EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/18/2008
Copyright 1997-2007 EurobasketMen News
*****************************************************Liberad won 77-65 in the second game of the finals. This time, Quimsa started better but since the second quarter libertad improved their deffense and made an important run. Robert Battle (200-C-81, college: Drexel) was outstanding again and Pablo Moldu (191-G-78) did a bit of everything.
Libertad (77): Sebastian Ginbili 7, Pablo Moldu 12, Laron Profit 16, Andres Pelussi 10 Robert Battle 18 (St), Juan Pablo Sartorelli 0, Marcos Saglietti 9, Jorge Benitez 5. Coach Julio Lamas
Quimsa (65): Jonathan Treise 7, Julio Mazzaro 8, Cleotis Brown 14, William Mc Farlan 11 Gabriel Mikulas 6 (St) Victor Cajal 4, Alejandro Reinick 5, Sebastian Castineira 8 Andres Rodriguez 2. Coach Fabio Demti
Next game: Monday in Santiago del Estero
Telindus Oostende will not be coached by Sharon Drucker next season. The coach announced that he wishes to leave Oostende.
His new team is not known yet but according to the Oostende press release it could be a Euroleague team.
Oostende has started its search for a new coach instantly.
Antwerp Giants has announced its first incoming player transfer in Bryan Hopkins (183-G-83, agency: Octagon, college: SMU).
Hopkins played the 2007-2008 season for Liege. In 27 games for Liege he averaged 11.9 ppg and 2.1 rpg.
Lee Wouters extended his contract with one more year.
The team also announced that Kris Sergeant and Svan Van Camp will not be in Antwerp next season.
Optima Gent has also signed its first players just days after the regular season ended.
Their new point guard will be Holland's leader in assists during the 07-08 season Jesse Kimbrough (183-G-82, college: Jacksonville).
Kimbrough played 40 games for Aris Leeuwarden and had averages of 14.9 ppg, 4.rpg and 6.9 apg.
Played college ball at Jacksonville where he missed most of the 05-06 season with an injury. Came back strong in his senior year and had averages of 14.0ppg, 4.5rpg and 4.4apg. Kimbrough was selected to the first team All A-Sun Conference team.
Hans van Langenhove and Michael Krikemans will also be on the Gent roster for next season.
Negotiations with Ike Ofoegbu, Brandon Freeman and captain Tibo T'Joncke are still ongoing.
John Turek seems to have already received offers from other teams and Gent think it will be close to impossible to keep him.
Results:
Sloboda Dita - Igokea Partizan 87:82
Bosna ASA BH Telecom - Slavija 100:67
Zrinjski Mik Company - Grude 90:69
Borac Nektar - Siroki Prima Pivo (Sunday May 18TH)
Standings:
1. Bosna ASA BHT 9-2 875:738 +137 20 pts.
2. Igokea Partizan 8-3 973:847 +126 19 pts.
3. Siroki Prima Pivo 8-2 838:760 +78 18 pts.
4. Sloboda Dita 6-5 840:876 -36 17 pts.
5. Borac Nektar 4-6 766:750 +16 14 pts.
6. Zrinjski MC 3-8 913:995 -82 14 pts.
7. Slavija 3-8 837:974 -137 14 pts.
8. Grude 2-9 835:937 -102 13 pts.
Sloboda Dita - Igokea Partizan 87:82
(26:20, 21:22, 16:24, 24:16)
Tuzla, SD Mejdan; Att.: 1.00; Ref.: Adamovic, Obradovic, Bijedic
SLOBODA DITA: Halilovic, M. Milosevic 29, Hrncic 5, Halilbegovic 2, Albijanic 7, Persic, Tomovic, Tanasilovic 2, Matic 18, N. Milosevic 11, Jocovic 6, Ross 7
Coach: Senad Muminovic
IGOKEA PARTIZAN: Tosic, Patterson 5, Bocka 12, Stazic, Djurica, Vucurovic 17, Cup, Wright 13, Lydeka 7, Stefanovic, Kovacevic 12, Allen 16
Coach: Zoran Sretenovic
Bosna ASA BH Telecom Slavija 100:67
(27:15, 20:24, 27:16, 26:12)
Sarajevo, SD Skenderija; Att.: 300; Ref.: Babic, Okuka, Nozinovic
BOSNA ASA BHT: Jefferson 7 (6 ass.), Sehovic 1, Tomovic (7 ass.), Ikonic 19, Bavcic 10 (10 reb., 3 bl.), Djurasovic 2, Zimic, Rahimic 23 (6 reb.), Hajric 5, Pasalic 9, Jackson 3, Williams 21
Coach: Jurij Zdovc
SLAVIJA: Gvozdenovic 5 (4 ass.), Stanic 6, Tomasevic, Simeunovic, Mladenovic 4, Damjanovic D., Vukovic 7 (9 reb., 3 bl.), Grubisic 13, Demic 14, Damjanovic A. 18
Coach: Vladimir Saraba
Zrinjski Mik Company Grude 90:69
(21:29, 27:10, 21:16, 21:14)
Mostar, SD Pod Bijelim Brijegom; Att.: 100; Ref.: Jovanic, Kunosic, Lovric
ZRINJSKI MC: Filipovic 9, Norac 14, Petric 5, Oroz 8, Simovic 10, Brecic 14, Vuckovic 22, Buhac, Sarenac 2, Planinic 4, Grbavac 2
Coach: Nedeljko Zelenika
GRUDE: Lovric, Djulabic, M. Gligora 16, L. Gligora 10, Jelcic 5, Vujicic 3, Bura 1, Lozancic, Zitko 18, Perajica 16
Coach: Predrag Mikulic
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| A2 Stats Leaders |
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| Points Per Game |
| 1 Fotiou, Sporting 18.2 2 Kaklamanos, Trik,17.2 3 Totsios, Irakl, 17 4 Liakopoulos, Pagr, 16.7 5 Despos, MENT 15.7 6 Moulakis, Xanthi 16.34 |
| Rebounds Per Game |
| 1 Despos, MENT 9.34 2 Koutroulias, Ilys. 8.36 3 Symeonid. Irakl, 8.17 4 Bucci, Peristeri 7.42 5 Petrodimop, Dafni 7.26 |
| Assists Per Game |
| 1 Karidas, MENT 5.42 2 Moshovitis, Perist. 4.64 3 Liakopoulos, Pagr. 4.16 4 Kantartz, Halkida 4.00 5 Katsares, Trikala 3.15 |
| Steals Per Game |
| 1 Karidas, MENT 2.58 2 Tomaras, Halkida 1.90 3 Bucci, Peristeri 1.77 |
| Blocks Per Game |
| Trybanski, Peristeri 1.72 Psathas, Halkida 1.09 Koutroulias, Ilysiak 1.05 Papanikol. Ilysiak.1.05 |
| 2FGP |
| 1 Despos, MENT 68% 2 Pashalis, Ionikos 64% 3 Harismidis, Trikala 63% |
| 3FGP |
| 1 Fountas, Trikala 49% 2 Apostolop, Iraklis 48% 3 Panagiot, Panorama 48% |
| Free Throws |
| 1 Daniel, Iraklis 87% 2 Bucci, Peristeri 85% 3 Mandic, MENT 85% |
| Ranking |
| Harismidis, Trikala 0.598 Anagnost, I.C.B.S. 0.577 Paschalis, Lamia 0.567 Papanikolaou, Ilisiakos 0.555 Koutroulias, Ilisiakos 0.554 |
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A2 Standings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Just some hours ago there was the official announcement in regards to the Pre-Draft selection in both NCAA and international players. In regards to the Greek interest now, the Greek basketball is proudly represented in this pre-selection not only with one representative but with three!!
The older brother of Kalathis family, Pat Kalathis (208-G/F-85) was selected in the 11th place of the specific list, the St' Joseph's graduate had a wonderful fourth season in the NCAA and lead his team in both scoring and rebounding. Pat was really the key for his team and in many games was the major stand out of
.
In regards to the top centers rankings for the season 2007-2008, Kosta Koufos (213-F/C-89) ranked second, Brooke Lopez was the no.1
.
As far as the International rankings concern now, in regards to the 1987 born, Dimitris Verginis (194-G-87) was ranked 26th among players allover the world, in the same division, Milos Teodosic ranked 9th. Furthermore, in the International rankings in regards to the 1986 born, Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86) the new center of Panathinaikos ranked at the first position, while the Greek Serbian point guard Igor Milosevic (193-G-86) ranked in the 11th position and the Greek Serbian small forward Dusan Sakota (209-F-86) in the 16th position.
The play offs semi final round didnt end yet, but the transfer news rumors already begun. Eurobasket will give to its readers some scenarios which are currently playing for all the teams plus some predictions from our side:
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Panathinaikos: The Greens already agreed the financial terms with the Serbian center Nikola Pekovic while some players will not probably continue to wear the green jersey, these players are: Besirovic, Zizic, Prkcin, Tomasevic and probably Winston, while Alvertis will be possibly moving to the technical team, some of the targets for the Green team are: Kosta Koufos (213-F/C-89), Massey, Pat Kalathis (208-G/F-85) and Vujanic.
Olympiakos: The reds already renewed the terms with Vasilopoulos for the next 4 years while they will renewed the contract with Blakney, the two Americans will not continue their career while Seibutis will probably leave the team too. Ian Vougioukas will join the team while Papaloukas is very close to the reds as his contract currently with CSKA Moscow could be covered by Olympiakos management. Another target is the Greek center Kosta Koufos and the power forward Antonis Fotsis who will be leaving the Russian league this season.
Marousi: Soulis Markopoulos already renewed the contracts of the two key players Milisavljevic and Stevenson while the amazing American guard of AEL Billy Keys (188-G-77, college: N.Mexico St.) is the second American player. Kaimakoglou, Haralambidis and Boudouris will probably renew their contracts while Bakic and Kojadinovic will probably leave the team, Jazvin is a good center and he can do a lot of various jobs in the court, he will be staying, it is most certain that Markopoulos will give more chances to the youngsters of the team so players such us Papantoniou and Noeas will get some vital positions in the team.
Panionios: Markovic's position is not guaranteed as the crucial games against Marousi for the Euroleague position will probably confirm whether the Bosnian Head coach will stay be coaching Panionios or not, a name which is currently playing in Panionios circles is the one of Thanasis Skourthopoulos which is also 'playing' for Panellinios too. The successful American guard, ex player of Egaleo, Ibrahim Jaaber (188-G-84, college: Pennsylvania) will be the first American player while most of the current players already have a contract with the team for another year, Kalambokis is expected to renew his contract while Zoroski and Giannoullis will do the same, among the direct targets of the team will be probably their ex player Kalaitzis who is leaving Thessalonica to come back to his home town. Lonny Baxter will renew his contract.
Panellinios: Zouros's position is not certain yet; the management of the team is looking towards Thanasis Skourthopoulos while the whole team will be based upon the American Anthony Grundy who already renew his contract for another season. Ostoic and Kalaitzidis will continue wearing Panellinios jersey as they have contracts while Dozet, Kelly and Rancic will be history. Argiropoulos, Golemac and Sklavos will be getting an offer and probably will continue their career in Panellinios while among the direct targets of the team will be Vougioukas who will be given as a loan from Olympiakos for another season, another player who is a target is Olympiakos player, Apostolidis. Furthermore Tsaldaris is a player who could be of interest for Panellinios
Aris: Gordon Herbert is already history; Mazzon is closer than ever with assistant coaches the veteran players, Sigalas and Vetoulas who just retired. Kalaitzis, Tsaldaris, Massey, Mottola, Terry and Boisa are history, Bracey Wright and Washington will probably stay while Iliadis will probably move to the Spanish league as he is already in the target of two teams, at the same time, a new player will probably be the American Judson Wallace (204-F/C-82, college: Princeton) who played last season in the Italian team Capo Di Orlandi with very good stats. Nestoras Kommatos, Tapoutos and Gagaloudis are players who are currently having many chances to wear the yellow jersey of Aris.
AEK Athens: After one not so good season, the new management of Drosos was not exactly successful, even though there are many rumors that he will be leaving the team, Eurobaskets sources are different as we believe that the young businessman will stay in the team, Vangelis Angelou will be staying as a head Coach of the team, Kazel Wesson will be wearing the yellow jersey of AEK as a Bulgarian as he just received his Bulgarian passport and citizenship, while Amara Sy and Vasilis Simtsak together with Dimitris Papanikolaou will stay in the team for another season, Tapoutos, Avery, Vasjlevic, Yenice and Sioutis are history while Chatzis will stay in the team, there are some chances for the return of Michalis Kakiouzis and one of the targets for the Athenian team is Tsaldaris who made a wonderful season with Ariss jersey. As far as the Americans concern we do not have any real information yet. Barlos has a contract but there are rumors that he is in communication with another team in Athens.
Olympia Larissas: Bartzokas will remain in the team while Mike King will renew his contract while Corey Belser might move as the management wishes to bring back the successful American Mat Walsh who had a very bad season in the Spanish ACB and a medium season in the Belgian league. Other than that, Tsiaras might want to try his luck in a stronger team as his performance this season was more than good and Panionios, Marousi and Panellinios might want to add him in their rosters. Lacey and Arigbabu will receive an offer while the Greek players Koumbouras, Batis, Gizogiannis and Giannoulakos will probably stay in the team.
AEL 1964: The Head Coaching position is not closed yet, as Kalafatakis is considering his offers while Papachristos and Papanikolopoulos will stay in the team while there are some rumors that Ceranic already agreed financial terms with the Thessaly team. The Lithuanian star Klimavicius has a two years contract so he will be remaining in the team unless another team can arrange his buy out.
Egaleo: There is not any news in regards to the Head Coaching position the only definite news is that the Greek Head Coach Thanasis Skourthopoulos will not continue his career in Egaleo. Other than that, some players have singed last year contract for two years so they will remain in the team, kallinikidis, Christos Marinos, Dimitris Lolas, Spyros Magkounis and Kostas Georgakiou wil stay in the team, there are though some rumors which say that there will be for sure a merging with the Second division team Ikaros Kallitheas which means that the Greek players will be increased.
Kolossos Rodou: Possible Coaches after Alexandris refusal to stay in the team are unofficially, Pedoulakis, Angelos Koronios, Thanasis Skourthopoulos , Angelou and Flevarakis. The players to continue are mostly the Greeks and on Bosman and foreign site, Pinnock, Josipovic and Djiganovic will get offers while Todic and Vuksanovic will probably leave the team, Diamantopoulos will probably stay in the team while Asimakopoulos might be leaving.
PAOK: No coach, no president, no management team!! PAOK is among the few teams which are truly in a total mess. The historic team of PAOK is facing really big problems and very soon is expected to be under the new president Mr. Zidros, if thats the case then it will have a saying in many organizational and financial issues, Korfas, Konstantinidis and Stavropoulos are in theory the trio of coaches but.. Nobody knows up until when. There is already an unofficial camp taking place to find some new players, Verginis has a contract while Tsiakos, Haritopoulos and Kouvelas will stay in the team. Vangelis Alexandris will be a good case for the Thessalonica team but who knows.
Trikala 2000: Head Coach Tzimas will be heading the team while in regards to players the basis of this season success will remain in the team.
Today is the last and final day in the A2. The A2 league this year was one of the best (as Eurobasket first stated six months ago) in the last twenty years. The team of Trikala is mathematically the champion as it was the steadiest team and didn't make any gifts to its competitors. The team of Nikos Kaklamanos (189-G-81) (17.3pg), who is probably the MVP of the league, was much better than its opponents and it is more than fair that won the league and the promotion to A1. Tassos Harismidis (203-F-81) - 6th rebounder in the league with nearly 6 rebounds per game and Dimitris Bogdanos (200-F-75) - 10th rebounder in the league with nearly 5 per game, added a big portion to this promotion and Nikos Katsares (188-G-83) with his organizational style - 6th in assists with 3.5 per game together with George Lepeniotis (187-G-79) skills and experience - 10th in assists with 3 per game, gave the necessary 'push' to the team of Yannis Tzimas .
The last game of the champion team of Trikala will be against Ilysiakos but it doesn't matter at all for Tzimas team, who's already started his plans for the A1 league. Their current record is 24-5 while their opponent in the last game, team of Ilysiakos (which is currently playing very good basketball) is on the 13th position with a record of 12-17 succeeding 4 winning results in the last 4 games.
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On the other hand though, the teams of Panorama and the team of Dafni are the two teams which will play until the end their last game of the season as they both have equal chances to be promoted through the second position as they both have quite 'easy' games against Halkida and Pangrati respectively, the only difference is that Panorama will repeat the game which lost against MENT (early next week) so the chances are now much better for the team of Fotis Fotis Takianos . Panorama though, it is more than certain that has some financial issues and some behind the scene news are brining the Fotis Takianos s team to merge with another team (either Kavalla from the third division, or Iraklis from A2), never the less, Panorama with Theodoros Panaras (195-F-76) and Kostas Kakaroudis (204-C-83) mainly, the two players are in the top 20 top scorers in the league with 12 points each, together with Bechlivanis good organizational skills, Kuburovics passion and Henjaks defense, were able to overcome their problems and push Fotis Takianos team to their best ever position in the A2, it is worth mentioning that the team from North Hellas took last season the promotion from B to A2 division as a gift as Makedonikos couldnt play (due to financial issues) in the league of A2! Lastly, it is mentioned that Kuburovic is consider to be among the top Bosman in the division as in the key games of his team was the top performer in all the aspects of the game. Panoramas' current record is 21-7 without counting the lost in MENT as this game will be repeated in a due day, Halkida, which is the opponent of Panorama in the last day of the league has a record of 7-22 and is facing an unbelievable amount of financial issues as the majority of its players already left the team and the rest just waiting for the end of the season in order to change teams too, the new season will find the team of Halkida to join Sporting and Palaio Faliro (all three teams had big issues with their financials) in the second division.
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The third team in the row is the of Dafni, the unlucky team of Coach Costas Sorotos who agreed financial terms and will continue his career as a Head Coach, with the Athenian team for the next season, came so close to the promotion but it seems that it will not be succeeded for a third season in a row (2006 and 2007 lost the promotion as it came third in both cases). Dafni had its ups and down and due to some not so good games the third position is more obvious than ever. The top scorer of the team and among the top scorers in the league Giannis Kakiouzis (205-F-78) may have nearly 16 points per game but it seems that they were not enough for his team to be promoted in the A1 for the first time after nearly 14 years. Christos Petrodimopoulos (209-F/C-80) was very good too and gave his best shot together with Savas Nikitakis (184-G-76) good scoring abilities and organizational skills of Giorgos Sourlis (190-G-85) who is among the top performers in the position of the point guard in all the league, couldnt add the extra bit to push them in the A1, of course nothing finished yet so there are still some mathematical hopes but if we want t be 100% realistic we can say that Coach Costas Sorotos will be coaching the team in the A2 next season too. The last game of Dafni is a kind of a derby as they are facing the team of Pangrati (geographically they are neighbors) Dafnis current record is 21-8 but in the in their in between games against Panorama has a 0-2 as Panorama won both games with 64-61 and 72-78, and that is the main reason why they loose the promotion this season, of course some other behind the scene news are bringing Egaleo which is currently in A1 to merge with Dafni, as they are facing big financial issues and will remain in the A1 under a new name. We will see very soon what the future predicts for these teams.
(201-G-86). The guard from San Giorgio di Piano scored 6 points (with 4 key free throws) in the final minute to give Montegranaro another chance. Premiata won game4 in Milano and owns the home court advantage in the decisive game5. Vitali closed with 13 but Montegranaro first offensive option was Sharrod Ford (206-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Clemson), that dominated Armani frontcourt and collected 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 steals. Jobey Thomas (193-G-80, college: Charlotte) added 16, while Danilo Gallinari (206-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) wasn't enough for Milano. AJ prospect had big numbers (23 points, 10 boarders, 12/12 from the line) but did not manage to close the series and give Milano a Euroleague ticket. Premiata, that two years ago was in Legadue, seems now ready to become one of the 4 strongest teams in serie A: Milano needed 26 points from Melvin Booker and an impressive 17/29 from the three points line to win game3. It won't be easy to do it again. (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) collected 12 points and 6 rebounds, Rodrigo De La Fuente (200-F-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Washington) closed with a wonderful plus/minus (+20) but the man of the match in game4 was Roko Leni Ukic (195-G-84). Croatian play led Lottomatica Roma in the fourth quarter against Tisettanta Cantu', that had one of the worst DaShaun Wood (180-G-85, college: Wright St.) of the season (only 6 points with 1/9 from the field). Roma, despite taking only 28 rebounds (against 35), won the series with some key plays. Ukic, Lorbek and Hawkins (good defense and 8 points tonight) will now wait for the semifinal against Avellino. Roma has the home court advantage but the series won't absolutely be easy.For three years, Japan's elite basketball have been divided. With the establishment of the BJ League, Japanese basketball professionalized and there have been differences and separation between the new league and the JBL institution.
There have been many comparisons, arguments, and agreements when it comes to the thoughts of each respective league.
When we think of the JBL, such phrases and sentences emerge:
'The best players player in the JBL'.
'The money is better over there'.
The JBL will keep the best Japanese players since they run the national team'.
The BJ sounds like this:
'It's more enjoyable to watch'
'Since there's no limitation on imports it's more exciting and the Japanese players will get better'
'There is more popularity and they are really trying to globalize'.
Well, this intrigues us writers at Asia-basket.com Japan too. As a movement to NOT form any prejudice towards each league, and with a dream to think how hoops life in Japan would be if both leagues would atleast co-exist peacefully, I, John Scribe will now announce my fantasy-esque ULTIMATE ALL-JAPAN TEAM.
This award list will feature the best pound-for-pound players regardless of league, team, or association affiliation. And it may still be politically biased, but still tickles the fancy of hoops fanatics through the islands of Japan.
ENJOY!
ULTIMATE JAPAN 1st TEAM
G Mikey Marshall, Osaka Evessa
G Shinsuke Kashiwagi, Aisin Seahorses
F Charles O'Bannon, Toyota Alvark
F Ace Custis, Panasonic Trians
C Marquis Estill
ULTIMATE JAPAN 2nd TEAM
G Takuya Kawamura, OSG Phoenix
G Takehiko Orimo, Hokkaido Rera Kamuy
G Cohey Aoki, Tokyo Apache
F Michael Takahashi, Toyota Alvark
F Andy Ellis, Oita Heatdevils
ULTIMATE JAPAN 3rd TEAM
G Matt Lottich, Osaka Evessa
G Yu Okada, Takamatsu Five Arrows
F Reggie Warren, Takamatsu Five Arrows
F Kousuke Takeuchi, Aisin Seahorses
C Jerald Honeycutt, Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins
ULTIMATE JAPAN 4th TEAM
G Kei Igarashi, Hitachi Sunrockers
G Naoto Takushi, Ryukyu Golden Kings
F Joji Takeuchi, Hitachi Sunrockers
F J.R. Henderson-Sakuragi, Aisin Seahorses
C Jeff Newton, Osaka Evessa
Ultimate -Domestic Players 1st Team
Cohey Aoki, Tokyo Apache
Shinsuke Kashiwagi, Aisin Seahorses
Kousuke Takeuchi, Aisin Seahorses
Michael Takahashi, Toyota Alvark
J.R. Henderson-Sakuragi, Aisin Seahorses
Ultimate -Domestic Players 2nd Team
Yu Okada, Takamatsu Five Arrows
Takehiko Orimo, Hokkaido Rera Kamuy
Kei Igarashi, Hitachi Sunrockers
Naoto Takushi, Ryukyu Golden Kings
Takuya Kawamura, OSG Phoenix
Honorable Mention: Kazuya Hatano, Osaka Evessa
Ultimate All-Imports1st Team
Mikey Marshall, Osaka Evessa
Charles O'Bannon, Toyota Alvark
Ace Custis, Panasonic Trians
Andy Ellis, OIta Heatdevils
Marquis Estill, OSG Phoenix
Ultimate All-Imports 2nd Team
Matt Lottich
Reggie Warren
Jerald Honeycutt
Jeff Newton
Alpha Bangura
Honorable Mention: Lynn Washington
Ultimate All-Defensive 1st Team
Darin Maki, Tokyo Apache
Mikey Marshall, Osaka Evessa
Kousuke Takeuchi, Aisin Seahorses
Shinsuke Kashiwagi, Aisin Seahorses
Ace Custis, Panasonic Trians
Ultimate All-Defensive 2nd Team
Louis Campbell, Toyota Alvark
Nick Davis, Tokyo Apache
Jeff Newton, Osaka Evessa
Gordon James, Saitama Broncos
Cliff Hawkins, OSG Phoenix
Player of the Year: Marquis Estill, OSG Phoenix
Guard of the Year: Shinsuke Kashiwagi, Aisin Seahorses
Forward of the Year: Reggie Warren, Takamatsu Five Arrows
Center of the Year: Marquis Estill, OSG Phoenix
Co-Newcomers of the Year: Kousuke Takeuchi (Aisin) and Joji Takeuchi (Hitachi)
Most Improved Player of the Year: Dameion Baker, Tokyo Apache
Import Player of the Year: Marquis Estill, OSG Phoenix
Domestic Player of the Year: Shinsuke Kashiwagi, Aisin Seahorses
Defensive Player of the Year: Jeff Newton, Osaka Evessa
Coach of the Year: Kensaku Tennichi, Osaka Evessa (V3)
In derby game of the second round on final tournament of Serbian championship for juniors Crvena Zvezda was better than Hemofarm STADA in thriller 95-94. After equalized first quarter, Zvezda went on the halftime with advantage of 10 points. Later, Hemofarm demonstrated much better performance having an opportunity to win. But 4 second before the end the orange team did not succeed to score at their last possesion. The team from Belgrade won thanks to much better percentage from the free throw line at the very end. Lazar Radosavljevic (203-F-91) was the best for the winners scoring 27 points. Crvena Zvezda is the only undefeated team after 2 rounds in group A.
On the other side in derby game of group B Zemun Lasta outplayed FMP 96-72. Thus Zemun is on top of group B with score 2-0. FMP from Zeleznik has 1-1. Filip Sepa (199-G/F-90) paced the winners netting 34 points.
Group A - results of day 2
Zdravlje Actavis - Ergonom 66-75 (16-26,17-24,13-16,20-9)
Hemofarm STADA - Crvena Zvezda 94-95 (24-25,19-30,31-23,20-17)
Group B - results of day 2
FMP - Zemun Lasta 76-92 (21-21,17-26,17-21,21-24)
Vojvodina Srbijagas - Borac 74-73 (20-16,22-20,8-18,24-19)
Group A - standings
1. Crvena Zvezda 2-0
2. Hemofarm STADA 1-1
3. Ergonom 1-1
4. Zdravlje Actavis 0-2
Group B - standings
1. Zemun Lasta 2-0
2. FMP 1-1
3. Vojvodina 1-1
4. Borac 0-2
A Standings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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On Saturday, May 17th, Union Olimpjia will play against Zlatorog Lasko at 16.30 in Ljubljana and Krka against Helios at 20.00 in Domzale. Second games will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday and eventually third on Saturday.
On the press conference before the half finale game against Zlatorog, coach Aleksandar Dzikic of Union Olimpija said, his team will try to prevent Zlatorog from playing their typical game. Olimpija wants to leave a much better impression after this game, than they did after the last one with Helios.
Damjan Novakovic, head coach of Zlatorog, said the team lost their big emotional charge in the previous games, also against Olimpija. He sees oportunity to win in Olimpija's underestimation of his team and says, they will have to play with more than 100% to surprise.
Zoran Martic of Helios is realistic, but optimistic before the game with Krka, as his team stays cool after the win against Olimpija in the last match and does not have any problems with injuries. They are prepared on the tough series, through which they want to reach finale.
Rade Mijanovic, coach of Krka, thinks about Helios as a favourite, not only in this game, but also in this series. Although the team has accomplished all the goals for this season, they have a moral commitment to do their best and play for their fans, sponsors and club.
Source: KZS
BC Politehnika-Galychyna Lviv stole Khimiks home-court advantage after a 73:93 blowout in game 1 of the Bronze series.
Nothing predicted trouble for the home-side at the start of the contest as Khimik was up by 10 early in the 2nd quarter. Lviv, however, recovered and tied the game at 36 with 2 to go in the time-frame.
The visitors continued to roll, finishing the 3rd quarter 52:67, having no difficulty holding on to the lead in the 4th.
Game 2 is on Sunday in Yuzhne.
Click here to view game stats:
Meanwhile, BC Kyiv are ready to take on defending champs Azovmash Mariupol in Game 1 of the Finals. The match starts at 16:00 local (Kyiv) time and live score and stats will be available on the Official Website of the Ukrainian Basketball Federation.
Women News
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