Pic credit: Darius Baumgart

Oshane Drews (198-SG-2001) is a 24 year old 198cm shooting guard playing his second professional season with the Rostock SeaWolves. He began his basketball career at RSV Stahnsdorf and then played 2 years with the Junior Loewen Braunschweig (NBBL) and SG Braunschweig (2.Regionalliga). He then played 2 seasosn with the Dragons Rhondorf and then made the next step to the Uni Baskets Paderborn (PRO A). He came to the Rostock Seawolves in 2023. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a game against the Frankfurt Skyliners.

You began your basketball career at TUS Lichterfelde and then played with RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (ProB) averaging 6.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 51.1%. You were 16 years old that season. How do you remember that season? Did you mature quicker with more minutes?

I think that game reps are very important for one´s development. I made a big jump in my game. The funny thing was that then I had no idea what the Pro B was. The trust and minutes I got really helped me as a young player.

How valuable was head coach Denis Toroman in your early basketball development? Did it surprise you then that he gave you so much trust?

Yes a little. I remember at the middle of the season when I began to play more, he came to me and said, “I wish I could of given you even more minutes up to now. That opened my eyes and I concentrated more, worked harder and got more minutes.

What memories do you have of Daniel Kirchner? That same season he got a chance and then went to Dresden and has become a solid Pro A player. Did you see that coming then?

He had always had had a good shot, was fast, could jump and dunk. But at that time, he hadn´t had such a big role with us.

You then played 2 seasons with the Junior Loewen Braunschweig (NBBL) averaging 16.1ppg, 8.8rpg, 3.9apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 57.1%. You were injured your first season and bounched back in your second season. How vital were these 2 years in your basketball development?

That was the first time that I had practiced with a BBL team. I saw how difficult it was to play in the BBL. The BBL was worlds apart from what I had experienced as a player. It really opened up my eyes, how much more work I ha din front of me to improve my game.

Who won a 1-1 in practice, you or Simon Roosch?

I did.

You played 2 ANGT games with FC Bayern Munich. What memories do you have playing with them and great talents like Bruno Vrcic and Sascha Grant?

I just remember being really flashed. We traveled in style and stayed at a 5 star hotel in Belgrad and had a police escort. It was a cool experience. FC Bayern Munich welcomed me with open arms. I didn´t play much though.

You then played 2 seasons with the Dragons Rhoendorf (ProB).How tough was that first season. You began great playing 2 games and then Covid cancelled the Regionalliga season. How tough was starting great and then having the season end?

I still had knee problems the first season. The season ended abruptly. But we still moved up to the Pro B. That next summer, I had an operation and was fit for my second season. In the end, I didn´t miss anything my first season.

You then had your break out season in the Pro B averaging 11.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 58.3%. How did your game grow that season under Julius Thomas?

I improved so much with the Dragons. My game grew much. I became more flexible and versatile. I became stronger and more athletic and became a better defender. I also got used to that level.

What memories do you have of the Bernau win? You had 25 points a season high and teammate Paul Albrecht a triple double?

That is still a blur for me. I will never forget my fast break dunk. That was a good win. Everyone was happy.

You then joined the Uni Baskets Paderborn (ProA) averaging 7.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 64.0%. You made another jump in your game under Steve Esterkamp? Did he just let you play your game?

Yes he did. He gave me a good role. He prepared me for the BBL. He is a good coach. I really like his style.

Last season with Rostock you played 15 BBl games and 7 Fiba Europe Cup games with Rostock. Which player had the biggest impact on you in your first BBL season? Possibly Chris Carter?

I think that Eric Lockett had the biggest impact on me. We have same build and define ourselves with our defense.

How did you experience the Fiba Europe Cup season? You scored 4 points in 5 minutes against Jonava?

I like playing in the competition and enjoyed the trips. It was interesting to se how other countries played. I would have liked to have played more though.

What was it like coming back to Rhondorf scoring 31 points in the 2-0 playoff sweet?

I actually had the Dragon Dome bigger in my memory. I had a lot of fun and the fans gave me a nice welcome.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA or anywhere on a court that reached the NBA?

I have trained in USA and once trained with Bam Adebayo.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Derrick Alston Jr, Bryce Hamilton, Robin Amaize, Mike Smith, Jequan Lewis

Please name your personal NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaq, Michael Jordan

Drazan Petrovic, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Giannis

Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder, Franz Wagner, Daniel Theis

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

Thanks Oshane for the chat.