basketball
National coach Herbert hopes for the World Cup preliminary round in Manila
National basketball coach Gordon Herbert eagerly awaits the World Cup draw. photo
© Sebastian Gollnow/dpa
Germany’s basketball players are self-confident before the World Cup. The venue is more important than the preliminary round opponents.
National basketball coach Gordon Herbert is hoping for a preliminary round group in the Philippine capital Manila for the World Cup draw. “Because of the logistics and travel situation, it would be interesting to play in the Philippines,” said Herbert before the ceremony from 2 p.m. (Magentasport).
The World Cup will take place from August 25th to September 10th in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. Four preliminary round groups will be held in Manila, two each in Okinawa, Japan, and the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. The final round will then take place in Manila, which is why the German team would be spared travel strains if they also played the preliminary round in the Philippines.
Spain excluded as an opponent
Germany, number eleven in the world rankings, is in pot three. The 32 participants were divided into eight pots with four teams each. In addition to the world ranking position, geographical aspects also play a role in the draw. It is already clear that Germany will not be in a group with Spain (Pot 1).
Herbert doesn’t care about the three opponents in the preliminary round. “It doesn’t really matter to me who we have to play against,” said the Canadian. “You have to play well to get through.” The first two teams in each group advance to the final round.
For the most part, Herbert is relying on the squad that last won the bronze medal at the European Championships at home. In addition, NBA professionals Moritz Wagner and Maximilian Kleber could join the team. Preparations are scheduled to begin in Bonn at the end of July.