TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
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BUILT FOR SPEED!
ULM MEETS RIVAL LUDWIGSBURG AT PORSCHE ARENA IN STUTTGART!
ratiopharm Ulm @ EnBW Ludwigsburg
Sunday October 10, 2008 5pm
Porsche Arena Stuttgart, Germany
Like a racer has a need for speed, basketball fans in south Germany will have their engines charged this weekend. And like two fast cars battling for pole position, nothing brings out the best in competition like a rival. For ratiopharm Ulm and EnBW Ludwigsburg, Sunday's Bundesliga Game Day 19 matchup and Baden Wurtemburg derby moves to the fast lane of Porsche Arena in Stuttgart where the two rivals will put the pedal to the medal. Fresh from German Cup Sweet 16 wins late this week, both Ulm and Ludwigsburg are ready for the green light and look to take the checkered flag in Sunday's Showcase basketball game!
When ratiopharm Ulm upset EnBW Ludwigsburg 89-88 in overtime at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm earlier this season, the next tremendous chapter of the cities historic south German rivalry was written. As both teams moved in their own directions, both teams anticipated the rematch scheduled for Sunday Febuary 10th at Porsche Arena in Stuttgart. Now basketball fans all over Germany are set for a day in the fast lane as Ulm and Ludwigsburg travel to Porsche Arena to hold their next high speed chase in a race for a win.
Click here for Ulm v Ludwigsburg October 2007 Game Summary
Ulm All Star power forward Jeff Gibbs and teammates go all out against Ludwigsburg Sunday at Porsche Arena in Stuttgart!
Last season Ludwigsburg topped Ulm early in the year at Rundsporthalle in Ludwigsburg. Later in the year, Ulm and Ludwigsburg split a pair of games with Ulm winning at home (Click here for Game Summary) before Ludwigsburg took revenge knocking Ulm out of the Cup in a German Cup semi-final game at Rundsporthalle in Ludwigsburg. A competitive respect is held between the two teams and last seasons rivalry games provided basketball fans with tremendous highlights from the 2006-2007 year. Sunday's meeting at Porsche Arena holds the potential to be the next exciting action.
Ulm captain Emeka Erege brings outstanding leadership to his team!
Ludwigsburg bases their attack on pressure defense all over the floor and terrific team speed in transition. Rookie PG Ronald Ross (12.8ppg 4.2reb 2.5ast) sets the tempo with blazing speed in transition and skillful pullup jumpers from penetration. Three point threat Brandon Woudstra (15.5ppg 4.8reb 37% three) is an intelligent offensive player who also plays at a quick tempo. The two combine for a fantastic outside and fast break threat. Recently added German shooter Heiko Schaffartzik brings an explosive shooter to the mix and can play both backcourt spots. Signing former NBA wing Vincent Yarbrough is a steal for Ludwigsburg and Head Coach Silvano Poropat. A clutch player for Bamberg last season in their march to the Bundesliga championship, Yarbrough provides an intelligent, team oriented scoring option with versatility on the perimeter. Moving Yarbrough into the starting lineup means hardworking Jason Dourisseau (7.6ppg 3.8reb 21% three) will come off the bench. A terrific defender, Dourisseau excels in transition and was a key contributor to Ludwigsburg success off the bench last year. In the post, Nate Harris (7ppg 4reb 2ast) is finally healthy after missing significant time with an early season injury. Harris is a versatile player who brings alot to the team in the frontcourt. Physical post man Michel Nascimento (10.1ppg 3.8reb) is a bruiser in the paint and has added a decent shooting touch to three point range this season. Rookie power forward Coleman Collins (11.5ppg 3.8reb 33% three) has been outstanding at times for Ludwigsburg and his versatility is a sure weapon for their squad. Captain Nils Mittmann (4.7ppg 3.1reb 32% three) is a hardworking team player who adds a perimeter three point threat and defensive toughness at the backup four spot. After much roster turnover including the release of Ed Norvell, Frank Young and Chad Prewitt, Ludwigsburg has settled in with their team and are poised for a strong second half of the season run toward a fourth straight Bundesliga playoff appearance.
After tipping off the season with an 83-70 home win over Koln 99ers October 7th, Ulm upset Ludwigsburg 89-88 in overtime October 12th at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm. The classic game sparked the next stages in the Classic Ulm-Ludwigsburg rivalry. Ludwigsburg dropped their next two Bundesliga games losing at home to Trier 90-75 October 14th before they fell 91-86 on the road in Bremerhaven in overtime October 18th. The team bounced back to beat Science City Jena 80-73 October 21st but lost in Oldenburg October 27th 75-70. In a tight game November 3rd, Ludwisburg topped digibu Baskets Paderborn 94-90 before falling November 11th in Bamberg 76-49. Ludwigsburg bounced back November 17th with a 94-71 home win over Frankfurt but followed it with a hardfought 87-81 loss in Bonn November 23rd. Meeting rival Walter Tigers Tubingen December 1st, Ludwigsburg beat their south German foe 99-75. December 8th in Braunschweig, Ludwigsburg lost 86-75 and then dropped a 93-87 decision at home to Bayer Leverkusen December 15th. Just before Christmas, Ludwigsburg bounced back with a terrific 86-73 home win over Artland Dragons. January 5th at MaxSchmellinghalle in Berlin, Ludwigsburg dropped a tight 90-87 decision to the league leaders but the next weekend January 11th, Ludwigsburg beat LTi Giessen 46ers 88-79 earning their first road win of the season. January 27th Ludwigsburg beat BG 74 Gottingen 87-87 but last week lost big in Koln 99-77 Febuary 2nd.
Overall, Ludwigsburg has amassed an 8-10 record and played to a 1-8 record on the road in the Bundesliga. 7-2 at home this season, Ludwigsburg has gone 5-5 over their last ten games. Ludwigsburg competed in this seasons ULEB Cup finishing their campaign strong with a 95-86 road win over Panionios on Telecoms in ULEB Cup Game Day 10 January 22nd. Ludwigsburg represented the Bundesliga well with competitive games and a successful first step into international play for the organization. Finishing 3-7 in Group G, Ludwigsburg did not advance to the next round.
Ulm's Kyle Bailey returned to action ahead of schedule in Friday's German Cup win. KB was clutch in the seasons first meeting with Ludwigsburg, burying the decisive jumper that forced overtime in Ulm's 89-88 home win!
Even though Ludwigsburg did not advance to the next round of ULEB Cup play, both Ulm and Ludwigsburg advanced to the Elite Eight of the German Cup with wins this week. Ulm edged Paderborn 82-79 Friday while Ludwigsburg beat Jena Thursday night. Of course both teams met last season in an Elite Eight game which was won by the terrific Ludwigsburg team from 2006-2007. While both teams bring positive momentum from their Cup triumphs, both teams also received boosts in the form of players joining their roster. For Ulm, starting point guard Kyle Bailey returned to action after missing a month with a fractured thumb. Playing 15 minutes off the bench against Paderborn in the Cup win, Kyle's toughness and sacrifice for his teammates and team was greatly appreciated by all Ulmers and fans. Kyle takes aim on regaining the top form which made him an impact player at the point guard spot in the first half of the season. Ludwigsburg fans remember KB well as the player who sank the game tying jumper forcing overtime at Sportszentrum Kuhberg earlier this year! While Ulm welcomes back Kyle Bailey, Ludwigsburg welcomes a new teammate in veteran scoring wing Vincent Yarbrough. A key part of Bamberg's championship team last season, Yarbrough is a former University of Tennessee forward with NBA experience from time spent playing for the Denver Nuggets. A terrific shooter and intelligent player, Yarbrough's addition to the Ludwigsburg team is an excellent pickup and could help put their roster over the top in the playoff chase the second half of the season. For both Ulm and Ludwigsburg, Sunday's game at Porsche Arena will feature the faces of Kyle Bailey and Vincent Yarbrough, a great sight for basketball fans!
Ulm sharpshooter and Bundesliga 3 point shooting king EJ Gallup is aiming for a great game at Porsche Arena in Stuttgart!
The Ulm-Ludwigsburg rivalry features several individuals who take the game with extra special meaning. Ulm assistant coach and youth coordinator Rainer Bauer comes from Ludwigsburg along with Ulm youth coach and organizational assistant Rebecca Bittner. Ulm physio Andi Lacher also grew up in the suburbs of Ludwigsburg. Current Ludwigsburg captain Nils Mittmann served as Ulm's team captain while in the 2.Bundesliga South and played for Bauer during his tenure as Ulm head coach. The rivalry goes along family fued lines as well --- Ulm all star small forward Konrad Wysocki meets his younger brother Kevin Wysocki who practices with Ludwigsburg and plays for Kirchheim. Without question, Sunday's rivalry has plenty of storylines adding to the drama at Porsche Arena.
Ulm and Ludwigsburg know each other well and Sunday provides the next chance to go head to head. Nothing brings out the best in competition like a rival. Sunday at Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, both Ulm and Ludwigsburg have the green light. After all, a rivalry like this is built for speed!
Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
TAYLORHOOPS.COM GAME NOTES
PORSCHE ARENA
When ratiopharm Ulm visits Porsche Arena in Stuttgart for Sunday evening's Bundesliga Game Day 19 matchup, it will be the first neutral site Bundesliga game for ratiopharm Ulm in their two years since returning to Germany's top division. Ludwigsburg has hosted several derby games against Tubingen and a few ULEB Cup games at the venue.
FAST LIKE LIGHTNING
When Ulm faces Ludwigsburg at Porsche Arena Sunday in Stuttgart Germany, tempo will be fully charged. With newcomer Ronald Ross, Ludwigsburg often uses a 2 point guard lineup and pushes the pace when possible. Along with deadeye shooters like Brandon Woudstra and Nils Mittmann, the team will be a fastbreaking fun team for fans to see.
BUNDESLIGA to ULEB CUP!
Ludwigsburg completed Group G of the ULEB Cup this season with a 3-7 record. Complete standings are below.
Group G
Team W L Pts + Pts - Total Pts.
Kalise Gran Canaria 8 2 820 752 68
Asvel Basket 6 4 864 809 55
Panionios On Telecoms 5 5 822 818 4
ASCO Slask Wroclaw 5 5 785 760 25
Ludwigsburg 3 7 811 852 -41
BC Kalev/Cramo 3 7 727 838 -111
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RAINER'S HOMETOWN
Ludwigsburg native Rainer Bauer has been a tremendous asset to the ratiopharm Ulm organization over the last several seasons. A driving force in the teams youth programs, Bauer has also served as the teams assistant coach. Every game against his hometown Ludwigsburg team provides a special event for Bauer who was the head coach with Bayern Munich and also with Ulm in the 2.Bundesliga South in his career. A high school teacher, Rainer Bauer now calls Ulm home and will certainly be working hard for Ulm as his two "hometown teams" collide.
WYSOCKI REUNION!
Sunday evening when Ulm battles Ludwigsburg at Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, the Wysocki family could be facing a difficult decision. While energizing Ulm F Konrad Wysocki will be in the starting lineup, younger brother Kevin is part of the Ludwigsburg organization as a talented prospect who plays in Kirchheim while practicing with the Ludwigsburg team. Although Kevin is unlikely to dress for the game, the evening will provide the Wysocki family with a special event through basketball and one they can be proud of.
CAPTAIN MITTMANN!
Ludwigsburg Captain Nils Mittmann has been a terrific player and an underrated key to their teams success over the last several seasons. But before Nils was captain in Ludwigsburg, he was the captain for ratiopharm Ulm under then Head Coach Rainer Bauer during the 2.Bundesliga South days. Certainly, Nils has earned respect in both teams and stands as the only current Bundesliga player to be captain of two teams in the league.
Ulm Roster
Emeka Erege: captain brings excellent leadership to his team
Jeff Gibbs: excited about Grandmothers visit to Germany!
Bryan Lucas: hardworking big man made key plays v Ludwigsburg in Oct.
Konrad Wysocki: ready for tough matchup against new Yarbrough
Kyle Bailey: returns to team ahead of schedule/presence a boost!
EJ Gallup: sharpshooter ready for fast lane at Porsche Arena.
Dru Joyce: excellent job filling in for KB/vital role in team!
Sebastian Betz: hardworking young wing making contributions
Sean Finn: 9pt 7reb in German Cup win! strong presence in paint!
Jan Sprunken: veteran wing adds experience
Florian Mobius: steady post sub ready to help front court
Head Coach: Mike Taylor
Asst Coach : Rainer Bauer
Location: Ludwigsburg, Germany
Main Sponsor: EnBW
Home Court: Rundsporthalle
website: www.enbw-ludwigsburg.de
2006-2007: 25-9 second place
Playoffs: 1st Round beat Leverkusen 3-1; 2nd Round lost to Bamberg 3-1
Offense: One of the best stories of last season was the outstanding team play of EnBW Ludwigsburg. Head Coach Silvano Poropat guided his team through a memorable regular season and deep into the playoffs before finally falling to eventual champ Bamberg in the semi's. Unfortunately, for Ludwigsburg, Bundesliga MVP Jerry Green and excellent guard J'kell Foster moved on along with C Pavelus Cukinas and several other key players. Rebuilding their team, Ludwigsburg has added lightning quick PG Ronald Ross and talented big man Coleman Collins to bolster the lineup. Brandon Woudstra, a bulls-eye 3pt shooter, moves to Ludwigsburg from Leverkusen and Frank Young adds more shooting as a big wing. In the post Michel Nascimento, a physical banger with post skills, and team captain Nils Mittman return to play important roles. Stephan Fahrad is new after playing in Karlsruhe and adds depth on the wing along with athletic Jason Dourisseau. Late in the preseason, reacting to an injury to starting 4 man Nate Harris, Ludwigsburg management made a brilliant move in signing experienced post man Chad Prewitt who played a key part in Artland's late season and playoff surge. Finally, physical PG Ed Norvell joins Ludwigsburg and could be a big part of the success this season.
Defense: With experience from last seasons success under their belt, Ludwigsburg has built an athletic and fast team which should help them on the defensive end and in transition this season. A physical and aggressive defensive team, this year PGs Ross and Norvell can set an excellent defensive tone with ballpressure. Big men Nascimento and Collins provide an excellent physical presence in the paint and the late preseason addition of Chad Prewitt is a terrific replacement for injured starter Nate Harris. With these new faces and momentum from a new gym being built, expect another strong season in Ludwigsburg.
Manager: Rene Beck
Head Coach: Silvano Poropat
Players:
Ronald Ross: blazing quick PG/excels in transition
Heiko Schaffartzik: 3pt threat combo guard/added in November
Coleman Collins: athletic/talented post from VA Tech/in-out threat
Jason Dourisseau: athletic wing /excellent defender
Brandon Woudstra: one of best shooters in the league
Nate Harris: multi-skilled 4 man from Utah St
Vincent Yarbrough: recently added former NBA vet/Pro Shooter
Michel Nascimento: talented and big/inside presence
Nils Mittman: hardworking team player adds fire to team/3pt shooter
Stephan Fahrad: hardworking team player/injured
Sascha Kesselring: backup big man
Radisa Zdravkovic: big G moves up from MTV Stuttgart
