World Cup Preparation: Basketball Actors Set Initial Excitement Mark
The German senior basketball team has started its journey towards the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 on a positive note, securing a victory in its first test match against hosts Slovenia. The game, marked by strict refereeing that disrupted the flow of the match, ended with a score of 103:89 in favour of Germany (53:48 at halftime).
Star performer Franz Wagner, along with David Kramer, led the German scorers with 18 points each. NBA superstar Luka Doncic scored 19 points for Slovenia, but it wasn't enough to overcome the German team's strong performance.
Wagner's impressive play during the warm-up games has boosted Germany’s competitive edge. Despite picking up five fouls early on and being forced to leave the match midway through the third quarter, Wagner's contributions were significant. His powerful dunk during the game, marking his international debut, was a highlight of the match.
Germany's squad for the EuroBasket 2025 is shaping up with a blend of experienced players and rising talents. Dennis Schröder, who missed the match for personal reasons, remains on the preliminary roster. Center Daniel Theis, in a statement, expressed the team's ambition to win the EM title.
The team had previously prepared in a training camp in Malaga for about a week. Germany will face Montenegro in their opening EM match in Tampere, Finland, on August 27, 2025. The top four teams in the six-team group at the EM will qualify for the knockout round, which will take place in Riga, Latvia.
The second duel with Slovenia is scheduled for Sunday. The European Championship (EM) will take place from August 27 to September 14. The German team is aiming high and is determined to make a strong showing in the upcoming competition.
In the upcoming second duel with Slovenia, Franz Wagner, the NBA-bound basketball player, is expected to continue his impressive form, having led the German scorers with 18 points during their first match. The German team's roster for the NBA EuroBasket 2025 also includes NBA superstar Luka Doncic's rival, David Kramer, who scored 18 points as well in the first game.
