EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/8/2007

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Sasa Doncic in Union Olimpija -by Dragan Jankovski
Experienced Sasa Doncic (201-G-74, agency: VTBM/SRBM) agreed terms and signed one year contract with Union Olimpija. Doncic played last season for Helios Domzale and for 26 games in Adriatic league averaged 10.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.3 spg. Olimpija's head coach Memi Becirovic said that Doncic won't have the same role in the team as he had in his previous clubs. Becirovic also said that he will definitely be a very useful player for Olimpija next season.

Bojan Bakic is free agent -by Dragan Jankovski
Olimpija Ljubljana and Bojan Bakic (197-G-83, agency: Beo Basket) parted ways. They signed a contract more than a half ago but very soon both sides started to be unhappy. Bakic played last 4 seasons in Hemofarm Vrsac and with them won Adriatic league 04/05 and two times played in the semifinals of ULEB Cup (04/05, 05/06). Before Hemofarm, Bakic played 4 years in Buducnost Podgorica winning two titles (champion of Yugoslavia and National Cup winner 00/01). He didn't play a lot during the last season in Hemofarm because of injury but he recovered for the Superleague where he played 14 games averaging 11 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 1.3 apg.

Split inked four players -by Dragan Jankovski
Split CO got four reinforcements for the upcoming season. On club's official press conference the team announced that they reached an agreement with Tony Akins (180-G-80, college: Georgia Tech), Dejan Ivanov, Igor Sumic (186-G-82, agency: Court Side) and Ante Bilobrk (202-F-82). Yet, coach Slobodan Subotic said that he needs one more shooting guard to complete the roster.

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ALBANIA

Albanian National Team 2007 -by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Mitku


Hysenagolli


Kasmi


Bilali


Shima
4 Vildan Mitku (200-F-83) of Valbona Tropoje
5 Eni Cuka (188-G-86) of Florida Atlantic University (USA)
6 Arjonel Lame (-84) of Studenti Tirana
7 Endrit Hysenagolli (-88) of Partizani Tirana
8 Marsel Aliaj (196-F-88) of Teuta Durres
9 Algert Gjonaj (194-F-87) of Valbona Tropoje
10 Sokol Kasmi (198-G-80) of SK Tirana
11 Orion Garo (207-F/C-80) of SK Tirana
12 Klevis Cane (-85) of Dinamo Tirana
13 Afrim Bilali (198-G-79) of Valbona Tropoje
14 Juxhin Talelli (-86) of Partizani Tirana
15 Gerti Shima (205-C/F-86) of AS Prishtine (KOS)

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ARGENTINA

Liga A 2007/2008 official rosters: Atenas Cordoba -by Facundo Iatzky
Bruno Labaque (183-G-77, agency: Interperformances)
Leandro Palladino
Cristian Romero (198-F-82)
Juan Pablo Figueroa
Terry Taylor (203-C-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Virginia Tech)
Sebastian Acosta
Erron Maxey (198-F-78, college: Providence)
Diego Osella
Mauro Bulchi
Damian Collovati
Juan Gognini
Manuel Olocco
Agustin Thompson
Bruno Barovero
Mauro Abraham
Emiliano Rosales
Alejandro Spalla
Pablo Orlietti

Coach: Medardo Ligorria

Argentina Cup Round 2 -by Leonardo Contieri
Group 1
Estudiantes Bahia Blanca 86 (2-0) vs Independiente Neuquen 76 (0-2)
Pedro Franco and Jamaal Levy scored 18 apiece for Estudiantes who also got 17 from debutant Kevin Freeman while Byron Johnson scored 23 for Independiente and Nicolas Romano added 13.
El Nacional Monte Hermoso 78 (2-0) - Gimnasia Comodoro Rivadavia 57 (0-2)
Cristian Amicucci led El Nacional with 17 points comino off the bench and Patricio Rodriguez added 17 in a game already decided in the first half (41-28) Dijbril kante scored 9 for el Nacional but added 14 rebounds. Diego Prego was again Gimnasia's top scorer with 14 points and Bruno Ingratta added 12.
Group 2
Peñarol 91 (2-0) - Quilmes 73 (1-1)
In another edition of the Mar del Plata derby, Peñarol once again defeated Quilmes, this time 91-73. Pablo Rodriguez led Peñarol with 26 points while Jervaughn Scales and Jasper Johnson added 14 each. Roman Gonzalez made its debut with Peñarol after playing with national team, he finished with 9 points on 14 minutes. Maximiliano Maciel led Quilmes with 19 points and Antonio Reynolds added 18 for Quilmes.
Echague Saladillo 44 (0-2) - Gimnasia La Plata 47 (1-1)
Ugly game between the twon TNA team son the group, Villa led Gimnasia with 14 points and Barabero added 12, while Santiago Gonzalez led Echague with 13 points and Jantae Vinston added 12.
Group 3
Boca 70 (0-2) - Obras Sanitarias 80 (2-0)
Obras upset Boca who lost its second straight home game in this cup. Lazaro Borrel led Obras with 20 points. Tyler Field added 18, Daniel Chaher 16 and Fernando Calvi and Fernando Titarelli had 10 each. Leonardo Gutierrez returned for Boca leading them with 17 points and Ryan Carrol added 12.
Lanus 68 (0-2) - San Martin Marcos Juarez 82 (2-0)
San Martin was one of the first TNA teams to get to work and its paying off early, as they won again far from home, this time a 82-68 victory over Lanus. Cristian Negrotto led San Martin with 13 points and Joe Williams added 12. Julian Olmedo scored 14 for Lanus.
Group 4
Ciclista Junin 87 (1-1) Argentino Junin 92 (1-1)
Ariel Pau, Jose Gil and Bruno Romano combined for 56 points as Argentino defeated crosstown rival Ciclista 92-87. Maximiliano Rios led the losing cause with 26 points and Gustavo Bianco added 24.
Belgrano San Nicolas 85 (2-0) - Regatas San Nicolas 76 (0-2)
The other game between teams from the same city was won the Liga “A” team, as Belgrano was led by Nicolas Ferreyra's 17 points, Marcus Fleming added 13 and Cristian Cadillac 12. Diego Belveder led Regatas with 15 points while Stanley Easterling and Maximiliano Marzilli scored 12 each.
Group 5
Regatas Corrientes 71 (2-0)- La Union Formosa 65 (0-2)
Clarence Robinson led Regatas with 24 points and 9 rebounds while Ariel Zago led La Union with 19 points.
Asociacion Italiana Charata 74 (0-2) - Asociacion Española Charata 81 (1-1)
Española won the Charata derby as Jose Fabio finished with 15 points and Echeñique Arriola added 14. Gonzalo Laphitzborde and Hernan Etchepare added 13 each for Italiana.
Group 6
Juevntud Sionista 72 (2-0) -Atletico Echague 67 (0-2)
Sionista escaped with a 72-67 victory over crosstown rival Echague ad JuanPablo Canetro led five players in double digit scoring with 16 points and Alejandro Zilli finished with 14 and 8 rebounds. Leopoldo Ruiz Moreno led Echague with 15 points.
Alma Juniors 65 (1-1) - Central Entrerriano 79 (1-1)
Fernando Martina scored 25 points and grabbed 8 rebounds as Central Entrerriano won in Esperanza, Rafael Costa added 17 points and 5 assits for the winners, Eric Price led Alam with 16 points and Juan Manuel Ruiz added 14.
Group 7
Atenas 76 (1-1) - Ciclista Olimpico 60 (0-2)
Atensa wnjoyed its first victory of the season as Terrel Taylor scored 21 points and Erron Maxey added 20. Anthony Glover led Olimpico with 20 points.
Alianza Olimpia Catamarca 69 (1-1) - Quimsa 107 (2-0)
Group 8
Deportivo Libertad Sunchales 84 (1-0) - Union Sunchales 63 (0-2)
Libertad led 46-28 at halftime as Josh Pittman scored 22 points to lead five players with 10 or more points, Lucas Martina led Union with 16 points. Ben Hur rested.

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BELGIUM

Verviers-Pepinster News -by Peter Buyse


If all went well, Dimitri Jorssen (212-C-79, college: Utah St.) signed his contract with Verviers-Pepinster on friday evening.
Jorssen returns to Verviers after several years. The past seasons he played for Charleroi.


Verviers is also expecting the arrival of American guard Earnest Shelton (191-G-82, college: Alabama) for a tryout.

Shelton has a good college career at Alabama where he averaged around 16ppg and 3.5 rpg his final 2 years.

He was also voted 2nd team All SEC after his senior year.

Started his overseas career in Austria where he played for Furstenfeld and had averages of 21.8ppg and 4.2rpg.

This past season he started the season in Cyprus where he played for Apollon Limassol and finished in Turkey playing for Mersin.

Played 10 games for Limassol in the EuroCup Challenge and had averages of 16.7ppg and 4.7rpg.

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CBA

Kilgore joins the Patroons -by Gianni Pascucci
The Albany Patroons announced the signing of their first player for the 2007-08 season. He is Darmetreis Kilgore (6'5''-G-81, college: Purdue), who last played at Elkhart Express (IBL)

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COLOMBIA

Federation Cup, September 4, results and standings: -by Victor Garcia

Bucaros won the second game in Arrieros home, Soles won back to back games in Condores' nest and Indervalle had the second victory over Alcaldia de Tunja.


Arrieros 77 - Curtis Williams 23 pts
Bucaros 80- Edgar Moreno 23 pts

Indervalle 82

Tunja Alcaldia de 75

Soles 93
Condores 84.

Standings:
1- Soles 19pts
2- Bucaros 18pts
3- Arrieros 18pts
4- Piratas 15pts
5- Indervalle 15 pts
6- Patriotas 11pts
7- Condores 11pts



Indervalle waives Tim Jones, hired Brian Woodward -by Victor Garcia
Tim Jones did not fill the Indervalle´s expectations, the team decided to release him and hired Brian Edwards (6´3” G - Rhode Island), Woodward played in Lituania, Portugal and ABA, and was top scorer in Portugal's proligaBrian Woodward (191-G-81, college: Rhode Island)

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CROATIA

Croatia falls in the first Qualifying day -by Eurobasket News
Israel-Croatia 80:75 ( 14-17, 19-18, 20-16, 27-24)

Croatia lost the game that they should have won as after the triumph over Spain they were the favorites again Israel. The latter had no wins in the start of the Qualifying Round but could upset the Croatian squad. Due to the second half Israel celebrated 80:75 win. Yaniv Green (206-F-80, agency: Arik Krayn Services) led the winners with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Jeron Roberts (194-G/F-76, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Wyoming) ended up with 15 points, while Tapiro produced 11. Mario Kasun (213-C-80) was the best in the losing effort nailing 18 points.

Croatia started the game as if they had to and Planinic's free throw brought 14:8 in the opening tip. Croatia finished the first having 3 points deficit, 17:14. Tapiro brought Israel back with 22:22 after a three pointer. Croatia hit seven of 15 attempts before the break to take a 35:33 half-time lead.
In the second half Israel dominated in the court. A 20:16 in the third quarter gave Israel a 53:51 lead in the game. Israel stretched their advantage to 68:61 with less than 4 minutes to play.
Croatian Kus brought a hope to his team after he reduced to 76:73. Hagag's 4 free throw in a row gave Israel the first win in the Qualifying Round.

Israel: Yaniv Green 17+16 rebs, Jeron Roberts 15, Tapiro 11
Croatia: Mario Kasun 18+7 rebs, Roko Leni Ukic (195-G-84) 10, Marko Popovic 9, Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) 9

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D-LEAGUE

Skyforce hire Thornton as new Asst.Coach -by Gianni Pascucci
The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced that Bob Thornton has been named as an assistant coach for the 2007-08 season. Thornton has four seasons of NBA coaching experience with the Chicago Bulls (2002-04) and Minnesota Timberwolves (2005-07).

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DOMINICAN REP.

Santiago Qualifies For The Semi's! -by Ozell Wells
Last night in San Francisco, Metros de Santiago defeated Indios de San Francisco 109-98 to classify to play in the semifinal. This game resolved a deadlock in the standings as both teams sat at 10-13 and thevictory gave Metros 1 3-2 lead in the season series between the 2 clubs. They will now face season-long North leader Marineros of Puerto Plata.
Metros were led by Joel Ramirez (191-G-81) with 23 points & 9 assists, Amaury Filion (206-C/F-81) 22 & Franklin Matos (190-G-82) 19 points as the team from Santiago is on the march to defend their LIDOBA CHAMPIONSHIP!
Indios were led by Luis Nelson Ferreiras (191-F-76) with 26 points followed by Reggie Charles (200-F-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) & Benyi Minaya (180-G) each woth 16.

In last nights other game, Reales de La Vega soundly defeated Marineros of Puerto Plata 140-88. Despite the victory, Reales is still eliminated from the playoffs given their record of 9-14. Reales, after winning the FIRST EVER CHAMPIONSHIP of LIODBA 3 years ago, now sits, watching the playoffs from home for the seond year in a row. Reales wered led by Jorge Almanzar (193-G/F-76) with 26 points & Leandro Bonilla (206-C/F-85) with 23. Marineros wered led by Carlos Morban (187-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Florida Intern.), who is soon headed to Romania, with 13 points, Jendery Nunez with 11 and 3 other players with 10 points each.

THE SEMIFINALS OF THE LIDOBA TOURNEO WILL COMMENCE ON SUNDAY IN SANTIAGO, AS METROS (Santiago) WILL PLAY AGAINST MARINEROS (Pto. Plata) IN A 5 GAME SERIES OF THE NEIGHBORS FROM THE NORTH!

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EGYPT

quiet before storm -by Andrew Youssef

we can't believe that Egyptian newspaper and most of mass communication not write about Egyptian team basketball failure in Afrobasket cup in Angola and not declare the truth of this failure from Egyptian federation responsibles.
It what happen in Egypt only after this great effort Egyptian team become fourth after beating from cape verde,the team which no one can listen about them before in Africa continental.


Who is the resposible of this failure is the Egyptian federation or Bridrage the coach of the Egyptian team?


-NO one can reply at this question as all person in Egyptian federation offer more facilities for this team to build new strong team from one side and strong league from another side and MR/ Bridrage a coach that not understand the nature of Egyptian player but he accept to lead the team in this short period to get the second position in All african games in Algeria 2007 and then go with team to Serbia for campaign then not return with the team because of many reasons we not know the right one of them one say he not return because Egyptian federtion intervene in technician matter by imposition player in Egyptian team, another say because of domestic disturbation, etc....
But we notice that Egyptian team in this champion in Angola not play well and most of player not in their normal case exept Tarek Ghannam,Ahmed Elsaid and Wael Badr which waste qualification to final the right place for them with Angola by beating from Cameroon,the team which play as a teamwork opposite to Egyptian team as every player depend on himself.


-what about Egyptian federation?
i think that Egyptian federation now are like beehive after failure of national team as they haven't met their expectations and begin thinking and evaluated the last period to avoid negative points and focus on positive one as they want to achieve somthing and return with Egyptian basket again to lead in Africa, can they do it?


........................THE NEXT DAYS WILL ANSWER FOR ALL THIS QUESTION..........................



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EURO CHAMPS

Slovenia is still hot! -by Zeljko Zule
With an incredibile 19-1 run spanning the third and fourth quarters, Slovenia defeated Turkey 66-51 and already qualified to the quarterfinals of 2007 European Championship. Radoslav Nesterovic had 13 points and 6 rebounds, Uros Slokar (210-F/C-83) added 12 points including three straight 3-pointers to put his team up 57-40, Goran Dragic posted 12 points, Goran Jagodnik grabbed 8 rebounds and Jaka Lakovic had 7 rebounds.
SLOVENIA 66 (20+11+15+20): Cebular DNP, Lakovic 5, Capin DNP, Dragic 11, Nesterovic 13, Smodis 9, Slokar 12, Klobucar DNP, D.Lorbek 7, Vidmar DNP, E.Lorbek 4.
TURKEY 51 (15+14+11+11): Arslan 1, Kurtoglu, Atsur 5, Akyol DNP, Ilyasova 2, Erden, Kutluay 6, Demirel DNP, Gonlum 4, Okur 14, Peker 2, Turkoglu 18.

Elvis Evora ,Kirilenko and Russia coach speak about Portugal moment -by Bruno Baltazar
Elvis Evora the Portugal center confessed that has been "funny" to confrot the "giants" of the modality, but sometimes he feels he not that tall against much taller centers. "its been funny to confrot these giants, in Portuguese Liga I habitually confrot lower players then me. Here... I feel sometimes im small ", he have 2,05 meters, emphasizing: "I´m loving this experience".

The player of the Ovarense was clearly: "wich player wouldnt like, at least one time in life, to confrot the best players of the World. A few days ago,i played against Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker and the best seleccões of the World ". "We have this chance to learn", after four meeting between the "giants" of the Worldl, count with 7,8 points and 5,3 rebounds of average, with 42,4 percent in "shots" of field.

The mission of Elvis Evora and Portugal has not been easy ,tomorrow Portugal will play against Israel and was successful for two times in the qualification phase. "It will be a difficult game,they are better team then the one we played against in the qualification. In the height, they were in low of form, but they had gone up very, having obtained the last place of apuramento, and that gave them a better spirit ", explained the International luso.
In accordance with Elvis Evora, Israel has for backwards a country where the basketball is a sport that "it awakes enormous passions, in contrast that happens in Portugal", and already fully justified the qualification for the final phase. "won against Serbia, that had moved away from the test, and now they had won with Croacia, that had profit to Spain". Despite this, Elvis left clearly that Portugal does not go to enter defeated: "it is a game that we want to be successful. We do not go to enter in field to think about losing, but already we gained them three times and we can make it another time. We go to enter with everything... and plus some thing ". Portugal won against Israel(75-72). "the memory more curious I have is that, already in the final part, they had whistled there inside to say that the Bosnia had won and we almost stopped, we allready had the game won . At that time we did not have more concentration to play more, we only thought about celebrating ", remembered. The set luso won Israel easily and very it must to a perfect Elvis Evora, author of 27 points: "I did not fail no launching of field. I made 13 in 13, what it only happens of time tom time. It was valid very for having been in this game ". With the triumph, Portugal arrived at final phase and now in the European we in the 2nd phase between the 12 best ones of the Europe: "the sensation is excellent, even for the form as it was, we thought that it did not give. Happily, Croacia gained Spain ". "We are here and is excellent, but we always continue to the search of something more", finished Elvis Evora.

In another time i had the time to speak with Andrei Kirilenko the Russia star and about Portugal he says´´Congratulations to Portugal. They had never participated in a european and they had obtained to characterize itself for this phase. They do not have many hypotheses of now in ahead, but they had exactly improved very -game by game´´.
Already we had confrotted this equips for three times and we knew what to wait. Portugal played aggressive . Defended well, it forced us to shoot and to commit many turnovers."
"I never waited to see Portugal here. Already they had made a good preparation... They had fought admiravelmente, without great names. They are very good and they deserve congratulations of all ", related the North American David Blatt. "We respected our adversary and therefore we won."

Partial of 9-2 gives Lithuania win over Italy -by Bruno Baltazar
Rimantas Kaukenas led Lithuania with 22 points, including a three-pointer with 3:12 remaining to spark a 9-2 run to finish off the game. Sarunas Jasikevicius was hampered with a left groin injury for much of the second half but tallied 13 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals in 28 minutes.
Italy had again some off moments during the game that let Lithuania get their partials to built up an 11-point lead midway through the first quarter but allowed Italy back into the game.
It was the third straight game where Lithuanians were unable to control a double-digit lead. Ramunas Butautas's side nearly blew a 21-point third quarter lead against Germany but still in that game menaged to build a last minute moment to not let Germany got the win with a offesive fould by Dirk
Italy, who were out-rebounded 44-29 and both teams was really bad from the 3 point line. With this lost Italy now have to win the 2 remaining games but wait aswell for other games results.
Denis Marconato scored 10 points for the Italians.
Andrea Bargnani collected 15 points and seven rebounds while Gianluca Basile had 13 points and four rebounds.

The Lithuanians started the game strong defensively, holding the Italians scoreless for more than five minutes in using a 13-0 run to pull out to a 15-4 lead with 3:30 left in the first. Basile answered with five straight points to help close to 19-11 but trailed 21-13 going into the second quarter.

Italy kept trying to scrap themselves back into the game and Lithuania continued to fend them off. But Italian guard Matteo Soragna stole Kaukenas's pass in the waning seconds and banked in a long three-pointer at the half-time buzzer to trim the deficit to 40-39 at half-time, a liar result that didnt showed exactly what happened in the game.

In the third period happened many lead changes aswell many ties and Lithuania led 62-61 going into the fourth after Siskausas's jumper with 22 seconds left.

More of the same in the fourth period, and things were even at 72-72 when Kaukenas drained a three-pointer to give Lithuania a 75-72 advantage with 3:12 remaining. That shot sparked a 9-2 run to finish the game as Italy turned over the ball twice in the final 2:20 to give up any final hope.
Final result Lithuania 79 - Italy 74
( 21-13, 19-26, 22-22, 17-13)

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EUROLEAGUE

Mirsad Turkcan is not coming to Belgrade -by Nenad Ilijev
Mirsad Turkcan (206-F-76) is not coming to Partizan this year. One of the best rebounders in Europe is in Italy where Fenerbahce Ulker is preparing for coming season. Agent Tolga Tugsavul also confirms this news for Eurobasket.com - 'Nobody contacted Mirsad or me. He has valid contract with Fenerbahce and he is staying in Turkey for sure. Turkish and Serbian media sources wrote about possibility of Mirsad's signing with Partizan but this is not true. '

However, Mirsad Turkcan said that he would consider Partizan move next summer. Mirsad (Serbian surname Jahovic) is born in Novi Pazar and he holds Serbian passport too. He is known as big fan of Partizan Belgrade.

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FIJI

Fiji storms past Guam for the Gold -by Eurobasket News
Fiji - Guam 95:58
Fiji National team won the Gold medals at the South Pacific Games in Samoa. They defeated Guam in the Final game yesterday to claim the title. Fiji completed the tournament undefeated winning all 7 games. The title decider was highly anticipated as the teams met earlier in the competition and Fiji managed to celebrate a narrow 71:70 win. So the final clash was thought to be a fierce tight battle of well-matched squads.
However Fiji never allowed Guam to produce any sort of intrigue. They took control over the game early on and dominated the court in the first quarter. Fiji players built up a 19:14 lead. Guam could not stay close in the second quarter and bunch of missed shots saw them fall to 22:38 distance from Fiji at halftime. The change in the game was not spotted after the break. Fiji easily overcame Guam defense and piled up their lead. They reached a 65:31 mark after three quarters and already started to celebrate victory. Guam nailed as many as 27 points in the fourth stanza but it never helped them to cut the deficit and Fiji became the new South Pacific Games champions.
Laisiasa Puamau led Fiji with 17 points. Frank Saketa contributed 16 points, while Adrian Bossley had 13 points for the winners. Andrew Borja scored 11 points for Guam. Chris Fernandez and Edward Calvo netted 9 points apiece in defeat.
Fiji shot 54% of field goals and 46% from charity stripe. Guam lacked accuracy from the field posting just 35% and converted 45% of free throws. Fiji pulled down massive 63 rebounds allowing their opponents to grab just 32 boards.

Fiji: Laisiasa Puamau 17, Frank Saketa 16, Adrian Bossley 13
Guam: Andrew Borja 11, Chris Fernandez 9, Edward Calvo 9

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FRANCE

ProA : Dennis Latimore to be tested at Orleans -by Aurelien Hipp
*Dennis Latimore (205-F-82, college: Notre Dame) won't stay with Limoges this season, but may stay in France. He is expected to be tested in Orleans to replace Ivan McFarlin (203-F-82, college: Oklahoma St.), whose try-out won't be confirmed. Latimore posted 11.6ppg 8.0rpg with Limoges in ProB, but had to deal with a couple of injuries during the season.

Aix-Maurienne Savoie Basket sign Julian Blanks -by Eurobasket
Aix-Maurienne Savoie Basket (ProB) agreed terms with 27-year old American guard Julian Blanks (188-G-80, college: La Salle). Blanks played most recently at FC Porto Ferpinta (Portugal).

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FYR MACEDONIA

MZT Skopje 2000 sign Florian Miftari -by Eurobasket
MZT Skopje 2000 signed 24-year old Albanian swingman Florian Miftari (204-G/F-83, agency: ), Bojan Atanasoski (198-G-85,) and Bojan Nikolovski (192-G-84, college: Seton Hill). They signed also two Americans: Kurtis Rice (202-F-82, college: Charleston So.) and Nathan Ball (206-C-83, college: Charleston So.). All 5 players are represented by Global Sports Plaza agency.

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GERMANY

Wiggins leaves Bremerhaven -by Moritz Korff
Alan Wiggins (206-F-84, college: USF) and 1. Bundesliga-side Eisbaeren Bremerhaven have agreed terms on cancelling their contract. A reason why Wiggins won't stay in Bremerhaven has not been published. The team plans to add a replacement-player very soon.

2. Bundesliga-News -by Moritz Korff
The Bremen Roosters (2. Bundesliga Pro A) signed Achmadschah Zazai (177-G-86) and have almost completed their 2007-2008 roster. Zazai played for BSG Ludwigsburg (Regionalliga) in this past season and also had 12 appearances in the 1. Bundesliga for EnBW Ludwigsburg.

Whit Holcomb-Faye (185-G-84, college: Radford) returns to Kaiserslautern to play another season with the team that has been named Braves in the meantime. The 22-year-old Guard averaged 19.4 points, 3 boards and 4.9 assists through 29 games of the 2006-2007 campaign, being named to the urobasket.com All-2.Bundesliga South 2nd Team.

Muenchen Basket (2. Bundesliga Pro B) signed Bryant McAllister (191-G-84, college: Duquesne) to fill the first of two spots for import players. The Duquesne-graduate spent this past season with Pittsburgh Explosion (CBA). Meanwhile, Andrej Mangold (190-G-87) has also joined the team from the Bavarian capital city. He averaged 9.8 points per contest for Oldenburger TB (Regionalliga North) in this past season.

Roster-moves in Trier -by Moritz Korff
Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.) and Ted Skuchas (211-C-83, agency: Warren Sports, college: Vanderbilt) had to leave TBB Trier (1. Bundesliga) after a try-out period. Both are not going to play for Trier in the upcoming season. Skuchas hurt a finger and was going to be out for four weeks. Smith already moved on to Poland and is trying to shoot a contract at DBE-side Polpharma-Pakmet Starogard Gdanski at the moment. Meanwhile, TBB signed Tim Frost (208-C-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Utah) to close one of the gaps. The 26-year-old Post Player has been in Germany before, when suiting up for TSV Breitenguessbach a couple of years ago. He spent this past season in Spain and averaged 9.6ppg and 6.1 rpg for Provincia de Palencia of the LEB2.

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GREECE

European championships: Day 4: Spain - Greece 58 - 76 -by Chris Mammides

The second consecutive negative result and the offensive fruitfullessness of the Hellenic NT created many negative fealings to the Greek fans allover the world. The point of the matter is that the Hellenic team is very good defencive wise (probably the best team in the tournamanet) but at the same time is not so good in the open shots and in offence generally. Panagiotis Giannaki's players, last night were really heroic against a tough Spanish team playing in its home court and witht he refferies being not so "just" as they charge the Hellenic team with technical fouls for no reason at all, all these in the first 6 minutes of the game!!! Never the less, the negative result on behalf of the Greek team was not because of the men in gray (even though they helped a bit) but it was simply because of the very bad (with not defence) open shots which were missed from all the Greek players. Spanoulis was in a very bad day, Hatzivretas continued his bad shooting and Dikoudis couldn't help as his shots were not as good as in the first two games, Papaloukas was nearly absent from the game, So what was left for the Hellenic team was teh heroic Dimitris Diamantidis who was doing more than enough, Good defence, shooting three's, assisting, block shoting, doing the dirty job but....... him and Giannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM)'s very good game was not enough to stop the unstopable Spaniards. The Greek defence blocked Gasol but Navaro, Garbajosa and the rest were in very good moods, whatever they were doing was positive, shots from the 8 meters, penetrating with "closed eyes" etc. every basket was in!!! Giannis Bourousis's first game in the championship was really very good, with Papadopoulos's very bad performance (the third consecutive game) and with Tsartsaris not being able to score (even though was doing very good defensive job) Giannis Bourousis gve some precious help in the paint and with the boards.

Top scorer and MVP of teh gaem was Fernadez with 20 points followed by Gasol with 15 and Rejes with 10 points and a lots of dirty job!!!

From the Hellenic team which is playign one of its last cards tonight, there was only one player with double digits, top scorer was Giannis Bourousis with 10 points followed by Papaloukas with 9 points



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GUAM

Fiji storms past Guam for the Gold -by Eurobasket News
Fiji - Guam 95:58
Fiji National team won the Gold medals at the South Pacific Games in Samoa. They defeated Guam in the Final game yesterday to claim the title. Fiji completed the tournament undefeated winning all 7 games. The title decider was highly anticipated as the teams met earlier in the competition and Fiji managed to celebrate a narrow 71:70 win. So the final clash was thought to be a fierce tight battle of well-matched squads.
However Fiji never allowed Guam to produce any sort of intrigue. They took control over the game early on and dominated the court in the first quarter. Fiji players built up a 19:14 lead. Guam could not stay close in the second quarter and bunch of missed shots saw them fall to 22:38 distance from Fiji at halftime. The change in the game was not spotted after the break. Fiji easily overcame Guam defense and piled up their lead. They reached a 65:31 mark after three quarters and already started to celebrate victory. Guam nailed as many as 27 points in the fourth stanza but it never helped them to cut the deficit and Fiji became the new South Pacific Games champions.
Laisiasa Puamau led Fiji with 17 points. Frank Saketa contributed 16 points, while Adrian Bossley had 13 points for the winners. Andrew Borja scored 11 points for Guam. Chris Fernandez and Edward Calvo netted 9 points apiece in defeat.
Fiji shot 54% of field goals and 46% from charity stripe. Guam lacked accuracy from the field posting just 35% and converted 45% of free throws. Fiji pulled down massive 63 rebounds allowing their opponents to grab just 32 boards.

Fiji: Laisiasa Puamau 17, Frank Saketa 16, Adrian Bossley 13
Guam: Andrew Borja 11, Chris Fernandez 9, Edward Calvo 9

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HOLLAND

Dutch National Team 2007 -by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Ormskerk


Besseling


Van Paassen


Hilliman


Vermeulen
4 Rogier Jansen (188-G-84) of Hanzevast Capitals Groningen
5 Jeromy Ormskerk (190-G-84) of ZZ Leiden
6 Sjors Besseling (198-F-85) of ZZ Leiden
7 Stefan Wessels (203-F-84) of MyGuide Amsterdam
8 Kees Akerboom (199-F-83) of Eiffel Towers Den Bosch
9 Arvin Slagter (190-G-85) of West-Brabant Giants
10 Ties Theeuwkens (190-G-85) of Rotterdam Challengers
11 Gerrit Brigitha (204-F/C-82) of Matrixx Magix Nijmegen
12 Peter Van Paassen (210-C/F-78) of MyGuide Amsterdam
13 Patrik Hilliman (206-F/C-82) of Caja Rioja (ESP)
14 Thijs Vermeulen (192-F-85) of Matrixx Magix Nijmegen
15 Henk Norel (210-F/C-87) of DKV Joventut Badalona (ESP)

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HUNGARY

Gazdavar-Cup: day 2 -by Tamas Deri

Friday, 7th of September 2007

The team of Szolnok played again only wiht the hungarians and lost against UNIVER from Kecskemet. Jakob Sigurdarson (192-G-82, college: Birmingham Souther) just played his first game and had some great moments on the court.

Univer-Kecskemet - Szolnoki Olaj KK 82-62
(12-15, 25-17, 29-21)
Kecskemet, Att.: 1200, Referees: Cziffra, Vetek, Kiss L.
UNIVER: Vida 2, Peter Toth (200-G-88, agency: FCM) 13/3, Horvath 11, Jefferson Antonio (207-F/C-83) 27/3, Vucicevic 9, Sigurdarson 6/6, Csorvasi 6, Halmai 6/3, Szabo Zs. 2, Csabay, Coach: Zsoldos Andras
SZOLNOK: Gaal 3/3, Laszlo Cziczas (187-G-79) 21/9, Molnar 5/3, Cseh 10/6, Harazin 5, Szabo P. 3/3, Toth 7/3, Kovacs 4, Kenyeres 4, Coach: Por Peter

In the second game the panthers from Pecs played against Hodmezővasarhely. Ricky Ricky Hickman (190-G-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) (190-G-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) just arrived on thursday to Hungary and played his first game on his try-out period for the Panthers. The very quick guard scored 16 points last night!

PVSK-Expo Center Pecs - Bodrogi Bau-Vasarhelyi KS 86-65
(16-15, 21-17, 26-15, 23-18)
Kecskemet, Att.: 300, Referees: Bognar, Kiraly, Bogardi
PVSK-Expo Center Pecs: Wittmann 9/3, Gergely Hosszu (190-G-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 14/9, Dragan Aleksic (196-G-70, agency: Beo Basket) 14/9, Toth N. 5/3, Czigler 10, Kutasi, Ricky Hickman 16/3, Grebenar 10, Lapov 4, Polya 2, Feher Cs. 2, Coach: Stojan Ivkovic
Bodrogi Bau-Vasarhelyi KS: Boszormenyi 2, Robert Kovats (199-F-84) 12/3, Kukla 7/3, Eric Freeman (206-C-79, college: Ky Wesleyan) 21/3, Levente Gemes (207-C-73, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 20/6, Csorba 1, Mate 2, Szogi, Coach: Czuprak Laszlo



Pre-season games -by Tamas Deri

The team of Falco KC Szombathely just played the first practice game last night! Couple of hundred people took time to watch the game in the Arena Savaria, mainly they were interested in the new foreigners of the team. All of them showed their excellent skills and helped the team to get one easy victory last night!
However, it was not a fiesta for the fans and the team, cause hungarian forward Tibor Pankar (195-F-76, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) had a terrible injury in the 10th minute of the game, his shine bone got broken! Hleg just was operated last night and for sure will not be able to play for a long time! Eurobasket Hungary wishes him all the best and hopes to see him on the hungarian courts again!

FALCO KC SZOMBATHELY - SOPRONI SÖRDÖGÖK 108-84
(29-18, 28-17, 20-26, 31-23)
Szombathely, Att.: 600, Referees: Forrai, Toth, Nemeth
FALCO KC: Laszlo Kalman (186-G-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 21/9, Bam Doyne (193-G-84, college: Mississippi) 22, Andrija Ciric (199-G-80, agency: Beo Basket) 20/6, Arnas Kazlauskas (204-C/F-76, agency: Court Side) 23/15, Feigl 8, Pankar, Borszeki, Tamas Will (196-G/F-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 10/3, Varadi 1, Szanati, Papp 2, Csiszar, Coach: Srecko Sekulovic
SOPRON: Jeff Viggiano (198-F-84, college: Massachusetts) 18/3, Peter Lakatos (194-G-79) 14/6, Karon Bradley (180-G-84, college: Wichita St.) 13/9, Hallet 5/3, Frana 1, Pojbics 4, Boldizsar 6, Vesztergom 16/3, Kortelyesi 7/6, Coach: Meszlenyi Robert

The team of Dombovar played against slovakian team Levice and beat them easily. Player of the game was Julien Julien Mills (193-G-84, agency: Warren Sports, college: Ball St.) (193-G-84, agency: Warren Sports, college: Ball St.) who had 25 points and 9 assists last night.

Planet Leasing Dombovar KC - Levice 91-70

(18-23, 24-24, 31-8, 18-15)
Dombovar, Att.: 250, Referees: Balind A., Sojtory T.
DKC: Marco Sanders (202-F-79, college: Point Park) 17/3, Vas 3/3, Bodi 5/3, Marquis Webb (196-G/F-84, college: Rutgers) 11/3, Julien Mills 25/12, Simon 7, Balogh 5/3, Wiley 8/3, Miklos Molnar (195-G/F-85) 10/3, Coach: Branislav Dzunic



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KOSOVO

Arben Krasniqi's NT candidates; Florian Rexhepi will come back in Kosova? -by Ramadan Gagica

Prishtine,
07 Sep, 2007

The selector of National Team of Kosova, Arben Krasniqi together with his assistant Albert Sylejmani assigned a wide list of candidates who will participate in the sixth international tournament "King Abdullah's Cup" from 15-23 October 2007.


Candidates for Kosova's National team are: Arian Maliqi, Granit Rugova, Armend Ademi, Samir Shaptahoviq, Ersid Luca, Florian Miftari, Florian Rexhepi, Genc Selimi, Moris Haxhia, Fahri Breca, Vigan Radoni, Igor Dashiq, Ismet Ferati, Muhamet Hasani, Gazmend Asllani, Edmond Azemi, Dardan Berisha, Driton Obërtinca, Brahim Veseli, Valentin Spaqi, Besnik Asllanaj, Albesian Ademaj, Jugosllav Dashiq, Roland Beqiri, Fisnik Mehmeti, Fisnik Rugova, Nebojsha Dujovic, Behxhet Demolli, Florent Lila, Edis Kuraja, Alban Veseli, Naim Haxha, Lind Islami, Korab Ferizi, Urim Zenelaj, Valdet Grapci, Fikret Hangjiq, Blerim Mazreku, Gëzim Citaku.


Their first meeting is going to be on Sunday, September 16th in Prishtina.

Source: basketbolli.com




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LATVIA

Tournament in Kaunas -by Ricards Vambuts


2nd day

BK Valmiera - VEF Riga 73:67 (23:22, 17:14, 17:14, 16:17).
Valmiera: Vladimir Stimac (208-C-87, agency: Interperformances) 18+11reb, Bankevics 18, Melderis 7, Gabrans 7, Pilkevics 6, Cavars 5, Jansons 4+7reb, Amolins 4, Ramanauskas 2+6reb, Bergmanis 2.
VEF Riga: Gumenyuk 15, Sheleketo 14+6reb, Aleksejevs 14.


Aisciai-Atletas - Nevezis 72:76 (10:22, 14:15, 36:21, 12:18).
Aisèiø-Atleto: Vileita 17, Dimsa 15+8reb, Navickas 9, Vetrenka 8, Kalvelis 6, Sumskis 5, Skurdauskas 4, Barstys 3, Rakauskas 3, Vasiliauskas 2.
Nevezis: Cerkunovas 17, Sakinis 16, Veikalas 11, Stankus 10, Butkevicius 7+13reb, Leonavicius 6, Viskontas 5, Mineikis 4.



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LEBANON

A new big promissing development plan for Lebanese Basketball -by Asia-Basket Lebanon
The Newly elected Lebanese Basketball Federation Executive Board Committee have a big development plan for the Lebanese Basketball .
Lebanese Basketball is facing since 2004 big upsets by the departures of big sponsors from the game due to the lack of competition in the Lebanese League .This abandonment is reflecting badly on the Basketball in general and will do in the future on the results of the Lebanese National Teams.
For this reason the new Executive Board committee have a big development plan which can be described a very promising one and it can be resumed as follows:

1 -Development of new rules in the Lebanese Basketball Federation Internal Regulations which will help to create a new Professional league “Super League “ .

2 - Held a big meeting with all people involved in Lebanese Basketball in the end of the Month of September 2007 to finalize all the details of the new rules.

3 - Launch the Super League (which can join clubs from different divisions ) and creation of the League committee which will be consisted form the Clubs delegates together with the Lebanese Basketball Federation.

4 - Set a salary cap for all teams participating in the Super League .

5 - Creation of an arbitration committee which will solve all the contractual disputes between Clubs , players, coaches ,…


Such a big project will help the Lebanese Basketball to regain its leadership role in the Asian Basketball , the back of competition to the league will help to develop new stars .
Lebanese Basketball produced lot of stars from 1996 till 2002 when the competition was at the highest level between clubs.




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LITHUANIA

Lithuania is getting ready for Italy -by Eurobasket News
The National team of Lithuania will start the Qualifying round today. The game against Italy will be the second of the day and start at 19.00.
Lithuania stay on top of Group F together with Slovenia as both favorites have 2-0. Even with that record the Baltic team has already 3 wins as they won the previous group. Turkey and Czech Republic were easily swept by the Lithuanian team, however Germany gave a real battle. In the last game of the Preliminary Round Lithuania overcame them 84:80 despite a great game of Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78). An NBA start poured 28 points, made 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) top-scored for Lithuania with 18 points.

As for Italy, the team had a tough group. They lost the opener to Slovenia with only 68:69. France overcame Italy due to the last spurt in the game and only in the last game of the group Italy took a ticket to the Qualifying Round beating Poland 79:70. Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) top-scored for the team at that time nailing 20 points. Italian leader Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) ended up with 19 points.
Everything is ready for the game. A win over Italy will leave Lithuania on top of the group, for Italy the victory might lift them to the 4th spot.

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NEW CALEDONIA

New Caledonia ends fourth -by Eurobasket News
New Caledonia - Samoa 76:85
The defending South Pacific champions New Caledonia did not manage to repeat their success and finished 2007 South Pacific Games at the 4th spot. They were beaten by hosting Samoa in the game for Bronze medals.
Both teams kept it tight in the first frame and the home side enjoyed just a 3-point lead after it 21:18. However the second quarter became the key factor for the hosts. Samoa limited their opponents to only 9 points and scored 20 themselves establishing a 41:27 lead at halftime. New Caledonia still struggled offensively after the intermission and could not find the touch from the field. Samoa cheered up by the fans extended the gap to 61:39 entering the fourth frame. New Caledonia did not look lost in the fourth frame and performed a fierce comeback effort outscoring the hosts 37:24. But it was never enough and Samoa donned Bronze medals.
Fia Gatoloai (188-G) topscored for Samoa with 18 points. Julius Barnes (186-G-81, college: Stanford) added 14 points and 3 steals for the winners. Fabrice Chaliot (198-F/C-76) answered with 18 points for New Caledonia. Yann Mathelon (185-G-85) secured another 10 points in a losing effort.
New Caledonia converted 51% from the field and 73% of free throws. They managed to outrebound Samoa 31:29 but committed 22 turnovers.

New Caledonia: Fabrice Chaliot 18, Yann Mathelon 10
Samoa: Fia Gatoloai 18, Julius Barnes 14

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NEW ZEALAND

Breakers top South Dragons for the second time in a row -by Eurobasket News
NZ Breakers - South Dragons 94:88
NZ Breakers won their second preseason encounter against South Dragons in Melbourne. The game was once again a close contest as Breakers used a strong second frame to succeed at the end. The teams kept it close in the opening frame and ended it tied at 22. Cortez Groves (196-G/F-78, college: Kansas St.) rolled it for the Dragons and his jumper marked a tie-game late in the first quarter. Phill Jones (196-G-74) connected two times from beyond the arc and Tony Ronaldson (203-F/C-72) being unstoppable in the second quarter allowed New Zealand side to a spur ahead to a 54:34 lead at halftime.
Cortez Groves opened the second half with 6 straight points to ignite South Dragons comeback effort. An overwhelmed Kylsith Stadium cheered the hosts to play more aggressively and the fierce battle on the court never reminded of the preseason status of the game. South Dragons cut the deficit by 5 points entering the final frame 61:76 behind. However South Dragons were not able to overcome a massive gap and had to surrender at the end.
Veteran Tony Ronaldson led NZ Breakers with 25 points. Oscar Forman (205-G-82) contributed 19 points and 5 boards for the winners. Rick Rickert (210-F-83, college: Minnesota) who shone in the previous game was limited to just 13 points and 8 boards. Cortez Groves dropped 20 points for South Dragons. Matthew Matt Burston (210-F/C-82) secured 17 points and 6 boards in a loss.
The Breakers shot 41.7% from the field and 96% from free throw line. They outrebounded the hosts 44:43, while both teams committed 15 turnovers.

NZ Breakers: Tony Ronaldson 25, Oscar Forman 19+5 boards, Rick Rickert 13+8 boards
South Dragons: Cortez Groves 20, Matthew Matt Burston 17+6 boards

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PHILIPPINES

Continuity of the National Team program -by May Arevalo
The flambouyant Serbain Coach Vlado Djurovic or "Djura" will be in Manila on September 13. He would be heading the Philippine Basketball Coaches Conference at the Astoria Plaza. The BAP SBP invited Djurovic for a year in the Philippines but no word yet as to its approval. Djurovic noticed the Philippine National Team when it went to Belgrade earlier this year. He was quoted as saying: "You are much better than I thought. You move well, and you show a good understanding of the game. But three things you must work on: one, do not give openings on defense; two, big guys must learn to score against bigger defenders; and three, outside shooting must improve. In Serbia, nobody shoots five out of five 3-pointers, but nobody makes one or two out of five, either. Every top player here will make 3 or 4 out of 5 if left open from the outside."

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PORTUGAL

Portugal - Russia last reactions -by Bruno Baltazar
Captain Paulo Simao affirmed today that Portugal lost a good chance to win against Russia, in the first day of the second phase of the European, in Madrid. "We compromise our hypotheses in the beginning of the game. The Russians had not entered very aggressive and had to use to advantage, what we do not obtain, when failing many alone shots. If we marked, he would have been different .We have to perceive that we are in a championship of the Europe and that to earn we cannot commit the 110 errors and we have to play percent". "It is very difficult to confrot these teams.
They create us many difficulties, the only form of winning to them is to enter well since the beginning ", adding: "for we be successful we have to play great since the beginning".

The captain used the occasion to explain what occurred in the final part of the meeting with Croacia, tuesday, more necessarily the 2,45 minutes of the end, when was called by the selector luso, Valentyn Melnychuk, to substitute Joao Gomes, who commits the fifth foul. "I was frozen, therefore he had still not played. We have to be honest and to say when we are not in conditions. It was what I made. I asked for to the Valentyn if it was not imported to place another player, therefore he was not ready to give contributo best ", disclosed. E devaluated: It was a perfectly normal thing. Already we have problems that they arrive with the adversaries. It is not necessary to have more run down ". " I fulfilled 100 internationalizations and I have always wanted to play.
Happily that today I had the chance. I am always pissed when I cannot play, for that it costs me when they say that I did not want to enter ", relieved.

Andrei Kirilenko, one of the main figures in this European, did not save compliments to Portugal.

"Congratulations to Portugal. They had never participated in a european and they had obtained to characterize itself for this phase. They do not have many hypotheses of now in ahead, but they had exactly improved very -game by game ", considered the Russian, one of the stars of the Utah Jazz. "Already we had confrotted this equips for three times and we knew what to wait. Portugal played aggressive . Defended well, it forced us to shoot and to commit many turnovers." Kirilenko left, however, an acknowledgment: "If we play as today we will not be champion of the Europe. We did not play well and Portugal knew to defend." Russian coach was surprised. "he never waited to see Portugal here. Already they had made a good preparation... They had fought admiravelmente, without great names. They are very good and they deserve congratulations of all ", related the North American David Blatt. "We respected our adversary and therefore we won."

Elvis Evora speaks its been great to play against the bests -by Bruno Baltazar
Elvis Evora the Portugal center confessed that has been "funny" to confrot the "giants" of the modality, but sometimes he feels he not that tall against much taller centers. "its been funny to confrot these giants, in Portuguese Liga I habitually confrot lower players then me. Here... I feel sometimes im small ", he have 2,05 meters, emphasizing: "I´m loving this experience".

The player of the Ovarense was clearly: "wich player wouldnt like, at least one time in life, to confrot the best players of the World. A few days ago,i played against Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker and the best seleccões of the World ". "We have this chance to learn", after four meeting between the "giants" of the Worldl, count with 7,8 points and 5,3 rebounds of average, with 42,4 percent in "shots" of field.

The mission of Elvis Evora and Portugal has not been easy ,tomorrow Portugal will play against Israel and was successful for two times in the qualification phase. "It will be a difficult game,they are better team then the one we played against in the qualification. In the height, they were in low of form, but they had gone up very, having obtained the last place of apuramento, and that gave them a better spirit ", explained the International luso.
In accordance with Elvis Evora, Israel has for backwards a country where the basketball is a sport that "it awakes enormous passions, in contrast that happens in Portugal", and already fully justified the qualification for the final phase. "won against Serbia, that had moved away from the test, and now they had won with Croacia, that had profit to Spain". Despite this, Elvis left clearly that Portugal does not go to enter defeated: "it is a game that we want to be successful. We do not go to enter in field to think about losing, but already we gained them three times and we can make it another time. We go to enter with everything... and plus some thing ". Portugal won against Israel(75-72). "the memory more curious I have is that, already in the final part, they had whistled there inside to say that the Bosnia had won and we almost stopped, we allready had the game won . At that time we did not have more concentration to play more, we only thought about celebrating ", remembered. The set luso won Israel easily and very it must to a perfect Elvis Evora, author of 27 points: "I did not fail no launching of field. I made 13 in 13, what it only happens of time tom time. It was valid very for having been in this game ". With the triumph, Portugal arrived at final phase and now in the European we in the 2nd phase between the 12 best ones of the Europe: "the sensation is excellent, even for the form as it was, we thought that it did not give. Happily, Croacia gained Spain ". "We are here and is excellent, but we always continue to the search of something more", finished Elvis Evora.


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ROMANIA

Romanian National Team 2007 -by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Helcioiu


Szijarto


Burlacu


Nicoara


Popescu
4 Virgil Stanescu (207-C/F-77) of Unics Kazan (RUS)
5 George Paul Helcioiu (180-G-78) of BCMUS Arges Pitesti
6 Levente Szijarto (192-G/F-83) of CSU Asesoft Ploiesti
7 Uchechukwu Iheadindu (194-F-79) of Univ Mobitelco Cluj Napoca
8 Brice Kabengele (190-G-81) of CSU Atlassib Sibiu
9 Viorel Mocanu (205-C-77) of CSU Atlassib Sibiu
10 Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77) of Air Avellino (ITA)
11 Mihail Paul (192-G-82) of CSU Asesoft Ploiesti
12 Senai Isleam (217-C-76) of CS Otopeni Bucuresti
13 Titus Nicoara (200-F-88) of Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions (AUT)
15 Bogdan Popescu (201-F-78) of BCMUS Arges Pitesti
23 Flavius Lapuste (201-F-78) of Univ Mobitelco Cluj Napoca

Dinamo-Galean Bucuresti sign Carlos Morban -by Eurobasket
Dinamo-Galean Bucuresti added to their roster 25-year old Dominican guard Carlos Morban (187-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Florida Intern.) (187-G-82, college: Florida Intern.) and Canadian-Jamaican Kevin Shand (209-C-74, college: Duquesne). Morban played most recently at Vardar Osiguranje Skopje (FYR Macedonia), while Shand spent last season at Al Ahli Manama in Bahrain. Both players are represented by Global Sports Plaza agency.

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RUSSIA

Mike Brown to stay with CSKA for a week -by Eurobasket News
The head coach of the NBA team Cleveland Cavaliers Mike Brown is the guest of CSKA training camp in Italy. Ettore Messina visited the US this summer and stayed for a week with Cleveland. This time it is Mike Brown turn.

- Mike Brown will stay with us for a week, - says CSKA head coach Ettore Messina . - It is the unique opportunity for us to exchange opinions on some technical details. And for CSKA the visit itself is the sign of recognition
Courtesy of: http://www.cskabasket.com

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SAMOA

SPG2007: Day 8 Results - Fiji and Guam for the Gold -by Gauthier Gerard
Samoa needed a 5-point win to play the final game of its 2007 South Pacific Games but the host nation was unable to defeat the strong Fijian team, 58-65. The samoans will play against New Caledonia for the Bronze medal while Fiji will face Guam for the Gold medal game. Guam has only won the SPG title once, in 1975 in Guam, while Fiji never claimed the Pacific title. In the last edition of the Games, in Fiji, the team collapsed during the final game, the fijians will be looking for a sweet redemption in Apia.

Medal Round:
Fiji - Samoa: 65-58
Marques Whippy 16pts 7/12FG - Julius Barnes 17pts 5/11FG
New Caledonia - Solomon Islands: 70-40
Jean-Jacques Taufana 13pts 5/7FG - Allen Wanefai 15pts 10/15FG
American Samoa - Guam: 79-97
Shaun Salave'A 13pts 5/12FG - John Chaco 19pts 8/14FG

Standings:
1- Fiji 5-0
2- Guam 4-1
3- Samoa 3-2
4- New Caledonia 2-3
5- Solomon Islands 1-4
6- American Samoa 0-5

Playoffs schedule:
Gold medal game:
Fiji - Guam
Bronze medal game:
Samoa - New Caledonia



Samoa (blue) vs American Samoa (white) (photo: SPG2007)

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SERBIA

ALBA Berlin landed center Mladen Pantic -by Dragan Jankovski

Center Mladen Pantic (210-C-82) joined German Bundesleague and ULEB Cup participant ALBA Berlin. Pantic grew up with FMP Zeleznik where also played last 4 seasons. He was member of Yugoslavian U18 NT and with them won unofficial World Championship Albert Schweitzer in Germany 2000. Later, with U20 NT he played on European Championship 2002 and World University Games 2003. With FMP he won two National Cups (2005, 2007) and became Adriatic league champion 2006 but last season, actually in December, suffered a virus infection (mononucleosis), and was sidelined until the end of the season. He is fully recovered now and signed one year contract with ALBA Berlin including option for two more seasons.


Estonian team Kalev Tallinn agreed terms with forward Vladimir Vuksanovic (205-F-78, agency: Interperformances) while small forward Bojan Pelkic (206-F-83, agency: Beo Basket) is beinged testing buy the same team.

Member of Serbian U21 NT, who won European Championship this summer, Vladimir Stimac (208-C-87, agency: Interperformances) stays in BC Valmeira for one more year. Last season for 18 games in Baltic league he averaged 11,8 ppg and 8 rpg.



Mirsad Turkcan is not coming to Belgrade -by Nenad Ilijev
Mirsad Turkcan (206-F-76) is not coming to Partizan this year. One of the best rebounders in Europe is in Italy where Fenerbahce Ulker is preparing for coming season. Agent Tolga Tugsavul also confirms this news for Eurobasket.com - 'Nobody contacted Mirsad or me. He has valid contract with Fenerbahce and he is staying in Turkey for sure. Turkish and Serbian media sources wrote about possibility of Mirsad's signing with Partizan but this is not true. '

However, Mirsad Turkcan said that he would consider Partizan move next summer. Mirsad (Serbian surname Jahovic) is born in Novi Pazar and he holds Serbian passport too. He is known as big fan of Partizan Belgrade.

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SLOVENIA

Slovenia is still hot! -by Zeljko Zule
With an incredibile 19-1 run spanning the third and fourth quarters, Slovenia defeated Turkey 66-51 and already qualified to the quarterfinals of 2007 European Championship. Radoslav Nesterovic had 13 points and 6 rebounds, Uros Slokar (210-F/C-83) added 12 points including three straight 3-pointers to put his team up 57-40, Goran Dragic posted 12 points, Goran Jagodnik grabbed 8 rebounds and Jaka Lakovic had 7 rebounds.
SLOVENIA 66 (20+11+15+20): Cebular DNP, Lakovic 5, Capin DNP, Dragic 11, Nesterovic 13, Smodis 9, Slokar 12, Klobucar DNP, D.Lorbek 7, Vidmar DNP, E.Lorbek 4.
TURKEY 51 (15+14+11+11): Arslan 1, Kurtoglu, Atsur 5, Akyol DNP, Ilyasova 2, Erden, Kutluay 6, Demirel DNP, Gonlum 4, Okur 14, Peker 2, Turkoglu 18.

Kraski complete roster with Condric -by Zeljko Zule
Kraski zidar Jadran has completed its roster for the upcoming season by inking Filip Condric (208-F-87) ex Triglav on a one year contract.

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SPAIN

CB Ourense sign Ales Primc -by Eurobasket
CB Ourense (LEB) added to their roster 28-year old Slovenian forward Ales Primc (201-F-79, agency: Global Sports Plaza). Primc played most recently at Zagorje Banka Zasavje (Slovenia).

Caceres 2016 C.B. sign Dardan Berisha -by Eurobasket
Caceres 2016 C.B. (LEB) added to their roster 19-year old Croatian guard Dardan Berisha (193-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza). Berisha played most recently at BC Peje (Kosova).

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SWITZERLAND

BC Lugano Tigers sign Brian Greene -by Eurobasket
BC Lugano Tigers strengthened their roster with addition of American guard Brian Greene (196-G, college: Florida A&M). Greene played most recently at Florida A&M University (NCAA) in the U.S., where in 31 games averaged: 11.7ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.4apg and 1.9spg.

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TUNISIA

The new season begin this week end -by Carlos Pereira
ESS and SN are the two best teams in the beat borse but JSK, USMo and ESZ, are in good positios too.

Coaches
ESS : Nebil Hattab
SN : Alain Gay
CA : Monêm Oune (new)
ESZ : Sami Husseini (new)
JSK : Ahmed Kefi (new)
USM : Faouzi Madhi (new)
CSC : Mounir Nefzi (new)
ASM : Zouheïr Mouelhi(new)
DSG : Outaïl Aouij
ASH : Slah Ben Youssef (new)
CAB : Abdessattar Elloumi (new)
ESR : Badreddine Ben Amor (new)



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Women News

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ADRIATIC L. (W) - Women

Buducnost agrees with Russell -by Zeljko Zule
Buducnost agreed terms with American Toni Russell (160-G-83, college: USF) for the upcoming season. During her NCAA's carerr she built reputation as one of the toughest defenders in the West Coast Conference.

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AMERICAN SAMOA - Women

Fiji steps up as South Pacific Games champions -by Eurobasket News
Fiji - American Samoa 70:62
Fiji women's national team kept up with the nation's men basketball team and delivered one more Gold for Fiji. They had to overcome American Samoa in the Final game to grab the title. Fiji entered the Final game with a perfect record of 6 wins and hoped to extend the winning streak for one more encounter. American Samoa meanwhile hoped to revenge for the loss at the preliminary round 62:80. And the Final game met the expectations. It was a tough battle with the outcome unknown till the final minutes. American Samoa looked a bit better at the start of the game and gained a narrow 18:15 lead after the first quarter. Fiji stayed close and managed to cut the deficit by one point at halftime 32:34. The breakthrough for Fiji players came in the third term when they stormed past American Samoa 21:6 and cleared off to a 53:40 distance. However it was far from the victory as American Samoa fought hard to remain in contest. Malia Pritchard connected from afar and Sina Leomiti added another jumper as American Samoa came as close as 5 points late in the game. But Fiji players were deadly from free throw line in the dying stages and sealed the win.
Valerie Nainima (165-G-86) paced Fiji with 29 points and 6 steals. Mickaelar Whippy added 13 points for the winners. Sina Leomiti replied with 12 points and 8 boards for American Samoa. Latoya Marshall had 11 points and 12 boards in a loss.

Fiji: Valerie Nainima 29+6 steals, Mickaelar Whippy 13
American Samoa: Sina Leomiti 12+8 boards, Latoya Marshall 11+12 boards

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BELGIUM - Women

Belgium suffers a loss in Italy -by Eurobasket News
Italy-Belgium 83:74 (24-24; 50-34; 60-54)

The National team of Belgium is preparing for the Eurobasket 2007. The team started the repetition for the tournament in Italy in a 'Memorial Giulio Torresi'' tournament that is also taking place there. In the first game of the day Belgian squad lost to the hosts 74:83. Laura Macchi (187-F-79) poured in 25 points for the Italians. Kathrin Ress (193-F-85, college: Boston Coll.) ended up with 13, while Zara added 9. Ann Wauters (194-C-80) was the best for our squad with 25 points.
The beginning of the game left chances for Belgium as the team stayed on even with the hosts. The board showed 24:24 when Italy and Belgium started the second quarter. It was a benefit of the Italians who won the period 26:10. It gave the hosts 50:34 at the half time.
In the third quarter Belgium reduced to 6 points and brought an intrigue to the game. A 60:54 win held Italy in front before the last period. With the help of the spectators Italy stunned a 83:74 victory.

In another game of the tournament Czech Republic beat Turkey 85:78. Today the day-2 scheduled games: Italy vs Czech Republic and Belgium against Turkey.

Italy: Laura Macchi 25 , Kathrin Ress 13, Zara 9
Belgium: Ann Wauters 25, De Mondt 13, Van Malderen 12

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BOSNIA - Women

Tournament: "Davorin Popovic - Pimpek" and new signed in Zeljeznicar -by Emil Suceska
28. and 29. September is date of international woman basketball tournament in Sarajevo. In this tournament will be play four teams from four countries. Sibenik Jolly JBS - Croatia, Buducnost Podgorica - Montenegro, Szolnok - Hungary and host team Zeljeznicar Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina). On this tournament fans from Sarajevo will be see new signed players in Zeljeznicar from this season: Martina Gambiroza from Sibenik and last signed Aleksandra Music player guard from Mladi Krajisnik.

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CROATIA - Women

Croatia stays on top of the tournament in Romania -by Eurobasket News
The National team of Croatia started with two wins in the tournament in Romania. Cluj-Napoca hosts the Omnilogic International tournament for the National team of Croatia, National team of Greece, National team of Romania and BC ICIM Arad the vice -Champion team in women Romanian championship.
In the first game of Day 1 Croatia beat Romania 87:77. Croatia opened the game with a 16-0 run and led till the end of the game. Sonja Kireta (198-C-76) paced the winners with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Mandir Sandra produced 18, while Selavic Anda added 15. Toma Larisa collected 19 points in the losing effort.
In the second game of the tournament Croatia overcame Greece 73:67. Greece played better throughout first three quarters. In order to win Croatia used a 21:11 in the last quarter and won with a 6-points deficit. Sonja Kireta led the winners with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) netted 14, as Ercec Bozena had 12. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) top-scored with 21 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.
Croatia will also play with BC ICIM Arad the vice -Champion team in women Romanian championship.

Romania-Croatia 77:87 (18-36, 20-18, 21-16, 18-17)
Romania: Toma Larisa 19 points, Simina Mandache (184-F-81) Andra 16, Monika Brosovszky (176-G/F-74) 8
Croatia: Sonja Kireta 21 points+15 rebounds, Mandir Sandra 18, Selavic Anda 15

Croatia-Greece 73:67 (18-22, 21-16, 13-18, 21-11)
Croatia: Sonja Kireta 23 points+14 rebounds, Ana Lelas 14, Ercec Bozena 12, Mandir Sandra 10.
Greece: Evanthia Maltsi 21 points+8 rebounds, Saregou Poly 13

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CZECH REP. - Women

Czech Republic started the preparation tournament in Italy -by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic-Turkey 85:78

Czech Republic takes part in the preparation for Eurobasket 2007. The team started the repetition in Italy in a 'Memorial Giulio Torresi'' tournament that is also taking place there. In the first game of the day Czech Republic beat Turkey 85:78. Despite missing Zuzana Ondrejova (190-C-85), Miroslava Svobodova and captain Hana Machova (182-F-79) the team stayed in a row. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) took a control of the game being the top-scorer with 27 points. Nevriye Yilmaz (196-C-80) produced 24 points and made 9 rebounds for the Turkish team. Forward Eva Viteckova reckons the team can claim a podium place in EuroBasket Women 2007.
The game had a tough scenario and it was difficult to suggest about the winner till the last quarter. Czech Republic dominated in the court and won the first game of the tournament.
Machova has been forced to stay at home after a knee operation, but head coach Jan Bobrovsky has not ruled her - or indeed any of the trio - out of EuroBasket.

In another game of the day, Italy overcame Belgium 83:74. The Czech team will meet Turkey on Friday, Italy on Saturday and Belgium on Sunday in Porto San Giorgio.
Just a reminder that Czech Republic are in Group A alongside Turkey, Latvia and a qualifier for EuroBasket Women 2007, which tips off on Monday, September 24.

Czech Republic: Eva Viteckova 27
Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 24+9 rebs

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FIJI - Women

Fiji steps up as South Pacific Games champions -by Eurobasket News
Fiji - American Samoa 70:62
Fiji women's national team kept up with the nation's men basketball team and delivered one more Gold for Fiji. They had to overcome American Samoa in the Final game to grab the title. Fiji entered the Final game with a perfect record of 6 wins and hoped to extend the winning streak for one more encounter. American Samoa meanwhile hoped to revenge for the loss at the preliminary round 62:80. And the Final game met the expectations. It was a tough battle with the outcome unknown till the final minutes. American Samoa looked a bit better at the start of the game and gained a narrow 18:15 lead after the first quarter. Fiji stayed close and managed to cut the deficit by one point at halftime 32:34. The breakthrough for Fiji players came in the third term when they stormed past American Samoa 21:6 and cleared off to a 53:40 distance. However it was far from the victory as American Samoa fought hard to remain in contest. Malia Pritchard connected from afar and Sina Leomiti added another jumper as American Samoa came as close as 5 points late in the game. But Fiji players were deadly from free throw line in the dying stages and sealed the win.
Valerie Nainima (165-G-86) paced Fiji with 29 points and 6 steals. Mickaelar Whippy added 13 points for the winners. Sina Leomiti replied with 12 points and 8 boards for American Samoa. Latoya Marshall had 11 points and 12 boards in a loss.

Fiji: Valerie Nainima 29+6 steals, Mickaelar Whippy 13
American Samoa: Sina Leomiti 12+8 boards, Latoya Marshall 11+12 boards

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FINLAND - Women

EUROBASKET: Poland - Finland 67-58 -by Rauno Hurmalainen
Eurobasket, Qualification, Group A: Torun, Poland: Poland - Finland 67-58 (34-24). POL: Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, college: Abilene Christian) 20. (Poland: 1 - 60,0%, 2 - 48,8%, 3 - 37,5%. R: 31+3=34). FIN: Reetta Piipari (170-G-80, college: Xavier) 23 (threes 5/11), Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) 16/10, Niina Laaksonen (185-F/C-85) 8/11. (Finland: 1 - 42,9%, 2 - 40,8%, 3 - 20,0%. R: 23014=37). Next game: 15.9. Finland - Slovenia.

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GREECE - Women

Greece had 2 wins and 1 loss in the preparation tournament -by Eurobasket News
The National team of Greece started with two wins in the tournament in Romania. The team prepares for Eurobasket 2007 that will be held in Italy later. Cluj-Napoca hosts the Omnilogic International tournament for the National team of Croatia, National team of Greece, National team of Romania and BC ICIM Arad the vice -Champion team in women Romanian championship.
Greek team had already played three games where the team grabbed two wins and lost once. In the first game Greece upset the hosts, BC ICIM Arad 69:63. Polymnia Sarekgou (185-G-72) led the winners with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Stella Kaltsidou (187-C-83) added 12, while Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) scored 10.
In the second game of the tournament Croatia overcame Greece 73:67. Greece played better throughout first three quarters. In order to win Croatia used a 21:11 in the last quarter and won with a 6-points deficit. Sonja Kireta (198-C-76) led the winners with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Lelas Ana netted 14, as Ercec Bozena had 12. Evanthia Maltsi top-scored with 21 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.
A 72:71 win was achieved in the game over Romania. That meant that Greece had a great preparation for Eurobakset 2007. France, Italy and Russia will be in the same Group C of the tournament.

Greece-BC ICIM Arad 69:63 (23-17, 21-11, 13-16, 12-19)
Greece: Polymnia Sarekgou 15 points+8 rebounds, Stella Kaltsidou 12, Evanthia Maltsi Evina 10.
BC ICIM Arad: Alicia Gladeen 22 points, Moore Sheena 21, Radenkovik Elena 9.

Croatia-Greece 73:67 (18-22, 21-16, 13-18, 21-11)
Croatia: Sonja Kireta 23 points+14 rebounds, Lelas Ana 14, Ercec Bozena 12, Mandir Sandra 10.
Greece: Evanthia Maltsi 21 points+8 rebounds, Polymnia Sarekgou 13

Romania 71 - 72 Greece (12-18, 29-14, 14-16, 10-17, 6-7)

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HUNGARY - Women

European Championship qualifier -by Balazs Radics
HUNGARY - ISRAEL 73-54 (17-16, 13-13, 21-9, 22-16)
Győr, 400 spectators. Ref: Szczerba (polish), Vyklicky (czeh)
HUNGARY:
IVANYI 8, FEGYVERNEKY 14, Karolyi 3/3, BERES 14, UJHELYI 14
Sub: Andrea Csaszar (200-C-82, college: Kent St.) 10, Nemeth 2, Honti 8/3, Horvath I Zs.
ISRAEL
SELWYN 13, Doron 4, L. Cohen 10, SUEZ 17/6, Fleischer 2
Sub: Dori 6/3, Abramzon, Levitsky 2, A. Cohen, Kolodny, Nusel

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ITALY - Women

Torresi Tournament, Italy past Belgium (83-74) -by Carlo Grilli
'In day-1 of 'Memorial Giulio Torresi'' tournament, Italy returned to victory after under-par performances in Zafer Cup. The Azzurre beat Belgium showing good feelings in offense, lead by Laura Laura Macchi (187-F-79).
Today the day-2 scheduled games: Italy vs Czech Republic and Belgium against Turkey.

Italy-Belgium 83-74
(24-24; 50-34; 60-54)
Italy: Franchini 4 (0/1, 1/3), Sottana 4 (1/4, 0/1), Zara 9(2/6, 1/3), Zanoli 5 (1/1, 1/1), Modica 7 (1/6, 1/3), Masciadri 8 (2/7, 1/2), Ciampoli 6 (3/6, 0/1), Ress 13 (3/5, 0/1), Giauro 2 (0/1), Laura Macchi 25 (3/9, 3/4). Team 2PS 16/46; 3PS 8/19; FT 27/28. Rebounds 33.
Belgium: Charlier 2 (1/1, 0/2), Leemans (0/1), Medvedeva 3 (1/4), Callens, Wambe 9 (1/5), De Mondt 13 (2/4, 3/4), Deyaert 6 (3/7, 0/2), Van Malderen 12 (4/5, 1/1), Wauters 25 (8/11, 1/2), Boonen 2 (1/2), Decroos, Van den Vonden 2. Team 2PS 21/42; 3PS 5/12; FT 17/19. Rebounds 37.

Day-1 results:
Czech Republic-Turkey 85-78 (Viteckova 27, 6/7 by 3-p range; Yilmaz 24+9)
Italy-Belgium 83-74
Standings:
Italy, Czech Republic 2; Belgium, Turkey 0.

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LATVIA - Women

Vetra - new CSKA women team coach -by Ricards Vambuts
Latvia coach Gundars Vetra has got new women basketball club. He is head coach of CSKA (Russia). Vetra was coach of Russian men basketball club Ural Great in season of 2005/06 .

Last year Vetra was be Barons/LMT head coach. LBL Vetra with Barons/LMT attain the bronze hardware.

CSKA women club sport director Igrod Grudin: Gundars Vetra was very good player, in structure of a combined team of the Russian on Olympiad in Barcelona has won a bronze medal. A wind worked in Russia, was the assistant to the main trainer Ural Great, worked in Latvia. The only thing, that it never headed female commands. But the Vetra — the skilled, clever trainer, at it all should turn out. Considering its age and its experience of the player and the trainer, I think, that it will quickly win respect at a command. Well and we, workers and a management of club, shall help it with this direction.

CSKA women team are playing with TTT Riga in women Euroleague.

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LUXEMBOURG - Women

GB Women to face Luxembourg on Saturday -by Eurobasket News
Great Britain women will be looking for a repeat of last season's 72-50 victory against Luxembourg when they travel to European minnows on Saturday.

The two sides met in Cardiff 12 months ago, and 22 points from Kristy Lavin (180-F-82) proved to be the difference between the two sides.

A 13-2 run in the opening period put Britain in charge as they reached the first break 19-9 up. Britain extended that lead to 31-17 at half-time, and it was effectively all over by the end of the third period with Mark Clark's side 51-31 ahead.

Sally Kaznica (174-G-81) added 12 points for GB in a game where Clark was able to give decent minutes to all 12 players on his roster.

Luxembourg are currently bottom of the table having lost all six games. They opened the second half of the competition with a morale-sapping 84-42 home loss against Portugal before losing 75-56 in Estonia on Wednesday.

Having seen them play against Portugal, Great Britain scout Lloyd Gardner believes that the team should return from Luxembourg with a victory:

"They are very young, and started a couple of 17-year-olds against Portugal on Saturday. They did well during the first half and were only a point down 90 seconds before half-time, but the coach picked up a technical, Portugal hit a three and then a lay-up, and they went into half-time ten down.

"In the second half Luxembourg missed everything; Portugal kept pressing them, they only ran their main seven players until the last few minutes, and Luxembourg couldn't handle the pressure.

"Luxembourg were missing their second highest scorer, and they struggled inside - with a 17-year-old guard leading their rebounding. As long as we are aggressive, we should win the game. Portugal put them under pressure well, and created stuff on the break.

"Tesse Hetting is their only real scorer. She's currently at Long Island University in the States. She's quite big and can shoot from the outside, so Britain will need to control her."
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

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NEW CALEDONIA - Women

New Caledonia finishes at the 6th spot in Samoa -by Eurobasket News
New Caledonia - Samoa 54:72
New Caledonia National team completed their South Pacific Games campaign. They faced hosting Samoa in the game for the 5th spot. New Caledonia did not manage to upset the home side and lost the battle. Samoa looked solid during the game and deservedly celebrated victory. Samoa took the initiative early on and drove to a 20:10 lead after the first frame. New Caledonia tried to stay close in the second but the gap still grew to 40:25 at halftime. The game then turned pretty close and New Caledonia were able to slow the host down. However it never helped them to cut the deficit. Samoa widely stuck to their advantage and rolled to an overall win. Latoya Wily (183-C-86) and Artevia Wily led well-balanced Samoan offense with 16 points apiece. Anny Soliai added 13 points for the winners. Yolande Luepack replied with game-high 22 points for New Caledonia. Marie-rose Ofatuku had 12 points and 10 boards in a loss.
New Caledonia were outrebounded 43:71. They shot just 27% from the field and 50% from free throw line.
New Caledonia ended the tournament with a 1-6 record.

New Caledonia: Yolande Luepack 22, Marie-rose Ofatuku 12+10 boards
Samoa: Latoya Wily 16, Artevia Wily 16

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PORTUGAL - Women

Carlos Sousa is the new assistant coach for CAB Madeira -by Bruno Baltazar
Joao Paulo Silva already found its aid for 07/08 season.
The chosen one was Carlos Sousa, a "man of the house", former-athlete and already with a great experience as trainer The aid chosen for Juca, counts already in its career, for beyond the long years guiding equips of formation in CAB Madeira (he conquered a National Cup of Juniores B), with one short ticket for the leadership of seniores with the performance of the paper of aid in he equips masculine to the side of trainers as Jorge Araujo, Nelson Serra and Jorge Enriques. At the previous year he was main trainer of Masculine Cadets and now will go to have plus a stage in its career.

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ROMANIA - Women

OMNILOGIC Tournament -by Bogdan Bocaniala

Starting from 06.09.2007 Cluj-Napoca was the host city of the Omnilogic International tournament.
At the start of this tournament was women National team of Croatia, women National team of Greece, women National team of Romania and BC ICIM Arad the vice -Champion team in women Romanian championship.

06.09.2007
1) Greece 69 - 63 BC ICIM Arad (23-17, 21-11, 13-16, 12-19)
This was the first game of the tournament. in this game Greece lead the hole game and the big-est difference was 19 points for them. This helped a lot team of Greece because this way they could use all their players in this game. In the end was only 6 points difference but this is not the real deference.

Greece: Saregou Poly 15 points/ 8 rebounds, Kaltsidou Stella 12, Maltsi Evina 10.
BC ICIM Arad: Alicia Gladeen 22 points, Moore Sheena 21, Radenkovik Elena 9.


2) Romania 77 - 87 Croatia (18-36, 20-18, 21-16, 18-17)
Croatia open this game great with an 16-0 run. after that Romanian team started to work about their game and they win quarter 2,3 and 4 but that was just not enough to win this game.
Croatia looked like a strong team with Kireta Sonja under the ring.
What you can say about Romanian team? All the players are playing for the team, and defense was OK, we have to say that in first quarter against Romania Croatia had an amazing percentage for 2 points shot, there point shot and also free-throw( more than 75% on every of them).

Romania: Toma Larisa 19 points, Mandache Andra 16, Brosovszky Monika 8, Pascalau Forina 6/ 9 rebounds.
Croatia: Kireta Sonja 21 points/ 15 rebounds, Mandir Sandra 18/ 4 assists, Selavic Anda 15, Stampalida Petra 10/ 6 rebounds.


07.09.2007
3) Croatia 73 - 67 Greece (18-22, 21-16, 13-18, 21-11)
This game open the second day of Omnilogic Tournament in Cluj.
Greece played a smart game until 4-Th quarter. At the end of 3-rd Quarter they where leading but in the last quarter they could not resist Croatia. With Lelas Ana in good hand for 3 points and with the imperial Sonja under the ring Croatia won last quarter and also the game.

Croatia: Kireta Sonja 23 points/14 rebounds, Lelas Ana 14 (3X3 points), Ercec Bozena 12, Mandir Sandra 10.
Greece: Maltsi Evina 21 points/ 8 rebounds, Saregou Poly 13, Stahtiari Rena 10/ 9 rebounds.


4) Romania 78 - 51 BC ICIM Arad (27-9, 18-11, 22-18, 11-13)
Romania had their first victory in this tournament against BC ICIM Arad. In this game coach Marc Silvert put all the players to work, only Bianca Vescan didn't play more then 10 minutes. In this game Romania made a lot substitution and a good defense. all thou they won 27 points the game looked like a easy one.

Romania: Carmen Bagiu 12 points, Andreea Orosz 9, Andra Mandache 8, Vass Ildiko 8, Toma Larisa 8, Morosan Corina 8.
BC ICIM Arad: Moore Sheena 12 points/ 6 rebounds, Radenkovik Elena 12, Pavel Elisabeth 11.


08.09.2007
5) Romania 71 - 72 Greece (12-18, 29-14, 14-16, 10-17, 6-7)
Romania lost the last game in Omnilogic Tournament but the girls fight a lot. In this game experience was above everything and Maltsi Evina with her experience and helped but her teammates made possible to take this victory. Even thou Romanian team is taller team they had smaller number of rebounds then Greece. But it wasn't only that Romania made in crucial moments big mistake, only in last 3 minutes 3 bad pass one after an other. In the end Greece won, but we have to say that Greece had a good day scoring 11 / 3 points shots.
Croatia didn't want to play with BC ICIM Arad because the games where in the morning and they didn't want to play in the morning.

For Romania in this tournament we noticed Larisa Toma (41 points/ 23 rebounds), Mandache Andra (38 points) Carmen Bagiu (22 points), Parau Anne-Marie, Pascalau Florina, Vescan Bianca, with 19 points.
Any way for Romanian national team was a good because they where able to see what they have to work in the remaining day until the start of the European Championship - Italy.

Teams / Games / Victory / Lost / Points
Croatia / 2 / 2 / 0 / 4
Greece / 3 / 2 / 1 / 4
Romania / 3 / 1 / 2 / 4
BC ICIM Arad / 2 / 0 / 2 / 2



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RUSSIA - Women

Becky Hammon will play for CSKA -by Eurobasket News
CSKA Samara signed a two-year contract with a WNBA star guard Becky Hammon (168-G-77, college: Colorado St.). San Antonio Silver Stars guard was among leading players in WNBA this season. She averaged 18.8 points, 5.0 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game in regular season. She also delivered 20.8 points and 5 assists per game in the playoffs.
Becky Hammon started her career at the Colorado State University. The she played for Tennessee Fury in NWBL, where she scored 20.6 points and dished out 5.9 assists per game. Later Becky Hammon moved to the Colorado Chill and gained a NWBL MVP award in 2006. In 2007 she signed with Rivas Futura from Spanish league. There Becky Hammon posted 17.5 points and 4.0 assists per game.
Another addition to CSKA squad is a 24-year-old forward Irina Sokolovskaya (186-F-83). She spent last three seasons with Vologda. She averaged 12.2 points, 3.3 boards and 1.3 assists per game in Russian Superleague. She was the part of Russian National selection for the 2005 European championship in Turkey. There Irina Sokolovskaya recorded 2.8 points and 1.3 boards in 4 games. The contract is meant for one year with the option of extension.

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SAMOA - Women

SPG2007: Fiji is the 2007 South Pacific Games champion! -by Gauthier Gerard
They did it! The number one favourite Fiji didn't loose a single game in Apia and claimed the 2007 South Pacific Games title over American Samoa in a tougher-than-expected Gold medal game, 70-62. With this win, Fiji earned the right to play against Australia and New Zealand in the Oceania championships, a qualifying event for the 2008 Olympics Games! Papua New Guinea confirmed the potential of its basketball team by winning the Bronze medal over Tahiti, the first medal for the papuans since 1991!

Gold medal game:
Fiji - American Samoa: 70-62
Valerie Nainima 29pts 7/31FG - Sina Leotimi 12pts 6/12FG

Bronze medal game:
Tahiti - Papua New Guinea: 59-70

5th place game:
Samoa - New Caledonia: 72-54
Latoya Wily 16pts 6/12FG - Yolande Luepack 22pts 7/15FG

Final Standings:
1- Fiji
2- American Samoa
3- Papua New Guinea
4- Tahiti
5- Samoa
6- New Caledonia
7- Solomon Islands


Fiji - South Pacific Games champion (photo: SPG2007)

SPG2007: Day 7 Results - End of the pool phase -by Gauthier Gerard

The pool phase is over in the 2007 South Pacific Games. Fiji easily defeated American Samoa by 18 in a preview of the upcoming Gold medal game, both teams will face each other again for the SPG title and a spot in the Oceania Series against Australia and New Zealand. Tahiti and Papua New Guinea will play for the Bronze while New Caledonia and Samoa will compete for the 5th place. The Solomon Islands ended their tournament with a sixth loss in six games.

Day 7:
Fiji - American Samoa: 80-62
Valerie Nainima 26pts 9/19FG - Derisa Taleni 19pts 6/19FG
Tahiti - New Caledonia: 73-28
Maea Lextreyt 14pts 6/9FG - Myriam Fenuafanote 6pts 3/6FG
Papua New Guinea - Solomon Islands: 63-56
Nape Waka 15pts 7/16FG - Miriam Basia 16pts 5/14FG

Standings:
1- Fiji 6-0
2- American Samoa 5-1
3- Tahiti 4-2
4- Papua New Guinea 3-3
5- Samoa 2-4
6- New Caledonia 1-5
7- Solomon Islands 0-6

Playoffs Schedule
Gold medal game:
Fiji - American Samoa
Bronze medal game:
Tahiti - Papua New Guinea
5th place game:
Samoa - New Caledonia


Solomon Islands (yellow) vs Papua New Guinea (black) (photo: SPG2007)



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TURKEY - Women

Turkey lost the opener of the 'Memorial Giulio Torresi'' -by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic-Turkey 85:78

Turkey takes part in the preparation for Eurobasket 2007. The team started the repetition in Italy in a 'Memorial Giulio Torresi'' tournament that is also taking place there. In the first game of the day Turkey lost to Czech Republic 78:85. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) took a control of the game being the top-scorer with 27 points. Nevriye Yilmaz (196-C-80) produced 24 points and made 9 rebounds for the Turkish team.

In another game of the day, Italy overcame Belgium 83:74. The Czech team will meet Turkey on Friday, Italy on Saturday and Belgium on Sunday in Porto San Giorgio.

Czech Republic: Eva Viteckova 27
Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 24+9 rebs

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U.KINGDOM - Women

GB Women to face Luxembourg on Saturday -by Eurobasket News
Great Britain women will be looking for a repeat of last season's 72-50 victory against Luxembourg when they travel to European minnows on Saturday.

The two sides met in Cardiff 12 months ago, and 22 points from Kristy Lavin (180-F-82) proved to be the difference between the two sides.

A 13-2 run in the opening period put Britain in charge as they reached the first break 19-9 up. Britain extended that lead to 31-17 at half-time, and it was effectively all over by the end of the third period with Mark Clark's side 51-31 ahead.

Sally Kaznica (174-G-81) added 12 points for GB in a game where Clark was able to give decent minutes to all 12 players on his roster.

Luxembourg are currently bottom of the table having lost all six games. They opened the second half of the competition with a morale-sapping 84-42 home loss against Portugal before losing 75-56 in Estonia on Wednesday.

Having seen them play against Portugal, Great Britain scout Lloyd Gardner believes that the team should return from Luxembourg with a victory:

"They are very young, and started a couple of 17-year-olds against Portugal on Saturday. They did well during the first half and were only a point down 90 seconds before half-time, but the coach picked up a technical, Portugal hit a three and then a lay-up, and they went into half-time ten down.

"In the second half Luxembourg missed everything; Portugal kept pressing them, they only ran their main seven players until the last few minutes, and Luxembourg couldn't handle the pressure.

"Luxembourg were missing their second highest scorer, and they struggled inside - with a 17-year-old guard leading their rebounding. As long as we are aggressive, we should win the game. Portugal put them under pressure well, and created stuff on the break.

"Tesse Hetting is their only real scorer. She's currently at Long Island University in the States. She's quite big and can shoot from the outside, so Britain will need to control her."
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

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WNBA - Women

Lauren Jackson gets MVP award -by Eurobasket News
The Seattle Storm forward Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) was named WNBA MVP award for the second time in her career. Australian player received 473 total votes and claimed her second MVP title since 2003. She added this trophy to the Defensive Player of the Year award she got earlier. Lauren Jackson was also named to the first All-WNBA Team and All-Defensive WNBA Team.
Aussie forward led league in scoring averaging 23.8 points per game and in rebounding pulling down 9.7 rebounds per game. She also averaged 2 blocks per game (2nd in the league) and 51.9% from the field (3rd in the league). Lauren Jackson also tied the league's record in scoring in a single game as she fired 47 points against Washington.
Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.) from San Antonio was the second in the voting with 254 points. Diana Taurasi (5'11''-G-82, college: Connecticut) and Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) became the third and the fourth in the poll.