Uni Baskets Paderborn

Connor Wood (Uni Baskets) Everybody At Carleton Taught Me To Have That Drive To Win

Connor Wood is a 25 year old 193cm guard from Guelph, Ontario playing his second professional season and first in Germany with the Uni Baskets Paderborn. Currently through 15 games he is averaging 12,2ppg, 2,3rpg and 2,7apg while shooting an astronomical 47,1% from outside. He played his rookie season with Niagara River Lions (NBL Canada) playing 44 games averaging 9.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 74.2%. He played at Carleton University (CIS) from 2012-2017 playing a total of 124 CIS games. In his senior season he played 23 games averaging 17.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 48.3%, FT: 79.5%. He won 5 CIS titles and 2 OUA titles. He spoke to germanhoops.com before his arrival in Paderborn.

Hi Connor thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Where are you at the moment and how was your summer?

Currently I’m in Paderborn doing preseason with the team. My summer was good got some time to travel and continue training.

Before we get into the heart of the interview, I have to ask you what is the secret of becoming an amazing shooter at Carleton (CIS)? So many guys have done it in the past not to mention your ex teammate Philip Scrubb?

I think it’s all about reps just making sure you are shooting the ball enough. It’s different for everybody but if you get enough shoots up anybody can become a great shooter.

After playing your rookie season in Canada last season with the Niagara River Lions (NBL), you will be making your debut in Europe in Germany with the Uni Baskets Paderborn. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Did you talk to the Scrubb brothers or Tyson Hinz about their experiences in Germany to help make your decision easier?

Yea I talked to them and heard good things mostly talking about the cities and experience. Tyson told me to make sure I’m comfortable with the coaching staff and how they’re running things which I think I’ve found a good spot here in Paderborn for that. I enjoy the ball movement and pushing to get the best looks on offence since that was what I was used to at Carleton.

How did you personally experience your second summer transfer period? After a solid rookie season in Canada with what expectations did you go into this summer and did you get many offers and how thankful are you of Matt Slan’s work of getting you the Paderborn gig?

It was a much more detailed experience last summer I was just training not sure what was going to happen where this summer with Matt I knew we were going to work hard to find a good opportunity overseas. I was getting some looks and got a good offer by Paderborn welcoming me to their team. I’m very thankfully for Matt’s work! Last year I was waiting till fall without much interest so it was a nice change to have interest a lot earlier and actually get an offer overseas. Which is thanks to the effort Matt put in.

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Grant Benzinger (Uni Baskets) And Boris Becker Have Serious Diving In Common

Grant Benzinger is a 22 year old 190cm guard from Cincinnati, Ohio that is playing his rookie season with the Uni Baskets Paderborn. The American started his career with Archbishop Moeller High School and then played at Wright State from 2014-2018 playing a total of 130 games and as a senior played 34 games averaging 14.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 88.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com earlier in the summer about basketball.

Hi Grant thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is your summer going?

I am currently in Dayton, Ohio. My summer has been great so far.

Congrats on signing your first professional contract with the Uni Baskets Paderborn. How did you experience your first summer transfer period? Did you have ample offers?

I treated this Summer just like every other Summer in my college career. The goal was to get better at the game of basketball, and get stronger in the weight room. I had multiple offers, but Coach Uli really sold me on the potential of this team in Paderborn.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Did some of the ex Wright State players like Vaughn Duggins, or Vance Hall give you extra advice or did you only talk to Matt Vest?

I knew Germany was passionate about the game of basketball and that made me want to play there at some point in my career. I only talked to Matt Vest, because he has played for Paderborn for two seasons. He had the most valuable insight for me.

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Devonte Brown Had An Amazing Experience In Paderborn Being Coached By Coaches Who Cared About Improving Their players

Brown Devonte Brown is a 24 year old 188cm guard from Killeen, Texas that completed his second professional season and first with the Uni Baskets Paderborn averaging 14,2ppg,5.5rpg and 2,6apg. Last season as a rookie he played with OKK Sloboda Tuzla (Bosnia-Division I) playing 28 games averaging 8.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-3(1.9spg), FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 64.5%. He started his basketball career in 2012 with Indiana St. (NCAA playing a total of 129 NCAA games. As a senior he played 32 games averaging 15.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 23.2%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to German Hoops after finishing his season in Germany with Paderborn.

Devonte thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how is your very early summer going at the moment?

I’m currently in Houston with the family , working on my early morning conditioning while spending time with some of my extended family members.

Did you get to visit any European sites after the season ended or did you go right home to PB-Trier-Brown Texas?

After the season I was fortunate enough to have the chance to visit a couple cities that wasn’t close to any opposite cities. Before leaving to go back to the US I had a chance to see Berlin and Amsterdam, two cities I’ve only seen in movies.

What was the first thing you did when you got back to the states? Was checking out one of your favorites eateries high on your list?

The first thing I did was join some of family and friends on vacation and enjoy a good amount of sun in Florida .

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Forget Lagerfeld And Hilfiger It´s Armani Cotton (Uni Baskets) Who Can Always Fill A Room Or Court With His Name

Cotton Sometimes having certain benefits can be so vital in life like if your a Donald Trump son your set for life, if your the son of ex Boston Celtic legend Danny Ainge named Austin getting a job with the green machine without ever having to write an application is as normal as Larry Bird dropping a trey from downtown in the 80´s or living in Trier Germany which is close to Luxemburg gliding over the boarder to get cheaper gas is a must for folk in that area, but what about if you have that special, catchy and simply fancy name? Well for New York native Armani Cotton having that exciting name has opened a few doors in his life. Strap on an elegant suit from Neiman Marcus or if you want to save a penny at Century 21 in New York City and visit a dignified party in a posh pent house on Park avenue and roll through the door at the well built stature of 6´7 is half the rent, but present yourself as Armani Cotton and all of a sudden party goers put down their champagne glasses and give a lasting gaze at the tall man and suddenly you become very fashionable. Of course when you next mention that you’re a Yale graduate and suddenly you have a few model like women at almost eye sight giving you that interested look. The American who not only got a great education at a top Ivy League school also got the total basketball experience helping win the 2015 Ivy League Regular Season crown as a senior and goes through life having an exotic name and it doesn´t bother him one bit. “People are always surprised, but in a good way though. It’s one of those names that you have to live up to so I’m glad I play a dope sport and am from NYC. It allows me to fit into the name better. A nice personality can go a long way too. Armani Cotton suits me”, smiled the American. However this memorable name that has given Cotton so much joy as well as certain fringe benefits almost would have had a slight road block as his real name at birth was Hunter, but thanks to his mom, Armani was born. “. My father’s name is Hunter and my mom gave me the middle name Armani so I wouldn’t become Hunter Cotton IV. I’ve been called Armani since I was born. I honestly didn’t register that ‘Hunter’ was my legal first name until I got a passport at around 10 years old. That being said, switching it up from time to time is a nice option to have. I might start doing that”, joked Armani Cotton. However filling up a room with his name isn´t the only thing he is able to do, but he can do the same with his basketball skills that he crafted at Yale and has further polished in Belgium and has done in Germany this season in his second professional season with the Uni Baskets Paderborn.

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Ethan O´Day (Uni Baskets) My Arms Aren’t Overly Long But I Have Developed Good Timing To Block Shots Throughout My Career

Ethan O `Day is a 206cm forward from Mansfield, Connecticut playing his rookie season in Germany with the Uni Baskets in Paderborn. Currently he is averaging 10,0ppg, 5,6rpg and 1,4apg. He was drafted by the drafted by Raptors 905 (D-League,4rd(71))
and already got professional experience this season with the Sandringham Sabres (Australia-SEABL-South) playing 24 games averaging 15.3ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-1(2.7bpg), FGP: 60.4%, FT: 42.4%. He started his basketball career at Northfield Mount Hermon and played at Vermont (NCAA) from 2012-2016 playing a total of 123 NCAA games. As a senior he played 34 games averaging 11.4ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 54.4%, FT: 61.0%. He recently spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Ethan thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. How excited are you to be playing your first season in Europe? What expectations do you have?

I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity to play in such a talented and well-respected league as the Pro A here in Germany. I want to adjust to our teams system and start creating chemistry with teammates as quickly as possible so I can help us win games right away. I expect to do whatever I can to help this team win games and ultimately make playoffs.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball. Do you know any guys playing here besides Armani Cotton?

I’ve only head good things about the basketball in Germany through friends that have played here at some point in their careers. Pro basketball in Germany has been described to me as very competitive and having a lot of talent. I have noticed some familiar names of players who played in my conference in college in this league.

You have come in as a player replacement with the Uni Baskets Paderborn. What was most key in joining this organization how did head coach Uli Naechster convince you best about coming here?

After speaking with Uli I knew I would be a good fit for their system as I am very familiar with the pick and roll offense, which we mainly run in Paderborn. Also they were looking for a big man who was mobile and could run the floor and bring some athleticism which are all attributes I use to describe my game.

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Armani Cotton (Uni Baskets Paderborn) I Have A Name That You Have To Live Up To

Armani Cotton is a 201cm forward from New York that will be going into his second professional season and first in Germany with the Uni Baskets Paderborn. Last season he played his rookie season with Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-Euromillions League) playing 35 games averaging 4.3ppg, 2.9rpg. He started his basketball career at Yale(NCAA) in 2011 playinga atotal of 104 games in a four year span. AS a senior he played 32 games averaging 6.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 66.7%. He spoke to Eurobasket earlier in the summer about Basketball.

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

I am in my hometown of New York City for the summer and it’s been great to be back. There’s no place like New Jack City.

Before we talk about your game let me ask you about your striking name. You were introduced as Armani Cotton by your new team Uni Baskets and your eurobasket profile lists you like that also, but you also have Hunter. Is Hunter a name you use when you get sick of Armani?

Haha, no. My father’s name is Hunter and my mom gave me the middle name Armani so I wouldn’t become Hunter Cotton IV. I’ve been called Armani since I was born. I honestly didn’t register that ‘Hunter’ was my legal first name until I got a passport at around 10 years old. That being said, switching it up from time to time is a nice option to have. I might start doing that.

How often do you get asked about your name Armani and what has been something that has stuck with you when somebody meets you for the first time and asks something about your flashy name?

Yeah man, people are always surprised — in a good way though. It’s one of those names that you have to live up to so I’m glad I play a dope sport and am from NYC. It allows me to fit into the name better. A nice personality can go a long way too. Armani Cotton suits me.

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Devonte Brown (Uni Baskets Paderborn) I Get Under Your Skin And Manage The Team Based Of The Coaches Principles

Devonte Brown is a 24 year old 188cm guard from Killeen, Texas playing his second professional season and first with the Uni Baskets Paderborn. Last season as a rookie he played with OKK Sloboda Tuzla (Bosnia-Division I) playing 28 games averaging 8.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-3(1.9spg), FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 64.5%. He started his basketball career in 2012 with Indiana St. (NCAA playing a total of 129 NCAA games. As a senior he played 32 games averaging 15.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 23.2%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to German Hoops earlier in the summer about Basketball.

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

I’m currently back in Texas training 3 times a day, working on weakness I’ve shown in my first professional year . It’s been a great summer thus far . Ive been spending time with my family and training some of youth and high school talent in area.

Congrats on signing with German Pro A team Uni Baskets Paderborn. After playing in Bosnia as a rookie how did you experience your second transfer period? Did you have a hard time choosing between offers or was the German offer simply too good to pass on?

I enjoyed the second transfer period a lot more than first simply because I knew what to expect and when teams would start to calling . Going to an organization with a great coach such as Uli Naechster seemed to be a no brained to me. This opportunity was simply too good to pass on.

Your new head coach Uli Naechster describes you as a point guard that can score, but also be a playmaker. He also sees you being a leader this season as a point guard should be. What other strength in your game will Germany see from you on the court this season?

It always good to hear the coach talk about you in that way and I’m excited to show defensive skills to go along with my offensive ability that coach has pointed out.

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Thomas Cooper (Uni Baskets Paderborn) The CIS Helped Me Prepare For FIBA Basketball Better Than The NCAA Did

Thomas Cooper is a 196cm guard from Chattanooga, Tennessee that will be starting his professional basketball career with the Uni Baskets Paderborn in Germany. He bounced around in his first two college years in North Carolina, California and Nebraska before finding a home with the University of Calgary (Canada-CIS) and as a junior played 27 games averaging 25.7ppg, 7.5rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 81.0%. In jis senior year at the University of Calgary (Canada-CIS) he played 26 games averaging 22.9ppg, 7.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 75.1%: He spoke to German Hoops about Basketball.

Thomas thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer?

Thanks for having me. Right now, I am still in Calgary just training and enjoying the time with the people who helped me grow here. I’ve been coaching and training and just enjoying every day with my teammates and friends.

Congrats on signing with German pro A team Uni-Baskets Paderborn. After coming from the CIS where you averaged 24,0ppg in your last two seasons, did you find a lot of interest from teams and were you on the radar of teams in Europe?

Thank you. I think there were a good amount of teams that were interested and some that blew me off as well. I’m happy to be playing where I will be playing

How thankful are you about being able to call yourself a professional basketball player? There was a time three a half years ago where you were fed up with basketball and stopped. Are you a very good example that even when it looks most bleak, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel?

I’m more thankful than anyone can imagine mainly because of the adversity I went through to get to the position that I am in. I’m an example of a person who would not accept failure no matter what cards life dealt me.

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Chase Adams (Uni Baskets Paderborn) I’ve Been On The Rollercoaster Ride Since College And I’m Ready To Keep Climbing

Chase Adams is a 28 year old 188cm point guard from Baltimore, Maryland that completed hiss econd season with the Uni Baskets Paderborn averaging 11,9ppg, 4,1rpg and 5,6apg. He started his basketball career at Centenary (NCAA) in 2006 where he played three seasons and a total of 89 NCAA games. As a senior he moved to Pittsburgh (NCAA). He turned professional in 2001 and played briefly in the ABA and in the UBL before making Germany his home as he played for teams like Dortmund, Bochum, and Science City Jena. He spoke to German Hoops after the conclusion of the 2016-2017 season.

Chase thanks for talking to German Hoops Where are you at the moment and how have you been able to digest the end of the season?

Still here in Germany switching gears directly into off-season grind mode. It was tough at first but realizing all that we accomplished in 2 seasons with the same roster is something special in itself. It’s best not to dwell on what “could’ve-would’ve-should’ve happened”. I’ll take all the positives and build on that momentum for my next steps.

Days after the season ended you were in the gym again with talented German Til Gloger. I guess you didn´t want this season and nice Paderborn run to stop?

It felt like we were just getting started and just like that it ended abruptly in the last two games. Only way to distract myself from that disappointment, at this point, is to start working on my weaknesses and health in this down time. The Paderborn run is a testament to what consistency , faith, and patience can do for you.

Congrats on helping Paderborn to their best season since 2012. In the end, you just missed reaching the playoffs. Do you feel like if the season would have had a few more games more that you would have reached the playoffs?

I wish we did have a few more games, I believe we would have been a sleeper in the playoffs. There was a lot of gas still left in the tank and we were still getting better.

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Matt Vest (Uni Baskets Paderborn) My Defense Was A Big Reason Why I Got Opportunities To Play In Gotha And Paderborn

Matt Vest is a 24 year old 195cm guard from Kettering, Ohio playing his third professional season and second with the Uni Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA): Last season with the Uni Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA), he played 22 games averaging 9.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 60.5%. As a rookie in 2014, he played with BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA): 38 games: 6.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 67.6%. He played at Wright State from 2010-2014 playing a total of 114 NCAA games and as a senior played 29 games: 7.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 65.4%, 3PT: 43.1%, FT: 64.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 82-72 win against the Dresden Titans.

Matt tanks for talking to German Hoops. Time really flies, it has been more than two and a half years ago since I gave you a welcome to Germany interview when you signed with Gotha. Is playing basketball overseas and the lifestyle what you thought it would be when you came over in the summer of 2014?

Living and playing in Germany the last two and a half years has been an absolute blessing. I have met some life-long friends and mentors here, and it has become a second home for me. It has been all I could’ve imagined and more.

Congrats on the 82-72 win against the Dresden Titans. Did this game prove despite that team having only one win, that if you don´t play for 40 minutes that you can lose to any team?

There is never an easy win in this league, period. The balance and competitiveness in the Pro A is unlike any league I’ve seen.

Dresden played very well for 25 minutes, but then gave up a 14-3 run in the third quarter letting Paderborn back into the game which gave the momentum to you. What was key for making this turn around in the game which led you on to winning the game?

The key for us in the third quarter was all about the defensive end. We stepped up our activity level and were able to put Dresden in some uncomfortable situations. Our defense is always the key to our offense because when we get stops we are able to play at a higher pace.

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