Like so many, Spain was Dennis Schröder's particular nightmare. A year ago, in a Berlin Arena ready and packed for the feat, the point guard encountered a demon called Alberto Díaz, who overwhelmed him with his impossible defenses and deprived Germany of the final in the national Eurobasket. Eight years ago, same scenario, same opponent, he missed a final free kick that would have taken the duel to extra time. Without the national team in the way and with an unforgettable tournament, this time it was Germany's moment for glory, impeccable from Okinawa to Manila, a world gold for the ages with the Raptors player as MVP.
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There were 28 points in the final, three great first quarters, a troubled ending in which he began to remember the denied player who almost ruined everything for Germany in the quarterfinals against Latvia. That day, “the worst game” of his life, Schröder missed 22 shots and signed a rating of -10. This time, in the abyss, with the threat of a Serbian comeback, he grabbed the ball with 25 seconds left and closed the game with a trademark diabolical penetration. He finished the World Cup with averages of 19.1 points per game and a rating of 17.6, the total leader of Gordon Herbert's team along with Franz Wagner who missed part of the tournament due to injury.
Schröder, an always histrionic guy, son of a German father and a Gambian mother (she, Fatou, a hairdresser, always took care of his style and that blonde lock that he wore for so long) and who has already played for up to six NBA teams – including the Lakers and the Celtics-, he hasn't even turned 30 yet although he looks like a veteran. Born and raised in Braunschweig – since 2020 he has owned the city's team, trained by the Spanish Jesús Ramírez – his passion was skateboarding.. Although everything changed for the skater when he lost his father Axel, due to a heart problem, when he was 16 years old.. He had left him a letter written in his own handwriting in which he reminded him of a promise made days before: to dedicate himself body and soul to basketball.. Four years later he was in the NBA draft (number 17).
Schröder, with his family, after winning gold. AFP
The involvement of the captain, also chosen in an ideal quintet without centers – along with him, Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Luka Doncic, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Anthony Edwards – has been key in the German gold. After the success, Gordie Herbert revealed some details of Schröder's commitment to his national team. “In September 2021 we spoke with Dennis for three or four hours. I felt his heart, his commitment, his affection and that's where it all started,” admitted the Canadian coach: “Since then I think Dennis and I have a connection, we developed trust in the team and among ourselves. The most important thing I did was make Dennis captain. He is very proud. “We wouldn't be here without him.”
“The team is amazing. We enjoy every moment, every game, every training session. I think that's why we did what we did in this tournament. It means a lot, we have made history,” proclaimed the German hero at the Mall of Asia in Manila, remembering the legend Nowitzki: “He changed basketball, he is an NBA champion, I have a lot of respect for him.”