The German U-18 national team has secured the title at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament 2026. In the final, the team of national coach Alan Ibrahimagic beat Slovenia 83:79 in a hard-fought game. Jamie Edoka was named MVP.
Perfect start for the DBB team: In front of a sold-out crowd in the GBG Hall in Mannheim, Germany got off to the better start and took an immediate 7:0 lead. However, Slovenia were not impressed and quickly got back into the game. Led by a strong Jamie Edoka (17 points), who got hot early on and added eight points after just a few minutes, Germany initially asserted control. After the first quarter, the DBB team was deservedly 26:16 ahead.
In the second period, Germany extended its lead to 14 points at one stage and consistently exploited a weaker spell for the Slovenians. The team was particularly variable and effective in offense. However, Slovenia got back into the game and reduced the deficit again by the break. Everything remained open at 46:38.
Strong nerves in the final phase clinch the title
The game turned after the break. Slovenia stepped up the pressure, scored from distance and gradually closed the gap. Germany lost its rhythm in offense in this phase and had increasing problems creating clear finishes. The result: Germany tied the scores at 55:55 and a little later even gave Slovenia its first lead.
However, the reply was not long in coming. Vossenberg (14 points) put his team back on course before an important three by Kenan Youdom on the buzzer to make it 64:58. A real thriller ensued in the final quarter. Germany went ahead, Slovenia countered. When the Slovenians reduced the deficit again in the final minutes, it became really tight once more. But the DBB youngsters held their nerve.
Decisive: A dunk by Vossenberg with 27 seconds left to make it 80:74. Slovenia came close once more, but Germany managed to hold on to its lead.
Historic success for the DBB
With the 83:79 victory, the German U18s secured the title at the 2026 Albert Schweitzer Tournament – only the third triumph in the long history of the youth tournament. Jamie Edoka, who once again played an important role in the final, was named the tournament’s most valuable player. Lucai Anderson, the younger brother of Christian Anderson, only scored two points in the final.
