GER - FC Bayern topple Würzburg, outlines top league plans

MUNICH (BBL) - The basketball experiment in Munich is turning out to be a resounding success and this was obvious for all to see as FC Bayern won their Pro A (German second division) top-of-the-table clash against Dirk Nowitzki's former club of Würzburg 82-75 in front of a record sell-out crowd (12,200) at the Munich Olympic hall.

German national team guard Steffen Haman led the way with 19 point and nine assists and eliminated doubts of whether or not FC Bayern would play in Germany's top flight next season.

But the club has higher aims than just playing in the BEKO BBL.

“We will increase our budget from our current €1.5 million per year to €6-8 million next season,” Bayern President Uli Hoeneß said after the game. “We want to attack the best teams in Germany.”

German powerhouse Bamberg, who won their away game against Artland Dragons 75-69 and top the BBL standings, are likely to have heard the message.

The game between Bayern and Würzburg was broadcast live on state TV, with the incredible atmosphere there for all to see.

Football coach Luis van Gaal and many of his players witnessed the spectacle.

“It proves that our football fans are also ready for basketball,” said Hoeneß. “It’s kind of a dual passion.”

The future and impressive potential of basketball in Bayern depends on FC Bayern's ability to solve the issue of finding a new arena for next season and keeping national team coach Dirk Bauermann.

FIBA