Kevin McClain (190-G-1996, college: Belmont) is a 27 year old 190cm point guard from Florida playing his 5th pro season and third in Germany and first with the Giessen. Last season he helped the Frankfurt Skyliners move back to the easyCredit BBL averaging 7.4ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 68.8%. He played his rookie season with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and played 2 seasons with FOS Provence Basket (France-ProB) averaging 15.5ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-4 (1.9spg), FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 77.9% and 11.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 66.7%. He began his basketball career at Hamilton County High school and then played at Belmont University (NCAA) fom 2015-2019 playing a total of 125 games and as a senior averaged 16.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 70.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.comafter the big 98-74 win against Bayreuth.

Thanks Kevin for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the big 98-74 win over Bayreuth. How vital was getting back on the winning track after losing to Munster 91-90?

It’s always vital to get back on track with a win after a tough loss. But after only practicing once, our chemistry was good and will only get better

After winning the first quarter 18-14, Giessen exploded for 34 points in the second quarter and took over the game. What did head coach Frenki give for instructions going into the second quarter?

He told us to keep control of the game, and play smart, and use our fouls smartly.

Giessen began on a 10-0 run and overall in that quarter got 11 points from Simon Krajcovic. How vital is his game for the team?

He’s very important, he’s an experienced guard and does well with controlling the game and offense. He’s been a lot of help for me

Mladen Vujic also gave great support from the bench especially in the second quarter. What do you appreciate most about his game?

He’s very important for us. I like the intensity he brings, rebounding and defense. He’s also a force on the offensive end of the court

You led 74-53 after 30 minutes. Obviously the big second quarter allowed Giessen to have a nice cushion, but what did you feel was the biggest strength defensively on this day?

Not letting up on defense, we took it personally on ourselves just to play good defense even while we were up on the scoreboard.

Giessen did a great job taking care of the ball and shooting. But it got only 10 free throws and lost the rebound battle. Are these 2 areas that need to be improved most or are there others?

I’m not sure what it said on paper, but those type of things change every game, so I’m not sure especially after playing only 2 games.

What has it been like playing with Robin Benzing? He is a German basketball legend. Is he a type of player where even a guard like you can learn something from?

It’s been great playing with him, and it doesn’t matter what position you play, you can definitely learn from someone with his experience. He’s helped me the first 1 day I got here and yeah whenever he gives me advice I listen.

What has it been like being teammates with Kyle Catlin? He like you knows how to light it up?

He’s a great teammate, I like all my teammates and they have excepted me with open arms which was cool. But he’s a great shooter and I’m always looking for him when I break down the defense, and I also like that he plays hard on both sides of the floor offense and defense!

You are back in Germany. Has Giessen been like a culture shock in comparison to being in Frankfurt last season?

No not really, my town in Jennings Florida has like 1000 people so GIeßen and most places are pretty big places to me.

What have you appreciated most about the Giessen organization? It has a lot of tradition and great home fans.

I’ve only been here a week and a half but I like how they’ve accepted me so far!

What is it like being teammates with Aiden Warnholtz? What kind of a relationship did you have with him in Frankfurt.

I like being teammates with Aiden, I was sad he was hurt because I signed thinking he just had a minor injury. But Aiden is a great teammate, he works hard and is funny once you get to know him! I look forward to moving up another team with him.

What exactly is your role with Giessen. In Frankfurt you came from the bench and in Giessen start. I always saw you more as a starter.

I was injured for 2 years and Frankfurt was my first time being back so maybe it was a good thing I didn’t start because I don’t know if I could have withstood a lot of minutes. I’m healthy now and my role is to play offense, defense, and win games.

What is your goal with Giessen? You obviously want to help the team win, but also have good stats. Doesn´t a guy like you belong in the easyCredit BBL?

The goal is to get them back in the BBL, and yea I think I belong in the BBL and any first league, sadly some teams passed up on me but I think I just have to prove I’m healthy again and that’s what I’m focused on now.

What kind of a development do you want to make this season in the Pro A? You have a versatile game and can do so much.

I’m focused on controlling my pace and getting to my spots more, when I was younger I used my athleticism a lot and athleticism can become a one trick pony. Just playing with more IQ.

You helped Frankfurt move back up to the easyCredit BBL. Was there no talks of remaining for the BBL season?

There were some words but no real discussion.

Will you take the 45 minute trek to Frankfurt this season to watch a game?

Yeah for sure, my old teammates Booker, David, and Bruno are still there so for sure

Do you feel like the Frankfurt Skyliners will remain in the BBL?

Why not, that’s not really for me to predict

Who would win a 1-1 you or Mr energy Booker Coplin?

I would say me but I’m sure he would say the same.

Thanks Kevin for the chat.