VS 
One Win Away!
ratiopharm Ulm has enjoyed a special year --- special in the form of a true team coming together with chemistry and accomplishing success with synergy. Saturday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg, an Ulm win over USC Freiburg transforms this special 2005-2006 season into a championship year. Entering the game 26-1, ratiopharm Ulm needs one win or one Jena (23-4) loss to seal the 2.Bundesliga South title. Even more meaningful, a win Saturday night writes sports history in the city of Ulm in the form of the "Aufstieg" into the German Bundesliga. A crazy Sportszentrum Kuhberg has been expanded for this event after tickets for Saturday nights game sold out March 27th. But before champagne bottles pop, Dr Ivan Vojtko, Freiburg's head coach who engineered two "aufstiegs" with Oldenburg and Karlsruhe, will have something to say about celebrations. Certainly, USC Freiburg will have motivation of their own. For ratiopharm Ulm, the electirc atmosphere of Sportszentrum Kuhberg will be all the motivation needed. On the brink of the Bundesliga, Ulm is one win away!
Ulm has enjoyed a fun season!
Saturday the team can transform fun into championship!
Saturday April 15th, 2006
VS 
The "aufsteig".
A German term for promotion. In the history or basketball in the south central German city of Ulm, the "Aufstieg" has happened exactly once. Seventeen years ago in the 1988 season, Ulm won promotion into the German Bundesliga. At the time, baskeball was very different. Capitalizing on their success, Ulm eventually wrote 13 seasons in the Bundesliga record books that included such highlights as a 1996 German Cup Championship, Playoff Final appearances in 1997 and participation in the EUROPE CUP. After a fantastic 13 season ride, the Ulm team was relegated in 2000-2001. Taking over the basketball lisence from SSV Ulm, the large sports club in the city, Dr Thomas Stoll set out toward a goal. That goal was the "Aufstieg".
Slowly, but surely, step by step, Stoll built his organization. Piece by piece, a successful team was put in place. Key members of 2001-2002 2.Bundesliga South teams included head coach Rainer Bauer, forward Tobi Waitzinger and forward Florian Mobius. After a strong 5th place finish, the 2002-2003 edition of ratiopharm Ulm took further steps forward finishing 3rd with Maksym Shtein and Christian Grosse joining the team. 2003-2004 brought a new face to the Ulmer sidelines as Mike Taylor joined the team after a stint coaching the DG Essex Leopards Kool Kats in London. Along with Mike T, Emeka Erege was penciled into the starting five for the first time and helped the team reach new heights going 26-4 finishing 2nd place 5 points and 3 overtimes apart from "Aufstieger" SV03 Tubingen. 2004-2005 introduced high expectations to ratiopharm Ulm as GM Stoll continued to strengthen the team on and off the floor. A second consecutive 2nd place finish at 24-6 had many fans ridiculing ratiopharm Ulm as the "eternal second" team. But things changed in the summer of 2005. Revamping the roster resulted in fresh attitude and terrific team chemistry. Signing Americans Jonathan Levy and Jeff Gibbs brought talent, toughness and personality. Bringing in Jan Sprunken added veteran experience who already knew what it took to earn a league title and play in the Bundesliga. The addition of Danish point guard Martin Thuesen gave Ulm a hardworking, team oriented distributor who could knock down shots to keep defenses honest. Signing young talent Antonis Sivorotka was a boost to the organizations future and fun for Maksym Shtein as the two Ukrainian big men could pull pranks on a daily basis. Adding forward Konrad Wysocki was the icing on the cake at midseason as Ulm discovered after his high-level play and versatility off the bench. Finally, assistant coach Jakob Moeller solidified the connection between ratiopharm Ulm and farm team Neu Ulm with hardwork and committment to the team and organization. Together, these new faces combined with existing characters of Shtein, Mobius, Grosse and Erege to form a fantastic team. Week by week, this team has worked and worked. Now, in Game Day 28 on April 15, 2006, ratiopharm Ulm sits on the brink of history. At 26-1, Ulm needs one win for the "Aufstieg".
To Ulm GM Thomas Stoll, the "Aufstieg" is special. A skillful and knowledgable basketball manager, Stoll has built the Ulm organization from the ground up with the help of trusted friend Andreas Oettel. Together, the two have guided the development over five seasons and have the club ready for the big time on and off the floor. For Stoll and the management, the "Aufstieg" is the realization of a goal and a dream come true.
Ulm guard Christian Grosse grew up with Bundesliga games at Sportszentrum Kuhberg.
Christian Grosse knows what the "Aufstieg" means. As a young fan, Grosse had season tickets to all the Ulm Bundesliga games and sat in the stands with his family eating popcorn dreaming of playing for Ulm in the first league. As Christian developed his game quickly becomming a German Junior National team guard, he took pride in being an important part of Ulm basketball. Who knew the young sharpshooter from Soflingen would have the chance to be a part of history in Ulm --- an "Aufstieg".
Ulm forward Florian Mobius has been with Ulm all 5 seasons in the 2.Bundesliga South.
Florian Mobius understands "Aufstieg" too. A native of Boblingen (a southern suburb of Stuttgart), Flo signed in Ulm 5 seasons ago, the first 2.Bundesliga year in 2001-2002. A part of the process the entire way, Mobius has been a dependable player and a great team guy. For Flo, a win Saturday night would be more than sweet. It would be hard for anyone to understand better what the entire 5 year challenge has meant. When Ulm's #14 checks into the game Saturday night, those 5 seasons of motivation will have one focal point --- the "Aufstieg".
Maksym Shtein has worked hard in the 2.Bundesliga South for 5 years.
MaKsym Shtein has been a major part of Ulm's success over several seasons too. Like Mobius, Max knows all about the "Aufstieg". Before signing in Ulm 4 seasons ago, the 6'9 Ukraine train sparked Ludwigsburg to the 2.Bundesliga South championship. Since signing in Ulm, Max has been one of the best big men in the 2.Bundesliga South. With years of hardwork and committment toward the Ulmer cause, it was clear Max understood the circumstances burying back to back three pointers in overtime at Bayreuth. How did Max hit those shots? Simple, he did it for the "Aufstieg".
Jan Sprunken was an important part of Schwelm's 2.Bundesliga North championship team in 2003-2004 and has been excellent for Ulm this year. A win Saturday would give Jan the unique accomplishment of two "Aufstieg's".
While Max and Flo have proudly worn Ulm uniforms for several seasons, possibly the most unsung player on the team might have the most meaningful background when it comes to the "Aufstieg". Veteran wing Jan Sprunken was as valuable a pickup as any offseason move in Ulm history. A true team player and outstanding teammate, Jan was an integral part of Schwelm's ascent 2 seasons ago earning the "Aufstieg" from the 2.Bundesliga North in 2003-2004. After a relegation-filled season with Schwelm in the Bundesliga, Sprunken came to Ulm and has added experience and a sweet jumpshot to the team. A win Saturday would clearly be special for Jan. Interestingly, Sprunken would enter into a select category --- one of the few basketball players in history to win the 2.Bundesliga South and 2.Bundesliga North. Without question, Sprunken understands the "Aufstieg".
For Ulm power forward Jeff Gibbs, winning is as natural as breathing. The undersized, round-mound of rebound-type post, has led the league in rebounding all season and was named 2.Bundesliga South Player of the Month for October. To those that know Gibbs, the success comes as no surprise. An all American football and basketball player at Otterbein College in Ohio, Gibbs led his college basketball team to the NCAA Division III championship. Jeff is a winner and worker. Just like he won in the USA, Gibbs looks forward to adding an "Aufstieg" to his list of accomplishments.
On the West Coast of California, shooting guard Jonathan Levy also grew up winning. After a stellar high school career, Levy starred at Cal State San Bernadino where he led the Coyotes to the #1 ranking in NCAA Division II his senior season. A D2 All American, Levy has racked up individual awards at every stop ranging from MVP of the Austrian All Star game last season or 2.Bundesliga South Player of the Month award. But this season, for Ulm, there has been no bigger play-maker than this athletic lefty power guard. Want to talk about the "Aufstieg"? Talk about Levy's clutch free throws to seal the home win over Jena.
Saturday's game is extra-special for Ulm Head Coach Mike Taylor.
Finally, for Ulm head coach Mike Taylor, Saturday will be special. Coming over to Europe in 2001-2002, Mike T guided Chemnitz to an "Aufstieg" moving the team from the 3rd Division Regionalliga South East into the 2.Bundesliga South. Saturday presents the opportunity to take the next step. Moving from the 2.Bundesliga South into the Bundesliga is the opportunity to write sports history in Ulm and in German basketball. Whats more meaningful, the entire Taylor family will be at Sportszentrum Kuhberg Saturday for the Freiburg game. There would be nothing more special than celebrating an "Aufstieg" together!
While the "Aufstieg" makes motivation for the game easy, USC Freiburg will have other plans.The game will be far from easy. Earlier this season on Game Day 13 Sunday December 11th in Freiburg, ratiopharm Ulm jumped all over the hosts blitzing them with a 22-9 first quarter to open an early lead. After shooting a sizzling 60% from the floor and 46% from three in the first half, Ulm held a commanding 51-32 halftime lead. In the second half, Freiburg turned the tables. Charging back fueled by better defense and hot shooting offense, Freiburg fought feircely only to fall short 78-70. Captain Emeka Erege was in top form scoring 18 points with 10 rebounds while Jonathan Levy added 17 points and 6 boards. Maksym Shtein scored 14 points with 5 rebounds and Jeff Gibbs posted another double double at 13 points 12 rebounds. Aufstieg or not, the game is the same, 40 intense minutes of basketball.
Veteran USC Freiburg head coach Dr Ivan Vojtko knows what it takes to win. In his successful coaching career, Vojtko has guided Oldenburg and Karlsruhe to 2nd League titles and promotion into the Bundesliga. The experienced Vojtko took over in Freiburg with much control over basketball operations and has maintained the solid Freiburg organization. Making many changes in the roster in his first season, Vojtko guided his new team to a 14-16 record. Freiburg was 12-9 but went 2-7 down the stretch. Freiburg's two meetings head to head last season resulted in two losses to ratiopharm Ulm 109-73 12-4-04 in Ulm and 83-66 in Freiburg Easter Sunday 3-13-05. Last season Maksym Shtien played very well against Freiburg scoring 15 points in Ulm before posting 21 points with 7 boards in Freiburg. Emeka Erege was also strong against Freiburg last year scoring 13 points at home and 17 on the road while grabbing 6 boards in both games. Finally Florian Mobius (11 points 7reb in Freiburg) and Christian Grosse (13 points 4 rebounds and 3-4 three point shooting at home) sparked Ulm at different times against Dr Vojtko's team. In both games Ulm pounded Freiburg in the second quarter outscoring them 25-12 in Ulm and 25-11 in Freiburg. Saturday night, ratiopharm Ulm aims to extend their near 2 year long home win streak while preventing Freiburg from claiming their first every win at Kuhberg.
A quick glance at the ratiopharm Ulm record book reads 13 Bundesliga years and 5 2.Bundesliga South seasons. A further glance into the archives reveals an "Aufstieg".
One time in history.
Saturday night at a Sportszentrum Kuhberg, it could happen again.
Ulm is one win away!
Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com
GO ULM!
MIKE T
Martin Thuesen Ulm PG has challenging matchup with Freiburg's Babes Douloudis
Jonathan Levy drilled 3 three pointers and scored 19pts in win at Lich
Emeka Erege Ulm captain gave Freiburg 18pt 10reb earlier this season!
Jeff Gibbs powerforward looks to matchup with skilled John Thomas
Maksym Shtein center has matchup with physical David Gardner in post
Konrad Wysocki versatile Ulm F brings energy and skill to lineup
Florian Mobius Ulm post sub minutes will be important to team/11pt in Lich!
Jan Sprunken a win Saturday will be Jan's 2nd "Aufsteig" (Schwelm 03-04)
Christian Grosse excellent game in Lich 11pt on 3 for 4 three point shooting
Antonis Sivorotka followed up midweek Neu Ulm 42pt game with 4pt 4reb at Lich
John A Thomas 18ppg 9reb/go to scorer/having nice season for Freiburg
David Gardner hardworking physical post/ banger/ rebounds hard/ 10ppg 6reb
Babes Douloudis skilled PG/pushes in transition/penetrator/ 15ppg 5ast
Nils Menck 3pt threat/smart player/ plays hard/rebounds/
Peter Holubek young Slovakian spot up 3pt shooter/
Robin Grey veteran player added at roster deadline/4ppg w Trier in Bundesliga last yr
Christoph Roquette solid big man/ worker/ defender/ rebounder
Bojan Atanasoski skilled young Swedish forward/ excellent shooter
Jef Tomesch lefty/ veteran shooter/intelligent/
Konsta Karamatskos perimeter sub/ ballskilled/ works on D
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