Misan Nikagbatse and Alex King have become the latest cuts by Germany coach Dirk Bauermann as he whittles his squad down for next month's EuroBasket.

The axing of 23-year-old Nikagbatse is a surprise as he played in four of the six European qualifying games.

Nikagbatse made his debut with the senior national team at the age of 19 and helped Germany clinch the bronze medal at the FIBA World Championship 2002 in Indianapolis.

		Misan Nikagbatse

The Berlin-born player will now join up with Vertical Vision Cantu, the club he has joined from Lega A side Sedima Roseto.

Cantu are Italy's representatives in the EuroCup.

The 20-year-old King, a 2m forward, will play for Opel Skyliners Frankfurt. Basketball fans in Germany are hopeful that 2005 will be a big improvement on the EuroBasket two years ago in Sweden when the team bowed out in the elimination round.

Superstar Dirk Nowitzki, a versatile 2.13m power forward, was not 100% for that tournament but is healthy now.

There are fitness concerns surrounding 2.13m centre Patrick Femerling, who had arthroscopic knee surgery last week.

He will not return to competitive action until right before the start of the EuroBasket.

The 1.99m guard Stefano Garris is also carrying a foot problem.

A player who is crucial for Germany is 2.02m small forward Ademola Okulaja, the 30-year-old whose last season was derailed by injury.

Okulaja, a Germany spokesman told PA Sport, is 70% fit but is improving.