Basketball Lions Called Up for FIBA World Cup Qualifiers – February Window 2027

Braunschweig, Germany – Five players from Basketball Löwen Braunschweig have received call-ups to their respective national teams for the upcoming FIBA qualifying windows for the 2027 Basketball World Cup, the club announced. However, Swedish forward Barra Njie will miss the window due to a gluteal muscle injury.

The second of six qualifying windows tips off on February 27th, with Löwen players set to compete across Europe. The club’s managing director, Nils Mittmann, highlighted the significance of these call-ups, stating, “The numerous invitations of our players to their respective national teams are a strong signal for us as an organization and for the entire Braunschweig basketball location. The fact that five lions were taken into consideration underlines the fundamental quality of our squad.”

German Guard Obiesie Back for DBB

Joshi Obiesie will once again represent Germany after a successful initial stint with the DBB (German Basketball Federation) squad last November. Germany is currently leading Group E, having secured victories over Cyprus and Israel in the first qualifying window. They now face a challenging matchup against Croatia, who also boast a perfect 2-0 record in the group. Obiesie, recovering from a recent injury, contributed 11 points in 11 minutes during his previous appearance against Israel, slightly exceeding his easyCredit BBL season average of 9.5 points per game.

Kajami-Keane Leads Canadian Charge

Kaza Kajami-Keane, a guard for Löwen Braunschweig, will join the Canadian national team. He has been a key contributor for Canada, averaging 12.7 points and 5.0 assists in three appearances. Kajami-Keane ranks among the top 20 assist leaders in the FIBA Americas Qualifiers with an average of 4.5 assists, playing a vital role in Canada’s opening wins against the Bahamas (111-75). Canada will now travel to Puerto Rico and face Jamaica in their upcoming contests.

Ščuka Returns to Slovenian National Team

Luka Ščuka will rejoin the Slovenian national team after being sidelined due to an ankle injury during the previous European Qualifiers window. Slovenia narrowly lost its opening game against Estonia but secured a victory in Sweden (94-83). Ščuka, a top performer for Löwen Braunschweig, averaging 9.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, aims to showcase his skills in the Slovenian jersey once more.

N’Guessan Anchors Dutch Frontcourt

David N’Guessan, currently Braunschweig’s second-leading rebounder, will represent the Netherlands. He played a crucial role in the Dutch team’s successful performance in the European pre-qualifiers, earning them a spot in the World Cup qualifying rounds. The Netherlands secured a win against Latvia in their first qualifier but narrowly lost to Poland, the current leaders of Group F. N’Guessan is averaging 13.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game for Löwen Braunschweig.

Mittmann added, “Especially in our challenging sporting season, it is also an important sign that our work is also recognized beyond the BBL. It does not make the necessary work on site during the national team window any easier. But: The nominations show that we offer an environment in which players thrive can develop and recommend at the highest level.”

FIBA Qualifying Window Schedule

Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming match dates:

• Croatia vs. Germany – February 27th – 8:00 p.m.
• Germany vs. Croatia – March 1st – 6:00 p.m.
• (Group E: Croatia, Germany, Israel, Cyprus)
• Puerto Rico vs. Canada – February 27th – 01:10 CET
• Jamaica vs. Canada – March 2nd – 00:00 CET
• (Group B: Canada, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Bahamas)
• Slovenia vs. Czech Republic – February 27th – 6:30 p.m.
• Czech Republic vs. Slovenia – March 1st – 6:00 p.m.
• (Group H: Czech Republic, Estonia, Slovenia, Sweden)
• Austria vs. Netherlands – February 27th – 6:00 p.m.
• Netherlands vs. Austria – March 1st – 2:30 p.m.
• (Group F: Poland, Netherlands, Latvia, Austria)

Further information on the World Cup European Qualifiers and the World Cup Americas Qualifiers is available on the FIBA website.