At least as important is Schröder, who is the new captain after the clearing of Robin Benzing and who makes the important decisions as a guard. The 28-year-old, who is currently without a club, injured his ankle over the weekend, but quickly returned to the team.
Andres: “Dennis is improving tremendously”
“Dennis was still a bit cautious and reserved, Explosiveness was still lacking. We were happy that he was still there. Team chemistry is important. Dennis is improving tremendously,” said official Andres. In the best case scenario, Schröder should shoot fewer threes and attack the basket explosively. The next chance for that is already on Sunday, when Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines’ World Cup ticket for 2023 has almost been redeemed in the World Cup qualifier against Slovenia and Doncic.
Unlike the weaker Swedes, at this level national coach Gordon Herbert’s team will have to survive the next three weeks. In the European Championship qualifiers, three top nations await in Slovenia, who will open against France and Lithuania. Early EM-Aus like Nowitzki, Schröder and Co. experienced seven years ago in Berlin, should be prevented by all means.
In addition to an effective attack, which puts heavy pressure on the four shoulders of Schröder and Wagner, a solid defense is also needed. Herbert said in Stockholm that he was “proud” of his players and their defensive behaviour. Nevertheless, the head coach would like to add Daniel Theis, who is struggling with knee problems. Theis (Indiana Pacers) is out on Sunday and will return to team practice on Monday at the earliest. On Thursday, the European Championships against France will be played in Cologne.