GER - Bamberg build around Garrett

BAMBERG (Bundesliga) - GHP Bamberg continued to re-tool their roster for next season and beyond by re-signing Germany guard Robert Garrett and adding young prospect Tim Ohlbrecht.

The 2005 German league champions agreed to a two-year extension with the 29-year-old Garrett, who joined Bamberg last season and helped them to the Euroleague Round of 16, the semi-finals of the German play-offs and the German Cup final.

"We are very happy that Robert Garrett wants to stay in Bamberg," Bamberg and Germany national team coach Dirk Bauermann said.

"Robert was one of the positive surprises of last season. We plan on using him in a similar role next season, as a strong scorer from the bench."

Garrett joined Bamberg after helping Germany to the silver medal at the 2005 EuroBasket. He twice extended short-term contracts with the club last season before eventually signing on for the rest of the year.

Garrett is almost certain to play for his country at the FIBA World Championship this summer.

Bamberg have also re-signed American sharp-shooter Tim Begley for one season. The Pennsylvania University graduate did not receive much playing time during the regular season, but the 22-year-old rookie stepped things up in the play-offs, scoring more than 12 points in four of Bamberg's nine post-season games.

"We think Tim can become one of the top performers in the league," Bamberg manager Wolfgang Heyder said.

Garrett and Begley return to a team which will be strengthened by American big man Darren Fenn, who has signed a two-year deal The 26-year-old averaged 17.9 points and 7.4 rebounds for last season's surprise team Eisbaeren Bremerhaven.

"Darren Fenn was among the best three big men in the league last season," Bauermann said. "He's very versatile, a good mid-range shooter and plays extremely well with his back to the basket. He is also a strong passer and rebounder. And with those traits he fits perfectly into our philosophy."

Bamberg also made a move for the future, signing to a two-year contract one of Germany's top prospects, 17-year-old center Tim Ohlbrecht.

The U-18 national team player, who will compete this summer at the Junior European Championships in Greece, is versatile and quick enough to play on the wing as well.

Ohlbrecht comes to Bamberg from Bayer Giants Leverkusen. And he is expected to spend most of his time with Breitengussbach, Bamberg's affiliate in the German second division where he will play with junior national team team-mate Sajmen Hauer.

Both Ohlbrecht and Hauer can be called up to Bamberg at any time during the season.

Meanwhile, former stalwart Rick Stafford is staying in the organisation after being hired as head coach at Breitengussbach. Stafford was the heart and soul of Bamberg's team over the past few years and will be making his debut on the coaching bench after retiring this season.

By David Hein
PA Sport