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EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/6/2007
Copyright © 1997-2006 EurobasketMen News
*****************************************************Bosnian champion Siroki Prima pivo named Croatian Tihomir Bujan ex Borik as new head coach.
Crvena zvezda re-signed Steven Markovic (190-G-85) and Mladen Sljivancanin (200-G/F-85) ex Rheinenergie Koln for three seasons.
Helios inked Nikola Radojicic (196-G-86) ex Spiska Nova Ves for 1+1 season.
Jakov Vladovic (187-G-83) ex Zadar is a free agent.
Spirou Charleroi has signed American guard Justin Hamilton (191-G-80, college: Florida) for one season.
Hamilton played the past season for trefl Sopot and Pamesa Valencia.
He has a lot of experience playing in high level leagues (Greece, Italy and Spain) as well as Euroleague.
Played Euroleague with Siena during the 05-06 season and with Trefl Sopot the past season.
Had his best season in 04-05 when he played for Iraklis and averaged 12.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 3.4 apg in the Greek League.
Won a championship with Real Madrid in 04-05 and averaged 10.5 ppg during the playoffs that year.
Belgian forward Sebastien Vermeulen (207-F/C-81) has also been added to the Spirou roster for next season.
The played the past season for D2 Colfontaine who folded at the end of the season.
Damir Krupalija (205-F/C-79, college: Illinois) will not be playing for Charleroi next season.
The future of Ralph Biggs (199-F-76, agency: Court Side, college: Towson St.) is as of now still up in the air and Andre Riddick (208-C-73, college: Kentucky) should be back for the last year of his contract.
Several players who played in Belgium this past season are on the roster of NBA teams for the Las Vegas Summerleague that starts tomorrow.
Thomas Gardner (195-G-85, agency: Octagon, college: Missouri) is on the Bulls roster, Axel Hervelle (205-F-83) is on Denver's.
Former Bree guards Jeff Horner (191-G-83, college: Iowa) and Kelvin Torbert (193-G-83, college: Michigan St.) are also going to be in Vegas, Horner with the Rockets and Torbert as a New York Knick.
Also on the Knicks roster is Miguel Ali Berdiel (198-G-83, college: Valparaiso).
Verviers teammates Justin Gray (188-G-84, agency: Octagon, college: Wake Forest) and Greg Brunner (201-F-83, college: Iowa) are on the Hornets and TWolves roster respectively.
Mons's Yemi Nicholson (208-C-83, college: Denver) is also on the Hornets roster.
Dexia Mons-Hainaut has signed American guard Elton Nesbitt (177-G-80, college: Georgia Southern) for the coming season with an option for the next year.
Nebitt played the 2006-2007 season in NBDL for the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
In 37 games he averaged 7.7 ppg and 2.4 apg.
Had an outstanding career at Georgia Southern where he averaged over 20ppg in both his senior and junior years.
Was voted Southen Conference Player of the Year at the end of the 2005-2006 season.
Nesbitt played till recently for the USBL's Dodge City Legend. In 8 games he had averages of 7.9 ppg and 2.5 apg.
Player of the Year: Davor Kus (190-G-78)
Guard of the Year: Davor Kus
Forward of the Year: Chris Warren (196-F-81, college: S.Carolina)
Center of the Year: Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances)
Newcomer of the Year: Luksa Andric (209-C/F-85)
Most Improved Player of the Year: Luksa Andric
Import Player of the Year: Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Edge Sports, college: USC)
Domestic Player of the Year: Davor Kus
Defensive Player of the Year: Andrew Wisniewski (191-G-81, college: Centenary)
Coach of the Year: Drazen Anzulovic
1st Team: Davor Kus
Larry Ayuso
Chris Warren
Luksa Andric
Todor Gecevski
2nd team: Erick Barkley (186-G-78, agency: Edge Sports, college: St.John's)
Carl English (192-G-81, college: Hawaii)
Dwayne Broyles (196-F/G-82, college: JMU)
Jure Lalic (212-C-86)
Ante Tomic (217-C-87)
All-Domestic Players Team:
Davor Kus
Josip Sesar (197-G/F-78, agency: Court Side)
Barisa Krasic (203-F-78)
Luksa Andric
Ante Tomic
All-Imports Team:
Andrew Wisniewski
Erick Barkley
Larry Ayuso
Chris Warren
Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, college: Florida)
All-Defensive Team:
Davor Kus
Andrew Wisniewski
Juby Johnson (196-G-81, college: Miami, OH)
Chris Warren
Brent Wright
All-Newcomers Team:
Rok Stipcevic (189-G-86)
Ivan Novacic (201-F-85)
Franko Filipovic (206-F-87)
Luksa Andric
Andrija Stipanovic (207-C-86, agency: Cizmic Sport)
According to the Greek page www.basketblog.gr, the talented guard of the Cyprus NT and ex player of Milonas, Andreas Sizopoulos (189-G-83, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) after his very good presence in the team of A2 Milonas (even though the team relegated) is consider to be one of the main targets of the Near East. Sizopoulos finished the seazon with 11.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.2apg ans 1.4spg in the 27 games he played with Milonas jersey in 28 minutes of playing time in the court. He was the third scorer of his team (the top two played all the 30 games), he was also 12th in steals (all A2 league) and 26th in the block shots (8). The 24 years Cypriot consider to be among the top Cypriots abroad as his total presentation all these years was ans is above the average. In regards to Near East now, the team of Near East has all the elements to be a great team and be a protagonist in the Second division not only for the champion and the promotion but also for the coming seazons in the A2 since the management has changed and the new management is ready for "big things" .
The new president of the team Mr Vangelis Papalios, editor of the only basketball magazine in Greece All Star Basket consider to be among the presidents who knows the sport, he is already a memebr of the management of the team Ardittos (C' Division) but he has great expectations for Near East, he already mentioned the amount of 200.000 Euros as a budget for the seazon to come.
Eurobasket.com wishes all the best to the Cypriot international, Andreas Sizopoulos whatever his decision will be.
Here is a list of some notable D-Leaguers taking part in the NBA Vegas Summer League, which tips off tomorrow. In this piece, we focus on players whose rights are not currently owned by any NBA team for this upcoming season. So, even though this will be a crucial time in the careers of Jose Juan Barea and Pops Mensah-Bonsu, both members of the Fort Worth Flyers last season, they are currently under contract by the Dallas Mavericks and have some sense of stability in their careers. On the other hand, D-League Championship MVP Darius Rice (6'10''-F/C-82, college: Miami, FL) of the Dakota Wizards does not have an NBA contract so his time with Cleveland this summer will play a huge role in determining where he ends up in the fall.
Player (Vegas Summer League Team / D-League Team)
Denham Brown (6'6''-F-83, college: Connecticut) (Cleveland Cavaliers / Tulsa 66ers)
** Brown was the 8th overall selection by Tulsa in the 2006 D-League draft and had a very good rookie year after spending time on the Sonics bench. In 42 games for the 66ers, Brown averaged nearly 19 points and added five rebounds per game while shooting 46.5% from the field before leaving at the end of the season to play in Turkey. An adept scorer in the D-League, Brown will need to focus on taking higher quality shots during the summer and standing out in one distinct area which may catch an NBA team's eye.
Darius Rice (Cleveland Cavaliers / Dakota Wizards)
** Will be looking to use his 52 point explosion in the D-League Championship game to springboard his NBA career. The 6'10” forward has a very nice stroke, but must show improved ball-handling and a defensive mindset to prove his worth in an NBA rotation.
Andre Emmett (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech) (Houston Rockets / Los Angeles D-Fenders)
** A 2004 second round (#35) selection in the NBA Draft, Emmett has had a cup of coffee in the 2004-05 NBA season and seems to have the game, body and abilities the League looks for. Circumstances don't always pan out though and for one reason or another Andre was back in the D-League last season with the D-Fenders. An increased ability to consistently hit the three-point shot will improve Emmett's chances of sticking this time around.
Jeff Graves (6'9''-C/F, college: Kansas) (Los Angeles Lakers / Idaho Stampede)
** An absolute force at times last season for the Stampede, the former Kansas big man averaged 13 points and eight rebounds in 31 games before signing with Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul in Turkey where he teamed up with ex-66er Denham Brown. In better shape now than his college days, Graves may be able to land a backup spot in the NBA if he can show consistent rebounding totals against bigger opponents.
Bryson McKenzie (6'10''-C-83, college: N.Illinois) (Los Angeles Lakers / Anaheim Arsenal)
** Still a project at this point because of a lack of development while at Northern Illinois, the 6'11” 240 pound McKenzie will certainly draw interest from the overseas market due to his size alone. He does have an interesting offensive skill-set and this summer may be the time for him to showcase it.
Scooter McFadgon (6'5''-G-82, college: Tennessee) (Memphis Grizzllies / Bakersfield Jam)
** Came on like gangbusters this season scoring 41 and 43 points in his last two D-League games before heading to Italy. “Scooter” averaged 18.6 points to go along with 3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 22 games for the Jam. A scorer in the truest sense, McFadgon erupted last summer at the Summer Pro League in California with Memphis and will look to further impress NBA scouts this go around.
Pooh Jeter (5'11''-G-83, college: Portland) (Sacrament Kings / Colorado 14ers)
** The always effervescent Jeter had a wonderful rookie year in the D-League, finishing third in the league in assists with 7.1 per game for the 14ers. Jeter got his start at this tournament last season with the Kings and if not for the inspired play of Ronnie Price, may have found his way onto the Kings roster then. Now with a season of showing scouts that he does have true point guard instincts, Jeter may be poised for the NBA life.
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Serbia's coach Zoran "Moka" Slavnic mood is certainly worsened after Wednesday's announcement from Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) and Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85) that they will not be present at the preliminary squad for Eurobasket 2007.
The 2.17m center Kosta Perovic, who is only 22 but has already won five domestic titles with Partizan Belgrade, is close to finalizing a multi-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, the team that chose him in the second round of last year's draft. So, as he said: "If I want to play basketball at the highest level, I have to make some important decisions for my career. I have informed coach Zoran "Moka" Slavnic about everything".
On the other hand, FMP's guard Zoran Erceg, who averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals in the Serbian championship, is planning to have his tonsils removed next week. And as he stated, "I had planned that surgery last year, but simply never found a time for it. It seems, though, that Zoran "Moka" Slavnic was the only person that wasn't aware of that. I've played all season while using antibiotics all the time. Thus, if I don't do this now, my condition will get worse. I have to take a break of one month, but Zoran "Moka" Slavnic was going to allow me to be absent for just two weeks", Zoran Erceg added.
Asked about the referred withdrawals, Zoran "Moka" Slavnic smiled and said: "Kosta Perovic called me by phone and said he won't be there. I was surprised by that, as he could have said that to me earlier, before I shortened the list from 32 to just 18 players. In that case, I wouldn't have put him on the shortened list. He's a nice guy, though, and his delicacy disarmed me". Asked, then, for Kosta Perovic's replacement, who was a reserve in last year's FIBA World Championship squad in Japan, Serbia's coach said: "Yes, I have a joker. But this is not Zoran Erceg. He won't be there, either. The guy just decided to have his tonsils removed. Well, I will take him to an ice cream shop in Granada".
It should be mentioned that Kosta Perovic and Zoran Erceg are the latest Serbians to decide not to play in Spain. Injury problems are preventing most of Serbian possible players from taking part in the forthcoming Eurobasket: NBA's Predrag Stojakovic (207-F-77), Vladimir Radmanovic (208-F-80), Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) and Mile Ilic (215-C-84) pulled out, as well as European-based Dejan Milojevic (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket), Vule Avdalovic (189-G-81, agency: Beo Basket), Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) and Milos Vujanic (190-G-80).
Now, Zoran "Moka" Slavnic may be still smiling, but not the president of the Serbian basketball association, Dragan Kapicic. "This is not a disaster, but this is certainly a shame. It's some kind of obstruction of our association, of our national team, but also a message to our state. Some of those individuals have publicly said to their people: 'We don't care about you, or your needs'. Of course, I'm not talking about the players who are truly injured. But, at this moment, I'm not important, nor is our association. It is a shameful attitude to our nation. We are in situation that, almost, players could easily say “Well... if I don't go with my girlfriend to the movie, I think I'll be available for the national team”. That's a huge impact on our state, on our sport, on the single thing that was holy for us all these years. I can't understand how someone who didn't even play for the national team - refuses to play for it", Kapicic added.
Israel's coach Zvi Sherf initial list of players for the squad of the forthcoming Eurobasket's qualifying round on August had already suffered some absences: two key players ruled themselves out and two others remain as big uncertainties for the tournament.
Jamie Arnold (203-F-75, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Wichita St.), a 2.02m power forward who just completed a move from Maccabi Tel Aviv to Dynamo Moscow Region, has decided to rest and focus on next season while Maccabi veteran Tal Burstein (198-G-80, agency: Interperformances) stated that he needs to recuperate from an Achilles tendon injury. Jamie Arnold absence, especially, is very bad for Israel as he averaged 17.7 points and 5.3 rebounds last year in qualifying.
Another Maccabi's player, forward Sharon Shason (206-F-79, agency: Arik Krayn Services), and the Israel national team captain Erez Katz (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) of Bnei HaSharon, are still injured although Zvi Sherf is leaving the door open for both to join if they recover.Zvi Sherf , who successfully guided Israel through the last additional qualifying tournament for Eurobasket 2005 in Belgrade and steered them into the elimination round where they lost to the final champions, Greece, does have plenty of reasons to be optimistic, with the 21-year-old forward Lior Lior Eliyahu (205-F-85) to be the main one. Lior Eliyahu, who was selected in last year's draft but spent this season with Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv, is almost certain to remain in Europe for next season but if he does eventually play in the NBA, he will be the first to do so from Israel. The 2.03m forward said in Houston last week: "I need to get bigger. I think the best place to do it is here. They know how to work in the gym and fitness room. The best place to get some muscles is here. The second is to get more aggressiveness. But I think I am now evolving”. The Rockets are gearing up for the Summer League in Las Vegas, and Lior Eliyahu is uncertain if he will be with the team in Vegas or return to Israel to prepare for the additional qualifying round which tips off for his national team on 8 August in Denmark.
Zvi Sherf and his staff will also keep an eye out for players from Israel's U20 side. One of the U20 players is Omri Caspi (204-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances), who is named in the group of 18.
We remind that Israel will play in the same group with Ukraine, Denmark and Belgium. The winner of that group will qualify for the final stage in the additional qualifying tournament.
The initial list of the 18 players was: Dror Hagag (178-G-78), Meir Tapiro (194-G-75), Tal Burstein, Yotam Halperin (196-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services), Raviv Limonad (192-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services), Jerome Roberts, Guy Pniny (201-F-83), Moshe Mizrakhi, Matan Naor (194-F-80), Lior Eliyahu, Omri Caspi, Amit Tamir (208-C-79, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: California), Moran Roth (178-G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services), Mushon Ya'akusi, Itzik Okhanon, Yaniv Green, Erez Markovich (208-C-78), Ido Kozikaro (202-F/C-78, agency: Arik Krayn Services).
The European Champions want to repeat their triumph at Spain this autumn and national team's coach, Panagiotis Giannakis has just announced the 18 players that will fight for the 12 places in the final roster of the national team that will fly to Spain on September for the Eurobasket.
The selection: Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) (Panathinaikos), Vasilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) (Houston Rockets), Nikos Zisis (195-G-83) (CSKA), Theodoros Papaloukas (200-G-77, agency: Interperformances) (CSKA), Papamakarios (Olympiakos), Nikos Hatzivrettas (195-G-77) (Panathinaikos), Perperoglou (Panathinaikos), Vassileiadis (Malaga), Panagotis Vasilopoulos (202-F-84, agency: FCM) (Olympiakos), Michalis Kakiouzis (206-C-76) (Barcelona), Fotsis (Dynamo), Dimos Dikoudis (207-F/C-77, agency: Court Side) (Panathinaikos), Tsartsaris (Panathinaikos), Pelekanos (Panellinios), Lazaros Papadopoulos (210-C-80) (Real Madrid), Sofocles Schortsianitis (206-F-85) (Olympiakos), Giannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) (Olympiakos), Andreas Glyniadakis (215-C-81) (Vidivici Bolognia).
The players will start their training at the 20th of July with the appropriate medical tests and on the 23rd of July will go to Karpenisi for the first stage of their actual training.
The coach was the first to give the moto for the whole squad: "I hope that everybody will rest and be fit enough in order to present himself with the best of their will, as we have a lot of worh ahead of us. They should be both physically and mentally ready, in order to avoid any problems and in order to work hard for the challenge we have in front of us: the Eurobasket of Spain".
The national team will play eight games in order to be the best prepared the possible for the forthcoming Eurobasket:
France (Strasbourg)
10/8/2007 against Slovenia
11/8/2007 against France
12/8/2007 against Serbia
21st Acropolis - Eurobank tournament (Greece - Athens)
20/8/2007 against Italy
21/8/2007 against Slovenia
22/8/2007 against Lithuania
26/8/2007 against Spain (not yet officially anounced by the Greek Federation)
31/8/2007 against Italy at Varese - Italy
Finnish NT C Antti Nikkila (210-F/C-78, college: Valparaiso) will play again (2007-08) in Europe, but change the country and scenery. Nikkila has agreed and signed with Banco di Sardegna Sassari (ITA-Lega2). After graduation from Valparaiso U. Nikkila has played four years professional basketball starting in Greece, then in Italy, France and in Czech R. Last season Nikkila won Czech R. championship on Nymburk roster averaging 5,5 ppg and 3,8 rpg in 15,3 mpg.
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A1
Andre Patterson agreed terms with Egaleo. The experience power forward begun the season with Panellinios Athens but upon the big changes took place in the team (change of five players and the head coach) Patterson was among the players to send off.
Reinaldas Seibutis renew and extended his contract until 2010. The Lithuanian player is still in
Panagiotis Panmagiotarakos renewed his contract with Kolossos Rodou for another season, so he will be playing in the A1 courts too.
Gordon Herbert will be the new head coach of Aris Thessaloniki. The Canadian/Finnish Coach has experiences from the Finnish, German, Austrian and French league. The Greek league will be his “toughest” until now. One of his latest achievements is the cup in the French league with his team PAU Ortez.
Tab Ballwin will be the new head coach of PAOK Thessaloniki. The American head coach spent the last 20 years of his career in
A2
Nikos Katsares, ex player of MENT is now free agent. Nikos, an experienced guard considers to be among the top guards in the division he, already has some offers and he will consider the best of them very soon, it looks like though, that Panorama (the newcomer in A2 - after Makedonikos's decision to play in the Second division this year due to its financial problems) is the team which will try the utmost to register the experienced guard
Pagrati and Nikos Kourtis have come to an agreement and will join forces the coming season. Furthermore, Thanasis Tsiakos is returning to the team, the Greek basketball player was borrowed to Ilioupolis (C Division) where he had a great season and was among the top performers of the team and of the league. Last but not least, two youngsters are joining the Men's team, Alexandros Triantafillou (189-PG-91) and Hassan Hasanay (194-G-90) while Nikos Voulgaris and Sokratis Manavopoulos have renewed their contracts for another season.
Dafni Athens agreed terms with three players, Girogos Kerasovitis ex Ionikos Lamias player, Andreas Vlahopoulos and Alexis Tolias (Both of them in P.Faliro under head Coach's Sorotos management)
B' Division
Christos Gratsos (194-G-86) has renewed his contract with Alimos for another season
Giannis Mandalakis (185-G-85) ex player of Esperos agreed terms with Keravnos Aigio for the next 2 years.
A1
Panathinaikos agreed terms with Kennedy Winston (198-F-84, college: Alabama), ex player of Panionios Forthnet Athens. The American Forward was among the top players of the league. His stats were: 14.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2apg and 1.2 spg in the 26 games of teh regular seazon while in the Play offs he had the following: 14.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg. He was the fourth scorer in the A1 league with 385 points (behind Clark, Lee and Josipovic) he was also 15th in the assists and 10th in steals. Coach Obradovic express his interest for the talented American just after the end of the seazon.
A2
Trikalla 2000 renewed the contract with Balafas, Foros, Foundas, Tsiakas, Lepeniotis and Tsoutsos. All the six players renewed their contracts for one year.
B' Division
Keravnos Aigiou after Mandalakis announced today the official registration of the ex player of Ikaros Neas Smyrnis, Giorgos Tyrlos.
Lavrio agreed terms with Giorgos Bakas, ex player of Poseidon Kalamatas, Vasilis Agapitos ex player of EA Patron and Drakakis Giorgos (204-C-82) ex player of Glyfada (D). Furthermore Stamatis and Tsirogiannis left the team with Stamatis going most probably to
Apollonas Smyrnis agreed terms with Giannis Giannopoulos (204-PF-84) ex player of Attalos.
OFI agreed terms with Prodromos Tsekirtsoglou (186-G-85) he begun his career with Minoas Crete (C) and then continued for nearly five years in Irakleio (A2, B and C)
Ierapetra sign three players, Stavros Drakos (190-G-82) ex team Halkidona and Aiolos/Tavros, Michalis Polytarhou (190-G-83) ex team being Trikalla 2000 (C) Argonaftis Rafinas (C) and lately in Arditos (C) and Giorgos Alexiou (183-PG-83) who played in AEK youths, and for 4 years in Aiolos/Tavros.
Foinikas agreed terms with Giorgos Tsaknakis (182-G-83) his previous team was GS Ambelonas (D) and Giorgos Lytopoulos (197-F-88) his previous team was EAL
The European Champions want to repeat their triumph at Spain this autumn and national team's coach, Panagiotis Giannakis has just announced the 18 players that will fight for the 12 places in the final roster of the national team that will fly to Spain on September for the Eurobasket.
The selection: Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) (Panathinaikos), Vasilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) (Houston Rockets), Nikos Zisis (195-G-83) (CSKA), Theodoros Papaloukas (200-G-77, agency: Interperformances) (CSKA), Papamakarios (Olympiakos), Nikos Hatzivrettas (195-G-77) (Panathinaikos), Perperoglou (Panathinaikos), Vassileiadis (Malaga), Panagotis Vasilopoulos (202-F-84, agency: FCM) (Olympiakos), Michalis Kakiouzis (206-C-76) (Barcelona), Fotsis (Dynamo), Dimos Dikoudis (207-F/C-77, agency: Court Side) (Panathinaikos), Tsartsaris (Panathinaikos), Pelekanos (Panellinios), Lazaros Papadopoulos (210-C-80) (Real Madrid), Sofocles Schortsianitis (206-F-85) (Olympiakos), Giannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) (Olympiakos), Andreas Glyniadakis (215-C-81) (Vidivici Bolognia).
The players will start their training at the 20th of July with the appropriate medical tests and on the 23rd of July will go to Karpenisi for the first stage of their actual training.
The coach was the first to give the moto for the whole squad: "I hope that everybody will rest and be fit enough in order to present himself with the best of their will, as we have a lot of worh ahead of us. They should be both physically and mentally ready, in order to avoid any problems and in order to work hard for the challenge we have in front of us: the Eurobasket of Spain".
The national team will play eight games in order to be the best prepared the possible for the forthcoming Eurobasket:
France (Strasbourg)
10/8/2007 against Slovenia
11/8/2007 against France
12/8/2007 against Serbia
21st Acropolis - Eurobank tournament (Greece - Athens)
20/8/2007 against Italy
21/8/2007 against Slovenia
22/8/2007 against Lithuania
26/8/2007 against Spain (not yet officially anounced by the Greek Federation)
31/8/2007 against Italy at Varese - Italy
Team Italy coach Carlo Recalcati released the list of the players called at the National Team Camp of Bormio, that will prepare the team for the European Championship in Spain. The camp will run from July 19 to 30, at the end Team Italy will play a friendly tournment together with Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Australia and Turkey. The definitive 12 men squad will be selected among the players down:
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) (Toronto Raptors),
Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) (Golden State Warriors),
Massimo Bulleri (188-G-77) (Armani Jeans Milano),
Danilo Gallinari (202-G-88, agency: Players Group) (Armani Jeans Milano),
Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) (FC Barcelona)
Denis Marconato (211-C-75) (FC Barcelona),
Andrea Crosariol (212-C-84, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) (VidiVici Bologna),
Fabio Di Bella (187-G-78) (Vidi Vivici Bologna),
Giacomo Galanda (211-F/C-75) (Pallacanestro Varese),
Angelo Gigli (209-F/C-83) (Benetton Traviso),
Marco Mordente (192-G-79) (Benetton Treviso),
Matteo Soragna (199-G/F-75) ( Benetton Treviso),
Daniel Hackett (196-G-87) (Southern California),
Stefano Mancinelli (202-F-83) (Fortitudo Bologna),
Tomas Ress (211-C/F-80, college: Texas A&M) (Bipop-Carire Reggio Emilia),
Mason Rocca (204-F-77, college: Princeton) (Eldo Napoli),
Giuliano Maresca (191-G-81) (Premiata Montegranaro),
Luca Vitali (201-G-86) (Premiata Montegranaro).
Hi to all asia-basket readers and die hard fans of the philippine national basketball team.
I'm really happy that our suspension is lifted and we can play now at international games. I'm glad that we have a chance to play basketball in olympics. Anyway, my real point here is all about the "GENIUS" guys! I really don't like this guys because all they think is negative things! Like what's happening now in the jones cup, the real reason why the rp team wants to join the jones cup is because the national team of Jordan and Iran is playing! Of course the GENIUS people has a right to criticize because that's what they think about the rp team! BUT we must not be against them, we have to support them! LABAN NGA NATIN TO! I think Coach Chot is doing a great job, his bringing the rp team to right track! Who knows?, maybe Coach Chot has some secret magic tricks that he can't use for now! THE REAL BATTLE IS IN THE FIBA-ASIA CHAMPIONSHIPS! Let's believe and trust coach chot because i know his a excellent coach! So to all the GENIUS guys, stop saying negative things and just pray that we're going to win the fiba asia championships! Let's give time to coach chot to focus our plays, correct our mistakes, study the rp lineup, and to scout! RP TEAM REALLY NEEDS OUR SUPPORT!!! WE BELIEVE!!!! don't give coach chot a headache, he's already pressured thanks to the Genius guys, >=(
a rp team die hard fan, RaLpH
Vjeko Petrovic (193-G-81) is another player who extended his cotract with BOT Turow Zgorzelec. 26 year old Slovenian guard was one of best defenders in Saso Filipovski
's team and he also has been chosen to the Eurobasket.com Polish League All-Defensive Team. He was averaging 4.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.5apg.
BOT Turow Zgorzelec will play in ULEB CUP in upcoming season versus: Unics Kazan, Hapoel Jerusalem B.C., Eiffel Towers, Strassbourg, KK Zadar.
Ex player of RheinEnergie Koln Mladjen Sljivancanin (200-G/F-85) put signature on 3-years deal with ULEB Cup participant Crvena Zvezda. Sljivancanin can play on position 2-3 but also can be very useful on PG position. Before Koln Sljivancanin played two seasons for Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt and with them won German Championship 2006. This season his Koln won National Cup of Germany. Sljivancanin passed all young selections of NT and he already worked with current head coach of Crvena Zvezda Stevan Karadzic when they won European Championship 2001 with U16 NT. Sljivancanin will wear jersey with number 32 in red and white team.
Serbian NT in
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Serbian U20 National Team goes today from Belgrade's airport "Nikola Tesla" to Slovenia for European Championship (Slovenia and Italia, 6 - 15 July). This team just don't know for lost since they played first game on European Championship in Spain 2003 with U16 NT so naturally they have the biggest ambitions for the upcoming EC.
Below is the roster of Serbian U20 NT:
1. Milos Teodosic (196-G-87) of FMP Zeleznik Beograd
2. Dragan Labovic (208-C/F-87) of FMP Zeleznik Beograd
3. Branko Jereminov (186-G-87) of KK Zdravlje Leskovac
4. Stefan Nikolic (190-G-87) of Geoplin Slovan Ljubljana (SLO)
5. Milenko Tepic (202-G-87) of Partizan Beograd
6. Marko Djurkovic (206-C/F-87) of Partizan
7. Maksim Kovacevic (196-G-87) of Partizan
8. Ivan Paunic (194-G-87) of Vojvodina Srbijagas
9. Nikola Dragovic (203-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) of University UCLA (USA)
10. Nenad Zivcevic (200-F-87, agency: Octagon) of Sloga
11. Vladimir Stimac (206-C-87, agency: Interperformances) of Zalgiris Kaunas
12. Uros Nikolic (207-F-87) of Hemofarm
Head coach: Vlada Vukoicic of FMP
Assistant coach: Milos Pejic of Sloga
Assistant coach: Radenko Varagic of Masinac
Team manager: Davor Ristovic
Sport director: Zarko Varajic
Koper got new sponsor and will change their name to Luka Koper.
Helios inked Nikola Radojicic (196-G-86) ex Spiska Nova Ves for 1+1 season.
Elektra Esotech re-signed former NT member Ales Kunc (208-C-73, college: Missouri St.) for another one season.
Krka announced that Igor Jokic (204-F-80), Bojan Jovanovic (186-G-82, agency: Interperformances) and Matas Niparavicius (207-C/F-82, college: Weber St.) are free agents.
The national men's and women's teams from the Solomon Islands are half way through their pre SPG training camp in Coffs Harbour. The teams have been undertaking daily training, and each evening they have played competitive games against a variety of Coffs Harbour teams. The Solomon Basketball Federation also submitted a 17-name preliminary squad for the upcoming South Pacific Games which will be held in Samoa. The squad features Waiges Turueke who has played a couple of season in the US collegiate system.
source: FIBA Oceania
The men's and women's teams travelled to the Christan Community High school to play their senior teams. Both teams were warmly welcomed by the school community, who packed the indoor school court to cheer on both their team and the visitors. Both Solomon teams were far too strong for the high school teams. Following this game the teams came to the FIBA Oceania office, where they were each given a basketball and some other FIBA Oceania memorabilia. On Saturday evening the Solomon teams faced off against the strong CoffsHarbour senior rep teams, with the Coffs girls being too strong for the island team. However, the men's game went to the Solomons, who put on an excellent display of speed, control and athleticism.
On Sunday the teams travelled to Port Macquarie, a 2 hour bus ride south of Coffs Harbour. The women's team defeated the Port team, but the Port men proved too strong for the Solomon team. With daily training and games, the training regime has made the teams realise the stamina that is needed for a 10 day tournament, and returned home much more experienced players.
Solomon Islands extended squad - SPG 2007:
George Fafale
Leon Hatigeva
Waiges Turueke
Goldie Kari
Trevor Kaitu'u
Mose Au
Gavin Bare
Augustine Basia
Timorthy Goulolo
Junior Gwali
Frank Kivo
Moses Kivo
Alexander MCfaden
Anthony Prince
Scaden Tesua
Davidson Toliliu
Allen Wanefai
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Last year's finalists Turkey is taking place in Group B with Russia, Greece and Lithuania in the upcoming U20 EC in Italy Group. Ersan Ilyasova (208-F-87), Cenk Akyol (200-G-87, agency: FCM) and Emre Bayav (212-C-87) will not a be a part of this year's team although they are still eligible to play at U20 level. On the other hand Mehmet Yagmur who missed last year's tournament due to injury problems, will be on the court to take the PG position from Hakan Demirel (192-G-85) while Onat Akis, Can Altintig, Oguz Savas and Cemal Nalga Istanbul are going to see U20 action just like they did last year in Izmir. Turkey will face Lithunia, Greece and Russia respectively.
Onat Akis (187-G-87)
Can Altintig (189-G-87)
Birkan Batuk (198-F-90)
Mutlu Demir (205-C-87)
Murat Goktas (201-G-87)
Melih Mahmutoglu (192-G-90)
Cemal Nalga (208-C-87)
Caner Oner (200-F-87)
Bora Pacun (207-F-87)
Oguz Savas (208-C-87)
Mehmet Yagmur (188-G-87)
Erhan Yetim (204-F-87)
Women News
*****************************************************Australia recorded its 5th win in 6 pool games with a 89-82 game against Brazil in the 2007 U21 World Championships. Renae Camino and Jenna O'Hea combined for 43pts in this contest. Australia will play Canada in the quarterfinals on Friday, the canadians defeated Belgium 69-58. In case of victory over Canada, Australia would face the winner of the France-Brazil game.
Australia - Brazil: 89-82
Australia secured the second spot in the pool and started this game with no pressure while the brazilians desperately needed a win to reach the quarterfinal stage. The first half of the game was pretty close, Renae Camino scored 11pts during the first two quarter and Australia reached half-time on a 35-34 lead. Brazil took the lead in the third quarter and was leading 61-57 at the beginning of the final period. The Sapphires started this last quarter with a 9-0 run to take back the lead 66-61 with 8 minutes left. The final minutes were very intense. The brazilians played their guts out to come back in the game, with 4 minutes to go Brazil was leading 71-75 but Australia didn't want to let it go. Jenna O'Hea made two consecutive 2+1 actions, the Sapphires were back in front with 3 minutes left on the clock. Brazil tried its best but Cayla Francis sealed the game with two decisive baskets in the last 1'33.
“We have done well and we could have possibly been 5-and-0 but we are in the quarter finals and it's a huge game and we just have to prepare and get ready to play.” said the team's coach Gary Fox. "We might even get a decent hour to play our quarter final at. This is the second time we have had to play at 9am in the morning and when that happens we have to get up at 6am qhich is very tough because it is an hour to the venue. We are just happy to get out of the draw from hell."
Stats:
Renae Camino 24pts 9/17FG 6rbs, Jenna O'Hea 19pts 8/12FG 6rbs 4ast, Abby Bishop 14pts 5/12FG 12rbs, Cayla Francis 11pts 4/10FG 6rbs, Elyse Penaluna 6pts 2/5FG, Kathleen MacLeod 5pts 2/7FG 5ast, Chantella Perera 5pts 1/2FG, Heather Oliver 3pts 1/2FG, Mikaela Dombkins 2pts 1/3FG, Rebecca Duke 0pts 0/0FG, Rachel Herrick (DNP), Rachel Whatman (DNP)
other games:
USA - Japan: 98-57
As expected, Japan was unable to stop the US train. The japaneses made a solid first half but were already trailed 32-42, the second half of the game was a complete blow-out: 56-25 for USA.
Hungary - Spain: 79-76
Hungary secured an important overtime win over Spain, with this result Spain is eliminated from the tournment and Brazil take the fourth and last spot for the quarterfinal round.
Group B Standings:
1- USA 5-0
2- Australia 4-1
3- Hungary 3-2
4- Brazil 1-4
5- Spain 1-4
6- Japan 1-4
Group A Standings:
1- France 5-0
2- Russia 4-1
3- Canada 3-2
4- Belgium 2-3
5- China 1-4
6- Mali 0-5
Quarterfinals schedule:
USA - Belgium
France - Brazil
Australia - Canada
Russia - Hungary
It is a truly frustrated and disappointed Alvine Mendeng who expressed her discontentment yesterday. The 6'2'' player
from Douala, Cameroon who was supposed to join the Women national team to an upcoming International African games
competition found herself into troubles after the Cameroonian Sports Minister decided not to fund the Women's National team.
Mendeng already committed to the national team and will not honor professional obligations because of the final decision of the
Cameroonian sports ministry.
These were her words: "...I would like to express my discontentment toward the Ministry of sports for the decision not to bring
the Women's national team...I would like them to know that I am not part of the Women National team anymore...it is truly disappointing
given the talent we dispose of..."
Further insight regarding the present situation will be provided in an upcoming interview with Mendeng.
Group F
Slovenia U18-Estonia U18 45:79 (16-24, 11-26, 11-18, 7-11)
Estonia and Slovenia fought for the first place in Group F after a perfect score in the Preliminary round. Estonia did not see the opponent defense and smashed them 79:45. Kerttu Jallai (179-F-90) led the winners with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Kati Rausberg (172-G-89) ended up with 16, while Sandra Andresson (175-G-89) scored 15. Tina Trebec (189-F/C-90) and Klavzar produced 9 points in the losing effort.
To tell the truth no one probably expected such a game between two leaders of the Qualifying Round. Kerttu Jallai and Kati Rausberg opened the game with 6-0 run to keep the score for a rest of the game. Estonia finished the first 24:16 and never looked behind. A nightmare continued for Slovenia in the second quarter that they lost 11:26. Mitt changed the numbers in the board to 50:27 for the Baltic team.
In the second half Estonia went on a 9-0 run to prepare for destroy. They had 30 points deficit before the last quarte, 68:38. Estonia celebrated 79:45 win and now the only team on top from Group F.
In another game of the group Greece will meet Latvia in the end of the day.
Slovenia U18: Tina Trebec 9, Klavzar 9
Estonia U18: Kerttu Jallai 17+11 rebs, Kati Rausberg 16, Sandra Andresson 15
Group E
Slovakia U18 - Lithuania U18 79:53
Having defeated Russia a day ago Slovakia continued to record victims crashing Lithuania 79:53 yesterday. Lithuania stayed close through the opening frame but lost the first 10 minutes 19:20. Both teams exchanged blows at the start of the second quarter but Slovakia crowned it with a perfect 10:0 run to get away with a 38:31 advantage. Midway through the third frame Slovakia secured a confident advantage with a 27:5 stanza. Slovakia entered the final quarter with a 63:41 advantage and cruised past their opponents to an overall victory.
Nikola Kovalova (166-G) ensured 18 points for Slovakia. Janka Mincikova (167-G-89) and Regina Palusna (193-C-89) netted 17 points apiece to seal the winning effort for Slovak Republic. Lithuania had 13 points from Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) (180-F/G-90). Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) grabbed game-high 18 rebounds in a loss. She helped Lithuania dominate the boards as they outrebounded Slovakia 47:41. Slovakia at the same time shot 46.2% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc. They also committed just 12 turnovers, forcing Lithuania to as many as 26.
Slovakia plays against France tonight for a chance to get into the semis. Lithuania will try to upset Czech Republic tonight.
Slovakia U18: Nikola Kovalova 18 points, Janka Mincikova 17, Regina Palusna 17
Lithuania U18: Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) 13, Agneta Morkunaite (188-G-89) 11, Gintare Petronyte 9+18 boards
Spain-France 63:66
Russia fired back yesterday after they suffered the first loss against Slovakia two days ago. They gave Czechs no chance and swept them on the way towards the 4th victory in the U18 European champonship. Czech Republic however led all the way through the opening frame and finished it 20:14 ahead. Russia bounced back midway through the second quarter and closed on the gap trailing by 3 points at halftime 31:34. Russia surged ahead in the third frame to surprise Czech Republic 27:9 and get away with a 15-point advantage. Czechs had little to deliver in the final frame and struggled to came back into this one. Russia caught with Spain in the Group E ladder at 3-1 record. Natalia Vieru (200-C-89) paced Russia with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Tatiana Petrushina (185-F-90) secured another 20 points for the winners. Renata Brezinova had team-high 13 points for Czech team. Katerina Bartonova (172-G-90) provided 10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists in a loss.
Russia will now face Group leaders Spain in the last encounter of the qualifying round. They need a win to advance to the semifinal. Czech Republic meanwhile fell to 2-2 record and play against Lithuania today.
Russia U18: Natalia Vieru 22 points + 11 boards, Tatiana Petrushina 20, Ekaterina Chistyakova 12
Czech Republic U18: Renata Brezinova (189-C-90) 13, Katerina Bartonova 10
Group E
Lithuania U18- Spain U18 60:69
Lithuania suffered a 60:69 loss in the opening game of the qualifying round of U18 European championship in Serbia. It was another game with a slow first frame for Lithuania as they nailed 11 points in it and appeared trailing 11:17. Spain initiated a 16:5 run in the second quarter to clear off for good. Leading comfortably 35:22 at halftime Spain never allowed Lithuania to come closer than 11 points. Laura Herrera (185-F-89) (185-F-89) was a usual contributor for Spain as she nailed team-high 16 points. Alba Torrens (184-F-89) helped with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) led all scorers with 19 points, but committing 7 turnovers at the same time. Egidija Busaite had 14 points in a loss. Lithuania dominated the boards with 43 rebounds, however they suffered from numerous turnovers (23). Spain also converted impressive 51.8% from the field, while Lithuania struggled with 35.9%.
Spain remained on top of Group E with a perfect 3-0 record. Lithuania meanwhile stays at the bottom of the ladder with a 0-3 record.
Spain plays versus France today. Lithuania needs a win against Slovakia.
Lithuania U18: Aurime Rinkeviciute 19 points, Egidija Busaite 14, Gabriele Narviciute (187-F-90) 7
Spain U18: Laura Herrera 16, Alba Torrens 12
Slovakia - Russia 77:63
Slovakia might have needed some luck to get into Top 16, but they showed pure skills to surprise Russia in the qualifying round opener in Group E. Slovakia meant to win this one as they scored first 4 points of the game and continued to put pressure on Russia offensively. Slovak Republic easily gained a double-digit advantage and completed the first frame 25:15 ahead. Natalia Vieru (200-C-89) (200-C-89) poured in first 6 points of the second quarter for Russia to cut the deficit to 4 points. But Slovakia held on the challenge and drove to a 36:33 win of the first half. Slovak Republic spurred to a 17:3 run in the third frame and cleared off Russia to a 55:40 distance. Russian basketballers struggled in the final frame to maintain the chase and lost at the end.
Nikola Kovalova (166-G) (166-G) led Slovakia with 19 points. Regina Palusna (193-C-89) provided 16 points and 15 rebounds in a win. Ekaterina Chistyakova netted game-high 24 points for Russia. Slovakia dominated the paint collecting 47 rebounds (24 of them offensive). Russia committed 18 turnovers. Slovakia improved to 1-2 record in Group E and seats behind Russia and France in the ladder. They face Lithuania today. Russia fell to 2-1 record and will seek to improve against Czech Republic tonight.
Slovakia U18: Nikola Kovalova 19 points, Regina Palusna 16+15 boards, Janka Mincikova (167-G-89) 14
Russia U18: Ekaterina Chistyakova 24, Natalia Vieru (200-C-89) 14.
Czech Republic - France 77:73
Czech team felt pretty confident as they set the right tone with a 77:73 win over France in the opening game in Group E of the U18 European championship in Serbia. Czechs got to a flying start posting an early lead 15:3. France however easily put them up and crawled back within 3 points 18:15. In the second quarter France spurred past Czech team taking a 24:18 advantage. But France did not secure dominance before the halftime as Czechs ended the first half ahead 39:37.
Czechs held on to the lead throughout the second half and were up 73:64 with one minute to go in the game. France however managed to explode with a 9:1 run and appear 1-point behind Czechs with 15 seconds remaining. But Ana Maria Cata-Chitiga committed unsportsmanlike foul to bury all the hopes. Renata Bresinova grabbed a rebound after Dominika Behalova's miss and knocked down a jumper to put Czech Republic ahead for good. She finished with game-high 26 points and 11 rebounds. Katerina Bartonova (172-G-90) nailed 19 points and dished out 8 assists for the winners. Diandra Tchatchouang (186-F/C-91) had 17 points for France.
France will now need to win against Spain to stay in the race. Czech Republic are at 2-1 record and face Russia today.
Czech Republic U18: Renata Bresinova 26 points + 11 boards, Katerina Bartonova 19
France U18: Diandra Tchatchouang 17, Ana Cata-Chitiga 12.
Group F
Ukraine - Sweden 81:60
Ukrainian team continue with their perfect winning streak at the U18 European championship in Serbia. They opened up the qualifying round in Group F with a confident win over Sweden. Despite an early 4:9 slump Ukraine quickly regained the initiative and won the first frame 26:15. They kept on rolling in the second quarter and eased to a 47:32 advantage at halftime. Having reached a cozy 20-point gap midway through the third frame Ukraine cruised to an overall victory at the end. Tayisiya Bovykina (190-C-89) and Olesya Malashenko (185-F-91) nailed 18 points apiece to secure the fourth straight win for Ukraine. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89) topscored for Sweden with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Hanna Johansson (183-F-89) added 10 points in a losing effort. Sweden also lost the ball more frequently committing 18 turnovers and were outrebounded 50:51. Ukraine looked more solid in accuracy converting 40.8% of field goals and 40% of treys.
Ukraine dominates Group F with a 3-0 record. Sweden now fell to 0-3 at the bottom of the ladder. Sweden will next take on Italy today. Ukraine will look to improve their winning streak against Poland.
Ukraine U18: Tayisiya Bovykina 18 points, Olesya Malashenko 18, Arina Lysyuk (170-G-89) 17
Sweden U18: Louice Halvarsson 14+11 boards, Hanna Johansson 10, Stefanie Yderstrom 9.
Poland - Turkey 59:50
Poland U18 team continued their chase for the leaders in the U18 European championship with a 59:50 win over Turkey. This victory means Poland improved to 2-1 record and seats behind Ukraine and Serbia in qualifying Group F.
Turkey got to a confident start of this one as they held on to a 22:16 opening frame. Poland rushed ahead with a 12:0 beginning of the second frame. Turkey kept it close till the break trailing 31:32 at halftime. Paulina Antczak (180-F-90) delivered some important baskets in the late stage of the third quarter to put Poland ahead 49:44. In extra low scoring final frame Poland allowed Turkish players to score just 6 points and celebrated a victory. Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk (188-F/C-89) paced Poland with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Agnieszka Skobel (181-F-89) finished with 17 points for the winners. Burcu Tasbas (178-F-89) replied with 14 points for Turkey. Tugce Canitez (188-F-90) collected team-high 12 boards in a loss. Poland outerebounded Turkey 56:46. Turkish players shot just 17.1% from the field.
Poland will take on Ukraine in today's encounter. They need a win to stay with chances for the semifinal.
Poland U18: Agnieszka Skobel 17, Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk 16 points + 13 rebounds, Paulina Antczak 12
Turkey U18: Burcu Tasbas 14, Tugce Canitez 12 boards.
Serbia - Italy 70:42
Serbia impresses the home crowd during the U18 European championship in Novi Sad. They remained undefeated after beating Italy 70:42 in qualifying round opener in Group F. Italy kept it close just in the opening frame as they trailed 13:17 after starting 10 minutes. Serbia tightened defense in the second quarter limiting Italian side to 8 points and clearing off for a 35:21 lead. The advantage kept on growing in the third frame and reached a 57:28 mark entering the final quarter. Serbia easily sailed to an overall win at the end. They hosts stay on top of Group F together with still unbeaten Ukraine.
Serbia were more impressive in every aspect of the game outrebounding Italy 47:31 and converting 48.9% of field goals. Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) secured 17 points for Serbian team. Ivana Musovic (173-G-89) added 13 points in a win. Italy had no players scoring in double digits. Martina Crippa (175-G-88) and Nusicaa Fassina produced 6 points apiece to lead Italy.
Serbia will look to extend their perfect record against Turkey today. Italy are at 1-2 record and face Sweden in another today's encounter.
Serbia U18: Jelena Milovanovic 17 points, Ivana Musovic 13, Sonja Petrovic (185-F-89) 7
Italy U18: Martina Crippa 6, Nusicaa Fasina 6.
Slovenia U18-Estonia U18 45:79 (16-24, 11-26, 11-18, 7-11)
Estonia and Slovenia fought for the first place in Group F after a perfect score in the Preliminary round. Estonia did not see the opponent defense and smashed them 79:45. Kerttu Jallai (179-F-90) led the winners with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Kati Rausberg (172-G-89) ended up with 16, while Sandra Andresson (175-G-89) scored 15. Tina Trebec (189-F/C-90) and Klavzar produced 9 points in the losing effort.
To tell the truth no one probably expected such a game between two leaders of the Qualifying Round. Kerttu Jallai and Kati Rausberg opened the game with 6-0 run to keep the score for a rest of the game. Estonia finished the first 24:16 and never looked behind. A nightmare continued for Slovenia in the second quarter that they lost 11:26. Mitt changed the numbers in the board to 50:27 for the Baltic team.
In the second half Estonia went on a 9-0 run to prepare for destroy. They had 30 points deficit before the last quarte, 68:38. Estonia celebrated 79:45 win and now the only team on top from Group F.
In another game of the group Greece will meet Latvia in the end of the day.
Slovenia U18: Tina Trebec 9, Klavzar 9
Estonia U18: Kerttu Jallai 17+11 rebs, Kati Rausberg 16, Sandra Andresson 15
France and Russia put up great match this afternoon that went down to the wire with Sandrine Gruda hitting the winning basket five seconds(73-71) from the end. Russia then lost the ball on the last play when Julie Barennes hustled Elena Danilochkina off the ball.
It was not an easy match for either side as they matched each other at the start (10-10), Russia had the better of the second part of the first period to go in front (16-22). In a tough second period Clarisse Costaz (170-G-86) kept France in touch with some excellent shooting from down town but France still trailed (34-38) at the interval.
France finally tied the match (41-41) after 24 minutes and went in front after a 14-0 run (48-41), Russia still finished the period strong and with Isabelle Yacoubou in foul problems, France took only a 3-point lead into the final period (54-51). The final period was tight with Russia taking the early initiative and took the lead after an (8-0) run but France came back and went back in front, only to lose the lead and eventually tie the match (69-69) with 72 seconds left. Clarisse Costaz(16pts 4-of-4 3 pointers) was on hand to put France in front but Russia was back with 25 seconds (71-71). France used a timeout and it paid as Sandrine Gruda scored her 21st point of the match 20 second later.
Full match statistics are available here
France will meet the 4th place team from the other group but the opponent will only be known after the Hungary - Spain game later this evening.
Francois Gomez interview that appeared in Fiba Europe today may have been all the motivation his players required for the match against Spain.
No unsportsmanlike foul this time but with 6 second left on the clock Diandra Tchatchouang was called for a foul on Laura Herrera . Spain trailing by one (64-63) had the chance to go in front if she made the free throws. She missed both free throws and Diandra Tchatchouang made up for foul by taking the defensive rebound and lauched a fast break that finished up with Ana-Maria Cata-Chitiga scoring for France (66 - 63).
Full match statistics are available here
With this victory France are back in with a chance of qualifying for the semi-final, they need to win against Slovak Republic tomorrow and then wait on the results from the other games.
France has just ended the challenge of the Slovak Republic in this year competition with a comfortable victory (70-49). If this victory is enough for France to qualify for the semi-final will depend on the results of the other games this evening.
Once again Diandra Tchatchouang was the offensive leader for France hitting 8-of-11 from the field for her 17 points.
Full match statistics are available here
It was a long wait for France in th end of nothing as Spain thrashed Russia (76-39) in the last qualifying round match. Spain and Russia join Serbia and Poland in the semi-final. France will now play Ukraine on Saturday.
At the end of every season professional clubs are checked to make sure that their financial situation is okay before they are allowed to play the next season. It was announced a couple of weeks ago that Mourenx Basket Club failed and as a result relegated for next season. The time has passed and their appeal has been rejected today by the French Basketball Federation.
Mourenx Basket Club have one more possible cause of action to see if the decision can be reserved.
Slovakia U18 - Lithuania U18 79:53
Having defeated Russia a day ago Slovakia continued to record victims crashing Lithuania 79:53 yesterday. Lithuania stayed close through the opening frame but lost the first 10 minutes 19:20. Both teams exchanged blows at the start of the second quarter but Slovakia crowned it with a perfect 10:0 run to get away with a 38:31 advantage. Midway through the third frame Slovakia secured a confident advantage with a 27:5 stanza. Slovakia entered the final quarter with a 63:41 advantage and cruised past their opponents to an overall victory.
Nikola Kovalova (166-G) ensured 18 points for Slovakia. Janka Mincikova (167-G-89) and Regina Palusna (193-C-89) netted 17 points apiece to seal the winning effort for Slovak Republic. Lithuania had 13 points from Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) (180-F/G-90). Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) grabbed game-high 18 rebounds in a loss. She helped Lithuania dominate the boards as they outrebounded Slovakia 47:41. Slovakia at the same time shot 46.2% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc. They also committed just 12 turnovers, forcing Lithuania to as many as 26.
Slovakia plays against France tonight for a chance to get into the semis. Lithuania will try to upset Czech Republic tonight.
Slovakia U18: Nikola Kovalova 18 points, Janka Mincikova 17, Regina Palusna 17
Lithuania U18: Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) 13, Agneta Morkunaite (188-G-89) 11, Gintare Petronyte 9+18 boards
Timisoara, Romania
The Luxembourg Under-18 Women's National team is still searching its first win in the 2007 European Championship Division B in Romania. Thus far they have lost big to Montenegro, Croatia, Finland and Romania. This Frida, July 6, Luxembourg' U18's will face Austria with Denmark slated for Saturday.
Here are the only numbers we could find for those matches.
Luxembourg - Montenegro 40 - 83
Hetting 15, Fritz 3, L. Schreiner 5, J. Schreiner 0, Haentges 8, then: Zovile 0, Lagoda 0, Welsch 2, Weynandt 2, Breuskin 0, Hetto 0, De Jonge 5
Score by Quarters: (15-26 12-21 5-25 8-11)
Croatia - Luxembourg 72 - 45
Hetting 20, Fritz 3, L. Schreiner 2, Haentges 14, De Jonge 2, then: Zovile 0, Lagoda 0, Welsch 2, J. Schreiner 0, Weynandt 0, Breuskin 2, Hetto 0
Score by Quarters: (12-7 15-21 20-10 25-7)
Luxembourg - Finland 43 - 69
Hetting 10, Fritz 5, L. Schreiner 9, Haentges 12, De Jonge 3, then: Zovile 0, Lagoda 0, Welsch 2, J. Schreiner 0, Weynandt 2, Breuskin 0, Hetto 0
Score by Quarters: (11-19 3-21 15-10 14-19)
Romania - Luxembourg 88 - 46
Hetting 15, Fritz 10, L. Schreiner 6, Haentges 7, De Jonge 4, then: Lagoda 0, Welsch 1, J. Schreiner 1, Weynandt 2, Breuskin 0, Hetto 0
Score by Quarters: (18-15 19-12 30-10 21-9)
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Group B
1. Romania 4-0
2. Croatia 3-1
3. Montenegro 2-2
4. Finland 1-3
5. Luxembourg 0-4
Player of the Year - Jaynetta Saunders (179-G-79, college: Texas A&M) of Basket Esch
Guard of the Year - Andrea Haris of Basket Esch
Forward of the Year - Ranela Skegro of Musel Pikes
Center of the Year - Amanda Stowe of Residence
Newcomer of the Year - Lisy Hetting of Etzella
Most Improved Player of the Year - Lisy Hetting of Etzella
Import Player of the Year - Jaynetta Saunders of Basket Esch
Domestic Player of the Year - Andrea Haris of Basket Esch
Defensive Player of the Year - Ranela Skegro of Musel Pikes
Coach of the Year - Francois Manti of Basket Esch
1st Team
Andrea Haris of Basket Esch
Jaynetta Saunders of Basket Esch
Ranela Skegro of Musel Pikes
Amanda Stowe of Residence
Ashley Augspurger of Amicale
2nd Team
Evan Unrau of Conternm
Celeste Stevenson of B.C. Mess
Katie Donovan of T-71
Lisy Hetting of Etzella
Carine Cigrang of Musel Pikes
All-Domestic Players Team
Andrea Haris of Basket Esch
Lisy Hetting of Etzella
Carine Cigrang of Musel Pikes
Nadia Mossong of Residence
Krisztina Bernath of Basket Esch
All-Imports Team
Amanda Stowe of Resdience
Jaynetta Saunders of Basket Esch
Ashley Augspurger of Amicale Steinsel
Ranela Skegro of Musel Pikes
Evan Unrau of Contern
Slovakia U18 - Lithuania U18 79:53
Having defeated Russia a day ago Slovakia continued to record victims crashing Lithuania 79:53 yesterday. Lithuania stayed close through the opening frame but lost the first 10 minutes 19:20. Both teams exchanged blows at the start of the second quarter but Slovakia crowned it with a perfect 10:0 run to get away with a 38:31 advantage. Midway through the third frame Slovakia secured a confident advantage with a 27:5 stanza. Slovakia entered the final quarter with a 63:41 advantage and cruised past their opponents to an overall victory.
Nikola Kovalova (166-G) ensured 18 points for Slovakia. Janka Mincikova (167-G-89) and Regina Palusna (193-C-89) netted 17 points apiece to seal the winning effort for Slovak Republic. Lithuania had 13 points from Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) (180-F/G-90). Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) grabbed game-high 18 rebounds in a loss. She helped Lithuania dominate the boards as they outrebounded Slovakia 47:41. Slovakia at the same time shot 46.2% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc. They also committed just 12 turnovers, forcing Lithuania to as many as 26.
Slovakia plays against France tonight for a chance to get into the semis. Lithuania will try to upset Czech Republic tonight.
Slovakia U18: Nikola Kovalova 18 points, Janka Mincikova 17, Regina Palusna 17
Lithuania U18: Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) 13, Agneta Morkunaite (188-G-89) 11, Gintare Petronyte 9+18 boards
Australia U21-Brazil U21 89:82 (17:18, 18:16, 22:27, 32:21)
Australia secured the second spot in the pool even though started the tournament with a loss.The Sapphires started this last quarter with a 9-0 run to take back the lead 66:61 with 8 minutes left. The final minutes were very intense. The brazilians played their guts out to come back in the game, with 4 minutes to go Brazil was leading 71:75 but Australia didn't want to let it go. Jenna O'Hea made two consecutive 2+1 actions, the Sapphires were back in front with 3 minutes left on the clock. Brazil tried its best but Cayla Francis sealed the game with two decisive baskets in the last 1'33.
Australia: Renae Camino (177-G-86) 24, Jenna O'Hea 19, Abby Bishop 14+12 rebs, Cayla Francis (192-C-89) 11
Brazil: Franciele Nacimiento (-87) 26, Morais De Andrade 14
Japan U21-USA U21 57:98 (15:24, 17:18, 11:28, 14:28)
Japan lost the fourth game in the tournament, this time against USA. The latter celebrated two wins in 2007 FIBA U21 World Championship for Women today-the Independence Day and 98:57 victory. Naomi Hayashi (-88) top-scored for Japan with 12 points and Saori Fujiyoshi (-87) scored 9. Crystal Langhorne (188-C/F-86) led the winners with 18 points and 7 rebounds. USA closed out preliminary round play at 5-0, while Japan at 1-4.
For USA the game did not have any important issues, however Japan desired to qualify to another round. Of course the teams like USA will never let you win even though they have nothing to solve in the game. Moreover USA celebrated the Independence Day and congratulated the fans with the win.
The USA jumped out of the gates strong and opened up a 21:7 lead. Asians reduced a bit and finished the first quarter at 15:24. A great quarter was demonstrated by Japan later as they struggled with 17:18 in the second. Japan's Naomi Hayashi started an 11-2 run and at the midway break the USA's gap had diminished to 42:32.
By the third quarter buzzer Japan was trailing 43:70. There was nothing else to catch in the game as Japan lost 57:98.
Japan: Naomi Hayashi 12, Saori Fujiyoshi 9
USA: Crystal Langhorne 18+7 rebs, Laura Harper (193-F/C) 13, Packer 10
Canada U21-Belgium U21 69:58 (15:11, 18:11, 17:14, 19:22)
Mali U21-China U21 59:90 (9:27, 14:24, 19:21, 17:18)
France U21-Russia U21 73:71 (16:22, 18:16, 20:13, 19:20)
Russian U21 squad lost for the first time in 2007 FIBA U21 World Championship for Women. In the game between two best teams of the Group A, Russia lost to France 71:73 letting the latter unbeaten. Probably the third quarter was enough for the French team to hold the score. Sandrine Gruda (192-F/C-87) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 11 rebounds. She scored with five seconds remaining to lift France over the hosts. Clarisse Costaz (170-G-86) posted 16, while Isabelle Yacoubou (195-C-86) finished with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Ekaterina Savelyeva (184-F-86) scored 18 points for Russia and Elena Danilochkina (184-G-86) added 17.
In the first quarter the hosts expectedly went on a small lead. The hosts of 2007 FIBA U21 World Championship for Women won the first 22:16 and looked forward to the second. In the next two quarters that are in the second and third France demolished Russia. With 18:16 in the second, French team won 20:13 in the third.
In the end of the game Ekaterina Savelyeva made a pair of free throws with 25 seconds left to leave the contest knotted at 71:71. It was the girl of the game Sandrine Gruda who brought the win for France. She scored with five seconds remaining to lift France over the hosts.
France U21: Sandrine Gruda 21+11 rebs, Clarisse Costaz 16, Isabelle Yacoubou 13+7 rebs
Russia U21: Ekaterina Savelyeva 18, Elena Danilochkina 17
Spain U21-Hungary U21 76:79 OT (16:12, 10:19, 15:21, 29:18, 6:9)
Hungary U21 stayed 3rd in group B defeating Spain 79:76 in overtime. A great come back in the last quarter could not leave Spanish squad on fire. Dora Horti (195-C-87) paced the winners with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Barbara Semsei (178-G-86) scored 18, while Somogyi added 11. Blanca Marcos (177-G/F-87) top-scored for Spain with 17 points. Team of Alberto Ortego couldn't win on last minute and now they'll have to play next Friday against Mali the 9th to 12th place. Hungary meanwhile will play against Russia in one of the most interesting Quarterfinals tomorrow.
Spain played two nice quarters with 16:12 in the first and 29:18 in the last. That was enough only for overtime where they had to admit another European team win. Hungary won the second 19:10 to finish the half at 29:26 lead. They increased to 9 points in the end of the third beating Spain 21:15.
In overtime Hungary deserved the win more than Spain and won 79:76. Spain was eliminated from the tournament, however will continue for 9-12 places. Hungary should be ready to have another thriller with the hosts of the Championship.
Spain U21: Blanca Marcos 17, Compan Veronica Aparisi (183-F-86) 14, Royo Torres 13
Hungary U21: Dora Horti 22+12 rebs, Barbara Semsei 18, Somogyi 11
The Phoenix Mercury continued their impressive winning streak as they rolled over Minnesota yesterday. The Mercury led comfortably 24:15 after the opening frame. They extended the lead to 46:30 at halftime and had a momentum at the third to race to a 84:56 advantage. But the Lynx replied with a 23:2 run and crawled back into 7-point deficit zone. Tangela Smith converted four free throws and made an important interception to put the Mercury back to a safe distance. Kelly Miler notched 16 points to ensure a 95:79 victory for Phoenix. Diana Taurasi added 15 points and 9 assists for the winners. Simona Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) topscored for Minnesota with 16 points. The Lynx lost the second one in a row.
Meanwhile Seattle Storm easily overcame Los Angeles Sparks 90:71 at home. Los Angeles kept it close in the first half trailing by just 36:40 at halftime. But Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) nailed 11 points in the third quarter to spark the Storm to a 30:14 run, which left the Sparks far behind. The Storm then cruised to an overall win in the final frame. Lauren Jackson led all scorers with 23 points. Betty Lennox (5'8''-G-76, college: Louisiana Tech) secured 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. The Sparks had 16 points from Kiesha Brown (5'11''-G-79, college: Georgia), while Sherill Baker hit 14 points in a loss. The Storm dominated the boards outrebounding the Sparks 40:25. They also converted 42.3% of field goals and committed 14 turnovers (LA had 20).
Minnesota - Phoenix 79:95
Minnesota: Simona Augustus 16 points, Lindsey Harding (5'8''-G-84, college: Duke) 12, Svetlana Abrosimova 11
Phoenix: Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) 26, Kelly Miller 16, Diana Taurasi 15
Seattle - Los Angeles 90:71
Seattle: Lauren Jackson 23, Betty Lennox 18, Iziane Castro 10
Los Angeles: Kiesha Brown 16, Sherill Baker 14, Sidney Spencer (6'3''-F-85, college: Tennessee) 11
Washington - San Antonio 79:84
Washington: Alana Beard (5'11''-G/F-82, college: Duke) 26, Monique Curry 16, Delisha Milton-Jones (6'1''-F-74, college: Florida) 12
San Antonio: Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) 24, Erin Buescher 19, Ruth Riley 10.
