Former problem child Schroder becoming Germany’s team leader
BERLIN, Sept. 14– It took a while for Dennis Schroder to realize that Germany had surprised one of the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket favorites Greece, led by their Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, 107-96.. It was Nowitzki who took Germany to the silver medal in 2005 when they lost the final to Greece. Following an unstable career in the NBA, including spells…
by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) — It took a while for Dennis Schroder to realize that Germany had surprised one of the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket favorites Greece, led by their Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, 107-96.
For several minutes, the 28-year-old remained sitting in the middle of the court, shaking his head in disbelief before finally clenching his fist, raising his arm to show a triumphant gesture.
The unsigned free agent and former Houston Rockets player might have just realized that his team is on the way to ending a 17-year drought for German basketball, as the chance is emerging to grab a medal ahead of the semifinal against Spain this Friday.
German icon Dirk Nowitzki witnessed the stunning journey on the stage. The 44-year-old former Dallas Mavericks star seemed delighted to see Schroder slipping into the role of team leader.
It was Nowitzki who took Germany to the silver medal in 2005 when they lost the final to Greece. This time things went in favor of one of the four 2022 tournament hosts, with Schroder’s development pushing things to a happy end.
Following an unstable career in the NBA, including spells with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets, the point guard stood for instability and was seen as a somewhat selfish player.
“I have grown up, I am calmer, I haven’t been all of that before,” the father of two said. “Through your kids, you recognize how selfish you have been.”
The 2022 FIBA EuroBasket provided the chance to start a mission to prove his skills, with “many in Germany doubtful about me.”
Teammates and former internationals talk about Schroder having changed into a team leader caring for his team instead of trying to do everything for his own benefit.
Orlando Magic power forward Franz Wagner hailed his teammate as the squad’s energy supplier.
“His biggest impact is his mental contribution, aside from the many points he is delivering. He comes along with high energy, self-confidence, and the self-image making us believe we can win every game,” Wagner stated.
While in the German jersey, Schroder wasn’t talking about his sporting future, but seemed entirely focused on the national team’s issues.
Spain, in his perspective, might not have a similar star as Greece had, but they “certainly have many top players able to score 20 points or more.”
After rising from his comfortable on-court place amid a Berlin arena that had been turned by over 14,000 fans into a party zone, Schroder spoke about “there are no limits for us anymore. We can go over the finish line.”
And he talked about his heart’s desire “that the national team is receiving more appreciation in Germany.” In Berlin, Schroder might have made important steps to not only promote national team basketball, but also sign a new contract soon. Enditem