NBA legionary Jakob Pöltl will be available to the Austrian national basketball team in the two final World Cup qualifiers in Germany (29 June in Brunswick) and Georgia (2 July in Tbilisi). This was confirmed by the 22-year-old from the Toronto Raptors on Thursday at a press conference in Vienna.
After four defeats in four group matches, the ÖBV team, still without a trainer after the separation of team boss Matthias Zollner, has only theoretical chances of getting one of the three promotion places. Nevertheless, it is important for Pöltl to be present at one of the few possible appointments for him. He wants to build something. “We must also think about the future,” said the center.
Austria’s only NBA actor has repeatedly stressed that he enjoys joining the team. “It’s fun and it’s also a challenge where I can improve. It’s another role I have to play.” In contrast to Toronto, a leading role.
The date of indenting is 25 June. Before that, the Viennese would like to work on his litter with individual trainer Stefan Weissenböck in Bamberg if possible. The Lower Austrian will also work for NBA rival Brooklyn Nets. “I’m very happy for him,” said Pöltl. “Let’s see if he even has time for me.”
Pöltl will go on holiday to Tel Aviv on Friday for two weeks. After the national team camp he flies overseas again. According to his own information, Pöltl will be there at the NBA Summer League and will complete all training sessions with the young Raptors players, but unlike the two previous years, he will not play the matches.