Schroder, Voigtmann and Kleber join Germany for games against Austria, Serbia
BRAUNSCHWEIG (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Germany have strengthened an already imposing squad for their games against Austria and Serbia in the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers.
Not only are FIBA EuroBasket 2017 stars Dennis Schroder and Johannes Voigtmann set to make their first appearances on the Road to China 2019, but so is Maximilian Kleber, who last played for Germany in their qualifying campaign for FIBA EuroBasket 2015.
| Germany 14-player squad for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers | |||
| Ismet Akpinar | Danilo Barthel | Robin Benzing | Bastian Doreth |
| Niels Giffey | Maximilian Kleber | Maodo Lo | Andreas Obst |
| Joshiko Saibou | Dennis Schroder | Karsten Tadda | Johannes Thiemann |
| Johannes Voigtmann | Maik Zirbes | ||
The 2.11m (6ft 11in) Kleber averaged almost 17 minutes per game as a rookie this past season with the Dallas Mavericks, where he is a teammate of Germany great Dirk Nowitzki.
Atlanta Hawks point guard Schroder was one of the top performers at last year's EuroBasket with Germany, averaging 23.7 points per game.
Voigtmann, currently engaged in the Spanish Liga Endesa (ACB) Finals with Baskonia Vitoria, was Germany's second leading rebounder last summer at 4.7 boards per game.
All three players have the luxury of joining a Henrik Rodl-coached Germany side that has been one of the best in the Qualifiers with four wins in as many games.
Captain Robin Benzing has been terrific, and there have been emerging stars like Joshiko Saibou.
Good news for Germany as well is that Johannes Thiemann has returned to the squad after recovering from a leg injury that prevented him from taking part in the second window.
In addition to Thiemann, Kleber and Voigtmann, there are also big men Danilo Barthel and Maik Zirbes to combat the front-court players of Austria and Serbia.
Barthel was named MVP of the German league finals after leading Bayern Munich past an Alba Berlin side that had Saibou and Niels Giffey, another member of the squad, in five games to the title.
Germany's home game against Austria on June 29 will have extra significance for Schroder as Braunschweig is his hometown.
It will also be a homecoming of sorts for Daniel Theis, who hails from the nearby city of Salzgitter. The Boston Celtics forward is still trying to return to full fitness after tearing his meniscus in March and is not in the squad but will be at the game to root for his national team and see the fans.
FIBA
