Coach hails German basketball’s ‘best day’ after hosts reach women’s FIBA World Cup semifinals

Germany's women's basketball team reached the semifinals of the FIBA World Cup for the first time, marking what coach Olaf Lange called "the best day in German basketball." The victory over European champion Belgium 93-74 on Thursday brought immense joy to fans in Berlin, with supporters lining the streets and children hoping to get autographs.

Lange emphasized that the team's success serves as inspiration for young basketball players, highlighting the nation's potential as a breeding ground for future talent. Germany, traditionally a niche sport in Germany, boasts its own leagues and has produced notable players who have made it to the NBA and WNBA. With France awaiting them in the semifinals on Saturday, Lange focused on celebrating the moment with his home crowd, acknowledging the team's achievement as a reflection of past success and a beacon for the future.