MIKE T'S
2007-2008 Bundesliga
Scouting reports
click here for 2005-2006 Bundesliga in review
click here for 2006-2007 Season Summary
Location: Ulm, Germany
Main Sponsor: ratiopharm
Home Court: Sportszentrum Kuhberg
website: www.basketball-ulm.com
2006-2007: 16-18 12th place
GM: Thomas Stoll
Head Coach: Mike Taylor
Offense: ratiopharm Ulm ranked as one of the top offensive teams in the Bundesliga as a first year team last season and even posted the leagues top assist man and top rebounder. Despite being undersized, Ulm was one of the best offensive rebounding teams. However, the teams major weakness was perimeter shooting where they finished in the bottom three in 3pt FG%. Returning most of their frontcourt including key players at both forward spots and steady big man Bryan Lucas, Ulm's biggest question marks revolve around the loss of their starting backcourt. New additions Kyle Bailey, EJ Gallup, Sebastian Betz and Dru Joyce comprise the teams new backcourt and how well these players develop will determine how effective the Ulm offense is this season.
Defense: While the Ulm offense was a pleasant surprise last season, the teams defense surrendered far too many points. Mostly due to the rosters lack of size, Ulm changed defenses frequently using a variety of presses and zones to cover for their small frontline. This year, 7 foot C Sean Finn has been signed to bring a bigger presence to the paint. Like the offensive side, Ulm's new backcourt must also demonstrate the ability to defend. Certainly the loss of an athlete like Jonathan Levy will be felt on the defensive end particularly. Overall, Ulm is aiming to improve their halfcourt defense and defensive rebounding in the upcoming season. Ulm fans can expect more of the Team-oriented basketball which has been a trademark at Sportszentrum Kuhberg for the past 4 seasons. As is well known, Ulm's element of surprise as a new team is gone and the second year in the Bundesliga brings new challenges. The 2007-2008 ratiopharm Ulm roster is excited about these challenges in the season ahead!
Players:
Emeka Erege 6'5 hardworking captain/versatile defender
Jeff Gibbs 6'4 AllStar leading rebounder/ physical/in-out skill
Bryan Lucas 6'8 smart, skilled and tough/ steady post man
Konrad Wysocki 6'7 active and versatile/ready to breakout
Kyle Bailey 6'2 MVP of 2.Liga North/ ready to lead as PG
EJ Gallup 6'3 talented offensive weapon/3pt threat
Sean Finn 7' adds much needed size to Ulm frontcourt
Dru Joyce 6' rookie PG from Akron is a winner
Florian Mobius 6'7 lanky athletic versatile in-out 6th man
Jan Sprunken 6'3 shooter/Bundesliga experience/ team guy
Sebastian Betz 6'4 young talent A2 German national team
Location: Cologne Germany
Main Sponsor: Rhein Energie
Home Court: Koln Energie Dome
website: www.rheinenergie-koeln.de
2006-2007: 22-12 5th place
Playoffs: 1st Round Beat Bremerhaven 3-2; 2nd Round lost 3-2 to Artland
Euroleague: 8th place (2-12) in Group A
German Cup Champions
Offense: A Euroleague team last season, Koln re-structured their roster and changed from a veteran team to a younger team in the offseason. Loaning two top young Spainish talents (7'3 Nedzad Sinantovic and Marko Keselj) and adding rookie Americans Derrick Raivio and Curtis Sumpter, Head Coach Sasa Obradovic will have much work in the preseason to build up the attack. Fortunately, veteran players Immanuel McElroy and Aleksander Nadjfeji return and will key the team on both ends. Big man Milko Bjelica joins Koln from Braunschweig and is a talented big man who can score. Most interesting addition is German talent Misan Nikabatse who can be an impact player for the newly named 99ers. Also young F Yassin Idbihi returns to Germany after a successful college basketball career at U of Buffalo. Overall, Koln's offense will certain be structured and rely on extended sets with number of continuing options. This seasons roster in Koln may look a bit different because of all the new faces, but in time, expect the 99ers to develop into a playoff team.
Defense: Koln's team last season was excellent athletically and played tenacious man to man defense. Although C Marcin Gortat has moved onto the Orlando Magic and Devin Green to the Miami Heat, Koln does return Bundesliga Defensive Player of the Year Immanuel McElroy who is a "lock down defender". One new aspect for the 99ers will be the teams terrific size including 7'3 talent Nedzad Sinantovic. Also the athletic Nikabatse can be a terrific addition on the defensive end in Obradovic's scheme. Expect Koln to play intense hardnosed defense and compete all season long.
GM: Stephan Baeck
Head Coach: Sasa Obradovic
Players:
Immanuel McElroy: Bundesliga defensive POY/relentless
Aleksandar Nadjfeji: skilled veteran F returns to Koln
Milko Bjelica : joins Koln from Braunschweig/skilled post
Derrick Raivio: rookie PG from Gonzaga
Curtis Sumpter: rookie swing man from Villanova
Nedzad Sinanovic: 7'3 big man on loan from Real Madrid
Misan Nikabatse:athletic wing/German National team
Yassin Idbihi: rookie forward from U of Buffalo
Marko Keselj: 6'10 F on loan from Girona in Spain
Philipp Schuethelm: young German forward
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
2006-2007: 28-6 1st place
Playoffs: lost to Artland 3-0 in 1st Round
ULEB Cup: 4th place (4-6) in Group C, lost to Real Madrid (ESP) in the 1/8 Finals
Offense: In the mold of legendary head coach Svetislav Pesic, ALBA management handpicked Luka Pavicevic to replace Henrik Rodl this offseason. Certainly Pesic will bring a new style to ALBA who finished first last regular season but exited from the playoffs early. A roster change followed and only a few players return from last seasons rotation. Jullius Jenkins will be a go to scoring guard and Joe Herbert took the next step this summer with the German national team. German National team C Patrick Femerling also returns to the Bundesliga in the ALBA frontcourt. Top American big men Michael Bradley (former 76ers C) and DiJon Thompson will be counted on as impact players. Unfortunately, top PG Goran Jeterin injured his knee in the preseason ending his year early.
Defense: One of the best defensive teams year in and year out, ALBA features excellent size this season with 7 foot big men Michael Bradley and Patrick Femerling. Expect ALBA to continue with their tradition of outstanding team defense and remain a title contender this season.
GM: Robert Mayer / Henning Harnisch / Carsten Rühl
Head Coach: Luka Pavicevic
Players:
Goran Jeterin: injured knee in preseason
Julius Jenkins: scoring combo G back with ALBA
Joe Herbert: young talent G from WVU/National team
DiJon Thompson: super skilled forward new to ALBA
Michael Bradley: former NBA C will be
impact player
Dragan Dojcin: talented 4 man from
Panionios Athen
Bobby Brown: former Cal St Fullerton PG new to ALBA
Goran Nikolic: another excellent 4 from Madrid
Patrick Femerling: German National team C
Vujadin Subotic: joins ALBA from Braunschweig
Oskar Fasler: young player injured in preseason
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
2006-2007: 24-10 3rd Place
Playoffs: German Champions (1st round beat Bonn 3-2; 2nd Round beat Ludwigsburg 3-1, Finals beat Artland 3-1)
ULEB Cup: 5th place (3-7) in Group A
Offense: After revamping their team midway through last season, Bamberg built themselves into a Bundesliga power which rolled all the way to the Bundesliga title. While Bamberg lost Bundesliga offensive player of the year Casey Jacobsen to the Memphis Grizzlies, Head Coach Dirk Bauermann welcomes impact players in German F Ademola Okulaja, 7'C Luke Schenscher, talented wing Predrag Suput, skilled New Zealander combo guard Mark Dickel and athletic German G Demond Greene. Mix these top new players in with returning PG Steffan Hamann, skilled C Darren Fenn, bruiser Chris Ensminger, rising talent Tim Ohlbrecht and veteran shooter Robert Garrett and most preseason expectations consider Bamberg as a terrific chance to repeat. A structured halfcourt power team, Bamberg is solid and fundamental with excellent perimeter shooting and size with quality in the paint.
Defense: Hardnosed and physical, the trademark of Bamberg championship teams revolves around their team defense. Winning some games ugly, Bamberg simply shuts down opposition with tough man to man defense. PG Steffen Hamann sets the tone with outstanding perimeter defense and the physical presence of Ensminger in the lane makes a major difference. As with last season, expect Bamberg to be among the top defensive teams in the Bundesliga which will help them again challenge for a championship.
Manager: Wolfgang Heyder
Head Coach: Dirk Bauerman
Key Players:
Darren Fenn: outstanding C/Bamberg from Bermerhaven
Steffen Hamann: excellent PG/ competes/ makes plays
Ademola Okulaja: top German F returns to Bundesliga
Mark Dickel: new combo G from New Zealand
Demond Greene: athletic G joins Bamberg from ALBA
Predrag Suput: talented three man new to Bamberg
Luke Schenscher: 7' C adds even more size to Bamberg
Chris Ensminger: physical/big/experienced/depth in post
Tim Olbrecht: top German talent/6'11 and skilled!
Robert Garrett: German National team wing/tough with J
Ivan Pavic: hardworking team player
Location: Bonn, Germany
Main Sponsor: Telekom
Home Court: Hardtberghalle
website: www.telekom-baskets-bonn.de
2006-2007: 21-13 6th place
PLAYOFFS: lost 3-2 to Bamberg in 1st Round
Offense: Despite losing outstanding PG Jason Gardner to Oldenburg this offseason, Telekom Bonn has reloaded their team and looked sharp in the preseason. Experienced players return all over the lineup including hardworking F John Bowler and excellent scoring wing Jason Conley. New wing Winsome Frazier is lightning quick and will prove to be a strong addition and steady PG Miah Davis will run the team. Athletic F Ronnie Burrell (new from Koln) and Moussa Diagne provide talent and depth to the frontcourt. Veterans JJ Strasser and Artur Kolodziejski are fan favorites and terrific team players. Patrick Flomo opens the season on the injured list as he recovers from a knee injury last year. Veteran big man Bernd Kruel is another big man to throw into the mix. With a fundamental offense and a knack for creating offense from defense, look for Bonn to once again finish as a playoff team.
Defense: Although they play most games in Pink uniforms, Bonn plays a tough brand of man to man defensive basketball. Head coach Michael Koch has a good feeling for changing defenses and gets the most out of the teams defensive effort on a nightly basis. Hardworking team defenders like Kolodziejski symbolize the tough mindset of the Bonn team. The teams athletic frontcourt also features depth which allows them to be extra aggressive. Fans should consider Bonn as fundamentally one of the best defensive teams in the Bundesliga.
GM:
Head Coach: Michael Koch
Players:
Miah Davis: steady PG joins Bonn from France
Winsome Frazier: lightning quick one on one scoring wing
Jason Conley: Missouri Tiger back for 3rd yr in Bonn
Bernd Kruel: veteran big man
Artur Kolodziejski: captain/team player/excellent on D
Ronnie Burrell: another super athlete/combo forward
Johannes Strasser: backup PG/hardnosed and skilled
John Bowler: physical and hardnosed/ underrated/ worker
Patrick Flomo: ultra athletic F/ shotblocker and rebounder Moussa Diagne: athletic 6'8 F from Senegal
Location: Bremerhaven, Germany
Main Sponsor:
Home Court: Stadthalle Bremerhaven
website: www.eisbaeren-bremerhaven.de
2006-2007: 23-11 4th place
Playoffs: lost 3-2 to Koln in 1st Round
Offense: Bremerhaven lost 4 starters last season but have added several new talents in their place. Former Bundesliga All Star PG Brian Brown returns to Germany and will lead Bremerhaven this season. Outstanding shooters Nate Funk, a rookie from Creighton University, and Tommy Adams who arrives from Trier will provide the perimeter threat. Sharpshooting wing Zygimantas Jonusas returns to take a bigger role in the offense and big man RT Guinn will team up with Nate Doornekamp and Chris Young in the paint. A solid offensive team featuring terrific outside shooting and strong guard play, look for Bremerhaven to enjoy another strong season this year.
Defense: A physical and big team, Bremerhaven features a large frontcourt with Doornekamp, Young, Danelius and Guinn. These big men pack the paint like "trees" and play physical in the lane. Four new perimeter players will wear the Bremerhaven uniform this season and PG Brian Brown looks to be the leader on both ends. Despite being in their 3rd Bundesliga season, Bremerhaven has earned two trips to the playoffs and Dr Sarunas Sakalauskas, the 2005 Bundesliga Coach of the Year, has done a fantastic job with the team. Expect the Eibaren team defense to once again be terrific and push this team toward the top and a third straight trip to the playoffs along the way.
GM: Jan Rathjen
Head Coach: Sarunas Sakalauskas
Players:
Brian Brown: excellent PG returns to Bundesliga
Tommy Adams: shooter moves to Bremerhaven from Trier
Nate Funk: outstanding shooter/competitor from Creighton
Vytas Danelius: returns to Bremerhaven adding depth
Nate Doornekamp: big C with skill/ building block for Trier
Jan Lipke: German wing
Chris Young: physical post man brings toughness to team
Jannis Michael: bumps to big league after yr in Cuxhaven
Zigmantus Jonusas: joins Eisbaren from Poland
Ivars Timmermans: Latvian forward new to team
Alexander Zyskunov: young big man
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
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.
Location: Oldenburg, Germany
Main Sponsor: Ewe
Home Court: EWE Arena
website: www.ewe-baskets.de
2006-2007: 18-16 9th place
Offense: Following last years 9th place finish, Oldenburg welcomes new head coach Predrag Krunic for the 2007-2008 season. Completely cleaning house, Krunic added three American players and 5 new European players to the team. PG Jason Gardner is a key addition after an outstanding season with Bonn. Expect Gardner to once again be among the top playmakers in the league. Athletic wing Rickey Paulding joins the Thunderbirds and looks to make an impact. C Dan McKlintock was a go to scorer in France and should carry the same role in Oldenburg. Serbian wings Branislav Ratkovic and Mladin Pekovic join Oldenburg after success with BC Mega Ishrana last season and power forward Jasmin Pekovic is a key player for the teams frontcourt. Branimir Longin brings Spanish ACB experience to Oldenburg and Germans Daniel Hain (Hertener Lowen) and Daniel Strauch, a three point shooting big man, complete the team. Krunic's excellent coaching work in Bonn sets the table for a successful return to the Bundesliga in Oldenburg and this roster looks to be exactly the tools he needs to return the Thunderbirds to the playoffs!
Defense: Building the team and then working through the systems on offense and defense was a major focus for Oldenburg this preseason as head coach Predrag Krunic brought together 10 new faces. Look for Oldenburg to play a different style in 2007-2008 and once Krunic has had some time with his team, Thunderbird fans can expect this unique blend of players to produce a winner.
GM:
Head Coach: Predrag Krunic
Players:
Jason Gardner: outstanding PG runs Oldenburg this season
Branislav Ratkovic: Serbian Shooting G/BC Mega Ishrana
Rickey Paulding: former Missouri Tiger joins Thunderbirds
Milan Majstorovic: 6'10 Serbian C played in Spain ACB
Dan McKlintock: excellent big man new from France Pro A
Jasmin Perkovic: powerful Croatian 4man/skilled
Mladin Pekovic: Serbian swing man/BC Mega Ishrana
Branimir Longin: Croatian wing from Spainish ACB
Daniel Hain: young German wing from Hertener Lowen
Mirko Anastasov: young German post/played in Nordlingen
Daniel Strauch: spot shooting/rebounding German post
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: Giessen, Germany
Main Sponsor:
Home Court: Sporthalle Giessen East
website: www.giessen46ers.de
2006-2007: 11-23 16th place
Offense: Struggling to start last season, Giessen went through many changes but eventually emerged safe in the Bundesliga keeping their record streak of 41 consecutive seasons in Germany's top league alive. But the changes this offseason in 46er-land could make this significantly better for them in 2007-2008. Young head coach Thorsten Liebenath returns to Giessen after a successful stint with the Scottish Rocks in the British Basketball League. Along with the new coach, several new players will make a mark in Giessen. First, veterans Tory Walker (Braunschweig) and Corey Rouse (Nurnberg) move to the 46ers from within the league and add athleticism and skill. New guards Michael Umah (UNLV) and Shawan Robinson (newcastle eagles) add perimeter shooting and new big man Ed Nelson is a physical force with scoring skill in the paint. Returning players Rouven Roussler (a Giessen fan favorite), Gerrit Terdenge (a talented 4 man with inside-out skills), Marco Buljevic (a talented young shooter) and Flo Hartenstein (a physical team player), provide a strong foundation for the team. Unfortunately, skilled PG Obie Trotter opens the season injured and former Kentucky Wildcat Patrick Sparks has been added to the roster.
Defense: Giessen improved their team athleticism with the addition of Walker and Rouse and features better depth this season. Certainly the new players and new coach bring re-newed enthusiasm to the 46ers who aim to get off to a better start than last season. With Nelson and Rouse to defend inside and Walker upgrading the perimeter, the pieces are in place. Losing Trotter for several weeks early is a challenge and Giessen fans hope the combination of Sparks, Robinson and Umah can compensate until Obie can return. For the 46ers, look for an easier road to Bundesliga year 42.
GM: Christian Maruska
Head Coach: Thorsten Liebenath
Players:
Shawan Robinson: shooter arrives from Newcastle Eagles
Michael Umah: new PG from UNLV
Rouven Roussler: scoring wing playing 2nd yr with 46ers
Tory Walker: veteran wing arrives from Braunschweig
.Ed Nelson: big man joins 46ers after success in Finland
Corey Rouse: athletic F moves to Giessen from Nurnberg
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
Johannes Lischka: talented young German F
Richard Poiger: young player
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Main Sponsor: Deutsche Bank
Home Court: Ballsporthalle
website: www.deutsche-bank-skyliners.de
2006-2007: 15-19 13th place
Offense: The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have been a sleeping Giant over the last two Bundesliga seasons. Finishing in 14th and 13th place the last two years, Skyliners revamped their team and fans can expect a strong Skyliner squad in 2007-2008. It all starts with the return of talented PG Pascal Roller who spent the last two seasons in Italy. Along with Rollers floor generalship, Bundesliga All Stars Derrick Allen and Koko Archibong will play in Frankfurt this season as well. Allen is an energy-man who rebounds extremely well and Archibong is a fantastic defender. New big men Ilian Evtimov, Maksym Shtein and Kirsten Zolner also provide instant quality to the team. Jimmy Hunt will act as backup PG and returning Skyliners Nino Garris, Dominik de Mello and Alex King will continue their strong contributions. Unfortunately, the talented Jimmy McKinney injured his chest in preseason and will be sidelined for several months.
Defense: With improvement on their mind, Skyliners management and coaching staff went out to add excellent defenders and Archibong and Allen are two of the best. Roller solidifies the lineup and the teams athletic wings and physical posts provide outstanding potential for team defense. Expect this season to be the return of playoff basketball to Frankfurt.
GM: Dr. Gunnar Wöbke
Head Coach: Murat Didin
Players:
Pascal Roller: outstanding German PG
Jimmy McKinney: scoring combo G/injured 1st few months
Alex King: top German athletic wing prospect
Derrick Allen: active rebounder/athlete/allstar in Bundesliga
Koko Archibong: defensive Ace new to ALBA from Bamberg
Nino Garris: German National team wing/great on D
Dominik Bahiense De Mello: top young shooting G
Jimmie Hunt:
Kirsten Zolner:
Maksym Shtein:
Ilian Evtimov:
Location: Trier, Germany
Main Sponsor: Bitburger
Home Court: Trier Arena
website: www.trierer-basketball.de
2006-2007: 11-23 15th place
Offense: After struggling through last season, traditional team Trier has improved their roster with key returnees and solid newcomers. Starting backcourt of Marcus Taylor and James Gillingham will once again keep the teams motor running. In the post and on the wings, Trier will feature new faces. Robert Jackson, Tim Frost, Caleb Green and Kyle Wilson will be counted on to make it happen inside and all four are more than capable. On the wing, rookie shooter Dan Cage and veteran PG Jerome Coleman can also be impact players. Athletic Jonathan Moore joins Trier from Bayreuth and Josh Almanson returns to contribute his solid play to the frontcourt. Young German talents Kosta Karamatsos and Christian Hoffman provide depth and potential for the future.
Defense:Trier is pleased with a fresh start to the new season and with 9 new players, their fresh roster will be hungry to succeed. The physical Jackson and athletic Almanson make a nice combination in the lane and Gillingham's hardwork along with Taylor and Coleman's tenaciousness bode well for Trier. Expect a much improved Trier team throughout this season sparked by the new players.
GM:
Head Coach: Joe Whelton
Players:
Marcus Taylor terrific PG returns to lead Trier for 2nd yr.
James Gillingham: dead-eye marksman from three
Kyle Wilson: rookie 6'9 F from Wichita State
Tim Frost: skilled big man brings experience and shooting
Caleb Green:athletic 6'9 rookie F from Oral Roberts U
Robert Jackson: veteran big man takes over paint for Trier
Jerome Coleman: experienced PG adds depth
Daniel Cage: rookie shooter from Vanderbilt
Jonathan Moore: Forward joins Trier after year in Bayreuth
Josh Almanson: athletic 4 man/ back for second season
Kosta Karamatsos: talented young G on Bundesliga roster
Christian Hoffmann: young PG signs from Bayern Munich
Location: Leverkusen, Germany
Main Sponsor: Bayer
Home Court: Wilhelm-Dopatka-Halle
website: www.bayer-giants-leverkusen.de
2006-2007: 19-15 7th place
Playoffs: 1st Round lost to Ludwigsburg 3-1
Offense: Overcoming a slow start, last seasons Ludwigsburg team put together an impressive second half of the season as they charged into the playoffs as a 7 seed. Unfortunately for German basketball, the Bayer company, long time sponsor of Leverkusen through a record 14 German titles, has announced this season will be their last. With reduced budget, Leverkusen has maximized their money and put together an experienced team which emphasizes excellent perimeter shooting. Veterans Nate Fox and Eric Taylor man the middle and athletic Rans Brempong is a terrific new addition inside. On the perimeter PG Gordon Geib returns to lead the team and will be joined by sharpshooter Brendan Winters, combo guard Zack Whiting and hardworking Brant Bailey and Beckham Wyrick who both contrinuted alot to last seasons squad. One can never underestimate the Leverkusen experience and shooting ability. When all goes well for the Giants, a playoff position can be achieved.
Defense: The impressive aspect of the Leverkusen team is their competitive attitude. Experienced big men never take a play off and their teams ability to shoot always keeps them in a game. Brempong's shot blocking ability is an excellent pick up and the gritty forwards Bailey and Wyrick add toughness on the defensive end. With such a strong tradition and quality experienced players, Leverkusen fans can expect another enjoyable season in their final year with Bayer as a sponsor.
GM: Otto Reintjes
Head Coach: Armin Kuczmann
Players:
Gordon Geib: hardnosed PG/can score/playmaker
Zack Whiting: hardworking combo G new to team
Brendan Winters: sweet shooting wing/ Davidson College
Beckham Wyrick: hardworking F returns to Leverkusen
Rans Brempong: athletic post rebounds and blocks shots
Nate Fox: vet big man/ physical and skilled
Eric Taylor: powerful post/experienced big man/solid 5-4 Brant Bailey: versatile F returns to Leverkusen
Lukas Welling: young prospect
Tom Spoeler: young prospect
Ben Spoeler: young prospect
Location: Tubingen, Germany
Main Sponsor: Walter
Home Court: TüArena
website: www.walter-tigers.de
2006-2007: 17-17 10th place Bundesliga
Offense: Expectations and excitement are high for the Tubingen Tigers as predictions of playoffs have been made this preseason. The return of former star Bingo Merriex and additions of Bundesliga All Star Ryan DeMichael provide the Tigers a talented group to work with. All Star AJ Moye and excellent C Rasko Katic return to give the Tigers a great scoring punch and teaming up with Merriex and DeMichael has all Tiger fans excited. Also important is the return of veteran PG Waitari Marsh who finished last season strong in Tubingen. Veteran combo guard Igor Perovic adds his steady skills and a fantastic 3pt threat and hardworking Jay Thomas provides effort and strong defense on the wing. New post man Douglass Gorauskas will bring a physical edge to the post and athletic DeeAndre Hullet plays above the rim. Overall, Tubingen aims to take big steps forward this season with their talented roster.
Defense: Tubingen enjoys physical post players with good size and a solid defensive PG in Marsh. Moye and Merriex are outstanding offensive players who can defend extremely well and play both ends effectively. The teams best defender is arguably Jay Thomas who uses his athleticism well on the wing. As a team, the Tigers enjoy changing defenses and often confuse their opponents to control tempo. For Tubingen fans, the 2007-2008 season is shaping up to be a memorable one when they can root for their terrific and talented team.
GM:
Head Coach: Aaron McCarthy
Players:
Bingo Merriex: top player returns after yr in Belgium
AJ Moye: relentless 3 with inside-out skills/all star
Waitari Marsh: veteran PG returns for second season
Tim Modersitzki: young G
Igor Perovic: super shooting combo guard
Rasko Katic: veteran big man/ starting 5
DeeAndre Hullet: athletic wing new to Tigers
Ryan DeMichael: talented F joins Tigers from Nurnberg
Douglass Gorauskas: physical inside presence
Jay Thomas: excellent perimeter D/team player
Location: Braunschweig, Germany
Main Sponsor: BS Energy
Home Court: Volkswagenhalle
website: www.BS-ENERGY-Basketball.de
2006-2007: 13-21 14th place
Offense: With 8 new players, Head Coach Emir Mutapcic has plenty of team building to do in the preseason but he also has much to work with. The phantoms new backcourt of Domonic Jones (karlsruhe) and Jonathan Levy (ulm) brings Bundeslgia experience and outstanding athleticism. Scoring guard John Allen has been impressive in the preseason and shot 46% from 3 in Israel last year. The go to post scorer is Kyle Visser who features excellent post moves in the paint. He is complemented by skilled perimeter shooting big man Andrew Drevo and depth is provided by big men Anthony Collins and recently added Jason Cain. Rookie Combo Guard Steven Wright should also make an impact throughtout the year.
Defense: Coach Mutapic emphasizes a strong man to man defense and will often use his zones on sideline or endline situation. With his current roster, the Phantoms will have outstanding athleticism on the defensive perimeter and big, strong players in the defensive post. Overall, the roster renovation looks impressive and Braunschweig basketball fans could see their team return to the playoffs.
GM: Norbert Volling
Head Coach: Emir Mutapic
Players:
Jonathan Levy: electrifying athlete/excellent defender
Domonic Jones: athletic PG joins Phantoms from Karlsruhe
John Allen: talented 1 on 1 scoring wing
Kyle Visser: go to scorer in the post/ skilled big man
Anthony Coleman: versatile and athletic post
Andrew Drevo: excellent shooting/passing big man
Steven Wright: rookie combo g can be impact for phantoms
Jorge Schmidt: steady on Braunschweig roster
Flavio Stuckemann: returns to Braunschweig
Peter Fehse: 2nd Round drft pick of Sonics in 2001
Jason Cain: U of Virginia F injury replacement for Fehse
Nikhita Khartchenkov: athletic young wing
Tony Graz: prospect
Location: Paderborn, Germany
Main Sponsor:
Home Court: Sportzentrum Maspernplatz
website: www.paderborn-baskets.de
2006-2007: 16-18 11th place Bundesliga
Offense: Like ratiopharm Ulm, Paderborn rose to the Bundesliga last season and immediately established themselves as a competitive team. Now in the second season, the challenge is to continue to grow and develop within the league. Paderborn successfully played with a small lineup at times last season and will feature guards Tim Black, Steve Esterkamp and Malik Moore this year. Fans can expect big things from Moore who has been a top player in US minor leagues the last few seasons. Jason Edwin comes off a fantastic summer playing for his home country Virgin Islands and will be a key addition to Paderborn this season. Nathan Peavy and big man Anthony Washington also will make a significant impact. Although Washington begins the season dealing with an injury, when he returns, the big man from Portland State will bolster the Paderborn block on both ends. Rookie Forwards Greg Jenkins, Nathan Peavy and Billy McDaniel all look to add positives to the Paderborn team.
Defense: 6 new faces mean adjustments to the team and Head Coach Doug Spradley will work tirelessly to help his team move forward. The post depth looks to be better this season. When Washington returns, his size in combination with Nolte's physical presence should improve Paderborn's defensive post play. Overall, expect the solid, fundamental Paderborn team to take steps forward throughout the season.
GM:
Head Coach: Doug Spradley
Players:
Tim Black : top PG talent healthy to start this season
Steve Esterkamp: multiskilled wing is key for Paderborn
Malik Moore: excellent scoring G should spark new team
Jason Edwin: terrific summer playing with Virgin Islands!
Anthony Washington: big post presence injured to start yr
Greg Jenkins: rookie F late preseason addition from Iona
Billy McDaniel: rookie F from Arkansas-Monticello
Nathan Peavy: rookie F from Miami Ohio
Matthias Finke: adds depth
Marius Nolte: hardworking physical 4 man/ key part of team
Christoph Hackenesch: adds depth
Chrisian Becker: adds depth
Location: Goettingen, Germany
Main Sponsor:
Home Court:
website: www.paderborn-baskets.de
2006-2007: 2.Bundesliga North Champions
Offense: After winning the 2.Bundesliga North last season, Gottingen will bring their high-octane attack to the Bundesliga. Playing fast, with a small lineup and shooting quickly, Gottingen features a roster built for the uptempo game. A deep backcourt features talented guards like Dwayne Kirkley, Jeb Ivey, Babes Douloudis and Marco Grmaldi along side skilled wings like Darren Brooks, Nigel Moore and scoring forwards Willie Jenkins and Jahmar Thorpe. The team is filled with accurate perimeter shooters and this can be a big help to their transition oriented game.
Defense: While the team plays fast on offense with a small lineup, the defensive size could cause matchup challenges on the defensive end of the floor. Big men Michael Schroeder, Kevin Hanson and Selim Mulic must find a way to handle Bundesliga front courts during the season. Clever coaching tactics from John Patrick will undoubtedly help the team play their uptempo style and when hot, their full court aggressive ball pressure defense can create exciting runs. Gottingen fans can expect an exciting season filled with fast paced basketball and big Bundesliga challenges.
GM:
Head Coach: John Patrick
Players:
Dwayne Kirkley: 38yr old veteran PG/staple of Gottingen
Darren Brooks: talented wing ready to be impact player
Nigel Moore: versatile wing has experience from Giessen
Willie Jenkins: scoring forward joins team from Pro B France
Kevin Hanson: post joins Gottingen from Nordlingen
Babes Douloudis: skilled PG adds depth to backcourt
Jeb Ivey: MVP from Iceland competes and shoots 3's
Marco Grimaldi: adds depth to backcourt with size
Jahmar Thorpe: rookie F from U of Houston
Selim Mulic: 3pt shooting post a key to Gottingen success
Robert Dill: adds post depth
Michael Schroeder: wide and physical post/runs well for size
Location: Jena, Germany
Main Sponsor:
Home Court: TBA
website: www.paderborn-baskets.de
2006-2007: 2.Bundesliga South Champions
Offense: After winning the 2.Bundesliga South last season with strong teamwork, Jena, like ratiopharm Ulm the season before, kept the majority of their roster together in their rise into the Bundesliga. Adding athletic F Adrian Moss, veteran C Ajmal Basit and long G Blake Shelton, Jena prepares for the challenges ahead. Jena will feature Ali Seggelke as a perimeter shooting threat and Moss and Basit inside. As the only eastern German team in the Bundesliga, Jena fans can expect excitement in their first Bundesliga season but must remain realistic with results. Head Coach Bjorn Harmsen will set a record this season becomming the youngest Head Coach in the Bundesliga at 25. The step to the Bundesliga is big and through teamwork is Jena's best approach.
Defense: While scoring may have come easy in the 2.Bundesliga, it will be more difficult for Jena to find baskets in the Bundesliga which will put pressure on their defense. The stronger the teams defense, the better they will do as "Rookies". The Jena roster features physical post players in Buss and Basit and Moss can develop into a shot blocker. Point guard is a major question as the season opens for Jena. No matter the results, the simple fact Jena earned the right to play in the Bundesliga last season is fantastic. Now the challenge is to stay in the league and build as a team.
GM:
Head Coach: Bjorn Harmsen
Players:
Al Elliot: veteran G was key to Jena success last season
Ali Seggelke: primary player in Jena offense/3pt threat
Sean McCaw: experienced 4/3 does little things for Jena
Adrian Moss: new post man adds athleticism to frontcourt
Ajmal Basit: experienced C brings physical play to lane
Lars Buss: physical lefty post man/experienced
Gregor Linke: 3pt shooting big man/former Koln F
Mischa Zlotowski: dependable bench player for Jena
Blake Shelton: 6'6 PG from Sheffield Sharks
Friedrich Lennantz: young player
Ermin Reyes-Napoles young player
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