Lennard Winter (195-SG-2000) is a 24 year old 195cm shooting guard that recently completed his third season with the SBB Wolmirstedt averaging 11.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 78.0%. He began his basketball career with the FC Bayern Munich U-18 team. He then played 4 seasons with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He spoke to eurobasket after the 2024-2025 season.

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

Thank you. No, I don’t think they were the deeper team besides our injury problems with Mo and Fabi being out, but they were the better team in the finals.

What kind of a feeling was it for you to play against your old team Leverkusen? Was your focus to win especially bigger than against other teams especially since it was your ex team?

It´s always exciting to play a former team, especially in the finals but I tried to treat the game like the other playoff games before.

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?

The game plan was to focus on the second final and play our best game. They defended very well, like they did the whole season and they won the rebound battle which was key for them.

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

The organization is very ambitious, which you can feel during practice and the games. Everybody is working together so the club is able to reach its goals.

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?

100%. We had many guys on our team who could score the ball and take over a game. Other teams had a hard time preparing for us because of our deep roster. That was our biggest strength this season.

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?

He´s a really good player and he had a great career. He´s also a great teammate who stepped up in the playoffs and was key for our success this year.

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

He was also very important for our team this season. He´s a great player on both ends of the floor who knows how to win games. I was glad we had him on our team.

You averaged 11/2/17! stats. How content were you with your game this season?

It was challenging in the beginning for me as I had to undergo surgery on my thumb after our second game. When I came back in December, it took me a few games to get back into rhythm but from then on, I was content with my game and very happy about our promotion.

How do you feel did your game grow in the Pro B? You had a lot of talent around you which obviously made you better the last 3 years.

Yes, I was able to play with many talented players which made it easy for me on the court. I feel like I was able to improve my game in all kinds of areas making me a better player overall.

You had many great games in the German Pro B. What was your favorite game?

It has to be game 3 against Essen. Coming off a 20 point loss two days before and then beating them by 30 to get the promotion to ProA was amazing, especially after work we put in the last 3 years.

You were teammates with one of my favorite guys Jordan Talbert. How much of an honor was it to be teammates with him as he was winding down his career? I´m sure you could soak up a lot of vital basketball from him.

It was great having him as a teammate and captain. He was a true professional who has seen a lot in his career and was happy to share his knowledge. He really helped in my first year in Wolmirstedt.

You began your basketball career with FC Bayern Munich. What memories do you have of that time? How big was the competition level?

Yes, Munich was the club where I played my whole youth basically. I had a lot of good coaches and teammates which helped my development. The level of competition was very high, which made me a better player.

You then came to Leverkusen in 2018 and remained 4 years. How vital was this change in your basketball career? You played with TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen U19 team (NBBL) averaging 15.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 39.7%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 70.6%

It was a very important step in my career. During my last year in Munich I felt like I had developed into a player who´s ready for the next step. Because of the competition level I didn´t get the playing time I was hoping for. In Leverkusen I got that opportunity and was able to show my talent on the court.

Right in your first season you helped Leverkusen win the Pro B title and reach the Pro A. What memories do you have of that season and what was so special about that team?

It was my first season as a professional and also being away from home. I met a lot of great people who made it very easy for me. We were really successful as a team and to finish the season off with the championship was truly special. It´s a season I won´t forget.

You then played 3 years of Pro A basketball with Leverkusen playing 42 games, but never averaged more than 4,2ppg in a season. How competitive was it for you getting minutes? How did your game grow under Hansi Gnad?

It was very competitive because we had a lot of talented players on the guard positions during those three years. I was also struggling with a few injuries, but those factors helped me grow and made me a better basketball player. Hansi always gave me a chance to show what I can do on the court and I´m grateful for that.

Thanks Lennard for the chat.