Kirchheim Knights

Corban Collins Hopes He Put His Name Out There As A Rookie In Germany

lokal Corban Collins is a 23 year old 190cm guard from North Carolina that completed his rookie season in Germany with the Kirchheim Knights were he played 30 games averaging 17,1ppg, 4,6rpg and 3,9apg and 1,3spg. He played a total of 118 NCAA games with LSU, Morehead State and Alabama from 2012-2017. In his senior year with Alabama he played 32 games averaging 7.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 35.7%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 65.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball after the season ended.

Corban thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and did you explore a bit in Europe before returning back home after playing your rookie season with the Kirchheim Knights?

No problem at all! I’m currently in North Carolina, no I didn’t explore any or Europe. I just got home yesterday.

How tough was it being overseas and away from home as a rookie? What was the first thing you did when you arrived home besides seeing family and friends? Did you scope out one of your favorite eateries?

It wasn’t as tough as I thought it was going to be, being away from home. I think I got used to being away from my family in college being so far away and at different schools. First I did when I got back was go to Chick-Fila.

How tough was it for you and the Kirchheim Knights to play a solid season, but land in 9^th place missing the playoffs? Did it take a while to digest?

It was really tough to not make the playoffs. It took me a long time to digest the fact that we weren’t making the playoffs. We felt like we played a good season, we just came up short

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Seth Hinrichs (With More Experience Comes Better Understanding Of Different Offensive And Defensive Strategies)

Seth Hinrichs is a 24 year old 203cm guard from Clara City, Minnesota that completed his second professional season in the German Pro A with the Kirchheim Knights averaging 11,6ppg, 6,1rpg and 2,7apg. Last season as a rookie he played for FC Porto (Portugal-LPB): 20 games: 8.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 20.7%, FT: 79.1%; FIBA Europe Cup: 6 games: 6.7ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 64.7%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 83.3%. He played at Lafayette (NCAA) from 2011-2015 graduating from Lafayette as the all-time leader in 3PG % in Patriot League history. As a senior he played 32 games averaging 12.9ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 83.1%. He spoke to German Hoops at the conclusion of the season.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Seth Hinrichs, Nick Washburn and Brad Tinsely of FC Porto after a Fiba Europe Cup game in 2015 in Frankfurt against the Fraport Skyliners

Seth thanks for talking to German Hoops. 2004 Fiba Europe Cup winner MBC swept the Kirchheim Knights. How big is the disappointment and how long will it take to digest it?

It’s definitely disappointing. Every year I want to be playing for a championship and we came up short this year. It’ll take some time before it really sinks in.

MBC swept Kirchheim in the regular season and won the playoff series averaging winning by 22 points per game and averaged 94 points per game. Was MBC simply too good for Kirchheim this season?

MBC was solid from top to bottom and they executed their plan on offense and defense so well. Every weakness we had was exposed so give them credit they’re a great team.

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Seth Hinrichs (Kirchheim Knights) Playing A Full 24 Seconds Will Need To Be Our Focus Moving Forward

Seth Hinrichs is a 23 year old 203cm guard from Clara City, Minnesota that is playing his second professional season in the German Pro A with the Kirchheim Knights. Last season as a rookie he played for FC Porto (Portugal-LPB): 20 games: 8.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 20.7%, FT: 79.1%; FIBA Europe Cup: 6 games: 6.7ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 64.7%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 83.3%. He played at Lafayette (NCAA) from 2011-2015 graduating from Lafayette as the all-time leader in 3PG % in Patriot League history. As a senior he played 32 games averaging 12.9ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 83.1%. He spoke to German Hoops after the incredible 93-90 OT win against Gotha.

Seth welcome back. You were out for a month and now are back. Was that the most basketball time that you had missed since your injury as a junior at Lafayette(NCAA)?

Thanks Miles I appreciate that it’s good to be back. I actually broke my foot last year and missed the last three months of the season unfortunately.

How tough was it not playing and missing three games? One could be mean and say the team didn´t need you in the three game winning streak, but seriously how proud are you of the team continuing to win despite your absence?

It was tough to miss those games but I was glad we were winning. It would’ve been a lot worse had we lost those games. We had a rough stretch in December losing all four games so it’s nice to be back on a winning streak and be back out there playing.

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Preston Medlin (Kirchheim Knights) We Were Running Up And Down The Court Like Mad Men

Preston Medlin is a 25 year old 193cm guard that is playing his third professional season and first with the Kirchheim Knights in the German Pro A. He started his basketball career in 2009 with Utah St. (NCAA) where he played until 2014 playinga total of 102 NCAA games. As a senior he played 32 games averaging 12.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 41.1%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 78.0%. He started his professional basketball career in 2014 with BK Saldus (Latvia-LBL): 29 games: Score-4(14.7ppg), 3.1rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 75.8%. Last season he had limited duty with Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas (Greece-A1): 3 games: 3.7ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.3apg. German Hoops talked to Preston after the big win against the Hamburg Towers.

Preston thanks for talking to German Hoops. 2017 has come and did you make any new years resolutions or is that something that you don´t bother with?

No problem thanks for interviewing me. My wife and I always make little new years resolutions together but never anything to crazy, Just the normal stuff like eating better and being healthy.

The Kirchheim Knights went into 2017 riding a 4 game losing streak. What do you believe did the team get away from in this period that hindered you from getting victories?

That was a tough stretch for us, part of it was we played 4 playoff teams and 3 of the 4 games on the road. I think we got away from playing team basketball and got a little selfish. Also I think it was good for us to lose a few games (I am not sure it was good to lose 4 but) I think we were getting a little complacent and not working as hard as were should be.

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Preston Medlin(Kirchheim Knights) We Might Not Have The Deepest Rotation But When We Need Guys To Step Up They Have

Preston thanks for talking to German Hoops. You came into the game with Trier with a 11-1 record and had won 8 times. As a professional basketball player does a time come when one has won a lot that you just think it will go on and on?

Going into the Trier game we felt like we were rolling and nothing could touch us and we got a reality check, which I think in the long run, will be good for us.

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Prince Obasi (I Know My Game Is Perfect For Europe)

Prince Obasi is a 25 year old 193cm point guard from Reseda, California that has been a professional basketball player since 205. He started his basketball career with Saddleback CC (JUCO). Then he moved to Seattle (NCAA) and as a senior played 29 games averaging 8.2ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 55.3%. He started his professional career in 2015 with Patriotas de Tunja (Colombia-Liga DirecTV) playing 24 games averaging 11.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 70.4%; Liga Americas: 3 games: 10.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 23.5%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 50.0%. He also played with Bucaros de Bucaramanga (Colombia-Liga DirecTV) Liga DirecTV-1) playing 35 games averaging 9.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 28.7%, FT: 67.2%. He started this season with a try-out with German pro A team Kirchheim Knights, but left. He spoke to German Hoops about his basketball career.

Prince thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how have you been keeping busy since your Kirchheim experience?

I am in Irvine, California and I have been trying to contact different teams in order to get signed again. Even tried out for Ludwigsburg 2^nd team but they didn’t sign me.

How tough was accepting the fact that the Kirchheim Knights and Prince Obasi had to go separate ways?

It was very tough because I know how good I am and believed I could do great in the league plus help the team receive the playoffs once again.

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Seth Hinrichs(Kirchheim Knights) I Think The Pro A Style Fits My Game And I Think Coach Mai’s Overall Scheme Fits My Game

Seth thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. You had a try-out with BBL team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg, but landed with Kirchheim. What has been most appealing to you about the club since you joined?

I really like the coaches and my teammates. We have a good, talented group of guys and have the potential to do really well this year.

Was it difficult for you to accept the fact that the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg didn´t need you? Your now in a league lower. How do you as a professional player handle this kind of rejection?

I was definitely disappointed but I realize it is a part of playing basketball professionally. I am very appreciative for the opportunity that Coach Patrick gave me and for the people I was able to meet at Ludwigsburg. I think playing in the Pro A is a great opportunity and now my focus is to improve as a player so that one day I can reach the BBL level or higher.

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Bryan Smithson (I Always Hang My Hat On My Ability To Lead On And Off The Court)

Bryan Smithson is a 31 year old 185cm point guard from Kennesaw,Georgia that completed his third season in Germany and first with the MPL Academics Heidelberg playing 28 games averaging 12.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.7apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 83.1%. He started his basketball career at Middle Tennessee St. (NCAA) in 2003 where he played two seasons. He then moved to NC-Asheville (NCAA) where he finished his college career and as a senior played 29 games: 16.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3Pts: 41.1%, FT: 83.5%. He played two seasons for the Kirchheim Knights in the German Pro A where he was top 5 in assists in the league the last two seasons. He spoke to German Hoops about his basketball future.

Bryan thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

Hey Miles, it is always a pleasure talking with you. I am currently at my home just outside of Atlanta, Ga. I have been enjoying the summer and spending time with my family.

It is September and most teams are filled and your still without a team. How surprised are you that you are still unsigned?

I am a bit surprised that I am still available on the market as most players would be. Obviously, I am excited to get started with my future team.

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Preston Medlin (Kirchheim Knights)Every Time I Step On The Court I Have Something To Prove But This Year I Might Have A Little More To Prove

Preston Medlin is a 25 year old 193cm guard that will be starting his third professional season and first with the Kirchheim Knights in the German Pro A. He started his basketball career in 2009 with Utah St. (NCAA) where he played until 2014 playinga total of 102 NCAA games. As a senior he played 32 games averaging 12.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 41.1%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 78.0%. He started his professional basketball career in 2014 with BK Saldus (Latvia-LBL): 29 games: Score-4(14.7ppg), 3.1rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 75.8%. Last season he had limited duty with Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas (Greece-A1): 3 games: 3.7ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.3apg. German Hoops talked to Preston about basketball.

. Congrats on signing with German Pro A team Kirchheim Knights. After a strong rookie season in Latvia, you had your second season cut short in Greece. How much do you feel as if your still coming out of your rookie season now and looking to make a new step in Germany.

Thanks for welcoming me to Germany, I am very excited to get to Kirchheim and experience German culture. Even though my season was cut short in Greece I still feel that I was able to work hard and still get better as a player so I feel that I have improved my game even though I didn’t get a whole season in.

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Richard Williams (I Want To Win A Championship This Season)

Richard Williams is a 28 year old 178cm guard that completed his first season with the Kirchheim Knights averaging 15,5ppg, 4,2apg and 8,0rpg. He recently played for the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL): EuroChallenge: 2 games: 9.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 6.5apg, 2.0spg; German BBL: 9 games: 8.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 40.6%, 3FGP: 48.0%, FT: 70.6%, in Jan.’15 moved to SC Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA): 12 games: 4.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg. He is a very fast guard that can play either one or two. Great at pushing the break. Can score by shooting the three or using his explosiveness to beat his man. Gets to the basket and scores in traffic. A specialist in steals that uses his quickness to intimidate on defense. Great ball control. Gets the whole team involved when playing the point but can takeover a game at any time. He started his basketball career at San Diego St. (NCAA) in 2005 where he played until 2009. In his senior year he played 36 games: 7.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3Pts: 37.5%, FT: 64.2%. In 2009-2010, he started his professional basketball career for The San Diego Surf (ABA), in Jan.’10 moved to FSU Selfoss (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 8 games: 27.5ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.4apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 72.7%. In 2011-2012, he played for UBC Hannover Tigers (Germany-ProB) 33 games: 18.3ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-4(5.7apg), Steals-2(3.2spg), FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 75.8%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for SC Rasta Vechta playing 38 games: 15.6ppg, 5.2rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), Steals-1(2.5spg), FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 79.9%. In the 2013-2014 season for Vechta he played 34 games: 14.6ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.4apg, Steals-3(1.9spg), FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 82.7%. He spoke to German Hoops at the end of the season.

Richie thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

My summer has been going well so far. I’m back home in San Diego enjoying the company of friends and family before I get back to work.

Your season ended in April. Has the time from then until now felt like an eternity or has the time away from games flown by?

The time away has flown by. I’ve been constantly moving since I’ve been home trying to catch up with people I haven’t seen in the past year.

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