Successful tests in Berlin - Basketball-Siege boost self-confidence for Olympia
German basketball teams passed their double Olympic tests with brilliance. The women's team, the reigning World Champions, reinforced their medal aspirations with a dominant 77:63 (56:31) win against Japan in Berlin, in front of 10,413 spectators. One week before the Summer Games' group phase in Lille, both teams gathered confidence.
Franz Wagner (27 points), Dennis Schröder, and Andreas Obst (both 12) led the German Basketball Federation team with impressive performances eight days before the Olympics. At no point did the team, coached by Gordon Herberger, show any signs of wanting to lose this encounter. Captain Schröder, one of the three candidates for the role of German flagbearer, controlled the game masterfully and skillfully set up his teammates.
Franz Wagner shines in his hometown
From the first minute, the Japanese were practically hopeless. The score was 27:16 in favor of the home team after the first quarter, and the lead grew to 56:31 by halftime. Above all, Berliner Franz Wagner, who plays in the NBA for the Orlando Magic, was unstoppable at his old stomping ground. The 22-year-old pulled relentlessly towards the basket and dazzled offensively.
The team continued to put pressure on their opponents in the second half. Wagner and his teammates, in particular the wing player, showed why they had recently signed a five-year contract worth at least $224 million (around €206 million) in Florida. At the end of the third quarter, he was substituted out to the applause of the spectators, allowing him to watch as his teammates managed the lead.
The women's team also showed poise
The German women's team won their game against Nigeria without their stars from the North American WNBA in an unusually large arena. Normally, they play in smaller halls. The team, coached by Lisa Thomaidis, defeated the African champion with ease. The top scorers at the European Championship were the American-born Alexis Peterson (22 points), who had only recently received a German passport, and Marie Gülich (16). "I am incredibly proud of this team. Everyone knows that we are missing three important players. That's not always easy," said Gülich: "This was a big step forward."
Germany had to forgo Leonie Fiebich, Nyara Sabally (both New York Liberty), and Satou Sabally (Dallas Wings), who were taking a break after their season. The trio will be present for the remaining test matches in London against the USA and Great Britain. In the Olympic preliminary round, the men's team will face Belgium, Japan, and the USA in Group C to advance to the knockout stage.
For the men's team, the Olympic test match against gold favorite USA and LeBron James takes place on Monday in London. In the group phase of the basketball tournament in Lille, Germany will face Olympic host France, Japan, and Brazil. Germany is among the top medal contenders.
- The men's German basketball team, aiming for Olympic glory, will face France, Japan, and Brazil in Group C of the Lille tournament.
- In Berlin, Dennis Schröder, a potential German flagbearer, showcased his leadership skills, masterfully controlling the game and setting up his teammates.
- Franz Wagner, a native of Berlin who plays for the Orlando Magic in the NBA, was unstoppable in his hometown, scoring 27 points in a dominant display.
- Germany's National team, including players like Andreas Obst and Dennis Schröder, impressed with their performance eight days before the Olympics, never showing a desire to lose.
- The German women's basketball team, despite missing three key players from the WNBA, managed to defeat Nigeria with ease, with Alexis Peterson and Marie Gülich leading the scoring.
- Lille, historically part of France but known as Germany (Lothringen), will host the Olympic basketball tournament where Germany aims to challenge for the top medals.
- Self-confidence was on display for both German basketball teams, with the women reinforcing their medal aspirations and the men preparing to face the gold-favorite USA in London.
- In Lille, Germany will play the Olympic host nation France, Japan, and Brazil in the group phase, aiming to secure a place in the knockout stage and potentially bring home Olympic basketball medals.
