Bauermann, Germany working hard ahead of Athens

Dirk Bauermann has confidence in his team (Photo credit: FIBA)Photo Gallery>>Germany coach Dirk Bauermann remains optimistic about his team's chances of reaching the Beijing Games despite the loss of Johannes Herber and Mithat Demirel.

Herber had a knee operation back in October and is still working his way back to full fitness, while Demirel suffered an eye injury in April that has knocked him out of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

In Mallorca, where the national side is training, Bauermann said: "The players are highly motivated, 100% ready to go with the big goal of the Olympics in view."

Bauermann is weighing up which newcomers to the set-up might be able to help the team at the qualifying event in Athens.

The youngsters know they are under scrutiny.

"Naturally, you can sense a certain nervousness, but that is normal," said Bauermann.

One player who isn't nervous is Jan Hendrik Jagla, who is coming off an excellent season at ULEB Cup and Copa del Rey champions DKV Joventut.

Jagla, a member of last year's EuroBasket squad, attended a free agent camp with the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre from June 20-22 before linking up with the national team in Spain.

Bauermann believes the experience in Canada was good for his player.

"He's made a very good impression and shown a lot of self confidence," Bauermann said.

Germany are in Group B of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament with Cape Verde and New Zealand.

Three places for the Beijing Games are up for grabs at the qualifying event.

(Credit: FIBA. Click here for further information.)