LILLE (France) - Franz Wagner and Moritz Wagner are warriors with a flair for the dramatic and some truly breathtaking actions. And Germany can dream of an Olympics gold medal thanks to their brothers from Berlin.
One of the special traits about Germany is that the reigning world champions can play a number of different styles. And a major reason for that are the brothers.
The Wagners embody the German battler mentality and both provide the team with a variety of different options - at both ends of the floor. Of course, Dennis Schroder is the floor general, the leader.
But the Wagner Bros are the ones who push this German team into another physical dimension. The grit, the will, the passion, and the absolute toughness they bring to everything they do on the floor.
"Be in the moment, trust the teammates behind you and generally with all those guys, be the aggressor", said Mortiz after the game. "Have an aggressive mentality, understand who you are and who you got behind you, and there's a very high level of trust in this team." These are more than words. This is exactly who they are as players.
Against France for the Group B Final, it was obvious.
"It's super cool. Just to be in the Olympics is cool, just to be on a team like this is super cool. But when you get to share it with family, we're well aware that it is a super unique situation," Franz said.
Older brother Moe was full of pride for his younger brother and the performances he has had.
"I am very happy for him. He does a great job. He works super hard. Any time you see a loved one succeed in his passion it's incredible," Moe Wagner said. "He's a great player. I don't get tired saying that. But I have to keep him humble too since I live with him. You gotta keep him in check a little bit."
Franz Wagner's contributions at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 were limited to just four games because of an injury. The 22-year-old has flashed his entire dynamic skillset through the first three games.
In Germany's impressive 71-85 victory over hosts France, Franz collected 26 points to go with 5 rebounds and 2 assists. He already scored 16 points in the first half. Most importantly looking ahead to the Quarter-Finals is Franz made 2 of 5 three-pointers after hitting just 2-of-14 from long range in the first two games. Moe Wagner added 8 points.
Franz Wagner just can do so much. Whether it's his outside shooting, his drive to the basket in the half-court offense or on the break - including some breathtaking dunks. Wagner can also playmake when needed while also playing tough defense or even just provide his energy and grit.
Franz smiled when asked about his poster dunk in the second half.
"I haven't had that many in my career. I guess I gotta check the film," he said. "There is always that moment when you jump like that, you don't know if you're going to get blocked or not. That adrenaline is a pretty cool feeling."
Energy and grit are the two categories where Moe Wagner really earns his bread and butter. The 27-year-old gives Germany head coach Gordie Herbert a real physical force around the basket who will not give up an inch. Moe can also finish around the basket and is a strong rebounder who defends with his strong will.
Both brothers really wear their emotions on their sleeve, which is not something that bothers Coach Herbert.
"I would rather have it that way than the other way. I would rather tame a lion that teach a cat how to roar, so to speak," the coach said.
Both Wagners will be needed as Germany head to Paris with high hopes - thanks to their warriors from Berlin.
FIBA