The heavyweights of German basketball are currently battling it out in a thrilling final of the easyCredit Basketball Bundesliga, Bayern Munich and Alba Berlinfor the coveted championship crown. Right in the thick of the action: World champion Andreas Obst. The 27-year-old shooting guard of the FC Bayern Munich spoke in an exclusive SPORT-BILD interview about the challenges of the final, the impact of his World Cup success and the secrets behind his perfect throw.
The road to the championship title
The final of the easyCredit Basketball Bundesliga promises to be exciting and high-class, as Bayern Munich and Alba Berlin, the two dominant teams of recent years, face each other. Bayern Munich, under the leadership of world champion Andreas Obst, is looking to return to the top of the league after five years. Obst, whose impressive three-point shooting percentage has risen from 40.4 per cent last season to 47.2 per cent this season, attributes his success not least to his increased self-confidence, which he owes to the World Cup victory. "Self-confidence is the be-all and end-all when throwing the ball," explains Obst.
Alba Berlin as a worthy opponent
Obst sees Alba Berlin as a strong and worthy opponent in the final. The Berliners have turned their semi-final series around and bring a lot of euphoria and energy to the final. Bayern Munich will have to stick together as a team and celebrate play-off basketball with physicality and strong defence. The FC Bayern has learnt from the defeat in the first play-off game against Ludwigsburg and has adapted a different style of basketball. "We play playoff basketball with physicality and defence," says Obst.
Andreas Obst on the perfect throw
There is a particular focus on Obst, who not only impresses with his impressive strike rate, but also with his technical throwing ability. When asked whether the feeling for throwing is innate, Obst emphasises that talent is only a small part of it. The rest is hard work and constant training. "Ten to 20 per cent is talent. The rest is work," he says. The art of a good throw lies in the fluidity of movement, bending the knee before catching the ball, a straight back, the correct positioning of the shoulder and elbow and the swing from the legs.
The importance of self-confidence
Obst's self-confidence seems unshakeable, which is not least due to winning the World Cup title. However, in addition to self-confidence, his mental attitude also plays a decisive role for him. "Even after three or four failed attempts, you can't doubt," says Obst, explaining the importance of resilience and mental strength in the Basketball.
Conclusion and outlook
As the final of the easyCredit Basketball Bundesliga draws to its climactic climax, Bayern Munich is under enormous pressure to bring the title home. Alba Berlin, known for its tenacity and determination, will be no easy task. But with players like Andreas Obst demonstrating leadership and technical excellence on and off the court, FC Bayern Munich has every chance of lifting the trophy.
In addition to the easyCredit BBL, Andreas Obst is also focussing on the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, where he hopes to play, Germany once again at international level. Obst does not see Dennis Schröder's participation in a football match in the national league as a cause for concern, but rather as an admirable balancing sport. "Why not? Dennis had time, and Football is a great balance," comments Obst.
The final between Bayern Munich and Alba Berlin is not only a sporting event of national importance, but also a stage for exceptional athletes like Andreas Obst, who are taking German basketball to a new level. The outcome of the final remains to be seen, but one thing is certain safeThe sport and its fans can look forward to high-class and exciting matches.
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