of the 2018-2019 season.

Jaleen thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball treating you at the moment? 

I went to Berlin and Amsterdam after our season was over. The season was great I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

What was the first eatery that you visited first upon arrival back home in the States?

I had Qudoba whenever I landed in Atlanta.

Congrats on the great season in Heidelberg. With what emotions did you say farewell to the season? On the one hand the team achieved so much, but on the other hand just missed reaching the final.

I couldn’t believe the season was over. I felt like we could’ve made it further, but we ran into a really good team in Nurnberg. I couldn’t be more proud how we did this season either.

You split the season series with Nurnberg and lost 3-1 in the playoffs. What is your semi-final playoff summary?

I believe this is a series that many in Heidelberg will remember as being one where the Academics didn’t take advantage off enough. I feel like they played more physical this us. We had the talent but they were more physical.

I believe the turning point was game three. Heidelberg let that game get away. What do you feel really cost you this game the most?

That game 3 I remember I started off the 4th quarter with 2 straight air balls, so I would say I felt the weight of losing game 3 on me.

What did you respect the most about the Nurnberg Falcons this season? This is a team that nobody except people in Nurnberg would have had the audacity to proclaim months ago that they would move up.

They stayed with the grind of the season and had a streak 13 game winning streak during the season.

Let’s talk about the whole season. The MLP Academics were 7-6 at the start of December. How vital was it closing out 2018 with that three game winning streak that included a big win against Hamburg. 

The season going into the new year kind of reminded me of last season with the team going into the new year barely above .500 then we have a great 2nd half of the season.

You had two tough crunch-time loses to Trier and PS Karlsruhe at the end of the regular season. Were those loses like a blessing in disguise letting the team know that there was playoff business coming up. You easily disposed of pesky Ehingen by an average of 14 points in the three game series.

Those type of loses only can make you stronger not only as a player but also as a team. 

What really impressed me about the MLP Academics this season was their consistency despite not having a deep rotation like many other Pro A teams. What was the secret to the success and was there a special mentality that continued to grow during the season that allowed the team to be so successful?

When you have guys that buy into what the coach does then everyone is working together. I felt the chemistry of the team get better and better as the season went on. 

What made it so special to play for the MLP Academics Heidelberg for a second season? Did you notice that that the basketball culture is continuing to grow in there and that something special is happening?

Man, it felt just like home I know where everything was and I already had my favorite restaurants in town so that was great. The home games started to get more people in the stands and you can notice it. 

The MLP Academics had many season highlights. Was it possibly sweeping the Hamburg Towers or beating Chemnitz or was it something else?

I think making it to the semifinals was a big highlight of the season.

One of the real great and seemingly underrated coaches in Germany is coach Frenki. Please talk about how important he has been to the new winning culture in Heidelberg?

He just a confidence booster as a coach. He sees something in you and hell bring out the best in your game. He really is underrated in the league.

Let’s talk about your teammates. For many in Heidelberg Shy Ely was an MVP candidate. Most of the Pro A players I interviewed after this season stated as him being their toughest cover. How vital was he for the success of the team?

When things got tough for us, you can rely on him to get us out of anything. Shy can score from anywhere. I still have to say he is the toughest guard I’ve matched up against.

Last year you said this about Niklas Wurzner after being his teammate. ‘Nikki turned himself into the floor general of our team. If you watched our games, you can just see it. He’s going be really good in a year or 2 so be on the lookout for him. He just has a great feel for the game. He plays at his own pace and doesn’t let the defense dictate how the game going to be played. I feel his passing got more and more better as the season went on. More like his vision on the court was through the roof. He could see everything in front of him or behind him’. How did you see his development continue in your second year?

He has been the rock for us this year he’s been consistent all season. I feel like if he works on his jump shot over this summer he’s going be a problem for the league.

How vital was it having the experienced versatile forward Dan Oppland on the team. He was in semi retirement but was coaxed out of it. How did his game and presence give the team a whole new dimension?

His experience helped big time with the team. He gave me advice on how to move without the ball as well. 

Last season you stated this about veteran Eric Palm. ‘It was great having Eric, he taught me a lot of stuff that I will carry with me for a long time. He didn’t just teach me shooting tips but more importantly he taught me how to move without the ball. Just learning when to cut on offense. Having him come in was such a joy and a great pick up for the team’. What new things could you soak up from him in your second season as teammates?

Just learning how to catch and shoot better. If you ever watch our games Eric can make some really tough shots. I just watch how he does it in practice and the game.

How key was it having that added German veteran Philipp Heyden on the team. How did his 9 years of BBL experience show on the court best?

Phil gave us scoring from the post and mid-range. He showed us how effective a screen can be when it is set solid. He was the fire of the team with his emotion for the game.

Let’s talk about your game. You improved your minutes and scoring averages. In your first season it was tough being on the court only half of the game instead of the whole game like in school. How much better did it feel playing 28 minutes per game this season?

The more I played I knew I had to contribute someway on the court. Going into year 2 with the team I wanted to be more aggressive with the ball. I just wanted to give them another scoring option.

You averaged 12,7ppg, 3,9rpg, 2,7 apg and 1,5spg while just missing the 40% mark from outside at 39,7% How content were you with your season?

I felt like I’ve could’ve done more this season. I sometimes would just be in the game just to be in the game. I can always get better from the season and I need to develop a killer mentality. Just have to win every match I have whether that’s practice or the game. I have to be better at staying aggressive.

In our last interview you stated that ‘Just doing the little things for my team. Just doing the dirty work to help my team win games. Also learning all aspects of the defense like on and off ball defense. How do you feel did your game progress in your second season in Germany?

Going against guys like the guards we have in practice you’re only going to get better. I have more knowledge from being on the help side on defense this second season. 

You upped your outside shooting from 33% to 39%. Last season you stated that confidence would be huge this season. What besides believing in your self helped you shoot better?

I started my shooting pocket higher to have a quicker release. Also, keeping my follow through up and not jerking it so quickly.

What was your personal season highlight on the court? Possibly your 26 point explosion against Kirchheim or 23 point effort against Chemnitz or was it another?

I would have to say the 23 points against Chemnitz because it was my girls just got into town for that game and I balled out.

What is the next step for you? I can imagine that you will want to stay in Heidelberg.

I just want to explore my options right now. Coming off the season I had I just want to see what else is out there.

On what things will you be working on the lab this summer to continue to improve your game?

I’m trying to get stronger and get my shot more consistent. I also want to work on my hops but well see how that goes haha.

Please name your five all-time best teammates in college and pro’s

Tanner Leissner
Ronnel Jordan
Niklas Ney
Eric Palm
Dan Oppland

It’s still so early, but when all is said and done could Luka Doncic be one of the greatest Europeans that ever played in the NBA? 

He can be he had a really great season with the Mavericks this past season. Next season him and Porzingis going to be trouble for other teams.

What was your reaction when you heard that Lebron James named himself the greatest of all-time? 

You have to aim high on yourself. Why wouldn’t he say he’s the greatest of all time?

Charles Barkley recently proclaimed that Tom Brady Is more of a GOAT than Michael Jordan. Do you share his opinion?

I fell he maybe is he’s changing the game of football on how its being played.

Tom Brady won sixth Super Bowl. Where will he be if he wins a seventh next season?

He would still be the GOAT of GOATs in my opinion.

What was the last movie that you saw? 

I just seen John Wick 3. John is a baaaaaaaddddddddd man.

Thanks Jaleen for the chat

Nino Celebic is a 27 year old 191cm guard from Serbia playing his second professional season in Germany and first with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He has been an important reason for the team’s 10-0 start currently averaging 10,9ppg,1,1rpg and 3,4apg. He began his career with BC Mega Aqua Monta Beograd junior team and played many years in his home land before coming to Germany in 2016 where he practiced a season with Pro A team Hamburg Towers. Last season he celebrated his break through in Germany with SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB) playing 27 games averaging 14.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 79.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com at the end of the season.

Nino thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Before we get to the incredible season, I have to ask you about your stomach. When you touch back down at home what will be the first eatery that you will visit? 

First I’m gonna visit my mom! This was for her and then we are going to have a great dinner in my favorite restaurant TORO

Congrats on winning the 2019 Pro B title. How good does it feel winning the title and where does this rank in your basketball career highlights?

Thank you . I’ve never had this kind of season. 21-1 regular season and 9-1 playoffs and this is for sure the most successful season for me. . Feeling is great man,something really special. For sure the most successful year in last 5 years for me.

How was the celebrations? Did the team do something special afterwards? Was there anything you learned about certain teammates in the celebration that you never would have dreamed of?

We stayed after in our gym to celebrate with our fans. It was really beautiful. Honestly everyone got crazy after

It was the first time that the arena was sold out since the legendary game 5 against Frankfurt in 2008 which I luckily was at. Please describe the atmosphere and what your feelings were after the buzzer sounded?

I heard about that and I am extremely happy we did it for a first time since 2008. In one moment I had a feeling that I am playing in Belgrade in Pionir. Everyone who knows something about basketball knows what kind of fans we have there, and our fans did it on that way

After Munster played you tough in game one, the Bayer Giants Leverkusen came home and destroyed them. Was there anything special that head coach Hansi Gnad stressed before the game or was it pretty clear after a 28-2 season what had to be done?

Was clear. We had our rules during the season, and we knew how we have to play the second game and how we were going to win

The Bayer Giants Leverkusen played a great game 2 at home hitting 11 three’s and outrebounding Munster by 26. How much fun was it playing this game at home and what will you always remember from it?

Rebounding was a key of the game for sure. Everything was special. We had an amazing season this year and playing finals was I would like to say ‘our last dance’ ,we had great game ,full arena since 2008,we all play for those moments so I will remember it forever.

Let’s talk about the season. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen came out strong and finished consistently until the end. Is this the greatest team that you have been a part of in your career?

I can’t answer is it the best team I ever had in my career, but I can say this team was special. This was a real TEAM.

You stressed in our first interview this about the secret of the success. ‘We are just pushing each other all the time in practice. Me as a PG, I am always trying to talk with my big guys and trying to explain then how important it is to control the rebound , so far they are doing a really great job. I am happy for them’. How do you feel was the team able to grow from the start to the end of the season?

Of course ,at the end we show to everyone how good we are as a team. We grew every single game.

It is never easy to have such a consistent season after teams keep gunning for you each weekend and the pressure builds. What was most key for the team being able to cope with the building pressure week in and week out?

If you want to be successful all the time during the season which is hard you have to agree that you have to practice hard every day,every week every year. That was the main reason why we had this kind of season plus our chemistry.

Obviously the team chemistry was huge, but what part of the team’s game do you feel improved most over the course of the season?

Sharing the ball. If you take a look at the stats, you can see best scorers are with 12 and 11p per game,that was our biggest strength.

The team had so many massive highlights during the season like the 103-101 win over Giessen, the exciting 94-92 playoff win over Schwelm or the crazy come from behind win in Bernau 101-97. What was your personal favorite team moment?

Semifinals in Berlin. If you agree with me that was absolutely insane come back

. 

You stated this about head coach Hansi Gnad in our last interview. ‘Hansi is a different guy, he really is. He wants to win every game that’s his mentality. If he continue like this, he can put this club on a high level again. I really believe in that’. How do you feel did he grow further as a coach this season?

Of course ,if you see our rotation during the game who is doing that? Some young players had a big roll in this team especially in playoffs. In our team everyone had their minutes. That was because of Hansi,he was a guy who create this

What was your most special moment with Hansi Gnad this season. Was there a specific tip he gave you on or off the court where you will be forever grateful for?

He recognized what kind of effort I am putting every practice and every game for this team. He believed in me during the season. He knew what I can bring here and he gave me a freedom to talk with the guys and maybe change some small things if it’s necessary. I’ll be always grateful for that.

Let’s talk about your teammates. You stressed this about Nick Hornsby in our last interview? Nick is a guy who is everywhere on the court. His energy is crazy. He is so important for us. We understand each other really well and playing with him here is an amazing thing’. How did he grow in the season and is he an MVP candidate?

He’s a guy who can change a game and who can do a lot of things not only scoring. He understands the game and he gave as a big push in playoffs and yes definitely he is MVP!

You stated this about your guard partner Alexander Blessig. ‘Alex is helping me a lot here if I am tired he will be there to give the energy and to push this team. Having him here is a great thing for me plus he is a great shooter’. How much of a pleasure was it being his teammate and on what phases of his game did he grow most on?

First of all Alex is really smart guy off the court. I was enjoying playing with him in the same time. He understands basketball so good and our communication was on a high level during the season and that was really important for the team!

How vital was captain Tim Schonborn. He is a player where you will always get 100% and that lethal three pointer. Is there something you picked up from him in the leadership area?

Tim!? He never quit. If he is missing his shots he will continue to shoot because he how much important he is for this team and his 3s saved us so many times this year! Unbelievable shooter

The club had many young Germans like Lars Thiemann or Lennart Winter. Which player so you feel made the most strides this season?

Both. They gave so much in practice during the season and especially in the playoffs. Everybody in this team believe it in them! And they showed up!

Let’s talk about your game. How refreshing was this season for you? You have often been doubted in your career but as point guard helped lead the team to an incredible record and title. How gratifying was this season for you?

My goal this year was to play constantly good. If I don’t score, I had to be a guy who is controlling everything. I have some players I like to watch on how their doing and helps me a lot. Best season ever for me .

You were third best scorer on the team and led the club in assists. How content were you with your personal game on the court?

As I say,goal was to play constantly good and to make the team better and to win as much is possible. I believed in myself, I knew what I can do and I showed this year.

How do you feel did your leadership qualities grow this season? Was there a special experience in a game where you feel your leadership skills were seen best?

That’s a good question. One of my favorite players said once ‘it’s not so easy to be a playmaker, To be a leader in one team makes the players look better than many times they are and make everybody happy . People only see games they don’t know how much work you put in behind the scenes.

You weren’t healthy in the first few months, but then found your game rhythm. Which area of your game do you feel did the Bayer Giants Leverkusen profit most of?

Passing skills. I was trying to make everybody happy.

You still have that big goal of reaching the easyCredit BBL. Despite playing in the Pro B, does that dream become even bigger now and realistic simply by having such a huge winning season? Your self confidence must be high now.


Yes,I said once and I will say once again. I believe and I know what I can bring as a player. Some bad times are behind me now. I am ready for new challenges. BBL will probably wait one more year. I have to go step by step now. I know how much I have to improve next year.

You had many personal big games like scoring 23 and 21 points in the wins over the RheinStars and Wurzburg, but was your 21 points in the exciting playoff win over Schwelm your most favorite?

Yes,against Schwelm was special. I had to show why I am here. When the team struggles, the point guard has to take responsibility and finish the game. I did it many times so far and I knew I can do that on that day.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the Pro B this season?

Niklas Geske from Schwelm. He’s a really good player.

What is the next step for you? I can imagine you will stay in Leverkusen or will you seek another opportunity in another country?

Right now It’s to early to talk about that,will see.

On what things will you be focusing most in the lab this summer as you continue to look to improve your game?

I want to improve my 3 point shot more. This year was way better than the season before but I think I have more space to develop

What was your most special Dirk Nowitski moment that you remember?

When he won the NBA trophy with Peja Stojakovic that season was amazing for Dallas.

What was your reaction when you heard that Lebron James named himself the greatest of all-time? 


I am not a big fan of Lebron James. Of course he’s one of the best ever ,but if you ask me he will never be like Mike and Kobe

Charles Barkley recently proclaimed that Tom Brady Is more of a GOAT than Michael Jordan. Do you share his opinion?

Different sports, You can’t compare that. That is my opinion. Both are legends.

What was the last movie that you saw? 

Zavrsetak avrljanja
Unesite poruku…

Thanks Nino for the chat.

Tucker Haymond is a 24 year old 198cm guard from Seattle, Washington that finished his second professional season and first with the Rhein Stars Koeln (Germany-ProB) aveaging 22,5ppg,6,0rpg and 2,3apg. He played his rookie year with the Austin Spurs (NBA G-League) playing 33 games averaging 2.6ppg. He began his basketball career at Garfield High School and then played at Western Michigan (NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 123 games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 14.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 75.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com at the end of his season in Germany.

Tucker thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

Thanks for having me. I am currently in Seattle, Washington in my hometown and have been working out with my trainers and getting better every day

You were overseas for a while. What things did you learn to appreciate the most about the European culture as well as basketball in the last 7 months?

The things I begin to appreciate about European culture are the simple lifestyle everything is in the American way as in being bigger and better. I also really enjoyed the Germantown’s that were all near their local food stores and banks as well as the necessities and being able to ride a train everywhere. You can’t do this in most places in America. And for European basketball I learned to appreciate how the fundamentals are taught at a young age and the correct way of playing basketball as a team sport not as an individual sport.

What was the first eatery that you went to when returning home to Seattle and what did you miss from the States?

The first thing I ate when I got back to America was chipotle , I have been craving it for the past two months when I was in Germany and knew that I had to have it right when I got home.

It was a very disappointing season for the RheinStars Cologne. The club didn’t stay in the Pro B. Did the fact that the club couldn’t achieve this lessen your joy for winning the Pro B scoring title?

It definitely does put a hamper on the scoring title. For me, my number one goal is to win. And because we couldn’t achieve this it made me more focused on the fact that we didn’t win a lot of games we should have rather than individual accolades

Let’s talk a bit about the season. In our last interview you stressed that the youth factor was a big contributor for the team not having more success this season. Despite that happening, what benefits do you feel did the young German players get from this overall tough season?

I think it was great for them to get thrown in the fire of a competitive Pro B south division and being able to get playing time and compete. There are a lot of good young players in the Rheinstars program and I would tell everyone to look out for them in the future

Please summarize the season about why the club couldn’t have more success besides it being a very young team. The team had problems scoring on a consistent level and couldn’t keep points off the board.

I think it was tough for the club in a couple different areas because of how inconsistent our roster was. We struggled a lot with keeping our main guys healthy, that’s hard for the players and coaches too. I don’t think we had one game where we had the whole team playing. Now this is a part of the game and teams have to adjust, however it definitely doesn’t make things any easier.

The team had some experience with guys like Malte Herwig, Yasin Kolo and Silvio Mateus. The club brought in more veterans with Max Dohmen and Jan Zimmermann. Even if it didn’t help much in the playdowns, do you feel like if they had been there months earlier that a better team chemistry and success could have been born?

For sure. I believe if Max and Jan had been on the team from day 1 we would have won a few more games. I even believe we wouldn’t have been in the play downs if we would have had some veteran leadership from those guys. They definitely raised the level of play and intensity with us, having them would of been great. Yasin was also great for us when he was healthy. He had some bad luck with a few injuries but that was out of his control, in my opinion he was the most complete big man in the Pro b.

The team had a 1-5 record in the playdowns. It started out so well with a win against Rhondorf and then you lost five games in a row. Do you believe that at the end it was more of a mental aspect that didn’t allow the team to get over the hump?

I think the positives were more mental. Going a month without winning a game and having to go practice every day and come in and be a professional with your work ethic and attitude from players to coaches definitely is a positive. It shows who wants to get out of those slumps and who really wants to turn things around. We had everyone in the whole organization come in day in and day out and work hard no matter the win or loss.

Do you believe being able to beat two very young teams like FC Bayern Munich and Orange Academy was positive showing that the Cologne youth department can keep up with two very known organizations that put a lot of effort into that area?

Yes I believe it was very positive, like I said before the youth is very strong for Cologne and for us to beat those great youth teams I think put some confidence in colognes youth. 

What do you feel was the team highlight of the season? The win against FC Bayern Munich, Orange Academy or before Christmas the exciting game in Rhondorf?

I feel like the highlights of our season was winning any derby game vs Rhondorf. Those games were a lot of fun and it’s always fun winning for our fans because they were so supportive all year long

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much of a joy was it playing alongside French man Silvio Mateus. How confident are you that the team would have had a few more wins had he been healthy more?

Playing with Silvio was great. It was great seeing him expanding his game and learning the point guard spot when we didn’t have a point guard. Silvio is a great teammate and was always great to have around in the locker room. It hurt us badly when he got hurt, it was just one of the key pieces that went down mid season that was tough for us and the team.

In our first interview around Christmas you stated that German Filip Kucic had made the biggest impression on you from the German players. At the end of the season what German do you feel made the biggest strides?

I think for the whole year I’d say Kucic was the most improved for sure. But to add on to him, Thomas Fankhauser was also very great for us at the end. He brought energy as well as scoring in some instances. He will be very good in his future for sure

What was your impression of talented German Tim Van Der Velde? He got good minutes and was always aggressive. What did you appreciate most about his game and where do you see his future going?

Tim was an amazing defender! He was great at getting to the hoop and drawing defenders and making the smart pass. He had many games where he had a few points, rebounds, steals, and hustle plays. He was the X factor for us and we always played better when he was on the floor!

Benedict Van Laack is another German with talent with Pro A experience. How did you see his development and where do you see him going with his basketball in the next years?


Bene in my opinion was our most consistent German player. As far as effort, productiveness and just showing up every night and playing his game. He always gave us energy on the rebounds and he would knock down big shots for us I can see Benedict playing in the BBL in the future because of his IQ for the game and his size and athleticism.

17 year old Thomas Fankhauser got minutes and made a nice impression at the pro B level. What did you appreciate most about his game and is he still raw?

I appreciated most about Thomas was his hustle and his want to get better. He always was in the gym working hard and shooting after practices. At the end of the season his hard work showed. He is still very raw and I think he can play BBL some day if he keeps working hard for sure !

Let’s talk about your game. You averaged 22,1ppg, 5,8rpg and 2,3apg. How content were you with your second professional season and first in Germany?

I think that I could have been better in a lot of areas. My shooting percentages were lower than usual and my turnover rate was a bit higher than usual as well. Given I adjusted to the style about halfway through the season however I think that I have lots of improving to do. I think it was great to come and experience it but I can for sure do better.

In our last interview you stated ‘Shooters sometimes go through slumps, I started a bit slow this season from three but the last few games I’ve been shooting it well. I expect to be above 30% over the next few games I’m not worried ever about making shots’. You were around 30%. Do you feel like your three point shot let you down at times considering how you dominated the league?

I don’t think my shot let me down, I do think that I had to take some really tough shots given the circumstances, however I think every shot is going in. I just have to adjust and keep working and come out next year and shoot the same shots and know they will go in. I can’t let one year of shooting decide who I am as a player, I’m always improving and getting better.

You also stated in our last interview that you worked very hard on your playmaking this season. How do you feel did that develop further this season?

I think my playmaking developed a lot. The only way in my opinion that playmaking can develop is trial and error. And for me I know I had a lot of errors this year. I was lucky the RheinStars believed in me enough to go through the learning struggle and to get better as an individual and as a team from our mistakes. I think I was a different player now than when I arrived in Cologne, for the better.

You had so many massive games mostly in losing causes, but what game was your season highlight? Perhaps your production in the wins against Munich or the Lowen?

My favorite games were the ones that we won. I think my most favorite game was right before Christmas at Rhondorf when we won going into the break. I liked it so much because we had almost the whole team playing and we had a point guard in Vladi for the first time. We all played great.

What is the next step for you? Could you imagine remaining in Germany or would you like to give a new country and culture and basketball style a chance?

I don’t know where my next stop is, I’m continuing to work hard every day and staying ready for the opportunity. If I come back to Germany it would be great, but if I had to go somewhere else it would be fun too. I’m just enjoying playing every day and being able to do what I love for a job.

On what things will you be working on this summer to continue to keep improving as a player and keep moving up the basketball ladder?

I will continue to work on my consistency in the things that contribute to my game as well as continue to improve my athleticism and my overall IQ. Which comes from playing and working out daily.

Were you very impressed that Jamal Crawford hit Dallas for 51 points or is that something that you could have expected after seeing him in the summers on the court?

Impressed, always… surprised, never! I’m never surprised when Jamal does anything that amounts to being great. He will be a hall of famer for sure. Watching him every summer and playing with him every summer just shows me all the time how great he is. He’s been this way his whole career and he’s doing it at a high level.

It’s still so early, but when all is said and done could Luka Doncic be one of the greatest Europeans that ever played in the NBA?

I think Luka has a chance, but it’s hard to say, he has some big shoes to fill in how Dirk paved the way.

Thanks Tucker for the chat.

Pete Strobl has been around the European basketball scene for 20 years having had a stellar professional basketball career and was an assistant coach for German easyCredit BBL team ratiopharm Ulm last season. He recently was named head coach of the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. He played at Niagara (NCAA) from 1997-2000 and then had a 9 year professional playing career that took him to countries like Germany, Austria, France, Ireland, Iceland and Switzerland. He founded The Scoring Factory in Pittsburgh and wrote a must read book called Backspin. He is a very interesting basketball mind that doesn´t shy away from speaking his mind especially on Twitter. German Hoops and Pete Strobl will team up every so often talking basketball with the title “Current basketball affairs with Pete Strobl. You can follow Pete Strobl on twitter @petestrobl

How is everything in Braunschweig so far?

I absolutely love the city of Braunschweig! As you know we’re entering a hectic time of the year with preseason. But I got here early to get acclimated and I’ve already had some time to get around the city and explore. I really like it here and I feel fortunate to be able to call this home for the next several years. There’s a lot of energy in the air surrounding our team right now. It’s been really cool to get to know some people around town and feel the warmth and excitement for what we’re building. 

Speaking of building, it seems like you’re piecing together the future of German basketball. 

I don’t know if I would go that far yet, but that’s definitely the goal. Someday I would love for Braunschweig to be the home of multiple National Team players so that Henrik Roedl has to spend a lot of time here at our games and practices checking up on his players. Our GM Sebastian Schmidt and I worked really hard to chase some of the top rising German talents and I couldn’t be happier with the team we’ve put together. Most basketball fans already know about Karim Jallow and Kostja Mushidi, but we also have Garai Zeeb, Lukas Wank and Largs Lagerpusch who are all extremely talented players with a bright future. I’m excited to push them toward their potential! 

What do you expect from some of these young players this season? 

I would not even use the words “young players” to describe any of them. My assistant David Gomez and I were in the office a few days ago talking about how much of an impact these guys will have for us this season. We’re looking for each one of them to have big roles within our team. These guys already have the physical talent and ability to compete at this level, and we’re going to provide the opportunity to them to produce in one of the best leagues in Europe. I think fans around the league will be pleasantly surprised and will enjoy our style of basketball.