pic credit: blendwerk 24

Marc Friederici (188-PG-2001) is a 24 year old 188cm guard playing his first season with Pro B team ETB Miners Essen. He played the last 2 years with the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt (ProB) averaging 10.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 82.5% and last season averaged 7.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 76.6% helped them move up to the Pro A. He also has had further experience with WSG Koenigs Wusterhausen, Dresden Titans and Lok Bernau. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Marc 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 felt like we were very deep. Leverkusen wasn´t necessarily deeper than us, but more experienced. They played both final games as disciplined as every other regular season game. They were simply better. That they only lost one game in the season was no coincidence.

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?

You noticed how unbelievable they played at both ends. A big part of that was their good scouting. They knew exactly how and where to defend.

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?

Dennis was a danger for everyone in the league. That was no surprise. Our three point shooting really hurt us.

Wolmirstedt has always been very ambitious and has wanted to move up since years. If someone had told you in September 2023 that the team would move up in 2025 what would you have thought?

I think that nobody would have believed it and we would of laughed about it. However moving up was always a team goal for us. We had a very strong season and it was time to move up. It was no surprise for me.

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

The club is very close and it has a family atmosphere. At the same time we have goals and a clear vision of what we wanted to achieve. It has been like that for years and not only since I arrived. I think it will continue. I think without this attitude you don´t move up. Remember only a few years ago, the club was playing Regionalliga.

The chemistry was great and the team scored 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?

Your correct. Team was our biggest strength. We didn´t have to rely on one guy. Even when Derreck and Boggy carried us, we still had others who could jump in and make an impact at any time.

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

I feel that we were able to find our roles. He did a good job letting us come down after intensive phases so we would be able to come fresh into the next game. The balance between freedom and coming down helped us as players very much.

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?

You notice quickly that Bill is very experienced. Especially in the playoffs and key games, he played a vital role for our success. He has moved up something like 4-5 times in his career and that doesn´t remain unnoticed. At the same time he is a really nice and cool guy that is always in a good mood. A normal player makes a lay up and he makes a fade away jumper. That is his lay up.

Talk a little about the 2 American imports Derreck Brooks Jr. and Eamonn Joyce. What did you appreciate most about their# games this season?

Derreck is a really nice guy. We weren´t so close at the start. He just needs some time to open up. But he became a mentor for me. We went through some similar situations as players. He gave me a lot of tips. He is a player that does what the team needs. Eamon is very open. We talked a lot. I really respect his attitude. He is ambitious and a winner. Even after a bad game, he can calm down. That isn´t common.

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

Martin was one of our most important building blocks. No matter what we needed, he was there on and off the court. He decided many games for us. He knows exactly what he can and can´t do. He just does it.

Fabien Kondo made a huge jump in his game from last season. Was he one of the most improved players on the squad?

Yes definately The coaches trusted him and he paid it back with good play.

You averaged 7/2/1 stats. You played a few minutes per game than last season. How content were you with your game?

I wasn´t 100% content and awaited more from myself. I feel like during the season, I was able to concentrate on the things that I can control. Then I found my game again. I got stronger mentally and that is just as important as stats.

How have you seen your game grow in the last 2 seasons with Wolmirstedt?

I proved that I got better as a defender.

What was your favorite personal game this season? Perhaps your 18 points in the game 3 win over Essen?

My 2 favorite games were the 2 final games even if we lost them. I gained a lot of experience and learned a lot.

Who was the toughest team that you faced in the pro B this season?

Leverkusen.

You come from a big basketball family and have brothers Leon and Vince. What has each brother given you that has helped you on the court most?

Leon taught me always to give all I have and never to give up. I picked up the calmness from Vince. I should stay calm even when something doesn´t work out right away.

Who wins in a 1-1 on the court between you and Leon and Vince?

I win all.

Thanks Marc for the chat.