Denzel Johnson is a 190cm guard from Fresno, California playing his second professional season and first with TVI Basketball SWAP Ballers Ibbenbueren (Germany-Regionalliga). Last season as a rookie he played with Nature Nardo (Italy-Serie C Silver). He played at Santa Clara from 2011-2015 playing a total of 109 games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 8.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.3%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 74.5%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Denzel, thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. How good is basketball life for you at the moment? When you came to the losing team Ibbenbueren, did you ever think that te club could have such a big turnaround?

First I want to thank Eurobasket for taking the time to speak with me. My time here in Germany has been nothing short of amazing! When I got here my team was struggling and was towards the bottom of the league. It was made very clear that they wanted to change that by signing me and that confidence they showed in me was everything I needed to come here and make a difference. I was not surprised at all by our success because I came ready to make an immediate difference.

One could say that you have been the difference going from 2-7 to 12-2. Does the club and fans feel like you have been the savior? I am quite sure you will say that it has been a team effort since you arrived.

My arrival has seemed to allow everyone on the team to elevate their game to another level. But yes the fans here have been very vocal about their infatuation with me. Also the other coaches in the league always seemed to express their recognition of the difference I have made here, which surprised me because that was usually after we just kicked their butts. (more…)