Interview with Dallas Mavericks rookie Ryan Broekhoff

Hoops Habit recently caught up with Dallas Mavericks rookie Ryan Broekhoff, who talked about his journey to the NBA.

Dallas Mavericks rookie Ryan Broekhoff started off his professional basketball career in Turkey. Although he averaged 15.7 points per game on 41.7 percent shooting from 3-point range his senior season at Valparaiso University in Indiana, he went undrafted in the 2013 NBA Draft.

"“I sort of had the feeling I wouldn’t get drafted, I had a couple pre-draft workouts,” he said. “You could kind of tell there wasn’t a huge interest in me.”"

Although he didn’t hear his name called, that didn’t discourage him.

"“I sort of set myself for that I was more than willing to head out to Europe. Being in a mid-major, not being heavily televised, not everyone can get drafted.”"

Broekhoff, a native of Australia, had already spent the majority of his life outside of America. He took the time in Europe to polish his game and become a well-rounded person on and off the court.

"“It was a perfect fit for where I was at in my basketball journey at that time. It allowed me to grow as a person, work on different parts of my game, and more time to mature physically.”"

After playing in Turkey for a couple years, he made a quick stop in America to play for the Denver Nuggets‘ NBA Summer League team. Still, no offers came. He would then go off to Russia where he played the last three seasons. His dedication and hard work finally paid off this summer.

"“This last year I had a really, really good year. It was just kind of a timing thing for me. I have been improving each year and getting more and more attention.”"

Broekhoff fielded interest from several teams, including the Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets.

"“I went to Brooklyn and I did a workout and an interview with the front office. There was an interest from their side. They were waiting to see which guys would re-sign before starting to look at guys like myself. Dallas got in early.”"

He didn’t have a preference for one team or another, because he was just thankful to be considered for the best basketball league in the world.

"“I came in not wanting to sign with one team over another team. I wanted to get my foot in the door. You know Dallas was the team that came along and offered the contract I was hoping for.”"

In a new NBA landscape, where everyone is looking for the next “3-and-D” guy, Dallas will end up the real winner. Broekhoff stands at 6’7″ and is known for his shooting and defense. He knows his role and is excited about what he will bring.

"“Follow in the footsteps that have come before me — play defense, dive for loose balls, bring the outside shooting, help spread the ball for guys like [Luka] Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr. I’ll work off them and play more of an off-ball way on offense.”"

While he would be thankful to play for any NBA team, there’s some irony that he now plays for the Mavericks.

"“I was actually a Dallas fan and one of my best friends was a San Antonio [Spurs] fan.”"

In fact, he grew up a big Dirk Nowitzki fan.

"“I was a big fan of him growing up. I’ve always loved the way Dirk has gone about it. I am really looking forward to meeting him.”"

Being from Australia, he is also friends with a lot of current NBA players, some of whom have also vouched for him over the last few years.

"“I’ve known Dellavedova for a long time now. We kind of grew up playing against each other. I have great relationships with all of them; [Dante] Exum, [Andrew] Bogut, [Aron] Baynes. They’ve been vocal to their teams that I should be an NBA player. It’s the ultimate compliment.”"

Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum and Joe Ingles were specifically “vocal” about telling their NBA teams about Broekhoff.

Having multiple NBA players vouch for him being an NBA-caliber player should also speak volumes about his character. Dallas is not only getting a fighter on the court, but is also getting a model citizen off the court.

When asked if there was anything else he wanted to let the world know, he didn’t hesitate.

"“I am excited. The work and sacrifices I have put in, I am going to work to show the faith put in me. Hopefully, win some games and hopefully make the playoffs. I’m down to get to work.”"