By Cesare Milanti/ info@eurohoops.net
Riga, Latvia – Alex Mumbru is back with the German national team in Riga, as anticipated after being discharged from a hospital in Tampere.
With assistant Alan Ibrahimagic as head coach in the preliminary round of EuroBasket 2025, Germany ranked first in Group B behind a perfect 5-0 run. It remains unclear whether he will continue as the interim play-caller versus Portugal in Xiaomi Arena on Saturday or if Mumbru will take on his duties in the Round of 16 matchup.
The 46-year-old Spanish tactician landed at Riga on Thursday morning, alongside his coaching staff and players. Subsequently, preparations for a win-or-go-home challenge opposite Portugal were launched. Apart from Johannes Voigtmann, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, the remaining players are available.
Mumbru was previously hospitalized at Tampere due to an acute infection.
Last August, the former player was officially hired as the selector of the senior national team of Germany, succeeding Gordon Herbert. Previous coaching experience stretched from Valencia between 2022 and 2024 to RETAbet / Surne Bilbao between 2018 and 2022. The first international challenge started by clinching a berth in the ongoing EuroBasket via the preceding Qualifiers.
Playing days were highlighted by a silver medal in the Beijing Olympic Games 2008. He also won gold in the FIBA World Championship 2006, gold in EuroBasket 2009, silver in EuroBasket 2007, and bronze in EuroBasket 2013. At the club level, he played for Real Madrid, Joventut Badalona, and Bilbao, with success including an ACB championship in 2007.
Photo Credit: FIBA