After their training camp in Malaga, the German national team is set to play its first two test matches against Slovenia and Luka Doncic. The captain will miss the first game, as will two other players.
The German basketball team will have to do without world champion captain Dennis Schröder in the first of two test matches against Slovenia (Friday, 8:15 p.m.) in preparation for the European Championships. As the DBB announced on Thursday, the Sacramento Kings playmaker will be absent for “personal reasons.”
Daniel Theis and Maodo Lo (both in rehabilitation training) will also not be available for the first encounter with Luka Doncic and Co. Former Berlin player Tim Schneider, who was the first player to be dropped from the initial 16-man squad, has already left. This leaves national coach Alex Mumbru with exactly 12 players at his disposal, with Christian Anderson Jr. and Tristan da Silva set to make their national team debuts.
Schröder returns on Saturday – last duel at the World Cup
In the second duel with Slovenia on Sunday (5:30 p.m.) in Mannheim, Schröder is likely to be back on the court. His return to the team is expected on Saturday.
The DBB team played its last game against Slovenia two years ago at the 2023 World Cup. After initial difficulties, which culminated in a conflict between Schröder, Theis, and then national coach Gordon Herbert during a timeout, the team clearly improved. The clear 100-71 victory was an important step toward winning the title at that time.