University of Michigan signed point guard Christian Anderson (2006 generation) sat down with our Director of Scouting Florian Kurth for another midseason Q&A session. The 6’1 German is having a good season, while playing for OAK Hill Academy and the Skills Factory in the NIKE EYBL tournament. Last summer, he led his German team to third place at the U18 European Championships.
Let’s get the talk started.
How is the season at Oak Hill and also in the EYBL going so far for you?
This years season is going really good. We are 12-1 W/L and we are ranked #18 in the nation. Also in the NIKE EYBL we are 3-1, which is tied for third place.
What do you expect from the rest of the season?
Just keep winning, keep proving people that we are one of the best groups in the country and we can hang with the best teams. I am also 2nd best leading scorer in the EYBL, so only up from here!
What do you think you improve individually the most, since we talked the last time in April?
I think, right now I am already one of the most efficient scorers in the country, who also played one of the most minutes. I improved the most in finishing at the rim. I think on Synergy I even have 80% finishing at the rim. Honestly I am just trying to get better on every aspect, even though some of my percentages are already high. I am also trying to keep improving and just maintain balance of everything.
What are you working on the most right now?
Like I said, maintaining a balance of everything. Right now I am focused on team success as well as personal success. So also working on things like being a leader. I am doing daily extra workouts to also increase my shooting, but also IQ. Simply all it needs to be great.
How was your experience with the German national team last summer?
For me it was really fun, got to meet a lot more new guys. Also got to see some new cultures, not just from Germany again, but from all over Europe. I mean we made history by winning a medal in the European champs. But for sure there is a lot more to be done! Next year we are obviously trying to go for gold. I noticed, that we moved up 12 spots in the world ranking, so there was a lot of progress last summer and I am now already looking forward to see my teammates and everybody from the year before.
Are you excited about going to Michigan next summer? What do you expect from your first season?
Yeah, I look forward to go to Michigan. I can finally be able to wear that maize and blue off course and contribute to the Michigan culture. Overall I just want to impact winning, which is the thing I am most looking forward to. It is also my ultimate goal.
Describe your experience with such a good Highschool team.
For me it was kind of new to playing with a lot of guys who are at the highest high school level in the US. Tryna help the team in ways that everybody could do is something that can separate you. It is also about doing the little things.
It surely also brings a lot more responsibility which I am up to challenge for. Also there is a huge expectation change when winning and people watching you closer. So it is just really nice to be on a team where everybody is high level.
What did Coach Howard say to you, when you make the final decision with Michigan this summer?
He just said Go Blue. After waiting 3 years to finally sign, was something I was looking forward to and it was a honor to finally do when the opportunity came.
Any wishes for your first college season?
Like I said, being straight up able to impact winning at the highest level. Also the Michigan culture is very highly looked upon and I am just grateful and looking for to be finally a part of that.
