Since the arrival of ratiopharm Ulm in the Beko BBL in 2006, the club has always displayed interesting and somewhat potent rosters that were formed thanks to ex head coach Mike Taylor who is coaching Maine in the D-league and often had the appropriate feeling and trusted magic wan that was able to haul in capable players according to the minimum budget that the club possessed. In the Mike Taylor era, he was able to find young lesser known players just starting their basketball career like Dru Joyce, Romeo Travis, Christian Burns, Lee Humphrey, Per Guenther or John Bryant who all were able to produce in the Beko BBL. The influx of strong players coming to Ulm continued after the departure of Mike Taylor as head coach Thorsten Leibenath came on board. Last season, the club had a special player with Isaiah Swann that had special offensive qualities who was a big factor in the success of ratiopharm Ulm. Granted head coach Thorsten Leibenath and the rest of the team also contributed to the team taking the ride to the final, but how often was Swann able to bring that extra spark and needed production in key situations of games helping the team propel the team to needed victories. At least two to three wins were on the account of Swann´s scoring rampage and scoring in bunches that he displayed frequently. Swann left ratiopharm Ulm after last season with money signs dancing in his head as he is making three times as much in Turkey this season. This season, the team got a player in Allan Ray who arrived to replace Swann and show that he can be that ray of light in needed situations this season. Ray is a 28 year old 188cm guard form the Bronx, New York that is a an explosive scoring guard, tremendous leaper, finds the open man, beats foes off the dribble or with a jumper, has range beyond the 3-point arc and is a conscientious defender. Ray played a season for the Boston Celtics playing 47 games: 6.2ppg, 1.5rpg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 76.4%. In the last years, he has concentrated on his basketball in Europe and has played for top teams in Italy and France and was always dangerous with his scoring abilities. It will be interesting to see this season, how important he will be in crucial situations and how much the club will rely on his scoring qualities in key situations to win ball games. He is still seeking his full scoring touch, but he did explode against the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven this season with 31 points. Ray teammate Dane Watts already had a positive feeling about the ex NBA player before the season commenced. “I remember him playing at Villanova when I was in school. He was a great scorer and player for them. Im sure that he will fit in with our team and bring a lot of high level experience”, added Dane Watts. Head coach Thorsten Leibenath can be thrilled if Ray doesn´t only help the team win with his offense. “I think my defense is a hidden strength in my game.. Coach gives me a lot of confidence. I usually have to defend the others teams best player. I bring intensity and much pressure and just try to wreck the other teams offense”, warned Allan Ray.
Isaiah Swann
Isaiah Swann (ratiopharm Ulm): David Holston Always Surprises You
Isaiah Swann is a 26 year old 188cm guard from Germantown, Maryland that is playing his first season in Germany for 
ratiopharm Ulm. He is an athletic, left-handed point guard who is capable of putting up big numbers. He played at Florida State from 2004-2008 and in his senior year played 24 games: 11.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3Pts: 38.8%, FT: 84.0%. In his rookie season in 2008, he played for three teams including Aget Imola (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 15 games: 13.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.1apg, 3.1spg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 71.9%; left in Jan.’09, in Feb.’09 moved to Harem Scafati (Italy-Lega2): 1 game: 4pts, 1reb, 2steals, 1block; in March ’09 signed at Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Premier League): 13 games: 7.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 38.7%, 3PT-3(46.3%), FT: 87.5%. In 2009-2010, he played for Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Premier League): 27 games: 8.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 81.5%. Last season, he played for Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League): 3 games: 7.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, in Dec.’10 moved to Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion (Israel-Premier League, starting five): 24 games: 12.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 84.1%. He was Israeli Premier League Champion in 2010. He spoke with German Hoops about basketball.
How much of a luxury is it to have three strong point guards with Per Guenther, Tommy Mason-Griffin and yourself?
It is a very unique situation. We can all play the position one and two. We can create for ourselves and for each other as well as for our teammate. Most teams that I have seen have one or two point guards so having our situation is a big help.
What was it like playing against ex NBA player Jamison Brewer?
It was nice playing against Jamie that is what I called him back in the day. I played at the same high school along with other players like James White and Demarcus Johnson. I watched him play back then and he was always a great point guard. He can find other players like no other. He doesn´t score much. But he is always finding his teammates. It was good seeing him and it was the first time that I played against him.
German Hoops 