Are the Lakers now regretting they immediately let go of Schroeder after the Nuggets dismantled them in the West Conference Finals?
The 6’1” flashy pointguard gifted Germany its first ever FIBA World Championship crown, outlasting an equally deserving rival Serbia in a see-saweing battle, 83-77 before some 12,000 thrilled to-the-bones basketball fans at the Mall of Asia arena.
Chosen MVP during the awarding rites, Schroeder will suit up for the Toronto Raptors next NBA season.
He threw in 28 points (9 of 17 FGs) 2 assists, 2 rebounds and a steal in 334 minutes of playing time.
The tiny, emaciated-looking Schroeder displayed his herculean mettle with a sneaky lay up just 21 seconds before the buzzer to give Germany breathing space, 81-77.
For the entire competition, Schroeder averaged 19.1 points, 2 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.
Chosen 2023 World Cup All Star Five were Bogdan Bogdanovic of Serbia, Shai Gilgeous Alexander of Canada, Anthony Edwards of the US, Luka Doncic of Slovenia and Schroeder.
Excellent choice, don’t you think so?
If they were teammates, would the best five of the 2023 NBA beat them in a 5 x 5 tournament?
Schoeder also led Germany in clipping the wings of the Steve Kerr-coached, high flying USA five, 113-117 in the semifinals.
Now, this comes only as a suggestion to the SBP and to the Gilas coaching staff but shouldn’t they emulate Germany the way they prepared its team to this most exacting contest?
Although all were NBA’ers, the Americans did not have the solid chemistry and teamwork the Germans possessed coming into the FIBA WC.
Yes, Kerr was able to plant in them the seed of a positive confidence.
But what did our elders use to quote and say?
“The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”
Aside from Russia, Spain and Argentina were the first two teams to prominently boot out USA in a prestigious competition.
Now comes Germany.
The Germans are already football world kingpins. What’s next after basketball?
All three have proven something that the Americans are also vulnerable and not invincible.
I pray basketball gods in this country learned a hard lesson. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
