basketball

Versatile Taje Kelly(BBC Bayreuth) Is A Mix Of An Old School Paul Milsap And A Modern Day Julius Randle

Taje Kelly (203-F/C) is a 203cm forward from Georgia playing his rookie season in Germany with BBC Bayreuth. He began his basketball career at Grayson high school. He then played at Charleston Southern University (NCAA) from 2021-2025 playing a total of 120 NCAA games. He was able to improve his scoring average each season and as a senior averaged 20.3ppg, 8.7rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 61.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Thanks Taje for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome to Germany. How excited are you to begin your basketball career overseas with BBC Bayreuth?

I am really excited and blessed to have the opportunity to start my career off in Germany, as it is one of my dream countries to live in and I feel I will have great success here.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

I do not know much about Germany besides some old history and pretzels. I do know that Germany is very competitive in European basketball though.

One ex Charleston Southern University player Phlandrous Fleming balled in Germany last season. Did you ask him for any advice?

No I did not but I definitely will.

What was the deciding factor that allowed you to make the decision to join BBC Bayreuth? They also are rich in basketball history. Florian Wedel stated that you were the clubs the absolute desired player that they wanted.

I feel that they would give me the best opportunity to show off my skills while winning games. Also I built a good relationship with the head coach and just felt like a proactive decision.

How did the first talks go with head coach Florian Wedel? What did you appreciate right away about his basketball philosophy?

First talks felt really naturally, he expressed their interest in me and how they viewed me in their system. I appreciated the honesty he portrayed and the ways they said I could be used in the system to help bring home some wins.

You had a great career at Charleston Southern University and was player of the year in the All Big South Conference. How confident are you that your game will translate to the German Pro A?

I am real confident that my game will transfer because I will not only bring my skills that I have already but I will add new skills to my game.

Are you a guy that will watch videos of BBC Bayreuth and the Pro A to be best prepared when you arrive in Germany?

Yes

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Probably and old school Paul Milsap with the ceiling of a modern day Julius Randle

You’re a modern day big man. Your also a very versatile player. Talk about how your versatility has developed in the NCAA?

I feel like I was more of a small ball traditional big up until my senior year then I moved to more of a four man who could bring it in transition and make a play. I feel my biggest growth in versatility has been through playing slower and my decision making and passing.

Your three pointer is something you have used more in the last 2 years. It rose in shots taken from 38 to 59. How would you describe your 3 pointer now coming overseas. Is it still a work in progress?

I would say my best 3 ball hasn´t been displayed yet so definitely a work in progress.

Talk a bit about your defensive game. You never averaged more than 0,5spg in a season in the NCAA. Stats don´t tell the whole story. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to be become?

I feel that I am a smart defender, my defense may not load the stat sheet but I am able to make people miss shots, I have good fundamentals and I am able to switch onto any person onto the floor.

Your also have a big IQ. What other strength do you have that you believe is still a bit off the radar?

Passing

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you will be able to continue to improve your game?

Passing, ball handling, defense, shooting

You played at Charleston Southern University (NCAA) having a great career. You improved your scoring and rebounding average each season. How did your game develop there? What kind of player were you coming in and what kind of player when you left?

I feel my game developed as my confidence grew, coming in I didn´t know what to expect but coming out have the upmost confidence in my game.

You finished your freshman year strong having 24 points in a big 79-78 win over UNC Asheville. What memories do you have of this game?

I remember taking over the final stretch of the game and hitting the game winner and rolling my ankle directly after.

In your next 3 seasons you lost to UNC Asheville all 3 times in the All Big South tournament games. Is that opponent one you will never forget?

Definitely will not

You had many incredible games in the NCAA including 28 points in a thrilling 71-70 win over Presbyterian. What was your fondest moment on the court?

I would say my freshman year buzzer beater against Asheville

What will you always remember from teammate Daylen Berry? He came from UNC at Charlotte averaging only 1,6ppg in 23-24 and broke out last season at Charleston. He also had a versatile game.

His ability to play at his size and be that efficient also his knack for passing lanes.

How did head coaches Barclay Radebaugh and Saah Nimley groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He taught me how to be the guy and poured their confidence in me consistently. Also loads of defensive practices.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or RJ Duhart?

Me 100%

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

Jabari Smith

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Deivon Smith

Caleb Murphy

Rj Johnson

Ian Schiefflien

Claudell Harris Jr

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, MJ, Steph, Tim Duncan

Who is your Goat?

Lebron

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

No I did not

Thanks Taje for the chat.

The Miles Vs Toru Dean Weekly Basketball Conversation Volume 8

Toru Dean (183-PG, college: Langston) is a 183cm guard from Miami Florida playing his rookie season overseas with the TSV Bargteheide Bees (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with South Miami High School and then played 3 seasons at Barry University (NCAA2) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 65.1% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 46.2%; and in his third season averaged 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 62.9%. He then finished at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.0% and 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He teams up every week with germanhoops.com to talk basketball.

Congrats on another crunch-time win this time over Braunschweig 67–63. Bargteheide has now won 3 of their last 4 games in crunch time. How has the team grown in the last 4 games?

Over the last four games we’ve really matured in terms of composure. Earlier in the season, tight moments sometimes sped us up or made us lose focus, but lately we’ve been embracing those situations instead of fearing them. Our communication has improved, our defensive rotations are sharper, and we’ve started trusting each other more in late-game execution. That belief that we can grind out a win, even when things aren’t pretty, has definitely grown.

How good does it feel to win when you only shot 21% from outside and had 21 turnovers as a team?

It feels great because it proves we can still win when everything is not going our way. Shooting that poorly from three and turning the ball over that much—normally that’s a recipe for a long night. But we stayed locked in defensively and kept fighting. Winning a game like that shows our toughness, and it’s the kind of win that builds character going forward.

Talk about the 40 minutes against Braunschweig. Was it tight throughout, or were there stretches where either team pulled ahead?

It was mostly tight throughout. Both teams had small runs here and there, but nothing that blew the game open. Every time one side tried to create separation, the other answered right back. It felt like a chess match—physical, defensive, and all about who could maintain focus the longest. That’s why the game came down to crunch time.

Talk about the crunch-time period. What was key in the last minute for getting the win?

Discipline and execution. In the last minute we finally settled down, got the stops we needed, and made sure we got a good look offensively instead of rushing things. Defensively we communicated well on switches, and offensively we trusted the spacing and hit the free throws and shots that mattered. It wasn’t perfect, but it was poised.

You had another great scoring game with 32 points but 6 turnovers. How annoying were those 6 turnovers? There is always room to improve every week.

Yeah, the 6 turnovers definitely bother me. As a primary ball handler and someone who has the ball a lot, I know I have to be sharper. Some of them were forced plays, some were just careless. The scoring is nice, but the turnovers stick with me more because I know they could’ve cost us in a close game. So it’s something I’ll keep working on, staying under control, reading the defense, and valuing every possession.

Your three-pointer this season is still a work in progress. Are you mixing anything up with your shooting to improve besides just getting up reps?

Besides reps, I’m focusing a lot on consistency, same release, same footwork, same balance every time. I’ve also been working more on game-speed shots, not just stationary reps. Another thing is watching film to see if my shot selection is helping or hurting my rhythm. And I’m spending time on mental routines: breathing, resetting, and staying confident even after misses. It’s a process, but I feel it coming along.

The next game is against 8–4 Stade. This will be another tough battle. What will be key to getting the win?

Stade is disciplined, physical, and plays at a high pace, so the keys are going to be taking care of the ball and controlling the defensive glass. We can’t afford to give them extra possessions. Offensively we need to stay patient, move the ball, and attack their rotations instead of settling. And since it’ll likely be another close game, maintaining our defensive intensity for all 40 minutes will be huge. If we stay united and execute, we’ll give ourselves a real chance to come out with the win.

Thanks Toru for the chat.

Israeli National Player Khadeen Carrington Could Imagine Being A Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem Lifer

Pic credit: Israeli basket/Fiba

Khadeen Carrington is a 30 year old 193 cm guard from Brooklyn, New York that has the American/Trinidad and Tobago citizenship and plays for the Israeli national team. He began his basketball career at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School and then played at Seton Hall(NCAA) from 2014-2018. He began his pro career in 2018 and has played in countries like Montenegro, Belgium, Germany, Spain, France and Israel. Currently he is in his fourth season with Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (Israel-Winner League). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a World Cup qualifying game against Germany.

Thanks Khadeen for talking to germanhoops.com. Happy Thanksgiving. You have been overseas 8 years now. How relevant can you make this national holiday overseas?

It´s tough being away from family and friends at this time of the year. But I have a job to do and am very grateful that I´m allowed to paly the game that I love. I have had tough times in my career, but am blessed to be able to play the game.

You have been playing for the Israeli national team now for some time. What kind of an experience has it been as an American playing for Israel?

It has been fun. The whole 4 years. I definitely have some special relations with some guys. It has been a great experience playing Eurocup and playing against some of the best players overseas.

You battle against Germany. How excited are to be playing against the world and euro champions? Is there a German player that you admire?

I have to be honest that there isn´t anyone particular. I have watched Dennis Schroeder. It was great seeing how the German team has developed over the years especially when I was with Ludwigsburg. Germany has a good foundation and the coaches have done a great job with the talent.

At the last Euro you averaged 7.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 32.0%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 62.5%. What exactly is your role and what is your biggest personal goal with your game in the team besides winning games?

My role changes a bit. During the Fiba tournaments, there are more guys on the team and now during the Fiba windows, my role is bigger. During the windows, I just be aggressive and play my game. I show my scoring and give pressure on the defensive end. I feel like I could have been better at the last Euro, but I will be aggressive in these next 2 games.

After your first four professional seasons, you went to Israel in 2022 and are now in your fourth season with Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (Israel-Winner League). Could you see yourself being a lifer here?

Yes definitely. I have found a great place with Hapoel and Israel. We will see how my journey continues here.

What is so special about this organization? Do you have the perfect combo of club and lifestyle in one?

Yes it is the perfect combination. It was tough not having the home games because of the war. It is the perfect combination between lifestyle, club and basketball.

In your first season in Israel you beat Maccabi Tel Aviv and scored 20 points. How big was that win for you then and what do you remember from it?

I think so. I understood how important an organization they were. It was huge competing against such a well known club and great players. That was start of something special with the Hapoel organization.

You reached the Basketball Champions League final in 2023. You had 19 points in an exciting 69-68 win over Tenerife, but lost the final to Bonn 77-70. Was that thrilling semi-final win like your final?

I think that semi-final was like our final. That game against Tenerife took a lot out of us. We had some guys sick in the final including myself. Bonn was in a good flow that game.

You won 2 cups in Israel in 2023 and 2024. Which one was sweetest?

I feel like the first win was a bit more sweeter. The cup is a huge deal in Israel. I was just so super excited getting the first title with Hapoel.

You lost the last 2 playoff series against Maccabi Tel Aviv. How big is the hunger to beat them in a playoff series? The team has added fine pieces this season with Harper, Lamb and others. Could this be the year to win the Winner League?

Yes definitely. I feel like we already had great pieces last year to win it all. We weren´t able to finish game 3. I feel like we had, we would of won. We have great pieces this season and all are focused to win. Winning the title is a goal for us.

You have been teammates now for years with Yovel Zoosman in Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem and the national team. Do you have a special relationship with him?

Zoos is a great guy. He is super quiet and laid back. He is a very hardworker. He is one of my favorite teammates.

You split the 2021-2022 season with Coosur Real Betis Sevilla (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 6.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 58.8%, 3FGP: 12.0%, FT: 64.5%, in Nov.’21 moved to JDA Dijon Bourgogne (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 13.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 86.8%. In France you were teammates with diminutive David Holston who is nearing 40 and in his 11^th season with Dijon. How inspiring was it being his teammate for a short time?

It was great being his teammate even if it was for a short time. He is another super guy that I have played with. I had just had my tough injury and he took me under his wing. He was a great teammate and was always there for me. I have no idea when he will retire.

You played briefly with at AS Monaco Basket (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) in the 2020-2021 season. How tough was this season getting injured and with Covid? What did you learn from season?

It was tough sitting. I think the biggest part was the mental part. I thank God that I was able to overcome it. I always believe that everything happens for a reason.

You played the 2019-2020 season with MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg (Germany-BBL) averaging 17.2), 4.0rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 82.8%. How big was this season for your career. Granted you had finished your rookie season strong in Belgium, but was Germany your break out year?

Playing in Germany was definitely my break through in my pro career. The way John Patrick delt with me was great. He gave me the ball right when I got there. He had total trust in me and I had a great season.

You played for John Patrick. How did you experience his coaching philosophy? Was he a coach that helped your game early on?

He was super orientated and liked the full court press and always giving high energy. On offense he just gave me the reins and let me go. He definitely was a part of me having success that season.

Your dad was a professional soccer player and coach in Trindad and Tobago. You did start to play basketball at age eight, but was there never any desire to play soccer? What drove you to play basketball?

I actually started playing soccer. But coming from New York and it being the early 2000´s. there wasn´t much soccer around. It was easier to play basketball and it just gravitated me to play it.

You split your rookie season with KK Mornar Basket Bar (Montenegro-Erste Liga) and Hubo Limburg United (Belgium-Euromillions League) averaging 14.1ppg, 3.6rpg, APG-2(4.8), 1.1spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 85.1%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you very far away from home?

When I first got to Montenegro all was good. There were many tourists around, but then the weather changed in October/November and the home sickness started to kick in. But I overcame it. It got better when I got to Belgium. It was more americianized and easier to adapt for me.

You played NBA Summer League with the OKC Thunder and Detriot Pistons. What was your overall summary of your experience.

I could of played in the G-League, but I chose to come to Germany. The NBA Summer League is like basketball heaven. It was all basketball. You saw legends coming in and out.

You played at Seton Hall from 2014-2018 and once stated. ““It sounds weird, but I really enjoyed the ups and downs. The downs taught me a lot. It made me become a man. I learned a lot of things here in my four years, not only on the court but off the court probably more off the court”. What was the most important lesson you learned on and off the court?

I grew up at Seton Hall. You’re a person before basketball. We live life more than we do basketball.

You had so many amazing games like your 41 point explosion against Creighton, scored 29 points in a comeback win against Butler and scored 26 points in the NCAA tournament win over North Carolina State the first win in 14 years. Was your most memorable games one of these or was it another game?

The 41 point game was my most memorable moment. That was like a bubble game. It was a must win for us to get to the tournament. I felt really good that day. When I began and hit 2 shots, the basket then looked like the ocean to me. Putting up 41 points is tough to do anywhere.

How important was ex NBA player Isaiah Whitehead in your first seasons at Seton Hall for your early development? What do you feel was the most important thing you could soak up from his game?

It was great being his teammate. He already had great skill level as a young kid. He was highly recruited when he arrived and brought some lime light to Seton Hall. He was a super part of my journey during my college era.

Are you and Desi Rodriguez brothers for life. What was your favorite play in the four years you were there with him that would give justice to his nickname dunkin Dezi?

I know him since the 5^th grade. He is playing in Israel now. We talk all the time and have dinner together. I remember him having a super big dunk in a come form behind win over Wichita State. That was a great game and one of the funniest games to play in.

How did head coach Kevin Willard who helped you make the switch to the point groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career at Seton Hall?

He was great and had a lot of knowledge about everything. He knew exactly what pro teams want in a player and had great work outs. It was fun to play for him.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Myles Powell?

It always went back and forth. We played a lot my freshman and sophomore years. We even played all hours of the night.

You played against many great players in the NCAA, but who was the toughest battle that is in the NBA now

I think that whole Villanova team with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges

Please name your best teammates of all-time?

My guys from Seton Hall Desi Rodriguez, Ismael Sonogo, Angel Delgado, Isaiah Whitehead

If you had to construct your very own NBA mount Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick?

Kobe, Jordan, Lebron, Steph

Who is your GOAT?

Jordan

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

They should of left it alone. You need to leave classics alone.

Thanks Khadeen for the chat.

Versatile Benjamin Sadikovic(Dragons Rhondorf) Will Surprise Many With His Court Vision And Passing Ability

Benjamin Sadikovic (208-PF-2003) is a 22 year old 208cm power forward that is playing his first season with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. He played the last 2 seasons with the TSV Oberaching Tropics and last season averaged 5.8ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT-3 (50.0%), FT: 65.5%. He began his basketball career with TS Jahn Munich where he played NBBL. In his last season he averaged 11.7ppg, 10.0rpg, Blocks-3 (2.6bpg), FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 68.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Thanks Benjamin for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the Dragons Rhondorf. How thrilled are you for making this new step?

I’m really excited to finally take this next step in my career. I’m looking forward to the next two years with the Dragons Rhöndorf and I’m very curious to see how much I can grow and develop as a player during this time.

What were the main reasons for joining the Dragons Rhondorf? How key was having the double license opportunity with easyCredit BBL team Telekom Baskets Bonn?

Of course, the double license opportunity with Telekom Baskets Bonn played a role, but it was definitely not the main reason. Even without the BBL connection, Rhöndorf was already an attractive place for me because I can really put in the work and develop there. Also, from the very beginning, I felt very comfortable and truly welcomed by everyone I’ve met so far.

How have you followed the history of the Dragons Rhondorf the last years? You have a 0-2 lifetime record against them

I’ve always kept an eye on Rhöndorf, especially after they won the championship. I followed their games from time to time to see how they were performing. And yes, I definitely hope my record with the Dragons will be a lot better than my record against them!

How valuable is also the opportunity to be teammates with Daniel Mayr? What are you looking most forward to learning from him?

Daniel Mayr is a very experienced player who has made a name for himself in this league for years. I’m really looking forward to learning from him and picking up as much as I can. Especially, I want to see how he uses his length effectively on both ends of the court — that’s something I can definitely learn from and add to my own game.

How did the talks go with head coach Max Becker? What did you appreciate right away about his basketball philosophy?

Even though Max is still a relatively young coach, I was really impressed by our conversations. He has a great understanding of the game and is also a very approachable and pleasant person. I can tell he’s a highly dedicated coach who really focuses on helping his players grow and develop. I’m really looking forward to playing for him over the next few years.

What is your goal in the first season? To possibily be a solid role player in the Pro B

My main focus is to contribute to the team’s success and help us win games. At the same time, I also want to make a name for myself. I want to prove that I can compete at this level and that I’m capable of playing at even higher levels in the future.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 208cm center. If you had to describe your game to another pro player from Germany or anywhere who would it be?

I would describe my game as a mix of different bigs. I have some similarities to players like Jusuf Nurkic and Nikola Vucevic in terms of feel for the game and good positioning, but I’m also working on becoming more mobile and versatile like Bam Adebayo or Daniel Theis – being able to defend, run the floor, and play face-up.

You’re a big man that can score and rebound. Describe your game a bit. What other strengths do you have on the court?

I’m a pretty versatile player for my size. I can score inside thanks to my length, but I also have a solid shooting touch and can be a threat outside the paint. I think one of my underrated strengths is my court vision and passing ability – sometimes people don’t expect that from a big man like me.

Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you right now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

Right now, I’m mainly focused on zone and interior defense, where I can use my size and physicality to protect the paint and secure rebounds. But I definitely want to grow into a defender who can switch and guard all five positions. My goal is to become more mobile on the perimeter, improve my footwork, and be able to guard both bigs and guards effectively.

You played the last 2 seasons with the TSV Oberhaching Tropics Deisenhofen (ProB). You made good strides in your game. How did you game grow in the last 2 years?

Playing with TSV Oberhaching over the last two seasons really helped me become a more physical player. I’ve also made big improvements in my basketball IQ — understanding the game better, reading situations, and making smarter decisions on the court. I’ve developed a lot, but I know there’s still plenty of untapped potential in me, and I’m working hard every day to take my game to the next level.

How vital was head coach Mario Matic for your development? What was the most important thing that he taught you that helped your game?

Mario Matic played a big role in my development. He always pushed me in practice and took extra time to work with me individually. I’m really grateful that I had the chance to play under him and learn from him.

How vital was Fynn Fischer for your game? What were you able to soak up most like a sponge from his game?

I was able to learn a lot from Fynn. What really stood out to me was his post-up game – it’s amazing. He’s still a classic big man who loves to play with his back to the basket, takes advantage of every mismatch, and punishes every small mistake immediately. That’s definitely a skill I want to add to my game as well.

How cool was it being teammates with ultra teammate Omari Knox? What is your fondest moment with him on an doff the court?

Off the court, Omari is honestly one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He’s just a great person and a great father, and it was always fun to spend time with him. But on the court, he was a completely different guy – the dog came out. He played with so much intensity and fire, and it was amazing to be his teammate. One of my favorite moments was against Ulm when he threw me an incredible bounce pass that led to a big dunk. That’s definitely a play I’ll always remember.

Janosch Koegler is a player every team needs. What will you miss most from his game and leadership skills?

Just like Omari, Janosch was an incredibly kind person that everyone could get along with. On the court, he was the glue guy who always kept the team together and constantly gave encouragement and confidence to everyone. He also had the ability to hit big shots in important moments, which was huge for the team. I’ll definitely miss both his leadership and his calm, positive energy.

Many of your best personal games last season were in loses, but you also had a 13/9 game in a win over Wurzburg. What was your fondest moment on the court in the Pro B?

Personally, I think one of my best games was actually our first game against Fellbach. Even though I didn’t score a lot, I had some really important rebounds and played great defense throughout the game. It was a tough battle, but we managed to win in the end, and that performance really meant a lot to me.

You didn´t play against Hannes Steinbach in that game, but against another young talented player with Clemons Sokolov.What memories do you have battling him on the court?

I think Clemons Sokolov has all the tools to become a really good player. He’s still young, and it will be interesting to see what kind of role he takes on in Würzburg now that Steinbach is heading to college. I definitely enjoyed competing against him on the court.

You began your basketball career with TS Jahn Muenchen U19 team (NBBL) averaging 11.7ppg, 10.0rpg, Blocks-3 (2.6bpg), FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 68.2% in your last season. What memories do you have of this time? Did you have a mentor?

It was an amazing and fun time where I made lifelong friends and really enjoyed playing basketball with them. Unfortunately, we didn’t make the playoffs that year, even though we had a strong roster. Urspring and Ulm were both very tough teams that season.

I didn’t have one specific mentor in the NBBL, but I was really lucky to have two people who helped me a lot. My coach, Timo Heinrichs, worked closely with me and really helped prepare me for the ProB level. On the other side, Philipp Bode supported me throughout my journey – from my time at Jahn all the way to Oberhaching – and taught me so much along the way.

Who is the toughest player that you ever battled that reached NBA or Euroleague?

I would say Noa Essengue was probably the best player I’ve had the chance to play against so far. Competing with him was definitely a great challenge and experience for me.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Philipp Bode, Omari Knox, Richard Freudenberg, Peter Zeis, Fynn Fischer

Please name your NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time?

NBA: LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan

Euro: Miloš Teodosic, Theo Papaloukas, Vassilis Spanoulis, Walter Tavares

German: Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schröder, Detlef Schrempf, Franz Wagner

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron James no question!

Thanks Benjamin for the chat

Naz Bohannon Knew Eric Washington´s Last Shot Was Going In In Trier And Is Blessed To Witness His Daily Energy Which Is Culture Changing

pic credit: Nico Leistner

Going to play in Trier the last 2 seasons was never an easy task for Naz Bohannon (198-F-1999, college: Clemson) when he was strapping on the jersey with Phoenix Hagen. Here was a competitive guy who had had a 1-3 record in Trier and suffered a brutal sweep last season in the playoffs which stopped another journey to the easyCredit BBL for the ambitious Hagen squad. He left his heart on the floor during that sweep averaging 13/3/2/1 stats, but it simply wasn´t enough. But he finally got revenge again a few days ago with his new team Science City Jena. Here he was again in Trier walking on to the court to do battle against Maik Zirbes, Jordan Roland and co. The atmosphere in the Trier arena as always was incredible, but still something was different. “It is always a great atmosphere in Trier. Last season the Hagen fans went to Trier and the atmosphere was great. But I feel like now that the team is in the BBL, there is a different kind of buzz and excitement”, said Naz Bohannon. He had witnessed some really exciting games the last 2 years with Phoenix Hagen, but this time it would be different. He would finally get revenge for last season´s playoff series loss and put icing on the cake this time was that the win was not in the Pro A, but in the easyCredit BBL, a top 5 league in Europe. Fans saw an up and down game with high tempo and intensity that saw a massive run by Phoenix Hagen in the third quarter where the game looked out of reach. However the Romerstrom Gladiators staged a masterful comeback in the fourth quarter and the game went to the wire decided by a Eric Washington game winner on the last shot. “I would rank this game top 5 as most exciting in my career. I had other exciting moments like winning the title with Vechta. I also had some history with Trier as they put us out of the playoffs with Hagen. I had a lot of emotions coming into the game in Trier this time”, stressed Naz Bohannon.

Science City Jena had a difficult task in front of them with the game against the Romerstrom Gladiators. 48 hours earlier, they had lost a tough cup game which could of given them their first big success of the season as newcomer in the BBL with a top 4 ticket, but instead had lost 91-78 in Berlin. Would they have the strength to bounce back again and produce an upset against the BBL´s everybody´s darling Romerstrom Gladiators? “It is crazy but basketball has that next play mentality. We were sour after the cup loss in Berlin, a game we felt we should of won. But we only had a few days until the Trier game and paid attention to that. We had to be mature and be like men and be ready quickly. We focused on Trier and couldn´t scout until we were in the hotel in Trier”. remembered Naz Bohannon. Trier began with 3 dunks in a row to start the game from Urald King and Martin Linnsen. Giving a team that kind of energy in their own living room can be disastrous. “You never want to give up that kind of momentum especially in a place like Trier. But I noticed right away that those dunks didn´t rattle us. Dunks feel like 4 point plays, but we weren´t out of reach trailing only 6-3. We were still in the game”, stressed Naz Bohannon. The first quarter was a typical back and forth game with Trier leading 26-24. The game had a very fast tempo one that could have been very difficult to continue for 40 minutes considering the team had had a big battle in Berlin 48 hours earlier. “I feel like the pace that we had to play with then was fine. It is a kind of pace that we are used to play. However we also knew that it was our second game in 3 days. We knew that we had to conserve some energy for the whole game. We knew that we had to slow the game down a bit to sustain all our energy for the whole 40 minutes”, stated Naz Bohannon.

In the second quarter, Science City Jena lost a little focus and allowed Trier to go on a 8-2 run to trail 34-26. Talented guards Eli Brooks and Jordan Roland did all the damage scoring all the points. “They both are tough to guard. They play with a lot of confidence. They like to play fast. Important when defending players like that is to pay attention to what you can do in certain situations like giving them different defensive looks and not letting them get to comfortable. If you fail to locate them then it probably will be a bucket”, commented Naz Bohannon. The contest kept going in a positive direction for Trier as they led by as much as 10 points, but Jena kept fighting. Bohannon who played a season at Clemson had back to back baskets and Chris Carter a trey to trail only 54-52 at the break. A great quality that every new BBL team needs is to have are those defined fighting qualities that allows them to stay in games for 40 minutes and have a chance to win. “We are built on having those fighting qualities. We knew form the start that in order to be successful in a league like the BBL, we have to hang our hats on being a dog. That has been our core piece this season”, warned Naz Bohannon. The game was tight going into the second quarter and head coach Bjoern Harmsen reminded Bohannon and his teammates about what had happened in Berlin. “He told us that we had to build on what took place in Berlin a few days prior. We were in the same position like in Berlin. In Trier in this situation, we had to be men and be tough. It was time to step up and be focused and stand our character”, said Naz Bohannon. In the third quarter Science City Jena turned the game around with a 17-2 run to lead 69-56 and after 30 minutes led 79-66. Jena let it rain three´s early and also got to the hole. This had to be one of the best team basketball phases of the season. “For sure it was. I think like everybody saw then what people usually don´t see in practice. We now put it on front street and showed how we can play when all is clicking”, stressed Naz Bohannon.

Science City Jena had a mini run in the first minute of the fourth quarter and led by 18 points. But Jena was unable to run with the momentum and allowed a brutal 23-6 run to trail 93-90 with 1,58 to play. Did the team believe the game was won to early, because Trier still had energy and came back? “I don´t think that we believed the game was over then. We wanted to finish strong, but basketball is a game of runs. They gave a tough fight and we had to weather the storm. They did a good job slowing down the game. We had to find our way and somehow play through it. We knew that we had to string along some stops. They did a good job changing the flow of the game”, remembered Naz Bohannon. Trier trailed 93-92 and ex Iowa University (NCAA) forward Joe Wieskamp suffered an offensive foul with 23 seconds. Trier now had the chance to win the game on possibly the last possession of then game. “We were playing hard and Joe got caught up in it. We were making quick decisions. We had to fix it. We focused on the next play and knew we needed a stop”, warned Naz Bohannon. But Jena was aided by the basketball God in the hostile environment as German Nolan Adekunle scored to lead 94-93 and was nice enough to leave 5 seconds on the clock. Jena called timeout. Was the last play drawn up for Eric Washington or were their other options? “We had numerous options. We wanted to give Eric the ball and let him make a play and be ready for a rebound. In a situation like this it´s not about x´s and o´s but the Jimmy and Joe´s. We had total confidence in Eric making a play”, added Naz Bohannon. I´m sure if I asked all 17 easyCredit BBL coaches if they would like to have a guy like Eric Washington on their team, a majority would say yes. He is as clutch as it can be and simply a winner. The walking bucket has made big shots his whole life whether it was in Bosnia, France or Italy. He has BBL experience and did it a few years ago when he was with the MLP Academics Heidelberg as well. It was only logical that he would take and make the last shot in spectacular fashion with a step back jumper. “I knew his last shot would go in. I was under the basket and had the perfect angle. I´m a huge believer in work ethic and Eric has that. He is such a pro. Always first in the gym and last to go. He works on moments like these everyday. I think it is great that he is on the team. I want to take the next step in the BBL and to have a guy like that on the team is huge. He understands what it takes to be successful. He is a leader and to have him in the locker room is so important. His energy is culture changing”, warned Naz Bohannon.

Science City Jena go into the Fiba break sitting in seventh place with a 4-3 record. Beating a top team like the Romerstrom Gladiators couldn´t have occurred at a better time for them. “The win in Trier was huge. This win is definitely something we can build on looking ahead. We are a team that is tough and always takes pride. This win was very exciting”, stressed Naz Bohannon. BBL newcomers Trier and Jena have surprised many this season, but what will the troops of Bjoern Harmsen have to do to stay consistent and keep winning? “We need to capitalize on the Trier win. We don´t want to look ahead to much. Just take it one day at a time, on game at a time and one play at a time. We believe in ourselves. We have to stay together and tough. We are a gritty group. If we can do that we will be fine. We have to keep growing and maybe make some history this season.”, warned Naz Bohannon. The ex Youngstown State University (NCAA) forward was averaging only 4,0ppg and 3,0rpg in the first 6 BBL games, but broke out in the classic win in Trier with a 12/10 game. “It felt good to contribute the way that I did and fully engage. My start didn´t really bother me. It is all a process. I´m just comfortable with whatever I have to do on the court for the team to be successful. I was playing the role that coached called me to do”, smiled Naz Bohannon. The team now has the Fiba break and it is only logical that the team was really thrilled after the win. “We were very excited. We celebrated a bit in the locker room. We rested a bit on the bus, but our adrenaline was up. We might have slept an hour on the bus. We have some days off now. We will take sometime now to let our bodies recover, but at the same time never losing our focus on the task ahead”, warned Naz Bohannon. It will be interesting to see how Science City Jena will play again after the Fiba break. Nothing is given in the easyCredit BBL as they have 3 tough games before X-mas with 2 home games against Ulm and Bamberg and a road game against Frankfurt. It is always nice seeing these special cases with teams having success coming from the Pro A. It would be nice if Science City Jena can keep up the momentum and make some more upsets in the next weeks. Bjoern Harmsen surely will have his special basketball culture ready for battle every game.

Versatile Naz Bohannon(Science City Jena) Knows That He Has To Become A Better Outside Shooter If He Wants A Long Career

Naz Bohannon (198-F-1999, college: Clemson) is a 26 year old 198cm forward playing his fourth professional season in Germany and first with Science City Jena. He played the last 2 seasons with Phoenix Hagen (Germany-ProA) averaging 12.4ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 60.8% and 13.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 60.9%. He palyed his rookie season overseas with at Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA) averaging 9.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP-1 (73.4%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 55.2%. He began his basketball career with Lorain, OH / Lorrain High School and left as the all-time leading scorer with 1,385 career points with 872 career rebounds and guided the team to a three-year mark of 69-8. He then played at Youngstown State University (NCAA) from 2017-2021 and in his last year averaged : 16.5ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 59.8%. He played an extra season at Clemson University (NCAA) averaging 5.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer bout basketball.

Thanks Naz for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we start, I keep reading the nickname “A One Man Buffalo Herd”. Where did you get that name?

The name One Man Buffalo Herd is something that has come since I’ve been in Germany. My playing style and motor have to be the reason the fans have given me the name, either way I like it. At home my basketball peers call me “Bully” for the same reasons these fans call me Buffalo.

When I say the #26 what does that mean?

I don´t know.

Well it means you have played 26 Pro A playoff games in 3 seasons. What was your favorite playoff game?

My favorite playoff game out of my time in Pro A outside of the game I won a championship is either game 5 versus Kircheim or game 4 versus Crailsheim. Both games were win or go home situations and the atmosphere in the Ischeland was second to none. Those are games you look forward to when dreaming about being a pro.

Your playing your fourth professional season and first with Jena. Is it fair to say that Germany has become like a second home for you?

It is definitely fair to say that Germany has become a second home to me. If I can learn the language fluently maybe I can get a passport lol.

What do you enjoy so much about Germany? You played in Vechta and Hagen not real big places, but great basketball addresses

These two places in particular are a big reason why I love Germany. I’ve been blessed to be able to be in two amazing basketball cultures and this has made my career worthwhile. Outside of basketball I enjoy traveling through Germany and just enjoying everything the country has to offer. I love to learn so being immersed in a completely different culture than what I come from has been amazing.

After playing 2 seasons in Hagen, your now in the easyCredit BBL. Was the fact that you could play in the BBL the biggest draw that you had for playing for this organization?

Since winning a championship and not moving up with the team, playing in the BBL has been a pursuit of mine. Playing in Hagen not only gave me a chance to be able to do that, but a chance to do it in a place that it would mean a whole lot. I’m a huge legacy guy and I love places that embody grit and grind. Those were my draws for playing for Hagen.

You had a 1-3 lifetime record against Jena. What was so appealing to battle them each time?

The battles with Jena were wars. Every game had a great atmosphere and felt like a prize fight that went into the dog rounds.

How did the talks go with mastermind head coach Bjoern Harmsen. He first coached Jena when you were 9 years old. He has had a impressive coaching track record in Germany. What did you appreciate most about his coaching Philosophy?

The talks went pretty quick, but they were effective and efficient. We knew each other well from the battles we had and once we understood the feelings were mutual about working together it was an easy choice. I loved to play them because as a basketball junkie I could appreciate their offensive schemes and attention to detail to the game.

Your 198cm forward that isn´t afraid to bang with anyone inside. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I personally don’t do NBA comparisons but a lot of people say Draymond Green. However, I love watching guys that came before this huge analytical era. I believe anybody who can get to 6’6 or above, be physical, have a great IQ, and sharpen all aspects of their game can become mismatch nightmares.

Your physicality and leadership really stand out, but for me it´s clearly your versatility. You always had it already at Youngstown. Can you become even more versatile then what you already are?

As the 3 ball starts to fall for me I definitely can become more versatile. If I make the opponent respect me as a three point shooter it will only open up the rest of my game.

Your three pointer still is a work in progress. You only shot 12,5% last season with Hagen? What is your agenda on becoming a better shooter? Can it be more than just repetition? Do you ever work on changing mechanics?

I’ve spent the entire summer working on shooting and it’s definitely gotten improved. Away from repetition my shot is and has been about consistency and that means me shooting the ball the same way every time. That coupled with the mindset shift of actually shooting it. I grew up playing basketball at the park and our mentality always was if you can’t stop me from getting to the rim why would I shoot it. However, in this new age of basketball I have to adjust to shooting if I want a long career.

How would you classify yourself as a defender? What kind of a defender do you still want to become?

As a defender I believe I am versatile as well and that helps not only myself, but any team I’m on. As I go to higher levels I can become a better defender of shooting wings and the on ball defender of ball screens.

On what areas of your game besides your three pointer are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

I’ve been working on handling the ball better, my overall touch and becoming a better athlete. These things will always translate to higher levels of basketball.

You played the last 2 seasons with Phoenix Hagen. How enjoyable were these 2 years? How did you grow further under Chris Harris?

These 2 years were fun as hell. My 2 years at Hagen made that place home and it will forever be in my heart. Chris is my guy, outside of growing as a leader and learning how to manipulate the european game as a go to guy, Chris provided a space for me to grow as a man.

You played 2 incredible 5 game series against Kirchheim and Crailsheim. Was that Kirchheim series the most exciting time ever in basketball?

My most exciting time ever in basketball happened when I was 15 years old and playing in front of my hometown. My high school team was undefeated and it felt like we were living in a movie. Every game was sold out, we even sold out a college.

You had some incredible teammates in Hagen. Which player had the biggest impact on you. Perhaps Siler Schneider who you were teammates twice with?

Siler is my brother. That is definitely one of my all time favorite teammates. We were two hard nosed hungry kids from the mid west that gelled perfectly.

You played your rookie season with Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA) averaging 9.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP-1 (73.4%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 55.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wakeup call from home had little to do with basketball actually. My wake up call was being in the grocery store for the first time and not being able to read the names of any of the groceries and being uneasy about asking for help because I wasn’t sure if someone spoke English.

What was so special with the Vechta team that won the Pro A title to reach the BBL?

The Vechta team was special because of how competitive we were. With no disrespect our practices were sometimes harder than the games. “Iron sharpens Iron” and we epitomized that.

You tried to play in the NFL. You worked out with Jacksonville. How was that whole process. What were the main reasons in the end that it didn´t work out?

That process was great and taught me a lot. It’s something I’ll forever be grateful for. In the end I was a product of the business and I’m not mad at that. I was in a situation where I needed longer to develop than what the team had to produce a winning situation.

You played at Youngstown State University (NCAA) from 2017-2021. You made a massive jump in your last season averaging 16.5ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 59.8%. How did your game grow in the last season there?

My game grew in my last season because I became more assertive and focused. I already have a great work ethic but that year my son was born and it kicked me into an entirely different gear.

You had many great games there like scoring 32 points against Green Bay or having a monster 14/20 game against Central Michigan. What was your fondest moment there?

My fondest moment there is when I played on ESPN and made the game winning pass to beat the conference giant Wright St. I had 28 points 8 rebounds and 2 assists on a big stage and my entire community got to watch from home.

You played 1 more NCAA season with Clemson University (NCAA) averaging5.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.6%. You averaged 12 minutes less than the season before. What positives could you get from this season?

The season at Clemson prepared me to be a pro, specifically for the year at Vechta. Being on a team loaded with talent you have to be able to adjust and play a role even if it may be undesirable at first. While frustrated in the beginning of the year there, I grew to figure out a way to be successful in whatever time was awarded to me.

How did head coach Brad Brownell give you that last push and help prepare you for a pro career?

Coach Brownell’s grit philosophy not only helps be a pro, but helps in every aspect of life. Passion and perseverance towards a long term goal while paying attention to details,being tough and being team oriented can help you in just about any setting in your adult life.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Hunter Tyson?

In the few times we did play 1s we had great battles

Please list your personal NBA, German and Serbian Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time?

NBA: Lebron, Shaq, Mike, Kareem

German: Dirk, Dennis Schroeder, Franz Wagner,

Serbia: Joker, Bogdanovic, Peja Stojakovic, Drazen Petrovic

Who is your GOAT?

My GOAT is Lebron. Simple and clear answer for me. As a basketball lover I am open to anybody else’s opinion.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I haven’t seen it, but I do think they should have left it alone.

Thanks Naz for the chat.

The Miles Vs Toru Dean Weekly Basketball Conversation Volume 7

Congrats Toru on the big 70–69 win over Oldenburg. This was the second close game won in the last 3 games. How good does it feel?

It feels amazing. Any win in this league is tough, but pulling out another close one says a lot about our resilience. We’re learning how to stay composed in tight moments, and that’s something every good team needs. So yeah, really proud of the group.

Talk about the 40 minutes and the highs and lows of the game. Was it a nail-biter throughout?

It definitely felt like a roller coaster. Neither team really managed to create a big gap, so every possession mattered from start to finish. There were stretches where we moved the ball well and defended exactly how we wanted, and then other moments where we let them find rhythm. But overall, it was one of those games where you had to stay mentally locked in the entire time. It was a grind.

Take me through the last seconds of crunch time. Did you feel like you had to take control?

In those moments, the game kind of slows down for me. I wouldn’t say I felt like I had to take over, but I knew I had to be aggressive and make the right decisions. Sometimes that means shooting, sometimes it means creating for someone else. We trusted the play, trusted each other, and stayed poised. That’s what made the difference.

The stats were very even for both teams. Can one say that this game was decided by a few possessions?

Absolutely. When the numbers are that close, the game really comes down to execution in critical moments, one extra stop, one offensive rebound, one smart decision. We managed to string together just enough of those key plays to come out on top.

You had another great game with 31/9/6/2. How content were you with your game?

I’m happy I could help the team, for sure. But I always look at how I can be better. The scoring is nice, but I focus on whether I controlled the pace, made the right reads, and brought energy on both ends. There’s still plenty to improve, but overall I felt good about how I contributed.

You had 4 turnovers. Do you feel like with added game experience you’ll be able to cut those down this season?

Definitely. Turnovers usually come from either rushing or trying to force something that isn’t there. With more reps, more film, and more familiarity with my teammates, I’ll keep cleaning that up. It’s an ongoing process, but I’m confident the numbers will go down.

You next play against 6–4 Braunschweig. What will be key to getting a win?

We have to set the tone defensively. They’re a team that can score in bunches if they get comfortable. Controlling the glass and dictating tempo will also be big for us. If we stay disciplined and keep sharing the ball like we have been, we’ll put ourselves in a good position to win.

Thanks Toru for the chat.

Chris Clemons(EWE Baskets)Learned From The Best From Harden And Westbrook And His Goal Overseas Is The Euroleague

Pic credit: Houston Rockets

I continue to have real fond memories of a G-League game I went to almost 4 years ago between the Maine Celtics and Capital City Go Go´s. I witnessed a pretty low scoring game under 100 and as usual after the game was hounding the players for selfie´s. I got some nice pics with some NBA players like Greg Monroe and Luke Kornet, but also was lucky to pose with some other fine players. With a few of them, I have had a special kind of connection after meeting them briefly on that very mild late November day as it had pushed 60 degrees. The years following that game, I would write articles on 2 Maine Celtics with Eric Demers and Deng Adel, both who are flourishing overseas. I actually still have contact with Demers to this day who has had success in Spain and who I have tried to help come to Germany. My journey with meeting players in the G-League and writing an article after they have moved on to overseas continued here with another player, I remember stopping and posing with a pic with Chris Clemons (175-PG-1997, college: Campbell). Clemons is an incredible player who is an undersized walking bucket and has seen it all. He played 40 games that season for Maine and surprisingly the game I saw, he played the least amount of minutes that season with only 17 and scored 5 points. He had 8 other games that season of 40 or more minutes. When I noticed that he was over seas in France, I got in contact with his agent and before I knew it, I had an interview with him. I always love saying the phrase, “it´s a small world when I inform guys that we had met before and now I´m interviewing them. It wasn´t any different with Clemons. He also had no problem naming Germany´s Euroleague teams Munich and Berlin when I asked him if he ever had any ambition of lacing up his sneakers in Germany. “Who knows, It might happen. You never know where basketball might take you. I never thought that I would ever play in France. The BBL is a good league to play in. I played with Tyren Johnson last season and this season he is in Germany. I want to get to the Euroleague”, warned Chris Clemons in April 2025. Clemons learned from the best from Harden and Westbrook and his goal is the Euroleague.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Chris Clemons in Portland, Maine 2021

The 175cm guard who lists Ja Morant as the toughest player that he ever battled in the NCAA was born on July 23, 1997 in Raleigh, North Carolina and idolized Allen Iverson growing up and tried to incorporate his lethal cross over into his own game. He played at / Millbrook High School and in his senior year averaged 24.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.2apg, 2.2spg. In his career there, he scored 1230 points which was the second highest in school history and had the single game record of 41 points. His explosive scoring continued at Campbell University (NCAA) where he played from 2015-2019 amassing a total of 129 games. He had a sensational freshman year averaging 18.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 84.4%. But his game really took off in his last 3 years as he averaged 25.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.6apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 82.5%, 25.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 85.6% and as a senior had the ultimate individual season averaging 30.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 86.9%. Were these 4 years some of the best times in his life? “I have had a lot of great years in my career, but my years in Campbell were great as well. I found a way in those 4 years to continue to keep getting better and what I needed to do to get to the NBA. I put in the work and always got better after taking part in some NBA pre draft work outs and never got complacent. I improved and in my last year went up 5,0ppg. My coaches believed in me and put me in a good position to be successful. I never took anything for granted”, stressed Chris Clemons. He scored in double figures in 128 of 129 games and owns the longest double-figure scoring streak (82) games among all active NCAA Division I players (8th-longest all-time). It is no secret that he owes a lot of his success to head coach Kevin McGeehan. “I´m so glad that he saw something in me, because I had on other offers. I believe he saw something very special in me. He gave me a lot of confidence in myself. I showed just how much I improved my game. He gave a lot of attention to my game and I can thank him 1 million times”, said Chris Clemons. His scoring consistency was incredible as he scored 20 points or more 92 times, 30 points or more 30 times, 40 points or more 6 times and had a 51 point game against UNC Ashville. One of his fondest memories was scoring 42 points against Liberty where he and teammate Marcus Burk hit 10 three´s a piece. “I still don´t know how that happened. It felt like we just took turns taking shots and nobody missed. We were on the road and it was a great team performance”, remembered Chris Clemons. 2 of his best accolades at Campbell was becoming the school´s all-time leading scorer and leading the nation as a senior in scoring, but which was greater for him? “I think that my biggest accolade was being the top scorer in the nation. I was already the school´s highest scorer before I was the nation´s top scorer. It is tougher to be the top scorer in the nation. To lead the nation in any category was tough. I will always be proud of that”, remembered Chris Clemons who recalls beating Marcus Burk is 1-1 battles in practice. Other achievements at Campbell included All-Big South Conf. Freshman of the Year -2016, All-Big South Conf. Second Team -2016, Big South Conf. All-Freshman Team -2016, All-Big South Conf. First Team -2017, 18, 19, Big South Conf. All-Tournament Team -2017, 19, Big South Conf. All-Academic Team -2017 NABC All-District 3 Second Team -2017 CIT All-Tournament Team -2017, USBWA All-District III Team -2018, 19, NABC Division I All-District 3 First Team -2018, 19, Mid-Major Madness All-Americans Honorable Mention -2018, Lou Henson All-Americans Team -2018, All-Big South Conf. Player of the Year -2019, USBWA All-America Third Team -2019, and Reese’s NCAA D1 All-Star Game -2019

The explosive guard who lists James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Andrew Eudy, Tyren Johnson, and John Wall as his 5 best teammates of all-time played at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) averaging Score-1 (18.3ppg), 3.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.7spg and then played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas) averaging Score-4 (20.2ppg), 4.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 30.4%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 78.9%. He had to pay his dues as a rookie first earning an exhibit 10 contract, then a 2 way contract and on December 27th finally was handed a standard NBA contract. In his rookie season he played 35 NBA games for Houston averaging 4.8ppg, and also played also with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBA G League) averaging Score-4 (23.9ppg), 3.9rpg, 6.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 85.5%. He like every player had that instant NBA wake up call where he had to always be wide awake. “The NBA is so fast paced and we had a lot of veterans. You can get lost in so many things outside of basketball. If you aren´t always focused something could go wrong in an instant”, warned Chris Clemons. He made his NBA debut against the Miami Heat and was an instant bang scoring 16 points. “I remember my family being there. I remember not being surprised, but I was very excited because I knew that I would play. Generally you never know when you play so when you do play, you have to leave a lasting memory. I remember bringing a lot of energy and always telling myself you have to make every shot, so they will remember me in the next game and put me in again”, commented Chris Clemons. Not many guys can say that they were teammates with James Harden and Russell Westbrook. He couldn´t have had better guard veterans than these 2 to soak up as much as possible on a daily basis. “Those 2 are some of the best passers in the game. Learning how to read the game and where help is coming from was huge. Harden is an offensive guru and I learned how to execute the pick and roll and when to do isolation. I also learned how key preparation is every day. Even after partying, these guys were always so locked in. I don´t know how they did that”, expressed Chris Clemons. He also was teammates then with a lesser known German big man named Isaiah Hartenstein. He shares the same opinion as I in why it took him so long to get respected by NBA teams. “It really is crazy how long it took him to get to the place where he is now. He was a very intriguing guy. His biggest attribute is his energy. He is one of the best motors I have ever seen. He gets very rebound. I don´t know how he does it. I´m super happy for his success. He deserves everything because he has worked so hard”, warned Chris Clemons. In his NBA season he scored in double figures in 7 games including 19 points against Minnesota and 17 points against Atlanta.

The North Carolina native who lists Jordan, Kobe, Lebron, Shaq, and AI on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore missed the 2020-2021 season due to a Achilles injury. He rebounded in the 2021-2022 season playing with the Maine Celtics (NBA G League) averaging 21.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 5.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 82.8%. He scored in double figures in 36 games and scored 20 points or more 19 times and 30 points or more 9 times and scored 41 points 3 times. He also set an NBA G League record for most points in a quarter on perfect shooting from the field with 27 points on 9–9 field goal shooting. He should have had an NBA call up, but didn´t. “Sometimes it has to do with timing. I don´t ever remember any other player putting up the kind of stats that I was putting up. After the season, I mis-picked some opportunities, but that is how it sometimes goes. I think at that time, I needed to score so we would win”, remembered Chris Clemons. He also had a 10 day contract from Atlanta, but didn´t play a game. He played the last 2 seasons in the G-League with Windy City averaging 15.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 33.3%, 3FGP: 44.7%, FT: 77.8% in his first season and in China and France. He continued to return back to the States for the NBA dream. Is that NBA dream still there now or is overseas his main priority? “I have been to the NBA and know what it takes to play there. I know that I could play there now. The NBA is so political and it is very difficult to get back there. Even if I did play G-League again, I would be passing up a lot of money of not playing overseas. I mean if I were to get a legitimate opportunity then I would take it. I´m very happy overseas being able to see new countries and cultures. The Euroleague is the second best league in the world and a place I want to reach”, warned Chris Clemons. He was fortunate to play under ex Euroleague player guard Henry Domercant and got an early introduction to how overseas basketball is played. “Henry talked about the overseas game a lot. I listened and learned from him. Things that he talked about was true. Everything he talked about involving practices, the language and fans was true. He was a really good influence on me without really being one. His coaching style was similar to what you see overseas. He really prepared me well”, said Chris Clemons. In his second season at Windy City he averaged 15.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.2apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 48.8%, 3FGP: 33.2%, FT: 78.3%30 minutes. Did he feel like he was close to an NBA call up or did he score too little in the minutes he got? “I don´t think that I scored to little. I think that I was always close to the NBA. It was just about waiting for that opportunity. What I really appreciate about the Maine Celtics was that when I got there, they told me exactly what I had to do to reach the NBA. I don´t think it is about scoring 30-40 points a game, but more like if you score 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists per game. I don´t think that The NBA looks at how much you score. Many don´t understand that and believe that if they score 30-40 points, that that will be their ticket to the NBA. They are confused with that, because they look for the role player and not the star. The most important thing for me was that we were winning when I was there”, stressed Chris Clemons. He also gathered further experience playing with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers (China-CBA) averaging 17.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 84.7%. “The experience was a lot different than Europe. You can´t drive there and you don´t have as much freedom. You can learn the language a lot easier in Europe. I have picked up enough French to be able to communicate, but you can´t just pick up Chinese. The fans are great. The atmosphere is great. It is similar to the NBA and how everything is set up. The Chinese want the Americans to dominate. That is why you often see crazy numbers by Americans”, added Chris Clemons. He scored in double figures in 18 of 26 games including a 55 point explosion against Shanxi L where he connected for 13 three´s. He also had the fortune of being teammates with a real character Taco Fall that many Celtics fans will never forget. “Traveling with him was really interesting. Everyone is small in China. It was a real spectacle when he was traveling. It was tough getting on buses and planes for him. He drew a lot of attention. He was a nice dude”, said Chris Clemons.

The North Carolina native who names Allen Iverson as his GOAT and felt that the original Coming To America was better than the sequel played his second season in Europe with Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 28 games: 15.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-5 (1.3spg), FGP: 39.0%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 86.3%. “Playing for Nancy was a real good experience. I have been very fortunate to have teammates that really enjoy each other. That has made the process a lot easier. It can sometimes be hit or miss overseas. My wife is here with me, so that has made the experience a lot easier as well. Each game in the Pro A is of high importance. The league is tight and the games are intense. The atmosphere is also great”, commented Chris Clemons. He also was fortunate having a veteran like Caleb Walker on his side and helping get adjusted and another big time scorer with Isaiah Washington on his side as well. “Caleb and I have a really good relationship. We hang out here and also have done it in the States. We are able to carry on a relationship past basketball. I think that he is a great veteran for anyone. He is also here with his wife and they have really been very helpful to my wife getting adjusted. We are very thankful for that. I love Isaiah and the person that he is. He is a really talented player. I like how he can create for himself and others. He is a really good dude to meet. He told me about Germany and how different of a role he had there. I think that we have a lot of similarities in our games. Unfortunately we haven´t played as much together on the court as I would have liked”, said Chris Clemons. Last season with Nancy he played 12 games averaging 16.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 5.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 82.1%. In the 2024-2025 season he showed that he needed no adjustment time. That consistency from Campbell seems to have rubbed over everywhere he has been as a professional player. “ I´m not the tallest guy so I have to be consistent in order to be successful at a high level. I have been very fortunate in my career to have been in great places and have had good people help me be effective in some way with my game”, stressed Chris Clemons. Often guys that come from the NBA have problems adjusting to the game, but he hasn´t had any problems. He fills the stat sheet like no other and has already proved to be a very good playmaker overseas as he has that good court vision already overseas that he also displayed in the NBA. “To be honest, it isn´t that much different. I just think that the court is more congested overseas and the spaces are tighter. I have always been a main focal point of the offense where ever I have played so nothing surprises me anymore. I have seen every kind of defense”, warned Chris Clemons. One dude who has paid his dues for years and now has finally reached the big time is TJ Shorts. He is 175cm just like Clemons. Wouldn´t it be something to see them go head to head in the Euroleague in the future? For now the Euroleague will have to wait as this season he is playing for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. His 52 points against Trier definitely will have turned heads from Euroleague clubs and even if the EWE Baskets started 1-6 in the BBL, he led his team into the BBL Cup top 4 with a game high 20 points. The season is still young and there surely will be more to come from Chris Clemons in a EWE Baskets jersey.

Ricardo Lindo Jr(JL Bourg en Bresse) Is A Versatile Defender Who Is An Elite Rebounder And Never Afraid To Do The Dirty Work Inside

pic credit: JL Bourg en Bresse

Ricardo Lindo Jr. (203-F-2000, college: GWU) is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Washington DC that is playing his third pro season and first with JL Bourg en Bresse (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). Last season he played with Ironi Hai Motors Nes-Ziona (Israel-Winner League) averaging 13.2ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, BPG-5 (1.1), FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 72.0%. He played his rookie season with Kouvot Kouvola (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 17.6ppg, RPG-5 (10.2), 1.6apg, 1.6spg, BPG-4 (2.0), FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 77.2%. He began his basketball career at Woodrow Wilson High School and then played 2 seasons at the University of Maryland (NCAA) and then 3 years at George Washington University (NCAA) averaging 11.4ppg, 10.7rpg, 1.4apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 65.2%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 64.7%, 7.7ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 60.% and : 10.6ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.2spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 71.0%, 3PT: 23.0%, FT: 71.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Niners Chemnitz

Thanks Ricardo for talking to germanhoop. com. You continue to climb the basketball ladder after paying your dues as a rookie in Finland and last season you were in the top league in Israel and this season in France. How blessed o you truly feel?

I feel really blessed, to be able to showcase my skills and versatility at a high level such as JL Bourgand it is something I won’t take for granted. Especially after climbing up the levels of overseas basketball!

Your playing your first season with JL Bourg en Bresse (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). And Your playing your first season in the very competitive Eurocup league. Do you feel like this league could take your game to another level?

I definitely do feel playing for this club in the Eurocup can take my game to a whole new level, being able to play not just the best competition in France but also to travel around the world and play other top level competition can only help me improve my game for the future.

Your playing against top teams in Europe including the Niners Chemnitz. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

Well from playing in the Heidelberg preseason tournament I’ve come to realize how physical German basketball can be and that’s something I need to experience if I want to continue play very high level basketball here in Europe

You fill the stat sheet like a 203cm Russel Westbrook. Is the Swiss army knife the perfect definition of you as a player?

I’m glad you mentioned Russell Westbrook because he is my favorite player, and I do think a Swiss army is the perfect way to explain my game. I believe that every great team needs a player that like that and I just want to prove that I can be that player every game.

You have been a great rebounder your whole life averaging 10 rebounds in a season in the NCAA and Europe. To what level as a rebounder can you still bring your game to now in your third pro season?

I think being an elite rebounder shows I’m not afraid to do the dirty work and get physical with the bigs here in Europe, which is something any great team needs to be successful

You are also an incredible defender. How would you describe your defensive game and what NBA player as a defender is your biggest role model?

My defensive game is more of a versatile defender. Being able to switch and guard multiple positions is something I take pride in. I think I try to model my defense game after guys like Paul George, kawhi Leonard, even role players like Royce O’Neal, Josh Okege, Dorian Finney Smith, Robert Covington and even a younger PJ Tucker. Hopefully if I make it to the NBA that’ll be the role I’ll mostly have, so I want to showcase it now.

As a guy that can do it all on the court, what area of your game do you feel is still a bit off the radar?

I feel like my offense live playmaking is still off the radar but playing with a great team I think I’ll be able to show case that without having to force anything.

Last season you played with Ironi Hai Motors Nes-Ziona (Israel-Winner League) averaging 13.2ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, BPG-5 (1.1), FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 72.0%. How key was this season in your pro career? Is it fair to say that that was your break through season in a top league?

I think it’s was key season for me because after playing in Finland and doing great out there I was able to take on a bigger role in Israel and play against top teams who play in European leagues like the BCL, Eurocup, and even Euroleague and to be able to play and showcase my skills against those teams is what I believe got me in the position I am in today.

Last season you battled 5 times against Euroleague team Maccabi Tel Aviv and lost a 3 game playoff series. What will you always remember from that series?

I’ll always remember how I can compete with those types of teams, even though I didn’t get a win I felt like I belonged and I wasn’t afraid of the name or the moment.

You played your rookie season with Kouvot Kouvola (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 17.6ppg, RPG-5 (10.2), 1.6apg, 1.6spg, BPG-4 (2.0), FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 77.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

That first week in Finland when I realized I had to figure everything out for myself. I couldn’t drive home to my parents and I was in a foreign country that I didn’t understand the language too. But staying in the gym and focusing on my goals is what got through that season

How valuable was it having a teammate like Thomas Gipson as a rookie? Was he like a mentor for you?

Thomas Gipson was a great Vet to have in my first season. Even thought he was there for half a season I learned a lot from him and he told a lot about how European basketball works.

In the summer of 2024 you played NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks (NBA Summer League in Las Vegas) playing 3 games averaging 1.0ppg, 1.7rpg. What kind of an experience was that for you? What was the best piece of advice that you got there?

It was a great experience playing for an NBA team even if it was summer league. I was able to experience a lot of NBA level workouts and practices and being coached by coach Jared Dudley really helped as well. A piece of advice I still carry from the time is to always give 100% and no matter act like a professional, during the good times and especially during the hard times.

You played 2 seasons at the University of Maryland (NCAA) playing 63 NCAA games. You averaged 11 and 7 minutes and reached the NCAA tournament. What positives could you get from these 2 years and battling guys like Aaron Wiggins and Jalen Smith each day?

Playing against those guys my first 2 years of college really opened my eyes to what’s it’s like being around NBA level guys. Just watching how they worked to where they are right now. It was definitely great sharing the court with those guys.

You then played 3 seasons at The George Washington University (NCAA). How did your game grow in those 3 years?

Playing at GW I was able to showcase my basketball ability a lot more than I did at UMD, but it still wasn’t enough to go straight to the NBA. I learned a lot while playing for the GW.

You had many great games there including against SFU and Richmond in double OT. What was your fondest moment there?

My fondest moment would have to be beating South Carolina at home and also a top ranked Dayton team at home as well.

How did head coach Chris Caputo groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I feel like coach Caputo really emphasized the professionalism of basketball to me, making sure we stayed on top of our game and how to manage ourselves after college.

You also have represented the Panamanian national team on many occasions. How is the state of basketball Panama? Do you have some future stars on the horizon?

The state of basketball is getting brighter as the sport is becoming more and more popular with a lot more resources being put into basketball

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

I would have to say Lamar Stevens from Penn State

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

James Bishop, Brendan Adams, Noel Brown, Kyle Lofton, Bryce Brown.

Please name your personal NBM Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?

I grew up watching LeBron James so I would have to say he is my goat

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I did not watch the sequel, I don’t think I saw the first either lol

Thanks Ricky for the chat.

Will Yoakum(Bristol Flyers) May Be Able To Shoot Out The Lights But Can Also Make An Impact On The Defensive End

Will Yoakum (196-G/F-1998, college: Nova SE) is a 27 year old 196cm swing man from Ohio playing his third professional season overseas and first with the Bristol Flyers (United Kingdom-SLB). He played his rookie season in Germany with Pro A team SC Rasta Vechta (second team) averaging 5.5ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 70.0%. He also gained further experience in Mexico with Abejas de Leon (Mexico-LNBP) averaging 12.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 64.9%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 73.1% and played twice with Angeles de Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico-CIBACOPA) averaging 13.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 77.9% and 18.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 62.8%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 75.4%. He began his basketball career at Max Hayes High School and then played 4 seasons at West Liberty State College (NCAA2) playing a total of 86 games. He then finished at Nova Southeastern University (NCAA2) averaging 20.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 52.3%, FT: 83.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against the Mitteldeutscher BC.

Thanks Will for talking to germanhoops.com Your playing your third professional season and first with the Bristol Flyers (United Kingdom-SLB). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about it?

It has been a great experience, I feel like it’s been something I have been working towards my past few seasons. I’ve enjoyed my teammates the most, I feel like I have 10 brothers.

The club has had a very good start in the SLB. It is an organization hungry to win. It hasn´t won a title since 2010. How hungry is this club for success?

This club is very hungry and it starts with our day to day approach, in practice we are very detail oriented. We know our ceiling and we feel we haven’t reached it yet.

The team has many Americans on the team. Does it at times feel like your back in the States and have that college atmosphere?

Yes at times, it feels like a college team with the amount of people that speak English. I’m used to a little bit of a language barrier with some players.

You have showed in the early going to be an integral part of the offense and success. What is your role? Are you the go to guy?

One of them for sure but we have a team with multiple guys that can score points in our system, our team does a good job of finding guys within our offense.

You have always been an incredible three point shooter, but in the SLB are shooting an amazing 61% and your picking your spots really well. What is your secret to being a great shooter?

Just being ready to shoot at all times and also finding open spots on the floor weather that be from three our inside. our bigs and guards are very good passers.

How much of a battle is it battling fellow American Cameron Holden? How do you make each other better?

He’s a great player and a winner. We live with each other off the court so we always are talking about what we can both do to be better for each other and the team, he knows where I am at all times on the court I feel like.

Last season you played with Angeles de Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico-CIBACOPA) averaging 18.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 62.8%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 75.4%. How did your game grow in Mexico after getting Mexico experience as a rookie? This time you had 4-5 months vacation in comparison to the rookie season where you played a whole year without pause.

My game grew a lot, my rookie year I was on a very talented team and having the success I had was huge for my confidence. This past year I was on another great team and we won a lot of games, the style of play was great for me as we played very fast, I was able to assert myself as one of the key players from the beginning of the season. I played the 2/3/ and a little of the 4 in our offense at the beginning. although we fell short of our goal of winning the championship, it was a fun year full of great memories. I was able to play my game and my teammates were doing the same, it was a great mix of guys who all were very very talented but very selfless and cared about winning. Those are my brothers.

You played a great playoff series against Tijuana, but lost. It went back and forth for 7 games. What will you always remember from that series?

I will remember our grit. We were down 0-2 and fought all the way back to force a game 7. It felt like a movie. Each game was war, that is why you train in the offseason and why you put up extra shots or do extra conditioning.

You played your rookie season in Germany and Mexico and played 90 games. That is like an NBA player. Was that a tough experience playing from August 2023-October 2024?

It was a tough for sure playing that many games and being in a few different countries in one year. It also helped a ton, I learned how to play different styles, different concepts that are commonly used at the pro level.

What was your wake up call to being a rookie Overseas in Germany where you knew that you were far away from home?

I don’t know if I have one particular moment but reading street signs and driving with different speed limits in Germany was different.

You were teammates with Jack Kayil and Johann Grunloh. What memories do you have of them and could you see them being Germans in the NBA in the next years?

They both were great teammates of mine, very special players as well. I look forward to seeing them have success at the D1 level. I think they both can play in the NBA or Euroleague level someday with their IQ, talent, and creativity.

You then played with Angeles de Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico-CIBACOPA) averaging 13.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 77.9% and with Abejas de Leon (Mexico-LNBP) averaging 12.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 64.9%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 73.1%. What was it like playing in Mexico? It is a league popular with Americans and continues to grow. How competitive is the league?

It’s a great league, there are a lot of ex- NBA or G league players in that league. There are many pros that are experienced. So it’s a good league to test your skill level against guys that have been at the top of the top for many years. There are a lot of very talented basketball players in CIBACOPA/ LNBP

You were teammates with ex NBA player Vander Blue. How enriching was it for you as a rookie seeing his play and soaking up as much as possible? What could you gain from his play?

Vander Blue was my Vet, He was a great voice to have around the team. He’s a winner and a leader. He knows how to play good basketball, I just would try and soak up as much from him my rookie year. I gained how much he liked good basketball and how much he looked for the right play or the best shot for the team. He has a winning impact on any team he plays for.

You had many great games in Mexico, but how special was your 28/11 game where you shot 7/7 from outside in the win over the Astros?

If I remember we were down 0-3 in that series so I just wanted to go out and play to win. But yeah it was a fun game for sure

You played at West Liberty State College from 2018-2022 and won the MEC title in 2022 and reached the NCAA 2 Elite 8 in 2021. How valuable was it playing for Ben Howlett? How did your game grow in those 4 years?

My game grew a lot while play at West Liberty. I got the freedom to play off the ball and become a better cutter as well and shot the ball a lot from the outside. Also I became a good offensive rebounder while playing at West Liberty. I played alongside some great players so it made my job easier. There were some ups and downs but Coach Howlett let me play my game from the time I was a freshman all the way until I was a 5th year.

You then played a graduate season with Nova Southeastern University (NCAA2) averaging 20.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 52.3%, FT: 83.2%. Your winning ways continued with the SSC title and D-2 title. Was this season some of the best if not best time in your life?

It was a great time for me, winning a ton of games and being in Florida. A year I will never forget and a team I will never forget.

You beat your ex school West Liberty and ex teammates and friends. How emotional was that title? What will you always remember from it?

It was a physical game, both teams knew what they wanted to do and it came down to who was going to play that style the best. Definitely a full circle moment for me and my family, I wasn’t very emotional leading up to to but after I was pretty happy celebrating with my teammates.

How did head coach Jim Crutchfield give you that last push to help you become a professional? Your game made another jump?

The system that Coach Crutch put into play lets players read and react. Not thinking too much on offense, just playing towards your strengths. He recruited me out of high school so he knew my game so it was just a match from Day 1. He recruits players that can shoot the ball at a high level and play with a different type of edge. Playing at Nova gave me another opportunity to play with great players and perfect my craft of cutting, shooting threes, and getting out in transition. I would say my game has made a jump on the defensive side. At West Liberty and Nova we pressed the whole game and I didn’t get to show my on ball defensive impact but since I’ve been a pro I can show that and I think it’s gotten better since college. I also see myself playing with more patience on offense, making reads etc.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Lukas Speidel?

Good question, we would always stay after practice and get extra Jumpers up. Not a whole lot of 1v1, we were the old guys on the team so we didn’t want to beat each other up too much. But I think I beat him once maybe

Who the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA 2 or anywhere that reached the NBA?

I played against Gary Trent Jr. in High School

Dalton Bolon, my Teammate from West Liberty

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

No Order

Rj Sunihara Lukas Speidel Shane Hunter Jacob Calloway Terrell Brown

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore

Lebron

Kobe

MJ

Steph

Larry Bird

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I have not seen it

Thanks Will for the chat.

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