pic credit: Dennis Duddeck

Bernard Pelote (203-F-2002, college: WCU, agency: JCK Sports Group) is a 23 year old 203cm forward from Georgia playing his rookie season overseas with German Pro A team Tigers Tuebingen averaging 15,8ppg and 4,6rpg. He began his basketball career with Woodville-Tompkins High School. He then played 2 seasons at Catawba College (NCAA2) averaging 7.4ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 76.2% and 13.7ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 78.9%. He then palyed 3 seasons with Western Carolina University (NCAA) averaging 5.5ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 61.5%, 6.9ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 61.0%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 80.0% and in his last season averaged 13.8ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 70.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 99-79 win over PS Karlsruhe.

Congrats on the big 99-79 win over PS Karlsruhe. How big was this win for the organization?

This was a must win for us. We had been in a slump for the last 1,5 months. I feel like we are heading in the right direction now. The hard work we have done really paid off.

Was it the biggest win of the season?

I wouldn´t say that it was the biggest win of the season, because every win is meaningful. I´m just glad that we got it going.

How big was the urgency to win? The team was riding a 7 game losing streak and had lost 10 of 11 games?

The urgency to win was really big. We were low in the standings. We knew that we had to steal this one even if they had beat us in their place. We had the dog mentality and were hunting and weren´t the hunted.

Did it seem like every new game was a bigger game then the last one? Was the pressure immense?

I feel like despite having our backs to the wall, we didn´t have any pressure. It was more on them. We focused on playing our game and just fighting.

The game began with 4 three´s and it was back and forth, but Tuebingen found it´s rhythm quickly. New Tiger Jordan Johnson got going rapidly. You also hit shots. Did you sense that you 2 might be carrying the team that night?

I didn´t necessarily think that at that moment. This was a team win. It was big for Johnson to come in the way he did and play so well, but we all played a part in the win.

Ps Karlsruhe began the second quarter with a 13-4 run to get back into the game. What break downs did the Tiger defense suffer?

They wanted to run in transition. Basketball is a game of runs and they will always happen. We weren´t able to slow down the game and limit turnovers.

Jordan Johnson stopped the run with back to back three´s. What do you appreciate most about his game?

I really appreciate everything form his game. He has made an instant impact. I like how he has come in and doesn´t even know me, but talks to me and gives me wisdom. He is a very fast player and has a great IQ

Could he be that special player that will help the Tigers turn the season around?

I think that he will be a big piece to what we want to do. Basketball is a team sport and it can´t be about just one guy to be successful. We need to match it.

The Tigers Tuebingen led 72-61 after 30 minutes. The Tigers had a little run in the last minutes and Connor Nelson hit big shots. What was the difference in the third quarter for getting the double digit lead?

We just kept going and kept our foot on the gas pedal. We never let up. When we saw they were getting tired, we knew that we had them.

The Tigers Tuebingen managed the lead well in the fourth quarter and then closed the door on PS Karlsruhe. How big was that alley-op dunk from Lukas Milner? Was that the exclamation point on the victory?

That alley-op dunk was the finishing touch on the win. That was a very nice dunk.

The Tigers Tuebingen hit 16 three´s, won the rebound battle and had 11 turnovers. What was the biggest strength of the team on the night?

I think we were strong when we got stops and got out on transition. That is when we are at our best. We also got needed stops in the third quarter to pull away.

You had a 18/7/3/1 game in 29 minutes. How content were you with your game?

I just saw what the defense gave me. I tried to make the right plays and crashed the boards. I brought energy and intensity on the defensive end. I feel like I let my defense spark my offense.

Your having a solid rookie season averaging 15/3/1. You had a slow start, but since have been very consistent. How has your game grown?

The start was tough. I wasn´t used to the physicality and I needed to adjust. But then I settled down. At the end of the day, it´s just basketball. My coach believes in me and lets me play through mistakes.

What do you still need to tweak with your game so you can have an even better home stretch of the season?

I need to be more consistent and efficient in my minutes. I also want to be more of a defensive stopper.

You next battle Giessen on the road. You won the first game in dramatic fashion 84-82. Giessen will be hungry for revenge. What will be key for getting the win?

We have to play together and smart. We have to be us. We have to be the hunting team.

Who will win the Super Bowl? Pats or SeaHawks?

I want the Patriots to win. I love Drake Maye. He is a really good quarterback.

Thanks Bernard for the chat.