CSUMB Represented in Germany

Moving from Monterey to Germany can usually cause great strife for an individual. For Augie Johnston, "the lack of Mexican food here is a big change." He is a former CSUMB basketball player and Assistant Coach and is leading his league in scoring with 29.5 points per game in 24 games so far this season.

Johnston graduated CSUMB in the spring of 2009 with a degree in Business and was a two year starting guard for the Otters. He then became an Assistant Coach for the 2008-2009 season. Johnston is now in his second season in the Regionalliga1 in Germany. "If it wasn't for my time at CSUMB, I would not be the player I am today," he said.

The league system in Germany is a lot different than the NBA. "If your team wins the league, the team and club moves up a level. Last year I played one level lower," Johnston explained. "If you play well enough, then upper level teams will take notice and could recruit you or you can win the league and then you automatically will move up. My goal is to play in the top league one day here in Germany." Johnston is currently in the fourth level league.

And the top league means top money. The players on Johnston's team are paid in a scholarship-like format and their pay is also based on the team's budget situation. Johnston's apartment, meals at restaurants, and health insurance is all paid for by the team. He also mentioned that the players are not getting rich, but they are able to save up some money issued through incentive based bonuses. The all-star caliber players in the top league are paid up to half a million dollars, according to Johnston.

There are minor differences in the game of basketball in Germany as well. The travelling violation is "all backwards compared to the States," Johnston said. If they do it right, the players can get an extra step after picking up their dribble for a lay-up, but the referees are really picky when it comes to dribbling off a jab fake. If the ball is not put down before the back heel comes off the ground, a travel is called. "I would like to say I have adapted, but I still get frustrated sometimes with these calls," Johnston said. Off the court, Johnston is doing "great" overall, he said. "Sometimes I miss my family and friends but I have my girlfriend with me so it helps a lot with all that stuff," Johnston said. "I really have no complaints, I'm in a good situation here with this team and have played well enough to gain some interest from other teams, but I just wish we could of won more games this year so we could move up automatically, but I love this game and want to play it competitively as long as I can." If he keeps his game up at this pace, there is no doubt he will.