EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/10/2008

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Men News

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


Showboats unveil schedule - by Eurobasket News

The South Texas Showboats have announced their full schedule. All home schedules are complete but times are unknown for the Away Games. Feel free to visit abalive2.com for the times for the Away games for the South Texas Showboats.

12/6/2008 Phoeniz Fury (FIRST HOME GAME OF ABA GAME)
San Antonio, TX / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 7pm-10pm We look forward to the challenge of playing against Phoenix in our first home game of the ABA season.
12/7/2008 Southeast Texas Mustangs
Beaumont, Tx First AWAY Game away for the Showboats of the ABA season

12/11/2008 West Texas Whirlwinds
Midland, Tx

12/14/2008 Southeast Texas Mustangs
San Antonio, TX / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 7:30pm- 10:30pm Look for a very exciting and entertaining game against the Mustangs. This your first look at the Southeast Texas Mustangs. Come out and enjoy the show.

12/20/2008 Gallop Tallons(New Mexico)
San Antonio, TX / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 7:30pm - 10:30pm This is going to be a great game between 2 expansion teams.

1/3/2009 West Texas Whirlwinds
San Antonio, Tx / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 7pm -10pm These 2 teams have already began a rivalry that begun. This should be fun!!

1/11/2009 Mississippi Blues
San Antonio, TX / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 7pm-10pm We welcome you to the Mississippi Blues for the First Time this season. Come out and support the SHOWBOATS!!

1/15/2009 Southeast Texas Mustangs
Beaumont, Tx

1/18/2009 Southeast Texas Mustangs
San Antonio, TX / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 7pm-10pm

1/20/2009 Gallop Tallons(New Mexico)
Gallop, New Mexico

1/25/2009 West Texas Whirlwinds
San Antonio, TX / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 7pm - 10pm

1/29/2009 West Texas Whirlwinds
Midland, Tx

1/31/2009 Mississippi Blues
Jackson, Miss.

2/1/2009 Mississippi Blues
Jackson, Miss.

2/7/2009 Mississippi Blues

San Antonio, TX / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 7pm - 10pm


2/9/2009 Mississippi Blues
Jackson, Miss.

2/11/2009 Southeast Texas Mustangs
Beaumont, Tx

2/13/2009 West Texas Whirlwinds
Midland, Tx

2/14/2009 West Texas Whirlwinds
Midland, Tx

2/15/2009 Houston Takers
San Antonio, TX / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 7pm -10pm

2/22/2009 West Texas Whirlwinds
San Antonio, TX / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 7pm - 10pm

2/23/2009 Southeast Texas Mustangs
Beaumont, Tx

2/24/2009 Gallop Tallons(New Mexico)
New Mexico

2/28/2009 Southeast Texas Mustangs
San Antonio, TX / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 7pm-10pm

3/1/2009 Southeast Texas Mustangs
San Antonio, TX / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 7pm -10pm

3/2/2009 Southeast Texas Mustangs
San Antonio, TX / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 9pm - Midnight

3/4/2009 West Texas Whirlwinds
Midland, Tx

3/5/2009 West Texas Whirlwinds
Midland, Tx

3/7/2009 Houston Takers
San Antonio, TX / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 7pm -10pm

3/8/2009 Houston Takers
San Antonio, TX / Antioch Sports Complex Game Time 7pm -10pm

Curtesy of The South Texas Showboats



Salt Lake Dream is back in the ABA - by Gianni Pascucci
The American Basketball Association announced that the Salt Lake Dream will return to the league for the upcoming season that begins in December. The team's principal owner is 34-year old Kenny Wamsley, a former basketball player who in Australia and New Zealand. He has a background in broadcasting and currently is Sales Manager of a Portland, Oregon-based company. The team will be playing in the Lifetime Activity Center at the Salt Lake Community College which seats 3000 and 'is the perfect ABA venue - fans will love it. And our ticket prices will be fan-friendly, family friendly and affordable,' added Wamsley. 'Plus we are going to have a lot of local talent on the team, players that fans will recognize and support.'

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


Krka adds Drobnjak - by Zeljko Zule

Krka inked their former member and NT member Dragisa Drobnjak (200-F-77, agency: VTBM/SRBM) ex Turow till June 2009. Last season he averaged 8,7points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2steals in 14 games of ULEB Cup and 8,8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1,2 assists and 1,3 steals in 37 games of Polish League.

.



*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


Many News - by Facundo Iatzky
Penarol won the classic game: Penarol won the most important game of argentinian basketball: the derby between Penarol and Quilmes, both form Mar del Plata. It was an impressive game defined in the last quarter with the outstanding job of Roman Gonzalez (211-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) and David Jackson. This was the last game of the second round.

TNA has started: 2008/09 season of second division has officially started with the victory of La Union Formosa over Obera TC on the road.

Other change in Libertad: Defending champion libertad Sunchales continue looking for the player who replaces Laron Profit. The decided released Ralph Holmes and signed Bryant Markson (198-F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Utah)

Faggiano to Long Island: Lucas Faggiano (186-G-89) was officially confimed by Long Island University of Brooklyn

*****************************************************
  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Round 1, Wednesday's games - by Eurobasket News


Radnicki 034 Group - Feni Industri 63-74
Radnicki 034 Group faced with home defeat against Macedonian champion Feni Industri. Players of head coach Emil Rajkovic had pretty good start. After just nine minutes, they created plus 13. Very soon first quarter ended 17-28. Serbians somehow recovered from this shock showing slightly better performance in the second frame. However, they couldn't find a solution how to stop American Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.) of Feni. Rajko Kljajevic (204-F-85, agency: Interperformances) was maybe the only one ready to compete against Feni leading his team to 21-20 in this period. Following 20 minutes didn't change anything. Feni Industri successfully kept its lead until the very end. Actually, at the middle of the last quarter Radnicki came on minus 6 but that was its maximum in this game. Donald Cole led Feni to win scoring 26 points. Goran Samardziev (188-G-81) was behind him with 13. Marjan Gjurov (201-F-80) and experienced Serbian player Milan Prekovic (195-G/F-75) netted 11 points each. Rajko Kljajevic scored 14 points for the loosing side. Veteran PG Radovan Pesic (186-G-72, agency: Beo Basket) stopped on 10.

Radnicki 034: Rajko Kljajevic 14, Radovan Pesic 10
Feni Indistri: Donald Cole 26, Goran Samardziev 13, Marjan Gjurov 11, Milan Prekovic 11
---


Fersped Rabotnicki - Dinamo Bucharesti 67-51
The other Romanian representative in BIBL, Dinamo Bucharesti was defeated in Skopje. It was an easy win of Macedonian team, which created advantage of 12 points already at the half time. Big guy Ersid Ljuca (208-C-81, agency: World Sport Agency) shined for the winners adding 15 points and 5 boards. Toni Simic (210-C-76, agency: Interperformances) was behind him with 11. Dinamo had only one player with double digits. It was Viorel Mocanu (205-C-77), who delivered 11 points.

Fersped Rabotnicki: Ersid Ljuca 15+ 5 boards, Toni Simic 11, Ognen Stojanovski (190-G-85) 10+4 boards
Dinamo Bucharesti: Viorel Mocanu 11, Miro Vranjic (201-F-83, agency: Court Side) 9+8 boards, Mihail Paul 9
---


CSU Cuadripol - Swisslions Takovo 70-84
Serbian team Swisslions Takovo was too strong for CSU Cuadripol on the road in Brasov. Visitors entered into this game strongly making plus 5 after opening 10 minutes. Very soon Ionut Dragusin (221-C-85) and his teammates woke up starting to play much better. Swisslions Takovo had ex Serbian National Team player Branko Jorovic (205-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) in a game mood helping his team to keep 3-point lead until the half time, 37-40. Third frame was almost leveled. Both teams were good at the offensive end which resulted with 19-20. Finally, the game is decided in the last ten minutes. Sasa Ocokoljic (183-G-76, agency: Beo Basket) and Vladimir Vlaskovic (197-G-77) joined Branko Jorovic leading Swisslions to nice 24 points in the last frame. On the other side Romanians made many mistakes loosing the second half, 33-44. Branko Jorovic paced Serbian team to win scoring 22 points including 6 rebounds. Sasa Ocokoljic and Vladimir Vlaskovic had 12 points each. CSU Cuadripol got 18 points from Ionut Dragusin. Enes Hadjibulic (196-G-83, agency: Global Sports Plaza) netted 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

CSU Cuadripol: Ionut Dragusin 18, Enes Hadjibulic 12 (6 rebs)
Swisslions: Branko Jorovic 22 (6 rebs), Sasa Ocokoljic 12, Vladimir Vlaskovic 12



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


Bosnian D1 begins this week-end - by Eurobasket News
Bosnian Top Division is set for the beginning. It supposed to count 14 participants but at the end the number dropped on 13. The reason is withdrawal of Zenica Celik from this competition due to big financial troubles. Anyway, battle for the couple of top places will be very interesting. There is last season's runner-up Igokea Partizan, which inked couple of great acquisitions for 08/09. Siroki Eronet also added few pretty good reinforcements, mostly Croatian players. These two teams are for sure the main candidates for top. Possible surprises are Sloboda Dita and Borac Nektar. Both teams demonstrated nice basketball level during the preseason. It is about the battle for top but there also will be extremely interesting and the bottom of D1. Fight for the survival maybe will be even more exciting as there are 5-6 teams on almost equal level.

All games of the opening round will be played on Saturday. The most interesting one will be held in Aleksandarovac, where two local rivals, Igokea Partizan and Borac Nektar, will meet each other. Sloboda Dita will play on the road against Hercegovac while Siroki Eronet is free in the first round. Complete first round schedule you can check at the top of the page.

*****************************************************
  CANADA   


Raptors sneak past Knicks - by Eurobasket News
Chris Bosh (211-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) poured in 20 points, pulled down seven rebounds and had three steals as the Toronto Raptors slipped past the New York Knicks 113-111 in pre-season action at the Air Canada Centre on Wednesday night.

Toronto has excelled in exhibition games at the ACC, winning 11 in a row.

'It has been a learning experience so far,' Bosh said. 'We're still trying to get a feel for each other.

'We're still making a lot of the same mistakes, and that is to be expected. We have to make sure that we continue to work together and get some fluidity into our offence and develop a chemistry with each other.'

Bosh tallied six straight points as the Raptors took an 80-78 lead into the fourth quarter, but they failed to shake the Knicks and trailed by one point with less than two minutes to go.

After David Lee's breakaway dunk put New York ahead 104-103 with 1:52 left, Jason Kapono (201-F-81, college: UCLA) sandwiched a three-point basket and two free throws around a 20-foot jumpshot from newcomer Will Solomon to put Toronto up 110-104 with 53 seconds remaining.

'Playing a team with a lot of different lineups, I thought we played well,' Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell said.

Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) contributed 15 points, five rebounds and two assists coming off the bench before fouling out.

Fellow reserve Kris Humphries scored 13 points, including a putback dunk with 27 seconds remaining.

Solomon provided 12 points, while Jamario Moon had 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds.

Kapono and Anthony Parker (196-G/F-75, college: Bradley) each chipped in with 10 points.

Newly acquired Jermaine O'Neal, a six-time all-star, played less than 18 minutes, posting eight points and six rebounds for Toronto.

'I'm still trying to find my way,' said O'Neal, acquired July 26 from the Indiana Pacers for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, a first-round draft pick and a player to be named.

'The biggest challenge for a guy coming in is trying to catch up with the previous four starters. I'm just trying to find my comfort zone.'

'He is fine,' Mitchell said. 'He has just got to get his timing.

'We're going to use the whole pre-season to get him where he needs to be. He wants to play more and I'm going to start increasing his minutes.'

Lee led all scorers with 22 points for the Knicks, who were playing their first game under head coach Mike D'Antoni, formerly of the Phoenix Suns.

'I thought they competed and did a lot of things we were trying to do all week in training camp,' D'Antoni said. 'I was pleasantly surprised, and if we keep playing like that, we will be OK.'

Zach Randolph impressed with 19 points and a game-best 13 rebounds, followed by Nate Robinson with 16 points and Wilson Chandler with 15.

Quentin Richardson scored 12 points, with Jamal Crawford and Stephon Marbury had 10 points apiece.

'Everybody is really positive, really upbeat,' Crawford said. 'It's just a fresh change for everybody.

'Everybody is tired of what has happened in the past. Everybody is tired of what has happened the last three or four years and it is time to break the mold.'

New York missed its first 12 shots from three-point range and finished 8-34 from beyond the arc.

'It is about playing basketball and making smart decisions,' Randolph said.

Courtesy of http://www.mytelus.com

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


Croatian A1 league starts tomorrow - by Eurobasket News
Everything is ready for the beginning of Croatian A1 league 08/09. One of the biggest candidates for top is Cedevita Zagreb, which demonstrated wonderful performance during the pre-season. The latest memories are coming from international tournament in Vrsac, where Cedevita made two wins against Adriatic league participants Hemofarm and Vojvodina. Both games Croatian team won in style. Head coach of Cedevita Zdravko Radulovic also stated that his team is most quality one in A1.

'We for sure have the strongest roster in A1 league. I am very pleased with our current shape as well as with our system of playing. We are young and there is a lot of space for improvements. About our new player Vladimir Kuljanin, I can only say that I feel sorry why he didn't join us even earlier. Anyway he is getting better and better every day', said Zdravko Radulovic.

In the first round Cedevita will meet Borik at home. Dubrovnik waits Dubrava while Zabok will host Trogir. Sibenka will play against Slavonski Brod in Sibenik while Alkar Sinji will take on Kvarner NR. Except of the game between Cedevita and Borik, which is scheduled for tomorrow, all other games will be played on Saturday.

*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Standings - NBL
NBL Standings
 1. Geofin 1-0 
 2. Decin 1-0 
 3. USK Praha 1-0 
 4. Nymburk 1-0 
 5. Prostejov 1-0 
 6. Ostrava 0-0 
 7. Podebrady 0-1 
 8. Opava 0-1 
 9. Kolin 0-1 
 10. Liberec 0-1 
 11. Pardubice 0-1 


NBL writes down the openers - by Eurobasket News
The Czech League, NBL was open last night with five games. The guest won the majority including the win of the defending champions in the start.
CEZ Nymburk thrashed BK Kondori Liberec 60:104 Wednesday to start the season in style. The game was done for them already in the first half after 53:29 on the board. Michal Kremen (200-F-81) led Nymburk with 17 points, while Blake Schilb (201-G-83, college: Loyola, IL) added 14. Maurice Hampton and Jakub Blazek (203-F-80) ended up with 16 each in defeat.
Geofin Novy Jicin that finished second last season overcame BK B & W Opava 92:84. Robert Sarovic top-scored for the winners with 20 points and 10 rebounds.Walker netted 17 and made 11 boards, whilst Lavor Postell (197-F/G-78, college: St.John's) notched 14. Tomas Hruby (206-C-78) become the top-scorer not only in the game but in the Round 1 as well as he poured in 30 points in defeat.
BK Prostejov produced a 68:86 road win at Basket Podebrady. Shaum Pruitt collected 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead all the winners. USK Praha defeated BC Kolin 86:77 with Lawrence Hamm (198-F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Towson) scoring 20 points. BK Decin edged BK Synthesia Pardubice 79:69 as William Hatcher (188-G-84, agency: LimeLight, college: Miami, OH) posted 27 points. As there are 11 teams in the league NH Ostrava will start from Round 2.

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  D-LEAGUE   


BayHawks to host tryout in Akron this weekend - by Eurobasket News
The Erie BayHawks of the NBA D-League will host the second of three free-agent tryouts Saturday and Sunday at the University of Akron's James A. Rhodes Arena.

Check-in and registration begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and tryouts will start at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Applicants must submit all official forms and must pay the non-refundable $150 registration fee.

For information or an application form, visit www.ErieBayHawks.com.

The third and final tryout for Erie will take place in Philadelphia on Oct. 18 and 19 at Life Center Fitness. Registration is set for 11 a.m. with tryout sessions to follow.

Courtesy of http://www.goerie.com

Former D-Leaguers in Action from Wednesdays NBA Pre-Season Slate - by Surujh Roopnarine
Louis Amundson (6'9''-F-82, college: UNLV) (Phoenix): 26 minutes: (12pt+3rb, 4-7 FG)
Matt Barnes (6'7''-F-80, college: UCLA) (Phoenix): 25 minutes: (12pt+5rb+5as, 5-15 FG)
Alando Tucker (6'6''-F-84, college: Wisconsin) (Phoenix): 24 minutes: (14pt+2rb, 6-12 FG)

Anthony Roberson (New York): 6 minutes (1 steal, 0-2 FG)
Jamario Moon (6'8''-F-80, college: Meridian CC) (Toronto): 28 minutes: (10pt+9rb+4as, 4-8 FG)

Patrick O'Bryant (7'0''-C-86, college: Bradley) (Boston): 25 minutes: (10pt+8rb+3bs, 4-6 FG)
Gabe Pruitt (Boston): 11 minutes: (2pt+3rb, 1-2 FG)

Louis Williams (6'3''-G-86) (Philadelphia): 26 minutes: (27pt+5rb+4as, 7-12 FG)

Shannon Brown (Charlotte): 12 minutes: (9pt, 4-7 FG)
Matt Carroll (Charlotte): 10 minutes: (0-4 FG)

Anthony Johnson (Orlando): 17 minutes: (7as, 0-0 FG)
Jeremy Richardson (Orlando): 12 minutes: (2pt+2rb, 0-4 FG)
Mike Wilks (Orlando): 10 minutes: (2pt+2rb, 0-2 FG)

Devin Brown (New Orleans): 14 minutes: (7pt+2as, 3-5 FG)
Courtney Sims (New Orleans): 8 minutes: (5pt+1bs, 2-2 FG)

Josh McRoberts (Indiana): 15 minutes (4pt+2rb, 2-4 FG)

Andray Blatche (6'11''-C-86) (Washington): 25 minutes: (14pt+4as+5to, 6-11 FG)
DerMarr Johnson (6'9''-G-80, college: Cincinnati) (Washington): 24 minutes: (11pt+3rb+2bs, 4-7 FG)

Ramon Sessions (6'3''-G-86, college: Nevada) (Milwaukee): 39 minutes: (1pt+10as, 0-8 FG)
Amir Johnson (Detroit): 14 minutes: (4pt+2rb+2bs, 1-3 FG)
Will Bynum (Detroit): 8 minutes: (2rb+2as, 0-1 FG)

Kelenna Azubuike (6'5''-G/F-83, college: Kentucky) (Golden State): 24 minutes: (18pt+3as, 7-10 FG)
Luke Jackson (Portland): 15 minutes: (7pt+3rb, 2-6 FG)

Former D-Leaguers Released by NBA Teams - by Surujh Roopnarine
The Los Angeles Lakers released former Iowa Energy guard Dwayne Mitchell (6'5''-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: La-Lafayette). An All-Star selection in 2008, Mitchell appeared in 31 games for Iowa, averaging 20.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists before moving to Brose baskets Bamberg in Germany to finish the season. The high-flying Louisiana-Lafayette product was with the Lakers on their Vegas Summer league entry.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have released Weber State graduate Lance Allred (6'11''-C-81, agency: SportsTalent, college: Weber St.). A two season veteran of the D-League with the Iowa Stampede, Allred was called up towards the end of the 2007-08 NBA season by Cleveland, appearing limitedly in three games. An All-Star last season, Allred was also an All-D-League 2nd Team Selection.

*****************************************************
  ERITREA   


A weeky round-up on the Eritrean Diaspora - by Kristian Santiago
In Germany:

Joe Tesfaldet (186-G-80, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) is coming from the bench for the surprising team in the BBL (Germany's first division), the Giants Noerdlingen.
The point guard dished out six assists in the first game and played only in limited minutes in the other two games and did not score any points so far.

'Jonny' Jonathan Mesghna (199-F-89) scored 14 points (converted four 3-pointers!) and fellow Eritrean Alexander Atoberhan (189-G-85) made another 3-point shot for victorious MTV Kronberg in an 86-72 win over SG Heidelberg-Kirchheim in the Regionalliga Suedwest.
Mesghna is being heavily recruited by U.S. American colleges and therefore won't play for BBL-team Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt this year to remain eligible for the NCAA.

Quflom Teschm (182-G-82) did not score in TuS Makkabi Frankfurt's 102-85 loss to leaders BBC Koblenz-Horchheim in the Regionalliga Suedwest-Nord, but had five points in a recent game against BG Ober-Ramstadt.

Dahlak Tesfahiwet collected six points in a 75-57 winner of his ACT Kassel against EOSC Offenbach in the Oberliga Hessen.The lightning quick point guard has so

In Spain:

Unicaja Malaga routed top-rated Real Madrid 82-65 in the first round of the ACB.Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) contributed eight points and three assists in his debut for the Andalusian team and is looking to have another successful season after having a promising career in Poland and Belgium so far.

In Canada:

The Bishop's University Gaiters lost 69-47 in an exhibition game to visiting Northeastern University from Boston. Hermon Tesfaghebriel (201-F) netted in six points and grabbed three rebounds for the hosts. The tall forward/center averaged 12,2 ppg and 5,1 rpg last season for the Gaiters and is a cornerstone of the Canadian team.

*****************************************************
  FINLAND   


1.DIV.: Huima still undefeated - by Rauno Hurmalainen

1. Division, Round 2: Huima (Aanekoski) has started the season well. Tonight Huima winning Korikobrat (Lapua) very close game 95-87 (42-44). Quarters: 23-27, 19-17, 28-21 and 25-22. Huima's Head Coach Markku Ranta , 63, is an 'old fox' and showing it again today. Some players still on injured list, but smart tactics in defense and four players in double figures was too much for Lapua. Reijo Ojanen (190-G/F-86) led Huima with 25 pts (1 - 3/4, 2 - 5/7, 3 - 4/6). Jason Hartford (206-F/C-85) added 20 pts and 17 rbs. Lapua is 0-2 after two rounds. Five players over 10 points, but however not enough. Kyle Carhart (191-G/F-83, college: Grand Valley St.) netted 24 and Toni Raiski (194-F-81) added 15 pts.

Huima - Lapua 95-87 (42-44) (Reijo Ojanen 25, Jason Hartford 20/17, Justice Graham 15 - Kyle Carhart 24, Toni Raiski 15, Baboucarr Bojang 14/15).



Standings - Division I
1st Division Standings
 1. Huima 2-0 
 2. Salon Vilpas 1-0 
 3. BC Nokia 1-0 
 4. Kauhajoki 1-0 
 5. JKS 1-0 
 6. HNMKY 0-0 
 7. PuHu 0-0 
 8. Jyvaskyla 0-1 
 9. Honka 0-1 
 10. Ura Basket 0-1 
 11. LoKoKo 0-1 
 12. Lapua 0-2 


*****************************************************
  FRANCE   


Cholet to return Cedric Ferchaud - by Eurobasket News
Cedric Ferchaud (195-F/G-80), who spent last couple of days practicing with Pau-Orthez, will return to his ex team Cholet. According to French Basketball Federation, Ferchaud agreed to play in Cholet for season 08/09.
Ferchaud already was a member of Cholet from 2002 to 2006. He also was its players as a junior until 1999. Previous two seasons he spent with Pau-Orthez winning the trophy in French Cup last year. On season 07/08 he appeared 9 times in ULEB Cup averaging 5 ppg and 1.1 rpg. For 22 Pro A games, Ferchaud had 3.8 ppg and 1.4 rpg. This year he was invited to participate at the 'Pro A All-Star Game'. Except of two above mentioned teams, Cedric Ferchaud used to play for Mulhouse from 2000 to 2002. In the past, he was a member of French B National Team as well as of French top selection.

According to the rumors, Pau-Orthez is looking to replace point guard JamesOn Curry (190-G-86, college: Oklahoma St.). Last year's Chicago Bulls' second round pick hasn't satisfied coaching staff of the club. On 07/08 he played for D-League team Iowa Energy but couple of times was re-called from the Bulls. Curry came out from Oklahoma State University last year.

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


Jane Petrovski moves to Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
It seems that point guard Jane Petrovski (181-G-87, agency: 011 Sports) will finally play outside of Macedonia. As a reminder, during the previous month he agreed terms with Hungarian Soproni but very soon he left it. Yesterday, it is announced that Petrovski will continue career in Ukrainian second division. His new team Gryfony Symferopil currently has one win and one defeat after two rounds in UBL. Interesting is that head coach of Macedonian National Team Jovica Arsic, who is at the same time HC in Cherkassy Monkeys, was the key person in this transfer. According to Petrovski, Arsic was the one who helped him to finally try himself aboard.

Jane Petrovski played last four seasons for MZT Skopje reaching the play-off semifinals twice in Macedonian league. In 2007 he was named 'Eurobasket.com Macedonian League All-Domestic Players Team' while a year later he was voted 'Eurobasket.com All-Macedonian League Honorable Mention'. Before MZT Skopje he played for Polo Trade Strumica as well as for Nikol Fert Gostivar. Petrovski was a member of Macedonian U16 National Team which participated in European Championship in Spain in 2003. This summer he temporarily was a part of senior Team Macedonia after what he decided to leave NT camp and to join Soproni.

'I don't care because so many people even never heard for Gryfony as my main goal is to get a lot of space to show what I can. It would be great if I get it in my first season outside of Macedonia. I hope everything will be fine', said Petrovski.

Mac-player supposes to have his debut in Gryfony tomorrow against local derby Kryvbabasket.

Two wins for Macedonians in BIBL, round 1 - by Eurobasket News


Radnicki 034 Group - Feni Industri 63-74

Radnicki 034 Group faced with home defeat against Macedonian champion Feni Industri. Players of head coach Emil Rajkovic had pretty good start. After just nine minutes, they created plus 13. Very soon first quarter ended 17-28. Serbians somehow recovered from this shock showing slightly better performance in the second frame. However, they couldn't find a solution how to stop American Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.) of Feni. Rajko Kljajevic (204-F-85, agency: Interperformances) was maybe the only one ready to compete against Feni leading his team to 21-20 in this period. Following 20 minutes didn't change anything. Feni Industri successfully kept its lead until the very end. Actually, at the middle of the last quarter Radnicki came on minus 6 but that was its maximum in this game. Donald Cole led Feni to win scoring 26 points. Goran Samardziev (188-G-81) was behind him with 13. Marjan Gjurov (201-F-80) and experienced Serbian player Milan Prekovic (195-G/F-75) netted 11 points each. Rajko Kljajevic scored 14 points for the loosing side. Veteran PG Radovan Pesic (186-G-72, agency: Beo Basket) stopped on 10.

Radnicki 034: Rajko Kljajevic 14, Radovan Pesic 10
Feni Indistri: Donald Cole 26, Goran Samardziev 13, Marjan Gjurov 11, Milan Prekovic 11
---


Fersped Rabotnicki - Dinamo Bucharesti 67-51

The other Romanian representative in BIBL, Dinamo Bucharesti was defeated in Skopje. It was an easy win of Macedonian team, which created advantage of 12 points already at the half time. Big guy Ersid Ljuca (208-C-81, agency: World Sport Agency) shined for the winners adding 15 points and 5 boards. Toni Simic (210-C-76, agency: Interperformances) was behind him with 11. Dinamo had only one player with double digits. It was Viorel Mocanu (205-C-77), who delivered 11 points.

Fersped Rabotnicki: Ersid Ljuca 15+ 5 boards, Toni Simic 11, Ognen Stojanovski (190-G-85) 10+4 boards
Dinamo Bucharesti: Viorel Mocanu 11, Miro Vranjic (201-F-83, agency: Court Side) 9+8 boards, Mihail Paul 9

Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.)

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  GERMANY   


USC Heidelberg land shooting guard - by Moritz Korff
Jibril Hodges (188-G-84, college: Long Beach St.) is the name of the new shooting guard on the roster of USC Heidelberg (2. Bundesliga Pro A), as the club announced on its website today. The 24-year-old son of former NBA standout Craig Hodges - now a member of the LA Lakers coaching staff - played college-basketball at Long Beach State University (NCAA). In 2005-06, his senior-year, Hodges tallied 14.1 points per game for the 49ers. He spent his first two seasons as a pro in Jordan and in the CBA. Through 34 games of this past season he averaged 14.7 points, 2.9 assists and 2.7 rebounds for CBA's Butte Daredevils.

Idbihi returns to 99ers squad - by Moritz Korff
Yassin Idbihi (208-F-83, college: Buffalo) and the Koeln 99ers (1. Bundesliga) have agreed on a new contract for the 2008-09 season. The 25-year-old forward/center appeared in 24 Bundesliga-games for Koeln in this past campaign, averaging 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest. He was named to the 2007-08 Eurobasket.com All-Bundesliga All-Newcomers Team. During the summer Idbihi was recovering from a foot-injury, which he had suffered while working out with the German Men's National Team. He had to undergo surgery, but is now back in full shape.

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


Participants Field " AHBW " almost complete - by Fred Roggen
The participants field for the Amsterdam Haarlem Basketball Week (AHBW) that will be held in December, is almost complete. Three teams are from the Netherlands: EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam, Eiffel Towers Den Bosch and the Dutch National Team.
From abroad the Brazilian Pitagoras/Minas, the winner of last year further the BK Astana Tigers of Kazakhstan, the national team from Israeli with players till 23 years, Budivelnyk Kyiv from the Ukraine and the College team of Francis Marion that plays in the Peach Belt Conference.
The ninth and final team is not yet known. Presumably is that Atletico Sport Aviation Luanda, the number three in the national League of Angola.

Standings - Eredivisie
Eredivisie Standings
 1. Eiff.Towers 2-0 
 2. Amsterdam 2-0 
 3. M.Magix 2-0 
 4. Den Helder 1-0 
 5. Hanzev.Cpt 1-1 
 6. Rotterdam 1-1 
 7. ZZ Leiden 1-1 
 8. Upstairs Weert 0-1 
 9. West-Brabant 0-2 
 10. Aris Friesland 0-2 
 11. Landstede 0-2 


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  ICELAND   


Very difficult situation in Iceland - by Einar Johannsson
The financial situation in Iceland is for sure showing in icelandic basketball. IR took the first step by releasing Tahirou Sani (205-F-85) and Chaz Carr (183-G-82, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Boston U.) and since then other 6 teams have released all foreigners and some other have released one or two players.
Player that have been released this week cause of the situation are;
Breidablik: Darrell Flake (193-F-80, agency: IceBasket, college: McKendree) & Igor Beljanski (201-C-78, college: Chaminade)
Snaefell: Coach Jordanco Davitkov , Nate Brown (183-G-80, agency: IceBasket, college: St.Peter's), Tome Dislijev (205-C-80), Nikola Dzeverdanovic (188-G-82)
Keflavik: Jesse Pellot-Rosa (193-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Va Commonwealth), Steve Dagostino (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: St.Rose (NY))
Skallagrimur: Eric Bell (190-G-75, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: New Paltz St.), Djordo Djordic
Stjarnan: Nemanja Sovic (198-F-77, agency: IceBasket, college: Pfeiffer)
Njardvik: Heath Sitton (186-G-85, agency: IceBasket), Slobodan Subasic (191-G-79), Colin ORilley
Thor Akureyri: Milorad Damjanac (206-C, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: S.Nazarene)
Grindavik: Damon Bailey (197-F-80, college: Missouri Western)

We are expecting more news to come as the situation is not good and there are even talks about the league being without all foreigners this season.
More news to come in the next few days.

*****************************************************
  IRELAND   


Hibernian UCD Marian Dublin sign Michael Parker - by Eurobasket
Hibernian UCD Marian Dublin added to their roster 28-year old American guard Michael Parker (190-G-80, college: Springfield, agency: Prossin Sports). Last season he averaged: 21.5ppg, 6.8rpg, 3.8apg, 1.3spg at BG Dorsten (GER-2.Regionalliga). This summer Parker played at Team Helsinki (Eurobasket Summer League) in New York.

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


Bargnani shines again - by Antonello Varallo
Good news for italian players from NBA preseason games. Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) produced another solid performance during his Toronto Raptors win against New York Knicks. Andrea played 27 minutes scoring 15 points (4/10 2p, 1/2 3p,), with 5 rebounds, 2 assisists and 1 block. Also Andrea Belinelli (1,96 G 86) did well with his Golden State Warriors against Portland Trailblazers. He played 26 minutes and scored 9 points (2/5 2p, 1/4 3p, 2/2 ft) with 4 rebounds. Now, all italian fans are waiting for Danilo Gallinari (2,05 G/F -88), who is now regularly training after the injury suffered during his first preseason game with Mike D'Antoni's Knicks

Lega 2 roster changes - by Gianni Pascucci
Harem Scafati officially announced the signing of ALB-ITA Claudio Ndoja (198-G/F-85), from Upea Capo d'Orlando. Vanoli Soresina annonunced the agreement with former NT member Dante Calabria (194-G-73, agency: Megasport, college: N.Carolina), who inked a one-year contract with the team

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  KUWAIT   


Five teams match wits in Stankovic Cup - by Mohammed Malas
KUWAIT (FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup): Five National Teams will match wits in the second FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup that begins here on Thursday.

Jordan, Qatar, Kazakhstan and India battle it out with hosts Kuwait in the tournament that makes a comeback after a gap of four years.

This (tournament) is a part of our efforts to improve the standards of the game in our region, said FIBA Asia Secretary General Dato Yeoh Choo Hock.

With the FIBA Asia Championships acting as qualifying tournaments (either for the Olympics or the FIBA World Championship), the competition gets more focused on the qualification. Therefore we think it is imperative to conduct this tournament in the intervening years so that the National Teams can assess themselves against competition in the region on a more regularly, he said.

We expect the competition in Kuwait to be intense and of high standards.

The FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup, conceptualized in order to provide the National Teams in this part of the world the much needed extra competition in the intervening years of the FIBA Asia Championships, was first held in Chinese Taipei in 2004.

Eight teams took part in that tournament with Qatar emerging winners. The tournament was scheduled to be held in Syria in 2006, but was called off at the eleventh hour in unavoidable circumstances.

Qatar, even if not completely, would once again be the focus of attention at Kuwait. Having appointed a new coach to their National Team in American Kent Davison the Gulf nation would aim at utilizing tournament as a preparatory ground for the much bigger FIBA Asia Championship next year.

I really feel that a tournament like this is very important for us in Qatar this year. As a new coach in FIBA Asia, it gives me a chance to see some of the teams that we will be facing next year in the qualifying tournament, Davison told fibaasia.net in an interview.

West Asian powerhouse Jordan lead the list of challengers to take on Qatar for the title.

With Portuguese Mario Leonel Palma back at the helm as the Head Coach, Jordan would hope to continue where they left off in the back-to-back title triumphs in William Jones Cup.

Palma has to contend with the absence of Sam Daghlas (197-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) and Enver Soobzokov (193-G/F-78, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) both injured but the return of Rasheim Wright (193-G-81, college: District of Col.) and the overwhelming presence of Zaid Al Khas (205-C-76, college: Gannon) should more than make amends for Palmas plans to succeed.

Kazakhstan, a team that has shown tremendous improvement in performance as well as results in recent times is another team that raring to go.

Kazakhstan finished a creditable fourth at Tokushima last year and, more recently, bagged the silver in the FIBA Asia U18 Championship in Iran last month.

We are targeting qualifying for the 2010 World Championship. We are attempting to use this tournament as a part of the preparations towards that end, Nikholay Mikhalchuk, the General Manager of Kazakh National Teams said.

And as if to vindicate his point, the Kazakhs have arrived in full force with Anton Ponomarev (209-C-88), Rustam Yargaliyev (195-F-86) and Maxim Voyeikov (195-F-88) all set to display their wares.

Alexander Tyutyunik and Artyom Skornyakov who played a stellar role in leading Kazakhstan to the final in the FIBA Asia U18 Championship add the youthful flavor to this Middle Asia nations campaign.

India and hosts Kuwait complete the line-up, but not just to make up the numbers.

The Indian U18 team, under Aleksandar Bucan caught the imagination of the discerning at Tehran. And the Serbian would hope that his hard work with the National Team for the last one year begins to bear fruits.

Adding interest to the Indian campaign is the return of the 200cm-tall S. Robinson, arguably one of the better Indian players to have ploughed the trade in recent times.

Kuwait, who finished at 14th one place ahead of India at Tokushima last year, are no pushovers.

Kuwait coach Zoran Kreckovic is a crafty customer and can pull off a surprise or two the much superior opposition notwithstanding.

Such a surprise will surely make amends for Lebanons last-minute withdrawal from the tournament. All the five days is sure to be action packed.

S Mageshwaran
Courtesy of FIBA Asia

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


Kambala could stay in Latvia after all - by Eurobasket News
Latvian big guy Kaspars Kambala (206-C-78, college: UNLV) could continue basketball career in his country. There was some speculations he is close to sign in Russia but according to information from Latvia, it could easily happen that Cambala wear jersey of ASK Riga. His two-year ban expires on December 12th after what he will be able to reactivate as a professional. Interesting is that Kambala spent previous year and a half focusing of boxing. Actually he appeared four times in Las Vegas registering 3 wins and one tie.
Kambala had the last official appearance with Fenerbahce Ulker on season 06/07. He played 13 games in Euroleague averaging 15.8 ppg and 5.1 rpg. Kambala also had 14 games in Turkish D1 adding 12.1 ppg and 3.8 rpg. It was his second season with Fenerbahce. Before that, he played for UNICS Kazan, Real Madrid and two years for Efes Pilsen. As a member of Efes, Kambala was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Player of the Year -03'. He played for Team Latvia from 2001-2003 and later in 2005. In 2001 Kambala graduated at University of Nevada-Las Vegas. He finished career at UNLV as the school's all-time leader in free throws made, ranking fourth in rebounding and eighth in scoring. He recorded 37 double-doubles in four seasons.

Barons secure the first win in LBL - by Eurobasket News
FIBA EuroCup and the Latvian league defending champions Barons/LMT opened their LBL campaign yesterday. They visited Valmiera and registered a difficult 92:85 victory. Armands Skele (192-G-83, agency: Agency No 10) topscored with 28 points, 7 boards and 5 assists for Barons. Giedrius Gustas (190-G-80, agency: Interperformances) added 20 points, while Adrian Henning (203-F-82, agency: AMI, college: Austin Peay St.) had 16 points for the winners. Ronald Clark (196-G-81, college: Colorado St.) was impressive for the hosts with 25 points and 13 boards. Ingus Bankevics (195-G/F-85) contributed 14 points in defeat.
Valmiera was on fire in the first period as they poured in 30 points and led 30:24. But the reigning champs took over in the second period. They tightened the defense holding their opponents to just 12 points and surged ahead 48:42 at halftime. The teams exchanged the blows after the long break however Barons kept the home team at bay and ensured the winning outcome at the end.
In the meantime Ventspils grabbed the third straight win at the start. Yesterday they overcame Zemgale on the road. Mareks Jurevicus (198-F-85) led balanced offense with 16 points. Ronalds Zakis, Tyrone Brazelton and Georgios Tsiakos added 14 points apiece for the winning team. Martins Berkis (198-F-85) replied with 20 points for Zemgale. Matiss Rozitis accounted for 13 points as the hosts slipped to 1-2 record.
Liepaja also posted the third consecutive victory as they held off ASK/Buki 83:78 ASK/Buki led by 6 points after the starting term but Liepaja denied the deficit and sent the game into overtime. There the hosts proved the strength and ran away with yet another win. Aleksandr Pavlov (200-F-86) dropped 19 points and collected 11 boards for Liepaja. Linas Juhnevicus provided 15 points for the winners. Gundars Rauza (192-F-79) was responsible for 22 points and 7 boards from ASK/Buki.

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


Stats Leaders - NKL
NKL Stats Leaders Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Vaskys, Naglis 23.5
2. Warren, Pieno 23.0
3. Orelikas, Meresta 20.5
4. Danys, LKKA 20.0
5. Andrijauskas, Rudupis 20.0
Rebounds Per Game
1. Stasiulionis, Maista 12.5
2. Jonelis, Naglis 11.5
3. Buterlevicius, Perlas 11.5
4. Orelikas, Meresta 11.5
5. Warren, Pieno 11.0
Assists Per Game
1. Kazukauskas, Bremena 5.5
2. Vaskys, Naglis 5.5
3. Kutra, Delikatesas 5.5
4. Sidlauskas, Rudupis 5.5
5. Pauliukenas, ABRO 5


Lietuvos Rytas hit the road in LKL - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas played their opening game in LKL yesterday. They took Nevezis away from home and rolled to a comfortable 87:52 rout. The teams looked well-matched in the starting stanza. Nevezis had an answer for merely every basket from Lietuvos Rytas and trailed by just two points at the first intermission. However Lietuvos Rytas opened the second term with a 10:0 run to clear off. They later piled up a 20-point cushion which proved unassailable for the hosts. Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina) knocked down 18 points to lead Lietuvos Rytas. Michailas Anisimovas (214-C-84) dropped 12 points for the winners. Gintaras Leonavicius (194-G-83) answered with 11 points for Nevezis. Darius Silinskis (216-C-84, agency: Interperformances) had 10 points and 9 boards in the loss.
Siauliai secured the second straight win at the start. They fired down Kaunas Triobet 89:74 on the road. Virginijus Praskevicius (206-C/F-74) led the winners with 22 points. Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) contributed 15 points, while Vitalijus Stanevicius (202-F-83) had 13 for Siauliai. Arturas Milaknis (195-G-86) exploded with 20 points for Triobet. Povilas Butkevicius (201-F-87) tallied 17 points and 14 rebounds as the Kaunas outfit dropped to 1-1 record.
Sakalai opened their season with a hard-fought 94:88 win over Techasas. Vilmantas Dilys (208-F-87, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 22 points and 7 rebounds for Sakalai. Shukhovtsov accounted for 18 points and 8 boards in the win. Demarius Bolds (170-G-84, college: Missouri Western) fired game-high 26 points for Techasas.

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  MEXICO   


Why Daniel Maffei left Pioneros in LNBP?? - by Mohammed Malas
I want to inform all the people connected to the basketball specially in LNBP ( mexican league) that I have decided present my irrevocable resignation from the head coach position of team to Pioneros de Cancun. I do hereby order to avoid misunderstandings and in order to give support to all the coaches, and many in the league that good work. The reason for this decision is that, Having met with the manager of the team analyzing possible changes to be done to straighten out the march, and, asking not be changed to one player, I announced, a day after the meeting, which another will be coming to replace him. This situation rather than affect the running of the team, and in no time, nor do I doubt the quality of human and professional who would arrive, it affects the dignity and respect minimum for a coach. Poor progress of the team would have been good cause, as a rule to which we know we put in our profession, the termination of my job and would have understood the best, but this type of action, as I said earlier, violate the basic principles of our profession. If I have not suffered through 20 years, during which I had successes and failures sports, why now I have to tolerate it. I publish my gratitude to each and every member of the team, players, assistants, PF, medical, CHINO, and all the staff working in the office and much of the club. As a last clarification, let me be very clear, I have received from the owner of the team sr. Renan Castro, the maximum support, the maximum respect and maximum implementation of all obligations that he took with me. Because of respect for the institution, and basically the players who have given 100% at all times, it was decided not to leave them alone during the weekend to maintain my position of head coach that the decision taken without impairing the professionalism that they deserve .
Thank you very much.

Daniel Maffei

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


Boston Celtics drop preseason opener - by Eurobasket News
The Boston Celtics played their first preseason game as they faced the Philadelphia 76ers yesterday. The NBA defending champions were chilled out a bit as they suffered a 98:92 loss in Amherst, Massachusetts. Lou Williams (6'6''-G/F) was impressive with 27 points for the 76ers. Thaddeus Young (6'8''-F-88, college: Georgia Tech) added 21 points for the winners. Leon Powe (6'8''-F-84, college: California) scored 12 points for the Celtics. Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce did not see much playing time and finished with 23 points combined. Lou Williams knocked down 16 points in the fourth term and helped Philadelphia to roll behind from a 14-point deficit. The 76ers new man Elton Brand (6'8''-F-79, college: Duke) accounted for 11 points and 4 boards in 22 minutes on the court.
New Orleans secured the second straight preseason success as they romped to a 105:71 victory against Indiana. Chris Paul (6'0''-G-85, college: Wake Forest) had 17 points, while Predrag Stojakovic finished with 14 as the Hornets used a 26:6 third quarter to earn a comfortable win. The Pacers newcomer T.J. Ford (5'10''-G-83, college: Texas) accounted for 15 points. Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy and Travis Diener were absent because of injures.
Orlando held off Charlotte for the first win in preseason action. The Magic stunned the Bobcats with a 40:9 run in the opening quarter. Charlotte looked better throughout the rest of the encounter but failed to overcome the gap. Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) nailed 20 points for the Magic. Rashard Lewis contributed 17 points for the winners. Gerald Wallace (6'7''-F-82, college: Alabama) replied with 18 points and 11 boards for the Bobcats. who were steered by new coach Larry Brown.
Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) propelled the Toronto Raptors to the second preseason win in a row. Bosh netted 20 points and pulled down 7 boards as the Raptors took care of the New York Knicks 113:111. Andrea Bargnani contributed 15 points, while Jermaine ONeal continued to get used to new environment with 8-point and 6-rebound addition. Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) responded with 19 points and 13 rebounds for the Knicks.
The Detroit Pistons added another win bruising the Milwaukee Bucks 85:71 at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Arron Afflalo (6'5''-G-85, college: UCLA) came off the bench to score 15 points for Detroit. Chauncey Billups added 12 points and 5 assists in the win. Charlie Villanueva (6'10''-F-84, college: Connecticut) burst out with game-high 20 points for the Bucks.
Washington ensured the first win in preseason as they shot down the Memphis Grizzlies 89:80 at the FedExForum. Javale McGee (6'11''-F-88, college: Nevada) stepped up with 20 points and 8 rebounds to pace the winners. Andray Blatche finished with 14 points for the Wizards. Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut) responded with 21 points for the Grizzlies. O.J. Mayo was limited to 7 points as Memphis suffered the second straight loss.

Cleveland cuts Lance Allred and Michael Dickerson - by Eurobasket News
Cleveland made the first cuts of the preseason. The Cavaliers decided to waive Lance Allred (6'11''-C-81, agency: SportsTalent, college: Weber St.) as well as Michael Dickerson (6'6''-G-75, college: Arizona).

Lance Allred agreed terms on 10-day contract with Cleveland in March this year. He appeared in three games with average digits 1 ppg and 0.3 rpg. Later he inked another non-guaranteed one. Allred started last season in D-League team Idaho Stampede, where he also played in 06/07. That season Allred had 10.1 ppg and 5.7 rpg in 43 NBDL games. This year he was invited to participate on D-League All-Star Game. He has experience from overseas as he played for Turkish Galatasaray, French Bourg and Spanish Sedesa Lliria. Lance Allred came out from Weber State in 2005 with 17.7 ppg and 12 rpg in his senior year. He transferred to Webber State from Utah in 2003.

Michael Dickerson tried to make a come-back to pro-basketball. Namely, his last pro-season was with Memphis Grizles 02/03. In 2003 he announced his retirement. That season he appeared 6 times averaging 4.8 ppg. He struggled a lot with injury (sports hernia). Before two seasons with the Grizzlies, Dickerson also played two for Vancouver. He graduated at Arizona in 1998. Dickerson was away from the team last week due to personal reasons (family matter).

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


Drexel freshman to miss season - by Kevin Cochran
Drexel incoming freshman guard Chris Fouch suffered a left knee injury last week and will miss the entire season, the school announced Tuesday.

Fouch will undergo surgery in the near future, but will still have four years of eligibility remaining.

He averaged 15 points per game and shot 46 percent from 3-point range last season as a senior at Brother Rice High School in New York. Fouch was an all-city selection.

Courtesy: PA Sportsticker

Jake Cohen picks Davidson - by Eurobasket News
Conestoga center Jake Cohen narrowed his choices down to a pair of academic powerhouses. On Tuesday night, the 6-foot-10 decided to end his recruitment.

Cohen committed to Davidson and picked the Wildcats over Stanford, according to his Team Philly AAU coach Lonnie Lowry.

'His visits were it', Lowry said. 'He visited Stanford and liked it a lot and he went to Davidson and was with Stephen Curry (6'0''-G-88) and came back and was in love with it there'.

Lowry said Cohens AAU teammate Maalik Wayns (6'1''-G-91) played for Bob McKillop over the summer with the U.S.A under 18 team. Lowry said Wayns played recruiter and help sell Cohen on McKillop.

'I think that system really fits him. With the way Bob McKillop works his team, I tell you what, Jake has a chance to be really good for them', Lowry said.

'Finding a place with great academics and great basketball was the perfect marriage for Cohen', Lowry said.

'The kid is a rocket scientist. School wont be a problem for him. He can play ball and get a great education', Lowry said.

Courtesy of http://rivals.yahoo.com

Carolina's Ginyard out for two months - by Kevin Cochran
North Carolina swingman Marcus Ginyard (6'5''-G/F-87) underwent foot surgery Wednesday morning and will be sidelined approximately eight weeks.

Ginyard, a senior, had the surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. The Virginia native had a screw inserted in the fifth metatarsal of the foot.

'You hate this for Marcus because he has worked so hard to get ready for his senior season,' North Carolina coach Roy Williams said. 'But he decided it was better to have the surgery now and be ready sometime in December, than risk a more substantial injury that would knock him out of action later in the season.'

The 6-5 Ginyard appeared in 39 games for the Tar Heels last season, averaging 6.9 points and 4.5 rebounds.

The Tar Heels, a preseason favorite to contend for the NCAA championship, open their campaign against Pennsylvania on November 15.

'We will miss (Ginyard's) play on both ends of the floor as well as his leadership with the young players,' Williams said. 'I am hopeful others will step forward to fill those roles. Marcus has been a joy to coach, and I look forward to his return.'

Courtesy: PA Sportsticker

UCLA forward has MRI - by Kevin Cochran
UCLA forward Nikola Dragovic (6'8''-F-87) underwent an MRI on his left foot due to lingering pain, the school announced on Wednesday.

The test discovered that the 6-9 junior has what appears to be a cyst between his left foot and ankle. He will undergo a further evaluation.

Last season, the native of Serbia appeared in 25 games, averaging 2.5 points and 1.4 rebounds. He is expected to be one of the Bruins top reserves in 2008-09.

UCLA, which has reached the Final Four in each of the last three seasons, will play its first exhibition game against Cal.Baptist on November 3 and opens the regular season against Prairie View A&M on November 12

Courtesy: PA Sportsticker

SEMO AD, Coach placed on leave - by Kevin Cochran

SE Missouri St. shook up its athletic department when it announced that its athletic director and men's basketball coach have been placed on administrative leave.

The university, in a release Thursday, said that athletic director Don Kaverman 'has been relieved of his athletic director and all other duties and placed on administrative leave until Feb. 7, 2009, when his contract will end.'


Men's basketball coach Scott Edgar , who was preparing for his third season at Southeast, 'has been placed on administrative leave until the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions hears the case and releases their findings. While on administrative leave, Edgar will retain the title of head coach, and an acting head coach will assume all coaching duties and all related job responsibilities,' the release said.


Edgar has posted a 23-39 record as the Redhawks coach, and practice for the upcoming season begins Oct. 17.

Kaverman became athletic director at Southeast on Feb. 1, 1999. He was a finalist for an associate athletic director position at Ferris State (Mich.) University earlier this year, but withdrew his name from consideration before the hiring was made.


The university said that Cindy Gannon, the associate athletic director, was appointed as the interim director until a new, permanent replace can be found. The university also said that Gannon will not seek to replace Kaverman permanently.

Gannon is in her fifth year at Southeast.


The university said it received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA on Oct. 6, 'concerning possible major violations involving the men's basketball program,' Southeast said in a statement.

'Southeast is extremely disappointed with these allegations,' Southeast President Kenneth Dobbins said in a statement. 'We consider the allegations of NCAA infractions regarding our men's basketball program to be a matter of significant concern. Given the serious nature of the allegations, we believed we needed to take immediate action in the best interests of the program. We have in the past and will in the future cooperate fully with the NCAAs ongoing investigation.'

Southeast became aware of these possible violations in August, when it received a letter from David Price, vice president of enforcement for the NCAA, that informed the school of the beginning of a new investigation.

An NCAA investigation is nothing new at Southeast. The NCAA Committee on Infractions said the university lacked institutional control when it released in June its findings on the women's basketball program. The university was placed on probation for two years and the women's basketball team was forced to vacate two years of wins.


Courtesy: semissourian.com



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


Sol adavnces to Final Series - by Gianni Pascucci
Defeating Deportivo San Jose 92-87 in Game 4 of the addditional series to Quadrangolar yesterday night, Sol de America advanced to the Finals of the Top 5 Metropolitan tournment, where will meet Libertad. Peter Kiganya (197-F-72, college: Abil.Christian) capped off the victory of Sol with a 23 pts performance, Gustavo Paniagua (186-G-80) added 20 points at the winning side, while Carlos Jorge Riveros (190-G-85) scored 20 points to lead the attack of an Jose. The Final Series will be best of five games, and will start on monday, October13, at 20:45 in the Olimpia Gymnasium.

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


Bank BPS sign David Dixon - by Eurobasket
Bank BPS Basket Kwidzyn signed 30-year old American center David Dixon (211-C-78, college: Washington, agency: Priority Sports). Dixon played most recently at Erdemirspor Belediyesi in Turkey where he lead his team to Turkish second division championship. He was also selected to Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TB2L 1st Team and All-Imports Team. He played previously in Germany, Bosnia, Cyprus, Mexico and few U.S. based pro leagues. In his first appearance at Polish courts, he helped his team to beat Stal Osrow 85-78. In 27 minuted he got 12 points and 9 rebounds.

1Liga Round: 4 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
AZS Kalisz - MOSiR Kr. 58-91
MOSiR Krosno kept their record spotless with another cruising win. They shot down AZS Kalisz 91:58 on the road to improve to 4-0 record. Marcin Salamonik knocked down 25 points and pulled down 12 caroms for the winners. Michal Krajewski replied with 18 points for Kalisz as they fell to 2-2.

Siarka T. - Stal SW 79-60
Siarka Tarnobrzeg secured the first win in the season firing down Stal Stalowa Wola 79:60 at home. Piotr Mis came up with sizzling performance tallying 18 points, 16 boards, 3 steals and 3 blocks to pace the hosts to the victory. Bartlomiej Szczepaniak answered with 18 points for Stal.

Sokol L. - AZS AWF K-ce 64-51
Sokol Lancut grabbed the second win in the season as they held off AZS Katowice 64:51. Mariusz Piotrkowski and Marcin Sroda led balanced hosts with 13 points each. Katowice answered with 15 points from Adrian Mroczek-Truskowski.

Zubry - Prokom II 89-85
Zubry continued their confident march in the regular season. In Round 4 they dealt with Prokom II 89:85. Andrzej Misiewicz delivered 23 points to lead the charge. Kamil Zakrzewski came up with 16 points and 6 assists as Zubry climbed to 3-1 record. Prokom II remained winless despite 19 points from Tomasz Swietonski and Igor Trela.

Polonia 2011 - Sudety JG 82-91
Sudety Jelenia Gora overcame Polonia 2011 91:82 to draw level with their opponents in the ladder. Both teams are now level at 2-2 record. Rafal Niesobski dropped 24 points for Sudety Jelenia Gora. Tomasz Wojdyla added 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Przemyslaw Lewandowski replied with 17 points for Polonia 2011.

Big Star - Resovia 87-58
Big Star secured the fourth straight win in the season as they toppled Resovia 87:58 at home court. Big Star dominated the game with Damian Kulig orchestrating the play. He finished with 20 points, while Lukasz Pacocha added 18 points for the winning side. Grzegorz Malecki responded with 12 points for Resovia as they slipped to 0-4 record at the bottom of the ladder.



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


Result of the portuguese cup draw - by Bruno Baltazar
And here it is the result of the last 32 teams in the portuguese cup.
Two games will feature LPB teams against each other:
Porto-Academica and Fisica-Ginasio.
The others games will be against teams of diferent divisions,games will be played November,19t and Montijo already advanced for the next round.
Complete list of games:
Desportivo da Pvoa-Samapense/Tecoimbra
Elctrico FC-Aliana/Sangalhos
AD Vagos-Atltico SLIMCEI
Beira Mar-Queluz
Basquete Clube Valena-Seixal SLIMCEI
ACR Vale de Cambra-Ovarense Dolce Vita
Galitos FC-FC Barreirense
Illiabum-Belenenses
FC Porto Ferpinta-Acadmica
Esgueira OLI-Basquete Barcelos
Fsica Torres Vedras-Casino Ginsio
Santarm Basket Clube-Maia Basket
Academia-CAB
Angra/Palmeiraspark-Benfica
Universidade de Aveiro-V. Guimares

*****************************************************
  QATAR   


We definitely want to win at a high level: Davison - by Mohammed Malas
KUWAIT (FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup): Talking to Kent Davison is an experience by itself.

The affable American with an impressive coaching career spanning more than 35 years at various levels of the sport took over as the Head Coach of the Qatari National Team, an assignment he describes as challenge and fun going hand in hand.

The Gulf powerhouse won back to back bronze medals at the FIBA Asia Championship in 2003 and 2005 and bagged a creditable silver at home behind China in the 2006 Doha Asian Games.

But much to the disappointment of the fans, Qatar finished a mere seventh at last years FIBA Asia Championship at Tokushima.

The disappointment Davison hopes to erase.

We are going through a transition period in Qatar basketball, the 57-year-old former USBL Coach of the Year told S Mageshwaran of FIBA Asia, on the eve of the FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup, which starts in Kuwait on Thursday.

I think anytime you have a change in coaches and a change in philosophies you are going to go through a period that will be hard, he added.

We are fortunate that we have some players that are very dedicated to making this program the best that it can be. I am not sure how we will do as we prepare for official tournaments but I know it will not be for the lack of hard work on the players part, he said in an elaborate interview.

Excerpts

Q: How has been your experience with a Gulf team, especially in the background of your rich experience in D-League and with Fort Wayne?

A: I spent 7 years in the D-League and was very fortunate to have players like Mikki Moore (of Sacramento Kings), Matt Carroll (of Charlotte Bobcats) and Will Bynum (of Detroit Pistons) to name a few, but the players we have in Qatar are just as hard working and fun to be around as the ones we had in the D-League. The entire basketball federation and the Qatar Olympic Committee have made our stay to this point very nice. I enjoy going to the gym for practice everyday and I am excited to come to Kuwait to see how much carry-over we will have from the practices to the games.

Q: What are your thoughts on a tournament like FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup?

A: I really feel that a tournament like this is very important for us in Qatar this year. As a new coach in FIBA Asia, it gives me a chance to see some of the teams that we will be facing next year in the qualifying tournament. I wish that more teams were participating in the tournament.

Q: Do you think this tournament is the first step towards a good performance in next year's FIBA Asia Championship (three teams from there will qualify for the 2010 World Championship)?

A: We hope it is a step in the right direction. We are looking more to see what we will be able to do in the way of offense and defense. What things will work for us against some of the teams that will be in the tournament next summer. We also want to see what things we will have to stress to the team as we continue to prepare for the Asian Championships. Do we want to play at a high level, for sure and do we want to win, most definitely.

Q: Do you think the competition at Kuwait this year will be good enough?

A: Yes, I feel that any time you get teams together that are representing their country, the competition will be very competitive. I know some of the quality teams wont be there, but the teams that decided to come will play extremely hard.

Q: What is the team you have brought?

A: I think our team will be a mixture of youth and experience. We have an 18 year old point guard in Mansour Elhadary, who will be experiencing his first official tournament. I am really excited to see how he handles it. We also have some players who have played for a number of years, but not with me as their head coach. That will be good to see how they respond to me in an official tournament.

Q: Please assess your prospects at the tournament?

A: Im not sure how we will handle playing in an official tournament. I like how we have practiced and played in the last few weeks, but it will be a lot different playing these types of teams. We look forward to the challenge.

Q: What has been your preparatory program for the tournament?

A: We played in the Jones Cup in Chinese Taipei, the King Abdulla in Jordan and played three Philippines teams at home this summer. I think we got a good idea of our team.

Q: Can you elaborate on the strengths of your team at this point?

A: I like how we run the floor, I like our intensity, and I like how we share the ball and try to defend in the way in which we have been teaching them.

Q: What are the specific areas you have been concentrating in your preparatory program?

A: I think two areas concern us as we prepare:
1) turnovers, we are very careless with the ball. 2) Our bench, we are very thin in some positions.

Q: Who do you think is the major competition to your campaign in the tournament?

A: I have seen Jordan play three times this summer and I really like how they play as a team.

Q: Are you missing any key player/s due to injuries etc?

A: We are missing a few players that will be with us next summer. All three have had surgery in the past few weeks. They will be fine and will help us a lot next summer. This is what I like about coming to play; we will have to have some other players contribute if we are going to be successful.

S Mageshwaran
Courtesy of FIBA Asia

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


Swisslions wins in Romania, Radnicki 034 defeated in Balkan league - by Dragan Jankovski


Serbian team Swisslions Takovo was too strong for CSU Cuadripol on the road in Brasov 84-70. Visitors entered into this game strongly making plus 5 after opening 10 minutes. Very soon Ionut Dragusin (221-C-85) and his teammates woke up starting to play much better. Swisslions Takovo had ex Serbian National Team player Branko Jorovic (205-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) in a game mood helping his team to keep 3-point lead until the half time, 37-40. Third frame was almost leveled. Both teams were good at the offensive end which resulted with 19-20. Finally, the game is decided in the last ten minutes. Sasa Ocokoljic (183-G-76, agency: Beo Basket) and Vladimir Vlaskovic (197-G-77) joined Branko Jorovic leading Swisslions to nice 24 points in the last frame. On the other side Romanians made many mistakes loosing the second half, 33-44. Branko Jorovic paced Serbian team to win scoring 22 points including 6 rebounds. Sasa Ocokoljic and Vladimir Vlaskovic had 12 points each. CSU Cuadripol got 18 points from Ionut Dragusin. Enes Hadjibulic (196-G-83, agency: Global Sports Plaza) netted 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

CSU Cuadripol: Ionut Dragusin 18, Enes Hadjibulic 12 (6 rebs)
Swisslions: Branko Jorovic 22 (6 rebs), Sasa Ocokoljic 12, Vladimir Vlaskovic 12
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Radnicki 034 Group faced with home defeat against Macedonian champion Feni Industri 63-74. Players of head coach Emil Rajkovic had pretty good start. After just nine minutes, they created plus 13. Very soon first quarter ended 17-28. Serbians somehow recovered from this shock showing slightly better performance in the second frame. However, they couldn't find a solution how to stop American Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.) of Feni. Rajko Kljajevic (204-F-85, agency: Interperformances) was maybe the only one ready to compete against Feni leading his team to 21-20 in this period. Following 20 minutes didn't change anything. Feni Industri successfully kept its lead until the very end. Actually, at the middle of the last quarter Radnicki came on minus 6 but that was its maximum in this game. Donald Cole led Feni to win scoring 26 points. Goran Samardziev (188-G-81) was behind him with 13. Marjan Gjurov (201-F-80) and experienced Serbian player Milan Prekovic (195-G/F-75) netted 11 points each. Rajko Kljajevic scored 14 points for the loosing side. Veteran PG Radovan Pesic (186-G-72, agency: Beo Basket) stopped on 10.

Radnicki 034: Rajko Kljajevic 14, Radovan Pesic 10
Feni Indistri: Donald Cole 26, Goran Samardziev 13, Marjan Gjurov 11, Milan Prekovic 11



Serbian A league: Metalac won against Zdravlje Actavis - by Zoran Popovic
Returner to Serbian A league, Vujic Vujic Metalac Valjevo won and second match in the first two rounds of Serbian championship. This time Vujic Metalac Valjevo beated KK Zdravlje Actavis Leskovac 80-76 (10-13, 24-22, 16-25, 30-16). Guests started the match with strong and very agresive defence and that produced low percent of shot for Vujic Metalac Valjevo players. First half was finished with minimum advantage for KK Zdravlje Actavis Leskovac (34-35), but in the third quarter Zdravlje made break and took 10 points advantage. Last period of the match Vujic Metalac Valjevo started with three times scored 3 points shot and with in first five minutes of the fourth quarter Vujic Metalac Valjevo turned over the result 71-64. One more time guests were close to took advantage (76-74), but Jovan Teodosic (190-G-84) who scored 27 points, helped by Micevic, Marojevic and Ljubojevic, finished match routinely. For Zdravlje the best game showed Janjusevic 18 points, Mikic 18 points and I. Jovanvoic 10 points.

Vujic Metalac Valjevo: Tanaskovic 2, Djordjic, Jereminov 3, Micevic 19, Bircevic, Teodosic 27, Gagovic 3, R. Marojevic 14, Ljubojevic 7, Beljic 5, D.Marojevic.
KK Zdravlje Actavis Leskovac: Mukanovic 3, Trajkovic 5, Janjusevic 19, Mitic 3, Mikic 18, V. Jovanovic 3, I. Jovanovic 10, Ilic 5, Krstic 11.

Sloga inks Ignjatovic, Kosanovic is Greece - by Dragan Jankovski
After two defeats at the beginning of A1 league, Sloga Kraljevo decided to reinforce its roster. The team agreed terms with 28-year old Bojan Ignjatovic (195-F-80). New Sloga's acquisition spent last season in Radnik Bijeljina. In the past he also played for Tamis Petrohemija, Mladost Gacko and Buducnost Pec. As a youngster, Ignjatovic was a member of Crvena Zvezda.

Experienced forward / power forward Predrag Kosanovic (203-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) is a new member of Greek A2 team Olimpiada Patras. Kosanovic played previous two seasons for Cypriot Keravnos Nicosia. At the last one he had 3.8 ppg and 2 rpg for 16 games. Season 06/07 was a way better for him. Keravnos played in EuroCup Challenge where Kosanovic added 9 ppg and 3.8 rpg. During these two years Keravnos won the title in domestic championship as well as Cypriot National Cup. The team from Nicosia also reached the final of EuroCup Challenge in 2007. Before Cyprus, Kosanovic used to playing Atlas Belgrade, OKK Beograd, Lavovi 063, Sloga and Vojvodina. With Lavovi 063 he won Serbian B league in 2002.

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


Extraliga, round 1 - by Eurobasket News
Slovakian Extraliga started yesterday.

Defending champion AB Cosmetics Pezinok had an easy job against MBK Rieker Komarno at home 99-78. Crucial period of the game was third quarter, which Pezinok ended in style 32-15. Lorenzo Williams (191-G-84, college: Rice) shined for the winners adding 29 points. Andrej Lukjanec (203-F/C-69) followed him with 18. On the other side, Blagojevic netted 19 for Komarno.
BK AX SPU Nitra suffered home defeat against HBK Prievidza 79-84. Despite pretty good first half 45-38, the host team couldn't take this one. Prievidza had wonderful third stanza 16-27 keeping its lead until the very end. Viliam Ridzon (193-G-75) paced Prievidza to win draining 28 points. Immink also shined with 20. Dametri Hill (203-C-74, college: Florida) scored 22 points for the hosts. Pohanka delivered 17.
SKP Banska Bystrica grabbed thriller win over Inter in Bratislava 80-78. The key player for Banska Bystrica was Eduard Znanec (205-F/C-76), who scored 21 points. Croatian Ivan Skara (204-F-82, college: Cleveland St. CC) also helped his team a lot netting 16 points. The best scorer of this game is coming from Inter. It was Vincent Polakovic (203-F-84, college: USF), who was totally unstoppable at the offensive end nailing 31 points.
Chemosvit is another team which faced with home defeat. Levice grabbed important road victory 78-87 thanks to 22 points by Ladislav Lutovsky (198-F-75). Milosevic had 19 while Steve Rich (208-C-72, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Miami, FL) followed with 14 points. Zachary Ingles (188-G-83, college: E.Kentucky) netted 24 for the loosing side.
MBK Handlova blasted Dolny Kubin at home 92-66. Handlova was a way better team from the very beginning. Antonio Bicvic (199-F-82) drained 26 points for the winning side while Jaroslav Stefanik (193-F-76) had 19. Dolny Kubin got 20 point from Savovic.
And another win by the visiting teams. It is now Spisska Nova Ves, which was better than Kosice 82-70. Igor Pesta (203-F/C-84) shined for the winners with 21 points. Marcel Madaj (200-F-78) also was great with 3 points less. Demecko top-scored in Kosice with 22 points.

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


Krka adds Drobnjak - by Zeljko Zule

Krka inked their former member and NT member Dragisa Drobnjak (200-F-77, agency: VTBM/SRBM) ex Turow till June 2009. Last season he averaged 8,7points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2steals in 14 games of ULEB Cup and 8,8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1,2 assists and 1,3 steals in 37 games of Polish League.

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


Round Two Action (Part One - Wednesdays Games) - by Paul Nilsen
The first part of Round 2 on Wednesday night had some intense games and none more so than DKV Joventut just pipping gallant MMT Estudiantes by 83-81 writes www.acb-basket.com. The visitors from Madrid had looked the likely winners with Badalona way off key, highlighted by their 24 turnovers. However Penya finally got their game together in the final quarter coming from behind with Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Mc Neese St.) leading the way with 20 points including four three-pointers. Bracey Wright had 17 points and four assists while Estu did sa good job of keeping the flying Mensah-Bonsu off the glass although he did still end up with a valuation of 20 after securing 9 points and 7 boards. Luis Casimiro will be disappointed not to have left with a famous win for his young team but ultimately he has to be pleased with the performance pushing DKV Joventut all the way to the wire. One team had to go 0-2 for the season and it was Estu. They had led by as many 22-38 after the opening 16 minutes but a 23-5 run by the hosts handed them the initiative. Estu then got their noses back in front by the start of the final quarter inspired by veteran Iker Iturbe who had 20 points off the bench including a host of threes but Badalona took control in the closing minutes. Just when the game looked to be over they then inexplicably allowed Estu a shot of tying up the game in the last 20 seconds with a ridiculous turnover that had Sito Alonso fuming. They werent punished and saw the game through from the line.

Pamesa Valencia remain unbeaten after the first couple of games after seeing off Fuenlabrada 81-75 despite a wonderful performance by Brad Oleson. The Fuenla shooter scored a massive valuation of 39 after claiming 28 points and six rebounds, barely missing a shot all night and proving why he could be one of the pick-ups of the summer having stepped up from LEB Oro. A quick fire start from the visitors had them in the lead at 4-13 but Pamesa then fought back to take a 24-19 first quarter advantage with new signing Kosta Perovic with some strong work in the paint. Albert Oliver was also stepping up for Pamesa and he scored 18 points off the bench in the game as the home team built a 73-53 lead. When it looked to be heading for a blowout, Fuenla took advantage of the home team taking their foot off the gas and came up with some great defence to hold Pamesa to just 8 final quarter points. While they outscored them 24-8 the closest they got to a shock winning fight back was at 79-76 before Valencia just pulled away in the dying stages.


A couple of other teams also have perfect 2-0 records in Regal Barcelona but first Iurbentia Bilbao who followed up their opening day win in Madrid against Estu with a relatively comfortable 74-62 win over ViveMenorca who remain winless. The visitors were in front 16-13 after the opening quarter and a good start having had confidence from the way that they pushed Tau in game one but a shocking final quarter cost them dearly. They trailed by just one point going into the last ten minutes and there was little to choose between the teams but in the end, Bilbao cruised home to victory with a 24-13 final period. Renaldas Seibutis inspired the home team with 18 points as did Javier Salgado who also had 18 points to his name. Janis Blums meanwhile put in another encouraging and thoughtful performance, making some big plays down the stretch with some intelligent passing. For Ricard Casas and ViveMenorca, all of those pre-season worries could be coming home to roost. A lack of quality and scoring power that seemed obvious to everyone apart from the sporting directors at Menorca could prove costly and although it is early days, it looks worrying.

The same problems of a lack of quality and scoring power is haunting Polaris World Murcia who scored a paltry 58 points as they went down by the margin of 20 at home to a powerful Barca who have banked two wins as they look to lead the way at the top of the league this season. It is going to be a long winter for Murcia. In fact you can add a long autumn, winter and spring into that equation if their opening two performances are anything to go by. Especially since they showed glimpses of actually being capable of competing when they incredibly took a double figure lead into half-time in this game at 34-23. Having produced some solid defence to holdd the Euroleague giants to just 23 you thought that perhaps Coach Hussein might have hope especially with Taquan Dean scoring 17 off the bench. However in the second half Murcia were absolutely shocking and gave up 32 in the third quarter as Barca changed the game and then 23 in the final quarter as the home team crumbled and waved the white flag of surrender in meek fashion. For Xavi Pascual, this was definitely the clich of a game of two halves and you only have to guess what he must have said at half time in the locker room to his stars after their own pathetic showing in the first two quarters. Thankfully for him, they responded and put in the kind of display they are capable of in the second part of the game. Jaka Lakovic led the way by looking more like the player he has been in recent years with 18 points, six rebounds while Fran Vazquez summed up the capitulation of Murcia by throwing down six dunks, almost all of them uncontested on his way to 16 points.

Finally Gran Canaria were the team resting in Round one and perhaps they continued that philosophy one roundd too far as they began the season with a 68-76 home defeated to CAI Zaragoza who got their first win since returning to the ACB. Led again by Paulo Quinteros, their inspirational player, who claimed 17 points, Zaragoza produced a real team perfomance to edge out Granca, usually so strong at home. There was little between either team at the half with the visitors one point in front having trailed 18-13 in the early stages but a 12-0 run keeping them in the game. They extended their lead in the second half as the home team laboured despite the usual hot shooting of Canadian Carl English who ended up with a typical 20 point haul. Zaragoza broke the game open with a rare Larry Lewis triple hading them what was ultimately an unassailable lead at 55-71. While Granca closed in the last moments they never looked like retrieving the situation.

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


Sodertalje Kings beat Gothia Basket in the latest - by Eurobasket News
Sodertalje Kings beat Gothia Basket in the latest to close the second round in Sweden. The winners started confident with 21-12 and kept the advantage until the end. Johan Jeanson (197-G-85) led the winners with 21 points for the initial win in the league. Thomas Massamba (185-G-85) and Rickard Eriksson followed him with 13 points each, while Ted Skuchas had 12. Emil Salon (190-G-85) top-scored in defeat with 23 points.

Meanwhile Daniel Norell (192-F-80) started the season in Luxembourg for Black Star. The latter got an important road win in its season opener. His team defeated Heffingen 74:69. Black Star rose to the occasion starting the game strong ending a great 1st quarter up by 11. New Black Star coach Rainer Kloss got 16 points from veteran Daniel Norell coming from the bench.

Bjorn Risshall (200-F/C-76, college: Modesto JC) and his Norwegian Harstad overcame 3B 95:89 at home. Bjorn Risshall provided 18 points to lead Harstad. Jeff Rogers came up with 16 points and 10 assists for the Vikings. Hellestrom answered with 20 points for winless 3B. After that the Ulriken Eagles prevailed against the Harstad Vikings 77:64 at home. Peter Bullock dropped 19 points and Delano Thomas came up with 15 points and 11 caroms to lead the Eagles to the second victory in the season. The Vikings in the meantime fell to 2-2 record despite 30 points from Jeff Rogers, while Bjorn Risshall netted 12.


Gothia Basket - Sodertalje Kings 73 - 80 (12 - 21, 23 - 16, 13 - 16, 25 - 27)
Gothia: Emil Salon 23, Jonathan Moore (203-F/G-82, agency: LimeLight, college: N.C.Central) 21, Ian Johnson (206-F-84, college: Davidson) 8, Benson Callier 7, Brandon Barton 4, Kim Palmqvist 4, Michael Bree 3, Markus Lenngren 2, Mario Drazic.
Sodertalje: Johan Jeanson 21, Thomas Massamba 13, Rickard Eriksson 13, Ted Skuchas 12, Alexander Wikner-Nordberg 12, Adnan Chuk 6, Dino Pita 3.

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  SWITZERLAND   


New signings, Nenad Dosic MVP of LNB round 1 - by Eurobasket News
LNB team Fiat Chene BC reached an agreement with French player Toufik Zidi (200-F-77). Experience forward / power forward already played for Chene over the last three years but at the end of 07/08 he decided to leave the team. At the end, Zidi changed his mind signing one-year contract with Chene. He appeared 16 times in LNB last season averaging 7.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg and 0.7 apg. Chene suffered home defeat in the opening round of LNB. Bernex was way better team taking 15-point lead at the end, 70-85.

Another LNB team announced player signing. It is Vevey Riviera Basket, which agreed terms with young Jonathan Dubas (202cm). 17-year old payer can be used on position power forward / center. Vevey celebrated in the first round of LNB. It was a road win against Acad. Fribourg 76-75.

In the meantime, LNB announced stats leaders of the first round. Nenad Dosic (199-F-75) is currently the best scorer with 33 points. At the same time Dosic is current MVP of the competition with index rate 38. Roman Albrecht (207-C-90) and above mentioned Toufik Zidi share top position on the rebounding list with 12 rebs. The leading assistant so far is Abel Gothuey (186-G-76), dished out 7 assists.

*****************************************************
  TAIWAN   


Asian University Men's Championship to tip-off in Taipei - by Chris Wang
The second Asian University Mens Basketball Championship will be played in Taiwan from Oct. 11-16 2008 as six teams from Taiwan, China, Korea, Lebanon, Iran and Hong Kong will vie for the ultimate crown of Asian collegiate basketball.

According to the information from the official web site, both Taiwan and Iran fielded university select teams for the competition. City University of Hong Kong will represent Hong Kong while Hanyang University represents Korea. China sent Guangdong University of Technology to the event. And if Im not mistaken, Notre Dame University - Louaize will represent Lebanon.

All games will be played at the stadium of the Chinese Culture University in Yangmingshan, Taipei.

Korea won the title in the first edition of AUB in 2006.

The competition was hosted by Chinese Taipei University Sports Federation (CTUSF) and Taipei City Government and organized by Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) and the CTUSF basketball committee under the auspices of Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF).

AUSF press release:

2nd Asian University Mens Basketball Championship: Update 3
2008-09-18

For the upcoming 2nd Asian University Men`s Basketball Championship to held from 11th to 16th Oct. 2008, six teams from China, Hong Kong, Iran, Korea, Lebanon and the host Chinese Taipei finally confirmed the participation in it. Therefore, the two-group competition system will not be used. The competition system will comprise of two stages: Preliminary Round and Medal Games.

The Preliminary Round will be a single round-robin competition, as each team will play all the other five teams. Then, the teams ranked 1st and 2nd in the preliminary round will play for the Gold Medal game, while those ranked 3rd and 4th will play for the Bronze Medal game.

In order to create the compeition schedule, a seeding format will be adopted. First, the first four slots were placed according to the finishing order among the teams previously participating in the 2006 Asian University Mens Basketball Championship. Then ,the remaining two slots were filled in by the order of entry confirmation for those teams which didnt participate in the 2006 Asian University Mens Basketball Championship.

All the competitors for this Championship must be born between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 1990.

2008 Asian University Mens Basketball Championship Competition Schedule

Date Day Time Home Team vs. Visiting Team
October 11th Sat 1300 TPE (2) vs. (5) LIB
October 11th Sat 1500 Opening Ceremony
October 11th Sat 1600 KOR (1) vs. (6) IRI
October 11th Sat 1800 CHN (3) vs. (4) HKG
October 12th Sun 1500 TPE (2) vs. (3) CHN
October 12th Sun 1700 IRI (6) vs. (4) HKG
October 12th Sun 1900 LIB (5) vs. (1) KOR
October 13th Mon 1500 KOR (1) vs. (4) HKG
October 13th Mon 1700 LIB (5) vs. (3) CHN
October 13th Mon 1900 TPE (2) vs. (6) IRI
October 14th Tue 1500 IRI (6) vs. (5) LIB
October 14th Tue 1700 HKG (4) vs. (2) TPE
October 14th Tue 1900 CHN (3) vs. (1) KOR
October 15th Wed 1500 HKG (4) vs. (5) LIB
October 15th Wed 1700 CHN (3) vs. (6) IRI
October 15th Wed 1900 KOR (1) vs. (2) TPE
October 16th Thu 1500 Bronze Medal Game Team#3 vs. Team#4
October 16th Thu 1700 Gold Medal Game Team #1 vs. Team# 2
October 16th Thu 2000 Closing Ceremony & Farewell Party(Kilin Hotel of Taipei)

V Competition System: The system comprises of two stages: Preliminary Round and Medal Games.
V The Preliminary Round: The format will be a single round-robin competition, as each team will play all the other participating teams in the Preliminary Round.
V Medal Games: The teams ranked 1st and 2nd in the preliminary round will play for the Gold Medal game, while those ranked 3rd and 4th places will play for the Bronze Medal game.
V Seeding Format: The first four seeds were selected according to the finishing order among the teams participating in the 2006 Asian University Mens Basketball Championship. The remaining seeds were filled in by the order of the teams confirming their entry.

Rosters

Taiwan University Select
Lee Wei-lun G 172 64 Fujen University
Chou Tzu-hua G 184 85 Fujen University
Chen Shun-hsiang F 190 90 Fujen University
Chang Po-sheng G 185 83Taiwan University of Arts
Lin Ching-pang G 190 80 Chinese Culture University
Lu Cheng-ju F 194 88 TPEC
Lin Yi-hui F 191 89 NTNU
Wang Chien-wei F 190 91 Fujen University
Wu Chien-lung F 193 93 Chinese Culture University
Cheng Chih-hao C 208 94 Fujen University
Wu Tai-hao C 202 100 NTNU
Nian Shu-hao C 197 90 Fujen University

Notre Dame Univ.
Miguel Martinez 189
Marwan Ziadeh 200
Georges Badawi 183
Georges Akiki 173
Patrick Bou Abboud 200
Jad Bachour 196
Roudy Farraj 190
Rachad El Nawar 195
Raymonf Dagher 197
Robert Bou Dagher 202
Jean Abd El Nour 198

Iran University Select
DAVOUDICHEGANI, Aren 179
SAHAKIAN, Oshin 194
AKBARIBISHEH, Mohammadreza 192
DORAGHI, Ali 202
AMINI, Amir 187
BORDBAR FANI, Mojtaba 200
BAHERAN, Ali 184
ZAREEI, Mohammad 190
AKHAVANBITAGHGIR, Mohammad Javad 190
JAMSHIDI JAFARABADI, Ali 190
FARAHANI, Navid 190
SHAMSALDINSAEID, Ali 190
MONAVARI, Siavash 190

Official AUB web site http://aub.pixnet.net/blog/
http://www.cityu.edu.hk/cityu/index.html
http://www.hanyang.ac.kr/english/

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


BASKETBALL ACADEMY OF THE AMERICAS: The 10 commandments OF BASKETBALL - by David Edole

Introduction
There is a lot of speculation and talk on how to become a great player. To become a great player, a person needs to posses the right attitude, be fully committed and be of mind to work hard just to have the possibility of real development. I wish to present to you, in my experienced opinion, are the top 10 things you need to do in order to promote your development as a player.

1- Get up and go; start running
Cardiovascular fitness: Your hart and lungs are the power plant of your body and should be in top shape. Many players hate to run. If you find yourself tired during the game you will also find your shots hit clean air or the board, but what it wont hit is the net after going through the hoop, no matter your talent and skill. You need to run; run a mile.

2- Increase your natural growth
You can increase your natural growth with a good and organized strength program. You can gain benefits if you acquire good habits. If you join an organized and disciplined program while going through high school or through college, your possibilities are endless. Work your legs, jumps, shoulders and arms, with many repetitions and you will gain strength (use weights).

3- Be a competitor
You must play with or against good, serious and more experienced players. Every time you find yourself with an opportunity like that, take advantage of it. Observe these players; take notes of what and how they do things. Use the same their same movements against them. You must play year around to reach your maximum potential.

4- Be respectful and always show a good attitude
Be a gentleman both inside and outside the court. Keep bad habits out of the game. No one likes a loudmouth. The referee will be watching you. Basketball is a team sport. Dont do anything to attract attention. The game is already pretty intense as it is, try not to enter into rivalries. Give encouragement to your teammates. Respect and be responsive to your trainers. A player with a great attitude will gather great benefits from everyone. Dont present a good attitude arbitrarily.

5- Build the Game
Develop your offensive game. You must live the great dichotomy; develop and apply your own play system and use all your moves but at the same time play with and for the team. How can you achieve that impossible middle ground? Here are some tips:

Learn and play the institutional (coach promoted, designed) offensive game in order to be an active participant of most if not all plays. This will surely yield good open shot opportunities.

Learn each play and ever move, one by one and make use of these in every scheme or situation.

To learn all the moves and all the plays you will need first to be versed at dribbling the ball, receiving the ball, fast maneuvering, pace changing and screen setting; this is called coordination.

You have to develop basket facing shots as back to the basket shots.

Your coach will teach you the basics and the movements.


Some tips to help you offensively:

Observe a good team and how they execute their game. Picture yourself playing with them.

The best fake will receive the ball and look at the basket.

Practice your dribbling along the full length of the court, taking shots and do the same in a round about.

Shot from the 3-point line; concentrate on fast shooting from every angle of the court.


6- Develop your game, part II: Get into the defense
Here are a few tips to help you be a better defensive player

Never stand erect; always bend your knees.

Stand on your toes; dont spread your legs too far apart.

Always try to force your opponent to take uncomfortable shots.

Always try to block your opponent.

Always try to move in the way of the crossing opponents taking care not to incur in a penalty; just try to force a change of direction and pace.

Talk and promote defensive play among your teammates.


7- Never forget to expand your knowledge
Try to do good in school and to always try to be an excellent student. 20 years down the road, you might find yourself not playing basketball any more, but more than likely you will still be young in the game of life. A good education is the basis to an excellent life. Life is a series of decisions best taken with as much information as possible and good dash of judgment; information and judgment that only comes much more easily from a good education.

8- Learn the history of your sport
Read about the history of basketball; its great teams and star players of the past. We can not hope to understand the future if we do not know about our past. But remember that above all, practice makes perfect, so make sure to, not only read about the sport, but to practice the basics every day.

9- Know where you are heading; keep a record and establish your goals.
Be sure to clearly establish your goals both on the short and the long run. We can not know where we are heading if we dont know where we come from. Your free throw practice, your weight lifting training, etc.; make a record of where you are now, but also keep a record of your progress. Establish your own daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal schedule. Your progress will astonish and inspire you. This also applies to any endeavor you choose to practice in your life.

10- Learn to be a great shooter; never miss a free throw
A great player cannot afford to miss his free throws. Every free throw that a great player misses, then he is helping his own team to loose the game. This is especially so in later part of a game; towards the end of the regular season, but even worse on the championship games. Develop your ability early on; start now.

By Prof. Victor 'Vitito' Ojeda, Coach



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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Friday Game Preview - 2008 BBL Cup Final Repeat - by Andy Webb
There's a repeat of the BBL Cup final at Bletchley on Friday evening when Marshall MK Lions host Newcastle Eagles in a BBL Championship fixture.

Some sharp shooting from Kevin Griffin (195-F-75, college: Lynn) helped Lions to their first piece of silverware as they survived a late comeback from Eagles to win 69-66. Vince Macauley's team also came out on top when the teams met in the Championship semi-final, winning 72-63, however it was Newcastle who won all three regular season meetings between the teams.

Lions coach Vince Macauley is ready for a tough battle: 'Obviously the Eagles will be very strong and look to make a defensive stand. Fab always has them playing hard and you would expect no less from the BBL Champions. I am looking forward to the battle between Tommie Eddie (201-F/C-82, college: Mississippi) and Lynard Stewart (202-F-74, college: Temple) as I feel a lot of the game will be decided there.'

Everton Tigers coach Tony Garbelotto admits that he knows little about the PAWS London Capital team that his team will host on Friday evening as they look to make it two wins from two games:

'It's tough to know who they'll be putting out. I only know what Rob Paternostro and Gary Stronach have told me. I expect them to be a pesky, hardworking team and if Tim Lewis is involved now, they'll have more structure. They're the kind of side you can slip up against, which is shown by the fact that Plymouth nearly lost down there. We'll go into the game prepared, and we won't be taking them lightly.'

Friday's games are completed at the EIS where early season BBL leaders BiG Storage Cheshire Jets travel to face Sheffield Sharks.

Sharks player-coach Atiba Lyons (198-F-82, college: Pace) expects a tough game when Paul Smith and his team visit: 'The Jets have a high scoring offence with three very good guards in Virgil, Evans and Marks. Also they have veterans that are very consistent. They are a good team and should be another tough game for us.'

Despite his team topping the BBL table, Jets coach Paul Smith expects a tough game at the EIS: 'We played them in a warm up game pre-season, but I would expect Friday's game to have a lot more intensity. They're a big, strong side, with a lot of heritage as a club.

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  VENEZUELA   


Standings - LNB
LNB Standings
 1. Duros 13-6 
 2. Trujillo 13-7 
 3. Graneros 12-8 
 4. Centauros 9-10 
 5. Falcon 9-11 
 6. Estudiantes 8-12 
 7. Cojedes 8-12 
 8. Tiburones 7-13 


Axiers Sucre had a great debut in Argentina's TNA - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan power forward Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) scored 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in the first official game of the 2008-2009 season of Argentina's Torneo Nacional de Ascenso (TNA), second division basketball, as he led Union de Sunchales to a comfortable triumph against Asociacion Italiana de Charata, 106-80.

Sucre, a member of Venezuela's Senior NT who won the bronze medal in the past edition of the South American Championship, held in Puerto Montt, Chile, netted 8 of 11 two-point attempts and 6 of 8 free throws. He got help from Mario Sepulveda (200-F-77) with 20 points, Gustavo Martin (184-G-81) with 14 points, Gaston Luchino (184-G-82) with 14 points, Miguel Isola (198-F-83) with 12 points and Jorge Toriano (177-G-76) with 11 points. For The loosing side, Juan Angel Lopez (191-G/F-84) scored 18 points and was followed by Fernando Small (184-G-77) with 17, Derrick Miller (202-C/F-78) with 16 and Rodrigo Alvarez (195-G/F-83) with 11.

Union is part of the North group alongside Asociacion Italiana, Asociacion Espanola, Union Formosa, Obera Tenis, Alma Juniors, Echage Parana and San Martin de Corrientes.

LNB 2008 - Week 8: Duros alone at the lead - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Even though they could only play one of the two scheduled games due to a general electric failure in Apure, Duros de Lara took the lead for themselves in Liga Nacional de Baloncesto. Meanwhile, both Caciques de Trujillo and Graneros de Portuguesa got series split as visitors to stay close at second and third place. They did so against the last placed Tiburones de Vargas and up and coming Estudiantes de Guarico. Petroleros de Falcon missed a chance for a sweep and settled with a home series split against Centauros de Cojedes.



SCOREBOARDS

Duros de Lara 91 - Centauros de Apure 75 (Tue)
Biruaca Dome - Biruaca, Apure

Quarter by quarter
APU: 19-26-17-13= 75

DUR: 27-8-28-28= 91

Scorers
APU: Juan Carlos Rodriguez (193-G-78) 20 points, Elvis Montero (193-G-78) 19 points

DUR: Heissler Guillent (191-G-86) 21 points, Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 19 points

-

Centauros de Apure - Duros de Lara (Wed) POSTPONED

Biruaca Dome - Biruaca, Apure

Quarter by quarter
APU: X-X-X-X= X

DUR: X-X-X-X= X


Scorers
APU: Unavailable

DUR: Unavailable



Tiburones de Vargas 120 - Caciques de Trujillo 117 2ET (Tue)
Gaston Portillo Arena - Catia La Mar, Vargas

Quarter by quarter
TIB: 21-31-19-24-17-8= 120

CAC: 20-29-25-21-17-5= 117


Scorers
TIB: Leonardo Berroteran (192-F/G-81) 22 points, Cesar Silva (187-G/F-81) 22 points, Leinert Zerpa (182-G-82) 19 points, Peter Kvietek (203-C-77) 16 points, Douglas Rodriguez (185-G-79) 16 points, Kyle Cuffe (205-F-82) 14 points

CAC: Michael Flores (192-G-85) 30 points, Askia Jones (196-G-71) 24 points, Manuel Berroteran (185-G-80) 16 points, Edgar Arteaga (198-F-76) 12 points, Windy Graterol (204-C-86) 10 points



Caciques de Trujillo 96 - Tiburones de Vargas 94 (Wed)
Gaston Portillo Arena - Catia La Mar, Vargas

Quarter by quarter
TIB: 26-16-25-27= 94

CAC: 28-26-23-19= 96


Scorers
TIB: Leinert Zerpa 22 points, Peter Kvietek 19 points, Leonardo Berroteran 18 points, Kyle Cuffe 17 points

CAC: Michael Flores 24 points, Askia Jones 20 points, Cesar Musset (190-G-78) 17 points, Windy Graterol 12 points and 8 rebounds



Graneros de Portuguesa 100 - Estudiantes de Guarico 92 (Tue)
Ciudad Deportiva Arena - San Juan de los Morros, Guarico

Quarter by quarter
Unavailable



Scorers
EST: Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 26 points, Derwin Ramirez (191-F-82) 17 points

GRA: Henry Paez (184-G-70) 23 points, Jhon Romero (199-F-85) 22 points



Estudiantes de Guarico 85 - Graneros de Portuguesa 82 (Wed)
Ciudad Deportiva Arena - San Juan de los Morros, Guarico

Quarter by quarter
Unavailable



Scorers
EST: Victor David Diaz 25 points, Derwin Ramirez 17 points

GRA: Jhon Romero 16 points, Henry Paez 14 points



Petroleros de Falcon 105 - Centauros de Cojedes 87 (Tue)
Fenelon Diaz Arena - Punto Fijo, Falcon

Quarter by quarter
Unavailable


Scorers
PET: Sonny Reyes (181-G-86) 23 points, Luis Julio (199-F-80) 17 points

COJ: Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) 21 points, Darwin Jaramillo (192-F-86) 17 points



Centauros de Cojedes 90 - Petroleros de Falcon 83 (Wed)
Fenelon Diaz Arena - Punto Fijo, Falcon

Quarter by quarter
PET: 14-18-28-23= 83

COJ: 22-21-23-24= 90


Scorers
PET: Luis Julio 21 points, Sonny Reyes 18 points

COJ: Luis Bethelmy 25 points, Roberto Basanta (192-F) 14 points



Gigantes announced signing of Lugo and Diaz for 2009 - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Gigantes de Guayana, expansion franchise that played its first LPB season in 2008, ending at last place with an 11-43 record, announced the acquisition of center Richard Lugo (209-C-73), of Trotamundos de Carabobo, and veteran small forward Victor David Diaz (195-F-68), of Cocodrilos de Caracas, for the 2009 edition of Venezuela's top basketball league.

The press management of the team issued a short statement announcing the reach of an agreement in both negotiations with their respective teams, though 24 hours later, representative of both Cocodrilos and Trotamundos said that there were still a few details in the negotiations that had not been discussed and needed to be addressed prior to making these announcements.

Gigantes is coach by Venezuela's Senior NT head coach, Nelson Solorzano . They initially wanted to acquire guard Diego Guevara, of Guaros de Lara, but Guaros owner, Carlos Garcia, refused to accept any offers for the player.

Diaz and Lugo played together for Panteras de Miranda for several seasons in the mid 1990's and till LPB 2002, in which Panteras lost the Finals against Trotamundos de Carabobo. Lugo went on to start a career in Puerto Rico's BSN and then come back in 2005 to play for Trotamundos de Carabobo for three seasons and continue his success in LNB with Delfines de Miranda. He won the LPB championship in 2006 with Trotamundos. He's a 35 year-old former member of Venezuela's NT, 2.09m tall, with experience in leagues of Poland, China and Spain as well.

Lugo averaged 16.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game in 2007, his last complete season in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Diaz, 40 years old, is considered on of the best players in Venezuelan basketball's history and currently holds a few all-time records. He won the LPB championship with Cocodrilos de Caracas in 2008 by averaging 13.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 steals per match in 48 outings.

In his lustrous career, Diaz has played in leagues of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Puerto Rico and Uruguay and had experience in NBA camps, though he wasn't signed. His three-point shot, his flawless technique for free-throws and undeniable leadership will serve a good example for Guayana's young roster. So is Lugo as a suitable presence in the paint. The team has announced interest in bringing back imported players Carl Krauser (188-G-81) and Terry Taylor.



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Women News

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  CROATIA - Women  


A1 league is set to start, Medvescak in EuroCup today - by Eurobasket News
Croatian A1 league is set to start this week-end. As it was in the past, four teams which compete in Adriatic league will join at the later stage and together with best teams from A1 will fight for the title. In the first round opener Agram-ZG will host Croatia 2006. Mursa will meet Plamen-Pozega while Zadar will take on Pula. In match number four, Studenac Omis waits Matas-Novi Zagreb. All games will be played on Saturday. Croatian teams from Adriatic league are Ragusa, Sibenik, Gospic and Medvescak.

In the meantime, schedule for A2 league Group South-North is announced. In the league opener Koprivnica will meet Jabuka-Zapresic. Podravac's rival will be Pescenica Zitnjak while Brod will meet Montmontaza. In the last two games, Vindi waits Nasice while Dubrava will play against Medvescak 2. First round is scheduled for October 18th.

Medvescak will meet Cesis in the second leg of EuroCup Qualifying Round. The game is scheduled for today. In the first leg Croatian team suffered 17-point defeat on the road, 70-53.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Gambrinus and USK Praha step by step - by Eurobasket News
Gambrinus and USK Praha improved to 3-0 record after Round 3 in Czech Republic. Gambrinus Sika Brno overcame Sparta Praha 86:68 to reach that record. The hosts opened the game with 24-14 an then had 47:24 at the end of the first half. Sparta Praha recovered a bit in the third period for 60:46 but then Gambrinus led to 86:68. Liene Jansone (192-F/C-81, college: Siena) paced all the winners with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Michaela Horakova (177-F-92) netted 13 and Petra Kulichova (198-C-84) posted 11. Hariss finished the night with 25 points against the defending champions.

ZVVZ USK Praha struggled in the first quarter against BK Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary but then had a massive 96:56 victory. Greek Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) exploded with 29 points for the winners. Feranckova netted 16, whilst Katerina Elhotova (179-G-89) had 11. Irena Borecka (175-F-80) produced 14 points in the losing effort.

In another games Hradec Kralove lost at home to Valosun Brno 86:93. having won the first half 41:40 the hosts could not stay in the race with the visitors. BK Tabor was defeated by Basket Slovanka 61:67 also due to the last period. BK Strakonice overcame Kara Trutnov 87:73 being the most comfortable in the last frame.

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  D.R. CONGO - Women  


10th FIBA Africa Championship for Women : Nigeria race to second spot in group-B - by Olusegun Ikuesan
.............. beat RD Congo 84-64

Nigeria U18 Women national team Thursday rose to the challenges of the 10th FIBA Africa Championship taking place in Tunis, Tunisia with a 84-64 points spanking of Democratic Republic of Congo to finish second behind defending champion, Mali in group-B.

The win by thge Coach andrew Isokpehi tutored nigerian young ladies proved a vital turn-around for the country after suffering two ealier defeat to Kenya and Mali.

With the conclusion of preliminaries proceeding the stage is now set for the quarter-finals which dunk-off today with the eight countries that made it to the last-8 strategising to out wit one another.

Host tunisia top group-A alongside with 8-point having won all four matches played, the tunisianb are joined by Mopzambique, Cote dIvoire while Benin Republic srapped through with 5 points secured from one win and three loses.

From group-B come defending champion, mali, nigeria, guenea and kenya.

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  ESTONIA - Women  


Spartak Noginsk beat the opponent for the second straight time - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Noginsk - BC Star 80:54

Spartak Noginsk overcame BC Star in the second game of EuroCup qualifications to advance to the Preliminary Round. A confident win in all the quarters led them to 80:54 at the end of the match-up. Tatiana Sergeeva (198-C-82) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Svetlana Romanova (178-G-81) netted 16, while Miller scored 12. Jana Rannaveski (172-G-87) posted 21 in defeat and Ashley Wallace (183-C-85, college: Pace) added 10. Spartak Noginsk wins 162-110 as a total of two games.
After a road win in Estonia Russian team had to prove the ambitions once again. The hosts opened the game with 6 points in a row and never looked behind. Milanovich made a jump-shot for 22-9 in the end of the first period. After 15-12 in the second Miller sent the teams to the lockers with 37:21 for the hosts. Spartak Noginsk did not slow down and continued to dominate the court. Another 20-16 in the third period gave them 57:37 after 30 minutes of the game. Payne posted two for the guests in the last frame for 57:39. Laev made it 70:51, while Kostla erupted for 70:54. There was however no way the visitors could catch up as Russian squad had 23-17 in the last to take 80:54 victory.

Spartak Noginsk:Tatiana Sergeeva 19+8 rebs, Svetlana Romanova 16, Miller 12
BC Star: Jana Rannaveski 21, Ashley Wallace 10

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  EUROCUP - Women  


Athinaikos BC advances to Preliminary Round of EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Athinaikos BC - CAB Madeira 87:58

Athinaikos BC advanced to the Preliminary Round of EuroCup Women on Wednesday night. The Greek side did not have difficulties in two games with Portugiese representative winning 165-103 as an aggregate. Game 2 saw 87:58 for the hosts mostly due to the second half. Nicole Soulis (188-F-85, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) led the winners with 17 points. Niki Zerva (183-F-79) netted 16, whilst Vasiliki Volonaki (179-F-80) and Afroditi Kosma (187-F/C-83) added 10 each. Danielle Hood (185-F/C-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Hartford) collected 20 points and 9 rebounds, while Nadia Tavares (178-F-88) posted 10 for the guests.
Athinaikos BC had a road win over CAB Madeira in Game 1and felt confident from the start of the second. The hosts opened the game with 12-2 run and had 10 points advantage after the first period. Caldeira reduced the gap for the guests making a three pointer almost with the buzzer. Madeira stayed within reach early, outscoring their opponents 22-20 in the second quarter to trail by just eight at half-time.Magaliou sent both squads to the lockers with 41:33 for Athinaikos BC.
In the third period the hosts continued to dominate the court and increased to 62:47 entering the last frame. Davis and Vasiliki Volonaki opened the final stanza for the hosts that thought about Preliminary Round of EuroCup Women at that time. Freitas closed the game at 87:58 but her team will be out of EuroCup.

Athinaikos BC: Nicole Soulis 17, Niki Zerva 16, Vasiliki Volonaki 10, Afroditi Kosma 10
CAB Madeira: Danielle Hood 20+9 rebs, Nadia Tavares 10

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  FRANCE - Women  


Bourges and Tarbes remain alone - by Eurobasket News
Bourges and Tarbes increased to 4-0 record and remained on top of the league after the fourth round. Union Hainaut could not stay on race with the teams losing to Lattes Montpellier away from home.
Bourges had a road win over Stade Clermontois 65:86 but did not feel too comfortable at the halftime. The hosts resisted until 42:47 but then failed in the game. Tarbes also won away from home stealing an easy victory from Calais 43:77.
The game between Lattes Montpellier and Union Hainaut was a key one as the teams struggled for the top position as well. Lattes Montpellier triumphed with 86:73 to take the same 3-1 record as the opponent. Sheana Mosch (177-G-81, college: Duke) led the winners with 21 points. Khadijah Whittington (186-F-86, college: N.Carolina St.) posted 18, while Sylvie Gruszczynski (171-G-86) netted 13. Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) top-scored with 14 points in the losing effort.
In another games Arras defeated Basket Landes 59:55. Mia Fisher (175-G-82, college: Rhode Island) ended up with 14 points and 9 rebounds to lead all the winners. Marielle Amant (191-C-89) had 12, whilst Jenna O'Hea (185-G/F-87) added 9. Bineta Diouf (186-C/F-79) finished the game with 20 points in defeat.

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  GERMANY - Women  


Standings - 2.Bundesliga - by Cornelius Damm
2.Bundesliga Standings
North
 1. Opladen 3-0 
 2. Jena 3-0 
 3. Quakenbrueck 2-1 
 4. Rist-Wedel 2-1 
 5. Osnabrucker 2-1 
 6. Koeln 2-1 
 7. Bielefeld 2-1 
 8. Berlin Baskets 1-2 
 9. Hagen SV 1-2 
 10. Bonn 0-3 
 11. Hagen Phoe. 0-3 
 12. Gotha 0-3 
South
 1. Rhein MB 3-0 
 2. Leimen 3-0 
 3. Wuerzburg 3-0 
 4. Mainz 2-0 
 5. Speyer 2-1 
 6. Gruenberg 2-1 
 7. Viernheim 1-2 
 8. Sandhausen 1-2 
 9. Herzogenaur. 0-2 
 10. Ludwigsburg 0-3 
 11. SV Fellbach 0-3 
 12. Keltern 0-3 


*****************************************************
  GREECE - Women  


Athinaikos BC advances to Preliminary Round of EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Athinaikos BC - CAB Madeira 87:58

Athinaikos BC advanced to the Preliminary Round of EuroCup Women on Wednesday night. The Greek side did not have difficulties in two games with Portugiese representative winning 165-103 as an aggregate. Game 2 saw 87:58 for the hosts mostly due to the second half. Nicole Soulis (188-F-85, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) led the winners with 17 points. Niki Zerva (183-F-79) netted 16, whilst Vasiliki Volonaki (179-F-80) and Afroditi Kosma (187-F/C-83) added 10 each. Danielle Hood (185-F/C-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Hartford) collected 20 points and 9 rebounds, while Nadia Tavares (178-F-88) posted 10 for the guests.
Athinaikos BC had a road win over CAB Madeira in Game 1and felt confident from the start of the second. The hosts opened the game with 12-2 run and had 10 points advantage after the first period. Caldeira reduced the gap for the guests making a three pointer almost with the buzzer. Madeira stayed within reach early, outscoring their opponents 22-20 in the second quarter to trail by just eight at half-time.Magaliou sent both squads to the lockers with 41:33 for Athinaikos BC.
In the third period the hosts continued to dominate the court and increased to 62:47 entering the last frame. Davis and Vasiliki Volonaki opened the final stanza for the hosts that thought about Preliminary Round of EuroCup Women at that time. Freitas closed the game at 87:58 but her team will be out of EuroCup.

Athinaikos BC: Nicole Soulis 17, Niki Zerva 16, Vasiliki Volonaki 10, Afroditi Kosma 10
CAB Madeira: Danielle Hood 20+9 rebs, Nadia Tavares 10

Aris Holargos in the group stage - by George Manousidis
Aris Holargos overcame Mladi Krajisnik Banja Luka 87-53 and take his place in the G Group of Eurocup. Aris Holargos With a 10-0 the last 2:12 min finish the first quarter 19-14. The second quarter starts like the end of first with a 12-0. After that the players of Mladi Krajisnik Banja Luka surrender in the superiority of Aris Holargos. The rest of the game was a typical procedure for the players of both teams.
From the hosts Tamara Bowie (186-C/F-81, agency: Merit Sports, college: Ball St.) has 25 points and 5 rebounds, Brooke Reves (188-F-75) has double double with 18 points and 14 rebounds and Theoni Tzegiannaki (162-G-85) added 15 points with 6/7 2pFG plus 1/1 3pFG plus 4 steals and 3 assists.
From the visitors, Deura M added 20 points and Pilav A 13 points
The quarters: 19-14, 26-8, 23-18, 19-13
Aris Holargos In the Group stage he will have as opponents Buducnost Podgorica , USO Mondeville and Galatasaray Istanbul

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  ITALY - Women  


Venezia won Italian SuperCup - by Carlo Grilli
Absents-depleted Schio couldn't stop a good Venezia, which remported the first trophy of the season. The hosts trailed all first-half long; they went ahead early in the third quarter, but came up short in the last stanza when Venezia took control of the paint by Vanessa Hayden and Daliborka Jokic (185-F-81) and played very good defense. MVP of the game was named Aleksandra Vujovic (182-G-80, agency: LBM Management) (11 points, 1/1 by 2 and 3/6 by 3 points range). Serie A1 will start on next week-end in PalaTiziano (Roma).

FAMILA WUBER SCHIO - UMANA REYER VENEZIA 52-64
(10-13; 24-28; 37-44)
SCHIO: Antibe 6, Moro 5, Feaster-Strong 6, Pantani 4, Masciadri 13, De Pretto dnp, Maiorano, Ress 10, Ciampoli n.e., Macchi 8. Coach Orlando
VENEZIA: Corradini dnp, Sottana 5, Ballardini 9, Cirone 3, Andrade 6, Nadalin 8, Giauro, Jokic 10, Aleksandra Vujovic 11, Hayden 12. Coach Riga

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  LEBANON - Women  


Several changes were made in the 1st womens teams in Lebanon especially after that Champvilles team was cancelled for unknown reasons - by Rony Daccache

1- Antranik Beirut: A new coach and ex-player is there, Elie Nasr. Elie has no previous experiences in womens league but proved during his past few seasons a hard working on his teams.
a. Jennifer Ammoury (Champville) a power forward to replace Tamara who traveled to Canada to continue studying.
b. Nour Choucair (169-G-85) (Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut), a national team player and one of the best Lebanese guards joined the team after failure negotiations with her ex-team Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut.
c. Caroline Tchalian (Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut) an experienced point guard who played has several years with many clubs and the national team.


2- Homenetmen Antelias: Chafic Akiki, the ex-Antranik Beirut's coach replaced George Kilzi who has resigned to coach Antranik's men team. Akiki proved during his career a high level of team organizer and performer.
a. Karen Kaloustian (Champville): to play at the point guard position.
b. Joelle Abdel Nour (Champville): an aggressive guard to a good rotation at that position.
c. Joyce Saliba (Champville): a good footwork center who lacks the confidence on the court.


3- Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut: Tigran Kukdjian to coach the team. Tigran has previous experiences with womens teams and national team. The team has too much hopes and expectations from Kukdjian.
a. Aida Bakhos (Lamar university): After finishing studying in the states, she has joined the yellow team to be a new added value and help leading the team winning the title. Its still unknown if shell join the team from the beginning of the season or just during the final four.
b. Nathalie Mamo (Antranik Beirut): one of the best Lebanese and national team shooters who showed a good level in the external competitions last season. She broke her contract with Antranik Beirut and joined Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut after that Nour Choucair has signed with the Armenian team.
c. Rebecca Akl (Champville): One of the best point guards to be. Antranik Beirut, Homenetmen Beirut and Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut suffered negotiating with her in order to add her to their roaster finally she decided to join Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut. Its wasnt known that Rebecca was being trained and monitored during the past 3 years by coach Akiki.


4- Al Moutahed: No changes in the coaching stuff, Nazir Saoudi is still there and he was the one who promoted the team from the 3rd to 1st division.
a. Eliane Chalhoub (Homenetmen Beirut): a good experienced center to help the ambitious northern team.


5- Homenetmen Beirut Beirut : Elie Najem was replaced by Faraj Aad who has previous experience with his womens team at St George Zalka in the 2nd division.
a. Rana Nakhle (Blue stars): shooting guard
b. Carole Kamel(Blue stars): Small forward



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  LITHUANIA - Women  


Arvi Marijampole books the tickets to Eurocup - by Eurobasket News
Arvi Marijampole -BBT Letzebuerg 80:45

Arvi Marijampole books the tickets to Eurocup as tonight the team proved its superiority once again over BBT Letzebuerg. Lithuanian team was stronger at home 80:45 with a massive start of the game. Vaida Pacauskiene (176-G-79) led the winners with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Tetyana Shchypakina (180-F-85, agency: LBM Management) netted 12, while Milda Sauliute (175-G-81) and Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) both had 11. Ranela Skegro (187-F/C-71) finished the night with 14 points and Catherine Scanlon (180-G/F-83, college: Drexel) added 10 for the guests. Arvi Marijampole wins 166-97 as a total to advance to the next round.
Lithuania squad did not take it too serious as realized the difference of the levels. Laima Rickeviciute made it 5-0 in the opening tip of the game. Arvi closed the period with 12-2 and had 23-8 at the end of the first period. The second stanza became another disaster for the guests that trailed another 12-26. Rakutyte scored last in the half for Arvi as her team increased to 49:20.
The tempo of the game slowed down a bit in the second half and BBT Letzebuerg managed to win even the third period. Paugaite closed the third from the free throw line as the guests won the period 13-12. Arvi proved it once again in the last stanza that the team is ready for EuroCup with 19-12 margin. Vaida Pacauskiene made a jump-shot for 80-45 as a total in the game and 166-97 in two.

Arvi Marijampole: Vaida Pacauskiene 14+8 rebs, Tetyana Shchypakina 12, Milda Sauliute 11, Laima Rickeviciute 11
BBT Letzebuerg: Ranela Skegro 14, Catherine Scanlon 10

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  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


Arvi Marijampole books the tickets to Eurocup - by Eurobasket News
Arvi Marijampole -BBT Letzebuerg 80:45

Arvi Marijampole books the tickets to Eurocup as tonight the team proved its superiority once again over BBT Letzebuerg. Lithuanian team was stronger at home 80:45 with a massive start of the game. Vaida Pacauskiene (176-G-79) led the winners with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Tetyana Shchypakina (180-F-85, agency: LBM Management) netted 12, while Milda Sauliute (175-G-81) and Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) both had 11. Ranela Skegro (187-F/C-71) finished the night with 14 points and Catherine Scanlon (180-G/F-83, college: Drexel) added 10 for the guests. Arvi Marijampole wins 166-97 as a total to advance to the next round.
Lithuania squad did not take it too serious as realized the difference of the levels. Laima Rickeviciute made it 5-0 in the opening tip of the game. Arvi closed the period with 12-2 and had 23-8 at the end of the first period. The second stanza became another disaster for the guests that trailed another 12-26. Rakutyte scored last in the half for Arvi as her team increased to 49:20.
The tempo of the game slowed down a bit in the second half and BBT Letzebuerg managed to win even the third period. Paugaite closed the third from the free throw line as the guests won the period 13-12. Arvi proved it once again in the last stanza that the team is ready for EuroCup with 19-12 margin. Vaida Pacauskiene made a jump-shot for 80-45 as a total in the game and 166-97 in two.

Arvi Marijampole: Vaida Pacauskiene 14+8 rebs, Tetyana Shchypakina 12, Milda Sauliute 11, Laima Rickeviciute 11
BBT Letzebuerg: Ranela Skegro 14, Catherine Scanlon 10

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  NCAA1 - Women  


UWGB women picked to win title - by Eurobasket News
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has been tabbed as the top women's basketball team in the Horizon League, according to the leagues 2008-09 preseason poll.

The Phoenix received 284 points and 24 of 29 first-place votes from Horizon League head coaches, womens basketball sports information directors and a media member in each league market. Green Bay went 26-6 overall and 17-1 in league play a season ago en route to a WNIT berth.

Green Bay, which has owned at least a share of the regular season title in each of the last 10 years, returns four starters, including a trio of double-digit scorers - from last years squad.

Wright State University (241 points), the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (240), defending Horizon League champion Cleveland State University (228) and Butler University (204) rank two through five in the preseason poll.

Wright State wrapped up the 2007-08 campaign 16-16 overall and 11-7 in league action. The Raiders are led by sophomore guard Shey Peddy, who was third in the Horizon League with 16.7 points per game last year.

Milwaukee (17-14, 11-7 last year), which returns 2007-08 Horizon League Player of the Year Traci Edwards of Menasha, Cleveland State (19-14, 10-8) and Butler (20-10, 10-8) also posted winning records a year ago. CSU is led by junior guard Kailey Klein, who was named MVP of last years Horizon League Championship. BU returns all five starters from last years team, a squad that won 20 games for the first time since 1997-98.

Valparaiso University (179), the University of Illinois at Chicago (97) and Loyola University Chicago (94) were picked sixth through eighth in the poll. Youngstown State (71) and Detroit (41), which are each entering the season under a new head coach, rounded out the voting.

In addition to Green Bays 24, Milwaukee received two first-place votes. Wright State, Cleveland State, Butler and Loyola each garnered one.

The 2008-09 Horizon League womens basketball regular season begins with four contests on Friday, Nov. 14.

The Horizon League Women's Basketball Championship is slated for March 9, 11, 13 and 15. Cleveland State defeated Wright State, 70-56, in last years title game.

Courtesy of http://www.fdlreporter.com

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  NIGERIA - Women  


10th FIBA Africa Championship for Women : Nigeria race to second spot in group-B - by Olusegun Ikuesan
.............. beat RD Congo 84-64

Nigeria U18 Women national team Thursday rose to the challenges of the 10th FIBA Africa Championship taking place in Tunis, Tunisia with a 84-64 points spanking of Democratic Republic of Congo to finish second behind defending champion, Mali in group-B.

The win by thge Coach andrew Isokpehi tutored nigerian young ladies proved a vital turn-around for the country after suffering two ealier defeat to Kenya and Mali.

With the conclusion of preliminaries proceeding the stage is now set for the quarter-finals which dunk-off today with the eight countries that made it to the last-8 strategising to out wit one another.

Host tunisia top group-A alongside with 8-point having won all four matches played, the tunisianb are joined by Mopzambique, Cote dIvoire while Benin Republic srapped through with 5 points secured from one win and three loses.

From group-B come defending champion, mali, nigeria, guenea and kenya.

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  POLAND - Women  


Lotos PKO BP Gdynia announces last signing - by Maciej Schwarz
It was announced today that Tamika Catchings (186-F-79, college: Tennessee) will be the last player signed for 2008/09 campaign. She is expected to join the team early next year and stay till the end of season. Team's manager Marcin Kicior said: 'We wre trying to sign her for a long time, she is a great player and great personality. Last season, her Achilles injury took her out of the court for 8 months. Now, after the Olympics and WNBA she is ready to play. We count, she will help us bring Championship back to Gdynia'
Catchings, along Alana Beard (180-G/F-82, college: Duke) and Michelle Maslowski (188-F/C-79, college: Drexel) is the 3rd American signed in Gdynia.

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Spartak Noginsk beat the opponent for the second straight time - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Noginsk - BC Star 80:54

Spartak Noginsk overcame BC Star in the second game of EuroCup qualifications to advance to the Preliminary Round. A confident win in all the quarters led them to 80:54 at the end of the match-up. Tatiana Sergeeva (198-C-82) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Svetlana Romanova (178-G-81) netted 16, while Miller scored 12. Jana Rannaveski (172-G-87) posted 21 in defeat and Ashley Wallace (183-C-85, college: Pace) added 10. Spartak Noginsk wins 162-110 as a total of two games.
After a road win in Estonia Russian team had to prove the ambitions once again. The hosts opened the game with 6 points in a row and never looked behind. Milanovich made a jump-shot for 22-9 in the end of the first period. After 15-12 in the second Miller sent the teams to the lockers with 37:21 for the hosts. Spartak Noginsk did not slow down and continued to dominate the court. Another 20-16 in the third period gave them 57:37 after 30 minutes of the game. Payne posted two for the guests in the last frame for 57:39. Laev made it 70:51, while Kostla erupted for 70:54. There was however no way the visitors could catch up as Russian squad had 23-17 in the last to take 80:54 victory.

Spartak Noginsk:Tatiana Sergeeva 19+8 rebs, Svetlana Romanova 16, Miller 12
BC Star: Jana Rannaveski 21, Ashley Wallace 10

CSKA wins the opener of Superleague 2008/2009 - by Eurobasket News
Dynamo Novosibirsk-CSKA 59:66

CSKA wins the opener of Superleague 2008/2009 in the first game of the season. The team from Moscow had a road win over Dynamo Novosibirsk 59:66. The latter played really well in the second half but could not score all they missed in the first. Katie Douglas (183-G/F-79, college: Purdue) top-scored in her first game for CSKA with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Ilona Korstine (183-G-80) collected 12 points and 9 rebounds, while Liudmila Sapova (185-F-84) scored 11. Natalya Myasoedova (192-C-87) ended up with 14 points and 10 rebounds for the hosts, whilst Kristina Alikina (187-F-86, agency: LBM Management) added 13.

CSKA has lots of changes in comparison with the previous season. The huge plus is of course the top star Katie Douglas that joined the team this season. As it was expected the favorites opened the game with 25-15 in the opening quarter and dominated the court. They improved to 7 more points after 14-7 in the second stanza. As a total of the first half it gave the guests 22:39 at the halftime.
When the teams returned from the lockers Dynamo Novosibirsk changed for good. The hosts started to play more confident and took control of the game. They outscored CSKA 17-8 in the third period to reduce the margin entering the last frame. With 20-19 Dynamo Novosibirsk won the last period, but that was not enough to upset the favorites in the game. CSKA wins the opener of Superleague 2008/2009 in the first game of the season and takes 1-0 record.

Dynamo Novosibirsk: Natalya Myasoedova 14+10 rebs, Kristina Alikina 13
CSKA: Katie Douglas 16+7 rebs, Ilona Korstine 12+9 rebs, Liudmila Sapova 11

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  SERBIA - Women  


Crvena Zvezda waits Alexandria tonight in EuroCup, game 2 - by Dragan Jankovski

Crvena Zvezda from Belgrade will meet Romanian CSB CST Alexandria tonight at 20:30h. It is the second game of EuroCup Qualifying Round. In the first match, which was held in Romania, Serbian representative celebrated 73-82. Thus it means that Crvena Zvezda doesn't need to win tonight. Defeat of 8 points will be acceptable for the players of head coach Jovica Antonic. In that case, the Belgrade's team will get through this stage taking a place in Group C of the Preliminary Round. In the same group are already placed Bulgarian champion Dunav Ekont, Spanish Rivas Futura and Israeli Elizur Ramla. Interesting is that in Spanish team Rivas Futura plays Serbian NT member Miljana Musovic (180-G-87). There is also Montenegrin NT player Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87).

The other Serbian representative Hemofarm STADA is placed straight to the Preliminary Round. Serbian champion will play in Group K, where it for sure won't have an easy job. Hemofarm's rivals will be Russian Volgoda, Portuguese Olivais and Lithuanian Lemminkainen.

Preliminary Round begins on October 22nd. Two best teams from each of 12 groups will advance to the next stage. Also eight best third ranked teams will book a spot for the next round.

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  SPAIN - Women  


Round 2: Rivas Ecopolis is the new leader after trashing PDV-Ibiza at home - by Ivan Villar
Rivas confirmed itself as nwew force of spanish league.PDV Ibiza arrived to Rivas with a lot of injured players.Rivas's roster was a twister for island team, leaded by Clara Bermejo (178-G-81) with 11 points, 6 assits and 22 points of efficience.She was acomplished by Petra Ujhely (10 p-5 reb) and Cathy Joens (19 points).Big surprise happened in Leon because home team defeated Perfumerias Avenida by 5 points.Battle under baskets was terribel and the winners were Lucilla Pascua (15 p-11 reb) and Eshaya Murphy (18 p-9 reb-28 ef).Olesa was revelation team last season and this year begins unstoppable.They got second win in Zaragoza easily by 24 points.Olga Pdkovalnikova was best player after scoring 17 points in 19 minutes only.Hondarribia had to work hard to win Estudiantes Madrid.Vasc team took advantage in 3rd quarter with Jovana Rad as best player (20 p-10 reb) in 20 minutes only.Galician derby has only dark colour of Celta's uniform.The game was controlled by Miguel Mendez's team from beggining.Alba Torrens (17 p), Agne Ciuderiane (14 p-7 reb) and Sara Gomez (17 p-6 received faults) were best players of game.Island derby between Soller and Gran Canaria was for Mallorca's team.The match was equalized and it was necesary an overtime.Armintie Price scored 23 points and gained 14 rebounds being candidate of round's MVP.Cadi La Seu places last position after hard beggining against top teams.This time was Ros Casares which showed its power in La Seu d'Urgell.Master Helena Tornikidu teached a new lesson with 18 points and 5 rebounds.She's 43 years old, but plays as she was 20 years old.