After returning to the pinnacle of German Basketball winning the championship last season, ALBA Berlin is focused to take things to a new level in 2008-2009. ALBA ushers in a new era with the fantastic O2 World Arena, an elite arena in all of Europe this year and Head Coach Luka Pavicevic has a fantastic team to represent German Basketball well in the Euroleague. Bundesliga MVP Julius Jenkins (18.2ppg 42% three) is back and is sure to once again be among the leagues best scoring guards. But this season ALBA also teams JJ up with former Bundesliga Offensive Player of the Year and NBA vet Casey Jacobsen who starred with Bamberg two seasons ago before playing last year with the Memphis Grizzlies. Another elite player, Rashad Wright, joins the backcourt after playing in the Euroleague with Efes Pilsen in Turkey last year. Bundesliga All Stars Immanuel McElroy (10.6ppg 4.9reb), Patrick Femerling (9.6ppg 4.8reb 71%fg) and Aleksandar Nadjfeji (12.9ppg 4.3reb 69%fg) also return to play important roles for Berlin. Key newcomers include firey point guard Steffan Hamann (9.8ppg 3.4ast 31%three win Bamberg)(who starred in Bamberg and for the German National team), top center Adam Chubb (13.6ppg 4.6reb 57%fg as an all star with Artland last season) and former NBA forward Ansu Sesay (who played last season in Italy with Milan). Solid forward Dragan Dojcin (5.2ppg 3.2reb) and popular Joe Herbert also return for ALBA and basketball fans hope Herbert can recover from his knee injury a few seasons back. Overall, ALBA has a dominant team for the Bundesliga and is poised for success at home and in Euroleague competition. With the excitement of the new O2 World Arena, basketball fans in Germany hope ALBA can make further steps to develop into an elite organization in Europe. As the 2008-2009 season tips off, ALBA Berlin is a clear favorite in the Bundesliga.

Betonbasket.com prediction: Without doubts ALBA is a top material in basketball bundesliga. They have deep roster, old traditions and working system inside the club. They should claim regular season champions name again and I would be suprised not to see them in the Finals. However as often happens with ALBA we can expect up and downs from them. Every year they have great roster and every year they changed a coach. But this season could different because they will play in Euroleague.. and I am not sure how they will adopt to play in 2 competitions.

Verdict: 1-2 places

EWE BASKETS OLDENBURG

homecourt: Ewe Arena

One of the most impressive teams the second half of last season, Ewe Baskets Oldenburg are primed to make the next step into the top level of Bundesliga teams this year. Head Coach Predrag Krunic did an excellent job with the Thunderbirds in his first season and has the solid nucleus of last seasons successful team returning while adding a few key additions. Last year, the backcourt of PG Jason Gardner (13ppg 4.3ast) and All Star forward Rickey Paulding (12.7ppg 3.7reb 38%three) provided an outstanding combination on the perimeter while Jasmin Perkovic (11.9ppg 5.7reb 31%three) proved to be a terrific interior player for Oldenburg. The key to Oldenburgs team were the solid supporting players such as Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje (5.7ppg 5.7reb 58%fg 1.1blk), Mladin Pekovic (7.2ppg 2reb 36%three), Milan Majstorovic (6ppg 4.9reb) and Daniel Strauch (4ppg 33%three). A fantastic new addition to the team is former Ludwigsburg all star J'kel Foster who played in France Pro A last season. Young talent Marco Buljevic adds a shooting threat and Marco Scekic joins the Thunderbirds from Poland. Continuity will be a strength for Krunic and company and the excitement of competing in the Eurochallenge represents excellent progress for the Oldenburg oraganization and team.

Betonbasket.com prediction: Oldenburg could be a team to watch this year. They have everything to fight for highest positions because they saved key players, coach and added some new talents. My prediction is a possible final with ALBA. However regular season is hard to predict because Oldenburg is usually good at home but unpredictable away from it.

Verdict: 2-3 places

DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS

homecourt: Ballsporthalle Frankfurt

Another Eurochallenge participant this season will be the Deutsche Bank Skyliners from Frankfurt Germany. Head Coach Murat Didin also returns a terrific core of players along with several key additions and the Skyliners are focused to fight for a title once again. Top PG Pascal Roller (13ppg 4ast 46%three) returns to run the show and will feature familiar targets in All Star power forward Derrick Allen (18.1ppg 7.3reb), skilled shooter Ilian Evtimov (13.1pg 5.1reb 33%three) and versatile Jimmy McKinney (9ppg 3.4reb 34%three). Former ratiopharm Ulm All Star and German National team player Konrad Wysocki (13.1ppg 7.8reb with Ulm) arrives this season and will energize the Frankfurt attack along with excellent defender Keith Simmons (from Antalya in Turkey) on the perimeter while new post men Anthony King and Lorenzo Gordon strengthen the inside. Young talent Domonic Bahiense de Mello (4.9ppg) and former Giessen 46er Shawan Robinson add depth to the perimeter. Overall, the Skyliners are ready for an outstanding season as they aim to challenge for a return to the top of the Bundesliga.

Betonbasket.com prediction:  With Vysocki in the roster Skyliners will be better than last year and I think that they should claim playoff spot without big problems. However in the playoffs they will have too many the same class teams.

Verdict: 3-5 places

EISBAREN BREMERHAVEN

homecourt: Stadthalle Bremerhaven
One of the most impressive stats in Bundesliga basketball is Bremerhaven's perfect 3 for 3 in playoff appearances since joining the Bundesliga in 2005-2006. Under the direction of Dr Sarunas Sakalauskas, the Eisbaren have been a consistent winner and an immediate challenger for top levels of the league. Late preseason arrivals Marcus Slaughter and Giordan Watson have shown signs of terrific potential and returning All Star Zygimantas Jonusas (10.7ppg 3.2reb 27%three) will provide a scoring threat. Newly signed shooters Jeb Ivey (gottingen) and Mike Gansey (West Virginia/Anaheim NBDL) are Bremerhaven type sharpshooters. Big men Frank Elegar (Drexel), Yemi Nicholson (Austin Toros NBDL) and Moritz Wholers (Scottish Rocks) add a new look to the Eisbaren frontcourt.

Betonbasket.com prediction: Eisbaren is stronger than last season and I think that they should qualify for postseason without big problems.

Verdict: 3-5 places

TELEKOM BONN

homecourt: Telekom Dome
Head Coach Michael Koch and his Telekom Baskets Bonn caught fire in the post season last year racing all the way into the Bundesliga Finals before falling to powerful ALBA Berlin. Charged by the opening of their own arena, Telekom Dome in Bonn, the men of magenta look to build on their organizations excellent tradition of their own. After gaining great popularity throughout the league and earning the Bundesliga's Most Likeable Player Award last season, round big man John Bowler (12.1ppg 5.3reb) suffered a knee injury in preseason forcing him to miss the majority of this year. A big blow to the front court, Bonn will rely on a talented and athletic team as the season tips off. Returning key players include lightning quick wing Winsome Frazier (12.9ppg 4reb) and underrated forward Moussa Diagne (5.1ppg 2.2reb). Koch's excellent recruiting in the summer landed Bundesliga veterans Vincent Yarbrough (from Ludwigsburg/Bamberg) and EJ Rowland (from Artland) for the starting lineup along with talented young wing Alex King (Frankfurt) and center Ken Johnson (Frankfurt) to replace Bowler. Solid team players Artur Kolodziejski (5ppg 39%three) and JJ Strasser (6.4ppg 40%three) provide quality depth in the backcourt and a strong German presence in the rotation. Finally, newly signed power forward Kyle Bowman and former Holy Cross center Tim Clifford will be important additions to Bonn in 2008-2009. One exciting development in Bonn is the teams return to international competition in the EuroCup this year. As the new season tips off, this Bonn roster is deeper and more talented than recent seasons and basketball fans in Bonn should have alot to cheer about in beautiful Telekom Dome again this year.

Betonbasket.com prediction: Bonn was a bit lucky last year with Finals and this year they should finish in the Top8 but not in the Finals. Also don't expect strong start for them because of many roster changes.

Verdict: 4-6 places

DUSSELDORF GIANTS

homecourt: Burg-Wachter Castello

Bundesliga Coach of the Year Achim Kuczmann directed a fantastic story in Leverkusen's last hurrah leading the team to a wonderful final year and outstanding regular season. Despite the teams re-location from traditional Leverkusen to near-by Dusseldorf, expect the Giants to have the same feel in their new home. Returning key players include sharpshooting Brendan Winters, energizing Brant Bailey and skilled young PG Gordon Geib. Newcomers include PG Matt Lottich (Stanford/Osaka Japan), Pete Campbell (rookie from Butler), TJ Carter (rookie from UNC Wilmington), Fred Peete (New Mexico State), Todd Hendley (rookie from UNC Wilmington) and Logan Kosmalski. (Davidson College/Nantes France). Both brothers Tom and Ben Spoeler also return to add depth to the roster. Dusseldorf will certainly go through a transition period in their new home, but Dusseldorf is not only a beautiful city, it's a sports town!

Betonbasket.com prediction: Ex Bayer Giants Leverkusen saved the core of their team and signed americans to fit their system. This year there are too many teams for first 4 places with much better rosters and finances so my prediction for Dusseldorf Giants is 5-8 place after the regular season.

Verdict: 5-8 places

BROSE BASKETS BAMBERG

homecourt: JAKO Arena

With the departure of German Coaching Legend Dirk Bauermann who completely focuses on the German National team program, new Head coach Chris Fleming takes over after building a top team in Artland and is ready to continue the tradition of success in Bamberg. After playing in the Euroleague last season, Bamberg now welcomes EuroCup competition to Jako Arena this year. Returning keys include German National team wings Demond Greene (10.4ppg 42%three) and Robert Garrett (8ppg 2.9reb 35%three), veterans Predrag Suput (9.2ppg 4reb) and star Ademola Okulaja (9.9ppg 5.4reb) along with talented young big man Tim Ohlbrecht (3.4ppg 2.6reb). Coach Fleming has his last two top PG's in John Goldsberry and Filberto Rivera (both played under Fleming in Artland recently) and veteran post man Eric Taylor (Leverkusen) with athletic wing Jared Newson (Leverkusen/Cairns Australlia). Hardworking Beckham Wyrick adds depth after two solid seasons in Leverkusen. With the coaching change, Bamberg will have a slightly new look, but Chris Fleming and company are ready to add to the tradition and success established by Dirk Bauermann and Bamberg teams from the last few years. Fans in JAKO Arena can expect another terrific basketball season filled with Bundesliga wins and EuroCup excitement.

Betonbasket.com prediction: A team where experience matters. With so many experienced players for German basketball bundesliga level and great basketball traditions in Bamberg I can't see them missing a playoff. However new coach, new systems and so many roster changes could be a serious factor to consider in the beginning of the season.

Verdict: 5-8 places

ENBW LUDWIGSBURG

homecourt: rundsporthalle

New Head Coach Rick Stafford is the leader in Ludwigsburg after serving as top assistant in Bamberg under Legendary Dirk Bauermann the last several seasons. With the excitement of a new arena in Ludwigsburg building, Stafford has rebuilt the roster with a quality new look. Bundesliga All Star Brandon Woudstra (15.2ppg 4.4reb 3.8ast 34%three) returns to provide a bulls-eye shooting threat and veterans Brian Jones and Domonic Jones add athleticism and experience to the backcourt. Brian Jones has been an impact player for both Tubingen and Bremerhaven in his pro career and looks to be a leader for Ludwigsburg in his return to South Germany. Meanwhile, Domonic Jones (11.6ppg 2.2reb 2.2ast 34%three in Braunschweig) was a terrific player for Karlsruhe and Braunschweig over the last few seasons. New big men include Kelvin Gibbs and sweet shooting Dane Watts (Creighton) along with athletic Deangelo Alexander on the wing. Hardworking Stefan Fahrad (2.7ppg) returns to provide depth and young talent Philip Heyden returns home after time in the ALBA Berlin youth program. Exciting young talent PG David McCray (5.2ppg 35%three) looks to continue his development as well this season. For Ludwigsburg, the new-look team aims to provide energy and success in the final season at Rundesporthalle.

Betonbasket.com prediction: Ludwigsburg should be a very interesting project of R.Stafford but as often happens assistant coach experience is not enough to be a head coach. Let's how this will affect Ludwigsburg. With great home court and new arena they should be able to fight for playoff with other their level clubs.

Verdict: 7-12 places.

ARTLAND DRAGONS

homecourt: Artland Arena

Winning the German Cup last season was a terrific accomplishment for the Artland Dragons but much has changed over this off season in Quakenbruck. New Head Coach Thorsten Liebenath takes the reigns and has rebuilt the Dragons with several excellent new players. All Star big man Darren Fenn (11.3ppg 5.8reb 40%three in Bamberg) joins Artland after several tremendous seasons in Bremerhaven and Bamberg. All Star wing Adam Hess returns to Artland after playing in Euroleague Roanne France last season. Gritty PG Zach Whiting moves to Artland after a solid rookie year with Leverkusen and former Michigan State standout Drew Neitzel will be featured for the Dragons as a rookie. Returning keys for Artland include center Darius Hall (7.8ppg 3.3reb), sharpshooting big man Chad Prewitt (9.2ppg 3.7reb 50%three) and versatile scoring guard Lamont McIntosh (10.8ppg 36%three). Key role players Jan Rhodewald (2.9ppg 35%three), Paul Johnson and Dirk Maedrich (4ppg 2.4reb 26%three) also return. Young German players Flavio Stuckeman and Leo Niebuhr also hope to develop with the Dragons. It will take time for the new team to come together but this talented team will be ready for success in both the EuroCup and Bundesliga this year.

Betonbasket.com prediction: New era for Artland begins this season and I am not sure that it will be a good times for them. They signed many players, changed coach and in my opinion did too many risky buyings. I would not be suprised with their elimination from playoff zone after regular season.

Verdict: 7-12 places

PADERBORN BASKETS

A key player in Paderborns step by step ascent from the 2.Bundesliga North to Bundesliga has moved on. Head Coach Doug Spradly and the Baskets must replace the heart and soul of the team, Tim Black who has moved on to Antwerp in Belgium after leading the Bundesliga in scoring last year. Experienced guards Lavelle Felton (Jena) and Steven Wright (Braunschweig) are underrated and will work to capitalize on their opportunities to fill the void. A strength of Paderborn will be the wings with sharpshooting Steve Esterkamp (12.8ppg 3.2reb 33%three), athletic Reggie Golson (back in Paderborn after a season in France and Netherlands) and homegrown former All Star Nino Garris. New big men Spencer Tollackson (U of Minnesota) and Matthew Terwilliger (Ohio St) will be relied upon in the paint and veterans Marius Nolte (6.2ppg 4.1reb) and Nathan Peavy (9.4ppg 3.8reb 46%three) will also help provide continuity. Bryant McAllister also joins Paderborn after starring in Munich last season and will bring an offensive spark off the bench. With Paderborn solidly establishing themselves in the Bundesliga, 2008-2009 could be their best Bundesliga year yet.

Betonbasket.com prediction: If Tim Black replacement will be succescful than Paderborn should fight for playoffs. They are going for this goal step by step every season and now it's time for next step. However I still can't be sure about their real chances because competitions for those 3 places from 6th to 8th is huge this year.

Verdict: 8-12 places.

RATIOPHARM ULM

homecourt: Sportszentrum Kuhberg

With two solid Bundesliga seasons under their belt, ratiopharm Ulm has rebuilt their team with a solid mix of returning players and talented new faces as head coach Mike Taylor and team attempt to replace the loss of four starters from the beginning of last season. All Star power forward Jeff Gibbs (14.1ppg 9.4reb) remains the franchise player and has led the Bundesliga in rebounding for two seasons in a row. Center Sean Finn (6.4ppg 2.9reb 69%fg) returns after making tremendous strides during last season and point guard Dru Joyce (9.5ppg 4.4ast 32%three) also is back taking over the starting role as the teams floor general. Dru's long time friend and teammate Romeo Travis (10.8ppg 5.1reb) steps into the three spot looking to fill the void left by All Star Konrad Wysocki who moved onto Frankfurt in the offseason after excellent development in Ulm. Former Florida Gator Lee Humphrey is a terrific addition to the Ulm backcourt along with defensive standout Keith Triplett who starred Kaiserslautern and Romania in recent seasons. Big man Michael Schroeder provides size and depth to the Ulm frontcourt and sharpshooting rookie Dan Fitzgerald will add a perimeter threat from the post spot after a solid college career at Marquette. Hardworking captain Emeka Erege (4.1ppg 2.5reb) and talented young Sebastian Betz (3.2ppg 39%three) provide depth on the wings. Ulm is also very excited about talented young point guard Per Gunther who joins the team after successful development in Hagen and a great summer in the German junior national program. With the return of ratiopharm as main sponsor and a new arena on the horizon, the future for Bundesliga basketball is bright in Ulm. For now, basketball fans can enjoy the 2008-2009 season and more upsets from the exciting ratiopharm Ulm team.

Betonbasket.com prediction: Another club which every year dreams about playoff but miss them. Unfortunately I hardly seem them qualifiing for playoff this year because Ulm is typical home team and with so many roster changes you can't expect positive results away from home where you need class and team chemistry on highest level.

Verdict: 12-15 places

NEWYORKER PHANTOMS BRAUNSCHWEIG

homecourt: Volkswagonarena

Head Coach Emir Mutapcic has steady developed the Phantoms year by year and returns the starting frontcourt of Kyle Visser (9.8pph 4.3reb 57%fg) and Andrew Drevo (12.4ppg 6.6reb 41%three) who both impressed in their first Bundesliga season in Braunschweig. Wing Jonathan Levy (10.4ppg 3.6reb) also is back for the Phantoms and brings an exciting athletic element to the team. Key post depth will once again be provided by Jason Cain (5.8ppg 4.3reb) who was solid as a rookie last year. Key new additions in Braunschweig include guards Will Franklin and Jeremy Crouch who both played at Bradley University. Former Wisconsin Badger Michael Flowers will add more athleticism to the defense on the perimeter and hardworking Nils Mittmann (4.9ppg 2.6reb 32%three in Ludwigsburg) returns home to Braunschweig after successful stints in Ulm, Wurzburg and Ludwigsburg. Young German players Kevin Wysocki, Tony Granz and Philip Freidel give the Phantoms a look for the future.

Betonbasket.com prediction: Despite doing so many effort to become a playoff contented I think that Braunshweig is level above all those playoff calibre teams. I expect them to be somewhere in the middle of table.

Verdict: 12-15 places.

KOLN 99ERS

homecourt: Rheinenergie Dome

After a tumultous 2007-2008, Koln 99ers see much change for the new Bundesliga season ahead. After doing an outstanding job coaching Koln through their offcourt adversity, Sasa Obradovic moved onto Kiev and experienced assistant Drasko Prodanovic assumes Head Coaching duties of the 99ers. Only talented young players return from the 99ers roster as Philipp Schwethelm (6.6ppg 43%three) and young big men Tibor Pleiss and Davis Martens are back in Koln. Key new faces include Jeremy Hunt (Kaiserslautern/Memphis), Julian Terrell (Porto Portugal) and young Germans Bjorn Schoo and Raed Mostafa will be given chance to develop. Australlian playmaker Zarryon Fereti joins the 99ers from St Bonaventure and Slovenian players Danillo Smigic and Jasmin Catovic are also new. Two seasons removed from a Bundesliga championship and Euroleague competition, Koln is in rebuilding mode and features young talent with potential. Expect the 99ers to make key additions to their team to complement their young talent.

Betonbasket.com prediction: Koln should be a dangerous team because they are young and talented, but young team never be stable. In this league you need to be constant to qualify into playoffs and this what Koln will luck this year. New project of Koln basketball needs time and I think that they will need more than one season to build new team.

Verdict: 12-15 places.

BG74 GOTTINGEN

homecourt: Lokhalle

As a first year team in the Bundesliga, BG74 Gottingen fit into the league well and firmly estbalished themselves in their rookie season. Head Coach John Patrick and his team adjusted their uptempo style to the Bundesliga and made progress throughout the year. After a season in Ulm, point guard Kyle Bailey (12.6ppg 3reb 3.4ast 31%three) returns to the Violets and looks to bounce back from his injury shortened tenure in the South. The Violets recruited two top Pro A players in guard Rocky Trice from Cuxhaven and forward Chris Oliver from Kaiserslautern. From the Bundesliga, big men Jason Miller (Jena) joins Gottingen and athletic forward Clif Brown (Niagara) and skilled Peer Wente will look to be productive in the front court. Returning players include intelligent Ben Jacobsen (9.8ppg 3.6reb 37%three) and hardworking Marco Grmaldi (3.7ppg) in the backcourt along with physical Jason Boone (4.3ppg 3.3reb) and experienced Robert Dill on the block. Former Bremerhaven prospect Robert Kulawick rounds out the roster. Gottingen aims to bring exciting basketball into the Lokhalle for the new season ahead.

Betonbasket.com prediction: Gottinged was to able to suprise many last year and managed to save roster for this season and more of that they landed few good players to make their basketball machine better. Probably it's still early to set promising goal but I don't expect them to fight for relegation from Basketball bundesliga.

Verdict: 12-15 places.

WALTER TIGERS TUBINGEN

homecourt: Tubingen Arena

 

Head Coach Tolga Ongoran has several key returning players to work with including All Star C Rasko Katic (15.2ppg 8.3reb 50%fg) who has been among the best big men in the Bundesliga for several seasons. PG Jermaine Anderson (13.9ppg 2.9ppg 2.6ast) enjoyed a terrific summer with the Canadian National team. Talented former All Star AJ Moye (10.7ppg 3.7reb 32%three) looks to regain his form after an injury riddled 2007-2008. Hardworking team player Jay Thomas (1.7ppg 46%three) also provides a reliable presence on the wing. Daniel Fountain adds a new perimeter shooting touch and power forward Michael Haynes will bring a versatile scoring threat in the post. Athletic Kenny Williams joins the Tigers and looks to make an impact in the post while Brantislav Ratkovica and Mirko Anastasov move south to Tubingen from Oldenburg looking to bolster the team with depth. Late preseason addition Richard Chaney (Troy St/Utah) could also be a sleeper this season with the Tigers. After taking over mid-season last year, look for Head Coach Tolga Ongoran

Betonbasket.com prediction: With no high class player you can't be in the playoff fight. I think that Tubingen with their average class players will fight for the best place at the bottom of the table. But because of big experience this fight should be with happy end.

Verdict: 12-15 places.

TBB TRIER

homecourt: Trier Arena

After a disappointing 2007-2008 and 'Absteig' (relegation), Trier earned a Wildcard from the Bundesliga and head coach Yves Defraigne has rebuilt the team over the summer. Former Koln PG Derek Raivio (8ppg 3.2ast 36%three) runs the show and an infusion of new talent includes skilled wing Jamal Schuler (VCU) and scoring four man Chris Copeland. The man in the middle is veteran George Evans who starred at George Mason University and in Belgium for Mons. Tyrone Riley, Norman Richardson join Trier from Poland and Maksym Shtein will be a solid backup big man after experience in Ulm and Frankfurt. Captain James Gillingham (11.4ppg 2.6reb 31%three) returns along with young talents Christian Hoffmann (2.4ppg 43%three), Mark Zirbes and Kostas Karamatsos. With a fresh start and a strong preseason, optimism is high in Trier and with an improved team Trier fans will definitely enjoy 2008-2009 on the court at Trier Arena.

Betonbasket.com prediction: Trier was bad last season but they were above their real level in my opinion. This season should be a bit different for them but it's still hard to predict what kind of players they have bought and how those will play when season starts.

Verdict: 13-16 places.

GIESSEN 46ERS

homecourt: Sporthalle Giessen-East

New Head Coach Simon Cote takes over for the Giessen 46ers and the former Frankfurt assistant and NBA scout is excited about the opportunity with one of the Bundesliga's original teams. One strength for the 46ers will be continuity as scoring guard Michael Umeh (13.1ppg 37%three), athletic forward Corey Rouse (10.6ppg 6.1reb), leader Flo Hartenstein (1.9ppg 1.7reb), young talent Johannes Lischka (3.5ppg 2.3reb), skilled veteran post man Gerrit Terdenge (10.4ppg 4.3reb 42%three) and experienced floor general Danny Lewis (6.5ppg 39%three) all return to Giessen. Former NBA draft pick Maurice Jeffers will bring talent to the perimeter and sharpshooting Heiko Schaffartzik (10.1ppg 37%three in Ludwigsburg) joins the 46ers after solid seasons in Oldenburg and Ludwigsburg. Possibly the most important new face is a familiar one in former National team big man Robert Maras who starred for the 46ers a few seasons ago. With a strong preseason performance under their belt, Giessen is excited about the new year and the new way forward with Coach Cote. For the traditional team, 2008-2009 looks to be a move in the right direction.

Betonbasket.com prediction: Despite of all those changes Giessen will fight to relegation once again in my opinion. They did not improved comparing to last season, they changed coach and with no continuity it's hard to expect movement in the classement.

Verdict: 17-18 places

NORDLINGEN

homecourt: Hermann-Kessler Halle

After a surprising rise to the top of the German Pro A, the wonderful success story of small town Nordlingen finished last season with a championship and 'Aufsteig'. Head Coach Andreas Wagner has brought together the best of the Pro A keeping a core from his championship team and adding several key pieces to the mix. Athletic forwards Omari Westley and Ty Shaw make the power forward spot a strength on the team and key players to Nordlingen success Avi Kazarnovski, Carl Mbassa, Joe Tesfaldet and Osvaldo Jeanty return with their sights set on a solid first season in the Bundesliga. Point guard Danny Gibson and small forward Monta McGee move south from Cuxhaven and bring in tremendous skill and athleticism. Late in the preseason Varnie Dennis joined the Giants to provide a skilled big man in the middle. The excellent chemistry and family oriented approach that led to Nordlingen success has been rewarded with the 'Aufsteig' and the small Bavarian basketball-town must be ready to support their team through the challenges ahead this season.

Betonbasket.com prediction: Basketball Bundesleague newcomer is based on PRO-A level top players but luck of experience may hurt them as it often happens when team enters higher division. However at home this team a hard to beat especially for low table teams. I expect Nordlingen to fight for relegation.

Verdict: 17-18 places

Comments

Add New Search

3.26 Copyright (C) 2008 Compojoom.com / Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

          Next Page&gt&gt