EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/23/2008

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Men News

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  ABA   


Sacramento Heatwave schedules final open tryouts - by Eurobasket News
The ABA Sacramento Heatwave has announced its final open tryouts scheduled for Saturday, November 1st. There has been a great number of requests by players to have a chance to fill some available slots and add some depth to what promises to be a very competitive Heatwave team.

'We are always looking to bring in quality people who happen to be quality players,' stated team owner Reggie Davis. 'We want to build something special in Sacramento and it starts with the right building blocks.'

Tryouts are from 10am to 3pm at Hiram Johnson High Schoo, 6879 14th Avenue, Sacramento. Cost: $100 pre-registration and $125 the day of tryouts. Details and on-line registration are available at www.heatwavelive.com or by calling 559 779 0100. Or visit www.abalive.com.

Courtesy of ABA

Las Vegas Aces veteran camp roster released - by Gianni Pascucci

The Las Vegas Aces GM. mr Todd Triplett , sent to Usbasket.com the list on the players selected to attend the team official Vet Camp, scheduled to open on Nov 12Th - 15th in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Dr. William U. Pearson Community Center. There willl be 25 players, who will battle for the 12 roster spots. For more info please call the Aces office at 702-689-8514, www.lasvegasacesbasketball.com and/or www.lasvegasaces.bravehost.com The Aces vet camp attendees list is as follows:
1. Robin Kennedy
2. Antwan Robertson
3. Tony Farmer
4. Tamarcus Hines
5. Hasan Houston
6. Carlton Christian
7. Deandre Speed
8. Cory Moore
9. Santonio Martin
10. Chadd Rucker
11. Jarvis Wright
12. Morgan Bulah
13. Cory Hightower
14. Cedrick Smith
15. Gary Bracey
16. Lou Kelly
17. Jason Shepard
18. Jason James
19. Michael Collier
20. Antonio Lawarence
21. Barry Jordan
22. Dennis Chism
23. Shagari Alleyne
24. Mychal Henderson
25. Johnny McClenton



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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Vojvodina tests Brokenborough, Zvezda celebrates in Kraljevo - by Dragan Jankovski
After signing of Charron Fisher (193-G/F-85, agency: CAA Sports, college: Niagara), Vojvodina Srbijagas currently tests another American Rasheed Brokenborough (191-G-77, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Temple), who plays on position 1/2. Brokenborough spent last season in Italian Scavolini averaging 5.8 ppg, 1.6 rpg and 1.1 apg in 34 games. On season 06/07 he was a member of Tofas Bursa having much better digits. He appeared 30 times in TBL adding 15.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.8 apg. Except of these two teams, Brokenborough also played for Ventspils, Maccabi Givat Shmuel and Kapfenberg. With Austrian team he won domestic championship three times. In 2006 Brokenborough done the same but with Ventspils in Latvia.

Crvena Zvezda played a friendly (charity) game against Masinac in Kraljevo celebrating 91-80. Belgrade's team took this one thanks to well played first and third quarter (21-29, 22-29). One of the Serbian top prospects Marko Keselj (206-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) once again shined in Crvena Zvezda draining 24 points. American Lawrence Roberts (205-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.) had 15 while Bosnian Elmedin Kikanovic (206-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) stopped on 10 points. As usually, Uros Mirkovic (205-F/C-82, agency: Beo Basket) was the best in Masinac, This time he counted until 24. Nikola Tutus (202-F/C-85) was behind him with 16 points. It is interesting that Zvezda's coach Svetislav Pesic visited Kraljevo after almost 20 years.

Harlem Globetrotters tomorrow in Sarajevo - by Sead Buljina
After twenty five years, famous American travel show team, Harlem Globetrotters, are again in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This time the Globetrotters are visiting four cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Tuzla, Siroki Brijeg, Sarajevo and Banja Luka. Tomorrow night they will perform at Olympic Arena 'Zetra' in Sarajevo. The show game begins at 20:00. Organizator expects that sports arena 'Zetra', which accomodates 15,000 spectators will be filled out by basketball fans. In any case, players like 'Showtime', 'Scooter' and others guarantee a great show.

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  ARGENTINA   


Hernandez till 2010! - by Facundo Iatzky
The CABB will announce on Friday that Sergio Hernandez will be the head coach of argentinian national team untill 2010, after the world championship of Turkey. Sergio is the current coach of Penarol so he will continue as part-time coach, at least for this season. Sergio got good results in the last two years, including the bronze medal in the recent olympic games. For this reason he was cofirmed two years more. The next objective for Sergio is qualify to the world championship in the Americas Championship to be played in Mexico where Argentina have not a hard mission beacause 5 teams of America will advance to the world championship.

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  BELGIUM   


Div. II Regular Season - Round 6 - by Bertrand Larsimont

Sint-Jan Antwerp vs. Falco Ghent 85-60
Sint-Jan: Van Rillaer 12; W. Lemaire 3; W. Van Schil 11; L. Tielens 18; T. Van De Vondel 27; Verbeeck 8; S. Tielens 4; Aegeerts 2.
Falco:Van Den Brandt 10; Huyghe 2; Van Der Kimpen 7; F. Bwatu 6; Van Haevermaet 5; De Schepper 10; J. Van De Vondel 4; J. Selhorst 7; Segers 5; Brysse 4.

BT Power Wevelgem vs. BC Ninane 72-69
Wevelgem: Vandenberghe 13; Samson 3; S. Naudts 11; R. Naudts 9; Guillemyn 8; Jouret 4; A. Flanders 15; J. Fiers 9.
Ninane: X. Hubert 6; C. Klimatek 2; S. Tihon 5; D. Offermann 5; F. Delsaute 14; F. L'hoest 5; D. Kalut 23; J. Van Bergen 7.

CEP Fleurus vs. Royal Alsec Nivelles 96-68
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 22-16, 47-31, 70-49 and 96-68.
Fleurus: Poulain 4; J. Vanesse 24; S. Tison 6; Thiry 2; L. Pourtoit 26; A. Jadin 4; T. Rozewicz 13; B. Penninck 12; S. Semijejero 5.
Nivelles: --

Essor Charleroi vs. Jaga Radiators Hasselt 99-85
Nice win for the hometeam with a fantastic Emmanuel Mampuya (200-F-79) grabbing 10 rebounds and a very efficient Renauld Leclercqs (198-F-81) giving 9 assists. Special mention to another Essor player too: Lucas Bearzotti (185-G-87) who scored 21 points.
Charleroi: Mampuya 24; Leclercqs 21; Bearzotti 21; Frippiat 14; Sperolini 9; Pellisier 8; Stache 2.
Hasselt: D. Souverijns 15; Clemente 14; Hendrix 12; Van Hove 12; H. Baert 9; Smolders 8; R. Van Poelgeest 8; Gijsens 7.

Kangoeroes Willebroek vs. Bent Schoenen Waregem 70-81
Kangeroes: M. Gorremans 17; Follens 6; K. Roelandts 9; Kalonji 5; D. D'Haens 22; T. Van De Keere 8; De Wachter 3.
Waregem: Van Vooren 12; S. Robeyst 24; De Leersnyder 5; Bogaert 12; B. Cleymans 20; Raes 6; A. Steinbach 2.

BCO Carnieres vs. De West Hoek Zwevezele 62-74
Carnieres: Thelen 13; Ballau 6; Dekaise 5; K. Jonniaux 7; Lena 15; D. Goethals 9; L. De Campos 6.
Zwevezele: W. Dobbelaere 12; Bourdeaux 2; B. Verdickt 18; B. Bobb 17; B. Deceuninck 20; L. L'Hote 5.

Basket Bree vs. BBC Boom 99-64
Bree is to face Union Mons-Hainaut in eighth finals of the Belgian Cup this week.
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 30-9, 51-30, 75-52 and 99-64.
Bree: O. Hodge 14; Reed 15; E. Norvell 2; Orsulic 17; M. Meeks 19; R. McCollum 11; R. Moss 14; Vucica 4; Van Camp 3.
Boom: Haerbos 2; Druwez 8; Van Wert 7; P. Bayer 9; Lambreghts 16; Salden 8; Leten 3; P. Van Hoecke 9; Vermeiren 2.

Bye: Jako Pitzemburg Mechelen



Liege advance to the next round - by Eurobasket News
Liege - Bakken Bears 97:64

Liege finalized an impressive win against Bakken Bears at the Eurochallenge contest overcoming the Danish team at home. Having built a comfortable 12-point lead on the road Liege eased to the needed result at home. The hosts opened the game with 10 unanswered points to stun the Bears. But gradually the Bears came back to life and due to buckets from Jamar Nutter (188-G-84, agency: ABE! Sports and Entertainment, college: Seton Hall) and Ivan Miskovic (203-F/C-84, college: Alaska-Fairb.) surged ahead 19:16 late in the first period. Larry Owens (201-G/F-83, college: ORU) and Justin Cage (198-F-85, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Xavier) capped the first quarter with 4 straight points and Bakken enjoyed a 20:19 advantage. The home team went on a 13:0 rally midway through the second frame and Liege cleared off to a 12-point distance. The Belgian team looked solid throughout the third frame keeping the visitors at bay and piled up a 26-point lead before the final term. Bakken never rebounded as they trailed by as many as 30 points midway through the stanza and finally lost the game. Larry Owens paced Liege with 21 points and 9 boards. Justin Cage added 19 points, while Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) had 16 points for the winning team. Jamar Nutter answered with 16 points for Bakken. Ivan Miskovic knocked down 14 points and pulled down 9 rebounds in the loss.
Liege shot impressive 50% from the field and forced the Bears to 21 turnovers down the stretch. Liege will take on Vichy in the second Qualifying round.

Liege: Larry Owens 21, Justin Cage 19, Christopher Hill 16
Bakken: Jamar Nutter 16, Ivan Miskovic 14

Oostende sent the first victim out of EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Base BC Oostende -BC Triumph Lyubertsy 81:69

Base BC Oostende sent their first victim out of the EuroCup defeating BC Triumph Lyubertsy at home in Game 2. Belgian squad won 81:69 in Oostende of EuroCup Qualifying Round 1. Rashid Atkins (182-G-75, agency: Interperformances, college: St.Joseph's) led the winners with 26 points and 8 assists. Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida), Ivan Paunic (194-G-87) and Matt Haryasz (210-C-84, agency: Octagon, college: Stanford) all added 14 points. Nenad Krstic (214-C-83) top-scored for the Russian team with 19 points, while Marcus Goree (201-F-77, agency: Passing Lane, college: W.Virginia) posted 14. Base BC Oostende wins 159-147 as a total of two games.
Belgian team survived in the opener of EuroCup Qualifying Round 1. Base BC Oostende tied the game in Russia against the favorite BC Triumph Lyubertsy. The latter has a fabulous roster this season but could not win at home, 78:78. Base BC Oostende looked better at home and opened the game with 19:15 in the opening quarter. An 8-0 run in the beginning of the second lifted them up to 27:15 as they never looked behind after. Ivan Paunic kept the hosts in front at 39:35 at the halftime. In the third period Bellin scored a three-pointer for 53:42, but Marcus Goree closed the frame at 58:55. Rashid Atkins started the last spurt for the hosts in the middle of the fourth period giving his team 72:62. It was him again to score at the end for 81:68.

Base BC Oostende: Rashid Atkins 26+8 ast, Jimmy Baxter 14, Ivan Paunic 14, Matt Haryasz 14
BC Triumph Lyubertsy: Nenad Krstic 19, Marcus Goree 14

Standings - Division II
D2 Standings
1. CEP Fleurus 5-1
2. Waregem 4-2
3. Bree 4-2
4. Wevelgem 4-2
5. Sint-Jan Antw. 4-2
6. De Westhoek 4-2
7. Hasselt 4-2
8. K. Willebroek 4-2
9. Pitzemburg 2-3
10. Essor Charleroi 2-3
11. Carnieres 2-3
12. Ninane 2-4
13. Boom 1-4
14. Falco Ghent 1-5
15. Nivelles 0-6


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  BELIZE   


Last Second Win in BBA Tournament!!! - by David Magana
The Belmopan Basketball Association tournament got under way this past Thursday, October 16 at the UB gymnasium. The tournament kicked off with a game between the UB Jaguars and the Belmopan Energy (BNE). This year the tournament features three Semi-Pro teams; Belize Bank Bulldogs, San Pedro Tigersharks and BNE, along with the UB Jaguars, Perk-Up Hawks and an US-Embassys team (Belmopan Eagles).
For this tournament the BNE line-up presents Evan Salazar (201-F/C), Jason Daly (183-G), Denzel Castillo (193-F/C), Mark Wagner, Albert Garcia and Lloyd Leslie (186-G) as new acquisitions, while the UB Jaguars went out with Winston Pratt, Leroy Lauriano, Shane Lino and Darnell Lord as new faces.
Even though there was inclement weather, the almost two hundred fans that came out to watch the grand opening enjoyed the game especially in the last minutes of the ballgame.

This game was won by the UB Jaguars in a vey exiting way, five seconds before the long whistle Travis Lennon scored a three pointer to win the game 71- 69. UB had to come from behind to steal the win in the fourth quarter having trailed the three previous quarters. The maximum lead the Energy had was in the third quarter when they were up by as many as 16 points. This was thanks to the many shots the UB team missed in the first and second quarters. At the end of the game Winston Pratt ended with double figures: 24 pts, 11 rebs, Travis Lennon, 13 pts, 4 rebs, Lennox Bowman (180-G) 10 pts and Farron Lauriano 8 pts, 12 rebs and 2 blocks. In a losing effort, Aubrey Lopez (188-G) finished with 12 pts, 7 rebs, 6 assists, and Mark Wagner with 16 pts.

Next Games:
Thursday, 23 Octber 2008
UB Jaguars vs Belmopan Eagles UB Gymnasium 7:00PM
Belize Bank Bulldogs vs Perk Up Hawks UB Gymnasium 9:00PM

Belize Basketball Federation Executive meets with Key Stakeholders. - by David Magana
In fulfillment of one of its main goals to engage and communicate, the new BBF Executive Committee is in the process of completing a series of introductory meetings with key stakeholders.
The new committee, in office since 1st September, has been very active and has held meetings with the National Secondary Schools Sporting Association (NSSSA), the Association for Tertiary Level Institutions of Belize (ATLIB), the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association, National Sports Council (NSC) Director, Mr. Vandley Jenkins and the Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture, the Honourable Marcel Cardona.
In these meetings, the Executive Committee sought to introduce and share its agenda and vision for the development of basketball in particular focusing on the positive impact the sport can effect on social and cultural development across the country. The Executive Committee was pleased to receive the support and commitment from these stakeholders and intends to meet regularly with them to continue to build relationships and ensure the synchronization of objectives and plans.
The BBF is currently engaged in the development of a detailed four-year strategic plan and this process will include heavy consultation with and input from major stakeholders such as district associations the NSC, NGO bodies, the private sector, players, enthusiasts, and the public at large. The consultation process will commence in the next two weeks with the objective of finalizing and launching the plan by the end of November.

P R E S S R E L E A S E: BBF

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  BOSNIA   


Harlem Globetrotters tomorrow in Sarajevo - by Sead Buljina
After twenty five years, famous American travel show team, Harlem Globetrotters, are again in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This time the Globetrotters are visiting four cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Tuzla, Siroki Brijeg, Sarajevo and Banja Luka. Tomorrow night they will perform at Olympic Arena 'Zetra' in Sarajevo. The show game begins at 20:00. Organizator expects that sports arena 'Zetra', which accomodates 15,000 spectators will be filled out by basketball fans. In any case, players like 'Showtime', 'Scooter' and others guarantee a great show.

Igokea releases Mason and Lucas? - by Eurobasket News
According to Bosnian media, management of Igokea Partizan decided to release two imports Alton Mason (190-G-77, agency: Court Side, college: Arizona St.) and Bryan Lucas (203-F/C-78, college: N.Texas). They made a decision after serious defeat against Sloboda Dita in the second round of D1. The team from Aleksandrovac celebrated in the opening day against local rival Borac Nektar 74-65. However, this past week-end Igokea had poor performance in Tuzla. Sloboda dominated from the early beginning finishing the game with plus 18. Mason netted 10 points for Igokea while Lucas was not on the list of scorers.

Neither of these two players appeared on the last team's practice. Head coach Predrag Badnjarevic couldn't say anything officialy about the players and their status. However, he confirmed that Mason and Lucas are not practice with Igokea any more so most probably they will part ways.

Both players arrived to Igokea during the summer. Alton Mason played last season for Dutch team Hanzevast Capitals having 12.4 ppg and 2.3 apg for 10 ULEB Cup games. In the past he changed many European teams. Bryan Lucas came to Igokea from German 1. Bundesliga team Ratiopharm Ulm. For 30 games in 07/08 he had 12.1 ppg and 4.6 rpg.

Zrinjski, Leotar and Sloboda on top with 2-0 - by Eurobasket News
After 2 rounds of Bosnian D1, three teams managed to remain undefeated: Zrinjski Mostar, Leotar Trebinje and Sloboda Dita Tuzla. On the other hand, three teams also are on the bottom of the standings winless: Novi Grad, Hercegovac Bileca and Mladost MG.

Zrinjski Mostar outplayed Novi Grad 76-67 mostly owing to Zdravko Vuckovic (197-F-79) and Josip Sesar (197-G/F-78, agency: Court Side), which drained 21 points apiece. It is important to be mentioned that Sesar didn't have such brilliant shot percentage.

Sloboda Dita trashed Igokea Partizan in Tuzla 87-70. Zlatko Jovanovic (181-G-84) top-scored for the winners with 25 points. Dalibor Persic (193-G-85) had 21 while experienced Samir Leric (204-F/C-74) stopped on 12. Igokea, who currently has 1-1, got 20 points from Marko Djerasimovic (200-F/G-84).

SL IAT Leotar was better than Grude at home 86-71. Third quarter was the crucial period of the game as Leotar ended it 21-10. Petronoc led Leotar pouring in 23 points. Goran Jelcic (182-G-81) nailed 25 for Grude.

Borac Nektar cruised past Mladost MG 96-76 despite visitors had much better beginning.

Posusje took it easily over Hercegovac Bileca 77-62 improving its score on 1-1.

Siroki Eronet celebrated in its first appearance this season in D1. Ex Bosnian champion was too strong for Slavija 64-56.

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  BULGARIA   


Top 5 players of the second round - by Eurobasket News
Milos Sakota (203-F-84, agency: Court Side) of CSKA is MVP of the NBL second round. In the opening day his CSKA suffered defeat against Cherno More, while this time it had much easier job against not so strong Sliven. Milos Sakota paced his team to first victory this season netting 27 points and grabbing 8 boards, index value 32. Interesting is that Milos is younger brother of Dusan Sakota, who plays in Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos Athens. Their father is head coach of Fortitudo Bologna, Dragan.

Second MVP of this round is Brazilian big guy Atila Santos (208-C-83, college: Minn.St.-Mankato) of Cherno More. His team suffered defeat in Yambol against Tundja but Santos rgistered double-double 18 points and 10 rebounds reaching index value 28.

Third place is reserved for Corey McIntosh (183-G-85, college: Iowa St.), also of Cherno More. He finished game against Tundja with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals with value 24. His main problem in that game was percentage from the field (3/10 FG2). He also fouled out, what decreased his final number.

Interesting is that on the list of Top 5 in Round 2 is another player of Cherno More. It is captain Simeon Tsenov (196-F-82), who is placed on position number 5. Between him and McIntosh is Asen Velikov (188-G-86) of Levski.

Antalya hold off Spartak at home - by Eurobasket News
Antalya - Spartak Pleven 89:70

Turkish Antalya ensured they advanced to the next round of EuroChallenge as they beat visiting Spartak Pleven yesterday. Antalya enjoyed a 4-point cushion before the home contest and looked pretty safe. However some anxiety occurred when Spartak jumped to an early lead and maintained it throughout the first period. Sasa Topchov (207-C-80) knocked down 8 points and Spartak led 20:17 at the first intermission. Todorov and Dimitrov extended the visitors lead to as many as 7 points midway through the second quarter. Umit Turkoglu (211-C-81, agency: 1x1 Sports) stepped up for the hosts at the moment as exploded with 6 points and ignited a 16:4 run that put Antalya up by 8 points at halftime. Victor King (196-G-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Texas A&M) nailed 9 points in the third quarter to help Antalya to enlarge their dominance. The hosts were up by 15 points before the fourth term putting Spartak into dead end. The Bulgarian team never rebounded and dropped the game at the end.
Victor King fired 21 points for Antalya. Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, agency: Passing Lane, college: Providence) contributed 16 points, while Michael Green (185-G-85, college: Towson) contributed 14 points and 8 assists for the winners. Sasa Topchov answered with 14 points for Spartak. Hrisimir Dimitrov (197-G/F-74, agency: Interperformances) finished with 12 points, 7 boards and 6 assists in defeat.
Antalya will next face German Skyliners. The teams will tip off the series on November 4 in Frankfurt.

Antalya: Victor King 21, Marcus Douthit 16, Michael Green 14
Spartak: Sasa Topchov 14, Hrisimir Dimitrov 12

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  CAPE VERDE   


Mario Out for 3 Weeks - by Pedro Gomes
Mario Jorge (190-G/F-77) will be out of action for 3 weeks after he underwent surgery on his left hand. The player who resigned with CAB Madeira this summer broke the hand in practise and will be major blow for Joao Freitas team as they travel to Torres Vedras to face former Proliga champions Fisica. With only 10 players in the roster - 9 as Mario Jorge can't play - the Madeira island coach has also Nuno Perdigao as a concern but can already play with Bobby Madison.

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  CBA   


East Kentucky Miners re-sign Mike Dean - by Eurobasket News
Another player familiar to East Kentucky Miners fans has signed to return to the men's professional basketball organization that calls Pikeville, Ky., home. Miners Coach Kevin Keathley has kept busy throughout the offseason, evaluating talent and signing players for the upcoming campaign. Earlier in the week, Keathley announced the re-signing of former Middle Tennessee State Blue Raider Mike Dean (6'2''-G-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Middle Tenn.St.).

A proven scorer, Dean came to the Miners during the second half of the 2007-08 season. Dean - who at one time last season led the CBA in scoring during his stint with the Rio Grande Valley Silverados - made an immediate impact for the Miners.

Dean played 20 games for the Miners, making 10 starts and logging 663 minutes. He averaged 19.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game for the East Kentucky pro basketball team.

'We're excited to get Mike back in a Miners uniform for next season,' Keathley said.

'There's no question about it, outside of maybe Ronnie Fields in Minot, there wasn't a better two-guard scorer in the league last year in terms of ability to get to the rim and knock down open jump shots.'

Dean settled in and played extremely well for the Miners.

'Last season, Mike came in late and it's always tough to make the adjustment to a new team,' Keathley confided. 'Our philosophy was different. We had a more spread offense and it took him some time to get adjusted to his fellow teammates and vise versa.'

Dean shot a team-best 90-percent from the free throw line for the Miners. The sharpshooter hit 23-of-44 shots from behind the three-point line and dished out 70 assists.

Dean has enjoyed success at each of his professional basketball stops. He has played extensively in his native United States and overseas. 'Mike was one of the best shooting guards in the league last season, and the great thing is, he still has a lot of upside left as a basketball player,' Keathley added.

'I look forward to getting Mike back and helping him achieve his ultimate goal of playing at the highest level and working together to take the next step as a basketball team next season.'

East Kentucky recently announced the signing of University of Kentucky legend Wayne Turner.

Dean joins former Miners Jason McLeish and Mike Crain as additional signees. The Miners organization has also inked veteran pro player Jermaine Blackburn for the 2008-09 season.

Dean helped East Kentucky to a 26-22 regular-season record and a postseason berth in the team's debut season.

Courtesy of the East Kentucky Miners

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  CROATIA   


Dubrava fires head coach Tonci Masina - by Eurobasket News
Changes in Croatian A1 league already started. Dubrava is the first team who after two rounds decided to release head coach Tonci Masina. As a reminder, Dubrava is the most pleasant surprise of 07/08. The team has pretty high ambitions for this one and it seems that management of the club is disappointed with 0-2 at the beginning. In the opening round of A1 league Dubrava suffered tight defeat against Dubrovnik on the road 81-84. The bad thing for coach Masina is that his team had to play two consecutive game as a visitor at the very beginning. This week-end Dubrava took on newcomer Trogir facing with another failure. After this round Dubrava is the only winless team. Except of Zabok, who has 2-0, all other teams are on 1-1.
Tonci Masina arrived to Dubrava in 2007. In the past he used to work as an assistant coach in Zrinjevac Zagreb. Most probably the new head coach of the team will be Jaksa Vulic. 44-year old Vullic was released by Cedevita at the beginning of the last season. He spent there the entire 06/07. Before Cedevita, he used to work in Siroki, Hiron Botinec and Zagreb. In 2006 he won Bosnian National Cup with Siroki getting the award 'Eurobasket.com All-Bosnia and Hertzegovina League Coach of the Year -06'. Vulic was a professional player until 1998.

Toulon scrape through to the next Eurochallenge round - by Eurobasket News
Toulon - Cedevita 75:58

Toulon overcame a 10-point deficit to claim a needed a victory over Croatian Cedevita in the first qualifying round of EuroChallenge tournament. Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston) nailed 16 points and dished out 10 assists to pace French team to a 17-point victory that allowed them to sneak into the next round. Ramel Bradley (188-G-85) answered with 21 points for Cedevita. The teams looked evenly matched in the opening period as scoreboard read 15:14 for the hosts after ten minutes of action. Ramel Bradley and Parezonovic put Cedevita in front midway through the second quarter and the visitors maintained the lead throughout the rest of the quarter. Trailing by two points at halftime Toulon had to deny a 12-point deficit at the point. And the home team accomplished the mission. Toulon opened the second half with a 12:0 rally and kept on mounting the pressure. The hosts built an 8-point lead before the final quarter. Draper, Austin Nichols (198-F/G-82, agency: ACMT, college: Humboldt St.) and Masingue extended it to 13 points at the start of the fourth quarter and Toulon enjoyed a needed 13-point advantage. Draper and Masingue consolidated the position of the French side as they widened the gap to 16 points with under 2 minutes left. Milan Parezanovic (210-F/C-75) and Ramel Bradley gave a glimpse of hope for Cedevita but it was erased by free throws from Austin Nichols and dunk from Masingue in the final seconds of the game.
Austin Nichols finished with 21 points for Toulon. Hrvoje Perincic (196-G/F-78) had 13 points and 11 boards, while Darrell Tucker (206-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: USF) delivered 13 points for the winners. Ramel Bradley answered with 21 points for Cedevita.

Toulon: Austin Nichols 21, Dontaye Draper 16+10 assists, Hrvoje Perincic 13+11 boards, Darrell Tucker 13
Cedevita: Ramel Bradley 21, Milan Parezanovic 15

Standings - A2 League
A2 Standings
Group Center
 1. Zrinjevac 0-0 
 2. Fortuna 0-0 
 3. Sisak 0-0 
 4. Maksimir 0-0 
 5. Gorica 0-0 
 6. Hermes Anal. 0-0 
 7. Samobor 0-0 
 8. Rudes 0-0 
 9. Kaptol 0-0 
 10. Sanac Karl. 0-0 
 11. Zorona K. 0-0 
 12. Bosco 0-0 
Group East
 1. Darda 0-0 
 2. Nasice 0-0 
 3. Vukovar 0-0 
 4. Valpovo 0-0 
 5. Virovitica 0-0 
 6. Osijek 2006 0-0 
 7. Djakovo 0-0 
 8. Klasije 0-0 
 9. Belisce 0-0 
 10. Vinkovci 0-0 
 11. Zupanja 0-0 
Group North
 1. Podravac Virje 0-0 
 2. Medjimurje C. 0-0 
 3. Mladost D. 0-0 
 4. Ivancica 0-0 
 5. Graficar 0-0 
 6. Radnik 0-0 
 7. Nedelisce 0-0 
 8. Modeks 0-0 
 9. Cakovec 0-0 
 10. Bjelovar 0-0 
 11. Vindija 0-0 
 12. Petar Zrinski 0-0 
Group South
 1. Pet Bunara 0-0 
 2. Dalvin 0-0 
 3. Cetina 0-0 
 4. Vostarnica 0-0 
 5. Kastela 0-0 
 6. DOSK 0-0 
 7. Klesari Kebo 0-0 
 8. Solin 0-0 
 9. Omis Galeb 0-0 
 10. Mislav 0-0 
 11. Jazine 0-0 
 12. Vodice 0-0 
Group West
 1. Crikvenica 0-0 
 2. Matulji 0-0 
 3. Jadranka 0-0 
 4. Porec 0-0 
 5. Kraljevica 0-0 
 6. Pleter 0-0 
 7. Skrljevo 0-0 
 8. KK Pula 0-0 
 9. Kostrena 0-0 
 10. Torpedo 0-0 
 11. Kastav 0-0 
 12. Puris 0-0 


*****************************************************
  CYPRUS   


Vichy get through in Eurochallenge - by Eurobasket News
Vichy - Seastar Apoel 69:61

French Vichy secured a tough 69:61 win over visiting Apoel to qualify to the next round of EuroChallenge. Vichy entered the game with a 14-point buffer and looked pretty safe. However Cypriot team was not yet ready to surrender. JoJo Garcia (208-C-70, college: Louisville) and Panagiotis Serdaris (195-G/F-74) ensured an early lead for the visitors. Hannah put Apoel up 15:14 midway through the first term but Vichy answered with a three-pointer from David Teague (196-G-83, college: Purdue) to surge ahead. Amadi McKenzie (201-F-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) scored 6 points in a 7:2 run that put Vichy in charge 28:20 after the opening period. The teams slowed down in the second frame as misses and turnovers plagued both sides. Vichy however managed to maintain the lead as they were up 38:32 at the interval. Martin Zeno (196-G-85, college: Texas Tech) and JoJo Garcia cut the distance to just 3 points early in the third period but Apoel then conceded 10 straight points for Vichy to take a sigh of relief. But the close game continued and the visitors trailed by just 3 points before the fourth term. Vichy stayed in front early in the fourth term through baskets from William Gradit (197-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Hill JC) and Shaun Fountain (180-G-78, agency: Duran International, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee). Apoel failed to reignite the intrigue in the final minutes and Vichy secured a hard-fought victory at the end.
David Teague and Shaun Fountain posted 17 points apiece for Vichy. William Gradit added 15 points for the winners. Panagiotis Serdaris answered with 14 points for Seastar Apoel. JoJo Garcia contributed 12 points and 11 boards in the loss.
Vichy is due to face Liege in the second qualifying round of the competition.

Vichy: David Teague 17, Shaun Fountain 17, William Gradit 15
Seastar Apoel: Panagiotis Serdaris 14, JoJo Garcia 12+11 boards

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


Geofin beats Kolin with ease - by David Dousa

Geofin Novy Jicin - BC Kolin 85:69 (28:10, 47:25, 66:43)
Best scorers: Sarovic 19 (5 fouls won, FT 9/9), Postell 17 (7 rebounds), Emanuel Ubilla (188-G-86, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) 15 (5 3pts, 10 assists), Reinberger 11 (7 rebounds), Hajek9 (7 rebounds), Gavlak 8, Pelikan 6 (4 blocked shots) - J.Brown 20 (12 rebounds, 5 fouls won, 5 turnovers), J.Rogers 17 (8 rebounds, 5 blocked shots), Pavlik 11 (6 assists, 3pts 10/1!), J.Novotny 8, Kirsbaum 5, Machac 4, Mihailovic 4

The game was decided in the opening quarter. No matter Geofin was playing with an incomplete roster, having several players injured, it dominated the 1st quarter, winning the period bu 18 points. In the rest of the game, Geofin maintained its safe lead easily. Kolin was very passive, or even naive, producing many unforced errors in the 1st quarter. The Kolin players return back on their track as lately as Geofin slowed down the pace leading by a huge margin. Both teams were equal in rebounding (36:36), Geofin players had worse 2pt percentage, but at three points distance they significantly dominated, in particular thanks to a contribution of Manny Emanuel Ubilla (5/9), and failure of Jan Pavlik (186-G-78, agency: Court Side) (1/10). Kolin had very hard time passing through Geofin's solid defense other than individually. Geofin showed much more team oriented performance.



Nymburk swept Ostrava away - by David Dousa
BK Nova Hut Ostrava - CEZ Basketball Nymburk 53:101 (13:22, 28:54, 42:74)
Best scorers: Arnold 20, Palyza a Stehlik po 8, Dillon 7 - Venta 16, Lee 15, Benda 14, Gray 13, Kremen 11, Chan 10

BK Nova Hut Ostrava, without two key-players Petr Bohacik (202-F-85) and Lukas Prochazka (197-F-82) was able to play a level game against CEZ Basketball Nymburk in the initial 5 minutes of the game, only. After that, the power-house CEZ Basketball Nymburk started to work at the ultimate speed level and BK Nova Hut Ostrava played a submain role in the rest game. The guest ran the scoring engine down to the very end, and finally reached the valued 100 points shortly before the 40th minute of the game ended. Final margin of the game was for BK Nova Hut Ostrava embarassing almost 50 points. Coach of Nykburk Muli Katzurin was happy with the performance, his players showed in the game, and of course also with the final result of the game, indicating nearly perfect performance on both end of the court. Many young players in BK Nova Hut Ostrava squad appreciated a valuable experience fighting in a game against a Eurocup participant. It showed up, what important role in the team belongs to Petr Petr Bohacik, averaging 12.7 ppg and 10.7 rpg this year, so far.

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


Liege advance to the next round - by Eurobasket News
Liege - Bakken Bears 97:64

Liege finalized an impressive win against Bakken Bears at the Eurochallenge contest overcoming the Danish team at home. Having built a comfortable 12-point lead on the road Liege eased to the needed result at home. The hosts opened the game with 10 unanswered points to stun the Bears. But gradually the Bears came back to life and due to buckets from Jamar Nutter (188-G-84, agency: ABE! Sports and Entertainment, college: Seton Hall) and Ivan Miskovic (203-F/C-84, college: Alaska-Fairb.) surged ahead 19:16 late in the first period. Larry Owens (201-G/F-83, college: ORU) and Justin Cage (198-F-85, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Xavier) capped the first quarter with 4 straight points and Bakken enjoyed a 20:19 advantage. The home team went on a 13:0 rally midway through the second frame and Liege cleared off to a 12-point distance. The Belgian team looked solid throughout the third frame keeping the visitors at bay and piled up a 26-point lead before the final term. Bakken never rebounded as they trailed by as many as 30 points midway through the stanza and finally lost the game. Larry Owens paced Liege with 21 points and 9 boards. Justin Cage added 19 points, while Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) had 16 points for the winning team. Jamar Nutter answered with 16 points for Bakken. Ivan Miskovic knocked down 14 points and pulled down 9 rebounds in the loss.
Liege shot impressive 50% from the field and forced the Bears to 21 turnovers down the stretch. Liege will take on Vichy in the second Qualifying round.

Liege: Larry Owens 21, Justin Cage 19, Christopher Hill 16
Bakken: Jamar Nutter 16, Ivan Miskovic 14

Congratulations DBBF. - by Thomas Soltau
With project 'easybasketball' the Danish Basketball Federation (DBBF) should have great success introducing an easy-to-learn version of the game to its youngest youth players and newcomers to basketball.

Eurobasket Denmark is happy to report, that the federation has just received a big grant from the Danish Media-Commitee of Sports as an appreciation of this project.

The project is a great initiative from the new board in the DBBF.

DBBF is doing a good job trying to build a foundation for the general growth of the sport in Denmark, and also putting a much bigger emphasis on the 'talent-work.'

Roskilde signs Mario Brown. - by Thomas Soltau
Roskilde BC has addressed their need for another big guy. After a successful 5-day tryout the team decided to sign forward/center Mario Brown (201-F-84, college: Jacksonville).

The US player impressed head coach and management right from his first practice with the team.

The club consequently released American shooting guard Luke Granato (198-G/F-83, college: Sacred Heart), who returned home this weekend.

Roskilde has been searching for an athletic big-guy to complement their frontline, and a player who will be able to add a defensive presence to the team.

Mario Brown is a tough player around the basket, works for every rebound, is very well coordinated, and has a pretty good mid-range jumper.

He is coming off a good season in Germany with the Bergheim Bandits averaging 17,5ppg, and also participated in this summers Court-Side Camp in Frankfurt.

Brown player should prove to be exactly what Roskilde needs.

*****************************************************
  EBA   


Stats Leaders
EBA Stats Leaders


Standings
EBA Standings
1. Harrisburg H.
2. Alexandria A.
3. Delaware D.
6. Camden Pride 2-1
7. North Jersey 2-5
8. Schuylkill FD 2-6
9. Wilker-Barre B. 0-3


*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE   


Standings
Euroleague Standings
Group A
 1. Olympiakos 0-0 
 2. Unicaja 0-0 
 3. Maccabi T-A 0-0 
 4. Cibona 0-0 
 5. Le Mans 0-0 
 6. Air AV 0-0 
Group B
 1. Panathinaikos 1-0 
 2. Montepaschi 0-0 
 3. Regal Barca 0-0 
 4. Prokom 0-0 
 5. Nancy 0-0 
 6. Zalgiris 0-1 
Group C
 1. Tau 1-0 
 2. DKV Joven. 0-0 
 3. ALBA 0-0 
 4. Lottomatica 0-0 
 5. Olimpija 0-0 
 6. Fener.Ulker 0-1 
Group D
 1. CSKA 1-0 
 2. Real Madrid 0-0 
 3. Efes Pilsen 0-0 
 4. Panionios 0-0 
 5. Partizan 0-0 
 6. Armani MI 0-1 


Panathinaikos batter Zalgiris Kaunas 78-51 in the first official game of the season - by Chris Mammides

Panathinaikos having an amazing first quarter, in reality 15 amazing minutes, Obradovics Greens made a deficit of 24 points against Zalgiris very early in the game and calmed down but the Lithuanians - as always - fought back and with very good air control (during the first half they overcome the Greeks in the rebounds by double score 24-12) and good defense they cut the deficit to just 8 points with Panathinaikos having a 38-30 in half time. In the third quarter the Montenegrin newcomer center Nikola Pekovic took the game personally and with many personal points increase the difference to 65-39 by the end of the third quarter (the biggest difference since the beginning of the game) with Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) scoring 8 points in this period and organizing the game with amazing punctuality, from a very close distance was Antonis Fotsis who scored 8 points too.
The fourth quarter started with Krapikas players trying to make a come-back with Klimavicius but things were really very difficult for the Lithuanians as the level of the two teams was more than obvious, the Lithuanian Jasikevicius together with Fotsis brought the difference to 29 points 70-41, 6 minutes before the end of the game, forcing the Lithuanian Head Coach Krapikas to take his last time out just six minutes before the end of the game with the score being 70-43 with the new basket of Klimavicius who seemed to be the only player that was still playing the game. A three pointer from Hatzivretas brought the difference to its highest difference 77-46, 31 points difference with less than 2 minutes to go. The final winner was obvious the only remaining thing was the final score or even the final difference. The Lithuanians made a 5-1 at the last 75 seconds and were able to cut the deficit to 78-51 which was the final score.
Panathinaikos prove to be a much better team that the Lithuanians and at the same time showed to the Basketball Europe that it will be definitely among the favorite teams for the European title.
The quarters of the game were: 26-11, 38-30, 65-39, 78-51

Top scorer of the game was Dimitirs Diamantidis with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists while Nikola Pekovic scored 14 points.



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


Korisliiga Round: 6 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Korihait - LrNMKY 91-88
Korihait improced to 3-3 in the standings after the win over LrNMKY 91:88. Laroche Alain led the winners with 32 points and Zoller Mark collected 18 points and 12 rebounds.

KTP - Pyrinto 98-91
KTP jumped to 4-1 after a tough home win over Pyrinto 98:91. Makalainen Ville and Smith Steve paced all the winners with 24 points. Harjula Joni had 20 points in the losing effort.

Namika Lahti - FoKoPo 83-75
Namika Lahti remains in top after 83:75 over FoKoPo. Vuori Ilkka led the winners with 22 points, while Jalonen Mikko scored 14 for the visitors.

ToPo - Honka 76-73
ToPo stun Honka 76:73 as Allen James notched 23 points and made 7 rebounds. Spencer Isaac posted 18 and Muurinen Kimmo had the same number of points in defeat.

Kataja - Tarmo 77-83
Tarmo handed Kataja the first 83:77 loss in the league this season. Messy Emmanuel top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 9 boards. Virtanen Petri produced 22 points and 5 assists in the losing effort.

Componenta - Kouvot 84-91
Kouvot increased the record to 4-2 after a road victory over Componenta 84:91. Nuutinen Matti chipped in 15 points, while three other players followed him with 14. Watts Marcus had a great night for the home team scoring 31 points.



KORISLIIGA: Tarmo upset Kataja in Joensuu - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 6: There are no undefeated teams anymore on Top Level in Finland. The last one Kataja (Joensuu) with record 4-0 playing at home tonight
vs visitor Tarmo (Porvoo) (1-4). Kataja had American F Quinnel Brown (198-G/F-83, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Auburn) on injured list (ankle) and American G Ty Harrelson (193-G-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Wayland Baptist) at the end of the bench but not playing (just got fired), and that was too much odds for Tarmo. Tarmo won the second time ever in Joensuu and first time at new Joensuu Arena 77-83 (35-38). Quarters: 16-26, 19-12, 25-18, 17-27. Tarmo had four players in double figures and was led by Emmanuel Messy (201-F-82, college: Seton Hall) (21/9) and Steve Barnes (178-G-82, college: S.Utah) 17/7/6a. Kataja's Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) scored 21 pts - grabbed 11 rbs - and gave seven assists.

There were several close and interesting games on Round 6. In Helsinki ToPo beat Honka (Espoo) 76-73 (35-34). James Allen (194-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Montevallo) scored game high 23 pts for ToPo. In Uusikaupunki hosting Korihait defeated YMCA Lappeenranta also by three 91-88 (42-45). Alain Laroche netted his season high 32 pts. In Kotka local KTP won over Pyrinto (Tampere) 98-91 (53-53). Ville Makalainen (194-F-85) and Steve Smith (200-F-81, agency: CAA Sports, college: Iona) combined 24+24 pts = 48 pts for KTP. In Lahti visitor FoKoPo (Forssa) won the rebounds 25-41, but lost the contest 83-75 (40-37). Ilkka Vuori led Lahti with 22 pts. And in Karkkila Team Componenta lost vs Kouvot (Kouvola) 84-91 (28-54). Marcus Watts (201-F-86, college: Chattanooga) (TC) tallied 31 pts. Kouvot had six players in double figures. Matti Nuutinen (200-F-90) led Kouvot with 15 pts. Three players had 14 pts.

Kataja - Tarmo 77-83 (35-38) (Petri Virtanen 22/5a, Jeremiah Wood 21/11/7a, Sami Lehtoranta 13 - Emmanuel Messy 21, Steve Barnes 17/6a, Mikael Holme 15).

ToPo - Honka 76-73 (35-34) (James Allen 23, Isaac Spencer 18, Eero Lehtinen 13 - Kimmo Muurinen 18, Akeem Scott 17/5a, Ben Perkins 16).

YMCA Lahti - FoKoPo 83-75 (40-37) Ilkka Vuori 22, Ville Vesala 19, Bilal Abdullah 18 - Vincent Hunter 17, Mikko Jalonen 14, Latece William 12/12).

Korihait - YMCA Lappeenranta 91-88 (42-45) (Alain Laroche 32, Mark Zoller 18/12, Bojan Sarvevic 16 - Jerel Blassingame 30/6a, HL Coleman 23/11, Demtrius 15).

Team Componenta - Kouvot 84-91 (28-54) (Marcus Watts 31, Frank Richards 19, Martti Kuisma 10 - Matti Nuutinen 15, Calvin Walls 14, Brian Swift 14).

KTP - Pyrinto 98-91 (53-53) (Ville Makalainen 24, Steve Smith 24, Toni Ilmonen 16 - Joni Harjula 20, Kurtis Rice, Antti Nikkila 18/12).




Standings - Korisliiga
Korisliiga Standings
 1. Lahti 5-1 
 2. KTP 4-1 
 3. Kataja 4-1 
 4. Kouvot 4-2 
 5. Honka 4-2 
 6. Korihait 3-3 
 7. ToPo 2-3 
 8. LrNMKY 2-4 
 9. Tarmo 2-4 
 10. FoKoPo 2-4 
 11. Pyrinto 1-4 
 12. Componenta 1-5 


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


Unicaja outsmarts Le Mans at home - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - Le Mans 84-79

Nice victory by Unicaja Malaga in the Euroleague opening round. It was very exciting game with lot of turns. Unicaja was better in the first half ending it 38-33. At the middle of the second quarter Le Mans grabbed 28-29 thanks to Dewarick Spencer's (193-G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Arkansas St.) basket with a foul. Very soon Robert Jr. Archibald (211-C/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) and Marcus Haislip (207-F-80, college: Tennessee) shined for the hosts leading it to plus 5 after 20 minutes. After Archibald's dunk somewhere at the half way of third stanza, Unicaja set the score on 46-40. Le Mans responded quickly creating 7-0 run closed by a seven-meter triple by David Bluthenthal (202-F-80, college: USC). However, Unicaja managed to take back its led answering with 9-2 run for 55-49. Antoine Diot (192-G-89) stepped up for Le Mans cutting the margin on 4 points before the last frame, 57-53. Game is decided with less than 5 minutes to go as Unicaja reached 73-63 after another Archibald's basket. Le Mans came on minus 4 in the last minute but Marcus Haislip drained a triple sealing the victory of his team. Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) was MVP of the game collecting 14 points and 6 rebounds. Marcus Haislip had 13 points and 7 boards while Robert Jr. Archibald followed scoring 11 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. David Bluthenthal was better than the others in Le Mans adding 19 points. Dewarick Spencer had 14 while Brian Chase (178-G-81, college: Virginia Tech) stopped on 13 points.

Unicaja: Boniface Ndong 14+6 boards, Marcus Haislip 13+7 boards, Robert Jr. Archibald 11+6 boards
Le Mans: David Bluthenthal 19, Dewarick Spencer 14+4 borads, Brian Chase 13

Toulon scrape through to the next Eurochallenge round - by Eurobasket News
Toulon - Cedevita 75:58

Toulon overcame a 10-point deficit to claim a needed a victory over Croatian Cedevita in the first qualifying round of EuroChallenge tournament. Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston) nailed 16 points and dished out 10 assists to pace French team to a 17-point victory that allowed them to sneak into the next round. Ramel Bradley (188-G-85) answered with 21 points for Cedevita. The teams looked evenly matched in the opening period as scoreboard read 15:14 for the hosts after ten minutes of action. Ramel Bradley and Parezonovic put Cedevita in front midway through the second quarter and the visitors maintained the lead throughout the rest of the quarter. Trailing by two points at halftime Toulon had to deny a 12-point deficit at the point. And the home team accomplished the mission. Toulon opened the second half with a 12:0 rally and kept on mounting the pressure. The hosts built an 8-point lead before the final quarter. Draper, Austin Nichols (198-F/G-82, agency: ACMT, college: Humboldt St.) and Masingue extended it to 13 points at the start of the fourth quarter and Toulon enjoyed a needed 13-point advantage. Draper and Masingue consolidated the position of the French side as they widened the gap to 16 points with under 2 minutes left. Milan Parezanovic (210-F/C-75) and Ramel Bradley gave a glimpse of hope for Cedevita but it was erased by free throws from Austin Nichols and dunk from Masingue in the final seconds of the game.
Austin Nichols finished with 21 points for Toulon. Hrvoje Perincic (196-G/F-78) had 13 points and 11 boards, while Darrell Tucker (206-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: USF) delivered 13 points for the winners. Ramel Bradley answered with 21 points for Cedevita.

Toulon: Austin Nichols 21, Dontaye Draper 16+10 assists, Hrvoje Perincic 13+11 boards, Darrell Tucker 13
Cedevita: Ramel Bradley 21, Milan Parezanovic 15

Vichy get through in Eurochallenge - by Eurobasket News
Vichy - Seastar Apoel 69:61

French Vichy secured a tough 69:61 win over visiting Apoel to qualify to the next round of EuroChallenge. Vichy entered the game with a 14-point buffer and looked pretty safe. However Cypriot team was not yet ready to surrender. JoJo Garcia (208-C-70, college: Louisville) and Panagiotis Serdaris (195-G/F-74) ensured an early lead for the visitors. Hannah put Apoel up 15:14 midway through the first term but Vichy answered with a three-pointer from David Teague (196-G-83, college: Purdue) to surge ahead. Amadi McKenzie (201-F-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) scored 6 points in a 7:2 run that put Vichy in charge 28:20 after the opening period. The teams slowed down in the second frame as misses and turnovers plagued both sides. Vichy however managed to maintain the lead as they were up 38:32 at the interval. Martin Zeno (196-G-85, college: Texas Tech) and JoJo Garcia cut the distance to just 3 points early in the third period but Apoel then conceded 10 straight points for Vichy to take a sigh of relief. But the close game continued and the visitors trailed by just 3 points before the fourth term. Vichy stayed in front early in the fourth term through baskets from William Gradit (197-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Hill JC) and Shaun Fountain (180-G-78, agency: Duran International, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee). Apoel failed to reignite the intrigue in the final minutes and Vichy secured a hard-fought victory at the end.
David Teague and Shaun Fountain posted 17 points apiece for Vichy. William Gradit added 15 points for the winners. Panagiotis Serdaris answered with 14 points for Seastar Apoel. JoJo Garcia contributed 12 points and 11 boards in the loss.
Vichy is due to face Liege in the second qualifying round of the competition.

Vichy: David Teague 17, Shaun Fountain 17, William Gradit 15
Seastar Apoel: Panagiotis Serdaris 14, JoJo Garcia 12+11 boards

Cholet Basket wins, ASK Riga advances - by Eurobasket News
Cholet Basket -ASK Riga 75:73

Cholet Basket won game 2 of EuroCup qualifier but allowed ASK Riga to advance due to the first game difference. ASK Riga outscored Cholet Basket in Latvia in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier 69:62. Trailing 16-25 after the opening period the hosts managed to come back into the game and won it. In Game 2 Cholet Basket registered 75:73 victory that was not enough for the total success. De Colo top-scored for the hosts with 12 points, while Randal Falker (201-F-85, college: S.Illinois) and Vincent Grier (195-G/F-83, college: Minnesota) added 11 each. Bruno Sundov (218-C-80) ended up with 26 points and 7 rebounds for Riga as Ricardo Marsh (203-F-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: ODU) scored 14. ASK Riga wins 142-137 on aggregate.
Milutin Aleksic (202-F-82) opened the game for the guests far from the basket. Cholet Basket however won the opening tip and had 15:9 in the middle of the first. Again Milutin Aleksic closed the opening frame for 19:17 for his team. The game was even tougher in the second quarter and the teams remained close to each other. Bruno Sundov sent the teams to the lockers for 39:39.
In the third period it was time for the French team to score the difference they lost in Latvia. Beaubois made it 60:49 that was enough to advance. But, Latvian side was too far to give up. Brewer scored for 61:56 at the end of the third period. Cholet Basket had 5-7 points throughout the last frame, but Riga managed to reduce to two. Mazutis went on a free throw line and made two attempts for 75:73.

Cholet Basket: De Colo 12, Randal Falker 11, Vincent Grier 11
ASK Riga: Bruno Sundov 26+7 rebs, Ricardo Marsh 14, Milutin Aleksic 12

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


Market News - by Moritz Korff
According to the website of the 2. Bundesliga, two teams have added new players to their rosters: Cory Abercrombie (201-F/C, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Pittsburg St.) is the new post player at FC Schalke 04 (Pro A), while Danny Boticki (193-G-81, agency: Heinrich Sports, college: Idaho St.) has joined Pro B-outfit P4two Ballers Osnabrueck.
Abercrombie, a 2007-08 NCAA D2 All-American, posted some outstanding numbers during this past season: 17.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per contest for Pittsburg State. He worked out with Planet Leasing Dombovar KC in pre-season, but did not land a spot on the roster of the Hungarian club.
While Abercrombie is currently in his rookie-season as a pro, Boticki has already played several years in Germany and had stints at Iserlohn, Lich, Mainz and most recently Langen. He averaged 11.8 points, 2.7 assists and 2.6 rebounds for the Giraffes in 2007-08. The former Canadian international will replace Andrew Brown (186-G-82, college: Mercer), who has to go though averaging close to 19 points in the first three games of this current season. According to reports in the local news also Stephane Moris (207-F/C-86, agency: Prime Select Sports) will not stay in Osnabrueck.

Mario Brown (201-F-84, college: Jacksonville) has left Germany and will take his game to Denmark. The power forward who worked out with Essen (2. Bundesliga Pro A) in pre-season and played a single game for GV Waltrop (Regionalliga West) in October has made a deal with Roskilde BC from the first league in Denmark. Meanwhile, Ali Thomas (188-G-79, college: USF) who also stayed at GV Waltrop recently, moved on and is headed abroad. He agreed to terms with an Ukrainian club.

Bundesliga Game Day 6: Paderborn tops Dusseldorf with Wednesday night home win! - by Michael Taylor
Wednesday October 22nd Game Day 6
Paderborn Baskets 91 Dusseldorf Giants 74
Steve Esterkamp scored 30pt as Paderborn earned a convincing 91-74 home win over visiting Dusseldorf Wednesday night at Sportszentrum Maspernplatz in Paderborn. The Baskets raced to a 26-16 lead after 1Q setting the tone for their evening as they built a 51-36 halftime lead. A strong 3Q pushed Paderborn's margin to 75-50 going into the 4th. Along with Esterkamp's excellent performance, guard Lavelle Felton scored 20pt with Reggie Golson and Marius Nolte adding 14pt apiece. Big man Chris Ensminger was a force on the boards ripping down 15 rebounds. Paderborn shot 47% from the floor and made 7 of 19 (38%) from three while Dusseldorf hit 44% from the floor and made 6 of 19 (31%) from beyond the arc. Paderborn enjoyed advantages from the foul line converting 22 for 31 (71%) to Dusseldorf's 6 of 13 (46%) and on the boards outrebounding the Giants 47-32. Brendan Winters, Matt Lottich and Pete Campbell all scored 14pt for Dusseldorf. Head Coach Doug Spradley and his Paderborn team upped their record to 2-4 while Dusseldorf fell to 3-2.

Bundesliga Game Day 6 continues Thursday when Eisbaren Bremerhaven visit Artland Arena for a terrific matchup of northern rivals followed by a complete schedule of games this weekend!

*****************************************************
  GREECE   


Panathinaikos thrash Zalgiris 78-51 - by Chris Mammides

Panathinaikos having an amazing first quarter, in reality 15 amazing minutes, Obradovics Greens made a deficit of 24 points against Zalgiris very early in the game and calmed down but the Lithuanians - as always - fought back and with very good air control (during the first half they overcome the Greeks in the rebounds by double score 24-12) and good defense they cut the deficit to just 8 points with Panathinaikos having a 38-30 in half time. In the third quarter the Montenegrin newcomer center Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86) took the game personally and with many personal points increase the difference to 65-39 by the end of the third quarter (the biggest difference since the beginning of the game) with Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) scoring 8 points in this period and organizing the game with amazing punctuality, from a very close distance was Antonis Fotsis who scored 8 points too.
The fourth quarter started with Krapikas players trying to make a come-back with Klimavicius but things were really very difficult for the Lithuanians as the level of the two teams was more than obvious, the Lithuanian Jasikevicius together with Fotsis brought the difference to 29 points 70-41, 6 minutes before the end of the game, forcing the Lithuanian Head Coach Krapikas to take his last time out just six minutes before the end of the game with the score being 70-43 with the new basket of Klimavicius who seemed to be the only player that was still playing the game. A three pointer from Hatzivretas brought the difference to its highest difference 77-46, 31 points difference with less than 2 minutes to go. The final winner was obvious the only remaining thing was the final score or even the final difference. The Lithuanians made a 5-1 at the last 75 seconds and were able to cut the deficit to 78-51 which was the final score.
Panathinaikos prove to be a much better team that the Lithuanians and at the same time showed to the Basketball Europe that it will be definitely among the favorite teams for the European title.
The quarters of the game were: 26-11, 38-30, 65-39, 78-51
Top scorer of the game was Dimitirs Diamantidis with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists while Nikola Pekovic scored 14 points.

On behalf of the Lithuanians the ex red Woods scored 17 points



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


PromotieDivisie Scores Week 5: No more undefeated teams! - by Terry Cooper

Week 5 in the Promotie was a turning point for some teams and a wake up call for others as the race to the playoffs is beginning to be a tight race from start to finish. EBBC2 kept the Red Giants winless by winning 99-78 while VBC Akrides cruised by Punch 80-68. GOBA edged the Cangaroes 85-78 while De Pigeons stole a victory on the road over De Groene Uilen 77-65. Leiden2 punished Landstede2 at home 88-71 and Initial High Five won on the road against BV Rooi 86-72. Finally MyGuide2 gave MSV their first loss of the season by coming from behind in the last seconds of the game winning 69-66 thanks to a 3pt basket by Hicham Kherrazi (-88) to give MyGuide a 67-66 lead with 12 seconds remaining. MSV had a final chance to win the game but fell short. Early in the season, there are alot of surprises brewing up from teams of the past. Inital High Five is making a statement as well as newcomers GOBA. Although the season is early, its going to be a battle to the end to see who will be the champion of the PromotieDivisie. Stay tuned...

Week 5 Scores:


EBBC2 - Red Giants 99-78
VBC Akrides - Punch 80-68
MyGuide2 - MSV 69-66
Goba - Cangeroes 85-78
Groene Uilen - Pigeons 65-77
Leiden2 - Landstede2 88-71
BV Rooi - High Five 72-86



Eiffeltowers silence Kormend in Eurochallenge - by Eurobasket News
Eiffeltowers - Kormend 113:100

Eiffeltowers Den Bosch secured the victory over Kormend in the first qualifying round of the Eurochallenge and advanced to the next stage of the tournament. The Dutch powerhouse entered the game having a 17-point advantage before Kormend. However it was threatened in the first period of the game. The Hungarian team played an aggressive basketball early in the clash encounter and denied 5 points of the buffer. George Banks (202-C/F-72, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: UTEP) and Manix Auriantal (187-G-80, college: NYIT) teamed up for 22 points for Kormand as they visitors grabbed a 28:23 lead after the starting stanza. However Eiffeltowers quickly came back to life in the second frame. They tightened the defense and looked sharper offensively. The hosts went on a 21:3 run to enjoy an 11-point lead midway through the period. Aarts and Dean Oliver (180-G-78, college: Iowa) finalized the first half with 4 points and Eiffeltowers had a 59:44 advantage at the sides change. The Dutch team stayed in front throughout the third frame and ensured a 15-point cushion before the fourth stanza. Kormend had little chances for success here and just managed to claim 100 points at the end.
Anthony Richardson (201-F-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: Florida St.) tallied 27 points and 8 boards for Den Bosch. Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota) added 15 points, while Devonne Giles (203-F-83, college: Texas Tech) and Dean Oliver provided 14 points apiece for the winning team. Manix Auriantal answered with game-high 28 points for Kormend. George Banks and Zbigniew Bialek (203-F-82, agency: AB Agency) posted 19 points apiece in defeat.
Eiffeltowers will battle against Amak from Macedonia in the next qualifying round.

Eiffeltowers: Anthony Richardson 27, Jerome Beasley 15, Devonne Giles 14, Dean Oliver 14+10 assists
Kormend: Manix Auriantal 28, George Banks 19, Zbigniew Bialek 19

*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


Kormend: Eurochallenge is over! - by Tamas Deri
The team of Kormend lost the second game against Eiffel Towers too, and did not get into the next round of Eurochallenge.

The Hungarian team started the game very well, Auriantal and Banks scored 23 points in 10 minutes, so the guests were up by 5 points after the first quarter. The home team played a more aggressive defense in the 2nd 10 minutes and kept the guests on 16 points, who were not able to stop the Americans of Den Bosh. The Hungarian team could not get closer even with the great performance of Gergely Fodor and Zbigniew Zbigniew Bialek (203-F-82, agency: AB Agency) in the second half and lost by 13 points.

EIFFEL TOWERS DEN BOSCH (dutch) - POLAROID-LAMI-VED KORMEND 113-100
(23-28, 36-16, 29-29, 25-27)
Hertogenbosch, Att.:1.500, Referees: Mattioli (italian), Wilkinson (english), Herbersson (icelandic)
DEN BOSCH: Oliver 14/3, Frederiks, 5/3 Akerboom 3, GILES 14/6, BEASLEY 15, RICHARDSON 27/6, JACKSON 11/9, Aarts 13, DOWNEY 9/3, Steenvorde 2, Coach: Randy Wiel
KORMEND: Manix Auriantal (187-G-80, college: NYIT) 28/12, Gergely FODOR 14/6, Hegedus, George Banks (202-C/F-72, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: UTEP) 19/9, Zbigniew Bialek 19/12, McCullough, Vavra, Fodor M. 8/3, Toth G.5, Kocsis T. 5/3, Keresztes 2, Coach: Krivacevic Dragoljub

Ronnie Taylor in Szolnok - by Tamas Deri
The management of Szolnok was looking for a replacement as american guard Donald Wilson will not be able to play for 4-5 weeks due to one injury and signed Ronnie Taylor (187-G-81, college: NC-Greensboro) for one month. The 187 cm tall combo guard was already in Europe, working out in Trier, Germany. Taylor graduated on the University NC-Greensboro in 2004 and played his first european with Heidelberg in the second division of Germany and averaged 23 points per game. After his great rookie season in Germany he spent one more year in the same division with Jena, before getting signed with Trier in the Bundesliga. He left in December 2006 and got back to the second league again, he finished the season with Kaiserslautern. Last season he played for Etendard de Brest 22 games in the Pro B in France and averaged 16.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.7apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 80.5%.

Kelley's three at buzzer decided the game! - by Tamas Deri
It was a very tied game between Pecs and Sopron last night, but american guard Thomas Kelley (188-G-76, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: Michigan St.) took the shoot from the middle line and the home team won the game by 3 points.

It seems, that the team of Sopron will be fighting hard for one position under the best 8, the three foreigners on the guard spots seems to be very strong on offense.

Pecsi VSK-Panthers Soproni Sordogok 88-85
(19-31, 25-17, 21-21, 23-16)
Pecs, Att.: 1.800, Referees: Foldhazi, Hegedus, Kiss L.
Pecsi VSK-Panthers: Kelley 22/3, Aleksic 8/6, Denes 11/9, Grebenar 5/3, Czigler 2, Bencze 15, Wittmann 9/6, Spivey 10/6, Toth N. 6, Coach: Stojan Ivkovic
Soproni Sordogok: Cruz 9, David Brooks (191-G-82, college: Niagara) 22/15, P.J. Couisnard (193-G/F-84, college: Wichita St.) 22/9, Krtelyesi 6, Milan Csorvasi (209-F/C-88, agency: FCM) 19, Boldizsar, Vesztergom 2, Ljubojevic, Halmai 5/3, Coach: Meszlenyi Robert

*****************************************************
  IRAN   


Iran Div1 First Week Results... - by Mohammad Ahmadi


Standings - Superleague
Superleague Standings
 1. Zob Ahan 0-0 
 2. Gorgan 0-0 
 3. Petrochimi 0-0 
 4. Azad 0-0 
 5. Mahram 0-0 
 6. Ararat 0-0 
 7. BEEM 0-0 
 8. Shiraz a.s 0-0 
 9. Aboomoslem 0-0 
 10. Kordestan 0-0 
 11. Langeroud 0-0 
 12. Shahrekord 0-0 


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


Montepaschi too strong for Asseco Prokom - by Eurobasket News
Montepaschi Siena - Asseco Prokom 80-71

Fourth victory by the hosts today belongs Montepaschi Siena, who outplayed Polish champion Asseco Prokom. MVP of the game was Lithuanian Ksistof Lavrinovic, who nailed 13 points and grabbed same number of rebounds for the winning team. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) was the top scorer in Siena with 15 points, while another Lithuanian Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) also was good netting 13. Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) helped Italian champion with 11 points and 7 assists. Asseco Prokom was a far away from the victory despite 25 points by David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis). Polish team also got 15 points and 7 boards from Ronnie Burrell (204-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Greensboro).
Montepaschi Siena took this one without any extra effort. After opening ten minutes it was 22-14. Until the half time Prokom succeeded to come just on 43-36. Montepaschi totally took control on Prokom in third frame reaching the biggest lead 58-42. At that point of game it was clear that visitors won't have any chance until the end. Actually Ronnie Burrell scored 7 consecutive points closing the gap on 9 but two Lithuanians stepped up for their team, what was enough for the first Euroleague joy this season. Montepaschi's players made pretty good 12 of 25 attempts from behind the arc. Italian champ also had 4 rebounds more than Prokom, 41-37.

Montepaschi: Henry Domercant 15, Ksystof Lavrinovic 13+13 boards, Rimantas Kaukenas 13, Terrell McIntyre 11+7 as
Asseco Prokom: David Logan 25+4 as, Ronnie Burrell 15+7 boards

CSKA blasts AJ Milano in Moscow - by Eurobasket News
CSKA Moscow - AJ Milano 90-64

Reigning Euroleague champion proved its quality and highest ambitions this season totally smashing AJ Milano in Moscow. Russian team was absolutely fantastic in the first quarter. Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, college: Duke) opened the game in style draining long-range stroke followed by another one by Terence Morris (206-F-79, college: Maryland). Langdon took care for his second triple setting the score on 12-4. AJ Milano struggled a lot at the offensive end scoring just 6 points with less than a minute to go in the first frame. Terence Morris shined once again and together with Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) and Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) created 10-0 run for 22-6. Fortunately to Italians, Marco Mordente (191-G-79) made it from behind the arc for minus 13. Nothing has changed after that. J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell) and Nikos Zisis (195-G-83) joined Trajan Langdon and other above mentioned players leading CSKA to excellent 49-27 at the half time. AJ Milano improved in the second half but it was too late for them. Russian giant managed to extend its lead even more closing the first Euroleague game this season with plus 26. Trajan Langdon poured in 18 points for 24:29 making 4 of 5 attempts from behind the arc. Nikos Zisis also was on fire missing only once. He got 15 minutes scoring 15 points. J.R. Holden finished the game with 13 points and 5 assists while Slovenian Erazem Lorbek had one point less. Pape Sow (208-F-81, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) and Jobey Thomas (193-G-80, college: Charlotte) netted 12 points each for AJ Milano.

CSKA Moscow: Trajan Langdon 18, Nikos Zisis 15, J.R. Holden 13+5 as, Erazem Lorbek 12+4 boards
AJ Milano: Pape Sow 12+4 boards, Jobey Thomas 12, David Hawkins (193-G-82, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) 11+6 boards, Marco Mordente 11

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


Cholet Basket wins, ASK Riga advances - by Eurobasket News
Cholet Basket -ASK Riga 75:73

Cholet Basket won game 2 of EuroCup qualifier but allowed ASK Riga to advance due to the first game difference. ASK Riga outscored Cholet Basket in Latvia in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier 69:62. Trailing 16-25 after the opening period the hosts managed to come back into the game and won it. In Game 2 Cholet Basket registered 75:73 victory that was not enough for the total success. De Colo top-scored for the hosts with 12 points, while Randal Falker (201-F-85, college: S.Illinois) and Vincent Grier (195-G/F-83, college: Minnesota) added 11 each. Bruno Sundov (218-C-80) ended up with 26 points and 7 rebounds for Riga as Ricardo Marsh (203-F-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: ODU) scored 14. ASK Riga wins 142-137 on aggregate.
Milutin Aleksic (202-F-82) opened the game for the guests far from the basket. Cholet Basket however won the opening tip and had 15:9 in the middle of the first. Again Milutin Aleksic closed the opening frame for 19:17 for his team. The game was even tougher in the second quarter and the teams remained close to each other. Bruno Sundov sent the teams to the lockers for 39:39.
In the third period it was time for the French team to score the difference they lost in Latvia. Beaubois made it 60:49 that was enough to advance. But, Latvian side was too far to give up. Brewer scored for 61:56 at the end of the third period. Cholet Basket had 5-7 points throughout the last frame, but Riga managed to reduce to two. Mazutis went on a free throw line and made two attempts for 75:73.

Cholet Basket: De Colo 12, Randal Falker 11, Vincent Grier 11
ASK Riga: Bruno Sundov 26+7 rebs, Ricardo Marsh 14, Milutin Aleksic 12

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


Lietuvos Rytas fall to Golden State in exhibition game - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas - Golden State 106:126

Golden State finished their preseason campaign with a high-flying win over Lithuanian Lietuvos Rytas 126:106 at the Oracle Centre yesterday. Stephen Jackson (202-F-78, college: Butler County CC) fired 28 points to lead the Warriors as they improved to 4-2 record in preseason. He ignited a decisive rally in the third term that put the hosts up for good.
The home team lead by just two points after the opening stanza but managed to clear off in the second frame. Kelenna Azubuike (196-G/F-83, college: Kentucky) and Brandan Wright (206-F-87, college: N.Carolina) scored 7 points each in the stanza and the distance grew to 20 points at halftime. However Lietuvos Rytas found the answer. They opened the third frame with a 15:2 surge that reignited the intrigue.
The hosts then addressed to Stephen Jackson. The Warriors shooting guard drained 4 three-pointers in the period and knocked down 16 points and Golden State entered the fourth term ahead by 17 points. The visitors failed to overcome the deficit and lost the game at the Oracle Centre.
Corey Maggette (198-G-79, college: Duke) nailed 17 points for Golden State. Kelenna Azubuike and Brandan Wright added 15 points apiece for the winners. Chuck Eidson (201-F-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) answered with 28 points, 9 boards and 8 assists for Lietuvos Rytas. Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina) contributed 22 points and 8 rebounds in the loss. The Warriors dominated the boards 42:36 and forced Rytas to 27 turnovers down the stretch.

Lietuvos Rytas: Chuck Eidson 28, Marijonas Petravicius 22
Golden State: Stephen Jackson 28, Corey Maggette 17, Kelenna Azubuike 15, Brandan Wright 15

PAO devastates Zalgiris in Athens - by Eurobasket News
Panathinaikos - Zalgiris 78-51

Greek champion Panathinaikos trashed Lithuanian champ Zalgiris in Athens with plus 27. PAO's fans had an opportunity to watch their team shining in the Euroleague opening round. Greek powerhouse controlled rhythm of the game from the very beginning. After just 10 minutes Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) and his teammates created fantastic 15-point lead. Visitors were totally shocked but they somehow managed to improve their game in the second stanza. Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) gave his best helping his team to cut the margin on 8 points until the half time 38-30. Players of head coach Zeljko Obradovic showed up after the breather demonstrating strong willingness to resolve question about the winner as soon as possible. Zalgiris tried to do something with zone defense but Dimitris Diamantidis and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) knew how to punish them. Everything resulted with magnificent 27-9 in third frame, after what the only question was will PAO stop on plus 16 or its players want more. Dimitris Diamantidis top-scored for the winners draining 15 points. Center Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 14 for just 14:25 in the game, while Antonis Fotsis and Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) had 10 points apiece. Lithuanian champion got 17 points and impressive 16 boards from Loren Woods (213-C-78, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Arizona). Dainius Salenga was behind him with 11 points and 4 rebounds. Wonderful performance by the host team while visitors will have to work a lot during the following 7 days as they will host Italian champ Montepaschi Siena in the next round.

Panathinaikos: Dimitris Diamantidis 15, Nikola Pekovic 14, Antonis Fotsis 10+6 boards, Mike Batiste 10+4 boards
Zalgiris: Loren Woodss 17+16 boards, Dainius Salenga 11+4 boards

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


Standings - LNBP
LNBP Standings
Northern Division
 1. Soles 13-2 
 2. Tecos UAG 12-2 
 3. Fuerza R. 9-5 
 4. Bravos 9-5 
 5. Algodoneros 9-5 
 6. Corr.Victoria 7-7 
 7. Lobos Grises 7-7 
 8. Galgos T. 6-8 
 9. Lobos UAC 6-8 
 10. Dorados 4-10 
 11. Venados 3-11 
 12. Potros 3-12 
Southern Division
 1. Halc. Xalpa 14-0 
 2. Barreteros 11-3 
 3. Bucaneros 9-5 
 4. Panteras 8-6 
 5. Santos 8-6 
 6. Halc. Cordoba 7-6 
 7. Halc. Rojos 7-7 
 8. Lechugueros 5-8 
 9. Loros C. 4-10 
 10. Pioneros 4-10 
 11. Angeles 3-11 
 12. Estrellas 0-14 


*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO   


Standings - 1B
1B Standings
 1. Ljubovic 1-0 
 2. Niksic Bonus 1-0 
 3. Teodo Tivat 1-0 
 4. Un.Mediteran 1-0 
 5. Mornar Bar 1-0 
 6. Centar B.Polje 0-1 
 7. S.Centar 0-1 
 8. Gorstak 0-1 
 9. Kotor 0-1 
 10. Zeta 0-1 


MNT 1B Round 1 resutls - by Dragan Scepanovic

In Niksic OCT18 : Bonus Niksic 2 - Gorstak Kolasin 64-57
In Podgorica OCT19 : University of Mediteran - Zeta Golubovci 117-69
In Tivat OCT19 : Teodo Tivat-KK Kotor 101-46
In B.Polje OCT 19 : Centar B.Polje - KK Mornar Bar II 74-84
In Podorica OCT20 : Ljubovic Podgorica - Studentski Centar Podgorica 88-71



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


Lietuvos Rytas fall to Golden State in exhibition game - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas - Golden State 106:126

Golden State finished their preseason campaign with a high-flying win over Lithuanian Lietuvos Rytas 126:106 at the Oracle Centre yesterday. Stephen Jackson (202-F-78, college: Butler County CC) fired 28 points to lead the Warriors as they improved to 4-2 record in preseason. He ignited a decisive rally in the third term that put the hosts up for good.
The home team lead by just two points after the opening stanza but managed to clear off in the second frame. Kelenna Azubuike (196-G/F-83, college: Kentucky) and Brandan Wright (206-F-87, college: N.Carolina) scored 7 points each in the stanza and the distance grew to 20 points at halftime. However Lietuvos Rytas found the answer. They opened the third frame with a 15:2 surge that reignited the intrigue.
The hosts then addressed to Stephen Jackson. The Warriors shooting guard drained 4 three-pointers in the period and knocked down 16 points and Golden State entered the fourth term ahead by 17 points. The visitors failed to overcome the deficit and lost the game at the Oracle Centre.
Corey Maggette (198-G-79, college: Duke) nailed 17 points for Golden State. Kelenna Azubuike and Brandan Wright added 15 points apiece for the winners. Chuck Eidson (201-F-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) answered with 28 points, 9 boards and 8 assists for Lietuvos Rytas. Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina) contributed 22 points and 8 rebounds in the loss. The Warriors dominated the boards 42:36 and forced Rytas to 27 turnovers down the stretch.

Lietuvos Rytas: Chuck Eidson 28, Marijonas Petravicius 22
Golden State: Stephen Jackson 28, Corey Maggette 17, Kelenna Azubuike 15, Brandan Wright 15

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


Orange picks up 6-10 recruit Baye Moussa Keita - by Eurobasket News
Steve Smith has tutored over a half-dozen players from Senegal in his nearly 20 years as the coach at Oak Hill Academy, a basketball powerhouse tucked away in tiny Mouth of Wilson, Va.

There was Makhtar Ndiaye, who went on to to play at the University of North Carolina. Jules Camara played at Kentucky. Abdou Diame played at Auburn. And, of course, there was DeSagana Diop, who went straight from Oak Hill to the NBA. Smith thinks Baye Moussa Keita, a 6-foot-10 junior, might be the best Senegal native to play at Oak Hill.

As a player, hes probably a little bit ahead of all of them, Smith said Tuesday. Hes a legit 6-10, he runs like a deer and hes very skilled. Hes going to be a very good player.

On Tuesday, Smith confirmed that Keita would play for Syracuse University, beginning with the 2010-11 season. Keita becomes the third player from the high school Class of 2010 to commit to Syracuse. He joins C.J. Fair, a 6-8 forward from Baltimore, and Dion Waiters, a 6-3 guard from Life Center Academy in Burlington, N.J.

Keitas ranking on most of the recruiting Web sites is either very low or even nonexistent because he has been in the United States for such a short time.

In April, Keita played in the 2008 Jordan Brand Classics International Game at Madison Square Garden. The game featured underclassmen from around the world. He was one of just two African players selected from a pool of over 100 participants in the Basketball Without Borders clinic in South Africa in 2007 to play in the International Game.

In August, Keita participated in the Nike Global Challenge in Portland, Ore. Keita came to school in America as a result of the SEEDS Foundation. Established in 2003, SEEDS, which stands for Sports for Education and Economic Development in Senegal, has placed promising athletes at high schools or colleges in the United States.

In September, Keita enrolled at Oak Hill Academy. Smith said Syracuse assistant Rob Murphy came to see Keita that same month and has been actively recruiting him since.

Hes a very good student, Smith said of Keita. Every kid Ive had from Senegal was bright, but they didnt all speak English very well when they first got here. Baye speaks fluent English, which has made the transition easier for him.

The three commitments from the Class of 2010 bring the number of recruits in Syracuses pipeline to five. In the current senior class, Syracuse has commitments from 6-4 guard Brandon Triche of Jamesville-DeWitt High School and James Southerland, a 6-6 wing from New York City who is attending Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Mass.

Keita is Syracuses fifth recruit from Oak Hill Academy. Other Syracuse players who attended Oak Hill include Carmelo Anthony, Billy Edelin, Dayshawn Wright and current SU junior Eric Devendorf.

An article on the SEEDS Web site said Keita is nicknamed Rigueur which is French for tough. The name refers to his tough attitude on the basketball court. Hes an athletic-looking kid, Smith said. He probably weighs about 225 pounds. Hes better facing the basket than he is with his back to the basket right now, but I think hell develop a post-up game.

Courtesy of http://www.syracuse.com

Spinal injury sidelines D'Andre Bell for season - by Eurobasket News
Georgia Tech senior Dandre Bell (6'5''-G/F) will miss the 2008-09 season due to a congenital condition known as spinal stenosis, head coach Paul Hewitt announced Wednesday.

The 6-6 guard from Los Angeles, Calif., discovered the condition after he hit his head on a teammate's leg diving for a loose ball during a conditioning workout on Oct. 10, and felt numbness in his extremities. Tuesday, Bell was examined by Dr. John Heller, a world-renowned spine surgeon at the Emory Orthopedic and Spine Center, and was told at that time he would not be able to continue to play basketball.

The stenosis is located in the cervical portion of Bell's spine. Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord. Bell, who played in all 32 games last year and earned a reputation as a stout defender for the Yellow Jackets, will need surgery to correct the problem. The timetable for that has yet to be determined.

'It hurts not to be able to play,' said Bell, who would have been the team's captain this season. 'But I know God has a plan for me, and I need to do what is best for my future. My focus now will be on making sure I do what I need to do academically to finish up in the spring. I have to have the surgery whether I want to play again or not, so I probably will do that during winter break.'

Dr. John Xerogeanes, Georgia Tech's team orthopedist, said, 'It's necessary for his quality of life, whether he plays basketball again or not, to have the surgery.'

A Management major, Bell is on track to graduate in four years in May. He averaged 6.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game last year, and has played in 88 games in three seasons for the Yellow Jackets.

Hewitt said, 'We're very disappointed for D'Andre. At the same time, however, he was fortunate to have caught this before something catastrophic happened on the court.'

Courtesy of http://ramblinwreck.cstv.com

*****************************************************
  PALESTINE   


Day 5: Orthodoxi Bethlehem win their second game & De La Salle still has hope for the 2nd round - by Tamara Awartani

De La Salle vs. Catholic Action 84 77
A very competitive game since it gives the winner a possible spot on the 2nd round.
1st quarter was on a slow pace, tension showed on both teams, De La sale lead it 19-16. Catholic action took the lead in the 2nd quarter, started a faster pace, driving to the basket, 3points shooting specially Shadi Bahnan from Catholic Action (12points in this quarter) and rebounding resulting in 26-19. De La Salle got more focused in the 3rd quarter, playing on a faster pace, penetration , passing leading 23-13. 4th quarter was breathtaking, close all through it, but tension was clear on Catholic action players who made 11 fouls where De La Salle players were calmer, leading 23-22.
De La Salle best players were Fadi Yaghmour, Tawfiq Richard Rafidi, Labib Faidi, Elie Nassrawi, Sari Amer
Catholic Action Players were Shadi Bahnan, Motaz Jawareesh, Yassin Sharabati, George Qanawati, Iyad Nassar, Joudeh Salibi,

Orthodoxi Bethlehem vs. Al Bireh 108 84
A strong proof game that Orthodoxi Bethlehem are capable of being amongst the first division teams.
Orthodoxi started off strong by leading the 1st quarter 32-12, penetrating, and 3points shooting while Al Bireh only started their focus & started playing in the 2nd quarter but Orthodoxi kept the lead 25-18, while in the 3rd quarter Al Bireh kept on fighting to take the lead 30 22 and giving Orthodoxi a hard time to lead the 4th quarter and winning, 29 24.
Orthodoxi best players were Jared Soles (3point shooter), Ibrahim AlBandak, Bassem Freij, Osama Abu Jaber, Basheer Shatara, Awad AlHreimi, Khader Jackman, David Tabash
AlBireh best players were Foad Jarrar, Shadi Bajjali, Ahmad Awadallah, Alfred Khoury

Day 6 - 22/10 Games: Thaqafi Beit Sahour vs. Orthodoxi Beit Jala 80 68, Ibdaa Dheisheh (won) vs. Orthodoxi Beit Sahour , Details to follow

Day 7- 23/10 games: De La Salle vs. Qalandia at 6pm, Catholic Action vs. Ibdaa Dheisheh at 8

Standings - Men
PBBA Standings
 1. Takafi 2-0 
 2. Bethlehem 2-0 
 3. Arab Orthodox 1-1 
 4. De La Salle 1-2 
 5. Celisian 0-0 
 6. Orthodox 0-0 
 7. Hawar 0-0 
 8. Hathen 0-0 
 9. Al Fara 0-0 
 10. Aramax Serria 0-0 
 11. Ania or Wadi J. 0-0 
 12. Ebal 0-0 
 13. Oscar Camp 0-0 
 14. Islami 0-0 
 15. Balata 0-0 
 16. Jensafot 0-0 
 17. Terrasanta 0-0 
 18. Al Ahli 0-0 
 19. Al Bira 0-3 
 20. Catholic Action 0-3 


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  PBL   


Last player signings - by Gianni Pascucci
The Augusta Groove announced the signing of guard Randy Gill (6'2''-G-78, college: Bowie St.), who played last season with the PBLs Maryland Nighthawks were he set records for most points scored in a regular season game (45) and most points scored in a playoff game (38). Gill is a streetball phenom, known for his amazing balll handling and incredible shooting. The Manchester Millrats announced the addition of another player to their quickly growing roster, shooting guard Alex Owumi (6'4''-G-84, agency: Passing Lane). Owumi, who hails from Boston, began his collegiate career as a Georgetown Hoya before transferring to the Community College of Rhode Island, and then eventually landing at Alcorn State. He averaged 14.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season for the Braves.

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  POLAND   


Wojcik comes back to Poland - by Filip Stanczyk
Adam Wojcik (207-F-70, agency: Beo Basket), the legend of Polish basketball, comes back to Poland to join PGB Basket Poznan. 38-year old power forward started negotiations after it was announced, that his former team - Capo d'Orlando is being relegated from the league. For a long time everybody expected Wojcik to go to Slupsk, to play in Energa Czarni, but maybe due to the coach change, Slupsk stopped being the aim of him. Finally, he decided to join team from Poznan, and most likely this decision was dictated by the fact of their trainer - Eugeniusz Kijewski, who was Wojcik's coach over the few years before emigration to Italy. The new PBG Basket's player will be their most valuable one for sure. Poznan doesn't play well this season and Wojcik is definitely their big hope for better.

Montepaschi too strong for Asseco Prokom - by Eurobasket News
Montepaschi Siena - Asseco Prokom 80-71

Fourth victory by the hosts today belongs Montepaschi Siena, who outplayed Polish champion Asseco Prokom. MVP of the game was Lithuanian Ksistof Lavrinovic, who nailed 13 points and grabbed same number of rebounds for the winning team. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) was the top scorer in Siena with 15 points, while another Lithuanian Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) also was good netting 13. Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) helped Italian champion with 11 points and 7 assists. Asseco Prokom was a far away from the victory despite 25 points by David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis). Polish team also got 15 points and 7 boards from Ronnie Burrell (204-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Greensboro).
Montepaschi Siena took this one without any extra effort. After opening ten minutes it was 22-14. Until the half time Prokom succeeded to come just on 43-36. Montepaschi totally took control on Prokom in third frame reaching the biggest lead 58-42. At that point of game it was clear that visitors won't have any chance until the end. Actually Ronnie Burrell scored 7 consecutive points closing the gap on 9 but two Lithuanians stepped up for their team, what was enough for the first Euroleague joy this season. Montepaschi's players made pretty good 12 of 25 attempts from behind the arc. Italian champ also had 4 rebounds more than Prokom, 41-37.

Montepaschi: Henry Domercant 15, Ksystof Lavrinovic 13+13 boards, Rimantas Kaukenas 13, Terrell McIntyre 11+7 as
Asseco Prokom: David Logan 25+4 as, Ronnie Burrell 15+7 boards

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  RUSSIA   


CSKA blasts AJ Milano in Moscow - by Eurobasket News
CSKA Moscow - AJ Milano 90-64

Reigning Euroleague champion proved its quality and highest ambitions this season totally smashing AJ Milano in Moscow. Russian team was absolutely fantastic in the first quarter. Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, college: Duke) opened the game in style draining long-range stroke followed by another one by Terence Morris (206-F-79, college: Maryland). Langdon took care for his second triple setting the score on 12-4. AJ Milano struggled a lot at the offensive end scoring just 6 points with less than a minute to go in the first frame. Terence Morris shined once again and together with Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) and Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) created 10-0 run for 22-6. Fortunately to Italians, Marco Mordente (191-G-79) made it from behind the arc for minus 13. Nothing has changed after that. J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell) and Nikos Zisis (195-G-83) joined Trajan Langdon and other above mentioned players leading CSKA to excellent 49-27 at the half time. AJ Milano improved in the second half but it was too late for them. Russian giant managed to extend its lead even more closing the first Euroleague game this season with plus 26. Trajan Langdon poured in 18 points for 24:29 making 4 of 5 attempts from behind the arc. Nikos Zisis also was on fire missing only once. He got 15 minutes scoring 15 points. J.R. Holden finished the game with 13 points and 5 assists while Slovenian Erazem Lorbek had one point less. Pape Sow (208-F-81, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) and Jobey Thomas (193-G-80, college: Charlotte) netted 12 points each for AJ Milano.

CSKA Moscow: Trajan Langdon 18, Nikos Zisis 15, J.R. Holden 13+5 as, Erazem Lorbek 12+4 boards
AJ Milano: Pape Sow 12+4 boards, Jobey Thomas 12, David Hawkins (193-G-82, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) 11+6 boards, Marco Mordente 11

CSK Samara inks Andrew Sullivan - by Eurobasket News
CSK Samara announced signing of forward Andrew Sullivan (203-F-80, college: Villanova). Player of Great Britain National Team shined during the EuroBasket 2009 qualifications helping his country to make great success. He appeared 6 times for GB averaging 7.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.2 apg. Previous season he played Dexia Mons-Hainaut adding 9.1 ppg and 4.6 rpg in 12 FIBA EuroCup games. At the same time he collected 8 ppg and 3.9 rpg for 35 games in Belgian D1. His team was so close to reach at least one trophy but that didn't happen. They participated in the final of FIBA EuroCup as well as in the final of Belgian Cup. In domestic championship Mons stopped in the semifinals. Before Mons, Sullivan was a member of DKV Joventut, Newcastle Tigers and Eiffel Towers. With Joventut he had about 3.5 ppg and 1.7 rpg in both, ACB and Euroleague. With the Tigers Sullivan was British BBL champion twice, 2005 and 2006. At his second year he also won British Cup. In 2006 he participated at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne with British National Team. Andrew Sullivan graduated on Villanova University in 2003. He recorded 5.1 ppg and 4.6 rpg in his senior year.

Oostende sent the first victim out of EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Base BC Oostende -BC Triumph Lyubertsy 81:69

Base BC Oostende sent their first victim out of the EuroCup defeating BC Triumph Lyubertsy at home in Game 2. Belgian squad won 81:69 in Oostende of EuroCup Qualifying Round 1. Rashid Atkins (182-G-75, agency: Interperformances, college: St.Joseph's) led the winners with 26 points and 8 assists. Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida), Ivan Paunic (194-G-87) and Matt Haryasz (210-C-84, agency: Octagon, college: Stanford) all added 14 points. Nenad Krstic (214-C-83) top-scored for the Russian team with 19 points, while Marcus Goree (201-F-77, agency: Passing Lane, college: W.Virginia) posted 14. Base BC Oostende wins 159-147 as a total of two games.
Belgian team survived in the opener of EuroCup Qualifying Round 1. Base BC Oostende tied the game in Russia against the favorite BC Triumph Lyubertsy. The latter has a fabulous roster this season but could not win at home, 78:78. Base BC Oostende looked better at home and opened the game with 19:15 in the opening quarter. An 8-0 run in the beginning of the second lifted them up to 27:15 as they never looked behind after. Ivan Paunic kept the hosts in front at 39:35 at the halftime. In the third period Bellin scored a three-pointer for 53:42, but Marcus Goree closed the frame at 58:55. Rashid Atkins started the last spurt for the hosts in the middle of the fourth period giving his team 72:62. It was him again to score at the end for 81:68.

Base BC Oostende: Rashid Atkins 26+8 ast, Jimmy Baxter 14, Ivan Paunic 14, Matt Haryasz 14
BC Triumph Lyubertsy: Nenad Krstic 19, Marcus Goree 14

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  SEBL   


Dean re-signs with Kentucky of the CBA... - by David Archer
High-Scoring Guard returns to CBA for another season...

Cartersville, GA - Long-time SEBL Summer Pro League star Mike Dean (6'2''-G-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Middle Tenn.St.) has re-signed to play in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) with the Kentucky Miners for the upcoming season. Dean finished the season with Kentucky last season, after playing for the Silverados of Rio Grand Valley, where he was leading the CBA in scoring. Once traded to the Miners, Dean shared the ball with a talented group of scorers en route to a play off appearance. Dean has spent much time playing in the SEBL Summer Pro League with the ServPro-1 and ServPro-2 squads over the years, earning several League MVP Honors. He has also logged time for the Cartersville-Baseline Warriors entry into the World Basketball Association's spring pro league.

Below is a link to the story which was posted regarding Dean's re-signing with the Kentucky Miners...

http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3730971

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  SENEGAL   


Diagne Moussa tried in EuroCup qualifier - by Eurobasket News
Moussa Diagne (203-F/C-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Furman) tried in EuroCup qualifier for his german team. Greek Panellionis however won the opener of EuroCup Qualifying Round 1 in Athens. The home side beat German Telekom Baskets 69:54. It was Brandon Bowman to give his team the first lead in the game. Panellionis however replied with seven consecutive points for 7:2 spurt. Greek side pushed the tempo and was too good for the opponent in the opening quarter. Anthony Grundy closed the frame at 29:14 from far behind the basket. The second period became more defensive in the half and both teams scored only 21 points together. Panellionis had 11:10 in it and led to 40:24 at the halftime when Jurica Golemac made a free throw. In the third period German squad looked better in the court and it was time when they started to cut the margin. After 19-11 in the frame Flomo made 51:43 after thirty minutes in the game. With more strength to go Greek side increased the lead in the last period. After 57:48 Panellionis suggested a 6-0 for 63:48. Brandon Bowman was the last to score in the game for the final 69:54 score. Moussa Diagne ended up with 2 points and 1 steal.
Last night Panellionis won the second leg of EuroCup Qualifying Round 1 in Germany. Telekom Baskets won the opening quarter, but nothing more and allowed Greek team to win 70:85. Panellionis wins 154-124 on aggregate. Telekom Baskets opened Game 2 with 4 consecutive points and had 14-2 in the beginning. It was almost enough for the total success, but the German side could not hold the lead. Panellionis climbed to 24:18 closing the first frame. The things got worse for the hosts when Panellionis reduced to 40:36 at the halftime. In the third frame Greek side took the full control of the game and scored 30 points in the quarter. Papamakarios made it 66:59 after 30 minutes and the winner was known. Strasser was the last to score in the game for 70:85 Greek success.

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  SERBIA   


Vojvodina tests Brokenborough, Zvezda celebrates in Kraljevo - by Dragan Jankovski
After signing of Charron Fisher (193-G/F-85, agency: CAA Sports, college: Niagara), Vojvodina Srbijagas currently tests another American Rasheed Brokenborough (191-G-77, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Temple), who plays on position 1/2. Brokenborough spent last season in Italian Scavolini averaging 5.8 ppg, 1.6 rpg and 1.1 apg in 34 games. On season 06/07 he was a member of Tofas Bursa having much better digits. He appeared 30 times in TBL adding 15.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.8 apg. Except of these two teams, Brokenborough also played for Ventspils, Maccabi Givat Shmuel and Kapfenberg. With Austrian team he won domestic championship three times. In 2006 Brokenborough done the same but with Ventspils in Latvia.

Crvena Zvezda played a friendly (charity) game against Masinac in Kraljevo celebrating 91-80. Belgrade's team took this one thanks to well played first and third quarter (21-29, 22-29). One of the Serbian top prospects Marko Keselj (206-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) once again shined in Crvena Zvezda draining 24 points. American Lawrence Roberts (205-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.) had 15 while Bosnian Elmedin Kikanovic (206-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) stopped on 10 points. As usually, Uros Mirkovic (205-F/C-82, agency: Beo Basket) was the best in Masinac, This time he counted until 24. Nikola Tutus (202-F/C-85) was behind him with 16 points. It is interesting that Zvezda's coach Svetislav Pesic visited Kraljevo after almost 20 years.

Gilic in Radnicki, Vucicevic leaves Vizura - by Dragan Jankovski
Veteran Aleksandar Gilic (207-C-69) agreed terms with Radnicki Belgrade, the team which competes in Serbian third division. Radnicki is one of the main candidates for the promotion in B league. 38-year old veteran supposed to play this season in Bulgarian team Balkan Botevgrad but he left it due to Balkan's serious financial troubles. It is not sure yet will Balkan compete in Bulgarian top division this year. Gilic started 07/08 in Bosnian team Leotar Trebinje but he left it in December. Next month he agreed terms with Cypriot InterCollege Etha Engomis, where he played 2 games averaging just 2 ppg and 2 rpg. In the past Gilic used to play for Crvena Zvezda, IMT, Radnicki, Buducnost Podgorica, Partizan and Zito Vardar. In 1999 he won Yugoslavian National Cup with Partizan Belgrade. Later he was a member of Pivovarna Lasko, Igokea and Bamberg. Interesting is that from 2001 to 2007 he did not play but he decided to reactivate last year joining Leotar Trebinje. In 1994 Gilic was member of Yugoslavian National Team.

Milan Vucicevic (206-F/C-85, agency: Promotex) is no longer a member of Serbian A1 team Vizura from Belgrade. He had temporarily contract with Vizura, which expired last week. He played 3 games for Belgrade's team averaging 7.3 ppg, 3 rpg and 1.3 bpg. 23-year old big guy arrived to Vizura from Ukrainian team Budivelnik Kyiv. In the past he also played for Greek A2 team Age Halkidas as well as for Unia Tarnow, Ribnica and Masinac Kraljevo.

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  SPAIN   


Unicaja outsmarts Le Mans at home - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - Le Mans 84-79

Nice victory by Unicaja Malaga in the Euroleague opening round. It was very exciting game with lot of turns. Unicaja was better in the first half ending it 38-33. At the middle of the second quarter Le Mans grabbed 28-29 thanks to Dewarick Spencer's (193-G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Arkansas St.) basket with a foul. Very soon Robert Jr. Archibald (211-C/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) and Marcus Haislip (207-F-80, college: Tennessee) shined for the hosts leading it to plus 5 after 20 minutes. After Archibald's dunk somewhere at the half way of third stanza, Unicaja set the score on 46-40. Le Mans responded quickly creating 7-0 run closed by a seven-meter triple by David Bluthenthal (202-F-80, college: USC). However, Unicaja managed to take back its led answering with 9-2 run for 55-49. Antoine Diot (192-G-89) stepped up for Le Mans cutting the margin on 4 points before the last frame, 57-53. Game is decided with less than 5 minutes to go as Unicaja reached 73-63 after another Archibald's basket. Le Mans came on minus 4 in the last minute but Marcus Haislip drained a triple sealing the victory of his team. Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) was MVP of the game collecting 14 points and 6 rebounds. Marcus Haislip had 13 points and 7 boards while Robert Jr. Archibald followed scoring 11 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. David Bluthenthal was better than the others in Le Mans adding 19 points. Dewarick Spencer had 14 while Brian Chase (178-G-81, college: Virginia Tech) stopped on 13 points.

Unicaja: Boniface Ndong 14+6 boards, Marcus Haislip 13+7 boards, Robert Jr. Archibald 11+6 boards
Le Mans: David Bluthenthal 19, Dewarick Spencer 14+4 borads, Brian Chase 13

Bennett retires!! - by Natxo Mendaza
After a long and succesful career in Spanish ACB League, Elmer Bennett (183-G-70, college: Notre Dame) decided to quit from professional basketball as he officially announced on Tuesday. According to his words, Bennett decided to leave because he felt he 'couldn't help team as he would like to'. Bennett joined Cajasol last season, and extended his contract this summer. Unfortunately, the good results the team got in the second round of last season couldn't be repeated in the beginning of the current one. Cajasol is 0-4 right now, and stays at the bottom of the ACB standings despite of a several important reinforcements like Triguero, Savanovic or Pecile. Bennett stated that 'I always wondered when this thing would happen. Especially after my stage in Vitoria, I always said to myself that I would keep playing as long as I enjoyed basketball like the first day. But now, I feel that I'm not able to help my teammates as I would like to. Helping my team has been my main responsibility for my whole career, but now I know I'm not doing it at 100%. I don't want to be in any team when I know my level is under the minimum level I demand to myself. I don't want to stay if I cannot help my team'.

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  SURINAM   


Randamie Sergio participated in EuroCup qualifier - by Eurobasket News
de Randamie Sergio participated in EuroCup qualifier for his Dutch EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam. At first his team beat BC FMP Zeleznik in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier. The capital of Hollabd saw 66:60 tough win but the second game will be decisive. Dragan Labovic scored the first five points in the game for 5-0 run. The hosts replied with 6-0 and Harrison made it 6:5. It was him again to close the opening quarter at 19:17. Trailing 19:20 in the beginning of the second frame EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam created a 8-0 run for 27:20. Greene with a three sent the teams to the lockers for 37:27 advantage.
The hosts kept 10-point lead in the third period and had 55:45. It was Protic from the arc to be the last in the third period scorer. Samardziski reduced to 59:56 in the end of the game but EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam made the margin a bit bigger. The final score saw the hosts celebrating 66:60 victory. de Randamie Sergio scored 4 points and made 2 rebounds.
BC FMP Zeleznik overcame EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam 83:67 to advance to the next stage of their EuroCup qualifier. Serbian team was too good from the start and made the difference for the positive outcome. BC FMP Zeleznik wins 143-133 as a total in two games. BC FMP Zeleznik opened it with 16:13 as Nemanja Protic made two free throws at the end. A 7-0 from the start in the second was a good continuation of the run that lifted the hosts up. Again Nemanja Protic closed the half at 38:29 that at that time saw Serbian team in the next stage. A 23-12 in the third period brought 61:41 after three quarters. Dragan Labovic's three was the last in the period as Serbian side started to celebrate. EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam reduced to minus 15 but could not come closer. de Randamie Sergio ended up with 3 assists and 1 rebound. BC FMP Zeleznik overcame EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam 83:67 and advanced to the next stage of their EuroCup qualifier.

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  SWEDEN   


Boras handed Uppsala Basket the first loss - by Eurobasket News
Round 5 brought another five games in the Swedish league. Boras Basket handed Uppsala Basket the first loss as in another four games the hosts tied the guests 2-2.
Boras Basket overcame Uppsala Basket 70:64 as Ryan McDade top-scored for the winners with 18 points. Michael Kingma (210-C-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy) posted 15 and Dennis Springs had 13. Thomas Jackson struggled in defeat with 20 points.
Sundsvall Dragons beat Gothia Basket 84:75 due to the second and third periods. Michael Palm led the winners with 21 points, while Antonio Kellogg (190-G-85, college: USF) added 19. Ian Johnson (206-F-84, college: Davidson) ended up with 17 points in the losing effort.
Jamtland Basket won over 08 Stockholm Human Rights 72:66 trailing after the first half. Tyrone Levett (195-G/F-80, college: Alabama St.) and Andrew Mitchell combined 46 points for the winners. Mikael Lindquist finished the night with 15 points for the visitors.
Solna Vikings improved to 4-1 after a road win over Helsingborgs BK 57:63. In a team game Peter Bogner (198-G-80) and Jermaine Flowers enjoyed 13 points each for the guests. Johan Akesson (209-C-84) top-scored for the hosts with 24 points.
Norrkoping Dolphins won over Plannja Basket 82:98 away from home. Kenneth Grant paced all the winners with 17 points, Fred Drains and Joakim Kjellbom each added 15.

Sundsvall Dragons - Gothia Basket 84 - 75 (24 - 24, 22 - 15, 18 - 14, 20 - 22)
Sundsvall: Michael Palm 21, Antonio Kellogg 19, Adam Alexander 18, Olivier Ilunga 12, Aki Ulander 8, Terry Flanagan 6.
Gothia: Ian Johnson 17, Emil Salon 15, Jonathan Moore 13, Benson Callier 12, Kim Palmqvist 6, Brandon Barton 6, Markus Lenngren 4, Michael Bree 2.

Boras Basket - Uppsala Basket 70 - 64 (22 - 21, 21 - 15, 10 - 15, 17 - 13)
Boras: Ryan McDade 18, Michael Kingma 15, Dennis Springs 13, Toni Caktas 12, Christopher Anrin 9, Jonas Larsson 3.
Uppsala: Thomas Jackson 20, Mindaugas Budzinauskas 14, Giedrius Jankauskas 10, Jeff Horowitz 8, Danny Gathings 5, Jonathan Robinson 4, Marko Djuric 2, Anton Gaddefors.

Jamtland Basket - 08 Stockholm Human Rights 72 - 66 (18 - 16, 15 - 18, 20 - 16, 19 - 16)
Jamtland: Tyrone Levett 26, Andrew Mitchell 20, Tommy Johnson 8, Egal Saleman 5, Anton Sawstrom 5, Joakim Eriksson 2, Bjrn Larsson-Hillgren 2, Stefan Hellgren 2, Francis Odada 2.
08 Stockholm: Mikael Lindquist 15, Roderick Earls 14, Nashid Beard 11, Johan Westerlund 11, Joakim Blom 6, Nils Hedstrm 5, Darly Massamba 4.

Helsingborgs BK - Solna Vikings 57 - 63 (11 - 11, 9 - 18, 21 - 14, 16 - 20)
Helsingborg: Johan Akesson 24, Srdjan Vukovic 13, Mattias Gransson 6, Jens Stalhandske 4, Rikard Flink 4, Jonas Christensen 2, Joe Leguia 2, Serabilo Boucari 2.
Solna: Peter Bogner 13, Jermaine Flowers 13, Saulius Dumbliauskas 11, Joseph Taylor 9, Juha Sten 8, Martin Pahlmblad 6, Lesli Myrthil 2, Willy Beck.

Plannja Basket - Norrkoping Dolphins 82 - 98 (15 - 21, 19 - 28, 22 - 22, 26 - 27)
Plannja: John Rosendahl (203-F/C-77, college: Wyoming) 21, Anthony Bethel 18, Christopher Ryan 16, Jim Enbom 10, David Hult 8, Hkan Larsson 6, Adam Ronnqvist 3.
Norrkoping: Kenneth Grant 17, Fred Drains 15, Joakim Kjellbom 15, Pedro Clpriano 14, Joel McNaull 11, Andrew Pleick 9, David Bergstrm 8, Anton Saks 4, Pontus Krantz 3, Mikko Riipinen 2.

Stats Leaders - Basketligan
Basketligan Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Tyrone Levett 24.8
2 Andrew Mitchell 22.6
3 George Gervin 22.5
4 Johan Akesson 19.25
5 Jonathan Moore 19.0
Rebounds Per Game
1 Ryan Mc Dade 11.6
2 Pedro Cipriano 9.25
3 Jonathan Moore 8,50
4 Michael Palm 8,40
5 Nashid Beard 7,80
Assists Per Game
1 Michael Bree 7,25
2 Hakan Larsson 6,60
3 Dennis Springs 6,40
4 Thomas Jackson 5,50
5 Olivier Tshitenge 4,60
Steals Per Game
1 Antonio Kellogg 3.75
2 Min. Budzinauskas 3.3
3 Olivier Ilunga 3
2FGP
Christopher Ryan, 70,6
Fred Drains,69,6
Giedrius Jankauska 68,2
3FGP
Emil Salon,70,6
Fred Drains, 63,6
Christopher Anrin, 62,5
Free Throws
George Gervin 94,4
Thomas Jackson, 93,3
Jermaine Flowers, 91,7


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  TPBL   


CHAPARRALS TO HOST : MEET THE CHAPS NIGHT - by Chris Cardenas

SAN ANGELO,TX - The San Angelo Chaparrals want to welcome the people of west texas for their first 'open to the public' workout for the upcoming 2009 season on wednesday Nov.26 at 7:00 pm as they will have 'MEET THE CHAPS NIGHT' . The Chaps are trying to make their way back to the TPBL title game and want to bring the areas best basketball fans with them. The open workout will be free to the public with free drinks, and door prizes which include chaparrals gear and season tickets for every chaps game. Everyone is welcome to watch the chaps practice which will include conditioning and shooting drills as well as a team scrimmage. for more information on the chaparrals call: 325-763-6630

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  TURKEY   


Antalya hold off Spartak at home - by Eurobasket News
Antalya - Spartak Pleven 89:70

Turkish Antalya ensured they advanced to the next round of EuroChallenge as they beat visiting Spartak Pleven yesterday. Antalya enjoyed a 4-point cushion before the home contest and looked pretty safe. However some anxiety occurred when Spartak jumped to an early lead and maintained it throughout the first period. Sasa Topchov (207-C-80) knocked down 8 points and Spartak led 20:17 at the first intermission. Todorov and Dimitrov extended the visitors lead to as many as 7 points midway through the second quarter. Umit Turkoglu (211-C-81, agency: 1x1 Sports) stepped up for the hosts at the moment as exploded with 6 points and ignited a 16:4 run that put Antalya up by 8 points at halftime. Victor King (196-G-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Texas A&M) nailed 9 points in the third quarter to help Antalya to enlarge their dominance. The hosts were up by 15 points before the fourth term putting Spartak into dead end. The Bulgarian team never rebounded and dropped the game at the end.
Victor King fired 21 points for Antalya. Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, agency: Passing Lane, college: Providence) contributed 16 points, while Michael Green (185-G-85, college: Towson) contributed 14 points and 8 assists for the winners. Sasa Topchov answered with 14 points for Spartak. Hrisimir Dimitrov (197-G/F-74, agency: Interperformances) finished with 12 points, 7 boards and 6 assists in defeat.
Antalya will next face German Skyliners. The teams will tip off the series on November 4 in Frankfurt.

Antalya: Victor King 21, Marcus Douthit 16, Michael Green 14
Spartak: Sasa Topchov 14, Hrisimir Dimitrov 12

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


2008-09 San Antonio Spurs Preview - by David Edole
By John McMullen, NBA Editor
(Sports Network) - Tim Duncan (208-F-76, college: Wake Forest), Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker are still the nucleus of the San Antonio Spurs and it's an odd year.

In case you are wondering, that's a good thing. The Spurs' last three championship rings came in 2003, 2005 and 2007.

Gregg Popovich's trio of stars are truly battle tested and still have the desire and skill to compete with anyone in the league.

Ginobili led the Spurs, who won more than 50 games for a ninth straight time last year, in scoring (19.5 ppg), while All-Star forward Duncan posted a team-best 11.3 rebounds per game and Parker handed out a club-high 6.0 assists per contest.

The Spurs will continue to go only as far as Duncan, Ginobili and Parker can take them. Ginobili, however, will be sidelined until January with an injured ankle.

After first hurting the ankle in last year's playoffs, the swingman tried to give it a go for Argentina in the Beijing Olympics only to aggravate the injury. He finally elected to have surgery in September, leaving the Spurs without his late game skills early in the season.

Popovich does have a solid supporting cast as well. Defensive stopper Bruce Bowen performs the dirty work and Michael Finley adds veteran savvy in the backcourt while Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto are serviceable up front.

A veteran club that is built to win now, San Antonio, which lost to the Lakers in the Western Conference finals last year, is primed for another run at the top.

2007-08 Results: 56-26, lost to LA Lakers in Western Conference finals.

ADDITIONS: Malik Hairston (G) - Trade with Phoenix; Roger Mason (G) - Free Agent; Salim Stoudamire (G) - Free Agent; Anthony Tolliver (F) - Free Agent.

SUBTRACTIONS: Brent Barry (G) - Signed with Houston.

RE-SIGNINGS: Michael Finley (F/G), Kurt Thomas (F).

2008 DRAFT PICKS: 1.(26) George Hill (G, IUPUI); 2. (45) Goran Dragic (G) - Traded to Phoenix; 2. (57) James Gist (F, Maryland).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE:

PG- Tony Parker SG- Michael Finley SF- Bruce Bowen PF- Tim Duncan C- Fabricio Oberto

KEY RESERVES: Matt Bonner (F); Manu Ginobili (G); George Hill (G); Roger Mason (G); Salim Stoudamire (G); Kurt Thomas (C/F); Ime Udoka (F)

FRONTCOURT: Duncan is still playing at a high-level but the Spurs like to limit him to about 32-to-34 minutes a night. A wonderful low-post player, rebounder and defender, about the only hole you can find in Duncan's game is his free throw shooting.

Bowen is aging but he's still one of the best on-ball defenders in basketball and gets under the skin of the opposition with his unwillingness to let up at any time. Bowen has also made himself into a solid, weak side three point threat.

Oberto was up to 20 minutes a game last year and shot over 60 percent from the floor. A skilled player, Oberto has turned into a solid role player playing next to Duncan.

BACKCOURT: Parker has always had amazing quickness that enables him to get to the rim at will. He's also improved his jumper to the point that you can't sag off of him defensively, making him one of the best point guards in the game.

'He's definitely improved on his jump shot, and he'll improve another step this year,' Popovich said. 'It's a matter of confidence at that position, and understanding what the defense is giving you.'

Finely, who lost about 20 pounds in the offseason, is aging but still has the ability to score and defend, helping the Spurs become the most balanced group in the league.

BENCH: You all know the cliche. It's not who starts, it's who finishes and Ginobili is the Spurs' best finisher but he will be sidelined for two months thanks to a left ankle injury. Any time you have a leg injury on a player that relies on his quickness and driving ability, you have to be concerned and the Spurts will be holding their collective breath, hoping the old Ginobili shows up in January.

Thomas is a veteran big men that brings tough interior defense and good rebounding off the bench.

The Spurs drafted George Hill and would like to see him take some of the backup point guard minutes away from Jacque Vaughn; They also brought in Roger Mason as a free agent in case Finley slips.

Salim Stoudamire is another option for Popovich in the backcourt but has been hampered by a strained right groin in the preseason.

OUTLOOK: This may be the last hurrah for this group.

While San Antonio focused on getting younger and more athletic in the offseason with Mason, Hill and Stoudemire, this is still a veteran driven team. The core stars are clearly aging but if Duncan and Parker stay healthy and Ginobili returns at a high level, expect the usual odd year championship in the Alamo City.

'Things may work out for us and they may not, but we want to give ourselves the best opportunity we can,' Popovich said.

2008-09 Phoenix Suns Preview - by David Edole
By John McMullen, NBA Editor
(Sports Network) - (Sports Network) - With former head coach Mike D'Antoni now in New York, the Phoenix Suns will change their style of play under new mentor Terry Porter.

The highest-scoring team in the NBA over the last four seasons, the Suns will now try to reverse course and attempt to finish atop the defensive statistics, while using a more conventional offensive attack.

The 45-year-old Porter, who spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach in Detroit, has experience as a head man but was just 71-93 in two years as the coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Porter did guide Milwaukee to the playoffs in 2004, however, where it was eliminated in five games by the Pistons.

On the floor, the Suns are built to win now with aging center Shaquille O'Neal and star point guard Steve Nash as two of their main pieces to the puzzle.

Amare Stoudemire led the team in scoring (25.2 ppg) and rebounds (9.1 rpg) last year, while Nash, a two-time MVP, averaged 16.9 points and league-best 11.1 assists per game.

Usually when you decide to make a move at the top you want a change in philosophy and Porter, a hard-nosed defensive coach, certainly offers that.

The D'Amtoni 'seven seconds or less' days are certainly over in the Valley of the Sun.

'I will be hands-on when it comes to the defense,' Porter said at his introductory press conference. 'When you talk about defense, there's got to be a desire there, and there's got to be a lot of repetition.'

2007-08 Results: 55-27, lost to San Antonio in first round of playoffs.

ADDITIONS: Louis Amundson (F) - Free Agent; Matt Barnes (F) - Free Agent; Goran Dragic (G) - Trade with San Antonio; Sean Singletary (G) - Trade with Houston.

SUBTRACTIONS: Sean Marks (C) - Signed with New Orleans; Brian Skinner (F) - Signed with LA Clippers; D.J. Strawberry (G) - Traded to Houston.; Gordan Giricek (G) - Signed to play in Turkey.

2008 DRAFT PICKS: 1. (15) Robin Lopez (C, Stanford); 2. (48) Malik Hairston (G, Oregon) - Traded to San Antonio.

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE:

PG- Steve Nash SG- Raja Bell (196-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) SF- Grant Hill PF- Amare Stoudemire C- Shaquille O'Neal

KEY RESERVES: Leandro Barbosa (G); Matt Barnes (F); Boris Diaw (F/C); Robin Lopez (C/F); Alando Tucker (F); Goran Dragic (G)

FRONTCOURT: Entering his 17th NBA season, O'Neal's best days are clearly long gone but his intimidating presence in the middle is still an asset for the Suns. 'The Big Aristotle,' who was acquired from Miami last season for Marcus Banks and Shawn Marion, has gone out of his way to laud the Phoenix training staff for making his body feel good and that is a big key, If O'Neal can stay on the floor for 30 minutes a night, you have to feel he's still good for a daily double-double and a couple of blocks per game.

Stoudemire has fully bounced back from 2005 microfracture knee surgery and regained his status as one of the best offensive big men in the league. The 6- foot-10, 250-pounder combines rare athleticism with a brilliant mid-range jumper. On defense, Stoudemire is a bit of a gambler, a trait D'Antoni loved but Porter will try and curb.

Grant Hill is just a shadow of his former self as numerous injuries have robbed him of much of his explosiveness. But, when on the floor, the former Duke star can be still be effective thanks to his high basketball IQ.

BACKCOURT: Nash is no longer the best point guard in basketball but he hasn't slipped much. A superlative ball-handler with an innate sense of the floor, Nash has an uncanny ability to take over games. When his teammates are struggling he can take over offensively. When they have a hot hand, Nash inevitably gets them the ball in the right spot. That said, defense has never been his strong point and Porter wants to change the philosophy in Phoenix so it will be interesting to see how he and Nash get along.

Raja Bell is the one guy who should embrace Porter. A self-made player, Bell actually made his bones in the NBA as a defensive specialist under Larry Brown in Philadelphia so you can bet Porter will latch on to him as a point man for his defensive scheme.

BENCH: You can't count on Hill but Porter has no worries because Leandro Barbosa is one of the best sixth men in the league. In D'Antoni's high-octane offense, Barbosa put up nearly 16 points a night but Porter won't mind sacrificing some of that if Barbosa can use his athleticism on the defensive end.

Matt Barnes, who was signed as a free agent from Golden State, has a live body and will do the dirty work Porter wants. He is a perfect fit for the system Porter wants to implement.

Boris Diaw is not as important with O'Neal on board and Stoudemire healthy but he is a nice insurance policy to have. He has a nice touch on the offensive end and can keep the ball moving with his passing skills.

Alando Tucker is an interesting player for Porter because he offers the ability to have a solid defender on the wing.

The 22-year-old Goran Dragic may be the point guard of the future in the desert. The Slovenian is much more comfortable running the floor, however, and will need to learn how to execute in the half court.

Rookie center Robin Lopez is raw but offers size, defense and shot-blocking ability.

OUTLOOK: Phoenix will be one of the league's most compelling teams to watch as they continue to make the transition from run-and-gun team to a grind it out, defense first club.

You have to expect hiccups but there is too much talent on this team to forecast a precipitous downfall.

'Look at the people on this team,' Porter said. 'Do you think we're going to have trouble scoring? I don't think so. When we have our team on the floor and we are comfortable with what we're doing, the points are going to come.

'Once we get to the point where everyone is healthy and our defense is on track, the points will be the natural byproduct. Our defense will help us get in open-court situations, and we have the weapons in the half court to score and get great opportunities.'

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  UKRAINE   


Mykolaiv unable to stop Skyliners - by Eurobasket News
Skyliners - Mykoliav 76:70

Frankfurt Skyliners dealt with Mykolaiv in the opening round of the Eurochallenge tournament. After a confident 7-point win away from home Skyliners confirmed the strength at home. Young and ambitious Mykolaiv had little chances against experienced Skyliners as the hosts got to a confident start and controlled the tempo. Simmons and Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.) gave Skyliners a 13:2 lead midway through the first term. Ilian Evtimov later knocked down his second three-pointer in the game to make it 25:11 for the German side. However Sergiy Gladyr (196-G/F-89) and Gilyevych answered with 5 straight points and Mykolaiv trailed 16:25 at the first break. Michal Hlebowicki (204-F-76), Sergiy Gladyr and Gilyevych trimmed the distance to 5 points at the start of the second frame. The visitors fought bravely but Skyliners stayed alert and built a 13-point advantage at the interval.
Sergiy Gladyr nailed 9 points for Mykolaiv in the third frame to keep the Ukrainian team within striking distance. Skyliners led by just 4 points before the fourth term and nothing was obvious in this one. Vladyslav Tonchenko (185-G-89) and Igor Silkovskyi (194-G-85) shaved the deficit to 2 points early in the final stanza. However King dunked it home and Robinson hit from downtown for Skyliners to steal the momentum. Mykolaiv just managed to cut the distance to 3 points but they got no closer and the hosts posted the victory at the end.
Ilian Evtimov dropped 17 points for Skyliners. Pascal Roller (180-G-76) had 13 points, while Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) secured 13 points and 10 boards for the winners. Sergiy Gladyr fired 24 points for Mykolaiv. Michal Hlebowicki added 22 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.
Skyliners will face Antalya in the next round.

Skyliners: Ilian Evtimov 17, Pascal Roller 13, Derrick Allen 13+10 boards
Mykolaiv: Sergiy Gladyr 24, Michal Hlebowicki 22

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  UNITED KINGDOM   


CSK Samara inks Andrew Sullivan - by Eurobasket News
CSK Samara announced signing of forward Andrew Sullivan (203-F-80, college: Villanova). Player of Great Britain National Team shined during the EuroBasket 2009 qualifications helping his country to make great success. He appeared 6 times for GB averaging 7.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.2 apg. Previous season he played Dexia Mons-Hainaut adding 9.1 ppg and 4.6 rpg in 12 FIBA EuroCup games. At the same time he collected 8 ppg and 3.9 rpg for 35 games in Belgian D1. His team was so close to reach at least one trophy but that didn't happen. They participated in the final of FIBA EuroCup as well as in the final of Belgian Cup. In domestic championship Mons stopped in the semifinals. Before Mons, Sullivan was a member of DKV Joventut, Newcastle Tigers and Eiffel Towers. With Joventut he had about 3.5 ppg and 1.7 rpg in both, ACB and Euroleague. With the Tigers Sullivan was British BBL champion twice, 2005 and 2006. At his second year he also won British Cup. In 2006 he participated at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne with British National Team. Andrew Sullivan graduated on Villanova University in 2003. He recorded 5.1 ppg and 4.6 rpg in his senior year.

Prince to Reign On Court Again - by Andy Webb
Reigning BBL league champions Newcastle Eagles have been handed a significant boost after Prince Charles Smith (198-F-75, college: Rider) was finally given the all clear to return to action.

The forward who is a hugely popular figure with the fans has been left frustrated on the sidelines for the first month of the new campaign waiting for confirmation from the Home Office that he has gained British citizenship.

After several months of waiting, Smith eventually got the paperwork he needed last weekend and the club have since been able to register him with the governing body and the league in time for him to line-up for this weekends important double-header with Sheffield Sharks and Worcester Wolves.

The news of Smith now being eligible to play was greeted with delight by player-coach Fab Flournoy who claimed.

Charles is a veteran of this team and has been one of the biggest factors in our success during the last few years. To have him back on board and available is tremendous for me as a coach, for the team and we know that our fans love him too.

He has been practising with us, knows our system inside out and from that standpoint, integrating him back into our team shouldnt be too much trouble although we have to be mindful that we make sure we build on what we have achieved so far.

As a veteran in this league, his experience will be a huge bonus for us.

Managing Director Paul Blake meanwhile added,

I guess it has been frustrating for everyone and not least Charles himself who just wants to play basketball and that is understandable. It has taken maybe longer than we had initially thought it would but all that is important is that the situation has been resolved. I know that the supporters will give Charles a great ovation when he finally steps out onto court against Sheffield and that is something to look forward to.

Getting any player back into the team that knows the club, the way we play and of course has experience of winning plenty of trophies had to bode well for the rest of the season as we hope to continue to compete for silverware and build on our recent success.

Newcastle Eagles host Sheffield Sharks at the MetroRadio Arena this forthcoming Friday 24th October. Tip-off is at 7.30pm

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  URUGUAY   


The leader Atenas was defeated by Olimpia - by Hector Lopez
Atenas maintained the first position although it was beaten by Olimpia 104-90 during the 17th round of the Uruguayan League. The results and import players numbers wereas follows:
Olimpia 104 - Reque Newsome (203-C-82, college: S.Indiana) 15 points 9 rebounds, Greg Dilligard (203-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International) 9 and 3
Atenas 90 Marques Lewis (203-F-83, college: UAB) 12 and 5
- - -
Bohemios 74 - Gilsinho de Jesus (195-F/G-79, college: Kansas St.) 15 and 4, Albert Burditt (203-F-72, college: Texas) 19 and 9
Union Atletica 69 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Lewis) 22 and 13, Daryl Rufus (207-C-82, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Fayetteville St.) 18 and 6
- - -
Paysandu 93 - Austin Montgomery (196-G, college: Bowling Green) 12 and 5, Gyasi Cline-Heard (202-F-79, college: Penn St.) 11 and 7
Bigua 66 - Kevin Young (206-C-84, college: Missouri) 10 and 8, Duke Freeman-McKamey (208-F-80, college: Fordham) 17 and 12
- - -
Malvin 99 - Jarrett Stephens (200-F/C-77, agency: Duran International, college: Penn St.) 22 and 6, Ike Nwankwo (209-C-73, college: Long Beach St.) 2 and 1
Sayago 75 - Brandon Hassell (209-F-86, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Penn St.) 7 and 9, Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, college: Wofford) 11 and 6
- - -
Trouville 94 - Levi Stukes (188-G-84) 35 and 4, Ollie Bailey (201-F-85, college: Oklahoma City) 4 and 2
Cordon 77 - Chris Sockwell (203-F/C-80, college: St.Francis,NY) 25 and 9, Andrew Washington (191-G-84, agency: Promotex, college: Delaware) 19 and 4
- - -
Hebraica 79 - Angelo Reyes (205-F/C-81) 27 and 8, Rolan Roberts (199-F/C-78, agency: Warren Sports International, college: S.Illinois) 2 and 4
Welcome 73 - Glenn Stokes (170-G-76, college: American) 13 and 5, Brad Kanis (218-C-84) 15 and 12
The game was interrupted with 5.9 seconds to play when fans from welcome stormed the field, claiming against Reyes
- - -
Tabare 89 - Clarence Matthews (201-F-82, agency: 22ft, college: Tennessee St.) 16 and 10, Ryan Blankson (198-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Loyola, IL) 29 and 9
Defensor Sporting 70 - Brian Woodward (191-G-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Rhode Island) 30 and 5, Chris Jackson (208-C-81, college: N.Mexico St.) 13 and 9

Standings - LUB
LUB Standings
 1. Atenas 13-4 
 2. Tabare 12-6 
 3. Malvin 11-6 
 4. Defensor 11-6 
 5. Hebraica 11-6 
 6. Olimpia 10-7 
 7. Bigua 10-8 
 8. Trouville 9-8 
 9. Bohemios 7-9 
 10. Paysandu 7-10 
 11. Sayago 5-11 
 12. Un.Atletica 5-12 
 13. Welcome 4-13 
 14. Cordon 4-13 


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  VENEZUELA   


Standings - LNB
LNB Standings
 1. Trujillo 17-8 
 2. Graneros 16-9 
 3. Duros 15-9 
 4. Cojedes 12-13 
 5. Falcon 11-14 
 6. Centauros 10-14 
 7. Estudiantes 10-15 
 8. Tiburones 8-17 


Torres and Barrios lift Norte past Tenjo in Colombia - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan forwards Eduardo Torres (195-F-81) and Alejandro Barrios (205-C-79) were the key elements in the victory of Norte de Santander against Ovni Tenjo, with a comfortable 111-66, in Matchday 27 of Colombia's Copa Invitacional, in which both play as imported players for the team placed at the fourth spot, last one with access to the semifinals.

Torres, a player of Panteras de Miranda in Venezuela's LPB, was the top scorer for the team that's coached by Puerto Ricans Julio Toro and Ramon Melendez , as he netted 23 points. Barrios added a double-double performance with 15 points and 11 rebounds. They had help from Eleuterio Renteria (195-G/F) with 20 points. Joey Spiegel (180-G) led scorers in Tenjo with 25 points.

In other matches, Bucaros de Bucaramanga, team of Venezuelans Miguel Marriaga (206-C-84) and Cruz Salcedo (190-G-74), took down Indervalle Cali, 94-84. Arrieros de Antioquia, team of Venezuelans Diego Guevara (184-G-77) and Heberth Bayona (210-C-78), continued at first place with a triumph over Piratas de Bogota, 91-77 and Patriotas de Tunja, of Ernesto Mijares (190-G-76), defeated San Andres Islanders, 89-81.

Guaros may say "Bye Diego, Hello Morris" - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Though neither team is willing to confirm the information, Guaros de Lara may have closed a couple of transactions 24 hours later than it had been wrongfully announced by the media. In a first deal, they would send Diego Guevara (184-G-77) to Marinos de Anzoategui in exchange for Erick Herrera (184-F-80), Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78), a third player or an undetermined amount of money. In the second deal, they may have received Carlos Morris (194-G-75) from Deportivo Tachira in a trade that would send Johan Pinero and Juan Carlos Rodriguez (193-G-78) to the expansion team.

According to unofficial sources, the attempt of getting Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) and David Cedeno (190-G-83) from Marinos for Guevara was not successful and that's why the team decided to take Herrera, Bracho and money, or a third player. This is what still puts an 'if' in the trade, cause Guaros has not officially confirmed the departure of its franchise player to another team despites the numerous phone calls and SMS messages sent.

Meanwhile, Diario EL IMPULSO of Barquisimeto contacted Carlos Morris in his residence in Dallas, United States, and he had not been informed of the trade yet, but later accepted the possibility of coming to Guaros, by saying, 'if I go there, it would be under certain conditions'. Morris has played in Barquisimeto before, as he was a member of Guerreros de Lara in LNB 2006, a team that doesn't exist anymore.

Guevara, a 31 year-old guard and former member of Venezuela's Senior NT, took Guaros to two consecutive LPB Finals in 2005 and 2006 and also the Quarter Finals round in 2007. Then, he elected to play in Puerto Rico's BSN for Vaqueros de Bayamon in 2008 and skipped LPB action. He had arrive to Guaros in 2004 in a trade that sent Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) and Alejandro Barrios (205-C-79) to Trotamundos de Carabobo.

Bracho, a 30 year-old center, has played for Marinos since 1999, while Herrera, a 28 year-old guard, played for Guaros in 2008 as a loan from Marinos. Morris is also a former member of Venezuela's Senior NT and is a 33 year-old shooting guard, greatly skilled from the three-point range. In his case, Guaros may have given up Johan Pinero, a 32 year-old point guard and Juan Carlos Rodriguez, a 30 year-old small forward who had arrived in 2007 from Gaiteros del Zulia in exchange for Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80), now the LPB's Most Valuable Player.

The new plan would leave Guaros with Heissler Guillent (191-G-86), Pablo Machado (207-C-77), Carlos Morris and Kervis Ramirez (190-G-78) as main Venezuelan players, alongside Herrera, Bracho, Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85) and possibly Luis Rivas (200-F-80), who has been in Puerto Rico for the last couple of seasons. They're also working in the signing of Puerto Rican head coach Tony Ruiz and will pursue Carmelo Lee (201-F-77) and Tephen Hamilton (201-F-78) as imported players.

Aguilera and Vargas won two straight in Mexico - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan players Tomas Aguilera (198-F-77) and Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) helped Fuerza Regia de Monterrey to win two games in a row in Mexico's Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP), as their team defeated Santos Reales de San Luis, 93-87, and went on to defeat Estrellas Indebasket, 94-68.

In the first game, even though they didn't play at their best in the offensive end, they still won the matchup against countryman Juan Herrera (197-F-81). Vargas played 27 minutes and finished up with 6 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal, while Aguilera played 37 minutes to add 4 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and 2 blocks. Herrera was the top player of San Luis with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal in all 40 minutes of play.

In the second match, Aguilera improved to 15 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists in 21 minutes, while Vargas supported him with 12 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds in 29 minutes of action.

Ruffo John, hoping to pass the inspection - by Wolfgang Lucena
As mandatory LPB rule, Carlos Garcia (Guaros de Lara), Rostin Gonzalez (Cocodrilos Del Caracas) and Orlando Estrada (Gaiteros Del Zulia) are traveling next Wednesday 29, 2008 to Vargas State to make this State's basketball arena inspection.
The LPB allowed this party of three to make sure that Vargas State arena is able to hold professional basketball games and the events that normally come alone with it.
After the Inspection, Gonzalez, Garcia and Estrada are going to pass a form with every detail about it to the LPB's directory, this will determine if Ruffo John and his Deportivo Tachira could move to Vargas or stay in Tachira instead.

Too much drama!! - by Carlos Santander

Diego Guevara's drama is getting in the final stage. At this time looks like he is going to get trade to Marinos de Anzotegui.
During the last LPB season (2008), Diego Guevara was the main piece of lot of rumors because he decides to play ball over Puerto Rico instead to stay with Guaros de Lara. The Puerto Rico episode was full rumors as well while the basketball fanatics from Barquisimeto were always waiting for Diego, but it didn't happened. If we read his book, there is similar chapter with Trotamundos de Carabobo and Venezuela National Team.
So far, sport broadcaster and writers are working with whatever comes out about Diego Guevara, like Francisco Vega, for example, he wrote down in English that Diego is not out of Guaros yet, but in Spanish (El Impulso) he wrote down that Guaros said bye to Diego, and both articles comes out the same day. It is kind of confusing right!! ; Maybe this is something about egocentrisms. Basketball fanatics, do not get so happy yet, lest wait a little bit to see what is going to happen tomorrow with Diego Guevara (184-G-77, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Charlotte).

To be continued...



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  WCBL   


Breakers to China Report - 4 - by Gianni Pascucci
(by Coach Curt Pickering) - Have you ever thought what it was like to be a Rock Star and go on the road for a month traveling in planes, trains, automobiles, plus busses? Over the next week, that is what we experienced. After our heart breaking, floor slipping loss in Qianshan, we left AFTER the game for a 5 hour bus trip to Nanjing. What this allowed was for us to sleep on the bus (which I certainly failed to do) through the early night and then check in to a hotel for 5 hours of sleep. Shame on Qianshan for not building an airport next to their new arena that we had just christened. Nonetheless, we then boarded a plane for Shengyang but just for boredoms sake, a quick bus trip to the city of Fuxin. Fuxin was a small town of 4.5 million. Small... you ask? I learned during this trip that there are 99 cities in China with a population no less than 3 million residents. The United States has only 9. We celebrated our completed trip at Kentucky Fried Chicken. The players were jubilant at the sight of 'good home cooking'. It must have been the right recipe for winning. We played the Romanian's again and this time spanked them 53-47. That sounds like a halftime score. Truth of the matter is, we are playing by FIBA rules, the international guidelines. FIBA plays four 10 minute quarters; 8 minutes less than the NBA and the same amount as college basketball. Throw in the fact that the Romanian's held the ball a great deal on offense and that sums up the low score. What was most intriguing about this game was not the sellout crowd of 7,000 but the mere fact that the game was shown live on China TV throughout the entire country. I'm not going to fib to you and say all 2 billion residents of China watched the game on TV because I know of a few farmers that we passed by earlier that day that did not have electricity in their shanties. But more colorful and sweet softening to the ears was the Fuxin Pep Band playing that American classic folksong, 'Oh Susannah'. If that wasn't enough, they then led into one of all our favorites, 'Jingle Bells'!. Was this a mockery of the U.S.A's basketball representative team, the Santa Barbara Breakers? Absolutely not! But, it certainly did throw us off as it was September 20th, not December 20th. The fans mobbed the players after the game and of humorous significance, guard Tim Taylor (6'3''-G-82, college: Wayne St., NE) ran up into the stands and led 90-100 young teenagers in shouting out loud, 'USA, USA, USA'. It was a fun way to win our first game in China and feel just a little bit at home in the process. The following morning, we took a 15 minute ride to the Chinese Basketball Academy. It is the only Academy in China that houses over 500 boys and girls in the age range of 13-17. They live there year round, honing their basketball skills while also taking up the basic classroom studies. This is a government supported program to induce the development and quality of Chinese basketball. We were besieged by all 500 or more as we got off the bus and headed into the large gymnasium. Our players, Mark Dawson (6'8''-C, college: Long Beach St.), Keith Closs (7'3''-C-76, agency: Court Side, college: Cent.Conn.St.) and Allan Purnell (6'4''-G-82, college: Pacific) put on quite an entertaining dunking show, 1 on 1 contests and signing autographs for the next hour. That was followed by a meeting with the Chinese coaches who gave each of our players and myself several beautiful gifts. One thing I have learned, the Chinese folk are not selfish. They are very generous in giving special gifts that will long be remembered. We later returned to the hotel for lunch, a nap, massages ($14 an hour) and left for the Fuxin Arena for another game against the Romanian's and great anticipation of what the Fuxin Pep Band might have in store for us this evening. Well, they did not disappoint us. Not only did they do a re-mix of 'Oh, Susannah', they added 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town'. Did we get the same results that evening on the basketball court? Yes, we did. A 73-68 victory. Are we now going to be playing Christmas songs and Oh, Susannah before every Breaker game back in Santa Barbara in the months of April, May and June? Yes, we are!



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Women News

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  BULGARIA - Women  


Danielle Page in MVP of Round 3 - by Eurobasket News
Danielle Page (188-F-86, college: Nebraska) of Dunav Ekont is MVP of Round 3. It is the second consecutive time for Page as she already grabbed the same award last week for Round 2. Her team totally devastated Slavia at home 85-48 remaining perfect in A1. Danielle Page, who arrived this summer to Dunav from WNBA team Connecticut Sun, poured in 22 points and grabbed 17 rebounds against Slavia. She reached impressive index value 35. Page is currently the leading scorer and leading rebounder of the league (24 ppg, 14.5 rpg).

Second place on MVP list for Round number 3 is reserved for Dionne Brown (188-F/C-82, college: Baylor). Lukoil Neftochimik celebrated against Mynor Pernik at home while Brown helped her team with great 31 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals. She stopped on value 34.

Montana 2003 has two players on third and fourth place. The first one is Zhaneta Zhelyova (182-F-75), who had index value 28 in road victory against Toni 7. She collected 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: Florida Intern.) top-scored for the winners in this game adding 20 points including 5 steals and 4 blocks reaching value 23. Montana 2003currently has 2-1 in A1.

Center of Beroe 07 Kremena Hristova (188-C-71) is fifth MVP of the round with value 21. The same number had Silvia Peeva (171-G-79) of Lukoil Neftochimik.

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  FRANCE - Women  


LFB Round: 6 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Nantes - Reims 62-72
Nantes didn't make it at home against Reims remaining the only undefeated team in LFB, 0-6. After this victory Reims jumped on 4-2. Valeriya Berezhynska shined for the winners collecting 17 points and 7 boards. Orsolya Englert was behind her with 14 points. Nantes got 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists from Leslie Ardon.

Montpellier - Tarbes 59-64
Excellent victory for Tarbes, who stays on top of LFB with perfect score 6-0. On the other side, Montpellier dropped on 3-3. Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui led Tarbes netting 19 points and pulling down magnificent 16 rebounds. Gaelle Skrela had 15 points and 8 boards for the hosts.

Mondeville - Aix-en-Prov. 67-68
Extremely tight win by Pays D'Aix Basket 13 Provence but enough for 4-2 and one of first five places in LFB for now. Holie Grima was the best in her team with 25 points and 8 rebounds. Mondeville, who went down on 1-5, got 15 points from Paoline Salagnac.

ESB Villeneu. - Landes 67-58
Villeneuve cruised past Basket Landes at home grabbing third win in 6 games. Geraldine Robert was key player for the hosts as she almost recorded triple-double. Robert had 14 points, 15 rebounds and 8 assists for 37 minutes. Marion Laborde had 12 points for Landes but her team remained on just one win, 1-5.

COB Calais - Arras 85-69
COB Calais outplayed Arras at home without any extra efforts. Aurelie Cibert shined for the winners adding 23 points and 6 assists. Mia Fished collected 19 points in Arras. Both teams currently have the same score, 2-4.

Challes - Bourges 56-77
Bourges once again demonstrated wonderful performance staying on top of LFB together with Tarbes, 6-0. Nora Bujdoso top-scored for the visitors netting 15 points. Challes got 14 points from Laina Badiane but her team dropped on 3-3.

Clermont - Union Hainaut 85-75
Clermont took care for third win this season while Union Hainaut slipped on 4-2. Claire Tomaszewski drained 20 points for the winners including 4 assists while Claudie Das Neves also shined with 19 points, 4 boards and 7 assists. Few more players of the host team also were great. Visitors got 17 points and 11 boards from Tiffany Stansbury.

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  ISRAEL - Women  


Liron Cohen in Slovakia - by Gil Goshen

On her second Euroleague tonight !!!!!
Liron agency gg basketball led her team Borker Kosice to a great win over
Fenerbahce 76:68 and to the first place in Group D after Teo Vilinius won the game vs. Spartak 72:64 !!!!!

Liron had played 36 minutes and had 22 points, 8 ast. 5rb.

( 66.6% from the 3 points - 2 out 3 and 41.6% from the 2 points 5 out 12 ).

C. Kraayeveld had 20 points 8 rb. L. Frhlich had 11 points 12 rb Spencer Sidney had 19 points , 5 rb.

Next game Broker will play vs. Beretta Famila ( away ).Liron Cohen (174-G-82)

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  NCAA1 - Women  


Vanderbilt women picked to win SEC - by Eurobasket News
Vanderbilt has been predicted to win the 2009 Southeastern Conference women's basketball championship in a vote by a panel of both SEC and national media members, the conference announced Tuesday.

The Commodores are coming off a 25-9 season that included the school's 13th trip to the NCAA Sweet 16 and a school-record 11 conference victories. Coach Melanie Balcomb's seventh Vanderbilt squad earned 12 first-place votes, topping state rival Tennessee's nine votes and Georgia's four votes.

'This accolade speaks to the hard work and dedication of our players, and I expect our team to only work harder in light of this recognition,' Balcomb said.

'These are the expectations we always have for ourselves, and we are excited to get on the court and continue to strive for this standard.'

Vanderbilt topped the order of finish with 273 points, with Tennessee (261), Auburn (246), Georgia (216), LSU (183) and Florida (174) rounding out the top half of the league.

Auburn senior DeWanna Bonner was selected as the preseason choice for SEC Women's Basketball Player of the Year. Vanderbilt's Christina Wirth, a first-team All-SEC selection last year, also received a vote for Player of the Year.


ALL-SEC TEAMS


FIRST TEAM

Player, School

>> DeWanna Bonner, Auburn

>> Marshae Dotson, Florida

>> Ashley Houts, Georgia

>> Shawn Goff, Ole Miss

>> Christina Wirth, Vanderbilt


SECOND TEAM

>> Whitney Boddie, Auburn

>> Sha Brooks, Florida

>> Angel Robinson, Georgia

>> Allison Hightower, LSU

>> Angie Bjorklund, Tennessee

>> Shekinna Stricklen, Tennessee

>> Player of the Year: DeWanna Bonner, Auburn (24 votes); Christina Wirth, Vanderbilt (1)


PRESEASON POLL

(First-place votes)

Eastern Division

School Votes

Vanderbilt 273

Tennessee 261

Auburn 246

Georgia 216

LSU 183

Florida 174

Kentucky 129

Ole Miss 126

Mississippi State 87

Arkansas 81

South Carolina 72

Alabama 25

>> SEC Champion: Vanderbilt (12), Tennessee (9), Georgia (4)

Courtesy of http://www.dnj.com

ODU women picked to win another CAA title - by Eurobasket News
Old Dominion University was chosen to win an 18th consecutive Colonial Athletic Association women's basketball championship in a poll of CAA coaches, sports information directors and media members at today's Media Day in Washington.

Virginia Commonwealth University, coming off a school-record 26-victory season that included a postseason NIT victory and three triumphs over league rival James Madison, was picked to finish second. JMU was third, followed by Drexel, Towson, UNC Wilmington, Delaware, Georgia State, Northeastern, William and Mary, Hofstra and George Mason.

VCU senior post player Quanitra Hollingsworth (6'5''-C-88) was named to the preseason all-conference first team that included Gabriela Marginean (6'1''-F-87) of Drexel, Brittany Blackwell (6'1''-G/F) of UNC Wilmington, Dawn Evans (5'7''-G) of James Madison and Tiffany Green (6'2''-F-85) of Old Dominion.

Marginean, a 6-1 junior who was named to the all-CAA first team for the 2007-08 season, was chosen as the preseason player of the year.

Courtesy of http://www.inrich.com

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  PORTUGAL - Women  


D.Povoa signs Folcik and Thompson - by Luis Rocha
C.D.Pvoa, signed Rachel Folcik. Folcik is a center that comes from Ferris State, and was one of the best players of that college. Shes 1,85 and was born in 1985. Normally she can score 15 ppg, and get 8 rpg, in Pvoa she will certainly be one of the mos t important players, her tallness will be of great service to the team as well as her capacity to score. Pvoa also signed with Tina Tawauna Thompson. This 2 players will make the roster of Pvoa more leveled, and will help the team to be stronger in ordr to avoid relegation.

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  TPBL - Women  


WOMENS TEXAS PRO LEAGUE 2009 - by Chris Cardenas


tpbl- 'Its time for the ladies to get their recognition' says TPBL league owner chris cardenas. So after 8yrs of the best mens pro basketball in Texas , the TPBL has decided to have a womens division in the TPBL starting in June of 2009. The womens pro basketball division will have an inaugural season that will include 12 regular season games with the top 4 teams making the playoffs and competing for the 2009 TPBL championship. This league will be as serious as the mens division where we hope to get these ladies some exposure so that they can move up into higher level leagues and live out there dreams of playing pro basketball in the U.S.
Here is more info on the womens TPBL.

ENTRY FEE : $750
DEADLINE TO ENTER YOUR TEAM: APRIL 1.....NO JOKE :)
FOR A LEAGUE PACKET EMAIL : cardenas_chris@yahoo.com or call : 325-763-6630

TPBL WOMENS PRO TOURNAMENT - DEC. 6-7 - by Chris Cardenas

SAN ANGELO,TX - will be the site for the womens division of the TPBL TOURNAMENT SERIES to be held on DECEMBER 6-7, 2008. All teams around the country are invited to West Texas to show their skills against the best Texas has to offer. This tournament has a 3 game guarantee with a $1000 cash prize for the 1st place team. All tournament awards and an mvp award will be given to the best players in the tournament. ' I think this tournament will give us an idea of how good the ladies play ball and what we have to look forward to in the womens division of the TPBL' says league owner chris cardenas
For a tournament entry form email : cardenas_chris@yahoo.com or call : 325-763-6630

TPBL TO START A WOMENS DIVISION - by Chris Cardenas

' i think the ladies want to play ball too !! ' chris cardenas (tpbl league owner)

SAN ANGELO,TX - The TPBL is doing its best to expand and grow. The 1st step was to put together a tough league where players can get looked at, move on to higher paying leagues and make a little money. After 8yrs of MENS PRO BASKETBALL IN TEXAS, now its time for the ladies to play!!! Starting in June of 2009 the TEXAS PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE will have a womens pro division. The womens division will have a first year schedule that includes 12 regular season games ( 6 home / 6 away), with the top 4 teams playing for the TPBL crown. Here is more WOMENS TPBL info.

WOMENS TPBL DIVISION

ENTRY FEE: $750 per team (12 player max)

DEADLINE TO ENTER : APRIL 1 .....no joke :)

FOR A LEAGUE PACKET EMAIL LEAGUE OWNER CHRIS CARDENAS : cardenas_chris@yahoo.com or call - 325-763-6630

This will be for serious female basketball players only wanting to expand their basketball playing careers and get looked at by other higher paying pro leagues.

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  TURKEY - Women  


Standings - TBBL
TBBL Standings
 1. Besiktas 1-0 
 2. Fenerbahce 1-0 
 3. Ceyhan 1-0 
 4. Tarsus Bld 1-0 
 5. Samsun 1-0 
 6. TED Kayseri 0-0 
 7. Cankaya 0-1 
 8. Mersin 0-1 
 9. Botas 0-1 
 10. Burhaniye bld. 0-1 
 11. Galatasaray 0-1 


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  WBCBL - Women  


Open Tryouts Scheduled in Kansas City - by Willie McCray
The Kansas City Queenz Basketball Club will host open tryouts on November 8th. The Queenz are based in Kansas City, Missouri and will begin play May of 2009 . Opportunity to join the newest team in the WBCBL from the Mid-West, will take place in November. (Details below)

Tryout will be held at:

CENTER HIGH SCHOOL
8715 HOLMES RD
KANSAS CITY, MO 64131

DATE: NOVEMBER 8TH, 2008
TIME: 9:30am - 1:00pm

FEE: $50

CONTACT INFORMATION: TELEPHONE: 816-478-7735 or E-MAIL: JOVONNI24@YAHOO.COM

Open Tryouts Scheduled in Kansas City - by Willie McCray
The Kansas City Queenz Basketball Club will host open tryouts on November 8th. The Queenz are based in Kansas City, Missouri and will begin play May of 2009 . Opportunity to join the newest team in the WBCBL from the Mid-West, will take place in November. (Details below)

Tryout will be held at:

CENTER HIGH SCHOOL
8715 HOLMES RD
KANSAS CITY, MO 64131

DATE: NOVEMBER 8TH, 2008
TIME: 9:30am - 1:00pm

FEE: $50

CONTACT INFORMATION: TELEPHONE: 816-478-7735 or E-MAIL: JOVONNI24@YAHOO.COM