- Prior to the commencement of the Bundesliga, Skyliners push for cup participation
The opening contest of the fresh league term for the Skyliners basketball squad from Frankfurt is lined up for the eerie Friday the 13th. They'll engage in the preliminary round of the BBL Cup versus the second division champions, Gladiators Trier (8:00 PM/Dyn). The squad is hopeful that this date won't bring them ill fortune, considering their pleasant recollections of playing in Trier.
In the previous season, these two teams crossed paths in the playoffs semi-finals. Frankfurt managed to edge out Trier in a tight battle, securing their promotion. As pointed out by Skyliners coach Denis Wucherer, "We're well aware of what's coming our way, given our past encounters last season and the heated series."
Furthermore, Trier has maintained the majority of their team, making minimal adjustments to their lineup. This implies they're well-practiced. "That's a significant advantage for them, and it doesn't make our upcoming task any easier. Playing in Trier itself is already tough," said the experienced 51-year-old coach.
Wucherer revealed that the Hessians haven't been performing well lately. He hopes the team can "overcome this tiny slump and be game-ready for Trier." Regrettably, both captain Lorenz Brenneke and Kamaka Hepa are still engaged in rehabilitation training and will not be available for the game.
The Skyliners will face Trier's Gladiators, who are the second division champions, in the preliminary round of the BBL Cup, with their airline representing Frankfurt in the contest. Despite their past success over Trier in the playoffs semi-finals, Wucherer acknowledges the difficulty of the match, given that Trier has maintained their team and playing in Trier itself is challenging.
