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Robert Allen (Reale Mutua Basket Torino) Took The Words Show Them What You Want To Be Known For And Ran With It

Robert Allen (206-F-2000, college: N.Texas, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) is a 25 year old 206cm forward from Orlando, Florida playing his second professional season and first with Reale Mutua Basket Torino (Italy-Serie A2). Last season he played his rookie season with Unger Steel Gunners Oberwart (Austria-BSL) averaging (21.3), RPG-1 (11.2), 2.1apg, SPG-5 (1.7), FGP: 55.0%, 3PT-2 (41.6%), FT: 72.2%. He began his basketball career at Edgewater high school and then played 2 seasons at Samford University (NCAA) averaging 9.9ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 27.7%, FT: 65.5% and 14.1ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 65.0%. He then played 3 seasons at the The University of Mississippi (NCAA) and then latched on a season at the University of North Texas (NCAA) averaging 7.7ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 55.9%, FT: 66.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Robert for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with Reale Mutua Basket Torino (Italy-Serie A2) and your second overseas. What kind of an experience has Italy been for you?
Italy has been an amazing experience so far. The city as well as Italy as a whole is such a beautiful place. My team has been more than welcoming since my arrival. There are always things that you have to adjust to when you are an American coming into a new country and a player coming from a new team but that is something that comes with life and is very normal. It’s a totally different environment from Oberwart, and it’s truly everything I prayed for. I have been enjoying my stay here so far and have been able to explore the city a little

How blessed are you to be living in a city like Torino. Is a big culture shock to Orlando where you come from?
I am more than blessed for the opportunity to live in Torino. God has placed me in a city that has so much history behind it as well as its city like but not too crowded in a sense. There are a number of things that are different between Orlando and Torino but nothing that is a true culture shock. Mostly because Europe as a whole is different from Orlando. If I had to pick anything I would say their rules and roads when it comes to driving a car has been a little difficult but I am getting the hang of it.

You had a great rookie season in Austria and now are playing in one if not the top second league in Europe. How confident are you that your game can translate to the A-2 league?
I am highly confident that my skills will be able to translate in this highly ranked league. I believe I was placed here by God and If he made this one of my stops on this journey then I am meant to be here. I work hard, I love learning the game and I push myself to the max and that helps me to keep elevating my game. Lastly, I play with fire in me and a drive like no other and I think that separates me from others.

Your teammates with skilled American Macio Teague. What has it been like being his teammate? Could you 2 guys be that 1-2 punch that will carry the team to success?

Macio is a great player and an even better teammate, it has been great playing with someone who works as hard or even harder than me. On the court we need everyone in order to do big things in this league, that’s why basketball is a team sport. I can say that our present will be impactful to our team’s success.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
I do not really watch the NBA so I do not have a comparison for you.

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet well. Have you always had that versatility in you or was that developed at the many NCAA schools that you played at?

I think it was always in me but it took me time to truly embrace it. There are often times coaches will put you in a box and only pull your strongest ability out of you that will help the team win. Throughout my college career that was the case but it was a blessing in disguise. Everyone wants to score the ball but it showed me there are other important things that impact winning other than putting the ball in the basket. It allowed me to strengthen my abilities in those categories. Which now has led to be me being like you said a person who can fill a stat sheet

You shot a lot of three’s at Samford, but then little at Ole Miss and N Texas and then a lot in Austria again. Was it tough not shooting many three’s for some years and then doing it again last season? How would you describe the development of your outside shot?

It was a hard transition for me. Going from a coach who wanted me to shoot at Samford to coaches who did not want me to shoot at Ole Miss and north Texas. It can be a tough mental battle when you know you can do something on the court but you’re being held back by your coach. Most coaches would label it as the way they created their teams. Therefore, they had players who were better three point shooters than me, which was true. At the time it wasn’t my strongest ability but it could be done. I let that motivate me honestly to keep working everyday on my own time. Just because I was not using my shot at the time, I knew it was a skill I could add to my game to make me a better player. Before I left for Austria a Vet pro player told me ‘ this is your chance to reinvent yourself, they don’t care what you did in college, that is what got you there. Go out there and show them what you want to be known for’. I took those words and ran with it, it was my chance to break out of the box. I kept working on my shot and different aspects of my game on my own time and when it was my time to shine. I didn’t hold back

Talk a little about the development of your defensive game. How would you describe your game now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

Defense was different from offense for me. It was something that came to me naturally. Being able to read the plays and understand how to defend the basket was naturally easier for me to understand. Un-like offense, I had to work day and night to get where I am now. I know that I am a good defender but there is always room for improvement. I want to become an ELITE defender, one who can do any coverage no matter the team or level of competition. A player who can defend all positions making more of a valuable and versatile player

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

I work on all parts of my game because I want to become an all around player, that is what is going to allow me to stand out and continue to elevate in my career. If I had to pick a few, it would be finishing around the basket. My wide post game and my shot 2s and 3s. As well as reading the court better on defense.

Last season you played your rookie season with the Unger Steel Gunners Oberwart (Austria-BSL) averaging (21.3), RPG-1 (11.2), 2.1apg, SPG-5 (1.7), FGP: 55.0%, 3PT-2 (41.6%), FT: 72.2%. 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 don’t know if I understand your question exactly but i will answer it to the best of my ability.
I do not think there was ever just a wake up call when I was a rookie that was like wow I’m far from home. When I got on that plane and left America I knew what I was coming to Austria to do. I understood and accepted all the sacrifices that came with the Job. My goals were already set and the fight began on the first day of practice. Now did I know I was going to play as well as I did NO but everyday I woke up I prayed to God for strength in order to keep chasing my vision he places on my heart.

You won the double in Austria and beat BBC Nord in the final. What was so special about this team last season?

I think we were just all focused on the same goal and that is what made us different from everyone else. No matter what was going on we all knew we wanted to win the championship. That was going to be the only way the season ended. It was a long season for sure and we did not want to waste any time at all. Therefore we all knew that in order to get as much rest and end the season the right way we had to win every series 3-0 and that’s what we did.

How special was teammate Quincy Diggs for you? That guy has it seen it all. Was he like a mentor for you?

Quincy is such a cool dude man, his presence on that team was a game changer, he is the type of dude that brings a team together and that is exactly what he did for us. When we needed it the most.

You began your NCAA career at Samford (NCAA) in 2018 and played 2 seasons averaging 9.9ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 27.7%, FT: 65.5% and 14.1ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 65.0%. How valuable were these 2 seasons in your basketball development? How did your game grow there?

Honestly I feel like those seasons were more valuable mentally for me than it was to my game itself. It was like a wake up call , when I actually believed that I could play pro if I took basketball seriously. Those seasons ignited the first step of me truly believing in my basketball abilities. During my time at Samford I was just having fun with life. I was grateful to get out of Orlando and had the opportunity for basketball to be a way for me to get my college paid for.

You had many great games at Samford like scoring 23 points against VMI. What was your fondest moment at Samford?

My fondest moments at Samford weren’t even on the court. It was the time I got to spend with my teammates. Our team was like a family, we did everything together. That was the first time I really experienced something like that. Therefore just being able to play with them and enjoy the entire journey was my fondest moment. From the long bus rides to the hard losses. I enjoyed every second of it.

You then played at the University of Mississippi (NCAA) from 2020-2023 reaching the NIT Sweet 16. How tough was it going from playing a lot at Samford to having a lesser role? What did you learn from this experience?
It was a big challenge for me. I didn’t really understand the overall thought process of basketball because before I was just playing for fun and free education. It took me some time to understand everything but I was not going to give up. I found a way to get on the court my first year at Ole Miss and started playing more. My mind set at the time was to make sure I was prepared because my time was going to come and I knew I was going to be ready for it and did. My second year I was understanding it a lot more than my first year at Ole Miss. When I felt like I had finally got the ins and outs of the system I got injured. I tore my acl mcl and post lateral corner. Therefore throughout my years at Ole miss iIwent through a lot but I’m grateful for every step of the way. It made me who I am now. Throughout that journey I learned who Robert Allen really is and who he wants to be in life. I learned the amount of sacrifice it will take to fulfill the dreams I desire. I learned how to listen to my body more. Lastly for me that was the beginning of my rebuilding my relationship with God.


You then finished at the University of North Texas (NCAA) averaging 7.7ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 55.9%, FT: 66.3%. You reached the NIT Sweet 16. What memories do you have of that run? You scored 13 points against Tulane.

Not much at all for real, I just remember that my college career was coming to an end and I was going to play as hard as I could these last few games

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Moullaye Sissoko

Of course I did lol

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

I can’t remember

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Thats a hard question but Josh Sharkey ( samford) Anferene Simons ( Edgewater high school ) Matthew Murrel ( Ole Miss) Tye Fagan ( Ole Miss) Ziggy Reid ( Gunners)

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore (5 best players ever)?

Michael Jordan , Steph ‘Curry, Lebron , Dennis Rodman , Giannis

Who is your GOAT?

Giannis

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I did not see it.

Thanks Robert for the chat.

Antonio Bivins(Racing Luxemburg) Has Carved Out A Fine Overseas Career In Luxemburg And Has A Chip On His Shoulder As His Dad Taught Him To Play Hard And The Right Way

Antonio Bivins (199-F-1992, college: UMass Lowell) is a 33 year old 199cm forward from Florida playing his 10th professional season and second with Racing Luxemburg. Last season he averaged 25.6ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.7apg, SPG-3 (2.5), FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 67.8%. He has played most of his career in Luxemburg amassing 7 seasons there. But he also played in countries like Finland, Columbia, Bolivia and Uruguay. He began his basketball career at American high school and then played at UMass-Lowell from 2010-2014. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a test game against the Dragons Rhondorf.

Thanks Antonio for talking togermanhoops.com. Your playing a test game in Germany. You played most of your career in Luxemburg. Why didn´t you ever land in Germany and play for a team?

To be completely honest I’m not sure why I never played in Germany. I’ve played a few different German teams in different preseasons while being here in Luxembourg and competing against those guys has always been fun, but I guess I never just got the right opportunity to land a contract.

Your in your 11th season as a professional overseas. You have played in South American and Finland as well. What do you enjoy most about the basketball globetrotter life?

Traveling the world and seeing many different cultures has been a fun experience I enjoy most trying the different cultural food and comparing to the food that I’m used to and also to the other countries I’ve played in.

You have been a walking bucket your whole life. Do you have a chip on your shoulder? You could surely play at higher levels than where you have been?

I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder just something my dad instilled in me just playing hard and trying to play the right way. I’ve never really had the opportunity to go other places I am super grateful though for all of my opportunities up until this point.

You have had countless 20, 30 and 40 point games as pro. You once had a 52/24 game in Luxemburg. What do you remember from that game? Do you have a video of that game?

That 52/24 was amazing! I truly just remember being in a great zone mentally and everything was just moving in slow motion and of course I was making almost every shot I took that night! Unfortunately I do not have any film from that game but it will always be a great memory for me.

Your 33 years old. How good do you feel? Could you be a guy playing until your 40?

My body feels great honestly I have to stretch and warm up longer than usual but once I get the body warm I feel amazing. I don’t see myself playing until 40 I truly believe my body would shut down before then that would be entirely too much basketball I believe.

You have played most of your overseas career in Luxemburg. What do you enjoy most about the lifestyle?

I love the culture here in Luxembourg and the people have always been welcoming and it’s more Americanized than most people think. I’ve also started a family here so of course I love that the most!

Your playing your second season with Racing Luxemburg. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization?

Playing for Racing has been amazing up until now. From top to bottom from coaches, owners, and fans! They’ve been welcoming to and my family from day 1 and I will forever love them for that!

Last season you helped the club move back to the first league. What was so special about this team?

Yes last season we were able to achieve our team goal and reach promotion, we had a great group of guys and great coaches who pushed us everyday in practice and held us accountable. Our captain Max came in from the first practice and was our leader.

You played 2 seasons with Union Atletica Montevideo (Uruguay-Metropolitan) What kind of an experience was playing and living in Uruguay? What was your coolest experience off the court?

Playing in Uruguay for Union was amazing! The fans there welcomed and they love their basketball team. My favorite part about being in Uruguay playing for Union was living directly across the street from the beach and the food there was amazing!

You also played a season with Club Deportivo y Cultural La Salle de Tarija (Bolivia-Libobasquet) averaging 13.4ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 68.3%, 3FGP: 26.3%, FT: 52.6%. What was it like living in Bolivia? Did you ever visit La Paz and get infected by soccer?

Living in Bolivia was nice. But I never got a chance to fully embrace the culture there because I didn’t play there for a full season. I also wasn’t able to visit La Paz.

You also played a season with Kipina Aanekoski (Finland-1st Division) averaging 25.5 ppg 10.2rpg, 1.7apg, SPG-2 (4.0), 1.0bpg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 81.8%. Your game didn´t suffer despite Covid. Did all you do was focus on basketball?

Yes playing in Finland during the height of Covid made it super easy to just focus on basketball and my body!

You won 2 playoff series that season, but lost a tough 3 game series to Huima losing the last game 91-90. What memories do you have of that tough loss?

The only bad thing about that season was losing in the finals. All the games were played closed and to be honest that loss in the finals still sticks with me!!

You only played 4 games with Residence Walferdange (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) averaging 28.8ppg, 12.3rpg, 1.8apg, 4.0spg, 1.0bpg. What was it like being teammates with Marcus Neal? You were reunited with him again after playing with him with Kordall. Do you still have contact to him today?

I love Marcus Neal! He was like a big brother for me in Kordall and for Residence Walferdange. I still keep contact with him we speak practically everyday! Playing with him I learned so much about how to be a pro how to train and prepare for games.

You played your first 3 pro seasons with the Kordall Steelers (Luxembourg-Total League) averaging 27,0ppg and 10,0 rpg. Was this the best basketball that you played in your career?

Statistically I think that was the best basketball of my career, but my time in Uruguay I believe was my best basketball in my career!

How vital was German head coach Kevin Magdowski for you? He gave you your break in Luxemburg and then coached you again in Columbia.

Coach Kevin was a key part of me learning different ways to score the basketball. He put the ball in my hands from the first practice and always challenged me to do more on offense and defense. So much he asked me to go to Colombia with him. That being my first time in South America at that point him and I became closer there also because of our relationship in Luxembourg.

You played with Aguilas de Tunja (Colombia-Liga DirecTV) averaging 14.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.6apg, SPG-1 (2.7), FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 16.3%, FT: 59.3%. What memories do you have of Columbia? Was that league the strongest that you played in in South America?

My memories of Colombia were amazing and the basketball was great the fans were amazing and the country has so many different beautiful cities! The strongest league I played in while in South America was the LUB in Uruguay.

What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My first memory being overseas was going to the gas station and pumping gas first and paying. Still to this day that blows my mind every single time!

You played at UMass Lowell from 2010-2014. You reached the Northwest tournament final in 2012. What memories do you have of that season?

I will forever LOVE Umass Lowell!

You had many great games at UMass including 25 and 24 point games against Maine. What was your fondest moment on the court there?

My fondest memory was my senior night my last two college points was a poster dunk in front of all of our fans and students thinking about it right now brings a smile to my face.

How did head coach Pat Duquette groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Duquette instilled a lot of good practice habits in me he taught me how to watch film and most of all he and his entire staff held me accountable for everything I did good and bad and I’ll forever be thankful for them for that.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kerry Weldon?

I won every 1on1 against Kerry I can give you his number so you can ask him. I love Kerry though he’s still my best friend!

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

Toughest player I played against was Shabazz Napier at UConn

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Donald Robinson, Brendan Temple, Marlin Mason, Marcus Neal, Dj Foreman

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore (5 best players ever)?

LeBron James, MJ, Kobe, KD, Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

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

Yes I saw the sequel and I wholeheartedly agree they should’ve left it alone!

Thanks Antonio for the chat.

Rookie Boston Stanton(TuS Red Devils Bramsche) Knows That To Be Able To Take The Next Step He Will Have To Think 2-3 Plays Ahead

Boston Stanton (196-G, college: Newman, agency: Origins Sports Group) is a 196cm guard from Denver, Colorado playing his rookie season overseas with TuS Red Devils Bramsche (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with Denver East high school. He then played at Indiana Univ-Purdue Univ-Indianapolis (NCAA) from 2021-2023. He finished his college career with Newman University (NCAA2) averaging 6.6ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 83.7% and as a senior averaged 12.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 84.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Boston for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

Right now I’m back home in Denver, Colorado, and basketball life is treating me amazing. I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to follow my dreams and see the world while playing the game I love.

You have a beautiful first name. How did your parents come up with that name?

Thank you! I am the Third, so I got my name from my father and his father. Beyond my grandfather I’m honestly not too sure where the name came from, but I am glad to have a unique name.

Congrats on signing with the TUS Red Devils Bramsche. How was the summer transfer period? Was it difficult getting offers overseas?

Thank you again. The summer period was honestly very quick for me. I attended the One Motive Sports camp in late April, and was in talks with the Red Devils not long after that. I am very blessed to have received the opportunity I did, because I know how difficult it can be trying to make it to the next level. Obviously I still had to work for it, but it definitely could have been far more difficult and I recognize that.

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

I don’t know too much about the country of Germany in general, but I do know that there is a terrific basketball culture there. I am looking forward to exploring and learning more about Germany and its culture, but I am also excited to see how the game of basketball is approached compared to here in the United States. This is a great opportunity for me to broaden my horizons both as a man, and as a basketball player.

Have you had any friends or opponents who have played in Germany over the years?

Yes, I’ve had some peers from Colorado that have played in Germany recently. Since I signed to the Red Devils I have been talking to them to get a better grasp on what to expect from my first time overseas. It has been a blessing to have a resource that I can learn from before I actually get out there myself.

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?

This definitely is a dream come true for me. I haven’t necessarily had the easiest path when it comes to basketball, and like you said, a lot of people don’t get to go play overseas when they travel the path I have taken. I am blessed beyond belief to have the opportunity to go and turn my dreams into reality, and be able to travel the world while I do so. I have wanted to play professional basketball since I was in elementary school, so it feels good being able to give my inner child something to be proud about.

How did the talks go with head coach Christian Fischer? What did you appreciate right way about his basketball philosophy?

The talks with Coach Fischer went very well. When I was talking to him I could immediately tell by his tone of voice how enthusiastic he is about this team, and how seriously he takes his job. One thing I appreciated about him as a person right away was his honesty. He didn’t mince words with me, and he told me exactly what was expected from me from the jump without sugarcoating anything. That is a quality I truly appreciate. One thing I appreciated about his basketball philosophy was the style of play he is bringing to the team. He wants us to defend our tails off, be tough, scrappy, physical, and use our defense to create offensive opportunities. Not only is that a fun brand of basketball to play, it is very similar to the brand of basketball we played this year at Newman, so it almost feels like a continuation of Coach Allen’s basketball philosophy.

With what kind of a mindset are you going into your overseas adventure? You will be playing in the 4th league called Regionalliga. Do you feel like you will be able to be an impact player? The American imports usually rock the league.

While I am very happy to have signed my first pro contract, I am still very aware that this is just the beginning, not the end. Just because I am now a professional doesn’t mean that it is time to let up off the gas. My mindset is to be the best me I can be, and to do everything in my power to get both myself and my team at least 1% better every day, no matter what. With this mindset and my love for the game, there is no doubt that I will be able to come in and make a positive impact on this team.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

If I had to compare my game to an NBA player, I would probably say Devin Booker just because of my ability to score at all 3 levels.

You’re a player that seems to be able to do a little bit of all. Talk about your biggest offensive Ssrengths?

Thank you. I would say my biggest offensive strength is actually my versatility. There were times earlier in my career that I would fall in love with the three point shot whether it was falling or not, which got me into some trouble. Now that I am more experienced and more developed as a player, I am much better at just taking what the defense is giving me. That way, if one aspect of my game isn’t working that day, I just focus on something else. If my shot isn’t falling, I can get into the paint and get an easy layup or get to the free throw line. If the other team has a big blocking shots, I can use my floater or my midrange. If I simply can’t score that game, I can focus more on playmaking and setting screens to get other people good looks.

Talk a little about the development of your three point shot. You shot a great 37% last season at Newman. Your self-confidence must be sky high at the moment?

Honestly, it all just comes down to getting game speed reps and shooting while you’re tired. These past couple summers I have spent a lot more time focusing on shooting the ball on the move or when I’m tired as opposed to just stand still catch and shoot 3s. Taking game speed reps and shooting the ball while you’re tired not only gives you physical endurance to shoot the ball the same way in overtime as the first shot of the game, but it also builds mental toughness. I am confident that every shot I take is going in because I put the work in. And even if I miss this shot, the next one is going in for sure.

The game overseas is more team orientated. How developed is your playmaking. Is this an area of your game that you will look to improve more as a rookie?

My playmaking is absolutely something I am looking to improve as a rookie. Most times when I am making plays for others it is through just reacting to what the defense is giving me. As I develop this year, I want to learn how to control and manipulate the defense instead of just reacting to the defense. Someone that comes to mind that manipulates the defense with the ball is Luka Doncic or Nikola Jokic, which makes sense because they both come from overseas. Furthermore, I want to expand my knowledge of the game. I like to think of myself as a smart player, but I feel like I only think about the current play. To take my game to the next level, I have to start thinking 2 or 3 plays ahead.

What kind of a defender are you and what are your goals on the defensive end in the next few years?

I am a prideful defender. I absolutely hate to be the person that gets scored on or misses a defensive assignment, and when that happens I feel as though I am letting my teammates down. In the next few years I really want to become a pest on defense. I am a solid defender and will stay in front of my man, but I want to become more like a Dyson Daniels or a Lou Dort or Alex Caruso that is just irritating and draining to play against. That way I can wear down the opponent both physically and mentally.

On what areas of your game are you working on most this summer so you will be prepared for Germany?

The areas of my game I am working on most this summer is my shot, my ball handling, and my endurance. I want to be as automatic of a shooter as possible because being able to shoot the ball well opens up so much space for both me and my teammates to be able to operate on the floor. I am working on my ball handling so I can create opportunities both for myself and my teammates. Lastly, I am focusing on my endurance so I will be the same player in the last minute of the game as I was in the first minute of the game. All the skills in the world don’t mean anything if they go out the window as soon as you get tired.

You stated basketball is 99% mental. How do you work on your mentality so you can always be mentally strong on the floor?

I would say the biggest thing I do to work on my mental game is meditating. We live in such a fast paced world that it is difficult, and almost seems unnatural to slow down at times. Meditating slows my thoughts down and allows me to focus on one thing at a time while tuning the unimportant things out. Meditating helps me build mental fortitude because it shows me I am not a slave to my thoughts or feelings, which is equally useful in life and in basketball.

You played 2 seasons at Indiana Univ-Purdue Univ-Indianapolis (NCAA) and never averaged more than 4,7ppg. How do you remember these years? How did your game develop under Matt Crenshaw?

These years were incredibly important for my development both as a man and as an athlete. During the first week of practice my freshman year, I broke my shooting wrist and never had it properly diagnosed, causing me to play the whole year with the injury. This was an obstacle unlike anything I’ve ever faced, but it helped me develop both physical and mental toughness. Playing for Coach Crenshaw was the first time I really learned the ins and outs of being a true point guard. At the time things were very rough and didn’t always make sense to me, but I learned a lot of good lessons that helped me when I got moved to point guard this year. Even though all the trials and tribulations, I am extremely grateful to have spent those two years at IUPUI. I learned a lot about myself, the game of basketball, and more importantly the game of life.

You had some good games against Oakland and Wright State, but the team did lose a lot. What was your fondest moment there?

I can’t look back on one moment in particular as my fondest moment. Those two years at IUPUI were unlike anything else I have experienced in my life. I feel like the people I played on those teams with, from the players to the coaches to the managers, all have a special connection because of what we went through together. Nobody else in the world went through what we went through, and that gives us a brotherhood that nobody else can be a part of. I guess my fondest moment is the kinship I build with my fellow Jaguars along the way. It wasn’t perfect, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

You then finished at Newman University (NCAA2) averaging 6.6ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 83.7% and 12.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 84.5%. You made a massive jump in your game in your senior season. How did your game grow in your last season?

I think the only thing that grew from my junior to my senior season was my mentality. Of course I continued to work on my game, but the offseason between my junior and my senior year was the first time I ever really worked on my mental game. As I did that my confidence grew more and more, which allowed me to be my best self when the lights came on.

You had many great games. I can imagine your 30 points and 7 three´s in the win over Emporia State was your personal favorite moment?

That might be my favorite moment of my whole career so far. My journey hasn’t been easy since my junior year of high school. I have dealt with a lot of obstacles and challenges that a lot of other people wouldn’t dare face, let alone repeatedly. I wouldn’t have been able to get through them without my parents by my side. So to have my career best night, on senior night in front of my parents was an incredibly special moment for me. It was special not only because it was my career high and we won the game, but it felt symbolic. All of the time, effort, and money my parents have poured into me over the years all culminated in that one game. I can truly say if that was my last basketball game ever, I would have been satisfied because it felt like I truly gave back to my parents.

How head coach RJ Allen Groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Allen best prepared all of us Jets for a professional career not just in basketball, but in life in general. Coach Allen truly expects all of his players and staff members to act like professionals no matter what their athletic aspirations are. The biggest thing he taught me was that being a professional does not come with the title, but it comes with how you carry yourself every day. Show up early, put extra work in, be respectful to those you serve and to those who serve you, etc. Coach Allen is a wonderful basketball coach, but the most important lessons he taught me were about the game of life, not just the game of basketball.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Latik Murphy?

I don’t think we ever played, but I’m taking myself in a 1-1 against anybody on the planet until they prove me otherwise.

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

Antoine Davis. Easily. Playing against him was literally like playing against a My Career character, it was crazy. That guy can shoot the ball from wherever, with whoever on him, whenever he wanted, and it was going in no matter what.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

This is tough because I’ve had the privilege to play with so many great players. In no particular order: Stevie Strong, Jlynn Counter, BJ Maxwell, Stevie Smith, and Latik Murphy.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe, KD, Curry, Lebron

Who is your Goat?

My GOAT is Kobe.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I didn’t see the sequel to Coming to America but I do agree they should probably just leave sequels in general alone at this point.

Thanks Boston for the chat.

Back At Home KJ Sherril Would Cherish The Red Velvet Cake From Aunt Tootsie And Now It´s Cheese Cake From His Girlfriend

KJ Sherrill (203-F/C-1991, college: Augusta) is a 34 year old 203cm forward that enjoyed a 8 year pro playing career overseas. He played with the Bona Baskets Limburg, the SG Luetzel-Post Koblenz (Germany-Regionalliga), Dragons Rhondorf, Telekom Baskets Bonn 2 team, Herten and the Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA). He played college ball at Charlotte (NCAA) from 2009-2012 playing 75 NCAA games and also played a season at Augusta University (NCAA2). He was an assistant coach with the Dragons Rhondorf from 2023-2025 and now is an assistant with Pro A team EPG Guardians Koblenz. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his birthday.

Happy Birthday KJ. You turned 34. Your in your third season as a assistant coach and technically could still be playing age wise. After 3 seasons away, do you think like you could mix it up again if you had to?

Thank you Miles for the birthday wishes. I’d say skill wise, I’m still capable of playing for sure. Endurance wise, I’m cooked lol. I’d have to do at least 2-3 months of intense training just to build my wind back up.

What do you miss about the game most? What else is there to miss besides the competition and being teammates with guys?

Competing would be the thing I miss mostly of course. Game preparations and team building on-off the court with the guys you put in work with daily. I miss the relationships you gain along the way with the guys.

As a pro were you usually already overseas. Did you ever celebrate any birthday during your pro career in the States?

Since my birthday is always during Preseason, I haven’t been fortunate enough to spend my birthday with my family in the States in about 11 years.

How do you usually celebrate your birthday in Germany? Is it any different than the way you did in the states as a kid?

Here in Germany since I never have time to celebrate my birthday properly, my girlfriend and friends do a great job of helping me celebrate with a nice dinner. I don’t need anything extravagant as I did as a kid.

How do you remember celebrating your birthday as a kid? Was there a special tradition in the Sherril family?

My birthday’s as a kid were typically how everyone else’s were. Nothing out of the ordinary. Parents would have a birthday party/Cookout and invite the whole family. They’d shower me with gifts and we’d play games and eat great food. Couldn’t ask for anything better than that.

What do you remember being your favorite birthday present as a kid?

My best birthday gift as a kid would have to be a Mongoos Bicycle with pegs. Back then, those were the bikes we saw Tony Hawk and other sports figures riding. I thought they were the coolest thing ever!

Did you have a favorite cake as a kid and what kind of cake do you like to have in Germany during birthday time?

My favorite cake back home would have to be Red Velvet Cake from my Aunt Tootsie. Here in Germany I always have my girlfriend bake me a cheesecake. Cheesecake would be my 2nd favorite out of cakes

Did your coaching colleagues do anything special for your birthday or was it just happy birthday young buck?

We had our test-game on my birthday against Giessen. I wasn’t able to celebrate my birthday with my colleagues but we were able to win a tough game against the very experienced Giessen team. I’d say that was the best way I could possibly celebrate my special day.

What is your biggest birthday wish as an adult in 2025?

My biggest birthday wish would be to have my family visit me here in Germany since they haven’t had the opportunity yet.

Thanks KJ for the chat.

Even When Coaches Tried To Discourage Michael Laeky From Taking Three´s He Kept Working On It Behind The Scenes

Michael Laeky (201-F, college: CCC) is a 201cm forward from Texas that is a professional basketball player. He played his rookie season overseas with US Titans Yerevan (Armenia-A-League) averaging 11.5ppg, 8.3rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 60.0%, in Feb.’25 moved to Lusavan (Armenia-A-League) averaging 18.6ppg, 7.8rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career with Creating Young Minds Academy and then played at Sterling (NAIA) and Central Christian College (NAIA). 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 at the moment?

Thank you for the interview! I’m currently back in my hometown Dallas, Texas, basketball this summer has been great. I’ve really been pushing myself in the gym and weight room to have a great second year.

How blessed are you to be a pro baller? You never averaged more than 2,0ppg in a NAIA season, but still got 2 jobs overseas last year?

I’m truly blessed beyond measure. In college I never really got the opportunity to show what I was capable of as a player, and once I got that opportunity as a pro I never looked back.

How tough does the grind of having a stable overseas career continue? You had a solid rookie season in Armenia, but are still unsigned for the 2025-2026 season. Why do you believe is that?

In sports there’s a lot of politics and I just try to control the things that I can control, and whoever decides to take a chance on me this season won’t regret it.

Do you feel your history of being an NAIA player and not have overwhelming stats have hurt you this off season?

I think it might have hurt me when I was first coming out of college, but now that I’ve proven I can play at the professional level it’s starting to become more irrelevant.

How key has Bayi Handy been in helping you progress in your overseas journey?

He’s been absolutely amazing! He’s very confident that I have the tools to be a successful player and now I have to continue to show that. I’m truly grateful for Mr. Handy and can’t wait to see what opportunities will come from his event!

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

There’s a lot of players that come to mind, but I think my best comparison would be Cameron Johnson of the Denver Nuggets. Like him I’m a 3 point shooter with great size that can also play great defense and rebound.

You’re a player that fills the stat sheet very well. How big is versatility a part of your game?

Versatility is a big part of my game. Before being a versatile player was popular, I always tried to expand my game when I was a younger player. Because of that I’m able to play the 2-4 on the court and be a really nice asset for my team.

You are a very good three point shooter. How would you describe the development of your three pointer? You shot 40% in Armenia last season?

I’ve always worked on my 3 point shot since I was a kid. When I was younger coaches would try and keep me from shooting threes, this was before the game changed into players taking a lot of threes. But I would continue to work on my shot behind the scenes and would become a great 3 point shooter.

Talk a little about your defensive game. Does your versatility also play a role as a defensive player?

Oh absolutely! The same way I didn’t want to be limited as an offensive player also applied to the defensive end. I can play the 2-4 and I’m also able to guard the 2-4. I love hitting shots but getting stops on defense makes me just as happy.

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

I’m definitely trying to become a better ball handler. Once people know I can shoot the ball I want to be able to have a counter when they press up by creating my own shot or creating opportunities for my teammates.

Last season you split time in Armenia with US Titans Yerevan (Armenia-A-League) averaging 11.5ppg, 8.3rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 60.0%, in Feb.’25 moved to Lusavan (Armenia-A-League) averaging 18.6ppg, 7.8rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 83.3%. 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 would definitely say physicality. The referees over there let players play for the most part and aren’t quick to blow that whistle

What kind of experience was Armenia on and off the court? How did your game grow overseas?

Armenia was great and I’m forever grateful that they gave me an opportunity to start my career. I would say I grew as a player when it came to taking over games. I’ve always believed I’m the best shooter on every court I step on and I was able to show it this past season.

How enriching was it experiencing a new culture in Armenia? What did you enjoy most off the court?

It was such a great experience connecting with some of the locals over there. It was my first time outside the USA so it was a cool experience learning and being around their culture. My favorite thing to do off the court was definitely walking around the city and doing some sight seeing.

You played 3 seasons at Sterling College (NAIA) and played only 21 games. How tough were these 2 seasons? Did you get a fair chance there?

Those were some really tough years, to sit there and watch loss after loss and not get a fair shot to prove myself was definitely hard. But I always trusted God’s plan and his timing with everything and that’s why I’m here today.

What positives could you gain from Sterling? You minutes really fluctuated in your last season.

I learned to just control what I can control and to always stay ready. And in those games I got a shot and I showed what I could do.

You then played 1 season at Central Christian College (NAIA). What positives could you get from this season despite playing only 2 games?

That was a difficult year for me too and probably not the best fit for me, I had intended to redshirt that year. I would say I definitely became a better teammate that year.

How did head coach Adam Hooker groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

I had coaches outside of college that really helped prepare me for a pro career, I always was around pro guys in college so training and playing against them definitely helped prepare me.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jahmiah Haynes?

Jamiah is a great player and easily one of the best players I’ve ever played with. We never played one on one but we had some great battles in practice when we were matched up in five on five.

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

I played against a lot of great players in college, a lot of players that went overseas but not the NBA. However in high school I did play against Terrence Ferguson who ended up being a first round draft pick in the 2017 NBA draft.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

This is such a tough question because I’ve played with so many great players. But if I had to narrow it to 5 these would be the players. In no order, Jaylon Scott, Jamiah Haynes, Moustapha Diene, Adam Hess, and Chris Whitten

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James is without a doubt the Goat.

Thanks Michael for the chat.

William Christmas(Skyliners) Has Seen Adversary In His Career But In the End His Mental Toughness Has Always Stuck Out And Helped Him Grow

Bringing in talented guards had always been a strength of the Dragons Rhondorf so when William Christmas (196-G-1996, college: CPP) arrived in late summer 2021, I was quite confident that he would do his thing on the court like past guards like Sterling Carter, Kamron Taylor and Curtis Hollis. In the first 3 games, he didn´t disappoint filling the stat sheet like no other averaging 19.3ppg, 8.3rpg, 2.7apg, 2.7spg, 1.0bpg. The only problem with the scenario was that the Dragons were 0-3 on October 16th. But it wasn´t his fault. The Dragons were going the youth route that season and before he would know it, his season in Rhondorf would be history. Well at least his playing in games was over. Since the Pro B team could only use 1 import player, they chose 17 year old Ousmane Ndiaye who I remember being hyped like crazy by Yassin Idbihi, but he was right in his assessment. Ndiaye would go his way and reach Europe´s highest league ACB and currently is playing for Vanoli Basket Cremona (Italy-Serie A). So here was a decorated American player who had averaged 16/6/3 in his last 2 seasons at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (NCAA2) and reached 3 CCAA finals and now was sitting and sitting and sitting during games. I remember seeing him before games and he was always 100% professional and somehow stuck it through even though he must have been steaming inside the way Charles Jefferson aka Forrest Whitaker was after he found his beat up car next to the school steps in the classic Fast Times at Ridgemont high. “I was steaming inside. I´m such a competitor that I just wanted to play so badly. I loved Ousmane. He is such a talented player and playing at a high level. It was the right decision at the time. It is always tough coping with things that you don´t expect especially when you’re a rookie. You want that opportunity to show you can play. It was important that I got exposed to the business side early to expect the unexpected. I made basketball my refuge and just worked hard in the gym. I had that mindset that everything would work out in the end”, stressed William Christmas. Even 4 years later, he still believes he got a fair chance with the Dragons and is still very professional about what happened with the Dragons and that first pro experience helped him with a big strength that he has continued to cultivate whenever adversary was in his basketball life. “I felt like I got a fair chance in Rhondorf. I understood fully where they were going. They wanted to feature Ousmane. I felt like everyone was professional and I was treated in a professional manner. Everybody was supportive of me. It just wasn´t in God´s plan at that moment and I was Ok with it. I could live with it. I had no ill will against the Dragons. I think that I learned that I was mentally tough. I was capable of getting things done and grinding against the grain and swimming upstream. This is an important part of the journey that sometimes you have to fight against adversary against things that aren´t ideal. I proved to myself that I could do that. My dad was really important in this time in that he spoke life into my, kept me positive and always encouraged me. My dad never let me give up”, warned William Christmas. William Christmas has seen adversary in his career, but in the end his mental toughness has always stuck out and helped him Grow.

The California native who remembers ex MHP Riesen guard Justin Simon being his toughest opponent in the NCAA 2 was finally let go in January 2022 and resumed his career in Luxemburg with the BC Musel Pikes (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 29.7ppg, 10.8rpg, 3.6apg, Steals-5 (2.1spg), FGP-3 (64.5%), 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 75.8%. This new experience felt like being reborn and was a big step in his career as he proved he could bounce back after adversary. “It was important being able to get on the court and help build my confidence up again. That helped me believe that I have the capability to play. I really appreciated my time in Lessenberg and I did have a super productive period in a short time”, remembered William Christmas. He really exploded in Luxemburg. He scored in double figures in every game. He scored 30 points or more 7 times including a 44 point explosion, had 12 double doubles and a triple double against Arnatia.” My fondest moment was the 44 point game. I feel like I could have had 50 points. You dream about these kind of games as a kid. I came out for a while in the fourth quarter, because we were up by a lot. But to still score so much was amazing”, said William Christmas. Being a rookie is never easy especially after having a rough start like he had in Rhondorf, but he was more than blessed to have had great veterans like ex easyCredit BBL veteran Henry Pwono who was by his side guiding him in the right direction. “Henry is a high quality dude with a great character. It is always good having dudes like him that can speak life into you and tell you what you need to do to be successful. I had a third American with Terry Winn also had had experience overseas and like Henry spoke life into me. Both these guys were really important for my development as a rookie”, commented William Christmas.

The scorer who sees the Lakers, OKC, Houston, and Denver as NBA champion candidates in 2026 ended his rookie season with a bang and then continued the momentum in the next season with the Artland Dragons averaging 15.6ppg, 7.3rpg, 4.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 78.5%. Once again he had to prove himself and had a solid Pro A season another step up for him. “My Artland experience was very important as it was another step in my journey that also gave me lots of confidence moving forward. I felt like I was everything coming out of college. So all these experiences were vital for my journey. No matter if it was Pro B, Luxemburg or the Pro A. Each step helped build my confidence. With Artland, I had to be a leader and had to show up every day and be professional. Artland was my last choice at the end of the summer. I had no idea who Artland was. They weren´t supposed to be good. But coach Flo believed in me from the start”, expressed William Christmas. With Flo he meant coach Patrick Flomo who in a way saved his career. “I can´t thank Flo enough for the opportunity. Just hearing his name, I think that I should call him right now. He really aided my career. He trusted me to just play my game. He trusted me to the take the helm and just showcase my game. He was a big reason that I was able to take that next step to the BBL with Hamburg. I was just blessed to have great guys there. Assistant coaches Chase Griffin and Allen Ray helped me so much with my game. They still check in with me today”, said William Christmas. The Artland season ended with a bad taste in the loss to PS Karlsruhe in the playoffs. “I will always remember getting hurt in game 3 and losing the game. I then missed a few months. I still believe we would of won game 4 had I been able to play. It was hard for me that summer not being able to play. I wanted to work on my game. I had this fire to go out with a splash with my next team Hamburg”, added William Christmas. He had so many great teammates and with Demetrius Ward one that is now starting his coaching career. “I see him being a really good coach, because he can relate to guys. He was just really encouraging. It is so important to have guys like that on the team”, warned William Christmas. He twice scored 28 points in the Pro A against PS Karlsruhe and Nurnberg.

The versatile guard who lists ex NBA and current Euroleague player PJ Dozier as one of his best teammates of all-time continued to climb the basketball ladder reaching the easyCredit BBL in the 2023-2024 season balling for the Veolia Towers Hamburg. Once again he left his mark there averaging 12.9ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 75.9%;in the BBL and in the Eurocup averaged 9.9ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 76.7%.”Hamburg was a tough season. I still think we did better than many thought. We were 1 game away from making the playoffs. I think that my hard work paid off. I was aggressive, got downhill and used my speed best to my ability. I was also fortunate to have a great coach with Beno who gave me so much confidence to play my game”, said William Christmas. He was fortunate to battle so many ex NBA players in the Eurocup and faced Serge Ibaka and FC Bayern Munich losing a real tough 81-80 nail bitter where he scored 18 points in the loss. “My fondest moment was the Munich game even if we lost it. We played in the big arena in front of 12,000-14,000 people. I loved the aura and gravity of the game. It was a game littered with clutch shots and buzzer beaters. All in all, I had a great time with the Towers. We had great guys and I thought that we had good team chemistry”, remembered William Christmas. He scored in double figures in 26 of 36 BBL games including 28 points against Ludwigsburg and in the Eurocup scored 22 points twice against Besiktas and Venice. Last season he had another season where his mental toughness played an important role for him being able to overcome adversary once again. He split time with the NINERS Chemnitz (Germany-BBL)N averaging 8.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.3apg, 2FGP: 55.1%, 3FGP: 27.5%, FT: 69.8%,and in the Basketball Champions League) averaged 10.3ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.6apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 61.2%, 3FGP: 44.4%, FT: 55.6%; and in Feb.’25 moved to Limoges CSP Elite (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 7.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 7.1%, FT: 88.9%. “I had a slow start and then found my game, but we had a mutual agreement that it would be better if I left. This experience again was important for my mental toughness. I grinded against adversary and felt like I was able to get out of the pit”, stressed William Christmas. He then took on a new challenge in France and came in mid season which is never easy, but in the end was able to take positives out of a tough situation. “We weren´t great, but this experience was a great example again of how my career has gone. The story always comes out the same. There is always some kind of adversary, some kind of mental road block. Last season I learned to be at peace with your situation. I learned once again to take the positives and just enjoy with what you have been blessed at learning. My teammates and fans were great. The coaches really cared. No matter if I played or didn´t, or we won or lost, I could always find refuge with my work. I would love to play in the Pro A in France gain and redeem myself. I just want to go where God leads me to”, warned William Christmas.

The flashy player who compares his game to NBA champion Shai Gillgeous-Alexander has started a new challenge in his fifth professional season with the Frankfurt Skyliners in the easyCredit BBL. “I´m really excited for a new challenge and to make this my best year yet. I believe that I can elevate my game beyond ´what people saw last year. I feel like that I´m a lot better than what I showed last season”, stressed William Christmas. Head coach Klaus Perwas believes that he can be a glue guy. Will his role be different than in places like Hamburg or Chemnitz? “I think that I will have a different kind of role here. I´m a veteran playing more with younger guys which wasn´t really the case with my last teams. I´m really eager to face the new challenge and grow with it. I feel like my experience will be vital. I think that I will be able to bring out the best in me and help give the young guys a nugget or 2 and help them elevate their game. I will have to show the young guys how things are run and I´m ready for it”, warned William Christmas. Teams usually want to bring in character type guys and Frankfurt definitely hauled in the jack pot with him as winning over stats is on his menu. “ I´m not going to say to much about that. I´m going to keep my personal goals to myself. But I do have big goals and that starts with winning as a team. I´m going to work my but of and let my game do the talking. Winning is the most important thing. The rest will fall into place”, stressed William Christmas. How crucial will his three pointer be this season? Last season he had trouble in the BBL and Pro A but shot very well at 44% in the Basketball Champions League. ”My shooting will be huge. I haven´t shot the ball particularly well the last few seasons. I will continue to work at it. You can aske any coach. It is a confidence thing. I will hit a lot this season. And if I don´t, so what. I don´t think that that makes a basketball player. I still do a lot of other things really well. That is why I have stuck around. But my shooting will be crucial this season”, warned William Christmas. Time has really flown by since his rookie experience in Rhondorf 4 years ago. He has achieved a lot in his career and he is far from over as he wants to make the Skyliners proud of him. “I ended up finding a lot of success playing in the ACB, Germany BBL and France. It´s a beautiful thing. Sometimes it´s hard to see God´s plan, but in the end everything happens for a reason. Both Ousmane and I had success. It´s just beautiful to see that we both had success. I just continue to pray that we both continue to grow and prosper”, warned William Christmas. It would be interesting to see Christmas and Ndiaye sitting at a table and shooting the breeze. Both would surely be smiling and laughing a lot about life. Christmas was right in 2021. He knew that in the end that everything would turn out right for him.

Artland Dragons Lifer Thorben Doeding Always Tried To Have Some Kind Of Impact On The Court Through Defense Or Giving Teammates Good Looks

Thorben Doeding (189-PG-1999) is a 26 year old 189cm guard that has played his whole career with the Artland Dragons. He won the 2014 JBBL (U-16) title with NBA player Isaiah Hartenstein. He has played 194 Pro A games in 7 Pro A seasons. He spoke togermanhoops.com about his basketball career before retirng recently.

It is 2025 and you are still with the Artland Dragons. Your only 26 years old. Could this remain home for you always?

I have spent the last 13 years in Quakenbrück and with the Dragons family, so of course this will always be part of me and a place I call home!

It isn´t usual that a player will remain so long with a team despite not making the real break through. Why have you continued to stay faithful to this organization?

Coming out of the youth, it was great to play for the Dragons and I felt valued and supported by the organization. Having friends and family near was always a plus.

The last 2 seasons were tough for Artland. The club was close to moving down. What did you learn from these 2 seasons?

I think the biggest learnings were resilience, staying focused under pressure and to always keep believing.

How vital was having a guy like Brandon Thomas as a teammate. What is the most important thing that you learned from him?

Brandon is a great role model! He is disciplined, experienced and one of the best teammates I ever had. I really appreciate how he always reminded one to be grateful for the opportunity to play the game we love and to have fun doing it.

How beneficial was it having to battle Buzz Anthony every day. What could you soak up from him?

Buzz is always “buzzing around” the court, constantly finding ways to solutions to score or set up his teammates. That is really amazing. Plus, battling him in practice helped my one-on-one defense and always staying alert.

You have played with so many great guards with the Dragons and Demetrius Ward was another. What was the most important thing that you learned from him?

Dimi Ward was a fun teammate and always in a good mood. He had a great way of encouraging teammates and boosting everyone’s confidence. “Dribble, dribble, shoot!”

One season you were teammates with Zac Ensminger. How intense were the daily battles with him? He seems to keep climbing the basketball ladder.

We had good battles at practice, I always tried to get on his nerves a bit to push him and make him better. Seeing how he developed while we played together, I had no doubt he’ll find his path, just like he is now.

Another great guard that you played with was Chase Griffin. Did you learn anything about precision shooting from him?

Chase was probably the sharpest sharpshooter I played with! He showed me his “vitamins”, his warm-up shooting routine which definitely helps to get in rhythm and find a good touch.

You had many great games in the Pro A. What was your best Pro A game ever?

One of my best game was when we beat Rostock at home in 2022. They went on to win the Pro A that season but we managed to steal that game. Still, my favorite game has to be my last home game for the Dragons. It was a must-win and I was able to bring my team a lot of energy and finish as top scorer. That meant a lot.

You try to be as efficient as possible in the minutes that you get. How has your game grown in the Pro A in the last years?

I think my game has grown through experience, especially at decision making, and on the defensive end. I always tried to have a little impact, even in limited minutes, whether it was through a defensive play or creating good looks for my teammates.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Buzz Anthony?

I was able to lock him up from time to time during team practice, just to have him make a difficult step-back midrange jumper in my face.

You played at the 2018 NBBL final in Quackenbruck losing to Alba Berlin. What memories do you have of that game?

We played against a real good Alba team and we knew that we had to bring our A game. We battled and held our ground up until late in the fourth quarter but at the end Alba just had to many weapons.

Do you remember facing up to Franz Wagner? Did you see him then as a possible NBA player?

I wasn’t really aware of how skilled and talented Franz really was but he definitely showed up and after the game I was sure that he would go his way. Unforgettable was his poster dunk in the first half of the game!

Who were the 3 best players that you faced in the Pro A in your career?

That’s a tough one. Behnam Yakhchali comes to my mind and Maik Zirbes definitely had the best career out of all Pro

A players I played against. And I remember that Stanley Whittaker who played for Karlsruhe a couple years ago was a great scorer with a deadly midrange game.

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

That’s easy. I met five of my best friends through playing for the Dragons, so that’s my starting five: PG Jannes Hundt, SG David Röll, SF Adrian Breitlauch, PF Marius Lau, C Jonas Weitzel.

Please name your NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore (5 best players of all-time for each category?

NBA: MJ, Kobe, LeBron, Kareem and Shaq
Euro: Spanoulis, Llull, Navarro, Bodiroga, Sabonis
German: Dirk, Detlef, Dennis; Isaiah and Franz will join

Who is your Goat?

When I was around 11, I became obsessed with MJ. I watched every documentary I could find about him, completely captivated by his story, his game and his legacy. In NBA 2K11 and NBA 2K12 you could play as Michael Jordan and relive his greatest moments on the court, I must have played those games for hours and hours. Unfortunately, I am too young to have seen him play live, but to me he was and will always be the greatest.

Thanks Thorben for the chat.

Tevin Olison Can Guard The Other Team´s Best Player And Also Lead His Own Team In Scoring

Tevin Olison (194-G-1998, college: YSU, agency: One Motive Sports) is a 27 year old 194cm guard from Memphis, Tennessee that is currently looking for a new challenge. He won´t be suiting up for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg this season. Last season he played with the Helsinki Seagulls (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.1ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 76.2%. He played his first 2 pro seasons with the Bristol Flyers (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 10.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 82.8% and 16.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 83.5%. He began his basketball career at Mitchell high school and then played 2 seasons at Cleveland State Community College (JUCO) averaging15.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 70.6% and 17.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 73.7%. He then played 2 seasons with the University of the Cumberlands (NAIA) averaging 17.8ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 75.2% and 23.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 76.4%. He finished at Youngstown State University (NCAA) averaging 12.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 79.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Tevin for talking to germanhoops.com. You went from Juco to NAIA to the NCAA to lower leagues overseas and now are in the BBL. Are you the ultimate fighter that never gives up?

I think that I am the ultimate fighter. My path has been a crazy one. I wouldn´t change it for anything. I have worked hard and had help from coaches and my brother. I feel like I have made big steps so far in my career and have proved that I belong.

How blessed are to have a guy like Drew Kelso of One Motive Sports in your corner? He continues to find new opportunities for you.

I really respect Drew a lot. He began talking to me when I was playing NAIA. Nobody else was talking to me at that time. He knew right away that I had some upside. Later big time agents began talking to me, but I always remained with Drew. I´m big on loyalty.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 194cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I have heard the names Bradley Beal, Lou Williams and Jamal Crawford. Those are guys that can give instant offense. I classify myself more as a 2 way player. I can guard the opponents best player and still lead my own team in scoring. That is what makes me valuable on the floor.

You’re a lethal scorer, but also fills the stat sheet very well. Talk about other attributes in your game?

I feel like I´m an underrated passer. I´m an unselfish player. Guys like to play with me. I can be effective with or without the ball. I think that I´m a 3 level scorer, but to be able to use all shots depends on the coach you have. My mid range game hasn´t always been used to the fullest in certain systems.

You eclipsed the 40% mark once in college and have been consistent overseas being between 36-39%. What do you have to do to reach the 40% plateau?

I feel like I just have to keep taking good shots and stay in the gym. It is that simple. Shooting is like riding a ´bike. If you stay on top, then you will be ok.

Your also a very aggressive defender. How would do you describe yourself now as a defender and what level do you still want to reach?

I take a lot of pride in playing defense. I don´t like the ball handler being comfortable with the ball. I take being scored on very personally. I´m working most on my lateral quickness so I can become an even better defender.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to get better in all areas of your game?

I´m watching a lot of film so I can improve my pick and roll game. I want to be able to pick the defense apart.

Last season you played with the Helsinki Seagulls (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.1ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 76.2%. You won the title over Karhubasket. What was so special about this team?

I was really lucky that I chose this team. Everyone was so good to each other on and off the court. We were all close and that translated to on the court. No one was bigger than the other. The guy with 0 minutes was as big as the top scorer. We were a great team that all bought in to winning.

How vital was it having the ultimate veteran Rene Rougeau on the team? What kind of a relationship did you have with him?

Rene and I were really close. We hung out each day. We had deep conversations and talked about everything. He held all accountable. You could tell he was a veteran that had won a lot. He didn´t want to lose. He was a great leader.

You played your first 2 seasons overseas with the Bristol Flyers (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 10.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 82.8%; and made a huge jump in your second season averaging 16.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 83.5%. How did you grow as a player in these 2 years?

I had to get adjusted that first season. The biggest difference was that that first year, I thought to much instead of letting the game come to me. In my second season, I just played my game. I read the game better, was more physical on defense and made the right plays.

In your first season you beat top UK team London Lions with 26 points and hit them in your second season with 31 points. How vital was it for your game and confidence showing all that you belonged on the stage overseas?

The Lions had big name players. Every time that I played them, I wanted everyone to know that I belonged. I always played my best games against them. I was always locked in.

What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

As soon as I landed. The time difference was huge. It all didn´t seem to be real. It was a big adjustment.

You played 2 seasons with Cleveland State Community College (JUCO) averaging 15.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 70.6% and 17.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 73.7%. Every JUCO player that I have interviewed have said that the JUCO experience was tough, but one that they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

Playing JUCO was one of the greatest experiences in my life. It was super fun. My first year, My older brother of 5 years was on the team. We always trained together. Even in my second year we still trained together when he wasn´t on the team anymore. It was a doggy dog world. Every guy was shooting for a spot. I stood out, because I didn´t force anything. I let the game come to me. JUCO brought the dog out of me.

You were a consistent performer in both JUCO seasons. How vital was Lee Cigliano for your early basketball development?

He was a hard nosed coach. He was a great defensive coach and scouted like crazy. He turned me into a great defensive player. He brought the Tony Allen out of me.

You then played 2 years at the University of the Cumberlands (NAIA) avergaing 17.8ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 75.2% and in your second season made a massive jump averaging: 23.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 76.4%. How did your game grow here under Don Butcher?

Coach Butcher was by far my favorite coach. He put the ball into my hands. He always told me to treat my teammates right, because I should never only think about myself as the best player, but think of the whole team on the court. I really got comfortable as a point guard under him. He deserves a lot of credit for my success. He had a lot of trust in me.

You had so many great games there, but you really loved Life. You hit them for 40 and 36 points. How exciting was the 107-105 win?

That 40 point game was wild. I actually think about that game a lot. We were on the road and their fans were crazy. I broke the record in that game with the most free throws. I remember their coach talking trash and whenever I scored, I just stared over at their bench.

You then finished at Youngstown State University (NCAA) averaging 12.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 79.7%. How enriching was this season? Your hard work the years before really paid off.

I was living out my dream there. I always wanted to play in the NCAA. I just had fun there. I really enjoyed playing against schools like West Virginia and Penn State.

How did head coach Jerrod Calhoun give you that last push to prepare you for a pro career?

He helped me break down the game and read it well. His practices were so detailed. He was an offensive mastermind. He really helped me to read the pick and roll and closeouts.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Dwayne Cohill

We still talk about our battles. I never lost.

Who is the toughest player that you ever played against that reached the NBA

Darius Garland, Malik Monk and Malik Newman.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Dwayne Cohill, Jeremiah Martin, Curtis Hollis, Jordan Olison, Jahi Hinson

Please list your NBA, Mount Rushmore?

Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Steph Curry

Who is your GOAT

Kobe Bryant

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

I haven´t seen it. But it probably should have been left alone.

Thanks Tevin for the chat.

Seeing Fans Excited Happy And Proud Of Their Team After A Game Was Always the Best Feeling In The World For Former Pro Player Paul Miller

Paul Miller (208-C-1982, college: Wichita St.) is a former professional player that celebrated an illustrious 8 year pro career. He played in countries like South Korea, Germany, Russia, Turkey and France, but spent the most time in Poland where he spent 4 seasons. He began his basketball career at Blair Oaks high school and then played at Wichita State (NCAA) from 2001-2006 playing a total of 131 games. germanhoops.com caught up with the former player to talk about his basketball career and after.

Thanks Paul for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

No problem, I’m now living in Wichita, Kansas with my wife and 3 kids. After retiring from basketball in 2014 we lived in Kansas City for 7 years before moving to where we currently are 3 years ago. Our family loves it here.

You retired from the pro game 10 years ago. Has time flown by for you?

It definitely has gone by quickly. I think the first few years after were a little slower because we didn’t have kids at that point but since starting a family I feel like the years have flown by.

What have you been doing with your life since basketball? How was the transition period for you going from pro basketball to life after? Did you get a normal 9-5 job?

Basically since basketball ended I’ve worked in sales selling orthopedic trauma implants that are used by surgeons to fix fractures. It’s a demanding, rewarding, and fun job.

Did you stay connected to basketball? I read that you served as an analyst for Cox Channel Kansas covering your alma mater?

I’m connected to basketball in some small ways and being in Wichita I’m able to attend a lot of the Wichita State Shocker basketball games locally. A few years back I filled in and provided color commentary for one of the games. It was fun to do but I found a new perspective on the talent and job that people in that role have. It is not as easy as it looks or sounds and takes a lot of ability and work to do a good job.

Let’s talk about your basketball career. You played at Wichita State (NCAA) from 2001-2006 reaching the NCAA tournament as a senior. What memories do you have beating Seton Hall and upsetting Tennessee?

Those memories will always be near the top for me. The tournament has such a hype around it and there was just an unbelievable amount of attention for us that year locally. To have the success after years of working toward a result like that was just really rewarding. We had a special group of guys that year and it was just an incredible experience. The success in the tournament was a culmination of a lot of things for the program and I’m very proud of that season.

You played 20 years ago in the NCAA. It was a long time ago. How has the game changed in your mind besides it getting more athletic. How would you have faired in the NCAA today if you were playing now?

When I was in college I think I attempted 1 three point shot if I remember right? The way teams play fast, shoot more 3s than ever, and with less structure and sets now is different than 20 years ago. It’s not like it changed overnight but has been adapted through analysis and as players and the game has changed. The metrics and analytics that are available now would have blown everybody’s minds 20 years ago. I think there is so much information that is digested and used to plan, scout, and train teams and players now. It’s very hard to compare players of different eras but where you’re in the middle of it all playing things would have been fine for me.

You had many great games. What was your best game in the NCAA?

The game against Tennessee in the tournament that put us into the sweet 16 will always be one of my favorite memories. It wasn’t my best personally but one that certainly stands out in my mind.

How did head coach Mark Turgeon groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I came into college with very little experience playing basketball compared to what most players have now. I was also a baseball player and focused on that sport much more in my youth. So when I got to Wichita St. the coaches had a lot of technique and skill work to teach me. I think the footwork and principles I learned at that time were a big part of my success later. Turgeon held us to a high standard when it came to being accountable, focused, and dedicated. Turgeon really helped me grow in my career and I’m very thankful to have played for him.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kyle Wilson?

We had some good battles for sure. If we played in the post I would win but from the perimeter and mid range Kyle definitely had the advantage.

You began your pro career in Germany with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga) averaging 4.7ppg, 2.3rpg, FT-2 (89.7%). What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

That season I spent time in Poland, New York, and Korea before ending up in Germany. That was a little bit of a whirlwind for me but I really enjoyed the team in Bremerhaven and it ended up being a good springboard for my career.

How tough was it as a rookie cracking the rotation with 2 talented guys like Adam Chubb and RT Guinn patrolling the paint area. What memories do you have of these 2 fine players?

That season I remember having so much fun in practice. We had some great battles that year. RT and I played a lot together in practice and usually matched up against Adam and Judson on the other team. Adam was strong as an Ox and was hard to move he and I had a lot of battles for sure. RT was dynamic but unsuspecting he would regularly surprise me with a play or a move that you had never seen. Both of those guys were great teammates and fun to play with.

You played your second pro season with SPEC Polonia Warszawa (Poland-DBE) averaging 11.6ppg, 6.7rpg, Blocks-3 (1.1bpg), 2FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 69.0%. How important was this season for you? Your minutes went from 10 in Germany to 25 in Poland. You finally could show your game.

Like most guys sometimes the opportunity to play minutes and given responsibility is the key to confidence and then the game takes off for you. I think my time that year in Polonia was just that. It gave me a bigger role in the team than the year before and I was able to grow as a player.

In the summer of 2008 you played NBA Summer League with the New York Knicks. What memories do you have of that experience? Who do you remember being your teammates and opponents?

We had a pretty good set of guys. Nate Robinson played and he was always great to be around and play with. Danilo Gallinari had just been drafted so it was good to play with him as well. The summer league was still new back then and less of a production than it is today. That being said it was always a lot of fun to test yourself against the players there.

You played your third pro season with Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-PLK) averaging 13.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 79.9%. You played an exciting 6 game playoff series against then top team Asseco Prokom. You had 3 20 plus scoring games and 2 games scoring 19 points. Was that some of the best basketball that you played in your life?



That year our team in Anwil really came together in the playoffs and we found our rhythm. That series was really fun, they had a very strong team and I still think we could have won the series. That series was certainly one of my favorite playoff memories throughout the years.

Were you extra motivated against Asseco Prokom playing against ex NBA players like Daniel Ewing and Qyntel Woods and others like Ronnie Burrell and David Logan?

They had so many weapons on that team. Those guys were really good in their own right but they played together and had a good system. We just wanted to win I never thought much about the background of who was on the other team. If I learned one thing in Europe it was that everybody deserved to be respected. Sometimes owners or clubs would want to make some comparison of teams based on salaries or budgets of teams but at the end of the day when the lights come on teams and players have to go out and perform night after night.

You played your fourth season with Triumph Lyubertsy (Russia-A Superleague) averaging 7.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 87.5%;in the Eurocup and in the Russian League averaged 9.6ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 47.7%, FT: 78.4%. How was it playing in Russia and taking in that culture? What was your fondest moment there?

Russia was a great experience for me. I enjoyed the club and the guys I played with. There was only 9 teams in the league that year so the level of all teams was high. If not for the weather I think I would have enjoyed playing there multiple years.

You played twice against top team CSKA Moscow playing against legends like Langdon, Holden and Siskauskas. Is one able to take in the atmosphere of playing against top players then or does one realize more now what one did so long ago?

At the time you have to respect the level those teams played at. Their quality was so high across the board. If one of the starters came out it seemed like the next guy to come in was just as dangerous. They were so solid in their play and didn’t make many mistakes or take bad shots. It was very hard to play against them. They were incredibly consistent in their play throughout the game, they didn’t take plays off or have any lapse in intensity

. In 2010-2011 you returned back to Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-PLK) averaging 13.5ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 71.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 68.8%; in the Eurocup and in the Polish League averaged 12.0ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 69.2%. Every now and then you would see ex NBA players like Gerald Green. He was in between the NBA when he played in Europe. You also played against Slovenian legend Primoz Brezic who had played in the NBA for 8 years. Do you still remember battles against guys like them?

On paper that year we had a very strong team built at the beginning of the season. Unfortunately I think that team underachieved as we should have won more games. That’s how it can be sometimes though and sometimes guys just don’t fit together as your might hope. We did have some highlights during the season and good stretches of play. The team from Samara with Green, Rush, Brezic was definitely talented. I remember a couple plays Green had that he finished with dunks and it’s no wonder he was a NBA dunk champ he could really explode off the floor.

In the 2011-2012 season you played for Bandirma Kirmizi (Turkey-TBL) averaging 12.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 84.6%. What memories will you always have of Turkey? What were you able to take with you with a season of Turkish basketball and culture?

That year was challenging for me as I broke my nose in the preseason that year. I was playing in Aliaga and it took some time to get back into form after that happened. I moved to Bandirma and enjoyed my time there but it had its challenges. Banvit I thought had a really great club and management and they took care of the team well. Kirmizi was built with a lot of the up and coming younger players in the club. The talent in the Turkish league was really good and there was a lot of veteran players throughout the league. The inexperience of our young team would show itself often that year but personally I enjoyed that season and watching and helping some of my teammates grow and develop.

In the 2012-2013 season you played with JDA Dijon Bourgogne (France-ProA) averaging 2.0ppg, 2.1rpg; and in the EuroChallenge averaged 4.5ppg, 2.5rpg. How tough was this season for you? You played 21 minutes less than what you saw in Turkey. Could you take any positives out of this season?

This was a very frustrating year for me. I got to the team after the season had started with the thought that I would be stepping in and playing significant minutes. I explored leaving for another club a couple times right around the new year but was told that I would get a chance to play more. A couple months went by and I continued to hope for more time on the court but it never happened. Looking back I would have left for other opportunities but at the time you just try to make the best decision you can and in that instance it didn’t work out for me.

You played your last season with WKS Slask Wroclaw (Poland-TBL) averaging 14.1ppg, Reb-5 (7.6rpg), 1.2apg, 1.4spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 77.0%. You helped them win the league title. What was so special about this team?

I had gotten married the summer before this season so I really enjoyed my time in Wroclaw being with my wife and enjoying playing basketball. I will always have fond memories of that year and time in Wroclaw.

You then retired after 8 seasons. Could you have played longer? Why did you retire at age 31?

I definitely could have played for 3 or 4 more years but I felt like I wanted to start my next career and establish my family in Kansas. I wanted to spend time around my extended family and friends that I had been sacrificing and missing for 8 years. I’m satisfied with the time I spent playing and will always look fondly at my experience playing in Europe. The teammates, coaches, trainers, and staff that helped me throughout the years are the people and things I miss the most. I was fortunate to have played with and against many great players and those experiences and people are what I am most thankful for.

How would you like for fans to remember the player Paul Miller best?

As a player that always wanted to win for the fans. When the final buzzer would sound and everyone would finish shaking hands looking up to the stands and seeing the fans excited, happy, and proud of the team and the outcome of the game was the best feeling in the world.

Who was the greatest player that you ever faced on the court that reached the NBA?

That’s a hard question, I played with and against lots of guys that played in the NBA. David Lee definitely was one of the best guys I had to play against many times from high school up to the NBA.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

David Lee Lukasz Kozarek, Brion Rush, Pete, Michael Judson Wallace

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Shaquille O’Neal Lebron James Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I haven’t seen the sequel. Anytime a sequel comes out that much further down the road I feel like it never ends up being as good. They should have left it alone.

Thanks Paul fort he chat.

Michael Williams Was Able To Hold His Own At The Mastercage Combine In Italy And Is Now Seeking That Overseas Opportunity

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 recently played at the Mastercage combine in Italy. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the Mastercage Combine

Thanks Michael for talking to germanhoop.com. You just took part at the MasterCage combine in Italy. If you could describe the experience in one sentence how would it be?

Thank you Miles for giving me another opportunity for another interview! It is kind of hard to speak about my entire experience of the MasterCage Combine in one sentence, but I would say that I enjoyed my time at the combine and that if I had the chance to take part in the experience again, I would do it in a heartbeat.

You played games against European competition. How did you like the style of play overseas?

The style of play in Europe is everything that I expected it to be as far as the pace of the game goes. I feel like the tournament style of the combine allowed everyone one to just play freely instead of having so many set plays to slow down the game.

How do you feel was your game able to best adjust to the way the game is played overseas?

Mentally I feel like I was ready for the style of play overseas because I have studied and trained for it. My basketball trainer back home Ryan Breazeale always stresses studying the game and learning how to make the right reads so that is something I have slowly become better at over a period of time.

Talk a little about your own play. If you had to give it a grade what would you give it?

If I were to grade my play I would give myself a C- and a teammate grade of an A. I wasn’t able to do much on the offensive end other than shoot Catch-and Shoot 3s because of a calf sprain that I am dealing with. I was limited in movement offensively, but on the defensive end I was able to hold my ground for the most part and still pick up 94 feet despite the nagging injury. From an energy and effort standpoint I was always clapping for others and giving positive energy when I was on the court or on the bench.

How do you feel did your game grow in the short time?

I think I learned more about how I need to grow my game in order to keep developing into the player that I want to become going forward. This experience gave me the chance to play against professional competition and see where I am at. I now know that I am able to hold my own so now, it’s just about consistent work in the gym and the weight room and being ready for the next opportunity.

Talk about your favorite game?

I liked all the games and did not really have a favorite game but each game came with its own set of circumstances and vibe to it. Some games were played earlier in the evening while some were played later at night. This affected how many people were in the crowd. Games played earlier in the evenings would not be as crowded and were more relaxed, while the games that were played later at night were so packed there were hardly any seats for fans to sit in and the energy was higher from the crowd. Certain games we had to strategize and play differently because of either how fast, tall, or strong the other team was. All this together made each game unique and just as fun as the next.

Did you have a favorite play like a dunk or game winner?

I would not say that I had a favorite play but the best moment was when we got our win in the last game. We had worked hard in each game prior and actually lost a game with a buzzer beater and it was irritating. We hated how we had gotten so close in some cases and still came up short. We got out of a hard slump and to finally get that win in the last game made it even better.

How did you get along with the other Americans Like Rathen Carter, Tyler Watkins and Miles Mcdougal?

Rathen, Tyler, and Miles, were a good group of guys. I was the youngest out of the group so I went in with the mindset to just learn as much as I could. I roomed with Rathen so I got to ask him more questions about his experiences playing overseas, the injuries that he has dealt with, his day-to-day life back home, and how he navigated handling relationships and responsibilities back home while being halfway around the world. I just listened and absorbed as much as I could to apply it to my situation.

How was it spending time with Ronald Howard (181-PG-1984, college: Mayville St.)? What was the most important piece of advice that he gave you?

Coach Ron was not able to directly attend the MasterCage Combine in Italy. Coach Ron has a lot going on back home with training sessions and with taking care of his family, so I totally understood why he was not able to be there with us. He did still take time in between each game to have individual meetings with us over the phone to let us know what we needed to do to improve individually, as a team, and what coaches or GMs were saying about us. The best piece of advice that Coach Ron gave me was to continue to keep finding ways to get my shot off as a smaller guard with fakes and pull ups. He also said to continue to expand my game beyond just shooting to become a better all around scorer because more will be expected of me as an import in any overseas market.

What is the next step for you? Did you meet any coaches or GM´s that could assist you with a job?

My next steps are to take care of nagging injuries and get 100% healthy to get back in the gym to keep improving my game to be ready for new opportunities when they arise. I did not get the chance to talk with any coaches or GMs directly. They only spoke to Coach Ron about me about what I needed to do to improve my game.

What did you like most about Italy? Did you eat pasta every day?

What was not to like? The people were really welcoming for the most part. I met a lot of cool people and developed many new relationships with Italian teammates and locals. The food was great, but I tried my best to switch it up a little bit everyday because I got tired of the pizza and pasta pretty fast. Breakfast was always eggs, bacon, pineapple slices, Greek yogurt, and orange juice but after workouts we would go to different restaurants or grocery stores to get our food.

If you could visit another country in Europe tomorrow what would it be?

If I could visit any country in Europe tomorrow it would probably be Spain.

Thanks Michael for the chat