3x3 European heavyweight Germany out to silence critics at Paris Olympics

BERLIN (Germany) - Having memorably qualified for the Olympics, Germany are out to prove they can handle the big stage of Paris 2024. 

Let's take a closer look at the European heavyweight.

GERMANY

Ranking: 4th

Previous Olympic Appearances: Nil

Squad: Marie Reichert, Sonja Greinacher, Svenja Brunckhorst, Elisa Mevius

Key Player: Sonja Greinacher

The towering 'Sunny G' has been among the very best women players for some time. She's a former No.1 ranked player, after all. 

The 6ft. 3in (1.9m) Greinacher has also reached top form when it mattered most like at the Europe Cup 2021, where she led Germany to silver in their best result at a major event. 

Greinacher also came up clutch in the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024, where she poured in 34 points to ensure Germany made history and booked a ticket to Paris.

The 32-year-old is also one of the leading scorers in the Women's Series 2024 to ensure Germany have been a consistent title threat. 

The German is one of the most unstoppable two-way players in 3x3 and if she makes the paint her personal playground then Greinacher might just lead her country to a podium finish.  

Qualification: Germany were the No.1 seed at the FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2, but could not get the coveted ticket after a big loss to Canada in the semis. 

The pressure was on Germany, who have underperformed in major events over the years leading to critics doubting their ability on the big stage. 

They had one final opportunity at the OQT in Debrecen and it wasn't easy. 

Germany scraped into the ticket game with OT Ws over Poland and Japan before stunning the home fans with a thrilling victory over Hungary after Svenja Brunckhorst called game with a Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beater.

 Greinacher stepped up to deliver an epic performance as Germany had the last laugh on their haters. 

Expectations: Germany have consistently been a force, but it hasn't translated to silverware in major events. They have reached the Europe Cup final, but never made it to the semis of the World Cup. 

After missing out on the Tokyo Olympics, Germany will be mightily relieved to have qualified for Paris and undoubtedly extra motivated to silence their critics for good. 

Greinacher is the team's leader, but she will have plenty of support through experienced players Marie Reichert and Svenja Brunckhorst who always step up when they need to. 

While 22-year-old Elisa Mevius is Germany's latest prodigy and her youthful enthusiasm might just help her team reach their potential. 

Because of their past baggage, it feels like Germany might not be rated among the absolute top contenders but they absolutely have what it takes to make a deep run. 

FIBA