LILLE (France) - Whatever ultimately happens at the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024, everyone associated with German basketball will remain focused on the big picture and the 'Road to Berlin' 2026.
The next week (or maybe two) will be important for Germany as they enjoy taking their first ever Olympic steps. But they're also keeping their debut at the Games in the context of being an important stopping post en-route to hosting the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
Dealt a cruel hand in the Olympic draw, their presence in the 'Group of Death' had seen them predicted to make an early exit from the competition. But they ripped up the script with a stunning debut at the Games as they blazed past Belgium with a fabulous victory.
Star forward Satou Sabally was delighted with victory but is also keeping the success in the context of the showpiece event in 2026.
“There is a lot of pressure on the other teams, but there is no pressure on us. To play together, have fun and enjoy the experience of the Olympics, means we’re all pumped up to succeed.
"It means everything as we wanted to get that first one [the win].
"I think we put a stamp on who we can be and identified our character - grit, playing together and there is nobody selfish on the team. You could see today we all share the ball and we all crash. It's the little things that identify who we are."
"The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup is going to be great for Germany and it’s in my hometown of Berlin as well," continued Sabally.
"In general, these Olympics will set the standard. We need to compare ourselves with the best in the world. I think it’s actually good for us that we have these games early against Belgium, USA and Japan.
"Also I don’t want to compare myself with other people who are not as great, I want to compare myself with the best in the world because it's where I want to be."
There's no doubt that Germany are building. Sabally belatedly playing at her first major tournament for her country, alongside her sister Nyara. Meanwhile playmaker Alexis Peterson showed the value of being drafted into the naturalized slot with a sparkling performance.
Put all that together along with the team that attained a best-ever finish at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 including Leonie Fiebich, Marie Guelich and Luisa Geiselsoder and there's a lot to get excited about.
"Honestly, I am so thankful to be here at this stage of my career and I think it speaks for German basketball and especially on the women’s side," insisted Sabally. “Our men are also writing history, but I think we are also finally showing how good [overall] German basketball can be. It shows how the investment in women’s sport is paying off and I think we are a reflection of that.
"This is a longer game for us. We have no pressure now, but we will have pressure in two years time. This is what we are building for during the next two years."
Another reason for optimism, whatever the outcome of Paris 2024, the team is already looking future-proof. This is due to a string of young and exciting young guns either already on board - or pushing for a spot.
There's no better example than Frieda Buhner, who was ballin at the FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket only a few weeks ago. She now finds herself part of a history-making senior Germany team. It's a fact that causes a smile to spread across Sabally's face.
"I just got goosebumps talking about it because she is such an amazing player and so humble," she said about her rising star teammate.
"Plus the fact she just came from U20 with such a performance and now comes in here with us so eager to learn. She's practicing with 100 percent every single time – it just makes me so happy.
"I love Frieda - that's my girl. Her shooting [against Belgium] with that confidence shows how good she can be and I know she will be an elite one day if she continues to work."
Sabally continued: "She was also making her excursions around the Olympic village and it brings me joy to see a young player having so much fun - and being able to embrace professional players around her.
"Now she has these role models to look up to, she will be even better. At the next Olympics she could be a leader on our team and will already have the experience from this year. I am just super proud of her and I know that she is going to be great."
As for Buhner herself, her wonderfully unassuming nature was on display after her 11-point debut haul in just 11 minutes. She seemed almost embarassed to be even talking about her wonderful first Olympic outing - perhaps because she is still pinching herself to make sure it is not a dream.
"I always knew that there was a possibility," she explained.
"But it was never one hundred percent. I just went step by step, going firstly to the U20's and then the chance came to join the roster. I was super happy because being in the 12 means a lot and my mom, I told her first," smiled Buhner.
And as for her dream debut - could she have ever imagined the convincing win and amazing cameo off the bench?
"I didn't really think about it," she laughed.
"I always let it come to me and whenever there is something in the game I will take it. In retrospect though, I think it went pretty well for me."
FIBA