Darius Theus is a 25 year old 190cm point guard from Portsmouth, Virginia playing his second professional season and first with Rent4Office. He started his basketball career in 2009 with VCU (NCAA) where he played until 2013 playing a total of 145 NCAA games. As a senior he played 34 games averaging 6.6ppg, 1.8rpg, 4.9apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 68.4%. In 2013-2014 he started his professional career with Aris Leeuwarden (Holland-Eredivisie) playing 37 games: Score-2(16.6ppg), 2.8rpg, Assists-2(5.4apg), Steals-1(3.1spg), FGP-1(63.6%), 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 76.5%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Darius thanks for talking to German Hoops. How blessed are you to be able to be playing the game you love despite having the uncertainty if you would play again concerning your injury last season and then leaving Vechta and coming home for personal reasons?

I am truly blessed to be playing again, not because I was injured, just a decision I decided to take for myself. I really appreciate Vechta for giving me my first opportunity to get back and play. Then I was very blessed that Rent4Office gave me another chance. That was nothing but God’s work.

Last weekend Rent4Office split the weekend series getting clobbered by Gotha where the team put up only 48 points and then beat Chemnitz 89-84. How proud are you of the team to bounce back like that after the miserable loss?

That win against Chemntiz was huge for us after a rough lost against Gotha. Good response for us at home with the crowd behind us. We showed a lot of character after that rough lost.

You have been with the team now for three months and have seen what the club is capable of. I think the team has a lot of fire power and could easily average 80 plus points a game, but the team averages only 74 points. Is the offensive potential not reached yet?

It’s so much potential not just offensively that I believe we haven’t reach ours yet. We have a few young guys and we also have new guys. There are so many special things this team can do. I hope we can put it all together at the right time and make a good run.

Rent4office are in seventh place and have a nice two win cushion on the eight place team as four other teams are competiting for that last playoff spot. What is the main regular season goal at this point besides finishing strong into the playoffs?

Our main goal right now it’s to of course finish strong and make the playoffs. Also, continue to grow as a team and become more of a unit.

There are five Americans on the team, but how aware are the Americans how important the many young talented Germans are for the success of the team?

Our Germans play an important role in our success. All of those guys have great talent and bring something different to the team. We definitely need them in this run that we are trying to make.

How important is it that the club doesn´t have one superstar or a guy that is averaging 18ppg, but really a very strong group of guys from 1-12 where any guy can be top scorer on any given night?

It’s very important that we don’t just have one main scorer. So any night it could be anyone’s night. That’s what makes this team so special because 1-12 is very great players that any given night anyone can step up an make big plays for us.

You have two very young German teammates with Kevin Bright who was the leading rebounder at Vanderbilt the one season he played there and Mauricio Marin. Bright is older than Marin, but how much potential do these two guys have?

Bright and Marin both are special players to our success. Both bring something different to the team. They haven’t even reached their potential yet. Those guys will two great players very soon.

Lets talk a little about your role. You are a combo guard, but with Dorian Green on board, you also have been playing the two. Do you have a certain preference where you play?

I honestly don’t mind which position I’m in. Either I’m giving my all. Whatever coach and the team needs from me I just do my job to the best that I can. Give all the effort.

It seems like with the arrival of Green, your minutes have been shortened. How have you been able to deal with the less minutes?

I don’t pay too much attention to the less minutes. When I get on the floor I just give 100%. That’s all I can control is my effort every time I step on the floor.

You are a scoring guard that can score, but also fill up the stat sheet, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

I don’t have too many hidden things. I just work hard and take what the other team give me and just continue to work on my game every chance I get.

Head coach Ralph Junge is probably the best German coach that deals with young players. What experience has it been so far working with him and what have you learned in the short time so far?

Coach Ralph and also coach Will have helped me out a lot in my short time. Just learning the style of basketball that’s played in Germany. Simple things like timing and change of speed.

You started the season with SC Rasta Vechta before opting to go home for personal reasons. What kind of experience was it for you being a part of that organization for a short time?

That experience was different. I never wanted to leave a group of guys that I built a bond with in such a short time. Very difficult for me to do. But they understood and respected my situation I really appreciate the SC Rasta for that.

Did you notice in September that this was a special team that could go very far this season in the German Pro A?

I definitely knew RASTA could go as far as they could. That is a great team with two great coaches. That is a special group. I wish them nothing but the best. Those guys could definitely do something special there.

As a rookie in Europe you played in Holland for Aris Leeuwarden (Holland-Eredivisie) playing 37 games: Score-2(16.6ppg), 2.8rpg, Assists-2(5.4apg), Steals-1(3.1spg), FGP-1(63.6%), 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 76.5%. Did you expect your rookie season to go as well as it did when you first came to Europe?

I didn’t expect anything. I was just a young man out of college hungry for an opportunity. I was just blessed to be in a situation to where those things happen for me.

How disappointing was losing to Den Bosh in the semi-finals of the playoffs? They kept you in check limiting you to 18 points in both games.

Losing to Den Bosh was tough. They were a well coached team. We played knew it was going to be a fight. But that was a good series I feel.

 

What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home in Virginia?

The wake up call was the food I guess (haha). Timing (haha). But overall a great experience for me as a rookie.

You played at VCU from 2009-2013. You reached the NCAA Final 4 in 2011 with a team that later only produced one NBA player Troy Daniels. What made this team so special?

That year we went to the final four. We all just came together as one. No one cared at that very moment who got credit for anything. Our seniors lead the way with that. We all brought in coach smarts plan and we just really had it rolling.

You have credited Brandon Rozzell as like a brother at VCU. What would have been missing in your college career if he hadn´t been there?

Rozzel taught me a lot about toughness. Playing hard and playing with passion. W/o him at times helping me bring out that dog in me that we sometimes need on the court.

How important was playing behind Joey Rodriguez your first two years? In your junior season you were All-CAA All-Tournament MVP so you must of learned something in your first two years of school on the floor?

Joey was a great leader. Hands down one of the toughest guys I’ve ever met in my life. He just taught me simply how to lead a team and win games.

How did Shaka Smart groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Shaka groomed me into a man not just a basketball player. He taught me so much about life that basketball couldn’t teach me. W/o him I wouldn’t be the man or player I am, today.

You grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia. How often did you visit the Portsmouth invitational tournament to watch the next NBA players show their talent?

I grew up watching the PIT.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Troy Daniels?

Troy definitely won in 1on1. The guy never missed a shot (haha).

Recently ESPN named the 100 best NBA players of all time. Do you feel it was justified to have Lebron before legends like Bill Russell, Magic and Larry Bird?

Lebron a great player. He is definitely a legend in his era. But before magic and bird that’s not right (haha).

What was the last movie that you saw?

Last movie I saw was Ride Along 2.

 

Thanks Darius for the chat.

 

Parrish Brown is a 31 year old 185cm guard from Chicago Illinois playing his eighth professional season and first with Petrolina AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-Division A) after starting the season with KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga). He started his basketball career at Kennedy King community college and then played two years at Maryland (NCAA) from 2006-2008 playing a total of 60 NCAA games. He started his professional basketball career in 2008 in Germany with BG Suedpark Bochum (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 10 games: 26.8ppg. He then played in Mexico from 2008-2010 with Potros ITSON. He then played in Lithuania from 2011-2014 and then also gained experience in Georgia and last season played with MAFC Budapest (Hungary-A Division) playing 18 games averaging 18.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 75.0%. He spoke to German Hoops during the Eurocup playoff series against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

 

Parrish thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. You played your rookie season in Germany with BG Suedpark Bochum (Germany-Regionalliga). How thankful are you to have gotten your professional start in Germany?

You’re welcome. I am very thankful to have gotten the opportunity to start my career in Germany. It was a great experience with great people and I’ll never forget it.

Over the years you have played in Mexico, Lithuania, Hungry, Georgia and Finland. Did you ever make it back to Germany to visit? Do you have any ties still to Germany?

Actually I haven’t had time to come back to Germany only when I’m traveling to other countries. This is my first time back since playing for Bochum.

You have played in many countries and seen many different levels of basketball as well as cultures. What experience have you cherished most so far in your career?

I cherish each experience differently. I learned and experienced something in each country I have played in and met some wonderful people.

Your 31 years old and time is running out for you to win your first professional title. How hungry are you to get that first title this season as you have.

Haha yeah time is ticking. I’m very hungry to get this title this season. I think we have a great opportunity to do that here in Cyprus with AEK.

AEK currently is in first place with a record of 11-2 tied with Kernavos. What has been the secret to the success of the team?

We have here at AEK are a great group of guys with a lot of experience and we have a great coaching staff that prepares us how to play against our opponents. And we all have the same goal which is we want to win.

The club has 8 players 30 or older. How vital has the experience factor been for the team where you are right in the middle of it?

The experience is a great factor. Everyone understands the game and know how to play the game so it makes it easier to prepare for games.

In the last round of Europe Cup the team had a 3-3 record, but could easily have been 5-1. How bitter was losing the last 2 games by a combined total of 4 points?

Losing the last two games of the last round of FIBA was bitter in that we had opportunities to win the games and finish with a better record but unfortunately we couldn’t win those games but was still able to advance so we just learn from those mistakes in those games and try to do better this round.

Is AEK Larnaca a better team than what it´s record shows in Europe Cup play?

Yes I think AEK is a better team than what our Europe Cup record shows

What exactly is your role on the team. On a team that has many scoring options you are averaging 9,7ppg in the country league and 7,7ppg in Europe Cup play?

My role on the team is to control the game. Make sure the ball goes to the right person at the right time. To bring aggressiveness on both offense and defense.

How much of a thrill has it been playing with California native Brandon Bowman? Have you ever played with a guy that worked harder than him?

Bo is a great teammate, a hard-worker and a great person.

You now face the best team in Europe Cup play with the Fraport Skyliners who are 12-0. Do you see it as an advantage going in as the underdog as you have nothing to lose or will you have a different focus going in?

I don’t see it as an advantage or disadvantage. We’re just going go out there and play our game the way we have been playing.

The Fraport Skyliners are all about team and totally unselfish and defend very well. AEK also defend well in Europe cup. What kind of series can we await and what will be key to advancing?

Yes both clubs are tough defensively I guess we’ll have to wait and see the outcome of the series.

You played 2.5 seasons in Lithuania. What one experience will you never forget where you could clearly see how much this country lives for basketball?

One experience I would never forget about Lithuania is how passionate the fans are for basketball in that country. They’re really die hard fans.

What was your wake up call to being a rookie in 2007 when you were in Germany where you knew that you were very far away from home?

Make wake up call was when I first landed and I didn’t understand a word that was being said. I thought to myself you’re a long way from Chicago.

After your rookie season you went to Potros ITSON (Mexico-LNBP) for two years. Why did you make this move? Usually guys with strong Regio stats make the jump to a higher level in Germany. Did your good production give you added confidence going back to Europe?

To be honest I’m not sure. If I could do it over again I would have chose to come back and play in Germany at a higher level.

You played two seasons at Maryland(NCAA) and played with many talented guys like DJ Strawberry, Ekene Ibekwe, James Gist, Nik Caner-Medley or Grevis Vazquez. Why didn´t the team do damage in the NCAA then?

My senior year we lost in the second round of the tournament to a talented Butler team. We had high expectations to go far but unfortunately things didn’t go that way.

Which teammate had the biggest inspiration on you in your two seasons there? Possibly one of these guys with DJ Strawberry, Ekene Ibekwe, James Gist, Nik Caner-Medley or Grevis Vazquez?

Me and DJ was pretty close my two years at Maryland but I valued all those guys they helped me and showed me a lot my two years at Maryland.

Who was the best player that you battled head to head that made it to the NBA?

There are a lot of good players I have played against that made it to the NBA a few of them were my own teammates.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2016? When all is said and done will he be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan?

To me Lebron is the best player in the NBA at the moment. He can dominate the game in many ways. No I don’t think Lebron and Jordan will be mentioned in the same breath. Jordan had that killer instinct and I don’t think Lebron will ever have.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Ride along 2

 

Thanks Parrish for the chat.

 

Dwayne Evans is a 24 year old 198cm forward playing his rookie season with the Gladiators Trier currently averaging 13,8ppg,7,8rpg and 2,5apg in the German Pro A. He started his basketball career with Bolingbrook, IL / Neuqua Valley in 2007 and as a senior averaged 16.9ppg, 12rpg, 3.2apg; 26-3 record; set school’s career rebounding record with 737 and finished second all-time in scoring with 1,122 points. He then played with St.Louis (NCAA) from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 34 games averaging 14.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 74.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the successful weekend where the Gladiators Trier beat Kirchheim and Essen.

 

 

Dwayne thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the successful sweep weekend of beating Kirchheim and Essen. Did you guys learn something about how to win games within 48 hours through the tough experience from losing the other two double weekend games earlier in the season?

At this point in the season the guys are all really comfortable in their roles and know what is expected of them in crunch time. Thats been a big difference from the beginning of the season.

Did you ever realize that if you had won the other 4 games in the double weekend games earlier in the season against the RheinStars, SC Rasta Vechta, MLP Academics Heidelberg and Science City Jena that the team would be in second place now with 18 victories?

We don’t like to play “What If” games, as a team were just focused on these last 6 games and fighting for the best possible playoff position.

Since then you have lost only one more close game a week ago against Baunach. How have a the Gladiators Trier become a better crunch time team?

Like I said before, our guys now know exactly what is expected of them in the final quarter and where they should be on the court. We’ve had some big victories in tight games because guys 1-12 have stepped up in different ways.

In the 92-82 win against Kirchheim, fans show a fine offensive performance from both teams. Trier rebounded a lot better. Was that and the 36 point explosion by you key for the win?

Absolutely. It was one of our major points going into the game and ended up giving us a big advantage. Seeing the ball go through the net personally was awesome too.

In the second game on the weekend, Trier pulled out another win against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen 87-69. How difficult was it preparing for this team in such a short time and then being able to defend so well again?

It was pretty tough, but were all professionals here and we went into the game knowing we needed another road win to keep pushing for playoff position.

Tre Bowman has scored in double figures in 19 of 23 games this season and Trier is the only team that has controlled him twice limiting him to 10 points. How key was it keeping him in check as when he is on, he fuels his team to get going?

We knew going into the game that he fuels their team on offense, so we sent 4 or 5 different guys at him throughout the game to give him different looks and it ended up wearing him out.

How proud are you of the team that it won two games over the weekend without Kwadzo Ahelegbe? Did you feel more pressure to have to do more things than the usual for success?

Obviously we can’t wait to have Kwadzo back but we showed that we have a team where the next guy is always ready to step up. We look to have him back next week but I think our reserves did an incredible job this weekend.

The Gladiators Trier now have a 14-11 record and in the playoff standings, but everything is very tight. The club is defending very consistently, but can the offense get more consistent?

No doubt, when were pushing the ball, exposing mismatches and knocking down open shots we are at our best and I think were getting more consistent in that.

You and Brandon Spearman continue to lead the team averaging combined 29 points per game. Does the fear ever come that the team has to depend on you too to much for carrying the scoring load?

I don’t see it as a problem because though were averaging those numbers, we’ve seen that anyone can step up on a given night and pick up the slack. Were just going to keep playing our game and remain aggressive.

You scored 58 points combined last weekend against Kirchheim and Essen. Was this your best weekend in your career? I have to remind you of your 93 point weekend against Charlotte, Butler and VCU.

I would have to say that weekend in the A 10 tournament was the best of my career, but doing this on a professional stage while getting two needed wins is pretty good too.

When you score 36 points in a game do you ever think for a second why isn´t possible for me to that on a regular basis?

For sure, I’m hoping it happens more often but I don’t plan on changing my game to try and score more points but it was a fun night.

You really have developed into the work horse for the Gladiators Trier. Besides winning, what part of your game do you enjoy the most?

I like just being able to do a little of everything out there on the court. Post up, dribble drives, shoot 3’s, assists and just being versatile over the course of the game keeps defenses on their toes and makes the games exciting as well.

You take a lot of pride on defense. What kind of goals do you set yourself on defense before entering the floor each game?

I just take it upon myself to shut my man down individually and disrupt whoever it is I’m guarding 1-5.

Now that the Super Bowl is history, do you focus on NCAA March Madness?

I haven’t kept up much with college basketball outside of checking up on my alma but ill probably tune in come tournament time.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Big Short, probably the best movie I’ve seen in a while.

Thanks Dwayne for the chat.

 

 

Luke Loucks is a 25 year old 196cm guard from Clearwater, Florida playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau (Germany-ProA). He started his basketball career with Florida St. (NCAA) in 2008 where he played until 2012 playing a total of 136 NCAA games. He reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2011 and as a senior played 35 games averaging 7.1ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 70.8%. In 2012 he started his professional season with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL): VTB League: 6 games: 1.5ppg; VTB United League: 6 games: 1.5ppg; Latvian LBL: 4 games: 1.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 5.3apg, in Jan.’13 moved to Forex Time Apollon (Cyprus-Division A) playing 11 games: 10.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 6.4apg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 76.5%. In the 2013-2014 season he played with the Kangoeroes Basket Willebroek (Belgium-Ethias League): 26 games: 10.3ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-2(4.7apg), FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 77.9%. Last season he played with the t Erie Bay Hawks (D-League): 10 games: 4.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.4apg, in Feb.’15 moved back to Maine Red Claws (D-League): 9 games: 2.4ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.2apg. He spoke to German Hoops after the wins against Essen and Rhondorf.

 

 

Luke congrats on the successful double win weekend. How good does it feel to go through a whole weekend without any real basketball complaints?

Thank you, Miles. It’s always nice to talk to you and Eurobasket. It is also always nice to win ball games. Winning two games in less than three days is very satisfying for our club and our fans, especially as a newcomer to Pro A.

Congrats on the 98-76 win against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen. How key was it keeping your composure as a team in the second half after the explosive 28-9 second quarter?

We knew Essen was a better team than their record shows. We beat them at their place a few weeks ago so we knew they would come to our place ready to battle and play physical. The second quarter we stepped up our defense and pressured Essen into a few turnovers and easy fast break points. The second half was more even but our defense, rebounding, and ball movement really made the difference.

When an offensive is working dishing out 22 assists and shooting 45% from the field and from outside, can one blame the 21 turnovers a bit more on an over anxious offense forcing a bit more than it really should?

We have a team full of unselfish players who usually enjoy making the extra pass for an easy shot. Sometimes this passing leads to some unnecessary and careless turnovers but we still feel that if we move the ball to create the best shot available this will help our offense be the most efficient for our roster. To quote Gregg Popovich on ball movement, “you move it or you die.”

In the second game of the weekend, you pulled out an important win on the road against Rhondorf. How proud are you of the team for withstanding a few runs by Rhondorf in the fourth quarter to preserve the win?

We knew going into Rhondorf after a short one day break from Friday’s Essen game would be difficult. It was not a pretty game but we made a few keys plays down the stretch that helped us sneak out of Rhondorf with a road win. I’ll take a sloppy win over a pretty loss any day of the week.

Was controlling the boards with hauling down 48 rebounds and keeping Sterling Carter in check key who went wild earlier in the season in Hanau for getting the win over 40 minutes?

I think both of those were key to our victory. The rebounding war is always important and we did a good job of securing a lot of long loose rebounds tonight. Carter was the main figure on our scouting report. He takes a lot of really tough shots and can make some really difficult shots over contested hands. Holding him to single digits is an attribute to our team defense and off the ball help. We must’ve had 4 or 5 guys guard him at different points of the game.

How key has it been for the team to realize that the club doesn´t have to fully rely on American Kruize Pinkins to carry the team as more and more contributors are surfacing game by game?

Kruize has done a really good job this year with his rebounding and activity around the hoop. He’s my rookie – he lives just a few doors down from my wife and I – so I always try to get in extra work with him before and after practice. He’s done a great job in his first season in Europe and will play for a long time if he can keep it up. Recently more guys have stepped up production on our team so a few roles have adjusted a little but I think it’s worked out really well for everyone.

The Hebeisen White Wings Hanau have 11 wins and one win away from the last playoff place. Three months ago the season looked bleak, but now very rosy. Despite wanting to stay in the league, are playoffs on your minds as the team is so close to being there?

Our club’s goal was always to stay in the league for the first season and have more lofty goals in the years to come. Obviously as competitive players we have our internal goals and we are well aware that the playoffs are within reach. We’ve dealt with a lot of injuries and bumps in the beginning of the season but I think we have stuck together and our coaches Simon Cote and Ryan Pannone have done a great job leading us along the way.

How important is it for the team to have many functioning parts instead of one or two guys averaging 16-17 points per game?

Our team doesn’t have an outstanding explosive scorer but we have eight or nine guys that can reach double digits on any given night. It’s been really important for our team to play together and be as efficient as possible. If it’s not a huge scoring night for some of our guys, they try to help the team with defense, assists, rebounds, or anything else to bring value to our team.

You averaged 13 points and five assists on the weekend. How far away are you from solid to very good in your opinion about your own performance?

I enjoy the five assists more than the 13 points as a point guard. I’m just glad we’ve been able to compete at a high level and turn the ship in the right direction for these last few games of the regular season.

Currently you are having your best scoring stretch of the season as you have scored in double figures in 4 straight games. Are you feeling more confident at the moment than you ever have this season with your game?

I am feeling more confident and finding a good shooting rhythm. This is just a reflection of the work we’ve been putting in outside of regular practices. Just an extra 20-30 minutes a day of shooting and extra work can go a long way and our coaches are always willing to come help us out when we want extra work.

Your defense also has picked up in the last weeks. Has your defense also been key for getting you going with your offense in the last weeks?

Miles Jackson-Cartwright, Till Joenke, and Chris Von Fintel do a tremendous job pressuring the ball and their activity on opposing guards is terrific. This makes it easier for me to read a few passing lanes and pick up a steal here and there to start the offense. Good defense always leads to better offense.

You also have taken more three pointers in the last 4 games than in any other 4 game stretch this season. Have you got the green light more just to shoot more or has it been more a result of what the defense has given you?

A mixture of both. I am and always will try to be a pass-first point guard. Recently the coaches have implored me to be more aggressive offensively and look for myself sometimes instead of always searching for the open man. This has made defenses not play the passing lanes so much as they respect my shot and it can open up some great opportunities for assists and easy dump offs to teammates.

You live in an area with many beautiful places. What place in the Rhein-main area has really taken to your heart since arriving in Hanau last September.

That’s tough to narrow it down to just one place. This region of the world is really unbelievably rich with history, beauty, and places to see within just a few hours drive on a day off. The castles and history along the Rhein River are awesome to see and unlike anything we have in America. My wife and I love to grab lunch in Frankfurt on a day off and enjoy a cappuccino at a few different cafes while walking around the city.

Recently ESPN made a poll of the 100 best NBA players of all time with Lebron at #3 before legends like Larry Bird, Bill Russell and Magic. Do you feel this as being justified?

It’s funny you asked. Our old Florida State teammates have a huge group chat and we’ve all been arguing these rankings for the past week. If Lebron retired today it would be tough to argue that he deserves to be ahead of Bird, Magic, and Russel… even with his four MVP’s. However, I’ve said for a while now that if Lebron continues his trajectory for a few more years he will go down as the number 2 player of all time behind MJ. His statistics are incredible in nearly every major category and he’s unlike anything we’ve seen before in the game of basketball in terms of athleticism, skill, power, and basketball IQ. He also has a worldwide following much like Jordan did with fans, endorsements, and popularity that helps increase the following of the NBA and the sport in general.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Revenant.

 

Thanks Luke for the chat.

 

Jordan Talbert is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Little Rock, Arkansas that is playing his second professional season with the Giants Nordlingen. He came to Germany as a rookie last season and played with the Giants TSV 1861 Noerdlingen (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 26 games: 21.6ppg, 9.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, Blocks-4(1.5bpg), FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college career at Missouri SO(NCAA2) from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 11.7ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 70.1%. He spoke to German Hoops after the big 113-105 3 OT win against the Uni Riesen Leipzig.

 

 

Jordan congrats on the huge 113-105 win against the Uni Riesen Leipzig. How do your muscles feel on Monday morning?

I’m pretty exhausted to be honest. It was already a physical game to begin with and the three overtones didn’t make it any easier.

How big was this win? Was the 84-83 heartbreaking loss in the back of your minds for the whole 55 minutes?

This win was big for us. The loss from the first game was somewhat in the back of my mind. We felt we gave the game away at the end the first time we played and we almost did again but luckily we came out on top in the end.

The Giants Nordlingen played a three OT game and you played 50 minutes. Can you remember ever playing so many minutes in one game?

Nah I definitely don’t remember ever playing so many minutes. In games like those you’re so caught up in the competition you’re not thinking about how tired you are or how much your body hurts. All that matters is getting the win.

Lets talk about the game as your memory is still fresh. At halftime, the Giants were leading 45-39. Was there any moment were you were feeling this could be a long afternoon/night?

At no point did it feel like the game was in or out of our hands. It was competitive from beginning to the end and that’s what I expected since our first game went down to final seconds also.

Leipzig had the 69-67 lead for three minutes until Leo Vrkas sent the game into OT with a bucket. He actually scored the last two baskets before OT. How key was a phase like this for his mental toughness?

Yea his baskets were major for us at that point. We were struggling to get our offense going and were making a lot of careless mistakes. We were desperate for any kind of basket and Leo stepped up for us.

In the first OT, it was back and forth, but you made big plays and got the Giants the lead, but Leipzig battled back with Sacha Leutloff drawing a foul and bringing the game into a second OT. Is there any way to defend this experienced German without him drawing a foul?

He’s a tough player to guard because he’s so crafty and experienced. He has great instincts and always finds a way to be in the right place to make a play for his team.

You played against him twice now as he finished with 27 and 28 points. Where does he rank with being the most smart German players that you have played against in this league?

He’s definitely at the top of the list when it comes to Germans I’ve played against this year. His intelligence allows him to capitalize on whatever mistakes you make on defense. Also so much of their offense involves him there’s never a time to break when you’re defending him.

In the second OT, it looked like Nordlingen would finally pull through and win as Jankek Schmidkunz hit a three, but once again Leipzig never gave up and got to a third OT once again with free throws. Was this a lesson not learned from the first OT?

Yea that foul call really hurt us. Moritz and I made a play on defense stripping one of their players on a rebound and scored it, but a late whistle came calling a foul. Since we were already in the penalty it was a 4 point swing off that one call. We had to forget about and move on to the next play and I think we did a good job of that.

In the third OT Nordlingen had had enough pouring home 19 points. Was the will to win overcoming any physical pain the team was having?

Yea we really wanted this win bad so we had to push through. Have to give Leipzig credit also for continuing to play through that pain. They are maybe the only team in league with a smaller rotation than ours, us playing 7 key players and I believe them playing 6. So for us to battle it out for that long took a lot of heart on both sides.

The big three of You, Brandon Lockhart and Janel Schmidkunz supplied the necessary winning punch with 17 points to secure the win. In the win, it was you guys coming through like so often this season. Did you guys know inside, it was time to buckle down and take care of business?

At that point we all just wanted to make plays for our team to secure the win. We don’t care how it happens or who makes it happens as long as it happens.

How vital was this win for further upping the team self confidence as the playoffs draw closer and closer?

It’s another good confidence boast. To win a long close game like that is what it takes to be a good team. We have to know how to close out games in the end in order for us to be successful.

Do you sense week by week that the Nordlingen Giants are a very special team and on a mission to do something very special this season despite all the turbulences that it has gone through?

Yes I believe we’re a special team. We have great chemistry and we have fun playing together. Those turbulent times are what made us closer as a unit because we were determined enough to keep fighting and not give up.

You won two Eurobasket.com Pro B player of the week awards. With your 18 point and 10 rebound is a third one in the row coming?

Nah I don’t think so. I’m sure there were players this week that were more deserving than me.

The Nordlingen Giants have won 10 of their last 11. Has the team peaked yet or do you see it getting even stronger?

I still don’t believe we’ve peaked. Our last 2 games were really close and I don’t believe we played well. We were lucky to get victories in both of those but we know that one day luck is not going to be on our side. We know we have to play better in the playoffs than we have recently.

How do recap the NBA trade line deals? What teams did the best?

I like the Clippers getting Jeff Green. I believe that’s a huge pickup for them. Gives them some athleticism they didn’t have on the wing and if Blake comes back and plays well they can shock some people in the playoffs.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Legend.

Thanks Jordan for the chat.

 

Brandon Spearman is a 24 year old 190cm guard playing his second season in Germany in the Pro A for the Gladiators Trier. He started his basketball career in 2010 for Dayton(NCAA) where he played 36 NCAA games. He then moved to Indian Hills CC (JUCO) and finished his last two seasons at Hawaii (NCAA) and as a senior played 26 games averaging 11.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 52.8%. As a rookie last season in Germany he played for SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB) playing 18 games: 17.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 64.0%. He spoke to German Hoops after the double weekend win against Kirchheim and Essen.

 

 

Brandon thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the successful sweep weekend of beating Kirchheim and Essen. Did you guys learn something about how to win games within 48 hours through the tough experience from losing the other two double weekend games earlier in the season?

We have been playing playing some great ball, the best ball this season and it’s coming at a great time right now while we continue this playoff push and also everyone is healthy.

Did you ever realize that if you had won the other 4 games in the double weekend games earlier in the season against the RheinStars, SC Rasta Vechta, MLP Academics Heidelberg and Science City Jena that the team would be in second place now with 18 victories?

That is something I haven’t realized until now but were fine sometimes things don’t go as planned in a full season. Extremely happy how were bouncing back from those losses.

Since then you have lost only one more close game a week ago against Baunach. How have the Gladiators Trier become a better crunch time team?

Well right now were clicking as a team we have a good rhythm playing with each other also everyone is healthy now.

In the 92-82 win against Kirchheim, fans saw a fine offensive performance from both teams. Trier rebounded a lot better. Was that and the 36 point explosion by Dwayne Evans key for the win?

Yea most defiantly Dwayne played out of his mind and he made great plays when it was needed. That was a great win for us.

In the second game on the weekend, Trier pulled out another win against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen 87-69. How difficult was it preparing for this team in such a short time and then being able to defend so well again?

I think it’s more us. If we prepare and have a great mind set for the game I know things will go good. If we play our way every night were going to be just fine. In both games this weekend we were locked in on both ends.

Tre Bowman has scored in double figures in 19 of 23 games this season and Trier is the only team that has controlled him twice limiting him to 10 points. How key was it keeping him in check as when he is on, he fuels his team to get going?

Well we played good defense and made it hard for them to score

How proud are you of the team that it won two games over the weekend without Kwadzo Ahelegbe? Did you feel more pressure to have to do more things than the usual for success?

No there was no pressure going in to these games. And not having Kwadzo was difficult, but we have plenty of other guys that can step up and play.

The Gladiators Trier now have a 14-11 record and in the playoff standings, but everything is very tight. The club is defending very consistently, but can the offense get more consistent?

Yes we still growing and still becoming better as a team while most teams have reached their peak already, I feel as if were still evolving.

Dwayne Evans scored 58 points this weekend and has been so key this season to the success of the team. What besides his consistent play has been most valuable for the team?

Just his effort and attitude and everyone enjoy being around him and he’s a nice guy. He plays hard every night. He had a very great weekend for us.

How much easier does the play of Dwayne Evans make your game easier in terms of being able to pick your spots and just do other things on the floor besides score to help your team win?

Me and Wayne are always feeding off each other when I’m going he looks for me and when he’s going I look for him. Wayne and I draws a lot of attention from defenses so you can’t stick with both of us. We pick them apart with a steady inside & out game. He defiantly makes it easier this 2nd half of the season.

You also continue to remain very consistent having scored in double figures in 22 of 24 games just like Dwayne Evans. What do you feel has improved in your game that has on account of how Dwayne Evans plays?

Well me and Wayne are just two guys that is going to give all we have every night and we have been doing that all season and we just want to continue this play we must.

Free throw shooting hasn´t been your strong point this season as your shooting 60%, but in the last 5 games your 16/17. Your best season shooting free throws was your junior year at Hawaii where you shot 72%. What continues to be your biggest problem in this area?

Well there are always areas throughout your career as a basketball player you want to work on as a player and this is one of them. But as you can see you things are changing.

Now that the Super Bowl is history, do you focus on NCAA March Madness?

Yeah March should be a lot of fun. Don’t sleep on my Hawaii Warriors! They are having a great year and defiantly will make the tournament.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Martian.

 

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

 

Brandon Shingles is a 28 year old 190cm guard from Albany, Georgia playing his third season in Germany and first with the Uni-Riesen Leipzig (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career at Morehead St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 4.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.8apg, 1.5spg. In 2010 he started his professional basketball career at Aschersleben Tigers BC (Germany-2.Regionalliga) playing 15 games: 14.5ppg. He led the team to the Regionaliga 2 title. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Guildford Heat (United Kingdom-BBL) playing 6 games: 7.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 31.3%; left in Nov.’11, then moved to BBC Febro Eagles Magdeburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 7 games: 16.1ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 61.8%, FT: 63.0%. He then played for KB Drita Gjilan (Kosovo-SuperLeague) and two years ago for GBP Badajoz (Spain-EBA) playing 15 games: 15.5ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.6apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 6.3%, FT: 57.3%. He spoke to German Hoops after the bitter 113-105 triple OT loss against the Giants Nordlingen.

 

 

Brandon a bitter 113-105 lost against the Giants Nördlingen . How do your muscles feel on Monday morning?

Thanks for the interview Miles. I’m a bit sore after a triple overtime game. Hahaha

What is the worst about a loss like this when the team played 55 minutes? The body or the mental part?

I think the body gets it the worst. Especially in a hard fought game like this was.

Do you sense that the 84-83 heartbreaking loss was in the back of the minds of Nordlingen for the whole 55 minutes?

Of course. We came back down from 20 to win. We knew the whole season they wanted revenge and they got the win .

The Uni Riesen Leipzig played a three OT game and you played 55 minutes. Can you remember ever playing so many minutes in one game?

I know I played in a double overtime conference championship my Jr. Year in college to go to the NCAA tourney. I think I may have played a little over 40 plus mins but never 55 mins.

Lets talk about the game as your memory is still fresh. At halftime, the Giants were leading 45-39. Was there any moment were you were feeling this could be a long afternoon/night?

We knew they were a good team and of their current winning streak. We know that every game is going be a grind so at half time we stayed positive and discussed on what we needed to do to fight back .

After three quarters of good scoring for Nordlingen, Leipzig buckled down in the fourth quarter taking the game in OT limiting the Nordlingen scoring machine to four points. What was key for limiting them so much?

Our pick and roll defense was much better in the second half. And we limited them do one shot per possession.

Leipzig had the 69-67 lead for three minutes until Leo Vrkas sent the game into OT with a bucket. He actually scored the last two baskets before OT. Did Leipzig suffer some defensive breakdowns in this phase of was the mental part also present?

We just had some breakdowns as you said and like a good team does they capitalized off our mistakes .

In the first OT, it was back and forth, but Jordan Talbert made big plays and got the Giants the lead, but Leipzig battled back with Sacha Leutloff drawing a foul and bringing the game into a second OT. How important does it remain for the big German to be able to take pressure off of you and Julian Scott at any time of a contest?

Like I said in a interview before, Sacha is one of the best forwards in this league. He brings it night in and night out. His ability to make plays takes pressure off our whole team .

In the second OT, it looked like Nordlingen would finally pull through and win as Janek Schmidkunz hit a three, but once again Leipzig never gave up and got to a third OT once again with free throws. How confident was your team just being able to do what you wanted to and draw the foul when it was needed?

We were very confident and most important we were having fun. I haven’t seen that look in our team eyes since before the Christmas break.

In the third OT Nordlingen had had enough pouring home 19 points. Was there a fatigue factor present in the third OT?

Yea both teams were running on fumes. Plus two of our starters fouled out and they had a little bit more left in the tank than we did .

Despite the heartbreaking loss was there anything possible that the UNI Riesen Leipzig could take that will be able to spurn them on to further success in the next games?

Of course. We learned to play through adversity and stay together. With this attitude I’m very excited about heading into the playoffs .

Is the fact that four players combined for 100 of the 105 points scare you a bit?

Not really. No one on this team is selfish. We just did what had to be done this game. Hopefully the points can be spread throughout our whole team the next game.

How proud are you that the club stuck with a very powerful Nordlingen team despite having a seven man rotation and five guys that combined for 259 minutes?

Very proud of our effort.

How do recap the NBA trade line deals? What teams did the best?

Jeff Green to the Clippers for Lance Stephenson. I think the Clippers got an important key to a deep playoff run.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Dawg Fight.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

 

Cliff Tucker is a 27 year old 198cm forward from El Paso, Texas playing his fourth professional season and first with rent4office Nuernberg (Germany-ProA). He started the season with Sopron KC (Hungary-A Division). He played at Maryland(NCAA) from 2007-2011 playing a total of 131 games and as a senior played 33 games: 9.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 67.2%. In 2012-2013, he started his professional career with the Springfield Armor (D-League): 13 games: 6.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 33.3%,. In the 2013-2014 season he played with Huracanes de Tampico (Mexico-LNBP playing 42 games: 16.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 48.9%, 3FGP: 29.3%, FT: 72.8%. He also played with Toros de Aragua (Venezuela-LPB): 7 games: 9.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 16.7%. He played for athird team that season with Indios de San Francisco (Dominican Republic-LNB) playing 7 games: 10.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1apg. Last season he remained with Huracanes de Tampico (Mexico-LNBP) playing 44 games: 15.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.1apg, Steals-2(1.7spg), FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 72.7%. He also played with Academia de la Montana Alavaro Contreras (Colombia-Liga Direct TV) Liga DirecTV-1: 4 games: 20.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 5.5apg, 1.8spg. He recently spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
 

 

 

Cliff thanks for talking to German Hoops A tough 68-64 loss on the weekend against Science City Jena. It was a dog fight at the end. What was key at the end that Rent4Office were unable to pull out the win?

The key in the end of the game was that we were not able to execute our offense in the end of game and we made some key turnovers and fouls in the end of game that caused us to lose

Despite the loss, the team is 12-11 and right in the thick of things and still on course for the playoffs. You had been part of the 3 game winning streak. Despite the loss is this team playing like a confident play off type team?

Despite the loss our team is very confident and playing like a playoff team. We have depth now on our roster and we just need to get a good rotation and continue to play hard as a team

You have only been here a short time, but in the short time have seen that Rent4Office is a team that can put up many points on the board, but also come to defend. What would you say is the teams biggest strength?

I think our teams biggest strength is our depth. We are a very deep team and we have a good group of guys that start the game and come off the bench

This is your first season in Europe after being in the States your whole life. How has the adjustment been for you on the court in general?

The adjustment for me in Europe has been good and a learning experience .Guys play very hard the whole game in Europe and the basketball is very organized.

You are a guy that can fill up the stat sheet. On a club that has many scoring options what exactly is your role on the team?

.My role on the team is to just simply make a difference in some way and help the team win. Whether its rebounding, defense, scoring or passing my job is to get on court and make a difference and give the team a big lift.

You can do very much on the court, but what do you feel today is still a hidden strength in your game that gets overlooked?

A hidden strength in my game that gets over looked is my defense. I am very long and athletic and can guard any position 1 through 3

Head coach Ralph Junge is probably the best German coach that deals with young players. What experience has it been so far working with him and what have you learned in the short time so far?

Coach Ralph is a great coach and very understanding. He is willing to work with players and help them with their game. I have learned that coach does not expect you to score 20 points a game he just wants you to play hard and help the team win

You have two very young German teammates with Kevin Bright who was the leading rebounder at Vanderbilt the one season he played there and Mauricio Marin. Bright is older than Marin, but how much potential do these two guys have?

The 2 young Germans have great potential. Kevin is a tough player very athletic and can also shoot Marin is a great scorer and can put the ball in the basket. They both will be great players in the future to come

You started the season with Sopron KC (Hungary-A Division). What was your wake up call to being in Europe where you were very far away from home?

The key wake up call to me being in Europe was the 8hr time difference from home and also the food.

After being a rookie in the D-league you played the last two seasons with Huracanes de Tampico (Mexico-LNBP). This is a step that many Americans take before coming to Europe. Did the individual success give you the needed self confidence to come to Europe?

Yes me playing in the D league and Mexico helped me out a lot and gave me confidence to go play in Europe with the best guys in the world. It also gave me experience to learn the game

Last summer you played briefly for Academia de la Montana Alavaro Contreras (Colombia-Liga DirecTV). What experience in South American will forever stay in your mind that you had there?

My experience in South America was great. I will forever remember the fans and how beautiful a city Medillien Columbia was.

In Mexico you played together with Ken Horton who is currently in the German Beko BBL with medi Bayreuth and Giesen 46er Suleiman Braimoh. Are these two guys a good example that hard works does reward a player by reaching a higer level in Europe?

Yes Ken Horton And Suleiman are great examples that hard work pays off. They started in small leagues and played great and kept working their way up to the top league. Those guys are close friends and great players

Ken Horton has been a very consistent performer for medi Bayreuth. He has scored in double figures since he arrived at Central Conn in 2006. What did you appreciate about his game most?

I appreciate how hard Ken plays and his shooting. He is an undersized 4 man, but plays hard and scores the ball really well

As a rookie you played for the Springfield Armour of the D-League. You played 13 games averaging 6.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 33.3%. How was this whole experience for you? Did you learn quickly that making the NBA doesn´t always have to do with being the most talented?

Playing in the D league was a good experience. I learned that there are many politics involved with the NBA and its not always about how good you are but its about who you know and how big a name you have

You played at Maryland(NCAA) from 2007-2011. Despite some very talented teams why do you feel did Maryland in your time never make any noise in the NCAA tournament?

I feel like we did not make much noise in tournament at Maryland because we had a lot of selfish guys that did not want to play as a team

Is your buzzer beater against Georgia Tech where you had eight points in nine minutes and was the first buzzer beater since the Drew Nicholas buzzer beater in 2003 that beat NC Wilmington what you are most remembered by?

I am most remembered by my buzzer beater at Maryland. Was a great game and experience in a sold out arena. Helped our team tie for the ACC Chanpionship that year

Were your two best games against North Carolina where you averaged 20 points? Do you look back on those games remembering against all the future NBA talent that you played against?

Yes I think back to all my North Carolina games and remember the great players I played against. It helps my confidence and shows me that I can play with the best guys in the world

How did Gary Williams groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Gary Williams made me work for every minute I played and everything I had. He made me work on my game and taught me a lot about basketball and life

Who was the best player that you battled against in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

One of the toughest players is Harrison Barnes. He is a great player and good defender

Recently ESPN named the 100 best NBA players of all time. Do you feel it was justified to have Lebron before legends like Bill Russell, Magic and Larry Bird?

I am not sure if Lebron should be ahead of all those great hall of fame guys

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie i saw was Bad Boys 2.

Thanks Cliff for the chat.