Ibrahim Magassa stays in Swedish championship: « It’s a style of play that suits me perfectly »

Trained in his home Paris region before moving to Spain, Ibrahim Magassa (2.03 m, 23 years old) is now settling in Sweden. This physical 3 and D player got back on track there after being sidelined by a major knee injury while trying to launch his professional career. A member of French youth teams with the 2002 generation, the Bondy native hopes to take off again. Because his ambitions are very high.

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Former French prospect changes clubs in Sweden

August 5, 2025

Lilian Bordron

For the 2025-2026 season, you decided to sign with SBBK Södertälje. Why did you make this choice?

After the season I spent at Nässjö, it was a year with many ups and downs. Notably a quadriceps issue that prevented me from playing for three to four weeks, but I was still able to finish the last part of the season. But I wanted to stay in a championship I was familiar with. I also want to prove that I can complete a second consecutive season. Something I haven’t had the chance to do because of my injuries…

What attracted you to this club’s project?

One of my former teammates plays for this club, with whom I played at BC Seville. He told me they had a good project for next season and that the coach really wanted me. Subsequently, I had a good conversation with the coach who convinced me right away. I’m convinced this signing will help me in my career. We’re going to try to win more games than last season and aim for the playoff semi-finals. We’re a team with many young players and some veterans, I think that’s what I need to gain confidence and improve.

🇸🇪 IBRAHIM MAGASSA seguirá en el baloncesto sueco.

El ex jugador y canterano del Baloncesto Sevilla ha firmado por el Sodertalje BBK.

En la 2024-25 jugó para el Nassjo.

ℹ️ 7 puntos, 2.5 rebotes y 1 asistencias en la SBL. pic.twitter.com/dEamoC6voG

— Alex_ReyesIB (@Alex_ReyesIB) August 6, 2025

This is your second consecutive season in the Swedish championship. Why stay there?

Initially, I didn’t know the Swedish championship and I somewhat underestimated it, to be honest. When I got there, I realized I was completely wrong. There are very good players, many of them come from universities and come to start their professional career or have their first season in Europe. The style of play is slightly similar to Spanish basketball. We play with lots of space and transition game. It’s maybe a bit less physical than the Spanish or French championship, but it’s very detail-oriented. It’s a style of play that suits me perfectly.

« I think every athlete should at least consult a psychologist or mental coach »: following his experience with a mental coach

You spent 18 months without playing any official game before joining Nässjö this season. Was the return difficult?

It was more challenging mentally than physically. I had done what was necessary to come back in the best possible conditions. But to be honest, mentally it was very difficult. Coming back after a long injury, plus it was the second time I had torn my ACL… Fear automatically settles in your mind and doubts appear. You wonder if you’ll find your previous level. To overcome these apprehensions, I worked with a mental coach, who accompanied me at the start of my return, and it helped me a lot. It allowed me to forget that I was injured 18 months before.

Did you choose this mental coach or was it imposed on you?

I chose him. It wasn’t the first time I worked with a psychologist. It was before my first injury. He specializes in basketball and also plays the sport. He had a lot of knowledge and helped me a lot. It was a very good experience, I think every athlete should at least consult a psychologist or mental coach. It changes everything.

« I considered quitting basketball »

Was it a relief for you? You hadn’t played a game since May 2023.

Yes, it was a huge relief. It’s different to practice basketball without playing official games. Not being on the sidelines anymore, watching teammates play or train, it enormously changed the pleasure I had for basketball.

There’s a reason for this absence: you unfortunately suffered a serious injury, an ACL tear. How did you experience these 18 months away from the courts?

It was very hard. The first days were difficult, I considered quitting basketball. I had a long conversation with my family and former coaches who convinced me to continue. I listened to them and stayed in Seville where I could do all my recovery, which went well.

Before this first injury, you played in Spanish second division and even played in Poland afterward. What differentiates the Swedish championship from the French, Spanish, and Polish ones?

I think the French championship is the most physical. The other three have certain similarities, particularly regarding the style of play which is very tactics-based. If I had to compare the Swedish championship to a French competition, it would be Pro B.

« I want to complete this season, entirely, without physical issues »

You were bothered by some thigh issues in Scandinavia. Are you apprehensive about next season?

I have no fears. Sure, we start next week, but I feel physically good. I’m going to start pre-season without doubts in my mind. But there’s always that little pressure about a potential relapse. I want to complete this season, entirely, without physical issues. That’s one of my goals, well before statistics.

And long term?

It’s to reach EuroLeague and be an impactful player. I really think that with injuries, you can’t do anything about them, but with work, persistence, and discipline, I might try to reach the top of EuroLeague one day. But I know I need to continue working on my physique and continue improving my shooting, defense, and transition game skills.

You were already selected for the U16 team in 2018. Is wearing the national team jersey again part of your goals?

Yes, of course. For me, being called up to the French national team is the highest distinction a player can have. If that day comes, it will reward all my work and sacrifices I’ve made. I would be very emotional, because I’ve been through many struggles and the journey has been very long.