MANILA – Head coach Gordie Herbert delivered success in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup right in the second year of his three-year program for the Germany men’s basketball squad.
According to the Canada-based mentor, he plotted Germany’s program upon his appointment back in 2021 and was glad his players were able to “overachieve” on the world stage.
“We talked about having a three-year plan. We wanted guys to commit for three years. This is Year Two,” Herbert said. “We got together last summer, everybody showed up on time, everybody came in shape. Same thing this summer.”
The Germans captured their first-ever FIBA World Cup championship after scoring an 83-77 victory over Serbia in the finals on Sunday evening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Dennis Schorder, who had a misunderstanding with Herbert midway in the World Cup, delivered the goods in the finals with 28 points, including two triples, to be named as the tournament MVP.
The 64-year-old Herbert further said he was very fortunate to handle a special group of players who were committed to his three-year basketball program and also cared for each other.
“Commitment is one thing, but before that, it’s caring. We have players who care about each other,” he said. “Having that kind of chemistry and knowing how to adapt in every situation made this team very special.”
“You know, they pull for each other, they fight for each other. It’s a special group with a lot of special players, and even better human beings,” he furthered. “I can’t take credit for it. Credit goes to the players.”
Franz Wagner, who contributed 19 points in their championship win, added that their past heartbreaks have helped the German crew to toughen up in the must-win game against Serbia.
“For me, it’s just the second time. But for almost everybody else, they’ve been playing for the national team for multiple years, and got years of experience at this level. And, playing together, too. I think that helped us immensely,” Wagner said.
“The run that we had last year, we thought we let that one slip. I think we grew from that as a group together, and we were able to add some other players this year. Yeah, I think it definitely helps. playing together more,” he added./PN
