Abdul Gaddy is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Tacoma, Washington that completed his 6th professional season with the Oklahoma City Blue (NBA G League) playing 51 games averaging 9.7ppg, 3.2rpg, 6.6apg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 46.3%, FT: 55.0%. Two seasons ago he played with s.Oliver Wuerzburg (Germany-BBL) playing 34 games averaging 8.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.6apg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 65.7%. In 2016-2017 he played with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL) playing 26 VTB United League games averaging 5.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 52.4%; In the Latvian LBL, he played 25 game averaging 9.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 5.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 50.0%. He played two seasons in Italy with Granarolo Bologna (Italy-Serie A) and as a rookie played with the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA), then moved to Maine Red Claws (D-League) playing 46 games averaging 9.0ppg, 3.2rpg, 5.0apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 57.6%. He played at Washington (NCAA) from 2009-2013 and as a senior played 34 games averaging 10.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 65.9%. He is playing at the 2019 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas with The Orlando Magic. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the NBA Summer League before playing his first game tonight.

Abdul thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. It has already been more than a year since you last played in Germany for s.Oliver Wurzburg. What memories do you have of that time and how do you feel did your game progress in that league?


I remember having great teammates and an amazing coaching staff. Playing for s.Oliver Wurzburg was one of the best times in my life. I feel that my game progressed greatly under coach Bauermann and from learning from the vets. I think that you always learn something new each season and with every new team you play with. Learning how to build a winning team was important as we got better as the season went on. Coach Bauermann was an energetic coach who was always on us on playing good defense. We had the best defender in the league with Cliff Hammonds and it was beneficial playing with him for everyone. 
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After a few years in Europe in Italy, Latvia and Germany, you returned last season to the States and played in the G-league for the Oklahoma City Blue (NBA G League) It is isn’t to strange for guys to go to the NBA after many years in Europe. Guys Like Brad Wanamaker did it. Was one of your feelings of having returned last season with the hopes that your game had progressed well in Europe and was ready for a better shot for the NBA?

No I didn’t come home because of that, but moreover wanting to be around my family. I had some family issues and just wanted to be around them and let them have the chance to see me play more. The NBA is the NBA, but I respect all of basketball. There are so many great leagues and players all over the world. I just want to be part of a great team and be able to play the game that I love.

Last season with the Oklahoma City Blue (NBA G League) you played 51 games averaging 9.7ppg, 3.2rpg, 6.6apg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 46.3%, FT: 55.0%. How content were you with your season?

I thought that I had a solid season, but as a team we could of done better. I really wanted to win a title. I was lucky playing with and against many high level athletes where I was able to learn a lot from. We had a great coaching staff that helped me get better.

You averaged 6,6apg in the G-league the highest assist mark in your career? What do you feel were the main reasons for having your best assist average in your career?

I was lucky to be able to find guys in great position to score. The way the team was run, there was a lot of trust in guys making shots. For me it has never been about playing for stats, but generating good shots for my teammates. My main job is generating the best shot for my teammates. 

You were teammates last season with Bryce Alford who recently signed with medi Bayreuth. What was your impression of him and will he be an impact player this season in the easyCredit BBL?

Bryce is a monster and as tough as nails. He can really shoot the ball and isn’t afraid of the moment. He will be a great player and have a long career. I loved playing with him and I can’t wait to see how he will continue to grow as a player.

You will be playing NBA Summer League with the Orlando Magic. The last time that you played was in 2013 and 2014. What memories do you have of those two times? What players do you remember playing against then that might have made it big in the league?

The memories I had was that we had ok teams, but it was tough not winning. I was fortunate to be ABle to play against great players. Two guys that come to mind were Russ Smith and Patrick Young

With what kind of expectations are you going into your third NBA Summer League? Your 27 years old. Would you say that your in your prime now after a very good G-league season with Oklahoma?

In the NBA Summer League you see so many great players that will play in the NBA or Euroleague that it is tough to name just one. I’m not really going into it with any expectations except knowing it is a great opportunity where I can compete against great players and try to win a title. I think that I have been improving and keep learning being able to make adjustments in certain situations.

You have been practicing all week with the NBA Summer League team of the Orlando Magic. Has there been any guys that have impressed you most?

Mo Bamba is huge and very athletic and a great shot blocker. The guys are all so young. They are all good people and come from good families and school programs. All are super humble and working very hard. I feel we have all been learning from each other. 

The majority of the players are rookies and guys with 1-2 years of experience. Rarely do you see older guys like yourself. How thankful are you to Worldwide SM agency for getting you this gig?

I am very thankful to them. They are a great group and I consider them like family. I am really grateful that they have helped me come this far and let me play at this stage. Not every player gets a chance like this. I will just continue to enjoy the moment as best I can.

As one of the older fellows on the squad, do you feel like it’s a given for you to be like a mentor to younger players or are you going in 100% aggressive just concentrating on your game?


I’m going into the NBA Summer League games to lead and help win a title. I’m not focusing on me. Basketball was invented for 5 players and not for 1-1 play. Regardless of what my stats are, my focus is on winning. I am helping the young guys, but they also have the chance to help me. If they have any insight about how we could have a better chance of winning, I’m all for it.

The NBA Summer League is seen as a playground for players playing for stats. How difficult is this type of scenario for a guy like yourself that likes to find his teammates and is used to being a playmaker?

Yes it can be tough at times, but that is part of the gig. Having guys play for their stats is all over the place. The trick is of figuring out a way to win games regardless of how players are thinking. That happens in any job. There will always be guys with different ego’s. I personally want every guy to be successful and help them accomplish their dream. I just want to win. That should be the goal in any organization.

Your season ended on March 29TH. You have had some months to get ready for another chance of wooing NBA coaches and bosses. On what areas of your game have you been working on most to be best prepared for this years NBA Summer League?

I have been working on my body and to be in the best shape possible. I have been working on parts of my game as well at both ends of the court. I also have been working on my footwork and knowing how to perform at my best from game to game at the highest level. 

On what are you looking forward to most in this years NBA Summer League? Any battles your excited about or any coaches you want to talk basketball with or is there that specific teammate that your looking forward to be playing with?

I am really looking forward to playing with every teammate. All are great guys and I have been picking everyone’s brains so far. I also can learn from my coaches who have experienced a lot and have shown how they have contributed to winning organizations.

Last season you had dealings with Russell Westbrook on the court. He is often seen as a tough person, but on the court a very aggressive player who hates to lose. How did you experience him last season and what did you find out about him that little people know?

Russ is an amazing teammate and one of the best you can be around. He is team first. Many criticize him for wanting to always get triple doubles, but he really is team first. His teammates absolutely love him. He is a freak athlete and one of the best athletes at the point guard position. He is something special. You see him on TV and I see him on the court. I picked his brain a lot. He is always super focused and avoids the noise. He is the ultimate competitor. The way he acts isn’t in disrespect, but it’s his focus of getting the task done.

Thanks Abdul for the chat.

Orlando Parker is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Orlando, Florida that completed his fifth professional season and fourth in Germany and third with PS Karlsruhe averaging 13,7ppg and 6,3rpg while shooting 41,7% from outside. In the 2017-2018 season he averaged 13,2ppg and 5,7rpg. He started his basketball career with Wagner (NCAA) in 2010 playing a total of 118 NCAA games. As a senior he played 26 games averaging 6.7ppg, 6.7rpg, FGP: 44.7%, FT: 62.0%. In 2014 he turned professional with UL Eagles Limerick (Ireland-Premier League) playing 17 games averaging 19.9ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.1spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 78.5%. In 2015-2016 he played with Baskets Vilsbiburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 26 games averaging 22.6ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 79.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 2018-2019 season.

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

I’m currently still in Germany taking advantage of my time in Europe before I depart for the states soon.

It’s been a year since our last interview. Has basketball time flown by in this time for you as you are approaching your fifth professional season? ‘

Yes time is moving quickly it feels just like yesterday when I was just playing in 1st regio

It was another special season for PS Karlsruhe. How do you believe did the special basketball culture grow in the last season after it’s amazing Pro A debut in 2017? 

I believe last seasons debut to the Pro A was huge for the club and recognition in the league. I knew coming into this season teams would challenge us and prepare for us like a top team in the league in which they did despite our slow start to the season.

Last season the club reached the Pro A semi-finals playing a hard fought 4 game series against eventual Pro A champion Rasta Vechta, but this season the club reached only the quarterfinals. Considering the expectations that the club had did the team underachieve? 

I’m sure the club and the team were proud of making the playoffs. We faced probably the toughest amount of adversity in the league with key players being out all season long, starting off the season in last place in the standings on top of a coaching change. Despite those things we were still able to reach the playoffs so if anything I believe we overachieved

This season PS Karlsruhe was swept by top Pro A team Chemnitz. What is your summary to the PS Karlsruhe series? Do you feel like you could have done more as a team to have had more of a chance? 

As I mentioned before we played the entire year under man but we still gave them a good run. Chemnitz is a great team that plays the game the right way which they proved all season long.

It came to down to defense. In the regular season the club allowed 79 points per game, but in the playoffs against Chemnitz 87 points. What made it so tough playing them in this series? 

Chemnitz biggest strength in my opinion is their depth. They have a really deep bench that contributes in every way throughout the game, which allows them to constantly attack teams offensively and defensively

How tough was it the game to game scouting? You never really could key in on 1-3 players, because they were a club that really had 7-8 guys that could light up the score board in any given game? 

Our job wasn’t to key in on just one guy because they don’t have a player that’s going to carry the team like most teams in the league. We focused more on our defensive principles

There was a great stretch in November, December and January where the team won 10 of 11 games. This was the best time of the season where the club was playing it’s best basketball. Did the team instill that ‘We are invincible feeling’? 

Well we started off slow in the beginning due to the injuries and new players, so it just took us some time to get accustomed to each other and our tendencies. We just felt at that moment we were playing our best basketball and things started to click for us.

Please sum up the team season for the club. What were the team highlights of the season and what made it special playing for this team? Was the win against Heidelberg at the end of the season one of the biggest wins of the season? 

This team was special because we battled adversity and overcame so much together. Although we didn’t reach our goal we accomplished something that most teams couldn’t. The win against Heidelberg was huge for us because that game clinched our spot in the playoffs.

Let’s talk about your teammates. How special was it playing with Davonte Lacy? You have played with many pure scorers in your career, but where did his scoring ability rank with all the guys that you have played with in your career? 

Lacy is a special player with a unique ability to get his shot off at any given moment. With a knack for scoring he was vital for us in big moments late in the game. I’ve played with a lot of great scorers but he’s definitely up there with the best.

How did you see the development of Kahron Ross? He had an up and down rookie season. How did his game improve form the first day of training camp to game three against Chemnitz? 

Kahron took on a very big challenge this year at the PG position. He’s improved so much with his decision making and ability to blow by his defenders with his speed and quickness. He’s always had that gift but it’s improved since the preseason.’

German Filmore Beck is a bonafide veteran that can when he wants to shoot out the lights. Is there anything that you could soak up from his game that was able to help you in parts of your game? 

I believe Fil doesn’t get enough credit for what he’s capable of doing. This guy can not only shot but he can create his shot better than anyone I’ve seen in the league. He has a smooth finesse touch to his game when he’s finishing around the rim that I always enjoy to watch and implement to my own.

You had many German players on the team like Pluskota, Nyama and Johnson. Of these three which player do you feel made the biggest stride? 


Mo has been injured this year but DJ and Roland made huge impacts for the team. DJ is a guy that every team needs to have on their roster. With his tenacity and attention to detail he’s a vocal leader that impacts the game. He has the ability to play and defend multiple positions which is important for a teams success. Roland has so much upside and I believe he’s now starting to realize what he can do with it. With his athleticism and ability to score when needed, really helped our team a lot as well.

Let’s talk about your game. You had a very productive sophomore campaign with PS Karlsruhe averaging 13,7ppg, 6,3rpg and shot over 40% from outside for the second consecutive season in the Pro A. You seem to be getting better with age. What is the secret to your success? 

I wish there was a secret but every player already knows that it comes down to hard work. The off-seasons are huge for me and my development. Each year I try to add something new to my game and overall appearance and this year I added a post game and slashing ability to become more of a threat aside from the 3pt line.

How content were you with your game this season? What made the Pro A level easier for you in your second season? 

It’s like taking a test you already know the answers to with added bonus questions. Entering this year I already knew the league, the players, the matchups, the team styles of play, the gym atmospheres, the refs etc. So with that knowledge it made it easier for me this second time around.

You improved your stats tremendously, but also gained 5 minutes more. What were your personal goals before the season and did you fulfill them? 

Every players dream is to probably play the entire game but it’s just physical not realistic at this level. So playing those 5 extra minutes gave me more time do more on the court. My main personal goal before the season was mainly to prove I belong and I believe this year I did that.

In our last interview you stated ‘I’m never content with anything in life. I believe there is so much room for improvement on my game and I can get better. My minutes don’t bother me as much, I love showing people what I can do in the amount of minutes I receive’. How content were you with your efficiency this season with the minutes that you got? 

I felt pretty good on how well I played with the minutes I received this year

You shot 40% from outside for the second season in a row. You have stated that you put in a lot of work in the summers. What does a player like you do now to become an even better shooter? 

Well as a shooter I believe in repetition, repeating the same shot in different rhythms and positions on the court. So there are still many ways I can work on becoming a better shooter.

You are a hard nosed player that takes a lot of pride in defending. In your last interview you stated ‘I consider myself a versatile defender who can guard 1-5. There is room for improvement and I can get better but for the most part I think I’m doing fine defensively at this level’. Your also a guy that doesn’t believe in defensive stats. How do you feel did you grow as a defender in your second season in the Pro A? 

Defense comes down to effort. There are many nights when shots aren’t going to fall but defense will always be there. So there is still much room for improvement on the defensive end. I enjoy being the help side defender the most because I find it very exciting challenging shots at the rim

You had two massive games scoring 37 points and 33 points in wins over Rostock and Baunach. Was the 37 point game your most memorable? 


Those are two very memorable games offensively but I really enjoyed the game against Tubingen when I shoot 7/8 from 3pt and finished with 9 offensive rebounds.

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

One of the guys that I love to compete against is Dan Oppland. He’s a tenacious player that I still can’t seem to figure out. I also like matching up against Jermaine Bucknor and Domink Sphor’

What is the next step for you? You have played most of your career in Germany. Are you content with being a very good Pro A player or is the BBL a realistic goal for you?

I’m never content with anything in life, but one of my favorite phrases to live by is ‘You can’t rush greatness’ so my time will come for the BBL.’

If you had to pick your personal favorite starting five of teammates over the years which players would you chose?

This tough but I love all my guys haha

What is your personal opinion about the never ending debate of who is the greatest between Michael Jordan and Lebron James?

LBJ

What is your early opinion where Luka Doncic will end one day in the NBA? Could he be one of the greatest Europeans that ever played in the NBA when all is said and done?

He will definitely be in the top

What was the last movie that you saw?

Avengers-Endgame

Thanks Orlando for the chat.

Eric Kibi is a 28 year old 198cm forward from Ontario, Canada that completed his seventh professional season which took him to three countries starting with Golbey Epinal Thaon Vosges (France-NM1) where he played 5 games averaging 6.8ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 29.2%, 3FGP: 27.3%, FT: 73.3%, in Dec.’18 moved to MBK Handlova (Slovakia-SBL) playing 3 games and then in January 2019 signed at Al Mina (Iraq-IBL) where he averaged 22,0ppg, 15rpg and 2,0apg. Last season he played with C.B. Torrons Vicens L’Hospitalet (Spain-LEB Silver) where he played 33 games averaging 4.5ppg, 3.2rpg In 2016-2017 he played with Randers Cimbria Basketball (Denmark-Ligaen) playing 31 games averaging 10.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 70.2%. In 2015-2016 he played in Germany with the Hertener Loewen Basketball (Germany-ProB) playing 3 games averaging 4.7ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, left in Oct.’15, in Jan.’16 moved to KK Strsljen Gusinje (Montenegro-Erste Liga) playing 4 games averaging 3.8ppg, 5.5rpg, in Mar.’16 signed at London Lightning (Canada-NBL Canada) playing 23 games averaging 1.7ppg, 2.5rpg. He also played with Basketball Club Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga), Ottawa SkyHawks (NBL Canada) and BG Halstenbek/Pinneberg (Germany-Regionalliga). He started his basketball career in 2008 with Jacksonville College (NJCAA) where he played until 2010. He then played a season with UALR (NCAA) playing 29 games: 4.4ppg, 4.2rpg. He finished his college career in 2012 with Abil.Christian (NCAA2) playing 20 games: 8.2ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 60.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his 2018-2019 season.

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

Hey Miles, for the moment I’m taking a vacation in Dubai after a long season. The basketball life is always good, it’s always a blessing, you take the good with the bad.

After playing the last two seasons in Denmark and Spain, this season you have had another busy season moving around from France to Slovakia and to Iraq. Has this season been more stressful with everything involved or was your 2015-2016 season where you played in Germany, Montenegro and Canada more stressful?

I won’t say stressful because like I said this is a blessing, I’ll say more like eventful. I wasn’t able to find the correct fit until I got to Iraq, as strange as that sounds.

What did you miss the most from the last two seasons where you balled in Denmark and Spain? Were you used to that normal routine of being in one place?

Of course it’s nice to spend a whole season in one place. I really enjoyed my time in Denmark and Barcelona, had successful seasons in both places but things happen in this business just like in the NBA, there’s always player movement.Through it all though you have to remain professional and keep faith.

Let’s begin with your first team Golbey Epinal Thaon Vosges (France-NM1). You last only five games and averaged 8.2 ppg , 6.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg. The stats remined me a bit on Herten. What kind of experience was it playing in France? 

It was overall a learning experience, I had a great pre-season, but unfortunately that didn’t translate to the first five games. We had a lot of injuries to start the season. I accepted the role of playing out of position at point guard for the better of the team and never complained. Some clubs aren’t patient and rather play Russian roulette which is fine, but at the end of the day the teams who won in that league weren’t the most talented teams but the teams who had the most cohesion and continuity.

How would you compare the NM 1 league to what you have seen elsewhere like the German Pro B and Leb Silver and other leagues in terms of style and talent?

Loved the competition there, every game was a dog fight. Every practice was intense, very different than Germany and Spain as far as intensity.
It’s more comparable to German Pro A and Leb Gold. The Spanish style is based more on IQ and less on athleticism, France is a track meet for 40 minutes.

You lived in a small town called Golbey about 100 kilometers from Germany. What were you able to take from the French culture and from the court in the short time that you were there?

I was actually able drive to Cologne once even to visit some old friends. As far as the French culture I loved it, it’s very similar to where I was born in Quebec City and of course being as French is my first language it was nice to understand the language for once.Last season in Spain it was difficult because my coach didn’t speak English, but it was still amazing to see how his passion still translated to the 5 foreigners.

You were a starter and averaged 28 minutes per game. Why was your stay so short? Were they expecting more scoring from you?

– Honestly, I’m 28 years old now, the coach saw my tape before I came, he saw me for 3 months in practice and pre-season. I can score 16, 9 rebounds and 6 assists against a Pro B team and the next game give you 8 points and 15 rebounds but chase around the point guard for 38 minutes and hold him to 3 points. Of course I could of scored a bit more but that’s never been my full impact, scoring is not what’s kept me in Europe for 7 seasons. I’m a two way guy who impacts the game with more than just scoring. But all that gets lost in the equation when you lose 5 games to start the season and the organization is in full turmoil, the foreigner will always take the blame. I take full responsibility and know I could of played better, but everyone has to be held accountable eventually from top to bottom.

You landed in Slovakia (SBL) after France and played with American KC Ross-Miller who also came from another team, but was integrated well and playing well. You have seen so many talented guards in your career, but is he a good example of a guy having talent, but just having problems of moving up the basketball ladder because of the huge influx of guards that are around the world?

Oh for sure KC is my guy. He’s definitely an NBA talent and you have to be to play at schools like Kentucky and Auburn. I think with KC his year off from basketball kind of hurt him but he’s been making up for it his last 3 seasons. I have no doubt you’ll see him in a top league in Europe very soon.

You made another move in January to Al Mina (Iraq-IBL). This seems to have been a better fit as you are still there now. How long does one have to think about going to play and live in a country like Iraq? How did you make this decision?

After I did my research and spoke to a lot of Americans who played there in the past I was confident and comfortable enough to go play there. A guy there who previously played in Germany, Isaiah Sykes, really helped me a lot in my time there. He’s a veteran of that league and really helped my decision.

Obviously the money must have been good. What other reasons did you see benefit for moving to Al Mina (Iraq-IBL)

Of course to go to a country like that the money has to be good but it was also a chance to get out of my comfort zone and try a new experience. I had never played in the Middle East before. You only grow as a person and player when your put in difficult situations and I think I accomplished that there.

Talk a little about the IBL league in Iraq. It is a very small league with few teams. How is the style and talent level in this league compared to other leagues that you have seen?

Actually not as small as you would think, there’s 12 teams there. Each team is allowed to have only two foreigners but only one can be on the court. Each American is a very high level American and is expected to score a lot. Every game it’s a lot of pressure, they expect you to score 20-25 points every game. The local players were also better than I expected, many of them have played for their national team.

How much different is the culture and life style in Iraq compared to other countries? How does a normal day look like for you?

That’s one thing I can say about Iraq is that for the first time I really felt a culture shock. I’m usually very good at adapting to different cultures with now having played in 10 different countries. Iraq is very restricted, they really respect their religion. No women at the games, no alcohol, no pork, no coffee shops to grab a coffee so you really can’t do as much as you would like, but it gives you time to focus on yourself. A regular day is pretty simple, I would wake up eat breakfast then go get a workout in the weight room at about 10 come back to the apartment. They always deliver lunch and dinner do the apartment, so I would eat lunch then get ready for practice at 5, come home eat, watch a show, sleep and repeat the next day.

I saw you finished the season averaging 30 ppg, 15.3 rpg and 4 apg in 8 games. Please talk a little about how you have been playing and how beneficial is the whole basketball experience for the continued development of your game?

Like I said when you go there they give you a lot of responsibilities which is exactly what I wanted. I was expected to score every game and rebound while also guarding the other American for 40 minutes. For me it was great, I went there and we went 6-2 in my time there, we were able to finish in the top 5 in the league which was their goal. It helped me regain the aggressiveness I had in pre-season in France.

What was your coolest experience in Iraq? One thinks of all the palaces and the luxuries that are present. Have you seen anything there that you will be able to tell over and over when you are back home?

Honestly in the time there I didn’t see too much, but I will say that seeing Baghdad was pretty cool. It’s nothing like what they show you on TV. I was in a city called Basrah, about 5 hours away from Baghdad which is the capital. For me I’m all about experiencing things for myself. I’ve never been ignorant and pre judged a place and that’s the correct thing to do when you go to a place like Iraq you got to go there with an open mind. The fans and the people there were amazing, my teammates as well. One of my teammates really marked me, we called him Jimmy ( Mohamed Diab). He’s a veteran, played national team for Iraq, he’s probably 38,39 years old and still giving you 15-17 per game but the thing about him he’s so professional and so positive through everything. He was always in my ear during the game talking and pushing me, so shoutout Jimmy.

Talk a little about the Congolese national team. You last played with them at Afro Basket 2017. What is your future with the national team?

I’m still involved with the National team, if everything goes as planned I should be going to Congo this summer and playing in the AfroCAN this summer which is similar to the Afrobasket.

How do you believe has your game grown this season having been able to see new leagues and gaining added experience?

Every year I like to look back and see what I added to my game. This year I can say that starting the season in France and playing point guard there is something that helped me see the game in a different way. I’ve always been versatile able to guard 1-5 but going up against P ro B and NM1 teams and having high level athletic guards like Marquis Addison and Javier Forcada pressure you full court the whole game and having to learn on the fly can only benefit my game for the future.

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

– Damn that’s tough, I’ll go with:

PG: Akeem Scott, 12 year Pro (Europe, Asia, Latin America) 
played with him in Canada with the London Lightning, that’s my big brother. Plays 100% at all times. Will never forget being down 3-1 in the NBL Canada finals, he was dealing with the death of his mother and he willed us to a game 7.

SG: DeAndre Lansdowne, good friend of mine since I was 16, my high school teammate and teammate in Germany at Herten. Having a great season in Germany again.

SF: Darryl Ashford, My college teammate in JUCO my freshman year at Jacksonville College in Texas.
This guy man, was a killer, baby T-Mac. Had some pro years in Belgium.

PF: Akeem Wright, another guy I played with in Canada in London. Was my roommate, played the same position. We played one on one every day after practice, after talking smack for a whole 2 hour practice, almost came to blows many times lol. But that my big bro, a lot of respect for his game and his career, 10 + year vet. Baby Melo.

C: Herve Kabasele, played with him in the Congolese national team. Now playing in the Spanish ACB. This guy is a like a monkey with NBA athleticism. Still 
young so you could possibly see him in the NBA.

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?

Yes it’s definitely still early, but I saw him play live last season in Spain and he’s definitely special. I warned people back home about underestimating him and they still did. This season he proved a lot of doubters wrong so he’s definitely on the right trajectory to become one of the best Europeans ever. People don’t understand how difficult it is to win Euroleague and ACB MVP as an 18 year old is, might be harder than winning rookie of the year. 

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

Lebron is my favourite player and that’s the mindset you have to have, I believe him but I think Jordan is untouchable because of everything he accomplished. I think you can say Lebron is the most complete and greatest physical specimen we’ve ever seen in the NBA though. 

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

Hmm it’s close, but it’s difficult to compare different sports but Jordan I’d say is more of an icon he’s had a huge impact off court as well.

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

I think he’s already the greatest of all time in the sport. A seventh would just be icing on the cake.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Collateral Beauty with Will Smith.

Thanks Eric 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

Tell us about some of the changes in your basketball life since last time we talked?

There have been some huge changes since we spoke last. I’m excited about the opportunity to be the Head Coach of Basketball Löwen Braunschweig. I’m a big believer in goal-setting and then systematically working toward ensuring that goals actually come true. Being a part of Ulm was wonderful and we made a lot of great memories there. But as the playoffs wound down for us, I knew I was ready to take the next step in my coaching career. I had grown to have a desire to lead a group with my own style and philosophy. Sometimes you have to literally speak your dreams into existence and I’m very honored to be in a position now to put my stamp on a program. 

You have signed several German prospects recently, is that a part of your philosophy?

Developing players and in particular German prospects is a very big part of my overall philosophy. I’m not sure people even realize how much talent is coming up through the ranks right now in Germany. There’s been some great work done on the youth levels the past few years by a number of clubs, and there are some talented guys just waiting for a chance to show what they can do. I simply want to help them, and our club, take the next step. I plan to push these guys closer toward their personal potential while providing a solid platform for them to shine on the brightest possible stage. We’ve already signed some players I’m really excited about and expect for them to become household names in our league!

What can the league expect from Braunschweig this season?

A team that plays together and competes with fire, energy and heart. We’re going to put players in a position to demonstrate their individual abilities in a “team first” environment built on a culture of trust and support. Players who work hard and demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow will earn the freedom to play beautiful basketball in arguably the best league in Europe. I love what we’re doing and have enjoyed every step of the process thus far. We’re building for the future and we have big plans for how we want to develop over the next several years to truly establish Braunschweig first as a consistent playoff contender, and next as a representative of the BBL on the international stage.

Erik Durham is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Springfield Missouri that completed his second professional season and first in Germany with the EN Baskets Schwelm averaging 15,3ppg, 4,6rpg and 2,9apg while shooting 45% from outside. Last season as a rookie he played with Levitec Huesca (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 12 games averaging 3.8ppg, 1.3rpg. He began his basketball career at Parkview high school and then played at Lamar St.CC (JUCO) from 2013-2015 playing a total of 62 games. He then played at Jacksonville St. (NCAA) from 2015-2017 playing a total of 56 games and as a senior played 34 games averaging 10.7ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 47.0%, FT: 66.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com at the end of his season in Germany.

Erik thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Despite getting swept by the Bayer Giants Leverkusen, how proud are you of the extreme hard effort the team gave in the series?

My team really came out to play in the post season and it was fun giving the effort we did to go try to win games. 

You guys came really close at the end and could of forced a third game had German Niklas Geske hit the last three. Do you feel like winning that second game could have made the big turnaround in the season?

It would have been nice to force another game but we fought hard and did all we could do as a team and I’m proud of how we played as a team.

The EN Baskets Schwelm really played the Bayer Giants Leverkusen tight in the series. When looking back at the series what do you think was key for them being able to advance?

They have played well all season and I tip my hat off to those guys on how the team has all bought in. Showing from the stats that everyone has a similar average the team is very selfless.

You played your first season with the EN Baskets Schwlem. How would you personally summarize the team season. Would it be fair to say that the team played it’s most successful and best basketball at the start of the season?

We had our ups and downs throughout the year. I think we showed that we were better than our ending rank for the postseason with our efforts in the playoffs against the 1 seed.

The team ended 2018 well with a three game winning streak, but then began 2019 slow with a four game losing streak. Why do you feel couldn’t the team keep it’s winning ways going into 2019?

As a team we struggled being consistent throughout the year so it wasn’t anything we hadn’t faced before. I like how we came together and got the job done on finishing strong to make it to postseason play.

What do you feel was the season highlight for you? Possibly winning the derby game against Iserlohn or against top farm team Bernau?

This season alone was a highlight for me. After the rookie year I had last year this year was a complete turn around. I appreciate Coach Falk on giving me the chance to show my talents.

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much of a pleasure was it playing with German Niklas Geske? After five years in the BBL, he took a radical step backwards and destroyed in the Pro B. What did you enjoy most about his play?


Nick showed me his toughness on the court by the end of the season. When the playoffs came we both had the same mind frame on wanting to go try our hardest to win some games in the post season. I enjoyed Nick not only as a player on the court but off the court he was a pretty cool guy.

Let’s talk about your game this season? After a tough rookie season in Canada and Spain you made amends in Germany. How happy were you with your personal season?


I am just blessed to be able to still play the game I love. This season I really got the chance to prove that I was a professional. I look forward to bettering my game and improve each year I get the chance to play.

You stated in our last interview that your shooting would make an impact on the team and it did. How content were you with your ability to shoot the ball this season?

I am really happy with my shooting averages this season though it would have been nice to hit that 50% from 3 milestone at the end of the season. That just gives me something to strive for next year.

You also stated once that ‘A lot of shots have been put up and many nights of shooting even when I’m not hitting has helped me become a better shooter. The efficiency has come from shooting until I literally can’t put up another shot. So much shooting makes putting up a three feel like second nature’. How do you feel did your shot progress in your second professional season?

I saw an improvement with my consistency this season. I plan on becoming more efficient each year I play as a professional. So it’s back to the gym and even more shots getting put up.

You stated in our last interview that you felt that defense is a hidden strength in your game. How do you feel did your play on the defensive end grow with the EN Baskets Schwelm?

I believe my defensive abilities were tested some throughout the season and it made me an even stronger defender. Getting better at the things I can on the court is my main goal in everything I do.

What was your favorite personal game this season? Possibly the 28 point game in the win over Wolfenbuettel or your 24 points and 10 rebound game in the win against Oldenburg?

Both of those games for me were big. I want to thank my teammates for those games as well. Can’t do that without them getting me the ball. 

What is the next step for you? Could you imagine remaining in Germany playing Pro B or Pro A?

Right now the next step is to just get my mind right and enjoy some time with my family. Remain in the gym and just pray and stay focused.

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 could see that happening because even Dirk holds him very high and believes in him. Never know though I do hope for the best in his career.

Do you think that the New England Patriots and Tom Brady Can Win A Seventh Super Bowl and where would Tom Brady then stand with the greatest athletes of all-time?

I’m actually a TB fan so most definitely I believe that. As far as the GOAT I don’t like to get in those talks because they always vary and we will never know the true greatest. It’s all on opinions.

What was the last movie that you saw?

At the moment the fast the furious.

Thanks Erik for the chat.

                The basketball offseason is already in full swing and sometimes a simple dream can lead to some healthy, but speculative thinking about what could happen down the road of basketball. Or as Eddie Murphy loved saying in his popular 90´s talk show “Things that make you go hmmmmmmmm”. In the NBA the speculation buzz in the off season at times seems like a circus with no ending as this summer people will be talking about the possibility of Kemba Walker being in Boston Celtics and Kyrie Irving being in Brooklyn and if the Los Angeles Lakers deal for Anthony Davis will pan out. In European basketball, the off season basketball transaction speculation is already buzzing just as much as the tabloids have been in the states about ex Baseball muscle man Jose Canseco looking for publicity and tattling on other ex MLB muscle man Alex Rodriguez and Jennefer Lopez. Many will wonder will CSKA Moscow continue to keep their amazing roster intact for added titles next season, where will basketball legend Rick Pitino land next and who will be the next wave of NBA players to press their luck in Europe. In the German basketball scene there is speculation as well, but maybe not as wide spread as in other European countries like Greece or Turkey, but it is alive. One will be wondering if Alba Berlin can rebound from their disappointing 2019 final sweep loss to FC Bayern Munich and will Franz Wagner remain or go to the NCAA. Some will wonder how the roster of Brose Bamberg will develop and if Paris Lee can replace Tyrese Rice and in Munich there will always be names thrown into the speculation talk the way as there will always be talk about if Tom Brady will be capable of winning another Super Bowl. I will refrain from making any more Munich predictions after going 0/2 the last two summers with Kyle Kuric in 2017 and Philip Scrubb in 2018. Back in March 2019 for some reason I dreamt that Pedro Calles was head coach of the Fraport Skyliners, but then I woke up. I wrote this article back in March and couldn´t bring it since the Skyliners coaching spot was unresolved, but finally some light came into the picture. The club named Skyliners Pro B coach Sebastian Gleim head coach who has made a name as an excellent coach in the youth area who has helped develop guys like Isaac Bonga, Niklas Kiel and teenagers Len Schoormann and Maxi Begue. It is official now that Gordon Herbert will coach this season and next season in Canada but also be with the Fraport Skyliners in 2020-2021. Herbert is associate head coach for the World Cup this summer assisting 2019 NBA champion Nick Nurse and in his second year will be head coach for the 2021 Fiba Americas Cup qualifiers while also coaching Frankfurt again. “I´m real excited about combining the associate head coach and head coach job with Canada. Canada has a lot of potential. It is a great opportunity for me to learn from Nick Nurse and grow as a coach”, stressed Gordon Herbert. With the head coaching job resolved in Frankfurt, it still is interesting to wonder what would happen if Pedro Calles coached in Frankfurt one day. Calles will coach in Vechta again, but surely would have looked good as well coaching in Frankfurt.

Before talking about what kind of head coach could bring success to the Fraport Skyliners, one can´t forget the accomplishments that Canadian Gordon Herbert has given the organization. The club has three titles in their 20 year existence and two of them with the 2004 BBL title and 2016 Fiba Europe Cup were produced by the guidance of Herbert. He could of won a third title in 2010 had the club had a few more bounces and breaks go their way in the deciding fifth game in Bamberg. Herbert has coached 11 seasons in Frankfurt starting in 2001 to 2004. He returned in 2010 in April to take over for Turk Murat Didin and led the team to the BBL final and returned back in 2013 after a short stay with Alba Berlin. His record has been almost immaculate as he led the team to eight playoff appearances and a lot of joy over the years with titles and bringing in unforgettable players and helping develop Johannes Voigtmann and Danilo Barthel into Euroleague players and Isaac Bonga into an NBA player. Who knows, but his protogee Elijath Clarance from last season is a player where the sky is the limit and could be that next Euroleague or NBA player. One of the biggest strengths of the 1984 Olympian has been making very good teams with limited resources in the money department. He has shown time in and time out to have that fascinating ability of being able to get the most out of his players and knowing how to develop and motivating them to make the next step. Of course one can´t forget his faithful side kick Klaus Perwas who has been a huge help with his unrelentless work with the young German talents and making them better each season. Another big strength of Herbert has been having the ability of finding the right impact players to help the team be successful. His ability to find those players is similar to a magician never failing to present the right surprise from his pockets. Already early in his career, he knew that an unknown Tyrone Ellis who played in the NAIA would be the right fit or the athletic beast Chris Williams could do more than just dunk in Australia where he found the American trying to be noticed by European teams. In his second go around he brought in risk player Dashaun Wood who had been out a whole season due to injury, but returned to an MVP season. He also brought in a Justin Cobbs that turned the season from worse to good in 2014-2015 and in 2015 found an unproven Jordan Theodore who had never had winning success as a professional, but came to Frankfurt and led the team to a title in 2016. But Herbert told me a secret last week that he can´t take the credit alone for having the right feeling and elite scouting ability for getting these players. But the talent runs in the family as current assistant coach Daniel Herbert has been vital for these players coming to Frankfurt. “In 2010, I was offered Kyle Hines, but I thought he was too small and chose Joe Dabbert. Three weeks later Hines was signed by Chris Fleming in Bamberg In Berlin I was offered Marcus Slaughter, but thought he was too skinny and took Torin Francis. My son watched Wood and Theodore on film and watched Shavon Shields and Taj Webster at Portsmouth. He has a good eye for talent”, stressed Gordon Herbert. Only the number 11 hangs high in the Fraport arena as fans will never forget the accomplishments of 2005 European silver medalist Pascal Roller, but if Gordon Herbert had a number, then his would be hanging next to his ex player someday. Herbert is without a doubt the greatest coach the Fraport Skyliners have had in their 20 year existence Thank you Gordon Herbert for many great memories and everyone is thrilled that he will return back to Frankfurt in 2020.

                So why could Pedro Calles be the perfect candidate to coach in Frankfurt had their been an opening for him? Before we began to observe the interesting parallel´s between him and Gordon Herbert rise early in their career´s after their first success one has to look at what Pedro Calles has achieved in Vechta. What makes this story so amazing is that Calles not only came from Spain, a country that doesn´t send Germany much in terms of basketball talent, but rather yummy fruit in winter so there will be added vitamins in the cold and a few less germs and sick kids going to school. Over the years seeing Spanish faces in the German easyCredit BBL has been rare. Last season Pro B team VFL Sparkassen Bochum introduced two interesting players who had played in the Spanish fourth divisions EBA and Alba Berlin pulled a Gordon Herbert in terms of pulling out the right ace from their sleeve by bringing in head coach Aito who has totally turned around the organization into a massive winning culture that believes in developing it´s young German´s and displaying breathtaking team basketball and helped make Joschiko Saibu into probably the most improved BBL player ever. Pedro Calles has been in Germany since 2012, but if someone was in a closet before this season would never have noticed. I follow German basketball closely and remember seeing Pedro Calles for the first time in the 2012-2013 season when he was an athletic coach for the Artland Dragons. I remember being fascinated seeing a Spanish face at a German basketball game. I was also amazed how young he looked. He seemed like he could still have been a university student, but back in 2013 he had already turned 30 and had somewhere been blessed by being touched by the fountain of youth. Six years later, he hasn´t aged much and possibly is a cousin or relative of actor Mario Lopez who actually is 10 years older than Calles and at age 45 and found the same fountain of youth. Calles remained in Germany and after moving up to assistant coach with Artland and getting two years of experience in the German basketball shark tank then quietly found a new home in Vechta in 2015 and worked diligently and successfully as an assistant coach for Andreas Wagner and Doug Spradley. He took over late in the 2017-2018 season for Spradley leading Vechta to the Pro A title and last season was the master mind behind the Vechta Cinderella story. With the club´s success and his rise, one could already say now and the rest is history. He led the club to a semi-final appearance beating Brose Bamberg and then being swept by FC Bayern Munich. Rasta Vechta has given the name over performance a new name and the biggest reason for the success isn´t the players, but head coach Pedro Calles. It would be interesting how other coaches would have faired with this roster, but not everyone would have been able to lead the club to this success. Calles is a very special coach just the way Gordon Herbert is. Herbert has been very aware of the success of Calles and observed his work last season closely. “He was the man behind the Cinderella season. I think there were three things key to their success. He got the players to play hard and together. He also got them to understand their roles. They played aggressive on the defensive end and always played with great tempo. It is tough to say how he would do in Frankfurt if he ever got the chance. Let us see how he does in his second season with Rasta Vechta”, stressed Gordon Herbert.

It seems the Spaniard is living a charmed life, because everyone is enchanted by his basketball mind, character and success. It didn´t take new Vechta player Tyrone Nash long before being infected by the unbelievable success of his coach. “For being a ‘young’ coach and with this being his first head coaching position, his intensity, passion and knowledge of the game is remarkable to me as a player. He pushes each of us to get the best out of each individual player. As long as we play hard, he gives us the freedom to play our game. As players, we really appreciate that”, stressed ex Notre Dame(NCAA) forward Tyrone Nash. Rasta Vechta started off slow losing it´s first three games and the early season warning signs that the club didn´t have the abilities to play with competitive BBL teams came about, but then as suddenly as the New England Patriots rebounded from being back 28-3 in Super Bowl LI to win 34-28 in one of sports greatest comebacks of all-time, it went bang bang bang for Vechta as they reeled off 15 wins in 17 games as a new German basketball Cinderella story was born. The club scored 87 points per game and belong to the top five defenses in the BBL. They like to play a press, but also annoy the ball handler with a sudden double team surprise and then have the rest of the players sneak into the passing lanes. That was a massive recipe for defensive success this season. There are teams in the easyCredit BBL that will never beat a FC Bayern Munich or Alba Berlin, but what new team in the BBL can say they beat Alba Berlin, FC Bayern Munich and Brose Bamberg in one season?. Vechta did this and surely had some people giving that Mccauley Culkin expression. The success in Vechta was a huge surprise for many and the fact that they beat these three top teams in one season is an unbelievable feat. Not too mention winning in Freak City was an unheard thing to do only a few years ago under Chris Fleming and even now not an easy task. Rasta Vechta were the feel good story of the BBL season and as always when you ask his players about the biggest reason for the success, the name Pedro Calles is always mentioned. “Pedro has been the biggest reason for the success of this club. From his ability to capture his players, to his coaching philosophy, to the way he approaches the game, he is the ultimate professional. Our guys love playing for him and as you can see, we play extremely hard under his leadership. It’s been cool to watch him grow as a head coach this season. I’m glad we are able to be apart it with him”, warned ex Tiger Tuebingen guard Josh Young. But then again those that are very close to the organization don´t see the success as a big surprise.”  I don’t think anyone who knows Pedro is surprised that he has been successful thus far. He has been the reason for all of it. His coaching philosophy and principles are what make this team go. Pedro is passionate about basketball and wants the best for each one of us. He makes the game fun and challenges us to improve every day. It’s easy to play for a coach like that“, stressed Rasta Vechta guard Seth Hinrichs.

                When looking at the current position that Pedro Calles has one has to mention a Gordon Herbert. There are a lot of parallel´s that the two basketball coaches share. After getting his first real coaching experience with Tapiolan Honka (Finland) in the 90´s, Herbert then made the next step with Oberwart (Austria) achieving coach of the year in 2000. He made the next jump with DJK S. Oliver Wurzburg (Germany) in 2000 and had his first taste of success in the BBL. There he was able to help develop young Germans like Demond Greene, Robert Garrett and Marvin Willoughby In 2001 he made his next step to the Fraport Skyliners and in a matter of three years won the organizations second title in only five years. Even if Herbert had more coaching experience and was older than a Calles is now, the way the Canadian jumped to a bigger club Frankfurt is similar to Calles´s situation. No matter what happens next for the Spaniard, he will be ready for that next step. Calles has a two year contract with Rasta Vechta and will coach one more year there, but what will happen then? Another parallel in Herbert´s and Calles coaching ways is that character stands above everything else. The best example is Chris Carter. He belonged for years as a top guard in the Pro A, but didn´t get the amount of minutes he could have in the BBL. Despite this, he was always in attack mode for more minutes, but at the same time was the utmost professional about his relationship to his coach. “It has been a tough adjustment for me when I look at last year to this year in terms of playing time but to me this first BBL season is a marathon, not a sprint. I am a person who works hard every day and I will not stop working. Things have been going in the right direction for me over the last 6 weeks so I am just trying to keep building on that day by day. Well I haven’t accepted my role. I am working every day to improve my minutes and show everyone that I belong here. I try to work on having a strong mentality and let my work ethic build my confidence. He is a great coach and I have a lot of respect for the way he handles himself and the team. He wants to bring the best out of you day in and day out. You can tell that he takes his job seriously because he is the first one in and last one out which is what you want to see from your head coach. I hope we keep winning and he gets COY because it will be well deserved”, stressed Rasta Vechta guard Chris Carter during last season. Another parallel is that both coaches have had a big desire to develop young German players. Herbert has proven that with players like Johannes Voigtmann, Danilo Barthel, Isaac Bonga and Niklas Kiel. In Vechta Calles has loved to give minutes to Philipp Herkenhof and Luc Van Slooten. Especially Herkenhof is on a fine way to becoming a very good BBL player and his future surely is in the German national team. Herkenhof could be the next Danilo Barthel.

            Another parallel is that both coaches believe in producing a strong defense and then getting out on the fast break leading to easy points. Rasta Vechta have had to display an aggressive defense day in and day out, because they don´t have the needed length and size to bang down low. Character has already been mentioned and a very important aspect in the philosophies of both coaches. Herbert has demonstrated time in and time out by bringing in good character players and Calles showed this season that he has the same ability. He showed his strong confidence in his players. So often one can witness after a team wins a title and moves up not having the classy side and keeping and rewarding the players, but releasing them and finding new possibly stronger and more experienced players. That wasn´t the case with Calles. He kept Josh Young, Chris Carter, Seth Hinrichs and German Robin Christen. For many other coaches a huge risk as only one of the four had BBL experience and that was many years ago with Josh Young. He believed in them and they came through big time no matter how many minutes they got or not as the most important thing wasn´t their ego, but team. The two biggest Calles pick ups were TJ Bray and Austin Hollins. Hollins had a solid first BBL season with Giessen, but who would have guessed that he would take off so much in his second season? Calles had the right feeling and it paid off. I wonder what Giessen was thinking about not keeping Hollins? Possibly the biggest signing in the BBL and biggest surprise was TJ Bray. Nobody except for Calles and John Patrick would have believed that he would take off and have such an amazing season. He was a candidate for MVP. This also shows another parallel in both Herbert and Calles as both understand not only how to scout properly with a limited budget, but also how to build a potent team despite limited resources.

            Pedro Calles will continue to have numerous offers in the future not only in Germany, but also from other countries. You can be sure that many Spanish teams will already have asked Aito where this Calles guy came from. Calles is on the radar of many teams. Calles will continue to go up the basketball ladder in the next years the same way Gordon Herbert did. For years there was that special Canadian/Finish flair in the Fraport arena and in the BCM, but having that youthful Spanish flair could also be a refreshing new thing in the Fraport arena. But then again I only dreamt that Pedro Calles was the head coach of the Fraport Skyliners which in reality was just a harmless dream and nothing more. Calles won´t be in Frankfurt this season, but now Sebastian Gleim will have one of many special challenges next season against Vechta and Calles. In Frankfurt eyes won´t be on Calles this season, but on Gleim in his first BBL season. Gordon Herbert will also have him under his wing and is confident that he will adjust well in his new job. “Sebastian is in a real good situation in Frankfurt. There is a real good infrastructure and basketball culture there. The Frankfurt organization is fantastic and with Klaus Perwas he has one of the best assistants in the league. He has a great group of young Germans and he is highly organized and motivated. I feel very confident in him moving forward”, warned Gordon Herbert. Pedro Calles is still head coach of Rasta Vechta. I´m sure Rasta Vechta fans won´t mind if I have another dream of Pedro Calles next summer dreaming he will remain head coach there. My dream most likely will be outlasted by reality, but at least Calles will give fans in Vechta fond memories for a long time.

Carlton Guyton is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Richton Park, Illinois that finished his seventh professional season with the Hamburg Towers (Germany-ProA) helping them move up to the easyCredit BBL playing 21 games averaging 8.7ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 74.3%. He has played most of his career in Germany playing with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig (BBL), two seasons with Gotha (Pro A) and a season with Team Ehingen (Pro A). he also has gathered experience in the G-League, Sweden with the White Eagles Stockholm (Sweden-Basketligan), UCC Assigeco Piacenza (Italy-Serie A2) and Rethymno Cretan Kings (Greece-A1). He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball. 

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

No problem at all, thank you! I’m currently back home. As far as basketball life goes, I can’t complain at all. I’m in the lab grinding. 

Congrats on winning the Pro A title with the Hamburg Towers. How blessed do you feel now having made the right step and going there during the middle of the season? 

Thank you! I’m extremely blessed to have joined the Towers. Couldn’t ask for a better group of guys, coaches, and management . 

How quickly did you know that you had arrived in a special place in Hamburg? From the top with Marvin Willoughby and head coach Mike Taylor going all the way down the ladder with your teammates, fans and city how special was the basketball culture with the Hamburg Towers?

I knew from day one that Hamburg was a great place. I was already familiar with the great fans after playing there previously. It’s really a great atmosphere to play in, some of the best fans in Germany. They really come out and support every night!

The Hamburg Towers played an unforgettable and exciting final series with Nurnberg. After losing the first game by three points, you won the deciding game by five points and title. How intense was the whole atmosphere leading between games?

It was very intense leading up to that game. I have to take my hat off to Nurnberg, they played an incredible season & were well coached. But we knew what was at stake and we had to get it done. We didn’t want to lose the championship at home in front of our fans! 

What kind of self confidence and mentality did the team have going into the last game? How sure were you that you would win the title as a club? 

You can never be 100% sure. You just have to go out there and give it your all on every possession. But I believe everyone was confident and knew we had leave it all out on the court. 

The Hamburg Towers were very tough in the final game and never allowed Nurnberg over the hump in the fourth quarter. What was key for winning the game?

I’ll have to credit it to our defense & guys stepping up making plays. Like I said we knew it wouldn’t be easy just had to fight to until the very end. 

The Nurnberg Falcons played an amazing and unforgettable season. Nobody had them on the list to move up to the easyCredit BBL. What did you appreciate most about their play?

I really appreciate their versatility! They were a well balanced team with young talent and vets. I really felt like they knew their identity as a team. 

Let’s talk about the Hamburg Towers season. You came at the start of 2019 and right away lost three of five games. If someone had told you then that the club would win the Pro A title four months later what would you have thought? 

As crazy as it may sound, yes! It’s all about how you finish! Our goal was to win the title and in January we weren’t playing our best basketball. 

From then on the club had two three game winning streaks and two two game losing streaks. Why was the club a bit up and down in the last months? 

We lost a couple close ones and we weren’t at full strength! We were really short handed those couple of months. 

The Hamburg Towers lost the last two regular season games to Chemnitz and Tuebingen. With what kind of mind set did the club go into the playoffs. Did Mike Taylor do anything special or different that got the team mentally ready for tough series against Rostock and Chemnitz? 

Going into to the playoffs it’s a new season. Every team has a fresh start 0-0, so our goal was to get six wins. Mike and Benka did a great job of having us prepared for the playoffs. I wouldn’t say we did anything different. 

How big was the spectacular game four 98-96 win over Chemnitz? Was that the turning point of the playoffs which helped the team make the last push to the title? 

That game was huge for us, it kept our season and goals alive. I think winning at Chemnitz may have been the turning point to finally realize we could win it all. 

What did you appreciate most about having the opportunity to strap on the Hamburg Towers jersey? Was there one experience in your time that you will for always hold on tight to?

The family atmosphere! I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys! No egos! Everyone had one ultimate goal! 

How special was it playing for Mike Taylor. Was he a coach that gave even when it looked most bleak could get some positively to any difficult situation? How key was his unbelievable emotion that he gives during tough times?

Mike is the most positive and encouraging coach I’ve ever played for. It’s a special thing to have a coach like him, seriously. You don’t come across many coaches that are positive ALL the time and in any situation. During the tough times you know Mike 100% belief in everyone he puts out on the court.

Let’s talk about your teammates. How special was it playing with American Andrew Barham? How key was it having him on board for the success and what could you learn from him this season most? 

Drew is one of the best shooters I’ve ever played with, he can really fill it up. Having him on the court is another guy you can’t help off, in return it opened the court up for me. I feel like I learned more things off the court from Drew that I’ll carry with me the rest of my life. 

How challenging was it having the day to day battles with Tevonn Walker? How key was it having another sniper on the floor for your game? 

T is one of the best defenders I’ve come across. Battling him every day in practice only made me better. He was huge for us the entire year. He’s a guy you know you can count on to bring in 110% every night. 

You had some physical big men with Germans Freese and Raffington, but describe a bit how important the versatility of Beau Beech was and how his presence on the floor made a huge difference?Beau!!!!! I call him point forward lol. Having him on the court made it easier for me and all of the guards. A big that can stretch the floor the way he can, rebound, and rise to the occasion when we need him most. 

How did you see the development of young German Justus Hollatz? What kind of interactions did you have with him and how did you help him best with his game? 

When I first got to Hamburg he was out so I didn’t really get to see him play. Then when he returned to the court I was hurt lol. So my first real interaction with him was during the playoffs . I told him to be confident and play your game. 

Let’s talk about your game. You have had a rise up the basketball ladder in recent years moving from the Pro A to BBL with Braunschweig, then had a strong season in Italy, but this season had misfortune in Greece, but had a happy ending in Hamburg. Despite winning the Pro A title, how do you rate this season in terms of making strides. Do you see the Pro A season just as another valuable experience and not a step back considering you made your mark in the BBL two years ago? 

I wouldn’t consider it a step back at all. I knew when signing to Hamburg there would be a little criticism about going back to the ProA. But I think it was a great decision. I was able to play under a great coach, with great teammates and fans. I was also able to build relationships that will last a lifetime. 

You played 21 games averaging 8,7ppg, 2,8rpg and 3,0apg and shot 39% from outside. How content were you with your season?

Never content! I can always improve and be better. But If I can walk away with a championship every season I’m satisfied! Winning is the only thing that matters to me, not my personal stats. 

Your minutes were up and down as was your scoring. How tough was this season for you mentally and was it tough getting used to your role? 

I wouldn’t say it was tough, just had to adjust to a new situation. But that’s expected when joining a new team in the middle of the season. I know everyone is used to me scoring and playing a lot of minutes, but my role was different on this team. The ultimate goal is to win, no matter how it’s done. 

Despite the up and down minutes how do you feel did you develop further with the Hamburg Towers? How vital was the team’s season success for your game?

I was able to develop as a leader and as a point guard. This year was my first time playing point guard primarily. 

You have been a very consistent three pointer shooter your whole career. Is there any other ways in the last years that you have been able to make strides with your shot that didn’t only involve reps and shot selection? 

I would say confidence. Confidence is key! You’re going to have bad shooting nights or may experience a slump. Remain confident & believe in yourself. 

What was your personal favorite game with the Hamburg Towers? Your 29 points in the game four win against Rostock or your 28 points in the game five win over Chemnitz?

The game against Chemnitz for sure. Simply because that was for all the marbles. It was for everything we worked all season for. Plus it was on the road in front of a hostile crowd.

What is the next step for you? Could you imagine remaining in Hamburg or would you consider going to a new country and culture? 

I have no clue at the moment. I would love to stay in Hamburg, but who knows.

On what things will you continue to work on in the lab this summer as you continue to improve as a player? 

This summer I’ll focus on my body! Then fine tune everything else!

Please list your all-time best starting five of teammates 

Hahaha you’re trying to get me killed I see. That’s too tough to decide, I’ve played with some great guys. 

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

Played against a lot of great players this past season. But one that stands out the most would have to be Malte. Simply because he can get hot at any moment and run off 2 or 3 three pointers. He also did a great job of drawing fouls. 

Please name your personal NBA Rushmore old or new?

In no particular order MJ, LeBron, Magic, Kobe, & its tough to pick a last one lol. Maybe I’ll go with Shaq 

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

I think it’s great for conversation, but in the end it’s a tough debate. They have two different games and played in two different era’s. But I’m personally going with Big Mike! 

What was the last movie that you saw?

Toy Story 4!

Thanks Carlton for the chat.

 Kevin Franceschi is a 25 year old 190cm guard from Argenteuil, France that completed his second professional basketball season and first in Germany with Pro B team BBC Coburg averaging 15,3ppg, 4,4rpg and 2,4apg. Last season as a rookie he played with BEHAPPY2 – CB Myrtia (Spain-LEB Silver) playing 30 games averaging 9.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 62.2%. In the states he played with three schools with Weatherford JC (JUCO) playing 9 games averaging 5.6ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 10.5%, FT: 22.2%, UMKC (NCAA) playing 25 games averaging 2.6ppg and with Oklah.Baptist (NCAA2) playing 22 games averaging 13.9ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 38.9%, 3PT: 21.5%, FT: 82.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com at the end of the season in Germany.

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

A pleasure again. I’m back in France, enjoying the family for a few days before taking off to the states. Working out, life is good.

What was the first eatery you visited when you returned home after being in Germany for 7 months?

My mum’s kitchen, ahah. Always the same when I get back home after a while, my mum takes good care of me. Morrocan food.

After playing your first season in Germany for BBC Coburg what did you learn to appreciate the most about the German culture and it’s basketball?

I really love Germany. People were great there, they love sports. German basketball was great also, a lot of intensity, People are just very professional overall there. I want to thank Matt Haufer again for the opportunity to come to Germany!

It was a tough season for BBC Coburg, but it was saved and remained in the Pro B. If someone had told you at the beginning of September that BBC Coburg would have to fight at the end of the season in the Playdowns what would you have thought?

I always aim for the playoffs and winning, so no I didn’t expect that. Our season was tough, we didn’t make the playoffs by one win, and we lost to Erfurt by 1 point twice. I know for a fact that once in the playoffs we could’ve made a push. But that’s how you learn unfortunately.

Please give your summary of the season. It had three parts. The team began slowly losing 5 of it’s first 6 games, but then won 7 of 9 games only to close out the season losing 5 of 6 games and just missing the playoffs.

Yes you said it right, roller coaster. Bad start, great pace in the middle and bad finish. Everybody was aware of that at the end of the season. We had a change of dynamic when our big man left (Jason Penn) and Chase Adams came. Unfortunately we couldn’t play both together so Jason left.

Talk a little about how much fun it was playing basketball in the middle of the season where you won 7 of 9 games. T seemed like everything was working. You were scoring many points, allowing less points and even won two games in crunch-time.

Very fun. When you win life is great overall, players are happy, and the club/fans as well. We were rolling and went from bottom of the league to top 4. In game feeling was great, everybody was rolling and playing to their roles.

After the huge exciting 85-82 game against the wiha Panthers Schwenningen, the club folded losing 5 of it’s last six games. Was the team mentally tired or physically drained?

Big win against a top team in Germany yes. I personally think the team relaxed, we also had injuries and key players missed games, especially inside. So yes some players were mentally/physically tired I think. We had a team to beat anybody on any given night, we didn’t take care of the opportunity.

How satisfying was it closing out the season with a 4-2 record in the playdowns? Why do you feel could the team be more successful in this phase than at the end of the regular season?

It was great, we knew we could dominate that part of the season, and we couldn’t stay on the thought that we missed the playoffs, etc… and focus on these games.
As far as our postseason success, I think we realized we owe it to the club too, we can’t relax because there’s no real ‘reward’ in the playdowns, especially after game 2 when we secured the Pro B spot.

You had some big wins against Cologne 101-100 or 83-78 against the ScanPlus Baskets, but was the 85-82 win against the wiha Panthers the most memorable?

Probably yes, I think we’re the only team to beat them at their place with Leverkusen in 2 years. ScanPlus was also a huge win, tough game to win and it came down to crunch time on those 2 games. Loved it

What positives do you feel could the club get out of this season that will help them in their quest for success next season?

We had a better season than the previous season. We showed the potential of the club, fans were always behind us. Next season will be an even better season for BBC Coburg I believe.

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much of a joy was it playing with American Chase Adams? Did you discuss about your chips on your shoulders and who’s was bigger?

Chase Adams will finish in my mount rushmore of teammates when I’m done playing basketball. He was a big brother for me this year. We pushed each other every day, trash talking every practice. Coach put us on opposite teams 80% of the time. And yes we always inspired each other, he had a long route as well and was doubted, so we relate a lot. I was blessed to have 2 great point guards with Yasin Turan as well.

Would the team have been a playoff team had he have been there from the start of the season?

Probably yes, it’s hard to tell. But he definitely pushed the team to another height when he came.

How much of a pleasure was it being teammates with talented German Chris Wolf? Did you soak up some of his expertise shooting skills to add to yours?

I loved Chris Wolf, I clicked with him since day 1. Always plays hard and can do multiple things. Positive guy, everybody loved him there. And we battled on 3 point contests yes!

Talk a bit about the German veterans energy guys Dino Dizdarevic and Steffen Walde. How important where their presence for the success and what did you appreciate most about their games?

Dino and Steffen were great this year. It’s always good to have German players that can be effective and perform on a nightly basis around you, especially in their country. Steffen was a big voice of the team, always vocal and energetic/physical. They both were big pieces of the team.

You had a majority of older German guys in comparison to the younger guys, but what German player do you feel developed the most this season?

I would say Max Von der Wippel. He worked hard every day, in scenes and behind the scenes. And it showed. He became our main Option in the low post, rarely missed around the rim. Loved him as a teammate.

Let’s talk about your game. In our last interview you stressed that ‘I expect a lot about myself this season, I’m playing with a big chip on my shoulder, I worked really hard this summer. I am not thinking about any personal awards now, I’m just going to bring maximum intensity and give my team the best chances to compete in the playoffs’. Did you set to high expectations for yourself?

I don’t think so, like I said I don’t set stats in my head before the season started. I played hard all year and gave the club 100% every night. I could’ve have had a better season for sure, but I learned so much this year.

In your first season in Germany you averaged 15,2ppg, 4,4rpg and 2,4apg. How content were you with your season?

My season was okay, could’ve done better, but overall I think I put my mark in Germany. Time to watch film now and improve and learned on my mistakes this year.

A big strength in your game is your attitude. How do you feel did this grow and develop having experienced more pains than joys as a team?

I grew more mature this year yes, I always kept the same attitude. I love the game so it’s a joy every time I touch a basketball. Chase and his wife made me pick up Yoga this year, a big plus that I added in my game, mentally and physically.

You also stated in our last interview that ‘My composure and state of mind during the game, gets noticed after the season starts, it’s hard to get me out of my rail while I’m focused’. Do you feel like that composure was noticed a bit more in the playdowns?

I think it was noticed since the first day. I don’t know how the opponents felt about it but I always kept my cool I think, ups or downs. Play-downs stats were better because I learned from my regular season mistakes.

What was your personal favorite moment with your game this season? I can imagine your 39 point explosion with 9 three’s at home against Rhondorf?

Yes I think that game will go down as one of my best since I picked up a basketball. Great feeling and the win at home. I’ll always keep that game up my sleeves. 

Was that the most you ever scored in a game in your life and did you feel invincible throughout the game?

My official career high is 44 back in France. I was in the zone yes, the rim felt huge and my teammates were finding me. I would’ve have had 50 that day with a few more shots I feel like.

How do you feel did you develop further this season as a player. Do you ever wonder if having began later with basketball can have an effect how you continue to grow as a player?

I developed a lot, especially defensively. I showed my skillset this year and the work put in all year around. Starting basketball later than a majority of players wasn’t a disadvantage I think, I became hungry early, maybe earlier than others.

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?

Yes I would come back to Germany, depending on what’s on the table. ‘Go where you’re celebrated and not tolerated’. The plan is to move up to a tougher league. I’m open to other countries too.

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?

Skills wise, a lot of repetitions in the gym. Simple moves repeted x number of times every day. Physically, my mobility, and my single leg power. I have to dunk more and use one foot jumps more next season. Just become stronger overall and more flexible.

If you had to pick your personal favorite starting five of teammates over the years which players would you chose?

Very good question: 
Pg: Chase Adams
Shooting Guard : Steven Green
Wing: Joey Flannery
Power forward: Matthew Don / Tonko Vuko
Center: Timotis Kuckailis 

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 believe so yes, if he stays healthy no doubt he will, maybe the greatest. Amazing player. Europe made a lot of all time greats that we should be proud of.

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

He’s one of the all time great but I didn’t agree as THE greatest. I take MJ as first. Lebron still has time in front of him. It’s also hard to compare eras.

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

Different sport, both greatest of all time in their own sports. And top athletes in history of sports. Tom Brady is unreal.

If Tom Brady does win a seventh Super Bowl where will he stand with the greatest athletes of all-time?

Good question, in Football I believe he already is, it’s hard to hate the guy when you can relate to his work ethic. He is a work horse. 40+ years old still doing it on top of the game.

What was the last movie that you saw?

My last move was Safe House with Denzel Washington

Thanks Kevin for the chat.

Junior Searcy is a 23 year old 193cm guard that was born in Ludwigsburg, Germany, but grew up in the States in Florida. He will begin his professional rookie season in Germany with the wiha Panthers. He played 6 NCAA games with N.Arizona (NCAA) and then played three seasons at Saint Leo (NCAA2) playing a total of 73 games. In his sophomore season he played 19 games averaging 7.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 70.5%. In his junior season he played 30 games averaging 12.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 69.9%. In his senior year he played 24 games averaging 10.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 63.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball 

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

I am currently in Tampa, Florida and the summer has been great! Currently just working at my job and working out on the court and the weight room every day.

Congrats on signing with the wiha Panthers in Germany. How did you experience your first transfer period? You signed very early. Did you have a good share of offers or was the Panthers the first deal that you had and jumped for it?
I had a few people contact my agent and me but I signed with the wiha Panthers because I felt like they were the best fit for me. I also believe that coach Alen will help me become the player I want to be. 

You were born in Ludwigsburg, Germany and have a German mother. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?
The culture in Germany is very different compared to here in Florida the people, the food, everything in general is very different. The one thing I do know is that the Germans do love their athletics especially when it comes to futbol and basketball. The basketball style overseas is played at a very different pace and the players have a very high IQ.

Did you live most of your life in the States? With a German passport, you could have a successful and long career in Germany. Do you know the language German and if not will you attempt to learn it this season?

Yes I have been in the States for a long time. When I first moved to the States I moved to North Carolina and then I made my way down to Florida. I don’t speak German well at all but I can understand it pretty well but I for sure want to learn throughout the season.

What were the main reasons for signing with the wiha Panthers? Head coach Alen Velcic is really high on your abilities?

Coach Alen believes I have a lot of potential to become a special player and has faith that I will be able to bring something to the table when I come to play for the team. I have a lot of trust in Coach Alen and trust played a major part in my decision.

Head coach Alen Velcic loves your athleticism and believes that you could be a real steal. Have you had a chip on your shoulders the last years playing NCAA 2 ball at St Leo’s?

Yes, I would say I have a chip on my shoulder but I don’t mean that in an arrogant way. When I say I play with a chip on my shoulder I say that because I feel like I have so much to prove to everyone, and a lot I have to prove to myself as well.

Let’s talk about your game. If you had to describe your game to an NBA player who would fit the description best?

I believe Paul George would be the best description of the way I play.

Your athleticism is amazing and you’re a very prolific dunker. Have you had any dunk role models over the years and what has been your favorite dunk that you have had at St Leo?

My role model when it came dunks and basketball in general has always been Vince Carter. I have two dunks that have always really stood out while I playing for Saint Leo, one of them was me dunking on my teammate Pape during a Green/White scrimmage and the other was an alley oop pass I caught from Kyran during our game against Florida Southern University.

You have improved your three point shooting each season in the last three. You shot 38% last season. How have you seen the development of your shot and with what feelings are you going into your professional career concerning the potential of your shot?

I feel like I have always been able to shoot the ball pretty well but it was just a matter of me being willing to take the shots. I did not shoot a lot at the beginning of my career but as time went on I started to shoot the ball with more confidence like I used to like when I was in high school. When I did that, my numbers improved. I feel like I will shoot the ball well as long as I keep working on it and stay confident in my shot.

You’re a great offensive player, but let’s talk about your defensive qualities. Do you feel like you can be that impact player as a professional not only on the offensive end?

I feel like I will have an impact on the defensive end. I can block shots and I can jump passing lanes to get out and run in the open court. I like to play both ends of the floor so the same effort I play with on offense you will see on defense.

One of your favorite athletes is Jamal Crawford. How did his game influence your game in helping you become the player that you are today?

He helped me understand to play freely and just enjoy playing the game that you love.

You’re a guy that can do many things on the court, but what do you feel is a hidden strength that doesn’t always get noticed right away on the court?

I love to get my teammates involved but sometimes my passing capabilities aren’t noticed. 

On what things will you be working on most this summer on your game so you will come to Germany best prepared to begin your rookie season?

I will be working on my ball handling and shooting off the dribble to help me get ready to play my rookie season in Germany.

You began your college career at N Arizona, but that lasted only 6 games. What kind of experience was that for you and what positives could you get out of that year?


It was a good experience because I learned a lot for the little time I was there and the positives I got out of it was seeing and playing against some of the best players in the country so that really showed me what I needed to work on to take my game to the next level.

You lost 91-52 to top school Gonzaga as a freshman. What memories do you have of that game playing 7 minutes and scoring 2 points. How much better are you now as a player than when you were playing them then? 

I remember being on the floor and Gonzaga had the biggest lineup I have every played against. I feel like it’s a big difference. My confidence is much higher and my IQ is higher as well so I have been able to better my games a lot throughout the years.

You played against some future NBA players against Gonzaga. When you look back, which player impressed you the most then?

Domantas Sabonis impressed me big time because he scored about 38 points on us and didn’t take very many shots at all and was just so efficient when we played them.

You then moved to St Leo’s. Talk a little about your career there. You didn’t win much, but how do you feel were you able to develop further there as a player?

Since we didn’t win as much as I would have liked to it always kept me hungry and made me want to get better and better. I never lost hope and just played hard every game and tried to give us the best chance to win. It made me always work on my game.

You had some great games against Le Moyne scoring 26 points and had 25 points against Florida Tech. Was one of these your most memorable games or did you have another?

Even though those were some good games I had, it was not the most memorable. The most memorable was our game against Florida southern 3 years ago and we were down by 5 with about 15 seconds left and then Marcus Dewberry came up big time and won us the game in those last few seconds.

How did head coach Vince Alexander groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He really helped me take my work ethic to another level and always reminded me even when things get tough to love the process.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Kyran Mcclure?

Kyran and I would go at it every practice and we went toe to toe he would win and I would win so it went back and forth all year its really hard to say. I think I won more at the end of the day though.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that is in the NBA no?

Dwayne Bacon was a scoring machine so he was the toughest player I ever had to face

Please name your personal NBA Rushmore. Please pick 4 NBA heads that you feel make the perfect NBA Rushmore.

Kevin Durant, Shaq, Kobe, and MJ

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

I feel like Jordan is the best player in the world and I’m honestly putting Kevin Durant ahead of Lebron so this really has never been a debate to me.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Avengers End Game!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Junior for the chat.

Coonor Wood is a 25 year old 193cm guard from Guelph, Ontario that completed his second professional season and first in Germany with the Uni Baskets Paderborn averaging 12,7ppg, 2,6rpg and 2,9apg while shooting 43,3% from outside. He played his rookie season with Niagara River Lions (NBL Canada) playing 44 games averaging 9.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 74.2%. He played at Carleton University (CIS) from 2012-2017 playing a total of 124 CIS games. In his senior season he played 23 games averaging 17.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 48.3%, FT: 79.5%. He won 5 CIS titles and 2 OUA titles. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the end of the Pro A season in Germany.

Thanks Connor for talking to germanhoops.com Where are you at the moment and has the NCAA Madness helped keep your mind off not reaching the playoffs with the Uni Baskets Paderborn?

I am in Quimper France finishing their season with them. Yea that and playing here has helped me keep my mind off that.

You played your rookie season in Germany with the Uni Baskets Paderborn. Talk a little about the experiences you made and what the positives were in first season as a professional?

My season was a great experience. I was welcomed warmly by the organization and the fans. While living in a new city far away it was very helpful. The positives were seeing and learning how the game differs overseas, as well as getting in to playing here to learn further on what I can work on to get better moving forward.

There was a short span at the end of January where the club won two of three games against Trier and Hanau. But then the club went on a seven game losing streak. What do you feel went wrong in that time?


I felt like we had some bad lapses on defense and some bad shot selection at times. we had a lot of close games through the year with a good chance to win and couldn’t pull enough of them out in the end which really hurt us.

A big problem this season for the Uni Baskets was the inability to get stops. The team gave up 84 points per game. Playing good hard defense has to do with passion and effort. What were the biggest problem this season in not being able to defend better?

Defensively I think effort and communication were things that the team needed to do better for us to get more stops.

Do you feel like the club was able to take some kind of positives out of the season? Will the win in Rostock and sweeping playoff team Trier be some of the more memorable moments?

I think so we showed the true potential of the team in some games. Everybody there thought we were a better team than we let the record show. We had to many bad games and close losses for the team we had so I think we we’re still happy with the team we had through the year.

Let’s talk about your teammates. How did it feel playing among so many rookies like Matt Klinewski, Darnell Foreman and Grant Benzinger. One could of called you the fab four. Did the inexperience have an effect on the club success?

It was good to play with them all of them talented in their own right. I think we did make some inexperienced plays during the season but I also think that we we’re experienced enough to be better than those mistakes.

Another guy that had a very solid rookie season was Grant Benzinger. How bitter was it seeing him go down for the season prior to the seven game losing streak? What did you appreciate mostly about his game and did he tell any stories about his baseball dad?

Yea it was tough seeing Grant go down. He was having a great season and brought a lot of energy to the team pushing us to do better. He was obviously having a great season. It is always hard to see a good teammate get hurt. I appreciate his hustle most of all he’s always the first guy to dive for a loose ball.

What kind of experience was it battling Grant Benzinger on a daily basis. How do you feel did he benefit from you and vice versa?

It was good. I feel like we both challenged each other to be better making each other work to get stops in practice and that leading to us being confident together on the floor.

What kind of an experience was it playing for German coach Uli Nachster? Was it very much different to what you were used to playing for American coaches at the NCAA level?

It was a good experience always interesting to see things from a new coaches perspective how that want to cover things and where they see the best options on offense. I was in the CIS but yes very different when compared to the pro level.

Coming from the NCAA what was the biggest adjustment that you had to make to playing professional ball overseas?

I think the adjustment of having a very new team each year and trying to find the best way to get the team in the roles that will help be the most successful. In university you have multiple years to do so and can get a very good culture around the team of team success where as I think that’s harder in pro ball with so many changes each year.

Let’s talk about your game. As a rookie you averaged 12,8ppg, 2,6rpg and 2,8apg while shooting 43,7% from outside. How content were you with your rookie season?

I think I had some good games in my rookie year but overal I started slow with not getting looks early and then I think I finished the season pretty poorly as well so I think I could’ve had a better season but just more reason to keep working on getting better.

You shot very well from outside at 43,7%. How confident and excited are you to be able to fire away in your third professional season?

I’m definitely confident in my shot and I’m always excited to take good looks.

How do you feel did your game progress further in Germany? Your three pointer stands out, but how do you feel did your driving and finding your teammates improve at a new level?

I think my drive and kick has gotten better with the differences in spacing having to work harder to find the open man even if it’s not for an assist but to get the ball in the right spots.

Having played in Canada and now Germany, do you feel like you could go back and visit Dave Smart and he would recognize that your basketball IQ has risen with having played at the European level?

I don’t think so. Dave Smart is always looking at what you can improve on so he’ll point out a lot of things that I can still learn or do better, instead of compliments.

On what things will you be working on most this summer as you prepare for your third professional season and will you change anything up on your work out sessions?

Definitely want to work on my ball handling and finishing around the rim more this offseason I think those are two things that would help push my game forward.

What is the next step for you? Could you imagine returning back to Germany or are you ready to explore another part of the world and showcase your basketball talent?

I’m ready to go wherever the best opportunity is whether it be back in Germany or else where. I want to play basketball at the best level I can so I can keep improving.

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

I can’t name a top 5 but all my teammates at Carleton were incredible wouldn’t have changed any of them. Still close to a lot of them and always great to play with.

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? 

Luka has had an amazing rookie season not looking like a rookie at all so I think the sky’s the limit definitely has the potential to be

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

I think that it makes sense. When your that good and trying to win you have to think of yourself as the best. I’m sure lots of guys think they are the best that’s to competitive nature that pushes them to try and prove they are better by winning. I personally still think Michael Jordan is the best ever but it is so hard to compare generations. A lot of great players I’ve never seen.

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

I can’t speak much to football but I think most people know Tom Brady is something very special in that game.

What was the last movie that you saw? 

Last movie I saw was Centurion

Thanks Connor for the chat.