Matthias Strauss, former German basketball captain, dies at 70

Matthias ‘Matzi’ Strauss, a prominent figure in German basketball and former captain of the national team, has passed away at the age of 70 following a short, serious illness. His death was confirmed by the German Basketball Federation (DBB).

Strauss earned 116 caps for the national team and was a key leader during his tenure. His club career included stints with Eintracht Frankfurt, MTV Gießen—where he won the German championship in 1978 and the cup in 1979—and Alba Berlin, where he was considered a founding father of the club.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Strauss practiced as a dentist in Berlin for many years. DBB President Ingo Weiss and Alba Berlin Managing Director Marco Baldi both issued statements mourning the loss of a man described as an icon of the sport and a dedicated professional.