Germany’s basketball team faces a challenging Olympic campaign, competing against several NBA stars, including LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Stephen Curry.
“My mother is from Gambia and came to Germany as an immigrant. With all the xenophobia and openly racist slogans on the internet and streets, it’s a powerful statement that someone like me is allowed to carry the German flag,” Schroder added.
Schroder also spoke about one of his biggest inspirations, Dirk Nowitzki, who is often hailed as the greatest European player in NBA history and was the flag bearer for the German National Team at the 2008 Olympics.
“I still remember sitting in front of the television in 2008 and watching Dirk Nowitzki carry the German flag in Beijing. Even then, I found it incredibly touching and thought to myself: This is the highest level of appreciation an athlete can receive. Now I can represent my country with all its values. Not a given in these times,” concluded the Brooklyn Nets point guard.
Germany will open their basketball campaign on Saturday against Japan, featuring Schroder’s former Lakers teammate Rui Hachimura, before facing Brazil and ending their Group Stage against hosts France, who will have the young phenom Victor Wembanyama.