LAUSANNE (Switzerland) - Germany entered the FIBA U19 World Cup 2025 slotted into the second spot on the Smart Power Rankings. And with three wins in three games, the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2024 champs are ready for the Knockout Stage - with No. 1 ranked USA in their sights.
Germany rolled past previously undefeated Canada 104-88 for a perfect 3-0 mark in Group B of the tournament.
I think we are in a really good spot
"We know how we play. We needed a little break. We came out today extra strong, executing extra well as a team offensively. We could have played a little better defensively, but we pulled out the win," said Christian Anderson, who collected 29 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for the Germans.
Eric Reibe added 20 points as all five starters scored in double points. Germany poured in 57 points in the first half for a 17-point lead and were never threatened in the final 20 minutes.
Germany definitely showed their class in the group. The opening game was a major fight with Slovenia. Not only was it the first game of the tournament - which is always a bit more challenging - but Slovenia were also out for revenge after losing to Germany 88-68 in the Semi-Finals of last summer's FIBA U18 EuroBasket. Germany prevailed 75-68 as Hannes Steinbach totalled 19 points and 19 rebounds.
Germany's second game was much more comfortable, easing past China 90-66, pulling away 29-13 after 10 minutes. Six Germans scored in double figures against the Asians, a clear display of the power the Europeans have.
The setup of the tournament is that Germany by winning Group B could not face United States until the Final since USA have secured first place in Group D.
The two countries have in FIBA U19 World Cup history, with Germany winning 88-87 in the Semi-Final Round group play at the 1983 edition. USA won the other matchup, an 81-59 victory in the Quarter-Finals in 2017.
Most observers consider USA as the top favorite. The team has seven players who led the country to the title at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2024. The other five players helped USA win the FIBA U18 AmeriCup 2024.
Germany meanwhile have a main core of players who have been together for three summers - taking first place at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2022, Division B to get the country back to Division A. Many of the leaders of that team played a year younger at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2023 and took third place - the country's first ever junior continental podium finish.
And then last summer Anderson was one of the top players at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket and Germany won the title. That continuity really gives Germany a strong boost in their chances in Lausanne.
"We're really good at this spot as a team. We've played together for three years and we have this connection on and off the court that can't be taught. So I think we are in a really good spot," said Anderson.
Now the question is can anybody in the tournament trip up one of USA or Germany en route to the Final.
FIBA