GER - Holger Geschwindner: "In two years time Dirk Nowitzki will be at the peak of his career"

SAITAMA (FIBA World Championship) - One of the most important figures at the FIBA World Championship is not on the court.

Instead, Holger Geschwindner sits in the stands and watches his famous pupil Dirk Nowitzki wreak havoc on opponents as Germany take aim

at another medal in this prestigious tournament.

Nowitzki had 23 points to fire the Germans to a narrow victory over Nigeria on Sunday and into the quarter finals in Saitama.

He spoke to PA Sport's Cindy Garcia-Bennett about Nowitzki and Germany.

FIBA: Dirk Nowitzki has looked tired this summer. How much time did he have to prepare for the FIBA World Championship?

Geschwindner: "We had a problem this year. Dirk played many NBA games and he also went all the way to the play-offs final.
"As a result, we only had 10 days to prepare for this tournament and we had to use the tournament to get started.
"I think that he has done his share for the team and for German basketball."

FIBA: Was it encouraging to see Ademola Okulaja have a good game against Nigeria?

Geschwindner: "We have to find a solution so Dirk gets more integrated into the team.Against Nigeria, we saw a good team effort. It doesn't make sense to have one guy having to carry all the load on his shoulders. We have to be very careful that Dirk by himself is not taking him out of games because he is used to shoot the game.
"It was a good team effort and we were lucky to win."

FIBA: How difficult is it for Nowitzki to deal with all the expectation surrounding him and Germany?

Geschwindner: "He feels pressure. He is the key figure in Germany right now, since he is playing in the NBA and everyone is watching him. It's a big load but he is handling it really well so far."

FIBA: How has Dirk Bauermann worked with Nowitzki this summer?

Geschwindner: "The coach made the right decision to keep him going and you can see a few new tools he is already practising. Dirk is the leader in assists, he is working on the playmaking stuff and it looks good to me so far."

FIBA: Germany will play Team USA in the quarter finals. How do you assess their chances?

Geschwindner: "It's a big challenge for everyone, maybe we can keep the game close and maybe we are lucky."

FIBA: Nowitzki was voted the most valuable player at last year's EuroBasket in Belgrade after leading Germany to the silver medal.
He is currently the second top scorer at the FIBA World Championship behind China's Yao Ming. Can he keep it up?

Geschwindner: "It will be more difficult this year because of the shortage of time in preparation. This time we have had to sneak through the tournament and I am confident he will find his top form by the end of the tournament."

FIBA: Do you think Nowitzki is at the high point of his career?

Geschwindner: "I guess everyone can see that he is playing his role, I hope that he can improve his tools. He needs more physical exercise. But I think in two years time he will be on top of his game.
"He improves year after year and we have a pretty good plan to keep him focused. He has two more years to reach the peak of his abilities."

FIBA: Is Nowitzki going to play at the EuroBasket in Spain next year?

Geschwindner: "I hope so. We have to qualify. Dirk's goal is to play at the Olympics and so far we have failed to qualify for that tournament in our last three attempts. It will not be an easy task but it's our next goal.
"We will be ready and confident he will be in Spain helping the team at the EuroBasket."

FIBA: You have known Nowitzki for a long time. How has he changed?

Geschwindner: "I first met Dirk when he was a schoolboy, he was 16 years old.
"He really hasn't changed much in terms of character. He is very down to earth, he has only one car and a little house. He is not playing to be a big shot. He knows he has great talent but other guys have talents in other fields. He doesn't feel superior, for Dirk everybody is the same, equal."

By Cindy Garcia-Bennett
FIBA