Back for his third season with ratiopharm Ulm is outstanding center Maksym Shtein.  A 6'9 power player from Odessa in the Ukranie, Max brings a unique mix of skill and physical play to the Ulm post.  Last season Max averaged a strong 15.4ppg with 6.8rpg for Ulm.  Regarded as one of the best inside scorers in the league, Max lead the 2.Bundesliga South in field goal percentage at 63.9%.  Shtein led ratiopharm Ulm in scoring 8 times on the year including a tremendous 29 point 5 rebound night in the German Cup loss to Karlsruhe and a 27 point outburst against TuS Jena on Feb 21st, 2004.  Max also came up big for Ulm when it counted scoring 26 points and making clutch free throws in the first classic Tubingen game.  One of Ulm's most consistent players last season, Max is expected to remain as a dominant inside scoring presence for the team this season.  Despite having his tonsils removed during the preseason, "Thunder Max" has gotten off to a strong start for the team this year.  During the offseason, Shtein spent enjoyable time in Israel, a place he loves to visit.  With family in Stuttgart, Max sees his mother, younger brother Mischa and uncles as much as possible.  Shtein also prepares well for his future working for Waitzinger Incorporated during the day time while in Ulm. Look for more big things from Big number 15!