Eurohopes saw Kevin Bright ('92), from Academy Urspring, on live last season at U-17 Victor Rho Tournament, close to Milano (Italy). German squad finished fourth behind Hoop Factory Elite (Canada), Sabonis HS (Lithuania) and Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia). Team coached by Ralph Junge lost the game for the third place 50-52, with two players shining during the competition: Julius Wolf ('93) and our main characther. The 1.98 small-forward, ranked number 10 of his age by EH, also played the Nike International Junior Tournament with Alba Berlin. Actually he is at Urspringschule, on ProB, the german third division. We contacted him.
-This is a very important season for german basket, with the U-17 World Championship of Hamburg and the Albert Schweitzer Tournament at Mannheim. You have been choosen in the first list to prepare Mannheim and also the U-18 European Championship. What are your sensations for next months with NT?
My sensations for next months are to represent my country well, to reach a good place at AST-tournament and play against the best teams in the U-18 European Championship Division A.
-About domestic competition, you keep in Ehingen-Urspring at ProB, like last year. Can you explain how is a normal day for you at Urspringschule?
Usually I start my day with school at 7.45 in the morning untill 5.30 at afternoon. After school I practice in the gym with the senior team. After team practice I go to the weight room to work on my athleticism. Between school and practice I have breakfast and lunch with other school and teammates. In the evening I make myself something to eat and learn school subjects and tests. After it I go to bed.
-Last year you competed with Alba Belin junior team at the Euroleague's Junior Tournament. Can you explain us this situation?
Urspring and Alba Berlin have a cooperation together, which also includes that for some tournaments Alba borrow players for certain highlight events, but also in the opposite way Urspring borrow Alba players for the Christmas tournament in the United States. It is a pleasure and really joyfull experience to compete with other players in my age who play on a high level. It really helps me to grow as a player and as a human being. I also have to say that it is really difficult to play in a team which you are not used to play. We only have one or two days to get to know each and to play with each other.
-Is an option for you go to college at USA or do you prefer continue working in Germany or another european country?
After finishing my high school period I prefer to go to a college in the United States.
-In 2008 you played the U-16 Division B European Championship, winning the gold. Next summer, in 2010, german U-18 squad will have a nice group for the European Championship: Mönninghoff, Newmann, you,... In front, the Turkey of Kanter, the France of Fournier and Westermann, the Lithuania of Valanciunas,... Tough job.
I'm really confirmed in the new german national. Right now i'm looking forward to play at all these highlight events. Also I'm excited to compete with other players and how far we are able to get as a team.
-Eurohopes staff watched you last winter in Rho, in the italian U-17 tournament. We'll travel to Mannheim, your home town, to see the Albert Schweitzer. We hope you can be there. Good luck for the season.
