Olympic-Preparation - Basketballers look forward to US Stars: 'The toughest Test'
Basketball World Champion Germany faces tough test against Olympic favorite USA in the Olympic warm-up. "This will be the toughest test we can have before such a tournament. That's why it's very important," said forward Maodo Lo. The rematch of last year's World Championship semifinal between Germany and the USA takes place on Monday (8 p.m.) in London, where Germany sensationally defeated the Americans. However, the US team is quite different five days before the start of the Olympic tournament in Lille.
"We have twelve of the best players in the world on our team. We have to be fully focused," said captain Dennis Schröder. Superstars LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant lead the star-studded team from the North American NBA, aiming to win the Olympics again. "It's good that we're playing against the USA now," said national coach Gordon Herber: "They are, of course, the favorite for the gold medal, but we're coming up against a physically strong opponent."
USA as a benchmark for Germany
Germany had no trouble against Japan in Berlin on Friday evening, winning clearly 104:83 (56:31). Franz Wagner led the way with 27 points and was able to rest completely in the last quarter. "We'll see where we stand against the USA," said Lo. The result is not decisive, but one wants to present oneself as well as possible, said Herber.
Herbert's team won three out of four warm-up games. The next game is on Saturday in Lille against Japan for the Olympic tournament. Other opponents on the way to the knockout phase are Olympic hosts France and Brazil. Germany is among the top candidates for the medals. Against the USA, it must be proven that this remains the case. "We need this game now. I'm looking forward to it," said Herbert.
- Maodo Lo expressed that the game against the USA in London, being an Olympic warm-up, will be a challenging test for Germany's National team.
- Germany defeated the USA in a surprising semifinal during last year's World Championship, setting a reminder for this year's USA team.
- The US Olympic team is significantly different from last year's, featuring twelve of the world's best basketball players, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.
- Gordon Herbert, the German national coach, considers the US team as a benchmark for their preparations and recognizes their status as the golden medal favorites.
- The German team had an easy victory against Japan in Berlin, with Franz Wagner scoring 27 points, and they are looking forward to testing their mettle against the US team to gauge their standing.
- Herbert has led Germany to three wins in four warm-up games and aims to present their best during the upcoming match against the USA, ensuring their position as top medal contenders in the Olympic tournament in Lille.
