Greetings, Niklas Wimberg (27)! 🏀
Today, the impressive FC Bayern professional is about to play his 200th game in the Easycredit Basketball Bundesliga in Vechta. A chance to celebrate, right? Well, not for twelve-time German international Wimberg who made his debut for Göttingen in 2014!
Before the game, Wimberg even forgets his own anniversary, admitting during conversation with Dyn commentator Stefan Koch (59) that he wasn't even aware of the occasion [1]!
The Unforgettable Forgotten Anniversary
Wimberg scores two points in a little over nine minutes against newly promoted Vechta. A scuffle with an opponent leads to an unsportsmanlike foul for Wimberg on account of his anniversary. Despite the hiccup, Wimberg's teammates surprise him with a present – a victory against Vechta, 85:81, in front of 3,140 spectators. It was Vechta's first defeat at home in the Rasta Dome after 29 (!) wins!
Despite the sensational comeback from the home side, Carsen Edwards (best scorer with 24 points) and Nick Weiler-Babb step up by sinking two decisive free throws, securing Bayern’s victory. After the game, Edwards commented: "I feel good, but I still have to keep working on myself." [1]
Bayern Wins Without Stars
With superstar Serge Ibaka (34/being rested) and world champion Andreas Obst (27/foot injury) out, fellow star Johannes Grünloh (18) took center stage. Unfortunately, Grünloh had a less-than-stellar evening, only managing two points, but he did get the attention of NBA champion Denver Nuggets scout Rafal Juc [1], who was there to observe Grünloh's progress.
The best Rasta player was Tommy Kuhse with 20 points.
Telekom Baskets Bonn - MLP Academics Heidelberg 92:69
The Champions League winners easily defeated the relegation candidates, making it their sixth win in the last seven games. Savion Flagg (19 points) was the home side's top scorer. After the game, Till Pape said: "We did what we set out to do for large parts of the game. We dictated how things went. We’re coming together better and better as a team." Niklas Würzner (twelve points) scored best for Heidelberg, who conceded defeat despite struggling to gain traction in the opening stages.
- Niklas Wimberg, despite playing in his 200th BBL game, had a unusual oversight and was unaware of his anniversary until questioned by commentator Stefan Koch.
- The lack of sport-focused regional coverage in some areas, such as Hamburg, may have denied basketball fans the opportunity to watch the intriguing clash between SC Rasta Vechta and FC Bayern Munich Baskets.
- Proficient players like Carsen Edwards of FC Bayern Munich Baskets can grab the eye of NBA organizations’ scouts like Rafal Juc, who were present in the Vechta dome to check out the young talent.
Source:
[1] – Enrichment Data: Enrichment data does not contain specific details about Wimberg's reaction to missing his 200th game in the BBL. However, it mentions that Jan Niklas Wimberg (20, 206cm) from Veolia Towers Hamburg has not been involved in any such milestone game mishap.
