Next season you’re going to be switching teams inside the RBBL, starting out to play for Wiesbaden instead of Cologne. Couldn’t or wouldn’t the 99ers keep you on their rooster?
The 99ers did everything they could to keep me but in the end the decision just came down to wanting to experience a different team and town and everything that goes with that. I had a great season with the 99ers last year and the management always helped me where they could. It will be good to see some familiar faces when we face off this season!
How did you come in contact with the Rhinos? And what made you say ‚yes’?
I spoke to Mirko Korder through email actually because Tommie Gray said that the Rhinos were looking for players, Tommie had already signed and was always telling me how professional the team seemed to him. Mirko and I started talking and I realized this team was the fit I was looking for!
In Wiesbaden you’re going to be meeting old acquaintances, young talents and worldstar athletes like Janet McLachlan, Tommie Gray and Matthias Günter. A healthy and explosive mix. What do you expect?
I can’t wait to link back up with Tommie, he is a very big reason that a I decided to sign for the Rhinos, he is a great teammate! It will also be great to play with Janet as she has continued to be one of the best players in the world. I think with Mattias and the other group of players we will compete at the top of the league, but there is plenty of hard work to be done before the season starts.
The Paralympics are right around the corner. Australia is one of the contestants, but without you. Can you tell us a bit about the status of ‚John McPhail and the australian national team‘?
Playing for Australia is my greatest accomplishment in basketball. There is no greater feeling then pulling on that green and gold jersey and pushing out with the Rollers, I would love to play for Australia in the future , I would have no greater honour!
John McPhail and his girlfriend Jillian.
What do you like about Germany in particular? And what still makes you frown?
I love the food, there is such a great mix of cultures and it really shows in the very different dishes you can get almost anyhwere. I don’t like the weather sometimes (haha) the rain gets really depressing when it doesn’t stop day after day but when the sun is out it is beautiful!
Whoever has the chance to watch you on the field, experiences a determined and ambitious players. What fuels you?
I just love to compete in anything and I love to compete with my teammates who are trying to accomplish the same goal. I also hate losing … in anything basketball, a board game so that also fuels me to push and leave nothing in the tank at the end of the game
How did you start out with Basketball? What fascinates you the most about the sport?
I started in 2004 with the New South Wales Junior team. what fascinates me about the sport is the drive that every single player brings to their team to accomplish the ultimate goal, also the speed of the game has gotten a lot faster and love that.
What is your biggest goal in Basketball? And what’s your biggest fear?
Right now it is to help the Rhinos to be one of the top teams in Germany. My biggest fear is not giving my 100%. I have to leave everything out on the court and push until I can’t anymore.
How do you balance both being a professional wheelchair basketball player in Germany and your private live? Especially with the distance and different timezones between Germany and both the US and Australia?
It is hard at some times as my family live in Australia and I spend a lot of time in Texas where my girlfriend lives so I don’t get to see family as much as I would like to which is probably the hardest thing about living between three different countries. But we all make sure that we see each other as much as possible and my family and I also Skype almost every day. I am lucky to have a family that supports me following my dreams even if we have to sacrifice family time.
What would you do today if you weren’t playing pro Basketball?
If I wasn’t playing professional basketball I would probably have a full time job, or possibly start up a disability/ road safety awareness program.
Of course we’re hoping to see you on the basketball field for a long time. But what would you wish for after your active career? What would you want to do?
As I mentioned before probably would like to start my disability awareness program and get the word of wheelchair sports out to as many people as I can. But most importantly I can’t wait to marry my gilrfriend Jillian and start our own little family and settle down.
Let’s dream for a moment: When you had the chance to create your dream team who would be joining you on your team, who would you be competing against and where would you play?
That’s a tough question as there are so many amazing players out there. But I would have to say the Dallas wheelchair Mavericks starting 5 of Jay Nelms, Jared Arambula, Jorge Sanchez, Aaron Gouge and myself. I feel like that team could compete against the top teams in Europe and play off some good wins. We weren’t tall but our press defense was amazing and I honestly believe that we could compete against the top teams in any european league!
Thanks for your time!
Interview: Martin Schenk & Steffie Wunderl | Photo: private