Originally from Lot-et-Garonne, this young athlete is living his dream of being a professional basketball player

Here's one more from the meilhanaise factory. Fabio Milanèse, trained at Garonne Avenir Basket, created his dream by becoming a professional basketball player. He has been playing in Nationale 1 with Mulhouse Basket Agglomération since the summer of 2024.

The leader, only 21 years old, was spotted very early. He was only a teenager when he left his stronghold.

Spotted at 12 years old at the GAB

He remembers: “I started playing basketball in baby basketball at GAB. I played there until U13 before joining the Hope center of Mont-de-Marsan. I didn't leave until I was 12 but it was quite natural. I did basketball camps in the summer so I used to go away. My age has not slowed me down,” confides the young man.

At the same time, he played at JSA Bordeaux and continued to perform. So much so that he was spotted during a national basketball camp in Bourges and was one of the 30 best players of the country, which very quickly allowed him to join the training center of an emblematic French club: l’Élan béarnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez.

I always wanted to become a professional basketball player but it was in cadets that I understood that I could do it. I trained with the Pau hopefuls and there were the pros nearby. I told myself that I was both close and far from joining them.

These workouts strengthen ambitions. He signed for three years in Pau. “I spent a year with the hopefuls before joining the professionals. »

Unfortunately, the understanding is not good with the coach and Fabio decides to leave Béarn earlier than planned in order to join the Lorient club in Nationale 1. “I wanted to go and get some playing time. is what I did before signing for Mulhouse last summer. »

Facing his idol, Nando de Colo

Why Mulhouse? ” THE I really liked the coach's speech and the club is ambitious. It gives young people a chance and I feel very good here. I have good individual statistics (14 points per game on average and 5 assists, Editor's note) and collectively, we are pretty good (5th in the rankings). »

The pace is sustained. “We trains every daywe have a real professional structure. We hope to go as far as possible. We have a young and ambitious group. The primary objective is not to go for Pro B but we are not stopping ourselves from doing so,” continues the leader.

In any case, find the high spheres of French basketball remains a medium-term objective for the child of GAB. Rightly so.

Once you've tasted it, you want to come back. I had the chance to face one of my idols: Nando de Colo. This will remain for life.

Confront the French international had a big impact on him: “You only realize it two or three months after the match. At the moment, you don't think about it. I draw a lot of inspiration from him and his great career. »

Mental preparation

Talented with the ball in hand, Fabio also thinks about his post-career. “After I obtained my bac S, I did a BTS in commerce which I had to stop because I signed in Pau. Currently, I am training on mental preparation. »

An area that is particularly close to his heart: “When you reach a certain level, basketball happens at 80% in the head. In my opinion, every professional athlete must have a mental trainer. This helps me approach matches more calmly, with more confidence. THE well-being is very important and I myself want to help and follow people who need it. »

Fabio Milanèse, despite his young age, already demonstrates great maturity. Ambitious, he does not forget his roots. “My family from time to time comes to see me play. They have always supported me and I try to play well to give them back this recognition. Also, I got the ATM results. although I can't see them playing as our matches often fall at the same time. It’s a pride to see this club continue to perform in Nationale 2.”

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