Status: 29.09.2025 07:16 a.m.
Born in Braunschweig, basketball star Dennis Schröder is world and European champions. And recently also children’s book author. On Sunday he presented the book “Wir Jungs from Prinzenpark” in his hometown.
The 32-year-old grew up in Braunschweig and spent a lot of time with basketball games in the Prinz-Albrecht-Park. Schröder has been playing NBA in the North American professional league for twelve years. Two years ago, as captain, he led the German national team to victory at the World Cup, two weeks ago the European championship title followed. For this, Schröder was honored with a great reception in his hometown, Mayor Thorsten Kornblum (SPD) announced that he wanted to make Schröder an honorary citizen. The NDR Lower Saxony spoke to the basketball star on the edge of his book presentation.
Mr. Schröder, how did the idea to make a book for children?
Dennis Schröder: My wife Ellen was the person who motivated me there. Our career, or my career, the way I went so far, which is very special, I think. I think that can help children simply give them such a motivation on their way. The book is about team cohesion, family cohesion, friends, the circle of friends and how important this is. That’s why we made the book.
As a NBA player, you are constantly on the move: When did you have time to work on the book?
Schröder: We simply sat down with the author Christian Tielmann. We were sitting at a table, everyone who is in the book. We just talked about childhood. That was also very, very cool, because we didn’t see each other for a very long time. Then Christian did his job. And I think it has become really good, better than that doesn’t work at all. I also met Jan Saße, he made the illustration for the book. Anyway, the whole Carlsen Verlag, as you worked with us, especially with my wife Ellen, was very pleasant.
We are here in the Prinzenpark, where everything started. What does it mean to be here again?
Schröder: The prince park is part of my story. I think it’s cool that people are still playing basketball and are at the start. And the people who skate here. Because, I also spent a lot of time here. I always get goose bumps when I’m here.
You have three children yourself: What role do books play? Do you read your children?
Schröder: Yes, of course, as much as possible, currently from my own book. In the past a lot of curious George (German: Coco – the curious monkey), of course English books in America. When I was small, I never read a book or read it. It was a different time, but I think it is extremely important to give the children to the children, especially before going to bed. And that’s why it plays a big role for our family.
They tell their own story in the book. For this they have dealt intensively with their childhood. Did you have a happy childhood?
Schröder: Yes definitely. I mean childhood, that’s the best time. You don’t have any worries. You get up, you eat, go to school. With my people, my friends with whom I shared this and who are still there, it was a great time. And yes, I grew up very happily.
They are world and European champions, the sports hall was named at their former school. Braunschweig’s mayor offers you the city’s honorary citizenship. What does that mean to you?
Schröder: That’s all. You worked very hard for that, every single day. The appreciation that you are recognized is of course a huge honor, that is not a matter of course. That’s why I’m of course happy about everyone who supports me.
Your life probably still offers many exciting stories. What else is to be expected?
Schröder: Yes, a lot. There are still many things to come. We are already working on it now.
