TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
@ 
ULM VISITS DRAGONS LAIR!
ratiopharm Ulm @ Artland Dragons
Saturday May 5, 2007 630pm
Artland Arena Quackenbruck, Germany
ratiopharm Ulm returns to action Saturday evening with a exciting road trip to the "Dragons Lair" of Artland Arena in Quackenbruck Germany for a fantastic 6:30pm tip off against the Artland Dragons in a game featured Live on Premiere TV. Entering the steaming "Dragons Lair" at 16-16, ratiopharm Ulm remains hot on the trail of 18-14 Dragons. And like a fire-breathing Dragon, Artland has been hot advancing to the German Cup finals last week with outstanding play in Hamburg before falling at the buzzer to Champion Rheinenergie Koln. With playoff hopes in the balance for both teams, Saturday's matchup will have both teams breathing fire.
Ulm and Artland go head to head Saturday at Artland Arena! Here, ratiopharm Ulm forward Konrad Wysocki battles Artland's Adam Hess.
Looking at the Bundesliga playoff landscape, the final two weeks of the regular season will clear up all remaining questions with results from all over Germany. While the official Bundesliga playoffs begin later in May, for ratiopharm Ulm, Saturday's road trip to Artland IS the playoffs. Mathematically alive entering Saturday, Ulm must win their remaining two games and get help on the seasons final GameDay to qualify for a top 8 spot in the Bundesliga. While playoffs might be a long-shot for the "rookies" from ratiopharm Ulm, the team has far surpassed the seasons "klassenerhalt" expectations and can enter the pressure-cooker weekend relaxed and free-spirited aiming at the highest achievement possible for an "Aufsteiger". Taking things one game at a time, Ulm's main focus is to play their best basketball game of the season on the road and demonstrate Buunesliga lessons learned from the entire seasons progress. Meanwhile, Artland, who also has yet to secure a playoff place, aims to celebrate their regular-season home finale. The Dragon fans clearly expect their team to not only make the playoffs but also advance. What makes Saturday so special is the head to head battle resulting a further step toward the post season.
All Star Power Forward Jeff Gibbs powered his way to an outstanding 19 point 12 rebound double -double against the tenacious Dragons defense in Ulm's 97-78 home win January 6th at Sportszentrum Kuhberg.
Artland Head Coach Chris Fleming has done a fantastic job this season helping his team overcome injuries and adversity. The Dragon training room has looked like a MASH unit at times this season and the injury list reads like a Sport-Rehab clinic. Starting two guard Lamont McIntosh suffered an early-season stress fracture in his foot. After re-habbing the injury, McIntosh returned only to suffer a stress fracture in his other foot. Starting power forward Chad Prewitt suffered a knee injury in the waning seconds of Artlands terrific upset road win in Bamberg. Top scorer Adam Hess suffered broken ribs on a questionable block-out from Braunschweig's Awvee Story. Other minor illnesses, bumps and bruises also took their toll on the Dragons team throughout the year. Guards Bryan Bailey and Jan Rhodewald were sidelined for stints as well. Reacting to the injuries, Artland brought in several talented players to their roster which slightly changed their team several times. Like a Magician, Chris Fleming skillfully adapted his team to their talents over and over again. Despite the missing pieces, Artland has pieced together a strong year including outstanding road wins over Koln and Bamberg. Finally healthy and settled, last week in the German Cup Top Four tournament the Dragons showed what their potential can be. Knocking off rival Bremerhaven in the Semifinals and taking Rheinenergie Koln all the way to the final buzzer in the Championship, Artland sent a clear signal to the Bundesliga. Unfortunately, as with so many other times earlier this season, another key Dragon player went down. Center Darius Hall missed the late third and fourth quarters of the Cup final against Koln with a muscle tear in his thigh, an injury which will sideline the big man 3 weeks. Although a loss for Artland, the positive is the team has experienced situations like this before and bounced back each time.
Austen Rowland has been in top form for Ulm in the last month and enters Saturday's game in Artland as the Bundesliga leader in assists.
Part of the reason for Artlands success and ability to overcome adversity is their teams talent. Scoring wing Adam Hess ranks among the top point producers in the Bundesliga at 15.7ppg with 4.9reb and shoots 36% from three and 80% from the foul line. Hess is a terrific jumpshooter with three point range but possibly the most impressive aspect of his game is his intelligent ability to move without the ball and make active cuts. If not for his mid-season rib injury, Hess could possibly be the BBL leading scorer. Now teamed up with a healthy Lamont McIntosh (7.8ppg), the Artland wings are at full strength and provide offensive scoring punch with defensive stop-ability. At the point, Filberto Rivera (11.3ppg 4.1ast 28% three) is a crafty playmaker with excellent speed. All season long, the UTEP product has stepped up to make big shots for the Dragons. Like McIntosh, Rivera missed the January 6th game in Ulm and can be a major factor in Saturday's game. Providing depth on the perimeter, veteran Jan Rhodewald (3.6ppg 36% three) is a sweet shooting lefty who knows how to help his team with big buckets from beyond the arc. In fact, Rhodewald was a key to the Dragons semifinal win over Bremerhaven burying 5 of 5 threes for 15 points off the Artland bench. Also effective off the bench is combo guard Bryan Bailey who scores 6.2ppg and plays outstanding defense. Young G Henrik Feist (2ppg 40% three) rounds out the backcourt options for Fleming and staff. In the post, Center Darius Hall is an enforcer-like presence in the paint scoring 11.2ppg with 5.6reb. With Hall's thigh injury forcing him to miss the final two weeks of the regular season, Artland will look to big men Chad Prewitt and Nik Caner-Medly to step up. Prewitt, also recently returning from a knee injury, averages 11.9ppg with 6.1reb and shoots 38% from three and 82% from the foul line. Prewitt is a three point shooting threat and stretches defense as a skilled big man. Similarly, former Maryland Terrapin Caner-Medley joined Artland after Christmas and has made an immediate impact. Nik is a lefty with a smooth shooting stroke and produces 7.9ppg with 5reb. Without Hall in the middle, Artland will also turn to athletic Tommy-Lee Smith (8ppg 5reb) for frontcourt minutes. A terrific rebounder and shot blocker, Smith has been effective throughout the season in a variety of rolls for Artland. Finally, former NBA draft pick Malik Badiane is a 7 foot tall lanky long athletic shot blocker who takes up space for the Dragons on D. Collectively finally healthy, through all of the injuries and adversity, Artland has positioned themselves well for another post season appearance.
Ulm captain Emeka Erege demonstrates great desire and leadership for his team. Emeka enters Saturdays game in Artland coming off his finest Bundesliga performance, a strong 24 point game in Ulm's last win over Trier.
But ratiopharm Ulm has also positioned themselves well. Playing without pressure and aiming for achievement, Ulm has made strong strides as individual players and as a team since tipping off their initial Bundesliga season. Currently, power forward Jeff Gibbs ranks atop the Bundesliga in rebounding (9.7 reb pg)(also #1 with 3.5 offensive rebpg)and point guard Austen Rowland tops the charts in assists (6.0astpg). Scoring guard Jonathan Levy is ranked 7th in scoring (15.2ppg) and the entire Ulm team holds pole position in several statistical categories as the season enters the home stretch. Overall, the excellent experience gained throughout the year has set ratiopharm Ulm well for the final weeks of the regular season and the future. Specifically on Saturday, two interesting aspects will be on display for the young Ulm team. First, ratiopharm Ulm is focused to improve their performance on the road, especially in the north. Positive signs emerged with Ulm's overtime road win in Braunschweig Wednesday March 28 and their comeback road win in Trier last outing April 21st. Second, ratiopharm Ulm is poised to play better on Premiere TV. Currently 0-4 on live TV games throughout the season, Ulm has faced a ridiculously challenging schedule facing Bamberg, Berlin, Bremerhaven and in Paderborn for the Premiere showcases. With such an important game for both teams and the entire Bundesliga playoff race, Premiere marked it as "can't miss". Saturday's live TV stage gives Ulm the perfect platform to show how far they have come throughout this season. And by showing how far they have come, ratiopharm Ulm will discover how high they can go!
Ulm leading scorer Jonathan Levy (15.2ppg) will be a focal point of the Dragons defense Saturday. Levy's talent and versatility make him a key for Ulm's attack.
While the German Cup Top Four tournament took place last weekend in Hamburg, ratiopharm Ulm enjoyed a busy weekend themselves despite giving the team three days free from basketball. First, the Bundesliga awarded ratiopharm Ulm a BBL Lisence for 2007-2008. The speedy accredidation is respect to Dr Thomas Stoll and the management's hard work. Second, Ulm topped Austrian Champion Gmunden Swans 84-65 in a scrimmage Friday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg. The game provided both teams an opportunity to keep their game-rhythm and stay sharp. Following the Friday evening scrimmage, Ulm players took a rare two-day weekend free. Returning together Monday, the annual ratiopharm Ulm "Golf Tournament" took place with Bryan Lucas and EJ Gallup starring on the greens. The summer-like weather in Germany provided a fantastic few days for the Ulm team. The positive, enthusiastic and fun environment has been great for everyone.
Artland Dragons Head Coach Chris Fleming has done a tremendous job guiding his team to overcome amazing injury adversity. Saturday, Chris and the Dragons will be without key big man Darius Hall (11) who tore a thigh muscle in the German Cup final last Sunday.
Earlier this season, ratiopharm Ulm upset the injury-riddled Dragons 97-78 January 6th at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm. Jeff Gibbs powered his way to a 19 point 12 rebound double double and Jonathan Levy added 17 points sparking Ulm to the win. This time around, the rematch will be against a hot Artland team which is coming off a tremendous Cup run and nearly at full strength. Traveling to Quackenbruck on Friday, ratiopharm Ulm will board their team bus for this weekends exciting road trip with clear understanding of what is at stake. The challenging chance to meet Artland head to head in the "Dragons Lair".
TAYLORHOOPS.COM GAME NOTES
TRUE TEAMMATES !
Artland PF Chad Prewitt and F Tommy Lee Smith played three seasons together at Pac 10 Arizona State. The two have been reunited in Artland the past two seasons. Prewitt also played in the USBL for the St Louis Skyhawks and Cedar Rapids River Raiders before joining his team in Germany.
NBA DRAFT!
Artland C Malik Badiane was the second round pick of the Houston Rockets at selection number 44 in the 2003 NBA draft. Later in the 2003 NBA draft second Round, the Chicago Bulls chose former Arizona State and current Artland F Tommy Lee Smith at pick 53.
FORMER DRAGON!
Injured Ulm shooting guard Jan Sprunken knows Artland well after spending the 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 seasons in Quackenbruck when the team was a top 2.Bundesliga North squad. Jan remains close friends with Dragons shooting guard Jan Rohdewald and was a teammate of current head coach Chris Fleming.
BUNDESLIGA STANDINGS
After 32 games, ratiopharm Ulm holds 10th place in the Bundesliga standings with a 16-16 record
WINS LOSSES
1. ALBA Berlin 26-6
2. EnBW Ludwigsburg 23-9
3. brose Baskets Bamberg 23-9
4. Eisbaren Bremerhaven 21-11
5. Rheinenergie Koeln 21-11
6. Telekom Bonn 20-12
7. Bayer Leverkusen 18-14
8. Artland Dragons 18-14
9. Ewe Baskets Oldenburg 17-15
10. ratiopharm Ulm 16-16
11. Walter Tigers Tuebingen 16-16
12. Paderborn 14-18
13. Deutsche Bank Skyliners 14-18
14. NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig 13-19
15. Giessen 46ers 11-12
16. TBB Trier 10-22
17. SellbyTel Baskets Nuernberg 5-27
18. BG Karlsruhe 2-30
PLAYOFF PICTURE
With two games remaining in the Bundesliga season, the top 6 playoff places are secure. Leverkusen and Artland have the edge while Oldenburg, Ulm and Tubingen all must win and get help. Interesting matchups include Saturday's Ulm @ Artland game and Artland's road game at Oldenburg May 12th. Ulm and Tubingen meet in their rivalry game Saturday night May 12th. Five teams fighting for Four places --- Wins in the next two weeks will be BIG.
Follow all the fastbreaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
Ulm Roster
Emeka Erege: Ulm captain has big defensive assignment Saturday!
Jonathan Levy: Ulm leading scorer a key to their success!
Jeff Gibbs: powers Ulm's inside game with unique skills!
Austen Rowland: big challenge vs Rivera Saturday!
Bryan Lucas: ready for challenge v Dragon frontcourt!
Konrad Wysocki: Ulm's energizer looks forward to Artland!
EJ Gallup: 18pt 4-4 from three in Gmunden Scrimmage
Maksym Shtein: can be big part of Ulm's efforts in the paint!
Ian Young: part of Ulm bench
Christian Grosse: young gun could be plus against zones!
Florian Mobius:post depth can be important in Dragons Lair!
Jan Sprunken: started workouts and is expected back within 2 weeks
Head Coach: Mike Taylor
Asst Coach : Rainer Bauer
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
Lamont McIntosh: talented G/finally healthy after injury plagued year
Bryan Bailey: vet combo G/terrific defender with experience
Adam Hess: quality 3/shooter/active cutter and scorer
Jan Rohdewald: veteran shooter /5 for 5 threes in Cup semi!
Tommy Lee Smith: super athletic forward/ runs and rebounds
Chad Prewitt: skilled shooting big man/ recovered from knee injury
Darius Hall: physical force in the paint
Hendrik Feist : young talent played at Stoney Brook U.
Malik Badiane: athletic shot blocking big man
Nik Caner-Medley: former Maryland Terp has helped stabalized frontcourt
