Bundesliga News: German Football's Premier League - Could Würzburg halt the Bayern basketball team as well?
Prior to the upcoming title match against Alba Berlin in the German basketball league, FC Bayern needs to beat the unexpected champions of the season, the Würzburg Baskets. The Munich team will go against the underdogs in a best-of-five series. "Their self-confidence is undoubtedly high," stated Bayern coach Pablo Laso prior to the opening game on Wednesday (8:30 pm) in their BMW Arena. "We know that we've got to be ready to encounter plenty of distinct situations that'll be unlike any we've experienced before. And we'll need to adjust to those working for us."
The Munich champs are, of course, the top picks. Laso, who's lacked the help of injured starters Sylvain Francisco and Nick Weiler-Babb up to this point in the playoffs, is aware of the potential that may emerge from injuries. "Frequently, injuries just offer an opportunity for other players, as Perry and Washington have achieved in Würzburg," explained the Spaniard.
Bayern displays respect for Würzburg
Reaching the playoff semifinals is Würzburg's most significant achievement since 2012. During that time, they were knocked out by Ulm. However, this time they managed to surpass the defending champion by a 3:1 margin. Meanwhile, Bayern had a 3:1 triumph against Ludwigsburg.
"Würzburg has already defeated the champion Ulm, so we must approach them with immense respect and are aware of how fiercely they compete and play," said backup player Carsen Edwards, reflecting back on the tight 90:82 battle in the Bundesliga in mid-April.
The Würzburgers dilemma is growing
Regrettably, Würzburg is dealing with a significant predicament. Important player Otis Livingston II, who was deemed the most valuable player of the season (MVP) due to his phenomenal regular season performance, tore his ACL in his knee during the opening matchup against Ulm and will be out for the rest of the season. As if that wasn't enough, Max Ugrai, Isaiah Washington, and Owen Klassen were hurt in the decisive fourth game against Ulm, and Julius Boehmer sustained a knee injury earlier this season.
"These guys are extraordinary. They never back down," praised coach Sasa Filipovski his players. And maybe they can achieve the next surprise. "It's gonna be even tougher in the semifinals, and with Julius Boehmer's injury, the rotation has shortened," said captain Felix Hoffmann. "All players have to provide more and play more minutes."
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- Despite their success in football, FC Bayern's basketball team faces a challenging task in the Bundesliga, as they aim to overcome the Würzburg Baskets, who have surprised many this season.
- The Würzburg Baskets' journey to the playoff semifinals, a feat not achieved since 2012, is particularly notable as they prevailed over the previously unbeaten team, FC Bayern Munich's rivals in football, Ulm.
- Würzburg's star player, Otis Livingston II, who was named MVP for his exceptional performance during the regular season, unfortunately sustained a season-ending injury during the initial match against Ulm.
- The Bundesliga champions, FC Bayern, will take on Würzburg in a best-of-five series, with the first game set to take place in Munich's BMW Arena.
- In the previous encounter between FC Bayern and Würzburg, the teams fought closely with FC Bayern emerging victorious by a narrow margin of 90:82.
- The football club from Munich, FC Bayern Munich, is not the only German powerhouse to be keeping an eye on the Bundesliga basketball scene, as its rival, ALBA Berlin, also has a formidable team in the league.
Source: www.stern.de
