#21 Freddie:

Fredrick Kleemichen grew up in Bremerhaven as the son of an American father and German mother, signed his first pro-contract in 2002 with Frankfurt (Opel) Skyliners at the age of 15 and moved to a new city with new hope and big dreams. “Freddie” as we all call him, is not a household name in the world of basketball right now but he definitely used to be! He had a roller-coaster journey from being one of the highly touted prospects in Germany to moving down the latter and playing in lower divisions on Frankfurt’s farm teams while the frustration was growing. He eventually cut ties with Frankfurt at an early stage of his career and despite having offers to play for other BBL clubs he decided to move to Germany’s newly formed ProA (2nd division) league and this is where our paths met. After having several successful seasons with the Cuxhaven BasCats he eventually decided to leave professional basketball behind and start his studies in business in order to prepare himself for life after basketball. He is now a successful COO (Chief Operating Officer) of the agency “Belle Etage Event”.

He was once hailed as ‘The Next Dirk Nowitzki’ and today he told his story on my podcast. Everything he had to live through and what the thinks young prospects need in their life as a ‘next big thing’. Listen to us talk about the importance of good mentorship early on, guidance and a helping-hand during tough times. The role that Holger Geschwindner played in his career and the genuine help he provided by implementing strong values in Freddie’s life. Freddie also talked about the ‘After-Life’, when it didn’t work out the way he hoped for, as well as the steps taken towards his new path.

Enjoy this different episode and share with PROSPECTS, YOUTH COACHES as well as CLUBS to have an idea what young prospects go through in terms of attention and lack of mentorship in place!

Topics:

• Background
• Career & Recruitment
• 1st Transition / Becoming a Pro
• “Next Dirk” Tag
• Scouting Personality?
• Environment / Mental Coaching
• Attitude Change / Farm Team (Good Clip)
• Holger Geschwindner / Values
• 2nd Transition / Moving On
• Character Building
• Love for Basketball

Finding Freddie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrick-kleemichen-4626301a8/

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#Freddie #FredrickKleemichen #NextDirkNowitzki #MentalHealth #Mentorship

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