Kristian Santiago had the chance to talk to U.S. guard Obie Trotter, who was awarded Guard of the Year in Finland by Eurobasket.com and was voted to the All-Imports and to the All-Finish League 1st Team as well.
Kris Santiago: Obie, you have been playing in Europe for quite a while. Where did you play so far and which stay did you enjoy the most?
Obie Trotter: Yeah, I have been playing in Europe for 4 years now. I was playing in Giessen, Germany for two years, then in Brest, France for a few months, and just recently for Topo (Helsinki) in Finland.
I really like Germany, and Finland, as those two countries were pretty Americanized so I didn’t really have to adjust too much, only a bit to the weather in Finland.{jathumbnail off}
KS: You are coming fresh from Finland, where you had a great season, although you guys came in second after loosing in the decisive game of the finals. How would you describe the last year from your point of view?
OT: Losing in the finals in the last game was tough to swallow, but I can’t be entirely mad because I had a good season as you said. We had a lot of injuries throughout the season, and we still managed to compete at a high level. Finland helped me out because it is not like other countries where u had four to six Americans; you only have three there, so they depend on you to do more for your team. By me having a bigger role, I feel it gave me more confidence in my game.
KS: People in Germany remembering you from your stint with Giessen in the BBL. Can we expect to see you in the BBL again anytime soon?
OT: Well it’s really not up to me. Whatever the best situation is, that my agency (Court Side) is putting me in, I will take. I would love to come back to Germany and play. I haven’t really showed what I’m capable of, being that I was banged up. I want to prove myself in the BBL.
KS: How do you prepare for the next season and what is your plan for the summer?
OT: I will be in Germany for most of the summer with my family going to amusement parks, and just having fun with them. As far as preparing for next season, a lot of jump shots, weight lifting, and pick up games to stay fit. Nothing out of the ordinary.
KS: You seem to be a likeable guy from what I was able to gather. How does that transcend to your game? Are you a floor-leader and dead-serious on the court?
OT: Yea I see myself as a laid back kind of guy. I am likeable off the court, but on the court it is all about business. I take pride in playing both sides of the court especially defense. I am a floor leader as well. Being that I am a point guard you have to have that quality. That is what makes a point guard good.
KS: Who is your favorite player?
OT: Favorite player? Well it was T-Mac before all of the injuries.
I have always been a Jordan fan, no question about that. I like a lot of players but not really favorites…Magic, Isiah Thomas…
…and final question is: Who do you think is going to be the NBA champ this year?
OT: Lakers/Celtics.. I’m going with the Lakers. Kobe Bryant has been unstoppable so far this series. I don’t see him slowing up… I really don’t like the Celtics anyways!
KS: Thank you for taking the time to answer all my questions and good luck to you for the upcoming season!
