By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Third win in as many friendly games for Germany.
Leading the way in the 101-90 victory versus the Czech Republic Friday, Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic dropped 26 points behind 9/16 field goals. Free agent and recently-named captain Dennis Schroder tallied 16 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
The top performer for the visitors, captain Vojtech Hruban, a recent addition to the London Lions, scored 21 points. Vit Krejci of Oklahoma City Thunder did not play in the 2022 Supercup semifinal for the team coached by Ronen Ginzburg.
Qualifying for the final of the 33rd Basketball Supercup, Gordon Herbert’s side will wrap up the series of friendly games colliding with the winner of the first semifinal, Serbia. National team newcomer Nick Weiler-Babb is expected to debut Saturday but both Daniel Theis and Niels Giffey will not be available.
Next week, starting Group J of the 2023 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers brings up an away game against Sweden and a home game versus Slovenia. In a quick turnaround to Group B of the 2022 EuroBasket, Germany will host France, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Hungary in Cologne.
After the clean sheet in the first two prep games, the Czech Republic suffered defeat and will bump into Italy in tomorrow’s third-place game. France and Hungary open the schedule of the World Cup European Qualifiers Group K next week, before hosting the EuroBasket Group D opponents, Poland, Serbia, the Netherlands, Finland, and Israel in Prague over the first week of September.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL