DJ Woodmore is a 23 year old 190cm rookie from Virginia Beach, Virginia that is playing his second season for the BIS Baskets Speyer. As a rookie last season he played 28 games averaging 14.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 72.1%He played at Virginia Wesleyan (NCAA3) from 2010-2014 and a s a senior played 31 games: 20.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3% (219/435), 3Pts: 46.0% (91/198), FT: 76.9% (93/121). He reached the NCAA3 Sweet 16 three times and elite 8 once. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball before the game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors

 

DJ thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough 82-66 loss against Nordlingen. After a big win and first of the season against Weissenhorn now another loss. How is the mood of the team? Is the team staying as upbeat as best possible?

Yes, the mood is still very positive with the team. We know we haven’t played our best basketball yet so that is something to look forward to in the upcoming games.

Nordlingen scored 34 points in the first quarter. Was the game already somewhat decided after 10 minutes despite Speyer winning the second and third quarters?

I don’t think so, yes the slow start pretty much set the tone for the rest of the game, but we’ve done a good job of fighting our way back into the games all season. We had our chances late but just could not get over the hump.

The tank Kwame Duku led all scorers with 21 points on 10/13 shooting. Was there no way to contain him better?

He played really well. I think his teammates did a good job at putting him in great scoring position all night.

You play against very talented guards each weekend. How much of a challenge was it battling against American Brandon Lockhart?

Lockhart is extremely talented, poised, quick, and crafty. He got the better of our match up in the first half last week. Hopefully when we play them again, I can do a better job of containing him.

The BIS Baskets Speyer average 71 points per game while giving up 81 points. It will continue to be tough to win games if you can´t keep opponents down in scoring. What have been the main reasons for the team having problems keeping teams scoring down?

I’m not exactly sure what the main reason is, but I do know we have to stay focused on defense for the entire 24 seconds. If we do that, I’m sure those numbers will improve.

You and Khobi Williamson are scoring in double figures, but it seems like that third scorer is missing on the team. How vital is it for that scorer to be established quickly?

It is very important, we have a lot of extremely talented players on our team, we just need to get them all playing with a high level of confidence each night.

How well has German Alexander Kuhn developed from last season? Do you see him taking the next step and taking on even a bigger scoring role this season?

Kuhn has been a really important piece for us this season and last. He’s a very crafty forward who stretched his range out to be a very consistent outside shooter. He’s makes very timely plays offensively and defensively, and when he is playing well, I think we are a better team in every way.

You have always been a strong rebounding guard, but your averaging your best ever at 7,8rpg. Is it strange being the top rebounder and getting more boards than Khobi Williamson?

No not that strange at all, I think I just have good timing. Khobi and Onochie are far better rebounders than I am, but I always feel confident in my ability especially when crashing the boards against other guards.

You are averaging 15,0ppg and are at around what you averaged last season. Do you see yourself becoming even more of a scorer like maybe Ricky Easterling?

Easterling is such a dynamic scorer, probably the best in the league. We have similar styles but my game is more depended on the long ball. I have to become more efficient if I want to compete with Easterling in scoring but more importantly help this team succeed.

Despite losing to Saarlouis already this season how good did it feel scoring 34 points against Ricky Easterling who got Speyer in the last game last season with 38 points?

It was nice to actually shoot the ball well after such a slow start to the season, but it’s always a competitive game when playing against him and Saarlouis. Next time we play at home, hopefully we can get the win.

What are your main goals this season and what do you want to improve in your game from last season?

This season’s goals are still to help this team reach the playoffs for the first time. Although we’ve had a rough start, its never to late to go on a winning streak. I hope to improve on everything about my game from last season, but primarily I want to get better on impacting the game on both ends of the court. To be a complete player, not just a scoring threat.

You have stated that you are a pass first guard even though it wouldn´t be noticed with your stats. Is upping your assists average a goal in your game?

Yes definitely, I always want to get my teammates involved. I’ve always played with a mindset to get the best shot possible, and will continue to play that way.

The next game is against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. What do you remember from the bitter 75-73 loss from last season in Frankfurt?

I remember how demoralizing that loss felt when walking to the locker room after. We didn’t keep focus for the entire 40 minutes after being up but double digits. We are going to try to use that as motivation to get back on the right path this year.

They are riding a two game losing streak. What will be key to getting the win?

Just staying tuned into the game for 40 minutes and playing together as a team. They are a talented team with a lot of players that can just flat out play. But we are looking forward to the challenge.

How proud are you of your teammate Khobi Williamson who came back strong after missing most of last season?

Extremely proud of the drive and the work he put in this offseason to be back to this point. I know it wasn’t easy but he kept a positive mindset the entire time. He’s quickly becoming a dominant force in the league and he’s just getting his feet back under him. Scary to think about how much room for improvement there still is for him.

You played against Williamson 10 times in college. Which game will you never forget?

Every game was so epic between us because they were our biggest and most hated college rivals. At least 4 of them ended with buzzer beaters and game winners. But I will never forget when we beat them in 2013 on their Senior Night with a game winning shot. There was a lot of trash talking after the buzzer went off, both benches cleared, and the entire student section raced to the floor in hopes of a full fledged brawl. We needed a police escort to get back to the bus and I think this moment just added a little more fire to the classic VA Wesleyan vs Hampden Sydney basketball rivalry.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

As a die hard Lebron fan, I already put him in the same breathe as Michael Jordan. I know he doesn’t have the championship rings to compare but he’s, without question, one of the best players to ever play the game of basketball.

Thanksgiving is around the corner. How was your first Thanksgiving in Germany last season and what is your favorite childhood memory of Thanksgiving?

Not much of a Thanksgiving for me last season because Germany doesn’t celebrate it, but every Thanksgiving memory is a great one. Being around family is so important to me, especially in this crazy world we live in today. With all the chaos going on these days, not being with them this year will definitely be tough.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Money Talks with Chris Tucker and Charlie Sheen.

 

Thanks DJ for the chat.

 

Onochie Ochie is a 23 year old 198cm forward from Nigeria that is a rookie and playing in Germany for BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB). He played at SE Louisiana (NCAA) from 2011-2015 playing a total of 108 NCAA games and as a senior played 32 games: 8.5ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 63.3%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

 

Onochie for talking to German Hoops. You have a very unique name. Have you had any memorable experiences with your name over the years or do people always pronounce it right?

I have really been blessed to have such a unique name. My name in itself has opened the door to great opportunities. I have had an endless amount of memorable experiences with my name. People do a pretty good job of pronouncing my name for the most part.

A tough 82-66 loss against Nordlingen. After a big win and first of the season against Weissenhorn now another loss. How is the mood of the team? Is the team staying as upbeat as best possible?

The morale of the team is great. We are just working hard and getting better every day.

Nordlingen scored 34 points in the first quarter. Was the game already somewhat decided after 10 minutes despite Speyer winning the second and third quarters?

No matter the score, we always believe we can win. The game isn’t decided until time runs out.

The tank Kwame Duku led all scorers with 21 points on 10/13 shooting. Was there no way to contain him better?

Duku is a handful down on the low block. He capitalized on the opportunities he was given, so you have to give him credit.

You play against talented players each weekend. How much of a challenge was it battling against American Jordan Talbert?

Talbert may be the best rebounder in the league. Talbert has a great all around game, he can do it all. I have nothing but respect for him. He was tough matchup.

How well has German Alexander Kuhn developed? Do you see him taking the next step and taking on even a bigger scoring role this season?

Kuhn plays extremely hard, he is a great rebounder for his size. I believe the best part of his game is his basketball IQ, he seems to always make the right decisions on the court. Kuhn has already taken a bigger scoring role, especially over the last 2 games.

You are playing your rookie season in Germany and currently are averaging 7,6ppg and 5,0rpg in 17,3 minutes per game. How happy have you been with your play thus far?

I am my biggest critic. I am rarely satisfied with my play, I always feel I can do better.

You have unending athleticism, but what is a hidden talent in your game that you feel doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

I think I am a pesky defender. I take pride in playing good defense.

Do you feel like you have the game to become a consistent scorer in double figures?

Yes, I do

You played at SE Louisiana (NCAA from 2001-2015. Your first coach from 2010-2014 was Jim Yarbrough. How did he groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I am forever grateful of Coach Yarbrough, he gave the opportunity to play college basketball. Coach Yarbrough was a big advocate of proper basketball fundamentals. I credit Coach Y and his staff for drastically improving my fundamental basketball skills, which translates well to the pro game.

You seemed to always have your best games against Mcneese State. Are these games that you will forever remember?

Mcneese State and SELU are major rivals. It’s always exciting to play against your rival, so I guess it can bring out the best in you. However, I have nothing but mad respect for Coach Simmons and the Mcneese State program.

What was your fondest memory last season on the court with point guard Cedric Jenkins who came into his own as a senior?

Cedric Jenkins is a great basketball player, but his best trait is his leadership. I enjoyed with him and the rest of my teammates at SELU. My fondest memory playing with Cedric was the New Orleans game when he scored 39 points. It was special to watch nad we passed him the ball and got out of the way.

Who was the toughest player that you played against in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

I have had the opportunity to play against several players currently in the NBA, and they have all been tough opponents. However I had the most fun playing against Jordan Mickey.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

Lebron James is considered by most to be the best basketball player in the world, and I would have to agree with that. Lebron James will go down as one of the best players to ever play the game, that being said I do not think it’s inapt to mention Lebron James and Michael Jordan in the same breath. However I do believe MJ is the greatest ever.

Thanksgiving is around the corner. How was your first Thanksgiving in Germany last season and what is your favorite childhood memory of Thanksgiving?

I spent Thanksgiving last year in Louisiana with the Whann family. I have had the pleasure of celebrating Thanksgiving with them for the past five years. I honestly cannot pinpoint only one childhood Thanksgiving memory. Every time my family comes together for the holidays it is special.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I watched was “Hancock”

 

Thanks Onochie for the chat.

 

 

 

The defense has been the main staple that has held the Fraport Skyliners ship together all season and even when their offense was sputtering and was as desolate as the barren tundra in Russia, they could still pull out wins simply because their defense was a rock and held teams to even less points then what they could only muster. In the first game against Dutch team ZZ Leiden in Europe Cup play the 2004 Beko BBL champion Fraport Skyliners were able to grind out an ugly 64-58 victory where their three offensive threats Theodore, Doornekamp and Robertson were held to 8/26 from the field and were led by the 17 points of Mike Morrison and 14 points from Konstantin Klein. Frankfurt had no remedy how to stop the athletic Worthy De Jong that led all scorers with 22 points and found ways to score in a Ricky Easterling manner and made big plays. However Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert was hoping for the continued rejuvenated offense by Frankfurt as in the last two games they had averaged 88 points in the big wins against FC Porto and the Brose Baskets Bamberg as well as keeping the consistent defense intact. ZZ Leiden is a rare team that has two Americans, but doesn´t always start them and rely on the input of their Dutch players and hero like play of Worthy De Jong, but the Dutch team were unable to attain the level they had in Frankfurt a few weeks ago where they were close to a win, but at home were crushed as they caught a very bad shooting day and had absolutely no idea how to find a rhythm on offense and often were unable to shoot in the ocean as they missed shot after shot, but Frankfurt also made their selection miserable as their aggressive defense and rotations were superb. It was the third game in a row where the offense was playing in a Tom Brady manner as they were hitting on a consistent basis and their unselfishness was a grade A. “The key to tonight’s game was DEFENSE! It very important for us to set the tone on defense and we were able to that from the start. We knew that they were home and coming in to tonight’s game they haven’t loss in their home gym. So we expected them to shoot the ball confidently! In the first quarter they hit some tough shots but our defense was still really good. We were able to score off their turnovers. We were also able to get out in off their miss shots. Most importantly we ran our offense with a purpose”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Jordan Theodore.

The first quarter was the closest in the whole game as there were five lead changes, but three consecutive three pointers by the Fraport Skyliners near the end of the first quarter quickly turned the tide of the momentum and Frankfurt would never trail again as they rattled off their offense on a consistent basis while ZZ Leiden struggled on offense except for a spurt in the fourth quarter. 2012 Dutch Eredivisie All-Star Game slam dunk winner and 2015 MVP Joern Van der List set the stage early hitting a three as the outside shooting would be about all that ZZ Leiden would have to offer on this night. The Fraport Skyliners were cheered on by around 20 fans that had made the 5 hour trip to Leiden quickly got their offense flowing as ex Auburn guard Quantez Robertson made a lay in, Danilo Barthel a free throw and Johannes Voigtmann connected on a pretty fade away jumper as Frankfurt led 5-3. Van Der List kept up his slick outside shooting nailing another trey to fetch the lead back, but that was quickly erased by Canadian national player Aaron Doornekamp with a jumper and 7-6 advantage for Frankfurt. Voigtmann then scored back to back buckets with a two handed dunk as Barthel fed him and a jumper. ZZ Leiden dead locked the game at 11-11 as Van Der List hit his third three pointer of the quarter. Jordan Theodore then got on the score board with a lay in for the 13-11 lead, but ex Cal Poly Pomona (NCAA2) guard Deron Scott dropped a trey for the 14-13 ZZ Leiden lead. However then like in a mean rush, the Fraport Skyliners went on a 10-0 run nailing three three pointers with two from German national player Konstantin Klein and one from Robertson. Scott closed out the first quarter with a lay in as Frankfurt led 23-16. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 64% from the field and 50% from outside while ZZ Leiden were shooting 43% from the field and 60% from outside. Frankfurt had the 8-5 rebound lead, but had three turnovers while ZZ Leiden had one turnover.

In the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners would run away with the game outscoring their Dutch counterpart 18-7 and leading 41-23 at the break. ZZ Leiden actually started out well in the second staying with Frankfurt as 31 year old two time Dutch champion and allstar shooting guard Rogier Jansen nailed a three pointer and 25 year old 2010cm center and three time Dutch cup winner Thomas Koenis grabbed his own rebound making the put back while Frankfurt got production from Klein with a lay and pick and pop shot from Doornekamp as Frankfurt still led 28-21, but this was the closest that ZZ Leiden would ever be again in the game as the Fraport Skyliners now really took control of the game as they went into halftime with a back breaking 13-2 run. Frankfurt was playing great team basketball and finding so many ways to score while ZZ Leiden had more and more difficulty getting good shots and just couldn´t hit the ocean. Their star Worthy De Jong also wasn´t having a good night as one could sense his frustration with every new turnover and rushed shot as the forehead wrinkles increased. The best play that de Jong made in the second quarter was blocking a Max Merz shot on transition as he came from the blind side blocked him and the ball deflected off the German for a ZZ Leiden possession. The only points ZZ Leiden got was a rare inside bucket from Van Der List. On offense Frankfurt was clicking and getting superb consistent production. The run was started with Theodore and Barthel free throws. Theodore made a reverse lay in and Barthel and a dunk as Voigtmann found him cutting to the hole as ZZ Leiden had no idea how to clog the paint. Little then made the last five Frankfurt points with a put back after reaching for an offensive rebound and then nailing a trey as Frankfurt had the comfortable 41-23 lead after 20 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 63% from the field and 44% from the three point line while ZZ Leiden was shooting 31% from the field and 35% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 19-10 rebound edge. ZZ Leiden had eight turnovers and Frankfurt seven.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners continued being the more consistent team executing on offense and often making it look like a stroll in the park while their defense continued to stifle ZZ Leiden. ZZ Leiden got on the board first as Jansen dropped a trey, but then was rudely beat on the next Frankfurt possession by Theodore who used that quick first step to his advantage and getting the easy lay in. Then the two big men traded baskets as Voigtmann and Van Der List scored as he was the only real bright spot for the Dutch team on this night. With ZZ Leiden down 45-28, the Fraport Skyliners had no mercy and added on to their big lead closing out the third quarter on a 15-4 run to lead 60-32 after three quarters. In the run, the Fraport Skyliners just played delightful basketball that would of even got a thumbs up even from the most staunch ZZ Leiden supporters as there was nothing that one could complain about. Moving the ball, finding the open guy and throwing in an extra pass was the recipe for success. 2010 Eurochallenge winner John Little made a pretty running floater from the wing, Doornekamp a jumper after getting the perfect kick out dish from Theodore, Barthel a lay in after getting a feed from Theodore off the penetration, Voigtmann a 15 footer from the wing after Barhel made an extra pass and Little made a deep three from the corner as Barthel again made the extra pass. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 56% from the field   and 46% from the parking lot while ZZ Leiden was shooting 33% from the field and from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 26-17 rebound edge and eight turnovers while ZZ Leiden had 15 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, ZZ Leiden outscored the Fraport Skyliners 19-16, but it didn´t matter as the game had already been decided after 30 minutes. Ex E.Kentucky (NCAA) forward Eric Stutz who has a collection of over 30 hair braids nailed a three pointer and Van Der List scored, but Frankfurt matched the Dutch production as New York native Theodore found Barthel for the easy lay in and then finished himself as Frankfurt led 66-37. Then came the best spurt of ZZ Leiden since the first quarter as they went on a 9-1 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 68-46. In the run they got instant offense from two time Dutch Eredivisie Champion and 2015 Euro player Worthy De Jong who scored three buckets in the run sneaking inside twice notching reverse lay ups and then connecting on a tip in ally-oop play. Scott also contributed with a three pointer. However the ZZ Leiden run was short lived and the game then ultimately decided as Klein closed the chapter to game 4 nailing consecutive three pointers as Frankfurt led 74-46. Van De List improved his stat line with an additional trey and lay in while Mike Morrison closed out the game with a left handed lay in.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Konstantin Klein and John Little with 14 points a piece. Jordan Theodore and Johannes Voigtmann added 10 points a piece. ZZ Leiden were led by Joern Van Der List with 20 points and Deron Scott added 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners finished shooting 57% from the field and 50% from outside while ZZ Leiden shot 36% from the field and 37% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound battle 30-26 and had 13 turnovers while ZZ Leiden had 18 turnovers. The Fraport Skyliners continue to be the team to beat as they remain unbeaten at 4-0. They stayed faithful to their exceptional defense consistency and played an all around solid offensive game. Important to note was that the three guards Konstantin Klein, John Little and Jordan Theodore combined for 38 points showing some offensive guard terror. “We have a lot of weapons on this team. We can scored from outside and inside. Different nights different guys will be on. Tonight was one of those games where the guards stepped up. We don’t get his win without defense though. We held them to 51 points. If I remember correctly when we played them at Fraport the game went to the wire. Over the last few weeks. We’ve really come together as a team. Like I told you after the Bamberg win. We have set goals as a team and we will do whatever it takes to see our goals fulfilled”, warned Jordan Theodore. Next week they travel to Krka Novo Mesto and this could be a battle for the first and second place in the group as both teams should go on to win their last games even though FC Porto won´t be a cake walk for the Gordon Herbert gang.

Kruize Pinkins is a 22 year old 201cm forward from Marianna, Florida playing his first professional season in Germany with the Hebeisen White Wings currently averaging 13,2ppg, 9,3rpg and 1,2apg. He started his basketball career at Chipola (JUCO). He then played at USF (NCAA) form 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%. He spoke to German Hoops after the convincing 76-58 win against the Gladiators Trier.

 

 

Kruzie thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the big 76-58 win against the Gladiators Trier. How much more fun is it now to be playing basketball when your winning?

Everything always feels better when your winning. Our team is really coming together now.

After a pretty even first quarter, the game was won for Hanau in the second and third quarter where you led 60-40 after 30minutes. What adjustments did you make and what was key for getting the big lead then?

We played pretty good defense throughout the game and we just stuck to out game plan.

The Hebeisen White Wings didn´t shoot particulary well, but dominated the boards and held the opponent to 58 points. Was defense the biggest strength on the night in your eyes?

Defense was definitely a major part but we also played very unselfish guys were moving the ball and having fun and thats the key to winning.

In the last three games the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau have allowed 61 points. What has been the biggest adjustment that the club has made on defense that finally is starting to pay dividends?

We work on our defense every practice and we are finally realizing that we can really defend as a team. Coach always tells us that we can be great on defense, and its starting to show.

The club had many injury woes in the first two months as well as players coming in late and recently leaving. However the team has won three of the last five games where finding team chemistry is still a challenge. What has propelled this team to finally win games on a more standard basis?

Yeah, its good to have the full team together, but we didnt drop our head when we lost a few games. We kept coming to practice each day and working even harder. Its starting to pay off.

The team has a lot of talent and still guys that haven´t played to their full potential. How dangerous can this team be when the needed consistency is found?

We are a very deep team. When we play together and play great defense we can be a top team in our league

You are averaging 12,3ppg and 9,1rpg and have had some monster games against Rhondorf, Cologne and Trier, but also paid dues as a rookie. How pleased have you been with your rookie season so far on the floor?

Its going alright I guess, but I am never satisfied. There are some things that I am still learning, but I am just trying to get better each and every day and do what I can to help my teammates, and win games.

What has been the biggest adjustment for you coming from the NCAA to the European style that is still hard for you to figure out?

The traveling rule. It feels like I have had at least one travel call each game. But I am getting better at it, every day. It is also very physical and this is a pretty good league.

You have been up and down as a three point shooter shooting 16,7% as a junior and last season were at 39% and even hit four trey´s against Gonzaga and Portland while this season your shooting 1/10. Are you sometimes shaking your head at this weird stat?

Yeah my main thing now is being confident in my shooting. I know that if I keep working, that my shots will soon start to fall.

Is three point shooting something you feel you can add to more in the Simon Cote system or is your primary role scoring and getting rebounds?

My job is to help the team win. If that means knocking down my threes, thats what I have to do. If that means crashing the boards or playing in the paint, that is what I have to do

You went from ex NBA player Rex Walter as head coach at USF to experienced coach Simon Cote. Do have a special freedom under him now especially since you have carried the team in so many games that led to wins.

I learned a tremendous amount from Rex over my two years at USF. Great guy, proven player and coach. I am also learning a lot from Simon. I just try to take away the most knowledge I can from every coach. Learning from both Rex and Simon have been great.

How important has German Robin Christen been in the early going? He seems to have been a guy that often has kept the ship a float in key moments of games.

Robin is a great player. When he is playing well it takes our team to another level.

How did Rex Walter prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?

He was always tough on me because he wanted the best for me and also the advice he gave me day after day prepared me for the professional level because he has been there.

Thanks Kruize for the chat.

Frank Snow is a 24 year old 208cm center from west palm beach, Florida and is playing his first season as a professional in Germany with Saarlouis. He played at Grambling State and then moved to Southern(NCAA) where he played 59 NCAA games from 2013-2015. As a senior he played 31 games: 5.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 47.1%, FT: 57.3%. Currently for Saarlouis he is averaging 7,4ppg and 5,0rpg. He spoke to German Hoops recently.

Frank thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough 83-76 loss against the Uni Riesen Leipzig. The opponent closed out the game with a 8-0 run. How tough and why did Saarlouis fall in crunch time?
It was a very tough loss for us because we all felt as though we were the better team. During the second half the other team went into a 2-3 zone and we didn’t have a answer for the zone.
Were you able to grab anything positive form the loss besides winning the rebound battle and dishing out a team 20 assists?
Every game is a learning experience for us but it’s hard to get something positive out of a game where we beat ourselves.
Saarlouis is now 1-5 and in their second season having come from a level down the Regionaliga. It will be hard to win games on a consistent level when the team gives up more points than what it makes. What do you believe are the biggest factors on the defensive end that need to be fixed?
Consistency is the biggest factor in our defense
The three Americans of Ricky Easterling, Brennan Mcelroy and you average together more than half of the teams points. Is that German player that averages double figures missing on offense?
I don’t think it’s that, we just don’t stay composed when the game gets close.
Despite the 1-5 start, how positive are you that Saarlouis will be able to turn around their season and get on a winning streak?
We work hard during practice so I’m sure it will pay off.
How has it been as a rookie playing with Ricky Easterling. How has his leadership and basketball knowledge helped you in the first two months?
It’s helped me a lot, he is always positive despite how we have been losing games.
Does Saarlouis have to depend on Ricky Easterling for success? If he scores only 15 points then that is 10 less than what he usually makes. Does the team feel pressure to have to step it up on those occasions?
We have to depend on everyone on our team for success. No one person feels pressured, we all have jobs we have to do on the court in order to win.
Easterling lives off his unstoppable mid distance off balance game. Have you ever seen a player more dangerous than him in your career when he gets in the lane?
I’ve played with a lot of good players but none of which shoot the mid range shot like him.
What has been the most amazing shot he has made so far in a game or practice this season?
The most amazing shot was probably the 3 he made last night.
You are averaging 9,0ppg and4,4rpg after five games. How happy have you been with your rookie performance so far?
I feel as though I could do more to help the team.
What exactly is your role on the team? It seems like you have got that defensive stopper label early in the season?
My role is to come in the game and do whatever I need to do to win.
What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?
My ability to run the floor.
How has the adjustment been for you coming from the NCAA from Southern to the German Pro B? What has been the most difficult thing to get used to and where would you stack the Pro B in comparison with the NCAA?
It has been hard adjusting to everything. The most difficult thing to get use to has been the speed of the game.
You averaging 1,8 blocks per game after five games. Have you always been a shot blocker or did that develop over time?
I’ve always been able to time shots right to get the block.
You reached the SWAC Tournament final in 2015. What will you always remember from the final game that you won´t forget so quickly?
The thing I will always remember is how it felt to lose my last college basketball game.
The two most famous guys to have played at Southern have been Avery Johnson and Bobby Phills that played in the NBA, but a guy by the name of Chris Alexander also played at Southern winning the SWAC tournament in 2006 and played 5 years in the German pro A. Do you remember hearing stories of him when you were at Southern?
We hear stories about him and his team that won all the time at Southern.
How did Roman Banks prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?
Coach Banks was a very strict coach so in practice everything had to be perfect, he helped me become more disciplined And coachable.
Who won a one on one in practice you or Keith Davis?
We both had our days but of course I’m going to say me.
Where will the journey of the Miami Heat go this season? Will they make some noise in the playoffs?
The have a lot of veterans and some young players who are willing to learn from them so I believe they will surprise a lot of people this year.
What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?
Lebron is one of the greatest but I don’t believe he will be mentioned with MJ
What was the last movie that you saw?
The last movie I saw was straight out of Compton.
Thanks Frank for the chat.