Franz Wagner's letter in ALBA Berlin's 2014 yearbook has been leaked online, and it looks like 13-year old Franz surely knew what will his future be. Wagner also talks about differences between Europe and NBA, and his will to play basketball.
Even though he suffered a horrific oblique injury recently, Franz Wagner is lighting it up for the Orlando Magic this season.
Wagner replaced Paolo Banchero who is still recovering from the same exact injury Wagner is suffering from as a leader of Florida-based franchise, averaging 24.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 24.7 EFF.
On Orlando Magic's Reddit community, a letter of Franz Wagner from his childhood days has been leaked.
Wagner wrote it in the ALBA Berlin's 2014 yearbook when he was 13 years old. He talked about becoming a professional player, differences between NBA and European basketball, his older brother Moritz, favorite players...
If you are interested to read the whole letter, you can do so by clicking here.
Wagner started with predictions of the doctors who done medical check-ups on him, stating that he has all the requirements to play basketball:
"We measured my wrist, and I‘m going to be 202cm tall. That’s the perfect size for a basketball player," Wagner started.
"Not too tall, not too short. You are tall enough and are seen, but you are still mobile and fast. I can bring the ball, but I can also go to the basket. I will be a Small Forward."
"Of course I know the NBA players at my position: Carmelo Anthony, Chandler Parsons, Luol Deng, LeBron James. But I don’t really have role models. From the way he plays maybe LeBron James, because he can contribute everywhere to the success of his team. Everywhere - in offense and in defense."
Wagner now describes differences between American and European basketball:
"For me, defense and rebounding are as important as offense. Maybe that’s also a bit different over here in Europe, it is more trained over here I think."
"American Basketball sometimes is too much show for me, too much emphasis on TV rating, too much money. In Europe it is about Basketball, not just about dunks. If you really pay attention to basketball, you will notice such differences."
Franz Wagner also revealed he practiced a lot with his brother Moritz, and named his favorite German player at that time:
"I also practice a lot with my brother, so that we both become better. He plays in the U18 national team and he definitely could become a pro player. He has quite a good technique, and he hits everything at the outdoor court. In the games [for ALBA], not quite so much yet, but maybe that will still come along for him one day."
"From the German players, I technically like to watch Heiko Schaffartzik, but I just don’t like him anymore since he left [ALBA Berlin]. But he can defend and a lot of other things, not just offense."
