Germany star Marco Pesic believes his country have a chance to establish themselves once and for all as a great basketball nation at the FIBA World Championship in Japan.

Dirk Bauermann's team surprised most by reaching the gold medal game at last year's EuroBasket even after the team's bronze-medal run at the 2002 FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis.

Pesic, who played on both occasions, has warned this year could be even better.

"In the last EuroBasket, we didn't play with the best team as we had three important players out injured,” he told PA Sport.

		“	It doesn't matter who you face, I think the competition will be much harder than the last World Championship	„
		Marco Pesic

"I think the team in Japan will be much stronger, and we want to defend our bronze medal."

The one player who gives Germany a chance to go for glory every time they step on the floor is NBA all-star Dirk Nowitzki.

Pesic believes the seven-foot Dallas Mavericks forward will be raring to go in Japan.

"Dirk always makes an impact," said Pesic, who brushed aside concerns that Nowitzki might be burned out after a very hard NBA season.

"I know Dirk and I know that he will do even better in the World Championship."

But it's not only Nowitzki who has done the country proud in recent years and Pesic insists that the team ethic has been most responsible for Germany's achievements.

"The German national team is one generation of players who grew up together," he said.

"Five or six players who grew up as one group and we all have the same responsibility. This is what makes us strong and a good team."

Last year, Nowitzki was voted most valuable player of the EuroBasket after averaging more than 26 points per game.

Germany will discover on Sunday which of the 24 teams they will face in the group stage of the FIBA World Championship when the draw is made in Japan.

"We always want to avoid the United States," added Pesic.

"European teams like Italy, Serbia (& Montenegro), France, Greece or Spain are the most dangerous of all, and then there's Argentina.

"You have to have respect them but we are not afraid of anybody.

"There are no longer small teams in basketball.”

The competition only had 16 teams four years ago and the enlargement will only make it more challenging in Japan.

"With more teams in the competition, the more dangerous it gets,” admitted Pesic.

"It doesn't matter who you face, I think the competition will be much harder than the last World Championship.

"That is why we will have to leave our emotions on the side and play basketball.

"It is a very special tournament."