James Eads III (193-G-1997, college: Tuskegee) is a 28 year old 193cm guard form Orlando, florida playing his sixth professional season overseas and first with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL). He began his basketball career at Edgewater High School and then embarked on a 4 year stay at Tuskegee University (NCAA2) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 101 games and as a senior averaged 19.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 69.7%. He turned pro in 2020 and has played in countries like Romania, Poland, Hungary and Taiwan. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Alba Berlin.
Thanks James for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second season with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan[1]ABL). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about playing for this organization?
It’s been a great experience. Sabah is a very professional club and it felt good returning to the same club for the first time in my career
Last season you won the league title with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL). How big is the hunger to repeat? Is the team as talented as last season?
There is definitely a big hunger to repeat being that Sabah has won the last three championships so we just want to keep the streak going. We truthfully might be a more well rounded team this year the team mesh’s wellThere’s
The team has 2 really talented guards with Americans with Hassani Gravett and David Nichols. What exactly is your role on the team? I would say my role is knocking down shots and using my athleticism to help the pace of the team, and being a good defender as well
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description? I would have to say someone like a Jimmy Butler
You’re a player that fills the stat sheet well. What do you feel is your biggest strength on the court? My biggest strength is my ability to shoot the ball/ physicality
You always have been a solid three pointer. Last season you reached the 40% plateau and now shooting near 40% in the BCL. What has been key for reaching the next level as a shooter?
I try to always remain confident in my shot and abilities. That even when I’ve missed a few shots in a row or had a bad game or two in a row I still feel like I’m a great shooter.
Your also a very good defender. How have you seen your development as a defender overseas. What kind of a defender do you still want to become?
Coming overseas from college it was definitely a big learning curve of how to play defense in the European game but over the years I was able to get better and better. I still feel like there’s room to grow in pressuring 94 feet every game, every possession.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? The area of my game that needs the most improvement is rebounding, that’s something I’m trying to be more intentional about.
Last season you beat Neftci in a 6 game finals series. You had many good games. What memories will you always have from winning the title?
I enjoyed our ability to regather ourselves and come together as a group to finish out the series. It was very cool moment winning that championship
You played briefly with New Taipei CTBC DEA (Taiwan-TPBL) averaging 24.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.7apg, 1.0spg. What was it like playing in the far east? What was the biggest adjustment for you on and off the court? I really enjoyed my time in Taiwan! It was a nice place to live and the league was exciting to play in. My biggest adjustment on the court was the 48 minute game instead of only 40 minutes. I don’t think I really had any big adjustments off the court
You played the 2023-2024 season with NHSZ-Szolnoki Olajbanyasz (Hungary-A Division) averaging 12.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 78.4%. You won your first chip with the cup. How special was this title for you? The cup is such a special competition. How did you experience it?
It was really special winning the cup with all that the team went through that year. Even though we won the cup it would’ve been even better finishing out a real championship but we fell short in the finals to Falco
You split the 2022-2023 with 2 teams with King Szczecin (Poland-EBL) averaging 6.7ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 62.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 47.6% and with Rawlplug Sokol Lancut (Poland-EBL) averaging 13.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 73.9%. It was your second season in Poland. What did you learn about the business side of it that season?
That season taught me that not every situation or every season will be perfect but you have to remain professional and consistent in your approach.
You played your first season in Poland with Twarde Pierniki Torun (Poland[1]EBL) averaging 12.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 26.4%, FT: 65.3%. You lost a tough playoff series against Anwil. What do you remember being the hardest thing to do as a team to try to win that series? Trying to win on the road was the toughest challenge because Anwil’s fans give them a great home court advantage
You played your rookie season with CSM Galati (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 13.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 72.1%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home? Getting off the plane in Bucharest and then not having phone service on the 3 hour drive to Galati. I was a bit shell shocked. My first year overseas was definitely rough but it prepared me for the rest of my journey
You were teammates in the second half of the season with American Drew Brandon. How vital was it having a vet like that as a rookie. What could you soak up most from his game? Drew was a great vet when he came the team and we did a 180 and was able to make it to the playoffs. I think what I took from him was his approach to the game. He was very sharp mentally
You played at Tuskegee University (NCAA2) playing 101 NCAA 2 games. You were able tó improve your scoring and rebounding averages each season. Your game really grew in your last 2 seasons averaging 16.3ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 71.9% and 19.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 69.7%. How did your game grow in your last 2 seasons? I think it was really just my approach to the game, I wanted to be the best player in the conference that year and I think I accomplished that
You had so many great games in the NCAA 2 against schools like Albany State and Spring Hill. What was your personal favorite game there?
I think one of my favorite moments was the game I reached 1000 points. I think I needed around 27-28 points and before the game I told my teammates I was going to get it.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Travis Flagg? Love him to death but he’s too small so I’d say me lo
Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? At the D2 level there’s not many people that reach the NBA but Rodnerius Lewis and Tyrius Walker were some of the better players I played against
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Maurice Watson, Anfernee Simons, Myles Thomas, Demajeo Wiggins, Trevor Thompson
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? LeBron, Jordan, Kobe, Steph
Who is your GOAT? LeBron is the best player to ever touch a basketball!
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I think I seen it once, and I honestly don’t think it was that bad. Definitely not close to the first one but it’s a decent movie.
Raymond Cowells is a 35 year old 191cm guard from Minnesota playing his 13th professional season and 6th in Poland and first with Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL). He has celebrated a real basketball globetrotter career having played in countries like Holland, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, France and Hungary while strapping on the jersey for 13 organizations. He began his basketball career at Hopkins high school and then played 130 NCAA games for Santa Clara(NCAA) between 2009-2013. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Rostock SeaWolves.
Thanks Raymond for talking to germanhoops.com. Your in your 12th professional season and in your 7th season. Back at Santa Clara you were teammates with Kevin Foster who was a walking bucket in the NCAA averaging 19,0ppg every season where you were there. His career overseas was very short. If someone had told you in 2013 after Santa Clara(NCAA) that you would still be grinding overseas in 2025 what would you have thought?
Kevin did have a talent to put the ball in the basket. As for your question. I would have believed them. I know how hard I worked to get to where I was in college and I intended to work that hard or even harder as a Professional.
Even if you have played in 7 countries in 13 seasons, you have spent half your career in Poland. Has Poland become like a second home for you?
Yes, Poland is my second home. My beautiful Fiancee is Polish. I have learned to love the culture and landscape. I have also found a way to help the polish basketball youth and any players that want to come through Poland. Mainly in Warsaw.
Your playing your first season with Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL). What kind of an experience has it been for you. You won the double 2 seasons ago and Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL) have won a few titles the last few years. What kind of a feeling do you have with this years team concerning adding new rings?
I have great feelings with this Team! The organization and team culture of winning is present and alive here. I am very excited to see what we can accomplish this season.
You’re a very experienced player that has been a consistent scorer wherever you have been. This season you have many other talented guys around you? Your still putting up solid stats at age 35. What exactly is your role this season besides being a mentor?
My main role is to play basketball. I am on the team to contribute and shoot the ball like I have always done. I still have a lot to bring to a team even at my age. Which is only a number. Mentor is for sure part of it, but I wouldn’t put too much weight on that word. It’s more of a lead by example situation. I am always there for the guys if they need me for advice, secrets, or just to vent too.
You have been an amazing three point shooter and have shot 40% or better in a season in Holland, France, Finland, Poland, Basketball Champions League and Fiba Europe Cup. What has been your personal secret to being able to shoot so well in so many different places and competitions?
My personal secret isn’t really a secret, most shooters and great players already know this. It is the unwavering belief in yourself and the repetitions over the years that get you through anytime as professional. This is what keeps you shooting the ball well, or from being in a slump to having that break out shooting game.
You also have been an amazing free throw shooter shooting above 90% many times. Is the 90/50/40 mark something you shoot for?
I have goals in mind and they are higher than the 90/50/40 mark. If I ever get below 90/50/40 then I will use that as a mark. Until then I am just trying to make all the shots I take.
Last season you played with MKS Dabrowa Gornicza (Poland-OBL) averaging 14.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT-4(95.1%). What kind of an experience was it playing for this organization? What did you enjoy most about this season?
This season was a rollercoaster of emotions. It is very hard to describe and as you can see I didn´t shoot that well from 3 point land. However, we completed our goal and I learned a lot about myself as a player and person. So I am forever grateful for this experience and every experience. There was something special about playing to stay in the league. It always becomes more meaningful when you have a clear goal as a team.
In 2023-204, you played with Legia Warszawa (Poland-OBL) averaging 8.9ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 89.7%. This was your second tour of duty with them. You played King in the playoffs and your minutes were drastically reduced. What memories do you have of that playoff series?
That was a tough series for me professionally. Until this day I do not know why my minutes decreased or what circumstances lead to me not playing as much. All I could do was look in the mirror, remember that I am a great player, and keep working to make sure that I don’t ever end up in a situation like that again.
In 2022-2023 you won the double with Falco-Vulcano Energia KC Szombathely (Hungary-A Division) averaging 12.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 82.5%. You beat Arconic-Alba in the finals and scored 22 points in game 4. What was so special about this team?
This was a great learning season for me as it was the first time that I ever came off the bench and I realized it’s not about if you start. It’s about how you impact the game. I realized that my impact could be could be the same or even better from the bench and I adjusted my mindset to do just that. The atmosphere of the team was a winning attitude and everyone could feel that. We all worked toward that goal of winning a championship from day 1 and that´s what made my time there special.
You played the 2021-2022 season with Legia Warszawa (Poland-EBL) averaging 14.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 84.7%; and in the FIBA Europe Cup averaged 15.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.6apg, SPG-5(1.7), FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 84.2%. You had a strong series against Slask, but lost. You lost 3 close games. What made it so hard to get over the hump?
This was a great year for me personally and the team we had was strong and we put it together at the right moments. Going into the finals we suffered a couple of injuries within our team and we were exhausted from trying to play multiple roles and minutes that we were used to going up against a fully loaded team in Slask. It was a series that is hard to forget and leaves a lot of “what if’s” in your mind as a player.
Except for a short stay in France you played with PGE Spojnia Stargard Szczecinski (Poland-EBL) from 2019-2020 averaging PPG-4(18.3), 5.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 37.3%, 3PT: 43.7%, FT: 80.5% and 13.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 75.6%. What was so special about this organization? You played 2 seasons with them something you didn´t do so often in your career?
This was an opportunity that I had to take full advantage of. I built a good relationship with the city and with the management as also had unfinished business because the covid year was right in between these seasons. I didn’t think I would end up in Poland after playing in France the year before and didn’t think I would find myself back with the same team. However, It goes to show you how unpredictable this life can be for a foreign basketball player trying to create a career. I took was I was given and started to go where I was appreciated and celebrated. Rather than chasing the money or the big clubs.
In your second season you dropped 28 points in a win over Anwil with 8 three´s. Is that a game you remember or are there simply too many games that have occurred in your career?
I remember most of my big games as I think any player would. I didn’t realize until later how big that performance actually was. I have always felt like I belong and that I am one of the better shooters in any league. So when I have a performance like this I feel it is normal until I look back and understand that these games don’t happen everyday.
After paying your dues early in your pro career in Holland and Finland, you then made the next step to a top league in Europe with the Pro A in France where you played two seasons. The first stop was Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA) where you averaged 15.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 76.5%. How did you like the Pro A? You proved right away that you could hold your own with anyone.
This was one of the more proud moments in my career. To make it to this league and to be able to prove to myself that I was indeed as good as I thought I could be. We know the French league is not short on talent. So to be able to play against some of the best that that ended up playing in euroleague or even NBA is a special moment for me. I am lucky to be able to have had such an opportunity.
In your second season you played with Boulazac Basket Dordogne (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) averaging 9.4ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT-1(96.4%). You had many great games in both seasons. What was your fondest moment there?
I would have to say the best moment for me was when I made the classic toss of the back out of bounds play for an and 1 against a solid contender in the league. Its small but it´s something that I will never forget. We were also only 1 win away from making the playoff and history for the club as they had only been in the top league for 2 years at that point.
You twice played NBA Summer League with Memphis in 2015 and 2017. What memories do you have of both times. The NBA looked different then than now. Back then you had older guys playing whereas now it seems like it´s all very young guys.
This was an experience that you dream of! I just remember coming out for warm up an seeing greats like, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and many others just waiting to see who was going to put on a show. The competition was great and the experience was better than your best dream.
You also played a season with the Helsinki Seagulls (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.7ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 84.5%. You were teammates with the great Jason Conley that had some fine seasons in Germany. What memories do you have of him?
Jason was a great guy first and foremost and college basketball legend. So to be able to have him on my team as a veteran was everything I needed. He gave me a lot of wisdom and always reminded me to enjoy and have fun on my journey because it wouldn’t last forever.
You also played a season with the Mike Pero Nelson Giants (New Zealand-NBL) averaging 25.7), 5.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT-2(87.8%). What kind of an experience was it playing in New Zealand and living there? What was your most memorable experience off the court?
This was a one of a kind season for me. The people in New Zealand are beyond friendly and relaxed. They treat you like family and show that life is to be lived. Not just to grind so hard that you can’t enjoy a coffee or brunch with family and friends. It was bigger than just basketball in that city. It was a true community with history and landscapes that everyone in the world should try to see in person. I remember my time when the team took me to a natural spring spewed out from the middle of a mountain. I can’t remember the name but it was a spiritual and fulfilling experience that I will never forget.
You played your rookie season with the The Bright Kings Den Helder (Holland-Eredivisie) averaging 10.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 85.5%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?
My wake up call, that made me realize that I wasn’t in California anymore, was getting off the plane and not understanding a single word. The jet lag along with the crazy spelling of signs had me tired for at least a month. There were so many different things. The size of the stadiums to the snacks that were considered customs. All of these things came as a complete culture shock that I soon learned that I needed to welcome and adapt to if I was going to find some sort of comfort in a foreign land.
You played at Santa Clara University (NCAA) from 2009-2013 playing a total of 130 NCAA games. You scored more than 1000 points in your career there. You had some big games in the NCAA like scoring 20 points in a 65-64 win over Villanova or having 2 good scoring games in losing causes to Gonzaga What would you rate as your biggest achievement in the NCAA?
Our biggest achievement as a team was winning two championships in the lesser know end of season college tournaments. The CBI and CIT. Personally, I remember having a huge game in the 76 classic tournament that was nationally televised so all of my family and friends could watch.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kevin Foster?
This was a battle that never ended. He was an amazing talent that could shoot the lights out as well. If you as me it was close but as the coach saw it he was better so he got the start and bigger green light over me.
Who is the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
So many tough players to name, from Klay Thompson to a young Kawhi Leonard. I think a player that was toughest was Steven Gray from Gonzaga. He knew what kind of player he was at an early age and had the size and skill to play against anyone.
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
Ray Allen (because he was the player I studied the most and idolized, especially young Ray)
Kenny Goins (201-PF-1996, college: Michigan St.) is a 29 year old 201cm forward that is playing his sixth professional season and first with Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL). He has gathered valuable experience playing in countries like Italy, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Mexico, France and New Zealand. He began his basketball career at Warren Mott High School. He then played at Michigan State (NCAA) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 131 games and in his last season averaged 7.9ppg, 8.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 72.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against German team Rostock Seawolves.
Thanks Kenny for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your 7th season in your 8th country. Do you feel like the ultimate basketball globetrotter? I definitely feel honored to have traveled and seen as much of the world as I have.
Your playing your first season with Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL)What kind of an experience ha sit been so far? What have you enjoyed most about the experience? It’s been a great experience both on and off the floor and I’m excited for the next few months.
Congrats on reaching the next round of the Fiba Europe Cup. The club has won 2 titles in the last 2 seasons. Do you sense a special culture in the organization in terms of having that will to win? It definitely feels like the front office knows how to win it and we feel like we have the tools to do it.
What kind of a role do you have on the team? You are a guy that is very versatile. What special assignments do you have when you step on the court? I feel like I try to fit in where I’m needed per game. It’s not always the same assignment.
You have never been that scorer in your career, but always can if needed. Are you a type of a Swiss army knife? I try my best to win and it usually isn’t scoring that is lacking.
You played last season with the Manawatu Jets (New Zealand-NBL) averaging 10.7ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, BPG-5 (1.5), FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 70.6%. How vital was this experience coming off a tough season in France? It was nice to pick it back up in a bigger role after a bit of time off with the birth of my child.
You played the 2023-2024 season with Limoges CSP Elite (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 3.6ppg, 2.8rpg. You had 2 good games in wins over Nancy. How tough was this season? What did you learn from it? It was tough as a personal experience playing a lesser role in a minutes sense but I still tried my best to stay ready and active when I had my chance
You were with Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys (Lithuania-LKL) only in pre-season in the 2022-2023 season and then finished the season with Correcaminos UAT Victoria (Mexico-LNBP) averaging 5.4ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP-3 (68.8%), 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 84.6%. What kind of an experience was Mexico? It is a rising league isn´t it? Americans like playing in Mexico.
I would say it’s nice because it’s close to home and a much more familiar culture being so close. It is a tough league physically and talent wise as well.
You split the 2021-2022 season with GS Lavrio Aegean Cargo (Greece-GBL) averaging 4.6ppg, 3.9rpg: and in Dec.’21 moved to Atomeromu SE Paks (Hungary-A Division) averaging 8.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 28.6%. How did you experience Greece the second time around? Why was it a short stay? Greece is always a good league to play in. It just wasn’t a fit for the team and me. I don’t have any hard feelings as I was able to play better in Hungary personally.
You finished the season strong in Hungary. It was another stamp in your passport. How do you remember Hungary? Is it a place where you would play again? I can’t ever say I won’t play anywhere given my past.
You played the 2020-2021 season with Kolossos H Hotels Rodou (Greece-A1) averaging 9.8ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 71.0%. Despite Covid being there, you had a successful season. You had an incredible 34 point explosion against Aris. Was that one of your best pro games?
That was definitely one of my best pro games. I think outside of the offense, it was a well rounded game and even more important, a win in a needed part of the season.
You were teammates with top defender Kevin Tumba. Was he a guy where you could soak up some of his defensive qualities? He was a menace in the paint on defense.
You played your rookie season with 2B Control Trapani (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 11.5ppg, 6.5rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 73.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
I think every pro experiences the lack of foul calls compared to domestic players and that was the first time I really had felt some sort of difference consistently.
You spent some time with Denver at the NBA Summer League playing 1 game scoring 8 points against Houston. What memories do you have of that time? What was your coolest moment there? Did you meet any NBA legends? It was a great experience to see how basketball at the top level operates and just be a part of.
You played at Michigan State from 2015-2019 playing a total of 131 games. In your first 3 seasons you averaged 2/3 but made a huge jump in your senior year averaging 7.9ppg, 8.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 72.9%. How did your game grow in the NCAA? The confidence became much more apparent and trusting my own skills
You played 2 seasons together with future NBA players Miles Bridges and Xavier Tillman. What memories will you always have from them? How did they help make your game better in the daily battles in practice? They were always great to compete against. They worked harder than most people I know so to keep up they pushed you to work harder.
You won 2 BIG 10 titles. Which one was sweeter?
You can never compare one from the other because I’m proud of both.
You reached the Elite 8 as a senior. What memories do you have of the big 68-67 win over Duke where you had a 10/9 game and faced Zion Williamson who had a big 24/14 effort in the loss. All good ones. Feel like I can remember every play my teammates made as much as the shot I made at the end.
How did head coach Tom Izzo groom and prepare you best for a professional career? He always pushed you to be better than you were the day before. So the work ethic is always instilled in you.
Who is the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? Probably Caleb Swanigan
When you cover guys in the German Pro B, you see players come and go. The Pro B is a league that features many young Germans who use it as platform to get minutes and make the next step. Others guys that aren´t as talented either continue to make a career of it there or play in lower leagues like the Regionalliga. Seeing Americans play a long time in the Pro B isn´t typical either as often they are rookies when they arrive and then move on to other countries. But every now and then you will experience Americans who will remain for a long time. 2 guys that come to mind right away are DJ Woodmore and Omari Knox. The latter retired recently while Woodmore is still in the pro B playing his 8th season with the Ahorn Camp Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB). But there are even Germans who play in the Pro B for a long stretches and one of those in Sebastian Heck (201-SF-1995) By way of the Pro A where he played 5 seasons, he has also seen his time in the Pro B where he is in his 8th season and in his 10th season with the Dresden Titans. I saw Heck play the first time in January 2015 in the BCM in Frankfurt as he was teammates with Woodmore with the BIS Baskets Speyer where he steered 8 points and his teammate DJ Woodmore had a productive 15/7/6 game, but lost a nail bitter in the last seconds 75-73 as Benjamin Kaufold suffered a turnover to end the game. More than 10 years later, I witnessed Heck again in November 2025 in the BCM in Frankfurt as he came there with a 1-3 record in that building, but this time he helped Dresden beat Frankfurt convincingly 80-63 with a great 15/3/5/5 game that featured 2 incredible trick plays including a lob pass that never reached teammate Duje Putnik, but instead counted as a three pointer that saw nothing but net. That play would surely have given Steph Curry a smile. He would have had a few more games in Frankfurt, but since Dresden played in the Pro B north some years didn´t get to play more in Frankfurt. He did remember how many wins he had had in Frankfurt. “I only remember one win. Playing at BCM is always unfamiliar and difficult. Maybe that’s why I haven’t won too many games there yet”, stated Sebastian Heck I also saw Heck play when he played in the Pro A with Hanau and Dresden during other years. Heck will meet his former teammate DJ Woodmore again in the next game. The German is in his 16th pro season and was never a scorer or athletic, but his versatility has helped him carve out a fruitful 16 year professional career.
pic credit: Daniel Madlung
Sebastian Heck who mentions Domantas Sabonis as being his toughest opponent that he has ever faced in his career was born on August 29, 1995. He began his basketball career with the BIS Baskets Speyer and played in the Regionalliga from 2010-2013 and then played 2 seasons with them in the Pro B averaging 6.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 56.3%, and 9.0ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.9apg, 1.4spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 36.8%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 59.7%. That second season was the best scoring average that he would ever achieve in his professional season up to now. In those early years in Speyer, he had some incredible veterans on board like Marcus Smallwood, Tobias Soll, Jay Thomas and Benjamin Kaufold. Was there a player or coach that was like a mentor in that early period? “I had a lot of good youth coaches that saw my potential. Benjamin was actually first a coach and later a really good teammate and friend”, said Sebastian Heck In his last season in Speyer in 2014-2015, he would be teammates for the only season with then rookie DJ Woodmore. “Speyer is lucky to have a guy like DJ. A Leader and someone they can always rely on. Also you always have a good time with him. I’m looking forward to see him again. Every game against Speyer is special for me. It’s my hometown. Family and Friends will be there. And a lot of good memories”, explained Sebastian Heck After a second potent season in the Pro B with Speyer, he made the next jump with the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau (ProA). However he couldn´t make the next jump there as he played only 17 games averaging 1.6ppg, 1.2rpg. Up to then he gathered valuable experience with the German U-15. U-16, U-18 and U-20 teams and had played at the U-20 European Championship (FIBA EuroBasket) in Lignano Sabbiadoro (Italy) -2015 playing 8 games averaging 4.5ppg, 2.4rpg. “As a young player who was eager to turn pro and had a great summer with the U-20 national team, it was difficult for me to play so little. It felt like a wasted season. But I learned that you have to keep working on certain things and make the most of every opportunity”, remembered Sebastian Heck In Hanau he was teammates with Luke Loucks and his assistant coach was Ryan Pannone. Both now are employed by NBA clubs. Did he notice then that they had something special about themselves that could help them make gigantic steps like that? “They were always big in players skill developing. And have found their way into the NBA through individual player workouts”, added Sebastian Heck
The versatile player who mentions Daniel Kirchner, Grayson Murphy, Andi Obst, Christian Sengfelder, and Georg Voigtmann as his 5 best teammates of all-time then made the next step and right one moving to the Dresden Titans in 2016 where he has been now for 10t seasons. He hasn´t regretted making the decision to move to Dresden. “Speyer is my hometown and will always be special for me. Dresden is the Home I chose, I’m very grateful that I was always welcome and able to build a family here. The mixture of gratitude, solidarity, and the feeling of having experienced a genuine piece of club history”, commented Sebastian Heck His first season in Dresden, was definitely one to forget as the team went 2-28 having one 10 game losing streak and another 14 game losing streak to end the season. He played 30 games averaging 4.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.1apg. Losing a tough 130-125 OT game at the start against Paderborn kind of set the tone. “It was a terrible season with a lot of different players and coaches. We lost a few close ones in the beginning like Paderborn and then we couldn’t stop the downward spiral”, remembered Sebastian Heck He then moved down to the Pro B where he played for 5 years. This was some of his most productive years in the Pro B with his scoring as he averaged 8/4 one season and twice 7/4 seasons. He was back in Frankfurt in the BCM in the 2017-2018 season to battle future NBA player Isaac Bonga where had his typical filling the stat sheet game with a 8/5/3/1/1 game, but suffered a 79-68 loss and saw Bonga register a 4/3/3/1 game. “Bonga was already a huge talent back than for a good reason. Playing different Positions, good athlete, very agile. He just wasn’t a good three-point shooter yet”, explained Sebastian Heck In the 2021-2022 season, he helped the Titans move back to the Pro A averaging 7.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, BPG-5 (1.3), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 67.5%. “It was kind of a cliche, but we had no egos no star Players. The whole Team was a group that loved to hang out together almost 24/7. Team chemistry was great that made it easy in the court”, remembered Sebastian Heck The Titans finished first that season in the Pro B south with a 19-3 record having a 8 game winning streak and 7 game winning streak and swept the 49ers and Wolmirstedt in the playoffs and beat Duesseldorf in the fínal.
Pic Credit: Patrick Klix
The ex Hanau forward who mentions Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Larry Bird, and Steph Curry on his NBA Mount Rushmore and Dennis Schroeder, Franz Wagner, Dirk Nowitzki, Detlef Schrempf, and Satou Sabally on his German Mount Rushmore then played in the Pro A with the Dresden Titans from 2022-2025. In this period, the organization had a great run finishing a surprising 5th in their first season back reaching the playoffs and being swept by Giessen and then reaching 9th and 11th place. The German played 92 Pro A games in this span averaging 5/4. He had some very special teammates in this time like Mr triple double Grayson Murphy. “Grayson had a great season with us. Even though he missed a third of the season injured he was always a Triple Double threat. It looks Like he knows exactly where the ball is going to be”, said Sebastian Heck He also was teammates with energetic guard Daniel Kirchner who was long off the radar after paying his dues in the Pro B and Tanner Graham who plays like Larry Bird. “I guess coming from Alba Berlin he had tough competition on his team and like you said it took him a little longer to develop. I’m excited to see If he can move up to BBL with Göttingen. I would love to see him in the first League. He deserves it. Tanner is a great player even greater personality. His way to approach the game, just smart and obviously his ability to space the floor is something I admired”, remembered Sebastian Heck He was also teammates from 2016-2022 with Max Von der Wippel and now is reunited again with him as he is back with the team in a special role playing mostly for the second team, but having a license to play Pro B games as well. “I spent a lot of time with Max. I’ve known him the longest. Even when he played two seasons with Coburg we stayed in touch”, said Sebastian Heck He had so many great memories in the Pro A, but was there one that was most memorable? “Our first derby against Jena was one of the best. And last season against Nürnberg I had a double double with assists and rebounds”, remembered Sebastian Heck Now the Titans are back in the Pro B despite having still been able to compete in the Pro A as their results were more than good, but last summer the club decide to continue to play in the Pro B. Sometimes basketball politics outweigh the success on the court. “It was frustrating to have done everything right in sporting Terms and yet to be denied the chance to compete at a higher level with our Club”, added Sebastian Heck The team is currently 4-6 and still finding it´s rhythm, but early season injuries have hindered their success. This season farm teams like Munich and Orange Academy have started off strong mainly because years of young guys playing together has really sharpened the team chemistry early on. Has the league gotten stronger or weaker in his absence? “I wouldn’t necessarily say that the League is stronger or weaker. I have the feeling it got a bit younger, with a lot of farm teams. As a result, it’s less experienced, but also faster and more athletic”, said Sebastian Heck
The 201cm small forward who can´t decide between Jordan and Lebron for his GOAT is a player that compares his game to Golden State Warrior Draymond Green, but without the off court antics. He found his niche early on that scoring wouldn´t be his meal ticket, but rather being versatile. “Versatility is very important for me, because I’m not a scorer and not a good Athlete. So I have to find other solutions”, stressed Sebastian Heck This season he is averaging near 10,0ppg a career best and close to 10,0rpg a massive rise from 4,0rpg which was his best for a season in his career. “I have a different role in this team, play more on the center position than I used to. I try to give the team what it needs and this season so far we struggled with our rebounds”, stated Sebastian Heck He is also a very active defender, but wouldn´t call himself a 2-way player. “I’m playing defense with pride. But on offense I need help from my teammates”, said Sebastian Heck He definitely is a different player in 2025 than in 2022 before he got 3 more additional years of experience in the Pro A. “It was a lot of fun. I was lucky to have great teammates for all 3 seasons. I was able to find my role as an undersized big who had the ball in his hands a lot and can initiate the offense. And on defense guard multiple positions”, stated Sebastian Heck Even if scoring never seemed important to him, he does take in those moments with immense glee when he has a great scoring game like in Frankfurt recently with 15 points. “Scoring was never my strong side, so I’m enjoying those games”, smiled Sebastian Heck who remembers not losing to Tanner Graham in 1-1. Heck is 30 years old still has many more good years in front of him. The question will be how much longer does he still want to play and how much longer will his motor still be charging? “I go from season to season and see how well my body is doing and then I will make my decision”, stated Sebastian Heck He also knows exactly how he would like fans to remember him one day when all is said and done as a player. “I hope that fans will always remember me as a guy that always gave all and always put the success of the team first”, said Sebastian Heck I hope that he will play many more seasons so I can keep witnessing his versatile play. I will never forget that great game in Frankfurt this season where he pulled a combination of Doncic/Curry with a few trick plays. I´m sure he will unravel a few more trick plays and woo everyone in the arena before he hangs it up one day.
For Americans getting prepared for that grind overseas happens mostly with their experiences playing at the university and college levels in the United States. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the NCAA or JUCO or somewhere in between in the NCAA 3, every baller lets those years affect them in a special way. That unique time in their lives is often some if not their best times of their lives. The whole experience gets a bit sweeter when you can spend that time with your teammates. It is very rare for guys to be teammates for the whole 4 years mainly because guys will transfer or even leave early for the NBA. It is even more uncommon when 2 guys are teammates for 5 years. That was the case for Grant Golden (208-C-1998, college: Richmond) and Jacob Ginyard, 2 exceptional players who right away made an impact as freshmen in 2017 and left leaving an impact as their 5 years definitely left a mark on the school. Both were as consistent as only they could be averaging scoring in double figures all 5 years as Golden averaged 14,0ppg and 6,0rpg and Gilyard 12,0ppg and 5,0apg. Both spent time in the G-League while Gilyard even reached the NBA with Memphis and both are living the dream overseas now with Gilyard in Italy and Golden in Spain. Even years after being teammates, the collective memories and feelings towards each other still remain strong. ‘Jacob is my brother. I talk to him almost everyday and I am hoping I can go see him in Italy during one of the international breaks if we have some time off. He is family for me and my favorite person I have ever played with’, stressed Grant Golden. It is only logical that the feeling is mutual. ‘Calling him a best friend would be an understatement. He is like a brother for me. We met when we were younger. Through basketball we had similar ideas on and off the court. Living together and spending so much time on the court brought us really close. We talk all the time. I’m super happy for all the success that he has had. I love the guy. He will be at my wedding and be the God father of my kids. He is an incredible basketball player but even better human being. I can’t say enough good things about him. His family is like family to me. I love the guy’, stressed Jacob Gilyard.
Golden who names John Collins from Wake Forest as his toughest cover in the NCAA was born on January 15th, 1998 in Richmond, Virginia and first played high school basketball at Sherando high school and then transferred to St James school in Hagerstown, Maryland. In his senior year he averaged 17,2ppg, 10,3rpg and 3,5apg leading his team to the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference title and was named the Washington county Co player of the year. He then embarked on a illustrious career at Richmond University (NCAA). He was able to play so long mainly because he was a red shirt freshman in 2017 on account of a irregular heart beat so he had to get a cardiac Ablation to correct his heart rhythm which only allowed him to play 9 games in 2016-2017. In his years at Richmond, he reached 2 NIT Elite 8’s and even reached the Big Dance. He left Richmond having the magical 2000 points and 1000 rebounds. It was only apparent that his years at Richmond were very special. ‘My time at the University of Richmond was definitely some of the best years of my life. My teammates there have become my best friends. We enjoyed playing with each other and accomplished a lot together. I wouldn’t trade my time at Richmond for anything’, warned Grant Golden. In his last 5 seasons from 2017-2022, he played 151 NCAA games and displayed his massive consistency scoring in double figures in 122 games. He had some great games against Wyoming scoring 33 points, 26 points against UAB, 24 points against La Salle and 24 points against Wake Forest. He is very blessed to have had a coach in Chris Mooney who not only helped groom and prepare him for a pro career on the court, but also off the court. ‘Coach Mooney not only made me a better basketball player, but a better person as well. He treated us like we were part of his family during our time at Richmond. I know I can count on him for anything and that he will always be there for me’, stated Grant Golden. Who remembered senior TJ Cline winning 99% of their 1-1 battles in practice when he was a freshman. Awards and achievements that he gathered up at Richmond were being named to the All-Atlantic 10 Third Team -2018, 19, 21, Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team -2018, All-Atlantic 10 Second Team -2020, NABC Division I All-District 4 Second Team -2020, 21, Atlantic 10 All-Tournament Team -2022, and Atlantic 10 Tournament Winner -2022
The Virginia native who lists Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore began his rookie season in 2022 playing 4 NBA Summer League games with the Atlanta Hawks where he averaged 3/3. He then played his rookie season with the Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League) averaging 14.6ppg, 9.3rpg, 4.8apg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 69.4%. He will never forget his wake up call to being employed by an NBA team and witnessing a player that so many guys would love to practice with. ‘I was able to earn an exhibit-10 contract with the Denver Nuggets which allowed me to participate in their preseason and training camp before I went to the g-league team. Seeing Jokic up close in personal every single day, seeing how effortless everything seemed for him, and watching how it felt like he knew things before they even happened was incredible. It is an experience I do not take for granted’, remembered Grant Golden. He was very fortunate to share the court with some NBA guys like Chasson Randle and Jared Butler who like him are overseas now as well. ‘ I got to play with some great players while in the United States. Jared and Chasson were certainly towards the top of that list. Really high level guards with a great control of the game. They made me a much better player during my time in the g-league’, said Grant Golden. He took full advantage of his time in the G-League scoring in double figures in 37 of 50 games including scorching Greensboro with a 31/13/8 game and had 2 triple doubles against Delaware and Cleveland. He showed that he was a versatile modern day big man in the G-League. ‘Versatility has definitely always been a part of my game. I have certainly never been the fastest or strongest person on the court, especially at my position. So I have always had to find different ways to be effective and have success’, stated Grant Golden. Even if he is a versatile big man like a Jokic and Isaiah Hartenstein, he never really felt like his versatile game would get him an automatic ticket to the NBA. ‘ Those guys are on a different level. Sengun is another one in that category of versatile bigs that I enjoy watching. Their natural feel for the game is something that is unmatched and really fun to watch at that level’, added Grant Golden.
The versatile big man who lists Michael Jordan as his Goat and Jacob Gilyard as one of his 5 best teammates of all time played his first season overseas with Vanoli Basket Cremona (Italy-Serie A) averaging 9.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 10.0%, FT: 74.5%. It isn’t always easy for Americans coming overseas getting used to the culture and language and sometimes not finding a Mcdonalds when you need it, but for him, he discovered something special that you don’t see in the NBA so much as a wake up call. ‘I think the wake up call in my first season in Cremona was seeing some of the crowds and fans for the first time. We had our very first preseason game against Brescia and their gym was almost full and it was loud from beginning to end. To see that level of passion at a preseason game is not something that you would ever see in the United States. So very early on you realize how much these teams mean to the people in the respective city and very quickly you realize that every game, every possession matters. That is what makes it so special here in Europe and why I love playing here’, warned Grant Golden. He was fortunate to have Wayne Mcullough as a teammate in his first season Italy who really showed him the ropes. ‘Wayne is a great guy. He was certainly a great teammate to have as a foreign player being in my first year abroad. He was super helpful both on and off the court. Our team in Cremona was very close and we all spent a lot of time together. I got the privilege of getting to know his family well. I couldn’t say enough good things about him and I am glad I got to play with him in his last year before he decided to retire and move to a new chapter in life. He played his second pro season with AEK Betsson Athens (Greece-GBL) averaging 7.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 56.2%, FT: 72.4%; and in the Basketball Champions League averaged 10.5ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 61.3%, FT: 71.1%. He had the fortune to play against great high level players in Greece and had 2 really good games against Euroleague teams Panathinaikos and Olympiacos in losing causes. He netted 14 points against both teams. ‘I have great memories from my entire season at AEK. We had a great year and I think certainly shocked people by making the Final Four for Champions league. The games against Panathinaikos and Olympiacos were certainly a lot of fun. Any time you get the chance to play a Euroleague team it is a great challenge. So to go up against two of the best over the last couple of years was a great experience’, remembered Grant Golden.
The ex Richmond forward who never saw the sequel to the classic Coming To America is playing his fourth pro season and first with BAXI Manresa (ACB) and couldn’t be happier about his new challenge. ‘It has been a great experience so far. I am grateful to be in another beautiful country, playing for a great organization. Our management, staff, and coaches are all top notch and super professional. I think we have a great group of guys that enjoy playing with one another. The best part for me is being at another organization with great fans and support from the city. It means a lot to the players when the people and the fans care so much about the team’, commented Grant Golden. He had a good BCL campaign last season and now wants to make the next step in a higher competition with the Eurocup. ‘I think both Champions League and Eurocup are great competitions with high level teams in both. The biggest difference for me is the fact that there are no bye weeks in Eurocup. We will for sure have two games every week unlike Champions league. So mentally and physically preparing yourself for that work load, and being able to learn from a game quickly and shift focus to the domestic league on the weekend I think has been the biggest difference. Every individual, and the team, has to try and be very efficient with our schedules and time on the court’, stressed Grant Golden. Currently he is averaging 11/5/2 in the ACB, and 8/6/4 stats in the Eurocup. He is demonstrating how efficient he can be in the ACB at 18 minutes per game. ‘I think my IQ and passing ability definitely is a big part of my roll with Manresa. We play at very fast pace, therefore there is some freedom and decisions have to be made quickly. So I think I am able to use my IQ and passing ability to help the team get quality looks on offense and be a threat in the pick and roll and helping people get open shots’, commented Grant Golden.
An interesting aspect to his game is that despite being a versatile player, he hasn’t really incorporated a three pointer into his game yet. Is that something that he just didn’t have to do because every team has more shooters than ever? ‘I used to be a very good shooter when I was younger and in high school. I shot it a little bit at university but overtime, as other parts of my game developed, the three pointer is something that I didn’t really use anymore. It is definitely something that I would like to regain. Our coaches here in Manresa are pushing me to work on it a little bit every day to regain the idea and the confidence to do so. Hopefully overtime, and with more reps, it is something that I could maybe get back to’, warned Grant Golden. This season he has a specific part of his game that he is working on, a system that he has never played in before. ‘Coach Diego has us playing at a fast pace here in Manresa. I think one of the biggest things that I want to show is that I am capable of playing in such a system. The teams that I have played on before have all played much slower and much more in the half court. So I am excited for the opportunity to hopefully show that I can play in these faster systems as well with high levels of intensity on both ends’, added Grant Golden. He is extremely fortunate to have a coach in Spaniard Diego Ocampo who is a hard coach, but fair. ‘I think Coach is extremely smart, detailed oriented, and certainly knows a lot about the game. The thing I appreciate the most is the fact that he doesn’t allow us to be complacent or satisfied with any success. He knows that we can always give more and continue to improve no matter what. It his job to get this type of effort out of us and make sure it is consistent for all of us. So the honesty in this area and the constant push for me, whatever that may be for any individual on the team, is what I appreciate the most’, said Grant Golden. He has reached one of the top leagues overseas with the ACB, but what is missing from reaching the Euroleague? ‘I don’t really think about that too much. If you would have asked me before I came overseas what one of my goals was, making it to the ACB would have been towards the top of the list and is definitely something that I am proud of. But for me, making sure that I continue to improve as a player, and give my all for the shirt that I wear any given year is what is most important for me. I am excited to be a part of a historical club like Manresa and hope to be a part of a team that the fans are proud of the effort we give every night’, warned Grant Golden. It will be interesting to see where the journey of Golden will continue to go in the next years. Who knows maybe one day, he will land in the Euroleague. Then the only thing missing would be being reunited with Jacob Gilyard again as teammates somewhere overseas.
Robert Brown (203-F-1998, college: TxWes) is a baller overseas who has been used to nice weather climates in his life. He grew up in Dallas, Texas where he wasn’t used to balmy summers, but toasty summers in the 90’s while in the winters it got cold, but also warm in the 60’s in February. Now in November with winter around the corner, the power forward is living the dream playing his rookie season overseas with German Regionalliga team Aschaffenburg Baskets living in a historic old German city which sits on the Main river and has a beautiful castle named Johannisburg. The winters are cold and damp. But thankfully for him he got an introduction to cold winters when he was at Iona (NCAA).
‘The weather has gotten very cold I’m adjusting a little bit to it but I’m already used to this type of weather because I’ve lived in New York for 2 and half years and it gets pretty cold there’, remembered Robert Brown.
Americans who come overseas can get a real culture shock really rapidly after arriving. Imagine being in a country like Mongolia or Romania or Kosovo. Sure the big cities all have clubs, but imagine being 1-2 hours away from the biggest city and playing for an organization that has 8,000 inhabitants and no Mcdonalds or Burger King. Playing your rookie season in brutal conditions like that often can have a toll on Americans. Not being able to adapt to a new culture can even lead guys returning back stateside and giving up on the dream. Brown was simply very fortunate to have landed in Germany which isn’t only one of the best places for Americans to play, but also one of the most positive places for Americans to begin a career. Money usually arrives on time and finding a Mcdonalds or Burger King isn’t difficult either. But for him actually refraining from visiting a Mcdonalds isn’t tough.
‘Germany has been nice so far it’s been treating me very well the culture here is different and I’m embracing every moment of the people around here welcoming with open arms out here my teammates are the best and helping me with a lot especially when it comes to the language here but I love it so far! I don’t do fast food normally. The only fast food spots I visit are the Doner spots and I cook from time to time as well’, stated Robert Brown.
Most American ballers have a wake up call overseas where they knew that they were far away from home. One of the most popular answers is simply getting used to the time difference. But for Brown, that wake up call never came simply because the whole experience in Germany has been so enriching.
It’s very shocking just being away from home I Remember telling myself when I didn’t have a call I couldn’t wait to get somewhere new start fresh and start life from there now that it happened it’s a reality check on just cherishing every moment because I’ve been here since September and it’s already November so I’m just enjoying the process learning how to adapt in different environments an remaining humble over lovely experiences so far it’s building my character’, warned Robert Brown.
One of the great aspects of the exciting overseas life isn’t just the playing, but also being able to explore new cultures and just visit new fascinating places. Brown hasn’t had too much time yet to explore new cities, but he already has some destinations in the next months. ‘
‘I would like to visit Berlin. My old teammate from Iona Dwayne Koroma that currently plays for UConn this season ! He told me it’s a great scenery I want to check that out after the season but I have been traveling to other cities as far as with the team as well it’s been cool to see other cities and knowing the difference between them. I also will be visiting Jabari Rice in the Czech Republic most likely sometime in January we talk almost every day’, said Robert Brown.
Americans playing in lower leagues overseas have lots of free time. There are usually only one game per week on the weekends and perhaps 2-3 practices per week. Guys playing in higher leagues will practice twice a day and have 1-2 games per week. The teammates of Brown all have jobs or go to school, so he has a lot of time to work on his game.
‘Normally we practice throughout the week so I do weights and conditioning on our off days and get shots up when the gym is available. I also get a little workout around the basket before I go straight into shots. I get to take care of my body which is the most important thing it’s basically teaching me discipline and making sure my craft is at its best’, warned Robert Brown.
How often have I seen other pro ballers watching the Frankfurt Skyliners during a easyCredit BBL game. Guys from lower leagues will take some of their free time to watch former opponents from college or teammates from other years. Brown also has found time seeing what his peers are doing at other levels.
‘I have checked out a few teams with the Skyliners in Frankfurt and a team that’s in a different region than ours’, said Robert Brown.
A great thing about guys balling in lower leagues is that there is no other way then up for them. They have a lot of time to perfect their craft so that one day they can refrain from watching German BBL and Pro A games and possibly compete at a level like that. But at the moment he is focused less on watching the games, but more on himself. His self-confidence is sky high to one day play in the Pro A or BBL. ‘
I am focusing on myself because that’s a big goal of mine to keep working to play in those type of leagues. I believe I can play on that level I just need to keep working and remain humbled I know my time will come I’m just enjoying my process of where I am at as of now’, warned Robert Brown.
It will be interesting to see how the Aschaffenburg Baskets continue to develop and if they can reach 500 this season. As for Robert Brown, he will continue to play his game, grind in the lab and develop further. Off the court, he will continue to experience new things in his life that one day he can tell his grand children about. He is simply living the dream overseas and couldn’t be more blessed for the opportunity.
It was a long wait and grind for Robert Brown (203-F-1998, college: TxWes) between his last NAIA gig in 2023 with Texas Wesleyan University and his current team German Regionalliga team Aschaffenburg Baskets and now he is finally living the dream overseas, but there is only one problem. The team season and his game just isn´t where he wants it to be yet. As a pro player, you always want to have that perfect balance between winning and giving great support with one´s game, but so far he isn´t on par yet. The Aschaffenburg Baskets started 2-6 and have been up and down since game 1 and he is still finding his game overseas.
“We are in a slump as of now but we are sticking together through the season trying to figure out how to have a good season”, said Robert Brown.
The team began slow with a 4 game losing streak. The club that plays in beautiful Bavaria lost a few tight games and then 2 games by more than double figures. Was this just a phase where the team was trying to find themselves?
“Yes that´s correct. We are currently trying to find our identity as a team but every day we are building up good habits”, warned Robert Brown.
But that basketball is a game of runs is seen in every game and it isn´t any different with team seasons. Unless your Science City 2 who are still unbeaten right now and the team to beat in the Regionalliga South-East North. Clubs are always having ups and downs during the season. After starting with a brutal 4 game losing streak, the Aschaffenburg Baskets went on a strong 2 game winning streak beating Breitengussbach and Gotha. The team were doing it better at both ends.
“We were sharing the ball more and taking pride in defense. I believe we know we are good we just got to be consistent with it once we start back winning”, stressed Robert Brown.
However the club couldn´t keep the momentum and currently are on a 2 game losing streak having lost to Veitshochheim and Dresden. The defense allowed 91 points on average. The season is still young, but the team needs to find out ways to clean up their defense.
“I think communication and defensive situational at times but we are figuring it out as we speak”, added Robert Brown.
Brown who sampled valuable experience in the NCAA at Iona and New Mexico State University and at Iona played for coaching legend Rick Pitino is a rookie overseas and as hungry as can be. His self-confidence in the abilities of his team aren´t wanning either, but going in a very positive direction.
“ I still have hope and believe we can still turn things around it’s a long season and anything can happen”, warned Robert Brown.
In the NCAA at Iona and New Mexico State University, he wasn´t a force with his game simply because he didn´t get a real chance to showcase his real skills. That changed as soon as he got Texas Wesleyan University (NAIA) where he averaged 8.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 54.0%, FT: 62.5%. At the moment, he is averaging similar stats to that last NAIA season with 8/5. He knows that he has the abilities to raise his game.
“I’m trying to find more ways to be productive I’m not happy with the way I´m playing right now because I know I can be better and help the team but like I said we have a long season I’m building confidence game by game”, commented Robert Brown.
Every player has to adjust to the grind overseas on and off the court. Every baller has their own way of dealing with it. He knows that everyday is a new day and he is taking it step by step.
“I’ve been adjusting day by day it’s been a battle but I’m learning to keep the same confidence everyday it’s definitely a learning experience and what to expect on playing overseas”, expressed Robert Brown.
He also knows that he still has so much more that his game can offer to the Aschaffenburg Baskets and he is doing all he can in his vast free time to tweak all parts of his game.
“I’m working more so on my midrange confidence in shooting the 3 ball more and just being more active when it comes to the opportunity on scoring being more aggressive on that end”, warned Robert Brown.
Despite the early season woes with the record of the team, he has taken some positives from the season.
My favorite moment of the season so far was our first win of the season and my favorite own basket was the pick and pop from the top of the key I had 2 weekends ago”. Smiled Robert Brown.
He is really geared up for the upcoming game this weekend, because it will be revenge time for him and the Aschaffenburg Baskets. Science City Jena will be in Aschaffenburg for the return game. Jena tore apart the Aschaffenburg Baskets in Jena 107-79 and it was in this game where he battled his toughest opponent so far this season. He was so focused that game that he didn´t even recall whatthe player´s name was, but he definitely remembered him from somewhere else.
“The toughest player that I have faced so far this season was a guard he’s very good. He’s a very good point guard. I played against him in college my last year in college”, said Robert Brown.
I will help Robert Brown by revealing his name as D´Monte Brown. He battled Brown twice in the NAIA as he was with Langston. OK and lost both games. The interesting thing is that there was another current Regionalliga player on that team with Brown with Toru Dean currently tearing upo the league with Bargteheide leading the league in assists and fourth in steals. Wouldn´t it be a delight if Robert Brown could find that balance between a big win at home and monster game against Jena who are still undefeated. A win could be the turning point of the season that the Aschaffenburg Baskets and Brown so dearly need right now.
Demarcus Demonia (201-G/F-1999, college: ETAMU) is a 26 year old 201cm forward from Maryland playing his third professional season and first with the Bamberg Baskets averaging 12,5ppg, 5,8rpg, 1,0apg, 1,5spg and 1,0bpg. Last season he played with BBC Bayreuth (Germany-ProA) averaging 18.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 82.7%. He played his rookie season with Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions (Austria-BSL) averaging 19.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 76.1%.He began his basketball career at Friendly High School and also played at Charles H Flowers high school. He then played 2 seasons at Allegany College of Maryland (JUCO) averaging 18.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 55.2% and in his second season averaged 21.3ppg, 11.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 72.8%. He then played 3 years at Texas A&M University – Commerce (NCAA) and as a senior averaged 15.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 67.1%. He spoke to Germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.
Congrats Demarcus on signing with the Bamberg Baskets. How excited are you to be able to call yourself an easyCredit BBL player now?
Thank you!! It’s definitely exciting but I’m more proud of myself with the journey I’ve had to get to this place in my career. Also ready to show myself that I can compete at this level like I know I can.
How vital was it for you playing last season in the Pro A for extra grooming? I feel like it was a great step in my career process but I feel as though I can play in any predicament. It may take a little adjusting to some things but it’ll be a quick one.
Are you aware of the history of the organization? Guys like Casey Jacobsen, Darius Miller and Daniel Theis all won titles here in the last few years. Were you aware of that? No, I wasn’t aware of that at all but I’ll definitely do some more research and do my part on and off the court to help the team and organization back on that track.
It is a no brainer playing for a great organization like the Bamberg Baskets. What else do you like about the organization besides the great fans? I’ve heard great things about the coaches as well and know some of the background of some players. In addition to the Arena, it is very nice.
What do you appreciate most about head coach Anton Gavel? What do you enjoy about his basketball philosophy? I’m not sure yet but I’ve only heard good things about him so I can’t wait to get to Bamberg and see the things I can learn from him.
You were a scorer in Austria and Bayreuth. Do you feel like you can be an impact player in the easyCredit BBL? Yes, I feel as though I can be that same player in Bamberg as well but most importantly is just going on the floor everytime giving it my all and doing whatever is best for the team to get a win.
You have shown in your whole career that you can be more than just a prolific scorer. Would you be able to step down from being a big scorer in the BBL if asked? I’m sure I’d have my games where it might be a bad shooting night and will find other ways to help the team win. But if that’s what I’m asked of then I’d sacrifice that for the team. I work on perfecting my craft everyday so I wouldn’t think I’d have to change that or take less of a role.
Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description? I try to simulate my game to Paul George and Russel Westbrook.
You are such a versatile player. You were already versatile in JUCO. Talk a little about the development of your versatility in the last 7 years? Over the last 7 years I’ve worked on becoming and staying a way the most players aren’t. I try to stand out and do more than just one thing on both sides of the basketball and on offense it’s hard to guard at times when you can do so many different things.
Your three pointer is still a work in progress. How vital is this part of your game at the moment? Is it big on your game agenda of continuing to improve? Yes, I still want to improve it even more and have been working on it every day.
Talk a little about your defensive game. You have proven to be a versatile defender and be able to block shots. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become? I would like to polish up even more on how versatile I am, on defense right now and continue to do whatever it is that my team needs me to do. Also, becoming a better on ball defender.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? Everyday I’m working on everything, I’d like to be better with everything in my game.
You played last season for BBC Bayreuth (Germany-ProA) averaging 18.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 82.7%. How tough was this season? You did all you could, but lost so many games. What did you learn personally from this season? I’ve learned a lot of lessons as far as in game situations and the season was very tough dealing with a lot of injuries from some players that was a big factor for us on the team.
You had so many great Pro A games. Was there a game that you will remember? Both of the derby games will be games I’ll forever remember. Both were great atmospheres and felt like home games.
You played your rookie season with Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions (Austria-BSL) averaging 19.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 76.1%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home? I think more so the way they play and certain things the coaches want you to do is like a wake up call and different languages.
How tough was that playoff series against Oberwart? The game 2 and 5 losses hurt so much. What will you always remember from that series? This is a series I’ll always remember because I feel as though we got cheated out of the second game because the ref didn’t make a call that was clear as day but I’ve learned from that and know what I’ll do next time in that situation.
You played 2 great seasons with Allegany College of Maryland (JUCO) averaging 18.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 55.2% and 21.3ppg, 11.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 72.8%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO has said it was a tough grind, but a grind that they wouldn’t have traded the world for? How was it for you? It was a grind for sure but for me it wasn’t too tough but everyone’s situation is different. I wouldn’t trade anything about it though at all the friends I made and the challenges I had to overcome all made me the HUMBLE BEAST I am today.
How vital was head coach Tommie Reams early in your career? How did he help you make the jump from JUCO to the NCAA 2? Him and Shane Scott really helped me develop more into a guard and seeing the floor certain reads and allowing me to play through mistakes and learn from them on the fly.
You played at Texas A&M University – Commerce (NCAA2) from 2020-2023. You were an impact player from the start to end. How did your game grow in those 3 years? I had more resources here and more gym time so it was a little better to develop my game and Willie Rooks and Trey Conrod were our GA’s there helped me with certain workouts to become even more better and polish up my game. You had 2 30 plus games within a week against UIW and McNeese State. What game was more memorable for you? I’d say the McNeese State game because one of the coaches and I are like good friends and we always would talk trash to each other so it’s nice to get wins like that when scoring a lot to get bragging rights.
How did head coach Jaret Von Rosenberg groom and prepare you best for a professional career? He helped me a lot on and off the court to become a professional and how to carry myself in certain situations.
Who won a 1-1 in practice, you or Luka Vasic? We never played 1-1 but we definitely had some times where we both went at each other in pick up.
Who is the best player that you ever battled that reached the NBA? Dalton Knecht.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Devin Bethely, Kalen Williams, Drew Buggs, Alphonso Willis, Augustine Ene.
Please name your personal NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore of your best 5 players of all-time? Kobe, Shaq, MJ, Lebron, KDThanks Demarcus for the chat.
Brian Dawson (188-G-1999, college: Regis Univ.) is a 26 year old 188cm guard that was born in Los Angeles, Calirfornia and grew up in El Segundo is playing his fourth pro season and third in Germany and first with BG Hessing Leitershofen currently averaging 12,5ppg, 2,5rpg, 4,2apg and 1,3spg. Last season he played with the ETB Miners Essen (Germany-ProB) averaging 15.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.6apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 77.4%. In the 2023-2024 season he played with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 21.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 77.9%. He split his rookie season with Tbilisi State University (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 5.7ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3FGP: 29.4%, in Jan.’23 moved to BC Titebi (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 10.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 72.4%. He began his basketball career at Vistamar high school where he became the all-time leading scorer. He then played 5 seasons with Regis University (NCAA 2). He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2024-2025 season.
Thanks Brian for talking to germanhoops.com. You played your second pro season with the ETB Miners Essen (Germany-ProB). Congrats on a great team season. The season ended in the semi-finals against Wolmirstedt. Did the team exceed all expectations this season? I wouldn’t say we exceeded expectations. I think the expectations all year was to finish in the top 4-5 of the league and position ourselves to make a playoff run. Obviously that didn’t happen and we barely made it at the end but we knew we had the talent to be a good playoff team.
The team slipped into the playoffs and lost 7 of the last 9 games. One can´t say that the team went into the playoffs with momentum. How do you explain the sweep of top Pro B south team Leitershofen? I think once we found out we were in the playoffs, we mostly viewed it as a breath of fresh air and chance for us to prove everyone wrong after counting us out and not expecting us to do anything in the playoffs
The great playoff run continued against the Sixers. Essen lost game 1, but rebounded winning 2 tight games and advancing. Was this the highlight of the season? I would definitely say that was the brightest moment of the season for the team. Coming off the momentum of beating Leitershofen already, and then pulling off another upset in an elimination game where no one expected us to win. That was a lot of fun.
How amazing was that game 3 win? The club came together and won it without you?
The game 3 win was special because it was on the road and it was close match the whole way through but we came together at the right time when it mattered the most
Essen fought back and won gam2, but lost game 3 103-71. Was Wolmirstedt´s depth too much for Essen?
Wolmirstedt was a very tough team. They didn’t have many weaknesses. They were coached really well and offensively they had a lot of depth
It was a great season for Essen. What did you personally learn from the season? I learned that anything can happen in the playoffs and that it’s all about getting hot at the right time
What was your personal favorite game of the season?
My favorite game of the season would have to be the game 3 win against the Sixers. It was a really hard fought game and the guys did what they had to do to keep the season alive
You averaged 15/4/4/1 stats. How content were you with your season? I thought my stats were solid. I would’ve liked to get my FT% up higher. Gotta make free points
You had had a great Regionalliga season the season before. How do you feel did your game grow further in the Pro B this season? I felt like I become a more balanced point guard playing in ProB and learned when and how to utilize my ability to score and assist
What is the next step for you? Do you feel like you can make the next step to the Pro A or will you return to the pro B or go to another country? I think another season in ProB will be good for me to showcase what I can really do as a player and to also make it to the finals
Let´s talk about your teammates. How much of a thrill was it playing together with Isaiah Sanders? What did you enjoy most about his game Playing with Isaiah was fun. He’s a great competitor who always brings energy to the team. Of course his shooting ability is next level which always help make my job easier as a point guard
Where would the season have gone without big Dzemal Selimovic? How reliable of a big man was he in the season? Dermal was huge for us. It’s hard to find a big man in the league that can match his offensive skill along with his defensive instincts. He made had some really key moments for us throughout the season that helped our sucess
How important was role player Niclas Sperber for the team? What will you always remember about his game? He’s very dynamic at that size. He can shoot, he can play in the post. He’s a very underrated defender and is always there to keep the group positive which goes a long way on a team
Who do you feel was the most improved player on the team in 2024-2025? The most improved player on the team had to be Ben. He didn’t get the minutes he wanted throughout the season at some points but he stepped up big time for us in the playoffs and it was hard not having him out there on the floor
How did you see the development of head coach Lars Wendt. How vital was he for the success?
Lars was a great team lead for us. He allowed us to play freely and be ourselves out there on the court which gave a lot of guys confidence.
You have signed with BG Lessing Leitershofen for the 2025-2026 season. Why did you chose this organization? They offer a really good situation and they really want to win now and move up and I think I can help them reach that goal.
How did the talks go with Emanuel Richter? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy? I like his style of aggression at both ends of the court. I think that he can help me become more of a lead guard
Michale Kyser (208-C-1991, college: La Tech) is a 33 year old 208 cm center playing his 11th pro season and first in Germany with easyCredit BBL team EWE Baskets Oldenburg averaging 8,7ppg, 3,8rpg and 1,2apg. He began his basketball career with Christian Life Center Academy and then played at Louisiana Tech (NCAA) from 2011-2015. He turned professional in 2015 and has played for 18 organizations in 10 countries, including USA, Canada, Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, Latvia, Israel, Spain, Turkey and Poland. He also played 3 years in the G-League.
Thanks Michale for talking to eurobasket.com. You’re a guy I have always wanted to interview. Over the years I have interviewed many of your former teammates overseas. I know you as a very experienced player. Tyrell Corbin mentioned you in one of my articles ‘My 5 best teammates of al-time are Eric Washington (Chemnitz German BBL), Gary Payton II (Golden State Warriors), Danuel House (Utah Jazz), Derek Cooke Jr (Gilboa Galil), Michale Kyser (Hapoel Holon). How does that make you feel?
It makes me feel good to be recognized, because I put in the work, but not comfortable at all. I know that I can achieve more. But it makes me feel good of course.
Did you ever imagine your career would take you to this point?
I think for me, I probably would have said that’s what I wanted, but to experience all the places that I experienced. I don’t think I would say that I would be here right now. But I thank God for putting me in this position, and I’m not stopping now. I want to just keep going, keep pushing myself to another level.
What drives you to keep playing at a high level, even into year 11 of your career?
You say that like 11 years isn’t normal,I think the thrill of knowing I can keep getting better. I don’t see myself declining – age or not. I’m jumping better now than I was when I was younger. I’m smarter, I study the game better, I can take criticism better. I just want to prove to myself that I have another level, and help my team get to a new high.
What has helped you evolve as a player from league to league?
For me the constant let downs the lack of opportunity, the year we like him, but he’s not good enough for another year to stay with us, then the next season you get calls like oh we should have kept you or we didn’t know what we had. I know I’ve played in a lot of leagues, but I wasn’t taught everything. I had to learn this game on my own. My goal each season is to be better than the last. I’ve been limited in some seasons, but in the ones where I was involved we were successful, I’m not chasing wins – I’m chasing a better version of myself, and a place where I can grow and help my team compete for a championship, so maybe that’s what it is, I’m not just trying to stack wins, because you can win as many games as possible if you don’t get Gold, what was it for a lesson? Ive had enough of those, I just want to keep getting better and leave a mark wherever I play.
What drew you to this new opportunity in Germany? Yeah, I watched them last season. I had friends playing in Germany who said it’s a real basketball culture. That’s what I’ve always wanted. The coach reached out and told me he’s watched me over the years and saw my growth, and knows i can bring more which I’ve stated over years so, That helped my decision. My uncle was stationed in Germany for many years and he always told me it would be a great place for my family and as well a challenge to get better and take my game to a new place so that helped out a lot .
What stood out about coach Krunic in your conversations? I liked how he knew exactly who I was as a player. He brought up my three-point shooting how he knows I can space and not many people know I can shoot it. People see me listed as a center, but I’m I’m really a forward, and can play anywhere on the floor. He knows l that, and how my goal is the same as his when it comes to winning, and that helped me decide. I’ve heard he’s hard-nosed, but those are the best coaches – the ones who push you. He’s got history with winning, and I want to do the same this season.
You have averaged double figures in a season only 5 times in your career.How vital has not only your offense, but other areas besides scoring been in your game? I think that stat is something that I’ve had to back up a lot, in order to score points per game you have to either have the ball in your hands, receive it, or play big minutes to go get it from rebounds etc, for me I know I can achieve way more than stats say, especially with that being one of my goals for this season, but to answer your question. Defense is what I do right with it. Every time I step on the floor, it’s on my mind – to be one of the best defenders out there. Whether it’s guarding bigs or guards.
What type of defender are you now, and can you still improve?
Of course I can still improve. I’m faster, smarter, and more aware. God’s kept me healthy. If players who are considered the best at their craft are stating they can get better, I’m nowhere near better than the next man thinking i can’t improve as well. I’m always working to learn and push past my limits.
You hold the BCL all-time block record. How does that feel? All glory to God. That record will probably be broken soon, and that’s okay. I study the greats – Giannis, Olajuwon, Mutombo, Rodman, Ben Wallace, KG, Watching them showed me how to be impactful defensively.
You played many seasons in Israel. Did that become like a second home to you?
Israel definitely has a place in my heart. I made history there. I was in Holon for about two years. I was supposed to go to Eilat last season, but the war changed that. I’m grateful for the experiences and people that believed in me.
You played in two leagues last year with Hapoel Holon (Israel-Winner League) averaging 7.8ppg, 4.4rpg, BPG-2 (1.5), FGP: 57.2%, FT: 83.1%; and in the Basketball Champions League) averaged 7.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.4apg, BPG-5 (1.1), FGP: 66.7%, FT: 87.5%What was that like?
It was a wild one for sure. From going to a last place team in the league to a top 4 and have the championship in my hands, but lost 3 games in a row, yea something i gotta just tip my hat off to the other team for achieving, but it was a wild experience for sure both places taught me a lot.
What was it like playing in the ACB?
That was one of the highlights of my career. ACB is one of the best leagues outside the NBA.I wish I could’ve played there longer. I learned a lot from Andrew Goudelock, it’s good to see him healthy and killing in Greece, i appreciate him for all the advice he gave while i was playing and when i wasn’t, he made sure i never got down on myself, and told me to just keep growing and working til my time was called. It was all exciting the good and bad, wouldn’t trade that time for anything, my youngest daughter was born there in Bilbao while i played, so that experience will always be with me.
What was it like battling ex NBA player Jeff Withey on a daily basis? Yeah, we battled a lot before being teammates. I asked him questions about playing at Kansas or the Pelicans, i don’t compare honestly i think everyone has their own path, and while all reach for the same goals some get the short end of the stick. Besides that Shoutout to Jeff, and great dude on and off the court, I hope he wins a championship in Indonesia.
How was it guarding top Euroleague center Walter Tavares? He’s huge, 7’2′ or 7’3′. It’s always a battle against him. But honestly, all the bigs in ACB are a challenge. It was a great experience.
What was special about that championship with Holon? Man, that team was built different. We had Tyrus McGee, Joe Ragland, Chris Johnson, Guy Pnini, Adam Smith – a squad. We clicked off the court, and that translated on the floor. Everyone said we were crazy for thinking we’d win – and we did, so i hold that forever.
What made the Latvian title so memorable with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL) where you averaged 12.1ppg, RPG-3 (7.1), BPG-1 (1.6), FGP-2 (72.9%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 70.6%? Coach Janis pushed me to levels I didn’t know I had. My teammates believed in me. We were all locked in and all wanted to get better and we all pushed each other to be better, and won player of the year and to be that was the most favorite team i played on, we made a hard time with COVID less stressful, because you had a group of guys and staff that all wanted everybody to be their best even given the circumstances we were under with the curfew and no fans and no gatherings it was wow something I’ll never forget.
What did your time at Louisiana Tech and the NBA G League teach you?
At Louisiana Tech, I was raw. Didn’t know much, but I knew I wanted to make history. My thing was defense and dunking. That got me my opportunity with the Raptors. I only had two workouts and that’s just been the point of my career not really getting that opportunity, I know if I went about the agent process different I would have had a better shot at the NBA, as far as the g league just find your niche and be ready everybody wants to make it to the nba and they can if they have opportunity to showcase their ability while proving they can work and be patient. It taught me to not take any shot for granted, because you only get that exact time once.
What was your reality in the G League? You think you’re doing everything right, and then boom – a guy with more history or training camp deal comes in and takes your minutes. You just gotta be patient and always ready. It’s not for the weak. I left because I had kids to provide for. If I didn’t, maybe I’d have stayed longer. But I had responsibilities, the g league is a dog eat dog world, just as same as overseas ball, but with a smaller window of opportunity.
What’s something people don’t realize about that business in the g league It’s always business first. You’re not flying charter, you’re hopping buses and commercial flights. It’s about adapting and staying ready no matter what, and you need to be ready when your name is called, because if not you might not get the next one for a period of time.
What was your experience like playing for Aris?
Amazing. The fans were unbelievable. They welcomed me and my family – my oldest daughter was just born then. Playing in those big derbies, especially against Pana or Olympiacos, was wild. The fans were like a sixth man. Much love to Aris, it’s something about that color yellow i guess.
Tell me about your time with Enosis and later Kymi .
The team Enosis Paralimni saved my life, even though I went there, with no intellect on the country or team, the life style, I loved every moment, I got my license right before I moved there, they made me grow up and the coach challenged me constantly to be my best, as well as my teammates. I had fire in me due to prior being released by the SLC stars, as well as Rio Grande Valley Vipers who were in the finals with teammates like Onuaku, Chris Johnson, Isaiah Taylor, JP Tokoto, Dakari Tucker who I met prior in SLC, but I didn’t get a minute of it and saw them lose to my former team the Raptors 905 with NBA champs soon after Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet. So when they Enosis called It was just my time to transition into a new place even though my salary was 1,000 usd. I was grateful, because after what I had experienced prior I just wanted to ball and then my oldest daughter being born after the summer I had with being released to not playing in the finals in Rio Grande to going on a china tour to get a deal, everything was moving fast until time stopped, I got a call from my girlfriend at the time, now my wife, that my oldest was about to be born, so I left that tour as it was coming to an end and saw the birth of my first child Mia. Sorry for the rundown, but that’s what led me to signing in Cyprus I didn’t have any place to go and they gave me a chance at life. I just got my jersey from them last year while I was in Holon. Even though I left, Enosis, they still showed me love and said they will honor me if I have the chance to come visit so it’s amazing to have left a mark there. So about Kymi I left Enosis, because my agent said it was the best decision to make if I wanted to make more money, well that extra 500 dollars changed the whole trajectory of my career. To playing with very elite guys playing in their first year to guys who were established like Thad McFadden, Gary McGhee, Ramon Harris, Lenzelle Smith, Teddy Okereafor, Cam Jones, that group was nice. I know if I was there first instead of being in Cyprus, we would’ve been in a better position, but that season changed the whole trajectory of my career, I’m grateful for everybody I played with during that time those teammates shaped me to understand european basketball the grind and what it took to be a pro overseas. I’m forever grateful for both those teams, and everything that led up to me playing there.
What was it like playing with Thad Mcfadden?
Man, he doesn’t miss. Those high-arching shots look like they’re going off the top of the backboard, then boom – straight through the net. He’s one of the greatest shooters I’ve ever seen, in Europe or anywhere. And he works at it. We still talk. I see he’s doing well in Mexico. I’m rooting for him to win another chip.
What do you remember most about your playoff run with Kymi? Coming from Cyprus and helping that team go from bottom to a playoff spot? It was incredible. I made first team defense and second team all-league. Playing against Spanoulis, Bobby Brown – legends. We didn’t win, but I’ll always remember it.
What happened during your season with Salt Lake City where you averaged 3,3ppg and 3,8rpg?
It was tough. One of the worst seasons I’ve had. I didn’t play much, and people just looked at the stats and judged me. But I wasn’t given the opportunity. That’s kind of been the story of my career in some places – just not getting the shot to show what I can really do. Eventually, they released me and brought in a veteran big. That hurt – I didn’t know how I was going to take care of my family. But I bounced back. I’ve always bounced back.
What was your G League wake-up call? Thinking I was going play and then seeing guys from training camp – like Bruno Caboclo, Norman Powell, Delon Wright – getting sent down. They were already in the system. I wasn’t. That’s when I learned it’s not always about who works the hardest – it’s business. That was my wake-up call. I could’ve gone overseas right then, but I was chasing the dream.
What was it like going up against Sim ?
That man is huge. I played against him in college, and once he sealed you, it was a wrap. But when we became teammates, he was a great dude – on and off the court.
Looking back, what do you remember most about Louisiana Tech? We were top 25 – hadn’t been that in years. We should’ve been in the NCAA tournament. We would’ve made noise. But even with that, I’m proud. The NIT run, the teammates, the memories – I hold onto all of it. It’s been 10 years since I graduated, and I still love my Tech family.
You almost had a triple-double with blocks one time – what was that like? Yeah, I was always trying to get 10 blocks, double-doubles, even a triple-double with blocks. I got close, and it just proved I could do it. Who knows, maybe I’ll hit that mark this season – with blocks, rebounds, and points too.
What did Coach Mike White mean to you? What did you take from him in your pro career ?
I was his first signing. He always told us to be our best and he wasn’t always the most athletic or tallest, but he worked hard and played just a harder. He made sure we practiced like that and anything less he’ll kick you out, not to waste your time or his. That’s what I took from him. I try to leave it all on the court like it’s my last game.
Who won those 1-on-1 matchups between you and Erik McCree? I won or he won, I can’t say exactly how many, but from what I know it wasn’t easy. Shoutout to E though, it’s good to see he’s still doing great, and it’s awesome to see how far he’s gone thus far in his career.
Who ist he toughest player you’ve ever battled? Michael Beasley. No question. Played games against him in runs during the summer and honestly he’s just different – his game, his knowledge, his skill. For me he’s the toughest, and one of the best I’ve seen.
Name five of your favorite teammates.
Speedy Smith, Raheem Appleby, Joe Ragland, Dakari Tucker, and Kyle Allman Jr., but love all my guys I had the chance to battle with thus far, I only answered that because you only gave me 5 haha
Who’s on your NBA Mount Rushmore? No particular order – Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Magic Johnson and I’d say either Kareem, Tim Duncan, or Hakeem Olajuwon. I could even throw in Shaq. All legends. It’s hard to choose just five.
And your personal GOAT? That’s tough. I’d say Mike is the GOAT, but I’m a huge Kobe fan, or honestly what else does LeBron have to prove for him to get his respect to say he’s the goat, I think in all it depends on preference of peoples era and basketball knowledge I think.
German Hoops 