Aleksa Kovacevic (187-PG-2002) is a 24 year old 187cm point guard from Serbia playing his 9th season in Germany and playing his first with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Last season he played with Pro A team EPG Baskets Koblenz averaging 9.5ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 24.6%, FT: 71.2%. In Germany he played parts of 5 seasons in the easyCredit BBL for the Hakro Merlins and the Syntanics MBC Weissenfles totaling 66 games. In between in 2023-2024 he returned back to Serbia for a season with KK Sloga Societe Generale Kraljevo (Serbia-KLS) averaging 6.6ppg, 1.7rpg, 3.8apg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 66.3%. He began his career in Germany with the Hakro Merlins organization playing with their Regionalliga and youth teams. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big Basketball Champions League win over Bnei Hertzeliya.
Thanks Aleksa for talking to Germanhoops.com. Congrats on the big 101-89 win over Bnei Hertzeliya. How big was this win. Could this be the start of a big winning streak? I hope so. We have the same kind of focus in both the BBL and BCL. We try to be the best team that we can in each game.
The Israeli team stayed with Bonn for 3 quarters. What was giving the team the biggest problems defensively that allowed them to score so much? They are a good team. They played a different style to what we had seen previously from BCL teams. They played quite unorthodox and more 1-1 play. That gave us problems. It is tough to play against them. They fought really hard against us.
In the fourth quarter the Telekom Baskets Bonn punched first and they couldn´t punch back. Did you as team want it more? I believe we wanted it more. Wé all gave 100% in that last quarter.
The team gave up too many points, but had great shooting percentages, won the rebound duel and had only 10 turnovers. What was the team´s biggest strength on this day? Important was that we had more possessions. Controlling the rebounds and having less turnovers was our biggest strength.
Joel Sadu-Aminu carried the team and had his best scoring game of the season. How vital is his play? Is he one of the main leaders despite so many veterans?
We have a lot of leaders on the team. Every guy on the team is capable of leading the team in scoring on any night. You never know who will step up on any given night.
The team has been up and down in the easyCredit BBL. What is the main focus in the next weeks? What does the team have to do better consistently on the court?
We have been up and down in the early going. We have to consistently play with more energy and more fluency. We usually play with a 11 man rotation and all have to step up every night.
How have you seen the development of young German Kenan Reinhart? It is never easy to get minutes in a rotation that has many guards like yourself. I felt like he should have gotten a few minutes last night?
He plays very hard and well in practice. I think that all the double license players have done well in our practices. It is isn´t easy to get minutes. I went through the same thing with MBC. I think that because the points difference is so important in the BCL, that is why he maybe didn´t play last night. He is developing very well.
He used to be just a 3 and D player. Is he more than that? Yes he is more than just a 3 and D player.
How valuable is a player like Grayson Murphy for you? How much does your playmaking profit from him? I play vs him daily. His reads are always spot on and he makes great passes. He plays with flow. I can learn a lot from him.
You had a great game from the bench with 13 points in 13 minutes. Was that your true break out game this season? I don´t really like to look at numbers. My focus is too do the vital little things. My first priority is defense and then see what happens on offense. I always play with confidence and give 100%. I´m very thankful that my teammates are all very positive and support me.
You had a similar situation with MBC needing to fight for minutes. How tough is this challenge always fighting for minutes and then being as efficient as possible? It is never easy. I was younger when I was with MBC and I didn´t understand my role so well as I do now. I feel more comfortable now. When I was younger I played with more risk. Now I´m more experienced and more calm. Last season in Koblenz helped me understand what I can dow ell on the court and what not.
What exactly is your role with the Telekom Baskets Bonn this season. Is it bigger than with MBC?
My role is bigger now than what I had with MBC. The Bonn system is different than the MBC system. In Bonn I play the 1-2 and concentrate on defense first and find the best opportunities on offense.
What is your personal goal with your game this season? What do you want to achieve? My personal goal is to be as best as possible in my role. When I do have the ball more in my hands, I want to make sure to make as little mistakes as possible. I want to become a stable BBL player. I want to play at high as a level as possible when on the court.
What kind of an experience has it been with the Telekom Baskets Bonn? What have you enjoyed most about it?
I really enjoy the fans and family feeling. It is amazing what they have built up over the last years. The fans support us so much and we love it. The fans support you always win or lose.
Do you still keep up with your ex team EPG Baskets Koblenz? They had a super start, but now are struggling with injuries. Yes I do. I´m in touch with many of my ex teammates. They had a good start, bu now have had injury problems. I spoke to Jannis Sonnefeld recently. I hope he comes back soon. I hope the team can stay together and still have a good season.
Who would win a 1-1 in practice you or Grayson Murphy? We don´t like to play 1-1. We are more team players.
It was Halloween 2026 and it was relatively quiet in the Dragon Dome in Bad Honnef where Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf play their home games in terms of costumes. One will see a greater amount of costumes during the Carnival time, but heck it´s Halloween. There should be something going on. I even had a monster mask with me, but only wore shortly for a photo. There was even a young man who had really bad burn marks on both cheeks, I still don´t know today if that was part of a Halloween act, but it sure looked real. There really was very little going on in terms of costumes, but this night basketball was on the menu in the Dragon Dome as the Dragons Rhondorf faced the winningest club in the easyCredit BBL history with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen who have celebrated 25 titles. It was a tough 93-78 loss for the Dragons who played a good first half, but were run over by Leverkusen in the second half as their experience and hot shooting by American Brandon Maughmer was too much for the team who fell to 3-4. One player who couldn´t participate was young German Tom Viehofer who was in action that day as well in NBBL (U-19) play as he helped Team Bonn/Rhondorf beat the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim 93-68. He delivered a potent 15/6/2/2 game in only 17 minutes. He was able to watch the Pro B game and he as well as most other people in the arena had no Halloween costume on display. “I would go and get candy on Halloween in the past. However today I had to play a game plus support the pro B team. Basketball was my focus. I don´t remember having a favorite costume, but I do remember Gummi Bears being my favorite candy”, smiled Tom Viehoefer (188-SG -2009). He has faced some tough young players so far in his career as well in the Pro B, but is there one player in this world that could give him a scare not on Halloween, but on the court? “Oh yes definitely Carlik Jones of KK Partizan Mozzart Bet Beograd (Serbia-KLS). He is an athletic beast “, stressed Tom Viehoefer who has had the pleasure of visiting cities like New York, Houston and Dallas and watch NBA games and James Harden.
Tom Viehoefer who lists 2026 AST winner and teammate Dusan Ilic as the toughest player that he has ever faced and Lebron James as his GOAT was born on August 9th, 2009. He began with basketball at a young age, but really was only connected to the game by his older brother who also played. He began to play in the U-8 in the Telekom Baskets Bonn organization. It is no surprise that his early role models as players in German basketball were players in the Telekom Baskets Bonn organization with Janne Muller and Sam Nellessen. It is also no jolt that his two mentors are coaches in the same organization. “Max Becker is a mentor for me. It helps that he began to coach at age 17. He helps me with my emotions while Tom Becker helps me be focused on my basketball goals”, said Tom Viehoefer. Currently he attends the Tannenbusch sport school in Bonn. This season in the NBBL, the German is having a super season averaging 18/6/3/2 stats while shooting a respectable 34% from downtown. “I have a different role this season with the NBBL. I´m more of a creator and driver. Last season, I was more of a shooter”, stated Tom Viehoefer. The ambitions are very high with the NBBL team this season especially after their JBBL U-16 team won the German title last season. “The NBBL Top 4 is definitely our goal. We have a new player with Max Von Saldern who is a big up grade. We have great team chemistry and we all want to win”, warned Tom Viehoefer. One guy that he can have duels with at every practice is young talented guard Oliver Papez who helped lead the JBBL team to the title last season. “I know Oliver since a long time. I already played against him at age 9. He is a great shooter and can always create a shot. He is never negative and a great teammate”, commented Tom Viehoefer.
Max Becker, Tom Viehoefer, Tom Becker
The Pro B spark plug who lists Malik Idbihi, Marvin Nduche, Carlo Schmid, Remi Voelkers and Leonard Frantzen as his 5 best teammates of all-time is also a fixture with the Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. The team is up and down at the moment and he knows what the club has to do to be more consistent. “We have a young team. I feel like that when we play our game, we can beat anyone. We have to stick to the basics. When we have the lead in a game, we have to build on it and not lose it”, stated Tom Viehoefer. He is averaging 4,3ppg, and 1,7rpg in 13 minutes time. “My role in the Pro B is that of a combo guard. I can bring up the ball, but also take my shots”, said Tom Viehoefer. So far in this season, he has hit some big three´s of the bench and is currently shooting 33% from the parking lot. Does it surprise him how successful he has been with his shooting? “No I´m not surprised. I have the utmost confidence in the work I have put in with my shot. I have had that my whole life. Plus I get the trust and confidence from Max Becker. I always give my best”, warned Tom Viehoefer. Is there a teammate where he is most keen in soaking up as much as possible? “I try to learn as much as possible from Mychael Paulo. His game is similar to mine. He is super humble and I have a lot of faith in him. He tells me what I do wrong”, stated Tom Viehoefer.
Pic Credit: Martin Jung
The young 17 year old who lists Lebron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore and Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder, Franz Wagner and Isaac Bonga on his personal German Mount Rushmore doesn´t have the typical comparison of an NBA player that he tries to model his game after, but it is always nice not to hear the typical NBA stars. “I´m a big Los Angeles Lakers fan. I would say my best comparison is Austin Reaves. I like his game. We both have the ability to create shots”, smiled Tom Viehoefer. When one watches him compete on the floor, there is no secret what his two biggest strengths are. “My shooting and left hand are my best qualities in my game”, said Tom Viehoefer. His shooting is something that he wants to continue to build on and develop further this season. “I need more consistency in my shot. I´m always working on my shot. I´m in the gym every day with Marvin Ndouche and Malik Idbihi”, added Tom Viehoefer. He is also aware that in order to keep moving up the basketball ladder, he can´t be one dimensional, but also bring his A game on the defensive end. “I´m not the most physical player, so I have to find other ways of helping. I hustle a lot and am a pest”, smiled Tom Viehoefer. He also is aware of what he needs to continue most with his game at the moment. “I have to improve my playmaking and make better decisions on the pick and roll”, warned Tom Viehoefer. At the moment, he is having good seasons in the NBBL and Pro B, but what are his long term goals? Is Pro basketball an option for him? “Yes becoming a pro is my main goal. But I do have a plan B. I would like to work with kids and help them develop. But at the same time, still be able to share my love of basketball and play”, warned Tom Viehoefer. It will be interesting to keep monitoring his basketball development this season in the NBBL and Pro B. His main focus now is to help the Dragons Rhondorf back on the winning track and help lead the NBBL team Bonn/Rhondorf to new heights with a trip to the NBBL Top 4.
Sahmi Willoughby (192-F/G-2001, college: Marietta) is a 25 year old 192cm guard from Ohio that is playing his second pro season and first in Germany with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. He played his rookie season with Lahti Basketball (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 8.7ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 80.0%, played also at Team Pajulahti (Finland-1st Division) averaging 22.4ppg, 14.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 72.7%. He began his basketball career at Reynoldsburg high school and then played at Marietta College (NCAA 3) from 2019-2024 playing a total of 113 games and as a senior averaged 12.6ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 64.9%. He got early basketball experience playing with the Great Falls Electric (TBL) averaging 9.8ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 60.0%. He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk about basketball.
The Dragons Rhondorf suffered a tough 93-78 loss against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. How tough was this loss to digest? The Dragons played well for 30 minutes, but a game has 40 minutes.
That was a tough loss against Leverkusen. We know we had a chance but we have to find a way to string together a full 40 minutes of basketball
The Dragons Rhondorf came out cold in the third quarter allowing a 19-3 run. How can one explain a start like that into the second half? Keeping the three point line in check was a problem. In the third quarter, we had some costly turnovers that changed the game. That effect lead to the defensive of end and they were capitalizing off our mistakes.
In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf couldn´t get over the hump and Branden Maughmer poured it on hitting many shots. Did the Dragons run out of gas?
I wouldn’t say we ran out of gas but when you see those tough shots go in after playing 15-20 seconds of defense it kind of effects you mentally
Could the Dragons get anything positive out of the loss to build on for the next game? The overall shooting percentages were ok. The positive thing we can get out of this game is that we can compete with top teams when we play good basketball but we have to play good basketball all the time and not just sometimes
You had 5 points and 3 rebounds in 28 minutes and took 4 shots. Was the few shots on them for denying you the ball well or were you not aggressive enough? I will give props to leverkusen, they were heavily denying me and was hard for me to get the ball, I could have been more aggressive but they made it tough for the guards to even get the ball to me
The next opponent doesn´t get any easier with 6-0 Ravens Reutlingen. What will be key to starting a new winning streak?
I will say nothing is impossible in the basketball world. We just have to keep our head forward, block the noise and lock in this week. Be extremely focused and dialed in practices, film sessions and walk throughs. Our key thing to winning this game is being fully focused on the defensive end, which will lead to offense. Everything will come together
Have you been surprised how popular Halloween is in Germany? I’m not that surprised, I feel like Halloween is popular all over the world
Leon Kalinic (205-F-2000, college: Park, agency: Starting 5) is a 26 year old 206cm forward from Croatia playing for the Itzehoe Eagles (Germany-ProB) and last season helped the ETB Miners Essen win the Pro B title averaging 7,2ppg an d4,1rpg. He began his career in the KK Cedevita Zagreb youth program. He played 4 years in the States and 3 years with Ouachita Baptist University (NCAA2) playing a total of 73 games and in his last 2 seasons averaged 6.5ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 70.0% and 6.8ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 92.0%. He then played a season with Park University (NAIA): averaging 3.7ppg, 2.8rpg. In the 2024-2025 season he played with KK Velika Gorica (Prva Liga) averaging 10.8ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 82.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.
Thanks Leon for talking to eurobasket.com. The 2025-2026 season was so specialfor the ETB Miners. Why was this team so special? Like I said from day one everybody was one big family. Nobody was selfish. Everybody had the same goal and at the end we reached it.
The team lost only 5 games during the regular season. Was there a game during the season where you then knew, we will win the whole thing? Oh yeah, definitely. I started to get a feeling after those first seven wins in a row, but how we bounced back in one again, made me sure.
How vital was head coach Lars Wendt for the success? What was his biggest ability as a coach to be able to help bring success to the team? Coach Lars is a young Coach and I think that made them connect with us, I know he didn’t forget how it is to be a player.
How special was it being teammates with Mychael Paulo? What part of his game will you always remember best? Mychael is an amazing player, every time you think the possession is over he somehow kept surprising me how he finds a way to score.
How valuable was sniper guard Marc Friederici? What besides his scoring helped the team be successful? Marc was always there to say something when we felt down, but also when we were winning to keep us motivated.
How valuable was big man Ben Uzoma? How will you always remember the battles in practice? You can’t find a big man like Ben anywhere. He’s special, a guy everybody wants on their team, but nobody wants to play against. I will always remember battles with Ben at practice and I think my body too.
Which player was the most improved during the season? I think Reik Gabler had the best improvement this season. On a team like Essen which was stacked, he has a young player found a way to get better and get minutes which were crucial.
You hail from Croatia. Talk about your early basketball development. Did you have a mentor in your early years? I wouldn’t say I started playing basketball late, but it wasn’t as early as some. I would have to say my cousin is the reason I started, but my first Coach Igor Kovacevic is the reason I fell in love with it. I was like a brick of clay, and he molded it into a basketball player.
What Croatian player do you remember being your biggest role model as a kid? Did you try to model your game after him? Of course, I looked at MJ, Kobe and Lebron as a kid, but I never picked one as a favorite.
You played in the youth department of Cedevita Zagreb. How do you remember those early years? Did you ever practice with Dzanan Musa? As a 16 year-old kid moving to the capital because of basketball, leaving family and friends, was stressful and scary. Thankfully, I had my parents who supported me from day one and they made it easier. As a young prospect, I would practice with the older kids and Džanan was sometimes there. He would mostly practice with the seniors but everybody knew he was going to make it.
You decided to go to the States and played 4 years there and 3 years with Ouachita Baptist University (NCAA2). When you look back at how your game developed, was it a good choice going to the States for 4 years? I decided to go play in the states because I didn’t see my future in Croatian basketball and that’s a hard question, my answer changes a few times a year. Of course, I will always be grateful for meeting all my friends over there and experiencing college life.
You played 3 years for head coach Dennis Nutt. How vital was this time in your basketball development? How did he shape your game best? Coach Nutt is a great guy, he was a great player too, as well as a great coach. He helped me think less during games and practices and focus on the important parts of it.
You played at Ouachita Baptist during Covid. How tough was this time? What did you learn about yourself during these years? I was lucky enough to play in a conference which allowed teams to compete. It was an interesting time for me from all the Covid tests to all the times we had to quarantine because of one person in the gym. Still I would never change a thing.
You scored in double figures in 12 games including 11 points in a 70-69 win over Arkansas Tech. What was your fondest moment there? I would have to say my favorite memory from OBU was the season opener of my sophomore year where we beat our arrivals Harding University with the help of my 16 points
You then played a season at Park University (NAIA) averaging 3.7ppg, 2.8rpg. You took 2 steps back to a lower level. What positives could you take from this season? That was a tough year for me, I wasn’t performing good on the court, but I always knew I would never give up. One bad season doesn’t show who I am as a player and a person.
After a season in Croatia, you then came to the ETB Miners Essen. Was that the best decision in your basketball life?
Yes, definitely. After an injury in Croatia, I had to rethink if I would play again, but I would say definitely continuing to play basketball was one of my best decisions.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your career that reached the NBA or Euroleague? There have been a few, I would have to say Krunoslav Simon, who was two-time Euro league champion, is the biggest opponent I faced, but somebody that reached the NBA after we played together would be Karlo Matkovic.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? This is a tough question, I will probably miss out on a few names but if I have to say it would be Kendarious Smith from OBU, the wolf pack from Essen Marc Friederici and Quashawn Lane, one of my first teammates Arian Kovacevic and last but not least Drew Kroft from ParkU.
Please name your NBA and Croatian Mount Rushmores of 4 best players of all-time? NBA-LeBron, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, MJ Croatia- Dražen Petrovic, Krešimir Cosic, Toni Kukoc, Mario Hezonja
Who is your GOAT? Overall? My mom, but basketball has to be LeBron James.
Jalen Cooper (201-F-2001, college: EKU, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) is a 25 year old 201cm forward playing his rookie season overseas with HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL). He began his basketball career at Anclote High School and then played 3 years at Palm Beach Atlantic University (NCAA2) averaging 9.0ppg, 3.7rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 35.7%, 8.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 60.8% and 17.4ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 74.0%. He then played a season with California State University, Fullerton (NCAA) averaging 3.4ppg, 3.1rpg and finished his NCAA career with Eastern Kentucky University (NCAA) averaging 8.5ppg, 6.5rpg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 66.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against MBC.
Thanks Jalen for talking to germanhoops.com. You’re playing your first season with the HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL). What kind of an experience has it been? It’s been a great experience so far. Coming overseas for the first time has challenged me both on and off the court, but it’s helped me grow a lot as a player and as a person. I’m grateful for the opportunity to start my professional career here, and I’m focused on helping our team win and continuing to get better every day.
What has it been like being a guy from Florida and living in pretty Austria? What do you enjoy most about the culture? It’s definitely been a different experience coming from Florida, but Austria is a beautiful country, and I’ve enjoyed getting to experience a new culture. I’m learning to appreciate the lifestyle here, the people, and the opportunity to see parts of the world I probably wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.
What was your wake up call to being overseas for the first time that you knew that you were far away from home? I think it really hit me when I realized that, even though I have my wife and our dog here with me, I was still far away from everyone and everything I had grown up around. You don’t have your usual support system or the people you’ve known your whole life just a short drive away. It made me appreciate home even more, but it also taught me to become more independent and embrace this new chapter of my life. I’m grateful that I get to experience it with my wife by my side, and we’re growing together through the process.
Last season HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL)were Austrian champs. Do you feel that special winning culture to win? How big are the ambitions of the club to win? You can tell the club has high expectations and wants to compete for championships. As a player, that’s the kind of environment you want to be in because everybody is working toward something bigger than themselves. My goal is to bring energy, compete every night, and do whatever the team needs from me to help us win.
How has the overall adjustment been as a rookie. Do you have a mentor or a player that has helped you like maybe Zarko-Kelly? The adjustment has been a learning experience, but I’ve been embracing it. My teammate Zaccheus Darko-Kelly has been a big help for me. He’s in his sixth year as a professional, so he has a lot of experience that I can learn from. He’s shared a lot of insight with me about his experiences playing overseas and what it takes to have a successful professional career. Beyond just the advice he gives me, I’ve learned a lot by watching how he prepares for practices and games and how he carries himself as a professional. Being able to learn from someone who’s been through it already has helped me understand the level of preparation and discipline it takes to succeed at this level.
You have needed no adjustment on the floor in both competitions. What has been your secret to really needing no adjustment time? I think a lot of it comes from the work I put in before I got here and the different experiences I’ve had throughout college. I’ve played in different systems, faced different challenges, and had to adapt to new situations. I’m confident in my abilities, but I also understand that I have to keep learning. I just try to play hard, trust my preparation, and let the game come to me.
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 description? I would say Jaden McDaniels is a good comparison for my game. I see myself as a versatile two-way wing who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. I can shoot the ball, attack the basket, use my athleticism to finish around the rim, and defend multiple positions. I take pride in being able to contribute in different ways and do whatever my team needs to win.
You’re a guy that can do it at both ends. Talk a little about your offensive strengths?
I think my versatility is one of my biggest strengths. I can shoot the three, attack closeouts, get downhill, and finish around the basket. I also like getting out in transition and using my athleticism to create opportunities. I don’t want to be a player who can only score one way; I want to make the defense account for me in different situations.
You shot over 40% in the NCAA and now are near 40% overseas. How have you seen the development of your three pointer in the last years? What steps do you want to make this season? My shooting has improved through repetition, confidence, and continuing to work on the details of my mechanics. I’ve always wanted to be a player who can space the floor and make defenses pay for leaving me open. Going forward, I want to become even more consistent, get my shot off quicker, and make threes in different situations, whether that’s off the catch or off the dribble.
Talk a little about your defensive qualities. Is there lock down defender and 2 way player in you? Absolutely. I take pride in being able to impact the game on both ends. My length and athleticism allow me to guard different positions, contest shots, get rebounds, and create turnovers. I want to be the type of player who can have a huge impact offensively but also take on a difficult defensive assignment and make life tough for the other team’s best player.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? I’m focused on becoming more consistent in every area. I want to continue improving my ball handling, shooting, decision-making, and ability to create for my teammates. Defensively, I want to keep getting stronger and better at guarding different types of players. The goal is to become a more complete player who can impact winning regardless of what the game requires.
You played 3 seasons at Palm Beach Atlantic University (NCAA2) and in your last season averaged 17.4ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 74.0%. What kind of a player did you become under head coach Cole Rose? Coach Rose played a huge role in my development. Palm Beach Atlantic gave me the opportunity to grow, build confidence, and become a more complete player. I learned how to take on a bigger role, become more consistent, and understand how to impact the game beyond just scoring. Those three seasons helped lay the foundation for the player I am today.
You had some huge games against Rollins and Florida Tech. What was your fondest moment there?
One of my most memorable games at Palm Beach Atlantic was against Rollins. I finished with 33 points and 10 rebounds, and we came away with the win on the opposing team’s Senior Night, which made it an even more special game to compete in. What made it truly meaningful, though, was having my family there along with my wife’s family. It was one of the first times our families really came together and met each other, so having them all in the stands to share that moment made it unforgettable. Being able to put together a performance like that and get the win with both families there is something I’ll always remember.
You then played a season at California State University, Fullerton (NCAA) averaging 3.4ppg, 3.1rpg. You played 18 minutes less. What positives could you still get from this experience? That experience taught me a lot about adversity, patience, and staying ready. Things didn’t necessarily go the way I wanted statistically, but I learned that growth isn’t always reflected in your numbers. I had to adjust to a new environment, compete for opportunities, and keep working even when my role was different. Looking back, that experience helped prepare me mentally for the challenges that came later.
You then finished at Eastern Kentucky University (NCAA) averaging 8.5ppg, 6.5rpg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 66.1%. How vital was taking this extra season. How did you mature that season as a player?
That season was extremely important because it gave me another opportunity to develop and show what I could do after tearing my ACL at California State University, Fullerton. I became more confident, more disciplined, and better at understanding how to impact the game in different ways. I also matured mentally and learned to be more patient with my development. It was an important step toward achieving my goal of playing professionally.
You had a great game against UGW. What memories do you have of that game?
That was a memorable game because it was a tough overtime win late in the season, and we really needed that victory to improve our seeding heading into the conference tournament. I remember how competitive the game was and how much it meant for our team to find a way to get the win. Games like that are always special because they test your toughness and composure, especially when the stakes are high late in the season. Being able to step up and have a great performance while helping my team get such an important win made that game stand out to me.
How did head coach Hamilton give you that extra push to help you become a pro player? Coach Hamilton challenged me to keep growing and to understand what it takes to play at the next level. He helped me develop as a player while also holding me accountable. My time at Eastern Kentucky was an important part of my journey, and I’m grateful for the coaching and experience that helped prepare me for this opportunity.
Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA? I would say Jaylin Sellers, who I faced when I was at Cal State Fullerton and he was playing at UCF. He was an elite, explosive guard who could score at all three levels and put a lot of pressure on our defense with his athleticism and ability to get downhill. He was definitely a tough matchup for us, and you could see the level of talent he had. Seeing him get drafted by the Chicago Bulls this year is exciting, and it’s a great reminder of the level of competition you face in college and the talent that’s coming through the NCAA.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
DJ Brewton (playing pro in Israel)
Max Jones (playing pro in Germany)
Montavious Myrick (playing pro in France)
Donovan Oday (playing last season at Troy University)
Jakob Hester ( Former middle school, high school, college teammate at Palm Beach Atlantic University)
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushore? LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant
Who is your GOAT?
My GOAT is LeBron James. For me, it’s his longevity, versatility, and ability to dominate the game at the highest level for so many years. The fact that he’s been able to maintain that level of excellence for over two decades is incredible. He can score, facilitate, rebound, and make everyone around him better. I also respect the way he’s taken care of his body and continued to evolve his game throughout his career. As a basketball player, there’s a lot I can learn from watching how he approaches the game and sustains success over time.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? Haha yes, I watched it, but the original is hard to beat! The first one is a classic, so the sequel had some big shoes to fill. I appreciate them bringing it back, but the original will always have a special place.
Mychael Paulo (193-G-1998, college: McMaster, agency: 011 Sports) is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Canada that also has the Portuguese citizenship and playing for Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf in 2026-2027. He helped the ETB Miners Essen (Germany-ProB) win the pro B title averaging 12,8ppg, 4,4rpg, 2,6apg and 1,3spg. He began his basketball career at Father Henry Carr Secondary School and then played 2 seasons with Williston State College (JUCO) averaging 15.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.9apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 75.9% and 11.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 69.4%. he then played a season at Montana State University (NCAA) averaging 6.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 60.0%. He then played at McMaster University (U Sports) averaging 13.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 75.0% and 13.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 65.0%. He then began his pro career with the Telekom Baskets Bonn 2 team (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 24.6ppg, 4.2rpg, APG-4 (5.1), 2.5spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 75.5%. In the 2024-2025, he played with BG Hagen (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 59.2%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 81.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his ex teammate Finn Fleute
Thanks Mychael for talking to germanhoops.com. The Dragons Rhondorf suffered a tough93-78 loss last weekend against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. How tough does it in general take for you to digest a loss?
Usually about a day it takes me to digest a loss
The Dragons Rhondorf are a very young team and had problems dealing with the opponents experience. How valuable of a learning lesson is a loss like this for the young German players? I think it was a very valuable lesson for us being a relatively young team. It showed us that we can’t have those mental lapses like we did to start the second half because more veteran/experience teams will make us pay like Leverskusen did
The Dragons Rhondorf next play the 6-0 Ravens Reutlingen. This is another team with great team chemistry and experience. Will the team be up to the task? What will be key to getting win?
I feel we’ll bounce back and play a more complete game than the one we did last Saturday, but the key will be having them adjust to our style of play instead of us playing theirs and knowing personal on the scouting.
You played against ex NCAA teammate Finn Fleute last weekend. You played against him twice last season. Were you extra motivated to duel him again? It’s always nice playing against old teammates whether that be ex college teammates or professional. There is a little extra motivation for those type of games I feel like because you want those bragging rights.
Last season you split the games and lost the first 89-87. What memories do you have of the 2 battles? Just two good games, with teams that didn’t want to lose
He had a great 16/9 season with Itzehoe last season. Was it refreshing how well he had developed as player in the years since Montana State. How has his game developed since the NCAA?
He added more aspects to his game from what I remember then in that 2019-2020 season. Like to be able to score from both inside and outside, his ball handling and overall just his confidence
Now he has a smaller role with Leverkusen. How did you see him fit into his role with Leverkusen?
I see him fitting in well into what they have going on over there. He’s a stretch four that causes problems on the offensive end for opposing teams with his outside shooting and ability to put the ball on the floor. Also defensively he could also guard 1 thru 5 and hold his own.
You played a season together with him in 2019-2020. What kind of a relationship do you remember having with him?
I had good with him, it was also smiles and laughs off the court. Whether that be in the locker room before/after practice or when we hung out as a team during our free time
What do you remember being your fondest moment with him on the court in the NCAA? He only averaged 7,7 minutes that season but had his moments against Sacramento State and Colorado Christian.
Yeah he didn’t have that much playing time but he was always ready whenever his name was called and did everything when he stepped on the court no matter the score.
How good is your contact with him now in 2026? Has it gotten better since you’re playing in Germany or is there not much? Contact has been better since I’ve been playing in Germany. Last season when I played for Essen and he played for Itzehoe, we hung out after one of games like old times. Even though we might not talk every day because we both have our stuff going on with our respected teams. I still check the stats after every one of their games to see how he played or is doing. I’m just happy seeing him succeed
Halloween was last weekend. What would be the perfect Halloween costume for him?
The up and down season of the Dragons Rhondorf continued in Dresden last weekend. After a bitter loss in Frankfurt some weeks ago, they returned refocused into their own living room to beat top team Fellbach Flashers. However a week later, they went too Dresden and gave a disappointing performance mustering only 59 points. Their 17% three point shooting and 18 turnovers were major reasons for the loss. Now they once again had to return home and give a positive answer, but that wasn´t easy against top team Bayer Giants Leverkusen who had racked up an incredible 25 national BBL titles in their stellar history. They came to the Dragons dome with a 5-1 record and 5 game winning streak and wanted to keep that winning streak going. On a cool autumn Halloween evening, the Dragons Rhondorf played a strong first half, but lost track in the third quarter as the Bayer Giants Leverkusen took total control of the game and won 93-78. “It was an up and down game for us. We had some good phases, but also phases where we took really bad shots. For example taking to quick shots out of the pick and roll instead of making the extra pass. We didn´t play stable enough defense for 40 minutes tonight to win”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kenan Reinhart. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen had a big advantage over the Dragons Rhondorf and that was the overwhelming experience that they had and it really showed. “We had a good start, but when we had good leads, they were able to come back. They did that in the first half. However after making that big run in the third quarter, we held it. We hit big shots when we needed them. It wasn´t perfect, but it was a good win”, stressed Bayer Giants Leverkusen guard Branden Maughmer (191-G-1999, college: Morehead St.).
Kenan Reinhart at the FT line
The first quarter was a tale of two stories as the Bayer Giants Leverkusen had a good start, but the Dragons Rhondorf were able to fight back and trail only 24-21 after 10 minutes. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen found a good flow first as they mixed up their offense with pretty inside out basketball to get the rapid 14-6 lead. Big man German Dennis Heinzmann who led the pro A in blocks in 3 seasons made a lay while Ohio native Maughmer a 20 footer and ex Wurzburg guard David Gerhardt and Icelandic guard Agust Kjartansson made three´s for the early lead. German Luca Kahl-Hansen did a super job with the playmaking while defensively Leverkusen was aggressive and forced some early turnovers. However the Dragons came back with fight and better execution. Ex Rheinstar guard Kenan Reinhart scored 7 points in a row including a trey which got his confidence going early, a tip in and 20 footer as the Dragons trailed 20-14. The German had another good game with a stat line of 18/6/4 and shot 64% form the field and 60% from outside. “I hit three´s again which made me happy that I could help the team. But without a win, my game was irrelevant”, stated Kenan Reinhart. Leverkusen kept the lead by mixing it up with aggressiveness and getting to the free throw line and getting a basket on transition to lead 24-16.. However young German forward Carlo Schmid gave supreme energy at the end with 5 points with an offensive rebound and put back plus free throw and a lay in to trail only by 3 points. “We let them come back in the last minutes. We gave up some offensive rebounds and played too fast instead of slowing down the game”, stressed Branden Maughmer. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen shot 64% from the field and 57% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Bayer Giants Leverkusen shot 50% from the field and 20% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 4 turnovers.
Branden Maughmer from outside
In the second quarter the Bayer Giants Leverkusen led by as much as 10 points, but the Dragons Rhondorf never panicked, but did a good job finding solutions and executing to stay close with them and trail 45-41 at the break. However the Bayer Giants Leverkusen did have a better start to the second quarter going on a 11-4 run to lead 35-25. The guests continued to present super ball movement and let it ran three´s as ex EN Baskets Schwelm forward Fin Fleute, Maughmer and Gerhardt all scored from down town while Fabian Reichstadt who played with Itzehoe last season made an offensive rebound and put back. The Dragons Rhondorf offense was eratic as healthy shot selection was lacking as American Sahmi Willoughby and 2026 AST winner Dusan Ilic presented airballs. However the Dragons Rhondorf continued to fight and finally had some success with their three pointer as ex Essen guard Mychael Paulo nailed 2 in a row and suddenly Rhondorf trailed only 37-31. Rhondorf now began to defend better and forced some turnovers which led to a Reinhart 15 footer and Willoughby lay in as Leverkusen led only 40-37. It was an exciting and pretty even game where the only difference were the more turnovers that Leverkusen had despite their high shooting percentages. However the Bayer Giants Leverkusen kept the slim lead getting a big dunk from Kahl-Hansen on transition and a clutch trey from German Luca Michels who once exploded for 40 points in a Pro B game against Itzehoe to lead 45-39. Mychael Paulo ended the first half with a big offensive rebound and put back to trail by 4 points at half-time. “We had a good lead, but gave it up again, because of turnovers. They did a good job hitting shots”, added Branden Maughmer. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen shot 56% from the field and 53% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 46% from the field and 20% from the three point line and had 12 rebounds and 6 turnovers.
Luca Kahl-Hansen at the FT line
The turning point of the game came in the third quarter where an early run by the Bayer Giants Leverkusen shocked the Dragons Rhondorf something they couldn´t rebound from as the guests would never look back again outscoring Rhondorf 26-13. Kenan Reinhart got the Dragons on the score board first in the second half with a trey, but then came the 20-3 run explosion by the Bayer Giants Leverkusen which decided the game early as the Dragons Rhondorf trailed 64-47. In the run, the Bayer Giants Leverkusen let it rain three´s as David Gerhard and Agust Kjartansson scored and Luca Kahl added 8 points and two three´s. On the first three pointer, the Bayer Giants Leverkusen performed their prettiest ball movement which had 2 incredible do it like Milos Teodosic passes from Kjartansson who delivered a shovel pass and behind the back pass. “He reminds me of Spanish point guards. He always plays at his pace and sees the floor so well. He passed it like Milos Teoosic”, smiled Branden Maughmer. The Dragons finally stopped the Bayer Giants Leverkusen run launching their own 7-2 run to trail 66-54 and see a little daylight in their comeback attempt. In the run, the Dragons got an offensive rebound and putback from ex Fellbach center Daniel Mayr, and offensive rebound and putback by Paulo and a clutch three pointer from Italian 3 and D play Josh Petteno. But the Bayer Giants Leverkusen always had an answer getting a trey from Michels and Fleute lay in at the buzzer to lead 71-54: “We did a good job hitting a lot of three´s and slowed down the game which benefited us more than them”, answered Branden Maughmer. “We didn´t help well on the pick and roll and took bad shots”, said Kenan Reinhart. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen shot 56% from the field and 52% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 46% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 20 rebounds and 14 turnovers.
Josh Petteno from downtown
The Dragons Rhondorf won the fourth quarter 24-22, but it wasn´t enough as the Bayer Giants Leverkusen continued to execute well and didn´t allow the home team get over the hump. The Dragons Rhondorf had a super first few minutes going on a 10-2 run to trail only 73-64 as once again the Dragons saw some daylight in their come back. In the run, some timely three´s were scored by Reinhart and Ilic while Daniel Mayr also made a lay in. However the Bayer Giants Leverkusen weren´t rattled, but remained poised and used their vast experience to keep executing and punching back even when the Dragons scored. Mayr and Ilic gave the Dragons vital three´s while ex Obercahing center Benjamin Sadikovic and Schmid made lay in´s but still trailed 85-74, but that was because the Bayer Giants Leverkusen punched back. The man in charge was American Branden Maughmer who had some vengeance after coughing up 5 turnovers in the first half. In this phase he added 10 points as he showed the total package of his 3 level scoring with 2 three´s a 20 footer and lay in. “I was pissed at the break in the locker room. I came out refocused and hit big shots and showed maturity and poise to lead my team to the win”, warned Branden Maughmer. There were no let downs in the last minutes as the Bayer Giants Leverkusen closed out the game in style with a 8-4 run. Kahl-Hansen and Reichstadt made lay in´s and Gerhardt hit another trey. “We slowed down the game took care of the ball and made big shots”, stated Branden Maughmer. “Whenever we had a run, they showed their experience and stopped it”, added Kenan Reinhart. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen were led by Branden Maughmer with 27 points while David Gerhardt had 16 points and Luca Kahl-Hansen had 15 points while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Kenan Reinhart with 18 points while Mychael Paulo added 15 points. The The Bayer Giants Leverkusen shot 53% from the field and 44% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 48% from the field and 36% from outside and had 27 rebounds 19 turnovers.
Julian Hammond III (188-G-2002, college: Colorado) is a 24 year old 188cm guard from Colorado playing his second pro season overseas and first with BC Musel Pikes (Luxembourg-LBBL): Last season he played his rookie season overseas with KK Vrsac Swisslion (Serbia-KLS) averaging 5.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 53.8%. He began his basketball career with Cherry Creek High School and then played 4 seasons at the University of Colorado playing a total of 121 games and as a senior averaged 12.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.8%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 90.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after scoring 43 points against Soleuvre.
Thanks Julian for talking to germanhoops. com. You recently scored 43 points in a game in Luxemburg in a 95-87 win against Soleuvre. Was that the most points that you ever scored in your life dating back to when you were a kid. I think I had 44 points one other time in my life but that’s my highest
Did you have a special breakfast that day? Do you have a special routine before games in general? Usually in the mornings I just have bacon and eggs and then go to shoot for a little bit and after I shoot I come home and have some type of pasta and relax usually until the game.
How quickly did you know in this game that you might have another incredible scoring game? You had scored 37 points the game before.
I really didn’t know how the game was going to go because to start the game I didn’t get off to a great start but as the game went on I found my rhythm.
Did your 37 point explosion motivate you an extra bit for the 43 point game?
It always feels good to have a good game but I try to just take it game by game and put the last ones behind me and focus on what’s coming up next.
Did it help your scoring explosion that the team only played 6 men? How tough is it in general on the shot when you have no rest? You played 40 minutes.
It definitely helps at times just because you’re able to find a rhythm and not worry about anything else. I think at first it was a shock I wasn’t all the ways ready for but every game I’ve played 40 or more minutes so I’m getting used to it and how to get through the game the best way I can.
Did you know near the end of the game that you were near 40 points? I didn’t actually I wasn’t sure where I was at and was just focused on doing whatever I can for us to win.
How vital is it for you having a teammate like Kyle Johnson on the floor especially with spreading the floor for your scoring?
It’s great playing with him knowing how good he is around the basket and can shoot the ball so it makes it hard for the defense to help off of him.
Does a game like this give you the added focus and drive for a 50 point game? Do you feel like your capable of doing that?
Yea it definitely makes the thought cross my mind if I start the game better. I think I can do it but I won’t try to force it or start taking bad shots and hurt our team so if it happens it will just happen naturally.
Did you get any special congratulatory messages or even unexpected messages from people? A few people texted me telling me good game and all that but it wasn’t too much extra.
Sahmi Willoughby (192-F/G-2001, college: Marietta) is a 25 year old 192cm guard from Ohio that is playing his second pro season and first in Germany with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. He played his rookie season with Lahti Basketball (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 8.7ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 80.0%, played also at Team Pajulahti (Finland-1st Division) averaging 22.4ppg, 14.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 72.7%. He began his basketball career at Reynoldsburg high school and then played at Marietta College (NCAA 3) from 2019-2024 playing a total of 113 games and as a senior averaged 12.6ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 64.9%. He got early basketball experience playing with the Great Falls Electric (TBL) averaging 9.8ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 60.0%. He spoke to germanhoops,com about basketball.
A tough 67-59 loss in Dresden. How tough is it in general for a player to play a good defensive game, but still lose? It’s very tough to play good but still not end up with a win. Basketball is a game of runs and Dresden capitalized better.
It was a low scoring game and the Dragons were only down 52-49 after 3 quarters. Not much was working on offense. What was the team mind set going into the fourth quarter? Our mindset for the fourth quarter was to have better offense of flow and try to move the ball around to tire out our opponent. We had some good looks but just didn’t go in.
The Dragons began the fourth quarter well with a 7-2 run and led 56-54. But then Heck and Uboh hit three´s. Despite not being down by much, the Dragons couldn´t get over the hump. Did those three´s effect the team mentality at that moment and what was key for not getting over the hump? I don’t think Those threes effected the mentality of the team. I think just watching our shots not fall in as a team effected our heads and that was the reason we couldn’t get over that hump.
Moritz Heck had a great game with 25 points. What was with him that made him so tough to control?
Mortiz Heck played a good game and we followed a good game plan for him. Overall we made him shoot 28% from the floor and was 1/7 from three point but we sent him to the line too much. He was 14/15 from free throws and if we cut down half of those the outcome of the game would have been different.
There were a lot of negatives like the three point shooting, assists and turnovers, but was the 6 steals and 6 blocks something the team can build on for the next tough game against Leverkusen?
I think overall as a team we played very solid defense, and those 6 steals and blocks are something we can build on in the future. If we cut some minor mistakes on defense and we’re always locked in we can be
You were the only bright spot with a good game of 17/7 and shot well. How tough is it to enjoy a good own game when you lose? Even though I had a good game there were some things I could’ve done better individually and things I could’ve done better at helping the team. I look back at film learn what I need to do and try to be better the text game
There are some guys on the team that aren´t performing up to standard. Was there some serious team soul searching this week? I believe in the guys that we have that I know will and can perform. It’s still a lot of the season left and a lot to grown and improve.
You next have a tough game against Leverkusen and need an answer. What will be key to getting the win? Our key to beating Leverkusen is stopping their big man. Be tough and physical with him and outwork.
What was your favorite kids costume as a kid? My favorite costume as a kid was ghost face.
Stanley Umude (198-G-1999, college: Arkansas) is a 27 year old 198cm guard from Texas playing his fifth professional season and first overseas with FC Barcelona. He began his basketball career at East Warren high school and then played at the University Of South Dakota (NCAA) from 2017-2021 and then added a season at the University of Arkansas. He began his pro career in 2022 and played parts of 4 years in the NBA with Detroit, Milwaukee and San Antonio. He also played in the G-League for Motor City, Wisconsin Herd and Austin. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Stanley for talking to germanhoops.com After 4 years in the NBA, your now overseas for the first time with FC Barcelona. As a guy from Texas, what has it been like living in Spain and the cultural feeling of Barcelona. Have you had a defining moment so far living in Barcelona? It has been a great experience. This is actually my first time in Europe. The culture has really opened up my eyes. I check out the great restaurants. I have really enjoyed how the fans have embraced me. The fan culture and atmosphere is great here.
The team have a 3-2 start in the ACB and 5-3 in the Euroleague. What has bene the adjustment like for you getting used to everything on the court? I think that I have adjusted pretty well. Here the games are shorter and each possession is a lot more intense. Each game matters and your always playing against great opponents. Every night you have a must win situation. You have to always be focused.
Your averaging 14 minutes in both competitions and 5,0ppg. What exactly is your role on the team? My role is to do whatever it takes to help my team win. Some night I may have more shots than other nights. I have to be consistent and do the little things like crash the boards and be opportunistic on the offensive end while continuing to expand my game.
You played 4 years at the University of South Dakota (NCAA) averaging 16.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 74.5% and 21.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 79.9% in your last 2 years. How vital were these last 2 years for your basketball development playing for Todd Lee? I had my break out year in my second year. I have always had to find ways to adapt in my career and it was the same here. I kind of took a back seat my junior year, but still produced. In my senior year most of the older guys had left and I took on a big leadership role. I had to learn how to lead in different circumstances. I really learned to be a leader by example.
I saw your ex teammate Tyler Peterson from South Dakota 3 days ago play his first game in Germany for his new team. He smiled when I mentioned your name? What memories do you have of his game? He seemed like a very controlled point guard.
Tyler was super controlled. He was my guy on and off the court. We still have contact today. He could do it all and was a very hard nosed player. He didn´t look tough, but he really was.
You added a NCAA season with The University of Arkansas (NCAA) averaging 11.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 72.4%. The legend Keith Smart was an assistant coach. What memories do you have of him? I bet he had some cool stories to tell? He definitely had stories to share. Our head coach was Jeff Musselman and he was really tough on us. He only wanted the best for us. Coach Smart was the kind of guy that would always make you feel better when you were down. He always made you feel like you were in the right place. He being there was huge for me and I appreciate him very much.
After a solid NBA Summer League with Detroit, you played most of that season with the Motor City Cruise (NBA G League) averaging 15.4ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 77.5%. But you did play 1 NBA game. You made your debut against Boston making 2 free throws. What memories do you have of checking in?
I remember that I came in with like 2 minutes to play. Jayson Tatum had 38 and my coach gave me the assignment and said “You got Tatum Get 0”. I had to play as hard as possible and make an impact. I did that getting a steal and block and getting to the free throw line. Tatum didn´t 40.
What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie in the NBA/G-League where you knew that you were far away from home? I remember how the training camp, physicality and skill level were totally different to what I had ever seen. I wasn´t really to shell shocked, because my time at Arkansas really helped prepare my for the NBA. I had had a role there that I would also have in the NBA. Paying attention to detail was also something more different than what I had seen.
In your second season you played with the Detroit Pistons (NBA) playing 24 games averaging 5.3ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 45.3%, FT: 90.6%, played also at Motor City Cruise (NBA G League) averaging 16.7ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 77.5%. You were teammates for a short time with the great French player Evan Fournier and recently played against him in the Euroleague. Was he a guy where you tried to soak everything up from?
For sure Evan was one I tried to soak everything up from, but also from Cory Joseph. They were both great veterans and great guys to be around. They both led by example and I paid close attention to everything they did each day. I still see them now in the Euroleague and it´s good to know that they still have my back. That is a great feeling.
In your third season you played with the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) palying 22 games and also played with the Wisconsin Herd (G-League) averaging 17.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 80.0%. How tough was this season always having to stay ready? That season was tough. I had actually finished my second season strong with Detroit and had started like 13 games, but then I got injured near the end. Then the team waived me and I went to Milwaukee. There were many great veteran leaders on that team like Giannis, Damian Lillard and Taurean Prince. I tried help team the best way I could in practice even if I didn´t play much in games. Those guys all showed a lot of appreciation for what I did. I really felt like part of the team.
Last season you played for the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) playing 2 games and played also at Austin Spurs (NBA G League) averaging 16.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 74.7%. did you lose faith in NBA which prompted career swing to Europe? I think it was a combination of both, but mostly just having a very open mind about playing overseas. My brother had played overseas and told me how intense it was. Many former NBA players have done it and I felt it was right to go overseas and tap into the Euroleague.
You played 2 games with the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama. Is he Goat material in the future? He has a long way to go as there are others on that list. But from what I have seen so far, he has real GOAT potential. He is one of a kind.
You played against many great NBA players. Who was the toughest? Tyrese Haliburton.
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson
