TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
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TIP-OFF 2010!
ULM VISITS TELEKOM BASKETS BONN SUNDAY!
ratiopharm Ulm @ Telekom Baskets Bonn
Sunday January 3rd, 2010 5pm
Telekom Dome Bonn, Germany
ratiopharm Ulm tips off 2010 with a challenging road game against Telekom Baskets Bonn Sunday night at Telekom Dome in Bonn. At the midway point of the 2009-2010 Bundesliga schedule, both Ulm and Bonn look to tip off 2010 with a positive performance and open the new year with a win.
ratiopharm Ulm captain Lee Humphrey talking to his shot at the foul line earlier this season against Telekom Bonn.
Ulm is focused to bounce back from Wednesday's road loss to rival Walter Tigers Tubingen in the Baden Wurtemburg Derby while Bonn aims to bounce back from their road loss against Ewe Baskets Oldenburg in a rematch of last seasons exciting Bundesliga Finals Series. With the excitement surrounding the start of a new year and the start of the second half of the 2009-2010 season, ratiopharm Ulm is focused for the challenging road trip to the former capital city of West Germany.
This season, Telekom Baskets Bonn beat Ulm 89-81 in their opener October 9th but lost their next two games falling 76-75 at home against Artland October 11th and losing 91-71 at home October 16th. Bonn beat Hagen 82-59 October 23rd at home to even their record at 2-2. Head coach Michael Koch and his team picked up two impressive wins beating Frankfurt 74-67 at Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt October 25th before returning home to beat ALBA Berlin 65-53 October 30th. Dusseldorf edged Bonn 70-69 November 1st in a rivalry game and Bremerhaven beat Bonn 89-78 November 8th in Bonn. Bouncing back, Bonn beat Bamberg 80-69 November 11th at JAKO Arena in Bamberg but dropped their next game falling 87-74 in Gottingen November 17th. November 21st Bonn beat EnBW Ludwigsburg 74-59 in Bonn starting a six game winning streak which included victories in Braunschweig November 28th 74-69, over Paderborn 92-59 at home December 5th, 76-70 in Trier December 11th, over Tubingen 80-70 December 20th and against Giessen 83-76 December 27th. Last game, in a finals rematch, Ewe Baskets Oldenburg beat a shorthanded Bonn team 81-59. At 11-6, Bonn ranks among the Bundesliga elite once again at the halfway point of the 2009-2010 season.
ratiopharm Ulm rookie forward challenges Telekom Bonn's Tim Ohlbrecht in a matchup of talented young German players from the season-opener at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm.
Bonn's 2009-2010 roster features a good mix of experienced returning players along with talented newcomers. The talented backcourt of Jared Jordan (9.1ppg 5.5ast) and Bryce Taylor (14.2ppg 2.5reb 36%threes) have been two of the best newcomers to the Bundesliga this season. A recent addition to the team, former LSU Tiger Ronald Dupree has made a positive impact for Bonn producing 11.3pt 5.3reb 37%threes in eight games with the men of magenta. Powerful post man Chris Ensminger provides a physical presence in the paint and has averaged 12.7ppg 8.6reb while shooting 56% from the floor. Ensminger sat out the road loss in Oldenburg and is expected to be healthy for Sundays game against Ulm. Also new to Bonn this season, skilled German forward Tim Ohlbrecht (11ppg 4.1reb 43% threes) has established himself well with the Bonn team. 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 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. Unfortunately for Bonn, Yarbrough is out indefinitely recovering from a nagging knee injury. Flomo (5.9pt 4.4reb 60%fg%) provides an athletic presence for Bonn, blocking shots, rebounding and providing inside offense. Bowler is a fan favorite with his inside-out physical and skilled game, but the powerful big man continues to work his way back from injury. Bonn's captain Artur Kolodziejski (2.9ppg 32% threes), a former Ulm guard, is a perimeter threat and hardworking defender from the bench while athletic forward Alex King (4.4ppg 1.6reb) plays a bigger role this season adding a defensive presence and depth to the perimeter. Bonn's backup point guard JJ Strasser (4ppg 1.7ast) adds energy and a consistent perimeter shot to the rotation. 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 post man Coleman Collins finishing a play over Bonn's Chris Ensminger October 9th, 2009 at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm.
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's Rocky Trice working against Bonn's Artur Kolodziejski from action earlier this season at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm.
Earlier this season, ratiopharm Ulm tipped off their 2009-2010 Beko Basketball Bundesliga season with a hardfought 89-81 home loss to Telekom Baskets Bonn Friday night October 9th, 2009 at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm. After a slow start which saw Ulm trail 49-37 at half and by as many as 16 points in the third quarter, the young Ulm team stormed back taking a 66-65 lead into the fourth. But experience and big shots from Vincent Yarbrough and Artur Kolodziejski pushed Bonn to the road win. Robin Benzing and Lee Humphrey scored 15 points apiece to pace the Ulm attack.
click here for October 9th, 2009 Ulm v Bonn Game Summary!
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.
Last season in the playoffs, 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 loads the team bus Saturday morning for their road trip north and will practice Saturday night at Telekom Dome operating their usual road trip schedule. Ulm looks to improve upon their play away from home and win more road games in the second half of the season after going 1-8 on the road in the first half. Sunday evenings game in Bonn, who are 6-3 at home, is the next challenging opponent on the Ulm schedule.
HAPPY NEW YEAR IN 2010!
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 has made 43 of 102 threes 42%!
Rocky Trice: Ulm wing leads Bundesliga with 2.5steals per game!
Coleman Collins: talented post man has important role for Ulm
Christian Burns: led Ulm scoring last 4 games.
Robin Benzing: rookie F 12.1ppg 2.1reb 31% 3's 87% FT Most FTA.
Per Gunther: 6.8ppg 2.9ast 33% threes
Kevin Kanaskie: hardworking rookie
Sebastian Betz: 3.5ppg 43% from three this season
John Bryant: top post defender 5th in Bundesliga with 1.2 Blocks
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
Ronald Dupree: talented wing/high level talent/8gp for Bonn
