EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/10/2008

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Helios part ways with coach Martic -by Zeljko Zule

Helios has fired head coach Zoran Martic after just one season. His team had a 6-20 record in NLB Adriatic League and lost both domestic finals this year a season after capturing Slovenian Championship and Cup Spar. Club management stated tonight that Slovenian runner-up would have a new coach by the end of the week. .



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ARGENTINA

Third defeat for Roberto Gabini in Italian final -by Eurobasket News
Argentina (Buenos Aires) native Roberto Gabini (198-F-75, agency: Interperformances) and his team Lottomatica Rome suffered third defeat in the final of Italian play-off. Montepachi once again was too strong for Gabini and his teammates beating them on the road 80-72.

Lottomatica had fantastic beginning of the game and after couple of minutes they already made double digit lead. This furious quarter Gabini's team finished having great advantage 26-10. Montepaschi couldn't score any open shot during these 10 minutes, They also struggled with organizing the plays. Reason for this can be Lottomatica's defense which looked very good last night. The team from Rome came into this game very motivated because of the last two defeats in Siena. However, visitors started to play a bit better in the second frame but anyway Lottomatica went on the breather with plus 12. Something happened to the hosts after the half time as they were totally different team. Picture on the court changed and Montepaschi was that team who had an impressive score in regular season. Gabini and his teammates scored just 24 points in the second half while Montepaschi nailed 54. It was a great come-back of Siena who improved score in the final on 3-0.

As usually, Roberto Gabini was in the starting five in this game. He played 21 minutes last night scoring 8 points and catching 3 rebounds. He didn't have many attempts form behind the arc as he stopped after third one. He had 2/2 FG and 4/4 FT.

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BALKAN LEAGUE

Dimevski: I`m pleased we have 3 teams in the first season -by Eurobasket
The president of the basketball federation of F.Y.R. of Macedonia Daniel Dimevski said in Sofia, that he`s very happy, that F.Y.R. of Macedonia will have 3 teams in the first season of the BIBL.
'This is very good for our basketball. All our representatives are very ambitious and I believe they will help the interest to grow. They all have good sponsors and I think they`ll make good teams, so they can show what they can. The system is good and the two groups are really balanced, so I believe that all the games will be very interesting', commented Dimevski after the draw of Strumica, Feni Industries and KK Rabotnicki.
The head coach of Rabotnicki Skopie Marin Dokuzovski who was in Bulgaria for the meeting of the 12 clubs and the Draw too added:
'I don`t know so well the other teams in the group, but I`m happy, that we`ll play with Levski, because I have many friends in Bulgaria and good memories from my stay in Bulgaria with LukOil Academic. Last season we made a young team with not so big ambitions, but we reached the semifinal in our championship. Next season will be quite more serious and we`ll try to make the squad stronger for the competition.'

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BOSNIA

Everything is ready for the final ! -by Eurobasket News
Final series of Bosnian play-off starts today. Bosna ASA BHT will host Igokea Partizan at their home court in Sarajevo.

Bosna ASA outsmarted Igokea Partizan in the first game of Bosnian League 8 at home 82-80. Bosna celebrated in this game thanks to offensive rebound by Seid Hajric after what he scored from the paint. Igokea wasn't successful at its last possession so Bosna grabbed the victory.
In the second game Igokea Partizan registered comfortable win 83-73 and at that time the team from Aleksandrovac was on top of Bosnian league 8. But they could not keep that position any longer as they lost in the following two games. At the first point Sloboda Dita was better than Igokea at home while in the next round their local rival Borac Nektar outplayed them. After this defeat management of Igokea released head coach Zoran Sretenovic immediately hiring Drago Karalic. Before these two games between Bosna and Igokea, they had two meetings in League 13 and the score was tied once again 1-1.

Both teams advanced to the final easily. Bosna ASA beat Sloboda in two semifinal games 82-65 and 77-72. On the other side Igokea Partizan crushed current Bosnian champion twice. In the first game it was 81-65 while the second one ended 77-86. It is important to say that Siroki changed the head coach between these to games but it is wasn't successful move at the end.

New Bosnian champion will automatically qualify for Adriatic league 08/09 while some chances to do the same has the vice-champion.

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Guns overpower Young Legs, 69-66, OT thriller -by David Edole
The Guns suffered another late game collapse, but this time, they wanted it more, especially against Young Legs, after several players left them to play with the Guns. The most anticipated game did not disappoint either.

'This was a game between two well deserving team and anyone could have won it,' said relieved Guns coach Andrew Fahie whose squad fell to the East in overtime, 87-83 last week. 'But, we showed tonight we have a lot of heart and that's what won it for us. We didn't give up. Last week we were looking for the referee to help us instead of playing. But tonight, we kept playing.'

Fahie's comments came after the Guns blew an 11-point lead late in the game, but, this time they recovered and were better at the line than Young Legs, to seal a thrilling 69-66, overtime victory, when Calvert White scored two of his game high 20 points.

Kennedy Bass made one of three free throws to send the game into overtime tied at 57-57, after they outscored the Guns 19-7 to force the tie before boisterous fans.

White pulled 12 boards and Raheem Smith followed up with 10 points. Jason Edwin and Kennedy Bass were Young Legs' leading scorers with 16 and 13 points respectively.

'Definitely, we didn't take care of the basketball, missed a lot of free throws and had poor execution,' summarized Young Legs' coach Brian 'Bash' Brewley. 'The paper team played really good but, we'll meet again.'

Ryan Mills had a game high 34 points and 10 rebounds double double, lifting And One to a stunning victory over defending Jr. division champions Virgin Gorda Jr. Mystics, 81-77. Dequan Bryon added 17 points and 9 steals. Coy Dore poured in 29 points and eight rebounds to lead the Jr. Mystics.

Off de Chainz beat Top Shottas, 89-76, behind Climele Gibbs' 21 points and seven steals. Algernon Augusite followed up with 15 points and Shevon Reese, 14. Top Shottas' Leslee Smith finished with a game best 26 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks. Ephraim Gordon tossed in another 19 points and five steals.

Long Look Bulldogs trashed Peacemakers, 66-54. Tad Martin and Kevin Issac had 20 and 18 points each. Nahasee Chalwell was Peacemakers top scorer with 18 points.

The Bad Boys overpowered the Latinos, 90-73, behind Kelvin Samuel's 26 points. Nathaniel 'Nat' Malone added 13. Andy Ramirez poured in 24 points and grabbed 19 boards with six steals, to lead the Latinos.

By DEAN 'The Sportsman' GREENAWAY

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CAMEROON

Diagne opens the Finals -by Eurobasket News
Moussa Diagne (203-F/C-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Furman) and his German Bonn played the first game in the Final Play-offs. It is a must to mention first that finishing 7th after the regular season Bonn advanced to the Finals. Alba proved however the masterclass in the opener of the German Finals edging Telekom Baskets Bonn 78:69. Berlin team took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five final playoff at Max Schmeling Halle. The hosts grabbed the lead from the very beginning and ended up on a happy note. Aleksandar Nadjfeji and Bobby Brown led the winners with 19 points each. Julius Jenkins nailed 14, whilst Immanuel Immanuel McElroy added 13. Ronnie Burrell top-scored for the guests with 16 points and Bernd Kruel scored 14. Telekom hosts Game 2 on Wednesday with the chance to tie the series.
Alba had a strong start and desired to prove that the team won the regular season truthfully. Patrick Femerling made it 17:11through the opening tip of the game. It was Nadjfeji who kept Alba ahead 25:19 after the first period. Alba did not stop in the second quarter and remained in front of the game. Goran Nikolic scored for 11 points deficit, making 37:26, but then Ronnie Burrell brought Bonn within 39:30 at halftime.
The guests appeared fresher in the third period and closed the gap to 42:38. Dragan Dojcin allowed the hosts to keep a 53:47 margin at the end of the third quarter. All in all Telekom Baskets Bonn looked better and it seemed that the team would spurt in the end. Immanuel McElroy however took over early in the fourth period to make it 60:49. Alba Berlin held the score for good and won the opener 78:69.
Moussa Diagne averaged 5.2 points per game and 1.6 rebounds in the semifinal series when Bonn beat Dt. Bank SK. His regular season stats were 5.5 points per game and 2.5 rebounds.

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CAPE VERDE

National basketball team ready to fight for Beijing -by Pedro Gomes

In order to fulfill the admittedly difficult dream of playing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Cape Verdean national basketball selection will undergo special preparations prior to heading for the Pre-Olympic tournament in Greece, to be held in the second half of July.

The Cape Verdean Basketball Federation announced the details of the preparatory training on June 3.

On June 20, the players and coaching team will meet in Praia for the first phase of training. An international tournament is also being planned, which, according to Basketball Federation general secretary Filomeno Costa, is expected to include the Senegalese National Basketball Selection and a Praia all-star team.

In early July, the Cape Verdean national team will embark for France, where they will participate in a tournament between the 5th and the 10th. Their final destination is Greece, where they will go up against New Zealand and Germany in the first phase of the Olympic classification rounds.

Cape Verdean Basketball Federation president Kitana Cabral says that the government and various sponsors have taken care of the expenses for the training period. Today, June 4, Federation leaders have a meeting scheduled with Prime Minister Jose Maria Neves to discuss the final details of the support to be given for the training.



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CHINA

CBA Rookies Must Now Be 18 to Combat Cheating on Ages -by Arthur Volbert
The CBA has passed a new rule that, starting in the 2008-2009 season, all rookies must be at least 18 years old.

This was done to combat the wide-spread practice of listing players as being younger than their actual ages. Sometimes players were listed as being a year or two younger but I have seen players whose ages suddenly jumped four years when they got older. Zhang Yunsong (182-G-77) is one example as his birth year went from 1981 to 1977. This practice was started by clubs and localities to gain advantage in local competitions at a time when basketball was primarily a recreational sport in China.

But it has become exceedingly harmful to Chinese basketball now that China is becoming one of the best basketball-playing nations in the world. Not knowing the true ages of its young players makes it extremely difficult to judge who are its most promising junior stars. This practice also exposes China to penalties for using overage players in FIBA age-group championships.

Observers and coaches at this year's Nike All-Asia Camp felt that the Chinese players from this year's camp were generally less skilled than players in previous years, but that this was because they were generally younger. So it seems that the new CBA rule is having the desired effect.

I would like to thank sinobball at http://forums.interbasket.net/showthread.php?t=6883 for providing this information.

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COLOMBIA

National Tournament in Medellin -by Victor Garcia

Nine teams arrived to Medellin, to play the National Men Tournament, Antioquia A, Valle, Bogota, San Andres and Caldas are to top teams to beat.
The teams are clasified in two groups:

Group A:
Antioquia A.
Valle
Norte
Magdalena-Gaira

Group B:
Bogota
Caldas
San Andres
Cundinamarca
Antioquia B.

Sunday's Results:
Bogota 86 - Cundinamarca 62
Caldas 70 - Antioquia B 59
Valle 90 - Norte 65
Antioquia A 118 - Magdalena 47



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CROATIA

Zadar finished very successful season -by Eurobasket News
Zadar finished another great season. At the front of their fans in hall 'Jazine' they celebrated in fifth decisive game of the play of final against Split CO 89-65. With this title Zadar came very close to Cibona in the battle for new 3-year contact with Euroleague. Zadar currently has 21 points while Cibona has 23.

'During the last 12 months we were obsessed by the last season's final and those 13 seconds when we lost the championship. We dreamed about this title and a chance to come closer to Cibona. I think we totally deserved it because in all competitions this season we showed that we are the best Croatian team' - said Aleksandar Petrovic, head coach of Zadar. Interesting is that after the game coach Petrovic gave his medal to Zadar's fans 'Tornado', which helped them a lot in this final.

In the last game Zadar came to the title without any bigger efforts. They made 25-13 after ten minutes but Split didn't let them to keep it any longer as they very soon came closer on 31-25. Third quarter totally belonged to Zadar, who went in the last stanza with plus 27. After this moment it was clear that visitors won't have any chance until the end. It meant that the big joy of Zadar and its fans was ready to start.

'We missed many open shots in third quarter. Our defense wasn't good as it usually was, especially our zone defense which helped us a lot this season. Simply we was out of concentration' - said Slobodan Subotic, head coach of Split CO.

The pearl from Adriatic sea and one of the best Split's players in final series, Damjan Rudez (207-F-86) said: 'I think everyone saw that we finally brought back basketball to Split after a long time. Personally I am very satisfied with this season. Split made huge step forward and also I made it. I hope we will continue in the same rhythm next season. I have a valid contract with Split for one more year so naturally it is my first option. I am very proud because Split's fans love me as they love them. They are very 'smart' basketball fans and you can not trick them. Once again I am happy because of our performance this season I am sure we will be even better in the future.'

Dusko Ivanovic replaces Neven Spahija in TAU -by Eurobasket News

Coach Neven Spahija made great success in Spain this season but unfortunately that was not enough for TAU's management as they didn't want to keep him any longer. TAU won Spanish ACB league in style beating AXA Barcelona in final series 3-0. TAU smashed the Barca in the first two games in Palau Blaugrana. After that one win in Vitoria was just a formality for Spahija's player. TAU also won Spanish Super Cup at the beginning of the season but as it is mentioned above in wasn't enough for contract extension. It is not a secret that Spahija had some understandings with TAU's president Josean Querejeta about the plans for the next season.

Anyway, after winning the title TAU decided to hire a new coach. Just couple of days later the team agreed terms with Montenegrin coach Dusko Ivanovic so it will be his second time on TAU's bench. According to Spanish media everything is agreed and it is expected that contract will be signed very soon.

Dusko Ivanovic already had 5 successful seasons with TAU in the past. He was its head coach from 2000 to 2005. The team became a winner of ACB league, two times they won 'Copa del Rey' while also two times TAU participated at Euroleague Final 4. His last team was AXA Barcelona but they decided to cut him at the middle of the last season.

TAU also extended contract with one of its best players, Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances). Member of Brazilian National Team will stay in TAU until the end of the season 2011/12.

According to some rumors Barcelona and Real Madrid showed some interest in Neven Spahija but is unknown yet what will be his next destination.



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CYPRUS

Radojevic in AEL -by Chris Mammides
The Serbian giant Aleksandar Radojevic (220-C-76, college: Barton County CC) who won the title this seazon with Keravnos Strovolou (and was said that he wasn't good enough in the play offs :), agreed terms with Proteas EKA AEL of Coach Dragan Raca . Dragan Dragan Raca knows the player very well and ofcourse he doesn't need anybody to inform him about his abilities and the power that is adding in the paint for every team that he played in the pass, besides it is more than obvious that the team to win the title must have a very good center in order to win all its opponents, Keravnos after nearly a decade that won the title had this center and let him go to his rivals....
Dragan Raca is expected to signa couple of more players that they are coming from the Serbian market and played allready in some teams in the Cyprus league...

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Czechs lose to Italy at Memorial Vicenzi -by Eurobasket News
Italy - Czech Republic 88:69

Czech Republic National team clinched the second spot at the Memorial Vicenzi international tournament in Verona. Czech team got to a winning start of the competition beating Italy U22 and Ukraine in the first two rounds of action. However they failed to claim the title falling short against Italy in the final game of the tournament. The hosts opened the game aggressively and soon piled up a 14:10 lead. Czech side answered with a 7:1 run to surge ahead 17:15 late in the quarter. However the home side still was able to jump in front 22:20 heading into the second frame. Daniele Cinciarini (194-G-83, agency: Interperformances) netted three trebles in the second quarter and Italy stretched the lead to 7 points at halftime. Passera ignited an 18:4 run early in the third period as Italy grabbed a 21-point advantage. Italian team kept the visitor at bay throughout the third stanza and managed to build a 25-point cushion at the end of three quarters. Czech Republic could not recover in the final frame and suffered the blowing loss at the end. Bruno Cerella (194-F-86) poured in 18 points to lead Italian team. Daniele Cinciarini netted 17 points, while Roberto Rullo (192-G-90) had 16 for the winners. Stanislav Votroubek (214-C-81, agency: PPGroup) answered with 15 points for Czech Republic. Tomas Satoransky (197-G-91, agency: PPGroup) had 13 points, while Lukas Kotas (192-F-84) and Pospisil nailed 8 apiece in defeat. Czech team outrebounded the hosts 35:33 but converted just 42% from the field comparing to 50% from Italy.

Italy: Bruno Cerella 18, Daniele Cinciarini 17, Roberto Rullo 16
Czech Republic: Stanislav Votroubek 15, Tomas Satoransky 13

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EGYPT

Gezira holds the super league for the 5th time in 7 years -by Sherif Soliman
Gezira crushed Ahly to hold the league for the 5th time in the last 7 years,Zamalek hoped that Ahly beats gezira to stop their 5 wins run.Gezira players new that this game is very important and loosing the game will turn the league up side down.Gezira experienced players finished the game in the 3rd quarter to have an easy win with 16 po.Gezira celibrated the great victory with the board members Ahmed Abo EL fotouh ,Tarek El behery who supported the team this season to reach the top.Ramy Gunady (184-G-81)

Gezira faces sporting in the cup final -by Sherif Soliman
Gezira killed Zamalek derams last night with a great victory 84-73 in the semi final cup game.Gezira players wanted to proof that they are the best team in the league while Zamalek players wanted to keep their last chances to win anything this season.Gezira players started the game badly and couldnt stop the muscle game performed by zamalek players.Zamalek players started to get tired and the bench wasnt in a good shape while Gezira players kept their strenth to the last quarter to finsh the game with 11 po.Ramy Gunedy ,Danny johnson,M.Kerdany form Gezira played a great game,While Samir Gouda ,Haytham El Saied,Tarek el Saied from Zamzlek performed hard last night.Danny Johnson (190-G-76, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Charleston)

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EUROLEAGUE

Pelekanos in Olympiakos! -by Chris Mammides
Ex Real Madrid's player, Michalis Pelekanos (198-F-81) is officially the first signing of Panagiotis Giannakis 's Olympiakos Piraeus, Michalis Pelekanos is a great defender and very coachable and is expected to be an amazing tool in Giannakis's hands.
Aris Thessalonikis agreed terms with the American guard with Bulgarian passport Keydren Clark (173-G-84, college: St.Peter's). The ex Egaleo point guard will help the team of Coach Andrea Mazzon in this difficult seazon trying to regain the Euroleague position through the Greek league.

Panionios for Gershon? -by Kostas Papadopoulos
After Panionios achived to qualify for Euroleague's next season, its president Lianos started to shape the new roster. And since everything begins from the coach, the team from Nea Smirni seems to be interested in Pini Gershon as its new coach at the place of Markovic. The first discussions are rumoured to have been made and during the following days we will see the outcome for this case. What should be mentioned is that the Israelian coach, although having been fired from Olympiakos since February, still stays in Greece (at Glyfada) and so whatever discussions seem to be easier to be made.
At the same time, both cases of Giannis Kalambokis (195-G-78, agency: FCM) and Ivan Zoroski (195-G-79, agency: Octagon) are positively examined for their renewal for the next season since both players were among the main players for Panionios' success in taking the third place at the A1 Greek championship which just finished.

Papaloukas leaves Moscow for Piraeus? -by Kostas Papadopoulos
Olympiakos seems to have already made its first transfer with Michalis Pelekanos (198-F-81) (although nothing has been announced officially yet), but the big subject is the case of Theodoros Papaloukas (200-G-77, agency: Interperformances). Six years after the MVP of Euroleague 2006-2007 left Piraeus (in fact he was obliged to leave the team), it seems that life in Moscow for all that time has been quite enough for him. The player has been told to prefer to return to the Reds (not officially yet), break his contract with CSKA (which in fact is based mostly on mutual oral agreement and not in written terms) and what remains is the Moscow team's official opinion and mostly its compensation for releasing the Greek super star. 'Sport-express' Russian newspaper has written that this compensation could reach one million, but this amount doesn't seem to impress Aggelopoulos Bros, who want to bring the Greek play-maker back in Greece. The player is now on vacation, before joining the Greek National Team for the FIBA Qualifying Olympic Tournament, and everybody is waiting his return to Athens for the discussions to begin (if not already began).
On other transfer news, regarding the Reds, coach Panagiotis Giannakis ' presence at Reds' bench seems to facilitate whatever discussions, especially for Greek players. His influence is important in order to persuade both Lazaros Papadopoulos (210-C-80) and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) to return to Greece and join Olympiakos for next season, while also some newspapers and sites write about Reds' interest in Carlos Delfino (199-G-82). The next days seem rather interesting for all these subjects and all team's fans are waiting for these moves to become a reality.

News from Efes Pilsen -by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen started with signings of the new players for season 08/09. Couple of days ago Efes agreed terms with a head coach Ergin Ataman and now they inked another member from Besiktas Cola Turka. It is guard Sinan Guler (192-G-83, college: Carroll (MT)), who spent just previous season with Beskitas. He had 13 appearances for them in ULEB Cup averaging 5.8 ppg, 4 rpg and 1.3 apg. He also played 34 games for Besiktas in TBL having 6.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.6 spg. Guler helped the team to became the Turkish championship winner as well as to reach the ULEB Cup Final 8 in Turin. Before Besiktas, Guler played one year for Darussafaka Istanbul. He graduated at the Caroll College in the United States. Guler also was a member of Turkish University Team which participated on World University Games in Bangkok in 2007.

The team announced another reinforcement on the bench. Ufuk Sarica, who was an assistant coach of Ataman last season in Beskitas, also agreed terms with Efes. Sarica is one of the Turkish basketball legends. Almost a decade ago he was a starting small forward of Efes Pilsen. He had a couple of very successful year with Efes as they won Turkish championship 4 times. Efes also was the winner of European Cup Radivoj Korac in 1996 as well as a National Cup winner in 1999.

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FRANCE

ProB: Besancon and Poitiers will meet in Bercy -by Chris Spiesser
The two visiting teams, Poitiers and Besancon, grabbed the ticket to the ProB final. The winner of this game earns its ProA spot for 2008/2009. This is a double surprise. Besancon was one of the pretenders at the beggining of the year but only grabbed the 8th playoff ticket in the final game of the regular season. The bisontins got hindered by a bad season start that costed coach Castano his place. He got replaced by the experienced Sylvain Lautie who obviously found the keys of the team. A new lift to ProA could give a boost to a team who was close to concretise, last year, an interresting project with the watch creator, Festina. Will this be the starting point of a new period for the team that is the most regular user of the ProA/ProB lift since the mid 90's.
On the other hand, Poitiers only reached ProB in 2006. This promotion was already a top performance for a team that gives main credit to young talent developpement (Gomez, Guillard, Costentin, Devehat, Kante, ...) The inetgration of two excellent US players, Gunn and Younger, plus Maynier's experience allow the team an extraordinary opportunity. If things seem fast, Poitiers is quite a big city (150.000 hab) that could absorb this promotion. Moreover the PB86 is really on top concerning the multimedia though the brilliant www.pb86.fr website. One main issue nevertheless is the Lawson Body arena.

Saint-Etienne 82-84 Besancon
The locals were still leading by 9pts at the beggining of the last quarter despite Johan Passave's expulsion after 5 minutes. But Simon Darnauzan (175-G-80) wasn't kenn on going on holidays. He led the rally, ended the game with 26pts (10/13) while Terrence Johnson scored the buzzer beater. The forezians will regret their poor 12/22 at the FT line.

Bourg 86-92 Poitiers
Here also, the locals will end the year on a frustrating evening. The reds were still in front before the final act (60-57) with a tremendous Lalugba (26pts 11/14, 5rbs). But Gunn and Maynier set a top performance as they shared 52pts (8/12 3pts), 11rbs, 6stl, 3ass driving their team to score 35pts in the final 10 minutes.

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FYRMACEDONIA

Strumica lost the tittle because coach Miodrag Kadija -by Zoran Kovacevski

Many considers that the main reason of Strumica's loss in the league finals was mostly due to very questionable coaching of Montenegro coach Miodrag Kadija. He was outsmart, outplayed and outclassed by opponent coach Emil Rajkovic, who did a better job in leading his team to the first ever tittle in macedonian championship for the team from Kavadarci.

Coach Kadija made couple really bad decisions in the last minutes of the game, and he was mainly accused by many about the final loss, which cost the team from Strumica the championship title. There are already some speculations that Kadija may leave the team as too many fans blame him for the loss. After every defeat, Kadija blamed the referees, and he never looked back at his work.
Kadija acted in a very unprofessional manner refusing to make the post-game interview with the media. It's understandable to get very upset as the game was very close. But that's not an excuse to such rude behaviour.
The MVP of the game was American center Donald Cole of Feni Indistrija, who had 34 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. He had great help coming from international guard Goran Samardziev (188-G-81) (15), U.S. guard Taliek Brown (186-G-82, agency: Octagon, college: Connecticut) (11) and forward Marjan Gjurov (201-F-80) (10). Strumica was lead by forward Dimtche Tasovski (202-F-80) (22), guard Eftim Bogoev (185-G-80) (20) and Serbian Miljan Pupovic (210-C/F-83, agency: Interperformances) (16).



Feni Industri captures the title after OT -by Eurobasket News
Feni Industri is a new champion FYR Macedonia. In extremely thought and interesting final series against defending champion Strumica 2005 the team from Kavadarci at the end celebrated 4-3. It is the second trophy for Feni this season as they already won Macedonian National Cup. Feni is the fourth team in FYROM's history who won domestic championship. Rabotnicki in on the first place with 13 titles so far. Except of Rabotnicki, one title possess Nikol Fert, Strumica 2005 and now Feni.

Final series started with 1-0 for Feni because of better position in regular season. In the first game Feni celebrated in thriller 79-75 despite visitors had advantage almost the entire game. Ex champion made a comfortable win in the second game coming on 1-2 in the final. Once again Feni was better at home beating Strumica 89-80 making big step forward to first championship title in club's history. But Strumica won game number 4 at the buzzer 75-74 thanks to two free throws by Damir Latovic. It was 3-2 for Feni at that time. They had a wonderful chance to celebrate title at their home court in Kavadarci. Everything was good for Feni until the last quarter when they totally lost control on this game. Strumica intensified defense stealing many balls from Feni's guard which finally resulted with 78-83 and score 3-3 in the final. This was maybe the most interesting final in FYROM's history as the question about the winners is resolved in game number 6 after over time. Visitors had lead almost the entire game. They had plus 3 with just 8 seconds remaining but young Petre Cvetkov of Strumica hit 3-pointer for over time. In these 5 minutes Feni was a way better finishing game 100-92.
Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.) paced the winners to first title ever netting 37 pints and grabbing 8 rebounds. Goran Samardziev (188-G-81) followed him scoring 15 points. Strumica 2005 got 22 points from Dimtche Tasovski (202-F-80).


Strumica 2005 - Feni Industri 92-100

Strumica: Dimtche Tasovski 22, Bogoev 20, Pupovic 16 (4 as), Bosnjak 10
Feni: Donald Cole 37 (8 rebs), Goran Samardziev 15, Brown 11, Gurov 10

Official statement of BC Strumica 2005 -by Todor Chalovski
Basketball club Strumica 2005 issued an official statement to the media in Macedonia:

BC Strumica 2005 announces to the public via official statement that is renouncing of all speculations, written in few internet sites and the article in today's edition of daily newspaper VEST, regarding the apparent departure of our coach Miodrag Kadija.

The club officially states that it is very satisfied with Kadija's work. For a very short period of time he was able to rejuvenate the team, and to get it on the right track.

These insinuations, coming from few separate journalists harm the club's reputation, s well as the reputation of our coach, whose work left its mark in Strumica. We, as a Managing Board, officially state that all future insinuations and articles in the media will only be considered as assumptions.

The Managing Board officially says that the official talks with our coach and all players, about their future in our club are due to be held. The official annual Meeting of the club will be held this week, which will give answers to all important things and details.

At the end, once again, we distance ourselves from all kinds of information and lies, that have nothing in common with our club, more precisely, with the apparent departures of our coach and players.

Best regards

MANAGING BOARD
BC STRUMICA 2005


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GERMANY

Market News -by Moritz Korff
Three more players will stay at RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (2. Bundesliga Pro B) and play for the team in the 2008-2009 campaign: Michael Jost (203-F-88), Souleymane Diallo (196-G-88) and Leon Rothenbacher (208-F/C-87). Jost, a 19-year-old German U20-international, averaged 6.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in 5 games during this past season. Rothenbacher and Soueleymane Diallo mostly strengthend Eintracht's farm team in the 2. Regionalliga, but also saw action in 11 and 10 games respectively in the 2. Bundesliga.

The BSW Sixers, newcomers to the Regionalliga North, have announced the signing of Michael Haucke (210-C-85). The 23-year-old Center, a product of the Jena-basketball program, spent this past season with the Gotha Rockets (RLSO) and scored 6.1 points per contest. The Sixers also extended the contracts of Coach Fritz Espenhahn, Thomas Maehne (200-C-80), Alexander Rosanke (191-G/F-83), Daniel Montag (203-C-78), Lukas Hoepke (183-G-86) and Marcus Brambora (186-G-75).

Obradovic leaves, Prodanovic/Kukic take over! -by Manuel Schust
Today, Koeln 99ers announced the departure of their head coach Sasa Obradovic . The 39-year old serbian opted out of his contract and signed with ukrainian team BC Kiev for the upcoming season. Obradovic was a member of the Cologne basketball project since 2001. After he retired as a player, he became head coach of the 99ers and and assisted by Drasko Prodanovic he managed to win the championship in 2006 and the cup in 2007.

61-year old Drasko Prodanovic , who was Obradovics assistant coach in the last couple of years and helped unexperienced Obradovic a lot, takes over as the new head coach. His new assistant coach will be Zoran Kukic , a former player for the 99ers, who coached Colognes NBBL-team last season and was elected NBBL coach of the year.

ProA and ProB play german -by Manuel Schust
During a meeting in Frankfurt last week, the members of AG 2. Basketball Bundesliga made a formative decision.
From the 2008/2009 season on, the leagues 'ProA and ProB play german'.
In order to support young german talents and help them to get more playing time, in ProA at least one german player has to be on the court.
For ProB it's even two germans, every team needs to have in the game.

Next year, a new ProA member will join the league: FC Bayern Munich takes over the licence of Duesseldorf Giants. In a ballot vote the members of AG 2. Basketball Bundesliga confirmed that Duesseldorf is allowed to hand their licence to the bavarians.
The final formation of ProA and ProB will be announced later this month.

Game 1: Alba wins the opener -by Eurobasket News
Alba Berlin - Telekom Baskets Bonn 78:69

Alba proved the masterclass in the opener of the German Finals edging Telekom Baskets Bonn 78:69. Berlin team took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five final playoff at Max Schmeling Halle. The hosts grabbed the lead from the very beginning and ended up on a happy note. Aleksandar Nadjfeji (203-F-76) and Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) led the winners with 19 points each. Julius Jenkins (187-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Southern) nailed 14, whilst Immanuel Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) added 13. Ronnie Burrell (204-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Greensboro) top-scored for the guests with 16 points and Bernd Kruel (210-C/F-76) scored 14. Telekom hosts Game 2 on Wednesday with the chance to tie the series.
Alba had a strong start and desired to prove that the team won the regular season truthfully. Patrick Femerling made it 17:11through the opening tip of the game. It was Nadjfeji who kept Alba ahead 25:19 after the first period. Alba did not stop in the second quarter and remained in front of the game. Goran Nikolic (205-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 11 points deficit, making 37:26, but then Ronnie Burrell brought Bonn within 39:30 at halftime.
The guests appeared fresher in the third period and closed the gap to 42:38. Dragan Dojcin allowed the hosts to keep a 53:47 margin at the end of the third quarter. All in all Telekom Baskets Bonn looked better and it seemed that the team would spurt in the end. Immanuel McElroy however took over early in the fourth period to make it 60:49. Alba Berlin held the score for good and won the opener 78:69.

Alba Berlin: Aleksandar Nadjfeji 19, Bobby Brown 19, Julius Jenkins 14, Immanuel McElroy 13
Telekom Baskets Bonn: Ronnie Burrell 16 points, Bernd Kruel 14, Miah Davis (183-G-81, college: Pacific) 12, Winsome Frazier (193-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: Mississippi St.) 12

Will Chavis stays with MBC -by Manuel Schust
27-year old Point Guard Will Chavis (181-G-81, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Texas Tech) signed a new 2-year contract with ProA team Mitteldeutscher BC (MBC).

Chavis joined MBC in January 2008 after starting the season in Cyprus. In 12 games, the Point Guard managed to produce 13.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.
Especially his shooting percentage looks impressive: Chavis made 42,9% of his three point shots and had the best free throw percentage of the whole ProA league with 91,7%.

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GREECE

Papaloukas leaves Moscow for Piraeus? -by Kostas Papadopoulos
Olympiakos seems to have already made its first transfer with Michalis Pelekanos (198-F-81) (although nothing has been announced officially yet), but the big subject is the case of Theodoros Papaloukas (200-G-77, agency: Interperformances). Six years after the MVP of Euroleague 2006-2007 left Piraeus (in fact he was obliged to leave the team), it seems that life in Moscow for all that time has been quite enough for him. The player has been told to prefer to return to the Reds (not officially yet), break his contract with CSKA (which in fact is based mostly on mutual oral agreement and not in written terms) and what remains is the Moscow team's official opinion and mostly its compensation for releasing the Greek super star. 'Sport-express' Russian newspaper has written that this compensation could reach one million, but this amount doesn't seem to impress Aggelopoulos Bros, who want to bring the Greek play-maker back in Greece. The player is now on vacation, before joining the Greek National Team for the FIBA Qualifying Olympic Tournament, and everybody is waiting his return to Athens for the discussions to begin (if not already began).
On other transfer news, regarding the Reds, coach Panagiotis Giannakis ' presence at Reds' bench seems to facilitate whatever discussions, especially for Greek players. His influence is important in order to persuade both Lazaros Papadopoulos (210-C-80) and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) to return to Greece and join Olympiakos for next season, while also some newspapers and sites write about Reds' interest in Carlos Delfino (199-G-82). The next days seem rather interesting for all these subjects and all team's fans are waiting for these moves to become a reality.

Panionios for Gershon? -by Kostas Papadopoulos
After Panionios achived to qualify for Euroleague's next season, its president Lianos started to shape the new roster. And since everything begins from the coach, the team from Nea Smirni seems to be interested in Pini Gershon as its new coach at the place of Markovic. The first discussions are rumoured to have been made and during the following days we will see the outcome for this case. What should be mentioned is that the Israelian coach, although having been fired from Olympiakos since February, still stays in Greece (at Glyfada) and so whatever discussions seem to be easier to be made.
At the same time, both cases of Giannis Kalambokis (195-G-78, agency: FCM) and Ivan Zoroski (195-G-79, agency: Octagon) are positively examined for their renewal for the next season since both players were among the main players for Panionios' success in taking the third place at the A1 Greek championship which just finished.

Latest Market news -by Chris Mammides

A1

Dimitris Papanikolaou (202-F-77), Nikos Barlos (202-F-79) and AEK Athens split ways, earleir on today the president (until today) Mr. Dimitris Drosos announced to the two experienced players that they became free agents. It is expected that teams such us Marousi, Panellinios Athens and Panionios will be interested for the two players.
Panorama GS will be the team to play in A1 for the seazon 2008-2009. The Panorama management decided that there will be no merging with any team and that they will follow the road to A1 by themselves alone. Two head coaches are really very closse to agree terms with the Thessaloniki team, Coach Vangelis Alexandris and Coach Kostas Flevarakis

Giorgos Kalaitzis (195-G-76) is very close to sign with Panellinios Athens

Dimitris Verginis (194-G-87) is a Panathinaikos Athens player for the next three years according to unofficial sources.

A2

Fotis Takianos is the new head Coach of Rethymno. The young ex coach of Panorama GS agreed earlier today and sign a contract of 1+1 years with the Cretan team.
Nikos Ekonomou (206-F-73), the ex player of a number of Greek teams is offcially the new Head Coach of Olympiada Patras

Stergios Koufos is the new head coach of Ilysiakos.



Pelekanos in Olympiakos! -by Chris Mammides
Ex Real Madrid's player, Michalis Pelekanos (198-F-81) is officially the first signing of Panagiotis Giannakis 's Olympiakos Piraeus, Michalis Pelekanos is a great defender and very coachable and is expected to be an amazing tool in Giannakis's hands.
Aris Thessalonikis agreed terms with the American guard with Bulgarian passport Keydren Clark (173-G-84, college: St.Peter's). The ex Egaleo point guard will help the team of Coach Andrea Mazzon in this difficult seazon trying to regain the Euroleague position through the Greek league.

Panellinios seeks for Kalaitzis -by Kostas Papadopoulos
Vladimir Petrovic (198-F/G-77, agency: Beo Basket) may be the first player signed with Panellinios, but what seems to interest more this time the people at Kipseli is the case of Giorgos Kalaitzis (195-G-76). The ex-player of Aris, who wants to come back to an Athens' team, is rumoured to be positive in playing at Panellinios next season, although Maroussi seems to interest in him as well. His salary may seem high for both teams, but since the player's will is to come back to the capital, whatever obstacles for the deal would be rather reasonable to overcome.

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HOLLAND

Bart Tooms to Upstairs Weert -by Fred Roggen
Upstairs Weert has contracted Dutch powerforward Bart Tooms (211-C-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: NC-Greensboro). Powerforward Bart Tooms left Holland in 2003 and went to the USA, there he has played for the Genere Community College in New York and North Carolina at Greenboro.
After his return in Europe he played shortly at the Belgian Power Wevelgem. He finished the past season in the Danish competition at Horsens Idreats, were he played 10 games: 3.7ppg and 3.0rpg..

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IBL

Standings
IBL Standings
East
 1. Elkhart E. 15-1 
 2. Windy City S. 10-11 
 3. Holland B. 9-7 
 4. Battle Creek K. 7-8 
Midwest
 1. Gary S. 15-4 
 2. G.Rapids F. 6-10 
 3. Elgin R. 5-8 
 4. USA All-Stars 1-21 
Southwest
 1. Portland C. 10-13 
 2. Las Vegas 9-9 
 3. C.Oregon H. 8-14 
 4. Los Angeles 7-7 
 5. Shanxi Zh. 1-8 
West
 1. Vancouver V. 15-4 
 2. Bellingham S. 14-2 
 3. Snohomish C. 10-9 
 4. Edmonton C. 8-5 
 5. Tacoma J. 6-11 


Stats Leaders
IBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Lucas Portland 37.5
2. Springs Holland 29.8
3. Moodie Elkhart 26.7
4. Dunn C. Oregon 26.6
5.Diggs Bellingham 26.1
6.Langhorne G.Rapids 24.1
7. Watkins Elgin 24.5
8. Rhinehart W.City 24.7
9. Murray L.A. 24.0
9.Horton C. Oregon 24.0
Rebounds Per Game
1.Murray L.A. 11.6
2.Charles Elkhart 11.2
3.Shaw G.Rapids 11.0
4.Horton C. Oregon 10.7
5.Gayden Elgin 10.4
Assists Per Game
1.Hall Las Vegas 9.4
2.Bradford W.City 8.7
3.Springs Holland 7.9
4.Kyle B.Creek 7.2
5.Tyner Vancouver 6.8
5.Parran Gary 6.6
5.Tyner Vancouver 6.6


Knights look to McCants to provide scoring punch -by Trask Frost
Battle Creek, MI - The Battle Creek Knights have announced that former college star Ed McCants (6'4''-G-82, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) has joined the team. The Knights have five remaining regular season games remaining before playoff action begins.

McCants, a 6'4' shooting guard, was the Horizon League player of the year as a senior (2004-'05) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. That season, McCants led the Panthers to the sweet sixteen in the NCAA tournament.

McCants has previous experience in the IBL. In 2006, as a member of the Grand Rapids Flight, McCants averaged 19.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Most recently, McCants played in Hungary for the BC Lami-Ved Kormend.

Battle Creek Head Coach Terry Sare - 'Ed is a tremendous talent and should really give the team a boost, particularly on offense. We are looking to close out the regular season strong and create some momentum heading into the post-season, and I expect Ed to help us achieve that.'

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ITALY

Italy wins "Memorial Vicenzi" tournment -by Gianni Pascucci
Defeating Czech Republic 88-69 yesterday night in Verona, Team Italy won the 'Memorial Vicenzi' international tournment. This time, the game satisfied coach Recalcati, who stated that it was the best played one by the 'Azzurri' starting from the beginning of the camp. Bruno Cerella (194-F-86) and Daniele Cinciarini (194-G-83, agency: Interperformances) were the top scorers, with 18 and 17 points, respectively, and Marco Passera (180-G-82) added 12 points. Czech Republic was led by Stanislav Votroubek (214-C-81, agency: PPGroup), who scored 15 pts. See here down all the results of the 'Memorial Vicenzi' games
Friday, June 6
Serie B U22 Selected Team - Czech Republic 78-85
Italy - Ukraine 76-68
Saturday, June 7
Czech Republic - Ukraine 82-75
Italy - Serie B U22 Selected Team 73-59
Sunday, June 8
Serie B U22 Selected Team - Ukraine 59-77
Italy - Czech Republic 88-69

Caserta promoted to Serie A -by Gianni Pascucci

Defeating yesterday night Fileni Jesi in Game 4 of the Lega 2 Finals, Pepsi Caserta reached Carife Ferrara in Serie A. The game ended 72-70 for Pepsi, and it was played head to head till the beginning, with the two teams alternating at the lead. At the halftime, Caserta was leading 38-31, but a comeback of Jesi allowed Fileni to end the 3rd quarter ahead 51-48 in front of their fans. After another head to head, Pepsi Caserta prevailed 72-70, winning the series 3-1. Randolph Childress (190-G-72, college: Wake Forest) was the top scorer in Pepsi, with 15 points, Andrea Ghiacci (200-G/F-81) and David Brkic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) added 14 and 13 points, while David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.) was the game top scorer with 24 pts in losing effort and Michele Maggioli (212-C-77) ended the game at 15 pts and 14 rebs.
See complete boxscore at www.legaduebasket.it



Serie A Finals Game 3 -by Stefano Pini
Lottomatica Roma - Montepaschi Siena 72-80 (aggregate 0-3)
Montepaschi Siena made the third step towards the title. Roma started very well (28-10). In the second quarter Siena reached to arrive a little bit closer thanks to his defense (38-26) At the beginning of the third quarter Shaun Stonerook (203-F/C-77, college: Ohio) scored 3 bombs in a row and at 24' Roma tied the game. Shaun Stonerook was the top scorer of his team with 17 points (and 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals). Ksystof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) and Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) pushed their team until +10. In the last 10' Montepaschi controlled the game. Lottomatica should limit turnovers to hope in game 4. 18 turnovers are too much against fastbreak's sharks like Bootsy Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's), Romain Sato (194-G-81, college: Xavier) or Rimantas Kaukenas. Roma in these 3 games, demonstrated that can play at Siena's level for 25-28'. Not enough.

Brindisi promoted to Lega 2 -by Gianni Pascucci
Prefabbricati Pugliesi Brindisi defeated 76-74 Banca Nuova Trapani in Game 2 of the last Serie B1 Finals, clinching the last ticket available for Lega 2. Trapani had won Game 1 by three points (79-74), but Brindisi managed to came back, winning the Series. Alejandro Muro (190-G-74, agency: Players Group) scored 17 pts in Game 1 and 20 pts in Game 2, also hitting the last and decisive 3-pointer with few seconds to go, and was the Series MVP. Roberto Feliciangeli (204-F-74) scored 10 in Game 1 and 27 in Game 2 (with 6 rebs) to lead all the scorers. Cristiano Grappasonni (205-F/C-72) and Davide Virgilio (175-G-72) combined for 30 and 25 pts, respectively, in the two games, and were the main performers in Trapani.

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JORDAN

Shareef to ASU -by Mohammed Malas
After the signature of Zeid Abbas (203-C-83) (From Arena Amman) and Abdalla Abu Koura (202-C-84) (From Orthodox), Nidal Shareef (190-G-82) will be the latest face with ASU Sports Club after the agreement with his old club Arena Amman.

Shareef will be a big add for the newcomers to the Excellent League next season rasied in Al Wihdat before playing in Arena Amman before two seasons, He was a member with Jordan National Team during the last 3 years....

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KENYA

Another victory for Nairobi University -by Eurobasket News
University of Nairobi registered another win in Kenyan Premier league. They were better than Strathmore University 64-57 at their home court Nyayo.

The hosts opened the game better with successful triple by Humphrey Mbande but after that Strathmore University took control on them finishing first quarter 13-15. Nairobi University showed totally different attitude in the second quarter. They demonstrated nice quality smashing its opponent 26-11 in this period. Thus the hosts went on the half time with comfortable 14 points lead, 39-25. After the breather, especially in the last quarter, Strathmore started to play more aggressively making their shot at the offensive end. The hosts succeeded to keep its comfortable lead after the third stanza. Later, they lost control on his rival who started to come closer and closer. Visitors melted Naiorbi's lead and it seemed that the turn in possible. But Strathmore didn't have enough power to do it. After wonderful first half University of Nairobi can be happy with final score of 'just' plus 7, 64-57.

Mike Opinya paced the winners with 13 points while Rodney Genga stopped on 12. Joseph Ayemba followed these two players netting 10 points. Paul Nyakinda was the best in Strathmore scoring 15 points. Visitors also got 14 points from Bernard Ogolla.

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LEBANON

Riyadi Beirut 2007-2008 Champion -by Hassan Thini
Riyadi crowned the efforts of its hero players and fans by clinching the cup and title of Lebanese Basketball Championship for the 2007-2008 season. Riyadi is the only team in the history of Lebanon to win the Lebanese Championship 20 times!!! No team is ever even close to that record! This is Riyadi's 4th championship title in a row and we look for so many to come in the future!!! As Riyadi fans, we are proud of our Men, our Heroes, our Champions, for doing what no team has ever done, and for making us proud of them, of ourselves, and of our Club! Its not a secret that this 2007-2008 season was a tough one for Riyadi which suffered from few upsets, but now it's the time to celebrate… the time to wipe the sweat off, and enjoy the victory, which for yet another year, crowns us as THE ULTIMATE KINGS OF THE LEBANESE BASKETBALL WORLD.


This year's achievement took place in Tripoli, on Mouttahid's home court where the Champions of Lebanon ended the finals series (3-1) by knocking out Mouttahid with a deadly blow (71-66) ending the season and earning the title. Despite the win, it is worth noting that Mouttahid Club had its best season ever, and losing 3-1 in the finals to a Giant team like Riyadi is an honor to them. The team's administration worked hard in the past season to see Mouttahid in the final, and they surely got what they deserved, and went one step further in scoring a surprise win over Riyadi, but at the end of the day, all has to fall back in the right track and Riyadi set all teams straight and in place and stepped up, and resumed the summit of the Lebanese Basketball arena.


Fouad Abou Chakra's men were up to the expectations and challenge… and Hussein Tawbi Joe Vogel, Ali Mahmoud, Ace Custis and Ismail Ahmad started the 4th game in Tripoli. The first quarter kicked off with caution from both teams, Ali Mahmoud opened the score sheet after a minute and a half, followed by a threepointer from Custis… but Mouttahid's Kelly was there to close the gap and put his team in the front at the end of the Q1 (21-18). In the second quarter, Riyadi's men were unable to hit Mouttahid's basket for 4 full minutes and the latter were able to increase the gap to 8 pts (26-18), but an uprise from the Yellow team helped them close the gap to 2 pts at half time (33-31). Mouttahid was still fighting up to the 5th minute in the 3rd quarter, but Ismail Ahmad had a different say, and turned the table around, ending that third quarter with his team in the driver's seat (52-48). The experience and determination of Riyadi's Men was a valuable asset in the fourth quarter, as they knew how to control the tempo of the game and ended with an unforgettable win, honoring them with their 20th title in history and the 4th in a row! Riyadi knocked out Mouttahid once and for all, (71-66).


The best scorers in Riyadi were Ismail Ahmad (20 pts), Ali Mahmoud (19 pts), Ace Custis (14 pts), Joe Vogel (13 pts), and Hussein Tawbi (5 pts). Kelly was the best in Mouttahid with 20 pts, in front of Brian Bchara with 18 pts, and Norman Nolan with 13 pts. On behalf of Riyadifans.com and its members, and all Riyadi fans around the globe, we would like to congratulate our heroes from players to coaching staff and administration and all those who contributed to this achievement and urge them to enjoy the win, but keep an eye on next year, as the stakes are high, and our hunger for more achievements is beyond limit. Let us all celebrate the win, but not forget our failures, and that we still have a lot… a lot… of work to do … Reaching the #1 spot is a lot easier that maintaining it. Congratulations to ALL Riyadi fans !!!!!!

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LIBERIA

Sheiku triumphs, Flomo is in the Finals -by Eurobasket News
Sheiku Kabba (188-G-79, college: Providence) and his MyGuide Amsterdam beat Eiffel Towers to triumph in Holland. MyGuide overcame a difficult start, once again being provided a spark by an old reliable, with the FEB title changing hands and MyGuide detroning Eiffel Towers by the score of 83:74. Sheiku Kabba scored 6 points for the winners.
Patrick Flomo (203-F-80, college: Ohio) and his German Bonn played the first game in the Final Play-offs. It is a must to mention first that finishing 7th after the regular season Bonn advanced to the Finals. Alba proved however the masterclass in the opener of the German Finals edging Telekom Baskets Bonn 78:69. Berlin team took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five final playoff at Max Schmeling Halle. The hosts grabbed the lead from the very beginning and ended up on a happy note. Aleksandar Nadjfeji and Bobby Brown led the winners with 19 points each. Julius Jenkins nailed 14, whilst Immanuel Immanuel McElroy added 13. Ronnie Burrell top-scored for the guests with 16 points and Bernd Kruel scored 14. Patrick Flomo ended up with 2 points and 4 rebounds. Telekom hosts Game 2 on Wednesday with the chance to tie the series.
Alba had a strong start and desired to prove that the team won the regular season truthfully. Patrick Femerling made it 17:11through the opening tip of the game. It was Nadjfeji who kept Alba ahead 25:19 after the first period. Alba did not stop in the second quarter and remained in front of the game. Goran Nikolic scored for 11 points deficit, making 37:26, but then Ronnie Burrell brought Bonn within 39:30 at halftime.
The guests appeared fresher in the third period and closed the gap to 42:38. Dragan Dojcin allowed the hosts to keep a 53:47 margin at the end of the third quarter. All in all Telekom Baskets Bonn looked better and it seemed that the team would spurt in the end. Immanuel McElroy however took over early in the fourth period to make it 60:49. Alba Berlin held the score for good and won the opener 78:69.

Lalugba Boakai stopped in the semifinals of French Pro B -by Eurobasket News
Boakai Lalugba (200-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Bucknell) missed a chance to reach the final of French Pro B. His team Bourg lost the third decisive game in the semifinal against Poitiers at home 86-92.

The hosts had a bad evening from the beginning what was a signal that they probably won't succeed to make another step forward in Pro B. Poitiers started the game much better. They totally took control on Bourg which resulted with 21-31 for visitors after first ten minutes. Boakai was the only one who shined in his team. Unfortunately to Boakai, his teammates could not follow him last night. Second stanza didn't bring any news as Poitiers went on the half time having plus 9. In third stanza Poitiers' boat started to go down as Bourg's players finally woke up and helped Boakai. In these 10 minutes they succeeded to make a turn entering into the last frame with plus 3. Then Poitiers made great come-back winning the last quarter 35-26. Thus they finished semifinals series 2-1 advancing to the final.

Boakai Lalugba was in a starting five in this game netting 26 points. He also grabbed 5 rebounds for 30 minutes. His shot percentage was solid as he had 11/14 FG and 4/7 FT. Boakai finished the game with index value 28.

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LITHUANIA

Jasikevicius is crowned in Greece, while Jasaitis celebrates in Spain -by Eurobasket News
Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82) and his TAU Ceramica Vitoria won Spanish Play-offs of 2007/2008. Barca previously eliminated Tau in the semifinals back in 2004 and 2007. Tau was even closer in 2005 and 2006 making it to the finals and losing twice.
Tau Ceramica won at Palau Blaugrana to pick up a dominant 64:75 success against Barcelona. The home team had looked like they might be capable of their emotional semi-final success over DKV Joventut but after an impressive and frenetic start top the contest, Barca simply folded and lost all of their intensity when Tau found their feet. Splitter top scored for Tau wirth 21 points while Singleton missed out on a double-double with 9 points and 10 rebounds. Ersan Ilyasova and Grimau were the only players to do themselves justice in the Barca team with Grimau scoring 17 points while Ersan Ilyasova claimed 10 rebounds to go with his 21 points.
Tau Ceramica picked up a second victory in Palau Blaugrana against Barcelona who now look to have had their dreams shattered by the side from Vitoria-Gasteiz. Tau secured the 74:78 win at the Fernando Buesa Arena on Tuesday night.Illyasova desperately needed someone to support him again but nothing comprehensive in the backcourt emerged - and that has been the problem of Barca. And it went very easy for Tau as they crushed Barca in all three finals games, ending the series with impressive 76:61 victory.
Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) meanwhile triumphed with Panathinaikos that succeeded to win his 10th title in the last 11 years after beating his rival, team of Olympiakos 90:76 in a game which just finished. Sarunas Jasikevicius top-scored with 18 points, 4 assists, and 2 block shots.

U-18 candidates list is open -by Evaldas Ceilytkas
Lihuanian U-18 men basketball team list is announced:

Matas Sapiega (180-G-90);
Donatas Gudeliauskas (179-G-90);
Kristijonas Gaska (184-G-90);
Mindaugas Markevicius (187-G-90);
Rokas Jukonis (193-G-90);
Vytautas-Edvardas Pikalavicius (196-F-90);
Gediminas Bertasius (196-F-90);
Evaldas Kairys (205-C/F-90);
Marius Meilunas (196-F-90);
Tomas Milinskas (200-F-90);
Donatas Motiejunas (213-C-90);
Tautvydas Slezas (207-C-90);
Gediminas Orelikas (198-G/F-90);
Martynas Bareika (191-G-90) (191-G-90);
Vainius Kaleda (190-G-90);
Edvinas Jezukevicius (207-C-90);
Gilvydas Biruta (200-F-91) (200-F-91).

Head coach - Vitoldas Masalskis .
Coach - Gintaras Razutis.

Lithuanian NT candidate list -by Lukas Zajancauskas
Arvydas Macijauskas (192-G-80), Arturas Jomantas (202-G/F-85) and Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85) won't play for the NT for their injuries. So Ramunas Butautas decided to bring new players such as Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) and Arturas Milaknis (195-G-86). Training camp begins in June 20, but coaches expects to see about 15-17 players in the first training, because some of the main players got longer vacation and will arrive to the training camp in the beggining of July.

This is the final candidate list for Lithuanian National Team.

Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland)
Marius Prekevicius (196-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Florida)
Mantas Kalnietis (195-G-86, agency: Interperformances)
Rolandas Alijevas (192-G-85, agency: Octagon)
Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82, agency: Interperformances)
Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall)
Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78)
Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-G-79)
Martynas Pocius (196-G/F-86)
Steponas Babrauskas
Arturas Milaknis
Jonas Maciulis (200-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances)
Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Missouri)
Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82)
Justinas Sinica (203-F-85)
Paulius Jankunas (204-F-84, agency: Interperformances)
Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest)
Donatas Zavackas (203-F-80, college: Pittsburgh)
Ksystof Lavrinovic (210-C-79)
Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79)
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (218-C-75, agency: Interperformances)
Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona)
Marijonas Petravicius (207-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina)
Antanas Kavaliauskas (208-C-84, college: Texas A&M)
Michailas Anisimovas (211-C-84).

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MEXICO

Standings - Lower Leagues
Other Standings
CIMEBA Northern
 1. Cuervos 0-0 
 2. Aztecas 0-0 
 3. Chamanes 0-0 
 4. Titanes 0-0 
CIMEBA Southern
 1. Coras 0-0 
 2. Caudillos 0-0 
 3. Indios 0-0 
 4. Guerreros 0-0 
Liga del Sureste
 1. Dorados 11-5 
 2. Marineros 10-6 
 3. Leopardos 10-6 
 4. Peppers 8-8 
 5. Aluxes 0-16 


Peppers to leave Liga del Sureste ? -by Gianni Pascucci
Despite the very good performing from Eric Carr (200-F-71, college: Penn St.), Aluxes de Cancun were defeated again, two times, from Leopardos de Merida, ending the season without any win. The second game ended 91-79, and Harold Arceneaux (198-F-77, college: Weber St.) led Leopardos at 29, Nick Jones (190-G-81, college: UCSB) added 18, Carr was as usual the last to surrender at 26 in Cancun. In the other weekend series, Peppers de Merida felt two times to Marineros, 108-80 and 107-96, but they had to complaint a lot for the referees, who called lots of unexisting fauls to the Peppers players. The team President, Mr. Luis Osorio, stated to local media that this could force his team to leave immediately the Liga del Sureste, not particpating to the post season. This week should have started the Playoffs, with the pairings Marineros-Leopardos and Dorados - Peppers. Let's see what will happen...

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MONTENEGRO

Bogavac top-scores, not enough for the Final -by Eurobasket News
Nebojsa Bogavac (199-G-73, agency: Beo Basket) and his Le Mans could not make it to the Final of French Play-offs. A nearly perfect defensive effort and another sizzling performance from Marc Salyers allowed Roanne to hold off the LNB top seed Le Mans and enter the Final with 57:71 road win. Roanne managed to stay in the race in Game 2 routing the regular season champions at home but the Le Mans hosted the third decisive game and hoped to seal the winning outcome before the supportive home crowd. The teams kept it close in the opening minutes with defense prevailing. The hosts outscored Roanne 15:13 in the first frame. But Roanne answered with an impressive performance right after the first intermission. The visitors accounted for 29 points in the second quarter holding the opponents to just 14. Roanne piled up a comfortable 42:29 lead at halftime. Le Mans were obviously take aback as they could not get things going the right way in the third frame. Roanne easily maintained the distance and headed into the fourth stanza 15 points ahead. Le Mans were completely outmuscled under the rims as Roanne kept them in the field. The hosts however shot just 25% from the beyond the arc and the visitors easily breezed to an overall victory. Le Mans never threatened the deficit and Roanne joined Nancy in the LNB Final. Marc Salyers led the charge with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Brion Rush added 11 points, while Pape Badiane secured 10 in a win. Sam Clancy and Nebojsa Bogavac answered with 10 points apiece for Le Mans. Philip Ricci chipped in 9 points in a losing case. The winners outrebounded Le Mans 40:27 and forced those to as many as 20 turnovers.

Dusko Ivanovic replaces Neven Spahija in TAU -by Eurobasket News

Coach Neven Spahija made great success in Spain this season but unfortunately that was not enough for TAU's management as they didn't want to keep him any longer. TAU won Spanish ACB league in style beating AXA Barcelona in final series 3-0. TAU smashed the Barca in the first two games in Palau Blaugrana. After that one win in Vitoria was just a formality for Spahija's player. TAU also won Spanish Super Cup at the beginning of the season but as it is mentioned above in wasn't enough for contract extension. It is not a secret that Spahija had some understandings with TAU's president Josean Querejeta about the plans for the next season.

Anyway, after winning the title TAU decided to hire a new coach. Just couple of days later the team agreed terms with Montenegrin coach Dusko Ivanovic so it will be his second time on TAU's bench. According to Spanish media everything is agreed and it is expected that contract will be signed very soon.

Dusko Ivanovic already had 5 successful seasons with TAU in the past. He was its head coach from 2000 to 2005. The team became a winner of ACB league, two times they won 'Copa del Rey' while also two times TAU participated at Euroleague Final 4. His last team was AXA Barcelona but they decided to cut him at the middle of the last season.

TAU also extended contract with one of its best players, Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances). Member of Brazilian National Team will stay in TAU until the end of the season 2011/12.

According to some rumors Barcelona and Real Madrid showed some interest in Neven Spahija but is unknown yet what will be his next destination.



Second place for Miodrag Kadija in FYROM -by Eurobasket News
Montenegrin head coach Miodrag Kadija finished the season with his team Strumica 2005 on the second place in Macedonian championship. Strumica had fantastic chance to defend championship title at their home court but they lost in the last deceive game against Feni 100-92 after over time.

The team of Midorag Kadija opened the final series badly with 0-2. Before the first game, which Feni won, they already had 1-0 advantage in the final because of better position at the end of regular season. However, Strumica celebrated at the second game coming closer to 1-2 in the final. They showed good performance at the next game in Kavadarci but despite solid lead they lost it at the end. Thus Feni had 3-1 lead and the next game was played in Strumica. In thriller finish Damir Latovic brought important win for Kadija's team. It was maybe the most interesting final ever in Macedonia. In game number five Feni had an opportunity to end season winning the title at their home court. They opened the game very well keeping solid advantage until the last quarter but it was not enough for the win. The hosts had a lot of troubles with running the plays during these 10 minutes. They made many mistakes which resulted with final score 78-83 for Strumica. Thus the score in the final was tied and Miodrag Kadija and his team had a chance to defend title in the last decisive game. Unfortunately to Kadija, visitors were better after over time 100-92.

Strumica hired Miodrag Kadija in October 2007. Before Strumica he used to work in Igokea Partizan, Sloga, Lovcen, Atlas Banka and Buducnost Podgorica.

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NBA

Latest signings of Pacers and 76ers -by Eurobasket News
Indiana Pacers named Sam Perkins (6'10''-F-61, college: N.Carolina) on position Vice president of player relations. Perkins had fantastic NBA career. The most of his time in NBA he spent in Seattle Supersonics. During his first five seasons with Supersonics he always had more than 11 points per game. Later he joined Indiana Pacers where he played two years. The best season of Perkins' career was 1991/1992 when he was a player of Los Angeles Lakers. At that time he averaged 16.5 ppg, 8.8 rpg and 2.4 apg. Except of these three teams, Perkins also was player for Dallas Mavericks. He was a member of USA National team from 1982 to 1984. With them he won the Olympic Games 1984.

Philadephia 76ers extended contract with Tony DiLeo, who will continue as a Senior vice president. Dileo started to work with 76ers in 2003. The team also announced contract extension with Courtney Witte, Director of player personnel. Witte started cooperation with 76ers in 2001 as a coach assistant / scouting director. After two years he was named to be Director of player personnel.

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

Dynamos get second life -by Eurobasket News
Devon Dynamos Taranaki are a late call-up to the Dominion Finance NBL playoffs, replacing Youthtown Auckland Stars after they failed to meet Monday's deadline to complete payment of their entry fee. The National Basketball League board removed the sixth-placed Stars from the post-season after repeated requests to pay the balance of their participants' fee, due in February.
'It is regrettable,' said Basketball New Zealand chief executive Dale Stephens. 'It's not a decision that the board enjoyed making, but this has been going on for 15 weeks now, while other teams have made sacrifices to make their payments on time. 'I feel very sorry for the coach and players.'
The Stars were among several franchises given extensions to make the second half of their fees. After an initial final deadline for payment passed on Friday, the Stars were given another extension until Monday afternoon. Both the Stars and Dynamos finished the regular season with 9-9 records, with the Stars taking sixth spot courtesy of a 2-0 head-to-head tie-breaker advantage over Taranaki, who will now be in the playoffs for the first time since 1998. The Dynamos will face the third-placed Appliance Shed Harbour Heat at the North Shore Events Centre on Wednesday night in the second quarterfinal, the winner advancing to meet the second-placed Waikato Pistons in the second semifinal in Te Awamutu on Friday night.
Courtesy of: www.basketball.org.nz

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

Another win for Benjamin Eze in Italian final -by Eurobasket News
Benjamin Eze (207-C/F-81, college: S.Idaho JC) and his team Montepaschi Siena made another amazing win in the final of Italian play-off. After first two games in Siena, this time Montepaschi was better than Lottomatica in Rome 72-80. Benjamin Eze had very important role for his team in this maybe the decisive victory.

It was not such a good beginning for Eze and his teammates as Lottomatica totally dominated. The hosts started the game very motivated to show that they are able to beat Siena. After first two defeats basketball public in Italy skeptically looked on Lottomatica but the team from Rome showed wonderful performance during the first 10 minutes. They finished it having plus 16, 26-10. Sienna missed many open shots in this period but they improved it in the second frame. They succeeded to go on the half time with deficit of 12 points, what is good when we have on our mind how good Lottomatica played in the first quarter. Montepaschi once again showed why they finished regular season on top with impressive score and why they participated on Euroleague Final 4. Visitors finished second half netting fantastic 54 points while they let Roma to score only 24. At the end it resulted with final 80-72 for Siena.

Benjamin Eze spent 24 minutes on court. He was the second scorer of his team with 12 points. Except this he grabbed 3 rebounds and done very good job at the defensive end of the court.

*****************************************************
PANAMA

Caimanes de Rio Abajo defeated Navieros de Colon.- -by Eddie Munoz

Caimanes de Rio Abajo won over Navieros de Colon 70-64 in a very disputed game. Last Season Caimanes can't win over Navieros in all games they played. The best scorers in the game were Ernesto Oglivie 16 Points, Richard Newball 15 Points and Alberto Hinds 12 Points by the winners and by Navieros de Colon were Enrique Phillips 15 Points, Jaime Lloreda 12 Points and Danubio Bennethj 11 Points. The CBS will continue next Tuesday with 2 games between Caimanes de Rio Abajo vs Toros del Chorrillo and in 2nd Colosos de Tumba Muerto vs. Magnates de Calidonia.



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

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference
PBA Standings
 1. Red Bull 9-5 
 2. Coca-Cola 9-5 
 3. Air21 8-6 
 4. Alaska 7-6 
 5. Magnolia 7-7 
 6. Talk N Text 7-7 
 7. Purefoods 6-7 
 8. Sta Lucia 6-7 
 9. Ginebra 5-8 
 10. Welcoat D. 4-10 


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

Tony Weeden in Slask -by Michal Falkowski
Tony Weeden (188-G-82, agency: CAA Sports, college: Chicago St.), 26-year-old American guard is moving from Polpharma Starogard Gdanski to Asco Slask Wroclaw. Weeden joined Polpharma in the middle of the season from Ittihad Aleppo in Syria. Playing only 12 games, he showed his good side. Averagely he was scoring 14.0 ppg. and adding 2.83 rpg., 1.66 apg., 1.5 spg. However he was noting 2.83 tpg.
In his career Weeden, except for Poland and Syria, played also in Canada (Quad-City Riverhawks and Quebec City Kebekwa) and in some semi-pro leagues in USA - WBA, ABA, CBA. He is graduated from Chicago State University.
It is worth adding that Asco Slask is negotiating with Pawel Leonczyk, also from Polpharma.

Transactions and rumours in Poland -by Michal Falkowski

The season in Poland is over so that now it is a time to strenghtening teams' rosters.

It is said that Robert Tomaszek (205-F-81, college: Texas Tech) may be the first new face in Prokom Trefl Sopot. Such decision is determined by the requirement of having at least four players with polish passport in a game protocol. Tomaszek last season played in Czech Republic in the team BK Prostejov. He performed in 52 games averaging 12.6 ppg., 6.8 rpg., 1.6 spg. and 1.2 apg. Before that he had played in USA, Germany and in other team in Czech Republic.

It is also high probability that Tomas Pacesas will be a Prokom Trefl headcoach for at least one next season.

Oliver Stevic stays in Asco Slask Wroclaw. Serbian forward signatured three-year deal two years ago so he is still Slask's player. Despite the validity of his contract, some teams were interested in signing him paying a ransom. It was said that Prokom Trefl, Turow Zgorzelec and Polpak Swiecie were the main teams which were interested.

According to some rumours Andres Rodriguez will ink a deal with one of two Ukrainian teams. It is known that Politekhnika Lviv and BC Donetsk are strongly trying to hire Puertorican point guard.
Moreover, Politekhnika will probably sign a contract with Alexander Kudrautsau from Energa Czarni Slupsk.

BOT Turow Zgorzelec, a new-old Polish runner-up, will do its best to extend the deal with Slovenian headcoach - Saso Filipovski. At the moment, Filipovski is coming back to his country. He said he needs time to make a decision.

The same situation is in Asco Slask Wroclaw. The board of the club wants Rimas Kurtinaitis to extend the contract with the team.



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

Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
Super 6
1. Carolina 23
2. Arecibo 22
3. Santurce 21
4. Caguas 20
5. Guaynabo 20
6. Fajardo 14
Others
1. Bayamon 16-16
2. Humacao 16-16
3. Ponce 15-17
4. San German 15-17
5. Mayaguez 7-25
6. Guayama 6-26


Caguas keeps within striking distance with Win over Fajardo -by Luis Ramirez
The Criollos are just two points away from 2nd place as they kept pace in post season play. They defeated the Fajardo Cariduros 90-81. The Cariduros had a good offensive start as they took the 1st quarter 24-18. The Criollos came back strong in the 2nd quarter to take the lead as the half came to an end 43-41. In the 2nd half the Criollos shutdown the Cariduros, Fajardo would only score 13 points in the 3rd quarter and could not mount a serious threat in the last quarter. For Caguas, Ricardo Melendez (180-G-83) scored 19 points followed by Fernando Ortiz and Marlyn Bryant both scored 15 points. Bryant also grabbed 10 rebounds for the Criollos. For Fajardo, Luis Salgado (201-F/C-80) scored 19 points followed by Carlos Collazo with 14 points.

In other Super 6 action, The Arecibo Captains blew away the Santurce Crabbers 91-78. The Captains took a 6 point lead in the 1st quarter 29-23. The Crabbers tried to trim the lead in the 2nd quarter but were only able to get within 3 points as the half ended in favor of the Captains 46-43. The Captains held the Crabbers to just 14 points in the 3rd quarter and the lead expanded to 12 points 69-57, this made it very difficult for the Crabbers to catch up in the final period and the Captains got the win. For Arecibo, Rodney White (206-F-80, college: Charlotte) scored 23 points followed by Bobby Joe Hatton with 21 points and 10 assists. For Santurce, Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Edge Sports, college: USC) scored 17 points followed by Rick Apodaca with 14 points.

In the final game of the night, the Guaynabo Conquistadors stopped the Carolina Giants 78-74. In the 1st quarter both team seemed somewhat sluggish but Guaynabo got the uppper hand as the quarter ended 18-16. In the 2nd quarter it was the Giants coming back with good defense and kept the Conquistadors to just 12 points in the quarter, the half ended 37-30 in favor of the Giants. In the 2nd half it was the Conquistadors who played a very tight defense and kept trimming the Giants lead until they took control of the game midway thru the 4th quarter to take the win. For Guaynabo, Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) and Terrence Shannon both scored 18 points; Martinez also grabbed 15 rebounds for the Conquistadors. For Carolina, Chris Burgess (209-C-79, college: Utah) scored 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, followed by Alejandro Carmona with 14 points.

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ROMANIA

Management of U-Mobitelco quits accusing corruption -by Adrian Popa
The general manager of U Mobitelco and the main sponsor, Valentin Nica, announced that they will not continue to support the basketball in Cluj due to the way CSU Asesoft Ploiesti won their fifth title in five years. Both Cristescu and Nica accused the refferees for bad decisions against their team and in favor of CSU Asesoft Ploiesti in games 5 and 7 of the Divizia A Final.
Also the head coach Tab Baldwin launched a furious attack against the refferees after the Game 5, declaring that he will not continue next season in Romanian first league because of the back stage arrangements. The main arguments of officials from Cluj after the Game 7 were the 42 free throws attempted by Asesoft next to only 10 of U Mobitelco. CSU Ploiesti had a total of 228 free throw attempts during the seven game final opposite to 177 for U Mobitelco. The fans from Cluj initiated different form of protests to bring to the attention of the public the corruption in Romanian basketball.
In response, the president of the Romanian Basketball Federation, Carmen Tocala, mentioned after the last game that the video of each game of the final will be analized by FIBA Europe and till then no official position will be taken by the Federation.
CSU Asesoft Ploiesti won their fifth title in five years after posting a 82-66 in the decisive game played at home in front of a 2500 crowd.

Compared stats of the Final -by Adrian Popa

The romanian website www.halfcourt.info made an interesting stats comparison of the romanian league final. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti, who made the 5-peat, winning five titles in the last five seasons leads in all the main statistical categories: points per game, rebounds per game and assists per game but the gap between the two teams is very small in each category, with the exception of free throws, where Ploiesti team attempted 228 during the seven games of the final opposite to 177 for Cluj.

CSU Ploiesti - U Mobitelco
81,5 Points 77,8
34,8 Rebounds 32,8
13 Offensive rebounds 11,1
21,8 Defensive rebounds 21,7
15,8 Assists 14,7
7,2 Steals 8,1
2,8 Blocks 2,2
14,7 Turnovers 16,4
252 2P FGA 222
50% 2P FG% 49,5%
160 3P FGA 179
31,5% 3P FG% 35,8%
228 FTA 177
71,5% FT% 75,1%

Arvydas Cepulis 19, 4 Points 18,7 Zoran Krstanovic
Virgil Carutasu 9, 7 Rebounds 8, 5 Zoran Krstanovic
Adrian Blidaru 4,8 Assists 4,1 Zoran Medvedj
Adrian Blidaru 1,8 Steals 1,8 Zoran Medvedj
Virgil Carutasu 1,5 Blocks 1,28 Bradley Bukman
Adrian Blidaru 2,7 Turnovers 3,0 Bradley Buckman



U-Mobitelco fans "we must protest" -by Eurobasket
U-Monitelco fans are protesting against very questionable refereeing during the finals of Romanian Championships.
'We have chosen this form of communication and protest to draw attention towards the ongoing events in the Romanian Basketball Championship, especially within the Romanian Basketball Federation regarding the referees. We want to express our indignation towards the refereeing of the 2007 - 2008 within the Romanian Basketball Championship which have climaxed in the final between U-Mobitelco Cluj - Napoca and CSU Ploiesti.'
Read the whole text

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

Swisslions Takovo inks Dusan Knezevic -by Dragan Jankovski
Center Dusan Knezevic (207-C-80) agreed terms with Serbian Superleague team Swisslions Takovo. He spent last season in Saint-Quantin Basket, who competes in French Pro B. Before Saint-Quantin he played four seasons for Masinac Kraljevo.

Swisslions Takovo finished Serbian A league on top advancing to the Superleague. At their last performance this season Swisslions grabbed the win against local rival Hemofarm STADA, what was great success. Management of Swisslions Takovo wants to make the strong team and not only for Serbian A league. Their idea to place Swisslions on top of Balkan Basketball International League.

Serbian colony takes 1-0 lead in German final -by Dragan Jankovski
Small Serbian colony in Germany took 1-0 lead in the play-off final. ALBA Berlin made an easy win 78-69 against Telekom Basket Bonn at their home court.

The hosts took control on Bonn at the very beginning. After couple of minutes it already was 17-11 for ALBA. Thanks to Aleksandar Nadjfeji (203-F-76) they finished first quarter 25-19. ALBA entered into the second quarter at the same rhythm. After Goran Nikolic's points they extended lead to 11, 37-26. On the other side Bonn succeeded to score at its last possession going to breather with minus 9. After the half time visitors started to play much better closing the gap to 42-38 but then Dragan Dojcin (204-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up setting the score on 53-47 for ALBA. It was the last chance for Bonn in this game and it gone at the half way of the third quarter.

Center Aleksandar Nadjfeji was MVP of the game with index value 21. He collected 19 points grabbing 8 rebounds for 25 minutes. He also had a good shot percentage (8/10 FG, 3/6 FT). Another big guy Dragan Dojcin stopped on 3 points last night. Head coach of top-ranked team of regular season is Luka Pavicevic.

Second game is scheduled for Wednesday and this time Bonn will be the host.

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SLOVENIA

Helios part ways with coach Martic -by Zeljko Zule

Helios has fired head coach Zoran Martic after just one season. His team had a 6-20 record in NLB Adriatic League and lost both domestic finals this year a season after capturing Slovenian Championship and Cup Spar. Club management stated tonigth that Slovenian runner-up would have a new coach by the end of the week.

.



Troha moves to Cibona, Slovan close to Glavas -by Zeljko Zule

Helios had parted ways with their top scorer Robert Troha (194-G/F-77) who agreed terms with Cibona.

Geoplin Slovan agreed terms with Nejc Glavas (190-G-86) ex Zagorje KD FT.
Rogaska (B-1) completed its roster for the upcoming season by adding Miroslav Petrovic (199-F-84) ex Rogla and Beno Pungartnik (192-G-82) ex Hopsi.

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Marko Milic presents new website and basketball camp -by Matej Bergant
Already a while ago, Union Olimpija's Marko Milic (199-G-77) presented his new website (www.milko.si) and web TV (www.milko.tv), where you can find his blog, news and TV where you can watch his interviews, statements and other clips from his basketball life. In addition, we should also mention that he will organize a basketball camp which will take place in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia this summer. As an interesting fact, it was said that world football star such as Francesco Totti (AS Roma) and world hockey star such as Anze Kopitar (LA Kings) will also attend the camp as special guests. More additional informations about this camp you can find on his website listed above.

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SPAIN

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver
LEB Silver Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Johnson, Caja 21.4
2 Kiefer, Gijon 17.9
3 Bravo, Tarr. 17.2
4 Prestes, Clinicas 17.1
5 Blair, Plasencia 16.6
Rebounds Per Game
1 Prestes, Clinicas 9.3
2 Baez, Akasvayu 9.2
3 Santana, Alimentos 9.2
4 Guzman, Gabsa 8.8
5 Pearson, Almeria 8.8
Assists Per Game
1 Marcos, Cornella 4.7
2 D.Garcia, Muro 3.5
3 Jimenez, CLM 3.4
4 Munoz, Imaje 3.4
5 Garrido, Tarragona 3.1
Steals Per Game
1 Castro, ALM 2.5
2 Rueda, ALM 2.3
3 Ros Padilla, Juanes 2.1
Blocks Per Game
1 Diuf, Cajasol 1.9
2 Samp, Cornella 1.5
3 Patten, Caceres 1.2
2FGP
1 Adams, Palencia 72.0
2 Blair, Plasencia 66.0
3 Matali, CAI 66.0
3FGP
1 J.Santa., Juanes 53.0
2 Blackshear, Tarr. 52.0
3 Kaunisto, Cajasol 50.0
Free Throws
1 Rodrig., Basquet 94.0
2 Del Cura, Caja 93.0
3 Sant., Juanes 90.0


Stats Leaders - LEB Gold
LEB Gold Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Barbour, Tener. 19.4
2 PHillip, Zara. 17.6
3 Oleson, Rosalia 18.5
4 Quinteros, Zara. 17.5
5 Bennerman, Hue. 16.1
Rebounds Per Game
1 Donaldson, Laguna 9.9
2 Junyent, Hue. 9.7
3 Roe, Palma 8.4
4 Panko III, Bruesa 7.8
5 Starosta, Zara. 7.6
Assists Per Game
1 V.Acosta, Zara. 5.8
2 Puyada, Palma 4.5
3 Ciorciari, Melilla 4.5
4 Jimenez, Gand. 4.7
5 SalaLopez, Palma 3.9
Steals Per Game
1 Lescano, Zara. 2.2
2 Boccia, Cant. 2.1
3 Barbour, Tener. 2.0
Blocks Per Game
1 Ibaka, L'Hospitalet 3.1
2 Southall, Melilla 2.4
3 Donaldson, Laguna 1.5
2FGP
1 Thompson, Pujol 72.0
2 Gerald, Tener. 70.0
3 Blackshear, Gand. 70.0
3FGP
1 Blackshear, Gand. 59.0
2 Schraeder, Bruesa 59.0
3 Moss, LosBarrios 57
Free Throws
1 Arrocha, Palma 93.0
2 Mestre, Basq. 92.0
3 Mendoza, Cant. 88.0


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SWITZERLAND

Team Switzerland is announced -by Eurobasket News
The roster of Swiss National Team is announced. NT head coach Sebastien Roduit at the same time announced who will assist him for the future NT project. It will be Riet Lareida, Markos Michaelidis and Franco Fachinetti.

Swiss National Team will try to reach Eurobasket 2009 division B through participation at Euro 2009 qualifications. Roduit will count the most on experienced guard Valentin Wegmann (192-G-79), who will be the captain of the National Team. Wegmann spent previous 4 seasons in LNA team Monthey, where together with coach Roduit won domestic championship in 2006. A year later his team became the National Cup winner. Wegmann is a member of Swiss National Team since 2000. Warner Nattiel (184-G-82) and Slaven Smiljanic (192-G-78, college: Texas St.-San Marcos) are two more guards which Roduit called to join NT. He will also count of following guards/forwards: Dusan Mladjan (200-G-86, agency: Interperformances), Cedric Mafuta (192-F-84), Derek Stockalper (196-G/F-84, college: Cal Poly - SLO), Patrick Zwahlen (195-G/F-82, college: Cleveland St. CC) and Vladimir Buscaglia (197-G-80, college: American). There will be two players who are able to play on position 3 and 4: Thomas Studer (198-F-84) and Westher Molteni (192-F-87). Three low post players will try to give an interior presence to French National Team during the Euro 2009 qualifications. They are Oliver Vogt (209-C-80), Davud Ramseier and Jan Sante-Rose.

Roudit also decided to promote two younger players, Westher Molteni and Steeve Louissaint (190-G-87), to senior NT. Both players are at the same time members of Swiss U20 National Team.

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SYRIA

finals syrian cup -by Bashar Nashef
Since the army team and the ittihad team reached the finals for the syrian cup, which is suppose to be played without foreigners. The final game was played in Damascus two days ago and the army team won with the difference of 22 points, and with this game the syrian teams where finished for this season. And hopeing all the best for all the teams for next season, since all the teams and players have free agent next season we will see what will happen with the teams for next season.

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TURKEY

News from Efes Pilsen -by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen started with signings of the new players for season 08/09. Couple of days ago Efes agreed terms with a head coach Ergin Ataman and now they inked another member from Besiktas Cola Turka. It is guard Sinan Guler (192-G-83, college: Carroll (MT)), who spent just previous season with Beskitas. He had 13 appearances for them in ULEB Cup averaging 5.8 ppg, 4 rpg and 1.3 apg. He also played 34 games for Besiktas in TBL having 6.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.6 spg. Guler helped the team to became the Turkish championship winner as well as to reach the ULEB Cup Final 8 in Turin. Before Besiktas, Guler played one year for Darussafaka Istanbul. He graduated at the Caroll College in the United States. Guler also was a member of Turkish University Team which participated on World University Games in Bangkok in 2007.

The team announced another reinforcement on the bench. Ufuk Sarica, who was an assistant coach of Ataman last season in Beskitas, also agreed terms with Efes. Sarica is one of the Turkish basketball legends. Almost a decade ago he was a starting small forward of Efes Pilsen. He had a couple of very successful year with Efes as they won Turkish championship 4 times. Efes also was the winner of European Cup Radivoj Korac in 1996 as well as a National Cup winner in 1999.

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U.S.VIRGIN ISLANDS

Heavy Hitters roll over Top Dogs in ABA Summer League opener -by David Edole
ST. THOMAS - The Amateur Basketball Association season officially got under way on Friday night as Top Dogs and Heavy Hitters tipped off the first game of the evening at the Bertha C Boschulte Middle School gym.

The Heavy Hitters managed to start their season off on the right foot, picking up an 89-73 victory thanks in large part to the efforts of former Da Real Thing player Ricardo Oquendo.

Oquendo put up 27 points to lead all scorers and added seven rebounds and three assists as he made himself known in all aspects of the game. Helping him out were Keenan George with 19 points and nine rebounds and Kwanza Jones, who had 11 points, three rebounds and five assists.

Top Dogs got their best effort from Devorn Lake with 17 points and eight rebounds. Kimo Bonelli Sr. added 13 points and Sean Woods picked up 13 points and six rebounds.

The following game was a matchup between TWI and One Time, both playoff teams a year ago. The final score was not available at presstime, but One Time was up 10-7 at the end of the first quarter after opening the game on a 10-3 run.

Games will continue at BCB on Saturday night as the season kicks into full gear.

By NICK SCHNEEMAN

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UKRAINE

Market news and rumours -by Alexander Muzyka
- BC Donetsk has inked Martynas Andriukaitis (204-F-81), Segodnia newspaper said. Basket.com.ua plused Anatoli Dubniuk (202-F-76) to Donetsk, too. Rumours join Rodney Buford (196-G-77) there.

- Jovan Koprivica (198-G/F-82) joined Politekhnika-Halychyna this Saturday

- Justin Love (188-G-78) from BK Ventspils became BC Odesa player.

- Khimik saved Sasa Bratic (202-F/G-81), Goran Cakic (207-C/F-80), Wykeen Kelly (186-G-79), Andri Korochkin (194-G-82), Andri Ahafonov (207-F-86), Oleksandr Kolchenko (200-F/G-88) and inked Edgaras Zhelenis (210-89) from SC Adzhalyk. Aleksandar Djuric (210-F/C-82) has left Khimik.

- Ukrainian NT lost another game to Czech Republic 75:82. I think it's normal result 'cause NT hasn't a lot of key players - Oleksi Pecherov (212-C-85) and Kyrylo Fesenko (213-C-86) still are in NBA camps, Artur Drozdov (198-G-80) and Serhi Lischuk (210-C/F-82) are injured. Young Viacheslav Kravtsov (210-C-87), Maksym Kornienko (201-F/C-87), Maksym Vilkhovetskyi (190-G-88) and Oleksandr Kolchenko are showing theirselves in Treviso Reebok EuroCamp.

- Rumours say Sasa Obradovic will rule BC Kyiv. This info was proved by Obradovic's ex-team Koeln 99ers but BC Kyiv is dumb about this.

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VENEZUELA

Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
 1. Trotamundos 35-6 
 2. Cocodrilos 29-13 
 3. Guaiqueries 25-14 
 4. Gaiteros 25-16 
 5. Marinos 23-18 
 6. Gatos 22-17 
 7. Guaros 16-26 
 8. Dep.Tachira 13-27 
 9. Gigantes 8-33 
 10. Panteras 8-34 


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WBA

WBA Results for Friday June 6th... -by David Archer
#s#
#e#6


Griffin


Bright


Walker


Miller


Stewart

The WBA had three games Friday night around the league. The results were as follows...

Tri-State Crusaders 85 Buford Majic 83...
Michael Griffin (6'0''-G) as time expired to give the Crusaders an upset victory over the Majic.

Roy Bright (6'6''-F-86) led Buford with 16 points, while James St. Roberts had 14. Griffin chalked up 16 pts and B.J. Walker (6'10''-F/C-84) 15 pts for the Crusaders.

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Decatur Court Kings 115 Cartersville Warriors 104...
Anthony Miller (6'9''-C-71) controlled the middle with 26 points and 13 rebounds, to support a cast of high-energy teammates in Al Stewart (5'10''-G-83), who had 29 points and Devin Friday who downed 22. Decatur raced out to a huge lead, only to have to fight off the Warriors who didn't decide to join the Court Kings in the contest until the second half. Mike Dean (6'2''-G-82) drilled 44 points for Cartersville, while Jeremy Law was the only other Warriors to reach double figures with 10.

Cartersville continued to struggle, turning the ball over 30 times, en route to its fourth consecutive loss to begin the season.
Decatur Court Kings ( 2-1)
Pig Miller 11-17 4-7 26, Dele Ojo 4-8 6-12 14, Al Stewart 9-15 11-14 29, Devin Friday 7-9 7-11 22, Kenneth McKenzie 2-4 0-0 5, Nico Holloway 2-4 0-0 4, Brandon Proby 2-7 1-4 6, Jay Bell 0-0 0-0 0, Isaac Cook 2-7 0-0 5, Brian Thompson 2-4 0-0 4. Totals 41-75 29-48 115

Cartersville Warriors (0-4)
Jermaine Spivey 2-7 2-3 6, Jeremy Law 4-7 2-3 10, Larry Cox 2-6 2-6 6, Donovan McMullen 1-1 3-4 5, Erik Gainous 1-3 0-0 2, Rodney Mayes 3-10 3-4 9, Ozzie Henderson 4-11 0-0 8, Mike Dean 13-28 13-14 44, Anthony Slater 2-3 2-2 6, AJ Mastin 4-7 0-0 8, Cole Rose 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 36-84 27-36 104
SCORE BY PERIODS 1st 2nd 3rd 4th TOTAL PTS
Decatur Court Kings 35 34 26 20 115 5.0
Cartersville Warriors 24 18 29 33 104 2.0

FG%: Decatur Court Kings .547, Cartersville Warriors .429. 3-pt FG:Decatur Court Kings 4-23 (Ojo 0-2, Stewart 0-4, Friday 1-2, McKenzie 1-2, Proby 1-6, Cook 1-6, Thompson 0-1), Cartersville Warriors 5-28 (Spivey 0-5, Law 0-1, Gainous 0-1, Mayes 0-2, Henderson 0-2, Dean 5-14, Mastin 0-3). Rebounds: Decatur Court Kings 51 (Miller 13), Cartersville Warriors 50 (Cox 13). Fouls Decatur Court Kings 27, Cartersville Warriors 34. Fouled out: none. Technical: none. Assists: Decatur Court Kings 19 (Stewart 7), Cartersville Warriors 17 (Slater 4). Steals: Decatur Court Kings 11 (Ojo 4, Stewart 4), Cartersville Warriors 10 (Slater 5). Blocked shots: Decatur Court Kings 1 (Miller 1), Cartersville Warriors 12 (McMullen 3). Turnovers: Decatur Court Kings 11, Cartersville Warriors 32. Attendance: 85.
DakStats 3000 by Daktronics Inc. Brookings, SD
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Memphis Blue Tornadoes def. Mississippi Hardhats...
(score and summary unavailable)



Decatur & Buford notch wins, Cartersville finally wakes up... -by David Archer
#s#
#e#6


Arnold


Puckett


Spivey


Davis


Sims

Saturday night around the WBA...

Buford Majic 136 Mississippi Hardhats 113...
After suffering a loss at the buzzer the night before on the road at Tri-State, the Majic bounced back and put a whipping on the Hardhats.

Roy Bright exploded for 34 points, while Wayne Arnold (6'4''-G-84) had 25, B.J. Puckett (6'9''-F-83) 21 points and Will Benton 20 for the Majic. For Mississippi, D. Toy downed 23 points and T. Jones scored 16 in a losing effort.


Buford improved to 3-2, while the Hardhats slipped to 2-3 on the season.

Cartersville Warriors 116 Memphis Blue Tornadoes 101...
Jermaine Spivey (6'3''-G-72) downed 32 points and filled in admirably for an absent Mike Dean, and the Warriors finally rose from the dead to get one in the win column. It wasn't easy though as Memphis led by 11 at the half, 54-43. First year Head Coach Bobby Rouse made adjustments and the Warriors flipped the tables and came out on fire in the second half, outscoring the Blues 73-47. The Warriors, who still trailed by three heading into the final period, exploded for 41 fourth quarter points. AJ Mastin contributed 17 points for Cartersville in his first extended actiona and Bay Gordon returned to the lineup and scored 16 on eight of nine from the field. Jeremy Law also converted several key buckets down the stretch for Cartersville. Cedric Lewis was seven of 14 from beyond the arc for Memphis and Lorenzo Dorse had a big night with 24 pts and 11 rebounds. Jason Davis (6'4''-F-85) hustled his way to 16 points for the Blues, in a losing cause.


Memphis Blue Tornadoes (3-2)
Anthony Neeley 1-8 4-5 7, Daniel Robertson 6-11 0-0 12, Edward Graves 3-6 0-0 6, William McGhee 0-3 0-0 0, Michael Watson 2-4 0-0 4, Jason Davis 5-12 6-11 16, Cedric Lewis 9-21 0-3 25, Darrell Somerville 0-0 0-0 0, Lorenzo Dorse 8-16 8-8 24, Hosea Butler 3-8 0-0 7. Totals 37-89 18-27 101

Cartersville Warriors (1-4)
Jermaine Spivey 13-28 5-6 32, Jeremy Law 6-9 4-6 16, Donovan McMullen 2-6 2-4 6, Bayete Gordon 8-9 0-1 16, Erik Gainous 1-4 0-0 2, Ozzie Henderson 6-8 1-2 13, AJ Mastin 6-11 2-2 17, Cole Rose 2-4 0-0 4, Sherod Rogers 0-8 0-2 0, Chris Jones 5-10 0-0 10. Totals 49-97 14-23 116

SCORE BY PERIODS 1st 2nd 3rd 4th TOTAL PTS
Memphis Blue Tornadoes 28 26 27 20 101 2.0
Cartersville Warriors 27 16 32 41 116 5.0


FG%: Memphis Blue Tornadoes .416, Cartersville Warriors .505. 3-pt FG:Memphis Blue Tornadoes 9-33 (Neeley 1-3, Graves 0-2, McGhee 0-3, Watson 0-1, Davis 0-5, Lewis 7-14, Butler 1-5), Cartersville Warriors 4-15 (Spivey 1-6, Law 0-1, Mastin 3-7, Jones 0-1). Rebounds: Memphis Blue Tornadoes 47 (Dorse 11), Cartersville Warriors 53 (McMullen 10). Fouls Memphis Blue Tornadoes 22, Cartersville Warriors 23. Fouled out: Robertson . Technical: none. Assists: Memphis Blue Tornadoes 9 (McGhee 5), Cartersville Warriors 16 (Spivey 5). Steals: Memphis Blue Tornadoes 8 (McGhee 2, Davis 2), Cartersville Warriors 9 (Spivey 2, Law 2, Henderson 2, Jones 2). Blocked shots: Memphis Blue Tornadoes 6 (Dorse 3), Cartersville Warriors 10 (McMullen 5). Turnovers: Memphis Blue Tornadoes 18, Cartersville Warriors 9. Attendance: 102. DakStats 3000 by Daktronics Inc. Brookings, SD

Decatur Court Kings 135 Tri-state Crusaders 120...
It was a close-fought, exciting game the whole way. The Crusaders lead by one point the end of the first and second quarters. Both of their big men, B.J. Walker and Steve Eluett got into foul trouble early, earning 3 fouls each while trying to contain Anthony Miller (6'9''-C-71) and the aggressive penetration of the Decatur offense. The Crusaders, Curtis Clark, seemed to miss nothing the first half, knocking down a lot of tough shots. The game was tied going into the fourth 92-92. Decatur was able to force some key turnovers in the fourth and take an agressive lead to win the game. Miller was the leading scorer at the half with 20 points, and Al Stewart gave a stunning performance with his triple double. The Crusaders could do nothing to stop the hot hand of Isaac Cook who was 73% from 3pt range. Curtis Clark had 17pts at the half, knocking down a contested 3 pointer at the buzzard. Michael Griffin also had 17pts at the half and shot well from 3-pt range.


For Decatur, Anthony Miller pounded in 39 points, pulled 10 rebounds and dished out 4 assists, Al Stewart had 26 pts,12 assists and grabbed 12 rebounds, Isaac Cook poured in 25pts on 8/11 from 3-pt range and Dele Ojo got 23 pts, 4 assists.

To pace the Crusaders, Michael Griffin had 25pts and 3 reb while Marcus Sims (6'6''-F-85) tallied 21pts, 4 reb and Curtis Clark 20 pts, 8 reb.


Score by Quarter:
1st: Decatur 30, Crusaders 31
2nd: Decatur 63, Crusaders 64
3rd: Decatur 92, Crusaders 92
Final: Decatur 135, Crusaders 120





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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Lauren Jackson revenges at the Key Arena -by Eurobasket News
The Seattle Storm overcame the Detroit Shock at the Key Arena following their loss at the Motown a couple of days ago. The Storm received 24 points from Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) including 10 in the third period to roll to a 75:67 victory at the end. The Storm snapped their two-game losing streak and Detroit's 6-game winning rally. Seattle did a good defensive job holding Katie Smith to 18 points. Smith knocked down 11 of them in the fourth period when the Shock went on a massive run but still fell short of win. Sheryl Swoopes provided 15 points, while Sue Bird knocked down 14 points and issued 8 assists for the winners. Kara Braxton scored 14 points in a loss.
Tully Bevilaqua (164-G-72)'s Indiana held off Houston 84:75 at the Conseco Fieldhouse. Katie Douglas produced 20 points to propel the Fever to the 4th win. Tammy Sutton-Brown added 19 points and Tan White had 15 as the Fever kept winning even without Tamika Catchings. The five All-Star is still recovering after the last season Achilles injury. The Houston Comets meanwhile are still looking for their best game as they were upset for the 7th time in the season. Tully Bevilaqua produced 8 points and 4 rebounds. Tina Thompson had 19 points in a losing case.

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BELGIUM - Women

Wauters recorded 24 points and 10 rebounds last night -by Eurobasket News
Ann Wauters (194-C-80) played her best game so far in WNBA for her Stars. The Minnesota Lynx got a small pause but quickly resumed their winning rally as they beat the San Antonio Silver Stars for the 6th win in the season. Charde Houston nailed 11 points in the second half and the Lynx outgunned the visitors in the fourth period to improve to 6-1 record. Seimone Augustus paced the team in the first half as she knocked down 12 points and allowed the hosts to enjoy a 6-point advantage at halftime. Charde Houston finished with 15 points, Seimone Augustus had 18 for the winners. They eclipsed Ann Ann Wauters as the Silver Stars centre matched her career high 24 points and 10 boards in a losing case. The visitors arrived to Minnesota without Sophia Young who was sidelined with a strained groin. Becky Hammon notched 14 points in a loss. It was the fourth straight road loss for the Silver Stars in the season.

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CANADA - Women

Sutton-Brown and Smith taste the victories -by Eurobasket News
Tammy Sutton-Brown (193-C-78, college: Rutgers)'s Indiana held off Houston 84:75 at the Conseco Fieldhouse. Katie Douglas produced 20 points to propel the Fever to the 4th win. Canadian Tammy Sutton-Brown added 19 points and Tan White had 15 as the Fever kept winning even without Tamika Catchings. The five All-Star is still recovering after the last season Achilles injury. The Houston Comets meanwhile are still looking for their best game as they were upset for the 7th time in the season. Tina Thompson had 19 points in a losing case. Indiana is 4-2 in the Eastern Conference.
In the meantime the Sacramento Monarchs got their first road win of the season as they rallied past the New York Liberty 70:63 at the Madison Square Garden. Patricia Penicheiro was the mastermind for the win as she chipped in 9 points in the final frame. The Liberty led by 6 points early in the fourth term but the Monarchs went on a 15:1 run to surge ahead for good. Patricia Penicheiro finished with 18 points to lead the charge. Nicole Powell dropped 13 points, while Kara Lawson and Adrian Williams-Strong delivered 11 points apiece for the winners. Lisa Willis answered with 11 points for the Liberty. Kim Smith (186-F-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Utah) played 7 minutes and finished the game with 1 rebound and 1 assist. Sacramento Monarchs is 3-4 in the standings of Western conference.

Senior women's coach expects extremely competitive tryout -by Eurobasket News

Senior Women's National Team head coach Allison McNeill is excited about the possibilities heading into the team's invitational tryout next month.

Two dozen of the country's top players will be competing for a roster spot at Georgian College in Barrie, Ont., on July 3 and 4.

Team Canada also will be holding an open tryout on July 2 at York University (Keele Campus) in Toronto. Up to six players may be selected from the session, earning an invitation to compete for a spot on either the Senior or Development Women's National squads.

Athletes wishing to participate in the open tryout on July 2 must register in advance by sending an e-mail to swnttryouts@basketball.ca.

'Both our Senior and Development Team coaching staffs are really excited about the group of athletes coming into this tryout by invitation,' said McNeill as Canada Basketball announced the training camp schedule on Friday. 'We are having a session that will bring together athletes from last summer's Senior, Young Women's, Development and Junior Teams. I expect this to be an extremely competitive tryout and training camp.'

Training camp will follow for both the Development and Senior women's squads immediately after McNeill and her staff decide on a final pool of athletes. Both teams will be part of a mega-camp at Georgian College from July 5-18. The two squads will go their separate ways after that.

Canada's Senior Women are slated to travel to Europe this summer, competing against top tier international squads from France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Belarus, the Slovak Republic and the Olympic-bound team from Mali.

The Development Women's team will travel to China in late July to compete in an international tournament in Shanghai, facing tournament and Olympic hosts, the Chinese Senior Women's National Team.

'We are using this summer as development as we prepare for our next squad heading towards the 2010 World Championships and the 2012 Olympic Games,' explained McNeill.

Courtesy of basketball.ca



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CHINA - Women

Cuba edges Chinese Taipei in the opener -by Eurobasket News
Cuba-Chinese Taipei 96:79 (19-21, 24-18, 21-16, 32-24)

Cuba wins the opener in FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women defeating Chinese Taipei 96:79 in Group D. It was a tough game for both teams, but due to 32:24 Latin American team grabbed the win. Alberto Zabala's team led 52:51 midway through the third quarter but finally woke up and beat the opponents from the Far East. Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 20, points. Yakelin Plutin (186-F-79) collected 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Clenia Noblet (191-C-87) scored 14. Chien Wei Chuan (171-G-71) finished the night with 18 points and 6 assists. Chiang Feng Chun (184-F-81) erupted with 16 and Cheng Hui Yun (185-F/C-77) netted 13.
Group D drew together Cuba, Belarus and Chinese Taipei. Cuba finished second at the last season's FIBA Americas Championship edition, while Belarus claimed the Bronze Medals at the Eurobasket. From the very beginning Chinese Taipei disagreed with it and produced 21:19 in the opening quarter. The team remained close to the opponent but a rush in the end of the second led Cubans to 24:18 in the period. The team from Latin America enjoyed 43:39 as the teams disappeared in the lockers.
The third quarter saw the teams step to step at 52:51. Right after that Cuba suggested their game and ended up the quarter at 21:16. It gave them 9 points advantage to enter the last period. With a massive 32:24 Cuba led the game to 96:79 and the first win in FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women.
Cuba will take on Belarus on Tuesday and Chinese Taipei will face the same opponents on Wednesday.

Cuba: Suchitel Avila 20, Yakelin Plutin 19+13 rebs, Clenia Noblet 14
Chinese Taipei: Chien Wei Chuan 18+6 ast, Chiang Feng Chun 16, Cheng Hui Yun 13

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CUBA - Women

Cuba edges Chinese Taipei in the opener -by Eurobasket News
Cuba-Chinese Taipei 96:79 (19-21, 24-18, 21-16, 32-24)

Cuba wins the opener in FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women defeating Chinese Taipei 96:79 in Group D. It was a tough game for both teams, but due to 32:24 Latin American team grabbed the win. Alberto Zabala's team led 52:51 midway through the third quarter but finally woke up and beat the opponents from the Far East. Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 20, points. Yakelin Plutin (186-F-79) collected 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Clenia Noblet (191-C-87) scored 14. Chien Wei Chuan (171-G-71) finished the night with 18 points and 6 assists. Chiang Feng Chun (184-F-81) erupted with 16 and Cheng Hui Yun (185-F/C-77) netted 13.
Group D drew together Cuba, Belarus and Chinese Taipei. Cuba finished second at the last season's FIBA Americas Championship edition, while Belarus claimed the Bronze Medals at the Eurobasket. From the very beginning Chinese Taipei disagreed with it and produced 21:19 in the opening quarter. The team remained close to the opponent but a rush in the end of the second led Cubans to 24:18 in the period. The team from Latin America enjoyed 43:39 as the teams disappeared in the lockers.
The third quarter saw the teams step to step at 52:51. Right after that Cuba suggested their game and ended up the quarter at 21:16. It gave them 9 points advantage to enter the last period. With a massive 32:24 Cuba led the game to 96:79 and the first win in FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women.
Cuba will take on Belarus on Tuesday and Chinese Taipei will face the same opponents on Wednesday.

Cuba: Suchitel Avila 20, Yakelin Plutin 19+13 rebs, Clenia Noblet 14
Chinese Taipei: Chien Wei Chuan 18+6 ast, Chiang Feng Chun 16, Cheng Hui Yun 13

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FIJI - Women

Spain crush Fiji in the Olympic Qualifying tournament opener -by Eurobasket News
Spain - Fiji 113:42

Spanish National team opened their Olympic Qualifying campaign with a cruising win over Fiji. The teams got into Pool C together with the world's 4th rank Brazil. Two best teams from the Pool advance to the quarterfinal stage and the winners of the quarterfinals go to Beijing. The event took place in Madrid and the home crowd supported Spain well. Fiji however managed to surprise their opponents as Valerie Nainima (165-G-86) nailed a trey to give the Oceania side a 3:0 lead early in the game. Spain reacted with a 19:0 run fueled by 11 points from Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76). Fiji finally got their seconds basket as Valerie Nainima nailed a jumper but Spanish side was merciless. Amaya Valdemoro completed her first period 17-point tally and the hosts led by 33:9 after the starting frame. Valerie Nainima remained the only scorer for Fiji in the second period as she dropped 3 points, while Spain accumulated a massive 60:12 lead at halftime.
Spanish side loosened their defensive grip in the third frame allowing Valerie Nainima to get things going a bit smoother for Fiji. A 22-year-old guard of Long Island University accounted for 6 points in the third stanza but the visitors entered the final frame trailing by as many as 65 points. Robanakadavu and Valerie Nainima scored 5 straight points for Fiji early in the fourth term to sweeten the pill. However Cindy Lima (192-C-81) and Amaya Valdemoro kept on cruising past Fiji defense piling up impressive stat digits. Spain breezed to a stunning victory at the end getting their campaign started in style. Amaya Valdemoro led all scorers with 24 points. Cindy Lima provided 17 points, while Alba Torrens (184-F-89) had 16 for the winners. Valerie Nainima came up with 23 points for Fiji. Letava Whippy was the next scorer with just 7 points in defeat. Spain forced Fiji to massive 35 turnovers and outrebounded their opponents 50:24. Fiji will face Brazil tomorrow.

Spain: Amaya Valdemoro 24, Cindy Lima 17, Alba Torrens 16
Fiji: Valerie Nainima 23, Letava Whippy 7

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KENYA - Women

Fifth consecutive win for Eagle Wings -by Eurobasket News
The leading team Eagle Wings remains unbeaten in Premier league after the game against Yana. Eagle Wings smashed its opponent 66-28. The hosts opened the game strongly and after couple of minutes the big quality difference was already seen. After 20-5 lead at the beginning it was clear that visitors will be devastated in this game. On the half time it was already 42-14 for Eagle Wings. Nothing has changed in third stanza. Eagles continues its domination while Yana struggled a lot with all basketball elements. The fact that they scored only 28 points during the entire game talks for itself. Couple of National Team players paced the winners in this game. Eunice Ouma (167-G-78) netted 14 points while Angela Okoth (-F-85) delivered 13. Anastasia Njeri also was good scoring 9 points. Other player Mitchelle Otinda, Rachel Makena and Pamella Sinda didn't have such a good scoring night. It was the first consecutive win for Eagle Wings.

Strathmore University outplayed University if Nairobi 55-24. Same scenario from the game between Eagle Wings and Yana happened here. Strathmore was a way better team from the beginning. 'Dynamites' (Nairobi) couldn't handle the hosts in this game suffering serious defeat. Linet Mukiri led the winners scoring 15 points while Faith Owich was behind her with 10 points. Getrude Sagaila had 7 points for the winners.

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MALI - Women

Maiga remains in the line up -by Eurobasket News
Hamchetou Maiga (185-G/F-78, college: ODU) continues to play in the first five showing great effort and results for Houston. Indiana however held off Houston 84:75 at the Conseco Fieldhouse last night for 84:75. Katie Douglas produced 20 points to propel the Fever to the 4th win. Tammy Sutton-Brown added 19 points and Tan White had 15 as the Fever kept winning even without Tamika Catchings. The five All-Star is still recovering after the last season Achilles injury. The Houston Comets meanwhile are still looking for their best game as they were upset for the 7th time in the season. Tina Thompson had 19 points in a losing case. Hamchetou Maiga ended up with 8 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 steal.
Before that New York beat Comets 81:73 as Hamchetou Maiga nailed 6 points and made 6 boards. Houston Comets grabbed the first win of the season beating San Antonio Silver Stars 75:72 at their Reliant arena. Comets took control on Silver Stars at the beginning finishing first quarter 21:15. But their joy didn't last long as Silvers Stars started to play much better taking lead 33:25 with 4 minutes remaining in the second quarter. Comets desperately needed this win so they immediately answered with fantastic 17-2 run. Thus the hosts went on the half time with plus 4. Third stanza belonged to Silver Stars which ended it 22-17 mostly owing to Becky Hammon, who had 50% from behind the arc shooting 4 of 8. But at the middle of the last period Tina Thompson started Comets' 10-2 run which gave them advantage of 6 points with 3:41 remaining. Comets totally outrebounded its opponent grabbing 14 rebounds more. Hamchetou Maiga finished the night with 6 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.

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OLYMPIC GAMES - Women

Madrid welcomes to Olympic Qualifying tournament -by Eurobasket News
Today Madrid will open doors to 12 teams that will struggle in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament. Four groups with three teams in each will fight for 5 available tickets to Beijing 2008. The top two teams from each group will advance into the quarterfinal stage. The winners of the quarterfinal games will book their spots at the Olympic Games. The quarterfinal losers will team up for another pool play with the semifinal and final stage to figure out the last lucky team to go to Beijing.
June 9th action will tip off when Latvia will take on Senegal. Czech Republic face Argentina, Spain challenge Fiji, while Chinese Taipei plays against Cuba the same day. At 12.45 Spain and Fiji will start the tournament and the other games will follow their campaign. Spain is the favorite not only of the game, but of the tournament as well. The team handed a rare loss to China to clinch the Torneo Alcobendas title. China looked impressive down the line in their preparations for the Olympic Games but Spanish side used the home-court advantage to upset a dangerous opponents. Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76) led all scorers with 25 points, while Elisa Aguilar (178-G-76, college: George Washington) added 13 points.
Another favorite of the competition is Brazil that recently claimed the South American Championship title for the 22nd time. They overcame Argentina in the Final in Loja, Ecuador to take the crown for the 12th straight time. Argentina grabbed the Silver medals for the 11th time in the history. Brazil already edged their Latin American archrivals in the preliminary round and looked forward to repeating the success.

First results and stats of Day 1 -by Eurobasket News
Spain - Fiji 113:42

Spanish National team opened their Olympic Qualifying campaign with a cruising win over Fiji. The teams got into Pool C together with the world's 4th rank Brazil. Two best teams from the Pool advance to the quarterfinal stage and the winners of the quarterfinals go to Beijing. The event took place in Madrid and the home crowd supported Spain well. Fiji however managed to surprise their opponents as Valerie Nainima (165-G-86) nailed a trey to give the Oceania side a 3:0 lead early in the game. Spain reacted with a 19:0 run fueled by 11 points from Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76) (184-F-76). Fiji finally got their seconds basket as Valerie Nainima nailed a jumper but Spanish side was merciless. Amaya Valdemoro completed her first period 17-point tally and the hosts led by 33:9 after the starting frame. Valerie Nainima remained the only scorer for Fiji in the second period as she dropped 3 points, while Spain accumulated a massive 60:12 lead at halftime.
Spanish side loosened their defensive grip in the third frame allowing Valerie Nainima to get things going a bit smoother for Fiji. A 22-year-old guard of Long Island University accounted for 6 points in the third stanza but the visitors entered the final frame trailing by as many as 65 points. Robanakadavu and Valerie Nainima scored 5 straight points for Fiji early in the fourth term to sweeten the pill. However Cindy Lima (192-C-81) and Amaya Valdemoro kept on cruising past Fiji defense piling up impressive stat digits. Spain breezed to a stunning victory at the end getting their campaign started in style. Amaya Valdemoro led all scorers with 24 points. Cindy Lima provided 17 points, while Alba Torrens (184-F-89) had 16 for the winners. Valerie Nainima came up with 23 points for Fiji. Letava Whippy was the next scorer with just 7 points in defeat. Spain forced Fiji to massive 35 turnovers and outrebounded their opponents 50:24. Fiji will face Brazil tomorrow.

Spain: Amaya Valdemoro 24, Cindy Lima 17, Alba Torrens 16
Fiji: Valerie Nainima 23, Letava Whippy 7


Cuba-Chinese Taipei 96:79
Cuba wins the opener in FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women defeating Chinese Taipei 96:79 in Group D. It was a tough game for both teams, but due to 32:24 Latin American team grabbed the win. Alberto Zabala's team led 52:51 midway through the third quarter but finally woke up and beat the opponents from the Far East. Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 20, points. Yakelin Plutin (186-F-79) collected 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Clenia Noblet (191-C-87) scored 14. Chien Wei Chuan (171-G-71) finished the night with 18 points and 6 assists. Chiang Feng Chun (184-F-81) erupted with 16 and Cheng Hui Yun (185-F/C-77) netted 13.
Group D drew together Cuba, Belarus and Chinese Taipei. Cuba finished second at the last season's FIBA Americas Championship edition, while Belarus claimed the Bronze Medals at the Eurobasket. From the very beginning Chinese Taipei disagreed with it and produced 21:19 in the opening quarter. The team remained close to the opponent but a rush in the end of the second led Cubans to 24:18 in the period. The team from Latin America enjoyed 43:39 as the teams disappeared in the lockers.
The third quarter saw the teams step to step at 52:51. Right after that Cuba suggested their game and ended up the quarter at 21:16. It gave them 9 points advantage to enter the last period. With a massive 32:24 Cuba led the game to 96:79 and the first win in FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women.
Cuba will take on Belarus on Tuesday and Chinese Taipei will face the same opponents on Wednesday.

Cuba: Suchitel Avila 20, Yakelin Plutin 19+13 rebs, Clenia Noblet 14
Chinese Taipei: Chien Wei Chuan 18+6 ast, Chiang Feng Chun 16, Cheng Hui Yun 13



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RUSSIA - Women

Dynamo Moscow inks Natalia Hejkova -by Eurobasket News
Just couple of days after she leaved Spartak MR, Natalia Hejkova agreed terms with Dynamo Moscow. Slovakian coach made fantastic results during the last two season with Spartak. They grabbed the title in Euroleague twice and also Spartak became a Russian champion in 2007. After her first season with Spartak, she got prestigious award 'European Coach of the Year 2007' by Eurobakset.com. At the same year Russian Basketball Federation named her to be an assistant coach of women National Team. Before she joined Spartak, Hejkova used to work in MKB Euroleasing Sopron. On season 05/06 the team reached Euroleague quarterfinals and played in the final of Hungarian National Cup as well as in domestic championship.

General Manager of Spartak MR, Fon Kalmanovic Shabtay said that the team is grateful to Hejkova and her work over the past two years.

'Spartak reached all its targets during the last two years and we are very proud because of that. I am ready to announce that Spartak will start next season with just 5 import player in its roster. We think it is the right time four our younger players to get a chance. Pokey Chatman will stay in our coaching staff. Chatman is currently head coach of Slovakian National Team so depend of her results with them we will know will she be able to be a head coach or assistant coach of our team. I repeat it depends of her obligations with Slovakian NT.

Chatman joined Spartak in 2007, after she finished season with NCAA team LSU. Two years in a row her LSU played in Final 4 of NCAA.

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SLOVAKIA - Women

Dynamo Moscow inks Natalia Hejkova -by Eurobasket News
Just couple of days after she leaved Spartak MR, Natalia Hejkova agreed terms with Dynamo Moscow. Slovakian coach made fantastic results during the last two season with Spartak. They grabbed the title in Euroleague twice and also Spartak became a Russian champion in 2007. After her first season with Spartak, she got prestigious award 'European Coach of the Year 2007' by Eurobakset.com. At the same year Russian Basketball Federation named her to be an assistant coach of women National Team. Before she joined Spartak, Hejkova used to work in MKB Euroleasing Sopron. On season 05/06 the team reached Euroleague quarterfinals and played in the final of Hungarian National Cup as well as in domestic championship.

General Manager of Spartak MR, Fon Kalmanovic Shabtay said that the team is grateful to Hejkova and her work over the past two years.

'Spartak reached all its targets during the last two years and we are very proud because of that. I am ready to announce that Spartak will start next season with just 5 import player in its roster. We think it is the right time four our younger players to get a chance. Pokey Chatman will stay in our coaching staff. Chatman is currently head coach of Slovakian National Team so depend of her results with them we will know will she be able to be a head coach or assistant coach of our team. I repeat it depends of her obligations with Slovakian NT.

Chatman joined Spartak in 2007, after she finished season with NCAA team LSU. Two years in a row her LSU played in Final 4 of NCAA.

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SLOVENIA - Women

Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian 1A Awards 2007-08 -by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Conkova


Baric


Blake


Pezdirec-Grilanc


Evtoukhovitch
Player of the Year - Lucie Conkova (186-F-83) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Guard of the Year - Nika Baric (168-G-92) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Forward of the Year - Lucie Conkova (186-F-83) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Center of the Year - Monique Blake (188-F/C-85) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Newcomer of the Year - Nika Baric (168-G-92) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Most Improved Player of the Year - Tina Trebec (189-F/C-90) of ZKD Jezica Ljubljana
Bosman Player of the Year - Milijana Evtoukhovitch (190-C-81) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Import Player of the Year - Monique Blake (188-F-85) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Domestic Player of the Year - Lucie Conkova (186-F-83) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Defensive Player of the Year - Ziva Zdolsek (174-G-89) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Coach of the Year - Zeljko Ciglar of Merkur Celje

1st Team
Nika Baric (168-G-92) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Nina Pezdirec-Grilanc (181-G-80) of Odeja Skofja Loka
Lucie Conkova (186-F-83) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Milijana Evtoukhovitch (190-C-81) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Monique Blake (188-F/C-85) of ZKK Merkur Celje

2nd Team
Andreja Tisler (178-G-85) of AJM Maribor
Mojca Markovic (177-G-79) of Hit Kranjska Gora
Alma Pehadzic (173-G-82) of AJM Maribor
Lidija Becanovic (188-F/C-80) of Hit Kranjska Gora
Tina Trebec (189-F/C-90) of ZKD Jezica Ljubljana

All-Domestic Players Team
Nika Baric (168-G-92) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Nina Pezdirec-Grilanc (181-G-80) of Odeja Skofja Loka
Lucie Conkova (186-F-83) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Alma Pehadzic (173-G-82) of AJM Maribor
Tina Trebec (189-F/C-90) of ZKD Jezica Ljubljana

All-Newcomers Team
Nika Baric (168-G-92) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Teja Kropivsek (-89) of Triglav Vadoli Kranj
Polona Zalar (176-F-91) of Neso Ihke Postojna
Anja Klavzar (177-F-90) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Tjasa Gortnar (182-F-92) of Triglav Vadoli Kranj

All-Defensive Team
Andreja Tisler (178-G-85) of AJM Maribor
Ziva Zdolsek (174-G-89) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Alma Pehadzic (173-G-82) of AJM Maribor
Monique Blake (188-F-85) of ZKK Merkur Celje
Tina Trebec (189-F/C-90) of ZKD Jezica Ljubljana

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SPAIN - Women

Spain crush Fiji in the Olympic Qualifying tournament opener -by Eurobasket News
Spain - Fiji 113:42

Spanish National team opened their Olympic Qualifying campaign with a cruising win over Fiji. The teams got into Pool C together with the world's 4th rank Brazil. Two best teams from the Pool advance to the quarterfinal stage and the winners of the quarterfinals go to Beijing. The event took place in Madrid and the home crowd supported Spain well. Fiji however managed to surprise their opponents as Valerie Nainima (165-G-86) nailed a trey to give the Oceania side a 3:0 lead early in the game. Spain reacted with a 19:0 run fueled by 11 points from Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76). Fiji finally got their seconds basket as Valerie Nainima nailed a jumper but Spanish side was merciless. Amaya Valdemoro completed her first period 17-point tally and the hosts led by 33:9 after the starting frame. Valerie Nainima remained the only scorer for Fiji in the second period as she dropped 3 points, while Spain accumulated a massive 60:12 lead at halftime.
Spanish side loosened their defensive grip in the third frame allowing Valerie Nainima to get things going a bit smoother for Fiji. A 22-year-old guard of Long Island University accounted for 6 points in the third stanza but the visitors entered the final frame trailing by as many as 65 points. Robanakadavu and Valerie Nainima scored 5 straight points for Fiji early in the fourth term to sweeten the pill. However Cindy Lima (192-C-81) and Amaya Valdemoro kept on cruising past Fiji defense piling up impressive stat digits. Spain breezed to a stunning victory at the end getting their campaign started in style. Amaya Valdemoro led all scorers with 24 points. Cindy Lima provided 17 points, while Alba Torrens (184-F-89) had 16 for the winners. Valerie Nainima came up with 23 points for Fiji. Letava Whippy was the next scorer with just 7 points in defeat. Spain forced Fiji to massive 35 turnovers and outrebounded their opponents 50:24. Fiji will face Brazil tomorrow.

Spain: Amaya Valdemoro 24, Cindy Lima 17, Alba Torrens 16
Fiji: Valerie Nainima 23, Letava Whippy 7

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TURKEY - Women

Galatasaray Signs Yasemin Horasan -by Cem Guvener
Turkish National Team center Yasemin Horasan (190-F/C-83) decided to come back to Turkey after spending a year at Phard Napoli. Former Besiktas center signed a 2 year deal with Galatasaray. 24 year old player averaged 7.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in 33 Italian League games and averaged 10 points and and 5 rebounds in 8 Euroleague games. Horasan had won a championship with Besiktas in TBBL and is a key player for Turkish National Team.

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WBCBL - Women

Weekend Score Results -by Willie McCray
Week 1 Scores

Oklahoma Angels 79
North Texas Flash 92

Arkansas Ballers 94
Shreveport Sting 54

Louisiana All Stars 68
Dallas Regulators 75

Palm Beach Storm 64
Florida Knighthawks 45

Dallas Crest 77
S. Arkansas Hoopsters 57

Memphis Express 70
Mississippi Rockstars 45

Arkansas Starz 97
OnPoint Hoopsters 85

Gulf Coast Tropics 62
New Orleans Hurricanes 64

Jacksonville Cougars 66
South Carolina All Stars 68

Savannah Lady Warriors 90
Lauderdale Lions 56

Louisiana Blaze 56
Texas Fire 70

Florida Heat 32
Tampa X-Factor 87

Atlanta Diamonds 65
Atlanta Angels 45

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WNBA - Women

Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connect. S. 7-1 
 2. Detroit S. 7-2 
 3. Indiana F. 4-2 
 4. New York L. 3-4 
 5. Chicago Sky 3-4 
 6. Washingt. M. 2-6 
 7. Atlanta D. 0-7 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 6-1 
 2. Seattle S. 6-3 
 3. L.Angeles S. 4-2 
 4. S.Antonio SS 3-4 
 5. Sacram. M. 3-4 
 6. Phoenix M. 2-4 
 7. Houston C. 1-7 


Minnesota nips San Antonio for the 6th win -by Eurobasket News
The Minnesota Lynx got a small pause but quickly resumed their winning rally as they beat the San Antonio Silver Stars for the 6th win in the season. Charde Houston (6'1''-F-86, college: Connecticut) nailed 11 points in the second half and the Lynx outgunned the visitors in the fourth period to improve to 6-1 record. Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) paced the team in the first half as she knocked down 12 points and allowed the hosts to enjoy a 6-point advantage at halftime. Charde Houston finished with 15 points, Seimone Augustus had 18 for the winners. They eclipsed Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80) as the Silver Stars centre matched her career high 24 points and 10 boards in a losing case. The visitors arrived to Minnesota without Sophia Young who was sidelined with a strained groin. Becky Hammon notched 14 points in a loss. It was the fourth straight road loss for the Silver Stars in the season.
In the meantime the Sacramento Monarchs got their first road win of the season as they rallied past the New York Liberty 70:63 at the Madison Square Garden. Patricia Penicheiro (5'11''-G-74, college: ODU) was the mastermind for the win as she chipped in 9 points in the final frame. The Liberty led by 6 points early in the fourth term but the Monarchs went on a 15:1 run to surge ahead for good. Patricia Penicheiro finished with 18 points to lead the charge. Nicole Powell dropped 13 points, while Kara Lawson and Adrian Williams-Strong delivered 11 points apiece for the winners. Lisa Willis (6'0''-G/F-84, college: UCLA) answered with 11 points for the Liberty.
The Connecticut Sun held off Washington 87:79 at home court. The Sun posted a 19:0 run to open the second half and build an unassailable lead. Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) led the winners with 16 points, while Lindsay Whalen added 15 points, 7 boards and 7 assists for the Sun. Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, agency: Ronsport, college: Duke) answered with career-high 28 points for the Mystics as they fell to 2-6 record.