By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Lille, France – Entering the 2024 Olympic Games as the 2023 FIBA World Cup champions, Germany making short work of host France sent a warning to remaining medal contenders on Friday.
“First of all, it was a really good team effort,” head coach Gordon Herbert reacted to the convincing win, “We had some great individual performances within the team. And obviously Dennis [Schroder], one of them, I think on both ends of the court.”
Schroder and Franz Wagner shared a game-high 26 points.
“Franz and Dennis are two racehorses,” mentioned the 65-year-old tactician, “They can create their own shot and create for others and they can make plays. So, it is pretty amazing to have two of those guys on the perimeter.”
On the opposite end, Victor Wembanyama posted a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double, struggling against Germany’s defense along with his teammates.
“We just try to take away space from Victor and be physical with him. And hope he misses,” mentioned Herbert.
Wrapping up the preliminary round at 3-0, Germany clinched the top seed of Group B. Greece, South Sudan, and Serbia are potential opponents in the Quarterfinals on Tuesday, depending on the conclusion of Group C on Saturday.
“We were a little worried after the first two games. We just were not clicking, so to speak, on all cylinders. And we made a few changes. And I thought today was a good stepping stone in the right direction,” the selector of Germany went through adjustments for the last game in pool play.
“We are just going to take one game at a time,” Herbert switched focus to the knockout stage of the tournament, “In the Quarterfinals, anything can happen. It is one game. So, we are just going to be ready for that one game.”
Photo Credit: FIBA