TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
@ 
REMATCH IN FRANKFURT!
ratiopharm Ulm @ Deutsche Bank Skyliners
Saturday January 15th, 2010 6:30pm
Ballsporthalle Frankfurt, Germany
ratiopharm Ulm travels to Frankfurt for a rematch against the Deutsche Bank Skyliners Saturday night at Ballsporthalle. Since the two teams met Thursday January 6th at Sportszentrum Kuhberg, ratiopharm Ulm lost to league leading brose Baskets Bamberg while Skyliners used a 24-0 third quarter run to beat Ewe Baskets Oldenburg Sunday January 9th. Unbeaten at their Ballsporthalle home in Frankfurt, Deutshce Bank Skyliners will be out for revenge against ratiopharm Ulm who earned an 87-82 victory in the season's first matchup. Focused for the rematch in Frankfurt, ratiopharm Ulm looks to reach new heights against the strong Skyliners.
ratiopharm Ulm forward Robin Benzing and teammates are focused for Saturday's rematch against the strong Deutsche Bank Skyliners.
Frankfurt's 2010-2011 roster features a talented core and quality role players. Point guard DaShaun Wood runs the show currently leading the Bundesliga in scoring at 17.4ppg. An attacking point guard with tremendous quickness and skills, Wood (4.8reb 4.9ast 39% threes) has the ability to get into the lane, break down the defense to create and finish in a variety of ways. Certainly, stopping Wood will be a big challenge for ratiopharm Ulm defense. Veteran point guard Pascal Roller is used at both backcourt positions and is shooting 41% from three. Veteran scoring guard Jimmy McKinney (10.7ppg 2.8reb 32% threes) has stepped his game up under Coach Herbert to become a key weapon for the Skyliners backcourt. Athletic wing Quantez Robertson (5.4ppg 5reb) adds an excellent athletic dimension to the attack and sharpshooting German guard Dominik Bahiense de Mello (7.9ppg 45% threes) provides a terrific perimeter threat. In the post, athletic Roger Powell (11.8ppg 4.8reb) gives his team an athletic presence with strong effort on both ends while Finnish four man Kimmo Muurinen (7.7ppg 4.5reb 50% threes) stretches the floor as a three point threat. Hardworking Canadian big man Jermaine Bucknor (8.7ppg 3.5reb 35% threes) also adds versatility and perimeter skills to the frontcourt. Physical Bundesliga veteran Marius Nolte (5.3ppg 3.3reb) does the dirty work for Frankfurt and plays a blue collar role for the Skyliners attack on both ends of the floor. Recently, Frankfurt signed talented post player Chris Moss and the experienced big man will make his Skyliner debut Saturday night at home against ratiopharm Ulm. After Ulm's advantage in the paint and on the boards from the first meeting, Moss's addition could become a big factor depending upon his conditioning level. Young players Filmore Beck and Fabian Franke round out the roster providing depth as they develop.
Earlier this season, the entire Bundesliga sympathetically turned attention to Frankfurt when veteran wing AJ Moye suffered a stroke. After a successful run with Walter Tigers Tubingen and an excellent 2009-2010 in Finland, the former Indiana Hoosier returned to the Bundesliga with the Frankfurt Skyliners this year. In 9 games, AJ was very productive scoring 10.7ppg with 6.2reb before his sudden stroke. Rehabilitating and working hard, AJ has demonstrated admirable heart as he works through his phyical problems. As ratiopharm Ulm and Deutsche Bank Skyliners meet, Ulm basketball fans will reflect on AJ Moye sending thoughts, prayers and well-wishes his way.
ratiopharm Ulm's All Star point guard Per Gunther in action against outstanding veteran German guard Pascal Roller in last season's matchup against the Deutsche Bank Skyliners at Sportszentrum Kuhberg
Head Coach Gordie Herbert has been one of the most successful head coaches in the Bundesliga over the last few seasons winning the 2003-2004 Bundesliga championship and competing with the Skyliners in the Euroleague. After moving on to Pau Orthez France, Aris Thessoliniki in Greece and the Georgian National team, Gordie moved to the NBA with the Toronto Raptors. Last season, returning to Frankfurt, Gordie guided the team through a strong finish to the season and drive to the Bundesliga championship where they fell to Bamberg in an excellent series. In his second stint with the Skyliners, Gordie has his team playing excellent basketball as Frankfurt brings a 13-5 record to Saturday's rematch but more imporant the Skyliners are 10-0 at Ballsporthalle this season.
ratiopharm Ulm guard Rocky Trice attacks the rim in the January 6th meeting against Deutsche Bank Skyliners at Sportszentrum Kuhberg.
Entering the game in second place, the Skyliners lost their opener in Oldenburg 70-67 October 2nd, beat Dusseldorf 58-43 October 10th and lost in Bamberg 71-62 October 13th in a rematch of last seasons German Cup and Bundesliga playoff finals. After the 1-2 start, Frankfurt reeled off seven straight wins and won 11 of 12 games improving to 12-3 by December 26th. In their most recent game, the Skyliners lost on the road in Bonn 92-89 December 29th at Telekom Dome in Bonn. Falling 87-82 Thursday January 6th in Ulm, Frankfurt beat Oldenburg at Ballsporthalle in their last game before Saturday's rematch.
ratiopharm Ulm captain Lee Humphrey drives a gap as Frankfurt's Dominik Bahiense de Mello defends.
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 in 2008-2009, ratiopharm Ulm responded with a sweep of their own evening the series at 3-3. With Frankfurt claiming two wins over Ulm in 2009-2010, the Skyliners pushed ahead in the series 5-4.
ratiopharm Ulm post man Sean Sonderleiter goes strong to the hoop as Frankfurt's Kimmo Muurinen and Roger Powell challenge.
Most recently, ratiopharm Ulm earned their fourth victory in five games with a hardfought 87-82 home win over second place Deutsche Bank Skyliners Thursday afternoon January 6th, 2011 at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm. Center John Bryant powered his way to a 22 point 12 rebound double double while captain Lee Humphrey buried a perfect five of five threes on his way to 20 points in the exciting home win.
click here for complete 1-6-11 Ulm vs Frankfurt Game Summary!
ratiopharm Ulm captain Lee Humphrey and teammates are all smiles after their 87-82 home win over Deutsche Bank Skyliners Thursday afternoon at Sportszentrum Kuhberg. Lee hit a perfect five of five from three point range keying the victory.
click here for 1-6-11 Box score
click here for post game Press Conference
click here for photo gallery from Ulm v Frankfurt
In their visit to Frankfurt in 2009-2010, ratiopharm Ulm and Deutsche Bank Skyliners competed throughout a game that saw 17 lead changes and 11 ties, but it was Aubrey Reese's clutch three point jumpshot with just over 1 minute to play that helped the Skyliners edge Ulm in a hardfought game Saturday night Febuary 26th, 2010 at Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt. Returning home to face his hometown team, ratiopharm Ulm's Robin Benzing led the attack scoring 20 points on 4 of 7 three point shooting while Christian Burns added 15 points 6 boards and Coleman Collins finished with 13 points 6 rebounds for Ulm.
click here for 2-26-10 Ulm @ Frankfurt Game Summary!
ratiopharm Ulm forward Robin Benzing and former Frankfurt forward Derrick Allen compete for a rebound in Saturday Febuary 26th, 2010 game at Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt.
click here for Box score
Click here for Ulm @ Frankfurt Photo Gallery from Skyliners!
click here for DSF TV highlights
Early last season on Friday October 23rd, 2009 at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm, Frankfurt topped Ulm in an early season offensive shootout. ratiopharm Ulm and Frankfurt exchanged baskets in an exciting first half, but it was the Skyliners late second quarter run that helped them take control of the game and eventually earn a hardfought 95-82 road win at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm. Seth Doliboa led the Skyliners with 23 points while Derrick Allen added 21 points for Frankfurt. Ulm's defense allowed Frankfurt to shoot 58% from the floor and Ulm's offense was led by 19 points 8 rebounds from Christian Burns. Robin Benzing and Coleman Collins scored 16 points apiece and Ulm also received 15 points 4 rebounds 4 assists from Rocky Trice.
click here for Ulm v Frankfurt October 23, 2009 Game Summary!
click here for October 23, 2009 Box score
Click here for Ulm v Frankfurt Photo Gallery!
click here for Ulm v Frankfurt photo gallery from Sudwest Presse
click here for regio-tv report
ratiopharm Ulm forward Coleman Collins works on the post against Frankfurt's Jermaine Bucknor.
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!
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!
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
ratiopharm Ulm point guard Per Gunther is focused for a challenging matchup against Bundesliga scoring leader DaShaun Wood of the Skyliners.
For ratiopharm Ulm, games against the Skyliners are always exciting. This season, forward Robin Benzing is especially excited for games against Frankfurt after the Jungenheim Germany native played with TV Langen Giraffes in Pro A before moving to Ulm. Growing up on the out-skirts of Frankfurt, Robin looks forward to every game against the Skyliners in Frankfurt.
Focused for Saturday's challenge against the Skyliners, ratiopharm Ulm aims to be the first team to win in Frankfurt this season while the Skyliners look to keep their home winning streak alive. 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: athletic guard focused for Skyliner matchups
Coleman Collins: athletic post man ready for Skyliner frontcourt
Sean Sonderleiter: physical post man ready for Frankfurt big men
Robin Benzing: excited for games against Skyliners in Frankfurt
Per Gunther: young playmaker focused for 2nd matchup v Roller/Wood
Travis Walton: PG key in matchup v Roller/Wood
Sebastian Betz: hardworking wing energizing team as 6th man
John Bryant: outstanding C looks for repeat performance v Skyliners
Christian Grosse: working hard and pushing teammates daily
Michael Wenzl: 19yr old C getting experience
Andreas Wenzl: talented young F named to NBBL all star team!
Head Coach: Mike Taylor
Asst Coach : Tunde Adekola
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Main Sponsor: Deutsche Bank
Home Court: BallSporthalle
website:
2009-2010: 21-13 7th place (lost to Bamberg in Finals)
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 squad is a balanced team that revolves around the excellent point guard play of DaShaun Wood and Pascal Roller. Attacking in transition, great in ballscreens and tremendous in penetration, Wood is one of the best scorers in the Bundesliga and has the ball in his hands with the Skyliner offense. 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.
Defense: The Skyliners are a wellcoached fundamentally sound team that plays hard and physical defense. An athletic team, Frankfurt likes to pressure the basketball and pressure passing lanes when in man to man.
GM: Dr Gunnar Woebke
Head Coach: Gordon Herbert
Players:
Pascal Roller: outstanding German PG /experienced and skilled
DaShaun Wood: attacking PG leads Bundesliga in scoring
Jermaine Bucknor: hardworking F an inside-outside threat
Roger Powell: physical, athletic post key to inside game
Kimmo Muurinen: Finnish 4man skilled and stretches defenses
Dominik Bahiense De Mello: top young shooting G hitting 45%
Quantez Robertson: athletic perimeter, versatile and skilled
Jimmy McKinney: talented former Mizzou 2G back in lineup w Skyliners
Marius Nolte: hardworking post man gives Frankfurt energy
Chris Moss: recently signed post player with high level experience
Fabian Franke
Filmore Beck
