The Veolia Towers Hamburg have responded to the injury to power forward Niklas Wimberg. Veteran and ex-national player Patrick Heckmann comes in as a replacement. The 32-year-old has signed a short-term contract for three months
This was bad news for Benka Barloschky’s team during pre-season preparations. Top new signing Niklas Wimberg broke his left leg in a test game against league rivals Löwen Braunschweig (83:48) on the Saturday before last. He had only moved to Hamburg from double winners Bayern Munich in the summer with high hopes
Barloschky: “A stroke of luck for us ”
The Towers have now presented their replacement: Patrick Heckmann, who has been without a club since his contract with Bamberg Baskets ended at the end of last season, is returning to the BBL floor. The 32-year-old will train with the team for the first time on Tuesday.
“It’s a stroke of luck for us that a player like Patrick was on the market after Niklas’ injury. He brings playing quality and experience. He can also fill in for Niklas in his position, which allows us to play other players in their intended positions,” said Head Coach Benka Barloschky, who was delighted with the new signing.
Lots of experience for the Towers
The native of Mainz does indeed bring a lot of experience to the Elbe. Heckmann has 408 competitive games to his name, has also won the German championship and cup twice and has been a BBL All-Star three times. After spells in Mainz and Langen, the almost six-foot tall Heckmann played for Boston College for four years before continuing his career in Bamberg in 2015. He played a decisive role in the championships in 2016 and 2017. Via Ulm and Bamberg again, Heckmann now ends up in Hamburg. He will wear the jersey with the number 33 for the Towers
