Triumph for "Warrior" Mumbru, yet uncertainties persist

The German basketball team secured a hard-fought victory in the round of 16 of the European Championship, dedicating their success to head coach Alex Mumbru who has been battling a stomach illness.

Mumbru, hospitalized in Tampere due to his acute abdomen, watched from the sidelines as his team overcame Portugal. His absence was noticeable, with the coach appearing visibly thinner and sitting unusually often on the bench. However, his influence was felt as his assistant, Alan Ibrahimagic, shared coaching duties during the game.

The team's star player, Moritz Wagner, expressed sympathy for Mumbru's situation, stating that the coach was not at full strength during the game. Captain Schröder also praised Mumbru's warrior mentality, acknowledging that his return was not guaranteed.

Despite the challenges, the team remained focused, with Maodo Lo crediting Mumbru for calming them down during halftime when they were behind for the first time in the tournament.

The victory came after a three-day break for the team, with no new information provided about their quarterfinal match against Slovenia on Wednesday. The team is planning to use this time to train and work on their weaknesses, following a day of rest on Sunday.

The team's journey in the tournament has not been without its difficulties off the court as well. The Park Inn Valdemara hotel in Riga, where the team is staying, does not meet the requirements for such a tournament due to noise from its location near main traffic roads and inadequate catering. As a result, the German Basketball Federation has requested to move to another accommodation, specifically the Pullman hotel closer to Riga's city center.

The team has faced other challenges as well, with temperatures in Riga reaching around 24°C, providing a stark contrast to the cooler climates they are accustomed to. However, the good weather did not seem to dampen their spirits, as they prepare to face Slovenia in the quarterfinals.

In the meantime, the basketball world awaits news of Mumbru's recovery and his potential return to the sidelines. His determination to coach despite his illness has undoubtedly inspired his team and fans alike, and his influence will be crucial in the upcoming matches.