Before Olympia in Paris - Target: Basketball players fight for respect [in Lille]
LeBron James is completely drained and inspired in the catacombs as he raved about the basketball spectacle of the world champion. "We knew they would be a tough test for us. Germany has been together in this lineup for three years. We all saw what they're capable of", said the 39-year-old superstar, who saved the USA from another loss to Germany in London with a power play. "We love this competition."
"Someone named LeBron James"
Just before the start of the Olympic Games, the 88:92 score was rather a confidence booster after an intense match. The eye-to-eye duel reminded notably of Abu Dhabi the previous year when Germany lost narrowly to the US star team in the WM warm-up - three weeks later, the team led by Gordon Herbert became world champions. "We played well - then someone named LeBron James scored a few points at the end", described the national coach casually.
If Germany faces Japan on Saturday (13.30 pm) in Lille for the first game, another medal is absolutely within reach. Captain Dennis Schröder and young star Franz Wagner lead the team as usual, while role players like Dreierspezialist Andreas Obst and Moritz Wagner have also come into form in time. "We take a lot of positives from this game. We have more in the tank", said Obst, who made five three-pointers and thrilled the US basketballers like in the WM semifinals the previous year.
Harder than before towards a medal
In Lille, where the group stage takes place, as well as in Paris, marks the end of the short tenure of Chief Coach Herbert, who leaves the German Basketball Federation (DBB) for the Olympics. A third medal in three years is expected after the EM bronze and the golden WM coup. But it could be even harder than before.
The USA doesn't only have US flagbearer James, Stephen Curry, and Anthony Edwards as superstars, but also Kevin Durant, who missed the London games due to a calf injury. The roster is not only more renowned but also stronger. France with basketball prodigy Victor Wembanyama, Greece with Giannis Antetokounmpo, the second-placed Serbia with Nikola Jokic, and Canada's NBA ensemble are all ready for an Olympic medal.
Complicated system at the Olympics
"Every game will be extremely difficult. I'm just excited about it. It will be a cool competition. I'm really looking forward to it", said Franz Wagner. However, making it out of the group with Japan, Brazil, and France is considered mandatory. From the quarterfinals onwards, everything is possible due to a complex scoring and elimination system - even a quick reunion with the USA and James, who saved his team from two losses in London. It was even closer against South Sudan, with a score of 101:100 in favor of Germany.
The role of the Germans will also change as world champions. "We now have the target on our backs, we are now the hunted. It won't be easy, but we definitely have the quality to decide that for ourselves", described Obst about the new situation.
A strong field, notable opponents, and the knockout round? That's all irrelevant to Coach Herbert at first. He refused to comment on the second German opponent, Brazil, during a press conference in London. "Our focus is 100% on Japan", said the 65-year-old Canadian.
James: "We need these tests"
It's still unclear whether Germany will attend the opening ceremony in Paris the day before the first game in Lille. "We're all still figuring that out. We'll have to discuss and decide", said Franz Wagner in an interview with ProSeven. The decision could also depend on whether Captain Schröder is named flagbearer or not. He is one of three candidates, alongside tennis star Alexander Zverev and sports shoe Christian Reitz. The decision will be announced on Thursday.
The USA is driving with a flawless preparation balance of 5:0-wins to the Olympics. The team was particularly challenged in London with twelve NBA stars, but it was much more demanding than anticipated. "We need these tests. I'm glad we managed it again," said James. Curry added: "We have all experienced it. Now it's about showing the great performance on the big stage. I think we are ready."
- The World Cup General Test in Abu Dhabi featured a tough match between Germany and the US star team, which Germany narrowly lost.
- In the same test, LeBron James showcased his skills, saving the USA from a possible loss against Germany with a power play.
- The National team of Germany, led by Gordon Herbert, went on to become world champions after their performance in the World Cup General Test.
- The NBA star Moritz Wagner has been a part of the German national team for three years, contributing significantly to their victories.
- France, with basketball prodigy Victor Wembanyama, and Canada's NBA ensemble are some of the notable opponents that Germany will face in the Olympic Games.
- The Olympic Games in Paris will be a significant challenge for the German team, as they aim to win a third medal in three years.
- Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are among the superstars in the USA's roster for the Olympic Games, making them a formidable opponent for Germany.
- Andreas Obst, a role player in the German team, thrives under pressure, as shown in their match against the USA, where he made five three-pointers.
- Dennis Schröder and Franz Wagner are the captains leading the German team in the Olympic Games, along with other players like Moritz Wagner.
- Gordon Herbert, the German team's coach, is focusing solely on their first game against Japan, rather than speculating on their opponents in the knockout round.
- According to LeBron James, the tests against stronger opponents like Germany are essential for his team's growth and performance on the big stage.
