Kameron Taylor (s.Oliver Wurzburg) I Want To Focus On Defense In The BBL Which I Feel Will Separate Me

Kameron Taylor is a 23 year old 198cm guard from Hyattsville, Maryland that recently finished his second professional season and first with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf and tore up the Pro B averaging 23,4ppg, 7,9rpg and 5,6apg, and 2,6spg. Last season as a rookie he played with Team Ehingen Urspring (Germany-ProA) playing 29 games averaging 10.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 43.9%, FT: 80.2%. He started his basketball career at DeMatha Catholic and in 2012-2013 started his career at Seton Hill (NCAA2) and as a freshman played 28 games averaging 7.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 70.0%. In his second season at Seton Hill (NCAA2) he played 27 games averaging 12.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.6apg, 2.0spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 77.9%. In his junior season at Seton Hill (NCAA2) he played 16 games averaging 13.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 70.6%. In his senior year at Seton Hill (NCAA2) he played 27 games averaging 20.8ppg, 8.7rpg, 4.1apg, 2.2spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 76.8%. He spoke to German Hoops after he gave his EasyCredit BBL debut in Berlin with s.Oliver Wurzburg scoring 16 points in a 80-76 loss.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Kameron Taylor after his buzzer beater against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors

Kam thanks for talking to German Hoops. Your 2017-2018 dream continues as you have made the jump from the Pro B to the EasyCredit BBL. How would you describe this dream at the moment?

I don’t consider it a dream but a goal I set for myself to accomplish by the end of my Pro B season. And now I’m setting more goals as I accomplish them.

You told me at the Dragons Rhondorf season ending party that you weren´t sure about how you would end your season. You had had a try out with the s.Oliver Wurzburg. Did you know at that time that you would be ending the season with them?

I didn’t know at the time because they were down 2 key Big guys and were highly considering picking up another Big Man.

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Forrest Robinson (ETB Wohnbau Baskets) Nobody Has To Drive Me To Work Hard I Do That Naturally

Forrest Robinson is a 24 year old 208cm forward from Eastland, Texas playing his third professional season and first with the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (Germany-ProB). He started the season with Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-Euromillions League) playing 6 games averaging 3.5ppg, 2.2rpg. Last season he played with CD Universidad Catolica de Santiago (Chile-Liga Nacional) and Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-Alexela KML). As a rookie in the 2015-2016 season he played with Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus-Division A) playing 18 games averaging 12.6ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT-3(40.5%), FT: 66.7%. He started his basketball career at N.Texas (NCAA) and finished at De Paul (NCAA) where as a senior he played 32 games averaging 6.3ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 88.0%. currently he is battling in the Pro B playdowns averaging 7,7ppg and 4,5rpg. He spoke to German Hoops recently about basketball.

Forrest, thanks for talking to German Hoops. You started the season in Belgium. Did you have any chance of seeing Germany or is this the first time that you’re here?

I didn’t get to see much of Germany when I last came. But I hope I get to now that I am here playing.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Do you have any friends playing here?

I don’t know much about basketball in Germany. I know a few guys that played in Germany before and they all have nothing but good things to say.

What was most appealing thing about the ETB Wohnbau Baskets that led you to sign here?

What made me sign with ETB was the opportunity to play a big role in the success of the team moving forward.

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Tai Webster Sparks The Fraport Skyliners Past The Mitteldeutscher BC 83-67

After the embarrassing and unacceptable 83-59 loss in Giessen shortly before Christmas, one would have expected a total 180 degrees turnaround in the return game and the Fraport Skyliners showcasing ecstatic faces after the win, but instead players moped back into the dressing room after the 86-70 loss and sweep by the Giessen 46ers with their heads hanging and fearing to have to confront head coach Gordon Herbert in the dressing room with his post game rant. Four year Skyliner veteran and Florida native Mike Morrison was limping to the dressing room like a destroyed World War 2 battle ship and the usual taciturn Philip Scrubb seemed even more quiet just with the dejected expression on his face. Gordon Herbert left right after the press conference skipping the normal VIP room dinner and one could only have hoped that he had calmed down by Easter Sunday. The only good news was that despite the poor sweep to the Giessen 46ers, the Fraport Skyliners were still in seventh place, but had teams like ratiopharm Ulm and Giessen close on their heels with only one win less for the playoff hunt. However with so many tough games remaining against playoff teams, the 2004 BBL champion had to start winning games against lesser teams in order to have some leverage if they lose some games to the other top teams down the stretch. The Fraport Skyliners had one of those must win situations against 2004 Fiba Europe cup winner Mitteldeutscher BC who they had barely survived winning a nail bitter 96-93 in their first meeting as new Skyliner Jordan Sibert put a scare into his new team with 23 points while Philip Scrubb and Jonas Wolfarth-Bottermann carried the Fraport Skyliners with 47 points combined.

Basketball BL, FRAPORT SKYLINERS - MBC M ITTELDEUTSCHER BASKETBALL CLUB WEISSENFELS

Tai Webster made 11 of 18 shots and finished the game with 26 points.

The contest also featured the first meeting between Jordan Sibert and his ex team who had rudely disposed of him after bringing back last season´s hero Andrew Warren. The Mitteldeutscher BC entered the game in no man´s land with 8 wins, but wanted to close out the season strong, while Jordan Sibert who had put up strong stats with the Mittledeutscher BC was searching for some revenge. Sibert didn´t gain revenge with his play in limited minutes, but had the last laugh as the Fraport Skyliners disposed of the Mitteldeutscher BC 83-67 keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Sibert had a smile on his face, but one could sense that he was disappointed he couldn´t contribute more on the court. “The win was important. It was like a practice again for me seeing the guys. It was good to see the guys healthy and playing. There are no hard feelings. I´m happy that we stuck to the game plan, executed on offense and were aggressive on defense”, stressed ex Dayton(NCAA) guard Jordan Sibert.

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Kruize Pinkins (Mitteldeutscher BC) I Think Being A Knock Down Shooter Would Really Open Up My Game A Lot More

Kruize Pinkins is a 25 year old 201cm forward from Marianna, Florida that is playing his third professional season and first with the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played with the Hebeisen White Wings in his first two professional seasons. In his second season with Hanau he averaged 17,9ppg, 9,5rpg and 2,5apg. He started his basketball career at Chipola (JUCO). He then played at USF (NCAA) from 2013-2015 and as a senior played 32 games averaging 13.9ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 65.0%. As a rookie last season with the Hebeisen White Wings he played 29 games averaging 13.1ppg, Reb-3(9.1rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 68.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners on Easter Monday.

Kruize, thanks for talking to German Hoops. This is your third season in Germany and our seventh interview. Your third professional season is coming to an end. Has time flown by since your first professional game against Vechta where you netted 12 points and hauled down 12 boards After two very strong seasons in the Pro A with Hanau, you made the jump to 2004 Fiba Europe Cup champion Mitteldeutscher BC. How much of a blessing has it been for you being able to play in one of Europe´s top 5 leagues?

It´s a big blessing and I never take it for granted. It´s a very tough league that is making me a better player.

The Mitteldeutscher might only have won 8 games to this point, but any season where it remains in the BBL is a big success. How have you experienced your first season in the BBL? What have been the team highs and lows so far?

It´s been a great experience for me. I have learned a lot of things throughout the course of this season. The hardest thing I had to deal with was being out two weeks with an injury but we have a great medical staff here which helped me return quickly

The club lost 4-5 very close games The club allows 88 points per game. Where do you feel the team would be today if it had been able to play more consistent defense? What have been the main flaws on the defensive end this season?

It was not about defense in most of those close loses. Sometimes the ball just doesn’t drop your way and every possession matters. Most of those teams were very experienced. Our guys go out and play their hearts out on defense every night. Every team has a defensive drop here and there, it´s a part of basketball.

Marcus Hatten doesn´t play your position, but belongs to the players with the most professional experience in the BBL. He is a guy that has seen it all. Have you become an overall smarter player on the court just by seeing his play and stories about his basketball life?

Yeah, Marcus has taught me a lot. It´s made me a better player just by getting knowledge from him. So yes I take as much knowledge about the game from him as I can!

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Thomas Walkup (MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg) Has To Take Care Of Business In Germany Before The NBA Comes Calling

It was an extremely fierce back and forth battle between the Fraport Skyliners and the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg this season in Frankfurt up to halftime, but in the third quarter, Frankfurt started to pull away leading 72-63 and it looked like the game flow and result would go as usual at home for the 2004 BBL champion with a win, but there was a reddish/blond player who had other ideas on the court. He had a trim and in control beard that wasn´t as out of control as at SF Austin two years ago and unruly like a Sergio Rodriguez. The player that did the damage and heroics for the MHP Riesen was American Thomas Walkup who had grown an outrageous big beard in his senior season at SF Austin during the NCAA run and still smiles today when he is reminded about it. “I don´t miss anything about it, but it was awesome while I had it. It was my trademark then even it was more of a joke. It was fun while it lasted, but that had it´s time in college”, added Thomas Walkup. The American had had some huge games in the BBL this season against Alba Berlin and Science City Jena with 22 points apiece, but what he performed in Frankfurt was his best game as a professional in Germany. He led his team on a 15-1 run to get back into the game and closed out the game in Jordan like or Curry like fashion putting seemingly his own special like patent on the word scoring in bunches and scoring his team´s last five baskets in a row and making his name not so quickly forgotten in the Fraport arena. He finished with an amazing 27 points on the night the most he has had as a player in Europe, but also displayed his usual versatile game and filled up the stat sheet with eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. He probably served up Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert added mind games that evening wondering why he may not have had him on the radar like a John Patrick may have last summer. The amazing thing with Walkup´s points at the end, was that they weren´t mostly open shots, but difficult shots and plays where he had to show his wonderful one on one and scoring in traffic abilities. His scoring was top, he helped out where it hurts most on the boards, made big defensive plays and yes put a little breath of Larry Bird into the arena with his precise and beautiful passing. On one play he had the ball on the sideline and without flinching quickly gunned the ball inside to an open David Mccray for the easy lay up before the Frankfurt defense could even react. “That was a good pass. We had a mix up on defense. He had the sense to figure out before he got the ball to make the pass when he got it”, stressed Philip Scrubb who is a fine passer himself. That pass also proved that he has a very good basketball IQ and sense where his teammates are. The 88-80 win against Frankfurt was just one of so many games this season where the American has shown his brilliant basketball abilities and the guy is on a mission. Even if he was careful in his choice of words, Walkup is a major competitor and knows exactly where his basketball future is going. ““The basketball world is so connected that you can play anywhere in Europe and still be on a NBA team´s radar. I am playing good ball now after not playing as well last season. I will just continue to keep working and see where it takes me”, warned Thomas Walkup. “We have played a lot of games this season and Tom has been a scoring machine in a lot of them. Against Frankfurt he carried the team through the fourth quarter on offense. He showed how big of an impact he can make on a game”, stressed teammate and roommate at road games Adam Waleskowski. Walkup pretty much knows where he wants to go, but first he has to take care of business with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg before the NBA comes calling.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Thomas Walkup after the 88-81 MHP Riesen win where he dropped 27 points

Thomas Walkup is a 25 year old 193cm shooting guard/small forward that was born in Pasadena, Texas. He played his high school ball at Deer Park and already at a young age had to battle injuries as he suffered two ACL injuries, but he got past these hardships with his dedication and hard work. In his senior year, he averaged 25,9ppg and 8,9rpg. Despite these stellar stats, it seemed like there wasn´t so much interest from division one schools, but he always wanted to play in the NCAA tournament so going to the division 2 was never an option for him. He also didn´t seem to be as confident in his game coming out of high school, but his experience at SF Austin would not only change his mentality, but his game. As a freshman he was still learning the ropes at the NCAA level and wasn´t much of a factor averaging only 4.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3apg. However from his sophomore season until the end, he would make big strides in his game being able to improve his scoring, rebounding, assists and steal percentages each season. One could also see his development and consistency in his last three seasons as he not only scored in double figures 80 times in 131 games, but he won the Southland conference title from 2014-2016 and also garnered the MVP award three times.

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Courtney Belger (FC Schalke) This Season I Have Focused On Having To Flat Out Step Up And Win The Game In Crunch Time

Courtney Belger is a 27 year old 187cm guard from St Louis that is playing his fifth professional season and second with FC Schalke 04 (Germany-ProB). Last season with FC Schalke he played 25 games averaging 16.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 5.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 22.4%, FT: 78.9%. In 2015-2016 he played with the Itzehoe Eagles (Germany-ProB) playing 24 games averaging 12.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 65.6% and Kalamunda Eastern Suns (Australia-SBL) playing 14 games averaging 21.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.1apg, Steals-4(3.1spg), FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 22.4%, FT: 80.8%. He played his first two professional seasons with TV Ibbenbuehren (Germany-Regionalliga). He started his basketball career at Quincy (NCAA2) in 2008 where he played until 2012 playing a total of 113 NCAA 2 games. As a senior he played 27 games averaging 11.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 10.5%, FT: 72.0%. He improved his scoring and rebounding average each season. He spoke to German Hoops before game 2 against MTV Herzoege Wolfenbuettel.

Courtney thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the hard fought 71-69 win against MTV Herzoege Wolfenbuettel. That was definitely not a game for weak nerves. When you look back at the regular season you had many more close wins than loses. Was this one of the biggest wins of the season and how key was keeping your cool at the end as a team?

This was definitely the biggest win we have had of the season. Mainly because it was a playoff game and we had worked hard to win that game. It would have been very disappointing to lose that one after playing so well. At this point in the season to me every win we get seems like the biggest one of the season.

With 5 minutes left FC Schalke looked like the sure winner, but you gave up a 15-0 run as Wolfenbuettel trailed only 68-67. What was key for them making this crazy run?

Wolfenbuettel is a resilient team like us. We started trying not to lose, instead of to keep trying to win. They stayed hungry and erased the lead quickly.

You have stood at the free throw line countless times at the end and made the big free throws, but how did it feel this time? Was it just 2 normal shots like usual or did you feel a little pressure this time?

My team has a lot of trust in me so it feels like just a normal two shots. I always like to finish the game on my terms and live with the results so that was a perfect situation for me. I enjoy those moments.

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The Giessen 46ers Produce the Frankfurt Massacre winning 86-70

After losing a tight 95-92 encounter a few weeks ago on the road against 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goetiingen, 2016 Fiba Europe Cup winner Fraport Skyliners learned their lesson after a win at home against Gotha going on the road to Bonn and not getting lost in crunch-time again like in Goettingen, but were sparked by a strong 29 point third quarter and had the nerves at the end to pull out the tight 79-75 victory against the Telekom Baskets Bonn. But the question was did the Fraport Skyliners learn their lesson from their embarrassing loss in Giessen shortly before Christmas 2017. In that game the Fraport Skyliners traveled to Giessen in body, but not mind losing 83-59 which for many belonged to the worst losses in the last years. The Fraport Skyliners came into the game having got off on the wrong side of the bed while Giessen played with a lot of heart and at a high intensity which Frankfurt couldn´t match all game long. Giessen played good team basketball outshooting Frankfurt and pounding them on the boards 43-29 and despite getting 17 points from ex FC Bayern Munich center John Bryant, it was the overpowering shooting duo of Canadian Jahenns Manigat and Mauricio Marin who combined for 34 points and nailed combined nine of the teams 10 three´s on the night. Even if the game was more than three months ago, one could be sure that Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert still remembered that dreadful loss well and made the needed adjustment for the always entertaining Hessen derby. The Fraport Skyliners entered the game having won three of their last four games while the Giessen 46ers came into the contest having lost three of their last four, but had beat the Walter Tigers Tuebingen 106-83 and were still dreaming of the playoffs as they were in 11^th place, but needed a win on the road in Frankfurt to keep it alive. Basketball BL, FRAPORT SKYLINERS - GIESSEN 46ers / It was an entertaining and tight game up to the break, but in the third quarter the Giessen 46ers played as if they had been totally reborn and the Fraport Skyliners played like they were from Mars giving up a 17-0 run and trailed by 28 points, which led to a 86-60 loss and a date with head coach Gordon Herbert at 7.30 Friday morning for a video session as a punishment.

The Giessen 46ers didn´t only sweep the season series, but did it in amazing fashion outscoring Frankfurt 169-119. After the shocking Frankfurt loss, Gordon Herbert had his team in the dressing room for 15 minutes and after a few players emerged with Quantez Robertson and Shawn Huff wholooked small as their own children after the Herbert post game speech and big Man German Jonas Wolfarth-Botterman tried to convey to the press what had gone wrong. “Coach and us were frustrated after this loss. We never found to our game and it is difficult to say why. We had a tough time reacting to their shooting. We couldn´t play our plays and didn´t play together. We didn´t get many outside opportunities and didn´t get rebounds”, added ex Alba Berlin center Jonas Wolfarth-Bottermann.

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Jordan Theodore (EA7 Emporio Armani Milano) Last Season I Was The Hunter And Now I´m The Hunted

Jordan Theodore is a 28 year old 182cm point guard from Englewood, New Jersey that is playing his sixth professional season and first with EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (Italy-Serie A). Last season he played with Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-BSL) playimg 31 games: Score-3(18.4ppg), 3.7rpg, Assists-1(7.2apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 81.2%; In the BCL, he played 19 games: Score-4(16.2ppg), 4.1rpg, Assists-1(7.5apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 76.3% In the 2016-2017 season, he had his most successful season as a professional winning the FIBA Europe Cup with the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL) playing 37 games: 14.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 83.1%; FIBA Europe Cup: 18 games: 14.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 90.2%. He started his basketball career in 2008 with Seton Hall (NCAA) where he played until 2012 127 NCAA games and as a playing a total of senior played 32 games averaging 16.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 6.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 82.7%. In 2012, he started his professional career with Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye (Turkey-TBL) playing 29 games averaging 15.8ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-for Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyesi (Turkey-TBL) playing 27 games averaging 12.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 73.5%. In the 2014-2015 season he played for JL Bourg Basket (France-ProA, starting five): 17 games: 12.7ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-2(6.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 21.6%, FT: 87.2%. He spoke to German Hoops after the tight 83-78 Euroleague win against Brose Bamberg in Bamberg.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with Jordan Theodore after the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup win in Chalon, France

Jordan thanks for talking to German Hoops. We spoke more than a year ago as you were preparing for a Basketball Champions league game in Oldenburg with Banvit. How does it feel to be back in Germany again?

It was great being back in Germany. This was my first time back at Freak City since playing with Frankfurt here. I loved playing for a German team with Frankfurt and love coming back. The Germans always give me a lot of love. I wasn´t 100% since I´m coming off an injury and played only 7 minutes. I was just happy to be back on the court.

Easter time is here. What were your fondest memories of Easter as a kid?

My fondest Easter memory as a kid was the candy and the Easter egg hunts. I got really rotten teeth and paying for it now. I did have 2 teeth pulled recently, but all is good. I still have nice white teeth and a nice smile.

Two seasons ago with the Fraport Skyliners you split the season series winning an exciting 88-86 game at home, but then losing in Bamberg 71-58 where you had a good game netting 21 points in a losing cause. With what kind of feelings did you come back too Bamberg?

It was good walking back into the Bamberg arena knowing that I had had a good game my last time with Frankfurt. I felt comfortable being back on the court. Bamberg has been up and down this season. The fans weren´t as active as both teams were playing for nothing except pride. It is always great playing against a great team that has great players. Being out the last 2 months has been tough. I wasn´t traveling with the team the last months and at times it felt like I wasn´t part of the team. But the team has really stayed behind me during my comeback.

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Ron Mvouika (Bayer Giants Leverkusen) Chris Mullin Treated Me Like A Pro From Day One

Ron Mvouika is a 26 year old 196cm forward from France that played a short second professional season and first with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen playing only 4 games before an injury cut his season short. He was able to make an impact in the pro B averaging 17,0ppg, 4,5rpg and 3,5apg while shooting 45% from outside. He started the season with the Plymouth University Raiders (United Kingdom-BBL). Last season as a rookie he played with Aurore de Vitre (NM1). He spent a lot of time in the states going over in 2010 going to Huntington, WV / Huntington-St.Joseph Prep School. He then played two seasons with Sheridan JC (JUCO). In 2013 he transferred to Missouri St. (NCAA) playing 31 games averaging 6.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 59.2%. In his junior season at Missouri St. (NCAA) he played 2 games averaging 5.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.0spg. For his senior St.John’s (NCAA): 32 games: 8.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 66.2%. German Hoops spoke to him when he was playing in Germany for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen before his injury.

Ron thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. For a guy that is from France, but lived for 6 years in the States, did you have any previous dealings with the country Germany? What do you in general about it´s basketball?

I don’t have any previous dealing with Germany, Its my first time here and I enjoy it. Over the past years, Germany has had a great reputation when it comes to basketball. Dirk played a huge role in that, after the career he is having in the NBA, he put Germany on the map. New guys like Dennis Schroeder is bringing even more light into the country so its positive and beneficial for all the leagues here.

You lived 6 years in the States and are back in Europe to play professionally. Do you ever wonder where your basketball career would have gone had you stayed in Europe? Where do you think could you be today without the American experience?

Yeah, I wonder sometimes where I would be if I didn’t play in America for so long. I’m sure I would of been playing in France somewhere, but I don’t regret anything if I had to do it all over, I wouldn’t change anything. Live my life with no regrets is my way of life.

Congrats on signing with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. How did the club wet your appetite best for signing with them?

It´s a honor to play for the winningest club ever in Germany. A club with so much history and a historical Coach is something that I couldn’t turn down. I was fortunate enough to play in great and historical programs in the NCAA, hall of famers like Coach Mullin but also Mitch Ritchmond and Coach Achim is a figure in Germany so I take it as a blessing to learn from these masterminds. I stay in sponge mode and learn everything I can while I’m here.

Head coach Achim Kuczmann is extremely impressed with your leadership qualities and the need to take responsibility on the court? What other strengths do you have on the court?

I could always score the ball with ease since I was young but a part of my game that people are not really aware of is my ability to pass the ball. I love getting assist for my teammates. I like it just as more as scoring. Outside of that, I love rebounding the ball also, get in the mix with the bigs and fight for it, I enjoy it, I´m a fighter so its a fun thing.

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James Robinson (medi Bayreuth) If We Take Care Of The Ball And Make Simple Plays Then We Feel Like We Can Break Down The Ludwigsburg Press

James Robinson is a 24 year old 190cm guard from Mitchellville, Maryland that is playing his second professional season and first with medi Bayreuth (Germany-BBL) averaging 8,6ppg, 2,2rpg and 3,8apg. Last season as a rookie he played with BC Igokea Aleksandrovac (Bosnia-Division I) helping them win the cup playing 16 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT-2(48.8%), FT: 75.8%; He also played in the Adriatic League playing 24 games averaging 12.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 86.3%. Before turning professional he played at Pittsburgh (NCAA) form 2012-2016 playing a total of 137 games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 10.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 5.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Basketball Champions League game against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing medi Bayreuth PG James Robinson after scoring 9 points in a 72-68 loss against the Fraport Skyliners in Frankfurt

James congrats on a fine season with medi Bayreuth. We are coming up to the stretch run of the season. Medi Bayreuth is in the Basketball Champions League quarterfinals and in fourth place in the EasyCredit BBL standings. How good is basketball life for you at the moment?

I’m loving playing basketball here in Bayreuth. The fan support has been great and our team is continuing to get better and better each day as we approach the end of the regular season.

A big basketball battle starts in the Basketball Champions League tonight with medi Bayreuth against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. How excited are you for this and how confident are you that you can advance past this very tough team?

I’m really excited to be competing with my teammates as one of the 8 teams remaining in the BCL. I think it shows how strong the basketball is in the BBL to have two of its teams represented this late in such a big time international event. The games will be hard fought and filled with a lot of excitement, but if we play how well we know we can, we will advance.

Medi Bayreuth has to have a lot of revenge after the embarrassing 78-47 loss. What memories do you have from that nasty loss?

It was a bad game from us on that night, we have learned from it and gotten better since.

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