EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/19/2007

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Men News

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ABA

Various team news and transactions -by Gianni Pascucci

The ABA announced last wek that the Shreveport-Bossier Stallions would begin play in the league starting in November, 2008. Rod Evans and Thea Walker, two very sound businesspeople and basketball enthusiasts have made the decision to play in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana, and started an work to prepare a winning team for the 2008 season. The San Diego Wildcats will be holding open tryouts on Sunday, July 15th and Sunday, August 5th, from noon to 3pm at the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in San Diego located at 6753 University Avenue. For more information visit the website at www.sandiegowildcats.com or email Shauna Caldwell at shauna.caldwell@gmail.com or call 619 920 5768. The American Basketball Association confirmed that the Quebec City Kebekwa ownership is now Club de basketball de Quebec Inc., a company based in Quebec City, Canada; this is company formed by a group of nine prominent business people including Vincent Bernier, Raymond Boisvert, Francois Bourassa, Real Bourassa, Steve Joncas, Brune Levesque, Jean-Marc Mercier, Dennis Parent and Pierre Savard. Vincent Bernier will serve as President of the team. The Georgia Gwizzlies, the new ABA team based in Macon, Georgia, announced a new website - temporary - until the full website is completed. The address is www.homestead.com/getgwizzliewithit For more information, email gwizzlies@msn.com The Orlando Aces will be hosting tryouts for potential players in Orlando on June 29th and 30th. Pre-register to receive your discount on the participant fee! All of the details can be found by visiting www.2acesbasketball.com or emailing gm4aces@yahoo.com or calling 407 291 6871. The ABA Kentucky Retros have moved to Louisville, Kentucky and have announced the hiring of Alicia Chandler as their new Director of Marketing. The Jacksonville Jam will be holding Open Tryouts at Life University in Marietta, Georgia on June 30, 2007 from 8:30AM-5PM. The camp will be ran by Head Coach Scott Cooper, his entire coaching staff and Team Owner Felix Krupczynski will attend the camp too in search of players for the JAM veterans camp this fall. Interested players can register online at www.jaxjam.com/tryoutform.html For further camp info players/agents can contact Head Scout Bobby Rouse at 678-522-1017 or via email at bobbyrouse2002@yahoo.com



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AUSTRALIA

Australia B defeated Italy -by Gauthier Gerard
Despite half the team and several members of the coaching staff being struck down by a severe virus, the Australia Boomers registered a gutsy 75-54 win over Italy in Jiangmen City in China overnight. Sydney King Ian Crosswhite (212-F-82, college: Oregon) has been the worst affected and was unable to play while New Zealand Breaker Oscar Forman, Perth Wildcats guard Brad Robbins and Head Coach Brian Goorjian are severely ill.
source: Ben Hawes for BA media

Sydney Kings Forward Mark Worthington top scored for the Boomers with 15 points while Damien Ryan (Perth Wildcats) contributed 13 points and rookie sensation Joe Ingles (South Dragons) and Daniel Kickert (Livorno, Italy) added 11 points each in support.
"The way this group played tonight given the adversity we were under with players and staff being so ill, to get a result like this is an unbelievable effort,” Assistant Coach Gordon MacLeod said. “At the end of the game the coaching staff looked at each other and was just amazed in the performance and about how they were able to step-up for a third straight day. It was in the trenches stuff and the most pleasing aspect of the win was not once did their level of intensity drop off."
Oscar Forman suffered a hamstring injury and is unlikely to play again on tour while those worst affected by virus are under constant medical supervision. The Boomers have a rest day today before taking on Croatia at 9pm AEST on Tuesday, June 19.

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AUSTRIA

U20 National Team -by Stefan Heinrich
#s#
#e#6


Schreiner


Poiger


O'Neal


Hetzmannseder


Wagenlechner

After the first preparation camp for the European U20 championship the Austrian roster was reduced from 15 to 12 guys. Here is the roster and the schedule for the U20 team.

Roster:
Roman Fenzal (180-G-87) of Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions
Maximilian Graf (191-F-88) of Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions
Christof Hetzmannseder (181-G-88) of Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg
Maximilian Kunovjanek (200-F-87) of Worthersee Piraten
Lorenzo O'Neal (188-G-88) of VIVA 49ers Mattersburg
Richard Poiger (206-F-87) of Bayer Leverkusen II (GER)
Paul Radakovics (187-G-88) of Macabido Oberwart Gunners
Lukas Sallomon (191-G/F-87) of Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg
Thomas Schreiner (195-G-87) of BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers
Aleksandar Trivan (192-G/F-88) of Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions

Robert Wagenlechner (210-C-87) of Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg
Bernhard Weber of Worthersee Piraten


Coach: Peter Stahl
Assitant Coach: Zoran Kostic

Schedule:
2nd camp from June 19 until June 24 in Gussing
3rd camp from June 27 until July 2 in St. Polten

European championship Division B in Warsaw (POL) from July 6 until July 15.



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BAHRAIN

Coach Fred is back -by Ali Surgeon
Coach Fredrick Oniga is back in Bahrain after his vaccation in hometown (Lagos).

Coach Fred lead Al-ahli team for their first league title since 17yrs in which the team wasnt able to capture the loacl league.

Coach Fred is back to organize the plan for the next season in regard to prepare the team for domestic cometitions and participation in GCC club championship in May 2008.

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BARBADOS

Lakers bully Clapham, clinch top seed -by Justin Marville
From title pretenders to title contenders. That's what happens when you come good on the biggest statement game of the regular season.

In what was hyped as a showdown between Barbados' best guards, last year's losing league finalists, the Lumber Company Lakers, clinched the number one seed in the playoffs by thrashing the Clapham Bulls 83-65, and thus shedding the 'soft' and 'heartless' labels that are commonly associated with the Husbands squad...well, for one weekend at least.

But the night had much more significance than the battle for the top seed, as it was billed by many as a matchup between Lakers point guard Andre Lockhart and reigning MVP Jeremy Gill; unfortunately for the fans though, the heavy weight match quickly turned into a second round knockout.

The overseas based Lockhart, who was clearly energised for the showdown, torched his Bulls counterpart for 23 points and five assists in just three quarters and helped limit Gill, last year's top scorer, to only 11 points at the other end of the floor.

Gill, however, was not alone in his offensive woes as the rest of the Clapham side struggled, with swingman Halley Franklyn (12 points, 4/8 FG) and forward Charles Vanderpool (14 points, 7/11 FG) being the lone Bulls who shot the ball well; and they would score 13 of their combined 26 points in the fourth quarter when the game was long decided with Clapham being down by as much as 31 points.

The key for the Lakers was ball protection in the first quarter, as Francis Williams' men turned over the ball just twice in the period, thus keeping the Bulls from getting in the open court. Great execution in their half court offence didn't hurt any either, with Lockhart, Pearson Griffith and Sydney Rowe working the 'inside-outside' game to open the quarter scoring fifteen unanswered points.

Clapham would then switch from a man-to-man defence to a 2-3 zone to try and contain the Lakers vaunted offence but this only helped to slow it down while the Bulls managed to trade baskets late in the period to end the quarter trailing 11-26.

By that time the Lakers trio of Lockhart, Rowe and Griffith had combined for all but three of their side's first quarter points and Barry Rock clearly had to devise a plan to keep the three quiet.

Defensive full court pressure appeared to be the answer as the Bulls reduced a 34-15 deficit midway through the quarter to get within 12 late in the period. With Griffith, Rowe and Lockhart adding just a further two points up to that point, in stepped the two Adrians, Allman and Stewart, to restore the Lakers sizeable advantage.

Stewart and Allman would catch fire from the perimeter, combining for 10 points from the outside to end the Clapham rally and spur the Lakers on a period closing surge to end the half with a 42-25 lead.

The next ten minutes of playing time would then see Lockhart turn the BCC gymnasium into his personal playing ground. The Lakers floor general breezed by each Clapham perimeter defender on his way to the ring and 11 third quarter points to add to his four assists in the period, as Gill nor any Bulls defender found it possible to keep the wily guard in front of them.

Lockhart proved to be a menace at the other end of the floor as well, totalling three steals in the quarter along with keeping Gill to just one field goal, as the entire Bulls squad scored just four more points (15) than Lockhart in the third.

When the ten minutes of carnage that was the third quarter was over, the defending champions found themselves down by 25 with their champion being contained to three of 11 shooting in the battle for the playoffs top seed.

The Lakers pushed their advantage to as much as 31 points early in the ensuing period before Franklyn, Vanderpool and Ramon Simmons hooked up to make the score line a respectable one.

Rowe finished with 15 points and 11 boards for the Lakers (11-3), who will now either face the Sonics (8-6) or Deacons (7-6) in their first round matchup on Thursday, while the Bulls (9-5) have to await the final regular season games to see whether they play the Cavs (8-5) or the Sonics in the semis.

Warriors 83, Tridents 76
In the night's first game, the Playfair Warriors kept their Premier League hopes alive for next season by overcoming a late fourth quarter rally from the school boys before prevailing 83-76.

The win for the Warriors (6-8) now means that Pinelands (4-8) must now win their last two games, versus Station Hill and Deacons, to avoid relegation.

David Smith had a game high 22 points and nine rebounds for the Warriors, Jason Bowen added 14 points, while Terry Pilgrim chipped in with 12 points. For Tridents, shooting guard Keefe Birkett top scored with 15 points ad had six steals, Akeem Marsh and Jamai Puckerin each had 11 points and Stefan Clarke added 10 points.

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BELGIUM

Michael Jordan in Charleroi! -by Bertrand Larsimont

The 2007-08 roster of Spirou Charleroi will not look like the previous one for sure. Kris Sergeant and Damir Krupalija will not be kept. In addition to Tremell Darden who signed again with Spirou Charleroi (one-year extension of contract), US guard Michael Jordan (183-G-78, agency: Court Side, college: Pennsylvania) and Spirou Charleroi have also concluded an agreement. Of course, not His Airness... but rather the former guard of Cantu who recorded an average of 14.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 5.4 assists per game last season in the Italian Serie A. Michael Hakim Jordan was also Bundesliga winner with Cologne in 2006. This experienced US player who will turn 30 at the end of June 2007 will be complementary to second Spirou guard Jonathan Tabu.

Various News: Division II 2007-08 -by Bertrand Larsimont


If Spotter Leuven is definitely retrograded in Division II next season, Yakov Gino and the club have found a one-year agreement which shows how big the envy of the local staff to rejoin Division I remains. If the Israeli coach (also at the head of the U20 Israeli NT which will compete in the FIBA European Championship in Italy and Slovenia next July) succeeds in bringing Spotter Leuven in Division I after just one season, it is agreed that he would stay for at least two more years as head coach in Leuven.

In BS Waregem, here is how the current roster for next season looks like: Frederic Van Vooren (186-G-76), Jorn Steinbach (176-G-89), Fely Bwatu (195-F-80), Wouter Dewilde (205-F-76), Bram Verdickt (193-F/G-84), Jonathan Fiers (196-F-83), Vincent Vermeiren (203-C-80) and Bart Cleymans (195-G/F-74). Head coach will be Kris De Pauw and Assistant is Franky Deprez. Among newcomers, Fely Bwatu and Wouter Dewilde have had a great experience at top-level.

So far, the roster of Royal Alsec Nivelles announced on the club's web site looks as follows: Christian Kalonji (205-C-79), Katshe Mugogwa (188-G-81), Francois Bontenbal (ex-BS Colfontaine - Division II), Fabien Muylaert (196-F-75) (ex-CEP Fleurus - Division II), Sean O'Connor (200-C/F-71, ex-Latem De Pinte - Division II, back in Nivelles after having played there in 2002-2004), Jean Colinet (199-C-77, ex-US Lambusart - Division III, already played in Nivelles in 2004-2005) and Thomas Karavokyros (183-F-87, ex-Olympic Mont-sur-Marchienne - Division III). Some talks with Jarvis Kelley Sanni (205-F-75, agency: Sanni Hoops, college: Rice, ex-Sint-Truiden and US Lambusart) are also under way. Coach of the team will be Joel Froment.



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BELIZE

Standings In The Semi-Pro League -by David Magana
Belize Bank defeated Orange Walk Eagles, and San Pedro Defeated BNE Oilers

Teams in finals
1. Belize Bank Bulldogs
2. San Pedro Tiger Sharks
3. Orange Walk Eagles
4. ?

The game to be played on Saturday, June 23, will determine if Corozal or BNE Oilers
is the fourth team.
Corozal must win by 2 or more points to make the finals

MVP candidates to date.

1. Keith Acosta (193-G/F-76, college: Texas A&M - Commerce) San Pedro Tiger Sharks 138
2. Lester Cadle (188-G-80) Orange Walk Eagles 134
3. Judson Stubbs (201-F/C, college: TCU) Belize Bank Bulldogs 128
4. Sheldon Williams (180-F) Orange Walk Eagles 116
5. Eric Cheers (198-G/F-75, college: Columbia Union) Corozal Running Rebels 105

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BOSNIA

Interview with Mirza Teletovic -by Sead Buljina
Last Wednesday Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85) finished his season in the fifth game of the Spain championship semifinals against Barcelona. During the course of the season Mirza has been playing very well. One of his better games was versus Lottomatica in Rome. In front of many NBA scouts Mirza Teletovic showed that he is not only excellent offensive player (scored 17 points) but also a player who can defend both big men and guards. The way Teletovic defended one of the best European players during the last ten years Dejan Bodiroga was quite impressive. Bodiroga has not been able to pass by Teletovic who forced him to take tough shots. NBA scouts with Celtics` legend Robert Parish most notable in audience in Rome had an opportunity to see several NBA prospects and our Mirza among them. “I`m not in a rush to go to the NBA. I`m happy to be a part of such a strong team as TAU Ceramica is. While Perasovic was the head coach I`ve been getting more playing time than I`d expected at the start of the season. Thus, there is no need to go to the NBA now and warm the bench,” says Mirza Teletovic.
In the second half of the season your playing time has been significantly reduced?
I`ve been playing more in the first half of the season, but I can`t complain. The coach makes decision who plays and when. I`ve had some games with more playing time and some with less. I`m confident that I can contribute to my team right away. I`ve proven that I can play during the last season while playing well against some top teams in the Euroleague. Of course, every player wants to play more. Again, it`s a coach`s decision. I`m sure it will be OK next year.
Last Summer you were supposed to play at the NBA Summer league, but didn`t. Why?
Before TAU`s offer there were several NBA teams interested in bringing me to play for them at the Summer league. Those teams wanted me to come to the USA for work-outs. They were convinced that I would be picked at the last year`s NBA draft. It was not supposed to be only my participation in the Summer league. They wanted me to stay and play over there. However, I did not want to go to the NBA and seat on the bench like some European players. Besides that, playing for one of the best teams in Europe is bigger challenge right now. There is enough time for the NBA. I`m only 21 years old. If I stay in TAU Ceramica till the end of my contract I`ll be much better player and, at 24 years of age still young.
What kind of contract you`ve got with TAU Ceramica?
A four-year contract, 1+1+1+1 meaning I can leave after each season and go to the NBA. I`ve got three years left. Of course, there is a buyout clause if I leave before contract expiration. My current plans are to play for TAU till the end of the contract.
Prior to coming to Spain you`d won a National championship in Belgium. How was your experience during two seasons in Oestende, Belgium?
I went to Oestende when I was only 19 years old. At the end of the first season coach has recognized my abilities, so very often the team went to me on the offensive end. In 90 per cent of cases opposing teams double-teamed me. I would kick the ball out to our perimeter players for wide open shots. My teammate Lavor Postell was excellent shooter, so our opponents had to guard him, too. That way I got more room for scoring myself. During the second season our National team member Elvir Ovcina joined me in Oestende. That was great. We could talk in our native language, some specific - domestic topics, make jokes, laugh…
On our National team we`ve got almost too many quality players at position 4. Kenan Bajramovic, Damir Krupalija, Edin Bavcic, yourself…Are there enough minutes for everybody?
I can play position 3 at ease. I can shoot, I`m quicker than 80 per cent of players who play at that position, I can post them upsince I`m stronger than most of small forwards. On the defensive end I`ve proven that I can guard smaller players. I`ve played many times at position 3. My ability to play at position 4, 3 and even 5 in a small line-up gives me an advantage in comparison to many players.
I`d like that each player gets playing time as he deserves based on his work athics at the practice. If that`s the case I should not play less than 20 minutes per game. There is enough room at positions 2, 3, 4 for everybody including Hukic, Tuljkovic, Kojadinovic who can also play at small forward. There have even been cases when Kenan (Bajramovic) or Damir (Krupalija) and I played 4 and 5 in a small line-up and our National team played excellent basketball. For example, last year we won a tournament in Macedonia while playing Kenan and me as only big men in the line up. In the last quarter of the final game he scored 17, I socred 16 points carrying the load for us. Defensively, we were able to switch players and it worked out. A line-up of Mrsic/Vasiljevic, Hukic, Kojadinovic, Kenan and me would be rather good line-up. All of us are mobile players, able to switch players on defense and create mismatch troubles for opponents on the offensive end. Only point guard would not switch. Of course, there are very quality players we`ve got at position 5, so we are covered very well at all positions.
Some NBA scouts have heard that you`ve lost 20 lbs past Summer while preparing to play small forward at TAU? Some are unsure what`s your natural position 3 or 4 and that fact lowers your stock for the NBA draft. Your comment?
Actually, I`ve lost 10-12 lbs during the season because it was easier for me to play, not before the season. Still, at 6`9” (206cm) and 245 lbs (112 kg) I`m strong enough to play 4 and quick enough to play 3 or even 5 per need. Since I can shoot rather well from a long-range I believe that I`m a tough cover for most power forwards. At the same time, I`ve improved my defense this season, so I can guard them. If I play at 3 there are few players at that position who can guard me on the low block.. On the other end I am quick enough to guard smaller players. Thus, my ability to play multiple positions can only be my advantage.
What do you think about our National team chances to qualify for the European Championship in Spain?
We`ve got quality players. We are better team than our opponents and we have to prove it on the court. I`m sure that we`ll succeed.

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CANADA

Michele O'Kneefe Is The New Executive Director -by Fatih Akser
Basketball Ontario is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Michele O'Keefe to the position of Executive Director. Originally from Welland, Ontario, O'Keefe has been involved with Basketball Ontario's Provincial Advisory Council for nearly three years, most recently as Chair.



Voyageurs Found Their Head Coach -by Fatih Akser
At a press conference held at the Ben Avery Gym, Athletic Director Peter Hellstrom introduced Laurentian Alumnus and former Canadian national team player Shawn Swords as new head coach of the Laurentian Voyageurs men's basketball program.

As a player Swords was a standout for the Laurentian Voyageurs from 1992 to 1997 earning an OUAA first or second team all-star award in four out of five seasons and a CIAU second-team all-Canadian award in his final season. He was also named the Laurentian athletics male athlete of the year in 1997.


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CHINA

China Defeats Croatia 77-74 -- Updated -by Arthur Volbert

China defeated Croatia today 77-74. Yesterday Italy defeated Croatia 70-68. I hope to have scoring totals later.

-

After falling behind 10-5 at the beginning of the game, and eventually ran its lead to 38-22. Croatia reduced the lead to 44-29. Then Croatia went on a 19-2 run and took a 48-46 lead. This team is susceptable to such runs, but this is only practice and happens when teams try out new things.

-

China fell behind 55-51 before going on a run of its own. It ran its lead to 69-58 before Croatia rallied again. It outscored China 16-8 at the end of the game.

=

Wang Zhizhi was China's MVP for the game with 27 points and 9 reboumds. Wang Shipeng scored 11 points, Wang Lei scored 10, while Liu Wei and Mo Ke each scored 8 points.

-

Australia defeated Italy 75-54 in the other game. Australia won the first phase of the tournament with a 3-0 record, with Italy second at 2-1, China third at 1-2 and Croatia fourth at 0-3. Phase Two of the tournament will begin Tuesday and continue Wednesday and Thursday.



Kauslaukas Blasts Sun, But Thinks Like a Coach Not a General Manager -by Arthur Volbert
National Team Coach Jonas Kauslauskas expressed misgivings about Sun Yue's (206-G-85) decision to travel to America to showcase his skills for the Washington Wizards instead of preparing for the FIBA Asia Championship. But Kauslauskas was thinking like an NBA coach, wanting immediate production, not like a general manager picking late in the second round.

According to www.fiba.com , Kauslauskas claimed that Sun was in no way ready to play in the NBA and would be better off playing with the national team in the four nations tournament against Italy, Croatia and Australia.

Kazlauskas said Sun was hurting his chances of playing for the country at next year's Olympics by going to America. In this he is likely correct, for Sun could easily be beaten out for a guard spot by Liu Xiaoyu, Wang Zhongguang or even Chen Jianghua. If he does not get drafted, Sun is indeed worse off for missing this tournament.

Chinese fans will also be intolerant if China plays badly in the Asian championship, or even in this four nation tournament, and shower criticism upon Kauslauskas because of this. But it is best if China uses these tournaments to give experience to its youngsters, and rests its best older players for next year. The Chinese team would indeed benefit if Sun played in the four-nation tourney if he is not drafted by the NBA.

Beijing Aoshen was so upset by Kazlauskas' remarks that it wrote to the Chinese Basketball Association demanding that Kauslauskas apologize. Aoshen and Sun's representatives are afraid that Kauslauskas' comments will hurt Sun's chances of being drafted.

"The CBA always supports its players to go abroad for further development and Sun will join the draft with the permission of CBA," the CBA retorted in a statement. "As the head coach, Kazlauskas is entitled to comment on his players, his comments on Sun were subjective and responsible."

For his part, Kazlauskas claims comments made to the media were not fully understood, but he did not back down on his assessment of Sun, who averaged just under 12 minutes of action last summer at the World Championship.

"I am not defaming anybody," Kazlauskas said in the statement. "If you ask me which skill Sun needs to improve in terms of playing in the NBA, I'd tell you he needs an all-around improvement, because he is not strong enough to join the games there. This is not defamation, this is the reality that Chinese players have to face. If you don't want to accept the truth, how can you help the team to prepare for the Beijing Olympics?"

Kauslauskas is absolutely correct that Sun is not currently ready to play in the NBA. But as a coach he is only looking at Sun's immediate impact on an NBA team.

Picking late in the second round -- 40th and above -- an NBA general manager is faced with selecting two types of players. One is a fully developed player who at best will be a career backup and the other is a player who, with considerable hard work and dedication to an NBA-level conditioning regimen, could develop into a star as valuable as Manu Ginobili, a 57th pick.

Sun is the Ginobili type as far as potential goes. Of course, alternately he could flop as badly as Xue Yuyang, also picked 57th.

But a general manager knows that he is not going to get a fully-developed star when he is selecting in the late second round. The obvious stars are already off the board.

Additionally a general manager is aware of a player's marketing potential, something to which a coach pays absolutely no attention. Sun can sell a lot of equipment in China, even if he mostly sits at the end of the bench his first year.

I think that Sun's representatives feel that he has an excellent chance to be drafted and are correct to advise Sun to stay in the U. S. for the draft. China's national team will also be better off if Sun does get drafted and plays in the NBA, or even in the NBDL, for a year.

For both Sun and the national team Sun's staying in the U. S. and missing this tournament is worth the risk.

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CROATIA

The title stays in Zagreb -by Eurobasket News
Cibona-Zadar 100:62

Cibona proved that it still the best team in Croatia. In the fifth decisive game over Zadar the defending champions smashed them 100:62. Cibona used a 19-0 run early in the game to break it open and then kept a double-digit margin all the way in the first half. Davor Kus (190-G-78) paced the winners with 18 points and 6 assists. Chris Warren (196-F-81, college: S.Carolina) nailed 17 points, while Andrew Wisniewski (191-G-81, college: Centenary) and Barisa Krasic each had 13. Juby Johnson (196-G-81, college: Miami, OH) produced 15 points in the losing effort.
Cibona could celebrate the win already in the opening quarter. The hosts opened the game with a 12:4 run and then produced a 19-0 run. Hosts managed to extend that lead to 29:10 after first ten minutes. In the second quarter Zadar luckily reduced to 10 points gap, however stayed with 44:28 at the half.
When the third quarter began Andrew Wisniewski set the result to 50:30. It was Cibona's day and they could not share with anybody else. Although Zadar managed to somewhat reduced the deficit in the opening moments of the final period, Cibona's captain Davor Kus answered with a 3-pointer to 30-point lead. In the end of the game Cibona had a task to score 100 and managed to do it. The final score is 100:62 and the title stays in Zagreb.

Cibona: Davor Kus 18 points+6 assists, Chris Warren 17 points, Andrew Wisniewski 13, Barisa Krasic 13, Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, college: Florida) 12, Luksa Andric 11
Zadar: Juby Johnson 15 points, Frano Colak (205-C-77, agency: Court Side) 14, Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) 12, Carl English 11.

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CYPRUS

Cyprus vs. Iceland: Trisokkas and Birmingham spoke to Eurobasket Cyprus about their point of view of what happened in Monaco -by Erodotos Miltiadous
It's been over a week since the Games of Small States of Europe have finished but the events that occurred during the Cyprus - Iceland game for the basketball tournament are still being discussed through-out the basketball community of the island.

Cypriot disgrace
Everyone speaks of disgrace with Eurobasket Cyprus also sharing this opinion. The way our National Team members behaved while representing the country abroad has caused a big outbreak in Cyprus with severe punishments awaiting the individuals that caused trouble in Monaco.

With Cyprus leading by 6 and less than three minutes remaining in the game that was going to determine the Gold medalist, mayhem broke out when Cypriots and Icelanders started fighting in front of the dumbstruck Monaco hosts. The game was abandoned after one of the referees was attacked and the Gold medal ended up to Iceland with the Cyprus Olympic Committee deciding to withdraw the basketball team from the tournament.

A few days later the Cyprus Basketball Association asked for official reports given by Giorgos Anastasiadis (captain of the NT), Predrag Benacek and Christos Stylianidis (coaching team) as well as Panagiotis Trisokkas as president of the Cypriot basketball players association. The federation also assembled a four member investigating committee made out of people from the Cyprus Sports Organization, the Basketball Association, the Olympic Committee and an attorney to look into the events.

Trisokkas and Birmingham told their story to Eurobasket
Eurobasket Cyprus contacted two people that had a big role in the events. Panagiotis Trisokkas, member of the Cyprus NT and Brenton Birmingham member of the Iceland NT. Both players gave their point of view giving us the opportunity to make our own judgment of the events.

Trisokkas: “The Icelandic assistant to be blamed”
We contacted Panagiotis Trisokkas and asked him the Cypriot point of view of the events. “I was hit in the first minute of the game by an opponent showing us what to expect from the match” Trisokkas told us and continued “through-out the game the Iceland Judo team was present at the stadium and kept on threatening us from the stands”.

The Keravnos player proceeded to tell us who he and the other Cypriots consider to be the main reason the problems broke out: “The Iceland assistant coach (Fridrik Ingi Runarsson) who was head coach during the 2001 GSSE still holds a grudge on the Cyprus National Team and made sure to prove it during our game in Monaco. He also kept on threatening that he will attack the former Cyprus Head Coach Memos Ioannou following their encounter in San Marino in 2001”.

Trisokkas then told us about the moment the fighting broke out: “Their assistant coach (Runarsson) was verbally attacking us and when Michalis Kounounis was in front of their bench to bring the ball back into play he was attacked by the Icelanders. That's when our team moved towards their side and started fighting back. Birmingham was pushing his teammates towards us to provoke us”.

The Cypriot international admitted that the way they reacted was wrong and that he also took part in the events: “I also gave a few punches during the rumble”.

About the referee being hit by a Cypriot player, Panagiotis Trisokkas told us that Giorgos Theocharidis was the person that did it but isn't to be blamed: “Someone grabbed Theocharidis from the back and the youngster didn't see who it was so he shoved him off. That's when the referee fell on the ground. At that point the referees and Icelanders went into the locker rooms”.

Finally Trisokkas said about his teammate at Keravnos and NT captain Giorgos Anastasiadis that he was trying to break up the players and prevent the fighting from happening.

Birmingham: “The Cypriots were provocative from the first minute”
Iceland-American guard Brenton Birmingham spoke to Eurobasket Cyprus about the events that happened in the game in the Icelander point of view. “From the beginning of the game the Cypriot players made it clear that this was not going to be your typical basketball game. A hard foul in the first minute set the tone”.

The American born player told us about him getting hit by Grigoris Pantouris: “In the second minute, I was slashed above my eye by Grigoris Pantouris. It was a play that sent me out for the rest of the first half, and I needed 3 stitches. I remember after it happened, I was holding my eye, and I looked up. Grigoris was looking at me with a blank stare. He didn't show sportsmanship to see if I was ok, or say “my bad”. He just stared at me”!

Next up was the moment that caused it all, with less than three minutes to play: “With just over two and a half minutes to play, a foul was called on Iceland. Many of the Cypriot players thought it should have been called an intentional foul. Aris Koronides started yelling at the referee and was called a technical foul. The technical infuriated him more, and he started cursing at the ref. Seconds later he was ejected from the game. Koronides followed the referee to the scorers table, yelling and cursing at him. Seconds later I noticed two Cypriot players in my coach's face. I went over to separate them, and within a flash, the entire Cypriot bench came running over. Both teams were now face to face, and I remember pointing for them to go back to their bench. Suddenly, and rather surprisingly, I was punched in the face by Panagiotis Trisokkas”!

About Theocharidis assaulting the referee Birmingham gave his point of view: “One referee grabbed a Cypriot player (Theocharidis) and tried to pull him out of the crowd. Seconds later he was throwing the ref to the floor”.

One thing Trisokkas and Birmingham agree is that Anastasiadis tried to separate the two teams: “Giorgos Anastasiadis did not take part in the acts of his teammates. He was trying to pull his guys away”.

At the end Birmingham told us that the Cypriots threatened them while they were in the lockers and kept on cursing at them…

What an embarrassment... -by Erodotos Miltiadous
What a disgrace… After listening to Brenton Birmingham and Panagiotis Trisokkas as well as other people that were present at the stadium its clear that what happened in Monaco during the Cyprus-Iceland game was yet another display of the low level of Cypriot culture.

The Cypriot players blamed the assistant coach of the Iceland team for starting the rumble but attacking your fellow colleagues in any way isn't the answer. The attack against the Icelanders is proof that the Cypriots acted immature and blew the entire effort of the Cypriot mission in the Games of Small States of Europe.

The 12 man squad of the Cyprus National Team is mostly made out of professional players that make a living through basketball. They should respect their job and make sure to respect others. Even if they were provoked, the best answer to that is to beat their opponents in the court and win the gold.

Panagiotis Trisokkas said to me that Cyprus was going to win the gold medal for sure if the game went all the way. The question that arouses is why then didn't the Cypriots make sure it went all the way, not attack their opponents, and win the gold medal.

Any athlete is a role model for younger people as well as all fans that watch the sport. Maybe Cypriot basketball isn't considered a big thing in the world but in the island many people follow the sport and the players should have known better than to create juvenile trouble that gives them a bad reputation as athletes.

The next opponents of the Cypriot NT will be aware of the events that happened in Monaco and will believe that they are going to face a brutal side. This means that Cypriot basketball reputation abroad has been hurt big time.

Maybe the disgrace that we watched during the AEL-APOEL play-off finals was kept inside the borders but when the violence that rules inside starts making appearances outside then it's time for everyone that work and care for Cypriot basketball to start seeking ways to fix the problems.

Basketball is the sport that brings the biggest success to Cyprus so it's imperative for the federation, the journalists, the team members and players to protect the sport and make sure to keep violence away.

What happened in Monaco was a big disgrace for Cyprus sports abroad. Let's just hope that their wont be a next time.

Erodotos Miltiadous (erodotos5@hotmail.com).

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D-LEAGUE

Fort Wayne announces team name: Mad Ants -by Eric Erickson
The new D-League franchise in Fort Wayne, Indiana will call themselves the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Mad Ants was the winning choice of four names that the fans were able to choose from a poll on the team's web site. The others were Fire, Coyotes, and Lightning. The team is named after General Mad Anthony Wayne. Their coach is Kent Davison, who was an assistant to Joe Wolf with the 2007 Western Divison champion Colorado 14ers.

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DOMINICAN REP.

Distrito Nacional Basketball: Los Minas Takes 2-0 Lead Over San Lazaro -by Herubey Grassals

Los Minas had 4 players in double digits to win the game# 2 of the Distrito Nacional Basketabell finals over San Lazaro that had the debut of Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) and the comeback of last year MVP Ivan Almonte (198-F-81, college: Florida Intern.) that was injured.

The game was enjoyed by 8,000 fans that support their teams until the end of the match.
Manuel Fortuna finish with 17 points including 3 big free throws that seals the victory for Los Minas, Edwin Carela (-F) & Alberto Ozuna (203-F-82) 12 points and Eddie Elisma (205-F/C-75, college: Georgia Tech) finish with 11 points. Kevin Melson (199-F-78, college: Wright St.) leads San Lazaro with 17 points, Jack Michael Martinez finish with 15 points & 22 boards, Josue Abreu & Joel Ramirez (191-G-81) had 14 points.
The game # 3 will play this wenesday at 8:00 Pm.



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ESTONIA

U20 NT: win and loss against Latvia -by Janar Filippov

Estonian U-20 National Team played twice against Latvia as a part of preparation for the European championships (Estonia will participate in Division-B tournament in Poland, 6th-15th of July, Latvia in Division A, in Italy/Slovenia).
The first game was won by Estonians, led by coach Aivar Kuusmaa, 71:68 (17:9!, 19:22, 16:19, 19:18). Most of the statistical figures were equal (rebounds - 36:38, shooting % - 38:38, turnovers - 15:15) but Latvians made 33 personal fouls against Estonians' 16. Since, the hosts earned 23 points from free throws against guests' 9.
Personal stats
Estonia: Ivar Tulit (202-F-88) 19+9rb+3st (fouled on - 10!), Tanel Kurbas (195-F-88) 15 (fouled on - 8), Stanislav Minitsh 9 (3/4 for 3pts), Illimar Pilk (195-F-88) 8, Allar Velleramm (191-F-87) 5+4rb+3as, Romil Jermakov 5, Indrek Kajupank (196-F-88) 5, Mihkel Niine (188-G-87) 4, Tarmo Tartes (206-C-87) 1, Ardi Oja 0+7rb, Sten-Timmu Sokk (180-G-89) 0.
Latvia: Reinis Strupovics (191-G-87) 22 (5/8 for 3pts)+4rb+3st, Rihards Kuksiks (196-F-88) 19 (5/11 for 3pts) +8rb, Aleksandrs Melniks (215-C-87, agency: FCM) 12+7rb, Celmins 8, Kristaps Brencans (191-F-87) 3.

In game 2, Latvians took the revenge 74:81. The guests were better in shooting % - 36:47 and rebounding - 29:36. Estonians made only 11/35 for 2pts but 9//20 for 3pts.
Stats
Estonia: Kurbas 16, Tulit 10 (FG 1/7) +6rb, Velleramm 10+4rb, Lauri Vahtramae (201-F-88) 8, Jermakov 6+6rb, Kurg 6, Niine 6, Sokk 5, Siim-Sander Vene (200-F-90) 3, Kajupank 3, Oja 1, Pilk 0, Minitsh 0.
Latvia: Ronalds Zakis (207-F-87) 16+5, Strupovics 15+5rb+3as, Kuksiks 15+4rb+3st, Brencans 10, Melniks 8, Reimanis 6+3rb+3as

On 19th and 20th of July Estonian U20 NT hosts Poland and on 25th and 26th - Finland.

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FINLAND

NBA: Petteri Koponen, 19, remains available -by Rauno Hurmalainen
Finnish NT PG Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) has decided to remain available for the 2007 National Basketball Association draft. The decision was made after meeting
with everyone, getting all the feedback from the NBA pre-draft camps earlier this month, from Coach Mihailo Pavicevic and agent Marc Cornstein.
The NBA Draft 2007 will take place on June 28 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

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FRANCE

Pro A & B : Market news -by Aurelien Hipp
*Shaun Fein (190-G-78, college: Georgia Tech) follows Olivier Cousin to Pau-Orthez. The US guard from Quimper led his team to a Pro B final this season and posted 16.3ppg 2.4rpg this season.

*St-Vallier inks Cedric Brooks (185-G-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Pittsburg St.). The newcoming team in ProB chosed this PG coming from Germany-2 and posted 24.9ppg 2.9rpg 3.9apg 3.4spg. A very quick and explosive PG, that's what his profile seems to show.

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GABON

CUP OF THE GABON 2007: SOMO B takes back its first National trophy named " TROPHY DAVID NZOUBOU " at men. -by Tim Ndjiki
The club of the president NGALIBIKA JB has just had another national trophy; indeed after ladies the 27/05/2007, boys of SOMO B dominated STADE MANDJI ( 88 to 76.) yesterday (the holder of the retiring trophy), 17/06/2007, at the time of the final of the national cup named " trophy DAVID NZOUBOU "; STADE MANDJI having taken back the semi final the Saturday 16/06/07 against MANGA BASKET by forfeit, this last doesn't spread presented.
Gymnasium Omni-sport President BONGO was not full as at the time of the big derbies; but actors of this meeting presented us of a pleasant spectacle. The coach ALLOGHO Servais and her colts of SOMO B were extensively to the over of their adversary of the day.
The meeting was directed by the best referees of Gabon, the first referee nominee by the CFAMC was the referee FIBA MAVOUNGOU BAYONNE; the meeting was played without incidents; of the first period at fourth, STADE MANDJI never rejoined SOMO B, the MVP of the final Cedric BEKALE atomized six shootings to three points what destabilized the team of the city of Port-Gentil; The young Roland OWOULA, NYOUNDOU Edwin and Cedric BEKALE not marked more than 80% of the of the team of SOMO B ; In spite of the offensive retorts and defensives of Francis KOBANGOYE and MASRABE, the MVP of the season last OTOMO OSOKONDA Doudou passed completely next to the meeting. The result during all quarters time explains the debacle of STADE MANDJI ;
Score 1st quarter times SOMO B 18 STADE MANDJI 17; 2nd quarter times SOMO B 19 STADE MANDJI 18; 3rd quarter times SOMO B 32 STADE MANDJI 17 and 4th quarter times SOMO B 19 STADE MANDJI 24; SOMO B of Libreville takes back the meeting on the score of 88 to 76.
INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE DISTINCTIONS AT MEN
Better defender: CAMPAGNI (TOUNGUI BB) 28 rebounds; 5 counter
Better scorer : GANAZOUI Apollinaire (TOUNGUI BB) 21,25 pts /game
Better player: BEKALE Cedric (SOMO B) 24 Pts, 5 assists
The strength of SOMO B:
4-BEKALE Cedric; 5-MYTOULOU Dennis; 6-OWOULA Roland; 7-ADEMBA Stephane; 8-KWELLENG Samuel; 9-EYENET Davies; 10 - MBADINGA Ulrich; 11-MASSOUSSA Roland; 12-OBAME DIAWARA; 13-EYO'O ABESSOLO; 14-NYOUNDOU Edwin; 15 - MUTOMBO Bebina
Coach: ALLOGHO Servais; Associate Coach: ONIANE Jean Christophe
The strength of STADE MANDJI:
4-ENGONE NZET Rodrigue; 5 - OTOMO OSOKONDA Doudou; 6-OMBOULA J; 7-MBOUROU William; 8-IBANGO Daddy SAMBA; 9-ABESSOLO Silver; 10 - MOUANDZA Max; 11-MASRABE Johd; 12-KOBANGOYE Francis; 13-NZE NOMENGOYE Ulrich; 14-NGONTSI J; 15 - OLAGO OMBANGO Darlyse.
Coach: ONANGA MBOUROU Martial; Associate Coach: BOUANGA Thierry
Commissioner: TIM NDJIKI
1st referee: M. MAVOUNGOU BAYONNE Guy Roger
2nd referee: M. BANZOUZI
3rd referee: M. GONDJOUT Didier Michel
Scorer: Mrs ESSIA Sandra

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GERMANY

Paderborn signed Center Anthony Washington -by Moritz Korff
The Paderborn Baskets (1. Bundesliga) have inked the third new man for the upcoming season. His name is Anthony Washington (206-C-83, college: Portland St.). The Seattle-born Center graduated from Portland State University (NCAA1) this year. His stats during his senior-season: 19 games: 6.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.4 bpg. But the 24-year-old struggled from the charity stribe and hit only 54 % of his 50 shoots.

Cedric Brooks moves to France -by Moritz Korff
Cedric Brooks (185-G-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Pittsburg St.), who played for TSV Noerdlingen during the past two years, is leaving Germany. The 26-year-old guard signed a contract with St. Vallier of the Pro B-league in France. He averaged 24.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.9 apg for Noerdlingen in 2006-2007 and was named to the 2006-2007 Eurobasket.com All-2. Bundesliga South 1st Team.

Schroeter heads to Essen -by Moritz Korff
Next one, please. The ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (Pro B) already have come far in planning the upcoming season. Today the signing of Sebastian Schroeter (207-C-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) has been announced. Schroeter played for 2. Bundesliga-team Phoenix Hagen last season and will now follow Coach Igor Krizanovic and Teammanager Markus Horn to Essen. Schroeter played for Krizanovic and Horn when being in Herten. With 12.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per contest Schroeter has been an important player for Hagen. And he is also expected to be when suiting up for his new team.

RE Koeln: McElroy gets contract-extension -by Moritz Korff
Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) signed a new two-year-contract with RheinEnergie Koeln (1. Bundesliga). The 27-year-old has been one of the key-players to the teams' success during the past years, including winning the German championship in 2006 (with McElroy being named MVP of the Finals) and the BBL-Cup in April. He averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 boards and 3 assists per game for REK in 2006-2007.

2. Bundesliga-News -by Moritz Korff
Bastian Kordyaka (207-F-82, agency: Rasmussen Services) and Maik Berger (175-G-84) are free agents. Both players decided not stay with FC Schalke 04 (Pro A) another season. Kordyaka has been the leading rebounder of the Royal Blues during the past season (9 rpg) and also scored 14.9 points per contest, while Berger used to come from the bench, posting 5.6 ppg, 3.2 apg and 2.3 rpg.

Sebastian Kling (193-G-84) will move abroad. His studies take him to Sweden for one semester. The 22-year-old guard scored 4.8 points per contest (28 games) for the Crailsheim Merlins in 2006-2007.

Bundesliga Finals: Rivera is injured -by Moritz Korff
Bad luck for the Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck, currently battling for the German championship-title against Bamberg and being ahead 1-0 after an away-win on Gameday One of this years' Bundesliga finals. Playmaker Filiberto Rivera (187-G-82, college: UTEP) suffered a rupture of a muscle fiber in his right thigh. It is unknown yet, for how long he will be sidelined. Rivera had his part in edging the Brose Baskets on the road on Sunday with 16 points, 4 assists and 2 steals.

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GREECE

Second division's transfer news -by Chris Mammides
Ermis Lagkada agreed terms with head coach Giannis Karadimos, at the same time the top scorer of Ermis Lagkada and the division, Giannis Manos is very close to agreed terms with another team (more detailed information in a while)

Goumenissa agreed terms with Tassos Baggi, Andreas Andreadis and Giorgos Dalis while Darakis and Gioudas will sign very soon.

Alimos agreed terms with Mihalis Yfantis, Christoforos Zaharis and Giannis Karalis who already singed his contract earlier this year for two seasons.

Olympiakos Volou and Head coach Giannis Karakatsounis split ways.

Keravnos Aigiou agreed terms with the ex power forward of Panahaiki, Thoniatis.
At the same time the team from Aigio is looking towards his five players (to renew their contract for another season), the five players are: Stamopoulos, Daoularis, Kolliopoulos, Manolas and Papadopoulos. Furthermore, Keravnos is very close to re-sign their ex top scorer Dimitris Prokos.

Ikaroi Neas Smyrnis agreed terms with Thomas Georgiou (181-G-82, agency: FCM) ex player of Palaio Faliro while they renew the contract of their center, Thanasis Topouzis. Furthermore, Ikaroi are very close to sign Dimitris Giannaletsos ex player of Near East.

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IBL

FUNN WALKER JARRELL LEAD RECORD SETTING NIGHT FOR SALEM -by Joe Becerra

The Salem Stampede raced to a 180-137 victory over the Central Oregon Hotshots. Salem moved to 15-3 and remained on top of the Western Conference playoff race. The Hotshots are the highest scoring team in the IBL. They came out firing and pulled out to a 42-27 lead going into the second quarter. The Stampede scored 46, 51 and 56 points in the next three quarters. Salem's 107 points in the second half is a new team record.

“Blake and Tone (Blake Walker (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Portland St.) and Antone Jarrell (6'7''-F, college: Portland St.))were playing about as well as possible offensively. Blake had 35 in our first game and has averaged about 32 the whole way. He is so consistent with his mid range game and shoots lights out from three. He runs the floor and scores in traffic both with speed and strength. Blake would have to be considered an IBL MVP favorite. My vote would be split between him and Tone” Stated Stampede Director of Basketball Operations Joe Becerra .

“ Tone has been incredible. He should start no doubt. But we needed a couple of guys to accept the role and come off the bench. He has been dominant. He is averaging over 22 ppg and shooting 77 percent on 2pt FG and 57 percent from 3pt attempts.” continued Becerra. “ He usually has double digits

in the first quarter and he comes off the bench. He makes the game look simple because he works hard to get great shots. He can post up just about anyone. He is a great ball handler and passer.”

Walker and Jarrell both scored 41 points to lead the record setting night for Salem.

Mike Tabb (6'6''-F-82, college: San Jose City JC) continues to play big finishing with 35 points and 15 rebounds. Jeff Dunn (6'5''-G-83, college: Corban) was very impressive in the win scoring from outside

and penetrating to the rim he had 30 points. Ryan Skinner (6'0''-G-79, college: Yakima Valley CC) added 12 and every Stampede player scored.

Will Funn (6'2''-G-82, agency: 123 Podium, college: Portland St.) maintained his bid for the IBL assist title and finished with 20 dishes. Another Stampede record.

Terry Horton (6'3''-F, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Alabama A&M) and Brandon Earlandson (6'5''-F/G) both had 25 for Central Oregon.

Salem will face Tacoma in Salem on Friday and conclude the regular season hosting the Hotshots on Saturday.

“Both of these teams can compete and beat any team in our league that I have seen. We expect two

great games. But we will just take it one at a time like always.” anticipated Becerra.



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LUXEMBOURG

Alain Marchetti fatally injured in bus crash. Entire basketball world of Luxembourg mourns from this tragic loss. -by Neil Lifeson

Alain Marchetti 31, former Amicale point guard and Head Coach of Amicale Steinsel womens team, died of wounds suffered after the bus he was riding in crashed into the back of a huge truck which was on the side of the highway. Marchetti, a school teacher, was with his class on a field trip to Paris. Apparently, the driver of the bus lost his focus and crashed into the back the truck. Alain had a great career as a player for Amicale. He was known for his ability to shoot the deep three and was an intense sportsman and competitor. As Head Coach of the Amicale Steinsel womens' basketball program, he was driven and passionate keeping his teams' focus at the highest level possible and playing with a much intensity. He will be sorely missed. Eurobasket.com extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Alain Marchetti and the entire Amicale Steinsel basketball community. We are all deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Alain, May You Rest In Peace!

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MALAYSIA

NBL selection team finished 6th places in Sister city invitation -by Chong Jzen
NBL selection team, was finished 6th places in Jakarta Sister city invitation games after defeated by Philippines EAC. Wee Chuan Chin(180-G-84) from Klang WCT Land are scored 17 points and National Player Hoo Won Francis Loh (190-C-82) added 15points and grabbed 11 rebounds to achieve double-double again in the entire tournament. The NBL team manager is satisfied with the result,he said"the team is now understand another countries style of basketball,and they learned a lot".

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NBA

Kobe wants out -by Paolo Comitti

Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) told again that he wants to be traded, writing on his Web site that "the Lakers and me just have two different visions for the future."

The statement posted Sunday on kb24.com was the latest in a recent series of sometimes inconsistent comments from Bryant about whether he wants to remain in Los Angeles.

"When you love something as much as I love the Lakers its hard to even imagine thinking about being elsewhere. But, the ONE THING I will never sacrifice when it comes to basketball is WINNING," the two-time scoring champion wrote.

"The more I thought about the future, the more I became convinced that the Lakers and me just have two different visions for the future."

The 28-year-old Bryant, a nine-time All Star, has four years left on his contract -- but he can terminate it following the 2008-09 season.

Bryant last month voiced frustration at Lakers management and publicly requested he be traded after the team was eliminated by Phoenix in the first round of the playoffs. Though he said nothing could change his mind, Bryant later backed off after speaking with coach Phil Jackson.

Bryant wrote Sunday on his Web site that the Lakers, owned by Jerry Buss, are not supporting him with players the team needs to win championships.

"The Lakers are pursuing a longer-term plan that is different from what Dr. Buss shared with me at the time I re-signed as a free agent," he wrote. "I have seen that plan unfold for the last three years and watched great trade opportunities come and go, and have seen free agents passed on. That has led to the Lakers not winning a playoff series."

Buss' spokesman, Bob Steiner, and Lakers spokesman John Black both declined to comment Sunday.

Buss, who signed Bryant to a seven-year, $136.4 million contract in 2004, issued a statement two weeks ago stating, "We will continue to pursue every avenue possible to improve our team with him as the cornerstone."



Willie Green had surgery -by Paolo Comitti

Willie Green (6'4''-G-81, college: Detroit Mercy), who is entering his fifth season with the Philadelphia 76ers, had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and is expected to be ready well before training camp begins in October.

Green missed most of the 2005-06 season after undergoing surgery on his left knee on Aug, 16, 2005. He had that operation after an injury playing summer basketball.

This past season, Green played in a career-high 74 games. Of the eight that he missed, three were due to pain in his right knee, three to a right-calf strain. and two to a right-knee strain.

The surgery was performed by Jim Andrews at the Andrews Institute at the Gulf Breeze Hospital in Pensacola, Fla.

King said Green should be back in three or four weeks. Last season, Green averaged a career-high 11.3 points.



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NCAA2

Kentucky Pro Am Tourney kicking off in Louisville June 22/23/24!!! -by Lucius Jones
After the success of the Kentucky exposure event, where several Division 2 All Conference and All American players competed and showcased their various skills versus standout Division 1 talent. It should come as no surprise that this year's tournament is going to be an upgrade in talent from that already very high level of play. NBA talents,all divisions of collegiate basketball,overseas experienced players will test their skills in Louisville on June 22nd/23rd/24th. Indeed a top-tier talent type of tournament that should not dissapoint. With the winner receiving 1,500.00, quality trophies, and t-shirts to boot and second place getting 500.00 and t-shirts,this has attracted some interesting rosters:

* Club V.I.P. (Atlanta, Georgia)
Wallace Prater, Chris Anderson 6-8 Wyoming (07), Dion Glover (6'5''-G-78, college: Georgia Tech)/Domincan Republic, Samuel Hines 6-7 South Alabamba/Italy Cimberio Aironi Novara, BJ Elder 6-4 Ga. Tech/NBDL Ausin Toros, Adrian Jones 6-5 Georgia/Anderson Heat WBA, Mark Davis 6-5 George Mason/Austria, Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) Atlanta Hawks (07), ISMAIL MuHAMMED 6-6 Ga. Tech/Keflavik Iceland, Frankie King 6-1 Western Carolina/Cyprus Deltalcon APOEL Nicosia, Robert Conley 6-6 Clayton State/Italy Cimberio Aironi Novara, Head Coach Willie Ivy
* Dynamic Chiropractic (Louisville, Ky.) B.J. Flynn 6-3 Louisville/*2002 KPA MVP, Nate Johnson 6-7 Louisville/South Korea/2006 KPA All Tournament, Tony Williams 6-7 Louisville/Italy, Dejuan Wheat 6-2 Louisville/Mexico, Perrin Johnson (6'5''-G/F, college: Louisville) 6-6 Louisville (07), Steve Pettyjohn 6-8 Eastern Michigan/France, Andre Harris 6-8 Farleigh Dickinson (07), Michael Peeples 6-7 Farleigh Dickinson (07), Marcus Flynn 6-3 Bellarmine (07), Sponsor:Dr. Paul Constante
* Phatkaps (Nashville, Tn.) *2006 3rd Place Corey Allen (6'6''-F-71, college: Tennessee), Larrie Smith 6-5 Tenn. Tech/Luxenbourg Sparta/2006 KPA All Tourney, Junior Burrough 6-8 Virginia/KT&G South Korea, Ron Slay (6'8''-F-81, agency: David Lee services, college: Tennessee) 6-7 Tennessee/Premiata Italy, Brian Collins 6-5 Belmont/Kouvot Finland, Mario Moore 6-0 Vanderbilt/Slovan Slovenia, Odell Bradley 6-4 IUPUI/*CBA All Star 07/2006 KPA All Tourney, Kyle Allen 6-3 Kentucky State, Glean Eddy 6-7 Colorado (07), Donta Jones 6-7 Mississippi State/KT&G South Korea/2005 All Tourney, Fred McKezzic 6-4
* Southern Indiana Generals (KBDL) Craig Schoen 5-10 Georgetown (07) KBDL MVP, Chad Schoen, college: Georgetown, KY) 6-2 Georgetown, Brian Silverhorn 6-6 Georgetown (07) NAIA All American, Kevin Reinhardt 6-4 Georgetown College (07), Dewayne Rogers 6-5 Kentucky Wesleyan, Pierre Darden 6-10 Eastern Michigan/Cumberland, Josh Renn 6-8 Brescia, Chad Schweitzer 6-4 IU-Southeast, Josh Burnett 5-9 IU-Southeast, Chris Lee 6-8 Georgetown (07), Anthony Winchester 6-4 Western Ky./Spain Melilla, Head Coach Scott Schoen
* JAH/DOD Sports (Dayton, Ohio) Jeff Daisley (7'2''-C-83) 7-2 Mercyhurst/ABA, Napoleon Petteway 6-7 MO-Kansas City/Finland KTP, Paul Mcmillan 6-6 Loyola/Philippines San Miguel, Anton Melton 6-0 Wilberforce, Antonio Davis 6-6 Urbana/ABA, Sean Hampton (6'5''-F-75, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Alderson-Broaddus) 6-4 Alderson Broaddus/German Freiburg/2006 All Tournament, Jermaine Brown 6-3 Georgetown/England, David Harrison 6-3 Campbellsville/CBA, Deon Flippins 5-9 Mckendree, Anthony Kent (6'11''-F/C-83, college: Ball St.) 6-11 Ball State/France Bordeaux, Head Coach Anthony Lefevers, Team Sponsor John Helms JAH Sports
* We All Can Go (Nashville, Tn.) 2007 Miami Pro Am Champions - Dale Evans (6'3''-G-81) Bluefield, Alex Sanders (6'7''-F/C-75, college: Louisville) 6-8 Louisville/Venezuela Panteras, Alonzo Evans 6-4 Cumberland/ABA, Myron Allen 5-11 Lee J.C./Mexico, Decorey Young 6-7 Cumberland, Hollis Hampton 6-5 Cumberland, Donte Truitt 6-5 Kentucky Wesleyan/ABA, Eric Parham 5-11 Middle Tenn. St., Leroy Hickerson 6-5 Cumberland/Argentina, Sean Sanford 6-0, Kyle Gribble 6-4 Carson Newman, William Pippen 6-8 Middle Tenn. St./Lebanon Blue Stars, Mike Wells 6-3 Western Ky./Spain Rosalia/2006 KPA All Tourney, Coach Carlos
* Team D Nice (Dallas, Texas) Greg Sims 6-8 McNeese State, Anthony McKnight 6-1 , Benny Dunn 6-0, Adrian Booker 6-5, Diere Franklin 6-0 Eastfield, Patrick Daniels 6-4 Texas Southern, Clifton Beale 6-4 Missouri Baptist, Calvin Miles (6'6''-F) 6-3 East Tenn. State, Joey Allen 6-2 North Texas, Cliff Wright 6-2, Curtis Jones 5-7
* American Chiropractic/Lightning (Louisville, Kentucky) 2006 KPA Champs Maurice Smith 6-1 Dyersburg State, Johnny Mathis 6-1 Creighton, Bryant Northern 6-2 Louisville, Quentin Smith 6-0 Morehead State, Emory Ogletree (6'5''-F-80, college: Charleston) 6-5 Charleston/CBA Indiana, Bobby Ewing 6-5, Tyrus Boswell 6-8 Kentucky Wesleyan/Turkey Erdemir/2006 KPA All Tourney, Shannon Wilkerson 6-4 Bellarmine, Lamar Owen 6-5 Southern Illinois/Iceland/2006 KPA MVP, Damon Garris 6-5 Kentucky Wesleyan/WBA, Lamont Roland 6-5 LSU/Czech Republic A Plus Brno/2006 KPA All Tourney, Ladrell Whitehead 5-9 Ohio/Czech Republic A Plus Brno, Coach Maurice Smith, Sponsor Dr. Paul Constante
* Pal's Elite (Xenia, Ohio) Michael Futrell 6-4 Lindsey Wilson, Cetric Anderson 6-1 Lindsey Wilson, Lavar Gilbert 6-8 Lindsey Wilson, Terrance Davidson 6-1 Shawnee State, Anthony Harper (6'4''-F) 6-5 Alderson Broaddus, Derrick Bell (6'1''-G) 6-1 Alderson Broaddus, Chad Hunt 6-6 Lake Erie, Paul White 6-2 Mountain State, Max Hoter 6-6 Union College Ky. , Coach Terry Futrell
* Team Toledo 419 (Toledo, Ohio) #11 Calvin Mitchell 6-6 Toledo, #22 Kechan Johnson 6-5 Mo-St. Louis/Cleveland ABA, #24 Damion Washington 6-4 Ohio U./Cleveland ABA, #20 Joey Martin 6-5 Rio Grande, #23 Shemu Michel 6-2 IBL, #6 Jermaine Tate (6'9''-C-76, agency: Duran International, college: Cincinnati) 6-9 Cincinnati/Japan Hitachi, #25 Kedron Barnhill 6-8 ABA, #33 Robierre Cullars 6-5 Toledo/Cleveland ABA, #31 Carl Hodges 6-2 Dayton/IBL, Keith Triplett (6'3''-G-80, college: Toledo) 6-3 Toledo/Portugal Barreirense
Clarksville (Clarksville, Tn.) #34 Bert Singletery 6-5 / Played in first KPA Championship Game, #21 Tim Harris 6-6, #22 Victor Anderson 6-3, #6 Maurice Hampton 6-3 Austin Peay/England, #44 Eric Young (6'6''-F/C-88, college: Austin Peay St.) 6-8 University of Texas at San-Antonio (06), #2 Osario Adanry 6-8, #24 Lamone Johnson 6-0, #30 Kenneth Montgomery 6-3, #4 Dornell Parker 6-2, #1 Keonn Haryfon 6-2, #2 Mike Rayston 6-2, Coach Bert Singletary
* Hidden Gems (Columbus, Ohio) Tihon Johnson (6'5''-G-82, college: Mountain St.) 6-5 Idaho/Grand Rapids ABA, Estaban Weaver (6'4''-G, college: Central State) 6-4 Central State/IBL, Chris Blakely (6'5''-G/F, college: Mt.Union) 6-5 Mt. Union/IBL, Frank Phillips (6'4''-F-84, college: Findlay (OH)) 6-4 Findlay (07)/IBL, Jonathan Woods (6'7''-F-82, college: Fresno St.) Norway/IBL, Boo Townsend 6-1 Tiffin/ABA, Anthony Rhodman (6'2''-G-83)Louisiana-Lafeyette, Shaun Ballard 6-5 Northland College, Waki Williams 6-9 Memphis/IBL, Dubrey Black (6'4''-G-79, agency: Court Side, college: Ashland)/Bowling Green/CBA/Romania/ABA/IBL , Marwan Gaines (6'5''-F-82, college: Findlay (OH))/CBA/Luxembourg/Findland/Austria, Ed McCants (6'4''-G-82, agency: Passing Lane, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee)/Uruguay/Bulgaria/IBL,Charles Warren (6'1''-G, college: Findlay (OH))/IBL/China Tour, Coach Lucius Jones
* Get Ryte (Cincinnati, Ohio) P&C Champs Mario Freeman 5-6, Mike Johnson 6-0, Janerio Spurlock 6-6 Kansas State/Pittsburgh ABA, Darnell Shelton 6-4 Labette CC/ABA, Joe Jackson 6-4, Emory Ogletree 6-7 Charleston/ABA, Dwayne McNeal 6-7 Hampton, Player/Coach Mario Freeman
* Heads da Bed (Indianapolis, Indiana) 2007 Negaunee Invitational Champs Jermaine Gardner 6-1 IUPUI, Josh Mullins (6'5''-F, college: IUPU-Indianapolis) 6-5 IUPUI/ABA, Jeremy Hibb 6-5 St. Francis, Curtis Thomas 6-1 Indiana Tech/*2007 Negaunee All Tourney, Terrance Hayes 6-7 Lakeland, Torrance Hayes 6-7 Lakeland, Virgil Akers 6-4 Taylor, Kenny Wright 6-8, D.A. Harvey 6-6 IUPUI/ABA 2007 Negaunee MVP, John Foster 6-1 Kentucky Wesleyan/ABA, Chad Crawford 6-4 Camryn Univ., Head Coach Damon White
* Abe! Sports and Entertainment Management Inc. (Newark, N.J.) Brandon Cole (6'8''-F, agency: ABE! Sports and Entertainment) 6-8 Xavier University (07) Hoops Pro Showcase Standout, Bryant Dillon 6-6 Purdue University (06), Derrick Miller 6-8 Georgetown College/Austria Vienna, Greg Manderson (6'5''-G/F-80, agency: ABE! Sports and Entertainment, college: Tarleton St.)/Mexico, Larry Johnson 6-3 Niagra/Germany Freiburg, Richard Pollack 6-6 Bellevue University, Omar Bynum 6-8 Iowa State/Finland Pyrinto, John Winchester 6-4 Robert Morris College (07) Hoops Showcase, Coaches: Gary McAbee and Malik Little
* Kenny Kings (Indianapolis, Indiana) Michael Crane 6-4 IUPUI, Matt Crenshaw 6-2 IUPUI/Slovakia Nitra, Ricky Buckley 6-5 IUPUI/ABA, Steve Williams 6-3 Vincennes, David Logan (6'1''-G-82, college: Indianapolis (IN)) 6-2 Southern Indiana/Poland Polphamra, Andre Owens 6-4 Houston/Utah Jazz/Golden State/NBDL Anaheim, Steve Davenport 6-11 Texas Christian, Kenny Coleman 6-4, Robery Lynn 6-8 Wabash Valley, Head Coach: Kenny Edwards
* Stages (Louisville, Kentucky) Miquel Coleman 6-3 Columbia College, Jeremy Kelly 6-4 UT-Martin/France/NBDL, James Kelly 6-0 Missouri-Rolla, Richard Duncan 6-1 Middle Tenn. State/Holland, Larry Simmons 6-4 Cal St. Fullerton, Perrin Johnson 6-6 Louisville (07), James Alexander 5-11 Davis Elkins College, Team Organizer Larry Simmons
* Meli-Mel's Unsigned Talent (Cleveland, Ohio) Ricardo Billings 6-4 Oakland University (07), Shawn Hopes (6'7''-C-84) 6-7 Oakland University (07), Vance Marbury 6-0 Clevleland/ABA, Anthony Wilson 6-3 Jacksonville State, John Burge 6-2 Cleveland State/ABA, Dwayne McNeal 6-8 Hampton/IBL, Brandon Henderson 6-1 Lake Erie, Mario Jordan 6-7 Buffalo/Portugal, Nnabike Okaro 6-9 Nigeria, William Thomas 6-3, Head Coach Melanie Sweeney *2005 KPA Coach of the Year
* JB Auto (Kenosha, Wisconsin) Brandon Morris (6'5''-G, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) 6-4 Wisconsin Green Bay/New Zeland Otago, David Tolfree 6-1 Combo Centenary College *2006 KPA High Point Game 43 Points, Kentay Varnell 5-5 Michigan, Quiande Moore 6-6 ABA, Eddie White 6-7, Marshae Byles 6-5 IUPUI, Lebron Massey 6-6 Barat, Darnell Fields 6-9, J.C. 6-8, Ed McCants 6-4 UW-Milwaukee/Bulgaria Spartak, Head Coach Tony Moore
* Vestalife Ballers (Nashville, Tn.) Desmond Cambridge 6-0 Alabamba A&M/ABA, Marcus Williams 6-5 210 Campbellsville/Argentina/ABA, Patrick Chambers 6-6 Arkansas Pine Bluff/ABA, Wesley Poe 6-5 Trevecca, Joel Diggs 6-2, Tony McFadden 6-0 Belmont, Fred McGinnis 6-4 UA-Huntsville, Ceddrick McGinnis, Obie Trotter 6-1 Alabamba A&M/Germany Giessen, Amos Gregory (6'9''-C-71, college: Ball St.) 6-8 Ball State/Europe/ABA, Head Coach/Player: David Brooks (6'3''-G-82, college: Niagara)
* The Block (Maysville, Kentucky) Alvin Sims (6'4''-G/F-74, agency: ACMT, college: Louisville) 6-4 Louisville/Lebanon Al Ryadi, Jaron Brown (6'4''-G-79, college: Pittsburgh) 6-4 Pittsburgh/KBDL, Tee Commodore 6-2 Eastern Ky., Sean Myrick 6-0 Cincinnati/IBL, Timmy Myrick, Larry Myrick 6-4 Hazard C.C./ABA, Timmy Myrick, Brian Miller, Corey Dunford, Zo Chamber, Neal Jenkins, Wes Jones, Al Jones, Evan Low
* Hoops KPA Tryout Gamblers (Tryout June 20 11a.m. Eastern Time) John Chandler 6-4 Alcorn State, Jeremy Bettis 6-7 Depauw/Cottbus Germany, Tony Cornett (6'5''-F) 6-5 West Va. State/Hoops Pro Showcase, Rudy Wallace (6'1''-G, college: Alderson-Broaddus)/England, Anthony Denning 6-4, Phillip Cothran 6-1 Central Carolina C.C., Robby Huang, Andre Woodard 5-10 Thomas More, Chad Embry St. Catherine/Lindsey Wilson, Buster Perkins 6-4 Va. Union/WBA, Antonio Haynes 6-0 Western Ky. / Mexico, More to be announced
* Kentucky Retros (Louisville, Kentucky) ABA Expansion/All Home Games in 2007-08 Played at Hoops - AJ Moye 6-4 Indiana Tuebingen Germany /German All Star Game, Killingsworth Marco (6'8''-F-82, college: Indiana) 6-8 Indiana/Korea KCC, Steven Wright (6'3''-G-83, agency: LimeLight, college: Bowling Green)/Northern Ky. (07), Caleb Holcomb 6-10 Bellarmine/WBA, Rob McRae (6'1''-G) Ashland/Hoops Pro Showcase, Cedric McGowan (6'6''-F-85)Cincinnati/Hoops Pro Showcase MVP, Otis George 6-9 Louisville/Casale Italy, Vic Morris 6-1 Cleveland State, Lewis Monroe 6-5 Indiana/Iceland/CBA Pittsburgh, Nehemiah Ingram 6-8 Temple (06), Charles Johnson 6-8 Murray State (06), Chris Garnett 6-11 IU-Southeast/CBA Indiana, Jeremy Kelly 6-4 UT-Martin/Tulsa NBDL, Darnell Richardson 6-3 Southern Poly Tech, Head Coach: Ron Greene (Mississippi State/Murray State) Assistant Coach: Rick Henry (Wyoming), VP of Basketball Operations Kevin Waters, Steve Van Waes Owner/COO
* Itsgoodandfree.com (Madison, Tn.) David Brooks 6-10 Tn. Christian, Keith Jones 6-1, Devin Smith 5-8, Chris Watt 6-0, Lamar Scruggs 5-11, Shaun Boyd 6-4, Carlos Love 6-5 Head Coach: David Brooks
<<>><<>><<>><<>>

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NEW ZEALAND

Injured Forman in doubt for semi -by Eurobasket News
North Harbour have suffered an injury scare ahead of the National Basketball League (NBL) semifinal on Sunday, with Australian forward Oscar Forman (205-G-82) straining a hamstring on the Boomers' tour of China.
Forman is due back in New Zealand shortly before North Harbour's match against defending champions Hawke's Bay, but his availability must now be in doubt.
He is not expected to take the court again on tour.
North Harbour coach John Dorge is still awaiting word on how serious Forman's injury is.
Forman has averaged 14.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks for the team this season and is a leading candidate for outstanding forward in NBL awards voting.
North Harbour played their final two regular season games without him, beating Wellington but losing to Waikato.
Were Forman unable to play on Sunday, North Harbour and Hawke's Bay would enter the semifinal evenly matched.
The reigning champions will be without captain Paora Winitana, who does not play on Sunday for religious reasons.
Courtesy of: www.stuff.co.nz

Jason Crowe and Link Abrams share Player of the Week award -by Eurobasket News
Jason Crowe (193-G-76, agency: Court Side, college: Cal.St. Northridge) of Waikato and Taranaki's veteran Link Abrams (198-F-73) received the Player of the Week award for the last week of NBL action. Jason Crowe was prominent as his Waikato secured the playoff spot together with a home-court advantage in the semis. He nailed 32 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, made 5 assists and 7 steals as the Pistons rolled over Harbour Heat.
Link Abrams was arguably the key player for the Taranaki Mountain Airs throughout the year and managed to become the top-rebounder in the league. Abrams posted 25 points, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks and 2 steals as Taranaki overcame Otago in the last encounter of the season. Both Jason Crowe and Link Abrams have occupied the top two spots in the Final NBL Power Rankings. Jason Crowe also emerged as the league's leader in steals.
The winners cleared off Aaron Nowell and Gabe Stephenson for the Week's top honours. Aaron Nowell had a big night to lift Manawatu over Canterbury in the last game. He scored 26 points and collected 13 boards in a 104:81 victory. Gabe Stephenson shone in the Mountain Airs success against the Nuggets yesterday. Taranaki's import provided 28 points and 9 rebounds in the Airs' winning effort.
The week's top scorer was Garry Hill-Thomas who notched 40 points versus Otago and finished regular seaso as the league's leading scorer. Manawatu's George Byrd reigned under the rims as he collected week's best 17 rebounds against Canterbury. Brandon Payton of the Jets dished out 10 assists in the same game.

Player Power Rankings (Final)
1 (1) Jason Crowe (Waikato Pistons)
2 (3) Link Abrams (Mountain Airs)
3 (2) Josh Pace (198-G/F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Syracuse) (Nelson Giants)
4 (4) Dillon Boucher (196-G-75) (Auckland Stars)
5 (5) Lindsay Tait (193-G-82) (Auckland Stars)
6 (6) Michael Joiner (201-F-81, college: Florida St.) (Canterbury Rams)
7 (8) Casey Frank (203-F-77, college: N.Arizona) (Auckland Stars)
8 (7) Bakari Hendrix (204-C-77, college: Gonzaga) (Wellington Saints)
9 (9) Justin Bailey (188-G-77, college: Hartford) (Otago Nuggets)
10 (10) Hayden Allen (187-G-79) (Harbour Heat).

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NIGERIA

FIBA U19 Championship: Solomon, two others foreign-based arrive Wednesday -by Olusegun Ikuesan

The trio of United States of America based of Solomon Alabi, Joseph Katuka and Emmanuel Nedegu invited to join the Nigeria Junior National team currently in camp ahead the FIBA U19 World Championship are due in the country Wednesday.

Also due to the Junior Tigers camp is assistant coach and Denver Nugget Director of Scouting Masai Ujuri in final preparation of the African champion for the world championship expected to dunk-off on July 12 in Novi Sad, Serbia.

The players according to the team head coach Adeka Dauda levels of fitness will be ascertained by the coaching crew which comprises of the head coach, Emmanuel Ogah and Emmanuel Okolo while the final list of the twelve players who will carry the burden of the country and that of other Africa nations in Serbia will be made public.

Coach Dauda told our correspondent that he is satisfied with the performance of the home-based players since the team commences preparation over a month ago.

The former Bauchi Nets basketball coach, praised organizers of the Lagos City league for providing a competitive avenue for the players to stay in competition mood.

Coach Dauda is confident that the players will not disappoint Nigerian and indeed the Africa continent at the world championship despite the poor attention given to the team by the sports governing body, the National Sports Commission, NSC.

Fifteen home-based players are currently in camp and will be joined by the three foreign-based to bring the list to eighteen from where the final twelve-man list will be announced Friday.


“Honestly, I am pleased with the form of the players especially those playing for one club or the other in the on-going Lagos City league, I must confess, the league has helped put the players in competition mood and I have no doubt the this team will do Nigeria and Africa proud in Serbia”.



Lagos City league: Its Union Bank, Warriors for Grand finale -by Olusegun Ikuesan
The stage is set for the grand finale of the 3rd Lagos City league as organizers; Lagos State Basketball Association introduced a new concept of deciding winner of its competition - Best-of-three-games, version as the America National Basketball Association, NBA.

The series will start on Thursday with the two finalists, Union Bank basketball club engaging Dodan Warriors basketball club in Game-1 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Lagos National Stadium at 15.00 hours local time.

The clubs booked a grand finale ticket at the weekend at the expense of Ebun Comets basketball club and defending champion, Kennys' Bullets basketball club who will now settle for the third place match slated for Saturday same day as Game-2 game of the series between the Stallion Boys as the Union Bank is known and the Warriors.

Ebun Comets basketball club coached by former Nigeria national teams handler, Ayodele Bakare won a face saving game against Union Bank on Sunday by 78-76 points but the win was not enough to stop the Gboyega Vidal tutored bankers from moving ahead as it has won its first two matches against Dodan Warriors Wednesday (91-88) and Kennys' Bullets Friday (90-73) and Warriors winning a big match against the Bullets 78-67 points to set-up a final duel against Union Bank.

Louis Edem Ekpeyong led the floor in Union Bank lose to Comets with 24 points with contributions from the duo of Kingsley Aguara and William Ndoumbe with 19 and 10 points respectively while Comets points guard, Orseer Ikyaator was spectacular on the victory night with 23 points, forward and member of the Nigeria team to the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia Dennis Ebikoro netted 20 points while Junior Tigers small forward George Ehiagwina added 12 points for the Comets.

In the game between the Warriors and the Bullets Junior Tigers invitee Mohammed Bukar led the Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) Warriors with 18 points as the trio of Ibrahim Adamu, Nosa Omorogbe and Michael Ani contributed 16, 11 and 10 points each, Bullets points guard Michael Ohiero netted 17 points for his side with contributions from Dare Borokini (16), Samson John (13) and Baba Jibril (12).

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PANAMA

Navieros defeated Jets de Costa del Este in Panama Al Brown´s Arena.- -by Edgardo Munoz
Navieros won over Jets 85-67 in Colon city, they had the lead during the time of the game. Jaime Lloreda (203-F/C-80, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: LSU) was the best by the winners 23 pts. and 15 rebounds.

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PARAGUAY

Metropolitan league: the first leg has ended. -by Gianni Pascucci
In the last day of the Apertura reg.season, Felix Perez Cardozo managed to defeat Libertad 82-80, keeping the second place in the table. Thanks to the last results, the six teams to play the "Hexagonal" are # 1 Sol de America (1 point bonus), # 2 Felix Perez (0,75), # 3 Libertad (0,50), # 4 San Jose (0,25), # 5 UAA (without bonus) and # 6 Rowing (without bonus). The Hexagonal tournment starts on thursday 21, with the games Libertad - Felix Perez Cardozo, Sol de America - Autonoma and Deportivo San Jose - Rowing

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PHILIPPINES

China, Lebanon and Syria to compete in Four-nation PBA-Manila Invitational Championships -by Hector Santos

The San Miguel-Pilipinas team gets a feel of the cut-throat competition that awaits it in the forthcoming Olympic-qualifying FIBA-Asia Men's Championship in Tokushima when three potential major contenders fly in next month for the four-nation PBA-Manila Invitational Championships set July 12-15.

The national teams of Syria, Lebanon and powerhouse defending champion China are arriving to test the mettle of Chot Reyes' squad which is about to complete a week-long sojourn in Belgrade, Serbia.

Lebanon team will be led by national team mainstay Fadi El Khatib (197-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency).


The tournament format calls for single round robin, with the top two teams vying for the championship and the other two playing for third place.

Venue for the July 12 and 14 games is The Arena in San Juan, while the Araneta Coliseum hosts the July 13 and 15 matches.

The Big Dome games on the 13th and the 15th will serve as preliminary matches for the PBA Fiesta Conference Finals.

The Tokushima FIBA-Asia, set July 28-Aug. 5, will pick Asia's representative to the Beijing Olympics next year.





RP five bows to Serbian 1A powerhouse KK Novi Sad, 88-85 -by Hector Santos
BELGRADE, Serbia — San Miguel-Pilipinas dropped another close game Friday, this time against perennial Serbian 1A powerhouse KK Novi Sad, 88-85, at the Sport Ecko Sportski Centar.

Showing up with six of their regulars and five key additions in their rebuilding program, Novi Sad played without imports, 7-0 center Charles Chris and point guard Jerome Lagarnge.

However, the Nationals were incomplete as well, with Kerby Raymundo sitting out the game due to a bad case of food poisoning.

Compounding matters was the exit of Tony dela Cruz early in the second quarter due to a strained back, leaving SMC-RP with only 10 men to do battle against the taller, heftier Serbians.

But the Nationals put up a gallant stand, controlling the game three-fourths of the way until Danny Seigle fouled out with five minutes left and SMC-RP ahead 77-74.

The Serbs seized the opportunity to string five straight points, capped by a 3-pointer from 6-9 power forward Miroslav Radenkovic that gave the host a 79-77 edge.

Back-to-back offensive fouls against Asi Taulava allowed Novi Sad an 84-80 lead with two minutes remaining.

Following a timeout, Mark Caguioa completed a 3-point play to cut the deficit to one.

A steal in the next play set up Gabe Norwood for a breakaway dunk but he got called for a traveling violation.

Another steal saw Norwood setting up Taulava for an uncontested layup, but the 6-9 center failed to convert and 6-10 Ilija Zolotic hit two free throws with 28 seconds left, 86-83.

Jimmy Alapag and Renren Ritualo missed open 3-pointers down the way.

"Again, a disappointing loss because we had the opportunity to win, but just couldn't finish the job," said RP coach Chot Reyes, who rued the absence of Raymundo, the injury to Dela Cruz and disqualification on fouls of Seigle.

"We had a team meeting this morning about our defense, and the players responded by defending well, only to lose steam in the end," Reyes added.

The scores:

NOVI SAD 88 — Sutalo 27, Tomasevic 15, Radenkovic 14, Zolotic 11, Pap 8, Durasevic 8, Bunic 4, Gogic 1.

SMC-PILIPINAS 85 — Caguioa 20, Seigle 19, Norwood 13, Taulava 10, Hontiveros 8, Helterbrand 6, Penissi 5, Alapag 3, Ritualo 2.

Quarters: 16-18; 33-41; 57-66; 88-85

RP team blasts Montenegro under-20 national team, 99-85 -by Hector Santos
RP team blasted the Montenegro under-20 national team, 99-85, during their tune-up series at the Sports Ecko Sportski Centar in Belgrade, Serbia Monday.

Forward Danny Seigle sustained a hamstring pull and failed to see action for the rest of the game, while Mark Caguioa brushed aside a punching foul he took early in the game.

Though not in the original schedule of teams to face, the Nationals gave up their day-off to play a young, tall team composed of 6-2 point guard Marko Mijovic, 6-4 off-guard Sead Sehovic (200-G-89, agency: Ultimate Sports Agency), 6-6 small forward Aleksa Popovic, 6-9 power forward Milovan Savovic, and 6-10 center Maksim Sturanovic.

The Montis applied the pressure on the Filipinos early and stayed in the passing lanes from the opening buzzer.

This forced the Nationals' starting unit of Jimmy Alapag, Caguioa, Dondon Hontiveros, Ranidel de Ocampo and Asi Taulava to spread the floor and look for backdoor cutting opportunities.

With Seigle coming off the bench, the Nationals took a 26-18 lead after the first quarter, padded it to 51-40 at the half by going to Jayjay Helterbrand and using their experience to offset the absence of Kerby Raymundo (food poisoning) and Tony dela Cruz (strained back).

Sehovic, who was called for a punching foul against Caguioa in the first quarter, returned in the second half to spark his team briefly before getting repelled by the mid-post attacks of Ranidel de Ocampo, Dondon Hontiveros and Caguioa for a 56-43 Team RP advantage.

TNT to train in San Antonio Spurs camp -by Hector Santos
CLEVELAND - San Antonio director of pro player personnel Dell Demps said the other day Talk ‘N' Text will train with the four-time NBA champion Spurs in the Alamo City in August and Phone Pals coach Derick Pumaren is finalizing the details of the two-week camp.

Demps played as an import for Pepsi in 1992 and Shell in 1994. He keeps in close touch with Pumaren and has visited Manila at least twice since finishing his PBA career.

Talk ‘N' Text is the first foreign team to benefit from the experience of the Spurs' recent sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.

Demps said coach Gregg Popovich's staff, possibly except for P. J. Carlesimo, will supervise the camp for the PBA team. Carlesimo is rumored to be considering a job with the Seattle SuperSonics.

“The best thing that ever happened to me in the Philippines was meeting Derick,” said Demps. “Just a few weeks ago, I was on the phone with him. We text each other all the time and I hope Talk ‘N' Text makes it to the PBA Finals.”

In 2003, Demps was in Manila to train the La Salle varsity on Pumaren's invitation. The Archers were then bringing in a slew of fresh recruits, including Jayvee Casio and Tyrone Tang. Demps traveled alone, stayed for two weeks, returned to watch the US NCAA Final Four and came back for another two weeks, this time with his wife Anita. When he got back to the US, Demps was hired by the New York Knicks as a scout.

Last year, Demps arranged for Pumaren to join the Spurs coaching staff in the summer leagues.

“I wasn't an observer,” said Pumaren in a long distance phone call from Manila. “I was part of the Spurs staff and joined the team in summer leagues in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Dell advises me on which imports to get and although he's not an agent, he puts me in touch with the right people. He recommended J. J. Sullinger for our team this conference.”

Pumaren said Demps' dream is to see a Filipino player in the NBA.

“He told me he plans to bring some NBA scouts to watch games in the PBA,” said Pumaren. “At one time, he was closely looking at Willie Miller and Jimmy Alapag. Maybe, we can invite him to come, conduct clinics and help our national team.”

Demps played for Golden State, Orlando and San Antonio in a three-year NBA career. After his playing days were over, he was Sam Vincent's assistant coach on the Mobile Revelers team that won the NBA D-League title in 2003. He was initially a scout for the Knicks then became the director of pro player personnel, the position he now has with the Spurs whom he joined two years ago.

“I coached Dell for Pepsi,” said Pumaren. “He was a two-three player, very coachable and we got along to the point that we became very close friends.”

Demps has his suits and shirts made exclusively at “Rich and Famous,” a tailoring shop on the second floor of the Pension Virginia building on Pasay Road, Makati. He's been a customer since the shop opened nine years back. Pumaren sends Demps' clothes to San Antonio through friends.

Spurs guard Bruce Bowen also has his suits and shirts made at “Rich and Famous.”

During the recent NBA Finals, Demps wore his Philippine-made suits.

“Rich and Famous” proprietress Zeny Magdangal said Demps orders about 10 suits and 20 shirts, both long and short-sleeved, twice a year. Bowen sent a sample suit for his measurements and just got the first delivery of three suits, four long-sleeved shirts and three short-sleeved shirts. He is due for a second order.

Magdangal said master cutter Ben Dalida of Cavite takes care of the orders of both Demps and Bowen. “Our customers include the entire Pumaren family, including Franz and Dindo, Bong Ravena, Tonichi Yturri and Frankie Lim,” said Magdangal. “We employ about 15 tailors to do the men's clothes and five for women. They mostly do their work at home so our shop is just an order taker.”

Demps played at the University of the Pacific and earned his bachelor and master's degrees in business administration in the California school. He and wife Anita, a lawyer, have three sons Jourdan, 17, Tre, 14, and Riley, 7.

Credits to Quinito Henson/Philippine Star

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PORTUGAL

Proliga Finals -by Luis Rocha
The Finals begun this weekend. Vitoria hosted Sampaense for the two first games. Game 1 was very close, each team know exactly what the other would do, and the attacks were limited by the defenses. At half time Vitoria lead by 3 points, that was still the margin by the end of the third quarter, and only in the last period Vitoria was able to enlarge that lead to 9 points. A win by 79-70. A poor average from Sampaense from the 3 point line limited their offensive game they did 16% against 44% from Vitoria, also the 64% from the free throw line was not very good. The best player in this game was Carlos White, college: Appalachian St.) (Sampaense) 25 points, 20 rebounds and 4 blocks, great game although his tema stayed defeated. Game 2 showed a stronger Vitoria. The home team seemed always more close to win and at the end they managed that by 84-73. At the break things were nearly even (41-40) but in the end of the third quarter Vitoria extend it´s lead to a 7 point margin wich gave them a soft pillow to lay down and secure the game in the last qurter 84-73 . Once again Sampaense failled from the 3 point line, 14% against 53% from Vitoria. Those two poor averages made Sampaense stood short in their offense, and made their players loose their usual confidence in outside shooting. Best gamer was Tayron Thomas (191-G, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Philadelphia) (Vitoria), 26 points, 7 assists, 3 steals and 7 rebounds. A great player who performed greatly in a though match.

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PUERTO RICO

Bayamon ousted from post season -by Luis Ramirez

With a do or die game against the Arecibo Captains the Bayamon Cowboys could not afford to lose. But as fate has it, it was not in the cards for the Cowboys to proceed to the round robin phase. They lost last night against the Captains 88-76. This was the Cowboys second attempt at reaching the post season as they previously had played against the San German Athletics and also failed to gain a shot at challenging the Caguas Criollos. The game saw the Cowboys take the lead in the 1st quarter 22-21. In the 2nd quarter Bayamon was also leading to take the 1st half 39-34. In the 2nd half though the Captains mounted an offensive attack and took the lead. The Cowboys could not bounce back in the last Osiris Ricardo (209-C-77, college: Missouri Southern) with 12 points and 11 rebounds.For Arecibo, Marcus Fizer (203-F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.) scored 32 points and grabbed 15 rebounds followed by : Niagara) with 13 points. For Bayamon, Christopher Vega (182-G-84) scored 17 points followed by Alvin Cruz (186-G-82, agency: Paris Global Sports, collegequarter and their efforts to reach the post season were terminated.


In other BSN action, the Lions playing without most of its starting players beat the Mayaguez Indios 98-96. The game did not involve any great importance since the Lions were already in the post season and the Indios had been eliminated the night before from post season play but apparently no one told the players this as the game resulted in one of the most exciting games played in the Ponce Coliseum in probably the whole season. With 1 second left in regulation play Ponce scored the winning bucket. It was truly pure adrenalin as the Ponce Players played as though it was the 7th game of the Championship game. For Ponce, Osvaldo Mendez (188-G-82) scored 26 points followed by Gabriel Colon (200-G/F-84, agency: Edge Sports) who scored the winning basket and scored 24 points overall. For Mayaguez, Gabriel Mouneke scored 43 points in a losing cause.

Over at Fajardo, the two League leading teams met to settle the 1st position in the Regular season, with Fajardo taking the game 77-76 in another great basketball night. Guayama took the opening quarter 22-19 and were still leading at the end of the 1st half. In the 2nd half the Cariduros got their offense going and were finally able to withstand an offensive run from the Brujos in the 4th quarter for the win. For Fajardo, Uka Agbai (203-F-81, college: Boston Coll.) scored 23 points followed by Javier Mojica (190-G-84, college: Cent.Conn.St.) with 14 points. For Guayama, Erick Rodriguez (190-G-79) scored 24 points followed by Rafael Perez (184-G-82) with 20 points.

In the final game of the night San German beat Carolina 72-70. Both of these teams are already qualified for the next round of play. For San German, Robert Conley (198-G/F-77, college: Clayton St.) scored 19 points followed by Rick Apodaca (192-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency, college: Hofstra) with 17 points. For Carolina, Aaron McGhee (202-F-79, college: Oklahoma) scored 21 points with 12 rebounds followed by Angelo Reyes with 19 points.

The Round Robin series get underway this coming Wednesday; the BSN will hold a press conference tomorrow to provide information on all the details of this round of play.



*****************************************************
S.AMER.CHAMPS U17

U17 South American Championship (Gameday 4): Argentina and Venezuela to the Finals -by Francisco Vega

Guanare, Portuguesa.- The NT of Venezuela, kept its undefeated path into the Finals of the XX South American Championship at Ciudad de Guanare Gymnasium in Guanare, Portuguesa state, by leaving behind Uruguay. Argentina surprised Brazil in a tight match and will get a chance to defend their chrown against the hosts. Meanwhile, Peru defeated Chile to earn fifth place in the tournament and Colombia did the same over Ecuador to get the seventh spot.

VENEZUELA 79 -URUGUAY 45

Quarter by quarter

VEN: 24-15-16-24= 79

URU: 10-9-14-13= 45

Top scorers:

VEN: Josmar Acevedo (190-F-90) (190-F-90) 17 points, Gregory Echenique (208-C-90) 14 points, Yonaiker Ecker (179-G-90) 10 points

URU: Cristian Tissierre (196-C-90) 10 points

ARGENTINA 64 - BRAZIL 63

Quarter by quarter

ARG: 23-15-14-12= 64

BRA: 20-18-15-10= 63

Top scorers:

ARG: Pablo Orlietti (206-C/F-90) 16 points, Matias Nocedal (193-G-90) 13 points, Ramiro Iglesias (186-G-90) 10 points

BRA:Andre Silva (180-G-88) 16 points, Vitor Benite 15 points

PERU 78 - CHILE 73

Quarter by quarter

PERU: 16-26-21-15= 78

CHI: 20-15-19-19= 73

Top scorers:

PERU: Alex Romero 19 points, Guillermo Quiroz (191-F-90) 17 points, Jose Lopez 15 points

CHI: Pablo Coro (190-G-90) 21 points, Osven Ledezma (202-C-90) 15 points


COLOMBIA 67 - ECUADOR 66

Quarter by quarter

COL: 21-13-10-23= 67

ECU: 8-19-22-17= 66

Top scorers:

COL: Juan Almario (192-F-90) 23 points, Gilo Hawkins (198-F-90) 11 points

ECU: Carlos Malatay (180-G-90) 18 points, Wilson Orozco (181-G-90) 14 points, Mauricio Bahamonde (186-F-90) 14 points


STANDINGS

Group A

Venezuela 3-3-0= 6

Argentina 3-2-1= 5

Peru 3-1-2= 4

Colombia 3-0-3= 3

Group B

Brazil 3-3-0= 6

Uruguay 3-2-1= 5

Chile 3-1-2= 4

Ecuador 3-0-3= 3

5th place: Peru

6th place: Chile

7th place: Colombia

8th place: Ecuador

Next Games (Monday 6-18)

Brazil-Uruguay (6.00 pm)

Venezuela-Argentina (8.00 pm)



*****************************************************
SERBIA

Play-off final: Partizan take lead 1-0 in dramatic finish !! -by Dragan Jankovski
In the game #1 of Serbian play-off final at the front of full hall "Pionir" and amazing pressure by Partizan's fans current Serbian champ beat Crvena Zvezda 91:89 and take lead in the final 1-0. First half was almost equalized but in the last 2 minutes, after flagrant foul by Novica Velickovic, Milan Gurovic scored 4 FT (23 points and 5 rebounds in the first 20 minutes) and Pero Antic netted 3-pts shot so red and white team went on the 15 minutes break with plus 6. In the first half Zvezda also dominated in the paint. For just 3 minutes of third quarter Partizan succeeded to equalize mostly owing to Vonteego Cummings and Nikola Pekovic. At the end of this period Gurovic scored 10 points in the row and Zvezda again take lead 66:68 before last quarter. “Visitors” made 71:79 in 36th minute but Partizan made great turn 1:45 seconds to go 84:82. Just two seconds before the end on score 88:89 for Zvezda hero of the game Predrag Drobnjak (212-F/C-75) scored 3-pts shot for the win from the right corner 91:89 !!
Uros Tripkovic (197-G-86) scored 19 points for Partizan while Dusan Kecman (197-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket) added 14 points and 6 rebounds and done great job in defense at the end. Predrag Drobnjak scored 10 points including 5 rebounds. On the other side Milan Gurovic (207-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) was totally unstoppable collecting 40 points and 7 rebounds. He was MVP of the game with index value 41.

Next game is scheduled for Tuesday at 20h when Crvena Zvezda will have 100% support of their fans.


Partizan - Crvena Zvezda 91:89
(27:23,12:22,27:23,25:21)

Partizan: Tepic 6, Kecman 14 (6 rebs), Bakic, Tripkovic 19, Velickovic 9, Perovic 5, Pekovic 7 (4 rebs), Drobnjak 10 (5 rebs), Bozic 3, Cummings 12 (6 rebs), Micov 6
DNP: Bogdanovic.
Crvena Zvezda: Markovic 7, Popovic 4, Misanovic 3, Gurovic 40 (7 rebs), Radivojevic 10, Dragicevic 10 (4 rebs), Antic 11 (7 rebs), Cvetkovic 3, Aleksandrov 1
DNP: Kovacevic, Kovac, Krasnic.

Aca Petrovic left Russia -by Dragana Vukovic
The famous Serbian coach Aco Petrovic broke his contract with Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu.He has already have numerous offers from Turkey,Spain and Israel.In a few days he will decided where he will continue his carrier.

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SLOVENIA

Legendary Ivo Daneu picked into FIBA Hall of Fame! -by Matej Bergant
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) was yesterday 18th June 2007 celebrating its 75th Anniversary and was very proud to announce, on such a special occasion, its Hall of Fame's 2007 Class of Inductees. Among first 20 Inductees for FIBA Hall of Fame there is also Slovenian basketball legend Ivo Daneu. More about Ivo Daneu you can read from here or here.

2007 Class of the FIBA Hall of Fame:

PLAYERS:
Mr. Sergei BELOV (RUS)
Mr. Drazen DALIPAGIC (SRB)
Mr. Ivo DANEU (SLO)
Mr. Oscar FURLONG (ARG)
Mr. Nikos GALIS (GRE)
Ms. Hortęncia MARCARI (BRA)
Mr. Pierluigi MARZORATI (ITA)
Ms. Ann MEYERS (USA)
Mr. Amaury PASOS (BRA)
Mr. Emiliano RODRÍGUEZ (ESP)
Mr. Bill RUSSELL (USA)
Ms. Uljana SEMJONOVA (LAT)

COACHES:
Ms. Lidia ALEXEEVA (RUS)
Mr. Dean SMITH (USA)
Mr. Togo Renan SOARES, "Kanela" (posthumous) (BRA)
Mr. Ranko ZERAVICA (SRB)

TECHNICAL OFFICIALS:
Mr. Mario HOPENHAYM (URU)
Mr. Ervin KASSAI (HUN)
Mr. Allen RAE (CAN)

CONTRIBUTOR:
Mr. Borislav STANKOVIC (SRB)

Market News -by Zeljko Zule
Konjice (B-1) names their former player Mitja Nerat (194-G-70) as new coach.
Casino Maribor (D2) inked Robert Suran (188-G-84) ex Radenska Creativ.
Jezica (D2) announced their former player Joze Macek (193-G-67) as new coach.

*****************************************************
SPAIN

Changes in ACB league -by Francisco Martinez
- Ricoh Manresa announce that they does not count on Oscar Gonzalez (183-G-77, agency: Interperformances, college: Pittsburg St.) for the next season.
- Grupo Capitol Valladolid has signed George Pavlidis (206-F-78) and has announced that Guillermo Rejon (205-F/C-77, agency: Interperformances) will not be in the team for the next season.

McDonald to Vitoria? -by Robert Mayor
According to "Noticias de Alava", William McDonald (207-C-79, college: S.Florida) could be Baskonia player next season. American center is in the market since MMT Estudiantes decided not to continue with player services this week. Josean Querejeta is looking for the best options, and William McDonald could be Tau player next season.

*****************************************************
TAIWAN

Akita Noshiro Tech, Taiwan HBL Girls' All-Stars win 2007 IHBT -by Chris Wang
Led by 198cm center Yuki Mitsuhara, who had 15 points and 14 rebounds, Japan's Akita Noshiro Technical High School beat Taiwan HBL All-Stars 92-79 to win the men's title of the 2007 International High School Basketball Tournament in Taipei.

Mitsuhara, who is on Japan's U-18 national team, was named MVP of the tourney and led the tournament in rebounding and blocked shots. Takumi Hasegawa added 13 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists.

Taiwan was led by point guard Yang Cheng-lun's 22 points and 7 assists.

Kitsilano High School edged Samil Commercial High School (South Korea) 79-76 to finish the third-place in the boys' group.

In girls' group, Osaka Kun-ei Girls' High School of Japan beat Taiwan HBL All-Stars 71-60 in the girls' group title game. Okcheon Commercial High School won third-place while Kitsilano High School ranked last.

*****************************************************
TBL

TBL ANNOUCES REFEREE PROGRAM -by Charles Johnson
"Stay In Your Primary"

As many of you know, the Texas Basketball League and the Texas Summer Basketball League are quickly becoming an outstanding leagues for current and/or former professional and college players to continue to sharpen their skills on the basketball court during the summer and fall months. Many players are current college and/or professional players that live in the area as well as high skill level players, which make this summer league the best in the state of Texas. The summer league is played under NBA rules and regulations with modified guidelines.

In regards to officiating in the league, Texas Basketball League and the Texas Summer Basketball League is a great opportunity to continue to refine officiating skills as well as provide outstanding preparation as he or she pursues a higher level of officiating.

As part of the officiating program, the development process for officials is the most important emphasis. There will be scheduled rules meetings, clinics and other events throughout the summer season to help further each official. This is free of charge for those officials not a part of the program. Come listen and learn during a training environment. Supervisors and NBA officials will be invited to observe, teach and officiate games during the summer and fall season.

This is an opportunity to improve, not just to earn gas or beer money.

Arlington, Texas:
The league will operate at Metro Charter Academy and/or other local gymnasium from July 1st, 2007 - April 1st, 2008.
Games will be played at 6:00pm, 7:30pm, and 9:00pm Sunday thru Saturday. Times and sites are subject for change.

IN ORDER TO OFFICIATE IN THE TEXAS BASKETBALL LEAGUE,
SEVERAL REQUIREMENTS MUST BE ESTABLISHED:

1. Have a strong desire and/or compassion to referee outstanding basketball that will challenge you by way of play calling and CONFLICT RESOLUTION.
You must have some NBA knowledge and/or a willingness to learn.

2. Must have a minimum of three years of varsity high school experience

3. $25 one-time registration fee for first time officials.

4. $25 renewal fee for all returning officials.

5. Game Pay $35 per game during summer season.
Game Pay $50 per game during fall season.

Please send your name, address, phone, and e-mail to: texasbasketballeague@yahoo.com
or call league office at (817)803-6186


TBL ANNOUNCE SUMMER SCHEDULE FOR ORGANIZED LEAGUE ACTIVITIES 2007 -by Charles Johnson

The Texas Basketball League revealed their upcoming organized league activities schedule on Monday, June 18, 2007.

The TBL has scheduled to have several days of activites starting Wednesday, August 1, and running through Thursday, August 30, with a break over the Labor Day weekend.

Activites will be held on Metro Charter Academy, inside the gymnasium and surrounding facilities in the North Texas area, and will be $5 for general admission.

Activities in surrounding facilities in the North Texas area are closed to the general public.

There is the potential for activities times to shift over the course of OLAs, so be sure to check back to usbasket.com for the latest schedule updates.

The TBL's portion of OLAs are the final set of full-squad workouts until training camp starts on Monday, September 3, 2007.

The TBL have yet to finalize training camp dates, but the preseason period traditionally begins in early October 2007.

June Activities Schedule:
Sunday, June 24: 8:00pm - League Coaches and Referees Meeting - Grapevine, Texas

July Activities Schedule:

Wednesday, July 5 until Friday, July 27 -- Moving Date for all incoming players (out side the Metroplex Area) please call league office for assistance for moving arrangements ( such as electricity and apartment search) and job placement; contract negotations will begin on


Sunday, July 8: 7:00pm - League Game-Day Staff Meeting - Fort Worth, Texas
Sunday, July 15: 7:00pm - League Executive Staff Meeting - Arlington, Texas
Wednesday, July 18: 7:00pm - League Owners Meeting - Arlington, Texas

August Activities Schedule:
Wednesday, August 1: 7:00pm - League's Players Meeting - Arlington, Texas; Players contract negotations will begin on this date.
Saturday, August 4: 2:00pm - League Tryout Camp 2007 (1st session) - Arlington, Texas
Sunday, August 5: 2:00pm - League Tryout Camp 2007( 2nd session) - Arlington, Texas

Sunday, August 5: 7:00pm - 2007 Supplement Draft - Arlington, Texas
( All players will need to be in attendance to be drafted to your team)

Monday, August 6 - 10: 6:00pm, 7:30pm, and 9:00pm - Texas Summer Basketball League -
Metro Charter Academy - Arlington, Texas

August Practice Schedule:
Tuesday, August 14: 7:00pm -
Thursday, August 16: 7:00pm -
Tuesday, August 21: 7:00pm -
Thursday, August 23: 7:00pm -
Tuesday, August 28: 7:00pm -
Thursday, August 30: 7:00pm -
Friday, August 31: 7:00pm -

September Activities Schedule:

Tuesday, September 4 until Friday, September 29, 2007 - Training Camp 2007 - North Texas Area

October Activities Schedule:

Monday, October 1 - Wednesday, October 31,2007 - Preseason / Exhitibition Schedule (TBA)


For more information, please call 817.803-6186 or email: texasasketballeague@yahoo.com



TBL ANNOUCES OUR NEW FRIEND REFERRAL PROGRAM! -by Charles Johnson

Earn up to $40 for every Registered Player you refer

We would like to offer you a chance to earn up to $40 for referring your friends! Offer ends July 29, 2007.

Step One: Recruit your friends!

Step Two: Call Texas Basketball League office at (817) 803-6186 for a promotional code

Step Three: Complete our online application

Step Four: Submit payment via money gram, cashier's check, money order or cash.

If paying via cashiers check, all checks must be postmarked within 2 days of each other.

Step Five: Enter the promo code on your application's payment that you received on the phone

Step Six: Email your name and the names of each friend you refer to texasbasketballeague@yahoo.com, and mail to league office.

Attn: Texas Basketball League
804 Lynnfield Dr. Arlington, Texas 76014

Step Seven: You and your friends must all complete your applications and pay in full within 48 hours of the first registered camper or you will be required to pay the full rate (or the rate based upon the number of actual confirmed campers referred by you) before your admission to the camp will be confirmed.

Note: Any promo codes that are used without consent of the TSBL will result in an incomplete payment and
the camper will be denied admission if he does not pay in full. Special offer ends July 29, 2007.

For each player that you bring into camp, your referral $10 off each of your application fee
1 campers $10
2 campers $20
3 campers $30
4 campers $40

TBL ANNOUCES TEXAS SUMMER BASKETBALL LEAGUE AND TRYOUTS 2007 -by Charles Johnson
Tryout Camp dates are July 21 and August 4-5 2007.
League dates are August 6 - August 11, 2007.
3 games per day at: 6:00, 7:30, and 9:00 pm.
*Excludes opening day and playoffs

The Texas Summer Basketball League ("TSBL") is entering its 1st year as the premier summer showcase for the best basketball players in the state of Texas. The League is the sole summer stage upon which both current semi-pro basketball and undiscovered players perform. It is the medium through which both raw and experienced basketball talent can maintain and hone their skills through competitive league play.

Every TBL team will participated in the TSBL throughout its inaugural season. Not surprisingly, TSBL will serve as a launching pad for many great basketball careers. Over 100 current and former semi-pro basketball players will participate in the League this summer. No basketball organization in the world possesses the quality and diversity of great competitors that the League has. Former high school All-Americans, international teams, and the greatest basketball players in Texas--the Texas Summer Basketball League has it all!
The TSBL Tryout Camp is available to anyone over the age of 18 that is not participating in NCAA basketball and will take place on August 4-5, 2007. The tryouts will consist of skills tests, practices, and pro-like games. Each player will be assigned to the same team and have the same coach throughout the Camp. Participants will be evaluated by coaches and the TSBL selection committee.

The Tryout Camp is for those who have the skills for a professional basketball career, but have not received the exposure that their talents deserve.

On the final day of Camp, participants will be given an evaluation (written and verbal) by their coach. Every effort will be made to give each participant his selection status at that time. The 2007 Texas Summer Basketball League at the Metro Charter Academy in Arlington, Texas will begin on Monday August 6, 2007 and conclude with the championship game on Saturday August 11, 2007.
How to Get Into the TSBL
1. League Tryout Camp
2. League Direct Entry

Direct Entry participants must meet one of the following qualifications:
1. Been invited to, or attended, one of the following (2007) post-season camps: Texas Invitational, Texas Classic, Texas Pre-Draft.

Summer Pro League Advantages
Besides providing a summer basketball forum for TBL luminaries, the TSBL serves as a showcase for lesser-known young talent. These players use the League as a vehicle to fulfill their dreams of playing professional basketball.

TSBL provides these players with an basketball platform upon which they can exhibit their basketball prowess to the scouts from the TBL and every other major professional league in the world.
• Scouts from the NBA, NBDL, CBA, USBL, ABA, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Australia will be invited and attend the Texas Summer Basketball League.
• League games are available on videotape through the Video Scouting Service.

Tryout Camp Dates / Costs
DATES OF TRYOUT CAMP
Saturday, August 4 - Sunday, August 5, 2007
Location: Metro Charter Academy 1111 Gibbons Street, Arlington, Texas 76011

DATES OF SUMMER PRO LEAGUE
Monday, August 6 - Saturday, August 11, 2007
Location: Metro Charter Academy in Arlington, Texas

Costs
Regular Entry:
$100 before July 15; $150 after

We DO NOT offer refunds after accepting the payment or before the start of the camp, whichever is sooner.

Payments must be made in the form of a Cashier's Check, Money Order, or Cash.
No personal checks accepted!
*Times, Dates, and Location Subject To Change

Please send all payments in the form of Money Order to:
Texas Basketball League
804 Lynnfield Dr.
Arlington, Texas 76014

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What's the difference between the league and the tryout camp?
Players who try out in our camp from August 4-5 will compete for a spot on a team that plays in the actual league from August 6-11. Only if you make one of the teams will you play in the league. When you play in the league, you will play at least 3 games you're your team comprised of other tryout campers.

2. If I don't make one of the teams do I get a full refund?
No. The $100 fee is to try out in our TSBL camp. You do not receive any refund if you don't make it. If you do make one of the teams, there is no additional fee to play in the league.

3. Does the SPL pay for my food, hotel, plane, transportation, etc.?
No. You will need to pay for your own food and plane ticket. Hotel discounts for the Texas Summer Pro League are given at the Holiday Inn Express and the Crown Plaza. Transportation from the airport to Arlington is provided. There will be free shuttles to and from the gymnasium to the airport and hotels. Free transportation will be provided by the TSBL for all games at the Metro Charter Academy in Arlington.

4. How much does the camp cost?
It costs $100-$150 if late, to try out.

5. What do I do after I have paid and submitted my online application?
You will receive a conformation letter in the mail explaining where you need to be and when. You will show up at the Metro on August 4 at 1:30pm. After you pay, you should call either the Holiday Inn Express or the Crown Plaza (numbers are above) and make your hotel reservation.

6. Do I receive a discount if I refer a friend for the tryout camp?
Yes, ask about our new Friend Referral Program!

TEXAS BASKETBALL LEAGUE'S COACHES CLINIC 2007 -by Charles Johnson
Friday, July 20 - Saturday, July 21,2007
Metro Charter Academy - Arlington, Texas

Featuring Troy Dunn, Texas Basketball League - Jacoby Hamilton, Texas Basketball League - James Martin, Texas Basketball
Additional speakers from AAU And BCI sponsored programs will be announced upon final confirmation

Registration & Exhibitors: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Friday - 1st Session begins @ 7:00pm Friday evening
Admission price: $25 Day of Clinic
Pre-registration: *$10 Pre-registration per person by check or money order
Clinic includes: Texas Basketball League coaches folder, coaches notes, door prizes & raffle gifts

Hotel accommodations & information:
Holiday Inn Express: $99.00/nite - call 817-803-6186 for discount
Crown Plaza: $109.00/nite - call 817-803-6186 for discount

Mail pre-registration checks to:
Texas Basketball League - 804 Lynnfield Dr - Arlington, Texas 76014
On-line registration starts July 1st:
texasbasketballeague@yahoo.com


TEXAS BASKETBALL LEAGUE ANNOUNCE SPORTS MODELS AUDITIONS -by Charles Johnson
AUDITION INFORMATION:

THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE PART OF THE MOST POPULAR SPORTS MODELS GROUP IN SEMI-PRO BASKETBALL? Warm weather, an elite basketball and The Most Popular Sport Models Group in the semi-pro basketball. It's true that Dallas attracts the most radiant and talented young women looking for an "in" into the entertainment industry. Being a Sports Model can afford you this distinctive opportunity.

The Ladies of Distinction will set the industry standard in terms of sizzle! If you're dynamic, well spoken, and talented, and you have the drive and dedication that it takes to be part of The Most Popular Sports Model group in the semi-pro basketball, then come and audition to be a part of the Ladies of Distinction!

Date:
Saturday, August 4th, 2007, Registration 9:00 pm, Free Parking

Location:
Sherlock's Baker Street Pub, 254 Lincoln Sq # Sc, Arlington, TX -

Note:
Must be 18 years old by July 29th.
Please bring resume and head shot (Not necessary)

REQUIRED ATTIRE: A black dress form-fitting outfit is mandatory.
NO BAGGY CLOTHES: Please wear FULL make up. Black high heels (no exceptions).



REQUIREMENTS: All models must be at least 18 years of age by July 29th. Bring resume and head shot (not returnable). All models must have flexible evening schedules for rehearsals, games, and appearances during the season. All models for 2007-08 seasons will be required to attend several community/charity appearances.

Cost:
$15 (Cash only)
• Complimentary parking available
• Get feedback and tips on your session
• Receive pointers on hair, makeup and costuming for auditions
• Question and answer session with current Ladies of Distinction models
and Models Director Jamie McCullum and/or Krystal Williams

For more information, please call Jamie McCullum or Krystal Williams, at (214)231-6462 or email: ladiesofdistinction@yahoo.com

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TRINIDAD

One On One With Victor "Voot" OGarro -by Don Farrell
I was privilege to have an interview with one of Trinidad and Tobago's national basketball legends and Hall of Famer Victor "Voot" O'Garro.



Q How long have you been in the Cayman Is,and why did you leave Trinidad for Cayman Is?
Voot:.I am in the Cayman Islands 12 years and 6 months.The reason I left
Trinidad was {1} I had an opportunity to build a program from the
ground up
using my knowledge and experience and to prove to myself that I have
the
ability to achieve that goal and at the same time enhance the lives of
others using the sport as a vehicle,additionally my compensation
package was
worth the deal.


Q:What is your portfolio in the Cayman Is ?
Voot: I am the Technical Director and National Coach.


Q: Have you seen talent on the island for college scholarships?
Voot: Yes,the talent is here and with the close proximity to the USA it's
additional bonus.
Q: Do you coach any of the national teams or even club level?
Voot: Yes,I coach both at national and club level.


Q: How's the infrasture for basketball ?
Voot: The infrastructure at present needs to be enhanced however,actions
are
being taken as we speak to rectify same.At the end of this year a multi
purpose indoor facility will get off the ground.


Q:Do you see yourselve returning to Trinidad to help the development of basketball?
Voot:That is very possible but it all depends on my family situation.


Q:What is your fondest memory playing for Trinidad and Tobago natiional team?
Voot: Visiting and playing in China , Dominating the then Regional
Tournaments
and having the opportunity to interact with teamates from all over the
country.


Q: Do you think we have regress since your time in the '70's/early'80's in T&T in terms of basketball?
Voot:YES,because the knowledge of the sport is sadly lacking.I am aware
that
the present administration is putting programs inplace in most areas of
the
country to enhance the sport,but the participants including thr
technical
personel must come together and participate in these programs share
their
knowledge willingly in order to take the sport to another level.



Q:What do you think T&T basketball needs to go to the next level?

Voot: RECOMMENDATIONS JUST A FEW

[1] T&T needs a basic system that all coaches must teach to their
begginers
so that when they arrive at the national level the national coach will
not
have to waste precious time reteaching basics that should have already
been
taught and learnt.

[2]All coaches in your national tournaments should attain a level one
FIBA
CERTIFICATE or higher in order to participate.

[3]An organized MINI basketball program in school and or communities
should
not be compromised because that is the key for a sound base.


Q:Now I know you have two sons who are doing extremely well in the sport.If they were giving the opportunity to represent T&T,will you encourage them or would you prefer they represent Cayman Is ?
Voot: My sons are already representing the Cayman Islands.



Voot on behave of Eurobasket,we will like to thank you for this interview,and wish you and your family all success in the future.

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TURKEY

Khalid El-Amin Back To Turkey -by Serdar Ortakuyu
Former Besiktas Cola Turka point guard Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) who won the MVP award twice during his days in Istanbul and also led Azovmash to championship titles in Ukraine over the last two seasons, is moving Ankara to play for Turk Telekom. The Ankara representative also landed their former shooter Bekir Yarangume (198-F-79) who had a good year at Banvit.
TBL newcomers Antalya BSB announced the agreement with Banvit swingman Ersin Gorkem (198-F-77) who averaged 9.6ppg and 3.0rpg on 54.8% shooting last year.

Demirel And Oner Withdrew From NBA Draft -by Serdar Ortakuyu
Fenerbahce Ulker and Turkish National Team point guard Hakan Demirel (192-G-86) who averaged 2.4ppg, 1.2rpg and 1.7apg in Japan last summer and Alpella's Caner Oner (200-F-87), registered 12.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3apg and 1.3spg in 06/07 TBL season, both withdrew their names from the 2007 NBA Draft list.

Tanjevic At Fenerbahce Ulker -by Serdar Ortakuyu
Bogdan Tanjevic, the head coach of Turkish National Team, signatured a 3 year deal offered by Fenerbahce Ulker and thanked Aydin Ors for leaving him a very good team during the press meeting and added "We are going to have a 3 year plan. Most of the players are still young and in two or three years they will take big responsibilities." Tanjevic who will also continue his service at Turkish National Team stated his new job will never effect the national team.

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USBL

USBL POST SEASON INFORMATION ANNOUNCED -by John Gary
courtesy oursportscentral.com THE USBL Post Season Festival will take place from June 28-July 1 in Enid Oklahoma at the Mark Price Arena. A pool format will be used to divide the six teams into two pools of three. Seeding will determine which team will be assigned to which pool. Each team will have a guarantee of two games and a tie breaker system will be used in case teams are tied withh 1-1 records. The championchip game will follow three days of pool play with games on thursday through saturday begining at 5:30 pm cdt and no later than 8pm cdt, at 2pm cdt on sunday afternoon.

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VENEZUELA

U17 South American Championship (Gameday 4): Argentina and Venezuela to the Finals -by Francisco Vega

Guanare, Portuguesa.- The NT of Venezuela, kept its undefeated path into the Finals of the XX South American Championship at Ciudad de Guanare Gymnasium in Guanare, Portuguesa state, by leaving behind Uruguay. Argentina surprised Brazil in a tight match and will get a chance to defend their chrown against the hosts. Meanwhile, Peru defeated Chile to earn fifth place in the tournament and Colombia did the same over Ecuador to get the seventh spot.

VENEZUELA 79 -URUGUAY 45

Quarter by quarter

VEN: 24-15-16-24= 79

URU: 10-9-14-13= 45

Top scorers:

VEN: Josmar Acevedo (190-F-90) (190-F-90) 17 points, Gregory Echenique (208-C-90) 14 points, Yonaiker Ecker (179-G-90) 10 points

URU: Cristian Tissierre (196-C-90) 10 points

ARGENTINA 64 - BRAZIL 63

Quarter by quarter

ARG: 23-15-14-12= 64

BRA: 20-18-15-10= 63

Top scorers:

ARG: Pablo Orlietti (206-C/F-90) 16 points, Matias Nocedal (193-G-90) 13 points, Ramiro Iglesias (186-G-90) 10 points

BRA:Andre Silva (180-G-88) 16 points, Vitor Benite 15 points

PERU 78 - CHILE 73

Quarter by quarter

PERU: 16-26-21-15= 78

CHI: 20-15-19-19= 73

Top scorers:

PERU: Alex Romero 19 points, Guillermo Quiroz (191-F-90) 17 points, Jose Lopez 15 points

CHI: Pablo Coro (190-G-90) 21 points, Osven Ledezma (202-C-90) 15 points


COLOMBIA 67 - ECUADOR 66

Quarter by quarter

COL: 21-13-10-23= 67

ECU: 8-19-22-17= 66

Top scorers:

COL: Juan Almario (192-F-90) 23 points, Gilo Hawkins (198-F-90) 11 points

ECU: Carlos Malatay (180-G-90) 18 points, Wilson Orozco (181-G-90) 14 points, Mauricio Bahamonde (186-F-90) 14 points


STANDINGS

Group A

Venezuela 3-3-0= 6

Argentina 3-2-1= 5

Peru 3-1-2= 4

Colombia 3-0-3= 3

Group B

Brazil 3-3-0= 6

Uruguay 3-2-1= 5

Chile 3-1-2= 4

Ecuador 3-0-3= 3

5th place: Peru

6th place: Chile

7th place: Colombia

8th place: Ecuador

Next Games (Monday 6-18)

Brazil-Uruguay (6.00 pm)

Venezuela-Argentina (8.00 pm)



LPB 2007 Finals - Game 3: Guaiqueries woke up at home, defeated Cocodrilos 87-74 -by Francisco Vega
Guaiqueries de Margarita woke up at home and shortened Cocodrilos de Caracas's lead in the LPB 2007 Finals to 2-1, with an 87-74 win at Ciudad de La Asuncion Gymnasium, in Margarita Island.

Alex Quiroz (185-G-75) netted 21 points to lead Guaiqueries alongside Chris Jackson (208-C-81), with 17 points and 18 rebounds and Rogers Washington (202-F-77) with 17 points. Guaiqueries won the first quarter 21-15, lost the second one 15-11 but still held the lead towards half time by 32-29. In the third, the three-pointers netted by Washington and Quiroz gave them a 28-18 run for a lead of 60-47 into the final 10 minutes of play. Then, they just administered the lead to tie 27-27 and end up with a final scoreboard of 87-74.

"The teams that defend always get a chance. If Guaiqueries wants to have any option in this series, the players must keep defending the way they did in this match. For us, this victory is now behind and all our energies should be focused on our next game. That's our next mission", said the excited coach of Guaiqueries, puertorrican Julio Toro .

Guaiqueries caught a total od 43 rebounds, 10 of those in the offensive side of the court, and they also delivered 23 assists and blocked 9 shots.

"If we can stop the offensive transition of Cocodrilos, in which Edgar Moreno is vital, and we can slow down the three-pointers of Victor David Diaz, Henry Paez and Tim Jones, the games will be a lot more accesible for us", said Margarita's guard Carlos Cedeno (194-G/F-85).

For Caracas, Kevin Freeman (201-F-78) scored 17 points and Victor David Diaz scored 15 points.



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Women News

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FRANCE - Women

NT: U21 France lose game one to USA -by Leslie Anderson

France 59 - 82 USA (13-17, 23-19, 7-31, 16-15)

A 3rd quarter collapse by France (7-31) was more than enough to hand the first game to the visitors from the USA. With Sandrine Gruda and Isabelle Yacoubou back in the squad, the major objective of this 3 match series is to fine tune certain aspects of the game and not necessary the victory.

After a closely fought first half with both sides having their moments, things went wrong for France in the 3rd period, first on the boards as they gave up rebound after rebound and secondly the usually tight defence become rather porous. France recovered their composure during the final period but with the damage already done could not get themselves back into the match.

Sandrine Gruda hit 13 Points for France



NT U18: France going from strength to strength but Russia players walked off the court -by Leslie Anderson

Another good weekend work out for the U18 team with 2 more victories. On day one they held off a spirited Polish side (66-61) with Sarah Michel and Melanie Plust both scoring 12-points each. The second match against the Czech Republic was one way traffic as France (93-44) comfortable won their match with Plust and Michel leading the scoring.

The final match between France and Russia was to end in extraordinary circumstances just before the end of the second period as France hit Russian (18:2), the Russian coach then called a timeout with 61 seconds remaining before the break. He then ripped into his players and before anybody knew it the Russian players left the court never to return. It was not a nice way for the match to end after a very close first period with France holding a slim advantage (18:4)


The final 12 will be named this week and they will head off to Italy at the end of the week for their last matches before heading off to the European championships



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INDIA - Women

Junior National basketball championships semifinals : June 17th -by Kislay Mishra
Chhattisgarh 80 (Pushpa 28, Manjeeta 10, Kavita 10) bt Karnataka 53 (Krutika 16, Reeth 15, Sneha 14);

Delhi 61 (Pratima 24, Raspreet 16, Akanksha Singh (-89) 10) bt AP 38 (Kavljit 16); Kerala 56 (Anu K.S. 15, Seena 10, Ashey 10) bt Punjab 36 (Sukhjinder 12, Harneet Kaur 11).

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LUXEMBOURG - Women

Alain Marchetti fatally injured in bus crash. Entire basketball world of Luxembourg mourns from this tragic loss. -by Alex Meyers
Alain Marchetti 31, former Amicale point guard and Head Coach of Amicale Steinsel womens team, died of wounds suffered after the bus he was riding in crashed into the back of a huge truck which was on the side of the highway. Marchetti, a school teacher, was with his class on a field trip to Paris. Apparently, the driver of the bus lost his focus and crashed into the back the truck. Alain had a great career as a player for Amicale. He was known for his ability to shoot the deep three and was an intense sportsman and competitor. As Head Coach of the Amicale Steinsel womens' basketball program, he was driven and passionate keeping his teams' focus at the highest level possible and playing with a much intensity. He will be sorely missed. Eurobasket.com extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Alain Marchetti and the entire Amicale Steinsel basketball community. We are all deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Alain, May You Rest In Peace!

Saunders will not return to Basket Esch! Transfer update!! -by Alex Meyers

Jaynetta Saunders (179-G-79, college: Texas A&M), who led Basket Esch to the title again this year will not return. The all-arounder scored an average of just over 23 points per game. Apparently she is heading for Poland to play for KK Row Rybnik.


20 year old Romy Primc of Etzella, a combination guard is leaving Etzella and will be playing next season for Basket Esch. The 1,65m Primc has good defensive quickness and can sometimes effectively shoot the three.

Coach Jean-Charles Grezault is leaving BBC Schieren and will be coaching for BBC Mamer next season. Grezault will be replaced by former Etzella player Amadeo Dias. Dias spent last season on the Etzella men's bench as assistant for Mathias Eckhoff. Following Dias to Schieren will be Linda Nettis and Jill Schroeder of Etzella and also joining the team will be Celine Marcus of Rebound Preitzerdaul.



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MOZAMBIQUE - Women

Preparation to the Alger games -by Carlos Pereira
The national women team begin is preparation for the Alger Games.
Players
ISPU - Ana Flavia Azinheira, Ana Branquinho, Aleia Rachide, Tânia Wachene, Vaneza Junior, Eduarda Chongo, Amelia Macamo e Iracema Ndauane.
Ferroviario - Ruth Muianga, Janete Monteiro, Ondina Nhampossa, Carla Silva e Deolinda Gimo.
Desportivo - Valerdina Manhonga, Anabela Cossa e Nadia Rodrigues.
USA - Deolinda Ngulela e Marcia Mpfumo.
Germany - Nika Gemo.
Italia - Clarisse Machanguana.

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NEW ZEALAND - Women

Gemma Kerr outscores Lisa Pardon for a win -by Eurobasket News
Two New Zealand players met on the court as the Kilsyth Lady Cobras took on the Launceston Tornadoes in the SEABL action. The Lady Cobras were stronger and handed the Tornadoes a 92:76 loss. Gemma Kerr produced 12 points (4/6 FG, 2/3 3pt, 2/4 FT), 4 assists and 4 rebounds in a winning effort. Lisa Pardon (173-G-82, college: Oregon St.) had 11 points (3/7 FG, 2/3 3pt, 3/4 FT), 3 assists and 2 boards in a loss. Earlier in the week Launceston fell short to the Ballarat Lady Miners 81:85. Lisa Pardon chipped in 24 points (9/18 FG, 6/7 3pt), grabbed 5 rebounds and dished out an assists in 37 minutes of action. Tall Fern Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe was unable to lift her Frankston Lady Blues to a win over the Southern District Spartans. The Lady Blues were beaten 61:73 to fall to 3-17 record in the SEABL ladder. Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe provided 8 points (3/17 FG, 2/3 FT), 4 steals and 2 boards in 34 minutes on the court.
Meanwhile Shannon Proffit had another double-double as her Maroochydore Clippers defeated Gladstone Power 81:60. Former Junior Tall Fern nailed 13 points (5/9 FG, 3/3 FT), grabbed 14 rebounds and made 3 blocks to help the Clippers improve to 8-2 record for the season. Earlier Maroochydore rallied past the Bundaberg Bears 75:53. Proffit contributed 4 points (2/8 FG), 3 rebounds and 1 assist in 31 minutes of action. The Clippers occupy the second spot in the ladder just behind the Townsville Flames.

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PARAGUAY - Women

Olimpia and Sol de America advance to Finals -by Gianni Pascucci
Olimpia and Sol de America will play the Final Series of the Female First Division starting from Sunday 24. Olimpia defeated 2-0 in semifinals Felix Perez Cardozo (74-49 and 68-54), and Sol de America prevailed over Universidad Catolica, sweeping the semis 2-0 too.

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POLAND - Women

-by Pawel Szatkowski


New sponsor and new players in Torun -by Jay
Nova Trading Torun is changing their name because of a new sponsor. The club from now on has name - MMKS Energa Katarzynki Torun. With a new sponsor came to Torun new players. Energa signed Emilia Lamparska, who is playing in a national team, the same as Alicja Perlinska and Anna Marczewska.

Also Joanna Chelczynska (176-F-73) is getting back to Torun. That experienced shooting guard player used to play in Torun where she was born.

It is not the end of transfer revolution in the "city of Nicolaus Copernicus". The president announced that in the next season Energa will have a new coach - Dariusz Raczynski - assistant of a first coach from Polfa Pabianice in last season. What`s more MMKS is still looking for a forign shooting guard and a center who would help them in fight for a top 3 in Poland.

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ST.VINCENT - Women

Impressive digits for Sophia Young -by Eurobasket News
St. Vincent basketball talent Sophia Young (186-F-83, college: Baylor) keeps the right pace with the San Antonio Silver Stars in the WNBA. The Silver Stars opened this season pretty confidently and now are at 5-4 record. Sophia Young started in all 9 games played and was a key to success in almost all of them. San Antonio posted 2 wins and lost 2 outings in the WNBA action in June. They started this month with a 78:68 away from home win over Seattle. Sophia Young contributed 11 points (5/11 FG, 1/3 FT), 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 block in a win. Later on San Antonio faced the Western conference leaders Sacramento and lost 57:74. Sophia Young had 9 points (3/5 FG, 3/3 FT), 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists in a losing effort. The losing skid continued when San Antonio fell short to Chicago 60:70 at home. Young scored 15 points (6/17 FG, 3/5 FT), grabbed 7 rebounds and blocked a shot but had little help from teammates.
However in the last encounter San Antonio reminded why they are considered one of the Western favorites. They edged New York 79:71 on the road and improved to 5-4 record. Sophia Young was among the topscorers for the game. She nailed 21 points (6/12 FG, 9/11 FT) and grabbed 4 rebounds in 31 minutes of action. Sophia Young raised her average stats to 14.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

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TAIWAN - Women

Akita Noshiro Tech, Taiwan HBL Girls' All-Stars win 2007 IHBT -by Chris Wang
Led by 198cm center Yuki Mitsuhara, who had 15 points and 14 rebounds, Japan's Akita Noshiro Technical High School beat Taiwan HBL All-Stars 92-79 to win the men's title of the 2007 International High School Basketball Tournament in Taipei.

Mitsuhara, who is on Japan's U-18 national team, was named MVP of the tourney and led the tournament in rebounding and blocked shots. Takumi Hasegawa added 13 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists.

Taiwan was led by point guard Yang Cheng-lun's 22 points and 7 assists.

Kitsilano High School edged Samil Commercial High School (South Korea) 79-76 to finish the third-place in the boys' group.

In girls' group, Osaka Kun-ei Girls' High School of Japan beat Taiwan HBL All-Stars 71-60 in the girls' group title game. Okcheon Commercial High School won third-place while Kitsilano High School ranked last.

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WNBA - Women

Connecticut losses fourth in a row -by Eurobasket News
Connecticut - Chicago 74:87

The Connecticut Sun continued their unpleasant record losing the fourth straight game. This time they were defeated by the Chicago Sky at home. The Sky were up by 6 points at halftime 40:34. However the hosts had a momentum at the start of the third frame to surge ahead 17:4 and took the lead 51:44. Margo Dydek and Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, college: Temple) bounced back with a 7:2 run and Chicago retained the lead with less than 7 minutes to go in the game. Dupree added another 11 points at the dying stage of the game to seal a win for the visitors. She led the Sky with 28 points and 8 rebounds at the end. Stacey Dales (6'0''-F-79, college: Oklahoma) added 17 points and Dominique Canty secured 14 for the winners. Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) poured in 22 points and grabbed 12 boards to pace the Sun. Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota) had another 12 points and 10 rebounds in a loss. Connecticut outrebounded Chicago 38:31, but converted just 50% of free throws. They also committed 19 turnovers and were slow offensively scoring just 4 fast break points.
Connecticut fell now to 4-6 record and face New York at home on Wednesday. Chicago are at 6-5 record and take on Sacramento in their next fixture.

Connecticut: Asjha Jones 22 points + 12 board, Lindsay Whalen 12+10 boards, Katie Douglas 9
Chicago: Candice Dupree 28, Stacey Dales 17, Dominique Canty 14, Chasity Melvin (6'3''-C/F-76, college: N.Carolina St.) 10.