EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/17/2008
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Men News
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AUSTRALIA
Hodge still Sixers' primary target - by Eurobasket News
The Advertiser newspaper has reported that the Adelaide 36ers are going to wait on a decision from import sensation Julius Hodge (199-G-83, college: N.Carolina St.) rather than looking to pursue players from the former Sydney Kings squad.
Tom Zed of The Advertiser reports that Hodge, who is training with the New Jersey Nets in the hope of making it to the NBA, remains the 36ers top priority and that new Sixers coach Scott Ninnis is prepared to wait for the American.
'We're probably not going to know about Julius until mid to late July,' Ninnis said.
'Julius' focus, as it should be, is fairly and squarely on the NBA . . . but he's always been our number one target.'
'He's one of those once-in-a-decade players.'
'Julius said from day one that if he didn't make it in the NBA he'd come back to Adelaide.'
Ninnis said the Sixers plan to remain focused on Hodge despite the possibility of signing marquee players from the Kings former roster.
'If they'd been available when we were putting the team together we would have been silly not to look at guys like Russell Hinder, Glen Saville and Luke Kendall,' he said.
'But at this stage I don't think we'd be looking at bringing any of them in ahead of an import.'
Ninnis said new 36er Luke Schenscher had impressed in his teams early training sessions.
'Luke Schenscher is really coming along well after such a long lay-off from basketball,' Ninnis said.
'Brett (Maher) has resumed his on-court stuff and the enthusiasm and work from everyone is just fantastic.'
'Coming in as a new coach, it's been very encouraging.'
Source: The Advertiser
Australia fires down Iran in friendly series opener - by Eurobasket News
Australia - Iran 87:68
Australian National team continued their build up before the Olympic Games basketball tournament as they hosted Iran in the friendly series opener. The game took place at the Challenge Stadium in Perth. Brian Goorjian introduced some new faces to the Boomers squad. The 19-year-old centre O.J. Ogilvy was presented with a debut appearance for the Australian National team on his birthday. Guard James Harvey and forward Shawn Redhage (202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) were also invited to join a 12-men roster for the upcoming friendly series. Darnell Mee injured his elbow prior to the game and was substituted by young talent Joe Ingles on the squad.
The Boomers got to a quick start as David Barlow (205-F-83, college: Metro St.) nailed back-to-back three-pointers to put the hosts ahead. Australia dominated in the early minutes and another trey from David Barlow opened a double-digit lead for the hosts at 17:7. Chris Anstey and Shawn Redhage added two more trebles to stretch the lead to as many as 12 points. But Samad Bahrami (200-F/G-83, agency: Huss Sport Agency) and Hamed Afagh cut the deficit as the visitors trailed 22:33 at the end of the first stanza. Joe Ingles accounted for 3 points and Shawn Redhage came up with 5 more as Australia widened the gap to 17 points. Hamed Hadadi (218-C-85, agency: Huss Sport Agency) and Eman Zandi answered with jumpers to keep Iran within surmountable distance. Hamed Hadadi capped the second frame with a free throw and Iranian team were down by 12 points at the interval. Babak Paknejad narrowed the deficit to 10 points early in the third frame but it was as close as the Asian team could get. CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC) and Patrick Mills (178-G-88) restored a safe 15-point cushion for the home side. Shawn Redhage crowned the third period with another long bomb to make it 68:52 for the Boomers. The hosts opened the final term with 5 unanswered points and coasted from now on. David Barlow topscored for the Boomers with 19 points. CJ Bruton and Shawn Redhage scored 13 points apiece, while Patrick Mills secured 11 in a win. Hamed Hadadi led all scorers with 23 points and 11 boards for Iran. Samad Bahrami contributed 20 points in defeat. Iran outrebounded the hosts 34:29 but shot 42% from the field including only 26% from beyond the arc. Australia answered with 45% accuracy (43% from downtown). The teams will meet again on Wednesday at the Distinctive Homes Dome in Adelaide.
Australia: David Barlow 19, CJ Bruton 13, Shawn Redhage 13
Iran: Hamed Hadadi 23+11 boards, Samad Bahrami 20
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AUSTRIA
Hannes Artner signs two-year deal - by Cueneyt Tuerk
Hannes Artner's (185-G-84) basketball career will continue, as he signed a two-year contract with Oberwart Gunners. The 6-1 guard is the second player who will stay with his team after Jay Youngblood.
'This is the right situation for me,' Artner said. 'Oberwart will continue with the same level of basketball and that is very important for me.'
Artner, played 34 games for the Gunners team, where he averaged 10.6 points (.416FGs, .364 3FGs, .773 FTs), 1.5 assists and led the league in steals with 2.2 per game.
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BOSNIA
Play-off final: Impressions after the game number two - by Eurobasket News
Igokea Partizan succeeded to tie the score in the play-off final of Bosnian championship against Bosna ASA BHT on 1-1. Both games were very interesting until the end. Bosna grabbed the first one 84-79 in Sarajevo while Igokea was better at their home court in Aleksandrovac 80-78. Bosna ASA BHT had a chance to celebrate in the second game but Bavcic and Jefferson couldn't score at the last two possessions.
'This is an extremely important win. We were obligated to win in order to finish the final series in third crucial game in Sarajevo. We had couple of really good periods. There was a plenty of pretty nice and attractive moves. In 28th minute we created advantage of 15 points. During the next 12 minutes we keep finishing our offensive sets very quick and there was no need for that. We just gave a chance to Bosna's players to get back to the game after big minus. Now we have just couple of days for improvements and I have to talk with my players about our mistakes in the last game. I will spend a lot of time with point guards Bocka and Allen because we had a lot of problems with running the plays in the last quarter. However, we done what we need to do so big pressure is once again on Bosna because the decisive game will be played at their home court. We showed that we can play mature and responsible in Sarajevo in the first game. If we play aggressive and tough it will make Bosna's players frustrated and it will be our chance which we have to exploit' - said Drago Karalic, head coach of Igokea Partizan.
Ex head coach of Yugoslavian National Team which won the gold medal on World Championship in Ljubljana 1970 and Olympic Games in Moscow, Ranko Zeravica, was one of the spectators of the last game in Aleksandrovac.
'I am satisfied. The level of the quality is good. Both teams are quality enough for Adriatic league, where curently is couple of teams with much lower potential than these two. I have to say that both teams have to work on offensive sets and how to play it on more intelligent way. Bosna has two very good players, Ikonic and Bailey, and if Ikogea succeed to stop them they will have a chance in Sarajevo' - said Ranko Zeravica.
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BULGARIA
Cherno More with new name, looking for new players - by Valentin Anguelov
BC Euroins-Cherno More is the new name of former Cherno more Eurohold. That fact was announced at special press conference with Vicepresident of the club Simeon Varchev, the new Head Coach Daniel Dimitrov and Executive Director Borislav Tashev. After 7 years of abcense from european competitions Euroins-Cherno More will play in newly formed Balkan League. The management of the club is already working on new selection and soon they will have few foreign players on try out period.
They are talking with few players from local league as well. Already Nikolay Balev signed a contract, while the club still negotiate with Zlatin Georgiev from Levski and Ivan Nikolov from Dunav 2007. All foreign players from last year - Bryce Sheldon, Todd Galloway and Augustinas Vitas were released and will not be part of the team for next season. Seven juniors from the club will receive a call for the men's team. The new selection will finish on July 15 while the preparation for new 2008/09 season will start on august 4th.
It's still unknown who will be the assistant of Daniel Dimitrov. He said that he asked Spas Natov for that but receive negative answer. Former coach will stay in the club and will be one of coaches in juniors formations in the club.
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CHINA
China Sweeps Series Against Croatian "B" Team - by Arthur Volbert
China swept its three-game series against Croatia by winning today's game 80-76. However, this was Croatia's B team, minus the 18 top players who will be vying for spots on the Croatian National Team that will be competing in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament starting July 14.
The team that played China appears to be primarily composed of younger Croatian players, who may be stars one day but didn't make the cut this year. Several years ago beating any Croatian team would be a source of pride for China. But now China is truly competing for an Olympic medal and this team is no more the Croatian National team than the Conference USA team was the Memphis team that lost to Kansas in the NCAA Championship.
China keeps winning but obviously the competition is suspect. China does not provide box scores for the Croatian team. Perhaps they wish to hide their identities.
These are the Croatian players who are on the 'A' team and who were NOT here:
Dalibor Bagaric, Marko Banic, Stanko Barac, Davor Kus, Kresimir Loncar, Branimir Longin, Damir Markota, Sandro Nicevic, Zoran Planinic, Marko Popovic , Nikola Prkacin, Marin Rozic, Damian Rude, Krunoslav Simon, Marko Tomas, Ante Tomic, Roko-Leni Ukic, Jacob Vladovic.
Yi Jianlian led the scoring for China today with 26 points in 23 minutes. Zhu Fangyu scored 13 points and Du Feng added 12. Chen Jianghua (188-G-89) had 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 steals.
These games were strictly for practice and to sort out who will make the final Olympic team. Chen Jianghua appears to be earning a spot as does Zhang Kai. Ding Jinhui appears to be getting significant playing time and seems likely to make the cut.
Zhou Peng appears to be getting virtually no time and is the least likely of the 17 competing players to make the team.
Right now, based on who is getting consistent playing time and doing well with the time they are getting, I would say that the team is likely to be composed of:
Centers
Yao Ming
Wang Zhizhi
Zhang Kai
Power Forward
Yi Jianlian
Du Feng
Ding Jinhui
Small Forward
Zhu Fangyu
Li Nan
Shooting Guard
Wang Shipeng
Sun Yue
Point Guard
Liu Wei
Chen Jianghua
The starters are likely to be Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, Zhu Fangyu, Wang Shipeng and Liu Wei.
The top reserves are Wang Zhizhi, Sun Yue and Chen Jianghua. Wang Zhizhi can play both center and power forward. Sun Yue can play small forward, shooting guard and point guard. Chen Jianghua can play either guard position.
Li Nan and Du Feng will see significant playing time while Zhang Kai and Ding Jinhui, except for injuries and garbage time, will sit at the end of the bench.
Box Score:
http://cba.sports.sina.com.cn/look_scores.php?m_id=2059
The columns, in order, are name, uniform number, starter, minutes, field goals attempted-made, three-pointers attempted-made, free throws attempted-made, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, assists, fouls, steals, turnovers, blocks,?, ?, ?, total points
China-- 13 20 20 27 80
Croatia 14 17 19 26 76
Du Feng 15 23min+12p+3r+2p+2bl, Yi Jianlian 11 23min+26p+4r+2bl, Wang Shipeng 7 26min+5p+2r, Sun Yue 9 9min+0p+3r+1a, Wang Lei 19 25min+2p+4r+2a, Wang Zhizhi 14 20min+9p+5r, Chen Jianghua 16 19min+4p+4r+2a+5s, Liu Wei 5 24min+8p+2r+5a+2s, Zhu Fangyu 8 22min+13p+6r+2s, Ding Jinhui 20 9min+1p
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COLOMBIA
National Men Tournament in Medellin, Quarterfinals Results: - by Victor Garcia
Bogot Defeated easily Magdalena and clinched a place in the semifinals, again Emiro Romero (65 F) leaded the way for Bogot scoring 26 points.
Bogot 122
Magdalena 65
Cundinamarca qualified to the semifinals, defeating Norte , Joban Berrio (66) was the main ofensive weapon of Cundinamarca with 26 points.
Cundinamarca 89
Norte 81
Antioquia is ready top lay the semifinals, the host defeated San Andres.
Antioquia 86
San Andrs 70.
Valle pasto ver Caldas and will face Bogot in the semifinals.
Valle 75
Caldas 62
Antioquia won the National Men Tournament - by Victor Garcia
Antioquia and Bogota played the final of the National Tournament for the third straight time, this time Antioquia playing at home, both teams finished in the first place of its groups, Antioquia had a very strong roster with Norbey Aragn, Enielsen Guevara , Adison Mosquera and Jorge Caedo as its main players and coached by Hernan Giraldo.
Bogota had a team with many young and talented players, like Gianlucca Bacci and Gerson Pena, but also with experienced players like Emiro Romero, Cesar Ordonez , John Perez and Miguel Matamoros , Bogot was coached by Yesid Rivero
Bogota leaded the first three quarters 22-19, 42-37 and 73-65, with the spark of the young Gianlucca Bacci (62 G) who made maybe the defensive play of the tournament blocking a dunk attemp of Adison Mosquera (68 F), Bacci leaded Bogota with 16 points.
But in the last quarter the combination of Antioquias Enielsen Guevara and Adison Mosquera in the high low play and the great performance of Norbey Aragon who finished with 30 pts, outscored Bogota 24-7 to get a 89 90 final lead.
This is the third straight championship for Antioquia.
Tournament MVP: Norbey Aragon (Antioquia)
Tournament best scorer: Joban Berrio (Cundinamarca).
Tournament best offensive rebounder: Emiro Romero (Bogota)
Tournament best defensive rebounder: Frassier Mena (Cundinamarca)
FINAL STANDINGS:
1- ANTIOQUIA
2- BOGOTA
2-VALLE
4-CUNDINAMARCA
National Coach and National Team Named - by Victor Garcia
The Colombian Basketball Federation named Hernan Dario Giraldo as National Mens coach for the Southamerican Championship in Chile, coach Giraldo has already 13 players working in Medellin and is waiting the confirmation of Juan Tello Palacios.
Camp Roster:
Edgar Moreno (63' G - UTEP) San Andres
Gianlucca Bacci (62' G -)Bogota
Felipe Montoya (62' G) Antioquia
Camilo Londoo (62' G- NEWMAN) Antioquia
Avaro Contreras (6'0' G) Antioquia
Andrs Arcila (62' G) Antioquia
Norbey Aragn (64' G/F- GSW) Antioquia
Eleuterio Renteria (64' F/G) Valle
Divier Perez (67' F) Antioquia
Juan Tello Palacion (68' F LOUISVILLE)
Adison Mosquera (68' F- LON MORRIS) Antioquia
Enielsen Guevara (68' F/C) Antioquia
Diomedes Cassiani (67' F/C) Bogota
Jorge Canedo (611' C - Colby CC) Antioquia
Stalin Ortiz (63' G VALPO) did not accept to be part of the team, and Emiro Romero (64' F) Bogot, could be called to be part of the camp.
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CROATIA
Stats Leaders - A1
| Stats Leaders |
 |
| Points Per Game |
1 Car, Osijek 21.3
2 Drezga, Sibenka 19.4
3 Mulaomer., Cib. 18.5
4 Garnett, Split 18.1
5 Mimica, Slav. 18.0 |
| Rebounds Per Game |
1 Colak, Ced. 8.8
2 Kartelo, Dub. 8.7
3 Tomic, Zagreb 8.3
4 D.Ivanov, Split 8.1
5 Spahija, Slav. 7.5 |
| Assists Per Game |
1 Akins, Split 5.7
2 Mulaomr., Cibona 5.5
3 Petkovic, Sibenka 4.4
4 Duvancic, Osijek 4.0
5 Tomeljak, Sibenka 3.9 |
| Steals Per Game |
1 Car, Osijek 2.2
2 Brewer, Zadar 1.9
3 J.Blajic, Alkar 1.9 |
| 2FGP |
1 Lucic, Dub. 76.0
2 Parezanovic, Ced. 74.0
3 Pilepic, Kvarner 74.0 |
| 3FGP |
1 Vidacak, Dvraner 67.0
2 Forehan, Ced. 54.0
3 Vranjes, Dub. 53.0 |
| Free Throws |
1 Pilepic, Kvarner 97.0
2 Simon, Zagreb 92.0
3 Zadravec, Zagreb 90.0 |
Split extends head coach Subotic - by Eurobasket News
After fantastic season, management of Split decided to extend contract with head coach Slobodan Subotic. Split succeeded to forget couple of very inconvenient previous years and finally returned on the place where it was in the past. Split finished regular season as a second ranked team with score 11-3. Later they knocked out Cibona 2-1 in the semifinals while Zadar was better in the final series 3-2. Zadar took it mostly owing to top position in regular season and home court advantage in the final. One of the best players of Split, Damjan Rudez, left the team but Split succeeded to keep head coach Slobodan Subotic, who put signature on new two years contract with the club. According to Croatian media Subotic was one of the candidates for Cibona's bench but at the end he decided to stay at 'Gripe'. Except of coaching job, at the same time Subotic will be coordinator of young selections.
'I am happy because we made an agreement. Croatian public can see now that I didn't lie when I said that Split is my first option. We had very successful last season so naturally we will have bigger targets for the next one. Thanks to couple of people from city of Split, who showed understand for our work, we succeeded to resolve many problems. We also had fantastic support from our fans during the entire season and I really appreciate it. I am glad to say that we will continue what we started this year' - said Subotic.
Split will compete next season in Adriatic league, Croatian A1 league and most probably in FIBA Cup.
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EGYPT
Gezira faces Sporting in the cup final - by Sherif Soliman
Gezira killed Zamalek's dreams last night with a great 84-73 victory in a semifinal cup game. Gezira players wanted to proove that they are the best team in the league, while Zamalek players wanted to keep alive their chances to win anything this season. Gezira players started the game poorly and couldn't stop the muscle game performed by Zamalek players. However, the Zamalek players started to get tired and the bench wasn't in a good shape, while the Gezira players kept their strength through the last quarter and finshed the game with an 11-point win. Ramy Gunedy, and M.Kerdany form Gezira played great games. For Zamelek, Samir Gouda, Haytham El Saied, and Tarek el Saied performed well. (edited by Jeremy Rubio) Ahmed Hassan
"Egypt is one of the best leagues I have played ever" - by Sherif Soliman
Last night i had dinner with Danny johnson Gezira point gaurd, He was preparing to flay back home.I asked him about playing in Egypt and his life here.However,Danny was looking forward to see his new born sun and the rest of his family back home.Danny lives in north Carolina and he loves tennis and basketball.
SS:Where do you put this season in your basketball carrier?
DJ:To be honest with you this season is one of my best ever,I won my first champion in my life.I used to play in big teams in eurpe but we never won the league.
SS: How hard was it for you to win the campionchip?
DJ:It is a very tough laegue to win,what makes it hard is that he best six teams can win any time so that you have no easy games to play,If you dont play hard every game you will lose.
SS:What about your coach.team mates,mangment?
DJ:They became all my friends,and we had great times togther,they reially hellped me to be in the team very fast.however,when you play in such a big team you dont have to do everything this helped me to lead the team to the championchip.
SS:Gezira players are cosiderd very religious,how did feel abuot it?
DJ:They treated me like one of them,I never felt anything strange because of my religion,They where so kind to me,the only problem i had was language as most of them doesnt speak english.
SS:Will you come again to Egypt?
DJ: Sure,If i dont get a better offer in Eurpe i will come back to play here again.
Danny Johnson (201-F)
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FRANCE
ProB: Besancon grabs the trophy and the promotion - by Chris Spiesser
Besancon spent only one year in ProB. Yesterday, coach Lautie boys defeated Poitiers in Bercy and secured the second ticket to ProA after Rouen's regular season victory. This is a real surprise as the blues only ended that regular season at place 8. Such a comeback hasn't been seen since Aix-Maurienne's triumph in 1997. But at that time the playoff champ couldn't join ProA.
Besancon 76-63 Poitiers
Wisely driven by Simon Darnauzan (12pts, 4ass) and Anthony Christophe (6pts, 4rbs), the bisontins led the game from the middle of the first QT until the end. They appeared more physical then their advesary and their defensive men-to-men/zone alternations hindered Poitiers passing game. At final, 7 winners end the game with at least 10 ranking points while in Poitiers Tommy Gunn (17pts, 6rbs) looked sometimes alone on the court. That drove Poitiers to an excess of three pointers (4/22). Nevertheless, coach Nelhomme's boys could have stuck back in the third quarter with a refreshing Garry Florimont (14pts 6/10, 7rbs) but they showed too unaccurate, missing at least 5 lay-ups. To shower Poitiers' illusions, Sebastien Hermenier (13pts 3/4, 5rbs) put the decisive baskets while Antwan Hoard (199-F-72, college: Murray St.) grabbed the MVP trophy with 13pts (6/12) and 7rbs plus a harsh defense on the pictavian big men (14pts 6/19 for Younger and Guillard).
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FYRMACEDONIA
Rajkovic heads the U 20 National Team - by Todor Chalovski
Coach of champions and National Cup holders Feni Industri, Emil Rajkovic, is the new head coach of the U 20 Macedonian national team. Rajkovic (29) replaced Marjan Lazovski, who led Macedonia to promotion in Division A in 2006. He will be assisted by Slobodan Petrovski and Mitko Kostoski, who is also the chairman of the U 20 National tem. Experienced coaches Steruli Andonovski and Dragan Vasilov will also work as consultants in the U 20 NT.
Pance Milevski is the head coach od the U 16 National team of Macedonija. Milevski worked as a assistant coach and head coach in Vardar Osiguruvanje and Vardar Centar last season, and, is reknown as a coach of young players for over a decade. Milevski (37) will be assisted by Bojan Hristovski and Marjan Ilievski. U 16 NT Chairman is Ljupco Ristovski, while veteran coach Aleksandar Knazev will be a consultant.
Macedonian National Team 2008 - by Todor Chalovski
#s#
Stefanov |
Ilievski |
Tasovski |
Wilkinson |
Samardziski |
#e#6
4 Vrbica Stefanov (188-G-73) of Vive Menorca (ESP)
5 Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80) of Montepaschi Siena (ITA)
6 Jane Petrovski (181-G-87) of MZT FON Univerzitet Skopje
7 Aleksandar Dimitrovski (193-G-80) of Feni Indistri Kavadarci
8 Marjan Gurov (201-F-80) of Feni Indistrija Kavadarci
9 Riste Stefanov (198-G-83) of PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia (BUL)
10 Dimtche Tasovski (202-F-80) of Strumica 2005
11 Todor Gecevski (209-C-77) of KK Zadar (CRO)
12 Pero Antic (210-F-82) of PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia (BUL)
13 Zlatko Gocevski (206-C-82) of Feni Indistrija Kavadarci
14 Mike Wilkinson (204-F-81) of BC Khimky Moscow (RUS)
15 Predrag Samardziski (215-C-86) of FMP Zeleznik Beograd (SRB)
Eftim Bogoev (185-G-80) of Strumica 2005
Pero Blazevski (200-C-72) of Vardar Osiguruvanje Skopje
Darius Washington (188-G-85) of Aris Thessaloniki (GRE)
Toni Grncarov (191-G-80) of Strumica 2005
Aleksandar Kostoski (188-G-88) of BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (FRA)
Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82) of Real Madrid (ESP)
Dimitar Mirakovski (180-G-81) of KK Fersped-Rabotnicki Skopje
Goran Samardziev (188-G-81) of Feni Indistrija Kavadarci
Darko Sokolov (190-G-86) of Strumica 2005
Ognen Stojanovski (190-G-85) of KK Fersped-Rabotnicki Skopje
Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) of AMMAK SP Ohrid
Gjorgi Cekovski (202-F/C-81) of SK Cherkassy Monkeys (UKR)
Head coach: Jovica Arsic .
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GERMANY
Paderborn inks Lavelle Felton - by Moritz Korff
The Digibu Baskets Paderborn (1. Bundesliga) signed their second new player for 2008-2009. Lavelle Felton (193-G-79, agency: Octagon, college: Louisiana Tech) makes the way from Jena to Paderborn to run the point for the team of Coach Douglas Spradley after the summer break. Felton appeared in 20 matches for Science City Jena during this past campaign and led the team in assists per contest (4.2). He also scored 12.1 points, grabbed 3.9 boards and had 1.1 steals a game. Felton played previously as a pro in Turkey, Greece, France and Cyprus.
Sommerset from Rattelsdorf to Dorsten - by Moritz Korff
As his agency announced on its website yesterday (click) Darryl Sommerset (206-F-84, agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment, college: Cent.Missouri St.) is going to suit up for BG Dorsten of the Regionalliga West in the next season. Dorsten just moved up to the RLW and signed Daryl Cohen (193-G-85, agency: Profibasketball.de, college: SE Louisiana) as their first import player earlier. The 23-year-old Forward spent his final two years in college at Central Missouri State (NCAA2), averaging 13 points and 7.5 rebounds as a senior. He joined the team of SpVgg Rattelsdorf (Regionalliga South-East) in January 08 and led the team in scoring (23.9ppg).
U20 National Team announced - by Moritz Korff
The German U20 National Team will have a training camp in Kienbaum from June 18-25 and travel to Poland later this month to attend the international tournament in Inowroclaw. 'Bundestrainer' Emir Mutapcic selected the following players for this action. Christian Standhardinger (201-F-89) from Ehingen and Bamberg's Tim Ohlbrecht (211-C/F-88) will not participate, but are members of the U20-squad as well. Fabian Thuelig (196-F-89) and Oskar Fassler (198-G-88) who are currently involved in the Bundesliga-Finals will join the team when the series as come to an end:
Robin Benzing (209-F-89) - University of Michigan, USA
Ziyed Chennoufi (202-F-88) - Hagen
Bastian Doreth (183-G-89) - Franken Hexer
Oskar Fassler - Berlin
Per Guenther (187-G-88, agency: Rasmussen Services) - Ulm
Elias Harris (202-F-89) - Speyer
Philipp Heyden (208-C-88) - Kirchheim/Ludwigsburg
Michael Jost (203-F-88) - Stahnsdorf
Philip Noch (200-G/F-89) - Braunschweig
Robert Oehle (209-C-88) - Paderborn
Tim Ohlbrecht - Bamberg/Breitenguessbach
Tibor Pleiss 
(215-F/C-89) - Koeln
Kevin Schaffartzik (184-G-88) - Stahnsdorf
Stefan Schmidt (206-C-89) - Franken Hexer
Philipp Schwethelm (200-F-89, agency: Court Side) - Koeln
Tom Spoeler (206-F-88) - Leverkusen
Lucca Staiger (196-G-88) - Iowa State University, USA
Christian Standhardinger - Ehingen
Karsten Tadda (190-G-88) - Bamberg/Breitenguessbach
Fabian Thuelig - Bonn
Reserve players:
Cornelius Adler (195-G/F-89) - Ehingen
Joleik Schaffrath (206-C-88, agency: Heinrich Sports) - Oldenburg
Head Coach: Emir Mutapcic
Coach Assistants: Robert Bauer, Alan Ibrahimagic
German National Team: Herber out for the summer, is replaced by Roessler - by Moritz Korff
Bad news for Head Coach Dirk Bauermann: Johannes Herber (197-G-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: W.Virginia) will miss the training camp of the German Men's National Team in Mallorca, Spain and is not able to play for Germany at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Greece either. Herber suffered a torn ACL in October 2007 and is still not in full shape. Since receiving his first cap for Germany in 2004 Herber has become an important factor for the Bauermann-squad and has appeared in 56 encounters for Germany up to now. As a replacement Rouven Roessler (200-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports) of the Giessen 46ers has been called up by Coach Bauermann. The 27-year-old has not played any game for the German Men's National Team yet, but was a member of the German A2-selection.
Schrempf to play for Germany - U18-roster announced - by Moritz Korff
Coach Kay Bluemel announced the roster for the German U18-National Team that will attend two international tournaments in France later this month. A new player on the team is Alexander Schrempf, the son of Germany's basketball-legend Detlef Schrempf, who grew up in the USA and is currently playing at the Bellevue High School near Seattle, WA.
Nico Adamczak (189-G-90) - VFB Hermsdorf/IBBA Berlin
Jusuf El Domiaty (189-G-90) - SG Braunschweig
Niels Giffey (198-F-91) - TuS Lichterfelde/ALBA Berlin
Melvin Gyau (183-G-90) - BIS Baskets Speyer
Robert Huelsewede (198-F-90) - TSVE Bielefeld/Paderborn Baskets
Marvin Kruchen (208-C-90) - TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Erik Land (203-C-90) - TSV Breitenguessbach
Femi Oladipo (197-F-90) - BSG Bremerhaven
Simon Schmitz (188-G-90) - BIS Baskets Speyer
Alexander Schrempf (193-G/F) - Bellevue High School/USA
Maurice Stuckey (187-G-90) - SG Urspringschule
Akeem Vargas (190-G-90) - SG Urspringschule
Bastian Winterthaler (200-F-90) - SOBA Rhoendorf
Jonas Wohlfahrt-Bottermann (207-C-90) - Telekom Baskets Bonn
Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) - TVG Baskets Trier/TBB Junior Team
Reserve players:
Harald Debelka (194-G/F-91) - Proveo Merlins Crailsheim
Nico Draegert (205-C-90) - ALBA Berlin
Tobias Korndoerfer (200-F-90) - FC Bayern Muenchen
Steven Monse (200-F-90) - ALBA Berlin
Yannick Schicktanz (185-G-90) - MTV Kronberg
Max Schulze-Pals (200-F-90) - TV Werne/Phoenix Hagen
Head Coach: Kay Bluemel
Coach Assistant: Horst Schmitz
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GUATEMALA
Elite Sport destroys USAC - by Gianni Pascucci
In last round of Liga Metro 2008 - Apertura, Elite Sport Pollo Rey prevailed over USAC 119-63, improving its record to 8-1. The game best performers were Alejandro Carrillo (191-F-88) with 33 pts, Hector Vandeveire with 23 and Juan Jose Rosales with 19. Jorge Melgar led USAC with 16 points, Fredy Centeno added 13 pts.
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HOLLAND
Interview with Tyler Smith - by Fred Roggen
Through the Off-season a short interview with Tyler Smith (203-F-80, college: Penn St.), one of the key-players of the Matrixx Magixx last season. He played 40 games: 15.9ppg, 7.8rpg and achieved All-Dutch Eredivision Power Forward of the Year -08, All-Dutch Eredivision 1st Team -08 and Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie Honorable Mention -08 awards.
You have played for Landstede Zwolle in 2002 - 2003 and now for Matrixx Magixx, is the level in the league changed?
Yes, in fact, I was here in 2002-2003 and I had a great experience with Landstede Zwolle. That was a big reason why I retuned to Holland. I knew the country and that the league had improved in the past 5 years quite a bit. There are more teams now, more media coverage with games regularly on TV, and the level of play has really improved quite a bit throughout the league.
What was the role that you had on the team of Matrixx Magixx.
This year I was one of the oldest guys on the team, so I was able to be a leader with the Matrixx Magixx. As far as playing goes, I tried to be a guy who could always be counted on defensively to help my teammates and to make shots when we needed them.
You have left your team during the Play-offs because of personal reasons, can you explain why you did it?
Yes, my wife was due to have a baby any day in the U.S. and it was really important to me that I be there for her and for the birth of our first child. I felt terrible that I had to leave at such an important time of the season. We worked hard all year long to make it to that point and it was VERY difficult to make that decision because I really love my team, coaches, and organization. They were very supportive of me and I am truly thankful for that. By the way, our little girl's name is Hannah and she is sleeping, eating, and pooping like a champ!
Before Nijmegen, your career took you to Italy, Uruguay ,Argentina ... What did you learn from those experience?
I have some amazing stories that you might not believe. Basketball games cancelled due to rain. Chickens running on the court. Eating cow's blood (only once and never again). Even carrying my own toilet paper to away games! It makes me appreciate Holland MUCH more. Truthfully, I have enjoyed every place that I have played. I've learned that there are wonderful people all around the world. And even though they may not speak the same language or eat the same foods, it's incredible to meet such fun and friendly people who are just like you and me. I've also learned that it's really important to be able to have an open mind and be willing to try new things because there is more than one way of doing things.
What have you been doing since the season ended.
I've been changing hundreds of diapers and I have not slept for more than 3 hours in a single stretch. I also have been doing a LOT of work on the website I created called www.ProPlayerVideo.com. Players can post their game video online so they can send their video out instantly to unlimited teams around the world which saves time and money. It's very high video quality and I love it because it is helping players, agents, and teams to connect faster and easier. I took some time off from playing as my body was pretty sore from the season. Now, I am back in the gym working out and getting ready to play again.
Do you have any plans for the next season?
Lord willing, I will continue playing. So, it will be interesting to see where I land next. Thank you very much for the interview and the great coverage of bball in Holland! God Bless!
Eurobasket would like to thank Tyler Smith for taking the time to do this interview. We wish him all the best with his basketballcareer.
West Brabant Giants signs Carlos Taylor - by Fred Roggen
This weekend reached West Brabant Giants an agreement with American Carlos Taylor (185-G-86) for the upcoming season. The technical staff of the Giants has high expectations of Carlos Taylor, who played
the past two seasons for Montana State and averaged 18.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists last season. The roster of the Giants for next season exists at this moment from seven players: Bart Jilesen, Calvin Smith, Arvin Slagter, Mathijs Hak and the Americansplayers Tim Blue, Durelle Brown and Carlos Taylor.
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IRAN
Australia fires down Iran in friendly series opener - by Eurobasket News
Australia - Iran 87:68
Australian National team continued their build up before the Olympic Games basketball tournament as they hosted Iran in the friendly series opener. The game took place at the Challenge Stadium in Perth. Brian Goorjian introduced some new faces to the Boomers squad. The 19-year-old centre O.J. Ogilvy was presented with a debut appearance for the Australian National team on his birthday. Guard James Harvey and forward Shawn Redhage (202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) were also invited to join a 12-men roster for the upcoming friendly series. Darnell Mee injured his elbow prior to the game and was substituted by young talent Joe Ingles on the squad.
The Boomers got to a quick start as David Barlow (205-F-83, college: Metro St.) nailed back-to-back three-pointers to put the hosts ahead. Australia dominated in the early minutes and another trey from David Barlow opened a double-digit lead for the hosts at 17:7. Chris Anstey and Shawn Redhage added two more trebles to stretch the lead to as many as 12 points. But Samad Bahrami (200-F/G-83, agency: Huss Sport Agency) and Hamed Afagh cut the deficit as the visitors trailed 22:33 at the end of the first stanza. Joe Ingles accounted for 3 points and Shawn Redhage came up with 5 more as Australia widened the gap to 17 points. Hamed Hadadi (218-C-85, agency: Huss Sport Agency) and Eman Zandi answered with jumpers to keep Iran within surmountable distance. Hamed Hadadi capped the second frame with a free throw and Iranian team were down by 12 points at the interval. Babak Paknejad narrowed the deficit to 10 points early in the third frame but it was as close as the Asian team could get. CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC) and Patrick Mills (178-G-88) restored a safe 15-point cushion for the home side. Shawn Redhage crowned the third period with another long bomb to make it 68:52 for the Boomers. The hosts opened the final term with 5 unanswered points and coasted from now on. David Barlow topscored for the Boomers with 19 points. CJ Bruton and Shawn Redhage scored 13 points apiece, while Patrick Mills secured 11 in a win. Hamed Hadadi led all scorers with 23 points and 11 boards for Iran. Samad Bahrami contributed 20 points in defeat. Iran outrebounded the hosts 34:29 but shot 42% from the field including only 26% from beyond the arc. Australia answered with 45% accuracy (43% from downtown). The teams will meet again on Wednesday at the Distinctive Homes Dome in Adelaide.
Australia: David Barlow 19, CJ Bruton 13, Shawn Redhage 13
Iran: Hamed Hadadi 23+11 boards, Samad Bahrami 20
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ISRAEL
Williams moves to Maccabi - by tamar goldman
The American swingman, Jason Williams (196-G/F-83, college: UTEP) signed a two year contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Williams played for the past two years in Bnei Hasharon where he made is debut outside the US. his coach in Bnei was Effi Birnbaum - Maccabis new head coach. Birnbaum fund it heard to part ways with Williams and made sure the player stayed under his guidance. Williams averaged this season 16.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 3.1 apg.
Halperin requested Maccabi to release him - by tamar goldman
The Israeli guard, Yotam Halperin (196-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services) met with Maccabi Tel Aviv chairmen Shimon Mizrahi, with one of the owners David Federman on Friday and together with his agent asked Maccabi to break his contract and let him play for Olympiacos (Greece).
Halperin has offers from other teams in Europe among them Efes Pilsen (Turkey). In addition the two Russian clubs from Moscow CSKA and Dinamo are waiting to see whether Maccabi would release the Israeli Guard that has a contract for one more year in the Israeli league and the Euroleague runner up.
Today (Sunday) Maccabis management is supposed to meet and decide whether to release to player. The relationship between Halperin and Coach Gianakis is very strong, and the coach would like to see the Israeli Guard playing for him this year and his will became stronger after Halperins great year in Europe (was elected as on of the players in the second all Euroleague team after averaging 28 mpg 10.4 ppg, 4.1 apg, 2.1 rpg).
According to reports in Israel it looks as if Maccabi wont stand in Halpeins way, as long has the club gets confiscation for breaking the contract.
Omri Caspi - NBA - by Interperformances
6'8 'Israeli forward Omri Casspi (204-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances can play both the small and power forwards spots ) is not just hoping to be drafted in the first round of this years NBA Draft, but is doing something about it. He is working out with many NBA teams trying to show his value and to prove that he belongs in the League. He has had workouts with Houston, Miami, Detroit, Memphis, Denver and Cleveland. He would be the first Israeli player to make the NBA.
Goodes signed in Jerusalem - by tamar goldman
Guy Goodes , former assistant coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv signed a one year contract with Hapoel Jerusalem. Goodes made his debut as head coach with Maccabi Rishon Le Zion on 2004/05 season and took the club all the way to the Israeli final four. his first year has coach was also in Maccabi Rishon, but as assitant coach. when the head coach was fired Goodes took his place. In the summer of 2006 Goodes moved to Maccabi, as assistant coach of Neven Spahija and in the following ear worked next to Oded Katash and latter with Zvi Sherf.
Erez takes on Rishon's bench - by Yarone Arbel
Rishon LeZion picked their coach for the next season in Ziv Erez . The veteran Israeli coach will take the bench of the club where he became one of the best junior coaches in the county. Erez was an assistant coach in Hapoel Jerusalem in the past two years, and took over the head coach position in the past season for the last five games of the season after Dan Shamir stepped down. He will replace Coach Ofer Berkovic who got the coaching spot in Rishon in mid-season when the team was in the last place, and like before, saved his club from departing to the second division. Erez, who won the national championship with the junior club of Rishon and fostered future national team players as Afik Nissim, Dror Hagag and Erez Markovic, didn't enjoy so far a great career as a senior head coach, but will get another chance with Rishon.
Hapoel Galil Elyon and Gilboa unite - by Netanel Dahan
Hapoel Galil Elyon unite with the Gilboa, the new name of the team is: Hapoel Gilboa-Galil Elyon.
The new team will play at the new stadium at Gan Ner which has 1700 seats, the Chairman of the team will be Yaron Ohayon who was the Chairman of Hapoel Gilboa/Afula at the last season.
The new team have very high expectation and they start to build the roster for the new season, when Oded Katash is the head coach.
Hapoel Afula will play at the National League (D2) and she try to unite with antoher town when the option is Emek Israel.
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ITALY
Eric Schmieder captures the title in French Pro B - by Eurobasket News
Eric Schmieder (189-G-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Drexel) and his team Besancon grabbed the title in French Pro B. The team caught the last train in regular season to reach the play-off while later they showed pretty good basketball level. After just 8th place and score 18-16, Schmieder and his teammates knocked-out Rouene and Saint Etienne. They met third ranked team Poitiers in the play-off final making comfortable win 76-63.
Eric Schmieder was in a starting five for Besancon, which closed first frame with plus 3. During the next 10 minutes Besancon switched on zone defense what later appeared as a good move. Poitiers couldn't adapt on it soon so Schmieders team exploited it extending its lead even more. They went on the half time having solid advantage of 9 points, 40-31. In third frame Poitiers woke up coming a bit closer but during the last couple of minutes in this period they missed 5 lay-ups. Of course they couldn't finish this quarter better than minus 6. Crucial stanza totally belonged to Besancon. Mostly owing to Sebastien Hermanier, Antwan Hoard and Eric Schmieder, Besancon resolved question about the winner very soon grabbing the title in French Pro B. It also means that Besancon will compete in French Pro A next season.
Eric Schmieder spent the most time on court in his team, 37 minutes. He added 9 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Schmieder had important role in his team during the entire season. For 32 games he averaged 10 ppg, 4 rpg and 4 apg. He joined new Pro B champion previous summer from Nanterre.
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LIBERIA
Patrick Flomo's 10 points not enough for German Bonn - by Eurobasket News
Patrick Flomo (203-F-80, college: Ohio) and his teammates suffered serious defeat in second game of the German play-off final. ALBA totally outplayed them in Berlin 99-69. Telekom Basket Bonn looked good only in the first quarter. Actually Bonn finished it 18-20 but they for sure couldn't know that in the next 20 minutes they will suffer a real terror by ALBA's players. From the first minute of the second stanza ALBA started to play very aggressively on both sides of the court. Patrick Flomo and his team were unable to do anything about that. ALBA's defense was so tough that Bonn succeeded to score just 9 points in this period. On the other side hosts had extremely good shot percentage. All these facts finally resulted with 35-9 in the second stanza. Bonn couldn't recover from this shock so they weren't able to resist in third frame. ALBA's players picked up where they left off in the second quarter entering into the last frame with plus 38. After that it was the only question are the hosts satisfied with this or they want more. Fortunately for Flomo's team ALBA's head coach Luka Pavicevic decided to give a rest to some of the best players which Bonn exploited to decrease minus just a little bit.
Patrick Flomo showed good performance for his team but it for sure was not enough for them. He collected 10 points and 3 rebounds for 22 minutes. He was a player with the best shot percentage in his team as he had 3/4 from the field and 4/6 from the FT line. Next game will be played in Bonne on June 17th.
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LITHUANIA
Market News - Changes in Rytas - by Lukas Zajancauskas
Rytas found new playmaker. Branko Milisavljevic (193-G-76, agency: Beo Basket) will be the one, who will try to change Hollis Price. He signed a one year contract with Vilnius team. Last season he played in Maroussi Athens, Branko averaged 12.5 points and 1.9 assists.
The second player is Milko Bjelica (207-C-84) from Serbia. The contract is signed on a 1+1 basis. Last season he played in Germany, Koln 99ers. Milko averaged 12.5 points and 3 boards.
Also it is rumored that Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-G-79) stays in Vilnius. Lietuvos Rytas manager Giedrius Aidietis confirmed this information. And it is said that team is formed and no new players will be signed.
New problems for Lithuania before the Olympic Games - by Eurobasket News
After bad news from NBA team Cleveland Cavaliers, which doesn't want to let Zydrunas Ilgauskas (218-C-75, agency: Interperformances) to play for Lithuanians on the Olympic Games, another one just showed up. Arvydas Macijauskas (192-G-80) withdraw his name from NT. He struggles with back injury and he for sure won't be able to help Lithuania in Beijing. It is a big problem for Lithuanians as Maciauskas was one of their best players on World Championship in Japan two years ago. In 2003 when Lithuania won gold medal on European Championship in Sweden he averaged nearly 16 points per game. Macijauskas added 14.8 ppg for Olympiakos last season in Euroleague while he also had 10 appearances in Greek A1 averaging 13.8 ppg.
It is not the end of the bad news for Lithuania. Arturas Jomantas (202-G/F-85) and Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85) are also unable to participate in NT project due to health problems. Three years ago Seibutis won FIBA U21 World Championsip in Argentina and he was named to be the MVP of this event. On the other side Jomantas was important player of Lietuvos Rytas previous season. He had 27 appearances in Lithuanian league averaging 10 ppg and 4.7 rpg. For 20 games in Euroleague he had 6.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 1.7apg.
Two new players have been added to the list of candidates for Beijing Games. They are guard of Zalgiris Caunas Arturas Milaknis (195-G-86) and a small forward of Lietuvos Rytas Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84).
The training camp of Lithuanian National Team will start on June 20 in Palanga.
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MEXICO
Leopardos and Dorados go on 2-0 - by Gianni Pascucci
Leopardos de Merida won even Game 2 of the semifinals, defeating 111-103 Marineros de Cozumel. A banner performance from Harold Arceneaux (198-F-77, college: Weber St.), who scored 45 points, was the main factor of this win. Eric Martin (197-F-76, college: Cincinnati) added 27 pts, Kris Collins scored 19 points in losing effort. The next two games will be played in Cozumel. In the other series, Dorados easily defeated again Aluxes, but this time Eric Carr injured his Achilles tendon during the game and scored only 12 pts. Carr was the main scorer of the Liga del Sureste all season long, he is yet topping the best scorer table at 26,5 ppg....
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MONTENEGRO
Samir Leric inks for Sloboda from Tuzla - by Dragan Scepanovic
Delfi SMG Agency announced that ex basketball player of Basketball Club Mogren from Budva Samir Leric singed two year contract with Basketball Club Sloboda from Tuzla member of Bosnian Premier league under very good financial condition. Samir Leric in basketball season 2007-2008 play for Basketball Clubs Mogren from Budva member MNT1A and Slavija form Sarajevo member of BiH Premier league. He was placed in first team of MNT championship in season 2007-2008
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NBA
Lakers win game 5 and the Final Series move to Boston - by Eurobasket
Los Angeles Lakers used home court advantage to win game 5 of the finals 103-98 and the Final Series move on the East Coast to Boston.
The Lakers blow their 19-point lead at the end of first quarter, when Celtics came as close as 4 points just 12 minutes later, but managed to avoid game 4 scenario and carry the lead for the rest of the game.
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) scored 25 points, including a decisive dunk in the final minute and Lamar Odom (6'10''-F-79, college: Rhode Island) added 20 as the Lakers, playing with pride on their star-studded stage, prevented the Celtics from winning a 17th title with a 103-98 win in Game 5 on Sunday night to close to 3-2 in this restored rivalry.
No team has overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals to win a title. The first 28 failed, and now the Lakers, who blew a 24-point lead and lost Game 4 and nearly squandered a 19-point lead in Game 5, have a chance to do something extraordinary.
They'll have to win on the Celtics' parquet floor Tuesday night to force a winner-take-all Game 7, where anything is possible.
Especially with Bryant, the game's best player, on hand.
Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) had 19 points and 13 rebounds, Odom had 11 rebounds and four blocks and Derek Fisher (6'1''-G-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR) added 15 points.
Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) led the Celtics with 38 points, Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76) added 13 points and 14 rebounds, and Ray Allen had 16 points. But Boston's Big Three couldn't close their first chance at winning it all, and now will get two cracks at home to finish the job.
After scoring 15 points in the first quarter, Bryant went cold from the floor and finished just 8-of-21. But he made a big steal, poking the ball away from Paul Pierce and streaking down to deliver a two-handed dunk with 37.4 seconds left.
The Celtics called a timeout, Jack Nicholson jumped to his feet and the scoreboard in Staples Center flashed: Not In Our House!
Courtesy of Yahoo.com
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NCAA1
Gus Gilchrist transfers to South Florida - by Eurobasket News
In its quest to become competitive in the Big East, South Florida picked up an important transfer when 6-9 power forward Gus Gilchrist decided he would join the Bulls' basketball program.
Gilchrist originally signed with Virginia Tech in November 2006 but chose to vacate that commitment near the close of the school year at Progressive Christian Academy in Camp Springs, Md. Ranked among the top 60 prospects in the 2007 class by several recruiting services, he reportedly was uncomfortable attending Virginia Tech in the aftermath of the shooting spree that saw a student kill 32 people, then himself.
Gilchrist enrolled at Maryland in January but afterward learned ACC in-conference transfer rules would force him to sit out a year and lose one year of eligibility. His transfer to USF will require that he sit out another full year under NCAA rules, but he is planning to petition for a waiver that would allow him to compete immediately.
He is the seventh new player to join the USF program for the 2008-09 season.
'He has the potential to have a tremendous impact on our program,' Coach Stan Heath said in a release. 'His versatility to play inside and out makes him a dual threat and a very difficult matchup.'
Courtesy of sportingnews.com
A. J. Abrams continues with Texas - by Eurobasket News
Texas guard A.J. Abrams (5'10''-G-86) will return to the Longhorns for his senior season. He decided to withdraw his name from the NBA draft. In fact Abrams surprised everyone when he decided to submit his name for NBA draft this summer. Anyway, he did not sign contract with any agent thus there is no problem about his return to Texas.
He had 37 appearances in NCAA last year averaging 16.5 ppg and 2.9 rpg. He was a Texas career leader in 3-pointer with 284. Abrams got prestigious award 'All-Big 12 2nd team-08' by usbasket.com. Next season Texas will have four starters in its roster from a team that registered 31 wins and 7 defeats.
Mario Chalmers remains in NBA draft - by Eurobasket News
Guard of Kanzas Mario Chalmers (6'1''-G-86), who demonstrated wonderful performance on 2008 Final Four, has decided to stay in the NBA draft. It means that he will skip his senior year at Kanzas. Chalmers joined teammates Brandon Rush (6'6''-G-85, agency: Priority Sports) and Darrell Arthur (6'9''-F-88), who already gave up of their collegiate eligibility for the NBA.
Chalmers led his team this season with 97 steals. He also was the second scorer of the team with 12.8 ppg. His most important 3-pointer for sure was the one at the buzzer which sent the national championship game into overtime. Kanzas outplayed Memphis 75-68 winning NCAA championship.
'Being at Kanzas has made me a better player and better person' - said Chalmers.
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NCAA3
Concordia's new head coach - by Eurobasket News
Concordia University Chicago announces the appointment of Tyler Jones as head coach for the mens basketball team. Jones succeeds Brian Sommerhauser who coached the Cougar men for the previous four seasons.
'I am extremely excited about coming to Concordia and being involved in the challenge of building a successful program in a small college environment,' stated Jones. 'This is a great opportunity for me, and I look forward to getting started.'
Jones has an enviable basketball background that includes three seasons as an assistant coach at DePaul University under Dave Leitao, and five seasons (1997-2002) as head coach and general manager of the Connecticut Pride of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). However, Jones basketball beginnings go back to a Division III school Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut - marking his journey as full circle.
'The philosophy of Division III has always been special to me, the idea that it emphasizes the overall collegiate experience,' states Jones. 'Its a feeling, a flavor thats hard to explain to someone who hasnt experienced it. But, I do know that basketball was an essential part of my overall development at Trinity and, in the same way, I look forward to making basketball an important part in the lives of the student-athletes that I will coach at Concordia.'
Courtesy of ncaa.com
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NEW ZEALAND
The NBL regular season awards being distributed - by Eurobasket News
The NBL regular season is over and the league announced its best performers. The Waikato Pistons import Jason Crowe (193-G-76, college: Cal.St. Northridge) received the Keith Carr Trophy for the Outstanding Guard beating all his possibly rivals. Crowe led the Pistons to the second spot finish in the regular season. He orchestrated the game well averaging 21.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.2 boards per game. Recently retired Tall Black Phill Jones (196-G-74) grabbed the Outstanding Kiwi Guard trophy. It was his fifth honour in the 14-year NBL career. Jones led the Nelson Giants to the postseason appearance with 19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He overcame the Rams guard Jeremy Kench (184-G-84) for the award.
Casey Frank (203-F-77, college: N.Arizona) became the Outstanding Forward and the Outstanding Kiwi Forward. The 30-year-old Tall Black claimed the nomination for the second time in three years. He averaged 21.6 points, 8.5 boards and 3.2 assists per game with the Auckland Stars. He also shot 52.3% from the field in the season. Casey Frank beat Ernest Scott (200-F-82, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Valdosta St.) from the Wellington Saints and Antoine Tisby (203-C-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: S.Carolina) of Otago for the award.
Meanwhile Douglas Marty of the Saints won the Coach of the Year award. He led the Saints to the regular season crown in his first year with the team.
For the second straight year the Auckland Stars delivered the Rookie of the Year. Last season it was Charlie Piho to clinch the nomination, this time point guard Tyrone Davey (188-G-86) received the ovation. He came up with 6.2 points per game. He also shot 48.8% from the field including 38.5% from beyond the arc during the busy season.
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NIGERIA
Islanders in double wins start road game - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Islanders basketball club of Lagos at the weekend secured two straight victories in both the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF organized Premier League and the Lagos State Basketball Association, LSBBA City League over Nigeria Customs basketball club and Police Bombers basketball club.
The Ogoh Odaudu coached Islanders who begin its road trip to the Savannah Conference today (Monday) against Niger Potters basketball club of Minna; last Friday defeated Customs by 70-60 points.
The Islanders won three of the four quarters in its premier league game against the Scott Nnaji tutored Customs side 18-15, 18-11, 14-20 and 20-14 to secure it third Atlantic Conference win.
The Islanders continue its smooth run in the weekend when it engage Police Bombers in a Lagos City League game last Saturday at the Sports Hall of the Lagos National Stadium.
The Rasheed Bello inspired side showed some fatigue in the game against the Bombers which resulted in the first half trailing of the Mark Balogun (ASP) coached Police team losing the first two quarters by 17-15 and 13-10.
The team (Islanders), however, rose back to reckoning in the third quarter winning by 21-16 to tie the third quarter at 46 points apiece.
The team continues the search for victory in the fourth and last quarter, which yielded result winning by 23-16 to end the game at 69-62 points.
. Union Bank, Raptors, Chariot also end the weekend with wins
It was also victory song for Union Bank basketball club, Raptors Academy and Chariot basketball club at the premier league and the city league.
Union Bank basketball club handed Ebun Comets basketball a painful 89-74 points defeat in a premier league match played Saturday evening at the sports hall of the Lagos national stadium.
The Stallion Boys, as the bankers are known came back from a 21-17 points lose in the first quarter to edged the Ayo Bakare tutored Comets in the second quarter by a narrow 16-15 points going into the break with just three points deficits.
Upon resumption of play in the third quarter, Union Bank basketball club with team manager Rotimi Savage calling the shot from the line rose to the challenge to post a 25-21 points win in the third quarter and widened the gap in fourth quarter winning with as much as ten points 31-21 to seal victory.
Chariot basketball club had last Friday defeated Whales basketball club by 72-66 points in an interesting pairing of a Lagos City League game.
Chariot two of the four quarters, losing one and tying up the other 17-13, 16-11, 25-28 and 14-14 to pick the maximum points at the expense of its opponent.
Raptors Academy under the tutelage of Coach Charles Ibeziako won a hard won victory Sunday against Flames basketball club in a Lagos.
The Raptors took the first quarter 10-06, but gave up the second to the Solomon Aluma team by 17-10 to go the break trailing by three point (20-23) but came back strongly in the third and fourth quarters with an 18-12 and 23-18 points win for a cumulative scoreline of 61-53 points.
Meanwhile, Coach Odaudu and his team (Islanders) will from today (Monday begin its journey to the Savannah Conference of the NBBF premier league with a game against Niger Potters basketball club of Minna.
The team will storm Jos, Plateau State capital Tuesday where they will battle Tapgun Rockets basketball club and Plateau Peaks basketball club.
Their train will then berth in Bauchi for another double against Bauchi Net on Thursday and Yelwa Hawks basketball club on Friday.
They will round off their road game against Kano Pillars basketball club and AHIP basketball club on Saturday and Sunday in Kano before returning to Lagos.
Arubi, DSBBA Chairman, Bugos passed on - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The Nigeria basketball scene recorded two quick death last week as former Ebun Comets basketball official Babatunde Bogus Oguntula and Chairman of the Delta State Basketball Association, Charles Arubi passed on last Tuesday and Friday.
Both men contributed active role in the development of Nigeria basketball before their untimely death last week.
Oguntula, a one time official of former Nigeria league champion, Ebun Comets basketball club was also a FIBA certified statistician, he will surely be missed for his robust analysis of the game died of Leukemia.
Arubi on the other hand was a former Secretary of Dodan Warriors basketball club and chairman Delta State Basketball Association was reported to have died of cardiac arrest.
May their gentle souls rest in peace?
Ibekwe Ekene celebrates title in French Pro B - by Eurobasket News
Center Ekene Ibekwe (206-F-85, agency: Octagon, college: Maryland) had a reason for a joy yesterday as his team made wonderful success. Namely, after not so good score in regular season, which Besancon finished on 8th place with 18 wins and 16 defeats, they were better than Poitiers in the final game 76-63. Thus Ekene and his Besancon will compete in Pro A next season. It is important to be mentioned that Besancon was better than Rouene in the quarterfinals and later the team knocked-out Saint Etienne.
The final game started well for Ekene Ibekwe and his teammates as they took 3 points lead after first 10 minutes. Later, mostly owing to Darnauzan and Christophe, they extended lead even more. Besancon played very tough and moveable zone defense which Poitiers' players couldn't handle. It resulted with 40-31 for Besancon at the half time. In third stanza Poitiers get used to Besancon's defense a bit having couple of nice decisions. However, close to the end of the third period Poitiers' players missed 5 lay-ups so they couldn't end this stanza better than minus 6. It was 54-48 for Besancon before the crucial 10 minutes. New Pro B champion resolved question about the winner very soon thanks to Sebastien Hermanier and Antwan Hoard.
Ekene Ibekwe spent 6 minutes on court yesterday but he wasn't able to make any record. He played 14 games for Besancon in Pro B averaging 8 ppg and 5 rpg. He joined new Pro B champion in March this year from Israeli team Gilboa/Afula/Migdal Haemek.
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PHILIPPINES
Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference
PBA Standings
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POLAND
Two direct to Ukraine - by Michal Falkowski
Puertorican point guard Andres Rodriguez (182-G-81, college: American), who spent last two years in Zgorzelec, decided to leave the team and accept the offer from Ukrainian newcomer BC Donetsk. Moreover there are high chances that Thomas Kelati and David Logan, two the best players of Turow last year, will move somewhere else.
Alexander Kudravtsev and the team Politekhnika Lviv made an agreement. It means that Ukrainian guard leaves Poland after five years of playing here. 28-year-old Belarussian basketballer played in AZS Koszalin (03-04), Astoria Ostromecko Bydgoszcz (04-05) and Energa Czarni Slupsk (05-07).
Headcoaches market - by Michal Falkowski
After so great season the board of PGE Turow Zgorzelec is strongly determined to extend the deal with a headcoach Saso Filipovski. Slovenian had admitted he will have replied by ten days.
If he agrees to stay in Zgorzelec, both sides will start negotiating about the terms of contract. However, when Filipovski rejects the board of the club will start looking for another coach. There are some candidates Aleksandar Trifunovic, Daniel Jusup, Kostas Flevarakis, Drazen Anzulovic and Zelijko Lukajic.
Sebastian Machowski and the club Kotwica Kolobrzeg came to terms of three-year deal. It means that Machowski will train the club until the June of 2011. It is worth reminding that German coach retired in the middle of 2007/2008 season and replaced Arkadiusz Koniecki. Pawel Blechacz will still work as his assistant.
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PUERTO RICO
Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
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Carolina and Arecibo to face off in the BSN Finals - by Luis Ramirez
The Carolina Giants is the other finalist after they beat the Defending Champion Santurce Crabbers over the weekend. The other finalist was already decided, the Arecibo Captains had been waiting to find out who their opponents would be this year. The Captains make their second straight visit to the BSN finals and they are hoping that this year the result will be different. The Captains and the Crabbers went to the wire last season and the Crabbers won the deciding game 7. The Giants have been one of the hottest teams this year and team owner Joel Katz , assumed his team's coaching job and won this year's, Coach of the Year Award. The series will be a best out of 7 and will get underway on Tuesday when the Giants will visit the Captains. No doubts that this will be a very interesting series as both teams match up pretty well against each other.
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RUSSIA
Market News - Dinamo adds Shamir,Out of the Lorbek race - by Andrei Maminov
Dinamo Moscow Head coach -David Blatt has added to his staff Israeli coach - Dan Shamir who will be implpyed as his first Assitant Coach.
Shamir came after two succesful years at Israeli Club - Hapoel Jerusalem collecting two Israeli cups in 2007 and 2008 and reaching the Runners up of the Israeli league in 2007.
Shamir was an assitant coach in Maccabi Tel-Aviv for three years(2003-2006) working in the 2003/2004 under David Blatt and Pini Gershon at Maccabi.collecting two Euroleague titles(2004,2005).
Meanwhile Dinamo admited defeat in the attempt of adding Slovenian Center - Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) to their team.The Slovenian rejected the chance sign for Dinamo as he wants to play in the Euroleague comatition next year.after having a good year in Lottomatica Roma.
The player is in talks with Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Lottomatica Roma and it seems that Maccabi are in pole position to sign him.
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SERBIA
Prestigious basketball clinic for coaches in Belgrade - by Zoran Popovic
Serbian Association of Basketball Coaches is organizing an important traditional international coaching seminar named 'Basketball Clinic Belgrade 2008', from 28th to 29th of June, 2008. The clinic will take a place in sport center Sumice (Ustanicka 125/1), Belgrade . The clinic will include the lecturers from USA - Tony Bennett (Washington State University, NCAA Coach of the Year), Europe - Garcia Aito Reneses (DKV Juventud, winner of the ULEB Cup) and Serbia - Aco Petrovic (head coach of UNICS Kazan, Russia), Sasa Jakovljevic (Faculty of Sport Belgrade, physical coach oh the Bulgarian champion Lukoil Akademik) and psychologist Ana Veskovic (sports psychology). It is important that lectures will be translated on English language. First day of the clinic all BCB attainders will have opportunity to watch free agents basketball game organized by agency BeoBasket.
Candidates for Serbian U20 National Team announced - by Dragan Jankovski
Head coach of Serbian U20 National Team, Slobodan Klipa, announced list of the candidates for European Championship in Riga. Most of the players captured the gold medal on last years FIBA U19 World Championship in Novi Sad. They will try to continue the way of success, which all younger sele
