The Magic Insider

FIBA Franz Wagner brings Eurobasket and World Cup championship experience

Wagner helped lead Germany to gold in FIBA 2025 Eurobasket and FIBA 2023 World Cup. What lessons can apply to his star role in Orlando?
Ryan Kaminski|
Franz Wagner answers questions during Magic Media Day, 2025
Franz Wagner answers questions during Magic Media Day, 2025 | MANDATORY CREDIT: Ryan Kaminski-Orlando Magic On SI

In this story:

Orlando Magic

FIBA Franz is building a legendary basketball career overseas before he even becomes an All-Star in the NBA:

2023 Gold Medal FIBA World Cup

2025 Gold Medal FIBA Eurobasket

The Wagner's trophy room is getting shiny, fast.

In 2025 Eurobasket this summer, FIBA Franz scored at will:

21 PPG (8th) - 6 REB (26th) - 3 AST (40th) - 1 STL
shooting 54% 2P% - 28% 3P% - 85% FT%
on 10 2PA - 4 3PA - 8 FTA with a 3/1 A/TO

I asked Franz what skills he may have picked up from his success in FIBA play leading Germany to gold in Eurobasket and the World Cup that he thinks translate to the NBA, given the handful of different rules and styles of play:

"Obviously, it's basketball. It is a lot different, I will say that.

I think the biggest thing that I took away from it is that the vibe of that team was super special.

And I think in moments of adversity, in tight games, maybe in some adversity moments in practice – those thing go a long way when you trust the guy next to you.

And I think we gotta do our best to create that same vibe here. I know it's a lot harder, it's a longer season, it's a different situation in the NBA.

But I think, for me, that was our super power in the summer."
Franz Wagner

Franz would later add Leadership and Communication as the tools he refined most in his time with Germany that he think will benefit most in his role in the NBA.

The Magic just need FIBA Franz to remember his cape.

Published
Ryan Kaminski
RYAN KAMINSKI

Ryan is a basketball scout data analyst who has been covering the Orlando Magic, NBA, and NBA Draft with a focus on roster building strategy, data analytics, film breakdowns, and player development since 2017. He is credentialed media for the Orlando Magic along with top high schools in Central Florida where he scouts talent in marquee matchups at Montverde Academy, IMG Academy, Oak Ridge, and the NBPA Top-100 Camp. He generates basketball data visualizations, formerly with The BBall Index. He has two B.A.s from Florida State University in Business Management and Business Marketing. Twitter/YouTube/Substack: @BeyondTheRK