Würzburg's baskets before the grand final: Steinbach's NBA dreams concrete!

Würzburg's baskets before the grand final: Steinbach's NBA dreams concrete!

The Würzburg Baskets are facing a historic moment in their club history. After a thrilling semi-final game against Ratiopharm Ulm, they secured their chance of reaching the final in the Bundesliga for the first time with a narrow 78:77 win last Saturday. In front of 3,140 enthusiastic spectators in the sold-out arena, Davion Mintz scored the decisive throw just 8.9 seconds before the final whistle that paved the way to the final. One win is now missing to realize the dream of the grand final, where possible opponents such as FC Bayern Munich or MLP Academics Heidelberg could be waiting.

In this crucial phase of the playoffs, Hannes Steinbach in particular is proving to be a key player for Würzburg. The 19-year-old, who is causing a sensation this season, was able to contribute an impressive 16 points, 7 rebounds and an important steal in the fourth game against Ulm. The talented power forward is not only celebrated by home fans, but also by NBA scouts who are eyeing him as a potential professional basketball player. In an interview, the managing director of the Würzburg Baskets, Steffen Liebler, confirmed his confidence in Steinbach's abilities and sees in him the possibility of becoming the third Würzburger in the NBA, after legends like Dirk Nowitzki and Maxi Kleber.

The way up

Steinbach plans to move to college in the USA in the summer of 2023. There he will play at the University of Washington, an institution known for its former German players such as Detlef Schrempf and Patrick Femerling. Since NBA scouts observed his performance in the BBL in January 2023, the focus has been on his development, which could potentially lead him directly to the NBA as early as next summer.

However, his active move to college means a painful loss for the Basketball Bundesliga, which is increasingly losing young talent to the American market. For Steinbach, who is inspired by his father Burkard, a former player in the second Bundesliga, Würzburg remains an important anchor. He appreciates the support of his city and never wants to forget his roots.

A look at the playoffs

The Würzburg Baskets have presented themselves impressively this season. In the first round of the playoffs, they managed to secure a place in the semi-finals in a decisive fifth game against the Löwen Braunschweig. These successes are a real reason to celebrate not only for the players, but also for the fans. Zachary Seljaas, who also showed strong performances, was one of the main players in the game against Ulm with 16 points, while Karim Jallow from Ulm was the guests' best scorer with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

The excitement in the Bundesliga and the outstanding performances of the Würzburg Baskets ensure pleasant thrills at home. The fans are looking forward to the possibility of reaching the final and are hoping for another impressive performance from their team. The next goal is in sight and the Würzburgers are ready to make history.

For the latest news about the Würzburg Baskets and developments in German basketball, take a look tz.de and br.de over.