Easley, former UMO star, adjusting to European basketball

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on June 30, 2014 1:48 PM

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BOCHUM, GERMANY -- The past three years have been a period of adjustment for University of Mount Olive alum Kendrick Easley.

The all-time leading scorer in Trojan men's basketball history, Easley learned to deal with changing circumstances since he left for Europe in 2010.

Easley signed with VFL AstroStars Bochum upon graduation. Two months into his first stint in Germany, the point guard suffered a severe foot sprain in the fall of 2010. The injury took longer to heal than expected and with the limitations placed on the number of Americans each team is allowed to have on its roster kept Easley away until last summer.

He returned to the AstroStars of the 2nd Bundesliga, a Pro B league. The first adjustment was adapting to the European style of basketball -- methodical play in a halfcourt set and referees who had quick whistles.

"The game is slowed down as far as tempo and the offense is a lot more structured," Easley said. "I think in (America) the style of play is geared more towards motion offense, predicated on ball and player movement in more of a freelance type system.

"Out here it is more about running plays and execution in the half-court offense. Contrary to popular belief, I believe basketball in the states is more physical than it is here. The slightest hand check, shove or body contact, the referees are blowing the whistle."

A point guard, Easley averaged 11.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Bochum concluded the year 10-12, and shared seventh place with Recklinghausen in Group North play.

Easley improved in several facets of the game and learned to attack the basket more off of the dribble. He initiated contact on several occasions during the 22-game season and consistently finished either the shot or earned a trip to the free throw line.

"In college I was coming off a lot of single, staggered and flare screens off the ball, now I'm playing a lot of pick and roll with the ball," said Easley, who set UMO records for points in a game (44), season (684), career (2,261), 3-pointers for a season (106) and 3-pointers for a career (331).

"Just getting accustomed to running a team, and being more vocal is something that I've been working on."

Atmospheres at European games are unlike anything Easley experienced in the USA. Fans wave large flags, beat drums and use whistles and sirens to create constant noise in an effort to distract opposing players.

Easley said players feed off of those electric environments.

Despite missing his family in Norfolk, Va., Easley has grown accustomed to culture in Bochum. The AstroStars organization goes to great lengths to look after its players.

Easley became instant -- and close friends -- with two American teammates.

"I would say the environment in Bochum is very steady," Easley said. "It's not a real fast-paced lifestyle, but it is moderate. The people are very friendly and sociable. I think the food is probably the biggest adjustment. There are not a lot of chain restaurants around here, so I've been doing much more cooking than I have been in the states.

"I have a great support system out here in Germany and I'm always communicating with my family so they know what's going on with me and vice versa. I'm just very fortunate to have this opportunity to do what I truly love."

The road hasn't been easy for Easley. He just plans to enjoy every minute and take nothing for granted.