TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
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PLAYOFFS IN ULM!
ULM HOSTS BONN IN GAME 2 THURSDAY!
Bundesliga Playoffs 2009
Game 2
ratiopharm Ulm vs Telekom Baskets Bonn
Thursday May 21, 2009 5pm
Sportszentrum Kuhberg Ulm, Germany
ratiopharm Ulm hosts Telekom Baskets Bonn for Game 2 of their Best-of-Five Bundesliga Quarterfinal series Thursday at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm. Ulm's first home playoff game in ten years, the 5pm holiday tip-off will celebrate Father's Day in Germany. Along with the special playoff game for the city of Ulm, Thursday will be 'ratiopharm Day' as the team celebrates their main sponsor from CEO Oliver Windholz to staff of the pharmaceutical giant. While Ulm celebrates a holiday and salutes a main sponsor, playoff action on the floor is sure to heat up as ratiopharm Ulm works to protect their home court and even the series 1-1.
click here for regio-tv Playoff Game 2 preview!
Bonn's 71-62 Game 1 win Sunday at Telekom Dome in Bonn gave the men of magenta a 1-0 series lead. Thursday ratiopharm Ulm has the opportunity to even the series in their first home playoff game in ten seasons. Although they fell short down the stretch, ratiopharm Ulm gave a strong effort in their first playoff experience making solid adjustments at halftime to battle back into the game in the second half. Turnovers and poor shot selection were the sign of nerves in the first twenty minutes of Bundesliga post-season basketball for ratiopharm Ulm. But the second half comeback gives Ulm much to work with in preparation for Thursday's Game 2.
ratiopharm Ulm All Star Power Forward Jeff Gibbs and teammates have their sights set on protecting their home court and evening the series in Game 2.
A memorable day for basketball in Ulm, Thursday's home game will be the first playoff action at Sportszentrum Kuhberg since 1998 as ratiopharm Ulm hosts their first playoff game in ten years. Scheduled for a 5pm holiday tip, basketball fans will celebrate Fathers Day in Germany. Along with the excitement surrounding their first home game in ten years and the Father's Day holiday, ratiopharm Ulm will salute their main sponsor ratiopharm with 'ratiopharm Ulm Day'. While the team's main sponsor 'ratiopharm' is recognized, rookie point guard Per Gunther will also be recognized pre-game as he receives his Bundesliga 'Rookie of the Year' Award. On top of all the special circumstances, ratiopharm Ulm unveils the new-look Sportszentrum Kuhberg as the newly built east bleachers and brand new foye will be used for the first time Thursday. Certainly, ratiopharm Ulm has much to celebrate surrounding the game.
ratiopharm Ulm guard Sebastian Betz gave his team a big boost off the bench in Game 1 and is focused to help his team win Game 2 at home.
But as meaningful as these storylines are, the most important story from Thursday's Game 2 at Sportszentrum Kuhberg is the basketball battle between ratiopharm Ulm and Telekom Baskets Bonn on the floor. Ulm's team is focused to even the series by protecting their home court while Bonn enters Sportszentrum Kuhberg winless in Ulm over the last three seasons. Bonn's playoff experience was a factor in the first half of Sunday's Game 1, but ratiopharm Ulm aims to use their home court advantage fueled by the energy of all the special surroundings and stories. Bonn's athletic team created several turnovers and forced several bad shots from ratiopharm Ulm in the first half that led directly to Bonn fast break baskets. Ulm is hungry for their next chance to compete against the talented team from the former West German capital and home of Beethoven.
ratiopharm Ulm floor general Dru Joyce is focused for a great effort against Bonn point guard EJ Rowland in Game 2.
ratiopharm Ulm enters Game 2 with several players suffering injuries as rookie forward Dan Fitzgerald nurses an injured elbow which forced him to miss practice Tuesday night. Ulm's Akron connection of Dru Joyce and Romeo Travis also suffered minor hand injuries in Sunday's Game 1. All three players are expected to play in Game 2 Thursday.
ratiopharm Ulm point guard Per Gunther will receive his 'Rookie of the Year' Award prior to tip off of Game 2 Thursday night in Ulm.
ratiopharm Ulm vs Telekom Baskets Bonn Best of Five Series Schedule
Game 1
Sunday May 17th, 2009
Telekom Baskets Bonn 71 ratiopharm Ulm 62 Telekom Dome
(1-0 Bonn)
ratiopharm Ulm tipped off their Best-of-Five Bundesliga Quarterfinal Series against Telekom Baskets Bonn Sunday May 17th, 2009 with a hardfought 71-62 road loss before 5,100 fans at Telekom Dome. Ulm's first playoff game in 10 years, ratiopharm Ulm showed their inexperience falling behind by 13 points at halftime. Adjusting to the intense post-season action, Ulm stormed back with an 18-9 third quarter cutting the Bonn lead to 50-46 after three. Getting as close as 58-55 in the early fourth, Ulm's comeback fell short as Bonn protected their home court to take the 1-0 series lead. Both teams look ahead to Game 2, tipping off 5pm Thursday evening May 21st at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm.
click here for complete Ulm @ Bonn Game 1 Summary!
ratiopharm Ulm gave a great effort but Game 1 against Telekom Baskets Bonn got away in Sunday's 71-62 road loss.
Click here for Ulm @ Bonn Game 1 Box Score
click here for Ulm @ Bonn photo gallery from Bonn
click here for Ulm @ Bonn photo gallery 2 from Bonn
click here for complete Ulm @ Bonn Game 1 Playoff Preview!
click here for regio-tv Playoff Game 1 preview!
Game 2
Thursday May 21st, 2009
Telekom Baskets Bonn @ ratiopharm Ulm 5pm tip Sportszentrum Kuhberg
Game 3
Sunday May 24th, 2009
ratiopharm Ulm @ Telekom Baskets Bonn 5pm tip Telekom Dome
BBL.TV (www.sportdigital.tv)
Game 4 (if necessary)
Tuesday May 26th, 2009
Telekom Baskets Bonn @ ratiopharm Ulm 7pm tip Sportszentrum Kuhberg
Game 5 (if necessary)
Thursday May 28th, 2009
ratiopharm Ulm @ Telekom Baskets Bonn 7:30pm tip Telekom Dome
Below are the complete Bundesliga Playoff Brackets 2009 from www.eurobasket.com . Please notice Quarterfinal Game Days in May listed in red.
ratiopharm Ulm's All Star power forward Jeff Gibbs posted an 11 point 16 rebound double double but the athletic Bonn defense made him work in Game 1.
ratiopharm Ulm vs Telekom Baskets Bonn this season
Earlier this season, Ulm and Bonn split two games with each team winning on their home floor. Most recently, ratiopharm Ulm protected their home court with an important late season win over the men in Magenta. Sunday March 22nd at Sportszentrum Kuhberg turned into a good evening for ratiopharm Ulm. A terrific team effort with excellent focus and defensive energy combined with Dan Fitzgerald's three point shooting and Sean Finn's hardwork in the paint drove ratiopharm Ulm to a 79-63 home win over an outstanding Telekom Baskets Bonn team. Ulm took control of the game with a third quarter run triggered by Dan Fitzgerald three point shooting and Sean Finn inside finishes which stretched their advantage to 72-50 with five minutes to play. Sean Finn's 21 point 10 rebound double double paced Ulm production while Dan Fitzgerald drilled 5 of 10 threes to add 15 points and floor general Dru Joyce was excellent with 13 points 9 assists in the win. Earning their 5th win in 6 games, ratiopharm Ulm improved to 17-8 on the season.
click here for March 22, 2009 Ulm v Bonn Game Summary!
ratiopharm Ulm rookie forward Dan Fitzgerald drilled 5 of 10 threes finishing with 15 points including three decisive three pointers that helped Ulm take control of the game.
Click here for Ulm vs Bonn March 22, 2009 Box Score
Click here for Ulm vs Bonn March 22, 2009 photo gallery
click here for regio-tv report
In the first meeting of the season, Telekom Baskets Bonn beat ratiopharm Ulm convincingly at the Telekom Dome on Saturday night November 8, 2008. ratiopharm Ulm fell behind early for the first time this season and Telekom Baskets Bonn intense team defense and fast-breaking team offense did the rest in their November 8th 94-66 Bonn win before an energized Telekom Dome. While Ulm struggled through a sub-par performance, the story of the game was Bonn's suffocating team defense which blocked 9 Ulm shots and limited Ulm to 38% floor shooting. Jeff Gibbs posted a 15 point 11 rebound double double for Ulm in the loss.
Click here for 9-8-08 Ulm @ Bonn Game Summary!
Last season, ratiopharm Ulm and Telekom Baskets Bonn split two meetings with each team protecting their home court. May 10th, 2008, Ulm celebrated the final game of the 2007-2008 Bundesliga season by earning an exciting 93-83 home win over Telekom Baskets Bonn before a sold out Sportszentrum Kuhberg.
click here for complete Ulm vs Bonn May 10th, 2008 Game Summary!
ratiopharm Ulm Dru Joyce attacking Bonn defenders EJ Rowland and Patrick Flomo (13).
Earlier last year, ratiopharm Ulm dropped a tight 82-77 decision January 26th 2008 at Hardtberghalle in Bonn. Playing for the first time since returning from the Bundesliga All Star break, Ulm played without PG Kyle Bailey who was rehabilitating a broken thumb. When Dru Joyce received his second unsportsmanlike foul of the game in a second half scuffle with Bonn's Ronnie Burrell, Ulm struggled down the stretch playing without a true point guard as the hot Bonn team extended their winning streak with the victory. Ulm's strong effort fell short keeping them 0-2 at Bonn's Hardtberghalle since returning to the Bundesliga last season.
click here for link for photos from Christian Schumacher at www.american-sports.info
January 26, 2008 Ulm @ Bonn Game Summary
In the 2006-2007 season, Telekom Bonn won the initial meeting between the two teams 87-75 at Hardtberghalle November 17th. In the second meeting, March 31st at Sportszentrum Kuhberg, ratiopharm Ulm topped Bonn 80-68 in a hotly contested game. Click the links below for Game Summaries from recent Ulm v Bonn games:
2006-2007 March 31st Game Summary
2006-2007 November 17th Game Summary
ratiopharm Ulm guard Lee Humphrey feeds the post against Bonn defender Winsome Frazier in action between Ulm and Bonn from earlier this season.
After the 34 game regular season, ratiopharm Ulm and Telekom Baskets Bonn can be compared statistically as displayed below.
ratiopharm Ulm Bonn
Points per game 2,678 78.8(#3) 2,564 75.4 (#10)
Rebounds per game 1,185 34.9(#5) 1,112 32.7 (#12)
Defensive rebounds 793 23.3(#9T) 793 23.3 (#9T)
Offensive rebounds 392 11.5(#3) 319 9.4 (#11T)
Assists per game 442 13.0(#5) 351 10.3 (#14)
Steals per game 208 6.1(#9) 207 6.1 (#10)
Turnovers per game 504 14.8(#6) 438 12.9(#17)
Blocks per game 82 2.4(#8) 179 5.3(#1)
Free Throw % 507-768 66%(#17) 510-732 69.7% (#8)
3pt % 267-725 36.8% (#3) 226-679 33% (#10)
FG % 46.6% (#5) 46.9% (#4)
Thursday night, ratiopharm Ulm aims to even their Best-of-Five Bundesliga Quarterfinal playoff Series against Telekom Baskets Bonn in a game which has special meaning on and off the floor. Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
TAYLORHOOPS.COM GAME NOTES
ULM CONNECTIONS
As Ulm and Bonn tip off, several friendly faces will be on opposing sides Saturday. First, Artur Kolodziejski played for current Ulm assistant coach Rainer Bauer in the 2001-2002 2.Bundesliga South season. In addition, Ulm power forward Jeff Gibbs and Bonn big man Patrick Flomo hail from the same hometown of Columbus Ohio and often cross paths in summer leagues while at home.
NBA EXPERIENCE
Bonn forward Vincent Yarbrough and center Ken Johnson bring NBA experience to their team after Yarbrough spent time with the Denver Nuggets and Johnson played with the Miami Heat.
Ulm Roster
Emeka Erege: Ulm captain a great leader
Romeo Travis: versatile forward ready for intensity of playoffs!
Jeff Gibbs: Ulm go-to Guy ready for challenge against Bonn!
Keith Triplett : defensive stopper will be a key to stop Bonn
Lee Humphrey: three point sharpshooter taking aim on Bonn
Dru Joyce: floor general ready for challenge against top Bonn guards
Per Gunther: talented young PG looks forward to challenge v Bonn
Dan Fitzgerald: key for Ulm attack coming from bench
Sean Finn: ready for challenging matchup in lane against Bonn's KJ
Sebastian Betz: energy from bench plays important role v Bonn wings
Michael Schroeder: physical inside presence ready to bang on the block!
Head Coach: Mike Taylor
Asst Coach : Rainer Bauer
Location: Bonn, Germany
Main Sponsor: Telekom
Home Court: Telekom Dome
website: www.telekom-baskets-bonn.de
2007-2008: 21-13 7th place
PLAYOFFS: lost ALBA Berlin 3-1 in Bundesliga Finals; beat Frankfurt 3-2 in Bundesliga Semifinals; Beat Artland 3-1 in Bundesliga quarterfinals.
Offense: Bonn is a fantastic transition team with excellent one on one scoring ability and many offensive weapons. Bowman and Frazier will be their primary scoring threats but Rowland is an underrated scorer and experienced players such as Yarbrough can be factors. After their fantastic post season run last playoffs, this Bonn team has potentially more offensive firepower despite losing key big man John Bowler.
Defense: A aggressive team defense with long and athletic players, Bonn plays mostly man to man defense but mixes in halfcourt trapping and different zones. This season Bonn has shown more aggressive full court presses looking to capitalize on their athleticism. With size and shot-blocking at several positions, Bonn is an exciting defensive team which can create opportunities for their offense with steals and blocks.
GM:
Head Coach: Michael Koch
Players:
EJ Rowland : enjoying outstanding season leading Bonn attack!
Winsome Frazier: lightning quick one on one scoring wing
Brandon Bowman : talented scorer is a go-to guy in Bonn
Vincent Yarbrough : veteran wing is experienced and skilled
Artur Kolodziejski: captain/team player/excellent on D
John Bowler: recently returned from injury to boost lineup
Ken Johnson: outstanding shot blocking C making impact on offense!
Johannes Strasser: backup PG/hardnosed and skilled
Patrick Flomo: ultra athletic F/ shotblocker and rebounder
Moussa Diagne: athletic 6'8 F from Senegal
Tim Clifford: skilled post from Holy Cross
Alex King: athletic, versatile wing, adds depth in Bonn
