Welser in the video

Germans marvel at co-trainer’s magic throw

Stefan Grassegger doesn't just have what it takes on the bench.

(Bild: Markus Wenzel)

Stefan Grassegger has long since made a name for himself on the scene as an assistant coach. After all, he has already worked for EuroLeague club Kauno Žalgiris. However, the Wels native's finest hour came in the German Bundesliga, where he attracted a great deal of attention with a real trick shot.

"Do you have your jersey with you?" asked Tobias Schimon, the commentator for the streaming provider Dyn, to co-coach Stefan Grassegger during the half-time break of the Bamberg Baskets vs Hamburg Towers Bundesliga clash. During the warm-up, the player from Wels in the service of the North Germans casually hit the basket from around 14 meters from the halfway line. Grassegger replied with a grin: "I don't want the spectators at Dyn or my team to have to see that. Lightning strikes once." Lightning strikes only once.

"Sport Bild" reports on Welser
At least online, however, "lightning strikes once", as the video of the magic throw has since gone viral. Even the German newspaper "Sport Bild" reported on it. "Co-trainer scores better than the pros!" was the headline of the highest-circulation sports magazine in Europe.

Interview about men's health
"Fortunately, I'm still relatively anonymous in Hamburg", but the 34-year-old doesn't have to hide on the streets just yet. Incidentally, this is not the first time Grassegger has received major coverage in Germany. "There was a match day about men's health - and they interviewed me about my university work, which deals with mental health in professional athletes."

It remains to be seen how long Grassegger will stay in Germany, as his contract expires at the end of the season. Hamburg are currently still in contention for a play-off spot. Could he return to Austria? "I would be willing to work as head coach. If a suitable offer came along, my home country would of course be very attractive!"