Jay Threat is a 24 year old 180cm point guard from Richmond, Virginia that is playing his second professional season and first in germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg. He started his basketball career with George Mason and then transefered to Delaware State where he played from 2009-2012 an din his senior year played 26 games: 8.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 6.0apg, Steals-1(3.0spg), FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 26.4%, FT: 82.1%. He played a total of 89 NCAA games. Last season as a rookie he played for Ungmennafelagio Snaefell (Iceland-Dominos League): 28 games: 18.5ppg, 5.3rpg, Assists-1(8.9apg), 1.9spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 77.8%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Jay thanks for talking to German Hoops. You signed very late with German team MLP Academics Heidelberg. Was the job market tough this summer or were you just weighing your options?

I was just weighing my options for the best fit. Being on a team that wants you, and for you to play your game is key.

What were the main reasons for coming to Germany to play for MLP Academics Heidelberg. What sold you on joining this team?

The main reason for coming to Heidelberg was coach really wanting me to be here and play my game. Me finding out about the tourist attractions and the city was just a plus.

Heidelberg is a big tourist attraction. What do you know about Germany. Do you know any guys that are playing in Germany?

My old college roommate Cam Long is playing out here on a BBL team and another college teammate from DSU Marcus Oliver is out here on another Pro-A team. Tyrese Rice is a good friend of mine and he helped me make this move (played out here last year).

Last season you played for Ungmennafelagio Snaefell (Iceland-Dominos League) playing 28 games: 18.5ppg, 5.3rpg, Assists-1(8.9apg), 1.9spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 77.8%. You dominated the league. How did it feel like having Rajon Rondo like assist stats?

I had a pretty good year in Iceland last year and my teammates made it real easy on me by allowing me to just play my game and not having to force up a bunch on shots and they also taught me a lot.

Was there anything difficult to get used to living I Iceland? What is an experience that you had that you will never forget?

Where I was in Iceland I was in a small town and very SLOW! So it was different coming from a city back home. All the snow was a crazy experience for me, as well as the limited hours of sunlight in December.

You obiviously can pass the ball, but can also score when you have to. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away.

I think scoring was my hidden strength until last year. My college stats are very misleading. We played in a slow system. But now I would have to say my rebounding. I get a lot of rebounds and start my fast breaks that way just like Rajon Rondo. I get my defensive pride from him and chris paul. I am a  Sneaky and smart defender.

You played only four games at George Mason before transferring to Delaware State. What is your fondest memory of Folaran Campbell that played in Germany a few years ago?

Folaran Campbell (we call him shaq) is a funny guy. Just all the jokes we used to make through out the day. But on the court he is all about business.

You averaged 3,0 steals per game in your three years at Delaware State. After what NBA player do you pride your defense on?

I pride my defesne on guys like Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo

How did Gregory Jackson get you prepared best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Jackson helped me to be able to control the tempo of the game better.

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA that might be in the NBA or Europe now?

The best players that I played against in the NCAA that are in the NBA now are Michael Beasley and Evan Turner.

Richmond has no NBA, NFL, MLB or NHL team, but have other professional teams. What Richmond team did you follow most closely as a kid and why?

Honestly there was no team that I followed closely in Richmond.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD movie that I saw was Above the rim one of my favorite movies.

Thanks Jay for the chat.

 

 

Back in the day even at the most boring children´s birthday parties like at the local pizza place munching on soggy pie, trying to find humor at the bowling alley while trying to hit a strike and stay clear of the gutter, riding lame donkeys up and down the tiny backyard in your home or playing boring board games while counting each second to when it was time to go home, there was almost always a constellation prize for kids when the party was over with the traditional grab bag or party favor. This going home present was a way to say thanks for coming and by the way here is a gift for you.  Gifts range from tiny toys, candy and pencils. Once you are of a mature age and are able to visit a wedding, there a person has the chance to get a more sophisticated gift like classic favors that can go from the classic sugared almonds or  delicious chocolates to candles and scented soaps. Modern gift trends include CDs with the most desired music of the bride and groom, shot glasses filled with colored candy or beautiful picture frames with a photo of the couple. So what does all this grab bag jibber jabber have to do with the 2013-2014 Fraport Skyliners? Well this is a team that has been constructed in a way that it will be hard to make a real defined prediction what this team will be able to achieve and is sort of like getting a grab bag served at a function and not knowing what is inside it. Guessing how many wins the Fraport Skyliners will achieve this season is no different than having had to predict how many cheese balls legendary comedian Chris Farley could have eaten in the cheese ball machine in a minute, how many times Allen Iverson would utter practice in a practice 2 press conference or how many goals soccer god Lionel Messi will hammer into the goal this season as he already got off to a good start in the first win of the season netting two goals for FC Barcelona. Just the notion of not knowing what this club is capable to achieve makes this season so interesting and exciting in the Beko BBL.

The Fraport Skyliners have returned 2004 BBL champion Gordon Herbert back to Frankfurt for a third tour of duty. In the last years as is the case for most Beko BBL teams except for TBB Trier, Americans are as abundant on rosters as are NBA players on the French national team. Since the 6/6 ruling, there has been more of a need for German players to be on Beko BBL rosters. And since that is the case why have German players rotting on the bench when one can give them minutes and let them develop in a more healthy way. The Fraport Skyliners have usually always lived with their Americans, but already last season showed their interest in getting young Germans playing time. This season the club has only five  imports with Quantez Robertson, Dawan Robinson, Jacob Burtschi, Aziz N’Diaye and raw gem shooter with a golden pistol Andy Rautins.The club this season has displayed a desire to implement more Germans and possibly have fans chant “Here come the German Skyliners. The club has six German players younger than 22 years of age. The team kept Konstantin Klein, Johannes Voigtmann and Danilo Barthel from last season and these guys most surely will get even more minutes this season. The club also added two more Germans with U-18 German national player Stefan Ilzhoefer who was a very interesting pick up that will also get extra playing time with the Pro B team. He comes from the Ludwigsburg system and recently played the European Championships U18 Division B in Strumica (FYR Macedonia) playing  9 games and averaging 6.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 40.0%. The club also hauled in Kevin Bright who is a 20 year old 196cm swing man from Mannhiem. He comes from the Ehingen program and left  a lasting impression from his rookie season in the NCAA with  Vanderbilt (NCAA) where he played 33 games averaging 6.9ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 58.8%. He was the leading rebounder on the team and few will forget his buzzer beater winner against Georgia. It seems like more and more teams are trying to follow the TBB Trier route of developing young Germans. “I like this new concept of the Skyliners. It is an interesting mix of German talents. The club has kept them for the long term which gives the club planning security and allows the Germans to develop calmly”, stressed ex Basketball player and Lumani agent Jan Rohdewald. The club hopes that all players will develop in their own way, but seeing who develops the best and fastest is also has a type of grab bag effect. “Voigtmann, Klein and Barthel already got their minutes last season and they will profit from it this season. It is really very hard to say, who will develop the best, but all three will make a step forward, plus a very good player with Kevin Bright has joined them. I think that Johannes Voigtmann is very talented, but he needs to get even fitter and use his potential more. He is an intelligent player that already last season had good games.  I think that he will get even more consistent this season”, warned Jan Rohdewald.

Gordon Herbert is a diehard basketball freak that stands for focusing on grooming the tactical measures on the court with his players. In the last two seasons, the Fraport Skyliners had difficulty scoring averaging under 70 points a game and survived many games simply by letting up fewer points and just buckling down and defending for 40 minutes as if it was their last game ever. Relying on top defense surely will be a goal for Gordon Herbert this season as one doesn´t meet more bull dog like defenders than Quantez Robertson and Konstantin  Klein. So making big defensive plays and getting out on the break leading to easy points is something that the team will need to have function. The team may not have the consistent scorers that can individually decide a game even though Quantez Robertson has improved his scoring and Jacob Burtschi can have big games on any night, so the team will have to play as a team each night and need output consistently from each guy 1-12 on the roster. It also won´t help the team if they start out slow like they did the last two seasons under Muli Katzurin because the heroic like second half they had two seasons ago where they had NBA players like Jermareo Davidson and Tim Ohlbrecht to save the day won´t be present this time around. The Fraport Skyliners will also have to get off to a good start and some of the young players will have to take over responsibility.There is no fear that the big German three Klein, Voigtmann and Barthel can do that and a Kevin Bright could be the big surprise, because he had the best experience for his age last season playing against the best in the NCAA. One should never underestimate a Gordon Herbert in that he is known for getting the best out of his players so why shouldn´t he be able to do that from his young players. How well Dawan Robinson will be able to follow up his amazing play from last season is still to be seen as he began contact practice in mid September If he returns to be the old sweet Philly from last season, then this team could surprise many folks. Making a prediction is difficult, because the Beko BBL is so competitive and that is why this grab bag team will be so endearing to watch. “It is difficult to make predictions. All teams made steps forward. Last season, one thought that certain teams would make the playoffs after the first half, but in the second half were near the bottom. Having consistency will help against that. Tez, Burtschi and Robinson are a foothold. Perhaps the young Germans will give the extra added pep that the team needs. I think that Kevin Bryant could be the x-factor with his effort and defense. It will be exciting to watch this team and they will reach an identity with this team”, warned Jan Rohdewald. The addition of Rautins could make the difference between a grab bag season or nipping at the end of the playoff places.  It could be a grab bag season until the end for the Fraport Skyliners and who knows with Gordie at the helm who has had success all over the place, letting fans unveil a ticket to the Beko BBL playoffs from the grab bag would be a party treat and if not just watching the young Germans getting playing time and mature will make the Fraport Skyliners a more experienced team next season and then they will be able to blow up the grab bag and let it pop. Andy Rautins however is that special player that just could let that grab bag pop with hot shooting all season long.

Marcus Smallwood is a 31 year 198cm forward that played with VfL Kirchheim Knights (Germany-ProA,) playing  29 games: 11.1ppg, 7.9rpg, Blocks-5(1.1bpg), FGP: 57.4%, FT: 67.7%He is from Elgin, Illinois and played at Northern Illinois from 2000-2004. He came to Europe for his rookie season and played for Ostromecko Astoria Bydgoszcz (Poland-EBL): 4 games: 9.5ppg, 9.0rpg: was released in and later that month signed at Pyrbasket Tampere (Finland-Sparliiga): 6 games: 13.5ppg, 10.8rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 59%, and also played shortly at Solna Vikings (Sweden-Basketligan): 3 games: 8.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.0bpg. The next season, he played in Finland for Forssan Koripojat (Finland-1st Division, starting five): 26 games: 19.7ppg, Reb-2(11.1rpg), 1.3apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-1(1.4bpg), 2FGP-3(64.1%), 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 56.2%. 2006: Elgin Racers (IBL). He had a very strong season in Finland, but surprisingly in the next few years played only briefly in the IBL for the Elgin Racers. He played for Kaiserslautern from 2008-2010. In the 2010-2011 season he played for Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA, starting five): 9 games: 12.6ppg, 10.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 51.6%, FT: 52.8%; in Dec.’10 moved to VfL Kirchheim Knights (Germany-ProA, starting five): 20 games: 15.7ppg, Reb-1(10.8rpg), Blocks-2(2.1bpg), FGP: 60.3%, FT: 47.8%. In 2011-2012 he played for  Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (Germany-ProA, starting five): 10 games: 6.5ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 60.4%, FT: 31.8%; left in Nov.’11, in Dec.’11 moved to Sigal Prishtina (Kosova-SuperLeague, starting five), later that month signed at SC Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProB, starting five): 19 games: 12.1ppg, Reb-4(10.5rpg), FGP: 53.7%, FT: 51.4%. At the moment he is practicing with Beko BBL s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. He took some time to talk to German Hoops.

Marcus, the summer has come to an end. How was your summer despite not being able to relax having found a basketball job early. What were your summer highlights?

Yeah not having a job lined up wasn’t the most fun thing but I had a chance to spend the summer in Germany and really enjoyed it. I was able to see some cities I haven’t been to before and also won the GRC streetball tournament in Koln so that was kind of cool.

Basketball is the ultimate job that basketball players live for. However each summer it is the same old story, of having to find a new team and not knowing if the basketball ride will continue or not. How frustrating was it this summer not getting a job? With your experience as a player, how are you able to cope with the uncertainty?

It was frustrating but understandable because we didn’t have a successful season and also since I worked with Kirchheim directly and gained that job myself and without an agent it meant that I had to network on my own last summer to find a job and it proved to not be the easiest task and not one I hope to not have to do again. But this is what I love to do so I deal with the uncertainty by continuing to work as hard as I can day in and day out.

After playing in Europe early in your career in countries like Poland, Sweden and Finland, you decided to go back home to Chicago to work in a business and played semi pro ball. In 2008 you decided to give European basketball another shot and have been playing in Germany ever since. At the age of 31 are you slowly thinking about life after basketball or is there still a lot of basketball in your tank?

Well the two years I took off from age 25 to 27 probably gives me a body healthy enough to go for another 4 years if I’m lucky. Fitness is central in my life so that is why I think I’ll still be able to play but life after will probably involve that in some way so it will be a natural transition into fitness training or something like that.

Last season you played for the Kirchheim Knights averaging 11.1ppg, 7.9rpg, Blocks-5(1.1bpg). How happy were you with your individual season? A few years back you achieved double double stats at Cuxhaven and Kirchheim?

If given the minutes I had the first time I played in Kirchhiem I think I probably achieve the same stat line. To be honest I would have been happy with those stats if it led to a successful team, but it didn’t so I wish I would have been able to contribute more.

You played last season with point guard Chris Alexander. He is returning back to Essen this season. He has been a very solid pro A player in Germany. Is he a guy that could still play Beko BBL at the age of 30?

Well I think Chris is a guy more comfortable at the type of place where he is currently at, but he has amazing quickness so if he really wanted to make a go of it I think he could find success in the right situation on the BBL level

There are so many talented players in the Pro A that could play Beko BBL and never will. What experiences have you made in your basketball career with having and not having the important contacts at certain situations?

Well I was lucky to have someone give me a type of opportunity that could of led to the BBL (playing at MBC while they were in the Pro A) but what I experienced there were people consistently trying to find faults in me and not giving me a true chance to succeed. So if you’re good enough I think you’ll get the opportunity but it’s more important to be in a place where they truly believe in you as a player, because you might only get one chance

You are one of these candidates that has had strong stats in the German Pro A and Pro B, but never have had the chance at the Beko BBL level. At age 31 your time is running out. You have seen the Beko BBL league. Do you still feel that you have what it takes to play at that level?

I’m a high energy player that feeds off of the atmosphere of a big game or high pressure environment. It’s why I’ve chased the BBL for so long to test myself in that environment. I think there would be a learning curve because I have been at places where I could solely depend on my athleticism, but with a team that really believed in me yes I think I could find success at that level still

You obviously knew some contact at the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg because you have been practicing with them. What kind of experience has this been for you?

Its been amazing to play with a team of full professionals but also to practice against veterans who have had a lot of success in the BBL such as Boone McNaughton Betz Little and McKinney. But they have a really good group of guys and they should have a successful year. You really can’t compare to being on a team full of people who do basketball as their only job being around that makes you better.

The Wurzburg power forwards Lamont Mack and Jamal Boykins obviously have some inches on you. What kind of experience has it been practicing with them and how have you preformed?

I’ve actually been more at the 5 in drills, but both guys are very solid and Lamont Mack is going to do really great things in this league this year and Ruben Spoden is a young guy who I think will have a great year as well

All you want is a try-out at a Beko BBL team. How would you sell yourself best for teams to gain interest in you?

I would say there are people that are a lot more of a risk to bring in then a guy who is currently practicing with a BBL club and has experience playing in Germany. I work hard am willing to learn and in the right system I think I could contribute to a teams goals

You are an intense and hungry rebounder at 198cm. What things do you need to do differently now under the boards with an increase in age. How does rebounding become differently and do you have to change your game a bit to keep the rebounds plentiful in your arms?

Rebounding is mainly a desire to outwork your opponent for a ball every possession and also maintain your conditioning to be able to have a body that can be an active rebounder. So at a higher level it really comes down to maintaining a high fitness level because your going against GREAT athletes every night.

Two seasons ago you played at SC Rasta Vechta helping them move up to the Pro A. .It seems like luck also has a big role in the basketball lives of players. That could have been a situation where you could of stayed and helped the team move to the Beko BBL. Does the rapid rise of Vechta surprise you?

It really doesn’t because when you have a coach who’s been in the BBL before and build a gym that is able to expand to 3,000 you had the possibly of the BBL in mind even if it wasn’t the goal at the start of the season. But they have a enthusiastic fan base that has become accustomed to winning so it will be interesting to see how their year first year goes.

What memories do you have of Whit Holcomb Faye who has made the jump from the German second Bundesliga to being a top guard in the Dutch league. Is he the best point guard that you played with as a professional?

He made me look a lot better than I was by throwing lobs at the rim anywhere on the court maybe it’s my personal bias but he should have had some type of opportunity in the BBL if he really wanted it, but he’s in a place that really values him and he deserves all of the success he is having now

Where will the journey of the Chicago Bears and Bulls end this season?

I’m not a huge Bears fan but hopefully they will make a run at the playoffs and with a Healthy D Rose the bulls should make some noise in the East, but it’s going to be tough because the East is really great this year

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Dark Knight Rises

Thanks Marcus for the chat.

Kris Douse is a 27 year old 198cm forward from Toronto, Canada  playing for  EVL-Baskets Limburg (Germany-Regionalliga) this season. He played at Laurinburg (N.C.) Institute while Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson played at Laurinburg (N.C.) prep. He started his college career at  Nebraska (NCAA) and then played two seasons at Delaware State. As a senior he played at Point Park (NAIA) playing  27 games: 20.1ppg, 12.6rpg. In 2011-2012 he started his professional basketball career at  Liverpool Mersey Tigers (United Kingdom-BBL, starting five): 18 games: 15.9ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 13.6%, FT: 54.6%; then agreed terms with Keflavik (Iceland-Express League): 6 games: 9.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 44.7%, FT: 69%. Last season he played for Turi Svitavy (Czech Republic-NBL): 2 games: 0pts, left in Oct.’12, in Nov.’12 moved to BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 17 games: 14.1ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3Pts: 10.0%, FT: 50.4%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 96-84 win against Volklingen in the first game of the season.

Congrats on the first win of the season. How did it feel playing your first game for EVL Limburg?

It felt real good to come out and get a win in the first game. We played very hard. We didn´t know if Ron Howard was going to play and found out shortly before game time. His presence really changed the way we played. The game was very fast and I love playing that kind of game.

Volklingen fought hard the whole game, but Limburg was always a tick better. What was key in getting the win?

Our shooters finally got going in the second half. In the first half, we had problems hitting shots. That was the difference in this game.

How fortunate is it to have  a strong guard tandem with Ronald Howard and Justin Stahlbohm?

They are both great players and they are always so aggressive. They keep me active throughout the game and I love running with them.

You do so much on the court, but does their play at times give you the luxury to just sit back and watch?

We have the luxury of having many scorers and our guards handle the pressure so well. I don´t really have to do much, but just happy to have these guys on the team.

This is your second consecutive season in the German Regionaliga. You have played in other countries like England and Iceland. Do you feel your game is a bit overlooked, because you are playing at  a lower level then where you could play?

My focus is to just work hard all the time and maybe sometime in my career a club in  a higher league will appreciate my game. I have learned that good things can happen if you just continue to work hard and stay humble.

Often it is about contacts that puts a player in a league. How important is getting contacts for you today in a day and age where social media is so strong?

I got this Limburg job through networking. The game and networking was a lot different 30 years ago. Now a player has to market himself to get somewhere. Now there are other ways to find open doors and you need to take advantage of it.

Your coach in Liverpool was Tony Garbelotto who is in his second season with Heidelberg. Wasn´t there an opportunity for you to go there and showcase your abilities?

When I was playing for him in England, he felt that I had a lot of potential. But to be honest I still feel that I have much to learn and basketball is still a learning process and I need to gain experience to play at the Pro A level. I need to keep working hard and then I think I could play there someday.

Your erx teammate Myles Hesson is playing in Giessen 30 kilometers away. Will you go watch him play this season

I haven´t been in contact with him for a while, but we were close in Liverpool. I have been following his career closely and actually saw the Germany-England game on TV and am proud of his development. I am very happy for his success. I will travel to Giessen and just show up and say How are you doing Myles.

What is the most amazing thing that you saw Myles Hesson do with Liverpool when you were his teammate?

He could dunk on everybody. That is what he did. He is so athletic and just so hard to stop. He is a big talent.

You played a season at Nebraska(NCAA) with Serbian big man Aleks Maric who played two seasons with top club Panathinaikos Athens. Did you know at that time that he would have such an amazing career?

He was already very good at Nebraska and was an NBA prospect. He was so big  and you couldn´t move him from the paint. I wasn´t surprised at all by his great career.

What things on your game do you still need to work on?

I think that I still need to work on my jump shot. My career since England has really developed in that now I am more versatile then I was there. I have learned that I don´t need to be dynamic at one thing on the court, but to be versatile and do many things well. The more I do this the better I will get.

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

My slashing gets overlooked. I play against bigger guys and I can cause problems in the lane with my speed.

What was your fondest memory with Marcus Neal at Delaware State?

Off the court was being his best man at his wedding in Macedonia. I have known him since 10 years and I have enjoyed watching him grow as a player and into a man. I also have enjoyed seeing his leadership grow from high school all through college.

Marcus Neal just signed with a Beko BBL team. Is his game suited for the top German league?

He can really score the ball. I have much confidence in his game and when he is in the right situation then sky is the limit.

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

The best player that I played against was Grevis Vazquez. I was playing more the two three then and was able to guard him. His leadership and energy was at a total different level when he was at Maryland.- Everybody knew that he would go to the NBA.

What were the most free throws that you made in a row?

25-30. I can still work on my free throws.

Will the Toronto Raptors ever win anything?

Well I looking forward to the NBA Allstar Day 2015. We need an allstar to carry the team.

Where do you like to be the most in Toronto?

I like to be downtown. I like the Carabana festival which is a Caribbean festival where they close down all the streets and everyone id dancing in the streets.

You played at the same high school with Quantez Robertson. He was two years older than you. What do you remember from his game?

I haven´t seen him play since then, but I can imagine he is the best defender in the German league. He is super athletic and a freak athlete.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Wolverine.

Thanks Kris for the chat.

Virgil Matthews is a 30 year old 188cm guard from Federal Way, Washington that is playing in Germany in the PRO A for Erdgas Ehingen now in his fourth season. He played at Montana (NCAA) and in his senior year played  31 games: 10.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FG: 49.8%, 3PT: 48.4%, FT: 76.1%. In 2006-2007, he turned professional and came to Germany and played for KICKZ Muenchen Basket (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 29 games: 18.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 5.2apg, 2.6spg, 2FGP: 57.3%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 66.5%. In 2007-2008, he played for Tacoma Jazz (IBL). In 2008-2009, he returned back to Germany and played for Schwelmer Baskets (Germany-Regionalliga). In 2009-2010, he played for Olympia Reign (IBL, starting five): 21 games: 23.1ppg, 7.2rpg and for Seattle Aviators (NABL).In 2010-2011, he played his first season for Erdgas Ehingen playing 32 games: 11.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 71.3%. In 2011-2012 for Ehingen, he played  28 games: 11.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-3(1.9spg), FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 77.1%. Last season for Ehingen you played  Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (Germany-ProA, starting five): 33 games: 11.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-4(2.1spg), FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 70.5%. He spoke to German Hoops about his return back to Germany shortly before the start of the Pro A season.

Virgil thanks for talking to German Hoops again. How was your summer. What were some highlights this summer on and off the court?

Well didn’t play a lot of games this summer but i’d probably say playing Hoopfest in Spokane was the basketball highlight. And just hanging with my friends out the water and at the cabin were the highlights off it.

How would a nickname like the 96 hours man suit you? I am talking about you jumping in for the Ehingen basketball season which starts in 96 hours? lol

Haha! Is it that soon? Its crazy didn’t really ever think it would happen. It is good to be back though I love the town and the people here are great.

Today the news flash came that you will return back to play for Ehingen for a fourth season. Why did you wait so long to commit back to Erdgas Ehingen? Did it take until the end of September for you to get the suitable deal from Ehingen?

Well I’m getting older was trying to see if there was more money out there or maybe see another part of the world nothing really came of it and Ehingen called last minute asking me back. It was never a terms thing with Ehingen they’ve always been very up front it was my own decision to try elsewhere.

You have been an important player for Ehingen the last years helping the team move from the Pro B up to the Pro A and keeping the team there. Do you get the feeling that management understands the worth that you have to the club?

Yea I think a lot of what I do doesn’t really show up in stats and maybe even on video. A lot of Pro-A teams rely on just Americans to do everything and maybe have some good Germans and they just play. Ehingen is really big on development, that is why that have so many ex players playing in this league and other leagues, its not the situation for everyone. I think I fit here good and I think the Management and coach know that as well.

The season starts on Sunday. This will be your 8th professional season. How challenging will it be to come in learn the plays and be a factor as quickly as possible for Erdgas Ehingen?

Playing for the same coach for 4 years there’s not that much more there is out there to do. Me and Ralph have a good feel I know what he expects from me. He knows I’m a smart player and picking up the plays won’t be that hard for me

How much will it help that you played IBL this summer and also kept in shape?

Our team only had 2 games and I only played in one. Being here so long though you understand what it takes but nothing can get you in shape like playing does. So i’m in decent shape but basketball shape is a whole other level.

Would you have come back if the head coach wasn´t Ralph Junge?

Ehingen probably wouldn’t want me back if the coach wasn’t Ralph Junge. Ralph has confidence in me. I mean he offered me a job after sitting out a year for that i’m always thankful

The team has three new Americans and a new German with Joey Ney who played with Alba Berlin. How excited are you about starting your fourth season with Erdgas Ehingen and where could the club land at the end of the season?

I’m hoping we can build off of where we were last year making playoffs and hopefully moving up some seeds and winning some games. We lost a lot from last year’s team including MVP candidate AJ Calvin but we brought in some young talent we will get better as the season goes on i’m excited!

Do you see yourself being a mentor for rookie Stacey Wilson who comes from Murray State? Is this a role that excites you with each coming year?

I don’t know if i really mentor the new Americans I think with them I just help them get used to the culture more than anything. Helping out the young Germans though is good its important to me because I want to coach one day and its good to be able to do that a little bit while still being able to play.

You have been playing for the IBL Olympia Reign for years during the summers. How has this experience over the years helped your game besides giving you game experience? Is this a time where you work on specific parts of your game?

Really I play IBL because it is a good group of guys and we enjoy it and have fun. When we are all committed and have time to be there all of the time we are a great team in the IBL but everyone works and does other things so we more so just enjoy hanging out and the competition.

What player in the Pro A are you looking most forward to battling against again?

Man there are so many vets at the position we’ve all battled. Me and Ahmad Smith always have pretty intense games since the days I was in Schwelm, I played Gary Johnson while I was there too. So those are probably the two main ones.

Where will the journey of the Seattle Sea Hawks end this season?

Super Bowl thats not even a question!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Lincoln Lawyer Pretty good movie!

Thanks Virgil for the chat.