TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
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ULM VISIT SKYLINERS SUNDAY!
ratiopharm Ulm @ Deutsche Bank Skyliners
Sunday Febuary 15th, 2009 5pm
Ballsporthalle Frankfurt, Germany
A fantastic international city, Frankfurt Germany is the banking capital of Germany features arguably the nations best Skyline. Two seasons ago, ratiopharm Ulm tipped off their first Bundesliga game at Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt against the favored Skyliners. Playing with tremendous heart and intensity, Ulm led for the entire 40 minutes --- but lost. Eric Chatfield's buzzer beating three helped the Deutsche Bank Skyliners fight off Ulm's upset attempt in their 73-72 win. ratiopharm Ulm bounced back from the heartbreaking loss but the memory remains. Since that first loss, in three seasons of Bundesliga play, ratiopharm Ulm has yet to win in the German banking capital. Since that October 1st 2006 game, ratiopharm Ulm and the Deutsche Bank Skyliners have played several exciting games. Sunday evening, ratiopharm Ulm and will face Frankfurt again, this time with more on the line. Ulm enters this Sundays game with a 13-7 record while the Skyliners are 14-6. Adding to the excitement, Ulm edged Frankfurt earlier this season 66-63 October 11th at Sportszentrum Kuhberg. With a history of exciting games over the last three seasons, ratiopharm Ulm and the Deutsche Bank Skyliners tip off their important midseason matchup Sunday in Frankfurt. And the action will be intense --- you can bank on it!
ratiopharm Ulm All Star Power Forward Jeff Gibbs and teammates will reach for their best effort in Sundays challenging road game against the Deutsche Bank Skyliners!
Sundays game between ratiopharm Ulm and the Deutsche Bank Skyliners tips off at 5pm Central European Time and will be shown live on BBL.TV. Fans all over the world can watch the game live online using the website www.sportdigital.tv
ratiopharm Ulm floor general Dru Joyce is focused to make his teammates better in Sundays game against the Deustche Bank Skyliners.
While pre-game basketball fever for Sunday's game goes up, fevers for several ratiopharm Ulm players have gone down. After missing last weekends home win over Dusseldorf due to the flu, Ulm shooting guard Lee Humphrey is back to full strength and full health. Earlier last week, Ulm floor general Dru Joyce missed several days of practice but gave his team great effort despite not at full strength. This week, Dru is back to full health and excited for the challenge against Frankfurt. While the guards are now healthy, ratiopharm Ulm rookie forward Dan Fitzgerald came down with an illness but is expected to play. For ratiopharm Ulm, the last two weeks have been as much about staying healthy as preparing to beat tough teams.
ratiopharm Ulm guard Keith Triplett stepped up to help his team in last weekends win over Dusseldorf. This weekend, 'Trip' and teammates set their sights on the talented Skyliners!
The Skyliners enter Sunday's game with a terrific 14-6 record and currently hold the 4th place in the Bundesliga standings. A five game mid-season winning streak propelled Head Coach Murat Didin into the upper echelon of the league. Frankfurt opened the 2008-2009 season with a hardfought 81-66 home loss to powerful Telekom Baskets Bonn September 21st. October 28th Frankfurt picked up their first win of the season beating Koln 99ers 83-75 on the road at Rheinenergie Dome in Koln. October 2nd, the Skyliners won their first home game beating Eisbaren Bremerhaven 65-55 at Ballsporthalle. October 11th, ratiopharm Ulm edged Frankfurt 66-63 in their exciting early season matchup at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm. The next weekend BG74 Gottingen topped Frankfurt 64-61 at Ballsporthalle on October 18th. At 2-3, the Skyliners went on a three game winning streak. October 25th Frankfurt beat Paderborn 61-56 on the road in Paderborn, November 1st the Skyliners edged Nordlingen 89-85 in overtime and November 8th they topped Trier 76-53 at home. Following a 66-61 road loss to brose Baskets Bamberg at Jako Arena November 16th, the 5-4 Skyliners rolled off a 5 game win streak improving to 10-4. Frankfurt beat Braunschweig 81-75 November 23rd, won in Dusseldorf 84-80 November 29th, topped Walter Tigers Tubingen 82-65 December 7th, beat Oldenburg 84-53 December 13th and won in Giessen 75-57 December 20th over the 46ers. After Christmas break, Frankfurt returned to action with an 87-71 road loss to ALBA Berlin January 3rd but bounced back with back to back wins over Artland 76-70 at Ballsporthalle January 10th and in Ludwigsburg 71-56 over EnBW Ludwigsburg January 16th. At 12-5, Frankfurt fell to Bonn in an exciting 84-75 overtime game January 25th at Telekom Dome. The Skyliners responded with two wins to improve to 14-6 beating Koln 72-57 January 31st and beating Eisbaren Bremerhaven 79-67 on the road last weekend Febuary 8th.
Ulm wing Sebasitan Betz has been excellent over the last month making progress and earning more minutes. Basti played a career best 23 minutes in last weeks win over Dusseldorf and was productive on both ends.
Frankfurt feature arguably the deepest team in the Bundesliga with 13 excellent players. The Skyliner's depth allows Head coach Murat Didin a variety of options and tremendous lineup versatility. With excellent size and athleticism, the Skyliners can play big in the paint or skilled on the wing. Frankfurt has the ability to spread the floor with shooters and is an outstanding ballscreen team. The trigger-man to the Frankfurt attack is veteran German National team point guard Pascal Roller. With brilliant footwork and tremendous skill, Pascal breaks down the defense and excells in ballscreens. An All Star this season, Roller has produced 8.7ppg 2.6ast while shooting 31% from three and 85% from the foul line. Joining Roller as the backup point, hardworking rookie Adam Emmenecker often receives the most challenging defensive assignment. A star guard at Drake, Emmenecker has made an impact defensively with the Skyliners this season. At the shooting guard spot, the Skyliners have added former Penn State star Titus Ivory to the team and in 8 games he has produced 9.7ppg 3.3reb 2.4ast while hitting 31% of his threes and 73% from the foul line. Ivory is a creative scorer who likes to take the big shots. Last seasons starting two, Jimmy McKinney has recently returned to the lineup after missing most of the season due to injury. The former Missouri star, McKinney has scored 2.8ppg in 8 games this season as he works his way back to full health and finds his rhythm. On the wing, former Ulm all star Konrad Wysocki faces his former team for the first time at Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt. Also an All Star this season, Konrad has averaged 7.1ppg 4.3reb and shot 32% from three this year. Earlier this season, Wysocki played an excellent game in his return to Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm and the Ulm fans were very happy to see him. Along with Wysocki, athletic wing Keith Simmons has been a terrific addition to the Frankfurt attack. Winning the Bundesliga Slam Dunk title at All Star day in Mannheim, Simmons has scored 10.6ppg with 4.1reb and 34% three point shooting while establishing himself as an outstanding perimeter defender. Certainly, Simmons would count as one of the top new pickups in the Bundesliga this season. Sharpshooting young German guard Dominik Bahiense de Mello has given the team 2.3ppg with 23% three point shooting from the bench. In the post, this seasons Frankfurt attack revolves around talented big man Lorenzo Gordon who has scored a team best 13.3ppg with 7.3reb. A physical big man with talent, Gordon is one of the premiere inside scorers in the Bundesliga. Next to Gordon, talented power forward Derrick Allen has also been a force for Frankfurt scoring 12.5ppg with 4.8reb. One of the top inside scorers over the last several Bundesliga seasons, Allen provides a terrific one-two punch with Gordon and creates many matchup probelms for opponents. While Gordon and Allen give the Skyliners inside scoring, Ilian Evtimov is the Skyliners 'Stretch 4' or perimeter shooting post man. The former NC State star, Evtimov has averaged 11.4ppg 3.2reb and hit 43% of his threes this season. Post depth is provided by former Paderborn big man Greg Jenkins (5.3ppg 3reb) and Anthony King (3.5ppg 3reb). Overall, the talented roster in Frankfurt ranks as one of the deepest in the Bundesliga and the Skyliners success on the floor this season comes as no surprise with the excellent skill, depth and versatility on the team.
ratiopharm Ulm rookie point guard Per Gunther looks forward to the challenge against outstanding German playmaker Pascal Roller.
Frankfurt has won 7 straight home games as they have established their dominance at Ballsporthalle. The Skyliners currently rank as the Bundesliga's #2 team in total rebounding averaging 35.3 per game and are tied for #2 in Defensive rebounding with 24.4 per game. Frankfurt also ranks second in assists averaging 14.5 ast per game. Most important, Frankfurt ranks among the Bundesliga's best defensive teams and have surrendered the fewest points allowed among teams with 20 games played. Certainly, a team filled with talent and depth, Frankfurt has performed like the top team that it is this season.
ratiopharm Ulm forward Romeo Travis is a key to his teams success!
Meanwhile, Sundays game at Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt features a matchup between 4th place Frankfurt and 6th place ratiopharm Ulm. ratiopharm Ulm's challenge is clear --- beat one of the best teams in the Bundesliga on the road in a gym where they have yet to win. This year, ratiopharm Ulm has been a solid road team earning a respectable 5-6 road record. Since returning from Christmas break, Ulm has gone 1-2 on the road winning in Nordlingen January 10th. In their last road game, Braunschweig beat Ulm convincingly 100-74 Saturday January 31st at Volkswagonhalle in Braunschweig. Since Christmas break, ratiopharm Ulm is 2-0 at home and 8-1 at Sportszentrum Kuhberg on the season. For ratiopharm Ulm, Sunday's road game against the Deutsche Bank Skyliners at Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt presents itself as one of the biggest challenges on their schedule.
Ulm's center Sean Finn always reaches for extra effort!
Earlier this season, Ulm and Frankfurt played an intense and exciting game. Sparked by an intense defensive effort and unique lineup, ratiopharm Ulm staged an inspiring second half comeback to earn a tight 66-63 home win over the powerful Deutsche Bank Skyliners before a sold out Sportszentrum Kuhberg crowd Saturday night October 11th in Ulm. Slowed by the unique triangle and two defense employed by Frankfurt in the first half, Ulm countered with a small lineup featuring two point guards in the third quarter. After being puzzled by the intense Frankfurt defense in the first half, Ulm players found the solution in the second half solving the Skyliners changing defenses leading to the Ulm comeback. Romeo Travis led the Ulm attack with a terrific 15 point 11 rebound double double with help from All Star power forward Jeff Gibb's 13 point 12 rebound double double. Keith Triplett's defensive intensity was also a key to victory as the lock-down defender exhausted himself on-court with his effort helping Ulm to victory.
Click for complete 10-11-2008 Ulm v Frankfurt Game Summary!
ratiopharm Ulm forward Dan Fitzgerald gives his team a terrific frontcourt perimeter threat.
Since returning to the Bundesliga in 2006-2007, Ulm's games against the Deutsche Bank Skyliners have been exciting and memorable. In the 2006-2007 season Ulm and Frankfurt split two games with each team winning on their home floor. Last season, with their sweep, the Skyliners took the upper hand.
ratiopharm Ulm's sharpshooter Lee Humphrey missed last game due to illness but has completely recovered and is ready for action Sunday in Frankfurt!
The initial meeting was Ulm's first Bundesliga game since their return last October. After controlling play and leading for 39 minutes, Eric Chatfield's buzzer beater stole the win in a fantastic finish as Frankfurt took a 73-72 victory. Later, at Sportszentrum Kuhberg, Ulm outlasted the powerful Skyliners in an exciting overtime game. The competitive 87-83 road win for Frankfurt January 12th, 2008 in Ulm set the tone for the new season. Using these three games as example, Wednesdays rematch should add to the competitive history between the two teams. Click the links below for Game Summaries from recent Ulm v Frankfurt rivalry games:
2006-2007 October 1st Game Summary
2006-2007 January 20th Game Summary
Ulm's captain Emeka Erege remembers every exciting matchup against the talented Deutsche Bank Skyliners. Including the heartbreaking first Bundesliga game at Ballsporthalle in 2006.
Last season, Ulm and Frankfurt locked up for an excellent game at Sportszentrum Kuhberg. Saturday January 12th, 2008, the sharp Deutsche Bank Skyliner team made big plays down the stretch to emerge from Ulm with a tough 87-83 road win. ratiopharm Ulm received an outstanding effort in that home loss to the Skyliners from then-rookie PG Dru Joyce who spelled former Ulm guard Kyle Bailey in the starting lineup. The Akron native Joyce stepped up his game and responded with several blue chip performances for Ulm including a stat-sheet stuffing 20 point 6 rebound 7 assist night against Frankfurt. The tough Frankfurt defense limited Ulm to 39% shooting while Skyliners sank 51% of their own looks in the win. Frankfurt demonstrated their high-level potential in Ulm and sealed the road victory with clutch baskets from Pascal Roller, Jimmy McKinney and perfect free throw shooting down the stretch.
Click here for Ulm v Frankfurt Game Summary from January 12th, 2008
Later last season, Wednesday Febuary 28th, Ulm positioned themselves well leading 59-52 heading into the fourth quarter but another Frankfurt finish, keyed by an 18-3 run, sealed the Skyliners 82-69 midweek win.
Click for complete Ulm @ Frankfurt Febuary 28, 2008 Game Summary!
With a history of exciting games over the last three seasons, ratiopharm Ulm and the Deutsche Bank Skyliners tip off their important midseason matchup Sunday at Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt. Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action this season on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
TAYLORHOOPS.COM GAME NOTES
BBL.TV
Sundays game between ratiopharm Ulm and the Deutsche Bank Skyliners tips off at 5pm Central European Time and will be shown live on BBL.TV. Fans all over the world can watch the game live online using the website www.sportdigital.tv
HOMECOMING
former Ulm all star small forward Konrad Wysocki faces his former team Sunday night at Ballsporthalle. After three excellent seasons in Ulm and representing his country at the Bejing Olympics with the German National team, Konrad signed with the Skyliners this summer. Konrad recently played in the Bundesliga All star day starting at the small forward position for the South team.
GERMAN POINT GUARDS
Sunday when veteran German point guard Pascal Roller meets rookie German point guard Per Gunther, a memorable matchup will take place. Roller has enjoyed an outstanding career and has many strong seasons remaining. Meanwhile, Per has emerged as the top young German point guard in the Bundesliga and looks to meet the challenges from the veteran Roller Sunday night.
CLASSIC MATCHUP!
Every time Bundesliga All Stars Jeff Gibbs and Derrick Allen meet on the floor, the fans are the winners. Seeing both top Bundesliga talents go head to head provides wonderful entertainment within the game. Gibbs and Allen have met for several seasons and their duals in the post go back to Allen's seasons Leverkusen and Karlsruhe. Sunday night is the next showdown.
Ulm Roster
Emeka Erege: Ulm captain provides depth and leadership!!
Romeo Travis: versatility a key for Ulm
Jeff Gibbs: 16pt 17reb v Dusseldorf/great matchup with Allen!
Dru Joyce: Ulm floor general played great v Skyliners last season
Sean Finn: excellent inside scorer for Ulm!
Lee Humphrey: sharpshooter healthy after missing Dusseldorf game
Keith Triplett: stepped up to help team win v Dusseldorf
Dan Fitzgerald: under the weather /expected to play
Sebastian Betz: hardworking wing had career high minutes last weekend
Per Gunther: outstanding young PG ready to face veteran Roller!
Michael Schroeder: big man providing physical presence in paint!
Head Coach: Mike Taylor
Asst Coach : Rainer Bauer
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Main Sponsor: Deutsche Bank
Home Court: BallSporthalle
website:
2007-2008: 21-13 5th place
(Playoffs 1st Round beat Leverkusen 3-2)
(Playoffs 2nd Round lost to Bonn 3-2)
2006-2007: 15-19 13th place
Offense: Skyliners 2008-2009 squad is a balanced team that revolves around the excellent point guard play of Pascal Roller. Exellent in transition and skilled in ballscreens, Roller is a quarterback on the floor and sets the tempo for the team. The team likes to spread the floor and pressure defenses with ballscreen-dive action while stretching the defensive rotations with skilled shooting big men. Inside, Derrick Allen and Lorenzo Gordon are excellent post scorers. Dominik Bahiense de Mello is a developing shooting guard and versatile wings Konrad Wysocki and Keith Simmons will be difference makers. Frankfurt is poised for a great year and deep run into the post season.
Defense: The Skyliners will employ various defensive tactics depending upon their opponent. A deep, athletic team, Frankfurt likes to pressure the basketball and pressure passing lanes when in man to man. They will play a 2-3 zone and even mix in some junk defenses like a triangle and two. Skyliners will also use halfcourt and fullcourt presses from time to time. The additions of Keith Simmons (an outstanding perimeter defender) and big men Lorenzo Gordon/ Anthony King will make their front court big and athletic. Head coach Murat Didin always has a well-schooled, well-disciplined defensive unit with a strong game plan.
GM: Dr Gunnar Woebke
Head Coach: Murat Didin
Players:
Pascal Roller: outstanding German PG /key to team
Keith Simmons: outstanding perimeter defender/from Holy Cross
Jimmy McKinney: scoring combo G/injured 1st few months
Adam Emmenecker: solid combo guard from Drake
Titus Ivory: skilled scoring guard gives team offensive punch
Lorenzo Gordon: two straight double doubles for new center
Konrad Wysocki: former Ulm all star now playing with skyliners
Anthony King: athletic big man battling early season injuries
Derrick Allen: active rebounder/athlete/allstar in Bundesliga
Dominik Bahiense De Mello: top young shooting G
Max Weber: young post man
Ilian Evtimov: talented frontcourt scorer/stretches D with J
