EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/9/2008

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Men News

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


Gwizzlies sign seven footer Mcneal - by Eurobasket News
ABA Georgia Gwizzlies Embry Malone today signed 7'0,250 pound Tyronne Mcneal (7'0''-C-87, college: Miami Dade CC) for the team upcoming 2008-09 season. Veterans 6'9 310 pound Xavier Morton (6'9''-F/C-80, college: Clark Atlanta) and 6'8 245 pound A.J. Stallworth (6'9''-C-79, agency: Prossin Sports, college: Life) will be returning to the Gwizzlies training camp.

Meanwhile, The Knoxville Thunderbolts, in association with Next Level Training LLC and Johnson Basketball Institute, present the First Annual Jumpstart 2008 November 1 from 7:30am to 3:30pm at Grace Christian Academy located off Oak Ridge Highway at 5914 Beaver Ridge Rd, Knoxville TN 37931. Young basketball players of middle school and high school age are invited to this free all day event that will include basketball skills, SAQ training, afternoon tournament and a complimentary breakfast. Dane Bradshaw, Jordan Howell and Coach Chad Smith of the Knoxville Thunderbolts will be speaking on how to improve your basketball game. Eddie Raymond will speak on nutrition and how it can improve your performance as well as several 'surprise' guests attending and speaking at the event. Autograph sessions as well as one-on-one time with the professional athletes will be available.

Come on out and take advantage of this free resource to improve your game and a chance to meet your Knoxville Thunderbolts. (Courtesy of The Knoxville Thunderbolts)

Maywood Buzz add All-ABA 6'8" Forward Jamal Kendrick - by Eurobasket News
The Maywood Buzz and General Manager Burrel Lee III announced today that they have added 6'8 Forward Jamal Kendrick (6'8''-F-75, college: Baylor) for the upcoming 2008-2009 ABA season.

Kendrick who resides in San Diego, CA is from Detroit, Michigan. He has played overseas, in the CBA, ABA, USBL and even been in a few NBA Camps in the past. Kendrick has been with NBA teams Dallas and Seattle in their camps. Last season he lead the San Diego Wildcats to the ABA Finals before losing 87-84 to the Vermont Frostheaves.

Kendrick is happy to be teaming up with 2007-2008 All-ABA Guards Darwin Carter and Ken Wright, both who was ABA All-Stars last year.

'Burrel and I have been talking all summer and when I made the move to Maywood, it was because of the Championship caliber team that he is putting together. I feel with myself, Darwin, Ken and the others, we are on the verge of that championship game. Losing last season left a bad taste in my mouth and I am itching for one more shot at a professional title' said Kendrick.

Lee added 'this is a blessing to have 3 former All-ABA Team members on the roster this season. We also have a few others that we will be announcing soon. But adding Jamal was key to this and if we add a few more pieces we feel that the LA Lakers won't be the only team in SoCal contending for a championship this season.'

For more information on the Maywood Buzz, please visit www.buzzbasketball.com or call 323.562.5570. The Maywood Buzz 2008-2009 Season opener is Friday, November 29th, 2008 @ 7:00pm vs. TBA at the Maywood Activity Center and tickets are on sale now.

Courtesy of The Maywood Buzz

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  AUSTRALIA   


Shawn Redhage inspires the Wildcats back to winning track - by Eurobasket News
Melbourne - Perth 101:105

The Perth Wildcats did the trick sending the Melbourne Tigers to the first defeat at the State Netball and Hockey Centre today. The Wildcats used a pivotal performance from Shawn Redhage (202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) to hold off the defending champions 105:101. Redhage finished with impressive 31 points and 11 rebounds to lead Perth to the third win. The Tigers meanwhile fell to 3-2 record. Peter Crawford (193-G-79) secured 17 points, while Darnell Hinson added 14 for the winners. Chris Anstey (213-C-75) answered with 29 points, while Rod Grizzard (203-G-80, college: Alabama) provided 23 points for the hosts.
Peter Crawford was instrumental in the first quarter surprise from the visitors. The guard came up with 8 points and 3 steals and the Wildcats built a 27:22 advantage into the second quarter. The Wildcats stretched the gap to 8 points early in the second frame just to see it evaporate with a barrage of three-pointers from the home team. Ebi Ere accounted for two trebles as the Tigers trailed by just one point at halftime 49:50. Shawn Redhage and Loughton dominated offensively in the third quarter and the visitors ran away to a 13-point distance. Stephen Weigh was later responsible for two straight triples as Perth went up by 18. However the Tigers were far from being done. Chris Anstey, Corletto and Tommy Greer sparked a comeback effort that saw the hosts claim a narrow lead late in the fourth period. However Nathan Crosswell (190-G-79) missed two free throws, while Loughton and Redhage dropped consecutive buckets to seal the tough victory at the end. The teams were equally matched on the glass with 50 boards apiece.

Melbourne: Chris Anstey 29, Rod Grizzard 23
Perth: Shawn Redhage 31+11 boards, Peter Crawford 17, Darnell Hinson 14

Conner Henry: Tigers are NBA quality - by Eurobasket News
Perth Wildcats coach Conner Henry has likened the Melbourne Tigers line-up to that of an NBA team but that won't stop him having his side ready for battle in Melbourne on Wednesday night.

With the additions of Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma), Sam Mackinnon (197-F/G-76) and Rod Grizzard (203-G-80, college: Alabama) to the champion team of last season, the Tigers have an intimidating line up but Henry's Wildcats also have plenty of talent and are looking forward to the challenge.

'There won't be any motivation problems for this game because they are the No.1 team and reigning champions. Arguably, they have an NBA-like line-up by adding Ebi Ere and Sam Mackinnon to the fold and they are definitely an intimidating side,' Henry said.

'We've played well against them in Melbourne for the most part, including last year when we were leading by six with two minutes to go and there was a questionable call that swung the momentum, so we aren't afraid to go in there and have a go at them.'

The thing that has stood out to Henry about the Tigers so far this season is that someone like MacKinnon, who is a dual Olympian, two-time championship winner, Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist and 2007 NBL MVP, can just go about his business quietly on return from his knee injury.

'The Melbourne team this year is similar to last year but they have added someone like Sam Mackinnon who is still trying to find his form and doesn't look to do a whole lot offensively,' he said.

'What a great pick up that is to get an MVP of this league, and Olympian, who can just run screens, rebound, defend and do all the little things without worrying about getting his points. They also have plenty of room to improve as well with that squad as I watch them, which is a little scary.'

Coming into the season, Henry looked at the Melbourne team and wouldn't have been surprised if they didn't lose a game. While they have already lost one to the Breakers in New Zealand, Henry knows only a special effort will see the Tigers lose again.

'With a few new additions who haven't been together that long they are similar to the Wildcats in that regard but looking at them I have not seen a squad that has been that big, that talented and they could conceivably not lose another game all year,' he said.

'They lost one already to New Zealand in New Zealand, which is a tough place to win, and the Breakers shot the lights out from three-point range.

I look at the Tigers side as a club that could conceivably not lose again and it will take a huge effort on anybody's part to beat them on their home court especially.'

Perth hasn't won on the road yet this season after losses in Melbourne to the Dragons and Townsville to the Crocs, but Henry is hoping to do well over the next few days. It all starts against the Tigers on Wednesday, before playing Wollongong on Friday and the Sydney Spirit on Saturday.

'Any time you go home you get that extra five or 10 per cent from sleeping in your own bed, eating your own meals and having the crowd behind you. We won't get out to a 20-2 run like we did here (against Wollongong). It will be a much closer game and one where we have to prove that we can grind it out,' he said.

'The Sydney club has been in every game that they've played so far and they are always well-coached. They are also young, so they will continue to get better as the season goes on. Having Wollongong and Sydney back-to-back will be two games where we have to play very disciplined basketball to win.'

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

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  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Cherno More lands NT player Yulian Radionov - by Eurobasket News
Cherno More got important acquisition for the Balkan league as well as for Bulgarian championship. It is Yulian Radionov (188-G-79), who was a member of Bulgarian National Team this summer on EuroBasket 2009 qualifications. Radionov and his NT teammates made great success booking a spot for Poland. He appeared 3 times in jersey of his country but unfortunately without any record. Anyway, Yulian Radionov spent previous three seasons in Levski Ekopetroleum Sophia. In the last one he played 38 games in Bulgarian A1 averaging 6.9 ppg, 1.6 rpg and 1.4 spg. Before Levski, Radionov played four years for Lukoil Akademik. Actually he spent half of the season 04/05 in Spartak Pleven. Playing for Cherno more is nothing new for Radionov as he already was its member in 2000 and 2001. His biggest achievement are winning of two Bulgarian titles as well as three National Cups. In 2006 he was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League 2nd Team -06'. Radionov also played for Bulgarians on EuroBasket 2005 in Belgrade. He appeared 2 times adding 1.5 ppg and 1 apg. Interesting is that Radionov never played for any non-Bulgarian team.

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  BELGIUM   


Liege BC win the opener of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 - by Eurobasket News
Bakken Bears-Liege BC 55:67

EuroChallenge 2008/2009 Qualifying Round 1is open. Last night Denmark saw the first battle of the two teams that are ready to participate in the upcoming tournament. The ticket however is one for two of them and after the first game Belgian Liege BC has better chances for it. Liege BC had a road win over Bakken Bears 55:67 in the opener of the tournament. Jerald Fields (201-F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: E.Tenn.St.) led the winners with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Justin Cage (198-F-85, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Xavier) netted 16 and Thomas posted 11. Chris Christoffersen (218-C-79, college: Oregon) ended up with 21 points and 11 rebounds in defeat, while Ivan Miskovic (203-F/C-84, college: Alaska-Fairb.) netted 12.
The game was knotted at 11:11 when Justin Cage buried a three-pointer and followed that up with a lay-up before Christopher Hill drilled a three. Liege produced a 9-0 run for a 20-11 advantage and they stayed on top the rest of the way.In the second quarter the game was even but again the guests took another deficit after 14-13 win. Ivan Miskovic sent both teams to the lockers for 24:33 for Liege BC.
The Belgian squad increased the lead in the third period and controlled the second half as well. Chris Christoffersen could only reduce to 37:52 at the end of the third quarter. Justin Cage made it plus 22 in the middle of the last frame, but the hosts managed to cut the deficit to 12 points at the end. Justin Cage however set up the final, 55:67 score.


Bakken Bears:Chris Christoffersen 21+11 rebs, Ivan Miskovic 12
Liege BC:Jerald Fields 18+7 rebs, Justin Cage 16, Thomas 11

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  BELIZE   


Interview with the Belize Basketball Federation President. - by David Magana
1. Hello Mr. Thompson, can you tell our readers something about your profile as a basketball player:
My basketball life began for the St. Ignatius School under Wilton Camerbatch and continued at St. John's College where in my senior year our school won the championship and I was selected the MVP. I played one year at the junior level and moved to the senior league to play with the Uhuru Warriors and the Santinos Jah Jam. I took a break to attend college in Jacksonville Florida and returned after two years and played on the Semi Pro Penta Lakers for four years. I also participated in the interoffice league in the recent past.
The highlight of my basketball career was in1991, the last Belize senior league tournament and the year before the first semi-pro season; Santino's Jah Jam played the Penta Lakers in the Final. At twenty years old I was thrown into the starting lineup for the Jah Jam team along with Darren Bovell (193-F-70), Tuffy Faber, Colin Grant and Cassian Flowers. Clinton Lightburn started the season as the point guard but called it quits after the first game. With a team of mostly unproven talent, we were major underdogs when we reached the finals. The Lakers could field three good teams from their roster, players like Minor Castellaos, Macca Lamb, Fred Garcia (204-C-70), Alfred Hamilton, Leroy Forbes, Raymond Gongora, and Chiqiblue Nicholas. We lost our first game by 1 point and eventually won the championship in three games.
I traveled with an All Star team to the Cayman Islands that same year where we won a Caribbean tournament. That team featured the best basketball players I have played with. Kirk 'Shabba' Smith (201-F-70, college: Weber St.), Fred Garcia, Clinton Lightburn, Colin Grant, Darren Bovell, Raymond Gongora, Nathaniel Pou, and Ira Nicholson. The ball almost never touched the ground for that tournament. I also traveled to many other cities in Mexico, including Chetumal, Cancun, Merida, etc.
2. Why did you decide to undertake the presidency of the federation?
The memories of representing ones country and playing in our local competition are irreplaceable. I would like to see our youth have similar opportunities and develop their own rich trove of memories. By developing that collective memory, the sport has an institutional base.
In these times when we are under attack from economic depression, crime and violence, HIV, etc, we need a positive outlet for our children. I want to make a difference and I believe the first step towards this is to get involved.
3. Can you tell us about your plans of how you and your executive body will bring about the needed change to our federation?
Our Federation is the governing body for basketball in the country. We plan to focus on four areas: Proper structuring of the BBF; Building and development; Focusing on youth skills and Fundamentals; Strengthening competition and games; Promoting basketball.
4. Can we expect future glories for our National Team?
Following our vision and plans for the future of the BBF, we hope to see significant improvement in our National team's performance. Ten years ago we won the gold medal in the Caricom games here in Belize and a few months later we defeated Puerto Rico in Venezuela. We know we have the talent pool. It is a matter of commitment to achieve good results.
5. The Federation has never embraced the Semi-Pro league, what is their stand now concerning the Semi-Pro?
As I said earlier we will try to build and develop through teaching fundamentals to our under 12 players and strengthening the district associations by focusing on teen players through support of tournaments in Under 14, Under 16, Under 18, and also girls' player pools with tournaments for youth in this group. We must have a league for all these youth to strive towards so we have to provide a place for an Elite league where all these players will earn some level of payment for their play. I believe our approach should be from the bottom as well as the top.
6. Do you wish to give a message to our basketball fans?
We intend to make basketball the number one sport in Belize. In the next few years we will bombard the nation with basketball where every boy and girl will have an opportunity to participate and excel in this discipline.

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  BOSNIA   


Siroki beats Leotar in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
Siroki Eronet and Leotar Trebinje met each other in a friendly game. The match was held in Siroki Brijeg, where the hosts celebrated comfortable win 87-60. Since the very beginning Siroki took control on Leotar creating advantage of 15 points. It turned out as unreachable for Leotar until the very end. Actually, in the last frame Siroki Eronet even extended its lead reaching plus 29 at the one moment. Ivan Siriscevic (198-G/F-87) shined for the winners while Mike Kale (203-F-86, college: Idaho), Igor Sumic (186-G-82, agency: Court Side), Sime Spralja (206-F/C-83) and Kevin Braswell (188-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgetown) also were good. It is important to be mentioned that Siroki played this game without Josipovic, Naletic and Bubalo due to injuries.

Leotar Trebinje agreed terms with Serbian coach Vuk Stanimirovic. Leotar was almost relegated to D2 last season buy BBF decided to increase number of teams in elite division.

Slavija Istocno Sarajevo also heads into the new season with totally different roster. Interesting is that the team signed coach Bogdan Stanojevic, who in the past led Slavija to promotion in D1.

During the summer Igokea Partizan hired Serbian coach Predrag Badnjarevic. Experienced Badnjarevic changed many Serbian teams in the past and also has experience from National Team youth selections.

Zoran Spiric, who earned a promotion with Mladost Mrkonjic Grad, will lead that team in 08/09. Milos Pejic of Borac Nektar and Drago Karalic of Hercegovac Bileca also remained on their positions.

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  BULGARIA   


Angelov signs with Lukoil Sophia, Sundsvall inks Ilunga - by Interperformances
The Bulgarian shooting guard Dimitar Angelov (202-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) has signed a deal with PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia. Dimitar, who is often considered the best player in Bulgaria, has already played in Sophia with two others teams, BC CSKA Sophia and BC Levski Ekopetroulium Sophia.
The 2008 Swedish Basketligan regular season Champion Sundsvall Dragons has inked 6.1' guard Olivier Ilunga (185-G-84, agency: Interperformances) Olivier has both Swedish and Congolese passports and last year played with Cypriot team EKA AEL Limassol, with which he won the Cyprus Super Cup 2007.

Tundja Yambol losses the first one in Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Tundja Yambol suffered defeat in a first friendly game in Odrin against the host team Olin Odrine 76-81.
Turkish team was slightly better from the very beginning. After opening ten minutes it made plus 2. Yambol had only Scott O'Gallagher (188-G, college: Warner Pacific) in a game mood but it was not enough for Bulgarians. Olin Edrine took control on them in the second stanza creating 8-point lead until the half time. Situation on the court changed a little bit after the breather. Stanislav Govedarov (185-G-80) and Kyrylo Skumatov (205-F-80, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) joined Scott O'Gallagher cutting the margin on 6 points before the last frame. Those ten minutes also belonged to Yambol but Elin Odrine was steady enough to keep its lead. Interesting is that Bulgarians finished the game committing 30 personal fouls. On the other side, the host team had only 14.
Scott O'Gallagher was the best player for Yambol draining 22 points. Stanislav Govedarov also was good adding 16 points including 3 assists. Kyrylo Skumatov and Pavel Marinov (196-G-88) scored 9 points each. Byron Sanders (207-C-83, college: N.Carolina) and Martin Durchev (200-G-87) stopped on 5 poinst.

These two teams will play another friendly match today.

Lukoil Akademik goes on Cyprus for 3 friendlies - by Eurobasket News
Reining Bulgarian champion Lukoil Akademik will continue with friendly games in the pre-season. Actually it will be tournament, where except of Bulgarians, three Cypriot teams will take a place: Apoel Limassol, Apollon Limassol and Keravnos Nicosia. As a reminder, Lukoil already met Apollon in Bulgaria celebrating comfortable win. Today, Lukoil will meet Keravnos while tomorrow it will take on Apollon. It is 2-day tournament thus after it Lukoil will meet Apoel in additional friendly. On Sunday, Lukoil will play the first game in Bulgarian A league. It will be a road one against Balkan Botevgrad.

In the meantime Bulgarian champ officially confirmed signing of Dimitar Angelov (202-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances). 'Mitko' supposes to be great reinforcement for Lukoil next season. He is very experienced player, who will for sure help Lukoil on its way to make even better result in EuroCup than it was the last season (ULEB). Of course, Lukoil remains the main candidate for the title in domestic championship.
Angelov spent last season in Olimpia GE Larissa, which competed in Greek A1 league. For 21 regular season games he averaged 5.7 ppg and 2.1 rpg. Actually he started 07/08 in Tundja Yambol but in December he joined Larissa. He had 7 appearances for Yambol in Bulgarian A1 recording impressive 21 ppg, 6.9 rpg and 2 apg. Before Yambol, Angelov used to play in Levski Sophia, BC Kyiv, CSKA Sophia and Aris. He started basketball career in Yambolgaz, where he played until 2002. Actually that season Yambolgaz became domestic league winner. In 2003 Angelov won FIBA Champions Cup with Aris Thessaloniki. Two years later he celebrated in Bulgarian National Cup with CSKA Sophia (MVP). Dimitar Angelov was a part of Bulgarian National Team, which booked a spot for EuroBasket 2009 in Poland. He also played for Bulgarians on EuroBasket 2005 in Belgrade. In 3 games he had 9.3 ppg, 1 rpg and 2.7 apg. This summer he played 8 games for his country adding 9.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 1.4 apg.

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  CANADA   


Ettore Messina to host basketball clinic for coaches - by Eurobasket News
International basketball coach Ettore Messina will be in Toronto on Monday, Oct. 13 to host a rare coaches clinic entitled Developing the Big Man. The clinic, presented by the Toronto Raptors, Ontario Basketball and Canada Basketball, will take place at the University of Toronto Athletic Centre from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Regarded as one of the best coaches in Europe, Messina is the head coach for the two-time Euroleague Champions, CSKA Moscow in Russia. Earlier this year he was named one of the 50 Greatest Contributors in the history of the Euroleague and its predecessor, the European Cup.

Having won four Euroleague titles in the past decade, Ettore Messina is a god in Europe. Its a wonderful coup on the part of Ontario Basketball and the Toronto Raptors to be able to persuade him to share his wisdom with our coaches, stated Wayne Parrish, Executive Director and CEO for Canada Basketball.

Its events like this that do so much to strengthen our basketball system, through building the knowledge base of the men and women on whose shoulders the future of our game and our athletes futures rests.

Like Canada Basketball, Ontario Basketball is committed to providing practical development opportunities for its growing basketball community. Michele OKeefe, Executive Director for Ontario Basketball, shares Parrishs sentiments on the event.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for coaches and basketball enthusiasts across the province, stated OKeefe. The information Coach Messina is going to present will be valuable and engaging for all those who attend. With all proceeds going to the Daily Bread Food Bank, its also an excellent chance to support those in our community who need it most.

The cost for the clinic is $10, with all proceeds benefitting the Daily Bread Food Bank and its holiday food drive. Coaches are advised to register online at the Ontario Basketball website (www.basketball.on.ca/events) as soon as possible because space may be limited.

Messina has a wealth of coaching experience both at the professional and national level. Before joining CSKA Moscow in 2005, Messina coached Italys Benetton Treviso, succeeding Mike DAntoni in 2002. He also coached the Italian National Team from 1993-1997, winning a silver medal at EuroBasket in 1997. In addition, Messina won two more Euroleague titles, coaching Virtus Kinder Bologna in 1997-98 and 2000-01.

Messina is one of the winningest coaches internationally, said Maurizio Gherardini, Senior Vice-President of Basketball Operations for the Toronto Raptors. He ranks with the best teachers of our game, a legend in his own time.

Messina and CSKA Moscow will meet the Toronto Raptors in an exhibition game the day after the clinic.

Courtesy of http://www.basketball.ca

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  CHINA   


CBA Bows to Club Pressure, Again Allows Cheating on Ages - by Arthur Volbert
The CBA has given its clubs a renewed license to cheat on player ages.

The league had previously said that as of this season all new players must be 18 or over. Bowing to club pressure, according to a highly reliable source, the CBA will now allow each club to have one new player under 18. This makes the new rule virtually worthless since very few clubs will have more than one young rookie that they want to add to the roster.

The problem is that this revision allows clubs to use players who are likely actually over 18, but whose ages are listed as being younger. This includes players like Zheng Zhun of Shaanxi, who has listed birth years of 1989 and 1992, Xu Zhonghao (210-C-90) of Bayi, who has listed years of 1990 and 1992, Cao Fei (193-G-88) of Zhejiang, who has listed years of 1988 and 1991, to play under their younger ages.

It will also allow players like Dong Hanlin (206-F-91), who has always been listed as 1991, and Sui Ran (193-G-92), who has always been listed as 1992, to enter the league. But the new rule allowing one exclusion on age forces me to distrust their ages as well.

The new change should be rescinded. If a club wants to use a new player this year, and the player is listed as being under 18, it should change his listed birth date to 1/1/1990. This will make the player ages much closer to the truth and allow the international basketball community to judge their potential more fairly.

Lee Benson is back to China - by Robert Wang
The new season will sart soon next month but most teams are still looking for their imports and haven't confirmed their new imports so far. Former NBA forward kirk Snyder has been contacted with Liao ning team and Liao Ning did not give him the good offer yet. Liao ning team had 2 former NBA player jamal Thompson and Odeji last season and these 2 guys helped Liao Ning go to the finals. So, Liao Ning will put big invest to the imports and hope the new imports can help them to go to the championship. We will folow up kirk's info. later.
Lee Benson is another new player who played in China 4 years ago and made trouble for himslef but his former team decided to sign him back for the new season now. Hope Lee can help his team (yun Nan) to go to the good way since his team did not do well last year.
Good luck to these temas!

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  COLOMBIA   


Standings
Copa Federacion Standings
 1. Arrieros 17-3 
 2. Bucaros 13-7 
 3. Islanders 13-7 
 4. Canoneros 11-9 
 5. InderValle 9-11 
 6. Condores 6-14 
 7. Alcaldia 6-14 
 8. Piratas 5-15 


Federation Cup 2008, October 8, day 20 results. - by Victor Garcia
Arrieros continues at the top of the standings and needs just one more victory to clinch a playoff berth, the green team defeated Indervalle in Cali with a solid performance of Enielsen Guevara who scores 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Indervalles Dajuan Gouard made a big effort but was not enough and finished with 31 points
Indervalle 84 - D, Gouard 31 pts
Arrieros 88 - E. Guevara 23 pts.

Islanders is strong at home, Norte fall for the second straight night in the Island and fall also in the standings to the fourth place, Islanders arrived to the second position tied with Bucaros, Alejandro Flores had another dominant night with 20 pts and 14 rebs, Eduardo Torres leaded Norte with 26 pts
Islanders Sopesa 88 - A. Flores 20 pts
Norte de Santander 73 - E. Torres 26 pts

Bucaros got its fourth straight victory on the road, defeating Ovni as visitors, Marcus Flemming carried the team in the last minutes to the victory.
Ovni Alcaldia de Tenjo 75
Bucaros Freskaleche 85

Piratas fall at home against Patriotas, Patriotas was leaded for Jorge Diaz who scored a couple of three pointers and the end of the game to take the lead and win the game, it was the last game of Piratas at home this season.
Piratas 86
Patriotas Proactiva 90

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  CROATIA   


Krstic in Greece, Ukic makes debut with the Raptors - by Eurobasket News
Experienced point guard Vladimir Krstic (185-G-72, agency: Court Side) signed contract with Greek team Egaleo AO BC. Krstic arrives to Greece from Ukraine, where he played for BC Kyiv. He had 21 appearances in Ukrainian Superleague averaging 3.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.6 apg. He also had 14 games in ULEB Cup recording 1.5 ppg, 1.3 rpg and 1.3 apg. Krstic already has experience from Greece as he played for Olimpia GE Larissa on season 06/07. 36-year old PG changed many teams in the past. Some of those are Menorca, Cibona Zagreb, Zadar, Lietuvos Rytas, Pau-Orthez and Anwil Wloclawek. Except of Krstic, Egaleo AO BC announced signing of Raimonds Gabrans. The team decided to part way with Marko Car (188-G/F-85) and Dejan Hohler (188-G-86).

Member of Croatian National Team Roko-Leni Ukic (195-G-84) made his debut in jersey of Toronto Raptors. Of course it was pre-season game as NBA league starts in November. The match was played in Cleveland, where Toronto celebrated against the Cavs 104-84. Roko-Leni Ukic was introduced in the last frame spending 7 minutes on court. Unfortunately, he attempted three times from the field but without and successful. He finished the game with 2 assists and one turnover. It is important to be mentioned that Cleveland's top star LeBron James (203-F-84) didn't play at all. He spent the entire game on the bench.

Skara in Slovakia, another triumph for Vukovar - by Eurobasket News
It is finally clear where Croatian power forward Ivan Skara (204-F-82, college: Cleveland St. CC) will play next season. After some speculations that he could stay in Greece, 26-year old player agreed terms with Slovakian Extraliga team SKP Banska Bystrica. Skara spent last season in Greek Xanthi BF Fashion. He had 29 appearances in A2 averaging 6.8 ppg and 5.1 rpg. Actually it was his second season in Xanthi as he joined the team in 2006. Before his trip to Greece, Ivan Skara was a member of Jazine Zadar, which competed in Croatian A2 league. He also has experience from American basketball as he spent 03/04 in Cleveland State Community College. Skara will be the second foreigner in SKP Banska Bystrica next season. First one is Belorussian player Dmitri Akulich.

In the meantime, Vukovar took care for another triumph in the pre-season. After tournament in Belisce and Osijek, this time Vukovar celebrated on 'Memorial Davor Popovic'. In the first game Vukovar was better than Fortuna Zapresic 73-59. The host team Jaska faced against Vukovar in the final suffering 34-point defeat, 64-98. Mihael Bekavac (193-F-85) was named MVP of the tournament. Dario Pusic (208-C-82), also of Vukovar, is the best scorer with 35 points in two games.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Ludek Jurecka is back home - by David Dousa
After five years playing with the Eagles from Prostejov, bringing them to Mattoni NBL, four years ago, the 25 years old Czech guard Ludek Jurecka (199-F-83) returns to his hometown Novy Jicin. He is seeking for a new impulse in his career, after he didn't get much playing time over past few seasons in Prostejov. He signed a one-year contract with Geofin, yesterday. Ludek is looking forward to help Geofins' perimeter, struggling with injuries and play a more important role in the team, than he had in Prostejov.

Stats Leaders - NBL
NBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Hruby Tomas 30.00
2. Hatcher Wiliam 27.00
3. Gaidamavicius 23.00
4. Sarovic Robert 20.00
5. Hamm Law. 20.00
Rebounds Per Game
1. Walker Kenneth 11.00
2. Pruitt Shaum 111.00
3. Sarovic Robert 10.00
4. Tomanec Jan 9.00
5. Steffel David 9.00
Assists Per Game
1. Ubilla Emmanuel 12.0
2. Vrubl Stepan 6.00
3. Czudek Petr 6.00
4. Velensky Jakub 5.00
5. Stec Marek 5.00


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


Naestved got their man! - by Thomas Soltau

Getting a winning coach was managements biggest and first priority this season.

They succeeded! Team FOG Naestved signed Geoff Kotila to a 3 year contract. He is a proven winner, winning the Danish championship with Bakken Bears twice, the Icelandic Cup and Powerade Cup with Snaefell last season and being named Coach of the year in both Denmark and Iceland.

The club stated that their goal is NOT to win the Championship right away, but to build a foundation and basketball culture in Naestved that allows them to be a contender in the years to come.

In addition management made another two great moves, signing shooting guard and go-to-guy Mickey Dennis (190-G/F-78, college: JMU) to a 2-year deal, and Sasha Djordjevic (190-G-85) for a one year period. This should give Team FOG Naestved one of the most dangerous backcourts in the Canal Digital League.

The past season saw the two players combine for 28,2 points and 9,8 assists per game. Mickey Dennis was 9th in scoring, and Sasha Djordjevic showed of great court-vision as the number one passer.

To complement the backcourt Team FOG Naestved found a good defender and top rebounder in Lithuanian forward Tomas Vilkius (199-F-81), and another big body in US big-man Adrian Gross (201-C-85, college: Co.Carolina). Gross is coming of a dominating season in the best Irish league and is expected to take the role of starting center as soon as his papers clear.

At small forward, the position will likely be filled by either Danilo Fatic (191-G-77) or one of the brothers Martin Hoirup (192-F-82) and Lars Hoirup (192-G/F-83).

So it looks like the puzzle is falling into place.

But one important question remains! How well have Team FOG Naestved been able to install the high demands of their winning head coach?

Voices surrounding the team have talked about Geoff Kotila starting a small 'revolution,' in terms of changing the playing concept and applying a much stricter discipline.

Team FOG Naestved is playing their first game tonight against BK Amager, one of the better Canal Digital League teams and their star player Peter Johansen (204-F/C-80, agency: Arik Krayn Services).

This will be a tough, but exciting opening game for Kotila's troops.



*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   


Estonian Cup semifinalists cleared up - by Eurobasket News
The Estonian Cup enjoyed quarterfinal stage. The surprise came up in Tallinna Kalev vs. TU/Rock encounter. Tallinna Kalev upset one of the Estonian powerhouses beating them 75:64. Indrek Reinbok (190-G-76) secured 14 points for Tallinna Kalev. Ivo Uibukant (197-F-80) and Paul Butorac (208-F-83, college: E.Washington) added 12 points apiece for the winners. Janar Talts (205-C-83) had 14 points and 14 boards for TU/Rock. Kristo Aab (194-F-85) produced 10 points in defeat. TU/Rock earned a 26:13 lead after the starting period but Talllinna Kalev refused to fold. They outgunned their opponents 27:6 in the second term and secured the winning outcome in the second half.
KK Parnu eased past Valga Welg 82:54 in another quarterfinal. Janar Soo (190-G/F-91) notched 15 points to pace Parnu. Mario Polusk (181-G-78) added 14 points in the victory. Richard Anderson (199-F-77, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Simon Fraser) poured in 15 points and 11 boards for Valga Welg. Raido Roos (185-G-84) delivered 12 points in the losing clause.
BC Kalev/Cramo overcame Kuremaa 85:75. Kuremaa fought bravely against one of the best Estonian teams and led 28:25 at the interval. But Kalev took over in the second half and sealed a tough win at the end. Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) poured in 19 points for Kalev/Cramo. Gregor Arbet (194-F/G-83) dropped 18 points, while John Linehan (175-G-78, college: Providence) secured 13 points in the win. Tanel Kaljula (191-G-81) answered with 17 points for Kuremaa.
TTU KK became the fourth team to get into Final Four as they snatched a 90:87 road win against Rakvere.
So the Final Four match-ups are as follows: Tallinna Kalev will face TTU KK, while Kalev/Cramo will take on Parnu. The Final Four will be staged in Tartu on October 9-10.

*****************************************************
  EUROCHALLENGE   


Liege BC win the opener of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 - by Eurobasket News
Bakken Bears-Liege BC 55:67

EuroChallenge 2008/2009 Qualifying Round 1is open. Last night Denmark saw the first battle of the two teams that are ready to participate in the upcoming tournament. The ticket however is one for two of them and after the first game Belgian Liege BC has better chances for it. Liege BC had a road win over Bakken Bears 55:67 in the opener of the tournament. Jerald Fields (201-F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: E.Tenn.St.) led the winners with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Justin Cage (198-F-85, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Xavier) netted 16 and Thomas posted 11. Chris Christoffersen (218-C-79, college: Oregon) ended up with 21 points and 11 rebounds in defeat, while Ivan Miskovic (203-F/C-84, college: Alaska-Fairb.) netted 12.
The game was knotted at 11:11 when Justin Cage buried a three-pointer and followed that up with a lay-up before Christopher Hill drilled a three. Liege produced a 9-0 run for a 20-11 advantage and they stayed on top the rest of the way.In the second quarter the game was even but again the guests took another deficit after 14-13 win. Ivan Miskovic sent both teams to the lockers for 24:33 for Liege BC.
The Belgian squad increased the lead in the third period and controlled the second half as well. Chris Christoffersen could only reduce to 37:52 at the end of the third quarter. Justin Cage made it plus 22 in the middle of the last frame, but the hosts managed to cut the deficit to 12 points at the end. Justin Cage however set up the final, 55:67 score.


Bakken Bears:Chris Christoffersen 21+11 rebs, Ivan Miskovic 12
Liege BC:Jerald Fields 18+7 rebs, Justin Cage 16, Thomas 11

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


KORISLIIGA: Newcomer FoKoPo winning at home - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 3: Four games on Wednesday evening and the home court advantage was seen again: Four home victories. The newcomer FoKoPo
(Forssa) is still undefeated at home (Feeniks Hall). This time KTP (Kotka), another undefeated Team suffered the first loss of the season as FoKoPo won
by three 76-73. KTP was 'sleeping' still during the first quarter (30-14), but came back to the game. Vincent Hunter (208-F-84, college: Arkansas) was again too strong for opponent: 19 pts and 11 rbs. KTP had five players in double (10-13 pts) figures. Kouvot (Kouvola) beat YMCA Lappeenranta 83-73 and was saved by sharphooter
Samu Kaaresvirta (192-F-81) (19) and C Calvin Walls (201-F-85, agency: Court Side) (18/18). Pyrinto (Tampere) and Tarmo (Porvoo) won their first games in the league. Pyrinto won over Korihait (Uusikaupunki) 80-76 and Tarmo was six pts better (82-76) than Team Componenta (Karkkila). Emmanuel Messy (201-F-82, college: Seton Hall) (Tarmo) blocked six shots and scored season high 24 pts + 10 rbs.

FoKoPo - KTP 76-73 (46-33) (Vincent Hunter 19/11, Arto Talvitie 15 - Nanuaw Awuah Addae 13/4a, Ville Makalainen 13).

Kouvot - YMCA Lappeenranta 83-73 (44-48) (Samu Kaaresvirta 19, Calvin Walls 18/18 - Jerel Blassingame 19/5a, Pasi Riihela 17).

Pyrinto - Korihait 80-76 (37-35) (Kurtis Rice 22, Antti Nikkila 12 - Mark Zoller 26/10, Bojan Sarcevic 16/6a).

Tarmo - Team Componenta 82-76 (50-37) (Emmanuel Messy 24/10/6b, Steve Barnes 19 - Marcus Watts 26/12, Clifton Jones 16).





Korisliiga Round: 3 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Tarmo - Componenta 82-76
Porvoon Tarmo celebrated the initial win in the League after 82:76 over Team Componenta. Messy led the winners with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Barnes netted 19. Watts had a good night in defeat with 26 points and 12 rebounds.

FoKoPo - KTP 76-73
Forssan Koripojat edged KTP Basket 76:73 at home. Hunter collected 19 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Makalainen and Awuah Addae each had 13 for the guests.

Pyrinto - Korihait 80-76
Tampereen Pyrinto celebrated the first victory in the League after 80:76 over UU-Korihait. Rice nailed 22 points and Nikkila had 12. Zoller finished the game with 26 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort.

Kouvot - LrNMKY 83-73
Kouvot overcame Lappeenrannan NMKY 83:73 to improve to 2-1 in the standings. Kaaresvirta poured in 19 points, while Walls collected massive 18 points and 18 rebounds. Blassingame shined with 19 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

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


Fersped Rabotnicki trashes AMAK SP in a friendly game - by Eurobasket News
Fersped Rabotnicki demonstrated wonderful performance in a friendly game against AMAK SP 100-68. It was the last check for Rabotnicki before the beginning of Balkan league and also Macedonian D1. The host team was slightly better in the first frame. From the very beginning it was clear that Ognen Stojanovski (190-G-85) and Dime Tasovski (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) are in a game mood. Rabotnicki netted 29 points during the first ten minutes but visitors also were good with 24. Second stanza was totally leveled 19-19 meaning that the hosts kept plus 5 at the half time. Players of AMAK SP could not even dream what will happen to them during the following 20 minutes. Ognen Stojanovski and Dime Tasovski were on fire and together with Ronnie Ross (187-G-79, college: Utah St.) and Vladimir Filipovic (195-G-85) led Rabotnicki to 27 points in third frame. On the other side Rabotnicki's defense looked great which resulted with only 13 points by AMAK SP. Nothing has changed in the last quarter. Rebotnicki continued in the same rhythm blasting AMAK SP with the final plus 32. Ognen Stojanovski top-scored for the winning team adding 20 points. Ronnie Ross had 18 while Vladimir Filipovic had 2 points less. Dime Tasovski stopped on 15. Jarrid Frye (190-G-85, agency: CAA Sports, college: Sacred Heart) had 19 poinst in AMAK SP while Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) netted 15.

*****************************************************
  GEORGIA   


NTD moved from Baku to Tbilisi - by Lasha Danelia
Azerbaijanian professional basketball club NTD moved to Georgian Capital Tbilisi. The head coach Nugzar Kandelaki was coaching this team few years ago in Azerbaijan and won Azerbaijanian Championships. There were some rumors that the team might play FIBA EuroCup Challenge this year but as team owner Mr. Bakhram Abdinov stated the team has serious plans in the future. NTD brought its 4 Azerbaijanian National Team players: Tahir Bakhshiyev (199-F-82), Zaur Pashayev (184-G-83), Anar Sariyev (196-G-81) and Fuad Niftaliyev (178-G-80).

In the upcoming season unfortunantely our neighbor Azerbaijan has no basketball league any more. In the Caucasian region Georgia is the only one having own national championships while no Armenia and no Azerbaijan are having its championships.

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


Okulaja plans to return! - by Manuel Schust
After his severe health problems Ademola Okulaja (202-F-75, college: N.Carolina) talked to german basketball magazine 'Forward' for the first time about his condition. Ademola Okulaja had suffered a thoracic vertebrae rupture this summer and had to undergo surgery. The cause for the fracture of the vertebrae was a tumor and the german national player had to undergo further treatments to fight cancer.

The 33-year old, who was meant to sit out for the whole season, plans to return to the court. Talks with the doctors, positive predictions and a successful surgery gave rise to optimism. Ademola Okulaja is still under contract with Brose Baskets Bamberg this season and could come back at some indefinite future date.

The german basketball community keeps their fingers crossed and hopes that Okulaja lives up to his nickname 'the warrior' and recovers soon.

THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS VISIT THE ONCOURT LIVING ROOM OF JEFF GIBBS IN ULM - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS want to continue their victorious march of the last weeks by winning their third game in a row in Ulm on Saturday October 11th. Frankfurt is unbeaten on the road this season and wouldnt mind annoying Ulm in their own playground in the Kuhberg Halle. Ulm, who finished in 12th place last season will be the first real challenge this season for Frankfurt as they meet the feisty and unpredictable team of coach Mike Taylor . The game will also be an important test for ex Ulm player Konrad Wysocki (202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton) (202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton), who is buried in a three game slump. He will be extra motivated to play well in his old stomping ground and show new coach Murat Didin that what he once learned from ex coach Mike Taylor can be continued in a Skyliner uniform. I am really happy to go back to Ulm, because I played there three years. I am confident that the fans will give me a warm welcome, but I am going back to win, said Konrad Wysocki . Coach Murat Didin has big hopes for a Skyliner win and a rebirth of Konrad Wysocki . Ulm is very good one on one, therefore we will have to play very strong team defense. I have a good feeling that we will go home with a win. Konrad is a great athlete. Now is a transition period for him going from the position four to three. He is a shooter and is always getting better in practice. I expect a good game from him.
Ratiopharm Ulm have had a lightening start this season showing extreme mental toughness by beating two strong BBL teams Bamberg and Dsseldorf on the road by a combined point difference of only three points. In their home opener, they destroyed The New York Phantoms Braunschweig 84 to 56. It is never easy to play in Ulm, but it is not impossible to win in Ulm as they have a 21-14 record in the Kuhberg Halle since the start of the 2006-2007 season.
THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS have a 3-1 record against Ulm in the last two seasons. Two years ago, the Skyliner fans witnessed two very exciting games. In the home opener of the 2006-2007 season, American Eric Chatfield won the game on a last second desperation shot 73 to 72. A few months later, Frankfurt gave away a sure win by losing control in overtime and falling 81 to 77. Last season, Frankfurt won a hard fought battle in Ulm 87 to 83 and then easily dismantled Ulm, who were without Kyle Bailey (188-G-82, college: Santa Clara) 82 to 69. This loss was the beginning of the long losing streak that Ulm suffered and as a result missed the playoffs. For the game on Saturday, coach Mike Taylor will ready to stop any kind of onslaught by Frankfurt. Murat Didin will have a good game plan. I watched video from last seasons games. Our defense has improved and we will have to play strong team defense and rebound well.
This is the third season for Mike Taylor as coach of Ulm in the BBL and since the start, he has strived to reach the playoffs one day. This could be the season, where his team reaches the promised land. It is still early in the season, but Mike Taylor has understood quickly how to form a smart eleven man rotation, where each guy knows his role. He is one of the most underrated coaches in the BBL and this could be the year, where he finally gets the recognition he deserves. Ulm has a very unpredictable style that can surprise any team. They have a dangerous inside game with Gibbs/Finn and dangerous snipers from outside, who can start a long distance shooting party at any time. The question remains, will the team stay healthy and how will Ulm continue to perform if the wins continue and pressure starts to arise.
The leading scorer for Ulm this season is American Jeff Gibbs (188-F-80, college: Otterbein), who most likely is the worlds best 188m center. He is not only Mr Incredible, but also Mr Ulm. He is averaging 18,3 points, 13,3 rebounds and 3,0 assists per game. He had a monster game in Dusseldorf last weekend with 18 points and 20 rebounds that coach Murat Didin scouted. It will be an interesting battle under the hoops with the taller Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City). American Lee Humphrey (188-G-84, college: Florida), who won two consecutive NCAA titles with Florida is averaging 10,7 points and 1,3 rebounds. He not only has the nasty habit of making life miserable for opponents with his deadly shooting, but also the ability to break the netting with his precise shooting, which he did at Florida. At Florida, he went 39 consecutive games with hitting at least one three pointer in a game. He is known as a shooter and coach Taylor now has the task of freeing him from his one dimensional game. American BBL rookie Daniel Fitzgerald (206-F-84, college: Marquette) is averaging 7,3 points, 3,3 rebounds and 1,0 assists per game. He could easily dress up in a suit and sunglasses together with Humphrey and masquerade as the three point Blues Brothers as he also can not be left unmarked from outside, because he will drain the open twenty footer on a regular basis.
American big man Sean Finn (212-C-82, college: Dayton), is a horse inside and is there to make room for Gibbs in the zone. He is averaging 7,3 points and 3,7 rebounds per game. He has a lot of potential and could raise some eyebrows this season in the BBL. German Per Gunther (185-G-88, agency: Rasmussen Services) is without doubt the biggest German talent to some day dethrone Steffen Hamann (194-G-81) at the point guard position. He is averaging 7,0 points, 1,0 rebounds and 1,3 assists per game. He has done a very good job filling in for the injured Dru Joyce (183-G-85, college: Akron). Joyce has a big future in Europe, expressed Murat Didin . American Romeo Travis (201-F-84, agency: Edge Sports, college: Akron), who won three high school championships at St Marys in Ohio with Dru Joyce and NBA legend in the making LeBron James (203-F-84) is averaging 7,0 points, 6,0 rebounds and 1,7 assists. He is very athletic and Frankfurt will have to keep an eye on him, because he can do damage under the boards. German talent Sebastian Betz (200-F-85), who played for Bamberg some years ago is averaging 6,7 points, 2,0 rebounds and 1,0 assists per game. He has given coach Taylor sweet dreams with his spirited play off the bench. American Keith Triplett (191-G-80, college: Toledo) was signed as a scoring option from the guard position, but so far he has not found his rhythm as he is averaging 3,7 points, 3,0 rebounds and 2,0 assists per game. Ex Gttingen giant Michael Hightower Schreder is another bulky option in the low post. He is averaging 2,7 points and 2,0 rebounds per game. He is a hardworker, who wouldnt shy away from anyone, not even a bulked up Shaquille O Neal. Captain Emeka Erege (193-G-78, college: Davidson) came to Ulm together with Mike Taylor in 2003 and is the heart and soul of the team and is averaging 2,5 points and 1,5 assists.
One luxury that THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS have this season is that they are healthy now. The team has many options and can get contribution from many guys. However they will have to contend with the sixth man of Ulm, who are the loyal fans. The gym is small, loud and the fans very dedicated. The gym is so small and the fans are so close to the floor, that they sometimes can help Ulm on defense, joked Murat Didin . Captain Pascal Roller (180-G-76) sees good chances for the third Frankfurt win in a row. We have to prevent Ulm from getting easy baskets inside and if we can use our offensive strengths, then we will have good chances to score. Frankfurt also could have the upperhand in the zone, if they remember not to bunch up. Sometimes our zone reminds me of 18:30 traffic in Manhatten. We sometimes have too many guys in the zone. If Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) is cutting, then a Wysocki should stay clear and be an option from outside, said Murat Didin . This could be a very tight game that could be decided by the smarter and more efficient team in the fourth quarter. Konrad Wysocki will surely receive a nice homecoming from the fans. If Wysocki has a good start, then that could give Frankfurt the extra kick on this day to give Ulm their first loss of the season. Ratiopharm Ulm host THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS on Saturday October 11th at 19:00.
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Standings - Pro B
ProB Standings
 1. Wolfenbuettel 2-0 
 2. Rhoendorf 2-0 
 3. Telemotive 2-0 
 4. Ehingen 2-0 
 5. Speyer 1-1 
 6. Stahnsdorf 1-1 
 7. Hannover 1-1 
 8. B'guessbach 1-1 
 9. proveo Merl. 1-1 
 10. Mainz 1-1 
 11. Herten 1-1 
 12. Osnabrueck 0-1 
 13. SU Braunsch. 0-1 
 14. Freiburg 0-2 
 15. Landshut 0-2 
 16. Franken Hexer 0-2 


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


Market News - by Simon Varvakis
A1

Egaleo AO BC has announced 2 new players. Vladimir Krstic (185-G-72, agency: Court Side) and Raimonds Gabrans (188-G-84, agency: FCM) will replace Dejan Hohler (188-G-86) and Marko Car (188-G/F-85) who didn't make it. Vladimir Krstic played in Greece for Olimpia Larissa before.

Dimitris Haritopoulos (207-F/C-83) is close to agreeing terms with AS Trikalla 2000

A surprise announcement came from Panionios ON Telecoms Athens BC who will be adding Prodromos Dreliozis (195-G-75, agency: FCM) to their roster.

A2

Iraklis Thessaloniki has agreed financial terms with serbian-canadian Velimir Radinovic (212-C-81, college: Ohio St.), he played in France before for Clermont.

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


Cedric McGowan breaks leftankle - by Fred Roggen
Cedric McGowan (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Cincinnati) appears to have broken his leftankle in the Tuesday game against Blue Stream Seals. Research in the hospital learned that a piece of the anklebone has been disengaged.
The recovery will certainly takes 3 months
After a week in plaster cast, the ankle will be put in a special tape for about 6 weeks. Physiotherapist Cees Damen: 'How long that will take is difficult to predict.
Today McGowan is being examined by team-doctor Maarten Verschure and based on his prognosis for recovery, ZZ Leiden considered if they attracted a replacement for McGowan.

FEB Results: Both ABC Eclipse Jet/MyGuide And BlueStream Den Helder Win On Road - by Sanders Jackson


Tuesday night in FEB action, defending Dutch champion ABC Eclipse Jet/MyGuide began their quest for defending their title with a hard earned win in Groningen, while BlueStream Den Helder sneaked out with a win in Leiden over ZZ Leiden.

In the Martiniplaza, Hanzevast Capitals gave Eclipse Jet/MyGuide all it could handle, but in the end it was not enough, with the Dutch champions winning by the score of 80-75. Orien Greene (193-G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: La-Lafayette) led the Amsterdammers with 16 pts. Donar's Chaz McCrommon (197-F/G-82, agency: Court Side, college: Robert Morris) led all scorers with 23 pts.


In Leiden, the 'Spygate' tactics worked well in BlueStream Den Helder's favor, as ZZ Leiden could not cash in on last Saturday's win in Zwolle, with BlueStream stealing a road win, winning closely by the score of 82-80. BlueStream made 10 three-pointers while also shooting 56.8% FG. Bradley Strickland (206-F/C-85, agency: Court Side, college: Evansville) led BlueStream with 16 pts.



ZZ Leiden land Seamus Boxley - by Fred Roggen
ZZ Leiden has attracted the 26-year-old American powerforward Seamus Boxley (201-C-82, college: Portland St.) . Boxley played in 2006-2007 for Matrixx Magixx. The American averaged that season 16.4ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.7apg and 1.2bpg.
Seamus Boxley played last season for the Giessen 46'ers in the German Bundesliga where he played 26 games and averaged 5.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP:.
The attracting of Boxley by ZZ Leiden has nothing to do with the long-term ankle-injury of Cedric McGowan.

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


Market news - by Tamas Deri
The management of Univer KSE just published the signment of american guard Mike Dale (197-G/F-84, college: S.Illinois). The 197 cm tall guard graduated on the University of Illinois in 2006 and played his first professional season in Austria 2007-08. He played 21 games for the newcomer team of UBSC Graz and was the leading scorer of the league with 26.4 points per game. During the season he signed with the Panthers from Furstenfeld and won the Austrian Championship.

Zbigniew Bialek (203-F-82, agency: AB Agency) signed a one-month contract with Polaroid-Lami-Ved Kormend. The polish forward was on a tryout with Falco KC in September 2008, but not signed by the champion team. After that he decide to take the offer from Olimpia Patras in Greece, but left the team this morning because of financial problems of the club. He took the first flight to Budapest and arrived in Kormend some minutes ago. The management of Kormend hopes to get a good player for the coming games in the Eurochallenge and the hungarian championship and extend players contract after one month.

Anthony Dill (200-F-81, college: Texas St.-San Marcos) will be tested in Dombovar. The american power forward spent two weeks last season in Hungary and played one game with Kormend in the first round of the regular season: he had 24 points and 9 rebounds against Hodmezovasarhely. Because of a better offer he decided to leave our country and played 7 games in Germany. In January he signed with Leuven in Belgium and finished the season with solid stats: 9.3ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 73.0%.

Corey Minnifield (202-F-81, college: Loyola (LA)) left Kormend and is on a tryout with the team of Kaposvari KK. The American wingman had two good games on the anniversary Mogyorosy Szilard Tournament in Kormend, scored 17 points against ASE and 16 points against Albacomp. However, the coaching staff was not satisfied with his defensive skills, so player took the chance and agreeded with KKK.

*****************************************************
  IBL   


Olympia's IBL team seeks major sponsor - by Eurobasket News
Mark Felton has the coach, the players and the gym to begin play next spring in the International Basketball League.

All he's lacking in bringing an IBL team to Olympia is the financial backing.

'I'm still working on getting finances,' said Felton, an Olympia businessman who played professional basketball in Australia. 'We're still working on getting a team here for the spring.'

Felton said he needs $70,000 to cover travel expenses, gym rental costs, promotional fees, referee payments and other costs. He said he needs a major sponsor to go along with the numerous smaller sponsorship commitments he's already received.

'We've got players,' Felton said. 'Even players from other IBL teams want to play for us.'

The Olympia Reign would join a division with teams in Centralia, Tacoma, Seattle, Everett, Portland and Vancouver, Wash. A 20-game schedule is played from April to June.

'It's an established league,' Felton said. 'It's good basketball. With the Sonics gone, this is something that could fill the void.'

Steve Smothers is the coach of the Olympia Reign, and home games would be played at The Evergreen State College. The Reign played two exhibition games last season. They drew nearly 1,000 fans in a game against Snohomish in June at Tumwater High School.

The IBL will begin its fourth season and is in 21 cities across the United States and one city in Canada. The Olympia team is one of nine teams planning to join the IBL in 2009. Other teams are the Arizona Flame, Eugene Chargers, Nippon Tornadoes, Salem Stampede, Seattle Mountaineers, Vancouver B.C., Washington Raptors and the West Coast Highflyers.

Felton said an IBL team in Chicago is valued at $1 million.

'It's an established league,' Felton said.

Felton has been busy fund raising for his team. He's talked with a lot of people, including Howard Schultz, the former Seattle SuperSonics owner and coffee magnate.

'I just thought I'd give it a shot,' Felton said.

For more information or to talk with Felton about sponsorship, he can be reached at 360-956-2516.

Courtesy of http://www.theolympian.com

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


Standings - EBS Superleague
SuperLeague Standings
Conference A
 1. UCD Marian 1-0 
 2. Killester 1-0 
 3. Belfast Star 0-1 
 4. DCU Saints 0-1 
 5. Ulster Elks 0-1 
Conference B
 1. UCC Demons 1-0 
 2. Limerick 1-0 
 3. Neptune 1-0 
 4. Tigers 0-1 
 5. Hoops 0-1 


Stats Leaders - Men
Superleague Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Ighorado, Belfast 25.0
2. Cuffe, UCC 21.0
3. Hamblet, UCC 21.0
4. Ryan, UCD 20.0
5. Murphy, UCC 18.0
Rebounds Per Game
1. Ighorado, Belfast 17.0
2. Ryan, UCD 11.0
3. Gardiner, Tigers 10.0
4. OReilly, UCC 8.0
5. Plichta, UCC 8.0
Assists Per Game
1. Murphy, UCC 6.0
2. Myles, Tigers 6.0
3. Coghlan, UCC 4.0
4. Reed, Hoops 3.0
5. Meany, UCD 3.0
Steals Per Game
1. Coghlan, UCC 5.0
2. Dawson, Belfast 3.0
3. Murphy, UCC 3.0
Blocks Per Game
1. Ryan, UCD 3.0
2. Plichta, UCC 2.0
3. Hadley, Tigers 2.0


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


More News About Avellino - by Stefano Pini
We wrongly wrote that Drake Diener (196-G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: De Paul) was signed by Avellino to substitute Tamar Slay (204-G-80, college: Marshall). But the forward is just injured at the moment and he'll stay in the roster with Travis Best (180-G-72, college: Georgia Tech), Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina), Drake Diener and Eric Williams (206-C-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest). Slay, last summer, has signed a 2 years contract with Air Avellino, after the great season played at Capo D'Orlando.

*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


I am about to tell you one way to guarantee you millions - Tyler Smith - Japan Blog 3 - by Tyler Smith
If you want to get rich, I am about to tell you one way to guarantee you millions in a pretty short amount of time. Cash out of the disastrous stock market.... and open up your own Krispy Kreme in Japan.

I found a Krispy Kreme in Tokyo. Heaven. If you have never heard of Krispy Kreme, it is basically the most amazing donut in the world. It could change your life. Eat too many of them, however, and you may end up in the hospital. It would be worth it, but thats just me. Krispy Kreme is very popular in most regions of the USA, but I was extremely surprised to see them in Japan! These tiny dreams dont come cheap here, either.
In the US, they are about $6 or $7 per dozen. Tokyo Krispy Kreme.... try $16 or $18. Nevertheless, the line out the door was 100 people deep when I arrived. I counted while waiting. It was like standing in line at Six Flags. There were even signs that read '1 Hour Wait From This Point.'
I'm dead serious. Let me tell you.... the ride at the end was WORTH it.

We are off to a pretty good start so far to the season at 2-1. During the first weekend of games we played a very good Toyota team. In the 1st game, we had an amazing shooting night that helped us to victory as we scored 101 points. The 2nd game was more of a defensive battle as both teams fought hard the entire way. Fortunately, we had the last shot of the game. With the score tied and only a few seconds left, our PG, Kei Igarashi (180-G-80), stepped up and hit a DEEP 3pt shot that gave us the win. Keis cheering section went CRAZY!

For those of you reading this from outside of Japan, you may not know how big of a star Kei is. Ive been told he is the Justin Timberlake of Japan. The paparazzi even put him on the cover of gossip magazines and newspapers keeping us informed of who hes been seen with lately. Im guessing the Kei Igarashi Fan Club will return for another game or two after that amazing finish.

This past weekend, it didnt get any easier as we faced Aishin, the defending champs. We played them pretty tough and got off to a strong start. But, their experience and talent were impressive. They took the lead with under a minute to play on a putback by Daryan Selvy (197-F/G-79, college: Oklahoma) and it ended up being the winning basket. We lost by 2. If there is a positive side, at least we know we are competing well against a couple of the best teams in the league. There is still much we can improve as a team which is good news also.

P.S. If anyone from Krispy Kreme Inc. is reading this, Im ready to be a spokesperson. Hook me up with a funny donut-man hat.... I already have my own t-shirt.

Standings - JBL
JBL Standings
 1. Panasonic 3-0 
 2. Aishin 2-1 
 3. Hitachi S. 2-1 
 4. Toshiba 2-1 
 5. Toyota 1-2 
 6. Mitsubishi 1-2 
 7. Hokkaido 1-2 
 8. Tochigi Brex 0-3 


*****************************************************
  KOSOVO   


Standings - Superleague
SuperLeague Standings
 1. Sigal Prishtina 2-0 
 2. Bambi Mitr. 2-0 
 3. Coll.Eurosport 2-0 
 4. Peja 1-0 
 5. Trepca Mitrov. 1-0 
 6. Drita 1-1 
 7. Kastrioti 0-2 
 8. Kosova V. 0-2 
 9. Bashkimi 0-2 
 10. SHB 12 0-2 


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


Barons/LMT lands NT player Kristaps Janicenoks - by Eurobasket News
Reining Latvian champion Barons/LMT announced signing of one-year deal with Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83). 25-year old guard arrived from Italian Fortitudo Bologna, where he spent last two seasons. In 07/08 he appeared 9 times in ULEB Cup averaging 8.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.2 apg. He also played 32 games in Serie A adding 8.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.1 apg and 1.5 spg. He played for the Latvian National Team last summer on EuroBasket in Spain. Actually he was maybe the best player of Team Latvia averaging 15.5 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1 apg and 1 spg but only in 2 games. He also played for his country on EuroBasket 2005 in Belgrade. Season 05/06 Kristaps Janicenoks spent in Capo d'Orlando. One before, he was a member of Telekom Basket Bonn reaching the final of German National Cup. With Euphony Liege, Janicenoks captured the trophy in Belgian National Cup. At the same season 03/04 his Liege was play-off finalist in domestic league. Since 2002 Janicenoks is member of Latvian senior National Team. Before that, he played for all Latvian youth selections. Except of the above mentioned teams, Kristaps Janicenoks also played for Skonto Riga and ASK Broceni.

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


Zalgiris added two new players to their roster - by Lukas Zajancauskas
Zalgiris signed two new players - power forward Tomas Masiulis (204-F-75) and playmaker Rolandas Alijevas (192-G-85, agency: Octagon). They will replace injured players, because Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances), Willie Deane III (186-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Purdue), Mantas Kalnietis (195-G-86, agency: Interperformances) won't play couple of weeks or even longer.

33 year old veteran Tomas Masiulis played in Zalgiris for 7 years, until he left in 2002. Last season Tomas played in Sopot, where he averaged almost 3 points and 3 rebs in about 21 minute.

Young playmaker Rolandas Alijevas played in Russia last season, but he also played for Zalgiris, when he was a youth. Rolandas won Euroleague youth tournament with Zalgiris in 2003 and he was the MVP of that tournament.

*****************************************************
  MALI   


Moussa Kone (Men) and Nasira Traore (Women) crowned MVPs - by Kristian Santiago

Moussa Kone of AS AS Real and Nassira Traore (185-F/C-88) of Djoliba Athletic Club Athletic Club were crowned MVPs respectively after the conclusion of the 2007-2008 season in Mali.
Its the third time in a row for Kone to win the honors, while Traore is a member of the national-team that participated recently in the Olympics in Beijing.

Djoliba Athletic Club managed to take home the cup and the national championships in the women's category while AS Real managed to win the cup and championship in the men's section as well.
Atar club de Kidal and Sigui de Kayes won the fair play trophy, while Coaches Emile Fofana (Djoliba Athletic Club-women) and Zoumana Coulibaly (AS Real-men) were named the best in their category.

Rookies of the year were Bassidiki Kalle (AS Real-men) and Djeneba Sacko (Djoliba Athletic Club-women) and the league crowned Nassira Traore (Djoliba Athletic Club-women) and Ibrahim N'Diaye (Sigui de Kayes-men) as topscorers of the past season.



*****************************************************
  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 50-90
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

Standings - Men
D1 Standings
 1. Costa do Sol 5-1 
 2. Desportivo M. 5-1 
 3. Maxaquene 5-1 
 4. Ferroviario M. 4-2 
 5. Ferroviario B. 3-3 
 6. Politcnica Q. 1-5 
 7. Sport Clube 1-5 
 8. Desportivo B. 0-6 


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


LA Clippers name Mike Dunleavy head coach / GM - by Eurobasket News
Los Angeles Clippers' head coach Mike Dunleavy is promoted to position of General Manager replacing Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor. Dunleavy will at the same time continue with his work as a HC.

Mike Dunleavy took over Los Angeles Clippers in 2003. Before that, he used to work as a head coach in Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. Dunleavy started his NBA career as a HC in 1990. From 1988 to 1990 he was an assistant in Milwaukee and LAL. Actually season 89/90 he played for the Bucks having also assistant coach role. Dunleavy has experience as a head coach and at the same time Vice President of Basketball Operations in Milwaukee Bucks. It was on seasons 92/93 and 95/96. In 1999 he was named 'NBA coach of the Year' leading the Trail Blazers. His biggest achievement so far is NBA Western Conference Semifinals in 2006 with the Clippers.

Elgin Baylor joined the Clippers in 1986 taking position of Vice President of Basketball Operations. Before that he spent 14 pro-years as NBA player. Eleven times he appeared on NBA All-Star game. In 1976 Elgin Baylor was inducted into the 'Basketball Hall of Fame' chosen as one of the 'NBA's 50 Greatest Players of All Time'. On season 05/06 he was named 'NBA Executive of the Year'.

At the same time Clippers current Director of Player Personnel, Neil Olshey, is promoted to Assistant General Manager.

Wizards Haywood Likely Out For Season - by Bryan Floyd
Haywood had his sprained right wrist examined by a specialist in New York City on Wednesday. The early word out of DC is that Haywood might miss the entire season. He was injured last week at training camp and was ruled out of Tuesday night's preseason opener against the Dallas Mavericks. Haywood averaged 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in 80 games for the Wizards last season. Without Haywood the Wizards may need to aquire to another center.

Vin Baker plans to return to basketball. - by Eurobasket
Vin Baker (6'11''-F-71, college: Hartford) of Old Saybrook CT; former No. 1 draft choice (#8 overall) of the Milwaukee Bucks in 1993, who spent 13 years in the National Basketball Association (NBA) is returning to professional basketball.
A 611, 245 lb., power forward, Baker is on the road to redemption and committed to basketball after having been cut from the league in 2006, as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
I am blessed to be where I am right now. As bad as situations were, they couldve been worse. Im not happy at all about how I left the game. I let myself and family down, among others.
Baker, who will turn 36 in November this year, has worked himself back into playing shape with the assistance of a trainer. Working out twice daily, combining strength and cardio routines in the mornings and basketball play in the evenings at the University of Connecticut or his alma mater, the University of Hartford, Baker still feels he has young legs.
Source: Macklin & Lovett Associates Sports Mgmt.

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


Donovan finally signs extension - by Kevin Cochran

16 months ago, Florida and coach Billy Donovan agreed to a contract extension through 2013. Finally, Donovan has signed the deal which gives him a $300,000 increase in salary. The extension is worth almost 20 million dollars, and includes a bonus for graduation rates.

The deal was agreed to after Donovan briefly left Florida in 2007 to become the head coach of the Orlando Magic. He left shortly, citing a change of heart.

No reason was given for the delay in signing the new contract.




Purdue adds shooting guard - by Kevin Cochran
Purdue has received an oral commitment from Chicago high school standout Anthony Johnson, who will join the team for the 2010-11 season.

A junior at Whitney Young High School, Johnson averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds as a sophomore. Rivals.com has him ranked among its top 50 players in the class of 2010. Marquette and Ohio St. were Johnson's other finalists.

Johnson is the third signee in the class of 2010 for coach Matt Painter .

La Tech dismisses two players - by Kevin Cochran
Jamel White (6'3''-G-86) told Rivals.com on Wednesday that he's figuring everything out after his dismissal Tuesday from the team at Louisiana Tech.

White, a 6-foot-3 guard, hadn't taken the court for the Bulldogs after transferring from Nebraska. He sat out last season, apparently without incident, but was dismissed from the team by coach Kerry Rupp for an unspecified violation of team rules.

'Maybe Division I is an option or NAIA,' said White, a New York native who finished up his prep career at Laurinburg (N.C.) Institute. 'I've been in touch with some schools in both divisions.'

White would appear to be a risk at this point, but there's little doubt some program will find him a risk worth taking. He averaged 9.3 points and 2.4 assists as a freshman for the Huskers in 2006-07 before he was suspended for the season in February 2007, also for an unspecified violation of team rules.

White said at the time that he planned to return to play for Nebraska, but he later transferred to Louisiana Tech.

Rupp also dismissed senior guard J.C. Clark (6'0''-G-86), who averaged 9.5 points for the Bulldogs last season. When asked if Clark's dismissal had anything to do with his, White said, 'I really dont want to go into any details.'

White said he hoped to make a decision about his next stop by the end of the week.

Courtesy: Rivals.com

*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND   


Henare back in action for Breakers - by Eurobasket News
Former New Zealand Breakers captain Paul Henare (182-G-79) returns from compassionate leave as the Australian National Basketball Leagu leaders bid to compound the Cairns Taipans' woes here tomorrow night.

Henare, a foundation member of the franchise, has been absent since the opening round win over the Wollongong Hawks, the Tall Blacks point guard being given time out to tend to his five-year-old son after he was injured when struck by a lawnmower.

While the Breakers have constructed their best ever start to a season in his absence, Henare's reappearance is timely as head coach Andrej Lemanis seek to lessen the workload of star recruit CJ Bruton.

The designated back-up point guard, Henare can expect to log some serious minutes when the unbeaten Breakers seek their fourth successive victory against a depleted Taipans side at North Shore Events Centre.

'It's good to get anyone in your team back in, you want to go in with all your arsenal and when people are missing it affects rotations a little bit,' Lemanis said.

With Henare restored, the onus is no longer on former Tall Black Phill Jones to fill the position when Bruton is spelled.

'Phill Jones has come in but it's not his natural spot. It also gives us the opportunity to play Pauly and CJ at the same time to give us some versatility.'

Veteran forward Tony Ronaldson said the importance of Henare's return could not be underestimated.

'The last two games we've played you can really see where Pauly fits into the mould. He can come in and give CJ a bit more of a break.

'CJ has logged 45 minutes in the last couple of games purely because we haven't had that strength in the point guard position.'

The Breakers are warm favourites to continue making the most of their home court advantage against a side who have lost two successive games - as well as their experienced forward Martin Cattalini.

The double Olympian was suspended for one match after failing a breath test when driving through Cairns last Saturday morning,

Cairns opened the season with consecutive wins but have dropped their last two, including a 77-101 loss to the Melbourne Tigers last Friday.

The Taipans landed a miserable 28-of-84 from the field at 33 per cent against the Tigers and will need to sharpen up to prevent a blowout tomorrow.

Despite their on and off court issues Lemanis insisted Cairns would not be taken lightly.

'They've got a very talented team, they run deep. They have an interesting group, they can give you different looks,' he said.

'They can try to overpower you with size or go small and go quick up and down the court.'

While the ANBL's only unbeaten team appear to be ticking along nicely, Lemanis said there was no room for complacency - and scope for improvement.

'Boxing out was an issue for us last week (against the Adelaide 36ers), it's an area we have to pick up on because Cairns are one of the better offensive rebounding teams.

'Our defensive transition was better against Adelaide but there's still room for improvement.'

Taipans coach Alan Black will look to the likes of Gary Boodnikoff and Aaron Grabau to step up in Cattalini's absence while usually freescoring guard Stephen Black needs more openings after shooting the ball just five times against the Tigers.

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

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


Nestle Milo Competition will be explosive Walter - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Reigning champion in the girls cadre of the Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship, Queen Amina College, Kaduna will today open her title defense against Government Girls Secondary School, Doma, Gombe State in the grand finale of the foremost youth competition in Nigeria.

The grand finale which tips today at the sport hall of the national stadium, Lagos will witness five other pairings.

According to the draws held last Friday in the premises of the food drink giant in Lagos, Nigeria University of Lagos International School will slug it out against Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Bauchi in what promises to be an explosive match-up.

Speaking during the draws, Managing Director of Nestle Nigeria PLC, Martin Woolnough who was represented at the occasion by the Finance and Control Director, Jacques Vauthier, says that apart from helping accelerate the development of basketball, positively engaging the energy of youths and fostering better social interaction and the spirit of sportsmanship, the annual nationwide championship is a platform to remind Nigerians of the critical link between, sport, good health and wellness.

It has been 10 positive years of exciting basketball matches, quality officiating, good display of the spirit of sportsmanship, passionate play, high energy, great skill, discipline and teamwork, he said.

He explained that Nestle Milos commitment to the game has helped in the last 10 years to make basketball Nigerias favourite sport while creating a bigger pool of talents to represent the country at international basketball events.

Nestls Category Business Manager (Beverages), Walter Okafor said the national finals promises to be exciting, explosive, entertaining and rewarding for the participating teams.

He said the first placed teams in the boys and girls categories will each be given a branded basketball court which will be constructed in their schools while the second and third placed teams will receive cash prize to the tune of =N=150,000 and =N=100,000 respectively.

Individual prizes will include medals to each member of the top three teams, trophies to the Most Valuable Players (MVP), best 3-Point Shooter, Best in Slam Dunk and a Fair Play trophy to deserving schools in each category.

The Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship will be rounded up with an explosive final on October 12, while the NBA/Top 50 Camp which provides international coaching and exposure for outstanding graduates of the Milo basketball clinics and secondary school championships and a Train-The-Trainers Camp for Nigerian basketball coaches will follow immediately from October 13-14.


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.Michael Ohiero (191-G-88, agency: Prime Select Sports, college: Customs)

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


Bethlehem "AlAhd & AlWafaa" First Basketball Tournament - by Tamara Awartani
Orthodoxi Bethlehem organizors of the 'AlAhad & Wafa' First Basketball Tournament pulled the draw in the presense of the President of the Baskeball Foundaion Mr. Khader Diab, board of directors, representatives of participating teams and a number of sports and media personalities.

10 teams will be participating divided in 2 groups:
Group 1: Catholic Action, Orthodoxi Beit Sahour, De La Salle Jerusalem, Ibda' Dheisheh, Qalandia
Group 2: Orthodoxi Bethlehem, Thaqafi Beit Sahour, Orthodoxi Ramallah, Orthodoxi Beit Jala, Al Bireh

Opening game will take place in the Catholic Action Club Thursday 16/10/08 at 6.30pm

Technical Committee of the championship: Fouad 'Chairman', Majid Banoura , Mohammed Ziyadeh, Fouad Kanaan, Khalid AlSaifi, Issa Hazboun, Issa Juha.

Schedual

Thursday 16/10
Orthodoxi Bethlehem vs. Thaqafi Beit Sahour 6.30pm

Friday 17/10
Catholic Action vs. Orthodoxi Beit Sahour 5
Orthodoxi Ramallah - Orthodoxi Beit Jala 7:00
De La Salle - Ibda' Dheishe 9:00

Saturday 18/10
Catholic Action vs. Qalandia 6:00
Orthodoxi Bethlehem vs. AlBireh 8:00

Sunday 19/10
Thaqafi Beit Sahour vs. Orthodoxi Ramallah 6:00
Orthodoxi Beit Sahour vs. De La Salle 8:00

Monday 20/10
Ibdaa Dheisheh vs. Qalandia 6:00
Orthodoxi Beit Jala vs. Al Bireh 8:00

Tuesday 21/10
Catholic Action vs. De La Salle 6:00
Orthodoxi Ramallah vs. Orthodoxi Bethlehem 8:00

Wednesday 22/10
Thaqafi Beit Sahour vs. Orthodoxi Beith Jala 6:00
Orthodoxi Beit Sahour vs. Ibda' Dheisheh 8:00

Thursday 23/10
De La Salle vs Qalandia 6:00
Orthodoxi Ramallah vs. Al Bireh 8:00

Friday 24/10
Catholic Action vs. Ibdaa Dheisheh 6:000
Orthodoxi Bethlehem vs. Orthodoxi Beit Jala 8:00

Saturday 25/10
Orthodoxi Beit Sahour vs. Qalandia 6:00
Thaqafi Beit Sahour vs. Al Bireh 8:00

Sunday 26/10
Break

Monday 27/10
Final Four 6:00
Final Four 8:00

Tuesday 28/10
Final Four 6:00
Final Four 8:00

Wednesday 29/10
Final Four 6:30

Thursday 30/10
Final Game 6:30


This tournament will be held annualy.
Stay up to date with the tournament news by checking this website.

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


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

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



Battle Creek Knights sign Duke Cleveland for 2009 PBL Season - by Eurobasket News
The Battle Creek Knights professional basketball team, today, October 7th, 2008, announce the signing of Duke Cleveland (6'8''-C-80, college: Grand Valley St.), 6'8', forward/center, for the team's fifth season in the Cereal City.

'Duke is one of the hardest workers in professional basketball and his leadership skills will assist the Knights in being successful during the 2009 PBL season,' said Terry Sare, Battle Creek Knights head coach.

Duke Cleveland, a 6'8' forward/center, has been a leader at every level of basketball that he has played including Plainwell High School, Grand Valley State University, Michigan Mayhem of the CBA, and the Grand Rapids Flight of the IBL. Since graduating from Plainwell High School, Duke Cleveland played four season for GVSU. Duke was a leader in minutes played, rebounds, block shots, and points per game average for the GVSU Lakers.

Duke has been team captain the past four seasons. 2 years as team captain for the Grand Rapids Flight (2005-2006). 2 years with the Battle Creek Knights (2007-2008). This will be Duke's third season with the Battle Creek Knights.

'Duke is a first class person on and off the basketball court. Duke is a person who will try his best to make sure the Knights 2009 season is successful,' stated, David Darkey, Battle Creek Knights General Manager.

Courtesy of The Battle Creek Knights

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


Purefoods battles back from 16 down to beat Red Bull - by Eurobasket News
Kerby Raymundo (199-C-81) and Rico Villanueva made their shots when it mattered most as the Purefoods TJ Giants survived a tough challenge from the Red Bull Barakos, 77-73, Wednesday night in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

With top gunner James Yap unable to find his offensive rhythm, Raymundo took care of business, pouring 11 of his game-high 23 points in the fourth quarter to spark a fiery charge by the Giants, who fell behind by many as 16 points early in the third quarter.

The Giants still trailed 60-67 with 9:35 left to play but turned the game around with a 15-2 run starring Raymund and Villanueva, whose back-to-back baskets gave Purefoods the lead for the first time, 72-69. Raymundo had nine points in that run, ending it with a shotclock-beating fadeaway jumper and a free throw later to seal the victory.

'It's a tough win. Red Bull may have lost their stars but for as long as (head coach) Yeng (Guiao) is there that team remains dangerous,' said Purefoods mentor Ryan Gregorio, who dug deep into his bench by rotating 12 players.

Gregorio admitted they took the Barakos lightly in the early going and nearly paid dearly for it had it not been for his two star big men finding their groove when things looked bleak.

Raymundo, who led all scorers, also had 15 rebounds while Villanueva tallied 15 points and 11 boards to also finish with a double-double.

Peter Jun Simon scored 18 points including 13 in the third quarter to keep the Giants in the game. What's surprising about the Giants victory was that they only had five assists, a league all-time record for a winning team.

With Red Bull rebuilding around a cast of role players, the Barakos are, according to experts, once again never expected to become a major contender this conference.

That belief nearly cost the Giants, who had to summon their championship experience to overcome an impressive performance by the Barakos.

Red Bull, which, however, has been to the Final Four in the last seven conferences despite losing its big-named stars over the last two seasons, opened the game with a 12-2 run and kept the Giants, last years Philippine Cup losing finalist, under siege for most part of the game.

The Barakos posted the game's biggest lead at 47-31 early in the third but they sputtered in the closing minutes and allowed a golden opportunity to slip away.

Gabby Espinas led Red Bull with a career-high 18 points but had five turnovers, three in the closing minutes as the Barakos lost control. Cyrus Baguio contributed 10 points but he was the only other Barako in double figure. Last years Most Improved Player also didnt have any field goal attempt in the second half where he played for just 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, Talk N' Text tries to extend its luck against undermanned Air21 in their 6 o'clock encounter scheduled Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Tropang Texters opened their campaign with a freakish 98-97 victory against Coca-Cola last Saturday and are expected to easily hurdle the challenge of the Express, who will be without Arwind Santos and Homer Se.

The two Express are serving a one-game suspension for their rough plays in their 120-102 defeat to Rain or Shine last Sunday.


The scores:

Purefoods 77 - Raymundo 23, Simon 18, Villanueva 15, Yap R. 9, Yap J. 8, Bugia 2, Robinson 2, Belga 0, Alonzo 0, Lanete 0, Aban 0, Salvador 0.

Red Bull 73 - Espinas 18, Baguio 10, Duncil 9, Najorda 9, Cruz 7, Rodriguez 6, Chan 5, Hubalde 5, Alvarez 4, Ybanez 0, Hrabak 0.

Quarterscores: 18-28, 28-43, 58-63, 77-73.

Courtesy of www.pba.ph

Rajko Toroman on Philippines as National Team Project Director - by Eurobasket News
Well respected Serbian coach Rajko Toroman will continue with his excellent work in Asia. After great achievement with Iranian National Team, which experienced the first Olympic Games ever, Toroman signed 3-year deal with Filipino Basketball Federation. His position will be National Team Project Director. Toroman has huge experience from the Asian countries. He led Iran to brightest basketball moments in the country's history. In Europe, Toroman used to work in Serbia, Poland, Belgium, Holland, Cyprus, Germany and Hungary. He also was a head coach of Serbian U22 National Team.

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


DBE Round: 4 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Bank BPS - Atlas Stal 85-78
BPS Basket secured the first win in the season as they bruised previously undefeated Atlas Stal 85:78. Chris Garner led the charge with 27 points. Piotr Dabrowski added 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Atlas Stal were not helped by 22 points from Carlos Rivera and 21 points from Krzysztof Szubarga.

Prokom - En.Czarni 75-60
Prokom cruised to a 75:60 victory over Energia Czarni at home. David Logan paced the winners with 20 points and 6 assists. Rolando Howell answered with 14 points for the visitors. The defending champions improved to 3-0 record in the ladder.

AZS Koszalin - Znicz J. 84-85
Znizc overcame a splendid performance from Javier Mojica to knock Koszalin down 85:84 away from home. Javier Mojica nailed 33 points but could not prevent his side from falling in the 4th straight game. Znicz Jaroslaw meanwhile secured the second win in four games. Grady Reynolds poured in 27 points for Jaroslaw.

PBG Basket - Polpharma 82-97
Polpharma never slowed down grabbing their fourth win in a row at the start of Polish DBE. Today they held off PBG Basket 97:82 to stay on top of the race. Michael Hicks paced balanced offense with 19 points. Mujo Tuljkovic added 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Marcin Flieger had game-high 22 points for PBG as they slipped to 1-3 record.

Sportino I. - Gornik W. 74-70
Sportino celebrated the initial success in the season as they toppled Gornik 74:70 at home court. Marcus Crenshaw knocked down 16 points, while Tony Lee and Eddie Miller were helpful with 11 points each as Sportino improved to 1-2. Gornik are yet to taste victory as they were not saved by 18 points from Adam Waczynski.



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


Portuguese Cup last 32 - by Portugal Eurobasket
The draw for the last 32 of the Portuguese Cup will be held today in Lisbon with teams from Proliga and LPB entering the draw. After 2 rounds with CNB 1 and 2 teams, the top teams will know be drawn in order to decide which 16 teams advance to last 16. As Lusitania was withdrawn from LPB, one team will receive a bye into next round as only 15 games will be held on November 19th. This edition of the Portuguese had already a problem as Galitos Aveiro didn't play its second round clash with ACR Vale de Cambra. The reason is simple: Galitos is now a B team of LPB squad Vagos and according to regulations B teams can't compete in the cup. Galitos entered the competition as a single club but then agreed to be B team of Vagos so has been excluded. 11 teams from LPB, 12 from Proliga, 5 from CNB 1 (Valenca, Povoa, ACR Vale Cambra, Ac. Lumiar, Montijo) and 3 from CNB 2 (Beira-Mar, U. Aveiro, Santarem) will know which team will face which today. Vitoria helds the trophy as Fernando Sa squad beat FC Porto last season in the final in Elvas.

Another blow for FC Porto - by Portugal Eurobasket
FC Porto is being persuated by injuries in its roster: after Joao Figueiredo, Paulo Cunha, Nuno Marcal and Paulo Diamantino now is Daniel Monteiro (182-G-82) who faces a 3-week absence due to an injury in his leg, who suffered a rupture after Illiabum's game last Saturday. Without Figueiredo and Monteiro, both PG, Augusto Sobrinho or youngster Pedro Catarino will play the PG position in Sunday's match against Academica in Coimbra. Good news is that Nuno Marcal is back in training although his physical condition is far from acceptable. He will be on the bench but will only play if really necessary

*****************************************************
  ROMANIA   


Romanian teams suffer two defeats in Balkan league - by Eurobasket News
Opening round of Balkan league wasn't so brilliant for Romanian teams.

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

CSU Cuadripol: Ionut Dragusin 18, Enes Hadjibulic 12+ 6 boards
Swisslions: Branko Jorovic 22+ 6 boards, Sasa Ocokoljic 12, Vladimir Vlaskovic 12
---

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

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

*****************************************************
  RWANDA   


APR Chasing Record Win - by Kristian Santiago

by Julius Mbaraga (The Times)


APR BC's indomitable lions are on the verge of rewriting more local history when they take on Basketball United Generation this Sunday at Primature.

After collecting maximum points from their 13 games, APR BC have one more task tomorrow before going down in the country's record books as the first club to finish the regular season unbeaten.
The former champions, who are playing UGB, 13 points off the pace are genuine favorites but Cliff Owuor yesterday told Times Sport that he was not about to take the game lightly.
'We are taking the BUG game very seriously because we are treating it as a build up to the play-offs,' the ex-Kenyan international said.
'So I expect to field all my key players,' he added.
Last year, APR BC was in the spot light after becoming the first local club to win the Zone five club championships. The club then dominated more headlines when it became the first club in East Africa to take part in the Fiba-club championships in Angola, a tournament which merges Africa's finest basketball clubs.
In the other league fixtures, reigning champions Marine are away to National University of Rwanda (UNR) while CSK battle Rusizi for a third spot finish. The two clubs are jointly tied in third place with 20 points, three adrift of Marine who are in second place.



APR Makes History - by Kristian Santiago
by Julius Mbaraga (The Times)

As the regular national basketball league wrapped up over the weekend, there were mixed reactions from the top clubs.

APR BC could not help rejoicing after becoming only the first club in the history of the sport to finish the regular season unbeaten after a convincing 88-43 win over Basketball United Generation (UGB).
Kami Kabange took charge, grabbing a game high 20 points while Bienvenue Ngandu added 19 as the Indomitable Lions sealed a historical win.
'We are happy and pround of the record but the task is still on. We want to win the league and we can only do that by winning the play-offs,' APR BC's Kenyan coach Cliff Owuor reckoned.

On the otherhand however, Espoir missed out on a play-off slot after a close 72-74 defeat against last year's losing finalists CSK.
Espoir needed to win the game to have any hopes after a mixed season.
Rusizi also earned their play-off slot despite back to back defeats against Universite Nationale du Rwanda and CSK.
The Western Province outfit suffered a shock 78-81 defeat against Universite Nationale du Rwanda before a much more convincing defeat (58-77) against CSK. Meanwhile, Marine capped up the regular season in convincing style after a 97-70 win over Universite Nationale du Rwanda.
The victory means that the reigning champions together with APR BC, CSK and Rusizi are all through to the play-offs. Ahead of the play-offs, ladies played classification games at Amahoro Indoor Stadium.
APR BC left Rusizi in tears following a massive 128-16 victory. Else where, KIE and Universite Nationale du Rwanda earned 49-41 and 65-42 victories over Ruhengeri's ISAE.

*****************************************************
  SENEGAL   


ASFA wins national cup final over Gaston Berger University - by Kristian Santiago

The military club ASFA ended a 14-year drought by beating USC/UGB St.Louis 70-57 to clinch the national cup title.
The students, who hoped to have another good outing of Mouhamed Diop (Second in the recent MVP votings), but it was Sogui Gueye who had a major effect on the game of UGB by scoring a couple of baskets to gain the lead in the early minutes of the game.

ASFA reacted with a better defensice effort and was led by Moulaye Boye (191-G) and Elise Boissy (-G-78) who both netted in a couple of threes to propel the chances of bringing home the win for the military.The last quarter was the decisive one when UGB failed to score for five minutes and gave ASFA the chance to seal the deal with a 13-point difference winner.

Afterwards, the season was concluded by the ceremony in which the MVP's of the season ('King and Queen') were crowned.Malick Gadiaga (189-G-81) (Bopp) and Ndeye Sene (-88) (St.Louis) took home the men and women's title this year.

ASFA
Starting Five: Hamsata Samb 4p, Moulaye Boye 16p, Elise Boissy 13p, El Hadj Amadou Ndiaye 2p, Amady Camara 8p. Bench: Ibrahima Ndiaye 3p Abdoulaye Diop 0p, Baidy Sylla 4p, Alioune Badara Diallo 2p, Jacques F. Ndiaye 16p, Yaya Djite 0p, Oumar Bodian 4p.
Coach : William Nunez.

Universite Gaston Berger
Starting Five: Amadou Yague 6p, Sogui Gueye 15p, Mouhamed Diop 16p, Pape Mor Faye 11p, Mouhamadou Diop 14p. Bench : Youssou Sarr 0p, Mbaye Ndiaye 2p, Waly Bakhoum 0p, Khalifa Diakite 2p, Fara Camara 0p, Sock Keita 0p, Ibrahima Kebe 0p.
Coach : Birahim Gaye.



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


Rajko Toroman on Philippines, Gajic splits with Swisslions - by Dragan Jankovski
Well respected Serbian coach Rajko Toroman will continue with his excellent work in Asia. After great achievement with Iranian National Team, which experienced the first Olympic Games ever, Toroman signed 3-year deal with Filipino Basketball Federation. His position will be National Team Project Director. Toroman has huge experience from the Asian countries. He led Iran to brightest basketball moments in the country's history. In Europe, Toroman used to work in Serbia, Poland, Belgium, Holland, Cyprus, Germany and Hungary. He also was a head coach of Serbian U22 National Team.

Swisslions Takovo and point guard Aleksandar Gajic (186-G-83, agency: Beo Basket) parted ways. He agreed terms with the team during the summer but he got a status of free agent now. Gajic changed many teams over the past few years. He played for Crvena Zvezda, Partizan, Lukoil Akademik, Apoel Nicosia, Khimik Yuzhny, Sloga and Igokea. Last season he spent in Greek A2 league as a member of Ilysiakos Athens. He won the title in Bulgaria with Lukoil in 2004. At the same year, Lukoil grabbed the trophy in Bulgarian National Cup. With Igokea, Gajic celebrated in Bosnian Cup in 2007. Interesting is that Gajic was MVP of the U17 European Championship in 1999. y

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


1B Stats Leaders
Coming soon

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


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


Angelov signs with Lukoil Sophia, Sundsvall inks Ilunga - by Interperformances
The Bulgarian shooting guard Dimitar Angelov (202-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) has signed a deal with PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia. Dimitar, who is often considered the best player in Bulgaria, has already played in Sophia with two others teams, BC CSKA Sophia and BC Levski Ekopetroulium Sophia.
The 2008 Swedish Basketligan regular season Champion Sundsvall Dragons has inked 6.1' guard Olivier Ilunga (185-G-84, agency: Interperformances) Olivier has both Swedish and Congolese passports and last year played with Cypriot team EKA AEL Limassol, with which he won the Cyprus Super Cup 2007.

Uppsala Basket climbs on top - by Eurobasket News
Uppsala Basket becomes a leader of the Swedish league after Round 2. The team climbs on top with 2-0 record after the second straight win. Last night at home Uppsala Basket overcame Helsingborgs BK 95:64. The hosts opened the game with 20-11 and then increased to 19 points at the halftime. Mindaugas Budzinauskas (198-G-73) led thew inners with 22 points. Thomas Jackson netted 19, while Danny Gathings scored 17. Johan Akesson (209-C-84) top-scored with 20 points in the losing effort.
08 Stockholm Human Rights overcame Solna Vikings 87:82. The teams started even and after the first 10 minutes had 19:19. Solna Vikings grabbed the lead at the halftime after 22-20 in the second period, but then the hosts benefit from the game. Mikael Lindquist produced 18 points for the winners and Joakim Blom (211-C-76, agency: Court Side) together with Roderick Earls each had 15. Martin Pahlmblad (193-G-86) ended up with 21 points in the losing effort.
Boras Basket edged Plannja Basket 96:88. The third quarter was decisive in the game when the hosts created 27-19 run. Christopher Anrin top-scored for the winners with 26 points. Ryan McDade netted 17 and Henrik Carlsson with Michael Kingma added 13 apiece. Hakan Larsson (184-G-74) was the best for the guests providing 21 points.
Sundsvall Dragons were the only team to win away from home as they defeated Jamtland Basket 73:88. Antonio Kellogg (190-G-85, college: USF) and Terry Flanagan top-scored for the winners with 17 points.


08 Stockholm Human Rights - Solna Vikings 87 - 82 (19 - 19, 20 - 22, 21 - 17, 27 - 24)
08 Stockholm: Mikael Lindquist 18, Joakim Blom 15, Roderick Earls 15, Nils Hedstrom 11
Solna: Martin Pahlmblad 21, Lesli Myrthil 20, Juha Sten 15, Jermaine Flowers 12

Jamtland Basket - Sundsvall Dragons 73 - 88 (22 - 23, 18 - 19, 17 - 25, 16 - 21)
Jamtland: Tyrone Levett (195-G/F-80, college: Alabama St.) 25, Andrew Mitchell 19
Sundsvall: Antonio Kellogg 17, Terry Flanagan 17, Oliver Ilunga 16, Adam Alexander 15

Uppsala Basket - Helsingborgs BK 95 - 64 (20 - 11, 23 - 13, 31 - 27, 21 - 13)
Uppsala: Mindaugas Budzinauskas 22, Thomas Jackson 19, Danny Gathings 17
Helsingborg: Johan Akesson 20, Jens Stalhandske 15, Alexis Tsasidis-Olsson 8

Boras Basket - Plannja Basket 96 - 88 (24 - 25, 21 - 22, 27 - 19, 24 - 22)
Boras: Christopher Anrin 26, Ryan McDade 17, Henrik Carlsson 13, Michael Kingma 13
Plannja: Hakan Larsson 21, John Rosendahl 17, Jim Enbom 16, Anthony Bethel 13

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


SBL rejects broadcast offer - by Chris Wang
Local news outlets reported that the SBL Committee had rejected the broadcast right fee offer from ESPN Taiwan and Videoland, the league's broadcast partners in the past five years and hold the negotiation priority, and did not rule out opening the bid.

ESPN Taiwan and Videoland upped their offer from NT 39.2 million to 42 million, but the number was still far from SBL's asking price of NT 56 million.

ESPN and VL lowered the offer because of the expenditure in the next season is expected to rise. Without a venue to play in Taipei, the SBL was forced to play in other cities in the 2008-09 season.

*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


NBA Top 50: Tim Duncan (No. 5) - by David Edole
Posted Oct 8th 2008 4:30PM by Tom Ziller (author feed)
Filed under: Spurs
FanHouse's Tom Ziller argues his ranking of the top 50 players in the NBA.

Tim Duncan (208-F-76, college: Wake Forest) needs no explanation here. Generally regarded as one of the greatest pivots in the league's history, Duncan has dominated the NBA for the last decade like no other active player ... not even Shaq. Duncan's lows (2005-06, '07-08) are still top 10 material. His heights -- well, few could dream of reaching them.

Big Fun(damental) has a crystal defensive record. In the modern era, only Dikembe Mutombo can reasonably be considered a peer as an anchor, shotblocker, defensive quarterback, rebounder and pure stopper. The way Duncan plays defense is the way most kids in the schoolyard see Kobe play offense: simple domination. In eight of his 11 seasons, Duncan has been voted to first team All-Defense; in the other three seasons, he made the second team. He's top 20 all-time in blocks and rebounds per game ... and that's playing on a slow team in any era where offenses are favored (as opposed to the 1970s and 80s, where rules and talent levels left a lot more rebound opportunities).

If that's enough, he's one of the most potent offensive weapons ever. His usage rate is top 15 all-time, meaning less than 15 players in the history of the NBA have been responsible for a larger share of their team's offense. ! So yes, his overall offensive efficiency numbers aren't spectacular -- free throws remain the sometimes fatal flaw -- but he gets the job done at above-average rate for a ton of possessions.

Combine those unbelievable attributes with a consistently solid supporting cast and a great coaching staff, and Duncan has never missed the playoffs. (I don't suspect he'll start now.) And in the playoffs, he is typically amazing. All this overwhelming success has seriously altered draft strategies: facing off with a talent like Kevin Durant, is is not obvious Duncan is the reason Portland picked Greg Oden in '07? Dwight Howard in '04? Going big is nothing new, but putting an emphasis on finding someone who can change the game on the glass and in the defensive paint ... that stems from Duncan's long-lasting success.

Should we expect Duncan to slow down this season? His numbers will look better, I can assure you, with Manu Ginobili out a while. But the uptick on offense might be blurred -- San Antonio had trouble scoring at times last season with a full deck; without Manu, teams will do everything they can to limit Duncan and Tony Parker, and all that attention could wear Big Fun out. Will that affect his defense? Or will Kurt Thomas' presence more than make up the difference? I won't bet against Duncan, that's for sure. Another MVP-type season is as sure as the tide.

Christmas to play in EGC - by David Edole

Crucian Rakeem Christmas is scheduled to play in the 6th Annual Philly vs Jersey All Star Challenge, which is, now held in memory of Eddie Griffin, the event's original sponsor, is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2009. This year's event will be held at The Barn gymnasium, which is located on the campus of Rutgers University. The game invites the top players from New Jersey to go against their counterparts from the greater Philadelphia area.
Christmas will be playing with the sophomores. He is currently ranked 7th by ESPN.com in the Class of 2011.

What others are saying about Christmas:
From ESPN.com
Rakeem is an athletic and active insider. He is very long and gangly. Rakeem is developing before our eyes into a true force nationally. He is able to score on short drives to the basket against other post players. He is an aggressive rebounder that grabs caroms outside of his area. He has range to 12 feet right now. He needs to sustain his effort and continue to improve in order to remain an elite prospect. Rakeem is currently a top 25 prospect in the 2011 class nationally.

by Alex Schwartz of Northstar Basketball Blog
Rakeem Christmas of Team Phenom demonstrated why he has been one of this summer's main stock boosters. Christmas showed off amazing athleticism and a knack for blocking shots. He has great size and was a presence in the paint. Christmas usually runs with Team Kobe (PA), but the squad is together with Team Phenom this weekend.
SCHOOL LISTS
Rakeem Christmas '11, North Catholic (PA), Team Phenom (PA): Florida, Villanova, La Salle, St. Joseph's, Temple, Memphis, and West Virginia
Offers: All; Florida, Villanova, La Salle, St. Joseph's, Temple, Memphis, and West Virginia

Rakeem Christmas: 6-9 PF: Kevin Garnett athletic and has the same body. Can shoot a 12 foot jumper and his range is getting better by the day. Still growing. Was only 6-6 six months ago, and could be 7 feet, and if you match that with his athletisim he'd be nearly unstopable. Great rebounder and a great great great shot blocker. Nova, UF, Memphis are in contention for him but he has said UF and
Memphis are his leaders. Kevin Durant/Kevin Garnett

By Brian Crownover of NBE Basketball Report
Although I didnt get to see him at the Hoop Group Elite Camp, by all accounts Rakeem Christmas had an outstanding week. The 2011 prospect made it into the Top 20 All-Star Game and dominated in that. While I missed him at that event, I did witness him dominate at the Team Camp. Rakeem is starting to develop an array of moves. Hes very long, quick and displays great touch. At times, he made plays that are typically only seen by upperclassmen. He still does miss easy ones from time to time. Perhaps most impressive is where Rakeems game was at during the winter. He wasnt even the best freshman post player on his North Catholic team. He rarely played and didnt do much when he did. Rakeem has gone from little used to the guy.

Confirmed scouts, talent evaluators, media, bloggers and All Star game coordinators who have confirmed their attendance are as follows:

Howard Garfinkel - McDonalds All American Game/The Capitol Clasic
Tom Konchalski HSBI Report/ McDonalds All American Game
Dave Telep Editor Scouthoops.com/ McDonalds All American committee
Clark Francis The HoopScoop / McDonalds All American Game
Mike Sullivan ScoutNYPreps.com/ McDonalds All American Game
Oz Billups The Jordan All American Game
Allan Rubin Philadelphia-South Jersey Editor for HoopScoop.
Ed Butler EKB Scouting Services
Steve Keller The National Recruiting Report
Adam Zagoria Zagsblog.net
Jay Gomes NJHoops.com who also serves as media host.

Game Times are
Sophomores 1:00
Juniors 2:30
Seniors 4:00



*****************************************************
  UBL   


UBL ARKANSAS & TEXAS TRYOUTS - by Ozzie Denson

THE ARKANSAS WARRIORS

TRYOUTS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2008

&

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2008

UALR FIELD HOUSE

2801 S. University Avenue

Session I 9:00 AM 12 NOON

Session II 1:00 PM 4:00 PM

$35 in advance/$50 at the door

(Cash or Money orders ONLY)

For more information, contact:

Dedrick Harris,Head Coach 501.952.6532

Eugene Udell,Operations Manager 501.539.3340

Richard Turner,General Manager 501.944.8472

THE UBL WRANGLERS

TRYOUTS SATURDAY 11TH &12TH

10.00 AM TO 4:00PM OCT 11TH

10:00 AM TO 4:00PM OCT 12TH

AT THE SELWYN SCHOOL OF DENTON

3333 WEST UNIVERSITY ROAD

DENTON, TEXAS

FEE $50.00

CONTACT COACH DENSON 972-781-8120

UBL PRESEASON GAME

THE UBLWRANGLERS

VS

THE ARKANSAS WARRIORS

NOV. 1, 2008

6:00 PM

AT THE SELWYN SCHOOL OF DENTON

DENTON, TEXAS



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


B. Braun get their teeth into children's fitness scheme with Sharks sponsorship - by George Manousidis
B. Braun Medical will be unveiled as the main sponsor of the Sheffield Sharks for the 2008-09 season at a special ceremony on Thursday (October 9) , 11am at B. Braun Medical, Thorncliffe Park, Sheffield, S35 2PW

The partnership between the leading healthcare company and the Sharks will support the basketball team's award-winning community projects aiming to get local youngsters into sport.

Hans Hux, Group Chief Executive of B. Braun in the UK, which is based at Thorncliffe Park, said: 'We are delighted to have formed this partnership with Sheffield Sharks. The deal will mean under our global scheme B. Braun for Children, we can help support several community projects that will encourage local school children to take up sport, exercise and healthy living in South Yorkshire.'

Thursday's launch will feature Sharks coach Atiba Lyons , chairman Yuri Matischen and a host of players who will be joined by local students, Hans Hux and other B. Braun staff.

Sharks coach, players and chairman and B. Braun Medical representatives will be available for media interviews and photographs during the launch.

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  URUGUAY   


Angelo Reyes leads Hebraica with 34 points - by Hector Lopez
Angelo Reyes (205-F/C-81) lead Hebraica to beat Tabare 93-92, with 34 points and 16 rebounds. The results for the three games played last nigth were:
Hebraica 93 - Reyes 34 and 16, Corey Smith (196-G/F, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Vanderbilt) 9 and 1
Tabare 92 - Clarence Matthews (201-F-82, agency: 22ft, college: Tennessee St.) 36 and 13, Ryan Blankson (198-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Loyola, IL) 20 and 14
- - -
Bohemios 87 - Albert Burditt (203-F-72, college: Texas) 13 and 9
Trouville 78 - Levi Stukes (188-G-84) 16 and 7, Ollie Bailey (201-F-85, college: Oklahoma City) 17 and 7
- - -
Paysandu 72 - Austin Montgomery (196-G, college: Bowling Green) 29 and 11, Rob Summers (213-C-84, college: W.Virginia) 4 and 4
Welcome 66 - JR Morris (196-G-82, college: Seton Hall) 14 and 3, Brad Kanis (218-C-84) 10 and 16

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




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Women News

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


Crouse named Nivea Player of the Week for Round 1 - by Eurobasket News
Townsville Fires Jennifer Crouse (192-C-77) has been named the Australian Defence Force Womens National Basketball League (WNBL) Nivea Player of the Week for the first round of 2008/09.

The American starred in the Fires opening victory over Perth Lynx 90-65 on Friday night.

Crouse top-scored with 27 points and grabbed the highest number of rebounds with 17. She also tallied three blocks, nailed a 3-pointer and shot an amazing 8/9 free throws in her 28 minutes on court.

Her fiery start to the season was a big jump from the numbers she averaged last season; 12.7 points per game and 12.1 rebounds per game for 2007/08.

This is Crouses fourth season with the Fire and she was named co-captain with Australian Defence Force Opal Rohanee Cox.

The 192cm forward still sees room for improvement in her game.

'I think its a work in progress. I'd like to work at rebounding. I'd like to make that a priority every game', Crouse said.

'I think my teammates did a great job of getting me the ball and shots were falling. I think there are things that need work, but overall Im happy with the win'.

Crouse was the leader in number of rebounds and blocked shots last season and is second only to Lauren Jackson for most blocked shots per game, having blocked 10 shots on two occasions.


Other noteworthy Round 1 performances:

Adelaide: Jessica Foley and former AIS player Cayla Francis were the standout players for Lightning, both players bagged 20 points. Francis completed the double-double with 13 rebounds, Foley tallied 7.

Bendigo: Eleanor Haring top-scored for Bendigo with 15 points, and centre Gabe Richards posted a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Bulleen: Spirit forward Elyse Penaluna netted a team-high 18 points and 6 rebounds and Shelley Hammond 17 points and 7 rebounds in Bulleens loss to Canberra.

Canberra: Former Sydney Uni Flame Michelle Musselwhite posted high numbers in both games for the caps, top-scoring against Bendigo with 15 points, and put up 14 points against Bulleen. Abby Bishop lead with 19 points and 15 rebounds and 3 steals against Bulleen and Tracey Beatty put up 20 points to top-score in the Caps second game of the round against Bulleen.

Logan: Sarah Graham lead the new side grabbing 21 points and 6 rebounds. Logans imports made an impact in their first games with American Brittany Davis scoring 16 points and 6 rebounds and Tall Fern Natalie Purcell was the 2nd-highest scorer for the team with 18 points and 7 rebounds.

Perth: Deanna Smith lead the way for Perth in their two first-round games, sparking comebacks for the Lynx. She scored 19 points against Townsville on Friday and 20 against Logan on Saturday.

Sydney Uni: Sally Potocki, Eva Afeaki and Alicia Poto all put up 17 points apiece in their two-point loss to Adelaide. Potocki contributed 7 rebounds and 1 block, Afeaki 9 rebounds and 1 steal, and Poto 4 rebounds and 4 steals in her full 40-minute effort.

Townsville: Co-captain Rohanee Cox was also a standout for Fire. She tallied 20 points and nine rebounds. Tall Fern Aneka Kerr also nailed a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

By Kimberley Lewis for WNBL Media
Courtesy of www.wnbl.com.au

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  BALTIC LEAGUE - Women  


Arvi and BC Star post opening victories - by Eurobasket News
Laisve - Arvi 38:73
Laisve got to a brave start but collapsed in the second half to suffer a stunning 38:73 defeat to Lithuanian powerhouse Arvi in the BWBL action. Tetyana Shchypakina (180-F-85, agency: LBM Management) dropped 15 points to pace Arvi. Lyubov Alyoshkina (203-C-81, agency: LBM Management) added 14 points, while Vaida Pacauskiene (176-G-79) and Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) had 11 points each in the winning case. Jolanta Marmiene (181-F-79) was the only Laisve player to score in double figures as the finished with 10 points. Kristina Alminaite (204-C-90) contributed 8 points in the loss. Laisve fell to 1-2 record, while Arvi earned the initial victory and stayed at 1-0 record.
Laisve were the better side in the opening stanza. They jumped to a 16:13 lead capitalizing on some early mistakes from Arvi. However the hosts ran out of fuel in the second period and Arvi took over. They limited Laisve to just 10 points in the second term and surged ahead 31:26 lead at halftime.
The situation did not change in the third quarter. Arvi built up an unsurpassable defensive barricades and maintained the pressure. Laisve managed only 4 points in the frame and trailed by as many as 18 points before the fourth quarter. Arvi never loosened the grip in the fourth term and breezed to the victory.
Arvi will next host Lemminkainen on October 14. Laisve will play against the same opponent on the road on October 18.

Laisve: Jolanta Marmiene 10, Kristina Alminaite 8
Arvi: Tetyana Shchypakina 15, Lyubov Alyoshkina 14, Vaida Pacauskiene 11, Laima Rickeviciute 11


BC Star - Tallinna Living 73:57
BC Star overcame their archrivals Tallinna Living in the Baltic League opener for both teams. BC Star showed they are ready for the Tallinna Living challenge this year and thumped them 73:57. The teams began the game slowly as they teamed up for just 12 points in the starting quarter. Tallinna Living grabbed a 7:5 lead, which was however quickly denied. BC Star raised the tempo after the intermission and accounted for 26 points in the second quarter that lifted them to a 31:27 lead at the interval. BC Star maintained the pressure after the long break. They stayed in front and drove to a 7-point advantage with one quarter left in the game. Davineia Payne (175-G-83, college: La Salle) was impressive down the stretch as she paced BC Star in the fourth term giving not a single chance for Tallinna Living. BC Star limited their opponents to 12 points in the quarter and secured an impressive win at the end. Davineia Payne secured game-high 28 points and 10 boards for BC Star. Ashley Wallace (183-C-85, college: Pace) contributed 10 points and 12 boards for the winners. Mari Saarniit (184-F-77) answered with 14 points and 10 rebounds for Tallinna Living. Kerli Haas (179-F-90) knocked down 10 points in the loss.
Both teams will next play in Belarus. BC Star will visit Olimpia-Grodno, while Tallinna Living will be hosted by Viktorija on October 25.

BC Star: Davineia Payne 28+10 boards, Ashley Wallace 10+12 boards, Jana Rannaveski (172-G-87) 8
Tallinna Living: Mari Saarniit 14+10 boards, Kerli Haas 10

Standings
BWBL Standings
 1. Arvi 1-0 
 2. Tim-Scuf 1-0 
 3. Dnipro 1-0 
 4. Berezina 1-0 
 5. Olimpia 1-0 
 6. BC Star 1-0 
 7. Laisve 1-2 
 8. Lemmink. 0-0 
 9. Turiba/K. 0-0 
 10. Cesis 0-0 
 11. Spartak SP 0-0 
 12. KAZ NT 0-0 
 13. Victoria 0-1 
 14. Tall.Living 0-1 
 15. Minsk-2006 0-1 
 16. Ol.-NAEK 0-2 


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  BELARUS - Women  


A new season for the players abroad - by Eurobasket News
Olga Masilionene (181-F-80, agency: LBM Management) (181-F-80, agency: LBM Management) and her Targoviste thrashed Electra Ramat-Hasharon at home in the opener of EuroCup Qualifying Round. A massive 28-10 in the opening quarter helped them to build up their lead. In a great team game where the top players scored only 10 points Romanian side celebrated 76:47 win. Radostina Slavova and Elena Dinca led the winners with 10 points. Olga Masilionene and Boriga followed them with 9 points apiece in Targoviste. Mirav Dori top-scored in defeat with 12 points, while Abiola Wabara and Ayelet Cohen added 11 each.
Valentin opened the game for the hosts that even did not expect such a start. The first quarter was a holiday of almost all scored baskets from the hosts. Municipal Targoviste provided 28-10 in the opening quarter and never looked behind after. Boriga scored first two in the second period for 31:10. Electra Ramat-Hasharon had even hard time following the tempo and rhythm and in the game. Suez Karni somehow made it 51:21 at the halftime.
In the third period the picture did not change and Municipal Targoviste was even not thinking of slowing down. Varda posted two at the end of the third for 67:32. Only in the last stanza Israeli team could show the basketball they used to play. Electra Ramat-Hasharon produced 15-9 in the final period to close the game at 76:47.
In Game 2 Targoviste smashed Electra to be the first team to advance from the Qualifying Round. In Game 2 the Romanian squad had no difficulties reaching 68:48 victory. With 18-5 the winners started to ruin Israeli team and never looked behind after. Chrissy Givens top-scored for the winners with 12 points. Cynthia Valentin netted 10, whilst Gabriela Toma and Slavova posted 9 each.Olga Masilionene produced 8 points and made 2 assists. Mirav Dori led Israeli team with 24 points and Suez Karni had 10. Municipal Targoviste wins 144-95 as a total after two games.Romanian squad held the Israeli team to 11 of 31 shooting inside the arc in the second leg.

TTT Riga grabbed the first win in the LSBL as they toppled Liepaja away from home in the first round. TTT Riga dominated the game and cruised to a 97:46 success at the end. Tatyana Troina (188-F/C-81, college: S.Carolina) knocked down 24 points for TTT Riga. Ieva Kublina added 16 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Sabine Niedola answered with 19 points and 11 boards for Liepaja. TTT Riga opened the game with a 29:7 run in the first period and never looked back again. The visitors outrebounded their opponents 47:30 and forced Liepaja to 23 turnovers.

Drozd Nadeya and Zberch Katja opened the season in Germany for Herner. In the game against BC Wildcats Wolfenbuttel Zberch Katja posted 19 points and made 14 rebounds. Drozd Nadeya had 13 points and 2 rebounds.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Stats Leaders - Women
Trocal ZBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Hariss Rebecca 24.67
2. Maltsi Evanthia 22.00
3. Misurova Darina 20.00
4. Feranckova 17.33
5. Horakova Hana 16.67
Rebounds Per Game
1. Le Drean Sandra10.00
2. Reisingerova 9.33
3. Matic Ivanika 9.33
4. Ferancikova 8.33
5. Svobodova 7.67
Assists Per Game
1. Zirkova Zuzana 4.33
2. Nezdarilova Hana 4.00
3. Bartonova 4.00
4. Emmelova 4.00
5. Hrabakova 3.33
2FGP
1. Rosenbaumova 77.7
2. Maltsi Evanthia 74.0
3. Kolarova 65.2
4. Snajdrova 63.1
5. Miller Cherin 62.5
3FGP
1. Morka 100.0
2. Hartigova 100.0
3. Sedlackova 100.0
4. Misurova 75.0
5. Ferancikova 75.0


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  DENMARK - Women  


Horsholm confident at the start - by Eurobasket News
The Dameligan reigning champions the Horsholm 79ers opened the new season with victory. The 79ers held off Falcon 68:54 away from home. Horsholm used the strong first half to build a decisive lead. They bound the hosts to 26 points in the first half and piled up a 12-point cushion at the interval. Falcon finally managed to match the tempo after the break but failed to come any closer. The 79ers looked comfortable in the final stanza and secured the victory. Kristine Jensen produced 24 points and 7 boards for the 79ers. Nicole Piggott (180-F-85, college: Oakland) had 16 points, while Anne Thorius (179-G-77, college: Michigan) added 12 for the winners. Lisa Olden (188-C-86) replied with 15 points and 8 caroms for Falcon. Prue Kenny (178-G) contributed 8 points in defeat.
SISU ensured a 75:63 win over Horsens in the season opener for both teams. SISU jumped to a 21:10 advantage after the first quarter. The Pirates did not manage to bounce back in the latter stages and the hosts stretched the margin to 15 points. SISU slowed down in the second half but stayed alert and pulled away with the win at the end. Jackie Adamschik tallied 23 points and 17 boards for SISU. Malene Lindholm (187-F/C-79, college: Metro St.) had 20 points for the winners. Josefine Sorensen (169-G/F-87) knocked down 16 points in the loss.

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  ESTONIA - Women  


BC Star earn win over Tallinna Living in BWBL - by Eurobasket News
BC Star - Tallinna Living 73:57

BC Star overcame their archrivals Tallinna Living in the Baltic League opener for both teams. BC Star showed they are ready for the Tallinna Living challenge this year and thumped them 73:57. The teams began the game slowly as they teamed up for just 12 points in the starting quarter. Tallinna Living grabbed a 7:5 lead, which was however quickly denied. BC Star raised the tempo after the intermission and accounted for 26 points in the second quarter that lifted them to a 31:27 lead at the interval. BC Star maintained the pressure after the long break. They stayed in front and drove to a 7-point advantage with one quarter left in the game. Davineia Payne (175-G-83, college: La Salle) was impressive down the stretch as she paced BC Star in the fourth term giving not a single chance for Tallinna Living. BC Star limited their opponents to 12 points in the quarter and secured an impressive win at the end. Davineia Payne secured game-high 28 points and 10 boards for BC Star. Ashley Wallace (183-C-85, college: Pace) contributed 10 points and 12 boards for the winners. Mari Saarniit (184-F-77) answered with 14 points and 10 rebounds for Tallinna Living. Kerli Haas (179-F-90) knocked down 10 points in the loss.
Both teams will next play in Belarus. BC Star will visit Olimpia-Grodno, while Tallinna Living will be hosted by Viktorija on October 25.

BC Star: Davineia Payne 28+10 boards, Ashley Wallace 10+12 boards, Jana Rannaveski (172-G-87) 8
Tallinna Living: Mari Saarniit 14+10 boards, Kerli Haas 10

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  FIJI - Women  


Whippy is top pick - by Eurobasket News
Outstanding displays from Waikato schools at the national secondary basketball champs were rewarded when a swag of players made the tournament teams.

Church College's Letava Whippy (180-F-91) won her second consecutive Most Valuable Player award in leading her side to the title defence in Palmerston North on Saturday.

The Fijian international was joined in tournament teams by Church College teammates Austin Rarere and Moengaroa Subritzky, while Fraser High School's Fran Hansen was also selected. Beaten finalists in the boys' competition, Fraser High, had Matt Aird and Daniel Green selected in a tournament team, while third-placed Church College had Jivarne Joseph and Jared Whippy named.

No one had got within 20 points of Church College all week at the tournament in the girls' section and it was no different for opponents Rangitoto College in the final, beaten 87-55.

Courtesy of http://www.fijitimes.com

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  ITALY - Women  


Italian SuperCup in Schio - by Carlo Grilli
Tonight Schio hosts in PalaCampagnola the Italian SuperCup, the trophy contended by the Italian Champions (Schio) and the Italian Cup winners (Venezia). Both teams will represent Italy in next Euroleague.
By now, Venezia doesnt have any roster problems, while Schio lacks Kara Braxton (198-C-83, college: Georgia) and Candice Dupree (188-F/C-84, college: Temple) (still in USA) and Nuria Martinez for a soft injury; but for the home-based orange team Nicole Antibe (187-C/F-74) (who signed 2 days ago) will be regularly on the court.

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  LITHUANIA - Women  


Arvi thrash Laisve to open BWBL campaign - by Eurobasket News
Laisve - Arvi 38:73

Laisve got to a brave start but collapsed in the second half to suffer a stunning 38:73 defeat to Lithuanian powerhouse Arvi in the BWBL action. Tetyana Shchypakina (180-F-85, agency: LBM Management) dropped 15 points to pace Arvi. Lyubov Alyoshkina (203-C-81, agency: LBM Management) added 14 points, while Vaida Pacauskiene (176-G-79) and Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) had 11 points each in the winning case. Jolanta Marmiene (181-F-79) was the only Laisve player to score in double figures as the finished with 10 points. Kristina Alminaite (204-C-90) contributed 8 points in the loss. Laisve fell to 1-2 record, while Arvi earned the initial victory and stayed at 1-0 record.
Laisve were the better side in the opening stanza. They jumped to a 16:13 lead capitalizing on some early mistakes from Arvi. However the hosts ran out of fuel in the second period and Arvi took over. They limited Laisve to just 10 points in the second term and surged ahead 31:26 lead at halftime.
The situation did not change in the third quarter. Arvi built up an unsurpassable defensive barricades and maintained the pressure. Laisve managed only 4 points in the frame and trailed by as many as 18 points before the fourth quarter. Arvi never loosened the grip in the fourth term and breezed to the victory.
Arvi will next host Lemminkainen on October 14. Laisve will play against the same opponent on the road on October 18.

Laisve: Jolanta Marmiene 10, Kristina Alminaite 8
Arvi: Tetyana Shchypakina 15, Lyubov Alyoshkina 14, Vaida Pacauskiene 11, Laima Rickeviciute 11

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  NCAA1 - Women  


ISU women pleased by returning starters - by Eurobasket News
The Iowa State women's basketball team will have seven starters this year, a remarkable feat in a sport that uses only five players at a time.

But starters Toccara Ross (5'11''-F-86) and Nicky Wieben (6'4''-F-86) both were lost with injuries during the 2007-08 season and they return. So does everyone else from a team that finished 21-13 and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Coach Bill Fennelly said the team will be good, but its success depends on players remaining healthy and believing in the system.
---

Lady Raiders miss out on Hassell

Jasmine Hassell, the 2008 Class AAA Miss Basketball winner from Wilson Central, has committed to play next season at the University of Georgia.

Hassell, who was a teammate of MTSU commitments Dymon Raynor (Smyrna), Kortni Jones (Oak Ridge), and Mimi Ajanaku (Memphis Central) on the Tennessee Flight Silver team which captured the 2008 Nike Nationals Championship this summer, picked the Bulldogs over MTSU, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt.

Hassell has been a three-time all-state selection at Wilson Central, including being named the MVP of the 2008 Class AAA state tournament at Murphy Center which the Lady Wildcats won.

Hassell was ranked as the No. 11 player nationally and No. 1 in Tennessee by ESPN's Hoopgurlz.com.

Courtesy of http://www.dnj.com

NKU women's basketball team hires Hans - by Eurobasket News
Northern Kentucky University women's basketball coach Nancy Winstel announced Tuesday that Jeff Hans has joined her program as an assistant.

Hans spent the past two seasons as the girls' basketball coach at Lexington Catholic High School and guided the team to a 59-9 record. Lexington Catholic also won the district championship last season and twice finished as regional runner-up under Hans.

Hans also was the girls' basketball coach at St. Henry High School from 2004 to 2006.

'Jeff is a solid basketball coach with a great deal of experience, and we are very fortunate to have him join our program,' Winstel said of Hans, who was a graduate assistant for NKU during the 2001-02 season. 'He is familiar with our program from his time as a graduate assistant, and I am very glad he is back at NKU.'

A 1995 graduate of National Trail High School in New Paris, Ohio, Hans spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Wilmington (Ohio) College. The Lady Quakers posted a 37-16 record during his two seasons with the program.

A 1999 graduate of Wilmington with a B.S. in agriculture, Hans and his wife, Stacee, live in Independence with daughters Kailynn, 4, and Keira, 1.

Hans became a graduate assistant coach at NKU for the 2001-02 season, when the Norse won the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region championship. NKU posted a 26-7 record that season and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division II Tournament.

Hans also was an assistant at Indiana State University from 2002-04.

NKU is the defending NCAA Division II national champion and will welcome back three starters this season. The Norse, who were 28-8 last season, will play exhibition games Nov. 1 at the University of Cincinnati and Nov. 8 when they host Louisville at The Bank of Kentucky Center.

NKU will open its season Nov. 20 at home against Wayne State.

Courtesy of http://news.cincinnati.com

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  POLAND - Women  


PLKK Round: 6 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
LKS - Inea AZS P. 55-73
INEA AZS Poznan improved to 4-1 in the standings after a road win over LKS Lods, 55:73. Howard top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while her three team mates added 10 each. Koryzna netted 13, while Kovalenko posted 10 in defeat.

Energa Torun - MUKS Pozn. 95-53
Energa Torun beat MUKS Poznan 95:53 with 30-6 in the third period. Krawiec led all the winners with 23 points. J.Moore and S.Moore both nailed 14, while Rushing posted 18 points in the losing effort.

AZS J.Gora - Cukierki 54-67
Cukierki Odra Brzeg had a road win over AZS KK Jelenia Gora 54:67. Petillon top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Pietraszek netted 15.

CCC - Duda Leszno 84-47
CCC Polkowice took a positive 3-2 record smashing Duda Leszno 84:47 at home. Carter paced all the winners with 20 points. Robbins netted 16, whilst Gajda ended up with 12. Krysiewicz poured in 16 points in the losing effort.

Lotos PKO BP - PTK Pabian. 89-73
Lotos Gdynia is 4-1 after 89:73 over PTK Pabianice. Tomialowicz and Matovic top-scored for the winners with 17 points apiece and Podrug nailed 14. Mircheva finished the night with 24 points for the visitors.

Wisla Can-Pak - Utex Row 62-45
Wisla Can-Pack Krakow overcame Utex Row Rybnik 62:45. Canty was the best for the hosts providing 18 points, Kobryn had 14 and Holdsclaw added 10. Perkins was the only one to reach double digits for the visitors scoring 11 points.

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Cappie Pondexter signs with UMMC - by Eurobasket News
As it was mentioned earlier UMMC have parted with Kristi Harrower. Recently Eurobasket found out the American star Cappie Pondexter (175-G-83, college: Rutgers) will be a replacement and another loud name in the Ekaterinburg team. Pondexter averaged 22.1 points, 3.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds for Fenerbahce in the 2007-08 EuroLeague Women.She was a key player for her USA team in the Olympic Games.The United States National Team celebrated their fourth straight Olympic Gold last summer. They prevailed over Australia in the mouth-watering final clash. The Opals looked forward to snapping three-game losing streak against the USA in the Olympic Games championship games. During the tournament she had the best game in the opener against Czech Republic in 97:57 win. Cappie Pondexter notched 12 points, made 2 assists and 2 rebounds. It took a while for the United States to get going but once there was no stopping the Americans.The Czechs were still on top at 17-12 following a Michala Hartigova basket when the US hit the Europeans with another surge that put them in command.
For her Awards/Achievements it is a must to mention Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague 1st Team in 2007. Over the last two years she became Turkish Cup Winner, Turkish TBBL Champion and Turkish TBBL Regular Season Champion. In 2007 and 2008 got Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TBBL Player of the Year, Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TBBL Guard of the Year and Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TBBL Import Player of the Year. She was also named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TBBL Defensive Player of the Year in 2007 and WNBA Western Conference Regular Season Champion. In 2007 together with Phoenix Pondexter became WNBA Champion.

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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


MBK Ruzomberok gets the last rival in EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
MBK Ruzomberok got the last rival in Group A of EuroCup 08/09. It is Romanian team Municipal Targoviste, which was better in two games that Israeli Elctra Ramat-Hasaron. In the first leg Romaninas celebrated 76-47 at home. Surprisingly but ne next road game, which was played last week, was another easy on for Municipal Targoviste 48-68. Thus, it seems Romanian team possesses pretty good quality and for sure won't be an easy rival to MBK Ruzomberok. In the same group, except of these two teams, are also placed AZS Gorzow and Dynamo Moscow. Head coach of the Russian team is well known Slovakian coach Natalia Hejkova. As a reminder, she moved to Dynamo from Spartak MR during the summer. In the first game Slovakian representative will meet AZS Gorzow on the road. The match is scheduled for October 22th. In the next round its rival will be Dynamo Moscow. It will be the first chance for Ruzomberok's fans to watch their team alive in this prestigious competition. That game will be played on October 29th, while 7 days later MBK Ruzomberok goes to Romania. Two best teams from each of 12 groups will advance to the next stage. Also eight best third ranked teams will book a spot for the next round.