Team Germany is on cloud nine after winning the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup at the expense of Serbia, 83-77, on Sunday, September 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
While a lot of attention has been on eventual FIBA MVP Dennis Schroder, Franz Wagner was another player who shone brightly in helping Germany win its first-ever FIBA World Cup gold medal.
Making it even sweeter for the 24-year-old forward was becoming a world champion alongside his brother, Moritz Wagner. He admitted that it was a surreal feeling that didn't make sense in the post-game interview via Eurohoops.
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"It's special," Wagner said after being asked how winning the World Cup with his brother as a teammate felt. "It is special to have our parents here too. This is so surreal; it doesn't make sense that we are both on this team and we can enjoy it."
Franz Wagner provided the necessary backup to Schroder, finishing with 19 points, seven rebounds, and two assists per FIBA.com.
Following his FIBA World Cup performance, the focus of the German forward now shifts to the upcoming NBA season with the Orlando Magic.
Together with other young talent, such as last offseason's overall no. 1 pick Paolo Banchero, Wagner's FIBA World Cup showing could be the breakout that the German sorely needs for himself and the Magic, Bleacher Report suggested.
"At 6'9", Franz Wagner can play the forward position, but that doesn't do his versatility justice. When operating on the perimeter, despite his forward-sized frame, he looks very much like a guard," the outlet stated.
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