Oliver Kullamaee (186-G-2007) is a 17 year old 186cm guard from Estonia that is playing for the ratiopharm Ulm organization that this season played for various team like BBU 01 Ulm (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 10/4/4, for Orange Academy (NBBL) averaging 6/2/1 and for the NBBL team averaged 5/2/3 helping them reach the NBBL top 4. Last season he played with BBU 01 Ulm (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 7.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 83.3%, played also at OrangeAcademy U19 team (Germany-NBBL) averaging 11.8ppg, 4.4rpg, Assists-2 (6.7apg), Steals-5 (2.7spg), FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 50.0%. He came to Ulm in 2022 coming from Audentese SK. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career..
Thanks Oliver for talking to germanhoops.com. Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA or Euroleagueplayer who would best fit the description? If I’d have to compare myself to somebody I would choose a player like Huertas or Rubio. Bit of a smaller guard but crafty.
You’re a player that leads a team and is the pure playmaker. What other strengths does your game have?
I think other than that I’m also a good shot creator. I haven’t really had to show it here in Ulm but for example in the national team it’s different.
How much of a challenge is it being more of a scorer on teams like Orange Academy (Pro B) and the NBBL team when you have many scoring options. This year the team didn’t rely on my scoring. My job was to set up the offense and to take care of the ball. That doesn’t mean that I wasn’t aggressive or didn’t look to score at all. It just wasn’t my main responsibility. We had guys like Fredi, Jordan and Alec who could do that.
Are you more focused now of becoming a better playmaker and all around player as opposed to becoming a better scorer? Right now I’m more focused on becoming a better scorer. I can still get quite passive at times, look for others too much at times. Modern point guards can do everything.
What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become? I’d say right now I’m an all right defender, but there’s a lot of room for improvement. As a smaller guard you have to provide something on the defensive side as well. You cannot be a liability. Obviously the goal is to become an elite defender.
On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to raise your game?
Definitely my shooting. My percentages weren’t great this year but I wouldn’t say that I’m a bad shooter at all. Other thing is just getting stronger and bigger.
You come from a great basketball family. Your dad Geert had a long career and I saw your dad play with Bamberg and your brother Kristian continues to climb the basketball ladder. How vital has both of these guys been in your basketball development? What is the most important thing you could learn from both? It has benefited me a lot coming from a basketball family. Being around basketball since a very young age and starting to learn the game already that young. After rough games I can always ask for advice from both of them. The most important thing I’ve learned from both are mentality and work ethic.
You played at the recent Addidas Next Generation Euroleagueaveraging 8/4/5 stats. What kind of an experience was that and what do you enjoy most from being able to play with your Ulm teammates one more time? Playing at such a high level tournament is always a good experience. We had a great group and I think we did well. Although that game against Zalgiris is still a bit bitter. It’s always more fun when you have teammates who you really enjoy playing with.
You aren´t much older than big talent Teo Millicic but a few years make a difference at the youth level. What kind of a relationship do you have with him. Is being a mentor for you even possible at so young an age?
Me and Teo have a great relationship. Out of all my teammates I enjoy training with Teo the most. His level of competitiveness is always at the highest, which encourages me to also train harder. I wouldn’t consider myself a mentor. If either of us has a question we always help each other
Last season you played your first real full season in Ulm playing Regionalliga, NBBL and Pro B. How important has it been playing Regionalliga where you play against men. How has your game profited most from this competition? In Regionalliga I had more freedom than in Pro B or NBBL. The main focus wasn’t that much on winning, rather developing and having the chance to play against men. This was one of the teams where we relied a bit more on my scoring. Overall it was great for my development.
Last summer you played at the U-18 Euro averaging 10/3/9/2 stats. In 7 games you averaged 10 assists or more. Is it fair to say that this was your break through in Europe? You almost averaged 10 assists in the tournament and played against 7 different countries staying consistent?
Playing against competition a year older I would say I did a fine job. Of course there were a few too many turnovers but overall I did okay. This year I play against guys my age and I look to have an even better summer. In my opinion we have a great chance of winning the B division.
What is your big goal as a basketball player? Possibly the Euroleague? My big goal is to reach the highest level I possibly can. My dream has always been to play for Barcelona
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Jordan Mueller? I’d say that Jordan wins 65% of the time.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court that reached the NBA? The toughest player I ever faced on the court, who hasn’t reached the NBA just yet but definitely will in the summer, was Egor Demin.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Jordan Müller
Pacome Dadiet
Noa Essengue
Kaur Kennerth Tomann
Endurance Ayamenkhue
Please name your personal NBA and Euro Mount Rushmore?
Philipp Bode (179-PG-2001) is a 24 year old guard playing his 7th season for the TSV Oberaching Tropics (Pro B). He got early basketball experience playing with TS Jahn Munich (NBBL). He spoke to germanhoops.com after the loss to the Skyliners Juniors.
Thanks Philipp for talking to germanhoops.com. Did you watch the Superbowl or are you not a fan of football?
I did watch it. I was born in USA and got to know it there. We began watching the game in the car. We got home to Munich at 1.30. I then continued to watch at home.
Did some of your teammates watch or watch in groups? Some guys watched more than others.
You turned 24 on Sunday. What does a guy like you still wish for for their birthday? That is a tough question. I just generally wish to have a great life with the situation I´m in. That is most worthwhile for me.
How tough is it having a birthday on an away game? Did your teammates do anything for you?
Of course they sang happy birthday to me. I actually don´t mind having a game on my birthday. It would have been nicer having a home game instead of driving 10 hours and losing on the road. But no matter what it is simply the best sharing my birthday with my friends (teammates).
You suffered a tough 75-63 loss in Frankfurt. Do you sometimes wonder how many more wins you would have if all were fit?
Not really, but we had small injuries in the last weeks that effected our rotation. It hurts our overall rhythm and we have to keep making adjustments.
The first quarter was won 19-17 by the guests. How vital was the defensive presence of you and Mateo Jukic there?
My main duty is playing defense. That is what people expect from me. It is important for me and the team that we bring energy, because there are some older guys that are slower.
Do you sometimes try to get going in a game first with your defense to get your offense going?
It is different from game to game. Every team in the Pro B have 1-2 great players. It is my job to slow them down. Being able to do that helps us find a rhythm.
In the second quarter the Skyliners Juniors did a better job on the pick and roll after not getting the side pick and roll going in the first quarter. How tough was it keeping Malik Kordel under wraps?
Kordel is a huge presence on the court and changes the game so much. He makes the pick and roll 10 times harder to defend. He is also a great rim protector.
In the third quarter the Skyliners Juniors were able to lead by 12 points after 30 minutes. What adjustments did the they make? Their help defense was strong.
Their set defense was prepared for us and they were very present on the court. Their defense got better mid way through the second quarter already.
In the fourth quarter the Tropics punched back with a 9-2 run to trail 56-52. What was key for the guests coming back?
Our defense was good. We got consecutive stops which helped us get easy baskets. Unfortunately easy baskets didn´t happen often in the game.
The Skyliners Juniors came back with a run to get their lead back to double figurers. Were the Tropics feeling it in the legs? Yes, but we are used to it. We know how to play with fatigue. We had bad execution in that phase and missed open shots.
Malik Kordel made a massive poster dunk on Maxwell Dongmo Temoka. Maxwell seemed to take it with humor? Now Maxwell is seen everywhere being on that poster. But he is a player that tries to contest every shot. If he is on a poster on every fifth shot, then he is contesting the other 4 very well. He gets there. His quota is very good. He just keeps jumping.
When you look back at the 40 minutes of the game, what cost you the game most? Bad execution and not playing enough execution. We wanted to play more transition.
You had a 4/3/3 game in 33 minutes. You were a little unlucky with your 2 point shooting. My job isn´t to take many shots. I should of made 2 of my 5 misses. It just wasn´t my day. It was one of my worst games of the season.
You next play the tough Leitershofen who you lost by 27 points in the first game, but this time your at home. What will be key to getting the win? They are a tough team. We have a difficult program in the next weeks. But in this league everyone can beat everyone. We showed that we could beat the RheinStars. We go into each game giving 100%
Peter Bullock (198-F/C-1982, college: Alaska-Anch.) is a 42 year old 198cm forward that was born in Long Beach, California and grew up in Anchorage, Alaska and is playing his 20th professional season overseas and fifth with Fyllingen BBK (Norway-BLNO). He has played his whole pro career in Norway for teams like Froya Basket Laksevag, Ulriken Eagles, Gimle BBK Bergen and at Baerums Verk Jets. He also played briefly in Australia. He began his basketball career at East high school and then played at the University of Alaska at Anchorage. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against Bamberg.
Thanks Pete for talking to germanhoops.com. Your 42 years old and still playing. There haven´t been many Americans that have had such a long and prosperous career overseas. What has been your special secret to your longevity? I have been blessed with good health and no major injuries while playing basketball up to now. I´m a competitive person and my favorite to exercise is playing basketball. I´m nowhere near my prime as a player but I think I´m still able to bring mentorship and toughness to the team. My two oldest kids that are 10 (Peter Jr.) and 8 (Bella) have been my reason to keep playing. They love being around the team and as their youth coach and father I feel they gain a lot of basketball knowledge by spending quality time around Norway’s top team.
If someone had told you in 2004 when you arrive din Norway that you would still be there in 2025, what would you have thought? I would have laughed and never believed it. I always had in my head that I was here to work (play basketball) and would definitely return to the US. Life doesn’t always go as expected but I would say that now I am living the “Norwegian Dream”.
Why did Norway become your second home? What is so special about the country? I mean you were used to the cold since you grew up in Alaska.
I came here with basketball as my only focus but my wife made Norway my 2nd home. We have a wonderful family and life here but we are also really good at getting back to visit the US often and we are lucky enough to have US family and friends visit us here quite often. I don’t know anyone that has moved so far across the world to the same type of freezing climate lol. Definitely have to have the proper clothes for the weather.
You could of retired years ago. What keeps you coming back each season? Is it just the love for the game?
I have a pretty busy life working as a shipbroker and having 4 kids so it is definitely difficult to prioritize basketball. When I think with my head…I should definitely not be playing basketball in the Norwegian top league/ENBL anymore but the combo of my kids pushing me to play and my love for the game keeps calling me back.
Let´s go way back. You played at the University of Alaska at Anchorage (NCAA2) from 1999-2004. What memories do you have of those early years in your basketball development? It was a long time ago and basketball was different. How did you develop your game there?
Wow, that was over 2 decades ago! I had some amazing experiences playing college basketball at UAA. It was a surreal experience to be able to represent my hometown on the basketball court. 4 of our current players on Fyllingen have played for college teams that have traveled to Anchorage Alaska to play games. They always remind me how they remember seeing larger than life size pictures of me up at the UAA arena and my UAA sports hall of fame plaque. I am the type of person that likes to live in the moment and don’t think about past accomplishments but pretty funny when my much younger teammates bring stuff up like that. I developed my game thru hard work, dedication, being coachable, and listening to my upperclassmen mentors. My older sister that played D1 basketball at University of Iowa and I also would fly me down to stay with her in Iowa for the summers and would arrange for me to scrimmage and work out with the University of Iowa ´s team which prepared me greatly for the Division 2 level and for my my professional future.
You were always a guy that could score and rebound very well for your height. How do you believe would your career have gone had you been born 20 years later? The game has changed so much. Would you have been a different player today as a 24 year old kid?
So if I was going to have a do over, I would start playing the game much earlier and drill much harder on the basic fundamentals of the game. Now as a youth coach I make sure not to just put my big guys under the basket as pivot players. I believe it´s important to learn all the skills of the game so you don’t put limitations on what position you can play in the future. The more you work on skills the longer you can play the game of basketball. Unfortunately, as you age you definitely lose the athleticism you once had. At 6’6’’ I am more of a sg/sf size. I have played my whole career as a pf/c which pushed me to play with a high motor to make up for size at my position.
You lost a defensive battle against NCAA team Seton Hall. You scored 16 points and had 11 rebounds. You showed you could play against a top Big East team. What memories do you have of that game? My memories from that game were pretty cool. I started school early so I was actually a college freshman already at the age of 17. I had just turned 18 and was playing in a game against a Big East team that had Stephon Marbury’s little brother and Tavorris Bell on the team. Tavorris Bell had rockets tattooed on his calves and I heard that he had just won a dunk contest the summer before at Rutger Park by dunking over a car. Instead of being intimidated I was excited for the challenge. When I was able to have success at a young age against a group like that, I was able to prove to myself that I was ready to play against anyone.
How did head coach Charlie Jones groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
My coach Charlie Bruns helped to prepare me for the professional level with two quotes: “You don’t know, what you don’t know” and “What have you done for me lately”. It took me awhile to decipher the first one but I understood it to mean always be well prepared every time you step on the court and the 2nd reminds me to always be hungry and bring it every time you step foot on the court. Never be comfortable and rest on what you’ve done in the past. I try to live by those two quotes.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Josh Evans?
Josh Evans is a beast. I remember watching him go back and forth with Carlos Boozer when Josh was a freshman in high school. But, I don’t remember losing many 1 v 1 matchups with college teammates
You got your first pro experience with the Rockhampton Rockers (Australia-QABL) averaging 23.5ppg, 14.2rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1bpg. What do you remember being your wakeup call to being an American where you knew that you were far away from home?
My Rockhampton days were some great times. The people in that city and that basketball organization treated me amazingly. I spent two fun and competitive seasons in Rocky and still have close friends from there today. I knew I was far away from home when I attended a party with some of the locals and a kangaroo hopped right thru the middle of the dance floor (no joke).
You came to Europe in 2005 and joined Baerums Verk Jets (Norway-BLNO). What do you remember being your first impression arriving? It was the dead of winter. Did it feel somewhat like home because of the cold temperatures?
When I came to Baerum I was so focused on basketball and trying to make a strong impression to my team that I didn’t think of the weather at all. I actually got the opportunity because Serge Using was playing there and recommended me to the team. He played at UAA in Alaska before my time and is the school ´scurrent all time blocked shots leader I believe. When I arrived in Norway I had to go to my first practice straight after getting off the plane from the US. I still remember the thunderous dunk that I had over 7 foot Serge Using in our first team practice. Now when I look back on it, maybe I should have been more grateful that he helped me get the job and should have layed it up instead
You then played 4 seasons with the Ulriken Eagles (Norway-BLNO). You were a real double double monster, You won league titles in 2007 and 2009. Which title was sweetest? I have been fortunate enough to win 4 Norwegian league playoff titles and for me all of them are the sweetest. Rather I was the go to guy on the team or mentor/energy guy. There are many different roles in the game of basketball that all are keys to winning championships. Having a long career has allowed me to experience many different roles on a team which has helped me learn more about the game of basketball.
You needed no adjustment time and dominated the first division Norway. What do you remember being key for being able to step up right away?
For me to play with a high motor and to try to always think of every game as your last has helped me to be a productive basketball player. Experience against NBA and overseas caliber guys by playing in the Great Alaska Shootout and in the Iowa Prime Time League really helped me to be prepared for this level of competition.
Was there a player in those early years that was like a mentor for you? More than having specific players as mentors I feel my approach of respecting the game of basketball and trying to always give the game my everything has really helped me. When I am finished playing I will definitely look back and smile about how my career has gone.
You then played 2 seasons with Gimle BBK Bergen. What memories do you have of this organization? Your consistent play continued. Gimle is a well run organization and they have been Norwegian Champions many times in recent years. I have nothing but respect for their club and the way they compete in the game of basketball. I had a great experience playing there but love playing against them now as well.
What memories do you have of 16 year old Chris Ebow-Ndow. I know you have played against thousands of players and had so many teammates, but do you remember him? He has had a great career and is playing in France Pro A now.
Chris Ebow-Ndow is a beast on the court. He has always loved the game of basketball and plays it the right way. He moved to Bergen on his own as a young kid and dedicated his whole life to basketball. I always remember him being a huge Lebron fan. His game as a youngster made me thing a bit of Paul George. It is fun seeing how much international success he is having now with the game of basketball.
You then played with Froya Basket (Norway-BLNO) from 2011-2020. You won a league title in your first season. What was so special about that team?
The Froya team was special because the team was so close as friends and coach Ron Billingslea was a great motivator of men. That group was a great example of a true team effort. Fun times at Froya forsure.
For the first seasons and many others you were often the lone American. What kind of an experience was that for you? What kind of a leader did you become over the years? The players must of really looked up to you. Sometimes I was the lone American but we were usually two. When you are so far away from home, your import teammates usually become like your brothers. I have made great long term relationships over the years with Serbians, Bulgarians, Latvians and many fellow players with different nationalities. You also learn many life lesson from people coming from different parts of the world. My goal has always been to lead by example so rather if its practice or games I take pride in trying to always be the hardest worker every time I step in the gym.
Your playing your fifth season for Fyllingen BBK (Norway-BLNO). What has been so special about this organization? You won another league title last season? Playing at Fyllingen allows me to spend quality time with some of my best buddies that are still active around the game of basketball and get much needed exercise. Fyllingen is trying to grow the level of basketball in Norway and take things competitively to the international level. Not only are we trying to do a good job as a team on the court, but we are also trying to have a positive impact on the local youth in our community here in Bergen. It was fun winning the Norwegian championship last year behind some of the phenomenal players we had but we also want to push to be a competitive team through out Europe.
How cool is it to be playing ENBL so late in your career? What do you cherish most about it?
ENBL is a really fun experience for a 42 year old. I want the Norwegian basketball to be able to have international experience for years to come so it´s important for me to give everything anytime I step on the court. The ENBL is a very well run league with strong competition. It´s an honor to still get a chance to compete on such a professional stage.
Your minutes have gone down the last years. What kind of a mentor are you? My minutes have definitely gone down the last years. I have different priorities and responsibilities than the rest of the team but I give my all whenever I cross the lines. My teammates actually tell me that I demand I higher level of competitiveness at practices and games. If the young guys believe I am still helping, I want to be out there for them.
Isaac Likekele said this about you. ““Pete has been a great guy to play with because he is all about team and winning. Pete is a mentor & emotional leader for the whole team. He is our enforcer like a Draymond Green without him we wouldn’t have won this many games, and the box score might not say that. But, for everyone that tunes in and watches they can clearly see how much of an effect he has on the court each game”. How special of a player is he?
Ice is a big time player with great basketball pedigree. The sky is the limit for him. He is the type of player that will go as far as he wants to with the game. He was a complete game changer for our championship run last year. Unfortunately he was too good to keep playing in this league.
How much longer do you want to play? Could this be your last season?
This could definitely be my last year playing. Little bumps and bruises take much longer to heal at the age of 42 and I don’t have as much time to prepare when having a highly demanding full time job and 4 kids under the age of 11 that all have their own activities the I want to be able to attend to support them on a daily basis.
Who is the toughest player that you faced that went to the NBA? The toughest player that I have faced that went to the NBA is Reggie Evans back when he was at the University of Iowa. He was a beast and played about 13 seasons in the NBA.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Top 5 teammates is a tough question that I will have to pass on. I have been blessed with some amazing teammates over my long career during my youth, college, and professional playing days.
What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?
Kobe, Lebron, Jordan, Kareem
Who is your GOAT?
Lebron is my GOAT
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? The sequel of coming to America was a bit funny for sure but definitely should have been left alone!
Eric Nottage (187-PG-1994, college: FIU) is a 30 year old 187cm guard from Miami, Florida playing his second professional season with Fribourg Olympic (Switzerland-SBL) and last season averaged 14.5ppg, 5.2rpg, Assists-3 (5.9apg), 1.9spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 33.5%, FT: 78.8%. He turned professional in 2018 and has played in countries like Slovakia, Georgia, France, Romania, and North Macedonia. He began his basketball career at Northwestern High School and then played 2 seasons at Tallahassee Community College and then played 2 years at Florida International University (NCAA2). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against German team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.
Thanks Eric for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your seventh professional season and for your 8 club. Do you feel like a basketball globetrotter?
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this, I’m grateful. I wouldn’t necessarily say a globetrotter but I am grateful for the experiences that I’ve had in my seven years being a professional. I’m grateful for the teams that have given me an opportunity to showcase my skills, it’s been great.
Your playing your fourth season in Switzerland and for your third team. Has Switzerland become like a second home for you? What do you appreciate most about the country?
Switzerland is starting to grow on me as a second home because I’ve been here for so long. I’ve become accustomed to the way of life here and kind of used to the quietness of Switzerland. The thing I most appreciate about Switzerland is the quietness, it’s really chill here and that’s something I value the most.
You won the double as a rookie with Fribourg and currently are undefeated. How special is this organization and what has been the secret to the team success?
The organization here in Fribourg is very special everyone takes care of each other here, it’s basically a family away from family. I’m forever grateful for this organization welcoming me with open arms and allowing me to be myself. The secret is it’s a family, we genuinely care for each other, we all want the same thing and that’s to win.
Your showing this season that you are very consistent in 3 different competitions. Has your experience playing with so many different schools prepped you for being consistent? T The consistency comes from the work I put in this summer with my trainer Deric Hill and pdl4 sports academy. We knew what this season would consist of so we properly prepared for this year, as far as my conditioning, strength, and the weaknesses that I lacked in my game a last year. I take every experience that I’ve had with different clubs and always use it to help my development for the next year.
You have showed your whole career that you are a point guard that can score and dish out many assists. Has your role pretty much always been the same wherever you played in Europe?
That’s always who I’ve been since I started playing the game. The coaches I’ve played for throughout my time hooping always told me the best PG’s are the ones who can score but also control the team and get the other players going. That’s just who I am as a player anywhere I’ve been or anywhere I’m going I’ll continue to be the same player.
What has it been like playing with Ross Williams? Were you like a mentor for him last season in his rookie season?
It’s been great, man Ross is a special person someone I consider my brother. Playing with him has made my job a lot easier having someone that can shoot the ball at a high clip like he does. The person that he is, is far more special than the things that he does on the court a great individual. I wouldn’t say a mentor but I was always a listening ear whenever he needed any advice or help with something as a guard, the kid is special the sky is the limit for him!
How big is your chip on your shoulder? You have won chips and always put up great stats, but never played in a first division like Germany, France or Italy. How big is your drive to get there? No matter where I am the chip on my shoulder is always big, I always want to prove that I’m the best on the court. As far as playing in the first division in those countries my time will come for sure and I’ll continue to thrive as I have. My drive to get there is big for sure but I never measure where I’m at, I take advantage of any situation I’m in and do my best.
You have always had consistent stats. What has been your secret to being able to adjust to every league you have played in?
First in foremost, my faith in God. Trusting in his plan for my journey and trusting in the work that I have put in to stay consistent. Faith and hard work is my secret.
You played the 22-23 season with KK Rabotnicki AD Skopje (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 10.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.9apg, Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 82.7%. What kind of an experience was this season and what was missing to beating MZT Skopje in the palyoffs?
Playing for Rabotnicki was a great experience for me, I learned a lot about myself as a person/player. It was a lot of ups and downs that season as far as my role, I went from starting to coming off the bench some of the season definitely a different adjust but I enjoyed it. MZT Skopje was a tough opponent with a lot of depth on the roster which we didn’t have at the time in Rabotnicki but we never gave up and we fought to the end.
You split the 21-22 season with Sharks Antibes (France-ProB)averaging 10.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.0apg, in Nov.’21 moved to CS Dinamo Bucuresti (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 5.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 19.2%, 3FGP: 35.3%, FT: 75.0%: and in Jan.’22 signed at Lions de Geneve (Switzerland-SBL) averaging 10.9ppg, 6.1rpg, 4.6apg, Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT-9 (91.5%). How tough was this season? Did it feel like living out of a suitcase? The 21-22 season was definitely tough having to move around so much which I hadn’t done before and it was early in my career so I didn’t know a lot. It was tough going from team to team to team, but it made me mentally stronger than I once was and I felt as if I needed that experience. It taught me to never get too comfortable. It didn’t feel like living out of a suitcase, I got to experience different countries, places, see things I’ve never seen before that was the best part about the experience.
What do you remember from the playoff series against Fribourg? Did you ever feel like they had you on their radar for the future?
I remember we lost the series, I was hot. I really didn’t want to lose that series but Fribourg was the better team and they wanted more than we did. I didn’t know that Fribourg had me there radar for the future honestly but once coach Petit came I felt as if I would be a good fit for Fribourg and it just so happens we both were thinking the same thing.
You played the 20-21 season with SAM Basket Massagno (Switzerland-SBL) averaging 15.7ppg, 5.3rpg, Assists-2 (6.7apg), Steals-3 (2.1spg), FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 81.5%. Statwise this was one of your best seasons as a pro. How tough was the season in the hey day of Covid? You must of only focused on basketball?
That season was really tough as well, having to take Covid tests almost every week, to sometimes having to be in lockdown not touching a basketball for a week or longer. Basketball is always my focus Covid or not but Covid did allow me to put more focus into my craft because that’s all I could do at the time.
You played Fribourg in a playoff series. In the last game of the season you lost 94-93 scoring 25 points. How tough was that loss? It was tough, we were so close to winning that game and I wasn’t ready to go home just yet. I wanted to continue to play basketball and make a run for the SBL League Trophy.
You played your rookie season with BK 04 AC LB Spisska Nova Ves (Slovakia-SBL) averaging 17.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 6.5apg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 53.3%, 3FGP: 38.0%, FT: 76.2%, in Feb.’19 moved to BC Delta (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 12.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.7apg, Steals-3 (2.5spg), FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 68.1%. 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 was actually training at Amazon just about to start working until I got a call to go overseas and a coach that I played for in the eurobasket camp called me with a job opening. I walked out of training immediately and went to pack my bags. I was excited that I got a chance my dreams being a professional basketball player.
How refreshing was this season finding some adversary in Slovakia and then winning your first chip in Georgia?
It was great to win a chip my first year as a rookie and to be a piece in that puzzle was special for me because I didn’t know what to expect haven’t come there later in the season.
How vital was having another rookie with Malcolm Drumright in Georgia? How intense were the day to day battles in practice in that time? It was great to have a player like Malcolm on the team as rookie, we both were young guys looking to make a name for ourselves in Europe. It was good to have that type of player around you, someone humble & motivated it helped me a lot. The battles in practice were very intense most time we were on different teams just so we could compete, competition was very important for us at that time.
You played 2 seasons with Tallahassee Community College (JUCO) averaging 5.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 75.0% and 7.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 5.4apg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 66.1%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have stated that it was a real grind, but an experience that they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you?
JUCO was definitely a grind for sure but I had some a great group of freshmen that I enterd with with who made it feel like home away from home. We grinded ogether & we were always with each other. I wouldn’t trade my JUCO experience for anything in the world, I had a tough coach in coach Barnes, who taught me a lot of discipline and basic things about the game.
You then played at Florida International University (NCAA)averaging 4.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg and 12,.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 79.8%. You made a big jump as a senior. How did your game grow that last season? The jump from the Junior to senior was simple, I stayed in the gym all summer worked on my craft my body and I got more opportunities to have the ball in my hands to be able to showcase my abilities.
You had many great games in the NCAA like 37 points against UAB. What was your fondest moment in the NCAA?
Yes, that was the most pleasure I had playing college basketball. I was just so free and a lot of fun, most importantly we won the game because we didn’t win a lot of games that season.
How did head coach Anthony Evans groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Not only Coach Evans but the entire coaching staff prepared me for what was to come in being a professional, being on time, being professional, work hard and being disciplined. I really had a great group of coaches at FIU I wouldn’t trade the experience or the coaches for anything, I’m forever grateful for the things they did for me.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Donte McGill? Me and Donte competed all summer/season, we had many battles but he won more than I did.
Who is the toughest player that you faced that went to the NBA? Brandon Austin in JUCO, he was different for sure.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Mark Kelly Myles Greene Dirk Williams Elmo Stephen Ross Williams
What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads? Kobe Bryant Lebron James Michael Jordan Dwayne Wade Kyrie Irving
Who is your GOAT?
Kobe Bryant. The mindset that Kobe had playing the game is something outta this world. He was a great example of resilience, hard work, dedication. Forever 8/24
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming ToAmerica? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I haven’t seen it yet, I’ve been more into watching more tv series.
Malik Riddle (193-G-1999, college: HSU) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Tennessee playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team RheinStars Cologne. Last season he played with Gzira Athleta Birkirkara (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 28.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 75.5%. He began his basketball career at Rossville Christian Academy. He then played 2 seasons at Morehead State University (NCAA) and then played 3 seasons at Henderson State University (NCAA2). He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.
The winning streak has come to an end as Wurzburg won 91-81. Despite the loss could the loss be like a little blessing in disguise?
This loss could help us get back to playing like was did during first few games. It showed us that we have to play harder and better on defense.
They began 0-6 and now have a 5 game winning streak. This team is for real. Did you underestimate them a bit as a team?
No I don’t think we underestimated them. I ust feel we’ve been playing without our energy in the past couple games and this was just the end of it.
I saw how lethal the Wishart/Steinbach duo was last weekend in Frankfurt, but I think they were a little better this week combining for 37 points, 16 rebounds, 18 assists, 5 steals and 5 blocks. Is that team more than just those 2? Those two are for sure the back bones of the team, but they had a couple guys make some shots. I feel the whole team played hard.
Talk about the first half. They dominated in the first quarter and the RheinStars in the second quarter, but the game was deadlocked at 49-49 at the break. What adjustments did you make as a team in the second quarter? I feel we were just patient and executing like we usually do. We got out of our game and the hurt us.
The RheinStars went on a little run late, but it just wasn´t enough. Was their 22 offensive rebounds the biggest thorn in the side of the RheinStars? Yeah the offensive rebounds hurt us a lot. If we would’ve rebounded better I believe the outcome would have been better than it was.
You had a 8/3/2 game and shot 4/12 from the field. What will be your biggest focus this week in practice? Just practice harder and try to find a rhythm more for myself. I know I can perform better and I will.
You next play against the pesky Oberaching team. What will be key for the win? Getting back to us as a team. Hopefully this loss makes us get back to how we were playing the first couple games of the season. Rebound, be more aggressive on the defense end.
Urald King (198-F-1990, college: SE Oklahoma) is a 34 year old 198cm forward from West Monroe, Louisiana playing his 9th professional season and first with the Bakken Bears ( (Denmark-BasketLigaen). He has gathered experience in Iceland where he played parts of 4 seasons as well as in countries like Germany, France, Finland, Austria and Israel. He began his basketball career at West Monroe high school and then played at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (NCAA) from 2010-2014 and as a senior averaged 16.9ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 58.8%, FT: 67.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against Bamberg.
Thanks Urald for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your 9th pro season and for your 11th team. How much do you feel like a basketball globe trotter? I absolutely feel like a globe trotter. I look at it as a blessing to have clubs from different countries that want me to be a part of their organization and the opportunity to travel around the world.
9 years you were a rookie with TuS Bad Aibling Fireballs (Germany-2.Regionalliga). If someone had told you then that you would have won 6 titles and played in all these countries what would you have thought?
I probably would have laughed. People see me now and think my plan was to play in Europe and be a veteran. I never had any aspirations to play professionally (overseas). My start was from a very small league in Germany so to make it from there and to have as an accomplished career as I have is amazing.
I know you have always had a chip on your shoulder. How does it feel playing for a great organization like Bakken Bears? Do you feel blessed every day to be playing the game you love?
Making it to this point and having the opportunity to play for a club like Bakken, I definitely don´t take it for granted. I played against them 2 years ago in Champions League Qualifiers and I didn’t have my best performance but they were impressed by what they saw and followed me up until the point where they can present me with an opportunity to join their club. Every practice and every game I feel blessed because I know it’s guys who don’t get the opportunity or don’t last long (over here) for numerous of reasons. And for me to receive opportunities year after year means a lot to me and the people I represent!
You have won 6 titles already and have a good chance to add on this season. How much do you feel that winning vibe with the Bears? Bakken had a rich history of winning championships so from the very first day we knew what the expectations are and would be. We can feel the winning vibes every day in practice by the way we’re coached and the ways we compete and push each other.
You have always been a lethal scorer, but also a guy that does everything at both ends of the court. What is your role this season? I just love basketball and I taught myself at a young age to play hard and give it 100%. Honestly speaking I never look at myself as a scorer. I know I’ve had games where I’ve scored 40, 36, 34, and even had 20 pts & 20 rbs. I look at myself like someone who’s adaptable. So my role with Bakken is to score, be an inside presence, but also be a key leader on defense.
What has it been like sharing the court with Skyler Bowlin? Do you guys share the leadership duties?
Between us, I don’t like the guy, I’m just kidding. Seriously, it’s been great sharing the court with him. He’s a veteran guy and he’s poised. He does a great job of leading the team by words and actions. He’s our true leader on the team but I have the knowledge to lead us along side of him or take the lead when he’s off the court.
You have always been a great rebounder. What has been your secret to being such a consistent rebounder for years despite your height?
I can’t give away all my tricks but I would contribute my rebounding abilities to 3 things: 1. My relentlessness 2. Positioning and understanding timing 3. My athleticism.
You have always been a defender that made an impact on the defensive end. How have you grown as a defender over the years?
Learning the scouting report is extremely important so you can learn your opponent’s tendencies faster. Also I’ve always been good at controlling where I want the offense players to go; whether that’s in the post by placing my hands on their hip to guide them to the direction I want them to go or on the perimeter by giving them a side and being able to cut off the ball handler.
Last season you spent time in Peja and Austria. How tough is it in general to bounce around during a season? How do you handle it now at this point of your career? Last year was extremely tough for me moving from club to club. Under most situations, that truly only happens when a player gets fired but my circumstances were different. I was also in Israel (Ma’ale Adumim) and I woke up to the news of a war being broken out. I was only in Peja on a loan deal even though the contract was offered to be extended I chose to leave because of the conditions living there. Austria was interesting, it was a familiar league but ultimately it was a team with a lot of talent but no chemistry. At this stage in my career I’m looking for more stability, I’ve been a globe trotter but I’m looking for somewhere to call home until I choose to retire.
In 22-23 you won 2 titles with the Basket Swans Gmunden (Austria-BSL) averaging 16.9ppg, Reb-5 (9.7rpg), 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 61.6%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 71.6%; and in the FIBA Europe Cup averaged 16.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.0%. What was so special about this winning team? It was so special to me because we understood each other and had a true bond. Coach Anton offered us great leadership but we players encouraged each other. Also we had a lot of time to become familiar with each other because of the travels with Champions League Qualifiers & FIBA Eurocup. Also when it comes to legacy I think about 10-20 years from now when I’m done playing, knowing I’ll forever be a part of Gmuden Swans history with 3 championships (not 2).
You lost a tough 3 game series to Klosterneuburg where you lost 2 tough games and had great games. What will you always remember form that series? Mainly how disappointing that team was. We had a team built to win a championship but we never developed the right chemistry and it was too much selfishness and individual play within the team.
In 2021-2022 you played with KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.6ppg, Reb-5 (8.3rpg), 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 71.1%. There you were teammates with veteran Richie Williams who played many years in Germany. How often did the word Germany come up?
Rich (as I call him) is a great guy, one of the things you want to do as a Big is develop a relationship with your point guards. So, we would talk all the time about our careers and we spoke on Germany a lot. He actually came to watch my series in Gmuden vs Wels & Vienna in the semifinals and finals in 2023.
In 2019-2020 you played with SO Maritime Boulogne (France-NM1) averaging 11.4ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 57.1%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 50.0%, in Jan.’20 moved to Stjarnan (Iceland-Dominos League) averaging 17.2ppg, Reb-3 (10.7rpg), 1.1bpg, FGP: 55.1%, FT: 80.0%. What memories do you have of the NM1. That league has grown in recent years.Is that one of the better third divisions in Europe? I have fond memories of playing in NM1, with it being a 3rd league it’s very good competition. I was impressed how good the locals were. Being an American so much is put on our backs to perform but that was the first league I played in where a French player was as good if not better than the Americans and could easily lead the team in major statical categories. I also had some great off the court experiences with those guys!
You played in Iceland from 2016-2019 first with Valur Reykjavik (Iceland-Division I) avergaing 22.6ppg, Reb-3 (12.4rpg), 2.9apg, Steals-5 (1.8spg), Blocks-1 (2.5bpg), FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 68.0% and later with U.M.F. Tindastoll Sauoarkrokur in your last season. How special was helping Valur move up in your second pro season? Those Value years were pivotal for me. Being a part of a club with a rich history and helping them achieve their goals of moving to The Dominos League (now Subway League) was a major milestone not only for them but for to show people that I’m a winner. I still tell people that Valur holds a special place in my heart and watching their recent success I feel like I’m a part of it.
You were teammates with Austin Bracey for 2 seasons. Did you guys become like brothers? I have nothing but respect for Austin in the time we spend together being a part of Valur in the First League and Domino. However, unfortunately we didn’t form a brother like bond, just teammates.
How great was it living in Iceland for those 3 years? What was the coolest moment you had off the court?
It was an indescribable experience. The country is beautiful and welcoming. I can go on and on about all the memories I made but I’ll say my top two are. 1. My cousin from Los Angeles came to visit for me a week, he watched serval (playoff) games & we went to the Golden Circle together. 2. I formed a closed bond with a lot of the American players (men and women) from the 2017-2018 year. We would hang out together, play card games, go out bowling, and even party together. One in particular is Jeremy Smith. He’s a fellow Louisiana native being from New Orleans and I’m from West Monroe we formed a bond. We still talk at least once a month.
At the same time you paid your dues for 3 years. You were playing great and proved in the first division that you were a top player. How big was the grind? How did you grow as a player and man in these years that helped you make the next step to higher leagues?
One key thing for me is I learned who I was off the court. I learned to embrace the down time, whether it was being alone in my apartment or understanding the gym is available in the morning for a hour window so let’s make sure I’m there for some individual work. Those hours that went unseen directly lead to my success on the court.
You played your rookie season in Germany with TuS Bad Aibling Fireballs (Germany-2.Regionalliga). What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
My wake up call was literally my first day haha. I arrived in Bad Aibling and had my first European breakfast. After we were done eating, I went to my room for a nap and when I woke I sat on the edge of my bed and said to myself “I’m really in Germany”. At that point the realization and culture shock set in.
You played at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (NCAA2) from 2010-2014 and made a massive jump as a senior averaging 16.9ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 58.8%, FT: 67.1%. How did your game grow in your last season?
I understood it was my team and a lot of the offense load would fall on my shoulders. I remember my Coach Kelly Green called me into his office and asked me directly “do you think you can play 40 minutes”, I said “yes”, next thing he said was “good, you’re playing 40 minutes”. That let me know he had all the faith and confidence in me!
You had many great games, but what was your greatest game in the NCAA2?
This question is an awkward one for me haha. The reason being is I remember my first break out game, I had an unofficial triple-double. I finished the game with 31 pts, 11 rbs, and 11 turnover, yes I said turnovers vs University of Central Oklahoma. The reason this one stands out so much is because of the 11 turnovers of course but this was my first break out game in my basketball career. They were pressing us and every time we got across half court it seemed as if I scored but in the times we didn’t it seemed like I turned the ball over. Probably not the one you were expecting huh?
How did head coach Kelly Green groom and prepare you best for a professional career? Coach Green instilled confidence in me from day 1 and helped me bring out my leadership qualities. He taught me to trust my instincts and play hard. Even though I’m 9 years in, a lot the advice he gave me then still applies now.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Lonzie Tyler? Me and Tyler never played 1 v 1 but he definitely gave me some good battles 5 v 5.
Who is the toughest player you ever face din the NCAA that reached the NBA?
Coming from a smaller background I didn’t get the opportunity to play against too many high level guys until my professional career. Honestly the closest I’ve ever gotten to it was Mike James (who plays for Monaco), we were Junior College teammates at Eastern Arizona College.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? In no order, Daniel Friedrich, Flenard Whitfield, David Bergfeld, Kyle Johnson, and Ingimar Baldursson
Your NBA Mount Rushmore? Brandon Roy, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Tydrick King (my big brother)
Your Who is your GOAT? My goat is Lebron but my favorite player of all time is Brandon Roy
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? Haha great final question. I did see it, I enjoyed the movie. Was it as good as the orginal, no but I liked it. Eddie Murphy can do no wrong!
Vincent Macaulay is a UK coach who made a name for himself being head coach and general manager of the London Lions for more than a decade and was responsible for them becoming a top team in the BBL in the UK. He also had experience coaching the Hemel Hempstead Royals, Milton Keynes Lions and Manchester Giants. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball before the season began. Unfortunately I didn´t bring the interview earlier and then Vincent Macaulay was released. This interview is a combination of his thoughts before the season began and questions after he was let go.
Thanks Vincent for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you? Thanks Miles, I am currently on the road as we travel to Belgium for a pre season game vs Charleroi, this will be our 4th game of 8. Life is treating me well as I get to know my new team and surroundings and prepare for what looks like a very exciting Pro A season.
Welcome to Germany. After coaching your whole life in England, you have taken on a new challenge in Germany. What do you know in general about the country Germany?
Thanks for the welcome, and I have been made so welcome by the people in Quakenbrück in particular and Germany as a whole, I know Germany reasonably well, I have an uncle who is German and he told me many stories about the country, I am always always awed by the organizations in the country, how diligent they are with everything they do. Also secretly two of my favourite footballers are Sepp Maier and Gerd Muller. At this point I would say that my sports intro to Germany was Kevin Keegan leaving my beloved Liverpool for Hamburg.
How have you followed German basketball over the years? The country has made giant leaps in the last years in their youth department as well as winning the World Cup title? Just awesome! I have often watched the League, especially so when players from England would come to Germany and excel, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Geno Crandall etc. obviously we all fell in love with Dirk Nowitski, but the development of Dennis Schroeder who was just a very quick kid, into a phenomenal player and latterly a great leader cannot escape any coach.
After coaching in England, what was it that gave you that spark to want to go away from England? Was it more than just a new challenge?
Basically I had achieved everything possible in our League really, having been in every position, player, coach, GM, owner etc as well as winning games against European opposition. The League was going through a bad time with poor management etc and I was going to try and rebuild a powerhouse in Manchester like I had done in London but the League owners prevented that so I looked for a new challenge. I initially thought Japan, or a National Team, maybe Nigeria, when this opportunity came along with the Dragons who have been a very very top team and have the resources to be so again, so it excited me and with the legend that is Pat Elzie as Sporting Director and Marius Kröger as GM I believe we have a real shot.
You will coach German Pro A team Artland Dragons. What did you know about the club? It produced NBA player Isaiah Hartenstein. Yes they talk a lot locally about Hartenstein and his development and are very proud of him and the work his father did. In fact they are very proud of their past achievements as a club and the coaches that have gone on to bigger and better things. I always try to stay in the present, it’s time to have more current things for the fans to talk about so hopefully we can do that here.
Patrick Elzie interviewed many guys, but chose you. What was the main reason for joining this historic organization?
Well as to his reasons, I think you would have to ask him. I do know he wanted a change and maybe a different way of doing things and that’s certainly what I do. I enjoy learning the game, trying different things and inspiring players to be the best they can be whilst enjoying the game. As I said my reason is that the club has excellent resources to be at the top, it’s different sometimes you are at a good club with a good team but the resources are limited for you to go further, that isn’t the case here.
Talk a little about your basketball philosophy. What kind of a coach are you and what is your brand of basketball?`
I am a very competitive person and I love to play a fast and exciting brand of basketball. Score quick and score fast, but my entire upbringing in basketball was under the legendary British coach, Jimmy Rogers from Brixton in London, Jimmy was defence first and last so we will always be a very gritty team. The modern game is more uptempo especially at the three point line. It is exciting to see so many different styles of play in the Pro A and I think this makes it a very exciting League.
What is like working with Pat Elzie. Like you he has so much coaching experience. How vital is his basketball knowledge for your development as a coach in Germany?
Invaluable. I don’t think I’ve met anyone in Germany who didn’t play for Pat!! But seriously he is a bank of information and that is really going to help accelerate my understanding of German basketball, also with my assistant, Marcus Jackson who played and coached in the League.
What kind of character is Joe Asberry. He is a man that has seen it all. What do you believe is his biggest strength in the youth sector?
Joe is a great guy, firstly it is great having him around our Dragons Training Centre, he chats to the senior players acts as a buffer for them just in settling down and developing as pro’s. As for his influence on the youth it’s plain to see, they follow him all around the town, they love his energy, he shares his knowledge and I think most importantly helps to ground them as they try to make their way into the pro world, a huge asset.
How much influence did you have on making the the 2024-2025 roster? Was it all you or did Pat Elzie assist you? I can imagine that Elzie had some influence in getting veteran Yasin Kolo?
Ha ha! Yes I know they go way back. Pat assisted certainly especially with the vets, but also in helping me understand how the game is played here. Obviously I’ve also brought players who played for me and that I know to help blend in my style. I have had much more athletic teams than the teams in Germany but it’s about getting the blend right, to compete in bully ball if necessary, whilst also playing uptempo, high flying and exciting.
What is the goal of the Artland Dragons. The team struggled to stay in last season. Is staying in the league again the main goal
Clearly staying in the League will be a success, but the team already did that last season, I think getting to the Playoff’s and competing effectively is also a goal. There is no reason for us not to be one of the better teams however with still some weeks to the start of the season I haven’t seen too many teams from our league, after a couple of weeks or so, I’ll know exactly what we need to do to have a successful season.
I love how Brandon Thomas is still playing at 40. He told me last season that if Artland stayed in the pro A, he would add on another year. Seriously how good is this guy still? His body and the way he plays looks like he was still 30? Incredible!, Brandon was one of the first people I spoke to when I was given the honor of this job. His experience on the floor and his years in Germany are a real goldmine for me. We talked long and hard about what was needed to do well. His game is electric he is a finisher of the highest order and I’m trying to put him in the freezer from time to time so we can extend his career, he is a true pro who looks after his body and looking at him in training, it’s no surprise he has carried on for so long.
You brought in 2 Greens. Talk a little about their games. Do you feel like they could be impact players in the Pro A?
I do, Kierell will take a little time to settle as he literally finished playing in Indonesia, he is a glue guy who can plug many holes. He has good size and I think will hold us together in games. Tajh, well Tajh will be explosive, his athleticism is off the charts and he can run forever, the two of them will help our engine to keep ticking over.
I was very shocked when I learned that the Artland Dragons had let you go.Did it surprise you also? Yes I was surprised, don’t get me wrong, 90% of coaching positions end in a sacking but I felt it was really soon especially as I had been told we were in a long term project. I was asked to work with 7 players provided for me and I was very happy to do so and was enjoying this.
I think it was too early after 5 loses, but it seemed like they don´t want a scenario happening from last season? Can you understand their reasoning? I think it’s really not for me to worry about the managements reasoning, it is their right, however I feel I should have been told the plan had changed and I had to have such and such a League positioning by a certain time if indeed that was the case.
Are you able to explain why the team went from top to bottom with 4 wins and then sufering 5 loses? This was always a transitional situation, a significant group of guys who had taken a lot of losses last season, a new coach a new system so things would be up and down, I think teams start to come together after 15 games, chemistry, trust etc. We had a bad loss in Karlsruhe and I sensed the fear in the club and in my opinion they over reacted but as I said that is the management´s decision.
I´m sure you will rebound from this experience. Did you learn anything from this experience?
I learnt a lot from the experience, seeing German basketball for 2 months seeing the depth of talent in the teams and also the support that clubs have to be successful. I totally enjoyed my time with the team especially Brandon Thomas and Robert Ohle. Also that change takes time and not everyone can come with you.
Do you have any parting words for the Artland Dragons organization and fans? The fans were terrific and supported me throughout, I think the organization is trying to do the right things but process and communication is an area that still need further development and I think they know that too.
You made a massive name for the London Lions and coaching them for 11 years. Is it fair to say that they are like your baby? I would of thought that you would always have remained with that organization. Was leaving in 2022 a tough ordeal? Not at all. I grew up in Africa and there was a saying always on the buses, “no condition is permanent” I live by this and it gives me a positive outlook. The ownership group that I had sold out to allowed me to remain and coach, but after awhile their idea of driving British basketball was not mine so I moved on amicably and with no hard feelings either side. Driving British basketball was and is important to me, making a home for British players, having Justin Robinson as a British player be Two Time MVP was important. Now with my new challenge, if a British Coach can be successful in Germany, it will assist a lot of other British coaches to belief in themselves and go forward more positively.
I remember hearing about the club 4-5 years ago. The club made an incredible development. They played Fiba Europe Cup for some years. How vital was this organization for the British basketball league?
Well as you may know the club has now fallen on hard times due to mismanagement. The club was very important to Britain because at the time I started the club post the 2012 Olympics, there was no Pro team in London, and really no success since the London Towers under Kevin Cadle and Nick Nurse so it was important to create a big city club that could challenge. We slowly grew the club to that level and I think it helped let people know there was good basketball in the Uk. Playing the Playoff Finals in front of 20,000 people, live in TV etc, these are the things that get people excited.
In the early years say 10 years ago, you brought in guys like Nick Freer or Orlan Jackman from the German lower leagues. But the team always seemed competitive. What kind of a coach were you then and what kind of a coach now? Great memory! These were good players, Nick was very athletic and strong and Orlan is one of my favourite players ever. His pedigree you can see as he went on to win 3 x 3 Commonwealth Gold. I was a little over thinking then as a coach, my influences like Dean Smith and other college coaches, but then watching the success of Nick Nurse and Chris Finch in the NBA showed me that our League was actually a great training ground for Coaches, so I began to experiment and be more free flowing, that’s the kind of coach I am today.
The funny thing is I began interviewing guys some years ago as the rosters got more and more well known players and ex NBA guys. I interviewed guys like Orlando Parker, Josh Ward-Hibert, Jordan Spencer, Andre Lockhart, and Tarik Phillips just to name a few. Did the budget rise in the last years? How difficult was that?
You know the environment we are in for basketball in the UK is basically very clear. If you want something, you have to find the money and make it. We get very little to no Government support. For many years I was GM and Coach. That wasn’t easy but my vision stayed clear, Jon Spoelstra, father of Erik at Miami helped me a lot in understanding how to raise money in the sporting world and I did this, then very slowly we grew the budgets to the point we were able to compete in Europe.
How did you see the development of Jules Akodo. I followed him for many years in Germany with Frankfurt. He was a very special talent then. Jukes was with us when we won the BBL Trophy, a young guy I always kept my eye on, I wanted him for many years before he finally came along. He is a true gentleman, very talented at both point and 2 guard.
Please name your 5 best players that you have coached in your career?
This is where I say it’s like saying who is your favourite child. A tough one, From a pure talent level it was probably DeAndre Liggins, he never stopped working and was blessed with real skills. Marquis Teague was a walking bucket but then I have to add Justin Robinson, Dru Spinks and Joe Ikhinmwin as players who understood what British basketball needed. If every British basketball player was like any one of them – the UK would have one of the best Leagues in Europe. But of course, I love all my players.
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? MJ, Kareem, Olajuwon, Kobe, Magic
Who is your personal Goat? Michael Jordan – no question
RJ Gunn (201-G/F-1999, college: Duquesne, agency: Players Group) is a 25 year old 201cm forward from Columbia, South Carolina playing his second professional season and first with Inter Bratislava (Slovakia-Tipos SBL). He played his rookie season with LWD Basket Leeuwarden (Holland-DBL) averaging 9.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 47.0%, 3FGP: 34.5%, FT: 85.2% in the BNXT league and played with Corsarios Cartagena (Colombia-Liga W) averaging 14.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.3%. He began his basketball career at Irmo high school and then played 4 years at Lenoir-Rhyne College (NCAA2) an din his last 2 seasons averaged 19.6ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 49.9%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 74.1% and 16.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 81.0%. He then finished at the University of Duquesne (NCAA) averaging 8.1ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.2%). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against Bamberg.
Thanks RJ for talking to germanhoops.com com. Your playing your second pro season and first
with Inter Bratislava (Slovakia-Tipos).What has it been like playing with this organization that
has won 13 titles? What have you enjoyed most about the organization?
It’s been great. I think playing for an organization like this when we play in Slovakia everyone
is out to get us and it makes it fun and competitive to know you have that target on your back at
all times. We have some great people in this organization who understand how hard we work and they do a great job of working hard right alongside us players by making sure we are prepared to play
and helping us take care of our bodies through the long season.
After being in Holland you now are playing in Slovakia. How have you taken in the culture of
Bratislava? Is it like a culture shock compared to Columbia, South Carolina?
Being from Columbia I wouldn’t say Slovakia is a culture shock but compared to Holland the
lifestyle is different. I can walk around without having to check for the bike riders and I am slowly
starting to learn some words and pick up on phrases in Slovak because there everyone doesn’t
speak English as well as the people in holland.
Inter Bratislava (Slovakia-Tipos) last won a title 5 years ago. Do you feel that need to win again
from the organization? How high are the expectations?
We know that there is a rich history here in this organization but we don’t feel pressure to win. I
think we are confident with the group that we have that we will win.
The club has a good mix of Americans and Slovakian players. What exactly is your role on the
team? Are you the go to guy?
I wouldn’t necessarily call myself the go to guy because we have a lot of talent but I recognize
my importance to the team. I would say my role is to create space on the floor and create miss
matches offensively and defensively take away advantages by being able to cover multiple
positions.
What has it been like being teammates with Dontay Caruthers and Isaiah Cousins? How
important is their veteran leadership and what do appreciate most about their games?
Their experience has helped us tremendously especially being our main ball handlers because
they can make the right plays at the end of the shot clock. The leadership they provide is
needed and they both have different styles. Dontay is very vocal and helps us keep our
communication up. Cousins is a gym rat so it creates a competitiveness within the team to stay
in the weight room and on the court and I listen and observe from them and work to implement
those things into my DNA as a player.
What has it been like being teammates with Justin Mccall and Bryant Thomas? What do these
young players give the team that you appreciate the most?
They both bring energy and competitiveness to the games and practices. It’s natural for things
to become routine and a little repetitive as you have more and more practices with the same
teammates and going over some of the same things in practice but they both bring energy and
competitiveness that keeps things fresh and you have to be prepared to give your best because
they go hard every possession every day.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward If you had to compare your game to an
NBA player who would best fit the description?
I’m not exactly sure what current NBA player my game resembles but I think my game
resembles some older or retired players. The best comparison I think is Rashad Lewis; he
played very simple and efficiently. He also stretched the floor and created mismatches because
of his versatility and size.
You are a great scorer, but also a versatile offensive player. Talk about other strengths in your
game?
Offensively I think I’m underrated as a passer because I don’t have a lot of assists which to me
doesn’t always mean you’re a good passer. My passing makes it difficult to double team me in
the post because I try to be patient with the ball to make the right pass
You have been a solid three point shooter, but this year exploded shooting 50% and better in
both competitions. How do you explain this massive increase in shooting percentage?
I have been focusing on shooting the same shot every time and also a lot of form shooting. I
have also been taking the right shots as well as having teammates who look for me and get me
the ball on time and on target.
What kind of a defender would you call yourself right now and where do you still want to take
your defensive game to?
I can be a great defender at times and I have made strides on the defensive end thanks to
watching more film and working on positioning. Also staying focused and understanding the
scouting report on each player since I switch onto a lot of different players throughout the game.
The main thing I am getting better at is playing defense through screens which again is staying
focused and having the right positioning to be able to create the right angles to stay in front of
the defender when there is an on ball or off ball screen.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your
game?
My lateral quickness and positioning on defense to become a better on ball defender so I can
cover shifty guards better and also be better in pick and roll defensive coverages on the ball to
be able to help my team play bigger lineups where I may play the 3 in those situations.
Also my ball handling and reading the floor which will make me even more of a threat
offensively because I haven’t been the player handling the ball in pick and roll but my last year
at Lenoir Rhyne coach Sullivan and I talked about it and started working on it then and in the
off-seasons I have continued it.
Last season you played with LWD Basket Leeuwarden (Holland) averaging 9.5ppg, 4.3rpg,
1.4apg, 2FGP: 47.0%, 3FGP: 34.5%, FT: 85.2%. What do you remember being your wake up
call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
To me the most challenging thing was balancing the life I have at home while I’m in a
completely different country because family is very important to me. It is difficult living in such a
different time zone because it is almost like I am keeping up with 2 days at one time. The day in
Europe and I was 6 hours ahead so one my last practice ends I am trying to keep up with home
and their day is basically just starting.
Last summer you played with Corsarios Cartagena (Colombia) averaging 14.4ppg, 5.6rpg,
1.4apg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.3%. What kind of an experience was it getting added
experience before coming back overseas for year 2?
I think that experience helped me grow as a professional because at times a lot was asked of
me and I had to mentally prepare and perform at a high level every game. Also the schedule
was 2 games a week and back to back so it helped me learn to prepare my body for any
situation.
You played at Lenoir-Rhyne College (NCAA2) from 2017-2021 and made a big jump in your
game in your last 2 seasons averaging 19.6ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 49.9%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT:
74.1% and 16.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 81.0%. How did your game
grow in your last 2 years?
The main thing for me was my body. I spent a lot of time on strength and conditioning during
both of those summers. I met 2 people, Carlos Powel and Torrel Martin who both played
professionally at a high level for a long time and they completely changed my life and gave me
the guidance I needed to know what it means to be a professional.
You had a massive game against Clayton State scoring 36 points. What memories do you have
of that explosive day? You won 103-99.
It’s funny that most people don’t know I was not having a good game in the first half so what I
remember the most was getting chewed out by my head coach Everick Sullivan and my
roommate Davion Bradford and they were completely honest about how bad I was and I took
that anger out on the court and we won the game
How vital was Everick Sullivan in your basketball development at Lenoir-Rhyne? Did he give
you the keys to the team in year 3?
Coach Sullivan was very hard on me and had high expectations of me coming into the
program and that’s one other reason I started working on my body and focusing on more than
just on the court. By my 3rd year he could see the changes I made and how serious I was and I
don’t think he had to give me the keys I just did whatever we needed to win the games. He also
played professionally and he helped understand the jump I needed to make to have a chance.
You added a season at the University of Duquesne (NCAA) averaging 8.1ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP:
44.6%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.2%. How important was it getting an extra season and playing for
Keith Dambrot? How did he help give you that last touch of knowledge before turning pro?
More than anything else Coach Dambrot taught me to do my job. He is very intense and every
practice you can hear him screaming on the side and it was a bit of a shock at first but over time
I realized what he was looking for was consistency every day. He challenges you by trying to
get under your skin and It definitely helped me play with more passion and a better motor. When
I decided to go to Duquesne I told them I wanted to be a pro and Coach Dambrot and the entire
staff from the 2 years I spent there guided me and taught me to be more professional.
Dru Joyce is head coach now. He was an assistant in his first year when you were there? What
will you always remember about him as a coach? Did you know he won 3 state titles with
Lebron James?
What I will remember about Coach Joyce is his willingness to listen to the players and his
honesty. There were some tough conversations I had with coach, even talking to him while I
played with LWD basket. The first year was challenging and he listened to me and gave me
advice on how to be better and what my focus should be on. He was honest and didn’t sugar
coat it. I appreciate having that relationship. I think if you are a real basketball fan and know anything about Lebron James you know who coach Joyce is and it surprised me but while I was there coach Joyce can still hoop.
You scored 7 points in a 77-52 loss against NCAA powerhouse Kentucky. What memories do
you have of that game and what Wild Cat player impressed you the most?
What I remember most about that game was thinking about the journey I had from Lenoir
Rhyne to them and feeling proud to have gone through the obstacles to get to a division 1
school and play against a historical program like Kentucky when so many people felt I wasn’t
good enough it felt good to compete against them to test myself. The most impressive player from that game was Sahvir Wheeler because of his ability to control the game. We came out with a lot of energy and the game was close. We were a good team but once he got on the court he was able to get everyone involved offensively and their energy changed and they were more focused. He seemed like the leader of the team because that’s when the game was no longer in our control.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Tre Williams?
Me and Tre had a lot of battles in practice because we have different play styles. He’s a
monster in the paint and I step out in the perimeter a lot but I’ll say I won overall because I hit
more 3s.
Who is the best player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA?
My 2nd year at Lenoir Rhyne I couldn’t stop Grant Williams. We played Tennessee in an
exhibition game at the beginning of the year and I made some quick fouls because he was
smart and played with a lot of patience.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
In no particular order I’ll go with college. Darrius Simmons (Lenoir Rhyne), Davion Bradford
(Lenoir Rhyne), Corey Thomas (Lenoir Rhyne), Tre Clark (Duquesne), Dae Dae Grant
Tyseem Lyles (185-SG-1992, college: Mercy) is a 32 year old 185cm guard from New York playing his 7th professional season and fourth with the CATL Basketball Lowen Erfurt. In Germany he also had previous experience with Eimsbuettler TV Hamburg and PS Karlsruhe. He began his basketball career at Tompkins Cortland Community College (JUCO) and then finished at Mercy College (NCAA2). He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 93-92 win over the RheinStars Cologne.
Congrats Tyseem on the big 93-92 win over the RheinStars. The team now has a 2 game winning streak and has won 3 of the last 4 games. Are the Lowen on the right track now? Yes I feel like we are. Coach Florian Gut paid attention to our defense at practice and installed some new things that has helped us the last games. That push has given us added enthusiasm and we also have been moving the ball better.
The RheinStars came out strong leading 25-12. Kenny Lagab had 10 points and 2 dunks. Did you guys not have him fully on the scouting report? We did have him on the scouting report, but they got a lot of transition baskets. I didn´t know how quick they could score from the inbounds play. That caught us off guard at times. That got them going and gave them added confidence.
In the second quarter, Erfurt bounced back being down early 39-34, How vital was your alley op pass to Lenni Kunzewitsch? Did that energy spark the team? It did. That was a big moment that showed the home crowd and team that we were there to play.
Noah Kamdem was a beast getting many baskets in the second quarter. Does the team realize his worth? He could have been the difference the last years between a title and not when he was injured.
Yes for sure. We know that if he had played more the last years, that that would of made a big difference. Things happen for a reason. We are very happy that he is with us now and we embrace it.
Samuel Nellessen also gave good energy with 2 baskets. How have you observed his development this season?
He has been so good at keeping it simple. That is what makes him so reliable. He is great at on ball defense, cutting and shooting when he is open. What more can you ask from a guy coming from the bench.
The game was tied at 61-61 after 30 minutes. Erfurt continued to fight and stay with the RheinStars. What was key for staying on track?
Before there were times where we got hectic and made unforced turnovers. We stayed calm and made the right reads and just trusted each other.
Ruppert Hennen scored at ease the whole game. Is his mid distance game unstoppable?
I wouldn´t say that. His big man Bjoern Rohwer sets great screens that makes it difficult for us to contain him. I feel like if we play him 1-1, then he isn´t that unstoppable.
Lenni Kunzewitsch made a huge block which led to your three pointer. How key was that for the Lowen´s route to overtime? I think that this was the play of the game. That gave us great burst of energy. We really needed that, because we were so exhausted.
The overtime was very exciting and went back to back. Paul Albrecht made a key block to lead to your winning free throws. How accurate is it to say that Pail Albrecht is Mr everything?
That is exactly what it is. He is always rebounding the ball well and he makes the right read every single time. He is always helping with his hook shoot. He is Mr everything.
What is going through your mind when your standing there and have to make the free throws. Is everything around you totally locked out?
I seriously like to embrace the moment. I tune into the crowd. These are the moments you dreamed as a kid. I take my time. You don´t get many moments like that.
The only negative aspect was the rebounding. Is that a continued work in team progress?
Yes for sure. You can never stop getting better. Rohwer really made it tough for us to rebound. But we showed against them that we could go toe to toe with tough players. I feel like that gave us added self-confidence. That will help us continue to make steps in our rebounding in the future.
The defense continues to be a work in progress. Do you see any defensive identity trying to be formed?
I think so. We are still trying to find a way as a defensive team. Coach Flo always wants extreme on ball pressure. But that is difficult when you play 40 minutes. We have to find a way to become more consistent. We haven´t found our groove yet, but we will never give up. I feel like we will get better with time.
You played 43 minutes. Did you feel like a marathon man? I don´t know, because I have never run a marathon. I felt satisfied after the win for getting rewarded for playing so hard.
You had 26 points and shot 11/35. That was the most shots that you have taken in your pro career. Was it just one of those games where you really felt the need to have to shoot more than usual?
When I went into the locker room at the break, I went in with my head down. I missed many shots and realized that I had put a lot of pressure on myself needing to perform with high efficiency. I knew I had to clear my mind and put aside my own goals and get the job done as best as I could to get the win. I didn´t feel an extra need to shoot more. I understand that I have to take open shots and don´t complicate anything. When I see daylight, I always need to shoot.
Your three pointer continues to be your big weapon, but you also have a nice drive and mid range game. Could you imagine taking more 2 point range shots or is it always what the defense gives you? That’s is a result that has happened over the years from coaches telling me my mid range shot is a bad one. This year it´s all about getting back to myself and taking mid range shots. I took a crucial mid range shot late in the fourth quarter
You next play Orange Academy. They have had a solid start. What will be key to getting the win? We have to stick together and really buckle down on defense. We know that if we want to continue this win streak, we will have to be very focused and be concentrated. If we do that then we can win against anyone.
Bryce Hamilton (193-G-2000, college: UNLV) is a 23 year old 193cm guard from Pasadena, California playing his third professional season and first in Germany with the Rostock Seawolves. He played the last 2 seasons with the South Bay Lakers (NBA G League) averaging 14.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 69.8% and 16.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3FGP: 37.1%, FT: 68.2%, in Apr.’24 moved to ASP Promitheas Patras (Greece-GBL) averaging 12.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 76.9%. He began his basketball career at Pasadena high school and then played at University of Nevada – Las Vegas (NCAA) from 2018-2022 and as a senior averaged 22.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 76.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 83-66 win over the Frankfurt Skyliners.
Congrats on the massive 83-66 win over the Frankfurt Skyliners. How good does it feel getting the win after having lost 3 of the last 4 games? It felt good. We had a big emphasis on getting the win. We had lost some games at home and wanted to get on the winning track again. We beat a very good team, but we know that we still have to get better.
Rostock had a strong first quarter winning it 23-16. The game began with 4 three pointers. Were you expecting that?
No not really. But these things happen during the course of a game. We knew going in that they were a good offensive team. But we were confident continuing that we would be able to wear them down.
You nailed 3 in a row. Were you already feeling good going in or did those 3 three´s surprise you a bit?
My shots felt good. I have a lot of confidence in the work that I put in. I always have that mentality when I shoot that the ball will always go in.
You have been a pretty solid three point shooter since your NCAA days, but this season it´s been incredible. Have you been in the gym a lot more or what do you credit your hot shooting to? I think that my big focus has been staying in the gym and just being consistent. My 3 point percentage has really gone up in the last years. I trust the work that I put in and have a lot of confidence in my shot.
Godwin Omenaka also gave good energy and had 3 blocks. How important has his play been this season?
He is super important for us. His presence scares opponents when they drive to the rim. He blocks shots and effects where shots will go. He is also a great lob threat. It has been a big pleasure playing with him.
Malik Parson gave Frankfurt big time energy with 11 unanswered points. That guy is a walking bucket. He had a Euroleague offer last week, but Frankfurt didn´t let him go. Was that about as good as letting some steam out to let possible frustration loose? Yeh probably. He is a great player though. He really got hot against us. He will have a great season.
Is it Parson´s quickness the most difficult part in containing him, or his shiftiness and finding his spots? Yes he is very shifty and you never know where he will go. You just try to do your best and hope he misses. He can score at any level and doesn´t see a bad shot.
The game remained tight in the third quarter but Rostock kept the lead. What adjustments did the team make on the defensive end? We just stuck to the game plan. We knew that with time they would miss shots. We were defending tough and forcing them to tough shots.
What did coach : Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz tell you guys to do going into the fourth quarter? You only allowed 9 points?
He just told us to keep doing what we were already doing. We know that we are a physical and great defensive team. We take a lot of pride in it. We knew that we had to finish the game well.
In the fourth quarter Rostock stepped up with big buckets from Schwartz and you early, but overall the whole team chipped in. What was key for controlling the fourth quarter? We did a good job maintaining the lead and playing great defense. We moved the ball well and got out on transition.
Rostock controlled the boards and had only 6 turnovers. What was the biggest positive that the team got from this win? Our togetherness. We just had to lock in and not fold, but stay composed.
German Robin Amaize chipped in with 16 points and 8 boards. What do you appreciate most about his game? I love his game. He is a great player that plays with great energy. He can do it all. He guards the other team´s top player and hit shots on offense and can playmake. He is only getting better. It has been a pleasure playing with him.
How vital is it having a player like D´Shawn Schwartz by your side who can take the pressure off you at times? He has also been a big help. He always gives great energy and is a tough match up. Even when he isn´t scoring, he brings other important things to the team to help win.
How key is it having a big guy like Philipp Hartwich on the court? What have you appreciated most about his game? He is a great rim protector that can block shots. He is also a lob threat and great passer.
You had your highest point total in the BBL with 27 points. You have needed no adjustment coming from the G-League. What has been your secret to being able to adjust so well? It has been just being confident in my game. I know that every game is tough, but I get the trust from my coach and teammates.
You shot 5/14 in the first 3 games and now are 15/31 in the last 4 games. Have you had more reps or has it been the extreme focus coach wants you to have while taking reps? Coach has been a big help. He wants us super focused when we are taking reps. I have been totally locked in during shooting.
What was your impression of the Frankfurt Skyliners. This is a very critical stage in their season as they have many road games in a row. Their season could be made or broke. They are a really good team. They played us tough and at times when we tried to pull away, they continued to play hard until the end. They have enough guys that can score. They may have a tough span now, but anything can happen in this league. Anyone can beat anyone.
You next play top team Telekom Baskets Bonn. How vital will it be getting a win as after that the team has a longer break?
This will be a huge test for us to see where we stand against a top team. We respect them, but won´t come out lightly against them. We will play to win.
Yesterday was Halloween. What was your fondest Halloween moment? I won a Halloween contest. I was Batman.
German Hoops 