Dirk Nowitzki to receive a historical honor from German basketball federation / News - Basketnews.com

Dirk Nowitzki will be honored with a jersey retirement ceremony from the German basketball federation (DBB).It is the first time in the 73-year history of the association that the DBB has awarded such an honor.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

The opening day of the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 will see Slovenia facing Lithuania and, of course, Germany against France. However, in addition to the sporting highlights on the court, there will be another basketball moment with historical significance.

Dirk Nowitzki

Position:PFAge:44Height:213 cmWeight:111 kgBirth place:Wurzburg, GermanyProfileNewsStatistics

Just before the tip-off of Germany vs. France, Dirk Nowitzki, who wore the German national team jersey for more than 20 years, a member of the German World Championship bronze team in 2002 as well as the German European Championship silver team in 2005, will receive the greatest possible honor from the German Basketball Federation (DBB).

His jersey with the number 14 will be pulled under the roof of the hall in front of 18,000 spectators and will not be awarded by the DBB in the future. It is the first time in the 73-year history of the association that the DBB has awarded such an honor.

"I felt honored above all when this idea was presented to me by the DBB. It was a nice surprise, and I am already excited about what awaits me in Cologne," said Nowitzki. "As an ambassador of FIBA EuroBasket, I'm looking forward to exciting games with great teams and hope that the fans in Cologne and Berlin will ensure full halls and a great atmosphere."

Throughout his career, Nowitzki played 88 official games for Germany, averaging 19.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.

Nowitzki's personal best tournament was back in 2001 when throughout seven games in the EuroBasket, he averaged 28.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. Germany finished in fourth place after losing the bronze game to Spain (90-99).

Nowitzki finished the game with 43 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 assists. For the winners, Pau Gasol scored 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

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