eurobasket.com: Interview mit Brandon Woudstra - komplett!
Dienstag, 18.11.2008
Copyright: BBA & Ihre Partner
Hi Brandon, Thanks for taking some time for this interview. This is your second season with ENBW Ludwigsburg. How do you like it?
Germany is quite familiar to me now and I feel good about being back in Ludwigsburg.
Have you found any differences living up in Leverkusen/Cologne for two years compared to the countryside of Ludwigsburg?
There are differences and there are similarities. Both Ludwigsburg and Leverkusen are small cities next to big ones (Stuttgart/Cologne) so you have the benefit of big city access in both places. Here there are more hills and outdoor opportunities than in Leverkusen.
The team has had a nice start with 4-1. You had a sweet four game winning streak, but have lost the last two games. What things does the team still need to work on?
It has been a ok start. We have had some ups and downs already in short season, but I think that probably could be said for most teams. I think the biggest thing we need to work on is consistency and playing well for 40 minutes. Often games are decided in 5-8 minute segments and we have had some poor segments that have cost us.
The team let go of Nascimineto, but got a quality center with Thomas Nagy. Was he the final missing piece for the final product Ludwigsburg? What are his strengthes?
I think he will be crucial piece just like everybody else on this team. I think one of our strengths is that we are so balanced. With that said, he will definitely bring a presence inside with his strength and rebounding ability.
Ludwigsburg has a strong eight man rotation, plus Germans like David Mccray, Stefan Fahrad and Phillip Heyden who can contribute. How much potential does the team have and how is the team chemistry?
I think we have shown that we could be a very good team in this league. Our goal is to make the playoffs and be playing our best basketball at that time. The team chemistry has been good. We have a lot of experienced players and many players knew each other from playing with or against each other in the Bundesliga or elsewhere.
What is the philosphy of coach Rick Stafford? What type of Basketball is Ludwigsburg playing this season?
The main philosophy of Coach Stafford is to win games and compete. That includes playing great D and executing on offense and I would say those are two of our main emphasis this season. Of course, he is influenced by the coaches he has had, but I think he brings his own style to it as well.
With Nagys and Gibbs under the boards and help from Watts and Sanders and your rebounding skill, the team should be averaging more than 28 rebounds. Is rebounding a problem from your perspective?
I guess three things. One, we definitely need to rebound better as a team, we know that from watching tapes. Second, the percentage of rebounds you get is more telling than the actual number. 30 misses with 28 rebounds is great, but 28 with 50 is not as good, so that makes a difference. Third, I am never quite sure about the accuracy of stats, this year one teammate of mine had 3 tip ins and the stat sheet said one offensive rebound.
How is your relationship with coach Rick Stafford? Is their anything particular that you have learned from him so far this season?
It has been good from the first time we talked this summer. I think I have learned to be a more consistent team and individual defender.
You dont belong to the younger guys, but also not really to the oldest. But somehow, just with your presence on the court, you seem to communicate a lot of experience. Would define your role as one of the leaders especially with your BBL experience?
I think being the captain already carries some leadership responsibilities both on and off the court. We have quite a few BBL veterans on our team and I think all of our experience combined really helps.
How dissappointed were you losing in the cup final in Hamburg against the Artland Dragons? The team played with alot of heart, but what was missing most on that day?
It was very disappointing to lose that game. Our regular season had been less than what we wanted, so it would have been very satisfying to win the cup. I dont necessarily think anything was missing in terms of effort or preparation, it came down to a few of their shots going in and ours not.
What was your childhood like?
I had a great childhood in small town. My dad was and is a college basketball coach so many hours were spent in the gym. I went to a small Christian high school so I was able to play four sports and I enjoyed them all.
Who were your Basketball idols growing up?
My favorite pros were Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. Craig Douma was a player on our local college team I really looked up to.
Iowa has a lot of land and not many people. Since their might have been so little to do, did that give you more incentive to play Basketball in your free time?
I think it was more of my familys involvement in basketball than being in Iowa.
You hold the scoring and assist career record at Northwestern. What were your fondest memories on the court and off?
On the court it was winning in the NAIA national championship in 2001 and 2003. Off the court was spending time with guys on the team who are still many of my best friends today.
Who was the best player that you played agaisnt at college, who might be in NBA or playing in Europe now?
Probably Nick Collison and Kirk Heinrich from high school.
You played your first professional season in Iceland and averaged 24,9 points and 6,4 rebounds. What kind of experience was that for you and what lovely new things did you learn in Iceland?
Iceland was a great place to live and the people there are wonderful. Its really a beautiful place. Iceland was a good opportunity for me to get my feet wet playing pro, as many teams at the time werent very interested in an NAIA player.
Then you went to Holland and played ar Aris and led league in scoring, but also had an average of five assists per game. In a clsoe game situation do rather take the shot or make the extra pass for the win?
Whichever one scores.
You then played two successful years in Leverkusen. Your first season you led team in scoring with 17,4 points per game and in second year, you led team to semi finals of playoffs. What arey our nicest memories of your time there?
I think my best memories were the winning streaks we went on in both seasons. Both season started quite roughly, but we stuck together as a team and had two great streaks to finish both seasons. I think that was a testament to the players we had and the coaching staff who kept us together.
Your ex teammate there Derrick Allen now plays for THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS. Is their a more dedicated and hard working guy like him in the BBL?
Derrick does everything with energy. His motor never stops and he definitely has worked hard to be the player he is in this league. I knew him from when we played against each other in Iceland and he gets better every year.
This is your fourth season in Germany. How is your German coming along?
Its ok and I get by. I wouldnt say I am fluent by any means, and it would be hard to get there when almost everyone here speaks some English and especially within the team.
What would you like to do after Basketball career. You hvae been known to conduct practices. Maybe if Rick Stafford is sick one day, you can do practice?lol
I dont think I would ever want to be a head coach, but I can see myself working with younger players, as I do now in the summers. Its hard to say where the Lord leads after basketball is over.
You won the three point shooting contest at the Dutch Allstar game in 2005. What is the most three pointers that you hav e hit in practie in a row?
I am not even sure. Probably something in the 20s.
I wanna see you play against Ilian Evtimov for the three point thrown, but I guess he has to get his 3pt% up abit for the Allstar game
Three point contests are a fun thing, I am not even sure who or how they pick them here, but I would always be up for it.
What are your hobbies?
Spending time with my family, keeping in touch with friends on the net, fishing, and watching sports.
