Germany just became the first nation to win it all in its first finals appearance.
When one talks about German basketball, Dirk Nowitzki is the first thing that comes to mind.
But one has to add Dennis Schroder up there now, especially after he led Germany to its first FIBA World Cup gold by way of an 83-77 win over Serbia on Sunday.
Germany coach Gordie Herbert shared the same sentiment.
“Give him credit. He’s won a World Championship with this team. He’s become the leader of this team,” he said of the Toronto Raptors playmaker.
“It’s time that we give him 100% respect in Germany. He’s done something nobody else has done in Germany."
It’s hard to blame Herbert. In the thrilling victory, Schroder put up another Herculean effort with 28 points, none bigger than the layup with 21.4 ticks remaining that proved to be the dagger.
After Franz Wagner hurt his ankle in the opening win and returned only in the quarterfinals, Schroder carried Germany on his broad shoulders.
In all, the Tissot MVP normed 19.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in leading the Die Mannschaft to an immaculate 8-0 run in the quadrennial basketball conclave. That included an upset of a win against heavy favorites Team USA in the semifinals..
Herbert knew what Nowitzki meant to German basketball. But it’s Schroder’s show now.
“Dirk was before, Dennis is now,” he said politely.
“With complete respect to Dirk, but Dennis has taken over MVP, World Championship gold medal. He deserves 100% respect for what he’s done and where he’s taken the team.”
(GM)