WATCH: Dennis Schroder pridefully walks out as Germany’s first black flag bearer at Paris Olympics opening night
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Dennis Schroder made history as the first black flag bearer in German history. Schroder, who is currently signed to the Brooklyn Nets, helped lead the country to victory in the 2023 FIBA World Cup last summer. Now, ahead of the start of the Group Phase on Saturday at the Summer Olympics, Schroder had the honor of being a flag bearer for Germany.
During Friday's Opening Ceremony, Schroder was seen waving the flag for Germany and its 463 athletes all set to compete this year.
Dennis Schroder and Germany surprisingly aren't among the top five favorites this summer despite their win at the FIBA World Cup last year. Team USA remains heavy betting favorites, with Canada and France not far behind. Germany is currently ranked sixth in betting odds with +3000 odds on DraftKings.
Looking ahead at Dennis Schroder and Germany’s Olympic Schedule
Following Friday’s Opening Ceremony, where Dennis Schroder carried the German flag for his country, the NBA guard and Germany will play Japan on Jul. 27 in their opening game of the Group Phase. The team will be back in action on Jul. 30 when they face off with Brazil, before then playing their final game of the Group Phase on Aug. 2.
Teams who advance will then compete in the four quarterfinal games on Aug. 6, before semifinal action picks up on Aug. 8. Then, the final four teams will compete in the bronze and gold medal games on Aug. 10.
Below, you can see the full roster for Team Germany, as well as where each player competes professionally.
• Isaac Bonga (Bayern Munich)
• Oscar da Silva (Barcelona)
• Niels Giffey (Bayern Munich)
• Justus Hollatz (Anadolu Efes)
• David Kramer (Granada)
• Leon Kratzer (Paris)
• Maodo Lo (Olimpia Milano)
• Andreas Obst (Bayern Munich)
• Louis Olinde (ALBA Berlin)
• Dennis Schroder (Brooklyn Nets)
• Daniel Theis (LA Clippers)
• Johannes Voigtmann (Olimpia Milano)
• Johannes Thiemann (ALBA Berlin)
• Moritz Wagner (Orlando Magic)
• Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic)
• Nick Weiler-Babb (Bayern Munich)
Looking back at Dennis Schroder and Germany’s 2023 FIBA World Cup run
Heading into the Olympics, Dennis Schroder and Germany are riding the momentum of their 2023 FIBA World Cup win last summer. The team went undefeated through the group stage, defeating Japan in their opening game, before then picking up a narrow win over Australia two days later.
In their final game of the group play round, Germany defeated Finland, securing their advancement to the knockout round. There, Dennis Schroder and Germany defeated Latvia, and the United Staes to advance to the Finals against Serbia, who they defeated 83-77 thanks to impressive play from Dennis Schroder, who led the game with 28 points.
While the betting odds seem to be against them in the Olympics, it will be interesting to see if the team is able to replicate some of its success from last summer’s tournament.