basketball
Basketball world champions start the Euroleague season
Justus Hollatz in action. photo
© Matthias Stickel/dpa
NBA star Dennis Schröder is just starting his preparations this week, but seven world champions are already starting in the Euroleague. The destination is Berlin.
It’s been less than a month since the World Cup triumph, and that’s where it’s going for the majority of Germans Basketball world champions internationally again. However, not in the national jersey, but with their clubs in the Euroleague, the heroes of Manila will be required from this week.
The destination is Berlin, where the Final Four will take place in the Mercedes-Benz Arena at the end of May 2024. Seven world champions hope to be there – with very different chances.
Andreas Obst, Isaac Bonga, Niels Giffey:
The Bayern trio wants to make it to the Final Four for the first time this season. The Munich team have already been in the playoffs of the premier class twice, but narrowly missed out on making it to the semi-finals each time. Last year, the playoffs were out of reach for Bayern early on. That should change this season. With what is probably the best squad the Munich team has ever had, they should at least reach the playoffs again. After all, starting coach Pablo Laso knows how to win in the Euroleague. The Spaniard won the title with Real Madrid in 2015 and 2018.
Johannes Thiemann:
After Maodo Lo’s departure, Thiemann is the only world champion in the Alba jersey. The fact that the Final Four is taking place in Berlin is of course extra motivation for the people of the capital. However, participation in the finals is not realistic. Last season Alba only finished 16th in the table. – with a squad that is significantly stronger than it is now, at least on paper. The start is on Thursday (8.30 p.m./Magentasport) in Munich.
Johannes Voigtmann, Maodo Lo:
There is a much greater chance that Maodo Lo will be competing for the title in his hometown at the end of May next year. Because Lo’s new team EA7 Emporio Armani Milan is starting the season as one of the top favorites. The Italians have once again massively upgraded their team and have one of Europe’s top coaches, Ettore Messina, on the sidelines. With so much star power, it remains to be seen how much playing time Voigtmann and Lo will get in the Euroleague.
Justus Hollatz:
This also applies to Hollatz. After a season with CB Breogán in Spain, the point guard initially signed with KK Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia. Then came the surprising move to Andaolu Efes in Istanbul, where ex-national player Tibor Pleiß is also under contract. For Hollatz it would be his first ever appearance in the Euroleague.