The OPEL SKYLINERS finished the regular season in 4th place and before they start their defense of the BBL title, they will attempt to bring the Cup back to Frankfurt after their sensational win in 2000. Frankfurt will play the Telekom Baskets Bonn in the semi final and be looking for their fourth consecutive win against the team from the Rhine. The OPEL SKYLINERS should not be too confident, because there comes a time when all winning streaks come to an end. "After losing in the playoffs last year and both games this season, it would be nice to win this game. We are the underdogs and will have to play a lot better this time, after our convincing loss two weeks ago in the Ballsporthalle", analyzed Bonn´ s manager Jochen Luksch.
The OPEL SKYLINERS showed a strong performance two weeks ago, but this game will be a lot different because the game against Frankfurt is like a game five in the finals for Bonn. The season of the Telekom Baskets was very disappointing after many injuries and up and down play. Assistant coach Simon Cote explains that Frankfurt will most likely see a totally different Bonn team in the semi finals. "It is difficult to beat the same team three times in a season.They struggled this year, but the Top Four is like a new season for them. They will be very motivated to play us." Bonn´s team leader Branko Milisavljevic warns that Frankfurt should be ready for a long battle. "The game will be very tough to win, but we will not surrender to Frankfurt."
The lineup of Bonn will be the same, except for one major change. Dangerous forward Oluoma Nnamaka from Sweden, who had been averaging 10.0 per game, will not play on the weekend, due to an injury. This is one important player less that Frankfurt will have to worry about. However, Bonn is blessed with so many talented players that they will be able to compensate for Nnamaka. The team is led by Branko Milisavljevic from Serbia-Montenegro, who averaged 17.2 points and 5.7 assists per game this season. When he is hot, he can decide games on his own. Frankfurt also needs to be aware of Serbian Aleksander Nadjfeji, who averaged 14.1 and 5.2 rebounds per game. Two weeks ago, he did not have a good game against Frankfurt and it is unlikely that he will return with a bad effort. If that wasn´t enough to worry about, there is still "Dr. Dunk" Altron Jackson, who averaged 13.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game this season.
The Frankfurt centers will have to find a plan to stop Jackson, because if they don´t, then it could be a very long and uncomfortable evening for the big men from the Main. In the game two weeks ago, center Aleksander Djuric had a fine performance, scoring 19 points and Bonn´s manager Jochen Luksch is happy with his recent development. In the last two games against Frankfurt and Würzburg, Djuric has finally shown the ability that we want to see from him. If he continues to play like that, then he will be a very important figure for us winning on Saturday. Forward Kristaps Janicenoks played many minutes two weeks ago and that won´t change in the semi final, since he will replace the injured Nnamaka.
The OPEL SKYLINERS ended the season in Leverkusen with a loss, but that should not effect the team so much. Frankfurt usually plays inspired at home and the Top Four is a new challenge and a good warmup for the playoffs. Forward Ibrahim Diarra is confident that the win against Bonn two weeks ago won´t rest easy in the minds of the Bonn players. "We definitely will have the mental edge in this game. They are not a bad team and really never give up. If we concentrate on our game, then we should be able to win."
Captain Pascal Roller sustained a bruise on his thigh. Roller will miss a few days of practice, but will be ready for the Top Four. Long-time injured American Tyrone Ellis, who has been injured since December 19, 2004, may make his first appearance in the Top Four. He has been practicing with the team for a week and feels good and ready to play. Coach Didin will make the last decisions, whether Ellis will play or not. In any case, seeing Ellis in action again would strengthen the OPEL SKYLINERS more. However, if he does not play, then the team has a deep enough roster to win.
American Chris Williams won Player of the Month in April, averaging 19.7 points per game. If this MVP candidate continues to play so superb, then the chances for Frankfurt to succede in bringing a second cup to the apple wine capital seems more realistic. The fans want to see two wins, but excitement has to be existent also. "I am sure this will be a tight and exciting game", expressed Bonn´s manager Jochen Luksch. The fans have been a big reason for the OPEL SKYLINERS performing so well at home and most likely will not disappoint the Frankfurt players on the weekend.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber reporting for the OPEL SKYLINERS
