National coach criticizes tight schedule at home World Cup in Berlin

Basketball national coach Olaf Lange has criticized the tight schedule at the home World Cup in Berlin. “It's too tight for my taste. Because the product we want to present is at risk,” said Lange before the German team’s final preliminary round game against Mali this Monday (5:50 p.m./ProSieben Maxx and MagentaSport). “Especially if injuries occur due to the high levels of stress. That’s not in the interest of the sport.”

It is the third game in four days for the German team. Should the German Basketball Federation's selection qualify for the Play Ins as second or third in the group, this game would take place on Tuesday. “That would be four games in five days, that’s tough,” said Lange, who also works as an assistant coach at Toronto Tempo in the WNBA. “We don’t do that in the WNBA, and we do a lot there,” said Lange.

The US league has suspended its play for the World Cup, but only for a short time. That's why the 36 games take place in just ten days. “FIBA should find a solution,” demanded Lange.

This is how Germany progresses

The German basketball players are fighting against Mali to advance. After a defeat against Spain and a win against Japan, everything from group victory to elimination is still open for the hosts before the game in the Uber Arena.

With a win against Mali, Germany is at least in the play-ins and would play against Hungary or South Korea on Tuesday for a place in the quarter-finals. But even a defeat could be enough if Spain wins against Japan in the Max Schmeling Hall.

Then the DBB selection would advance in third place because of the direct comparison won with Japan. If Germany wins against Mali and Japan prevails against vice-European champions Spain at the same time, the German team would even qualify directly for the quarter-finals on Thursday - and would have two days off beforehand.