MIKE T'S
2006-2007 Bundesliga
Scouting reports
click here for 2005-2006 Bundesliga in review
Location: Ulm, Germany
Main Sponsor: ratiopharm
Home Court: Sportszentrum Kuhberg
website: www.basketball-ulm.com
GM: Thomas Stoll
Head Coach: Mike Taylor
Offense: Returning starters Jonathan Levy, Captain Emeka Erege and power forward Jeff Gibbs, Ulm added PG Austen Rowland and C Bryan Lucas as new pieces to their puzzle. After last seasons 29-1 2.Bundesliga South championship, the clear strength of the Ulm team is their TEAM. C Maksym Shtein , a central figure for Ulm teams returns to help the post and Phenomenal-rebounding undersized PF Gibbs strengthens the middle. Konrad Wysocki brings energy and Jan Sprunken, Christian Grosse, Martin Thuesen and Florian Mobius are important team players from the bench. An intelligent team, Ulm will be tested by the outstanding Bundesliga opponents.
Defense: A solid defensive team, ratiopharm Ulm will be undersized and must find a way to overcome physical and athletic opponents to be successful. Again, the intelligence and heart of the Ulm players can be a key factor here. For ratiopharm Ulm, the time is right for the next step in the evolution of their organization --- they are hungry to stay in the Bundesliga!
Players:
Emeka Erege 6'5 excels in transition/ versatile defender
Maksym Shtein 6'9 excellent post scorer/ physical
Jeff Gibbs 6'5 widebody post scorer/ physical rebounder
Jonathan Levy 6'4 electrifying athlete/excellent defender
Austen Rowland 6'1 skilled PG good in transition
Bryan Lucas 6'8 smart, skilled and tough/ allstar in Austria
Konrad Wysocki 6'7 active and versatile/ready to breakout
Martin Thuesen 6'1 Danish National team PG/crafty leader
Florian Mobius 6'7 lanky athletic versatile in-out 6th man
Christian Grosse 6' competitive skilled point/ strong D
Jan Sprunken 6'3 shooter/Bundesliga experience/ team guy
Location: Cologne Germany
Main Sponsor: Rhein Energie
Home Court: Koln Arena/ Energie Dome
website: www.rheinenergie-koeln.de
2005-2006: 21-9 3rd place
(W 1st R playoff 3-0 Ludwigsburg; W 2nd R playoff 3-2 Bamberg; W German Championship 3-1 ALBA; FIBA CUP took 1st place (4-2) in Group B, then took 2nd place (4-2) in Group J, lost 1-2 to BC Kyiv in the quarterfinals)
Offense: An extremely athletic team, Koln features fantastic talent and will rank among the best teams in the Bundesliga. Behind the super perimeter play of Demond Mallet and the relentless play of slashing wing Immanuel McElroy, expect Koln to compete for a "Repeat"! Keep eyes on skilled combo guard Mladjen Sljivancanin who is a Bundesliga's "Ginobli". Athletic wings Faison and Ronnie Burrell and mobile big men Marcin Gortat and Guido Grunheid make Koln fantastic in transition. Head Coach Sasa Obradovic has scripted several excellent set plays which make his scorers hard to guard. In summary, all the pieces are in place for an excellent season ahead!
Defense: Koln's roster features fantastic athleticism which allows them to pressure all over the floor. McElroy, Faison and Burrell are all excellent defenders and Koln likes to "hound" opposing PG's with relentless fullcourt pressure from these big athletic wings. Mobile big man Marcin Gortat is also a defensive key with his athleticism. Most important, Koln competes and plays with the heart of a champion.
GM: Stephan Baeck
Head Coach: Sasa Obradovic
Players:
Immanuel McElroy: Bundesliga playoff MVP/relentless player
Demond Mallet: one of top scorers and most skilled players
Aleksander Nadjfeji: crafty veteran/ excellent skill/smart
Marcus Faison: athletic wing/runs floor/NBA experience
Ronnie Burrell: another super athlete/combo forward
Johannes Strasser: backup PG/hardnosed and skilled
Cem Dinc: big man from bench/ former IU Hoosier
Marcin Gortat: top athletic big man in Bundesliga
Guido Grundheid: 7 footer with J/National team player
Mladjen Sljivancanin: Ginobli of Bundesliga/ super skilled
Philipp Schuethelm
David Mertins: athletic young wing
Tibor Pleiss: young 7footer with potential
Location: Berlin, Germany
Main Sponsor: ALBA
Home Court: Max Schmelling Arena
website: www.albaberlin.de
2005-2006: 26-4 1st place
(W 1st R playoff 3-2 Oldenburg; W 2nd R playoff 3-1 Bremerhaven; L in Championship 3-1 Cologne ; ULEB CUP took 6th place (3-7) in Group A; Won German CUP!)
Offense: Possibly the most exciting team in the Bundeslgia, traditional power ALBA Berlin has reloaded their roster with fantastic firepower. Former NBA players William Avery and Rueben Boumtje-Boumtje have joined the Berliners for the new season. Skilled scoring guard Julius Jenkins moves to ALBA after playing in Belgium last season and athletic forwards Chris Owens (U of Texas) and Koko Archibong revamp the front line. League MVP and top scoring C Jovo Stanojevic, sidelined to start the season while rehabbing a knee injury, returns and will again dominate the Bundeslgia paint. Also returning for ALBA are athletic forward Sharrod Ford and experienced wing Nenad Canak. Matei Mamic could also possibly return during the season after suffering a scary neck-injury which has threatened his career. German National team guard Demond Greene is an explosive scorer with excellent talent in the backcourt. Top young players Joe Herbert (West Virginia) and Nicolai Simon add talent, youth and potential to the Berlin squad. Head Coach Henrik Rodl has devised a fundamentally sound attack and aims to have his ALBA Berlin team on the brink of a championship (as usual) in the Bundesliga!
Defense: One of the most physical and athletic teams in the league, ALBA can pressure on the perimeter, play physical using their athletes and overpower opponents with their size. ALBA has clearly loaded up this season and is determined to challenge for the championship. A key addition figures to be Koko Archibong who has earned a reputation as one of the best defensive players in the Bundesliga over the last several seasons with Bamberg. Without question, this ALBA team has poised itself to continue the outstanding tradition of the organization which brings respect and pride to the Bundesliga.
GM: Robert Mayer / Henning Harnisch / Carsten Rühl
Head Coach: Henrik Rodl
Players:
Jovo Stanojevic: MVP/Bundesliga's best big man/rehab knee
William Avery: former NBA/Duke G aims for big yr w/ALBA
Julius Jenkins: scoring combo G joins ALBA from Belgium
Demond Greene:national team G is great athlete
Joe Herbert: young talent G from WVU/National team
Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje: former Magic/Georgetown C
Chris Owens: former U Texas F/Jesse Owens relative
Koko Archibong: defensive Ace new to ALBA from Bamberg
Sharrod Ford: athletic big man adds depth to frontcourt
Nenad Canak: experienced player returns to help ALBA
Nicolai Simon: young PG joins ALBA from Ehingen
Yannick Evans: returns to ALBA after stint away
Location: Bamberg, Germany
Main Sponsor: brose
Home Court: JAKO Arena
website: www.brosebaskets.de
2005-2006: 24-6 2nd place
(W 1st R Playoff 3-1 Bonn; L 2nd R playoff 2-3 Cologne; *EUROLEAGUE 5th place (7-7) in Group A, then took 4th place (0-6) in Group F)
* best performance by German team in Euroleague
Offense: After a successful season was derailed by late injuries, Bamberg has added big athletes and skilled perimeters to their team for this season. Top big man Darren Fenn moves south to Bamberg after establishing himself as a Bundesliga elite bigman in Bremerhaven last year. Along with returning Chris Ensminger, Bamberg will be big, physical and talented. Athletic forwards K'zell Wesson and Vincent Yarborough (NBA exp) add a new element to Bamberg's frontcourt. Rising German star, the 6'11 Tim Olbrecht, also joins Bamberg after moving from Leverkusen. Important shooters Tim Begley and Robert Garrett return to add marksmenship and toughness to their team. New backcourt of DeJuan Collins and Adam Harrington could turnout to be the Bundesliga's best by seasons end. Team players veteran Ivan Pavic and young talent PG Sajmen Hauer round out the roster. On top of all this talent, outstanding Head Coach Dirk Bauermann, the German National team leader, will be in charge. Expect Bamberg to be right in the mix with a great chance to claim another title.
Defense: Hardworking, physical, disciplined...these words describe the Bamberg defensive system under Bauermann. Excellent size and depth add championship potential to the frontcourt. A balanced well designed team directed by Bauermann will drive Bamberg this season. Bamberg will again be a class team in the league and a great example of Bundesliga basketball.
Manager: Wolfgang Heyder
Head Coach: Dirk Bauerman
Key Players:
Darren Fenn: outstanding C/Bamberg from Bermerhaven
DeJuan Collins: top scoring G/ high level player
Adam Harrington: new shooter has sights set on big yr
K'Zell Wesson: excellent athletic 4/ new from France
Vincent Yarborough: former NBA F adds high level talent
Chris Ensminger: physical/big/experienced/depth in post
Tim Olbrecht: top German talent/6'11 and skilled!
Tim Begley: sweet shooting wing/ smart and tough
Robert Garrett: German National team wing/tough with J
Ivan Pavic: hardworking team player
Sajmen Hauer: excellent young PG
Location: Bonn, Germany
Main Sponsor: Telekom
Home Court: Hardtberghalle
website: www.telekom-baskets-bonn.de
2005-2006: 16-14 7th place
(L 1st R playoff 1-3 Bamberg; FIBA CUP
took 4th place (1-5) in Group G)
Offense: Despite an excellent season last year, preseason predictions bode well for Bonn. The addition of top PG Jason Gardner has inspired an unselfish, team attitude on the PINK players leading them to impressive preseason wins. Returning players Jason Conley and Artur Kolodziejski give balance to the perimeter while newly signed big men John Bowler (physical) and Patrick Flomo (ultra-athletic) provide unique weapons inside. Although TyRay Pearson ruptured an achilles and was lost for the season, newly added Gyasie Cline-Heard bolsters the block. Joining Bonn from Berlin, hardnosed Martynas Mazieka adds intensity and toughness to the team.
Defense: Although Bonn plays in PINK uniforms, they are anything but soft. Kolodziejski is a tough defender and Bowler is very physical. Flomo could develop into one of the best shot blockers in the league. The team oriented offense this season should also strengthen the teams commitment to the defensive end. Expect legendary German player Michael Koch to continue his success as Bonn head coach this season with a strong year and good push into the playoffs!
GM:
Head Coach: Michael Koch
Players:
Jason Gardner: could make single biggest difference in BBL
Jason Conley: Missouri Tiger back for 2nd yr in Bonn
Bernd Kruel: veteran big man
Martynas Mazieka: intense/hardnosed G/ new from ALBA
Artur Kolodziejski: captain/team player/excellent on D
TyRay Pearson: ruptured achilled - out for year
Gyasie Cline-Heard: recent added big man/ quality to post
John Bowler: physical and hardnosed/ underrated/ worker
Patrick Flomo: ultra athletic F/ shotblocker and rebounder
Jeff Schiffner: excellent perimeter shooter
Location: Bremerhaven, Germany
Main Sponsor:
Home Court: Stadthalle Bremerhaven
website: www.eisbaeren-bremerhaven.de
2005-2006: 19-11 4th place
(W 1st R playoff 2-3 Artland; L 2nd R 1-3 ALBA)
Offense: Bundesliga Coach of the Year, Lithuanian Play Caller Sarunas Sakalauskas has assmebled a quality roster of talent including excellent power guard Brian Jones and dead-eye shooting Nick Jacobsen. Princeton University product Judson Wallace was one of the most underrated F in the Bundesliga last season and Wiaczeslaw Rosnowski moves to Bremerhaven from a solid season in Nurnberg. New Eisbaren include big men Kevin Gardner and RT Guinn from the USA. Vytas Danelius, Audrius Maneikis and Zigmantus Jonusas will also be expected to make an impact. Replacing departed C Darren Fenn (Bamberg) will likely be a team effort this season.
Defense: Well-coached, physical and competitive, Bermerhaven advanced into the playoff semifinals last season behind a strong defensive effort. Battle-tested and experienced, expect Bremerhaven to compete among the Bundesliga's best this year.
GM: Jan Rathjen
Head Coach: Sarunas Sakalauskas
Players:
Brian Jones: one of top G in Bundesliga/ physical and clutch
Nick Jacobsen: smooth shooter/ moves well without ball
Judson Wallace: crafty inside-out scorer
Wiaczeslaw Rosnowski: active 3 man with great touch
Kevin Gardner: rookie big man with big shoes to fill
Vytas Danelius: joins Bremerhaven after playing in Giessen
Adam Chubb: US big man also played with Giessen
Audrius Maneikis: returns to Bremerhaven
John Bynum: hardworking G who carved a niche last season
Jannis Michael: bumps to big league after yr in Cuxhaven
Zigmantus Jonusas: joins Eisbaren from Poland
Robert Kulawick: young talent comes from ALBA Berlin
RT Guinn: veteran US big man with experience in minors
Location: Quackenbruck, Germany
Main Sponsor: Artland
Home Court: Artland Arena
website: www.artland-dragons.de
2005-2006: 17-13 5th place
(L 1st R playoff 2-3 Bremerhaven)
Offense: Artland Dragons feature several outstanding returning players including PG Filberto Rivera and big men Darius Hall and Chad Prewitt. Lamont McIntosh has potential to be one of the top newcomers in the Bundesliga. Unfortunately, McIntosh will be sidelined to start the season with a broken foot. Also on the IR, veteran combo guard Bryan Bailey and veteran shooter Jan Rohdewald will miss time from their team. Key pickups Adam Hess (a shooter who was excellent for Nymburk Czech Republic) and Sean Dockery (signed as an injury replacement to start the season) will work to spark the team through their injury-riddled tipoff. Brian Thornton (Xavier) will bolster the front line. Dragons are known for excellent execution and quality offensive attack under the direction of Head Coach Chris Fleming. Known as a terrific shooting team, most games, these Dragons are ON FIRE!
Defense: Again, Artland is another team that understands what it takes to win. Dragons take pride in their defensive effort and will have top of the league potential this season. Bailey is an excellent perimeter defender while both Hall and Thornton will be expected to guard the block. Without question, Artland will provide excitement and earn success this season!
GM: Marko Beens
Head Coach: Chris Fleming
Players:
Filberto Rivera: UTEP PG returns after great rookie year
Sean Dockery: Duke G is an injury replacement
Lamont McIntosh: potential BIGTIME G/out 2mnths w injury
Bryan Bailey: vet combo G also sidelined to start season
Adam Hess: quality 3/shooter/ signs after success in Czech
Jan Rohdewald: veteran shooter also injured
Tommy Smith: vet big man returns to Dragons
Chad Prewitt: skilled shooting big man
Darius Hall: physical force in the paint
Brian Thornton: big man joins Dragons from Xavier U.
Hendrik Feist : young talent returns from Stoney Brook U.
Location: Oldenburg, Germany
Main Sponsor: Ewe
Home Court: EWE Arena
website: www.ewe-baskets.de
2005-2006: 15-15 8th place
(L 1st r playoff 2-3 ALBA)
Offense: Solid, fundamental and organized, Oldenburg's offense revolves around high-scoring guard Tyron McCoy. New PG Carl Krauser will be expected to guide his teammates after an excellent career at Pitt. Underrated shooter Dan Grunfeld could be a sleeper after shooting the lights out in preseason. Big athletes Ajmal Basit (signed from Leverkusen) and D'Or Fischer add size and toughness to the team. Veteran Terry Black and hopefully healthy Desmond Penigar also look to add to the team. Heiko Schafartzik will handle backup PG duties after moving north to Oldenburg from Nurnberg.
Defense: Defensively, Oldenburg will feature big athletes and physical post men. Krauser adds toughness and wings Black and Penigar are among the most athletic in the league. Blending together the newcomers Krauser, Basit, Fischer, Grunfeld and Schafartzik will be an interesting challenge for veteran Head Coach Don Beck who always comes up with something quality.
GM:
Head Coach: Don Beck
Players:
Tyron McCoy: one of best scorers in league/go-to guy
Carl Krauser: Pitt PG looks to lead team
Ajmal Basit: physical post joins Oldenburg from Leverkusen
Desmond Penigar: athletic wing looks to be healthy this yr
Dan Grunfeld: smart shooter/been productive in preseason
Terry Black: veteran athlete adds experience
D'Or Fischer: big man/ new to team
Heiko Schafartzik: PG joins Oldenburg from Nurnberg
Tim Modersitzki
Armin Willemson
Daniel Strach
Location: Ludwigsburg, Germany
Main Sponsor: EnBW
Home Court: Rundsporthalle
website: www.enbw-ludwigsburg.de
2005-2006: 16-14 6th place
(L 1st rd playoff 0-3 Cologne)
Offense: A playoff qualifier for the last two seasons, EnBW Ludwigsburg has been a tough Bundesliga team based around hardwork and teamwork. This season the backcourt of veteran PG Jerry Green and talented newcomer Je'Kel Foster should bring excitement and talent. Milan Goljovic stretches defenses with excellent marksmenship and newly added big men Pavel Cukinas and Nate Harris should solidify the Ludwigsburg lane. With C Justin Davis rehabbing a knee injury, Ludwigsburg signed Michel Nascimento a large body with large talent from Brazil who played last year in Nymburk. Ludwigsburg bench is bolstered by hardworking forward Nils Mittman and athletic wings Jason Dourisseau and Gordon Scott. Veteran G Radisa Zdravkovic also moves up from MTV Stuttgart to add depth.
Defense: Head Coach Silvano Poropat has led the Ludwigsburg charge to overachieve the last two seasons qualifying for the playoffs with impressive work. This seasons team could be as aggressive and as athletic as ever in Ludwigsburg. The team has size, athleticism and will likely be a favorite to make the post season three years in a row. Changing defenses and applying pressure could be keys to the Ludwigsburg efforts.
Manager: Rene Beck
Head Coach: Silvano Poropat
Players:
Jerry Green: top PG with crafty mid-lane finishes
Jason Dourisseau: athletic wing will add depth to bench
Je'Kel Foster: impact newcomer with smooth J
Milan Goljovic: big wing with soft touch
Pavel Cukinas: inside scoring threat will be go-to in post
Nate Harris: multi-skilled 4 man rookie from Utah St
Nils Mittman: hardworking team player adds fire to team
Justin Davis: C rehabbing knee injury
Gordon Scott: veteran athletic wing
Sascha Kesselring: backup big man
Radisa Zdravkovic: big G moves up from MTV Stuttgart
Michel Nascimento: talented and big/ signs from Nymburk
Achmadschah Zazai: PG from SG Braunschweig
Location: Giessen, Germany
Main Sponsor:
Home Court: Sporthalle Giessen East
website: www.giessen46ers.de
2005-2006: 11-19 11th place Bundesliga
Offense: After a fantastic playoff run in 2004-2005, Giessen took a step back during their injury-laden 2005-2005 season. This years team is nearly all new as only 2 46ers return for excellent head coach Stephan Koch. The talent is here. Inside-out scoring F Reggie Moore will be a go-to guy and veteran wing Rouven Roussler looks for new life after moving to Giessen from Karlsruhe. Ernests Kalve, a super talent who joins Giessen from Benetton Treviso, and Aleksander Cubrilo will also play key roles. Ronnie Taylor and Obie Trotter are poised for strong seasons and Brian Snider and Marco Buljevic will add perimeter shooting. Returning big men Gerrit Terdenge and Flo Hartenstein hope to help return Giessen to their winning ways. The teams offensive identity will be interesting to watch develop as they look to replace departed star Chuck Eidson.
Defense: Always one of the most well-prepared teams, Giessen will compete and work every game. How quickly the new talent comes together will be an interesting equation. Giessen, one of the most traditional teams in the Bundesliga, look to re-establish their winning ways and when their newly configured roster comes together, their goals could be reality.
GM: Christian Maruska
Head Coach: Stephan Koch
Players:
Ronnie Taylor: scoring combo G signs with 46ers from Jena
Rouven Roussler: athletic wing new from Karlsruhe
Reggie Moore: skilled 4 man expected to be a primary man
Aleksander Cubrilo: veteran added to strengthen team
Ernests Kalve: young talent joins 46ers from Benetton Trev.
Gerrit Terdenge: veteran forward one of 2 returning players
Flo Hartenstein: 46ers tradition/ hardworking team player
Marco Buljevic: talented young shooting guard
Obie Trotter: athletic G could be best defender
Brian Snider: intelligent shooter new to Giessen
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Main Sponsor: Deutsche Bank
Home Court: Ballsporthalle
website: www.deutsche-bank-skyliners.de
2005-2006: 10-20 14th place Bundesliga
(FIBA CUP took 6th place (0-10) in Group D)
Offense: After a disappointing 2005-2006 which saw the Skyliners fall to borderline relegation team, Head Coach Charles Barton and GM Dr Gunnar Wöbke have also rebuilt their team with new hope. The dynamic duo of former Missouri Tigers Jimmy McKinney and Travon Bryant will be headliners for the Skyliners. McKinney and Bryant are outstanding scoring options and are both capable of big games. PG Eric Chatfield works extremely hard defensively and thrives in transition while wings Alex King and Stefano Garris are two of the most athletic German players in the Bundeslgia. Ohio State F George Reese and Tulsa big man Kevin Johnson are talented and will likely have a major hand in Skyliner success. Tate Decker, a smooth shooting big man, stretches defenses for Frankfurt. Young and talented guards Rudy Memba and Dominik Bahiense De Mello are building blocks for the future and have star potential. Ibrahim Diarra and Miroslav Todic are veteran workers who have the ability to spark the team.
Defense: With one of the most athletic lineups in the Bundesliga, the Skyliners have size in the post (Bryant, Johnson and Todic) and athleticism on the wing (Garris, King, Reese). Garris is an outstanding fullcourt defensive player. Possibly the hardest working defenders could be Chatfield and McKinney.
GM: Dr. Gunnar Wöbke
Head Coach: Charles Barton
Players:
Eric Chatfield: athletic/big PG/good in transition
Jimmy McKinney: scoring combo G/impact newcomer
Alex King: top German athletic wing prospect
Travon Bryant: super skilled inside out lefty big man
Tate Decker: sweet shooting big man/ stretches D
George Reese: athletic wing/inside-out scorer
Kevin Johnson: physical inside post man/ excellent athlete
Nino Garris: German National team wing/great on D
Dominik Bahiense De Mello: top young shooting G
Rudy Memba: fantastic young PG/Swedish
Miroslav Todic: physical and aggressive big man/ skilled
Ibrahim Diarra: hardworking veteran wing
Location: Trier, Germany
Main Sponsor: Bitburger
Home Court: Trier Arena
website: www.trierer-basketball.de
2005-2006: 15-15 9th place Bundesliga
Offense: After just missing the Bundeslgia playoffs last season, Trier has rebuilt their roster around two Canadian players and added an array of imports. With 8 import players and 2 Germans on the roster, Head Coach Joe Whelton and team have restructured their team around shooting guard James Gillingham and 7' C Nate Doornekamp. Athletic wing Brandon Gay will also be a big-time player for Trier while newly signed Tommy Adams and Ernest Scott could add instant offense. Look for Adams to be a top newcomer this season. Big men Danny Horace (physical), Brian Conklin and Josh Almanson (athletic) bring variety to the front court and lightning quick PG Spencer Ross will be the table-setter. Veteran C Detlef Musch and young G Patrick Palzer are two Germans on the roster.
Defense:Trier has built an athletic roster with big, physical post players. Ross' quickness makes him an excellent defender and Coach Whelton can choose from a variety of players to snuff any matchup problem in the frontcourt. An experienced team, Trier looks to get over the hump and into the Bundesliga post season this year!
GM:
Head Coach: Joe Whelton
Players:
Tommy Adams: excellent scoring G/ capable of going OFF
James Gillingham: dead-eye marksman from three
Nate Doornekamp: big C with skill/ building block for Trier
Brandon Gay: terrific scoring athlete at the 3/4
Ernest Scott: new addition expected to add offensive punch
Detlef Musch: veteran C one of good guys in the league
Patrick Palzer: young German G
Josh Almanson: athletic 4 man/ top player in Luxemburg
Spencer Ross: fast PG/strong defender/ looks to set table
Frederik Henningsen
Danny Horace: physical post joins Trier from Finland
Brian Conklin: new big man from U of Nebraska
Location: Leverkusen, Germany
Main Sponsor: Bayer
Home Court: Wilhelm-Dopatka-Halle
website: www.bayer-giants-leverkusen.de
2005-2006: 13-17 10th place Bundesliga
Offense: One of the most anticipated teams from the preseason, Leverkusen has recruited well keeping several key parts while adding quality over the offseason. Softshooting G Brandon Woudstra returns after a fantastic first year in the Bundesliga. Woudstra teams extremly well with playmaking PG Gordon Geib who penetrates and pitches to the hot-shooters on the perimeter. Like Gieb and Woudstra click, Leverkusen looks to balance their frontcourt combining physical and strong Nate Fox with active and athletic Derrick Allen. Powerful and talented Eric Taylor adds depth and skill to the new Leverkusen team. Perimeter players John Goldsberry (UNC Wilmington) and Gabe Martin look to add to their new team as will Jared Newson and Brandon Jennings. The question for Leverkusen revolves around teamwork and chemistry. When they solve these challenges, Leverkusen could skyrocket to the top of the Bundesliga.
Defense: Head coach Armin Kuczmann, the German National team Assistant Coach, looks to mold his talented team into playoff qualifier and bring back the fantastic winning tradition to Leverkusen --- the most successful team in Bundesliga history. On paper the team reads like a title contender with balance, experience, athleticism and versatility. Look for Leverkusen to challenge the top three teams (Koln, ALBA, Bamberg) as the season develops.
GM: Otto Reintjes
Head Coach: Armin Kuczmann
Players:
Gordon Geib: hardnosed PG/can score/playmaker
Brandon Woudstra: one of best shooters in the league
Nate Fox: vet big man/ physical and skilled
John Goldsberry: rookie G from UNC Wilmington
Derrick Allen: active rebounder/athlete/played in Karlsruhe
Gabe Martin: Liberty U wing/adds depth and skill to team
Jared Newson: athlete new to Leverkusen
Eric Taylor: powerful post/experienced big man/solid 5-4
Brandon Jennings: another new edition.
Location: Tubingen, Germany
Main Sponsor: Walter
Home Court: TüArena
website: www.walter-tigers.de
2005-2006: 11-19 12th place Bundesliga
Offense: Taking over the Tubingen team midway through last season, Head Coach Aaron McCarthy helped the Tigers finish the year positively. After a summer to recruit his players, Tubingen has a new look and new optimism. Only super-shooting G Igor Perovic and experienced big men Raski Katic and Robert Wintermantel return. New Import players expected to make an impact include newly named captain AJ Moye, speedy guard Johnny Gray and quality big men Jamaal David and Matt Kiefer. Hardworking wing Jay Thomas joins the Tigers after successful stints with Heidelberg and Bayern Munich. Athletic F Ray Nixon from U of Wisconsin should also prove a solid addition. One very positive aspect of the Tigers is their relentless rebounding. Although the team is new, the talent is there and the Tigers hope to spring up the standings this season.
Defense: A nice mix of athletes and size, Tubingen is capable of a variety of defensive looks. Athletes AJ Moye (league MVP in Iceland last season) adds intensity while Davis and Keifer are physical athletes. Thomas has always been a top perimeter defender with outstanding effort. As with last sason, the key for the Tigers remains how their personalities gell. Several players have the potential to be go-to guys and playmakers.
GM: Harald Prinz
Head Coach: Aaron McCarthy
Players:
Johnny Gray: speedy PG from U of Pacific
AJ Moye: relentless 3 with inside-out skills/MVP in Iceland
Jamaal Davis: big, athletic skilled post man
Matt Keifer: crafty 4 from Purdue University
Igor Perovic: super shooting combo guard
Rasko Katic: veteran big man/ starting 5
Robert Wintermantel: hardworking team player/veteran F
Jay Thomas: excellent perimeter D/team player
Tai Crutchfield: shooting G
Ray Nixon: versatile athletic F from U of Wisconsin
Location: Karlsruhe, Germany
Main Sponsor:
Home Court: Europahalle
website: www.bg-karlsruhe.de
2005-2005: 10-20 13th place Bundesliga
Offense: Revolving around Narcisse Ewodo's excellent scoring skills, Karlsruhe will feature a similar approach with new faces. Aside from the talented Ewodo, athletic combo G Domonic Jones returns for his 3rd season in blue and white. This year, the team added big man Ryan Bond from Artland and Peter Cipriano. Scoring G Dave Fergerson also will be a key factor. Experienced shooting post man Stefan Svitek will team with Bond in the paint. Key backups include wing Stefan Fahrad, young talented G David McCray and big men Andreas Hornig (added from Tubingen) and Fabrice M'Balla.
Defense: Athletic wings and physical post players characterize Karlsruhe. Domonic Jones ranks among the Bundesliga's best perimeter defenders and Ryan Bond is strong in the paint. Underrated wing Stefan Fahrad could have a breakout season.
GM: Matthias Dischler
Head Coach: Horst Schmitz
Players:
Domonic Jones: athletic combo G returns for 3rd yr
Narcisse Ewodo: Bundesliga All Star and a top scorer
Dave Fergerson: expected to add offense on wing
Stefan Svitek: vet post man/solid shooter and hardworker
Ryan Bond:experienced C/played in Artland and Schwelm
Andreas Hornig: backup C joins from rival Tubingen
Peter Cipriano: athletic player brings depth and energy
Fabrice M'Balla: big, physical, developing C
Stefan Fahrad: underrated wing/smart and team oriented
David McCray: talented young German G
Location: Nurnberg, Germany
Main Sponsor: SELLBYTEL
Home Court: NURNBERG Arena
website:
2005-2006: 9-21 15th place Bundesliga
Offense:. When the season tips off, Nurnberg will have already won. Working hard to overcome adversity and issues which almost forced the team to fold, Nurnberg management found a way to come up with money for their BBL Lisence. A revamped lineup will wear Falcon blue this season. After a surprisingly strong 2005-2006, shooter Sotiris Gioulekas returns as the teams top player. Veteran Michael Lake adds another sweet perimeter J. Vet Tim Knees must stay healthy and Nurnberg hopes for more from skilled F Ryan DeMichael. New additions Dwayne Lee (St Joe's), Justin Griffin (Hawaii-Hilo) and Cory Rouse (East Carolina) hope to provide athleticism and skill. Experienced backup G Sova Taletovic (Crailsheim), G Angelo Plantzas and F Robert Duhring will be counted on off the bench.
Defense: While the new additions add athleticism defensively, Nurnberg must have a healthy Tim Knees in the middle to battle with Bundesliga size. Defensive ability from the bench coul dbe a major factor Nurnberg must address this season.
GM:
Head Coach: Stephan Harlander
Players:
Dwyane Lee: 1st yr G from St. Joes
Justin Griffin: 1st yr G from Hawaii-Hilo
Sotiris Gioulekas: Bundesliga All Star /shooting 3 man
Tim Nees: veteran big man/has battled injury last yr
Ryan DeMichael: skilled inside-out F
Cory Rouse: 1st yr player from East Carolina
Michael Lake: veteran shooter/ could be a key for Nurnberg
Angelos Plantzas: undersized deep shooter
Sova Taletovic: veteran PG known from Crailsheim
Robert Duhring: hardworking F spark off the bench
Mario Gohring:
Matthias Meinel
Location: Braunschweig, Germany
Main Sponsor: BS Energy
Home Court: Volkswagenhalle
website: www.BS-ENERGY-Basketball.de
2005-2006: 7-23 16th place Bundesliga
Offense: Like Nurnberg, Braunschweig --- a traditional Bundesliga team ---overcame potential relegation to earn a BBL Lisence for this season. Outstanding head coach Emir Mutapic, who joined Braunschweig from ALBA Berlin, has renovated his roster with interesting recruiting over the summer. Only Peter Fehse (a 2nd round draft pick of the Sonics a few seasons back) and Flavio Stuckeman return. Another 2nd round draft pick, Miko Bjelica has been signed. Former Georgetown Hoya PG Ashanti Cook will run the offense and Tory Walker joins Braunschweig from Artland. Drazan Tomic, Kujadin Subotic, Nikita Kartchenkov, Vladimir Tica, Greg Morgan and Greg Davis round out the lineup. Interestingly, Davis and Morgan played in Poland last season, Tica for Belgian Champ Mons while Bjelica was with Moscow Red Star. F Wayne Powell was briefly with the team in the preseason but left in early September.
Defense: Coach Mutapic, a winner and veteran, has brought in his players and will form a strong unit from them. Always a strong defensive coach, Mutapic and Braunschweig can only be better than last seasons last place finish. Look for the new players to bring new life to the team.
GM: Norbert Volling
Head Coach: Emir Mutapic
Players:
Ashanti Cook: former Georgetown Hoya PG a rookie
Tory Walker: new player from Artland Dragons
Milko Bjelica : 2nd round draft pick this year
Drazan Tomic: Bjelica teammate w Moscow Red Star
Kujadin Subotic: played in Greece last year
Jorge Schmidt: 1 of 2 returning players
Flavio Stuckemann: returns to Braunschweig
Peter Fehse: 2nd Round drft pick of Sonics in 2001
Vladimir Tica: talented player won Belgian title last yr
Greg Morgan: played in Poland last yr
Greg Davis: played in Poland last yr
Location: Paderborn, Germany
Main Sponsor:
Home Court: Sportzentrum Maspernplatz
website: www.paderborn-baskets.de
2005-2006: 2.Bundesliga North Champions
Offense: After last seasons perfect 30-0 march to the 2.Bundesliga North championship, the only thing Paderborn lost was their main sponsor. Aside from this setback, Paderborn has built a solid team formed around returning PG Tim Black and excellent wing Steve Esterkamp. Scoring F Reggie Golson should be an impact player and G Sergerio Gipson and C Jordan Collins will be counted on heavily. Mark Patton from Marshall U was added to the team in September. Suffering an injury in the preseason, Tim Black will be sidelined several weeks and Lamar Hurd was added as an injury replacement.
Defense: While Paderborn was a dominant force in the 2.Bundesliga North, Head Coach Doug Spradley and his team face similar challenges to ratiopharm Ulm as "aufstiegers". Every game will be a challenge, but the team can play without pressure and compete to stay in the league.
GM:
Head Coach: Doug Spradley
Players:
Tim Black : top PG talent sidelined to start season
Steve Esterkamp: multiskilled wing is key for Paderborn
Sergerio Gipson: G from Illinois/Amsterdam Astronauts
Reggie Golson: scoring 3/4 joins Paderborn from TV Lich
Jordan Collins: 6'11 big man/ former NC State shotblocker
Mark Patton: rookie from Marshall Univ
Marius Nolte: helped Paderborn win a championship
Daniel Lienke: helped Paderborn win a championship
Christoph Hackenesch: helped Paderborn to a title
Chrisian Becker:helped Paderborn win a championship
Martin Duggen :helped Paderborn win a championship
Lamar Hurd: added as replacement for Black
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