Chris Barton (190-G-1996, college: Niagara) is a 29 year old 190cm guard from Michigan playing his fifth professional season and first with Delta Gurjaani (Georgia-Superleague). He has pro experience having played in the TBL in the States and overseas in countries like Finland, Luxemburg, Belgium, and Azerbaijan. He began his basketball career with Avondale High School and then played 4 seasons with Niagara University (NCAA) playing a total of 122 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com after scoring 50 points in a pro game in Georgia.
Thanks Chris for talking to germanhoops.com. You recently scored 50 points in a game and was the highest scorer in the world. You did it in Georgia. What does this feat mean to you?
It really means a lot to me because there were many questions about if I was fully healed from my Achilles tear from 2024, so to go out and achieve a career high after being doubted meant the world to me.
I guess the only thing missing was the win. Could you still enjoy the feat a bit?
It definitely would’ve meant a lot more if the win was attached to my performance. I tried everything I could to get us a win, but the other team was just better that night.
Andre Weir also put on a show with 42 points. Were you guys going head to head at one points with scoring? Andre is a great player and an MVP candidate, so it was great competing with him for 40 minutes. I think we both just wanted to give our respective teams everything we had to ensure a Win, but I definitely noticed that both of us were kind of trading buckets out there.
You never averaged in double figures in the NCAA and highest points total was overseas in Finland with 38 points. Did you always know that you had such great scoring potential in your blood?
I would say that when I was in college, that might’ve been the only time I wasn’t considered a scorer. We had so many talented scorers that I played with that I didn’t need to saturate our team bringing the same thing to the table. So I decided to do everything else like defensive, leadership, rebounding, etc.
Did you have a special breakfast or do something different on this day to help you achieve so many points? The only thing I ate before the game was an orange and a can of peanuts to be honest. I always feel better when I eat light before games. I also watched some Dwayne Wade highlights from the ’06 NBA Finals to get me motivated.
How did you feel going into the game? Do you sometimes know how your game may go after warm ups and how your shot is feeling? Going into the game I felt good physically. The only thing I knew before the game was that I was going to be aggressive because I felt that’s what my team needed from me with some key guys being hurt. Once I saw a few go in early, I knew I was going to stay in attack mode.
How did you get into the game flow? How rapidly did you know that you might have a real good scoring day? I got an open three pretty early into the game that started everything, then I got another jumper to go followed by an and one on the break. Once I saw the ball go in that early into the game I knew I had to do my best to keep it going for my team.
The team had 11 assists in the game and you 3. I imagine you scored a lot on the isolation. I guess you were really feeling it. Did your self confidence rise from bucket to bucket? I’d say the first half was more of my teammates finding me for open looks, then once I had that rhythm going I started to get some isolation baskets as well. My confidence was for sure at an all time high after the first half. Been a while since I felt like that in a game.
Did you know in the fourth quarter that you were close to 50 points?
My coach actually pointed it out to me, because he asked if I wanted a sub or if I wanted to keep playing. I’m always going to keep playing as long as my body allows me to so it was an easy decision.
You took 41 shots and had a solid %. Were you content with your shot selection? I would say for the most part all of the shots I took were shots that I work on, so I can live with the results. Although I was pretty gassed toward the end of the game, which I felt like led to more misses.
What was your favorite own basket of the 50 point game?
I would say my favorite basket had to be the first one just because it felt good when it left my hands and it kick started everything for the night.
Did you get any special messages from people that you might not have expected from? I’d say my favorite message came from my cousin because he photoshopped my face on Wilt Chamberlain’s body with a piece of paper that had the number 50 on it.
Did you have to get your teammates donuts after game? Haha no I didn’t, but I told them how appreciative I was that they allowed me to do that.
Jamahri Harvey (193-G, college: Presbyterian, agency: Origins Sports Group) is a 193cm guard from North Carolina that played his rookie season with German Regionalliga team BBC Twisters Rendsburg averaging 21,3ppg, 5,0rpg, 2,7apg and 2,1spg. He began his basketball career at Northwood Temple Academy and also played at Moravian Prep. He then played 2 seasons at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (NCAA) averaging 7.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 36.8%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 68.8% and 5.3ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 75.0% and then moved to Presbyterian College (NCAA) averaging 7.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 25.6%, FT: 76.2% and 7.1ppg, 2.2rpg, FGP: 39.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 84.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Jamahri for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season for the BBC Twisters Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga). What kind of experience has it been strapping the uniform on for them? What have you enjoyed most about the experience? Honestly I am just grateful for the opportunity to be able to do what I love at the pro level. It has been a dream come true for me. I have enjoyed mostly just the way I am able to play my game freely, and of course being able to live in a different country.
What was your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home? I already knew what I was getting myself into, but it definitely hit home when I missed Thanksgiving, and realized the other holidays I would miss as well.
The team has struggled this season. The club allows many points, but don’t score as much. Has defense been the biggest problem for winning? Defense has definitely been a struggle of ours. We have a lot of young guys, so it’s not easy to guard at a high level, but I think we will be fine during the second half of the season. We are getting better everyday.
Is the depeth a problem? It seems like the team is missing consistent scoring. Do you feel pressure to have to always score 20 plus points?
I think we have enough in our locker room to win games. I just think it has been an adjustment for the whole team due to receiving a new coach. I don’t feel any pressure at all though, I was born to do this. Plus, bad games happen so if I do not perform how I would like I just chalk it up and prepare for the next one.
You never averaged more than 7,0ppg in the NCAA. How good does it feel being the main scoring option? It feels good to be able to showcase my game, as I feel like I could have always scored at any level I played.
Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description? I would compare my game to somebody like CJ McCollum, because of his shooting ability along with 3 level scoring.
You’re a player filling the stat sheet very well overseas. Talk a little about your offensive game. What are your biggest strengths on the court? I think my biggest strength is my shooting ability for sure. However, I think I can do it all and my playmaking ability also is a strength because it allows me to keep the defense honest.
You were mostly a solid outside shooter in the NCAA. This season your near 40%. What is missing for you to become a great shooter overseas? I think for me it is just endurance. I have a lot bigger role than I’m used to, so it’s been an adjustment to do everything and still keep my legs under me for my shots. I think I will get better with time.
Your also a very active and aggressive defender. How would you rate your game now as a defender and what kind of a defender do you still want to become? I think my defensive ability is another strong suit of mine. Being able to not only guard the ball, but get steals and blocks has been good for our team. I would like to take my defense to another level as much as I can. As we all know defense wins games.
You played at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (NCAA) from 2020-2023. Your minutes dipped from 26 to 18 to 12 in your 3 years. That is very uncommon. Usually minutes rise for a player. How did you witness your 3 years there? How did your game develop despite getting lesser minutes each season? I think my time at Wilmington was just an unfortunate situation. I would say those 3 years prepared me for life outside of basketball. I was mentally and emotionally challenged but it ultimately built me up. I also think my game developed greatly, as I treated practice like my games. It allowed me to not lose confidence and understand that the guys playing over me were no more better than me.
You won the CTI title in 2022. How good did that chip feel beating MTSU? You had a great game against N Colorado. What memories do you have of that magical run? That was a great experience for me! I loved every part of it. Being able to win a post season championship in college is not common. I will forever cherish that moment. I think my fav memories were definitely getting buckets against N Colorado with Dalton Knecht guarding me.
You had many great games there including against Coastal and High Point as a senior. What was your favorite personal game at NC Wilmington? My personal favorite game would probably be any home game honestly. The atmosphere in there is insane.
You were teammates with borderline NBA player Jaylin Sims. What memories do you have of his game? How good of a player was he and could you soak up anything from his game? Jaylen is great and I’m forever grateful for him. He took me in as a freshman and showed me the ropes. He was a great player as well and it’s a testament to his hard work, and that’s definitely what I learned the most from him, to always work hard.
You then played 2 seasons at Presbyterian College (NCAA) averaging 7.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 25.6%, FT: 76.2% and 7.1ppg, 2.2rpg, FGP: 39.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 84.4%. How vital was it making the decision to go there? What kind of a player did you become there? I just wanted a change and a chance to be myself. I think Presbyterian gave me the opportunity to do so. Unfortunately, I dealt with a lot of injuries there and that didn’t allow me to play my best at times. Overall I think I matured as a human being during my time there.
You had many great games like against UNF with 21 points. What was your fondest moment on the court there?
My fondest moment was playing against Wake Forest. I played a really good game against a ACC team back in my home state in front of family.
How did head coach Quinton Ferrell groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
I think they allowed me to remember who I was before Wilmington. That has been the biggest thing for me playing pro, as I am more than a shooter again.
Who won a 1-1 in practice Trevon Reddish-Rhone lor you? Trevon is my guy and it’s always a battle between him. He’s a fierce competitor but I take myself every time.
Who is the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? I would have to say either Jordan Hawkins or Antonio Reeves.
Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time? Tough question. In terms of skill, I would say Jaylen Sims, Shykeim Phillips, Jamarii Thomas,
Kobe Stewart, and Samage Teel. In terms of just being a great teammate, I would say Jaylen Sims, Kobe Stewart, Trevon Reddish, Carl Parrish, and Kory Mincy.
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Paul George, Steph Curry. This isn’t including guys I was only able to watch youtube highlights of.
Who is your GOAT?
I have to say Lebron because I never seen Jordan play outside of highlights. But I will say I understand why the older generation says Jordan.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone? I did not see it because people were telling me it was bad. So I do think they should have left it alone.
Berkant Campinar (180-PG-2001) is a 25 year old 180cm point guard playing for the Baskets Limburg. He has played here most of his career, but also played with ROTH Energie Basketball-Akademie Giessen (NBBL) and played a season with ASC Theresianum Mainz (2.Regionalliga). He spoke to germanhoops.com after the win over Eintracht Frankfurt ending the 2025-2026 season in third place.
Thanks Berkant for talking to germanhoops.com. When you arrive into the Limburg home court, what are your first thoughts? I always feel proud. I have played here since my youth. It always feels like home. I feel really comfortable.
Except for some short stays in Giessen and Mainz, you have always played in Limburg. What does it mean to play for this organization? It means a lot. I always give my all home or away. I always play hard when wearing the Limburg jersey.
Could imagine ever leaving this organization again? That is a good question. You never know. As of now I feel really good playing for this organization.
The club had a good season finishing in third place. What has been your summary of how the team has played?
I feel like we had a really good season. We had a tough start losing our first three games. We had many new players. We fought back well and had good wins at home. We grew as a team this season.
How big are the aspirations in general to get back to the Regionalliga?
We as an organization have big aspirations to play in the Regionalliga. It is a different level though. Our main focus this season was to integrate and develop the young players.
Talk a little about your teammates. What has it been like being teammates with young German Myles Howell? How much potential does he have?
He has a lot of potential. I feel like he could play a role for any team. He always gives 110%. You don´t want to be guarded by him. He is a great defender and great teammate.
Where do you rate his nasty poster dunk recently?
That poster dunk was great. I got the steal and passed him the ball. I just remember how he jumped. That was definitely the best poster dunk that I ever saw live.
How special of a player is Kaan Kus? How valuable is his energy for the team? Is it infectious?
He is my cousin and is one of the team´s most experienced players with Justin Stallbohm. Kaan is so vital in the locker room. He always gives everything for the team. His energy always pushes the team.
Does Justin Stallbohm have the most incredible smile ever? He has a super smile. He is always positive and laughing. He has a joker´s smile. He is always in a good mood.
What kind of a relationship have you had in the last years? How has his game helped yours? We have known each other more than 10 years. He was a youth friend of mine. We understand each other so well on the court. I´m always looking for him. We harmonize so well on the court and know each other´s tendencies really well.
What is your fondest moment on the court with Justin? I think every back door cut where he finds me for the score.
How vital has head coach Danny Stallbohm been for your game? How has he helped your game most over the years? He gives me freedom. He has a lot of trust in me. He always has my back. If you play hard then you will play for him. We respect each other.
You’re a 180cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA or Euroleague player who would best fit the description?
In my youth I would of said Rajon Rondo. I was always passing the ball. I have improved my scoring since then. Now I look at videos of Jalen Brunson.
Talk a little about your offensive skills. You have never been a big scorer. How can you impact the game best? I have been fortunate to have been able to play with many talented point guards. I think that I read the game very well and know how to control the tempo. I think that I drive well and can find my teammates well.
Talk a little about your defensive game. How have you seen the development of your defensive game over the years?
Playing defense is a lot different in the first Regionalliga. I had to defend many physical players in the Regionalliga. I feel like having that experience really helped my develop. I have always played against older guys and that also helped me. I feel like I got a lot tougher and that makes it hard to score against me.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? I´m always working on my shot. I can be a bit streaky with my shot. If I have a good practice week of shooting, then I´m capable to hit a few three´s in a game. I always try to work on my aggressiveness and also to be more disciplined on defense.
How do you remember playing with the ROTH Energie Basketball-Akademie Giessen (NBBL)? You played with Nicolas Lagerman and Sebastian Brach. Brach has become a Pro A player. How talented was he already then?
I also have to add Tim Schneider to this group. All are great players. I had many good battles with them in Practice. I always had to give my all when facing them.
What is your earliest memory of strapping on the Limburg jersey? Your first game was against USC Heidelberg.
I remember that game against Heidelberg on the road. The atmosphere was great. It was a really cool experience. I just remember after that game, I wanted to keep doing that and play in the Regionalliga.
You were teammates with Kevin Yebo who went on to play in the Euroleague and BBL. Did you already see his incredible potential then? It was hard to predict then that he could get so far one day. However I did see something special then when watching him play. He did things in practice then simply from instincts. That can´t be taught. I´m really happy for his success.
What is your best Mantas Bernatavicius story?
I just remember one time in practice he was battling another import and he blocked him and he gave the Mutumbo finger signalizing not in my house
What was your fondest memory with the Baskets Limburg? I think that my personal fondest moment with Limburg was in our home gym. It was a few years ago when we played Reutlingen. I scored 18 points. It was my break out game. It felt so good. We stayed in the league that season. We played so well together.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court that reached a high league? I remember it was a test game in the JBBL and we played Rasta Vechta and I played against Radi Casin. He was so good then. I had never seen something like that before.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Justin Stallbohm, Kaan Kus, Kellon Thomas, Kelvin Nelcha, Melvin Adrovic
Please name your NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore?
NBA: Kyrie Irving, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and Michael Jordan.
Euro: Alperen Sengun, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Hakeem Olajuwon
German: Dirk Nowitzki, Andreas Obst, Dennis Schroeder, Franz Wagner
Nedzad Muratovic (201-F-1995) is a 30 year old 201cm forward from Bosnia playing his second season with TSV Oberaching Tropics. He has gathered experience over the years playing in his home land Bosnia as well as Serbia, Slovenia, North Macedonia and Spain. He spoke to germanhoops.com after exploding for 46 points against BBC Coburg.
Thanks Nedzad for talking to germanhoops.com. You recently scored 46 points in a Pro B game in a tough loss against BBC Coburg. How tough was enjoying that moment despite the loss? I couldn’t enjoy it as much. We only ha d6 guys that game. I had to step up. Scoring over 40 points is difficult. I had no idea that I had so many points in the fourth quarter. I thought I had around 30 points.
Did the Coburg fans give you some cheers for your incredible effort? It was nice to get some support from them. It surprised me a little. In the previous game there , I had played only 12 minutes after getting ejected for my second technical foul.
I can imagine that was your career high or not?
Yes it was.
How tough was playing this game? Oberaching only had 6 players dressed. You played 40 minutes. Had you ever played a whole game before with a rest? It happened once before in my career in Spain. Our starter got injured early and I had to play the rest of the game.
How tough was that for you? Did you need an oxygen?
It was very tough especially since we don’t practice twice a day like other teams. I needed 2 days to rest. I was dead when we got home.
A guy I would have expected to score 40-50 points was Jonathan Zeisberger, but you were the guy that took control? Was that something head coach Mario Matic wanted or did the severe scoring just come with what the game gave you? It was mostly what the game gave me, but head coach Mario Matic also knows how to prepare you for any situation.
It seems like you have become a dominant scorer since arriving in Oberaching. Has Mario Matic given you that special freedom?
Yes he has. Every preparation for every game is different. Mario puts no pressure on me. He gives me total freedom. I didn’t get that from most coaches in my career.
You only had 6 points after one quarter. How were you feeling at that time? If someone had said at that time that you would end with 46 points what would you have thought? I believe in myself and now I am capable of a game like that. However I also believe there is a right way to play. Most of the coaches in my career have believed more in the system and not in the individual aspect.
In the second quarter, your game really took off. You scored an incredible 21 points and 5 three’s. That must have been a career best for you in a quarter. Do you ever remember dominating a quarter so much in your career? No I don’t think so. It was one of my best quarters. I was hot and my teammates got me the ball.
The turning point came in the third quarter as BBC Coburg exploded for 41 points. I guess fatigue came for Oberaching? Yes we were. They just kept going point by point. It really affected us. But we had to get through it.
You continued to score well in the second half and finished with an amazing 46 points. What was our favorite own basket? I would say my 3 pointer, but I don’t know which one. I just like to shoot the three. I have been a shooter my whole life. I like the fadeaway.
Despite the loss what does this 46 point explosion mean to you personally? I’m 30 years old and am happy I achieved a game like that. The teams that I played with before Oberaching, it was all about the system and not individuality. Mario gave me loose hand. I felt like I really did it at the end.
Did you get any cool messages for your performance? My friend told me after that I needed 2 points to break league record.
Did you get donuts for the team or did they treat you? No not yet, but I will. Teammate Philipp Bode told me about getting donuts.
Daniel Grgic (204-F-2004) is a 21 year old 204 playing for the HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL). He has played there his whole career. He recently played his 100BSL game. He also has played for Future Team Steiermark (Austria-2.Bundesliga). A few years ago, he played at the FIBA U20 European Championship Division B in Skopje (North Macedonia) averaging 7.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 58.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Daniel for talking to germanhoops.com. You have played your whole life with the Kapfenberg Bulls. What has been the greatest thing about being able to play for this organization? Probably just growing as a Player and Person. This Organization has given me a lot to learn on and off the court, witch I appreciate a lot.
You have lived most of your life in Austria, but have Croatian roots. Talk a little more about your connection to Croatia? My whole family is from Croatia and we still have a lot of family living there. I love visiting for longer periods of time and especially having an amazing time there in the summer on the beach.
Have you had changes in roles in your career or has it been the same kind of role the last years? What is your role this season? I’ve had some changes in my career. I started practicing and playing on the 5 position and then moved to the 4. Now I am even seeing some minutes on the 3 while mainly staying on the 4. My role got a bit bigger over the years but I mainly give the team some outside shooting with energy and versatility on the defensive end.
The club won cups in your time there and last won the league title in 2019. How big is the desire and hunger to win a league title again? At the moment you are battling Oberwart and Wels for the top spot.
The desire has been very big. Especially after the last few seasons have not really been good at all. With the team we have this year we are confident that we can compete for something great. We already reached the cup finals this year but unfortunately couldn’t close it out. So were working to better ourselves everyday and hopefully go all the way.
The team has been struggling in the ENBL. It lost 2 close games but overall allow too many points. What has been your summary of the ENBL season? Looking at the results only it hasn’t been a good first year in the ENBL. But we took the chance to learn from every of those games and tried to bring the experience to our domestic competition which I think has been working good.
What has it been like being teammates with Serbian veteran Nemanja Krstic? He has been on the team for many years. Has he been like a mentor for you? How has he helped your game most? Playing with Nemo has truly been a great. From pretty much the first practice on he’s always been supporting and pushing me. Due to us playing on the same position we really could go against and push each other in practice. He really helped me a lot to grow as a player with always giving advice, sharing stories from previous seasons and ALWAYS being as energetic and funny as he can be.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 204cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA or Euroleague player who would it be? Maybe someone like Kevin Porter Jr. Shooting, athleticism and defence. He has an edge on handling the basketball tough.
You fill the stat sheet well. Would you classify yourself as a modern day big man? How vital is versatility in your game? Definitely more on the modern big side then classic. I think it really helps me because I don’t feel like I have to rely on only one thing to still have a solid game. So if my shot is off on one day I can try to help the team in another way.
Talk about your defensive game. Would you describe yourself as a 2-way player? What are your biggest strengths on the defensive end? Yes I think 2 way is fitting. My strengths would be my frame and athleticism. Long arms, high jumps and being able to defend multiple positions can help a lot in a game.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? I am just trying to understand the game better everyday. And playing with very experienced and talented guys like Nemo Krstic, Vitalii Zotov, Andrew Jones and more really helps me a lot.
You have played more than 100 BSL games for Kapfenberg. What so far has been your personal favorite game for the club? There have been a lot of games with good memories that makes its hard to choose so Ill say a more recent game like playing Wels in the cup finals which truly felt amazing.
You played for Michael Coffin early in your career and in the last years for many other coaches. Has there been one coach who has had the biggest impact on you so far in your career?
I can´t really pick any single one over everyone else just because I have learned so much from each and every one of them. I am happy to have had some truly amazing coaches in my career.
What was it like being teammates with Austrian Thomas Schreiner? What kind of an impact did he have on you in early years of your pro career? Thomas is just an overall great person and player. He really had quite an impact on me because I was just starting to practice with the pros so it was quite hard to get used to the level of physicality and speed. He always helped in a calm and collected way when others wouldn’t which was very nice to see from a veteran player like him.
You played at the U-20 Euro in 2023 averaging 7.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 58.3%. What memories do you have of that time? How did you in general experience your years with the Austrian youth teams?
I have some good memories. The people on that team were really special. Each and everyone wanted to give all they had. We really showed some good intensity.
What are your goals for the next years? At what level would you like to play one day?
As high as I can go. If that’s the NBA, Euroleague or Austrian Superliga I cannot tell you yet but I really want to live out my potential to the absolute maximum.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Its hard to only pick five but in no particular order:
Brad Greene, Thomas Schreiner, Rudi Williams, Eric McClellan and Vitalii Zotov
Please list your personal Mount Rushmore of 5 best players ever? Dražen Petrovic, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Nikola Jokic and Paul George
Who is your GOAT?
My Father, simply for inspiring me my whole life and keeping me grounded while still showing me who I am and supporting me in everything I choose to do. Talking only basketball tough – Lebron James. Were done with the 90s
Quinton Green (201-G-1998, college: Valpo) is a 27 year old 201cm guard from Columbus, Ohio playing his second professional season and first with HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL). He played his rookie season with Zalakeramia ZTE KK (Hungary-A Division) averaging 6.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 70.0%, 3FGP: 13.8%, FT: 72.7%, left in Dec.’23, later that month moved to UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) averaging 13.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 90.1%. He began his basketball career at Central Ohio Home school and then played at Cedarville University (NCAA2) from 2018-2022 playing a total of 107 games and then added an extra season at Valparaiso University (NCAA) averaging 10.6ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 75.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against German club MBC.
Thanks Quinton for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with the HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?
It´s been a great experience so far here in Kapfenberg! Me and my wife feel like Kapfenberg is a second home for us and the Bulls organization have welcomed us with open arms and have made us feel loved since the beginning. So again the best part of our experience so far has been the Bulls family.
As a guy from Ohio, what has it been like living overseas? What have you learned to appreciate most about the Austrian culture? It´s definitely a culture shock and there are some new and different things here that I’m not fully accustomed to yet. I really appreciate the raw beauty of Austria such as the mountains and rugged terrain.
The organization has won 17 club titles and the last in 2020. Do you feel that urgency of the organization to win again? Yes I sincerely do! I know the team we have this year is special and I believe we will continue on succeeding and shocking people. We came up just short in the Austrian Cup final but I believe everything happens for a reason and I know the lessons from the loss will be instrumental when the Top 6 and playoff rounds come.
What has been your summary of the season. The club is near the top of the BSL standings but struggling in the ENBL. What have been the reasons for the up and down play? While we are struggling in to get wins in the ENBL, the games have given us a bit more of an edge when it comes to playing BSL games. I also think that we have played most of our ENBL games pretty well outside of a couple of minutes here and there. But that´s the beauty of succeeding and failing, we learn from our mistakes and become better.
Your playing a solid second season in the BSL and ENBL. How content have you been with your game? I don´t think I will ever completely be content with my game, there will always be something I can improve on. I am always trying to perfect different aspects of my game and watching film in order to make myself a more complete player.
After a tough start as a rookie last season in Hungary, you came to Austria and played with Graz. The Austrian BSL seems to fit your game. How has your game continued to evolve in Austria? My game hasn’t changed much at all from when I was in Hungary, I just believe that I gained a huge amount of confidence and that has propelled– and will continue to propel me forward in my career.
You played your rookie season with Zalakeramia ZTE KK (Hungary-A Division (Hungary-A Division) averaging 6.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 70.0%, 3FGP: 13.8%, FT: 72.7%, left in Dec.’23, later that month moved to UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) averaging 13.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 90.1%. What do you remember being your wake up call as a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home? Defintely leaving Hungary was a wake up call for me. I knew that I just needed to be confident in all the things I did going forward. In Hungary I was afraid to fail because I wanted to succeed so much and it showed in my play. In Austria, I knew I needed to just start having fun again because that is when I am at my best. Playing free without the fear of failure in my head.
You played in 2 playoff series in Austria as a rookie and scored 36 points in a game with 9 three´s. Was that game against Klosterneuburg the greatest game in your career? At that point in my career it was my greatest game of my career because of the playoff stakes attached to it. No one expected us to beat them and we shocked a lot of people and it was the best feeling.
Let´s talk about your game. Your a 201cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description? Its hard to compare myself to just one player because I watch so much film of so many different guys and try to analyze differences in each of their games and apply it to mine. But someone that I watch a lot of is Wade Baldwin IV in the Euroleague and Devin Booker in the NBA.
You’re a player that can score, rebound and has a great three point shot. What would you classify as your biggest weapon on the court? My biggest weapon is definitely my three point shot but I am quick and try to find advantages in transition after a stop on defense.
How have you seen the development of your three pointer overseas? What steps do you want to make in the next years with your shot? I want to get better at my shot selection at certain times but I also want to be more consistent.
Let´s talk about your defensive game. What kind of a defender would you classify yourself right now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?
I would grade myself as a C+ defensively. I want to be better at controlling my distances when picking up players full court and my foul selection during games.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player? Right now I am working on my situational awareness defensively and working on my pace on offense. Trying to balance those out will give me a more complete game while also being in the weight room and trying to put on a little more weight.
You played at Cedarville University (NCAA2) from 2018-2022 and reached 2 G-Mac finals. How do you remember your time there? Which final was the toughest to digest? The last G-Mac finals we reached was the hardest because it was the second year we lost the final and we knew it was the last time that group would be together on the court in our conference final. It still hurts me to this day.
In your second season, you hit a buzzer beater at half against Findlay, OH, but then had to suffer a buzzer beater to lose the game. How crazy was that game? What memories do you have of that game?
I still remember this game like it was yesterday and it still stings the same. Findlay was a rival and at that point we hadn’t beaten them yet in my career and it usually wasn’t close. But that game I shot well and we had played them great pretty much the entire game. Its funny, I still think it was a shot malfunction but that’s the conspiracy.
You played 4 years with Branden Maughmer who is playing his second season in Germany. Did you guys become brothers there? Yes, that’s my family 100%! He was at my wedding as one of my groomsmen and we still talk everyday!
You had many great games at Cedarville like having a 30 point game in a win over Lynn. What was your fondest moment on the court there? There were a ton of great moments I still think about daily with my time at Cedarville but my fondest memory took place in our locker room during my last year. It was after we lost the G-Mac final and we gathered to watch the Selection Show for the field of the NCAA tournament. We found out we made it for the first time in our school’s history. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it because I truly loved every single person in that locker room.
How valuable was head coach Pat Estepp in your early basketball development? What area of your game did he help you most with?
He was huge in my basketball development and my development as a man! He taught me so many life lessons and I am extremely indebted to him. The area he developed me most was my mental game.
You added a season at Valparaiso University (NCAA) averaging 10.6ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 75.4%. How valuable was Matt Lottich as a coach to help give you that last push at Valpo with your game?
Matt Lottich and Coach Gore were huge in developing me for the pro level at Valpo, although it did not translate to wins I am extremely grateful for those all those guys back at Valpo!
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Connor Tenhove? This is hilarious, most definitely me!
Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? I’ve played against a couple of good guys but the most impressive was Obi Toppin from Dayton University.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Conner Tenhove, Branden Maughmer, Demond Parker, Patrick Bain, and Darius Deaveiro
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Lebron, Kobe, MJ, Steph
Who is your GOAT? Lebron Raymone James is my GOAT.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? They should have just left it alone haha!
Jakorie Smith (198-F, college: Tarleton St.) is a 198cm forward from Mississippi playing his second professional season and first with Snaefell (Iceland-Division I). Last season he played his rookie season overseas with Golden Eagle Ylli (Kosova-Superliga) averaging 6.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 47.1%, 3FGP: 12.5%, FT: 81.3%, and then moved to the Newfoundland Rogues, starting five (BSL) averaging 16.7ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 61.8%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 84.6%. He began his basketball career at Raymond high school and then played 3 years at East Mississippi Community College (JUCO) averaging 15.2ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 73.6%, 13.3ppg, 7.7rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 76.5%, and 17.7ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 84.6%. He then played 2 seasons at Tarleton State University (NCAA) averaging 9.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 74.1% and 15.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 84.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after his monumental 50 point game.
Thanks Jakorie for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on scoring 50 points overseas. That is a mile stone. What does an achievement like that mean to you?
No problem at all. Thanks, It means a lot to reach a milestone like 50 points, Not really for myself but to show young basketball players in my hometown of Utica, Ms and surrounding areas in Hinds County that they can also achieve something like this. For me it’s just being an inspiration to my community.
Was it a bit more difficult to enjoy at the end simply because you lost the game? Yes, I mean anytime you step on the court you want to come out with the victory But my teammates made sure to let me know I could enjoy the milestone. Letting me know that a 50 point game is rare at any level.
Did you have a special feeling going into the game or feel different going into the game? Or was it just another normal day for you? No not really any special feelings. I was just trying to help my team get the victory and before I knew 50 points was on the stat sheet. Shots were going in down the stretch. I felt like I couldn’t miss. I guess you could say that’s the special feeling!
You had some 30 plus point games this season. How do you explain 50 points? That is a big rise in scoring. What did you do differently besides take more shots and be aggressive? I really can’t explain it, it honestly just happened. I did nothing differently. My teammates made plays and found me and I was able to knock the shots down.
How rapidly did you know that you may have a really good scoring night? I didn’t know during the game. I remember telling one of my teammates “man I’m not feeling it tonight during the game”. I was kind of stiff but I guess you can say I ended up feeling it in the 2nd half.
How thankful are you for Juan Luis Navarro? He found you a lot on this night?
Very thankful. Juan is a very smart basketball player and me and him have a great chemistry. He makes the right read and the right plays and I’m just lucky I was the beneficiary of that during the game.
You played 39 minutes. Were you getting a bit tired at the end or were you playing in adrenaline? Yes I mean I got a little winded but of course that’s what I train for. That’s what I practice for. I have to be able to finish the game. My body has to be able to play the whole game if needed.
Did you know in crunch-time that you were close to 50 or was it more a surprise when you got the stat sheet? Not really. I was kind of in a zone and trying to win the game. Took a glance up at the board after the game and saw 50.
What was your favorite own basket of your 50 point performance? All of them, it’s hard to just single out one basket when you have 50 points. All buckets were my favorite, even the free throws!
After netting 50, does the desire and hunger grow to do it again? I mean no not really. I was just trying to do my best to help the team win. If I have to do it again to help the team it’ll definitely happen again.
Did you treat the team to dinner or have to get donuts? No sir, but the guys know I appreciate them in every way! Expressed my gratitude to them over and over after the game ended!
How many congrats did you get? About how many messages did you get on your phone?
I got quite a few. It was a big night for my career and a lot of people congratulated me. Most importantly all of my family called and talked about it.
Rayshawn Mart (190-PG-1998, college: Xavier, LA) is a 27 year old 190cm guard form Louisiana playing his fifth professional season and first in Germany with Pro A team BBC Bayreuth averaging 12,5ppg, 2,6rpg and 4,4apg. Last season he played with Coldmaris BBC Nord Dragonz Eisenstadt (Austria-BSL) averaging 15.2ppg, 4.9rpg, Assists-4 (6.0apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 71.6%. He played the 2023-2024 season with HKK Posusje (Bosnia-Division I) averaging 19.7ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 66.5%. He played his rookie season with Orthodox Bethlehem (Palestine-PBBA). He began his basketball career with Bourqeois high school and then played at Xavier University of Louisiana (NAIA) from 2017-2022 playing a total of 125 NAIA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.
Thanks Rayshawn for talking to germanhoops.com. How blessed do you feel as a pro player. Your playing your fourth pro season and came from an NAIA school. Not only don´t many come overseas from the NAIA, but even less play at high levels like you. Do you thank God every day for having the opportunity to live the dream?
I am very blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love for a living. I thank God everyday, and I think this is a testimony to how far hard work can take you.
After a successful season in Austria, how logical was it making the next step to Germany? Have you been following the German leagues since you came overseas? Germany is very respected for their basketball.
The opportunity to go to Germany was a big influence to me signing to the dragons in Austria. After my year in Bosnia, I had a few options but understanding that playing in Austria can open doors for me in Germany motivated me to commit to Austria and have a successful season. I have been watching German leagues my whole college career and I also have close friends who played there so I would often watch to support them.
2 reasons you signed with BBC Bayreuth was because of the organization and it´s fans. Do you feel like you will be able to grow as a player and man with BBC Bayreuth? Yes I think this will be a monumental year in my career. BBC Bayreuth is a well known and respected organization full of great hardworking people. With my work ethic and drive I think I will thrive in this environment with the opportunities they present. I’m also extremely excited to learn from such a respected organization, so these lessons will shape me to not only be a great player but also a great man.
It has been very popular the last years Americans having a great season in Austria to come and play in Germany. Do you feel like you can make the next step in the Pro A and be an impact player?
I feel like I can win a championship in Pro A this year with BBC Bayreuth. I think I bring a lot of things to the table that make programs win. I am also a very versatile player which gives me the flexibility to do whatever is required of me each game to win, whether it’s for me to score, pass, rebound, or even defend. I think I am strong in all of those categories, and I’m also 100 percent devoted to winning and doing what’s best for the team.
How did the talks go with head coach Florian Wedel? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?
Our conversations went great. I really appreciated his commitment and effort that he already showed in the offseason. He’s already a very smart, and talented coach with much knowledge of the game, so it was impressive and also very appreciated by me to see him still working extremely hard while having those essential skills as a coach.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description? I think a great comparison to my game right now would be a better playmaking version of Anthony Edwards
How big is versatility a staple in your game? You’re a very good volume rebounder for your size? It’s very essential to my game because I have so many ways to get going. Sometimes if I’m a little out of rhythm offensively, I use things like defense to get a steal and score to get me going, or I get a rebound and push in transition to get going. It’s very important for my game because I feel like I’m not limited as a player having many tools and it allows me to play the right way which is winning basketball.
You never averaged more than 2,8apg in the NAIA and 3,9apg in Bosnia, but last season you averaged 6,0apg in Austria. Did you become more of a playmaker in Austria or did you always have playmaking abilities but didn´t have to use them?
Most of my career I was a playmaking point guard, when I got to college I was just needed to score in order for our team to be successful. After my season in Bosnia, I seen that I had a great scoring year leading the league in points but I wasn’t happy with the overall performance from the team so I studied a lot of film during my offseason and figured out things that I could have done better to help us win more. One thing was focus on play making again because my game draws a lot of attention from help defenders which makes that easy to do as long as you are aware.
You have always been a very ambitious defender. How would you classify yourself right now as a defender and where do you still want to take your defensive game to? I think I am a great defender, but I still have a ton of room for improvement. With more focus and effort I think I can defend at the highest level of basketball. With my versatility I think defense can really be my selling point to play at the highest level possible.
On what areas of your game are you working on right now so you can continue to improve your game? I am always working on shooting the ball better, in a variety of situations Like off the dribble, catch and shoot, and also in screen and roll situations. I also been focusing a lot on the mental aspect of the game studying a lot of my playoff films as well as some film from Bayreuth last season as well to just take that next jump mentally to always be a step ahead and comfortable in any situation on the court.
Last season you played with Coldmaris BBC Nord Dragonz Eisenstadt (Austria-BSL) averaging 15.2ppg, 4.9rpg, Assists-4 (6.0apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 71.6%. You reached the final losing to Oberwart. What was so special about this team?
I think the way our team was able to handle adversity, and come together during tough times was very special about this team. We had many games through the playoffs when we had comeback victories and that alone shows the grit, effort, determination, and leadership we had as a team which was essential to making it to the finals. #
In the playoffs you played in 2 really exciting series beating Wels and Gmunden. Which series was the tougher one to win?
I think Wels series was tougher just because they had more offensive fire power than Gmunden. Wels played at a high intensity for the whole game, as well as playing fast and looking for early offense. That made them the tougher opponent due to the runs they were capable of going on if we lost focus for even just a 2 minute spurt of the game.
You had an incredible triple double against Graz. How special will that game always be in your memories?
It was very special to me to see my work come together. What also made it more special was it being against a guy who is from my college town who I got to play against and train with before turning pro. I think it will be high in the ranks as one of my favorite moments but I also think many more games like that will come.
You played your second season overseas with HKK Posusje (Bosnia-Division I) averaging 19.7ppg), 5.8rpg, 3.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 66.5%. How do you remember this season? You wasted no time becoming an elite player in Bosnia. I think this was an important part of my career. I learned a lot about basketball playing in Bosnia. Starting out, I was very talented and relied on being my talent and athleticism, but they taught me how to read the game and use more of my mind to dominate.
You played your first 2 seasons with Orthodox Bethlehem (Palestine-PBBA) and Orthodoxi Beit Sahour (Palestine-PBBA). What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
I was very excited but I also was very nervous as well. Ultimately the nervousness drove me to work very hard and win a championship there.
What memories will you always have of Palestine? What was the coolest experience off the court? Were you invited to some cool parties in palaces? The love that I got from the people there was amazing. I think the coolest experience I had was seeing Jesus birth place in Bethlehem.
You played 5 seasons and 125 games with Xavier University of Louisiana (NAIA). You won 2 GCAC titles in 2020 and 2021. Which title was sweeter?
I think the first one was the sweetest because that year really taught me how to win. It taught me the sacrifice necessary and standard of work required everyday to do that. We also had maybe one of the best teams every at Xavier that year, so it is by far my favorite season there. Practices was a constant battle and we had a group of guys who all were committed to helping the team when their number was called.
You made strides with your game each season and had big seasons in your last 2 seasons. How did your game grow there?
I think at Xavier, I got the opportunity to really get a lot of game experience and I had a big role since I got there as a freshman. That responsibility alone shaped me to be a great player. Originally I chose Xavier due to academics to become a doctor so when basketball started to workout, it made me really well rounded and I felt I had so much time which made it easy to invest in my game when I made the transition to become a pro.
You had many 30 plus points including against Texas College and Tougaloo just to name a few. What was your favorite game in the NAIA?
My favorite game would be the conference Tournament championship game against Tougaloo. Just knowing the adversity that was overcame in that game makes it my favorite. It has a lot to do with the player I am today.
How did head coach Alfred Williams groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Coach Aj is super disciplined and hardworking. All through my college career we practiced 5-6 days out of the week at 5:30 every morning. Having to be on the floor starting our stretches at 5:15 by the latest so that means we had to get to the gym at 5 am. Things like that within his program really helped me value my time more, learn more and prioritize my work properly to be successful on the court and also as a young man.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or TJ Jones? Me, maybe TJ beat me one time after a long day of practice haha.
Who is the toughest player that you ever battled against on the court that reached the NBA? It’s a tie between Mike James and Lamar Peters
Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time? Ed Carter, Will Loyd, Chance Gasery, Aj Rainey, Kevin Johnson
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads? Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Shaq, LeBron James, Steph Curry
Who is your GOAT? Kobe Bryant
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? Yes, I think it was a good film but I also watched it with the expectations of it not having a chance to be better than the first one
Keeshawn Kellman (203-F-2000, college: FGCU) is a 203cm forward from Pennslyvania that has the American Guyana citizenship that is playing his rookie season with easyCredit BBL team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg averaging 6,8ppg and 6,8rpg. He began his basketball career with the Perkiomen school and then played at Princeton (NCAA) from 2019-2022 playing a total of 50 games. He then finished at Florida Gulf Coast University (NCAA) averaging 12.0ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 69.1%, FT: 68.4% and 13.7ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 57.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball last summer.
Congrats Keeshawn on signing with the MHP RiesenLudwigsburg. You’re embarking on your pro career in Germany and your uncle Colin Stuart was a professional cricket player in the West Indies. Have you ever tried the sport and could you be good at it? I’ve never played the sport but it looks fun. I’ve seen clips of my Uncle playing and I’ve also watched the game a little bit because my Dad is a cricket fan. Maybe I could be a good fast bowler because of my height and build.
How excited are you to start your pro career in Germany? What are you looking forward to most?
I am definitely very excited to begin my pro journey this coming season in Germany. I am looking forward to meeting my coaches, teammates and the entire Ludwigsburg community when I get there and then getting to work and winning with my guys.
What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? You come from Allentown which is known for having a German population. How has Germany affected you over the years? After I was given the opportunity to play in Germany, I heard of and looked into the country’s impact on Allentown. I learnt that it was prevalent in a few ways, as Allentown does celebrate Oktoberfest pretty hard and there are plenty of rural parts that have similarities to Germany. I also know about the extensive soccer culture in Germany and how popular basketball has become.
You have had teammates over the years that have balled in Germany. Did you get any advice from some, like maybe a Ryan Schwieger or Richmond Aririguzoh? Yes I’ve been in contact with both of them over the years and gained valuable information about their experiences overseas and specifically in Germany. They both relayed how enjoyable playing in Germany has been for them *and that made my decision to come play here even easier.* They have given me advice on how to conduct myself as a professional and how to adjust to German culture coming from America.
The MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg are a very ambitious organization that has a winning culture. What were the main reasons for joining them?
The biggest thing that attracted me to Ludwigsburg was the winning culture that you brought up. I want to be a part of a team that is hardworking, prides themselves on playing hard and is well known for their defense and I know that Ludwigsburg has historically played with that edge being known as a team that plays hard game in and game out.
How did the talks go with head coach Mikko Riipinen. What did you appreciate most about his basket philosophy? Our conversations went well. He was very transparent about his vision for the team, how he coaches, how he wants to play, and how he sees me fitting in. I like that he prides himself on the defensive end and playing an offensive system that utilizes everyone on the court for a balanced attack.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description? I would say guys like Bam Adebayo in terms of his defensive versatility, Jalen Duren, Kenneth Faired when he was with the Nuggets, and Montrezl Harrell. Guys who may be a bit undersized at the 5 but play with a high motor and play bigger than they are.
You can score and rebound on offense and block shots on defense. Would you call yourself already a 2-way player, or are you getting there? Yes, I would consider myself to be a two-way player. I feel like I can impact the game offensively in multiple ways, and I really pride myself on playing defense.
You’re a guy also that gives a lot of power and energy. What other strengths does your offensive game possess? One thing I am passionate about is getting offensive rebounds. I pride myself on getting my team extra possessions. I am also able to use my athleticism to be a lob threat and to play in the dunker spot. In addition, I have a good touch around the basket with both hands with different finishes.
You only took 22 three’s in 5 years in the NCAA. Is the three a part of your game that you want to develop more? Yes, absolutely, it’s a skill that I’ve been working on consistently the past few years. I know that when I can consistently hit threes, it would not only open up my game, but it would also open up the entire team’s offense once I become a threat
You’re a very strong defender. What kind of a defender are you now coming overseas and where would you like to be as a defender in 3 years?
I feel that defense is one of my strong suits and that I am multifaceted at that end. I’m a good rim protector for a big my size where I can contest and block shots at the basket. I can guard in the post and force bigs into tough shots. I am also comfortable guarding screens in multiple ways, from drop, to hard hedge, to blitzing. I have gotten better at switching onto guards and staying in front, that’s a skill I want to improve on for sure over the next 3 years, along with using my hands better to get more steals/deflections.
On what areas of your game are you working on most this summer so you can be best prepared for your rookie season? My conditioning has been my biggest focus this offseason. I know the pace at which the Bundesliga plays and how much more intense the pro game is from the college game, so just trying to be ready for that. Skill-wise, I’ve been working on my overall game, just trying to get better at multiple skills to be more versatile.
You played 3 years at Princeton University. You improved your scoring season stats every season. How did your game grow there under Mitch Henderson?
I was a reserve and I got injured my 1st year, we didn’t have a season my 2nd year because of covid, and I was injured for the majority of my 3rd year. I only really played consistently my senior year there. Being around other very talented players yearly where I got the chance to go against them in practice daily and to play with them in my final year there helped me improve my game for sure.
In your last season at Princeton, you had some big games against Dartmouth and beat Arizona at March madness. What was your most memorable personal game there? I’ve definitely had a few memorable games my last year there. My first game that year against Hofstra was definitely fun, I went 9/9 from the field with a few dunks. In the Ivy League playoff semifinals against our sworn rivals Penn, I made a few key plays coming onto the end of the game including a couple of blocks, a few timely offensive rebounds thru traffic and took a charge that helped us seal the game.
What memories will you always have from March Madness. You had big wins against Arizona and Missouri, but then lost to Creighton.
Our success in March Madness was definitely the most exciting part of my career thus far. I have a few lasting memories from those games. I remember getting a block on their big early on that swung the momentum for us and doing so again in the 2nd half. I also had a putback dunk late in the game that gave us even more momentum to get the win. Against Missouri I had a 3 possession stretch where I had a dunk, made a vertical contest that forced a turnover, then came down and dunked it again. Then, early in the 2nd half, I got a nice block, then came down and got another dunk.
How enriching was the whole Ivy league experience? How do you think did those 3 years help you mature best as a man?
It was definitely an adjustment for me when I first got to Princeton in every way. From the basketball, to the academics to the overall Ivy League lifestyle. I had a pretty large learning curve but I feel that everything that I experienced over my 4 years at Princeton helped me make large strides on who I am today and I definitely grew a lot from it. I am thankful for everything I’ve experienced during my time there, all of the challenging times that tested me and all of the good times that I enjoyed.
You then played 2 seasons at Florida Gulf Coast University (NCAA) averaging 12.0ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 69.1%, FT: 68.4% and 13.7ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 57.7% You had so many memorable games like against UNF and Stetson. What was your most memorable game with FGCU?
I definitely had a lot of games over the 2 years at FGCU that stuck with me, but my most memorable was probably a game against Queens at home this past year. I would say that they were our rivals, and we were very geared up from that game. I came out aggressive the entire first half, and we were all clicking on both sides of the ball. I might’ve had games with better stats, but that game will always stick to me because of everything involved leading up to it.
How did head coach Patrick Chambers groom and prepare you best for a pro career?
His overall belief in me and the amount of confidence he instilled in me no matter how things were going has definitely helped me prepare to be a pro. He always asked me what I saw on the court and asked for my input, which made me really think of the game more than I ever did. He also had me involved in a lot of concepts on both ends that were foreign to me before getting to FGCU that are used in the professional ranks.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Zach Anderson?
We never actually played 1 on 1, but he is a very skillful player, and I know that it would’ve been a great game either way.
Who is the best player that you ever battled that reached the NBA?
I played against Tyrese Martin in HS as we are both from Allentown. I also played against Precious Achiwa in AAU, and I’ve played the likes of Kel-el Ware and Bub Carrington while I was at FGCU.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
It’s hard to narrow it down to 5 players but since I have to I’ll have to name 5 in no particular order: Tosan Evbuomwan, Dallion Johnson, Ryan Schweiger, Richmond Aririguzoh, and Jaelin Llewelyn
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of your best 5 players of all-time? LeBron James Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Shaquille O’Neal Kevin Durant
Who is your GOAT? LeBron James, I didn’t get the chance to grow up watching Michael Jordan, so I am biased towards LeBron.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I never got the chance to see the sequel actually, I might have to watch it.
Hugo Benitez (192-PG-2001) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from France playing his first season with BAXI Manresa (Spain-Liga ACB). Previously he played his whole career in his homeland with JL Bourg en Bresse (Betclic ELITE ProA). He played 184 Pro A games with JL Bourg en Bresse (Betclic ELITE ProA). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Hamburg Towers.
Thanks Hugo for talking to germanhoops.com. You have a Spanish name, but are France. Do people ask you often about being a Frenchman that has that typical Spanish name? Do you get that a lot.
Hello ! Yes my grand fathers from my father’s side were Spanish, and I was born in Perpignan, a city located at 20 minutes from Spain, so people think I speak Spanish but not yet, I will learn
After playing your whole career in your home land France, you now are playing your first season in Spain. Was it difficult leaving your comfort zone of France? I think it was the good decision for me, it was time to experience a new challenge and it was always my goal to play in ACB
Your playing your first season with BAXI Manresa (Spain-Liga ACB). What kind of an experience has it been for you and what have you enjoyed most about it? It’s a new atmosphere for me, a new challenge, I learn a lot everyday and this is why I wanted to play for Manresa
What kind of an adjustment has it been for you coming from France Pro A to the ACB? How is the ACB different in style and play to the Pro A? The biggest adjustment is the pace that we play with, and the fact that the ref don’t touch the ball when there is a violation
How valuable has 35 year old Daniel Perez been for you? Is he like a mentor for you this season? How has he helped your game most? Dani helps me a lot, he knows the league very well and the philosophy of the coach so he gives me a lot of advice.
What has it been like playing for Diego Ocampo? He is a hard coach but fair. How have you experienced him so far? I learn a lot, yes practices are hard and you have to be very focused all the time so for sure you improve
Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 192cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA or Euroleague player who would best fit the description? I can’t compare my game with one player, just try to watch and learn a lot of player to be the best version of myself
Is it fair to say that you are a pass first point guard? What is your biggest strength on the court? My first goal is to make the team play well but I work to be better in every aspect of the game to be a complete player
You have been a very good 3 point shooter the last years. How would you describe your three pointer now and what kind of a shooter do you still want to become? I think this one of the aspect I have to work a lot on because I went to be a real threat with the 3 point shot.
What kind of a defender are you now and how do you believe will the ACB league help your defensive game most? I think I’m a good defender thanks to my height for a point guard but I have to be better to guard the best point guard in ACB and Europe
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
My shot.
You played your whole career before Manresa with JL Bourg Basket. Did you have a mentor in your early years? And if yes how did he help you most with your game? I played with a lot of experience points guard like Jamar Wilson, Zeko Wright or Alex Julien who help me a lot
You played with the French FIBA 3×3 U18 team. What memories do you have of those days and how did that style of play help your regular game most? It was a really fun experience despite losing in the final, in 3×3 you play with a lot of freedom and you have to play with instinct
How enriching was that first Pro A season for you in 2019-2020. You were teammates with a list of incredible veterans like Zach Peacock, Jackie Carmichael, Jamar Wilson, Zach Wright and Chris Johnson. How valuable was it for you having so many veterans like them beside you? For my first year I played with a lot of experienced players so it helped me to do a quick transition from the youth team as a pro
In the 2020-2021 season you played your second season together with point guard Zach Wright. How important was he for your early development as a point guard?
Zeko was a hard worker so he showed me how to be a professional and he came everyday with smile on his face, it was a pleasure to play with him
In 2021-2022 you were teammates with 2 time NBA champion Norris Cole? What was it like playing behind him? Did he tell any Lebron James stories?
That’s was a little bit strange to play with him because I was used to watching him on TV during NBA finals. He helped me and gave me a lot of advice especially defensively
In the 2023-2024, you experienced the farewell season of Earl Rowland who was 41 years old. He had seen it all. What memories will you always have of him? I’m sure you were able to add something from his experience to your game. EJ was like a big brother for me, very very nice guy and like Zeko Wright always happy and ready to work and helped me and he told me a lot of stories because he had big experience
Last season you were teammates with Brandon Paul. What kind of an impression did he give you? What was the most important thing that you could pick up from his presence? Brandon and I were the captains of the team before he left to Chalon, very funny guy and very professional guy, he knows a lot about basketball because he played in Europe but in NBA too, was very fun to have played with him
In the 2023-2024 season you reached the Eurocup final. What memories do you have of that final series against Paris? Was TJ Shorts the difference? It was a crazy run, unfortunately we lost in finals but Paris was a better team, that’s was a big thing for the club to reach the finals
You played a tough 4 game semi final series against Monaco. How tough was it defending against a guy like Mike James? What makes it most difficult to slow him down? Monaco it’s a tough team to play against because they have so many talent, on a playoffs series it’s very hard to win, Mike James is one of the best players in Europe and you know he can create his own shoot when he wants, you just try to disturb him
You played so many games with Bourg. What was your favorite game in the last years? It’s to hard to pick one game so I will say all the playoffs games we played at home with the big atmosphere
You have been part of the French national team. How is the state of France basketball now? How does the future look with young guys coming up and do you see yourself finally playing at a Euro or World cup?
France has a lot of talent so I think the future of the national team is bright, for sure I would like to play big competition but I know there is a lot of good players, so we will see in the future
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the France Pro A that reached the NBA?
Easy Wemby
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
My five favorite teammates are : Elian Benitez, my brother who played in second division in France Johan Randriamananjara, my best friend who play in third division in France Pierre Pelos who plays for Gran Canaria Bodian Massa who plays for Asvel Kevin Kokila who play for JL Bourg
Please list your personal France Mount Rushmore (5 best players of all-time)?
I choose : Tony Parker Wemby Boris Diaw Batum De colo
Who is your GOAT?
My favorite player has always been Ricky Rubio, I love how he plays the game
German Hoops 