The defensive architect
Gordon Herbert builds defenses around fundamental positioning. He taught these principles at Fraport Skyliners for more than half of their existence. He won the 2004 BBL title with that team. He also led them to the 2016 FIBA Europe Cup title. He knows how to get the most from players on limited budgets. He previously coached in the VTB league with Avtodor Saratov. The VTB league included coaches from Spain, Greece, Lithuania, Croatia, and Serbia. He also coached the Canadian national team and the Georgian national team. His defensive mastery is a staple of his reputation.
He coached in Wurzburg in 2000. He returned to Frankfurt in 2010 and again from 2013 to 2019. He also held coaching positions in France and Greece. He worked as an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors during the 2008/2009 season. He understands how to build defensive intensity.
He is a defensive specialist.
The qualifying numbers
The numbers from the qualifying period reveal a team that recovers from setbacks. Germany lost its first game in the qualifying round to Estonia. The team then won ten games and lost two. Herbert met Dennis Schroder in Braunschweig in September 2021 to discuss the future of the German national team and establish the foundation for the success they would eventually achieve during the 2023 World Cup. They talked for three to four hours. This meeting began the momentum for the squad. The roster included Isaac Bonga and Johannes Voigtmann during the June windows. These players helped the team navigate the qualification process.
The team relies on a core of players between 24 and 30 years old. You know the roster well.
The tactical manual
Herbert teaches defense through specific drills. He uses 4-on-0 drills to teach offensive rebounding and defensive transition. He teaches 5-on-0 drills with ball screens and without ball screens. He wants the team to stay organized. He focuses on angles and spacing. He does not use the Scram Switches that Roy Rana used with the previous German team. Herbert uses his own philosophy. He focuses on containing the dribble and containing the first step. He forbids direct line drives. Players maintain a wide base in their stance. They keep their heads straight and down. This creates a presence that intimidates offensive players.
He emphasizes three specific tenets. He tells players to guard their position. He tells players to rebound their position. He requires them to execute in the half court offense. He also tells them to cut off the ball as soon as they see a defender’s back. He avoids letting one player guard the strong side while another helps. He prefers changing the angle or using a cutter instead.
Measuring the 2023 performance
The 2023 World Cup numbers show Germany’s ability to win close games. They beat the USA 113-111 in the semifinals. This win was the first time the team reached a semifinal. Johannes Voigtmann played a major role in that victory. He recorded 12 points and 8 rebounds. He also provided 3 assists. His efficiency rating was 22. He shot 4-of-5 from the field. Dennis Schroder scored 28 points. He hit 4 of 26 field goals. Germany also beat Serbia in a close contest.
The team has four players who play in the NBA. Johannes Voigtmann and Danilo Barthel have significant experience. They won the 2016 FIBA Europe Cup together. Isaac Bonga and Leon Kratzer are also part of the core. Herbert reached out to 80% of the players. He views building the roster as a puzzle. He needs different pieces to succeed.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannes Voigtmann | 12 | 8 | 3 | 22 |
| Dennis Schroder | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The personnel and the philosophy
Herbert works with players who want to make an investment in themselves. He emphasizes technique. He believes technique helps an average defender gain confidence. He focuses on stance, head position, and a wide base. This creates a presence. The team must be unified to play together. He also focuses on defensive transition. He wants five players inside the three-point line after a missed shot. This allows the team to command the ball.
The team relies on players like Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann. They developed together in Frankfurt. The roster composition changed over time. The team moved past the era of Dirk Nowitzki. It moved past the era where NBA players were ineligible. Now, the team uses a mix of veterans and young talent.
The defensive identity remains a priority.
Will this defensive intensity remain high enough to win gold against the world’s most elite offensive rosters?
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