Justin Cobbs: My time in Germany has been great. My goal for next season is the NBA

Sportando had the chance to interview rookie Justin Cobbs.
The guard started the season with a double training camp, with Euroleague team Baskonia and in the NBA with Charlotte.

The product of California (15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.8 assists as senior) signed with VEF Riga before moving in Germany with Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt.
Cobbs is averaging 15.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 13 games in Bundesliga.

Why did you decide to have training camp with Baskonia and in the NBA and not just signing in Europe? Your decision was “original”.

I went to training camp with Baskonia because I felt like it would be a great opportunity to play at one of the highest levels as a rookie under a really well known and respected coach, Marco Crespi. It was a great way to get ready for camp with Charlotte. I wanted to see where I matched up against some good players overseas. I want to play at the highest level so going to NBA training camp made sense for me. Playing Euroleague would of been tough to turn down though if I could have stayed in Spain. I don't think any rookie ever went to training camp with a Euroleague team and NBA team in the same season.

How do you judge your experience with VEF Riga? Why you left the team?

My experience in Riga wasn't the best. I was not getting a lot of minutes and I also was not productive in the minutes I was playing. But in all I think it made me grow as a player and helped me come to Germany more determined to show what type of player I can be. Hearing a team tell you "we don't think you're good enough" really lit a fire under me and now I want to prove to everyone that I can play at the highest level.

You “exploded” in Germany with Skyliners where you are having big numbers. What can you tell us about your months in German top division?

My time in Germany has been great. Everything is good, from the living arrangements to everything on the basketball court. I think a big reason for my success is coach Gordon Herbert. The first day I came in he told me "I am going to let you play your game. I am not going to tell you what you can and cannot do." This gave me the confidence to go out there and play how I did in college, free to just play without thinking too much. I also understood the situation I was going into (the team really needed a point guard) so I had a mindset of being aggressive every single game. I really owe Coach Herbert a lot for this opportunity.

Are you planning to attend the NBA Summer League?

Yes.

What is your goal for next season: playing for higher level in Europe (Eurocup or Euroleague) to acquire experience or trying to jump to the NBA?

My goal is to play in the NBA. I think I can make that jump but I have to keep working. I have been blessed to play at many different levels this year: Baskonia, VEF, Charlotte and now Germany. My primary focus now though is to win as much as possible here. All I think about is trying to help my team win and we are doing well but I think we can do even better.

What is the player in Europe that impressed you the most?

Milos Teodosic .... He is maybe not the fastest, maybe not the most athletic, but his basketball IQ is through the roof. He plays at his own speed and he is as efficient as there can be. I have much respect for his game.