Alex Mumbru has been the German national basketball coach for almost a year now. However, with just under two weeks to go before the European Championships, it is clear that the Spaniard’s new playing system has not yet taken root.
The DBB team won its second European Championship warm-up game against Slovenia by ten points. But the game was not as comfortable as the result suggests.
In many phases, Germany looked disorganized when in possession of the ball. There was little sign of the fast-paced basketball that national coach Mumbrú had promised. Instead, thanks in part to the Slovenians’ very disciplined defense, the game was limited to half-court offense for long stretches.
However, this did not change the conviction within the team. “Everyone believes in the system,” said captain Schröder afterwards. “It’s also going very well in training. Now we just have to get it into the game.”
Wagner on the strain: “We’re a little tired.”
That belief paid off. Right at the start of the second half, Germany overran the Slovenians, who seemed to be lacking leadership. A 20:2 run saw the visitors pull away to a 15-point lead, and they were 12 points ahead at halftime.
However, it didn’t last long. Slovenia came out of the locker room on fire, hit a few three-pointers and suddenly took the lead. Germany seemed overwhelmed defensively during this phase, with a few coordination errors creeping in. “I think that just happens in a game,” explained Franz Wagner, who also noted the heavy workload, given that the two teams had played each other just two days earlier: “We’re definitely a little tired.”
Schröder: “That suits everyone in our locker room and everyone is up for it.”
Dennis Schröder ultimately sealed the deal. The 31-year-old scored eight points in a row minutes before the final whistle – and did so in a way that the coach couldn’t have asked for. “He wants to play fast, that’s what I’ve done my whole career.”
That’s another reason why the DBB captain is only moderately concerned about Mumbrú’s new playing system. “We’ve played a lot of pick-and-roll from the start. If you’re free, you should shoot right away. I think that suits everyone in our locker room and everyone is up for it! But I think it still needs a little time.”
However, the German basketball players don’t have much time left. The next tough test is coming up this Friday and Saturday in Munich. In the Super Cup, they will first face Turkey, followed by a duel with the Serbian super team the next day. The European Championship also kicks off on August 27.
