The program has been seeking strategic investors since early 2024 and the search has finally paid off. Initial contact with Isaiah was made at the NBA Summer League and now he’s fulfilling his dream of owning a basketball team. With his personal experiences on the journey to becoming an NBA player, joining the Ulm basketball program felt like a natural fit, especially given its strong focus on developing young talent. The OrangeCampus facilities and Ulm’s recent success, including the 2024 “double NBA draft,” have attracted global attention. Ulm’s incredible 2023 German Championship win - with one of the youngest teams in BBL history - also left a lasting impression. During OKC’s away game in Orlando, Isaiah met with Ulm’s managing director, Dr. Thomas Stoll. The NBA star shared that upon returning to Oklahoma, he plans to surprise his father, Florian, by making him a co-investor as a gesture of appreciation for his unwavering support. Isaiah has created a holding company, the “Hartenstein Group,” which includes his father and an old friend, Adam Hess. Adam, a former ratiopharm ulm player (2013-2015), has since built a career as a financial advisor specializing in working with professional athletes. After visiting OrangeCampus earlier this year, Adam was so impressed that he decided to join Isaiah as an investor. Other close associates of Isaiah and Adam will also invest in the Hartenstein Group, which will acquire up to 10% of the Ulm basketball program.
Ulm managers Andreas Oettel and Dr. Thomas Stoll were optimistic about the partnership from the start. Beyond their shared basketball history, the Hartenstein Group’s connections and expertise are expected to help elevate Ulm’s standing in global basketball. Moreover, Isaiah’s and Adam’s inspiring life stories serve as role models for the talented players in Ulm’s program. After a year of exploring different investment options, the decision to partner with Isaiah and the Hartenstein Group was an easy one.Due to the demanding NBA schedule with 82 regular-season games, Isaiah won’t be able to visit Ulm or Neu-Ulm during the season. However, he plans to make up for it during the summer break. He’s already looking forward to the trip and has hinted at making it a memorable experience. His father, Florian, will likely join him for some training sessions at OrangeCampus, just like they did in the past. Whether things will stay quiet at the training facility with an NBA star on the court remains to be seen.
WELCOME TO THE TEAM, ISAIAH, FLO, ADAM, AND THE REST OF THE HARTENSTEIN GROUP!
"I got involved because I was searching for a German team that I could be a part of—one that, if I were younger and trying to make the next level, would get me there. I feel like they do a great job of developing young talent and helping them advance in their careers." - Isaiah Hartenstein
ORANGE MIXED-ZONE
Isaiah Hartenstein: "I got involved because I was searching for a German team that I could be a part of—one that, if I were younger and trying to make the next level, would get me there. I feel like they do a great job of developing young talent and helping them advance in their careers. The team is well-run, and even though they focus on helping players take the next step, they remain competitive. That mix was really exciting for me. And growing up, I always loved the fans they had.“
Florian Hartenstein: „I’m super excited to be a part of this. You guys have been doing an amazing job building Ulm into a powerhouse and continuing to develop young players."
Florian Hartenstein: „I’m super excited to be a part of this. You guys have been doing an amazing job building Ulm into a powerhouse and continuing to develop young players."
Adam Hess: “I have been watching for years from afar and now I am just excited to be a small part of the ride.”
Andreas Oettel: "Isaiah had the whole world at his disposal and decided on Ulm and Neu-Ulm. In our conversations, it became clear that Isaiah is intensively reflecting on his own career and career. Where would he have been optimally promoted, what would have supported him in his development to the maximum? Or in a nutshell: where would he most like to play today if he were at the appropriate age again. Understandably, his decision makes us very proud and happy and at the same time proves the development we have made, the perception we have gained worldwide with our program."
Andreas Oettel: "Isaiah had the whole world at his disposal and decided on Ulm and Neu-Ulm. In our conversations, it became clear that Isaiah is intensively reflecting on his own career and career. Where would he have been optimally promoted, what would have supported him in his development to the maximum? Or in a nutshell: where would he most like to play today if he were at the appropriate age again. Understandably, his decision makes us very proud and happy and at the same time proves the development we have made, the perception we have gained worldwide with our program."
"Isaiah had the whole world at his disposal and decided on Ulm and Neu-Ulm. In our conversations, it became clear that Isaiah is intensively reflecting on his own career and career." - Andreas Oettel
About Isaiah Hartenstein
Isaiah Hartenstein was recognized early on as a top basketball prospect in Germany. At 17, he moved to the Lithuanian powerhouse Zalgiris Kaunas to gain more playing time, as opportunities in the German BBL were limited. In 2017, he was drafted 43rd overall by the Houston Rockets at the age of 19. After an impressive year in the G-League, Isaiah earned his first NBA contract with the Rockets. Over the next two years, he alternated between the NBA and G-League, where he became a champion and Finals MVP. His hard work and determination paid off, leading to a breakout season in 2021 with the Cleveland Cavaliers (8.3 points, 6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game). The Los Angeles Clippers then signed him, followed by the New York Knicks, where he quickly became a fan favorite. At the end of his two years in New York, the Knicks wanted to retain him, but the up-and-coming Oklahoma City Thunder, led by stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, made a strong push to sign him. The result was an $87 million contract for the next three years. After sitting out the start of the season due to a hand injury, Isaiah has dominated since his return. In the 10 games he’s played this season, OKC has won nine, and he’s had fewer than 10 rebounds only once. In a recent win over Orlando, he recorded 12 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. A day later, Isaiah grabbed 18 rebounds and scored 13 points in the win against the Miami Heat. Just days earlier, Isaiah played in the final of the Emirates NBA Cup with OKC, where his 16 points and 12 rebounds weren’t enough to overcome the Milwaukee Bucks.
About Florian Hartenstein
Florian Hartenstein enjoyed a successful career in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), playing more than 10 years with teams like Giessen and the Artland Dragons. After retiring as a player, Florian transitioned into coaching. In 2014, he coached Isaiah and his team to a German JBBL Championship. In 2018, he led the Artland Dragons to promotion from the ProB to the ProA league as champions. Florian currently lives in Oklahoma with his wife, Theresa and many dogs.
About ratiopharm ulm
ratiopharm ulm has been playing in the Basketball Bundesliga (highest German league) since 2006 and in the Eurocup (second highest European competition) since 2012. In 2013, 2014 and 2024, they reached the final of the German Cup. In 2012 and 2016 they reached the final for the German championship. In 2023, ratiopharm ulm won the German championship for the first time. The Ulm program pays particular attention to the development of top talents. In 2020, the OrangeCampus, one of the most modern training centers in Europe, was opened. With Killian Hayes, Pacome Dadiet and Juan Nunez, three players have already been drafted directly from the Ulm program into the NBA. And San Antonio's Jeremy Sochan also played in the Ulm jersey. With Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf, two more Ulm players are currently about to make the leap to the NBA.
ratiopharm ulm has been playing in the Basketball Bundesliga (highest German league) since 2006 and in the Eurocup (second highest European competition) since 2012. In 2013, 2014 and 2024, they reached the final of the German Cup. In 2012 and 2016 they reached the final for the German championship. In 2023, ratiopharm ulm won the German championship for the first time. The Ulm program pays particular attention to the development of top talents. In 2020, the OrangeCampus, one of the most modern training centers in Europe, was opened. With Killian Hayes, Pacome Dadiet and Juan Nunez, three players have already been drafted directly from the Ulm program into the NBA. And San Antonio's Jeremy Sochan also played in the Ulm jersey. With Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf, two more Ulm players are currently about to make the leap to the NBA.
