Chase Johnson Loves The No Quit Attitude In The EPG Baskets And Knows They Will Be Overly Prepared For The Giessen 46ers

Chase Forte (193-G-2001, college: Boston Coll.) is a 25 year old 193cm guard from North Carolina playing his rookie season overseas with German Pro A team EPG Baskets Koblenz. He began his basketball career at the Word Of God Christian Academy. He then was one year at the University of North Carolina – Asheville (NCAA) and then played 2 seasons at Gulf Coast State College (JUCO) averaging 13.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 54.1% and 20.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.8apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 61.4%. He then played a season at Northwestern State University (NCAA) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 53.7%. He then played a season at the University of South Dakota (NCAA) averaging 17.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 65.2%. He then added one more year at Boston College (NCAA) averaging 6.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 59.5%. He spoke to eurobasket after the brutal 69-66 loss in Wolmirstedt

The EPG Baskets Sustained a very tough 69-66 loss to the SBB Baskets. How tough is this loss after playing 3 incredible quarters? Is it still hard to digest 2 days later or has it worn off a bit?

A bit of both. It is hard to digest, but at the end of the day the season continues and we have the next tough opponent with Giessen coming up. After today we have to crumple up the loss and focus on Giessen.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz were punched right away trailing 10-0. How can you explain a miserable start like that? It has happened all season on the road.

That is correct. We were down 14 points in Paderborn and came back to win and down 16 points in Wolmirstedt and lost. I really don´t have an explanation as to why this keeps happening. I will continue to watch and film and see how we can correct it and be better against Giessen.

They were scoring at ease in the paint. What were the main problems on the defensive end in that early phase?

We had problems with their drive and then switched up some things on defense which helped us get back into the game.

You guys were in a hole right away. How tough was handling their pressure? It is amazing how the team with so many young American rookies have been able to perform well despite adversary.

I personally haven´t bene handling the pressure well at all. I know that I can be a lot better. What I really like about this team is that we have no quit in us. No matter how much we are down, we are always trying to find a way to win. That is what I really respect about this team.

The SBB Baskets had the overwhelming 30-16 advantage after 10 minutes. What was going through your mind as one of the leaders?

I told the guys that they went on their run and now it´s our turn for our run. That is exactly what happened.

The EPG Baskets were in a hole in the second quarter, but the offense reached a flow. What adjustments did you make getting being able to execute better?

Nothing really except just starting to hit shots better which gave us a flow.

You were down 42-29 and then you finally made a big run of 10-0. How vital was showing them then that you guys still had game?

That run meant a lot at that time. I mean Wolmirstedt is really experienced. Maybe one of the most experienced in the Pro A. They beat Heidelberg on the road by 10 points. That means a lot. This game was definitely a learning experience for us.

Jannis Sonnefeld hit back to back three´s. Does one appreciate and love this kid more after every game?

We do absolutely. He is our X factor and a real game changer. We appreciate him so much.

How tough was containing Martin Bogdanov who had 4 points and 7 assists at the break?

He was my match up. I knew that he averaged like 7 assists, is a good playmaker, but doesn´t score so much. He had a great game.

In the third quarter the EPG Baskets took the lead at the end for the first time 54-52 and allowed only 10 points. How proud were you of the team defensive effort?

I was very proud of the guys. We showed resilience and didn´t quit. No matter how much we are down, we never quit. We always get up and fight. Doing that was like a moral victory for us.

10 minutes to play. What did coach Dohrn tell you guys to do for the last 10 minutes?

We were switching more often especially on their guards.

How do you describe the last three from Brock Gardner. Were you expecting a three? Dragos Diculescu was on him. Can one expect getting beat on a contested shot?

That play was more on me. We trapped and switched, but maybe if I had switched, the last shot may have been more contested.

What insights did you get from this game about the development of the defense?.

We got even more resilient on defense. We put in a new press which we had only practiced once before the game. I felt we executed that pretty well already. I think once we get more comfortable with it, we will be very dangerous

You had 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals,1 block and shot. The three still isn´t falling. What was your personal summary of how you played?

I wasn´t good enough. My shot wasn´t falling. I usually make those shots. I know that I have more to offer. 9/8 isn´t bad, that is almost a double double, but my playmaking has to be better. I will go back in the gym and continue to work hard on my game.

Will the team be even better in 10 days when you battle Giessen at home?

We will absolutely be better. We have seen Giessen play before in pre season. I will keep defending the other team´s best player in Zac Cooks. I am confident that we will eb overly prepared and get the job done.

Thanks Chase for the chat.