EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/1/2008

Copyright © 1997-2008 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com


Men News

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


Cory Underwood Gets His Chance - by Surujh Roopnarine
Albuquerque Thunderbirds forward Cory Underwood (6'10''-F/C-80, agency: David Lee services, college: SUNO) was signed to the Philadelphia 76ers Training Camp roster to replace Justin Reed. Underwood appeared in 36 games for Albuquerque last season playing for now 76ers Assistant Coach Jeff Ruland, and averaged 6.0 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 42% from the field.
The 610 Queens, NY native has had a whirlwind career ever since entering college. He bounced around through four universities before finally finishing at Southern University of New Orleans in 2002-03. The oft-entertaining and jovial Underwood, has a different personality on the basketball court, thus earning the nickname The Undertaker as he has been known to bury opponents in the New York City street ball circuit. Whether playing at West 4th, Rucker Park or Fireball at Baruch College, Underwood always makes his presence known. Corys minor league background is extensive, having had successful stints in the American Basketball Association (Strong Island Sound), the United States Basketball League, or the Continental Basketball Association the versatile big man has been ready to step up and produce.

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


Partizan Igokea officially promotes team for season 08/09 - by Dragan Jankovski
Reining Serbian and Adriatic league champion Partizan Igokea today officially promoted team for the season 2008/09. At the end of the last one Montenegrin superstar and 'Eurobasket.com Euroleague Player of the Year' Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) left the team. Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.), Dusan Kecman (197-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket) and Dejan Borovnjak (208-F-86) done the same. In the meantime Black-and-whites agreed terms with another Montenegrin big guy Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84). Vukasin Aleksic (185-G-85, agency: Beo Basket), Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket), Jan Vesely (210-F/C-90) and Vladimir Lucic (-F-89) also joined the team while the last acquisition was Gabonese player Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts). Captain Petar Bozic (197-G-78), Novica Velickovic, Uros Tripkovic, Milenko Tepic, Slavko Vranes and Cedomir Vitkovac stayed in the club and all of them will have very important role next season. Strahinja Milosevic, Marko Djurkovic, Bogdan Riznic and Darko Balaban also remained black-and-white.

As usually, head coach Dusko Vujosevic promised that Partizan will give its maximum next season in all competitions. He once again talked about Partizan as a big family, what is for sure one of the key things for winning 7 consecutives titles in Serbia.

According to captain Petar Bozic, Partizan is still hungry for trophies.

'As many times before we stayed without few very important players but, what is the most important, our hearth and character are here. Our willingness for winning the new trophies are even bigger than it was the last season', said Bozic.

As a reminder, Partzan Igokea has wonderful year behind it. Belgrade's team won Serbian championship, Serbian National Cup, Adriatic league and reached Euroleague quarterfinals. It is for sure one of the best seasons for Partizan over the past 15 years.

*****************************************************
  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Africa Wheelchair Championship: First Deepwater Lift Nigerian team - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Sticking to its tradition of rendering quality service to humanity, First Deepwater Discovery Limited lived up to one of its vision statement of having people in mind by single-handedly sponsoring the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball to the Africa U-22 Championship holding in Johannesburg, South Africa from September 30 through October 5, 2008.

Our Correspondent reliably gathered that the Oil and Gas firm was responsible for the team camping of two-week in Lagos and also took charge of paying the team way to the Africa Championship which doubled as the 2009 World Championship qualifiers.

Head coach of the special basketball players; OBrien Adoki a senior lecturer at the nations prestigious sports institute, NIS says the team will not disappoint the confidence repose in them by the sponsor and the team fans.

Managing Director of First Deepwater Discovery Limited, Engr. Babatunde Babalola promised his company continuous support for the slamming and dunking game in Nigeria.

Ours is a social responsibility with human face having played the game actively as a student at the Federal University of Technology Akure and as a pass-time now, we are obligated to do our best as a responsible corporate citizen to offer our support to the games ruling body, the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF and the players in general.

We feel fulfilled been able to lend a helping hand to our fellow human in the area of sport as we are set and prepared to contribute our quota to the development of this beautiful game.

Eight players and four officials left Lagos aboard a South Africa Airline on Monday evening while the remaining four players and two officials joined the team Wednesday morning after having the issuance of their entry visa delayed till Tuesday by the South African embassy in Lagos.

Three countries, host South Africa, Angola and Nigeria are battling for the continent sole ticket to the World Championship billed for France next year are taking part of the week-long qualifiers.

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


Corey Williams is 'NBL Player of the Week for Round 2' - by Eurobasket News
The National Basketball League has named Townsville Crocodiles import Corey Williams (191-G-77, college: Alabama St.) 'Homicide' as the Player of the Week for Round Two after leading his team to a perfect 2-0 record.

Williams started the round by scoring a game-high 22 points and adding 12 rebounds as the Crocs recorded a 91-89 victory over the South Dragons at Hisense Arena on Thursday.

The man dubbed Homicide for the way he killed opponents on the blacktop playgrounds in the US scored 11 of his points in the final period, underlining his reputation as a clutch player.

The 191cm point guard then helped the Croc to improve to 2-1 with a come-from-behind 100-96 win over archrivals the Cairns Taipans at the Townsville Entertainment Centre on Saturday night.

The import again came through when it mattered most for his team, scoring 16 points in the final term. He also added nine rebounds, four assists and one steal against Cairns.

For the week, Williams averaged an impressive 26.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

The Townsville superstar took out the award from Adelaide 36ers big man Adam Ballinger and Melbourne Tigers centre Chris Anstey. Adelaide import Mark Tyndale can also consider himself unlucky, after recording a monster first game of the round against Sydney (30 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, one steal) only to miss much of his teams second game against the Spirit due to an eye injury.

Others in consideration for Player of the Week included Aaron Bruce (Adelaide), Mark Worthington (South), Julian Khazzouh (Sydney), CJ Bruton (New Zealand), Oscar Forman (New Zealand), Tony Ronaldson (New Zealand), Shane Heal (Gold Coast), Isiah Victor (Perth), Darnell Hinson (Perth), Stephen Black (Cairns) and Martin Cattalini (Cairns).


NBL Championship Player of the Week 2008/09

Round 1 Kirk Penney (New Zealand)
Round 2 Corey Williams (Townsville)

Courtesy of www.nbl.com.au

Nathan Jawai medical reveals heart problem - by Eurobasket News
Australian player Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC), who signed 2-year deal with Toronto Raptors in July, will be kept out of practice until the end of the week. Namely, at the routine medical test hearth problem is revealed and further cardiac tests are scheduled for this week.

Nathan Jawai exploded last season in jersey of Cairn Taipans. He ended NBL 07/08 as third best rebounder with 9.6 rpg. At the same time he averaged 17.7 ppg, 2 apg and 1 bpg. Jawai was named 'Australiabasket.com All-Australian NBL Rookie of the Year -08'. He also got the award 'Australian NBL All-Star Game -08 (MVP)'. His team managed to reach play-off semifinals in NBL. At the NBA Draft this past summer Indiana Pacers selected him as 41th overall pick. Later, Toronto got right on him signing 2-year contract.

Nathan Jawai joined Cairns Taipans in January 2007 but he did not play any official game. He returned to Australia from Midland Community College (JUCO, USA). In 2005 and 2006 he played for Australian Institute of Sport. Jawai also spent some time with Southern Dictrict Spartans. As 19-year old player, Jawai was a member of Queensland U20 Team.

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


Martin Kohlmaier tips off season in Spain - by Eurobasket News
Martin Kohlmaier (218-C-84, agency: Octagon) played two games with La Palma in the Spanish LEB Oro. La Palma unable to overcome Lleida in the season opener losing 77:97. Austrian player spent 24 minutes on the court and delivered team-high 18 points and 3 boards for La Palma. He converted 6/8 from the field, including 1/1 from beyond the arc and 5/6 from free throw line.
La Palma recovered in the second round when they toppled Rio Breogan 85:68 at home court. Martin Kohlmaier once again was solid with 12 points in 28 minutes on the court. He accounted for 5/7 field goals that included 1/1 from downtown. La Palma occupy the 11th spot in the ladder with 1-1 record at the moment.

*****************************************************
  BARBADOS   


Lakers down Senators for under-21 championship - by Justin Marville
THE LUMBER COMPANY LAKERS have finally captured the elusive Under-21 Championship.

And they did it without getting a major contribution from their best player.

Led by a spectacular all-round performance from point guard Akeem 'Supa' Williams, the Lakers overcame a rare off-night from star shooting guard Keefe Birkett to defeat rivals Colombian Emeralds International Senators 79-74 in the final of the Barbados Light & Power Under-21 Basketball Tournament on Sunday night.

Despite playing in the shooting-friendly confines of the Barbados Community College, the prolific Birkett never got going offensively, even while creating good looks against a credible defensive performance from opposing swingman Andre Freeman.

And the Lakers supporting cast proved to be no match for the hungry Senators, as power forward Nicholai Williams took the opportunity to validate his standing as one of the country's looming post threats.

The 6ft 7in Senators 'big man' treated the final's first half as his grand stage, showcasing his vast array of post moves against a bewildered opposing front court that quickly ran out of ideas on how to contain the finesse forward.

With Freeman and combo guard Dadrian Browne spacing the floor, the Senators executed their half-court offence to perfection as the Lakers watched their opponents run away with the first half.

But the Husbands-based side never stopped competing, not even when they saw an early 25-17 deficit balloon to a 44-31 hole midway through the second quarter.

And their faith was rewarded as the Senators inexplicably went scoreless for the final four minutes of the half after Romain Lovell missed an uncontested dunk in transition.

Akeem Williams responded by scoring five unanswered points to close the quarter, then extending his side's run to the ensuing period as the Senators' scoring drought carried over for the first 3:15 minutes of the third quarter.

By that time the Lakers had not only reduced the deficit to a single point, but got the pleasure of seeing the back of Nicholai Williams, as the towering forward was forced to the bench with foul trouble.

With the Senators struggling offensively with Nicholai Williams' departure, opposing centre Kregg Jones got free at the other end of the court, pairing with Akeem Williams to take control of proceedings.

Getting a couple of easy baskets from Birkett, Jones and Akeem Williams exploded in the open court, opening up a narrow 61-58 lead by the time of Nicholai Williams' re-entry.

But the Senators forward failed to quell the run though, as the Lakers floor general took over at both ends of the floor, coming up with key strips while knifing his way through the paint and hitting a pair of treys.

Akeem Williams' eight-point eruption saw the Lakers build an unassailable 74-63 lead with a little over two minutes remaining as his namesake failed to touch the ball at the other end.

Browne made it interesting in the game's final minute, hitting a pair of long treys to get the Senators as close as five points. But his side weren't able to get enough stops in the dying seconds.

Akeem Williams led the way with a game-high 24 points, Jones added 19, while Mark Bridgeman chipped in with 17. For Senators, Freeman scored 20 points, Nicholai Williams 18, and Browne 15.

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


Vitalyur and OZAA closed the friendly tournaments - by Eurobasket News
Vitalyur and OZAA closed the friendly tournaments held recently in Belarus and Ukraine. Sumy invited Cherkasy, Kryvbasbasket and Vitalyur from Belarus to their International home tournament. In Day 1 Cherkasy overcame Kryvbasbasket 93:72 dominating the court in the whole game. Kupovich led the winners with 17 points, while Aleksei Poltoratskiy (208-F-74) posted 16. Korablev ended up with 17 points in the losing effort. Sumykhimprom won the opener over Vitalyur 86:74. Brian Green (180-G) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Griffin collected 13 points and 10 rebounds, whilst Matyukevich scored 13.
In Day 2 Kryvbasbasket upset the hosts 81:68 with 26:14 in the last period. Viktor Kondratovets (187-G-76) led the way with 14 points. Brian Green and Lemik posted 12 points apiece for Sumy. Cherkasy thrashed Vitalyur 89:56 in another game of the day. The teams stayed even in the first half, but then Ukrainian side pushed the tempo.
In Day 3 Vitalyur celebrated the only win beating Kryvbasbasket 72:68. Trailing 12:22 after the opening quarter the team from Belarus won the last three to seal the victory. Cherkasy triumphed in the tournament after 97:89 win over Sumykhimprom. Aleksei Poltoratskiy top-scored for the winners with 20 points and 8 rebounds.
OZAA invited Lithuanian Prenay, Ukrainian Pulsar and Russian Chehovski Hawks. Lithuanian Prenay became the winner of the tournament winning all three games.

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


Borac skips first round of EuroChallenge? - by Eurobasket News
It seems that Borac Nektar will skip the first round of EuroChallenge 08/09. Namely, its opponent at the very first stage Polikhtehnika Lviv is fined by the Ukrainian Basketball Federation, which prohibited it to play in European competitions. People from Borac Nektar also heard for this news but they didn't get any official announcement.

'Everything is unofficial yet. We are preparing for that game until we get the official confirmation of this news. If it really happens it could mean that we are going straight to the second stage of EuroChallenge. Our expenses will be lower as the next round we would play at our home court', said head coach of Borac Nektar Milos Pejic.

Director of Borac Nektar Slobodan Simovic stated that the last news sends a signal that Polikhtehnika won't participate in EuroChallenge this year.

'One thing we know for sure, the referees for that game are not selected yet. The reason really could be that FIBA accepted demand of UBF to suspend Polikhtehnika from this competition', said Simovic.

The game between Borac Nektar and Politekhnika Lviv supposes to be played on October 14th. Official statement from FIBA about this game is expected very soon. As a reminder, 15 more games will be played at the same day. Eight teams qualified directly to the first qualifying round. Dexia Mons-Hainaut (Belgium), Keravnos (Cyprus), Kalev (Estonia), Larissa (Greece), Virtus Bologna (Italy), Ventspils (Latvia), Lokomotiv Rostov (Russia) and Khimik (Ukraine) will wait for their opponents. The winner and runner-up of EuroChallenge will earn the right to play in the EuroCup next season.

*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   


Dunav 2007 inks two young players - by Eurobasket News
Dunav 2007 announced signing of two players Vladimir Nikolov (186-G-88, college: Garrett JC) and Dimitar Velev (-G-88).
Vladimir Nikolov spent last season in A2 team Slavia Sophia. He received 18 minutes per game from the coach Daniel Dimitrov averaging 4.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 1.1 spg. On 06/07 he was a student of Garrett Junior College (JUCO, USA).
Dimitar Velev also played last season for Slavia Sophia. He registered a bit better digits than his teammate Nikolov. For 22 games in A1 Velev had 7.5 ppg and 4.5 rpg. Nikolov already started to practice with his new team while arrival of Velev is expected today. Dunav 2007 still looks for another pure center, position 5.

Rilski Sportist and Levski Sophia will play two friendly games. The first one is scheduled for today at 17:30h in Bulgarian capital. Second game will be played in Samokov on Thursday. As a reminder both teams will play this season in Balkan league as well as in domestic championship.

Lukoil Akademik will also play a friendly game today. Its rival will be Serbian team Crvena Zvezda. The game will be played in Pirot, native city of coach Svetislav Pesic.

*****************************************************
  CBA   


Miners ink Blackburn - by Gianni Pascucci
The East Kentucky Miners announced the signing of Jermaine Blackburn (6'7''-G/F-83, college: Boise St.), a key player for the Yakama Sun Kings during the 2007-08 CBA season. Blackburn averaged 11.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game for Yakama last year. The former Boise State Bronco also participated in the 2008 CBA All-Star Game. 'I'm really excited about Jermaine and what he brings to the table,' said East Kentucky Coach Kevin Keathley . 'He's the type of player that will excel in my system. I look for guys who can play multiple positions and he brings that.'

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


Popovic and Loncar celebrate in Ankara - by Eurobasket News
Russian team UNICS Kazan celebrated on strong tournament in Ankara, which was played this week-end. In the final game UNICS outplayed Italian Benetton Treviso 70-61. Two Croatians in UNICS demonstrated nice performance. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) collected 14 points and 3 rebounds in the final game. Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83) also shined against the Benetton with 12 points, 8 boards and 3 assists. Third Croat Sandro Nicevic (210-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) wasn't able to help Benetton due to influence. In the opening day of the tournament UNICS celebrated against Efes Pilsen 92-82. Marko Popovic was good once again adding 16 points and 3 assist. Kresimir Loncar followed with 13 points, 3 boards and 3 assists.

That is not all from Croatians in Ankara. Third place on this tournament belongs to Efes Pilsen, which was better than the host Turk Telekom 79-77. Starting center of Efes Pilsen Mario Kasun (213-C-80) dominated under the basket adding 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 minutes. Interesting is that 15 points he nailed already in the first half. As it was mentioned above, Efes suffered defeat in the first game against UNICS. Mario Kasun netted 7 points for his team in that one.

Dubrovnik wins tournament in Poprad - by Eurobasket News
Dubrovnik is the winner of international tournament in Slovakian city Poprad.

In the first game of the tournament Croatian team was better than Austrian Klagenfurt Pirates. In day number two Dubrovnik easily beat Swedish Jamtland Basket 81-58. Swedish team succeeded to resist only in the first ten minutes. In the second quarter Ante Vranjes (204-F/C-75, agency: Heinrich Sports) and his teammates woke up creating 22-11. It means that Croatians had comfortable plus 14 at the half time. Jamtland threatened during the next period what was a sign for Dubrovnik to put into the fifth gear once again. Its player immediately done it finishing last quarter 26-14. Ante Vranjes top-scored for the winners with 22 points. Marijo Hajdic (204-F/C-89) netted 15 points while Marko Radic (188-G-89) stopped on 13.

In the last game Dubrovnik met the host team Chemosvit Poprad. It was a way more exciting match. Namely, Dubrovnik had big plus 16 before the last stanza. Unfortunately, after that moment Croatians somehow stopped playing probably thinking that everything is already over. Chemosvit exploited that opportunity and with many fast breaks and long range strokes ended 10-30 last frame celebrating 4-point win, 82-86. However, despite this defeat first place on this tournament belongs to Dubrovnik. This time Aleksandar Scepanovic (196-G-82) was the best scorer in Croatian team with 23 points. Ante Vranjes (204-F/C-75, agency: Heinrich Sports), Ljubo Prgomet (195-G/F-84) and Maro Lucic (202-C-80) posted 12 points each.

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


Horsholm 76ers is looking for another great season. - by Thomas Soltau

Last seasons great surprise was the Horsholm 79ers. Behind a terrific job done by the clubs management, important foreign signings and young players stepping up, the team was able to elevate its level of play. Having struggled in past years Horsholm 79ers raised themselves and finished out the 07/08 season with a fine 5th place in the Canal Digital League.

A new head coach Nemanja Jovanovic has been signed to ensure that Horsholm 79ers continues on last seasons great run. This however could prove to be a difficult task, since Horsholm 79ers have lost 3 and maybe 4 starters from last seasons roster. Danish NT players point guard Frederik Nielsen (180-G-88) (180-G-88) (If he will attend a US College is still up in the air.) and forward/center Soren Flaeng (207-C-85, agency: Rasmussen Services) (Iceland), US players center Nick Billings (214-C-82, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Binghamton) (Norway) and forward James Duane (198-F-83, agency: Tank Sports, college: Binghamton).

Horsholm 79ers entered the free-agent market and came up with the solution of two versatile US forwards. Strong post-player Jerald Minnis (201-F-85, college: High Point) and the perimeter oriented shooter Jimmy Binnie (201-F-86, college: Dayton).
Talented Anton Larsen (209-C-88) should also push for more playing time and could give Nemanja Jovanovic a possibility to go big, like Horsholm 79ers successfully did most of last season, often playing 4 guys over 2 meters in the line-up.

Allan Ehte (189-G/F-86) and Danish scorer Christian Nielsen (201-F-86, college: Wagner) is also back in the Horsholm 79ers uniform, so it will be interesting to see what line up Nemanja Jovanovic will trust to secure a fruitful 08/09 season.

*****************************************************
  D-LEAGUE   


Nine former Skyforce players on 2008-09 NBA training camp rosters - by Eurobasket News
The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced today that nine former players are on 2008-09 NBA training camp rosters. Training camp consists of practices and preseason games used to determine which players will make an NBA team's opening day roster. The NBA's 115-game preseason schedule tips off on Sunday, Oct. 5 as the Golden State Warriors visit the New Orleans Hornets and the Detroit Pistons visit the Miami Heat.


Following is the list of former players on NBA training camp rosters:

Player NBA Team Last Season in S.F.

Andre Brown (6'9''-F/C-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: De Paul) Charlotte Bobcats 2006-07

Jermareo Davidson* Charlotte Bobcats 2007-08

Noel Felix Sacramento Kings 2005-06

Stephen Graham Indiana Pacers 2006-07

Robert Hite Phoenix Suns 2006-07

Amir Johnson* Detroit Pistons 2006-07

Jared Reiner Philadelphia 76ers 2006-07

Chris Richard* Minnesota Timberwolves 2007-08

Antywane Robinson Philadelphia 76ers 2007-08

* - NBA Assigned Player


The NBA regular season tips off on Tuesday, Oct. 28 as the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the defending champion Boston Celtics, the Milwaukee Bucks visit the Chicago Bulls and the Portland Trail Blazers visit the Los Angeles Lakers.

Season tickets are now on sale for the 2008-09 season. Discounts and benefits are also available for groups of 10 or more. The home opener is set for Friday, Nov. 28 against the Iowa Energy. Single game tickets will go on sale in early November. For more information please contact a Skyforce representative at (605) 332-0605.

Courtesy of the Sioux Falls Skyforce

Cory Underwood Gets His Chance - by Surujh Roopnarine
Albuquerque Thunderbirds forward Cory Underwood (6'10''-F/C-80, agency: David Lee services, college: SUNO) was signed to the Philadelphia 76ers Training Camp roster to replace Justin Reed. Underwood appeared in 36 games for Albuquerque last season playing for now 76ers Assistant Coach Jeff Ruland, and averaged 6.0 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 42% from the field.
The 610 Queens, NY native has had a whirlwind career ever since entering college. He bounced around through four universities before finally finishing at Southern University of New Orleans in 2002-03. The oft-entertaining and jovial Underwood, has a different personality on the basketball court, thus earning the nickname The Undertaker as he has been known to bury opponents in the New York City street ball circuit. Whether playing at West 4th, Rucker Park or Fireball at Baruch College, Underwood always makes his presence known. Corys minor league background is extensive, having had successful stints in the American Basketball Association (Strong Island Sound), the United States Basketball League, or the Continental Basketball Association the versatile big man has been ready to step up and produce.

Additional Former D-Leaguers Added to Training Camp Rosters - by Surujh Roopnarine
San Antonio Spurs
Brian Morrison (6'2''-G-82, college: UCLA) (Albuquerque / Los Angeles)

Houston Rockets
Marcus Campbell (7'0''-C-82, college: Mississippi St.) (Arkansas / Idaho / Anaheim)
Von Wafer (6'5''-G-85, college: Florida St.) (Ft. Worth / Colorado)

Memphis Grizzlies
Brent Petway (6'9''-F-85, college: Michigan) (Idaho)

Philadelphia 76ers
Cory Underwood (6'10''-F/C-80, college: SUNO) (Albuquerque)

New Jersey Nets
Eddie Gill (6'0''-G-78, college: Weber St.) (Asheville / Colorado)
Brian Hamilton (6'6''-F-82, college: La-Lafayette) (Utah)
Julius Hodge (6'7''-G-83, college: N.Carolina St.) (Colorado / Idaho / Albuquerque)
Awvee Storey (6'6''-G/F-77, college: Arizona St.) 9Dakota)

Golden State Warriors
Justin Williams (6'10''-F/C-84, college: Wyoming) (Dakota)

Miami Heat
Eddie Basden (6'5''-G/F-83, college: Charlotte) (Tulsa)
Matt Walsh (6'6''-F/G-82, college: Florida) (Arkansas)

Los Angeles Clippers
Dontell Jefferson (6'5''-G-83, college: Arkansas) (Dakota Wizards)
Jelani McCoy (6'10''-F/C-77, college: UCLA) (Los Angeles)
David Noel (6'6''-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) (Tulsa)

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


Wischnewski returns home - by Daniel Poerschke

Patrick Wischnewski (191-G-87, agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment) ist the second youngster who left Pro B club Osnabrueck before the start of the season to return to his former club. The youngster will play again for Bramfelder TV, for whom he avergaged 17.5ppg last season. He saw only limited playing time behind Philipp Guenther, Sascha Ahnsehl (186-G-86) and Andrew Brown (186-G-82, college: Mercer). Before him Vincent Kittmann (199-F-88, agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment) left Osnabrueck also and returned to Bramfelder TV, because of lack of playing time.



Financial problems in Giessen - by Manuel Schust
Even though the management of the LTi Giessen 46ers tried their best to resolve the previously announced economic problems, some deep cuts are inevitable to secure the team's future.
During a press conference today Christoph Syring, business manager of the club, said that no sufficient improvement could be made and that four tough decisions had to be made.

1. There will be no further payment for farm team LTi Lich (ProA).

2. The youth programm won't get any more payments and Giessens connection with Basketball-Leistungszentrum Mittelhessen is under investigation. The club only plans to fulfill the league's minimum amount.

3. The contract with Mensah Sadikki Taylor (198-F-80, college: Gardner-Webb) who joined the team a couple of weeks ago and was meant to be the 12th player on the rotation will be cancelled and no replacement is planned.

4. The office of the 46ers will be reporganised and the release of some employees can not be excluded. Only half of the player's and coaches' salaries could be paid in September.

The whole german basketball community hopes that the Giessen 46ers can resolve their problems and Simon Cote's team will be able to play till the end of the season.

DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS SEARCH FOR FIRST HOME WIN AGAINST EISBÄREN BREMERHAVEN - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber



After notching their first win on the road in Cologne, THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS want to celebrate their first victory in the Ballsporthalle in the 2008-2009 season against The Eisbren Bremerhaven. The game could mark the debut of American Adam Emmeneker, who started the pre season, but suffered an injury, and is back practicing for the first time with the club. American Anthony King will miss the game due to the flu. Ilian Evtimov and German National player Konrad Wysocki will be looking to break out of their mini two game slumps and give the fans something to cheer about. The most important thing is that we get our first home win. We will have to watch for American Markus Slaughter, who is a dangerous player. The key will be to keep him under pressure and to get him into foul trouble, said Konrad Wysocki.
In the last three seasons, THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS have had unforgettable memories of the Eisbren, since they were able to win only one game in seven matches. The only win was last season in Bremerhaven 85 to 76 where captain Pascal Roller led the Frankfurt charge with 26 points. They are a playoff candidate and we have a lot of respect for them. We wont look at our history against them, but take it as a regular game, said coach Murat Didin. There have been some spectacular games like the first game in the 2005-2006 season, where American Brian Jones decided the game 89 to 88 on a last second buzzer beater. Last season, The Eisbren Bermerhaven pulled out a thrilling 82 to 81 win in the Ballsporthalle. Frankfurt will be extra motivated to win, because they have never won in the Ballsporthalle in three appearances.
This will be the fourth season in the BBL for the Eisbren Bremerhaven and as always, they have huge expectations to fill, because they reached the BBl playoffs each time in the first three seasons and the BBL final four twice. The team has an intelligent duo of coach Sarunas Sakalauskas, who has been on board since 2001 and has enough courage to slowly demand a title, and manager Jan Rathjen, who has a craving and good feel for signing talented big men, who later move on to clubs with higher financial options. This season, the team has a 1-1 record. The team started off the season on a high note winning on the road in Braunschweig 79 to 69, but The Dsseldorf Giants spoiled the home opener for Bremerhaven 64 to 59, as they were only capable of scoring eight points in the fourth quarter.
The Eisbren Bremerhaven received a new face lift with some interesting and talented new players arriving. The biggest blow was the loss of the big feet duo of Tolliver/Haryasz, who combined for 27 points and 14 rebounds per game. Tolliver made the roster of the San Antonio Spurs and Haryasz is playing in Oostende, Belgium. Management didnt shy away from signing new big men. Frank Elegar of the Virgin Island and American Jemi Nicholson will be the new duo, but if they can step in the foot steps of Tolliver/Haryasz is the question. Frank Elegar is a BBL rookie, who came from Drexel University and averaged 14 points, 8 rebounds and 1 assist per game. Jemi Nicholson played at the University of Denver, then moved to Dexia Mons Hainut averaging 4,4 points and 3,1 rebounds. Last season, he played for four teams, including in Spain, Puerto Rico and in the D league for Albuquerque and Austin. The question will be if he can stick in Bremerhaven, since he had problems last season with many moves from team to team. The duo Elegar/Nicholson are averaging 17 points and 10,5 rebounds combined. They still have some catching up to do with their predecessors. Their biggest pick up was American Markus Slaughter, who played at San Diego State. He was a member of the Miami Heat pre season roster for the 2007-2008 season. Last season he split his playing time with Hapoel Jerusalem and BC Gravelines, where he averaged 9,5 points and 7,2 rebounds. This season, he is leading the Eisbren in scoring with 20,5 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists per game.
The team also picked up talented American guards Giordan Watson, Jeb Ivey and Mike Gansey. Watson is a BBL rookie, who played at Central Michigan University, where he averaged 16,4 points and 4,5 assists per game. He is an unselfish player, who can pass, score and defend. This season he is averaging 10 points, 4,5 rebounds and 6,0 assists per game. American Jeb Ivey is averaging 7,0 points, 3,0 rebounds and 2,0 assists. He played a great season in Gttingen last season averaging 12,3 points, 2,2 rebounds and 1,1 assists per game. He has a lot of European experience having played four seasons in Iceland. American Mike Gansey played at West Virginia with German National player Joe Herber. Two seasons ago, he was on the door step with his foot in of making the Miami Heat, but a untimely knee infection erased his NBA dream. He sat out the 2006-2007 season and played last season in Italy and at Anaheim in the D-league. He is an all around player, who has a huge heart. For Bremerhaven, he is averaging 7,5 points and 3,0 rebounds per game. The team also signed two talented young Lithuanians Evaldas Zabas, who won the silver medal at the U 20 in 2008 and Arturas Valeika, who can play the 4/5 positions and has good post moves. He is a BBL rookie, who played at Webber State averaging 9,9 points and 10,2 rebounds per game. The team also picked up insurance under the basket with 24 year old German Moritz Wohlers. He is a very versatile big man, who got college ball experience in the states at four schools. The last two seasons, he played in the UK for the Scottish Rocks averaging 13,1 points and 7,3 rebounds per game. The team retained three important members of last season with German A-2 National player Jan Lipke, Zygimantas Jonusas and Ivars Timmermanis.
This will be a very interesting contest, with Frankfurt coming off a big win in Cologne and Bremerhaven losing at home. Many of the Frankfurt player parts have found their rhythm, while Evtimov and Wysocki are still looking to find their form. Bremerhaven is a very talented team with some very good individual players and Frankfurt will need to play very intense defense for 40 minutes. Frankfurt should continue to involve Gordon and Allen in the paint and mix up their game plan with transition Basketball. If THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS have a good start and minimize their turnovers and shoot well, then the team have good chances of winning and celebrating into the German Reunion holiday. THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS host The Eisbren Bremerhaven on Thursday October second at 20:15 in the Ballsporthalle

Market News - by Moritz Korff
UBC Hannover, newcomer to the 2. Bundesliga Pro B, completed the signing of the former French junior international Yunce Akinocho (198-F-87, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Coll.Sequoias CC). The 21-year-old forward attended the French national talent program INSEP until 2004 and then played for Cholet Basket and Etendard de brest in the following years. During 2007-08 Akinocho, who played the 2003 U16-EURO with the French team, suited up for the College of Sequoias (JUCO).

Brad Harris (191-G-86, college: Lee) has left the CRE Eagles Itzehoe (Regionalliga North) and returned to the USA for personal reasons. The Lee-graduate was supposed to give a spark for the Eagles at the 2/3 position. Coach Paul Larysz is now looking for a replacement. However, it's unsure if a new player will already be able to line up when the Eagles start their season with an away-game at Oldenburger TB on Sunday.

*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


FEB Team-By-Team Analysis: Landstede Basketball Zwolle - by Sanders Jackson


Landstede Basketball Zwolle

Head coach: Herman van den Belt

Record in 2007-08: 18-22 (eliminated in 1st round FEB playoffs)

Additions: Nick Bloemhof, Sjoerd Langevoort, Jamie Smalligan

Outlook: Landstede Basketball is a team that gives plenty of matchup problems with its Princeton offense. If this team is shooting the ball well, then it can be a difficult night for the opposition. Two-time FEB Coach-of-the-Year Herman van den Belt has his teams always well prepared, and should be no different this season. He has reliability in American returnees Robby Bostain (191-G/F-84, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Furman) and Gerad Punch (193-G/F-84, college: Furman). Bostain had good all around numbers last season, averaging 17.4 ppg. 5.0 rpg. and 3.9 apg., while Punch provided good spot up three-point shooting and strong effort on the glass (13.4 ppg. and 6.7 rpg.), often outrebounding much taller and bigger players. Both of their numbers should rise with the loss of do-everything forward and 2008 FEB scoring champion Darnell Wilson. Landstede's frontline is taller than in seasons past with the addition of Jamie Smalligan (213-C-84, college: W.Virginia) and Nick Bloemhof (213-F). Smalligan is familiar with the Landstede system, having played the same type system for John Beilein at West Virginia U., while Bleomhof is capable of stretching the defense with an effective three-point shot. Landstede will need a consistent Nikki Hulzebos (206-F-86, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) to balance out their inside game. Hulzebos, who came on strong at the end of last season, has the ability to give the opposing inside players fits on the perimeter. If Smalligan, Bloemhof and Hulzebos can provide consistent strong play in the paint, it will make their perimeter game that more dangerous. The point guard combination of Alexander Sa (184-G-83) and Sjoerd Langevoort (188-F-87, agency: R.H.Consultancy) must also step up when needed, with Arno Bunnig (197-F-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) being a sniper on the perimeter.


Landstede is a team capable of holding its own on the glass despite being mostly outmatched heightwise. What is vital for Landstede this season is consistent shooting from start to finish, getting the leak outs, which comes with good defensive rebounding and getting stops, and being able to contain and shut down the opposing best low post scoring threats. If Landstede does this, and can stay healthy, will be an unpleasant opponent to face.




Robby Bostian interview: "Want to be more of a leader on and off the court" - by Fred Roggen

Thanks Robby for taking some time to talk to eurobasket.com. Robby Bostain (191-G/F-84, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Furman) played for Landstede Zwolle in the past season and averaged 17.4ppg(FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 80.2%), 5.0rpg, 3.9apg, 2.6spg. Robby was one of the most notable players last season in the Dutch Eredivisie and surprised us when he re-signed with Landstede Zwolle.

How was your first pro experience in Holland last season?
My first pro year was a great experience. I couldnt of asked for a better situation then here in Zwolle. Landstede is a great place to grow as a player and person, you are around quality people who really go out of there way to make sure you are comfortable. Being in Holland, where everyone speaks english pretty well really helped as well.

Landsted is a team that relies mostly on young national players. How much did you know about Landstede Zwolle and your role before you came to the club?

I didnt know a whole lot. Nick Sanders, who was a former player for Zwolle, and I played in college together and then he came back as an assistant coach my senior year. So, he told me a little bit about the situation and what it was like to play professionally in Holland.

How would you rate your performance last season in Zwolle?

Indivdually, I thought I had a pretty solid year. I really enjoyed playing for Coach Van den Belt and playing in his system. Being my first year out of school and not knowing what to expect, I thought it was a solid season for me. As a team, I thought we really improved over the season, We started out a little slow, but once we got familiar with each other, we reallly played well the second half of the year.

What are your strengths and weaknesses on and off the court?
On the court, I am a guy who tries to do a little bit of everything. I like being a versatile guy who can have an impact on a game in many ways. I also think I have a really good work ethic and am very disciplined in things I do on and off the court. Im not the fastest or strongest guy on the court, so I really spend alot of time on the fundamentals of the game and get as good as I can at the basics. One of the things I want to work on this year is being more vocal and more of a leader on and off the court. My first year here, I didnt know what to expect so I tried to get comfortable with everything and probably lead more by example. With this being my second year I want to work on taking on a little bit more of a leadership role, and really focus on having a great season here in Zwolle and making Landstede a really tough opponent.

What were the main reasons why you re-signed with Landstede Zwolle?
To be honest, I really didnt know where I was going to end up after my first season. I felt like I had a pretty solid year and I wanted to see what kind of intrest was out there. I wasnt sure exactly how everything worked with agents and teams, so I took a little time to see where I was at and who was interested. I had kept in touch with Landstede throughout the summer, and when It came down to it I wanted to go to place where I was wanted and I would have another opportunity to improve my game and play for a great organization and coach.

Your coach Herman van den Belt is said to be pretty good with young players. How much of a role has a coach like him played in your development?
Its been great, I really felt like I improved alot from my senior of college to my first season with Zwolle. Coach is really good about allowing you to spend time on the fundamentals of dribbling and shooting during morning practices. Coached has also really helped with the mental aspect of the game and ways to approach the game and prepare yourself. Confidence and preparation are a huge part of the game.

Do you feel any special pressure after your impressive performances of last season and the high expectations for the upcoming season?
Not really, I feel like I will be a little more on the radar screen with it being my second year and having a solid first year. But, I just try to prepare myself the best I can and then just go out and play. We have a lot of familiar faces from last year, so I think the familiarity with each other really helps and we are looking forward to the upcoming season.

What do you expect from the upcoming season and What are your goals?

We have written down some team goals for ourselves this year, but I think the main thing is just to focus on ourselves and get the best out of each other and the rest will take care of itself. Like I said earlier, I think having alot of the same nucleus as last year really helps and I think that is going to be a big strength for us this year.

Thanks Robby for the interview. Good luck this season with Landstede Zwolle.



Jan-Wim Stals new director Dutch Basketball Association (NBB) - by Fred Roggen
The Dutch Basketball Association (NBB) has appointed Jan-Wim Stals as new director per 1 Nov. 2008. Mr Stals will focus on the further development and growth of the NBB as it is enshrined in
the policies and aspirations of the association.
Stals was also active for many years in the sport, including football as a trainer / coach and from the KNVB as adviser to football clubs.
From the passion for sport and his experience in business, He opted for a long-term contract in the director position at the NBB.

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


Best joins Avellino - by Gianni Pascucci
Air Avellino completes its roster signing NBA and Italian league veteran Travis Best (180-G-72, college: Georgia Tech), who inked a one year contract. He replaces Dan Dickau (183-G-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga), released due to back problems.

Siena destroys Avellino, wins Supercup - by Gianni Pascucci
Montepaschi Siena is ready to dominate again the Italian Serie A, at least this seems to be the mind of its players and staff, after the clear win, 108-72, over Air Avellino, in the Game for the Italy Supercup 2008, played yesterday night in Siena. Only the start of the game seemed balanced, but when the home team pressed on the throttle, it all ended quickly: after winning the 1st quarter 25-14, Siena ended ahead 52-34 the first half of the game, and reached even 43 points of difference during the third quartter. As it was usual the past season, Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) was the team leader and best scorer, with 16 points, new addition Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) added 15 points, Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) and Kzystof Lavrinovic scored 13 points each at teh winning side. Avellino was seriously limited by the absence of its starting point man Dan Dickau, released due to back problems, and seemed yet behind in its game developing. Its best performer was Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina), also the game top scorer at 18 points, and Eric Williams (206-C-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) added 14 points and 7 rebounds. The new PG of Avellino could be announced today.

Coleman Collins and Roger Powell invited to NBA camps - by Interperformances
6'9' power forward. who can also play some center, Coleman Collins (206-F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Virginia Tech) has been invited to the Phoenix Suns veteran camp. Last year he played for Ludwigsburg Germany. 6'6' small forward Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) has been called to the veteran training camp of the Chicago Bulls. Last year he had a good season with Teramo in the Italian Serie A league. Both players have a very good chance of making the NBA rosters.

Meneghin at the helm of Italian Basketball - by Gianni Pascucci
Legendary player Dino Meneghin has been named today the Italian Basketball Fedearation Commissioner on interim basis by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) Council. Meneghin was serving as the Italian National Team Director and replaces the FIP president, Fausto Maifredi, who resigned last week.

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


Atletas participated in the International tournament - by Eurobasket News
Lithuanian Atletas participated in the International tournament held in Hanti Mansiysk, Russia. The Russian team University Surgut invited Ukrainian Mykoliaiv, Lithuanian Atletas and Serbian Metalac.
Mykolaiv won the opener of the tournament beating Atletas 93:59. The result did not show the whole picture of the game as in the first quarter both teams played even. Lithuanian and Ukrainian teams finished the opening quarter at 16:16 and looked equal in the first 10 minutes. Later on the Ukrainian side went on a lead and never looked behind. With 28:13 Mykolaiv finished the first half and had 44:29 when the teams went to the lockers. In the second half the game remained in the same current. Ukrainian squad won the third 27:16 and then closed the game with 22:14 in the last frame. Ivan Hilevych (202-F/C-82) top-scored for the winners with 22 points. Hlebowski netted 14 and Rayevskiy ended up with 13.
In the game for the third place Lithuanian Atletas tried hard against Serbian Matelac but could not win the game. The latter was a bit luckier in the end winning the match-up 70:67. In the Final game University Surgut edged Mykolaiv 96:71.

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


It is eight and still counting - by Eurobasket News
Soles and Halcones Xalapa posted their eighth straight win each to remain on top of LNBP ladder. Soles overcame Potros and Tecos to stay undefeated.
Soles got to a slow start against Potros in the 7th round of action. The Obregon outfit built a 16:8 lead after the opening term and maintained it throughout the second frame. But an inspirational performance from Horacio Llamas (212-C-73, agency: Interperformances) allowed Soles to prevail in this close game. He finished with 31 points to pace Soles. Anthony Pedroza (191-G-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon) added 19 points, 5 boards and 4 assists for the winners. Joe Chapman (193-G-84, agency: AMI, college: Marquette) answered with 29 points for Potros as they fell to 1-6 record.
Next Soles took on Tecos UAG and once again trailed early in the game. Tecos jumped to a 26:18 advantage after the starting period. However a storming 34:14 third period allowed Soles to surge ahead and they cruised to the win at the end. Greg Lewis (198-F-78, college: Winthrop) knocked down 29 points for Soles. Horacio Llamas netted 20 points in the winning case. Ricardo Melendez (180-G-83) replied with 22 points in defeat.
Halcones also kept the winning rhythm. They breezed past Halcones Rojos 89:63 in the seventh round. Cleotis Brown (198-G/F-77, college: Illinois) nailed 20 points the hosts. Hernoll Hall and Yack Martinez delivered 12 points each in the loss. Victor Mariscal (198-F-72) drained 22 points for the league leaders. LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82, college: Cumberlands) netted 15 points for the winners. The teams met again in the next round and again Halcones Xalapa proved strength 82:66. LeRoy Hickerson poured in 23 points for the winning side. Sam Bowie (198-F/G-75, college: SE Louisiana) added 19 points.

Standings - LNBP
LNBP Standings
Northern Division
 1. Soles 8-0 
 2. Bravos 6-2 
 3. Tecos UAG 6-2 
 4. Algodoneros 5-3 
 5. Corr.Victoria 5-3 
 6. Fuerza R. 4-4 
 7. Galgos T. 4-4 
 8. Lobos Grises 3-5 
 9. Dorados 3-5 
 10. Lobos UAC 2-6 
 11. Venados 1-7 
 12. Potros 1-7 
Southern Division
 1. Halc. Xalpa 8-0 
 2. Panteras 6-2 
 3. Barreteros 6-2 
 4. Santos 5-3 
 5. Bucaneros 5-3 
 6. Lechugueros 4-3 
 7. Halc. Cordoba 4-3 
 8. Halc. Rojos 3-5 
 9. Loros C. 2-6 
 10. Angeles 2-6 
 11. Pioneros 2-6 
 12. Estrellas 0-8 


Stats Leaders - LNBP
LNBP Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Ford, Panteras 28.5
2 Gonner, Bravos 27.8
3 Melendes, Tecos 24.5
4 Hornsby, UAT 24.2
5 Sanchez, Regia 24.1
Rebounds Per Game
1 Murillo, Tecos 10.8
2 Richards, Union 10.0
3 Gamble, Santos 9.8
4 Ayon, Xalapa 9.5
5 Burnett, Loros 8.6
Assists Per Game
1 Stoll, Algod. 7.4
2 Lafayette, UAT-Vic 6.4
3 Borders, SReales 5.2
4 Hickerson, Xalapa 4.5
5 Lawrence, Bucaner. 4.5
Steals Per Game
1 Salcedo, Angelos 3.8
2 Lawrence, Bucan. 3.6
3 Smith, Cordoba 3.6
Blocks Per Game
1 Jordan, HRojos 2.6
2 Borders, SReales 2.3
2 Zachery, SReales 2.3
2FGP
1 Keith, Venados 71%
2 Gonner, Bravos 65%
3 Ford, Panteras 65%
3FGP
1 Loera, Union 64%
2 Capers, Union 60%
3 Hugo, Lobos 57%
Free Throws
1 Griffin, Union 90%
2 Borges, Pioneros 89%
3 Guzman, Algod. 86%


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


Latest market news - by Eurobasket News
Memphis Grizzlies agreed terms with free agent forward Brent Petway (6'9''-F-85, college: Michigan). Terms of the contract were not announced.
Petway graduated at University of Michigan in 2007 averaging 6.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1 apg and 1.5 bpg. Last season was the first professional one for Petway. He started it in Trail Blazers, actually only the pre-season, and later moved to Idaho Stampede. He appeared 45 times in D-League recording 7.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.3 apg and 1.5 bpg. His Idaho became D-League winner. Petway also was the winner of inaugural D-League All-Star Game Slam Dunk Contest. Later, he played for the Grizzlies on NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The roster of Memphis Grizzlies now stands at 15.

Meanwhile, Utah Jazz exercises fourth-year option on Ronnie Brewer (6'7''-G-85, college: Arkansas).
Brewer was 14th overall pick at 2004 NBA Draft selected by the Jazz. In his rookie season he had 4.6 ppg and 1.3 rpg in 56 regular season games. Last one was a way better for Ronnie Brewer as he had 12 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 1.8 apg in 76 games. In play-off his digits fell a bit down on 10.2 ppg and 3.2 rpg in 12 games. He joined Utah after third year at Arkansas, where he had impressive 18.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 3.3 apg in 05/06. At the end of the season he was named 'Collegeinsider.com NCAA Defensive All-America Team -06'.

Miami general manager Randy Pfund, who helped the Heat win the 2006 NBA championship as the highlight of his 13 years with the franchise, resigned yesterday.

Philadelphia signs free agent Cory Underwood (6'10''-F/C-80, agency: David Lee services, college: SUNO) to replace Justin Reed (6'8''-F-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Mississippi) on the training camp roster.
Last season, he played for the Albuquerque Thunderbirds in D-League averaging 6.0 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 36 games. Since finishing his collegiate career at Southern University of New Orleans in 2003, Underwood has played in ABA, USBL, WBA, CBA as well as leagues in both Brazil and Poland.

Boston keeps Sam Kassell, Sacramento extends Garcia - by Eurobasket News
Reining NBA champion Boston Celtics announces re-signing of veteran Sam Cassell (6'3''-G-69, college: Florida St.). Back up point guard will try to help Boston to repeat last season's magnificent success.
Cassell joined the Celtics in March this year from Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged 7.6 ppg and 2 apg during the regular season in helping Boston win its NBA-record 17th title. On season 06/07 he had 58 appearances adding 12.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 4.7 apg in Clippers' jersey. As a reminder, Sam Cassell is holder of three NBA rings. His first one came in 1994 and the second just a year later, both with Houston Rockets. After Houston, Cassel used to play for Dallas, New Jersey, Milwaukee and Minnesota.

Sacramento Kings signed swingman Francisco Garcia (6'7''-F-81, agency: Octagon, college: Louisville) to a multi-year contract extension on Monday. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Francisco Garcia played 79 games for the Kings last season averaging 12.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.6 apg and 1.2 spg. It was his third year with the Kings, where he joined in 2005. Sacramento selected him as 23rd overall pick on NBA Draft that year. He came out from Louisville with 15.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 3.9 apg in 38 games at his third year. Garcia led Louisville to NCAA Tournament Final Four -05.

*****************************************************
  NCAA1   


Indiana blames coaches for latest NCAA charge - by Eurobasket News
Indiana University says an NCAA charge that it failed to monitor its men's basketball program is unwarranted because former coach Kelvin Sampson and his coaching staff withheld information and concealed impermissible phone calls from the compliance department.

Indiana's response to the NCAA's latest charge, leveled this summer, was released Monday in response to a Freedom of Information request from The Associated Press.
The NCAA has accused Sampson and his assistants of four major violations stemming from more than 100 impermissible phone calls to recruits made by Sampson and his assistants while Sampson was still on probation for a similar phone-call scandal at Oklahoma. The failure to monitor charge was added later.

Indiana still is awaiting word on possible NCAA penalties.

Courtesy of www.seattlepi.nwsource.com

---

Four former Clemson basketball players will begin training camp with four different NBA teams this week. Will Solomon, Vernon Hamilton, and James Mays will all be hoping to land roster spots, while Greg Buckner begins his 10th training camp with his fifth different NBA team.

Buckner was traded in the off-season to the Memphis Grizzlies. He played in 31 games during the 2007-08 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Buckner has played for Dallas, Denver, Minnesota, and Philadelphia since being selected with the 53rd pick in the 1998 NBA Draft. He holds career averages of 5.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.

The Hopkinsville, KY native was a two-time, second-team All-ACC selection while at Clemson and started all 122 games of his outstanding career with the Tigers. He played on three NCAA Tournament teams and remains #4 on the Tigers' all-time scoring list.

Solomon signed a free agent contract in late July with the Toronto Raptors after spending the past six years playing overseas. Solomon played the past two seasons in Istanbul, Turkey for Fenerbahce Ulker. He averaged 17.8 points per game in the regular season and 20.5 points per game in Euroleague Top 16 play. Solomon was the fourth-leading scorer in all of Euroleague last season.

Solomon was a first-team All-ACC selection as a sophomore in 1999-2000, the last Clemson player to earn the honor. As a senior, he was second-team All-ACC. He led the ACC in scoring at 20.9 points per game his sophomore season, and was fourth in the league as a senior at 19.7 per contest.

Hamilton, Clemson's starting point guard from 2003-07, is one of five camp invites for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was named to the team's camp roster on Sunday. Hamilton was an All-ACC Defensive Team selection with Clemson in 2005-06 and concluded his career first in school history and sixth in ACC history with 271 steals.

Mays, a starter the past three seasons at power forward for Clemson, has been invited to camp with the Denver Nuggets. Interestingly enough, one of the players he will compete with for playing time will be former South Carolina rival Renaldo Balkman, who was signed by Denver in the off-season. Mays finished his career with the most steals by a post player in Clemson history. He averaged 10.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game despite an injury-plagued senior season.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

Matt Thomas granted medical hardship waiver by NCAA - by Eurobasket News
San Diego State men's basketball guard Matt Thomas (6'4''-G) has been granted a medical hardship waiver for the 2006-07 season. With the ruling, Thomas now has one year of eligibility remaining and will be a senior for the upcoming 2008-09 campaign.

'We are very pleased that the NCAA has granted Matt a fifth year,' head coach Steve Fisher said. 'We are excited to have him back as a veteran player who is healthy now and can be counted on to be an important part of this year's team.'

A native of Riverside, Calif., Thomas played in all 29 games as a freshman (2004-05) en route to earning all-Mountain West Conference accolades and in 28 of 33 games as a sophomore (2005-06). It was in his sophomore year that he helped the Aztecs win the MWC regular season and tournament titles and earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament before a back injury limited him to just two games in 2006-07 as a junior. Last season, Thomas played in 29 games, while making eight starts, and helped SDSU to its third straight 20-win campaign and postseason appearance. Overall, Thomas enters his fifth season on Montezuma Mesa having played in 88 career games, while earning the starting assignment 26 times.

This year San Diego State is expected to return all five starters and its top eight scorers from a year ago, including all-conference performers Lorrenzo Wade (all-conference first team), Ryan Amoroso (all-conference third team) and Billy White (MWC freshman of the year and all-conference third team). Each year when returning at least four starters off of a team he coached the season before, Fisher-led clubs have advanced to the postseason and won at least 21 games the previous eight times.

SDSU will make its first appearance of the season in an exhibition game against Point Loma Nazarene on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. PT and will get its regular season underway on Saturday, Nov. 15, vs. UC San Diego at 1 p.m. PT. Both games will be held at Cox Arena.

Season tickets for the 2008-09 men's basketball season start as low as $99 for limited chair-back reserve seats. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Aztec Ticket Office at (619) 283-SDSU (7378), by visiting Window E at Qualcomm Stadium or online at GoAztecs.com. For more information on all season tickets, contact the Aztec Ticket Office.

Courtesy of www.goaztecs.com

*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


Africa Wheelchair Championship: First Deepwater Lift Nigerian team - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Sticking to its tradition of rendering quality service to humanity, First Deepwater Discovery Limited lived up to one of its vision statement of having people in mind by single-handedly sponsoring the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball to the Africa U-22 Championship holding in Johannesburg, South Africa from September 30 through October 5, 2008.

Our Correspondent reliably gathered that the Oil and Gas firm was responsible for the team camping of two-week in Lagos and also took charge of paying the team way to the Africa Championship which doubled as the 2009 World Championship qualifiers.

Head coach of the special basketball players; OBrien Adoki a senior lecturer at the nations prestigious sports institute, NIS says the team will not disappoint the confidence repose in them by the sponsor and the team fans.

Managing Director of First Deepwater Discovery Limited, Engr. Babatunde Babalola promised his company continuous support for the slamming and dunking game in Nigeria.

Ours is a social responsibility with human face having played the game actively as a student at the Federal University of Technology Akure and as a pass-time now, we are obligated to do our best as a responsible corporate citizen to offer our support to the games ruling body, the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF and the players in general.

We feel fulfilled been able to lend a helping hand to our fellow human in the area of sport as we are set and prepared to contribute our quota to the development of this beautiful game.

Eight players and four officials left Lagos aboard a South Africa Airline on Monday evening while the remaining four players and two officials joined the team Wednesday morning after having the issuance of their entry visa delayed till Tuesday by the South African embassy in Lagos.

Three countries, host South Africa, Angola and Nigeria are battling for the continent sole ticket to the World Championship billed for France next year are taking part of the week-long qualifiers.

*****************************************************
  NORWAY   


Tromso cruise to the second straight win - by Eurobasket News
Tromso took charge in the BLNO Grunnserie after they recorded the second win in a row at the start of the season. Lately they held off 3B/Baerums Verk 93:74 at home. 3B entered the game with two losses in as many games and hoped to snap the losing streak. The teams traded baskets early on but Tromso used a 12:2 rally to make it 26:14 in the second period. The hosts kept Baerums Verk at arms length and secured a 42:31 lead at halftime. 3B failed to come any closer in the third frame and trailed by as many as 17 points at the start of the final term. The visitors cut the distance to 10 points but it was as close as they could get. Tromso never panicked and sealed the winning outcome. Ronald Timus (198-G/F-84, agency: Rice and Rice, college: Morgan St.) knocked down 27 points for Tromso. Dag Christensen (201-F/C-80) tallied massive 18 points and 20 rebounds, while Taj Finger (203-F-86) was even more impressive with 18 points and 24 rebounds for the winners. Alexander Frang (185-G/F-83) dropped 12 points for 3B. Ahmed Diomande, Muhamed Muminovic and Hellerstrom netted 10 points each in the loss. Tromso had a huge advantage on the glass pulling down 69 rebounds. They also shot 42% from the field and limited their opponents to 36% accuracy.
Earlier in the week Harstad overcame 3B 95:89 at home. Bjorn Risshall (200-F/C-76, college: Modesto JC) provided 18 points to lead Harstad. Jeff Rogers (185-G-73, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: W.Kentucky) came up with 16 points and 10 assists for the Vikings. Hellestrom answered with 20 points for winless 3B.

*****************************************************
  PBL   


Millrats Sign Desmond Ferguson - by Gianni Pascucci
The Manchester Millrats of the Premier Basketball League announced a big market move yesterday, with the signing of sharp-shooting Desmond Ferguson (6'7''-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: Detroit Mercy), who was an All-CBA First Team selection in each of the last two seasons. 'It's great to have one of the best three-point shooters in minor league basketball join our team,' said Millrats Head Coach Rob Spon . 'His nickname, 'Moneyball', speaks for itself. After coaching against him for a couple of years, it will be nice to have 'Moneyball' on our side! He has a quick release and can get his shot off against anybody. He also brings veteran leadership to the team on and off the court'. Manchester is looking to build on it's inaugural 28-win season, as the second year franchise enters its first year in the Premier Basketball League, and Ferguson is a great start. 'I've known Coach Spon for a while and he was very persistant in recruiting me to play in Manchester. And I had a great feeling after speaking to Millrats owner Jason Briggs, so we got it done and now I'm a Millrat,' explained Desmond. 'I've heard nothing but great things about the franchise and the city, and I'm ready to come to camp and help us prepare to win a championship.'

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


Purefoods wins PBA Pre-season tournament - by Eurobasket News
For the second time in the row Purefoods succeeded to win PBA Pre-season tournament. This time its rival was San Miguel Beermen and the game was played on Sunday in newly built Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. It was very exciting match, which Purefoods at the end won 85-82.

Everything started good for SMB as it created 14-22 after opening ten minutes. Seigle was in a game mood and together with Pena took care for the baskets in SMB. Purefoods players were kind of sleepy. They struggled with organizing the plays as well as with shot percentage. However, the biggest problem for Purefoods was defense as SMB drained 45 poinst in the first half time, 37-45. Nothing has changed after the breather. SMB continued in the same rhythm extending lead to 10 points, 61-71. When it seemed that this game is already over, Purefoods finally woke up. Enrico Villanueva (197-C-80), Kerby Raymundo (199-C-81) and James Yap (190-F/G-82) shined at the offensive end helping his team to net 24 points in the last 10 minutes. On the other side Purefoods defense became more aggressive which resulted with only 11 points for SMB meaning that the title once again goes to Purefoods.

Enrico Villanueva paced Purefoods to victory draining 22 points. Kerby Raymundo was behind him with 19 points while James Yap also shined collecting 16 points. Seigle netted 14 points for the loosing side while Pena had one point less.

Purefoods: Enrico Villanueva 22, Kerby Raymundo 19, J. James Yap 16, Lanete 7, Simon 6, R. James Yap 5, Alonzo 4, Belga 4, Aban 2, Robinson, Salvador, Bugia.
SMB: Seigle 14, Pena 13, Custodio 9, Pingris 8, Washington 6, Pennisi 6, Bono 6, Hontiveros 5, Racela 4, Cortez 4, Gonzales 4, Calaguio 3, Tugade.

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


Chris Lee in Esgueira - by Luis Rocha
Esgueira the team from Aveiro that will play in Proliga, has found a foreign player to play as a center in their roster. they choose Chris Lee (206-C, college: S.Carolina St.). Lee has played in Europe (Germany) and can be a good add if he can find his spot on the team. Hes a bit slow and not the best of ball handlers, but can rebound and score with some ease. Usually in Esgueira foreign players get well adapted soon, and if that happens once again, Lee will certainly can make a big impact there.

Santos and Truscott in Benfica - by Luis Rocha
Benfica has just signed Joao Santos (205-C-79, agency: Players Group, college: Nevada) (205-C-79, agency: Players Group, college: Nevada) (205-C-79, agency: Players Group, college: Nevada) and Louis Truscott (199-F-78, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Houston) (199-F-78, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Houston) (199-F-78, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Houston). Santos is a 3 and has made is career mostly in foreign countries. He is nowadays one of the best portuguese players, and is name was spoken for a long time at Estdio da Luz. Trescott is the third foreign player of the roster, he comes to play in position 4, that spot was vacant in the team. Many people are stunned, because the past week the vice-president responsable for basketball, has decided to gave up his position and left, saying that money was scarce, so scarce that the adds to the roster, that were in motion could be left out in the cold....
Since hes departure, Benfica signed Ben Reed (191-G/F-83, college: W.Michigan) (191-G/F-83, college: W.Michigan) (191-G/F-83, college: W.Michigan), Seth Doliboa (203-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wright St.) (203-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wright St.) (203-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wright St.), and now Joao Santos and Louis Truscott....after all it seems that money was not the issue, and Benfica (if everyone can adapt well...) has a great roster, that can fight for every title in this season.

Harvey in, Boggan out, at Vitoria - by Luis Rocha
After have played some games in Guimaraes, Mario Boggan (200-F/C-83, college: Oklahoma St.) was changed by Harvey Thomas (204-F-82, college: Baylor). Vitoria decided that the performances of Boggan was not the ones that the roster was in nedd, therefore they searched and took their option on Thomas. Thomas ia forward, but usually plays as a 4. He knows how to step out and shoot, and can even be a slasher that can take the ball to the hole. He also playd some time ago with Willie Taylor (194-G-81, college: Va Commonwealth) ( who is now at Vitoria), and this can be very important when it comes to adapt to a new team , and a new town.

Illiabum changes players - by Luis Rocha
Illiabum decided to let go Russell Brown (201-F-83, agency: Prime Select Sports) and sign Nate Daniels (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Mountain St.). Brown was another player that didnt fit as well as thought in the roster. Now its time for Nate Daniels. Nate is a 3 that played two seasons in Portugal, one in CAB, another in Ginsio. He can decide a game behind the three point line. Can still improve when it comes to defend, but is without a doubt a great add to Illiabum. Furthemore he knows the country and the style of play.

*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


Spartak St. Petersburg inks Roman Levter - by Eurobasket News
Spartak St. Petersburg continued with signings in the pre-season. This time coach Evgeniy Pashutin and his team agreed terms with big guy Roman Levter (209-F/C-84). 24-year old player started last season in Spartak Primorie Vladivostok but he was released in November. In 4 games Levter averaged 1.7 ppg and 1.5 rpg. In February this year he joined Ural Great Perm but he appeared only twice in Russian Superleague without any important record.
Levter grew up as a player in Lokomotiv-Kubanj Krasnodar. In 2004 he signed contract with Khimky Moscow Region. Levter played 24 games in A Superleague adding 3.5 ppg and 2 rpg. Next season he also played for Khimky as well as for Khimky 2, which competed in B Superleague. During the season 06/07 he moved to Spartak Primorie.
Roman Levter was a member of Russian U20 National Team which participated in European Championship in Brno in 2004. In 8 games Levter had 6.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.1 spg and impressive 6.5 bpg. At the same year he participated on Global Games in Dallas. In the past Roman Levter also played for U18 Russia.

University Surgut wins the tournament at home - by Eurobasket News
University Surgut won the International tournament at home held in Hanti Mansiysk. The Russian team invited Ukrainian Mykoliaiv, Lithuanian Atletas and Serbian Metalac.
In the opener University Surgut overcame Metalac 85:81. It was a difficult start for the Russian squad that managed to become a winner of the match-up. Due to that win Surgut advanced to the Final.
In the Final game University Surgut edged Mykolaiv 96:71. Ukrainian side opened the game with 22:20 in the opening quarter and showed a good percentage in the period. The Russian squad bounced back with 31:15 in the second and took a control for the whole half. As a result the teams left the court for 51:37 for the hosts. In the third period Mykolaiv still remained alive and even after 22:25 stayed tough in the court. The last period however was great for the hosts that ended the game with 20:12 and won the encounter. Sergiy Gladyr (196-G/F-89) top-scored in the losing effort with 21 points. Ivan Hilevych (202-F/C-82) netted 12 and Wilkins posted 11.
Hanti Mansiysk waived to all the teams and would be glad to host another tournament in the future.

Standings - Superleague B
B Superleague Standings
 1. Avtodor 2-0 
 2. Magnitogorsk 2-0 
 3. Revda 2-0 
 4. N.Novgorod 2-0 
 5. Chelabinsk 2-0 
 6. Naltchik 0-0 
 7. Ural Ekater. 0-0 
 8. Saransk 0-0 
 9. Kursk 0-0 
 10. Rjazan 0-0 
 11. Severstal 0-2 
 12. Zaretchny 0-2 
 13. Irkutsk 0-2 
 14. Lok.Novos. 0-2 
 15. Krasnodar 0-2 


Stats Leaders - Superleague B
Superleague B Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Smilyanich SAR 25.0
2 Stepanenko RYA 24.0
3 Mateyunas SAR 20.3
4 Gladishev NAL 20.0
5 Evgrafov REV 19.7
Rebounds Per Game
1 Karaulov NOV 12.5
2 Manihin MAG 11.7
3 Lyapah EKA 11.0
4 Novikov KUR 11.0
5 Ekimov REV 10.7
Assists Per Game
1 Shama NAL 9.0
2 Glazunov MAG 8.0
3 Golovin REV 6.7
4 Mateyunas SAR 6.0
5 Pivtsaykis ZAR 5.0
Steals Per Game
1 Trushnikov EKA 5.0
2 Morozenko NOV 3.5
3 Belov KUR 5.0
Blocks Per Game
1 Yakovenko SAR 3.7
2 Feryabnikov MAG 2.7
3 Karaulov NOV 2.5


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


Partizan Igokea officially promotes team for season 08/09 - by Dragan Jankovski
Reining Serbian and Adriatic league champion Partizan Igokea today officially promoted team for the season 2008/09. At the end of the last one Montenegrin superstar and 'Eurobasket.com Euroleague Player of the Year' Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) left the team. Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.), Dusan Kecman (197-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket) and Dejan Borovnjak (208-F-86) done the same. In the meantime Black-and-whites agreed terms with another Montenegrin big guy Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84). Vukasin Aleksic (185-G-85, agency: Beo Basket), Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket), Jan Vesely (210-F/C-90) and Vladimir Lucic (-F-89) also joined the team while the last acquisition was Gabonese player Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts). Captain Petar Bozic (197-G-78), Novica Velickovic, Uros Tripkovic, Milenko Tepic, Slavko Vranes and Cedomir Vitkovac stayed in the club and all of them will have very important role next season. Strahinja Milosevic, Marko Djurkovic, Bogdan Riznic and Darko Balaban also remained black-and-white.

As usually, head coach Dusko Vujosevic promised that Partizan will give its maximum next season in all competitions. He once again talked about Partizan as a big family, what is for sure one of the key things for winning 7 consecutives titles in Serbia.

According to captain Petar Bozic, Partizan is still hungry for trophies.

'As many times before we stayed without few very important players but, what is the most important, our hearth and character are here. Our willingness for winning the new trophies are even bigger than it was the last season', said Bozic.

As a reminder, Partzan Igokea has wonderful year behind it. Belgrade's team won Serbian championship, Serbian National Cup, Adriatic league and reached Euroleague quarterfinals. It is for sure one of the best seasons for Partizan over the past 15 years.

Crvena Zvezda in Pirot, Aleksandrov on hold yet - by Dragan Jankovski
Today at 20h Crvena Zvezda will play a friendly game against Bulgarian champion Lukoil Akademik. This exhibition match will be played in Pirot. Before it, actually at 18h, local team Pirot will meet Zvezda's second team, which will compete in Serbian B league. This game will be the last check of Svetislav Pesic and his players before the beginning of Adriatic league. In the first round we will have derby between FMP and Crvena Zvezda. The game will be played in Zeleznik.

In the meantime, coach Pesic gave interview to Serbian media about possible acquisition Nemanja Aleksandrov (210-C/F-87).

'We are interested in players which want to be a part of our project. That's how we work. Everybody have to be highly motivated to wear Red-and-white jersey. Very soon we will see who meets our expectations and who not. The same thing is with Nemanja Aleksandrov. If he has strong willingness to play for us I would be glad to take him. On the other hand all players which do not have motive and enthusiasm are free to go. We have to see first what is happening with Aleksandrov's injury, is he fully recovered or not. We are on line with him and we are moving forward step by step', said Pesic.

Metalac third on tournament in Surgut, A1 league starts tomorrow - by Dragan Jankovski
Newcomer to Serbian A1 league Metalac Valjevo ended international tournament in Surgut (Russia) on third place. At the opening day of the tourney Metalac suffered defeat against the host team Universitet Surgut, whose head coach is Zeljko Lukajic. Universitet also has two more Serbian guys Slavko Stefanovic and Nikola Lepojevic. Players of head coach Vlado Djurovic showed pretty good performance against the hosts but anyway they lost 81-85. In the second game Metalac celebrated against Lithuanian Atletis 70-67. Interesting is that a day before this tournament officialy started Atletis and Metalac played a friendly game. Serbian team also was better in that one 81-76 meaning that Metalac returns home with score 2-1. As a reminder, Universitet Surgut participated on tournament in Valjevo, which was held this month. Metalac officially finished preparations for the upcoming season. Swisslions A1 league starts tomorrow. Metalac postponed its game for October 8th because of tournament in Russia.

Swisslions Takovo and Mega Hypo Leasing are the main candidates for the first two places in A1. It will be very exciting to watch how newcomers Metalac and Tamis Petrohemija will fit to A1. Metalac registered very good results in the pre-season and majority of basketball public in Serbia thinks it could be the possible surprise. Ergonom, which had few extremely poor seasons behind it, also heads to the new one with bigger appetites.

Milos Markovic signed contgract with Sloboda DITA - by Zoran Popovic


Milos Markovic signed contract with Sloboda DITA - by Zoran Popovic
Milos Markovic (201-G/F-84, agency: Beo Basket) is new player of KK Sloboda Dita Tuzla. Last season Markovic started in Mega Hypo Leasing Beograd and on 20 games scored average 14. 7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assistants, 1.4 steals per game, and in March 2008 moved in BC Buducnost Podgorica. Markovic started career in Uzice and played for their youth teams from 1995-1999. From 2000 till 2004 Markovic played for Masinac Kraljevo and in season 2004-2005 Markovic spend in Partizan. Seasons 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 Milos Markovic played for Hemofarm and in March 2007 he moved in Khimik-OPZ Yuzny. Milos Markovic was member of Serbia and Montenegro U20 ad U21 National team.

*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


Radoslav Rancik shines in Ankara - by Eurobasket News
Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, college: St.Cloud St.) demonstrated fantastic performance on very strong tournament in Ankara. In the first game his team Benetton Treviso celebrated against the hosts Turk Telekom 95-92. It was very exciting game with big number of points. The key player for Benetton Treviso was Radoslav Rancik, who scored 25 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. In the final game Benetton met Russian team UNICS Kazan. Both teams were on a high level. Benetton played it without experienced Sandro Nicevic, who was not able to help his teammates due to influence. Russians were better at the very end winning 70-61. Once again Ranick was the best scorer in his team. This time he drained 17 points but unfortunately it was not enough for the victory in this game. Gary Neal was behind Rancik with one point less. Croatian point guard Marko Popovic led the winners with 14 points and 3 rebounds. Vladimir Veremeenko added 13 points and 12 rebounds, while another Croat Kresimir Loncar scored 12 points and made 8 boards.

Radoslav Rancik joined Benetton Treviso this summer as a top scorer of Czech league with 18.3 ppg. He also was the second best stealer with 2 spg. In jersey of Nymburk Rancik appeared 12 times in ULEB Cup averaging impressive 19.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.4 apg and 2.3 spg.

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


Standings - 1A
Liga Standings
 1. Helios 1-0 
 2. Krka 1-0 
 3. Alpos S. 0-0 
 4. Luka Koper 0-0 
 5. Polzela 0-0 
 6. TCG Mercator 0-0 
 7. Zlatorog 0-0 
 8. Elektra 0-0 
 9. Zagorje 0-0 
 10. Nova Gorica 0-0 
 11. Postojna 0-1 
 12. Slovan 0-1 
Will join on later stage:
 1. Olimpija - 


Postojna crushed by Helios, Krka defeated Slovan - by Zeljko Zule
Zeljko Zagorac (204-F-81, agency: World Sport Agency) posted 19 points on shooting 9-of-11 to lead the runner-up Helios to an 100-63 victory over newcomer Misel Epic Postojna in the opening game of the 2008-09 League UPC. Helios in first quarter made a 13-2 run and led as many as 23 points at half. Alwin Snow scored 16 points, Vjeko Petrovic 13 and Alexei Lashkevich 10 while Bojan Javanovic led the guests with 15 points.
Krka in third quarter scored 14 straight points as defeated Geoplin Slovan 85-75. Smiljan Pavic finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds and Davor Marcelic netted 17 points. Dejan Grkovic had 16 points and 7 boards and was the only player in double figures for Slovan.

Krka Novo Mesto sign Bruce Price - by Eurobasket

Krka Novo Mesto added to their roster 25-year old American guard Bruce Price (191-G-83, college: Tennessee St.). Price was most recently tested at AEL 1964 Larissa (Greece), but choose to play in Slovenia. He just graduated the Tennessee State University. Price tried to cut his college education earlier by declaring him available for the NBA draft in 2007. But removed his name from the list on-time to make it back to the college. This summer he was again entry candidate for NBA Draft but was not selected. Former OVC (his college conference) Freshman of the Year was selected this year to OVC All-Tournament Team and All-OVC 1st Team. In his debiut in Liga UPC he was in the starting five and helped his team to beat Slovan 85-75. He scored 6 points and recorded 5 assists. Price will replace another American guard Tony Lee (183-G-86, college: Robert Morris), who was tested, but did not make it to the roster.



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


Unicaja Steamroller and Embarass Pamesa in Pre-Season - by Paul Nilsen
Unicaja put their finishing touches to a hugely impressive pre-season under new coach Aito Garcia Reneses with a complete demolition of Pamesa Valencia in front of 6,000 fans at the Martin Carpena.

The fans showed their appreciation and love for the new play-caller with a standing ovation as the rejuvenated Marcus Haislip (207-F-80, college: Tennessee) led all scorers with 23 points as Malaga steamrollered Tarjona by a staggering 86-51.

Carlos Cabezas and Thomas Kelati also combined for 23 points in the new look backcourt as Unicaja inflicted this hugely embarrassing defeat on Pamesa.

Shammond Williams and Victor Claver both barely scraped into double-figures for the ornages who were simply dreadful for the entire contest scoring no more than 15 in any quarter and only just inching out of single fogures in the fourth quarter by scoring just 10 points in the last ten minutes.

Unicaja refused to take their foot off the pedal and it was a hungry looking performance from the home team who opened up a 25-15 lead early doors and they never looked back. With Joseph Gomis still to come into the team for the injured Berni Rodriquez and with Omar Cook beginning to find his feet, the signs are good at Malaga again. It sets up Saturdays clash with Real Madrid perfectly in a repeat of the play-off series which Unicaja won. The clash is also the game of the week in the new weekly ACB preview (in english) at www.acb-basket.com

But what of Pamesa? Worrying times for Tarjona and not exactly the best result or performance to go into a new season. Truly horrific and a car crash display with new signing Perovic scoring just 4 points and fans will be hoping that Van Den Spiegel wont be the one that simply got away.

Salt was rubbed into the wounds for Pamesa who buckled under the defensive pressure as the usually prolific Rafa Martinez fouled out of the game with team-mate and former Unicaja forward Florent Pietrus to complete a miserable night on the South Coast.

Barcelona close to ink Daniel Santiago, Acker in NBA - by Eurobasket News
According to sport.es, Barcelona is pretty close to agree terms with Puerto Rican center Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico). However, nothing is officially announced yet but the Spanish team.
Daniel Santiago ended his 3-year contract with Unicaja Malaga this summer. He helped the team to reach Euroleague Final Four in 2007. At the same year he was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Europe Honorable Mention 2007'. Last season he had 17 appearances in Euroleague averaging 9 ppg and 4.2 rpg. Very similar digits he had for 29 games in ACB regular season. Santiago's first year with Unicaja (05/06), when he added 12.9 ppg and 5.6 rpg in Euroleague, was the best for Puerto Rican / American big guy. Before Unicaja, Santiago used to play for Milwaukee Bucks, Virtus Roma, Phoenix Suns and Varese.

Detroit Pistons announced signing of ex Barcelona's player Alex Acker (196-G-83, college: Pepperdine). American guard averaged 6.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 1 apg for 30 games in ACB regular season. In the play-off his digits increased to 12.6 ppg and 3.9 rpg in 7 games. Acker also appeared 22 times for Barca in Euroleague adding 5.5 ppg and 1.9 rpg. Before Barcelona, Alex Acker spent one season in Greek Olympiakos Pireus.

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


Azovmash triumphs at home, Mykolaiv comes back from Russia - by Eurobasket News
University Surgut won the International tournament at home held in Hanti Mansiysk. The Russian team invited Ukrainian Mykoliaiv, Lithuanian Atletas and Serbian Metalac. Mykolaiv won the opener of the tournament beating Atletas 93:59. The result did not show the whole picture of the game as in the first quarter both teams played even. Lithuanian and Ukrainian teams finished the opening quarter at 16:16 and looked equal in the first 10 minutes. Later on the Ukrainian side went on a lead and never looked behind. With 28:13 Mykolaiv finished the first half and had 44:29 when the teams went to the lockers. In the second half the game remained in the same current. Ukrainian squad won the third 27:16 and then closed the game with 22:14 in the last frame. Ivan Hilevych (202-F/C-82) top-scored for the winners with 22 points. Hlebowski netted 14 and Rayevskiy ended up with 13.

In the Final game University Surgut edged Mykolaiv 96:71. Ukrainian side opened the game with 22:20 in the opening quarter and showed a good percentage in the period. The Russian squad bounced back with 31:15 in the second and took a control for the whole half. As a result the teams left the court for 51:37 for the hosts. In the third period Mykolaiv still remained alive and even after 22:25 stayed tough in the court. The last period however was great for the hosts that ended the game with 20:12 and won the encounter. Sergiy Gladyr (196-G/F-89) top-scored in the losing effort with 21 points. Ivan Hilevych netted 12 and Wilkins posted 11.

Meanwhile Azovmash triumphed in Azovmash Cup 2008 after the second win over Donetsk 88:82. Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) top-scored for the winners with 21 points. Tucker ended up with 28 points in the losing effort.

Ukrainian teams finish the pre-season tournaments - by Eurobasket News
Sumykhimprom, Cherkasy, Kryvbasbasket finished the preseason tournament in Sumy, while Pulsar finished second second in Belarus.

Sumy invited Cherkasy, Kryvbasbasket and Vitalyur from Belarus to their International home tournament. In Day 1 Cherkasy overcame Kryvbasbasket 93:72 dominating the court in the whole game. Kupovich led the winners with 17 points, while Aleksei Poltoratskiy (208-F-74) posted 16. Korablev ended up with 17 points in the losing effort. Sumykhimprom won the opener over Vitalyur 86:74. Green top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Griffin collected 13 points and 10 rebounds, whilst Matyukevich scored 13.
In Day 2 Kryvbasbasket upset the hosts 81:68 with 26:14 in the last period. Viktor Kondratovets (187-G-76) led the way with 14 points. Green and Yaroslav Lemik (203-F-85, agency: Promotex) posted 12 points apiece for Sumy. Cherkasy thrashed Vitalyur 89:56 in another game of the day. The teams stayed even in the first half, but then Ukrainian side pushed the tempo.
In Day 3 Vitalyur celebrated the only win beating Kryvbasbasket 72:68. Trailing 12:22 after the opening quarter the team from Belarus won the last three to seal the victory. Cherkasy triumphed in the tournament after 97:89 win over Sumykhimprom. Aleksei Poltoratskiy top-scored for the winners with 20 points and 8 rebounds.
Meanwhile Pulsar finished second in Belarus. The team won over Chehovski Hawks from Russia 123:78, beat OZAA from Belarus 99:93 and lost only to Lithuanian Prenay 81:88.

*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


BBL Team Of The Week - by Andy Webb

Two Worcester Wolves players were in the inaugural BBL team of the week, announced on Tuesday.

Player-coach Skouson Harker (203-F-77, college: Oregon) and centre Justin Brown (213-C-80, agency: Passing Lane, college: Connecticut) were both included in the side despite a short-handed Wolves team going down 135-103 at BiG Cheshire Jets.

Australia-born British passport holder Brown finished with 31 points including 13 from 16 shooting and 14 rebounds in 38 minutes action as he marked his debut for the Wolves in style. Harker narrowly missed out on a double-double with 22 points and nine rebounds, as well as dishing out seven assists to his team-mates in 36 minutes.


Harker had praise for his sides new centre who has played in Germany, Italy and China as well as his native Australia: They had no answer for Justin and when Will [Funn] is in the line up he will be even more dominant.


Another player making his BBL debut to feature in the team of the week is forward Kwbana Beckles (203-C/F-81, college: Lee). The Airwaves Plymouth Raiders player sunk four of his five three point attempts on the way to a 16 point, 16 rebound night as Gary Stronach's side won 104-80 at league newcomers Worthing Thunder.

Marshall MK Lions point guard Terrell Brown (176-G-84, college: Charleston So.) had a successful weekend as his side started the campaign with a pair of victories. His 29 points against BiG Cheshire Jets ensured that the Lions started the campaign with a 106-92 victory. Brown hit six of his ten efforts from three-point land, including four in the second period. He also added 15 points and eight assists at Lions made it a winning weekend with a 100-83 victory at PAWS London Capital.

The team is completed by a player returning to the BBL as Chez Marks (191-G-80, college: Morehead St.) poured in 34 points on his home debut for Jets against Wolves. The former London Towers guard converted 14 of his 17 field goal attempts and dished out five assists to help his new team to a big victory. Marks had also finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists in Fridays defeat at Lions.



*****************************************************
  URUGUAY   


New imports for Union Atletica and Paysandu - by Hector Lopez
Juan Bautista Araujo (206-F/C-83) was finally registered as a Union Atletica Player to play the Uruguayan League. Orrigirginally Araujio was anniunced as an import player for Paysandu, but when he arrived has changed his mind signing for Union Atletica. So, Paysandu last nigth announced its new import player was Rob Summers (213-C-84, college: W.Virginia), who already arrved to uruguay and will play tonigth his first game. Araujo played last night with Union Atletica, defeated by Defensor 85-60.

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


'FIBA Americas is a Mafia' Carmelo Cortez - by Carlos Santander
The Venezuelan Carmelo Cortez was expecting FIBA Americas actions against him because he didn't agree with their illegally behaviors. That is why he already was talking with his lawyers about it. 'It was not a surprise' Carmelo Cortez
The president of COSUBASKET and FVB is absolutely sure that it doesn't make sense any actions that FIBA Americas is taking against him because the contract with MOLTEN is not with CONSUBASKET, but with FIBA Americas. Carmelo Cortez also understand that FIBA Americas addresses those illegally actions against him, because he doesn't agree with their weird behavior. FIBA Americas rules do not mention that we have to play every tournament with their ball, but only on Pre-Olympics or Pre-world Cup. Carmelo Cortez
Carmelo Cortez is sure that this action is something against him and his workmates (money-keeper and secretary) 'Why they didn't punished Vice-president?... Why the penalty amount is $50.000 and not 40 or 60 thousand?... Oh! Because $50.000 is the annually amount that FIBA Americas has to give to CONSUBASKET... FIBA Americas' directory is a mafia and I don't deal with delinquents Carmelo Cortez'

Gaiteros wants Diego as well - by Wolfgang Lucena
Obviously Diego Guevara (184-G-77, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Charlotte) is the type of basketball player that every professional basketball organization wants to play with. Recently, Marinos de Anzotegui made it public to a Venezuelan's news paper article that they are now under a new management and wants to have Diego Guevara in their professional roster. But this story doesn't end yet, because Gaiteros Del Zulia is planning to have a business trip to Colombia to try to encourage Mr. Guevara to join the musician team as well.
Carlos Garcia; Guaros' owner always kept his hopes about retaining Diego Guevara in his basketball team. Everything looks like the next 2009 LPB season is not going to be so easy for Mr. Garcia. Hopefully Diego Guevara will choose the right team.



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

Women News

*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Lightning signs hot-shot blocker - by Eurobasket News
Marita Ann Payne (196-C-81, college: Auburn) may just turn out to be Australian women's basketball's best kept secret.

And signing the 195cm Melbourne-born centre may also prove a major coup for the WNBL championship-defending Adelaide Lightning.

Payne, 26, has quietly chalked up 54 WNBL games mostly at powerhouse Dandenong but it is overseas where she has built her formidable reputation.

She played college basketball at storied Auburn University in the fierce and highly-rated South Eastern Conference (SEC) and was the NCAA's top shot-blocker in 2004. That was on the way to becoming the SEC's shot-blocking record holder for a single season and a career.

But Payne can do more than reject an opposition's shot advances, recording the first triple-double (double-figures in three statistical categories) in Auburn University history men or women.

Drafted by the WNBA's Connecticut Sun, she played professionally in Turkey with IUSK (Istanbul University Sports Klub) where she was the league's free throw leader in 2006, and its shot-block champ in 2006-07-08.

Back in Adelaide after a brief pre-season interruption to the U.S. to be a 'bridesmaid in Mississippi', Payne should more than adequately replace retired championship-winner Jenny Whittle.

'My last two years have been on teams filled with young, inexperienced players and not a lot of winning going on,' Payne said of her decision to join the Lightning. 'I was feeling maybe it's time to be around some quality players.

'When I was organising to go back overseas, Tracy (Gahan) and Jess (Foley) talked to me about coming to Adelaide.'

Payne knew both the Lightning 2008 WNBL AllStar Five selections, having played against Foley at college and meeting Gahan during the silky forward's stint in Turkey. The time was right for a full season in the WNBL after last year racking up a handful of games with Bendigo before returning to Turkey. Payne has lived the nomad life since gaining a taste for overseas basketball while touring the U.S. with a Victorian schools team as a Year 12 student.

'We played games on the East Coast and I thought then I'd like to get to live that (college) lifestyle and get an education at the same time,' she said. It worked. Lightning captain Sam Woosnam predicted her new team-mate would turn the Dome into 'the house of Payne' for opposition shooters, but it is the origin of her name, Marita, which often brings inquiries.

'It is something my parents got from an old neighbour,' she said. 'It's Spanish.'

Courtesy of http://www.news.com.au

Capitals' 15-year-old could make WNBL debut - by Eurobasket News
Injuries to Canberra Capitals Peta Sinclair (187-F-83) and Michaela Dalgleish could open the door for schoolgirl Lauren Jansen to travel on the Caps first road trip next weekend.

Jansen is the 12th and final squad member for the Capitals 2008/09 WNBL season, but only 10 players are allowed to travel to away games.


The Capitals open their campaign for a sixth title on October 4 in Bendigo and Sinclair (knee) and Dalgleish (back) could miss the season start, allowing the 15-year-old Jansen to make her debut sooner than expected.

Neither will participate in this week's training sessions as Sinclair tries to overcome patella tendonitis and Dalgleish rests a back injury.

Coach Carrie Graf will wait until Sinclair returns to the court next week before making a decision on the forward but conceded Dalgleish was likely to miss the season opener.

''I'd say right now that it's highly unlikely that she [Dalgleish] will play,'' Graf said.

''Sinclair will sit out the rest of this week and we'll have a look at her the week leading in [to the first game].

''But two weeks out for her, it's probably going to be questionable too, so we'll see how she goes.''

Graf said with the earlier than expected injuries, Jansen could find herself sitting on the bench for the first two-game road trip.

While Dalgleish and Sinclair watched on, Graf put her players through a tough training session on that did not finish until 10pm on Monday night.

The Capitals 86-79 loss to Townsville last weekend was their first of the pre-season but guard Natalie Hurst said it wasn't all bad news.

''No one likes to lose,'' Hurst said.

''But it's not a bad thing to lose one in pre-season.

''It shows us things we have to work on and if you can fix it up when you come up against them again when a win during the season is a lot more important.

''I don't think we needed one, but I don't think it hurt us,'' she said.

By Chris Dutton
Courtesy of The Canberra Times

---

Releated story: Age no barrier for Capitals new signing

For the past few WNBL seasons Lauren Jansen has been sitting in the stands watching the Canberra Capitals play and thinking, ''wow, wouldn't it be great if I could play for them in maybe 10 years''.

So the 15-year-old was as surprised as anyone when she got a call from coach Carrie Graf asking her to fill the 12th and final spot on the Capitals' 2008-09 roster.

Jansen went to the Capitals trials for Canberra players at the end of last month and her maturity and understanding of the game set her apart from the rest.

''I trained with the squad last year and just had my fingers crossed that I would be able to train with them again this season,'' Jansen said.

''There's no way I expected to play and I couldn't believe it when Graffy called me after the open trials.''

By Jansen's own admission, she has a long way to go before she becomes a regular in the Capitals' line-up.

The skinny Year 10 student from St Francis Xavier College hadn't even turned her full attention to the WNBL season until yesterday.

She led her under-18 premier one division Wests Magpies team to a 72-62 victory over Brindabella in the grand final at Tuggeranong yesterday. But she said the excitement of playing for the Capitals had finally started to kick in.

''Once I get my singlet with 'Jansen' on the back the reality will start to hit me I think,'' Jansen said.

''I definitely get nervous going into the dressing room with all the girls just because they have so much experience.

''But I know it's going to be a great experience when I get to play some minutes and sit on the bench and watch the team play it's awesome.''

Jansen credited her rise to the top of Canberra basketball to the ACT Academy of Sport program, which she joined this year.

In past seasons she had been pushed off the ball and physically overpowered in most contests.

''I'm not very big at all so the weights and strength programs have really helped me improve,'' she said.

''I know I'm not the biggest and I've got things to work on but I'm just pretty excited to be able to be involved.''

And her tender age does not worry Graf.

The coach made her WNBL debut at the same age, starting guard Nat Hurst won her first title at 17 and Graf abides by the ''if you're good enough, you're old enough'' theory.

''Lauren can definitely hold her own,'' Graf said.

''She trained with us last year, she's a little bit older and has some more experience and we've seen her grow and get stronger.

''She's hard working, understands the game and has a good natural feel.

''Once she gets into things she'll know how to use her speed and height better and that will come with her maturity.''

By Chris Dutton
Courtesy of The Canberra Times

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


Cavs capture KO crown - by Justin Marville
THE FUTURE of the 'Lady Cavs' has never looked so bright.

Eighteen year-old point guard Tamisha Flatts confirmed her status as the league's new emerging star, scoring a game-high 27 points as the Cavaliers captured the BABA Women's Knockout Basketball crown by dismantling the Challengers 88-30 in the final on Thursday night at the Wildey Gymnasium.

While Flatts was indeed the star on a night where the Cavs were not short on great individual performances, the young floor general still required the backing of a strong veteran supporting cast which featured a couple of regulars and one former great.

National 'twin towers' Astrid Alleyne and Wanda Agard-Belgrave got going early and often in the first quarter against a lethargic Challengers side that clearly wanted no part of the contest.

The two got Cavaliers off to a strong 18-8 run at the end of the period before Agard-Belgrave stamped her authority on the game's proceedings in the low post as her opposition failed to muster anything resembling a fighting spirit at any end of the floor.

Former national player Cheryl Piggot even came off the bench in a spectacular closing role for the short-handed reigning six-time league champs with the game long decided.

The diminutive shooting guard knocked down several open looks from the perimeter while turning back the clock 20 years and racing down the court for lay-ups in transition.

Piggot's efforts resulted in a surprising 17 points in her first full game of the season. She scored 12 of the team's final 16 points to put an end to one of the most lopsided finals in recent history.

But the night truly belonged to the young Flatts who faced several questions ahead of the highly anticipated showdown.

With Cavaliers missing regular backcourt starters Ria Phillips and Jonnel Oderson, much of the ball-handling and scoring load was left on the youthful point guard. She was forced to play all 40 minutes, with the Cavs fielding a team of just seven players.

However, Flatts never flinched under the weighty expectations, proving to be a force at both ends of the floor while giving coach Andrew Alleyne everything he wanted.

Coming up with several steals early in the second quarter, she broke the game wide open by forcing the issue in the open court, leading an 8-0 run that pushed the Cavs' ahead at 26-8.

Veteran Challengers forward Andrea Puckerin momentarily squashed the rally at the free-throw line, but the indomitable Station Hill guard was at it again, combining with Agard-Belgrave to spur another massive run.

By the time the smoke had cleared the Cavs had built themselves an unassailable lead (40-12).

After going relatively quiet for most of the third quarter, Flatts was at her very best late in the period and in the ensuing fourth, driving by her markers at will and scoring freely from the perimeter.

Agard-Belgrave added 20 points for the Cavs, with Alleyne chipping in with a further 12. No Challengers player scored in double digits.

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


Wauters reaches WNBA Finals - by Eurobasket News
Ann Wauters (194-C-80) scored 8 points and had 3 rebounds as the San Antonio Silver Stars advanced to their first WNBA finals with a 76:72 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.The Sparks led 72:67 when Hammon was 10-of-18 from the field, including 6-of-8 from 3-point range, and made all nine foul shots.
At first however the Los Angeles Sparks celebrated an 85:70 win over the San Antonio Silver Stars in the Western conference finals opener. The Sparks grabbed a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series with the next two games scheduled to take place in San Antonio. Lisa Leslie knocked down 22 points, collected 7 rebounds and dished out 4 assists to carry the Sparks to the win. Marie Ferdinand, Temeka Johnson and Candace Parker fired 14 points each for the winners. Ann Wauters answered with 18 points for the Silver Stars. Sophia Young secured 16 points, while Rebecca Hammon knocked down 9 points in the loss. The hosts dominated nearly every aspect of the game outrebounding San Antonio 37:21 and converting 53% from the field. The visitors capped the first frame with an 8:0 run to accumulate a 26:17 lead. However the hosts answered with an 11:0 surge late in the second term to build a 9-point lead at halftime. The home team maintained the distance well and secured the same lead before the fourth quarter. Erin Buescher came up with 7 points for the Silver Stars cutting the deficit to 6 points midway through the final period. But the Sparks looked cool in the dying minutes and secured a tough win at the end. The Sparks held their opponents to 38% from the field and grabbed twice as many offensive boards as the visitors.
In Game 2 Los Angeles rallied from a 14-point deficit to take a one-point lead with 1.3 seconds left on Delisha Milton-Jones' putback. After a timeout, San Antonio took the ball at half court. Young grabbed the inbounds pass and hit the turnaround from the wing to keep the Silver Stars' playoff hopes alive. Ann Wauters scored 11 points made 4 boards and 4 assists.

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


Beroe 07 beats Slavia on tournament 'Ruscuk' - by Eurobasket News
In the opening game of tournament 'Ruscuk', Beroe 07 celebrated against Slavia 90-80. Despite many problems at this moment and only 8 players, Beroe 07 succeeded to demonstrate nice performance. First stanza was almost leveled, actually Beroe 07 had two-point lead. During the next period it was basket after basket game. With less than two minutes to go in the first half Beroe 07 had 40-39. Mostly owing to Katya Kordova (176-G/F-86) and Galina Georgieva (185-C-88), Beroe made quick 5-0 run for 45-39 at the half time. Totally different picture was seen on the court in third frame. Slavia was the team which dominated and thanks to Gorecova ended it 16-26. It means that Slavia headed into the last ten minutes with decent advantage of 4 points, 61-65. Katya Kordova and Galina Georgieva once again stepped up for their team. These two players were totally unstoppable at the offensive end helping Beroe 07 to score wonderful 29 points in the last stanza. On the other side Slavia stopped on 15 allowing Beroe 07 to record comfortable win at the end.
Katya Kordova was totally the best player of this game collecting 34 points and 6 boards. Galina Georgieva was behind her registering double-double, 25 points and 10 rebounds. The last one with double digits in Beroe was Galina Stancheva (170-G-85), who scored 16 points. Gorecova was better than the others in Slavia adding 22 points. Tsvetelina Nikolova (191-C-88) was behind her with 13 points and 6 boards.

Today Beroe 07 will take on the host team Dunav Ekont. On Wednesday Slavia will also meet reining Bulgarian champion.

*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


USK Praha wins the tournament in Sopron - by Eurobasket News
USK Praha became the winner of the tournament tournament in Sopron, Hungary. MKB Euroleasing Sopron invited MiZo Pecs, USK Praha and Maxima Broker Kosice from Slovak Republic.
In the opener of the tournament USK Praha overcame MiZo Pecs 2010 67:61. The Czechs opened the game with 17:14 in the opening quarter, but the Hungarian side tied the game at the end of the first half. In the third quarter USK Praha went on another lead and after 21:18 in the third won the last frame with 13:10. Sonja Kireta (198-C-76) led the winners with 24 points, while Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) netted 14. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) top-scored in the losing effort with 23 points.
In Day 2 USK Praha outscored MKB Euroleasing Sopron 80:66. In that game the guests rushed to 27:19 and then never looked behind. Evanthia Maltsi top-scored for the winners with 19 points, while Sonja Kireta posted 17.
USK Praha triumphed with 86:85 over Maxima Broker Kosice. Slovakian team looked better in the opening quarter with 24:15. USK Praha produced 22:14 in the second and finished the game with 24:19. USK Praha became the winner of the tournament tournament in Sopron and is fully ready for the upcoming season.

*****************************************************
  EUROCUP - Women  


Stockholm opens Eurocup new season - by Eurobasket News
O8 Stockholm HR - Pallacanestro Ribera 59:77

Stockholm opened Eurocup new season tonight as one game was scheduled for the opener. In Sweden 08 Stockholm hosted Pallacanestro Ribera from Italy. The latter did not mind playing abroad the first game and won 77:59. Kaayla Chones (191-C-81, college: N.Carolina St.) led the winners with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jami Montagnino (173-G-85, college: Tulane) netted 19 and Molly Creamer (177-G-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Bucknell) posted 12. Anette Johansen (175-F-82, college: NYIT) top-sored with 14 points and 9 boards in defeat, while Martina Staalvant (175-G-89) and Nina Risto (187-F-85, agency: Rasmussen Services) scored 10 each.
Pallacanestro Ribera scored first seven points in the game and proved the ambitions for the match-up. The guest controlled the rest of the period and finished it with 21:16. Swedish side was far away to give up in the first half and saw the first lead at 22:21 when Thingwall made a jump-shot. Martina Staalvant sent the teams to the lockers for 31:31 at the halftime.
In the third period the visitors found its game and created a lead. They enjoyed plus 14 in the end of the period, but Martina Staalvant pulled the hosts back to 45:52. With 25-14 in the last frame the Italian side won the opener of Eurocup 2008/2009 campaign.

O8 Stockholm HR: Anette Johansen 14+9 rebs, Martina Staalvant 10, Nina Risto 10
Pallacanestro Ribera: Kaayla Chones 20+11 rebs, Jami Montagnino 19, Molly Creamer 12

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


Lawson advances to the Finals with the Silver Stars - by Eurobasket News
Edwige Lawson (167-G-79) and the San Antonio Silver Stars advanced to their first WNBA finals with a 76:72 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals. The Sparks led 72:67 when Hammon was 10-of-18 from the field, including 6-of-8 from 3-point range, and made all nine foul shots.
At first however the Los Angeles Sparks celebrated an 85:70 win over the San Antonio Silver Stars in the Western conference finals opener. The Sparks grabbed a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series with the next two games scheduled to take place in San Antonio. Lisa Leslie knocked down 22 points, collected 7 rebounds and dished out 4 assists to carry the Sparks to the win. Marie Ferdinand, Temeka Johnson and Candace Parker fired 14 points each for the winners. Ann Wauters answered with 18 points for the Silver Stars. Sophia Young secured 16 points, while Rebecca Hammon knocked down 9 points in the loss. The hosts dominated nearly every aspect of the game outrebounding San Antonio 37:21 and converting 53% from the field. The visitors capped the first frame with an 8:0 run to accumulate a 26:17 lead. However the hosts answered with an 11:0 surge late in the second term to build a 9-point lead at halftime. The home team maintained the distance well and secured the same lead before the fourth quarter. Erin Buescher came up with 7 points for the Silver Stars cutting the deficit to 6 points midway through the final period. But the Sparks looked cool in the dying minutes and secured a tough win at the end. The Sparks held their opponents to 38% from the field and grabbed twice as many offensive boards as the visitors.
In Game 2 Los Angeles rallied from a 14-point deficit to take a one-point lead with 1.3 seconds left on Delisha Milton-Jones' putback. After a timeout, San Antonio took the ball at half court. Young grabbed the inbounds pass and hit the turnaround from the wing to keep the Silver Stars' playoff hopes alive. Edwige Lawson ended up with 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

*****************************************************
  HUNGARY - Women  


MKB Euroleasing Sopron and MiZo Pecs are ready for the season - by Eurobasket News
MKB Euroleasing Sopron invited MiZo Pecs, USK Praha and Maxima Broker Kosice from Slovak Republic in the International tournament. USK Praha became the winner of the tournament tournament in Sopron, Hungary.
In the opener of the tournament USK Praha overcame MiZo Pecs 2010 67:61. The Czechs opened the game with 17:14 in the opening quarter, but the Hungarian side tied the game at the end of the first half. In the third quarter USK Praha went on another lead and after 21;18 in the third won the last frame with 13:10. Sonja Kireta (198-C-76) led the winners with 24 points, while Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) netted 14. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) top-scored in the losing effort with 23 points.
Maxima Broker Kosice lost the opener to MKB-Euroleasing Sopron 66:76. The game was pretty equal, but Hungarian side went on a 24:15 in the last frame to seal the win in the opener.

In Day 2 Maxima Broker Kosice overcame MiZo Pecs 2010 71:64. Slovak team built in 24:17 after the opening quarter to take the control of the game. MiZo Pecs 2010 replied with 15:10 in the second to sent the teams with 34:32 to the lockers. The second half belonged to the guests that won both periods. Cohen top-scored for the winners with 19 points. Linda Frohlich (188-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management, college: UNLV) and Mincikova nailed 10 each, while Kovacova notched 9. Anna Vajda shined for the Hungarians with 25 points and 6 rebounds.
USK Praha outscored MKB Euroleasing Sopron 80:66. In that game the guests rushed to 27:19 and then never looked behind. Evanthia Maltsi top-scored for the winners with 19 points, while Sonja Kireta posted 17.

USK Praha triumphed with 86:85 over Maxima Broker Kosice. Slovakian team looked better in the opening quarter with 24:15. USK Praha produced 22:14 in the second and finished the game with 24:19.
As a result Maxima Broker Kosice finished on the third position with 1-2 record.
In the game between each other MKB Euroleasing Sopron beat MiZo Pecs 2010 81:72. Dora Horti (195-C-87) led the way with 24 points, whilst Milovanovic produced 19. Queenan finished the game with 25 points in the losing effort.

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


Parma won the Paganelli-Badiali Tournament - by Carlo Grilli

Parma won the 27th memorial Paganelli-Badiali played in PalaMokador, Faenza.
In the last seconds of the final game the hosts missed crucial free throws, and Parma (without the Australian squad Porter, Screen and Summerton) escaped with the victory. Maja Erkic (182-G/F-85) (Faenza) was named MVP of the tournament. Faenza meanwhile announced a solid frontcourt renforcement, Andrea Gardner-Combs (192-C-79, college: Howard), who will join the team in a few days.
In the 3rd-4th place final, Umbertide (good performances for Willis and Callens; still waiting for bomber Dooneka Hodges) prevailed over Livorno (Kamesha Hairston (183-F-85, college: Temple) 17, Bagnara 11).

Boxscores:
3rd-4th place:
Liomatic Umbertide Women Basket Livorno 53-66

(14-20 , 32-36 , 43-51)
UMBERTIDE:Courtney Willis (188-F/C-82, agency: LBM Management, college: E.Carolina) 15 (7/14), Cavalaglio dnp, Fiore dnp, Rossi 11 (1/4, 3/4), Callens 12 (5/9), Arcangeli dnp, Gelfusa, Giorgi 2 (1/3), Bonaldo 3 (0/1, 1/3), Battisodo 2 (1/3), Perovanovic 8 (2/5). Coach Lorenzo Serventi
LIVORNO: Franchini, Pastore 9 (2/5, 1/3), Pavicevic 8 (2/7), Kamesha Hairston 17 (4/11, 3/5), Buccianti (0/1, 0/1), Mariani (0/2), Gaither 6 (2/7), Bagnara 11 (4/5, 0/2), Montagna dnp, Ruzickova 15 (6/11, 1/1). Coach Giovanni Papini

1st-2nd place:
Club Atletico Faenza Lavezzini Parma 65-68

(17-20 , 32-27 , 48-48)
FAENZA: Adriana 18 (3/6, 4/7), Erkic 19 (9/12), Ramon 6 (3/3, 0/2), Santucci 2 (1/1), Bandini (0/1 by 3), Bjelica 11 (4/9, 1/4), Zampella 7 (2/4, 1/5), Alexander 2 (1/3, 0/1), Chiarini dnp, Morsiani dnp. Coach Paolo Rossi
PARMA: Narviciute (0/1 da 3), Stabile 9 (2/7, 1/3), Pieropan (0/2, 0/1), Paparazzo 12 (4/6), Zanoni 12 (3/7, 1/1), Zara 13 (4/8, 0/1), Daliborka Vilipic (196-C-75) 19 (5/7), Micovic dnp, Pozzati dnp, Manzini 3 (1/1 by 3), Vaccari dnp. Coach Maurizio Scanzani



Memorial Paola Mazzali - by Juliane Hoehne
On September 27th and 28th, Lenzi Profexional Bolzano held the 2nd 'Memorial Paola Mazzali (173-G-74) (173-G-74)'. This tournament is played in memory of Paola Mazzali, which lost her life in a tragic car accident on August 25th 2006. She was a former captain of the Lenzi Profexional Bolzano squad and a Basketball stand out. To honor her not only a tournament, but also the gymnasium in Lenzi Profexional Bolzano was named after her. (For more information: www.progettopaolamazzali.it)
This year Pakelo San Bonifacio, San Martino Di Lupari (both teams in A2 North) and Castellani Pontedera (competing in A2 South) were invited.
Saturday at 6pm the first game between Pakelo San Bonifacio and Castellani Pontedera took place. Already at half-time Castellani Pontedera was in advance, leading with 37:24. Unfortunately, Louise Gamman (183-F-83), center of Pakelo San Bonifacio, had to leave the court in the third quarter due to an injury. In the following minutes Castellani Pontedera took over the game and won clearly with 87:50. For Castellani Pontedera scored Diana Razmaite (196-C-75, agency: LBM Management) 19, Mara Buzzanca (172-G-76) 17, Claudia Corbani (182-G-78) 14 and Marika Zanardi (175-G-81) 12 the most, while Anna Rossi (170-G-85) (14), Annalisa Gibellini (178-F-76) (12) and Zambon (10) were most successful for Pakelo San Bonifacio.
The second semi-final was a closer game. Although Lenzi Profexional Bolzano seemed to keep a small lead for almost the whole game (14:21; 28:31; 44:47), in the last quarter San Martino Di Lupari seemed to be mentally and physically stronger. By a score of 56:57 for San Martino Di Lupari and 1.5minutes to go, everything seemed still to be open. Then an important three by Stephania Stephania Costa (174-G/F-85) (174-G/F-85) and a steal, followed by a lay-up by Nausicaa Fassina (178-G/F-90) (182-G-90) (178-G/F-90) brought the decision. San Martino Di Lupari di Lupari won with 56:62, finishing with an 18:9 quarter moving into the final. Top scorer for San Martino Di Lupari di Lupari was Nausicaa Fassina with 16points. Alice Palliotto (180-F/C-86) scored also in double-digits with 10, while Juliane Hoehne (191-F/C-83, college: IPFW) was one point shy of a double-double with 9points and 12rebounds; also leading the team in steals (4) and assist (5). Lucia Ferri (182-F-85) was strong on the glass as well (9), especially on the offensive end (6). For Lenzi Profexional Bolzano four players scored in double-digits: Consorti 16, Laura Lazzari (180-G/F-75) 12, Francesca Bergante (170-G-82) 11 and Sabine Loewe (191-C/F-82, college: San Diego) 11.
Sunday Lenzi Profexional Bolzano won without problems against Pakelo San Bonifacio, who once again was in disadvantage due to the missing of Louise Gamman. Gamman was diagnosed with a torn muscle-fibre and will have to sit out the next couple weeks. In the first half Pakelo San Bonifacio was still able to keep up with Lenzi Profexional Bolzano, but in second half Lenzi Profexional Bolzano created a lot of turnovers with their full-court press and was able to take the lead with a lot of easy baskets. Top scorer of Lenzi Profexional Bolzano was Sabine Loewe with 23points, while Laura Lazzari added 15; for Pakelo San Bonifacio Anna Rossi (13) and Zambon (11) were the most successful scorers.
In the final San Martino Di Lupari di Lupari and Castellani Pontedera met for the first time. San Martino Di Lupari seemed to have a better start, ending the first quarter with 14:13. The second quarter was characterised by a lot of intensity on both sides. Castellani Pontedera recaptured the lead, going into the lockers with 31:36. In the following 10 minutes the decision seemed to be fallen after Castellani Pontedera won this quarter with 14:22 (45:58). Even though San Martino Di Lupari diminished the lead again to 8 points with 2 minutes ago, the turnaround did not happen. Castellani Pontedera won with 58:70 lead by Roberta Sarti (186-F/C-79) with 16points. Best scorer by San Martino Di Lupari di Lupari was Stephania Costa with 14, hitting 4 of 5 threes.

*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA - Women  


Sdent Sierre Basket cuts Schwarz, inks Lithuanian Briedyte - by Eurobasket News
Sdent Sierre Basket terminated the contract with Layla Schwarz (193-F-81, college: Oklahoma Baptist). 27-year old forward still is not 100% ready to play and she will return to USA in order to continue convalescence.

At the same time Sdent Sierre Basket announced signing of shooting guard / small forward Ela Briedyte (176-G-79). Lithuanian player spent last five seasons in Arvi Marijampole. In the last one she averaged 12.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.3 apg and 1.8 spg for 17 games in Baltic league. Her team managed to reach play-off semifinals in Lithuanian championship. Briedyte had even better digits on season 06/07, when her team competed in EuroCup. She appeared 6 times in this European competition recording 13.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.7 apg and 1.2 spg. In 2006 and 2007 Arvi Marijampole was regular season champion in Baltic league but unfortunately didn't succeed to win it at the end. The same thing happened in 2005, 2006 and 2007 in Lithuanian championship.
Ela Briedyte was a member of Lithuanian National Team on World Championship in Sao Paolo two years ago. She also plyed at the previous European Championship in Italy. Her average digits in 7 games were 2.7 ppg and 1 rpg. For the first time ever Briedyte appeared in jersey of Lithuanian senior NT in 2004 on EuroBasket in Turkey.

*****************************************************
  NCAA1 - Women  


Santa Clara University adds two to staff - by Eurobasket News
Santa Clara head coach Jennifer Mountain announced the addition of Tamara Inoue as an assistant coach to the women's basketball program this week. Inoue joins the Broncos after six years playing and coaching in Australia. Her prime responsibilities will involve recruiting, film exchange, scouting and working with the Bronco guards. Jesse Pruitt also joins the Santa Clara athletic staff as the video coordinator for both the men and women's basketball teams.

'We are absolutely thrilled to have Tamara join and complete our staff,' said Mountain. 'Her international experience as a club coach in Melbourne will definitely benefit our recruiting and international exposure. Tamara brings experience as a hands-on court coach as well as extreme enthusiasm and tech insight. She is going to be a great addition to our staff.'

'I'm really excited to get back into the college level,' said Inoue. 'I knew for the beginning that coming to Santa Clara was going to be great. We have the ability to do many great things here.'

Inoue's playing days in Australia were cut short due to injury but after rehabbing in the United States, she returned to coach in the Victorian Basketball League.

'I went to Australia in 2002 originally to play, but I got injured,' Inoue said. 'They liked me so much that they asked to me to stay on and coach. Being involved as a player in Australia, I knew of the amount of talent that Australian players have and I really wanted to get out there and coach them.'

Inoue earned VBL Coach of the Year honors in 2006-07 with the Nunawading Spectres. She also coached the Knox Raiders to a National championship the following season with a 27-1 record. The Raiders faced their lone loss in the national title game. Inoue has also help run the Melbourne Roos club. With the Roos, she has developed several NCAA Division I athletes such as USC's Heather Oliver, Gonzaga's Kelly Bowen and Pacific's Claire McCleod as well a many others.

Inoue played three seasons for the 49ers after transferring from University of California - Berkeley, becoming a two-time All-Big West honorable mention. As a senior, she led the Big West in assists, averaging 5.9 per game, and as a junior she finished second in the league in assists (4.6 per game), while averaging 9.6 points per game and shooting 45 percent from the field and 35 percent from beyond the arc as the 49ers advanced to the WNIT.

Inoue was a USA Today honorable mention All-American as a senior at Laguna Hills High in 1997. She averaged 14.0 points per game that season. A two-time league MVP, she set the school-record for points (30), assists (12) and steals (12). She attended high school and Long Beach State and played basketball with 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist and volleyball All-American Tayyiba Haneff. Inoue received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Long Beach State in 2002.

Pruitt joins the Broncos staff after serving two years as an assistant under Head Coach Greg Kamansky at Division II Cal Poly Pomona. Pruitt's main responsibilities were player development, film exchange, recruiting and game preparation.

'We are extremely excited to have the addition of Jesse and his experience in video editing,' said Mountain. 'Scouting opponents is extremely important to the success of our program and he will be a valuable addition. Jesse will help in producing and cutting up opponent films for the purpose of game preparation.'

Pruitt graduated from UC Davis in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in Sociology-Organizational Studies. He was a member of the Aggies team for two seasons under former UC Davis head coach Brian Fogel. Pruitt had a career-high 14 points against UC San Diego in a thrilling 2OT victory on Jan. 25, 2003.

Pruitt earned three varsity letters at Upland High School. He was the team captain as a senior and led the team to a 33-2 record and a CIF Southern Section championship, a No. 4 state ranking and a No. 10 national ranking.

Pruitt is a native of Pomona, Calif. He has worked at several basketball camps including: Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Fullerton, Double Pump, Maryland, Pangos All-American, Santa Clara, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine and UCLA.

Courtesy of www.examiner.com

Burks-Wiley, Kinneary named 2008-09 team captains at Boston - by Eurobasket News
Seniors Jesyka Burks-Wiley (6'1''-F) and Christine Kinneary (5'8''-G-87) have been named the 2008-09 Boston University women's basketball team captains, head coach Kelly Greenberg announced on Monday.

'We are very excited to announce that Christine Kinneary and Jesyka Burks-Wiley will be our captains for this season,' said Greenberg. 'These two young women have been a huge part of our program the past three years, and it is only fitting that they represent our team. Christine and Jes have set the tone for this year's club. We have high expectations for their senior year, and we are looking forward to getting started.'

Kinneary, also a 2007-08 co-captain, returns for her final season in the scarlet and white after a standout campaign last year. She marshaled the squad from the point and handed out a program-record 214 assists. In addition, the Plainedge, N.Y., native was a constant on the court, seeing 1,201 minutes of action, which was also a school record. A third-team all-conference honoree in 2007-08, Kinneary finished third nationally in assist/turnover ratio (2.68) and eighth in assists per game (6.7).

Burks-Wiley garnered America East All-Conference Second Team honors as a junior and led the Terriers in scoring with 13.2 points per game, while averaging 5.8 rpg. At season's end, she ranked fourth in the conference in scoring and free throw percentage (.805). The highly productive forward scored in double figures in 24-of-32 games, including a string of 10 consecutive contests from Dec. 11, 2007 to Jan. 30, 2008.

The Terriers open their season at Rhode Island on Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.

Courtesy of www.goterriers.com

*****************************************************
  NIGERIA - Women  


Sanni will play in WNBA Finals! - by Eurobasket News
Olayinka Sanni (188-C-86, college: W.Virginia) will play in the Final of WNBA. Tay McWilliams was pivotal for Detroit as she propelled the hosts to the decisive second win over New York at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The teams entered the game tied at 1-1 in the Eastern conference finals series. But the Eastern top team proved their status coming away with a hard-fought 75:73 win at the end. They will now take on the San Antonio Silver Stars in the WNBA Finals starting October 1. It will be the third straight Finals appearance for the Shock.
Tay McWilliams scored 15 points in the second half to carry the hosts to the needed victory. Detroit looked comfortable in the opening moments as they eased to a 15:8 lead after the first frame. The hosts stretched the advantage to 20 points in the second quarter but the game was far from being done. Leilani Mitchell came up with 12 points in the third frame and the Liberty cut the deficit. They were behind by just two points at the start of the fourth quarter but Detroit cleared off. Alexis Hornbuckle netted 5 points in a row to maintain a safe distance for the Shock. The Shock kept their opponents at bay in the tense final minutes and all the Liberty could do was to shave the distance to 2 points on two free throws from Shameka Christon with 0.8 seconds left. The Liberty simply got no time to save the game and Detroit celebrated a hard victory.
Deanna Nolan secured 23 points for Detroit. Tay McWilliams delivered 19 points, while Katie Smith knocked down 16 in the win. Olayinka Sanni ended up with 3 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist. Janel McCarville dropped 21 points for the Liberty. Leilani Mitchell added 14 points in the losing case.

*****************************************************
  POLAND - Women  


AZS Gorzow bruise Lotos and Wisla at the start of PLKK - by Eurobasket News
AZS Gorzow showed they are the force to reckon with taking the scalps of both Lotos and Wisla at the start of the new PLKK season. After the win over Lotos the sensational AZS Gorzow left little chance for Wisla in the second round. AZS Gorzow took on Wisla in Krakow and delivered the second win in a row beating the hosts 77:70. Wisla got to a confident start stretching the lead to as many as 9 points at halftime. However Gorzow looked solid and took over after the break. They cut the deficit to minimum and saved the day sending the action into overtime late in regulation. There the visitors prevailed outscoring Wisla 11:4. Katerina Zohnova (179-F-84, agency: Promotex) came up with 23 points to pace Gorzow. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) added 18 points for the winners. Chamique Holdsclaw (188-F-77, agency: Merit Sports, college: Tennessee) answered with 19 points for Wisla. Dorota Gburczyk (188-F-79) contributed 13 points in defeat.
AZS Gorzow extended their winning streak in the third round when they dealt with LKS Lodz 84:66 at home. The hosts built a 10-point lead at halftime and never looked back again. Anne Breitreiner knocked down 16 points for Gorzow. Lindsay Taylor (203-C-81, college: UCSB) came up with 14 points, while Katerina Zohnova topscored with 25 points for the winners. Katarzyna Kenig (185-F-79) responded with 17 points for Lodz in the loss.
Utex Row is another perfect squad at the start. They opened their new season campaign with a a cruising 71:58 win over Cukierki. La'Tangela Atkinson (188-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) nailed 19 points for Utex Row. Kasha Terry (191-F/C-83, agency: Ronsport, college: Georgia Tech) netted 16 points in the win. Petilion secured 17 points in the loss.
Poznan became the next victim of Utex Row. The early league leaders stormed past Poznan 102:88 on the road. Nataliya Trafimava (186-F-79) exploded with 27 points to pace Utex Row. Elzbieta Miedzik (180-F-83) and Aleksandra Chomac (191-C-85) added 22 points apiece in the win.
In the third round Utex Row denied a one-point first term deficit to pull away with a comfortable 86:64 win over Jelenia Gora. Kasha Terry had 20 points, while Nataliya Trafimava knocked down 18 for the winners.

*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Maxima Broker Kosice comes back from Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Maxima Broker Kosice comes back from Hungary where it participated in the International tournament. MKB Euroleasing Sopron invited MiZo Pecs, USK Praha and Maxima Broker Kosice from Slovak Republic.
Maxima Broker Kosice lost the opener to MKB-Euroleasing Sopron 66:76. The game was pretty equal, but Hungarian side went on a 24:15 in the last frame to seal the win in the opener.
In Day 2 Maxima Broker Kosice overcame MiZo Pecs 2010 71:64. Slovak team built in 24:17 after the opening quarter to take the control of the game. MiZo Pecs 2010 replied with 15:10 in the second to sent the teams with 34:32 to the lockers. The second half belonged to the guests that won both periods. Liron Cohen (174-G-82) top-scored for the winners with 19 points. Linda Frohlich (188-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management, college: UNLV) and Janka Mincikova (169-G-89) nailed 10 each, while Kovacova notched 9. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) shined for the Hungarians with 25 points and 6 rebounds.
USK Praha triumphed with 86:85 over Maxima Broker Kosice. Slovakian team looked better in the opening quarter with 24:15. USK Praha produced 22:14 in the second and finished the game with 24:19.
As a result Maxima Broker Kosice finished on the third position with 1-2 record.

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


Stockholm opens Eurocup new season - by Eurobasket News
O8 Stockholm HR - Pallacanestro Ribera 59:77

Stockholm opened Eurocup new season tonight as one game was scheduled for the opener. In Sweden 08 Stockholm hosted Pallacanestro Ribera from Italy. The latter did not mind playing abroad the first game and won 77:59. Kaayla Chones (191-C-81, college: N.Carolina St.) led the winners with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jami Montagnino (173-G-85, college: Tulane) netted 19 and Molly Creamer (177-G-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Bucknell) posted 12. Anette Johansen (175-F-82, college: NYIT) top-sored with 14 points and 9 boards in defeat, while Martina Staalvant (175-G-89) and Nina Risto (187-F-85, agency: Rasmussen Services) scored 10 each.
Pallacanestro Ribera scored first seven points in the game and proved the ambitions for the match-up. The guest controlled the rest of the period and finished it with 21:16. Swedish side was far away to give up in the first half and saw the first lead at 22:21 when Thingwall made a jump-shot. Martina Staalvant sent the teams to the lockers for 31:31 at the halftime.
In the third period the visitors found its game and created a lead. They enjoyed plus 14 in the end of the period, but Martina Staalvant pulled the hosts back to 45:52. With 25-14 in the last frame the Italian side won the opener of Eurocup 2008/2009 campaign.

O8 Stockholm HR: Anette Johansen 14+9 rebs, Martina Staalvant 10, Nina Risto 10
Pallacanestro Ribera: Kaayla Chones 20+11 rebs, Jami Montagnino 19, Molly Creamer 12

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


Sdent Sierre Basket cuts Schwarz, inks Lithuanian Briedyte - by Eurobasket News
Sdent Sierre Basket terminated the contract with Layla Schwarz (193-F-81, college: Oklahoma Baptist). 27-year old forward still is not 100% ready to play and she will return to USA in order to continue convalescence.

At the same time Sdent Sierre Basket announced signing of shooting guard / small forward Ela Briedyte (176-G-79). Lithuanian player spent last five seasons in Arvi Marijampole. In the last one she averaged 12.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.3 apg and 1.8 spg for 17 games in Baltic league. Her team managed to reach play-off semifinals in Lithuanian championship. Briedyte had even better digits on season 06/07, when her team competed in EuroCup. She appeared 6 times in this European competition recording 13.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.7 apg and 1.2 spg. In 2006 and 2007 Arvi Marijampole was regular season champion in Baltic league but unfortunately didn't succeed to win it at the end. The same thing happened in 2005, 2006 and 2007 in Lithuanian championship.
Ela Briedyte was a member of Lithuanian National Team on World Championship in Sao Paolo two years ago. She also plyed at the previous European Championship in Italy. Her average digits in 7 games were 2.7 ppg and 1 rpg. For the first time ever Briedyte appeared in jersey of Lithuanian senior NT in 2004 on EuroBasket in Turkey.

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


Detroit hold off New York to reach WNBA Finals - by Eurobasket News
Tay McWilliams (6'3''-F/C-70, college: St.Edward's) was pivotal for Detroit as she propelled the hosts to the decisive second win over New York at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The teams entered the game tied at 1-1 in the Eastern conference finals series. But the Eastern top team proved their status coming away with a hard-fought 75:73 win at the end. They will now take on the San Antonio Silver Stars in the WNBA Finals starting October 1. It will be the third straight Finals appearance for the Shock.
Tay McWilliams scored 15 points in the second half to carry the hosts to the needed victory. Detroit looked comfortable in the opening moments as they eased to a 15:8 lead after the first frame. The hosts stretched the advantage to 20 points in the second quarter but the game was far from being done. Leilani Mitchell (5'5''-G-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Utah) came up with 12 points in the third frame and the Liberty cut the deficit. They were behind by just two points at the start of the fourth quarter but Detroit cleared off. Alexis Hornbuckle (5'11''-G-85, college: Tennessee) netted 5 points in a row to maintain a safe distance for the Shock. The Shock kept their opponents at bay in the tense final minutes and all the Liberty could do was to shave the distance to 2 points on two free throws from Shameka Christon (6'1''-G/F-82, college: Arkansas) with 0.8 seconds left. The Liberty simply got no time to save the game and Detroit celebrated a hard victory.
Deanna Nolan (5'11''-G/F-79, college: Georgia) secured 23 points for Detroit. Tay McWilliams delivered 19 points, while Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) knocked down 16 in the win. Janel McCarville (6'2''-C-82, college: Minnesota) dropped 21 points for the Liberty. Leilani Mitchell added 14 points in the losing case.