GER - German round-up

BERLIN (Bundesliga) - Former Croatia national team captain Matej Mamic will take over as head coach of Alba Berlin's farm team TuS Lichterfelde of Germany's second division next season.

The 32-year-old former center takes over from Sven Wehrmeyer after ending his playing career in January 2007 following his near crippling fall in November 2005.

"It's great to have a chance so quick to take over such a responsible position," said Mamic, who was Alba Berlin's captain at the time of his injury.

"Youth development is decisive for the future of German basketball. The young German players really have to work on their games if they want to reach big things. I have a lot of work ahead of me and don't want to waste any time. That's why we'll start training for next season in the coming weeks."

Berlin manager Henning Harnisch was also pleased with the appointment of Mamic, saying: "He has a great character and stands for important values such as effort, fighting spirit and morals, which we want pass on to our youth players."

Earlier this week Berlin fans received more good news with Germany international Demond Greene set to be listed on the BBL regular season title-winners Alba's roster for Saturday's home game against TBB Trier.

Greene, 27, broke his foot last December in an ULEB Cup game at Montepaschi Siena.

His return will be a big welcome as Berlin coach Henrik Rodl may be without Chris Owens, Nenad Canak and Kirk Penney - all of whom are still injured.

One of Berlin's main competitors for the German crown, defending champions RheinEnergie Koln, will be without forward Ronald Burrell for the final stretch of the regular season.

The American has undergone an operation on his left knee and is due to return to practice in about two weeks.

"We will try to get Ronnie fit as quick as possible, hopefully for the beginning of the play-offs. The operation went very well, that's most important," said Koln sporting director Stephan Baeck.

Burrell played only three minutes and had just two points and a rebound as Koln outlasted Artland Dragons to capture the German Cup crown last Sunday.

Meanwhile, Giessen 46ers, as expected, named Thorsten Leibenath as their head coach for next season, with the club's former assistant replacing Ken Scalabroni.

Scalabroni, who replaced Stefan Koch mid-season, announced in the Giessen media two weeks ago that he will not be returning - not telling the club management face-to-face beforehand.

Leibenath served from 2000-2006 as Giessen assistant before becoming head coach this season for Scottish Rocks of the English BBL.

The club are also attempting to re-sign German international center Robert Maras and American play-maker Obie Trotter.

In other news, German Cup finalists Artland Dragons and David Jackson have agreed to end their contract with immediate effect after Lamont McIntosh and Adam Hess returned from injuries.

Jackson arrived in Germany from the Idaho Stampede of the NBA D-League and averaged 12.3 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists for Artland.

Artland will also have to finish their regular season play-off drive without Darius Hall, who's out with a right calf injury. The Dragons are currently in eighth place - the final play-off spot - ahead of their final two games at home against rivals Ulm and at Oldenburg.

Finally, Swedish international Ibrahim Diarra's season is over for Deutsche Bank Skyliners due to a broken toe.

David Hein
FIBA