Basketballer returns to Burgenland roots with Oberwart Gunners

Californian basketballer Deaken Stangl has returned to his family’s roots in Burgenland and joined the Oberwart Gunners, an Austrian Superliga team. The 25-year-old’s move was reported by ORF.

Stangl’s grandfather came from Eberau in the Güssing district. After growing up in a suburb of Los Angeles, Stangl decided this summer to move to Europe, despite never having visited Austria before.

“My grandfather set off in search of opportunities, and now I’ve done the same thing, just in the other direction,” Stangl said. He described playing basketball in Europe as fulfilling his “European dream” and said he already feels at home in Oberwart. He has also met second cousins there for the first time.

His teammates call him Dieter, a nickname given by the coach, who thought he needed a German name. On court, Stangl can play almost any position and is known for his long-range shooting.

He is still adjusting to the rules, particularly strict calls for travelling. Teammate Renato Poljak said Stangl learns quickly and is making fewer mistakes. Stangl also wants to improve his German and said he is considering staying in Burgenland: “I love it here.”

ORF reported that tens of thousands of people from Burgenland emigrated to the United States in search of the American dream.