Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/8/2008

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Men News

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ABA

First Bahama Pro Show players addtiions - by Gianni Pascucci
Owner & General Manager of the Bahama All Pro Show ABA team Mr. Ricardo B. Smith released the first list of players who have been recommended for inclusion in the 2008-2009 roster by head coach Steven Culmer after the Tryout/Workout session held in Nassau, Bahamas. The players are Jarris Kentle (6'4''-G-80), Kevin Spicer (6'6''-F, college: Alabama St.), Jamal Rolle (6'5''-F), Jamal Bain, Kramer Taylor, Elzie Bibbs (6'6''-G/F-82, college: Ferris St.), Shawn Soukup (6'7'-F-78, college: Evangel), Jamal Rolle (6'5''-F) and Amado Hepburn

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Zadar takes the big Croatian derby - by Milan Jovanovic
Zadar managed to shock Cibona in their own arena, taking the win by 94-87.
Although without Beck, the player who was to be no.1 offensive option for Zadar, they've still managed to score this big vs a very weak Cibona defense.
Must be said that Zadar, although traditionally being a shooting team, won this one by very smart combination of inside play and long range shooting, best
two players being Damir Rancic (198-G-83) with 5/7 from perimeter, and Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances), who had a day in the field in the paint, scoring 20.
The game was decided in 3rd quarter, which Zadar won by 27-15, on wings of Damir Rancic's 3 triples.
Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) aand Rawle Marshall (200-G-82, college: Oakland) the only two players in Cibona worth mentioning, although the team was supposed to reprezent a Croatian NT in lesser proportion.

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BAHAMAS

BALKAN LEAGUE

Thriller win for Rilski against Mega HL in historical BIBL opener - by Eurobasket News

Rilski Sportist - Mega Hypo Leasing 97-96

In historical opening game of Balkan International Basketball League, Bulgarian team Rilski Sportist grabbed thriller win against Serbian Mega Hypo Leasing 97-96. Game is decided in overtime, actually in its last second, when Aleksandar Gruev (187-G-83) drained a long range triple for a big joy of Rilski's fans in Samokov. Mega Hypo Leasing was better team during the first 20 minutes. Young Stefan Stojacic (195-G-89) was in a game mood leading his team to plus 5 at the half time, 35-40. After the breather, Travis Peterson (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Samford), Branko Mirkovic (185-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and their teammates woke up but still it was enough only for minus 3 before the last stanza. The hosts were slightly better during the following ten minutes. Visitors had pretty good stroke from behind the arc while on the other side Rilski had only 5 of 26. It is also interesting that Serbian team totally outrebounded Bulgarians finishing the game with 49 boards matched with 29 by its opponent. However, Rilski managed to reach the over time. With two minutes remaining, it seemed that game was already over as Stefan Stojacic and his teammates had comfortable 10-point lead, 82-92. After that moment their concentration went down, which Bulgarians exploited to get on minus 2 with 4 seconds to go. Then above mentioned Aleksandar Gruev grabbed the ball netting the winning triple for great victory of Rilski Sportist. Branko Mirkovic top-scored for Rilski with 19 points. Travis Peterson had 17 including 9 boards. Hero of the game Aleksandar Gruev stopped on 16 points. On the other side, young prospect Stefan Stojacic collected 25 points and 7 rebounds. Christopher Schlatter (203-F-81, college: Washington St.) had 19 points and 8 boards while Uros Nikolic (207-F/C-87) also was pretty good adding 12 points and impressive 15 rebounds.

Rilski Sportist: Branko Mirkovic 19, Travis Peterson 17+9 boards, Aleksandar Gruev 16
Mega Hypo Leasing: Stefan Stojacic 25+7 boards, Christopher Schlatter 19+8 boards, Uros Nikolic 12+15 boards

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BELARUS

Players from Belarus enjoy the start in Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
Oleg Yushkin (195-G/F-75) and his Ukrainian Odessa eked out a narrow 83:82 win over Politekhnika Lviv in Round 2 of UBL. The Lviv outfit got to a better start and led 18:15 after one quarter of action. Politekhnika continued to pile up the lead and stretched the gap to as many as 13 points at the interval. But Odessa was a different team coming off the locker room. Justin Love orchestrated a comeback effort that allowed Odessa to cut the distance. Odessa drew things level late in the game and finally Wayne Wallace accounted for a go-ahead bucket with just 2 seconds remaining. Kuzmin had a chance to save the game but his desperate try rimmed out. Brian Tolbert paced the hosts with 23 points. Otis Hill produced 17 points and 12 boards, while Justin Love provided 22 points in the win. Yaroslav Zubrytskyi replied with 18 points and 7 rebounds for Lviv. Belorussians Dmitri Kuzmin (197-G-75) scored 5 points for the guests, Mikalai Aliakseyeu (212-C-78, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents, college: Buffalo) netted 7, while Alexander Kudrautsau (190-G-80, agency: AB Agency) shined with 15 points.
In Round 1 BC Odessa that seriously bolstered the squad in the preseason took on Goverla at home. The hosts jumped to an early lead and maintained it throughout the opening period. They enjoyed a 24:13 lead after ten minutes of action. Odessa overwhelmed their opponents in the second quarter clearing off to a 51:23 distance at the interval. However Goverla refused to fold. They capitalized on some sloppiness from the home team and cut the distance to just 10 points. But Odessa never allowed the visitors to come closer and secured the initial win at the tournament. Justin Love and Vladyslav Podolyan came up with 14 points apiece to lead Odessa. Otis Hill and Artem Shvets added 10 points each for the winners. Oleg Yushkin posted 6 points and made 3 rebounds.

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BOSNIA

Home defeat for Bosna ASA BHT in Adriatic league - by Eurobasket News

Bosna ASA BHT - Hemofarm STADA 67-78

After great road win in Domzale, Bosna ASA BHT faced with first defeat in Adriatic league. The main reason of Bosna's failure is Hemofarm's center Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket), who was totally unstoppable in the paint. Anyway, opening quarter belonged to visitors 16-20. During the following 10 minutes Seid Hajric (203-F-83) and his teammates managed to improve their game coming on minus 1 until the half time. Hemofarm had only Vukosavljevic in a game mood, which Bosna exploited in third quarter. Reining Bosnian champion and returnee in Adriatic league succeeded to make a turn and to grab 2-point lead before the last frame. When it seemed that Bosnians are in the right track to the second victory, Vladan Vukosavljevic stepped up in Hemofarm. Bosna's big guys weren't able to guard him. They tried with committing the personal fouls but Serbian big guy was almost unmistakable from the free throw line. On the other side Bosna couldn't keep the same rhythm missing few important shots. At the end Hemofarm managed to end last frame 11-24 and to remain perfect in regional championship. Vladan Vukosavljevic scored 35 points in total missing only six times for 32 minutes. He is MVP of the round with index rate 39. Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) was a way behind him with 10 points. Bosna ASA BHT got 19 points and 6 rebounds from Seid Hajric. Emir Zimic (217-C-86) had 11.

Bosna ASA BHT: Seid Hajric 19+6 boards, Emir Zimic 11, Stanley Burrell (190-G-84) 10
Hemofarm STADA: Vladan Vukosavljevic 35+ 7 boards, Milan Macvan 10

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BULGARIA

CBA

Miners sign former UK Wildcat Wayne Turner - by Eurobasket News
One of the top players in the history of the University of Kentucky men's basketball program has signed to play for the East Kentucky Miners during the 2008-09 season. East Kentucky Miners Coach Kevin Keathley has announced the signing of 6-2 guard Wayne Turner (6'2''-G-76, agency: Passing Lane, college: Kentucky).

Turner, who won two national championships with Kentucky, holds the NCAA record for most games played in a four-year career (151). The Boston native ranks ahead of former Duke standout Christian Laettner (148) for the most games played record. Turner is Kentucky's all-time leader in steals. He is fourth in all-time assists for the Wildcats.

The former Wildcat is anxious to hit the hardwood and play in a Miners uniform.

'This is definitely a good opportunity to get back in Kentucky and play professionally,' said Turner. 'Kentucky is home for me. I'll always be a Wildcat - and now I'm a Miner.'

Turner brings another winning attitude to the Miners organization. 'This is the biggest signing for us as an organization to date,' Keathley commented.

'When you think of Wayne Turner, the first thing that comes to mind is - winner. He is a proven leader on the basketball court and is a true lead guard in every sense of the word.'

The Miners organization has remained committed to landing a Kentucky player.

'Since the first day I arrived here, I have wanted to sign a player who everyone would recognize from their time at the University of Kentucky,' Keathley confided.

'But, the circumstances were never right. However, with Wayne, we have someone who not only played at UK, but was a star that delivered wins in a big way.'

As a senior at Kentucky - during the 1998-1999 season - Turner averaged 10.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. He came to Kentucky as a highly-acclaimed McDonald's All-American. Turner scored 1,170 points in his four-year career for the Wildcats. He is 37th on Kentucky's all-time scoring list.

At Kentucky, Turner played for both Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith. His storied career included three straight appearances in the NCAA championship game. Turner was a key member of 30-plus win Kentucky teams in 1996, 1997 and 1998.

Turner developed into a leader early on in his Kentucky career. He's been a leader at every stop since leaving the Lexington, Ky., school as well.

'I want to do what I do best,' Turner commented following his signing. 'I want to be a leader and bring the energy as a Miner.'

Following college, Turner played in the NBA for the Boston Celtics in 2000. It was a homecoming for Turner, who starred at Boston's Beaver Country Day in high school.

'I coached Wayne's teammate, Anthony Epps, for two seasons and we won a championship together and came close to capturing a second title,' Keathley added. 'I'm hoping we can have the same type of success together here with the Miners. Wayne's signing will help a lot in bringing more experience to next year's team. He's played well overseas and getting him here is big for us as a franchise. Wayne is the type of player that will fit well into our offensive scheme.'

Keathley is is eager to give Turner a formal welcome to the loyal, ever growing East Kentucky Miners fanbase.

'I look forward to getting Wayne down to Pikeville and introducing him to the East Kentucky fans,' Keathley commented. 'More importantly, I'm excited about getting the opportunity to work with Wayne in bringing a championship to the basketball fans of Eastern Kentucky.'

Turner played for the Indiana Pacers as part of a summer league later in 2000. The Kentucky basketball legend played for the Harlan Globetrotters in 2001. That same year, Turner played for a team representing the New York Knicks in a pro summer league held in Boston.

Turner has played overseas in Turkey, Italy, Australia, Belgium and New Zealand. He averaged 12.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 55.8-percent from the field for the New Zealand Breakers of the NBL during the 2007-08 season.

Turner is no stranger to the CBA. He played in the CBA for the Dakota Wizards during the 2004-05 season, averaging 10.2 points, 4.6 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game.

Turner is poised to become the first former University of Kentucky Wildcat to play for the East Kentucky Miners.

WAYNE TURNER WINS
Awards/Achievements
McDonald's All-America - 95
NCAA Champion - 96, 98
West Regional All-Tournament Team - 97
SEC Tournament MVP - 98
NCAA South Regional MVP - 98
SEC Championship - 98
Third Team All-SEC - 99
SEC All-Tournament Team - 99
Australian NBL Semifinals - 03
All-Australian NBL Third Team - 03
CBA Regular Season Champion - 05
CBA Western Conference Finalist - 05

Courtesy of CBA

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CHINA

Xu Yong Recovering from Cancer - by Arthur Volbert
Xu Yong (204-F-89) is responding well after his surgery for spinal cancer, according to pryuen of http://www.yaomingmania.com/forum/index.php . He is continuing to receive therapy to control the spread of the cancer. He is going back to college, and the Shanghai Sharks have indicated that upon his graduation, he will remain with the team as the strength and conditioning coach.

Xu made a public appearance at the wedding of national team guard Liu Wei on September 27, which he attended along with Yao Ming and other prominent basketball personalities. He seemed to have put on some weight, a good sign for a cancer survivor. Xu appears to accept that he can no longer play professional basketball, and be ready to move on to the rest of his career.

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COLOMBIA

Federation Cup 2008, Octuber 7 , Day 19 results - by Victor Garcia
Islanders continues with its winning streak at home, and defeated Norte 87 76, Domican forward Alejandro Flores had his hight and scored 22 pts to lead Islanders, Flores also added 16 rebounds, Edgar Moreno was the best in Norte scoring 31 pts
Islanders Sopesa 87 - A. Flores 22 pts
Norte de Santander 76 - E. Moreno 31 pts

Arrieros is back on the track again, Indervalle was the victim in Cali, Jermaine Walker leaded Arrieros with 29 pts, Dajuan Gouard was the best in Indervalle scoring 28 pts.
Indervalle 93 - D. Gouard 28 pts.
Arrieros 102 - J. Walker 29 pts.

Bucaros got the first victory in Ovnis house, Daniel Garcia took the place of the injured Adan Reyes and leaded the Bucaros with 19 pts, Flemming and Washigton helped with 15 and 13 pts each, Ovni was leaded by Joey Spiegel.
Ovni Alcaldia de Tenjo 64
Bucaros Freskaleche 79 - D. Garcia 19 pts

Piratas played its best game of the Cup and defeated Patriotas 100 84, Piratas was leaded by Vince Camper and John Perez, Patriotas lost its main scorer Jorge Diaz for an injury.
Piratas 100
Patriotas Proactiva 84

Standings

Copa Federacion Standings

1. Arrieros	16-3
2. Bucaros	12-7
3. Islanders	12-7
4. Canoneros	11-8
5. InderValle	9-10
6. Condores	6-13
7. Alcaldia	5-14
8. Piratas	5-14

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CROATIA

Zadar beats Cibona in Zagreb, Split CO celebrates - by Eurobasket News

Cibona - Zadar 87-94
In biggest Croatian derby at this moment, reining champion Zadar succeeded to beat Cibona in Zagreb. It is for sure very painful defeat for Croatian Euroleague team, which dropped on 0-2 now. Zadar improved its score to 2-0. Everything started good for Cibona, which created advantage of 9 points until the half time. Davor Kus, Branimir Longin and Nikola Prkacin weren't on their level but two Americans Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) and Rawle Marshall (200-G-82, college: Oakland) were pretty good. However, Cibona's fans couldn't even dream what will happen in the next 20 minutes. Macedonian center Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances), together with Damir Rancic (198-G-83) and Julius Johnson (196-G-81, college: Miami, OH), demonstrated wonderful performance in third frame. They totally smashed sleepy CIbona 15-27 in this period. When it seems that Cibona's players finally will wake up, it didn't happen. Players of head coach Aleksandar Petrovic continued in the same rhythm grabbing totally deserved second victory in regional championship. Todor Gecevski was the best in Zadar with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Point guard Damir Rancic also drained 20 points while Julius Johnson had 2 points less. Earl Calloway shined in Cibona adding 26 points and 6 assists.

Cibona: Earl Calloway 26+6 ass, Rawle Marshall 17, Vedran Vukusic (205-F-82, college: Northwestern) 12
Zadar: Todor Gecevski 20+ 6 boards, Damir Rancic 20, Julius Johnson 18

Split CO - Zagreb CO 76-54
Split CO had an easy job against Zagreb CO at home improving to 1-1. On the other side Zagreb CO is winless yet after opening two rounds. Eddie Shannon (180-G-76, college: Florida) was the key player in Split adding 21 points , 6 boards and 5 assists. Another American Antonio Grant (196-F-77, college: S.Carolina) also was good scoring 14 points. Actually Grant was the last one with double digits in the winning team. The only one with more than 7 points in Zagreb CO was Jakov Vladovic (186-G-83). For 30 minutes he netted 16.

Split CO: Eddie Shannon 21+6 boards+ 5 ass, Antonio Grant (196-F-77, college: S.Carolina) 14
Zagreb CO: Jakov Vladovic 16

Fortitudo Bologna inks big guy Dalibor Bagaric - by Eurobasket News
Croatian big guy Dalibor Bagaric (217-C-80) won't continue career in NBA. Despite he supposed to play for the Atlanta Hawks, it is officially announced that Bagaric will spend season 08/09 in Italian Fortitudo Bologna.
Dalibor Bagaric already played in Fortitudo last season averaging 7 ppg, 4 rpg and 1 apg in 9 ULEB Cup games. He also appeared 30 times in Serie A adding 5.4 ppg and 4.6 rpg. Season 06/07 Bagaric spent in Spanish Akasvayu Girona winning the FIBA EuroCup. He played 13 games in that European competition helping his team with 6.9 ppg and 3.2 rpg. Interesting is that Bagaric also played for the same Italian team from 2004 to 2006. At his first season with the team Fortitudo became the Serie A champion. At the same year, Bagaric and his team won Italian SuperCup. Next one they were regular season champions reaching the play-off final. Bagaric was originally 24th overall pick on 2000 NBA Draft selected by Chicago Bulls. He had 35 appearances in his rookie season adding 1.3 ppg and 1.6 rpg. Next one he had slightly better digits for 50 games. After Chicago, he spent one year with Greek giant Olympiakos Pireus.
Bagaric arrived to Bologna yesterday night and should replace injured Earl Barron.

Cedevita juniors wins tournament in Zagreb - by Eurobasket News
Junior team of Cedevita celebrated on international tournament in Zagreb, which was held this week-end. In the first game Cedevita was better than Slovenian Parklji Bezigrad, also junior team, 64-54. Croatians were slightly better during the entire time. Actually, it could be said that Cedevita resolved question about the winner already in the first half as it had 34-25. Ivan Buva paced his team to win in this semifinal game scoring 16 points. Vilim Poljak had 15 while Tomislav Gabric (176-F-95) stopped on 11 points. Ivan Jurkovic had 11 while Hrvoje Mamic netted one point less. Slovenian team got 21 points from Alamon.

In the other semifinal, Olimpija was better than Siroki Eronet 55-48. Thus, Cedevita met another Slovenian team. This time it was the final game, which Croatians won 72-64. After almost leveled first half, Cedevita was a better team in the second ending it 39-32. Tomislav Gabric this time was the key player in the winning team adding 26 points and 3 assists. Vidim Poljak had 16 points and 5 assists while Ivan Jurkovic drained 14. Micic scored 18 points in Olimpija.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Novy Jicin adds Lavor Postell - by David Dousa
Lavor Postell (197-F/G-78, college: St.John's), 30 years old NBA veteran signed a contract with the team of last seasons finalists, Geofin Novy Jicin as a replacement for injured Jamar Smith. After Lavor Postell left Utah Jazz, in October 2003, he played on many top teams in Europe, including Euroleague Olympiakos Pireus, Scavolini Pesaro, or Telindus Ostende. Last team he played on was Crvena Zvezda Beograd, which he left in February 2007, because of injury. Representatives of Geofin wishes this to be a great comeback season for Lavor.

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DENMARK

Bakken Bears losses first leg of Euro Challenge game against Liege - by Thomas Quaade
In front of 865 spectators in the impressive Atletion Arena in Aarhus, Denmarks best team the past decade Bakken Bears, hosted the first of two games against the Belgian Belgacom Liege Basket team in the FIBA Euro Challenge.

It was to be one long uphil battle for the Bears as Liege's 7 Americans played defense much harder, tougher and simply better than any team has played on Danish soal for many years. Every possession the hometeam had to fight and hustle for every point. The defense was so impressive from the atlethic American players, that it seemed like there was always a player in front of the ball and in between the basket. Therefore Bakken Bears got no production from their normally well sounded team game and offensively had to rely all their offense on big Chris Christoffersen (218-C-79, college: Oregon) and new Bear this season Ivan Miskovic (203-F/C-84, college: Alaska-Fairb.) (203-F/C-84, college: Alaska-Fairb.). Both players produced well with 21 points and 11 rebounds for Chris Christoffersen and 12 points and 9 rebounds from Ivan Miskovic.

Belgacom Liege Basket from the best Belgium league (Ethias league) came to the game after a fresh win in their home league debut against Antwerp Diamond Giants. They dressed 11 players but only 8 saw playing time. It was 197 minutes of a total of 200 minutes the 7 American players played and only 3 minutes for a Belgian player. A much different mindset than we are used to seeing in Denmark. But it worked well for Liege, who began the game 11-19 in the first quarter. After that Chris Christoffersen got in early foul trouple with 3 fouls and Liege could improve upon their lead up to 22 point (39-61) with 6 minutes to go of the match. Bakken Bears finished the game strong though with an impressive run and confident offense from their Danish NT members guards Andreas Jakobsen (187-G-83, college: Columbia (MO)) and Martin Thuesen (181-G-79).

When the game clock hit 39 minutes Bakken had cut the lead down to 55-65 but missed 3 opportunities to get the score under 10. Instead it was player of the game Justin Cage (198-F-85, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Xavier), who dunked in 2 of his 16 points to finish the first game of the two game aggregate series.

The deciding game 2 will be played in Belgium in 2 weeks on the 21st of October.

Standings - Basketligaen

Basketligaen Standings

1. Bakken	2-0
2. Randers	1-0
3. Svendborg	1-0
4. Horsholm	1-0
5. Amager BK	0-0
6. Naestved	0-0
7. SISU	0-1
8. Roskilde	0-1
9. Horsens IC	0-1
10. Aabyhoj	0-2

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D-LEAGUE

New coach for Tulsa 66ers - by Eurobasket News
Promising a playing style similar to NBA parent club, the Oklahoma City Thunder, new Tulsa 66ers coach Paul Woolpert was introduced to the media on Monday at the SpiritBank Event Center.

Woolpert comes on board along with assistant coach Greg Minor, manager of minor league operations Brandon Barnett and athletic trainer Anthony Aldridge as the 66ers build toward their fourth NBA Development League season opener on Nov. 28 at Rio Grande Valley.

'I always play fast with the philosophy that defense creates offense,' said Woolpert, who replaces Joey Meyer, now a scout with the Los Angeles Clippers. 'We will mirror the Thunder as much as possible. (They have) great wing runners like Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, and we want to get out and fill the lanes. We want to play an uptempo game like that.'

Woolpert led the Continental Basketball Association Yakima Sun Kings to three titles and was CBA Coach of the Year in 2007 and 2008. Last year, he led the Sun Kings to a 32-1 start and a 43-5 record, the best ever in the CBA.

'There were a lot of similarities (between the CBA and D-League),' Woolpert said. 'Now the D-League is the No.1 league. It's the premiere league in the country due to the fact that it's under the NBA's umbrella. Everything's run extremely well with NBA affiliations with Austin, Los Angeles and us. This is the future of the league.'

Woolpert said he will spend time evaluating players with the D-League draft set for Nov. 7. Camps open Nov. 14. He spent 1986-94 with the SuperSonics and said he now has come full circle.

Barnett is coming to Tulsa from the NBA office in New York. He has spent the past four years evaluating players and signing players for the D-League. Barnett basically will have the same job with the 66ers, supervising the on-court product. He said eight of 11 players from last year's Tulsa team are interested in returning this season.

'Mike Hall, Adam Harrington and Scott Merritt have gone overseas, and Ronald Dupree is in the Cavaliers' camp,' Barnett said. 'We will evaluate them (last year's Sixers) like any other players, and there is no guarantee they will be back.'

Minor was an assistant coach of the Lawton-Fort Sill team in the CBA last season, helping guide the Cavalry to the league finals. He played at Louisville and for five seasons with the Boston Celtics.

Aldridge arrives from the Minnesota Timberwolves where he served as assistant athletic trainer for two years. A University of Oklahoma graduate, Aldridge was a trainer with Fort Worth in the D-League and the Senegal and Nigerian national teams.

Courtesy of http://www.tulsaworld.com

Lakers in Anaheim tonight. Could city's own NBA team soon follow? - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Lakers make their annual pilgrimage to Anaheim tonight to play a preseason game at Honda Center.

For some local fans, it's an exciting chance to welcome their favorite team and send a reminder that Lakers fans come from Orange County, too.

But for others, it's a reminder that Anaheim home to world-champion professional baseball and hockey has yet to land a National Basketball Association team.

That could change soon, an Anaheim official said this week.

'I'm pretty confident that, maybe not next year, but within the next five years, Anaheim will have its own NBA team,' said Greg Smith, executive director of sports, entertainment and conventions for the city.

Smith said he couldn't elaborate on behind-the-scenes negotiations, but he said he would expect to see an existing team move into Anaheim rather than an NBA expansion team.

Smith has worked for the city for more than 35 years and participated in previous negotiations that nearly landed an NBA team earlier this decade.

'I've seen a lot, and I can definitely feel the momentum building,' Smith said.

The city and Anaheim Arena Management, the company that runs the Honda Center, are in the planning stages of making changes to the arena that would bring it up to NBA standards.

When the arena opened in 1993, it met those standards, Smith said. But in the 15 years since, those standards have changed, and the arena will have to adjust.

That includes building larger locker rooms, better sports medicine facilities and a half basketball court under the arena for practice and warmup purposes, Smith said.

'The Ducks have proven than an Orange County team can do extremely well,' Smith said.

And the Angels continue to set attendance records, consistently drawing more than 3 million fans each season for the past six years.

The NBA has been extremely close to landing in Anaheim before.

From 1994 to 1999, the Los Angeles Clippers played several regular season home games at the arena then called Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim. And at one point, the Clippers were about to move to Anaheim, but the deal fell through at the last minute and the team stayed in Los Angeles.

Anaheim was also a finalist when the then Vancouver Grizzlies announced they were looking for a home. But the team fled for Memphis instead.

An NBA development league team named the Anaheim Arsenal came to the Anaheim Convention Center in November 2006. Attendance at home games has averaged fewer than 1,000 fans. The city had hoped for 3,000 or more fans per game.

But with so many entertainment options in Orange County, no comparison can be made between a minor league team and what an NBA team might draw, Smith said.

A pro basketball team also would help the Honda Center make enough profit for the city to see money from it, Smith said.

Currently, the city only sees money when the Honda Center makes $12 million or more. So far, it hasn't topped that figure.

When it does, the city would share 15 percent of the profits, according to a deal between Anaheim and arena management.

Meanwhile, Lakers officials say they are happy to play exhibition games in Anaheim, knowing thousands of Orange County fans consider the Lakers their home team.

'Orange County is still a very loyal fan base for us,' said John Black, spokesman for the Lakers. 'We consider our territory stretching down to San Diego and as far north as well.'

Smith said Anaheim is becoming more and more attractive as a potential home for professional basketball.

'As the population of this area continues to shift east from Los Angeles, the center of the population is right here,' he said. 'This is a great market for basketball.'

Courtesy of http://www.ocregister.com

Pair of D-Leaguers Released by 76ers - by Surujh Roopnarine
The Philadelphia released former D-Leaguers Andre Emmett

(6'5''-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech) and Cory Underwood (6'10''-F/C-80, college: SUNO) along with rookie Maureece Rice as they trimmed their roster down to 16 heading into the preseason. Emmett, the 35th overall selection of the 2004 NBA Draft has prior NBA experience with Memphis during the 04-05 campaign and most recently averaged a league-high 23.9 points for Belgacom Liege Basket of the Belgian League.
Underwood was getting his first true training camp experience after a productive season under now Philly Assistant Coach Jeff Ruland last year with Albuquerque. The 610 Underwood appeared in 36 games in the D-League last season and averaged 6.0 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 42.0% from the field. Underwood was battling with Jared Reiner for a chance to make the final 15 as a backup forward/center for Philadelphia.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

The seedings for EuroBasket 2009 - by Kostas Papadopoulos
FIBA Europe announced yesterday the seedings for the upcoming draw of the EuroBasket 2009 Final Round. The EuroBasket 2009 draw is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, in Warsaw, Poland.
The draw for the Additional Qualifying Round, which will decide the last qualifier for the event, will also take place on the same date.
The seedings for all draws are based on the results of the teams in the most recent FIBA Europe Official Competitions, with the last competition being the most important
The exact elements of the draw and the tournament are:
EuroBasket 2009
Organisers: Poland
Dates: September 7-20, 2009
Preliminary Round venues: Gdansk, Poznan, Warsaw and Wroclaw
Qualifying Round venues: Bydgoszcz and Lodz
Final Round venue: Katowice
Draw : November 8, 2008
Draw venue : Capital Theatre, Marszałkowska 115, Warsaw, at 13.00 hrs.

Draw seedings:
Group A: Russia, Spain, Lithuania, Greece
Group B: Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, Turkey
Group C: Serbia, Poland, FYROM, Latvia
Group D: Great Britain, Israel, Bulgaria, Qualifier (Additional Qualifying Tournament - August 2009)

No team can face a team from its group, as referred above

EuroBasket 2009 Additional Qualifying Round
Venues: Two groups of three teams each, to meet in home and away games. The winners of the two groups meet in home and away games with the overall winner qualifying for EuroBasket 2009.
Dates: August 2009
Group A: France, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Group B: Italy, Portugal
Group C: Finland, Belgium

No team can face a team from its group, as referred above

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FRANCE

NM1 Day 05: The GET Vosges already in trouble - by Chris Spiesser
Lille remains undefeated after a huge win in the derby of the North. Blois and Fos follow with strong victories against two challengers. Bayonne can also smile after a first success leaving Roche-La Moliere and the CFBB alone with a blank victory column.

Saint-Chamond 64-74 Prisse
The locals are far from their usual standards. After this new loss, coach Perrin stress out a lack of game organisation that will have to be fixed next week with the capital reception of Bayonne. On the other hand, Priss seems to have found a better shape and grabs a second win in a row.

Denek bat Urcuit 77-69 Chalons
At halftime, the locals were close to a 5th loss in row (31-39) but coach Singleton found the words to reverse the score during the second half. Seth Scott has recovered from his injury (21pts, 5rbs, 4ass) but the man of the game was Julien Blanchot with a 23pts (3/3 3pts), 8rbs note. The young forward was the perfect answer to Patiejaunas' festival (21pts, 3rbs, 7stl, 5ass).

Centre Fdral 66-72 Challans
The CFBB seems to be more efficient, earlier in the season, then last year. Challans avoided to be their first victim of the year in the last QT (17-27). Mathieu Boutry and Julien Geay preserved fot the next week's game against Blois, coach Mass could count on the other Bourty brother, Benjamin (19pts), and Marc Judith (16pts) to set the final score. The CFBB had an interesting partcipation by Pourchot, Bourdillon, Mondesir, Fournier and Westermann, each of those taking an active part in this game.

Angers 72-65 Juvisy
Keeping Michael Doles (198-F-82, college: Va Commonwealth) might have been one of the best summer signing in NM1. The US swingman posted 29pts (12/24) plus 12rbs while, in the paint, Lesieu (20pts, 10rbs) managed to handle the big revelation of the season, Edgar Vidal-Missengue. This experienced congolese player nailed his first double-double (27pts, 10rbs) but, despite being new at that level, averages 25.8ppg (65%) and 6.0rpg (in 4 games) since the beggining of the year .

Livin 78-86 Lille
Fifth win in a row for the leader, the second big one after last week's success against Blois. The visitors led the whole game despite Lievin's two returns at -5pts at halftime and during the last QT. Lille could count on a five men axis (N'Kembe, Stanford, Malet, Defoe, Payton), each of them scoring between 13 and 19pts.

Bordeaux 92-85 Longwy
The locals shot 71 times, for 33 FGs, in this offensive game that leaves the girondins at a bright 2nd spot. Sami Driss was the main architect of the score with 26pts (10/14) plus an all-around contribution: 7rbs, 2stl, 3blk, 2to, 3ass. Longwy's second QT (15-28) allowed them a halftime lead (+6) quickly forgotten after a bad third QT (24-14).

GET Vosges 67-86 Fos
Draughan (25pts 10/18, 7rbs, 6stl, 2ass) and Sy's (19pts 9/13, 10rbs) efficiency served by Ciss's 12 assits already darken the GET's season. The vosgians collect a third loss in a row leaving them with almost no jokers in comparision to Lille and the other teams at place 2. Vasiljevic did his best (23pts 8/11, 10rbs) but his 29 ranking points found no echo. This amount respresenting 53% of the team's total.

Blois 88-80 Boulogne
In this second blockbuster of the day, Blois couldn't afford a home loss instead leaving a two wins margin to Lille. And the locals had a serious game. Despite the tiny final margin, they never lost a QT. Recoura posted 20 of his 26pts in the second half to raise a +10pts gap while Caskill tamed Boulogne's inside sector with 29 ranking points. Legname and Bluntt answered for the maritims but they found no other teammate scoring in double figures.

Reims 81-73 Roche-la-Molire
The locals were under pressure after a complicated season start (1-3). But Anthony Christophe handled it brilliantly: 16pts (6/9), 2rbs, 3stl, 10ass just like the other members of a strong french axis. Jalce, Bestron and Atamna, each, posted between 16 and 19 ranking points. Once again Roche lands not far but for coach Navier it is to time to grab a first win. Next week in Priss?

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FYR MACEDONIA

AMAK SP close to sign Kostoski, MZT beats Feni in a friendly game - by Eurobasket News
According to Macedonian media, AMAK SP is close to sign young Aleksandar Kostoski (188-G-88, agency: Octagon). Captain of U20 Macedonia showed up in jersey of the team from Ohrid in the last friendly game. Nothing is officially announced by the club but for sure Kostovski has intention to return in his country.
Aleksandar Kostoski played last season in French team Gravelines but with a very limited playing time. Actualy he appeared only 9 times in total for senior team adding around 1 ppg. Most of the season he spent in U21 Gravelines. In the past he played for Fersped Rabotnicki and U21 Pau Orthez. Kostoski was a captain of U20 Macedonia on European Championship division B, which was held this summer in Targu Mures. He had 8 appearances on this event averaging 18 ppg and 6.4 rpg. At the same time he had 6.4 apg grabbing the award for the top assistant. In 2007 and 2006 he also played for U20 Macedonia on European Championships in Nova Gorica and Lisbon.

In the meantime MZT Skopje played a friendly game against Feni Industri. The host team celebrated 99-98. As a reminder, opening round of Macedonian top division is delayed for the next week-end.

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GEORGIA

Markoishvili and Tsintsadze start abroad - by Eurobasket News
Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) and his TU Rock handed Lietuvos Rytas the first loss in the Baltic League, Elite Division. The Estonian team proved the ambitions for the upcoming season with a 79:66 victory. First three quarters were enough for the total win in the game. Tanoka Beard top-scored for the winners with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Giorgi Tsintsadze netted 15, while Viktor Sanikidze and Janar Talts scored 14 each. Branko Milisavljevic ended up with 14 points in the losing effort and Nielsen posted 12. Lietuvos Rytas opened the game with 5 consecutive points in the game and started as if the favorite had to. Rock took the lead with three minutes played in the first quarter and never gave Rytas a chance. Estonian side won the opening quarter 19:15 and then increased to 39:30 at the halftime. The third period was a nightmare for the guests that trailed 14:24 in it. Branko Milisavljevic only could reduce to 63:44 after the end of the third frame. Tanoka Beard made it 70:49 at the beginning of the fourth and it became clear that the hosts would benefit from the game. Lukauskis closed the game at 79:66 as Rytas lost the first game in the Elite Division. Rock improved to 1-1 and settled down in the middle of the standings.
Before that however Siauliai came up strong in the second half to bruise TU/Rock in the first game in the Baltic League regular season for both teams. The Siauliai Arena welcomed more than 2000 spectators that saw their favorites taking a confident start to the campaign. A well-balanced Siauliai looked a bit sloppy at the start however changed the complexion of the game after the long break and finalized an overwhelming success at the end. Saulius Kuzminskas posted 19 points and 9 rebounds to pace Siauliai. Gediminas Maceina added 17 points, while Vitalijus Stanevicius had 15 points for the winners. Tanoka Beard answered with 17 points and 6 rebounds for TU/Rock. Giorgi Tsintsadze delivered 15 points and 8 assists in defeat. The teams kept it close in the first half. TU/Rock led throughout the bigger part of the opening frame however the hosts used a 7:0 to cap the first tern and pile up a 21:18 lead. The Estonian team retained the lead after the intermission but Siauliai drew things at 37 at the interval. Siualiai went on a run in the third frame. Saulius Kuzminskas nailed 6 straight points and Kadziulis connected from afar for the home team to grab a 60:48 advantage. Virginijus Praskevicius extended the margin to 16 points at the start of the fourth quarter and the hosts never looked back again. TU/Rock outrebounded the hosts 28:26 but committed 23 turnovers.

Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) and his BC Kyiv secured a dramatic 70:67 win over BC Donetsk in the capital of Ukraine. The teams were all knotted at 65 with under 2 minutes remaining in the game. Brent Wright then put BC Kyiv ahead just for P.J. Tucker to draw things level with 21 seconds left. However Scoonie Penn grabbed an offensive board after Clay Tucker 's miss and Clay Tucker was accurate in the second attempt to seal the winning outcome for BC Kyiv. Clay Tucker had 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winning team. Manuchar Markoishvili posted 2 points showing 100% from the field. Donetsk answered with 19 points for P.J. Tucker.

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GREECE

The seedings for EuroBasket 2009: Greece at the first seed - by Kostas Papadopoulos
FIBA Europe announced yesterday the seedings for the upcoming draw of the EuroBasket 2009 Final Round. The EuroBasket 2009 draw is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, in Warsaw, Poland.
The draw for the Additional Qualifying Round, which will decide the last qualifier for the event, will also take place on the same date.
The seedings for all draws are based on the results of the teams in the most recent FIBA Europe Official Competitions, with the last competition being the most important, and Greece has been placed at the first seed (as 4th at the last Eurobasket of Spain), which consequently means that it will not face (at the first round) the teams of Russia, Spain and Lithuania.
The exact elements of the draw and the tournament are:

EuroBasket 2009
Organisers: Poland
Dates: September 7-20, 2009
Preliminary Round venues: Gdansk, Poznan, Warsaw and Wroclaw
Qualifying Round venues: Bydgoszcz and Lodz
Final Round venue: Katowice
Draw : November 8, 2008
Draw venue : Capital Theatre, Marszałkowska 115, Warsaw, at 13.00 hrs.

Draw seedings:
Group A: Russia, Spain, Lithuania, Greece
Group B: Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, Turkey
Group C: Serbia, Poland, FYROM, Latvia
Group D: Great Britain, Israel, Bulgaria, Qualifier (Additional Qualifying Tournament - August 2009)

No team can face a team from its group, as referred above

EuroBasket 2009 Additional Qualifying Round
Venues: Two groups of three teams each, to meet in home and away games. The winners of the two groups meet in home and away games with the overall winner qualifying for EuroBasket 2009.
Dates: August 2009
Group A: France, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Group B: Italy, Portugal
Group C: Finland, Belgium

No team can face a team from its group, as referred above

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HOLLAND

FEB Results: Both Eiffel Towers And ZZ Leiden Win On Road; Rotterdam Basketbal. Matrixx Magixx Cruise To Wins - by Sanders Jackson

Saturday night in the debut weekend of the 2008-09 FEB eredivisie, both Eiffel Towers and ZZ Leiden got the job done on the road, Eiffel winning a topper vs. rival West-Brabant Giants, and ZZ Leiden finally winning on the road over Landstede Basketball. Matrixx Magixx finally got it together in the 4th quarter to hold off Upstairs Weert, while Rotterdam Challengers helped head coach Terrence Stansbury get a win in his coaching debut with a blowout 80-51 win over Aris Friesland.

In Bergen-op-Zoom in the marquee matchup of the weekend, it was a good return to Bergen-op-Zoom for former West-Brabant Giants star Devonne Giles (203-F-83, college: Texas Tech), whose 20 pts. led the way for Eiffel, who held off West-Brabant in an 86-81 win. Eiffel jumped out early to a 24-14 1st quarter lead (46-33 halftime lead), but the Giants got the momentum swing starting in the 3rd and continuing until the last seconds. Two free throws by Dutch international Kees Akerboom (199-F-83, agency: Court Side) gave Eiffel an 84-81 lead within the last ten seconds. With West-Brabant Giants having a chance to tie and send the game into overtime, a three-point attempt by Giants' Arvin Slagter (190-G-85) came up short, sealing the win for Eiffel.

ZZ Leiden traveled on Saturday to a place to take on an opponent who was a thorn in their side during the 2007-08 season, Landstede Basketball, and did not leave empty-handed, with hot shooting Bubba Walther (193-G-85, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Akron) leading the way, leading ZZ Leiden to an 88-76 win. With ZZ leading 47-33 at halftime, by that time both Walther and David Chiotti (206-F/C-84, agency: Court Side, college: N.Mexico) had scored 36 of ZZ's 47 points. Walther would score a game-high 32 pts. with Chiotti adding a double-double of 20 pts. and 11 rebounds. Only three players for Landstede showed up to play, with

Gerad Punch (193-G/F-84, college: Furman) scoring 26 pts., Robby Bostain (191-G/F-84, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Furman) scoring 23 pts., and Nikki Hulzebos (206-F-86, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) with 12 pts. and 15 rebounds.

In the Horstacker, Matrixx was neck-and-neck with Upstairs Weert throughout the first three quarters before getting it together when it mattered the most, taking control of the tempo in the last 5 minutes and going on to a 77-70 win. Baskets by Matrixx's Frank Tolbert (193-G-86, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Auburn) and

Ryan Sears (185-G-79, agency: Court Side, college: Creighton) gave Matrixx the edge it needed, while costly turnovers by Upstairs afterwards sealed their doom. Darnell Wilson (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Canisius) led Mtrixx with 19 pts.

It was a good debut to the FEB season for both Rotterdam Challengers and new head coach Terrence Stansbury, who jumped out to a 23-12 lead at the end of the 1st quarter and never looked back, cruising to an 80-51 blowout win. The Rotterdammers were led by B.A. Walker with a game-high 26 pts. The Rotterdammers also forced 24 Aris turnovers.

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings

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

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ISRAEL

Brunner takes Johnsons place in Nahariya - by Tamar Goldman

Two weeks before the opening game of the league Ironi Nahariya decided to replace Ashante Johnson (203-F-76, agency: Edge Sports, college: Kansas) with Greg Brunner (201-F-83, college: Iowa). Brunner, an American forward, graduated from Iowa University in the spring of 2006 and after being drafted by Dodge City Legend (USBL,2rd(13)) decided leav the states and landed in Belgium. His first stop was with Verviers-Pepinster and last season he played for the Israeli Coach Sharon Drucker in Telindus BC Oostende. Nahariyas Coach Yakov Gino knows Brunner from the Belgium league after coaching Leuven in the past year and a half.

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ITALY

Oyabradoh Enodeh joins Interperformances - by Interperformances
6.0' Italian guard Oyabradoh Enodeh (183-G-87) has signed a representation agreement with Interperformances. Oyabradoh is one of the best up-and-coming young players of the Italian basketball championship. Extremely intense and athletic, last year he played in Montecatini and he is ready to move up to the highest level.

We hope that Oyabradoh's name, that means 'beginning of a happy moment', will be a good omen for this new partnership and for Enodeh's career.

Standings - Lega 2

Lega2 Standings

1. Cimberio VA	1-0
2. Carmatic PI	1-0
3. Basket LI	1-0
4. Trenkwalder	1-0
5. Enel Brindisi	1-0
6. Fileni JE	1-0
7. Harem SC	1-0
8. Banco Sard.	1-0
9. Edimes PV	0-1
10. Aget IM	0-1
11. Pallacan.RO	0-1
12. Fastweb CM	0-1
13. Vanoli SO	0-1
14. Prima VE	0-1
15. Basket RC	0-1
16. Umana Reyer	0-1

Standings - SerieA

SerieA Standings

1. Armani	0-0
2. Pall.Cantu	0-0
3. Lottomatica	0-0
4. Benetton	0-0
5. Scavolini	0-0
6. Eldo	0-0
7. Upim	0-0
8. Montepaschi	0-0
9. Carife	0-0
10. Snaidero	0-0
11. Solsonica	0-0
12. Angelico	0-0
13. Banca Tercas	0-0
14. Air AV	0-0
15. Premiata	0-0
16. La Fortezza	0-0

Avellino inks Mike Nardi - by Nicola Martinelli
Air Avellino, after Drake Diener (196-G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: De Paul) add also the guard Mike Nardi (186-G-85, college: Villanova), last season at Agricola Gloria Montecatini, in LegaDue series.
Born in Linden, New Jersey, on 30 January 1985, Nardi have been four season at Villanova University, playing all the game in starting five; 2003-04 All-Rookies Big East Conference team. Played, with the Lottomatica Roma jersey, the 2007 Uleb Summer League. Signed by Eldo Napoli on June 2007, he has been loaned at Agricola Gloria Montecatini, where close the season with 11.8ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-5(3.3apg), 1.9spg, 2FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 72.0%.

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LATVIA

LITHUANIA

Zalgiris falls apart - by Eurobasket News
ASK Riga-Zalgiris 88:70

ASK Riga moves on top of the Baltic League Elite Division defeating the favorites Zalgiris 88:70 in Latvia. For the latter it was the second loss in a row that dropped them to 1-2. Riga played much better and did not lose any quarter of the game. Bruno Sundov (220-C-80) led the winners with 25 points and Sandis Valters (193-G/F-78, agency: Arik Krayn Services) added 15. Marsh posted 13, while Brewer netted 9 for the hosts. Ratko Varda (216-C/F-79) top-scored for the Lithuanian team with 15 points, whilst Jonas Maciulis (198-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances) notched 13.
ASK Riga got a fast lead 5:0 at the beginning of the game. Even though Zalgiris stayed closer the hosts closed the opening quarter at 24:21. Sandis Valters finished ASK run in the second frame for Zalgiris 36:28. Latvian side went to the lockers having 47:36 advantage and looked forward for the second half.
Later in the game Riga organized a run of 10:0 and it was 66:46. Zalgiris did not look optimistic in the court at all. ASK erupted for even plus 25 in the last period and enjoyed 88:70 in the end of it.ASK Riga improved to 2-0 and keeps the top position with another Latvian side Ventspils.

ASK Riga: Bruno Sundov 25 points, Sandis Valters 15, Marsh 13, Brewer 9, Kalve 8, Milutin 6, Helmanis, Mazutis 5, Bertans 2, Grafs
Zalgiris: Ratko Varda 15, Jonas Maciulis 13, Brown 12, Janavicius 10, Salenga 7, Zukauskas 6, Klimavicius 4, Woods 2, Jankunas 1

More problems for Zalgiris - by Simas Baranauskas
According to Lithuanian media LKL and BBL champions Zalgiris Kaunas are currently facing financial problems and haven't payed wages to their players for this season. These facts were confirmed by Gediminas Navikauskas, the vice-president of the club. The money to pay the wages for the first part of the season was supposed to be received from the Kaunas municipality. But the promised 5 million litas (1,4 million EUR ; 2 million USD) hasn't found a way to the pocket of the club. The main problem is finding a legal way to transfer the money, since the municipality is no longer owns a big part of Zalgiris' shares, which is due to the fact that Kaunas municipality gave the biggest part of their shares to the clubs president Arvydas Sabonis, hoping to improve the financial condition of the club.
Rumors are flying about that Zalgiris hasn't payed all the money from previous seasons as well. It is also said that a possible investor pulled back their offer this summer mainly because of the clubs debts.
But that is not all yet - Willie Deane and Paullius Jankunas got injured during the unsuccesfull trip to Latvia, where their team was beaten both by Valmiera and ASK Riga. Willie Deane will be unavailable for about a week due to wrist injury and Paulius Jankunas will be out of action for 3 weeks because of a sprained ankle. However, there may be more problems for Zalgiris - Loren Woods got sent off the court during the game against ASK Riga after having got in to a fight with Raitis Grafs. It is possible that the American player might be disqualified for up to 5 games for his actions.

Brown and Deane to leave Zalgiris - by Simas Baranauskas
Higher Vision Sports released a news release stating that Marcus Brown (193-G-74, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Murray St.) the euroleague's all time leading scorer and newcomer Willie Deane III (186-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Purdue) rated as one of the best point guards in Europe have decided to leave the financially problematic Lithuanian club Zalgiris. The team sent a shock wave throughout Europe when it surprisingly may be forced to shut down operations and financially dissolve itself. Over the recent games the players have been concerned and it has shown in their lackluster play and performances. 'This is a shock and yet also a shame. Zalgiris has some of the best fans in basketball. Our players were looking forward to competiting. They truly liked playing in Lithuania. This is going to hurt everybody but I know that in the end everything will work out for the good. These are two of the best players in Europe,' said Craig McKenzie the agent for both players.

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LUXEMBOURG

Sparta wins opener with big 2nd quarter! Smith drops 30! Amicale, Black Star and Musel Pikes also win!! - by Alex Meyers
Saturday, October 4, 2008

Amicale 67 - Contern 63

Steinsel and their new coach John Griffin barely pulled off the season and home opening victory after letting Contern back in the game after leading by 22 ponts in the middle of the 3rd quarter. The visitors made too many costly turnovers and shot poorly from beyond the arc but you've got to give Contern credit for not giving up and letting themselves get blown out, rallying to outplay Amicale 12-20 in the final stanza. New import Brandon Gary (202-F-83, college: Hutchinson JC) led all scorers in the game for Contern with 23 points. Eric Jeitz scored 17 and Ken Diederich 12. Coach Marco Amelow didn't get much help offensively from the rest of his squad as Gilles Becker(4) and Yves Braun(1) were shut down by Amicale's defensive efforts. Amicale had nice balance on attack with four starters reaching double figures. Travis DePree (201-F/C, college: Albion) led with 16, followed by Chris Scholtes and Sam Ney with 15 each and Christian Schartz scored 10. De Pree's stats were impressive with an amazing 7 assists, 11 rebounds and 3 steals. Christopher Jones was in foul trouble and spent more minutes than usual on the bench ending up with only 7 points. Next up for Amicale will be an interesting matchup at Black Star on Saturday, October 11th. Contern will host T71 the same evening.

Amicale: 24 field goals, 3 three pointers, 16 for 29 free throws, 23 rebounds, 19 fouls and 10 turnovers
Scholtes 15, Schartz 10, Ney 15, De Pree 16, Jones 7, also Rausch, Molitor, Kartheiser, Birenbaum 4 and Haan
Contern: 18 field goals, 3 three pointers, 24 for 27 free throws, 31 free throws, 21 fouls and 20 turnovers.
Becker 4, Gary 23, Florentin 0, Fasbender 4, Jeitz 17, also Bissener, Torres, Braun 1 and Diederich 12

Score by quarters: 20-12, 16-14, 17-15, 12-20
400 Spectators

Heffingen 69 - Black Star 74

Black Star got an important road win in its season opener. Heffingen lacks experience, size and bench and will struggle in DBBL. Pride, intensity, desire and effort will always be there for Heffingen, but that can't always make up for lack of size and experience. Black Star rose to the occasion starting the game strong ending a great 1st quarter up by 11. Heffingen played better in the 2nd. Heffingen also showed they are capable of playing some defense holding Black Star to only 10 3rd quarter points. American Billy McDaniel 's (201-F/C-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Ark.-Monticello) 33 points 13 rebounds and 3 blocked shots was too much for Heffignen to handle. New Black Star coach Rainer Kloss also got 16 points from veteran Dan Norell coming from the bench. Patrick Arbaut added 10. Jay Anderson (206-F-81, college: Oregon) started his career in Luxembourg with a nice double-double for Heffingen with 26 and 11 respectively. Anderson also rejected 5 Black Star shots. Veteran Camille Feltes came from the bench and scored 15 and Manou Scholtus added 14 for new coach Mika Turunen .

Heffingen is in trouble next weekend on Sunday, October 12th in Ettelbruck as they have to face Etzella and their former playmaker Tim Giver, Nelson DelGado and Co. Black Star will play host to and most likely suffer their first loss to Amicale on Saturday, October 11th.

Heffingen: 2 field goals, 8 three pointers, 15 for 20 free throws, 23 rebounds, 15 fouls and 9 turnovers
J. Thesen 4, Scholtus 14, Zender 4, D. Weyrich 3, Anderson 26(5 bs), also C. Weyrich 3, K. Thesen 0, Hetto 0 and Feltes 15
Black Star: 32 field goals, 2 three pointers, 8 for 13 free throws, 32 rebounds, 19 fouls and 13 turnovers
Tuffel, McDaniel 33, P. Arbaut 10, Becker 2, Di Bartholomeo 4, also Norell 16, Y. Arbaut 3 and Hoffmann

Score by quarters 15-26, 20-19, 18-10, 16-19
200 Spectators

T71 75 - Musel Pikes 85

Musel Pikes started the game well going up by as many as 12 points early. The middle of the 1st quarter through the middle of the 2nd quarter belonged to T71. Actually T71 had great momentum going on a 24 - 7 run during that span. It looked like it could be a blowout but T71 was only up by no more than 8. Musel Pikes remained steady and calmed the home crowd crawling back into the game and took the lead early in the 3rd quarter. With Laurent Schwartz leading the way with their drive and kick style of play. Musel Pikes controlled most of the second half. Schwartz scored 18 second half points and American Chris Braier had one of his best games in Luxembourg scoring 28. Samy Picard and Raoul Dentzer pitched in 11 a peice. Veteran guard Guy Schmit also hit double figures in scoring with 10. For T71, American sharp shooter Tim Whitworth led with 22 followed by Martin Rajniak with 14. Gilles Klein added 11.

T71 will travel to Contern next on Saturday, the 11th of October and for Musel Pikes its home against Sparta in the game of the week on Sunday, October 12th.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Sparta 78 - Residence 71

Defending DBBL Champion Sparta played well enough in the 2nd period to win against coach Kevin Magdowski 's Residence team. The visitors played Sparta even in the 1st and 4th quarters and even out-played them in the 3rd. It was the let down they experienced in the 2nd, which cost them the game. Residence jumped out to a an early 7 point lead in the match. Sparta responded and took control of the game all the way to halftime. Residence won the second half 30-34. Sparta cruised to victory behind Larrie Smith (195-F-75, college: Tennessee Tech) who scored 30 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Coach Philippe Giberti 's new guard Julien Hublart shone as expected with 18 points, 3 steals and 2 blocked shots. Fabio Palumbo added 10. Residence's Pit Koster led in scoring with 19 points followed by William Brand (196-F-80, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Albany) who had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Next weekend could be more difficult for Sparta as they play at Musel Pikes. Residence will host Racing in their home opener. Both games are to be held on Sunday, October 12th.

Sparta: 32 field goals, 4 three pointers, 10 for 20 free throws, 38 rebounds, 18 turnovers
Wulff 6, De Marchi 0, Hublart 18, Smith 30, Palumbo 10, also Engel 2, Evans, Hoffmann 6 and Nittler 6
Residence: 25 field goals, 5 three pointers, 16 for 30 free throws, 38 rebounds, 18 turnovers
Koster 19, F. Mangen 6, Brand 18, Felten 4, Leschek 8, also Hemmen 7, Abdiu 9, Kayser and Julien

Score by quarters: 23-23, 25-14, 17-21, 13-13
243 spectators

Etzella opens DBBL season with an easy road victory! Nelson DelGado scores 41!!! - by Alex Meyers

Racing 69 - Etzella 93

Etzella's Nelson DelGado busted Racing for 41 points last night in the season opener. Not only did DelGado shoot the lights out with 14/22 field goals inside three point range, but he managed to grab 10 rebounds, while adding 4 steals and 2 assists. The 28 year old DelGado is apparently 'feelin' it' and was in perfect early season form last night. Marcus Kennedy was no slouch dropping 29 points and nearly got the double-double with 9 rebounds. Tim Giver added 12 points.

Racing came out in the first playing very well ending the quarter up by 1. Turnovers plagued the home team the rest of the way. Etzella tallied 17 total steals which led to too many easy fast break buckets. Jordan Brady showed promise with 33 points and tore Etzella apart on the boards grabbing a game high total of 21 rebounds before fouling out. Dave Schroeder played well against his former teammates notching a double-double as well with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Schroeder also led the match in the assist category with 5. Etzella dominated in the second half scoring 56 points.

Racing must travel to Walferdange next weekend to face Residence where its going to be difficult. Etzella will host and should defeat Heffingen with no problem.

Racing: 27 field goals, 6 three pointers, 9/17 free throws, 46 rebounds 26 fouls, 32 turnovers
Brady 33(21 rebs, 4 st, 7 to, 1 bs), Schroeder 10(10 rebs, 5 as), Haas 7, Weynandt 2 and Pires 3, also Ural 4, Schmit 1, Garcia 6 and Klose 3

Technical Fouls: 34' Brady, 39 Brady; Fouled out: 40' Weynandt

Etzella: 31 field goals, 6 three pointers, 25/38 free throws, 37 rebounds, 16 fouls and 16 turnovers
N. DelGado 44(10 rebs, 4 st); Kennedy 27(9 rebs 4 st); Giver 12(4 st), Albaladejo 4(11 rebs), Kerger, also Benseghir 1, E. Ferreira 3, S. Ferreira, Ittenbach 5, Wiesenbach, Pravisani and Jacoby

Score by quarters: 16-15, 17-22, 16-29, 20-27

250 Spectators

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MOLDOVA

Kalnichenko started the season in Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
Andrei Kalnichenko (200-G-86) and his Ukrainian Odessa eked out a narrow 83:82 win over Politekhnika Lviv in Round 2 of UBL. The Lviv outfit got to a better start and led 18:15 after one quarter of action. Politekhnika continued to pile up the lead and stretched the gap to as many as 13 points at the interval. But Odessa was a different team coming off the locker room. Justin Love orchestrated a comeback effort that allowed Odessa to cut the distance. Odessa drew things level late in the game and finally Wayne Wallace accounted for a go-ahead bucket with just 2 seconds remaining. Kuzmin had a chance to save the game but his desperate try rimmed out. Brian Tolbert paced the hosts with 23 points. Otis Hill produced 17 points and 12 boards, while Justin Love provided 22 points in the win. Andrei Kalnichenko scored 11 points and made 3 rebounds. Yaroslav Zubrytskyi replied with 18 points and 7 rebounds for Lviv.
In Round 1 BC Odessa that seriously bolstered the squad in the preseason took on Goverla at home. The hosts jumped to an early lead and maintained it throughout the opening period. They enjoyed a 24:13 lead after ten minutes of action. Odessa overwhelmed their opponents in the second quarter clearing off to a 51:23 distance at the interval. However Goverla refused to fold. They capitalized on some sloppiness from the home team and cut the distance to just 10 points. But Odessa never allowed the visitors to come closer and secured the initial win at the tournament. Justin Love and Vladyslav Podolyan came up with 14 points apiece to lead Odessa. Otis Hill and Artem Shvets added 10 points each for the winners. Andrei Kalnichenko posted 5 points and had 4 rebounds in the opener.

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MONTENEGRO

Vladimir Dasic keeps Buducnost perfect in Adriatic league - by Eurobasket News

Vojvodina Srbijagas - Buducnost 76-85

Buducnost Podgorica improved its score to 2-0 taking a road game in Novi Sad. After magnificent win against Slovenian Euroleague team Union Olimpija, Buducnost once again demonstrated great performance. Mostly owing to Vladimir Dasic (208-F-88, agency: Beo Basket), Montenegrin team returns home celebrating. After leveled first frame, Buducnost totally destroyed Vojvodina. Players of head coach Dejan Radonjic intensified defense putting a big pressure to Vojvodina's guards. It forced the hosts to pull up many quick shots at the same time making big number of mistakes. On the other side Vladimir Dasic and his teammates were great at the offensive end which outcame with impressive 6-23 in the second stanza. Nothing has changed is third quarter, as Buducnost extended its lead even more. Last ten minutes belonged to Vojvodina, but it was not enough for the win. Vladimir Dasic paced Buducnost to victory collecting 26 points and 6 rebounds for 34 minutes. He had 8/9 FG2, 2/5 3-pts and 4/4 FTs. Ivan Maras (208-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Milos Bojovic (198-G-81) helped their team netting 13 points apiece. Vojvodina got 15 points and 5 rebounds from center Goran Bajic (207-C-83). After nice win in Zagreb, the host team in this game dropped on 1-1.

Vojvodina Srbijagas: Goran Bajic 15+5 boards, Marko Popovic (193-G-84) 13+6 as, Marko Pekovic (193-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) 13+ 4 as
Buducnost: Vladimir Dasic 26+ 6 boards, Ivan Maras 13, Milos Bojovic 13

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MOZAMBIQUE

Desp. Maputo lost for the first time. - by Carlos Pereira
The Mozambique national championship continues with great enthusiasm. Ferroviario of Beira beat Desportivo of Maputo by 90-74, and his the first lose of the capital team.
Results
5th round

Fer. Beira-Desp. Maputo 90-74
Desp. Beira-Fer. Maputo 90-50
Costa do Sol-APolitcnica 94-70
Maxaquene-Sport Club 70-52

6round
Desp. Beira-Desp. Maputo 61-80
Fer. Beira-Fer. Maputo 56-88
Maxaquene-APolitcnica 109-78
Costa do Sol-Sport Club 106-59

NEXT ROUND(7)
Desp. Maputo-Costa do Sol
Maxaquene-Fer. Maputo
Sport Clube-APolitcnica
Fer. Beira-Desp. Beira

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NBA

Preseason recap from yesterday 2 games - by Bruno Baltazar
Rookie Kevin Love (6'10''-C-88, college: UCLA) scored 16 points and Mike Miller (6'8''-F/G-80, college: Florida) added 12, lifting the Timberwolves to a 117-79 preseason victory over the Milwaukee Bucks that made Minnesota's draft day trade look promising.
Al Jefferson (6'10''-F-85) chipped in 18 points and eight rebounds in 19 minutes, and the new-look Timberwolves may have acquired enough offensive threats to improve on last season's 22-60 mark.
Minnesota selected O.J. Mayo (6'5''-G-87, college: USC) with the third overall pick, but dealt him to Memphis for Love, who was picked fifth, and Miller in an eight-player trade hours after the draft concluded.
Rashad McCants scored 22 points and Randy Foye (6'3''-G-83, college: Villanova) 11 for Minnesota. Charlie Villanueva (6'10''-F-84, college: Connecticut) scored 14 points and Matt Freije

(6'9''-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) and Ramon Sessions (6'3''-G-86, college: Nevada) had 11 each for Milwaukee.
Milwaukee, which added Scott Skiles as coach and John Hammond as general manager, only kept seven players from last year's 26-56 team.
Center Andrew Bogut (7'0''-F/C-84, college: Utah), who signed a five-year contract worth up to $72.5 million this offseason, was a late scratch with a migraine headache.

Maurice Evans (6'5''-G-78, college: Texas), who left as a free agent last summer, scored 17 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Orlando Magic 118-101 in the preseason opener for both teams.
'(The Magic) didn't make any attempt to re-sign me,'' Evans said. 'I really thought we had something special there so I was disappointed.''
Rashard Lewis (6'10''-F-79) led Orlando with 22 points. Olympian Dwight Howard had 17 points, five rebounds and eight blocks. The block total matches Howard's regular-season best.
Magic forward Tony Battie (6'11''-C-76, college: Texas Tech), making a comeback from a shoulder injury that cost him all of last season, grabbed seven rebounds but missed his first four shots and finished with six points on 2-of-8 shooting.
Bibby, who joined the team midway through last season, finally appears healthy after struggling with thumb and heel injuries in 2006-07. He had 11 points and four assists in 21 minutes.

Magic exercise option for J.J. Redick - by Eurobasket News
The Orlando Magic on Tuesday exercised guard J.J. Redick's (6'4''-G-84, college: Duke) $2.8 million contract option for the 2009-10 season.

Redick, 24, has appeared in 76 contests over his first two season with the Magic, averaging 5.2 points and 1.0 rebounds per game.

'At this point there's no other way to take it than a vote of confidence', Redick told the Orlando Sentinel. 'I knew that wasnt a guaranteed year and I felt like this summer that I had to work as hard as possible and earn that fourth year.'

'I didn't do a whole lot the first two years to warrant that (extension), so Im happy I have another year of security and to prove myself to the Magic.'

The 6-4, 190-pound Redick was the 11th overall selection in the 2006 draft after a record-setting career at Duke.

Redick, the all-time leading scorer in Duke and Atlantic Coast Conference history with 2,769 points, received numerous honors after his senior season, including the Naismith and John R. Wooden National Player of the Year Awards.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

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NCAA1

Oklahoma picked to win Big 12 hoops - by Eurobasket News
For the first time in Big 12 history, Oklahoma is the preseason favorite to win the conference title in a vote of the leagues head coaches. The Sooners received three first-place votes in polling for the 2008-09 season. The previous high for OU in the preseason selections was second on four different occasions. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own teams.

Oklahoma welcomes back four starters from last season, returning nearly 70 percent of its scoring overall. The Sooners are led by sophomore Blake Griffin (6'10''-F). The forward was the first freshman in OU history to earn All-Big 12 First, Second or Third Team honors after leading the squad in scoring (14.7 ppg), rebounding (9.1) and field goal percentage (.568).

Texas came in just behind OU with 107 points and will also return four starters. The Longhorns bring back 73.7 percent of their scoring and 89.7 percent of rebounding, with nine of the teams top 10 scorers slated to suit up again. Senior A.J. Abrams and junior Damion James are the top returnees. James set a UT single-season rebounding record with 393 boards a year ago.

Baylor easily surpassed its highest preseason prediction in Big 12 history, tying Kansas for third in this years poll. The Bears, fresh off their first NCAA appearance since 1988, hope to earn the first back-to-back NCAA bids in school history. Prior to this poll, the highest BU had been selected in the preseason tally was No. 7 in 2006-07.

KU, the defending-NCAA champion, earned the remaining three first-place votes. The Jayhawks will be sporting a fresh look this season with an entirely new starting lineup. Junior guard Sherron Collins and sophomore center Cole Aldrich, who were significant contributors a year ago, will be joined by a highly-rated recruiting class.

Texas A&M, Oklahoma State and Missouri - all postseason squads last season - were chosen fifth, sixth and seventh. The remainder of the poll saw Kansas State at No. 8, followed by Nebraska, Texas Tech, Iowa State and Colorado.

The Big 12 season gets underway on Friday, November 14 with seven schools in action. Conference play begins Saturday, January 10 with five league contests.

The Big 12 Conference will hold its preseason media day on Thursday, October 23 in Oklahoma City - site of the 2009 Phillips 66 Big 12 Basketball Championships.

2008-09 BIG 12 PRESEASON POLL

Team (First Place Votes) Points

1. Oklahoma (3) 109

2. Texas (4) 107

3. Baylor (2) 103
Kansas 103

5. Texas A&M 79

6. Oklahoma State 69

7. Missouri 51

8. Kansas State 50

9. Nebraska 49

10. Texas Tech 39

11. Iowa State 20

12. Colorado 13

Courtesy of http://www.kake.com

Durham and Cummings join New Mexico State - by Eurobasket News
New Mexico State men's basketball head coach Marvin Menzies has announced the hiring of Mick Durham and Tyler Cummings, Sunday, Oct 5. Durham joins the Aggies as an assistant coach and Cummings is the strength and conditioning coach for both the mens and womens basketball teams.

'Mick and I have known each other for about 15 years and I have a lot of respect for him as a coach and a person', Menzies said. 'He brings a wealth of knowledge to the table having been a head coach at the Division I level for 16 years. Mick will be an outstanding addition to the team as well as the Aggie community'.

Durham joins the Aggies after 16 years as the head coach at Montana State. He retired in 2006 with the second-most victories and second-longest coaching tenure in the Golden Bobcats school history. Durham is a part of three generations of Bobcats, his father, Lin, and oldest son, Casey, also played at Montana State. With the Aggies, his main responsibilities include scouting, game preparation, and on-court instruction.

'I'm really excited about being here at New Mexico State', Durham said. 'I'm here because of my relationship with coach Menzies and coach (John) McMullen. I got to know those guys back in their California days when they were both coaching at Santa Monica College. Im glad to stay in the west because Im from the northwest and I know the west the best. And I really wanted to stay in a college town in the west'.

Tyler came highly recommended by people I know and trust, Menzies said. Most recently, Tyler worked with Northeastern Oklahoma State. He is extremely motivated and passionate about his profession. Tyler will be working with both the mens and womens basketball teams. Both (NMSU womens head coach) Darin (Spence) and I felt really comfortable with Tyler on his visit to Las Cruces. We believe he will bring a strong work ethic to both the mens and womens programs.

As the strength and conditioning coach, Cummings is responsible for overseeing the overall athletic development including strength, flexibility, speed and agility training.

'I'm very excited to be at New Mexico State', Cummings said. T'hey have a great basketball program here, and Im really excited about working with the student-athletes we have at the University'.

With the departure of assistant coach Matt Grady and strength and conditioning coach Paul Ivkovich, the staff restructuring is complete with John McMullen moving to the assistant to the head coach position, while Paul Weir is now an assistant coach. Gerald Lewis is the director of operations and Ryan Dozier is the coordinator of player development. Former Aggie forward Trei Steward also joins the staff as a graduate assistant.

Durham, a former point guard, recorded 246 career wins, which ranks first in Big Sky Conference history. He was a three-time conference coach of the year (1996, 2002, 2005) and led the Bobcats to the 1996 NCAA Tournament. The appearance was only the third in Montana State history. Durham guided the Bobcats to a pair of Big Sky regular season titles (1996 and 2002) and one league tournament championship (1996). He also posted three 20 or more win seasons and nine winning seasons at MSU.

In the 2001-02 season, Durham coached the Bobcats to a Big Sky Championship and 12-2 conference record with a squad that was projected to finish last in the league. MSU went on to win its first NIT game and the schools first-ever national postseason Division I victory. The win was also the first for the Big Sky in more than a decade. Montana State finished the year with an overall record of 20-10.

The Bobcats advanced to the NCAA Tournament after winning the Big Sky regular season and tournament titles in 1995-96. Montana State fell to Syracuse, the eventual National Runner-up, in the tournament and Quadre Lollis, the 1996 Big Sky Most Valuable Player, remains in the NCAA West Regional record book for his field goal percentage. MSU finished the year 21-9. In just his fifth season as head coach, Durham and the Bobcats were 21-8 in 1994-95

Durham was named the 20th head coach of the Bobcat program, April 26, 1990, after he spent eight seasons as an assistant coach, 1982-90. Prior to his return to Montana State, Durham began his career as the boys basketball head coach at Shepherd High School, in Shepherd, Mont., for two years, 1980-82.

He graduated from Montana State with a bachelors degree in 1979 and a masters degree in 1980 following a successful Bobcat career. A Three Forks, Mont., native played in nine games as a freshman in 1975-76, then started the remainder of his career. Durham missed the 1978-79 campaign with a knee injury, but finished the next season with 901 career points and 362 career assists. Durham is fourth in MSU history in assists and free throw percentage (.816), and he ranked second in both categories when he graduated.

He and his wife, Donna, have three children, Casey, Mikaela and Kobey.

Prior to arriving in Las Cruces, Cummings was the strength and conditioning coach at Northeastern Oklahoma State in Tahlequah, Okla. He also coached the RiverHawk defensive ends.

Cummings is making his second stint in the WAC after spending a season as a graduate assistant at Louisiana Tech. With the Bulldogs, he worked with the football, basketball and volleyball teams.

In 2006, Cummings earned a bachelors degree in education at East Central in Ada, Okla. As an offensive lineman, he was a two-time all-American and three-time all-conference selection at Northwestern Oklahoma State in Alva, Okla.

Courtesy of http://www.nmstatesports.com

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NEW ZEALAND

Sean Marks returns to court - by Eurobasket News
The New Zealand basketball star Sean Marks (208-F-75, college: California) is back training with his NBA club the New Orleans Hornets. As a reminder, he missed the start of pre-season with a clash strain.

The power forward didn't play last weekend's opening pre-season match against Golden State. He's back in training but he could miss tomorrow's next game against Indiana as a precaution.

The Hornets coach Byron Scott has said he's looking to Marks to make more of an impression in the League with them and increase the number of minutes he plays.

Marks is entering his ninth season in the NBA, but he has never averaged more than 4.6 points or played extended minutes. Last season he appeared in just 22 games for the Phoenix Suns.

Courtesy of http://www.radionz.co.nz

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NIGERIA

Who win Nigeria league. As final-8 dunks-off - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Eight Nigeria men basketball clubs will take to the floor in a bid to out dunk one another for the Nigeria premier league title for the out-going season at the indoor of the Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Zaria.

According to the premier league director, Muktar Khaleh who is also the President of FIBA Africa Zone-3 told The Hoops International that the federation settles for the ABU gymnasium due to lack of funding for the playoffs.

The former Nigeria international pleaded with the eight clubs to see the choice of the venue as the federation contribution towards staging a befitting final.

The eight teams four from each of the Atlantic and Savannah Conference of the premier league are battle ready for the final showdown.

From the Atlantic conference comes star-studded Union Bank basketball club of Lagos, Ebun Comets basketball club of Lagos, Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos and Islanders basketball club.

From the Savannah conference comes Kano Pillars basketball club of Kano, Niger Potters basketball club of Minna, Plateau Peaks basketball club of Jos and AHIP basketball club of Kano.

Among the eight finalists only AHIP basketball club of Kano could be consider as an outsider to the system of the play-offs as the rest of seven teams are used to the play-offs style to determine who become the champion of the Nigerian league.

Niger Potters basketball club of Minna hold the ace in the pool of the eight teams having conquered all to cart home the star-prize in a recent tournament tagged First Deepwater Discovery Battle for Supremacy where it humbled such teams as Ebun Comets, Kano Pillars and Union Bank basketball clubs to win the half-a-million naira prize money.

The club coached by Nigeria U16 Men national team head coach, Adamu Kuta parades a crop of tested players who can hold their own against any opposition and are currently ranked fifth in Africa.

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PALESTINE

Latest News - by Tamara Awartani
Palestinian Basketball Federation Board of Directors

The Palestinian Basketball Federation Members announced the new board of directors after having a meeting recently in West Bank & Gaza and agreed to re-elect the president every four years.
The following are the new board of directors:
President: Khader Diab
Vice Persident: Jamal AlBheisi
Secretary General:Basem Dayazdeh
Vice Secretary General:Ahmad Eid
Treasurer: Mohammed Zyadeh
Chairman of the Competitions Committee General: Salem Sama'neh
Chairman of the National Teams Committee :A member of the southern provinces
Public Relations Officer: Amjad Khurdairi

Bethlehem Tournament (15-10 till 31-10)

A tournament will launch on the 15th of this month, organized by Orthodoxi Bethlehem with 10 teams participating. More details to follow.

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PBL

Sasquatch announces truout camps - by Gianni Pascucci

The Montreal Sasquatch announce that it will be hosting Tryout Camps for the 2008-09 team over the weekends of : Saturday & Sunday, October 18-19, 2008 and Saturday & Sunday, November 22-23, 2008. The camps are being held at : cole Lucien Pag - 8200, St-Laurent Boulevard - Montreal (Quebec) (Canada) H2P 2L8. Every player interested can send an email request for the registration forms for the Oct. 18-19th camp to info@MontrealSasquatch.com. Registration forms online will be available until Wednesday, October the 15th. For more information contact GM Pascal Fleury or Head Coach Alejandro Hasbani on coach@MontrealSasquatch.com

No PBL regular season for the Nighthawks - by Gianni Pascucci

The Maryland Nighthawks, the longest-running and founding member of the Premier Basketball League, is ready for its international debut as the official 'Travel Team' of the PBL in China and the Far East. 'This is really a great opportunity for the PBL to solidify its growing presence in the Far East and solidify the increasing cooperation and partnership between our nations in the arena of sports, particularly, basketball,' stated Nighthawks owner, Tom Doyle . 'We do realize that many of our fans will be disappointed that we will not be running a regular season, so we have worked hard to set up a schedule of showcases and other fun charity basketball events featuring the Nighthawks, for the entertainment of our fans,' continued Doyle. 'We also look forward to the completion of the arena in our county. The arena project is moving forward and soon the Nighthawks will have a brand new home.' The schedule of international play will occur concurrently with the PBL regular season, but 'we really thought that it was important to seize this great opportunity to take our particular brand of basketball to China, even though it means forgoing the regular season of play,' remarked PBL Chairman of the Board, Dr. Severko Hrywnak . Nighthawks fans can look forward to a regular season in January 2010, but, in the meantime, check out www.marylandnighthawks.com for notice of special Nighthawks events coming soon.

PBL Draft order released - by Gianni Pascucci

The Premier Basketball League (PBL) announced the 2009 PBL draft order for the 2nd annual draft which will be held on October 16, 2008, at the ESPN Zone in downtown Chicago. Due to the number of expansion teams joining the league this season, the draft position for the 1st round for all 13 teams was chosen by random draw and that order was reversed for the 2nd round selections. The order of call is as follows:
Round #1

1.Detroit Panthers
2.Halifax Rainmen
3.Buffalo Stampede

4.Montreal Sasquatch
5.Augusta Groove

6.Manchester Millrats
7.Quebec City Kebs

8.Chicago Throwbacks
9.Battle Creek Knights
10.Vermont Frost Heaves
11.Mid-Michigan Destroyers
12.Rochester Razorsharks
13.Wilmington Sea Dawgs

Round #2

14. Wilmington Sea Dawgs

15. Rochester Razorsharks

16. Mid-Michigan Destroyers

17. Vermont Frost Heaves

18. Battle Creek Knights

19. Chicago Throwbacks

20. Quebec City Kebs

21. Manchester Millrats

22. Augusta Groove

23. Montreal Sasquatch

24. Buffalo Stampede

25. Halifax Rainmen

26. Detroit Panthers

The draft will be able to be viewed on television and the internet. Further detailed information on the PBL draft will be released shortly. For additional information contact the Premier Basketball League Chicago, IL office at (773) 844-7251 or info@pblproball.com For further league information visit www.pblproball.com

The PBL welcomes the Mid-Michigan Destroyers - by Gianni Pascucci
As you can see from the Draft order recently released, 13 teams will play in the upcoming Premier Basketball League 2008-09 season. The last team accepted into the league is the one based in Bay City, Michigan, with the name Mid-Michigan Destroyers. 'We are proud to become members of the Premier Basketball League as their business plan was a match for the structure in a league we have been seeking, said Destroyers Team President Jere Shockey. Having recently purchased our own venue, having a team was the logical next step for what we are trying to build in Bay City.' 'This addition creates a terrific on-court rivalry with Detroit and Battle Creek while becoming an excellent travel partner for many of our teams'. commented PBL Chief Executive Officer Tom Doyle . 'Having an ownership group who is experienced in the business of basketball, with a keen understanding of our business model, made this ownership group a terrific match for the league'. The ownership group of the Destroyers recently purchased and renovated the 2000 seat historic St.Joes Gymnasium in Bay City, Michigan. Here they have created the JJKN Hoops Training Center which is home to some of the top up and coming players in Michigan

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POLAND

Poles start the season not only at home - by Eurobasket News
Maciej Lampe (210-C-85, agency: Edge Sports) and his Russian Khimky lost in Belov Cup 59:82 to CSKA in the Final game. A 20:11 in the second period was enough to take the control of the game and to lead to the victory. Matjaz Smodis led the winners with 16 points. Trajan Langdon added 12 points and 4 steals, Ramunas Siskauskas also scored 12 and J.R. Holden dished for 8 assists for the winners. Maciej Lampe led Khimki with 14. The two Russian rivals and the best teas of the previous season started with 22:22 in the opening period. They showed excellent defense and good percentage from the field. In the second period CSKA pushed the tempo and went on a lead, that was finished with 20:11 at the end of the second quarter. As a result the teams went to the lockers with 42:33 for the defending champions. CSKA did not slow down after coming back from the lockers. They produced 22:17 in the third period and felt more confident in the last frame. The favorites ended up with 18:9 in the last period to seal the victory and to lift the Cup up the heads.
Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) and his Lokomotiv Rostov in Russia are getting ready for the upcoming season. Recently three teams instead of four are fighting this year in the Cup of Azovmash in Ukraine. Greek Pannilionis could not come to Ukraine and the administration decided to have the teams play with each other. The hosts Azovmash welcomed BC Donetsk and Russian Lokomotiv Rostov. In the opener Lokomotiv Rostov overcame Donetsk 92:74. The Russian squad was too good in the first half and won both first quarters. The advantage of the Russian team was 48:27 when the teams went to the lockers. Ukrainian team won the third period 21:18 and then tied the last at 18:18 to reduce a bit in the end. Szymon Szewczyk led the winners with 22 points. Vorotnikov nailed 18, while Nikita Morgunov netted 14. Tucker ended up with 22 points in the losing effort. Azovmash beat Lokomotiv 91:82 and it was a great game from both teams especially the start of it, when the teams showed a good percentage in the game. Azovmash won the opening quarter 29:28 and then increased to 6-point lead at the halftime. Ukrainian side won also the third period and then lost only 18:19 in the last. Simonas Serapinas led the winners with 24 points. Van Den Spiegel posted 13 and Tomas Delininkaitis together with Lishchuk Serhiy had 12 each. House ended up with 15 points in the losing effort. Azovmash triumphed at home with 88:82 win over Donetsk.
Lokomotiv Rostov advanced to the next round of Russian Cup after 90:58 over Kuban. Lokomotiv opened the game with 22:9 and never looked behind after. With 19:13 the winners finished the game with a win. Nikita Morgunov top-scored for Lokomotiv Rostov with 18 points. DeJuan Collins and Pero Antik netted 14 each, while Szymon Szewczyk had 11.
Michal Hlebowicki (204-F-76) and his Ukrainian Mykolaiv lost in Sumy. Sumykhimprom ensured a tough 84:79 victory over visiting Mykolaiv. The hosts could not find the right rhythm in the first half as they trailed by 6 points at the interval. However Corey Santee ignited a comeback effort in the second half. He delivered the points, while Abdullahi Kuso reigned the boards and the home team registered the first win in the season. Santee produced 17 points to pace Sumykhimprom. Abdullahi Kuso tallied a huge double-double of 14 points and 20 boards, while Brian Green added 14 points for the winners. Olexiy Onufriev scored 16 points for Mykolaiv, whilst Michal Hlebowicki netted 13 points and made 5 rebounds.

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PORTUGAL

Vagos moves - by Luis Rocha
Vagos in not happy with things in their roster, and decided to waive Wesley Green (206-C, agency: 540 Sports, college: De Paul) as well as welcome Grant Billmeier (208-C-84, college: Seton Hall). Billmeier is a center with a huge body who can defend well in the painted area, set up good screens, pass the ball, although he is not a scorer. He has a lot of experience, and has established himself troughout those years as a good and hard working center, whos job is get to others the chance to score. Vagos has in the roster players to score and be creative, they need a player like Grant Billmeier to gave them security in the boards and help stopping other centers.

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PUERTO RICO

Pellot Rosa signs with Keflavik - by Luis Ramirez
Forward Jesse Pellot-Rosa (193-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Va Commonwealth) has signed in Iceland with Keflavik. Pellot playing in his first game with Keflavik scored 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 17 minutes of play. Meanwhile over in Poland, Donald Copeland scored 28 points in 25 minutes of play as his team PGE Turow beat BPS Basket 92-71. Copeland made 5 out of 6 from the field and made 4 out of 6 from the 3 point line, he was perfect from the free throw line making 6 out of 6.

Carmona has another great Offensive Game - by Luis Ramirez
Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83, agency: Next Level) coming off a spectacular performance in his prior game with Fuerza Regia where he scored 49 points in a win over Venados could not help his team win this time even though he was the top scorer with 36 points in the game. He also grabbed 3 rebounds, his team lost to Bravos de Piedras Negras 102-91. Carmona shot 16 of 26 from the field and 3 out of 3 from the free throw line. Franklin Western playing for Bravos de Piedras Negras scored 27 points in that game. Western shot 13 of 19 from the field.

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SERBIA

Mega HL in Balkan league today, Swisslions tomorrow - by Dragan Jankovski
Balkan International Basketball League begins today. In competition opener Mega Hypo Leasing will take on Bulgarian team Rilski Sportist in Samokov. It is not a regular game of the first round. Actually it is a game of round nine, which is re-scheduled for today.
Mega Hypo Leasing is placed in Group B of BIBL together with Dinamo Bucharest, Fersped Rabotnicki, Levski and Rilski Sportist. Mega HL will play another game on Thursday and its rival will be Levski Sophia.
Swisslions Takovo is placed in Group A. The other participants of the same group are CSU Cuadripol, Cherno More, Swisslions Takovo, Feni Industri and Radnicki 034 Group. On Wednesday, Swisslions Takovo will meet Romanian CSU Cuadripol on the road.

Except of the BIBL, today we will also have the second round of Adriatic league. It is interesting but three Serbian teams will meet three Slovenian. Partizan Igokea will host Helios Domzale in Prionir. Crvena Zvezda will meet Krka in Novo Mesto trying to register second victory in regional championship. FMP also plays on the road but in Ljibljana against Slovenian champion Union Olimpija. Vojvodina Srbijagas waits Montenegrin champion Buducnost Podgorica. Fifth Serbian team in Adriatic league Hemofarm STADA will play in Sarajevo against Bosnian champ Bosna ASA BHT. All games are scheduled for today.

Thriller win for Rilski against Mega HL in historical BIBL opener - by Dragan Jankovski

In historical opening game of Balkan International Basketball League, Bulgarian team Rilski Sportist grabbed thriller win against Serbian Mega Hypo Leasing 97-96. Game is decided in overtime, actually in its last second, when Aleksandar Gruev (187-G-83) drained a long range triple for a big joy of Rilski's fans in Samokov. Mega Hypo Leasing was better team during the first 20 minutes. Young Stefan Stojacic (195-G-89) was in a game mood leading his team to plus 5 at the half time, 35-40. After the breather, Travis Peterson (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Samford), Branko Mirkovic (185-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and their teammates woke up but still it was enough only for minus 3 before the last stanza. The hosts were slightly better during the following ten minutes. Visitors had pretty good stroke from behind the arc while on the other side Rilski had only 5 of 26. It is also interesting that Serbian team totally outrebounded Bulgarians finishing the game with 49 boards matched with 29 by its opponent. However, Rilski managed to reach the over time. With two minutes remaining, it seemed that game was already over as Stefan Stojacic and his teammates had comfortable 10-point lead, 82-92. After that moment their concentration went down, which Bulgarians exploited to get on minus 2 with 4 seconds to go. Then above mentioned Aleksandar Gruev grabbed the ball netting the winning triple for great victory of Rilski Sportist. Branko Mirkovic top-scored for Rilski with 19 points. Travis Peterson had 17 including 9 boards. Hero of the game Aleksandar Gruev stopped on 16 points. On the other side, young prospect Stefan Stojacic collected 25 points and 7 rebounds. Christopher Schlatter (203-F-81, college: Washington St.) had 19 points and 8 boards while Uros Nikolic (207-F/C-87) also was pretty good adding 12 points and impressive 15 rebounds.

Rilski Sportist: Branko Mirkovic 19, Travis Peterson 17+9 boards, Aleksandar Gruev 16
Mega Hypo Leasing: Stefan Stojacic 25+7 boards, Christopher Schlatter 19+8 boards, Uros Nikolic 12+15 boards

3-2 for Serbian teams in Adriatic league, Vukosavljevic MVP of round 2 - by Dragan Jankovski

Krka - Crvena Zvezda 56-83
(16:20, 13:17, 16:28, 11:18)

Crvena Zvezda grabbed the second victory in Adriatic league. As a reminder, Red-and-whites celebrated in Serbian derby last week-end beating FMP of the road despite trailing more than 10 points during the entire time.
Today, it was an easy match for Zvezda. From the early beginning Belgrade's team controlled rhythm of the game. Elmedin Kikanovic (206-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) shined under the basket leading Zvezda to 29-37 in the first half. Third period was the crucial one tonight. Zvezda was even better at the offensive end, having pretty good percentage for FG2, 73% in total. Bakic and Keselj joined Kikanovic, helping Crvena Zvezda to drain 28 points in this period. On the other side Krka scored just 16. After that moment the only question was how big difference it will be at the end. It is also important to be mentioned that Serbian team outjumped Krka having 10 rebounds more, 36-26.
Elmedin Kikanovic was the best in Zvezda scoring 16 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Boris Bakic (195-G-86, agency: Beo Basket) had 11 points while hero from the first round Marko Keselj (206-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) stopped on 9 points and 5 boards. Essington added 13 points and 4 rebounds in Krka, which dropped on 0-2.

Krka: Essington 13 (4 rebs), Sebic 12, Marcelic 11
Crvena Zvezda: Kikanovic 16 (5 rebs), Bakic 11, Keselj 9 (5 rebs)
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Partizan Igokea - Helios Domzale 81-65
(20:12, 22:13, 18:21, 21:19)

Partizan Igokea outplayed Helios Domzale in Pionir for the perfect score 2-0. It was comfortable win of Serbian and Adriatic league champion, which proved its quality already in the first half. Gabonese Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) had 17 points for Black-and-whites. Cedomir Vitkovac (201-F-82) scored 13 while Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) collected 12 points and 5 rebounds. Vjekoslav Petrovic (193-G/F-81) nailed 13 points in Helios. Slovenian team is winless yet after two rounds in Adriatic league.

Partizan: Lasme 17, Vitkovac 13, Tepic 12 (5 rebs)
Helios: Petrovic 13, Snow 12 (5 to)
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Bosna ASA BHT - Hemofarm STADA 67-78
After great road win in Domzale, Bosna ASA BHT faced with first defeat in Adriatic league. The main reason of Bosna's failure is Hemofarm's center Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket), who was totally unstoppable in the paint. Anyway, opening quarter belonged to visitors 16-20. During the following 10 minutes Seid Hajric (203-F-83) and his teammates managed to improve their game coming on minus 1 until the half time. Hemofarm had only Vukosavljevic in a game mood, which Bosna exploited in third quarter. Reining Bosnian champion and returnee in Adriatic league succeeded to make a turn and to grab 2-point lead before the last frame. When it seemed that Bosnians are in the right track to the second victory, Vladan Vukosavljevic stepped up in Hemofarm. Bosna's big guys weren't able to guard him. They tried with committing the personal fouls but Serbian big guy was almost unmistakable from the free throw line. On the other side Bosna couldn't keep the same rhythm missing few important shots. At the end Hemofarm managed to end last frame 11-24 and to remain perfect in regional championship. Vladan Vukosavljevic scored 35 points in total missing only six times for 32 minutes. He is MVP of the round with index rate 39. Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) was a way behind him with 10 points. Bosna ASA BHT got 19 points and 6 rebounds from Seid Hajric. Emir Zimic (217-C-86) had 11.

Bosna ASA BHT: Seid Hajric 19+6 boards, Emir Zimic 11, Stanley Burrell (190-G-84) 10
Hemofarm STADA: Vladan Vukosavljevic 35+ 7 boards, Milan Macvan 10
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Union Olimpija - FMP 88-81
Current Slovenian champion Union Olimpija grabbed the first win in Adriatic league 08/09. After defeat in Podgorica, the team from Ljubljana managed to beat Serbian FMP 88-81. Opening ten minutes belonged to FMP 17-21. Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) and his teammates had much better second frame taking 1-point lead at the half time. The hosts somehow stopped playing after the breather. Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87), together with Nemanja Protic (182-G-86) and Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: CAA Sports), took total control on Slovenians, which struggled a lot with running the plays. Olimpija also had few erratic shots while its defense was extremely poor. Everything resulted with 18-29 in this frame meaning the FMP had plus 10 before the crucial ten minutes. Totally different picture was seen on the court after that moment. Olimpija was the team which dominated demonstrating brilliant performance. Players of head coach Aleksandar Dzikic drained 28 points for 10 minutes, what was more than enough for comfortable victory. Macedonian point guard Vlado Ilievski shined for the winners recording 16 points and 5 assists. Damjan Rudez (207-F-86) and Saso Ozbolt (188-G-81, agency: World Sport Agency) also were good scoring 14 points each. Miha Zupan (206-F/C-82, agency: Interperformances) helped his team with 13 points and 5 boards. FMP got 21 points and 7 boards from Dragan Labovic.

Union Olimpija: Vlado Ilievski 16+5 as, Damjan Rudez 14, Saso Ozbolt 14, Miha Zupan 13+5 rebs
FMP: Dragan Labovic 21+7 boards, Nemanja Protic 15, Mladen Jeremic 12
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Vojvodina Srbijagas - Buducnost 76-85
Buducnost Podgorica improved its score to 2-0 taking a road game in Novi Sad. After magnificent win against Slovenian Euroleague team Union Olimpija, Buducnost once again demonstrated great performance. Mostly owing to Vladimir Dasic (208-F-88, agency: Beo Basket), Montenegrin team returns home celebrating. After leveled first frame, Buducnost totally destroyed Vojvodina. Players of head coach Dejan Radonjic intensified defense putting a big pressure to Vojvodina's guards. It forced the hosts to pull up many quick shots at the same time making big number of mistakes. On the other side Vladimir Dasic and his teammates were great at the offensive end which outcame with impressive 6-23 in the second stanza. Nothing has changed is third quarter, as Buducnost extended its lead even more. Last ten minutes belonged to Vojvodina, but it was not enough for the win. Vladimir Dasic paced Buducnost to victory collecting 26 points and 6 rebounds for 34 minutes. He had 8/9 FG2, 2/5 3-pts and 4/4 FTs. Ivan Maras (208-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Milos Bojovic (198-G-81) helped their team netting 13 points apiece. Vojvodina got 15 points and 5 rebounds from center Goran Bajic (207-C-83). After nice win in Zagreb, the host team in this game dropped on 1-1.

Vojvodina Srbijagas: Goran Bajic 15+5 boards, Marko Popovic (193-G-84) 13+6 as, Marko Pekovic (193-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) 13+ 4 as
Buducnost: Vladimir Dasic 26+ 6 boards, Ivan Maras 13, Milos Bojovic 13

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SEYCHELLES

Baya from underachievers to champions - by Carlos Pereira
A year ago, Baya were considered underachievers in the big league. Today, they are the Mens Division One champions their first title win in the countrys top flight.

Losing to the two giants PLS Hawks and Premium Cobras when the going got tough and sometimes to mid-table teams as a result of inconsistency over the past years, Baya have now put their previous disappointments behind them.

Sundays game against RC Dynamics at Victoria Gymnasium was just a formality for Baya as a win was widely predicted and they got it, 75-65.
Although the players didnt celebrate the win as they did after their emphatic 23-point (88-65) second-round victory over last years champions PLS Hawks the weekend before, their fanatical supporters did. There was also no champagne to celebrate the first title win.
Coach Michel Malbrook once again outsmarted his opposite number Jim Domingue who also plays for the Hawks and was hoping RC Dynamics would get a famous win to keep alive the defending champs chances of retaining their title.
Bayas dominance in the second round was enthralling and all-encompassing as they stayed unbeaten in nine games. In fact, their last loss in the league was against PLS Hawks on a 78-87 score on Saturday June 21 during their last first round encounter.
They also defeated Premium Cobras in both legs 71-59 in the first round and 83-72 in the second for their first ever win against the former champions at the Palais des Sports.

Close game

RC Dynamics were hyped up and used all the tactics in their book to frustrate Baya, but they felt the frustration as they were hit with five technical fouls for arguing with the referees and for rough play.
It was a close game, but still every player on the Baya roster, except for the absent Dave Roseline and Steve Boniface, got his moment to show the fans his worth.
The first quarter ended 15-13 in favour of RC Dynamics, but Baya stepped up a gear to win the second and third quarters, 25-14 and 19-17. Although they lost the fourth 10-minute session by one point 18-19 Baya got the win they wanted on the back of 21 points, including three 3-pointers, from Jean-Paul JP Camille.
Hendricks Denis (16 points), captain Robert Lon (16) and playmaker Giovanni Laval (10) were the other three Baya players in double figures, while RC Dynamics were led in scoring by James Joubert (16), Ronny Julius (13) and Emmanuel Larue (10).

Speaking to Sports Nation, coach Malbrook said: This is quite something. And it is our first championship win. Mostly the players on the team have never experienced the championship-winning feeling. Im glad for them and I thank them, although things have not always been easy for us.
Now we want to achieve the double. Our two main threats on the road to the final of the SBF Cup (Seychelles Basketball Federation Cup) are MBU Rockers and RC Dynamics. I have a feeling we can do it.

Coach Malbrook whose team will now defend Seychelles colours at the next Indian Ocean Club Championship which the country is to host in 2009 added that Nigel Annette and Timmy Adam, who now play for PLS Hawks, are expected to make a quick return next year.

Adam, who left Baya at the start of the season to join MBU Rockers before moving to the Hawks during the mid-season break, has been hit with a lengthy suspension after he was disqualified for hitting the referee with the ball during the loss to Baya. Adam will be back in action at the start of the second round of the 2009 season.

In other Mens Division One action on Sunday, Cascade Bullets lost captain Ralph Racombo with a foot injury but still won 74-68 against Angels on the back of a game-high 23 points from Christopher Toto Camille.
Kieren Agathine got 21 points, Norcy Agathine 18 and Collin Japhet 15 for Angels.

On Saturday, Ugandan all-rounder Stephen Omony rained in 24 points and veteran Jim Domingue added 19 as PLS Hawks defeated MBU Rockers 72-58.
Skipper and playmaker Nigel Sinon got 16 points and Cyril Agrippine scored 13 for the Rockers.
On Praslin on the same day, Praslin Warriors were given a scare by visitors Beau Vallon Heat but still won 64-61.

G. G. from nation.sc

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SLOVAKIA

Extraliga starts tomorrow - by Eurobasket News
Slovakian Extraliga is ready to start. Last season's champion Skanska Pezinok will try to defend the title, what for sure won't be an easy job . The other teams added many quality players thus Extraliga will be very exciting to watch.

In the first round Skanska Pezinok will host MBK Rieker Komarno, which enters into the new season with big appetites. The team inked few experienced players which will try to help it in making better results that it was in the last one. As a reminder, Komarno was tenth ranked team in 07/08.
Inter Bratislava waits SKP Banska Bystrica while former champion Chemosvit Poprad will meet Baketbal Levice. Chemosvit was Slovakian champion in 2003.
Kosice will take on BK 04 AC LB SNV at home. It is important to be mentioned that one of the best Kosice's players Dejan Stojanovic left the team. Head coach Milos Pazicky also left taking over Roznava (Extraliga women). New head coach of Kosice is Jozef Resetar.
Another former champion CASTA SPU Nitra will play at home in the opening round. Its rival will be HBK Prievidza. Nitra was Extraliga champion in 2005.

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SLOVENIA

Union Olimpija takes the first in Adriatic league - by Eurobasket News

Union Olimpija - FMP 88-81

Current Slovenian champion Union Olimpija grabbed the first win in Adriatic league 08/09. After defeat in Podgorica, the team from Ljubljana managed to beat Serbian FMP 88-81. Opening ten minutes belonged to FMP 17-21. Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) and his teammates had much better second frame taking 1-point lead at the half time. The hosts somehow stopped playing after the breather. Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87), together with Nemanja Protic (182-G-86) and Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: CAA Sports), took total control on Slovenians, which struggled a lot with running the plays. Olimpija also had few erratic shots while its defense was extremely poor. Everything resulted with 18-29 in this frame meaning the FMP had plus 10 before the crucial ten minutes. Totally different picture was seen on the court after that moment. Olimpija was the team which dominated demonstrating brilliant performance. Players of head coach Aleksandar Dzikic drained 28 points for 10 minutes, what was more than enough for comfortable victory. Macedonian point guard Vlado Ilievski shined for the winners recording 16 points and 5 assists. Damjan Rudez (207-F-86) and Saso Ozbolt (188-G-81, agency: World Sport Agency) also were good scoring 14 points each. Miha Zupan (206-F/C-82, agency: Interperformances) helped his team with 13 points and 5 boards. FMP got 21 points and 7 boards from Dragan Labovic.

Union Olimpija: Vlado Ilievski 16+5 as, Damjan Rudez 14, Saso Ozbolt 14, Miha Zupan 13+5 rebs
FMP: Dragan Labovic 21+7 boards, Nemanja Protic 15, Mladen Jeremic 12

Stats Leaders - 1B

1B Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1.M.Bratina (Radens) 30
2.D.Buncic (Gradisce) 28
3.S. Lukic (Gradisce) 23

Rebounds Per Game

1.A.Remus (Rogla) 13
2.M.Vranjkovic (MFC) 9
3.D. Muric (Parklji) 8

Assists Per Game

1.A.Vojicic (Radenska) 6
2.S.Lukic (Gradisce) 4
3.T.Novak (Radenska) 4

Ranking

1.D.Buncic (Gradisc) 31
2.S. Lukic (Gradisce) 28
3.T. Podboj (Gradisc) 27

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SPAIN

BJ Spencer " I am a very emotional player and I love to win" - by Mariano Galindo
1- Can you introduce yourself to spanish people?
Yes my name is Bj Spencer (Bradford Spencer Harry (193-G-84, agency: AMI, college: Jacksonville St.), I am from Starkville, I attented Jaksonville State University, and im entering my third year of playing ball over seas and im thankful to be blessed to do what i love to do and make a living.

2- You were playing in NCAA with Jacksonville St. how do you describe this couple of years?
There were probably some of the best years of my life just because of all the memories I will have and my teammates was like a family basketball was very fun in college, I learned alot on and off the court.

3- In 2005 you were draft candidate. You did not were picked because you withdrew your name before it. did you regret of this decision?
No i dont, I wanted to see how I measured up with some of the best players in the nation so no i dont regret it, I took it as a learning experience.

4-Two years ago arrived to Spain but soon, you left Rosalia and started a tour around the world. Serbia, Poland and finally Lebanon What did you learn in this countries? What was the best experience for you?
All of the countries was a experience I think the european countries are at a higher level than the middle east, and in europe its more of a team game while in the middle east they look to get alot out of the american or import players, I am glad I got to experience it to see how basketball is played in different parts of the world.

5- Now, you come back to Spain. Has changed BJ as a player since 2006?
Just experience, I know how much I need to prepare for the upcoming season, coming out of college it was a big shock to me living on my on in another country, but im use to it now, and I have prepared my self this off season so I look forward to having a good year here in spain and helping my teammates anyway I can.

6- What do you know about Leb Bronze and your new team Balneario Archena?
I knew a little when I was at home lookin on the internet, but now since I have been here i got a chance to experience it and you have to bring it everynight night because everybody here in Spain plays hard no matter what level you are in, as you see how the spain national team played against the us national team anybody could of won that game so that just goes to show you the level of play here and everybody at Balneario has been a big help ever since I stepped off the plane

7- What can you give to Archena? Points sure, becasue we know that you are an excellente shooter. personality
I am a very emotional player and I love to win and will do whatever it takes to win the game, if its passing, rebounding, or playing defense, sometimes your offense is not going to be there so you have to do other things to help your team win and thats what im bringing to the team this year.

8- Send a message to Balneario Archena Supporters
I would like to thank Archena for giving me this oppurtunity to further my career and i look forward to having a great year here and hopefully we can get what every team has on there mind when the season begins and that is to win a championship.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Bell adjusts to Suns' new system - by David Edole
Nobody had a more inquisitive Suns training camp than guard Raja Bell (196-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.), whose inquiring mind was emblematic of how much the Suns' inner workings have shifted under new coach Terry Porter.

'Everything is different,' Bell said. 'If you don't know, you better ask. When everything changes on you, sometimes you've got to ask questions to make sure you're on the same page.

'It's a 180 but that's what we've decided we need to do to win. Now, it's about us all understanding the way we're going to play and the schemes.'

Bell was frequently the player Mike D'Antoni couldn't bring himself to take off the floor in recent years. He averaged a team-high 35.3 minutes last season because D'Antoni needed Bell's All-NBA defense and his 3-point shooting to spread the floor offensively.

'From an offensive standpoint, he may be touching the ball more,' Porter said. 'In the past, he may have been just running to a spot, so to speak. He's going to be able to touch it, move it and put it on the floor more than in the past. There'll be more screens, pin-downs and things of that nature.'

Porter also has the Suns changing defensively, going from a team that funneled dribblers to the middle to one that shades them to the baseline.

'If we can get it done, which I'm sure we will, we'll be a much improved defensive team,' Bell said.

Porter said Bell is ideal for what he expects in perimeter defense.

'The first line of this defense is you've got to take care of the job of guarding your man and having some containment principles, not letting them get great blow-bys,' Porter said. 'He's going to be great from that standing point.'

by Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic

FIBA Americas Basketball Academy--The Power of Practice - by David Edole
Practice is fundamental and necessary for the development of any team. A coach that leaves practice out of his plans is destined to failure.
As long as a team practices regularly, in enough sessions, with a clear objective and progress, then, only then will the road to victory be clear.
But there is a BIG problem with practice...

As might know or imagine, not all practice sessions are created equal. A coach could practice his team for 2-3 hours per day, EVERY DAY, running his system, without moving his big players. Another coach might have not a single clue as to how to create/conduct a practice session. And yet another could posses the knowledge but is very lax with rules and much disorganized. Whatever the reason, the reality of the thing is that most coaches do not know how to plan for an effective practice.

Organizing a practice session is one part art and one part science. You need more time to plan a practice session than to develop the same. After all, they should know that talent alone does not win a game. On the other hand, regular and good practice does win games. Thus, every single practice session needs a specific objective to be effective.

How do you plan a practice that will produce positive results?

The first step in establishing a winning practice plan is to establish the length of the practice session. In general, most coaches bet on long practice sessions. As a result of these long sessions, players rarely end up learning anything since they are bombarded a lot of information, both physical and mental. It is much more productive to establish short, well planed sessions than longer sessions, which tend to be at least somewhat disorganized.

The ideal length of time for a practice session is from one to one and a half hours. This way, players will stay alert both physically and mentally.

The next step is to establish objectives and goals. These could be any of the following:

1. Choose which players will make the team.

2. Choose the starting five, possible substitutes and other reserves.

3. Develop the methodology to teach fundaments and game basics.

4. Identify strengths and weaknesses of each player and determine the general skill set and weakness of the team as a whole.

5. Choose an offensive scheme based on those weaknesses and strengths.

6. Choose a defensive scheme based on those weaknesses and strengths.

7. Choose the exercises that will help improve and develop offensive and defensive skills.

8. Design, teach and implement game plays and controls that your team may choose and be capable of executing on their own.

Once your offensive and defensive systems have been selected/designed, teach it to the team the following way:

1. Present the situation personally the form and skill or use a couple of players or present a video of what you want to establish.

2. Teach and correct.

3. Break each exercise in small segments and walk the players through each of these segments in both offense and defense.

4. Go about everything you have taught at half speed.

5. Then, do it again at full speed without opposition.

6. Finally, do it again at full speed with full defensive/offensive opposition.

7. Identify skills and weaknesses of each player.

The real key to find individual talent in order to develop solid team chemistry is to run things at full speed with maximum opposition.

The style of the game play that the coach has incorporated offensively and defensively must be delivered with the materials presented. This must be based on a good offensive balance, movements, excellent execution of the game system and good coordination. But much more important is for players to know the game basics and fundamentals and how to apply them at any given time that seems prudent throughout the game.

By Prof. Victor 'Vitito' Ojeda, Coach

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UNITED KINGDOM

Sullivan Glad To Be Back - by Andy Webb
By - Gareth John

The recent announcement that the Newcastle Eagles had secured the return of Andrew Sullivan (203-F-80, college: Villanova) provided a major boost for not only those in the north east but also the BBL as a whole.

For a League raising the bar both on and off the court year on year, being able to boast the current Team GB Captain in addition to fellow GB teammate Richard Midgley (Everton Tigers) is a major coup.

Sullivan has returned to the Eagles for at least the opening two months of the season. The 6 foot 5 Londoner was the league's top player in 2005/06, averaging over 21 points and 8 rebounds a game, whilst helping the Tyneside outfit win six titles in two years between 2004 and 2006. After graduating from Villanova in 2003 the forward played for Dutch side Eiffel Towers for one season before moving to the Eagles, for the two most successful years of the club's history, including the famous clean sweep of all four domestic honours in the 2005/06 season . In the summer of 2006, Sullivan departed the UK for Spanish ACB outfit, DKV Joventut Badalona, and the following year teamed up with Team GB Head Coach Chris Finch starting for Belgium top flight side, Mons.

He returns to Newcastle after captaining Team GB to an historic breakthrough this summer in qualifying for the 2009 European Championships in Poland. The 28 year old is pleased to be back: 'Newcastle is home to me now, and the fans are without a doubt the best in the country. I had a couple of other offers from elsewhere, but Newcastle is the best situation for me. Although there are some new faces, the team hasn't changed an awful lot since I was last here which means I know my personnel. I have a mutual understanding with Paul (Blake) and Fab (Flournoy) and I understand Fab's principles both offensively and defensively. The situation is ideal in that it hasn't been a major transition for me'.

Despite only playing two games for the Eagles so far, the GB Skipper is enjoying being back in the BBL and can see the progress the League has made in the time he has been away: 'I only had one practice before my first game against Guildford, but they are a good team. Instantly I remembered why I enjoyed playing here before, and the league is certainly going in the right direction. I'm having fun out there on the floor, and to be playing for Newcastle is a bonus.'

Eagles Fans can see the GB skipper in action as the Eagles host new look Sheffield Sharks in their next home game on Saturday 24th October at the Metro Radio Arena, tip off 7.30pm.

BBL Team of the Week - Week 2 - by Andy Webb
Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.) marked his Everton Tigers debut by being named in the BBL team of the week.

Forward Smith finished with 29 points and 15 rebounds as Everton opened their campaign with an 80-61 victory at Sheffield Sharks last Friday. The former North Dakota standout converted 13 of his 14 two point attempts though he proved less successful from outside the arc and also collected three steals and two assists to mark Tony Garbelottos first game in charge of the Tigers with a win.

Blake Shelton (198-G/F-80) in action for the Sharks during the 2006/07 BBL season. Smith is joined at the forward spots by SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks player Blake Shelton whose 25 points and six rebounds helped his side to a 92-77 victory at Worcester Wolves on Saturday evening. Former Sheffield Shark Shelton drained three treys in his tally, but proved deadly from two-point range, with six of his seven efforts going in.

Sheltons Rocks team-mate Robert Yanders (180-G-79, college: Missouri St.) joins him in the team as his side completed a winning weekend with an 88-68 victory at Airwaves Plymouth Raiders. Yanders drained six shots from the Land of Plenty and finished with 27 points as well as eight assists and five rebounds. Yanders also finished with 19 points in Saturdays win at Worcester in a weekend where he played all 80 minutes for the Rocks.

The other guard spot is filled by BiG Storage Cheshire Jets player Chez Marks (191-G-80, college: Morehead St.), who secures the allocade for the second week running. The 6 2 former London Towers player scored three three-pointers in his 28 point haul at Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders on Saturday evening and added four assists and three steals to grab a place in this weeks team. Marks also scored ten points on Sunday as Jets went top of the league with a 75-71 home win against Guildford Heat.

The team is completed by centre Justin Brown (213-C-80, agency: Passing Lane, college: Connecticut) who joins Marks in being selected in successive weeks. The Worcester Wolves centre finished with 23 points and five rebounds in 32 minutes of action as Wolves went down against the Rocks on Saturday evening.

EAGLES LAUNCH NEW TEAM IN WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL SUPERLEAGUE - by Andy Webb
The Newcastle Eagles have announced their entry into the Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association (GBWBA) superleague, with a fourteen-strong team comprising the regions best wheelchair ballers - including ex-GB members, Lee Fawcett, Stewart Pimblett and Paul McGinty.

The new team announcement came on Thursday 2nd October, when the Eagles hosted a launch event at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton, bringing together the new superleague team - sponsored by Dunelm Property Services - and the Eagles British Basketball League (BBL) players - backed by Northern Rock - to celebrate the new venture which will place even more of the regions talented sports people under the national spotlight.

With ex-GB player Lee Fawcett at the helm as Captain, the team are optimistic about their first game on Sunday 19th October in Oldham, and looking forward to returning to the region for their first home game at Percy Hedley Academy for Disability Sports on Saturday 8th November.

Great Britain is currently making a name for itself in the Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball stakes, having defeated the United States at this years Olympics, with GBs Terence Bywater as top scorer with a total of 32 points.

Newcastle Eagles Managing Director, Paul Blake, said: The popularity of basketball is soaring in the UK at the moment. The Eagles BBL team celebrated a triumphant victory in front of a huge crowd at the end of September in the first game of the season, and now following the GB basketball teams immense success in the Beijing Paralympics this year we see our new team hit the superleague in whats sure to be a highly competitive and dynamic competition.

Stephen Francis, Managing Director of Dunelm Property Services, sponsors of the Eagles GBWBA team, added: We are pleased to be involved with the team as part of our support of the communities in which we work. All our clients provide housing in the region and a number of them benefit from the involvement of the Eagles Community Foundation and the Eagles players, and this is our way of supporting this excellent work. We wish the Eagles GBWBA team well in their first season!

The home games will take place at the Percy Hedley Academy for Disability Sports in Killingworth, North Tyneside. Adam Parry, Sports Development Manager for the Percy Hedley Foundation and Eagles GBWBA superleague team player is thrilled that the two organisations have joined forces to promote wheelchair basketball within the region.

Adam said: Percy Hedley has a strong track record developing all kinds of sports for participants with disabilities, and, as wheelchair basketball has been going strong in the region for some time, this new partnership means we can draw on a wealth of experience to bring the sport to a much wider audience. Having the weight of the Eagles brand behind us adds significantly to the sports appeal and together we feel we can create a sustainable basketball infrastructure for our participants. We currently have teams at every level in the league from juniors through to professionals and look forward to seeing our young players become the Paralympic stars of the future!

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URUGUAY

Atenas has now a two points lead - by Hector Lopez
Atenas took a two points lead beating Defensor Sporting 90-88, with two free shots by Diego Pereyra (184-G-85), with 2 seconds remaining. For Atenas the best scorer was Gustavo Barrera (194-G-85) con 28 points and 9 asists, Darryl Dora (206-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Texas Tech) netted 7 and took 4 rebounds, and Marques Lewis (203-F-83, college: UAB) 4 and 2. For Defensor Sporting Brian Woodward

(191-G-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Rhode Island) scored 22 and added 8 rebounds, Chris Jackson (208-C-81, college: N.Mexico St.) scored 21 and 9 rebounds.
Other results:
Olimpia 72 - Reque Newsome (203-C-82, college: S.Indiana) 24 and 12, Greg Dilligard (203-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International) 8 and 8
Malvin 58 - Anthony Washington (206-F/C-83, agency: Duran International, college: Portland St.) 8 and 10, Jarrett Stephens (200-F/C-77, agency: Duran International, college: Penn St.) 3 and 4
- - -
Cordon 90 - Andrew Washington (191-G-84, agency: Promotex, college: Delaware) 26 and 6, Chris Sockwell (203-F/C-80, college: St.Francis,NY) 15 and 8
Union Atletica 85 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Lewis) 26 and 9, Juan Bautista Araujo (206-F/C-83) 2 and 2
- - -
Bigua 85 - Kevin Young (206-C-84, college: Missouri) 21 and 14, Charles Thomas (203-F-86, agency: CGL Sports, college: Arkansas) 16 and 15
Sayago 77 - Brandon Hassell (209-F-86, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Penn St.) 13 and 9, Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, college: Wofford) 9 and 3

Standings - LUB

LUB Standings

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

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Women News

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ISRAEL - Women

Liron Cohen in Slovakia - by Gil Goshen

On her first league game in Slovakia and
after She led the Israeli national to the Europe championship next summer
The Israeli national player Liron Cohen led her team
MAXIMA BROKER KOSICE to win over Poprad 95:64.
Liron played 25 mintues and had 22 points, 6 ast. and 5 rb.
Maxima Broker has now 3 wins and they are leadin the league.
On the 5th round they will meet BK 99 PU Preov. ( away game ).
Good Liron !!!
Liron Cohen - Agency -GG basketball.

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LUXEMBOURG - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

DBBL Men Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1. N.DelGado, ETZ 41
2. McDaniel, BSM 33
3. Brady, RAC 33
4. Smith, SPA 30
5. Braier, MUS 28
6. Kennedy, ETZ 27
7. Anderson, USH 26
8. Gary, CON 23
9. Whitworth, T71 22
10. Koster, RES 19

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NCAA1 - Women

Manhattan Center's China Crosby commits to University of Virginia - by Eurobasket News
China Crosby grew up playing basketball on the Mullally Park courts in the shadows of the old Yankee Stadium. Now, the Manhattan Center senior is set to take her game to the University of Virginia.

Crosby, a senior guard who played with the Bronx-based Gauchos this past summer, announced a verbal commitment to the Cavaliers last week after visiting the Charlottesville campus with Lady Rams coach Jaywanna Bradley.

'I loved everything about it,' Crosby said after her visit. 'The campus is wonderful, the facilities are fantastic and I really liked the players.'

With Crosby on board, one national recruiting service, allstargirlsreport.net, ranked Virginia's 2009 class as fourth-best in the country.

Crosby, ranked by ESPN as the No. 2 point guard in the country, joins four other freshmen who are ranked among the top 120 in their class, including 6-3 post player Erinn Thompson (No. 21).

Lyndra Littles and Monica Wright, the Cavaliers' top two scorers last season, will both be gone when Crosby hits campus next August, so the 5-6 point guard knows she'll be expected to make immediate contributions.

'I've been a leader on every team I've played on, so I know I'm expected to come in and work hard and get the job done,' said Crosby, the 14th-ranked player in 2009 according to ESPN.

Debbie Ryan, Virginia's Hall of Fame coach who has led the Cavs to 22 NCAA Tournaments, has a penchant for producing successful guards, including Olympic gold medalist Dawn Staley and Sharnee Zoll.

Bradley, who has coached Crosby since middle school, says her point guard will fit in fine at Charlottesville.

'She's an incredible leader,' Bradley said. 'She just understands the game.'

One factor in Crosby's decision was the fact that her mother, Monica, 'really loved' the Charlottesville campus.

Crosby knew she had to heed her mother's advice. After all, it was Monica who brought a young China to Mullally Park, watching the games so she didn't get 'pushed around' by the bigger kids on the courts.

Now, Monica will make the trip to Charlottesville to watch her daughter compete against some of the best players in the country.

'I think it's only five hours away and she can take a train straight from Charlottesville,' said Crosby, who chose Virginia over Louisville and Louisiana Tech. 'She'll come down for some games.'

Crosby last season averaged 17.9 points and 5.3 assists per game in the Bronx/Manhattan 'AA' division, leading Manhattan Center to the PSAL championship game, where the Lady Rams lost to Bergtraum. Before she heads to Charlottesville, she'd like to cap off her high school career with a PSAL crown.

'I just want to focus on my team now and how we can get back to the championship,' Crosby said. 'I know we're hungry to get back there.'

Courtesy of http://www.nydailynews.com

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SLOVAKIA - Women

Maxima Broker Kosice on wednesday finally with both american players - by Michal Maslany

Slovak champion Maxima Broker Kosice will finally have both american players, that were playing in play off of WNBA. On wednesday afternoon training will coach Stefan Svitek see Cathrine Kraayeveld (193-F-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon) and also Sidney Spencer (191-F-85, college: Tennessee). Kraayeveld played for New York and lose in Eastern Conference final to Detroit, Spencer played for Los Angeles and lose in Western Conference final to San Antonio.

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WNBA - Women

Monarchs forward Rebekkah Brunson undergoes successful surgery - by Eurobasket News
The Sacramento Monarchs today announced forward Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair cartilage damage in her right knee. Monarchs Team Doctor, Kirk Lewis, performed the surgery. It is projected she will be out six months, and a complete recovery is expected.

Brunson did not compete with the Monarchs during the 2008 WNBA Playoffs after team doctors confirmed the right knee cartilage damage at the conclusion of the regular season.

In 2008, Brunson was named to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team and appeared in 20 games, averaging 10.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.67 blocks and 26 minutes per game.

Selected by the Monarchs in the first round (10th overall) of the 2004 WNBA Draft, Brunson was a 2007 WNBA All-Star and was a member of the 2005 WNBA Championship team. In her five seasons with the Monarchs, Brunson has played in 165 games averaging 8.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks and 21.4 minutes per game.

Expect Great Basketball in 2009 at ARCO Arena! Flexible and affordable ticket plans are on sale now. To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit SacramentoMonarchs.com.

Courtesy of the Sacramento Monarchs