Future Hall of Famer? Schröder: If we hadn’t won the championship, I definitely wouldn’t celebrate my birthday. The MVP should be shared with Wagner Jr.

On September 15th Beijing time, Germany beat Turkey 88-83 to secure the EuroBasket title. Schröder earned the MVP award, delivering 16 points and 12 assists in the final, leading his team to hold both the World Cup and EuroBasket titles. He gave an interview after the victory.

“We won this championship for everyone, for the teammates who were injured and still part of the World Cup squad, and for Montbrú (the German head coach)—he gave his all. He should have been resting in the hospital but stayed every day, fighting for us like a lion and always by our side. Being European champions on top of world champions is a historic achievement that can never be taken away. Thanks also to everyone who supported us, the fans who showed up, the training staff, coaching team, and the entire basketball federation… it’s truly incredible.”

It’s worth noting that just minutes after winning the title, Schröder celebrated his 32nd birthday. Speaking about this, Schröder said: “Honestly, if we had lost, I definitely wouldn’t be celebrating today. But since we won, and the team brought home this European championship, we will definitely have a great celebration tonight.”

When asked about being named MVP, Schröder was very humble. “Honestly, this MVP should be shared with Franz (Wagner Jr.). He played so consistently in every game; we couldn’t have done it without him. Looking at the whole tournament, he was actually our best performer. I’m very grateful to him and want everyone to know that this MVP is also his.”

Wagner Jr. was selected for the EuroBasket All-Star First Team, and he accepted the award wearing his brother Moritz Wagner’s jersey.

Previously, some media said that if Schröder helped Germany become double champions, he deserves to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame after retirement. Do you think Schröder will be a future Hall of Famer? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.