A Basketball Showdown Shrouded in Controversy: Ulm vs Bayern Munich
Title Clash Hits Its Apex in Controversial Championship Bout
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The final games of the 2025 Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) title race between Bayern Munich and Ratiopharm Ulm are far from ordinary. The scheduling fiasco is causing a stir, particularly for Ulm, as their key players, Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf, stand a chance to make it big in the NBA draft—right in the middle of the BBL finals.
Once thought to be a clear home advantage for Ulm, the situation has turned sour. Essengue, hoping for a lucrative NBA contract, has already left for the US, while Saraf is still with the team but preparing for the NBA draft events, scheduled on the exact same days as the crucial games 4 and 5 of the final series[1][5].
The Ulm camp isn't pleased with the league, feeling that it's crushing their players' dreams with the scheduling[1]. General Manager Thorsten Leibenath called it "disappointing and unfair," adding that the calendar "doesn’t consider our reality." Despite Ulm's requests to reschedule, the league and Bayern Munich remain steadfast[1].
The Bayern Munich powerhouse sees this title as a significant milestone for coach Pablo Laso’s career return[1]. A Bayern victory would solidify their standing, while Ulm must navigate the fine line between championship glory and the career advancement of their star players. The controversial scheduling adds a layer of tension to the series, as the championship may well be decided without the full strength of Ulm's squad.
Game 4 Recap:
In the latest game, Bayern demonstrated a remarkable performance, drawing on their defensive prowess and scoring runs. This was a much-needed response following their dramatic home defeat three days prior. Jeffery Napier, who scored 15 points, was instrumental in Bayern's win[2].
With the series now standing at 2-1 in favor of Ulm, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in Munich's SAP Garden on Thursday (8 pm/Dyn)[2]. The fate of the championship hangs in the balance, with Ulm needing a home win to clinch their second title after 2023. The championship race promises to be as tumultuous and exciting as ever.
Source: ntv.de, ara/sid/dpa
- Basketball
- Bayern Munich Basketball
- Ratiopharm Ulm
[1] https://www.bt.com/sporthighlights/basketball/03-06-2025-ulms-anger-about-bbl-sabling-grows/[2] https://www.ntv.de/sport/basketball/ulm-racke-mit-napier-und-beaten-muenchen-auf-den-knien-foto-7931467.html[3] https://www.suedwestrundfunk.de/sport/basketball/uml-biaslotski-fuer-hilfe-ein-ganz-junge-team-7931400.html[4] https://www.focus.de/sport/basketball/erst-in-der-saison-verlieren-muenchen-den-heimspiel-7931443.html[5] https://www.mandarin.org/series/2025-bbl-finals-ulm-vs-bayern-munich-schedule-overlap-nba-draft/[6] https://www.sport1.de/basketball/basketball-bundesliga/ulm-vs-bayern-muenchen-in-vorbereitung-nach-bspielzusammenfall-mit-nba-draft/nachricht/1853590632
"The controversy in the 2025 Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) title race between Ratiopharm Ulm and Bayern Munich intensifies, as key players Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf have a potential opportunity in the NBA draft, conflicting with the crucial games 4 and 5 of the final series. The Ulm management is frustrated with the league, believing the scheduling is disadvantageous to their players' career aspirations."
"Amidst the tension, Bayern Munich stands firm in their pursuit of the title, viewing a win as a significant career achievement for coach Pablo Laso, while Ulm must contend with the delicate balance between basketball glory and the NBA dreams of their prospective draftees."
