Franz's Stat Line and Video vs. Serbia; He Can Ball
Franz Wagner and the German U18 national team just played three tune-up games in Spain in advance of the European tournament coming up at the end of the month. Franz averaged 18.7 points over the three games.
In a loss to Serbia, he scored 29 points on 10-of-12 shooting, along with five steals and three blocks. And it's not just three-point shots. Several great drives to the basket. It's hard to tell from the video, but I'm guessing the U18 Serbian team is about on the same level as a good U.S. high school team. But I'll take 29 points on 10-of-12 shooting against anyone.
I dunno how to embed tweets, but here's a link to the tweet that has some great video of his performance. You'll feel even better after seeing it. LINK.
I LOVE how comfortable he is driving/shooting with either hand. That lefty hook shot at the rim is something not a lot of righties possess. His absurdly quick release on his jump shot is impressive as well.
That's exactly what I was about to post. I saw him take it to the rack with his left easily. I watched a couple of more plays to make sure he wasn't lefthanded.
Even better, he is doing it agains a top 5 in the world U18 team. A team that currently has 8 players in the NBA and more than 20 past NBA players that were on the Serbian U18 team. Not sure why a lot of posters here seem to disrespect the opponent.
Boy he is going to draw a lot of fouls against undisciplined college players.
Question- what is the 3 point line distance he is currently shooting from, and what will he be shooting from at Michigan?
My understanding is that it’s the same, as college basketball is adopting this year the FIBA (international) 3 point line.
Correct. Franz is the only Michigan player who won't have to adjust to the new line next season.
That will be a pretty big plus for him. Thanks!
If he primarily plays the 3 at Michigan, he is going to be a handful for most D1 defenders.
Deep range wow!! Effortless from way beyond the arc. Looks like big bro going to the rack.
Kid is a gift at just the right time for this program
Now THAT was the best footage I've seen from Franz. Displayed some ability to create shots off the dribble with change of direction/speed dribbles. The handle is still high/loose, but good to see nevertheless. Still lacks the athleticism/agility to blow by quicker defenders that will no doubt apply ball pressure at the college level, but that was encouraging to see because it likely translates to getting separation vs PFs
No, he doesn't appear to have elite athleticism but it should be more than sufficient for the B1G Ten. Let an NBA team worry about his lack of elite athleticism to blow by defenders. He'll be fine in college. Especially with his jumper.
If Howard makes him develop some sort of post move, he will be impossible to defend. Right now theoretically you could put a small athletic wing or guard on him to press him the entire game where he could not shoot or get to the rack. With a post game, Franz could post/back him down and score at will against them. He would be impossible for a team to defend him with just an average post game.
Post game? This is another weird board fascination that I don't understand.
Have to agree here. Athleticism isn't just a concern at the NBA level, its also applicable in college. Stauskas struggled with smaller/quicker defenders for a period during his sophomore year and appears on his way out of the NBA because of it. Franz still has the look of a stretch 4 IMO, just don't think there is any way that he can play an on-ball guard role considering the lack of acceleration and proficient handle when matched up vs quicker defenders.
Franz looks like James Harden against the Serbs. Faking a drive, step back 3. Faking a 3 and driving the basket.
Lots of folks drinking the Franz cool aid in big gulps. After watching the video I am not feeling that great. His opponents look like a group that my local YMCA pickup game fellas could beat. The Defense against Franz was very poor and very un-athletic. Hoping I am dead wrong, but he looks like a role player that will probably be forced into a starting role cause of the roster holes.
I guarantee you the best you could pluck from your local YMCA pickup games would get quadrupled up by that 17 year old Serbia team.
No, not another one!
Which Y do you play at? Need to get Juwan over there to check things out, seeing as how there's some fellas that could beat the 4th ranked team in the world.
What position do you play in the YMCA H.O.R.S.E league?
Last year I'm not sure we had players that could hit 6 of 12 open shots unguarded. Ill take my chance with a kid that can go 10 of 12 against anyone to be honest.
Between first year Duncan Robinson and second year Nik Stauskas is fine by me.
The hole between the 2 and 3 positons need a lot of help -check
Our roster needs a sniper -check
If Poole and Iggy had stayed maybe he would've rode the bench but not with our roster.
My excitement level for Franz was already high. After watching that video it's even higher.
How to embed tweets: Click the "Insert Media Embed" button (above the text box when you're typing your post). Copy/paste link to tweet. Click OK.
I only figured this out about a month ago, but it's been helpful.
Thanks - I'll step out of my comfort zone and try it next time!
Thanks. I asked that question several months ago and got no reply.
The level of competition looks like about lower college. Maybe low mid major.
Except it isn’t, so there’s that
10 of 12 shooting is extremely impressive. Can't wait to see him in maize and blue.
According to the same twitter he also finished the tournament #2 in efficiency.
Sorry for DP
He will be starting for sure
He's going to have a huge step up on many college players as he's playing pro ball in Europe
At a YMCA near you? /s
I would have to imagine that the top 18 year olds in Serbia would be comparable to a top aau team here in the states.
His finishing near the rim is what impressed me the most. We know he's got a sweet stroke with ample range, but it was great to see the ability to finish from different angles, with both hands, and using a variety of techniques.
He might be the offensive spark this team needs to repeat the success of the past two years.
Caravans of fans sporting Jordan brands will show up in sedans and mini- vans to fill the stands and clap their hands for Franz!!
He would average 30 points a game in US HS. Dude can ball
Starting five:
X, DDJ, Livers, Wagner, Teske
I think that is the best scoring potential lineup.
Franz is going to hang the banner the fab 5 and burke never could. Final Four is the Floor is the tshirt we need now!