Bakken Bears
Devaughn Akoon-Purcell (Bakken Bears) We Have To Show The Fraport Skyliners That We Didn´t Beat Them By Mistake The Last Time
Devaughn Akoon Purcell is a 23 year old 196cm forward from Orlando, Florida playing his rookie season with the Bakken Bears (Denmark-Ligaen). He started his basketball career at Eastern Oklahoma State College before moving to Illinois St. (NCAA) in 2014 where he played 28 games: 12.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.1%. In his senior year he played 31 games: 14.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 71.2%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Champions League game.
Devaughn thanks for talking to German Hoops. Christmas and the new year have passed and we are in 2017. How did you come to experience your first holiday season overseas in Denmark?
Christmas in Denmark was a little different than what I’m use to because I wasn’t with my actual family. But my girlfriend from home came to visit me so it was good not being all alone for Christmas.
On what childhood memories do you even think about today that you had when you were a kid in Orlando?
Honestly too many memories to just pick out one specific one. To pick something I will never forget will have to be winning a national championship as well as our state championship my senior year at West Oaks Academy with the record of 39-1.
Keane Thomann (Bakken Bears) My Wakeup Call In Denmark Was Not Having My Truck Which Was A Big Change
Keane Thoman is a 27 year old 211cm enter from Olney, Illinous playing his fifth professional season and second with the Bakken Bears (Denmark-Ligaen). He started his basketball career with Missouri So. (NCAA2) in 2008 where he played until 2012 playing a total of 117 games and as a senior played 30 games: 21.5ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 63.3%, FT: 72.9%. He started his professional career in 2012 with Horsens IC (Denmark-Ligaen) playing 36 games: 18.0ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 53.7%, FT: 72.7%. In his second season with Horsens IC (Denmark-Ligaen) he played 34 games: 10.1ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 69.1%. In the 2014-2015 season he played with BMI Bloodhounds (Denmark-1st Division) Last season was his first with the Bakken Bears (Denmark-Ligaen): 26 games: 5.0ppg, 2.2rpg; FIBA Europe Cup: 6 games: 2.0ppg, 1.7rpg. He spoke to German Hoops recently before the Champions League game with the Fraport Skyliners.
Thanks Keane for talking to German Hoops. You are playing your fifth season as a professional in Denmark. Could one say that Denmark is your second home now?
I’ve spent 10 months a year for the last 5 years in Denmark. I wish I could see my family more often but DK feels like home.
What have you learned to appreciate most about Denmark? Do people act surprised sometimes when they learn that you American since you have that Northern European look?
I like the simplicity of everything here. Riding bikes to get around and soaking in the atmosphere is a good way to get around. I often get confused for a Dane when I first meet people.
Devaughn Akoon-Purcell (Bakken Bears) We Approached Frankfurt With The Mindset That We Are Better Than We Have Been Playing
Devaughn Akoon Purcell is a 23 year old 196cm forward from Orlando, Florida playing his rookie season with the Bakken Bears (Denmark-Ligaen). He started his basketball career at Eastern Oklahoma State College before moving to Illinois St. (NCAA) in 2014 where he played 28 games: 12.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.1%. In his senior year he played 31 games: 14.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 71.2%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 71-65 win against the Fraport Skyliners in Champions League play.
Devaughn congrats on the huge 71-65 win. It was the first win for the Bakken Bears in the Champions League. How good is it to get that monkey off your back?
Getting our first champions league win feels more than good. Hopefully it gives us the motivation to put a couple of wins together in a row.
Devaughn Akoon Purcell (Bakken Bears) My Job Is To Go Out Every Night And Play My Heart Out
Devaughn Akoon Purcell is a 23 year old 196cm forward from Orlando, Florida playing his rookie season with the Bakken Bears (Denmark-Ligaen). He started his basketball career at Eastern Oklahoma State College before moving to Illinois St. (NCAA) in 2014 where he played 28 games: 12.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.1%. In his senior year he played 31 games: 14.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 71.2%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Champions League game against the Fraport Skyliners.
Thanks Devaughn for talking to German Hoops.You have not needed any adjustment coming overseas as you are tearing up the Denmark-Ligaen and playing very efficiently and strong in the Champions League. What has been toughest for you playing twice a week and in two different competitions and levels?
Playing twice a week and due to all the traveling has been tough. But as a professional taking care of your body plays a major role in how you perform. So I’ll say trying to eat the right things, stretch as much as possible, and lift weights consistently.
German Hoops 