The RamRoll

CATCHING UP WITH…JAMAL SHULER
6-4-09

Whether he was draining long-range 3-pointers or flashing his signature megawatt smile, Jamal Shuler was one of the most likeable VCU players in recent memory. In 2007-08, the 6-3 guard averaged 15.5 points and 4.7 rebounds and was named to the Colonial Athletic Association’s First Team, as well as the league’s All-Defensive Team. “Shu” recently completed his first professional season with Trier of Germany’s First Division, averaging 9.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals. Around The Horns recently caught up with the former Ram star.

ATH: Jamal, you just completed your first season in Germany, how’d it go?
JS: My first season was a great experience. I started every game as a rookie and averaged nine points, four rebounds and two assists. I played a lot of minutes on a team full of veterans. All-in-all it was a good season. We won 16 games, and that’s nine more than the team won the previous year.

ATH: What’s up next for you? Will you stay on with Trier, or will we see you in another uniform or country next season?
JS: I will be returning to the same team next year. I signed a two-year contract with a team option for the second year. The club just recently picked up my option, so I’m happy about that.

ATH: How big was the transition to playing college ball in the U.S., to playing professionally in Europe?
JS: It was a real big transition, mainly the way the game is played and how the game is called. A lot of stuff I was taught in college I couldn’t use in Germany because it was considered a violation. I would get called for traveling a lot after doing jab moves or pump fakes, then dribbling. But other than that, after I got adjusted it was smooth from there.

ATH: Moving to Germany has to be a big transition for any U.S. player on a personal level. What were some of the challenges of moving to such an unfamiliar place?
JS: Moving to Germany wasn’t a big adjustment to me at all. I was in a great city (Trier) and was surrounded by good people. I think what made it so easy for me was that me and my teammates were so close we did everything together, so I didn’t miss home that much.

ATH: The “Shu” cheer was a big thing for fans here. Any chance the Trier fans have adopted that by now?
JS: I miss that cheer, but no, the fans over there didn’t say it that often.

ATH: I see you’ve switched your number back to No. 32 this year. What would Kobe say?
JS: I wore 32 because 24 was taken by one of the best young Germans in that country, so I went back to my old VCU and high school number. But this year I’m changing my number to 45 and that’s what I’ll wear for the rest of my career. I’m changing it to that because I lost two family members in the past two years, my aunt Denise Wilkes, and my best friend Geron Harper. I want 45 because that was my aunt’s age when she passed, and my best friend’s number was 44, so I just figured I would honor them both and wear 45.

ATH: Trier has laid claim to the title of “Oldest City in Germany.” Naturally, there’s quite a bit of history there. Have you had a chance to sample any of the sights?
JS: Oh yes, not only Trier, but Germany as a whole is beautiful. The sights are amazing. Every time we would go on a road trip I would just stare out the window and say, ‘I can’t believe I’m seeing this right now.’

ATH: A lot of European athletes initially have a tough time adjusting to the different food over in the United States. That works both ways, so, how are you eating these days?
JS: I don’t actually know the name of this meat, but it’s beef and pork mixed together and it’s in a patty shape. That was the first German food I tried and actually liked, but other than that, we were around a lot of air force and army bases, so I just got all my groceries from there so I could cook homemade food.

ATH: What are your summer plans?
JS: My summer plans are just to be at home and enjoy my family. I’m only home for three months, so I will be in North Carolina and Virginia back and forth, just working out and staying in shape.

ATH: Your 3-point range has always been one of the strongest parts of your game. How do I get one of those so I can dominate the staff basketball game this summer?
JS: Haha. It’s all about confidence. If you’re going take a 3-pointer you have to have the confidence to knock it down. Oh yeah, and a good shooting form and touch (laughs).

ATH: Have you managed to stay in touch with your old coaches, Jeff Capel and Anthony Grant? What was your take on Coach Grant’s move to Alabama?
JS: I followed both of them this year. I haven’t spoken to Capel since he left, and the last time I spoke to Coach Grant was before the VCU season started in November. About the move to Alabama, I wish Coach Grant nothing but success, just as I do Jeff Capel. Capel recently made it to the Elite Eight, and I know the way Coach Grant is he will have Alabama in a good position come March. I wish them both nothing but the best.

ATH: Eric Maynor is preparing for the NBA Draft (June 25). I know you and Eric are close. Have you had a chance to talk to him about the process?
JS: Eric and I are like brothers and I wish him nothing but the best. We've been talking just about every other week since I've been in Germany. I was able to make it back home in time to catch his graduation and spend some time with him before he went off to chase his dream. We still talk every time he gets a little break. I wish him nothing but the best and I know on June 25 Mr. Stern will say his name in the early stages of the first round.

ATH: How closely were you able to follow VCU this season while you were over there?
JS: I watched pretty much every home game. I was so happy that VCU broadcasted it online, so I was up cheering. It’s a six-hour difference over there, so if VCU played at 7:30 p.m., I was up at 1:30 a.m. yelling at my computer (laughs).

ATH: Is there anything you miss about VCU?

-Chris Kowalczyk

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