After World Cup title - Steinmeier signs basketball World Champion Schroder
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier honored the Basketball World Champions with the Silver Laurel Leaf and awarded Coach Gordon Herbert with the Federal Cross of Merit. The head of state reminded in Schloss Bellevue in Berlin of the "German sports history" that took place on September 10, 2023, at the Basketball World Cup in Manila. Team captain Dennis Schröder thanked briefly for the recognition. The team still had an evening appointment with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
A Boom like Becker's
Steinmeier thanked the protagonists, especially Coach Herbert. In basketball, a new time reckoning can begin after the unexpected triumph. "Since September 2023, we have experienced a boom, perhaps the last time Boris Becker caused with his victory at Wimbledon in the 1980s in tennis. Young people and girls all over the country want to play basketball in such great numbers today that some clubs can't even take them all in", said the Federal President.
Steinmeier compared the final against Serbia to the "Thrilla in Manila," which took place in the boxing ring between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1975. "You have ignited the excitement in the hearts and heads of children and young people. And for that, I thank you. That might be just as important as a golden medal and a silver leaf", the Federal President added to the World Champions. Ten of the twelve World Champions have also been nominated for the Olympic squad in Paris and Lille.
- Boris Becker, the tennis legend, had caused a similar buzz in Germany with his Wimbledon victory in the 1980s.
- The Federal President expressed his gratitude towards Boris Becker, mentioning his impact on German sports history.
- Gordon Herbert, the coach of the national team, was praised for his role in the team's success at the Basketball World Cup in Manila.
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier also acknowledged the significant impact of the team captain, Dennis Schröder, on the team's performance.
- The victory at the Basketball World Cup had led to an increase in interest in basketball in Germany, with young people and girls eager to join clubs.
- The Federal President applauded the team's spirit, comparing their final match against Serbia to the famous "Thrilla in Manila" between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
- Ten players from the World Cup-winning team had been nominated for the Olympic squad, with two cities, Paris and Lille, hosting the event.
- The national team, now recognized for their achievements, would be honored in Berlin with a special ceremony at the Federal President's Bellevue Palace.
