By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The 25-year-old tells FIBA that he is eager to play in the World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers in June and July 2018 after averaging 10.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 0.7 blocks at EuroBasket, where the Germans registered their first top eight finish since 2011.
“I really enjoyed last summer and learned a lot. I was very comfortable having some responsibilities and even if we lost to Spain (in the Quarter-Finals), we grew up as a team and as a group of players,” said Theis, who was playing in his first FIBA EuroBasket.
“Our roster was pretty young, and gaining experience is key during this kind of competition. So it was definitely a great experience for my teammates and me.”
“We beat one of the best teams of the competition and we played very well as a team. Everybody had an amazing game and we had an impressive defensive performance,” said Theis, who had 22 points and 6 rebounds, including a big dunk on French captain Boris Diaw. “We knew that we could play very well and that we have talent, and we stepped up our game when we had to.
Theis did not play in the November Qualifiers and will miss the February 2018 window as well. But he is looking forward to playing for Germany again in June and July 2018.
“If I have the opportunity, June is for sure. Dennis (Schroder) and I are going to be there and play for the national team,” Theis said.