Michael Cubbage (193-G-1998, college: SFC) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from New Jersey that is playing his rookie season with the Iserlohn Kangaroos. He began his basketball career at Winslow Townshop high school. He then played at 4 schhols from 2016-2022. He began at Coffeyville Community College (JUCO) averaging 6.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.3%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 71.9% and then played at Paris Junior College (JUCO) averaging 9.3ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 63.8%. he then played 34 NCAA games at Marist averaging 9.3ppg, 6.1rpg, 3.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 36.4%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 62.5% and 11.0ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.5spg. He finished his NCAA career at St. Francis College (NY) (NCAA) averaging 13.3ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 74.3%. He spoke to german hoops about basketball.
Thanks Mike for talking to eurobasket.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?
I’m currently in Iserlohn, Germany in my apartment. Basketball life is treating me fairly decent. I’m still adjusting to the culture and play style.
Your playing your rookie season in Germany for Iserlohn. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?
My experience playing for the Kangaroos has been a thrill. Adapting and learning every day. My most enjoyable part is just getting to know my teammates and coaches.
What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home?
I have two. The fact at the free throw line you aren’t allowed to fill all the spots, and a hop step is a travel here.
It hasn’t been a great season for Iserlohn but your only a win away from the last playoff spot. Talk a little about the team’s play and what has been missing for it being more successful?
As a team we lacked an identity on both sides of the floor. Accountability was the only thing missing. Seeing what we do great as team comparison to what our weakness were. Than just excelling at our strong suits.
Where do you rank your 28 point game in the exciting 85-84 win over Schwelm in your career?
I definitely put it in my top 3 since it was a pro game, but me going to States in High School still is my number 1 right now.
What has it been like being teammates with skilled point guard Toni Prostran? What have you appreciated most about his game?
It’s been great. I call him ‘Tony Parker.’ He’s an older guy with a lot of experience and he gives me pointers about my game that I wasn’t seeing at times.
Let’s talk a little about your game. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
Jordan Clarkson
You’re a 193cm guard that can fill the stat sheet at ease. What is your biggest strength on the court?
I believe that is my biggest strength on the court. me being able to do a little bit of everything.
What kind of defender are you now and what kind of defender do you want to become in the next years?
I believe I’m still learning on what I can be defensively. I use my athletic ability to allow me guard and rebound as well as I do. But I want to become more of a nightmare like a Marcus Smart type of guy.
On what area of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
The mental side of my game.
You played your first 2 college seasons with Coffeyville Community College (JUCO) averaging 6.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.3%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 71.9% and at Paris Junior College (JUCO) averaging 9.3ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 63.8%. Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was a very tough experience but one that they wouldn’t have traded in for anything. How was it for you?
My experience was eye opening. You know coming from high school every one was the man. So it humbled me throughout my career to work. So I wouldn’t trade that part of my journey at all.
Have you developed a chip on your shoulder over the years. You never had an easy rise in school and now your playing in 3rd division Germany?
I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder as a kid. Growing up playing AAU back in the states I was always overlooked. I kind of always worked for every spot every jersey I ever had.
You then played at Marist from 2018-2021. You only played 34 games. But despite that how do you feel did your game grow from JUCO in that time?
My game grew drastically. Juco ball was more equivalent to AAU. Once I got to college I had to learn how to the run the show. Learn about good possessions oppose to bad possessions. My physical stature developed. More importantly I learned my game.
You had your break out year at St. Francis College (NY) (NCAA) averaging 13.3ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 74.3%. What steps did your game make as a senior there?
It was just me doing everything I always knew I could. I broke my foot this season prior transferring to St Francis. So it was just a year of me going to display who I was.
How did head coach Glen Braica give you that last push as a senior and help groom and prepare you for a professional career?
I learned from two ‘blue collar’ type coaches Glen Braica and Ron Ganulin. They just expected energy and aggression everyday. Just having the mindset of going hard every second I was out on the court.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Larry Moreno?
Definitely me. Light Cheese Larry is my guy. But I would have to give it to myself.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
Johnny Davis went to Wisconsin
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Elijah Campbell (New Jersey)
Terrell Phillips ( Chicago)
Darius Williams ( New Jersey)
Matt Herasme (New York)
Patrick Emilien (Toronto)
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?
Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, Larry Bird
What is your personal opinion of the never ending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron and why isn’t Kobe mentioned more?
LeBron is the Goat. I believe just the eras of when Kobe was playing. Kobe is in my top 10 of all time but this is a topic that could go either way depends on the person.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?
Yes, movies like those should just be left alone. Not everything needs a sequel.
Thanks Mike for the chat
Tags : MICHAEL CUBBAGE, ISERLOHN KANGAROOS, GERMAN BASKETBALL
