TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
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ULM FACES FRANKFURT FRIDAY!
ratiopharm Ulm vs Deutsche Bank Skyliners
Friday October 23th, 2009 7pm
Sportszentrum Kuhberg Ulm, Germany
ratiopharm Ulm tips off an exciting two game weekend when Deutsche Bank Skyliners visit Sportszentrum Kuhberg 7pm Friday night. After a strong week on the practice court, ratiopharm Ulm prepares to meet two of the best teams in the Bundesliga hosting Frankfurt Friday before making a weekend road trip to Berlin to take on powerful ALBA Berlin Sunday night at 5pm. Always intense and competitive, Friday's game between Ulm and Frankfurt has all the makings of the next terrific basketball game between the two Bundesliga teams.
ratiopharm Ulm rookie forward Robin Benzing looks forward to Friday's game against Frankfurt.
click here for regio-tv preview!
click here for Sudwest-Presse online preview!
ratiopharm Ulm's Coleman Collins was excellent in two games last weekend and now takes aim on Frankfurt and Berlin.
Frankfurt's 2009-2010 roster features returning key players Pascal Roller and Derrick Allen. A skillful veteran playmaker, Pascal Roller has been among the top point guards in the Bundesliga and the face of the Skyliners for several seasons. A former German National team PG, Roller will once again be a floor general for Frankfurt. Meanwhile, post man Derrick Allen has been one of the top scorers and rebounders in the Bundesliga throughout his entire career ranging from Karlsruhe, Leverkusen and now in Frankfurt. An crafty post man with endless energy, Derrick gives the Skyliners a go-to-post man and has led Frankfurt in scoring all four games this season. Along with Roller and Allen, athletic post man Greg Jenkins and three point threat Dominik Bahiense de Mello return giving the Skyliners quality inside and out. Head Coach Murat Didin will also rely on several important new faces to power the Frankfurt attack. Talented three man Seth Doliboa joins the team after successful seasons in Portugal and provides Frankfurt with an inside-out scoring threat. Athletic point guard Aubrey Reese has been an impact player and the Murray State product brings top-level experience from Russia, France and Turkey. Former Auburn Tiger Quantez Robertson adds athleticism to the Frankfurt backcourt while former Paderborn forward Marius Nolte brings tremendous work ethic to the front court. Skilled wing Grayson Moyer and athletic post Qaraan Calhoun round out the Skyliner roster adding depth and quality to the team.
ratiopharm Ulm point guard Per Gunther drives the offensive attack.
This season, Frankfurt is 2-2 with two home wins and two road losses. The Skyliners opened the new season with a hardfought 71-67 overtime road loss to TBB Trier at Trier Arena October 9th. Frankfurt returned home for an 80-69 win over rival LTi Giessen 46ers Sunday October 11th. On the 15th, the Skyliners lost 63-61 to reigning Bundesliga champion Ewe Baskets Oldenburg at Ewe Arena before Head Coach Murat Didin and his Frankfurt team overwhelmed Walter Tigers Tubingen 98-66 October 18th.
ratiopharm Ulm guard Rocky Trice has been outstanding for his team this season.
Since returning to the Bundesliga in 2006-2007, Ulm's games against the Deutsche Bank Skyliners have been exciting and memorable. In the 2006-2007 season Ulm and Frankfurt split two games with each team winning on their home floor. In 2007-2008, with their sweep, the Skyliners took the upper hand. But last season in 2008-2009, ratiopharm Ulm responded with a sweep of their own evening the series at 3-3.
Early in 2008-2009, Ulm and Frankfurt played an intense and exciting game. Sparked by an intense defensive effort and unique lineup, ratiopharm Ulm staged an inspiring second half comeback to earn a tight 66-63 home win over the powerful Deutsche Bank Skyliners before a sold out Sportszentrum Kuhberg crowd Saturday night October 11th in Ulm. Slowed by the unique triangle and two defense employed by Frankfurt in the first half, Ulm countered with a small lineup featuring two point guards in the third quarter. After being puzzled by the intense Frankfurt defense in the first half, Ulm players found the solution in the second half solving the Skyliners changing defenses leading to the Ulm comeback. Romeo Travis led the Ulm attack with a terrific 15 point 11 rebound double double with help from All Star power forward Jeff Gibb's 13 point 12 rebound double double. Keith Triplett's defensive intensity was also a key to victory as the lock-down defender exhausted himself on-court with his effort helping Ulm to victory.
Click for complete 10-11-2008 Ulm v Frankfurt Game Summary!
ratiopharm Ulm entered Sunday Febuary 15th, 2009's road game at Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt, Germany focused for their best defensive performance of the season. A determined team effort with excellent bench production drove ratiopharm Ulm to a big 74-69 road win over Deutsche Bank Skyliners live on BBL.TV. Earning their first-ever win in Frankfurt and second win of the season over the Skyliners, underdog Ulm upset Frankfurt to take the head-to-head tie-breaker between the two teams. For ratiopharm Ulm, a terrific team effort led to a big road win!
Click here for 2-15-09 Ulm @ Frankfurt Game Summary!
Click here for 2-15-09 Ulm @ Frankfurt Box Score
Click here 2-15-09 Ulm @ Frankfurt photo gallery!
The initial meeting was Ulm's first Bundesliga game since their return last October. After controlling play and leading for 39 minutes, Eric Chatfield's buzzer beater stole the win in a fantastic finish as Frankfurt took a 73-72 victory. Later, at Sportszentrum Kuhberg, Ulm outlasted the powerful Skyliners in an exciting overtime game. The competitive 87-83 road win for Frankfurt January 12th, 2008 in Ulm set the tone for the new season. Using these three games as example, Wednesdays rematch should add to the competitive history between the two teams. Click the links below for Game Summaries from recent Ulm v Frankfurt rivalry games:
2006-2007 October 1st Game Summary
2006-2007 January 20th Game Summary
In the 2007-2008 season, Ulm and Frankfurt locked up for an excellent game at Sportszentrum Kuhberg. Saturday January 12th, 2008, the sharp Deutsche Bank Skyliner team made big plays down the stretch to emerge from Ulm with a tough 87-83 road win. ratiopharm Ulm received an outstanding effort in that home loss to the Skyliners from then-rookie PG Dru Joyce who spelled former Ulm guard Kyle Bailey in the starting lineup. The Akron native Joyce stepped up his game and responded with several blue chip performances for Ulm including a stat-sheet stuffing 20 point 6 rebound 7 assist night against Frankfurt. The tough Frankfurt defense limited Ulm to 39% shooting while Skyliners sank 51% of their own looks in the win. Frankfurt demonstrated their high-level potential in Ulm and sealed the road victory with clutch baskets from Pascal Roller, Jimmy McKinney and perfect free throw shooting down the stretch.
Click here for Ulm v Frankfurt Game Summary from January 12th, 2008
Later in 2007-2008, Wednesday Febuary 28th, Ulm positioned themselves well leading 59-52 heading into the fourth quarter but another Frankfurt finish, keyed by an 18-3 run, sealed the Skyliners 82-69 midweek win.
Click for complete Ulm @ Frankfurt Febuary 28, 2008 Game Summary!
ratiopharm Ulm power forward Christian Burns posted a 23 point 14 rebound performance in Hagen and now is excited for the Skyliners.
For ratiopharm Ulm, games against the Skyliners are always exciting. This season, rookie forward Robin Benzing is especially excited for Friday's game against Frankfurt after the Jungenheim Germany native played the last few seasons with TV Langen Giraffes in Pro A. Growing up on the out-skirts of Frankfurt, Robin looks forward to his first game against Frankfurt.
Demonstrating the competitiveness of the Bundesliga, ratiopharm Ulm split a pair of games last weekend by exactly the same score as they beat brose Baskets Bamberg 76-75 at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm before falling 76-75 on the road at INJOY-halle in Hagen. After a quality practice week, ratiopharm Ulm is excited to return to the floor facing two of the Bundesliga's best teams this weekend.
Friday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg, the next challenge is clear for ratiopharm Ulm. Facing the Deutsche Bank Skyliners, Ulm looks to tip off their exciting two game weekend another hard-fought win. Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
TAYLORHOOPS.COM GAME NOTES
Ulm Roster
Lee Humphrey: sharpshooter ready for tough Skyliner defense
Rocky Trice: has been outstanding for Ulm this season
Coleman Collins: looks forward to another strong weekend
Christian Burns: focused to build on big game in Hagen
Robin Benzing: excited for first matchup against Frankfurt
Per Gunther: young playmaker
Kevin Kanaskie: rookie pg leads ulm in assists
Sebastian Betz: hardworking wing focused for tough opponent
John Bryant: playing role perfectly from Ulm bench
Christian Grosse:
Head Coach: Mike Taylor
Asst Coach : Rainer Bauer, Tunde Adekola
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Main Sponsor: Deutsche Bank
Home Court: BallSporthalle
website:
2008-2009: 21-13 6th place
(Playoffs 1st round lost to Oldenburg)
2007-2008: 21-13 5th place
(Playoffs 1st Round beat Leverkusen 3-2)
(Playoffs 2nd Round lost to Bonn 3-2)
2006-2007: 15-19 13th place
Offense: Skyliners 2009-2010 squad is a balanced team that revolves around the excellent point guard play of Pascal Roller. Exellent in transition and skilled in ballscreens, Roller is a quarterback on the floor and sets the tempo for the team. The team likes to spread the floor and pressure defenses with ballscreen-dive action while stretching the defensive rotations with skilled shooting big men. Inside, Derrick Allen and Greg Jenkins are excellent post scorers. Dominik Bahiense de Mello is a developing shooting guard. Key additions include Aubrey Reese, Seth Doliboa and Quantez Robertson.
Defense: The Skyliners will employ various defensive tactics depending upon their opponent. A deep, athletic team, Frankfurt likes to pressure the basketball and pressure passing lanes when in man to man. They will play a 2-3 zone and even mix in some junk defenses like a triangle and two. Skyliners will also use halfcourt and fullcourt presses from time to time. Head coach Murat Didin always has a well-schooled, well-disciplined defensive unit with a strong game plan.
GM: Dr Gunnar Woebke
Head Coach: Murat Didin
Players:
Pascal Roller: outstanding German PG /key to team
Derrick Allen: active rebounder/athlete/allstar in Bundesliga
Dominik Bahiense De Mello: top young shooting G
Aubery Reese: experienced athletic pg making impact with Frankfurt
Seth Doliboa: talented inside-outside scoring threat
Greg Jenkins: athletic, hardworking post man gives Frankfurt presence
Quantez Robertson: athletic perimeter, versatile and skilled
Grayson Moyer: skilled wing sub
Qaraan Calhoun: athletic post sub recovering from injury
Marius Nolte: hardworking post man joins Frankfurt from Paderborn
Fabian Franke
Filmore Beck
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GERMANY'S BIGGEST STAGE!
ratiopharm Ulm @ ALBA Berlin
Sunday October 25th, 2009 5pm
O2 World Arena Berlin, Germany
ratiopharm Ulm travels to historic Berlin this weekend for a 5pm Sunday matchup against powerful ALBA Berlin on Germany's biggest basketball stage, the beautiful 02 World Arena. Ulm's young team looks forward to the challenge against the tradition-rich Berlin team and aims to continue Ulm's on-court success against ALBA.
The beautiful O2 World Arena is one of the best Arena's in Europe!
When basketball fans think of the best teams in Germany, ALBA Berlin is always involved in the discussion. In the 2007-2008 season, Head Coach Luka Pavicevic led his ALBA team to the Bundesliga championship in his first season on the job. The organizations 8th Bundesliga title, ALBA Berlin is also a 5 time German Cup winner and has finished first in Bundesliga regular season standings each of the last 5 years. Last season ALBA captured the German Cup beating Telekom Bonn in the finals at Colorline Arena in Hamburg. A dominant team in the 1990's, ALBA Berlin became a dynasty in German basketball during the Wendell Alexis era as the team captured the imagination of basketball fans in Deutschland. Much like a dominant franchise such as the New York Yankees or Dallas Cowboys, fans expect greatness from ALBA and every season is judged by Championships in Berlin.
Last season, ALBA moved from traditional MaxSchmellinghalle to the beautiful new NBA caliber O2 World arena and led all of Europe in fan attendance. The fantastic new O2 World Arena played host to a preseason NBA game between the New Orleans Hornets and Washington Wizards last preseason will hosted the Euroleague Final Four in May. Certainly the first class new home for ALBA Berlin puts them among elite basketball organizations in Europe. General Manager Marco Baldi was recognized as Euroleague exeuctive of the year for ALBA's tremendous success.
O2 World pictures from www.albaberlin.de
Winning the Bundesliga championship in 2007-2008, ALBA Berlin returned to the Euroleague in 2008-2009 and competed in Group C against European powers Tau Ceramica Victoria in Spain, Lottomatica Roma in Italy, DKV Joventut Badalona in Spain, Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul in Turkey and Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia. With Ewe Baskets Oldenburg winning the 2008-2009 Bundesliga championship, the Thunderbirds took the automatic Euroleague spot from the Bundesliga leaving ALBA with an opportunity to play their way into the highest basketball league in Europe. Earlier this season, looking to qualify, ALBA topped Le Man's from France before falling to Greek team Maroussi. As a result, ALBA Berlin competes in the EuroCup competition this season.
(click here for EuroCup information)
ALBA Berlin Head Coach Luka Pavicevic has guided his team to the 2007-2008 Bundesliga title and the 2008-2009 German Cup!
While the ALBA Berlin team fell just short of qualifying for this seasons Euroleague, they will always be among favorites for the Bundesliga championship. Starting the season 2-0, ALBA topped Giessen 81-76 in overtime October 16th in Giessen before winning an early season showdown against Ewe Baskets Oldenburg 69-67 Sunday October 18th.
With a number of key players returning from last season, ALBA's attack features plenty of weapons including former Bundesliga MVP Julius Jenkins, former Bundesliga defensive player of the year Immanuel McElroy and talented playmaker Rashad Wright. Steffen Hamann brings intensity, energy and hustle to the floor as a primary ballhandler and hardworking young German wing Philip Zwiener provides depth. In the post, ALBA relies upon Blagota Sekulic, Adam Chubb, Dragan Dojcin and along with talented newcomer Kenan Bajramovic.
In recent seasons, ratiopharm Ulm has challenged the powerful ALBA team resulting in exciting games. Berlin swept the teams 2006-2007 meetings before Ulm surprised ALBA to take both games in 2007-2008. Berlin won the classic double overtime German Cup quarterfinal game in 2008 and swept two competitive meetins in 2008-2009. In the last three seasons, ALBA holds a 5-2 head to head advantage over Ulm.
ratiopharm Ulm's trip to O2 World in Berlin last season was a clear ALBA victory. With excellent focus and physical defense, German champion ALBA Berlin controlled the game and cruised to an 84-69 home win over ratiopharm Ulm Wednesday night March 25, 2009 at O2 World in Berlin. Ulm's 1 for 13 three point shooting in the first half helped ALBA build a 41-26 halftime lead before Berlin maintained control throughout the second half. A focused ALBA team shot 54% from the floor as Immanuel McElroy celebrated his birthday with a 13 point 10 rebound performance while Ansu Sesay and Steffen Hamann contributed 13 points of their own. ratiopharm Ulm's Sebastian Betz added 12 points to the teams effort.
click for March 25, 2009 Ulm @ ALBA Berlin Game Summary!
Click here for 4-25-09 Ulm @ ALBA Berlin Photo Gallery
Click here for 4-25-09 Ulm @ ALBA Berlin Box Score
Early last season, ALBA Berlin visited Ulm for a game Sunday afternoon November 2, 2008. With an inspired team effort and fantastic sold out Sportszentrum Kuhberg crowd, ratiopharm Ulm rolled to a double digit first quarter lead and fought off the reigning Bundesliga champs for 35 minutes before ALBA Berlin took control down the stretch in their intense 85-69 road win Sunday November 2nd in Ulm. The exciting game featured highlights from both teams but it was ALBA's Ansu Sesay, Julius Jenkins and Casey Jacobsen who keyed the victory in the final five minutes. ratiopharm Ulm's Sean Finn continued his outstanding play against ALBA hitting 10 of 11 shots from the floor to topscore with 20 points for Ulm. Although the excellent effort fell short against the Euroleague Berliners, ratiopharm Ulm takes many positives from the game and will work to raise their level with the experience.
Click here for complete 11-2-08 Ulm v ALBA Game Summary!
Click here for Ulm v ALBA Berlin Photo Gallery
Click here for Ulm v ALBA Berlin Box Score
Click here for ARD TV highlights of ULM v ALBA game!
In 2007-2008, ratiopharm Ulm upset ALBA Berlin twice with two fantastic wins against the German power. And Ulm almost made it a perfect three for three in a classic German Cup dual. Wednesday March 19th, 2008, ratiopharm Ulm visited MaxSchmelling Arena for a German Cup Elite Eight round game with a trip to the Top 4 in Hamburg on the line. After upsetting ALBA twice in the regular season, Ulm's third attempt fell short in a double overtime classic Bundesliga game. Ulm's heroic effort was spoiled by now Sacramento King PG Bobby Brown's big shots and Bundesliga MVP Julius Jenkins second-OT three pointers.
Click here for Ulm @ ALBA German Cup Elite Eight Game Summary!
click here for Ulm @ ALBA German Cup photo gallery!
Against the odds, ratiopharm Ulm swept ALBA in the two Bundesliga regular season games. March 8th, 2008 ratiopharm Ulm went into MaxSchmellinghalle and emerged against long odds with a hardfought 94-90 upset win. A terrific team effort, Ulm's offense made big plays while the defense recorded important stops. The Game Day 23 win in 2007-2008 marked the first time ratiopharm Ulm had ever won at MaxSchmellinghalle.
Click here for complete Ulm @ ALBA Game Summary 3-8-08
ratiopharm Ulm celebrated two exciting upsets of ALBA Berlin in 2007-2008 season before ALBA eliminated Ulm from the German Cup in a classic double overtime game.
Ulm's amazing 92-90 upset win over ALBA Berlin at Sportszentrum Kuhberg October 27th, 2007 was the first time in team history the German power fell in Ulm. An outstanding team performance led to a memorable win for the Ulm organization and helped to spark early season success.
Click here for complete Ulm v ALBA Game Summary 10-27-07
Classic image of David v Goliath as Jeff Gibbs battles ALBA Berlins center Patrick Femerling for post position at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm.
In 2006-2007, ratiopharm Ulm dropped two decisions to ALBA Berlin, losing 88-67 Saturday October 7, 2006 at Sportszentrum Kuhberg and falling 73-64 at Max Schmellinghalle in Berlin Febuary 4th, 2007.
Click here for complete Ulm @ ALBA Flashback 2-4, 2007
Click here for complete Ulm vs ALBA Flashback 10-7, 2006
After exciting upsets in the past, ratiopharm Ulm will not sneak up on powerful ALBA Berlin. But ratiopharm Ulm will go all-out in their upset attempt.
click here for Mike Taylor's visit to ALBA vs Barcelona Euroleague game!
Last season, Ulm's Mike Taylor visited the beautiful new O2 World on the invitation of ALBA head coach Luka Pavicevic for the Febuary 26th game against Barcelona. The trip turned into an enjoyable experience with outstanding basketball and first class hospitality.
ratiopharm Ulm travels to Berlin Saturday for the back-end of their exciting two-game weekend. For Ulm, Sunday's game at the beautiful O2 World Arena in Berlin, the Bundesliga's biggest basketball stage, will be the next exciting challenge on the Ulm schedule. Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
TAYLORHOOPS.COM GAME NOTES
BUNDESLIGA BEST!
ratiopharm Ulm meets one of the elite teams in the Bundesliga Sunday in ALBA Berlin. ALBA won the German Championship 7 straight seasons from 1997 through 2003, captured the German Cup 1997, 1999, 2002 and 2003 and even won the Korac Cup in 1995. ALBA's 8th Bundesliga championship last season was their first since 2003.
FROM NURNBERG TO BERLIN!
Ulm's opponent ALBA Berlin features one of the top guards in the Bundesliga in Julius Jenkins. The 2007-2008 Bundesliga MVP, Ulm fans will remember Jenkins from his time excelling with Nurnberg in the 2.Bundesliga South. After joining the team midway through the 2003-2004 season, Jenkins was the MVP of the 2.Bundesliga South in 2004-2005 leading Nurnberg to the title and Aufsteig. Moving on to Bree in Belgium, Julius joined ALBA Berlin last season in 2006-2007 and is now one of the most electrifying scorers in the Bundesliga. Julius recently signed a three year contract extension with ALBA Berlin.
Location: Berlin, Germany
Main Sponsor: ALBA
Home Court: O2 World Berlin
website: www.albaberlin.de
2008-2009: 26-8 1st place
(Playoffs: beat Paderborn 3-2; lost to Bonn 3-2)
2007-2008: 27-7 1st place
Playoffs: Won Bundesliga Championship
ULEB Cup: 3rd place (4-6) in Group A
Offense: Offensively ALBA Berlin features a variety of weapons, effectively spreads the floor with shooters and pressures opponents with ballscreens and attacking penetrations. Julius Jenkins is a tremendous scoring guard and both Jenkins and Immanuel McElroy thrive in top of the key ballscreens leading to attacking drives. Shooting four man Dragan Dojcin pressure defensive rotations. Post players Adam Chubb and recently signed Blagota Sekulic are skilled and mobile. Berlin's point guard combination of hardworking Steffen Hamann and skilled Rashad Wright has been terrific this season. ALBA executes with precision in the halfcourt and always seems to shoot a high percentage but Berlin is also an outstanding transition team.
Defense: ALBA Berlin stands as one of the top defensive teams in the Bundesliga. Well-coached, physical and aggressive, ALBA plays excellent man to man defense featuring discipline in positioning with active help and rotations. Without question ALBA takes the mentality that 'offense wins games, but defense wins championships'.
Management: Robert Mayer / Henning Harnisch / Carsten Rühl
GM: Marco Baldi
Head Coach: Luka Pavicevic
Players:
Julius Jenkins: scoring combo G all star game MVP and Bundesliga MVP
Immanuel McElroy: relentless wing developing into key for ALBA
Dragan Dojcin: talented 4 man from Panionios Athen a skilled 3pt threat
Steffen Hamann: firey PG brings intensity, energy and leadership
Rashad Wright: highly talented PG back with ALBA Berlin
Adam Chubb: Bundesliga AllStar center/ talented, athletic post for ALBA
Blagota Sekulic: skilled and mobile big man
Philip Zweiner: talented young German wing
Kenan Bajramovic: high-level euro stretch 4/active and skilled post man
