For American ballers playing the game they love overseas is an experience that they will never forget. Being able to travel all through Europe during a career and learn new things about different cultures is priceless. Being overseas during Christmas is also a very unique experience. There is always that first time like seeing that first NBA game, going to a wedding or getting that annoying speeding ticket. For ballers there is also that first time spending Xmas overseas. It isn´t any different for American Malik Riddle (193-G-1999, college: HSU) who is doing his first Xmas in Germany this season. He isn´t a rookie this season as he balled in Malta last season, but actually went home last season after his game on December 17th to celebrate Xmas in the States. Usually there is that certain excitement as to see what gifts one will get, but this season he already has a very special Xmas present that he knows about. “I will celebrate Christmas this year with my lovely girlfriend in Germany excited to spend Christmas in another country with her”, stressed Malik Riddle.

Malik Riddle grew up in Tennessee and got his first basketball experience at Rossville Christian Academy and then played at Morehead State University (NCAA) and Henderson State University (NCAA2). He celebrated Christmas in the States like any other kid and it is a time of year that he is always geared up for. “Christmas has always been a special time for me. Mostly just spending time with my family and loved ones make it’s special. Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Christ. It’s the time to be thankful and joyful for family and friends. To me it’s not all about gifts, but it is really having special people around to show love to”, said Malik Riddle. Even though he isn´t a kid anymore at 25 years old, he still has those childhood Xmas memories tingling in his head as if it were yesterday. “I remember how exciting it was waking up to open gifts. And we usually had a family dinner at my house so it was nice when family came over for that. Back then basketball was very much involved on Christmas day and one that still ranks high on his list today. My fondest memory would be just being around family and enjoying each other company while watching NBA games”, smiled Malik Riddle. For small boys getting that first basketball or football is probably a gift that was one of their greatest or for girls getting that first Barbie doll or in 2024 getting a present pertaining to Taylor Swift. Thank God I don´t have a daughter so I wouldn´t know about what girly things are in. Anyway for the talented baller, he still remembers that special gift that he got as a child and it wasn´t a basketball. “It was when I got my first drum set, that would be my most cherished present”, said Malik Riddle.

Last season he was in Malta pre Xmas eve/day and still remembers how it was then. “It was nice out there in Malta during Christmas time. There were lights and decorations everywhere and a lot of Christmas spirit”, added Malik Riddle. He will experience his first Christmas market in Germany and what better place then to witness all the beautiful stands, decorations and food at the Cologne cathedral. The cathedral is the main visiting site in Cologne and one that is just breathtaking when your standing before it and just looking up and thinking about all the history involved. One can only imagine how unique the structure is with the bells ringing and a little snow present. It is the place to be in Cologne. It will also be his first Christmas where he is confronted with the question with how will we do the presents? Will it be the classic American way with breakfast and gift opening in the pajamas or in the more different way doing it the German way on Christmas eve? “I mean some families open present on Christmas Eve in the states so it’s not that different it’s a little different to me but nothing crazy”, stated Malik Riddle. Unfortunately a very cherished gift he would have liked didn´t come true. He was hoping that his team RheinStars would go into the break undefeated, but that wish was halted by Wurzburg as they continued their winning streak at 5 games. It would be funny to see though which of his teammates would fit the Santa Claus costume best and play the role best? We both agreed that the best fit would be a certain big man. “I think Bjoern Rohwer would be the perfect Santa Claus”, said Malik Riddle. He and the RheinStars will have a 2 week break to recharge and then return in the new year and get back to business. For now though, it is all about enjoying the Christmas season being thankful and having loved ones around.

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