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Chase Forte Can Impact The Game At Both Ends And Is That Defensive Stopper That The EPG Baskets Koblenz Need

Chase Forte (193-G-2001, college: Boston Coll.) is a 25 year old 193cm guard from Raleigh, North Carolina playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with Pro A team EPG Baskets Koblenz. He began his basketball career with Word Of God Christian Academy. He then played at 5 schools in JUCO and NCAA. He began with the University of North Carolina – Asheville (NCAA) and then played 2 years at the Gulf Coast State College (JUCO) averaging 13.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 54.1% and 20.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.8apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 61.4%. He then added a season with Northwestern State University (NCAA) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 53.7%, then played a season at the University of South Dakota (NCAA) averaging 17.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 65.2% and finished at Boston College (NCAA) averaging 6.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 59.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Chase for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome to the EPG Baskets. After a 5 team career in JUCO and NCAA, how blessed to call yourself a pro player?

I’m extremely blessed to be in this position to call myself a pro. As a kid I’ve always wanted to be at this level, so I’m proud to have finally reached this level.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?


I know Germany is a great country with a lot of history and culture. I know basketball is growing there and the competition is good. I’m excited to be there, learn more about the country, and be part of German basketball.

Have you had any ex teammates or opponents or friends play in Germany the last years?


Yes, I have a friend who played in Germany. I grew up and played AAU basketball with DJ Horne, and he played for MLP Academics Heidelberg last season. I’ve heard good things about Germany and the basketball there, and I’m excited to experience it for myself.

What were the main reasons for joining the EPG Baskets Koblenz? What was most enticing for you to join with this club?


The main reasons I chose EPG Baskets Koblenz were the opportunity to grow as a player, compete at a high level, and be part of a team with big goals. I liked the vision of the club and the way they believe in me. I’m excited to come in, work hard, and help the team be successful.

How did the talks go with head coach Stephan Dohrn? What did you instantly appreciate about his basketball philosophy?


The talks with Coach Stephan Dohrn went really well. I appreciated his basketball philosophy because a lot of his principles are similar to how we played at the University of South Dakota. He believes in playing hard, being together as a team, competing every day, and doing the little things to win. That’s the type of basketball I enjoy playing.

Did the term defensive stopper ever come up in the conversations?

Yeah, the term defensive stopper came up in our conversations. I’ve always enjoyed playing defense, bringing energy, and taking on the challenge of guarding the other team’s best players. It’s something I take pride in and a role I’m excited for.

What kind of steps do you want to make as a player in your rookie season?

I want to keep improving and become an elite shooter. I want to be more consistent, keep working on my game, and do whatever I can to help the team win.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?


I would say my game is similar to guys like Derrick White or Jrue Holiday. They can impact the game on both ends of the floor, defend at a high level, make plays for others, and knock down shots. I try to bring that same toughness, versatility, and winning mentality every time I step on the court.

You fill the stat sheet like no other. Could versatility be your middle name?


Haha, maybe. I just try to do a little bit of everything and help the team however I can. I’m not really focused on one thing, I just want to make an impact wherever I’m needed.

You were a top defensive player with South Dakota and Boston College. Would you classify yourself already as a 2- way player as you go into your rookie season overseas?


Yeah, I would say I see myself as a two-way player. I take a lot of pride in defending and bringing energy on that end, but I also know I can make plays and contribute offensively. I’m just focused on continuing to get better and helping the team win.

Your three pointer is still a work in progress. What steps are you taking so that you can gain more consistency with your shooting?

I’ve just been putting in a lot of work and getting more reps every day. I’m focusing on being consistent with my shot, staying confident, and trusting the work I’ve been putting in. I know it’s something I can keep improving, and I’m excited to continue growing as a shooter.

Talk about your defensive game. After what NBA defender do you model your game and can you become a lock down defender at the pro level?

I’ve always taken pride in my defense and the way I can impact the game on that end. I like to watch guys like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White because of how they compete, guard multiple positions, and make winning plays. I believe I can become a lockdown defender at the pro level by continuing to work, compete, and bring that same energy every night.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve as a player?

Right now I’m just focused on becoming a more complete player. I’m working on my shooting, being more consistent, and continuing to improve on both ends of the floor. I just want to keep getting better and help the team in any way I can.

You began your NCAA career with the University of North Carolina – Asheville (NCAA) but played only 1 game. What memories do you have of that season and what positives could you take from it?


That year was definitely a learning experience for me. I didn’t get a lot of time on the court, but I was able to learn from the coaches and the players around me. It helped me grow, stay patient, and understand what it takes to compete at the college level.

You then played 2 seasons with Gulf Coast State College (JUCO) averaging 13.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 54.1% and 20.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.8apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 61.4%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO has reported that it was a real grind, but one that they wouldn’t have traded the world for. How was it for you in JUCO?

JUCO was definitely a grind, but I’m really grateful for that experience. The competition was a lot better than people realize. There were a lot of guys who were good enough to play Division 1 basketball. Every day you had to compete and earn everything. It helped me grow as a player and as a person, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything because it prepared me for the next level.

You made a huge jump in your game in JUCO in your second season. How key was head coach Phillip Gaffney in your basketball development?


Coach Phillip Gaffney had a huge role in my development. He believed in me, pushed me every day, and helped me become more confident in my game. He gave me the opportunity to grow and helped prepare me for the next level. I’m very grateful for everything he did for me.

You then played a season at Northwestern State University (NCAA) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 53.7%. How important was this season for you coming from JUCO? The team didn’t win as much as you wanted to. How did your game grow that season?

That season was very important for me coming from JUCO. It was my first time playing Division 1 basketball, and it helped me adjust to the speed and level of competition. Even though we didn’t win as much as we wanted to, I learned a lot and my game continued to grow. I became a better defender, a better playmaker, and more comfortable playing at that level.

You then played a season at the University of South Dakota (NCAA) averaging 17.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 65.2%. This was your break out season. How vital was Eric Peterson and Dwight Smith for your basketball development? How did they help your game most?

Eric Peterson and Dwight Smith played a huge role in my development. They believed in me and gave me the confidence to show what I could do at the Division 1 level. They pushed me every day, held me accountable, and helped me become a more complete player on both ends of the floor. They helped me improve my decision making, leadership, and overall understanding of the game. That season was my favorite year of college basketball, and I’m really thankful for everything they did for me.

You had many great games that season, but how memorable was the 85-84 win over NDSU where you scored 28 points?

That game was definitely one of my favorite memories from that season. NDSU was a really good team, and we were down 7 with about 2 minutes left in the game. We stayed together, kept fighting, and found a way to come back and win 85-84. It was a great team win, and being able to contribute with 28 points made it even more special.

You then finished at Boston College (NCAA) averaging 6.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 59.5%. You were the defensive stopper, but didn’t score as much as with South Dakota. Was it tough having a different role?

No, it wasn’t tough. I knew coming into Boston College my role was going to be different, and I embraced it. I’ve always been a player who does whatever the team needs to win. Being a defensive stopper and bringing energy every night was something I took pride in. At the same time, I know I can score the ball and I’m always working to improve that part of my game no matter what role I have. I just want to continue becoming a more complete player and make an impact wherever I’m needed.

How did head coach Earl Grant give you that last push to prepare you for a pro career?


Coach Earl Grant helped me a lot by teaching me how to embrace my role and be effective in whatever the team needed from me. He helped me understand that every role is important and how to make an impact even when things aren’t always going your way. Going through adversity and learning how to handle different situations helped me grow as a player and prepare me for the next level.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Fred Payne?


Haha, during the 1-on-1 drills Fred would win some and I’d win some. We were both competitive and it was always fun going against each other. But I’m taking myself though.

Who is the toughest player that you ever battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

The toughest player I battled wasn’t actually in the NCAA, it was during my NJCAA days. We played against Nae’Qwan Tomlin when he was at Chipola while I was at Gulf Coast State College. He was a 6’8 wing who could do a little bit of everything and was a really tough matchup. Going against guys like him in JUCO prepared me because the competition was extremely high and a lot of those players were good enough to play at the next level.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?


It’s honestly way more than five, but off the top of my head I’ll go with:
Dre Bullock
Kaleb Stewart
Justin Wilson
Fred Payne
Mayuom Buom
I’ve been lucky to play with a lot of great teammates throughout my career. These guys stand out because of the relationships we built, the way we competed, and the memories we made on and off the court.

Please list your NBA Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time?

My NBA Mount Rushmore would be:
Michael Jordan
LeBron James
Kobe Bryant
Shaquille O’Neal
Those four guys changed the game in different ways and are some of the greatest players to ever play.

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron James.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?


Yeah, I saw it. Honestly, they probably should’ve left the first one alone. The original was a classic and it’s hard to recreate that same feeling years later. It was cool seeing everyone back, but the first one is tough to beat.

Thanks Chase for the chat.

Elite Shooter Logan Willoughby Can Impact The Game In Many Ways And Wants To Retire One Day On His Terms

Logan Willoughby (188-G/F, college: Manchester) is a 188cm guard from Indiana who played high school basketball at Whiteland Community High School. He then played at Manchester University (NCAA3) from 2021-2025 playing 62 games and as a senior averaged 16.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 48.3%, FT: 90.0%. He has pro experience with Howard Hoops (Thailand-Warriors League) averaging 18.1ppg, 9.1rpg, 4.7apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 75.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before playing at the RSI Las Vegas Overseas Combine.

Thanks Logan for talking togermanhoops.com. Your playing at the RSI Las Vegas Overseas Combine. How excited are you to taking part and showing your talent?

I am very excited. I love the ability to compete with other talented players. Everyone is there for the same goal to get seen and signed so it’s going to be a great, competitive environment that I’m grateful to be in.

How did you find about the offer and why did you believe it was the right opportunity for you?

Ron Howard told me about the combine. I’m with his agency RSI, and he was explaining how this showcase is a great opportunity to get more eyes on me as well as make more connections so it only made sense to me.

What is your impression of the man in charge Ron Howard? You already played for him in Thailand. Are you aware of his incredible track record of helping place guys overseas with jobs?

I really appreciate Ron, I have been in contact with him since about last September, and he’s always been quick to reach out about anything important. I know he has confidence in my game and that means something coming from a former overseas pro who now established himself as someone who can really help get guys overseas.

What do you appreciate most about Ron Howards character and his ability to help hungry guys get set with a pro career?

I just think it’s that he’s hungry to be that guy that helps players. As one of his clients you can see that, and I appreciate it.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 188cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say I think I am kind of a mix of Andrew Nembhard and Payton Pritchard. Both crafty, physical guards who can shoot with a quick first step and love to compete.

You’re a guard that can really fill the stat sheet well. How big is versatility in your game?

I think it is huge. I want to win and be the best player I can be so I challenge myself to impact the game in as many ways as I can.

You are an incredible three point shooter and shot 48% in your last season at Manchester. Where do you see the development of your shooting at this stage of your career? What is the next step for you as a shooter as a pro?

I believe that I am an elite shooter, but I am definitely trying to become more comfortable taking 3s off the dribble when the defense gives me space. I’ve put in the work and that part of my game is something I think I can show and will help me reach another level.

Talk about your playmaking. How did your game grow in school and where do you see your playmaking at the moment?

I think I am a great playmaker as well. I feel like my ability to get downhill and make plays for others is a strong point of mine. In college we had a guard heavy team, but that helped me as an overall playmaker as sometimes I’d play the 1 and be playmaking from up top, but I’d also get out on the wing as well and be able to play make from other areas of the court. I feel that I have versatility as a playmaker as well.

Talk about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you at the moment and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I am a versatile defender. In college I would typically guard the other team’s best player if they were bigger and more athletic. We switched 1-4 and even 1-5 at times so I think the experience I got having to guard all positions helped. I have quick hands too, and I feel like that bothers players. I think I can definitely become a better pressure defender and pick up a little higher.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

I would say becoming a knockdown 3pt shooter off the dribble and becoming an elite pressure defender will help take my game to another level.

Let´s talk about your career. After high school, you played at Manchester University (NCAA3) averaging 8.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 50.0%.15.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 81.6%, 13.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 83.1% and 16.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 48.3%, FT: 90.0%. How did your game grow further there?

It grew tremendously. I played alongside Zach Sawyer who is another overseas pro now, and Bryant Smith who finished 7th all time in Manchester’s scoring history. They both scored over 1000 career points and I was on pace for about 1500 as well. We won a conference championship our sophomore years. We had elite guards who loved to play and compete so I got better every day. Playing with these guys helped me become a pro because we all had to be efficient and still impact the game in many ways. I also learned how to battle adversity at Manchester. I had some injuries and an illness my junior year so I only played 62 out of 103 possible games. This made me mentally tough though, and I learned how to work smarter on my body. I just feel like my overall college experience built me to be a pro.

How did head coach Nate Conley groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

Coach Conley was great for me. He knew I was a gym rat, and he had a lot of confidence in me. He put me in positions to succeed offensively and defensively. I feel like playing for him helped show my versatility and continue to improve on it.

How won a 1-1 in practice you or Zach Sawyer?

We actually were able to workout together about a month ago and we played 2 games and it was 1-1. At Manchester we typically would have a few guys in the gym at once so it wouldn’t be directly 1 on 1 but more king of the court with a few people but Zach or I typically won those. He’s a great player who’s versatile as well.

You played with Howard Hoops (Thailand-Warriors League) recently averaging 18.1ppg, 9.1rpg, 4.7apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 75.0%. How cool was this first pro experience? What could you learn from it?

It was amazing. I hadn’t been out of the United States since I was like 10 so the overall experience was new. I feel like I played pretty well in the league, and I was one of the youngest guys in the league so that was eye opening for me to just keep on working. There were a few games that I feel like we should’ve won that we let slip away so I think as a PG just being in better control of the game is something I learned.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Hayden Thomas?

I’d take myself in that one. I am more off the dribble then Hayden is, but he is an elite shooter. We became good friends in Thailand, and I’m looking forward to seeing him in Vegas.

What is your biggest dream as a pro player?

Be able to play for as long as I can. I love the game and it has given me so many friends, experiences, and memories so it’s just something I love and cherish so the dream is to retire on my own terms.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA?

I would say Trayce Jackson-Davis, he was a senior when I was a sophomore in high school and he was a man amongst boys out there. Plenty of dunks, blocks, and rebounds.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Zach Sawyer, Bryant Smith, Austin Willoughby, Max Sullivan, Kayden Welling

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry, and Kobe Bryant

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I haven’t seen it, but it sounds like I should check it out.

Armenian Prospect Daniel Kirakosyan Wants To Become A Lock Down Defender And Help People In His Country Play Basketball And Chase Their Dreams

When one scopes the world for great basketball players, they can be found all over. The NBA has seen great players hail from Africa like a Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam or a Bol Bol just to name a few or from Asia with players like Yao Ming and Jeremy Lin that really set the league on fire while now adays you have newer guys like Rui Hacimura or Yuki Kawamura to name just a few. Of course most NBA players outside USA come form Europe. Over the years Spain and France have produced many great players while Germany have had a massive influx in the last 5 years as well. But it isn´t always these bigger countries that make the great players of tomorrow, but even smaller countries like Armenia. One player that recently put his name on the basketball map in Europe was Daniel Kirakosyan (190-PG-2005) who scored an unbelievable 84 points in 30 minutes and 3 more than Kobe Bryant´s personal NBA record of 81. The young guard like so many players have big dreams, but at the same time also is thinking about what he can do for others if he makes it to the big time. “ I work hard to reach my goals, and my dream is to play in the best leagues in the world, like the NBA or EuroLeague. But beyond that, I want to give back and help people in my country have the opportunity to play basketball and chase their dreams”, warned Daniel Kirakosyan.

The 21 year old guard who lists current Duke player Caleb Foster as his toughest opponent on the court so far was born and raised in Moscow, Russia, but his nationality is Armenian. He didn´t have a ball in his hands at age 3, but rather started to play the game quite late at age 11 and joined a proper team at age 13. “I got into basketball because my older brother went to practice one day and said it was fun, so my mom made me go with him. At that time, I actually wanted to play football,,but I fell in love with basketball later on”, said Daniel Kirakosyan. His early NBA and Euroleague basketball player inspirations were Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry, Isaiah Thomas, and Milos Teodosic. He also had a very special mentor growing up that actually was someone very close to him. “Growing up, my mentor was always my dad. I’m not from a basketball family, but he was always the person I could go to for advice and someone who would tell me if I was doing something wrong”, remembered Daniel Kirakosyian. Before joining Urartu V-bet Yerevan (A-League), recently he began the season Temp-SUMZ-UMMC Revda (Russia-Superleague), but played sparsely playing 4 games, 14 minutes and netting 3 points. “ I wanted to play professionally in Russia, and it seemed like a good opportunity, so I decided to continue my career there. In the end, though, it didn’t turn out to be the most beneficial move for me. It was a good experience, and I definitely learned a lot of new things and improved in many areas. Even though I didn’t get as much playing time as I wanted, I still found a lot of positives that helped me grow as both a player and a person”, stated Daniel Kirakosyan. He came back and suited up with BKMA Yerevan (A-League) averaging 53/11/7 in 3 games and finished the season with Urartu V-bet Yerevan (A-League averaging 31/7/4.

The 190cm guard who lists Chris Jones, Egor Demin,Trent Lincoln,Andre Spight,and Yura Melikyan as his 5 best teammates of all-time compares his game as a mix to NBA player Payton Pritchard and EuroLeague player Thomas Walkup who is a player that prides his game on versatility something that helped Thomas Walkup carve out an incredible Euroleague career. However the Armenian prospect has so much more to offer than just versatility. “ I think my biggest offensive strengths besides versatility, are shooting, basketball IQ, and defense”, added Daniel Kirakosyan. He shot 35% from outside at the U-20 Euro. He still has a long way to go to find the sort of stability that he wants, but is becoming a 40% shooter from the parking lot realistic? “ I’m always working on my shot in the gym, putting up a lot of reps. I think I can definitely become a 40% shooter; I just need to be more selective with my shots, since I took a lot of last-second attempts”, commented Daniel Kirakosyan. He also has massive goals on the defensive end. He doesn´t only want to be that impact player on the offensive end, but also on the defensive end. I think I’m pretty good on defense, but there’s always room to grow and get better. I study a lot of film to become smarter on defense. My goal is to be a lockdown defender, someone who can guard the best player on the opposing team every night”, stressed Daniel Kirakosyan. He also understands that in order to climb the basketball ladder, he needs to do extra duty in the lab. “I work on every area of my game to become a complete player, but if I had to pick the three areas I focus on the most, I’d say shooting, basketball IQ, and athleticism”, expressed Daniel Kirakosyan who lists Steph Curry as his Goat.

The Armenian prospect who names Stephen Curry, Steve Nash, Allen Iverson, Kyrie Irving and Kobe Bryant on his NBA Mount Rushmore, Mike James, Milos Teodosic, Facundo Campazzo, Kostas Sloukas and Chris Jones on Euroleague Mount Rushmore and Albert Tadevosyan, Andre Spight Mkrtchyan, Artem Tavakalyan, Arkadiy Mkrtchyan and Mikael Pogosyan on his Armenian Mount Rushmore was also very active with the Armenian youth national teams. He sees a bright future for Armenia in the next years. “I think basketball in Armenia is developing like never before. There are a lot of Armenian kids around the world playing basketball. At the same time, I believe the game can be developed even more in Armenia, and I hope I’ll be able to help the country with that in the future. I’d also like to mention some young players who deserve more attentionone of them is Yura Melikyan. I think he has a very bright future”, warned Daniel Kirakosyan. He recently played at the FIBA U20 EuroBasket Division B in Yerevan (Armenia) in 2025 averaging 15.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 33.3%. “It was a great experience. I love playing with my national team. It’s always good vibes and a great group of people. I’ve learned a lot through our coaching staff and game experiences, and I really enjoy representing my country. The only disappointing part was that we lost several games in clutch times. I still think about those games to this day, but I stay focused on the next national team games because we need to win them”, warned Daniel Kirakosyan. He also has had experience with the Armenian national team playing 4 games. He is fortunate being teammates with Euroleague player Chris Jones. “Chris Jones is an incredible person. Being around him pushes you to get better. He’s always challenging me and giving me advice, and I’ve learned a lot from him”, said Daniel Kirakosyan. It will be interesting to observe where hie basketball path will lead him in the next years. He may never hit for 84 points again, but we will surely see him in higher leagues in the next years.

I Once Experienced The Bill Russell And Bob Cousy Show in Frankfurt With Hannes Steinbach And Calvin Wishart

If the Skyliners Pro B team aren’t on the road, the majority of their home games are always played on Saturday nights in Frankfurt. Even If I have seen many Pro B games in Frankfurt, there are some that I don´t forget. It was December 2024 as the Skyliners Juniors battled VR-Bank Wurzburg Baskets Akademie and met them as they had just recovered from their horrible 6 game losing streak to start the season. Wurzburg rolled into Frankfurt and won their third game in a row 89-80. What really stood out was the amazing display that young German Hannes Steinbach (211-F/C-2006) and Calvin Wishart put on as they combined for 49 points as the German registered a 28/12 game and Wishart added 21 points in the trouncing. After the big Wurzburg victory, I was on the loose searching for the perfect quotes for my post game article. I rapped with Calvin Wishart who hails from Minnesota and it is always nice when people from that neck of the woods have some positive words about my home town team Boston Celtics. I asked him if he could describe the dominance between Steinbach and him and he shot out the quote that gave me a smile. ““Steinbach and I play well together. He can do it all. My dad always say Bill Russell and Bob Cousy with me being Cousy”, smiled Calvin Wishart. They played together for a season in the Pro B and practiced together in the easyCredit BBL where Wishart also played 5 BBL games and there was one where both guys scored in double figures with Steinbach with 16/13 and Wishart producing 11 points in a 112-102 loss to the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Last season Wishart had a superb season in the Pro A with the EPG Baskets Kobnlenz averaging 14.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 5.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 81.2% while Steinbach played at Washington (NCAA) averaging 18.5ppg, 11.8rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 75.9%. Both guys continue to make steps in their careers as Calvin Wishart will return to Wurzburg to play BBL while Steinbach has landed in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets.

The Minnesota native Wishart who set countless school records at Delano High School and then went on to play 100+ NCAA games at Georgia Southern and at the University of Santa Barbara. He then landed overseas and as a rookie balled with CD Povoa (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 4.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 71.7%. He came to Wurzburg in late summer 2024 and played his second pro season with VR Bank Wuerzburg Baskets Akademie (Germany-ProB) tearing up the league averaging 20.7), 4.9rpg, APG-2 (7.4), SPG-1 (2.8), FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 75.2%. He became teammates with Hannes Steinbach and won´t forget his first meeting with Steinbach and seeing his game Live for the first time. “He was really nice when I met him. But I didn´t really know what kind of guy he would be after that first meeting. On the court I noticed right away that he could do everything. Dribble, pass, shoot and defend. He already had a real good touch and good hands. He may even have had the best hands that I have ever played with. He could catch everything”, remembered Calvin Wishart. There were so many great games that both had that Pro B season. Did it sometimes seem like the German big man was a man playing among boys. “Yes it did. It was so much fun playing with him. He is one of the best bigs that I have ever played with”, warned Calvin Wishart. The German developed really well in Wishart´s season in Wurzburg and he saw at close hand how much better he was getting. “He was already a modern day big man. There was nothing he couldn´t do. His passing and defense was superb. He was already strong, but he has gotten stronger the last years and will continue to do so. He will turn into a grown man”, stressed Calvin Wishart.

The German big man who has been compared to German world Champion Johannes Voigtmann had a very good support system In Wurzburg with head coach Alex King and his dad Burkhart who was always by his side on the Pro B bench. He most likely wouldn´t have gotten this far without their unending support. “I remember Hannes having a really good relationship with Alex King. They have been working together for a long time. His dad Burkhart was always honest with Hannes. There was absolute no special treatment from his dad”, remembered Calvin Wishart. Going to the NCAA and not remaining in Europe was also key for the German as there he got that last preparation needed for the NBA: “It is really important that he got a year in the NCAA. There he was able to solidify his standing in the NBA and he saw how effective he could be”, stated Calvin Wishart. The German now will begin a new chapter in his basketball life in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets having been drafted in the first round and will have another German as teammate with ex Texas tech guard Christian Anderson. “I´m really proud of Hannes that he got drafted. I´m not sure how he will fit in, but I believe that he will come in and develop super fast. He may be a type of role player to start, but I think that he will turn into a huge impact player”, warned Calvin Wishart. Both had so many incredible plays on the court together, but could the American pick one? “I don´t remember against who it was. I remember having the ball and sending a lob down the court to Hannes. I got poked and could barely see out of the eye, but I just know that he finished”, smiled Calvin Wishart. The question is against who was it? Was it against Speyer? I bet David Pisic would know.

Zavian Mclean Who Plays Defense With A Badge Of Honor Loves Porto As It Is A Mix Of New York City And Ft Meyers Florida For Him

Zavian McLean (193-G-2001, college: FGCU) is a 25 year old 201cm forward that was born in Izmir, Turkey but grew up in North Carolina and played his rookie season overseas with at SC Vasco da Gama Porto (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 25/4/3/2 and Entente Orleans 45 (France-ProB) averaging 3,0ppg. He played AAU ball with Team Wall and also played at Village Christian Academy. He played 3 seasons at Columbia (NCAA) averaging 7.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 71.1%, 7.0ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 77.3% and 9.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 63.6%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 68.2%. He then added a season at Florida Gulf Coast University (NCAA) averaging 11.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 65.0%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 62.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

You played your rookie season overseas with SC Vasco da Gama Porto (Portugal-Liga Betclic). You signed very late into the season. After a solid senior year at Florida Gulf Coast, why did you sign so late?

I had a serious injury at FGCU and didn’t get surgery until the end of the season. I wanted to support my teammates until the season ended. I was also thinking of staying in college. Because of my injury and not having played basketball in a while, I had no offers. Teams didn’t want to take a chance on me. I was really fortunate that SC Vasco da Gama Porto did.

What kind of an experience has it been playing with SC Vasco da Gama Porto (Portugal-Liga Betclic)? As a guy who grew up in North Carolina, what have you appreciated most about the culture of Portugal?

Portugal is really nice. Porto is a great mix of New York City that is super busy and Ft Meyers Florida that is smaller and more intimate, but has fun things to do. The club has helped me get integrated very well. The food is great and it is a lot cheaper than the States. Life is great.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I heard names like Russell Westbrook, John Wall and Kendrick Nunn. I just try to mold myself so other players can compare their game to mine. But I do try to take certain things from players for my game.

You’re a player that fills the stat sheet well. Talk about your biggest strengths with your offensive game?

I’m a competitor that will do anything for his team to win. I can shoot, go downhill, draw fouls, finish at the rim, and be efficient from the field. I think that my ability to create for others is an underrated part of my game. I try to use fundamentals to make the game easier for me. I always try to make the best decisions and not force anything.

Talk a little about the development of your three pointer. You have been shooting the ball well the last years. What kind of a shooter do you still want to become?

As a player I always want to improve my game. Steph Curry once said until I can shoot 100% from the field, I can always improve. I knew after my freshman year where I shot around 23%, that I needed to shoot better if I wanted to play more. In the Ivy league the best shooting teams win.

Talk about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I always compete on defense. I see myself as a two way player. I take pride on offense but also on trying to stop my match up and make it as difficult as possible for him to score. I scout and watch film to improve. I understand that if you don’t play defense, you won’t be respected. Playing defense is a badge of honor for me.

On what areas of your game are you working on most at the moment so you can continue to improve your game?

I’m always working on my three pointer, but I’m also working on my decision making and being a better ball handler. But overall I polish my whole game.

You played at Columbia University (NCAA) for 3 years and played 76 NCAA games. You improved your three point shooting percentage every season. What kind of a player did you become there under Jim Engles?

Columbia was a great experience for me. I learned to play the game, be efficient and be a leader. In high school I was a scorer, scorer, scorer. There I could afford to take plays off but not in the NCAA. That was a no go. I learned that I needed to work on my game. I learned about coverages, triggers, scouting and watching film. I learned to implement the technical side of basketball.

You had many memorable games at Columbia and closed out your last season there strong, but in losing causes. What was your favorite personal game at Columbia?

I think the win against Temple. It was the first major win for the school in a while.

You then added a season at Florida Gulf Coast University (NCAA) averaging 11.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 65.0%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 62.8%. How important was adding that extra season at FGCU for your basketball development?

That last year there was super important for my game. Everything that I knew about the game to that point was validated there. I learned how to act as a pro there. Basketball was my life there. I flourished there. The coaches there had been players themselves as well as coached future NBA players. I felt like I was in high school again. I played with confidence and had a role.

You had many great games at FGCU like scoring 18 points in a narrow 60-59 win over FIU. What was your fondest moment at FGCU?

Beating Jacksonville after being down by 24 points. I also cherished the back to back wins against N Alabama and Central Arkansas. It was a great atmosphere there.

How did head coach Patrick Chambers give you that push to help you be ready for a professional career?

Coach Chambers knew that I was ready for a professional career. He approached me as a man. We had a great relationship. He taught me to straight and always said that the most important thing that I can give you is the truth. We always had such meaningful conversations. He let me show my game and I was a part of winning.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Dallion Johnson?

We never actually played 1-1. He is a close friend of mine. We had a lot of battles in practice and during the summers. He was a great scorer.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Noah Kirkwood and Chris Ledlum.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My top 3 are Eddie Turner, Liam Murphy and Josh Odunowo

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Michael Jordan, Leborn James, Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I saw a snippet of it a few days ago. I will watch it.

Thanks Zavian for the chat.

David Pisic Had So Many Wow Moments In Practice And Games With Hannes Steinbach in Wurzburg Where He Thought Are We In The NBA Or Pro B South?

pic credit: Chiara Greve

I was very happy to have seen Hannes Steinbach (211-F/C-2006) play live twice in the NBBL in the 2023-2025 season and in the Pro B in the 2024-2025 season where he was already establishing himself in the easyCredit BBL. I remember in those 2 games seeing a very talented kid where sky was the limit. He had made numerous steps in his game between that NBBL and Pro B game and literally was a beast man playing with children as he dropped 28/12 in a big win in Frankfurt. Future NCAA champion and big German prospect Malik Kordel did the best he could in slowing him down with a 13/8 game. I saw some amazing plays from Steinbach in those 2 games, but imagine how many wow moments would surface when your practicing with him on a daily basis and playing games with him. Serbian guard David Pisic (200-SG-2003) had that grand opportunity to be his Pro B teammate in Wurzburg in 2024-2025 and had 2 big moments that he will never forget and would classify as wow moments. “I have 2 memories that I will never forget. I played pick and roll with him and got an assist on his score. He got the ball and he was half open and I thought that he would take a mid distance shot, but instead he took flight for the big dunk like Lebron James. I still have that play in front of me. The other great memory was against Speyer where Calvin Wishart got the rebound and Hannes was already sprinting to the basket. Calvin heaved up a half court shot, but it wasn´t. It was actually an alley op pass that Hannes dunked. I went crazy. I thought are we in the NBA or in the Pro B South”. Smiled David Pisic.

The date was June 23rd and it was the 2026 NBA draft where German basketball was able to celebrate 2 new German #1 pics as Hannes Steinbach was taken at ’14 and Christian Anderson at #18. Now the NBA doesn´t only have 2 Germans with the Wagner brothers on one team in Orlando, but also Steinbach and Anderson on the same team in Charlotte. All this news was so exciting for basketball Germany especially for ex teammate David Pisic. Pisic was a young guard who had played a few years with TSV Wieblingen and then had made his Pro B break through with the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer averaging 10.1ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 72.7%. He came to Wurzburg in 2024 with a new challenge to make the next step and continue to develop his game. He would become teammates with Hannes Steinbach. Even if his focus was on making the next step in the BBL, he still played many games in the Pro B and Pisic would see at close range what kind of player and person he was. He will never forget that first meeting of him in person and first practice. “I had never played against him or seen him play. He was young and friendly and very big for his age. I remember seeing his big hands and saying wow. I knew that he was a big German prospect. Some had said he was a bit uncoordinated, but he was still a good player. I saw right away that he was better than everybody else”, remembered David Pisic.

It was clear that Steinbach would get his chance to shine in the easyCredit BBL in the 2024-2025 season. He had a slow start and didn´t score in double figures for the first time until January 11th, 2025, but after that finished really well averaging 9.1ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 64.5%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 63.4% in the BBL and in the Basketball Champions League averaged 5.2ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 60.7%. He finished really strong in the playoffs as in the Braunschweig series averaged 15/9 and in the Ulm series averaged 13/10. He finished the BBL season scoring in double figures 19 times and registered 9 double doubles. In the Pro b with VR Bank Wuerzburg Baskets Akademie, it was an area where he could get even more playing time and just dominate which he did averaging 25.2ppg, 12.5rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg, 2.5bpg, FGP: 64.6%, 3PT: 32.1% One could say that the big man was a man playing with boys. “I saw it Live. I was thinking why is he on the court playing with us. He was already a very good BBL player. The Pro B was just an added platform for him to get even more minutes”, said David Pisic. It was obviously a lot of fun for Pisic to see Steinbach rock the Pro B. It was a real cool experience to be his teammate. I witnessed highlight plays every day. It really opened my eyes in that I was seeing something incredible with him. He didn´t always practice with us, but he was phenomenal. He did great things in games, but what he did in practice was crazy. He did things in practice that he wouldn´t necessarily do in games like dunk over players”, smiled David Pisic. Steinbach also had another great player by his side with Calvin Wishart who also dominated the Pro B that season. Having these 2 guys on the team helped Pisic even when they didn´t play Pro B games. “The level was always very high in practice with them, so that made everyone else practice harder. So when they didn´t play games, we knew that we had to keep the level up higher and preform well without them”, added David Pisic.

The big man who has been compared to 2023 World Champion Johannes Voigtmann is a player that is a clear modern day big man. That is the route big men have to go in 2026 if they want to reach the highest level. “He is a real presence in the zone. I never knew a player that rebounded as good as he could. Even after many many tips, I still wondered how did he get the rebound? He was so athletic and loved to push the ball forward. He was never scared to take tough shots. He is a patient player that also could take the three pointer. I will never forget how he drilled home a side step 3 past Malik Kordel for a win over Frankfurt in Wurzburg”, commented David Pisic. His scoring and rebounding are excellent, but his passing is also something that has continued to develop further the last years. “He has good gravitation. He really improved passing out of the post when I was there. I mean he didn´t show magical passes, but he had that special knack to know exactly when to make the right pass at the right time. We could always rely on him to make the right pass”, remembered David Pisic. But he wasn´t only a menace on the offensive end, but displayed his two-way qualities as being a ruthless shot blocker. “His shot blocking was already good when I came. His length really scared opponents opting not to drive. He would come from all sides. There were times where you never would have thought that he could block the shot, but he found a way. He just had that special knack”, expressed David Pisic. Last season he balled in the NCAA with the University of Washington and there proved he was ready for the NBA averaging 18.5ppg, 11.8rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 75.9%. It was like the Pro B all over again. “He really benefited from that season. The NCAA is very similar to the NBA whereas In Europe the play is more focused on the system and coaching. The NCCA helped him get used to the NBA”, warned David Pisic.

When you looked on the sidelines at Pro B games of Wurzburg, you would see head coach Alex King and another gentleman by the name of Burkhard who is his dad who was an assistant to King. Both guys had very special roles in helping guide him. His dad was definitely not someone who gave his son extra benefits. “King and him have a special relationship. King was there from the start. They are good friends. One may think that Hannes had it easy with his dad being there, but he didn´t. His dad was strict with him. He did it for the good of his son. He just wanted his son to become a good player without benefits. Hannes worked double so hard as we did. Son and dad also have a special relationship and like to joke around and are both very open to the team”, remembered David Pisic. Steinbach´s hard work has paid off and now will start his NBA career in Charlotte. “I´m really proud that he was drafted. That was probably one of his biggest dreams. I hope that he has a great career. The potential is definitely there”, said David Pisic. He comes to an up and coming team with the Charlotte with a dominant guard with Lamello Ball and nice pieces. How beneficial of a fit is this for him? “I believe that it is a good fit for him. They don´t have big expectations.I don´t think that he will sit on the bench. I hope that he gets the trust from the coach and can develop further. I also hope that he can build a good relationship with Lamelo Ball. I think the team is hungry”, warned David Pisic. Where actually will the journey go for him in the NBA? “I think he has so much more potential than being just a role player. I think he can become a star”, stressed David Pisic.

Lunch Pail Player Chris Barton(Delta Gurjaani) Has Learned To Fall In Love With The Basketball Process Instead Of The Finish Line

Chris Barton (190-G-1996, college: Niagara) is a 29 year old 190cm guard from Michigan who played his fifth professional season and first with Delta Gurjaani (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 21.2ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 75.7%. 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 about his basketball career.

Your played your fifth pro season and in your fifth country. You have had to pay your dues in lower leagues but actually made it to a higher league in Belgium, but couldn´t show your total talent. Has your drive to get better and get back to a higher league risen since your experience in Belgium?

Yes, definitely! Belgium showed me how to be a complete professional and set a standard for me personally that I will always keep with me.

Your playing your first season with Delta Gurjaani (Georgia-Superleague) after playing 3 games in Luxemburg and putting up big stats as usual. How would you compare the Georgia league to other leagues that you have played in overseas in terms of competition and player level?

I’d say that the Georgian league is competitive, especially since you can have 3 Americans on the court at the same time. I would say that I wish players were able to be a bit more physical on the court because I feel like that creates quite a bit of separation from other leagues, as far as competitiveness.

The team began on a winning streak and since have lost. How tough has the season become?

Even though I’ve only been here for a few months. it seems like we’ve been on a rollercoaster of a season. I feel like it’s been a rough season because of the injuries that we suffered right after our winning streak. Those types of things are always difficult because you have no control over it.

Last season you played a few months with Sheki BK (Azerbaijan-ABL) averaging 20.8ppg, 6.0rpg, 4.0apg. What kind of an experience was that? What positives could you get from it?

It was a tough experience just because I dealt with a shoulder injury while there and of course tearing my achilles. When I was healthy everything was good though. A major positive that I gained while in Sheki was just being able to not be distracted by outside noise because Sheki is such a small town. I really focused on what’s important and got big into my faith while I was there.

In 2023-2024 you played with Amicale Steinsel (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 17.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 58.5%, 3FGP: 58.1%, FT: 84.0%, in Dec.’23 moved to Belfius Mons-Hainaut averaging 2.6ppg, 1.8rpg in the BNXT. It was your second time in Luxemburg. What have you learned to appreciate most about the country?

Luxembourg will forever be one of my favorite countries because of how beautiful it is, how friendly the people are, and some of the friendships I’ve built out there.

You finished in Belgium and averaged 7 minutes per game. Did you feel like you got a fair chance there? You had some good guards there like Kyle Catlin?

I feel like it was a tough situation just coming into the club halfway through the season and being expected to produce as soon as you get there without really knowing anyone. Nonetheless I’m expected to do my job at the best of my abilities. Kyle is an amazing player and an even better person. I wish we could’ve got a chance to play a bit more together, but everything happens for a reason.

In 2022-2023 you played with BBC Bascharage Hedgehogs (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) averaging 25.3ppg, 10.0rpg, 3.5apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 54.3%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 79.7%. Knowing that a guy like Alfonso Mckinnie also played in that league and reached the NBA give you hope for luck in higher leagues in the future?

I always knew, even back then, that I could play in higher leagues. That’s just the type of self confidence I’ve always had in myself. My coach at the time Daniel Brandao and me actually had numerous conversations about what it would take for me to reach the next level, so I give a lot of credit to him as well why I am where I am today, and will be.

How enjoyable was that season for you? What was your fondest moment that season?

That season was honestly fun when I look back on it. We had a young group, so we always had energy in practice and good vibes through the season. Also, I coached the 14u team which brought out my passion for coaching basketball as well.

You played your rookie season overseas with Hyvinkaan Ponteva (Finland-1st Division) averaging 28.6), RPG-4 (11.8), 4.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 71.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Having to drive a manual car was definitely my wake up call being overseas. I can’t remember how many times I stalled in the middle of the road.

You reached the final in Finland. What was so special about the team? You were the only American on that team.

That team was unique because everyone played their role to the best of their abilities and when the team needed more from certain players, they stood up to the plate. I thoroughly enjoyed playing with that Hyvinkaa team.

From 2019-2021 you were in the states and toiled in the TBL with the Flint United) averaging11.8ppg, 4.6rpg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 73.3%. How tough were these 2 years? Did you ever lose faith in the game?

The year that I played for Flint United was actually a positive process for me because I started off not getting a lot of minutes, but when I started to excel at my role I became the go to guy towards the end of the season. It taught me to fall in love with the process instead of the finish line. I could never lose faith in this game, I love it too much.

How tough was playing in the TBL where every guy is seemingly playing for their stats in order to be noticed. A few I have interviewed have reported they tried to play team basketball. How did you present your game in the TBL?

I’ve always been the type of player to make the correct basketball play, so I get the team basketball concept, but sometimes the correct basketball play is to call your own number.

You played at Niagara University (NCAA) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 122 games. What kind of an experience was it for you? What kind of a player did you become there?

It was a great experience for me. Taught me a lot and helped me to mature not only as a basketball player, but as a person as well. I feel like I became a blue collar, lunch pail type of player player while I was there. My work ethic was never questioned. I felt in some ways like I was the Josh Hart of the team.

You never averaged more than 7,2ppg in a season in the NCAA. Did you have a special role at Niagara?

Most of my years at Niagara my role was more of a glue guy, that could do anything that the team needed on a specific night. Also, a primary defender as well.

You played many great games at Niagara like scoring 22 points against Monmouth or 14 points against Quinnipiac. What was your fondest moment on the court there?

My fondest memory was probably when my assistant coach Kareem Brown told me to hit the offensive glass a bit more and it led to me having a career high in rebounds that night.

How did head coach Chris Casey prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Casey gave me the opportunity to play this game at a high level and I’ll never take that for granted. He also brought in a great group of assistant coaches to help players develop. Mark Rybczyk was always the coach that pushed me to be better and got the most out of me on that court.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kahlil Dukes?

I would say Kahlil probably won the most of the 1 on 1 matchups, and probably would’ve shot a lot of free throws if we had a referee out there.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Deandre Bembary

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Kahlil Dukes, Marvin Prochet, Greg King, Dom Robb, Matt Scott

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson

Who is your Goat?

LeBron James

How do you rate the historical 83 points from Bam Adebayo? I´m sure the very least would have ever thought Bam could do that?

I would give him a pretty high rating just because getting fouled is a skill in today’s NBA and sometimes when people foul you that much it’s because they can’t guard you. It was definitely unexpected though because Bam has never even averaged 25 PPG.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I’m ashamed to say that I have seen the sequel. I think that all classics should be left alone because remaking them just puts a bad taste in people’s mouths.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Nelson Okafor Wants To Become More Of A Rim Protector And Will Never Forget David Mccray And David Gale For Their Coaching Wisdom

pic credit: davidedigiovannifotographie

Nelson Okafor (202-PF-2003, agency: PEPI SPORT) is a 23 year old 202cm forward that will play the 2026-2027 season with the Uni Baskets Munster. He recently completed his season with the SV Fellbach Flashers (Pro B) averaging 9,8ppg, 5,2rpg, 1,0apg and 1,0spg. He spent 2 seasons with pro A team Nurnberg Falcons playing 43 games. He also played in Italy with Farnese Pallacanestro Campli (Italy-Serie C) and Dinamo Basket Brindisi (Italy-Serie C). He began his basketball career with Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg U19 team (NBBL). He spoke togermanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Nelson for talking to germanhoops.com. When did you discover basketball and when did it become your love?

I started to play ball when I was around 10 Years old. At that time I was doing lot of different sports like soccer and track & field. I was actually good at track but I decided that Basketball was my sport. From that moment on the whole journey started.

What basketball players were your early inspirations? Who did you like to watch and emulate?

I didn’t watch that much sports when I was younger. I started watching basketball when I was around 15. I was really into watching BBL games from Ludwigsburg. They had a player on the roster named Jon Brockman. I really liked the way he played and his physicality. Right now, I like to watch players like Naz Reid and Chris Bosh.

You played with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg youth program from 2019-2021. How do you remember those years? How valuable was it for your early basketball development despite Covid?

I remember those days like they were yesterday. Every year was really important because I learned a lot from that program that I can still apply to my game today. We always had a stacked roster with very good players, so the competition was always there. On top of that, you could learn something from everyone, so I would say it was a great period in my life.

How key were the two David coaches with Mccray and Gale? How did they help you best with your early basketball development?

They were probably two of the most important coaches I ever had. Like I said before, they taught me a lot when I was younger. During my first NBBL season, I didn’t get much playing time because we had a very talented roster. But in my last seasons, I improved a lot in my game and learned many new things from them. I’m really thankful that I had the opportunity to play for them.

You were teammates with a young Ariel Huckporti. How do you remember him as a young player? Did you always know that he would reach the NBA?

I remember a lot of situations with him. We were in the same school class, so we shared many funny moments together. In practice and in games, he already had a big impact as a young player.

The Ludwigbsurg NBBL team had so many talented players in those 2 years. Was there a player besides a Hukporti that impaced you most?

I personally would say Dejan Bruce impacted me the most when he was on our team. He really impressed me with his physicality and basketball IQ. We played the same position, so we had some really good battles in practice.

In your second season with NBBL team Ludwigsburg you averaged 11.0ppg, 5.7rpg in 3 games. You only played 3 games. Do you sometimes wonder how your development may have been that season with a full slate of games?

I do believe I would have had a different outcome if I had been able to play a full season in the NBBL. Because of the injury, I only played 3 games and never really had the chance to show what I’m capable of.

You then made the very uncharacteristic move and went to Italy to play for :Farnese Pallacanestro Campli (Italy-Serie C and Dinamo Basket Brindisi (Italy-Serie C). Why did you make that move?

I made that move because I wanted to try something new. I had spent my whole life in Ludwigsburg and wanted to experience something different. At that moment, I also didn’t have any better options to play professionally.

How was Italy for you? How did your game grow there?

It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Great people and great guys. I was lucky to learn a completely different playing style with a really good team. We even made the championship and got promoted to Serie B

You then made the jump to the Nuernberg Falcons BC (ProA) averaging 2.6ppg, 1.9rpg
and 2.0ppg, 1.6rpg. You averaged 10 and 11 minutes per season. Do you feel like you got a fair chance there?

To be honest, I don’t think so. The season started pretty well for me personally, but it turned around very fast for both me and the team. In my first season we had two big losing streaks (8 in a row and 9 in a row). In my second season I thought maybe it would change and that I could prove myself better, but then our coach got fired. I also didn’t fit into the playing style of our new coach. So basically, I was just in a bad situation.

How valuable was it for your game having a veteran like German Julius Wolf? How did he help your game best?

Yes, it did. Not only personally, but also for the whole team. He gave us a lot of tips and showed us how we could execute better on both offense and defense. I believe it’s always good to have an experienced guy on the team, especially for rookies like me.

Your second season was cut short. How would you describe your 2 years in Nurnberg? What positives could you get from the experience?

Of course, it was a great experience. I came from Italy and had the chance to play in Pro A. I was able to learn a lot of new things and work on my game, even though we had two bad seasons. On top of that, I had the advantage of getting experience playing in Pro A at a young age something not everybody gets the chance to do.

This season you took a step back and joined Pro B team SV Fellbach Flashers. You had your break out season. How refreshing has this season been for you on and off the court?

It was a big change for me. Going from being a bench player for the starting 5 to getting major minutes is a huge difference. I personally think it’s important for me to play more, because sitting on the bench the whole time is not good for young players. There’s no way I can improve by doing that.

How blessed have you been to have had a head coach like Kris Borisov? He seemed to believe in you from the start.

It is great. He told me from the beginning what my role was going to be on this team, and I think I handled it well. It was a challenge for me, but I could handle it.at you would have a key role on the team?

You had many great games. What would you classify as your favorite own game this season?

Probably the Game against Leitershofen at their Gym. There was already tension between us and theri team/fans. The gym was packed too and I had a great Game there too.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Mark Golder?

Me.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 202cm forward. You’re a player that can score and rebound. What other strengths does your game incorporate?

I would say defending all positions and being physical. Specially being physical helped me a lot on different kind of moments.

You don´t shoot many three´s. Is the three ball something you want to incorporate more into your game?

Yes definitely. It would help me also get better 1vs1 situations. I strongly believe if I have more situations where I can shoot it, my percentage will be good enough to respect it.

How valuable is your defensive game? What kind of a defender are you right now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I think my defense is pretty okay to good. Coaches could switch with me from 1 to 5 so this was never an problem for me. My Goal is to be more a rim protector.

On what areas of your game are you still working on so you can continue to improve your game?

I’m working right now on my shooting and Ballhandling.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the floor that reached the NBA or Euroleague?

Probably its Ariel Hukporti when I played\practiced Nbbl with him.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Sam Mackiw – Farnese Campli

Caio Palmeri – Farnese Campli

Bautista Fouce- Dinamo Brindisi

Alfonso Di ianni- Dinamo Brindisi

Courtney Alexander- Nürnberg Falcons

Please name your personal NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore of 4 best players ever for each?

For the NBA, I’ll go with LeBron James, Wilt, Kobe and Steph. In the German league, I go with Tommy Kuhse, John Bryant, Per Günther and Andreas Obst. For the EuroLeague, I don’t have a Mount Rushmore. There are probably many more players that I could name, but these are the ones that stick out in my head.

Who is your GOAT?

Naz Reid.

Thanks Nelson for the chat.

Becoming an Explosive Scorer Overseas Hasn´t Impacted Jackson Threadgill(Starlites GIG) As He Most Focused On Doing What It Takes To Win Games

Jackson Threadgill (198-G-1997, college: App State) is a 198cm forward from Concord, North Carolina that played his rookie season overseas with Starlites GIG (Malta-BOV League D1) winning multiple titles averaging 24.9ppg)#, 6.0rpg, 3.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT-1 (50.0%), FT: 75.9%. He began his basketball career at Davidson Day School and then played 4 seasons with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte playing a total of 110 NCAA games. He then added on a season with Appalachian State University. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Your played your rookie season overseas with Starlites GIG (Malta-BOV League D-1). What kind of an experience has it been for you and what have you enjoyed most about the experience?

The experience has been great. The hospitality from the people and the organization has been something I’m very thankful for. I’ve really enjoyed getting to learn about the country and a lot of historical and religious facts about the island.

How have you learned to appreciate the culture and beauty of Malta? What has been your fondest moment off the court in Malta?

I think just appreciating change and something new from what I’ve been accustomed to back home. My fondest memory has probably been when my family came out and I got to take them to places on the island. They’ve never left the United States, so it was special to have the opportunity to show them something new.

You have become an explosive player overseas something you weren´t in the NCAA. How refreshing is it being able to showcase your skills like that?

It hasn’t really had a big impact on me. I’m just more interested on doing what needs to be done in order to win games and that’s all I’m focused on.

What kind of a player have you become in Malta? How has your game grown in Malta?

I think the biggest growth has just come from my confidence in who I am as a player and that shows with the performances I’ve had.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’d probably say a Bogdan Bogdanovic or a Donte Divincenzo

You fill the stat sheet really well. How big is versatility in your game now overseas?

It’s very important. Just trying to do all the things that I’m asked to do in order to win games. Whether it’s scoring, playmaking, rebounding, or defending, whatever the team needs from me I’m willing to do.

You were kind of a up and down three point shooter in the NCAA, but really exploded in Malta. How have you seen your development as a shooter? What kind of a shooter do you still want to become?

I think the biggest thing has been in trusting my stroke and the work I put into it. I still want to continue to be a better off the dribble 3 point shooter and off the move.

Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you right now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I’d say I’m a versatile defender. I can guard several positions and try to use my length to make things tough on my opponent.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now as you continue to improve your game?

Continue to work on my strength training, sharpening my handle, attacking the basket, and shooting from the perimeter off the dribble.

You played at the The University of North Carolina at Charlotte from 2020-2024 and won the CBI title in 2023. What kind of an experience were these 4 years? What kind of a player did you become there?

I loved my time at Charlotte. I’m very thankful for my coaches Ron Sanchez and Aaron Fearne for giving me the opportunity to play there. I met some of my closest friends and created a lot of relationships. I also developed a lot as a player. I improved a lot on the defensive side of the ball, became a good cutter and learned how to have an impact on the game without the ball in my hands. My handle improved a lot and I was able to initiate the offense as a primary ball handler. More importantly I grew as a person during my time there.

You won the CBI title in 2023 beating EKU 71-68. What memories do you have of that great run?

That was a great memory during my time at Charlotte. Just to be able to finish the season on a win with a group of guys that had great relationships was something special and I’ll always remember.

You had many great games in these 4 years against FIU and Milwaukee just to name a few. What was your best game with Charlotte?

Overall the game against Coppin state my Junior year was probably my best game.

What are your memories of ex teammate Igor Milicic who is balling in the G-League now?

Igor was a great teammate and is a great friend. I enjoyed my time playing with Igor and we are still close to this day. Yes Igor is playing in the G league now

You have a close relationship to the Milic family. How special is the family?

Me and his younger brothers have a good relationship. It has been great seeing them grow and have success

You then added a season with Appalachian State University (NCAA) averaging 4.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.1apg. What kind of an experience was a fifth season there? How did head coach Dustin Kerns help you with that last push in your game?

I was just thankful to be able to finish my college career playing alongside two of my high school teammates that are really good friends of mine, CJ Huntley and Will Coble.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jamil Muttlib?

We never played a full game of 1 on 1 but I’ll add Jamil is a talented player and I know he had a great year this season at Grambling state and I’m super happy for him and know he’ll continue to do good things.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

My initial reaction I would say my toughest cover was Ryan Rollins.

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

That’s a tough question as I’ve had a lot of great teammates but I’d say Aly Khalifa, CJ Huntley, Igor Milicic, Adam Brazil, Regin Larson

(Not all the best players I’ve played with but these are the best TEAMMATES)

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan

Who is your Goat?

Michael Jordan

How do you rate the historical 83 points from Bam Adebayo? I´m sure the very least would have ever thought Bam could do that?

At any level 83 points is very impressive but to do it in the NBA, regardless of how, is extremely impressive. Also love that a guy from North Carolina was able to achieve that

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I haven’t seen either

Thanks Jackson for the chat.

Xavier Newson Loves Being An Underdog And Proving Himself Right More Than Trying To Prove People Wrong

Xavier Newson (194-SG-1995, college: Goshen) is a 30 year old 194cm guard from Illinois that is an overseas baller that recently played Dehesas Reunidas Climanavas Penarroya (Spain-Tercera FEB) averaging 15/4/1 stats.He began his basketball career at Richwoods High School and then played 2 seasons at North Central Missouri College (JUCO). He then added a season at Missouri Western State University (NCAA2) and at Goshen College (NAIA). He began his pro career in 2017 and since has played in countries like Kosovo, Georgia, and Spain. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Xavier for talking to germanhoops.com You have been overseas 8 years and played
only in 3 countries with Kosovo, Georgia and Spain, but played for 10 different organizations.
Would you call yourself a basketball globetrotter?

Hahaha that’s a good question! But I would have to say no. I mean I’ve played in less
countries than a lot of my peers. 10 different teams sounds crazy though , hopefully
soon I’ll be adding some new passport stamps.

You’re playing your fourth season in Spain. Has Spain become like a second home to you?

YES! It absolutely has. Spain is where I actually call home now. I met my now wife my
first week in Spain in January of 2022 and basically I’ve been here ever since. Now I
have a spanish son and was just granted naturalization so now I have a Spanish
passport as well.

You have played the last 3 seasons in the fourth league in Spain. How would you describe
the talent level and competitive level?

I would say its pretty good. Ive played in higher leagues against guys that are now
playing what everybody would call high level Europe for example, while I was in
Kosovo or Georgia. But Spain has the best 4th division in Europe by far in my opinion.
This league is broken into groups so each group has its levels but in general good
basketball is being played for sure.

You have put up strong stats all seasons. How difficult is it in general to move up the ladder
in Spain?

This is a touchy subject for me but yes I have performed and have had some team
success as well. I’ve seen some guys get an opportunity and climb up. I just haven’t
been one of those guys. Fair or not? Not a question I can answer. It is a tough pill for me to swallow because I feel like I’ve earned it for sure but everybody has their journey so I
try to focus on that and keep pushing. I would say it’s difficult to move up but it
happens every year for a few guys.

Your playing your first season with Dehesas Reunidas Climanavas Penarroya (Spain-Tercera FEB). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about this club?

It’s been an up and down season to say the least but I’m living a dream playing in my
Spanish hometown which I haven’t done since the 22-23 season. So having a chance
to play at home and be present daily with my wife and son who is now 11 months old
has been a blessing for sure. Having the family at the home games is great. I’ve enjoyed this part of it for sure. Something I’ll probably never have another chance to do. Also I
surpassed 1000 points scored in the league in 58 games and 3000 in Europe overall
so a few goals have been reached this season.

Last season you played with Lithium Iberia Sargado Caceres (Spain-Tercera FEB)
averaging 17.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 75.9%. You had many great games there. Whatwas your favorite game of the season?

For sure it would be towards the end of the season in a home game against Moraleja
where I made 7 3s which is my career high for 3s made in a game professionally.

In the 2023-2024 season you played with CB Aridane (Spain-EBA) averaging 16.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 63.3%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 73.4%. This was your second season in Spain. How did your game grow that season?

ALOT! In all aspects of the game. Sounds crazy but it’s the truth! This season in my eyes was my best season professionally so far. We beat Real Madrid B who had 2 now NBA players. And we were a first seed heading into the promotion phase. I owe all that growth to my coach at that time Eneko Mata who believed in me and also pushed me. We are still very close to this day. He knows how much I appreciate him.

You played your first season in Spain with Coto Cordoba (Spain-1 Div.). What memories do you have ofthat season in Spain? What challenges do you remember having on and off the court?

Well my first season was really good. Personally I averaged 23 ppg and I want to say we won 7 out of the 10 games I played or something like that. The team at that time was trying to stay in the league and we achieved that goal and my teammates that first season are guys I still talk to often now. It was a super cool first experience here in Spain. I enjoyed it.

You played the 2021-2022 season with BC Iverioni Gori (Georgia-A League), played also at BC Telavi (Georgia-A League) averaging 19.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 64.9%, 3PT: 12.9%, FT: 58.8%. It was your las tseason in Georgia. How do you summarize your time in Georgia? How would you compare the talent level and competitive level to other leagues that you saw overseas?

Well like I said earlier in Georgia I played against former G league guys , guys that now have played in ABA league , BBL, Spain 2 , Winners league. I can go on hahaha so yes the level there was really good and a lot of guys are making good careers after playing there. In my eyes it’s a really competitive league. All 4 imports are usually killers. Personally I did well. Top 3 in points my first two seasons there. I held my own against a lot of guys that on paper were more talented or came from higher levels , d1 etc. I left
Georgia with a lot of confidence in who I was as a player.

You played 1 season with Burji Telavi (Georgia-A League). What was your fondest memory playing with this club?

This was the season right after covid so it was tough but for everybody playing in Europe at that time. With quarantine and all the covid tests we had to take. But I played this season alongside one of my best friends James Edmond so that made it special and we got through the ups and downs of the season together. We missed the playoffs by 1 game that season after going on a late run at the end.

You also played with State University of Sport (Georgia-A League) in 2020
averaging PPG-3 (20.8), 6.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 63.2%. Your stay was short. How tough was the whole Covid situation for you? What memories do you have of that short season?

Yeah so this was my first season in Georgia. I think we only played 6 games because of covid. I was playing really well being the only import on my team ,playing against 3 or 4 imports every game. But I also remember it like yesterday when Rudy Gobert did what he did and the NBA was shut down . We were shut down about 3 or 4 days later hahah it was crazy. Also a time I’ll never forget because I was on facetime with my cousin at the time when the news about Kobe passing away broke the internet. And I remember going to the practice the next day. Everything was so weird and things just felt so off for everybody. Crazy times !!

You played your rookie season overseas with KB Rahoveci (Kosovo-SuperLeague) averaging
14.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 58.7%, 3FGP: 20.0%, FT: 65.7%, in Feb.’18 moved to KB Kalaja Prizren (Kosovo-Liga e pare). What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Honestly I can’t say I had a rough adjustment to Europe because I didn’t. In the super league I played well being the import with the least minutes and decided to leave and help a team in the second league move up which we were able to do. And had a crazy celebration after. Moments I’ll never forget. I can say it was an adjustment for sure with the traveling calls like any rookie but Kosovo has some of the best food I’ve ever had in Europe. Very underrated food spot!

The next season you didn’t play overseas. Did you have issues about being overseas? What did you do that season?

I won’t go too deep into this but long story short after the promotion, I was told I would be brought back to play super league again. At the end of July I was told they weren’t bringing me back. I was caught off guard and didn’t talk to any agents or anything that summer so yeah. Lesson learned there!! That season I just worked a normal job at home and trained daily with my trainer at that time. Very tough year mentally but I became a better player that gap season
for sure.

You’re 30 years old. What goals do you still have as a pro player? How tough is the grind and pay?

Well now that I’ll enter this summer’s market as a Bosman A player for the first time honestly. I don’t know what to expect. But my goal is to try to climb as high as I can moving around Europe not counting as an import anymore. It’s definitely been a grind but I love it! I love being an underdog and proving myself right more than trying to prove people wrong. The money at his stage of my career could for sure be better, but I feel like I’ve shown I’m not just playing for the money. I’m playing because I really love the game and the grind! Hopefully I’ll start recuperating some of my hard work back now with some new experiences and better salaries. but what’s clear is that im going to keep working how I work and we will see where it takes me. Im a real basketball junkie haha so my plan is to play until the wheels fall off

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 194cm shooting guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Yeah so my game for sure is primarily generated by my ability to score but I also feel like when given the opportunity I can really make plays for my teammates. My favorite player is Kevin Durant and obviously I won’t say I play like him but I have definitely copied a lot and watched a ton of his film. If iIhad to compare my game i would say like a Dion Waiters who’s not in the league anymore or if you watch a lot of Euro League you’ve seen Talen Horton Tucker recently, I would say I’ m a less athletic THT for sure. Pretty much the same size, build and long arms.

You fill the stat sheet really well. Your shooting really stands out. What other strengths really stand out with your offensive game?

I definitely wouldn’t call myself a shooter. More of a shot maker, but my biggest
strength is getting down hill to the rim. Also my post up game, taking advantage of
smaller guards. Sometimes I even post up guys taller than me because I’m stronger or
ill say pretty strong for a guard. I feel I can do everything offensively, and am a 3 level scorer.

Talk about your development as a scorer overseas. You scored the ball great in college. Where do you see the development of your game at the moment and where can you still bring it?

I would have to say I still have a lot of work to do. I feel like there are some areas I feel I’ve mastered but always trying to add little things. And obviously always trying to improve my 3 point percentage even though my percentage doesn’t always tell the true story of my shooting ability because I shoot a lot of tough 3s, late shot clock and step backs etc. In the most recent years I have definitely become a huge threat playing out of the low post.

How have you seen the development of your defense? What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?
Not only for me but for a lot of guys that are labeled ‘scorers’ our defense is immediately questioned. I wont say im the best defender but what I am is SUPER competitive. I don’t like being scored on. In Europe defense is a team thing and depends a lot on the team’s personnel but I believe I’m a guy that can guard 1-4 in a lot of leagues.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player?

I’m always trying to improve my 3 point shooting. Can never get up too many reps. I’m a
guy that locks in during the summer so really everything gets sharpened but definitely shooting because I’m put in those type of situations.

You played 2 seasons at North Central Missouri College (JUCO) and in your last season averaged 14.0ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 66.2%. Every baller that I have interviewed has said that JUCO was a real grind, but an experience they wouldn’t have traded for the world. How was it for you?

Man for me for sure it’s the same. My guys from JUCO I still keep in touch with. We went
through so much together in that small town of Trenton, Missouri. I can tell stories
about my time there for hours on hours!

How valuable was head coach Jeremy Esry in your development in JUCO? How did he help
your game the most?

Well actually coach E was the assistant coach during my two years. But he for sure
was a part of my development. From the hard talks we had after my freshman year
about my weight and coaches saying I needed to find a position on the court and
become a guard. I achieved those things as a sophomore coming back and we had a
good run.

You then played a season at Missouri Western State University (NCAA2) averaging 6.4ppg, 1.7rpg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 47.6%, FT: 75.0%. You made a good adjustment to the NCAA 2. How did your game grow there under Brett Weiberg?

My toughest year of my career no doubt. Things didn’t go as planned. I wasn’t used to how I was recruited. I still had some big games when given the opportunity and helped us win a few games as well. MIAA was and still is the best division 2 conference so great experience and played against a lot of Pros.

You had many great games like scoring 25 points in a win over Ft Hays State. What was your fondest moment there?

Yes, that was my breakout game in front of our home crowd. I still go watch the youtube special on that game sometimes hahaha.

You then finished at Goshen College (NAIA) averaging 15.7ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 76.9%.You took a step back to play in the NAIA. Why did you make this move?

Like I said earlier, things at MoWest didn’t go how I expected. And at that time I knew I wanted to be a PRO after college so I wanted an opportunity to show my full game. Goshen gave me that opportunity again in the toughest NAIA conference there is, in Indiana the heart of basketball.

You had many great games at Goshen like hitting IU Kokomo for 25 points in a win. What was your fondest moment there?

That was a good game for sure. I had a few explosive games at Goshen. But for me easily was beating St Francis at home when they were ranked number 1 in the country. I might have only had 16 or 17 points that game but it was a huge win.

How did coach Neal Young give you that last push and helped you be prepared for a pro career?

Honestly I cant think him enough for the freedom he gave me after having a rough year mentally at the d2.He truly believed in me and also challenged me in film sessions. He never treated me differently even though I was the big recruit brought in. Also he helped me form the relationship I have with ErrickMcCollum (goshen college alum) who is a big brother/mentor who i can always ask for advice and someone to follow as he’s still going at a high level.

Who won a 1-1 in practice, you or Dominique Cartier?

Hahaha ahhh man a-lot of battles with my guy Domo!! We handed out a lot of Ls to people in open runs across Indiana that year after the season. I must mention that! But I have to say I won the most between us for sure! It’s probably 15 wins to his 5 or somewhere around there if we count the days won.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

I came up in high school at a time where Illinois basketball was full of talent and the
AAU circuit was crazy, so i’ve played against a lot of NBA players and even now Euro
League guys. Ill say the toughest for sure would have been Jabari Parker or Josh
Jackson. I can also say Kendrick Nunn, Jahlil Okafor ,Alec Peters or Kevin Punter.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

This is tough! I don’t want to offend anybody haha so ill do 5 guys that played or are
playing professionally now.
PG: Herman Senor
SG: Me of course
SF: Evan Hinson
PF: James Edmond
C: Duane Clark

What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe , LeBron , Kevin Durant and Shaq

Who is your GOAT?
I’ll say the GOAT is MJ for sure but my goat is KOBE. but KD is the most prolific scorer
ever!

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

No I didn’t see it, im more of a Netflix series guy. I can’t tell you the last time I went and
saw a movie.

Thanks Xavier for the chat.