Sunday, January 11, 2009

Basketball- Deutsch Style





Last night Shea got a hanker'n to watch some live B-Ball...we should be able to find a decent game right, I mean this is where Dirk is from and all?
So, off it was to watch the Deutsch Bank (Frankfurt) Skyliners versus the Artland Dragons of the Euroleague Basketball Association. We got to the game just in time for the introduction of the teams. The lights got low and the spotlights, discoballs, and flames were in full effect as the home-teams starting lineup was introduced to the cheering fans. The stadium seats probably in the neighborhood of 4000, and there was a good turnout for the game as the fighting Skyliners sought to clinch a playoff birth with a victory over the Dragons. The "Flying Bembels" (a Bembel is a large pitcher used to serve apfelwein here, so let it not be said that the Germans don't have a sense of humor) were there with their bright uniforms and drums, which they used to hammer out inspiration for the team. At least half of the Skyliners roster is made up of American players, most of whom played division 1 ball. There was a pointguard from Drake, a post from Univ. of Miami, a #2 guard from Univ. of Missouri...not names you had ever heard before, but guys living the dream getting paid to play ball none the less. The Skyliners biggest star is their point guard Pascal Roller, a German player who also plays on the German National team for World league competition and the Olympics. He is the German Jason Kidd, same type of game...and poor shooting.
They battled out 4, 10-minute quarters. With no commercial time outs and no official time outs, the game flew by. These Germans love their outside shooting and until the second half there was very little inside game established. The two teams exchanged the lead numerous times with neither team able to pull more than 4 points ahead. With 2 minutes to play, they were tied. Crunch time. Come on “Flying Bembels”- get to hammering some uber inspiration. The home team Skyliners were able to get a couple of needed baskets in the following minute and found themselves ahead by 4 with a minute to play. The Dragons had 3 team fouls to give and used them. Both teams ate up their timeouts. But the Skyliners proved their dominance by taking down the mighty Dragons 76 - 70. The German Skyliner players celebrated their victory with a traditional German dance with the fans and all was good in Frankfurt am Main.
All in all, we had a great time. The dance team kept us in stitches and German's love of 80's dance music was on display during every team timeout. So for all you b-ball fans out there you now know you can plan your trip to see us around some exciting pro-ball.

1 comment:

Allison said...

That sounds like fun. I envy your ability to write. Your entries always look so long, but they suck you in immediately and have you sitting on the edge of your seat till the end. I am going to have start writing my blog for me :)

Talk to you soon.