West German national basketball team

The Germany men's national basketball team (german: Deutsche Basketballnationalmannschaft or ''Die Mannschaft'') represents Germany in international basketball competition. The team is directed by the German Basketball Federation (''Deutscher Basketball Bund''), the governing body for basketball in Germany. Currently, Germany is ranked 8th in the FIBA World Rankings.

Between 1949 and 1990, separate German national teams were recognised by FIBA due to Allied occupation. The (DBB) were representing the Federal Republic of Germany (named West Germany from 1949 to 1990), while the East Germany team represented the German Demorcratic Republic (1952–1990). The two would later merge, after reunification in 1990.

Germany's greatest achievements to date have been competing in 25 appearances at the EuroBasket, winning gold in 1993, silver in 2005, and bronze in 2022. Germany have also made six appearances at the FIBA World Cup, with their best result coming in 2002, when the team won bronze. At the Olympic Games, in Germany's six appearances, their top performances are three quarter-final finishes (1984, 1992, 2020).

History

Early years (1934–1939)

Germany became members of FIBA in 1934. After declining to enter the first ever EuroBasket in 1935, the national team would make their debut presence on the international stage at the 1936 Olympic Games as hosts in Berlin. It was also the first basketball tournament held at the Olympics.

Entering the competition, Germany played their first match against Switzerland, which the team would lose 25–18. The loss would send the team toward the consolation bracket to finish out the event. After the tournament, Germany failed to participate at the 1937 and 1939 editions of the EuroBasket, due to the continued rise of Nazi Germany during the late 1930s.

Post war Germany (1946–1990)

Following World War II, along with Germany's involvement, the team was banned from participating in international competitions until 1950. The country was also split into West Germany and East Germany, after the end of Allied occupation in 1949. Also in 1949, in October of that year, the German Basketball Federation was founded. The East Germany national team eventually became members of FIBA in 1952.

At the end of their international suspension, West Germany entered the EuroBasket 1951 held in Paris. The team would open their stint at the tournament with two heavy losses, before earning their first ever victory in the competition against Scotland 25–69. With a record of (1–2) after the preliminary phase, West Germany could not advance, and were sent into the classification phase. There, the team lost four out of their five matches, with their only win coming against Portugal 47–39. West Germany would finish the event in 12th place in the then 18 team field.

Two years later, West Germany made their second appearance at the tournament for EuroBasket 1953 in Moscow. The team would once again complete the preliminary phase at a record of (1–2), this time with their lone victory against Sweden 37–65. Entering the classification rounds, West Germany would pick up two more wins, along with three more losses. At an overall record of (3–5), the team would finish out the competition in 14th place.

After subpar performances in their first two appearances at the top continental tournament, West Germany would only reach the competition four times (1955, 1957, 1961, 1965) in their next nine attempts over 16 years. The best result for the national team during that period, would be their 13th place finish at the event in 1957.

West Germany made it back to the European Championship as hosts in 1971. The team ultimately went quietly at the event, as they were denied making it passed the preliminary round once again. A year later, West Germany hosted the 1972 Olympic Games held in Munich. It was the second time the Olympic event was held on German soil. The team began the competition in Group B, where they would lose their first two matches, before defeating the Philippines 93–74. West Germany, however, would only go (2–2) in their next four games of the group stage, before being relegated to the classification bracket. There, they would lose two more games before being eliminated. After the Olympics, West Germany failed to qualify for a major international competition for the rest of the 1970s.

Nine years after West Germany played in their last international tournament, the team would qualify for the EuroBasket 1981. Although they would only prevail in one game in the group stage, a 66–51 win against Turkey; and having to close out their tournament appearance in the classification phase. Two years later, the team made it back on to the continental stage at EuroBasket 1983. Led by a young core of players such as Detlef Schrempf, Uwe Blab and others, West Germany entered the competition placed in Group B. Behind posting a (2–2) record in their first four group stage matches, the team defeated Israel 77–70 in their final game of the round. However, finishing in a second place tie with the Netherlands, prevented the team from advancing; due to their loss against them earlier in the tournament.

In 1984, West Germany made their third appearance at the Olympic Games, after replacing the Soviet Union; who initiated a boycott on the event for political reasons. At the tournament, the team would make it to the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time, before succumbing to the eventual gold medalists United States (which featured a young Michael Jordan).

Behind the encouraging performance by the team at the prior Olympics, West Germany as hosts of EuroBasket 1985, looked to build on the momentum. The first game was against the Netherlands, where the team completely dominated from start to finish in a 104–79 win. At a record of (1–0), West Germany went on to split their next four games of the group stage to reach the quarter-finals. There, the team would come up short against Spain, to shift their focus to the classification rounds. West Germany won both of their matches in the phase, to complete a 5th place finish at the event.

The ensuing year, West Germany competed at the 1986 FIBA World Cup, after gaining qualification through a European qualifying tournament. Making their first appearance at the competition, and without key players Detlef Schrempf and Uwe Blab due to NBA players being ineligible to participate in international competitions at the time, West Germany failed to make it out of the group stage. In 1987, West Germany would enter their last event during the 1980s. At EuroBasket 1987, the team only managed to procure slightly better results, as they were eliminated in the quarter-finals.

German reunification

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the reunification of Germany in 1990, a unified Germany national team qualified for its first tournament at the 1992 Olympic Games. With FIBA lifting their rule that prevented NBA players from competing in international competitions, veterans Detlef Schrempf and Uwe Blab were able to represent the national team for the first time since 1985.

Being placed in Group A at the competition, Germany earned their first victory against hosts Spain 83–74. After barely escaping with a win in their second game versus Angola 63–64, the team were up against the juggernauts of the event to that point in the United States. However, Germany was heavily defeated by the famed "Dream Team" 111–68. After the loss, the national team dropped their next two games of the group stage, but secured their spot into the quarter-finals. There, Germany lost against the Unified team representing the former Soviet Union 83–76, to finish out the tournament in the classification round.

At EuroBasket 1993, Germany entered the tournament as hosts. After Detlef Schrempf retired from international competition following the prior Olympics, expectations for the team heading toward the event were tempered. However, Germany quickly impressed, as they made it all the way to the quarter-finals to defeat Spain 77–79 in overtime to reach the semis for the first time. After a 76–73 win over Greece, the team was a win away from winning it all. In the final, Germany won their first European title 71–70 against Russia. Additionally, the steady play by Christian Welp during the event earned himself MVP. Following Germany's triumph, the FIBA World Cup in 1994, and the next two editions of the EuroBasket (1995, 1997), saw the team fail to make it passed the group stage.

The Nowitzki era (1999–2015)

Prior to Germany's arrival at the EuroBasket in 1999, the team selected 21 year old prodigy Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks to represent the senior national team for the first time. In their opening game of the tournament, Nowitzki led Germany with 21 points and 5 rebounds, to narrowly defeat Greece 59–58. After a ten point loss in their second game to Lithuania, the team got back on track with a 68–77 win versus the Czech Republic to enter the quarter-finals. However, Germany would lose in the round to FR Yugoslavia 78–68, to finish the competition in the classification phase.

After missing out on reaching the 2000 Olympics, Germany entered the EuroBasket 2001. First up for the team was Estonia, where Dirk Nowitzki poured in (33 points and 12 rebounds) to lead Germany to a 92–71 victory. Following the win, Germany won two out of their next three games to advance. In the quarter-finals against France, Nowitzki's 32 points helped the team into the semis against Turkey. There, Germany's run at the event would come to a close, after losing a tough battle to the hosts 78–79. With the bronze medal still attainable, even behind Nowitzki's tournament high (43 points and 15 rebounds), Germany was outlasted by the Pau Gasol led Spain 90–99.

At the 2002 FIBA World Cup, Germany was placed into Group C to begin the competition. The first game for the team was a wire-to-wire victory over China 76–88, with Dirk Nowitzki leading the way once again with (30 points and 8 rebounds). After the win, Germany would make it all the way to the quarter-finals with a rematch versus Spain, who they lost to in the bronze medal game at EuroBasket 2001. The team would ultimately prevail in a come-from-behind win 62–70, to reach the semis. There, Germany came up short against Argentina 80–86, and having to play in the third place game. Germany went on to earn their first medal at the World Cup, by defeating New Zealand 94–117. Moreover, national team star Dirk Nowitzki was named tournament MVP.

A year later, at EuroBasket 2003, Germany suffered its worst performance at the competition since the 1997 edition. The team failed to reach the knockout stage, and also missed out on the 2004 Olympics in the process, as the event was also a qualifier. After Germany stumbled through the EuroBasket in 2003, the team entered the tournament in 2005 with renewed ambition. Making it through the preliminary phase, and the playoff, the team was back into the quarter-finals once again. Germany would then display an all-around effort, with four players in double figures to eliminate Slovenia 62–76. In the semi-finals, Dirk Nowitzki who played the entire 40 minutes, recording (27 points and 7 rebounds) willed Germany past Spain 73–74 into the final for the first time in 12 years. However, the team would lose in the title game against the more experienced Greece 78–62. Even in defeat, the clutch play by Nowitzki throughout the competition got him the MVP award.

Entering the 2006 FIBA World Cup, Germany won three out of their first four games, and were tied for second place in Group B with Angola. With one game left in the phase, which was against Angola, Dirk Nowitzki put up his personal tournament record of (47 points) in a 103–108 triple overtime win to secure second place. Although after moving passed Nigeria 78–77 in the Round of 16, the team would get eliminated in the quarter-finals by a Carmelo Anthony led United States 85–65. At EuroBasket 2007, Germany once again made it through to the quarter-finals, but were embarrassed in the round by hosts Spain 83–55; and ousted from the tournament.

During the 2008 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Germany seized qualification to the 2008 Olympic Games, after grabbing the final spot by defeating Puerto Rico 82–96. The team, however, exhibited no urgency after their opening victory in the competition against Angola. Germany would finish with a record of (1–4), and fail to make it out of the preliminary phase. At EuroBasket 2009, and this time without Dirk Nowitzki, the national team continued their subpar play; and missed out on reaching the quarter-finals.

For qualification to the 2010 FIBA World Cup, Germany gained entrance into the tournament by receiving a wild card. However, they were quickly eliminated from the event, after posting a (2–3) record in the group phase. The following year, at EuroBasket 2011, Nowitzki rejoined the national team for the first time since the 2008 Olympics. Drawn in Group B to begin the competition, Germany displayed dominance in their first game against Israel 91–64. The team would eventually pickup two more wins in the round to finish at (3–2), and advance toward the second group phase. There, Germany struggled, winning only one game versus Turkey to have their tournament end. After failing to qualify for the 2012 Olympics, Germany entered the EuroBasket 2013. Although without the services of an ageing Dirk Nowitzki, expectations for the team were limited. Placed in Group A, Germany started off the tournament with a surprise win over France 74–80. However, after the brilliance demonstrated in the opening match, the team endured losses in three of their next four games in the round to be eliminated.

For EuroBasket 2015, Germany was named as one of four co-hosts for the event. With Dirk Nowitzki making a return to the team for the first time since 2011, there was hope he could once again help Germany for a deep run. Drawn into Group B at the Euro finals, seen by many as the "Group of Death" entering the tournament, Germany prevailed in their first match against Iceland 71–65. After the win, the team would have the misfortune of losing their last four matches of the preliminary round by seven points or less in each game to close out the event (1–4). Following the tough tournament for Germany, national team legend Dirk Nowitzki announced his retirement from international competition.

Schröder takes over (2017–present)

With the disappointment of the previous EuroBasket in the rear-view, Germany did come away from the competition with some positives. The team uncovered rising phenom point guard Dennis Schröder, who led Germany in scoring and assists at the event in 2015.

During qualifying for the EuroBasket 2017, Germany put away Denmark in their first game 101–74, before their derby with Austria. Entering the match, the energetic Austria crowd helped their side hold the lead for majority of the contest, but Germany would make a final push in the fourth quarter to steal the away game 59–61. After their resilient win in Austria, the team went on to garner a (4–2) record to secure qualification.

At the tournament, Germany finished second in Group B with a (3–2) record, and advanced into the Round of 16. There, they defeated rivals France in a back-and-forth battle 84–81. Although in their quarter-finals match, the team came up short against the eventual bronze medalist Spain 84–72. While Germany's run did not end the way they wanted, the immense efforts of Dennis Schröder stood out. He finished number two in scoring at the competition for the second consecutive EuroBasket.

In European Qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Germany opened up their World Cup qualifying campaign with a victory at home against Georgia 79–70. Following the win, Germany swept through the first round of qualifiers at (6–0) to advance. During the second and final round, the team easily trounced Estonia 43–86 in the first game. Against Israel in game two, with a chance to clinch qualification to the World Cup with four games remaining, Germany rallied from 23 points down to eventually win in overtime 112–98.

At the World Cup finals for the first time since 2010, Germany was drawn into Group F to begin the event. However, after two narrow loses to France and Dominican Republic, Germany easily defeated Jordan 96–62. With a record of (1–2) in group play, the team could not advance, and were sent into the classification phase to finish out the competition. Two years later, Germany went undefeated (4–0) during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Split, Croatia, to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. At the 2020 Olympic Games, which was delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany finished (1–2) in the preliminary phase. However, with the team being ranked as one of the best third place finishers of the three groups, it was enough to advance. In the quarter-finals, Germany would progress no further, as they were eliminated in the round by Slovenia 86–70.

At the EuroBasket 2022, Germany co-hosted the competition for the second time. With Dennis Schröder back in the fold for the national team, after missing out on the 2020 Olympics, Germany entered the event with high hopes. Prior to Germany's Group B opener against France, the German Basketball Federation held a ceremony to honour national team icon Dirk Nowitzki, where his number 14 jersey was officially retired. After the conclusion of pre-game festivities, Germany would go on to capitalise on the emotions of the evening to win 63–76. Following Germany's victory over Bosnia and Herzegivina in game two, the team prevailed in a tough double overtime battle versus Lithuania 107–109. At a record of (3–0), the team would suffer their first defeat of the competition to Slovenia, before closing out the group stage with a win against Hungary.

After eliminating Montenegro in the Round of 16, Germany were up against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece in the quarter-finals. However, behind Germany's torrid shooting game, the team emphatically secured their place into the semi-finals for the first time in 17 years; with a 107–96 victory. There, the team would come up short against Spain 91–96. Although with the bronze medal still in reach, Germany would defeat Poland 82–69, to finish the tournament.

Competitive record

FIBA World Cup

Olympic Games

EuroBasket

Results and fixtures

2021

2022

2023

Team

Current roster

Roster for the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers matches on 11 and 14 November 2022 against Finland and Slovenia.

Depth chart

Head coach history

''source''

International influence

In Germany, professional basketball is known for developing players whose parents or grandparents are immigrants. The national team routinely uses many players who have family roots in Africa, Eastern Europe, United States or others, but have grown up in Germany, speak fluent German and are native Germans. Some examples are:
*African-German: Stephen Arigbabu, Misan Nikagbatse, Ademola Okulaja, Dennis Schröder, Marvin Willoughby, Maodo Lô, Isaac Bonga
*American-German: Shawn Bradley, Robert Garrett, Stefano Garris, Demond Greene, Elias Harris, Frank Hudson, Chris Kaman, Patrick King, Mike Knörr, James Marsh, Christopher McNaughton, Jens-Uwe Gordon, Nick Weiler-Babb
*Brazilian-German: Dominik Bahiense de Mello
*Canadian-German: Michael Jackel
*Croatian-German: Stipo Papić, Dražan Tomić
*Polish-German: Konrad Wysocki
*Russian-German: Dominik Bahiense de Mello, Kostja Mushidi
*Serbian-German: Vladimir Bogojević, Marko Pešić
*Turkish-German: Teoman Öztürk, Mithat Demirel, İsmet Akpınar
*Moroccan-German: Yassin Idbihi

While most German players develop through the club system, several players over the years have played U.S. college basketball. Past and present national team players who have done so include:
*Uwe Blab – Indiana
* Shawn Bradley – BYU (born in Germany, was raised in Utah, making a college basketball career a natural progression)
*Patrick Femerling – Washington
* Niels Giffey – UConn
*Hansi Gnad – Alaska-Anchorage (Division II Program)
* Elias Harris – Gonzaga
*Johannes Herber – West Virginia
* Frank Hudson – Glassboro State/ NAIA (born in Germany)
* Jan-Hendrik Jagla – Penn State
* Patrick King – Bucknell
*Moritz Kleine-Brockhoff – Hawaii
*Mike Knörr – East Texas State (now known as Texas A&M–Commerce)
*Alexander Kühl – UNC Charlotte
*Jens Kujawa – Illinois
* Jürgen Malbeck – Hawaiʻi Pacific/NAIA
* James Marsh – Davidson
*Rolf Mayr – Duquesne
*Christopher McNaughton – Bucknell
* Sven Meyer – Oregon
* Mathis Mönninghoff – Gonzaga
* Detlef Musch – Davidson
* Arnd Neuhaus – Duquesne
*Kai Nürnberger – Southern Illinois
*Ademola Okulaja – North Carolina
* Michael Pappert – Redlands (Division III)
*Ulrich Peters a.k.a. Ulrich Trogele – Wichita State (raised in the U.S.)
*Henrik Rödl – North Carolina
* Detlef Schrempf – Washington
*Julian Sensley – Hawaii (born to a German mother and raised in the U.S.)
*Lucca Staiger – Iowa State
*Marc Suhr – UConn
*Gerrit Terdenge – Fresno State
* Franz Wagner – Michigan
*Moritz Wagner – Michigan
*Christian Welp – Washington
*Kirsten Zöllner

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