EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/15/2008
Copyright © 1997-2007 EurobasketMen News
*****************************************************Kleon Penn (211-C-86) pulled 13 rebounds and blocked eight shots as the Cowboys snapped a four game losing streak by beating Texas State 81-77 in Southland Conference action here Wednesday night. McNeese State lifted their league record to 3-6 and their overall mark to 9-12.
The Cowboys held a 39-34 halftime lead and then fought down a late Texas State challenge.
After leading by five points at the end of the first half, McNeese went out by nine points midway the second half but couldn't get its lead into double figures. With only 1:45 left in the game, Texas State cut the lead to 74-72 on a layup by Brandon Bush.
The Cowboys then scored the next six points, all on free throws, for an 80-72 edge and put the game away.
For one of the few times this season, McNeese was outrebounded, the Bobcats holding a 48-42 edge.
The Cowboys did have the upper hand in the shooting percentages. McNeese made 44.1 percent of its field goal attempts (26 of 59) and 31 percent of its three point shots (5 of 16) and also made 63 percent of its free throws (24 of 38).
Both teams scored 26 field goals but the Cowboys had the big edge at the free throw line, making 24 while Texas State hit on 14 of 21.
This game is the only regular season contest between the two schools as McNeese plays in the eastern division of the conference and Texas State is in the western division.
Korisliiga, Round 32: YMCA LPR lost by 38 pts vs visitor Honka (Espoo) on Wednesday. This loss is probably the biggest YMCA has suffered at home
for years. Kataja (Joensuu) defeated Korihait (Uusikaupunki) by eight pts. 38-year-old Andre Foreman (198-F/G-69, college: Salisbury St.) is still going strong: 25 pts.
Baboucarr Bojang has finally a chance to play on Top level in Finland. Bojang has left Pohjanmaa, Kauhajoki and will be on KTP (Kotka) roster for the
rest of this season.
YMCA Lappeenranta - Honka 68-106 (30-63) Adrian Henning 24, Petri Virtanen 16. Juha Stwen DNP. - Jukka Matinen 22, Petteri Koponen 21).
Kataja - Korihait 78-70 (44-40) (Andre Foreman 25, Anssi Kinnaslampi 16 - Kyle Shiloh 19, Darius Glover 19. Glenn Stokes DNP).
(196-G-81, college: Missouri) suffered a knee-injury lately and that's why the club-officials of Telekom Baskets Bonn (1. Bundesliga) made the decision to bring in another new player. Eddie Basden (196-G/F-83, college: Charlotte) signed a contract with the T-team for the remainder of this season. The 25-year-old Guard/Forward played 19 NBA-games for the Chicago Bulls in the 2005-2006 season and averaged 2.2 points per outing. In the following year Basden shot hoops at the highest European level, attending the Euroleague with Fenerbahce Istanbul (9 games: 5.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.1 spg, 1.7 apg). From November 07 until January 08 Basden appeared in 6 league-games for French ProA-side Cholet Basket and averaged 9.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg.Eurobasket Germany had the chance to sit down and talk with Justin Griffin (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Hawaii-Hilo). He played for then-BBL club Nurnberg in 2006/07, where he averaged 7.2ppg and 2.6rpg. Justin just finished his season in Mexico with Union de Zacatecas (12.1ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.2apg) and is ready to continue this season with a new club.
Coming straight out of NCAA 2 school University of Hawaii-Hilo, how was the transition to Nurnberg and the BBL for you?
Going to Nurnberg was fantastic, I couldn't have asked for anything better. As for the BBL, the transition was not hard,but there were a lot of adjustments I had to make. I was playing against true professionals every night, so everyone on the court could play. Overall it was a season of ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I learned a lot from my coaching staff and teammates.
Describe your game a little bit. What are your strengths and weaknesses on the court?
I grew up just shooting the ball, but as I'm growing as a player I have really expanded my game. I love getting out in transition and using my speed for easy baskets. My strong area is the mid range game, and I am a good 1 on 1 defender. Also I am a student of the game, I tend to learn things fast or work on them till I get them so my work ethic is definitely a strength. My weak points or you can say things I need to improve on is the understanding of the game, but that just comes with experience. You just can't get by on athleticism. I would like to become more creative especially passing out of penetration.
How did your season go in Mexico for your team and for you personally?
Going to Mexico was a personal decision, being that I am half Mexican. I wanted to experience the way of life and also the style of play. As a team I feel like we could have accomplished more, especially with the amount of talent we had. We finished 9th in our division, just shy of the playoffs. Individually, I played well, but as a player you always think you could have done a lot more. I learned so much from a couple veterans on the team not only about basketball but life in general, Mexico taught me how to be a professional on and off the court.
What is the biggest difference between playing in Mexico and Germany?
I would have to say the sizes at the 4 and 5 spots. They were a little undersized compared to the BBL. Germany had a controlled style of play, more half court sets and a balance in scoring throughout the team. Mexico was full of athletic guards, who's main purpose was to score the basketball and really not use there teammates. Also the referees weren't consistent, but hey everyone always has to complain about those guys.
Where would you like to play in the near future?
I want to make my way back to Europe in a strong league. Being that this is my second year playing professional basketball, I have come to realize that winning is everything. I am willing to do what ever it takes to WIN.
Thanks for your time Justin and Good Luck for the future!
Any team that is interested in Justin Griffin please email him at info@scorersfirst.com
- The Final Four of Excellent League schedule was published by Jordan Basketball Federation (JBF) as follows:
* Round 1 (Tuesday 19/2):
Zain - Arena
Al Riyadi/Aramex - Orthodox
* Round 2 (Sunday 24/2):
Arena - Orthodox
Zain - Al Riyadi/Aramex
* Round 3 (Wednesday 27/2):
Arena - Al Riyadi/Aramex
Orthodox - Zain
* Round 4 (Friday 29/2):
Arena - Zain
Orthodox - Al Riyadi/Aramex
* Round 5 (Sunday 2/3):
Orthodox - Arena
Al Riyadi/Aramex - Zain
* Round 6 (Wednesday 5/3):
Al Riyadi/Aramex - Arena
Zain - Orthodox
The assistant coach of Jordan National Team portuguest Mario Gomes will be montoring the final four games to choose the best for the NT.
- Zain Basketball Team received to big shockes in the last few days, The team's point guard Sam Daghlas will not be available for the rest of the season after he tore his ACL in the left knee, The other shock is Rasheim Wright who will be put for at least 2 months following a sergery.
We wish for Daghlas and Wright the best and hope to see them soon on the court.
- Al Wihdat and Al Awdeh are the relegated teams after the end of the 1st stage of Excellent League, A big question mark for the performance of Al Wihdat this season despite having a good roster this year but these things happens in basketball.
- College SC's american star Jamal Ward (198-F-79, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Chattanooga) is now part of ASU basketball team for the reminder of season, ASU is playing only in Jordan Cup and Ward will be a big add for them esspecially that he was one of the big scorers of the first stage of Exellent League.
With This years 54 Game Season, it winds down to 12 Games Remaining on Tap & Into the Play-Off's.
Dongbu Promy still maintains its 1st place position while
Samsung Thunders Move Into 2nd - KT&G Kites & KCC Egis Tie for 3rd,
LG Sakers place 5th while ET Black Slam Round out the top 6 spots,
Closing in on 6 is SK Knights at 7 KTF - MOBIS - And Orions 8-9 &10.
Things Can change at the drop of a loss or some losses as each game will be
Of true significance to The Race to the KBL Championships to
Set the tone of secured places for the KBL Match-Ups,
Only 6 teams will advance while the Number 1 and 2 get the Buys
And wait for the winners of The 3rd - 4th - 5th and 6th place teams to battle to advance.
There is no expected or Dominate Team that has Superior strength this year over any of the
Ten Teams, although Coach Chun Chang Jin of
Dongbu Promy has shown the ability to stay in 1st place from the begining with total
Consistancy And Team Leadership.
KT&G SAMSUNG KCC & LG SAKERS maintain 500 and above play while SK KNIGHTS
ET BLACKSLAM and KTF Stay in the Hunt.
Latvijas Basketball League
Division II
February, 12
ASK Juniors - RNS-D/Livani 78-86 (17-20; 19-26; 20-17; 22-23)
Freimanis 28, J.Rozitis 16; Baranovskis 18, Kalnins 16, Slesers 13+12as
February, 13
LU/Ridzene - BK Zemgale 61-77 (21-18; 18-17; 13-24; 9-18)
Mizis 18+14reb, Zeidaks 14+10reb, Ei.Tukiss 13; Martins Berkis (198-F-85) 28, Raiskums 17, A.Lagzdins 10
Lietuvos Rytas lost against TAU Ceramica 81:84 (18:18, 15:26, 24:21, 24:19).
Both teams played equally in the first quarter. TAU started the second quarter with a run 8:0. Hollis Price (186-G-79, college: Oklahoma) three pointer reduced the deficit to 4, but the Spanish went to the dressing rooms at halftime with an 11 point advantage.
Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket), Chuck Eidson (202-F-80, college: S.Carolina) and Marijonas Petravicius (207-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina) (207-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina) started a very important run, which cut the deficit 44:47. But the hosts didn't used a chance to take the lead in this game, Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) made a lay-up, then Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) scored 5 points in a row, 48:54. Rytas was trailing by 8 in the start of the last period.
Hollis Price scored 5 points in a row and reduced the deficit to 4, but then Andrius Slezas got a unsportsmanlike foul for roughly stopping Pablo Prigioni (186-G-77) break away. Only 3 minutes were remaining and the hosts were behind by 9. Hollis Price and Kenan Bajramovic were the best players of Rytas tonight. The Bosnian hit a massive three, which gave hope for Rytas fans, because they were behind only by 2 points with just 15 seconds was remaining. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) was fouled and he missed his free throws. But unfortunately for the local fans, Hollis Price lost the ball. The last attack was desperate and TAU Vitoria achieved their first vistory in TOP 16.
Hollis Price scored 23 points, Marijonas Petravicius knocked down 18 points and 10 boards. Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) led the visitors to the victory by scoring 17 points. Mirza Teletovic landed three 3-pointers in the crucial moments of the game.
Lietuvos Rytas : Hollis Price 23, Marijonas Petravicius 18, Kenan Bajramovic 15.
TAU Ceramica : Tiago Splitter 17, Zoran Planinic 11, Mirza Teletovic 11.
Eurobasket Germany had the chance to sit down and talk with Justin Griffin (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Hawaii-Hilo). He played for then-BBL club Nurnberg in 2006/07, where he averaged 7.2ppg and 2.6rpg. Justin just finished his season in Mexico with Union de Zacatecas (12.1ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.2apg) and is ready to continue this season with a new club.
Coming straight out of NCAA 2 school University of Hawaii-Hilo, how was the transition to Nurnberg and the BBL for you?
Going to Nurnberg was fantastic, I couldn't have asked for anything better. As for the BBL, the transition was not hard,but there were a lot of adjustments I had to make. I was playing against true professionals every night, so everyone on the court could play. Overall it was a season of ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I learned a lot from my coaching staff and teammates.
Describe your game a little bit. What are your strengths and weaknesses on the court?
I grew up just shooting the ball, but as I'm growing as a player I have really expanded my game. I love getting out in transition and using my speed for easy baskets. My strong area is the mid range game, and I am a good 1 on 1 defender. Also I am a student of the game, I tend to learn things fast or work on them till I get them so my work ethic is definitely a strength. My weak points or you can say things I need to improve on is the understanding of the game, but that just comes with experience. You just can't get by on athleticism. I would like to become more creative especially passing out of penetration.
How did your season go in Mexico for your team and for you personally?
Going to Mexico was a personal decision, being that I am half Mexican. I wanted to experience the way of life and also the style of play. As a team I feel like we could have accomplished more, especially with the amount of talent we had. We finished 9th in our division, just shy of the playoffs. Individually, I played well, but as a player you always think you could have done a lot more. I learned so much from a couple veterans on the team not only about basketball but life in general, Mexico taught me how to be a professional on and off the court.
What is the biggest difference between playing in Mexico and Germany?
I would have to say the sizes at the 4 and 5 spots. They were a little undersized compared to the BBL. Germany had a controlled style of play, more half court sets and a balance in scoring throughout the team. Mexico was full of athletic guards, who's main purpose was to score the basketball and really not use there teammates. Also the referees weren't consistent, but hey everyone always has to complain about those guys.
Where would you like to play in the near future?
I want to make my way back to Europe in a strong league. Being that this is my second year playing professional basketball, I have come to realize that winning is everything. I am willing to do what ever it takes to WIN.
Thanks for your time Justin and Good Luck for the future!
Any team that is interested in Justin Griffin please email him at info@scorersfirst.com
And the final reckoning begins.
The drama unfolds Friday with Purefoods looking to keep its winning tradition in the pro league's most prestigious tourney
and Sta. Lucia out to carve its own niche.
They battle for first blood in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven Finals at 7:20 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.
A slam-bang duel is expected right in the series opener with the protagonists likely to come out strong from a four-day rest.
Each one is raring to go to battle in this finale which has the elegant Commissioner Jun Bernardino Trophy at stake.
League legend Francis Arnaiz and Filipino world boxing champions Nonito Donaire, Gerry Penalosa, Donnie Nietes and Florante Condes
have been invited to do the ceremonial toss in the Finals opener.
While practically all the players are harping on their dream to win the championship, the warring coaches are not looking far ahead, focusing on Game One.
'I'll take this one game at a time. Sta. Lucia is dangerous. All I've done is our preparation for the opening game,' said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio .
'They swept me in two games in the eliminations but this is a new ball game. We've made our preparation for the series opener and I think we're really
ready,' said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez .
Neither team lacks motivation and inspiration with the Giants out to tie the Crispa Redmanizers' record of five all-Filipino crowns and the Realtors out to end
a seven-year title drought by winning the most coveted championship in the pro league.
Landing the all-Filipino Finals for the first time in franchise history, the Realtors are eager to make the most out of it.
The Giants, meanwhile, want their all-Filipino winning tradition to live on.
'We've done many firsts in this tournament and we might as well go all the way to win our first all-Filipino championship,' said Fernandez.
'After all our hard work, we made it to the Finals. We'll do whatever it takes so as not to let this chance slip away,' said skipper Dennis Espino.
The Giants don't think they're any less hungry though they've won the all-Filipino crown four times before and they're in their 12th Finals appearance in this very tourney.
'The way I look at it, winning a championship is like eating three meals a day. You may have had your breakfast or lunch, but you'd still eat because you'll ultimately get hungry still,' said Gregorio.
Purefoods and Sta. Lucia are dead even with 16-9 win-loss records after the semifinal round but many feel the latter enjoys tremendous momentum going into the series.
A team which had never finished better than third in an all-Filipino tourney before, the Realtors are in a joy ride heading to the championship series. Sta. Lucia has marked its campaign in the tourney with several franchise records, including a streak of eight straight wins, 12 triumphs in all in the eliminations, automatic entry into the semifinals and a first-ever all-Filipino Finals appearance.
But Gregorio insists you throw everything out of the window when you're in the Finals.
The consensus among PBA coaches is that the two teams are evenly matched. Looking at the stats, no team also enjoys a tremendous edge.
Sta. Lucia and Purefoods are No. 1 and No. 2 in the league on defense and No. 8 and No. 7 on offense.
The Giants are averaging 94.16 points for the conference while shooting 42.3 percent from the field while the Realtors are norming 93.76 points on a 40.8 field goal marksmanship.
Purefoods has the edge in rebounding but Sta. Lucia is better in assists, steals and blocks. The Giants are logging 53.20 rebounds, 15.4 assists, 5.8 steals and 3.2 blocks a game as against the Realtors' 47 rebounds, 19.6 assists, 8.2 steals and 3.6 blocks per outing.
Fernandez doesn't mind the numbers, saying if they win, it's all because of defense.
Gregorio says they will battle the Realtors tit-for-tat. 'If they hold us, grab us and are allowed by the refs, we'll do the same,' said the youthful Purefoods mentor. (NC)
This afternoon Moncho Lopez , the former Spanish national team Head Coach, signed an agreement that will make him the new Head Coach for Portugal until the next European Championship in 2009.
The Portuguese were looking for a young coach with quality and still experience enough, which Moncho Lopez seems to have.
Moncho's curriculum shows quality, as he coached the Spanish national team from 2002 to 2004. They won the bronze medal in the European Championship in 2003 in Sweden. He recently spent 2 seasons in Leche Rio and past season he coached Caja San Bernardo.
The assistant coaches will be Portuguese- Rui Alves remains with the national team and Rui Miranda will be the 2nd assistant coach as well as being the team's physiotherapist. He is also a former international player.
The promise is to maintain the level that Portugal conquered in the past European championship in Spain.
After short try-out period the managemnt od Alpos Sentjur decided to ink Rodrick Stevenson (190-G-76, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Francis Marion) ex Pizza Express Primetel Apollon..
Krka is testing Antonio Zizic (207-C/F-86) ex Lugano Tigers.
Ivan Simunic (203-F-86, agency: Interperformances) of Elektra Esotech had arthroscopic surgery on his left and is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks.
Jure Erzen of TCG Mercator (203-F/C-75) had surgery on thumb amd will be sidelinedat least one month.
Smiljan Pavic (210-F/C-80, agency: VTBM/SRBM) parted ways with AEK Atehns. He averaged 8,4 minutes, 2,4 points (2P 8-13, FT 1-2), 1,0 rebounds, 0,1 steals and 0,7 turnorvers in 7 games of HEBA Championship OPAP.
Akropol Basket have been on the upswing in the latter part of the season. This success is thanks much to the changes that were made, such as bringing in point guard Torey Thomas (180-G-85, college: Holy Cross) who is having a monster season averaging 25pts, 8,5reb, 7,8 ass and 3,2 stl. He is leading the league in the latter two categories and second in the league in scoring. Also with big man Blerim Mazreku (206-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances) who has found his home with Akropol averaging 19,5pts, 6,5 reb.
These two, together with Gerald Riley (198-F-81, agency: LimeLight, college: Georgetown) have created a fearsome three that have the rest of the league taking notice of them again. As well as new Head Coach Ali Ghanim who has lead the team to 7 wins in 11 tries after he took over.
Even with the success they have had some setbacks. Akropol has been fined and will have to play against defending champions Plannja without a crowd. After incidents of fans throwing items on the court, the league has punished the club by fining them 10.000 Sek as well as not allowing a crowd at the game this Friday. Hopefully this will teach the individuals that are responsible for the incidents that they are not helping their team out by disrupting the game as well as risking injury to the players when they throw things onto the court.
LNA
BBC Nyon signed Belgian gaurd Julien Rahier (193-G-83, agency: LBM Management) for the rest of the season after his try-out with the team .
In the meanwhile the try-out period of Steve Payne (202-F-72, agency: Interperformances, college: Ball St.) and Charlie Mandic (200-F-73, agency: Interperformances) who are also in Nyon, has been extended until July 16th.
Alexandre Pidoux (185-G-82) left the team to focus on his studies and because he moves to Australia until the end of the season.
He averaged 3,8 ppg , 0,7 rpg and 1,3 apg in 15 games for Nyon.
Gino Martinez also decided not to keep Julien Pirlot (198-F-81, agency: LBM Management), another Belgian who played in one game for Nyon (6 pts , 1 assist).
Meyrin waived Kenneth Saunders (198-F-82, college: Ft.Valley St.) due to his poor performance on the court.He posted 10,9 ppg , 3,4 rpg and 1,9 apg for Meyrin during the season.
New signing is Albert Myles (198-G-75, college: W.Texas A&M) who transfers from Spain (Badajoz, LEB Bronze) to Meyrin.
Juozas Ramanauskas (208-C-85) convinced Sion-Herens' staff and is signed until the end of the season.
Brian Mason (191-G/F-84, college: S.Carolina St.) , who came in to subsitute Maurice Latham who is injured, did not see his contract extended.In nine games, he contributed with 9,4 ppg , 4,0 rpg and 1,0 apg.
To replace Mason ,the staff decided to sign Derrick Lang (194-G-80, college: Incarnate World) who played in Brazil before.
Italian-Paraguayan Bruno Zanotti (197-F-82, college: Merrimack) also signed with the team previously.
Brazilian-Italian Leandro Rossini Binotto (188-G-78, agency: Interperformances) returned to Brazil due to personal reasons, he replaced earlier in the season Rasheed Quadri (191-G-80, college: La Salle) who left the team also due to personal reasons.
The club signed Warner Nattiel (184-G-82) who comes from BBC Monthey ( 3,1 ppg , 0,3 rpg , 0,7apg) while Patrick Zwahlen (195-G/F-82, college: Cleveland St. CC) transfers to BBC Monthey (3,4 ppg , 1,6rpg , 0,5apg).
Also gone is Serge Tindom (187-F-81) , who joins Martigny-Rhone Basket in the LNB. His number in Sion were 0,3 ppg, 0,7 rpg and 0,2 apg in six games played.
American Kenny Whitehead (208-C-80, college: JMU) is going to Geneva to play for the Devils. He started the season in Germany with Paderborn where he played in two games.
Whitehead replaces George Byrd (203-C-75, college: Va Commonwealth) who didn't satisfy the staff. Byrd recorded 3 ppg and 3,7 rpg in three games with the Devils.
Also new in Geneva is German Matthias Kautzor-Schroder (195-G-75, college: Wisc.-Parkside) who arrives from Meyrin where he posted 6,4 ppg 3,0 rpg and 1,2 apg.
Youngster Carlos Torres (178-G-90) is getting his chance in the pro-team as well.
Vevey Riviera Basket decided to add Bin Tabu-Eboma (183-G-82) to the roster. The guard replaces the released American Von Damien Green (178-G-80, college: Manhattan).The native of the Dem.Rep. of Congo played lastly for ASC Mainz in Germany.
Basket-Club Boncourt had to sign a player due to Jerod Adler (206-F-82, college: Indiana St.)'s injury and chose Zack Anderson (211-F/C-78, agency: 011 Sports, college: Hawaii-Pacific) who comes from Jordan where he played for Al-Wihdat.
Neuchatel announced that Herb Johnson is joining the staff as an assistant-coach after leaving Sion-Herens where he held the same position.
LNB
STV Luzern Basket signs import Darius Howard (192-G-83, college: SW Assemblies of God) until the reminder of the season. He arrives from Germany where he averaged 16,7 ppg for Capoen Duesseldorf.
The same team aligned young guard Predrag Racic (177-G- 89), Ajdin Orucevic (185-G-88) and Michael End (190-G-88) from the junior-team into the seniors.
Avdo Coric (193-F/C-79) won't be available for the rest of the season after sustaining a knee injury. He posted 4,8 ppg , 2,2 rpg and 0,8 apg in six games for Luzern.
Yann Debonneville (185-G-85) left Bernex Onex Basket for personal reasons.
He averaged 2,3 ppg and 1 rpg in four matches for Bernex.
Bernex signed Swiss-Armenian guard Sevag Keucheyan (178-G-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) who played lastly for MTV Stuttgart in Germany.
Also new in the team is Mikael Maruotto (191-F-91) who comes from the own junior-team to help.
Another add is Willy Youtchou (198-F-79, college: N.Colorado) who was waived by Meyrin and suits up for Bernex instead.
He averaged 2,9 ppg , 1,7 rpg and 0,2 apg for Meyrin in the LNA.
Abdoul Kachkara (184-G-90) left Vernier after four games in which he recorded 0,8 ppg for the club.
Eric Coly (195-F-68) and Antoine Borgeaud (187-G/F-88) won't be suiting up for BBC Cossonay anymore.Borgeaud is currently serving his military service and isn't available while Coly left the team to purse other options. Instead, American Chris Powell (205-F-81, college: Chaminade) arrives in Cossonay and comes from Meyrin Grand-Saconnex.
Zurich Wildcats strengthened their team with the addition of Marc Seylan (172-G-92) who was promoted from the junior-team.
Due to not having enough time to practice, Laurent De Meyer (200-F-84) left Zurich where he scored 4,7 ppg and 5,3 rpg while Sven Ivanic (197-F-90) is going to develop with the U-20 team of the club for the rest o fthe season.
Eric Johnson (188-G-86) is no longer with Pages Jaunes Pully Basket.
Swiss U-20 national Miroslav Petkovic (183-G-88) left Birstal to join BC Korac Zurich due to the limited playing time he received with the Starwings.
Also transferring to BC Korac is Peter Kona (185-G-87) who comes from city-rivals Wildcats.
Chene BC signed Namik Zahirovic (192-F-77) from Bernex Onex Basket where Namik averaged 15,3 ppg , 6,9 rpg and 2,7 apg.
1 LN
1 LN Club Phoenix Basket Regensdorf signed David Castro (192-F-85) who returns from the Zuerich Wildcats, while German guard Enes Dendic (182-G-78) left the team.
In the first semi-final of the National Cup, SAV Vacallo Basket beated BBC Monthey 79 to 66.
At Half-time, the men of Rodrigo Pastore already leaded 37-35, but they posted a 12-3 in 5 minutes to easily win at final. BBC Monthey played without the guard, Nicolas Porchet who was convalescent. SAV Vacallo Basket is so, the first qualified for the final.
Stats :
SAV Vacallo Basket : Gibson 19p, Smiljanic 19, Dacevic 18, Mihajlovic 15, Raga 6, Molteni 2, Miller 0
BBC Monthey : Polyblank 21p, Jaquier 19, Schneidermann 17, Wegmann 9, Zwahlen, Blankson, Michellod, Kicara 0
Bogdan Tanjevic and his Fenerbahce Ulker has proven they quickly recovered from a dramatic loss against Turk Telekom in OPEL Turkish Cup semi final by beating Aris on the road in a packed arena on Thursday.
Thanks to a large rotation in the paint the visitors did not feel the absence of Euroleague all time top rebounder Mirsad Turkcan (206-F-76) and used the painted area well in addition to Will Solomon (187-G-78, college: Clemson)'s offensive contribution. Aris responded in the last quarter taking advantage of turnovers to equalize the score at 77 but Fenerbahce Ulker toughened up defensively and ran a 19-11 serie to seal the deal.
Will Solomon hit a game high 23 points as four of the others added double figures in scoring. On the other hand Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) and Bracey Wright (191-G-84, college: Indiana) both poured in 17 for the hosts.
Next week Fenerbahce Ulker will travel to Spain to face TAU who defeated Lietuvos Rytas on the road yesterday.
Aris TT Bank(88): Reyshawn Terry 16, Bracey Wright 17, Georgios Kalaitzis 3, Savvas Iliadis 2, Vladimer Boisa 3, Hanno Mottola 5, Jeremiah Massey 17, Dimitrios Tsaldaris 9, Darius Washington 16
Fenerbahce Ulker(86): James White 6, Willie Solomon 23, Omer Onan 4, Rasim Basak 0, Semih Erden 12, Demir Kaan 10, Gasper Vidmar 2, Oguz Savas 9, Tarence Kinsey 10, Omer Faruk Asik 7, Emir Preldzic 13
(21-29, 43-50, 60-70, 88-96)
Women News
*****************************************************Levoni Taranto - Gescom Viterbo 74 - 58
(21-14, 39-30, 55-43)
LEVONI TARANTO: Marianna Balleggi (188-F-74) 7 (2/5, 0/1), Corbani C. dnp, Greco M. 6 (3/8, 0/1), Bello M. (0/1, 0/2), Zimerle A. 11 (1/2, 3/7), Sauret Gillespie A. 11 (4/6, 0/1), Summerton L. 14 (6/8), Prado F. 4 (2/3), Frohlich L. 9 (2/4, 1/1), Brunson R. 12 (4/14). Coach Corno Aldo
GESCOM VITERBO: Danzi D. 2 (1/1), Santucci L. 6 (1/3, 1/1), Nicolini E. dnp, Brunelli G. , Smith B. 19 (7/11), Maslowski M. 11 (5/12, 0/1), Limoura L. dnp, Siccardi V. 11 (5/11, 0/1), Gorla L. 2 (1/1, 0/1), Crepaldi C. 7 (2/7, 1/5). Coach Agresti Claudio
Lavezzini Parma - Germano Zama Faenza 52 - 63
(18-18, 35-39, 42-51)
LAVEZZINI PARMA: Maiorano M. 3 (1/4), Stabile S. 2 (1/3, 0/4), Paparazzo E. 2 (1/5), Zanoni I. (0/1), Battisodo V. (0/1), Rejchova M. 4 (2/4), Mahoney M. 7 (2/6, 1/3), Zanon M. 6 (0/2, 2/2), Screen J. 16 (2/5, 2/8), Sulciute E. 12 (4/6). Coach Scanzani Maurizio
GERMANO ZAMA FAENZA: Eric M. 15 (4/8, 2/8), Maria Chiara Franchini 11 (4/5, 1/5), Ramon E. 2 (1/1), David I. 9 (4/8), Casadio G. 3 (1/1), Jokic D. 13 (6/10), Bandini E. dnp, Knezevic A. 2 (1/1), Dos Santos C. 8 (3/11), Morsiani L.. Coach Rossi Paolo
Italmoka Pozzuoli - Pool Comense 93 - 88
(32-16, 52-44, 71-71)
ITALMOKA POZZUOLI: Nunzia Paparo (165-G-77) 7 (1/3, 1/2), Cirov T. 23 (6/9, 3/3), Ferazzoli I. dnp, Franchetti M. , Minervino M. (0/1), Grima H. 14 (3/5, 2/3), Linguaglossa E. dnp , Grasso A. 16 (6/10), Andjelic N. 17 (0/1, 4/5), Dixon T. 16 (5/10, 1/2). Coach Palumbo Carlo Fulvio
POOL COMENSE: Bouderra F. 26 (8/12, 2/3), Bestagno E. dnp, Fabbri V. 6 (3/4), Slavcheva G. 14 (3/6, 2/6), Turner L. (0/1), Invernizzi M. 4 (1/2), Hall V. 19 (6/14, 1/2), Zampella A. 15 (0/1, 5/8), Tunguz B. dnp, Sarni S. 4 (2/7, 0/1). Coach Ricchini Roberto
Carispe La Spezia - Fiera di Roma Pomezia 57 - 62
(15-15, 32-27, 48-44)
CARISPE LA SPEZIA: Bestagno M. 2 (1/1), Corradini L. , Pastore C. 1 (0/4, 0/1), Callens E. 13 (4/9, 1/2), Templari E. dnp, Newton C. 18 (6/11, 1/3), Bagnara B. 3 (0/3, 1/6), Vukovic V. 10 (2/2), Sarti R. (0/4), Willis C. 10 (4/9, 0/1). Coach Papini Giovanni
FIERA DI ROMA POMEZIA: Di Battista F. (0/1, 0/1), Servillo M. dnp, Hodges D. 13 (0/5, 3/9), Cinili S. 2 (1/1), Mendes Da Silva T. dnp, Scimitani S. (0/1), Machanguana C. 23 (7/19), Lichnerova J. 7 (2/3, 1/3), Milica Beljanski (185-F-83) 15 (3/8, 1/1), Gattini C. 2 (1/5). Coach Incecchi Sandro
Acer Priolo - Famila Wuber Schio 75 - 63
(22-19, 44-41, 59-48)
ACER PRIOLO: Angela Gianolla (171-G-80) 20 (2/6, 3/4), Bonfiglio S. dnp, Palie S. 9 (1/1, 1/2), Milazzo O. dnp, Fabbri E. 2 (0/1), Seino T. 18 (5/7, 1/1), Sciacca B. 6 (0/3, 2/3), Pascalau F. 8 (2/8), Meneghel R. 4 (1/3), Phillips T. 8 (3/7). Coach Coppa Santino
FAMILA WUBER SCHIO: Consolini C. dnp, Moro E. (0/2, 0/2), Butler D. 9 (3/4, 1/3), Donaphin B. 10 (4/8), Tassara S. (0/1), Masciadri R. 12 (2/3, 2/4), Ngoyisa B. 17 (7/11, 0/1), Ress K. 2 (0/2), Ciampoli F. (0/1, 0/1), Macchi L. 13 (2/8, 1/4). Coach Orlando Sandro
Phard Napoli - Banco di Sicilia Ribera to be played later
New Wash Montichiari - Umana Venezia to be played later
Akeema Richards is producing 13.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 5.1 steals per game this winter for Western HS in Baltimore. In the team's 54-44 win over seventh-ranked City this past Friday, Richards had 18 points and 15 rebounds. She punctuated the performance late in the game by being fouled in mid-air and twisting her body to make bank a shot high off the glass with her back to the basket. The move that would make some NBA all-stars applaud was simply vintage Akeema to Western HS Coach Tiffany Silver.
'It was like Kobe Bryant and that's immediately what I thought about,' Silver said. 'I don't call that luck coming from her, she makes them look so easy.'