In every basketball game there are so many exciting and detailed things that one can observe like how a team reacts to the words of their head coach after a timeout, if the dance team is dancing insych during a timeout, the certain delicate procedures at the foul line of players concentrating, who has the better advantage of the mismatches, which team has better time management during time outs or how a mascot goes about its business during a game. There are so many more things to observe on the court, but one thing that is always present during games is the matchups on the floor. It is always interesting to see who Quantez Robertson will guard, if ex NBA player Jermareo Davidson was in the mood to defend last season or how intensive the Edward scissor hands of Devin Gibson will be functioning on the court. One interesting duel in this game was the center duel between Zach Peacock and Johannes Voigtmann against John big country Bryant. It wasn´t even sure if the American from Miami Peacock was going to play because of injury, but he did play. Peacocok is more a position four player, but has had to fill in at the five in Frankfurt this season. Bryant is a 208cm center who is as physically difficult to move from the zone as it is David Ortiz is from the batters box. But it wasn´t only Peacocok who had to battle Bryant, but also young German Voigtmann who was inserted into the starting five because Marius Nolte was suffering from a shoulder injury. Bryant consistently brings good stats and Peacock and Voigtman had to be at the top of their games to somewhat get Bryant out of his game and they did helping lead the Fraport Skyliners to a surprising, but also very convincing 78-62 win. Bryant finished with 10 points and six rebounds in 22 minutes which is about half his average. Peacocok came from the bench and amassed amazing 18 points in 16 minutes despite not being 100% and hitting a good percentage of his shots and didn´t have to guard Bryant too much. In his days in Giessen he was known as the mad baller because as a rookie he was so focused and didn´t want to make any mistakes. In the game against ratiopharm Ulm, he was all business and had that game face on with make no mistakes written all over his face. “I was the mad baller today. The only difficult thing today for me was that I was a bit winded. I am a professional and one week of not practicing won´t change how I play. I only really had one possession where I guarded him and he passed the ball out. The other times, he was more outside which was more my advantage. We caught him at the wrong spots which helped”, stressed Zach Pecocok. Voigtmann played a superb game against the 2012 Beko BBL MVP making eight points and five rebounds and was happy for the match up against Byrant. “It was a great experience playing against Byrant. I like playing against the more massive players than the shorter quicker players. Our help defense really helped me and it was key keeping him far from the basket. It was just a great challenge playing against him today”, added Johannes Voigtmann. It was especially the play of Peacock which was lauded by his teammates after the game. “He was in his special zone. He is just tough as nails. Once he hit that first shot, it was over. He just played big”, stressed American Ted Scott. “Zach played very aggressive which had been seen all week in practice. He knew that we were short at the big position and he just thought I will try to play and everybody saw what he did after 40 minutes”, commented Fraport Skyliner captain Marius Nolte.
ratiopharm Ulm
Can Allan Ray Fill The Shoes Of Isaiah Swann This Season With ratiopharm Ulm?
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.
Allan Ray (ratiopharm Ulm) I Try To Wreck The Others Team´s Offense
Allan Ray is a 28 year old 188cm guard from the Bronx that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL for ratiopharm Ulm. He 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. He played at Villanova with NBA players Kyle Lowery and Randy Foye. He played at Villanova from 2002-2006. He was n´t drafted but got signed by the Boston Celtics (NBA), in Feb.’07 was assigned to Austin Toros (D-League): 2 games: 14.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.0apg, in March ’07 recalled to Boston Celtics (NBA): 47 games: 6.2ppg, 1.5rpg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 76.4%. In 2007-2008, he came to Europe and played with Lottomatica Virtus Roma (Italy-SerieA, starting five): Italian League: 9 games: 12.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.6apg, 3.3spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 90.2%; Euroleague: 6 games: 6.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.3apg, left team in Jan.’09, later that month moved to Carife Ferrara (Italy-Serie A, starting five): 15 games: 15.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-5(2.7spg), FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 84.3%. In 2010-2011, he played with 2010-2011: Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 29 games: 10.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 74.3%. Last season he played for Krka Novo Mesto (Slovenia-Telemach League, starting five): Adriatic League: 1 game: 10pts, 1reb; EuroCup: 2 games: 18.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 4.0apg, 1.5spg, later that month moved to Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-ProA, starting five): French League: 22 games: 15.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 89.6%; EuroChallenge: 3 games: 14.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.0apg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
After many years in Italy and last season in Slovenia and France how do you like the Beko BBL?
This league is very competitive. You could see it with the oT games at the start of the season. There are good teams and good players.
How does your teammate Lance Jeter help most on the court?
He brings a lot of energy and he knows how to score. He is a big guard and is usually bigger than his opponents. He gives us a spark when we need it.
Jeff Gibbs (Toyota Alvark) My Toughest Player Opponent Ever In The BBL Was The Team Of John Patrick)
Jeff Gibbs is a 32 year old 18cm forward/center from Columbus, Ohio that is playing his third season in Japan for Toyota Alvark. He played at Otterbein(NCAA3) from 1998 to 2002. He was NCAA3 champion and Final Four MVP in 2002. He holds the record for rebounds in a game (25) at NCAA3 Final Four, record for rebounds (40) in a NCAA3 Final Four and holds Otterbein’s record for career rebounds. He went to Germany in 2003 to start his professional basketball career to play for TSG Ehingen. In 2004-2005, he tore up the second Bundesliga playing 22 games and averaging 21.5ppg, Reb-1(12.8rpg), 1.8apg, 2.3spg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 62.6%, 3FGP: 31.6%, FT: 70.7%. In 2005, he went to Ratiopharm Ulm where he would play for until 2009. In 2005-2006, the team won the second Bundesliga south and came to the BBL. He was the BBL top rebounder for three straight years (2007,2008,2009). In 2009-2010, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven playing 44 games: 13.9ppg, Reb-1(8.6rpg), 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 73.5%. Last season for Toyota Alvark, he played 48 games: 12.9ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.7apg, Steals-4(1.6spg), FGP-2(57.3%), 3PT-1(43.8%), FT: 72.0%. He had 10 double doubles. He returned back to Frankfurt for an exhibition game against the Fraport Skyliners and spoke to German Hoops..
Welcome back to Germany Jeff. You are back in Germany playing an exhibition series against TBB Trier, FC Bayern Munich and the Fraport Skyliners. How happy are you to be back?
I am very happy to be back. I saw some Ulm fans at the game against Munich in Rosenheim. It is cool that Munich is playing in the BBL. I always thought that they should of had a team in the league considering the budget that they have. It was a great experience playing against them despite losing.
What have you missed most about Germany?
I have missed everything especially the homely atmosphere. My wife loved it as much as I did. Germany will always be a second home to me. I couldn´t wait to have Wiener Schnitzel and Pommes when I got to Germany. I had it in Trier at a nice restaurant with Don Beck.
John Bryant (ratiopharm Ulm) I Don´t Really Get The Chance To Showcase My 15-17 Footer
John Bryant is a 24 year old 208cm center from San Pablo, California that is playing his second season with ratiopharm Ulm. He played at Santa Clara from 2005-2009 and in his senior year averaged 18.1ppg, RebNCAA-2(14.2rpg), 1.1apg, 2.5bpg, FGP: 59.6%, FT: 78.7% . In 2009-2010, he played for the Erie Bay Hawks (D-League): 48 games: 13.2ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 49.3%, FT: 77.6% . Last season, he moved to ratiopharm Ulm playing 34 games: 14.6ppg, Reb-1(10.9rpg), 1.1apg, Blocks-2(1.5bpg), FGP: 60.4%, FT: 74.2% . He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
Ratiopharm Ulm is the Cinderella story this season. If someone had told you a week into preseason that ratiopharm Ulm would be so high in the standings what would you have said?
I would not have been shocked, but I would never have thought we would be so high, but I would have thought that we would be in the playoffs. We got the chemistry fast and brought in experience with Esterkamp and Swann that has made the team better
ratiopharm Ulm had a tough preseason. How much did you hate the coaching staff then, but how thankful are you now that you went through hell?
It was a tough preseason. Every day we were on the track or in the gym. We all were a bit angry at the start, but in the long run it did help this team become so good and we understand why coach did that and we are thankful.
Three-peat completed: Bamberg wins another BBL championship
After losing game 1 of the quarterfinals-series against Bonn, Bamberg managed to win 9 play-off games in a row! 3-1 against Bonn in the quarterfinals, 3-0 against the Artland Dragons in the semis and 3-0 in the finals against ratiopharm Ulm.
So it’s time to put the broom back in its place and enjoy the sweet taste of success.
The German Hoops crew says: Congratulations to the Brose Baskets Bamberg for winning the 2012 Beko BBL championship!

After becoming the first team since Alba Berlin in 2003 to defend the title last season. The Brose Baskets made history this season as they became the first team ever in german basketball to secure three cup-wins and championship wins in a row. Looking back at the last 20 years in german basketball it is easy to say that there was a Bayer Leverkusen era in the early nineties (7 championships from 1990-1996) that was followed by Alba Berlin’s dominance (7 championships from 1997-2003). Chris Fleming’s Brose Baskets are not far from that status now with three consecutive championships.
You can watch all three game of the BBL Finals on YouTube! (Check out the Channel basket24grTV!)
Game 1: Brose Baskets – ratiopharm Ulm 98:72
The Fighting Lion Jacob Burtschi Carries The Fraport Skyliners Past ratiopharm Ulm 77-64
In the last years when contemplating about the Schwaben club ratiopharm Ulm, one usually had the big all American smile of Mike Taylor in their thoughts, Coleman Collins being the basketball version of GQ, Robin Benzing being able to fine tune his game for two seasons there like a rookie race horse or Dru Joyce and Romeo Travis having to dig out Lebron James antidotes from their times at St Marys high school in Ohio. However times have changed as these people are all gone and usually around this time at the beginning of April, ratiopharm Ulm was usually sleep walking somewhere in the middle of the standings starting to book their flights back home and breaking in a few chic Ulm cafe´s. However this season ratiopharm Ulm have been having a Cinderella type season being a force in the Beko BBL and fighting to keep their second place standing. The Eric Chadfield buzzer beater may be five and half years old, but ratiopharm Ulm met a very focused Fraport Skyliners who were as ready as Jimmy Mckinney always is with his Mizzou Tiger scowl as they were able to dismantle the club of Thorsten Leibenath 77-64. Besides the big win players were able to reflect after the win the amazing transformation that ratiopharm Ulm has undergone in the last year. Jacob Burtschi who played like a fighting lion was all smiles after the game and was just waiting for his dinner reward as this Lion had once again played to the limit helping any which way he could on the court. “Nobody expected this team to be in second place at this time. They have added great players and each guy knows his role and they are always ready to play”, stressed ex Phoenix Hagen forward Jacob Burtschi. Dane Watts always looks like he could grace the cover of GQ has seen the transformation this season from day one. “The success has to do with a different philosophy and that defense first has been instilled. We play team defense, work together well and just have good character guys on the team”, expressed ex Walter Tiger Tuebingen forward Dane Watts. Skyliner captain Marius Nolte didn´t as he was still nursing an injury, but had only the utmost respect for ratiopharm Ulm. “I always like looking back on the games against Ulm especially the hard fought battles in the Kuhberg gym. The secret is that each player knows his role and coach Leibenath has done a fine job putting his signature on the style of play. He really has done a great job forming this team”, expressed Skyliner captain Marius Nolte.
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.
Dane Watts (ratiopharm Ulm): I Don´t Think That BBC Bayreuth Was Able To Keep Up The Intensity Or Pace For 40 Minutes With Such A Short Rotation
Dane Watts is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Warrensburg, Missouri. He is playing his first season for ratiopharm Ulm. He
played at Creighton (NCAA) from 2004-2008 with NBA player Anthony Tolliver. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 11.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3Pts: 42.5%, FT: 71.8%. In 2008, he came to Germany and started his professional basketball career with EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 32 games: 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1(68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7%. In 2009-2010, he came to The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. Last season for Tuebingen, he played 33 games: 13.7ppg, Reb-4(7.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 54.5%; in May’11 moved to Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA): 3 games: 7.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg. At Creighton, he won awards such as MVC Tournament Winner -05, 07, MVC All-Freshman Team -05, MVC Regular Season Runner-Up -07, and MVC Tournament Semifinals -08. He spoke to German Hoops after the 74-52 win against BBC Bayreuth
congrats on the 74-52 win against BBC Bayreuth. ratiopharm Ulm is 5-0 in new arena. Do you feel the team gets a bit stronger with each home game?
We have had great fan support each game this season, they continue to sell out the arena to come see us and that makes for a great atmosphere. We are trying to build each game till the end of the season and we took a step last night against Bayreuth.
You kept BBC Bayreuth to 15 points in the second and third quarters. What was the biggest strength defensively in these 20 minutes?
To be honest they were undermanned this game with some injuries and I dont think that they could keep the intensity or pace for 40 minutes with such a short rotation.
Dane Watts (ratiopharm Ulm): After Keaton Nankivil Wins The Three Point Shooting Contest, You Can Refer To Him As Money Ball
Dane Watts is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Warrensburg, Missouri. He is playing his first season for ratiopharm Ulm. He
played at Creighton (NCAA) from 2004-2008 with NBA player Anthony Tolliver. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 11.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3Pts: 42.5%, FT: 71.8%. In 2008, he came to Germany and started his professional basketball career with EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 32 games: 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1(68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7%. In 2009-2010, he came to The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. Last season for Tuebingen, he played 33 games: 13.7ppg, Reb-4(7.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 54.5%; in May’11 moved to Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA): 3 games: 7.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg. At Creighton, he won awards such as MVC Tournament Winner -05, 07, MVC All-Freshman Team -05, MVC Regular Season Runner-Up -07, and MVC Tournament Semifinals -08. He spoke to German Hoops before their game against the LTi Giessen 46ers January 8th.
Congrats on the 76-75 win at home against FC Bayern Munich. How much have you been aware of the German sports brand FC Bayern Munich since you arrived in 2008?
It wasn’t until last year until I realized how big they were when they put their basketball team together in Pro A. I had heard a little bit about soccer before but I don’t follow it too much.
ratiopharm Ulm had a great start and controlled the game until the fourth quarter when FC Bayern Munich tied the game. What were the main reasons for letting the team come back?
They played zone the 2nd half and we did not attack it aggressively enough and allowed them to come back.