Germany will retire Dirk Nowitzki’s No.14 jersey in the opening day of the FIBA EuroBasket (September 1).
This is what the Basketball Federation of the country officially announced, adding that the ceremony will take place prior to the clash with France in Cologne. It’s the first time ever that a national federation will retire a jersey.
“I felt honored above all when this idea was presented to me by the German federation. It was a nice surprise and I’m already excited about what awaits me in Cologne.
As an ambassador of FIBA EuroBasket, I’m looking forward to exciting games with great teams and hope that the fans in Cologne and Berlin will ensure full arenas and a great atmosphere,” Nowitzki said in a statement.
Dirk Nowitzki had a legendary career in the NBA and FIBA competitions, while the Dallas Mavericks retired his jersey last January. He led the franchise to the NBA title in 2011.
Dirk Nowitzki’s national team service with the senior team spanned the best part of two decades with a debut EuroBasket appearance in 1999 before going on to become MVP after leading Germany to the 2005 Final as they finished as runners-up.
Germany’s legendary power forward officially announced his international retirement in 2016 and continued playing in the NBA until the end of the 2018/19 season.
