Between 2004 and 2008 German women Basketball was reigned by TSV 1880 Wasserburg. Five Championships and three Cup Championships were conquered by the Bavarian club near Munich. In the meanwhile around 500 km northwest a new force slowly arose. After a sixth place in 2004/05 TV Saarlouis Royals finished fifth one year later and twice as second in the follwing years after Regular Season, a development that climaxed in the top seed despite a technical loss on game day nine this season. After already winning the Cup Challenge last season 2007/08 the Royals repeated this success this year and added the German Championship. As the father of this success can be considered Head Coach Rene Spandauw who constantly attracted young talented German women to Saarlouis and mixed them with some of the best foreigners in the league. One of these rising German stars is Romy Bar (188-F-87). Learning her Basketball fundamentals in her hometown Chemnitz, Bar took off to Saarlouis in the summer of 2007. Her overall statline from this years Championship campaign expresses her all around game: 11.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.5 SPG and 1.2 BPG in 26 minutes on the court. Her versatility allows her coaches to use her on every position on the court from PG through PF!
At the tender age of 21 already team captain of the German Cup Champion and German Championship winner plus a strong debut on the National Team in January - how pleased are you with this season?
Bar: What else can you ask for than winning everything there is to win! It's been a tremendous year for us as a team. So I am of course highly pleased with our achievements as a team from this year. But personally I wont settle on my own performance from this year. I think I did pretty well in my NT debut but overall I still have a lot of room for improvement. I will definitely work on more athleticism to enhance my game. But what I probably need most is experience, especially decision making in certain situation is something that will come with more years of experience.
What has been the difference between your team and Wasserburg in the end?
Bar: I personally belief the better TEAM won this year. Wasserburg has some very good individual Basketball players, probably better players than we have. But I think they sometimes played too selfish. In our team everybody played for and with the other, on the court and on the bench. We are twelve players helping each other. There was always someone stepping up, when one was missing. I think that was difference!
How important was the home court advantage in this series?
Bar: It was huge. Every team won its home games, so all of our three victories were at home. I think that speaks for itself. It was just amazing what was going on here in Saarlouis during these last days. All games were sold out. And when you come to your home game two hours before the game will start and there are already hundreds of fans waiting and cheering that is just inspiring and helped a lot! Playing in front of nearly 2500 noisy people and knowing that there are an additional 500 fans in front of the gym watching the game on a wide screen was an awesome experience. And in the end probably whole Saarlouis was celebrating with us. It was nice!
The Royals program keeps on growing - the next logical step is the participation in the Eurocup 2009/10 - are you looking forward to this new challenge and what do you expect in these games against top teams from other European countries?
Bar: Of course I am happy about this exciting chance and really looking forward to this new challenge!!! I think it will be a huge chance for us to grow as we gain more experience and find out where we are in comparison with other European clubs. We will see how we will do there but even if we don't win a single game it will still help us in our development. What I personally will face in these games I can only guess right now but I think it will be interesting to see and find out where I need to improve to pursue my ultimate goal of being a player in a top team in Europe at some point further on.
Now to your personal future will the Royals fans have the chance to see you play here for a little while longer? Do you have any ambitions to take your game to other European leagues just like Anne Breitreiner did after a couple of good years in Germany?
Bar: Although I haven't signed a new contract yet I still plan to stay at least one more year here in Saarlouis. I want to finish my university studies and then try to play somewhere outside of Germany depending on the offers I'll get, which of course will depend on how I develop until then and on what level I play by then. We'll see.
Your hometown club ChemCats Chemnitz couldn't stay in the league as they finished second last in the relegation zone. How bonded are you still with your hometown club? Does that touch you?
Bar: Well the team has changed quite a bit there. From this years team I really don't know so many players anymore. But of course it is always nice to play in your hometown. For me it was always like home coming and fun to play in front of my family and my friends. And not to forget it was always nice to stay at home after the game something that did not happen so often throughout the season. But as far as I know right now the chances are not bad that Chemnitz will get a wild card and maybe stays in the league. I wish them all the best for that.
Thanks for the interview Romy. Congratulations for winning the German Championship and good luck for your future!
What do you get if you have big robust Jared human dressed in black without the Wil Smith men in Black shades with a broom ready to get busy on a long narrow dark tunnel all prepared to sweep, sweep, sweep? Well you would either have the American Homan fitted to clean a dark and dirty chimney or simply a country boy from Iowa that has been introduced to the real world of Europe as a basketball player doing a commercial on how to sweep a top Beko BBL team with Alba Berlin [read more]
What do you get if you have big robust Jared human dressed in black without the Wil Smith men in Black shades with a broom ready to get busy on a long narrow dark tunnel all prepared to sweep, sweep, sweep? Well you would either have the American Homan fitted to clean a dark and dirty chimney or simply a country boy from Iowa that has been introduced to the real world of Europe as a basketball player doing a commercial on how to sweep a top Beko BBL team with Alba Berlin. Not to forget to spruce up the add with lightening quick Tyrese Rice (185-PG-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) all dapper in his chimney dirt absorbers aiding Homan with his dirty work would have been the most adequate side kick in the chimney or in front of the camera with his quick hands to get more chimneys spotless or to help brighten up the lens with his smile. Rice did a super job time in and time out getting the Alba defense unrattled, but with next opponent Bamberg ready to square off, the cake walk that Munich had against Alba Berlin most likely wont happen again as the club most likely will have to keep the brooms in the closet as a sweep in this series will be as unlikely as Borussia Dortmund or FC Bayern Munich winning 4-0 in the Champions League final. The only broom that will be used in this series at the end will be to sweep away the tears as the loser will head home as a loser in the Beko BBL pre final final.
The Fc Bayern Munich-Alba Berlin head to head match up in the quarterfinals was like a final already and the Bavarian team was clearly more prepared. They didnt hesitate to get going showing the 8 time Beko BBL team their boundries in game one winning easily 88-67. The FC Bayern Munich offense was as smooth rolling as is Arjen Robben when he is dribbling down the wing toward the goal as they shot a hot 54% from the field and 53% from the parking lot and had five players in double figures. They were unable to contain Dashaun Wood or Nihad Djedovic, but kept everyone else in check and held Alba Berlin to under 40% shooting. FC Bayern Munich held their composure and showed mental strength in game two and three winning each game by six points. FC Bayern Munich continued to shoot very well keeping that team balance in scoring intact while Tyrese Rice took charge scoring 41 points in the last two games. FC Bayern Munich also stayed aggressive on defense keeping Alba Berlin to under 40% shooting in game three. One cant forget that Alba Berlin had the injury bug all season long. The third quarter really hurt us in the last two games. Munich had some guys step up that made tough shots that usually they would not have made. We played the percentages, but you have to give them credit for having determination and effort to make those difficult shots. Those big shots gave them momentum just to slightly get the lead and hang on. I also think that we had 25 more Euroleague games in our bones and they just had more juice than we did, stressed 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashun Wood.
The Brose Baskets Bamberg came into the series against Phoenix Hagen having to play against every bodies darlings and had no cake walk winning the series 3-1. It was a hard piece of work for Chris Fleming and co, but in the end the 5 time Beko BBL team once again showed despite increased criticism this season that they are past their prime that they are still the team to beat and when time comes to shove, can still shove the best and win big games in uncomfortable environments. That Bamberg can defend has always been known, but Phoenix Hagen had to defend very well to make any strides in this series, but averaged giving up 96 points in the four game series. They won game one 99-74 scoring 37 points in the fourth quarter when they had to and having six players in double figures. Phoenix Hagen won game two 95-89 playing their typical run and gun game scoring just a bit more than their opponent and shooting superbly at 49% from the field and 45% from downtown. Adam Hess burned Bamberg with 28 points and eight three pointers and they annoyed Bamberg and forced them to 20 turnovers. Game three will forever be known as the turning point of the series and didnt shine a bright light on Bamberg or the league as shortly before halftime, there was a skirmish on the court and three Hagen players were disqualified, but no Bamberg player. The Beko BBL then suspended American Mark mr fantastic four three games. Despite this turmoil, Hagen didnt sink their heads in the second half kept fighting, but lost 104-94. A big 31 point third quarter and the three ex NBA players Casey Jacobsen, Bostjan Nachbar and Sharod Ford contributed 66 points was just too much for the troops of Ingo Freyer. Everybody was awaiting a big battle in game four in Hagen, but instead Bamberg quickly played like they were three classes above Hagen leading 14-2 early, scored 34 points in the first quarter and never looked back. Phoenix Hagen made their runs, but it didnt help that American Davin White left early in the fourth quarter with an apparent injury. In the end, Bamberg won with their experience, cleverness and constant pressure on offense and defense and it didnt help that Hagen had a slow shooting day.
The clash between FC Bayern Munich and the Brose Baskets Bamberg is by far the most interesting series in the Beko BBL semifinals. FC Bayern Munich play their second final in a row while Bamberg play their first type final in the playoffs. Both teams are ready for a spirited and hard fought playoff series. FC Bayern Munich will be more rested, but also mentally strong after disposing of tough opponent Alba Berlin, while Bamberg couldnt pull out the lawn chairs in the series against Phoenix Hagen as they had to play against a very focused and annoying team. Both teams split the season series as Bamberg won at home 76-68. It was a very tight game, but Bamberg had a strong fourth quarter holding on too win as both teams didnt shoot particular well as it was more of a defensive minded game. FC Bayern Munich won at home 85-71 as they were more in control and easily dominated the boards. In this series, the question is can Bamberg win their only title of the season and fourth league title in a row, or is is the time ripe for FC Bayern Munich to make the next step make an upset and reach the Beko BBL final? Both teams have potent offenses whereas Bamberg has the advantage on defense a part of their game they will need to improve in the Munich series with more talent there than in Hagen as they gave up too many points to Phoenix Hagen. Both teams have enough fire power to have 5-7 players in double figures, but if one had to choose two players that will be key then it will be Tyrese Rice and Casey Jacobsen. Rice was on fire in game two and three and he carries the team no matter what while the ex NBA player Jacobsen is the heart and soul of the team. If there is one player that can make the big shot, rebound, assist or big play than it is Jacobsen. Bamberg will have to be mentally strong and simply out grind FC Bayern Munich. The inside game and rebounding could make the difference in this series.Interesting will see who will get the best of whom with Homan,Troutman and Roberts against Ford, Zirbes and Neumann. The experience factor could be crucial in crunch time situations. Both teams are still searching for their groove on defense and who finds it first will benefit. Bamberg has home court advantage, but winning in Bamberg seems to be getting easier and FC Bayern Munich will have to win on the road. This will be a big battle that will go five games. The time is right for FC Bayern Munich to make the next step while an era will end in Bamberg.
It is no secret that TBB Trier head coach Henrik Rodl has been developing German players for years, but he also doesnt shy away from keeping his young players in Trier. According to sportando, TBB Trier handed Andreas Seiferth (209-C-89, agency: LUMANI 10.7) a contract extension. Seiferth is a 23 year old 209cm center that was born in Berlin and will play his third season on the Mosel. In his first season in Trier, he played 34 games: 4.6ppg, 2.1r [read more]
It is no secret that TBB Trier head coach Henrik Rodl has been developing German players for years, but he also doesnt shy away from keeping his young players in Trier. According to sportando, TBB Trier handed Andreas Seiferth (209-C-89, agency: LUMANI 10.7) a contract extension. Seiferth is a 23 year old 209cm center that was born in Berlin and will play his third season on the Mosel. In his first season in Trier, he played 34 games: 4.6ppg, 2.1r. Last season, he was able to increase his stats as he played 34 games averaging 9,5ppg, 5,0rpg and 1,2apg while averaging 24 minutes per game. The German already got substantial basketball experience with Alba Berlin from 2008-2011 where he got into 8 Beko BBL games.
Ryon Howard has agreed a contract extension to remain with the Bochum Astro Stars who will be playing in the 2. Bundesliga Pro B in the 2013-14 season. Thus, the Bronx, NY, native will enter his third year in Bochum.
Howard led the team to the 2012-13 1. Regionalliga West championship and received Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga West Player of the Year just recently. He averaged 18.1 points and 9.5 boards a game for the Astro Stars last season [read more]
Ryon Howard has agreed a contract extension to remain with the Bochum Astro Stars who will be playing in the 2. Bundesliga Pro B in the 2013-14 season. Thus, the Bronx, NY, native will enter his third year in Bochum. Howard led the team to the 2012-13 1. Regionalliga West championship and received Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga West Player of the Year just recently. He averaged 18.1 points and 9.5 boards a game for the Astro Stars last season. Howard started his pro career at BSV Wulfen in 2009, followed by a single season with Rhoendorf playing in the Pro A.
Art.Dragons: took 4th (last) place (1-5) in Group C of the Regular Season
Ratiopharm: took 2nd place (3-3) in Group G of the Regular Season, took 2nd
place (3-3) in Group L of the Top16, lost to Gescrap BB in the Quarterfinals 1-1
(-19) !!!
s.Oliver Baskets: took 3rd place (3-3) in Group D of the Regular Season
EWE Baskets: took 1st place (6-0) in Group F of the Regular Season, took 1st
place (5-1) in Group E of the Top16, lost to Karsiyaka (TUR) 62-66 in the
Semifinals, beat Gravelines (FRA) 84-76 in the 3rd place game !!!
Telekom Baskets: took 1st place (4-2) in Group H of the Regular Season, took
2nd place (4-2) in Group L of the Top16, lost to Krasnye Krylia (RUS) 0-2 in the
Quarterfinals !!!
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