sports

Bryce Workman Has Worn Green And White His Whole Life And It Continued With The EPG Guardians Koblenz

For some some things never change. In terms of winning, you can never get enough, but only few can win very much. For example athletes like Spain’s Antoni Bou won 34 consecutive FIM Trial World Championship (17 outdoor and 17 indoor) between 2007 and 2023 or Pakistan’s Jahangir Khan’s 555 consecutive wins in squash from 1981 to 1986, or Dutch wheelchair tennis player Esther Vergeer winning 470 matches in a row. But for some, it´s not just the wins, but the colors. My favorite color is blue, but I do love the color green and white very much, because it´s the color of my home town team Boston Celtics. There are also other guys who know the color of green and white very well, and kept the tradition alive this season with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. Bryce Workman (201-F-2000, college: Jacksonville) begin his professional career in Germany with Pro A team EPG Guardians Baskets but unfortunately wore their green and white only through pre season and 1 pro game before leaving the club to head back to USA on account of personal reasons. In terms of colors nothing changed. “ I saw that the EPG Baskets wear green & white. My elementary school was green, my high school team was green & white, college team was green & white so I just felt like it was meant to be”, stressed Bryce Workman.

Bryce Workman who lists Kevion Nolan, JD Notae, and Tyrese Davis as his best teammates of all-time was born in Tampa, Florida and attended Sickless high school averaging 19,8ppg and 13,3rpg in his senior year and he also played AAU basketball with E1T1. He is the son of ex NBA player Haywoode Workmann who enjoyed a stellar 10 year basketball career and played 359 games for teams like Atlanta, Washington, Indiana, Milwaukee and Toronto. He also played overseas in Italy and Israel and is currently a professional referee. There is nothing better than having a family member involved with basketball the way his dad was. That made the introduction to the game a lot easier. “Growing up I always was around basketball. I started playing at the YMCA at a young age which then led to me starting to play AAU ball in the 3rd grade. I would always watch my dad ref pro-am games going to different events with him while he worked. I don’t really have none from when he played. I actually went to All star weekend back in the 6th grade and got a ball for a bunch of players & ex-players to sign. I met people like Blake Griffin, Dikembe Mutombo, Dominique Wilkins, & Gary Payton”, remembered Bryce Workman. When you see a lot of those father and son combo´s often they are at the same position for example with Patrick Ewing and his son, but with Bryce and Haywoode, there was a considerable height difference as his dad was the classic 183cm guard and he the undersized big at 201cm. Even playing different positions, did some of dad´s skills rub off on his son? “Well growing up I feel like we never really would get in the gym. When I got to playing, I feel like maybe some of his skills rubbed off on me. Obviously around the age of 5 maybe the skills weren’t there but by the time I got to the 6th grade I just tapped into another mode because at that point I was like 6 foot and was so much bigger than everyone which was an advantage”, said Bryce Workman.

The Florida native who lists LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Kevin Durant on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore played at Jacksonville University (NCAA) form 2018-2024 playing a total of 131 NCAA games. In his first 2 seasons he averaged only 12 minutes averaging 2,5ppg and 2,1rpg while in his second season he averaged 5,6ppg and 4,5rpg. His game really took off in his last three years as his minutes rose as he averaged 26 minutes per game and averaged 10.4ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 65.9% and 9.8ppg, 5.6rpg, FGP: 54.0%, FT: 68.8% in his fourth season and 13.0ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 71.6% in his senior year. “When I first got to JU, I still had some weight on me from high school, so I was still kind of trying to get in better shape. As each year came, I feel like I proved myself to the coaches that I could play and would show it in practice, the only thing was I had a bunch of upper-class man ahead of me, so I had to wait till my sophomore year to really play. When COVID hit in 2019, that’s when my game really elevated & my body was in a different form to perform good. As each year went on after that it got better, my scoring went up rebounds went up & I really made a name for myself in the conference. When we played teams sometimes, I would get scouted so much that teams would start to double team me. At that point I knew I had become a force”, stressed Bryce Workman. In his last 3 seasons he played 72 games and scored in double figures in 41 games. His career high was an explosive 33 points in a 86-82 win over Stetson, but that wasn´t his most memorable game. His most memorable games were his last 3 in his career against KSU, EKU and Stetson where he had 19 points in a loss. “I wouldn’t say my “most memorable game”, I would say the run & numbers I put up during the stretch of playing after I had broke my hand & tore my ACL was the most memorable because most people who have such a tragic injury don’t play the same after. I felt like I played better than I did before the injury somewhat. After the injury I had to find ways to score because I couldn’t move like my old self. Being able to get to the conference tournament after being in 10th place in the conference after conference play & scoring a double double in all 3 games, knocking off the top teams in the conference was something that I had to do in order for us to keep progressing to the championship. That was the most memorable moment because nobody expected us to get that far”, remembered Bryce Workman. He also wouldn´t be the player he is today without the diligent leadership and guidance of coaches Tony Jasick and Jordan Mincy. “When I first got to JU coach Jasick was a good coach but playing under Jasick taught me to be more patient & taught me structure. Mincy was probably one of the best coaches I had ever. He really taught me to trust the process in whatever you do, he taught me that in life you have to go get it because nothing will ever be given to you”, warned Bryce Workman.

The undersized big man who remembers splitting 1-1 battles in practice with teammate Osayi Osifo began his professional career in Germany. He is a modest young man off the bat, because he already knew things about Germany that many American ballers wouldn´t have necessarily known without having done research. “I really don’t know much about Germany to begin with. I know you guys have something called Oktoberfest & the different kinds of food that is popular over there like Schnitzel, Brezel & Käsespätzle. I don’t know much about basketball except that the culture is amazing & people love sports & basketball there”, commented Bryce Workman. He also didn´t sign to keep only his green and white colors streak going, but for many other reasons. “ It was just the idea of getting to play in another country for the first time right out of college really. Especially playing somewhere like Germany, that’s one of the best places to play overseas I heard. When I looked at the teams instagram I liked how much the team posted about them, what they were posting. I see the team works with kids on their basketball skills and stuff & like to give back to the youth too. It seems like they are about their business, but they know how to give back to the community”, expressed Bryce Workman. Having that first impression is always vital in building up a harmonious relationship as a season is long and hard and you need to be on good terms with the coach. He saw eye to eye with head coach Marco Van Den Berg right off the bat. “I thought coach Marco was a nice person. The conversation we had went really well. Everything we had talked about was something that I was looking to be a part of, & I’m looking forward to the challenge. When he talked to my mom and asked her questions about me & how I am as a person, I feel like the things he heard sometimes don’t come around as often as a young man from the U.S”, stated Bryce Workman.

So what kind of a player could German basketball fans have witnessed had he remained with the EPG Guardians with Bryce Workman who believes the classic Coming To America movie with Eddie Murphy should have been left alone? He is a forward that can do so many things on the court and would compare his game to New York Knick Julius Randle. “I can post up against players my size, taller, & smaller. As big as I am I feel like I’m a lot faster and more agile than guys my size & I feel like I got some of that from dad being a point guard. I can space the floor and be someone who knocks down the outside 3 ball. I can bring the ball up the court. I know how to play the game and actually do other things than score the ball, almost like I fill every aspect of the stat sheet”, warned Bryce Workman. It isn´t just scoring and rebounding the ball that gives him high praise, but also other things. “I feel like I just got a good IQ in certain situations. I know how to do other things that help the team like bringing energy on & off the bench, always trying to make my teammates better during practice and things like that so that when games come it will flow better. Whenever I play people say I have a good energy to me & that’s something every team needs”, warned Bryce Workman. Often bigs come to Europe without having much of a three game. For example Avery Sullivan who won the pro B title with the Dragons Rhondorf last season took a total of 6 three´s at Lamar (NCAA) in 4 seasons and then raised his total from 14 as a rookie to 63 last season. Workman took only 37 three´s at Jacksonville, but 22 in his last season and is also look to add more of his three to his game overseas. “As each year went on, I felt like I grew that trust from my coaches & worked on my game enough to the point where when those type shots came around, I would take them with more confidence. As I got to shooting more it was really just a confidence thing”, said Bryce Workman. He is also a passionate defender and is a guy that will be able to display his immense versatility. “At JU, some games we would have to switch 1-5 or sometimes we would switch 1-4 & I’d be stuck on a guard sometimes & I would look at it like a challenge. I feel like I can guard 1-5 & be disruptive to a team’s offense if need be. I take pride in defense like my dad did because I feel like if you can’t score on me, you’re not better than me”, stressed Bryce Workman. He will continue to be a gym rap and grind in the lab so his game will continue to grow. “At this point I feel like being able to dribble better, have a consistent shot & being able to have good endurance because professional ball is way faster than college ball where you always setting plays, waiting for the coach to call something whereas at the professional level you kind of have a couple of set plays but you really out there just hooping like at open gym, just more organized”, said Bryce Workman. He comes over as a very good guy and for once his GOAT isn´t Michael, Lebron or Kobe. “My mom is my goat because she was like my dad and mom at one point in my life. She’s like my best friend to where we can talk about anything especially now that I’m older. She always made sure me & my brother had everything we needed. She always stopped what she was doing to take me on my away trips when I was younger. She just did everything so that I could grow up a well-mannered & to have morals and live life the right way”, added Bryce Workman. He is the real deal on and off the court and should be a massive enrichment for whatever team he suits up next with.

Vinnie Shahid(Hakro Merlins) I´m One of 13 Leaders On The Team

pic credit: Hakro Merlins

Vinnie Shahid (180-PG-1998, college: NDSU) is a 26 year old 180cm point guard from Minnetonka, Minnesota playing his fifth pro season and first with German Pro A team Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. Last season he played with Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A) averaging 14.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.1apg, 2FGP: 57.1%, 3FGP: 40.5%, FT: 94.3%;in the Fiba Europe Cup and in the Italian Serie A averaged 7.0ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 40.0%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%, in Jan.’24 moved to Ferraroni Juvi Cremona (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 15.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 81.7%. In 2022-2023, he played with Thor Thorlakshofn (Iceland-Subway League) playing 27 games and leading the league in scoring and assists averaging 26.4ppg, 4.3rpg,8.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 88.2%. Two seasons ago he played with Entente Cergy Osny Pontoise BB (France-NM1) leading the league in scoring averaging 21.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 85.5%. He played his rookie season with AB Contern (Luxembourg-Total League) averaging 22.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 4.9apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 79.2%. He began his basketball career at Hopkins high school and then played 2 years at Western Nebraska Community College (JUCO) averaging 15.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 81.0% and in his second season averaged 18.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 47.6%, FT: 86.8%. He then played 2 years at North Dakota State University (NCAA) averaging 13.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 84.9% and in his senior year averaged 1.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 88.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after a 84-67 win over Nurnberg.

Congrats Vinnie on the 84-67 win over Nurnberg. How good does it feel to be 2-0 as well as beating a BBL team in cup play?

It feels really good. We don´t try to get to excited, but just try to get better every day. We are happy to have started off well, but we know that we still have a lot to do.

Is there a massive ambition and a bit of pressure within the organization to get back to the easyCreditBBL

I don´t think that there is much pressure, but there is much ambition. Coach Mccray has done a really good job of letting our goals be known. The whole organization is hungry to get back to the BBL.

The first quarter was tight. With what kind of a focus did head coach David Mccray want you guys to enter the second quarter with?

We weren´t being ourselves. We didn´t play fast paced and physical on defense. We wanted to play like that in the second quarter.

In the second quarter the Merlins went on a little at the end and got 2 clutch three´s from veteran Maurice Stuckey. How vital is this German player for the team?

It is very vital to have veteran leadership with Mo. He is still super productive for his age.

In the third quarter the Merlins took the momentum of the second quarter and carved a nice 10 point lead with 10 minutes to play. How comfortable have you gotten to now finding your spots with your new teammates?

I think that it is still happening. I´m very comfortable with my teammates and they with me. I think we have yet to have played our best brand of basketball. We are still finding each other.

You guys put an exclamation point on the win in the fourth quarter. Nurnberg cut the lead down to 70-67, but you closed out the game with 14-3 run. How proud were you of the team making a big improvement on the defensive end in comparison to the first game?

I´m very proud how we finished the game. We gave up way too many points in the first game. We wanted to prove to the Pro A that we can play defense. We showed a bit of improvement in that second game

Are the Hakro Merlins a team this season that can develop into a top defensive team and one that can win the close ones?

We pride our game on defense. We are definitely a defensive minded team. We would rather be a better defensive team than an offensive team. It is a good goal to be want to be a great defensive team. That will help us get stops in crunch-time.

What was the key to the win? The three point shooting or crunch-time defense?

Our crunch-time defense was key. It doesn´t matter if you can shoot out the lights, because if you can´t get stops than you won´t beat anyone.

The Merlins have real great guards in Devin Goodman and Tyrese Blunt. Talk a little about what you appreciate most about them? Have you felt that Blunt has a big hunger to produce after coming from the Pro B?

We have a really good back court and have so much versatility. We all bring something different. Blunt is a great player and defender. He also brings so much at the offensive end. He is definitely hungry. Devon is lightening quick and a great decision maker. He is also a great on ball defender. He is a better shooter than most would think. Their games make my job easier. I´m really high on their abilities as well as everyone else on the team.

Americans Ladarien Griffin and Anthony Gaines will also be guys that will have to produce every night. How vital is it having 2 guys where you know will produce each night?

It is really great to have them on the team. They are both versatile players. Griffin is a 4 man that can shoot the 3 and post up. Gaines is a player that brings that down hill attacking ability. Both also have a defensive presence on the court.

You had a potent game with 21/3/5 stats and shot 9/15. How content were you with your game?

I was happy to get the win. There is always room for improvement. We did a good job of showing improvement from week 1 to week 2.

You had a great season in the Italian Serie a and B. Why did you choose to come to a second division team in Germany?

I felt like the Merlins had a very good idea and clear picture of what their goals were. I had the impression that they were building something special. It isn´t always about what type of league you play in, but moreover about being happy with the people around you. It is a great organization from top to bottom. We all believe in our goals and I believed it was a good fit for me on and off the court.

The Merlins have many potent guards. What is your role? Are you one of the leaders with Maurice Stuckey?

I would look at myself as one of the leaders on the team with Mo. I honestly feel like everyone on the team is a leader in some way. We all have a voice and respect for one another. I´m one of 13 leaders on the court.

What has it been like playing for head coach David Mccray. This is the first German coach you have played for. Have you noticed that German sense of discipline in his coaching?

Coach Mccray is great. He is really big on details. It is the small details that make a difference especially in the fourth quarter when you need stops. He does a great job of making us understand how important every possession is. He also does a good job of pushing us and challenging us each day.

You were a lethal scorer and guy that filled the stat sheet in lower leagues in Luxemburg, France and Iceland. What kind of a player do you hope to develop into this season?

I don´t want to say I want to be that type of player. The biggest thing for me is to win games. Some games it might be 30 points, another game 10 points and another game 0 points. I will always be happy when we win and play the right type of basketball.

You have seen so many beautiful places in Europe, but what have you appreciated most about Crailsheim?

I appreciate the group of guys most. We get along so well and have good relations especially off the court.

Who wins a 1-1 you or Devin Goodman or Tyreese Blunt?

Me each time. But if you ask them they will go with themselves.

Thanks Vinnie for the chat.

Anthony Roberts(Dinamo Bucuresti) May Not Be A Lockdown Defender Yet But Takes All Assignments Personal

Anthony Roberts (192-G-2000, college: Stony Brook, agency: Players Group) is a 24 year old 192cm guard from Michigan playing his third pro season and first with Dinamo Bucuresti (Romania-Liga Nationala). Last season he split time with ESSM Le Portel Cote d’Opale (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 10.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 36.1%, 3FGP: 20.0%, FT: 94.7%, in Nov.’23 moved to Arconic-Alba Fehervar (Hungary-A Division) averaging 14.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 83.8%. He played his rookie season with Vitoria SC/Costa Guerreiro Lda. (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 21.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 85.5%. He began his basketball career at Western International and then played 2 seasons at Kent State University (NCAA) averaging 5.9ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 72.0% and 12.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 75.0%. He then played a season at St. Bonaventure University (NCAA) averaging 5.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.7apg and then finished at Stony Brook University (NCAA) averaging 16.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 82.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against Bamberg.

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

No problem and I’m in a good space with basketball still learning the game as a student of it to get better

Your playing your third pro season and first with Dinamo Bucuresti (Romania-Liga Nationala). What kind of an experience has it been playing in Romania after having played in France and Hungary?

I will have to wait until mid season to fully give my experience because preseason is different from the real season but so far it’s competitive

Last season you played 2 Fiba Europe Cup games and this year playing in a very new competition ENBL league. What are your personal expectations from this league?

My personal expectation is to lead my team to a deep run in the enbl league and win a championship and to leave my mark with my play

The club last won the league title in 2003 and cup in 1980. Do you feel that urgency within the organization to win a title again?

Yes I feel an urgency for sure winning a championship is always on my mind no matter where I play at but it is not easy to do

Congrats on winning the first game in Romania. You scored 18 points. Has head coach Dragan Nikolic given you the keys to the team?

I would say so yes, but with the keys to the team comes great responsibility and high expectations which I feel like I can handle

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 192cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would compare my game to Paul George because we play at our own pace and we don’t let anyone speed us up

Is it fair to say that you’re a scoring point guard? What other strengths does your game have?

I wouldn’t say point guard I would call myself a combo guard that can play point at any time. Other strengths my game has is my IQ and physicality I play with and also my defense. I´m not saying I´m a lockdown defender but I take my assignments personal

You made a big jump with your outside shooting in Hungary at 41%. How well is your three pointer developed now and what is your biggest goal with your shooting besides staying consistent?

It developed a lot with me staying consistent in the gym focusing on getting better from 3, my biggest goal is to match that number from 3 or even shoot better

You averaged 3 assists the last few years. Do you feel like with the more team game overseas that you playmaking will grow?

It has been my goal to average more because I´m looked as a playmaker so this is something I definitely want to increase

What kind of a defender are you right now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

The defender I am right now I feel like I’m the best defender I have ever been in my life and I just need to stay engaged and focus and putting effort always on the defensive end

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

Defense for sure is something I have been working on I feel like all aspects of my offense game is complete even though I still work on my game but defense is definitely something I improve

Last season you began with ESSM Le Portel Cote d’Opale (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 10.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 36.1%, 3FGP: 20.0%, FT: 94.7%. You put up solid stats, but left. What positives could you get from the short France stay?

France is a great league to compete in every day and night everyone is playing hard and from every position there talented guys I wish I could have stayed to showcase more of my game but everything happens for a reason

You then played with Arconic-Alba Fehervar (Hungary-A Division) averaging 14.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 83.8%. You played your first playoff rounds there and lost a tough 3 game series to Szolnok and game 3 with 1 point. What will you always remember about the series?

I will always remember the atmosphere in Szolnok. The fans were crazy and very supportive and loud for their team

How beneficial was it having veteran Siyani Chambers there? Was he like a mentor for you?

Having a vet like Siyani helped me grow a lot just to see how focal he was and how he led the team and also helped me improve my defense because I have never had to defend someone with his speed

You played your rookie season with Vitoria SC/Costa Guerreiro Lda. (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging (21.9ppg), 3.4rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 85.5%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I have always been far from home due to me being in school. I went to school in Ohio and New York so being overseas felt like I was back in school without doing any homework

You had huge games in Portugal. What was your favorite moment there?

My favorite moment in Portugal was beating sporting at home in Vitoria that game for sure was one of my favorite for sure

You played at 3 NCAA schools. How vital was this for your player development? What kind of player did you become in 2022 and what kind of player were you in 2018 when you began at Kent State?

A lot has to due with maturity on and off the court understanding that studying and being a student of the game is important

You played your first 2 NCAA seasons with Kent State and made a huge jump in your game in your second season. How vital was the start of the season having big games against Hiram and Towson?

It meant a lot to make that jump as a sophomore. I worked hard that summer and during the season so I just wanted to showcase my game and work

You then moved to St Bonaventure and still played good minutes, but averaged only 5.3ppg. How tough was this season and playing only 3 games?

During my time at st Bonaventure I wasn’t mentally all the way there. I was dealing with a lot of family issues and on top of that it was Covid going around I couldn’t focus there so I decided to step away for my mental health and family

You capped off a fine NCAA career at Stony Brook University (NCAA) averaging 16.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 82.3%. You had amazing games including a 40 point explosion against Maine. How did your game grow that season?

It grew because once I left from Bonaventure. I immediately started working out. My trainer ed turner helped me from winter all the way up until it was time for me leave. He helped me look at the game different like how I look at film and on court things as well.

How did head coach Geno Ford groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He always held me to a golden standard no matter what and held me accountable for my actions on and off the court

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Tykei Greene?

To be honest we never played 1-1 but if we did would for sure but Tykei is my guy and got game

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

The greatest players I played against that reached the NBA were Cassius Winston and Darius Garland

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Antonio Booman Williams, James Dickey, Phlandrous Fleming, Siyani Chambers, Tykei Greene

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryan,t Lebron James, Joel Embid

Who is your GOAT?

Michael black Jesus Jordan all day

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

Yes I felt like they should have left it a lone the first one was an instant classic and the sequel wasn’t as funny as the first one

Thanks Anthony for the chat.

Brandon Thomas(Artland Dragons) Wants To Remain Consistent And Feels No Pressure To Still Have To Bring It At Age 40

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Brandon Thomas in Frankfurt in 2024

Brandon Thomas (198-SF-1984, college: UMass, agency: Interperformances) is a 40 year old 198cm forward playing his 18th professional season and fourth season with the Artland Dragons. He has played most of his pro career in Germany having played with teams like Jena, Giessen, FC Bayern Munich and Braunschweig. He also played in countries like Argentina, Lebanon, Puerto Rico, Spain, Denmark and Austria. He began his basketball career at Judson high school and then played at Long Island University (NCAA) and UMass (NCAA). He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 106-96 win over Bayreuth.

Congrats on the huge 106-96 win against Bayreuth. Artland is 2-0. How good does it feel starting this well after last season?

It feels unbelievable. It is a lot different this season. Last season was one of the worst start for many of us. With this start we feel very hopeful. We feel very strong. This season is so different.

After a good defensive game against Nurnberg, Artland opted for a shoot out win. Is this years team unpredictable?

At the moment we are trying to figure out our identity. We are very versatile and have many options. That is dangerous. We rely on different guys on different nights. WE are hard to scout. That will be a real advantage for us.

You led 57-53 at the break which could have easily been the score after 3 quarters. Was this just one of those days where defense wasn´t on the menu? Was it that tough guarding the 3 line? They hit 16 three´s

It is still early in the season and we are focusing on defense. We obviously didn´t want to give up so many three´s, but they had capable shooters. We did a better job in the second half. It is all a matter of concentration. It was nice to score, but our deefnse needs to be better.

In the third quarter Callum Baker-Magnaye got hot. What made it so difficult to contain him?

He is a good player that can drive and shoot the ball well. He was one of their main guys. We had trouble locating him in transition. He had a great game.

Bayreuth went on a run in the fourth and made the game very exciting. Robert Oehle made a shot and you made a trey. Did that shift the momentum in your favor?

Yes I think it did. That was a dagger. Who knows how the game may have gone had it gone 5 minutes longer. We are very fortunate to have many veterans and a talented point guard that can make plays in crunch-time. That sealed the win for us.

What was key in the last few minutes for holding the lead. Was this the best defense that Artland played down the stretch?

That is hard to say. I felt like we had good stretches in the game where we defended well. We have to learn to put it all together for 40 minutes

How key were the 23 free throws and 12 offensive rebounds? Was that the team´s back bone in the game?

It is always great to score more free throws than the other team. Plus getting more extra opportunities off offensive rebounds is always key.

How key is Buzz Anthony in general? Could he become the leagues best all-around point guard?

I believe so. He is everywhere on the floor. He does so much for us. He is a key player for us.

Is the word beast correct for Tajh Green. When you see his game what NBA player comes to mind?

I don´t like making comparisons. He is his own player. He can jump, and shoot and makes very exciting plays. He is willing to learn. He makes big plays on the defensive end. He is very versatile and just tough to stop. I´m really excited to be able to play with him.

How valuable is it having another physical big man coming from the bench with Robert Ohle? He just seems to keep chugging along year by year?

Robert is so strong and is just the ultimate professional. He is always in the weight room and still willing to work on his game even at his age. I think he sets the best screens in the league. He is an important part of our team.

How vital was Joanic Gruettner in the win. He recovered from a goose egg against Nurnberg to 10 points against Bayreuth.

He does the little things and is like a glue guy. He makes plays and is our best on ball defender. He may not score one game, but will be that offensive threat the next game.

Just how much of a true leader is Yasin Kolo. I think this may have been the team´s best pick up this season?

He is another veteran presence for us. He has so much experience having played in Japan and the BBL. He really understands the game. He is so big and strong and hard to stop under the basket. He was a great pick up for us.

Taylor Johnson was a late addition. What has been your impression of him thus far?

Taylor is relentless. He will do anything to win. He is a great shooter and on transition. Plus he is a great scorer.

You had a great game with 18 points. How is your 40 year old body holding up with 29 minutes?

I feel great now. I work hard during the summers so I´m best prepared for another season. I´m fit and feel good mentally. I´m trying to be the best leader possible and at the end of the day just trying to help win games.

With this start you must feel even more motivated. Does your inner-self ever pressure you to have to consistency even at age 40?

I want to always be as consistent as possible and yes that pressure to be a leader is there. I want to perform well and be reliable in some way. I enjoy pressure and am so fortunate to still be playing. The pressure is nothing for me.

What has been the secret of the early success? Some guys went and there seemed a bit of turmoil weeks ago. But now it seems like all are on one page?

It is hard to say since it´s still so early. We are just trying to keep improving each week. Our first win wasn´t pretty so we looked at the game and tried to improve. We won again last weekend and are trying to improve this week. We have great guys who want to get better. I hope the winning continues.

How dangerous is it not to get too euphoric with the start? Is head coach Vincent Macaulay keeping all down on earth?

He is keeping all down to earth and he has the veterans helping him. It is very dangerous if you get to complacent and comfortable. Adversary can always set you back, so just try to do your best to avoid it.

What has been his biggest coaching strength so far to get through adversary early and begin 2-0?

Vincent is very vocal and lets everyone know how he envisions the game. He doesn´t have that typical coaching style that you see in Germany. He loves excitement and just understands his players and how to get them on the same page.

My buddy Joe Asberry was very truthful and told me he wouldn´t be able to beat you in a 1-1 game. How vital is his presence for the young and old in the organization?

Joe is doing a great job. He has so much positive energy. It is really refreshing. He just makes everyone feel so good. He is a consistent presence. He is always there. It is a joy to have him here and I´m glad that he is here.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.