Led by their new captain Dennis Schröder, the German basketball players stormed into the final of the prestigious Supercup.
Almost two weeks before the home European Championship, the team of national coach Gordon Herbert defeated the Czech Republic in Hamburg 101:90 (56:44) and will now play against Serbia on Saturday for victory in the preparatory tournament for the European Championship.
Schröder played properly, but he twisted his ankle just before the final siren and threatened to miss the final. “I don’t know if I’m playing,” said the Houston Rockets NBA pro in contrition.
The best German thrower on Friday evening was the outstanding youngster Franz Wagner with 26 points. The selection of the German Basketball Association (DBB) showed a really good performance over long stretches – and not only awakened the desire for the EM among the 5619 fans in the arena. The declared goal of the selection of the German Basketball Association (DBB) from September 1st is a medal.
DBB team still undefeated in preparation for the European Championship
Due to the sovereign success against the twelfth in the world rankings, Schröder and Co. remain unbeaten in their preparation for the European Championship.
The German team had previously won in the Netherlands (68:66) and in Belgium (87:83). On the way to the sixth Supercup title on Saturday (6:30 p.m.) a real indicator awaits the German team with EM co-favorite Serbia around NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. The Serbs defeated Italy in the other semi-final 90-86.
Schröder, who was named midweek to replace non-Euro nominee Robin Benzing, made a solid debut as the leader and scored 16 points. With his lightning-fast offensive actions and many fine assists, the playmaker repeatedly caused applause in the Hamburger Volkspark.
Praise for “leader” Schröder
“He does a great job, both on and off the field, and is a good leader,” said DBB coach Herbert, who spared NBA professional Daniel Theis (Indiana Pacers) on Friday evening as well as the American, who was naturalized for a short time Nick Weiler-Babb.
Wagner put on a really strong performance – and that in only his second international match. The 20-year-old NBA pro from the Orlando Magic again indicated that he could become one of the top performers at the European Championship. Wagner had already shone with 23 points on his debut in Belgium.
At the start of the European Championship, the Herbert team meets France on September 1st. Before that, there are still two games in the World Cup qualifier in Sweden (August 25) and against European champions Slovenia (August 28 in Munich).