TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
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TIP-OFF 2009-2010!
ULM HOSTS TELEKOM BASKETS BONN FRIDAY!
ratiopharm Ulm vs Telekom Baskets Bonn
Friday October 9th, 2009 7pm
Sportszentrum Kuhberg Ulm, Germany
ratiopharm Ulm tips off the exciting 2009-2010 Bundesliga basketball season with a challenging home game against Telekom Baskets Bonn Friday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm. Picking up right where they left off from last season, ratiopharm Ulm looks for revenge against the Bonn team who knocked them out of the playoffs before advancing to the Bundesliga Finals in June. While the opponent is the same as the last game from last season, the summer brought many changes to both teams as Ulm and Bonn rebuilt their rosters for the 2009-2010 season.
ratiopharm Ulm's exciting 2009-2010 Bundesliga season tips off Friday night with a challenging matchup against Telekom Baskets Bonn!
click here for regio-tv game preview!
click here for Sudwest-Presse Online interview!
Opening the new season with a double-game day weekend, Ulm hosts their season-opener for the first time in four years playing in the Bundesliga. Ulm had lost three straight season-openers on the road before upsetting brose Baskets Bamberg at JAKO Arena in last seasons opening game.
Over the last several seasons, Ulm and Bonn have split 6 games with each team winning three times at home. Both Ulm and Bonn enjoy rich basketball traditions and the two teams have played some entertaining and competitive games against each other over the last three years highlighted by last seasons Bundesliga playoff matchup. Head Coach Michael Koch and his team, well-known for their unique pink uniforms representing main sponsor Telekom, are always among the most talented and athletic in the Bundesliga.
ratiopharm Ulm captain Lee Humphrey looks forward to tipping off the new season and the challenge against Telekom Baskets Bonn.
Bonn's 2009-2010 roster features a good mix of experienced returning players along with talented newcomers. Back from Bonn's excellent team last year, former NBA small forward Vincent Yarbrough, athletic big man Patrick Flomo, physical post man John Bowler, hardworking key bench players JJ Strasser, Artur Kolodziejski and Alex King will once again play major parts in the Bonn success. A Bundesliga champion with the 2006 Bamberg team, Yarbrough was a key factor in Bonn's tremendous playoff run and will once again be a primary offensive player for Bonn. Flomo provides an athletic presence for Bonn, blocking shots, rebounding and providing inside offense. Bowler has enjoyed a tremendous preseason and is a fan favorite with his inside-out physical and skilled game. Bonn's captain Artur Kolodziejski, a former Ulm guard, is a perimeter threat and hardworking defender from the bench while athletic forward Alex King will play a bigger role this season adding a defensive presence and depth to the perimeter. Bonn's backup point guard JJ Strasser injured his hand earlier in the preseason and has been rehabilitating for the last few weeks. With these key players returning from last seasons excellent team, Bonn has a quality core of experienced veterans that experts rank among the best in the Bundesliga.
ratiopharm Ulm guard Rocky Trice will be an impact player this season!
Head-lining the new faces on the 2009-2010 Bonn team include skilled point guard Jared Jordan, talented scoring guard Bryce Taylor, physical post man Chris Ensminger and skilled German big man Tim Ohlbrecht. A creative pass-first point guard, Jordan will set the tempo for the Bonn team this season and his ability to distribute and find teammates will be a major part of Bonn's attack. A primary scorer for Bonn, shooting guard Bryce Taylor was a star at the University of Oregon and has been impressive in the preseason. Veteran big man Chris Ensminger was voted first team All Bundesliga after enjoying a terrific season with Paderborn. Ensminger brings a skilled and physical presence to the Bonn front line. Along with Ensminger, talented German post player Tim Ohlbrecht joins Bonn and will add depth to the front court.
This season, Bonn will be among the favorites in the Bundesliga. Along with their success within Germany, Head coach Michael Koch and his team have competed internationally as well. This season, Bonn will play in the EuroCup which will be fantastic competition for the team.
ratiopharm Ulm post man Coleman Collins
ratiopharm Ulm and Telekom Baskets Bonn met in the Bundesliga playoffs last season with Bonn sweeping Ulm 3-0 in their first round matchup. Bonn went on to reach the Bundesliga finals losing on the last possession of a decisive Game 5 in Oldenburg. Although Bonn beat Ulm in the series, each game was extremely competitive playoff basketball.
Point guards Per Gunther (Ulm) and JJ Strasser (Bonn) worked through preseason injuries in the last weeks.
ratiopharm Ulm tipped off their Best-of-Five Bundesliga Quarterfinal Series against Telekom Baskets Bonn Sunday May 17, 2009 with a hardfought 71-62 road loss before 5,100 fans at Telekom Dome. Ulm's first playoff game in 10 years, ratiopharm Ulm showed their inexperience falling behind by 13 points at halftime. Adjusting to the intense post-season action, Ulm stormed back with an 18-9 third quarter cutting the Bonn lead to 50-46 after three. Getting as close as 58-55 in the early fourth, Ulm's comeback fell short as Bonn protected their home court to take the 1-0 series lead.
click here for 5-17-09 Ulm @ Bonn Game 1 Summary!
Trailing Telekom Baskets Bonn by 17 points 67-50 with 7:34 remaining in the fourth quarter, ratiopharm Ulm huddled in a timeout facing an 0-2 deficit in their best-of-five Bundesliga quarterfinal series. With their backs against the wall, Ulm rallied together for a tremendous comeback outscoring Bonn 15-0 down the stretch pulling within one 70-69. Unfortunately for Ulm, the storybook ending was not to be. After a defensive stop gave Ulm the ball down one with 18 seconds to play, an errant pass turnover gave the ball back to Bonn. Following Bonn foul shots, Ulm had the ball down two 71-69 with 2.7 seconds to play. Inbounding the ball to point guard Dru Joyce, Ulm's floor general raced the length of the floor for a desperation runner just inside the top of the key. As the ball banked off the back of the rim, Ulm's stunning comeback fell just short. Ulm's first home playoff game in ten years, fell just short of a Sportszentrum Kuhberg classic as ratiopharm Ulm's comeback fell just short at the final buzzer.
click here for 5-21-09 Ulm v Bonn Game 2 Summary!
ratiopharm Ulm's exciting 2008-2009 season came to an end Sunday night May 24th with a hardfought road loss to Telekom Baskets Bonn in Game 3 at Telekom Dome. Playing with heart and effort, Ulm powered to an early lead before Bonn rallied to tie the score at 31 at the half. The tight game continued through a 51-51 third quarter setting the stage for an intense fourth. Ulm trailed 62-61 with 3:20 to play but Bonn sealed their series clinching win with big baskets and cool free throw shooting. ratiopharm Ulm's best playoff effort fell short but the team could take pride in their great effort to close a great season.
click here for 5-24-09 Ulm @ Bonn Game 3 Summary!
Last season, ratiopharm Ulm and Telekom Baskets Bonn split regular season games with each team protecting their home floor. Ulm beat Bonn 79-63 Saturday night March 22nd, 2009 at Sportszentrum Kuhberg powered by a terrific team effort with excellent focus and defensive energy. Dan Fitzgerald's three point shooting and Sean Finn's hardwork in the paint drove ratiopharm Ulm to the 79-63 home win over an outstanding Telekom Baskets Bonn team. Ulm took control of the game with a third quarter run triggered by Dan Fitzgerald three point shooting and Sean Finn inside finishes which stretched their advantage to 72-50 with five minutes to play. Sean Finn's 21 point 10 rebound double double paced Ulm production while Dan Fitzgerald drilled 5 of 10 threes to add 15 points and floor general Dru Joyce was excellent with 13 points 9 assists in the win. Earning their 5th win in 6 games, ratiopharm Ulm improved to 17-8 on the season.
click here for 3-22-09 Ulm v Bonn Game Summary!
Bonn beat ratiopharm Ulm convincingly at the Telekom Dome on Saturday night November 8, 2008. ratiopharm Ulm fell behind early for the first time this season and Telekom Baskets Bonn intense team defense and fast-breaking team offense did the rest in their November 8th 94-66 Bonn win before an energized Telekom Dome. While Ulm struggled through a sub-par performance, the story of the game was Bonn's suffocating team defense which blocked 9 Ulm shots and limited Ulm to 38% floor shooting. Jeff Gibbs posted a 15 point 11 rebound double double for Ulm in the loss.
Click here for 9-8-08 Ulm @ Bonn Game Summary!
In 2008-2009, ratiopharm Ulm and Telekom Baskets Bonn split two meetings with each team protecting their home court. May 10th, 2008, Ulm celebrated the final game of the 2007-2008 Bundesliga season by earning an exciting 93-83 home win over Telekom Baskets Bonn before a sold out Sportszentrum Kuhberg.
click here for Ulm vs Bonn May 10th, 2008 Game Summary!
Earlier in 2008-2009, ratiopharm Ulm dropped a tight 82-77 decision January 26th 2008 at Hardtberghalle in Bonn. Playing for the first time since returning from the Bundesliga All Star break, Ulm played without PG Kyle Bailey who was rehabilitating a broken thumb. When Dru Joyce received his second unsportsmanlike foul of the game in a second half scuffle with Bonn's Ronnie Burrell, Ulm struggled down the stretch playing without a true point guard as the hot Bonn team extended their winning streak with the victory. Ulm's strong effort fell short keeping them 0-2 at Bonn's Hardtberghalle since returning to the Bundesliga last season.
click here for link for photos from Christian Schumacher at www.american-sports.info
January 26, 2008 Ulm @ Bonn Game Summary
In the 2006-2007 season, Telekom Bonn won the initial meeting between the two teams 87-75 at Hardtberghalle November 17th. In the second meeting, March 31st at Sportszentrum Kuhberg, ratiopharm Ulm topped Bonn 80-68 in a hotly contested game. Click the links below for Game Summaries from recent Ulm v Bonn games:
2006-2007 March 31st Game Summary
2006-2007 November 17th Game Summary
ratiopharm Ulm's Sebastian Betz is focused for a strong season!
ratiopharm Ulm's new-look team features an athletic front court of new players including post men Coleman Collins and Christian Burns. Both players give Ulm tremendous transition game and can create offense in the post or on the perimeter. Also new to the front court is active big man John Bryant who overcame back problems in the preseason and is ready to provide depth in the post. Talented young forward Robin Benzing looks to establish himself as a rookie in the Bundesliga and will play an important role for Ulm this season. Ulm's backcourt features sharpshooter Lee Humphrey who led the Bundesliga in three point makes last season and was named new team captain this preseason. Bundesliga Newcomer of the Year Rocky Trice has been an impact player on both ends of the floor this preseason and his relentless play will drive Ulm in 2009-2010. Depth on the wing will be provided by hardworking Sebastian Betz who takes more responsibility this season. At the point, rookie Kevin Kanaskie gained valuable experience this preseason as Bundesliga Rookie of the Year Per Gunther rehabilitated a foot injury suffered with the German National team this summer. While Per has worked tirelessly to be ready for the start of the season, the healing process could take more time and might keep Per sidelined a little while longer.
For ratiopharm Ulm, Friday's season-opener brings tremendous energy and excitement to Sportszentrum Kuhberg. The anticipation about Ulm's new-look, young team has grown steadily throughout the preseason and Ulm is happy to finally have their entire team together. Overcoming an injury-riddled preseason, ratiopharm Ulm's young team is excited about meeting the challenges of the Bundesliga together.
ratiopharm Ulm's new team tips off the new season Friday night!
Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
TAYLORHOOPS.COM GAME NOTES
FIRST HOME OPENER
When Ulm hosts Bonn Friday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg, it will mark the first time ratiopharm Ulm has opened the Bundesliga season at home. Ulm played in Frankfurt in 2006-2007, opened in Braunschweig 2007-2008 and traveled to Bamberg in 2008-2009.
YOUNGEST TEAM IN THE BUNDESLIGA
ratiopharm Ulm features the youngest team in the Bundesliga as the 2009-2010 season tips off. While young German talents Per Gunther (21) and Robin Benzing (20) attract much attention, Ulm's talented young team includes American players Coleman Collins (23), Christian Burns (24), Rocky Trice (25) and Kevin Kanaskie (23). This season Ulm's average age is 21.5 years of age ranking among the youngest all time in the Bundesliga.
INJURED POINT GUARDS
Both ratiopharm Ulm and Telekom Baskets Bonn have injury concern at the point guard position. Ulm's Per Gunther has been working through a foot injury suffered with the German National team this summer while Bonn's JJ Strasser injured his hand earlier this preseason. Both players will be game time decisions and could miss the season opener friday night.
ULM'S INJURY RIDDLED PRESEASON
ratiopharm Ulm is very happy to start up the regular season after suffering through an injury riddled 5 weeks of preseason. Ulm players Per Gunther (foot fracture), Lee Humphrey (ankle), Christian Burns (ankle), John Bryant (back) and Sebastian Betz (ankle) all missed part of the preseason due to injury. Ulm is now close to full strength as they wait for point guard Per Gunther's healthy return to the team.
Ulm Roster
Lee Humphrey: sharpshooter named team captain in preseason!
Rocky Trice: Ulm wing enjoyed outstanding preseason!
Coleman Collins: talented post man has important role for Ulm
Christian Burns: talented power forward key for Ulm success
Robin Benzing: talented German forward looks to make mark in Ulm
Per Gunther: talented young PG rehabbing summer foot injury
Kevin Kanaskie: hardworking rookie gained experience in preseason
Sebastian Betz: takes more responsibility with bigger role this year
John Bryant: hardworking post man overcame back injury and is ready
Jerome Bridgewater: young wing provides depth
Head Coach: Mike Taylor
Asst Coach : Rainer Bauer, Tunde Adekola
Location: Bonn, Germany
Main Sponsor: Telekom
Home Court: Telekom Dome
website: www.telekom-baskets-bonn.de
2008-2009:
PLAYOFFS:
Offense: Bonn has excelled in transition over the last several seasons and the trend should continue once again with new point guard Jared Jordan who is an outstanding passer and distributor. Scoring guard Bryce Taylor and veteran wing Vincent Yarbrough provide the Bonn offense with two excellent scoring options and team captain Artur Kolodziejski gives Bonn a three point threat off the bench. This season, Bonn's strength could be on the block as post players John Bowler, Tim Ohlbrecht, Patrick Flomo and Chris Ensminger give Head Coach Michael Koch plenty of scoring options down low. The experience from last seasons successful playoff run and international competition sets Bonn up well for the 2009-2010 Bundesliga.
Defense: An aggressive team defense, Bonn will rely on their physical post players including the athletic shot-blocking Flomo to protect the paint. Bonn has quality depth in their front line which will allow them to play aggressive on the block. Over the last few seasons Bonn has turned to a 3-2 zone to change the rhythm of the game often after a halfcourt trap. It will be interesting to see how the loss of Bundesliga Defensive player of the year Ken Johnson will impact the Bonn team. On the perimeter Bonn gets terrific defensive effort from team captain Artur Kolodziejski and backup PG JJ Strasser. Look for young German forward Alex King to play a major part of Bonn success with his excellent defensive effort this season. New starting backcourt Jared Jordan and Bryce Taylor replace departed EJ Rowland and Winsome Frazier which changes Bonn's defense. Overall, expect Bonn to once again be a tough defensive team with an improved physical presence down low.
GM:
Head Coach: Michael Koch
Players:
Vincent Yarbrough : veteran wing is experienced and skilled
Artur Kolodziejski: captain/team player/excellent on D
John Bowler: recently returned from injury to boost lineup
Bryce Taylor: talented scoring guard will be primary scorer in Bonn
Jared Jordan: excellent passer and playmaker new PG for Bonn
Chris Ensminger: All Bundesliga big man in Bonn adds physical game
Tim Ohlbrecht: talented post new in Bonn after playing in Bamberg
Johannes Strasser: backup PG/rehabbing a hand injury
Patrick Flomo: ultra athletic F/ shotblocker and rebounder
Alex King: athletic, versatile wing, adds depth in Bonn
