Franz Wagner had to watch Germany get the job done from afar after hurting his ankle in the team’s opening win against Japan in the FIBA World Cup at the Okinawa Arena.
He didn’t need to on Wednesday, as Wagner provided some spark for the Die Mannschaft in its 81-79 win over Latvia to arrange a semifinals clash against Team USA.
The Orlando Magic swingman, who finished with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists off the bench, described the days leading to this moment as “really tough.”
“As a competitor, you always wanna be out there and help the team, and luckily we got 12 really good players,” he told reporters after the match at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“I think we played great team basketball in Japan. And I’m just happy I’m back and I can help the team win.”
The 22-year-old cager said his ankle didn’t bother him any more and credited his teammates for making things a breeze for him, especially on a night Dennis Schroder struggled mightily.
“It didn’t bother me throughout the game. It took me maybe one or two up-and-downs to get into rhythm and get some confidence,” he said.
“And I said this a bunch of times already, but my teammates made it very easy for me to get back into a rhythm.”
Germany, which will play in the penultimate stage for the first time since 2002, will need the 6-foot-10 to be at his best when it tackles the Americans on Friday for the right o play in the finale.
(MDB)