Andrew Jones is a 32 year old 191cm shooting guard that has been a professional basketball player since 2007. He played at Miles(NCAA2) and has played in Germany for most of his professional career with three seasons with the Dresden titans and three seasons with the BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga). He also gained experience playing with teams like Marietta Storm (SEBL), BC Celtics (SEBL), C.B. Aridane (Spain-EBA) and Universidad Tecnologica Equinoc. Quito (Ecuador-National League). Last season he played for BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19,9ppg, 6,5rpg and 3,9apg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Andrew thanks for talking to German Hoops Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer so far?

Hello Miles, summer is looking pretty good. Currently I am in Dresden concentrating on staying fit and preparing for the next season.

Last season you played for BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga). After two very productive scoring seasons in the German Pro B with Dresden, it seemed like you went a step back. Was this really the direction that you wanted to take?

After my first season in Pro B with the Dresden Titans, I resigned before I left to go home. 20 days later I signed a summer contract in Ecuador for 3 months. I told the agent at the time, after my second season with the Titans that I would work with him after. Things didn’t work out as planned, so I returned to Germany and Aschersleben needed a player and we agreed to work together.

Your stats weren´t really that different in the German pro A and German Regionaliga. Just how much of a difference is there skill wise between the Germans in the two leagues?

In Regionaliga it’s tougher because you have to win every game if your chasing the number one spot. Also, in higher leagues there are more threats and you can’t single out one player on the scouting report. In Regionaliga its easy to box and 1 the best player.

BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga) had a 18-4 record last season. Were there no options to remain with the team?

There was an option to comeback of course, however, that is not my plan. Being with Aschersleben this year was a situation that came to me because of an injured player. I enjoyed the experience and the professionalism from the BG Aschersleben Tigers.

Last season you averaged 19,9ppg, 6,5rpg and 3,9apg. You are 32 now. Were these stats to your liking and do you still see yourself putting up these numbers as you get older?

Scoring has never really been a big concern to me. I have done it so long that it feels natural. However, I feel like I could have got more rebounds. Whatever the team needs me to do statistically, I will try my best to make it happen.

What was your season highlight? Possibly the 35 point game against Cottbus?

The Cottbus game was a good one for me. But, I will say the highlight of the season was when I told our young player Pascal Wolfram to get a dunk in the Stade game. He looked at me very nervous and said he don’t think he would be able to. I cut him off before he could get any more words out and told him just do it. He dunked on the biggest guy on their team and I jumped up like I did it.

At age 32 what are your major goals now as a player? You showed for many years that you can play at the pro B level. What besides your experience could be beneficial for a pro B team?

I really want to compete for a championship on a Pro B and up level, the atmosphere looks amazing. My leadership will be beneficial. My goal is to bring out the best in my teammates and for them to be as confidant as I am on the court.

Describe your game now in a few sentences as to why you could help any team at any level.

I am a good ball handler and shooter that will keep defenses honest. I am able to create for myself as well as my teammates.

Your defense also hasn´t slowed down with age as you averaged 3,1spg last season and had 8 and 6 steal games. Do you have to work extra hard on your fitness to still be able to excel on the defensive end with age?

Defense is more about if you want to. If you go out every night and say I want to stop my defender, a few steals will come. I pay more attention to my body and make sure that I always stretch. I don’t know that I am 32 until Iook at a photo I.D.

You have played mostly in Germany, but could you see yourself moving to another country at this stage in your career?

Anything is possible of course. My girlfriend works at an international school here in Germany so I don’t want to create too much distance from her. Germany is more likely my home until my career is done.

You played a season with American Jason Boucher with Dresden. In that season you both carried the team. He doesn´t seem to want to quit either as he is still playing pro ball. What was your fondest memory with him on and off the court?

Jason could really shoot the ball. He could get in the lane do a spin move against two big guys, throw the ball up and put enough spin off the glass for it to go in. He did it often and it always amazed me.

How does a summer work out day look like for you on and off the court?

I usually hit the weight room in the mornings. Everywhere I travel in the city is by bike, so I am getting a lot of cardio there. Later in the evenings I get a lot of ball handling and shooting done

Despite Golden State winning game one, many still believe Lebron and the Cavs will win the 2015 NBA title. What is your prediction as to who will win it all?

I just hope to see good games, haha. The hawks would have been my pick to win it all

What was the last DVD movie that you watched?

Superman Man of Steel.

Thanks Andrew for the chat.

Will Barnes is a 27 year old 185cm point guard from Tuscaloosa, Alabama that recently completed his second professional season and first with the Hamburg Towers. With Hamburg he played 28 games averaging 13.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 77.1% He started his basketball career in 2006 for Tennessee Tech (NCAA) where he played a total of 98 NCAA games. In 2012-2013 he played at  Lee (NAIA) playing 34 games: 20.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 77.7%. Last season as a rookie he played for the Finke Baskets playing 29 games: Score-3(18.8ppg), 3.5rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 64.3%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to German Hoops after the end of the 2014-2015 season.

Will thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer so far?

Hello Miles, all is well my way! I am actually still in Hamburg training with a trainer and working out. I fly back to America next weekend

You just completed your second season in Germany and first with new team Hamburg Towers. How content were you with the teams performance?

I was pleased overall with our season. It was a great accomplishment to reach the playoffs in our first year existing as a club. But at the same time, I feel we let a lot of games slip away that if we would have won, we would’ve avoided the 8th spot.

You didn´t play in the playoffs because you were injured. Was that experience and all around player in you missing in the series against Wurzburg?

Yes I could tell from game 1 that my presence was missed in the series against Wurzburg. The pressure I could’ve put on their defense would have made it a different series. They just sat back in zone mostly.

How are you at the moment physically? Will you be ready to play next season wherever you play?

Physically, I am doing extremely well. Staying here in Germany and working with professionals to recover and rehab correctly has me at 100 as of today! Honestly, my injury is being blown out of proportion. It was basically a sprained knee. The training and rehabilitation I went through has me feeling very strong physically. The timing of the injury just came at the worst time possibly. It was something to deal with but all in all it made me stronger.

Hamburg made the playoffs, started to sell out the new arena halfway through the season and brought a new kind of basketball life to the 1,7 million city. How did you sense did the basketball excitement grow in the city throughout the season?

The city definitely supported us to the fullest this year. Considering it was our first year in existence, the fans were tremendously supportive through the highs and lows of the season. They were great!

We talked about your teammate Bazou Kone throughout the season and he suffered an almost 4 month injury in December 2014. He came back late in the season and held his own against Wurzburg doing the best he could in your absence. How do you evaluate his development form the start to the end of the season?

Bazou is a hungry, young player! Unfortunately as you mentioned his season was cut very short due to injury. Without question had he been healthy, our season would’ve been completely different.

Your stats were down from your season in Paderborn, but your role was different in Hamburg and you had more scoring options in Hamburg. How do you evaluate your season. Were you able to grow as a Hamburg Tower?

I feel overall I played a solid season. I had to play off the ball pretty much the whole season which I am not used to. I pretty much was strictly a shooting guard this year, and it was something to adjust to considering my point guard back ground. I also had to battle through a lot of small bangs and bruises. I played through a broken finger the last 15 games of the season that I suffered in a test game against Itzehoe during Christmas break. But I definitely grew as a player and person this season. Being captain, there was just so much more expectations and it will prove to make me better for the rest of my career.

The Hamburg Towers have signaled that they will keep many players. What is your status for next season? There has been speculation that German pro B player of the year Diante Watkins may take your role.

I’ve heard the rumors and have been told certain things from the club that lead me to figure they are looking elsewhere even though they have told me different. I just once again feel like my knee injury is being blown out of proportion. It was a cartilage injury that didn’t require surgery. I’m already back at training hard and preparing for next season wherever that may be. I talk to many people around the world and always keep my options open. So, I’m not in a predicament to worry about my career being in jeopardy or to worry about next season.

After two seasons in the German Pro A could you imagine trying another country or do you feel you could help a Beko BBL team if you got the opportunity?

Yes, I am completely open at this point because I haven’t received a commitment from the Hamburg Towers of any kind. Teams offer and sign returners soon after the season ends and I know how to put 2 and 2 together. I’ve been drawing interest from many markets so I am focused on bettering my game and body. The rest will take care of itself. But I am preparing myself to make a jump in league competition and salary. Where exactly that will be is to be determined!

How does a normal work out day look like for you on and off the court this summer?

A normal workout day includes a morning workout usually in the weight room followed by shooting. Then another skill and ball handling session in the evening when I’m not playing in open gym or summer leagues. My work ethic is the reason I am where I am today. I love to train and get better in the offseason.

What is your 2015 NBA final pick? Will the Splash brothers and Golden State get by Lebron?

I’m taking the Warriors! I’m a huge Steph Curry fan and would love to see him win it.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last movie I watched was Life.

Thanks Will for the chat.

Jermale Jones is a 28 year old 186cm guard from Birmingham, Alabama that recently finished his third season for German pro B club TV Lich. He started his basketball career in 2005 for Lawson State CC (JUCO) where he played until 2007. He then played two more years at Tuskegee (NCAA2). In 2011-2012 he came to Germany and played for SSV Lokomotive Bernau (Germany-ProB) playing 18 games: 17.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 79.2%. In the 2013-2014 season for Lich he played 24 games averaging 18.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 76.2%. He spoke to German Hoops about his future.

Jermale thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer?

I’m currently in Phoenix. My summer so far has been great enjoying family and friends.

You were in Arizona recently doing some rock climbing? What is the most challenging thing with going up against the rocks?

The most challenging thing in rock climbing is focusing on your next step.

You recently completed your third season with Lich having to survive the play downs. How taxing was this season overall for you?

This past season was an up and down season and we were never consistent. At certain parts of the season I became very frustrated but I had to continue to keep my head up and stay positive because I was one of the leaders of my team and I couldn’t let any of the other players see me frustrated and we needed to stand together and finish the season successful as a team

Your scoring and three point shooting was down a bit from the 2013-2014 season. Is this something that eats at you now when you have a long period before the next season or is this something that you can turn off quickly?

It’s something I can turn off quickly because the season is over now and I have a whole summer to get better and work on the things I need to work on to better myself.

At the age of 28 you have had four strong pro B seasons. How do you feel has your game developed in this league over time?

In my 4 years I have learned to be more of a team player and sacrifice my game for the team. I have learned more about spacing and timing and making the correct basketball play when it’s thrown at me like making the extra pass or penetrating the open gaps to get other players involved.

You have been a top player in the German pro B and you have to be true to yourself that you don´t want to be a Pro B player forever. You saw many games of the Giessen 46ers last season who played pro A. Why do you feel that you could play at this level?

Due to the sportive cooperation of Licher Basketbaeren and former ProA-team GIESSEN 46ers in the past season I’ve been able to work out with the ProA-team in practices 3 times a week. It’s been a great experience and I learned a lot from their headcoach Denis Wucherer and their players.

You most likely would like to stay in Germany because you are known, but you wouldn´t shy away from going to play in another country. If you could describe yourself in a few sentences as to why you could help any team next season what words would you choose?

My 4 years overseas with different players and coaches in good and bad seasons, I know what it takes to play on a professional level by having the needful daily discipline, always working hard in practice and games, I am able to read the game and make others better, I am a go to guy for a team, fans and sponsors at the same time. Also I like to be in touch and working offside the court by training kids, etc.

How does a typical summer work out day look like for you on and off the court?

Every morning I wake up at 8am to be at the gym at 9 to get a lot of shots up. At 2Pm I head to the track for conditioning and to finish the day at 6pm it’s all individual work for example working the pick and roll, coming off screens knocking down shots or ball handling and etc.

You saw many games of Fraport Skyliner Justin Cobbs as well as other top Eurochallenge guards last season. Does Cobbs have the game to become a solid NBA guard?

Yes, Cobbs is really good and I can see him getting back in the league to be solid for whatever team he is on.

What is your 2015 NBA final prediction? Will the Cavs win or can the splash brothers and Golden State deny Lebron?

It would be nice to see Lebron bring the championship to Cleveland but I want to also see Steph Curry win a championship also with everything he has been through in the past seasons dealing with injuries. Its going to be a tough series but Lebron will win in Game 7

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Get Hard with Kevin Hart & Will Ferrell.

Thanks Jermale for the chat.

Sterling Carter is a 24 year old 183cm point guard from Seattle, Washington that will be starting his professional basketball career this upcoming season in Germany for Pro A team Rhondorf. He started his basketball career at Pacific, then played three years at Seattle(NCAA) and finished at Purdue in 2014. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Sterling thanks for talking to German Hoops Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer?

No problem at the moment I’m at home with my Daughter watching a little bit of film from some of the teams in the PRO A just trying to learn the styles and The way teams play and some of the way the games are officiated.

One could say you have been living a basketball Cinderella story since 48 hours. Your last college game was 16 months ago and as of now you will play professional basketball this upcoming season in Germany. How blessed do you feel at the moment?

Words can’t even explain it. I’m so blessed and grateful to be in the position that I’m in now.

How difficult were the last 16 months? You tore your ACL ending your college career at Purdue, was represented by a black sheep agent that promised, but didn´t deliver, you had to work three jobs while being a single parent. What was the driving force that got you through this difficult time?

It was the hardest thing I ever been through I could only think of how I wanted my daughter to never have to need or want anything because I worked hard during my time on the court. So while working those three jobs I would work out every night after work even after my 13hour shifts and it was hard but my dream was to be a PRO Basketball player not to work three jobs making 12$ HR but God blessed me with Mike finding me and keeping his word 100%.

Your new agent Mike Baron did a good job signing you with new German Pro A team Rhondorf. Without even being in Germany yet, do you feel some initial uneasiness and pressure starting your professional career so late as outside factors hindered you from starting a year ago?

No because I feel like I’m playing where I’m supposed to be and at the time I’m supposed to be. Sitting out last season helped my game more on the mental side as I got to watch a lot more basketball and watch the mistakes I made during my college career. Me and my father watch a lot of my film to see where I can be better and I feel now that I’m back 100%. I’m going to be more than ready this upcoming season.

Often there are players that have that four year career at one school, but you played at Pacific, Seattle and Purdue. Do you feel having had this vast experience, that this will help you more as a professional as you try to set foot as a professional in Germany?

Yes I think it helps a lot it and allows me to learn a new system faster and adapt to new things as I had to do 3 different times in my 5 year college career.

You had two very solid years at Seattle scoring in double figures, but in your third year there you had a massive falling out with head coach Cameron Dollar which led to you being released from your scholarship. When you look back at this incident what were the key factors that led to you having to end your basketball at Seattle?

To be honest with you there was never a fall out between us the program just decided to go in a different direction and they decided to release me and that was all that took place. Which in the long run worked out better for me. I believe everything happens for a reason.

You finished your degree at Seattle while your friends were playing NCAA games. How did you cope not being able to play, but being able to focus on your studies 100%

I knew that there was something else in store for m and it hurt that I couldn’t be a part of a team at the time but I graduated and got my degree for my parents and God blessed me with another opportunity to play at Purdue.

You then moved on to Purdue to finish your last year of basketball. You made your debut against Northern Kentucky and the next morning you were in Seattle to see the birth of your daughter Aria. With her birth a new life started for you. When you pick your first number with Rhondorf could you imagine having a symbolic number for your daughter?

Yes I picked the #1 because that is her age now and because she is #1 in my heart and in my life. She’s also my 1st child.

When you look back at your short career at Purdue where you played 27 games averaging 4.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.1apg. How would you summarize your game. Had you not suffered that ACL injury against Nebraska do you feel your career would have ended differently?

I do feel that I would have end the season with better stats and that I would have helped my team win more games than we did after I got hurt and we might have been able to sneak in the tournament.

Your best game for Purdue was shortly before your injury against Nebraska where you poured in 19 points in 18 minutes in a win against Indiana. Was this one of your fondest memories on the court at Purdue?

Yes I would say that was my favorite moment just seeing all the fans happy that we won the game and seeing the coaches excited to beat our rivals.

It is known that you can shoot as you proved with 28 points and seven three pointers against Pepperdine in 2011 with Seattle. But if you look at your game what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

I would say my ability to play pressure on ball defense and score in more ways than just shooting three pointers.

You only played a short time for Matt Painter, but how did he prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

The one year I spent under coach Painter was great, because he taught me more than I had learned in the 3 years I had played previous on and off the court.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Ronnie Johnson?

Hah I would definitely win those battles but he’s a great player

Who was the toughest player that you battled on the court in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

I would have to say Isaiah Thomas

How does a summer work out day look like for you on and off the court?

I work out at 9am in the mornings doing strength and conditioning with my trainer Greg then we go to he gym at 9:30pm and do a Basketball workout.

Who will win the 2015 NBA title Cleveland or Golden State?

I will have to go with Golden State. They are playing great basketball right now but I won’t be easy.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Bad boys 2.

Thanks Sterling for the chat.

Dashaun Wood is a 29 year old 185cm point guard from Detroit, Michigan that just completed his seventh professional season and first with Tofas Bursa (Turkey-TBL) averaging 14,4ppg, 2,6rpg and 4,1apg. He played at Wright state from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 33 games averaging 19.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3Pts: 37.3%, FT: 88.3%. In 2007-2008, he played his rookie season for Tisettanta Cantu (Italy-SerieA) playing 38 games: Score-5(16.9ppg), 3.0rpg, Assists-4(3.3apg), 2.7spg, 2FGP:52.1%, 3PT-2(42.8%), FT:77.4%. In 2008-2009, he played for Benetton Treviso (Italy-SerieA), injured in Oct.’08 and was off for 2 months: Eurocup: 12 games: 5.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 87.5%; Italian League: 17 games: 7.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 70.4%. In 2010-2011, he was the Beko BBL MVP with The Deutsche Bank Skyliners playing EuroCup Qualifying Round: 2 games: 13.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 5.0apg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 16.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 5.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 73.7%; German League: 42 games: Score-1(19.0ppg), 4.6rpg, Assists-2(5.9apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 80.3%. He played for Alba Berlin from 2011-2013. In the 2013-2014 season he played for Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France-ProA) 26 games: 14.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 81.2%; Eurocup: 8 games: 16.4ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 46.6%, FT: 93.3%. After a two year break from the last interview with German Hoops, Wood spoke to German Hoops again from his hometown Detroit.

Dashaun thanks for talking to German Hoops. How has your early summer vacation been going in your home town Detroit?

Everything is going good. It is nice to be back home again to see family and friends and just being able to do things that one couldn´t do the past year.

Since leaving Frankfurt, you played two seasons with Alba Berlin, one with Le Mans in France and last season in Turkey with Bursa. How quickly has time flown since you last wore a Skyliners jersey?

 

It really has flown by quickly. When I left Frankfurt I was 25, 26 years old and now I am turning 30 in September. I remember holding up that MVP trophy as if it was yesterday, but I have played for three teams since leaving Frankfurt.

This season in Turkey, you played for Tofas which ended the season in 16^th place. What kind of experience was it playing for a losing game and did your game profit someway from this new experience?

The first part of the season started ok as I was an all-star and was second in scoring, but the second half of the season was up and down. It was the first time in my career that I didn´t end the season with a winning record or make the playoffs. All in all it was a very hard season. Every practice and game and everything in between is so important, but the team didn´t understand it. The season was a learning experience for me. I don´t plan on having a season like that again. I want to move forward having learned from that.

You had very strong stats in the Turkish league as well as in the Eurochallenge competition. You have had consistent stats for years. Why is your game suited to any league as you have played well in Italy, Germany, France and Turkey?

I think the reason why my game is suited so well to so many leagues and styles is that I understand the game. As a player I know who the best player is, who needs to have the ball, shoot the ball or get to the rim. I call myself an all-around point guard. That makes it easier for me to make transition to so many different leagues. Being able to stay consistent also has been important for making adjustments from country to country.

Your season highlight was your 33 point explosion in the win against Galatasaray and ex NBA player Carlos Arroyo who only had 11 points. Does a performance like this give you peace of mind that even if you didn´t make the NBA that you can play with anyone?

No question having these kind of games gives me peace of mind. We went into their place against a Euroleague team with tough fans and maybe the best fans I have ever seen. It is unbelievable how aggressive they are. It was one of those nights when I got going, and it was hard to slow me down. That game really wasn´t anything new as I have had those type of games in the past wheather it was playing against Bobby Brown, Carlos Arroyo or Earl Boykin, I showed that I can compete with guys that have played in the NBA.

You are 29 years old. Are you in your prime or is there even better Dashaun Wood play to come in the future?

I would say that I am in my prime now. Since leaving Frankfurt, I have played so much basketball. If it was playing league games in Germany, France or Turkey or Euroleague, Eurocup or Eurochallenge, I have gained a lot of experience, played with great players and coaches and just continued to learn. I think that I can put together 2-3 great more years where I can achieve team success. I believe that in the next few years, I will be able to write a good closing chapter to my career.

What part of your game are you most proud of in the past? Could it be your shooting as you shot over 40% in Euroleague with Alba Berlin, in Eurocup with Le Mans and this season 53% in Eurochallenge play with Tofas?

I would like to say that I have always been a good three point shooter, but in the past my shooting from outside has got to a higher consistent level. Teams now seem to be very worried with my shooting and that opens up the game more. If you look at a guy like Steph Curry, you see how much his shooting can change a game and open it up. My shooting is my biggest strength now bigger than my penetration. There was a long span in Turkey last season where I would make 5-6 three pointers in a row in a game. Not many can do that. I am glad that my consistency is so good now.

During the season Tofas played two Eurochallenge games against Russian team Avtodor losing both games. What kind of experience was it playing against ex NBA player Courtney Fortson. Did you ever play against a faster player than him as a professional?

It was a good experience playing against him this season. We respected each other right when we stepped on the court. He had some great numbers this season. I was very impressed how he played this season and he is a reason why I play because I want to always play against the best. I am sure that we will meet again in the future.

You won back to back cups with Alba Berlin in 2013 and with Le Mans in 2014. The first title may have been the sweetest, but which one was the hardest earned?

I think the hardest was with Le Mans. We played three games in three nights instead of two and didn´t have home court advantage. We had many great players, but this experience was different than in Berlin as I had more of a leadership role there and it was more my team.

How strange was it finally playing together with ex Wright State guard Vaughn Duggins as a professional and winning your second title together after the Horizon tournament in 2007?

It is strange in that every time that we play together we win a title. It was our second season together and we are 2-0. It was great being a teammate with him again. It took me back to college. We lived next to each other and our wives got to know each other well. Vaughn is one of those guys that you always want to be around, because you know good things happen when he is around. He has continued to develop this season in France as he has made the next round of the playoffs.

With Tofas you had teammate Miro Todic who played with Frankfurt from 2005-2007. Were any stories told from back in the day or did you not even know he played there?

 

He told me right away that he played for Frankfurt. One could see right away that we both shared the same thoughts and feelings about our days in Frankfurt. We took a lot of time reflecting on the great time that we had with Frankfurt

You played two seasons for head coach Gordon Herbert in Frankfurt and Berlin. In Frankfurt you were the dominant force and in Berlin one of many. If you could have a third chance, what would be the perfect role for you?

I have said so many times in the last years how great of a coach Gordon Herbert is. If I were ever to play for him again, then I wouldn´t be worried, but confident that he would have the perfect role for me. He is known for preparing very well. He would have the perfect plan for me and the team.

It has been four years since you played for the Frankfurt Skyliners. How has your game developed as a whole since then?

All the experience that I have gained since leaving Frankfurt have helped me develop mentally and physically. I have just played so much basketball. I am more of a team player now and next season I want to get back to winning again something I was used to before coming to Turkey.

Gordon Herbert has mentioned that he will get in contact with you. Could you imagine making a return to the Frankfurt Skyliners?

I have always thought about Frankfurt before each new season and giving Frankfurt another chance and going for an incredible run like we had. Frankfurt has always been my home away from away. If the right opportunity comes, I will definitely look into it. I always wanted to try it again with Frankfurt. I have a family now and would like to get that family experience within the Frankfurt community.

Two seasons ago Frankfurt had ex NBA player and ex Syracuse sniper Andrew Rautins who was having a great season until an injury finished his season. Would having a player like that on board be the final straw for you to come to Frankfurt?

Having Rautins there would definitely help my decision. Having a Rautins and me on the court would make it very hard for teams. Herbert knows what it takes to win. I know that coach would be able to put together a winning team. He sees things before they develop.

I believe Quantez Robertson did learn passing from you as in the last season he often fed ally-op dunks instead of dunking himself. What have you missed most about Quantez Robertson on and off the court?

When I think about Tez, I have to think about our losing season last season. We really missed a guy like that on our team. He always did the little things that weren´t on the stat sheet being a hustle play, ally-op or dive. He is a player that every team needs and wants, but not every team can have. I took the year for granted when I was in Frankfurt. He does so much on the court. You could see at times his great vision on the court. With experience he took his passing to a new level.

How does a summer work out day look like for Dashaun Wood on and off the court in 2015? Do you feel that you have to change your daily routine with age?

I rest a bit now and in a few weeks will slowly get back into my routine. When I start to prepare for the season, I will get up at 6am and go to the gym and lift weights. Then I will go home, eat and take a nap. At 1 or 2 I will get up shots and then come home again and eat. At night I will play some 5-5 or in league games.

You have been a fan of Lebron for a while, but does Steph Curry have the game to dethrone a guy like Lebron in the future?

Curry has the ability to smack down anyone. I watch a lot of film on Curry and try to implement his game a bit, but Lebron is on a mission and nobody can get him.

What is your 2015 NBA finals prediction? Will the Cavs and Lebron win or will Golden State and the splash brothers take it?

Cavs in six with Lebron as MVP. If he reaches that then he is the second best player of all time after Michael Jordan.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Hot Tub Time Machine 2. It was a funny movie.

Thanks Dashaun for the chat.

Richie Williams is a 27 year old 178cm guard that recently played for the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL): EuroChallenge: 2 games: 9.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 6.5apg, 2.0spg; German BBL: 9 games: 8.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 40.6%, 3FGP: 48.0%, FT: 70.6%, in Jan.’15 moved to SC Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA): 12 games: 4.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg. He is a very fast guard that can play either one or two. Great at pushing the break. Can score by shooting the three or using his explosiveness to beat his man. Gets to the basket and scores in traffic. A specialist in steals that uses his quickness to intimidate on defense. Great ball control. Gets the whole team involved when playing the point but can takeover a game at any time. He started his basketball career at San Diego St. (NCAA) in 2005 where he played until 2009. In his senior year he played  36 games: 7.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3Pts: 37.5%, FT: 64.2%. In 2009-2010, he started his professional basketball career for The San Diego Surf (ABA), in Jan.’10 moved to FSU Selfoss (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 8 games: 27.5ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.4apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 72.7%. In 2011-2012, he played for  UBC Hannover Tigers (Germany-ProB) 33 games: 18.3ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-4(5.7apg), Steals-2(3.2spg), FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 75.8%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for SC Rasta Vechta playing 38 games: 15.6ppg, 5.2rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), Steals-1(2.5spg), FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 79.9%. In the 2013-2014 season for Vechta he played 34 games: 14.6ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.4apg, Steals-3(1.9spg), FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 82.7%. He spoke to German Hoops following the 2014-2015 season.

Richie thanks for talking to German Hoops. What was the first thing you did when you got home besides seeing family and friends?

The first thing I did was go to Sarita’s Taco shop

You just completed your season in Germany with SC Rasta Vechta after having started the season with the Fraport Skyliners. How frustrating was this season for you considering you had huge expectations coming to Frankfurt after a very strong BBL season with Vechta?

I’m a true believer that things happen for a reason. There’s no time to dwell. I just have to learn and move on.

Your stay with the Fraport Skyliners was shortened to four months even though you only played five weeks of games. Was this short working agreement a misunderstanding from both sides?

Sometimes things don’t go as planned and when that happens, changes are liable to happen.

Do you feel that your stay in Frankfurt would have gone a lot different had you arrived in Frankfurt 100% healthy?

Definitely. Everyone is aware of what I can do when I’m 100% healthy.

You had some solid games against Artland and in Eurochallenge play against Baaken. What positives were you able to gather from your time with the Fraport Skyliners?

It’s confirmation that I’m one of the best when I’m at full strength.

Which Fraport Skyliner did you have the most pleasure playing with this season?

I was closer to some players than others but they were all fun players to be around and play with.

In January you went back to your old team SC Rasta Vechta and in 12 games averaged 4,6ppg, 2,7rpg and 3,3apg. Were you completey healthy went you returned?

I was healthy but I was coming off almost 3 months with no basketball activity and not touching a basketball.

You never found your rhythm with Vechta. Did you feel much pressure coming from the Frankfurt situation and having to put up the kind of numbers you had last season?

There wasn’t a pressure issue for me. My frustrations came from not playing at a level I have known myself to play at

Vechta already had point guard Derek Wright. In retrospect were you ok with having to get less minutes than last season?

I was okay with it. I knew what I was getting myself into.

This was your first season where you played for two teams. What lessons did you learn this season that will help you this summer when you enter the transfer market again?

I learned to make sure I’m 100% healthy going into training camp.

Do you think you will stay in Germany or could you imagine going to another country to play?

I have no clue what’s in store for me in terms of where I will next play season. I like Germany and I’m comfortable in Germany but I wouldn’t oppose playing anywhere else.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Loft.

Thanks Richie for the chat.