Dennis Schroeder ('93) has no doubts about what he wants. 6'1'' german guard combines Braunschweig (Bundesliga) with SU Medien (ProB) after making a godd U18 European Championship last summer in Poland. Eurobasket.com website has made him an interview during the Beko BBL All Star game.

 

-This was your first time at the Beko BBL Allstar day. How did you like it?
I really have enjoyed the day a lot and it was a great experience.

-You had six points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals in 25 minutes in the NBBL Allstar game. What grade would you give yourself?
I would give myself a German grade of 3. 

-Which player impressed you the most in the NBBL Allstar game?
There were many players, but Bogdan Radosavljevic from FC Bayern Munich impressed me the most. He is a very good player and if he keeps working hard, I feel that he can reach a lot in his basketball career. I played together with him at the European championships in Poland. I liked playing pick and role with him the way I like to do with my teammate in Braunschweig Daniel Theis.

-Where is the journey of Braunschweig going to end in the second half of the season?
We definitely want to reach the playoffs. We want to win more games and have more of a say at the top of the standings.

-With Stephen Dennis, you have another young player in front of him even though the difference in age is 6 years. How is it being his teammate and what have you learned from him this season?
Playing against him each day gives me a lot of valuable experience. I feel I have gotten better each day when we play against each other. My defense has gotten better playing with him each day.

-What is your strength as a player?
My biggest strength is my drive. I can shoot too, but I still need to work on that phase of my game. 

-What is a hidden strength in your game that doesnt get noticed right away?
I can get loud in the locker room.

-What was your childhood like?
I had a normal childhood. My mother is from Gambia and my dad is German.

-Who was your NBA idol as a kid?
Chris Paul. He can do it all as a point guard. I think he is the best point guard in the NBA. The best point guard in the BEKO BBL is Heiko Schaffartzik.

-How do you handle pressure? Will the expectations rise?
Yes I believe that next season, the expectations will rise. I am working more on my defense this season than on my offense.

-How important is Immanuel Mcelroy to the success of the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig?
He is our most important player on the team. He has really helped me and pushed me on defense. I have a very good relationship with him. He has taught me to be more calm on the pick and roll and not be so hectic. I think that I have improved my pick and roll, but it can still get better.

-What were the most number of free throws that you have made in a practice?
34.

-What was your most crazy shot that you have made in a game?
I made a buzzer beater against Bramfeld and had the and one with 0 seconds remaining winning the game.

-Who is the best player that you played against at the European Championships?
Vasilije Micic from Serbia.

-You like to play pick and roll with teammate Daniel Theis. What can he reach as a player?
I think that if he keeps working that he could be a starter in the German national team in the future.

-What are your dreams?
I want to play in Europe next and then someday in the States.

-What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
His Airness from Michael Jordan. I like watching before games, because it gives me inspiration. 

 

Photo: Beko BBL