Gordie Herbert to relinquish Germany reins after Olympics

HAGEN (Germany) - Gordie Herbert's aim since taking charge as Germany coach has been and continues to be to claim medals in three straight summer tournaments.

Now, it's been announced by the German Basketball Federation (DBB), that he will leave his post as national team coach after the Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024.

Herbert coached Germany to third place at FIBA EuroBasket 2022 and last year steered the country to its first title at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. The only box still to check is Germany's first Olympic medal.

Whether it reaches the podium or not, Herbert's contract will finish on August 31, 2024.

"The DBB would like to deliberately give the head coach the opportunity to work for a club at his request," the DBB announced.

"This is the result of a friendly conversation between Gordon Herbert and DBB President Ingo Weiss and DBB Vice President Armin Andres ."

"I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FINAL CHALLENGE OF OUR THREE-YEAR PLAN, THE 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES!"

German basketball has been flying high since the country's World Cup triumph in Manila, where it had nail-biting wins over Latvia in the Quarter-Finals, the USA in the Semi-Finals and Serbia in the title game.

Herbert describes leading the national team as "the ultimate life moment" for him.

"It was an incredible experience and an honor to coach the German men's national team," he said in the DBB announcement. "I am very grateful to President Ingo Weiss and Vice President Armin Andres for the opportunity to oversee this team and for their support along the way. The coaching staff, the support team, the medical team and the media team… they were all and are outstanding.

"The journey was the ultimate life moment for me. This is a credit to the players, it is an honor to coach these young men. The players at EuroBasket 2022, World Cup 2023 and all the FIBA ​​windows represented Germany with dignity and respect - just an incredible group of players.

Germany celebrate on the podium after winning the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first time

"The medals were great, but what made it so special were the people involved, the people. Now I'm looking forward to the final part, the final challenge of our three-year plan, the 2024 Olympic Games!"

DBB president Ingo Weiss paid a glowing tribute to Herbert, saying: "The great successes of the DBB men and the associated huge public recognition are forever linked to the person of Gordon Herbert.  We would like to thank him very much for this."

As for Herbert's departure after France, Weiss said: "We completely understand that Gordie wants to devote himself to another task after the Olympic Games and we are not putting any obstacles in his way. Anyone who knows Gordie knows that he will throw himself into the preparation for the Olympic Games with full commitment and passion. It would be great if our time together could end with another exclamation mark."

Germany will play in Group B with France, Japan and the team that wins the FIBA OQT in Riga.

FIBA