2008-09 Club Profile: CEZ Basketball Nymburk
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 After conquering everything in sight at home in the Czech Republic, CEZ Basketball Nymburk now has its eyes set on the rest of the continent in the 2008-09 Eurocup. A total of five Czech championships and three national cups since 2004 leaves no doubt about Nymburk's abilities.
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CEZ Nymburk Roster 2008-09
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| Name |
Pos.
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Height
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| Petr Benda |
C
|
2.03
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| Ladislav Sokolovsky |
F
|
2.00
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| Ales Chan |
C
|
2.15
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| Michal Kremen |
F
|
1.98
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| Justin Gray |
G
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1.88
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| Radek Necas |
F
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2.06
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| Blake Schlib |
F
|
2.01
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| Arthur Lee |
G
|
1.85
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| Pavel Slezak |
G
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1.86
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| Robert Tomaszek |
F
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2.05
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| Goran Jagodnik |
F
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2.02
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| Matej Venta |
G
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1.88
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| Muli Katzurin |
Head Coach
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Despite having been founded in 1930 and being the oldest club in the Czech Republic, Nymburk's golden era is now. Its march to the top began in 1995, when the current management, featuring former coaches and players, took charge. Nymburk climbed to the third division in 1997 and by 2000 had won the second and advanced to the top-flight NBL. As a first-division newcomer, Nymburk survived its debut season in 10th place, then began moving up the ladder in each successive season. At the end of the 2001-02 campaign, Nymburk placed third in the league. The club also made its maiden European voyage that season, taking part in the Northern European Basketball League. The next season, Nymburk reached the Czech League finals only to lose 4-3 to then-defending champion Opava. The following season, Nymburk won the club's first title by coasting through the regular season and the playoffs. Nymburk has successfully defended its title every season since. CEZ, the largest Czech utility company, soon became a general partner, allowing the club to sign top players and to see increased success in the European ring as well, starting with the FIBA Europe League eighthfinals in 2005, when it lost to eventual champ Dynamo St. Petersburg. Last season marked the club's ULEB Cup debut, but Nymburk showed no rookie nerves as it battled its way to the elimination rounds. The goals for this season will be even higher as head coach Muli Katzurin brings back four starters: guards Arthur Lee and Pavel Slezas and forwards Ladislav Sokolovsky and Petr Benda. In addition to that foursome, high-scoring wing Blake Schilb and big men Radek Necas look ready for bigger roles. Moreover, the club has added the experienced Goran Jagodnik and rebounder Robert Tomaszek to the frontcourt and guards Justin Gray and Matej Venta. Together, this rotation has all the potential to go ever further than last season's squad and to continue CEZ Nymburk's climb to new heights.
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Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Eurocupbasketball.com
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