By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Maxi Kleber has ruled out a return to the national team of Germany.
The 32-year-old forward represented his country in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, following appearances in the Qualifiers of the 2019 World Cup and the 2014 EuroBasket. Since public criticism by the leader of the senior national team, Dennis Schroder, for skipping the 2022 EuroBasket, he did not feature among selections for the next major international tournaments.
An NBA player attached to the Dallas Mavericks over the last eight years, Kleber talked to Augsburger Allgemeine about relations with the national team and ruled out a return.
“The situation was what it was. That’s why I had to come to terms with it,” he described following Germany in last summer’s Olympic Games, “I watched the games as a fan, of course, because it is always positive for German basketball when the national team is successful.”
“It’s ultimately about basketball continuing to grow in Germany. And the Olympic Games that everyone can watch on television is a great platform,” the Wurzburg native added, “I know a lot of guys on the team very well or are my friends, it was also great to watch them.”
Spanish Alex Mumbru taking over as the new selector fell short of impacting his decision to remain away from the national team.
“I know him, but I haven’t spoken to him yet,” he said, “The national team is definitely over for me. So, there will be no return”.
Photo Credit: FIBA