They have had difficulties against weaker Bundesliga teams so far this season. "Our problems seem to be a combination of not being as focused as when we play against Euroleague teams and that the weaker teams raise their game against us, the defending BBL champion", says Swedish guard Ibrahim Diarra.
The OPEL SKYLINERS have had a successful history in the German Cup. They won it in their first attempt in the 1999/2000 season. In 2002 and 2004 they reached the final. The OPEL SKYLINERS have reached the Final Four every season except 2003, when they lost in the quarter final to local rival Gießen. The team understands that they need to be focused because a loss would shatter all hopes for a second Cup win in this knockout-style tournament. "Every game is very important. There are usually many upsets and it is special to play in the Cup", says Ibrahim Diarra.
The OPEL SKYLINERS need to be aware of Würzburg`s strength, even though they are at #15 in the standings. Würzburg is hungry and knows that Frankfurt has faltered against poorer teams. TSK reached the Final Four last year, sensationally defeating 2004 Bundesliga finalist Bamberg. Würzburg is always capable of surprising higher-ranked teams. They have a tough team, led by BBL leading scorer Jeremy Veal and American Eddy Mayfield, who is capable of giving any team a scare. They also boast many outstanding outside shooters like Igor Perovic. Another option for them is to go underneath to the big guy Mustapha Hoff who leads the team in rebounding. The OPEL SKYLINERS could have a real advantage if Würzburg has a poor shooting day, since they are ranked last in the BBL in field-goal percentage at 41,0%.
The OPEL SKYLINERS have still not recovered from all their injuries. Robert Maras and Malick Badiane will be in uniform but will probably not get many minutes. Coach Didin has hinted that a new player will arrive shortly, most likely from the ABA league in the States. With Tyrone Ellis and Jukka Matinen still injured, this new player could help fill some of the holes. Young players like Alex King and Miro Todic have stepped up nicely and gained a lot of playing experience. Reserve players like Ibrahim Diarra and Hasan Özkan have demonstrated inspiring play. However, if they want to be successful down the stretch, the OPEL SKYLINERS will need another strong, experienced player.
A win against Würzburg will need a 100% focused team. According to Diarra, the OPEL SKYLINERS will have to play tough defense, be a threat inside and control the game from the start. Coach Didin says the team needs to take more open shots and a Pascal Roller, who shoots around 50%, needs to shoot even more than he does. Even though the OPEL SKYLINERS have struggled of late, they have beaten Würzburg in the Bundesliga and in past Cup games. This could be a good omen for the game against them tonight.
