TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
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ULM EYES NEXT STEP IN KOLN!
ratiopharm Ulm @ Koln 99ers
Thursday November 1, 2007 7:30pm
Rheinenergie Dome Koln, Germany
ratiopharm Ulm travels to the Rheinenergie Dome to meet the Koln 99ers for a primetime BBL.TV game Thursday night in Koln Germany. With momentum from last weekends upset win over ALBA Berlin, ratiopharm Ulm aims for a strong road performance against last seasons German Cup Champions who also represented Germany Euroleague. Excited for the next challenge, ratiopharm Ulm eyes the next step in their development as they take on the tradition-rich 99ers.
Symbolizing Ulm --- as an undersized big man, Jeff Gibbs represents small market Ulm as they compete against bigger Bundesliga teams. Jeff is more than an All star for Ulm, he is the symbol of their team!
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. Along with their strong domestic season, Koln competed in the elite Euroleague as the German representative. From this talented team, two players have moved onto the NBA --- center Marcin Gortat with the Orlando Magic and forward Devin Green with the Miami Heat. Without question, Koln is one of the top organizations and most successful teams in the Bundesliga.
Ulm's EJ Gallup has been playing so well, he needs a breather!
Head Coach Sasa Obradovic is a major reason why. A proven winner, playing for his home country of Serbia, Sasa won the World Championships in 1998, competed in two Olympic Games (1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney), won the European Championship in 1995 and 1997 and finished his carrer as a fan favorite and impact player with Koln. Among the best players in Europe during his playing days, Sasa took over the head coaching position in 2005-2006 with immediate success guiding Koln to the Bundesliga title in his rookie campaign. Last year, Obradovic added more honors with the German Cup title. Working as an excellent assistant coach, Drasko Prodanovic provides excellent experience and insight from his successful years coaching. With Drasko's support, Obradovic has worked successfully made the transition from great player to great coach.
No Bundesliga player has been more active and productive than Ulm's Konrad Wysocki. The beauty of Konrad's game is the unique combination of his versatility (both forward positions), skills (shooting and passing), intelligence and tempo.
During this offseason, main sponsor Rheinenergie stepped back and the team reshaped themselves from Rheinenergie Koln to the Koln 99ers in tribute to the year (1999) the organization was established. GM Stephan Baeck, one of the top players in German history, adjusted the situation and philosophy of the team with crafty manuevers on the market. Working with a decreased budget minus Euroleague money and the new sponsors, Koln went young renting top young players from elite teams in Europe and signing quality German players. Interesting moves included signing 7'3 Bosnian Center Nedzad Sinanovic on loan to Koln from Euro-Power Real Madrid. Playing last season in Spain, Real Madrid rented the big man to Koln in order to get him minutes and game experience. Another rental player, 6'10 Marko Keselj who played with Spanish squad Girona, joins Koln for development. Young German forward Yassin Idbihi, a rookie from University of Buffalo signed with the 99ers and German National team guard Misan Nikagbatse strengthened Koln. Finally, rookie American point guard Derek Raivio from Gonzaga was added to run the team. Providing stablity and leadership for the young players, former Bundesliga Playoff MVP and two time Bundesliga Defensive player of the year Immanuel McElroy stands as a fantastic reprenstative for Koln basketball. A relentless player, IMAC has become a fan favorite and Bundesliga all star. Along with McElroy, veteran forward Aleksandar Nadjfeji ranks as one of the top offensive big men in the Bundesliga. A talented inside-out scorer with great skills and smooth post moves, Nadjfeji returned to Koln late in preseason and will once again be a key to their success. Joining McElroy and Nadjfeji, forward Milko Bjelica moves to Koln after a successful season in Braunschweig. A skilled big man with excellent perimeter touch, Bjelica looks to make the next step in his development with Koln. All together, this fine collection of young talent provides Koln with excellent potential and has the team moving in the direction of another successful season.
Hardworking Bryan Lucas has been an inspiring element in early season Ulm success. Bryan's heart and effort are a big reason the Ulm team continues to improve.
Entering the season with high expectations as always, Koln's young lineup has gotten off to a 1-5 start while struggling to find consistency against a challenging schedule. Tipping off the 2007-2008 season, Koln lost 83-70 in Ludwigsburg before falling 69-68 at home to Artland in Game Day 2. After losing 78-68 in Giessen, Koln returned home to capture their first win of the year 91-81 over Gottingen. Game Day 5 saw ALBA Berlin handle Koln 78-59 and last Sunday Bayer Leverkusen beat the 99ers 86-79 in their Rhein River Shootout. Despite the 1-5 mark, Koln has shown signs of strong play including a 21-5 second quarter in last Sundays road loss at Leverkusen. Due to the slow start, Koln management has been working to bring in reinforcements for their team and former Vanderbilt forward Derrick Byars has been linked with the 99ers. Currently in training camp with Philadelphia 76ers, Byars could join the 99ers when his NBA opportunities close for this season. The team already made one roster move sending rookie forward Curtis Sumpter home as the former Villanova Wildcat handled family reasons in the US. Fans can expect a determined effort from the 99ers Thursday and not fall into the trap of underestimating the strong Koln team despite their slow start.
Kyle Bailey is cool under pressure. The Alaska native has made clutch plays and led the team to upset wins over ALBA and Ludwigsburg as a Bundesliga rookie floor general.
Just like fans should avoid under-estimating Koln, fans should also avoid over-estimating Ulm. Coming off the upset of ALBA Berlin, ratiopharm Ulm players went back to work this week with a quiet confidence and strong focus. With much more potential to tap into and many more challenges ahead, ratiopharm Ulm aims for improved performance on the road starting with Thursdays game at Rheinenergie Dome. Last season Ulm split two games with the high powered Koln team. Ulm nearly pulled off an upset in Koln before falling 84-75 October 15th. (click here for Game Summary) Later in the year, Ulm topped Koln 82-77 Feb 17th at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm (Click here for Game Summary).
With Ulm 0-2 on the road this season, dropping a 75-70 decision in the season opener at Braunschweig and falling in Artland, the team is determined to compete and improve away from home taking steps forward and becoming a winning road team. Once again ratiopharm Ulm will be without Captain Emeka Erege who remains rehabilitating his muscle injury and earlier in the week two Ulm players suffered eye injuries. Konrad Wysocki was poked in the eye in the closing minutes of the Berlin win before Kyle Bailey was jabbed with a finger in the eye during Monday evenings practice. Both players are expected to play Thursday.
Ulm C Sean Finn finishes this basket in the late third quarter against ALBA Berlin. Finn looks forward to the matchup against 7'3 Koln C Nedzad Sinanovic.
Ulm's terrific team win over ALBA Berlin highlights the hardwork from the players. Both starting five and bench have demonstrated continued improvement and individual players have emerged to spark the team at various times throughout the season. Last season, it was Florian Mobius who came off the bench to help Ulm upset Koln at home. Mobius and teammate Jan Sprunken are the heart of Ulm's reserves and always remain ready. Young backcourt players Dru Joyce and Sebasitian Betz are extremely important contributors to the team and 7 foot Sean Finn has been a factor on both ends for Ulm. Missing Captain Emeka Erege who continues to rehab his muscle injury, the bench of Joyce, Betz and Sprunken have all stepped up.
Ulm Rookie PG Dru Joyce sparked his team with 12 points 3 assists in the upset win over ALBA last Saturday. Now, Dru looks forward to competing against Koln Thursday night live on BBL.TV
Also unique for the Ulm team Thursday is "Team Moustache Day" (Schnurbart Tag in Deutsche). Everyone on the team will compete with their best Moustache to add flair to the game while showing their togetherness.
Rookie wing Sebastian Betz is a young talent with outstanding work ethic. Basti ranks among the most impressive young German players in the Bundesliga.
Once again, the Ulm management has worked extremely hard to give their team that extra edge. Ulm will rest at home Wednesday evening and meet Thursday early afternoon at Sportszentrum Kuhberg to begin their journey. But the team bus will head up to Koln Thursday morning while the team heads to nearby Memmingen Airport where they will fly from Memmingen to Koln. Arriving at 445pm, the team will meet their team bus and be transported to the Rheinenergie Dome. Tipping off at 730pm, the one hour flight (compared with 4 plus hour bus ride) and extra rest are believed to be a big key to helping the Ulm team.
Watch the Ulm game Live online Thursday using www.sportdigital.tv
Basketball fans all over the world can watch the game live online throught www.sportdigital.tv Fans can buy the game individually for 3 euros or purchase the entire season package for 50 euros. Sportdigital.tv shows BBL.TV who feature two games per week live and have covered Bamberg's Euroleague games this season. Fans should keep in mind that Germany moved the clocks back last weekend and are now currently 5 hours from eastern standard time rather than the ordinary 6. The 7:30pm German tip time will begin approximately 2:30pm Eastern time.
Thursday night at the Rheinenergie Dome, ratiopharm Ulm faces their next tough challenge in the tradition-rich Koln 99ers. With confidence from last weeks big win, the team eyes their next step --- tough wins on the road. Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
TAYLORHOOPS.COM GAME NOTES
BBL TV
Fans can watch the ratiopharm Ulm @ Koln 99ers game LIVE online using www.sportdigital.tv Purchasing either the single game for 3 euros or the entire season for 50 euros, basketball fans can enjoy all the Bundesliga action and follow their favorite Ulm team live. Purchasing the entire season package allows fans the PLAYBACK option which lets them watch replays of every game at their own convenience over and over again. BBL.TV on www.sportdigital.tv DOES work in the USA.
TIME CHANGE
Germany changed their clocks back last weekend and Central European time is now only 5 hours from Eastern Standard Time. Thursday's BBL.TV game time will be shown live in Germany at 730pm and live in the USA at 230pm.
WCC RIVALS
Ulm's Kyle Bailey and Koln's Derek Raivio will not need a scouting report for Thursdays game. Both know each other well. The former West Coast Conference rivals met throughout their college careers as KB's Santa Clara Broncos faced Raivio's Gonzaga Zags. Thursday will be the next chapter in their individual duel.
99 FANS FOR 9 EUROS!
Ulm fans who loudly supported their team in Saturdays home upset win over ALBA Berlin at Sportszentrum Kuhberg will bring their energy on the road Thursday as local travel agents Holiday Land Team4You have created the 99 fans to Koln for 9 euros!
HOLIDAY HOOPS!
Thursday November 1st All Saints Day is an official Holiday in Germany.
Ulm Roster
Emeka Erege: Ulm captain on IR with slight muscle pull
Kyle Bailey: faces former college foe Raivio
Jeff Gibbs: Ulm's All Star battles Aleksander Nadjfeji head to head!
Bryan Lucas: hardworking big man meets REALLY big 7'3 Sinanovic!
Konrad Wysocki: energizing F has powered Ulm this season
Dru Joyce: rookie PG came up big from bench v ALBA Berlin
Florian Mobius: reliable team player was great v Koln last year!
EJ Gallup: sharpshooter
Sean Finn: big man fitting in and developing with Ulm well
Sebastian Betz: young wing with outstanding work ethic!
Jan Sprunken: dependable wing stabalizes Ulm bench
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:
Immanuel McElroy: Bundesliga defensive POY/relentless
Aleksandar Nadjfeji: skilled veteran F returns to Koln
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
Misan Nikabatse:athletic wing/German National team
Yassin Idbihi: rookie forward from U of Buffalo
Marko Keselj: 6'10 F on loan from Girona in Spain
Philipp Schuethelm: young German forward
David Mertins: athletic young wing
Tibor Pleiss: young 7footer with potential
