HAGEN (FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2017) - Germany's podium chances at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2017 took a hit just days before the tournament was to tip off as star guard Kostja Mushidi will miss the competition due to health reasons. Mushidi will be replaced by Felix Hecker.

Mushidi, who was Germany's joint leading scorer at the FIBA U18 European Championship 2016, tried to fight off being sick but, in the end, German officials decided he would have to miss the tournament. 

"I am really sorry for Kostja, who so much wanted to play for this team. Now we have to restructure things a little bit," German coach Alan Ibrahimagic said. 

Mushidi's replacement will be Hecker, who worked out with the German team at training camp but did not initially make the roster. The 6ft 3in (1.91m) Hecker will be making his international debut at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2017, where Germany are facing hosts Egypt, Lithuania and Puerto Rico in Group B. 

Hecker played last season with MTV Kronberg but will be moving starting next season to Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt, meaning he will play with future Frankfurt teammates Richard Freudenberg and Isaac Bonga on the Germany team. 

FIBA