Cedric Johnson (193-G, college: St.Xavier) is a 193cm guard from Nebraska playing his second professional season and first with Froya Basket Laksevag (Norway-BLNO). He played his rookie season with Absheron Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL): 28 games: 7.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT-3 (47.9%), FT: 61.5%. He began his basketball career at the University of Nebraska-Kearney (NCAA2) averaging 4.1ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 78.1% and 7.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 73.5%. He then played a season at the University of Sioux Falls (NCAA2) averaging 4.1ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 53.3%. He finished at St. Xavier University (NAIA) averaging 14.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 79.2% and 22.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 82.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after scoring 40 points in a pro game against Gimle which was his highest ever in his career.
Thanks Cedric for talking to germanhoops.com Congrats on the 104-95 win against Gimie. You netted 40 points. Did then win feel better than others this season simply because of your point total?
Thank you,Miles. The win to me always comes first, but I would be lying if I said this one didn’t feel special. Anytime you can help your team on both sides of the ball and come out on top is a great feeling. The scoring felt like it came within the flow of the game — my teammates trusted me, and I stayed aggressive.
You had many 30 + point games in the NAIA, but never 40 points. Was this a career high for you? It was actually my first time ever hitting 40 in any game, so that definitely means a lot. It’s one of those milestones I will always remember, especially knowing how much work I put in over the summer to reach that level of consistency and confidence.
How quickly did you know at the start that you might have a very good scoring day? I was told that they might come out aggressive and try to deny me. One of the first plays of the game I crossed into a step back and my defender almost fell over, after I hit that shot I knew it was going to be a long night
Did you eat a special breakfast? Or do you have a special routine before games that you always do the same? My pre game routine involves taking a hot shower & listening to music for about 20 minutes. This allows me to clear my mind and gets my body loose enough to start stretching. This has been the same since high school
There were only 11 team assists and you had 5 yourself. Did you create more than usual for yourself? I normally always try and get my teammates involved and set a goal for myself to try and get 5+ assists a game so I reached my mark. I have always been a good passer and someone who can read defenses well
Do you realize that you could have reached 50 points if you had shot your free throws better and hit a few shots more? Does knowing that you bother you?
Missing free throws is something that will haunt me for days after the game, especially because I spend so much time on them and it´s just a matter of focus. The fact that I could’ve had 50 doesn’t necessarily bother me because I know that I could have played even better and that just shows that there is more room to grow.
Have scoring 40 points in a game in Norway, do you set your scoring goals higher for the next games? I´m not the type of player that will go and try and hit a certain number each night. As long as we win and I do my part I´m happy. I tell myself 10 points a half and anything more than that is extra credit.
Did you get a lot of feedback? Was your phone flooded with mails?
I actually got many calls from a lot of friends/family back home that couldn’t believe what I had did. Many previous teammates had reached out to congratulate me as well.
Did you get your teammates dinner or donuts or did they get something for you?
My teammates all congratulated me and we took pictures after the game but this was nothing more than another step towards reaching our goal of winning a championship.
Tanner Omlid (196-F-1993, college: WOU) is a 32 year old 196cm forward from Idenpendence, Oregon playing his 8th professional season and 7th in Portugal and third with FC Porto. He also played 2 seasons with Imortal BC Albufeira and 2 seasons with Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa. He played his rookie season with Aceitunas Fragata Moron (Spain-LEB Silver) averaging 9.3ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.3apg, SPG-1 (2.4), FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 70.6%. He began his basketball career with Central High School and then played 2 seasons with the U.S. Military Academy (NCAA) averaging 5.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.5apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 63.0% and 6.6ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.2apg, 2.2spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 10.0%, FT: 50.0%. He then finished at Western Oregon University (NCAA2) averaging 10.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.3apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 59.3% and in his second season 16.3ppg, 7.7rpg, 3.2apg, 3.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 65.6% and in his last season averaged 13.6ppg, 6.5rpg, 3.3apg, 2.7spg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.2%, FT: 69.2%He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Euro Cup game against German team Rostock.
Thanks Tanner for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your 8th professional season in Europe and 7th in Portugal. Is it fair to say that Portugal has become like your second home?
Most definitely Portugal is my second home. I have made some great friends whom I consider family. This country and the people have been very good to me and especially my family. My son is even Portuguese.
Your playing your third season with FC Porto (Portugal-Liga Betclic). You have won 3 titles with them. What makes this organization so special?
This organization had confidence in me after coming back from my ACL injury. It is a club that puts in the same amount of trust and respect that I give to them.
The team won the last 2 cups, but haven´t won the league since 2016. Does this season´s team have the talent for the double? I believe that if we are all healthy at the end of the season then we have a great chance to win the championship this season.
Unfortunately you are inactive at the moment- You had shoulder surgery. How is the rehab going and when are you expected back?
Rehab for the shoulder is so much different than the knee. I’m so used to working through the pain, but with this recovery I’m not supposed to feel pain. I’ve really had to be patient and trust the process. I’m finally able to start doing basketball moves and shooting, which has not only been good physically but has helped me mentally as well.
You won 2 cups with FC Porto. Was one more memorable than the other one?
I would say the last Portugal Cup; we beat Benfica in the semis where I had a great game. Then we went on to beat Sporting in the finals and got to celebrate with all of our fans.
Last season you played with ex NBA player Toney Douglas and 2 years ago lost to him in the final. What memories will you always have of him as a teammate and opponent?
Toney is a player with a tremendous IQ of the game. He can score on all three levels and plays defense with physicality and precise angles. As an opponent, I remember him making big shots in the finals that were very crucial. As a teammate, I will remember his competitiveness and will to win. It was a pleasure to play alongside him.
In your first season at FC Porto, you lost the last game to Benfica despite scoring 24 points. What memories will you always have of that 2 game series?
I will remember how I gave everything I had and still came up short. After that series I could look at myself in the mirror and honestly say I gave it my all.
You’re a player that fills the stat sheet great, but how valuable is your defensive game? You had 7 steals twice in a game in the Fiba Europe Cup. What NBA defender is your role model?
I try and take tid bits from the best defenders of all time. My hustle comes from Dennis Rodman. My exterior on ball defense is from Gary Payton. Then I try to work angles like Tony Allen. But if I’m being honest, my role model as a defender is Brian Dawkins from the Philadelphia Eagles. He had the ability to strike fear into people before even playing them. Not that people should be afraid of me, but I try to come into the game being fearless. We are all on the same court.
You played 2 seasons with Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic). What memories do you have of this great organization? What did you enjoy most about the 2 years? My first season was a very fun season. We were a historic team for being the first Portuguese team to make it to the Quarterfinals of FibaEurocup. We won 3 cups. I ended up tearing my ACL at the end of the season. It was a great group of guys and a pleasure to compete with them. My second season was a rehab season for my ACL. I tried to come back after 10 months, but I wasn’t even close to where I was before or where I am now. I learned a lot that season because I watched every practice and analyzed the game. I enjoyed playing with Travante Williams because we are both from the GNAC (NCAA D2). We both had a chip on our shoulder and still feel like we have something to prove. He’s a winner. I miss competing with that man.
You had some really good games that first season, but none better than against Pova where you scored 32 points. Was this possibly your best game in Portugal besides your 40 points against Braga?? Those were some good games, but I’d say my best game was in the semi finals of the Portugal Cup against Benfica last season. I think I finished with 29 points and made some tough 3’s. The games against Povoa and Braga were great games, but when it is a rival on a big stage it makes the game a little more special.
You played 2 seasons with Imortal BC Albufeira (Portugal-Proliga) and helped the team move up to the first division. What was so special about that team?
That team was special because we all bought in. Coach Modesto had a coaching philosophy that matched well with all of the players. We worked hard and that same group of guys all signed for the next season.
In your second season there you were teammates with veteran DJ Fenner. What was it like battling him on a daily basis in practice? What could you soak up from his game? DJ was and still is a very hard worker. We battled throughout the season and helped each other get better. I really enjoyed getting to know him as a person and basketball player. His footwork on offense was really good. His ability to turn his hips and square up to take shots (on balance) off of all types of screens was impressive.
In the 3 game playoff series against Lusitania you averaged 24,0ppg and 11,0rpg and shot an amazing 23/26 from the 2%. Was this the best basketball you played in a week´s time in the first division Portugal?
I never really thought of my best week’s but those stats speak for themselves. I can’t think of any other time in the top league that I’ve played that good.
You played your rookie season with Aceitunas Fragata Moron (Spain-LEB Silver) averaging 9.3ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.3apg, SPG-1 (2.4), FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 70.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home? That was a tough year for me because I spent half the season away from my wife. I remember walking down the street and people would stop eating and talking to just look at me. I didn’t speak the language that well until about February. When I flew back to the US, I knew I was back when I could understand everybody. I was so accustomed to walking through town and hearing people talk and it would be like a white noise because I couldn’t understand. Then I got back home and I kind of missed the innocence of not understanding what was being said.
You played 2 seasons at the U.S. Military Academy (NCAA) averaging 5.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.5apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 63.0% and 6.6ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.2apg, 2.2spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 10.0%, FT: 50.0% What memories do you have of playing for Zac Spiker?
My entire time West Point was kind of a blur. I was so sleep deprived and just trying to get through the day and pass my classes. My escape was the 3-4 hours a day when we were “up the hill” at the basketball arena and weight room. Coach Spiker was the person who taught me how to win offensive rebounds on free throws.
You then played at Western Oregon University (NCAA2) from 2015-2018 winning the GNAC title twice. What title was sweeter? On championship teams everybody has a role and every role is equally important. The first title was sweet because we were a team that was surrounded by hoopers. We were a D1 team disguised as a D2 team. If any of those guys wanted to go pro they could have come to Europe and had good careers. The second title is different because that was my team. I was the only starter from that previous team that was on this team. We were special because we all had a chip on our shoulder and bought into Coach Shaw’s system.
In your second season you had an amazing 18/15/11steals triple double in a win over Seattle Pacific. What memories do you have of that game?
The main memory I have of that game is having a reverse dunk and it was alumni night so the gym was packed. After the game, I met Robert Day who let me know that I could have a good professional career. It planted the seed.
In the same season in another game you had 34 points in a 76-74 win over Seattle Pacific. In your senior year you exploded for 32 points. You seemed to have their number? I don’t think it was Seattle Pacific, but more Kegan Bone’s. He was an assistant coach on that first WOU team that won the title. He left us and to quote Michael Jordan, “I took that personally”. Looking back now, if I was in his shoes I would have done the same thing because at the time that was his dream job, but at the time it was personal.
How did head coach Jim Shaw groom and prepare you best for a pro career? I only have good things to say about Coach Shaw. From day 1, he treated us like professionals. He had standards on the court. He instilled the 4 pillars that I still live by on and off the court. Attitude: Be positive and grateful Work Ethic: Don’t allow someone else outwork you physically and mentally Leadership: To be able to lead someone else, you must first be able to lead yourself Team: Nothing great in life comes from selfishness. His system was built on his 4 pillars, but he had the ability to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of a team early on and he would change the entire offensive/defensive schemes to get the maximum potential out of his players and win. He wasn’t hubris in his philosophy and would listen to input and would have serious conversations about anything.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Ali Farouq-Bey? I think we only played 1v1 a few times because they would last forever. At the time, I was not a great offensive player and Ali could hold his own defensively. But he had a hard time scoring on me, so it came down to whoever could make the harder shots that day. He is one of my favorite teammates of all time, and now he is a middle school teacher and I’m proud of him.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?
I played against Kyrie Irving in an open gym. I remember I had him locked in the corner after chesting him twice, then he drove left towards the free throw line and made a left-handed runner going parallel to the baseline. He went on to use the same exact move the following season to hit a game winner against the Denver Nuggets.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? 1: Abdul Gaddy (Crawsover-pro-am) 2: Marcus Lovett (Sporting) 3: Travante Williams (Sporting) 4: Andy Avgi (WOU) 5: Robert Upshaw (Crawsover-pro-am) P
Please list your NBA Mount Rushmore? MJ, LeBron, Steph, Shaq
Who is your Goat? LeBron James.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? No I haven’t.
Jacob Washington (203-F/C-1999, college: CSUDH) is a 25 year old 203cm forward playing his second professional season in Germany and first with Pro B team TV Langen. Last season he played his rookie season with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19.5ppg, 9.4rpg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 73.3%. He began his basketball career at George Washington Prep and then played 2 seasons at JUCO schools Los Angeles Harbor College (JUCO) averaging 10.3ppg, 7.5rpg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 15.8%, FT: 64.6% and Cerritos College (JUCO) averaging 10.0ppg, 6.6rpg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 20.7%, FT: 76.7%. He then played a season with Bowling Green State University (NCAA) averaging 3.0ppg, 2.4rpg. He then finished at California State University Dominguez Hills (NCAA2) averaging 5.2ppg, 2.3rpg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 44.3%, FT: 52.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Jacob for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with Pro B team TV Langen. How blessed are you to be playing overseas? Did you ever think that you would be overseas when you were playing JUCO?
It’s a blessing for sure. I always thought I would be a pro because of the work I put in it just took a little time, but everybody’s road is different.
You just keep grinding going from JUCO to the NCAA and now as a pro from Regionalliga to Pro B. You seem to be a real fighter. Where has that fight in you come from? Well, this comes from my family, never giving up always follow your dreams and continue to put in the work and eventually it would pay off. A lot of people in my past thought I wasn’t going to make it so I just have to continue to work and prove people wrong.
What were the main reasons for joining TV Langen? Did you know that the organization is rich in history and tradition?
Well I just wanted to move up from last season to a higher league and I feel this is the league in team to do that. I’m not really familiar with the history and tradition. But I’m looking to learn in the upcoming months.
How did the talks go with head coach Tobias Jahn? What did you instantly enjoy about his basketball philosophy? The talk with Coach went very well. He explained to me what he expects for me and the team and what we need to do for the season. He’s a very well, detailed coach and explains everything. He is such a good coach to be around and I can’t wait to learn more from him.
You had a great rookie season in Germany with Regionalliga team Grevenbroich? How confident are you that you can make the next step in the Pro B? Yes last year was a pretty good season for me. I think it put me in the right direction to take the next step in the pro B and I just have to continue to work on my game and I’m confident in my ability that it will show on the court.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description? Well, I do a lot of great things. Well I can shoot it and play inside. I’ll rebound it well play defense. I don’t really compare myself to an NBA player you know because I watch so many of them so I’m kind of just my own player.
You’re a player that can score, rebound and shoot 40% from outside. What other strengths does your game have?
I just feel like I can bring a lot to the court with my shooting like you said rebounding playing inside and out my rebound is pretty good as well and I play defense.
So many shooters want to reach that consistency and shoot 40%. You have done it twice in a row. What is your biggest goal as a shooter now besides keeping that stability in your shot?
Just believe in yourself believing in the work you put in everything’s going to end up showing on the court you know you just have to keep having confidence and everything else will pay off. I put in so much time in the gym that no one sees, and when it gets to the game it shows.
What kind of a defender are you at the moment? How much does your athleticism play into your defensive game? I always want to prove myself in defense a lot more you know I’m getting better and better over the years you know I take it personal when people score on me and I just try to do everything in my power to stop my defender and I just take pride in it.
On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game? Everything. You can always improve and I’m not satisfied with anything. I’m very hard on myself and I want to get better and I want to improve on everything. No matter how well or how bad I play I always want to constantly improve my game.
Last season you played with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19.5ppg, 9.4rpg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 73.3%. How tough was it losing that playoff series to Wulfen? Is that 75-70 game 3 loss one you will remember for a long time? That was a pretty good series for us, but tough in the end how we came up short. Sometimes the game goes your way and sometimes it doesn´t. We just couldn’t capitalize in the end. It was a very tough way to end the season and I did remember it for a long time but you know now it’s time for me to move on. and now I have some experience of what to do and make sure that doesn’t happen again.
How important was this rookie season for your development considering you never had such an offensive role in school? Well, everything prepares you for anything in life you know so for my college you know the experience I had prepared me for becoming a pro and it shows me how to work shows me what I need to do to continue to be great and continue to develop and it’s such a blessing.
How vital was having a fellow rookie like Toby Okuokei as your teammate? Did you guys become like brothers?
It was very vital to our experience as well. You know that’s obviously my brother will forever be my brother, and we already knew each other before we even came out here which made it a lot more easier for us to connect and figure out how we play and know where we are on the court.
You were on the rosters of 5 schools. That doesn´t happen often. Would you be the player that you are today without having so many different experiences with different coaches? Every school, I went to taught me more and more than I needed to know and prepared me for life with Basketball and life after Basketball and how to continue to fight and never give up and yeah, that’s all I could ever want.
You played at 2 JUCO schools. Every JUCO player I have interviewed have always said that it was a grind, but an experience that they wouldn´t have traded for anything? How was it for you?
Definitely I will agree with the Juco players you know it’s definitely a grind. If you can play Juco you can play anywhere. I definitely wouldn’t trade it for anything.
You began at Los Angeles Harbor College (JUCO) averaging 10.3ppg, 7.5rpg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 15.8%, FT: 64.6%. What was it like playing for Tony Carter Loza. How did this season help your development?
That was a very tough season for me, but I fought through. It had my teammates. They helped me through it a lot and the assistant coach Seth helped me a lot as well so I’ll forever be grateful for my time there.
You then played for Cerritos College (JUCO) averaging 10.0ppg, 6.6rpg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 20.7%, FT: 76.7%. How vital was this season for your career? You played for a great team that won and was All-SCC South Division First Team -2020? This season went pretty well for me being under the coaching of Coach Mayy. He was very good for me. He taught me a lot. He helped me grow and he was a good mentor for me to be well and he prepared me for the next level.
You then made the jump to Bowling Green State University (NCAA) averaging 3.0ppg, 2.4rpg. You didn´t play much. You suffered growing pains. Despite all that what positives could you take from it? This was a very tough time due to the Covid situation and everything so I never really got the full experience of college, but you know I was still very grateful for my time there and it helped me grow a lot as a man.
You played for Steven Wright who had a great career overseas and played some years in Germany. Despite him being a guard as a player what memories will you always have of him?
Me and Coach Wright weren´t very close so I didn’t really fully know a lot about him and I also never knew he played overseas in Germany so I can’t really speak more on that
.
How much of a role model is a guy like Daeqwon Plowdon today for you? Would you ever have thought in 2020 that he would reach the NBA? Dae Dae was always a hard worker always the first in the gym first to everything last to leave the gym and you know with a guy like that being around taking it all in knowing like how much of a hard worker he was, I had no doubt in my mind that his career will be successful in the NBA and in the NBA G league. It was great being around him, learning from him and teaching me some things and I will always be grateful for that.
In your first NCAA game you played against Michigan having a 4/5/2 game and played against future NBA guys like Franz Wagner? How vital was having an experience like that and arriving in the NCAA like that?
It was definitely an experience. It was a higher level of basketball and it got me ready for the future basketball I would be playing. When you play good talent, you will only get better.
You then finished at California State University Dominguez Hills (NCAA2) averaging 5.2ppg, 2.3rpg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 44.3%, FT: 52.0%. How did you experience this season? What positives could you take from this?
It was a lot of ups and downs, but more ups and downs. I would say a lot of positives. This was a Make or break situation in my Basketball?? career and I decided to stick with it in at the end of the day I end up leaving a champion and that’s what we all play for and ended up working out good for me.
Was your 19 point game going 5/5 against Chico State your fondest moment on the court? it wasn’t my funnest moment at Domminguez but it was a good moment. I would say you know I just went out there and played my game and everything else fell in place, but I definitely had more experience experiences that were good there.
How did head coach Steve Becker groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Coach Baker was there and never gave up on me and always believed in me even when I wanted to give up on myself. He he was always there. He was a good guy to talk to and I will forever be grateful for him not giving up on me and just pushing me to places that I didn’t even think I could get to and in the end and it paid off.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Andre Ball? Of course I won. We had some pretty good battles in practice, but in the end, I will always end up winning.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? The toughest player was Frank Wagner. He is a very good player. He can do everything very athletic.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
I wouldn’t be able to name five of them. They’re all we’re pretty good teammates for me to just name five of them would kind of be doing all my teammates a disservice. I’ve had some pretty good teammates in the past. I’ll leave it at that.
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
LeBron
Dwade
Kevin Durant
Tim Duncan
Shaq
Who is your GOAT?
My goat is my mom. She was always there for me she supported my career through the highs and lows. She made sure she made it to every game and travel ball game and you know that’s my number one fan right there and I love her so much.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I have seen coming to America. It’s a classic. And it was pretty good.
Zane Waterman (203-F-1995, college: Manhattan) is a 30 year old 203cm forward from North Carolina playing his 8th professional season and second with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). He began his basketball career at / Fayetteville Academy and then played at Manhattan College (NCAA) from 2014-2018 playing a total of 121 games. He began his professional career in 2018 with Lapuan Korikobrat (Finland-Korisliiga) and since then has balled in countries like Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, New Zealand, Portugal, Canada, Cyprus and Lithuania. He spoke togermanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Hamburg Towers.
Thanks Zane for talking to germanhoops.com. You have played the last 4 years year round in Europe and Canada. Is the best description for you basketball workaholic or simply a basketball lover?
I would say a basketball lover. Before I began playing year round, I was always bugging my agent to find me a job. I was playing New York street ball anyway and that was almost a game a day. I was always working out or playing at my college over the summer to stay in shape, so why not play for a team. I can make money playing for a team.
Your playing your second season with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). Your playing your second season with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL) and third straight in Lithuania. Has Lithuania become like a second home to you?
Yes it has. My wife, son and dog are in Lithuania for our third year. My wife got pregnant my first year and son was born just a year ago. It has a special place in our hearts and we really love it here. We love the culture and people and have really gotten a good routine here. Who knows what the future holds. The only complaint are the harsh winters. We live in New York off season so there isn’t too much of a difference with the weather in the winter time.
You always have been a very good 3 point shooter dating back to the NCAA and held that consistency as a pro. Recently you shot an incredible 52% from outside in the CEBL. How big is your confidence going into the Eurocup season and did you do any thing difference with preparation during the CEBL season?
As a basketball player you always have to have big confidence and belief in yourself. Even if you miss a shot, you have to think that the next one will go in. I always try to have a big confidence in my shooting. Sometimes it’s hard when you go through slumps. I have been working out a bit differently and that has been helping me a lot. My change of work ethic has maybe correlated to better shooting.
In your first 2 seasons in Lithuania, your 0-9 against top team Zalgiris. Last season you lost in the playoffs to them. How big is your desire to not only get that first win against them, but also to win the Lithuanian title?
You want to win every game, but the goal is big to beat them. That is the only team that I haven’t beat in Lithuania. I definitely want to beat them this season.
2 seasons ago you played with Kedainiu Nevezis-Optibet (Lithuania-LKL) averaging 16.8ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 77.5%. You had an incredible 31 points on 12/14 shooting against Zalgiris. The only thing missing was the win. Despite the loss, is that a game you remember in your career simply because you had a great shooting day? That was a good game for me. Having such a great game against a great team is a big accomplishment. But of course I want that win badly.
You split the 2022-2023 season with the Helsinki Seagulls (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 13.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 2FGP: 70.5%, 3FGP: 40.0%, FT: 72.0%, in Jan.’23 moved to BC Apollon Limassol (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) averaging 16.1ppg, RPG-5 (9.4), 1.6apg, FGP-3 (67.7%), 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 73.8%. After a short stay in Finland, you finished strong in Cyprus. How do you remember that season going from the cold of Finland to the beautiful warmth of Cyprus? I went to Finland as an injury replacement. I filled in for the injured Rene Rougeau for a few months. It was a big climate change going from the snow to the warm weather. Cyprus felt like a vacation sitting in the sun. You couldn’t do that in Finland.
You played the 2021-2022 season with U.D. Oliveirense (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 13.6ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 78.6%. You won a hard fought playoff series against CAB Madeira and then lost to Benfica. What memories do you have of that season?
Portugal is definitely one of my favorite countries that I have played in. I really enjoyed my time there and met some really good people there and people I still communicate with today. It is an amazing country. Oliveirense was very small, but around Porto. It’s a small country and many don’t see it as a top league, but it is run very well. We had a beautiful apartment. It was a great country.
In the 20-21 season you got further experience in 2 places with BK Nova Hut Ostrava (Czech Republic-NBL) averaging 18.5ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 54.2%, 3FGP: 41.6%, FT: 80.0%, in Jan.’21 moved to Enea Astoria Bydgoszcz (Poland-EBL) averaging 7.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 63.3%, 3PT: 57.1%, FT: 59.3%. After averaging 30 minutes in Ostrava, your minutes went down to 16 in Poland. What did you learn about this season especially on the business side?
That was an interesting time right after Covid. It was a very different season. We started off with fans in the Czech Republic and then it was changed to no fans. There were breaks during Covid and the league even shut down for a few weeks. But when I moved to Poland. I came with the promise of the coach that I would play 4-5 positions, but I ended up being the back up 5. I played behind polish big man Adrian Bogucki who was really big. He was about 100 kilos. It helped me develop my game better and learn to play the 5 better. I also got stronger. It wasn’t what I expected, but it worked out to be beneficial for me.
You played the 2019-2020 season with Ferrocarril Oeste (Argentina-La Liga): 5 games: 9.0ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 66.7%. You lived in the giant city Buenos Aires. It was only a short time, but you were there in the dog days of summer. What one thing will you always remember from the city? Perhaps the crazy traffic? It seems every driver is on his own there. Lol I didn’t have a great experience in Buenos Aires. I’ll leave at that.
You played your rookie season with Lapuan Korikobrat (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.2ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 83.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?
Lapuan was very small. I think it was the most north town in Finland that had a basketball team. It was some dark times during the winter. I remember we would go into our first practice at 10:00am and it would be dark. You get out of practice and the sun was up. The sun went down again at 2.00 and the next practice was at 6:00 and it was dark again. It was very different. I had never experienced something like that before. Lapuan treated you like family. It was a really great atmosphere. After games you would into a trailer and eat Lasagna. It was a great atmosphere. I really enjoyed it and really learned a lot as a pro there.
You also had a tour of duty in New Zealand with the Franklin Bulls (New Zealand) averaging 21.4ppg, 11.3rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 90.3%. Despite only playing 7 games you reached the 90/50/40 plateau. Was that the most consistent month in your career? I guess it was consistent. I also enjoyed my time there. They were great to me and my wife. It was right after Covid. It was fun there. New Zealand is a lot different from what I had ever experienced before. The nature is amazing there. Unfortunately I broke my wrist and had to get surgery.
You played the last 4 summers in the Canadian CEBL with Hamilton, Brampton and Ottawa. How vital has this experience been for your development? How do you feel are you a different player with this experience? It is a very athletic league in Canada. There is a lot of running up and down the court and very guard dominant. I have to play a different style than in Europe. But I also try to bring in my European style. In Europe the game is slower and more tactical and enjoy it more. I can you both styles that of Europe and USA in both places. I just use the best of both worlds when I’m playing.
You won the CEBL title in 2022 with Hamilton. What was so special about this team with guys like Aaron Best and Christian Vital that came together during the summer to win a chip? That was an amazing team. We had 10 guys that could start any game. Every guy could score 20 points and was a star. Starters on any other team were role players on this team. Coach Ryan Schmidt did a great job having everyone buy in to his system. We were all focused on winning. One night you may score 20 points and the next 2 points. It didn’t matter as long as we won.
You played at Manhatten College from 2014-2018. You reached the Big Dance as a freshman losing to Hampton. What memories do you have of that game?
Growing up as an American you always dream of reaching the Big Dance. That was very special. I wish that we could have had a better game. I really enjoyed my time there.
You had many great games at Manhatten including twice against Marist and also against Monmouth and a double double in a triple OT win over Siena. What was your favorite own game in the NCAA? I would say my 35 point game against Rider. It was over the winter intermission. All the students are on break. The basketball teams stay at school working out and playing games. That was a different time during college. You could really lock in. Your out of school for a month and just practicing and hanging out with your teammates. That is a lot of fun that brings a different comradery to the team. You come closer with your teammates. The gym was empty, but the game was on ESPN. I had a lot of fun.
How did head coach Steve Masiello groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Coach Masiello groomed me into a man. He is very hard on you, but also very loving. He was like a big brother to me. He put a lot of us through adversary, but helped me out tremendously. He prepared me for playing overseas, because it is a big adjustment.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Pauly Paulicap? We never actually played. He was a 5 and I a 4. We definitely had some battles. He is a great player. He is very energetic and athletic. He fights hard every game. It was fun to have him on your side.
Who is the toughest player that you faced on the court in the NCAA that reached the NBA? There wasn’t one specific player. We played against West Virginia and they were tough. We weren’t ready for their full court pressure. We also played a tough Florida State team that had many future NBA players like Terence Mann. They were really stacked. We gave a good fight and played a good first half, but lost it in the second half.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Tyler Wilson, Emmy Andujar, Nikola Djogo, Keevan Veinot, Pauly Paulicap
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Shaq
Who is your GOAT? Kobe Bryant
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone? I didn’t see it. I liked the first one.
Ayinde Hikim (180-G-2000, college: UMass Lowell) is a 25 year old 180cm guard form Washington DC playing his second professional season and first with Fyllingen BBK (Norway-BLNO). He played his rookie season with Absheron Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL) averaging 12.0ppg, 4.1rpg, APG-4 (7.8), SPG-1 (2.2), FGP: 38.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.9%. He began his basketball career at Woodrow Wilson high school and then played 2 seasons at La Salle University (NCAA) averaging 6.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 63.9% and 4.3ppg, 2.4apg. He then played 3 seasons at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell (NCAA) averaging 11.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 26.2%, FT: 76.9%, 10.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.1%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 82.7% and 14.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 5.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 42.8%, 3PT: 26.4%, FT: 78.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against MBC.
Thanks Ayinde for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second pro season and first with Fyllingen BBK (Norway-BLNO). What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization? This experience has been a great one, my teammates the coaches the fans have all been nothing but wonderful!
Fyllingen BBK (Norway-BLNO) has won the last 2 league titles. How exciting is it being the point guard for this team? What is special about this seasons team? Very exciting to be the Point Guard for the team knowing that I can help them accomplish their 3rd straight championship. I think this year’s team is special because we’re a new group of players together so it brings a different energy to the league and organization.
Your also playing in your first international competition in the ENBL. You will be playing MBC. They won a international title in 2004. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? I know very little about the country of Germany, I do know they are usually one the top places for international basketball so should be fun.
Your ex coach at Lowell Louis Hinnant played at MBC. Did you know that? No I didn’t know that at all I have to go and ask him about that, he’s my guy!
What is it like being teammates with Orji Okoroafor. The guy is 45 years old. How crazy is that? Is he like a mentor for you?
I actually didn’t know that until just now. But everyone has been a mentor for me and helping me transition to this team and just being a pro.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 180cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would bets fit the description? I get a lot of Allen Iverson which is one of my favorite players ever! But personally growing up I tried to model my game after Russel Westbrook and Chris Paul, Russ always played super hard and was very quick and explosive to where Chris Paul was a pure point guard able to get his teammates involved and make them better but still able to put the ball in the basket.
You’re a point guard that fills the stat sheet well. Would you classify yourself as a pass first point guard? I honestly just try to make the right play whether that’s me scoring or passing first.
Your three pointer is still a work in progress. You shot 33% last season as a rookie overseas a big improvement from the last NCAA years. Have you made adjustments to have a more stable shot? Not really shooting for me has always just been a confidence and overthinking thing for me, my mechanics on my shot are good and I shoot it well just got to translate it.
Let´s talk about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you right now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become? I’m an okay defender at the moment I know at times I get lazy on defense but I know I can be a really great defender because I’ve shown it numerous times but just getting more consistent with it and really leaning into it.
On what areas of your game are you working on most right now so you can continue to improve your game? Just everything, not taking any plays off always have my foot on the gas I would say. Sometimes I’m too nice or passive within my team so just working on always being aggressive especially with my playmaking.
Last season you played your rookie season with Absheron Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL) averaging 12.0ppg, 4.1rpg, APG-4 (7.8), SPG-1 (2.2), FGP: 38.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.9%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home? The first night when I woke up that next morning and everyone at home was still sleep because of the 6 hour time difference lol.
You had a rough start, but after 4 games found your groove. You were surrounded by many American veterans. Was there a guy that had the biggest impact on you?
I would say my teammate Aubrey, he was a veteran and the leader of the team and he really helped me understand what a Pro is and helped with that transition.
You played 2 seasons at La Salle University (NCAA) averaging 6.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 63.9% and 4.3ppg, 2.4apg. You averaged 21 minutes your first season and only 14 minutes your second season. How did you experience these 2 seasons. What positives could you take from those years? Just how to overcome adversity and how to deal with it in the moment. I went from starting playing 20+ minutes to that almost being cut in half. So I still had to be a great teammate on the bench or in practice no matter what so it just taught me how to deal with adversity.
You had some good games in those 2 years including 15 points in an exciting 78-77 win over St Joseph´s. What was your fondest moment on the court? Man honestly all the practices with my brothers and just getting better. I had an assistant coach named Kyle Griffin and we would workout 1 on 1 all the time so those are some of the best memories I have.
You then played 3 seasons and 91 games for the University of Massachusetts – Lowell (NCAA) Was this the best basketball decision you have made and was this some of the best basketball times in your life?
It was for sure some of the best basketball memories I have. Competing and playing for Coach Duquette was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. He treated me not just like I was another basketball player but like I was a human being which is rare in college basketball when coaches are fighting for wins and their jobs. I was able to leave a legacy there and put my name in the record books so it was a very special 3 seasons for me and Coach Duq is someone I truly love and admire.
You reached 2 AEC finals, but lost both to Vermont. What memories do you have from those 2 games and what loss was tougher?
I just remember the atmosphere of the gym, it was loud. My parents were in the crowd. It was just a special time even though we lost we were 1 win away from making it to the NCAA tournament which is every kids dream. I would say the one my last year just because there wasn’t another opportunity for me to get there.
You lost a tough game to Arizona State 71-69 and had a 17/8 game and battled Frankie Collins. What memories do you have of that game?
Being able to travel to Arizona and play in a Pac-10 arena and atmosphere. It was a long week going from winning at Georgia tech then 2-3 days later playing across the country at Arizona state. I played pretty good that whole week and I just remember after that loss, I was crying in the locker room and Coach Duq came in and told me he was proud of me and that it was some of the best basketball he seen in a week span, so it was a proud moment even though the outcome wasn’t what we wanted.
How did head coach Pat Duquette groom and prepare you best for a professional career? Truly just how to handle everything and approach everyday. He taught me how to handle life and adversity while being a basketball player.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Yuri Covington? Me of course that’s lil bro.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA? Anthony Edward’s my last year of AAU on the UAA circuit. We won of course but he did have 20 something points.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Ricky lindo
Max Brooks
Kiyon Boyd
Sherif Kenny
Greg Hammond
Jhamir Brickus*
What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?
KOBE BRYANT.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? Yea they should’ve.
Stefan Wess (203-SF-1994) is a 31 year old 203cm forward that retired from the game. He played most of his basketball career with the Uni Basket Munster organization playing a total of 102 Pro A games and 105 pro B games. He also played a season with the Niners Chemnitz and 3 seasons with the Baskets Akad.Weser-Ems/Oldenburger TB (ProB). He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.
You have decided to retire at age 31. The amazing words from Helge Stuckenholtz, Gotz Rhodewald and Meinhard Neuhaus are really incredible. Have you realized in the last decade just how loved you were by the entire organization? The support and love from the fans and the organization were amazing and it meant a lot to me.
Why did you retire? How were you physically? Was the motor still going well or was now the right time to pursue a new chapter in your life with business? My body still feels good and I am happy that I am able to do a lot of sports after my basketball career. I wanted to shift my focus more on business, but also wanted to have more flexibility in my life in terms of travelling, family, friends and hobbies.
You helped Munster go from the Regionalliga to the pro A in 5 seasons. If someone had told you in July of 2017 that the team would be in the Pro A in May 2022 what would you have thought? We reached the Pro B Finals in the season right after we moved up the Pro B. So theoretically we were able to move from Regionalliga to Pro A within 2 Seasons, but were not far enough in terms of external conditions. My initial goal was to move up with Muenster twice. That it actually turned out this way is such a wonderful story. But I am even more surprised by the hype in the city and the support of the fans. We went from 500 spectators per game to sold out games with 3000 people in just one and a half years.
How special was the 2017-2018 Regionalliga team under head coach Philipp Kappenstein and Bryce Leavitt. How vital were these 2 guys for the team reaching the Pro B? Philipp Kappenstein and Bryce Leavitt had a big impact on the success of the team, but we had a lot of key players in this championship team. This season was definitely one of the most fun seasons in my career.
In your second season Munster made the Pro B final, but lost to Leverkusen after a tough 3 game series against Schwenningen. What memories do you have of that season? Almost everybody in the city started talking about basketball and there were fans camping in front of our arena to get the best seats. The playoff games were sold out after 3 minutes. The whole season felt like a movie.
Munster then reached the Pro A in 2022. How vital were Thomas Reuter, Cosmo Gruehn and Jaspar Guenther? I always felt like Munster was an organization that really stressed ultimate team work something not seen as much in the Pro B then with this team?
Our biggest strength was always our team chemistry and our team work. Thomas, Cosmo and Jasper were very important for us, everybody with their own strengths.
Is Kai Hoenig like a brother for you? You were teammates in Oldenburg and then in Munster in the Pro B years. What was his biggest asset that he gave the team? Kai is one of my best friends and like a brother for me. He is a true winner. He won 6 championships in his career. He is one of the strongest and most physical guys that I have ever played with.
The team played Pro A the last 3 seasons and reached the playoffs in 2023-2024. What memories will you have of the Trier playoff series? Do you see Trier as remaining in the BBL in the next years?
Trier had so many great and experienced players with Maik Zirbes, Jordan Barnes, Moritz Krimmer, JJ Mann etc. I think Trier can have a good role in the upcoming BBL season.
How do you see the development of this organization? Where do you see it in 5 years? It is important for the club to have a young generation of good players that are committing to the club for several years. I think Paul Viefhues and Thore Dilschmann have the potential to be those guys.
How vital was Gotz Rhodewald in your career. You had him as a coach early in your career in 2010 and again the last 2 seasons? What did your game gain from his teachings? I am very happy that Götz and Manager Helge Stuckenholz brought me into the team when I was 16 years old and allowed me to play on a professional level. Last season Götz started to play with a lot of split actions. I have never played this in my career before, but it is very difficult to guard.
You began your basketball career in Munster. How do you remember those early years? Did you have a basketball mentor then?
In the youth teams, I played together with my best friends, such as Adam Touray. I was very excited to go to practice every time and play basketball with them. My mom was like a mentor for me. She played basketball in the first league for Osnabrück and had the biggest impact and best advice for me.
You played with the Baskets Akad.Weser-Ems/Oldenburger TB (ProB) from 2013-2016 and had your break out season in the third season allowing you to move to Pro A team Chemnitz. How vital were these 3 years in your basketball development under Mladen Drijencic and Christian Held? Mladen and Christian had a lot of knowledge and I learned a lot from them. We won back to back Pro B championships. This shows how good they were as coaches and how efficient their team basketball style of playing is.
There were some great players with the Baskets Akad.Weser-Ems/Oldenburger TB (ProB) like Kevin Smit, Paul Albrecht, and Jan Niklas Wimberg just to name a few? Was there a Pro B player then that had the biggest impact on you? I really enjoyed playing with Dominic Lockhart. He is a pass first point guard and makes every teammate better.
You watched BBL games and probably practiced with the EWE baskets as well. What is your best Ricky Paulding story? Rickey was very welcoming and he made me feel part of the team from the first moment on.
Who won a 1-1 then you or Jan Niklas Wimberg? I think we had tight games and both were able to win.
You then played a season with BV Chemnitz 99 (ProA) averaging 2.4ppg, 1.2rpg. You only averaged 10 minutes per game. Was this move to early at age 22? I had a very good season in the Pro B before. Therefore, it was the right time to take this step into the Pro A. My first season in Pro A was challenging, but we played very successful as a team and reached the semifinals.
If someone had told you in 2017 that the Niners would win a Fiba Cup title under Rodrigo Pastore and be a playoff team in the BBL 6-7 years later what would you have thought? Was there any sign then what was possible with Rodrigo Pastore?
Rodrigo is an excellent coach and I thought that Chemnitz can make it to the BBL, but winning the Fiba Cup title and becoming a playoff team is a big surprise.
What was your personal best game in your career?
I think my best game, also considering the importance of the game, was the Pro B final against Leverkusen finishing with 22 points and 7 rebounds.
Name your 3 toughest German players as opponents? Paul Zipser, Isaiah Hartenstein and Ferdinand Zylka (scoring 36 points against us)
You shot 40% or better from outside 3 times with Munster in the last 8 seasons. Shooting was your bread and butter, but how would you like fans to truly remember Stefan Wess the player? Most importantly, I want to be remembered as a good person, who always showed values of respect, fair play and loyalty.
What exactly is the next step for you? Do you already have a job lined up?
Yes, I work as a Data Analyst and want to have a good career in business. Besides that, I want to use the flexibility to travel a lot and decide to do things that I really enjoy.
Who is the toughest player that you ever battled that reached the NBA?
I played against Willy Hernangomez in the Albert Schweitzer tournament and the U18 european championship. He was the best player for Spain.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Paul Zipser, Rickey Paulding, Andreas Seiferth, Chris Carter and Malte Ziegenhagen
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmores of 4 best players of all-time? Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki
Toby Okwuokei (185-G-2000, college: SF State) is a 185 cm guard from California playing his second pro season and first with Pro A team BSW Sixers. He played his rookie season with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 23.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.4apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 75.7%. He began his basketball career at / Etiwanda High School and then played 2 years at Citrus College (JUCO) averaging 9.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 23.9%, FT: 68.7% and 17.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 74.0% He then finished at San Francisco State University (NCAA2) averaging 12.8ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 57.1% and 11.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 23.2%, FT: 61.6%. He spoke to germanhoops about basketball.
Thanks Toby for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with German Pro B team BSW Sixers. Your basketball journey continues. How blessed do you feel living the dream? I´m sure you take nothing for granted. Yes! I’m extremely blessed. I thank God for giving me this opportunity to display my talents and abilities beyond the States. It is something I’ve been working for my entire life and I’m just so grateful to see my hard work being to pay off.
You played JUCO and NCAA 2 and last season in the Regionalliga. How tough has the basketball grind been. What has been your secret to being able to keep the dream alive?
It’s definitely been a battle, a lot of good and a lot of bad. But I’m a guy that’s always been a hard worker since a young age and someone who is willing to put in the work to achieve the things that I want in whatever it is I’m doing.
What were the main reasons for joining the BSW Sixers? What do appreciate most about this organization?
I saw this as a great opportunity to and as the perfect place for me to make the next step in my career. What I appreciate most about BSW is their commitment to winning and their support for the club. I feel these two aspects are key in any organization looking to have a good season.
How did the talks go with head coach Lukas Vargas? What do you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy? My talks with Coach Lukas were great! He really showed how much he felt I could be a big addition to the team. And from our conversations I could see that he and I have similar ideas about the game, but most importantly we both want to see the team be successful this season.
You had a great rookie season with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 23.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.4apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 75.7%. How sure are you that your game will translate to the Pro B? I´m sure you witnessed some Pro B games last season?
Yes I feel that my game will translate well to the Pro B. I know this is a jump and I’ve been doing all I can to make sure my game is up to par for when I arrive. I feel the qualities I bring on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball are some key qualities that can help me stand out in the Pro B.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 185cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit to how you play?
That’s tough haha, I will say I don’t see one exact player, however some guys that I love to watch and see some of their game in my own would be Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, and Jrue Holiday. I think the way I play has a good blend of all three and shows in the way I play.
Coach Vargas said you bring great energy, game feeling and leadership. What about versatility. How vital is it for you to win games filling the stat sheet?
Definitely! I kind of like to see myself as a “Swiss Army Knife” I like to show that I can do multiple things on the court and still be effective in all of them. I think my versatility is one of my best traits because a coach can fit me in so many different roles/positions on the court and I can still make an impact towards winning.
You averaged almost 8 rebounds in the Regionalliga. How do you explain your sudden rise in rebounding in your game?
Rebounding has always been an important aspect of the game to me. With my quickness and athleticism, I feel I cause a lot of problems for the other team. Many players aren’t expecting a guard to go rebound as much as I do. But I’m very big on As they say “Rebounding wins championships” and as I mentioned before I feel that is part of what makes me so versatile.
You never averaged more than 3 assists in the last years. How defined is your playmaking at the moment? What do you still need to do to make the next step?
I think that’s one of my underrated skills that will definitely be more on display this season. Last season on the Elephants I had to take on more of a scoring role. But there were glimpses of my ability to playmake and willingness to create for others that I feel we’ll definitely see more of this season.
In school you never shot more than 30% from outside, but as a rookie 39% What is your goal? Can you reach 40% plus this season? Yeah for sure, at one point last season I was shooting close to 45% from the outside. It’s an area of my game that has made a big improvement and this season I definitely will be looking to maintain that and see it rise high as well.
Talk about your defense. You made strides last season in the Regionalliga as a defender. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become? I feel last season I really showed how effective I can be on the defensive side. Averaging just above 2.5 steals a game last season but I feel it more than that. Being able to make my man uncomfortable, being in the right help side, and even talking to my teammates while on the floor and seeing what the other team is trying to do. I want to be seen as a “nightmare” for opponents when I’m on defense.
On what areas of the game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? I feel my playmaking ability is definitely one thing I want to show this upcoming season and the strides I’ve made. Also continuing to build off the year I had shooting the ball. This offseason I’ve worked hard on that and I think this season will show that.
Last season you played with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 23.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.4apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 75.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home? I would say that on any given night you can get beat, so every game you have to leave it all out on the floor. I see it as you’re playing in front of someone for the first time so you have to make that first impression of yourself matter in a good way.
How tough was that playoff series loss to Wulfen? You shot 39% from outside during the season, but only 7/24 in the 3 game series. What did you learn personally from this series? Yeah that series was a tough one, I feel we as a team myself included could’ve done somethings better that could’ve seen us advance especially in that decisive game 3. As for myself I feel there was parts of the series where I was rushing and not playing at my pace. So that definitely was something I went back and watched for when I’m back in those moments I will be better prepared for them.
How vital was Oluwashore Adenekan in your rookie season? Was he like a mentor for you?
Definitely! Shore coming in was huge. His experience and presence was big for us on both ends of the ball. As for me and him, I feel the two of us have a great relationship till this day, with both of us being of Nigerian descent, I think we gravitated to one another as well. I’m definitely grateful that I was able to play along side and learn from him as well.
You played 2 seasons with Citrus College (JUCO) averaging 9.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 23.9%, FT: 68.7% and 17.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 74.0%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have reported that the experience was a grind, but an experience that they wouldn´t have given up for the world. How was it for you?
I completely agree 100% I feel JUCO can get a bad rap, but quite honestly I think a lot more players need and should consider the JUCO route. Yes it will be a grind no doubt about that, but I feel it teaches you and prepares you for a high level of basketball that all players need if they have aspirations in playing basketball for a long time. But outside of basketball the relationships you develop with teammates and coaches are unmatched. I personally feel going JUCO was one of the best decisions I made for my basketball career.
You made a big jump in your second season in JUCO: How important was head coach Brett Lauer in your early basketball development?
Coach Lauer and the staff at Citrus were amazing. Our relationship till this day is still as strong as it was when I played there. But what I’m most grateful for from coach Lauer and staff is that they trusted me, they put their time, energy, and faith into me being the main guy on the team. Letting me play through some mistakes so I could learn and understand the game better.
You then played 2 seasons with San Francisco State University (NCAA2) averaging 12.8ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 57.1% and 11.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 23.2%, FT: 61.6%. How did your game grow in these 2 years?
My game took a leap as I learned what it takes to win at a higher level. Coming to practice every day focused on improving and finding new ways to impact winning and how I can help improve myself to better the team.
You had many great games in the NCAA 2. What was your fondest moment?
I would say there are two games that come to mind and that is Cal State University Los Angeles (CSULA, NCAA2) on December 10th, 2021. I remember it was the first home game of the conference but what made it most memorable was me hitting a Game winning Three at the buzzer. It’s a moment all players dream of and to have it happen was a special one. The other would be against University of California Santa Barbra (UCSB, NCAA1) that was an exhibition game my second year and I remember I left the game with 20points. That game was always special because it felt to me that I could compete against a Division 1 school with no doubt in my mind. I feel I was the best player on the court that night regardless of team.
How did head coach Vince Inglima groom and prepare you best for a pro career?
Coach Inglima and the entire SFSU staff, especially Assistant Coach Henry Anyiam, were instrumental in helping me break down the game and improve key areas. I’m grateful for all they did during my time at San Francisco State.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jalen Flannagan?
Me and Jalen didn’t play 1-1 too much (I think he was scared haha) but when we did they were always competitive. I feel we definitely got each other better during our time at San Francisco State.
Who was the toughest player that you faced in your career that reached the NBA? I would say it would be Lonzo Ball. I remember I played against him my sophomore year of high school, his senior year. Matching up against him showed me why he was touted as one of the best player sin the country and a future NBA player.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
My five best teams of all time.. Wow! That’s tough haha, I’ve played with many good players and developed a bound with many that I still hold today. But if I could only pick five I would say… – Elijah Harkless, Kessler Edwards, Jalen Flannagan, Viktor Frankl-Maus, and the last spot it’s a tie between Eche Okeke or Jacob Washington.
Please list your NBA Rushmore of past or present heads? My NBA Mount Rushmore, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Who is your GOAT?
Kobe Bryant. I feel his approach to the game along with his Skill Set is unmatched.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I actually didn’t see it, but from what I heard it wasn’t too good haha. But I’ve always loved the original one so I’m kind of glad I didn’t see the sequel haha. Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jalen Flannagan? How did head coach Vince Inglima groom and prepare you best for a pro career?
Josh Ober (175-G-1991) is a 175cm guard playing for the Hertener Loewen Basketball (Regionalliga). He has played most of his professional career with Herten. However he has also played with the TuS 59 HammStars (Regionalliga). He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Josh for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is life treating you?
Hey Miles, thank you for having me! Right now I am in Recklinghausen, Germany, getting ready for the upcoming Pro B season with Herten.
You have been a professional player for many years playing for teams like Saarlouis, Hamm and Herten. What do you personally enjoy most about basketball?
Basketball is just something I grew up with ever since I was a baby. I had a little hoop in my room at age 1. In any situation in my life, whether its family issues, if I am feeling depressed, if I am stressed, whatever… basketball always kind of helps me escape from reality. You could say it’s like a drug to me. What I love most about it though are the connections, that come along with it over the years. I met my closest friends in the world through basketball and I truly cherish the friendships that basketball creates.
Recently you were injured when you suited up for Herten. How are you now? Can you continue to play pro basketball?
When I tore my ACL in September 2023, I feared that my basketball career was over. Never having had an injury ever before, this feeling of not being able to play the game that I love, was new to me. With dedication and hard work I fought my way back onto the court and had my comeback game 17 months after my injury and I couldn’t have done it without the tremendous support of my club (coaches, management, teammates), friends and family. My biggest thanks go out to my physio though, who helped me get back to full strength and was there every step of the way.
You played in Saarlouis. What memories do you have of this time?
The season in Saarlouis was a great experience for me. That year I was on the extended roster and a practice player. I improved as a player and learned a lot that season. It was the first step of my professional career. I also met Kelvin Okundaye that year. He has been my best friend since and the connection we have is second to none. He has had a great international career and still plays top league in Luxembourg, but no matter where he played, we regularly talked on the phone, I would go visit him, he would come visit me and we went on multiple vacations and trips together over the years. So aside from the basketball experience, that friendship was the best thing I gained from the Saarlouis season.
You were teammates with legend Ricky Easterling who has been there half his life. How big of a role model is he especially for Americans overseas chasing the dream?
Ricky kind of reminds me of my dad, who also came to Europe for basketball and just stayed. Like my dad he is still playing into his 40s and also coaching. So for Americans who come over here to play, he is the perfect example of players who built their legacy overseas. If you fully dedicate yourself to the sport and keep grinding, it will take you places for a long time and you might even find a new permanent home, where everybody loves and respects you for what you’ve done on the court.
What kind of a relationship did you have with Ricky Easterling? How did he help your game most?
I wouldn’t be who I am today without Ricky Easterling! I have known him for almost 19 years. We met when he played for my dad in Bergheim, before they came to Saarlouis together. From that moment on it immediately was that kind of relationship that brothers have. I have spent many summers with him and his family in Baltimore, Maryland and I feel like am part of his family, as he is like a second son to my father. I learned a lot from him, not only on the court, but also in life. I would say basketball wise though, he taught me how to be a leader and a role model for younger players.
What was your coolest moment with Easterling on the court? He owns the mid range game? You saw him be a walking bucket.
There really are so many midrange range shots I remember him making in big moments, but the best memory I have was from this little charity All Star game up in Bremerhaven, where a 7 footer tried to block him and Ricky gave him his Kodak moment and disgustingly put him on a poster. To this day, still the nastiest dunk I’ve ever seen live!
You also played many years with Herten winning the Regionalliga title in 2025. Was that your fondest moment on the court even if you were injured?
That is right, this upcoming season will be my 7th season with Herten all in all, with a couple of breaks in between, playing for Grevenbroich and Hamm. The first couple of months of the past season I was still recovering from my injury and finally joined team practice in December. It took me 2 months to get used to the pace again and competing with contact, but when it was time, it was very special for me when coach called my name and subbed me in against Dorsten in February. Dorsten is not too far from Herten, so we had a bunch of fans there. The love and the ovation they gave me when I stepped onto the court was a moment I will never forget. But winning the championship was obviously the highlight of my career. A championship is forever, so I even got the Finals scores tattooed on my chest and I still get emotional watching the highlights from that game. I can hardly describe the feeling of winning it all, just unreal!
How tough was that season being injured and being unable to play a lot? How else could you contribute to the title?
I believe nothing really changed between being injured and playing. I do stuff that you don’t see on the stat sheet. So when I was out, I just continued to do what I always do – motivate and try to make my team better. Pre game speeches, taking younger players to the side and giving them advice, buliding players back up after they made a mistake and coach yelling at them, telling them to keep their head up, organizing team events, being the locker room DJ haha. It’s small things like that that are so important for every team and I am glad that I am the motivational leader and good spirit of mine.
Last season you were teammates with American Bryant Allen. What kind of an experience was it playing with him? He is another one of those guys that could play at a higher level?
B A and I go back a while now too! We always played against each other when he was in Wulfen all those years and also in Essen. We were always in contact and I kept telling him he should come play for us. So when we were able to sign him last summer, I was super excited to have such a great guy join our Lions family. He has been working so hard to make it to Pro B and now, 9 years later, he finally made it and he absolutely deserves it. He is a dog on the court and the funniest person to be around, everybody loves B A!
You were also teammates some years ago with German Marco Buljevic. What was it like playing with an ex easyCredit BBL player?
There are a lot of people who made it to the first league or like Marco, even Euroleague and feel like they are something special or more important than other people. Not Marco though! Humble as ever and just the nicest guy, but a silent killer on the floor. Even though the season we played together wasn’t the most successful one, it was a great experience playing with him. He always tried to make me better, gave me a bunch of advice and I learned a lot from him that year.
You also played a season with Hamm under Ivan Rosic. What kind of an experience was that leaving your comfort zone of Herten and seeing something new?
It was definitely different from what I was used to in Herten, but at that point I wanted that change. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I just went with it and I enjoyed my time in Hamm. Ivan and I had been in talks during the pandemic and were discussing me coming to play for him when the gyms open back up, so I was happy when we were able to get the deal done. I respect the hell out of him and we still talk a lot. I love seeing Hamm succeed. The management and Ivan have built something big over there and I believe they will be a contender in Regio West this season!
In Herten you played with some incredible veterans like Ryon Howard and Faton Jetullahi. What memories do you have of these guys? Is there any memorable story with them?
I only had the honor of playing with Ryon for one season. Probably the best power forward I have played with. The season we played together he was already 35, I believe, and he was easily still the most athletic player on our team. What I definitely remember is our shared love for the UFC, we would always talk about the fights from the weekend and nobody had a clue what we were talking about lol. Faton and I will be playing together for the 6th season, one in Hamm and this will be our 5th in Herten. In 5 years there really are too many good memories we share, but over the years we have become good friends and enjoy having coffee together and talking about any- and everything. When we decided to leave Hamm and go back to Herten, we had one goal – win a championship and move up to Pro B with the club, that is close to our hearts. 3 years later, we did it! And we could not have done it without Faton! He was the driving force of our squad and left it all on the court. It was only fitting, that coach Robin subbed me in for him in Game 2 of the finals with a minute or so to go and when we hugged during the substitution I saw him with tears of joy in his eyes and that really got me and I shed a couple of tears too, but had to keep it together, cause the game wasn’t over yet haha. My brother for life!
You never got many minutes in the Regionalliga. How tough was it being a player that rode the bench a lot?
Yes, apart from my ACL injury in 2023 I was always active. I was never a star on a team at the men´s level and only have a handful of starts in my professional career. But I quickly accepted my role and never had a problem with being a role player and coming off the bench. Growing up a Duncan/Spurs fan, I always knew what TEAM meant and I was always able to set my ego aside, for the good of the team. I never demanded playing time or the ball, for me it was always most important to help the team the best way that I can, on the floor or from the bench.
Do you ever wonder how your career may have gone had you been 10-15 centimeters taller? Did height hinder your career?
Yes, I wonder about that a lot and I believe my career would have looked a lot different from what it turned out to be. But I am absolutely grateful for the opportunities given to me and I am proud that I never gave up on myself and was able to play at a high level for so long, despite my height…and I’m not done yet 😉
What has it been like being the son of ex NBA player Chris Cummings? What kind of a mentor has he been for you? What do you believe was the most important thing he helped your game with?
My Dad taught me everything about the game ever since I was a little kid. We would go take shots and work on my ball handling on Saturday mornings, then, when we were done, we watched old VHS tapes of games and highlights of NBA greats like Larry Bird, Pete Maravich, Kareem Abdul Jabbar or Clyde Drexler. So my whole life was surrounded by basketball, my mom would always take me to his games on the weekend and I always wanted to practice dribbling on the side instead of watching him play, which I of course also did, when I got a little older. My midrange game is what he helped me most with. It is a lost art and nowadays everyone wants to jack up threes – thanks a lot Steph! But Ricky, B A and Faton know best that it is still an effective weapon 😉
You once met Mike Breen. Do you have any cool NBA stories?
Mike Breen is the GOAT when it comes to NBA commentators. His famous “BANG” is known all over the world in basketball circles. When I met him in 2019 we had an amazing conversation and he had a bunch of NBA stories lined up. A cool NBA story I have, or actually it was more of an experience, was that I had courtside tickets to a couple of games at Oracle Arena during the Warriors first run at a title in 40 years in 2015.
When your not on the court, you work security. What kind of an experience is that? Can that be dangerous?
My security job is really something I only do when I am not in season, so basically between May and September. The events are usually concerts and festivals, which is pretty cool. I get to see world stars like the Rolling Stones, ACDC, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Robbie Williams (just to name a few) for free and get paid to do so. But of course everywhere, where there’s alcohol involved, there is always a certain risk. Luckily I have never had any issues.
You recently were manager of a 3×3 team. Have you ever contemplated playing 3X3? I think that your game would be suited well for it.
I actually still am the Team Manager of Wiesbaden3x3, soccer club SV Wiesbaden’s 3×3 department. We compete at the top level in Germany and came very close to winning the national title in 2024. We have also competed in events in Turkey, Italy, Dubai, Luxembourg, Hamburg, Munich and many more, which featured some of the Top 20 teams in the world. When I first got introduced to 3×3 basketball, I fell in love with it right away. It is a sport that you definitely can play longer than 5 on 5 and I am not ruling out playing it after my career.
What other goals do you still have in life?
Besides working security, I am also a personal Trainer, so I am really not tied to a certain place, which means I can work anywhere in the world. I would love to work with clients internationally and build up a business. But I will always stay involved with basketball for sure, maybe even as a coach. The 3×3 thing is also something me and my partners really want to push in the next couple of years.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Miles, this is so tough, but I will try and I’m going to make it a Starting 5, so every position: PG Farid Sadek SG Ricky Easterling SF Faton Jetullahi PF Ryon Howard C Dario Fiorentino
(Literally took me 10 minutes)
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
Tim Duncan, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Magic Johnson
Who is your GOAT?
To me it was always Kareem, I feel that he is overlooked in this conversation. Nobody could stop him back in the day or block his signature sky hook. And I believe nobody would stop him today either. When ‘The Last Dance’ dropped during the pandemic though, my opinion on the GOAT shifted towards MJ.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I actually never bothered watching it, I didn’t want it to ruin the first one. So yes, they should have left it alone!
Keith Jordan (198-SF-1998, college: SHU) is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Ohio that is playing his 5th professional season and first with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL). Last season he played with BC Prievidza (Slovakia-Tipos SBL) averaging 16.4ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 62.0%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 79.9%; and in the FIBA Europe Cup) averaged 19.4ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 71.4%. He played in Iceland from 2022-2024 with teams U.M.F. Skallagrimur Borganes (Iceland-Division I) averaging (29.6, PPG, RPG-5 (10.8), 4.1apg, SPG-3 (2.5), BPG-2 (1.5), FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 83.2% and b Breidablik Kopavogur (Iceland-Subway League) averaging 22.9ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 86.4%. He played his rookie season with EJ Sligo All-Stars (Ireland-Division 1). He also played 3 seasons with Titanes del Licey (Dominican Rep.-LNB). He began his basketball career with St Johns Jesuit High School and then played at Siena Heights University (NAIA) from 2016-2020. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Alba Berlin.
Thanks Keith for talking to germanhoops.com. How blessed do you feel to be playing overseas? It isn´t common that NAIA players make it overseas. I feel really blessed to be playing basketball overseas. There are not many NAIA players that continue their careers after college. So blessed to still be able to continue this dream of mine.
You have been having to prove yourself at least since 2016 when you arrived in the NAIA. Then you grinded in Ireland, Iceland and Slovakia and even played parts of 2 summers in the Dominican Republic for extra experience. Do you ever wonder when you will be accepted? Your chip has to be enormous on your shoulder?
It’s always a never ending battle to prove myself each league and year I step on a court. I’ve been counted out a lot but I know what I am capable of and the work I put in to get to this point. I just keep faith that everything works out in my favor. I probably will never be accepted how I want but that’s okay.
Do you have an example in the last 9 years where the whole grind was the toughest? Did you ever have doubts in your journey? Each year has its different challenges that sometimes feel impossible whether it’s a mental battle or physical battle. I doubt the journey definitely thinking I haven’t got to where I wanted to be or where I felt like I should be at. But then I just had to remember why I started to prove to myself that I am capable. And I did far more than I ever thought I could coming from where I came. I just want to keep going.
Your playing your first season with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL). What kind of an experience has it been? What is the biggest difference in the culture compared to Slovakia? It’s been a good transition so far. I’m enjoying my experience. I guess the biggest difference for me is the size of the city.
What were the main reasons for joining this club? Was the chance to play Basketball Champions League a big reason for signing? Yes, that was the main reason for the chance to compete at that level and continue to grow my name.
You have proved every season since 2016 that you can be an impact player. The BCL is a level higher than Fiba Europe Cup that you played last season. Do you feel like you can be an impact player in the BCL?
I always feel wherever I go I’ll be able to make an impact and definitely in BCL. I just want to bring the same energy I’ve brought to every team I’ve been on and I want to do the same here.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm player. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description? I’ve been getting Kawhi a lot lately just for my defensive ability and offensive game. I really don’t know what my best description would be.
You can score, fill the stat sheet very well and are an incredible shooter. How big is versatility in your game? Could one call you a Swiss army knife? Yeah that’s always been my thing. I always wanted to not be one dimensional. I always wanted to be everywhere on the court. Even if I’m not scoring I still made an impact on the game in some way.
You are an incredible shooter having shot over 40% in a season on many occasions. What are your goals this season in both competitions. Is 40% always the goal for you? Yeah, staying consistent as a shooter is always the goal. Definitely to maintain a 40% shooter and just stay efficient how I always have been.
You are also a player that can make an impact on the defensive end. Talk about what kind of a defender do you are right now and what kind of defender you still want to become? I think I have great instinct and physicality which is needed in defense. I just want to be more consistent and just always in the right spots and have great communication. So just being more consistent in the things that make me a great defender.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? Just always working on keeping my shot consistent. Making sure my footwork is sharp.
Last season you played with BC Prievidza (Slovakia-Tipos SBL) averaging 16.4ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 62.0%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 79.9%; and in the FIBA Europe Cup averaged 19.4ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 71.4%. How tough was that game 3 loss to the Blue Wings where you scored 31 points? What memories do you have and is that a top 3 worst loss in your career?
For me that was a really tough loss because I got injured in the same game. So it was a lot of emotions for me because I just fought back from injury to get to that point. And obviously I had a decent game but we still lost and I got hurt just definitely didn’t leave a great feeling after.
How crazy was the win over Kutaisi where you had a 29/12 game in 54 minutes. Did it feel like your wheels would fall off after that game? That game was the strangest game I’ve ever been a part of. Because they were trying to get the point difference. But yeah I was extremely tired after the game I never played that many minutes ever.
In the 2023-2024 season you balled for Breidablik Kopavogur (Iceland-Subway League) averaging 22.9, 9.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 86.4%. How important were your 2 years in Iceland. How vital was getting that confidence? Can an experience like that help retain confidence for a longer time or just help you more in tougher times down the road just knowing you can play?
It was definitely huge for my confidence and just gaining experience in that role. It always shows you what you are capable of so I think it can help in tougher times down the road.
You also played a season with U.M.F. Skallagrimur Borganes (Iceland-Division I) averaging 29.6, RPG-5 (10.8), 4.1apg, SPG-3 (2.5), BPG-2 (1.5), FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 83.2%. How special was your triple double of 42/13/10 against Fjolnir. Was that one of your best games in your career?
I don’t know if it was my best game but definitely felt like everything I was doing was just working. It was fun and just seemed like such a simple game.
You lost a tough playoff series to Hamar in 5 games. You went 11/11 from the FT line but 1/7 from outside. What will you always remember from that series? Just how hard we fought to get to that position. We were up and down throughout the season but figured it out towards the end.
You wanted to play your rookie season overseas with Griffith College Templeogue (Ireland-Super League) but the season was canceled due to the covid-19 pandemic. How tough was having to go home? Did you lock yourself in the lab? How did you survive that season men tally? I just wanted to take the time really just to better myself. Allow more time for preparation and it allowed me to gain a hunger to be back on the court. Mentally just the help of family and friends being so motivating at the time helping me through that time.
In the 20-21 season you finally began your rookie season overseas with EJ Sligo All-Stars (Ireland-Division 1). What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
When I was in Ireland during Christmas, I didn’t go home. That was like a huge wake up call of the sacrifice I made to chase my dreams.
Was your time in Ireland where you were able to work extra on your game? How valuable was having the grind/chip mentality in your mind every day? It was huge to stay consistent and just know this wasn’t it for me. That this was a part of my journey and made the best of every situation I was in. I was able to work extra on my game. I used to go to the gym at 2-3am if I couldn’t sleep just to work on games.
You played 3 summers in the Dominican Republic with Titanes del Licey (Dominican Republic-LNB) averaging 14/5/1 in all three seasons. Did that organization become like home and how valuable was getting this extra time for the development of your game? Yeah it’s like a family over there for me. It feels like a second home for me when I go there. It definitely helped to develop and stay in a rhythm when I go there. So it’s definitely valuable for me and staying in game shape.
You played at Siena Heights University (NAIA) from 2016-2020 and made huge strides in your game in your last 2 seasons averaging 17.3ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.4bpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 80.0% and 17.5ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 79.2%. How did your game grow in these 2 years?
Just gaining more confidence in myself and putting the work to use. So being more aggressive and consistent was the main thing.
You had massive games against Rochester Mi with 37 points, 32 points against Aquinas College with and 30 points against Lawrence Tech. What was your fondest moment in the NAIA? Probably hosting the playoff game at Siena for the first time in many years. That was a great moment for us to accomplish something like that and to have the fans support us at that game.
How did head coach Joe Pechota groom and prepare you best for a professional career? Just staying on me and always demanding more. With that it’s just helped me stay sharp.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kevin Rice? To be honest I don’t know if me and Kev Rice ever played 1v1 but if we did I definitely would’ve won.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA? Vince Williams Jr from the Grizzlies
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Best teammate of all time, that’s a tough one for me. I don’t really know if they were all great.
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Lebron, Jordan, Kobe, Shaq, and Allen Iverson
Who is your GOAT? Lebron James
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I did not and it’s always a hit or miss when they do sequels to classics.
Scoring 50 points or more in a pro basketball game no matter at what level is no simple feat. It is even rarer when it happens twice within a week. Scoring 40 plus points is also rare but it happens every week, but 50 points is simply another dimension. It happened twice in the second division in Luxemburg in only a short period of time. On October 4th, American Cobie Barnes erupted for 51 points in a win and only 4 days later it was another American with Felix Kloman (196-G, college: Babson) who exploded for 50 points also in a win. It is only normal that achieving a feat like that is very special.
“I feel good! Big credit to those U18 guys, they play hard and are all going to be great players. I am excited for another chance at 2 points in a big matchup tomorrow”, said Felix Kloman.
The 196cm guard played 3 seasons at Brown University (NCAA) and played 50 NCAA games and never averaged more than 5,0ppg in the NCAA. He decided to move down to the NCAA 3 and played with Babson and showed that he can not only be a consistent scorer, but a very versatile player as he averaged 17.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.5apg, 1.4spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 83.1%. He did score 20 plus points on several occasions at Babson, but his 50 points overseas was definitely a career high for him. Did the 50 points in a way shock him or was it something you feel you were always capable of?
“It did not shock me. Not to sound arrogant, but I have put in the work so to see the results come is what you hope for”, said Felix Kloman.
Sometimes guys will have certain rituals that they do before games. Having a certain pre game meal also belongs to some players rituals before a game. Did he have a special breakfast on Wednesday and feel different going into the game or was it just a normal game day for him?
“Yes I actually powered up with some Sports Sleep electrolytes right before the game which gave me the extra boost I needed to perform. Check them out on instagram @getsportsleep”, said Flex Kloman.
It is always interesting to find out how rapidly a player knew from the start of the gun that he would have a good game. Back in the day when a guy like Larry Bird hit his first 5-6 shots in a row, you simply knew that he would probably score 30-40 points. But with other players like Felix Kloman, he is simply in the zone and not thinking about in what direction his scoring game may go in.
“To be honest I didn’t. I try to take the game one play at a time and if the points end up stacking up they stack up”, added Felix Kloman.
Sometimes when a player is close to 50 points, the question is always did he know he was close and knew even when he it the magical mark? Not all arenas overseas will have the names of the players and their points listed on the score board in the arena,
“I knew my point total because it says so on the scoreboard but I think my coach and teammates were more focused on getting the win as we didn’t pull away until late.”, stated Flex Kloman.
When you see 20-25 team assists at the end of 40 minutes, then you know that team basketball was cherished by that team. However when your team AS Soleuvre Belvaux (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) only had 7 team assists, you know that Kloman had to settle a lot of business with isolation play.
“Probably a lot of isolation but I will give love to my point guard Gille Weis who gets me the ball in spots where I can isolate and score”, warned Felix Kloman.
He shot 14/21. Was picking your spots on this day easier than on other days?
“I wouldn’t say so. I think some days you’re just on and Wednesday was definitely one of those days. Hopefully I don’t go like 0/15 tomorrow as a repercussion for my great shooting night”, smiled Flex Kloman. Thank God for him he didn´t put up the goose egg in the next game, but actually had another great scoring game
How valuable was it having Christian Parker being aggressive and opening up space for you? He had a great game with 25 points.
“It’s easy to score when playing with a big fella like Christian. It’s been a great start to the year for us and the club and we are both hoping to build on it. Shoutout all my fellow D3 hoopers”, warned Felix Kloman
His scoring increased every game in Luxemburg from 18, 33 and 50 points. Does one aim higher and go for 60 in the next game or are you grounded enough to know that that feat was very rare and special?
“I don’t think I’ll be going for 50 every game, but I have the utmost confidence in my scoring ability and there is no doubt in my mind I am capable of one upping that performance. I think as a scorer you have to be a bit delusionaly confident. I definitely am grateful for the fact we got a win on wednesday as well”, said Felix Kloman.
There are so many players overseas that came from lower college levels like JUCO, NAIA and NCAA 3 that are grinding daily to get better and to continue to climb the ladder season by season. How much hope does a game give you for your grind and hope of continuing to move up the basketball ladder overseas?
“I have always believed in myself and that I have what it takes to succeed overseas, so it is definitely an awesome feeling to see some of that work pay off. Now is no time to be satisfied however, as there is a lot of work yet to do. Still important to celebrate the small wins though on your journey for sure”, stressed Felix Kloman.
Usually after an incredible performance like that, you will see info about it on social media. You can simply never get bored of watching that crushing dunk or the 10th three pointer in a game. Was his phone flooded with congratulatory messages after the feat?
“Not too many hahaha but I am super grateful for my friends and family that did show love and the fact that I can feel their support from overseas”, stated Felix Kloman.
A big tradition in basketball Germany after a player makes the 100 points is to get the team donuts. How was it after his 50 points? Did he do something special for his teammates?
“I didn’t do anything special, I just went home and threw on Game of Thrones. I still can’t believe how bad that last season was. If anything I am just excited to get back out on the court and keep proving that I can make an impact”, warned Felix Kloman.
Did he have a special bucket from the game. Perhaps that deep three or a dunk or an off balance shot?
Free throws because it is a focus of mine to get to the line”, stressed Felix Kloman.
Scoring 50 points is something very special to do, but he didn´t do it again or top it 3 days later. This time he produced 32 points which is still incredible, but for him just another day at the office as he is averaging 33/6/2/2 stats through 4 games. But the most important thing was that he got the dub. AS Soleuvre Belvaux (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) is currently 4-0 and have big aspirations to move up. Felix Kloman will surely continue to score 30 plus points a lot and possibly even score 50 + points again, but for him that is just extra icing on the cake. He knows exactly what he wants to accomplish in the long run come next spring 2026.
German Hoops 