EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/20/2007

Copyright © 1997-2006 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com


Men News

*****************************************************
ABA

Even the Slam say farewell to the ABA -by Gianni Pascucci
In an official release, the Bellingham Slam announced that the team has withdrawn its affiliation with the American Basketball Association and has received approval to join the International Basketball League, effective immediately. The Slam originally joined the ABA as an expansion team in the fall of 2005, playing two seasons in the league. The team reached the quarterfinals of the ABA Playoffs both seasons. Bellingham is the eighth team in the last three seasons to withdraw from the ABA in order to compete in a different league, but the first to make the switch to the IBL. The the change to the IBL will allow the Slam to develop regional rivalries with nearby teams. In fact, there are nine other teams in the IBL based in Washington and Oregon, including teams in Everett, Seattle, and Tacoma. Four teams left this spring to join the upstart Premier Basketball League, while two teams withdrew in 2006 to join the Continental Basketball Association and one team departed for the National Basketball Developmental League. The Slam expect to receive their 2008 IBL schedule from the league this fall.

SOUND RETAIN MIXSON AS HEAD COACH; EDWARDS AS PLAYER -by Chris Terrell
Patchogue, NY. The ABA Strong Island Sound have announced that they have re-signed head coach Dytanya Mixson and forward Raphael Edwards (6'7''-F-75, agency: Rhonda Price, college: E.Carolina) for the upcoming 2007-2008 season. Both will be entering their third year with the organization.

In the team's inaugural season, Mixson was part of the staff as an assistant coach before taking over the reigns last season. The Sound went 20-13 in 2006-07 and advanced to the second round of the ABA playoffs before being eliminated by the Vermont Frost Heaves, the eventual league champions.

Edwards came back to the Sound during the Season and immediately became a leader in the locker room and on the floor. In 18 games, he averaged 14.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

"We are excited to have Dytanya back," said Sound co-owner Darren Cioffi. "He did a great job last year molding a new team and with a large core of our players returning, we have a good foundation to build on."

Mixson commented on the team's strategy going into the upcoming season. "We were very young last year and this year we are approaching the beginning of the season with a different look - trying to get more veteran players and a few young players to mix in. We will start with Edwards, who is a true leader and his expertise and experience will be a key in bringing a championship to Long Island."

Edwards, 32, has a career average of 16.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in two ABA seasons. The 6-7, 230 lb East Carolina product has played professionally in the US and overseas since 1999. In addition to the ABA, he has played in the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Venezuela, Portugal and France.

"Ralph returning to our team gives us our cornerstone," Cioffi said. "He has played a huge part in our first two seasons and we looking forward to watching him anchor our front line again this season."

The regular season begins in November and runs through March. For more information, visit www.strongislandsound.com or www.abalive.com.

*****************************************************
ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Milos Bojovic signed with Vojvodina Srbijagas -by Nenad Ilijev
Milos Bojovic (198-F-81) is the latest acquisition of Vojvodina Srbijagas. MVP of Sinalco Nasa Liga last season has signed 2 years long contract with the 'Tulips'. Last year Bojovic played in Sloga Kraljevo averaging 23.9ppg in domestic competition. He is second Sloga player who signed with 'red-whites'. Center Goran Bajic (209-C-83) joined Vojvodina in June.

*****************************************************
ARGENTINA

Belgrano returns Liga A -by Facundo Iatzky
Belgrano San Nicolas announced that hey will play the next season in the Liga A, replacing Deportivo Madryn, which had left the league the last week due to economic troubles. Now they have the hard mission to find players in an expensive market.

Argentina losses to Canada but takes their quarterfinal spot -by Eurobasket News
Argentina U19-Canada U19 82:87 (24:24, 13:21, 17:13, 28:29)

Argentina qualified to the quarter-finals of the FIBA U19 World Championship even though the team lost to Canada 82:87. Three teams in the group finished with 3-3 and only Canada stayed out of the Quarterfinals. Due to the loss from Turkey (58:81), the latter and Argentina qualified to the next stage. In the game over Canada Nicolas De los Santos (188-G-88) posted 24 points for Argentina. Sebastian Vega (200-C-88) nailed 17 and made 10 rebounds, while Nicolas Aguirre (182-G-88) netted 16. Kai Williams (198-F-89) top-scored for Canada with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Boris Bakovic (201-F-88) ended up with 17 points and 13 rebounds and Devoe Joseph (191-G-90) had 14.

Canada played the great game and you seldom see a winner of the game unhappy, as the loser qualifies to another stage. Both teams nailed 24 points in the opening quarter and looked forward toward the rest of the game. Greg Francis' outfit quickly learnt from their mistakes from the opening period and tightened their defense to race into a 38:28 lead midway through the second quarter.
In the second half Argentina won the third quarter 17:13 however lost the fourth 28:29. As a result 82:87 loss but the ticket to the next round for the South Americans.

Argentina U19: Nicolas De los Santos 24, Sebastian Vega 17+10, Nicolas Aguirre 16
Canada U19: Kai Williams 25+11 rebs, Boris Bakovic 17+13 rebs, Devoe Joseph 14

*****************************************************
ASIAN CHAMPS

India NT wins tune-up; hopes to do well in the Asian Championship -by Hector Santos

BANGALORE: India national team, now training under Serbian coach Aleksander Bucan, dished out a heart-warming display, even if it was against Karnataka Juniors, in a friendly match, at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium here this evening. The Indian NT won via 60-42.

But then the Karnataka Juniors, with the lanky Sanjay Raj (204-C-84) and Roshan assisting, kept pace with the fitter and sturdier national players, especially in the first quarter before feeling the heat.

Changing over at 31-24, the Indian national team with Tridip Rai and Dilwar Singh with playmaker Sambhaji Kadam (176-G-80) in fine nick upped the tempo to leave the State Juniors huffing and puffing. Srinivas Naik and Naresh did the bulk of the scoring for the State Juniors.

Tokushima FIBA-Asia bound India national team hopes to do well this Asian championship edition after hiring a European coach to auscpice the team. Jay Prakash Singh formerly handled the Indian national squad.

India, which placed 12th in the last edition of Asian championship, is bracketed along with Qatar, Kazakhstan and Indonesia this edition.




India NT wins anew; targets top 5 in the Asian Championship -by Hector Santos
At the Kanteerava Indoor Stadium, the lanky lads of the Indian basketball team were going through their paces as part of a month-long conditioning camp held in Bangalore, to prepare the team for the Asian Championships to be held in Japan later this month. India faces tough competition from Qatar, Indonesia and Kazakhstan in its group.

The team, which leaves for Japan on July 25, has five players from Uttaranchal, one each from TN, Rajasthan and Services, and two each from Punjab and Karnataka. The team will be accompanied by its coach Alaksander Bucan, assistant coaches Mohinder Singh Rathore and Rajinder Singh, and team manager K Govindaraj.

The team members said, the camp, under the supervision of their Serbian coach Alaksander, has taught them some tough defense and better team spirit. The coach, on his part, said “This team has clever guys, but they don't know the game like they do in Europe and other countries. This is my first stint with the team. We hope to maximize our exposure at the Asian Championships to know where we stand. That will set our parameters for next year. We are in the fray with high level of motivation and want to win every game we play; we will fight every game.”

The players, all of who have donned the national team colors on more than one occasion, said they were indeed very proud to play for the country.

Karnataka boys Roshan (who played for JSC and will represent Vijaya Bank locally) and Rajanna Sanjay (206-C-84) (who represents HAL) will also banner the national team.

“India has a good talent pool, but the team doesn't have sponsorships or infrastructure. We need more indoor stadiums and professionalism if we have to move ahead,” said Roshan.

“Other teams have a strategy for every game, every move. We are just learning that now. Our aim for the Asian Championship is to reach the top 5,” Sanjay said.

Both of them mentioned the grueling training sessions they've had all this month and how it's helped build strength and team spirit. These boys dream of making it big, as big as the NBA or “gods of the game of basketball” as those associated with the American association are called. No prizes for guessing that Michael Jordan's the “best ever player” and a role model for them and almost every other basketball player on earth!

And do they wish they had more spectator attention? “Of course, every player wants to be applauded, by general audience. Sadly only cricketers get that kind of attention,” said Roshan, even as he gushed about getting female fan following.

Incidentally, Roshan is among the tallest in the team and stands at 6'10 ft, while Sanjay is a tad shorter at 6'5 ft. Sanjay is the master of slam dunks for his team too and is a pleasure to watch during practice.

We asked the two youngsters for some inspiring words of advice to aspiring basketball players.

Said Roshan: “If you have the interest and the passion, be prepared to put in hard work. Youngsters only think of studies these days. A bit of sports is also required to create a healthy balance in one's life.” Sanjay added: “To make it to the top in any sport, one needs to love the game and approach it with passion and self-motivation.”

Meanwhile, Indian NT ended its four match friendly series with Karnataka Juniors with a thumping 82-40 margin at the Sree Kanteerava stadium indoor courts here today.

Coach Aleksander Bucan tried his reserves and his varied combinations and even rested the speedy Sambhaji Kadam for long spells but still managed to inflict a crushing defeat on the State juniors, who are bound for a six match Test series against Malaysia, next month.

The Indian NT increased their tempo and played at full throttle. Sanjay and Roshan played well for the Karnataka juniors in the first session. However, Ravi Kumar (199-F-87) and Anup excelled in the second.

*****************************************************
AUSTRALIA

U19 World: Australia secured pool's top spot, will play Brazil in quarterfinals -by Gauthier Gerard

The Australia Emus are still undefeated in the 2007 U19 World Championship in Serbia, they defeated Spain 86-84 in their last eigth-final pool game with a 32pts 11rbs effort for Andrew Ogilvy. The Emus will play Brazil in quarterfinals on Friday.

Australia - Spain: 86-84
Shannon Seebohm scored the first points of the game after only 7 seconds to give a first lead to his team. The Emus started the game pretty well, like they did in all their previous games, and were leading 16-10 after 6 minutes. But Spain is always playing at 100% and the spaniards closed the gap at the end of the first quarter, 22-22. The second stanza was a close contest, thanks to Andrew Ogilvy, who netted 16pts in the first half, Australia was leading 42-40 at half time.
The Emus made a great third quarter and were leading 61-54 on a three-point shot from Tomlison. That was the largest lead of the game. At the end of the third quarter, Australia was still ahead, 63-59. The spaniards were able to come-back again in the game and they even took the lead on a basket from Vega, 67-69. Australia was down by 3, 77-80, with two minutes left on the clock. Pat Mills scored five consecutive points in the last minute of the game to give the Emus a 84-80 lead with 17 second left. Victor Claver then netted two consecutive baskets to tie the game at 84-84 with only seven seconds on the clock. Pat Mills played the decisive action but he missed his shot. Andrew Ogilvy took his 11th rebounds and score a lay-up in the dying seconds to secure the victory.
“6-and-0, who would have thought,” Head Coach Marty Clarke said. “The guys are doing an awesome job, they are a tougher group then people give them credit for. It was a tight game, the boys discipline is second to none and that showed at the end of the game with the boys doing a great job in a pressure situation. We have done the work now to draw the weaker side in Group E, if there is one, but we have got to win the next game and the work is really ahead of us as Brazil play with the emotion and are solid. AJ took the game over and pulled in some rebounds at crucial moments and did a fantastic job.”
Stats:
Andrew Ogilvy 32pts 11/16FG 11rbs 32min, Shannon Seebohm 14pts 5/11FG 27min, Ben Dowdell 10pts 3/3FG 5rbs 24min, Pat Mills 9pts 4/14FG 6rbs 31min, Chris Goulding 5pts 2/6FG 20min, Daniel Jackson 4pts 1/5FG 7rbs 21min, Nate Tomlinson 3pts 1/2FG 7min, Ben Louis 3pts 1/4FG 25min, Cameron Gliddon 3pts 1/2FG 7min, Daniel Johnson 3pts 1/1FG 2min, Kevin Probert 0pts 0/0FG 2min, Ben Smith DNP

Pool E:
Australia - Spain: 86-84
South Korea - Turkey: 104-96
Argentina - Canada:

Standings:
1- Australia 6-0
2- Spain 4-2
3- Argentina 3-2
3- Turkey 3-3
5- Canada 2-3
6- South Korea 2-4



*****************************************************
AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan suffers another stunning defeat -by Eurobasket News
Azerbaijan U18 - Andorra U18 84:119
Azerbaijan U18 team had another unsatisfactory result as they received a severe blow from Andorra 84:119. The loss saw them fell to 0-2 record in Group A at the European championship in Wales.
Azerbaijan struggled defensively and virtually could not stop Andorra in any way. Daniel Mofreita was on fire for Andorra team as he poured in 41 points and pulled down 13 rebounds to reign on the court. Azerbaijan committed massive 43 turnovers and could not find the touch from free throw line converting just 50%.
Andorra led by 13 points after the starting frame 32:19 and remained in front at halftime 47:35. Azerbaijan had a momentum midway through the third quarter when they cut the lead to just 4 points 54:58 but Andorra reacted immediatelly and cleared off to a safe 74:60 distance entering the final frame. Azerbaijan defence collapsed in the fourth stanza allowing Andorra to fly over the court nailing 45 points and sealing their first win at the tournament.
Jose Del Castillo finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds for Andorra. Jordi Alfaya Garcia had 14 points for the winners. Azerbaijan were paced by Rufat Mahmudzade with 36 points and 22 rebounds. Goshgar Ibadullayev chipped in 14 points in defeat. Azerbaijan will continue their action in Group F where they first meet San Marino today. Andorra will play in Group E and faces Monaco tomorrow.


Azerbaijan U18: Rufat Mahmudzade 36+22 boards, Goshgar Ibadullayev 14
Andorra U18: Daniel Mofreita 41+13 boards, Jose Del Castillo 28+11 boards.

*****************************************************
BELGIUM

MonsTransfer News -by Peter Buyse

Dexia Mons-Hainaut has signed English forward Andrew Sullivan for the coming season.
Sullivan who played 4 years at Villanova played the past season for Spanish ACB team Joventut Badalona.
After leaving Villanova he played one season in Holland for Eiffeltower Nijmegen before heading to England to play for the Newcastle Eagles.
Averaged 21.2 ppg, 5.rpg and 4.0apg during the 2005-2006 season when Newcastle won the English Championship and Cup.

*****************************************************
BELIZE

A Rising Star: Farron Lauriano Will Represent Belize In The 2007 NBA Camp!!! -by David Magana
The NBA's “Basketball Without Borders” has selected yet another talented young Belizean basketball player to attend the camp which will be held this year in Sao Paulo, Brazil from July 31-Aug 4.

Farron Ashley Lauriano, a 6'4'' shooting guard/small forward, is a student who recently transferred from St John's College to the University of Belize (UB). After winning the MVP and sportsmanship award in last year's ATLIB competition, Farron was offered a full sports scholarship by UB to complete his Associate's degree at their establishment. When he received the great news, he immediately thought of his mother, Ms. Gaynor Lauriano, who has been the wind beneath his wings. The scholarship was a welcome break for them both as she had been working hard to help him complete his studies for she believes that a good education is the best gift a parent can give to a child.

Farron's mother did a good job bringing up this well mannered young man. Chatting with him, he comes across as polite and respectful, something that is unfortunately often lacking in our youths today. He admits that as a child, his love of sports initially pulled him into the football field and he dreamt of becoming a star in this particular discipline. Never did it occur to him that destiny would push him in another direction and he would eventually excel in basketball. He recalls that as he got older, he started getting taller and hence was often recruited by his peers to play basketball. Nevertheless, when he played basketball it was only for fun. It wasn't until he met his third form high school teacher, Mr. Tremette Periot, that Lauriano started seeing basketball in a different light. Periot taught Lauriano how to shoot and how to play basketball at a competitive level. Basketball then started to take greater importance in his life. It was at this time that Michael Jordan became his idol.

Farron intends to make Belize proud to have him as their representative in Brazil. No slacking off for this young man over the summer holidays. Farron has displayed a willingness to work hard, discipline far beyond his years and a combination of talent and skills. He has been honing the latter through his daily routines here at UB. He knows that to be the best he has to go the extra mile. Apart from practicing daily from 11 - 1.30 p.m., he generally puts in an extra two and sometimes three hours working on his man to man defense skills, fast break drills, and on other techniques like how to pressure players whenever they enter the hot zone.

Farron Lauriano, along with Jorett Jones, will be traveling to Brazil this summer. We would like to wish them the best and remind them that good things don't come easy!!! Good Luck Boys!

*****************************************************
BERMUDA ISLANDS

Bermudas National Team 2007 -by Kasia
#s#
#e#6


Jones


Davis


Phillips


Crumpler


Minors
Christopher Crumpler (-83)
Dean Jones (198-F) of St.Mary's University (CAN)
Jonathan Minors (-77)
Steven Simons (-82)
Phillip Davis (185-G-77) of Acadia University (CAN)
John Lee (-82)
Sullivan Phillips (196-F-79) of BK Synthesia Pardubice (CZE)
Gregory Todd (-72)
Dale Jackson (-74)
Jason Lowe (-85)
Damon Saunders (-84)
Lamont Vance (-82)

*****************************************************
BOSNIA

Nihad Imamovic not longer president of KK Bosna! -by Nedzad Kladusak
The agony of KK Bosna continues! As Nenad Markovic resigned he called for further consequences after the failure in all basketball competitions Bosna competed.
However he might not have meant Nihad Imamovic, one of the most merited persons in KK Bosna. The businessman invested large sums through his company ASA to bring Bosna back on old paths of success.
Several sources reported that there is a big clash within Bosna and the latest development incurred after there could not have been agreed a strategy for the aquisition of new players.Konakovic and Avdic are the only one left after the season which will be remembered as the first season of Bosna in ULEB Cup but also one of the most dissappointing in the history of Bosna. The upcoming season will be a decisive one and if Bosna fails it may dissappear for a long time from the european-balkan basketball scene.

*****************************************************
BRAZIL

Winning only one quarter Brazil U19 wins the game -by Eurobasket News
China U19-Brazil U19 77:89 (19:16, 9:34, 23:14, 26:25)

Brazil U19 celebrated an important win to advance to the Quarter-Final of FIBA U19 World Championship. In the last game of the Qualifying Round Brazil rolled over China 89:77. The latter won three quarters out of four, however the loss in the second was too much for China. Brazil smashed the Asians with 34:9 and advanced to the next stage. Paulo Prestes (208-C-88) led the winners with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Jose Nardi Duarte (193-G/F-88) produced 19 and De Moura Melazzo added 16. Xu Yong (202-F-89) top-scored with 23 points in the losing effort.

China led 19:16 after the first quarter but could not repeat the same in the second. Brazil had two enormous runs to win the second 34:9. Both teams went to the lockers as the board showed 50:28 at the half.
China started the third quarter with 17-4 run and trailed only 51:64 after three quarters. The teams played evenly in the fourth quarter but China never got closer than 9.
Brazil outrebounded China 49-33 and had 16 turnovers to 23 by China. China hit 57 percent of its 2-point shots and 46 percent of its 3-pointers while Brazil hit 45 percent of its 2-point shots and 27 percent of its 3-pointers.

China U19: Xu Yong 23 points, Ba Zhichao (200-F-89) 17 points, Li Xiaoxu (204-C-90) 16 points
Brazil U19: Paulo Prestes 26+14 rebs, Jose Nardi Duarte 19, De Moura Melazzo 16

*****************************************************
CAMEROON

All AFRICAN GAMES -by Gilles Bouwe
Our National team is qualified for the second round of the All African Games which are going on in Alger(Algeria),after wining two games on five in the first round.

These are the results
Cameroon vs Liberia 75-50
Cameroon vsMali 69-71
Cameroon -Drc 85-57
Cameroon vs Angola 71-63
Cameroon vs Nigeria 61-81
Cameroon is going to play the second round versus Egypt.
After some informations from the All african Games web site the best of our countrymens till now are Aboya (UCLA),Vounang (Rouen, France),Ekanga(Chalons, Fra) and Alex Nkembe(France) for player coming abroad and Bayang(Beac) for players playing in Cameroon.





All African Games -by Gilles Bouwe
Our national team is qualified for the second round of the All African games in Algeria after winning two games (versus Liberia and DRC) and lost three other (MALI,NIGERIA and Angola ) in the first round of the Games. We have to play Egypt in the quater finals.

*****************************************************
CANADA

Argentina losses to Canada but takes their quarterfinal spot -by Eurobasket News
Argentina U19-Canada U19 82:87 (24:24, 13:21, 17:13, 28:29)

Argentina qualified to the quarter-finals of the FIBA U19 World Championship even though the team lost to Canada 82:87. Three teams in the group finished with 3-3 and only Canada stayed out of the Quarterfinals. Due to the loss from Turkey (58:81), the latter and Argentina qualified to the next stage. In the game over Canada Nicolas De los Santos (188-G-88) posted 24 points for Argentina. Sebastian Vega (200-C-88) nailed 17 and made 10 rebounds, while Nicolas Aguirre (182-G-88) netted 16. Kai Williams (198-F-89) top-scored for Canada with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Boris Bakovic (201-F-88) ended up with 17 points and 13 rebounds and Devoe Joseph (191-G-90) had 14.

Canada played the great game and you seldom see a winner of the game unhappy, as the loser qualifies to another stage. Both teams nailed 24 points in the opening quarter and looked forward toward the rest of the game. Greg Francis' outfit quickly learnt from their mistakes from the opening period and tightened their defense to race into a 38:28 lead midway through the second quarter.
In the second half Argentina won the third quarter 17:13 however lost the fourth 28:29. As a result 82:87 loss but the ticket to the next round for the South Americans.

Argentina U19: Nicolas De los Santos 24, Sebastian Vega 17+10, Nicolas Aguirre 16
Canada U19: Kai Williams 25+11 rebs, Boris Bakovic 17+13 rebs, Devoe Joseph 14

*****************************************************
CHINA

Yao to Miss Stankovic Cup -- Gets Much Needed Rest -by Arthur Volbert
According to crienglish.com, an official from the National Basketball Administrative Centre has confirmed that Ming Yao (226-C-80) will not compete in the Stankovic Continental Champions Cup, set to kick-off on July 28.

The administration will also allow Yao to miss a training tour of Europe after the Stankovic tournament since Yao's private doctor and the Rockets club have suggested that his shoulder injury is unlikely to hold up against the intensity of such competitions. The absence means Yao will miss out on all the major summer preparations that have been arranged by the centre ahead of the Beijing Olympics next year. Hu Jiashi, who is in charge of national team affairs, revealed that Yao will be able to participate in national team drills later in September.

Yao is getting a well-deserved and much needed rest this summer, which is what is best to ensure his healthy participation in the Beijing Olympics next year.

Yi's Situation May Be More Hopeful Than Some Reports -by Arthur Volbert
The negotiations for Yi Jianlian (212-C/F-87) to play in Milwaukee may be more hopeful than some U. S. media outlets have stated.

According to the China Daily, "when media reported basketball star Yi Jianlian would 'definitely not' sign with Milwaukee and could be headed back to the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Chen Haitao came out into the media spotlight, adjusted his attitude, but still avoided answering sensitive questions. Chen is the manager of Guangdong Hongyuan, the CBA team Yi played with before being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks this summer. Beijing News Tuesday quoted Chen as saying "If the Bucks insist, Yi will go back to the CBA." The newspaper also reported Chen said the the Bucks have several big guys and their strategy would restrict Yi's playing time next season."

Translated, this seems to mean that China wants to ensure that Yi will receive adequate playing time this year if he joins the Bucks and that this is the way that they negotiate. If this is what the Guangdong club officials and Chinese officials truly believe, then it is very hopeful that Yi will join the Bucks in time for the opening of their training camp.

It indicates that Chinese officials are behaving rationally. China has every reason to insist that Yi get playing time this season to prepare for the Beijing Olympics. The Bucks have every reason to guarantee Yi this playing time since they do not need to make the playoffs this season and must give Yi sufficient experience so he can learn to fulfill the role on the team that they drafted him to play.

The Bucks believe that Yi will average 20 minutes per game this season, which is the right amount of time for a high-pick big man rookie to play. 2006 fourth-pick Tyrus Thomas averaged 13.24 minutes for the Chicago Bulls last season. Number 2 pick Lamarcus Aldridge averaged 22 minutes for the Portland Trail Blazers. Number One Pick Andrea Bargnani averaged 25 minutes for the Toronto Raptors and Andrew Bogut averaged 28.36 minutes his first year with the Bucks. But Bogut and Bargnani were the number one picks in the draft and Yi was not. So Yi's playing time would justifiably be more comparable to that of Thomas and Aldridge.

China Loses to Brazil 89-77 -- Updated -by Arthur Volbert

China lost to Brazil today 89-77. It actually outscored Brazil in three of four quarters, but had one of those long lapses of concentration to which Chinese junior teams are prone in the second quarter, where it was outscored by Brazil 34-9.

China led 19-16 after one quarter but trailed 50-28 at the half. It actually had its own 17-4 run in the third quarter and trailed only 51-64 after three quarters. The teams played evenly in the fourth quarter but China never got closer than 9.

Xu Yong (202-F-89) led China with 23 points on 9 of 13 shooting. He had 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 turnovers, 4 steals and 3 blocked shots. But he hit only 2 of 7 free throws.

Ba Zhichao had 17 points on 6 of 9 shooting. He had 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 3 turnovers. Li Xiaoxu had 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks and 2 turnovers.

Su Wei had 12 points on 3 of 5 shooting and 12 rebounds. He had 2 assits and 1 blocked shot. But he made only 6 of 14 free throws and committed 5 turnovers.

Yang Qin underperformed as usual with 2 points on 1 of 4 shooting, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 turnovers. There are five Chinese guards listed as born in 1988 or thereafter who are better point guards than Yang -- Xie Libin and Wang Shen, who are preparing for the World University Games, Han Shuo, who is on the China B team that is going to play for the Asian Championship, and Chen Jianghua and Liu Xiaoyu, who are on the National Team that is preparing for the Olympics. Zhou Peng and Ding Jinhui are forwards with the National Team who are currently better than Xu Yong, Ba Zhichao or Li Xiaoxu. The results would likely have been different if some of these players were here.

Brazil outrebounded China 49-33 and had 16 turnovers to 23 by China. China hit 57 percent of its 2-point shots and 46 percent of its 3-pointers while Brazil hit 45 percent of its 2-point shots and 27 percent of its 3-pointers.


China 19 09 23 26 77

Brazil 16 34 14 25 89


BoxScore:

http://www.serbia2007.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/07/fiba/u19men/scheResu/p/eventid/3955/gamename/42/groupname/E/langlc/en/roundid/5644/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html



*****************************************************
COCABA

Guatemala Falls again, but where are its centers ? -by Gianni Pascucci
In Day 2 of COCABA Championship, Guatemala felt again, this time to Honduras 75-62, being outrebounded 26-20, with the only Gerson Duarte (202-C-83) able to compete under the boards, at the end the team top scorer with 16 points. No one can explain why NT coach Conrado del Valle opted to leave at home two good inside players like Juan Pablo Trigueno (200-F/C-83) and Thomas Gillespie (204-F/C-74, agency: Rhonda Price, college: Regis), and one of the best scorers in Guatemala, like Walter Morales (184-G-83).

One win and one loss for Nicaragua -by Gianni Pascucci
Team Nicaragua started the 2007 edition of the COCABA Championship defeating Honduras 79-66, led by Troy Watson (197-F/C-82), who scored 22 pts, and Alvin Camacho (191-G/F-78), who added 20. Yesterday night, Team Mexico was too much for the Nicaraguans, who felt 88-124, with Rudy Taylor (198-F-83) and Elijah Allen (194-F-73) being the last to surrender, after scoring 15 points each. This afternoon, Nicaragua will meet Costa Rica in an important game.

Mexico triumphs again in COCABA Tournment -by Gianni Pascucci
After struggling a lot to defeat Costa Rica in Day 1 of the competition, Team Mexico took a clear win in the first game of Day 2, destroying Nicaragua 124-88 and keeping the top of the table. The best performers had been Romel Beck (202-G/F-82, college: UNLV) with 26 pts and Anthony Lever-Pedroza (191-G-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon) with 25 in Day 1, and Omar Quintero (183-G-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: S.Nazarene) with 20 pts and again Romel Beck with 17 in Day 2

One win and one loss for Honduras at the COCABA Tournment -by Gianni Pascucci
The Honduras National Team started the 2007 edition of the COCABA Championship falling to Nicaragua 66-79, but yesterday night defeated Guatemala 75-62, led by Selvin Connor Miranda (200-F-74), who scored 13 points. See here the roster of Team Honduras: Marco Aviles, Rolando Rivera (199-F/C-78), Virgilio Quiroz, William Waterhouse (200-C-75), Rony Palacios (190-G-77), Selvin Connor, Walter Rodriguez (-76), Felipe Ruiz (196-F-80), Carlos Estrada, Franklin Jackson and Cesar Zuniga. The Head Coach is Henry Andino

Guatemala falls to El Salvador in Day 1 of COCABA -by Gianni Pascucci
Scoring 14 and 17 points respectively, Enrique Samayoa (191-F-82) and Oscar Salguero (196-F) led Team Guatemala in losing effort in the first game of the 2007 edition of the COCABA Championship for Senior National teams. The final score was 63-59 for El Salvador, the roster of Guatemala is as follows: Ricardo Amaya (186-G-84), Carlos Vallejo, Paulo Castillo, Enrique Samayoa, Oscar Salguero, Rudy Del Valle (180-G-84), Jose Ortiz, Heberth Rodriguez (185-G-82), Gerson Duarte (202-C-83), Alejandro Carrillo, Bernie Diaz

Day 1: Mexico almost shocked by Costa Rica -by Eurobasket
Very ambitious Costa Rica was close to make a big surprise being slightly edged by much higher ranked Mexico 95-94 in the opener of COCABA in El Salvador.
In the second game host El Salvador beat Guatemala 63-59, in the third one Nicaragua defeated Honduras.
Day 1 Results:
Mexico - Costa Rica 95-94 (Romel Beck 26 - Henry Martinez 33)
El Salvador - Guatemala 63-59 (- Oscar Salguero 17)
Nicaragua - Honduras 79-66 (Troy watson 22, Alvin Camacho 20 - William Waterhouse 14)


*****************************************************
COSTA RICA

Costa Rica Loses to Mexico -by Max Blair


Ticos Lose Tight Game -by Max Blair


Ticos Lose Tight Game -by Max Blair
In their opening game of the COCOBA championship, Costa Rica lost to Mexico 95-94. The game was tight the whole way, but Mexico squeeked out a basket with seven seconds left in the game. There was a fifteen minute delay in the game because the gym (Gimnasio Jose Adolfo Pineda) roof couldn´t support the huge rainsquall that raged in El Salvador. Costa Rican Henry Martinez scored 33 points and Hernold Gardener had 19. Mexico´s Rolando Rivera had 26.

*****************************************************
DENMARK

Bilal Clarance new National team Captain -by Eurobasket - Denmark
The new Captain of the Danish National Team is Bilal Clarance (195-G/F-79, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: NW Missouri St.).

The National team is preparing for the Eurobasket 2007 Qualifications in August.

In 2 preperation games against Sweden, Denmark did not have the best start, loosing its star player Christian Drejer to a serious ankle injury.

In the 1st game newly named Captain Bilal Clarance led Denmark with 13 points, followed by Peter Johansen (204-F/C-80) and Thomas Soltau (210-C/F-82, college: Northwestern) with each 11 points
The game ended with a 72-80 overtime loss :-(

2nd game the day after Head Coach Allan wanted to test more some of the new players in the team. For this reason he let 3 of the regular players sit out.
This meant that young Adama Darboe got the starting PG job. Darboe started out unbelievable with 10 pts in the 1st quarter, but that was also it for the Danish team with bright play. The swedes proved to strong for Denmark and walked away with a relativ easy win 66-72.
Scorers for Denmark was: Darboe: 13, Soltau 12, Voskuil 10, F. Nielsen 7, Schur 6, Clarance 6

Kristian Jakobsen - new team -by Eurobasket - Denmark
Kristian Jakobsen (190-G/F-79) changes teams and name this season. Kristian Jakobsen joins BK Amager from Team Sjaelland for the upcoming season. he also changes his last name to Rieper-Holm.

Another player left Team Sjaelland, Dustin Pfeifer (173-G-83, college: Findlay (OH)) moves to German team Salzkotten

Else where, Svendborg have lost thier 2 americans Tanoris Shepard (180-G-83, agency: Worldwide Hoops, college: Idaho) and Joshua Buettner (206-F/C-85, college: Michigan Tech) to Geneva from Switzerland.

*****************************************************
DOMINICAN REP.

Reggie Charles Big Debut -by Kerwin Abreu
Reggie Charles (200-F-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) in his debut with Indios de San Fco nettle 20 points and 8 rebound 3 blocks in an Indios (2-1) victory over Reales de la Vega (1-2) 84-76. The first half was win by los Indios 47-38. The best in the win were Reggie Charles 20 points and 8 rebound 3 blocks, Will Claude 18 points, Antwon Hall and Carlos Paniagua (201-F/C-76, college: Tenn Temple) 12 each. In the lost cause for los Reales The best were Jorge Almanzar 19, Jerome Beasley (208-F-80, agency: Naiditch Entertainment, college: N.Dakota) 17 and Jay Anderson (206-F-81, agency: 123 Podium, college: Oregon) 12.

Santo Domingo: Los Cocolos de San Pedro beat las Panteras del Distrito 82-80. The first half was 42-34 for las Panteras but they couldn´t keep the difference. The best for los Cocolos de San Pedro were Corey Minnifield 28 points, Henry Lalane (199-F-78, college: St.Francis,NY) 16 points 8 rebounds, John Jackson 8 points 17 rebounds. The Best in the los cause Benito Flores (198-F-80, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) 23 points 10 rebounds, Juan Araujo and Wilkin Taveras 13 each. Nguye Kaladokubo arrived in the second half from the airport and had 2 points 1 rebound in 7 minutes for las Panteras.

Next Lidoba´s Game on Friday
Marineros de Puerto Plata vs Reales de la Vega
Metros de Santiago vs Indios de San Fco
Constituyentes de San Cristobal vs Cocolos de San Pedro
Caneros de la Romana vs Panteras del Distrito

President of FIBA-Americas Praises LIDOBA. -by Jaime Gomez
Julio Subero, President of FIBA Americas, praised the way LIDOBA is handled. He said LIDOBA executives handle in an admirable way the promotion of its League.
"Definitely LIDOBA is an institution with great future. In only 2 years, it has become the best and strongest Basketball League in the Dominican Republic. It's franchises are manage by the best group of people in Dominican Basketball. You have the best of the best in this League".

*****************************************************
E.CHAMPS U18

Preliminary round wraps up in Wales -by Eurobasket News
Moldova U18 - San Marino U18 83:64
Moldova U18 National team outscored San Marino in their second game at the European championship in Wales. Moldova thus imroved to 2-0 record and qualified to Group D, where they will play together with hosting Wales and Scotland.
The victory came due to an impressive performance in the middle of the game when Moldovian players overwhelmed their opponents to ensure necessary advantage. San Marino were ahead after the first frame 15:14 but 10 points from Denis Aculov lifted Moldova up and they posted a 39:36 lead at halftime. Aculov added another 4 points and 2 steals at the start of the third quarter to ignite Moldova to a 20:2 run that cleared them off for good. Leading comfortably 62:43 at the start of the fourth frame Moldova never allowed San Marino to perform any sort of comeback and celebrated a victory.
Alexandr Popov produced 17 points and 16 rebounds, while Vladimir Iziumov added another 17 to lead Moldova. Maxim Petrenco and Denis Aculov contributed 16 points apiece for the winners. San Marino responded with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals from Teodoro Casadei. Enrico Zanotti had 13 points in a loss. Moldova outrebounded San Marino 60:37 and forced them to 30 turnovers. San marino also knocked down miserable 30.8% from free throw line.
Moldova will now face Wales today. San Marino takes on Azerbaijan in Group F.

Moldova U18: Alexandr Popov 17+16 boards, Vladimir Iziumov 17
San Marino U18: Teodoro Casadei 19, Enrico Zanotti 13.


Azerbaijan U18 - Andorra U18 84:119
Azerbaijan U18 team had another unsatisfactory result as they received a severe blow from Andorra 84:119. The loss saw them fell to 0-2 record in Group A at the European championship in Wales.
Azerbaijan struggled defensively and virtually could not stop Andorra in any way. Daniel Mofreita was on fire for Andorra team as he poured in 41 points and pulled down 13 rebounds to reign on the court. Azerbaijan committed massive 43 turnovers and could not find the touch from free throw line converting just 50%.
Andorra led by 13 points after the starting frame 32:19 and remained in front at halftime 47:35. Azerbaijan had a momentum midway through the third quarter when they cut the lead to just 4 points 54:58 but Andorra reacted immediatelly and cleared off to a safe 74:60 distance entering the final frame. Azerbaijan defence collapsed in the fourth stanza allowing Andorra to fly over the court nailing 45 points and sealing their first win at the tournament.
Jose Del Castillo finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds for Andorra. Jordi Alfaya Garcia had 14 points for the winners. Azerbaijan were paced by Rufat Mahmudzade with 36 points and 22 rebounds. Goshgar Ibadullayev chipped in 14 points in defeat. Azerbaijan will continue their action in Group F where they first meet San Marino today. Andorra will play in Group E and faces Monaco tomorrow.


Azerbaijan U18: Rufat Mahmudzade 36+22 boards, Goshgar Ibadullayev 14
Andorra U18: Daniel Mofreita 41+13 boards, Jose Del Castillo 28+11 boards.


Scotland U18 - Malta U18 102:68
Scotland faces no problems as they faced Malta in their second game at the Europaen championship in Wales. The win saw them occupy the top spot in Group C. They will now play in Group D alongside wales and Moldova.

*****************************************************
EGYPT

EGYPT TO THE SEMEFINAL TO MEET NIGERIA -by Kirolos Beshay
Egypt suucceded to qualify to the semefinal after winning strong Cameron 89/88 in a very exiting match which only ended in the last sec.of the match ,Egypts' players were able to keep their ten points winning in the third quarter and win this match in an easy way but the unresponsible finishing from the egyptian players and the ability of the Cameron players to score from the line of the three points made the match tough for the egyptians who were about to lose the game when the reffere whistled a technical foul on Ahmed Khaled Elsaid who only committed a simple foul but the reffre considered it a technical foul ,the score was 89/86 and 25 sec,were only remainning ,coach Brederage and Samy ELsharounr were unhappy with the decision of the reffree but this didin't change anythings ,the camerony player scored the two free throows the cameron pocessed the ball and the were about to score a medium shoot but the ball rebounded froom the basket and Egypt wins this strong match.
1'st quarter:20/19 for Egypt
2'nd quarter:44/43 for Egypt
3'rd quarter:71/62 for Egypt
4'th quarter:89/88 for Egypt
STatestics:
Wael Badr 12 points 6 rebounds 3 assists
Ibrahim Elgmal 4 points 0 rebounds 0 assists
Mody Elgarhy 3 points 1 rebound 1 assist
Ramy Guniedy 22 points 0 rebounds 2 assists
Ismail Ajmed 26 points 8 rebounds 6 assists
Ahmed Khaled Elsaied 5 points 3 rebounds 2 assists
Tarek Elgnam 10 points 8 rebounds 3 assists
Karim Fathy 2 points 0 rebounds 0 assists
Mouhmed Saied 5 points 6 rebounds 1 assists

*****************************************************
FIBA EUROCUP

FIBA EuroCup teams 2007-08 announced -by Eurobasket
The general assembly of the EuroCup will take place at Kempinski Hotel Airport Munich, Germany, on August 4.
The draws for all club competitions will be held at the same venue a day later, August 5.
The following clubs will participate in the 2007-2008 season:

Belgium: Dexia Mons-Hainaut
Bosnia & H.: KK Igokea Aleksandrovac
Bulgaria: BC Spartak Pleven
Croatia: KK Zagreb, Cedevita Zagreb
Cyprus: DTL EKA AEL Limassol, Keravnos Cyprus College, Deltalcon APOEL Nicosia
Czech R.: BK Prostejov
Denmark: Skovbakken Bears
Estonia: Tartu Ülikool/Rock
Finland: Lappeenranta NMKY
France: Cholet Basket, BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral
FYROM: Strumica 2005
Georgia: BC Energy Invest
Greece: AEP Olimpiada Patron, Olimpia GE Larissa, PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki, Maroussi Athens, AEK Athens
Holland: Demon Astronauts Amsterdam
Iceland: KR Reykjavik
Israel: Hapoel Ironi Nahariya
Latvia: Barons/LMT Riga
Romania: Univ Mobitelco Cluj Napoca, ELBA Timisoara
Russia: Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu, CSK VVS Samara, Spartak Primorie Vladivostok, Spartak St.Petersburg, Ural Great Perm
Slovenia: Zlatorog Lasko
Sweden: Plannja Basket Lulea
Turkey: Banvit Basketbol Kulubu
Ukraine: Khimik-OPZ Yuzny, SK Cherkassy Monkeys, Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk, MBC Odessa

*****************************************************
FRANCE

SHANNON Eddie to Strasbourg -by Maxime Weber


Eddie Shannon to Strasbourg -by Maxime Weber
Strasbourg has just sign its new point guard. Eddie Shannon (180-G-76, college: Florida) played for BC Ventpils last season and played againt the "SIG" in ULEB Cup. He cumuled 14.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 5.0apg and 1.6spg in 2006/2007 ULEB Cup season and 13.5ppg, 2.6rpg and 4.1apg in Baltic league.

Nissim extended with Strasbourg -by Maxime Weber
Afik Nissim (180-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) decided to accept offer of his club, SIG Strasbourg and to lead the team in next season as well. Nissim signed contract today.

*****************************************************
GABON

The qualified teams to plays - off are known in the provincial championship of the League of Libreville. -by Tim Ndjiki


*****************************************************
GERMANY

MBC signed Center Ronald Thompson -by Moritz Korff
Mitteldeutscher BC (2. Bundesliga Pro A) signed a new player for the frontcourt. His name is Ronald Thompson (208-F/C-81, agency: 7-Miracles Management, college: Morehouse). The graduate of Morehouse College (NCAA2) didn't play during this past season to get his college degree. In 2005-2006 he averaged 21.9 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 3.4 apg for T71 Dudelange (Luxembourg) and was named to the Eurobasket.com Luxembourg League All-Defensive Team.

Chappell to Bayreuth -by Moritz Korff
Brandon Chappell (183-G-83, college: Lamar) will join BBC Bayreuth (2. Bundesliga Pro A). The native of Beaumont, Texas finished his collegiate career this spring and will play in Europe for the first time. Chappell scored 8.4 points per game for Lamar University (NCAA1) and also dished out 2.3 assists as a senior.

Telekom Baskets: Playmaker is found -by Moritz Korff
The officials of the Telekom Baskets Bonn (1. Bundesliga) took good time looking for the one replacing playmaker Jason Gardner (178-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona), who left for Oldenburg. This manhunt has finally come to an end, when Miah Davis (183-G-81, college: Pacific) was presented as the new Point Guard today. For Davis it's going to be his fourth year as a pro after graduating from the University of Pacific (NCAA1) in 2004. One year in the NBDL, then he took off to Poland and spent the past two seasons with First-Division-Team Energa Czarni Slupsk. Being named a Polish All-Star twice Davis also made the Eurobasket.com All-Polish League 1st Team and All-Defensive Team in 2006. The native of Bremerton, Washington is a quick guard, who can create for his teammates or score himself. In 30 games of this past season he averaged 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2 steals.

Bremerhaven landed Zyskunov -by Moritz Korff
Aleksandr Zyskunov (209-F/C-77, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Fordham) will be one of three domestic player on the roster of 1. Bundesliga-club Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. That's the number of German players each team in the first division must have at least. Zyskunov, who signed for one year, was a member of the Belarussian National Team, but also holds the German passport. He averaged 9.8 points and 6.2 boards in 27 games for the Kirchheim Knights (2. Bundesliga South) during this past season. It must be doubted if Zyskunov is going to be more than only a practice player.

Karlsruhe inked final newcomer -by Moritz Korff
BG Karlsruhe (Pro A) completed the pre-season-signings by bringing in Leo Niebuhr (201-F-86) as the last new member of the 2007-2008 roster. 20-year-old Niebuhr accepted an one-year-deal. He is a German A2-international and spent the past four years wearing the Braunschweig jersey, however mostly for the farm team in the 2. Bundesliga. With 8.3 ppg and 3.4 rpg (28 games) Niebuhr had a solid 2006-2007 campaign.

Phoenix Hagen added sharpshooter -by Moritz Korff
Pro A-side Phoenix Hagen has found a player to fill the Shooting Guard-spot. Melvin Hall (183-G-85, college: S.Indiana) will arrive in Hagen at the end of July and receive a try-out-contract. If Hagen's new Head Coach Ingo Freyer decides to keep Hall after this three-week-period for the remainder of the season he will get one of the best pure shooters of this past season in the NCAA Division 2. He averaged 14.8 ppg for Southern Indiana University as a senior, hitting 47% of his shots (103/219) from beyond the arc. The year before Hall was a teammate of Chris Thompson (198-F-82, college: S.Indiana) and Danny Gibson (180-G-84, college: S.Indiana), who made noise for the NVV Lions Moenchengladbach in the 2. Bundesliga North and now moved on to do the same for the Cuxhaven BasCats.

Leverkusen: Contract extension for three players -by Moritz Korff
The Bayer Giants Leverkusen (1. Bundesliga) extended the contracts of three players for one more year: Beckham Wyrick (198-F-83, college: NC-Wilmington), Matthias Goddek (195-G/F-86) and Lukas Welling (199-F-86). Wyrick averaged 2.8 ppg over 24 games this past season and helped the Giants especially in defense. Because of a back-injury that was followed by a surgery, Wyrick missed 13 matches. Meanwhile, the youngsters Goddek and Welling only had a very little number of appearances in the Bundesliga-squad and mostly shot hoops for the clubs' second team in the Regionalliga West.

Patrick Femerling returns to Germany -by Moritz Korff
The team captain of Germanys Mens National Team returns to the Bundesliga. Patrick Femerling (216-C-75, college: Washington) signed a two-year-contract with ALBA Berlin, the club he suited up for from 1998 to 2000 before starting a great career at some of the best European teams including Olympiakos Pireus, FC Barcelona and Panathinaikos Athens.
Femerling has been more than successful so far, getting Silver at the EURO 2005 and Bronze at the 2002 World-Cup with the German NT as well as winning a pair of championships in three different countries (Germany, Spain, Greece) plus the Euroleague-crown with Barca in 2002. The 32-year-old center needs only six more caps to become Germanys all-time record-holder in games played on the National-Team and to surpass Hansi Gnad who had 181 caps totally.
Femerling averaged 8.9 points, 5.1 boards and 1.1 blocks per game for Caja San Fernando Sevilla during the 2006-2007 ACB-season.

Bamberg signed Predrag Suput -by Moritz Korff
Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) has agreed terms with the German champion Brose Baskets Bamberg (1. Bundesliga). The versatile veteran was announced as the next newcomer of the Bauermann squad today. Suput, who turned 30 years old on June 1st, is supposed to line up for the Brose Baskets on either the 3 or 4-spot and will play abroad for the first time in his career. However, he owns some international experience. Suput led KK Hemofarm Vrsac in points per contest (13.4) during 26 games of the Adriatic League and also had 11 appearances in the ULEB-Cup (13.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.1 apg). He can knock down the long distance-shot and drive to the hoop as well as he is a physical defender.

*****************************************************
GREECE

Aek Athens latest news -by Serafim Karaiskakis
From today the new President of Aek Athens is Dimitris Drosos , as it was announced in the press. After many days of negotiations Aek changed owner with the hope to be again in the top teams in Greece. The head coach, Angelos Koronios and his staff already have agreements with nine players and look now for a big transfer who will give them strength inside and outside the courts.

Arthur Lee (185-G-77, college: Stanford), Costas Harisis (211-F/C-79, college: USC), Christos Tapoutos (208-F-82), Angelos Tsamis (192-G-81), Giannis Sioutis (184-G-73, agency: FCM), Lewis Sims (203-F/C-73, college: New Orleans), Chris Pearson (207-F-79) already signed with Aek while Giorgos Sigalas (200-F-71) and Alexandros Kyritsis (195-G-82) will be the next. The big target is Michalis Kakiouzis (206-C-76), the Greek NT captain and former player of Aek but he has priority to remain in Spain ACB. Offer also made to Dimitris Papanikolaou (202-F-77), who did not renew with Panathinaikos, but this case is also difficult becausse Aris and Panionios trying to get him too.

Meantime, they lost two players due to the delay of the agreement between Filipou and Drosos. Darrel Lewis (191-G-76, college: Lincoln (MO)) and Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-78, college: St.Cloud St.) both had contract with Aek but they decided not to wait and signed in Italy and Czech, respectively.

*Aek will play in Fiba EuropeCup.

A2 News -by Chris Mammides

Ilisiakos agreed terms with Armend Kahrimanovic (198-F/G-80, college: Idaho). The Bosnian Forward was among the top players in the A2 league and he was in the best five bosman players. The Bosnian player had 14ppg and 4rpg in his last seazon's presentation with Iraklis Thessalonikis's team.

Ionikos Lamias made the colpo grosso, as with the offer which was made to Savas Kamberidis (187-G-78) from Prelevic's team, the experienced guard realised that the Lamia team is no kidding and sign the official paper with the Lamia team, leaving AEL and other A1 teams which had him in their targeting Group, especially AEL 1964 was ready to receive the player as it was only a single signiniture remained to become official, it seemed though that Ionikos Lamias offered him more and better.... The Lamia team is looking to sing an experienced center which will be leading the team to the new eras' target which is no other than A1. Among the names whcih are in the market and which Prelevic wants are Soulis and Pashalis, very soon one of the two will wear Ionikos Lamias jersey.

Dafni proceeded in two very good registrations, two players with A1 experience, Giorgos Sourlis (190-G-85) and Manos Papadimitrou (195-G/F-80) will wear the yellow jersey of Dafni. The first player sign a two year's contract while the second one.

Other news
Nikos Vetoulas (191-G-74) will end his career in Italy, the veteran guard agreed terms (2 years contract) with Amatori Snaidero Udine and he will be wearing the Italian team's jersey untill 2009.
According to rumors, Papanikolaou is very close to wear an Italian club's jersey too.... Very soon we will be able to present the offcial registration of the experienced Greek Forward.


Nikos Papanikolopoulos agreed terms with his ex team AEL 1964. All the officcial announcements has been made.



*****************************************************
GUATEMALA

Guatemala falls to El Salvador in Day 1 of COCABA -by Gianni Pascucci
Scoring 14 and 17 points respectively, Enrique Samayoa (191-F-82) and Oscar Salguero (196-F) led Team Guatemala in losing effort in the first game of the 2007 edition of the COCABA Championship for Senior National teams. The final score was 63-59 for El Salvador, the roster of Guatemala is as follows: Ricardo Amaya (186-G-84), Carlos Vallejo, Paulo Castillo, Enrique Samayoa, Oscar Salguero, Rudy Del Valle (180-G-84), Jose Ortiz, Heberth Rodriguez (185-G-82), Gerson Duarte (202-C-83), Alejandro Carrillo, Bernie Diaz

Guatemala Falls again, but where are its centers ? -by Gianni Pascucci
In Day 2 of COCABA Championship, Guatemala felt again, this time to Honduras 75-62, being outrebounded 26-20, with the only Gerson Duarte (202-C-83) able to compete under the boards, at the end the team top scorer with 16 points. No one can explain why NT coach Conrado del Valle opted to leave at home two good inside players like Juan Pablo Trigueno (200-F/C-83) and Thomas Gillespie (204-F/C-74, agency: Rhonda Price, college: Regis), and one of the best scorers in Guatemala, like Walter Morales (184-G-83).

*****************************************************
HONDURAS

One win and one loss for Honduras at the COCABA Tournment -by Gianni Pascucci
The Honduras National Team started the 2007 edition of the COCABA Championship falling to Nicaragua 66-79, but yesterday night defeated Guatemala 75-62, led by Selvin Connor Miranda (200-F-74), who scored 13 points. See here the roster of Team Honduras: Marco Aviles, Rolando Rivera (199-F/C-78), Virgilio Quiroz, William Waterhouse (200-C-75), Rony Palacios (190-G-77), Selvin Connor, Walter Rodriguez (-76), Felipe Ruiz (196-F-80), Carlos Estrada, Franklin Jackson and Cesar Zuniga. The Head Coach is Henry Andino

*****************************************************
HUNGARY

Kaposvar: first foreigner signed! -by Tamas Deri
The management of KKK just informed the medias, that they just signed the new point guard of the season 2007/08!
Quinton Day (185-G-84) who graduated in University of Missouri-Kansas City, averaged 16.8 points and 4.1 assist per game in his senior season! The Gm of the Club, Mr. Laszlo Kovacs saw the player to play on ULEB SUL '07 in Jesolo and decided to get the player for the roster! Day showed his skills even on the high-level camp in Italy, where he averaged 11 points and 3.75 assists per game!

*****************************************************
IBL

Bellingham Slam joins IBL -by Trask Frost
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The Bellingham Slam have announced that the team has withdrawn its affiliation with the American Basketball Association and has received approval to join the International Basketball League, effective immediately. The Slam originally joined the ABA as an expansion team in the fall of 2005, playing two seasons in the league. The team reached the quarterfinals of the ABA Playoffs both seasons.

While both leagues feature similar professional caliber players, the most significant change for the Slam will be the timing of the team's season. The IBL is a spring league, with its season running from mid-March to early July. By contrast, the ABA plays a more traditional season from November to March. The IBL's season is also considerably shorter, with 20 regular season games scheduled compared to the ABA's 36 game schedule.

Bellingham is the eighth team in the last three seasons to withdraw from the ABA in order to compete in a different league, but the first to make the switch to the IBL. Four teams left this spring to join the upstart Premier Basketball League, while two teams withdrew in 2006 to join the Continental Basketball Association and one team departed for the National Basketball Developmental League.

The most exciting aspect of the change to the IBL is that it will allow the Slam to develop regional rivalries with nearby teams. In contrast to the ABA, in which there was only one other team located in the Pacific Northwest, there are nine other teams in Washington and Oregon, including teams in Everett, Seattle, and Tacoma.

The addition of the Bellingham franchise will increase the total number of teams in the IBL to 25. The IBL was started in 2005 with 17 teams and has seen steady growth in each of its first three seasons. The league boasts a fast-paced style of play, with a 22-second shot clock, a “quick throw-in” rule for inbounds passes, and a limitation of only one time-out per quarter.

While the Slam will be facing new opponents for the 2008 season, the team will have at least one familiar face on the bench as head coach Rob Ridnour will return to lead the team in the IBL. Ridnour has compiled a 43-26 record in two seasons with the Slam, and helped guide the team to first place in the ABA's Western Conference during the 2006-07 regular season.

The Slam expect to receive their 2008 IBL schedule from the league this fall.

For more information on the Bellingham Slam, please call the team at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com. Additional information on the International Basketball League can be found on their website at www.iblhoopsonline.com.

*****************************************************
JAMAICA

SEEKING TO RETURN TO WINNING WAYS -by Pete Matthews
New enrants to the 2007 NBL sponsored by KFC and JUICIFUL ,Majestic Gardens will tonight go up against much improved Runnin Rebels tonight at the national Stadium courts. Tonights encounter ought to be a very interesting encounter as both teams will be trying to go back to their winning ways as Majestic lost their last encounter to High Riding Urban Knights on Tuesday night and the Rebels lost to Top placed St Georges Slayers. Majestic are now 5-2 while the rebels are 4-5. The Rebels play a more inside board pounding game while Majestic will be depending on a very speedy game to win

*****************************************************
JAPAN

Hokkaido reveals Japanese players -by JD
The new Super League team, Rera Kamuy Hokkaido, has released the names of the Japanese players for the upcoming season. The most notable name is long-time JBL star Takehiko Orimo.
Japanese signings:

Takehiko Orimo 190cm 1970.5.14
Ryohta Sakurai 194cm 1983.3.13
Yohsuke Sugawara 186cm 1983.9.25
Wataru/Satoshi Kumagaya 184cm 1982.5.10
Daisuke Noguchi 196cm 1983.5.26
Yoshimune Katoh 202cm 1979.4.30
Takaaki Mitarai 185cm 1981.4.21
Taku Satoh 192cm 1982.4.28
Hiroyuki Ohnishi 195cm 1981.9.2
Masanobu itoh 191cm 1984.2.7
Makoto/Shin Katoh 192cm 1982.4.12

*****************************************************
KOREA

Korea creates sensation in the last day of the Qualifying Round -by Eurobasket News
Korea U19-Turkey U19 104:96 (24:24, 24:14, 30:31, 26:27 )

Korea got the unexpected, however pleasant win in the last day of the Qualifying Round. Having no chances to advance Korea beat Turkey 104:96. A great second quarter gave the Asians lead that followed the end of the game. Kwon Yong Woong (189-G/F-88) led the way with 20 points. Ham Nuri (196-F-88) posted 18 points and made 10 rebounds, while Jung Chang Young (190-G-88) added 16. Ogun Sevinc (198-F-88) produced 25 points in the losing effort.

Korea and Turkey both finished on a high tempo as two teas finished the first 24:24. The second quarter was the break up of the game when Korea went on a 10 points lead. Both teams of the tournament went to the lockers with 48:38 for Asians.
Turkey got back within a point thanks to Dogus Balbay (184-G-89)'s lay-up to make it 55:54 in the third period. Trailing again in the fourth Turkey almost pulled off a comeback with a 13-3 scoring stretch to make it 85:82. Korea did not go down and had 98:93 with some minutes to go. Instead of keeping the score Korea increased it to 104:96 and got the second win of the Qualifying Round. The team finished at 2-4 and will continue in the Classification round.

Korea U19: Kwon Yong Woong 20, Ham Nuri 18+10 rebs, Jung Chang Young 16
Turkey U19: Ogun Sevinc 25, Dogus Balbay 16

*****************************************************
KOSOVO

For all Schools and Basketball Clubs -by Edona Shabani
According to the Competition Regulatory of BFK, the Board of on its meeting held on July 15th 2007 brought this:

DECISION

1.Application deadline for competitive edition 2007/08 of BFK for all Basketball Clubs and Basketball Schools will be appointed from August 6th till August 15th 2007.
2.Basketball clubs and Basketball schools which won't submit their team's application will lose the right of participation in all Basketball League 2007/08.
3.These documents should be attached in the application form:

•The registration certificate from Public Services Ministry (public schools and clubs) or Ministry of Trade and Industry (private basketball clubs).
•The decree from Sports Department of Municipality for evidence in the communal clubs register
•Account number(visa card) of the club/school(a copy)
•The complete record for leaders of the club (The president, director, secretary, Board members).

General Secretary of BFK
Isuf Lumi

Source: www.fbk-ks.com

Invitation for beginner referees -by Edona Shabani
BFK, respectively Referees Commission invites all interested people to apply for intensive courses for beginner referees examination.
The rights to apply have all youngsters of the age 24 for and younger and they can submit their application until August 5th 2007.

Please send your application in BFK official email:
federate@fbk-ks.com

President of the Commission
Taulant Hoxha


Source: www.fbk-ks.com

*****************************************************
LITHUANIA

Lithuania U19 was eliminated from the Qualifying Round -by Eurobasket News
Serbia U19-Lithuania U19 89:76 (24:13, 24:24, 14:13, 27:26)

Lithuania U19 lost the last game of the Qualifying Round in Group E and did not qualify to the Top 8 of FIBA U19 World Championship. Last night the team was upset by the hosts 76:89 that finished second. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) led Serbia with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Stefan Markovic (191-G-88) supported him and his team with 15 points. Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89) paced the Baltic state with 17 points and 7 assists. Lithuania will continue in the Classification Round.

The opening quarter was the result of the whole game. The hosts started very energetically and took initiative into their hands. Serbia outscored Lithuania 24:13 in the first quarter that was the result of the whole game as in the next three quarters Lithuania played the same level of the game.
In the second quarter both teams nailed 24 points and still Serbia had 11 points deficit. Lithuania started the third quarter in much the same way they had started the second and reduced their opponents to a seven-point lead midway through the period. Serbia however advantaged the lead to 12 points. The hosts displayed their tournament credentials by scoring nine points without reply to race into a 62:50 lead by the start of the final quarter.
With an offensive basketball from both teams Serbia defended their lead and led the game to the lucky end. Lithuania lost the fourth 26:27 and the game itself 76:89.

Serbia U19: Miroslav Raduljica 23+7 rebs, Stefan Markovic 15
Lithuania U19: Zygimantas Janavicius 17+7 ast, Marius Valukonis (196-F-88) 13, Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) 13

*****************************************************
MARCHAND CUP

Tuto Marchand Cup -by Jay
Argentinean National Team will be participating in the Tuto Marchand Continental Cup August 16-18 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Brazil, Canada and Puerto Rico will play at Jose Miguel Argelot.
This cup's first edition honoring Pureto Rican Jenaro Marchand "Tuto" who is currently FIBA Americas Secretary General Emeritus and also member of FIBACentral Bureau.

*****************************************************
MEXICO

MEXICO'S LNBP SHOWCASE 8/8-8/9 REGISTER SOON! -by Justin Brink


Mexico triumphs again in COCABA Tournment -by Gianni Pascucci
After struggling a lot to defeat Costa Rica in Day 1 of the competition, Team Mexico took a clear win in the first game of Day 2, destroying Nicaragua 124-88 and keeping the top of the table. The best performers had been Romel Beck (202-G/F-82, college: UNLV) with 26 pts and Anthony Lever-Pedroza (191-G-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon) with 25 in Day 1, and Omar Quintero (183-G-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: S.Nazarene) with 20 pts and again Romel Beck with 17 in Day 2

*****************************************************
MOLDOVA

Moldova records second victory in Group B -by Eurobasket News
Moldova U18 - San Marino U18 83:64
Moldova U18 National team outscored San Marino in their second game at the European championship in Wales. Moldova thus imroved to 2-0 record and qualified to Group D, where they will play together with hosting Wales and Scotland.
The victory came due to an impressive performance in the middle of the game when Moldovian players overwhelmed their opponents to ensure necessary advantage. San Marino were ahead after the first frame 15:14 but 10 points from Denis Aculov lifted Moldova up and they posted a 39:36 lead at halftime. Aculov added another 4 points and 2 steals at the start of the third quarter to ignite Moldova to a 20:2 run that cleared them off for good. Leading comfortably 62:43 at the start of the fourth frame Moldova never allowed San Marino to perform any sort of comeback and celebrated a victory.
Alexandr Popov produced 17 points and 16 rebounds, while Vladimir Iziumov added another 17 to lead Moldova. Maxim Petrenco and Denis Aculov contributed 16 points apiece for the winners. San Marino responded with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals from Teodoro Casadei. Enrico Zanotti had 13 points in a loss. Moldova outrebounded San Marino 60:37 and forced them to 30 turnovers. San marino also knocked down miserable 30.8% from free throw line.
Moldova will now face Wales today. San Marino takes on Azerbaijan in Group F.

Moldova U18: Alexandr Popov 17+16 boards, Vladimir Iziumov 17
San Marino U18: Teodoro Casadei 19, Enrico Zanotti 13.

*****************************************************
MOROCCO

Video of the Moroccan basketball final in Fes -by Kristian Santiago

I found a video regarding the incidents happened in the final between MAS and ASS in Fes:
http://video.google.de/videoplay?docid=-1449334823125444170


Here are more interesting videos from the Moroccan Basketball League:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrS11fS5EZA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwALI92P5Zg

http://video.google.de/videoplay?docid=1729819749835705511

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRsSIYZJtvM

http://video.google.de/videoplay?docid=6173349922367666030

http://video.google.de/videoplay?docid=6173349922367666030

http://video.google.de/videoplay?docid=-8049557878288297553

http://video.google.de/videoplay?docid=-4029046616614053826

http://video.google.de/videoplay?docid=-1449334823125444170

http://video.google.de/videoplay?docid=-1449334823125444170

http://video.google.de/videoplay?docid=-5100554437679160039



*****************************************************
NBA

Francis Going Back to Houston -by Bryan Floyd
Steve Francis is on his way back to the old stomping grounds. After three years of struggles in Orlando and New York, the former All-Star guard will return to the place of his greatest glory, the Houston Rockets. Francis was in Houston on Thursday to sign a two-year contract worth roughly $6 million with the Rockets. The club will announce the signing at a newsconference on Friday. "We're extremely pleased that he's going back to Houston," his agent, Jeff Fried, told The Associated Press. "Houston has always been home for Steve since he entered the NBA." The 30-year-old Francis was recently bought out of the remaining two years, $34 million of his previous contract by the Portland Trail Blazers. He received nearly $31 million in the deal.

USA National Team mini camp -by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Anthony


Battier


Billups


Bosh


Bryant
Seventeen members of USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team program are confirmed to participate in the July 20-22 USA mini-training camp that will be conducted in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Basketball announced.
Members of the USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team expected to participate in the July 20-22 training include:
Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84) of Denver Nuggets
Shane Battier (6'8''-F-78) of Houston Rockets
Chauncey Billups (6'3''-G-76) of Detroit Pistons
Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84) of Toronto Raptors
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) of Los Angeles Lakers
Tyson Chandler (7'1''-C-82) of New Orleans Hornets
Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88) of Seattle SuperSonics
Kirk Hinrich (6'3''-G-81) of Chicago Bulls
Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) of Orlando Magic
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) of Cleveland Cavaliers
Jason Kidd (6'4''-G-73) of New Jersey Nets
Mike Miller (6'8''-F/G-79) of Memphis Grizzlies
Tayshaun Prince (6'9''-F-80) of Detroit Pistons
Michael Redd (6'6''-G-79) of Milwaukee Bucks
J.J. Redick (6'4''-G-84) of Orlando Magic (Orlando Magic)
Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) of Phoenix Suns
Deron Williams (6'3''-G-84) of Utah Jazz)
Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Coach Assistants: Jim Boeheim , Mike D'Antoni , Nate McMillan

*****************************************************
NEW ZEALAND

Junior Tall Blacks through to the quarterfinals -by Eurobasket News
New Zealand Junior Tall Blacks completed the preliminary round of the Pioneer Summer Shootout in Nevada, USA. In their last encounter Kiwis outscored Coronado High School 96:45 to book a quarterfinal ticket. Both teams kept it close in the first half but Junior Tall Blacks run away in the second 50:18 and recorded the 4th consecutive at the tournament. Dion Prewster (193-G-90) scored 17 points to lead Kiwis. Rob Loe added 14 points in a win.
Earlier New Zealand Junior team needed an extra time to overcome Faith Lutheran 64:58. Richie Edwards was the topscorer in that game with 22 points. He also led all scorers with 11 points as Junior Tall Blacks outscored Del Sol High School 55:53. In the opening game of the competition New Zealand players thrashed Canyon Springs JV High School 68:16. Poutu Edwards provided 13 points for the winners.
Junior Tall Blacks start the Main Event against Los Vegas Toros on Sunday.

NZ Junior Tall Blacks - Canyon Springs JV High School 68:16
NZ Junior Tall Blacks - Faith Lutheran High School 64:58 (OT)
NZ Junior Tall Blacks - Del Sol High School 55:53
NZ Junior Tall Blacks - Coronado High School 96:45

*****************************************************
NICARAGUA

One win and one loss for Nicaragua -by Gianni Pascucci
Team Nicaragua started the 2007 edition of the COCABA Championship defeating Honduras 79-66, led by Troy Watson (197-F/C-82), who scored 22 pts, and Alvin Camacho (191-G/F-78), who added 20. Yesterday night, Team Mexico was too much for the Nicaraguans, who felt 88-124, with Rudy Taylor (198-F-83) and Elijah Allen (194-F-73) being the last to surrender, after scoring 15 points each. This afternoon, Nicaragua will meet Costa Rica in an important game.

*****************************************************
PHILIPPINES

RP's top amateur player to play for National Team, sacrifice ambition to turn pro -by Hector Santos
With his athleticism and attitude, Jason Castro (173-G) is certainly be a big catch in the pro league's annual draft pick next month.

But the prolific Harbour Center guard passed up that rare opportunity yesterday after revealing his decision to play for the national team for one last time.

"Playing in the PBA is everybody's dream but playing for flag and country is something you have to embrace and experience. Walang katulad ang maging member ng national team" said Castro. "I'm still young, so I decided to forego my plan of turning pro this year."

The soft-spoken Pampanga pride is being considered as one of the probable members of the Philippine team that will play, and hopefully restore the country's pride in the SEA Games which is slated in Thailand this December.

Castro, who made a history in the PBL after winning back-to-back MVP titles, just turned 21 last month. He also played a key role in Harbour title-clinching win in the recent Unity Cup.
Castro's decision was warmly welcomed by amateur basketball godfather and Harbour Center owner Mikee Romero.

"I'm glad Jason made that decision, at least we are assured of having one good guy in the team," said Romero. "That is a great sacrifice on his part because most of the big stars in the amateur ranks are all set to join the pro ranks."

Erick Arejola, tasked by Romero to supervise the ongoing tryouts for the RP team, also heaved a big sigh of relief and said: "With Jason around, we're assured of at least one go-to-guy in the team."
Also one reason why he deferred his decision to turn pro is his plan to finish his studies at the Philippine Christian University where he's taking up a business management course.
If given another chance, he also wants to play for the PCU Dolphins next season.

"I still want to play for PCU next year, " said Castro, who played for the Harbour-RP team in the SEABA Club Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia last April.

Meantime, RP team coach Junel Baculi was also overjoyed by Castro's decision to stay in the amateur ranks for at least another year.

"I salute him for doing this patriotic act," said Baculi. "I hope others will follow."

Japan schools looking for more Pinoy cagers -by Hector Santos
“The Exchange Student Who is Causing a Sensation”

That is how newspapers in Kyoto, Japan describe Maui Villanueva, a former UAAP junior Mythical team member from UPIS who is the first Filipino recruited to play basketball for a Japanese school. Now, he's opened the door for other young Filipino players to follow suit.

It all started in March of 2005, when Villanueva visited a friend at Reyes Gym in Mandaluyong. Higashiyama High School happened to be holding tryouts, and invited him back the following morning, which was the last day. After that last session, the coaches were so impressed, they immediately offered the 6'4” center a three-year scholarship.

“We were surprised when they told us that Maui had to leave immediately the following week,” recalls Maui's mother, Corinne. “We were happy and sad, and just tried to give him all the advice we could, and told him to pray.”

“There was a lot of pressure on me, because I knew I was representing the Philippines and our culture,” Maui told The Star. “It was really hard. I missed my family and I didn't understand Japanese. So everything was body language, even the practices.”

But he made a huge impression on the entire Kyoto when, in his first month, he was visited by former President Corazon Aquino, who had read about him in The STAR. Mrs. Aquino was on a speaking engagament in Kyoto, and went to the Higashiyama campus to check on him.

“They were like, ‘Who are you back in the Philippines, anyway?'” laughs Villanueva at the recollection. “It was a great honor for me.”

Eventually, the former UPIS starter's skill surfaced, and Higashiyama won on several of the tournaments they joined. In the Kyoto district tournament, they placed second only to the eventual All-Japan champion Rakunan High School. Villanueva hopes that, before he graduates in March, he will be able to repay Higashiyama by overcoming that last remaining obstacle.

Now, other schools have taken notice, and are looking for their own Filipino recruits. But before they do that, Maui Villanueva's coach has one last request: find him another tall, talented Filipino recruit who has the same fighting heart.

Credits to Bill Velasco/Philippine Star

FAN'S CORNER -by Benny Lirio
A letter was sent to Asia-Basket. Giving some suggestions and compliments

Tks
Blirio


Hi there Asia-Basket,

Before anything else, I would like to congratulate you people working behind this great basketball site. You gave us instant connections not just in Asia but globally in basketball world.


I am really an avid fans of RP Basketball particularly the PBA since I was a kid. I watched every progress of our basketball programs and it seems that we are in the right track, hopefully, of playing in the Olympics.

I have some added suggestions for PBA and Philippine Basketball, so to speak, for a drastic but reasonable changes. I might receive violent reactions on my suggestions but while I am doing this, I think of Philippine Basketball as a whole.


AMATEUR LEAGUE:
Instead of having NCAA, UAAP leagues, may we asked to combine this league and form an ultimate amateur league. Para di magsawa ang tao sa dami ng liga sa Pinas.
E.G. NCAA NCR Division 1, NCAA Vismin Division 1 and descend to NCAA NCR Division 2 like in the U.S.
Fil-am summer league should also be a part of SBP-BAP program for us to discover players, with Filipino roots, from other countries.
Champions from league will have a face off for the ultimate NCAA Crown.

PBA LEAGUE:
PBA, like NBA, should start accepting 19 year old players. (FIBA)
PBA teams should have one naturalized player, thru NP special drafting, for us to prepare in the international tournament.
A player can only be naturalized if he played / stayed in the Philippines for at least two years. This will cover up FIBA requirement of residency of three years.
Only naturalized players can be allowed to trade to its own kind.
Once a naturalized player been dropped from a team, a team can only replaced it from a free agents of NP or NP special draft.
No limit in height for NP.
New teams of PBA should be allowed to carry on 5 players plus 1 chosen Fil-am.
PBA should not only follow law of blood but law of soil too...this will open the doors to foreign players (with no Filipino roots but born in the Philippines) to play along our side.
PBA should convert it's league rules from professional to FIBA for us to prepare in any given international tournament.
PBA should allow foreign coaches only with greater resume.
If in case we qualified in the Olympics:
Can we recall those giants in the US (Japeth Aguilar (206-C), Gian Chiu, Slaughter and the 7-0 Aguilar) to try-out in the Philippine Team. This will give us added ceiling.
Hindi naman sa pandadaya, since it is allowed by FIBA, can we also have one naturalized player (much better if it's a tall/center NP) in our line-up.
I really appreciate your time reading my e-mail and hopefully some of it will help improve our Philippine Basketball.

Thanks,

Cyril Z. Parrenas

*****************************************************
POLAND

Harissis in Prokom and the other news -by Michal Falkowski
Polish champion Prokom Trefl Sopot is just a step from the end of completing its roster after the addition of veteran Chris Harissis (191-G-76) at point guard. Harissis arrived from Olympiakos Piraeus. Last season he played in 19 Euroleague games for the Reds, averaging 2.6 points and 0.8 assists in 10 minutes per game. Harissis began his career with Arion and then moved on to Iraklio OAA Kritis. He has also played for TAU Ceramica Vitoria, Apollon Patras and Montepaschi Siena.

Grzegorz Arabas will play for AZS Koszalin. Arabas signed two-year deal. Polish shooting guard last season spent in Kotwica Kolobrzeg averaging 7.2 ppg., 1.7 rpg. and 1.1 apg.

*****************************************************
ROMANIA

New Move for U - Mobitelco -by Bogdan Bocaniala
After they sign with Mihai Popa (186-G-79), Zoran Krstanovic (205-C-82) and Sasa Vukas (205-F-76, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents), Univ Mobitelco Cluj Napoca sign with Ionut Mocanu (206-C-75) and with Uchechukwu Iheadindu (194-F-79, agency: Court Side).
Ionut played in CSU Atlassib Sibiu last season and Ucechukwu played in Dinamo-Galean Bucuresti.
Looking back we may see that Univ Mobitelco Cluj Napoca changed the main players from last season. if last year there where 4 American and one Serbian player this year they sign already 4 Serbian players and still wait for LeVar Seals (194-G-82, agency: Naiditch Entertainment, college: De Paul) final decision.

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

Predrag Suput moves to Germany -by Dragan Jankovski
Power forward Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) put his signature on the contract with German Bundes league champion Brose Basket Bamberg. Suput spent last season in Hemofarm Vrsac and was a top scorer of the team in Adriatic league where he played 26 games averaging 13.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.0 spg. For 11 games in ULEB Cup he had 13.8 ppg, 4.7rpg and 2.1apg. Before Hemofarm Suput played two seasons in Partizan Belgrade winning two championships of Serbia and Montenegro.

Milos Bojovic signed with Vojvodina Srbijagas -by Nenad Ilijev
Milos Bojovic (198-F-81) is the latest acquisition of Vojvodina Srbijagas. MVP of Sinalco Nasa Liga last season has signed 2 years long contract with the 'Tulips'. Last year Bojovic played in Sloga Kraljevo averaging 23.9ppg in domestic competition. He is second Sloga player who signed with 'red-whites'. Center Goran Bajic (209-C-83) joined Vojvodina in June.

WC U19: Serbia against Turkey in the quarterfinal -by Dragan Jankovski
After nice performance and win vs France Serbian NT outplayed Lithuania 89:76 and will meet Turkey in the quarterfinal tomorrow at 18:00h. All quarterfinal games will be played on Friday so USA will play against Argentina, France against Spain while undefeated Australia will meet Brazil. Serba made plus 11 after first quarter and successfully kept that advantage until the end. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88, agency: CAA Sports), who netted 90% of his points in the first half, led Serbians scoring 23 points and grabbing 7 rebounds while PG Stefan Markovic (191-G-88) followed him adding 15 points and 3 assists. Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89) posted 17 points and dished out 7 assists for Lithuania who had 25 attempts for 3-pts during the game making only 7 of them.
One of the best Serbian players and best scorer against France with 18 points Marko Keselj (208-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) got serious slashes on his hand early in the 2nd minute of the game and it is still not known will he be able to help his team mates in the fight for the medals.


Serbia - Lithuania 89:76
(24:13,24:24,14:13,27:26)

Serbia: Jeremic 10, Despotovic 8 (4 as), Katnic 3, Markovic 15 (3 as), Keselj 2, Radulovic 2, Stojacic 6, Cakarevic, Macvan 10 (4 as), Raduljica 23 (7 rebs), Marjanovic 10 (4 rebs), Cupkovic.
Lithuania: Janavisius 17 (7 as), Birgelis, Cepukaitis 4 (4 rebs), Beliavicius 2, Kleiza 7, Gvezdauskas 11, Gailius, Brazdauskis, Valukonis 13 (6 rebs), Gecevicius 13, Skardauskas 2, Grinius 7.

Senior NT: Preparations for EC officially starts today -by Dragan Jankovski
Head coach of Serbian National team Zoran "Moka" Slavnic officially starts preparations for the European Championship in Spain. Today in Kovilovo (near Belgrade) will show up:

1. Marko Jaric (198-G-78)
2. Mile Ilic (215-C-84)
3. Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket)
4. Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85)
5. Branko Cvetkovic (200-G-84)
6. Nemanja Aleksandrov (211-C/F-87)
7. Vuk Radivojevic (197-G-83, agency: Beo Basket)
8. Novica Velickovic (205-F-86)
9. Nenad Misanovic (217-C-84)

Aleksandar Pavlovic (200-F-83) will arrive after he sign contract in NBA, Darko Milicic (212-C-85) on 22nd or 23rd while Milan Gurovic (207-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) will show up on 23rd July. Dragan Labovic (208-C/F-87), Milos Teodosic (196-G-87) and Milenko Tepic (202-G-87, agency: Beo Basket), three players who won European Championship U20 couple of days ago, will come in Kovilovo on 24th. Point guard Stefan Markovic (191-G-88) will arrive when he finish his duties with U19 National Team on the World Championship in Novi Sad. Head coach Slavnic said that this list is the final and he won't call any other players for NT.

Greek Aris Thessaloniki wants to return Vladimir Petrovic -by Dragan Jankovski
After very good season in French Pro A team Paris Basket Racing Greek Aris from Thessaloniki is interested to sign Vladimir Petrovic (198-F/G-77, agency: Beo Basket). Namely, Petrovic grow up with Aris and he also played there two years ago when the team reached final of the ULEB Cup. Last season Petrovic played 34 games for Paris averaging 12.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.4 apg and 1.4 spg. Later in March he joined VidiVici Bologna and with them played in the play-off final of Italian Serie A. In the past Petrovic also played for Breogan, ALBA Berlin (Bundes league champion 2003 and Cup winner), Caceres, Dramas, Partizan etc.

*****************************************************
SINGAPORE

NBL's Singapore Slingers in limbo -by Hector Santos
The future of Singapore's National Basketball League (NBL) franchise will be determined within weeks.

The Singapore Slingers are the first Asian-based club in the Australian NBL and joined at the start of the 2006/07 season. The head coach is former West Sydney Razorbacks coach Gordie McLeod and they play at the Singapore Indoor Stadium (SIS).

The club was the brainchild of NBL stalwart Bob Turner, the Slingers' CEO. The NBL believes the club can open the league to wider audiences and greater revenue. However, the club has averaged crowds of only 1-2000 at its home games so far this season.

Singaporeans' Pathman Matialakan and Koh Meng Koon are the only locals that played for the team.

Bob Turner's courageous gamble of creating an Asian franchise and bringing it into the Australia-based NBL Philips Championship is still in need of greater financial security before the Slingers can confidently proceed into a second season.

It was reported that Singapore Slingers is having financial difficulties due to few number of supporters and endorsers in order to continue taking part in the Australian professional league.
But how calamitous would it be for any further NBL hopes of advancing into Asia if Singapore's team was allowed to collapse after just one season?

If the league genuinely wants this experiment to work and the Slingers find the money to continue, the NBL must cut them some slack and allow a third, fourth, fifth or even sixth import from an Asian country (China, Philippines, South Korea etc.) into the team.

Don't care what anyone says or thinks, the fact is an Asian team in an Asian city needs at least one Asian face on it to attract a greater level of local support.

*****************************************************
SLOVENIA

Helios Domzale adds Matej Krusic -by Matej Bergant
Helios Domzale signed three years contract with promising center Matej Krusic (211-F/C-87). Krusic spent last season in Kemoplast Alpos Sentjur averaging 7.2ppg, 5.8rpg in 35 games. He was also member of U20 NT of Slovenia on European Championship where he averaged 8.6ppg and 5.6rpg in 8 games.

Mijanovic new headcoach of Krka -by Matej Bergant
Rade Mijanovic signed one year contract with Krka as their headcoach. Mijanovic is known for his work in Union Olimpija as assistent coach to Saso Filipovski and Zmago Sagadin. In previous season he worked as headcoach in Nova Gorica.

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

Berni Hernandez signs with Ricoh Manresa -by Daniel Fernandez

The former player last season of Etosa Alicante, Berni Hernandez (187-G-75, agency: Interperformances) have accorded the terms of the contract for the next season with Ricoh Manresa, new team in ACB League.

This playmaker had played the last four season in Alicante, and he has a great experience in the ACB League.



*****************************************************
T.OF THE AM-CAS

USA National Team mini camp -by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Anthony


Battier


Billups


Bosh


Bryant
Seventeen members of USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team program are confirmed to participate in the July 20-22 USA mini-training camp that will be conducted in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Basketball announced.
Members of the USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team expected to participate in the July 20-22 training include:
Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84) of Denver Nuggets
Shane Battier (6'8''-F-78) of Houston Rockets
Chauncey Billups (6'3''-G-76) of Detroit Pistons
Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84) of Toronto Raptors
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) of Los Angeles Lakers
Tyson Chandler (7'1''-C-82) of New Orleans Hornets
Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88) of Seattle SuperSonics
Kirk Hinrich (6'3''-G-81) of Chicago Bulls
Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) of Orlando Magic
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) of Cleveland Cavaliers
Jason Kidd (6'4''-G-73) of New Jersey Nets
Mike Miller (6'8''-F/G-79) of Memphis Grizzlies
Tayshaun Prince (6'9''-F-80) of Detroit Pistons
Michael Redd (6'6''-G-79) of Milwaukee Bucks
J.J. Redick (6'4''-G-84) of Orlando Magic (Orlando Magic)
Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) of Phoenix Suns
Deron Williams (6'3''-G-84) of Utah Jazz)
Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Coach Assistants: Jim Boeheim , Mike D'Antoni , Nate McMillan

*****************************************************
TURKEY

U19 Shocked By S. Korea -by Serdar Ortakuyu
Despite putting an end to Spain's 5 game winning streak yesterday Turkish U19 could not stop South Korea today and registered a 104-96 loss on the third day of FIBA U19 World Championship second round. After an even first quarter Turkey failed to slow down Kwon Yong Woong (189-G/F-88) who gave his team a ten point lead at the half. In the second half Turkish almost tied the game thanks to Alpella swingman Ogun Sevinc (198-F-88) who nailed a game high 25 points but Ham Nuri (196-F-88)&Kwon Yong Woong was tough to handle and South Korea grabbed the win. Despite the loss Turkey advanced to the quarter final and will face Serbia who are hosting the event and one of the strongests teams of FIBA U19 World Championship.

Transactions -by Serdar Ortakuyu
Banvit keeps adding young players to their 07-08 roster. Bandirma club announced the two year deal with former Efes Pilsen center Mutlu Demir (205-C-87) who spent the last season on loan at Beykoz where he posted 8.5ppg, 4.6rpg in over 20 minutes of playing time. Demir also competed in U20 European Championship and added 4.4 points for Turkey.
On the other hand Duzce Genclik of TB2L who hardly avoided relegation last year, strenghtened their roster with Serdar Sanal (193-G/F-80), Alperen Kalaycioglu (200-F-82) and Mustafa Arslantas (-83).

U18 In Lithuania -by Serdar Ortakuyu

Turkish U18 National Team flew to Lithuania to attend the Baltic Tournament. Turkey will take on Russia, Lithuania and Latvia respectively till July 22.

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Taner Gunay
Assistant Coach:Erhan Ernak
Assistant Coach: Omer Buyukaycan


Roster:
Ibrahim Yildirim (185-G-90) Banvit
Erol Can Cinko (187-G-90) Banvit
Volkan Incekara (192-G-90) Alpella
Deniz Kilicli (204-F/C-90) Pertevniyal
Andrey Kislitsin (201-F-90) Pertevniyal
Sahin Ekmen (200-F-89) Pertevniyal
Ali Isik (205-F-90) Pertevniyal
Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90) Tofas
Erdinc Balto (206-F-90) Pinar Karsiyaka
Tufan Onen (202-F-89) Oyak Renault
Melih Yildiz (194-G-89) Tofas



*****************************************************
U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

Christmas is here! -by David Edole

The Virgin Islanders seem to be taking over the Philadelphia basketball scene. With the 6-foot-9 forward Frank Elegar of Drexel Univeristy dominating the Big 5 and the addition of 6-foot-8 forward Craig Williams at Temple it would appear that V.I. have a hand everywhere in Philly. Everywhere except high school.

Now enter Rakeem Christmas. The 6-foot-8 forward/center recently completed the 8th grade at Pepper Middle School in Philly. He has created amazing buzz on his inside play with his shot blocking and rebounding ability. Earlier this summer, his skills were on display in the Naberth League Junior Division. He had triple double leading O'leary Funeral Home to an easy win. He finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds and 15 blocked shots. In his final game of the Naberth, he had a tourney high of 21 rebounds and scored 18 points in a, 65-60, win over J. Fatty Esq.. He was named player of the week two times in the six week league. His summer was only getting started.

Christmas has then gone on to play with two different teams in Philly. He presently plays with the Filly Fours (AAU team) and in the Sonny Hill League with Team Eddie Jones.

Because of his outstanding play with the Filly Sol, Christmas was selected to play with Kobe Bryant's AAU traveling team (Team Kobe) this summer. The team will be traveling to Orlando and Las Vegas to play in an AAU tournament. Not bad for kid who played one year of middle school basketball at Arthur Richards.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Christmas has decided to play high school basketball at North Catholic for this upcoming season.

Christmas also played in the Eastern Invitational and was one of the youngest balers that caught the eye of writer Phil Kasiecki who had this to say about Christmas.

“Rakeem Christmas (6'8" Fr. PF, Philadelphia (PA) North Catholic HS) There looks to be a good deal of potential in this young post player, who has a mature body for his age. He has long arms and used them to block several shots. At the offensive end, he needs some work, as he rarely got touches and when he did, tended to fade away on shots he took.”



Jam Squad Tops TWI/ DA Real Thing advances to Finals -by David Edole
By Nick Schneeman

It's playoff season for the Amateur Basketball Association, and no one knows better the pressure it brings along than the experienced lineup of the defending champion Jam Squad. They took on To Win It in a rematch of last year's semifinal round, which saw Jam Squad lose the first game and then win two straight to advance to the finals.

This year is starting out similarly as Jam Squad lost, 82-80, on Monday night before bouncing back with a convincing 98-83 win Wednesday night at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School gym. TWI now will try to avoid a complete repeat in game three on Friday.

"There's four good teams in this league, and on any given night any team can win," Jam Squad coach Jojo Gumbs said. "But we weren't coming here to lay down tonight."

The game started with all the intensity of a high-octane playoff matchup as both teams ran up and down the court, driving to the basket with no abandon.

TWI jumped out to an early 15-7 lead with the fast-paced game playing into their style and the hot shooting of Andrew Christian (186-G) propelling the scoring. But Jam Squad didn't let it last long.

They settled into their 2-3 zone and started forcing TWI out of their rhythm. By the end of the first quarter, Jam Squad had claimed the lead at 20-18.

The second quarter continued with much of the same, and the teams found themselves locked in a heated battle at halftime with the score sitting at 43-42. Randy George (200-F-81, college: Henderson St.) seemed to find his rhythm much to the relief of Jam Squad fans as he picked up eight points in the quarter after a scoreless first.

"In the first half we played the same as we did on Monday," Gumbs said. "We had no intensity and we weren't contesting shots. We were letting them right into the lane."

That changed in the second half as the trio of Randy George, Keneddy Bass and Calvert White (191-G/F-75, college: SE Missouri St.) picked up the interior defense and forced TWI to start putting up shots from outside.

By the end of the third quarter TWI found themselves down 75-66.

George put an exclamation point on the win when he got the ball on a break, rose up and threw down a monster one-handed jam, much to the excitement of the crowd, which squelched TWI's effort to fight their way back into the game in the final minutes.

He finished the game with 12 points and seven rebounds. Bass led the team with 24 points and seven rebounds, and White added 13 points and three boards. Point guard Steve Gardner did his part with 13 points and three assists, and swingman Akil Lewis (183-G-82, college: Lynn) added 20 points, four boards and four helpers.

For TWI it was Robert Duck leading the way with 20 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. He got a lot of help from Houston Penn (198-F/C, college: McKendree), who had 19 points, nine boards and four helpers. Christian added 13 points and four assists.

The teams will meet again at 8 p.m. on Friday to determine who will face Da Real Thing for the 2007 ABA championship.


DA REAL THING ROUTS ONE TIME TO ADVANCE TO ABA FINALS

Da Real Thing faced off against One Time on Wednesday night at the BCB gym in the third game of the best-of-three ABA playoff semifinal series.

With One Time missing starters and All-Stars Kitwana Rhymer and Kaylan Gregory - they are playing with the V.I. National Men's team in the PanAm Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - they just couldn't muster enough of an effort to compete with the 2005 champions, falling 92-83 to Da Real Thing.

Da Real Thing grabbed an 18-6 lead, and One Time never really recovered.

Ricardo Oquendo led Da Real Thing with 25 points and 13 rebounds; Jabahri Brown (209-F/C-79, college: Oklahoma) pitched in with 18 points, 13 boards and three assists; and Steve Parrilion added 17 points, nine boards and three helpers.

One Time got their best game from Imbert Prosper (188-G, college: Tuskegee), who had 25 points and 11 rebounds. Roy Brunn Jr. had 22 points and four assists, and Eddy Carrai added 15 points and five rebounds.

Da Real Thing will face the winner of the Jam Squad-TWI matchup in the finals.

CBA ROUND UP -by David Edole
In the oldest rivalry of the Choices Basketball Association (CBA), Man Dem proved to be too much for Ujima, knocking off their rival, 96-78 Wednesday night. Ujima came out firing in the first quarter, but after that it was all Man Dem. Glenroy “Shot Gun” Coggins brilliant passes helped Man Dem pull away from the weary team.
In the first game of the night, Running Rebels dropped yet another hard fought game to Guidance. Guidance has won their last two games and has the look of a champion.
There is log jam for first place in the Hovensa Division. Guidance, Lakers and upstart Legacy all have same win-loss record, three wins and two losses. In the Positive Division, both Mandem and Hoyas have four wins and one loss. The action continues this Friday night at the Central High School Gym.

CBA Schedule for the week
All games played at Central High
First game starts at 7:45pm

Friday July 20th
Legacy vs. Rebels
Hoyas vs. Ujima

Saturday July 21st
Rockerz vs. Lakers
Guidance vs. Man Dem

*****************************************************
UKRAINE

Kyiv Sign Faison, Krstic -by Alexei Naumov

BC Kyiv continue to upgrade their roster in a preparation for the upcoming season. On Tuesday the team came to terms with a couple of backcourt players: a 28-year-old American Marcus Faison (196 cm) and a 35-year-old Croatian veteran Vladimir Krstic (185 cm)


Faison's most productive year in NCAA was in 1999 - 2000 season, when he averaged 17.3 points, 6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game for the Siena College.
Despite being drafted by a USBL team the same year, Marcus chose to continue his career in Europe, where he joined Belgian side Go-Pass Pepinster for two seasons.


He had a short 17-game stop-over in USBL in 2002, after which he returned to Belgium to join Charleroi for 4 years. During Fraison's stay with the team his top performance was displayed in 2004-05, when he averaged 19.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game in 14 ULEB Cup contests and 18.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in 25 domestic league appearances.


Marcus left Charleroi in 2006 to join German RheinEnergie, but moved to Spanish Unicaja midway through the season.


While Fraison is definitely going to become one of the go-to guys on the Kyiv squad, Vladimir Krstic brings enormous experience, leadership qualities and defensive skills. Despite turning 36 later this July, Vladimir is in an excellent shape.


Kyiv is going to become Krstic's 12th team in his 17 years of playing pro basketball. Before joining the Ukrainian vice-champions he played in Olimpia Larisa in 2006-07, averaging 7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.


According to Kyiv's general manager Vitaliy Khomenko, Fraison signed a two-year deal with the club. Krstic, meanwhile, was inked for just one season.



Expecting for the tournament -by Alexander Muzyka
Kyiv will host friendly NT tournament tomorrow . Two Ukrainian teams (NT by Vitali Lebedintsev and Universiade by Yevhen Murzin), Belarus and Russia will have three-days basketball show like it had place four years ago. There will be only one difference - Russia will perform not NT but its Universiade team. There will be the next schedule:

July 20
Belarus - Russia-2
Ukraine - Ukraine-2

July 21
Ukraine-2 - Russia-2
Ukraine - Belarus

July 22
Ukraine-2 - Belarus
Ukraine - Russia-2

Reese to Azovmash -by Alexander Muzyka
- Azovmash has inked ex-Besiktas player Aubrey Reese (183-G-78) but is looking for the main playmaker. This vacancy is open after Khalid el-Amin has left the team.

*****************************************************
USBL

A VISIT WITH THE UBL -by John Gary
WHY START A NEW LEAGUE? I dont want to appear critical, but i have viewed a few and felt that i would do things differently than them. I THINK THAT YOU HAVE to be willing to examine what has and be sure not to make similar mistakes. In some cases the same errors have been made and it has resulted in teams dropping out before the start of a season or worse yet in the middle of the season. I STARTED THE UBL, SO THAT THE LEAGUE COULD START FROM THE GROUND FLOOR AND CONTINUE TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS. i always said after 9/11,things changed. YOUNG MEN ONCE WILLING TO PLAY OVERSEAS ARE NOT WILLING NOW. here is a chance to keep them on home soil. ALSO, OUR TYPICAL OWNER IS SOMEONE WHO IS RUNNIN THE BUSINESS. there are some of us not named CUBAN OR dolan that recall basketball and this league allows the average small businessman to run his own team. THE THIRD PART OF THIS QUESTION IS DIRECTED TOWARD THE FANS GOING TO madison SQUARE garden as a boy. MY DAD SOMETIMES TOOK A FAMILY OF FOUR. the average man with a wife and two children cant afford sodas, hot dogs, t-shirts and programs, we plan to make it more affordable for them.
WHY THE facination with ownership ? As i stated earily the average person can call his own, We have a plan in place to insure that teams will do well. We all want to make money but the UBL will do fine. We will survive because we will be visiable in our community. In fact it has started for one team the Soul and the Arkansas Warriors are doing the same. The Soul have an event coming up combining basketball with good health . LOADS OF FOUNDATIONS ARE ALREADY COMMITTED AND SEVERAL LOCAL BUSINESSES ARE CONTRIBUTING WHEN THEY CAN.

*****************************************************
VANUATU

No Vanuatu teams in the South Pacific Games -by Gauthier Gerard
The Vanuatu Basketball Federation decided not to send the National team to play in the upcoming 2007 South Pacific Games which will be held in Samoa at the end of August. This is obviously a huge setback for basketball in the country, hopefully the country will be able to field a team in the 2008 FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament in Guam.

*****************************************************
W.CHAMPS U19

The last day of the Qualifying Round -by Eurobasket News

Group E

Lithuania U19 lost the last game of the Qualifying Round in Group E and did not qualify to the Top 8 of FIBA U19 World Championship. Last night the team was upset by the hosts 76:89 that finished second. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) (213-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) led Serbia with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Stefan Markovic (191-G-88) supported him and his team with 15 points. Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89) paced the Baltic state with 17 points and 7 assists. Lithuania will continue in the Classification Round. The opening quarter was the result of the whole game. The hosts started very energetically and took initiative into their hands. Serbia outscored Lithuania 24:13 in the first quarter that was the result of the whole game as in the next three quarters Lithuania played the same level of the game.
In the second quarter both teams nailed 24 points and still Serbia had 11 points deficit. Lithuania started the third quarter in much the same way they had started the second and reduced their opponents to a seven-point lead midway through the period. Serbia however advantaged the lead to 12 points. The hosts displayed their tournament credentials by scoring nine points without reply to race into a 62:50 lead by the start of the final quarter.
With an offensive basketball from both teams Serbia defended their lead and led the game to the lucky end. Lithuania lost the fourth 26:27 and the game itself 76:89.

Brazil U19 celebrated an important win to advance to the Quarter-Final of FIBA U19 World Championship. In the last game of the Qualifying Round Brazil rolled over China 89:77. The latter won three quarters out of four, however the loss in the second was too much for China. Brazil smashed the Asians with 34:9 and advanced to the next stage. Paulo Prestes (208-C-88) led the winners with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Duarte produced 19 and De Moura Melazzo added 16. Xu Yong (202-F-89) top-scored with 23 points in the losing effort.
China led 19:16 after the first quarter but could not repeat the same in the second. Brazil had two enormous runs to win the second 34:9. Both teams went to the lockers as the board showed 50:28 at the half.
China started the third quarter with 17-4 run and trailed only 51:64 after three quarters. The teams played evenly in the fourth quarter but China never got closer than 9.
Brazil outrebounded China 49-33 and had 16 turnovers to 23 by China. China hit 57 percent of its 2-point shots and 46 percent of its 3-pointers while Brazil hit 45 percent of its 2-point shots and 27 percent of its 3-pointers.
USA beat France 87:82 and stayed the undefeated team in the group.

Group F


Korea got the unexpected, however pleasant win in the last day of the Qualifying Round. Having no chances to advance Korea beat Turkey 104:96. A great second quarter gave the Asians lead that followed the end of the game. Kwon Yong Woong (189-G/F-88) led the way with 20 points. Ham Nuri posted 18 points and made 10 rebounds, while Jung Chang Young added 16. Ogun Sevinc (198-F-88) produced 25 points in the losing effort.
Korea and Turkey both finished on a high tempo as two teas finished the first 24:24. The second quarter was the break up of the game when Korea went on a 10 points lead. Both teams of the tournament went to the lockers with 48:38 for Asians. Turkey got back within a point thanks to Dogus Balbay (184-G-89)'s lay-up to make it 55:54 in the third period. Trailing again in the fourth Turkey almost pulled off a comeback with a 13-3 scoring stretch to make it 85:82. Korea did not go down and had 98:93 with some minutes to go. Instead of keeping the score Korea increased it to 104:96 and got the second win of the Qualifying Round. The team finished at 2-4 and will continue in the Classification round.

Argentina qualified to the quarter-finals of the FIBA U19 World Championship even though the team lost to Canada 82:87. Three teams in the group finished with 3-3 and only Canada stayed out of the Quarterfinals. Due to the loss from Turkey (58:81), the latter and Argentina qualified to the next stage. In the game over Canada Nicolas De los Santos posted 24 points for Argentina. Sebastian Vega (200-C-88) nailed 17 and made 10 rebounds, while Nicolas Aguirre netted 16. Kai Williams (198-F-89) top-scored for Canada with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Boris Bakovic ended up with 17 points and 13 rebounds and Devoe Joseph had 14.
Canada played the great game and you seldom see a winner of the game unhappy, as the loser qualifies to another stage. Both teams nailed 24 points in the opening quarter and looked forward toward the rest of the game. Greg Francis' outfit quickly learnt from their mistakes from the opening period and tightened their defense to race into a 38:28 lead midway through the second quarter.
In the second half Argentina won the third quarter 17:13 however lost the fourth 28:29. As a result 82:87 loss but the ticket to the next round for the South Americans.
Australia stayed undefeated beating Spain 86:84.



Serbia against Turkey in the quarterfinal -by Dragan Jankovski
After nice performance and win vs France Serbian NT outplayed Lithuania 89:76 and will meet Turkey in the quarterfinal tomorrow at 18:00h. All quarterfinal games will be played on Friday so USA will play against Argentina, France against Spain while undefeated Australia will meet Brazil. Serba made plus 11 after first quarter and successfully kept that advantage until the end. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88, agency: CAA Sports), who netted 90% of his points in the first half, led Serbians scoring 23 points and grabbing 7 rebounds while PG Stefan Markovic (191-G-88) followed him adding 15 points and 3 assists. Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89) posted 17 points and dished out 7 assists for Lithuania who had 25 attempts for 3-pts during the game making only 7 of them.
One of the best Serbian players and best scorer against France with 18 points Marko Keselj (208-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) got serious slashes on his hand early in the 2nd minute of the game and it is still not known will he be able to help his team mates in the fight for the medals.


Serbia - Lithuania 89:76
(24:13,24:24,14:13,27:26)

Serbia: Jeremic 10, Despotovic 8 (4 as), Katnic 3, Markovic 15 (3 as), Keselj 2, Radulovic 2, Stojacic 6, Cakarevic, Macvan 10 (4 as), Raduljica 23 (7 rebs), Marjanovic 10 (4 rebs), Cupkovic.
Lithuania: Janavisius 17 (7 as), Birgelis, Cepukaitis 4 (4 rebs), Beliavicius 2, Kleiza 7, Gvezdauskas 11, Gailius, Brazdauskis, Valukonis 13 (6 rebs), Gecevicius 13, Skardauskas 2, Grinius 7.



*****************************************************

Women News

*****************************************************
BARBADOS - Women

Station Hill Cavaliers complete the sweep against the Challengers -by Eurobasket News
Lady Cavs - Challengers 106:41
The defending champions of the Sagicor/BOA Women's League Basketball Station Hill Lady Cavs had a victorious start of their playoff campaign. They easily crushed the Challengers 106:41 en route to their sixth straight title. Challengers could have hoped for a better result as they already defeated the Lady Cavs in the regular season but had little arguments on Saturday.
Lady Cavs grabbed an early 21:10 lead after the opening frame. The pressure on the Challengers' back court resulted in Challengers converting just 7 points in the second quarter. The Lady Cavs capitalized and flew away to a safe 52:17 distance at halftime. Challengers never came back into it and slipped to 0-1 in the series. Jamila Griffith (183-G/F-82, college: Md-Eastern Shore) led the action with 18 points. Wanda Agard-Belgrave added another 17 points for the Lady Cavs. Susan Harris (-69) responded with 12 points in a losing effort.

Challengers - Lady Cavs 56:95
The Station Hill Lady Cavs completed the series against the Challengers in Game 2. Challengers were without services of point guard Ingrid Jordan. However the underdogs tried hard to stay in the race as they trailed by just 3 points in the second quarter 21:24. The Lady Cavs speeded up the game and used all the experience to maintain the dominance and ensure a winning outcome. Wanda Agard-Belgrave produced 25 points in a win. Astrid Alleyne (-79) had 20 points for the winners. Susan Harris led the Challengers with 19 points.


Lady Cavs - Challengers 106:41
Lady Cavs: Jamila Griffith 18 points, Wanda Agard-Belgrave 17
Challengers: Susan Harris 12

Challengers - Lady Cavs 56:95
Challengers: Susan Harris 19, Andrea Puckerin (-82) 15
Lady Cavs: Wanda Agard-Belgrave 25, Astrid Alleyne 20.

Pepsi Tigers and Colombian Emeralds Senators are tied in the semifinal clash -by Eurobasket News
Pepsi Tigers - Colombian Emeralds Senators 63:62
It a was a drama basketball at the Barbados Community College when Pepsi Tigers and Colombian Emeralds Senators clashed in the first semifinal game of tthe Sagicor/BOA Women's basketball league. Pepsi Tigers kept in mind last year's semis when they had to surrender to the Senators 1-2 and looked now for revenge.
Pepsi Tigers got to a quick start to the game and grabbed a 20:14 lead after the opening frame. Maria Cumberbatch responded with some spectacular offensive plays to put the Senators ahead 33:30 at halftime.
The things seemed to turn in favour of the Senators as they tightened the grip and extended the lead to 47:39 at the start of the fourth frame. Letitia Green knocked down a trey to establish a comfortable 52:41 advantage for the Senators. However Pepsi Tigers were not about to give this one up. They posted an impressive 16:1 run to surge ahead 57:53 with under 4 minutes to go in regulation. Senators kept it close until Jennifer Joseph-Hackett nailed a jumper to seal a win for the Tigers. They now gained a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. Jackie Brown led all scorers with 27 points for the Tigers. Maria Cumberbatch responded with 19 points for the Senators.

Pepsi Tigers - Colombian Emeralds Senators 68:67
The Senators had to win this one to remain in the race. So they rushed ahead early on and due to some nice plays from centre Natalie Hunte (-80) ensured a 18:11 lead after the first frame. The advantage extended to 34:25 at halftime as the Tigers seemed tired and could not match Senators' pace. However in the second half the Senators offense was limited in options as Natalie Hunte got into foul trouble. The Tigers capitalized on some offensive chaos from the Senators and climbed into contention drawing the teams at 54 midway through the final quarter. The Senators were up 61:60 when Natalie Hunte got fouled out and the Tigers spurred ahead. The Senators however survived the elimination threat and tied the score at 67 with 5 seconds remaining. Maria Cumberbatch then managed to convert one of two free throws and sealed a victory for the Senators. They teams will have to play the decider on Saturday.

Tigers - Senators 63:62
Tigers: Jackie Brown 27 points, Jennifer Joseph-Hackett 16
Senators: Maria Cumberbatch 19, Natalie Hunte 16

Senators - Tigers 68:67
Senators: Maria Cumberbatch 21, Natalie Hunte 16
Tigers: Jennifer Joseph-Hackett 28, Jackie Browne 13.

*****************************************************
BELARUS - Women

Belarus gains the first win at qualifying round -by Eurobasket News
Belarus U20 - Greece U20 71:56
Belarusian team finally rebounded after two losses at the start of the qualifying round and handed a 71:56 defeat to Greece. The victory saw them improve to 1-3 record in Group E at the European championship in Sofia.
Belarus was ahead from the start of the encounter and completed the first frame with a 22:20 lead. A 9:0 run midway through the second quarter allowed Belarus to clear off to a 38:28 distance. Viktoria Hasper (193-C-88)'s jumper capped the first half with Belarus in front 40:31.
Greece responded late in the third frame posting an 11:1 run and cutting the gap to a single point 47:48 with under 3 minutes to go in the frame. But eventually it was as far as they managed to get. Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G-88) poured in 8 consecutive points midway through the final quarter to lift Belarus to a 63:54 distance and they easily sealed the win at the end.
Viktoria Hasper topscored for Belarus with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Tatsiana Likhtarovich provided another 16 points for the winners. Evangelia Katopodi (188-F/C-87) had 21 points and 9 rebounds for Greece. Anthoula Balta (178-G-87) and Maria Bousnaki (182-G-89) delivered 10 points apiece in a losing effort.
Greece fell to 0-4 record and faces Belgium today. Belarus takes on neighbouring Russia later tonight.

Belarus U20: Viktoria Hasper 24+13 boards, Tatsiana Likhtarovich 16, Volha Vashkevich (188-F/C-88) 7
Greece U20: Evangelia Katopodi 21, Anthoula Balta 10, Maria Bousnaki 10.

*****************************************************
BELGIUM - Women

Belgium gets beaten by Spain -by Eurobasket News
Belgium U20 - Spain U20 44:84
Belgium U20 National team had little arguments to provide against Spanish squad in yesterday's action at the European championship in Bulgaria. Spain dominated every aspet of game and deservedly won 84:44 to remain undefeated. Belgium meanwhile fell to 1-3 record.
Spain had a brave start to this one as they scored 8 unanswered points to begin the game with. However 5 consecutive points from Lieselot Malfait (191-C-87, college: IUPU-Ft.Wayne) allowed belgium to stay close and they finished the opening frame trailing by 5 points 11:16.
Spain spurred ahead in the second quarter. They recorded a 21:2 run that left Belgium far behind and marked a 37:13 gap between the teams. Spain won the first half 41:16 virtually dropping all the doubts about the outcome.
Spanish players continued to dominate the game and limited Belgium to just 9 points in the third quarter extending the lead to 58:25. The task was fulfilled in the final 10 minutes as Spaniards never stopped and completed dismantling of Belgium team.
Alejandra De La Fuente (195-C-88) led the action with 13 points and 19 rebounds. Maria Pina (187-F-87) added another 13 points in a win. Lieselot Malfait replied with 11 points for Belgium.
Spain stays on top of Group E and will play versus yet unbeaten Serbia today. Belgium occupies the 5th spot and faces Greece in today's encounter.

Belgium U20: Lieselot Malfait 11 points, Fannie Vandesteene (176-F-87) 8
Spain U20: Alejandra De La Fuente 13+19 boards, Maria Pina 13.

*****************************************************
BULGARIA - Women

Italy handle the hosts -by Eurobasket News
Italy U20 - Bulgaria U20 82:65
Italian U20 national team clebrated their first win at the qualifying round of the European championship in Bulgaria. They ensured a confident 82:65 victory over the home side to improve to 2-3 record in Group F.
The hosts looked as a real threat to Italy as they posted an early 21:10 lead. Valerio and Sottana cut the deficit a bit but Italy still lacked the touch and trailed 16:27 after the opening frame. However Sottana's three pointer midway through the second frame put the teams on level terms 34:34. Consolini capped the first half with a jumper and secured a 39:38 advantage for Italy.
Italy had a brave start to the second half as they extended the lead and easily spurred ahead. The home side found themselves trailing by as many as 12 points at the end of the frame and needed some spark to come back into it. Unfortunately for Bulgaria it never came. Italy were confident offensively and did not allow too many chances for Bulgarian players.
Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) netted 19 points to pace Italy. Patrizia De Gianni (191-F-88) ensured another 12 points and 11 rebounds in a win. Bulgaria replied with 22 points and 9 rebounds from Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88). Stanislava Stankova (170-G-90) had 14 points in a loss.
Italy improved to 2-3 record and will play against Germany today. Bulgaria remained winless at the bottom of the table and faces Latvia tonight.

Italy U20: Giorgia Sottana 19 points, Patrizia De Gianni 12+11 boards
Bulgaria U20: Jaklin Zlatanova 22, Stanislava Stankova 14.

*****************************************************
COCABA - Women

Day Results: Host team crushes Nicaragua -by Eurobasket
Host El Salvador gave no changce to Nicaragua crushing them with almost 30 points difference (75-46) in the COCABA opener.
In the second game of the day Guatemala defeated Costa Rica 79-75.

El Salvador - Nicaragua 75-46 (Gladis Maravilla 17, Norma Gonzalez 14, Esmeralda Gonzalez (-F/C) 13 -)
Guatemala - Costa Rica 79-75 (Blanca Amado (-80) 21 -)
DNP: Honduras

*****************************************************
COSTA RICA - Women

Women Fall to Guatemala -by Max Blair
The Costa Rican women lost 79-75 against Guatemala in their opening game of the COCOBA Women's Championship. Marielena Vargas had 16 points while Monica Malavassi scored 11.

*****************************************************
E.CHAMPS U20 - Women

Division A: three teams stay unbeaten -by Eurobasket News

GROUP E
Serbia U20 - Russia U20 93:74
Serbia U20 National team made another step towards the title at the Euroeapn championship in Bulagria. They crashed the defending champions Russia 93:74 to stay unbeaten at the tournament. Russia meanwhile continued to struggle on the way to defend their title and suffered the second loss at the qualifying round.
Serbia grabbed a 22:19 lead after the opening frame. They maintained the dominace throughout the second quarter and enlarged the gap to 46:37 at halftime. Things seemed to turn Russia's way as Natalya Myasoedova (192-C-87) nailed 4 straight points and brought Russia within two points 55:57. However Jovana Rad (187-F/C-87) scored 4 points and Scekic added a trey to clear off Serbia to a safe 68:57 distance at the end of the third quarter.
Serbia opened the final frame with a 10:2 run that allowed them to cruise past Russia and sealed another victory for Serbian squad.
Jovana Rad led all scorers with 21 points. Mljana Msovic nailed another 18 points, collected 4 rebounds and dished out 6 assists in a win. Natalya Myasoedova had 14 points and 10 rebounds for Russia. Olga Petrova (178-G-88) and Valeriya Musina (183-G-87) produced 12 points apiece in a losing effort.
Serbia had an impressive 53.8% of accuracy from beyond the arc. They also outrebounded Russia 33:30.
Serbia remained on top of Group E with a 4-0 record and faces Spain today. Russia fell to 2-2 record and will now try to improve against Belarus later tonight.

Serbia U20: Jovana Rad 21 points, Mljana Msovic 18, Tamara Radocaj (168-G-87) 14
Russia U20: Natalya Myasoedova 14+10 boards, Olga Petrova 12, Valeriya Musina 12.



Belgium U20 - Spain U20 44:84
Belgium U20 National team had little arguments to provide against Spanish squad in yesterday's action at the European championship in Bulgaria. Spain dominated every aspet of game and deservedly won 84:44 to remain undefeated. Belgium meanwhile fell to 1-3 record.
Spain had a brave start to this one as they scored 8 unanswered points to begin the game with. However 5 consecutive points from Lieselot Malfait (191-C-87, college: IUPU-Ft.Wayne) allowed belgium to stay close and they finished the opening frame trailing by 5 points 11:16.
Spain spurred ahead in the second quarter. They recorded a 21:2 run that left Belgium far behind and marked a 37:13 gap between the teams. Spain won the first half 41:16 virtually dropping all the doubts about the outcome.
Spanish players continued to dominate the game and limited Belgium to just 9 points in the third quarter extending the lead to 58:25. The task was fulfilled in the final 10 minutes as Spaniards never stopped and completed dismantling of Belgium team.
Alejandra De La Fuente (195-C-88) led the action with 13 points and 19 rebounds. Maria Pina (187-F-87) added another 13 points in a win. Lieselot Malfait replied with 11 points for Belgium.
Spain stays on top of Group E and will play versus yet unbeaten Serbia today. Belgium occupies the 5th spot and faces Greece in today's encounter.

Belgium U20: Lieselot Malfait 11 points, Fannie Vandesteene (176-F-87) 8
Spain U20: Alejandra De La Fuente 13+19 boards, Maria Pina 13.

Belarus U20 - Greece U20 71:56
Belarusian team finally rebounded after two losses at the start of the qualifying round and handed a 71:56 defeat to Greece. The victory saw them improve to 1-3 record in Group E at the European championship in Sofia.
Belarus was ahead from the start of the encounter and completed the first frame with a 22:20 lead. A 9:0 run midway through the second quarter allowed Belarus to clear off to a 38:28 distance. Viktoria Hasper (193-C-88) (193-C-88)'s jumper capped the first half with Belarus in front 40:31.
Greece responded late in the third frame posting an 11:1 run and cutting the gap to a single point 47:48 with under 3 minutes to go in the frame. But eventually it was as far as they managed to get. Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G-88) poured in 8 consecutive points midway through the final quarter to lift Belarus to a 63:54 distance and they easily sealed the win at the end.
Viktoria Hasper topscored for Belarus with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Tatsiana Likhtarovich provided another 16 points for the winners. Evangelia Katopodi (188-F/C-87) had 21 points and 9 rebounds for Greece. Anthoula Balta (178-G-87) and Maria Bousnaki (182-G-89) delivered 10 points apiece in a losing effort.
Greece fell to 0-4 record and faces Belgium today. Belarus takes on neighbouring Russia later tonight.

Belarus U20: Viktoria Hasper 24+13 boards, Tatsiana Likhtarovich 16, Volha Vashkevich (188-F/C-88) 7
Greece U20: Evangelia Katopodi 21, Anthoula Balta 10, Maria Bousnaki 10.

GROUP F
Latvia U20 - France U20 60:70
Latvian U20 National team did not manage to upset France in yesterday's action at the European championship in Bulgaria. France survived a late come back run from Latvia and pulled out with another victory. Latvia meanwhile suffered their second loss at the qualifying round in Group F. Both teams had an even start to the game with neither side rushing ahead. France completed the opening frame with a narrow 19:18 advantage. The gap grew bigger as French team scored 7 unanswered points to begin the second quarter with. France then maintained acquired dominace and were in front 39:30 at halftime.
French players spurred ahead to an 11:3 run at the start of the third quarter to establish a safe 50:33 margin and entered the final quarter leading 55:42. Latvia tried to bounce back with an early 7:0 run at the very start of the fourth stanza. They cut the deficit to 6 points but France got away with it. Some strong plays from Jennifer Digbeu and Ingrid Tanqueray secured a win for French team.
Endene Miyem (188-F-88) chipped in 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for France. Pauline Jannault (193-F/C-87) provided another 15 points for the winners. Karline Nimane (186-F-90) responded with 18 points for Latvia. Ieva Krastina (176-G-90) had 11 points in a loss.
Latvia will take on Bulgaria later tonight.

Latvia U20: Karline Nimane 18 points, Ieva Krastina 11, Baiba Eglite (174-G-89) 8
France U20: Endene Miyem 18+11 boards, Pauline Jannault 15.
Turkey U20-Germany U20 87:75
Gizem Yavuz (168-G-88) led Turkish national team to win against Germany selection 86-75 in qualifying round for the European Championship U20. Yavuz scored 28 points to win, while Bahar Bahar Caglar (188-F-88) added 22 points. For the opponents Margret Skuballa (185-F-87) finished with 22 pts. Today, July 19th they will playing game against France.

Turkey U20: Gizem Yavuz 28, Bahar Caglar 22, Erdogan 15
Germany U20: Margret Skuballa 22, Gorg 18

Belarus U20 - Greece U20 71:56
Belarusian team finally rebounded after two losses at the start of the qualifying round and handed a 71:56 defeat to Greece. The victory saw them improve to 1-3 record in Group E at the European championship in Sofia.
Belarus was ahead from the start of the encounter and completed the first frame with a 22:20 lead. A 9:0 run midway through the second quarter allowed Belarus to clear off to a 38:28 distance. Viktoria Hasper (193-C-88)'s jumper capped the first half with Belarus in front 40:31.
Greece responded late in the third frame posting an 11:1 run and cutting the gap to a single point 47:48 with under 3 minutes to go in the frame. But eventually it was as far as they managed to get. Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G-88) poured in 8 consecutive points midway through the final quarter to lift Belarus to a 63:54 distance and they easily sealed the win at the end.
Viktoria Hasper topscored for Belarus with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Tatsiana Likhtarovich provided another 16 points for the winners. Evangelia Katopodi (188-F/C-87) had 21 points and 9 rebounds for Greece. Anthoula Balta (178-G-87) and Maria Bousnaki (182-G-89) delivered 10 points apiece in a losing effort.
Greece fell to 0-4 record and faces Belgium today. Belarus takes on neighbouring Russia later tonight.

Belarus U20: Viktoria Hasper 24+13 boards, Tatsiana Likhtarovich 16, Volha Vashkevich (188-F/C-88) 7
Greece U20: Evangelia Katopodi 21, Anthoula Balta 10, Maria Bousnaki 10.


Division B: the end of the Preliminary Round -by Eurobasket News
GROUP A
Switzerland U20 - Netherlands U20 50:57
Swiss U20 national team were unable to celebrate a single success in the qualifying round of European championship in Lithuania. In the last encounter in Group A Switzerland were rallied over by Netherlands. Viola Augugliaro (168-G-89) converted two free throws to mark a 13:10 advantage of Swiss squad after the opening quarter. However Netherlands capped the second quarter with a 5:0 run and surged in front 30:25 at halftime. Both teams kept it close in the third frame and finished it 39:39. Viola Augugliaro scored a jumper with under 2 minutes left in the fourth frame to make it 50:52. Marie Johanna Hoogstraten then poured in 4 straight points to bring the victory to Netherlands.
Anneloes Kodde (180-F-88) (180-F-88) netted 15 points for Netherlands. Marie Johanna Hoogstraten had 14 points and 9 rebounds in a win. Marielle Giroud (180-F/C-87) provided 19 points and 14 rebounds for Switzerland. Viola Augugliaro added 12 points in defeat.
Netherlands had an obvious edge under the rims outrebounding Swiss team 56:35.
Netherlands advanced to the quarterfinal where they meet Montenegro tomorrow. Switzerland will play against Ireland for the 9th-10th spot on July 22.

Switzerland U20: Marielle Giroud 19+14 boards, Viola Augugliaro 12
Netherlands U20: Anneloes Kodde 15, Marie Johanna Hoogstraten 14.

Great Britain U20 - Portugal U20 66:62
Great Britain U20 team had a successful outing on the last day of the preliminary action at the European championship in Lithuania. They handed in a 66:62 defeat to Portugal and improved to 3-1 record in Group A.
Great Britain marked their dominance early on as they rolled to a 19:11 lead after the opening frame. Portugal used a 9:0 run late in the second quarter to stay at a striking distance at halftime 27:29.
Teams played extra close basketball and only 3 consecutive points from Johannah Leedham (178-G-87) (178-G-87) saved a 43:42 lead for British team. Johannah Leedham nailed 4 points and Lauren Thomas-Johnson (176-G-88) had 5 points in a 9:0 run that lift Great Britain to a safe 58:48 distance with just under 5 minutes to go in the game. They never allowed Portugal to come too close and celebrated another win at the tournament.
Johannah Leedham chipped in 26 points for Great Britain. Lauren Thomas-Johnson delivered another 20 points in a win. Larisse Lima (177-G/F-88) posted 21 points for Portugal. Nadia Tavares (176-F-88) nailed 13 points in a defeat.
Great Britain outrebounded Portugal 50:45 and shot impressive 53.8% from the field.
Great Britain occupied the second spot in Group A and will face Poland in quarterfinals tomorrow. Portugal finsihed third and will take on Sweden on the same day.

Great Britain U20: Johannah Leedham 26 points, Lauren Thomas-Johnson 20
Portugal U20: Larisse Lima 21, Nadia Tavares 13.

GROUP B
Montenegro U20 - Romania U20 92:59
Montenegro U20 National team faced little problems en route to their 3rd win at the preliminary round of the European championship in Lithuania. In pretty one sided game they crashed Romania 92:59 and sealed the first spot in Group B. They will now face Netherlands in the quarterfinal tomorrow. Romania however had no reasons to worry as despite loss they guaranteed their quarterfinal birth and will fight against hosting Lithuania in tomorrow's quarterfinal.
Montenegro grabbed an early 26:17 lead and extended it to 46:35 at halftime. Montenegrin defence tightened the grip in the second half and limited Romania to just 24 points. At the same time the offensive effort was quite impressive as Montenegro found the right pace and capitalized on numerous Romanian turnovers. Montenegro won the final frame 28:12 and celebrated another stunning win 92:59.
Montenegro had 5 players scoring in double digits. Snezana Aleksic (170-G-89) (170-G-89) netted 24 points to lead Montenegro. Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) provided 20 points, while Jelena Culafic chipped in 19 points for the winners. Gabriela Marginean (185-F-87) scored 23 points for Romania. Andra Ionescu (189-C-88) had 14 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Montenegro hit solid 61% from the field and 83.3% from free throw line. They also outrebounded Romania 39:34.

Montenegro U20: Snezana Aleksic 24 points, Jelena Dubljevic 20
Romania U20: Gabriela Marginean 23, Andra Ionescu 14.

Sweden U20 - Ireland U20 50:40
Sweden topped Ireland yesterday to ensure the second spot in Group B of the European championship in Lithuania. The win saw Sweden improve to 3-1 record, while Ireland remained winless at the bottom of the table.
Sweden drove to a narrow lead after the opening frame 11:9. They posted 7:0 run at the start of the second quarter to surge ahead to a 18:9 distance. Kathryn Fahy's 5 points late in the stanza helped ireland to cut the lead to 21:27 at hafltime.
Sweden used a solid shooting accuracy to maintain their lead throughout the third quarter and extended it to 41:25 entering the fourth frame. Ireland faced little opportunities to save this one and they fell short at the end. Elisabeth Egnell (185-F-87) (185-F-87) shone for Sweden with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Frida Aili (178-G-88) and Frida Grahn (184-F-88) contributed 8 points in a win. Ireland responded with 17 points from Rachel Clancy (178-G-88). Kelly Johnston (173-F-87) had 15 rebounds in a defeat. Sweden outrebounded their opponents 49:41. Both teams had a low shooting percentage 28.9% from Sweden and 28.6% from Ireland. At the same time Irish team committed more turnovers 20 to 16 respectively.
Sweden advanced to the quarterfinal where they will fight against Portugal tomorrow. Ireland will play for the 9th-10th spot against Switzerland on July 22.

Sweden U20: Elisabeth Egnell 15+15 boards, Frida Aili 8, Frida Grahn 8
Ireland U20: Rachel Clancy 17, Kelly Johnston 15.


*****************************************************
EL SALVADOR - Women

Day Results: Host team crushes Nicaragua -by Eurobasket
Host El Salvador gave no changce to Nicaragua crushing them with almost 30 points difference (75-46) in the COCABA opener.
In the second game of the day Guatemala defeated Costa Rica 79-75.

El Salvador - Nicaragua 75-46 (Gladis Maravilla 17, Norma Gonzalez 14, Esmeralda Gonzalez (-F/C) 13 -)
Guatemala - Costa Rica 79-75 (Blanca Amado (-80) 21 -)
DNP: Honduras

*****************************************************
EUROCUP (W) - Women

EuroCup teams 2007-08 announced -by Eurobasket
53 clubs have registered for EuroCup Women:
Albania: Flamutari Vlore
Austria: Flying Foxes Post SV Wien
Belgium: Novia Munalux Namur
Bosnia & H: Zeljeznicar Sarajevo
Bulgaria: Dunav Rouse
Croatia: Gospic Industrogradnja, Osiguranje
Cyprus: EKA AEL Limassol
Czech R.: Kara Trutnov
France: Challes-les-Eaux Basket, Tarbes Gespe Bigorre, Pays d'Aix Basket 13 Provence, Lattes Maurin Montpellier
Germany: TSV 1880 Wasserburg
Greece: Apollon Ptolemaidos, Panionios Athens
Hungary: Szeviep Szeged, ZTE-Zala Volan, Seat Foton Gyor
Israel: Anda Ramat Hasharon, Elizur Ramla
Italy: Reyer Venezia, Pasta Ambra Taranto, Lavezzini Parma, Famila Schio
Luxembourg: Basketball Team Luxembourg
Montenegro: Buducnost Podgorica
Poland: AZS PWSZ Sowood Gorzow, CCC Polkowice
Portugal: CAB Madeira, Clube Fuetbol Uniao Madeira, Boa Viagem-Angra-Acore
Romania: BC ICIM Arad
Russia: Dynamo Kursk, Nadezhda Orenburg, Dynamo Moscow Region, Vologda-Chevakata
Serbia: Hemofarm Vrsac, Vojvodina Nis Gas Novi Sad
Slovak R.: MBK Ruzomberok
Spain: Hondarribia-Irun, Extrugasa Vilagarcia, Acis-Incosa Leon, Cajacanarias
Sweden: 08 Stockholm
Switzerland: Universite BC Neuchâtel, Sdent Sierre Basket
Turkey: Galatasaray Istanbul, Botasspor Adana, Pankup Ted Kayseri Kolejspor, Besiktas Istanbul
Ukraine: Besiktas Istanbul, Kozachka-Zalk Zaporozhye
Wales: Coca-Cola Rhonnda Rebels

*****************************************************
EUROLEAGUE (W) - Women

Euroleague 2007-08 teams announced -by Eurobasket
The general assembly of the EuroLeague Women will take place at Kempinski Hotel Airport Munich, Germany, on August 4.
The draws for all club competitions will be held at the same venue a day later, August 5.

The following clubs will participate in the 2007-2008 season:
Belgium: Dexia Namur
Croatia: ZKK Sibenik Jolly JBS
Czech R.: Gambrinus Sika Brno, USK Blex Praha
France: Valenciennes USVO, Cercle Jean Mace Bourges, Villeneuve D'Asco ESB, USO Mondeville
Hungary: MKB Euroleasing Sopron, MiZo-PVSK
Italy: Phard Napoli, Germano Zama Faenza
Latvia: TTT Riga
Lithuania: TEO Vilnius
Poland: Wisla Can-Pack Krakow, Lotos PKO BP Gdynia
Russia: Spartak Moscow Region, CSKA Samara, Dynamo Moscow, UMMC Ekaterinburg
Slovak R.: K Cero ICP Kosice
Spain: Ros Casares Valencia, Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca
Turkey: Fenerbahce Istanbul

*****************************************************
FRANCE - Women

NT: U20 - France wins again but only just (Day 7) -by Leslie Anderson

Bulgaria had beaten Latvia earlier in the day (65-58), a result that eliminated Latvia and qualified Turkey for the semi-final. With Spain beating Serbia in the other pool, the prize awaiting the winner between France and Turkey is a semi-final match against Serbia.


The match was a close affair with both sides having their moments and with the scores tied (70-70) going into the last minute, overtime was on the cards. France finally managed to pick themselves up and with Endene Miyem (188-F-88) leading the way negotiated the last minute better to take the match (76-70).

Bahar Caglar (188-F-88) was the top scorer in the match with 21-points.


Full match statistics are available here



*****************************************************
GREECE - Women

Belarus gains the first win at qualifying round -by Eurobasket News
Belarus U20 - Greece U20 71:56
Belarusian team finally rebounded after two losses at the start of the qualifying round and handed a 71:56 defeat to Greece. The victory saw them improve to 1-3 record in Group E at the European championship in Sofia.
Belarus was ahead from the start of the encounter and completed the first frame with a 22:20 lead. A 9:0 run midway through the second quarter allowed Belarus to clear off to a 38:28 distance. Viktoria Hasper (193-C-88)'s jumper capped the first half with Belarus in front 40:31.
Greece responded late in the third frame posting an 11:1 run and cutting the gap to a single point 47:48 with under 3 minutes to go in the frame. But eventually it was as far as they managed to get. Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G-88) poured in 8 consecutive points midway through the final quarter to lift Belarus to a 63:54 distance and they easily sealed the win at the end.
Viktoria Hasper topscored for Belarus with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Tatsiana Likhtarovich provided another 16 points for the winners. Evangelia Katopodi (188-F/C-87) had 21 points and 9 rebounds for Greece. Anthoula Balta (178-G-87) and Maria Bousnaki (182-G-89) delivered 10 points apiece in a losing effort.
Greece fell to 0-4 record and faces Belgium today. Belarus takes on neighbouring Russia later tonight.

Belarus U20: Viktoria Hasper 24+13 boards, Tatsiana Likhtarovich 16, Volha Vashkevich (188-F/C-88) 7
Greece U20: Evangelia Katopodi 21, Anthoula Balta 10, Maria Bousnaki 10.

*****************************************************
IRELAND - Women

Sweden defeats Ireland to advance to the quarterfinal -by Eurobasket News
Sweden U20 - Ireland U20 50:40
Sweden topped Ireland yesterday to ensure the second spot in Group B of the European championship in Lithuania. The win saw Sweden improve to 3-1 record, while Ireland remained winless at the bottom of the table.
Sweden drove to a narrow lead after the opening frame 11:9. They posted 7:0 run at the start of the second quarter to surge ahead to a 18:9 distance. Kathryn Fahy's 5 points late in the stanza helped ireland to cut the lead to 21:27 at hafltime.
Sweden used a solid shooting accuracy to maintain their lead throughout the third quarter and extended it to 41:25 entering the fourth frame. Ireland faced little opportunities to save this one and they fell short at the end. Elisabeth Egnell (185-F-87) shone for Sweden with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Frida Aili (178-G-88) and Frida Grahn (184-F-88) contributed 8 points in a win. Ireland responded with 17 points from Rachel Clancy (178-G-88). Kelly Johnston (173-F-87) had 15 rebounds in a defeat. Sweden outrebounded their opponents 49:41. Both teams had a low shooting percentage 28.9% from Sweden and 28.6% from Ireland. At the same time Irish team committed more turnovers 20 to 16 respectively.
Sweden advanced to the quarterfinal where they will fight against Portugal tomorrow. Ireland will play for the 9th-10th spot against Switzerland on July 22.

Sweden U20: Elisabeth Egnell 15+15 boards, Frida Aili 8, Frida Grahn 8
Ireland U20: Rachel Clancy 17, Kelly Johnston 15.

*****************************************************
ITALY - Women

Italy handle the hosts -by Eurobasket News
Italy U20 - Bulgaria U20 82:65
Italian U20 national team clebrated their first win at the qualifying round of the European championship in Bulgaria. They ensured a confident 82:65 victory over the home side to improve to 2-3 record in Group F.
The hosts looked as a real threat to Italy as they posted an early 21:10 lead. Valerio and Sottana cut the deficit a bit but Italy still lacked the touch and trailed 16:27 after the opening frame. However Sottana's three pointer midway through the second frame put the teams on level terms 34:34. Consolini capped the first half with a jumper and secured a 39:38 advantage for Italy.
Italy had a brave start to the second half as they extended the lead and easily spurred ahead. The home side found themselves trailing by as many as 12 points at the end of the frame and needed some spark to come back into it. Unfortunately for Bulgaria it never came. Italy were confident offensively and did not allow too many chances for Bulgarian players.
Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) netted 19 points to pace Italy. Patrizia De Gianni (191-F-88) ensured another 12 points and 11 rebounds in a win. Bulgaria replied with 22 points and 9 rebounds from Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88). Stanislava Stankova (170-G-90) had 14 points in a loss.
Italy improved to 2-3 record and will play against Germany today. Bulgaria remained winless at the bottom of the table and faces Latvia tonight.

Italy U20: Giorgia Sottana 19 points, Patrizia De Gianni 12+11 boards
Bulgaria U20: Jaklin Zlatanova 22, Stanislava Stankova 14.

*****************************************************
LATVIA - Women

Latvia unable to stop France -by Eurobasket News
Latvia U20 - France U20 60:70
Latvian U20 National team did not manage to upset France in yesterday's action at the European championship in Bulgaria. France survived a late come back run from Latvia and pulled out with another victory. Latvia meanwhile suffered their second loss at the qualifying round in Group F. Both teams had an even start to the game with neither side rushing ahead. France completed the opening frame with a narrow 19:18 advantage. The gap grew bigger as French team scored 7 unanswered points to begin the second quarter with. France then maintained acquired dominace and were in front 39:30 at halftime.
French players spurred ahead to an 11:3 run at the start of the third quarter to establish a safe 50:33 margin and entered the final quarter leading 55:42. Latvia tried to bounce back with an early 7:0 run at the very start of the fourth stanza. They cut the deficit to 6 points but France got away with it. Some strong plays from Jennifer Digbeu and Ingrid Tanqueray secured a win for French team.
Endene Miyem (188-F-88) chipped in 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for France. Pauline Jannault (193-F/C-87) provided another 15 points for the winners. Karline Nimane (186-F-90) responded with 18 points for Latvia. Ieva Krastina (176-G-90) had 11 points in a loss.
Latvia will take on Bulgaria later tonight.

Latvia U20: Karline Nimane 18 points, Ieva Krastina 11, Baiba Eglite (174-G-89) 8
France U20: Endene Miyem 18+11 boards, Pauline Jannault 15.

*****************************************************
MONTENEGRO - Women

Montenegro cruises past Romania straight into the quarterfinal -by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U20 - Romania U20 92:59
Montenegro U20 National team faced little problems en route to their 3rd win at the preliminary round of the European championship in Lithuania. In pretty one sided game they crashed Romania 92:59 and sealed the first spot in Group B. They will now face Netherlands in the quarterfinal tomorrow. Romania however had no reasons to worry as despite loss they guaranteed their quarterfinal birth and will fight against hosting Lithuania in tomorrow's quarterfinal.
Montenegro grabbed an early 26:17 lead and extended it to 46:35 at halftime. Montenegrin defence tightened the grip in the second half and limited Romania to just 24 points. At the same time the offensive effort was quite impressive as Montenegro found the right pace and capitalized on numerous Romanian turnovers. Montenegro won the final frame 28:12 and celebrated another stunning win 92:59.
Montenegro had 5 players scoring in double digits. Snezana Aleksic (170-G-89) netted 24 points to lead Montenegro. Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) provided 20 points, while Jelena Culafic chipped in 19 points for the winners. Gabriela Marginean (185-F-87) scored 23 points for Romania. Andra Ionescu (189-C-88) had 14 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Montenegro hit solid 61% from the field and 83.3% from free throw line. They also outrebounded Romania 39:34.

Montenegro U20: Snezana Aleksic 24 points, Jelena Dubljevic 20
Romania U20: Gabriela Marginean 23, Andra Ionescu 14.

*****************************************************
PORTUGAL - Women

Great Britain beats Portugal to finish at the second spot -by Eurobasket News
Great Britain U20 - Portugal U20 66:62
Great Britain U20 team had a successful outing on the last day of the preliminary action at the European championship in Lithuania. They handed in a 66:62 defeat to Portugal and improved to 3-1 record in Group A.
Great Britain marked their dominance early on as they rolled to a 19:11 lead after the opening frame. Portugal used a 9:0 run late in the second quarter to stay at a striking distance at halftime 27:29.
Teams played extra close basketball and only 3 consecutive points from Johannah Leedham (178-G-87) saved a 43:42 lead for British team. Johannah Leedham nailed 4 points and Lauren Thomas-Johnson (176-G-88) had 5 points in a 9:0 run that lift Great Britain to a safe 58:48 distance with just under 5 minutes to go in the game. They never allowed Portugal to come too close and celebrated another win at the tournament.
Johannah Leedham chipped in 26 points for Great Britain. Lauren Thomas-Johnson delivered another 20 points in a win. Larisse Lima (177-G/F-88) posted 21 points for Portugal. Nadia Tavares (176-F-88) nailed 13 points in a defeat.
Great Britain outrebounded Portugal 50:45 and shot impressive 53.8% from the field.
Great Britain occupied the second spot in Group A and will face Poland in quarterfinals tomorrow. Portugal finsihed third and will take on Sweden on the same day.

Great Britain U20: Johannah Leedham 26 points, Lauren Thomas-Johnson 20
Portugal U20: Larisse Lima 21, Nadia Tavares 13.

*****************************************************
ROMANIA - Women

Montenegro cruises past Romania straight into the quarterfinal -by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U20 - Romania U20 92:59
Montenegro U20 National team faced little problems en route to their 3rd win at the preliminary round of the European championship in Lithuania. In pretty one sided game they crashed Romania 92:59 and sealed the first spot in Group B. They will now face Netherlands in the quarterfinal tomorrow. Romania however had no reasons to worry as despite loss they guaranteed their quarterfinal birth and will fight against hosting Lithuania in tomorrow's quarterfinal.
Montenegro grabbed an early 26:17 lead and extended it to 46:35 at halftime. Montenegrin defence tightened the grip in the second half and limited Romania to just 24 points. At the same time the offensive effort was quite impressive as Montenegro found the right pace and capitalized on numerous Romanian turnovers. Montenegro won the final frame 28:12 and celebrated another stunning win 92:59.
Montenegro had 5 players scoring in double digits. Snezana Aleksic (170-G-89) netted 24 points to lead Montenegro. Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) provided 20 points, while Jelena Culafic chipped in 19 points for the winners. Gabriela Marginean (185-F-87) scored 23 points for Romania. Andra Ionescu (189-C-88) had 14 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Montenegro hit solid 61% from the field and 83.3% from free throw line. They also outrebounded Romania 39:34.

Montenegro U20: Snezana Aleksic 24 points, Jelena Dubljevic 20
Romania U20: Gabriela Marginean 23, Andra Ionescu 14.

Cluj - News -by Bogdan Bocaniala
"U" Trustul CRE Cluj is the new name of the women basketball team from Cluj. It is not only the name that is new for the team.
Cluj sign also a new player Corina Morosan (190-C-83) how played last time at BC ICIM Arad. Corina had won a title with BC ICIM Arad in 2006.
New will also be the tow American players which will be Kira Karlstrom (163-G-84) and Michele Cosel (168-G-85). Kira will is a classic 1 and Michele is a classic 2. They are waited to come before the start of the preparation period which will be 1st of august.

*****************************************************
RUSSIA - Women

Serbia thrashes defending champions -by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20 - Russia U20 93:74
Serbia U20 National team made another step towards the title at the Euroeapn championship in Bulagria. They crashed the defending champions Russia 93:74 to stay unbeaten at the tournament. Russia meanwhile continued to struggle on the way to defend their title and suffered the second loss at the qualifying round.
Serbia grabbed a 22:19 lead after the opening frame. They maintained the dominace throughout the second quarter and enlarged the gap to 46:37 at halftime. Things seemed to turn Russia's way as Natalya Myasoedova (192-C-87) nailed 4 straight points and brought Russia within two points 55:57. However Jovana Rad (187-F/C-87) scored 4 points and Scekic added a trey to clear off Serbia to a safe 68:57 distance at the end of the third quarter.
Serbia opened the final frame with a 10:2 run that allowed them to cruise past Russia and sealed another victory for Serbian squad.
Jovana Rad led all scorers with 21 points. Mljana Msovic nailed another 18 points, collected 4 rebounds and dished out 6 assists in a win. Natalya Myasoedova had 14 points and 10 rebounds for Russia. Olga Petrova (178-G-88) and Valeriya Musina (183-G-87) produced 12 points apiece in a losing effort.
Serbia had an impressive 53.8% of accuracy from beyond the arc. They also outrebounded Russia 33:30.
Serbia remained on top of Group E with a 4-0 record and faces Spain today. Russia fell to 2-2 record and will now try to improve against Belarus later tonight.

Serbia U20: Jovana Rad 21 points, Mljana Msovic 18, Tamara Radocaj (168-G-87) 14
Russia U20: Natalya Myasoedova 14+10 boards, Olga Petrova 12, Valeriya Musina 12.

*****************************************************
SERBIA - Women

Serbia thrashes defending champions -by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20 - Russia U20 93:74
Serbia U20 National team made another step towards the title at the Euroeapn championship in Bulagria. They crashed the defending champions Russia 93:74 to stay unbeaten at the tournament. Russia meanwhile continued to struggle on the way to defend their title and suffered the second loss at the qualifying round.
Serbia grabbed a 22:19 lead after the opening frame. They maintained the dominace throughout the second quarter and enlarged the gap to 46:37 at halftime. Things seemed to turn Russia's way as Natalya Myasoedova (192-C-87) nailed 4 straight points and brought Russia within two points 55:57. However Jovana Rad (187-F/C-87) scored 4 points and Scekic added a trey to clear off Serbia to a safe 68:57 distance at the end of the third quarter.
Serbia opened the final frame with a 10:2 run that allowed them to cruise past Russia and sealed another victory for Serbian squad.
Jovana Rad led all scorers with 21 points. Mljana Msovic nailed another 18 points, collected 4 rebounds and dished out 6 assists in a win. Natalya Myasoedova had 14 points and 10 rebounds for Russia. Olga Petrova (178-G-88) and Valeriya Musina (183-G-87) produced 12 points apiece in a losing effort.
Serbia had an impressive 53.8% of accuracy from beyond the arc. They also outrebounded Russia 33:30.
Serbia remained on top of Group E with a 4-0 record and faces Spain today. Russia fell to 2-2 record and will now try to improve against Belarus later tonight.

Serbia U20: Jovana Rad 21 points, Mljana Msovic 18, Tamara Radocaj (168-G-87) 14
Russia U20: Natalya Myasoedova 14+10 boards, Olga Petrova 12, Valeriya Musina 12.

*****************************************************
SPAIN - Women

Spain U20 won to Serbia by 79-76 -by Ivan Villar
Spanish team took the first place in his group thanks to the victory over Serbia by 3 points.This time was Anna Carbo the reference scoring 18 points.Now they'll wait to know which will be its next step to final.Anna Carbo (176-F-88)

U20 team pass to semifinals after defeat to Belgium by 84-44 -by Ivan Villar
Players coached by Susana Garcia trashed Belgium in the game that gave themselves the ticket to semifinals.The game was easier than last games and Maria Pina (187-F-87) (13 p) and Sara Vita (12) were the best scorers of spanish team.Today will play against Serbia the first position of group.

Tina Lelas comes back to spanish league to Olesa -by Ivan Villar
The croatian center Kristina Lelas (196-C-74) signed yesterday with the new team of LF,Olesa.The catalan team gets a great center who made this year in Niza 13,5 points and 7,5 rebounds per game.She also knows very good the spanish league because had played before in Vilagarcia,Leon and La Seu d'Urgell.Celta Vigo signed the forward Monica Jorge,who was in national team U18 and seems to be one of players with much future of Galicia.

*****************************************************
SWEDEN - Women

Sweden defeats Ireland to advance to the quarterfinal -by Eurobasket News
Sweden U20 - Ireland U20 50:40
Sweden topped Ireland yesterday to ensure the second spot in Group B of the European championship in Lithuania. The win saw Sweden improve to 3-1 record, while Ireland remained winless at the bottom of the table.
Sweden drove to a narrow lead after the opening frame 11:9. They posted 7:0 run at the start of the second quarter to surge ahead to a 18:9 distance. Kathryn Fahy's 5 points late in the stanza helped ireland to cut the lead to 21:27 at hafltime.
Sweden used a solid shooting accuracy to maintain their lead throughout the third quarter and extended it to 41:25 entering the fourth frame. Ireland faced little opportunities to save this one and they fell short at the end. Elisabeth Egnell (185-F-87) shone for Sweden with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Frida Aili (178-G-88) and Frida Grahn (184-F-88) contributed 8 points in a win. Ireland responded with 17 points from Rachel Clancy (178-G-88). Kelly Johnston (173-F-87) had 15 rebounds in a defeat. Sweden outrebounded their opponents 49:41. Both teams had a low shooting percentage 28.9% from Sweden and 28.6% from Ireland. At the same time Irish team committed more turnovers 20 to 16 respectively.
Sweden advanced to the quarterfinal where they will fight against Portugal tomorrow. Ireland will play for the 9th-10th spot against Switzerland on July 22.

Sweden U20: Elisabeth Egnell 15+15 boards, Frida Aili 8, Frida Grahn 8
Ireland U20: Rachel Clancy 17, Kelly Johnston 15.

*****************************************************
SWITZERLAND - Women

Switzerland completes the qualifying round with no victories -by Eurobasket News
Switzerland U20 - Netherlands U20 50:57
Swiss U20 national team were unable to celebrate a single success in the qualifying round of European championship in Lithuania. In the last encounter in Group A Switzerland were rallied over by Netherlands. Viola Augugliaro (168-G-89) converted two free throws to mark a 13:10 advantage of Swiss squad after the opening quarter. However Netherlands capped the second quarter with a 5:0 run and surged in front 30:25 at halftime. Both teams kept it close in the third frame and finished it 39:39. Viola Augugliaro scored a jumper with under 2 minutes left in the fourth frame to make it 50:52. Marie Johanna Hoogstraten then poured in 4 straight points to bring the victory to Netherlands.
Anneloes Kodde (180-F-88) netted 15 points for Netherlands. Marie Johanna Hoogstraten had 14 points and 9 rebounds in a win. Marielle Giroud (180-F/C-87) provided 19 points and 14 rebounds for Switzerland. Viola Augugliaro added 12 points in defeat.
Netherlands had an obvious edge under the rims outrebounding Swiss team 56:35.
Netherlands advanced to the quarterfinal where they meet Montenegro tomorrow. Switzerland will play against Ireland for the 9th-10th spot on July 22.

Switzerland U20: Marielle Giroud 19+14 boards, Viola Augugliaro 12
Netherlands U20: Anneloes Kodde 15, Marie Johanna Hoogstraten 14.

*****************************************************
TURKEY - Women

Euro 2007 - Women`s U-20: Turkey - Germany 86-75 -by Iva Ivanova
Gizem Yavuz (168-G-88) led Turkish national team to win against Germany selection 86-75 in qualifying round for the European Championship U20. Yavuz scored 28 points to win, while Bahar Caglar added 22 points. For the opponents Skuballa finished with 22 pts. Today, July 19th they will playing game against France.

TURKEY - GERMANY 86-75 (27-22, 16-19, 16-16, 27-18)
Group F, Sofia (BUL)

TURKEY: Gonen, Erdogan 15, Karabas, Bakircioglu 11, Askin, Caglar 22, Yavuz 28, Dalgalar, Gezer 2, Colakoglu 8, Sandallioglu
GERMANY: Mersch 6, Skuballa 22, Bar 7, Grieb 10, Thimm 2, Scholz, Menz, Gorg 18, Schaffner 7, Unger 3

Euro 2007, Women`s U-20: Turkey lost tonight -by Iva Ivanova
Player Bahar Caglar scored 21 points as a part of Turkish national team, but it isn enought to get win against France today. Game finished 76-70. Tomorow is a rest day for the European championhip U-20 hosted by Sofia. Saturday and sunday arefinal games of the European Championship Women`s under 20.


France - Turkey 76-70
TURKEY: Gonen, Erdogan 11, Karabas 4, Askin 3, Caglar 21, Yavuz 10, Dalgalar, Gezer 2, Colakoglu 5, Sandallioglu 2

FRANCE: Cata-Chitiga 12, Tanqueray 10, Paul 7, Digbeu 10, Amaud 7, Miyem 16, Kamba 7, Deas 5, Amant 2

*****************************************************
U.KINGDOM - Women

Great Britain beats Portugal to finish at the second spot -by Eurobasket News
Great Britain U20 - Portugal U20 66:62
Great Britain U20 team had a successful outing on the last day of the preliminary action at the European championship in Lithuania. They handed in a 66:62 defeat to Portugal and improved to 3-1 record in Group A.
Great Britain marked their dominance early on as they rolled to a 19:11 lead after the opening frame. Portugal used a 9:0 run late in the second quarter to stay at a striking distance at halftime 27:29.
Teams played extra close basketball and only 3 consecutive points from Johannah Leedham (178-G-87) saved a 43:42 lead for British team. Johannah Leedham nailed 4 points and Lauren Thomas-Johnson (176-G-88) had 5 points in a 9:0 run that lift Great Britain to a safe 58:48 distance with just under 5 minutes to go in the game. They never allowed Portugal to come too close and celebrated another win at the tournament.
Johannah Leedham chipped in 26 points for Great Britain. Lauren Thomas-Johnson delivered another 20 points in a win. Larisse Lima (177-G/F-88) posted 21 points for Portugal. Nadia Tavares (176-F-88) nailed 13 points in a defeat.
Great Britain outrebounded Portugal 50:45 and shot impressive 53.8% from the field.
Great Britain occupied the second spot in Group A and will face Poland in quarterfinals tomorrow. Portugal finsihed third and will take on Sweden on the same day.

Great Britain U20: Johannah Leedham 26 points, Lauren Thomas-Johnson 20
Portugal U20: Larisse Lima 21, Nadia Tavares 13.

*****************************************************
VANUATU - Women

No Vanuatu team in the South Pacific Games -by Gauthier Gerard
The Vanuatu Basketball Federation decided not to send the National team to play in the upcoming 2007 South Pacific Games which will be held in Samoa at the end of August. This is obviously a huge setback for basketball in the country, hopefully the country will be able to field a team in the 2008 FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament in Guam.

*****************************************************
WNBA - Women

The Fever are merciless -by Eurobasket News
Indiana continue to roll in the WNBA action as they narrowly beat Chicago 75:74 yesterday. The Sky emerged leading 39:38 at halftime. Indiana closed the third game with Catchings two free throws to grab a 57:55. Neither of teams cleared off in the final frame and everything was decided at the dying stage. Indiana were up 75:71 with 42 seconds left in regulation. However Jia Perkins (5'8''-G-82, college: Texas Tech) nailed a three pointer to cut the deficit to just 1 point 74:75 with 27 seconds left. Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) got to charity stripe but missed both free throws. Tammy Sutton-Brown (6'4''-C-78, college: Rutgers) pulled down offensive rebound and put Tan White back on free throw line. Tan White did not manage to convert a single one and gave Chicago 8 seconds for the last shot. However Dominique Canty committed a turnover under the pressure and Indiana celebrated another narrow victory.
The Fever now improved to 16-4 record and will next face Detroit in the battle of the Eastern leaders. Chicago meanwhile suffered their fifth straight loss and fell to 8-13 record.
Tamika Catchings led the action with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Tammy Sutton-Brown secured another 12 points and 6 boards for the winners. Jia Perkins provided game-high 24 points off the bench for Chicago. Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, college: Temple) added 12 points in defeat.

Indiana - Chicago 75:74
Indiana: Tamika Catchings 22+13 boards, Tammy Sutton-Brown 12
Chicago: Jia Perkins 24, Candice Dupree 12

Washington - Houston 65:58
Washington: Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, agency: Ronsport, college: Duke) 16+11 boards, Alana Beard (5'11''-G/F-82, college: Duke) 16
Houston: Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, college: USC) 14+10 boards, Crystal Smith (5'6''-G-84, college: Iowa) 12

Detroit - New York 87:82
Detroit: Deanna Nolan (5'11''-G/F-79, college: Georgia) 21, Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, college: Connecticut) 19, Cheryl Ford (6'3''-F/C-81, college: Louisiana Tech) 19+18 boards
New York: Janel McCarville (6'2''-C-82, college: Minnesota) 17, Ashley Battle (6'1''-C/F-82, college: Connecticut) 17.