Kirsten Z competing for a spot - Germany's National Team

[Patch]

From the FIBA Europe Site.................................

 

// 12 August 2007

Germany coach Dirk Bauermann admitted he was satisfied with his players after they eased to victories in two EuroBasket warm-up matches in Austria.

 

In a three-nation tournament, Germany swept aside hosts Austria and Slovakia to give themselves a solid platform to build on ahead of EuroBasket 2007, which starts in Spain on September 3.

 

Johannes Herber led Germany with 16 points in their win over Slovakia.

With Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki set to join the German team next week, Bauermann was able to rest Ademola Okulaja, Patrick Femerling, Steffen Hamann, Demond Greene and Misan Nikagbatse in a 70-64 victory over Slovakia on Saturday.

 

That triumph came after a 97-77 win over Austria 24 hours earlier.

 

Next up for Germany is a friendly against China in Hamburg on Friday.

 

Bauermann said: "The games were a perfect end to our hard training camp.

 

"We played two tough opponents and now we know where we stand as a team and as individuals.

"The whole team is looking forward to three days off before we go full steam ahead in Hamburg."

 

Against Slovakia, Johannes Herber paced the Germans with 16 points while Sven Schultze added 12 and Kirsten Zoellner scored 11 points - all in the first half.

 

Dirk Nowitzki will join the German team for training next week.....................................

 

..........Bauermann added: "In general, I'm satisfied, though we didn't defend well at times.

 

"It was an important test against a good opponent for us. We showed patience and deservedly won in the end."

 

Germany will play the Czech Republic, Turkey and Lithuania in EuroBasket Group C in Palma de Mallorca.

[Dane Pound]

Channel 6 is reporting that Zo is one of 15 finalists for the olympic team.