Excitement Builds for the Start of the New Season
After a long wait, the new season in the easyCredit BBL is finally set to kick off on Saturday at 6:30 pm. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg will start their season with a home game at the Große EWE Arena. They will be facing off against the MLP Academics Heidelberg, a team that could potentially surprise many this season. The Oldenburg team is expecting a sold-out crowd for the season opener, but there are still some tickets available at ewe-baskets.de/tickets. The game will be broadcast live on Dyn at ewe-baskets.de/dyn-abos.
The anticipation and excitement are palpable within the EWE Baskets camp as they look forward to finally presenting themselves in a competitive game in front of their fans this Saturday. Positive vibes are in the air, fueled by recent good news on the injury front, as well as the team’s strong performance in the BBL Pokal in Tübingen.
In their recent match, the Oldenburg team displayed dominance under the basket with 18 offensive rebounds and a total of 39 rebounds compared to Tübingen’s 28. They also showcased excellent teamwork with 20 assists and only 12 turnovers, reflecting their solid preparation leading up to the season. The team’s defensive pressure, especially in the second quarter, resulted in eleven steals out of Tübingen’s 22 turnovers, showing promise for the upcoming games. The team aims to improve their three-point shooting percentage of 31% and bring high energy from the opening tip-off.
The EWE Baskets will undoubtedly feel the additional energy and support from the stands, as the Große EWE Arena is expected to be sold out for the 29th consecutive time this Saturday. Fans can also show their support for the team not only in home games but also by signing up for the away trip to Hamburg on October 6th through the Thunderstorm Oldenburg website.
Updates on the Team’s Roster and Injuries
The season press conference on Tuesday provided clarity and some relief regarding the team’s injury situation. Norris Agbakoko’s treatment has been successful, and he is expected to return in three weeks without a significant absence. The outlook is also positive for Kyle Rode and Max DiLeo, who are likely to rejoin the roster soon.
One of the key storylines of the upcoming game revolves around the EWE Baskets‘ recent acquisition, Justin Jaworski. Jaworski has proven to be a vital addition to the team with his scoring ability from anywhere on the court and intense defensive play. His reunion with his former club adds an intriguing element to Saturday’s matchup, as his standout performances in the past have been instrumental in saving Heidelberg from relegation.
Scouting the Opponent: MLP Academics Heidelberg
Heidelberg’s third BBL season did not go as planned, narrowly avoiding relegation after a challenging start. However, the team’s recent signings, preparation, and victory in the first round of the cup against Veolia Towers Hamburg suggest that Heidelberg could emerge as a surprise contender this season.
Under the guidance of former Tübingen player Danny Jansson as head coach, Heidelberg has undergone significant changes. The team has added German players like Mateo Seric and Erol Ersek, who have proven themselves in the BBL. Key players like Ryan Mikesell, who has previously worked with Jansson, contribute to the team’s leadership.
Heidelberg’s strength lies in its guard trio of DJ Horne, Alex Barcello, and Michael Weathers, who combined for 42 points and 10 assists against Hamburg. Forward Ryan Mikesell plays a crucial role as a leader, supported by German role players like Paul Zipser, Erol Ersek, Mateo Seric, Marcel Keßen, and the athletic frontcourt duo of Bakary Dibba and Osun Osunniyi.
In terms of experience, Heidelberg’s foreign players lack significant European exposure, with Ryan Mikesell being the exception as a seasoned leader. DJ Horne and Michael Weathers bring talent but limited European experience, underscoring the importance of Alex Barcello, who has showcased his three-point shooting skills in Belgium and Spain and put up impressive numbers in the cup match.