TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
VS 
ULM CIRCLES THE WAGONS!
ratiopharm Ulm vs BG74 Gottingen Violets
Saturday March 1, 2008 7pm
Sportszentrum Kuhberg Ulm, Germany
Classic movies about the old west often feature gunfights and shootouts between Cowboys and Indians. In many westerns, when Indians attacked, cowboys circled their covered wagons to stand their ground and fight. Saturday, ratiopharm Ulm hosts BG74 Gottingen Violets in an exciting basketball matchup of two recent "Aufsteigers". Ulm enters the game with a 9-12 record while Gottingen holds an 8-13 mark. Looking to snap their losing streak, Ulm aims to stand their ground and fight. With extra special help from the Ulm fan clubs and fans who will wear orange and black in support of their team, Saturday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg, ratiopharm Ulm will circle the wagons.
Kyle Bailey leads ratiopharm Ulm into Saturdays game against his former team BG74 Gottingen.
Ulm and Gottingen share a similar basketball history. Both teams were part of the Bundesliga before moving down to the 2.Bundesliga and earning their way back. While Ulm enjoyed a 13 year stretch in the Bundesliga from 1988 to 2001, Gottingen won three Bundesliga championships with the last coming in 1984. Ulm earned their promotion in 2005-2006 with a 2.Bundesliga South championship and Gottingen won their way to the Bundesliga with a 2.Bundesliga North title last year. Certainly Ulm and Gottingen have strong basketball history and rich basketball tradition throughou the years.
Last season, Head Coach John Patrick guided BG74 Gottingen to a terrific season and 2.Bundesliga North title. Earning promotion into the Bundesliga, Gottingen enjoyed a memorable year filled with fantastic success. A focal point for Coach Patrick's attack was talented scoring guard Kyle Bailey who was 2.Bundesliga North MVP during 2006-2007. Over the summer, Kyle signed with ratiopharm Ulm taking his floor show to south Germany. After a fantastic start to the season leading Ulm to a 9-6 record at Christmas break, KB broke his thumb fracturing it during a Christmas break practice. Working hard at rehabilitation for one month, Kyle returned to action and continues to progress toward his early season rhythm. An 18 point performance against Artland was his best since returning to the lineup and Kyle aims for a terrific game against his former team Saturday at Sportszentrum Kuhberg.
Another former BG74 player who laces up his basketball shoes in Ulm is All Star small forward Konrad Wysocki. Enjoying a breakout season, Konrad played with the Violets in the 2.Bundesliga North in 2004-2005 before moving on to a few other teams. Joining Ulm midseason in 2005-2006, Konrad has developed his game tremendously over the last few seasons in Ulm. Certainly, after his homecoming to Giessen Sunday, Konrad looks forward to seeing familiar faces from Gottingen Saturday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm.
Ulm All Star small forward Konrad Wysocki makes his move against Gottingen's Darren Brooks in December 13ths action at Lokhalle. Wysocki is excited to meet his former team again Saturday in Ulm.
In the seasons first meeting back on December 13th, ratiopharm Ulm used a strong second half surge to earn a 91-82 road win at Lokhalle. All Star forward Jeff Gibbs powered his way to 21 points 17 rebounds, Bryan Lucas added 15 points 4 rebounds and Konrad Wysocki went for 13 points 10 boards in leading Ulm's attack to the win. Gottingen's full court pressure helped them take the lead in the second quarter, but a strong late first half Ulm run pulled them even at 46 at the half. Ulm's 25-16 third quarter keyed the win and Kyle Baileys clutch shooting down the stretch helped Ulm earn their 5th win in a row.
Click here for Ulm @ Gottingen December 13th Game Summary
Click here for Photo Gallery of Ulm @ Gottingen
BG74 Gottingen started their Bundesliga campaign with back to back wins in their first two games. On opening night October 6th, John Patrick and his team topped the Giessen 46ers 88-81 behind 21 points from forward Willie Jenkins. The newcomers followed up their first W with a strong 91-85 home opening victory over hot-starting Bayer Leverkusen October 9th. Jenkins again got off scoring 26 points in the win. Game three took the Aufsteiger's to the Mecca of German Basketball, Max Schmelling Arena where ALBA Berlin topped Gottingen 102-85 handing the upstart rookies their first defeat October 16th. The loss started a skid of 7 straight defeats before last weekends road win over Deutsche Bank Skyliners at Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt. In the losing streak, Gottingen fell 91-81 at Koln October 19th in an extremely competitive game and then lost 106-91 October 28th in Trier. Darren Brooks scored 27 points in the loss. November 10th, Gottingen lost to fellow Aufsteiger Science City Jena 104-84 facing a 70% three point shooting barrage to the eastern based team. Game day 9 on November 16th, Gottingen entertained Oldenburg in a game shown live on BBL.TV from Lockhalle in Gottingen. The home team competed relentlessly but fell short 76-68 to the talented Oldenburg team. The next week on November 24th, Gottingen lost a heartbreaker in Paderborn 97-96 as Paderborn's Jason Edwin buried 3 of 3 from the foul line with 1 second remaining helping the hosts seal a win. Big man Michael Schroeder was terrific in the game scoring 21 points with 10 boards. December 2nd, reigning German champion brose Baskets Bamberg topped Gottingen 73-66 dropping the Violets to 2-7. But in a terrific team effort, Gottingen beat a tough team from Frankfurt handily 77-60 Sunday December 9th as Darren Brooks went for 18 points 9 boards. Ulm topped Gottingen Thursday night December 13th and then on December 16th Telekom Baskets Bonn beat BG74 79-75. But the Violets bounced back December 22nd with a big comeback win on the road at Tubingen winning 82-73. January 5th the Artland Dragons beat Gottingen 85-69 in Lokhalle before Gottingen upset NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig 88-83 in overtime at Volkswagonhalle in Braunschweig January 16th. Gottingen returned home to make it back to back wins beating Eisbaren Bremerhaven 81-73 January 21st and Gottingen dropped a tight 87-85 loss on the road at Ludwigsburg January 27th. The Voilets bounced back the next weekend with a big 91-75 home win over the Giessen 46ers Febuary 2nd before losing a hardfought game 90-85 on the road at Leverkusen Febuary 10th. The next weekend, a spirited home effort fell just short as Gottingen battled ALBA Berlin to a 70-66 score Febuary 16th. Finally, last weekend, the Violets outscored the Koln 99ers 23-9 in the 4th quarter to earn an impressive 92-71 home win. Entering Saturdays rematch in Ulm, Gottingen boasts an 8-13 record and are 5-5 in their last 10 games since playing Ulm in December.
All Star Power Forward Jeff Gibbs was in top form with 21 points and 17 rebounds leading Ulm to their 91-82 road win over Gottingen at Lokhalle December 13th! Here, Jeff posts up against Jamar Thorpe.
Gottingen has improved their team as the season has gone along adding several talented new players to their roster while adapting their style of play to the Bundesliga. Head Coach John Patrick has done a nice job of adjusting his run and gun attack to the physical style of the Bundesliga and the team recently rewarded him with a two year contract extension. The city of Gottingen has been a tremendous support for their team and Gottingen brings new jersey sponsors to the floor with them for Saturdays game in Ulm. Overall, basketball is full of energy and enthusiasm in the city of Gottingen and the Violets first season in the Bundesliga has been extremely positive.
Ulm's Bryan Lucas was excellent in Gottingen scoring 15 points with 4 rebounds. Here, the hardworking Ulm post man finishes a right hand jump hook over a rotating Dwayne Kirkley.
Since the beginning of the season, Gottingen has added several key players to their roster including post men David Monds and Jason Boone along with intelligent perimeter player Ben Jacobsen. A former Oklahoma State post player, Monds has scored 7.6ppg with 3.8reb adding a physical presence in the paint for the Violets. Recently signed Jason Boone has the Gottingen people comparing the undersized physical post man to Ulm's Jeff Gibbs and Ben Jacobsen (8.8ppg 2.8reb 2.8ast 42% three) is a solid perimeter man who makes good decisions on the floor. The three players have added quality and depth to their new team and helped spark a rise up the Bundesliga standings in the last month. Gottingen's uptempo attack revolves around excellent one on one play. Bundesliga All Star Jeb Ivey (13.6ppg 2.5reb 1.1ast 43% three) is now starting at the point for the Violets. An MVP from Iceland at the PG spot, Ivey started the season as a three point shooting threat and has shifted his game back to the point in recent weeks. Ivey's deep shooting ability and ability to shoot off the dribble make him a constant threat. Athletic scoring wing Darren Brooks (13.3ppg 4.1reb 1.9ast 32% three) is a terrific one on one player with ability to play several different positions on both ends of the floor. Brooks will often take over primary ball handing duties and is a go-to player for the Gottingen team. Athletic forward Willie Jenkins (13ppg 3.8reb 1.2ast 33% three) is another outstanding one on one scorer while surprisingly has taken 121 three point shots this year tying him with Ivey for the team lead in three point attempts. Small forward Jamar Thorpe (7.6ppg 4reb 26% three) is a skilled scorer with quick moves and slashing drives or post ups. Post man Michael Schroeder (6.3ppg 4.6reb 48%FT) is a physical load on the block and uses his size well as an inside scorer. Veteran Selim Mulic (6.6pg 1.1reb 46% three) is a money three point shooter for a four man and stretches defenses with his shooting accuracy. Hardworking veteran Marco Grimaldi (3.4ppg 2reb 12% three) is a strong defender and aggressive playmaker from the bench. Young guard Philipp Nies adds depth and energy to the backcourt and veteran Dwayne Kirkley is overcoming recent injury to get back into the rotation as a floor general and leader. The Gottingen team plays aggressive pressure defense and excells at the one on one game offensively.
Ulm's EJ Gallup scans the floor against Gottingen's Darren Brooks. EJ buried several clutch shots in Gottingen and looks to spark Ulm's offense with his sharpshooting this Saturday at Sportszentrum Kuhberg.
ratiopharm Ulm enters the game as the Bundesliga's best rebounding team, #1 offensive rebounding team and the #2 team in scoring offense. The team also has attempted the most free throws in the Bundesliga through 21 games. With plenty of opportunities to win their recent games, Ulm must simply play better on both ends of the floor to get back on track. Most significantly, the team must be more committed to the defensive end of the floor and hardwork through the practice week from the team will produce results. Gottingen's one on one offensive ability makes them a challenging opponent, but Ulm's
Ulm's Florian Mobius reaches for a rebound in Gottingen as Selim Mulic and Dwayne Kirkley look on. Flo was strong off the bench for Ulm in the game.
For ratiopharm Ulm, Saturdays game is a key game. After building a 9-5 record, Ulm has dropped 7 straight games falling to 12th in the standings. In support of their team, ratiopharm Ulm fan clubs (the Magic Sparrows and Fan Attack Ulm) are making a special effort to wear orange and black team colors in support of their favorite team. Certainly the game will be a "team effort" and Ulm aims for a big boost from their 6th man in the stands. Saturday, Ulm will circle the wagons at Sportszentrum Kuhberg.
ratiopharm Ulm looks for a strong team effort Saturday!
Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
TAYLORHOOPS.COM GAME NOTES
FORMER TEAM !
Ulm PG Kyle Bailey and F Konrad Wysocki will meet their former team in Gottingen. Although both Ulmers played for Gottingen, they were not teammates for BG74. KB led Gottingen to the 2.Bundesliga North title last season while Konrad suited up for the Violets in 2004.
BBL.TV!
Catch Bundelsiga basketball live online at www.sportdigital.tv from BBL.TV
Ulm Roster
Emeka Erege: Ulm captain giving team excellent minutes!!
Kyle Bailey: excited to face former team in Gottingen
Jeff Gibbs: Ulm's All Star ready to lead team to vs Violets!
Bryan Lucas: faces physical big man Michael Schroder in the block
Konrad Wysocki: Also facing former team in Gottingen!!
Dru Joyce: ballskills and court awareness will be key v pressure!
Florian Mobius: mobility can make Mobius a factor
EJ Gallup: Ulm sharpshooter played well v Gottingen in December!
Sean Finn: Ulm big man ready to battle big Mike Schroder
Sebastian Betz: young wing played solid min in Giessen!!
Jan Sprunken: overcoming the flu but will be rready!
Head Coach: Mike Taylor
Asst Coach : Rainer Bauer
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
Ben Jacobsen: smart/skilled combo guard/recently signed to team
Willie Jenkins: scoring forward joins team from Pro B France
David Monds: Oklahoma St post adds physical presence
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
Jason Boone: physical post man Gottingen compares to Jeff Gibbs
Michael Schroeder: wide and physical post/runs well for size
