Franz Wagner was further proof of how deep Germany can be in their ouster of Latvia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Main man Dennis Schroder played what he said was his “worst game” ever in his career, but the incoming NBA sophomore was a major reason why Die Mannschaft were able to eke out the thrilling 81-79 win to reach the semis.
The Orlando Magic forward came off the bench to help his side buck a slow start, eventually finishing with 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting from, eight rebounds, and three assists in a little over 24 minutes of action.
“I really thought Franz Wagner really picked this up,” lauded head coach Gordie Herbert moments after the match at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Wagner is simply glad to have finally come back into the fold. The 22-year-old suffered an ankle injury during the Germans’ opening night win over Japan last August 25, which kept him out for the rest of the Group Phase.
He even had to wear a protective boot at one point but slowly, the Berlin native managed to return to practices, eventually going back to the lineup.
“Really tough,” said the younger brother of Moritz about being sidelined. “As a competitor, you always want to be out there. and help the team.
“Luckily, we got 12 really good players, and I think we played great team basketball in Japan. Just happy I’m back, and could help the team win.”
Germany did play elite as a unit back in Okinawa even without him. After beating Japan, they went on to defeat Australia and Finland to sweep Group E, and then won over Georgia and Slovenia to top Group K in the Second Round.
Around four to six players finished in double figures in their dominant showing in the Japanese prefecture. And now, this deep of a team has become even tougher to cover with the 6-foort-10 Wagner back in tow — and in form.
“It didn’t bother me throughout the game at all,” said the former Michigan Wolverine about his injury.
“It took me a while to get into a rhythm, get some confidence, but my teammates made it easy for me to get back into a rhythm.”
