The WNBA Stars Stepping Up for Germany at the Euro Championship
Absent from EM: German Basketball Players in the absence of Satou Sabally - World Cup basketball competition, minus Satou Sabally participation, features German squad
Let's talk about the Euro Championship's first round in Hamburg, where unfortunately, star player Satou Sabally won't be gracing the court. The reason? She's deciding to focus solely on her new WNBA club, Phoenix Mercury, and has turned down the German Basketball Association's invitation. That's right, folks, the German women's basketball team is missing out on their A-game player in the initial phase. But fear not, for the 27-year-old's sister, Nyara Sabally, and Leonie Fiebich have stepped up to the plate to keep the team in the game.
"Satou and us had chats, and man, we wished she was with us. In the end, we gotta respect her reasoning and her decision," said DBB Vice President Armin Andres. "Even without Satou, we're gonna bring a powerhouse team to the EuroBasket."
Unlike Satou, Nyara and Leonie will be rocking it out in the Euro Championship, which takes place from June 18-29. They'll join the squad shortly before the tournament kicks off, as the WNBA doesn't take a break for this international competition. Head coach Lisa Thomaidis will gather her squad on May 25, with 16 players nominated for the opening game in Bamberg.
In Hamburg, Germany will face Sweden, Spain, and Great Britain during the first round. After that, the action moves to Piraeus for the final round. Hamburg, ladies and gents—get ready for some fierce basketball!
Key Insights:
- Despite Satou Sabally's absence from the German team in the initial stages of EuroBasket Women 2023 in Hamburg, her sister Nyara Sabally and Leonie Fiebich will be taking her place, bringing their WNBA championship-winning skills to the table. Their involvement significantly contributed to the team's competitiveness in Satou's absence.
- Satou's absence is likely due to common conflicts between WNBA schedules and international competitions or personal/team decisions, which have been recognised as recurring issues for WNBA players juggling league and national team duties.
- Despite the absence of Satou, the German team is well-equipped with Nyara and Leonie on their roster, boasting competition experience and valuable skills following their WNBA successes.
- The German women's basketball team is fortunate to have Nyara Sabally and Leonie Fiebich stepping up to fill the void left by Satou Sabally, who has chosen to focus on her WNBA club, the Phoenix Mercury.
- Despite not having Satou, the German team remain optimistic, with DBB Vice President Armin Andres stating they will bring a powerhouse team to the EuroBasket.
- The Euro Championship, taking place from June 18-29, will see Nyara Sabally and Leonie Fiebich joining the team, with head coach Lisa Thomaidis gathering her squad on May 25 for the opening game in Bamberg.
- In Hamburg, the German team will face Sweden, Spain, and Great Britain during the first round, before the action moves to Piraeus for the final round.
