MVP of the TQO for the Tokyo Olympic Games, Moritz Wagner had only reached a modest 8th place in Japan with the Mannschaft. It is only once his brother is with him in the selection that Germany will win at the 2023 World Cup.
A victory on which Germany will be able to capitalize in Paris. However, the Wagner brothers are already very happy to simply participate in the Olympic Games. “It’s a dream come true for me as a player,” believes Franz Wagner. This is also the case for Moe. “You’re going to the Games, you can’t be losers,” he adds.
Enjoy the Olympic experience
This will be the first time that the Wagner brothers will experience the Olympic Games together since Franz had just turned pro in 2021. A competition that the younger brother is looking forward to discovering with his teammates.
“Every year on this team, I’m just happy to be with the guys”proclaims Franz Wagner. “Honestly, that’s our recipe: having a good time together. Our chemistry is what makes us really good as a team. That's what excites me the most. »
“Enjoy”, Franz Wagner seems to have made his watchword for his first Olympic competition.
“We also want to play basketball successfully, but that will come with the right mindset and focus,” continues Franz Wagner. “Most importantly, I just want to enjoy my time and enjoy the whole experience. »
Third podium in a row?
Germany will intend to obtain its best result at the Olympics during the 2024 edition by beating 7th place at the Barcelona Games in 1992. The selection could achieve a third podium in as many competitions after 3rd place at EuroBasket in 2022 and the World Cup won in 2023.
“It should also give a lot of confidence to the other guys in the team”says Franz Wagner. “But we will also have to understand that the tournament is over, that we obviously want to build on it, but we have to improve as a team, it is important. »
The eldest, Moe Wagner, even dreams of winning the competition. To do this, they will have to start by exiting Group B also made up of France, Japan and the winner of the TQO in Latvia (Georgia, Philippines, Latvia, Brazil, Cameroon, Montenegro). Before the quarter-finals which could be epic, with possibly duels against the big armada of the United States, Serbia, Canada or even Australia…
“Obviously winning there would be a huge accomplishment,” considers Moe Wagner. “It’s one of the coolest things you can do as an athlete. It’s so different from any other sporting competition you compete in. »
