Bayern Basketball Face Elimination as Ulm Surge in Bundesliga Finals
The future of world champion coach Gordon Herbert at FC Bayern Basketball hangs in the balance as his team trails 1-2 in the Bundesliga final series against Ratiopharm Ulm. Following a narrow 79-81 defeat on their home court, Bayern faces immense pressure heading into Tuesday evening’s fourth game in Neu-Ulm.
The loss marks a disappointing end to Herbert’s first season in Munich, one that will conclude without a championship title. This outcome represents a significant setback for Bayern’s ambitious, multi-million dollar project, which also stumbled in the trophy game against Syntainics MBC and failed to reach the Euroleague playoffs despite moments of promise.
A Season of Unfulfilled Expectations
Bayern entered the season with high hopes, particularly given the relative struggles of traditional rival Alba Berlin. The Euroleague was identified as a primary focus, with aspirations of reaching the Final Four. However, despite flashes of strong play, the team couldn’t secure a playoff berth. A decisive defeat in the play-in game against Real Madrid appeared to deflate the Bavarian squad, who are currently without key player Cars Cars Edwards. The team now appears fatigued and lacking inspiration at a critical juncture.
“We have to be tough and now react. No question,” stated a former international player affiliated with Bayern before the team’s journey to the Ulm Arena, where the Swabians have suffered only one defeat all season.
Herbert himself attempted to project confidence after Saturday’s loss. “We have already won big games away and will change a few things,” he said, referencing his recent success leading Germany to the 2023 World Cup title.
Ulm’s Unexpected Momentum
The narrative is strikingly different for Ulm, who appear energized by this final series. The scheduling conflict surrounding the NBA Draft – with young stars Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue potentially being selected in the first round – initially created disruption. Ulm requested a rescheduling to allow the players to be present in the United States for this pivotal moment, a request the league ultimately denied, leading to some friction.
However, the Ulmer team has seemingly channeled this challenge into focused determination, now standing on the brink of their second championship win after their 2023 victory.
“It was a massive step,” said Justinian Jessup, who proved to be a key contributor in the third game with a crucial three-pointer. “We are not in the final series to become second. Of course we want to become masters,” added Philipp Herkenhoff. The availability of Saraf and Essengue for Tuesday’s game remains uncertain.
The situation in Neu-Ulm is poised to be tense, with Bayern facing a potentially disastrous summer should they fail to secure a victory on Tuesday evening.
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