From Dirk to Schroder, Germany finds new basketball hero


At a glance

  • From Dirk Nowitzki, German basketball has found a new hero in Dennis Schroder following their successful campaign in the FIBA World Cup.


By MARK REY MONTEJO

 

 

From Dirk Nowitzki, German basketball has found a new hero in Dennis Schroder following their successful campaign in the FIBA World Cup.

image (9).jpg
Dennis Schroder celebrates with his teammates after winning in the finals of 2023 FIBA World Cup at MOA Arena, in Pasay City. (FIBA)

Team Germany head coach Gordon Herbert said it’s time to give the spotlight to Schroder, who skippered the squad to becoming the new world champion.

 “Give him credit. He won the World Championship with this team. He’s become the leader of this team. It’s time to give him 100 percent respect in Germany,” Herbert said following Germany’s 83-77 win over Serbia for the trophy over the weekend.

“You know, Dirk Nowitzki (was) before, Dennis (Schroder) is now. With complete respect to Dirk, Schroder has taken over MVP, World Championships, gold medal… he deserves 100 percent respect for what he’s done and where he’s taken this team,” he added.

Schroder closed out his stint with an average of 19.1 points, two rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, spearheading the Die Mannschaft in overcoming powerhouse teams in the likes of the United States, Latvia, Slovenia and Australia.

Germany is also one of two European teams alongside Serbia that has secured a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics.