TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
VS 
HOLIDAY HOOPS!
RATIOPHARM ULM HOSTS TRIER FRIDAY!
ratiopharm Ulm vs TBB Trier
Friday December 19th, 2008 8:15pm
Sportszentrum Kuhberg Ulm, Germany
ratiopharm Ulm hosts TBB Trier Friday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm. Coming off last Sunday's hardfought overtime loss to EnBW Ludwigsburg, ratiopharm Ulm looks to bounce back Friday night with a terrific team effort against Trier. Ulm fans all over the world can catch the game live by logging into www.sportdigital.tv for the BBL.TV production.
ratiopharm Ulm All Star Jeff Gibbs!
With tickets sold out earlier in the week, Sportszentrum Kuhberg will enjoy a fantastic holiday atmosphere for ratiopharm Ulm's final game before a short Christmas break. Ulm management has organized a Charity raffle with several excellent prizes for fans including a trip to Dubai, a laptop computer, a cooking set, a multifunction printer and Ipod. Certainly Santa Claus will make an appearance in the crowd. Even more interesting, ratiopharm Ulm will present an exciting announcement before the tipoff. Centered around the intense Bundesliga basketball game, Friday nights entertainment and holiday festivities will make the entire evening fun on and off the floor.
ratiopharm Ulm shooting guard Lee Humphrey!
While ratiopharm Ulm will enjoy their ususal outstanding homecourt advantage the the fans at Sportszentrum Kuhberg provide, the team is focused for a strong performance against a talented Trier team. Ulm's short week of practice was a perfect opportunity for the team after Sundays overtime loss in Ludwigsburg. Along with the excitement of the Holiday atmosphere at Sportszentrum Kuhberg, ratiopharm Ulm is looking forward to Fridays 'next' game to bounce back from their 'last' one.
Ulm rookie forward Dan Fitzgerald!
After a disappointing 7-27 season last year, Trier worked hard in the offseason to change their team and this season their improvements have paid off. Trier opened the 2008-2009 season with a hardearned road win in Gottingen topping the Violets 72-68 September 21st. The next weekend, Trier lost 88-83 in Ludwigsburg September 27th. Returning home for an October 4th game against Paderborn, Trier earned an 85-67 victory at Trier Arena. Improving to 3-1, Trier topped Nordlingen 74-68 October 11th in Nordlingen. But three straight losses dropped Trier to 3-4 as they lost 102-100 in overtime to Walter Tigers Tubingen October 18th at Trier Arena, dropped a 79-68 decision to brose Baskets Bamberg October 24th at Trier Arena and fell 87-76 October 26th at Volkswagonhalle to NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig. November 1st, Trier bounced back and beat Dusseldorf Giants 77-57 at home to even at 4-4. The next weekend, Trier lost to Deutsche Bank Skyliners 76-53 November 8th in Frankfurt. November 16th, Trier earned an impressive 72-70 home win over Ewe Baskets Oldenburg to pull even at 5-5. November 23rd, Trier traveled to Berlin where they lost to ALBA 89-78 in a hardfought game. Back home November 30, Trier earned another strong victory over Artland Dragons by a 92-85 result. Since reaching 6-6, Trier has dropped their last two games falling 63-53 Saturday December 6th in Giessen before losing 84-66 at home to Telekom Baskets Bonn last weekend. Despite injuries to several key players throughout the season, Trier's 6-8 record includes several impressive victories and vast improvement from last year.
ratiopharm Ulm's Dru Joyce!
Last season ratiopharm Ulm and Trier met three times with Ulm earning wins in all three games. On January 10th, 2008, Ulm advanced in the German Cup with a hardfought 73-68 road win at Trier Arena. Without injured point guard Kyle Bailey, Ulm's Dru Joyce stepped into the starting lineup and stepped up to score 27 points in a fantastic game helping to lead his team to the road win. Ulm's strong start gave them a 23-13 lead after one quarter and a 12 point lead at half before holding off a Trier comeback. Ulm advanced to the Elite Eight of the German Cup before falling at ALBA Berlin in a memorable double-overtime game Wednesday March 19th.
Click here for Ulm @ Trier January 10th German Cup Game Summary!
Last November, ratiopharm Ulm faced TBB Trier at Sportszentrum Kuhberg Saturday night November 17th. Ulm put all five starters in double figures led by All Star Jeff Gibbs who powered his way to a team best 24 point 9 rebound 4 assist night in a 92-70 win. Trailing the determined Trier team 41-37 at half, Ulm found their rhythm regaining the lead in the third before breaking the game open with a 31-13 fourth quarter. An all-around team effort, Ulm shot 53% from the floor and distributed 19 assists while outrebounding their guests 36-27 in the win. Ulm received 16 points 9 rebounds from Konrad Wysocki, 15 points 6 assists from Kyle Bailey and 14 points apiece from EJ Gallup and Bryan Lucas. Ulm's victory over Trier sparked a 5 game win streak.
Click here for Ulm-Trier November 17, 2007 game summary.
Finally, in a third game against Trier last season, ratiopharm Ulm rallied from a 38-32 halftime deficit to outscore host TBB Trier 47-26 in the second half as part of a 79-64 road win Saturday night March 29th at Trier Arena. Sebastian Betz buried three big threes, Dru Joyce orchestrated a key third quarter run and Jeff Gibbs scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half to power the comeback win. Ulm's strong second half was sparked by strong second options from the bench --- after a slow start, Betz, Romeo Travis and Florian Mobius helped lift the Ulm attack in their own way.
Click here for March 29th, 2008 Ulm @ Trier Game Summary!
ratiopharm Ulm's rookie point guard Per Gunther!
In the 2006-2007 season ratiopharm Ulm won on the road in Trier in an exciting uptempo game highlighted by Jeff Gibbs' monster dunk and a strong team effort. Former Ulm point guard Austen Rowland also played well dishing out a Bundesliga best 18 assists for Ulm that April evening.
Click here for Ulm @ Trier April 21, 2007 game summary.
Earlier in the 2006-2007 season, Ulm and Trier met at Sportszentrum Kuhberg and it was also near the Christmas Holidays. Before a sold-out Sportszentrum Kuhberg Holiday-weekend crowd, ratiopharm Ulm topped Trier in overtime 85-82 December 30th, 2006. In a true team effort, Ulm received excellent production from their bench and used a balanced scoring attack to edge Trier, recently one of the hottest teams in the Bundesliga. C Maksym Shtein and PG Austen Rowland topscored for Ulm with 18 points apiece and Konrad Wysocki added a strong 14 points 8 rebounds to the Ulm win. Ironically, both Shtein and Rowland would later play for Trier.
click for complete Ulm vs Trier December 30, 2006 Game Summary!
ratiopharm Ulm forward Romeo Travis!
click here for Regio-TV report from Ulm v Trier
Trier revamped their roster in the offseason and have a talented and experienced team. Head Coach Yves Defraigne took over Trier last December after a mid-season coaching change and has steadily rebuilt the team to his liking. At the point, crafty playmaker Derek Raivio leads the team after a season in Koln. The former standout point guard from Gonzaga, Raivio produces 13.8ppg 2.6reb and 3.6ast while hitting 39% from three and 76% from the foul line. Raivio's excellent work in transition, in ballscreens and with his skillful pullup jumpshot make him a tempo-setter for Trier. Talented forward Chris Copeland ranks among the top newcomers in the Bundesliga and is one of the best scoring forwards in the league. A ballskilled scorer, Copeland is a three point threat and can score in a variety of ways. This season, Copeland leads Trier in scoring and rebounding with 15.9ppg and 5.6reb. The man in the middle for the Trier attack is veteran post man George Evans who has recently returned from injury to average 14.8ppg 3.8reb including a game best 24 points last weekend against Bonn. The former George Mason big man who starred on the Patriots cinderella run through the NCAA tournament a few seasons ago after serving his country in the Army, Evans played for Trier head coach Yves Defragnie with Belgian team Mons and gives Trier size, athleticism and talent along the front line. On the wing, Trier features former VCU Ram Jamal Shuler, injured captain James Gillingham and veteran athletic forward Kevin Houtoun. In his first season with Trier, Shuler averages 9.2pg 3.7reb 20 threes. Gillingham produces 8.9ppg 2.2reb and shoots 40% from three while Houston has appeared in four games following his recent signing and given his team 5.8ppg 4.5reb. Young players Christian Hoffmann and Kosta Karamatsos add depth and defensive energy. Trier's perimeter will also receive a boost with the return of injured wing Norman Richardson (11.1ppg 3.1reb 28% threes) in upcoming weeks. Post depth for Trier is provided by former Ulm big man Maksym Shtein (9.8ppg 3reb 59% , three point threat Tyrone Riley (5.9ppg 3.8reb 32% threes) and young German talent Mark Zirbes. A key part of Ulm success over a four year stretch, Maksym Shtein was a four year starter and played the key post man role for Ulm's 2005-2006 2.Bundesliga South Championship team. Last week in practice, Max suffered a slight concussion and sat out last weekends game against Bonn, but the 'Ukraine Train' has returned to practice this week and will play against his former team in Ulm. With many good friends after his tremendous time in Ulm, a nice ovation is expected for Max upon his return to Sportszentrum Kuhberg on Friday.
Focused on a terrific team performance against Trier, ratiopharm Ulm and fans have alot to be excited about Friday night. Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
TAYLORHOOPS.COM GAME NOTES
final Bundesliga All Star fan voting
ratiopharm Ulm players were well represented in Bundesliga All Star Fan voting which concluded earlier this week. All Star power forward Jeff Gibbs earned his third straight trip to the Bundesliga All Star game by taking the most fan votes of any Bundesliga player beating out ALBA Berlin's Julius Jenkins for the top spot. While Jeff takes his place as a starter in the South lineup, Ulm was well represented at the other four positions as point guard Dru Joyce, shooting guard Lee Humphrey, small forward Romeo Travis and center Sean Finn all finished a popular third. Final fan voting below:
NORTH
Point Guard: 1. Jason Gardner (EWE Baskets Oldenburg, 26,54 %), 2. Steffen Hamann (ALBA Berlin, 19,43 %), 3. Kyle Bailey (BG 74 Göttingen, 9,90 %)
Shooting Guard: 1. Julius Jenkins (ALBA Berlin, 27,98 %), 2. Casey Jacobsen (ALBA Berlin, 9,59 %), 3. Immanuel McElroy (ALBA Berlin, 9,33 %)
Small Forward: 1. Rickey Paulding (EWE Baskets Oldenburg, 26,98 %), 2. Adam Hess (Artland Dragons, 21,41 %), 3. Steven Esterkamp (Paderborn Baskets, 12,22 %)
Power Forward: 1. Ansu Sesay (ALBA Berlin, 27,99 %), 2. Aleksandar Nadjfeji (ALBA Berlin, 13,34 %), 3. Chad Prewitt (Artland Dragons, 7,85 %)
Center: 1. Darius Hall (Artland Dragons, 16,10 %), 2. Darren Fenn (Artland Dragons, 14,92 %), 3. Adam Chubb (ALBA Berlin, 13,03 %)
SOUTH
Point Guard: 1. Pascal Roller (Deutsche Bank SKYLINERS, 17,79 %), 2. Heiko Schaffartzik (LTi Giessen 46ers, 11,31 %), 3. Dru Joyce (ratiopharm Ulm, 9,95 %)
Shooting Guard: 1. Brandon Woudstra (EnBW Ludwigsburg, 17,45%), 2. Demond Greene (Brose Baskets, 17,19 %), 3. Lee Humphrey (ratiopharm Ulm, 11,16 %)
Small Forward: 1. Konrad Wysocki (Deutsche Bank SKYLINERS, 21,43 %), 2. Winsome Frazier (Telekom Baskets Bonn, 14,97 %), 3. Romeo Travis (ratiopharm Ulm, 11,49 %)
Power Forward: 1. Jeff Gibbs (ratiopharm Ulm, 30,00 %), 2. Derrick Allen (Deutsche Bank SKYLINERS, 11,55 %), 3. Brandon Bowman (Telekom Baskets Bonn, 9,50 %)
Center: 1. Tim Ohlbrecht (Brose Baskets, 14,75 %), 2. Ken Johnson (Telekom Baskets Bonn, 13,31 %), 3. Sean Finn (ratiopharm Ulm, 12,78 %)
basketball fans all over the world can watch Friday night's game between ratiopharm Ulm and Trier live online using www.sportdigital.tv Tipoff time is 8:15pm Central European Time which is 2:15pm Eastern Time (6 hours ahead).
Ulm Roster
Emeka Erege: Ulm captain showing good leadership
Romeo Travis: has been in top form last month for Ulm!
Jeff Gibbs: 28pt 10reb double double last game
Keith Triplett : ulm defensive stopper focused on trier
Lee Humphrey: sharpshooter is 2nd in Bundesliga in 3pt makes
Dru Joyce: Ulm floor general focused for strong game Friday
Per Gunther: rookie star establishing himself in Bundesliga!
Dan Fitzgerald: key wing has been very productive as a rookie!
Sean Finn: Hopes to return from an injured ankle
Sebastian Betz: hardworking wing gives Ulm excellent depth
Michael Schroeder: big man ready for challenge v Evans/Shtein
Head Coach: Mike Taylor
Asst Coach : Rainer Bauer
Location: Trier, Germany
Main Sponsor: Hochwald
Home Court: Trier Arena
website: www.trierer-basketball.de
2007-2008: 7-27 17th place
Offense: A tremendously improved offensive team, Trier's attack revolves around the transition play and ballscreens of point guard Derek Raivio. The skillful PG sets the tone with excellent work running the fast break along with attacking ballscreen defenses to score or make the right pass. Chris Copeland is a go-to guy for Trier and is one of the most talented new scorers in the Bundesliga. Several wings shoot the three well and when Trier can get into transition and get hot from the perimeter, they can score with the best in the Bundesliga. In the post, George Evans and Maksym Shtein compliment one another well and give Trier two scoring options on the block. Trier's improvement this season has alot to do with the new talented players and excellent work on offense.
Defense: Defensively Trier features a solid man to man scheme with excellent size and shot blocking from George Evans. Captain James Gillingham is an excellent defensive player on the perimeter and wings are long, lanky with the ability to pressure the ball. Young German players Christian Hoffmann, Kosta Karamatsos and Maik Zirbes work extremely hard on the defensive end in their minutes and help the team.
GM: Lothar Hemerling
Head Coach: Yves Defraigne
Players:
James Gillingham: captain injured and will miss the game.
Derek Raivio: Trier PG playing well 13.8ppg 3.6ast 39% threes
Chris Copeland: talented go-to scoring forward 15.9ppg 5.6reb
Jamal Shuler: athletic scoring wing from VCU 9.2ppg 3.7reb
Kevin Houston: athletic versatile wing (injury replacement contract)
Maksym Shtein: former Ulm center enjoying excellent yr in Trier
George Evans: athletic C returned from injury to boost Trier team
Tyrone Riley: 3pt shooting post man/5.9ppg 3.8reb
Norman Richardson: talented wing recovering from injury
Kosta Karamatsos: talented young guard provides energy for Trier
Christian Hoffmann: young PG works hard on D
Maik Zirbes: talented young post man gaining experience with Trier
