Niels Giffey retires from the German national basketball team

A 105-time international retires from the national team

Berlin (dpa) - Niels Giffey is retiring from the German national basketball team. The 30-year-old from Alba Berlin announced this on Monday. "The decision was not easy for me and I discussed it with national coach Gordon Herbert at an early stage," Giffey said in a statement from the German Basketball Federation (DBB).

Giffey was a key player for Germany

Giffey played 105 international matches for Germany, including the 2019 World Cup in China and the 2021 European Championship in Germany. In total, he scored 719 points for the DBB.

"With Niels, we are losing a great personality and a top athlete. He is a role model both on and off the court," said Herbert, paying tribute to the forward.

Niels Giffy made his debut in the national team in 2015. He played 105 games in the jersey with the eagle on his chest and scored 719 points. He played in the 2019 World Cup in China and in the 2021 European Championship in his home country.

Giffey, who is under contract with Alba Berlin until 2025, wants to focus more on his club career in the future. "I want to continue to perform at the highest level for Alba and help the team achieve its goals," said Giffey.

With Alba, Giffey won the German championship in 2021. In the current season, the Berliners are in third place in the Bundesliga and qualified for the EuroLeague playoffs as group winners.

Giffey's decision is a blow to the German national basketball team. The forward was a key player in recent years and a role model for younger players. However, Herbert will have to find a way to replace him in the future.