Even when Austria’s basketball star Jakob Pöltl plays in the big arenas of North America in the NBA, 1200 spectators – like on Thursday in the Alpenstraße sports hall not far from the Salzach – can conjure up a sparkle in his eyes. “Really awesome. The backdrop was amazing, the fans carried us,” said the 26-year-old from Vienna, happy about the ultimately sovereign 92:66 (51:35) victory of the red-white-red national team over Ireland. This made it into first place in Group A of the pre-qualification for the European Championship 2025. Coach Raoul Korner’s protégés have already received a ticket for the second phase of the elimination round, which begins on August 22, before the final duel with Cyprus on Sunday ( 6 p.m., ORF Sport+) – back in Salzburg – not to be taken.
“It was a lot of fun playing for Austria again. Now we want the next win,” emphasized Pöltl, who had donned the national jersey for the first time after a four-year break. It goes without saying that the San Antonio Spurs legionnaire put his stamp on the match. With 14 points and eleven rebounds, he was the standout player on the floor. “Jakob showed a huge presence,” said Korner, who will be sitting on the Austrian bench for the last time tomorrow, about the 2.13 meter man.
Starry airs are alien to Pöltl anyway, he sees himself as one of the pieces of the puzzle in an ensemble that, according to Korner, has shown “a very mature performance”. Austria’s basketball sport is on the up. Of course, Pöltl’s successful competitors can only dream of fees like those paid out in the NBA.
Nikola Jokic agreed with the Denver Nuggets on the most lucrative deal in the history of the best league in the world. The 27-year-old Serbian center is expected to earn at least $264 million over the next five years. The Washington Wizards are no slouch either. The signing of the 29-year-old point guard Bradley Beal under the contract, which runs until 2027, is likely to be rewarded with 251 million. (Alex)
Source: Nachrichten
