Soo's 38-point game gives him Player of the Week award - Feb 1, 2012 (by Eurobasket News )
20-year old swingman Janar Soo (199-G/F-91) put on an amazing game in the last round for Rapla and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18.
He had the game-high 38 points adding six rebounds and four assists for Rapla in his team's victory, helping them to outclass Valga/CKE (#8, 3-15) with 27-point margin 104-77. Rapla is placed at 4th position in Estonian league. Rapla is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings [read more]
20-year old swingman Janar Soo (199-G/F-91) put on an amazing game in the last round for Rapla and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18. He had the game-high 38 points adding six rebounds and four assists for Rapla in his team's victory, helping them to outclass Valga/CKE (#8, 3-15) with 27-point margin 104-77. Rapla is placed at 4th position in Estonian league. Rapla is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 9-8 record. In the team's last game Soo had a remarkable 62.5% from 2-point range and got five three-pointers out of 8 attempts. He has many years of experience at Rapla, through which he has constantly improved. Soo has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (3rd best: 17.3ppg).
Second best performed player last round was Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82, agency: Interperformances) of Tarvas. He is Latvian center in his first season at Tarvas. In the last game Cipruss recorded impressive 28 points and 9 rebounds. Bad luck as Tarvas lost that game 71-82 to slightly higher-ranked Tartu Ulikool (#1, 15-2). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Tarvas still maintains its place in the top 3 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 12-5 record is not bad at all. Cipruss is a newcomer at Tarvas and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.1ppg (#6). He also registered 9.6 boards per game.
Third place about best performers goes to another Tarvas' star - forward Janis Vahter (195-F-86). Vahter got into 30-points club by scoring exactly 30 points in the last round. He went also for eight rebounds . He was another key player of Tarvas, helping his team with a 113-88 easy win against the lower-ranked Parnu (#7, 3-15). Tarvas needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 12 victories and 5 lost games. Vahter has a very solid season. In 13 games in Estonia he scored 6.7ppg.
Other top performing players last week: 4. Illimar Pilk (195-F-88) of TTU/Kalev - 24 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists 5. Toomas Raadik (202-C-90) of Parnu - 26 points and 5 rebounds 6. Veljo Vares (200-F/G-81) of Valga/CKE - 20 points and 6 rebounds 7. Vallo Allingu (206-C-78) of Tartu Ulikool - 15 points and 11 rebounds 8. Rait-Riivo Laane (180-PG-93) of Rapla - 11 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists 9. Lauris Blaus (204-C-90) of Valga/CKE - 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists 10. Rannar Raap (188-G/F-92) of Parnu - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc. The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy. The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)
KML Round 18: Derby game ends with Kalev/Cramo's defeat of TTU/Kalev - Jan 31, 2012 (by Eurobasket News )
Tarvas - Parnu 113-88 TTU/Kalev - Kalev/Cramo 69-83 Tartu Ulikool - Tarvas 82-71 Valga/CKE - Rapla 77-104 [read more]
The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Tallinn: Kalev/Cramo (#3) and TTU/Kalev (#5). TTU/Kalev was defeated at home 69-83 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. The guests trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 47-29 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. It was a good game for international guard Gert Dorbek (194-85) who led his team to a victory with 12 points and 6 rebounds. International swingman Gregor Arbet (194-83) contributed with 14 points for the winners. Kalev/Cramo's coach Aivar Kuusmaa used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Illimar Pilk (195-88) replied with 24 points and 8 rebounds for TTU/Kalev. Kalev/Cramo (12-1) have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Defending champion (12-1) moved-up to second place. TTU/Kalev at the other side keeps the fifth position with nine games lost. Kalev/Cramo's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tallinn to the arena Tln Kalev. An interesting game for Tartu Ulikool (15-2) which hosted in Tartu 3rd ranked BC Rakvere (12-5). First ranked Tartu Ulikool managed to get a 11-point victory 82-71. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of BC Rakvere. The former international center Vallo Allingu (206-78) had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Marek Doronin chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Latvian center Kaspars Cipruss (210-82, agency: Interperformances) with 28 points and 9 rebounds. Tartu Ulikool maintains first position with 15-2 record. BC Rakvere at the other side keeps the third place with five games lost. Tartu Ulikool will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. BC Rakvere will play at home against Rapla and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game in Valga supposed to be also quite interesting. Fifth ranked Rapla (9-8) played at the court of 8th ranked Valga/CKE (3-15). Rapla smashed Valga/CKE 104-77 on Tuesday. Janar Soo notched 38 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort. Even 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) by Veljo Vares did not help to save the game for Valga/CKE. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Rapla moved-up to fourth place. Loser Valga/CKE stay at the bottom position with 15 games lost. They share it with Parnu. Rapla will meet at home Tln Kalev (#6) in the next round. Valga/CKE will play against Tln Kalev in Tallinn and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
In the last game of round 18 Parnu was smashed by Tarvas on the road 113-88.
No shocking result in a game when third ranked BC Rakvere (12-5) crushed at home 7th ranked KK Parnu (3-15) 113-88 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by BC Rakvere. KK Parnu managed to win fourth quarter 34-26. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. BC Rakvere forced 22 KK Parnu turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by KK Parnu's players. Forward Janis Vahter (195-86) notched 30 points and 8 rebounds to lead the effort and the former international center Viljar Veski (215-86) supported him with 17 points and 8 rebounds. BC Rakvere's coach Andreas Sober felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 26 points and 5 rebounds by center Toomas Raadik (202-90) did not help to save the game for KK Parnu. Swingman Rannar Raap (188-92) added 18 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. BC Rakvere have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 12-5 record having just three points less than leader Tartu Ulikool. Loser KK Parnu keeps the seventh place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Valga/CKE. BC Rakvere will meet at home Rapla (#4) in the next round. KK Parnu will have a break next round. Top scorers: Parnu: T.Raadik 26+5reb, R.Raap 18+6reb+3ast, R.Karner 15+5reb+1ast, E.Tamsalu 14+1reb+1ast, S.Joosep 8+4reb+2ast, K.Voolaid 7+3reb Tarvas: J.Vahter 30+8reb+2ast, R.Hallik 18+4reb, V.Veski 17+8reb, R.Sirsnins 14+1reb+4ast, O.Metsalu 9+2reb+1ast, A.Ehte 8+4reb+2ast
The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Tallinn: Kalev/Cramo (#3) and TTU/Kalev (#5). TTU/Kalev was defeated at home 69-83 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. The guests trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 47-29 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. It was a good game for international guard Gert Dorbek (194-85) who led his team to a victory with 12 points and 6 rebounds. International swingman Gregor Arbet (194-83) contributed with 14 points for the winners. Kalev/Cramo's coach Aivar Kuusmaa used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Illimar Pilk (195-88) replied with 24 points and 8 rebounds and forward Kiur Akenparg (190-88) added 7 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for TTU/Kalev. Kalev/Cramo (12-1) have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Defending champion (12-1) moved-up to second place. TTU/Kalev at the other side keeps the fifth position with nine games lost. Kalev/Cramo's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tallinn to the arena Tln Kalev. Top scorers: TTU/Kalev: I.Pilk 24+8reb+3ast, K.Makke 13+2reb, A.Arnold 10+4reb, K.Akenparg 7+6reb+2ast, E.Keedus 6+4reb+4ast, M.Kaja 5+4reb+2ast Kalev/Cramo: G.Arbet 14+2reb+2ast, G.Dorbek 12+6reb+2ast, N.Varbanov 9+3reb, K.Kitsing 9+4reb+1ast, B.Fall 9+7reb+1ast, J.Toome 8+2reb
An interesting game for Tartu Ulikool (15-2) which hosted in Tartu 3rd ranked BC Rakvere (12-5). First ranked Tartu Ulikool managed to get a 11-point victory 82-71. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of BC Rakvere. The game without a history. Tartu Ulikool led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. BC Rakvere was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. The former international center Vallo Allingu (206-78) had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international swingman Marek Doronin (200-83) chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Five Tartu Ulikool players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Latvian center Kaspars Cipruss (210-82, agency: Interperformances) with 28 points and 9 rebounds and the former international center Viljar Veski (215-86) scored 15 points. Tartu Ulikool maintains first position with 15-2 record. BC Rakvere at the other side keeps the third place with five games lost. Tartu Ulikool will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. BC Rakvere will play at home against Rapla and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Tarvas: K.Cipruss 28+9reb, V.Veski 15+2reb, V.Kriisa 10+3reb+2ast, J.Vahter 7+4reb+1ast, J.Umbrasko 5+2reb, R.Sirsnins 4+4reb+3ast Tartu Ulikool: V.Allingu 15+11reb, S.Leppik 15+3reb+1ast, M.Doronin 13+6reb+1ast, B.Amis 13+4reb, R.Veideman 13+4reb+2ast, S.Sokk 6+1reb+3ast
The game in Valga supposed to be also quite interesting. Fifth ranked Rapla (9-8) played at the court of 8th ranked Valga/CKE (3-15). Rapla smashed Valga/CKE 104-77 on Tuesday. The game without a history. Rapla led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. Rapla forced 23 Valga/CKE turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Swingman Janar Soo (199-91) notched 38 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and point guard Rait-Riivo Laane (180-93) supported him with 11 points, 8 assists and 7 steals. Four Rapla players scored in double figures. Even 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) by the former international swingman Veljo Vares (200-81) did not help to save the game for Valga/CKE. Latvian center Lauris Blaus (204-90, agency: FCM) added 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Rapla moved-up to fourth place. Loser Valga/CKE stay at the bottom position with 15 games lost. They share it with Parnu. Rapla will meet at home Tln Kalev (#6) in the next round. Valga/CKE will play against Tln Kalev in Tallinn and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Valga/CKE: V.Vares 20+6reb+1ast, R.Strupovics 18+1reb+2ast, L.Blaus 15+7reb+4ast, K.Pullisaar 7+1reb+4ast, A.Vasar 5+2reb, A.Tagamets 4+2reb+1ast Rapla: J.Soo 38+6reb+4ast, R.Ringmets 13+5reb+2ast, R.Laane 11+3reb+8ast, S.Kaldre 11+2reb+3ast, A.Parn 10+2reb+1ast, I.Kajupank 9+4reb+1ast
BRIEF SITDOWN WITH ANDRAIS THORNTON - Jan 31, 2012 (by Peedu Goldenbeck)
Eurobasket had the pleasure of speaking with Andrais Thornton (203-C-85, college: NW Missouri St.), currently on a brief stopover in Estonia. The saavy international player had the chance to sit with us briefly and discuss his travels lately in Spain with Plasencia, in the LEB Silver.
EU: Dre, how have you found the season thus far?
AT: I have found it to be the most interesting of my career so far I never imagined that communication could influence the success of a team that much [read more]
Eurobasket had the pleasure of speaking with Andrais Thornton (203-C-85, college: NW Missouri St.), currently on a brief stopover in Estonia. The saavy international player had the chance to sit with us briefly and discuss his travels lately in Spain with Plasencia, in the LEB Silver.
EU: Dre, how have you found the season thus far?
AT: I have found it to be the most interesting of my career so far I never imagined that communication could influence the success of a team that much. I always thought, that basketball was a universal language.
I started training with a club here in Tallinn, then moved to Spain to play LEB. While in Spain, I witnessed something for the first time - the head coach was fired after four games into the season. I think he was a good coach but a lot of his tactics and philosophies werent as clear as they should have been. Some really important things got lost in translation. The second coach took over and changed everything. After trying to do things their way, I decided that this situation wasnt a good fit for me. The club and I decided that it was best for us to part ways.
EU: How would you map your progression from Germany to Estonia, then on to Portugal and now Spain this season? Any marked differences in the leagues?
AT: Ive had positive progress over the years. I have been fortunate enough to have coaches that are teachers of the game in each country. In Germany I learned the fundamentals of playing offense like a European player. Estonia, with its slower style of play, taught me to be more efficient and precise. Portugal showed me, that less is more meaning to be a successful and consistent player, all you need is a move to the left, a move to the right and a counter move in each direction. Playing the Spanish way, which is the fastest and most efficient style of play Ive experienced, magnified the fact that your balance and core strength can make you unguardable.
The biggest difference in all the leagues Ive played in, is the intensity level. In some countries the national players just play harder. The intensity was the highest in Spain because every team had several players that have played in the ACB.
EU: From your statistics, it is very clear that you had established yourself as the season progressed, playing your best basketball vs. the bigger clubs. Namely, your double double against Regal Barca with 14 pts 10 rebs and shotting 100% from the Free Throw line. How did the game in Spain differ from any of the other countries?
AT: The Spainsh way was more focused on set plays and playing faster in the half court. The offense I played in was mostly based on reads. If you set a pick, you need to know when to pop, roll, slip or hold. The offense was all reads and the style was to do it as fast as possible. When I was given an opportunity and when my number was called, I produced. Every player knows, that when you play against the biggest teams, then you have to push harder. If you are a competitor, then the name alone will get you going.
EU: Please outline for us briefly, what has brought you back to Estonia at this point in time and what's on the horizon for you in the very near future.
AT: Estonia is now my second home because of my Estonian life partner. I love living here - I enjoy the culture and I'm actively learning the very difficult Estonian language. Another deciding factor for me was, since I wished to play basketball in Europe, it's easier to stay here in case an opportunity opens up for me.
EU: With the second half of the season set to tip off, do you have any preferred destination?
AT: I dont have a preferred destination. Im humble and Im ready! I just want to play and finish the season strong.
EU: Having led the Estonian Champions League in scoring and rebounding in the past, what do you think about the league here in Estonia?
AT: I think the league here is solid. Like in other countries, there are typcial teams with big budgets and everybody else fighting for third. In Estonia, the young national players show a lot of promise. Because of this, in a couple of years, the league here will be more respected. Players like Martin Jurtom, Rauno Nurger, Janar Soo and Rannar Raap will make the league stronger, if they dont go abroad.
EU: It appears that your versatility is posing match-up problems for opponents being able to post up due to your size & strength, but also being able to shoot the ball 48% from the field and getting 70% from the free throw line. Is this going to allow you to help a club qualify for the playoffs and or win a title?
AT: I believe I can help a club with my ability to provide an inside/outside presence on offense and defense. Also, unlike the stereotypical American player, I can and want to play defense. My versatility on offense, my rebounding and defense are the three things that would enhance a clubs chance to make the playoffs and/or win the title.
EU: Anything to share or say to your family or fans back home in the US?
AT: To all my family and friends back home in the US: I Love you guys and I miss you.
To my fans: I am always amazed by the kind of support you show. I appreciate it a great deal to see the fans in the stands and the players on the court come and share their love for the game and feed off each others' energy. So I want to thank each fan who comes and cheers for me at basketball games - it gives us, the players, a huge boost to play our best!
EU: WE AT EUROBASKET WOULD LIKE TO THANK DRE THRONTON FOR CHATTING WITH US. WE ALSO WISH DRE A STRONG FINISH TO THE 2nd HALF OF THE SEASON & WE LOOK TO HEAR MORE GREAT THINGS FROM HIM IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. BEST WISHES DRE!
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