games

Tim Smith Jr(Dragons Rhondorf) Turned A Bit Into A Swiss Army Knife And This Summer Will Work On Getting Stronger

Pic credit: Martin Jung

Tim Smith Jr. (201-F-2000, college: N.Alabama, agency: 011 Sports) is a 24 year old 201cm forward that completed his first season overseas with the Dragons Rhondorf. He began his basketball career at Lakewood high school and then played at 3 Universities. He began at California University of Pennsylvania (NCAA2) averaging 8.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 88.9%. He then played 2 seasons at Walsh University (NCAA2) averaging 10.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 72.1% and 16.1ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 87.1%. He then finished at the University of North Alabama (NCAA) averaging 9.4ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 79.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after his season ended losing to Leverkusen in the playoffs.

Thanks Tim for talking to eurobasket.com The Dragons Rhondorf suffered a tough 73-62 loss to Leverkusen to end the season. The team was without Kelvin Omojola in the Leverkusen series. Do you feel like Kelvin Omojola could have been the difference especially in game 2 to tie series?

Yeah, not having Kelvin out there definitely made a difference. He brings a lot to our team — energy, shot creation, leadership. Especially in Game 2, I think his presence could’ve helped us swing the momentum when it was tight. But as a group, we still believed in each other and fought hard.

The second quarter was incredible. What was it like for you being part of that? How much fun was it taking part in that?

That second quarter was special. You could just feel the energy shift. We were connected, sharing the ball, locking in on defense — and when you’re in that kind of rhythm, it’s fun, man. That’s when basketball feels the best.

It was the best defensive quarter of the season. What was it defensively besides the flying around that helped the Dragons be successful?

Defensively, it was all about trust and communication. Yeah, we were flying around, but it wasn’t just hustle — we were locked into the game plan. Everybody knew their role, we rotated with purpose, and we made it hard for them to get any clean looks.

It was more than flying around wasn´t it? Did every Dragon have their own space ship?That is what it felt like? It seemed like the Dragons knew exactly where the ball was going?

Haha, I like that — spaceships. It did feel like that a little. We were reading everything, anticipating passes, and just swarming. When a team’s that connected defensively, it’s like you’re playing on instinct together. That’s when defense becomes art.

What did head coach Marko Zarkovic tell the team at half-time to do for the second half?

Coach Zarkovic just reminded us to stay disciplined and keep applying pressure. He told us not to let up — to treat the second half like it was still 0–0 and keep doing the little things right.

In the third quarter came the dreaded 18-0 run. How tough was it to watch that? Why wasn´t the defense working on Dennis Heinzmann anymore? He scored 5 buckets in the third quarter?

Yeah, that 18-0 run in the third was tough to go through, no question. It felt like everything that had been working for us suddenly slipped. With Dennis Heinzmann, we didn’t execute the game plan well enough — he got deep position too easily and we weren’t physical enough with him early in his moves. That let him get comfortable, and once a big man like that gets going, it’s hard to slow him down.

Leverkusen didn´t really defend any better in the third quarter, except maybe being more aggressive. It was more on the Dragons? Why did it seem like the Dragons was a bit half hearted? Did the team lose faith in their abilities?

You’re right — it wasn’t so much Leverkusen changing their scheme as it was us letting off the gas a little. I wouldn’t say we lost faith, but we definitely lost focus for a stretch. We weren’t as sharp with our rotations or help defense, and that hesitation can cost you fast against a team like Leverkusen. It wasn’t effort — it was more mental lapses that piled up.

Still the Dragons gave all they had in their last home game. How proud were you of the team and how they played?

I’m extremely proud of the guys. That last home game meant something to all of us. Everyone gave everything they had, and even though we didn’t come out on top, we left it all on the floor. That’s what you want as a player — to fight with a team that cares.

Who was the most improved player on the team?

I’d say the most improved player on the team was Lagui. He didn’t get a lot of minutes early in the season, but he stayed ready, kept working, and when his number was called down the stretch, he gave us some really valuable minutes. You could see his confidence growing — he brought energy, made smart plays, and helped us when we needed a spark. That kind of growth and mentality is huge for a young player.

Who was the MVP of the season?

For me, the MVP of the season was Kelvin Omojola. He held the team together — not just with his play, but with his leadership and presence on and off the court. Whenever things got tough, Kelvin was the one keeping us locked in, making plays, and setting the tone. He’s the kind of guy you trust to lead the way, and we definitely leaned on him throughout the season.

You averaged 17/5/1/1/1 stats in 29 minutes How do you rate your personal rookie season?

I’d rate my rookie season as a strong foundation. Averaging 17, 5, and contributing across the board in 29 minutes is something I’m proud of — especially in my first pro year. But I also know there’s a lot more in me. I learned a lot, adjusted to the pace, and proved I could produce consistently, but I’m hungry to take it to another level.

You told me that you were a 3 level scorer and could defend many positions. You never mentioned being a Swiss army knife. Did you become a Swiss army knife?

Haha yeah — I did say I was a 3-level scorer and a versatile defender, but I guess I did turn into a bit of a Swiss army knife. Whether it was scoring, rebounding, defending, or just making the right play, I tried to do whatever the team needed. That’s something I take pride in — being reliable in any situation.

You are a great 3 point shooter. I feel like you weren´t able to show it all. Would you have liked to have used it more often?

I appreciate that — I definitely believe in my 3-point shot, and I feel like it’s one of my biggest strengths. There were times I could’ve used it more, but I also focused on reading the game and making the right play. Next season, I want to be even more assertive with it — let it fly more and show that side of my game fully.

How did you see the development of your defense? What kind of a defender did you become as a rookie`?

Defensively, I took big steps. Coming in, I knew I had the tools — length, quickness, strength — but I had to learn how to use them better. By the end of the season, I was guarding multiple positions, switching, and holding my own physically and mentally. I think I became a disciplined, versatile defender, and I’m just getting started.

What was your favorite personal game of the season?

My favorite game of the season was definitely the one against Erfurt — hitting the game winner was a special moment. It was one of those games where everything slowed down, and I just trusted my work. Moments like that are why we play.

On what areas of your game will you work on most this summer?

This summer, I’m really focused on getting stronger — building muscle and using that strength to create more space, absorb contact, and finish through it. That’s going to be a big piece of taking my game to the next level.

Who was the toughest player that you faced this season on the court from Pro B teams?

The toughest player I faced this season was Diculescu. He’s skilled, physical, and smart — you have to stay locked in every possession when you’re matched up with a guy like that. He made me better just by competing against him.

What is the next step for you? Will you return to the Dragons Rhondorf or could you see a change?

Right now, I’m keeping all options open. I loved my time with the Dragons Rhondorf — the fans, the organization, the opportunity to grow as a player. But at the same time, I’m focused on what’s best for my development and next step in my career. Whether that’s returning or taking on a new challenge, I want to be somewhere I can keep leveling up and helping a team win.

6 South teams were swept by north teams. How crazy is that? Is the north really that much better?

Yeah, six South teams getting swept is wild. I don’t know if it means the North is that much better, but they definitely made a statement. I think it came down to matchups and physicality — the North teams brought a level of intensity and execution that caught a lot of the South teams off guard.

Who will reach the NBA final and win it all?

To be honest, I don’t really care who makes it to the Finals — but it’d be cool to see the Timberwolves make a run. They’ve been underdogs, and I respect the way they play. Or if the Warriors somehow get it together and go on one last run, that’d be fun to watch too. I’m from Cleveland, though, so I gotta say I hope the Cavs can bounce back from 2-0 and make some noise.

Is Nikola Jokic the unanimous NBA MVP or will Shai Gillgeous Alexander get it?

And for MVP — I’m rocking with Shai. What he did this season was crazy. He led OKC to the top of the West, put up big numbers, and played both ends of the floor. Jokic is great, but this year I’m giving it to Shai.

Thanks Tim for the chat.

Alexander Lagerman Knows That The Dragons Rhondorf Have To Keep Improving So They Are Their Best Version For The Playoffs

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Alex Lagerman in the Dragon Dome in 2025

Alexander Lagerman (202-SG-2004) is a 20 year old 202cm shooting guard playing his first season with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf averaging 8,4ppg, 2,7rpg and 1,0apg. Last season he played with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen (ProB) playing16 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.6%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 72.7%. He began his basketball career with the Fraport Skyliners in the JBBL (U-16) and also played 4 Pro B games and in 2022-2023 season in the NBBL averaged :21.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 78.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 104-97 win over Coburg.

Congrats on the massive 104-97 win over Coburg. How good did it feel sweeping the season series against Coburg?

It feels great. I believe we are making steps and progressing as a team. It was a good collective performance.

After only allowing 72 points last week in Frankfurt, what was the goal defensively going into the game?

No specific goals besides our fundamental defensive principles. We executed our defensive structures well.

The first quarter was a scoring explosion with 58 points, but the Dragons had the 31-27 advantage. How vital is it for the Dragons to try to get away from these shoot out type of quarters?

Vital, it’s hard to gain control over shoot outs because you can’t factor luck in.

BBC Coburg had a rapid start, but how important was the alley-oop dunk from Danas Kazakevicius? Did that give the Dragons the needed energy at that time?

Yea plays such as that one, definitely spike the energy and can only benefit the team.

The Dragons then had a big run to lead 29-19, but BBC Coburg punched back with a 8-2 run to trail only 31-27. What was so difficult for the Dragons being able slow down BBC Coburg better?

Basketball is a momentum shifting game. I guess Coburg found their momentum in that specific sequence.

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf got a healthy lead and led by as much as 17 points and led 59-43 at the break. What adjustment did the Dragons make on the defensive end?

We controlled our matchups better in one on one.

In the third quarter BBC Coburg fought back scoring 26 points and trailed only 79-69. Down the stretch Tobias Rotegaard hit 2 three´s. What made it so difficult to contain him?

He was chucking up moving threes around screens which is always hard to contest. They were tough shots but you have to give him credit for making them.

BBC Coburg continued to fight in the fourth quarter and the Dragons couldn´t shake them. How vital was it for the Dragons showing that special offensive consistency early on to keep the comfortable lead?

Very important because we didn’t want to lose our momentum and give them the confidence that they can stop us defensively.

BBC Coburg kept fighting and got another three pointer down the stretch, but it wasn´t enough. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win?

Just staying solid, letting the clock run out and not making any mistakes that could give them the opportunity.

There were many great baskets in the game. What was your favorite basket of the game?

Hard one to pick. I liked Kelvin’s three, bcause he made it when they counted the most and that knocked them back.

The Dragons Rhondorf won the rebound duel, had better shooting percentages and had 29 assists. What was the team´s biggest strength on the night?

All of the above. Rebounding, shot making and also moving the ball well.

The Dragons Rhondorf have won 3 of their last 4 games. Is it slowly getting it´s playoff form?

That is definitely the goal. To keep improving, so that we have the best possible version of the team to show up for the playoffs

Next week a must win situation in Ludwigsburg. How big will be the revenge factor after the 91-86 loss at home?

It would be sweet to grab that win on the road, especially after losing to them in the first matchup. We shouldn’t underestimate them, they are talented but we carry the confidence and are the better team.

What will the Dragons Rhondorf will be working on most this week in practice concerning the defensive end?

That’s a question coach Marko can answer better than me, but my guess is sticking to our principles and analyzing how we can best defend the opposing team.

How great is it seeing the awakening of Tim Smith Jr? He is finding his form of the early season. Could he be the difference of making the playoffs or not?

For sure. Tim is our main guy. We need him to be in the best possible form because his versatility and shot making ability can make the difference.

You had a solid game of 10/3/1 in only 14 minutes. How content were you with your game?

For the amount of minutes I played I thought I did really well. Also defensively I felt like I did a solid job. I try to control what I can control, so I’m very content with how I played.

You averaged 26 minutes in the last 2 games before the Coburg game, but about 10 minutes less in the 10 previous games. And against Coburg it was only 14 minutes. How tough is these fluctuations in your minutes?

It isn’t easy. In order to perform consistently it obviously helps to get consistent playing time. But we have a deep squad and as long as we are performing well it doesn’t matter who is playing how much.

Do you have any explanations why there have been so many games 15/21 where you averaged less than 20 minutes?

That’s an interesting statistic I wasn’t aware of that. I’m not quite sure I have an exact explanation besides the fact that we have a deep rotation. But I feel like, considering the way I played last game, I could’ve definitely played more. I guess my main takeaway for this is that minutes should be directly connected to my in-game performance.

How thrilled were you last weekend winning against your ex team Frankfurt? What gave you the most satisfaction after the buzzer sounded?

It definitely felt great also playing in front of my family and friends is always a blessing. Just the taste of victory was enough in terms of satisfaction.

Antonio Pilipovic scored the 100th point. Does he have to get donuts?

Most certainly yes. He is known for enforcing the donut rule, so I’m pretty sure he’ll live by it as well lol.

Thanks Alex for the chat.

Tyrese Williams(Wurzburg) Will Never Be Put In A Box As One Dimensional As He Loves Making The Game Easier For His Teammates

Tyrese Williams (190-G-2000, college: Quinnipiac, agency: One Motive Sports) is a 24 year old 190cm guard from the Bronx, New York that is playing his second professional season and first in Germany with FIT/One Wuerzburg Baskets (Germany-BBL), and VR Bank Wuerzburg Baskets Akademie (Germany-ProB). Last season he split time with BC Komarno (Slovakia-Nike SBL): averaging 5.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 41.2%, 3FGP: 6.3%, FT: 75.0%, in Oct.’23 moved to KK Gostivar (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 20.0ppg), 5.7rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 72.2%. He began his basketball career with Cardinal Hayes High School and then played at Quinnipiac University (NCAA) from 2018-2023 playing a total of 135 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Tyrese for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second pro season and first in Germany with Wurzburg´s Pro B and BBL team and can play BCL. How cool is it having this opportunity?

It´s been amazing, just being able to learn so much so early in my career is a blessing for me and I´m just trying to cherish this opportunity.

How does a day look like for you? I presume you practice each day with the BBL team. Do you just play Pro B games or do you practice with them?

Practice is normally early morning, will have our individual workout, a little film session, weight lifting then practice. Yes I do practice with the BBL team and occasionally with the Pro B team when needed.

What kind of an adjustment has it been playing for the BBL team compared to what you saw last season in Slovakia and North Macedonia?

Pace of the game is a little different, along with the physicality of the game.

The BBL team has some very talented American guards with Jackson, Lewis, and Davis. What has it been like competing with them daily? Are you able to hold your own?

it’s been amazing competing with them. They are like brothers to me now and I’m only in my second season so they help me a lot with just learning the game and making the game easier for me. Yes I am definitely able to hold me own, they’re kind of vets so I go at them because I know it’s going to get me better and they do the same. Iron sharpens Iron.

Talk a little about unique player Zac Selfaas. How special of a player is he and what do you appreciate most about him?

Zac is one of kind, you don’t find to many guys like him, really special in the way he’s able to lead and get everyone on the same page, to do what’s best to win. I definitely appreciate just how welcoming he is to help others figure it out, like making sure everyone knows the assignment, he’s really an extension of coach.

Your also playing with the Pro B team. You scored 79 points in the first 2 games averaging 39,0ppg. That is a crazy stat. Does it feel like you’re a man playing among boys?

I wouldn’t say that but I’m just figuring out how to play at my pace and get to my spot, and playing with the BBL team definitely helps with that so when I do play Pro B that’s still in the back of my mind.

You never averaged in double figures in the NCAA and now suddenly you’re an explosive scorer. Did scoring just come to you or did you always have these scoring traits in you, but couldn´t show them in school because you had other duties?

I’ve always had this ability to score. I’m the type of guy who is going to put the team winning first, so if it’s my night to score then I’ll do that, but if there’s other things needed of me on the floor I’m also willing to take that role and try to excel in it as well.

Has head coach Alex King given you the keys to the team. Does it sometimes feel like your in school again with all the young talent?

No he just asks me to be me when I’m out there and do my best to try and get us some wins, and no I’m young myself, so I’m just trying to give them the knowledge that I have to help get them better and prepared for the next level.

What is it like playing with big German talent Hannes Steinbach? How much potential does he have?

It’s been amazing playing with Hannes, he is super talent and honestly there is no limit on what Hannes can do, he just has to keep working and keep getting better everyday.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best make the description?

Honestly I wouldn’t compare me to anyone, but if I had to I would say combination of Bradley Beal/ Ray Allen

Talk a little about your game. You were never a big scorer in the NCAA, but showed in North Macedonia and the pro B that you can really score. What are the biggest strengths in your game?

I can really shoot the ball, but I’m really a all around player

You almost had a triple double in North Macedonia. How vital is versatility in your game?

Really big. I never want to be put in a box as a one dimensional type of guy, and I love making the game easier for my teammates.

Talk a little about your three point shot. You improved it in your last years in the NCAA, but still haven´t reached the 40% mark. What is still missing for you to achieve that?

nothing missing just have to keep putting in the work to become the more consistent shooter and just shot with confidence.

Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I am a strong defender, I´m not as quick as some of the guards we play but I’m stronger so just using that to my advantage. I want to become the type of defender that you can put on the top scorer from other teams and I make there night hell.

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

everything honestly, I’m never satisfied with myself, and I expect the most out of me, but just ball handling and decision making along with just giving myself the confidence daily just to hoop and play my game.

You played your rookie season with BC Komarno (Slovakia-Nike SBL) averaging 5.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 41.2%, 3FGP: 6.3%, FT: 75.0%, in Oct.’23 moved to KK Gostivar (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 20.0ppg, 5.7rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 72.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

The wake up call was me moving teams, and just knowing that it’s a business wherever ever you play, so I had to get back to having fun with the game.

You played at Quinnipiac University (NCAA) from 2018-2023 playing a total of 135 NCAA games. You were very consistent in your 5 years. How did your game grow? What type of player were you in 2018 and what kind in 2023?

I would say my game grew in the aspect of just knowing how to put the work in everyday and let that show for itself. Just being consistent with my daily habits to get better. I was the type of player who kind of just showed up and hooped, but I became the type of playerwho takes pride in his preparation and knowing that if you put the work in it will show.

You had many great games, but was one of your biggest moments on the court scoring your 1000 point against Penn State?

Nah I wouldn’t say that cause we didn’t get the win in that game, and i didn’t even know i scored a 1000 points, until after the fact i didn’t really pay attention to it.

How did head coach Baker Dunleavy groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Just giving the knowledge of how to put the work in and let the results but the results, how to show up everyday and work your tail off.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Savion Lewis?

Me for sure but that’s my brother so we definitely probably played more than one game lol.

Who is the best player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA?

Either Cam Young or Quenton Grimes

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, MJ, Steph, AI

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron

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

No I actually didn’t, I hate when the my mess up classics, I just sick to watching the original.

Thanks Tyrese for the chat

Jaylen Alston(Team Ehingen) Explodes Twice Continuing To Dominate The Pro B Scoring 92 points In 2 Games

Jaylen Alston (193-G, college: WSSU) is a 193cm guard from North Carolina playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with Pro B team Team Ehingen. He began his basketball career at Eastern Guilford high school. He then played a season at Gardner-Webb University (NCAA) and then played at Winston Salem State University and in his last 2 seasons averaged 11.6ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 74.5% and 18.1ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 74.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 97-81 loss to the Dragons Rhondorf.

Thanks Jaylen for talking to germanhoops.com. How did you spend the Fiba break?

I spent most of my Fiba break and just recovering watching some film and getting better. I was a little bit under the weather so I didn’t do much.

Ehingen suffered a tough 97-81 loss on the road to the Dragons Rhondorf. With what kind of a game plan did you go into that game?

We went into the game plan with the same energy from last game just try to scout and know the players we were going to be guarding and then also figured out a way to just give us a edge like we did the last time we played, but we just did not come out with the same results.

Rhondorf had the 24-20 advantage after 10 minutes. You scored your teams first 10 points. Is that the most points you have ever scored to start a game?

No, that’s not the most that I ever scored in the first quarter or beginning of a game.

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf stepped it up on the offensive end scoring 36 points, but were still shaky on defense allowing 26 points. What was giving Ehingen the most problems on the defensive end?

I would say that our problem was understanding where we needed to help on the pick roll and just being on the close out too shooters because that surely gave them the edge when they were consistently making three-pointers

In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf only allowed 15 points and overall allowed only 35 points in the second quarter. What adjustments did the Dragons make?

I think they made the adjustment of trying to close off some of our plays that we run and just understanding our strengths of getting to the basket.

The Dragons Rhondorf finished the game strong. Was this one of those game where their experience really hurt Ehingen as a team?

I would not say that experience hurt us in this game. I would say honestly turnovers and rebounding was the reason behind us losing in my opinion.

The Dragons Rhondorf had an overall very strong game. It led the rebound battle and had 17 offensive rebounds, had 21 assists and only 10 turnovers. Are they a playoff team when they are playing that well?

I feel like any team is a playoff team when you’re playing with those kind of numbers so whether we do it or our opponent, does it that pretty much sums up who will win the game

Could Team Ehingen take anything positive from the loss? It did stick well with the Dragons under the boards losing only 39-37 and had 10 offensive rebounds?

We can definitely take a positive aspect from that loss and just knowing that we have to be better in certain areas. The rebound battle definitely was something out of our nature that we’ve been pretty good about the last couple games so I feel like we need to get back into knowing what works for us and getting rebounds. The second chance points is something that we need to take advantage of.

Team Ehingen only played 8 guys. How tough is it competing in general with so little experience? Does that give you added pressure to perform?

We actually ended up playing with nine guys, but it is tough to compete sometimes with guys who haven’t been in certain situations but that’s what it’s about getting them experience and learning from it so I don’t feel like there is any pressure it’s just guys that are older like me should be able to help them in the moment that way when we succeed, they can understand how to help themselves when I might not be around.

The team next plays Oberaching a tough and feisty team. Ehingen lost in November to them. What will be key to getting the win this time?

I think the key to winning this game will be getting back to what we do best and that is getting inside the lane, getting easy layups also rebounding the ball and limiting our turnovers to under 12 and if we do all of that, I feel like nobody can beat us

You scored 92 points back to back against the RheinStars and Dragons. How crazy, but amazing does that feel?

it doesn’t really feel too crazy just because I’ve been in situations where I have scored a large number of points in a long stretch, but I take it as something amazing because I know players don’t get to do this too often, but I also want to just move on to the next game because if we don’t win then none of my points matter.

Did you have a special feeling going into the game or did it just feel like another game?

Honestly, it just felt like another game. I really didn’t treat their team too much differently than anybody else. I simply try to just kill whoever is in my way.

Do you feel like that dunk to start the game gave you extra motivation?

I feel like the dunk set the tone to let them know that we were coming to play and that this was not going to be a game where they felt like they could push us over.

After you scored the team´s first 10 points, did that 50 point mark ever come into your mind?

I really did not know that I scored the first 10 points and 50 points never crossed my mind. I was just trying to make sure that we have more points than they have points, but the outcome did not turn out the way I wanted.

How much more self-confidence does this game give you? Does a back to back performance like this drive you forward to explode again in the next game?

This game doesn’t necessarily give me any more confidence. I already had high confidence in myself, I just play my role, no matter what it is or any given night so know what I’m capable of every time I step on the court but a performance like this especially in back-to-back games certainly gets the attention of others and they try harder to stop me and when they do it simply makes me want to just show who I really am and where I’m from because then they may understand that they ain’t just a regular game to me.

You shot better than in the game against the RheinStars. The only difference was that you didn´t get to the free throw line this time. Are you aware that 50 points could have been in your cards again?

Yes, I’m aware that I was close to 50 points, but I’m not too strung out on trying to accomplish individual goals. I’m more focused on team goals.

What was your favorite own basket of the game?

My favorite basket was the dunk I had in the first quarter just because like you said, it set the tone for the game

After scoring big points again, what does the situation look like with treating your teammates for something or will they treat you to something?

The situation just stays the same. My teammates always treat me well and are happy for me anytime I’m doing good and I always treat them the same and I’m happy for them anytime they’re doing good so nothing has changed. They just tried to encourage me to keep going and pushing further if it means getting the win

Where do you rate the 2025 NBA slam dunk contest dunk by Mac McClung?

I rate the dunk contest an eight out of 10 I just feel like Zach Levine and Aaron Gordon set the bar so high that it’s going be pretty hard to top either one of their performances.

Thanks Jaylen for the chat