TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
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ROAD TRIP TO GIESSEN!
ratiopharm Ulm @ LTi Giessen 46ers
Saturday March 14th, 2009 8pm
Sportszentrum Ost Giessen, Germany
ratiopharm Ulm boards the double-decker team bus for a short road trip northward into central Germany Saturday for an 8pm tip off against traditional Bundesliga team LTi Giessen 46ers.
ratiopharm Ulm All Star Power Forward Jeff Gibbs is a positive presence on and off the floor!
click here for regio-tv preview
With positive momentum from last weekends home win over the Artland Dragons, ratiopharm Ulm is excited about their 11 games remaining in the regular season. Looking ahead to making their first playoff appearance in the Bundesliga post-season, the entire Ulm organization is motivated to finish their season strong.
ratiopharm Ulm rookie forward Dan Fitzgerald continues to contribute to his teams success. Starting his first game last week against Artland, the former Marquette perimeter threat has been a great addition for Ulm.
Also motivated to finish the season strong, Giessen is fighting for their basketball-lives as the 46ers want to stay in the Bundeslgia. Normally, the two last-placed teams in 18th and 17th places are relegated to the second division, currently the Pro A in Germany. Featuring a tradition of 43 Bundesliga seasons, 7-16 Giessen is in a head-to-head battle with the 7-15 Koln 99ers over the remainder of the regular season. Pulling out all stops to stay in the league, the 46ers replaced hardworking head coach Simon Cote after a 4-12 start and former 46er player Vladi Bogojevic has taken over posting a 3-4 record in his 7 games. Bogojevic and his 46ers will certainly give everything they have to keep the tremendous Giessen tradition alive.
ratiopharm Ulm floor general Dru Joyce is focused to finish the season strong. Dru's on court leadership has been outstanding throughout the season.
Giessen is a fast-paced team which loves to push the basketball in transition. Featuring an offensive attack that revolves around ballscreens and their talented guards, the 46ers have the ability to score quickly and are never really out of a game thanks to their offensive firepower. Point guard Heiko Schaffartzik is the key to their attack. The skillful scoring point guard pushes the ball in transition, is crafty using ballscreens and has a quick release with deep thre point range. Shaffartzik is known for taking big shots and has ignited Giessen this season scoring 11.5ppg with 3.6ast and 40% three point shooting along with 81% from the foul line. Along with the talented Schaffartzik, scoring guard Michael Umeh also stars for the 46ers. The former UNLV shooting guard scores a Giessen best 12.3ppg with 3.4reb and a sharp 45% from three point land. The one-two punch of Schaffartzik and Umeh can carry the Giessen team and is the starting point for opponent scouting reports and game plans. Unfortunately for Giessen, small forward Maurice Jeffers suffered a broken bone in his hand and will likely miss the remainder of the regular season. Jeffers has been a terrific player for the 46ers all season and along with Schaffartzik and Umeh, the former second round draft pick for the Sacramento Kings from St Louis University will be missed. The absence of Jeffers shortens the 46ers bench and eliminates one of their best scoring threats. Recently, athletic forward Corey Rouse has emerged as a key player for the Giessen post. An energizing forward who runs the floor, rebounds and blocks shots, Rouse has returned from injury to average 8.4ppg and 6.3reb while seeing his minutes go up. Veteran German big men Robert Maras, Gerrit Terdenge and Florian Hartenstein form the heart of the 46ers front court. 7' Maras, who represented his country in 66 National team games, has battled through injuries this season to score 7.1ppg with 3.8reb and 81% free throw shooting, A true center, Maras is skilled and smart and knows the tricks of the trade from all of his experience. Terdenge has complimented Maras well for the last few seasons and the left handed power forward is versatile enough to score on the block or stretching the defense from three. This year, Terdenge has produced 6.2ppg 3reb and shot 18% from three. Finally, hardworking post player Florian Hartenstein has enjoyed a solid season producing 5.2ppg 3reb along with his physical defensive play for the 46ers. From the bench, Giessen currently plays talented young German forward Johannes Lischka who ranks among the top Pro A prospects for Lich and has scored 5.9ppg 2.8reb and 30% three point shooting. With the injury to Maurice Jeffers, Lischka is expected to play a major roll for the 46ers through the remainder of the season. Athletic guard Ricky Hickman has appeared in 13 games for Giessen and currently produces 5.6ppg 1.2ast and 33% from three. A solid defender who can slash to the basket, Hickman often plays as the primary ballhandler as Shaffartzik slides over to play the two. Finally, reacting to the injury issues and shorthanded lineup, Giessen is expected to bring back guard Brandon Worthy who played in three games for the 46ers earlier this season. Released earlier in November, the former Loyola Marymount guard returned home to the USA but is the only option for Giessen to add since the Bundesliga roster deadline passed March 1st. Young German forward Jannik Freese rounds out the roster.
ratiopharm Ulm sharpshooter Lee Humphrey ignited an important run in last weekends home win over the Artland Dragons. The former Florida Gator sparked a similar run in Ulm's early season win over Giessen as well.
This season, Giessen has fought through injury troubles and a coaching change along with other adversity. The traditional Bundesliga team with the longest tenure of any organization, Giessen faces an 11 game stretch where they will play for their survival. Currently in place 17, the 46ers and Bremerhaven are in the 'absteigsplatz' which means relegation into Pro A second division at the end of the season. Of course the 46ers have always found a way to survive before and Head Coach Vladi Bogojevic has the team ready to survive once again. Giessen has gone 6-5 at home but only 1-11 on the road to this point in the season. Since their mid-season coaching change, Bogojevic has guided Giessen to a 3-4 record. For the 46ers, every game is critical with the weight of 40 plus seasons of tradition on their shoulders.
ratiopharm Ulm forward Romeo Travis in his go-to move --- touching up a fade-away.
Earlier this season ratiopharm Ulm beat LTi Giessen 88-83 Saturday night October 31st, 2008 at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm. ratiopharm Ulm shot 61% from the floor and put all five starters in double figures as their team effort tipped off an exciting two game weekend with an 88-83 win over LTi Giessen 46ers Friday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm. Romeo Travis led the balanced Ulm attack with 18 points while Jeff Gibbs added 15 points 9 boards and Sean Finn totaled 13 points 8 rebounds in the win.
click here for 10-31-08 Ulm v Giessen Game Summary!
ratiopharm Ulm guard Keith Triplett has established himself among best defensive guards to play in Ulm. 'Trip' certainly is at the top of the list since Ulm's recent return to the Bundesliga in 2006-2007.
Last season ratiopharm Ulm and Giessen split two games with each team protecting their homecourt with wins. Sunday night Febuary 24th, 2008 at Sporthalle East in Giessen Germany, ratiopharm Ulm faced a 46er team with their backs against the wall. Hungry for a win to lift them out of the relegation zone, the team with a 41 year Bundesliga tradition came out firing. More exactly, the 46ers came out hitting. The hosts shot 59% from the floor and held off an Ulm fourth quarter rally as LTi Giessen 46ers topped ratiopharm Ulm 93-87. Ulm's Jeff Gibbs powered his way to a 19 point 14 rebound night in a fantastic performance for his team.
Click here for 2-24-08 Ulm @ Giessen Game Summary!
Earlier last year, ratiopharm Ulm beat Giessen
Friday night October 19th, 2007 was a shootout at Sportszentrum Kuhberg. ratiopharm Ulm and the Giessen 46ers engaged in a spectacular, end to end offensive display filling the first half of Friday nights Bundesliga game at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm with plenty of points and highlight plays. Exciting, uptempo, action packed offensive basketball was fantastic for the fans, but it was second half team defense and teamwork that allowed ratiopharm Ulm to race past Giessen for a wild 104-82 home win. EJ Gallup sparked Ulm's offensive attack with a game best 22 points including 6 three pointers, Konrad Wysocki continued his outstanding season with a 20 point 8 rebound night, Kyle Bailey contributed 15 points 6 assists and Jeff Gibbs added another strong 11 point 12 rebound double double. Along with these notable performances, ratiopharm Ulm also benefited from excellent bench production from Sean Finn and Sebastian Betz.
Click here for 10-19-07 Ulm v Giessen Game Summary!
ratiopharm Ulm center Sean Finn crouches like a panther ready to spring into the lane with another excellent offensive move.
ratiopharm Ulm and LTi Giessen met three times in 2006-2007 with Giessen sweeping both Bundesliga regular season games and Ulm capturing an important German Cup Sweet 16 win. Like the scary stories from Friday the 13th, ratiopharm Ulm's turnovers and mistakes came back to haunt them late in a Friday night April 13th, 2007 game at Giessen. Inspired by halftime news of Nurnberg's loss and powered by a 17-4 third quarter run, the Giessen 46ers cemented their stay in the Bundesliga for a 41st season with Friday nights 75-69 victory over ratiopharm Ulm. Even though the game was decided late, iced by a clutch Brian Snider last-minute left wing three and two James Head free throws, ratiopharm Ulm's missed opportunities from earlier in the game eventually left the team empty handed at the end --- fitting storyline for a Friday the 13th.
click here for 4-13-07 Ulm @ Giessen Game Summary!
ratiopharm Ulm found a way to win Wednesday evening Febuary 14th, 2007 as they topped the host Giessen 46ers 79-74 in the Sweet Sixteen matchup of the German Cup. With Ulm up one 75-74 and 24 seconds remaining on the fourth quarter game clock, Austen Rowland cooly sank two clutch free throws giving Ulm a 77-74 lead. In the games final possession, Ulm PF Jeff Gibbs poked loose a steal from Giessen G Marco Buljevic, pounced on the loose ball and promptly sealed the win with a breakaway slam. The fantastic finish came after an extremely competitive game filled with runs from both teams.
click for Ulm @ Giessen German Cup Sweet 16 Game Summary!
Sunday December 10th, 2006, ratiopharm Ulm's fourth quarter comeback fell just short as the Giessen 46ers presented new head coach Ken Scalibroni with an 82-76 victory, the teams second win of the season on Scalibroni's second official day on the job. Inconsistent Ulm defensive intensity saw the teams trade baskets throughout much of the game and allowed the 46ers to play from the lead for most of the second half. Second quarter and late 3rd/early 4th quarter runs put Ulm in position to extend their winning streak, but it was Giessen who executed and converted on clutch possessions to earn the win.
click here for 12-10-06 Ulm v Giessen Game Summary!
Hardworking wing Sebastian Betz has been a key part of Ulm's success this season providing energy, defensive effort and consistent three point shooting.
ratiopharm Ulm enters Saturday nights game at 15-8 holding 5th place in the Bundesliga standings with 11 games to play. Focusing in on each game while looking ahead and working toward securing their first playoff spot, ratiopharm Ulm aims to build on their solid 6-6 road record and meet the challenge in Giessen. Searching for their first win in Giessen in the regular season, ratiopharm Ulm knows the game will be intense as 46ers fans are rallying to pack the gym while wearing team colors of red and white.
ratiopharm Ulm rookie point guard Per Gunther scored a season-high 13 points in last Saturday's win over Artland. Per continues to develop while playing his role perfectly as backup one.
Saturday, ratiopharm Ulm hits the road for a challenging game against the LTi Giessen 46ers with alot to play for. The Bundesliga stretch run is just heating up which means pressure to win for teams working for the playoffs or teams hoping to stay in the league. Whatever the reasons to win, the final months of the 2008-2009 Bundesliga regular season are sure to be filled with exciting moments, dramatic developments and intense challenges. For ratiopharm Ulm, the next challenge is Saturday's road trip to Giessen.
Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
TAYLORHOOPS.COM GAME NOTES
KANSAS CAGERZ
LTi Giessen 46ers forward Maurice Jeffers was a second round draft pick of the Sacramento Kings when he came out of St Louis University. Jeffers also spent time playing in the USBL for the Kansas Cagerz in Salina Kansas where ratiopharm Ulm Head coach Mike Taylor served two summers as an assistant to Head coach Francis Flax.
BORN IN GIESSEN
ratiopharm Ulm rookie point guard Per Gunther knows Giessen well. The 21yr old playmaker was born in Giessen when his father played professionally for the 46ers. Per lived with his family in Giessen until he was five before they relocated to his hometown of Hagan. It will be Per's first Bundesliga appearance in Giessen.
Ulm Roster
Emeka Erege: Ulm captain sets excellent example for team
Romeo Travis: talented F enjoying a terrific season for Ulm
Jeff Gibbs: all star 4man leads Bundesliga in double-doubles
Keith Triplett : started last weeks home win over Artland
Lee Humphrey: 3pt threat has ignited several important runs
Dru Joyce: currently leads the Bundesliga in assists
Per Gunther: rookie pg born in Giessen
Dan Fitzgerald: rookie F started last weeks home win over Artland
Sean Finn: Ulm C currently shooting 96-138 (69%) from the floor
Sebastian Betz: young wing enjoyed excellent Febuary with Ulm
Michael Schroeder: post man provides physical presence
Head Coach: Mike Taylor
Asst Coach : Rainer Bauer
Location: Giessen, Germany
Main Sponsor: LTi
Home Court: Sporthalle Giessen East
website: www.giessen46ers.de
2006-2007: 11-23 16th place
Offense: The 46ers are an uptempo team with the ability to catch fire from the perimeter. Pushing the basketball after makes and misses, the Giessen attack is focused on the scoring of PG Heiko Schaffartzik and 2man Michael Umeh. Both can create their own shot, stretch defenses with their 3pt shooting and like to use ballscreens. Veteran post players Robert Maras and Gerrit Terdenge give Giessen experienced inside players who can make opponents pay for mistakes. Giessen looks for young wing Johannes Lischka and import players Corey Rouse and Ricky Hickman to finish the season strong and productive.
Defense: Giessen is a man to man team that will mix in a 2-3 zone.
Head Coach: Vladi Bogojevic
Players:
Heiko Schaffartzik: crafty scoring pg/deep range/quick release
Michael Umah: talented scoring 2/ shooting 45% from three
Corey Rouse: athletic F playing well since return from injury
Gerrit Terdenge: veteran forward/ lefty/ skilled in-out scorer
Flo Hartenstein: 46ers tradition/ hardworking team player
Ricky Hickman: athletic guard/attacks basket and defends
Robert Maras: big skilled veteran post man
Maurice Jeffers: talented wing out with broken hand
Johannes Lischka: talented young F/ a top German in Pro A
Brandon Worthy: likely to return to 46ers with injury to Jeffers
Jannik Freese: young German player for Giessen/Lich
