By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After captivating Germany with the 2023 FIBA World Cup championship, Gordon Herbert is set to leave his position as head coach of the senior national team following the 2024 Olympic Games.
The German Basketball Federation announced the mutual decision on Wednesday.
Herbert, 65, took over head-coaching responsibilities in 2021. His efforts went into capturing bronze medals in the 2022 EuroBasket, before the first-ever World Cup title for Germany last summer. Concluding his stint, Die Mannschaft will compete in the Olympic Games in Paris.
“It was an incredible experience and an honor to coach the national team of Germany. I am very grateful to president Ingo Weiss and vice president Armin Andres for the opportunity to coach this team and for their support along the way,” said the Canadian-Finnish play-caller, “The medals were great, but what made it so special were all the people involved. Now, I am looking forward to the final chapter, the last challenge of our three-year plan, the 2024 Olympic Games.”
In the preliminary round of the Olympic Games, his side will face host France, Japan, and one country advancing from the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia. Brazil, Cameroon, Georgia, Latvia, Montenegro, and the Philippines are the candidates to complete Group B.
“We fully understand that Gordie wants to devote himself to another challenge after the Olympic Games and do not wish to put any obstacles in his way,” explained DBB president Ingo Weiss regarding the next step in Herbert’s coaching career.