EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/23/2008

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Men News

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


Weekend games results - by Gianni Pascucci
The Maywood Buzz improved their record to 6-1 beating the Los Angeles Push 121-116 in a closely contested game. The Buzz were led by Wesley Stokes (6'0''-G-82, college: San Diego St.) (28 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists), Jermain Willform (22 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks) and Tarron Williams (6'7''-F-76, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) (19 points). The Push were led by Eric Holmes (6'4''-G-77, college: UAB) (34 points) and Larry Williams (6'0''-G-81) (18 points). In the first game under new opnwership and new coach, the S.Texas Showboats prevailed over the Houston Takers 117-103. The Showboats have now won 5 of the last 6 games and in first place in their division with a record of 9-1 overall. The Southeast Texas Mustangs won their 4th straight game on Sunday afternoon with a hard fought 102-90 victory over the Mississippi Blues. The Blues traveled to Texas from Nashville, TN, where they lost another physical and hard fought game 120-104 to the #1 Ranked Nashville Broncs on Friday night. The SETX Mustangs had six player's score double figures with DeRon Rutledge (6'6''-F-75, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.) leading the way with 19 points. Tim Pledger (5'9''-G-76, college: Belhaven) added 18 pts and 7 assist. Currye Todd (6'4''-G-85, college: Lamar) continued his stellar play by pitching in 17 points. Daniel Price (6'3''-G-82, college: Pikeville) led the way for the Blues with 23 points, while Sandrell Spann (6'7''-C-83, college: Delta St.) and Ronald Ellis (6'1''-G-83, college: Grambling St.) added 10 points each.

Standings
ABA Standings
Northeast Div.
 1. Cleveland R. 2-0 
 2. Jersey Expr. 2-2 
 3. S.Chicago BS 1-0 
 4. New Hope T. 1-0 
 5. W.Virginia W. 0-0 
 6. W. Virginia B. 0-0 
 7. New York I. 0-0 
 8. Montreal M. 0-0 
 9. Westchester P. 0-0 
 10. Aurora Force 0-1 
 11. Detroit Hoops 0-2 
Northwest Div.
 1. Maywood B. 7-1 
 2. Salt Lake S. 2-0 
 3. Washington R. 1-0 
 4. LA Push 1-1 
 5. Sacramento 0-0 
 6. Alaska Dream 0-0 
 7. S.Francisco R. 0-1 
 8. Beijing O. 0-1 
 9. Modesto B. 0-2 
Southeast Div.
 1. Nashville B. 6-0 
 2. Knoxville T. 1-3 
 3. Kentucky W. 0-0 
 4. Kentucky B. 0-0 
 5. Tri-City Racers 0-0 
 6. Georgia G. 0-0 
 7. Atlanta V. 0-0 
 8. Bahama PS 0-0 
 9. Kansas City 0-0 
Southwest Div.
 1. South Texas 9-1 
 2. Las Vegas A. 3-0 
 3. Texas M. 3-1 
 4. Arizona R. 1-0 
 5. Mississippi B. 1-3 
 6. Texas City R. 0-0 
 7. W.Texas W. 0-1 
 8. Fury 0-1 
 9. Houston T. 0-3 


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


Standings - LigaA
LigaA Standings
1. Atenas 27.5
2. Penarol 24.0
3. Libertad 23.5
4. Independ.N. 23.5
5. Estudiantes 23.0
6. Gimn.CR 22.5
7. Quilmes MP 22.5
8. El Nacional 22.5
9. Sionista 21.5
10. Quimsa 20.5
11. Cicl.Olimpico 20.5
12. Boca Jrs 20.5
13. Lanus 20.0
14. Regatas C. 20.0
15. Ben Hur 19.5
16. Obras 19.0


Liga A round 8 second stage - by Facundo Iatzky

After 8 rounds od the second stage, the 16 teams will rest during two weeks due to christmas and new year days. Atenas keeps in the top of the standings after two easy victories in the weekend.

Game of the round: Quilmes 87- Libertad 84. In the TV game Quilmes won to Llibertad with a three point buzzer beat of Hernando Salles (188-G-79). Libertad seemed to played better than Quilmes thanks of their deffense but quilmes is known by his character and could win the game.

player of the round: Juan Pablo Cantero (186-G-82). The point guard of Sionista guided his team to the victory with an amazing performance including 7 three points. 29 pts 3 reb 5 as in 36 mins.

best 5:
Juan Pablo Cantero
David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.)
Ramel Allen (210-C-79, college: Bridgeport)
Jason Osborne (204-F-74, agency: Court Side, college: Louisville)
Alejandro Zilli (200-F-82)

Points:
Juan Pablo Cantero 29
Cedric Moodie 25
Jason Osborne 22
Ramel Allen 21
David Jackson 21

Rebounds:
Sebastian Castineira (196-F-78) 12
Diego Cavaco 12
Ramel Allen 11
Nakiea Miller 11
Terrel Taylor 11

Assists:
Hernando Salles 9
Javier Martinez 6
Pablo Moldu 6
Juan Pablo Cantero 5
David Jackson 5



LigaA Round: 22 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
El Nacional - Penarol 73-88
Penarol is totally unstoppable in the second phase registering 7th consecutive win. This time David Jackson led the scorers in Penarol with 21 points. He also had 7 more rebounds and 5 assists beside that. Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez followed him with 19 pts. El Nacional got the most from Sebastian Castiniera, 19 pts and 12 boards.

Atenas - Ben Hur 82-56
The top ranked Atenas trashed the last ranked Ben Hur with plus 26. Djibril Kante came up with 17 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Juan Pablo Figueroa helped adding 16 points, 4 rebs and 4 as. Durelle Brown and Ariel Hillebrand netted 14 points each in defeat.

Quilmes MP - Libertad 87-84
Quilmes grabbed important home win against Libertad as both teams entered into this game with 4-3. Esteban Lopez, who came off the bench top-scored, for the winning squad with 18 points. Jason Osborne was better than the others in loss adding 22 points and 8 rebounds.

Sionista - Independ.N. 77-67
Sionista crushed Independiente handing it the first defeat in the second stage. At the same time it is the fourth win for the hosts in eight appearances. Juan Pablo Cantero was a key player for the hosts nailing 29 points and dishing out 5 assists. Visitors got 25 points and 4 rebounds from Cedric Moodie.

Boca Jrs - Cicl.Olimpico 83-82
Boca Juniors grabbed tiny home win against Ciclista Olimpico. Carl Edwards shined for the hosts collecting 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Anthony Glover also drained 20, but for the loosing side. Both teams had 2-5 record before this game.

Gimn.CR - Lanus 81-66
5-2 for Gimnasia CR and 3-5 for Lanus at the second stage. Gary Buchanan led the scorers in Gimnasia CR with 17 points. Diego Romero had 2 less than him, but including 10 rebounds. Terell Taylor came up with 15 points and 11 boards in Lanus.

Quimsa - Obras 82-83
Obras grabbed it against Quimsa on the road, thus both teams are on the same 2-6 record in the second phase. Obras had few players in a game mood, but the best one was Tyler Field, who collected 16 points and 8 rebounds. Julio Mazzaro of Quimsa led all the-scorers with 20 pts. The hosts had two players with double-double.

Regatas C. - Estudiantes 69-78
Edward Nelson, Juan Manuel Rivero and Tarrie Monroe nailed 17 points apiece helping their Estu to register fourth win in the second phase. Jamaal Levy helped them with 15 pts. Damian Tintorelli contributed with 13 pts and 8 rebounds in loss. Regatas 2-5 (second phase).

TNA - ARG. - by Bruno Fontana
The second category of the Argentine basketball I culminate the year 2008.
In the year 2009 there will be played the TNA 1 and 2.
This way the zonas will be shaped.

TNA - 1
Pts. - Team
13 Union Sunchales
12,5 La Unin Formosa
11,5 San Martn Corrientes
11 Ciclista Juninense
11 Pedro Echague
11 Belgrano San Nicolas
11 San Martn Marcos Juarez
10,5 Alma Jrs. Esperanza

TNA -2
10,5 Argentino Junin
10 Firmat FC
10 Central Entrerriano
9,5 GELP
9 Asociacion Espanola
9 Echague
8,5 Obera TC

The player of Regatas of Corrientes, Alejandro Coronel, will not integrate the professional of your team for problems of health.

TNA Round: 14 (Regular Season, last day of the first phase) - by Eurobasket News
Group North
La Union - Obera TC 97-77
La Union didn't have to work very hard in order to beat the last ranked team of Group North. Ariel Pau stepped up for the hosts with 24 points and 5 rebounds. Leandro Portillo and Pablo Barris added 19 pts apiece. Daniel Clavell contributed with 21 points in loss. La Union 11-3 (second place), Obera 3-11.

A.Italiana - Union 58-80
Union cruised past Asociacion Italiana on the road remaining on top of Group A alone with 12-2 record. On the other side, the hosts fell on 6-8. Axiers Sucre nailed 16 points and dished out 5 assists in win. Derrick Miller answered with 19 pts and 6 rebs.

Alma Juniors - A.Espanola 92-68
Easy one for the hosts, mostly owing to Sylbrin RObinson, who collected 20 points and 10 rebounds. Visitors got 10 pts from Juan Manuel Ruiz. Alma Juniors 7-7, Asociacion Espanola 4-10.

San Mart.C. - Atl.Echague 92-72
9-5 for San Martin C and 4-10 for Atletico Echague after this game. Alex Carcamo shined for the hosts registering double-double, 19 points and 11 boards. Sebastian Porta replied with 21 pts and 7 rebs for the loosing side.


Group South
C.Entrerriano - Belgrano SN 100-86
Central Entrerriano crushed Belgrano SN improving on 6-8 score in Group South. Visitors are together with 3 more teams on top of the group (8-6). Sebastian Farias was totally the best player in the winning squad delivering 25 points and pulling down 7 rebounds. Jamal Johnson led the loosing side in scoring with 21 points.

Argentino - GimnasiaLP 69-62
Seventh win for Argentino and on the other side ninth loss for Gimnasia LP. Selem Safar was on high level for the hosts pouring in 25 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Lisandro Villa had double-double in defeat, 18 points and 10 boards.

P.Echague - Ciclista 65-76
Pedro Echague suffered home defeat vs CIclista, this both teams are on the same 8-6 record now. Byron Wilson and Hakeem Rollns led the winners with 38 points and 12 boards together. Williard Ford had double-double for the hosts, 11 pts and 11 rebs.

San Mart.MJ - Firmat SF 65-47
Ije Nwankwo once again shined for San Martin MJ collecting 23 points and 12 rebounds. He was totally the best player of this game. Daaron Brown delivered 16 pts, including 11 boards for Firmat. San Martin MJ 8-6, Firmat 6-8.

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


NBL Round: 14 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Breakers - Spirit 114-70
New Zealand Brakers blasted Sydney Spirit at home with plus 44! Phil Jones drained 24, while Kirk Penney this time stopped on 19 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Jason Smith and Matthew Knight netted 14 pts for the Spirit.

Wildcats - Breakers 94-118
New Zealand Breakers cruised past Perth Wildcats on the road remaining on the second place in NBL with 16-4. Kirk Penney nailed 32, while Tony Ronaldson had one point less in victory. Shawn Redhage collected 30 points and 7 boards in defeat. Peter Crawford stopped on 29 pts. The Wildcats now have 10-10.

36ers - Blaze 107-104
Adelaide 36ers grabbed tiny home win against the GCB jumping on 9-10 (same as Sydney Spirit). On the other side, GCB remains on the bottom of the standings with poor 4-16. Julius Hodge stepped up for the winners with 31 points and 10 assists. Adam Ballinger followed him adding 22 pts and 12 rebs. James Harvey and Daniel Joyce answered with 45 points together for the loosing side.

Tigers - Hawks 128-101
Melbourne Tigers nailed 128 points vs Wollongong Hawks moving up on third place with 11-7. Nigerian scoring machine Ebi Ere drained 28 points for the hosts. The Hawks got 25 pts from Glen Saville, dropping on 6-13.

Dragons - Crocodiles 88-84
Mark Worthington nailed 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds leading the South Dragons to home win against the Crocs. Joe Ingles was behind him with 17 pts. Correy Williams shined in defeat with 27 points and 11 boards. South Dragons stays on top of NBL with 16-4.

Blaze - Hawks 91-88
GCB grabbed home win against the Hawks thanks to James Harvey, who delivered impressive 37 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. The Hawks got 21 points and 5 rebs from Anthony Petrie.

Taipans - Tigers 63-69
Ebi Ere once again shined for the Tigers pacing them to road victory against Cairns Taipans. This time Ere nailed 19 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Chris Anstey followed with 18 points and 13 rebs. The Taipans got 16 points and 9 boards from Martin Cattalini. Taipans 7-13.



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


Standings - D2 Leagues
D2 Leagues Standings
A1 League
 1. Brcko 5-0 
 2. Celik 5-0 
 3. Triland 4-1 
 4. Vogosca 3-2 
 5. Play Off 3-2 
 6. Limometal 2-3 
 7. Bihac 2-3 
 8. Kakanj 2-3 
 9. Student T. 2-3 
 10. Trica 1-4 
 11. Lukavac 1-4 
 12. Velpak 0-5 
D1 Srpska Liga
 1. Sutjeska 8-0 
 2. Gacko 6-2 
 3. Radnik B. 6-2 
 4. Bratunac 5-3 
 5. Prijedor 5-3 
 6. Glasinac 4-4 
 7. Rudar 4-4 
 8. Varda 3-5 
 9. Mladost 76 2-6 
 10. Bijeljina 2-6 
 11. Wolf Security 2-6 
 12. Radivoje Kor. 1-7 
Herceg-Bosne
 1. Siroki II 0-0 
 2. Zrinjski II 0-0 
 3. Busovaca 0-0 
 4. Capljina 0-0 
 5. Brotnjo Citluk 0-0 
 6. Livno 0-0 
 7. Tomislav 0-0 
 8. Ljubuski 0-0 
 9. Rama 0-0 
 10. Odzak 0-0 


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


NBL Round: 11 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Lukoil A. - Yambol 99-64
Another comfortable victory for the reigning champion, who stays on top of NBL with almost perfect 10-1. Riste Stefanov poured in 23 points, including 5 rebounds for Lukoil. Leemire Goldwire had 16 points and 7 boards, while Chavdar Kostov netted 15 pts. Martin Durchev and Stanislav Govedarov delivered 15 points apiece in Tundja Yambol (3-8).

ChernoMore - Levski 56-78
Levski shined vs Cherno More on the road for pretty decent 8-3 (second place). Asen Velikov was a key player for the winners with 20 points. Zlatin Georgiev had 13 points and 8 rebs, while Marcus Hall contributed also with 13 points, but with 5 assists. Big guy Atila Santos had 16 pts and 16 rebs in defeat. Cherno More 7-4. More comments for this game already posted in the previous news by the local correspondent Valentin Anguelov

Sliven - Spartak P. 57-94
Spartak Pleven trashed Sliven on the road moving up on third place with 7 wins and 4 defeats (same as Cherno More). Todor Todorov stepped up for Spartak nailing 22 points and pulling down 9 rebounds. Sasha Topcov and Tsvetoslav Ostrev netted 12 points apiece, while Topcov had 10 more rebounds beside that. Milen Dimitrov was totally the best player in Sliven collecting 16 points and 16 rebounds (9 off). His team remains on the bottom of the standings winless.

CSKA - Rilski S-list 83-100
Rilski Sportist demonstrated nice performance in Sophia against CSKA moving up on 6-5 record. On the other side, the hosts fell on 3-8. Travis Peterson once again was in a game mood stopping on impressive 38 points and 16 boards. Bogdan Boev helped with 16 pts. Milos Sakota shined in CSKA scoring 22 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. Krum Doychinov added 19 pts and 6 boards. More comments for this game already posted in the previous news by the local correspondent Valentin Anguelov



*****************************************************
  CHINA   


Standings - CBA
CBA Standings
 1. Xinjiang 14-2 
 2. Guandong 13-3 
 3. Jiangsu 12-4 
 4. DongGuan 11-5 
 5. Zhejiang C. 10-6 
 6. Bayi 10-6 
 7. Shanxi Zh. 9-7 
 8. Shandong 9-7 
 9. Shaanxi 9-7 
 10. Beijing 8-8 
 11. Jilin 8-8 
 12. Liaoning 7-9 
 13. Zhejiang G. 7-9 
 14. Fujian 7-9 
 15. TianJin R. 5-11 
 16. Yunnan 2-14 
 17. Qingdao DS 2-14 
 18. Shanghai 1-15 


CBA Round: 16 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Zhejiang G. - DongGuan 105-104
Rodney White top-scored not only for his team but in Regular Season Round 16 as well while his Zhejiang Guangsha edged Dongguan 105:104. Rodney White had 56 points and 9 rebounds, whilst Michael Harris had 44 points and 19 rebounds for Dongguan.

Yunnan - Jiangsu 97-118
Jiangsu moved to the third place with a 12-4 record by defeating Yunnan 118:97. Donnell Harvey chipped in 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead all the winners. Li Lin scored 23 points in the losing effort.

TianJin R. - Shanxi Zh. 106-107
Shanxi Zhongyu was glad to see a newcomer NBAer Bonzi Wells to win over Tianjin 105:104. His majesty poured in 48 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and made 7 steals. Theron Smith had 30 points and 10 rebounds for Tianjin.

Shaanxi - Qingdao DS 114-107
Shaanxi overcame Qingdao 114:107 at home. Brandon Robinson top-scored with 28 points and 15 rebounds, whilst Lee Benson had 26 points, 23 rebounds and 8 assists. Chris Williams ended up for Qingdao with 31 points, 13 rebounds and 5 steals.

Liaoning - Beijing 107-112
Liaoning lost to Beijing 107:112 as Donta Jones had 34 points and 13 rebounds and David Harrison had 31 points and 16 rebounds. Zhang Qingpeng led Liaoning with 30 points and 7 rebounds.

Xinjiang - Shandong 98-87
Xinjiang improved to 14-2 with after a 98:87 triumph over Shandong. Mengke Bateer led the way with 31 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. Mack Tuck had 30 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists for Shandong.

Fujian - Jilin 113-96
Fujian outscored Jilin 113:96 as Gong Songlin scored 29 points and Chris Porter had 19 points and 21 rebounds. Lu Yan scored 21 for Jilin.

Shanghai - Bayi 77-81
Shanghai was defeated in another game, that time against Bayi 77:81. Wang Zhizhi poured in 22 points and had 10 rebounds. DaJuan Tate led Shanghai with 27 points.

Guandong - Zhejiang C. 121-90
Guangdong smashed Zhejiang 121:90 for the 13-3 second place record. Zhou Peng top-scored with 20 points and Zhu Fangyu added 19. Kirk Snyder had 32 points and 10 rebounds for Zhejiang.



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


Kvarner NR outsmarts Sibenik in cup - by Marin Stipanic
Kvarner NR suprisingly took a win in Sibenik with 86:75. Suprisingly only in reason of defeat in Rijeka but this time Kvarner showed excellent performance and did not allowed to Sibenik nothing but 'goodbye to cup'. It is intresting that Kvarner came in Sibenik with eight players only including Marijan Mance who is in conflict with coach Boris Pilepic. Mance showed what he think about abilities of his coach instead in conversation or on game, in newspapers. This time younger players had a good role. Fran Pilepic (194-G-89) scored 27 pts, Davor Velcic had 14 while bad boy from Rijeka had 12 pts.

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


Week 9: Round Up - by Chris Mammides

The results for the last week of the first round were as follows:
Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD - Intercollege Etha Engomis 63-80
Etha succeeded the road win which was looking for against the (probably) weekest team of the Cyprus league this period, team of ENAD. The quarters were: 19-28, 35-48, 51-62, 63-80 while the points for the two teams were as follows:
Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD: Domakoj 7, Matic 14, Tatic 17, Kaskiris 8, Forman 8, Johnson 2 and Wilson 7
Intercollege Tha Engmomis: Livadiotis 3, Spencer 6, Dalibagic 13, Tack 11, Car 7, D. Papadopoulos 5, N. Papadopoulos 7, Scott Merritt (208-F-82, college: Marquette) 24, Mayfield 3, Trepalovac 1

Omonoia Nicosia - Aspis Apoel Nicosia 59-87
Apoel thrashed the sidmantle team of Omonia with 28 points difference. The quarters were: 10-33, 25-51, 40-66, 59-87. The points for the two teams were as follows:
Omonia: Smith 6, Zaric 8, Jenkins 17, Neofytou 16, Mijovic 10, Zagorov 2.

Apoel: Van Dorpe 6, Brokeboro 16, Kantic 15, Bozov 8, Anastasiadis 12, Cooper 18, Tsiatinis 2, Garcia 10.

Pizza Express Primetel Apollon - Frederic Achilleas Kaimakliou 81-73
Vecchio's team was much better than its opponent and won quite easily. The quarters were as follows: 21-17, 41-29, 60-51, 81-73

The points for the two teams were as follows:

Pizza Express Primetel Apollon: Sho 15, Lewis Sims (203-F/C-73, college: New Orleans) 26, Sallivan 4, Jones 3, Dusa 1, Brown 18, Robinson 9, Eglisnski 5

Frederic Achilleas: Harris 13, Mponu 1, Zugiovic 24, Stilianou 6, Grcac 19, McKleiton 10



FINALLY - KERAVNOS SEES THE LIGHT!!! - by Nasios Orinos

It was about time!!!

It seems that Keravnos would not give up. The decision has finally been made and the team is adding two new players to its roster.

Rumor had it that Patrick Lee would return, but it seems he is not ready to play (due to his injury) so the team's technical team has decided to sign the American, 25-year old- point guard, Jason Straight (height 1.80). Jason is coming from the Polish championship, where he averaged 16.5 points.

In a striking, unexpected move though, Keravnos has announced the dismissal of Buckman and the signing of croatian center Mate Skelin. Skelin is 34 years old and is 2.12 cm tall. Despite his age, he is a good player and is expected to help the team under the basket, where it suffers the most.


We should highlight at this point that eurobasket.com was the ONLY ONE, since August, that has insisted and provided consecutive incentives as to the landing of a center player in the team. No one else ever agreed that a center player is a must in this team. We respect the fact that this technical team and especially coach Frankias, seem to pay attention to us and value our opinion. Eurobasket.com considers it its duty to act to the better interest of any team in the Cyprus league.

In line of this, we believe that the above additions in the team, will bring better days and will turn Keravnos into an equal contender to AEL, APOEL and APOLLON. On the other hand, we should note that things will not be easy, as Keravnos will still have to beat AEL, APOEL and APOLLON away, to earn the first place in the regular season.



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


Last Week's Transactions - by Surujh Roopnarine
NBA - D-League Player Assignments / Re-Calls

December 15th
The San Antonio Spurs re-called second year guard Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, college: Missouri St.) from the Austin Toros and then released him from their roster.
Ahearn appeared in three NBA games for the Spurs, averaging 2.7 points in just over six minutes a contest. The former Miami Heat guard was signed from the Dakota Wizards by San Antonio on November 16th and then out on assignment in Austin on the 30th.
In seven total games in the D-League (One with Dakota and six with Austin), Ahearn averaged 20.9 points, 6.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 47.7% from the field.

December 16th
The Golden State Warriors re-called rookie guard DeMarcus Nelson (6'4''-G-85, college: Duke) from the Bakersfield Jam. The former Duke Star, an undrafted free agent, has appeared in 10 games (five starts) with the Warriors this season. He has averaged 4.5ppg and 2.1rpg, while shooting 46.8% from the field in just under 14 minutes per game. Nelson has been an all-around solid performer in the D-League, starting all nine of his games with Bakersfield, the 6'4' guard averaged 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.2 steals, while shooting 54.5% from the field.

December 18th
Rookie forward Richard Hendrix (6'8''-F-86, college: Alabama) was re-called from the Bakersfield Jam and then released by the Golden State Warriors. Hendrix, did not appear in any regular-season games with Golden State this season and was assigned to the Jam on November 14. In nine games with the Jam, the 6-9 forward averaged 13.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.11 steals and 1.22 blocks in 28.7 minutes per contest. Hendrix was originally selected by the Warriors with the 49th selection in the 2008 NBA Draft. Hendrix was released so that Monta Ellis could be moved from the Suspended to Inactive list.

December 19th
Second year forward Anthony Tolliver (6'9''-C-85, college: Creighton) was re-called from the Austin Torors by the San Antonio Spurs.
Tolliver appeared in six games for the Toros this season where he averaged 17.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 38.3 minutes.
The former Creighton star was assigned to the Toros on December 12th.
The 6-8, 240-pound Tolliver was signed by the Spurs on July 23rd and played for their Summer League entry. He has appeared in 11 games for the Spurs this season, averaging 3.5 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.1 minutes per contest.

NBA Call-Ups
The San Antonio Spurs have signed former Oregon Duck Star forward Malik Hairston (6'6''-G-87, college: Oregon) from their D-League affiliate, the Austin Toros.
Hairston has started all 11 of the Toros games this season and is averaging 19.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals. He was named NBA D-League Performer of the Week for games played during the week of December 15th.
Selected in the second round (48th overall) by the Phoenix Suns in the 2008 NBA Draft, Hairston was traded to San Antonio and played with the Spurs during the 2008 training camp. In six preseason games with the Spurs, he averaged 5.3 points and 4.5 assists before being waived on Oct. 26.

Last Roster Transactions

Sioux Falls: Signed Chris Childress (6'7''-F, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) and waived former Harlem Globetrotter Elgrace Wilborn (6'8''-F-83, college: W.Kentucky)
Los Angeles: Waived Marcus White (6'8''-F-83, college: Purdue) due to injury and signed collegiate vagabond C.J. Giles (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Oregon St.).
Anaheim: Waived Bryce Sheldon (6'4''-G/F-84,) and Mike Efevberha (6'5''-G-84, college: Cal.St. Northridge) and signed veterans Marcus Campbell (7'0''-C-82, college: Mississippi St.) and former Boston Celtic First Round Draft Pick Kedrick Brown (6'7''-F-81, college: Okaloosa-Walton CC).
Rio Grande Valley: Waived Keoni Watson (5'10''-G-84, college: Idaho) and signed former Marist assist-machine Jared Jordan (6'2''-G-84, college: Marist).

Standings
D-League Standings
Central Division
 1. Sioux Falls S. 9-2 
 2. Erie BH 6-4 
 3. Iowa E. 5-1 
 4. Dakota W. 5-5 
 5. Ft.Wayne MA 3-5 
Southwest Division
 1. Austin T. 8-3 
 2. Colorado 14ers 5-3 
 3. Rio Grande VV 5-7 
 4. Tulsa 66ers 3-7 
 5. Albuquerque T. 1-8 
West Division
 1. Bakersfield J. 9-2 
 2. Idaho S. 8-3 
 3. Utah F. 5-5 
 4. Anaheim A. 3-8 
 5. LA D-Fenders 2-7 
 6. Reno B. 1-8 


Stats Leaders
D-League Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1.W. Conroy, ABQ 24.2
2.C. Sims, IOW 23.0
3.M. Williams, AUS 22.5
4.J. Mays, COL 22.2
5.J. Crawford, LAD 22.0
5.C. Sims, IOW 23.8
Rebounds Per Game
1.C. Sims, IOW 13.2
2.C. Hunter, FWN 11.5
3.J. Davidson, IDA 10.9
4.D. Monds, ABQ 10.4
5.C. Gaines, AUS 9.8
Assists Per Game
1.W. Russell, FWN 11.0
2.S. Parker, RGV 8.4
3.M. Cleaves, BAK 7.9
4.E. Gill, COL 7.2
5.W. Conroy, ABQ 7.2


*****************************************************
  EUROCUP   


Standings
Eurocup Standings
Group A
 1. Zadar 3-1 
 2. C.C. Marousi 2-2 
 3. ASK Riga 2-2 
 4. Roanne 1-3 
Group B
 1. Unics 4-0 
 2. Dynamo M. 2-2 
 3. Barons/LMT 1-3 
 4. Lukoil A. 1-3 
Group C
 1. Benetton 4-0 
 2. Khimky 3-1 
 3. Besiktas 1-3 
 4. Le Havre 0-4 
Group D
 1. T.Telekom 3-1 
 2. Aris 3-1 
 3. Panellinios 1-3 
 4. Bnei Hasharon 1-3 
Group E
 1. ASVEL 2-2 
 2. Lietuvos 2-2 
 3. Kalise G.C. 2-2 
 4. Azovmash 2-2 
Group F
 1. Charleroi 4-0 
 2. Crvena Zvez. 3-1 
 3. Turow 1-3 
 4. Brose Baskets 0-4 
Group G
 1. Pamesa V. 4-0 
 2. Fortitudo 2-2 
 3. Art.Dragons 1-3 
 4. FMP 1-3 
Group H
 1. Iurbentia B. 4-0 
 2. Hemofarm 2-2 
 3. Buducnost 1-3 
 4. Nymburk 1-3 


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


Rakocevic out of the court one month - by Zoran Popovic
BC Partizan Igokea Beograd forward Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84) is injured in the match of Adriatic league played this weekend in Sarajevo. Rakocevic broke finger on the left hand and he will be out of the court next three or four weeks. This season Zarko Rakocevic in Adriatic league on 12 games average scored 9.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and in Euroleague on 8 games average scored 5.4 points, 3.1 rebounds per game. Rakocevic came in BC Partizan Igokea Beograd this summer and before BC Partizan Igokea Beograd he played for BC Buducnost Podgorica (from 2002 till March 2008), SK Cherkasy Monkeys (from March to the end of the season). Rakocevic is member of Montenegro National team.

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


ProB Round: 14 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
St.Quentin - Paris-Levall. 75-71
Saint-Quentin demonstrated fantastic performance crushing powerful Paris-Levalois 75-71. Kris Morlende top-scored for the hosts with 18 points. Shaun Fein had 17 pts and 5 as, while Joah Tucker added 15 pts and 7 rebs. Rodney Elliott collected 20 points and 10 rebounds in loss. Despite it Paris-Levallois remains at the top of the standings together with Bourg, 11-3. Saint-Quentin 4-10.

Evreux - Antibes 86-92
Antibes outsmarted Evreux on the road, thus both teams are on 7-7 record now. John McCord was totally the best player in the winning squad as he collected 27 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. Nicholas Pope also shined but for the loosing side, 27 points and 4 as.

Clermont - Boulazac 83-61
Clermont didn't have any troubles to beat Boulazac. Errick Craven was central figure of the game with nice 25 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Jermaince Bucknor had 20 pts. Thierry Zig nailed 18 points for Boulazac, while Lavar Simmons added 15 pts and 9 rebounds. Clermont 9-5, Boulazac 3-11.

Maurienne - Nantes 82-83
Nantes grabbed nice 1-point win against Maurienne moving up on 6-8. Mehdi Labeyrie netted 18, while Oliver Bardet netted 16 points for Nantes. The hosts got 25 points and 6 rebounds from Rashard Sullivan. Maurienne 6-8.

Nanterre - Poitiers 95-100
Kenny Younger poured in 33 points and grabbed boards for his Poitiers in road win against Nanterre. Lamine Kante helped him with 24 pts. Edwin Jackson was better than the others in defeat with 19 points. Poitiers 10-4 (third place), Nanterre 7-7.

Le Portel - Quimper 75-80
Quimper surprised Le Portel on the road finally registering the first win in Pro B this season (1-13). On the other side the hosts fell on 7-7, the record as Antibes, Saint-Etienne, Saint-Vallier, Nanterre and Everux. Jean-Michel Mipoka shined for the winners collecting 23 points and 7 rebounds. Moses Sonko also was good adding 20 pts and 4 rebs. Jose Olivero stepped up for the hosts delivering 32 points.

Limoges - Bourg 78-58
Limoges crushed Bourg thanks Adam Harrington, who had 18 points and 5 boards, and also Scott Emerson who nailed 15 pts and pulled down 7 boards. Gary Chathuant was better than the others in loss collecting 17 points and 10 boards. Limoges is the sixth ranked team now with 8-6, while Bourg remains on top together with Paris-Levallois (11-3).

Brest - Charleville 53-82
Charleville gave a real basketball lesson to Brest improving on 9-5. Chris Davis came up with 16 points and 9 boards, while Brice Vounang helped the winners with 14 points, 11 boards and 5 assists. The hosts got 15 points and 8 rebounds from Tuukka Kotti. Brest 6-8.

St.Vallier - St-Etienne 88-82
Benjamin Thomas, who nailed 27 points and dished out 5 assists, paced his Saint-Vallier to home win against Saint-Etienne. Nate Carter responded with double-double in loss - 23 points, 11 boards and 5 assists. Both teams are on 7-7 record now.

The final list of partipants of All-Star Game announced - by Eurobasket
French ProA 2008 All-Star Game (scheduled fo December 28th)

French Team




Sciarra


Foirest


Risacher


Sy


Traore

Starting Five:
Laurent Sciarra (196-G-73) of Entente Orleans 45
Laurent Foirest (197-F-73) of Adecco ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne
Stephane Risacher (202-F-72) of ES Chalon-Sur-Saone
Amara Sy (202-F-81) of Adecco ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne
Ali Traore (207-C-85) of Adecco ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne
Reserve:
Nando De Colo (202-G-87) of Cholet Basket
Yannick Bokolo (191-G-85) of BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral
Abdoulaye MBaye (186-G-88) of JDA Dijon Bourgogne
Alain Koffi (207-C-83) of Le Mans Sarthe Basket
Victor Samnick (203-F-79) of Sluc Nancy Basket Pro
Head Coach: Philippe Herve (ENTENTE ORLEANAISE LOIRET)
Assistant: Didier Dobbels (JL BOURG BASKET)
On-Hold:
Marc-Antoine Pellin (169-G-87) of Chorale de Roanne Basket
Cheikhou Thioune (194-G/F-83) of SPO Rouen Basket


Imports Team



Houston


Banks


Nichols


Wilson


Campbell


Starting Five:
Kevin Houston (179-G-85) of SPO Rouen Basket
Cedrick Banks (190-G-81) of Entente Orleans 45
Austin Nichols (198-F/G-82) of Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket
Lamayne Wilson (204-F-80) of Sluc Nancy Basket Pro
Eric Campbell (199-F-76) of Adecco ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne
Reserve:
Zack Wright (188-G-85) of ES Chalon-Sur-Saone
Brion Rush (186-G-84) of Strasbourg IG
Tony Skinn (185-G-83) of BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral
Chevon Troutman (202-F-81) of Adecco ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne
Damir Krupalija (205-F/C-79) of JDA Dijon Bourgogne
Head Coach: Vincent Collet (ASVEL LYON-VILLEURBANNE)
Assistant: Jean-Marc Dupraz (PARIS-LEVALLOIS)
On-Hold:
Hrvoje Perincic (196-G/F-78) of Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket
Rashaun Freeman (205-C/F-84) of BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral


Challenge Contest:
Jimmal Ball (178-G-78) of Paris-Levallois
Brian Chase (178-G-81) of Le Mans Sarthe Basket
Tony Skinn of BCM GRAVELINES-DUNKERQUE
Aldo Curti (180-G-87) of Entente Orleans 45


3-Points Contest:
Cedrick Banks of ENTENTE ORLEANAISE LOIRET
Philippe Braud (194-G-85) of ES Chalon-Sur-Saone
Cedric Ferchaud (195-F/G-80) of Cholet Basket
Austin Nichols od HYERES-TOULON VAR BASKET

Slam Dunk Contest:
Yann DE BLAINE (180-G-81)
Nobel Boungou Colo (202-F-88) of ENTENTE ORLEANAISE LOIRET
Justin DARLINGTON 'Jusfly' (194-G-88) of Canada
Kevin KEMP 'Golden Child' (185-G-88) of USA
Max Kouguere (198-F-87) of BCM GRAVELINES-DUNKERQUE



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


Marco Buljevic(EWE Baskets Oldenburg) Interview Part 2 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Marco Buljevic (197-G-87, agency: Court Side) of the EWE Baskets Oldenburg is playing his first season up north, after coming from the Giessen 46ERS. In part 2 of the interview, he talks about growing up, Basketball before Giessen and many other interesting topics.



You have Croatian-German nationality and was born in Sindelfingen. What was your childhood like?

I had a good childhood. My family has always been very supportive so I could go out and chase my dreams.

Who were your Basketball idols growing up?

Drazen Petrovic was my hero. Unfortunately he past away so early. I tried to get my hand on every game tape I could get and collected as much information as I could about him. He had so much love for the game and worked harder than anybody else to become the player he was.

After posting respectable stats at Erdgas Ehingen, you decided to go to Giessen 46ers. Why did you go to this club?

When I was a kid I went to a couple of their games because a part of my family lives relatively close to Giessen. I remember loving the atmosphere and the enthusiastic crowd. It was a good decision.

Soon in the 2006-2007 season, you were able to play 20 games and were averaging 12 minutes per game, but the next season your minutes went down to seven. Was this something difficult to accept playing less?

Well there's just no other way than accepting. During my two years in Giessen I played for three coaches. One coach believes more in you, another a little less. That's normal I suppose especially with young players. I still handled the situation professionally , worked on my game and tried to proof myself everyday.

What were your nicest memories playing for The Giessen 46ers?

Playing for Ken Scalabroni was like a dream for me. He had a lot of confidence in my skills. I improved so much during that time and gained so much confidence that helps me until this day because I know I can play with these guys. A special memory was being in the starting line-up and beating no.1 team by then ludwigsburg in an overtime thriller in the osthalle.

What would you like to do after your Basketball career?

I definitely want to go into the coaching business.

What are your hobbies?

Meet friends, surf the internet, listen to music...

What are the most three pointers that you have ever hit in practice in a row?

I can't remember how many I made in a row. I remember making 90 out of 100.

What is the most craziest shot that you have ever taken in a gym that nobody ever saw?

Tough question. A left handed layup maybe. That's as crazy as it gets with me.







Thank you Marco for the interview and good luck with more playing time!!!!

News from Frankfurt - by Moritz Korff
The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt (1. Bundesliga) announced some contract extensions today. Adam Emmenecker (185-G-85, college: Drake) and Coach Assistant Engin Gencoglu will stay for the remainder of this current season, while Anthony King (206-F/C, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL) and Titus Ivory (193-G-79, college: Penn St.) received a two-months extension each. Meanwhile, the club officials have not finished talks with Greg Jenkins (206-F/C-82, college: Iona) yet.
Another post player, Kirsten Zoellner (216-C-81, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Albany), has to hang up his sneakers and will retire. The former German A2-international had to undergo knee-surgery during the summer and worked on his rehab since then. However, the continous problems with his knee set a stop to his comeback-plans, so that Zoellner finally decided to quit competitive sports.

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


A1 Round: 11 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Panionios - ESTIA Egaleo 93-77
Panionios outplayed Egaleo by 16 points for 6-4 record in A1. On the other side, visitors fell on 2-9. Ivan Zoroski led the scorers in Panionios with 22 points. Dimos
Dikoudis and Lonny Baxter netted 14 points apiece. Donnie McGrath had 22 pts in defeat, while Donell Taylor added 17.

Trikalla - Olympiakos 77-111
Olympiakos blasted Trikalla on the road remaining on top of A1, together with PAO (10-1). Giannis Bourousis stepped up for the Reds with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Yotam Halperin and Giorgos Printezis helped with 15 points apiece. Trikalla got 25 points from Podromos Nikolaidis dropping on poor 1-10.

Panathinaikos - PAOK 107-97
PAOK demonstrated pretty good performance in Athens against the reigning champion, but still it was not enough for anything more than 10-point loss. Panathinaikos had couple of players in a game mood, what resulted with 107 points in total. Sarunas Jasikevicius had 22, while Drew Nicholas added 15 pts. Big guy Nikola Pekovic nailed 14 and pulled down 6 rebounds. Kenny Gregory shined in PAOK with 24 points. PAO 10-1, PAOK 5-6.

AEK - Kavala/P. 78-75
Important win for AEK, who now has 5-6 score. DJ Thompson and Istvan Nemeth drained 17 points each for the winners. Dimitris Papanikolaou had one point less. Kavala's best player was Antanas Kavaliauskas, who collected 20 points and 5 rebounds. Kavala 4-6.

C.C. Marousi - Panellinios 102-80
Impressive win for Maroussi against the dangerous Panellinos. Konstantinos Charalampidis top-scored for the hosts with 20 points. William Amar Case added 16 pts and 5 assists. Anthony Grundy and Jurica Golemac replied with 37 points for the loosing side. Maroussi 6-5, Panellionios 8-3.

VAP Kolossos - Olimpia L. 68-65
Steven Smith, who scored 25 points and pulled down 5 rebounds, led VAP Kolossos to fifth victory this season (5-6). Dragan Ceranic posted 13 and Lans Harris had one point less. Michael King was better than the others in defeat with 17 points and 7 assists. Sven Schultze had 15, while Pantelis Papaioakim drained 13 points for the visitors. Olimpia 3-8.

AEL 1964 - Aris 83-85
9-2 record and third place for Aris after this game. Sean Marshall shined with 20, while Spencer Nelson also was on high level registering double-double, 17 points and 11 boards. Dimitrios Tsaldaris added 15 pts. AEL got the most from Samuel Meija, 26 points. Torin Francis collected 19 points and impressive 14 boards. AEL 2-9.

*****************************************************
  GUYANA   


PIONEER CONSTRUCTION/ LABA SENIOR CLUB C/SHIP - by Joe Chapman

ROYALS AND PISTONS WIN FOR SECOND TIME


Centre Dwayne Brown SugarRoberts led the Victory Valley Royals while guard Nevin Grenville piloted Wismar Pistons as both clubs won for the second straight time when the Pioneer Construction/ Linden Amateur Basketball Associations Senior Club championship continued at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court last Saturdaynight.
The Royals were first to chalk up win number two in as many matches as Roberts was virtually unstoppable in the paint racking up a game high 29 points . The winners had a slim lead at the end of the first quarter 17-15 but were down by a single point at half time 29-30 as the Bulls played aggressively and were in with a chance following their earlier loss against Patriots.
But the Royals took control in the pivotal third quarter and were leading 52-37 and coasted to their eventual 71-48 margin victory.
Roberts was well supported by Lawrence Da Costa and John Webb with13 each while Anson Durant contributed 11.
The best shoots for the Bulls were young Mark Rose with 16 points while Kurleigh Austin had 13 and Terrence James six points..
The second encounter saw the Wismar Pistons come-from-behind as the Ballers bounced their way to an early lead after the first quarter and the at half time were up by ten points 30-20. It was a game which the national champions suited up only six players and were able to tie the scores at 38 at the end of the third quarter.
Their captain guard Nevin Grenville with key clutch shots from down-town steered them home as he knocked in four in the second half as the Pistons outplayed the Ballers in the final stretch and come away with a 57-49 win.
Grenville had 20 points in the game while Byron Pearson added 13 and Trevor Profit 11 while for the Ballers Errol Dryden had 10 points and Rondell Grant eight.
The clubs in the tournament are Wismar Pistons, Patriots, Victory Valley Royals, Amelias Ward Jets, New Ballers, Glands Trucking Service Bulls, Alleyenes Retrieve Earlier inthis first round Pistons beat Raiders 71-51, Royals won against Ballers 77-56
And Patriots gained a 65-54 win over the GTS Bulls.



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


Frank Tolbert: "The fans are basically the fuel that fires us up when we need it." - by Fred Roggen
Eurobasket had the change to talk with the very talented Frank Tolbert (193-G-86, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Auburn) jr. This past season, he was one of the stars of the Auburn Tigers. After a somewhat hesitant start, he now begins to show his talents for the Magixx's.

You grew up in Alabama. What was your childhood like?
I had a pretty good childhood growing up. I was born in a small town called Andalusia and later moved to another small place in the country called River Falls. I was fortunate enough to have both of my parents around me that disciplined me well and taught me right from wrong. At a young age I was always walking around holding, dribbling, or playing with a basketball.

What brought you to basketball and when did you realize that this is what you want to do?
Well what brought me to basketball was my father. From what people have told me when I was growing up, he was a pretty good player in his time. So, basically I just tried to take after my father and try to be as good of a basketball player as he was. I realized that I wanted to play basketball at a very young age, like around 6 or 7. At that age, I was always trying to play with my father and the older kids whenever they played at my house, but they would always tell me that I was too small. So whenever they finished I would go out on the court and start playing by myself or with my dad.

You played college ball at Auburn University. What were your nicest memories on the Basketball court there?
Yea going to Auburn University was a real good experience and I enjoyed every minute of it from my coaches and my teammates I had the chance to get to know when I was there. But the nicest memory that I ever had at Auburn was when we beat our rival school the University of Alabama in their home gym. Before we played that game, we hadn't won in that place for long
time. I can't remember how long it had been but the feeling of going into your rivals gym and beating them on their home court is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

When did you decide that your best option was to play overseas?
I decided that it would be my best option to play overseas around the middle of June. Around that time, I had missed a lot of training time and workouts for NBA teams because I was still in school finishing up my degree. Which by the way, I do have my bachelors degree in Criminology. So at that point, I just made up my mind that I would try to play overseas and tryout for the NBA next year.

Before you arrived in Holland what was the idea of the country and about the league?
Before I arrived to Holland, I didn't know much about the country or the league. I was just excited and ready to experience something new and proud that I could continue to play ball at the professional level.

Are you pleased with the way things have gone for you and your development as a player with Matrixx Magixx this season?
I am very pleased how things are going for me as a member of the Matrixx Magixx. I think my development as a player is growing every day and every game. As I continue to work on my skills and learn from my veteran teammates I will definitely be a different and better player at the end of the season than when I first got here.

What parts of your game would you like to work on?
I work on all parts of my game so I can be a more complete player instead of being able to only do one or two things. I have been working hard on my defense and trying to become a better on the ball and off the ball defender. In college I played out of position so I was used to playing and guarding on the inside.

How does coach Schuurs tell you to go about playing the game? What does he ask from the players?
He let's me play the game like I would normally play, but if he sees me doing something wrong or there is something I need to improve on he lets me know immediately so that I can correct it. That helps for a guy like me that is new to this league and european basketball all together. As players, he just ask that we give him 100% in everything we do, whether we are practicing or if we are playing in the game.

Your recent team have devoted fans. Is their support important to you?
Their support is very important to me and I think it is for my teammates as well. When we are in a close game or we are not playing good the fans are the ones that give us the energy to want to do better because they are in the stands cheering their butts off. So, they are basically the fuel that fires us up when we need it.

You like Nijmegen?
In the beginning, I didn't because I was a little homesick and I had never been this far away from home before, but once I got over the homesickness Nijmegen is a really nice place to be in. The atmosphere is wonderful and the people here are very friendly. The weather so far hasn't been that bad but it's starting to get a little chilli so I'm going to have start wrapping up more before I go outside.

What are your goals for the season, both individually and for the team?
My main goal for this season individually is to just continue to improve every aspect of my game on offense and defense and if I were fortunate enough to get something at the end of the season I would be honored, but if not that would not determine if I have improved my game while I was over here playing. As far as the team goes, we haven't really discussed many team goals yet but I do know that everybody on our team wants to win and hopefully that will show every time we step out on the floor to play.

Thanks Frank for taking the time to do this interview and wish you all the best this season.

Randy Wiel: " I Enjoy The Teaching Part Of The Game " (Part Two) - by Fred Roggen

Part two of the interview with Head-coach Randy Wiel :

Talk about how you're doing the first twelve league-games this season with losing the last two games, how you feel about the performances.
Well going into the season we know we are not going to win every game. As a coach Losses tend to stick longer. Probably because i watch the game film over and over, the media bringing it up constantly because as a top team you have to win every single game which is unrealistic.

As I mentioned before we have been inconsistent, but I kind of expected it with so many new faces. However I still feel we have to fight through this, play hard, and win the games we are supposed to win. There will be enough contests that we will have to fight for our lives. The goal is to be playing your best basketball at the end of the season, but with the Eurochallenge we have to ready to play right now.

What are you going to have to do to prevent the team from getting down?
Players don't get down unless you hit a big losing streak like 3 or 4 in a row. Practices make players forget games quickly, and the next game is right around the corner. Players have a short memory. They just want to play. So far we have not lost 2 in a row. Unlike players as a coach I tend to brood over a loss way more than I enjoy the wins. I guess alot of coaches are that way.

You made the groupstage of the EuroChallenge Regular Season, what do you expect of this International season?
We made the group stage of the Eurochallenge, which was one of our goals. At this writing we have won 6 games without a loss in the Eurochallenge. it is much tougher this year because all the teams that got eliminated in the Uleb preliminary's automatically are in the Eurochallenge. So there are alot of champions and tough competition ahead. we try to take them one at the time and see how far we can get. Hopefully we can make it to the final 4 and then who knows, but of course that's everybody's goal, but what we have is a chance to do something special, and we have to make the most of this opportunity.

Is it surprising to you that you have to actually tell players to work? To do their job?
Well a coaches dream is to have 12 players that are selfmotivated and work as hard as they can every minute of every practice and every game. However that is not the case. Some players are natural hard workers, others you need to push. Every player is different, and as a coach you need to find out from each player which buttons to push to get the maximum effort out of that particular player. This year I have a good group although some days i need crack the whip and push harder than others. The season is long, with the regular season,
Eurochallenge, the Dutch Cup, Playoffs etc , practices and travel. Our team will have played in excess of something of 80 games counting preseason and all. So when I schedule a sunday morning practice at 9 olock in the morning after a saturdaynight game because we have to travel to our next Eurodestination on monday,.
I cannot expect the players to be jumping for joy, But its their job and they are proffessionals, But as a coach its always good to remember that their body is their work tool and not to just , work them and work them and work them, because at the end of the season when the playoffs arrive, they may not have nothing left, because they will break down,

It's an interesting balance, between motivating players, teaching some guys the fundamentals, vs. normal, standard X's and O's.
As I mentioned before I like the uptempo style of basketball, combined with a sound half court offense. Defensively I prefer pressure man to man rather then alot of zone defense. I think the last 4 years we have been the highest scoring team in our league, which has alot to do with the fast pace which makes the game a high possession game for both teams rather than a walk it up half court grind it out low possesion game. I also think that playing uptempo is very entertaining for the fans.

Thanks Randy for taking the time to do the interview.



Randy Wiel: " I Enjoy The Teaching Part Of The Game " (Part One) - by Fred Roggen

Through a busy game schedule (League and Eurochallenge games), playing tuesday's, thursday's and saturday's or sunday's, there was a little delay to complete the interview with Head-coach Randy Wiel of the Eiffeltowers. So we have decided to publish the first part of the Interview with coach Randy Wiel about his team and his thoughts about coaching.

What is this year's philosophy going to be?
Well this years goal/phylosophy will be the same as the previous years. We want to win the regular season, win the Dutch Cup, Try and go as far as we can in the Eurochallenge (perhaps win it), and of course our long range goal is to win the Duch Championship again.

What is the best part of coaching?
The best part of coaching to me is having the opportunity to work and teach top athletes the game of basketball, watching the team improve over the course of the season, and in my case having a chance to compete and win the National championship.

What is the hardest part of coaching?
The hardest part of coaching to me is having to start from scratch every season with a totally new team. Having to deal with unrealistic expectations sometimes., and the win now and what have you done for me lately mentality.

How does this year's team compare to last year's?
We have a totally new team this year, as compared to last year. We are stronger inside as compared to last year (with the addition of Jerome Beasley , Anthony Richardson, and Devonne Giles).
Last year we were more perimeter oriented. This year we are playing more from the inside out, which is the formula for most winning basketball teams

What are your thoughts about your team, the EiffelTowers, and their chances this year?
Well I, think that as in the previous years Eiffeltowers is one of 5 teams that has a legitimate chance of winning the Dutch Championship. We are still a little inconsistent especially in our league.
Team chemistry is something that we still need to improve, but is a byproduct of having so many new players. 6 of our top eight players are new, and 3 of them are starters. (Beasley, Giles, Richardson,Jackson,Downey, and Steenvoorde all are new and have to play prominent roles. The automatism is not there yet, but it is something that is coming. I would love to keep a group together 2 years in a row. As it is now we have played some great games (we are still unbeaten in the Eurochallenge) and we have played some games that were marred with inconsistent play. We are trying to find out which side of the bread to butter

What is going to be the key for success this year?
We have to Play together, trust in each other, and put together 40 minutes of honest effort, Especially defensively. Consistency on defense combined with a good offense and sharing the basketball.

What do you, as a coach, bring to your sport?
I feel that that I bring coaching experience, having coached at every level (high school(Chapel Hill High school), Small College (U.N.C. Asheville) , Mid Major (Middle Tennessee Univ), Major University (University of North Carolina). The Dutch National Team (1990 to 1992 pre Olympic Qualifications) and Eiffeltowers, in addition to working with countless N.B.A players. I enjoy the teaching part of the game and prefer an uptempo style of basketball. I also believe that communication with players and discipline are 2 of my strenghts.


Till sofar part one of the Interview with Coach Randy Wiel.




Interview with Omni Smith of Upstairs Weert - by Aaron Reilly
- After a terrific individual year in Romania (league leader in scoring), what have you done to continue your individual success in Holland (at the time of this writing, 18 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg, 2 spg)?
Omni Smith: I just try to work as hard as possible. I try not to get content with the little success Ive been having, and most importantly I been comfortable with the players. They allow me to play my type of game.

- In Romania, your team did not have nearly as many Americans as you currently do, how has this impacted your game on the court?
I feel its less pressure on me as an individual. I think because I have them as teammates, teams have to scout all of us, so thats the advantage of it. Also with all of the Americans being over here for 4 or more years, they give me a lot of insight on how to do certain things since this is only my second year, so Im learning from them every day.

- At 6-10, what does your team have to do in order to start getting more wins?
We just have to learn to play for each other, figure out what it is that works and stick to it. Im in the learning process that it is not just about yourself, but its about the team. The more the team wins, the better life is as a basketball player on and off the court. It becomes stressful losing games you know you can win. Its just the little things that have to be done to get the success we deserve because we all work hard from 1 to 12, no short cuts.

- Many Americans are said to love Holland; how are your feelings toward the country in your first few months there?
I like it a lot. Everybody speaks English and for the most part everybody is nice. They are very helpful in this country. They dont treat you like an American, they treat you like everybody else and that is great.

- You obviously play a terrific all around game, doing a little bit of everything; which player do you like to pattern your game after?
Hahhahaha, I cant really say. I like Iverson because he just goes out there and plays hard with all his heart so I carry that wit me as I step on the court. But a lot of people dont know I grew up watching Lynn Greer. Lynn was somebody I liked because he is a lefty just like me and he has a knack for scoring, no matter how he does it.

- Omni, thanks for taking some time to answer some questions. Lets do this again in a few weeks. Happy holidays.
Thanks Eurobasket. To all the readers, have a great holiday.

PromotieDivise Scores Week 13: Home teams dominate before the break - by Terry Cooper
Week 13 in the 'Promotie' finished on a good note for some teams as they secured their spots at the top of the standings or got wins to end the first session on a winning streak. EJ/MG2 won a tough game over GOBA at home 76-65 while the Cangaroes has got on the winning side of things beating Punch 80-66 for their second victory in the league. EBBC2 won a close match over VBC Akrides 68-65 while De Pigeons won convincly over Red Giants 87-67 on the road. Landstede2 cruised to a 92-63 victory over BV Rooi to stay in the top five teams before the break. In Northghal in Noordwijk, a classic battle of 2nd versus 3rd took place as MSV Log in hosted Initial High Five. High Five is off to one of its best seasons since joining the Promotie in 2006 and the play of Imro Rojer. Log in started off hot in the first half with tough defense that puzzled High Five as they finished the first half with a 48-28 halftime lead. But in the 3rd quarter, High Five gave MSV a taste of their own medicine with a full court press and went on an impressing 20-0 run and took a 49-48 lead until Peter Vader (205-C-80) hit a basket to break the streak. The 4th quarter was won by MSV thanks to clutch 3-pointers from Jeffrey de Vries (180-G-84) and Michael Leon was too much for the guest as MSV won 86-67. MSV had 5 players in double figures led by Michael Leon with 20 points and 17 rebounds. The game of Leiden2 and Groene Uilen was postponed til a later date. Happy Holidays to all teams and success in the new year!!! PromotieDivisie Stats NOW!!!

Week 13 Scores:

Cangeroes - Punch 80 - 66
EBBC2 - VBC Akrides 68 - 65
Red Giants - Pigeons 77 - 87
EclipseJet/MG2 - Goba 76 - 65
MSV Log.in - High Five 86 - 67
Landstede2 - BV Rooi 92 - 63
Leiden2 - Groene Uilen Postponed

Rotterdam Challengers Sends Phil Grant Away - by Fred Roggen

Rotterdam has sent away Phil Grant (202-G/F-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Iona), Despite the good series of the Challengers in the recent weeks ( seven wins out of nine games). Grant played 16 games and averaged 8.8ppg and 4.6rpg this season.
On the position where Phil Grant plays, we are well represented. Obviously he has not brought what we had expected. After Christmas we go evaluate what kind of player the Challengers need, thus Chairman Van Haga.



Travis Reed Return To Hanzevast Capitals - by Fred Roggen
Travis Reed (203-C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Long Beach St.) will return to the Hanzevast Capitals. Reed is the replacement for Zoran Krstanovic. Tuesday-morning He will undergo a medical examination and will then sign a contract until the end of the
current season for Hanzevast Capitals.
The center played previously from 2003 till 2006 for the Capitals and was part of the team who became Dutch Champion in 2004.
Reed played the past two seasons by Kalev Tallinn in Estonia and averaged 17.4ppg and 6.2rpg in the Baltic league and 13.4ppg and 5.6rpg in the Estonian League last season.

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  ITALY   


Legadue, round 13 (regular season): review - by Antonello Varallo
After Round 13 Legadue championship is suddenly turned in a very uncertain tournament. Some teams have been strengthened by last signs, other teams weakened by injuries. Cimberio Varese lost the third game in a row, this time against Enel Brindisi, that previously were only 3W/9L.
Fileni Jesi missed the chance to pass over their first place contender. Michele Maggioli (212-C-77)'s team was braked by awfully bad shooting percentage. Casale Monferrato (Zabian Dowdell(191-G-84,college:Virginia Tech) was limited by Harem Scafati's good defence) and Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia (they are anxious about Nicol Melli (205-F-91)'s injury: the wonder boy left the field after only 52' due an injured knee) could reach the first position but they both suffered a lost. Vanoli Soresina took advantage of these unexpected results. They have the stronger player inked during the market window, (Reyshawn Terry (203-F-84, college: N.Carolina) and next week they are going to face Varese.
Since they have been signed, also Jerry McCullough (179-G-73,college:Pittsburgh) of Carmatic Pistoia and Jerome Allen (193-G-73, college:Pennsylvania) of Prima Veroli turned their teams championship, while Rimini and Edimes Pavia are still discontinous after the change of their coaches. Besides, Rimini suffered Chris McCray (195-G-84,college:Maryland)'s injury.Other two new players, Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) of Umana Venezia and Philip Martin (202-F-80, college:Hawaii) of Banco di Sardegna Sassari, were decisive in their team win.
The championship is very balanced: with the coming year, we are going to watch new surprises.

Best Italian players of round 13:
Leonardo Busca (180-G-72),Scafati: 9 assists against Casale. Legadue is the reign of veteran playmakers.
Michele Maggioli, Jesi: 26 points and 14 boards were not enough to win against Livorno.
Tommaso Fantoni (203-F-85),Casale: he ended the game with 7/9, while his teammates with 18/47...

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  JAMAICA   


Jordan named player of the week again - by Leonard Whyte
Tulsa, OK (12-22-2008): Center Jerome Jordan was named Conference USA's player of the week for the second time this season and the third time of his career. Jordan, a 7 0 junior, averaged 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and 2.5 assists in two Tulsa victories last week. Against Missouri State University, Jordan came off the bench and scored 21 points, hitting 7-of-8 from the field, and added nine rebounds and three blocks in just 19 minutes. Back in the starting lineup against Presbyterian University, he added 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks and three steals.

Cumberland too strong for Frisk - by Leonard Whyte
Lebanon, TN (12-22-2008): Senior forward Rodney James scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds as 21st-ranked Cumberland University cruised to an easy 86-33 victory over Fisk University in the Rosa Stokes Classic over the weekend. Cumberland, who improved to 9-1, won its seventh straight contest and its second this season against Fisk. The Bulldogs are now off for the Christmas break but return to action January 3, 2009 at Campbellsville University.

Tulsa hammers Loyola Marymount - by Leonard Whyte
Los Angeles, CA (12-22-2008): Junior center Jerome Jordan, fresh off his Player of the Week honors, scored 15 points to help the University of Tulsa defeat Loyola Marymount University 79-45 over the weekend. The victory was Tulsas first road victory in three tries this season as they ran their record to 7-4. The Hurricanes shot 56 percent from the field and drilled a season-high 13 three-pointers en route to its 34-point victory. Tulsa, who also had a season-high 25 assists, will host the University of Texas-Arlington on Tuesday night.

Valparaiso falls to top-ranked North Carolina at the Windy City Hoops Classic - by Leonard Whyte
Chicago, IL (12-22-2008): Sophomore guard Michael Rogers sank a three-pointer to open the game as Valparaiso University opened an early 12-3 lead on the No. 1 team in the nation, but North Carolina University fought back and eventually pulled away for an 85-63 victory. Rogers finished with 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field, including 2-of-4 from three-point range, as Valpo fell to 3-7 on the season. They return to action this evening to face University of Central Florida on the back end of a home-and-home series.

Cedarville survives defensive battle at Bryan - by Leonard Whyte
Dayton, TN (12-22-2008): Senior center Daniel Rose came off the bench to score 11 crucial points and snatch eight rebounds as NAIA Division II No. 9 Cedarville University survived a 51-43 defensive battle at Bryan University over the weekend to enter the Christmas break with a five-game winning streak. Cedarville, 13-1 overall, shot just 34.6 percent from the field but used a styling defense to hold Bryan to only 35.6 percent shooting. Junior guard Christopher Walker, while only scoring five points, contributed a game-high 10 rebounds to help Cedarville outrebound Bryan 41-29. The Yellow Jackets return to the court on December 29, 2008 to participate in the Notre Dame Classic in South Euclid, Ohio, where they will renew acquaintances with Jamaicans Karim McFarlane and Paul Spencer who represent Notre Dame College.

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  JAPAN   


Standings - BJ League
BJ Standings
Eastern
 1. Apache 12-6 
 2. Broncos 10-10 
 3. Phoenix 10-10 
 4. 89ers 9-11 
 5. Albirex 7-11 
 6. Grouses 6-12 
Western
 1. Golden Kings 16-4 
 2. Five Arrows 13-5 
 3. Evessa 12-8 
 4. Lakestars 9-11 
 5. Rizing 8-12 
 6. Heat Devils 4-16 


BJ League Round: 21 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Broncos - Grouses 69-78
Grouses celebrated a rare win as they defeated Broncos 78:69. Camara Babacar led the winners with 24 points and Webb Rodney had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Horne Steve ended up with 20 points in the losing effort.

Evessa - Lakestars 100-89
Evessa beat Lakestars 100:89 in Regular Season Round 21. Murry Nile top-scored for the winners with 33 points and Washington Lynn added 27. Rourke Ryan had 22 in defeat, whilst Nash Bobby and Schafer Ray brought 20 each.

Rizing - Golden Kings 72-81
Golden Kings improved to 16-4 on top after 81:72 over Rizing. Ayer Chris paced all the winners with 26 points and 19 boards, while Newton Jeff collected 21 points and 13 boards. Parker Michael had 21 points in the losing effort.

Five Arrows - Heat Devils 81-74
Five Arrows improved to 13-5 beating Heat Devils 81:74 at home. James Gordon paced the winners with 27 points and 22 rebounds, while Sparks Rasheed scored 19 points. Wilkinson James nailed 20 points in defeat.

Albirex - Apache 83-72
Albirex moved to 7-11 upsetting the leader Apache 83:72. Akingbade Dokun top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 16 rebounds, whilst Davis Nick had 19 points in defeat.

89ers - Phoenix 84-107
Phoenix had a road 107:84 win over 89ers as Gardener Michael had a fascinating triple-double with 42 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Kusaka Hikaru scored 23 points in the losing effort.



JBL Round: 13 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Aishin - Panasonic 94-103
Panasonic won the second game in Regular Season Round 13 over Aishin to stay on top with 17-5 record. Onishi Takanori and Aono Fumihiko combined 55 points to lead all the winners. Takeuchi Kosuke and Young David netted 19 points each in the losing effort as Aishin is second with 16-6 record.

Hokkaido - Mitsubishi 60-78
Hokkaido lost to Mitsubishi 60:78 as Thomas Carl and Brown-Matsushima Walter led the winners with 12 points apiece. Newton Tyler chipped in 16 in defeat, whilst Sakurai Ryota had 12.

Hokkaido - Mitsubishi 62-81
Hokkaido lost also the second game to Mitsubishi 62:81 to drop at 6-16. Parada Adam paced the winners with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Thomas Carl posted 14 points. Orimo Takehiko ended up with 18 points in defeat.

Toshiba - Hitachi S. 70-78
Toshiba was beaten by Hitachi 70:78 in the first game. Takeuchi Joji top-scored for the winners with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Igarashi Kei had 18. Violette Cory brought 18 points for the home side.

Toshiba - Hitachi S. 56-73
Hitachi clinched another victory over Toshiba 73:56 to improve at 13-9. Takeuchi Joji top-scored for the winners with 18 points and 10 boards. Violette Cory finished the night with 18 points and the same number of caroms.

Toyota - Tochigi Brex 88-94
Kawamura Takuya led Tochigi Brex in the first game over Toyota in a 94:88 win with 25 points and 7 rebounds. Campbell Louis nailed 23 in defeat, whilst Takahashi Michael collected 22 points and 14 rebounds.

Toyota - Tochigi Brex 89-81
Toyota overcame Tochigi Brex 89:81 on December 19th behind 19 points from Campbell Louis. Shonaka Takeki had 18 and Takahashi Michael posted 17. Kawamura Takuya brought 32 points in defeat.

Aishin - Panasonic 95-81
Aishin beat Panasonic 95:81 in the first appearance between the teams. Takeuchi Kosuke notched 20 points and made 11 rebounds for the winners and Young David added 17. Honeycutt Jerald collected 17 points and 8 rebounds in the losing effort.



Standings - JBL
JBL Standings
 1. Panasonic 17-5 
 2. Aishin 16-6 
 3. Hitachi S. 13-9 
 4. Toyota 10-12 
 5. Tochigi Brex 10-12 
 6. Mitsubishi 9-13 
 7. Toshiba 7-15 
 8. Hokkaido 6-16 


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  LEBANON   


The Lebanese Federation enforces FIBA Licensed agents powers - by Richard

The Lebanese Federation has instructed all the Lebanese Clubs that it is forbidden to deal with non FIBA licensed Player's Agents. From this date onwards, no player will be registered in Lebanon and allowed to play in the League if he was not transfered in through a Licensed Agent. This decision was made during the last Federation meeting unanimously.
Last season, the Federation had advised the Clubs to do that but without making the decision mandatory. It has become now an obligation and this step will help regulate the Player's market which had become open to a various amount of non licensed local and foreign agents.

Courtesy of Paul Atallah (Pro Management Agency)



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  LESOTHO   


Summer Slam 2008 Tournament - by Sekhoane Moshabesha

Summer Slam 2008 Tournament

This years summer slam was held over the past weekend at Lehakoe Basketball Grounds. There was a good show up of teams this year but the tourney started late because of teams pitching late and the unpredictable weather, and other teams were not able to take part due to the above mentioned reasons. All in all seven teams took part in the tournament and as usual /expected Maseru based teams were dominant. Only Lerotholi Polytechnic registered in the ladies section.

Teams:
Killa Beez
Lerotholi Polytechnic
Under 20
Lialuma
Rangers
Blacklabel
Snakes

As expected Lerotholi Polytechnic reached the finals but lost to Blacklabel by 54:47. The team Blacklabel comprised of players from South Africa and other teams in the NBL including Lerotholi Ploytechnic.



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  LUXEMBOURG   


Amicale wins 6 of last 7 to attain top spot of DBBL! De Pree with 33 points and 20 rebounds! - by Alex Meyers

Friday, December 18, 2008


Etzella 70 - Amicale 86


Ettelbruck, Luxembourg

Amicale seems to have Etzella's number defeating them on the road by 16 as avenging a 3 point October home loss. Etzella has had to play without Nelson DelGado and is still without Raphael Albaladejo. Etzella drops to 6-5 wit hthe loss, enough to go into the holiday break in 5th place along with Contern. Amicale clims to the top rung and will have a good holiday break knowing they are alon in 1st place in the DBBL.

American forward Travis DePree (201-F/C, college: Albion) was everywhere for Amicale dominating in every way in last Friday night's contest in Ettelbruck. De Pree was unbelievable blocking 5 shots, dishing for 6 assists, tearing down 20 rebounds and added 2 steals while scoring 33 points. His teammates responded with awesome defense in especially in the 3rd quarter where they held Etzella to only 7 points. Chris Scholtes had 16 points and 12 rebounds followed by Olivier Haan wth 11 and Christian Schartz 10. Schartz also had 7 assists. Marcus Kennedy (193-F-84, college: Montevallo) had a double double again with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Tim Giver added 16 and Jairo DelGado 11. Up next, after the break, is the 1/4 finals of the Cup for both teams. Etzella will host Sparta and Amicale will travel to Larochette to play the National 3 team who will have a 20-0 advantage to begin the game. Both games are to be held on January 8.

Etzella: 26 field goals, 10 three pointers, 8 for 15 free throws, 27 rebounds, 21 fouls and 14 turnovers
Kennedy 23, Giver 16, J. DelGado 11, E. Ferreira 4, Ittenbach 4, also Wiesenbach 2, Jacoby 2, Garganese 4, S. Ferreira 2 and Bensighir 2
Amicale: 30 field goals, 7 three pointers, 19 for 26 free throws, 42 rebounds, 16 fouls and 22 turnovers
Schartz 10, Scholtes 16, De Pree 33, Haan 11, Birenbaum 5, also Rausch 4, Kartheiser, and Jones 7

Score by Quarters: 1st Q 27-16, Halftime 42-37, 3rd Q 49-62, Final 70-86
300 Spectators



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


NBA Round: 55 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Pistons - Hawks 78-85
Michael Bibby drained 27 points and dished out 5 assists pacing his Atlanta Hawks to 17th victory of the season (17-10). Joe Johnson also shined for the hosts collecting 19 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Rodney Stuckey and Rasheed Wallace answered with 20 points apiece in loss. The Pistons now have 14-11.

Knicks - Celtics 105-124
Another nice performance by the reigning champion and 124 points were enough for impressive 26-2 record. The Celtics had 7 players with 10 or more points, but the best one was Rajon Rondo, who added 26 pts, 6 rebs and 5 assists. Ray Allen netted 18, while Paul Pierce stopped on 17 pts. The Knicks got 29 points from Quentin Richardson falling on 11-16.

Mavericks - Wizards 97-86
15th win for the Mavs and at the same time the 21st defeat for the Wizards. Jason Terry, who came off the bench, led Dallas in scoring with 25 points. Dirk Nowitzki helped with 23 pts and 9 boards. The Wizards got 22 points and 8 rebs from Antawn Jamison.

Cavaliers - Thunder 102-91
And once again fantastic LeBron James paced his Cleveland Cavaliers to win, this time against the Thunder on the road. James nailed 31 points, grabbed 4 rebs and dished out 7 assists in this one. Maurice Williams was behind him with 20 pts and 5 rebs. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook replied with 50 points, 11 boards and 12 assists for the host squad. Cavs 23-4, Thunder 3-25.



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  PBL   


Rainmen beat Quebec City in test match - by Gianni Pascucci
Brian Silverhorn (6'6''-G-84, college: Georgetown, KY) piled up 29 points and 12 rebounds and shot 4-for-9 from three-point territory, and newcomer Glen Dandridge (6'6''-F, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Lambuth) added 25 points, (5-for-13 beyond the arc), as the Halifax Rainmen defeated on the road the Quebec City Kebs 101-95 in their first taste of the Premier Basketball League. Cordell Jeanty (6'5''-F-79, college: John A.Logan CC), who played for the Kebs two seasons ago, added 14 playing against his former team. The Rainmen return home for four consecutive exhibition games at The Tower starting on Boxing Day.

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  PHILIPPINES   


Philippines beat China; wins 1st China-ASEAN basketball title - by Hector Santos
GUANGXI, CHINA: Fil-American Joey Deas (178-G) and Far Eastern Universitys Mark Barocca powered the Philippines against a bigger and more experienced Chinese team, 76-72, to win the 1st China-Asean CBO Mens Invitational Tournament before a packed Pinggou Arena.

Deas, a 5-foot-10 point guard from Rockhurst University in Kansas who traces his roots in Cebu, and Barocca, a 5-foot-9 native of Zamboanga City, combined for 37 points to help turn back China to claim the first international victory for the RP Developmental squad.

After Dylan Ababou scored with the shot clock expiring to give the Filipinos a 70-67 lead, Gao Wei converted on a three point play off a foul by Fil Am Greg Slaughter with 1:03 remaining to tie the score at 70 all.

Barocca then took charge.

Playing in his first international tournament, Barroca scored on a crucial jumper to give the Philippines a 72-70 lead with 47 seconds to go. After a split charity by Hu Bin on a foul by Mac Baracael, the Chinese had a final chance to take the lead after a botched play by the RP 5.

But the Filipinos would not be denied as Ogie Menor stole the ball from Hu setting up a Barocca fastbreak to give the Smart RP squad a three point lead 74-71 with 32 ticks remaining. Gao then scored another split free throw with 15 seconds remaining before Barocca was fouled for the final score.

China with an average height of 6-foot-6, outrebounded the Philippines, 44-33. But the RP team made up for it with tenacious defense, limiting China to only 2 of 15 shooting from 3-point range and forcing them to commit 14 turnovers.

The Filipinos also shot 48% from two point range and 15 of 21 from the line even though the Nationals were charged with 10 more fouls, 26-16.

Rajko Toroman, the Serbian Coach and Project Director of the National Team, who formed the young RP squad barely 20 days ago, expressed satisfaction with the win.

'It was a tough but definitely sweet victory. I challenged the boys to show their true character and they did. We did not expect to win right away so this is a very good start for our program,' Toroman said.

Playing before a partisan home crowd and with Guangxis top local officials in attendance, China scored the first six points.

The RP squad, which is bankrolled by Smart and outfitted by Nike, answered with 6 straight points from Deas to tie the game early. Finding their bearings under chilly conditions, the Filipinos controlled the pace of the game to take a slim lead 18-14 after the 1st period.

'It is hard to play before a hostile crowd and under these conditions. But this victory is truly special. After all, its not every day that you win against China in their own turf, 'SBP Executive Director Noli Eala said. 'We are happy for the progress of this young team. But there is still a lot of work ahead,' Eala added.

The scores:

PHILIPPINES 76 Deas 19, Barocca 18, Ababou 15, Slaughter 9, Menor 6, Baracael 4, Cawaling 3, Theophile 2, Sison 0, Arellano 0

CHINA 72 Gao 32, Hu 15, Nong 9, Cui 6, Wei 6,Wang 4, Liao 0.

Tryout slated for Philippine youth Under-16 team - by Hector Santos
Coach Eric Altamirano conducts a three-day tryout for the Nokia RP Under-16 team from Jan. 2 to 4, 2009 at the Jacinto Tiu Court at Xavier School in Greenhills, San Juan .

Altamirano said all Filipino players born starting Jan. 1, 1993 are invited to attend the tryouts set from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The players are required to attend all three days of tryouts.

We will be building the tryouts around sound fundamentals, quickness and good outside shooting, said Altamirano, a former University of the Philippines (UP) Maroon, Purefoods champion coach and assistant coach of the Philippine team to the 2002 Busan Asian Games.

The RP Nokia U16 team will be composed of players from these tryouts and also existing participants in the ongoing Nokia National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) D-League.

They will eventually be entered in a series of international competitions as a run-up to FIBA-Asia 16 Under tournament. Altamirano said there will be the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) youth tournament in May, where the top two placers will be seeded in the Fiba-Asia 16 Under Tournament.

The RP-Nokia team coached by Franz Pumaren sparked anew interest in the RP Youth players when it won first place in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) tournament and seventh place in the Asian championship after beating eventual tournament champion Iran.

That team was composed of Norbert Torres, Mark de Guzman, RR Garcia, Kyle Pascual, Ian Paul Sangalang, Philip Paredes, Matthew Wright, Gabriel Banal, Frank Golla, Jaypee Mendoza, Jhon Sumido, Joseph Terso, Samuel Marata and Jed Manguera.

The team of coach Franz has put the Philippine youth team back on the map and its our job now to sustain that interest. I hope that this team or at least most of its members reach it all the way to the London Olympics in 2012, said Altamirano, who will count on anew on the support of Nokia Philippines and TAO Corporation.

TAO Corporation and Nokia has committed anew to help support the team in its quest, Altamirano emphasized.

For inquiries, call the SBP office at 706-2969 to 70, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and look for Ms. Love Viray.

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


FALSE START ON REVANGE ROUND IN ZIELONA GORA - by Marek Hossa
Zastal Zielona Gora - LKS Petrolinvest Lodz 61:64 (18:12, 15:10, 13:20, 15:22)

The Zielona Gora's team lost his last 2008 game. It was the first from second round game. Zastal played well the first 20 min.The best player was Pawel Wiekiera (206-F-78, agency: AB Agency), but the Zastals coach Tomasz Herkt said : It was not best 20 min for us, just Lodz played really crap
After break Lodz made a good difence and also played well in offens. The best of Lodz team have been Zbigniew Marculewicz (205-F-78, agency: Promotex) ( 12 points 11 rebounds ) and Tomasz Nogalski (192-F-79) ( 4/5 for three points ) also best player fromn Lodz Jakub Dluski was relly good in the last quater.
In Zielona Gora teams only Pawel Wiekiera was playing normal level (21 points 7 rebounds ) but it was not enough this day for Lodz team !

Rest of 1st league Polish results

Asseco Prokom II Sopot - MOSiR Krosno 60:78 (20:18, 14:19, 14:18, 12:23)

Znicz Pruszkw - Resovia Rzeszw 85:73 (25:25, 15:15, 25:18, 20:15)

Zubry Bialystok - AZS AWF Katowice 78:54 (16:17, 17:11, 16:9, 29:17)

Big Star Tychy - MKS Dabrowa Grn. 79:70 (20:21, 17:17, 22:16, 20:16)

Sokl Lancut - Polonia 2011 Warszawa 58:66 (18:13, 17:16, 4:19, 19:18)

Siarka Tarnobrzeg - Sudety Jelenia Gra 77:70 (12:21, 23:18, 22:19, 20:12)

DBE Round: 17 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Sportino I. - Anwil 62-67
Anwil clinched the ninth win in the tournament as they rolled past Sportino Inowroclaw. Marko Brkic and Paul Miller knocked down 14 points each for Anwil. Lukasz Koszarek added 12 points and 8 assists for the winning team. Eddie Miller and Kyle Landry responded with 17 points apiece for Sportino.

AZS Koszalin - Atlas Stal 90-82
Koszalin shot down Atlas Stal to earn the 10th win in the season. Gregorz Arabas knocked down 22 points to lead Koszalin. George Reece added 19 points, 6 boards and 3 assists for the winners. Atlas answered with 21 points from Krzystof Szubarga. Patrick Okafor finished with 18 points and 12 boards in the loss.

En.Czarni - Bank BPS 72-81
Michael Kuebler fired 36 points to lead Bank BPS past Energa Czarni away from home. Radoslaw Hyzy added 13 points in the fourth win for the visitors. Mantas Cesnauskis answered with 17 points for Energa Czarni as they fell at 7-8 record.

Kotwica - Gornik W. 91-77
Kotwica fired down Gornik at home court for the 12th win in the season. Pawel Kikowski lead balanced offense with 18 points. Brandon Crone contributed 17 points for the winners. Kamil Chanas replied with 21 points for Gornik.

Znicz J. - Polonia 74-75
Polonia snatched a narrow road win over Znicz Jarolsaw to open Round Round 17 action. Michael Ansley paced the winners with 22 points and 8 boards. Greg Harrington produced 17 points for Polonia. Grady Reynolds answered with 22 points and 9 boards for Znicz in the loss.



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


Fisica and Vitoria, all over Again!! - by Nuno Vieira

Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras and Vitoria SC/M.Couto Alves Guimaraes the finalist of the ProLiga 2007-2008, have played this weekend now for the TOP League.
The result was the same, victory for Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras.
The game was great to see, with a lot showtime and no guest who was going to win the game.
Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras toke the lead in the first 10 minutes, but soon Vitoria SC/M.Couto Alves Guimaraes recover from that and got until the last quarter a 7 points diferencial.
In the last quarter Vitoria SC/M.Couto Alves Guimaraes start stronger and got 12 points away from Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras, but Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras pull it together and the defense got stronger and recover, and with 5 minutes to play got the lead by 5 points.
At the end Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras close the game with a vitory by 7 points. Final score 83-76.

Both teams made a good game, very nice to see. But still not playing there best!


For Vitoria SC/M.Couto Alves Guimaraes the best player was Louis Graham (203-F-84) with 24points 8 rebounds (solid game, playing inside and out, shooting inclusive from the 3 point line)

For Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras the best guys wore, Jason Davis (193-G/F-85, agency: Pinnacle Sports LLC, college: Sacramento St.) 9points 4 assists (he had a hard job to guard Julian Banks that only scored 11points, and made some fantastic dunks), Miguel Salvador (187-G-81) 21points (have done a good job at the point guard position), Joseph Harrell (204-F-85, agency: 540 Sports) 16points 8rebounds (player that done a quiet game but with important shoots made during the game), and the MVP Jeffrey Ferguson (210-F/C-81, college: Wayne St., MI) with 24points 13rebounds (made a solid game, with some explosive dunks).The Center showed again that he is one of the best in the League, placing himself in the Top of the Rebounder List and in the Top 5 in scoring.





Stats Leaders - UZO Liga
LPB Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Smith, CAB 22.1
2 Graham, Vitoria 21.7
3 Madison, CAB 20.8
4 Williams,Academica 20
5 Jeffrey C., Fisica 19.2
Rebounds Per Game
1Jeffrey C.,Fisica 12.4
2 Johnson,Academica 10
3 Coleman, Vagos 9.8
4 Kevin, Porto 9.6
5 Doliboa, Benfica 9.2
Assists Per Game
1 Pires, Barreirense 5.3
2 Costa, Ginasio 4.8
3 Figueiredo, Porto 4.6
4 Reed, Benfica 3.9
5 Smith, CAB 3.9
Steals Per Game
1 Madison, CAB 3.4
2 Harvey, Vitoria 2.3
3 Tyrekus,Barreirense 2.3
4 Costa, Ginasio 2.3
5 Joseph, Fisica 2,2
Blocks Per Game
1 Graham,Vitoria 2
2 Brown,Barreirense 1.6
3 Doliboa,Benfica 1.6
4 Rosefelt,Academica 1.5
5 Kevin, Porto 1.5


*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO   


Minas Tenis defeats Capitanes - by Luis Ramirez
Playing against each other once again after having played in the Americas League Tournament in Puerto Rico, Minas Tenis met Captianes de Arecibo in Amsterdam, Holland. This time Minas Tenis came away with a victory 69-66 to get some payback after having lost to Capitanes by 14 points in their first encounter. Both teams are participating in the Haarlem Basketball Week play, Minas was led by Joe Shipp who scored 21 points followed by Leandro Da Cruz Silva with 14 points. For Arecibo it was Angel Figueroa with 15 points followed by David Cortes with 14 points. The Captains will play against Holland on Wednesday.

Courtesy of Fiba Americas

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


Final Results of 1st Round in the Qatari D1 - by Amir Abou-El-Kheir
02/12/2008

Al Arabi Club 77 (52-27) Al Wakrah 51
Qatar Club 66 (28-25) Al Gharrafah 41

06/12/2008

Al Arabi Club 83 (41-32) As Sadd Sports Club 78
Al Jaysh Army SC 67 (31-38) Al Rayyan 65

Top Performers

Scoring

Haynes Aaron (202-F-81, college: Boise St.) (Al Arabi Club) 33
Curtis Haywood (198-G-75, college: Oklahoma City) (As Sadd Sports Club 33
Khalid Suliman Abdi (198-F/G-87) (As Sadd Sports Club) 27
Juma Kamara (198-F-84, college: Portland St.) (Al Arabi Club) 24
Maurice Hargrow (195-G-83, college: Minnesota) (Qatar Club) 24

Rebounds

Mousa (Qatar Club) 17
Haynes Aaron 15
Michael Okoro (206-F-89) (Al Gharrafah)12
Onye Ibekwe (203-F-83, college: Long Beach St.) (As Sadd Sports Club)
Maurice Hargrow

Assists

Mansour El Hadary (178-G-90) (Al Arabi Club) 8
Boney Watson (183-G, college: Sam Houston St.) (Al Rayyan) 7
Haynes Aaron 4
Baker Ahmad Mohammed (199-F-86) (198-F) (Al Jaysh Army SC) 4
Fadi Hani (Al Jaysh Army SC) 4

Steals

Baker Ahmad Mohammed 5
Fadi Hani 5
Curtis Haywood 4
Michael Okoro 3
Haynes Aaron 3

Blocks

Haynes Aaron 2
Tanguy Ngombo (198-G/F-89) (Al Rayyan) 2

Standings
D1 Standings
 1. Al Rayyan 6-1 
 2. Al Arabi 5-2 
 3. Al Jaysh 5-2 
 4. Al Ahli 4-3 
 5. Qatar 3-4 
 6. As Sadd 3-4 
 7. Al Gharrafah 2-5 
 8. Al Wakrah 0-7 


League Leaders at the Half Way Point of the Season, Qatari D1 - by Amir Abou-El-Kheir

Leaders

Scoring

Curtis Haywood (198-G-75, college: Oklahoma City) (As Sadd Sports Club) 33 ppg
Haynes Aaron (202-F-81, college: Boise St.) (Al Arabi Club) 28.7 ppg
Maurice Hargrow (195-G-83, college: Minnesota) (Qatar Club) 28.7 ppg
William Clay (188-G-78, college: Texas) (Al Ahli Sports Club) 26.9 ppg
Juma Kamara (198-F-84, college: Portland St.) (Al Arabi Club) 20.3 ppg
Boney Watson (183-G, college: Sam Houston St.) (Al Rayyan) 19.7 ppg
Mohammed Youla (Al Ahli Sports Club) 19.1 ppg
Yaseen Ismail (204-F-80) (Al Rayyan) 18.5 ppg

Rebounds

Michael Okoro (206-F-89) (Al Gharrafah) 13.6 rpg
Haynes Aaron 12.8 rpg
Mohammed Youla 11.9 rpg
Mousa (Qatar Club)11.8 rpg
Curtis Haywood 9.7 rpg
Onye Ibekwe (203-F-83, college: Long Beach St.) (As Sadd Sports Club) 9.5 rpg
Baz (As Sadd Sports Club) 8.2 rpg
Mame Souley Ndour (Al Wakrah) 7.9 rpg

Assists

Boney Watson 6.8 apg
Mansour El Hadary (178-G-90) (Al Arabi Club) 5.5 apg
Fadi Hani (Al Jaysh Army SC) 5.4 apg
Zayne Gawanab (188-G-82) (Al Wakrah) 4.3 apg
Ibrahim (Al Ahli Sports Club) 4 apg
Abdulla (As Sadd Sports Club) 3.8 apg
Maurice Hargrow 3.7 apg
Yaseen Ismail 3.7 apg

Steals

Fadi Hani 4.6 spg
Boney Watson 4.5 spg
Curtis Haywood 3 spg
El Hadji Abdou Corea Sow (Al Wakrah) 2.9 spg
Maurice Hargrow 2.8 spg
Zayne Gawanab 2.6 spg
William Clay 2.6 spg
Haynes Aaron 2.4 spg

Blocks

Hashem Zaidan (211-C-80) (Al Ahli Sports Club) 1.6 bpg
Michael Okoro 1 bpg
Haynes Aaron 1 bpg
Hamam (Al Wakrah) 0.9 bpg

Game Highs

Points - Maurice Hargrow 41 vs. Al Jaysh Army SC (23/11/2008)
Rebounds - Mohammed Youla 19 vs. Qatar Club (18/11/2008)
Assists - Ibrahim (Al Ahli Sports Club) 10 vs. Al Wakrah (08/11/2008)
Steals - Boney Watson 8 vs. Al Gharaffah (01/11/2008)
Blocks Hashem Zaidan 4 vs. As Sadd Sports Club (23/11/2008)

Double Doubles

Haynes Aaron (7/7) 28.7 ppg & 12.8 rpg & Michael Okoro (7/7) 16.9 ppg & 13.6 rpg



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


CSKA triumphs in VTB united league debut - by Eurobasket News
The United league VTB was held in Moscow from December 20-22 as a debut tournament of the recently created League. Five countries sent their representatives to participate in the capital of Russia. Khimky and CSKA reached the Final as the latter triumphs in VTB united league debut.
Russia was represented by CSKA, Khimky and Dynamo Moscow. BC Kyiv and Azovmash came from Ukraine, while Poland was represented by Prokom, Latvia by ASK Riga and Lithuania by Zalgiris. All the teams started with the Quarterfinal stage where the winners were sent to the semifinals. In the first semifinal game CSKA overcame BC Kyiv 88:58. Lorbek led the winners with 16 points, while Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) netted 15. Khimky grabbed the stunning 67:61 victory over Dynamo to reach the final. In the Final game CSKA triumphed over Khimky 70:66 as Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) paced all the winners with 15 points. Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) ended up wit 19 points in the losing effort.
The Team of the tournament includes 2 players from CSKA, Khimky and BC Kiev. The MVP of the tournament was named Ramunas Siskauskas from CSKA. J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell) got the best point guard award, while Anton Ponkrashov (200-G-86) from Khimky was named the best shooting guard. Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) from BC Kyiv got shooting forward award and Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) power forward. Mike Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) from Khimky was named the best center.

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


Rakocevic out of the court one month - by Zoran Popovic
BC Partizan Igokea Beograd forward Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84) is injured in the match of Adriatic league played this weekend in Sarajevo. Rakocevic broke finger on the left hand and he will be out of the court next three or four weeks. This season Zarko Rakocevic in Adriatic league on 12 games average scored 9.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and in Euroleague on 8 games average scored 5.4 points, 3.1 rebounds per game. Rakocevic came in BC Partizan Igokea Beograd this summer and before BC Partizan Igokea Beograd he played for BC Buducnost Podgorica (from 2002 till March 2008), SK Cherkasy Monkeys (from March to the end of the season). Rakocevic is member of Montenegro National team.

Serbian B league, round 12: FMP II and Proleter Naftagas on the top of B league - by Zoran Popovic
FMP II Beograd-KK Beovuk 72 Beograd 100-85 (31-19, 21-21, 22-17, 26-28)

FMP II Beograd won 10th match this season routinely against Beouvk 72. During the most of the match young FMP team had constant advantage of +10. Tems were equal only in the five minutes of the first quarter, after that FMP finished first quarter with +12 points and saved that advantage to the end of the match. The most efficient player in FMP II Beograd was Subotic with 22 points and Lukovic with 15. For KK Beovuk 72 Beograd Dragojevic scored 25 points and Dzakovic add 17.

FMP II Beograd: Dimic 13, Djokic 6, Milutinovic 7, Subotic 22, Lukovic 15, Markovic, Lazic 4, P.Stamenovic 11, Smiljanic 7, S.Stamenkovic, Vukasovic 3, Musli 12.
KK Beovuk 72 Beograd: Dragojevic 25, Riboskic, Socanac 6, Aleksic 2, Jovanovic 1, Dzakovic 17, Torlak 11, Apic 2, Bogdanovic 2, Matic, Stankovic 5, Bulatovic 14.

OKK Vrbas Carnex-Radnicki Obrenovac 89-72 (31-17, 20-26, 19-13, 19-16)

Domestic players started match very aggressive and finished first quarter with +14 poinst advantage. In the second quarter guests from Obrenovac showed better and much organizied game and finished first half on -8. In the third and fourth quarter Markovic (30 points), Pap (21 points) and Bajic (18 points) led Vrbas to fifth won this season. In Radnicki Obrenovac better then others was Koprivica who scored 18 points ad Ljubas who add 14 points.

OKK Vrbas Carnex: Doknic, Perunovic 3, Bajic 18, Novakovic, Popovic 4, Hromis, Matic 2, Kovacevic, Pap 21, Markovic 30, Popovic 9, Vujicic 2.
Radnicki Obrenovac: Ljubas 14, Radojcic 13, Colic 7, I.Huskic, Nastic 2, Jevtic, G.Huskic, Koprivica 18, Boricic 11, Kolasinac, Jovanovic 7, Stankovic.

A League Round: 14 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Mega HL - Masinac 85-68
Mega Hypo Leasing was too strong for Masinac thanks to tandem Uros Nikolic and Stefan Stojacic. Nikolic nailed 23 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, while Stojacic had another good game stopping on 20 points (4/6 from beyond the arc). Nemanja Arsic replied with 14 points and 5 boards in Masinac. Mega HL 8-6, Masinac 5-9.

Zdravlje - Metalac 76-71
Despite this home win against Metalac, Zdravlje Actavis remains at the bottom of the standings with not so brilliant 4-10 score (same as Sloga). Dusan Trajkovic scored 17, while Perica Mitic collected 16 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Stefan Atanackovic shined in loss with 15 pts. Metalac 9-5.

Tamis - Ergonom 85-71
Tamis Petrohemija grabbed another win, the sixth one this season. Sasa Mihajlovic led Tamis with double-double, 34 points and 20 boards. Nemanja Maric had 19 points, 8 boards and 6 assists in Ergonom, who slipped on 8-6.

Vizura - Napredak 78-64
Stefan Sinovec, who nailed 19 points and pulled down 6 rebounds, helped Vizura to beat Napredak Rubin at home and to jump on 6-8. Visitors had only one player with double-digits in scoring and it was Dragan Markovic, 18 pts. Napredak 8-6.

Sloga - Swiss.Lions 74-81
After win in Kraljevo against Sloga, Swisslion Takovo is again on top of A league alone with 12-2. On the other side of the standings is Sloga, who has 4-10. Sasa Ocokoljic top-scored for Swisslion with 17 points, including 7 rebounds. Branko Jorovic also shined delivering 16 points and missing only one board for double-double. Sasa Stefanovic netted 17 pts in defeat.

Radnicki I. - Borac 83-75
Radnicki Invest Inzenjering crushed Borac handing it third defeat of the season. Stefan Fekete and Darko Vujacic nailed 21 points each for the hosts. Milan Bjegovic finished the game with double-double, 15 points and 10 boards. Borac got 20 points and 5 boards from Rastko Dramicanin. Radnicki 5-9.

Radnicki 034 - Novi Sad 86-88
Novi Sad surprised Radnicki 034 Group on the road moving up on 5-9 record. The same numbers also have Radnicki Invest Inzenjering and Masinac. Dusko Bunic led the scorers in Novi Sad with 27 points. He had 7 more rebounds beside that. Miljan Rakic was behind him with 16 pts. The hosts got 23 points and 8 rebounds from Rajko Kljajevic falling on 7-7.

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


All-Star teams announced - by Zeljko Zule
Kosarkarska zveza Slovenije has announced the starters chosen by fans for Friday's All-Star Game at Kranj.
WEST: Vlado Ilievski (Union Olimpija), Saso Ozbolt (Union Olimpija), Simon Finzgar (TCG Mercator), Dejan Cigoja (Geoplin Slovan), Mirza Begic (Union Olimpija) starters; Dejan Jovanovic (Epic Misel), Primoz Skok (TCG Mercator), Dejan Mlakar (Geoplin Slovan), Dejan Delic (Geoplin Slovan), Drago Pasalic (CPG Nova Gorica), Ales Kunc (Luka Koper), Jaka Blazic (Triglav). Substitutes: Marko Marcetic (CPG Nova Gorica), Antonio Zizic (Epic Misel), Drazen Bubnic (Luka Koper). Coach: Jure Zdovc (Union Olimpija). Assistant: Zoran Martic (Union Olimpija).
EAST: Simon Petrov (Krka), Nejc Strnad (Zlatorog), Davor Marcelic (Krka), Jure Balazic (Krka), Shawn King (Hopsi) starters; Gilbert Goodrich (Zagorje), Uros Lucic (Zlatorog), Ante Masic (Zlatorog), Nicholas Jacobson (Helios), Matej Krusic (Helios), Nikola Ivanovic (Elektra Esotech), Luka Lapornik (Alpos Sentjur). Substitutes: Vjekoslav Petrovic (Domzale), Dejan Dunovic (Alpos Sentjur), Danijel Vujasinovic (Hopsi). Coach: Ivan Sunara (Krka). Assistant: Leon Stipanicev (Krka).

*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA   


Mobis Regain No. 1 Slot, While Egis Plummeting - by Rick Ross
Mobis Regain No. 1 Slot, While Egis Plummeting

The Ulsan Mobis had regained the No. 1 spot of the Korean Basketball League (KBL) standings ? one week after relinquishing it.
The Yoo Jae-hak-led Mobis cruised through two tough match-ups against the SK Knights and KT&G Kites.
The 2006 KBL champion defeated the Seoul-based Knights
which added scorer Bang Sung-yoon to their lineup from the NBA Development League (NBDL)
87-84 with Kim Hyo-bum's three-pointer Thursday and then downed the Kites 82-79 Saturday.
Riding an eight-game winning stretch at home, the Mobis are atop the league table at the 15-6 mark.

For the defending champion Dongbu Promy, which led the league last week,
they suffered a two-game losing streak to drop to second.
Worse, they scored fewer than 60 points in those defeats
57 against the Samsung Thunders and 56 against the KTF MagicWings.
But they picked up a victory over ET Land BlackSlammer Sunday to stay at 15-8.
In Sunday's game, point guard Pyo Myung-il, who had recovered from injury,
scored 10 points with six assists and import Wendell Whiite, added 29 points.

While the Thunders flied high with five straight victories,
the preseason favorite KCC Egis are plummeting, losing seven games in a row.
The Thunders, which finished last week in seventh place,
managed a 66-64 victory over the league-tallest Egis in Seoul Sunday to climb to fifth.
Terrence Leather, an offensive threat, led his team to the triumph with 27
points and 17 rebounds in front of 8,942 fans ? the most at a match this season.
The Egis, which completed a remarkable two-three swap with the
BlackSlamer that included center Seo Jang-hoon, tried to change their gloomy mood but failed.
The Egis manager Huh Jae had attempted to make 'twin-towers'
with the two tallest Korean centers, Seo and Ha-Seung-jin, but they failed to produce a synergy effect.
To make the Egis' situation worse, the 2.21-meter tall Ha was injured during Saturday's match.

They slid down to eighth beside the SK Knights.

By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter

KBL Round: 16 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
ET Land B.Sl. - Dongbu Promy 74-89
Dongbu Promy is 15-7 on the second spot after 89:74 over ET Land. White Wendell led the way with 29 points, whilst Hwang Sung-In produced 15 points in the losing effort.

Samsung Th. - KCC Egis 66-64
Samsung defeated KCC Egis 66:64 as Leather Terrence was unstoppable with 27 points and 17 rebounds. Mitchell Carl had 24 points for the guests and Brand Micah added 20.

Dongbu Promy - KTF M.Wings 56-65
KTF M.Wings sent Dongbu Promy out of the top place after 65:56. Peters James enjoyed 14 points and Yang Hee-Seung followed him with 13. Lee Kwang-Jae chipped in 15 points in the losing effort.

LG Sakers - SK Knights 78-87
Shannon Terrence paced SK Knights over LG Sakers in a 87:78 victory with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Crump Brandon chipped in 26 points and 11 rebounds for the home side.

Mobis Phoebus - KT&G Kites 82-79
Mobis Phoebus is alone on throne with 15-6 record after the win over KT&G Kites 82:79. The 2006 KBL champion was led by Kim Hyo-Bum who had 18 points. Chandler Marquin produced 21 points and 7 boards in defeat.

Orions - SK Knights 76-83
Orions lost to SK Knights 76:83 in Regular Season Round 16. Shannon Terrence top-scored for the winners with 26 points and Bang Sung-Yun had 20. Daniels Chris shined with 34 points and 11 rebounds in defeat.

KT&G Kites - KTF M.Wings 80-75
KT&G Kites improved to 13-8 in the standings after the win over KTF M.Wings 80:75. Chandler Marquin paced all the winners with 30 points, while Joo Hee-Jung had 12. Peters James finished the night with 24 points in defeat.



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


ACB Round: 14 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Pamesa V. - DKV Joven. 80-97
DKV Joventut registered comfortable 17-point win in Valencia mostly owing to Simas Jasaitis, who stepped up with 25 points and 7 rebounds. Eduardo Hernandez-Sonseca and Jan-Hendrick Jagla helped with 15 points each. Hernandez-Sonseca had 8 more rebounds beside that. Pamesa got 19 points from Albert Oliver and 16 from recovered Vule Avdalovic. DKV Joventut is the fourth ranked team with 9-4 record (same as Granca). Pamesa is on the seventh place, together with Granada and Manresa (7-7).

Kalise G.C. - Iurbentia B. 99-80
Granca didn't have to work very hard in order to beat Bilbao. Carl English came up with 22 points and 5 rebounds, while James Augustine also shined with 15 points and 6 boards. The hosts had five other players with ten or more points. Salvador Guardia contributed with 24 pts in loss. Granca 9-4, Bilbao 6-7.

CAI Zaragoza - Tau 84-94
Tau grabbed it in Zaragoza remaining the leading team of ACB with impressive 12-1 record. On the other side, the hosts slipped on 4-9. Igor Rakocevic once again led the scorers in Tau delivering 24 points. Tiago Splitter had 15, while Mirza Teletovic also shined with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Taurean Green was better than the others in loss with 23 pts.

A.G. Fuenla - Cajasol 84-79
Brad Oleson and Kristaps Valters combined 38 for Fuenla leading it to sixth victory this season. Nikoloz Tskitishvili helped them with 12 pts and 7 boards. Juan Triguero replied with 16 points and 9 rebs, while Michal Ignerski also added 16 pts, but with 5 boards. Fuenla 6-7, Cajasol 1-12.

Regal Barca - Real Madrid 87-67
Regal Barca outplayed Real Madrid in big derby with plus 20. Big Guy David Andersen shined for the hosts netting 22 points. JC Navarro had 16, while Ersan Ilyasova drained 11 points for the winners. Felipe Reyes answered for Real with 20 points and 8 boards. Alex Mumbru poured in 15 and grabbed 6 rebounds. Barca 10-3, Real 8-5.

MMT Estudia. - Bruesa 71-77
Lou Roe, who delivered 22 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, paced Bruesa to road win against Estu. Tom Wideman and Carlos Suarez had 13 points each for the host squad. Bruesa 5-8, Estu 3-10.

ViveMenorca - Granada 78-74
Very important win for ViveMenorca, who jumped on 12th place with 5-8 score. Bruesa also has the same digits. Pooh Jeter was a key player for the hosts nailing 29 points for 33 minutes. Marino Bazdaric followed with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Curtis Borchardt had double-double in defeat, 24 points and 10 rebounds. Granada 7-7.

Ricoh Man. - Unicaja 81-75
Ricoh Manresa managed to crush Unicaja mostly owing to Josh Asselin and Javier Bulfoni, which scored 20 points apiece. Roman Montanez also had important role in his team adding 16 pts. Unicaja got 19 points from Thomas Kelati and 16 pts from Marcus Haislip. Unicaja stays on the second place with 10-3 (same as Regal Barca).

LEB Gold Round: 14 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Leon - Tenerife 96-103
Excellent road win for Tenerife as both teams entered into this round with 8-5 record. Lamont Hamilton was a key player for the winning squad delivering 19 points and gabbing 11 rebounds. Francisco Sanchez also shined with 19 pts, while Jose Angel Antelo stopped n 18 points and 5 rebs. Eulis Baez and Craig Bradshaw replied with 42 points and 15 boards for Leon.

Burgos - Melilla 75-84
As Alicante, Melilla also celebrated on the round for pretty decent 11-3. Juan Manuel Ruiz top-scored for the winners with 16 points. Diego Garcia had 21 in defeat. Burgos 8-6.

Gandia Basq. - Alicante 66-76
Alicante cruised past Gandia on the road remaining on top of LEB Gold, together with Melilla (11-3). Kyle Hill scored 16, while Jose Urtasun had 2 points less. Taylor Coppenrath followed with 13 pts and 5 boards. Sasa Zagorac contributed with 16 points in loss. His Gandia fell on poor 2-12.

Illescas - Rosalia 66-58
Ilescas grabbed this one thanks to Duane Virgil and his 21 points. Georgios Dedas led the scorers in Rosalia with 12 points. The hosts improved on 5-9, while Rosalia stays on one joy so far.

Cl.Rincon - La Palma 78-75
Vitor Faverani demonstrated magnificent performance for his Clinicas Rincon collecting 34 points and 9 rebounds for 35 minutes. Thomas Terrell answered for the loosing side with 28 points and 10 boards. Clinicas Rincon 7-7, La Palma 5-9.

Mallorca - Vic 88-83
Tyler Tiedeman and Juan Riera combined 52 points for Mallorca leading it to sixth win of the season. Vic's best player was Mattew Kiefer, who drained 24 points and pulled down 6 rebounds. Vic now has 6-8.

Los Barrios - Leche Rio 74-73
Tiny home win for Los Barrios and 7-7 in LEB Gold. Ricardo Guilen shined for the winners with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Jesus Castro had 14. Daniel Lopez and Brian Cusworth scored 17 points each for the visitors. Leche Rio 9-5.

La Laguna - Plus Pujol 80-93
8-6 for Plus Pujol and 6-8 for La Laguna after this game. Rafael Hettsheimeier was totally the best payer in victory with 27 points and 7 rebounds. Jason Detrick delivered 23 for the loosing squad.

Valladolid - Caceres 70-58
Stephane Dumas, who nailed 23 points and dished out 5 assists, led his Valladolid to 10-4 score. It is enough for third place 14 rounds. Diego Guaita came up with 18 points and 8 rebounds for Caceres (7-7).

Market News - by Robert Mayor
- Tomas Van Den Spiegel (214-C-78) is new Real Madrid player for the remainder of the season. Player that was close to sign with several Spanish teams during summer, finally decided to play for Azovmash Mariupol. Now, center arrives to capital team after Joan Plaza's squad decided not to continue with Lazaros Papadopoulos.

- Also in ACB, Jerome Moiso (208-C/F-78, college: UCLA) returns to DKV Joventut after his Russian adventure. French center leaves Sergio Scariolo's Khimki and joins again the team that last year saw the best Moiso basketball. Player has signed a two years deal, it means he will play for Badalona club for the rest of the season and will continue untill 2010.

*****************************************************
  TANZANIA   


Basketball team gear up for zonal meet - by Carlos Pereira
The National basketball team is expected to start residential training early next month ahead of the Africa zone five championship set for Kigali a month later.

According to the president of the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) President, Richard Kasesela, the camp was delayed due to cash problems. Initially, TBF had planned training sessions to start this month.

TBF has failed to raise the required Sh8,340,000 that would have catered for a six-month training programme as per the body's calendar.
'We have failed to raise the sum for our planned four phase training programme, so it has been trimmed down to two. However, we are still in need of Sh9.02 to meet the two phase training programme and compete in the championship,' said Kasesela.

He said the new revised training session will start in Kahama for two weeks before proceeding to Kigali for the tourney.

Kasesela was not in a position to say what would happen in the event the body fails to raise the stated sum of money to meet training expenditures. Tanzania would field two teams that have been selected out of players who excelled during the Taifa Cup championships that ended last month in Dar es Salaam.

The players forming the teams are: Men: Frank Kusiga, Ashraph Harun, Edward Robert, Paschal Nsana, Abdallah 'Dulla' Ramadhan, Francis Mlelwa, Frank Agustino, Sudi A|bdallah Razak, Mohamed Ally Dibo, Oswald Maboko and Amon Semberya.
Others are Kafashe Abdallah, Tarimo George, Juma Kissoky, Mgindi Mkumbo, Amiri Muhidini, Batungi Gilbert, Alphonse Kusekwa, Jije Makani, Hasheem Thabit and Alex George.

Women: Annosiata Anthony, Agnes Simkonda, Jabu Shabani, Grace Peter, Fraja Malaki Evodia Kazinja, Elizabeth Masenyi, Naima Boli, Mary Meshack, Nipaeli Kessy, Amina Ahmed, Neema Emanuel, Monica Aloyce Zakia Kondo, Dajda Ahmed, Dolita Mbunda, Hadija Kalambo Lucy Sangu, Lucy Augustino Other teams expected to compete in the tournament include Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Burundi, Somalia, Zanzibar and hosts Rwanda.

Hooplife, Oilers start well - by Carlos Pereira
By Malyo Njedengwa

Hooplife started well their Kili RBA League campaign when they defeated TM Rockets 46-38 in a men's game at the Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam, yesterday.
The winners were leading 21-17 until the breather. Misoji Charles scored 15 points while Mushily Mudiry registered seven to steer the newcomers into victory. Robert Hallide and Crispin Mrema scored 16 and six points, respectively for the losers.
Oilers crushed Chui 56-49 in the second men's match. Oilers were ahead 24-19 until the breather.
Lusanjo Samwel and Gerald Baru emerged the highest goal getters when they scored 18 and 14 points respectively for the victors. Scorers for Chui were Doto Charles (11) and Joseph Mbozu (9).

Defending champion Vijana came from behind to hit Savio 56-51 in the opening match on Saturday.
Savio were ahead 25-22 until the first half.

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  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO   


Courts Horizon retains Women Club Championships - by Albert-Lee Young
Courts Horizon defeated Defense Force 70-67 in game 3 to retain their NBFTT Club Championships at the Maloney Indoor Sports Arena. The best of three series was a close battle from the inception with only a total 10 points difference separating both teams in three games. Defense Force won Game 1, 60-64 and Horizon rebounding in Game 2, 83-80.
With an experienced line up that included former WNBA guard Pietra Gay, national duo of centre Chezelle Griffith and junior forward Joelissa Cooper Horizon gained the early advantage with 13-9 first quarter lead. However as the game progressed the army team led by forwards Crystal George and Stacy Sparks went on an 18-15 run to end the first half one point behind, 27-28. The third quarter saw Horizon built a five point advantage through a combined effort of 15 points from Gay and Cooper for a 46-41 lead.
In a hectic final quarter there were several lead changes. First the Defense Force forged ahead 65-63 with 1.32 playing time remaining. Horizons Griffith levelled the score at 65-65 and Adina Cummings scored 1-2 foul shots to put Horizon ahead 66-65. With time running out (29sec) Cooper scored a lay-up for a three point lead (68-65), next possession Tricia Liverpool scored a jumper for one point deficit 67-68. And with 14 seconds left, Gay scored 2-2 from the foul throw line to secure the first back-back championships in the women's division.
For the winners Cooper had 23pts, 8rebs, 6steals, 3 assists; Pietra Gay 22pts, 12 rebs, 3 assists, 1 steal; Chezelle Griffith 10pts, 10 rebs. Defense Force were led by Crystal George 26pys, 11 rebs, 1 assist, 3 steals; Nacatty Hazzard 13pts, 13 rebs.


Standings - Men
Super Ten Standings
 1. Defence Force 3-0 
 2. Raptors 3-0 
 3. Lions 3-1 
 4. Pacers 2-1 
 5. Shaq Attack 1-0 
 6. Jazz 1-2 
 7. NFM 1-2 
 8. UTT 0-0 
 9. Mirak Stars 0-0 
 10. Clippers 0-1 
 11. Heat 0-3 
 12. All-Stars 0-3 


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  TURKEY   


Standings - TBL
TBL Standings
 1. Efes Pilsen 10-1 
 2. Galatasaray 10-1 
 3. T.Telekom 8-3 
 4. Fener.Ulker 8-3 
 5. Banvit 7-4 
 6. Mersin 6-5 
 7. Aliaga 6-5 
 8. Antalya 6-5 
 9. Karsiyaka 5-6 
 10. Darussafaka 5-6 
 11. Besiktas 5-6 
 12. Oyak Renault 4-7 
 13. Selcuk Uni. 4-7 
 14. Erdemir 2-9 
 15. TED Koleji 1-10 
 16. Kepez Bld 1-10 


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  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


Day 3 - 20th Dubai Int'l Tournament - by Mohammed Malas

* Monday 22/12:

# Group A:

Al Jalaa Aleppo (SYR) 89 - Al Ittihad Alexandria (EGY) 71 (23-14, 49-28, 66-50 & 89-71)
- Best scorers:
John Thomas (205-F/C-75, college: Minnesota) '22 pts' from Al Jalaa Aleppo
Michel Maadanli (196-G-81, agency: Huss Sport Agency) '12 pts' from Al Jalaa Aleppo

# Group A standings:
1- An Nasr (UAE) 1-1
2- Al Jalaa Aleppo (SYR) 1-1
3- Champville (LEB) 1-0
4- Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (LEB)1-0
5- Al Ittihad Alexandria (EGY) 0-2


# Group B:

Mahram (IRI) 82 - UAE National Team 69 (Qs: 24-21, 50-40, 71-52 & 82-69)
- Best scorers:
Nebojsa Bogavac (199-G-73, agency: Beo Basket) '32 pts' from Mahram

Zain (JOR) 89 - Al Jeish Army Damascus (SYR) 69 (Qs: 19-13, 41-24, 71-44 & 89-61)
- Best scorers:
Muhia Kasaballi (210-C-84) '19 pts' from Al Jeish Army Damascus
Moussa Al Awadi (190-G/F-85) '16 pts' from Zain
Ontario Lett (198-F-79, agency: BrezoPro, college: Pittsburgh) '15 pts' from Zain
Mike Christensen (203-G/F-85, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: New Hampshire) '15 pts' from Zain

# Group B standings:
1- Zain (JOR) 1-0
2- Al Moutahed Tripoli (LEB) 1-1
3- Mahram (IRI) 1-0
4- Al Jeish Army Damascus (SYR) 0-2
5- UAE National Team 0-2

* The former Spanish NT player Oscar Yebra (200-F-74, agency: Court Side) is the 2nd import of Mahram (IRI) with the montenegrin froward Nebojsa Bogavac.


# Day 4 - 20th Dubai International Tournament (GMT):
- Tuesday 23/12:
10:45 Mahram X Army
12:45 UAE X Mouttahed
15:00 Riyadi X Ittihad
17:00 Champville X Jalaa



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  VENEZUELA   


I go for the Championship - by Wolfgang Lucena
The horse became a Bull and wants a championship. Alejandro Flores aka the Horse will be with Toros de Aragua former Gatos de Monagas from the beginning of the 2009 season. Alejandro Flores had a tremendous basketball season in Venezuela last year. He was among the best basketball players of the 2008 season. Also, Alejandro Flores was the only Latino imported player, with the foreign stars in the all star game played in Barquisimeto, Lara state. During the summer of 2008 Alejandro Flores leaves Gatos in Venezuela to join Miami Heat for the NBA summer camp, as well as the senior National Team of the Dominican Republic counted on Alejandro Flores this year to play in the CENTROBASKET games held in Cancun Mexico.
Alejandro Flores has been improving a lot as professional basketball player. Basketball teams as Estudiantes Del Gurico and Pescadores de Sucre from the Venezuela National League still kept good memories from Alejandro Flores, whom thanks to his performance with both of them during the 2007 National League tournament, Flores gained the invitation to go with Duros de Lara to the South American Basketball Clubs tournament in Brazil. Next season, Alejandro Flores (202-F-81, college: E.Oklahoma St. JC) is focused in one target; the trophy of the 2009 Professional Basketball League of Venezuela.

' I don't know how hard is going to be, I don't care, but I want it and I'm going to try to get it.' Alejandro Flores

New People, not more from the same - by Carlos Santander
Everything looks like thirty five years as coach, between amateur and professional basketball, weren't good enough for the ego of Jesus Cordovez to try to puts his name over everybody in Venezuela. Normally, the person whom haven't been too successful with his assignments, should be removed from his position or job and give the opportunity to some one else to take over it. This is the case. When the Venezuela Basketball Federation's president decides to remove out Jesus Cordoves from his position of the federation's coaching staff, he begun to attack Carmelo Cortez's managements.
Why he didn't complain before or while he had incomes from FVB? Now he wants to come out with a recycle group and with a fiction European project trying to show him as a superhero. He is better known as the worst talking person when he is removed from his jobs. He thinks that nobody is good, but him
Its truth, Basketball in Venezuela is passing thru a transition, also is understandable that Carmelo Cortez is not suppose to be the president of the federation forever, but Venezuela's Basketball need new and honest people. Opening free elections could be a good idea.
There are many Venezuelan that have been trying, since many years ago, being part of the federation, being listened or at least have the chance to share their ideas with them, but this fact, never has been possible because the federation belong to a group and Jesus Cordoves is part of them.
Venezuela has 22 states, more than 26 millions of habitants, lets don't mistake once again we need NEW PEOPLE in the Venezuela Basketball Federation.

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  WABA   


FIBA-Asia events 2009 - by Mohammed Malas
Below you will find the schedule fo the upcoming tournanaments which will be helded under the flag of FIBA-Asia, Zones tournaments will be announced later.

Asian Clubs Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia (May 12-20/2009)
25th Asian Championship for NTs in Tianjin, China (September 1-9/2009)

The Asian Clubs Championship 2010 will give the qualification for the winner to World Clubs Championship which may be hosted by China in October, 2010 as big preperations will happen to secure the participation of top clubs in Asia esspecially the East Asian teams.



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Women News

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  ARGENTINA - Women  


The league has new Champion - by Richard
Central Entrerriano is in the llevo the cliff. And suffered much but finally achieved the doblegar Velez Sarsfield, who were selling their carsima defeat. The result of 74 to 57 are condice in with what was the process of the game, but doing so in the season the Mesopotamia were quite fair campeon. Unin Florida was third.

Central Entrerriano and suffered much, but finally it shows a great final against Velez Sarsfield, for 74 to 57. Galley and Tamburini were the Abanderados of this deception for the picture entrerriano, who had to battle until the end to doblegar al hasta hare unas that hour was the bicampen del certamen.

Velez Sarsfield was that the coup-start, mostrndose agreed with their LANZAMIENTOS outside, and planted in a man to man defense that the complicated las cosas al owner of the house. Almost from the first seconds of Capital Federal for girls were found up 7-0, and Bertoni needed to move the bank to raise its team.

Central Entrerriano (74): Laura Gonzalez (165-G-80) 15, Liliana Tamburini 14, Noelia Mendoza (182-F/C-80) 12, Mara Vctor Martnez 0 and Andrea Galley 23 (original); Rita Isasmendi 10, Pascal Maria 0, Priscilla Ramirez 0 and Juliana Nobile 0. DT: Danilo Bertoni.

Velez Sarsfield (57): Sandra Pavn 10, Daniela Benvenuto (-85) 4, Paula Budio 2, Paula Gatti (177-G/F-78) 13 and Ornella Bachinni 5 (original); Paula Reggiardo 14, Marina Cava 5 (X), Macarena Rosset 0, Ornella Santana 4, Iliana Sanchez 0 and Regina Calandra 0. DT: Gabriel Guss.

Courtesy of Pick n Roll

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  AUSTRIA - Women  


The leaders stay tuned - by Eurobasket News
The AWBL defending champions Flying Foxes made it ten wins out of ten games as they cruised past Graz 100:47 at home court. The hosts stepped on the gas right from the start piling up a 29:9 lead after ten minutes of the clash. They ballooned the lead up to 33 points at halftime and remained contestant in the second half. So as the result another comprehensive win for Flying Foxes as they solely lead in the league. Martina Remler (185-F/C-75) knocked down 19 points to lead the way for Flying Foxes. Crista Ricketts (185-F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: La Salle) had 12 points for the winners. Marianna Kuras (182-F-81) and Nora Kampitsch (181-C-88) answered with 12 points apiece for Graz.
Herzogenburg stayed in the second spot in the ladder as they posted the eighth win. This time UBBC narrowly defeated Klosternueburg 65:62 on the road. The visitors got to a brave start and enjoyed an 11-point lead at the interval. They remained on the way to a comfortable victory piling up a 21-point lead before the fourth term. However Herzogenburg slowed down to early and nearly wasted all of this massive advantage. The hosts won the final stanza 23:5 but stopped just several points off the needed result. Jordan Wilson (186-F/C-83, college: Wisconsin) scored 18 points to pace Herzogenburg. Monikka Anthony (188-C-85) added 14 points in the win. Sophia Plank (178-G/F-83) answered with 18 points for the home team.
Finally Wels managed the sixth victory as they rolled past Vienna 87 101:65 on the road. Wels built a 49:29 cushion at halftime and never looked back en route to a solid victory.

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  BELARUS - Women  


Standings - Women
Premier League Standings
 1. Berezina 12-0 
 2. Olimpia 12-0 
 3. Minsk-2006 8-4 
 4. Victoria 6-6 
 5. BrGU 4-8 
 6. Sozh Gomel 3-9 
 7. Mogilevchanka 3-9 
 8. RGUOR 0-12 


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  BELGIUM - Women  


Dexia too good for BBC Boom - by Eurobasket News
Dexia overcame a slow start to knock down BBC Boom for the 12th straight win in the D1 season. BBC Boom managed to challenge their renowned opponents. The visitors jumped to an early lead and held on to a 26:15 advantage at the end of the first frame. But the reigning champions quickly came back to life. They fired the visitors down 25:9 in the second period to grab a 40:35 lead at the interval. A 31:9 third quarter rally allowed Dexia to cruise in the final minutes of this one. Krystyna Szymanska-Lara (173-G-69) scored 19 points to lead the charge. Stephanie Dubuc (175-F/G-85) added 18 points, while Olesya Malashenko (188-F-91, agency: LBM Management) and Romina Ciappina (180-F/G-88) finished with 12 points each for the winners. Ilse Van den Vonder (174-F-80) scored 19 points to lead BBC Boom.
Waregam claimed the ninth win as they raced past Houthalen 91:68. The first quarter became the decisive one as Waregam clinched a 31:9 advantage. They outscored Houthalen 23:13 in the second period building an unassailable 32-point advantage at halftime. Houthalen was able to trim the deficit a little bit in the second half but never seriously threatened the hosts. Inge Op De Beeck (176-F-85) nailed 20 points for the winners. Angele Boucquey (175-F-81) had 18 points as Waregam stayed in the second position in the ladder. Miete Celus (175-G/F-91) dropped 15 points for Houthalen in defeat.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Gambrinus, USK Praha take more scalps - by Eurobasket News
USK Praha maintained their leading position in the Czech league. At the weekend they posted the fourteenth straight win in the ZBL and remained undefeated. Peckova scored 23 points and grabbed 7 rebounds as USK Praha trounced Tabor 102:56 at home court. The hosts opened the game with 11 unanswered points to mark the dominance. Swin Cash and Katerina Elhotova (179-G-89) later capped the opening frame with 4 straight points and the hosts led 32:14. USK Praha limited their opponents to 6 points in the second frame and entered the second half ahead by 47 points. Tabor found no answer for the onslaught in the reminder of the contest and lost the 12th game in the season. Katerina Elhotova finished with 20 points, while Michaela Ferancikova (190-F-77) added 12 points for the winners. Tereza Kuthanova (178-F-87) had 16 points for Tabor in the loss.
Gambrinus thumped Slovanka 90:53 for the 13th win in the tournament. Romana Hejdova (183-F-88) nailed 20 points to lead the way for the defending champions. Tamika Whitmore (187-C/F-77, college: Memphis) contributed 15 points for the Brno team. Nezdarilova topscored with 16 points for Slovanka.
Valosun eased past Strakonice 88:71 behind 32 points from Britany Miller (193-C-87, college: Florida St.). Michaela Zrustova (183-F-87) produced 20 points and 6 boards as Valosun improved at 9-5 record. Valosun trailed by 7 points at halftime but came back to life in the second half and managed the victory at the end. Jitka Musilova (184-C/F-84) answered with 21 points and 8 boards for Strakonice in defeat.

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  FRANCE - Women  


LFB Round: 15 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Arras - Tarbes 56-85
Tarbes outplayed Arras on the road mostly owing to fantastic Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui, who collected 16 points and 20 rebounds (6 off). Polina Tzekova also was on high level netting 13 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Vaida Sipaviciute shined for the hosts with 20 points and 14 boards. With this victory Tarbes remains on top of LFB, together with Bourges (14-1). On the other side, Arras fell on 5-10.

Montpellier - Clermont 80-72
Montpellier grabbed home win vs Clermont jumping on 8-7 record. Sheana Mosch stepped up for the winning squad with 22 points and 6 rebounds. Emma Randall delivered 19 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for Clermont (4-11).

Reims - Landes 65-68
Ekatarina Dimitrova, who scored 19 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out 6 assists, paced her Landes to road win against Reims. Marions Laborde also was good netting 16 pts. Reims got 19 points from Amelie Pochet. Landes 3-12, Reims 6-9.

Bourges - ESB Villeneu. 67-50
Bourges registered comfortable home win vs Villeneuve and together with Tarbes keep the top of LFB with 14-1 score. Ana Lelas drained 15, while Endene Miyem helped the winning squad with 13 pts. Visitors got 12 points and 13 rebs from Geraldine Robert. Villeneuve 9-6.

Aix-en-Prov. - COB Calais 70-57
Pays D'Aix Basket was too strong for Calais at home, thus both teams are on the same 8-7 record now. Hollie Grima led the hosts with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Kristen Sharp followed her also netting 16 pts. Anne-Sophie Pagnier led the scorers in Calais with 17 pts, but its best player for sure was Lauren Neaves, who collected 12 points and 18 rebounds.

Union Hainaut - Challes 52-49
9-6 for Union Hainaut and 10-5 for Challes after this game. Mudju Ngoysa was a key player for the hosts with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Martina Luptakova had 10 pts in defeat.

Mondeville - Nantes 79-70
Lena Williams, Rankica Sarenac and Jennifer Digbeu combined 49 points and 15 boards for Mondeville leading it to 6-9 in LFB. Sandrine Ronot replied with 16 pts for Nantes, who stays on just 1 win in 15 appearances.

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  GREECE - Women  


Athinaikos stay unbeaten - by Eurobasket News
Athinaikos cruised past Paghiakos to register the eleventh straight win in the season. The Greek powerhouse jumped to a stunning start as they thumped their opponents 23:4 in the opening stanza. Paghiakos came back to life in the second frame and but it was too late to stop Athinaikos. The hosts breezed to a 94:50 victory remaining on top of the standings. Afroditi Kosma (187-F/C-83) and Nikol Souli had 14 points in the win. LaToya Davis (186-F/C-84, college: Texas Tech) added 13 points for Athinaikos. Dora Mastrogiannidou (188-F-80) dropped 12 points for Paghiakos in the losing case.
Panathinaikos earned the eighth win as they held off Megas Alexandros 90:69 before the home fans. Alexandros stayed close throughout the first frame and the teams were tied at 22 after ten minutes. But Panathinaikos stepped on the gas in the second frame. They looked more consistent and built an 11-point lead at the interval. Megas Alexandros trimmed it to 10 points before the fourth term but never got any closer losing the battle. Anthoula Balta (178-G-87) scored 20 points for Panathinaikos. Parthena Nikolaidou (190-C/F-79) added 15 points for the winners. Zafiro Koufogianni (188-C-87) nailed 20 points and collected 10 boards for Alexandros in the loss.
P.Faliro grabbed the seventh victory as they overwhelmed Ano Liosia at home court. The hosts won the starting frame with an amazing 19:1 score. Ano Liosia looked upset and never rebounded after such a start losing 44:65 at the end. Fotini Volonaki (167-G-82) and Tina Miller scored 13 points each to lead Faliro. Kathrine Koch (173-G-83, college: Missouri St.) netted game-high 18 points for Ano Liosia.

Standings - Women
A1 Standings
 1. Athinaikos 11-0 
 2. Esperides 10-1 
 3. Panathinaikos 8-2 
 4. P.Faliro 7-4 
 5. Aris H. 6-4 
 6. Apollon K. 6-5 
 7. Panionios 5-6 
 8. Ano Liosa 5-6 
 9. Apollon P. 5-6 
 10. M.Aleksandros 3-7 
 11. Olympiada L. 3-8 
 12. Paghiakos 2-8 
 13. Siemens 2-9 
 14. Kastoria 0-11 


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  ITALY - Women  


Standings A1 (W)
A1 Standings
 1. Parma 9-2 
 2. Faenza 8-3 
 3. Taranto 8-3 
 4. Venezia 7-4 
 5. Comense 7-4 
 6. Schio 7-4 
 7. San Giovanni 7-4 
 8. Pozzuoli 5-6 
 9. Priolo 5-6 
 10. Vomero NA 4-7 
 11. Umbertide 4-7 
 12. Livorno 3-8 
 13. Ribera 2-9 
 14. Viterbo 1-10 


Serie A1 day-11: boxscores - by Carlo Grilli
ACP Livorno - Acer Erg Priolo 49 - 55
(10-16, 21-28, 38-41)
ACP LIVORNO: Franchini M. 4 (1/1, 0/2), Pastore C. 11 (4/8, 0/3), Bade K. 15 (5/10, 1/3), Buccianti E. (0/1), Mariani F. 7 (2/4, 1/2), Gaither K. 2 (1/8, 0/1), Bagnara B. 2 (0/3, 0/5), Balestri A. dnp, Montagna S. dnp, Ruzickova M. 8 (4/8, 0/1). Coach Novello Guido
ACER ERG PRIOLO: Gianolla A. 9 (3/4, 1/2), Susanna Bonfiglio (178-G-74) 12 (2/2), Green D. 7 (1/8, 1/2), Milazzo O. (0/1), Cirov T. 2 (1/2), Rashidat S. dnp, Seino T. (0/4), Sciacca B. 2 (1/2, 0/1), Pascalau F. 20 (8/12), Meneghel R. 3 (0/2, 1/2). Coach Coppa Santino

Banco di Sicilia Ribera - Umana Venezia 67 - 93
(10-26, 31-49, 45-72)
BANCO DI SICILIA RIBERA: Falauto Perez S. dnp, Colico R. 4 (1/2, 0/1), Bonafede M. 5 (2/7), Creamer M. 19 (1/4, 5/8), Romagnoli A. , Riccardi E. dnp, Montagnino J. 22 (7/11, 1/3), Chones K. 13 (4/14), Moody M. 2 (0/2, 0/1), Perfetti C. 2 (1/2, 0/2). Coach Anselmo Paolo Francesco
UMANA VENEZIA: Corradini L. dnp, Sottana G. 13 (3/3, 2/5), Ballardini S. 18 (4/5, 3/4), Cirone M. 5 (1/2, 1/1), Andrade M. 3 (0/1, 1/3), Nadalin J. 12 (6/8), Giauro E. 7 (3/4), Jokic D. 10 (4/8), Aleksandra Vujovic (182-G-80, agency: LBM Management) 19 (2/2, 5/11), Hayden V. 6 (3/6). Coach Riga Massimo

Club Atletico Faenza - Liomatic Umbertide 70 - 63
(17-20, 38-39, 50-51)
CLUB ATLETICO FAENZA: Moises P. 15 (2/8, 3/8), Erkic M. 6 (3/5, 0/1), Ramon E. dnp, Modica F. 8 (2/5, 1/5), Stakneviciene E. 7 (1/5, 0/1), Mendes Da Silva T. dnp, Santucci L. 4 (0/1), Milka Bjelica (193-F-81) 21 (7/11, 1/4), Zampella A. 7 (1/2, 1/3), Alexander M. 2 (1/4). Coach Rossi Paolo
LIOMATIC UMBERTIDE: Rossi C. 3 (0/1, 1/5), Battisodo V. 3 (1/3), Giorgi S. , Gelfusa L. dnp, Arcangeli A. dnp, Bonaldo E. 9 (3/4, 1/2), Callens E. 21 (4/7, 3/5), Hodges D. 15 (2/8, 1/4), Brown A. 4 (2/6), Willis C. 8 (4/7). Coach Serventi Lorenzo

Famila Wber Schio - Napoli Basket Vomero 84 - 61
(22-9, 47-21, 62-45)
FAMILA WBER SCHIO: Antibe N. 14 (6/7), Moro E. 19 (2/3, 5/7), Humphrey N. 9 (3/4, 0/1), Feaster A. 9 (3/5), Pantani C. , Masciadri R. 8 (2/5), Masha Maiorano (190-F-82) 6 (0/2, 2/3), Ress K. 10 (5/7), Ciampoli F. 1 (0/1), Macchi L. 8 (2/3, 0/4). Coach Orlando Sandro
NAPOLI BASKET VOMERO: Eric M. 7 (2/5, 1/1), Gatti G. 7 (1/1, 1/3), Mauriello P. 6 (3/4, 0/2), Giauro S. 10 (4/5), Paterna S. 5 (1/2, 1/1), Gentile I. 1 (0/1), Laaksonen N. (0/2), Dos Santos C. 12 (5/10), Robinson S. 13 (4/10, 1/3), Stamegna L. dnp. Coach Fossati Fabio

G.M.A. Phonica Pozzuoli - Lavezzini Parma 73 - 69 ot
(9-18, 26-30, 45-45, 63-63)
G.M.A. PHONICA POZZUOLI: Aties Isaac Z. (0/4), Favento S. 2 (1/2, 0/3), Andjelic N. 15 (1/5, 4/8), Aili F. 14 (7/10), Ferazzoli I. dnp, Benko L. , Minervino M. , Danzi D. 8 (4/8), Adriana Grasso (188-C-74) 10 (3/10), Dixon T. 24 (8/17, 0/1). Coach Palumbo Carlo Fulvio
LAVEZZINI PARMA: Pieropan I. dnp, Paparazzo E. 8 (4/6), Zara F. 2 (1/6, 0/5), Vilipic D. 27 (10/13), Summerton L. 15 (5/11), Micovic M. 2 (1/6, 0/2), Porter N. 9 (3/7, 1/4), Screen J. 6 (2/3, 0/3), Pozzati A. dnp, Manzini L.. Coach Scanzani Maurizio

Gescom MCI Viterbo - Cras Basket Taranto 51 - 65
(6-14, 26-25, 39-41)
GESCOM MCI VITERBO: Micovic M. 11 (3/7, 1/1), Magaddino E. (0/6, 0/1), Maimone S. dnp, Petricca V. dnp, Franchetti M. 7 (3/4, 0/4), Piroli V. 8 (4/8), Cusenza C. , Marchesano M. 14 (4/5), Butler J. 11 (3/4). Coach Agresti Claudio
CRAS BASKET TARANTO: Mahoney M. 15 (3/4, 2/3), Masoni M. dnp, Bello M. 8 (1/1, 1/2), Zimerle A. 16 (6/7, 1/2), David I. 8 (3/5), Sanchez R. 3 (0/1, 1/2), Prado F. , Elodie Godin (190-C-85) 9 (4/7), Batkovic S. 6 (3/12, 0/2), Russo E.. Coach Ricchini Roberto

Pool Comense - Bracco Geas S.S. Giovanni 74 - 63
(17-25, 30-45, 50-49)
POOL COMENSE: Fassina M. 2 (1/3), Silva E. (0/3), Hall V. 12 (4/7, 1/2), Invernizzi M. (0/1), Gergana Slavcheva (186-F-79) 14 (4/7, 2/6), Limoura L. 5 (1/4, 1/2), Smith B. 17 (7/11, 0/1), Fazio M. 17 (3/6, 2/5), Donvito V. 7 (2/2, 1/1), Sarni S. dnp. Coach Montini Walter
BRACCO GEAS S.S.GIOVANNI: Arturi G. (0/1, 0/1), Tillis I. 7 (3/8, 0/4), Penicheiro T. 11 (5/9, 0/2), Zanon M. 8 (3/9), Schieppati V. dnp, Calastri A. dnp, Twehues K. 11 (0/3, 3/7), Crippa M. 8 (3/8, 0/3), Frantini M. 2 (1/2, 0/8), Machanguana C. 16 (8/12). Coach Galli Roberto

Standings A2 Women - by Carlo Grilli
A2 Standings
North
 1. Cavezzo 11-1 
 2. Marghera 10-2 
 3. Lucca 10-2 
 4. Udine 8-4 
 5. Reggio Emilia 8-4 
 6. Bologna 6-6 
 7. Cervia 6-6 
 8. Biassono 5-7 
 9. Montigarda 5-7 
 10. Broni 4-8 
 11. San Bonifacio 3-9 
 12. Bolzano 3-9 
 13. Crema 3-9 
 14. San Martino 2-10 
South
 1. Pontedera 11-1 
 2. Pomezia 10-2 
 3. Cagliari CUS 9-3 
 4. Cagliari Tr. 8-4 
 5. Ancona 7-5 
 6. Siena 6-6 
 7. Alcamo 6-6 
 8. Napoli 6-6 
 9. Chieti 6-6 
 10. S.Elpidio 5-7 
 11. Firenze 3-9 
 12. La Spezia 3-9 
 13. Rende 3-9 
 14. Alghero 1-11 


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  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


Standings - Women
DBBL Standings
 1. Residence 10-2 
 2. Etzella 10-2 
 3. T71 Dudelange 9-3 
 4. Basket Esch 8-4 
 5. AB Contern 8-4 
 6. Musel Pikes 7-5 
 7. Amicale 5-7 
 8. Grengewald 2-10 
 9. Racing 1-11 
 10. Schieren 0-12 


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  SPAIN - Women  


LFB Round: 13 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Mann Filter - Estudiantes 67-64
Mann Filter escaped with a tiny home win against Estu mostly owing to Laura Antoja and her 16 points. Estela Rojo was behind her with 13, while LaToya Thomas added 11 pts and 9 boards. Sandra Ygueravide had 14, while Leah Rush netted 13 points and grabbed 8 boards in loss. Mann Filter 5-8, Estu 3-10.

Rivas Ecopolis - Real C.Vigo 64-68
Celta Vigo surprised powerful Rivas Ecopolis on the road thanks to excellent Laura Nichols, who drained 22 points and pulled down 5 rebounds. Agne Ciudariene helped her with 14 points and 4 rebs. The hosts got 20 points from Jelena Dubljevic and 17 points and 12 boards from Petra Ujhelyi. Vigo 6-7, Rivas Ecopolis 10-3 (third place).

Hondar.-Irun - Gran Canaria 72-84
3-10 for Granca and 5-8 for Hondarribia-Irun after this game. Iva Perovanovic shined for Granca with 21 points and 5 rebs. Ines Kresovic had 18 pts and 8 boards, while Vanessa Ble added 14 points and impressive 15 boards. Stacey Lynn Lovelace-Tolbert was better than the others in loss collecting 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Extrugasa - Ros Casares 56-65
Ros Casares took care for another win, the 12th one this season. Of course the team from Valencia remains on top of LFB with almost perfect 12-1 record. Amaya Valdemoro stepped up for the winners delivering 23 points and grabbing 4 rebounds for 34 minutes. Anna Montanana stopped on 13 pts. Extrugasa got 12 points from Miriam Herrea falling on 2-11.

Mariana - Halcon A.Per. 59-80
Perfumerias easily beat Mariana on the road jumping on 11-2 (second place). Le’Coe Willingham and Anke De Mondt combined 36 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side. Armintie Price netted 18 for Mariana, who slipped on 9-4.

Cadi la Seu - San Jose 67-72
And another win by the visiting teams in Round 13. This time it was San Jose, who outplayed Cadi la Seu with plus 15. As usual, Eshaya Murphy once again was a key player for San Jose collecting 26 points and 12 rebounds. Kelly Da Silva responded with 19 points and 12 boards for the hosts. San Jose 7-6, Cadi la Seu 4-9.

EBE Ibiza-PDV - Olesa 84-55
Ibiza trashed Olesa with plus 29 jumping on 5-8 record in LFB. Shannon Johnson led the scorers in the winning squad with 22 points. She also had 5 more rebounds beside that. Sancho Lyttle helped with double-double, 16 points and 12 boards. The fourth ranked Olesa got 10 points from Noemi Jordana. Olesa 9-4 (same as Mariana).