Tartu Ülikool/Rock

University of Tartu Basketball Club
Leagues Korvpalli Meistriliiga
Baltic Basketball League
EuroChallenge
Founded 1945
History 1945 – present
Arena Tartu Ülikooli Spordihoone

(capacity: 4,000)

Location Tartu, Estonia
Team colors Blue and White
         
President Riho Illak
Head coach Indrek Visnapuu
Championships 22 Estonian Championships
14 Estonian Cups
1 BBL Cup
1 USSR Championship
Website www.tysk.ee/rock
Uniforms
Home
Away

Tartu Ülikool (University of Tartu) is an Estonian professional basketball club, based in Tartu, currently participating in the Korvpalli Meistriliiga, the Baltic Basketball League and the EuroChallenge. The basketball team belongs to The University of Tartu and plays their home games at the Tartu Ülikooli Spordihoone (Sports Hall of The University of Tartu).[1] The UT is the most successful basketball club in Estonia with 22 national championships and 14 national cup wins. The club used to be known as Tartu Ülikool/Rock, but changed the name due to sponsorship reasons.

Contents

History

Soviet Union era

Rock is the oldest basketball team still playing in Estonia. Although the origins of the team are uncertain at this moment, it is a fact that Tartu University's basketball team entered the Estonian League right after World War II in the 1947/48 season.[2] During the late 1940s and the 1950s the university's team was one of the dominants winning 8 domestic titles from 1948 to 1959. This period also includes the Soviet Union title in 1949.[2] Notable players from that era were Ilmar Kullam, Heino Kruus and Jaak Lipso who all have won an Olympic medal and EuroBasket championship with the Soviet Union national basketball team.

During the 1960s teams from Tallinn dominated Estonian basketball and the Tartu team was unable to win any titles. A new rise started in the late 1960s with players like Anatoli Krikun (Olympic bronze 1968) and Aleksei Tammiste. Led by those two men the TRÜ team was virtually indomitable during the 1970s winning 7 domestic titles.

The 1980s were another low period for the Tartu team as there were not many good players in the team. The epicenter of Estonian basketball shifted back to Tallinn with teams like Tallinna Kalev and Harju KEK dominating the domestic league.

Independent Estonia

In the early 1990s after Estonia regained its independence Tartu struggled in the KML, but with the emerging of young talented players like Valmo Kriisa, Tarmo Kikerpill and Tanel Tein, Tartu fought its way back to the top of Estonian basketball winning the Estonian League in 2000.[2] It was the team's first title since 1978. In the new millennium Tartu Rock has been at the very top of domestic basketball winning several league titles and cups. In addition to that the team has reached the Final Fours of FIBA EuroCup (in 2007–08) and Baltic Basketball League (in 2008–09). In 2010 Rock also won the Baltic Basketball League Cup becoming the first team besides BC Žalgiris and BC Lietuvos Rytas to win a Baltic League trophy.[3]

2007–2008: EuroCup Final Four

On the 4th of March in the year 2008 Tartu Ülikool/Rock made Estonian club basketball history by beating PBC Ural Great with games 2–1 in the FIBA EuroCup and advancing to the semifinals.[4] Tartu played in the same group with CSK VSS Samara, Lappeenrannan NMKY and PAOK BC winning five games and losing only one to Samara in Russia.[5] After beating Ural Great, Tartu lost to Barons LMT in the semi-finals with the score 82–88.[6] In the third-place game, Tartu was defeated by Proteas EKA AEL with the score 70–79.[7]

2008–2009: Baltic League Final Four

In the 2008–09 season Rock also became the first Estonian basketball team to reach the Baltic League Final Four. Rock defeated Estonian arch rival BC Kalev/Cramo in the quarterfinals with games 2–1. The last game went to overtime and Tartu won by a lucky three-pointer from veteran player Tanoka Beard at the last second making the final score 71–68.[8] This victory also ment that the Final Four would be held on the Tartu team's home court.[9] In the semifinals Rock lost to BC Žalgiris with the score 83–74. In the third place game Rock defeated ASK Riga 77–68 and won the bronze medal.[10][11] In the Estonian League finals Rock suffered a defeat from arch rivals BC Kalev/Cramo with the games 2–4 and won the silver medals.[12]

Team name history

The University's basketball team has had several names in the history. The name changes were mostly due to sponsorship reasons. Here is the complete list.

Years Name Full name (Estonian) Full name (English) Main sponsor
1947–1952 Tartu ÜSK Tartu Ülikooli Spordiklubi Sports Club of the University of Tartu
1952–1989 TRÜ Tartu Riiklik Ülikool Tartu State University
1989–1992 Tartu Ülikool Tartu Ülikool University of Tartu
1992–1993 Tartu KK Tartu Korvpalliklubi Tartu Basketball Club
1993–1994 Raidor Raidor Raidor Raidor AS
1994–1995 Tartu Gaas Tartu Gaas Tartu Gas Tartu Gaas
1995–1997 Tartu KK Tartu Korvpalliklubi Tartu Basketball Club
1997–1999 Tartu SK Polaris Tartu Spordiklubi Polaris Tartu Sports Club Polaris Polaris Security
1999–2001 Tartu Ülikool-Delta Tartu Ülikool-Delta Tartu University-Delta
2001–2011 Tartu Ülikool/Rock Tartu Ülikool/Rock Tartu University/Rock Saku Brewery
2011–present Tartu Ülikool Tartu Ülikooli Korvpalliklubi University of Tartu Basketball Club Saku Brewery

Leagues recap

For a listing of previous seasons, see Tartu Ülikool/Rock basketball team seasons 1947-1991.
Season KML Cup BBL Europe Coach Roster
1991–92 8th Arne Laos Priit Eelmäe, Priit Kaasik, Kalle Kollin, Ott Krikmann, Tarvo Lõhmus, Kaido Padar, Andrus Poksi, Veikko Tanni, Priit Teniste, Raivo Tribuntsov, Tarvi Uusen, Juhan Voolaid
1992–93 5th Jüri Neissaar Priit Kaasik, Valmo Kriisa, Marti Lasn, Toomas Liivak, Rait Mõtsmees, Priit Paama, Neeme Pastik, Vallo Reinkort, Andrus Renter, Tiit Teniste, Urmas Teppo, Margo Uusen, Tarvi Uusen, Priit Vene
1993–94 4th Jüri Neissaar Priit Kaasik, Valmo Kriisa, Marti Lasn, Toomas Liivak, Pelle Raid, Vallo Reinkort, Andrus Renter, Priit Saaron, Veikko Tanni, Priit Teniste, Priit Vene
1994–95 5th Jüri Neissaar Priit Kaasik, Tarmo Kikerpill, Valmo Kriisa, Marti Lasn, Toomas Liivak, Rait Mõtsmees, Vallo Reinkort, Andrus Renter, Priit Saaron, Veikko Tanni, Tanel Tein
1995–96 2nd Jüri Neissaar Tarmo Kikerpill, Valmo Kriisa, Marti Lasn, Jaanus Liivak, Toomas Liivak, Rait Mõtsmees, Margus Nurja, Vallo Reinkort, Andrus Renter, Priit Saaron, Tanel Tein, Tiit Teniste, Urmas Teppo
1996–97 3rd Jüri Neissaar Toomas Kandimaa, Tarmo Kikerpill, Valmo Kriisa, Marti Lasn, Jaanus Liivak, Toomas Liivak, Jarko Lust, Marek Noormets, Andres Ottender, Vallo Reinkort, Andrus Renter, Tanel Tein, Tiit Teniste
1997–98 3rd Teet Laur Silver Kallas, Toomas Kandimaa, Tarmo Kikerpill, Marti Lasn, Jaanus Liivak, Toomas Liivak, Jarko Lust, Andres Ottender, Vallo Reinkort, Andrus Renter, Veikko Tanni, Tanel Tein, Tiit Teniste, Indrek Visnapuu
1998–99 4th Teet Laur Marek Doronin, Goran Gramatikov, Silver Kallas, Toomas Kandimaa, Tarmo Kikerpill, Aigar Kristovald, Marti Lasn, Jaanus Liivak, Toomas Liivak, Vallo Reinkort, Andrus Renter, Antti Vasar, Indrek Visnapuu
1999–00 Champion Winner Saporta Cup
Preliminary Round
Teet Laur Marek Doronin, Tanel Kaljula, Toomas Kandimaa, Tarmo Kikerpill, Aigar Kristovald, Marti Lasn, Jaanus Liivak, Toomas Liivak, Vallo Reinkort, Andrus Renter, Tanel Tein, Veljo Vares, Indrek Visnapuu
2000–01 Champion Winner Jüri Neissaar Marek Doronin, Toomas Kandimaa, Tarmo Kikerpill, Aigar Kristovald, Jaanus Liivak, Toomas Liivak, Kuldar Lossmann, Rolandas Maciulaitis, Ardi Niinepuu, Asko Paade, Rain Peerandi, Heiko Rannula, Vallo Reinkort, Tanel Tein, Veljo Vares, Antti Vasar
2001–02 2nd Finalist Jüri Neissaar Kristo Aab, Marek Doronin, Toomas Kandimaa, Tarmo Kikerpill, Jaanus Liivak, Toomas Liivak, Rolandas Maciulaitis, Rain Peerandi, Heiko Rannula, Vallo Reinkort, Andrus Renter, Tanel Tein, Veljo Vares, Antti Vasar, Martin Viiask
2002–03 3rd Winner FIBA EuroCup
Regional Qualifying Round
Jüri Neissaar Vallo Allingu, Marek Doronin, Toomas Kandimaa, Tarmo Kikerpill, Silver Leppik, Toomas Liivak, Arturas Masiulis, Asko Paade, Heiko Rannula, Vallo Reinkort, Andrus Renter, Tanel Tein, Antti Vasar, Martin Viiask
2003–04 Champion 1/4 Final FIBA EuroCup Conference Qualifying Round Tõnu Lust Arturas Masiulis, Marko Raamat, Heiko Rannula, Martin Viiask, Andres Velleramm, Silver Leppik, Tarmo Kikerpill, Vallo Allingu, Marek Doronin, Asko Paade, Antti Vasar, Andrus Renter, Augenijus Vaskys, Kristo Aab, Rain Peerandi
2004–05 2nd Winner 10th FIBA EuroCup
Conference Qualifying Round
Tõnu Lust Heiko Rannula, Rain Peerandi, Martin Viiask, Kristo Aab, Silver Leppik, Tarmo Kikerpill, Vallo Allingu, Marek Doronin, Asko Paade, Antti Vasar, Augenijus Vaskys, Marko Raamat
2005–06 2nd Finalist 12th Paavo Russak Kristo Aab, Vallo Allingu, Marek Doronin, Eimar Himma, Toomas Kandimaa, Tarmo Kikerpill, Martin Kimmel, Aimar Kivirüüt, Silver Leppik, Mario Luik, J.S. Nash, Marek Noormets, Jürgen Õigus, Asko Paade, Heiko Rannula, Tanel Tein, Antti Vasar, Allar Velleramm, Martin Viiask
2006–07 Champion Finalist 8th FIBA EuroCup
Qualifying Round
Algirdas Brazys Kristo Aab, Vallo Allingu, David Bailey, Povilas Butkevicius, Vitali Denikin, Marek Doronin, Tarmo Kikerpill, Gert Kullamäe, Silver Leppik, Martin Müürsepp, Asko Paade, Tanel Tein, Giorgi Tsintsadze, Allar Velleramm, Martin Viiask
2007–08 Champion Finalist 1/4 Final FIBA EuroCup
Final 4
Üllar Kerde Kristo Aab, Erik Dorbek, Tanel Tein, Giorgi Tsintsadze, Brian Cusworth, Vallo Allingu, Marek Doronin, Asko Paade, Gert Kullamäe, Janar Talts, Vitali Denikin, Joosep Kivimäe, Silver Leppik, Kęstutis Šeštokas
2008–09 2nd 1/4 Final 3rd EuroChallenge
Regular Season
Kerde[13]
Visnapuu
Kristo Aab, Vallo Allingu, Tanoka Beard, Marek Doronin, Timo Eichfuss, Kristjan Kitsing, Gert Kullamäe, Silver Leppik, Asko Paade, Viktor Sanikidze, Sten-Timmu Sokk, Janar Talts, Tanel Tein, Giorgi Tsintsadze
2009–10 Champion Winner 1/4 Final EuroChallenge
Regular Season
Indrek Visnapuu Todd Abernethy, Vallo Allingu, Marek Doronin, Timo Eichfuss, Kristjan Evart, Sven Kaldre, Kristjan Kitsing, Silver Leppik, Scott Morrison, Asko Paade, Sten-Timmu Sokk, Janar Talts, Tanel Tein, Martin Viiask
2010–11 2nd Winner 1/4 Final EuroChallenge
Regular Season
Indrek Visnapuu Vallo Allingu, Marek Doronin, Timo Eichfuss, Kristjan Evart, Callistus Eziukwu, Joonas Järveläinen, Tanel Kurbas, Silver Leppik, Asko Paade, Rain Raadik, Sten-Timmu Sokk, Janar Talts, Giorgi Tsintsadze, Rain Veideman
2011–12 Winner Indrek Visnapuu Vallo Allingu, Marek Doronin, Timo Eichfuss, Kristjan Evart, Bill Amis, Artur Saariste, Tanel Kurbas, Silver Leppik, Asko Paade, Rain Raadik, Sten-Timmu Sokk, Karl-Kristjan Vaab, Kristen Meister, Rain Veideman, Taavi Leok, Kristo Saage

Trophies and awards

Trophies

Individual awards

KML Most Valuable Player

KML Finals MVP

KML Young Player of the Year

KML Coach of the Year

  • Jüri Neissaar – 2001
  • Tõnu Lust – 2004
  • Üllar Kerde – 2008

Baltic League MVP of the Month

  • Scott Morrison – November 2009
  • Callistus Eziukwu - November 2010

All-KML First Team

All-KML Defensive Team

Players

Roster

Players Coaches
Pos. # Nat. Name Ht.
PG 5 Sokk, Sten-Timmu 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
SG 6 Veideman, Rain 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in)
SG 7 Saage, Kristo 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
SF 8 Saariste, Artur 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)
SF 9 Eichfuss, Timo 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in)
C 10 Allingu, Vallo (C) 2.10 m (6 ft 11 in)
SF 11 Doronin, Marek 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in)
PF 12 Paade, Asko 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in)
F 13 Vaab, Karl-Kristjan 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in)
G 21 Meister, Kristen 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
SF 22 Kurbas, Tanel 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
SG 24 Leok, Taavi 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
PG 25 Evart, Kristjan 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
PG 31 Leppik, Silver 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
PF 40 Raadik, Rain 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in)
F/C 41 Amis, Bill 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in)
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (*) Playing only in EuroCup
  • Injured

Roster • updated 2011-10-05

Depth chart

Pos. Starter Bench Bench Bench Reserve
C Vallo Allingu Bill Amis
PF Rain Raadik Asko Paade Karl-Kristjan Vaab
SF Tanel Kurbas Timo Eichfuss Marek Doronin Artur Saariste
SG Rain Veideman Kristo Saage Taavi Leok Kristen Meister
PG Sten-Timmu Sokk Silver Leppik Kristjan Evart

Notable players

For a listing of past rosters, see Tartu Ülikool/Rock past rosters.
For a listing of past players, see Category:Tartu Ülikool/Rock players.

Head coaches

References

  1. ^ "Tartu Ülikooli Akadeemiline Spordiklubi". tysk.ee. Retrieved on 2009-01-22 (Estonian)
  2. ^ a b c "Eesti Korvpalliliit". basket.ee. Retrieved on 2009-01-22 (Estonian)
  3. ^ "BOOM!! Rock beats Rytas to win the BBL Cup". BBL Homepage (2010-09-25). Retrieved on 2011-02-24
  4. ^ "Tartu keep on rocking, reach Final Four". FIBA Europe (2008-03-04). Retrieved on 2009-01-22
  5. ^ "Team home on fibaeurope.com". FIBA Europe. Retrieved on 2011-02-24
  6. ^ "Barons fight back to book place in final". FIBA Europe (2008-04-18). Retrieved on 2011-02-24
  7. ^ "Proteas hold off Tartu for third place". FIBA Europe (2008-04-20). Retrieved on 2011-02-24
  8. ^ "Beard leads Rock to Final Four". SEB BBL Homepage (2009-04-01). Retrieved on 2009-04-25
  9. ^ "SEB BBL Final Four tournament will be hosted by Tartu". SEB BBL Homepage (2009-04-02). Retrieved on 2009-04-25
  10. ^ "It's Rytas against Zalgiris, as always". SEB BBL Homepage (2009-04-24). Retrieved on 2009-04-25
  11. ^ "Third place belongs to TÜ/Rock". SEB BBL Homepage (2009-04-25). Retrieved on 2009-04-25
  12. ^ "Kalev/Cramo celebrate SEB KML triumph". Eurobasket.com. (2009-06-01). Retrieved on 2009-07-21
  13. ^ a b "TÜ/Rock head coach Kerde resigns". SEB BBL Homepage (2008-12-21). Retrieved on 2008-12-21

External links