Germany riding the wave at 2023 FIBA World Cup
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E-mail Xinhua, September 1, 2023
A day at a Japanese beach seemed like the perfect escape for Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner.
Taking a break from basketball and the upcoming games of the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia felt like a mini-vacation, especially with an aching ankle still needing attention.
"It was a nice day off all hurly-burly coming along with a competition such as the Worlds," Wagner said.
A soothing foot bath in the salty seawater seemed beneficial, especially with his brother Moritz, a teammate on the German squad and in Orlando, and their parents nearby.
Maintaining high spirits appears crucial ahead of the intermediate round, especially after securing three victories against Japan, Australia, and Finland.
Further medical evaluations will determine if Franz Wagner's ankle can withstand the demands of a full game.
Moritz, along with Dennis Schroeder from the Toronto Raptors, has emerged as the emotional team leader, while Franz offers support from the sidelines.
Three wins have bolstered the team's confidence, even when competing against superstars like Slovenia's Luka Doncic. Additionally, Bayern Munich's Isaac Bonga has seamlessly stepped in during Franz Wagner's injury absence.
Team spirit is the driving force propelling the Germans towards a potential medal and a spot in the final round in Manila, the Philippine capital.
In the newly formed intermediate group, Germany and Slovenia have the advantage with six points earned in the group stage, while Australia and Slovenia trail with just four.
As the pivotal matches approach, the German team remains optimistic, even with the upcoming challenge against Georgia this Friday. "They play a very physical game," Moritz Wagner noted.
A win could set the stage for a showdown with top contenders like Slovenia, led by superstar Doncic.
"This will be the assumedly biggest challenge, but we focus on the next game as Georgia has a lot of quality," Gordon Herbert commented, while Moritz Wagner lauded Doncic as "an exceptional player" and "game changer."
With Georgia up next, the German head coach is hopeful for Franz Wagner's return for Sunday's match against Slovenia, when the 2002 World Championship runners-up will need to bring their A-game.
Given their recent form, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Germans continue their successful run and rank among the top teams.
"But we don't think about that too much, we just enjoy our performance in every game as a team sticking together. That's a great experience to feel a flow," Wagner said.
