WNBA coach Hopkins should lead women basketball players to the EM

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Walt Hopkins is the new DBB Women's Trainer

Photo: Phelan M. Ebenhack / dpa

The German Basketball Association has introduced Walt Hopkins as the new national coach for its women's national team.

The 35-year-old American succeeds Patrick Unger, who left the office in February at his own request.

Hopkins is to look after the DBB women at the European Championship qualifiers in November and February.

"Walt Hopkins is an excellent trainer who has an impressive career and has shown himself to be very motivated in the discussions," said DBB Vice President Armin Andres about the commitment.

Hopkins recently looked after the players of the New York Liberty during the regular season in the US professional league WNBA.

Hopkins was the league's youngest head coach.

The youngest team in WNBA history, with seven rookies, clearly missed the playoffs with only two wins and 20 losses.

Hopkins is still considered a talented coach: Before moving to New York, he assisted the two-time coach of the year, Cheryl Reeve, at the Minnesota Lynx from 2017 to 2019, winning the WNBA title right in the first season.

"I think he suits our women well, many of whom are or will be experiencing the American basketball school up close," said Andres.

Recently, some top German talents such as Satou Sabally, Leonie Fiebich and Luisa Geiselsöder made the leap into the WNBA.

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