Trey Hubbard (190-G-2002, college: C-N) is a 190cm guard playing his rookie season for German Pro B team Iserlohn Kangaroos. He began his basketball career at Northside Christian Academy and then played 2 seasons at Queens University (NCAA2). He then finished at Carson-Newman University (NCAA2) averaging 16.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 5.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 79.7% and 16.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 5.0apg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 73.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Trey for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the Iserlohn Kangaroos. How was the summer transfer period? Was it difficult getting offers overseas?
Thank you! The summer period was good I was blessed to receive interest from many teams but I felt that the Iserlohn Kangaroos Were the best fit.
What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?
I don’t know too much but I´m starting to learn more day by day just looking up fun facts about Germany and things like that.
Have you had any friends or opponents who have played in Germany over the years?
No sir
You had a fine NCAA 2 career. Not many guys come from NCAA 2 play overseas. How blessed do you feel? Is it like a dream come true? Yes sir I am very thankful for the opportunity being a professional Basketball player is what I have worked for since I was 5 years old.
How did the talks go with head coach Toni Prostran? What did you appreciate right way about his basketball philosophy?
The Talks with Coach have been good mostly just introducing ourselves and seeing how we both think the game of Basketball. I appreciate how he wants to play with tempo that is something I also love to do.
Did you guys find something in common quickly? He was a pass first point guard and so are you. Yes just about making my teammates and those around me better on and off the court.
With what kind of a mindset are you going into your overseas adventure? You will be playing in the 3rd league called Pro B Do you feel like you will be able to be an impact player? The American imports usually rock the league.
I’m going in with my same competitive mindset of wanting to be the best and wanting my team to succeed and compete for championships. I feel like I will be an instant impact player and try and help the team win in many ways.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?
I would say DeAaron Fox, We are both left handed and very quick with the ball.
You’re a pass first point guard, but can also score. What other strenghes does your game incorporate?
Just my ability to control the game, I wouldn’t box myself into a pass first or pure scoring guard but just a Point Guard who is making plays to put his team in the best position to win.
How big is your focus on being a 3 level scorer? How far are you from getting there? I think I am 3 level scorer, I’ve been working hard this summer with my trainer Mike Jenkins on being effective in all spots of the court.
Talk a little about the development of your three point shot. You shot a great 39% last season at Newman. Your self-confidence must be sky high at the moment? I just worked super hard last summer everyday getting reps to build the form and muscle memory so once I got in the game I did not really worry I just trusted the work.
The game overseas is more team orientated. This should help your playmaking. In what areas of your playmaking do you want to make the next step with as a rookie?
Less turnovers is the main goal
What kind of a defender are you and what are your goals on the defensive end in the next few years? I am the type of defender who is going to compete and wants to guard the best player everyday and every game. This will help my development because they will only make me better over time.
You began your college career at Queens averaging 5,3ppg and 2,8pg. What kind of a experience were these 2 years playing for head coach Grant Leonard? I had more experience my first year under Coach Lundy but he moved on after that season. Coach Grant was a good coach though he taught me a lot of lessons I use everyday.
You won the SAC title in 2022. What will you always remember from that run? My teammates we were super close and did everything together, definitely miss those days !
You had some solid games at Queens like scoring 16 points and dishing out 8 dimes against YoungHarris. What was your fondest moment there? Winning the Sac championship and going on a 17 game winning streak
You then finished at Carson-Newman University (NCAA2) averaging 16.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 5.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 79.7% and 16.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 5.0apg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 73.3%. How did your game grow in those 2 years? I just learned how to play winning basketball, How to control the pace of the game speed it up sometimes but slow it down as well, while also learning how to get everyone involved.
You had so many great games against Tusculum, Lenoir-Rhyne and Newberry. What was your greatest game there? LR was definitely the most fun game Double OT win against a ranked team back at home with the guys! You can’t beat that
How did head coach Chuck Benson groom and prepare you best for a pro career?
Coach CB helped me everyday. I can’t thank him enough he was always pushing me to be my best everyday and lead by example so I feel like that’s natural for me now. Work hard and lead by example is the blueprint to success.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Nick Brenegan?
Hahaha!, I don’t know you just had to be there it was always great competing against Nick and was even better competing with him. That is my brother for life!
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA? Cam Thomas, straight buckets it was bad
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Kenny Dye, John Zhao, Jaden Seymour, Jamari Smith, CJ Huntley
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Kobe, LeBron, MJ, Harden
Who is your Goat? Kobe
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?
Michael Williams is a professional basketball player with experience at the combine academy. He also gathered experience at Young Harris College and Southern Wesleyan. He is taking part at the Mastercage combine in Italy. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Michael for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?
Thanks for the opportunity for the interview Miles! I’m back in my hometown of Seneca, South Carolina where I have been training and looking for my next opportunity.
How tough has the grind been to look for a pro opportunity? What keeps you going? It has been quite a challenge especially coming out of college not playing my Senior year due to ineligibility which was disappointing. What keeps me going is my faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My faith is what keeps me looking for the light at the end of the tunnel and to keep striving to work hard and find opportunities for myself despite my current circumstances.
Do you have 9-5 job to help make ends meet?
Right now I make ends meet doing Door Dash and Instacart orders Delivering food and groceries to customers in cities close to home.
Why did you choose the Mastercage combine in Italy? My Mentor Sean McCaw recommended me to Howard Hoops. I attended one of McCaw’s masterclasses earlier in the summer and he gave me a blueprint on how to reach out to different coaches, teams, and agents to look for opportunities and I found this opportunity through a few Instagram Posts that Coach Howard made and I reached out to him.
How blessed are you for this opportunity? You will be playing in front of many important basketball figures in Italy? I am extremely blessed to receive an opportunity like this because I know how rarely they can come around. I want to thank Coach Howard for the opportunity but most importantly I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for ordering my steps and opening doors for me.
What is your impression of founder Ronald Howard (181-PG-1984, college: Mayville St.) who has been doing the combine since 2012? What have you appreciated most about him?
Coach Howard has been really understanding of my situation coming out of college and has been lenient and willing to give me an opportunity to travel with him to this combine in Italy.
What is your main goal at the Combine? Score out the lights or be the ultimate team player or something else? I want to be a team player and use the opportunity to put what I have been watching in film and working on the court to the test. Shooting and defense is what makes me valuable, but I want to get teammates involved and work together to win.
Let´s talk a bit about your game. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would be the best choice?
I don’t think that there is any one definitive NBA player that I play like, but I take what I learn from each player and work to add those attributes to my game. When I watch individual player film, there are 6 players that I watch: Trae Young, D’Angelo Russell, Chris Paul, Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, and Stephen Curry. Obviously with Steph and Dame it is their Elite shooting that sets them apart, but with Trae Young and D’Angelo Russell it is different. They are such great playmakers that opens up more opportunities for them to score in pick and roll situations and on catch and shoot 3s. Chris Paul is great at this too but it is his high IQ and the way he studies the game that sets him apart. Kyrie Irving just has some of the best footwork and one of the best ball handling skillsets that the game has seen. Another player I liked to watch on videos of was Mahmoud Abdul Rauf also known as Chris Jacksson. He was about my size and was a great shooter for his size. He was also able to get to any spot on the floor to get off shots off the dribble or on the catch and shoot.
Talk a little about your biggest strengths at both ends of the court?
Like I said before, my shooting and defense are what make me valuable, but I still want to improve and be a more consistent shooter and be a better on ball defender.
How would you describe your defensive game? What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?
I am a decent on ball and rotational defender, but as a guard I want to be able to get more steals. I am learning how to time my opponent’s dribbles and play in gaps to try to get an advantage.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player? I want to become better passer, especially in the pick and roll game. I have been doing a lot of film study this summer so I would like to put what I have learned to the test against high level competition. I also want to further improve my shooting ability. I have been known to be a streaky shooter so improving my shooting percentage is my top priority aside from becoming a better passer.
You played at Young Harris College. What kind of an experience was that for you and what was your fondest moment there?
Young Harris was where I matured the most and transitioned from being a teenager into a legal adult. My fondest moment of my time at Young Harris College was my second game of my freshman year. It was even more special because that was the only college game that my grandma got to see me play in before she passed away. I ended up going 4/8 from 3 and had 14 points. It was cool because I started that game and I wasn’t expected to and most of the friends that I had made up to that point of the semester showed up to watch me play.
You also gained further experience at Southern Wesleyan University. What kind of an experience was that? What was your fondest moment there?
My experience at Southern Wesleyan University really taught me how to have patience. Especially while waiting for your next opportunity to come. My fondest memories developed outside of basketball when I made memories with friends and teammates during the time that I could not play. A lot of the time we are so focused on where we want to go in life and we forget to enjoy the time that were in now, even if it is not exactly where we want to be. At times this can be difficult, but that is why it is important to have a good circle around you. Most of those memories that I have made are stored on my phone in videos and pictures and I will cherish them for a lifetime.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?
This is a good question. I remember playing Isaiah Todd in the summer of 2018 when I played AAU for Combine Academy. I have come across some other notable players as well. Later in 2019 when I played a postgraduate year at Combine Academy, we played at Oak Hill Academy. My team played their B team but our National team Got to Play Against Cole Anthony, Kofi Cockburn, and Cam Thomas. It was a wild experience getting to watch them play because they were still so young, but so talented for their ages.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Zion Robinson (Southern Wesleyan)- a great friend and teammate
Matt Jones- (Young Harris) great friend and teammate
Ja’Michael “Tang” Boone- (Young Harris) great friend and teammate (hilarious)
Fonzo Hilliard- (Young Harris) great friend and teammate (athletic)
Samuel Limehouse- great teammate and one of the hardest workers I know. (If only God made him 6’5” instead of 5’6”)
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore
Magic Johnson
Michael Jordan
Kobe Bryant
Stephen Curry
Who is your GOAT? Michael Jordan no debate
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?
No I haven’t I will have to take a look at it and see what I think about it. I did like the first movie though. What platform does it stream on? (Netflix, Hulu, Paramount?)
Florian Flabb is a German coach who currently is coaching Pro B team Orange Academy and the ratiopharm Ulm NBBL team He began his coaching career as an assistant with the Art Giants and then was a head coach with the NBBL and Pro A team. He also has been an assistant coach with the German U-18 and U-20 teams. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the NBBL Top 4 in Berlin.
You had a playing career in the Regionalliga with Duesseldorf. What do you believe was missing from your game to have reached higher levels?
That’s a great question – Playing in the Regionalliga with Düsseldorf was a valuable experience, but to reach higher levels, I think what was missing was a combination of elite physical tools and a more consistent skillset. I had the work ethic and the understanding of the game, but at the top levels, the margin for error is so small. I probably lacked that next-level explosiveness that separates solid players from those who break into the ProA, BBL, or beyond. But I learned a lot from that journey, and it’s shaped how I approach the game today — whether it’s coaching, mentoring, or analyzing.
When did you know that you wanted to become a coach? I realized I wanted to become a coach while I was still playing — probably in my early 20s. I found myself more and more drawn to the tactical side of the game: watching film, breaking down plays, helping teammates improve.
Was coaching always in your DNA or did it come later? Coaching was always in me — even if I didn’t recognize it right away. As a player, I was often the one talking, organizing guys, and trying to understand why things worked, not just how. I just thought of it as being a good teammate at the time, but looking back, that was the start of my coaching mindset. It really clicked later, especially as I started helping younger players and seeing the impact that guidance could have. That’s when it shifted from something natural to something intentional — a passion I knew I wanted to pursue seriously.
You coached the SG ART Giants Düsseldorf JBBL teams. What makes it so satisfying for you personally to coach young men?
Coaching young men, especially at the JBBL level with SG ART Giants Düsseldorf, was incredibly satisfying because you’re not just shaping players — you’re helping shape people. At that age, they’re developing not only their game but their mindset, discipline, and identity. Being part of that growth is a huge responsibility and a real privilege. What makes it personally fulfilling is seeing a player gain confidence, learn how to lead, or overcome setbacks — and knowing you played a part in that journey. Wins are great, but watching someone mature, both on and off the court, is what really stays with you.
How would you describe your coaching philosophy in general?
Defensively, my approach is built around clarity and disruption. Every player knows their role, responsibilities, and how we want to take away the opponent’s strengths. Communication, physicality, and discipline form the foundation. We aim to make teams uncomfortable — whether by taking away primary actions, controlling matchups, or dictating tempo. Offensively, I believe in playing with controlled aggression — attacking consistently, staying in motion, and putting pressure on the defense — but always with the goal of finding the best team solution. We want players to be assertive, but unselfish. Decision-making, spacing, and reading the game are key. I encourage creativity, but it has to serve the team. Above all, I coach with the goal of developing more complete players — skilled, smart, and resilient — and preparing them not just to win games, but to thrive at the next level.
Is it different at the youth sector than at the pro level?
Yes — coaching in the youth sector is definitely different from the pro level, and the priorities shift significantly. In youth basketball, especially at a level like JBBL/NBBL or younger, the focus is heavily on development over results. Winning matters, of course, but your primary job is to help players grow — technically, tactically, physically, and mentally. You have to be a teacher first, guiding young athletes through mistakes, building habits, and teaching them how to think the game. At the pro level, the emphasis is more on performance, results, and managing a group to achieve results together. You’re often working with players who are already formed in a certain way, and your job becomes more about maximizing existing strengths, building team cohesion, and making adjustments to win. In youth, it’s about long-term impact. In pros, it’s about mostly short-term execution. Both are rewarding in different ways, but the approach — and the patience required — is definitely different.
You led Duesseldorf from the Pro B to the Pro A. Despite losing to Dresden you were second and moved up. How do you feel did you grow as a coach in that Pro B season? Leading Düsseldorf from Pro B to Pro A was a defining chapter in my coaching journey. What made it so special was that we surprised a lot of people — including ourselves. Before the season, the realistic goal was simply to make the playoffs, which would’ve meant avoiding a relegation battle. Promotion wasn’t the expectation — it became possible because of how the team grew and competed together. That year taught me a lot about maximizing a group’s potential, even when the odds or the budget don’t favor you. I had to be adaptable, build belief week by week, and stay focused on daily improvement. Managing different personalities, keeping morale high through ups and downs, and building a strong team identity were all key. Even though we fell short in the final against Dresden, finishing second and earning promotion was an incredible achievement of the team— and a big moment of growth for me as a coach, both tactically and in terms of leadership.
You coached Booker Coplin for some seasons. How quickly did you know that he was special? Did you see that BBL potential?
Coaching Booker Coplin was a privilege, and it didn’t take long to realize he was special. From the moment he stepped on the court, you could see his professional mindset, his work ethic, and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He wasn’t just talented — he was obsessed with getting better, and that separates good players from great ones. What stood out early was his versatility — he could not only score, he defended multiple positions, and play with a toughness that set the tone for the team. So yes, I definitely saw that potential — and more importantly, I knew he had the attitude and drive to reach it.
It wasn´t as easy in the Pro A as you had a 12-22 record and later had to go. I remember that it was an outrage when you had to go. Many supported you. What did you learn about the coaching job that season?
That seasons in the Pro A were tough — but also probably the most important — learning experiences of my young coaching career. Going from the high of promotion to the struggles of a losing record really tested everything. What I learned most is that coaching at a higher level demands more than just tactics and motivation — it requires managing expectations, navigating setbacks, and keeping belief alive even when results aren’t going your way. Sometimes, even when you’re doing the right things for the long term, the short-term pressure wins out. Of course, it meant a lot to feel that support when I left — from players, fans, and people inside the club. It reminded me that coaching isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about how you carry yourself, how you connect with people, and how you leave a mark — even when things don’t go your way You also have had experience coaching the German youth national teams.
How do you see the certain age groups doing this summer at the competitions?
Germany’s youth national teams are in a strong position heading into this summer’s competitions. The U19 team looks especially promising after last year’s U18 EuroBasket win, with key players like Christian Anderson and Hannes Steinbach returning for the World Cup. The U18s will aim to defend their European title with a mix of experience and new talent, while the U16s will focus on gaining valuable international experience at the EuroBasket level. Overall, there’s real momentum in the program, and Germany could make a serious impact across all age groups.
Who has been the most talented player that you have coached in your career up to now?
That’s a tough one — I’ve had the privilege of coaching some incredibly gifted players — but if I had to name one, Booker Coplin stands out, since we had the longest time and success together. Of course, being in Ulm there are younger guys coming up now who are incredibly exciting. You need to ask me next year again!
Your personal 4 best coaches of all-time?
Great question — picking a coaching top4 is tough, but here’s mine, based on influence, philosophy, and impact on the game: Pep Guardiola, Gregg Popovich, Željko Obradovic, Sir Alex Ferguson.
Oshane Drews (198-SG-2001) is a 24 year old 198cm shooting guard playing his second professional season with the Rostock SeaWolves. He began his basketball career at RSV Stahnsdorf and then played 2 years with the Junior Loewen Braunschweig (NBBL) and SG Braunschweig (2.Regionalliga). He then played 2 seasosn with the Dragons Rhondorf and then made the next step to the Uni Baskets Paderborn (PRO A). He came to the Rostock Seawolves in 2023. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a game against the Frankfurt Skyliners.
You began your basketball career at TUS Lichterfelde and then played with RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (ProB) averaging 6.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 51.1%. You were 16 years old that season. How do you remember that season? Did you mature quicker with more minutes? I think that game reps are very important for one´s development. I made a big jump in my game. The funny thing was that then I had no idea what the Pro B was. The trust and minutes I got really helped me as a young player.
How valuable was head coach Denis Toroman in your early basketball development? Did it surprise you then that he gave you so much trust?
Yes a little. I remember at the middle of the season when I began to play more, he came to me and said, “I wish I could of given you even more minutes up to now. That opened my eyes and I concentrated more, worked harder and got more minutes.
What memories do you have of Daniel Kirchner? That same season he got a chance and then went to Dresden and has become a solid Pro A player. Did you see that coming then? He had always had had a good shot, was fast, could jump and dunk. But at that time, he hadn´t had such a big role with us.
You then played 2 seasons with the Junior Loewen Braunschweig (NBBL) averaging 16.1ppg, 8.8rpg, 3.9apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 57.1%. You were injured your first season and bounched back in your second season. How vital were these 2 years in your basketball development? That was the first time that I had practiced with a BBL team. I saw how difficult it was to play in the BBL. The BBL was worlds apart from what I had experienced as a player. It really opened up my eyes, how much more work I ha din front of me to improve my game.
Who won a 1-1 in practice, you or Simon Roosch?
I did.
You played 2 ANGT games with FC Bayern Munich. What memories do you have playing with them and great talents like Bruno Vrcic and Sascha Grant? I just remember being really flashed. We traveled in style and stayed at a 5 star hotel in Belgrad and had a police escort. It was a cool experience. FC Bayern Munich welcomed me with open arms. I didn´t play much though.
You then played 2 seasons with the Dragons Rhoendorf (ProB).How tough was that first season. You began great playing 2 games and then Covid cancelled the Regionalliga season. How tough was starting great and then having the season end? I still had knee problems the first season. The season ended abruptly. But we still moved up to the Pro B. That next summer, I had an operation and was fit for my second season. In the end, I didn´t miss anything my first season.
You then had your break out season in the Pro B averaging 11.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 58.3%. How did your game grow that season under Julius Thomas? I improved so much with the Dragons. My game grew much. I became more flexible and versatile. I became stronger and more athletic and became a better defender. I also got used to that level.
What memories do you have of the Bernau win? You had 25 points a season high and teammate Paul Albrecht a triple double? That is still a blur for me. I will never forget my fast break dunk. That was a good win. Everyone was happy.
You then joined the Uni Baskets Paderborn (ProA) averaging 7.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 64.0%. You made another jump in your game under Steve Esterkamp? Did he just let you play your game? Yes he did. He gave me a good role. He prepared me for the BBL. He is a good coach. I really like his style.
Last season with Rostock you played 15 BBl games and 7 Fiba Europe Cup games with Rostock. Which player had the biggest impact on you in your first BBL season? Possibly Chris Carter? I think that Eric Lockett had the biggest impact on me. We have same build and define ourselves with our defense.
How did you experience the Fiba Europe Cup season? You scored 4 points in 5 minutes against Jonava?
I like playing in the competition and enjoyed the trips. It was interesting to se how other countries played. I would have liked to have played more though.
What was it like coming back to Rhondorf scoring 31 points in the 2-0 playoff sweet? I actually had the Dragon Dome bigger in my memory. I had a lot of fun and the fans gave me a nice welcome.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA or anywhere on a court that reached the NBA? I have trained in USA and once trained with Bam Adebayo.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Derrick Alston Jr, Bryce Hamilton, Robin Amaize, Mike Smith, Jequan Lewis
Please name your personal NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore? Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaq, Michael Jordan Drazan Petrovic, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Giannis
Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder, Franz Wagner, Daniel Theis
Clay Wilson (191-G-1992, college: Princeton) is a former professional player that is an assistant under legend Dave Smart at the University of the Pacific. He began his coaching career at Green Country Defenders in Oklahoma. He then was an assistant at Cornell as well as at North Texas and also was director of player development at Texas Tech. He also was the co-founder, co-owner, and trainer for Elev8hoops in Oklahoma. He helped create one of the largest skill development programs in the region with more than 600 clients. He also co-founded the Clay Wilson and David Mason Skill Academy. As a player, he began his basketball career at Lincoln Christian high school and then played at Princeton (NCAA) from 2011-2015. He had a brief pro career playing 2 seasons in Germany with the VfL AstroStars Bochum and also played in Latvia and New Zealand. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Clay for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?
Miles! Thank you so much for reaching out. I am a huge fan of yours and have followed you and your stories for many years. You do a phenomenal job, and I still log into Eurobasket daily to keep track of recruits, friends, former teammates and coaches. I currently live in California and just finished up our season with the University of the Pacific in the West Coast Conference. The WCC is a tremendous league with many international players.
You retired in 2019 as a player and now are coaching. Has time flown by since your last season in Latvia?
Time has definitely flown by. As a player, there is a lot of down time during the season and time to rest and train, but as a coach, there is so much to do that you stay busy and the seasons fly by.
You began your career at Lincoln Christian High School where you were named the Oklahoma Class 3A player of the year after averaging 27.8 points, six assists and six rebounds per game as a senior. You finished your career as one of the top 100 scorers in the history of Oklahoma high school basketball. What does that mean to you being one of the top 100 best scorers in the state? A lot of great players have come from Oklahoma.
It’s very humbling. I never take my high school experience for granted. Lincoln Christian School is an unbelievable place filled with unbelievable people, and I loved every minute. I was blessed to have some great coaches and play with great teammates over my four years there. Individual accolades are great, but I wouldn’t have achieved anything without my team. To have my name mentioned in the same conversation as some of the greatest players in the state’s history is really a blessing.
You played at Princeton University (NCAA) from 2011-2015 being a Ivy league runner up in 2013. What do you remember from these early years in your basketball life?
My college experience took me through the full spectrum of emotions and helped me become the man I am today. From the first day of practice, where I separated my AC joint diving on a loose ball, my college experience was riddled with injuries. The list of injuries is pretty extensive, so honestly, for me, college basketball taught me more about being a great teammate, persevering, and leading than how to be a great player. I remember the frustration from not playing and the joy from playing well, I remember the sadness in defeat and the triumph in wins. I remember learning how to persevere through tough times, and how to love on my teammates. I played every role for my team during my college career, and I think my college experience truly set me up to be a great coach. Some coaches were the star player in their playing days, and I think they are good at teaching other star players. Some coaches were role players and I think they are good at teaching role players. When I look back at my college experience, I am grateful for the way things turned out. Although I didn’t meet my own expectations as a player, I learned valuable lessons along the way that I use as a coach to this day. During my four years at Princeton I experienced the full spectrum of being a collegiate athlete: I was an overlooked recruit. I became a highly touted recruit. I was the young player far away from home. I was the senior captain. I was the worst player on our team. I was the best player on our team. I was the sixth man. I was a rotational player. I was frustrated. I was hurt. I was healthy. I was fulfilled. I think going through this range of roles over my time in college has given me deep insight in how to relate to my players now as a coach. I have been in their shoes and I believe everything happens for a reason.
You played 3 seasons with TJ Bray. What memories will you always have of him? It´s a shame his playing career was so short.
TJ Bray is one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever had. I tell my current players stories about TJ and how good of a leader he was. I remember we had a freshman late for the team bus and TJ, as a sophomore captain, told our team nobody was allowed to get on the bus until everyone was there. He risked himself getting in trouble to save our freshman getting in trouble. That’s the type of person TJ is. He cares about the team more than anything and that’s how he played. He was an incredible passer and was extremely selfless. I think TJ could have played in the NBA if he kept playing. He played at his own pace and breathed life into our team. Our team was confident because TJ had the ball.
How did Mitch Henderson groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Coach Henderson was all about precision. We used to do 5 on 0 offense for hours and hours. If one dribble or pass was off by even a few inches, we started over. For me, this level of detail and precision was exactly what I needed to make it to the next level. Other players were bigger and more naturally athletic than I was, so accuracy and exactness was key in me being able to succeed overseas. Another thing Coach Henderson did to prepare me for life was to allow me to see the fight it takes to be good. We are both super competitive people and I am grateful for the opportunity he gave me to fight for everything. I am very grateful for Coach Henderson and love to see Princeton continuing to succeed.
Did you already have a feeling during your Princeton days that you might go into coaching one day or did that come later? Definitely. I actually chose to go to Princeton because at the time, Princeton had the largest coaching tree in Division 1 basketball. I have known since I was 3 years old that God has called me to coach. I thank God everyday for allowing Sydney Johnson, Mitch Henderson, and Brian Earl to recruit me to Princeton.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or TJ Bray? Haha TJ is a far better player than I am. I will say I am a better shooter though.
You played your rookie season in Germany with the VfL AstroStars Bochum (Germany-ProB) averaging 13.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 78.9%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home? I think my first wakeup call was actually getting my car from the AstroStars and realizing it was manual. I didn’t know how to drive stick at the time and learning how to drive stick shift, while reading street signs in a different language while on the Autobahn isn’t the best idea.
What memories will you always have of Ryon Howard? Was he like a mentor for you as a rookie? Ryon Howard is a consummate professional. He never missed a day, played hard every practice, and always did what was best for the team. I feel very fortunate to have played with him. He’s a winner through and through. I learned so much from him over the years.
You had many great games in Germany like scoring 30 points against Recklingshausen. What was your fondest moment on the court in Germany?
I think my fondest memory on the court in Germany was when we were down by more than 20 points at halftime to the #1 team (Iserlohn) and came back in the second half to win on the road. That was incredible and our GM and our President were so proud. Jerry Brown was on the team for Iserlohn. He now coaches in the WCC with me and we talked about this game recently.
You also played a season with 2 Cheap Cars Super City Rangers (New Zealand-NBL) averaging 19.9ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 80.0%. Being able to live in New Zealand is everyone´s dream. What was your coolest experience there?
I love New Zealand and I try to go back as often as I can. The coolest experience by far was meeting Tania, Joe, and Bailey Sampson. These three people have become extended family. They were the first people I met when I got off the plane and they are some of the best people I know. They traveled to Cornell, Texas Tech, and recently just traveled to California to watch me coach. We went on several road trips together and I really immersed myself into New Zealand Culture. I am a big ‘Lord of the Rings’ fan as well so going to Hobbiton was an unreal experience.
I´m sure you will never forget your 48 points explosion and 11 three´s against Manawatu J. Unfortunately you lost the game. What memories do you have of that experience? I actually was coming off ankle surgery, so my contract stated that the team had the option to keep me or waive me after that game. I was essentially playing for my contract and everything went in. That was one of the best shooting performances I have ever had and it’s fun to go back and watch some of the crazy shots that went in.
You played your last pro season at BC Valga-Valka/Maks&Moorits (Latvia-LatEstBL) averaging 9.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 66.7%. What memories do you have of Latvia? My time in Latvia was interesting. My shoulder was so messed up that I needed surgery and I never really could get comfortable. I came to the country after the start of the season, played for two different coaches, had some contract issues and realized that God was calling me back to America to coach. I sometimes wish that the Latvian chapter in my story could be deleted, but I do believe it happened for a reason, and without it, I might still be playing and not coaching like I was called to do.
You retired at age 27. Did you realize that you had other opportunities like coaching? Why did you retire so young? I loved playing basketball, and I always said I wanted to play for as long as I could. I think my body ended up giving out on me. I put it through the wringer and I worked so hard to try and make it, that I think I put too many miles on my body too early. I definitely knew from a young age that I wanted to play professionally and then coach so I am thankful to be living my dream.
How would you like fans to remember Clay Wilson as the player? Hard working, tough, tenacious, grateful and a phenomenal teammate.
You are the co-founder, co-owner, and trainer for Elev8hoops in Oklahoma with more than 600 clients. You also co-founded the Clay Wilson and David Mason Skill Academy, instructing more than 400 campers. What was the biggest challenge of being able to have success?
The hardest part for me was the energy and the hours. I am passionate about helping others and sometimes I give so much that I forget I need to be replenished. I love seeing others succeed and grow. I wish there were more hours in the day and that I had unlimited energy to be able to help out each athlete.
You have trained many guys that went on to become pro´s. Is there a player that was really close to your heart that you helped train and become a pro? I loved working with Tylor Perry. He currently plays for the 905 Raptors, but he was super consistent. Always counted out because of his height, but his heart and his belief makes him great. We worked on his game for hundreds and hundreds of hours and he has put in the work to be great. We still talk frequently.
You were an assistant coach at Cornell from 2018-2021. What was your fondest moment in those 3 years? I was fortunate to work with some great people and coach some great players. Brian Earl gave me my start in coaching and I am forever grateful for him. He is a great coach and a great person. I think my fondest memories are just seeing people grow. I loved recruiting Chris Manon and Nazir Williams who have both gone on to become ‘All Ivy’ players. Neither one of them had many offers out of high school and were both underrecruited. Believing in people, stirring up that same belief in others and watching them succeed will never get old.
You helped develop Jim Boeheim who is a professional player in Germany. What memories do you have of your coaching relationship to him and how did you help him grow? Jim is the best! Great person, high character, hard worker, super talented, and extremely respectful. I loved working with him. He actually taught me a lot and I am proud to call him a friend. I remember working with him every single day on his shot. Out of conference he shot a poor percentage, and we just put the time in and he trusted it. His numbers in conference were way better. I would send him texts just encouraging him, but we all just need someone to encourage us every now and again. Shooting well is all about hard work and trusting that hard work. Jimmy will have a long career and make a lot of money playing basketball before he retires.
You were a coach for 2 years at North Texas and helped develop guys like Tylor Perry, Thomas Bell, Rubin Jones, Aaron Scott, and JJ Murray. What steps do you feel did you make as a coach in these 2 years? Grant McCasland helped me in so many ways during my time at North Texas & Texas Tech. He helped me see what it was like to Win at an elite level. The way he holds people accountable and teaches is second to none. I honestly believe he will win a national championship very soon. Under Coach McCasland and current North Texas Head Coach, Ross Hodge, I feel like I learned how to truly win. I have always been super competitive, but they both made me realize that achieving the ultimate goal takes everyone and it takes zooming out and looking at the big picture while keeping the small details in focus. North Texas was vital to my growth as a coach. They are two of the best coaches on this planet and I will keep learning from them for the rest of my career.
You were Director of Player Development in 2023-24 at Texas Tech and now are an assistant at Pacific under Canadian legend Dave Smart. What have you learned from him? He is one of those guys where I´m sure you able to soak something up every day? Coach Dave Smart is a legend. I like to call him a ‘mad scientist’ because he knows the game at such an elite level and has made a major impact on the game of basketball. He is relentless in his work ethic and his pursuit of greatness. He’s the first to the office and the last to leave even after all he has accomplished. I have tried to soak up as much as I could from him these past two years. He has seen every style of basketball and has worked with so many players and coaches over the years. I am extremely fortunate to know him, work with him these past two years, and to call him a friend. Dave will be someone I try to learn from the rest of my life.
What goals do you still have as a coach? Could you ever imagine coming overseas to work?
My ultimate goal is to impact people, help them grow, and to love people well. I believe that winning on the court translates to winning in life. I believe that I am impacting athletes positively in my role as an assistant coach, but I aspire, one day, to become a head coach. I LOVED living overseas and I could definitely picture myself going back overseas to coach. There are so many great coaches all over the world. I love learning different aspects of the game and different styles of coaching.
Who is the best player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA? I played against Bradley Beal several times in the EYBL. He is a great player.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Ian hummer – Overseas pro TJ Bray – Overseas Pro Josh Richardson – NBA Dillon Boucher – New Zealand Olympian Lindsay Tait – New Zealand Olympian
Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore? MJ, Lebron, Kobe, Steph
Who is your GOAT?
MJ is the goat, but my personal two favorite players ever are 1.) Pistol Pete Maravich and 2.) Steve Nash
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’ll check it out.
Predrag Lukic is a German/Serbian coach who has been in Asia the last 10 years coaching various teams. He came to Asia in 2016 and coached BC Rise Sport Foshan (China, Guangdong province). He also coached clubs like Chongson KungFu (China-ASEAN League), Thang Long Warriors (Vietnam-VBA), NSH Mountain Gold Timika (Indonesia-IBL), Nhatrang Dolphins (Vietnam-VBA), DNA Bima Perkasa Jogja (IBL). He began his coaching career in Germany coaching teams like Baskets Luedenscheid (Germany-2. Regionalliga), BG Hagen (Germany-Regionalliga), GiroLive-Ballers Osnabrueck (ProA), TSV Quakenbrueck Dragons (Germany-2.Bundesliga) women team, ChemCats Chemnitz (Germany-DBBL) women team, Basket Oberhausen (Germany-DBBL) women team, Wolfenbuettel (Pro B) and Buergerfelder TB (Germany-Regionalliga). He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.
Thanks Predrag for talking to eurobasket.com. You’ve spent a decade coaching basketball in the top leagues of Asia. What have been some of your standout experiences during this time? Thank you! It’s truly been an incredible journey. One of the biggest highlights has definitely been the chance to experience diverse cultures. From the passionate fans in the arenas to the subtle nuances in coaching styles—each country brings something unique to the table. Plus, I’ve made some amazing friends from different parts of Asia as well from US. Those relationships are priceless.
That sounds fantastic! How would you say coaching in Asia differs from other regions, perhaps Europe? Basketball is basketball, no matter where you are, but the approaches can vary quite a bit. In Asia, there’s often a strong emphasis on teamwork and discipline, while in Europe, there tends to be a greater focus on individual skills. This means that the coaching style has to adapt to these different environments. But at the end of the day, it’s always about bringing out the best in the players.
Do you have plans to return to Europe? Is there something you’re particularly looking forward to?
Absolutely! The idea of returning to Europe excites me a lot. I’m on the lookout for a rewarding opportunity that fits well with my experience. Europe has so much to offer, both in terms of basketball and culture. I’m eager to see how I can apply what I’ve learned here and continue to grow.
That sounds like exciting possibilities ahead! What lessons will you carry with you into your future challenges?
I’ll take away a wealth of valuable lessons. The diversity of playing styles, the different approaches to team leadership, and an understanding of various cultures have enriched me not just as a coach, but as a person. It’s all about staying open-minded and ready to learn—no matter where the game takes you.
Thank you Predrag for sharing your insights! We wish you lots of success and can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next. Thank you! I’m looking forward to what the future holds!
German Hoops 