TAMPERE (Finland) – Germany became the first team to lock up a spot at the Final Phase with a 3-0 start in Tampere, and it's been no surprise to see Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner leading the way.
Schroder is averaging 23.3 points and 5.7 assists per game, just ahead in the scoring department with Wagner putting up 22.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals across the three wins, so far.
"He's showing me that you have to be that leader in your own way."
Since making his major tournament debut at FIBA EuroBasket 2022, Wagner has already played a key role in Germany's success - most notably, of course, winning the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 title.
But the recently turned 24-year-old is still eager to earn as much as possible from his more experienced teammate.
"Dennis is teaching me some things, giving me a lot of responsibility, and letting me experience what it is like to be one of the main guys on the team and push me into that role a little bit, too," Wagner said.
"So obviously, as a young kid coming in, it gives you a lot of confidence when you know the best player on the team wants you to get active out there on the court and make decisions for the team.
"I think that transcends our relationship. For me, I would love to be the leader that Dennis is right now, but he's showing me that you have to be that leader in your own way. Kind of helping me build my own path."
Following elimination in the Group Phase at EuroBasket in 2013 and 2015, Germany's wheels began to turn in the right direction under Schroder's direction, as they finished sixth in 2017, before making the podium in 2022.
"He's certainly our future, in terms of the national team."
Despite being 31, Schroder's international career still has plenty of legs left. But the elevated status of Wagner has been a huge help, and the floor general is confident the national team will be in good hands for years to come.
"He's been great," Schroder says of Wagner. "Since he joined the team, we've been successful, and he brings a lot to the table, character-wise, but on the court, he's just unique, can do a pass, shoot. He's 6'9", he's just unique.
"He's a winner, I'm going to war with him every single game and making sure that he's good.
"He’s certainly our future, in terms of the national team. But at the same time, we have so many great players that can lead as well, we are a team and we’re all in it together.
"But Franz is showing everyone what he can do, and I want him to shine in EuroBasket."
The thoughts of the Sacramento Kings guard are certainly echoed by the German team, as well as his new head coach in the NBA, Doug Christie - who has been a keen onlooker in Tampere.
"Wagner and Dennis, I think they have a one-two punch that's going to be tough to deal with. Possibly the best in this tournament," he said.
Daniel Theis, who produced a big performance of his own against Lithuania added pre-tournament: "The opposition is so focused on Dennis and now Franz, that it’s a matter of time before people notice Franz’s big numbers more.
"He’s a great player. Humble, and works hard."
And there's no question, if Germany are to claim a first EuroBasket title since 1993 - and second overall, to go with their World Cup triumph - Schroder and Wagner's partnership will be at the forefront of that success.
FIBA