With the dust settling after the Olympic Games and a new coaching chapter beginning for Germany, Alex Mumbru has wasted no time in outlining the challenges ahead.
Stepping into the role after Gordon Herbert’s departure, the Spanish tactician inherits a team crowned world champions last year — and he knows exactly who they’ll have to beat to stay on top.
In a recent interview with EFE, following Germany’s intense friendly against Slovenia, Mumbru offered a clear-eyed assessment of the European basketball landscape. For him, two nations stand out — and one in particular.
“I think Serbia and France are the two strongest teams,” he said, before stressing that his squad isn’t showing up just to participate. “We have good players, too, and we’re going to the EuroBasket to win and compete seriously. I’m sure we’ll go there with great desire.”
Asked to go deeper into what makes Serbia such a threat, Mumbru didn’t hold back.
“I see Serbia as the biggest favorite because of their roster. A team with so many NBA players… Even with a roster of 15 or 16 players, you can’t easily dismiss anyone. But we’re focusing on our own business and trying to do the right things.”
While Germany boasts stars like Franz Wagner, Dennis Schroder, and Daniel Theis, Mumbru pointed to one man as the defining figure of modern basketball — and Serbia’s biggest weapon.
“He will definitely be the best player. Both in the NBA and in Europe. He’s big, he can assist, shoot, play under the basket, pass… We have great players too— Wagner, Schroder, Theis—but the most important players in recent years have been Jokic and Doncic.”
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