Javon Mccrea is a 22 year old 201cm forward from Newark, New York that is a rookie playing in Germany with medi bayreuth. He played at Buffalo (NCAA) from 2010-2014 playing a total of 125 NCAA games and as a senior played 29 games averaging 18.5ppg, 9.9rpg, 2.2apg, 1.5spg, 2.2bpg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 66.7%. He spoke to German Hoops at the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game.

 

 

 

It is 2015 and what New Years resolutions have you made?

 

 

My new years resolution is too win more games with medi Bayreuth.

 

 

 

You were named to the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar team. How honoured do you feel?

 

I feel very honored to be here since I didn´t expect to be picked. I really liked the festivities and the set up of the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar day.

 

 

 

What player are you looking most to dueling against?

 

I really looked forward most to play against my teammate David Bremblay. We had no friendly wagers on the game, but just wanted to go out and compete as hard as possible.

 

 

 

 

Medi Bayreuth is in 12^th place with a record of 7-10. What have been the main reasons for the slow start

 

 

We won some great games at home, but were unable to close out tight games on the road.

 

 

 

 

 

After your injury, you came back well and are averaging 15,2ppg, 5,5rpg and 1,1apg. How comfortable to do you feel playing in the Beko BBL?

 

I feel very comfortable playing in the Beko BBL as the European system hasn´t been hard to get used to.

 

 

 

How difficult has it been playing without a real center with medi bayreuth?

 

It can be tough at times as sometimes I have to guard bigger players, but my advantage then is that I can use my quickness to be successful.

 

 

 

 

How important has Brandon Bowman has been for your development as a player this season?

 

Brandon has done a good job giving me usual tips to be successful in this league like How to approach the game and understand to reach more in the second half than in the first half.
 

What do you know about Germany and the German basketball scene? Your ex teammate at Buffalo(NCAA) Tony Watson played as a rookie in Germany at Leverkusen.

 

Tony Watson didn´t tell me anything, but all I knew was that some people know English in Germany.

You weren´t drafted and you weren´t picked up by an NBA team at the NBA Summer League. Many critics said that because of the lesser competition in the MAC that may have prevented you from being drafted. How disappointed were you and will this give you the urge to explode in the German Beko BBL?

 

I wasn´t disappointed that I wasn´t noticed more coming out of college, because I knew that I would end up somewhere and that I would prove myself then
 

What kind of experience was the 2014 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas for you? You played for the Dallas Mavericks? With so many well known basketball heads walking around Las Vegas, were you able to meet anyone and able to take things with you that will help you on your journey as a rookie in Germany?

 

It was a very good experience playing in the NBA Summer League. I talked to experienced guys like Devin Harris, Jay Crowder and Bernard James. The most important thing that they gave me advice on was watching out handling my money.

You played at Buffalo(NCAA) form 2010-2014 and were able to improve your points and rebounds each season. If you look back at your four years what part of your game were you able to improve most?

 

I think in my four years at Buffalo I improved my shooting most.

You can score, are an amazing rebounder thanks to your seven foot three wind span. You also are an excellent passer. However if you look at your game, what would you say is an aspect of your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

 

A hidden strength in my game is my ball handling. I think that I am a pretty good ball handler.

Two ex Buffalo players Louis Campbell and Yassin Idbihi have played in the Beko BBL. What stories did you hear through the years from these two exceptional players that once stared at your school?

 

I didn´t hear much about Lou, but heard quite a bit about Yassin. Coach told me that Yassin did a great job losing weight and really improved a lot by his senior year and became a good professional basketball player.

What was your sweetest memory with ex teammate Tony Watson? I am sure he found you numerous times for the easy bucket.

 

My sweetest memory with Tony was winning the MAC tournament my second year.

Reggie Witherspoon coached you four years at Buffalo. How was he able to prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

He helped me very much mentally and really got on me. He challenged me mentally each day and that helped my mental toughness.

Who wins a one on on ein practice you or Brandon Bowman?

 

I beat him. I can´t say that he ever beat me

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

 

State Propery.

 

Thanks Javon for the chat.

 

Chipmunks sleep an average of 15 hours a day so when they are awake it might take them a while to get going and be active with foraging for food on the ground or searching for nuts in trees. Just how long Will Clyburn sleeps daily is unknown, but if he were capable to sleep for 15 hours that would be quite an achievement, but the only similarity that one could see between the American from Detroit, Michigan and a chipmunk is the shade of brown on his hair which he sported in Ulm at the 2015 Beko BBL allstar game. Clyburn must have had enough sleep the night before and possibly the chipmunk brown look was his good luck charm as he had a strong showing at the slam dunk contest winning the title with some amazing dunks. The American is a 24 year old 201cm forward playing his second season in Ulm. If he keeps up his current pace then he will follow Fraport Skyliner Danilo Barthel and win this seasons most improved player award. Last season Clyburn played Eurocup: 18 games: 8.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 78.6%; German League: 38 games: 8.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 75.0%. This season he has improved everywhere. In Eurchallenge play he averaged 12,2ppg, 6,5rpg and 1,3apg while in the Beko BBL he is currently averaging 14,5ppg, 7,6rpg and 1,5apg. Currently he is fourth in rebounding and has glowed with his consistency as he has scored in double figures in 14 of 17 games and had a 28 point outburst against Ludwigsburg. For Clyburn this radical improvement is just another step in his development and a normal occurrence. “I think a big reason for my good play is that I have adapted to the European style. I think that if you don´t get better as a player than you aren´t doing your job. I have been lucky that I am surrounded by many guys that can play and coach gives me the freedom to play my game”, stressed Will Clyburn. Clyburn played three seasons at Iowa State with Melvin Ejim who is a rookie with Virtus Acea Roma this season and also isn´t surprised with the rapid rise of his former teammate. “The thing that impressed me the most about will was his unselfishness, at ISU he was on a team with great players and was our best scorer but was always willing to get others involved while still being so productive. I think often times we see great scorers and players like will but not all are unselfish and willing to do whatever it takes to win. His quick progress can only be attributed to his work ethic and drive to be better. I think Will has the ability, talenter and work ethic to play in any level, wither the top leagues in Europe or the NBA, he is a great talent but even better person and the sky is the limit for him”, stressed Melvin Ejim. Last summer Clyburn played NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Los Angeles Clippers): 5 games: 3.6ppg, 1.6rpg, FGP: 27.6%, 3PT: 18.2%. The American has big goals for this season and got a lot of experience from the NBA Summer League. “I have heard that I can be a great defender and defend many positions. I will stick with it and get even better. My main goal as a player is just to win. I want that we all stick together and just help my team anyway that I can”, added Will Clyburn. This weekend Clyburn will be able to match up with top defender Quantez Robertson of the Fraport Skyliners and it will be a challenge. “I have played a couple of times against him. He has a great motor and might be the fastest player form one end of the court to the other. He is kind of a pest that we will have to be ready for”, warned Will Clyburn. Ejim will never forget their battles in practice at Iowa State. “Will is just a bit taller than me but often times we matched up against each other and those were always fun battles, he is a great player and competitor so we always went at each other with 100%. I think those battles with him made me a better player and prepared me to have a great season. We all know will is a great athlete and he’s able to do it on both sides of the court. I think that makes him such a dynamic player and so fun for many to watch”, added Melvin Ejim. The whole Beko BBL will have to be ready for Will Clyburn and ratiopharm Ulm in the second half of the season as they have a quest for making strides in the cup and playoffs.

 

Who would have thought that ratiopharm Ulm head coach Thorsten Leibenath would have such a successful rookie campaign where he led the team to second in the standings during the regular season and made the final? With the success there in Ulm, it seems like having achievement is becoming an expected thing. So perhaps with demands getting higher, pressure did succumb a bit the last two seasons as the team finished third in the standings in 2013 and reached the semi finals in the playoffs and last season dropped to sixth in the standings and lost in the first round. Besides reaching the Cup final, the club had reason to be overjoyed by reaching the quarterfinals of the Eurocup. Scoring continues to be their biggest strength as they scored over 80 points in 22 games last season. Their defense continues to be suspect, but they did improve it last season in the second half as they gave up 80 points or more in only four games in the second half while they did it 10 times in the first half. If one looks at the team this season, it is clear to see that it is deeper and more experienced, but like last season where they had strong individual players, it wasn´t enough to go deeper in the playoffs. When looking at the roster, the club will play a quick style and with the exception of ex NBA player Tim Ohlbrecht have very mobile big men that will give Ulm a very interesting inside out game. The club held guys like Per Guenther who skipped the German national team this summer to get fit and shooters Adam Hess, the Ulm version of Quantez Robertson with Will Clyburn and Mr energy Philipp Schwethelm. Ratiopharm Ulm may have lost their most effective player last season with Daniel Theis, but Leibenath did an excellent job filling up the back court with Tim Ohlbrecht, NBA Draft pick Maarten Leunen and Mr sturdy Boris Savovic who they swiped from FC Bayern Munich. This back court could compete with teams like FC Bayern Munich and Alba Berlin. CJ Harris came from Ludwigsburg and will be responsible for shooting out the lights while Jaka Klobacur will give the team needed versatility at the 1-3 positions and take his 2014 World championships experience in Spain with him. The x-factor could be Tommy Mason-Griffin who hasn´t played the last two seasons. Ratiopharm ulm always believed in him and let him work his way back even if he had some road blocks along the way. He was definatly missed the last two seasons and could be a huge impact player off the bench. It is never easy to predict where a team will end up before the start of a new campaign, but ratiopharm Ulm isn´t only a huge favorite to make the playoffs, but to be a top four team. They kept very experienced team players and brought in a very good mix. Leibenath is coaching his fourth season in Ulm as coach and his expereince has been growing as fast as grass behind the old Kuhberg gym. Currently ratiopharm Ulm is resting in fifth place with a record of 11-6. There best stretch this season was a four game winning streak and have won two of their last three games. Despite the solid mid season record, Ulm has been unable to beat any of the top 3 teams losing to Alba Berlin by 20 points, Brose baskets Bamberg by 27 points and FC Bayern Munich by seven points. Keeping points down continues to be a problem for ratiopharm Ulm as they have given up 80 plus points in 13 of their 17 Beko BBL games. The Fraport Skyliners enter the second half of the season playing sound basketball having won eight of their last eight games. The club continues to get more healthy as Kevin Bright is back and at the start of the week, the club extended the contract of Mikko Koivisto until the end of February 2015.

Ratiopharm Ulm meet the Fraport Skyliners this weekend and since ratiopharm Ulm entered the Beko BBL in 2006, the Frankfurt Skyliners have a positive record against them. They won in overtime 87-83 in 2007 with Murat Didin as head coach. The Eric Chadfield buzzer beater will for some reason always be stuck in the minds of people, which had an eerie similarity to the buzzer beater of Justin Gray against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg two seasons ago. In 2008-2009, Frankfurt lost 74-69, but got a strong game from ex Skyliner Lorenzo Gordon who scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. In the first meeting in 2009-2010, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners dominated the game and put on a scoring display led by 23 points by Seth Doliboa as the club prevailed 95-82.Frankfurt shot an astronomical 57% from the field and easily won the rebounding fight 34-25. Ratiopharm Ulm did a great job only having seven turnovers. In the return game in, ratiopharm Ulm lost 84-77 as Skyliner American Seth Doliboa had another monster game pouring home 18 points and 15 rebounds. In 2010-2011, Frankfurt lost a 87-82 nail bitter in the Kuhberg arena, but returned home to win 74-67 as Dashaun Wood poured in 17 points and 12 assists. In the first meeting of 2011-2012 the Fraport Skyliners lost a winnable game 81-75 in the old Kuhberg Halle where Dane Watts made the two big buckets at the end showing NBA player Jon Leuer that guys from Missouri can play basketball. Ratiopharm Ulm had five guys in double figures, shot better and rebounded better. Frankfurt was led by Justin Gray with 14 points. The Fraport Skyliners got revenge in the return game in Frankfurt winning 77-64 in their strong second half of the season. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Michael Thompson with 16 points while Jacob Burtschi had 15 points. In the first meeting last season, the Fraport Skyliners pulled off a massive upset in their living room winning 78-62 as they were able to control the game and play a solid effort for 40 minutes. Frankfurt was led by Zach peacock with 18 points and American Devin Gibson played his best game of the season producing 17 points and dishing out six assists. Ratiopharm Ulm won the rebounding duel, but the Frankfurt defense was at their best forcing Ulm to cough up the ball 23 times. In the return game, the Fraport Skyliners made their debut in the new ratiopharm arena that fits 6000 people and lost a tight game 74-66. Ratiopharm ulm was led by John Bryant with 19 points and 12 rebounds and Per Guenther added 18 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Dawan Robinson with 21 points while Ryan Brooks added 12 points and Zach Peacock 10 points. Two seasons ago the Fraport Skyliners celebrated one of their most spectacular wins in their history winning the classic three OT game in Ulm shortly before Christmas 108-102. Frankfurt was led by Andrew Rautins with 24 points. Jarred Dubois added 19 points and Danilo Barthel 18 points. Ratiopharm Ulm was led by Edgar Sosa with 21 points. Adam Hess chipped in with 16 points and Daniel Theiss with 15 points.Last season Frankfurt swept the season series winning the classic triple OT game in Ulm 108-102. Frankfurt was led by Andrew Rautins with 24 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Danilo Barthel chipped in with 18 points. Edgar Sosa led ratiopharm Ulm with 21 points while Adam Hess had 16 points. Frankfurt also won at home 71-67 as Ramon Galloway led Frankfurt while ratiopharm Ulm was led by Cameron Long with 18 points while Per Guenther contributed 16 points. The Fraport Skyliners lost the first meeting against ratiopharm Ulm in Frankfurt 77-70. Ulm was led by Philipp Schwethelm with 22 points while Tim Ohlbrechta dded 17 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Danilo Barthel with 13 points and Richard Williams had 12 points.

 

Taking a closer look at the roster, ratiopharm Ulm held on to four players. The most important player they held on to was Mr Ulm per Guenther who is playing his seventh season in Ulm. Per Guenther is a 26 year old 185cm point guard that was born in Giessen and grew up in Hagen. He has very good speed and can dribble with both his hands he is very good in shooting from the arc and he has very good organizational skills, he watches the court with one glance and can assist his team-mates on a blind method pretending that he will shoot. He has an inborn charisma of a leader from a young age so he leads his team without having any problem. He played for BBV Hagen from 2003-2006 and with Phoenix Hagen from 2006-2008. In his last season in Hagen, he raised eyebrows with his play playing 29 games: 14.5ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 55.8%, 3FGP: 35.7%, FT: 80.1%. Last season for Ulm he played Eurocup: 17 games: 8.3ppg, 3.2apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 83.9%; German League: 38 games: 11.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 84.0%. The club also held Wil Clyburn who is a 23 year old 201cm forward from Detroit, Michigan. He is a Beko BBL second year man and played at Utah(NCAA) and as a senior at Iowa St. (NCAA, starting five): 35 games: 14.9ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 76.8%. He possesses very much athletic ability, can shoot. Last season for Ulm he played Eurocup: 18 games: 8.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 78.6%; German League: 38 games: 8.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 75.0%. This past summer he played NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Los Angeles Clippers): 5 games: 3.6ppg, 1.6rpg, FGP: 27.6%, 3PT: 18.2% Adam Hess started his third tour of duty for the Artland Dragons three seasons ago, and moved to Phoenix Hagen two years ago. The trend the last years has always shown that Hess can´t stay away for more than two years from Artland as He played the first time with the Dragons in 2006 and the second time in 2008 and the third in 2011-2012. Hess is a 33 year old 201cm forward from Michigan that is playing his second season in Ulm. He is a quick forward with not so great athletic skills, but very effective at the scoring department. He’s a tough player, however, and knows how to battle inside for a rebound and he defends well and has a great attitude. He played at William & Mary and also has gained experience playing in Italy, Czech Republic, France and Spain. In the Czech Republic he won the league title twice with Nymburk and the Czech Rep. League All-Star Game -05 (3-Points Shootount Winner) in 2006. In 20092010, he played for C.B. Tarragona 2016 (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five): 34 games: 14.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 88.1%. He had much success in the Czech Republic winning the league title in 2005 and 2006 and showing his shooting ability winning the 2005 Allstar game three point shooting contest. In 2011-2012 for the Artland Dragons he played EuroCup Qualifications: 2 games: 3.0ppg, 1.5rpg; EuroChallenge: 11 games: 10.2ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 51.3%, FT: 84.6%; German League: 39 games: 6.2ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 86.5%. Two seasons ago for Phoenix Hagen he played for 37 games: 11.3ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 84.3%. Last season for Ulm he played Eurocup: 18 games: 6.4ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 71.4%; German League: 35 games: 5.4ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 75.7%. The team also held %. Phillip Schwethelm who is a 25 year old 201cm forward that is playing his third season in Ulm being loaned from FC Bayern Munich. He started his basketball career with Cologne in 2004, where he played until 2009. He played Euroleague at the age of 17. He helped Cologne win the Beko BBL title in 2006. He played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven from 2009-2011 and in 2010-2011played 36 games: 10.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 44.9%, FT: 72.9%. He has been a member of the German national team since 2010.In 2011-2012 for FC Bayern Munich he played  EuroCup: 6 games: 1.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.3apg; German League: 30 games: 3.2ppg, 2.2rpg. This past summer, he played Qualifications to European Championships 2013 – 7 games: 4.1ppg, 2.7rpg.Last season for Ulm he played  Eurocup: 16 games: 7.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 49.2%, FT: 87.5%; German League: 34 games: 6.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 37.8%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 75.7%. Good news is also that after two seasons recuperating from injuries, Tommy Mason-Griffin is finally back. Mason Griffin is a 23 year old 180cm point guard that played one season at Oklahoma (NCAA, starting five): 31 games: 14.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 5apg, FGP: 39.8%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 81.3%. After a short D-league gig as a rookie in 2010-2011 at Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League) he came to Ulm. He has only played one complete season with Ulm in 2011-2012 playing 37 games: 7.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.6%.

Ratiopharm Ulm brought in seven players including a very potent front court with Tim Ohlbrecht maarten Leunen and Boris Savovic. Ohlbrecht is only a 26 year old 210cm power forward/center that is going into his 12th professional season. He started his basketball career in 2003 with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen where he played until 2006. He then made the next step to Bamberg playing there until 2009, but never making the breakthrough. He then took a step backwards playing for the Telekom Baskets Bonn until 2011. He then played for the Fraport Skyliners form 2011-2012. The last two seasons saw him clawing his way through the D-league with teams like Rio Grande and Ft Wayne, but he did play 3 NBA games for the Houston Rockets. Last season he played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League): 32 games: 12.4ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 25.6%, FT: 78.0%, in Mar.’14 signed at Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League): 19 games: 9.9ppg, 6.4rpg, FGP: 60.7%, FT: 82.5%. This past summer he played NBA Pro Summer League in Orlando (Detroit Pistons): 4 games: 4.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 0.3apg, FGP: 87.5%, FT: 55.6% and in Las Vegas (Denver Nuggets): 3 games: 0.7ppg, 2.3rpg. He has German national team experience having played at the 2009 and 2011 European championship and World championships in 2010. His biggest experience was playing at the Olympics in 2008. The club also hauled in Maarten Leunen who is a 29 year old 206cm forward from Redmond Oregon that is playing his 7th professional season. He played at Oregon(NCAA) from 2004-2008 and as a senior played 32 games: 15.2ppg, 9.2rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 55.9%, 3Pts: 49.2%, FT: 78.9%. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets (NBA,2rd(54) in 2008. AS a rookie he played in Turkeyand the last five seasons played in Italy for Cantu and last season played 33 games: 7.2ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 81.4%; Eurocup: 16 games: 9.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 65.9%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 88.9%
This past summer he played NBA Pro Summer League in Orlando (Houston Rockets): 4 games: 9.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 36.4%, 3PT: 40%, FT: 80%. He also played NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Houston Rockets) Finalist: 8 games: 3.9ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 37%, 3PT: 37.5%. New player Boris Savovic is a 27 year old 206cm power forward from Serbia that is playing his second year in Germany. Last season he played for FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-BBL): Euroleague: 21 games: 4.7ppg, 3.2rpg; German League: 35 games: 7.2ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 76.6%. Savovic is a player that plays with energy and good effectiveness at the 4 position. Can grab lots of rebounds and spend some time even at the 5 position. He played seven seasons at KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac. CJ Harris is a 24 year old 191 point guard from Winston-Salem, North Carolina that played at Wake Forest. He is like a basketball version of Neil Patrick Harris who was known as Being Tv´s Doogie Howser who had a genius intellect and was the youngest licensed doctor in the country at age 14 that couldn´t buy beer, but prescribe drugs. Harris may not be the total equivalent of what TV doctor Harris was as a doctor, but so far as a rookie, he has had a very strong season where at times his genius play on the court is superior to other players of his age. He has scored in double figures 20 times and had a stretch at the start of the season where he scored 20 or more points in three straight games against Frankfurt, Oldenburg and Ulm. Who could forget his 26 point shooting clinic in Frankfurt where he took over the second half like ex Skyliner Dashaun Wood in his former Frankfurt days and without his production his team wouldn´t have won. He has been in a little slump as of late, but those are always meant to be broken with hard work. His development as a rookie is credited to John Patrick. “I have learned that you have to play tough every night whether your playing the best or worst team in the league. Every team will come at you and you have to be ready. He takes no game for granted and he preaches good preparation for each game”, stressed CJ Harris. The American also has the praise of teammate Grant. “Harris has been our unsung hero player. He is shooting over 50% and just does his job each day”,added Keaton Grant last season. Last season for Ludwigsburg he played 36 games: 10.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 83.6%. Jaka Klobacur is a 27 year old 198cm swingman form Slovenia that is playing his 12th season and first in Germany. He played for Krka Novo Mesto (Telemach League) the last three years and last season played Slovenian Telemach League: 19 games: 11.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-1(2.3spg), FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 75.8%; EuroChallenge: 12 games: 11.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 78.3%. He won 6 titles in Slovenia and has vast experience with the national team playing at the 2007, 2009 and 2011 European championships and at the 2010 and 2014 World Championships. This past summer he played World Cup in Spain -14: 7 games: 5.3ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 69.2%. The team also brought in Isaiah Philmore who is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Fallston, Maryland that is a rookie. He played at Townson(NCAA) from 2009-2011 and then transfered to Xavier where he played from 2012-2014. AS a senior he played 33 games: 9.3ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 56.1%, FT: 70.6%. The club also added youth with David Kramer from Austria and Soren Fritze who played at Phoenix Hagen.

 

Dawan Robinson is a 31 year old 188cm point guard from Philadelphia that is playing his ninth professional season and fourth in Italy. This season he is playing for OpenjobMetis Varese (Italy-Serie A. He started his basketball career with Rhode Island (NCAA) and as a senior in the 2005-2006 season played 26 games: 15.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.8spg, FG: 39.8%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 79.7%. IN the 2006-2007 he started his professional basketball career for Limoges CSP Elite (France-ProB) playing 22 games: Score-1(20.4ppg), 4.3rpg, 4.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 76.1%. In the 2007-2008 season he played for ASCO Slask Wroclaw (Poland-DBE): ULEB Cup: 12 games: 13.1ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 51.5%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 78.3%; Polish League: 34 games: 11.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.6apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 73.9%. He then played two seasons for Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2). IN the 2010-2011 season he played for the : Erie Bay Hawks (D-League): 18 games: 12.1ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 75.7%, then moved to Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia (Italy-Lega2) playing 15 games: Score-2(19.7ppg), 3.7rpg, 1.9apg, Steals-4(2.6spg), FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 19.5%, FT: 78.6%. In the 2011-2012 season he remained with Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 28 games: 18.0ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.7apg, Steals-5(2.4spg), FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 77.3%. In the 2012-2013 season he helped the Fraport Skyliners remain in the Beko BBL. Last season he played for the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL): 5 games: 14.2ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 51.2%, 3FGP: 6.7%, FT: 96.0%, left in Oct.’13, in Nov.’13 moved to GreenTops Netanya (Israel-Winner League) playing 24 games: Score-2(19.3ppg), 3.0rpg, 4.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 74.8%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Dawan thanks for talking to German Hoops. How are you and where are you at the moment and how is the Italian life treating you at the moment?

 

The Italian life is great as always I like to think this is my second home lol. I am currently at home lol

 

One could call you an Italian basketball veteran as you are currently playing for your fourth team there with OpenjobMetis Varese (Italy-Serie A). When looking at your career you have seen other European places as well, but does the Italian basketball style fit your game best?

 

I think the Italian basketball style does fit my game best! It gives you a lot of freedom at the guard position!

 

 

Currently OpenjobMetis Varese (Italy-Serie A) are struggling with a record of 6-9 and are in 13^th place. Why has the process of finding consistency still not happened yet with the team?

I think we have made a lot of mental mistakes that cost us a lot of games. In my opinion we do have maybe the most talent on a team in the league we just have to put everything together and close games out. The chemistry is there and everyone gets along. We have a great group of guys here we just have to do some small things better like coming out with energy from the beginning.

 

You are reunited with Andrew Rautins again who was your teammate in Frankfurt. He seems to have found his range again after the long injury. How much fun is it having him as a teammate again?

It’s a lot of fun having Andy back. I am happy for him to respond with a big impact after the injury because I had a lot of injuries and I know what it’s like coming back from them. He is a great guy and he is very easy to get along with. He also brings attitude and determination to the court and that’s what I love about him. He does not back down!

 

How would you describe the shooting stroke of Andrew Rautins and is it finer than Italian wine?

 

His jump shot is like beautiful girls at the beach! A beautiful sight to see! No I’m joking! It really seems effortless. When he catches the ball half the job is done. His knees are bent, hands ready, fingers spread and elbow tucked in. If your not there just run back on defense because it’s good! Lolol Definitely like fine wine!

You aren´t the oldest as there are many veterans around you. What exactly is your role and is it fitting that there are so many other veterans around helping the younger players?

 

My role as the captain is to encourage them and lead them. I try to keep everyone ready and give help when needed. I also push them a lot and challenge them! We all have our ways of helping the team it doesn’t solely rely on one person!

 

 

You have been a very consistent scorer this season, but also have found your teammates whenever needed. How much of a challenge is it for you to be so consistent on such a deep team where many guys want to contribute and can?

You just have to be ready every game. I try to understand the importance of every game and come out and give it my all no matter what happens at the end. I also expect consistency from myself. I do that by putting the last game behind me and getting ready for the next game like it’s my first game.

 

Your time in Frankfurt seems like it was ages ago. It was a tale of two stories. First helping the team stay in the league and then having to depart early in your second season. What did you learn from this experience?

 

I don’t consider it a learning process. It was just a difference with 2 people. Things didn’t work out, so I felt as though partying ways was best.

 

 

Did the chemistry between you and Gordon Herbert just die in your second season? Misunderstandings can always happen, but it seems like coach Herbert takes his role with his starting point guard very seriously. It seems like his relationship has to be very good for all sides to have success and be happy.

 

There was never any chemistry between us. I think that was the problem. I respect him as a coach and I really think he is a good coach but we just didn’t click. I do think the point guard and the coach should have a great relationship and that wasn’t the case.

 

 

 

Your ex teammates German twin towers Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann have been developing very nicely. What were your nicest memories with them?

Just competing with them and watching their growth. You could tell they would be good players and it doesn’t surprise me to see them developing into two of the best young guys in the league. I also think they needed a coach like Gordie to push them.

 

 

After you left Frankfurt you finished at GreenTops Netanya (Israel-Winner League) putting up big stats with 9.3ppg), 3.0rpg, 4.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 74.8%. How proud were you of yourself that you came back and proved that you can fit in in mid season in another situation?

I was very proud! I knew I could and Netanya gave me a great opportunity. The team and the coaching staff was very welcoming and they gave me the opportunity to just play my game.

 

If someone had told you back in 2008 that your ex teammate Kyle Hines would win 2 Euroleague titles what would you have said? Hines is the perfect cindarella story of a guy moving his way up the basketball ladder.

You know Kyle was always hard working. When I would come in to shoot before practice he would be there too. In a way he pushed me because I didn’t want a younger guy out working me so I felt if I missed a day I would be slacking. So now to see him where he is it just lets you know hard work can take you anywhere. If anyone deserves to be that guy, it’s Kyle Hines!!!

 

Who wins a one on one you or Konstantin Klein? Is he tougher than a pit bull?

I would kill Konsty. Hahaha. He once called me old and said he would kill me running a suicide. We made a friends bet make sure the strength and conditioning coach was there and some witnesses and I killed him running the suicide. If I recall the last lap I ran backwards. (Ask him about that) The thing I love about Konsty is his confidence. If you beat him once he will keep coming back until he wins. He has complete confidence in his abilities. You can’t teach that.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last movie I watched was The Judge. Great movie lol.

 

Thanks Dawan for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kerron Johnson is a 24 year old 185cm point guard from Huntsville, Alabama playing his second professional season and first in Germany with the MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg. Last season as a rookie he played with the New Zealand Breakers (Australia-NBL, starting five): 28 games: 12.6ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-5(4.3apg), Steals-5(1.2spg), FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 59.8%. He started his basketball career in 2009 with Belmont(NCAA) playing a total of 133 NCAA games and as a senior played 34 games: 14.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 77.8%. He spoke to German Hoops at the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game in Ulm.

 

 

 

 

Kerron thanks for talking to German Hoops. How thrilled are to be at the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game?

 

I am really thrilled to be a part of the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game. I am very humbled to be here and it is great to be around many so excellent veteran players.

 

 

What player are you most looking forward to battling on the court?

 

I really am looking forward to playing against Heiko Schaffartzik. He always plays hard, smart and knows the game. He played us tough this season with FC Bayern Munich.

 

 

What is your impression of the format National-International?

 

I think that it is an awesome format. It gives the fans something to cheer about. It is great for the fans to cheer for the home grown players.

 

 

What German player has impressed you most this season in the Beko BBL?

 

Besides Heiko Schaffartzik it has been Daniel Theis. He is so athletic, has a great inside out game na dis sought after by so many NBA teams.

 

 

You are playing your first season for MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. The team had a less than satisfactory start, but came into the Allstar break with a three game winning streak. What has gotten better with the team on the floor?

 

I believe that we finally have found our identity on the court. We had many changing parts and it took some time to gel. I think that we will have a great 2015.

 

 

How is your relationship to head coach John Patrick? What has he given you that no other coach has in your basketball career?

He has a lot of experience and as a former point guard at this level can give me a lot. He really knows the game and has taught me to think the game and not just play it. There isn´t a better coach to have then him when it comes to learning how to run a team. He is hard on the point guards, but it makes us better.

 

 

How surprised were you scoring 38 points in your first game in Germany? Were you in the zone on that day?

 

I was in the zone. I never expected to score that many points in my debut in Germany. I found my rhythm early and had a good day. That game gave me a good confidence booster for the next games.

 

 

How important has new player DJ Kennedy been? What do you appreciate most about his game?

 

He takes a lot of pressure off me on the court. Having his presence on the floor, I don´t feel like I have to do everything myself. He is very unselfish and not only a scorer, but a playmaker. He gets everyone involved and just fits in well in the system of John Patrick.

 

 

Last season as a rookie you played for the New Zealand Breakers. What was your wake up call to be a rookie professional player?

 

I think getting to know the competition. We were picked to win it all, but didn´t and we didn´t have a great season. That was the first time in my career where I had a losing season. I learned to survive in tough times. I learned to stay strong and trust the coaches and my teammates that we could dig ourselves out of tough situations.

 

 

 

What were you able to learn from 38 year old veteran CJ Bruton as a rookie?

 

He was like a mentor for me. He oozed basketball, confidence and charisma. He was the kind of guy that you wanted to learn from. We wouldn´t have made the playoffs without him. He showed me how to be a good point guard. I still talk to him today.

 

 

You played at Belmont(NCAA) from 2009-2013. What was sweeter the 2011 or 2012 Sun tournament win?

 

I think that the 2011 win was the sweetest. Up to that win we knew that we were good, but after the win we knew that we could dominate. We won in 2012 again and after that the OVC tournament. That was a huge confidence builder and the program keeps going up.

 

 

How did Rick Byrd prepare you best for a professional basketball career at Belmont?

 

Coach gave me discipline and passion. If you met him you wouldn´t think that he could yell, but he just pushed you to be the best. I have so much respect for him as he did so much for me on and off the court and helped me develop into a man.

 

 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Utah Jazz Ian Clark?

 

I won. Ian is my best friend. He was my roommate for four years and we talk every day. Our battles were always good even if they weren´t pretty at the end. He is like my brother and I am proud where he is today. Our battles were pretty even, but in the end I took it.

 

 

 

How do you get Jon Brockman to laugh?

 

He plays with a lot of intensity on the court. He is the kind of guy that you want on the court. Off the court he is a jokester and just enjoys life. He is always smiling and guys always want to be around him.

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The American Sniper.

 

Thanks Kerron for the chat.

 

 

Brad Wanamker is a 25 year old 193cm guard from Philadelphia playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with the Brose Baskets Bamberg. Last season he played for Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Lega Due Gold, starting five): 35 games: 16.2ppg, 4.0rpg, Assists-3(4.7apg), Steals-2(1.9spg), FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 77.5%. Two seasons ago he played for Limoges CSP Elite (France-ProA, starting five): 30 games: 9.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 78.4%. As a rookie he played for Banca Tercas Teramo (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 7 games: 7.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 66.7%, in Dec.’11 moved to Atlanta Hawks (NBA), in Jan.’12 agreed terms with MarcoPoloShop.it Forli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 4 games: 17.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.8apg, 2.8spg; then joined Austin Toros (D-League, starting five): 24 games: 6.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.7%. He started his basketball career in 2007 with Pittsburgh (NCAA) playing a total of 134NCAA games and as a senior played 34 games: 11.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 5.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 76.0%. He spoke to German Hoops at the 2014 Beko BBL Allstar game in Ulm.

 

 

 

 

Brad thanks for talking to German Hoops. How thrilled are to be at the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game?

 

I am really excited to be here. I am happy that I was picked and fans recognized my hard work on the court.

 

 

What player are you most looking forward to battling on the court?

 

Everyone.

 

 

What is your impression of the format National-International?

 

I think that it is a great format. It gives both teams a great incentive to win. The Germans are more familiar with each other, but we are still going to compete. It is a game where someone can have bragging rights for another season.

 

 

What German player has impressed you most this season in the Beko BBL? Perhaps your teammate Daniel Theis?

 

He has impressed me the most. He works hard each day and always wants to get better. He has been very consistent as of late and is a very versatile player.

 

 

The Brose Baskets Bamberg are one of the hottest teams in the Beko BBL having a 7 game winning streak including wins against Alba Berlin and FC Bayern Munich. What has the team most improved on?

 

I think that we have improved the most on defense. We have been very consistent and have been forcing teams to to take tough shots and and our better ball pressure has led to easy baskets. It is all about being focused and wanting to improve.

 

 

What have you learned to appreciate from head coach Andrea Trinchierei that no other coach has ever given you?

 

He has told me too stay humble and work hard. Millions of players want your position so work hard each day and results will show.

 

 

Last season you played for Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Lega Due). How much fun was it playing with guard Kyle Gibson? What did you respect most from his game?

 

I have great respect for Kyle. He is such a hard worker, scorer and guy that makes others better

 

 

Two years ago you played in France for Limoges CSP Elite (France-ProA,). What memories do you have form Vassil Evtimov? What is the perfect nickname for him?

 

Vassil was the veteran of the team and worked hard every day. Everybody thinks he is a serious guy when you see him, but in reality he is a very funny guy. He had a floater that he liked taking and in practice he would always scream Opa. It looked like a crazy shot, but it always went in. When I would see him I would salute him with Opa.

 

 

As a rookie you played for three teams in Italy, played in the Atlanta Hawks organization and played in the D-league. What was your wake up call to being a professional?

 

My rookie season was tough. I was the last cut of the Atlanta Hawks a day before Christmas. My rookie season was a great experience though even if it was tough playing for so many teams. This time made me mentally stronger. Having to survive made me work harder.

 

 

You have been very close to making the NBA. What is still missing in you making that dream come true?

 

I think like for many other talented players it is finding the right situation at the right time. It is still my dream. I am 25 now and hope I will get that chance sometime.

 

 

 

You played at Pittsburgh(NCAA) with some future NBA players. Which of those players was your best teammate? Possibly Dejuan Blair?

 

Blair was a funny guy, but he and Sam Young really showed me that hard work will bring results. Just seeing them play in the NBA has kept my dream alive and keep working hard.

 

 

 

How did Jamie Dixon get you best prepared for a professional basketball career?

 

I think that the system that coach Dixon ran at helped me as a player translate to the next level.

 

 

 

Where will the journey of the Philadelphia 76ers end this season?

 

It is hard to cheer for them now. I was always a fan. Growing up Allen Iverson was the man. They won´t make the playoffs this season or in the next years.

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The Interview.

 

Thanks Brad for the chat.

 

 

 

Janat Talts is a 31 year old 205 cm forward from Estonia that is playing his sixth season for Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-KML). He played in Germany at a young age for RheinEnergie Koln (Germany-1.Bundesliga) from 2004-2007 winning two Beko BBL cups. He also gained experience playing in Italy for Cimberio Varese (Italy-SerieA) from 2011-2013. Last season he played for Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-KML) EuroChallenge: 15 games: 9.8ppg, Reb-5(7.0rpg), 1.7apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 70.4%; Baltic League: 18 games: 9.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 72.7%; Estonian League: 31 games: 10.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP-1(66.9%), 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 63.5%. He spoke to German Hoops before todays Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

Janar thanks for talking to German Hoops. I saw you play early in your career when you played in Germany with RheinEnergie Koln. Frankfurt Skyliners should be a nice memory for you at least their arena. The 10 year anniversary is coming up for RheinEnergie Koln where you won the BBL cup in Frankfurt against Ludwigsburg. What memories do you have of that final game?

I remember we had a great team and very good and experience players in that every year a title was special and cup is very important in Gemany, I was first year in Cologne and this was great for me and for everybody in Cologne! i think it was this cup final when Sasa Obradovic dunked the ball in final minutes and he was 36 or 37!!This was impressive for me in this time.

After some years in Italy, you returned home back to Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-KML) and are playing your sixth season with the club. Are you at the stage of your career where you think that you will finish your career here?

I dont think about finishing my career jet! I hope I got some good years left in me! I like Tartu and that they play Eurochallenge so i feel good here!

The Fraport Skyliners and Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-KML) are good defensive team. You have given up fewer than 75 points four times this season in Eurochallenge competition. Can we expect a hard fought defensive type of game tonight?

About todays game I would say every game is hard fight and specially at home nobody gives anything easy for the opponent so its going to be a hard game for both.

You are averaging 8,0rpg in Estonia and Eurochallenge play combined. How excited are you to match up against the Frankfurt twin twoers of Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann? What do you know about these players?

About the Frankfurt twin towers I know they are tall and good players but I dont care about my own things on court i only hope we win against them!

The Frankfurt twin towers Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann got a taste of the Estonia winter and it is nonstop snowing. What tips could you give a German to be able to survive a winter in Estonia?

About the winter in Estonia-dress good because they also have to go to Russia where this winter looks like summer!!!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD what I saw was probably Cartoon”Cars” which I watched with my 3 year old son!!

 

Thanks Janar for the chat.

 

Marvin Omuvwie is a 17 year old 197cm forward playing NBBL and Pro B for Weissenhorn. He was invited to the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game to compete in the slam dunk contest. He spoke to German Hoops about his experience in Ulm at the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game.

 

 

How excited that you were chosen to participate in the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game?

 

 

I am very excited and it is a big honor to be here. I practiced some dunks in the last days of practice. I got a lot of inspirations watching dunk videos from Vince Carter and Blake Griffin. Some of those Carter dunks I saw have been the best dunks that I ever saw.

 

What do you want to take with you form the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar day?

 

Just being here will give me more experience. This is the first time that I have been at such a big event. I was at some smaller dunk contests, but this is the biggest and I am very excited.

 

What do you know about the other dunkers Will Clyburn, David Brembly and Salu Benjamin Tadi?

 

I only know what Will Clyburn can do. Clyburn can really jump and dunk. I have a lot of respect for Clyburn. He is very good competition.

 

How usual is it that people can pronounce your name correct at the first try?

 

It is actually pretty usual that people will get my name right. Out of 10 people, I would say that six or seven people pronounce right the first time.

 

You go to school, play Pro B for Weissenhorn and NBBL. Is it difficult getting everything organized on a day to day basis.

It isn´t easy to get everything done and at times very hard. On Mondays I do individual training before school. I don´t train as much as the rest, but all in all it is well organized.

 

Who are the NBBL top players in the NBBL 2015 Allstar game for you?

 

Isiah Hartenstein is very far in his development for a guy form the year 1998. I also have Niklas Kiel and Jan Niklas Wimberg as the top players.

 

German Pro B team Weissenhorn had a slow start, but now are 10-5. What are the main reasons for the turnaround of the team?

 

I think that we have much experience, but at the start our roster wasn´t full, but we finally found together, stayed positive and continued to help each other out on the court. Plus everyone knows their roles now.

 

How has coach Jannson helped you get better as a player in the last months?

 

He is a good coach and has brought me further with my individual skills. I am looking forward to working together with him the next years. He has taught me to make quick decisions on the court.

 

In Canada Jordan Baker was called the white Lebron James. Do you agree with that assessment?

 

 

Yes I do. Jordan is very athletic and always gives 100%. He is a very physical player and very experienced for a rookie. In the short time that he has been here he has helped me a lot with my game.

 

Your teammate is David Kramer. Do you see the Austrian making the next step in the next years?

 

He is my roommate. I think that he will go his way. He is a good shooter, gives his best always and does all he can to make the team better?

 

 

What does the future have in store for you?

 

I will play one more year of NBBL. I don´t see college as being an option. I will concentrate on Weissenhorn and hoping to get into the ratiopharm Ulm roster in the future.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Night at the Museum 3.

 

Thanks Marvin for the chat.

Randall Holt is a 23 year old 185cm point guard from Bedford, Ohio that is a rookie playing for Weissenhorn. He started his basketball career at Kent St. (NCAA) in 2009 and played 131 NCAA games until 2013 and as a senior played 33 games averaging 14.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 36.4%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 86.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

 

Randal thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. Welcome to Germany. You are a rookie playing your first season in Germany with Pro B team Weissenhorn. How do you like the country?

Germany is a great country and it wasn’t hard for me to adjust at all with a many people speaking English I can also communicate really well with people

You finished at Kent State in 2013. You didn´t play anywhere last season despite having a work out with the Cleveland Cavaliars. Why didn´t you play last season? How tough was this period for you? How did you stay positive and focused with you basketball dream not dying?

That is correct and I’m not sure as to why I couldn’t land on a roster last season. Yes of course this was a rough period for me but I just stayed in the gym and kept faith that God would bless with me an opportunity to play for a team I just made sure I was ready to take full advantage

Guards Ray McCallum, Jr. (Detroit), Michael Snaer (Florida State), and Nemanja Nedovic (Serbia), as well as centers Zeke Marshall (University of Akron) and Mike Muscala (Bucknell), also participated in the Cavaliers’ pre-draft workout. Some are in the NBA now. How thin is the line drawn between players? You are playing in the third German league and some are in the NBA.

Yes that is a very talented group of players but everyone’s situation is different and unique in its own way. Pro B Germany was a good situation for me to show people what I can do at the point guard position seeing I played primarily shooting guard in college. As a player you always want to compete at the highest level sometimes there are certain steps you have to take

You got signed very late into your rookie season. Were the offers limited or did you just not like the situations that were presented to you?

Yes the offers were limited to a certain extent but I also wanted to make sure I was patient enough to wait for the right opportunity to present itself

Why did you chose to come to Weissenhorn? Were you impressed with their dedication to the development of young players? Did you get any advice from ex teammate Carlton Guyton who is playing in Germany for Gotha?

I chose Weissenhorn because I felt like it was the right situation for me with already having good young players on the team adding what I can bring to the team I thought we could be a great team. I talk to Carlton Guyton a lot and get advice from him as far as being a professional and to check on him and see how he is doing while playing in Germany

You came in late to the team after the first game was played. Your averaging 20,2ppg, 3,7rpg and 4,2 apg. Did you see yourself as a leader type of guy when you came despite being a rookie?

Yes I think being a leader has always been a strength in my game and my coach also has a lot of confidence in me being the leader of the team and that helps a lot

 

How important has been the arrival of Canadian Jordan Baker. He also has been a guy that has had no problems to adjusting to the German Pro B as a rookie.

Jordan Baker is a really good player on both sides of the ball and he stretches the court for our team with his ability to play inside and on the perimeter he helps our team a lot

If one examines your stats one could say that you are a scoring point guard. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t always get noticed right away?

I would have to say my ability to make plays for my teammates and my ability to lead a team

With David Kramer and Soren Fritzke you have two other very young point guard teammates. Fritzke has been injured for two months. They must look up to you and how do you help each other get better on the floor?

Yes David and Soren are two very talented young players and we just compete to our best ability in practice making each other better and that translates to the games

You played at Kent State from 2009-2013 and was able to improve your season scoring average each season. What kind of experience was this 4 year journey for you?

College was a great experience for me I went from a boy to a man and learned a lot on and off the court. I think one of the biggest tools I took with me was how to get in the gym for extra time to improve my game.

How did Rob Senderhoff get you prepared for a professional basketball career the last two years at Kent State?

Playing for Rob Senderoff was a huge part of my success at Kent State I learned a lot from him not only in basketball but about life as well. I think playing for coach Senderoff helped me become a better player and person.

You seemed to have Buffalo´s number as a senior beating them twice and having your best scoring games with 27 and 28. What will you cherish most form these two wins?

I will just cherish those moments you spend with your teammates after a big win and the feeling that comes with that

 

Who would win a one on one in practice you or Kris Brewer?

Me, no question about it

Where will the journey of the Cleveland Cavaliars end this season?

I’m hoping they win the NBA championship being a Cleveland native

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Think like a man.

 

Thanks Randal for the chat.

 

Patrick Richard is a 25 year old 196cm swingman from Carencro, Louisania that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL for the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played four years at  Mc Neese St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 18.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 76.9%. In 2012-2013, he started his professional basketball career being drafted by the  Iowa Energy (D-League) and played at Sandringham Sabres (Australia-SEABL-East, starting five): 24 games: 18.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.7%. Last season he played in Holland for  Matrixx Magixx Wijchen (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 38 games: Score-4(15.3ppg), 4.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 78.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game.

 

Patrick thanks for talking to German Hoops. A bitter 86-82 loss in Ulm. How long will you have to digest this loss? The Mitteldeutscher BC had their chances to have won this game?

Right now of course we have a break so maybe that can help us regroup! And yes we had plenty of chances to win the game we just didn’t make the shots or get the stops when needed

After starting the season with a 7-2 record and having much euphoria in the wolf den, the club has suffered a 7 game losing streak. What has happened to this team in the last seven games?

Yea we are on a big losing streak and we have lost a lot of close games! At the beginning of the season those close games we were winning them! Also in some games we had gotten away from what had gotten us off to the great start we were on! Playing together as a team on both ends!

MBC could very well be 11-5 now as the team lost four games by four or less points. Besides executing in crunch time better on what other aspects of the game does the club have to work on more in the second half of the season?

In the second half of the season we just need consistency in the effort in every single game! The score will tell us at end of games how we played regardless who the opponent is!

The goal was always to stay in the league, but MBC is still near the playoff places. Was their any positives that the team could take out of the last weeks and take into the second half of the s Of course on a seven game losing streak people would say how can you have positives?

But I believe we have plenty of positives to take away from the first half of the season! A lot of guys have been stepping up and playing much better it’s just so many small mistakes we have been making that have to be limited in order to win.

In single game performance where do you rate your 32 point game effort against Bayreuth when you look back at your seasons in Holland and Australia?

Well that game was a great shooting night for me personally BUT we did lose the game so I’m not happy about that. But It just shows improvement from season to season for me personally

Ryan Nicholas had his break out game in Ulm with 22 points. How important was this game for him and the club and do you see him having more of a role in the second half of the season?

It was a great game for Ryan. He works very hard and I believe it’s all about confidence with him. He has been improving each week and he will be very important for us moving forward.

Congrats on being named to the German 2015 Beko BBL Allstar team? How excited are you to being a part of this?

Thanks for the congratulations! And it is a great honor playing in the game against some great players and with some great players! This league is one of the top leagues in Europe so being selected as an Allstar is a honor and I am excited about it.

What is your overall impression of the format International vs national? Do you think this format spices up the competition a bit?

Well it’s my first year being apart of it so first hand I don’t know much about it all. But from the looks of it I like it. It will build probably more competition between the two all star teams with the Germans versus The international players.

Is there a player that you are excited to be playing against and what teammate are you most excited to be playing with?

I am not over excited about playing with anyone in particular BUT it will be great to meet guys in that type of environment. Basketball is a universal language so the conversations should all be good.

Do you have any friendly wagers with teammate Christian Standhardinger about which side will win?

Me and Christian actually haven’t even talked about it really. We just congratulated each other about the honor of being selected to play

 

How did you celebrate your first Christmas in Germany and what new year resolutions did you make?

My first Christmas in Germany was actually like being back home! My family from back home came here to visit. Mom dad sister niece brother in law and my fiancé all came here to visit me! That was a great feeling to have family here in that time!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last movie I watched was equalizer with Denzel Washington.

 

Thanks Patrick for the chat.