pic credit: blendwerk

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. Let´s talk a little about your career. You came in 2022 to Wolmirstedt. Has Wolmirstedt become like a second home for you?

I wouldn’t say second home but I like the people out there a lot and I got used the place.

How thankful are you for Eiko Potthahst for never losing faith in you? He gave you 21 minutes this season. How has he helped your game most?

The trust he gave me is probably the best thing that could help me develop. But I think I also gave it back

How vital has a guy like Modestas Paulauskas been for your game the last 2 seasons? How have you held your own in the practice battles against him?

Mo is first of all a great guy. I would say he helped me even more off the court than on it. He already seen a lot in different countries so we talk a lot about it and I´m taking his advice. On the court obviously I´m trying work with him a lot and get better in thinks he is good with.

How tough was that 3 game playoff series loss to Rhondorf last season. What do you believe was key for not reaching the final?

I think we wasn’t ready enough in game 1. We lost very stupidly and had to come back for game 3. And in this game we couldn’t match the same energy like them in their own gym. I think we had talented roster but never reach our whole potential to get to the finals.

You played many years in the Hamburg youth program. What memories do you have of that time? Did you have a special mentor in that time?

I have a lot of good memories of the time in the Hamburg towers youth program. That’s the first time I learned how much dedication and hard work it needs to become a professional player. My first JBBL coach Amir was someone who taught me a lot not just basketball wise but also life advice.

You were teammates with Justus Holatz in 2020-2021. 3 years later he was German world champion. Would you have anticipated an incredible career rise like he has becoming a Euroleague player? What memories do you have of him?

Justus was always special. He was already many steps ahead of us. Not just athletically und physically but especially his basketball IQ and feeling for the game. I knew very early that he’s going to have a big career. And now he is a world champ!

You played a season with VfL Stade (Regionalliga) averaging 8.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 65.5%. What memories do you have of this season? How important was it holding your own against men after coming from the youth sector?

My time in Stade was very instructive. It was the first time I lived alone and started university. That year I grew on and off the court.

What memories do you have of the tough 3 game playoff series against Aschersleben? You had a solid game 3 of 13/5/4,

Bad memories. We knew we wouldn’t move up that year but we still fought till the end.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA?

Ariel Hukporti. He was back then already 7ft and very strong.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Ibrahim Jabby, Marvin Boadu, Leif Möller, Justus Hollatz, Martin Bogdanov

Please name your NBA meaning your 4 best players of all time for each category?

Lebron James, Steph Curry, James Harden, Kevin Durant

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

Thanks Fabien for the chat