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Germany - Aminu-Abibu-Was-A-Very-Valuable-Player-For-TV-Langen-As-His-Rebounding-Was-Key-In-Every-Ball-Game

Published 14 hours ago7 minute read

Aminu Abibu is a 27 year old 194cm guard that played with TV Langen helping them win the 2025 South West Regionalliga title and helping them move up to the Pro B. He began his career at the University of Ghana an dthen played with Tusk Foundation. He then played with the Aschaffenburg Baskets from 2021-2024. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball

Congrats Aminu on winning the South West Regionalliga title. What does this title mean to you?

This title means everything to me. It’s a reflection of all the hard work, sacrifices, and commitment that the team and I have put in throughout the season. It’s about the journey we’ve taken together as a group, overcoming challenges and pushing each other to be better every day. It’s a proud moment for me, and I’m grateful to everyone who supported us along the way.

If someone had told you at Xmas 2024 that you would win the title, what would you have thought?

I think my thoughts would have still been the same as on Friday after the final whistle because I believe no team has worked harder than us this season.

What did you enjoy most about the celebration on the court in Langen when you won?

I enjoyed every moment. From the award ceremony to celebrating with my teammates and interacting with the fans.

Was not having Leon Fertig in game 2 a blessing in disguise. He had to go to Korea for his 3x3 duty. Did the team want to prove it could win without him?

I wouldn’t necessarily call it a blessing, because Leon Fertig is the kind of player you always want on your team. His absence in the second game was another challenge we had to overcome. This season, we’ve faced a number of setbacks with player availability—Leon Püllen and Bastian Winterhalter were out for the entire season, and we were also without Henk Droste and Paul Zaschel during the playoffs. Despite all that, our mentality has always been that the next man has to step up. And I think we’ve shown that time and time again. And Yes, we wanted to prove that we could still win without Leon, and I believe we did just that.

The team saved it´s best for last allowing only 47 points in game 2. What was the secret of the success? How much was head coach Tobias Jahn (204-C-1986, college: CPP) a part of it?

I think Coach Tobias Jahn did a great job preparing us for the moment. All we had to do was execute.

Did Tobias Jahn instill that special physicality in the team?

He has a way of mentally challenging us and that translates into the physicality you see from us on the court.

You allowed only 12 points per quarter in game 2. Was game 2 against Karlsruhe the best defensive game of the season?

For a team like Karlsruhe with multiple guys averaging double digit ppg to score just 47 points in a finals. I would say YES.

The Seeburger College Wizards always went on runs. How tough was it always punching back?

Basketball is a game of runs. We knew they were a talented team, so it was about staying composed, sticking to our game plan, and trusting each other

How tough was it containing Eisa of Karlsruhe? How big was the focus to do a team effort on him?

Eisa is a great player. One of the leading scorers in the league. We had a game plan on how to defend him. Coach trusted me with guarding him and I also took the match up very personal.

Drago Crnjac told me after win that TV Langen had heart and will. How special was TV Langen this season?

TV Langen was incredibly special this season. Not just because of the results, but because of the heart, will, and unity we showed every single time we stepped on the court. Everyone bought into the mission, and we fought for each other. That spirit, that togetherness, that’s what made this team so unique and so memorable

How key was Drago Crnjac´s three pointer at the end of the second quarter? Did that give him an extra spark to have success in the second half?

He needed to see one go in and I think that opened up the game for him

What will you always remember from this team?

The brotherhood

How special is having that extra Skyliners connection on the team? There are so many ex players on the roster?

Having many of the guys played together or come up through the Skyliners program, there’s a shared foundation, not just in basketball, but in mentality and work ethic. It made it easier to connect, both on and off the court, and that definitely played a role in our success this season.

Would TV Langen have won the title without Drago Crnjac? How key was adding him in December 2024?

I think the second half of the Finals’ Game 2 answers that question. He proved how important he is on our team.

How key was Niklas Pons for the title? Is he the ultimate teammate?

Niklas Pons is our leader. No question about it. We go as he goes. He sets the tone every practice and during games. He holds himself to an incredibly high standard, and that pushes the rest of us to raise our level. What makes him special is that he holds everyone accountable. His leadership has been a huge part of our identity this season.

How key was Risto Vasiljevic for the success? He was another vital leader.

Risto may not be the most vocal guy, but when he speaks, everyone listens and that’s exactly how I’d describe his leadership. He leads with presence, with consistency, and by example. His words carry weight because they come from a place of experience and calm confidence.

How special is Leon Fertig? Is sky the limit?

I don’t know what his plans are for basketball. By that I mean how long he’d be playing 3x3 or if he’d switch to 5 on 5. But one thing for sure is with his work ethic and confidence the sky is definitely the limit.

What did you learn from Tobias Jahn this season?

I learned the value of composure, clarity, and trust. What really stood out was how much he trusted us and gave us the freedom to play our game but always held us to a high standard. He brought out the best in us by believing in us.

You averaged 7/7/1/1 stats. How content were you with your game this season?

I feel I could’ve given the team more than I did. But this was my first year on the team. Looking forward to next season.

Many guys on TV Langen said that you were the best rebounder. How did you grow as a rebounder?

Rebounding is about effort, positioning and being relentless every time the ball goes up. He who wants the ball more gets it.

On what areas of your game do you still need to improve on in order to keep climbing the basketball ladder?

Ended the season on a shooting slump. So that would be my main focus this off season.

You had many great games like against Frankfurt and Haiterbach. What was your personal best game with TV Langen?

The game against makkabi I’d say

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

In no particular order - Tariq Eisa, Noah Litzbach and Mateus Rodrigues

What is the next step for you? Will you remain in Langen?

Yeah. I’m looking forward to the Pro B season with Langen

Who wins a 1-1 you or Michael Agyemang?

Light work

Who is the best player you ever played against that reached the NBA or a high league?

I’d say Hannes Steinbach who is on his way to becoming a household name in German basketball

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Luan Pereira, Paulo Camilo jr., Treasure Botchway, Gracefield Attoh & Krist-Obi

Name your NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore. Your 5 best players of all-time?

My 5 best players all time - Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James & Dennis Schröder

Who is your GOAT?

The GOAT - Michael Jordan. and My GOAT - Stephen Curry

Thanks Aminu for the chat.

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