pic credit: SBB Baskets

Fabien Kondo (206-F/C-2002) is a 23 year old 106cm forward that finished his third season with the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt averaging 9.1ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 57.8% and helped the club move up to the Pro A. He began his basketball career with NG Hamburg an dthen played 3 seasons with the Hamburg U19 team (NBBL). He also gained experience playing with SC Rist Wedel. He also played a season with VfL Stade (Regionalliga) averaging 8.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 65.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2024-2025 season.

Thanks Fabien for talking to germanhoops.com and congrats on a great season with Wolmirstedt. I always thought Wolmirstedt was deep but was Leverkusen possibly the deeper team?

I don´t think so. It felt like the tension was out. We achieved our main goal to promote. We obviously still wanted to win the championship but Leverkusen made it difficult for us, and it´s tough to come back from this big of a gap.

How tough was the 76-53 loss at home? You split the season series 1-1, but hadn´t played against them since 4 months. How were they better than in January 2025 when you last played them?

Like I just said, I felt that the last tension wasn’t there. I don’t really think they were much better than last time we faced them.

Leverkusen defended very well and with Dennis Heinzman in the middle a real rim protector. How key was the rebounding and lack of three point shooting for the loss?

Very key.

What was the game plan going into the second game in Leverkusen? What was key for not getting the win? Leverkusen rebounded very well again?

Of course getting better in our offense and limit the rebounds but it´s not every time possible to manage it.

Your teammate Eamonn Joyce said that you were really missed in the 2 final games. Do you feel like you could have been the difference in the final had you played?

I really thought that I could’ve had an impact and limit Heinzmann in certain ways, but it wouldn’t be me alone. We still didn’t match their physicality so we probably had a different match but not for sure a different outcome.

Wolmirstedt has always been very ambitious and has wanted to move up since years. If someone had told you in September 2024 that the team would move up in 2025 what would you have thought?

I would say it´s a long way but definitely achievable.

What is so special about the Wolmirstedt basketball culture? What have you learned to appreciate most about the organization?

Wolmirstedt always tries to be competitive and that’s their DNA. I appreciate that a lot. You feel it in every practice and you feel like getting better.

The chemistry was great and the teams cored a lot and belonged to the best defensive teams in the Pro B north. What was this season´s team´s biggest strength? Perhaps “TEAM” as there was no big star?

I think our depth was our biggest strength. Everybody could have a great game and we were pushing the guys who’s feeling it that game.

How key was head coach Eiko Potthast in the success? What do you believe was his biggest strength as a coach`?

I think he had a big role and his strength is definitely is basketball knowledge.

Let´s talk a little about your teammates. Bill Borekambi has been there since 2021 and one of the leaders. He is a walking bucket and can score in so many ways. What do you appreciate most about his game and what is your favorite move from him?

Bill is just a great guy and probably our most important leader. I learnt a lot from him throughout those years. His little fadeaway is just unguardable. If he misses its only because of himself or he getting blocked otherwise its falling in.

Talk a little about the other American import Derreck Brooks Jr. What did you appreciate most about their# games this season?

Derreck filled his role out perfectly. He can shoot lights out and he did when it most mattered, in the playoffs! And he is great human being.

Martin Bogdanov is also one of the leaders. How vital has his game and leadership been for the success?

Very important. Martin is our point guard and controls the game for us, he’s a big part of our success.

What was it like playing with Eamonn Joyce? He told me before the season that he would reach the 40% mark from outside. What else did you appreciate about his game?

Eamon is a very versatile player. He shoots the ball well, but also drives really good to the basket. His scoring helped us in very important games.

You averaged 9,1/5,6rpg. How content were you with your game this season?

I´m really content. Going in the season knowing it´was a contract year for me was a little bit challenging but over the time I had my role and just played the game I love. The stats reflect the work I put in during the whole year.

You have made jumps in your game each season in Wolmirstedt. How did your game grow this season?

I think I just worked at the things I do in the game a lot. And put myself in better shape. Nothing special just tried to push my skills to perfection other than shoot tones of 3s that I don’t take in the game.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the Pro B this season?

For me personally it was Selimovic from Essen. He’s probably the only guy I have issues with dealing him 1v1 in the low post.

What is the next step for you in your basketball career? Will you return to Wolmirstedt?

I had couple go offers also from college but I decided coming back to Wolmirstedt to play Pro A is the right step for me to take.

What are your plans for the summer? Will you visit any new places before getting back in the lab?

Yes, ill definitely take some brake abroad but not too long. I have to recover my ankle sprain and also getting in an even better shape for Pro A.

Thanks Fabien for the chat.