A conversation with Jelani Floyd (203-G/F-88), who is currently working out with Pro A team Duesseldorf and who has been in Germany for a couple of weeks. The versatile forward hails from Chicago, Illinois, and spent the 2011-12 season at NCAA Division 1 school Florida Atlantic. He talks about his college career, how he has adapted to life and basketball in Germany thus far and about his ongoing search for a contract in pro basketball.
You are currently in Dusseldorf: How come? I am currently in Dusseldorf practicing with the Dusseldorf Giants to stay in shape in hopes of landing on team this season or being a replacement player for an organization. The giants have allowed me to practice with their team even though they are not in need of a swingman at the moment but they are also trying to help find a team for me to play on because they have realized I just need somewhere to start and get my career off the ground. I came to Germany in hopes of getting a chance to start my pro basketball career. In many cases there is a higher chance of a player getting signed if he is already in the country and able to visit the team and showcase himself. Its a lot better for teams to see me in person rather than trying to judge me based on my film and lack of college stats.
What are your next steps towards a pro career overseas? Right now, The Dusseldorf Giants of the German Pro A league has graciously allowed me to practice with them this past week, while I continue to search and reach out to teams across Germany. This has allowed me to stay in shape as well as practice and learn from experienced players. After each practice session with the Giants I feel myself getting better and more acclimated to European basketball. Gary Johnson of the Giants has really helped me out a lot this past week and the one thing I notice about him is how consistent he is everyday. Theres a lot to learn coming from the states to Germany both on and off the court.
Can you give us a summary of your college career? I began my career at Brown University of the Ivy league (NCAA D1) in 2007-2008, but due to a stress fracture in my left foot, which happened early in the year I did not play my freshman year. I then decided to transfer to University of California, Davis where I sat out the 2008-2009 season due to NCAA transfer rules and I played just one season for UC Davis during the 2009-2010 season in which I was also elected team captain. After dealing with lingering foot issues, numerous staff infections to my foot, I did not play the 2010-2011, and season elected to graduate from UC Davis in June of 2011 with a degree in Managerial Economics (3.7 GPA). With one year of eligibility remaining I decided to accept a full scholarship offer and Florida Atlantic University of the Sun Belt conference and play as a 5th year graduate student. In hopes of getting my career going, getting over the foot issues and getting some stats behind my name things just did not work out at FAU as there was a lot left to be desired of my time at FAU. There are a lot of question marks behind my college basketball career but I know I can play and I know I can play at a high level and given the right opportunity and chance, I will succeed. The most important thing to those reading this is through all the trials and tribulations; I received my college degree, took some courses towards an advanced degree and remained a great teammate throughout even when things werent going my way.
What is your natural position on the basketball court? I am a natural wing (swingman). With my ability to catch and shoot as well as put the ball on the floor I can be a dangerous player in Europe. I am 6-8, 215 lbs and I can effectively play and guard all the perimeter positions.
What kind of a basketball player are you? What are your strengths? I am a poor mans version of Scottie Pippen or a young Chuck Eidson. At 6-8 215, I can handle the basketball as well as catch and shoot. I began high school as a 5-8 point guard and this is the reason I am a big guard. I am very versatile, coachable, and one of my strongest assets is my rebounding from the perimeter positions as well as my communication and defensive tactics. I am a smart basketball player that can simply dribble, pass and shoot. I try and always make the simple play rather than the home-run play. With any team that is willing to give me a chance and put the ball in my hands even without me having stats and the injury history behind my name I know I will be a low risk high reward type player for any organization because I am a late bloomer. I can be reached at jelanifloyd@gmail.com or at +49 0176-86735183. Also feel free to reach out to the Giants organization as well as Chicago native and long time German basketball legend Rob Shepherd who is now the program director of ART Dusseldorf about my abilities as a basketball player at coach.shepherd@yahoo.com
Abe Lodwick (201-G/F-88, college: Washington St.) is a 24 year old 201cm forward that was a rookie with Phoenix Hagen. He played at Washington State from 2007-2012 playing a total of 105 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played 21 games: 5.2ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 23.5%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 66.7%. He spoke to eurobasket after the game five loss against the Brose Baskets Bamberg thus ending the season of Phoenix Hagen.
A tough 92-75 loss in game four against Bamberg [read more]
Abe Lodwick (201-G/F-88, college: Washington St.) is a 24 year old 201cm forward that was a rookie with Phoenix Hagen. He played at Washington State from 2007-2012 playing a total of 105 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played 21 games: 5.2ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 23.5%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 66.7%. He spoke to eurobasket after the game five loss against the Brose Baskets Bamberg thus ending the season of Phoenix Hagen.
A tough 92-75 loss in game four against Bamberg. How crazy were the last three days leading up to the game after the wacky game three and three player disqualifications?
The last couple days before the game were definitely a little strange because we were not sure if Mark would be able to play or not. We didn't know if he could play until the day before the game.
What was your reaction to the three game suspension for Mr fantastic Mark Dorris?
No comment.
There was extra police in the Enervie arena. It never hurts to have extra precautions, but considering the type of fans that Phoenix Hagen have wasnt the extra police protection a bit overblown? I didn't know about the extra police at the time of the game. I guess it is always good to be safe, but I didn't really think it would be an issue.
Bamberg came out rocking leading 14-2 and soon led by 20 plus points. Was Phoenix Hagen a bit too overmotivated or why did they start so slow?
We were definitely pumped up to play and made a few costly mistakes early and were never able to recover. When Bamberg gets a lead, they do a good job of protecting it.
How key was Ole Wendt in the second quarter in the Phoenix Hagen 16-2 run getting back into the game?
Ole was very key in the second quarter run. He is a great young player who plays offense and defense. He really knows how to play the game.
Phoenix Hagen cut the lead to 11 points in the third quarter, but Casey Jacobsen continued to hit big shots. Was it just one of those days where the shots werent falling at ease?
Yeah they were hot and we were not. Story of the game. If we hit our shots I think the outcome is a lot different.
The Phoenix Hagen luck seemed to end in the fourth quarter as Davin White had to depart the game with 6.11 to play with an injury. Was that the last hit which slowly closed the season for the team?
When Davin went out we were still fighting. We didn't want to throw in the towel and give up even though we were still down big.
It seemed like Phoenix Hagen ad too little fire power on this day as only David Bell and Davin White scored over 20 points. What other factors were key for not being able to win game four?
Bamberg did a good job of limiting our chances in transition, which is where our team usually did pretty well. We didn't shoot great and they did a good job of rebounding the ball as well.
How proud was Ingo Freyer after the game and what words did he chose to put a little smile on the faces of his players?
Ingo was proud for sure. We had a good year as a team and it started with him in the preseason making it our team goal to make the playoffs. We did it as a team. The coaches and players all had good chemistry this season.
Are the New York Knicks done? Will Carmello Anthony ever be able to get rid of his label that he cant win a title? I think the Pacers will close out the series in the next game. Carmelo will win a title eventually I think.
What DVD movie will you watch to help forget game four against Bamberg?
I will watch whatever movies they offer on the plane back home.
Regional league team KIT SC GEQUOS announced the arrival of Matthias Hurst (204-C-89). Hurst is a 23 year old 204cm center that isnt an unknown face to the club as he had played for them briefly in the past having a double license when he played for BG Karlsruhe. The German played for BG Karlsruhe from 2007-2013 playing a total of 80 Pro A games. Last season he played 8 games: 1.5ppg, 1.6rpg." I am happy that he will join the team. The contact was never lost and we always worked well together [read more]
Regional league team KIT SC GEQUOS announced the arrival of Matthias Hurst (204-C-89). Hurst is a 23 year old 204cm center that isnt an unknown face to the club as he had played for them briefly in the past having a double license when he played for BG Karlsruhe. The German played for BG Karlsruhe from 2007-2013 playing a total of 80 Pro A games. Last season he played 8 games: 1.5ppg, 1.6rpg." I am happy that he will join the team. The contact was never lost and we always worked well together. He will make us stronger under the boards and rebounding", stressed head coach Uli Himstedt. "After sitting on the bench the last years in the pro A, I want to play more and help the team move up to the pro B. I am looking forward to working together with the guys and Uli Himstedt. We know each other and respect eac other", added Matthias Hurst.
Beko BBL legend Chris Ensminger (209-C-73, college: Valparaiso) has decided to hang up his sneakers and will coach the Oettinger Baskets Gotha. He signed a contract for the Pro A and Pro B. 48 hours ago, he played his last Beko BBBL game in Oldenburg and seemed to waste no time making this decision which must have been in the back of his mind for some time [read more]
Beko BBL legend Chris Ensminger (209-C-73, college: Valparaiso) has decided to hang up his sneakers and will coach the Oettinger Baskets Gotha. He signed a contract for the Pro A and Pro B. 48 hours ago, he played his last Beko BBBL game in Oldenburg and seemed to waste no time making this decision which must have been in the back of his mind for some time. The 39 year old native from Ohio played 17 years as a professional and with a strict yoga regimen was able to prolong his playing career for many years and it seemed like he would play until he was 50. He played in the Beko BBL since 1999 and was top rebounder in the league from 2001-2005 and won two beko BBL titles with Bamberg. "We are looking forward to working together with Chris. He was 17 years a player and stood for discipline, effort and was a total professional", stated CEO of the BIG GmbH Bjoern Snater. "I am thankful that I can begin my coaching career in Gotha and want to start a successful program there. I am excited for the 2013-2014 season and to be a part of the BIG family", stressed Chris Ensminger.
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