TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
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ULM PLAYS TWO FROM TOP!
ratiopharm Ulm vs EnBW Ludwigsburg
Friday October 12, 2007 7pm
Sportszentrum Kuhberg Ulm, Germany
ratiopharm Ulm @ Artland Dragons
Sunday October 14, 2007 5pm
Artland Arena Quackenbruck, Germany
Like the old saying --- "To be the best, you've got to beat the best" --- ratiopharm Ulm will meet two of the Bundesliga's top teams this weekend as the 2007-2008 basketball seasons gets into full swing. Friday night ratiopharm Ulm will host Baden Wurttemburg rival EnBW Ludwigsburg in their home opener at Sportszentrum Kuhberg before travling north to Quackenbruck for Sunday's tipoff against the powerful Artland Dragons at Artland Arena. Both talented teams advanced deep into the playoffs last season and are poised for excellent seasons to come. ratiopharm Ulm revels in the challenge to compete against such top teams.
Ulm All Star Jeff Gibbs and his teammates are excited to challenge two of the Bundesliga's top teams this weekend!
When reflecting upon the Bundesliga last season, positive story lines played out for all three teams in Ulm, Ludwigsburg and Artland. While ratiopharm Ulm was a pleasant surprise in their Bundesliga "rookie" season, EnBW Ludwigsburg enjoyed a memorable year which saw them finish second in the regular season and advance to the Semi-finals of both the German Cup and Bundesliga Playoffs. The fantastic season in Ludwigsburg helped former PG Jerry Green earn league MVP honors and Head Coach Silvano Poropat earn Coach of the Year award. Without question, Ludwigsburg "team" play and success was a feel-good story of the Bundesliga last year. Similar success was found with Artland as the Dragons got healthy and caught fire down the stretch advancing to the German Cup finals along with the Bundesliga Playoff Championship series. Although the Dragons came up short, their amazing playoff run was fantastic to follow for basketball fans all over the world. As an 8th seed, sweeping German power ALBA Berlin, topping rival Koln and going nose to nose with eventual "Meister" brose Baskets Bamberg, Artland played an inspiring season that will be part of Bundesliga history and one which their entire organization can be proud of.
Ulm post man Bryan Lucas helps to secure the paint for his team. Lucas is a crafty, skilled scorer with blue collar work ethic!
This season both EnBW Ludwigsburg and Artland Dragons will play in the extremely competitive ULEB CUP which is the second best international basketball just below the Euroleague. Representing the German Bundesliga with quality and class, both Ludwigsburg and Artland have assembled powerful teams which are built for success in Germany and abroad. Both organizations aim to make the next step in their development and capitalize on the momentum established from last year. For ratiopharm Ulm, an early season double game day weekend against such high quality opponents like Ludwigsburg and Artland is clearly not an easy schedule, but the young team embraces the challenges with enthusiasm and determination.
Rookie PG Dru Joyce is a tremendous competitor!
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ratiopharm Ulm vs EnBW Ludwigsburg
When ratiopharm Ulm plays their home opener Friday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm, the game will be special for several reasons. First, the obvious return of basketball action to the city of Ulm whose public endured the long off season without the game they love and team they support. Second, the first game against Ludwigsburg is not just against an opponent, but a matchup with a fierce rival. And third, the home debut of new ratiopharm Ulm players Kyle Bailey, Sean Finn, Dru Joyce and Sebastian Betz will take place. Sportszentrum Kuhberg will be jam packed for the Ulm season opener Friday night as basketball fans hungry for their "fix" have been anxiously awaiting the start of the new season to see their Bundesliga team back in action. Not only is the return of basketball exciting, the opening night opponent in EnBW Ludwigsburg provides the drama of a "derby" and long time rivalry. Mixed into all the excitement and action, Ulm's young team featuring new players make their Sportszentrum Kuhberg debut. With each new season, new memories are made that add to the tremendous tradition that is ratiopharm Ulm and the Ulm crowd provide outstanding support for their team. In fact, as the enthusiasm and excitement build up, there could be reason to make every season-opener in Ulm a "basketball holiday" in the city! Ludwigsbug lost several key players from last seasons special team including league MVP Jerry Green, star shooting guard J'kell Foster, skilled C Pavelus Cukinas and veteran wing Milan Goljovic. Replacing their nucleus with new players, Head Coach Silvano Poropat recruited well adding lightning quick PG Ronald Ross, versatile powerplayer Coleman Collins, sharpshooting Brandon Woudstra, physical combo guard Ed Norvell and skilled big wing Frank Young. Combine these talented newcomers with returning wing Jason Dourisseau, big man Michel Nascimento and 3pt specialist post man/captain Nils Mittmann, Ludwigsburg has a deep, talented and well balanced roster. Unfortunately, returning power forward Nate Harris injured himself in preseason and is out an extended amount of time. After trying out several players, Ludwigsburg settled on skilled veteran Chad Prewitt who was a major part of Artlands success in the front court last year. Prewitt joined Ludwigsburg early in October after a brief stint in Greece. A fast team with tremendous athletes, Ludwigsburg loves the transition game and applied ferocious ball pressure on opponents defensively. A different team from last season, Ludwigsburg will play a faster and more atheltic style but has the potential for another memorable season in 2007-2008. Last season Ludwigsburg topped Ulm early in the year in Ludwigsburg. Later in the year, Ulm and Ludwigsburg split a pair of games with Ulm winning at home (Click here for Game Summary) before Ludwigsburg took revenge knocking Ulm out of the Cup in a German Cup semi-final game at Rundsporthalle in Ludwigsburg. A competitive respect is held between the two teams and last seasons rivalry games provided basketball fans with tremendous highlights from the 2006-2007 year. Friday night in the home opener at Sportszentrum Kuhberg, basketball returns to Ulm with a showcase game against rival EnBW Ludwigsburg. For Baden Wurtemburg basketball fans, that is something special!
Ulm's Konrad Wysocki and teammates look forward to the challenge against the strong team from Ludwigsburg including big men Nils Mittmann and Michel Nascimento (7)
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ratiopharm Ulm at Artland Dragons
Sunday evening ratiopharm Ulm will tip off an exciting Game Day 3 in the 2007-2008 Bundesliga season at Artland Arena against the Artland Dragons. Ulm dropped a 75-70 decision in Braunschweig Saturday October 6th in their first road game of the season and now looks to raise their game to another level in Artland. Ulm and Artland split games last season as Ulm topped Artland at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in January. Respect must be given to the Dragons who overcame major injury adversity last year before making their fantastic German Cup and Bundesliga playoff run. Last season Ulm fell in Artland 99-81 as Jeff Gibbs powered his way to 19 points 7 rebounds on May 5, 2007 (click here for game summary) This year, making the long trip northward early in the season, Ulm aims for a better performance in the heated Dragons lair. Artland opened the season against powerful ALBA Berlin falling short on their home floor. Head Coach Chris Fleming has rebuilt his Artland squad into another team with tremendous potential. Key additions include Bundesliga veterans point guard John Goldsberry (from Leverkusen) and Center Adam Chubb (from Bremerhaven) along with talented newcomers EJ Rowland (St Marys), Terrance Thomas and Matt Freije. Returning inspirational leader Darius Hall and gifted scorer Lamont McIntosh will once again play major roles within the Dragons succes while veteran shooter Jan Rhodewald and talented young big man Dirk Madrich will also make big contributions. Prized signee Rich Melzer is out injured but the frontcourt is bolstered by Freije and Thomas whose versatility and skills compliment each other well. While Bundesliga teams expect excellent seasons from players such as Goldsberry, McIntosh and Chubb, the biggest surprise for the Dragons could be skilled combo guard EJ Rowland. For success, Ulm will need a tremendous defensive effort from their entire team and excellent production from starters with quality contributions from the bench. Certainly, meeting a top team like Artland brings out the best in competitors. Last season Ulm might have enjoyed a small element of surprise, but this year, the team will sneak up on noone. Sunday night at Artland Arena, ratiopharm Ulm aims for a strong road performance while the Dragons look to turn up the heat.
Steady team player Florian Mobius gave Ulm excellent minutes from the bench in Braunschweig and continues to be a dependable presence for the team!
After last Saturdays season opener on the road at Braunschweig, the 2007-2008 basketball season takes off with a fantastic double game day weekend for ratiopharm Ulm! Like the old saying, "to be the best, you've got to beat the best" and ratiopharm Ulm strives to be the best they can be! This weekend, Ulm takes on two of the Bundesliga's best in Ludwigsburg and Artland! Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
TAYLORHOOPS.COM GAME NOTES
FAST LIKE LIGHTNING
When Ulm faces Ludwigsburg at Sportszentrum Kuhberg on Friday night, tempo will be fully charged. With newcomers Ronald Ross and veteran Ed Norvell, Ludwigsburg often uses a 2 point guard lineup and pushes the pace when possible. Along with deadeye shooters like Brandon Woudstra and Nils Mittmann, the team will be a fastbreaking fun team for fans to see.
BUNDESLIGA to ULEB CUP!
Ludwigsburg and Artland will be representing the German Bundesliga in ULEB CUP action this season. Both teams aim to capitalize on last seasons success and turn the momentum into strong years in Germany and excellent experiences outside Deutschland. The entire Bundesliga wishes all German ULEB CUP teams and brose Baskets Bamberg who will compete in the Euroleague much success this year.
www.bbl.tv
New for basketball fans all over the world is the opportunity to watch Bundesliga basketball live online with www.bbl.tv.
RAINER'S HOMETOWN
Ludwigsburg native Rainer Bauer has been a tremendous asset to the ratiopharm Ulm organization over the last several seasons. A driving force in the teams youth programs, Bauer has also served as the teams assistant coach. Every game against his hometown Ludwigsburg team provides a special event for Bauer who was the head coach with Bayern Munich and also with Ulm in the 2.Bundesliga South in his career. A high school teacher, Rainer Bauer now calls Ulm home and will certainly be working hard for Ulm as his two "hometown teams" collide.
WYSOCKI REUNION!
Friday night when Ulm battles Ludwigsburg at Sportszentrum Kuhberg, the Wysocki family could be facing a difficult decision. While energizing Ulm F Konrad Wysocki will be in the starting lineup, younger brother Kevin is part of the Ludwigsburg organization as a talented prospect who plays in Kirchheim while practicing with the Ludwigsburg team. Although Kevin is unlikely to dress for the game, the evening will provide the Wysocki family with a special event through basketball and one they can be proud of.
CAPTAIN MITTMANN!
Ludwigsburg Captain Nils Mittmann has been a terrific player and an underrated key to their teams success over the last several seasons. But before Nils was captain in Ludwigsburg, he was the captain for ratiopharm Ulm under then Head Coach Rainer Bauer during the 2.Bundesliga South days. Certainly, Nils has earned respect in both teams and stands as the only current Bundesliga player to be captain of two teams in the league.
Ulm Roster
Emeka Erege:Ulm captain a game time decision with injury
Jeff Gibbs: powerful presence in paint had 16pt 17reb in opener
Bryan Lucas: steady and skilled, Lucas is a key for Ulm
Konrad Wysocki: energizer looks forward to home debut!
Kyle Bailey: new PG ready for challenge against top teams
EJ Gallup: made his debut in home win over Ludwigsburg last year
Dru Joyce: rookie PG prepared for excellent opponents!
Sebastian Betz: 22yr old wing impressing with steady progress!
Sean Finn: 7' big man strengthens Ulm middle!
Jan Sprunken: excellent minutes in Braunschweig!
Florian Mobius: dependable and improving, key for Ulm depth!
Head Coach: Mike Taylor
Asst Coach : Rainer Bauer
Location: Ludwigsburg, Germany
Main Sponsor: EnBW
Home Court: Rundsporthalle
website: www.enbw-ludwigsburg.de
2006-2007: 25-9 second place
Playoffs: 1st Round beat Leverkusen 3-1; 2nd Round lost to Bamberg 3-1
Offense: One of the best stories of last season was the outstanding team play of EnBW Ludwigsburg. Head Coach Silvano Poropat guided his team through a memorable regular season and deep into the playoffs before finally falling to eventual champ Bamberg in the semi's. Unfortunately, for Ludwigsburg, Bundesliga MVP Jerry Green and excellent guard J'kell Foster moved on along with C Pavelus Cukinas and several other key players. Rebuilding their team, Ludwigsburg has added lightning quick PG Ronald Ross and talented big man Coleman Collins to bolster the lineup. Brandon Woudstra, a bulls-eye 3pt shooter, moves to Ludwigsburg from Leverkusen and Frank Young adds more shooting as a big wing. In the post Michel Nascimento, a physical banger with post skills, and team captain Nils Mittman return to play important roles. Stephan Fahrad is new after playing in Karlsruhe and adds depth on the wing along with athletic Jason Dourisseau. Late in the preseason, reacting to an injury to starting 4 man Nate Harris, Ludwigsburg management made a brilliant move in signing experienced post man Chad Prewitt who played a key part in Artland's late season and playoff surge. Finally, physical PG Ed Norvell joins Ludwigsburg and could be a big part of the success this season.
Defense: With experience from last seasons success under their belt, Ludwigsburg has built an athletic and fast team which should help them on the defensive end and in transition this season. A physical and aggressive defensive team, this year PGs Ross and Norvell can set an excellent defensive tone with ballpressure. Big men Nascimento and Collins provide an excellent physical presence in the paint and the late preseason addition of Chad Prewitt is a terrific replacement for injured starter Nate Harris. With these new faces and momentum from a new gym being built, expect another strong season in Ludwigsburg.
Manager: Rene Beck
Head Coach: Silvano Poropat
Players:
Ronald Ross: blazing quick PG/excels in transition
Frank Young: shooting wing from West Virginia University
Coleman Collins: athletic/talented post from VA Tech
Jason Dourisseau: athletic wing will add depth to bench
Brandon Woudstra: one of best shooters in the league
Nate Harris: multi-skilled 4 man rookie from Utah St
Chad Prewitt: late preseason signing/former Artland F
Ed Norvell: physical PG brings experience
Michel Nascimento: talented and big/ signs from Nymburk
Nils Mittman: hardworking team player adds fire to team
Stephan Fahrad: hardworking team player
Sascha Kesselring: backup big man
Radisa Zdravkovic: big G moves up from MTV Stuttgart
Location: Quackenbruck, Germany
Main Sponsor: Artland
Home Court: Artland Arena
website: www.artland-dragons.de
2006-2007: 19-15 8th place
Playoffs: 1st Round beat ALBA 3-0, 2nd Round beat Koln 3-2, Finals lost 3-1 to Bamberg
German Cup Runners Up
Offense: Artland overcame tremendous adversity last season as the team suffered injury after injury throughout the year but in the end it was the Dragons who caught fire with a fantastic playoff run that saw their #8 seed advance all the way to the finals where they fell to Bamberg. Head Coach Chris Fleming reloaded the team with several key faces from within the league. PG John Goldsberry arrives from Leverkusen and C Adam Chubb from Bremerhaven. Both will be big factors in Dragon success. Athletic forward Terrance Thomas, Rich Melzer and Matt Freije are all exellent additions to the forward spots and combo guard EJ Rowland joins the Dragons backcourt with good pedigree. C Darius Hall who inspired his teammates with several memorable plays last season returns to lead the team and young F Dirk Maedrich returns from France Pro A. Finally, opponents should not look past veteran shooter Jan Rhodewald who is a great clutch three point shooter and gifted scorere Lamont McIntosh who overcame two stress fractures in his feet last season to be a force in the playoffs. Artland continues to grow and develop step by step year by year and fans can count on Artland being a force once again in 2007-2008.
Defense: Adding the athletic Chubb in the paint to team with Hall and the three new forwards Melzer, Freije and Thomas, Artland helped themselves significantly. Goldsberry and Rowland compliment each other well and the fundamentally sound Dragon defense should benefit from a healthy roster throughout this year. On the heels of such a fantastic playoff run last season, the Dragons new additions will enter 2007-2008 with momentum and expectations. As the team stays healthy they will surely continue the recent success in Quackenbruck and Dragon fans can enjoy the ULEB CUP action this season along their way back to the playoffs.
GM: Marko Beens
Head Coach: Chris Fleming
Players:
John Goldsberry: excellent Leverkusen PG now a Dragon
Lamont McIntosh: potential BIGTIME G/out 2mnths w injury
EJ Rowland: new G from St Marys University of WCC
Adam Chubb: athletic C joins Artland
Jan Rohdewald: veteran shooter also injured
Terrance Thomas: Baylor product played in Latvia and NBDL
Matt Freije: terrific F from Vanderbilt
Rich Melzer: excellent F has been close to make Spurs
Darius Hall: physical force in the paint
Paul Johnson: team player
Dirk Maedrich: young German post returns to Bundesliga
Hendrik Feist : young talent returns from Stoney Brook U.
