Eurobasket Daily News Report: 6/26/2007

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/26/2007

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Men News

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ABA

Frostheaves' Martin Announces Retirement -by Joe Pietaro
Dana Martin, who was a major contributor for the ABA champion
Vermont Frost Heaves, has announced that he is leaving professional
basketball. The 6-3 guard played in 30 games last season and averaged
more than 50 percent shooting from three-point range. Martin will
pursue a career in the financial services industry.
"This past year has been more than a dream come true," Martin
said to reporters. "To be able to do what I love in front of the
people who mean the most to me, I couldn't have asked for more. I
will truly miss the owners, coahes, players and of course fans of
Vermont. This past year has changed my life in so many ways and I'll
never forget the experience."
The Skidmore College alumni will continue the Dana Martin
Basketball Camp, now in its seventh year in Martin's hometown of S

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AUSTRALIA

NBL: Townsville re-signs Michael Cedar -by Gauthier Gerard
The final spot on the McDonald's Crocodiles 2007/08 roster has been filled with the announcement that local product Michael Cedar (195-G-86) has re-signed with the club for another year. After rising through the McDonald's Sharp Start Program, the 190cm guard earned a rookie spot on the Crocs roster in 2005/06 and has completed two seasons with the club. More recently, Cedar has spent the off-season building up his strength and performing solidly in the QABL.
source: NBL

McDonald's Crocodiles CEO Ian Smythe was confident that the young player's best was still yet to come.
“We are committed to nurturing local basketball talent in the twin cities and we believe that Michael has the goods to become a genuine NBL player. He has a lot of untapped ability and we believe that his best is still yet to come,” Smythe said. “The signing of Michael is also a boost for Kelvin (Robertson) and will see him step up to the plate as our starting point guard. We have faith in Kel to get the job done and it is the right time in his career for him to take on more responsibility.”

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AUSTRIA

Eurobasket-Awards for the OEBL Season 2006/07 -by Stefan Heinrich

Shavies

Mayes

Ray

Williams

Suljanovic

Player of the Year: Deteri Mayes (189-G-74) of Allianz Swans Gmunden
Guard of the Year: Deteri Mayes
Forward of the Year: Shawn Ray (193-F-80) of Kapfenberg Bulls
Center of the Year: Ramiz Suljanovic (206-F/C-79) of Kapfenberg Bulls
Newcomer of the Year (domestic player and U22): Moritz Lanegger (188-G-90) of Kapfenberg Bulls
Most Improved Player of the Year (domestic player): Armin Woschank (184-G-82) of Kraftwerk Wels
Bosman Player of the Year: Samo Grum (194-G/F-79) of Worthersee Piraten
Import Player of the Year: Shawn Ray
Domestic Player of the Year: Thomas Schreiner (195-G-87) of BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers
Defensive Player of the Year: Shawn Ray
Coach of the Year: Michael Schrittwieser of Kapfenberg Bulls

1st Team (5 players both imports and domestic players)

Anthony Shavies (191-G-83) of Worthersee Piraten

Deteri Mayes

Shawn Ray

Armond Williams (196-F/C-82) of Macabido Oberwart Gunners

Ramiz Suljanovic

2nd Team (5 players both imports and domestic players)

Armin Woschank

Jay Youngblood (196-G-84) of Kapfenberg Bulls

Ian Boylan (198-G/F-83) of Allianz Swans Gmunden

Trevor Gaines (201-F-80) of BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers

Kevin Martin (208-C-83) of Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg

All-Domestic Players Team (5 players)

Armin Woschank

Thomas Schreiner

Christian Kollik (203-G/F-80) of BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers

Davor Lamesic (205-F-83) of Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions

Matthias Mayer (206-C/F-81) of Allianz Swans Gmunden

All-Imports Team (5 players)

All-Bosmans Team (5 players)

Damir Zeleznik (190-G-80) of Kapfenberg Bulls

Samo Grum

Pavel Stanek (203-F/C-76) of Kraftwerk Wels

Selmir Husanovic (200-F-78) of Worthersee Piraten

Ramiz Suljanovic

All-Defensive Team (5 players)

All-Newcomers Team (5 domestic players and U22)

Moritz Lanegger

Thomas Schreiner

Lorenzo O'Neal (188-G-88) of VIVA 49ers Mattersburg

Robert Wagenlechner (210-C-87) of Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg

Heinz Kugerl (209-C-86) of Kapfenberg Bulls

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BARBADOS

“BULL-DOZED”; Cavs dethrone Bulls to move on to final -by Justin Marville
Who says there is no love between Station Hill and Clapham?

After being dethroned in the first round of the playoffs last year by their old rivals in three games, the Cavs made sure the favour wouldn't go unreturned, winning last night's series clinching Game 3 71-58 to put an end to the Bulls' brief title reign.

Now after settling the score with Clapham, the Cavaliers have a bigger task at hand; how to beat the “well oiled machined” that is the Lumber Company Lakers? The top seeds are currently on an impressive nine game winning streak, including their two-game sweep of the Sonics and haven't lost since May 3rd.

However, the Cavs can take solace in the fact that they were the last team to beat them and that victory came in their star player Andrew Alleyne's first game back.

But with the finals not starting until Thursday, Station Hill will have all the time to prepare for the upcoming gruelling five game series…and to bask in the glory of another victory in their high profiled rivalry with the Bulls.

One of the biggest problems this season for Clapham has been the squad's offensive futility in the half court, resulting in the Bulls' dependence on transition points from turnovers created at the other end of the floor. But with the Bulls starting the decisive Game 3 without their accustomed half court trap or full court pressure on defence in the first quarter, they played right into the Cavaliers' hands.

Sitting back in a zone and concentrating on containing Alleyne in the low blocks, Cavs combo guard Corey Williams made Clapham pay for focusing its defensive efforts on the inside, torching the Bulls for 14 first quarter points, nine of which came on treys.

Clapham didn't fare much better at the other end as forward Alvin Padmore was the lone Bulls player to get going in their dreaded half court offence, and he too struggled somewhat, going two for six from the floor in the period while reigning MVP Jeremy Gill went just one for four from the field.

Trailing 11-24 after a woeful first quarter performance, Clapham's offensive futility carried over to the second, going scoreless for the period's first three and a half minutes thus resulting in Jason Smith and Junior Moore leading Station Hill to open the quarter by scoring 12 unanswered points, blowing the game wide open.

The Bulls would finally show some sort of interest in the game midway through the second quarter, responding with a 10-0 run of their own by forcing turnovers through their favoured half court trap with Gill having a much better offensive performance, reducing the 25 point deficit to 21-36 with 3:20 left in the half.

But Clapham would struggle once again after coach Barry Rock called off the trap, only adding a further two points in the quarter as the squad turned over the ball ten times the entire second quarter and allowing the Cavaliers to close the half on a 9-2 surge and extend Station Hill's lead to 22 points, 45-23.

During the intermission Cavaliers' coach Adrian Craigwell would have had his boys prepared for a huge burst of energy from the Bulls to start the third quarter, but to the disappointment of those who expected a thriller in Game 3, that burst never came.

Despite forcing just as many turnovers as the Cavaliers had points in the third (eight), and having swingman Halley Franklyn do all he can to breathe some sort of life into Clapham's stagnant offence, the Bulls would only manage to get within 15 points of their rivals during the third quarter as the rest of the squad continued to play as flat as a lake.

Franklyn scored nine points in the period, but with his team-mates going a combined three for nine from the floor for just six points the Cavs were able to enter the fourth leading 53-38.

It was then that Station Hill decided to put an end to their rivals' misery. A subsequent 7-2 Cavs run to start the fourth quarter stretched the lead to 20 points and ended any hopes of a Bulls miracle as Clapham suffered a complete meltdown in the most important period of their season.

A late game full court press from the Bulls and a hot hand from guard Nicholas Jones gave the desperate dethroned champs one last glimmer of hope but it would only serve to make the game's score-line respectable as the Cavaliers were clearly in cruise control, guided by Errol Pollard's nine fourth quarter points.

Williams finished with a game high 18 points, Smith scored 17 while Alleyne chipped in with 14 points and nine boards and Pollard added 10 points. Cavs forward Junior Moore continued his breakout season by pulling down 14 boards in the series clinching win.

Gill led the Bulls with 14 points, but shot a woeful five for 16 from the field, while Franklyn was the only other Clapham player in double digits with 12 points.

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BELGIUM

Liege Transfer News -by Peter Buyse

Belgacom Liege Basket as the team is now known has signed Larry Owens (201-G/F-83, college: ORU) for the upcoming season.
Owens a graduate of Oral Roberts played the past season in the French ProA league for Stade Clermontois.

Owens played 34 games for Stade and averaged 10.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 2.3 apg.

While at Oral Roberts his team won the MCC regular season and tournament in 05-06

nd he Owens was voted to the All MCC 1st team and All Tournament as well as selected MCC defensive player of the year.

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BELIZE

Play-offs will comence on June 29!!! -by David Magana
Standing of the BBA 2007 Semi-Pro Basketball season. The play-off will comence on June 29.

The four teams are:

1. Belize Bank Bulldogs
2. San Pedro Tiger Sharks
3. Orange Walk Eagles
4. BNE Oilers

The play-off will be a best of three, played on a home and away basis.

1. Game 1 - Friday June 29 - Belize Civic Center - 9:30 pm
Belize Bank Bulldogs vs BNE Oilers
2. Game 1 - Saturday June 30 - San Pedro Roman Catholic school - 9:00 pm
San Pedro Tiger Sharks vs Orange Walk Eagles.

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BRAZIL

Universo Opens 2-0 lead in Final Series, Franca still trying to find an answer. -by Rogerio Bringel

Brasilia - DF, Brazil - Franca entered game 2 with a different attitude and a set strategy - stop Universo`s run and gun game and make them work in the low post; in the offense, pound the ball inside to Estevan and Murilo, load Universo with fouls and kick it out for the precise jumpshots of Helinho (29 pts) and Matheus (10 pts) whenever necessary. It seemed the strategy would work, and in the first half what we were able to see was the complete dominance by Franca and Universo`s incapacity of playing a good half-court oriented game, with a confusing passing game and hesitation in hitting the open jumper.

But in the third period Universo put the game into high gear and did what they do best. Run. And they ran and smothered any hopes for a victory of Franca. All the starters of Universo were able to contribute with double figures in scoring, with PG Nezinho and C Luiz Fernando pacing the team with 15 points apiece. At the defensive end, LatinBasket MVP Alex Garcia and Cipriano were able to hold Lang and Murilo and had huge participation in steals and blocks, not to mention defensive rebounds.

In sum, it was a game Universo needed to prove the half court game and they were able to do it in the first half by going into the locker room with a 37X36 lead playing Franca`s game. Universo was able to close the game at 87X69.

Now it remains to be seen wether Universo will handle the pressure of playing at the "pressure pan" as the Pedrocao Arena is known, not to mention the Franca fans and all the tradition of Franca Basketball. Nevertheless, Universo has a golden chance of closing the series and bringing the title back home and making history for the nation`s capital.

LATINBASKET GAME MVP - Helinho Garcia (186-G-75) (FRANCA) 29PTS, 1 STL 2 AST

GAME 3 FRANCA X UNIVERSO
WEDNESDAY - 20:00 AT FRANCA`S PEDROCAO ARENA

From Venezuela to Colorado Springs... -by Gustavo Cardoso
The Brazilian U17 boys didn't do well on the U17 South American Championships at Guanara Portuguesa, Venezuela, last week. After one month of practice in Londrina and Sao Paulo, the squad coached by Saviani and assisted by Cadum, a former Nat'l Team forward, succumbed in the semis to the Argentineans.

So far so good. It was a one point game (63-64), and Matias Nocedal and his boys were dreaming about revenge since last November in Montevideo (U16, read the last column). Besides, Pablo Orlietti, the 6'9 forward/center, has developed his game and took some of the pressure of Nocedal's back, generating some problems to the Brazilian big men.

The real problem was the bronze medal game. After crushing the Uruguayans in the qualifying round, the Brazilians played badly and lost a key game for the future of this generation (1990). A win would give Brazil the chance to play in “Copa America”, so it could later try to qualify for the U19 World Championships. Good for Uruguay!

Not enough time to shed tears as the kids boarded a plane from Venezuela to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for an intense week of games against the top high school players in the United States. Five contests, five 30+ point losses, one lesson: our kids must eat a lot of black beans before they can play top level basketball.

I'm not into negative thinking though. The tourney put the Brazilians to task against 30 of the most promising NCAA future stars. Guards like Jrue Holiday, Cory Luscious, and Tyreke Evans, and forwards and centers like Greg Monroe, Delvon Roe, and Al-Fariq Arinu, true stars of the hoop world. Kids that envision success in the NCAA courts, and a probable NBA draft selection in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013.

As you can realize the test was great, and the opportunity was unique. As stats show, some of the Brazilian kids, like Vitor Benite, a Rio Claro guard, Andre Silva, a Franca forward, and Cesar Mapelli, a EC Pinheiros forward stand out were able to take full advantage of the situation by playing above expectations.

All three of them were in Montevideo last year, where Vitor and Andre took on leadership roles. Vitor shows a level of maturity hard to be found among kids his age (16, 17), and a very serious look on his face with dedication written all over it. Andre too. Soft spoken, relaxing gait, and Franca-experienced.

The ‘special case scenario' through, is on Cesar Mapelli. In 2006, he played a supporting role in the U16 South American Championships due to an injury during training sessions in Uberlândia, Minas. In Venezuela, last week, he also played minor roles when compared to his teammates Andre and Rodrigo Silva, colleagues in the paint.

However, in Colorado Springs, playing against tougher opponents hard to be found (impossible?) in South America, Cesar was Saviani and Cadum's ‘go to guy' averaging 21.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 assists in 31 minutes per game. Impressive numbers that will at least get him some looks from NJCAA and NCAA scouts.

Congratulations, but let's not get caught up on isolated facts. I invite you to take a deeper look into our team.

Brazil still struggles on its back court game, a key aspect of sound basketball. To be able to handle well possession under tough defense has always been one of the toughest tasks in the game, especially when facing USA squads. Bigger and stronger, American kids seem to have enough stamina to play 90 minute soccer matches with basketball intensity.

In Colorado Springs, Brazilian guards had an average of 2.9 turnovers and 4.9 efficiency points (Brazilian Basketball Federation uses the following formula to analyze stats: < points + rebounds + assists + blocks + steals > - < missed field goals + turnovers >) while American guards averaged 2.8 turnovers, but 17.9 points in efficiency. And what an efficient group of guards they had!

They were much more active than our guards not only in scoring but in every key aspect of the game, capturing 45% of their team's rebounds (against 34% of the Brazilians), dishing 76% of the assists (against 71% of the Brazilians who averaged 2.7 per game versus 4 by the Americans), denying 36% of all blocked shots (against 26% of the Brazilians), and stealing 65% of all stripped balls (against 38% of the Brazilians).

In summary American guards were all over the court. In order to strengthen its overall game, Brazil has to better its guard game by forcing its kids to be more active in the game as a whole and more calm, but objective, when handling possession under strenuous defensive systems. The fact that our big men are not as agile as kids like Delvon Roe, and Greg Monroe, is another key factor that should make our game more guard-focused (as far as efficiency, not scoring or rebounding).

Our kids must learn how to practice and play under pressure. These are important pre requisites for the development of great guards and that's how Argentina and Spain strengthened their game and became international basketball powerhouses. Look at Delfino, Ginobili, Prigioni, Calderon, Navarro, and so many other classic examples.

The Brazilian ‘efficient 5'

Vitor Benite, 6'1, guard (1990), 9.6 efficiency points (e.p.)
Rafael Alves, 6'7, forward (1991), 8.2 e.p.
Andre Silva, 6'7, forward (1990), 15.3 e.p.
Cesar Mapelli, 6'7, forward (1990), 20.4 e.p.
Augusto Lima, 6'9, center (1991), 13 e.p.

The Tournament's most efficient

Greg Monroe, 6'9, forward (class of 2008), USA White, 33.4 e.p.
Delvon Roe, 6'8, forward (class of 2008), USA Blue, 32.8 e.p.
Tyreke Evans, 6'4, guard (class of 2008), USA White, 26.6 e.p.
Jrue Holiday, 6'3, guard (class of 2008), USA Blue, 26.2 e.p.
Devin Ebanks, 6'8, forward (class of 2008), USA Red, 26 e.p.
Scotty Hopson, 6'5, guard/forward (class of 2008), USA Blue, 23 e.p.
Ed Davis, 6'6, forward, USA Red, 22.2 e.p.
Al-Farouq Aminu, 6'8, forward (class of 2008), USA Red, 21.8 e.p.
Lance Stephenson, 6'4, guard (class of 2009), USA Red, 20.6 e.p.
Cesar Mapelli, 6'7, forward (1990), Brazil, 20.4 e.p.

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BRIT.V.ISLANDS

BVI to face Bayamon -by David Edole
This Friday night is all star weekend in British Virgin Islands Basketball federation play but this night may be a bit different. The BVI high flyers will take on a professional basketball team from Puerto Rico when the Bayamon Cowboys come calling. The Cowboys finished the regular season with a 14-16 record and missed the second phase of play which is the round robin round. The Cowboys will be led by point guard Alvin Cruz, scoring stud Alejandro “Bimbo” Carmona and former Memphis Tiger center Ivan Lopez.
Some of the national team members representing the BVI in the historic game are Steve Parillon (196-F-78, agency: Sanni Hoops, college: Henderson St.), Randy George (200-F-81, college: Henderson St.), Kennedy Bass (196-F, college: Anderson), Halstead Chiverton, Trevon Lewis, Jovaughn Cameron (186-G), Houston Penn (198-F/C, college: McKendree), Chaurbin Smith (178-G), Eric Mathias and Kleon Penn (211-C-87).
BVI is prepping the team for Caribbean Basketball Championship that will be held in Caguas, Puerto Rico from August 6-12. BVI has been placed in Group B with Cuba, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Puerto Rico. BVI last played in the tournament in 2002 and finished in seventh place. That team was consisted of David Lettsome, Trevon Lewis, Jovaughn Cameron, Kennedy Bass, Steve Parillon, Randy George, Keith Malone, Edred Stoutt, Trevor Stevens, Dwayne Penn, Anthony Bobb, and Eric Mathias. The team was coached by Morris Wattley.

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BULGARIA

What a tragedy for our basketball -by Vladi Lazarova
Sunday, 24th June. The time is 5,30 in the morning. In a moment Bulgarian basketball and especially CSKA lost everything. The president of the club Vladimir Fedyaev and General manager Emil Cohen died in a horrible car accident in France. Both of them found the death instantly. Their BMW crashed with more than 150 km/h into a bus full of people on the road close to Rennes. 24 people in the bus have been injured, but all of them survived. Only a week ago, again in France, Fedyaev and Cohen also survived in another terrible car accident near 350 km from Paris. Then they drove in a flood rain and didn't see a big truck in front of them. A week ago Vladimir and Emil got off safe only with few scars on their bodies. Yesterday, they didn't. Yesterday was their last day.
Cohen Group company appeared in Bulgarian basketball in March 2006. They saved Men's team which was on a verge of bankruptcy and they revived Women's team after 30 years absence. For 12 months “Red” women made a historical treble - title in their debute in Adriatic League, titile in Bulgarian championship and gold for the Cup. In the squad played one of the best Bulgarian female players and two well known Americans from WNBA - Latasha “Tot” Byears and Tiffani Johnson. Less than a month Cohen signed another two US players from WNBA - Kara Braxton and Deanna Jackson and have been close to Serbian playmaker Stankovic.
“Red” men finished with silver in the league and bronze for the Cup. For them Emil had bigger ambitions to build a strong European level team. He signed Erick Barkley a month ago and Larry Ayuso - one of the biggest starts of Puerto Rico.
Cohen Group was responsible for Bulgarian women's National team which has a very important qualification tournament this summer.
Bulgarian basketball is empty and deserted. These people will always stay in our hearts with their true and crazy love for the game.

Rest in peace, dear friends!

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CAPE VERDE

Mario Jorge MVP Summer League -by Pedro Gomes

The Summer league for the Portuguese Professional team is under way.
We highlight the Cape Verdean player, Mario Jorge (190-G/F-77), who is playing very well. His team Belenenses beat Barreirense 47 to 41, while claiming the MVP for the game.

Joao "Betinho" Gomes workouts for Bucks, Wolves and Pistons -by Pedro Gomes

Next stop Portland Trailblazers and Boston Celtics

Joao Gomes (199-F-85) continues at this moment in the U.S.A., with the possibility of being chosen in the NBA 2007 Draft. The Cape Verdean born player has been in the US since Monday (18/06/2007), and already has worked out for the Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons.

After the performance at the Rbk Eurocamp 2007 in Treviso (Italy), Betinho was invited by NBA teams for personal workouts. Workouts are specialized trainings where the coaching staff of a NBA team gets the chance to evaluate closely the players. With several exercises to test their basketball skills, and their mental capabilities, to better know the athlete, and its personality

Joao "Betinho" Gomes initiated his NBA workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks, where the head coach Larry Krystkowiak could confirm the scouting report that was furnished by their scouts of Betinho. Although some natural nervousness, Betinho had a decent workout and confirmed reason for the invitation. The team left open the possibility of a second workout if Betinho's agenda can allow it. Betinho still had time to talk with the Bucks player Bobby Simmons, which congratulated the Cape Verdean on the workout, and wished him luck on rest of his workouts.

Minneapolis was the next stop, where the Timberwolves staff awaited him. The team has been following intently the career of Betinho, and during the year, the Timberwolves had sent scouts to see him play in the Portuguese league. Free from the nervousness of the first day, he converted on most of his jumpshots. His overall performance pleased the Timberwolves coach Randy Wittman. Betinho worked out with top college athletes, who will also be in the draft, Acie Law IV (Texas A&M) and Taurean Green (Florida).

Next destination: Detroit. Betinho showed that his participation is in growing and continued the good performance before head coach Flip Saunders. With more familiarity to the NBA workouts, Betinho became more confident each time, and was able to demonstrate his excellent outside shooting and his decisions on the offensive and defensive end. Detroit Pistons has an excellent history in choosing international players, led by their scouting director Tony Ronzone, who discovered in Europe players like Mehmet Okur. Reason for which it is no surprise the invitation for Joao Gomes “to be given workouts” by the Pistons. Ron Harper, NBA Champion for the Lakers and Chicago with Michael Jordan, is one of the assistant coach for Detroit. He was more involved in Betinho's workout, transmitted several advice to the player.

Betinho will continue with the workouts this week, next will be Portland Trailblazers and than Boston Celtics (where there is a huge Cape Verdian Community). These teams are well aware of the Cape Verdian player talents, with reference from the Rbk Eurocamp 2007; they had manifested their interest to Bairrerense right after the camp ended.

The 2007 Draft of the NBA will take place in the mythical Madison Square Garden in New York, June 28.

http://basket.fcbarreirense.pt

Predio Team - Regular Season Results -by Pedro Gomes

Predio CVT 76-53 BAIRRO

Predio CVT 78-70 SEVEN STARS

Predio CVT 71-40 AMIBASKET

Predio CVT 94-28 BOAVISTA

Predio CVT 63-76 ABC

Regular Season Points Average:

Players Game 1 Game 2 Game 3 Game 4 Game 5 Total Avg.

Mario 2 DNP DNP 0 0 2 0.67

Tita 4 14 10 12 14 54 10.80

Lili 8 20 14 3 8 53 10.60

Pedro Gomes (To) 11 20 28 DNP 16 75 18.75

Lamine Delgado 17 DNP 6 8 10 41 10.25

Edmir 8 10 0 21 7 46 9.20

Ademar 12 4 2 0 DNP 18 4.50

Nuno Santos 2 4 1 12 0 19 3.80

Zeca 12 6 DNP 19 8 45 11.25

Zagaya 0 0 9 17 0 26 5.20

Julio 0 DNP DNP DNP DNP 0 0.00

Pedro DNP 0 1 2 0 3 0.75

http://www.predio.cv

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CBA

Wedman brings a wealth of championship experience to Explorers -by Eurobasket News
When I heard a few weeks ago that Scott Wedman might land the job as coach of the Great Falls Explorers, I said to myself:

"Didn't I see that guy play basketball years ago?"

When I met Wedman Monday afternoon, a few hours after he accepted the job guiding the Continental Basketball Association club here, I mentioned to the new coach:

"I think I saw you play basketball years ago."
You couldn't have blamed Wedman if he had responded:

"Hey, buddy, thousands of people have seen me play basketball. I played 13 years in the NBA, and had a great career at Colorado University before that. If you saw me play basketball years ago, join the club."

But he didn't. Wedman was kind enough to hear my little story of a trip to Arizona many years ago that included watching Wedman and his Kansas City Kings battle the Phoenix Suns in a playoff game at the old Memorial Coliseum.

Up close and personal, Wedman is still an imposing figure. He's 6-foot-7, and even though he recently underwent a hip transplant, he's a guy I have to look up to. Way, way up.

But in my first impression, Wedman wasn't so big. In fact, none of the Kings or the Suns were very big that night. Not from where we were sitting.

Here's the story, and I'll try to be brief:

In the spring of 1981, a friend of mine, Sonny Ritz, and I took a little drive, stopping in Las Vegas for a few days to golf and gamble before we headed to Arizona. There, we met up with Great Falls pals Brett Bennyhoff and Blaine Gaub, who reportedly were attending institutions of higher learning. Bennyhoff was playing golf at Scottsdale Community College, and Gaub — a former basketball team manager at the College of Great Falls — was finishing up his degree at Arizona State University.

We talked Brett and Blaine into skipping a few classes to play golf with the Montana tourists. That didn't seem to impede their academic progress — Blaine is an attorney in Tucson these days, while Brett operates his own accounting business here.

It so happens the Kings and Suns had a playoff game while we were in Phoenix, but only Blaine and I were interested in going. Of course, we didn't have tickets, but Blaine assured me if we could get inside the building, we would find a place to sit.

He was only half-right. We got in the arena (for less than $20, if I recall), but the best we could muster were standing-room seats behind the basket — in the balcony, no less.

From there, guys like Wedman and 6-9 Alvan Adams of the Suns looked like miniature figures. And because the guys in front of us also were standing, we didn't see much basketball that night.

History reveals that Wedman and his Kings won that playoff series in 1981, and went all the way to the Western Division finals before losing to the Houston Rockets in five games. Wedman didn't mention this, but he averaged 20.5 points per game that season in 15 postseason games.

Wedman enjoyed his best statistical years with the Kings, making the playoffs four times and averaging about 18 ppg. But he enjoyed his best team success with the Boston Celtics, where he won two world championships in a reserve role.

Those are the kinds of memories we hope Wedman brings to the Great Falls Explorers. And when you come to watch Wedman and his team this winter, there won't be any bad seats at Four Seasons Arena.
Courtesy of:http://www.greatfallstribune.com

Yakama coach adds GM to title -by Eurobasket News
Paul Woolpert has always been more than just a coach for the Yakama Sun Kings.

A staunch supporter of the franchise and its value to the Yakima Valley, Paul Woolpert has always been willing to do whatever necessary to help the franchise succeed on and off the court.

That became evident again recently, after the team's hiring of Matt Tomaskin as general manager hit a snag. With Tomaskin stepping aside following reports of an internal dispute within the Yakama Nation, the Sun Kings were left without a front office leader.

Enter Paul Woolpert .

The coach said he offered to assume the GM duties and found out this week that the Nation liked the idea and offered him that position in addition to his coaching responsibilities.

"I think we needed to take advantage of what we've done the last few years, and make a positive step in preparing for next season and beyond," Paul Woolpert said Tuesday.

An official announcement is expected sometime next week, after a new contract to incorporate both the GM and coaching duties is completed, Paul Woolpert said.

Ralph Sampson Jr., Tribal Council member and chairman of the Nation's Overall Economic Committee, confirmed the move Tuesday evening, adding that Paul Woolpert 's vast CBA experience will be an asset in all facets of the franchise.

"Mainly the fact that he's experienced with the CBA," Sampson said of Paul Woolpert 's value as GM. "And the exposure (with sponsors) is there. He brings with him a whole history of this franchise."

With the move, Paul Woolpert will become the first dual coach-GM in Sun Kings history.

Paul Woolpert 's first move will be to complete a previously planned hire and bring former player Richard Dionne on board.

"I'll bring on Richard Dionne and have him come on and work as a liaison between us and all the other tribes," Paul Woolpert said. "We need to get them on board."

Beyond that, Paul Woolpert expressed a goal of previous GMs -- the need for additional corporate support.

"Obviously, I think the basketball side of it is solid," Paul Woolpert said of a Sun Kings team that has won the past two CBA championships. "We need to really work toward increasing revenue.

"Our fan base is fairly solid. We really need local businesses to step up, and we need more corporate sponsorships."

With no formal experience as a GM, Paul Woolpert knows he has a learning curve and has to work quickly to get up to speed. To that end, Paul Woolpert plans to meet with former GM Rich Austin in the coming days, and adds that Austin will be available for consultations in the future.

Despite the added duties, Paul Woolpert said it won't detract from the basketball operations.

"It will not affect my ability to scout at all," he said, noting that he and assistant coach Tony Fritz will head to Salt Lake City next month to watch players in summer leagues. "I just think we need to take advantage of what we've accomplished (in recent seasons), and it's still just mid-June, so we have a lot of time."

Tomaskin was introduced as GM about a month after the Sun Kings won their fifth CBA championship, when the Nation declined to renew the contract of Diana Juarez.

After Tomaskin's hiring, however, there were complaints from within the Nation about the process.

"It was something that was handled improperly by the Tribal government as far as handling contracts," Sampson said. "We had to go back and recreate (the process) and at that time, Matt chose not to reapply."

Leaving a void that Paul Woolpert has now jumped into with both feet.

MORE CHANGES: Yakama was not the only CBA team making moves Tuesday, with head coaches hired in both Great Falls and Atlanta.

Scott Wedmen, a 13-year NBA veteran, was named the new coach of the Great Falls Explorers, while another former player, Kenny Anderson, was named coach of the expansion Atlanta Krunk.

Wedmen, who retired in 1987, coached Kansas City's ABA team in 2003-04.

"Scott was our first choice when we started the process, and we're excited to have him on board," said Joe Clark, CEO of Apex Sportstainment which owns the franchise.

Anderson, a 14-year player in the NBA, is also a part owner of the Atlanta franchise.

"I'm very excited about being part of the CBA organization," Anderson said in a news release. "Becoming a coach after playing in the NBA has been a goal of mine that I dreamed about fulfilling for many years."

"We are very excited about Kenny's inclusion into our basketball universe," Grammy winning musician Freedom Williams, Krunk majority owner, said in the same release.
Courtesy of:http://www.yakima-herald.com

Great Falls Explorers hire Scott Wedman as new Head Coach -by Eurobasket News
ALBANY, NY The Continental Basketball Association in association with the Great Falls Explorers today announced the hiring of Scott Wedman as their new head coach for the 2007-08 season. Per CBA rules, terms of his contract are confidential.

Scott Wedman comes to Great Falls after a 13-year NBA career. Scott Wedman was the sixth overall pick in the 1974 NBA draft by the Kansas City-Omaha Kings after a stellar collegiate career in Colorado. Scott Wedman played seven seasons with the Kings before being to Cleveland for a first round pick. Scott Wedman then spent two seasons before being dealt to the Boston Celtics where he spent the last five seasons of his career, earning two NBA Championships. Scott Wedman retired after the 1986-87 season, averaging 13.2 points a game for his career and was an NBA All-Star in 1976. After his playing days ended, Scott Wedman coached the Kansas City Knights of the ABA, finishing 23-9 in the 2003-04 season.

“I am glad to be in Great Falls as the new head coach of the Explorers,” said Scott Wedman . “They are a class organization and they do things the right way here. Joe Clark is a great owner, Ryan Acra does an outstanding job, and I am excited to be able to work with them to bring the best players here to Great Falls. I expect nothing but success here in Great Falls. It is a great city and I am happy to be a part of it.”

“Scott was our first choice as our new head coach when we started the process and we are excited to have him on board in Great Falls,” said Apex Sportstainment CEO Joe Clark. “Scott has had success in the NBA as a player and as a head coach in the minor leagues and we are hoping that success continues. His contacts in the NBA and throughout the basketball world will be helpful not only in getting players but also with sponsors and season ticket holders.”

“Scott is an outstanding addition to our coaching ranks,” said CBA Vice President of Basketball Operations Dennis Truax. “He is well respected in the basketball community for his knowledge and work ethic. Great Falls made a great choice in hiring Scott. The fans and sponsors are getting a great coach.”
Courtesy of:http://www.cbahoopsonline.com

Pittsburgh Xplosion to appear at third annual kids expo -by Eurobasket News
The Pittsburgh Xplosion professional basketball team will be on hand to meet and greet fans and friends at the Third Annual Kids Expo on Friday, June 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Butler County Airport .

Hosted by State Senator Jane Clare Orie , the Kids Expo will be comprised of a diverse group of vendors with interests geared to children up to the age of twelve and their families. Attending will be state organizations, fire and emergency service personnel with safety equipment to educate the children, finger painting, bike safety, Disney Radio, special guest appearances from local personalities, and many other surprises to make this day a memorable one for everyone in attendance.
Courtesy of:http://www.pittsburghxplosion.com

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CHINA

CUBA Info. -by Robert Wang
CUBA semifinal hold last night. Hua Qiao College beat Qing Hua college at 91:64. Then hua Qiao goes to the finals. Qing Hua college player Liu Zi qiu got 28 points, 9 rebounds and 3 dunks but still can't save his team since other players played so so . But Hua Qiao players played so well over all. Averagely got over 15 points. On June 27th, Hua Qiao colege will play the first game in Xia Men against Shan Dong college for the finals. Good luck.

Younger player train in USA -by Robert Wang
A young player was voted in Shen Yang yesterday called Huang chen. He is the best player in Shen Yang area and will go to Bei Jing play against other 6 players. and the top 5 players will go to US for a training camp. This is the CBA system that looks for the good potential player to go to the pro. team. Huang is 6'7, 18 years old at SF position. All 7 players are coming from these 5 area: Beijing, Shang Hai, guang Zhou, Xia Men, shen Yang. We will see who would be the top 5 and go to pro. team.

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COLOMBIA

National Men Tournament 2007 - Day 2 results -by Victor Garcia
Day 2 Results:

Antioquia 70
Cundinamarca 57

Santander 67
Boyaca 101

Bolivar 89
Cordoba 75

Atlantico 56
San Andres 79

Valle 104
Norte 99

Bogota 79Caldas 62

National Men Tournament 2007 - Day 1 Results -by Victor Garcia
Bogota, Valle, Antioquia, San Andres, Norte and Boyaca began the tournament with right foot winning their games, Bogota and Valle do it easily against Atlantico and Cordoba, but Antioquia had a hard game against Bolivar, San Andres back in the action after severla years defeated Santader and Norte defeated Cundinamarca in the closest game of the day.

Results:

Valle 88
Cordoba 58

Antioquia 81
Bolivar 72

Boyaca 85
Caldas 67

Norte 83
Cundinamarca 81

San Andres 109
Santander 75

Bogota 113
Atlantico 57

National Men Tournament - 2007 quick look after the first day -by Victor Garcia
The three main favourites confirmed their strenght and won its games in the opening day, but at least three teams show that they can face the powerhouses:

Norte:
Coach Denis Osorio put togoether a good group, very fast in the fastbreak with David Reyes (5-11 G), and also with good perimeter offense from Jose Lopez (6`4" F ), Diomedes Cassiani (6`7" C) is the man to see in the paint.

San Andres:
With some young players and a gruop of veterans, the coach Rodolfo Fonseca (Costa Rica) is playing a very fast style of game, the veterans Lever, Sinclair and Pussey the young ones Michael Jackson, Jorry Downs and Charles Manuel, is a not tall team, but really athletic, still have to play against a favourite to show its real strenght.

Boyaca:
is unvelibeable that a team that put togoether all its players one day before the tournament can play, but Boyaca is doing that, the Coach Tomas Diaz completes its rosterone day before the opener in Bogota, Boyaca won its first two games against Caldas an Boyaca, young ones like Julian Pineda are part of this team.

National Men Tournament 2007 - Standings -by Victor Garcia
Standings after two games:

Group A:
1- Bogota
2- Boyaca
3- San Andres
4- Santander
5- Caldas
6- Atlantico

Group B:
1- Valle
2- Antiquia
3- Norte
4- Bolivar
5- Cundinamarca
6- Cordoba

National Men Tournament 2007 - Groups -by Victor Garcia
Groups:
Group A:
Bogota
Boyaca
San Andres
Santander
Caldas
Atlantico

Group B:
Valle
Antioquia
Norte
Bolivar
CundinamarcaCordoba

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CYPRUS

Interorient Navigation wins the 2007 Philippine Basketball League -by Erodotos Miltiadous
Donald Luzon scored 21 points and Ace Generoso chipped in with 15 as Interorient Navigation from Limassol topped DELL of Nicosia 52-49 to claim the 2007 Philippine Basketball League in Cyprus title on Sunday (24/6) morning in Nicosia.

Both teams went basket for basket from the tip-off, but the Limassol side kept their cool in the last minutes of the game and deservedly captured the championship title.
During the post-game show spectators were able to enjoy in the performances of Wilma, Karen Julongbayan as well as Homeboys and G-girls from Limassol who recently won the dancing competition for the Philippine Independence Day.

The organizing committee then presented a total of 13 awards, which was followed by serving of tasteful Philippine food.

The best team uniform award was given to the team from Larnaca, while Jhovaline was awarded the Fair-play award. Jennyln Honrado, representing MoneyGram, received the PBL 2007 Muse award.

The youngest player award was given to Karl Yulongbayan of Interorient Navigation who is 13 years old, with the Best Coach award also heading to the Limassol side with Marvin Santos claiming it.

The Mythical Five Award was given to Jeffrey Sarimento of DELL, Donald Luzon of Interorient Navigation, Allan Paul de Leon of Jhovaline, Allan of Larnaca and Ronald Ramos of MoneyGram.

Interorient Navigation's Donald Luzon also received awards for the MVP of the league and the Best Scorer. Jeffrey Sarimento of DELL was awarded as the player who scored the most three-pointers throughout the competition.

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DENMARK

Basketball club in Denmark, Jutland is looking for a coach -by Jay
HIC-Bredde is located at Horsens, Jutland and is a club with 230 members. We have 170 youth players divided into 17 teams. The players are between 6 and 18 years old.
The club is in a rising development period where we get more and more youth players. The boys youth department has won the Danish championship, The Danish cup finals and Nordic championship the last couple of years.
In the ambitions of the club we want to start developing girls' basketball. The club has decided that some of the present boys coaches are going to coach the girls teams. In consideration of that, we are looking for a head coach who is going to take care of 5 teams. On every team there will be an assistant coach who is going to help out at games and practices. There will also be team managers who will take care of practical issues such as car pools, official duties, wash of uniforms etc.

HIC-Bredde can offer:
- 675 Euro a month
- Own apartment (one room white kitchen and bath).
- Possibility of working part time till about noon.
- Personal development of own coaching skills.
- Possibility of renegotiate a one year extension of the contract

HIC-Bredde are looking for a person who:
- Has experience coaching youth players
- Can speak English
- Wants to go to a foreign country and experience another culture combined with basketball.

Application containing a personally description of yourself, including your CV.
Deadline for sending the application is August the 1st.
The application shall be send to: bestyrelse@hicbredde.dk
Link to the website: www.hicbredde.dk (only in Danish)

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DOMINICAN REP.

-by Herubey Grassals

-by Herubey Grassals

Los Minas Sweep San Lazaro & wins Distrito Nacional Tournament -by Herubey Grassals

Alberto Ozuna (203-F-82) made 20 points to lead Los Minas to a sweep over San Lazaro to wins the championship of the Distrito Nacional Tournament 90-79, Ozuna also was named finals MVP, Gregory Beltran (195-G-81) finish with 17 points & 5 boards, Manuel Fortuna made 15 points and Eddie Elisma (205-F/C-75, college: Georgia Tech) with 13 points. Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) leads San Lazaro with 22 points and 10 boards. For Los Minas was their 3^rd championship of the history for the franchise.

Reggie Charles (200-F-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) Returns to Cañeros

Reggie Charles last year point leader (21.5) in Lidoba's returns to his former team Cañeros de La Romana in exchange for Alberto Ozuna and Roberto Ferreiras (196-F). Charles played last year with the Cocolos Of San Pedro were he had a great season, this year he played in Macedonia, in Serbia & Montenegro, also played with San Carlos in the Distrito Nacional Tournament.

Ozuna a talented point guard was named final MPV in the Distrito Nacional tournament finished recently, Ferreiras is a veteran power forward with defense skills played with Ozuna in the Los Minas team champions of the Distrito Nacional Tournament.

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: ToPo got more experience -by Rauno Hurmalainen
ToPo, Helsinki will have a very experienced Team and roster coming 2007-08 season. The newest signed player does not make any exception.
Maurizio Pratesi (190-G-75) will make a come back to Top League with a 1-year-contract. Last season Pratesi played in the 1. Division 16 games averaging 20,4 ppg
- 3,3 rpg in 31,3 mpg. On ToPo´s roster there will be also Finnish players like Iiro Tenngren, Panu Majala, Elias Kajander, Jukka Hemdahl and Timo Heinonen.

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FYR MACEDONIA

Slovenia wins the tournament in Kavadarci -by Todor Chalovski
U 20 National team of Slovenia is the winner of the Memorial tournament "Dimitar Gjorgjiev" in Kavadrci. Slovenians won all their three matches and quite deserveably became winners.
During the last day of the tournament, Macedonia hoped for a win against Slovenia, which would have been enough for them to lift the trophy. They were very much assisted by Bulgarias win over Montenegro, which put the newly formed country out of the chase for the title. But, they failed to beat the Slovenians, and finished third eventually.

RESULTS:

DAY 3.

MACEDONIA - SLОVЕNIЈА 72:82

Result by quarters: 24:21; 15:20; 17:15; 16:26.

MACEDONIA: V. Stојаnоvski 1, Mаrkоvski 1, Apcеv, Kоstоski 15, Kаrаkоlеv 15, D. Stојаnоvski 6, Simоnоvski, Nikоlоvski 22, M. Јаnеski, Pеtrоvski, Hristоvski, Nеdеlkоvski 12.
Sеlеktоr: Mаrјаn Lаzоvski.

SLОVЕNIЈА: Pеrkо, Prеldzic 7, Krishtо, Mоcnik, Klоbucаr 16, Mlаkаr 9, Lоrbеk 16, Grusоvnik, Kоshtоmај 2, Krushic 7, Cigоја 2, Vidmаr 23.
Sеlеktоr: Mirsаd Аlilоvic.

MONTENEGRO - BULGАRIА 65:75

Result by quarters: 16:18; 16:14; 15:15; 18:28.

MONTENEGRO: Mаrtinic, S. Shеhоvic 1, Miјоvic 4, Pоpоvic 3, Milаtоvic 2, Sаvоvic 11, Kuvеlic, S. Shеhоvic, Zеkоvic 2, Sturаnоvic 4, Јоvаnоvic 11, Dаshic 27.
Sеlеktоr: Dејаn Rаdоnjic.

BULGАRIА: Nаkоv, Durchеv, Kоlеv 24, Ivаnоv 20, Kоstоv 12, L. Lilоv, I. Lilоv 15, Аvrаmоv 2, Chоlаkоv, Filchеv 2, Fikоv.
Sеlеktоr: Ivаn Chоlаkоv.

DAY 2.

MACEDONIA - BULGАRIА 71:64

Result by quarters: 16:20; 26:7; 18:15; 11:22

MACEDONIA: V. Stојаnоvski 4, Mаrkоvski 1, Simоnоvski 2, Kоstоski 34, Kаrаkоlеv 5, D. Stојаnоvski 5, Nikоlоvski 5, M. Јаnеski, Pеtrоvski, Stеfаnоvski 4, Nеdеlkоvski 9.
Sеlеktоr: Mаrјаn Lаzоvski.

BULGАRIА: Nаkоv, Durchеv, Kоlеv 13, Ivаnоv 13, Kоstоv 21, L. Lilоv 1, I. Lilоv 5, Аvrаmоv 9, Chоlаkоv 2, Filchеv, Fikоv.
Sеlеktоr: Ivаn Chоlаkоv.

MONTENEGRO - SLОVЕNIЈА 71:80

Result by quarters: 26:17; 12: 21; 20:25; 13:17.

MONTENEGRO: Mаrtinic 11, S. Shеhоvic 7, Miјоvic 6, Sаvоvic 4, Milаtоvic 5, Bјеlic, Kuvеlic, Gајоvic 3, Zеkоvic 3, S. Shеhоvic, Јоvаnоvic 3, Dаshic 29.
Sеlеktоr: Dејаn Rаdоnjic.

SLОVЕNIЈА: Pеrkо, Prеldzic 14, Krishtо, Mоcnik 8, Klоbucаr 14, Mlаkаr 11, , Lоrbеk 5, Grusоvic, Kоshtоmај 6, Krushic 4, Cigоја 2, Vidmаr 16.
Sеlеktоr: Mirsаd Аlilоvic.

DAY 1.

MACEDONIA - MONTENEGRO 75:83

Result by quarters: 17:28; 22:18; 16:15; 20:22.

MACEDONIA: V. Stојаnоvski 5, Mаrkоvski, B. Јаnеski 2, Kоstоski 11, Kаrаkоlеv 14, D. Stојаnоvski 14, Krstеvski, Nikоlоvski 18, M. Јаnеski 6, Pеtrоvski, Stеfаnоvski 3, Nеdеlkоvski 2.
Sеlеktоr: Mаrјаn Lаzоvski.

MONTENEGRO: Mаrtinic 3, S. Shеhоvic 12, Miјоvic 2, Pоpоvic 4, Miјаtоvic, Bјеlic, Sаvоvic 23, Gајоvic, Zеkоvic 7, S. Shеhоvic, Јоvаnоvic 2, Dаshic 26.
Sеlеktоr: Dејаn Rаdоnjic.

SLОVЕNIЈА - BULGАRIА 79:63

Result by quarters: 23:20; 17:11; 24:12; 15:20

SLОVЕNIЈА: Pеrkо, Prеldzic 12, Krishtо, Mоcnik 15, Klоbucаr 10, Mlаkаr 11, Lоrbеk 6, Pticаk, Chigоја 2, Krushic 10, Brcinа, Vidmаr 13.
Sеlеktоr: Mirsаd Аlilоvic.

BULGАRIА: Nаkоv 2, Durchеv, Kоlеv 7, Ivаnоv 16, Kоstоv 4, L. Lilоv 3, I. Lilоv 22, Аvrаmоv, Chоlаkоv 1, Filchеv 8, Fikоv.
Sеlеktоr: Ivаn Chоlаkоv.

FINAL TABLE:

1. Slovenia 6 pts,
2. Bulgaria 4,
3. Macedonia 4,
4. Montenegro 4.

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GERMANY

Essen inked Ethan Shaw -by Moritz Korff
Ethan Shaw (203-F-83, college: Detroit Mercy) is the first import player of the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (Pro B). While suiting up for SG Braunschweig in 2006-2007 the defense specialist led the 2. Bundesliga North in Blocked Shots per game (2.8 bpg) and also added 10.6 points plus 8.8 rebounds per contest.

Rasko Katic: Three more years in Tuebingen -by Moritz Korff
Rasko Katic (208-C/F-80) signed a new contract with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen (1. Bundesliga) which will run through the 2009-2010 season. The Serbian big man had several other offers, but deciced to be a symbol for continuity. Katic has been the Tigers' second best scorer (14.1 ppg) and best rebounder (9.5 rpg) during this past season.

Domonic Jones moves to Braunschweig -by Moritz Korff
His team could not avoid the drop to the 2. Bundesliga, but Domonic Jones (186-G-81, college: Va Commonwealth) will stay in Germanys best basketball-league anyway. The 26-year-old Point Guard leaves BG Karlsruhe to play for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig in the upcoming season. With 15.6 points per game Jones has been Karlsruhes topscorer in 2006-2007. He also pulled down 2.9 rebounds every contest and dished out 2.4 assists.

Wolfenbuettel found new playmaker -by Moritz Korff
The Wolfenbuettel Dukes (Pro B) have agreed terms with Song Cun (172-G-82, college: Occidental) on a one-year-contract. The Los Angeles-native is a guard fast as lightning and a very creative playmaker. He scored 21.5 ppg for the Dukes' cooperation-team SG MTV/BG Wolfenbuettel (Regionalliga North) during this past season. With Cun and Sam Betty (201-F-84, college: Occidental) the Dukes chose to fill both spots for import players with products of Occidental College. But nevertheless Cun and Betty never suited up for the Oxy Tigers at the same time, as Cun graduated the year before Betty enrolled.

Pavicevic new coach of ALBA Berlin -by Moritz Korff

Luka Pavicevic was named the new Head Coach of ALBA Berlin (1. Bundesliga). The 39-year-old comes from Panionios Athens to Berlin; he signed a three-year-contract. This means at the same time that HC Henrik Roedl and Associate HC Calvin Oldham have to leave their positions.

Pavicevic, a former National Team Player of Yugoslavia, won the Euroleague with Jugoplastika Split three times in the late 80s and early 90s, side by side with basketball-legends like Toni Kukoc, Dino Radja or Zoran Savic. As a coach he worked in the 1A-league in Serbia (OKK Beograd, Atlas Beograd, Hemofarm Vrsac) and moved to Panionios during the summer 2006. In 2005 Pavicevic was named the Eurobasket.com All-Serbia and Montenegro League Coach of the Year. He also coached the Serbian U20 NT in 2005 and won bronze at the EURO in Moscow. During this past season he led Panionios to the Semis of the Greek league and to the FIBA EuroCup Quarterfinals.

Herten added youngster -by Moritz Korff
Pro B-team Hertener Loewen has given a spot on the roster for the upcoming campaign to youngster Alexander Rosenthal (201-F-88). 18-year-old Rosenthal was the topscorer of IBBA Berlin in the Youth-Bundesliga NBBL (14.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.5 apg) last season as well as for VfB Hermsdorf (2. Regionalliga), where he scored 14.6 points per contest.

Leverkusen add Spoeler-twins as Goldsberry leaves -by Moritz Korff
The Bayer Giants Leverkusen (1. Bundesliga) promoted the Spoeler-twins to the Bundesliga-roster for the upcoming season. Both Tom Spoeler (206-F-88) and Ben Spoeler (206-F-88) has been playing for the clubs' NBBL- and Regionalliga-team so far.
Menawhile, US-Guard John Goldsberry (191-G-82, college: NC-Wilmington) will not return to Leverkusen after the summer-break.

Market News -by Moritz Korff
Nikola Jovanovic (197-G/F-82, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) has extended his contract with the Cuxhaven BasCats (Pro A) for one more year. The 25-year-old came to Cuxhaven during the past season after he beginning the campaign on the roster of the Duesseldorf Magics. He averaged 13.2 points and 2.3 assists per contest.

Sven Klesper (192-G-80), Matthias Wojdyla (199-F-80) and Timo Verwimp (202-F-81, college: Catawba) are going to stay with the Elephants Grevenbroich (Regionalliga West) for at least one more year. This trio played for the Elephants also last season, when the team competed in the 2. Bundesliga.

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GREECE

Transfer news and …. More rumors.. -by Chris Mammides

Olympiakos Pereus agreed terms with the young talented Georgios Apostolidis (199-G-84) while Stratos Perperoglou (203-G-84) will be announced tomorrow, at the same time Angelopoulos brothers with Pini Gershon decided that Barlos and Harissis have no longer a position in the new red roster and they set free. The new target for Olympiakos now is on the positions 3-4.

Panathinaikos is very close to sign the Serbian center Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) (Dynamo Moscow and Malaga are interested too)on the other hand it seems that Pelekanos will be traveling to Madrid to join Real Madrid, so one of the unofficial targets is lost for the Greens. It is most certain that Panathinaikos's main target is no other than Spanoulis, which means that all the moves will take place after the negative or positive answer of the Larissa guard.

Panionios lost Coach Pavicevic who will continue in the German league as he sign a 3 years contract with ALBA Berlin, the Nea Smyrni team is looking towards Vangelis Agelou (ex assistant coach of Dusan Ivkovic) and Argiris Pedoulakis

Egaleo will not continue the cooperation with Giorgos Sourlis (190-G-85) and Manos Papadimitriou while is very close to sign Andrae Patterson (204-F/C-75, college: Indiana)

Panellinios is very close to Brian Bracey (201-F-78, college: Oregon)

Xanthi agreed terms with head coach Giorgos Zafiroudis,

Peristeri is close to sign a well known Greek ex national while the management dismiss Tzougarakis, Evangelos Morfis (193-G-85), George Bozikas (193-G-76), Loukakis, and Giorgos Kalamaras (203-F-86) and Giannis Dip (186-G-86)

B'Division

Milonas agreed terms with Giannis Dip

Anagennisi/Floga agreed terms with Christos Zarogiannis (203-F-77) ex player of Panorama

Ermis Lagkada agreed terms with Nikos Papanastasiou and Angelos Kostelidis while they dismiss Siolios, Troulialis, Gamouras and Papadopoulos

About the first Eurostar game since 1999!! -by Chris Mammides
FIBA Europe and President of FIBA Europe Mr. Giorgos Vasilakopoulos are organizing for first time after 1999, teh Eurostar game (a game between the European champion NT and a team consisting of European players/stars). The game will be held as a stepping stone for a Basketball institution which will be held every two years, in the home court of the European Champion NT. The game will be between the Greek NT (European Champions of 2005) and a mixed European All stars team. The same institution was existed in FIBA untill 1999, with the split and the separation of ULEB and FIBA the institution simply vanished..

At the 30th of June at OAKA (21.30) the Greek NT against the All Star European Team which will have the following players Dejan Bodiroga (204-F-73), Predrag Stojakovic (207-F-77), Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80), Nikola Vujcic (211-C-78), Lior Eliyahu (205-F-85), Tomas Van Den Spiegel (214-C-78) Sani Becirovic (195-G-81), Ibrahim Kutluay (198-F/G-74), Adam Wojcik (207-F-70), Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80), and Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78).

In the mean time, the Greek star Theodoros Papaloukas (200-G-77) will be receiving his 2006 FIBA Europe Player of the Year award which features the 2005 EuroBasket champions. Papaloukas had a unique 2006 season, highlighted by his performance at the FIBA World Championship in Japan. The gifted guard played a prominent role in Greece's upset win over the United States in the semi-finals with his overall performance and his organisational skills. As a result of his overall play, Papaloukas won the 2006 FIBA Europe Player of the Year, which was determined by a fibaeurope.com fan vote (weighted to account for 30% of the total vote) and an expert panel (weighted to account for 70% of the total vote).

Papaloukas will look to continue his National Team legacy later this year at EuroBasket 2007.

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GUATEMALA

Pollo rey wins again -by Gianni Pascucci
Defeating Le Mans 85-65, Elite Sport-Pollo Rey took the fourth win in a row in Eastern Conference and now lead the table undefeated. Another time more, Walter Morales (184-G-83) was the main scorer, with 22 pts. Teammate Enrique Samayoa (191-F-82), scored he too 22, while Edson Barrios (188-G-78) and Ernesto Rosales led Le Mans with 11 points each

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GUYANA

GABF SUPER EIGHT SEMIFINALS -by Joe Chapman
RAVENS SCORE 63-59 COME-FROM-BEHIND WIN AGAINST PISTONS, PACESETTERS SLAUGHTER BULLS 88-57 ...

As the road to Puerto Rico narrows with each passing game, national club champions Wismar Pistons point guard Nevin Grenville misfired a shot before his side settled in on offense with 34 seconds left to game as his team lost control in the final minute of play after leading for three quarters at 12-11, 29-21 and 48-44 as Ravens snatched a 63-59 come-from-behind win to reach the final of the Guyana Amateur Basketball federation's Super eight knock out championship while city champions Courts Pacesetters tamed the Glands Trucking Service Bulls 88-57 Saturdaynight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
This tournament was another attempt by the local federation to raise funds to assist Guyana returning to the Senior Caribbean Basketball Championships in August in Puerto Rico after last playing at the Caribbean basketball Confederation senior championships in Barbados in 2000..
Ravens and Pacesetters last night squared off for the championship title with the Linden and Georgetown females playing game three of a series which was locked 1-1.
Pistons were able to establish the leads as they looked to reach another final after capturing the national championship recently and with a large Linden following seemed on course for a chance of reaching their second nationwide finals before their engine experienced trouble shooting tin the final strait. With big man Nkossi Gurrick being triple teamed for the most part and ravens being able to get inside with second attempts the former national champions were always in the game as they kept within range of catching the Pistons. Ravens were led to their win through a 13 point effort by Kevin Lawrence with 13 points and guard Darcel Harris with 10 and Damian Liverpool with eight as Grenville and Mark Lewis each had 18 game high points and Trevor Profitt nine and Quincy Jones eight.
In the other semifinal game Courts Pacesetters enjoyed their win in emphatic fashion as they led from the first quarter 20-14 at half time 43-29 and after the third quarter 57-36 before coasting to their 88-57 victory.
Stepping up for the Pacesetters were Stephan Gillis with 27 game high points as Royston Siland had 14 and Naylon Loncke had 11 and Jomo Augustine 10.
As usual Terrence James with 22 and Kurleigh Austin were the best shoots with 22 and 14 points respectively while Ryan Joseph and Joel McKinnon added eights points apiece..

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IBL

Explosion One Game away from West Division Title -by Jay
Everett- The Explosion look to get one win in the last two games to secure the West Division Title in the International Basketball League (IBL) and tonight at 5:00PM Everett takes on Seattle at Bellevue Community College. When the season started few people thought an expansion team would be able to develop such a great chemistry. "We always had plans at winning the division and to get a shot at a national championship." Randy Redwine stated in early March and with a 14-4 record on top of the West Division people are starting to pay attention.

Not even listed as an option on USbasket to win the championship http://usbasket.com/IBL/IBL.asp the Explosion underdog season has gained national respect and attention and the Massey Ratings (used to rank teams in the IBL) have taken notice as the Explosion has moved up to an overall ranking of 3 before tip-off on Sunday against Seattle with a Power Ranking of 1. http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/ratings/?lid=122&tid=1919 Only Salem who defeated Everett by four points early in the season, and Defending IBL Champions Elkhart are rated higher.

With a win tonight Everett may be bringing home a division title to Snohomish County and a chance at a world championship. For information on playoffs and a chance to see the final home game visit the team online at www.explosionprobasketball.com or at 425 339-BALL. With a win tonight the hosting of the IBL Western Division Championship Banner will be planned for 7:00pm on Tuesday June 26th at the Everett Events Center. Tonights game will be covered live at 1380am Espn Radio, or can be listened to online at http://northsound1380.com

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INDONESIA

6-foot-9 Indonesian Thoyib Isman forbids to play for Philippine NCAA -by Hector Santos

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) management committee Sunday decided not to allow University of Perpetual Help Altas to employ 6-foot-9 Indonesian Thoyib Isman after he was found to have played in a commercial league back home.

Mancom chief Paul Supan of the Jose Rizal University said the Basketball Association of Indonesia has confirmed that Isman did play for the Indonesia Basketball League (IBL), a commercial league equivalent to that of the Philippine Basketball League.

NCAA rules disallow players who had previous stints in commercial leagues.

Altas coach Bai Cristobal said they might appeal the case, considering that Indonesia has no other league but the IBL which also takes the place of a collegiate loop.

“There is no malice on our part,” said Cristobal whose charges lost to San Sebastian College, 59-56, in Saturday's opening day third game.

Aside from Isman, another Indonesian, Ryan Frebyan, is playing for the Altas. Frebyan is a 6-foot-6 center.

Due to the competitiveness of the Philippine NCAA, both Isman and Frebyan may consider to play for the Indonesian national team in the future.

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JAMAICA

NBL Weekend Round-up: Lakers continue to slide; Slayers pound Flames -by Leonard Whyte
It wasn't supposed to be this way, but Harbour View Lakers suffered their third straight defeat on Saturday night when they went down 97-80 to Majesty Gardens in the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)/National Basketball League (NBL) at the National Stadium courts. Trailing by 20 points (50-30) at halftime, Lakers were never a serious threat in the second half, as Majestic never let up. Scintillating performances from Kemar McLeish (34 points) and Baldon Todd (32 points and 11 rebounds) helped Majestic improve to 2-1, while Kenardo Wright (29 points) and Cadien Lawrence (20 points) led the 0-3 Lakers.

In the feature game, defending champions St. George's Slayers barely broke a sweat in pounding Portmore Flames 63-41 to drop Flames to 2-2 while improving to 3-1. After a close 12-11 first quarter advantage, Slayers used a 35-18 run over the next two quarters to douse the Flames and take an insurmountable 47-29 lead going in to the fourth quarter. It was clear early that the Flames would not reignite, and the champions cruised to their easiest victory of the season as a result. Howard Daley led the way with 12 points, while Kenardo Smith led Flames with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

In other games played over the weekend, the two-headed attack of Anthony Farquharson (33 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 steals) and Dwayne Harris (19 points) guided Denham Town Wizards (3-1) to an 82-72 victory over Arnett Gardens Rockers (2-3. Farquharson ended with yet another double-double, his fourth of the season from as many games. Arnell Campbell (22 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 steals), and Delano Mallett (18 points) led Arnett. In the final game, Blazing Panthers (2-1) got the better of Running Rebels 79-68, but needed a 29-point fourth quarter effort to secure the win. Lynford Brown led Panthers with 27 points and Kirk Ferguson added 14 points. Paran Brown led Rebels (1-3) with 19 points, and Greg Warlock chipped-in with 14 points.

Samuels named MVP of NBAPA Top 100 Camp -by Leonard Whyte
Charlottesville, VA (June 25, 2007) - Samardo Samuels was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the National Basketball Association Players Association's (NBAPA)Top 100 Camp at the University of Virginia's John Paul Jones Arena yesterday. Samuels, the 6' 8”, 245-pound forward out of St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, NJ, averaged 12.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, including a 19-point performance, despite nursing a hamstring injury and consistently fighting through double teams.

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JORDAN

Jordan in 28th William Jones Cup -by Mohammed Malas
The Jordanian National Team will have a good chance of serious preperations for FIBA Asia Championship (Japan 28 July-5 August) when they take part in William Jones Cup which will be held in Taiwan in Sinjhuang Stadium, Taipei County.

The 2007 Jones Cup, Asia's premier international tournament held annually, will be the 29th edition. Other countries competing in the tournament include: Taiwan, Qatar, Lebanon, Iran, Japan, Korea, Kazakhstan, Philippines and Athletes in Acion (AIA) who will come with ten players representing 8 US NCAA Division I universities. All of the aforementioned countries will be sending their senior men's national teams as they prepare for their Olympic qualifying tournament (Which is FIBA Asia Championship) three weeks later.

# Jordan NT's games schedule in the tourney which will resume until 10th of July:

July 2

Kazakhstan-Jordan

July 3

Jordan-Korea

July 4

Taiwan-Jordan

July 5

Jordan-AIA

July 6

Philippines-Jordan

July 7

Lebanon-Jordan

July 8

Jordan-Qatar

July 9

Jordan-Iran

July 10

Jordan-Japan

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KOSOVO

The schedule for third and forth week of summer league "University Victory" -by Edona Shabani
This is the schedule and the names of official people for III and IV week in summer basketball league “University Victory”:

GROUP A:

III week, 26.06.2007(Tuesday)
Sports Hall “ Sezai Surroi” Prozren

Megabasket - Sigal Prishtina, 12:30
Referees: Valon Duraku, Driton Pupa, Burim Berisha
Monitors: Azem Hoxhaj

Vertikali - Ylli, 2:00 pm
Referees: Xhavit Beqiri, Hysen Hasani, Ilhan Xhaka
Monitors: Azem Hoxhaj

IV week, 27.06.2007(Wednesday)
Palestra e Sporteve “Sezai Surroi” Prizren

Megabasket - Ylli,ora 12:00
Referees: Xhelal Mumini, Burim Berisha, Driton Pupa
Monitors: Hektor Grezda

Vertikali - Sigal Prishtina, 2:00 pm
Referees: Daut Mehmeti, Hysen Hasani, Isa Prebreza
Monitors: Hektor Grezda

GROUP B:

III week, 26.06.2007(Tuesday)
Sports Hall “Karagaq” Peje

Princ Peja - Trepca, 6:00 pm
Referees: Daut Mehmeti, Xhelal Mumini, Atdhe Gocaj
Monitors: Hajredin Zeka

As Prishtina - Mitrovica, 8:00 pm
Referees: Zaim Zenuni, Isa Prebreza, Labinot Belegu
Monitors: Hajredin Zeka

Java e IV, 27.06.2007(Wednesday)
Sports Hall “Karagaq” Peje

Princ Peja - As Prishtina, 6:00 pm
Referees: Zaim Zenuni, Valon Duraku, Ilhan Xhaka
Monitors: Mehdi Gashi

Trepca-Mitrovica, 8:00 pm
Referees: Xhavit Beqiri, Atdhe Gocaj, Armend Sejdiu
Monitors: Mehdi Gashi

SOURCE: www.fbk-ks.com

First official camp of BFK -by Edona Shabani
Basketball Federation of Kosova for the first time is organizing a Summer Camp for basketball players women and men from the ages nine until 18.
The camp will be presented by the American coach from Indianapolis Terry Field, Don Zawolocki, American coach, from Grace Colege, Indiana Lake and Arben Krasniqi the selector of NT.
To work with the participants of the camp are going to be as well the best kosovar coaches.

To demonstrate during this camp are going to be the best kosovar basketball players who play in European and American teams, Edmond Azemi, Arian Maliqi, Florian Rexhepi, Yll Kacaniku.

The camp will take place from June 8 until June 15 20007 in the Center for Public Safety in Vushtrri. It will be a professional work using the American programs with groups of maximally 10 people.
A special emphasis will be for the perfection of individual techniques. During the whole time of the camp, there will be basketball matches, accompaniment, and entertainment.

Every participant will get a basketball ball and two camp T-shirts, whilst other donors will give other gifts. Foreseen are as well rewards for the best participants.
The camp is supported by the Internal Affair Ministry- the Center for Public Safety, Education and Development in Vushtrri, whereas other sponsors of the camp are: Raiffeisen Bank, University” Victory”, Bonita, Algida, Vitaminka- Stobi Flips.
This camp will be supported as well by all kosovar media, electronic and written ones and by Digitalb from Albania.

For more information visit: www.basketbolli.com and clic on Summer Camp 2007

Sourse: www.fbk-ks.com

Another successful referees' clinic -by Edona Shabani
The Referees Commission continued this weekend with organizing clinics for basketball referees.The V ( fifth) clinic for referees which is part of the summer program for professional training was presented by Alexander Milovic FIBA referee form Macedonia.
This clinic was held in the Physical Culture and Sports Faculty and was the last clinic for June.

Referees' Commission estimated highly the clinics organized during June, and they are going to organize other clinic for the coming months.

SOURCE: www.fbk-ks.com

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KUWAIT

Kuwait Teams Ready for Battle -by Sadik Abdullah
Kuwait teams are ready for battle once again. Teams all over Kuwait have addressed their weaknesses and look for new and better competition here in Kuwait. Most teams have got their imports to assist them in going after the Kuwait cup. A list of all imports, for all the teams, will be posted as soon as it is available.

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MALAWI

NOZOBAL:Luwinga Lakers Hammers Nkhulande -by Blena Chisenga
As the Northern Zone Basketball League(NOZOBAL) continues Luwinga Lakers hammered Nkhulande
with 66 baskets to 58 baskets on saturday 23/06/07.

The Luwinga based Lakers outplayed their counterparts by using thier pointguiard Martyn
who dished them good passes and in the first quarter only he scored 15 baskets.

Nkhulande could have made it but they had a problem of getting rebounds.All the rebounds
were taken by Konwani(Luwinga Lakers-center). "I knew we will win coz we have been training
hard" said Martyn in an interview after the game.

During the same day Mzuzu Pistons outplayed Ekwendeni with 75 baskets to 43 baskets. Maya
(Mzuzu Pistos-center) had the game on tight with nobody to stop him with his tall height and all
the rebounds found way in his hands. The Ekwendeni loss was contributed by their ponitguard
who was very young and inexperienced. This puts Ekwendeni on the bottom line since they have
lost all the games so far.

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MARSHALL ISL.

Marshall Islands withdrew from the South Pacific Games -by Gauthier Gerard
The Marshall Islands Basketball Federation registered its Men national team to play in the upcoming South Pacific Games which will be held in late August in Samoa, unfortunatly the country will be unable to send the Men team in Samoa due to financial reasons. Two other eary entrants had to withdraw like the Marshall Islands: Micronesia and Northern Marianas Islands. Finally, 10 teams will compete in the Men tournament.

SPG Men tournament - Participating countries:
American Samoa
Cook Island
Fiji
Guam
New Caledonia
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Tahiti

Early entrants who will not participate:
Micronesia
Marshall Islands
Northern Marianas

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MAURITIUS

Athletes in Action rout Mauritius in second test -by Kristian Santiago
After lossing the first test against a preselection of the national of Mauritius, the college students from the States showed off a superb game and routed the Islanders 94-59 in the Phoenix Gym.Rob Boss and Andrew Dreiling led the visitors from the other continent with 15 points each, while Brian Campbell entertained the 50 spectators with several dunks.
Mauritus suffered from several mistakes made in the first two quarters and only Ghislain Fanny contributed on the side of the hosts with 21 points.
National team-coach Jean-Michel Seneque mentioned that the Americans used their speed to brake down the defense and that his players showed limitations especially on a physical level.

Box Score:
Athletes in Action - Mauritius Preselect 94-59 (31-12, 54-23, 72-37, 94-59)

AIA:
David Perkins (2 points)
Whitney Fletcher (3)
Jonathan Peaslee (14)
Ryan Miller (9)
Tyler Dunaway (4)
Jeremiah Boswell (11)
Jeff Holley (6)
Andrew Dreiling (15)
Brian Campbell (6)
Sean Sweeney (9)
Rob Boss (15)

Preselection of Mauritius
Nicolas Duval (2 points)
Samuel Martin (6)
Thierry Julie (10)
Pascal Prayag (4)
Jonathan Jules (8)
Jason Grenade
Christian Mikale
Ghislain Fanny (21)
Frederic Dubois (3)
Jean-Christmas Jerome
Yannick Hector (2)
Guillaume Julliand (3)

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MEXICO

First 3 players for Cordoba . -by Charles Elwes

The team of Halcones de la U.V Cordoba sign the first players, whit the shocking agreement of Boubacar Aw (197-F-75, agency: Interperformances, college: Georgetown), who was the leader of Ola Roja Del D.F , now comes to be the leader in Cordoba Veracruz. Joining Bouba Aw are Jesus Lopez (203-F-83, college: S.Mountain CC) and Victor Manuel Thomas, who has participated in college in Puebla and played whit the national team.

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NBA

Wrong Direction? -by Alex Yams
The end of the NBA season is here, which signals mass hysteria for teams scrambling to prepare for the upcoming draft, and free agency. One particular organization has been in the media spotlight for quite some time. The Los Angeles Lakers, their temperamental superstar, Kobe Bryant.

Kobe has been in the news as of late publicly voicing his displeasure for the “rebuilding” process the team is going through, and has gone through the past three seasons. Seasons which have been capped off by a collapse in last seasons playoffs against the Phoenix Suns and a near sweep by virtually the same team.

Trade deadlines have past and the Lakers have been unable to get a deal done to satisfy their fans or the leagues 2x scoring champion. Kobe has the right to be upset in the direction of the franchise after inking a 136 million dollar deal; the team has been a borderline playoff team since the departure of “the other guy.”

Jason Kidd, Carlos Boozer, Baron Davis and a host of other perennial all stars have been mentioned as candidates to be Robin in Kobe's Batman act. As Kobe continues to find various creative ways to mock and ridicule Lakers front office executives, both he and the team will have to come to a resolution before the start of training camp. Let's hope the bickering comes to a close and the post Shaq era can finally start.

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NORWAY

Gjerde not first playing GM -by Kaare Vangen
Sometimes we make mistakes and I did one when I announced Morten Gjerde (187-G-75) as the first playing manager in BLNO. A Penguins fan, Torgeir Amundsen, has mailed me and reminded me that Badboni Elsafadi was playing GM for Kongsberg Penguins in 2000 when BLNO started. Sorry Morten, you are a good man anyway. And thank you Torgeir for correcting me.

Badboni Elsafadi has lived in Hungary some years and studied medicine. Rumours now tell that "doctor Elsafadi" is back in Norway. Maybe we will see him on a court soon?

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PANAMA

Navieros won and wait Caimanes to play for the 1st place to Finals.- -by Edgardo Munoz
Navieros de Colon won over Magnates de Calidonia 88-71 and is waiting Caimanes de Rio Abajo to define the 1st place to Finals. Navieros have won all the games at their home, the best scorers by the winners were Reyjavick De Gracia 18 pts. and Jaime Lloreda and Francisco De Hoyos both with 15 pts. by the Magnates were Ricardo Yearwood 19 pts. , Dimas Valentin 15 pts. and Joel Munoz (179-G-80) 14 pts. With this game score Navieros, Caimanes and Magnates are the 3 teams who will dispute the 3 best places of the season. Toros, Jets and Canguros don´t have chance to advance to Semi Finals.

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PHILIPPINES

Asian basketball is hot! -by May Arevalo
It is an exciting time in the Asian basketball scene. With the advent of half-blooded players, foreign coaches, trainers, upgraded game philosophies, and also we hope, unbiased officiating, China's dominance is now seriously being challenged. Yeah yeah Yi JinLian is still going to the NBA and Yao Ming is still in the NBA and China is just going to send their Team B in Japan, still the Asian basketball scene is hot hot hot not just in China, but the whole of Asia.

In the last FIBA Asia Champions Cup in Iran, basketball fans "heard" or have "read" the potential of team Syria with its half Brazilian players and the physicality of the Arab countries like Iran and Jordan with its giant players.

Fans have also "read" about the heart and determination of the Philippine team that did not bring imports. Don't the fans wish that they have "seen" the heroics of the team instead? Don't they just.

Fans are working hard to find information about the other Asian teams online. How is the perenial powerhouse Lebanon and South Korea doing etc. Why? Because the premiere league that is backing up the national team, is not backing up the fans. If the Philippines is really basketball crazy, how come the fans don't get to see international basketball games on free TV, except the NBA, and occassionaly, the final 4 of the US NCCA? Can the PBA at least, give the fans and the RP NT a primer, like that of Manny Pacquiao fights? I love how ABS CBN sends Dianne Castillejo over to Mexico to interview and visit the home of Manny's opponent. Come on, is basketball not the number 1 sport in the land?

If I say that the closest 2, in terms of style, in the Asian basketball scene are the Philippines and Taiwan, only the fans who have internet access would react. Just those who lurk in threads and blogs. If I say that there is this Taiwanese player who moves like Mark Caguioa (188-G-79, college: Glendale CC (AZ)), only bigger, and who goes by the name Lin Chi-Jay (192-G-82), a handful would have an opinion, but generally would not know who I was talking about. If I say that Danny Seigel has a counterpart in Taiwanese basketball by the name of Sean Chen (-G/F), only a little shorter, and perhaps more of a JC Intal and Joseph Yeo combined, some fans might get angry, but again, most would go, "Whoda?!" They are just a couple of reasons why some months ago, Coach Chot Reyes said that team Philippines might not be able to defeat even Taiwan, in that early stage of the Philippine team's preparation. It is a different story now though.

With China hosting the next Summer Olympics, and the Asian nations awakening in an exciting team sports, other than soccer,and Philippine basketball experiencing a rebirth of some sort, the money points to basketball. What is the reason then behind the telecast problem? I just said that it is not money, do not make me say the "I" word again. So
maybe it is the leadership. I am falling in love with the word incompetent. Akk look I said the "I" word again!

By the way if I am not able to get a hold of PBL Commissioner Chino, maybe you could visit his blog, and ask him your questions directly:

http://www.gmanews.tv/blogs/chino-trinidad/

I do not want the word INCOMPETENT to be in the same sentence as the PBA or ABC5 again. TELECAST SCHEDULE PLEASE! -by May Arevalo

About the interview with PBL Commissioner Trinidad, well I sent him a text message, but I have not gotten any reply yet. Don't worry I'm on it. He really is a busy man.

This is the contact numbers of the PBA according to their website, you might want to ask them, IF THEY CARE, about the game's telecast.

186 E. Rodriquez Jr. Avenue, Libis, Q.C.
Telephone No. 6381815, 6381816, 6381817
Fax No. 6347584

And Ram, our friend Hector Santos, posted the RP Team's games schedule and venues in Taiwan, hope your employers are nice enough to give you day-offs.

San Miguel - RP National Team Schedule - 2007 William Jones Cup Invitational -by Hector Santos

Venue: Sinjhuang Stadium, Taipei County

July 2, 5:00 pm
Philippines vs USA

July 3, 5:30 pm
Philippines vs Lebanon

July 4, 3:30 pm
Philippines vs Japan

July 5, 5:30 pm
Philippines vs South Korea

July 6, 3:30 pm
Philippines vs Jordan

July 7, 3:30 pm
Philippines vs Iran

July 8, 5:00 pm
Philippines vs Taiwan

July 9, 3:30 pm
Philippines vs Qatar

July 10, 3:30 pm
Philippines vs Kazakhstan

Credits to Asia-basket Taiwan correspondent, Chris Wang

Philippine NCAA Team loses Indonesian player -by Hector Santos
The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA has lost its Indonesian 6-9 center Thoyib Isman.

Paul Supan, chairman of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) management committee, said on Sunday in a statement that they discovered that Isman played in the Indonesian Basketball League and therefore ineligible to join the Philippine's oldest collegiate league.

"The Basketball Association of Indonesia (BASI) confirmed to the NCAA Management Committee that Isman did play in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL), a commercial league equivalent to that of the Philippine Basketball League (PBL)," Supan said. "Based on the NCAA rule, any athlete who had played in any commercial league prior to his first season is not eligible to play."

"Thus, Mr. Isman Thoyib is ineligible to play in the NCAA," Supan added.

Meanwhile, Perpetual Help mentor Bai Cristobal, in a telephone interview, said that they will appeal the NCAA Mancom decision.

Aside from Isman, another Indonesian, Ryan Frebyan, is playing for the Altas. Frebyan is a 6-foot-6 center.

The Altas has another foreigner, Korean Sang Myeon Lee, in its roster. Lee is a 5'11" guard.

Cristobal did not field Isman during their opening match against San Sebastian College - Recoletos which resulted in Altas 59-56 defeat.

Credits to GMANews.TV

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SERBIA

Lot of new important signings ! -by Dragan Jankovski
After great season in Panionios Athens head coach Luka Pavicevic signed 3-years contract with German giant Alba Berlin. Like a player Pavicevic three times was champion of Euroleague with Jugoplastika Split and he also won 4 titles of Yugoslavian championship. Like a head coach of Hemofarm on season 2004-2005 he got prestigious award “All-Serbia and Montenegro League Coach of the Year Coach” by Eurobasket. With Serbian U20 NT Pavicevic won bronze medal on European Championship in Moscow 2005. Last season with Pavicevic on the bench Panionios reached semifinals of play-off in Greece and played in the quarterfinals of FIBA EuroCup. During the year TAU Ceramica showed big interest for his service but management of Panionios wanted to keep him until the end of the season.

MVP of ULEB Cup and Adriatic league Milan Gurovic (207-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) moved from Crvena Zvezda to Prokom Trefl Sopot who has very big ambitions for the next season in Euroleague. Prokom Trefl already confirmed their biggest ambitions for the next season by signing Gurovic and also Travis Best, Tomas Van den Spiegel, Ruben Wolkowyski and Oscar Torres. Gurovic played two totally amazing seasons in Crvena Zvezda.

BC Swisslions Takovo hired Dejan Mijatovic as a head coach for the upcoming season. In the past Mijatovic used to work in Borac Cacak, Lovcen Cetinje, Beograd and Hemofarm. With U20 NT Mijatovic also participated on Global Games in Dallas 2006.

Swisslion Takovo and power forward / center Dalibor Djapa (206-F/C-84) agreed terms and extended contract for the next season. Before Swisslions Djapa played one year for BC Beograd and 4 seasons in Sinalco Spartak.

Center Dusan Knezevic (207-C-80) moved from Serbian A1 league team Masinac Kraljevo to French Pro B team St Quentin Basketball. Knezevic played last 4 seasons for Masinac and every year was one of their most important players.

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TRINIDAD

Royal Extra Lions roll over BCBA -by Eurobasket News
The Eastern Community Basketball League enjoyed a couple of interesting games recently. The league's defending champs Royal Extra Lions secured a 76:70 win over the Brian Chase Basketball Academy at the weekend. The favorites led 60:44 heading into the final frame. However BCBA answered with a tough defense and cut the lead to 7 points at the dying stage of the game. Royal Extra Lions had to survive some scary moments to deliver another win in the league's action. Ronald Hernandez led all scorers with 24 points for the Lions. David Burton and Anthony Noriega scored 19 points apiece to celebrate a victory. Sadiki Guerra (188-G-87) paced BCBA with 21 points. Richard Guiseppie and Andre Calliste had 13 points each in a losing effort.
Maloney Old School overcame Sangre Grande Young Stars 85:56 in the Second Division. Kirt Pierre scored 26 points for Old School. Keston Vidale produced 21 points for the winners. The Young Stars replied with 15 points from Sean Clarkson.
Laventille Warriors handed in a 54:53 loss to BCBA Veterans. Maloney Pacers outscored Sangre Grande All Stars 76:63.

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TUNISIA

Tunisians soon off to the US -by Kristian Santiago

The national team is heading to Kutztown, NY for twelve days in which the preselection is going to play five different college teams.

Players called up for the trip are:Ali Amri (200-F-80), Naim Dhifallah (196-F-82) (CA), Amine Rezig (198-G/F-80), Majdi Maalaouli (200-C-77), Bechir Hdidane (203-C-84), Mohamed Hdidane (205-F-86) Nizar Kenioua (SN), Hamdi Braa (204-C/F-86), Radhouane Slimane (205-C-80), Walid Dhouibi (184-G-77) (ESS), Atef Maoua (198-F-81), Marwen Laghnej (191-G-86) (JSK), Omar Mouhli (192-G-86) (EOGK), Sliti and Sami Driss (196-G-82) (France).Three players are joining the group : Samy Ouellani (195-G-85) (France) , Mourad El Mabrouk (190-G-86) and Mokhtar Ghayaza.
National team-coach Adel Tlatli pointed out Walid Dhouibi as one of the emerging stars in the league and in the national team after having a pretty good year in the league.The addition of Sami Sami Driss who grew up in Austrlaia befor joining Chalon in France is also reported a good one for the team acording to the coach who followed Sami Driss' career in France for the last two years and is excited to have this talented player on the roster.

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U.KINGDOM

Everton join BBL -by Dave Ryan
There will be a new name in the BBL this season with Everton Tigers joining the top division of British basketball.
The new organisation will emanate from the Toxteth Tigers club that has enjoyed a significant presence in the area for over forty years. They are currently the leading providers of basketball opportunities in Liverpool, reaching over 1,500 people each year. They have also combined with Liverpool Community College to form the Basketball Academy in the city, and boast two current England players amongst their ranks.
Having already added the Birmingham Panthers and PAWS London Capital to the league ahead of the new campaign, BBL Chairman Paul Blake enthused about the latest addition,
"It's great to have another new organisation enter the league. The Tigers are based in one of the UK's major cities, with a great sporting heritage, and the 2008 European Capital of Culture to look forward to.
"What impressed us most about the club's application was their community commitment, building from the grassroots up, and their connection with the Everton in the Community scheme, which is based on a multi-sport approach to development. "We wish them all the best for the forthcoming 2007/08 season."
Everton in the Community Trustee, and Head of Human Resources at Everton Football Club, Gary Townsend said "This is an exciting opportunity for us both in a sporting and community based sense.
"Basketball remains an extremely popular sport and we hope that through the association of Everton we can not only aid its growth but also introduce our club to a wider local and national audience."
Head coach Henry Mooney, a former England men's team assistant coach and one of the founders of the existing Tigers programme, added, "This is an exciting new initiative to provide professional basketball linked to community regeneration.
"Merseyside has not competed at the highest level for many years. This will provide opportunities for local players to develop through Everton Tigers and the Basketball Academy rather than having to move to the USA or abroad."

Jets will fly again -by Dave Ryan
After weeks of speculation, Chester Jets have announced that they will continue to compete in the BBL during the 2007/8 season. The cub's future had been in doubt since the decision of general manager Mike Burton to step down after 20 years.
The new company which has been set up to run the Jets organisation, was born of a group of loyal fans who were determined that one of the great names of British basketball should not be allowed to die. The management team is made up of a number of people with extensive basketball and business experience. These are supported by a big band of loyal, skilled and enthusiastic volunteers.
This positive outcome has been made possible by the generous support of the new principal sponsor - Cheshire based self-storage firm BiG Storage who have pledged not only support for the team but also for the planned extensive community programme.
The team will be renamed BiG Storage Cheshire Jets, to reflect the new club's ambitions to deliver top level basketball to a wider audience across the county and the wider interests of the principal sponsor. However, the club's home will very much remain the city of Chester and Northgate Arena. One of the primary aims of the new set-up will be to establish a community programme throughout the county. As part of this aim, a maximum of three "home" games will be played at alternative venues across Cheshire.
BBL chairman Paul Blake enthused "I am delighted that the Jets are able to continue in the British Basketball League and am confident that the new management group will be able to build on the solid foundations put in place by Mike (Burton)."
There is already great activity underway in terms of recruiting the coaching and playing staff for the coming season. Preliminary discussions with a number of high profile candidates for the position of coach have started and several established BBL players including, but not exclusively, ex-Jets favourites have expressed considerable interest. The club's aim is to put together a squad that will blend youth and experience and will be very competitive in the league.
In addition to striving for success on the court, the club is determined to establish a major and comprehensive community programme of basketball for the young people of the area. The plan is for more than 5,000 school age children to be involved with Jets organised and run basketball-linked activities during next season. Very encouraging meetings with both Chester City and Cheshire County Councils and the education sector has demonstrated widespread support for the programme.
Spokesman Pete Hawkins comments, "We have been overwhelmed by the astonishingly high levels of interest and support that we have received. We are very grateful to those fans who have put their hands in their pockets and paid up front for a season ticket when there was no certainty that there would be a team to watch and to those "Friends of the Jets", supporters of other BBL teams, who have made generous cash donations, to help keep us afloat. We would also like to pay tribute to the BBL for all their support and guidance, in what was, at times, a seemingly impossible uphill struggle. With all that in mind, we are confident that we can live up to all these peoples' trust in us. We have a sound business plan, and we remain convinced that we can offer excellent value for supporters both on and off the court - so the Northgate should once again be full of the committed and enthusiastic support that the Jets have rightly been renowned for across British basketball!"
The Jets were formed in 1986, and entered NBL Division Two - finishing bottom in their inaugural season. Edging up to seventh the next season, they then changed their name to Cheshire Jets, though still continuing to play in Ellesmere Port. They continued a steady mid-table development until, in 1991, they won the Division One title. They then joined the BBL, and changed their name to Chester Jets in 1993 when they moved to the Northgate Arena.

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

Real Thing outlasts One Time (ABA) -by David Edole

The game was billed as the best two big men in the Amateur Basketball Association when Kitwana Rhymer (208-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Massachusetts) and Jabari Brown clashed Saturday night. Both big men did not disappoint as they dunked on each other and blocked many shots. But it was Jabahri Brown (209-F/C-79, college: Oklahoma) and Da Real Thing that came out victorious over Rhymer and One Time, 83-79.
Brown led Da Real Thing with 19 points and 19 rebounds. Jamari Maduro and Kaimaal Richardson chipped in with 16 each and Ricardo Oquendo tallied 14 points. Steve Parillon helped Brown on the boards and finished with 15.
Rhymer led One Time with 20 points (all by dunks) and 20 rebounds. Imbert Prosper also had a double double with 15 points and 17 boards while Kaylen Gregory chipped in with 12 points.

Upcomig Game Schedule

June 25 Ghetto Lions vs. T.W.I.

Run Dem Vs. Jam Squad

June 27 Jam Squad vs. Ghetto Lions

Da Real Thing vs. Jah Youths

June 29 So Ja Se vs. Run Dem

Da Real Thing vs. T.W.I.

June 30 Jam Squad vs. Progress

Jah Youths vs. One Time

So Jah Seh get their first win -by Eurobasket News
So Jah Seh - Ghetto Lions 66:57

ABA action continued on the weekend with a So Jah Seh clash against Ghetto Lions. Having lost opening 3 games So Jah Seh were looking to gain the first victory and the job was done. They drove to a 66:57 win and improved to 1-3 record for the season. Sa Jah Seh had a solid first half and dominated the game. They posted a 33:18 advantage at halftime. Ghetto Lions tried to get back into this one with a 12:3 run at the start of the third quarter. But So Jah Seh quickly returned the game into its previous flow and hold on to a 50:37 lead after three quarters. Leon Daniel spur Ghetto Lions early in the final frame but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. Sa Jah Seh cruised to their first win in the season.
Sa Jah Seh were more impressive under the rims thanking to one of their best performers LaBeet. Veteran centre LaBeet provided 13 points and 14 boards to lead the winners. Navid Jean-Pierre scored 14 points to ensure the winning result. Leon Daniel topscored for Ghetto Lions with 17 points. Shawn Raimer secured 11 points, while Melvin Daniel had 10 in a loss.

So Jah Seh: Navid Jean-Pierre 14 points, LaBeet 13+14 boards
Ghetto Lions: Leon Daniel 17, Shawn Raimer 11.

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ULEB CUP

ULEB Summer League -by Eurobasket News
ULEB Summer League will be held June 28 to July 1 in Jesolo, Italy. This will be an exciting new showcase event for talented players from around the world.
This year the Summer League will have not only the representative from Europe, however from as far away as China, representing the Chinese Basketball Association.
Jesolo is a centre of tourism located in the heart of Northeast Italy. Jesolo is a city of 23,000 inhabitants, part of province of Venezia, situated north of Venice, between Eraclea and Cavallino-Treporti. This small, but cozy place will attract the participants.

Among the Euroleague clubs participating are Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv, Zalgiris Kauanas, Benetton Treviso, Union Olimpija and Lottomatica Roma. Asian continent will have scorers from the Chinese domestic league. Two free agent teams will feature players who were among the top-ranked ULEB Cup scorers last season and who are graduating university stars from the United States.
As it was mentioned earlier ULEB Cup expanded for a huge number of the teams. This year edition of ULEB Cup will most likely have record breaking 54 teams. The competition format than will have 9 gorups by 6 teams each. Draw will take place also in Jesolo.

Thursday, June 28
Euroleague - CBA
Roma - Maccabi Elite
ULEB Cup - Olimpija
Benetton -Zalgiris

Friday, June 29
CBA - Roma
Maccabi - Euroleague
Zalgiris -ULEB Cup
Olimpija - Benetton

Saturday, June 30
Euroleague - Roma
CBA - Maccabi Elite
ULEB Cup -Benetton
Olimpija -Zalgiris

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USBL

Dodge City Claims Fifth USBL Regular Season Title -by Surujh Roopnarine
As a season of instability and uncertainty draws to a close, the Dodge City Legend remains a lone constant. Defeating the Kansas Cagerz 97-96 last night at the Civic Center, the Legend added the 2007 USBL regular season title to their chest. It was the Legend's fifth regular season crown in their seven years in the league and is the sixth time in seven years that the club has amassed 20 or more victories in a season. MVP candidate Chris Sockwell (6'8''-F/C-80, college: St.Francis,NY) led the Legend with 26 points while Anthony Richardson (6'7''-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida St.) paced the Cagerz with 26 of his own. The USBL regular season conclude tonight as the Legend will head to Oklahoma to face the Storm. The USBL Post-Season Festival begins later this week.
CAGERZ: Anthony Richardson (26p+5rb), Cleotis Brown (13p), Anthony Johnson (12p), Lee Benson (9p+8rb)
STORM: Chris Sockwell (26p+8rb), Lincoln Glass (18p+7rb), Elvin Mims (17p+8rb), Desean Hadley (13p)

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Women News

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ADRIATIC L. (W) - Women

New season will start on October -by Zeljko Zule

New season will start on October, 20 and finish on March, 22, 2008. The board can now confirm just 8 of 12 teams from six countries who will compete in the 2007/08 WABA League. Bosnian champion Zeljeznicar and Slovenian champion Hit Kranjska Gora already canceled participation.
2007/08 WABA League:

Bosnia: Mladi krajisnik.

Bulgaria: CSKA Sofia (wild card).

Croatia: Gospic, Medvescak.

Montenegro: Buducnost.

Serbia: Crvena zvezda, Nis Vojvodina.

Slovenia: Merkur Celje.

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AUSTRALIA - Women

U21: Australia defeated Spain -by Gauthier Gerard
Australia U21 Women team, the Sapphires, won its last preparation game before the World Championships 75-68 in Zamora against the host nation Spain. The Sapphires has won their three games in this tournament and will start the World tournament with a great motivation and confidence. We will cover Australia's games during the Worlds day-to-day, the World Championships will start on Friday 29th.
source: BA media

Australia - Spain: 75-68
Jenna O'Hea (185-G/F-87) scored 16 points to lead the Sapphires while Cayla Francis added 10 points and Abby Bishop 9 points in support. Adelaide Lightning guard Renae Camino was awarded the tournament leading point scorer trophy. Spain capitalised on their six offensive rebounds and applied strong pressure inside in the opening quarter with the host nation holding a 17-14 first quarter lead.
Sapphires made defensive adjustments on boxing out which resulted in transition baskets which turned the game. Hitting the front five minutes into the second quarter they went into the half time break 10 points in the lead, 34-24 - a 20 - 7 quarter for the Sapphires. The third quarter was another good one for the Sapphires as the exerted strong defensive pressure. Cayla Francis contributed with some confidence boosting blocks and the Sapphires enjoyed a 20 point lead at three quarter time, 59-39. Spain were determined to eat into Australia's lead and brought the local crowd back to life when they closed the Sapphires lead to 6 with three minutes to go. Sapphires steadied to take out the Championship game and gain the trophy for winners of the Tournament, eventually winning 75-68.

photo: BA media

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FINLAND - Women

NT: Domingo Diaz starts on Friday -by Rauno Hurmalainen
Spanish Domingo Diaz , the new NT Head Coach for Finland, will start his coaching job this week Friday, June 29, 11:30 a.m. at "Suomen urheiluopisto"
in Vierumaki. The very first practice is open for the press and people interested in women basketball.

INTERNATIONAL: Three Finnish Players signed with Gran Canaria -by Rauno Hurmalainen
La Caja de Canarias will be the new Team for three Finnish players coming 2007-08 season. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier), Reetta Piipari (170-G-80, college: Xavier) and Heta Korpivaara (188-G/F-84) have signed with this Spanish Team. Tuukkanen will start her 5th professional season in Spain, Piipari has played two seasons in Spain by now and Korpivaara has recently graduated from Seton Hall University and will start her professional career in Spain.

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FRANCE - Women

NT: U18 Four nation in Caorle, Italy - Day 2 victories for France and Spain -by Leslie Anderson

France beat Italy with yet another physical dominating performance. France set the pace early on and their intensity was too much for the hosts as they lost by 22-points. If France beat Turkey today they will win this tournament.

Spain has to wait until the final quarter to put away Turkey. Both sides had their moments in the first period and the game was tied (33-33) at halftime. Turkey started the 3^rd period stronger and kept Spain at bay for most of the quarter but were not able convert their dominance into points and allowed Spain to remain in the match. Spain showed their class and experience in the final took hold of the game in the final minutes to overcome their opponents. Spain has recovered from their late arrival on Saturday and Turkey played much better than in the opening game against Italy.

France 66 - 44 Italy

Spain 62 - 47 Turkey

NT: U18 Four nation in Caorle, Italy - Day 3 France are the winners -by Leslie Anderson

France have completed their preparation by beating Turkey today (64-41). France victory was set up with a first period blitz (27-9). Turkey spent the rest of the match chasing after the score but was never in a position to trouble their opponents. For Francois Gomez , this ends a successful preparation with only one defeat way back in April to Spain.

In the other match Spain beat the hosts Italy (66-55) to secure second place .

1. France

2. Spain

3. Italy

4.Turkey

Market News: LFB and NF1 updates -by Leslie Anderson

This season I have decided only to write stories about player market news in France after a club has come out and officially confirm the roster for next season. The reason for this is because as already experienced during the close season you read that a player has moved to a club only to find days later that same player has signed for another club. Just recently it was communicated that Doriane Tahane had signed a contract with a club in Switzerland in only for her to be confirmed on the roster of Valenciennes USVO a few days later.

The transfer information is not secret and the clubs work with the media in providing the information and the media groups do try and work together. For those of you that would like to keep up with transfer news and gossip before final confirmation, I have included to the link for LFB and NF1 to the site that has all the details.

Basquetebol.org is the number one site in France concerning Women's Baketball and have a good job in consilidating all this information in one place. The simple format will enable you to work out the basics even without knowledge of the French language.

For LFB =====>LFB

For NF1 =====>NF1

Many thanks to WWW.Basquetebol.org for allowing the use of the links.

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ISRAEL - Women

Doron Started in Lib Loss -by Eurobasket News
Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) started, played 18 minutes and scored three points in New York's home loss to Indiana, 74 - 63.

The Liberty hosted the team with the 2nd best record in the league and suffered their 6th loss in 8 games. They dropped to 7 - 6, which is still good enough for 3rd in the east. Without Erin Thorn (sprained ankle) and Shameka Christon (sick), Shay Doron was inserted into the starting lineup. She scored three points (1/4 FGs, 1/2 FTs), three rebounds and a steal in 18 minutes. Up until this game, she had played a total of 10 minutes.

The Fever were in control from the jump, scored the game's first 10 points and led 38 - 22 at the half. Early in the 4th the Libs made a 9 - 0 run with five points from Kraayeveld and made it a game again. Lisa Wilis hit two threes and a turnaround jumper to make it 57 - 63 with 3:30 to play, but Indiana answered with a 7 - 1 run to put it away.

Loree Moore led NY with 17 points (7/10 FGs), 5 rebounds, 5 steals and 6 assists. McCarville and Kraayeveld scored 13 points each, and Lisa Wilis added 12. Tamika Catchings led Indiana with 18 points, Tamika Whitmore added 15.

New York's next game (@Sacramento) will be broadcasted live in Israel (on ESPN), at 5:00am on Wednesday (Israeli time).
Courtesy of:http://www.safsal.co.il

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MARSHALL ISL. - Women

Marshall Islands will not send a women team in the South Pacific Games -by Gauthier Gerard
The Mashall Islands Basketball Federation will not send a women team in the South Pacific Games which will be held in Samoa in late August. The federation wanted to send only a men team, but even the boys will be unable to play there because of financial issues. The Marshall Islanders will not play in the major Pacific tournament.

SPG Women tournament - Participating countries:
American Samoa
Fiji
New Caledonia
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Solomon IslandsTahiti

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NEW ZEALAND - Women

Kiwis shine brightly in SEABL -by Eurobasket News
Lisa Pardon (173-G-82, college: Oregon St.) was a real power as Launceston Tornadoes drove to a 96:91 win over Southern District Spartans at home. Tall Fern scored 15 points in 34 minutes of action. She converted 5/12 FG, 3/4 3pt, 2/2 FT, dished out 8 assists, grabbed 3 boards and made 2 steals for the winners. Launceston improved to 9-13 record and occupy the 7th spot in the ladder.
Frankston Lady Blues traveled to Albury to face local Albury Lady Bandits. The home side crushed the Lady Blues 69:80. Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe (173-G-79, college: Buffalo) had impressive game-high 30 points, but did not spark the bottom-table Lady Blues to a victory. She sank 11/30 FG, 4/11 3pt, 4/5 FT, collected 4 rebounds and made an assist in 40 minutes of action. Frankfton remained at the bottom of the ladder with a 3-19 record.
Gemma Kerr posted two games with Kilsyth Lady Cobras. First they were beaten by Bendigo Lady Braves 58:79. Kiwi produced 4 points (2/9 FG), 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in 25 minutes. Later in the week Kilsyth Lady Cobras fell short to Ballarat Lady Miners 80:89. Gemma Kerr poured in 8 points (3/7 FG, 2/4 3pt) and grabbed a rebound in 20 minutes on the court. The Lady Cobras fell to 12-9 record and seat at the 4th place.

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SERBIA - Women

Monika Veselovski in Spain -by Dragana Vukovic
Monika Veselovsky (183-F-77) signed one year contract with Spanish team Hondarribia - Irun for upcoming season 2007./08.Monika is a member of Serbian Natonal team and she will joind the team in Spain after European Championship in Italy.

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SLOVENIA - Women

Warm Up Game -by Zeljko Zule

Slovenian U18 NT played their last warm up game before the 2007 European championship - Division B. Tina Trebec (189-F/C-90) was the only scorer in double digits while Snezana Aleksic lead Montegrian U20 NT with 20 points.

Slovenia U18-Montenegro U20 59-81 (Plibersek, Zdolsek 3, Kerin 2, Horvat 2, Cadez 5, Baric 9, Hatic 3, Gotovac 9, Oblak 8, Trebec 12, Smolic 2, Lesnjak 4 - Mihailovic, Milutinovic 9, Culafic 16, Zivkovic 2, Vujadinovic 4, Aleksic 20, Dubljevic 16, Ratkovic 2, Terzic 6, Vujicic, Jovanovic 6, Maras 2, Durovic, Turcinovic, Garcevic).

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W.CHAMPS U21 - Women

4 Days Left: Teams -by Eurobasket News
Eurobasket decided not to wait and introduce the main news, events, players and teams before the Tournament starts. As you know U 21 Championship for Women is scheduled for June 29. SK Vidnoje Basketball Hall that is in Russia will open doors for the teams and be a host arena for the Championship.

Today we would like you to introduce the teams that will participate in the tournament. 12 teams will represent Europe, North America, South America, Australia, Asia and Africa. Eligible are all players who are born 1st January 1986 or later. The 12 teams are divided into two groups-A and B. In Group A there are Belgium, Canada, China, France, Mali and the host team Russia. Australia, Brazil, Hungary, Japan, Spain and USA made up group B.

The teams from the first to fourth places in each group will play the Final Round for the first eight places. All other teams will play classification games for the positions 9-12.

Many teams started to prepare for the tournament long time ago. USA and France had a friendly game between each other as USA overcame 71:57. Australia won the Four-Nation Pre-World Championship Tournament in Spain over the weekend, winning all of their three games. The Sapphires recorded powerful wins over China 93:52, Brazil 94:77, and a gritty 75:68 victory over host nation Spain.
USA won the previous Championship that was held in Croatia. That time USA beat Brazil in the Final of the tournament. France satisfied with the bronze medals.

3 Days Left: Players -by Eurobasket News
Three more days left till the beginning of the U21 Championship for Women in Russia. Today Eurobasket introduces players, the people who will struggle in the court.

The USA will be represented by the players who participate mostly in NCAA tournaments. The USA will look to defend its world title in U21 age group, open to athletes 21-years-old or younger. As the team celebrated the win last time we decided to give you the whole roster of the team. The final 12-member team includes: Jolene Anderson, DeWanna Bonner (193-G-87), Essence Carson, Laura Harper, Ashley Houts (168-G), Crystal Langhorne, Marscilla Packer (175-G), Kia Vaughn, Abby Waner, Candice Wiggins (180-G-87), Paris and Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton. The average height of the team is 6'0 (182 cm).

The silver medals' team in the last Championship Brazil will send 4 players with the name Santos. Fluminense duo Clarissa and Ivana will represent Brazil's yellow-and-green jersey for the first time in an international tournament.

France that was third last time will defend their best European title. The team has already lost two friendly games before the tournament against USA. In the first game France was led by Sandrine Gruda (192-F/C-87) who hit 13 points for France. In the second game Sylvie Gruz top-scored for the team with 14 points.

Russian National team is made up by the players mostly from the National Championship. Three players however participated in Europe last season, but will greatly fit the team. Anastasia Anderson (174-G-86) plays for Romanian Biandra Targoviste, Irina Ryukhina (175-G-86) defends Lotos Gdynia and Elena Reshetko (184-C-86) is in Catz Lappeenranta that is in Finland.
All the other teams and their rosters will be covered as well during the U21 Championship for Women in Russia.

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WNBA - Women

Fever night in New York -by Eurobasket News
Indiana rolled past New York 74:63 away from home yesterday. This was the 10th victory of Indiana, who almost gained Detroit in the East.
Indiana got off to a 10:0 start of this one setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Fever enjoyed 22:7 advantage in the opening frame. They were up 44:22 at halftime with little doubts left over the outcome. The Liberty tried a spectacular come back effort in the final quarter cutting the lead to 57:63, but never came closer. Indiana quickly responded with a timeout and a 7:1 run to clear off for a win. Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) had 18 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the visitors. Tamika Whitmore (6'2''-C-77, college: Memphis) added 15 points to secure positive result. Loree Moore (5'9''-G-83, college: Tennessee) answered with 17 points for the Liberty. New York lost 6 out of last 8 games and fell to 7-6 record after a 5-0 beginning of the season.

Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) was once again virtually unstoppable as she paced Seattle to a 83:71 road win over Los Angeles. She netted 35 points and grabbed 10 boards in the 6th victory of the Storm. Seattle dominated the boards with 43:25 advantage under the rims. Seattle were ahead 67:52 entering the fourth frame and easily sealed the victory at the end. Betty Lennox provided 12 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists to contribute for the winners. Sherill Baker nailed 15 points and dished out 8 assists in a losing effort.

New York - Indiana 63:74
New York: Loree Moore 17 points, Cathrine Craayeveld 13, Janel McCarvile 13
Indiana: Tamika Catchings 18, Tamika Whitmore 15, Tammy Sutton-Brown 11

Los Angeles - Seattle 71:83
Los Angeles: Sidney Spencer (6'3''-F-85, college: Tennessee) 15, Sherill Baker 15, Taj McWilliams-Franklin 10
Seattle: Lauren Jackson 35+10 boards, Betty Lennox 12, Janell Burse 12

Phoenix - Houston 90:85
Phoenix: Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) 30, Belinda Snell (5'11''-F-81) 17, Tangela Smith 16
Houston: Crystal Smith (5'6''-G-84, college: Iowa) 18, Ashley Shields 16, Hamchetou Maiga 16.

Players	Game 1	Game 2	Game 3	Game 4	Game 5	Total	Avg.
Mario	2	DNP	DNP	0	0	2	0.67
Tita	4	14	10	12	14	54	10.80
Lili	8	20	14	3	8	53	10.60
Pedro Gomes (To)	11	20	28	DNP	16	75	18.75
Lamine Delgado	17	DNP	6	8	10	41	10.25
Edmir	8	10	0	21	7	46	9.20
Ademar	12	4	2	0	DNP	18	4.50
Nuno Santos	2	4	1	12	0	19	3.80
Zeca	12	6	DNP	19	8	45	11.25
Zagaya	0	0	9	17	0	26	5.20
Julio	0	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	0	0.00
Pedro	DNP	0	1	2	0	3	0.75