by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Gordon Herbert nearly missed the award ceremony. Overwhelmed and apparently exhausted, the Canadian seemed to hide in a remote corner of the Mall of Asia in the Philippine capital of Manila to collect new energy.

To find some quiet corner in the trembling sports arena must have been equally difficult than to realize what had happened. A few minutes later the German coach couldn't hold back his tears and started to weep inconsolably.

Only a few meters away from his resting place, members of his victorious basketball squad turned the modern building into a wild party zone.

Excitement seemed to meet no limits after Germany crowned a stunning journey through the challenges of the 2023 FIBA World Cup with victory over Serbia in the tournament final.

Herbert's side hadn't only remained unbeaten but had taken further awards, with Toronto Raptors point guard Dennis Schroder being named the tournament MVP and Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic) claiming the final game MVP.

The events seemed hard to believe even for Herbert as the coach rubbed his eyes after taking off his glasses as if he had seen a Hollywood movie, or if this fairytale-like story was reality.

For the first time in history, Germany ended up with the gold medal after beating Serbia 83-77 following a breathtaking semifinal win over tournament favorites the United States, 113-111.

"We created a miracle," Schroder said. "We are playing as a true team as it was a team's achievement."

Having cut off a net from one of the baskets, wearing the unique souvenir around his neck, the German captain hugged his wife and children. "I have never played in a team of such quality. World Champions, I still can't believe it."

While the story of the German team might have surprised most fans, success is grounded in the atmosphere of trust and respect created by Herbert.

Supervising a squad of players of the same high quality, the coach managed to foster a team spirit and determination to stand together. "We pushed all egos aside," the coach stated.

The coach backed Schroder while the formerly unsteady star turned into a team stalwart. "I would rather choose a lion already able to roar than teach a cat to learn it," Herbert said of his team leader.

The association vice president Armin Andres called Schroder the glue of a team of lionhearted performers.

Schroder dedicated his gold medal to his mother Fatou, who watched the final back in their hometown of Braunschweig.

"We are the first to do it. I hope basketball in Germany is experiencing a push and we see more games on TV," he said before adding: "Mum, this one is for you."