TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
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ULM HOSTS KOLN 99ers!
ratiopharm Ulm vs Koln 99ers
Saturay March 15, 2008 7pm
Sportszentrum Kuhberg Ulm, Germany
ratiopharm Ulm returns home to Sportszentrum Kuhberg Saturday when they host the Koln 99ers in Game Day 24 of the Bundesliga basketball season. Riding their momentum from last weekends upset win over ALBA Berlin, ratiopharm Ulm bolstered their lineup this week with the addition of talented forward Romeo Travis to help offset the injury to Captain Emeka Erege. But no Bundesliga team has been through more injuries and adversity throughout this season than the 12-11 99ers who remain in the heat of the Playoff race. After declaring insolvency last month, the tradition-rich and highly successful Koln organization has been revived with help from the Bundesliga and an investor from Hamburg Germany. With new-life, Koln has captured impressive wins in the face of injury issues and key personnel losses. Saturday night when Ulm hosts Koln, the key to winning is within overcoming losses.
Ulm's Jeff Gibbs is focused for Saturdays rematch against the Koln 99ers!
Recently, Koln basketball has been among the most successful in the Bundesliga. The 2005-2006 Bundesliga champions, Koln won the German Cup and made the playoffs beating Bremerhaven in the first round before falling to the amazing post season run of the Artland Dragons in the semifinals last year. Along with their strong domestic season, Koln competed in the elite Euroleague as the German representative. But last season, main sponsor Rheinenergie stepped back and the team re-organized their roster this summer. Although the team got out of the blocks slow, no one could predict the events taking place mid-season. Competing in the ULEB Cup and finding their rhythm in the Bundesliga, the 99ers surged up the standings in November and December. Unfortunately, financial problems forced the team to declare insolvency in January and Koln became a major issue for German Basketball. Officially announced that Koln would shut down operations and be unable to finish the season on January 22nd, the Bundesliga momentarily planned to complete the 2007-2008 season without Koln. But with a ULEB Cup game that evening, Koln thankfully found help from Hamburg and several investors in Koln. Demonstrating tremendous competitive heart, Head Coach Sasa Obradovic and his 99ers won their ULEB Cup matchup against Ovarense Aerosoles (Portugal) 97-90 to finish 6-4 in Group B play. The next day Bundesliga Commissioner Jan Pommer acted quickly reinstating the team and Koln's situation settled down. Unfortunately for the 99ers, top stars Immanuel McElroy and Aleksander Nadjfeji moved to ALBA Berlin and former UCLA star and NBA wing Toby Bailey moved to a new team in Spain. Despite the roster changes and off court adversity, Head Coach Sasa Obradovic and his team captured several impressive wins. But in recent weeks, a rash of injuries have provided another roadblock for Koln. Talented German guard Misan Nikagbatse has been sidelined along with talented young forward Yassin Idbihi. Making matters worse, 7' center Nedzad Sinanovic fractured his hand against Bayer Leverkusen last Thursday forcing him to miss the remainder of the season. Without question, Koln's 2007-2008 basketball season has been filled with challenges both on the court and off the floor. To their credit, despite all the adversity, the 99ers enter Saturdays matchup with Ulm holding onto the 8th and final playoff spot.
Ulm's Konrad Wysocki swoops under the hoop past Koln's Milko Bjelica from November 1st's action at Rheinenergie Dome!
Koln's slow start to the 2007-2008 season can be attributed to the major roster changes from the summer. Losing several key players from their 2006-2007 Euroleague roster, Koln rebuilt their team with young talent including players on loan from Spanish ACB squads (Nedzad Sinanovic and Marko Keselj). Taking time for the young players to come together, Koln dropped their first three games losing in Ludwigsburg 83-70 October 7th, falling at home to Artland 69-68 October 12th and dropping a 78-68 decision in Giessen October 14th. The 99ers beat BG74 Gottingen 91-81 October 19th before falling 78-59 October 21st to ALBA in Berlin. Koln lost 86-79 against Bayer Leverkusen October 28th at Wilhelm-Dopatka-halle and entered November 1st's game against ratiopharm Ulm at 1-5. Using a strong fourth quarter run, Koln topped Ulm 78-68 and followed that win win an 88-73 road win in Trier November 10th. Eisbaren Bremerhaven went into Rheinenergie Dome and won 76-61 November 17th, but Koln reeled off 6 straight wins beating Science City Jena 78-67 November 24th in Jena, topping Ewe Baskets Oldenburg 75-71 December 1st at home, winning in Paderborn 86-79 December 7th, beating brose Baskets Bamberg 94-92 December 15th at home, edging Deutsche Bank Skyliners 90-86 December 22nd at Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt and winning 71-65 January 5th over NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig at home. Telekom Baskets Bonn snapped Koln's win streak with a 77-60 win at Rheinenergie Dome January 12th, but the 99ers bounced back with wins over Walter Tigers Tubingen 92-65 January 26th in Tubingen and 99-77 at home over EnBW Ludwigsburg Febuary 2nd. After the Ludwigsburg win, key players McElroy, Nadjfeji and Bailey left the team and Koln fielded the youngest Bundesliga team in history (by average age per player) in a 95-72 road loss against league leading Artland Dragons Febuary 9th. Despite the off court distractions, Koln won at home over Giessen 78-67 Febuary 16th and improved to 12-8. However, hit by injuries over the last three weeks, the 99ers have dropped their last three games losing in Gottingen 92-71 Febuary 24th, at home to ALBA Berlin 80-78 March 1st and 88-76 at home against Bayer Leverkusen in their last outing March 6th.
Ulm's Sean Finn attacks the rim against Koln 7 footer Nedzad Sinanovic in the November 1st matchup between the two teams.
Koln's current roster was upgraded a few weeks ago with the new additions of scoring forward Brian Greene and athletic guard Roy Booker before the transfer deadline. Both players continue to get comfortable with their new team and will be counted on heavily by Head Coach Sasa Obradovic down the stretch. Greene, a shooting forward who played at Colorado State, has averaged 22ppg 6.5reb on 46% three point shooting in his two games with Koln. Meanwhile, Booker has added intense perimeter defense to the backcourt during his two appearances and looks to become more involved in the offense as the season develops. Skillful point guard Derek Raivio (6.9ppg 2.5ast 36% three) has emerged as a key player for Koln and will direct the attack Saturday against Ulm. Forwards Milko Bjelica (10.7ppg 4.6reb 26% three) and Marko Keselj (8.7ppg 3.1reb 45% three) also remain from the rotation that started the season with the 99ers. Although he missed the last three games with injury, rookie forward Yassin Idbihi (10.1ppg 5.5reb) has been a force for Koln all season and opened eyes with a 24 point 18 rebound effort in the win against Giessen. After completing a successful NCAA career at the University of Buffalo, Yassin has established himself as a strong young German post man and recently received an invitation to the German National team for this summer. With the injuries to Nikagbatse and Sinanovic, several young players have seen court time for Koln. Philipp Schwethelm (5.2ppg 50% threes) has shown excellent three point shooting touch and gained excellent experience as a young perimeter player. Post men Tibor Pleiss and young athletic Davis Martens have also been in the mix. Working through all the challenges and adversity from teh season, the entire Koln team deserves respect.
Ulm's EJ Gallup takes aim on Koln this weekend at Sportszentrum Kuhberg.
Earlier this season Koln used a 12-2 fourth quarter run that opened a 56-55 game to take a 78-68 win at Rheinenergie Dome November 1st in a game shown live on BBL.TV. Click here for November 1, 2007 Game Summary
Last season Ulm split two games with the high powered Koln team nearly pulling off an upset in Koln before falling 84-75 October 15th (click here for Game Summary) and then upsetting Koln 82-77 Feb 17th at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm (Click here for Game Summary).
Ulm's Dru Joyce and teammates are excited about the arrival of forward Romeo Travis.
Koln is not the only team with injury issues and personel losses. Ulm's IR includes Captain Emeka Erege who remains out with a knee injury and point guard Kyle Bailey who returned to the team but will miss the weekends game due to his thumb. In response to Erege's absence, ratiopharm Ulm added stand by American forward Romeo Travis to the roster. The talented forward was MAC Player of the Year in 2006-2007 for the University of Akron where he starred along side current Ulm rookie point guard Dru Joyce. Activating a standby American player is nothing new to ratiopharm Ulm, as the team made the same addition last March with shooting guard EJ Gallup. Ulm is excited to add Romeo to the team and expects to work the versatile forward in immediately.
Kyle Bailey returned to the team after a week pause but will not play as he rehabilitates his thumb.
Upsetting ALBA Berlin at MaxSchmellinghalle last Saturday in Berlin, ratiopharm Ulm is focused to carry momentum to their home floor at Sportszentrum Kuhberg. After establishing their homecourt advantage, Ulm has lost their last three home games to Gottingen, Braunschweig and Frankfurt. Last home game against Gottingen, the Ulm fan clubs and Sportszentrum Kuhberg crowd demonstrated tremendous support with an orange and black day where fans arrived in team colors and ratiopharm Ulm management unveiled their new marketing scheme "My Heart Beats for Ulm basketball". Another excellent sold-out crowd is expected for Saturday's game against Koln.
Florian Mobius was a key factor in Ulm's upset win over Rheinenergie Koln last season at Sportszentrum Kuhberg.
Making Saturdays game special, Head Coach Mike Taylor welcomes his Family in from the USA for the Easter week. With parents and brother enjoying another fun trip to Ulm, the Koln game tips off their trip!
Bryan Lucas reacts on court to Ulm's upset win over Koln last season. Bryan and teammates look to carry momentum from last weekends upset win in Berlin to Saturday's matchup against the 99ers.
Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
TAYLORHOOPS.COM GAME NOTES
TOGETHER AGAIN
Ulm's newest addition of Romeo Travis will see a familiar face when he arrives in his new home. Point guard Dru Joyce grew up playing basketball with Romeo in Akron Ohio. The two teamed up to lead the University of Akron to tremendous success in their college basketball careers. After a short stint in Spain, Travis returned home to Akron to complete his college degree. Now, re-united with close friend and former teammate Joyce, ratiopharm Ulm welcomes Romeo into the team.
BBL TV
Fans can watch the ratiopharm Ulm basketball action and other Bundesliga games through BBL.TV on www.sportdigital.tv .
TIME CHANGE
Germany changed their clocks back last weekend and Central European time is now only 5 hours from Eastern Standard Time. Saturday's game time will be 7pm in Germany and 2pm in the USA.
NEW NATIONAL TEAM TEAMMATES?
Last month German National team Head Coach Dirk Bauermann extended an invitation to Ulm's Konrad Wysocki and Koln's Yassin Idbihi giving both players the chance to make the final roster for this summers quest for the Olympics. Both Wysocki and Idbihi have enjoyed excellent seasons in the Bundesliga and would represent their country well.
FAMILY TIME
This weekend, the Taylor family arrives in Ulm for the Koln game and will stay throughout Easter.
Ulm Roster
Emeka Erege: Ulm captain on IR with knee injury
Kyle Bailey: back with team after week away but will not play
Jeff Gibbs: Ulm's All Star ready for new challenge from Brian Greene!
Bryan Lucas: hardworking big man was key to win in Berlin!
Konrad Wysocki: energizing F ready to meet 99ers
Dru Joyce: rookie PG sealed big win in Berlin with clutch FT
Florian Mobius: reliable team player was great v Koln last year!
EJ Gallup: sharpshooter played well in Koln earlier this season
Sean Finn: big man was perfect from floor in Berlin 7 for 7
Sebastian Betz: counted on to help team without Erege and Bailey
Jan Sprunken: dependable wing stabalizes Ulm bench
Romeo Travis: Ulm standby American activated for Koln game
Head Coach: Mike Taylor
Asst Coach : Rainer Bauer
Location: Cologne Germany
Main Sponsor: Rhein Energie
Home Court: Koln Energie Dome
website: www.rheinenergie-koeln.de
2006-2007: 22-12 5th place
Playoffs: 1st Round Beat Bremerhaven 3-2; 2nd Round lost 3-2 to Artland
Euroleague: 8th place (2-12) in Group A
German Cup Champions
Offense: A Euroleague team last season, Koln re-structured their roster and changed from a veteran team to a younger team in the offseason. Loaning two top young Spainish talents (7'3 Nedzad Sinantovic and Marko Keselj) and adding rookie Americans Derrick Raivio and Curtis Sumpter, Head Coach Sasa Obradovic will have much work in the preseason to build up the attack. Fortunately, veteran players Immanuel McElroy and Aleksander Nadjfeji return and will key the team on both ends. Big man Milko Bjelica joins Koln from Braunschweig and is a talented big man who can score. Most interesting addition is German talent Misan Nikabatse who can be an impact player for the newly named 99ers. Also young F Yassin Idbihi returns to Germany after a successful college basketball career at U of Buffalo. Overall, Koln's offense will certain be structured and rely on extended sets with number of continuing options. This seasons roster in Koln may look a bit different because of all the new faces, but in time, expect the 99ers to develop into a playoff team.
Defense: Koln's team last season was excellent athletically and played tenacious man to man defense. Although C Marcin Gortat has moved onto the Orlando Magic and Devin Green to the Miami Heat, Koln does return Bundesliga Defensive Player of the Year Immanuel McElroy who is a "lock down defender". One new aspect for the 99ers will be the teams terrific size including 7'3 talent Nedzad Sinantovic. Also the athletic Nikabatse can be a terrific addition on the defensive end in Obradovic's scheme. Expect Koln to play intense hardnosed defense and compete all season long.
GM: Stephan Baeck
Head Coach: Sasa Obradovic
Players:
Brian Greene: sharpshooting F avg 22ppg with 46% from three in 2gp
Roy Booker: athletic guard new to team
Milko Bjelica : joins Koln from Braunschweig/skilled post
Derrick Raivio: rookie PG from Gonzaga
Nedzad Sinanovic: 7'3 big man on loan from Real Madrid (injured)
Misan Nikabatse:athletic wing/German National team (injured)
Yassin Idbihi: rookie forward from U of Buffalo
Marko Keselj: 6'10 F on loan from Girona in Spain
Philipp Schuethelm: young German forward shooting 50% from 3
David Mertins: athletic young wing
Tibor Pleiss: young 7footer with potential
