Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/9/2008

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Men News

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ABA

Last signings in Quebec -by Gianni Pascucci
Some weeks ago, Canadian player Louis-Patrick Levros (6'5''-F-83, college: Rhode Island) had left the hot California to join back the Quebec City Kebekwa. Some days ago, the Kebekwa made another market move signing Tim Jennings (6'3''-G-83, college: Gardner-Webb), who is expected to help the team at both sides of the court, thanks to his great athletic skills.

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Slovan adds Petrov, part ways with Nikolic -by Zeljko Zule

Geoplin Slovan inked former NT member Simon Petrov (191-G-76) ex Air Avellino till end of the season and parted ways with Stefan Nikolic (192-G-87). .

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ALGERIA

M'sila defeats WAB -by Kristian Santiago

Boufarik lost surprisingly to JSB M'sila on the 9th day of competition while MC Alger under the tutelage of their Cuban Coach ousted NA Hussein-Dey 79-63.
The 75-69 winner of JSBM is now the second win against a top team of the Algerian league after beating champions NBS Staoueli before.

Results:

CRB Temouchent - NA Rouiba (Not played)
JSB M'sila - WA Boufarik 75-69
CRM Birkhadem - ASPTT Algiers 62-64
NA Hussein-Dey - MC Alger 63-79
USMM Hadjout - CRB Dar El Beida 68-64 (after OT)
WB-Ain Benian - O. Batna 83-52
AU Annaba - NB Staoueli (postponed)

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ARGENTINA

Libertad wins in Day 1 -by Gianni Pascucci
Libertad de Sunchales started with the right pace the "Group D" of Liga de las Americas, defeating Universo/BRB Brasilia 76-65 in Mar del Plata. The Argentinean team stayed ahead in the score all the game long, ending the first half 40-28 and the third one 59-48. Import Robert Battle (200-C-81, college: Drexel) was the main performrer of the game, with 19 pts and 7 rebounds, Mariano Ceruti (194-F-79) added 16 pts and 7 rebs he too, Pablo Moldu (191-G-78) scored 14. Estevam Ferreira (211-C-78) ended his losing effort with 15 points and 8 rebounds and Valtinho Silva (187-G-77, agency: Interperformances) scored 10 pts and dished 9 assists.

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BAHRAIN

Muharraq Sail thru to the finals -by Yousef Ahmed

Mohammed Al Derazi (192-F) and Mohammed Abdulmajeed lit up the nets for a combined 50 points last night to lead Muharraq into the Bahrain Basketball Cup final with an 84-78 victory over Al Ahli at the Umm Al Hassam sports complex.

The backcourt pair was outstanding from the perimeter, hitting nine three-pointers between them in the contest.

Hassan made three of his four triples in the third period, sparking a 15-5 run that turned a narrow two-point lead to a 58-48 advantage entering the final canto.

"This win means so much to us because we didn't win against Ahli at all last year, and they were again favoured to beat us tonight," Hassan told the GDN.

The lanky wingman scored 14 of his game-high 26 points in the third quarter alone, during which he picked up the slack for American professional Rah-Shaun Roberts who was benched after getting called for his fourth foul.

"We were really determined to get this win. I'm glad I was able to make my shots in a very good second half," Hassan said. "This result is a big help with our confidence, especially now since we will be facing Manama. They are always the champions, but this time we hope to change that."

Ahli ended the first quarter ahead 16-12, but Muharraq did well to regain the advantage in the second and came out on top after five lead changes, 35-33, at half-time.

The victors then put on the defensive pressure in the third, suffocating Ahli's ball-handlers with a half-court trap to build their lead to double digits. Hassan closed the quarter with a triple that gave them their 10-point lead after three. They then had their biggest lead at 69-54 on a three-pointer from veteran forward Yasser Bu Naffour with five minutes remaining in the game.

Ahli, however, would not go away quietly. They went on a quick 12-3 spurt to get back to within six, 72-66, and after Abdulmajeed made another triple to extend the lead to nine once more, Hussain Shaker sparked another late surge to get to within four, 80-76, with less than a minute to play.

But that would be as close as they would get. A free-throw from Roberts, two from Hassan, and a final charity from Abdulmajeed for his 24th point sealed the win.

Muharraq had an impressive 12 three-pointers in the game, dwarfing Ahli's four.

Scorers

Roberts contributed 10 points to go along with eight rebounds, while Bu Naffour had eight and nine. Ahli were paced by American import Jamal Holden who had 28 points and 14 boards. Ahmed Malallah had 12, Mohammed Qurban 11 and Shaker nine points.

"We were nervous in the beginning, but our defence carried us in the second half," Muharraq coach John Wojtak said. "Every game we play, our confidence gets better and better. We expect a good game against Manama; they are the best right now and we have to do everything we can against them."

The final will be played on Friday, set for a 6.30pm tip-off at the same venue.

Source: GDN (Patrick Salomon)

Defense titans to face-off on friday -by Yousef Ahmed
Coach Salman Ramadan vs Coach John Wojtak, will face off on friday and will put their teams to the test.
Both coaches have a great defensive philosophy, and the last time both teams faced each other Muharraq had a poor offensive game giving Manama the victory. Manama is favorite to wining the game because of their undefeated record and inside presence with Donald Little, however muharraq is not to take lightly, they have come together in the last few weeks and they are the better shooting team and with a all around import player and sharp shooter Rahshun Roberts.

The cups final is anyones game and defense will be the key. tipoff is Friday at 6:30pm at Um al Hassan Gym/

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BELGIUM

Van Rossom Contract Extension -by Peter Buyse

Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) and Oostende have come to an agreement to extend the National team guard's contract with one more year.
Van Rossom's has enjoyed a stellar career since joining Oostende, he went from Rookie of the Year in 05-06 to player of the year the next season (06-07).
At present he is Oostende's leading scorer with 12.1ppg; He also averages 2.5rpg and 2.9 apg in the Belgian league.

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BULGARIA

First home loss for Lukoil Academic -by Lubomir Neshev
Lukoil Academic lost for first time at home this season after was beaten by Italian Benetton Treviso 90-93. In a dramatic game "the students" recorded very bad loss but the chances to go through from the group remain. The team needs only one more win to be sure for the next phase of ULEB Cup.
Benetton took a quick 7-0 lead as the hosts missed their first six shots. Then Lukoil Academic answered with 9 straight points to take the lead but the visitors quickly came back to take 16-11 lead and 25-16 capped by a Fantoni basket at the end of the quarter.
In the first minutes of the second quarter Benetton took a 29-19 lead, its biggest of the game. Then Stefanov and Canak scored two three-pointers followed by other basket to make the score 29-31. Stoykov scored a three for 34-35, but Engin Atsur made two straight from beyond the arc and Benetton took a 45-39 lead at the half.
Lukoil Academic continued to push up in the third quarter and finally took the lead at 51-50 after a Dean basket. Unfortunately then he picked up his fourth foul and had to sit on the bench. However Nenad Canak scored three 3-pointers as Lukoil held its biggest lead at 62-56 as the quarter finished 69-65.
The last quarter started with a dunk by Gaines as Benetton managed to take back the lead at 75-73. Then few good minutes by Mario Austin took the score to 85-77 for the visitors. Then Dean came back on the field and scored two 3-pointers as Benetton replied only once with a basket to make it 83-87. Gaines scored but new triple by Dean and a basket for Lukoil made the score 88-89. Chalmers hit two free throws and in the next attack three point attemp by Stoykov was blocked by Soragna. Then again Chalmers was fouled to score two times from the line as in the final second Antic scored just to fix the final result and the first loss for Lukoil Academic at home.
Lionel Chalmers (183-G-80, college: Xavier) was unstoppable and finished with 30 points and 3 assists. Mario Austin also played good ending up with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
For Bulgarian champion Willie Dean scored 28, while Antic added 17 and 14 rebounds.
Now in order to qualify Lukoil Academic will have to win one of its two remaining games.

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CAMEROON

The VCU pair... -by Yann Tientcheu
The Cameroonian pair of Virginia Commonwealth University has been contributing significant numbers to their teams' total productions during the past
two games.
Wil Fameni (201-F-84, college: VCU) is averaging 10.5 pts and 6 rbds in the last two meetings of the Rams. Fameni signed 11 pts and 5 rbds on January 2nd against
James Madison in a close loss for the Rams (62-61). 10 pts and 7 rbds would be Fameni's production for the Rams on January 5th during a victorious meeting
in which the Rams faced UNC Wilmington (72-57).
Franck Ndongo (201-F-88) who is gradually seeing a significant increase in his playing time, spent an average of 15 mns
per game on the court during the last two games of the Rams. He employed that time to register an encouraging average of 5 pts and 2.5 rbds in the 2 meetings.
It is expedient to mention that Ndongo has been spending 6 mns more per game on the court in the last two meetings; compared to his 2006/2007 average playing time
of 8.9 mns per game.
A steady increase in his numbers can be expected as his playing time is hiked up.

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CAPE VERDE

National Team lose Head Coach -by Pedro Gomes

The Cape Verdian national team is officially without a head coach. Emanuel Travoada a, who had dismissed reports that he was leaving, has finally left to Angola to join Desportivo da Huila, in the Angola national championships.

With the pre olympic qualifying tournament only a few monhths away, the National Basketball Federation has been hit with another problem to resolve.

The speculation about the move, began in October, but Fiba-AFriba had reported in November, that Emanuel Travoada a denied the move.

"It is just speculation. It is true that they contacted me, but I am still Cape Verde coach," he told PA Sport.

We have just received the confirmation that Emanuel Travoada will leave to Angola tommorrow to join his new team.

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CHINA

Player available -by Robert Wang

King Damon (193-G-78, college: Weber St.) has finished his season in China for now. He signed in China in September of 2007 and played 27 games this season. Unfortunately, there are not enough good local players in his team and his team's season is finished.

There are 8 teams that have just finished the season and there are another 8 teams that will go to the playoffs. Damon has been leading the teams in scoring, assists, steals, 3-points, FG, and more.

Here are his stats: 27 games, 428 points, 36% 3-points, 49% FG, 3 assist per game and 2 steals per game.
H

e is in great shape and available to leave for any countries now, so feel free to contact me if you are interested in him.

Oyedeji Olumide signed with Liao Ning -by Robert Wang
After Earnest Brown left Liao Ning team when the playoff started, former NBA big guy Oyedeji Olumide agreed the contract and will play for Liao ning for the rest of season. CBA has the rule that the teams who go to the playoff could take the imports from the teams who did not went to the playoff while the last 8 teams (there are 16 teams total in CBA) has finished their season now. Another info. saying that Rodney White would go to Guang Dong team for the rest of season. The final info. would be out till Jan. 16th. Nomatter who signed with new teams, hope these imports give us good performance and help their new teams for the rest of season. Good luck all!

Final Regular Season Statistical Leaders -by Arthur Volbert
I have compiled the final statistical leaders for all categories for the CBA season. I have limited the lists to those players who have played at least 20 games, two-thirds of the CBA season.

This primarily affects imports, who have left their clubs prematurely because of injury or other reasons, or who came later in the season to replace those who left.

The only native player who is affected is Hu Xuefeng of Jiangsu, who is among the per game leaders in assists and steals, but who was limited to 19 games because of an injury that ended his regular-season play.

I have compiled the ten leading players among Chinese natives in scoring, rebounding and assists, again using 20 games as a minimum.

Import big men dominate the scoring and rebounding statistics, especially rebounding. Only Mengke Bateer, Tang Zhengdong and Zhang Kai have truly respectable rebounding statistics among Chinese players. Even Wang Zhizhi, at 7-1, is lacking in that department.

On the other hand, Chinese players are dominant in assists as almost all imports are big men or perimeter scorers. But Chinese guard play has indeed improved as Chinese basketball has adapted to the international way of playing, and import playmakers, who do not speak Chinese, are less effective than natives.

Note that Xu Yong, class of '89, appears among the native leaders in scoring, rebounding and assists -- another indication that he is the next great NBA prospect to come from China. Ding Jinhui, class of '90, appears among the scoring and rebounding leaders. He is not as athletic as Xu but he is one of those players who gets the job done and is therefore also likely an NBA prospect.

Scoring
1. Wang Zhizhi, Bayi 26.3
2. Tang Zhengdong, Jiangsu 22.3
3. Wang Shipeng, Guangdong 21.8
4. Zhu Fangyu, Guangdong 18.6
5. Ding Jinhui, Zhejiang 18.6
6. Liu Jiulong, Shaanxi 18.5
7. Zhang Nan, Zhejiang Guangsha 18.4
8. Liu Wei, Shanghai 18.4
9. Chen Zhaosheng, Yunnan 18.4
10.Xu Yong, Shanghai 18.2

Rebounding
1. Mengke Bateer, Xinjiang 13.9
2. Tang Zhengdong, Jiangsu 11.9
3. Zhang Kai, Dongguan 11.9
4. Wang Zhizhi, Bayi 8.85
5. Ding Jinhui, Zhejiang 7.5
6. Wang Bo, Jilin 7.43
7. Li Xiaoxu, Liaoning 6.43
8. Xu Yong, Shanghai 6.27
9. Mo Ke, Bayi 6.16
10.Zhang Nan, Zhejiang Guangsha 5.73

Assists
1. Lu Xiaoming (175-G-79), Fujian 7.51
2. Liu Wei, Shanghai 6.88
3. Yen Hsing-Su, Yunnan 5.18
4. Wang Bo, Jilin 4.9
5. Mengke Bateer, Xinjiang 4.56
6. Liu Xiaoyu, Guangdong 3.89
7. Wang Zhongguang, Bayi 3.55
8. Bian Qiang, Liaoning 3.43
9. Xu Yong, Shanghai 3.41
10.Zhang Qingpeng, Liaoning 3.27

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D.R. CONGO

Cup of Congo : All-Star Teams presented -by Kristian Santiago
After the concluded 24th Cup of Congo, the All- Star Teams were presented by the governing body Febaco:

Women:
Ndaya Muleka (St Eloi Lupopo)
Thethe Ntumba Kazadi (V club)
Mukoso (Radi)
Ngusu Matuka (Radi)
Mungaza (Radi)

Men:
Buzangu Johnico (Kauka)
Buzangu Patrick (Onatra/Matadi)
Djo Yele (-F/C-82) (St Eloi Lupopo)
Assani Ngongo (St Eloi Lupopo)
Josue Mulamba (208-C-88) (Onatra/Kinshasa)

Scoring Awards went out to :
Laurence Odimba Owandjo of St Eloi Lupopo with 118 points in the womens category, while
Nzuzi Malemba (-84) of Onatra/Kinshasa is the best scorer with 263 points for the men.

Kapenda of St Eloi Lupopo , was the best 3-point shooter while Cecile Kapuka of V Club gained the same title in the female version.

Onatra Kinshasa are champions now fot the 16th time while Radi of Lubumbashi premiered with a title in the womens division.

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EL SALVADOR

National League updatings -by Jaime Arevalo

The National League of El Salvador started at the end of November, and will run till February. The 18 teams (from all the country) are divided into two Groups, named Premier Zone and National Zone. Three teams of the LSB (Cosmos, Denver and UTEC) are currently competing with their "B" team, and titleholders of Cosmos-2 are yet at the top of their division. The main attraction, however, are the two import players of San Marcos, Dante Hunter (191-G-84), who is scoring 28 ppg, and Derrick Courtney (198-G/F-84), who is adding 18 ppg and lots of rebounds. Thanks to their great help, San Marcos is expected to advance to the playoffs.

The current standings are as follows:
ZONA PREMIER
1 Cosmos 7 7 0 14
2 Santa Ana 8 7 1 15
3 U F G 7 4 3 11
4 Felinos 8 3 5 11
5 Denver 7 3 4 10
6 UTEC 7 2 5 9
7 La Jugada 7 2 5 9
8 Santa Tecla 7 0 7 7
ZONA NACIONAL
1 Delgadense 7 7 0 14
2 I T C A 7 6 1 13
3 San Marcos 8 5 3 13
4 Embajadores 7 4 3 11
5 UES Santa Ana 7 4 3 11
6 ITEXSAL 7 4 3 10
7 Puerto LL 7 2 5 9
8 Acajutla 7 2 5 9
9 ExBau 7 3 4 9
10 Delta 8 0 8 6

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ERITREA

Kelati Interview : " Maybe in a few years you will see more Eritrean players" -by Kristian Santiago

Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) of Turow gave recently an interview to www.ulebcup.com :

"I know I have a lot of support behind me. A few of my college games were broadcast in Eritrea," Kelati told ULEBCup.com. "I just hope I inspire some of the younger generations and hopefully maybe in a few years you will see more Eritrean players involved in the sport of basketball."

Check the whole interview at:

http://www.ulebcup.com/ulebcup/home/news/interviews/i/20551/460/ulebcup-com-interview-thomas-kelati-pge-turow?smid=458

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FRANCE

ProA Day 13: The ASVEL takes the lead -by Chris Spiesser

Last week the two top teams were meeting as ASVEL hosted and defeated Nancy in an athletic confrontation. The two strong teams in the paint were responding to each other for 40 minutes but it was Robert Conley (198-G/F-77, college: Clayton St.) who scored the decisive baskets in the final quarter.

Among the important results we can underline is the battle for the Tournoi des As' spots. Pau made an impressive start with its new players. Le Mans seems to be in bad shape after a spanking in Vilnius, and the oranges lost at home against Paris. More preoccupying are the situations of Chalon and also Gravelines, which couldn't benefit from their recent coaching change in a loss against Toulon.

PAU ORTHEZ 99 - 69 JDA DIJON
Important to avoid places 15 and 16, Pau took a one win lead against a direct rival by winning with a big margin. A nice game by the newcomers: 27pts, 8 assists by Graves, 16pts by Trepagnier, 22pts, 7rbs by Robinson. The three shot a tremendous 12/17 from behind the 3pt line.

ENTENTE ORLEANAISE 69 - 74 STRASBOURG IG
A strong win by a 7 men team, Darrigand was sick and the team is still wondering if Houston will be or not replaced as his injury seems to be lasting. 23pts, 3stl, 4 assists by Nissim and a double-double by Lewin (12pts and 10rbs) overcame Zeb Cope's accuracy: 24pts (6/9 3pts), 4rbs.

STB LE HAVRE 81 - 73 ELAN CHALON
Collective win for Le Havre (22ass, 12 for Thomson) who took the best start (26-14, 10') John Cox scored 23pts and grabbed 4rbs.

LE MANS SARTHE BASKET 71 - 75 PARIS LEVALLOIS BASKET
Batum and Ricci scored 42 of Le Mans' 71 ranking points (16pts 7/11, 6rbs and 22pts 7/12, 6rbs) Paris was more efficient with 8 players scoring at least 8 ranking points (Foster: 21pts, 5rbs, 3ass)

ROANNE CHORALE 73 - 68 STADE CLERMONT
Roanne fell asleep in the last quarter and Clermont jumped from 57-38 to cut the lead to only five points before losing. M'bengue was efficient in his debut: 11pts, 4rbs in 18' but Ron Hale played his first brilliant game: 14pts (4/5 3pts) 6rbs.

ASVEL 79 - 76 SLUC NANCY
The new french leader is green: the ASVEL won a thrilling blockbuster featuring a decisive Robert Conley: 19pts, 6rbs, 6ass. Before his final show, Ricardo Greer (23pts, 8rbs, 3ass) and Lamayn Wilson (21pts, 7rbs) shined but the visitors were inefficient at 6.25m (5/19).

CHOLET BASKET 51 - 58 VICHY
Cholet never found the way to handle the promoted's defense. Dounia Issa's activity was again a key point of Vichy's performance: 11pts (5/5), 10rbs, 3ass. Reggie Golson will remember his first french game: 1pt (0/5).

BCM GRAVELINES 73-83 HYERES-TOULON
No coaching effect in the North where Toulon had the final word against the inaccurate Maritims who only shot 23 of 63 from the field. A US PG should arrive in a few days. Toulon' starting five gathers 94 ranking points over the 106 total (20pts, 18rbs for Masingue, 15pts, 8rbs, 4stl, 3 assists for Williams plus 11assists by Colson). Paul Mc Pherson had an interesting first apperance: 6pts (3/3 fg's) in 9'.

The road to Toulon:
Who will take part in the Semaine des As? The top-8 teams of ProA after day 15, or the 7 first ones if Toulon isn't in the top 8. The Azureans are qualified as the organizing team. The ASVEL and Nancy are also qualified and for Vichy only two tremendous losses could drive them out of the road. For the rest, with two remaining games, the situation is mathematically complicated. Le Mans, Le Havre and Roanne are the best ranked, followed by Cholet and the SIG. Paris and Orleans can still hope with two good wins even if Orleans' point average seems lethal (-47) as well as Paris' menu (vs Roanne, @ASVEL). A quick glance at the schedules gives more detail. Strasbourg will play twice against direct rivals (vs Le Havre, @ Le Mans), Roanne has perhaps the easiest programm (@Paris, vs Chalon) but with the division' density, everything remains open.

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GERMANY

2. Bundesliga Pro A: Highlights of Gameday 15 -by Moritz Korff
Play of the Day: Rocky Trice (191-F-84, agency: CAA Sports, college: S.Carolina) - Cuxhaven: 22 pts, 9/12 FG, 4/5 FT, 10 rbs, 3 st, 2 as

Points: Alexander Starr (196-F-84, college: Centenary) - Heidelberg:

Rebounds: Alonzo Hird (206-F-83, college: E.Kentucky) - Schalke: 13

Assists: Tobias Stoll (186-F-83, college: Cent.Washington) - Heidelberg: 9

Steals: Lukas Dawidowski (198-F-83) - Hagen: 5

Blocked Shots: Jan Fikiel (208-F-83, agency: LimeLight, college: Pennsylvania) - Bremen: 2

For all scores and stats please visit the official website of the 2. Bundesliga: click

2. Bundesliga Pro B: Highlights of Gameday 15 -by Moritz Korff
Play of the Day: Elias Harris (202-F-89) - Speyer: 32 pts, 14/19 FG, 14 rbs, 3 bs, 2 st

Points: Elias Harris - Speyer: 32

Rebounds: Elias Harris - Speyer: 14

Assists: Nick Larsen (188-G-83) - Speyer: 10

Steals: Andrej Mangold (190-G-87) - Muenchen: 5

Blocked Shots: Elias Harris - Speyer: 3

For all scores and stats please visit the official website of the 2. Bundesliga: click

Bremerhaven: R.T. Guinn has to leave -by Moritz Korff
Bundesliga-side Eisbaeren Bremerhaven has parted with Power Forward R.T. Guinn (208-F/C-81, college: Baylor). Bremerhavens Manager Jan Rathjen stated on the teams' web site: "We have clear conceptions and rules concerning the work ethic and behavior of our players. If somebody breaks these rules, he has to face the consequences." Guinn was second best rebounder and fourth best scorer of the team in this current season. If the club-officials will hire another player after his dismissal is not sure yet.

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GREECE

Christopoulos leaves Olimpia Patron -by Eurobasket
AEP Olimpias Patron 's head coach Giannis Christopoulos decided to resign from his commitments to the club. League newcomer Olimpias did not impressive this season. They are tied for the bottom position of the standings. Usually that creates some problems between management and the coaching staff. There are also in this case some financial issues involved. So coach Christopoulos decided that the best solution would be leaving the club at this time. His replacement is Dragan Raca .

AO Kolossos Rodou sign Kenny Taylor -by Eurobasket
AO Kolossos Rodou strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old American guard Kenny Taylor (191-G-82, college: Texas). Taylor played most recently at Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League) in the U.S. He started this season at Correcaminos UAT Victoria in Mexico, before moving back to the States. He already played in Greek League at Aris Thessaloniki two years ago. He will replace Curtis Stinson (187-G-83, agency: Life Sports, college: Iowa St.), who just left.

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HUNGARY

FC Barcelona - VASAS Budapest Co-operation -by Balazs Radics
Less than a year ago Vasas Budapest youth basketball department has got into touch with Barcelona thanks to the contribution of Laszlo Markovits managing director, Balazs Farkas member of executive board, and Peter Zoldi president of basketball department. In May Vasas biggest prospect Norbert Timko has spent few days in Catalonia, and later in August he was already playing in Barcelona jersey on a friendly tournament. In the meantime the management of both sides started to discuss about possible future cooperation. In December the hungarians hosted a spannish delegation for 3 days as the talks continued. Zoran Savic and Saeed Armaghani were equally satisfied with the experiences and by now they put down the essence of a mutally beneficial coopearation! The clubs are close to agree a contract, which would set up a Central-European basketball base, and also organizing camps at Budapest for better selection from the region! The execution of the program would be supervised by Barcelona and operated by Vasas with the support of MKB-Euroleasing. Also countinuing educational programs for the coaches and trainers will be provided. The agreement goes even into marketing coperation, as Vasas is allowed to use the logo of Barcelona from now on demonstrating the connection between the Clubs basketball departments.
All the basketball lovers of Budapest can only hope that this ongoing coperation will be successfull and last for a long term, having even the possibility to spread this kind of working structure in other departments (football?) as well.

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IBL

New pro hoops team gets an assit fro local painters Union -by John Gary
courtesy oursportscentral.com The Windy City Soldiers new home venue,the Kankakee Resource Center, will get a much needed facelift before the Soldiers kick off their 2008 season. Ray Collins, president of the Kankakee County Painters Union, is leading the effort to paint the Resource Center in early February. Collins has already organized volunteers for the project and secured a 4,000 paint donation from Valspar Paint. Collins is also working to get brushes and other materials donated.

Minor league success story -by Trask Frost
6'5” guard/forward Tate DaJuan (6'5''-G/F-81, college: Mountain St.) has used a big 2007 season in the International Basketball League as a springboard to success in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Tate finished second in the IBL in scoring at 35.6 points per game for the Las Vegas Stars—leading the expansion team to a surprising .705 winning percentage.

Tate's outstanding performance at the 2007 IBL Tournament and All-Star Game earned him an invite to the prestigious Chinese Basketball Association 2007/2008 draft camp held in Hawaii by USBA executive Bruce O'Neill. Tate stood out in the CBA Hawaii draft camp in the same manner that he stood out in the IBL. Tate was the first guard selected in the draft, chosen #6 overall. Tate subsequently received a substantial contract for the entire CBA season. On December 9, Tate had one of the most prolific offensive games in CBA history, scoring 68 points and leading his Jinlin Northeast Tigers to a 133-124 victory over the Yunnan Honghe Running Bulls. Tate ended his regular season in the CBA as the league's fourth leading scorer at 26.3 points per contest.

Tom Newell, son of legendary coach Pete Newell, served as an assistant coach/advisor for the Tigers this past season. Newell, who has evaluated and developed basketball talent at the highest levels for decades (Director of Player Personnel for the Indiana Pacers, Assistant Coach for the Seattle Supersonics), said the following about Tate in his blog about his experiences in China: “He is genuinely one of the best offensive players I've ever worked with.” Newell added, “If I'm an NBA scout, or GM, or Player Personnel Director I'm all over this kid, as he is demonstrating all to well that he is ready for his ‘one' shot at the next level.” For Newell's complete blog entry, visit http://familysportslifetoday.com/blogs/tigers/archive/2007/12/10/what-goes-up-must-come-on-down-spinnin-wheel-is-turnin-round-we-win-133-124-dtate-goes-for-68-on-the-road-no-less-wow.aspx

Las Vegas Stars owner Alexis Levi Scott- “I am thrilled to see DaJuan building on the success he had with the Stars. It has always been my vision for this team to be a means for players to further their basketball careers.”

IBL Commissioner Mikal Duilio- “I am happy for DaJuan and the other IBL players making a living playing basketball in China. You see, the IBL has never claimed to be a league where players make a true living playing basketball here (in America); rather, we strive to be a league that the very best players come to- to then get their game in top shape to go overseas. Dujuan Tate is a good example of this concept- as he made very little money playing in the IBL; in DaJuan's case he was able to use the 2007 IBL season to his advantage- great for him”.

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ISRAEL

Elitzur Yavne sign James Head -by Eurobasket
Elitzur Yavne (National L.) agreed terms with 33-year old American swingman James Head (201-G/F-75, college: E.Michigan). Head played last season at Giessen 46ers (Germany), where in 24 games he averaged 7.0ppg, 4.4rpg and 1.0spg. He is not a quite newcomer in Israeli basketball as he has previously played in Premier League at Elitzur Ashkelon and Haifa/Nesher BC.

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ITALY

Last market news -by Gianni Pascucci
Rodrigo De La Fuente (200-F-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Washington) will stay in Italian League. He agreed to end the season with Lottomatica Virtus Roma. Upim Bologna will welcome soon Joseph Forte (193-G-81, agency: Megasport, college: N.Carolina), who should have agreed terms with the team, but the new problem in Fortitudo is the injury suffered by Horace Jenkins (186-G-74, college: William Paterson) during the last Serie A game. The player fractured his jaw in two points and is out for at least 6 weeks. There are rumors about a possible deal with Varese for Aleksandar Capin (186-G-82) to replace him.

Matteo Malaventura: Napoli believes -by Luca Bianchin
Matteo Malaventura (196-G-78) is the man of the week in Italian Serie A: Eldo guard scored the decisive shot against Armani Jeans Milano, to give Napoli two key points in the race to avoid relegation. Cimberio Varese, on the contrary, seems ready to prepare a season in Legadue: Bianchini's team lost by 18 points at home against Lottomatica Roma, probably the second best team in Italy. Varese had 21 points from Tierre Brown (188-G-79, college: Mc Neese St.) but allowed 33 points in the first quarter: too much for a team that needs defense. Lottomatica now divide the second spot in the standings with Premiata Montegranaro, that prevailed over Air Avellino after a crazy fourth quarter. Taking a look to the standings, it's easy to think that seven team will probably qualify for the playoffs: Pierrel Capo d'Orlando and Scavolini Pesaro won important games by two or three points. Bad news for La Fortezza and Upim, that won in Teramo despite 31 points by Clay Tucker (194-G-80, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) but needs to improve. The race for the eight place, in fact, will only give the chance to play in the first round against Montepaschi Siena: 2007 Champions easily won also against Snaidero Udine with the usual platoon system. Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) scored 14 points, Romain Sato (194-G-81, college: Xavier) and Bootsy Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) added 13.

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LESOTHO

Summer Slam Tourney -by Sekhoane Moshabesha
The 2007 Summer Slam Tourney was played at Lehakoe Indoor courts on the weekend of 22nd December 2007. There were eight registered teams for this tournament. Namely; Bashana-Baeso, Lerotholi Polytechnic, Leseli, Rovers, Lialuma,Rangers,Killar Beez and Raaa. Out of all these teams only two are not registered in the NBL. Lerotholi Polytechnic which is unbeaten in the NBL suffered their first loss of the year in the hands of Rovers . Bashana-Baeso went on to win the final against Rovers, boosted by their players who syudy in South Africa. Matlatsa Nteso of Bashana-Baeso scooped the MVP award and a gym membership at Lehakoe. The tournament was held in conjuction with LBA and TKI to raise funds for charity.

Group 1
Killa Bees
Lerotholi Polytechnic
Rovers
Raaa

Group 2
Bashana-Baeso
Leseli
LialumaRangers

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LIGA AMERICAS

Libertad wins in Day 1 -by Gianni Pascucci
Libertad de Sunchales started with the right pace the "Group D" of Liga de las Americas, defeating Universo/BRB Brasilia 76-65 in Mar del Plata. The Argentinean team stayed ahead in the score all the game long, ending the first half 40-28 and the third one 59-48. Import Robert Battle (200-C-81, college: Drexel) was the main performrer of the game, with 19 pts and 7 rebounds, Mariano Ceruti (194-F-79) added 16 pts and 7 rebs he too, Pablo Moldu (191-G-78) scored 14. Estevam Ferreira (211-C-78) ended his losing effort with 15 points and 8 rebounds and Valtinho Silva (187-G-77, agency: Interperformances) scored 10 pts and dished 9 assists.

Penarol defeats Liceo -by Gianni Pascucci
In the second game of Day 1 of "Group D", home team Penarol Mar del Plata largely defeated Chilean powerhouse Liceo Mixto 95-76. Roman Gonzalez (206-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) led his team with 21 points, Quincy Wadley (193-G-78, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) added 18 and Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez (188-G-78) 15 at the winning side, while Jason Osborne (204-F-74, agency: Court Side, college: Louisville) was very important he too, with 11 pts and 10 rebounds. At the Liceo Mixto side, veteran Patricio Briones (213-C-72, college: Dade CC) scored 13 pts and grabbed 8 rebs, and Terrence Hill (196-G-82, college: Kennesaw St.) topped all the scorers with 22 points. The tonight games will feature the Argentinean derby between Penarol and Libertad, and the winner could be yet sure to advance to the next leg of the competition.

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NICARAGUA

McKenzie back on the court, but..... -by Gianni Pascucci
After becoming the National Champion 2007 at the end of December, Super-Santiago de Jinotepe Carazo started competing in the so-named “Tiempo muerto” league, whose official name is "Copa de Baloncesto Mayor Claro Enitel”, and the main novelty in its roster is the one of Noel McKenzie (188-G-78), who has yet gone on the court with the shirt numberr 12. But a lot of Nicaraguan observers are perplexed, because that player should not have completed yet his three years ban sanctioned in 2005 for having assaulted a referee. Will he be allowed to play again or not ?

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NIGERIA

Nigeria in 2007 - A basketful of woes -by Olusegun Ikuesan
It has always been the norm in our society that when a year runs its full course and a brand new one approaches, the tendency to count the blessings of the out going year is irresistible.

The mood at this period is to seat back and critically take stock of activities from the beginning of the year till the end in order to master the mistakes of the past years and probably chart a new course for the new born year.

Just as it is important for individual to take stock, so it must be for institutions, organizations and the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) should be no exception.

For the NBBF, it would be a hard sell. While other sports federations will indulge in some self praise for their modest achievements in year 2007, NBBF led by its president Elder Jacob Buba Gyang will perhaps bury its head in shame for backsliding in the year 2007.

For the slamming and dunking game, the out gone year is that of one step forward, multi steps backward.

Rather than building up on the success story of year 2006 that brought a renewed hope for the game, activities within the basketball circle became paralyzed in 2007. The inability to dunk off the 2006/2007 domestic league season, following the withdrawal of its sponsor, V/Mobile (now Celtel) was a sore point for the NBBF board.

In spite of his position as Comptroller-General (CG) of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Elder Gyang (board) failed to muster enough energy to draw new sponsors, thereby pouring bucket of ice on the game and its stakeholders.

Players and officials of the game loafed around the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos like an expectant father sauntering around the corridor of the Labour Room to hear the cry of his new born baby. Though, while the father eventual smiled on arrival of his new born baby, for Nigerian basketball players and officials they waited in vain for the league to hold.

The ripple effect of non-availability of the domestic league took its tolls on the national teams performances at continental and international levels.

The chains of failures started mid in the year when the Junior Tigers, reigning African champions fell like a pack of card at the 15th FIBA U-19 World Championship in Novi Sad, Serbia, finishing 13th best against their 11th position they earned four years back in far away Athens, Greece.

While the players and officials gave their best against all odds, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) did nothing or little to get the team's preparation started in earnest.

The country's overall performance at the 9th All Africa Games, Algiers 2007, where Team Nigeria failed to defend its top position achieved on home soil four years ago in Abuja did not come to many as a surprise. What shocked the basketball fraternity were the lackluster performances recorded by both male and female national teams.

After recording gold at the Abuja 2003, Senegal subverted the Nigeria's Lady Tigers to claim top position in basketball event, while D'Tigers only succeeded in defending the bronze they won on home soil behind continent's basketball power house, Angola and Egypt.

As if these failures were like butter in the mouth, the Nigeria senior national team headed to Luanda, Angola for the FIBA Africa Championship for Men (Afrobasket 2007), a Beijing 2008 qualifier. Dwelling on what transpired before the championship will be like a wife nagging her husband bad preparation.

While other African countries jostling for the sole Olympics ticket journeyed Europe for tune up matches, Nigeria hurriedly assembled a 'crack' team and landed in Luanda few days to the commencement of the championship. Funny enough some Nigerian players met their newly recruited American coach (Robert McLum who was sacked by his school for poor performance) for the first time in Angola.

The result, Nigeria did not make it to the top three and they kissed Bejing Olympics bye, while minnows like Cape Verde and Cameroon secured a place for another attempt at qualifying for the summer Games in Beijing, China.

Lady Tigers followed in similar circumstance in Senegal, where relatively unknown Malian team booked their Olympic ticket courtesy of finishing top at the event, another path of qualification was opened to Angola and Senegal in the coming Olympic qualifying tournament for women in Madrid, Spain, from June 9-15, 2008.

At the African clubs championship, First Bank and Dolphins refused to fly the country's flag high in far away Maputo, Mozambique where the Africa Champions Cup for Women took place. The Adewunmi Aderemi led Elephant Girls finished a distance seventh position, while Dolphins finished second from behind.

In the male version of the African clubs contest, the tale of losses continued in Angola.

Niger Potters of Minna, Nigeria's sole representatives failed to live up to expectations after their heroic performance at the Africa Zone 3 elimination championship. The team finished fifth behind Angola's duo Primeiro de Agosto, Petro Atletico, Abidjan Basketball Club (ABC) of Cote d' Ivoire and Interclube of Angola at the FIBA Africa Club Champions Cup for Men.

Nigeria's other representatives; Ebun Comets failed to show up for the qualifiers due to lack of funds.

However, the developmental programe of the federation may have fared better in the past year, as spirited efforts of Masai Ujuri, Olumide Oyedeji and Nestle Milo kept the kids going.

Thanks to Olumide Oyedeji annual camp for kids and Masai's Big Man Camp which ensured that the kids brushed up their knowledge of the game in year 2007.

Even though, Nestle disappointed the kids for not holding its annual Milo Basketball Kiddies Clinic in 2007, the little efforts in sustaining the Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship were worth commendable.

What do we expect in the New Year? Of course, it is our fervent prayers that the much awaited sponsor, as it has been rumoured within the federation will bring an end to the lull in our domestic league.

The major challenges that will confront the NBBF in the New Year include immediate commencement of the 2008/2009 domestic league and collective efforts at resuscitating the developmental programes of the federation.

However, the only success story of the federation is perhaps the staging of the Zenith Bank Elite 8 Female Premier League, even as the competition needs more time to mature.

In conclusion 2007 has gone with its basket of woes for NBBF and its empty promises, while lovers of the game welcome 2008 with a renewed hope for basketball.

Courtesy www.fiba-afrique.org

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PUERTO RICO

Boricuas Abroad and White in Arecibo -by Alessandro Fontana

BORICUAS ABORAD
In Adriatic League, Siroki won against Helios Domzale 87-78. Our MVP was Sharif Fajardo who played a "partidazo" with 27 pts (8/11 2pts 8/9 FT) in 24 minutes. Siroki has now a 4-12 record in the standings.

Cibona won against Crvena Zvezda 94-82, Larry Ayuso was one of the best players of the game with 19 points.

In Poland, Turow won after an overtime against Atlas 101-94, Andres Rodriguez played 41 minutes with 11 pts (3/4 2pts, 1/3 3pts, 2/2 FT) and 6 assists.

Donald Copeland played another great game with 20 pts (4/11 2pts, 0/3 3pts, 12/12 FT)+5assts+4rebs but his team Polpharma was defeated by Anwil 71-73.

In Turkey Besiktas won against Casa Ted Koleji 79-78. Christian Dalmau played 34 minutes with 13 pts (2/4 2pts, 3/8 3pts) and Rick Apodaca scored 10 pts (2/4 2pts, 2/5 3pts) in 31 minutes.

In Germany, Paderborn was defeated by Oldenburg 82-75. Nathan Peavy scored 10 pts (6/8 2pts, 2/2 FT)+ 7 rebs.

In Greece Filiberto Rivera played with his new team Aek Athens, He played 21 minutes with 5 pts (2/3 2pts, 0/2 3pts, 1/2 FT) and 1 assist. Aek Athens was defeated by Maroussi 76-80.

In Spain, Fuenlabrada won against Girona 93-75. Peter John Ramos played only 6 minutes with 2 points and 1 reb.

In South Korea, Carmelo Lee scored 13 pts+7rebs and his team ET Incheon won against Dongbu 89-78.

BORICUAS IN THE STATES
In the NBA Dallas won against Minnesota 101-78. For Jose Juan Barea, 8 minutes with 4 pts (1/1 2pts 2/4 FT) and 1 assist.

In D-League Arsenal Anaheim defeated Dakota 106-97, for Guillermo Diaz 18pts (6/9 2pts, 0/1 3pts 6/6 FT) and 2 assts.

Idaho defeated Bakersfield 100-87. For Ricky Sanchez 5pts in 24 minutes.

Albuquerque won against Fort Wayne, Miguel Ali Berdiel played 25 minutes with 7pts+5assts.

BSN NEWS
Arecibo signed Rodney White (206-F-80, college: Charlotte) for next BSN Season. Rodney White is an experienced American forward. He played in the NBA for Detroit, Denver and Golden State and in other important European leagues such as in Italy (Pesaro) and in Spain (Manresa and Bilbao). This season He was playing in China with Zehjiang.

Jeff Aubry was released by Independiente de Neuquen. Aubry will come back in Puerto Rico to be ready for the next season with Leones de Ponce
A. Fontana

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ROMANIA

An early lead is not enough for the total victory -by Eurobasket News

CSU Asesoft - BC Hemofarm Stada 72:83 (26-17, 10-22, 16-19, 20-25)

Romanian CSU Asesoft did not hold the score for good in the Round 8 of Uleb Cup. A 26:17 score in the opening quarter was turned around by three-quarters of great play in the win by BC Hemofarm Stada.

CSU Asesoft looked awesome after the opening tip of the game. They controlled it with 12-4 spurt and increased their lead to 24:11 later in the period. But BC Hemofarm Stada was happy to reduce the score to 26:17 after the first 10 minutes. Pavkovic knocked down two shots from long range in a 0-12 run to begin the period and help his team pull ahead 26:29. It was the most important stretch of the game for the visitors as they dominated at the end. With the wins in the last three quarters the guests ensured their 6th victory.

With the 72:83 victory the guests jumped to 6-2 record in Group C. Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) led the winners with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) and Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) supported him with 17 points a piece. Arvydas Cepulis (195-G-79) scored 19 points for the Romanian squad while Virgil Carutasu (204-C-76) collected 12 points and 18 rebounds. CSU Asesoft dropped to 3-5 in the group. The Romanian squad remained in fourth place and will need to look at other groups and hope for the best-fourth standing.

CSU Asesoft plays next week at Galatasaray while Hemofarm travels to Hanzevast Capitals.

CSU Asesoft: Arvydas Cepulis 19, Virgil Carutasu 12+18 rebs, Rashard Griffith (212-C-74, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin) 12
BC Hemofarm Stada: Vladan Vukosavljevic 18+7 rebs, Miljan Pavkovic 17, Rawle Marshall 17

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SEBL

Mac-Town takes twin bill on Saturday over the military men... -by David Archer

BALLERS SWEEP SATURDAY TWIN BILL

Mac-town Ballers 104 Fort McPherson Knights 75...
The Mac-Town Ballers came out strong and mashed the Ft McPherson 104-75 on Saturday afternoon in the first game of a double-header in Macon (GA).

Mac-town shot the ball really well from the perimeter and had a decided advantage in the paint. The Knights put up a valiant effort, but ran out gas in the second half.

They had four players in double digits, J. Johnson with 18, J. Astin 17, J. Williams 17, and P. James-14.

The Ballers were led by Quinton Matthews (6'1-G, GCSU) with 17, Desean Hadley (6'3-G, E Michigan) and Andrew Brown both had 15.

Mac-town Ballers 67 Fort Benning 63...
The second game of the day, which pitted the Mac-town and Fort Benning, the Ballers were able to fight off fatigue and pull out a 67-63 defensive battle.

Weary from the first contest, the Ballers were able to hold back the onslaught of the much younger Benning team. Gary Jackson led Ft. Benning with 15 but couldn't carry the entire load for the win.

The Ballers two leading scorers were Steve Grayer (6'8-F,Wichita St) and Quinton Matthews, who had 18 each.

Ballers Transaction & Notes: Mac-town announced the acquistion of guards Leron Jackson and Jerel Brown, along with forwards Terrell Walker and Travis Taylor

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SERBIA

Dragan Raca returned to Greece -by Dragan Jankovski

Greek team AEP Olimpiada from Patras hired Serbian Dragan Raca as a new head coach. Olimpiada struggles this season as they grabbed just 2 wins of 11 rounds in Greek A1 league. In the past Raca was a head coach of AEL Limassol and with them three times won Cypriot championship and one National Cup. He also used to work in Iraklis, APOEL Nicosia and NT of Lebanon.

Except of the new head coach Olimpiada also agreed terms with Zoran Osmokrovic and Anthony Goldwire couple of days ago.

Aleksandar Dzikic is the new head coach of Union Olimpija -by Dragan Jankovski
Just 24 hours after Mehmet Becirovic stepped down from Union Olimpija on his own request (clash with GM Janez Rajgelj) management of the club agreed terms and signed contract until the end of the season with ex assistant coach of Partizan Begrade and Minessota Timberwolves Aleksandar Dzikic. In the past Dzikic also used to work as a head coach of BC Vizura from Belgrade after what he left to USA.

Golden State Warriors recalled Kosta Perovic from D-league -by Dragan Jankovski
NBA team Golden State Warriors released center Didier Ilunga-Mbenga (214-C-80) on Sunday and immediately recalled Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) from Bakersfield Jam, who competes in NBA Development league (NBDL). Perovic was 38th pick in the 2006 draft and signed contract with the Warriors in August 2007 but they sent him to Bakersfield on the day when they decided to sign Mbenga so he did not play any official game. It seems now that Perovic is finally very close to make his NBA debut soon.

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SLOVENIA

Slovan adds Petrov. part ways with Nikolic. Skornik to Lugano? -by Zeljko Zule
Geoplin Slovan inked former NT member Simon Petrov (191-G-76) ex Air Avellino till end of the season and parted ways with Stefan Nikolic (192-G-87).
Davorin Skornik (211-C-81, college: Bucknell) of Rogla is negotiating with Lugano. .

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SWITZERLAND

Geneve Devils sign George Byrd -by Eurobasket
Geneve Devils agreed terms with 33-year old American center George Byrd (203-C-75, college: Va Commonwealth). Byrd started this season at Hamar / Selfoss (Iceland), where he played also last season. Last year he was second best rebounder in the league with 13.1rpg (also 18.2ppg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg and Blocks-2(2.0bpg)). He his a very experienced player, who has already played in Belgium, Brazil, Finland, Venezuela, Portugal, France, Iceland and few semi-pro leagues in the States.

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TAIWAN

Sanders again wins BOW -by Chris Wang
It looks like Sanders Jonathan (201-G-81, college: St.Mary's, CA) and Chen Hsin-an is taking turns at winning the Baller of the Week awards this season. Sanders was named Week 5 BOW again Tuesday.

The American forward averaged for 26 points, 17.5 rebounds, 3.5 assiss, 2 steals and 2 blocks for the week, leading demdia Numen to bounce back from a three-game losing streak with two consecutive wins over Dacin and Pure Youth.

Voting results (points):
Jon Sanders 32
Chen Chih-chung 24
Chen Hsin-an 17

2007-08 Baller of the Week:
Week 5: Sanders Jonathan (dmedia)
Week 4: Chen Hsin-an (Yulon)
Week 3: Sanders Jonathan (dmedia)
Week 2: Chen Hsin-an (Yulon)
Week 1: Chen Hsin-an (Yulon)

TB head coach suspended 10 games, fined -by Chris Wang
Taiwan Beer head coach Yen Jia-hua has been handed a 10-game suspension and a NT$100,000 fine for kicking a referee after the Jan. 6 game vs. Yulon at Fengshan, Kaohsiung, the CTBA announced.

Taiwan Beer manager Lin Chieh-ho, who had punched the same referee, was suspended for 10 games and fined NT$20,000 as well.

Yen went wild after Chen Hsin-an's three-point play tied the game at 75-75 with 39.9 seconds to go and had to be contained by his staff. It appeared he would have gone to the referee. He was slapped with a technical foul immediately but wouldn't quit.

TB eventually lost the game 78-75 after Yen's outburst and giving up two free-throws and a possession.

Yen and Lin charged the referees in the hallway after the game. Yen tried to kick a referee but missed. Lin landed a punch on the shoulder of one of the refs. (Don't ask me why a man who landed a punch was fined for less than a man who kicked and missed. I had no idea...)

Yen offered apology to the referee in a press conference Monday but kept criticizing the officiating of SBL and CTBA referees, saying he wouldn't have to accept the suspension because the SBLwas not under the administration of the CTBA. (Actually, it was...)

The SBL Committee, the highest governing body of the league, is one of the committees under the CTBA.

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U.KINGDOM

Worcester upset Newcastle at home -by Eurobasket News
The Newcastle Eagles suffered their 3rd defeat in the season as they were beaten by the Worcester Wolves at the Worcester University. Worcester improved to 6-12 record in the championship table and stepped closer to playoff zone. The Wolves scored 7 unanswered points to open the encounter but Newcastle soon improved their attitude. They posted a 23:6 rally and finished the first quarter up by 7 points 25:18. The game turned into a heated battle in the second term as the Eagles worked hard to protect the lead and held a 2-point cushion at halftime. James Life (194-G-83, college: Massachusetts) who was remarkable on the night drained a three-pointer to regain the lead for the hosts in the third stanza. The Wolves adjusted their shooting and stayed ahead 73:70 after 30 minutes. Newcastle surged back in front in the fourth period but it was once again James Life, who turned things upside down in the final term. He knocked down 6 consecutive points for the home team and they rushed to the final victory in the crunch time. James Life led the action with 36 points. Anthony Paez (198-F-84, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Stephen F. Austin) contributed 23 points for the winning side. The Eagles responded with 27 points from Charles Smith (198-F-75, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Rider). Andrew Bridge (193-F-79) delivered 22 points as Newcastle fell to 12-3 record although securing the top spot in the ladder.
Meanwhile there were a couple of games in the BBL Trophy tournament. The Guildford Heat grabbed their third win in a row as they ripped the Worthing Thunder 118:69. The Heat remained on top of Group 2. The only EBL representative at the competition suffered their second straight defeat and still looking for the right approach. Guildford did not wait for too long before initiating an onslaught early in the game. The shots were dropping from everywhere and the Thunder soon found themselves down by 16 points midway through the first quarter. The halftime lead swelled up to 24 points and the Heat cruised to an overall victory in the second half. John Nottley (209-C-82, college: Oklahoma Christian) scored 28 points for Guildford. Dan Wardrope (188-G-78) provided 20 points in a win. Cleve Woodfork (206-C-83) answered with 16 points for Worthing.

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ULEB CUP

An early lead is not enough for the total victory -by Eurobasket News

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URUGUAY

Jackson netted 30 for Defensor Sporting -by Hector Lopez
David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) netted 30 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, while Diego Castrillon (199-F-75) scored 21 and took 11 rebounds, leading Defensor Sportng to beat Union Atletica 91-80. Playing without Nathan Mielke (210-F-81, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee), injured, Defensor lead during all the game. For Union Atletica Mark Flavin (211-F/C-82, college: Maine) scored 22 points and Marlon Martinez (204-F/C-77, agency: Duran International), on his first game netted 9. Emilio Taboada (193-F-82) scored 41 points - incluiding 6 three points shots, when Malvin defeated Welcome 101-80. For Malvin Kim Adams (203-F/C-82, college: Arkansas St.) netted 20 and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Alexander Blackwell (205-F/C-70, agency: Duran International, college: Monmouth) netted 10 and took 9 rebounds. For Welcome Jamaal Wise (196-F-83, college: Rhode Island) scored 11 and Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Park) 18.

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WBA

New name, new life for WBA -by Gianni Pascucci
While the USBL has thrown the towel, the other spring minor league, the WBA, announced a change of name and a stronger restart for the 2008 season. The new league name is "WBA Pro Basketball League" and the new owner is Leroy Mc Math, who will keep the organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. The WBA main score will be to teach, develop, and expose basketball players to NBA, NBDL, CBA, and International Scouts. Current franchises include Jackson, TN, Gwinnett, GA, Biloxi, MS, Macon, GA, Birmingham, AL, Marietta, GA, Holly Spring, MS, Anderson, SC, Murfreesboro TN, and Memphis, TN. As we have yet anticipated, the first act of the re-born WBA will be its annual Free Agent Camp on April 11-12th , 2008 at Life University in Marietta, Georgia. The camp will be conducted to give prospective players an opportunity to be exposed to the 10 teams in the WBA. A free agent selection draft will be held directly following the camp to allocate the top prospects. For more information on the 2008 WBA Pro Basketball League Free Agent Camp, please visit the official web site www.wbaball.net.

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Women News

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EUROLEAGUE (W) - Women

Turkish teams and players in Europe -by Iva Ivanova
Prestigious tournaments Euroelague and FIBA Cup are on action. Turksih team Fenerbahce goes on at Euroleague. Fenerbahce will face TTTR Riga at Latvia on 9th Jan.2008. In the first game, when teams faced at Istanbul, Fenerbahce survived a valiant comeback by TTT Riga with Cappie Pondexter saving the day in a 71-69 victory in the EuroLeague Women. Now battle again is open. Kalaycioglu and his team goes to Latvia to grabbed the win. Cappie Pondexter is leading scorers with 22.3 avg/game after 7 games in Euroleague. Fenerbahce is 2nd in current range in Group A.

In the same Group A Yasemin Horasan`s team Phard Napoli loses 6 games and wins 1. There are three games up to end of qualifying round when Phard Napoli will face MKB Euroleasing, Lille Metropole and TTT Riga.

Four teams reached next round in FIBA Cup Tournament. Pankup TED Koleji faced Israeli Elektra Ramat-Hasaron in Kayseri on 9th Jan. Next game is on 16th Jan. at Israel.

Galatasaray goes to France to play against Pays Aix Basket at Aix-en-Provence.First game is on 10th Jan., second at Istanbul is on 17th Jan.

Besiktas Cola Turka opponent in 16 finals are Elitzur Ramla. First game is at Israel, second - at Istanbul sport`s complex Akatlar.

Botas Spor will face Dynamo Kursk on 10 th jan. at adana, second game is on 17th Jan, at Kursk,Russia.

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FRANCE - Women

LFB round 12: Who would have thought this to happen? -by Leslie Anderson

In a weekend of explosive action the LFB came to life with interesting outcomes. The action started on Saturday with the local derby between ASPTT Arras and Cote d'Opale Basket Calais. Arrasplaying at home surprisingly lost out (92-84).

All 10 players for Union Saint-Amand Porte du Hainaut scored as they beat Mourenx (81-63).

On Sunday Gunta Basko (181-F-80, college: Siena) and Montpellier destroyed Reims (76-58) while Cercle Jean Mace Bourges had to make up a 22-point deficit to overcome Stade Clermontois Auvergne Basket 63 (74-56).

In all other matches more surprises as USVO lost at home to Mondeville (67-70) and Tarbes, in money-time, overturned Villeneuve (66-64). And Aix travelled to Challes and came away with a victory (68-57).

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HUNGARY - Women

Round 11 - Uniqa NB1/A -by Adam Patonay

Savaria BC Szombathely - Atomeromu Szekszard 72:127
(18:28; 18:33; 10:36; 30:30)
Savaria: Viktoria Szabo 19/3 (6 rebounds, 4 assists), Vivien Gadnai 11, Monika Szabadfi 17/15
Szekszard: Rita Tamas 24/9 (9 assists), Mina Maksimovic 23/3 (10 rebounds), Monika Bukovszki 25/12 (8 assists), Daniela Varda 13/9, Reka Balint 17/9

Kanizsai Vadmacskak - Vasas Csata 50:60
(15:15; 10:16; 11:9; 14:20)

BSE - MKB Euroleasing Sopron 69:92
(25:17; 18:32; 15:20; 11:23)
BSE: Aties Zuleira 12 (9 rebounds), Diana Furesz 19/15, Castillo Iglesias 11/9, Dagmar Imbergerova 15/15

Sopron: Olexandra Gorbunova 12/3, Bernadett Nemeth 12/3, Dora Horti 13, Edit Eordogh 19/15, Jelena Milovanovic 13/6

BEAC Ujbuda - Cegledi EKK 51:64
(11:17; 16:13; 12:17; 12:17)
BEAC: Emese Szasz 11/3, Sara Pusztai 12, Melinda Bagi 10 (11 rebounds), Krisztina Sule 13/3
Cegled: Coronado Suero 15/6, Tiffany Williams 20 (12 rebounds)

Mizo Pecs 2010 - Szolnoki NKK 72:54
(17:13; 20:9; 17:17; 18:15)

Szeviep Szeged - Zala Volan ZTE 92:61
(26:8; 19:21; 26:17; 21:15)
Szeged: Milena Tomova 23 (11 rebounds), Krisztina Kovacs 12/6, Ivelina Vrantcheva 11/6, Judit Kajdacsi 11 (12 rebounds)

Zala Volan: Lydia Milkova 10, Molly Creamer (177-G-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Bucknell) 23/12

Round 12 - Uniqa NB1/A -by Adam Patonay
Seat Foton Gyor - BEAC Ujbuda 80:46
(13:6; 19:15; 24:9; 24:16)

Cegledi EKK - Vasa Csata 87:71
(27:17; 12:24; 21:17; 27:13)
Cegled: Anett Serban 18 (13 rebounds), Coronado Suero 22/18, Tiffany Williams 23 (16 rebounds), Marija Boskovic 12 (6 assists), Rita Kalmar-Nagy 10/9
Csata: Zsofia Koncz (184-F-85) 26/12, Judit Izsak 10/6, Judit Fitz 13/3

Szlonoki NKK - Savaria BC Szombathely 89:39
(24:6; 9:19; 30:6; 26:8)
Szolnok: Angela Djelmis 16/6 (11 assists), Zita Sonyak 12, Magdalena Kozdron 14/3, Annamaria Keller 13, Rita hegedus 19/3
Savaria: Jonee Billy 12

Atomeromu Szekszard - Kanizsai Vadmacskak 87:57
(21:13; 22:15; 16:11; 28:18)

MKB Euroleasing Sopron - Szeviep Szeged 101:94
(30:30; 27:17; 17:19; 27:28)

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ICELAND - Women

Valur beat Keflavik. -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Top team Keflavik lost to Valur in double overtime. 72-72 after regular time. 82-82 after first overtime. Final score 97-94
Big upset since Keflavik had won 11 games and Valur only 3 before this game.
Molly Peterman (179-G-80, college: Detroit Mercy) had a very good game for Valur 38 pts & 10 steals. Lovisa Gudmundsdottir 18. Signy Hermannsdottir 16 + 15 rebs. Berglind Ingvarsdottir 10. For Keflavik. TaKesha Watson 25 + 9 assist. Birna Valgardsdottir 13. Palina Gunnlaugsdottir 11 + 11 rebs.

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IRELAND - Women

DCU Mercy outduels Aughinish in key clash -by Eurobasket News
DCU Mercy got knotted with UL Aughinish in the Irish Superleague ladder. They managed to roll to a hard 58:48 victory over their closest rivals. The teams now share the second spot in the table with 9-3 record. DCU Mercy held a minimum 30:29 lead into the third stanza. But the things brightened up for the hosts after the main break and a strong performance from Lindsay Peat (170-G-80) allowed the hosts to celebrate an important victory at the end. Lindsay Peat finished with game-high 28 points to lead DCU Mercy. Ann-Marie Healy (191-C-83, college: Jacksonville St.) contributed 12 points and 12 boards, while Mary Fox (180-G-83) added 12 points and 10 boards for the winners. Courtney McDaniel (186-F/C-82, college: Tennessee) answered with 11 points and 12 boards for Aughinish. Jillian Aherne and Miriam Liston (173-G) banked 9 points apiece in a losing clause. The hosts dominated the boards 41:19 and forced the visitors to 20 turnovers.
Meanwhile the league leading Hotel Cork faced little obstacles en route to an 83:52 win over Meteors. Hotel Cork announced their ambitions early in the game opening it with 11 unanswered points. They piled up a 49:21 advantage at halftime before loosening up their defense a bit. It never influenced the final outcome though as Hotel Cork easily ensured their 12th win in the season. Michelle Fahy (-82) paced the hosts with 18 points. Elaine O'Dwyer (-87) produced 17 points in a win. O'Sullivan responded with 10 points as Meteors fell to 2-9 record.
The Waterford Wildcats struggled early on, but turned pretty convincing after the break in a 78:62 win over Dart Killester. Michelle Aspell (168-G) was a usual contributor for the Wildcats as she knocked down game-high 27 points. Shauna O'Connor (183-F-88) drained 20 points in a losing effort.

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ISRAEL - Women

Round 12th results -by Gil Goshen

Bnoth Hsharon 82 - Ashdod 70

For Bnoth Hsharon:

Tanisha Wright 23 pts (10/10 FGs), 7 rebs, 5 ast,
Abiola Wabara 14 pts 5rb.
Ornit Shawrtz 11 pts
Chen Nusel, Neda Djuric & Katia Levitzky 8 pts each
Mistie Williams 7 pts 8rb
Noa Ganor 3 pts

For Ashdod:
Sheri Sam 19 pts, 7 rebs
Brandi McCain 18 pts
Michal Epstein 13 pts
Ayana Walker 12 pts
Bat El Lazmi & Karin Agassi 3 pts each
Inbal Shnapper 2 pts

Tel Kabir 67 - Ramla 83

For Ramla:
Shay Doron 29 pts
Jackie Johnson 17 pts
Camille Little 16 pts
Sherill Baker 14 pts

For Tel Kabir:
Shaun Gortman 21 pts
Shiri Porat 12 pts
Michelle Woods 11 pts
Adi Kindler 10 pts
Victoria Crawford 7 pts

Hapoel Tel Aviv 71 - Ramat Hen 88

For Ramat Hen:
Taj McWilliams Franklin 28 pts, 16 rebs
Lena Mustafina 16 pts
Edwina Brown 10 pts, 10 rebs, 7 ast
Shiri Sharon 10 pts, 5 rebs, 5 ast
Armintie Price 9 points, 5rb. & Chen Shtain 9 pts each

For Hapoel:
Tamara Bowie 24 pts, 15 rebs
Edniesha Curry 20 pts, 13 rebs, 7 tos
Shira Haelyon 10 pts, 5 ast
Liran Buchris 9 pts .

Bnei Yehuda 65 - Electra Ramat Hasharon 79

For Ramat Hasharon:
Jia Perkins 25 pts
Deanna Jackson 17 pts, 9 rebs
Daliborka Vilipic 12 pts, 9 rebs
Merav Dori 9 pts
Shimrit Gigi 5 pts
Tatyana Troina 4 pts

For Bnei Yehuda:
Renee Taylor 19 pts
Rivi Grinboym 17 pts
Sugiery Monsac 11 pts
Dionnah Jackson 10 pts

Tanisha Wright (180-G-83, college: Penn St.)

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ITALY - Women

Viterbo changed coach -by Carlo Grilli
Gescom Viterbo fired coach Federico Xaxa and signed Claudio Agresti . Agresti coached in his career a lot of women team, the last-one Vicenza three years ago; on the men side, Agresti recently was the first assistant of Teoman Alibegovic at Scafati (Serie A1).

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JORDAN - Women

Jordan hosts Arab Club Championship for Women -by Fadi Sabbah
Jordan Basketball officials will host Arab Basketball Federation representetaives to sign a contract between the two organizations that names Jordan as the host country for the Arab Club Championship scheduled to tip off in Amman on the 23rd of March 2008. Jordan will be represented by National Champions Zain Club and runners up Orthodox Club in the Men tournament, while Orthodox Club and Riyadi will represent the country in the Women event. Basketball experts anticipate a wide participation in both categories.

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SLOVAK REP. - Women

Kubatova back in Nitra -by Michal Maslany

Slovak basketbal player Gabriela Kubatova (172-G-84) sign new deal with fourth team slovakian woman extraliga INPEK UKF Nitra. 23-years old guard starts current season in hungarian team Zalaegerszeg after good year in Nitra. She will stay in Nitra till the end of season 2008/09.

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SWITZERLAND - Women

BBC unable to stop Neuchatel -by Eurobasket News
Universite Neuchatel extended their winning run with another impressive victory at LNF. In Round 13 the league leaders hosted BBC and managed to post their 12th win. BBC took an