Eurobasket Daily News Report: 7/26/2007

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/26/2007

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

RAINMEN ADD FIRST TWO PLAYERS TO ROSTER -by Chris Terrell
Halifax, Nova Scotia. The ABA Halifax Rainmen have announced the first two members of the team for the upcoming season. They are local talent Peter Benoite, college: Memorial) (6'1"-G-75) from Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, and Chad Eichelberger (6'9"-F-83) from Atlanta, Georgia, who comes from Saint Andrews Presbyterian College in North Carolina, where he was a starting forward for the NCAA Division 2 school. Andre Levingston, President of the Halifax Rainmen commented on the new additions, "These two players are the first of many talented young men who will be suiting up for the Rainmen this coming season. As well as great players on the court, these two guys are committed to giving back to the community off the court. I'm very excited to watch them grow within the organization."
Head Coach Kevin MaBone is thrilled about the two new players. "Throughout my years of coaching I've seen a lot of great players; players who are willing to stop at nothing to reach a common goal, a championship. Peter and Chad are two of these players. Both of these guys are tremendously talented and I know they've got what it takes to perform at the highest level here in Halifax." Playing professional basketball in the Maritimes is a dream come true for Benoite. "Being able to play ball at this level in front of your friends and family is something every kid dreams of growing up." For Benoite, he expects the move to Halifax to be an easy transition. On the other side of the border, Eichelberger is excited about his new home in Halifax. "When I cam up to Halifax in early June for the invite camp, I was immediately hooked on this city. Everyone in Halifax is so friendly and supportive of the new team. I can't wait to get started." The Rainmen are continuing to add to their roster over the next couple of weeks with camps in California and Halifax. The Halifax open tryout is August 25-26 at the tower on the campus of Saint Mary's University. Morning session is 10am-1pm and the evening session is from 5pm-8pm. Cost is $150 and $100 if you signed up before August 15th. For further information about the Halifax Rainmen, please visit www.rainmenbasketball.com or www.abalive.com.

PALM BEACH IMPERIALS OWNER/PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ON LIVE BROADCAST -by Chris Terrell
West Palm Beach, FL. Today, Imperato for President 2008, the official Presidential Campaign Committee for Daniel Imperato, the owner of the ABA Palm Beach Imperials, announced they would be holding their seventh live broadcast tonight, Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 8pm EST.

Mr. Imperato is currently an independent candidate for the office of President of the United States of America and is seeking the nomination from the Libertarian Party.

During the broadcast, Imperato will further promote his plan to unite America to take a 3rd party to the White House, a 33 million Man and Woman e-March. In addition, he will ask those 33 million Americans to embrace the idea of having an independent in the White House.

He will also be announcing his call for voter questions to be submitted via www.studentpipeline.net, to host an online question and answer session between voters and himself.

Imperato's last broadcast was streamed live across the world via the i1tv broadcast network (www.i1tv.net) and powered by i1search (www.i1search.com). He is the first candidate to introduce regular live broadcasts to his campaign. To listen to the broadcast, please visit www.imperato2008.com tonight. Viewers can also dial in to the audio broadcast by dialing 888 776 3766, access code 8706685. For more information, visit www.palmbeachimperials.com or www.abalive.com.

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

Market news! -by Dani Erceg
Toni Dijan (203-F-83) signed for KK Siroki Prima Pivo(BiH-D1). Last season he DNP and in season 2005.-2006. he was member of Union Olimpija(SLO).

KK Split signed Igor Sumic (186-G-82, agency: Court Side). He averaged 13.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 7.0apg and 1.5spg in Stage 1 of Croatian League and 8.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 7.7 apg and 1.8spg in Play-Off League.

*****************************************************
ALGERIA

a victory for an happy end -by Foued Benhenni
For its last game,Algerian players were just too strong for the "Elephants" of Cote d'Ivoire who seem to be phisically tired;the "Fennecs " wanted to take their revenge against Cote d ivoire and their famous French coach "Jacques Monclar" who defeated the Algerians in preliminary round.Tarik Oukid led the way again for Algeria with 19 ponts and 6 rebounds,he was helped by the veteran point guard Sofiane Boulaya who scored 15 points with 3 assists.With this victory in Staouelli Arena(67-61),Algeria gets the fifth spot of all african games and give finally an happy end at their disappointing preliminary round games.Tarek Oukid (205-C-79)

*****************************************************
ARMENIA

England thrashes Armenia to go Top 8 -by Eurobasket News
England U16 - Armenia U16 139:24
England grabbed another victory at the U16 European championship in Macedonia. They dismantled Armenia to remain undefeated in Group B. The victory meant England improved to 4-0 record and completed the preliminary round atop of their group.
The intrigue vanished in the first frame as England players established a 34:11 advantage. They extended to 72:20 at halftime and cruised to an overall win at the end.
Eight players scored in double figures for England. Thomas Pereira (-91), Adam Thoseby (194-F-91) and William Hall (-91) chipped in 19 points apiece to pace English offense.
England will now face Sweden in qualifying round opener tomorrow. Armenia finished the preliminary round at 0-4 record. They will now play against Romania in classification round.

England U16: Adam Thoseby 19, Thomas Pereira 19, William Hall 19
Armenia U16: Armen Gmiruk (-93) 6, Arman Hakobyan (-92) 5

*****************************************************
AUSTRIA

Wels inks Casey Archibald -by Cueneyt Tuerk
Kraftwerk Wels took the first step in preparing for its upcoming season with the announcement that shooting-guard Casey Archibald (193-G-84, agency: ProSportsCareers) has signed for one season. Casey arrives from the University of British Columbia, where he selected in first team All-Canadian and All-Canadian guard. He led the thunderbirds with 21 points per game.

*****************************************************
BAHRAIN

Coach Pereira in Brazil for Pan Am Games -by Walter Carvalho
Coach Pereira de Carvalho is currently attending the Pan American Games which is being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The men's basketball competition begins today with Brazil facing the Virgin Islands. Brazil is a strong contender to the Gold medal and it is utilizing the games to prepare its squad for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers tournament in Las Vegas.

While in Brazil, Coach Walter Carvalho was invited by the Brazilian Coache's Association to run a Basketbal Coaching Cinic on topics such as: Practice Plan, Game Plan and Defense.

PBA's Purefoods team set for Bahrain Games -by Walter Carvalho
THE Purefoods Chunkee Giants, a popular team from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) professional league, will be coming to Bahrain next month to take part in the fifth Bahrain-Philippines Goodwill Games, the Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA) confirmed yesterday.

The Goodwill Games, organised by the BBA in cooperation with Katilingban sang mga Illonggo sa Bahrain (KIB), are scheduled to be played on August 30 and 31 at the Juffair Dome. Purefoods are one of five teams that are set to participate in the Games. The others are Bahrain's Al Ahli and Al Ittihad, and Filipino sides the New Jumbo Jewellers and a Filipino-American All-Star selection.

"These games are a good opportunity for us as Bahrainis to interact with the Filipino community through basketball," BBA president Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa told the GDN yesterday. "They are one of the most followed teams in the Philippines with a great line-up of players and a rich history. Having them here will also be beneficial for our local basketball scene, and our two clubs that will be playing against them can benefit from this experience," Shaikh Mohammed added.

Tickets for the Goodwill Games will cost BD1.5 apiece for each day, and will be available at outlets to be announced soon. Further information will be released by the organisers in the coming weeks. For inquiries, call 39154337, 39071585, or 39577703.

Purefoods joined the PBA ranks in 1988, and have won seven championships since that time. Their most recent title was in the 2006 PBA Philippine Cup. They will be the fourth PBA team to participate in the Goodwill Games here in Bahrain, following Fed Ex (now Air 21 Express) in 2003, the Sta Lucia Realtors the next year, and a PBA All-Star selection team in 2005.

Last year's Goodwill Games featured a mixed team of PBA players and others from the amateur Philippine Basketball League (PBL).
Source: GDN Patrick Salomon

Under-20 basketball team off for Turkey camp -by Walter Carvalho
Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA) Vice President Jassim Salman Al Sindi said the national team under-20 delegation will be leaving for Turkey today to attend a training camp.

The team is preparing for the 11th GCC Basketball Under-20 Championship which will be held in Sharjah from August 19 to 25. Al Sindi said the delegation will be headed by BBA General Secretary Salman Hubail. The team will be back on August 14 before they leave for Sharjah to participate in the event.

The national team under-20 delegation for the championship will be headed by Jassim Al Sindi and consisted of team manager Hussain Ali Al Derazi, team coach Salman Ramadan, assistant coaches Saeed Abbas and Saleh Ahmed Al Haddad, administrator Tariq Mohammed Abdulrahim, physical fitness Mamoon Al Majed, referee Majid Isa Al Majid and players Mohammed Abdulmajeed, Mohammed Abdulhakeem, Salman Al Mehri, Ali Jaffar, Ahmed Abdulaziz, Hassan Ibrahim, Sadiq Shams, Younis Hassan, Maytham Jameel, Abdulrahman Tariq, Mahdi Ashoor, Mohammed Nabeel, Mohammed Al Bahrani and Ayoob Najaf.

Source: GDN

*****************************************************
BELARUS

Belarus U16 gain their first win -by Eurobasket News
Belarus U16 - Bulgaria U16 97:80
Belarusian U16 National team clebrated their first win at the European championship in Macedonia yesterday. They rallied past Bulgaria 97:80 to improve to 1-3 record in Group C.
Valiantsin Ihnatchyk (-91) opened the game with a long jumper to put Belarus ahead. However Bulgarian players quickly found the touch and bounced back with a 7:0 run of their own to surge in front. They continued to dominate the pace in the first frame and came out wiinign 27:19.
Belarus responded early in the second quarter recording 10:0 run and spurring ahead to 29:27 advantage. However Ventsislav manuilov's jumper at the end of the first frame marked a 46:42 lead for Bulgaria.
They extended it to 48:42 on Emil Binev's dunk at the start of the second quarter but Belarus were not about to give it up. They rushed forward and left Bulgaria behind as Mikalai Salauyou hit consecutive three pointers and Valiantsin Ihnatchyk added some nice offensive plays. Bulgaria enterd the final stanza trailing by 5 points 60:65 and never recovered losing their 3rd game at the tournament.
Valiantsin Ihnatchyk nailed 26 points to pace Belarus. Vitali Kazlouski (196-F-91) ensured 17 points and 17 boards for the winners. Bulgaria replied with 17 points from Ventsislav Petkov (184-G-91). Plamen Hristov (196-F-91) had 15 points, 14 rebounds, 6 steals and 5 assists in a loss.
Belarus will now play in classification round Group H. They take on Estonia tomorrow.

Belarus U16: Valiantsin Ihnatchyk 26 points, Vitali Kazlouski 17+17 boards
Bulgaria U16: Ventsislav Petkov 17, Plamen Hristov 15+14 boards

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

Belmopan Youths Get a Chance to Learn Moves from UB Basketball Team -by David Magana
This year, UB is trying its hand at offering a basketball camp for children at its Belmopan Campus. With sponsorship from Sprite and volunteered hours by the school's basketball team: UB Jaguars, a four day training camp was made available for forty four children, boys and girls, from around the capital city. The camp is focusing on techniques. Children are divided between five stations where they practice moves in defense, dribbling, passing, free throws and shooting.

Although, initially the target age range was from 10-14 years old, a few younger children were allowed in the door to the delight of some very enthusiastic, albeit young players. In fact, one of the most impressive trainees was six year old Sherwyn Hernandez. One of the Jaguars felt compel to comment on Sherwyn's enthusiasm for the game. “He is willing to try any move we suggest. For example, even though his limbs are small, he was able to pass a ball through his legs by rolling it along the floor.” He won the day's prize - a coupon for two slices of pizza from Pepper's Pizza. According to his mother, looking on proudly, he was really excited about being allowed to partake in the camp. He rushed to go to bed in the night so he could wake up and come back to camp the next day.

Sherwyn was not the only child to receive a prize, on Tuesday, 11 year old Emerald Garcia also received recognition for ability and willingness to learn. Neighbours, Sherwyn and Emerald often play basketball together. Right now they both want to be professional basketball players when they grow up. Perhaps we are seeing the future national champs in the making.

Hopefully next year the four day camp would grow to a week or even two week training course, that is; if the business community decides to offer more support for our youths.

The Fight For The Semi-Pro Crown Continues On Friday! -by David Magana
As of Friday, July 13th, the Belize Bank Bulldogs (3-1) and the San Pedro Tigersharks (3-1) have been enrouted on a collision course. These two titans are engaged in an epic battle for the Semi-Pro title, and fans have ultimately been the ones benefiting from all the excitement.

On Saturday, July 21st, the Tigersharks entered the court with a mind set of “no tomorrow.” The home crowd supported their team's players from the beginning to end and was gratified to see them playing the way they had during playoffs. The Tigersharks had gotten over from their first loss, and were showing the discipline and confidence that a winning team should have. In the first quarter, it was an up and down game with both teams volleying the lead, one grasping it momentarily only to have it snapped away by the other. It wasn't until the second quarter that the Tigersharks took a firm hold of the lead with 19 points to end the quarter 44-25. At this point everyone thought that the Tigersharks were going to humiliate the Bulldogs - but they were wrong! The Bulldogs bounced back like the big team they are, cutting down the lead to 9. Nevertheless, in the last minutes of the fourth quarter, they succumbed to the Tigersharks' pressure and hunger for another shot at the title. This Friday, the struggle for power will culminate as the famous naturalist, Charles Darwin, theorized with the “survival of the fittest.” Which do you think is the fittest?

The big name of the night for the Tigersharks were; Keith Acosta (193-G/F-76, college: Texas A&M - Commerce) with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists, Lloyd Leslie (186-G) and Greg Rudon (180-G) with 12 points, Damion Staple (201-F/C-80, agency: Naiditch Entertainment, college: Iowa St.) with 10 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks, Douglas Penland (191-G/F-75) with 10 points. In a losing effort for the Bulldogs it was; Judson Stubbs (201-F/C, college: TCU) with 19 points 7 rebounds and 3 blocks, Ronald Rivers (183-G-84) 15 points, Darwin Leslie (191-F/G-81) with 14 points and Tyrone Edwards (186-G, college: Hillsdale) with 12 points.

*****************************************************
CAPE VERDE

NATIONAL TEAM ENTERS THE SECOND PHASE OF PREPARATION -by Pedro Gomes

The coaching staff has chosen the 14 players who will go and represent Cape Verde in AFROBASKET 07, tournament which will take place from 15 to the 26 of August, in Angola.

The second phase of preparation which will start this week, at the “Vava Duarte” Pavilion, in the city of Praia. The head coach, Emanuel Trovoada will count on the following players: Marques Houtmam - F.C. Port (Portugal); Odair Sanches - ABC of Praia Lucas - Amibasket (Praia); Mario Correia - Maia Basket (Portugal); Mario Jorge Neves - Belenenses (Portugal); Tony Barros - Umass Boston (U.S.A.); Fidel Mendonca - Olivais de Coimbra (Portugal); Aldevino Lima - Benfica (Portugal); Antonio Moreira - Bryant College (U.S.A.); Victor Hugo Fortes - ABC (Praia); Rodrigo Mascarenhas - F. C. Porto (Portugal); Antonio Monteiro - Mou (France); Agildo Cabral - Pantera Negra (Sal) and Aquiles Semedo - ABC (Praia).

Of the 17 pre-selected players, Djoy Amado, Waldir Soares and Amarildo Barbosa, were left out of final list. The head coach affirms that these 3 athletes “will not leave the National Team. I left the message in the direction for them to continue to work in search for their place on the team, and same message also goes to all young athletes that had not been called this time”.

In the first phase of the preparation, especial attention was given to physical preparation with and without the ball, now in this stage Emanuel Trovoada guarantees that the team will work on more technical aspect of the game, with emphasis on fast breaks and offensive transition.

New Bedford's Marques Houtman hopes his guard play for Cape Verde can put him on pro path -by Pedro Gomes
Of course, Marques Houtman wants to do his best to represent Cape Verde in the country's quest to qualify next month for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

But the former New Bedford standout also knows what his performance in the FIBA African Championship for Men in Angola could financially mean to himself when the tournament completes its 10-day run on Aug. 25.

"This is a big tournament, 16 countries. Someone's going to make cheese from it," said Houtman. "I'm trying to make big money from it."

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound point guard doesn't have David Beckham-type aspirations for his checking account, but with a strong showing, he could be on his way to signing for a sizable stipend with a European club team next year.

"I'm probably looking for (a contract) that would pay me in the range of $50,000-$80,000, $90,000 per year," said Houtman, who had been making $15,000-$20,000 playing for the Boston Frenzy in the American Basketball Association.

Houtman will turn 28 on Aug. 18, the day Cape Verde plays against the tourney host and favorite, Angola (Cape Verde isn't considered to have enough depth to come close to reaching the final). Entering the prime of his career, he realizes that he'll never be a more valuable commodity than right now, and he's ready to show that to the professional scouts who will be in attendance.

"I'm excited to play. It'll be good to be in the flow again," Houtman said last week before departing for the island country to train. "I've maintained my shape this last month, but I need that, 'Knock. Knock. Wake up. Let's go.' "¦ This is it."

Although a life-long New Bedford resident, he's able to obtain a passport and represent Cape Verde in the tournament because his grandparents were citizens there.

He's been playing for the men's senior national team since 2003, and has competed in tournaments in Senegal and China.

"Marques has one of the better work ethics I've seen from players that come out of New Bedford," said Tony Lima, a United States representative and strategic advisor for the Cape Verdean Basketball Federation.

Lima brought Houtman to Cape Verde in 1999, while he was making the transition from Division II Stonehill College to Division III UMass Dartmouth.

"They liked him and he's been playing for the national team ever since," Lima said. "He's somebody that young people in New Bedford should look up to, not necessarily because of his work ethic, but how he acts in the community. He carries himself very well and cares about the young people. As a person and as a player, he's grown immensely."

Houtman admitted that he's already thought about life following the end of his playing career.

"I want to reach as far as I can, then come back and coach," he said, targeting high school freshman as his preferred age to instruct.

First, though, he wants to make enough money so he can retire comfortably, and now is the time for "that big payday."

"That's good that's how he's looking at it. That's how you have to approach it. Prove yourself every day," said Marcus Wills, a fellow New Bedford hoop legend who played with Houtman on the Frenzy from 2004 to 2005 and also on the Cape Verdean National Team.

The Frenzy played its home games at UMass Dartmouth's Tripp Athletic Center during the New Bedford duo's time with the team. It was a place very familiar to Houtman. He amassed more than 1,200 points in two and a half seasons with the Corsairs from 1999 to 2001. UMass Dartmouth was ranked as high as No. 2 in the country his senior season, and Houtman was named a NABC All-American. But playing at the lowest level of college basketball made it difficult for Houtman to gain notice.

He played in Portugal's second division from 2003 to 2004, averaging 20 points per game but not earning the type of salary he hoped for.

Then, the Frenzy came about. Being a local resident who could draw fans to the stands for the fledgling American minor league, Houtman found his hoop dreams reborn.

"I'm a ballplayer, so I like being around ballplayers conversing and talking. So we'd get to talking in the locker room and guys would be talking about how much money they had made overseas, and I went, 'What?!'" Houtman remembers. "A lot of the guys I was playing with had also fallen under the radar, but some of them were doing it. That's when I realized I need to work a little harder. What I have to do is take advantage of the opportunities given to me and one of those is playing on the Cape Verdean National Team."

Houtman improved as the Frenzy's season went on, and he finished with averages of 13.3 points and 2.5 assists per game.

He said he gained a lot of confidence in his abilities and soaked up everything he could from Frenzy coach Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, a former NBA player and father of Kobe Bryant.

"There were 16 of us on the roster, and we knew that three of us were getting cut," Houtman said.

Even though he wasn't cut from Frenzy, Houtman said he was motivated by Bryant's advice to the players who were.

"So we were all in the room together and Jellybean tells us, 'Listen, you can do one of three things. You can leave here and talk about how we're (jerks). You can go home and work (a regular job). Or you can go out and work hard on your game and get ready for the next (opportunity),'" said Houtman, noting that his personal choice was obvious.

He knew that his lack of collegiate exposure was continually going to raise doubts in pro teams' minds, but the Frenzy also allowed him to play in front of large-city crowds for the first time.

Houtman's next opening found him returning to Portugal last year and this time in the first division with FC Porto. He played well when the team's original starting point guard went down with injury after the first game of the season. But he again hadn't signed for marquee money, wasn't a marketable name, and the club continually brought in players it thought could perform better, including T.J. Sorrentine, who had led Vermont to its first-ever NCAA tournament victory in 2005 with a memorable first-round upset of Syracuse.

So when the playoffs came about, Houtman found himself on the end of the bench, frustrated and agitated. He's looking to take out that aggression in Angola next month, and maybe in Portugal again next year or in Spain or somewhere else in Europe.

"All I can do is play hard and just work," he said, before assuring: "I'll be making more money next year."

By ZACH ROCHA
Standard-Times correspondent
July 16, 2007 6:00 AM

Cape Verde National Team Roster 2007 -by Pedro Gomes

Mascarenhas

Houtman

Correia

Jorge

Barros

Cape Verde National Team Roster 2007 for AFROBASKET:
4 Marques Houtman (190-G-79) of FC Porto Ferpinta (POR)
5 Odair Sanches (180-G-82) of ABC (CPV)
6 Lucas of Amibasket (CPV)
7 Fidel Mendonca (191-F-84) of Olivais Coimbra (POR)
8 Mario Correia (189-G-78) of Maia Basket (POR)
9 Mario Jorge (190-G/F-77) of CAB Madeira Funchal (POR)
10 Tony Barros (193-F) of University of Massachusetts Boston (USA)
11 Aldevino Lima (203-C-86) of Sport Lisboa Benfica (POR)
14 Antonio Moreira (196-F-76) of University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (USA)
15 Rodrigo Mascarenhas (198-F-79) of FC Porto Ferpinta (POR)

Victor Hugo Fortes (198-F-72) of ABC (CPV)

Agildo Cabral of Pantera Negra (CPV)

Aquiles Semedo (190-F-75) of ABC (CPV)

Head Coach: Emanuel Travoada
Coach Assistant: Rico

*****************************************************
CHILE

Dimayor: Market news -by Daniel Valencia
Universidad de Concepcion signed Roy Smallwood (201-F-81) as their second import player for Dimayor 07/08. Smallwood is a forward from UTEP with experience in Ireland, France and minor leagues in the United States.

Universidad Catolica announced the signing of Rock Winston (194-F-75) and Aaron Eneas (202-F-78) as their foreign couple for the upcoming league. Winston played last year in Chile for Universidad de Concepcion. Eneas is a forward with experience in Colombia, Uruguay, Portugal and Poland.

Provincial Llanquihue signed Rashaad Powell (198-F-81) as their first import player. Powell is a forward from Idaho with experience in minor leagues in the United States. He was part of the top 20 scoring leaders in the past two IBL seasons.

*****************************************************
COLOMBIA

Bucaros inks its first import for 2007 Federation Cup -by Victor Garcia
Bucaros , the Champion of the 2006 Saludcoop Federation Cup, inked its first import for the upcoming Cup, the player is Damien Lolar (6´4" Guard, West Texas A&M NCAA DivIi), Carlos Parra the manager of the team has a great faith on the player, he described him as a allaround scorer.
Lolar will be coming to Colombia in the first week of August.Damien Lolar (193-G/F-84, college: Texas A&M - Commerce)

*****************************************************
CROATIA

Market news! -by Dani Erceg
Toni Dijan (203-F-83) signed for KK Siroki Prima Pivo(BiH-D1). Last season he DNP and in season 2005.-2006. he was member of Union Olimpija(SLO).

KK Split signed Igor Sumic (186-G-82, agency: Court Side). He averaged 13.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 7.0apg and 1.5spg in Stage 1 of Croatian League and 8.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 7.7 apg and 1.8spg in Play-Off League.

*****************************************************
CYPRUS

European championship (U16) B' Div: Analysis of the next opponent of the Cyprus NT - Hungary -by Chris Mammides

The Cyprus NT is playing tomorrow against the Hungarian NT. Eurobasket.com, will try to give an analysis of the Magyars for all the Cypriot readers

The basic (major key-players) five of the Hungarian coach are the following:

1. János Eilingsfeld (198 cm), Janos is the star of the Hungarian team, he is the top scorer and the top rebounder of the team, he is a light power forward which allows him to play in the paint and at the same time in the peripheral line. He is averaging nearly 20 points in the three games he played (he missed the game against the Belgians too as his coach decide to use the players that do not had enough time in the court in the first three games). He scored 27 points against the Bulgarians in only 23 minutes!! He has great penetration and amazing sense of the rebound as many of his points are simply tip in after an offensive rebound. Panayiotou and his team-mates will have to be very careful in the paint. He averages 12 rebounds per game and he is currently at the second rebounder of the tournament. Janos is the “big power” of the Hungarian team and needs to be taken care of. (Number of his jersey is 11)

2. Adam Lepsenyi (205cm), Adam is playing an average of 32 minutes per game and he is scoring nearly 17 points per game, he has very good percentages from the free throw line and even though he supposed to be a center the 60% of his points are coming from the arc as his team-mates are giving him in many cases the ball as his % from the arc reaches the amazing 55%. In the last game against Belgium he didn't play at all but he expected to be among the key players against Cyprus. (Number of jersey 14)

3. Balázs Csempesz (184 cm), Balázs is the basic point guard of the Hungarian NT, he is the “brains” of the team but at the same time he is not very good shooter, his percentages are less than 30% in the two pointers, he is mostly creating the game than scoring, he is very good ball handler and he has the leading position in the court, he is the player which needs to be taking care of - defensive wise- as he can “open” routes in the paint and give easy assist his team-mates. Even though he is not shooting very often from the arc, against the Belgian NT he had 4/6 three pointers and he was actually the stepping stone of the great victory over the Belgians. He averages a bit more than 30 minutes per game (Number of his jersey with the NT is 5)

4. Zsolt Lakosa (186 cm), Zsolt is the key shooting guard of the team, like Adam Lepsenyi, he didn't play against the Beglian NT, even though he is a shooting guard in many occasions is changing roles with Balazs and he organizes the game. He has very good first step and good penetration, he scored 14 points in the derby against the Dutch team, he is leading the assist category as he gives nearly 6 per game, he is the most dangerous play-maker of the Magyar team. He averages nearly 30 minutes per game. (Number of his jersey is 7)

5. Áron Moravcsik (186 cm), Aron is the second ball handler of the Hungarian team and he is among the few players used in all 4 games, he averages 20 minutes per game and he has the same style as Balazs, he can kill a team upon remaining unguarded. He has good three point shot even though in this tournament haven't harm any team yet….. (Number of his jersey is 6)

Ádám Csernák (196 cam), Adam is a small forward and has a deadly penetration and very good jump shot, he is scoring nearly 14 points per game but he only plays 23 minutes per game, he is doing a lot of dirty job though as he has 5 rebounds per game and 4 steals while he is not fouling easily as he averages only 1 per game!! His best game was against Belarus when he scored 19 points in 23 minutes. (He wears the jersey with no. 10)

Gergö Nedelcu (202 cm), Gergo is power forward and center, he is the back up of Lepsenyi, he averages about 10 minutes which could be less as he played against Belgium 31 minutes (the game which the starting five never played) he is averaging 4 points and 4 rebounds and he could be a thread only if he is alone in the paint. He has quite heavy moves in the paint and he more of a defensive player. He wears the jersey with no. 12

Those are the seven basic players of the Hungarian team

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

New player in Team Fog Naestved -by Eurobasket - Denmark
Team Fog Naestved have signed american player Brandon Thomas (198-G/F). Thomas´ College stats are not fantastic, but the man who brought him is Neastved´s head coach Howard Frankel. Frankel bought one of last seasons top players Adrian Moss (204-C/F-81, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Florida) to Denmark. Moss also had very "low" numbers in College, but turned out to be a great player. Lets hope for TFN that Brandon Thomas is as big a scoop as Moss was.

Brandon Thomas is 195 cm tall and weighs in at 100 kg. he is very athletic, he attended UMass, at Umass he was averaging 4.0 ppg and 1.1 rpg in 11.3 minutes.

See the full stats here: http://umassathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2006-2007/teamcume.html#TEAM.IND

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

-by Herubey Grassals

Western & Sanchez Will Debut Tonight -by Herubey Grassals

Franklin Western (200-F-72, college: Providence) and Angel Sanchez (196-F-78) wiil make their debut tonight for Los Constituyentes of San Cristobal when they visit Los Cañeros of La Romana in First Division Dominican League of Basketball (Lidoba).

Western, respected offensive player, and the Sanchez will look for to stop the adverse course of Los Constituyentes that had won only one games their first five games of the championship.

Both players practiced yesterday in the polideportivo of this city under the direction of Jose "Maita" Mercedes.

Mercedes indicated that in spite of the adversities in four games in the team "there is no panic".

"We have confidence in our boys and we hoped that the things begin to change to our favor", Mercedes said.

Pantera´s Climb To Top In The South Division -by Kerwin Abreu
San Pedro De Macoris: Las Panteras Del Distrito climbed to the top in the south division last night beating Los Cocolos de San Pedro 73-66. The First half finished Pantera´s 45-34. The best for the winners were Juan Araujo 22 points and Josue Abreu 19 points. In the Lost cause Corey Minifield 19, Henry Lalane (199-F-78, college: St.Francis,NY) 15,Jhon Jackson 14. Panteras (4-2) received Eddie Elisma (205-F/C-75, college: Georgia Tech) as their new import player, he had 5 points and 12 rebounds 2 blocks. Lifetime Pantera`s are 6-4 vs Los Cocolos de San Pedro.

*****************************************************
E.CHAMPS U16

Division A: Qualifying rounds tips off in Rethimnon -by Eurobasket News
Group E

Israel U16 - Spain U16 44:69
Israeli U16 National team were unable to stop the winning pace of Spanish team as they faced in the opening round of the qualifying stage at the European championship. Spain easily grabbed their 4th straight victory at th tournament and remained on top in Group E.
Israel however surprised their opponents at the start of the game. They took a 14:1 lead at early in the first quarter and seemed to be in the right mood for this one. Alejandro Lopez Laz drained a trey to cut the deficit to 14:6 at the end of the first frame. Israel kept the distance throughout the second quarter and completed the first half in front 24:19. Spain managed to close the gap just midway through the third frame when Ignacio Guigou Tudela hit a jumper to lift Spain ahead 31:30. Spain actually piled up a 23:0 run in the third quarter to make it 46:30 advantage. They later drove to a 48:35 distance entering the final stanza.
Israel struggled to maintain Spanish players defensivelly and Oscar Rodriguez (180-G-91) converted two three pointers while Josep Franch De Pablo added abother one to extend the gap to an unassailable 64:42 with less than 4 minutes remaining.
Alberto Jodar (203-F/C-91) had 18 points and 12 rebounds for Spain. Oscar Rodriguez contributed 11 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Or Itzhaki (187-F-91) replied with 11 points for Israel. Guy Dotan (175-G-91) finished with 6 points and 5 assists in a loss.
Israel will now take on Georgia in the next round. Spain faces France later tonight.

Israel U16: Or Itzhaki 11 points, Guy Dotan 6
Spain U16: Alberto Jodar 18+12 boards, Oscar Rodriguez 11

France U16 - Italy U16 58:45
French U16 National team continued their chase for Spain and Serbia in Group E of the qualifying round of the European championship in Greece. They handled Italy to improve to 2-1 record and remained just behind the leaders in the ladder. France used unsurpassed defence in the first three quarters to mount a 38:21 lead entering the final frame and sealed the victory at the dying stage of the encounter.
France will next face Spain in Group E action. Italy takes on Serbia later tonight.

France U16: Leo Westermann (192-G-92) 11 points, Elio Sadiku (187-G-91) 10
Italy U16: Luca Fontecchio (199-F-91) 16, Andrea De Nicolao (175-G-91) 7

Serbia U16 - Georgia U16 108:48
Serbia cruised past Georgia to remain undefeated at the European championship. They stay on top of Group E together with Spain and will next face Italy in today's action.

Serbia U16: Dejan Musli (213-C-91) 28+12 boards, Danilo Andjusic (190-G-91) 15
Georgia U16: Akaki Dvalishvili (203-C-91) 9, Merab Bokolishvili (192-G-92) 9

Group F

Ukraine U16 - Greece U16 64:80
Ukraine had somehow a sour start to the qualifying round as they were defeated by Greece. Another big effort from Andriy Lebedintsev (194-G-91) was not enough for Ukrainian team to overcome the home side. The win saw Greece imrove to a 3-0 record on top of Group F, whiel Ukrauine fell to 0-3 at the bottom of the ladder.
Greek players opened the game confidently and led 10:2 early on. Lebedintsev answered with a three pointer and Serhii Halynin nailed a jumper to cut it to 7:10. But it never scared Greece as they drove to a 20:14 advantage after the opening frame. Georgios Georgakis (204-C-91, agency: FCM) scored 7 points in the last 3 minutes of the first half to secure a 41:30 lead for Greece at halftime.
Ukraine revived in the third frame when Gennadiy Dzyuba (182-G-91) poured in consecutive three pointers to narrow the gap to 50:55. However Michail Roussis immediatelly responded with a long bomb to restore the lead for Greece.
The hosts looked too solid for Ukraine in the fourth frame never allowing to come too close for a strike. Gennadiy Dzyuba capped the game with another trey to just mark a 64:80 defeat.
Ioannis Angelopoulos (189-G-91) topscored for Greece with 23 points. Georgios Georgakis contributed 15 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Andriy Lebedintsev provided 19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals to pace Ukraine. Gennadiy Dzyuba had 15 points in a loss.
Ukraine will face Croatia in the next round.

Ukraine U16: Andriy Lebedintsev 19+10 boards, Gennadiy Dzyuba 15
Greece U16: Ioannis Angelopoulos 23, Georgios Georgakis 15+15 boards

Lithuania U16 - Latvia U16 82:58
Lithuania emerged as winners from the Baltic clash in the first round of the qualifying stage in Greece. The win lifted Lithuania to 2-1 record and they remain in the semifinal chase with 2 games left.
Lithuania controlled the game from the start and piled up a 19:12 lead late in the first frame. Janis Antrops (187-G-91) scored 4 straight points to cut the deficit for Latvia to 17:21 at the end of the frame. Lithuania however did not slow down in the second quarter and rolled to a 44:30 distance at halftime. Latvia struggled to come back into this one and Ovidijus Varanauskas (184-G-91)'s three pointer to crown the third quarter marked a 67:46 dominace for Lithuanian squad. They easily maintained the gap throughout the fourth quarter and came out winning the third game at the tournament.
Ovidijus Varanauskas led Lithuania with 21 points. Augustas Peciukevicius (190-G-91) added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists for the winners. Janis Antrops answered with game-high 26 points for Latvia. Roberts Freimanis (198-C-91) nailed another 12 points in a defeat.
Lithuania had a strong advantage under the rims outrebounding Latvia 54:36. They also forced Latvian players to as many as 24 turnovers.
Lithuania will now battle against Greece later tonight. Latvia takes on Turkey.

Lithuania U16: Ovidijus Varanauskas 21 points, Augustas Peciukevicius 13
Latvia U16: Janis Antrops 26, Roberts Freimanis 12

Turkey U16 - Croatia U16 72:65
Turkey secured a tough win over Croatian youngsters to stay unbeaten at the tournament. This victory means they improved to 3-0 record and will now play against Latvia in the next round. Croatia sees Ukraine later tonight.

Turkey U16: Can Maxim Mutaf (192-G-91) 20 points, Burak Yuksel (203-F-92) 14
Croatia U16: Dino Jakolis (190-G-91) 15, Toni Prostran (183-G-91) 11.

Division B: Skopje awaits qualifying round -by Eurobasket News
Group A

Sweden U16 - Germany U16 78:53
Swedish U16 National team overcame Germany to finish the preliminary round of the European championship at the second spot in Group A. They completed the action in Group A with a 4-1 record together with Montenegro and Finland but appeared at the second spot due to scoring difference.
Sweden dominated the game against Germany not allowing their opponents to win at least a single frame. Five Swedish players delivered in double digits. Andreas Person (187-G-91) and Alexander Lindqvist (202-G-91) produced 16 points apiece to lead Sweden. Christopher Czerapowicz secured another 14 points for the winners.
Sweden will now play in Group E of qualifying round and takes on England in the opening encounter.

Sweden U16: Andreas Person 16 points, Alexander Lindqvist 16
Germany U16: Alexander Andreev (207-C-91) 21, Niels Giffey (198-F-91) 11

Montenegro U16 - Norway U16 103:60
Montenegro U16: Marko Loncovic (-91) 20, Aleksandar Dobrovic (-91) 14
Norway U16: Oeivind Lundestad (182-G-91) 24, Stian Guhnfeldt (196-F-91) 8

Group B

England U16 - Armenia U16 139:24
England grabbed another victory at the U16 European championship in Macedonia. They dismantled Armenia to remain undefeated in Group B. The victory meant England improved to 4-0 record and completed the preliminary round atop of their group.
The intrigue vanished in the first frame as England players established a 34:11 advantage. They extended to 72:20 at halftime and cruised to an overall win at the end.
Eight players scored in double figures for England. Thomas Pereira (-91), Adam Thoseby (194-F-91) and William Hall (-91) chipped in 19 points apiece to pace English offense.
England will now face Sweden in qualifying round opener tomorrow.

England U16: Adam Thoseby 19, Thomas Pereira 19, William Hall 19
Armenia U16: Armen Gmiruk (-93) 6, Arman Hakobyan (-92) 5

Bosnia and Herzegovina U16 - Austria U16 87:53
Bosnia and Herzegovina crushed Austria en route to the second spot in Group B. Remzudin Hasic (-91) led all scorers with 17 points and 13 boards for the winners. Bosnia and Herzegovina will now play in Group E of qualifying round. They take on Montenegro in their opening game.

Bosnia and Herzegovina U16: Remzudin Hasic 17+13 boards, Miralem Halilovic (-91) 17
Austria U16: Romed Vieider (196-F-91) 12, Lukas Trappl (190-G-91) 10

Group C

Belarus U16 - Bulgaria U16 97:80
Belarusian U16 National team clebrated their first win at the European championship in Macedonia yesterday. They rallied past Bulgaria 97:80 to improve to 1-3 record in Group C.
Valiantsin Ihnatchyk (-91) opened the game with a long jumper to put Belarus ahead. However Bulgarian players quickly found the touch and bounced back with a 7:0 run of their own to surge in front. They continued to dominate the pace in the first frame and came out wiinign 27:19.
Belarus responded early in the second quarter recording 10:0 run and spurring ahead to 29:27 advantage. However Ventsislav manuilov's jumper at the end of the first frame marked a 46:42 lead for Bulgaria.
They extended it to 48:42 on Emil Binev's dunk at the start of the second quarter but Belarus were not about to give it up. They rushed forward and left Bulgaria behind as Mikalai Salauyou hit consecutive three pointers and Valiantsin Ihnatchyk added some nice offensive plays. Bulgaria enterd the final stanza trailing by 5 points 60:65 and never recovered losing their 3rd game at the tournament.
Valiantsin Ihnatchyk nailed 26 points to pace Belarus. Vitali Kazlouski (196-F-91) ensured 17 points and 17 boards for the winners. Bulgaria replied with 17 points from Ventsislav Petkov (184-G-91). Plamen Hristov (196-F-91) had 15 points, 14 rebounds, 6 steals and 5 assists in a loss.
Belarus will now play in classification round Group H. They take on Estonia tomorrow.

Belarus U16: Valiantsin Ihnatchyk 26 points, Vitali Kazlouski 17+17 boards
Bulgaria U16: Ventsislav Petkov 17, Plamen Hristov 15+14 boards

Hungary U16 - Belgium U16 68:78
Belgium handed Hungary the first win at the tournament. They dominated the first three quarters and withstood all comeback efforts from Hungarian players in the final stanza. Hungary however secured the top spot in Group C and advanced into Top 8. They will face Cyprus in Group F action tomorrow.

Hungary U16: Balazs Csempesz (184-G-91) 21, Adam Hajer (189-G/F-91) 10
Belgium U16: Maarten Rademakers (201-C-91) 15+14 boards, Dennis Donkor (192-G/F-91) 11

Group D

FYR Macedonia U16 - Poland U16 49:98
FYR Macedonia fourth straight defeat in Group D of the U16 European championship in Skopje. The home crowd was not enough for the hosts to overcome Poland in their last encounter at the preliminary stage. Trailing by as many as 26 points at halftime Macedonia did not manage to perform a miracle and lost the game. Dzaner Osman (-91) and Vladimir Dikovski (-91) poured in 9 points apiece for Macedonia. Apostoli Apostolov (183-G-91) added another 8 in a defeat.
They completed the preliminaries at 0-4 record at the bottom of Group D and will now fight for 17th-21st spots in classification round. They first play against Bulgaria tomorrow.

Macedonia U16: Dzaner Osman 9, Vladimir Dikovski 9, Apostoli Apostolov 8
Poland U16: Jacek Waszak (195-F-91) 17, Dawid Adamczewski (186-G-91) 17

Cyprus U16 - Estonia U16 61:58
Cyprus U16: Christos Panayiotou (195-C-91) 16, Andreas Andreou (196-F-91) 14
Estonia U16: Rain Veideman (-91) 17, Henry Ahven (-91) 13.

*****************************************************
FYR MACEDONIA

Macedonia unable to succeed in preliminary round -by Eurobasket News
FYR Macedonia U16 - Poland U16 49:98
FYR Macedonia fourth straight defeat in Group D of the U16 European championship in Skopje. The home crowd was not enough for the hosts to overcome Poland in their last encounter at the preliminary stage. Trailing by as many as 26 points at halftime Macedonia did not manage to perform a miracle and lost the game. Dzaner Osman (-91) and Vladimir Dikovski (-91) poured in 9 points apiece for Macedonia. Apostoli Apostolov (183-G-91) added another 8 in a defeat.
They completed the preliminaries at 0-4 record at the bottom of Group D and will now fight for 17th-21st spots in classification round. They first play against Bulgaria tomorrow.

Macedonia U16: Dzaner Osman 9, Vladimir Dikovski 9, Apostoli Apostolov 8
Poland U16: Jacek Waszak (195-F-91) 17, Dawid Adamczewski (186-G-91) 17

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

D3-All American to Hagen -by Moritz Korff
Phoenix Hagen (2. Bundesliga Pro A) announced the second signing of a new import player today. Zach Freeman (201-F/C-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Illinois Wesleyan) will join the team and complete the roster for the 2007-2008 season at the same time. Freeman played college-basketball for the Illinois Wesleyan College (NCAA3) and was named to the D3hoops.com All-American First Team at the end of his senior-year. He is an athletic, lefthanded Power Forward who can score around the basket, but knock down the open shot from beyond the arch as well. Also, he is a great rebounder. With 21.6 points and 9.1 boards per contest, Freeman led the Titans in both categories through this past season, in which he shared the position as a team captain with his twin brother Andrew.

Frank Theis: One more year with the Dukes -by Moritz Korff
Only one piece of a puzzle was left for the Wolfenbuettel Dukes (2. Bundesliga Pro B). Now it is done, the line-up for the upcoming season has been completed. Frank Theis (200-C-82) has made up his mind and came to the conclusion to extend the contract with the Dukes for one more year. Since his arrival in 2004 Theis has been an integral part of the Wolfenbuettel squad. During the 2006-2007 season he added 13.6 points and 5.9 rebounds on average.

Paderborn Baskets add "veteran rookie" -by Moritz Korff
Combo Guard Malik Moore (192-G-76, agency: CAA Sports, college: American Intern.) has made a deal with the Paderborn Baskets (1. Bundesliga). Moore, 31 years of age, will come to play in Europe for the first time in his career. The 2002 NCAA Division II All-American owns great speed and quickness. In 2003-2004 he had a spell in China, playing for the Shougang Beijing Ducks, but returned to the United States and competed in the NBA D-League and most recently in the CBA. He averaged 15.4 points, 4.5 boards, 5.6 assists and 1.3 steals over 47 games of this past season for the Great Fall Explorers and as a consequence received a call to attend the CBA All-Star Game.

Fresh big man for Stahnsdorf -by Moritz Korff
RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (2. Bundesliga Pro B) signed Jerod Adler (206-F-82, college: Indiana St.) as a replacement for Jon Clark (209-C-83, college: Rhode Island) who left for Muresil Tirgu Mures, a team from the first Romanian division. Adler graduated from Indiana State University (NCAA1) in 2005 (31 games: 6.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg as a senior) and went to Switzerland in Summer 2006 to play as a pro. He averaged 9.4 points, 7 boards and 1.8 steals in 20 appearances for LNA-club Testuz BBC Nyon.

Jan Lipke moves to Bremerhaven -by Moritz Korff
Jan Lipke (193-G-83, agency: Court Side) has signed a one-year-contract with 1. Bundesliga-side Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. The member of the German A2-National Team spent the 2006-2007 season in Belgium and scored 5.2 points per contest for Passe Partout Basket Groot Leuven.
Meanwhile, Jannis Michael (196-F-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) extended his contract with Bremerhaven and will stay one more year. However, Michael only played four Bundesliga-games last season and suited up for VfL Stade (Regionalliga North) most of the time.

Essen: Roster completed -by Moritz Korff
The ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (2. Bundesliga Pro B) have completed their roster for the next season. Brandon Lincoln (193-G-83, college: Oregon) fills the second spot for an import player and will be the starting Point Guard. The 23-year-old native from Portland, Oregon averaged 6.1 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists as a senior at the University of Oregon (NCAA1) and graduated already in 2006.

Phoenix Hagen inks Center from Oregon State -by Moritz Korff
Phoenix Hagen (2. Bundesliga Pro A) put a lot of strength and size to the roster, when adding big man Kyle Jeffers (206-C, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Oregon St.). He started 30 of 32 games for the Oregon State University during this past season and averaged 6.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block for the Beavers. Side by side with Adam Baumann (203-C/F-81, college: Youngstown St.) he will build a massive frontline on the Hagen team. Jeffers comes from Santa Rose, California and is currently working on his international degree at a university in Germany.

OTB announces roster-moves -by Moritz Korff
Oldenburger TB (Regionalliga North), farm team of the EWE Baskets Oldenburg (1. Bundesliga), added two new players to the roster: Nenad Zdujic, a product of Partizan Beograd, played for Superfund BP Beograd (Serbian 3rd Division) in 2006-2007, while Shooting Guard Soenke Petersen shot hoops for Vegesacker TV and MTV Itzehoe in the past. Zdujic will come to play for the Junior Baskets in the Youth-Bundesliga (NBBL) as well.
Maximilian Gottwald (199-G/F-86) and Andrej Mangold (190-G-87) will not play for OTB next season. Mangold, well known for his great defensive skills, scored 9.8 ppg in the Regionalliga North, while Gottwald poured in 8.5 ppg during this past season. Both are looking for new teams.

German roster for World University Games -by Moritz Korff

Geib

Lipke

Zwiener

Idbihi

Maedrich

Frank Menz, "Bundestrainer" of the German A2-National Team, has made his choice. The following 12 players were selected to represent Germany at the World University Games in Bangkok (August 8-18):

Sebastian Barth (193-G-85) of TV Langen
Sebastian Betz (200-F-85) of ratiopharm Ulm
Gordon Geib (180-G-83) of Bayer Giants Leverkusen
Yassin Idbihi (208-F-83) of Koeln 99ers
Jan Lipke (193-G-83) of Eisbaeren Bremerhaven
Dirk Maedrich (211-C-83) of Strasbourg IG (FRA)
Jermain Raffington (205-C/F-85) of BV Chemnitz 99
Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) of EWE Baskets Oldenburg (last season)
Flavio Stueckemann (187-G-85) of New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig
Max Weber (201-G/F-85) of TV Langen (last season)
Moritz Wohlers (203-F/C-84) of Scottish Phoenix Honda Rocks (last season)
Philip Zwiener (198-F-85) of ALBA Berlin

Head Coach: Frank Menz
Assistant Coach: Steven Clauss

Dragons add athletic Forward -by Moritz Korff
Matt Dlouhy (198-F-83, college: Montana) is the latest addition to the roster of the SOBA Dragons Rhoendorf (2. Bundesliga Pro A). The 22-year-old Forward from a town in Idaho called Coeur d'Alen has been the third best scorer on the roster of the University of Montana (NCAA1). Besides posting 10.6 points per contest as a senior, Dlouhy also pulled down 4.9 boards per game and dished out 2 assists. He can nail the three-pointer, but his athleticism allows him to drive to the hoop as well.

Phantoms land John Allen -by Moritz Korff
Swingman John Allen (196-F-82, college: Seton Hall) is going to play for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig (1. Bundesliga) in the upcoming season. This has been confirmed by his new club today. Allen spent his entire collegiate career at the Seton Hall University (NCAA1) and came to Europe in 2005. After one year in Finland, making the 2006 Eurobasket.com All-Finnish League 2nd Team, he moved on to Israel and joined Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan. In 27 games for the Premier League-team Allen had the following stats: 15.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.8 apg and 1.1 spg.

Ecuadorian/Italian guard to Crailsheim -by Moritz Korff
The proveo Merlins Crailsheim (2. Bundesliga Pro B) agreed with Raul Cardenas (190-G-82, college: Faulkner) on a contract for the 2007-2008 season. Cardenas comes from Ecuador, but as an Italian father and therfore also holds an Italian passport. He averaged 5.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.6 apg for Faulkner University (NAIA) during this past season and advanced to the NAIA Final Four with the Eagles. He played in the USA since 2002.

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

Latest transfer news -by Chris Mammides
A1
Panathinaikos and Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, college: Arizona) split ways, the powerful Lithuanian center agreed terms with Dynamo Moscow, at the same time Panathinaikos agreed terms with Andrija Zizic (207-F/C-80) for the next two years.
Dimitris Papanikolaou (202-F-77) becomes the second player after Kyritsis who agreed terms with the new Drosos's AEK Athens, the experienced player signed a three years contract.
Panellinios agreed terms with the American with Irish passport, ex player of Makedonikos and Peristeri, Brian Bracey (201-F-78, college: Oregon)
Kelvin Gibbs (201-F-78, college: Pepperdine), ex player of the Russian samara agreed terms with AEP Olimpiada Patron
Andronikos Gizogiannis, ex player of Apollon Patras agreed terms with Egaleo
Kolossos Rodou agreed terms with Savo Djikanovic (211-C-75), ex player of Olimpia Larissas.
Olympia Larissas is very close to sign the Irish center Ken Lacey (210-C/F-78, college: Rider) since they lost Tziganovic to Kolossos.
A2
Rethymno agreed terms with Kostas Kakaroudis (204-C-83) ex player of Ionikos Lamias and Jurica Zuza (207-C-78) ex player of Cibona Zagreb.
Peristeri agreed terms with another player (after Filippos Moshovitis) which is well known to head coach Manousellis from the Hellenic NT, Marios Sakellarakis (195-G-88, agency: FCM) (194-G-88), ex AEK's player.
Age Halkidas agreed terms with Milan Jeremic
B' Division
Olympiakos Volou is very close to sign the veteran Giorgos Limniatis. In the mean time another veteran player Tzalis Stavrakopoulos (201-F-71) will continue his career in Aetos Kallitheas in the Fourth division!!

Super Koufos scored 37 points against the Israeli NT -by Chris Mammides
The Hellenic NT (U19) thrashed the Israel NT last night with 99-72 in Italy - Friendly game- with Kostas Koufos (216-C-89) from anotehr planet. The talented center/Power forward scored 37 points and dashed down 14 rebounds showing very early that he will be the new super star of the Hellenic NT and not only. Kostas has amazign moves in the paint and can elliminate any offencive opponent, no wonders why in the three gaems he played untill now with the Hellenic Nt is averaging 27 points and 12 rebounds!!
The points for the Hellenic team scored the following players:
Head Coach Kerameas: Pappas 8, Ioakeimidis 12, Giannopoulos 9, Theodorakos 10, Sloukas 7, Plioukas 8, Bogris 5, Kostas Koufos 37 and Sarikopoulos 3. Next gaem for Kostas Koufos's team is tonight against the German NT

European championship (U16) A' Div.: The Hellenic team beat Latvia and Ukraine and is now 4-0 -by Chris Mammides
The Hellenic NT was magnificent and with a superb Ioannis Angelopoulos (189-G-91) and Georgakis proceed to the next round with two clear victories over Latvia 66-43 and over Ukraine 80-64.
Against the Latvians, the young Hellenes didn't face any real problems as the difference between the two teams was more than obvious, with quarters being 11-11, 25-22, 44-31 and the final 66-43, Coach George Vlassopoulos's team took a lead at the mid second half and was keep increasing the deficit, top scorers for the Greek NT were: Ioannis Angelopoulos with 16, Katsivelis 13 and Georgakis with 12 points 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 block shots!
The fourth game against the Ukrainians was a bit different as the young Hellenes had some troubles during the third quarter which “solved” in the fourth and most crucial one, with quarters being 20-14, 41-30, 58-52 and the final 80-64. Top scorers for the Greek NT were: Ioannis Angelopoulos with 23 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists (he played 39 minutes) followed by Michail Roussis who added 18 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 5 assists and Georgios Georgakis who was amazing and added his second double-double figure, finishing with 15 points and 15 rebounds, he also added 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block shot!
Tonight the Hellenic team is playing against Lithuanians, a very crucial game as the young players from the Baltic Sea are consider to be among the favorite teams for winning the tournament, even though Marius Linartas' side loose in the derby against the Turks (73-70) in the details, they still remain a power house!!

Last minute transfer news -by Chris Mammides

Nikos Barlos (202-F-79) agreed terms with AEK Athens, he is the third player in three days who signs under the new management of Drosos.
Dusan Sakota (209-F-86) will not play in Maroussi after all but in Panionios as the talented forward will be given on a loan by Panathinaikos in Panionios and not in Maroussi.

AEL 1964 agreed terms with Giannis Kyriakopoulos (185-G-83), ex Rethymno player

A2
Costas Pashalis (208-C-75) officially player of Ionikos Lamias, Coach Prelevic created an A1 team which will play in the A2. Ionikos is among the top favorites for promotion in the A1 next seazon.
Alexis Falekas (190-G-76) agreed terms with the newcomers in A2, Panorama. Alexis Falekas is the first player who is announced officially after the promotion of the team in the A2replacing Makedonikos who had financial problems.
Paleo Faliro Pireus agreed terms with point guard Thanasis Mentzos (181-G-80)
Halkida and head Coach Nikos Karagiannis split ways the new head coach will be most probably Giorgos Skarafingas.

B' Division
Komotini and Head Coach Stathis Kamarakis split ways the new head coach will be Neoklis Lemonidis

Other news
Sotiris Manolopoulos (208-F-87) and PAOK split ways, the young talented center agreed terms with the Spanish side Majorka in the LEB for the next three years.

Alex Acker the ex American guard of Olympiakos is very close to sign with Barcelona.

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

Albacomp: one more point guard on the roster! -by Tamas Deri
One more player decided to come to Hungary from the slovakian champion team, TU Kosice! Slovakian NT-member, Robert Nuber (186-G-83) just signed a one-year-contract with his new club, where his coach will be Goran Miljkovic, like in Kosice, and will play with his team-mate, Velibor Radovic, who was the MVP of the slovakian league last season!
The 24 years old point guard averaged 11.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game last season!

NYKK: algerian center will come for a tryout! -by Tamas Deri

The management of NYKK just made the paperwork, so the member of the algerian NT, Tarek Oukid (205-C-79) will be able to come for a tryout in August! Player used to play for the new head coach of the team, Zoran Prelevic, in the team of Al-Ittehad in Egypt!

*****************************************************
ISRAEL

Spain too much for Israel -by Eurobasket News
Israel U16 - Spain U16 44:69
Israeli U16 National team were unable to stop the winning pace of Spanish team as they faced in the opening round of the qualifying stage at the European championship. Spain easily grabbed their 4th straight victory at th tournament and remained on top in Group E.
Israel however surprised their opponents at the start of the game. They took a 14:1 lead at early in the first quarter and seemed to be in the right mood for this one. Alejandro Lopez Laz drained a trey to cut the deficit to 14:6 at the end of the first frame. Israel kept the distance throughout the second quarter and completed the first half in front 24:19. Spain managed to close the gap just midway through the third frame when Ignacio Guigou Tudela hit a jumper to lift Spain ahead 31:30. Spain actually piled up a 23:0 run in the third quarter to make it 46:30 advantage. They later drove to a 48:35 distance entering the final stanza.
Israel struggled to maintain Spanish players defensivelly and Oscar Rodriguez (180-G-91) converted two three pointers while Josep Franch De Pablo added abother one to extend the gap to an unassailable 64:42 with less than 4 minutes remaining.
Alberto Jodar (203-F/C-91) had 18 points and 12 rebounds for Spain. Oscar Rodriguez contributed 11 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Or Itzhaki (187-F-91) replied with 11 points for Israel. Guy Dotan (175-G-91) finished with 6 points and 5 assists in a loss.
Israel will now take on Georgia in the next round. Spain faces France later tonight.

Israel U16: Or Itzhaki 11 points, Guy Dotan 6
Spain U16: Alberto Jodar 18+12 boards, Oscar Rodriguez 11

*****************************************************
ITALY

Gianmarco Pozzecco at Capo D'Orlando -by Stefano Pini
Three important signs today in Serie A: Upea Capo D'Orlando inked Gianmarco Pozzecco (185-G-72). "He will be the icon of the team" as president Enzo Sindoni said. Scavolini added Ron Slay (203-F-81, agency: David Lee services, college: Tennessee) under the board. Eldo Napoli bet on Miroslav Raicevic (208-C-81, agency: Interperformances) that last season played just 10 games at Dinamo Moscow due to an injury.

*****************************************************
LATVIA

Lithuania topples Latvia to stay in race -by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U16 - Latvia U16 82:58
Lithuania emerged as winners from the Baltic clash in the first round of the qualifying stage in Greece. The win lifted Lithuania to 2-1 record and they remain in the semifinal chase with 2 games left.
Lithuania controlled the game from the start and piled up a 19:12 lead late in the first frame. Janis Antrops (187-G-91) scored 4 straight points to cut the deficit for Latvia to 17:21 at the end of the frame. Lithuania however did not slow down in the second quarter and rolled to a 44:30 distance at halftime. Latvia struggled to come back into this one and Ovidijus Varanauskas (184-G-91)'s three pointer to crown the third quarter marked a 67:46 dominace for Lithuanian squad. They easily maintained the gap throughout the fourth quarter and came out winning the third game at the tournament.
Ovidijus Varanauskas led Lithuania with 21 points. Augustas Peciukevicius (190-G-91) added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists for the winners. Janis Antrops answered with game-high 26 points for Latvia. Roberts Freimanis (198-C-91) nailed another 12 points in a defeat.
Lithuania had a strong advantage under the rims outrebounding Latvia 54:36. They also forced Latvian players to as many as 24 turnovers.
Lithuania will now battle against Greece later tonight. Latvia takes on Turkey.

Lithuania U16: Ovidijus Varanauskas 21 points, Augustas Peciukevicius 13
Latvia U16: Janis Antrops 26, Roberts Freimanis 12

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

Lithuania topples Latvia to stay in race -by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U16 - Latvia U16 82:58
Lithuania emerged as winners from the Baltic clash in the first round of the qualifying stage in Greece. The win lifted Lithuania to 2-1 record and they remain in the semifinal chase with 2 games left.
Lithuania controlled the game from the start and piled up a 19:12 lead late in the first frame. Janis Antrops (187-G-91) scored 4 straight points to cut the deficit for Latvia to 17:21 at the end of the frame. Lithuania however did not slow down in the second quarter and rolled to a 44:30 distance at halftime. Latvia struggled to come back into this one and Ovidijus Varanauskas (184-G-91)'s three pointer to crown the third quarter marked a 67:46 dominace for Lithuanian squad. They easily maintained the gap throughout the fourth quarter and came out winning the third game at the tournament.
Ovidijus Varanauskas led Lithuania with 21 points. Augustas Peciukevicius (190-G-91) added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists for the winners. Janis Antrops answered with game-high 26 points for Latvia. Roberts Freimanis (198-C-91) nailed another 12 points in a defeat.
Lithuania had a strong advantage under the rims outrebounding Latvia 54:36. They also forced Latvian players to as many as 24 turnovers.
Lithuania will now battle against Greece later tonight. Latvia takes on Turkey.

Lithuania U16: Ovidijus Varanauskas 21 points, Augustas Peciukevicius 13
Latvia U16: Janis Antrops 26, Roberts Freimanis 12

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

LNBP Showcase 2 Weeks Away! -by Justin Brink
The LNBP, Mexico's top professional league opens play this September 6th and teams are initiating pre season preparations. The league will be present in San Diego in a few weeks when they arrive at the LNBP Player Showcase looking for American and Mexican American players to round out their rosters for the 2007 season. LNBP coaches will participate directly in the showcase as coaches during individual skill work outs and Showcase games. Registration for the Showcase is $200 and can be paid securely and quickly by calling EnFuegoHoops at: 619-618-1207. For complete registration details check www.enfuegohoops.com.

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

Lost in the Shuffle.... -by Alex Yams
Free Agent Acquisitions…..

Lost in the array of Sports scandals and legal woes, are the number of new free agent additions to various already contending NBA franchises. The Atlantic division champion Toronto Raptors, may have solved their shooting concerns with the addition of 3pt assassin Jason Kapono. Teams may now be hesitant to double Bosh, in fear of leaving Kapono, Bargnani or Parker open for a three.

Savvy veteran Morris Peterson recently inked a deal to leave Toronto for a New Orleans team that is on the cusp of the playoffs. Leadership is what Mo Pete will bring to a team that already includes superstar signal caller Chris Paul. Peterson brings a winning mentality to N.O.

Despite the ongoing battle to bring Chinese superstar Yi Jianlian to Milwaukee, the Bucks have locked up point man, Mo Williams, who inked a 6 year deal for better then 50 million. The distractions of Yi have not prevented GM Larry Harris from moving forward with retaining a key player, and adding a former player in Williams and swingman Desmond Mason.

In an era dominated by big men, shooters are coveted more so then ever. Joining the chase for a three point shooter, the Memphis Grizzlies signed former Stanford sharpshooter Casey Jacobsen. Hoping to ease the burden of double teams on Pau Gasol and giving newly drafted guard Mike Conley Jr. another weapon at his disposal.

Teams are rushing to sign new players and locking up their own free agents. Lets not be hasting in giving too much money to any one player, since we are upon one of the most lucrative free agency periods this next off season…one that includes Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Gilbert Arenas, Elton Brand, Shawn Marion, Corey Magette,Jermaine O'Neal,and Allen Iverson, and a host of other mid level stars all have “ETO” in their contracts. So before a team shells out max dollars to potential superstars, they may want to wait and see what the REAL superstars do this coming off season.

*****************************************************
NCAA

Crisis in U.S. men basketball - USA loses to Uruguay in Panamerican Games opener -by Eurobasket

The biggest surprise of day 1 of Panamerican Games is Uruguay victory over tournament favorite - U.S. team 81-72. It only confirms that the rest of the World already catch up with USA in basketball. The U.S. team does not have professional players. But it's a combination of college top stars, who will end in 2-3 years in the NBA. That was a good solution for many years as U.S. men team was able to dominate Panamerican Games for a long time. It ended few years ago. USA maybe did not decrease the level, but everyone around catch up with them. Basketball - the sport dominated for decades by USA finally become the global one. Just look shortly at the history. Few years ago there was World Club Championships sponsored by McDonalds. There was an event of top clubs (not national teams) from around the World, which played in one place. It was another opportunity for U.S. to prove their World dominance. They sent each time one of the weakest NBA teams, and they managed to win the tournament. But not for long... The gap decreased from year to year and finally NBA team needed overtime to win it. Then ...the tournament stopped and was never played again. Let's look at the U.S. national team. Not too many people remember time when few decades ago USA sent their top college team to international championships and they were able to win everything. Again, not for too long... Then they decided to include also professional players and real Dream Team era started. There is no question that first version of Dream Team (with stars like Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley) won all they wanted showing real class. Not for long... Next versions of Dream Team did not get as much respect as the first one. U.S. national team managed to get the victories, but similarly like in McDonald's Club Championships, the gap was shrinking very fast. Finally they started losing in both Olympic Games and World Championships. So what was the reason? Media tried hardly to prove the point of dominancy of U.S. basketball. They blamed too short preparation time, international rules, etc. But the loses become slowly a very common call for U.S. teams. First they were beaten by strong teams like Yugoslavia, Lithuania, Argentina and ...Puerto Rico. Now even Uruguay (with high respect to their attitude) can add to their records a vistory over U.S. team. Just recently they lost in World Championships U19 to Serbia. So together with their loss to Uruguay, the year started very bad for U.S. men national team. NBA is unquestionably the strongest league in the World and no one should have any doubt about it. But it's more and more common opinion that many Euroleague top teams can play successfully in the NBA. And worth to mention something else: do you remember the last final game of currently ended NBA season, where Spurs beat Cavaliers? 75% of the points for winning team was scored by ...non-U.S. born players (Duncan, Parket, Ginobili). Maybe it's a time for the NBA to look around for some more international help... Of course many of you can tell: let's wait for the Tournament of the Americas in Las Vegas, where pro players will represent U.S. Right, we should definitely look forward to it. But do not be surprised when U.S. team can get another "accident" at that tournament. They have a lot to prove this year.

Panamerican Games Day 1 results:

Canada - Puerto Rico

63-82

Brazil - U.S. Virgin Islands

86-81

Argentina - Panama

76-71

USA - Uruguay

72-81

*****************************************************
PANAMERIC. GAMES

Crisis in U.S. men basketball - USA loses to Uruguay in Panamerican Games opener -by Eurobasket

Canada - Puerto Rico

63-82

Brazil - U.S. Virgin Islands

86-81

Argentina - Panama

76-71

USA - Uruguay

72-81

Puerto Rico dominates Canada -by Jay
Puerto Rico - Canada 82-63
Puerto Rico dominates Canada 82-63.
Puerto Rico: Jose Juan Barea (181-G-84, college: Northeastern) led the Pureto Rican team with 21pts, Joel Jones (196-G/F-81, college: Sacramento St.) 13pts, and Ricky Sanchez (212-C-87) 11pts
Canada: Andy Rautins (196-G-86) 13pts
Puerto Rico won the first quarter of the game 16-15 and halftime: 42-30

*****************************************************
PARAGUAY

Roster changes before the "Quadrangolar" -by Gianni Pascucci
Sol de America lost Javier Martinez (189-G-78) and Leonardo Maier (198-C-72) due to injuries, and it is not sure they will be back for the start of the "Quadrangolar". The Argentinean coaches Horacio Segui of San Jose and Eduardo Pfleger of Felix Perez did not direct their teams during the last game of the "Hexagonal". At their places, were on the bench Daniel Espinola in San Josè and Rodrigo Insfran in FPC. It seems that Segui will joins soon sa team in Mexican League, and Pfleger will make the same in Argentinean League.

Last results of the Hexagonal -by Gianni Pascucci
In the last round of the "Hexagonal Tournment", Libertad defeated Universidad Autonoma de Asuncion 83-60, keeping the first place and gaining an additional point for the upcomng "Quadrangolar", that will start on next monday. In the other games, Sol de America defeated Rowing 86-69, gaining 0,5 pts and Deportivo San Jose took an important win over Felix Perez Cardozo, 68-63, led by Bruno Martinessi (202-F-81, college: Union (TN)) and Carlos Jorge Riveros (190-G-85)

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

Transaction news -by Karol Machera
Michal Chylinski (199-G-86) will play in ASCO Slask Wroclaw in upcoming season. 21 year old player would be loaned to his new Club from Unicaja Malaga where has still valid agreement. Chylinski started last season in Unicaja (ESP-ACB): Spanish League: 6 games: 0.7ppg; Euroleague: 4 games: 1.3ppg, 1.0apg then he moved to Clinicas Rincon Axarquia Malaga (ESP-EBA): 7 games: 6.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 2FGP: 53.0%, 3FGP: 38.0%, FT: 82.0% and in Feb.'07 loaned to CD Villa de Los Barrios (ESP-LEB): 14 games: 4.4ppg, 1.0rpg.

Ex NT player Pawel Wiekiera (205-F-78, agency: AB Agency) has signed one year contract with KK Politechnika Poznan (1 Liga). Wiekiera spent last season in Polpharma Starogard Gdanski but after signing by this club Patrick Okafor he played less minutes and averaged: 5.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 2FGP: 51.5%, 3PT-2(43.7%), FT: 69.7%. That would be first season in his senior career when he would not play in highest division in Poland.

Alex Dunn is the next in Anwil -by Michal Falkowski
Alex Dunn (212-F/C-82, college: Wyoming) is next player who strenghtened Anwil Wloclawek in this week. American center has just inked a one-year deal.
Dunn is a graduate from Wyoming University where in the last season he averaged 9.5 ppg., 8.6 rpg. After that he moved to Poland to Energa Czarni Slupsk. He spent there two seasons. In the past season he scored 10.3 ppg. and grabbed 7.4 rpg. Dunn is very ambitious and determined player and he will be a great strenghtening for Anwil.

*****************************************************
PORTUGAL

Another loss in U-16 for Portugal -by Bruno Baltazar
When Portugal still fighting to keep in division 1 Portugal had another loss against Czeck Repblic 51-73.
A portuguese team without weapons to fight agaisnt the Czeck republic ,with that result everything gets darker for Portugal be in division 1.

We believe in the Olimpics -by Bruno Baltazar
With that sentence ,we clearly see the level of motivation of portuguese team to the Eurobasket in Spain.
Paulo Cunha says Portugal can qualify for olimpic tournament in Pekin next year ,Paul Cunha recently had to a surgery to remove a tumor and he getting recovered in time to play in Eurobasket and he more motivated then anyone else to get back to the job and says everyone dreams to play in a Olimpics.

Lets see if Portugal can be the surpise team on the Eurobasket but motivation thats something they have for sure.

Let the dream be alive !

*****************************************************
S.AFRICA

Drama Precedes Successful LOQ Down Clinics -by Tshepo Ditshego
A lot of drama surrounded the LOQ Down productions clinic for primary and high school kids at Bishop Bavin High School in Bedfordview, Johannesburg.

The tension started just days before clinic took place when the Ekurhuleni Basketball Association declared the clinic illegal due to section 8.3 of their constitution which states that: “No Club, League, Association or organisaton of any nature or kind having any connection with or relation to Basketball shall be formed or operate in Ekurhuleni without the consent of EBA. Any person connected with such illegal Club, League, Association or oganisation shall automatically be suspended from participation in Basketball in South Africa, and shall only be re-instated with the consent of BSA”

The Ekurhuleni Basketball Association were unhappy that they were not consulted on an activity that is a part of their mandate. They further went on to state that “any person who participates or is associated with your activity/organisation is hereby suspended from every BSA and Schools Sport related activity, in Ekurhuleni, this includes: Engen U18 and Schools Championship.”

The letter was addressed to the South African Basketball Players Association who were involved with organizing the event. The South African Basketball Players Association (SABPA) who submitted a request for recognition to Basketball South Africa in May were planning the event in order to develop the sport among young children. However, because they have not been recognised by Basketball SA, and they were not happy with certain provisions in the SABPA constitution, the EBA did not want SABPA involved in the clinic.

Eventually SABPA had to compromise for the sake of the clinic, so they pulled out of the event, leaving LOQ Down Productions CC in charge of the clinic. LOQ Down Productions CC then sent the EBA a letter requesting permission to host the clinic with the details of the program for the day. After receiving the letter, the EBA agreed to give the clinic the go ahead.

The compromise was a resounding success for all 20 kids who paid R100 to learn from PBL stars such as Tshwane Suns Point Gaurd Teddy Okobo, former US D1 college player Lebo Maepa, Wits University legend Tshiamo Ngakane, former Student National Team players Onkgopotse Ndlovu and former ESPN/AND1 player Bibi.

The morning started with a viewing of Michael Jordan's airtime, and his top 10 dunks. The kids then moved to the court where they went through a dribbling, shooting and vertical leap stations. The day ended with 2 games that the kids enjoyed thoroughly.

Sprite provided all the kids who attended with drinks, t-shirts, water bottles, balls, and lunch for all the kids who attended.

The parents and kids alike were all impressed with how professional and organized the tournament was. The next clinic is taking place this weekend the 29th of July at Bishop Bavin High School.

Basketball SA hosts BWB Camp -by Tshepo Ditshego
Basketball South Africa is hosting the Basketball Without Borders pre-camp this Saturday the 28th of July 2007 from 9am to 4pm at the Manderville Sports Complex in Johannesburg. The boys that will be taking part in the camp are 21 boys who were selected at the U/18 National Club Championships that took place last month in Cape Town, as well as the 11 boys who were selected at the Regional Conferences.

The aim of the camp is to identify 10 of the most talented boys to represent South Africa at the BWB, assessment of elite player development, as well as to provide further publicity for Basketball's greatest sponsor and supporter, Engen Petroleum Ltd.

Leading the camp will be Mr. Joe Machaba as well as South Africa's National U/18 Boys' Basketball Team Coach, Mr. Craig Daniels. The programme will cover a number of drills such as defence, offence, shooting, ball handling, 3 on 3, 5 on 5 competitions etc.

The boys selected to attend the camp are:
1. Larnel Wagter (Northern Cape)
2. Ashford Julies (Northern Cape)
3. Alesias Ramone (Northern Cape)
4. Ayanda Mthembu (Free State)
5. Matla Seetele (Free State)
6. Siyabonga Bulose (KwaZulu Natal)
7. Khayelihle Nzama (KwaZulu Natal)
8. Cameron Peterson (KwaZulu Natal)
9. Ntobeko Ncube (KwaZulu Natal)
10. Dumisane Gebashe (KwaZulu Natal)
11. Christopher Fynn (KwaZulu Natal)
12. Donavan Van Rensburg (Western Cape)
13. Giatto De Wee (Western Cape)
14. Hayden Fisher (Western Cape)
15. Regis Daniels (Western Cape)
16. Francis Marais (Western Cape)
17. Peter Bosega (Limpopo)
18. Kgopotso Mhlongo (Limpopo)
19. Tshilidzi Nephawe (Limpopo)
20. Tshepo Matsego (Gauteng)
21. Katlego Ngoetjane (Gauteng)

Catch all the excitement that will take place at the BWB pre-camp on Slam Dunk, broadcasted every Sunday on SABC 1 at 14:30.

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

EC U16: Serbia outplayed Georgia 108:48 -by Dragan Jankovski
Serbian U16 National Team continues their winning streak on European Championship on Crete. This time they made easy win against Gerogia 108:48 (31:10, 25:14, 27:8, 25:16) and together with Spain, who also has score 3-0, is on the top of qualifying group E. Center Dejan Musli (213-C-91) shined once again collecting 28 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks despite he played just in the first half of the game. Danilo Andjusic (190-G-91) scored 15 while Lazar Radosavljevic (203-F-91) posted 12 points.

Serbia will meet Italy today at 21:15.

Srdjan Jovanovic stays in Poland -by Dragan Jankovski
Serbian-Greek point guard Srdjan Jovanovic (194-G-76) signed contract with Polish team Polpak Swiecie. Jovanovic started last season in Makedonikos Koazni but due to lack of payments he moved to Kotwice Kolobrzeg where for 26 games in Polish DBE league he averaged 6.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 3.5 apg. This summer Polpak also hired Mihailo Uvalin as a head coach.

*****************************************************
SLOVAK REP.

Micka signed Kosice, Golian and Milosevic in Handlova and more signs -by Martin Galajda
Slovak runner-up Interu Bratislava re-signed coach Pavol Zuzik and signed year contract with center Miroslav Futo (207-C-80, agency: Promotex).

MBK Rieker Komarno acquired Slovak guard Peter Ivanovic (183-G-79) and Croatian centers Goran Maric (207-C-82) and Ivan Barisic (200-C). Team re-signed Milan Krasznai (185-G-78, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents), Peter Fapso (197-F-78, agency: Promotex) and Stipe Pivac (204-F/C-78).

04 AC LB Spisska Nova Ves signed new coach Krunoslav Krajnovic. Bronze medal holder changed the Coach of The Year Milan Cernicky . Spisska Nova Ves re-signed Viliam Ridzon (193-G-75), Vladimir Hovanak (194-G-82), Marcel Madaj (200-F-78), Stefan Becarik (190-G-84) and acquired David Demecko (192-G/F-81), Michal Opatovsky (208-C-82, agency: Promotex) and Jozef Bucak (207-C-81).

Slovintegra Levice signed Lubos Pohanka (190-G-77), Ladislav Lutovsky (198-F-75), Richard Klein (196-F-77), Richard Kucsa (189-G-85) and Marek Jurik (191-G/F-78, agency: Promotex). Levice signed new coach Juraj Gacik .

Slovak newcomer MBK Pezinok re-signed Branislav Brlit (205-C-85, agency: Promotex), Andrej Lukjanec (202-F/C-69) and acquired Slovak The Coach of the Year Milan Cernicky and veteran center Peter Micuda (206-C-72).

Slovak newcomer HBK Prievidza signed Croatian coach Ivan Rudez and Serbian guard Marko Tanaskovic. Team re-signed Nikola Bilos (203-F-85, agency: Interperformances), Nenad Vucic (-84), Peter Kotian (195-G/F-77), Daniel Boor (197-F-79) and veteran Lubomir Uhnak (190-G/F-65).

Slovak champion Slavia TU Kosice re-signed center Dejan Stojanovic (206-C-78), Michal Batka (205-C-87), Jozef Zabavnik (199-F-78), Lubomir Utlak (201-F-81), Richard Misinsky (186-G-80) and Robert Nuber (186-G-83). Team acquired new coach Milos Pazicky , forward Roman Ivan (199-F-77) and All-Stars point guard Martin Micka (180-G-81, agency: Promotex).

Former champion Casta SPU Nitra signed Croatian guard Hrvoje Gasparac (189-G-84, college: S.Nevada CC).

MBK Handlova reacquired after one year “twins” Milan Golian (207-C-74) and Nenad Milosevic (188-G-83). Team resigned Ludovit Smacko (195-G/F-73), Jaroslav Stefanik (193-F-76), Peter Pipiska (197-G/F-84) and Marek Jonas (195-F-79). Handlova signed new coach Neven Plantak .

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

Slovenian NT travels to China for FIBA Stankovic Cup -by Matej Bergant

Slovenian NT was invited to play on FIBA Stankovic Cup 2007 which will be held this year in China (Macau and Guangzhou) from July 28 untill August 2. Besides Slovenian NT the participating teams are China, Angola, Venezuela, NBDL All Star Team and New Zealand. Slovenian National Team was invited as the only one from Europe, but whole Slovenian NT will not travel to China because main players decided to stay in Slovenia and prepare themselves individually. The following players who will not travel to FIBA Stankovic Cup, but are in the Slovenian squad for the European Championship in Spain this summer, are: Radoslav Nesterovic (212-C-76), Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78), Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) and Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.). As additional information, despite being called to the NT Zeljko Zagorac (204-F-81, agency: World Sport Agency) decided not to participate in Slovenian NT during this summer because his new team Lokomotiva Rostov asked him not to.

Slovenian team travelling to China:

Gasper Vidmar (210-C/F-87)
Goran Jagodnik (202-F-74, agency: Beo Basket)
Uros Slokar (210-F/C-83)
Aleksandar Capin (186-G-82)
Domen Lorbek (198-G/F-85)
Goran Dragic (192-G-86, agency: Interperformances)
Jaka Klobucar (198-G-87)
Sandi Cebular (196-G-86)
Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket)
Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84)

Game schedule of Slovenia:

Saturday, 28. July 2007 (Guangzhou)
Slovenia : NBDL All Star (at 15.00 CET)

Sunday, 29. July 2007 (Guangzhou)
China : Slovenia (at 13.00 CET)

Tuesday, 31. July 2007 (Macau)
Slovenia : New Zealand (at 15.30 CET)

Wednesday, 1. August 2007 (Macau)
Slovenia : Venezuela (at 15.30 CET)

Thursday, 2. August 2007 (Macau)
Slovenia : Angola (at 15.30 CET)

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

Gimel Lewis to Tenerife -by Robert Mayor
Tenerife Rural has signed a one year deal with Gimel Lewis (211-C-82, college: Mobile (AL)), that comes from Golden LEB Alerta Cantabria, where last season completed a good year. Lewis will continue in Spain, where he arrived three seasons ago from University.

*****************************************************
SWEDEN

Sweden edges Germany to clinch the second spot in preliminaries -by Eurobasket News
Sweden U16 - Germany U16 78:53
Swedish U16 National team overcame Germany to finish the preliminary round of the European championship at the second spot in Group A. They completed the action in Group A with a 4-1 record together with Montenegro and Finland but appeared at the second spot due to scoring difference.
Sweden dominated the game against Germany not allowing their opponents to win at least a single frame. Five Swedish players delivered in double digits. Andreas Person (187-G-91) and Alexander Lindqvist (202-G-91) produced 16 points apiece to lead Sweden. Christopher Czerapowicz secured another 14 points for the winners.
Sweden will now play in Group E of qualifying round and takes on England in the opening encounter.

Sweden U16: Andreas Person 16 points, Alexander Lindqvist 16
Germany U16: Alexander Andreev (207-C-91) 21, Niels Giffey (198-F-91) 11

*****************************************************
U.KINGDOM

England thrashes Armenia to go Top 8 -by Eurobasket News
England U16 - Armenia U16 139:24
England grabbed another victory at the U16 European championship in Macedonia. They dismantled Armenia to remain undefeated in Group B. The victory meant England improved to 4-0 record and completed the preliminary round atop of their group.
The intrigue vanished in the first frame as England players established a 34:11 advantage. They extended to 72:20 at halftime and cruised to an overall win at the end.
Eight players scored in double figures for England. Thomas Pereira (-91), Adam Thoseby (194-F-91) and William Hall (-91) chipped in 19 points apiece to pace English offense.
England will now face Sweden in qualifying round opener tomorrow. Armenia finished the preliminary round at 0-4 record. They will now play against Romania in classification round.

England U16: Adam Thoseby 19, Thomas Pereira 19, William Hall 19
Armenia U16: Armen Gmiruk (-93) 6, Arman Hakobyan (-92) 5

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

Aska is turning heads -by David Edole
Ivan Aska is starting to turn heads at the collegiate level. The big man put on a show at the T-MAC He Got Game Tournament in Lakeland Florida. Sports writer Rick Staudt had this to say about the St. Croix native.
“After his semifinal performance on Sunday against the Florida Rams, Ivan Aska was the one player everyone was talking about. The 6-foot-6 big forward from Boyd Anderson HS was simply unimpressed with the press clippings brought to the table by frontcourt of the Rams and proceeded to show that he was in their class. The Rams frontcourt is made up of 6-foot-8 forwards Jared Swopshire, Kore White and 6-10, 230 pound center Kenneth Kadji.
Aska scored in a variety of ways, from mid range jumpers to putting the ball on the floor from the foul line and taking it to the hole to cleaning up his teammates misses. On one play he drove right past Kadji and used the rim to shield his shot. On another play he put the ball on the floor again and tried to power slam past the UF commit but was fouled and knocked down two free throws instead. 28 points later, against arguably the best front court in the state not in college, Aska went from low steal to mid major must have. True at the end of the day, he is still on 6-6 and will be undersized four at the next level, but with a motor and desire like his, Aska will succeed.”

Brazil 86, ISV 81 -by David Edole

The V.I. lost a tough game to the host team Brazil, 86-81, Wednesday afternoon in the Pan Am Games opener. Brazil led the entire game with the Virgin Islands mounting a serious threat in the third to rally within one, 53-52.
Frank Elegar (206-C-86) starred once again for tri-island nation when he scored a team high 21 points, and hauled down seven rebounds. Cuthbert Victor and Kevin Sheppard each chipped in with 12 points a piece. Sheppard played limited minutes do to foul trouble, fouled out the game.
The Brazilian team filled with Euroleague players had five players in double figures. Murilo Da Rosa and Joao Batista both tallied 17 points and Marcello Huerto came off the bench and produced 16 points. Valter Silva joined in the scoring with 15 and sharp shooter Marcelo Machado chipped in with ten.
Brazil led 51-43 at the half.
The VI will take on Puerto Rico tomorrow at 12:15 pm in their second game.

BRASIL (32 + 19 + 16 + 19 = 86)
Valtinho (15pts e 8 assistências), Marcelinho (10), Marquinhos (4), Murilo (17 e 11 rebotes) e Joao Paulo (17 e 9 rebotes). Entraram: Caio Torres (4), Marcelo Huertas (16), Marcus (0), Nezinho (3) e Paulao (0) . Tecnico: Lula Ferreira

ISV (21 + 22 + 19 + 19 = 81)
Sheppard (12pts), Edwin (0) , Thomas (2), Victor (12) e Rhymer (7). Entraram: Miller (5), Heywood (6), Elegar (21), Francis (3), Krauser (9) e Hodge (4). Tecnico: Tevester Anderson.

Virgin Islands vs. Brazil today at Pan Am games -by David Edole
The last time Virgin Islands played the Brazilian team it was the fourth quarter that separated both teams. Brazil won, 100-74, at the tournament of Americas in 2003 at San Juan, Puerto Rico. The teams played for three quarters to a virtual standstill and at that time Denver Nuggets star Nene was throwing his girth around.
The Virgin Islands senior men's team begins their run to Pan Am gold against the home team. The V.I. is scheduled to take on a tough Brazilian Squad at 2:30 p.m. eastern time in Group A play. Puerto Rico and Canada makes Group A very formidable while Group B consists of USA, Panama, Argentina and Uruguay.
The Brazil team will always be dangerous since they are at home. Many of their major NBA stars such as Leandrinho Barbosa (Suns), Tiago Splitter (Spurs), Anderson Varejao (Cavalairs), and Nene (Nuggets) skipped the event to concentrate on Tournament of the Americas. Don't cry for Brazil as Charlotte Hornets small forward Marcus Vinicius will be suiting up along with dangerous outside shooter Marcelo Machado to form a dangerous combination.
Virgin Islands senior men's national team consists of most of the players that had a stellar summer in 2006. The returning group is made up of Jason Edwin (Kent St.) Cuthbert Victor (Murray State), Kevin Sheppard (Jacksonville), Frank Elegar (Drexel), Kitwana Rhymer (UMass), Stephen Hodge (Edward Waters), Akeem Francis (Columbus State) and new additions to the team are Carl Krauser (Pittsburgh), Jameel Heywood (Oklahoma), Darnell Miller (West Georgia), Carl Thomas (College of Charleston), and Kaylen Gregory (Marist).
The V.I. team won silver medals in Centrobasket and Caribbean Basketball Championships last summer.
Head Coach: Tevester Anderson, Jackson State University
Associate Head Coach: Edmund Pipes, Tennessee State
Asst Coach: James Harrick, formerly of UCLA

Pan Am History
The V.I. cagers have played the Brazilian National team three times in the past and currently have a 1-2 record against the South American team. The Virgin Islands lost their first meeting with the powerhouse in 1975 but rebounded four years with an upset in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The tri-island nation team consisted of Arthur “Gutu” Solomon, Ronald “Ronche” Charles, Steven “Smokey” Frett, Will “Pee Wee” Petersen, Kennard “Kirby” Callendar, Wayne “Dibango” Harrison and Clayton “Slim Jim” Miller knocked off the Brazilian team in overtime, 98-92. Ronald Charles gave all the credit to Will Petersen. “He never ever let us give up,” said Charles. “He made us believe we could win.” The Head Coach of the upset in San Juan was Glen “Kimble” Williams, and he was assisted by Myron “Buddy” Henneman.
In the1987 Pan-American Games, which was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Virgin Islands lost in a close game to Brazil, 98-103.

1975 - Brazil 129 - 80 Virgin Islands (Mexico City/ Mexico)
1979 - 92 - 98 Virgin Islands (San Juan / Puerto Rico)
1987 - 103-98 Virgin Islands (Indianapolis / United States)

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

Rodgers to Cherkasy / Raievskyi to Mykolaiv / Azovmash is searching again? -by Alexander Muzyka
- Cherkasy Monkeys has signed another foreigner - Leon Rodgers (199-F-80) from Eiffel Towers. 'We expected him to be our leader' - Andri Podkovyrov said.

- After Aubrey Reese and Yahor Meshcharnakou signings Azovmash is looking for the main playmaker. Rumours said Tyus Edney (178-G-73) can be the eight foreigner in the team so somebody will have to leave Mariupol if Edney appears. Probably it can be Remon van de Haare.

- MBC Mykolaiv has ended his summer holidays. And it's a surprise again - Mykolaiv's basketball legend Oleksandr Raievskyi (185-G-76) from Azovmash is training with the team again! Meanwhile Oleksi Beskov (192-G-75) has appeared here, too. The following roster of the others - Serhi Gladyr (196-G/F-89), Igor Silkovskyi (194-G-85), Maksym Shepil (195-G-86), Oleksandr Chausov (201-F/C-73), Oleksi Onufriev (200-F-82), Dmytro Vynohradov (204-C-80), Ivan Hilevych (203-F/C-82) and Vadym Norenko (203-F-88). Waiting for the two players now - Vitali Boiko (184-G-82) from Ukrainian NT and Vladyslav Tonchenko (185-G-89) who broke his leg in U-20 Eurobasket.

The tournament results -by Alexander Muzyka

Friendly NT tournament (Kyiv, Ukraine)

July 20

Ukraine - Ukraine-2 59:73 (17:18, 13:22, 15:14, 14:19)
U: Lischuk 21 + 4 rbs + 3 bls, Drozdov 18 + 4 rbs + 3 bls + 3 stl, Butskyi 8 + 3 rbs, Loktionov 4, Shvets 3, Stefanishyn 3, Poltoratskyi 2, Koval 0, Kolchenko 0, Podorvannyi 0, Boiko 0
U2: Horbenko 12 + 4 rbs, Panchenko 11 + 3 rbs + 3 stl, Kornienko 11, Diatlovskyi 10 + 3 rbs, Orlenko 10 + 5 rbs, Zabirchenko 9, Gumeniuk 4 + 4 rbs, Nerush 3, Podolian 3, Shevchenko 0, Berkhin 0, Krivtsov 0

Belarus - Russia-2 52:70 (14:26, 16:19, 13:15, 9:10)
B: Kudriavtsev 9, Kojenets 8 + 4 rbs, Kuchinsky 6 + 3 rbs, Kouzmine 4, Meshcharnakou 4 + 4 rbs + 4 ast...
R2: Komarovski 17, Voronov 16...

July 21

Ukraine-2 - Russia-2 66:72 OT (12:18, 15:12, 13:15, 22:17, 4:10)
U2: Panchenko 12 + 9 rbs + 4 ast, Shevchenko 12 + 4 rbs, Horbenko 11 + 7 rbs, Diatlovskyi 9, Kornienko 7 + 5 rbs, Nerush 4, Zabirchenko 4 + 3 ast + 4 rbs, Podolian 3, Orlenko 3 + 3 rbs, Berkhin 1 + 4 rbs, Krivtsov 0, Gumeniuk 0
R2: Voronov 19 + 4 rbs, Panin 12 + 4 rbs, Zibirov 10 + 3 stl, Karaulov 10 + 6 rbs...

Ukraine - Belarus 88:61 (28:12, 19:17, 26:13, 15:19)
U: Podorvannyi 16, Lischuk 15 + 4 rbs + 2 stl, Shvets 14, Butskyi 9 + 3 ast, Poltoratskyi 7 + 3 rbs, Kravtsov 7 + 5 rbs + 4 bls, Loktionov 6, Boiko 6, Stefanishyn 4, Drozdov 4
B: Koul 10, Meshcharnakou 9 + 3 rbs, Kojenets 9, Kouzmine 6 + 3 rbs, Kuchinsky 5 + 5 rbs...

July 22

Ukraine-2 - Belarus 56:65 (12:18, 9:11, 21:26, 14:10)
U2: Diatlovskyi 13 + 4 rbs, Panchenko 7, Nerush 7, Orlenko 7 + 6 rbs, Zabirchenko 6 + 4 rbs, Horbenko 4 + 8 rbs, Berkhin 4, Kornienko 4, Podolian 3, Gumeniuk 1 + 3 rbs, Shevchenko 0 + 4 rbs
B: Ulianko 15, Meshcharnakou 13 + 7 rbs + 4 ast, Kuchinsky 8 + 3 rbs + 3 ast, Kojenets 2, Kouzmine 3 + 4 rbs + 3 ast...

Ukraine - Russia-2 81:73 (16:21, 22:19, 23:13, 20:20)
U: Lischuk 21 + 7 rbs, Butskyi 20 + 6 ast + 6 rbs, Drozdov 14 + 3 ast + 3 rbs, Poltoratskyi 10, Shvets 6, Kravtsov 5 + 4 rbs, Koval 3, Boiko 2 + 5 ast + 3 rbs, Stefanishyn 0
R: Voronov 17 + 6 rbs + 3 stl, Mozgov 11 + 10 rbs...

Standings
1 Ukraine
2 Russia-2
3 Belarus
4 Ukraine-2

Ukraine is rallied over by Greece -by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U16 - Greece U16 64:80
Ukraine had somehow a sour start to the qualifying round as they were defeated by Greece. Another big effort from Andriy Lebedintsev (194-G-91) was not enough for Ukrainian team to overcome the home side. The win saw Greece imrove to a 3-0 record on top of Group F, whiel Ukrauine fell to 0-3 at the bottom of the ladder.
Greek players opened the game confidently and led 10:2 early on. Lebedintsev answered with a three pointer and Serhii Halynin nailed a jumper to cut it to 7:10. But it never scared Greece as they drove to a 20:14 advantage after the opening frame. Georgios Georgakis (204-C-91, agency: FCM) scored 7 points in the last 3 minutes of the first half to secure a 41:30 lead for Greece at halftime.
Ukraine revived in the third frame when Gennadiy Dzyuba (182-G-91) poured in consecutive three pointers to narrow the gap to 50:55. However Michail Roussis immediatelly responded with a long bomb to restore the lead for Greece.
The hosts looked too solid for Ukraine in the fourth frame never allowing to come too close for a strike. Gennadiy Dzyuba capped the game with another trey to just mark a 64:80 defeat.
Ioannis Angelopoulos (189-G-91) topscored for Greece with 23 points. Georgios Georgakis contributed 15 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Andriy Lebedintsev provided 19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals to pace Ukraine. Gennadiy Dzyuba had 15 points in a loss.
Ukraine will face Croatia in the next round.

Ukraine U16: Andriy Lebedintsev 19+10 boards, Gennadiy Dzyuba 15
Greece U16: Ioannis Angelopoulos 23, Georgios Georgakis 15+15 boards

*****************************************************
VENEZUELA

Venezuela defeated New Zealand -by Wolfgang Lucena
The Venezuelan senior men's basketball national team won one of three of the games scheduled versus New Zealand National team.

Venezuela 91
(Carlos Cedeño 19, Greivis Vasquez 16, Hector Romero 15, Hernan Salcedo 11)

New Zealand 81
(Paora Winitana 18, Lindsay Tait 14, Kirk Penney 13)

First quarter 25-26/ Halftimes 45-44/ Third quarter 65-64/ Fulltime 91-81

The Vinotinto, just few of weeks away from its 2007 championship in Las Vegas Nevada, will fly to China to join Slovenia, Angola and a NBDL team in the Stankovic Cup to continuing its scrimmages games prior to the big challenge.

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

Women News

*****************************************************
ARGENTINA - Women

Colombia completes PanAmerican Games with three straight wins -by Eurobasket News
Colombia - Argentina 59:58
Colombian National team secured their third straight victory at the PanAmerican Games and clinched the 5th spot in the final standings. In the last encounter Colombia narrowly defeated Argentina 59:58 to celebrate the 5th place. Argentina led 33:31 at halftime but appeared trailing by 9 points after three quarters. Argentina tried desperately to save the game at the dying stage but Colombia survived a late threat to come out victorious.
Levys Torres (195-C-78) paced Colombia with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks. Yaneth Arias (188-F-82) added 15 points in win. Argentina's Marcela Paoletta (170-G-79) poured in 16 points. Laura Nicolini (175-G-75) produced 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 steals in a losing case.

Colombia: Levys Torres 16+12 boards, Yaneth Arias 15
Argentina: Marcela Paoletta 16, Laura Nicolini 15+10 boards

*****************************************************
CANADA - Women

Cuba finishes at the third spot -by Eurobasket News
Cuba - Canada 62:49
The defending champions Cuba had to satisfy their ambitions with Bronze Medals at this year's PanAmerican Games. After being routed by the USA team in the semis Cuba took on Canada in Bronze Medal Game. This time Cuban players performed arguably their best basketball and handed in a 62:49 loss to Canada.
Cuba spurred to an early 18:12 lead after the opening frame. The distance was maintained in the second quarter as Cuba led 30:23 at halftime. Canada struggled to come back into this one and remained trailing 38:47 after three quarters. Cuba's Yakelin Plutin (186-F-79) kept on delivering points for her side during the fourth frame and never allowed Canada to ignite a closing strike. Cuba secured the Bronze Medals and the spot at the podium.
Yakelin Plutin chipped in 20 points to pace Cuba. Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) contributed 12 points for the winners. Canada responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds from Sarah Crooks (186-F-84). Uzoma Asagwara (175-G-84) nailed 7 points in a defeat.
Cuba dominated the boards 38:32. They also limited Canadian players to just 30% of accuracy from the field, including 7% from three point range.

Cuba: Yakelin Plutin 20 points, Suchitel Avila 12
Canada: Sarah Crooks 15, Uzoma Asagwara 7

*****************************************************
COLOMBIA - Women

Colombia completes PanAmerican Games with three straight wins -by Eurobasket News
Colombia - Argentina 59:58
Colombian National team secured their third straight victory at the PanAmerican Games and clinched the 5th spot in the final standings. In the last encounter Colombia narrowly defeated Argentina 59:58 to celebrate the 5th place. Argentina led 33:31 at halftime but appeared trailing by 9 points after three quarters. Argentina tried desperately to save the game at the dying stage but Colombia survived a late threat to come out victorious.
Levys Torres (195-C-78) paced Colombia with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks. Yaneth Arias (188-F-82) added 15 points in win. Argentina's Marcela Paoletta (170-G-79) poured in 16 points. Laura Nicolini (175-G-75) produced 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 steals in a losing case.

Colombia: Levys Torres 16+12 boards, Yaneth Arias 15
Argentina: Marcela Paoletta 16, Laura Nicolini 15+10 boards

Colombia Finished 5th in the Panamerican Games -by Victor Garcia

Colombia Finished 5th in the Panamerican Games:
The Colombian Women National Team in the hands of Guillermo Moreno, achived today the 5th place of the Basketball Tournament in the Panamerican Games.
Colombia defeated Mexico and Argentina in back to back games supporting its performance in a strong defense, control of the rebounds and in the quality of his players specially Yaneth Arias one of the most unstopables offensive forces in the southamerican women basketball today.

Against Mexico Yaneth and Elena Diaz tooks advantage of the boards control, and defeated Mexico 62 - 55, Arias scored 27 points plus 8 rebounds and Elena Diaz 13 pts, this victory the second for Colombia in the tournament sent the team to play against Argentina for the honor of the 5th place.

In the game for the 5th, Colombia again played with heart and Maturity, Argentina again began the last quarter down in the score, but did a great effort and short the gap to 1point in the end of the game. Levys Torres the veteran center of the team lead the victory ruling the rebound and scoring with 16 pts and 12 rebounds. Yaneth Arias added 15 pts

This is the best performance of a Colombian team in an International Tournament, specially because the rivals were all powerhouses like USA and Cuba.

Yaneth Arias was the most important player of the team and lead the tournament in scoring with 18 PPG, but also many of her teammates shows great quality.

Elena Diaz did a little bit of everything from the forward position, Elena bring support in scoring, rebounding and defense each time the team need it, but also Elena left the heart on the hardwood with each ball.

Levys Torres ruled the paint in most of the games, with his size , experience and knowledge always was a defensive threat for the rivals, she show still can play at high level, remember she's a former WNBA player with the Miami Sol.

Yenny Pinilla the veteran capitan had a great tournament, always on control, taking great shots from the downtown, and bringing leadership to a young team.

Heyssy Robledo was a true warrior on the boards, playing very physical and hustling for the rebounds and in the screens, Heyssy is on the right way to be a solid player for the team.

Laura Estrada his energy was the spark of the team in many games, lead the team in assits, Laura is ready to take the place of Yenny in the future.

Tatiana Mosquera is the young hope of the team, she has the size and the skills, juts need to keep working each day on the foundamentals to be a solid high level player, do not forget she is 6´4” (1,92) and just 18 yeard old, his future must be out of the contry.

Mabel Martinez as Laura she puts energy each minute she spend on the court, another player to keep developing in the future.

In general terms all the player made his part in the performance, Glency Mosquera, Monica Palacios, Luisa Fernanda Atehortua and Nancy Meza are ready to take the place in the court and keep the National team solid.

Specially we want to congratulate Coach Moreno, again he proved is a savior of the basketball, this team is his product, and plays what he likes, with hearth and head.
Now the National Federation have a great challenge with this team, to keep it working for the upcoming events and do not allow the end of this procces.

*****************************************************
CUBA - Women

Cuba finishes at the third spot -by Eurobasket News
Cuba - Canada 62:49
The defending champions Cuba had to satisfy their ambitions with Bronze Medals at this year's PanAmerican Games. After being routed by the USA team in the semis Cuba took on Canada in Bronze Medal Game. This time Cuban players performed arguably their best basketball and handed in a 62:49 loss to Canada.
Cuba spurred to an early 18:12 lead after the opening frame. The distance was maintained in the second quarter as Cuba led 30:23 at halftime. Canada struggled to come back into this one and remained trailing 38:47 after three quarters. Cuba's Yakelin Plutin (186-F-79) kept on delivering points for her side during the fourth frame and never allowed Canada to ignite a closing strike. Cuba secured the Bronze Medals and the spot at the podium.
Yakelin Plutin chipped in 20 points to pace Cuba. Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) contributed 12 points for the winners. Canada responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds from Sarah Crooks (186-F-84). Uzoma Asagwara (175-G-84) nailed 7 points in a defeat.
Cuba dominated the boards 38:32. They also limited Canadian players to just 30% of accuracy from the field, including 7% from three point range.

Cuba: Yakelin Plutin 20 points, Suchitel Avila 12
Canada: Sarah Crooks 15, Uzoma Asagwara 7

*****************************************************
GERMANY - Women

Three new players at Goettingen -by Thomas Wolfer
Michaela Abelova (176-G-85), Petra Simoncicova (172-F) and Dagmar Rajecka agreed terms with BG 74 Goettingen (1. Bundesliga). The three players from Slovakia signed contracts for the 2007/2008 season. BG starts the preparation for the upcoming gametime August 27th. Two new players are expected to strengthen the roster by that date.

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

European U16 Division B starts tomorrow in Chieti (Italy) -by Carlo Grilli

Tomorrow at 6 pm at Santa Filomena Palace in Chieti (Italy) there will be the opening ceremony of U16 European Championship - Division B.
Armenia and Moldova gave up the tournament, so the teams are 14, divided in four groups, as it follows:
GROUP A: FINLAND, ITALY, MONTENEGRO, SLOVENIA
GROUP B: BOSNIA - ERZEGOVINA, CROAZIA, PORTUGAL
GROUP C: BULGARIA, ENGLAND, IRELAND, NETHERLANDS
GROUP D: GERMANY, ISRAEL, ROMANIA

Italy of coach Marco Rota will debut against Montenegro on Friday, July 27th at 8 pm at Santa Filomena.

*****************************************************
JAMAICA - Women

Mexico gains the first win, grabs 7th spot -by Eurobasket News
Mexico - Jamaica 63:56
Mexico gained their first win at the tournament as they beat Jamaica in the clash for the7th-8th spots. Jamaica led by as many as 10 points at halftime 32:22 and seemed to be en route to the 7th spot. However a spectacular 20:8 third quarter by Mexican players changed the complexion of the game. Jamaica never recovered from a blow and surrendered at the end.
Brisa Silva (168-G-84) topscored for Mexico with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Abril Garcia (190-F/C-81, college: ORU) provided 15 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) netted 13 points for Jamaica. Oberon Pitterson (177-G-71) nailed 10 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in a defeat.

Mexico: Brisa Silva 19, Abril Garcia 15
Jamaica: Nicole Louden 13, Oberon Pitterson 10.

*****************************************************
MEXICO - Women

Mexico gains the first win, grabs 7th spot -by Eurobasket News
Mexico - Jamaica 63:56
Mexico gained their first win at the tournament as they beat Jamaica in the clash for the7th-8th spots. Jamaica led by as many as 10 points at halftime 32:22 and seemed to be en route to the 7th spot. However a spectacular 20:8 third quarter by Mexican players changed the complexion of the game. Jamaica never recovered from a blow and surrendered at the end.
Brisa Silva (168-G-84) topscored for Mexico with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Abril Garcia (190-F/C-81, college: ORU) provided 15 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) netted 13 points for Jamaica. Oberon Pitterson (177-G-71) nailed 10 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in a defeat.

Mexico: Brisa Silva 19, Abril Garcia 15
Jamaica: Nicole Louden 13, Oberon Pitterson 10.

*****************************************************
PANAMERIC. GAMES - Women

USA celebrate the title at PanAmerican Games -by Eurobasket News
Final

USA - Brazil 79:66

The United States basketball team clinched the PanAmerican Games title yesterday. They defeated Brazil in the tournament Final 79:66 and grabbed their first PanAmerican gold in 20 years. Brazil finished only in the second spot and did not manage to triumph at the home tournament.
Brazil however had a slightly better start to the game. They surged ahead early on and held on to a narrow advantage throughout the first quarter. Entering the second frame 19:18 in front Brazil never allowed USA to emerge leading and secured 34:33 distance at halftime. USA managed to cut the deficit in the third quarter but once again Brazil came out winning 53:49 at the start of the last quarter.
United States needed a 13:5 spark to establish a 63:58 gap 5 minutes into the fourth quarter. Brazil seemed to run out of steam at the dying stage and never managed to burst out with a strike to comeback into the game. United States became new PanAmerican Games champions.
Matee Ajavon (173-G-86) (173-G-86) led all scorers with 27 points for USA team. Angel McCoughtry (185-F-86) added 17 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Micaela Jacintho (180-F-79) topscored for Brazil with 21 points. Adriana Pinto (170-G-78) secured 19 points in a losing effort.
USA team outrebounded the home side 40:28. They also converted impressive 57% from beyond the arc. Brazil forced North Americans to 19 turnovers.

USA: Matee Ajavon 27 points, Angel McCoughtry 17, Natasha Humphrey 11
Brazil: Micaela Jacintho 21, Adriana Pinto 19, Janeth Arcain (181-G-69, college: Florida Intern.) 14

Bronze Medals Game

Cuba - Canada 62:49
The defending champions Cuba had to satisfy their ambitions with Bronze Medals at this year's PanAmerican Games. After being routed by the USA team in the semis Cuba took on Canada in Bronze Medal Game. This time Cuban players performed arguably their best basketball and handed in a 62:49 loss to Canada.
Cuba spurred to an early 18:12 lead after the opening frame. The distance was maintained in the second quarter as Cuba led 30:23 at halftime. Canada struggled to come back into this one and remained trailing 38:47 after three quarters. Cuba's Yakelin Plutin (186-F-79) kept on delivering points for her side during the fourth frame and never allowed Canada to ignite a closing strike. Cuba secured the Bronze Medals and the spot at the podium.
Yakelin Plutin chipped in 20 points to pace Cuba. Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) contributed 12 points for the winners. Canada responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds from Sarah Crooks (186-F-84). Uzoma Asagwara (175-G-84) nailed 7 points in a defeat.
Cuba dominated the boards 38:32. They also limited Canadian players to just 30% of accuracy from the field, including 7% from three point range.

Cuba: Yakelin Plutin 20 points, Suchitel Avila 12
Canada: Sarah Crooks 15, Uzoma Asagwara 7

5th-6th spots

Colombia - Argentina 59:58
Colombian National team secured their third straight victory at the PanAmerican Games and clinched the 5th spot in the final standings. In the last encounter Colombia narrowly defeated Argentina 59:58 to celebrate the 5th place. Argentina led 33:31 at halftime but appeared trailing by 9 points after three quarters. Argentina tried desperately to save the game at the dying stage but Colombia survived a late threat to come out victorious.
Levys Torres (195-C-78) paced Colombia with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks. Yaneth Arias (188-F-82) added 15 points in win. Argentina's Marcela Paoletta (170-G-79) poured in 16 points. Laura Nicolini (175-G-75) produced 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 steals in a losing case.

Colombia: Levys Torres 16+12 boards, Yaneth Arias 15
Argentina: Marcela Paoletta 16, Laura Nicolini 15+10 boards

7th-8th spots

Mexico - Jamaica 63:56
Mexico gained their first win at the tournament as they beat Jamaica in the clash for the7th-8th spots. Jamaica led by as many as 10 points at halftime 32:22 and seemed to be en route to the 7th spot. However a spectacular 20:8 third quarter by Mexican players changed the complexion of the game. Jamaica never recovered from a blow and surrendered at the end.
Brisa Silva (168-G-84) topscored for Mexico with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Abril Garcia (190-F/C-81, college: ORU) provided 15 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) netted 13 points for Jamaica. Oberon Pitterson (177-G-71) nailed 10 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in a defeat.

Mexico: Brisa Silva 19, Abril Garcia 15
Jamaica: Nicole Louden 13, Oberon Pitterson 10.

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

Portuguese roster to European Under 16 Division B -by Bruno Baltazar
From July the 27th till augoust the 5th in Chieti portuguese team will compete for be in division A ,not a easy task but a task that the players are willing to take and they will give everything they have to honor portuguese name,so here´s the list of players ,coaches and staff:

1. Ana Pimenta
2. Catarina Vasconcelos
3. Claudia Rodrigues
4. Michelle Brandao
5. Filipa Bernardeco
6. Telma Fernandes
7. Maria Joao Correia
8. Sara Oliveira
9. Ana Filipa Moreira
10. Luiana Livulo´
11. Ana Antunes
12. Maria Joao Andrade

Head coach is Rui Gomes and assistant coaches are Ana Neves and Paulo Silva

Phisioterapeut is Natercia Santiago

Ticha Penicheiro scores 19 points and Monarchs win against the Sparks -by Bruno Baltazar
Ticha Penicheiro the PG that we all know ,the assist playmaker ,yes that one that usually don´t scores allot ,just made 1 of the best WNBA game on her carrer at the points level,a all around game with 19 points season high,6 assists,3 steals and 4 rebounds the team won 67-59 and stand in second on the West with 12 wins .

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

Nyon Basket (LNB) signs 3 players. -by Dimitri Toumayeff
Nyon Basket (LNB) has signed Jeannie Cointre (PG/G - 165 - 1984), who comes back after playing there during the first half of last season, before going to Elfic Fribourg (LNA). The club also announced the return of Prisca Nwana Ngele (PF/C - 186 - 1987), who just spent a year with Universite BC Neuchâtel (LNA), and the arrival of Laetitia Knapp (PF/C - 178 - 1988), who played for Esperance Pully Basket last season. Finally, Eva Blaha, Valerie Helfer, Annie Kassongo, Alexandra Murith, Aurelie Schneider, Linda Voigt, and Aurelie Girardet all have re-signed for next season.

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

Washington withstands 47 points from Lauren Jackson to edge Seattle -by Eurobasket News
Wahsington Mystics survived a WNBA-record matching 47 points from Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) to overcame Seattle in overtime. Lauren Jackson ensured overtime for the Storm as she converted two free throws with 3 seconds left in regulation.
The teams were tied with 2 minutes remaining in overtime when Alana Beard (5'11''-G/F-82, college: Duke) notched 5 straight points to put the Mystics up. Lauren Jackson then hit a jumper to cut the deficit to 3 points 92:95. She added one free throw to put the Storm within 2 points 93:95 with just over 1 minute to go in extra time. Alana Beard responded with a fade away jumper to restore a 4-point lead for Washington with 6 seconds left in the game. Lauren Jackson knocked down a trey with 2 seconds on the clock to seal the final score 96:97 in favor of Washington.
Alana Beard topscored for Washington with 27 points, 6 assists and 3 blocks. Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, agency: Ronsport, college: Duke) had 23 points and 11 rebounds for the winners.

Detroit Shock outscored Connecticut Sun away from home in much awaited clash of two best teams in the East. Deanna Nolan (5'11''-G/F-79, college: Georgia) was unstoppable with career-high 36 points for the Shock. Detroit grabbed a lead midway through the final quarter and never allowed the home side to strike back. Katie Fienstra added career-high 19 points for the winners. It was a night for career records as Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota) scored her best 33 points for Connecticut. Katie Douglas (6'0''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) had 27 points in defeat. Detroit now improved to 18-5 record in the Eastern conference.

Washington - Seattle 97:96 (OT)
Washington: Alana Beard 27 points, Monique Currie 23+11 boards
Seattle: Lauren Jackson 47+14 boards, Iziane Castro (6'1''-G/F-82) 16

Connecticut - Detroit 88:92
Connecticut: Lindsay Whalen 33, Katie Douglas 27
Detroit: Deanna Nolan 36, Katie Feenstra (6'8''-C-82, college: Liberty) 19

Sacramento - Los Angeles 67:59
Sacramento: Patricia Penicheiro (5'11''-G-74, college: ODU) 19, Nicole Powell (6'2''-G/F-82, college: Stanford) 12
Los Angeles: Taj McWilliams-Franklin 11, Marta Fernandez (5'10''-F-81) 10

Indiana - San Antonio 63:71
Indiana: Anna DeForge (5'10''-G-76, college: Nebraska) 15, Tammy Sutton-Brown (6'4''-C-78, college: Rutgers) 12
San Antonio: Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) 24, Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.) 17.