Jonas Wohlfahrt-Bottermann alias Wobo is one of the positive surprises of the German team at the European basketball championships. The 32-year-old man knows how to impress in his role.
He came, saw – and blocked: once, twice, three times. In the German national basketball team’s group game against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann got the nickname Wohlfarth-Blockermann. Which was definitely meant to be an honor. As the 32-year-old, who meets Greece’s DBB team this Tuesday night (8.30pm), nobody really thought about this domestic European Championship – except probably the National Coach.
Gordon Herbert effectively brought the BBL veteran out of the MHP giants’ slump in Ludwigsburg, where “Wobo”, as he is only known on the scene, had a solid but certainly not outstanding season. But the Canadian coach knew the center back from their Bundesliga days together in Frankfurt and simply knew what he had. His verdict at the time was: “He’s one of the most underrated players on defense.”
Wobo ensures his place in the EC team with a strong preparation
The proof came at the latest on this second group match day. With all due respect, even the 2.08m center really didn’t believe those memorable performances in front of 18,000 fans at Cologne’s Lanxess Arena when he made a surprise return in the spring after a nine-year international break. In an interview with our magazine, he said: “I would never say never, but I’m realistic enough to know that in a big tournament we’ll be very well placed with Euroleague and NBA players.”
Yes, for example with Johannes Voigtmann in the future Olimpia Milan or Daniel Theis from the NBA. They have the upper hand, but the Bonn native will get his minutes. And gratefully accepts the role. It speaks for him: “During the preparation it became clear that it might be enough for the team,” Wobo said after the opening round. Why? “Because I’m a good role player.” He always gives his all for the team.
Schröder and Herbert praise Wobo’s defense
In the opening match, Wohlfahrt-Bottermann committed three errors in just 88 seconds. But such players are also needed, in cycling we would talk about noble domestics. “He has an incredibly professional attitude,” even captain Dennis Schröder praises, and goes even better: “He’s one of the best big men on defense.” And something that is a crowd favorite in Cologne. He had the hall buzzing with his efforts.
It could rise in the quarterfinals (20:30/Magentasport), after all, Wohlfahrt-Bottermann is no stranger to Berlin, having already played for Alba Berlin and under the management of Sasa Obradovic, considered an old tough dog of basketball. industry: “He’s also a defensive advocate.” Just like Ludwigsburg’s former coach John Patrick, whom he enjoyed for three years. Regarding EC tactics, Wobo says: “It helped me again.” Because national team coach “Gordie” Herbert also loves the 32-year-old’s intensity in defense more than anything.
With confidence against Greece and Antetokounmpo
On Tuesday, the center will make his 21st international appearance at the age of 32, having made 352 appearances in the Bundesliga since 2008. Not so many positions for a basketball professional: Telekom Baskets Bonn, Dragons Rhöndorf, Alba Berlin, Ratiopharm Ulm, Skyliners Frankfurt and most recently Ludwigsburg.
The question remains, why did he leave the MHP giants for Hamburg? “I’m just looking for a new challenge in the last quarter of my career,” says Wohlfarth-Bottermann, referring to the club (Towers) and the city (Hamburg). “It’s a very ambitious project that I would like to be a part of.”
But it’s future music right now. First, the focus is on the knockout game against Greece. Wohlfart-Bottermann sees this calmly. “Anyone who wants to win a medal like that has to beat tough opponents.” This category undoubtedly includes the previously undefeated Greeks, most notably superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Both athletically and physically. But the joker of the German national team emphasizes: “We go into the games with confidence and we trust the atmosphere.” And to Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann as a role player.
Tense personnel situation
Franz Wagner
It remains to be seen whether the 21-year-old striker will make it in time against Greece. “We can’t say that today,” national coach Gordon Herbert said on Monday. Wagner twisted his ankle against Montenegro in the round of 18 and then left the game.
Nick Weiler-Babb
There is still a question mark about the use of the guard, who received citizenship shortly before the European Championships. Weiler-Babb missed the semifinals due to a shoulder injury.
Johannes Voigtman
While Wagner and Weiler-Babb practiced again on Monday, Voigtmann was out with a cold. The use of the center is also uncertain.