Marcus Graves (185-G-1996, college: Sacramento St.) is a 28 year old 185cm point guard that was born in San Diego that is playing his 6th professional season and second overseas with the VET-CONCEPT Gladiators Trier (Germany-ProA). He began his basketball career with Independence High School and also played at Westview High School. He then played 3 seasons with Sacramento State University and as a senior averaged 17.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 5.4apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 79.2%. He played his first 4 pro seasons in the G-League with the Stockton Kings, Salt Lakke City Stars, Wisconsin Herd and G-League Ignite. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I’m currently playing in Trier, Germany and hoop life is great, just enjoying the vibes.

Your playing your sixth professional season and second overseas with the VET-CONCEPT Gladiators Trier (Germany-ProA). Could one say that Trier has become your second home?

Trier has been great to me and my family and we have enjoyed our 2 years here

What have you enjoyed most about the city Trier and the Gladiators organization?

It’s a beautiful city and just seeing my daughter grow up every day and enjoy life has been most enjoyable for me.

How big is the desire to move back to the BBL after so many years in the Pro A?

That’s the goal, been our goal since last June and that’s all we have been focused on

How tough was losing that series to Frankfurt last season? Trier had that series in their own hands. Could one say that the team choked?

It was tough for sure especially me not being able to play at all in the playoffs because I was hurt. I wouldn’t say we choked I think you just got to give credit to Frankfurt. They were the better team for five games. But we definitely haven’t forgot that feeling.

The team was packed last season with talent as well as this season. Is this years version stronger than last season´s?

I think we are a lot deeper of a team this year. We have a lot of the same guys and adding the guys we did is only going to benefit us in the playoffs.

A big strength is the offensive power that the team has. How big of a goal is it to improve as a team every day on the defensive end?

That is really our main focus. We know we are going to score points. We have so many threats on that end and we understand that to get what we want out of this season that defense has to be the focus.

Your now playing your second season with Behnam Yakhchali. Is he the most versatile shooting guard in the Pro A?

B is unbelievable, the work ethic, the mindset, he is probably one of the best players and people I’ve been around.

How enjoyable has it been playing with Jordan Roland? How do you guys compliment each other best?

Jordan has been great, super genuine guy. When he came to our team we were kind of in a weird spot with losses, injuries and stuff and he kind of brought a spark to our team that’s rejuvenated us. We play really well off each other.

What has it been like being teammates with beast Maik Zirbes? Is he the ultimate leader on the club?

I love playing with guys who have so much experience like Maik, it’s just a great opportunity to hear their journeys and learn and get better in so many ways. He’s been a great leader for us.

How tough was it losing JJ Mann. Is he the difference between first and second place this season?

It was super tough losing JJ, not only as a basketball player but just his personality and competitiveness daily. It’s tough to say what could’ve been but this is our journey and I think it’s been a successful season so far.

Everybody gives 180% on the team, but which player is the unsung hero this season?

I think of guys like Nolan Adekunle, Marco Hollersbacher and Evans Rapieque. Guys who have just given their all to the role they are in and and been so selfless to our team.

Your playing 1 less minute than last season and your scoring and assists are down a bit. Has your role changed or just too much guard power?

Like I said i think we are just a deeper team and have so many guys that can score and make things happen. One thing that makes our team so difficult to guard is that you can’t really take away 1 or 2 players because we have 8-9 more guys waiting for their opportunity.

You had a bit of a lull in 4 games in March. How confident are you that your total A game will come before and in the playoffs?

I’m always confident in myself. Stats may call it a lull but also sometimes on our team it’s just not your night and you have to do other things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice, you or Jordan Roland?

Great great great question. You will have to ask Jordan that!

Thanks Marcus for the chat.