Zeon Gray is a 178cm point guard that played at the University of the Fraser Vally (CIS) in Canada before truning professional in 2011. Since turning professional he has played for teams like Santa Monica Jump (WCBL) EOSC Offenbach (Germany-Oberliga), DJK Nieder-Olm (Germany-2.Regionalliga) and currently played preseason for EVL Baskets Limburg (Germany-Regionalliga). He is currently in Germany and spent some time in Bayreuth with his friend Brandon Bowman.

 

 

 

Zeon thanks for talking to German Hoops. A few days ago you jumped into a Regionaliga game in Limburg against Giessen and now you are practicing with Beko BBL team medi bayreuth. Could one say that this is something a guy like you is used to coming form Los Angeles where the fast flowing lifestayle is a bit different than in the countryside of Iowa?

No problem at all Miles.Thank you for the opportunity to talk.I didn’t get to practice with Medi actually.That will be a goal of mine especially if I sign with their second team.

On Sunday, you came 10 minutes late to the test game EVL Limburg vs Giessen 46ers. Talk about your crazy experience just getting tot he gym safely?

That was the craziest day of my life.On the autobahn my front passenger side tire just shot off and rolled away.Very scary experience I’m blessed that I was able to pull off to the side and get assistance.

You scored 16 points in the 90-53 loss to Giessen. How did it feel playing in the game? At times it looked like you had been with the team for forever as you got the young guys into the huddle.

Due to my pre game circumstances,I wasn’t able to warm up properly and focus on the game.With that being said,my point total was low. Me gathering the young guys into huddles was just me being what I am,which is a floor general/leader.It’s very important to keep guys on the same page especially against a well coach team like Giessen.

You hit a ridiculous in your face bank shot in the game against Giessen. Where would you rate that shot in all the crazy shots in your career?

That shot was pretty typical.So I wouldn’t rate it THAT high.I’m a small guy who has to get my shot off in weird ways. I practice that shot.

When you first came on the court, I thought Ron Howard your brother had flown in for the game. Explain your relationship with him and how is nthe game of you both similar or different?

Ron is looked at like an older brother because he was always around to give me advice.Very thankful for him. Our style of play is night and day.He’s a much more reserved player.I tend to push the envelope a bit more.

Was Limburg head coach Danny Stahllbohm interested in your services? Or Is Limburg not an alternative now?

Coach Stahllbohm has always shown interest.You never rule anything out in this business.Right now,my mind is elsewhere but you never know.

Now you are in Bayreuth with your friend Brandon Bowman. What is always the nicest thing about seeing the soft spoken Bowmann again?

Brandon is one of the funniest guys I know.He is constant entertainment.I’m sure some of his infamous YouTube videos will surface if they haven’t already.

There were 3-4 years in a row where he was so close to making the NBA, but was cut in training camp. From your view point what do you think was missing from his game that denied him a shot in the NBA? Perhaps that there are too many athletic guys around?

It definitely wasn’t any skill reason why that didn’t happen.He is an extremely talented player.Bottom line is,the NBA isn’t for everybody.He’s been all around the globe playing this game.Italy,Turkey,Israel etc.So I think it was just a numbers game.

You have seen medi bayreuth practice. What is your overall impression of this team? They have avery skilled scoring point guard Trevon Hughes who can get his teammates involved and the inside with Bowman, Mccrea and Burrell could be one oft he top trios in the league.

They will surprise a lot of teams in the Beko BBL this season with a good core group.

What is your impression of Javon Mccrea? He had a stellar career at Buffalo and played 5 games for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Summer League. Is the potential of this guy unnending or what?

He’s a monster in the paint. His toughness reminds you of Ben Wallace.Without the wild hair of course.He will be a force for years to come.

The medi bayreuth second team could be a perfect situation for you. Are you considering this option?

This is a strong option at this point.I think that could be a beautiful opportunity for me.

If you could sell yourself best as to why any team could help you now how would you do it?

In a few short words,I would simply say it would be tough to find a guard willing to sacrifice so much of himself for the team to grow and win. Anything my coach would ask of me,without any hesitation,I WILL do it.

You are a 178cm point guard. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

A hidden strength is my leadership.

Where will the journey of the Cavs end this season with Lebron and Kevin Love?

I’m not sure.I’m too busy being a Laker fan.Dark days for the franchise but I’m staying true to the home team.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I’ve been watching a couple of series online. The Wire and Power.Power surprised me because it was produced by Mogul/Rapper 50 cent.

 

Thanks Zeon for the chat.

 

Logan Stutz is a 26 year old 205cm forward from Kanas City that will be starting his fourth professional season and second in Germany with Bike-Cafe Messingschlager Baunach (Germany-ProA).Last season he played for LF Basket (Sweden-Basketligan): 17 games: 13.9ppg; Balkan League: 13 games: 9.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 2FGP: 56.4%, 3FGP: 43.8%, FT: 63.0%, in Dec.’13 moved to Balkan Botevgrad (Bulgaria-NBL): 18 games: 6.7ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 80.8%, 5.2rpg, Blocks-2(1.8bpg), FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 71.9%ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (Germany-ProA): 28 games: Score-1(20.1ppg), Reb-5(8.1rpg), 1.2apg, FGP: 64.0%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 74.0%. He started his basketball career at Washburn (NCAA2). In 2011-2012, he was a rookie and played for  BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-ProA, starting five): 11 games: 16.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 68.1%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 76.8%, left in Dec.’11, in Jan.’12 moved to WBC Raiffeisen Wels (Austria-A Bundesliga): 16 games: 4.2ppg, 2.3rpg.He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Logan thanks for talking to German Hoops again. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

I am now in Germany! I have been here a week and happy to be here. Its has been a great summer. I did some traveling with my wife, saw a lot of family, and my wife and I will be expecting our first child in the spring. So all in all a great summer.

The last time we spoke, you were in Sweden before going to Bulgaria. Please describe your experience last season playing in Sweden and then going to Bulgaria? I guess it was an important learning experience for you?

Sweden is a beautiful country, and I enjoyed the people I met there. Sweden is a fast paced league with some good talet. One thing I will always remember about Sweden is how quickly it got cold and dark. When I moved to Bulgaria I really enjoyed the sunlight lol. Bulgaria is a league with some very good teams and strong physical players. I really like having the opportunity to play in two different leagues while in Bulgaria.

After a superb second professional season with ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (Germany-ProA): 28 games: Score-1(20.1ppg), Reb-5(8.1rpg), 1.2apg, FGP: 64.0%,you went to Sweden early in the transfer process. When looking back do you believe you signed to early even if the offer was to good to pass up?

Its really hard to predict the off season market so when Sweden came with high interest and a serious offer, it made sense to take it. They met all my needs and thats all a player can ask for. I choose not to look back and say “what if” instead I focus on the future and what I can control.

Now you are back in Germany and will play for New Pro A team Baunach. What were the main reasons for coming back to Germany?

I really love Germany. I like it here, my wife likes it here. It is a great stable country to live and play basketball in. We are very excited to be a part of all the basketball tradition around Bamberg, and to be involved with the organizations here.

How excited are you to be able to practice with Beko BBL powerhouse Bamberg? Could this be your biggest highlight in your professional basketball career? Just having the chance to show your talent against the best should make you feel very content.

It is a great opportunity and experience to practice with some of the best coaches and players in Europe. Its very humbling. I have much to learn from all of them. Every day so far, I have been pushed and challenged to get better and learn more about the game. What else could a player ask for

 

You will be joining a very young team with Baunach. Are you already prepared to be a leader as you will be a player with the most experience?

Yes, this is a very young team if you look at their age but many of them have much experience playing basketball. They are all motivated and hard workers. I am prepared to lead as well as learn from them too.

The Pro A is getting more and more competitive each season and it should be the same this season. You will have to score much and rebound like you did in Essen, but possibly even more. Knowing that you have to be consistent always put even more pressure on you than in past experiences with teams?

The only pressure I feel is to win games, and we all know just one player can’t do that. It is a team thing. Although my scoring has shined in the Pro A in the past, my main focus will be on making the team better anyway I can with the ultimate goal in mind of winning each game.

After playing in Sweden and Bulgaria last season, where have you improved your game most since your last game in Germany with Essen?

I keep on working on my 3 point shot and my outside game. The more options you have as a player the deadlier you can be.

How does a typical summer workout day look like for Logan Stutz in 2014?

This summer was the craziest summer I have had in my career. I was only home for a few weeks after all my travels, but usually looks like pick up games in the morning then weights after that with a personal trainer. Then in the evening getting shots up or running outside.

With Lebron heading back to the Cavs and so many young players aboard, where do you see the journey for them ending this season in the NBA?

I see them at least making the finals and most likely bringing home the ring as long as they are healthy.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

TMNT

 

Thanks Logan for the chat.

Ian Carter is a 21 year old 198cm forward from Ft. Smith, Arkansas that was going to start his professional basketball career in Germany with Dragons Rhoendorf (Germany-ProB), but he failed the medical test yesterday and wont be wearing their jersey. He played at Drury (NCAA2) playing there from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 32 games: 9.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.6apg, 1.1spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 46.5%, FT: 54.4%; 9.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.6apg, FG% 46.5, FT% 54.4. he won the NCAA2 title in 2013. German Hoops had the chance to talk with him this past summer before he came to Germany to play for Rhondorf.

 

 

Where are you at and how has your summer been?

 Right now I’m in Springfield, Missouri. I just got back here from Atlanta, Georgia. My summer has been great so far. I’ve just been working out and spending time with family/friends. I would say that my summer has been made since I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to continue my basketball career. That was my main goal after I graduated from Drury University in May 2014. Also, my birthday is this month so I’m pretty excited about that as well!

You just signed your first professional contract with German Pro B team Rhöndorf Dragons. How excited are you about coming to Germany?

 I’m very excited about coming to Germany! I’ve only been out of the country once and I was too young to remember. I’m eager to see what life is like outside of the United States and being able to play the game I love while experiencing a new lifestyle makes it even more awesome.

You will be the second player from Drury (NCAA2) to play in Germany after Brandon Kimbrough. What do you know about the country Germany and basketball? Do you know any players playing there?

I don’t know too much about Germany or basketball over there to be honest. Coach Kimbrough has told me that he had a great time playing basketball over there and told me that I will love it. I’m taking his word for it and expecting great things when I’m over there. I don’t know of any players over there right now

Did you have offers other than the Dragons Rhondorf? What were the main reasons for coming to Rhondorf?

 Yes. I had a few other teams interested in me. I chose to be a dragon because I felt it was the best opportunity for me. Coach Kaminski and I both want the same goals for the program which I believe is important.

Your new coach Boris Kaminski is a very experienced coach in Germany. Did you have contact to him already? What was your early impression of him?

No I didn’t have contact to him already. He found me through my agency at Worldwide Career Management. I got a solid impression from him the first time. I can tell that he cares about our program, his players, and basketball in general. A lot of coaches come off as just being a coach because it’s what provides for their family. But Coach Kaminski is very sincere and dedicated to the game which made me want to be a part of the team even more.

You had a very solid four year career at Drury (NCAA2) now you will play in the third league in Germany. Has been proving yourself on the court been a normal occurrence for you in your basketball career?

 It has definitely been a normal occurrence for a few reasons. One is that I never won a title in high school. When my name was mentioned up until we won the National Championship, winning was never next to it. I felt it was important to become a winner in the game of basketball and of course I didn’t win that National Championship by myself, but I was a key part of our team’s success. Another reason is me being an undersized post man in our league. Most of the teams we played had gigantic centers and I felt like a lot of them didn’t respect me because normally I would be a 3-4 man at any other school. I had to learn how to use my strengths, such as quickness and athleticism to make up for being a lot smaller than my opponents. I take great pride in knowing I was able to compete still.

You are only 198cm, but you’re a very skilled shot blocker. Who has always been your NBA defensive role model and where do you get your defensive skills from?

I guess I haven’t really thought about who my NBA defensive role model would be. There are a few players I always watched on defense growing up like Kobe of course, Michael Jordan, Dikembe Mutumbo, David Robinson, and Alonzo Mourning. If I had to pick my favorite to watch it would probably be someone like Dennis Rodman or Gary Payton. I’ve always been good at blocking shots ever since I started playing really. That was the one thing I could do better than anything because I was taller than everyone else.

You can do so much and when you were a sophomore, you hauled down 11 rebounds twice against William Jewel and dished out eight assists against William Jewel. Looking at all your abilities, what would you say is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t get noticed right away?

 I would say passing is my hidden strength. I love to pass and get assists! I think its part of being a good teammate and allows me to be a player that people want to have on their team.

What was your fondest memory from the 2012-2013 Drury NCAA Division 2 championship run?

My fondest memory from the championship run was probably the actual game itself. We were down by 17 in the first half. I remember looking at Brandon Lockhart and him asking me am I going to play. That fired me up because he’s usually a pretty quiet dude on the court. For us to just come together as a team and win was insane. I remember some friends of mine telling me that they thought we were finished in the first half. Our fans were awesome too. A lot of them traveled all the way down to Atlanta and were definitely key to us coming back as well.

Drury head coach Steve Hesser coached you for four years. What one experience will you never forget where he really helped your game and will help you as a professional?

The one experience that I will never forget from Coach Hesser is him teaching me to be coachable and to be a man. Not just with basketball either, but with life as well. He was like my dad away from home from the time I was a 17 year old freshman until I graduated. I learned so much from him about the game of basketball and I could never ask for a better college coach.

You finished Drury as the all-time shot blocker with 124. When you look back at all 124 blocks, which one will you never forget? There are two I will never forget.

 The one when I broke the record and the one to win the National Championship game.

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

 I usually workout at 9 a.m. until about 11:30 a.m. six days a week. Then I lift three days a week and shoot 3 days a week in the evening.

Your favorite player is Kobe Bryant. Do you think LeBron James will win more NBA rings at the end of his career?

 Kobe is my favorite player so I have to say no regardless. But I definitely think LeBron is capable.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 I’ve been watching Orange is the New Black on Netflix recently.

Thanks Ian for the chat.

 

 

Tyrus Mcghee is a 23 year old 188cm guard from Stringtown, Oklahoma that will be playing his second professional season and first in Germany with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Last season as a rookie he played for  Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 32 games: 13.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 86.7%. He recently played NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Golden State Warriors): 2 games: 6.0ppg, FGP: 40%, 3PT: 33.3%. He started his absketball career at Iowa State(NCAA) an das a senior played  35 games: 13.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 46.4%, FT: 82.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Tyrus thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

 

I am in Germany Playing in the BBL league for Eisbaren Bremerhaven. My summer went well got to see family and friends.

You recently played NBA Summer League for the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas playing in two games. What kind of experience was this for you on and off the court?

The summer League was a great experience for me it was my first time. I learned A lot during the two weeks I was there. I’m looking forward to be playing in it again next year

There were so many well known people at the venue. What was the coolist experience that you had in your week in Las Vegas that you will never forget?

I wont forget the players that I got to play with and meeting new people as well

You recently signed with German Beko BBL team Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. What sold you on playing your second professional season in Germany?

I was told it was a good league and that it might take me a couple of years to play in the league,but I happen to sign with Eisbaren after my first year playing professional basketball in Lugo,Spain

What do you know about the country Germany and basketball? I know your ex teammate Will Clyburn played in Ulm. Are there any other players that you know that have played in Germany?

I really dont know to much about Germany,but im willing to grasp as much as I can while im here. Yeah Will was my old teammate that I played with in college

Last season you played for Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 32 games: 13.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 86.7%. This league is very strong and in comparison equal or even better to many other first divisions in other countries. In what areas of your game were you able to improve most in as a rookie?

I think my areas I improved in was playing point guard position.

You came from Junior college to Iowa State. What was your wake up call in the NCAA where you knew that you had arrived at the NBA of the college league?

Juco prepared for the NCAA and the NCAA prepared me for the NBA

At Iowa State you were known as the sixth man. You averaged 7,7ppg as a junior and 13,1ppg in this role. Is this the role that Fred Hoiberg envisioned you to have or did you grow into rapidly from the start?

No this was not the role he advised me, becuase he recruited me as a point guard out of junior college then he realized that I was a scoring 2 and he needed me to come off the bench to score the ball, I took that role n it stuck with me my two years there.

Having had this two year experience as sixth man in the NCAA, if you had to pick an NBA player sixth man that you respect most who would you chose and why?

Jamar Crawford he plays hard and when he touches the floor he’s all about business and that’s what I am about once I touch the floor!

Your ex teammate Wil Clyburn had a very solid rookie season in Germany. What is your most memorable moment with him on and off the court at Iowa State?

Just playing with Will was memories for me and it was me and his last year playing together in college and we had a real good season together and we made a lot of noise for Iowa State while we were there

You hit for 22 points on 6/10 shooting from outside against Kansas and Ben Mclemore. Is this a game that you will forever remember from your college days?

I think the game against Oklahoma State my junior year was for me.  I stole the ball went down hit a 3 two tie the game and next positionIi made Oklahoma State turn the ball over and the senior on our team hit a buzzer beater to win the game

In your two seasons at Iowa State, what was the most important thing that head coach Fred Hoiberg gave you that got you ready for a professional basketball career?

Coach Fred would always tell me to rise up with a lot of confidence and shoot the ball. He knew I was a good shooter and he always gave me the green light! And too always be me because I had character.

How does a typical summer work out day look like for Tyrus MCghee in the summer of 2014?

Put in work until its time to go to sleep

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

He got game.

 

Thanks Tyrus for the chat.

Sometimes when things aren´t going well for a team, you need some guy that will take charge and be that spark plug to get a team out of a bind, or pray that the basketball God has some kind of eye on you, or hope for that special player to suddenly appear that only flies in for games. Midway through the first quarter, German Regionaliga team EVL Limburg were holding their own having tied Giessen 12-12 and didn´t really need any support, but all of a sudden a short, stocky afro-american appeared at the Limburg bench with a James Harden like beard and for a second it seemed like ex Limburg guard Ronald Howard was back for the grind to help Limburg in the game. However it wasn´t Ronald Howard, but his brother Zeon. He was just happy to have made it to the game after his whirl wind experience getting to the gym. „My tire blew out on the A-3 highway and I had to go back to the airport to get another car. I am usually at the game and hour before the game. I am just happy that I wasn´t pulled over on the highway“, smiled Zeon Gray. Gray wasn´t able to be that saviour either as the Giessen 46ers easily won their first test game of the season 90-53. „You could see that Giessen is well coached as they played well together. We were outmatched, but I am proud of the guys as they never gave up“, stressed Zeon Gray. For Giessen it was a positive start to the season as one can´t evaluate the game too much since it was against a Regionaliga team, but Giessen guard TJ DiLeo was happy with the effort of the team. „I like what I saw. At times  we were a bit sloppy. We can still improve on defense and our offense is a work in progress. I thought each guy made good plays and we shared the ball well. We have to learn better to play with leads and not loose focus as teams in the Pro A will always be able to come back“, stressed ex Temple guard TJ DiLeo.

The first test game of the season for both teams was held in a small gym on the outskirts of Limburg. EVL Limburg was without their new import player 23 year old 193cm guard Paul Dick from Ireland that last season played for the Belfast Star. Giessen started the game with guards Cameron Wells, and TJ DiLeo, forwards Benjamin Lischka and Yorman Polas and center Jonathan Malou. Limburg guard Justin Stahllbohm got the first big cheers from the home crowd as he made two very difficult shots hitting over Malu and Lishka while hitting the floor twice as EVL Limburg held on to the lead 6-4. Both teams then exchanged runs as Giessen went on a 6-0 run to extend their lead to 10-6 as Wells connected on a three pointer, Dileo nailed a runner and Malu made a free throw. However with both teams still feeling each other out, EVL Limburg took advantage of that and went on a 6-2 run to tie the game at 12-12. In the run 28 year old 210cm center Lithuanian Mantas Bernatavicious took control inside getting two tip ins as Giessen at times seemed overwelmed by his physicality. However this was as close as EVL Limburg would be the whole game as Giessen now broke the game open and would never look back. They closed out the game with a 15-1 run to lead 27-13 after one quarter. The comeback kid Besnik Bekteshi who once was labelled as one of the big talents in Germany from the year 1993. After playing for BBA Ludwigsburg in the 2009-2010 season where he averaged16.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, 3.7spg, critics thought that his career would really take off, but it didn´t. In the next three seasons, he played only 22 Beko BBl games for Ludwigsburg being more of a garbage time player than a role player. After sitting out last season due to a serious injury, he hopes of getting back on track in his basketball career at the age of 21 with the Giessen 46ers. In this run he steered eight points including back to back three pointers. Ex Chmenitz guard Eric Palm nailed a three pointer  and ex Kirchheim big man Bjoern Schoo made a lay in.

In the second quarter, Giessen continued to find their rhythm more and more and everyone was getting into the scoring as they were sharing the ball nicely. Giessen also got more physical on the boards as offensive rebounds started to multiply just like the Bastian Schweinstieger ice bucket challenge video clicks at you tube. Malu started the Giessen scoring with a baby hook shot which was matched by a jumper from Limburg player Boris Bosjnak. Giessen kept heightening their lead with consecutive buckets from ex Tuebingen guard Cameron Wells and a three pointer from Eric Palm as Giessen led 36-19. Giessen continued to get more comfortable with each other and the soft rim extending their lead to 47-21 going on a 11-2 run. In the run, 16 year old Niklas Bilski connected from the wing, while the come back kid Bekteshi had the hot hand scoring inside and heaving home a bomb from the parking lot. In the last few minutes, EVL Limburg caught Giesen napping on  a few offensive sets  ending the second quarter on a 6-3 run to trail 50-27 at halftime. In the run, EVL Limburg got the line and Justin Stallbohm finally connected on a three pointer after having had misfortune from the field since the first few minutes where he made two tough shots “We had some mental lapses. Good teams can´t let that happen“, stressed Zeon Gray.

EVL Giessen came up more than flat in the third quarter allowing Giessen to jump all over them going on a 11-0 run to extend their lead to 61-27. American Eric Palm got Giessen going on the run with  a tip in a nd three pointer. Giessen did a good job on the offenisve glass getting a tip in from Polas and a lay in from Malu. „Palm had lights out. We really should not have let him breath, but should have smelt his chewing gum“, added Zeon Gray. EVL Limburg then took a chapter out of the Giessen third quarter run by going on their own run of 7-0 snapping the GIessen lead to 61-34. This was a strong phase from Boris Bosjnak who used his athletcism scoring inside twice. However EVL Limburg then let Giessen on a 8-0 run to extend their lead to 68-34 as Di Leo hit  a pull up jumper and then made a steal going coast to coast for the easy lay up and Bilski hit from outside again. Limburg ended the third quarter with a 4-1 run, but Giessen still hd dthe overwhelming 69-38 lead as the class difference between both teams was more than evident and EVL Limburg was getting more tired as they were playing on a 9 man rotation.

Giessen started off the fourth quarter on a 6-0 run to lead 75-39 as Palm and Polas scored inside. In the fourth quarter, it was obvious that Giessen would win this game and the question was if they could duplicate their firepower and reach the 100 point mark. One guy who stayed quiet in his first test game of the season was Benjamin Lischka. He started his basketball career in 2005 for  VfB Giessen (Regionalliga) where he played some years and then moved to TV Lich playing with his brother Johannes. He then played two seasons with Kirchheim and Crailsheim before returning home last season to Giessen playing 38 games and averaging 8.9ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 70.1%. When you examine the face of Lischka during a game, one thing comes to mind instantly. He has a pokerface on at all times. It could be his birthday, he could be asked by Paris Hilton on a date or Daniel Colman could give him a bit of his 15 million poker win and it seems like Lischka would have that stern serious look despite anyone else being overjoyed, because that is his game face/poker face at all times. There were still some spectacular shots in the last five minutes with two form Zeon Gray. On the first shot, Gray hit an in your face shot against Cameron Wells where he had that look of bewilderment on how he could of had that audacity to even try that shot. Later Gray made a seemingly impossible fade  away bank shot to cut the Giessen lead to 83-49 that would have deserved a nomination for ESPN top 10 plays. „That shot was like cat and mouse. The defender was on me and wanted me to take the shot. He put his hand up which forced me to take ball down again. Then he got close to me again and I had to shoot it. It felt good and I knew it was going in. Us small guys often look wild taking shots, but we have to find unorthodox  ways of taking shots“, warned Zeon Gray. In the last few minutes, Gray would make one more shot and Malu was sent to the free throw line twice while making an one. In the end, Giessen was way too much for EVL Limburg winning 90-53. Giessen was led by Besnek Bekteshi with 16 points. Eric Palm added 12 points. Jonathan Malu, Cameron Wells and Bjoern Schoo each chipped in with nine points a piece. EVL Limburg was led by Boris Bosnjak with 17 points and Zeon Gray added 16 points. Giessen still have a long way to go in their preseason and second year man DiLeo already sees differences from this team to last years team, but not much in his role. „I think that we are more athletic this season as well as having more size and experience.Also each guy from last season has more experience coming into this season. I think my role will be like last season. Palm and I sharing minutes and when we are both on the court I moving to the three. Coach wants me to play aggressive and team basketball“, commented TJ DiLeo.

 

 

Rasid Mahalbasic is a 23 year old 211cm center that was born in Jesenice (Slovenia), but also hast he Austrian citzenship and plays for the Austrian national team. Mahalbasic started his basketball career in 2006 for the Worthersee Piraten (A Bundesliga) where he played until 2009. In the 2009-2010 season he played for Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo (Bosnia-D1, starting five): DNP, in Oct.’09 moved back to kelag Worthersee Piraten (Austria-A Bundesliga, starting five): 27 games: 18.4ppg, Reb-2(8.6rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 64.4%. In the 2010-2011 season he played for  Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul (Turkey-TBL), in Dec.’10 loaned to Tofas Bursa (Turkey-TBL): 10 games: 3.7ppg, 3.0rpg; in Feb.’11 moved back to Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul (Turkey-TBL), in Mar.’11 signed at KK Split (Croatia-A1): 13 games: 5.0ppg, 2.3rpg. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Zlatorog Lasko (Slovenia-Telemach League): Slovenian League: 2 games: 4.0ppg, 1.0spg, 1.5bpg; Adriatic League: 3 games: 4.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0bpg. In the 2012-2013 season he played for Asseco Prokom Gdynia (Poland-TBL, starting five): 36 games: 11.0ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 58.0%, FT: 68.7%; Euroleague: 10 games: 9.1ppg, Reb-5(6.8rpg), 1.3apg, FGP: 58.2%, FT: 59.1%. Last season he played for CEZ Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL, starting five): VTB United League: 18 games: 11.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 63.5%, FT: 72.2%; Czech Rep. NBL: 29 games: 10.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.0apg, FGP-2(68.8%), 3PT-1(66.7%), FT: 62.2%; Eurocup: 18 games: 11.3ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 60.6%, FT: 69.0%. This season he will play for BC Astana (Kazakhstan-D1). He spoke to German Hoops before the do or die game for Germany against Austria in Hagen, Germany.

 

Rasid thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 80-71 victory against Luxemburg. Are these type of games that one should win at times more difficult to play and win than the tough games because one has to have the right mentality to beat the lesser talented teams?

 

As a country who is progressing in Basketball we can not allow to underestimate any team in this competition. Luxemburg might not beat anybody so far but still, we have to respect all teams

What was the biggest strength of Austria against Luxemburg that you will want to carry over to the Germany game on Sunday in Hagen?

We showed that we can play a nice collective basketball over the whole 40 minutes, and also the percentage of the 3 point shots was very solid. If we can play hard defense and hold Germany under 70 points everything will be possible.

How happy have you been with your own play in qualifying for Euro 2015? You are averaging 17,8ppg, 8,8rpg and 3,5apg. You really have been a work horse, but could you still elevate your game even more if needed?

I am very happy with the Team success, its a big thing for our Ski-Nation to be in a realistic position to qualify for the Eurobasket 2015. My game is so good like the team, and we are seeing progress on both sides so far .

 

If someone had told you before qualifying that near the end Austria would be in first place in the standings what would you have thought? What has been the secret of the 3-1 Austria record and good play?

All of us believe that we can make it far , and good preparation , team chemistry and a lot of heart make things a lot easier for us, but I would tell this someone he might be right

What Austrian national player has been the unsung hero in the first four games. The player that has been very important, but not necessarily got all the credit he should have deserved?

David Hasenburger is our un seen star he could have a bright future, this summer ,he signed with Güssing Knights who will play the Eurochallenge, untill now he played on the power forward position and will he will be key player for the following games

Austria lost the first game at home against Germany 77-64 and now go to Germany for the rematch. Germany has to win in a do or die type game while Austria wants revenge. What kind of game can we await?

We can expect a fight all 40 minutes , last time we played only 37 minutes this time we will give everything we got !!! At the end of the 40 minutes we hope to be the better team and take the win home

Germany is only 2-2 and have been a disappointment. Are you surprised about their lack luster play. In Bonn against Poland, they were missing the motivation and simple killer instinct wanting to win the game.

Germany is a very young and talented team who is building with some new faces, with coach Mutapcic , they have a bright future. Well now its Germany but at the end we are all humans and all of as can play basketball.

Ingo Weiss of the German basketball federation has said Germany will explode and win in Hagen. Is this more just cockiness or despair from the side of Germany? IF Germany doesn´t qualify, it will once again be a big step backwards for Germany basketball.

We don’t care what the Federation is saying , my team and I have nothing to lose , we will fight till the end Against Germany . So Germany have to show they deserve the win. Germany basketball will never make a step back, the BBL has a very strong background where they are progressing every year

You are only 23 years old, but this upcoming season you will be playing for your 9th team with BC Astana (Kazakhstan-D1). Do you sometimes feel like a basketball world traveler? Has all these experience helped your game more than had you played with just a few teams in your career?

My life showed me a lot places in the world, and I met a lot of people who helped me develop my personality and also the way I play, without the ups and downs in my career, I  would not be the same player I am today.

You played with Euroleague team Asseco Procom two seasons ago. What was more difficult battling Adam Hrycaniuk down low in practice or having to stop Jerel Blassingame on the penetration in practice? Lol

I think my problem was to stop Adam Hrycaniuk, and his problem was to catch Jerel.

Last season you won the Czech title with Nymburk. If you look at the roster this season with Jiri Welsch, Derek Raivio, Darius Washington, Chester Simmons, Garret Stutz and Christian Burns, one could almost hand them all titles without playing a game. You played there last season, but when looking at this team, granted the club stays injury free could this be an undefeated type of team?

I believe that Nymburk put a very good roster together for the upcoming season , and I am pretty sure the will win the Czech Titel again, but we will see if they will beat BC Astana in the VTB

Early in your career you played at Worthersee under the guidance of Matthias Fischer who now has made a name for himself in the German Beko BBL. How did you get better as a player under his coaching?

Fischer changed my game totally , from a big man who was just posting up and screening , he changed my game totally . We worked on my jump shot, dribbling and he tried to make me quicker on the court. He helped me to make the step out of Austria. I am very happy for Coach F. that he is doing so well in Germany

You recently took the ALS ice bucket challenge. Many players haven´t been to creative and just stood in a shower and took the ice. If you had the chance to be a bit creative, what would be the perfect ice bucket setting for you?

I would remind the people that its cool and funny to do the challenge but they should also donate some real money !!!!

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Germany vs Poland.

 

Thanks Rasid for the chat.

Keith Gabriel is a 25 year old 190cm guard that will be playing his third professional season and first in Germany with the Kirchheim Knights. He started his basketball career in 2008 with VMI(NCAA) where he played until 2012 playing a total of 124 NCAA games and as a senior he played 33 games: 17.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.8spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 74.5%.in 2012-2013 he started his professional basketball career for  Norrkoping Dolphins (Sweden-Basketligan): EuroChallenge: 12 games: 6.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 71.4%; Swedish Basketligan: 28 games: 8.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 63.9%. Last season he played for KB RTV 21 Prishtina (Kosovo-SuperLeague): 4 games: 17.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.0apg, 2.0spg, in Dec.’13 moved to Petrolina AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-Division A): 6 games: 7.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.2spg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Keith thanks for talking to German Hoops. You will be starting your third professional season and first in Germany. What were the main reasons for coming to Germany?

My reason for coming to Germany was to be able to play in a good country with good competition, show my abilities on the court and win a championship.

 

What do you know about the country Germany and basketball in particular in Germany? You have some friends that have played in Germany. Was there anyone in particular from your friends that helped you with your decision most?

One thing I know about German basketball is Dirk Nowitzki. He’s a great player and I have admired him ever since he joined the NBA. I also knew that there was a lot of good competition across Germany. I talked to a couple of my good friends about the league and also the city. Just to name a few, Trey Hampton, Frankie Sullivan, and Tavares Speaks, which played here in Kirchheim last season. When asking them about the opportunity they all just told me to go for it and everything was all positive about the league and the city.

 

Kirchheim is a pretty young team and with the exception of Ben Beran have three other Americans that will be playing their first season in Germany. What has been your impression oft he team so far?

My impression of the team is that, yes, we are young, but we have a great group of guys that come in day in and day out. Everyone is on the same page and everyone wants to come in, play their role and win.

 

Your new teammate, Enosch Wolf won the 2011 NCAA title with Kemba Walker. Have you bombarded him with any Walker questions or are you waiting for the right time? lol. What would you really like to know about Kemba Walker if you could ask it?

 

Yeah man, its great to have someone on my team that has accomplished such a big goal and play with players such as Kemba. Haha I wouldn’t say “bombard”. Back in high school, Kemba and I played against each other at 5 star camp in “Philly Camp”. He was a very cool and down to earth person and knew how to handle being a star. One thing I asked Enosch was if he was still humbled after winning a championship and knowing he was going to be a lottery pick in the 2011 draft. Enosch told me that he was still humbled and one of the hardest workers he knew.

 

You were a big time scorer at VMI, but as a professional you haven´t score das extensively as when you were in college. Has your role primarly changed as a professional according to the certain situations and what kind of role do you  expect in Kirchheim?

At VMI, my role was to score the ball. Thats what I did. My first two years overseas, it has been a bit difficult to find my role because I joined the team after games were already being played and I didn’t feel like I got a chance to start from scratch and grow with the team. I was young, and not mature enough to handle the situation by just being thrown into the fire and trying to fit in. Thats another reason I was excited to accept this contract from Kirchheim because it really gave me a chance to work during preseason and start from scratch with the team.

 

You are a dynamic and explosive player who can give the team a burst of energy. However what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

Well, I have two answers for this question. Physically, a hidden strength of mine would be my ability to get off ball steals. Mentally, one strength that I have developed has been a “Remember the good, forget the bad” mentality and able to move onto the next play. I think thats a strength that good players must have to be successful on any level.

 

After a solid rookie season in Sweden, you had a rather up and down season last year in Kosovo and Cyprus. Was it pretty much a season to forget from your standpoint?

 

Last season was definitely a tough season for me. From injuries, to getting released, and just not achieving any of the goals that I had sat out for myself to accomplish for that year. Would I consider it a year to forget? Not at all! After leaving Cyprus, I spent a few months in Greece spending time with my twin brother, Kenny. It was the best months I’ve had since I have been overseas. Being able to watch his games, going over film before and after games just helping him strengthen his weaknesses and being around for the next game to see that he made a conscious effort to strengthen the things that we discussed. I felt like we both learned a lot from that experience and how to handle on the court and off the court situations to become better professionals in Europe.

As a rookie you played in Sweden for Norrkopig. Your teammate was Swedish basketball legend Fred Drains who was playing his 12th season fort he club as you were a rookie. What kind of relationship did you have with him and what could you generally learn from him on and off the court?

Our relationship was like Big Brother/Little Brother, Mentor/Mentee, and just a great friendship. I still talk to Fred today. He was such a humbled, hard working, and a great guy/player. One thing that I learned from Fred on the court was that anyone can be a leader with words, but it is more respectable when you lead with your actions. There would be times we would have to run and I would be tired, I look at Fred and he is just breathing calmly and in my head I am thinking, “How is this guy not tired at his age?” It was definitely a blessing to become teammates with someone of his caliber.

 

You played at Virginia Military Institute from 20082-012. You were a Big South Conf. Tournament Finalist in 2009 and 2012. If you look back at your career in college, how disappointing was it bowing out in 2 big finals? What was missing from the team winning a title?

Looking back at my college career, I always get a bitter taste in my mouth because I feel like I could have done so many things better to help my team and put us in better situations to win more games than we did. In 2009, I feel like we had all the right pieces from the team to the coaching staff, to win the conference tournament and play in March Madness. That day just wasn’t our day. In 2012, we made a great run to get to the championship game, we just ran out of gas. Furthermore, the team that we played (UNCA) they had a great team and they fought hard to win that game. Have to give credit where credit is due.

 

Duggar Baucom was your coach for four years at VMI. How did he prepare you best for a professional career on and off the court that has helped you mature as a professional?

Duggar Baucom prepared me just by forcing me to grow from a teenage kid to maturing into a respectful, hardworking young man. I feel like those characteristics alone gave me a chance to have a good professional career.

 

You have a twin brother Kenny that playys for Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir in Turkey this season. I guess the most noticeable difference is he has 19 inches on you. How has your relationship been over time and what has been the most important thing he has given to you as advice on and off the court?

The advice that he gives on the court is just constantly reminding me to do more defensively and get more rebounds from the guard position. Off the court, he gives me a lot of advice. He has two young boys, Kenny Jr. and Kameron. He just tells me that I don’t have as much responsibility right now so I have to take advantage of that and make sure that I stay in the gym to continue to expand my game.

 

I have seen that you have a very close relationship with NBA player Anthony Morrow. How important has he been to you as a friend?

 

Anthony and I are definitely very close. He has been a big brother to me for many years. We workout together over the summer, play on the same team for his ProAm League in Charlotte, and talk on a daily basis when I leave to come overseas. Even though he is in the NBA, it’s good to see how hungry he is to keep getting better and working harder during the offseason to continue developing as a player. Things like that really influence those around you. I am definitely looking forward to seeing him play with Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. It’s going to be an exciting year of NBA basketball for me. #ThunderUp

 

 

If you had to compare the landscape around Kirchheim with that in Charlotte, could one say that the differences aren´t that extreme? Has the surrounding area in Germany been able to remind you a little of North Carolina?

In my opinion, Kirchheim is pretty different from Charlotte. Charlotte is a very large city and has a large population. Kirchheim on the other hand, is a very small city and when I take walks around the city, there’s hardly any people around. Kirchheim is definitely a beautiful place to be and a laid back atmosphere, which fits my style and personality.

 

You and just about every other human being ha staken the ALS Ice bucket challenge. What has been the most original video that you have seen?

 

The most original ALS Ice bucket challenge video was Charlie Sheen’s. I thought his video was very good. While we are on this subject, I just want to recognize two significant people that I have had the pleasure of getting to know while I attended VMI. The first one was Les Sparks who was my VMI teammates’ father (Michael Sparks). Les Sparks passed away from ALS on March 12, 2010. Secondly, Tony Conway who was the assistant VMI Soccer coach. Tony has been diagnosed with ALS for a couple of years, but he is still happy, fighting through ALS, and living life. Lastly, prayers to all of those effected with ALS and the families as well!

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The last movie that I saw was “Assault on Wall Street”. It was definitely an interesting movie that I enjoyed quite a bit. If you haven’t watched it, I would definitely check it out!

 

Thanks Keith for the chat

 

 

Thomas Schreiner is a 27 year old 195cm point guard from St Polten, Austria that will be playing his third season with Spanish team  MoraBanc Andorra (Spain-Liga Endesa)helping them move up this season to division one. He started his basketball career in 2003 for : UKJ SUBA St.Polten (B Bundesliga) where he played until 2006. In the 2006-2007 season he played for  BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (A Bundesliga): Stage 1: 21 games: 3.1ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.8bpg; Stage 2: 14 games: 7.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.0apg, 2.3bpg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 71.4%. Then in 2007 he returned back to St Polten where he played until 2011. In the 2011-2012 season he played for  ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (A Bundesliga). Since 2012 he has been playing for Andorra. Currently he is a member of the Austrian national team and spoke to German Hoops about the do or die game for Germany against Austria on Sunday in Hagen.

 

 

Thomas thanks again for talking to German Hoops. If someone had told you before the start of the 2015 Euroqualifying that with two games to go Austria would be at the top of the standings with a 3-1 record, what would you have thought knowing of the tough competition of Germany and Poland?

 

Going into the group it was obvious it wouldn’t be easy to compete for the two spots. But I always knew that if we played our best basketball we would have our chances.

With the exception of 5 minutes where Austria lost concentration letting Germany back into the game, Austria should be 4-0 now. From your view as a guard who sees the game in front of you, how has the Austrian game developed since game one until now?

I think the main way we have improved since game one is that we are in better control of our ups and downs. Also, with each game we are getting more and more used to playing with each other.

Congrats on the 80-71 win against Luxemberg. They poured in 28 points early, but from then on Austria took control. What defensive adjustments did Austria make in order to turn the game around?

First of all I want to give credit to Luxembourg, they made a lot tough shots in the first half. We were able to increase the intensity on the defensive end in the second half and take control of the game.

If there is anything that one can criticize in the Austrian game were the 19 turnovers. Against Germany and Poland, the team kept the turnovers down. Is this something you will work on more before the game against Germany even if your next opponent Germany were harmless on the defensive end against Poland.

For us it is important to keep our turnovers down. If we want to have a chance in the next two games we have to limit them like we did in the first games.

Tom Schumacher led all scorers with 19 points and is a top player in the league in Luxemburg. Can a player like you take something from his game like you can from a Heiko Schaffartzik when you are playing against each other? Can a player like a Schumacher get underrated simply because he comes from a small country like Luxemburg?

Yes, I think it it hard to get recognized when you come from a country like Luxembourg or Austria, but he is definitely a good player. He’s proved it in the last couple of games and has the talent to play in a better league.

How happy have you been with your individual performance averaging 9,0ppg, 2,3rpg and 3,5apg. You haven´t been the scorer so much, but have had an important part in the organization.

 

I don’t care about statistics but only about winning. I’ll do whatever the team needs to win.

A huge final on Sunday in Hagen against Germany. You will be playing in the living room of your ex teammate Larry Gordon. Germany has to win and Austria is seeking revenge for their loss against Germany. How much are you looking forward to playing this huge game?

I’m very excited for this showdown against Germany. I love playing in games where there’s a lot on the line.

Germany stunk up the building In Bonn losing To Poland and showing little motivation. Are you still a bit surprised how Germany has been up and down? Winning by 40 vs Luxemburg and being given a basketball lesson by Poland. The end of qualifying in approaching and they still at times look like they just entered training camp in the summer?

I think Poland is a very strong and experienced team and it’s very hard to beat them. I think Germany is not playing on top of their potential because they did not have as much time to prepare for the qualification.

This is one of the biggest games for Germany in years and they will have much pressure. Austria has the upper hand and can go into the game with a 3-1 record and less pressure. Ingo Weiss form the German basketball federation stated that Germany will explode and win without a doubt. How much motivation does that give you sensing that Germany seems to have little respect for Austria´s performance in this qualifying round?

We don’t need any extra motivation for a big game like this. Having the possibility of an upset like this is more than enough motivation for us.

One last game against top German guards Dennis Schroeder and Heiko Schaffartzik. Is this the game of your life? With a win, Austria would qualify and give basketball a new level in a country dominated by soccer and ice hockey?

It would be very important for basketball in Austria to win against Germany and qualify. If we do win and qualify it would be the game of my life, so far!

If someone had told you before qualifying that England would lose twice to Iceland what would you have said? How crazy has this qualifying been this summer?

I know Iceland, I’ve played against them many times. They’re a small country but have many talented and good players. They have the quality to surprise other teams. In general I think every country has good coaches and players that practice hard, which is why I think there’ll always be upsets.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I haven’t watched any movies lately, so it’s still Captain America 2.

 

Thanks Thomas for the chat.

 

Ahmad Smith is a 29 year old 194cm guard from Virginia that will play this upcoming season for SC Rasta Vechta and  recently completed his second season for Rent4Office of the German PRO A. playing 35 games and averaging 12.1ppg, 5.8rpg, Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 66.7%. In 2012-2013 he started the with  BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA)12 games: 7.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.7apg, 2FGP: 48.9%, 3FGP: 14.3%, FT: 72.2%, in Jan.’13 moved to Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProA, starting five): 19 games: 9.6ppg, Reb-4(8.5rpg), Assists-2(6.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 35.5%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 77.6% He played at St.Bonaventure(NCAA) from 2002-2006 and in his senior year played 28 games: ScoreA10-8(14.2ppg), RebA10-10(6.2rpg), AssistsA10-9(3.5apg), FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 59.8%. In 2006-2007, he played for Mardyke UCC Demons Cork (Ireland-SuperLeague): 9 games: 18.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 60.8%. In 2007-2008, he played for SVD 49 Dortmund (Regionalliga): 6 games: 30.2ppg. In 2008-2009, he played for : BSV Wulfen (Germany-Regionalliga) 23.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 6.0apg, 3PT: 35.2%. In 2009-2010, he played for Hertener Loewen (Germany-ProB)29 games: 18.2ppg, Reb-2(8.7rpg), Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.5%. In 2010-2011, he played for s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): left before the season started, then moved to SVD 49 Dortmund (Germany-Regionalliga): 6 games: 12.8ppg, waived in Nov.’10, in Jan.’11 signed at Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProB, starting five): 15 games: 8.3ppg, 6.8rpg, Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 69.1%. In 2011-2012, he played for the Kichheim Knights he played  35 games: 9.9ppg, 6.1rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 62.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Ahmad thanks for talking to German Hoops. the summer has come to a close as team prepare for the new basketball season. What was your summer highlight?

 

Hey Miles my summer was great. Spending time with my family and friends making up for the lost time I missed throughout the year.

You signed with German pro A team SC rasta Vechta. Why did you chose to join this team?

The clubs ambition on getting back to the BBL was a big factor in my decision. I’ve played in Vechta a couple of times and the atmosphere was always amazing with great fans!

What sold you on the philosophy of head coach Stephen Arigbabu?

Talking to Coach Arigbabu throughout the summer we shared the same goal and that’s winning and working hard. So it was an easy decision for me.

I have been a huge supporter of you getting to the Beko BBL the last years. You have made great strides coming from Regionaliga in your Dortmund days to the German pro A. Why has the beko BBL still not become your home?

Not sure Miles I can’t worry about what I can’t control. I guess they don’t want me to put on and prove them wrong like I’ve done at every level I’ve played at in Germany.

You now are a member of SC Rasta Vechta. What has been your impression of the area, organization?

It’s been great here so far. They have a first class organization here in Vechta. They have taken care of everything I’ve needed and welcomed me with open arms.

The Pro A surely will be a tick even more competitive this season as the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg seem to be the heavy favorite to move up. However SC Rasta Vechta belong to a core of teams that also have very good chances. What is your first impression of your new teammates, skill level and hunger?

I’ve played against a lot of the guys in previous seasons and I feel we have one of the best rosters in the league. Like all of the other teams it doesn’t mean anything on paper if we don’t put it together on the court.

In comparison to other teams that you played for the last years, at what talent level is SC Rasta Vechta? Are they the most talented team you have been on?

We have a talented bunch of guys on this team but it’s way too early to say if it’s the best team I’ve played on. We’re going to continue to work hard throughout the pre season towards our goals so were still playing in May.

What kind of role do you envision in Vechta? It would not be an advantage for you to play differently with you filling up the stat sheet rebounding, assists scoring and steals or could you see yourself being that classic point guard more than in previous seasons?

Whatever role Coach Arigbabu has envisioned for me I’ll try to fulfill that to the best of my ability.

What has been your impression of rookies Amir Carraway and Vinnie Bailey? Will these guys get accustomed to the European style and be an impact right away?

There both hard workers that have came in and are doing everything the coaches have wanted them to do. Both guys are smart players with a high skill level I don’t think they will have any problems adjusting and will contribute in huge ways throughout the season.

SC Rasta Vechta also has veteran Chase Griffin. Do you see him being the leader of the team? What duel in past years sticks most in your mind with pervious battles with him?

Chase will definitely be one of the leaders on the team. He brings a winning mentality to our team. He works hard every day and is someone the young players can look up to. We’ve had some great games against each other in the past I’m happy he’s on my team this go around should be a fun year playing with him in the backcourt.

How much fun is it playing with top German pro A rebounder the last few years Donald Lawson? You being an excellent rebounder, can you still learn from him on the court?

Usually the top rebounding teams compete for the championship in any league. So it’s great to have the top rebounder from last season on our team. I’ve seen his intensity in practice so I think not only myself can learn from him but our whole team.

Will you be venturing out to Braunschweig on a free night to watch ex teammate Cornelius Adler play? You always marveled about his play in recent interviews.

Yeah of course I’ll try to catch as many games as I can throughout the season. Looking forward to see him play in his hometown!

Your ex teammate Will Chavis retired recently. What will you always keep in high regard when you hear his name mentioned?

I wish him the best I think he will be a good coach. He has lots of experience and knowledge for the game

How proud are you off Zamal Nixon reaching the BBL? How do you think he will come to terms with the Phoenix Hagen style of play?

 

I’m very proud of my guy Z he should of been in the BBL after his season in Nurnberg. He will play great in that system in Hagen and will show everyone the top players in the Pro A can play in the BBL with the opportunity.

 

Vechta is very much smaller than Nurnberg. What will you still have to get used to not having now which you could have in Nurnberg?

Shopping downtown and the restaurants.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

. Divergent… Shoutout to my guy TD whaddup doe!

 

Thnaks Ahmad for the chat.