By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A trio in perfect shape is triggering the dreams of the German national basketball team to win a medal at the 2022 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) EuroBasket.
Before facing struggling favorite Slovenia in a Group B duel in Cologne this Tuesday evening, three victories against France, Lithuania and Bosnia-Herzegovina mean the tournament host has already reached the round of 16 to be played this Saturday in Berlin.
Crossing swords with the defending European champion now is only about achieving a better position in the knockout stage for the German squad.
Slovenia, meanwhile, has to deal with internal turmoil after an unexpected 97-93 defeat against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Media reports speak of NBA star Luka Doncic and 36-year-old veteran Goran Dragic having disagreements with their coach Aleksander Sekulic, to say nothing of a slight injury for Dallas Mavericks star Doncic.
At present, Germany is experiencing better times after dark days in the past. Three years ago, German basketball seemed to have hit rock bottom after a disappointing early group exit at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.
The surprising current upswing is mainly caused by convincing performances of Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic), Dennis Schroder (Houston Rockets) and Maodo Lo (Alba Berlin).
The country's third Euro medal after 1993 (gold) and 2005 (silver) seems within reach thanks to the leadership qualities of the two NBA players and the German league star.
The 109-107 victory against Lithuania was the first win after eight defeats in the series, coming along with a wave of euphoria from German fans.
Schroder has taken hold of the team's leading role as "he is our guiding force as he developed into Europe's best point guard. You can see and feel how much his experience has increased over the past years," as Lo put it.
Besides, Wagner and Lo seem to flourish to new heights.
"Schroder is our leading figure, there is no doubt, but we delivered a well-oiled performance as a team in the first place," German head coach Gordon Herbst said.
While fans expect more victories, Schroder is predicting Lo will make his way into the NBA shortly. "He will be the next German in the NBA," he said.
Chauncey Billups, assistant coach of Bosnia-Herzegovina and head coach of the Portland Trailblazers, also spoke of the growing interest of NBA clubs in Lo following convincing performances in the German shirt. ■
