Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/22/2008

Copyright 1997-2008 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com

Men News

*****************************************************
AUSTRIA

National Team news - by Stefan Heinrich

Ortner

Jandl

Mayes

Kohlmaier

Lamesic

Today the Austrian National Team coach Nino Asceric announded his 16 man roster for the Qualificiation this summer. Besides of the players he also named the Gussing Knights coach Gerald Vogler his Assistant Coach. All home games this summer will be played in Gussing!

Here are the 16 players that will start the preparatio on August 4.
Martin Kohlmaier (218-C-84) of Basketball St. Polten
Christian Kollik (203-G/F-80) of Basketball St. Polten
Thomas Schreiner (195-G-87) of Basketball St. Polten
Martin Speiser (200-F-83) of Basketball St. Polten
Peter Hutter (196-F/G-80) of Allianz Swans Gmunden
Matthias Mayer (206-C/F-81) of Allianz Swans Gmunden
Deteri Mayes (189-G-74) of Allianz Swans Gmunden
Hannes Artner (185-G-84) of Macabido Oberwart Gunners
Hannes Ochsenhofer (186-G-85) of Macabido Oberwart Gunners
Benedikt Danek (174-G-86) of Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions
Christoph Nagler (193-G-84) of Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg
David Jandl (180-G-84) of Calefacciones Farho Gijon (ESP)
Davor Lamesic (205-F-83) of BG 74 Goettingen (GER)
Benjamin Ortner (206-F/C-83) of Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia (ITA)
Richard Poiger (206-F-87) of LTi Giessen 46ers (GER)

The following 8 players might be invited if some players get injured during the preparation:

Andreas Diwald (186-G-82) of Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg
Matthias Dockner (204-F/C-84) of BasketClubs Vienna
Jason Johnson (202-F/C-77) of Macabido Oberwart Gunners
Rasid Mahalbasic (203-F-90) of kelag Worthersee Piraten
Kevin Payton (196-G/F-86) of University of Minnesota (USA)
Florian Schoninger (186-G-82) of Allianz Swans Gmunden
Pete Strobl (205-F-77) of Abrakebabra Tigers (IRL)
Armin Woschank (184-G-82) of Kraftwerk Wels

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

Sloboda Dita sign Zlatan Jovanovic and Samir Leric - by Elvir Halilovic
Sloboda is first Bosnian club which thinking about new season. After withdraving contract with Ross, Tomovic and Jocovic, they find new-old players for new season. Sloboda sign contracts with Zlatan Jovanovic from Borac and Samir Leric from Mogren Montenegro. Leric was playing first part of this season in Slavija and he was probably best player in Bosnian League when he went to Montenegro. Jovanovic was briliant in last part of season and almost bring Borac Nektar in Play-Off. He was probably best player in team from Banja Luka in win against Bosna, Siroki and Igokea. Sloboda Dita had great ambitions in season 2008/09 and want to get one of trophy.

*****************************************************
CHILE

Centro-Sur: round 13 results - by Daniel Valencia
These are the complete results of round 13.

Liceo Mixto 78 - CD Universidad de Concepcion 59
Lic: Patricio Briones (213-C-72) 21 pts. / Ucon: Eduardo Marechal (186-G-85) 19 pts.

CD Puente Alto 91 - Deportivo Espaol 63
Pue: Franco Garrido (181-F-86) 19 pts. / Esp: David Gonzalez (180-G-86) 9 pts.

Universidad Catolica 89 - Boston College 96 OT
Uc: Felipe Contreras (183-G-81) 16 pts. / Bos: Felipe Zapata (192-F-87) 30 pts.

Sagrados Corazones 47 - Deportivo Aleman 71 pts.
Sag: Felipe Valdivia 10 pts. / Ale: Jose Luis Campos (189-G-80) 27 pts.

With these results, the winner of the game between Liceo Mixto and Deportivo Aleman of round 14 will be the fourth quialified to the Final Four. They will join CD Puente Alto, CD Universidad de Concepcion and Boston College.

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

Market news - by Eurobasket News
Center of Croatian champion Zadar, Jure Lalic (212-C-86), has intention to leave the club soon. Despite Zadar had wonderful season winning the title in Croatian championship and playing in the final of Adriatic league, Lalic is not satisfied with his role. He stated that he didn't get a lot of chance to play last season. Everything resulted with Lalic's willingness to terminate the contract with the club. He showed the best performance last season in Adriatic league where for 30 games he averaged 7.4 ppg and 2.8 rpg. His digits in ULEB Cup were almost the same while in Croatian A1 league he had 6.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 22 games. Lalic spent last four and a half years in Zadar. During that period his team won National Cup twice as well as domestic championship 04/05 and 07/08. Lalic was a member of Croatian U18 and U20 National Team while currently he plays for Croatian B National Team.

Meanwhile one of the possible candidates for the bench of Cibona Zagreb, Saso Filipovski, signed contract extension with Polish team Turow Zgorzelec. His team reached the final of Polish play-off last season loosing it against Prokom Trefl Sopot 4-3. They had a nice chance to capture the title as they played the last decisive game at their home court but the trophy went to Sopot. At the same tame NT head coach, Jasmin Repesa, rejected an offer from Cibona. Thus at this moment some of the candidates are Velimir Perasovic, Drazen Brajkovic and Danije Jusup.

Ex member of Croatian U21 National Team and Adriatic league champion with Zadar, Jasmin Perkovic (203-F-80, agency: Court Side), will stay in German team EWE Baskets Oldenburg for one more season. He has an option in his contract to leave the club after the end of the season but both sides agreed to continue cooperation for at least one year.

*****************************************************
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

European Championship Division C. Day 4 - by Eurobasket News
Playoffs for 5th-8th place

Gibraltar - Wales 93:77
Gibraltar finally delivered their first win at the European Championship in Division C in Scotland. It came just in time for Gibraltar to take a chance to fight for the 5th overall spot tomorrow. Gibraltar edged Wales 93:77 and would play against San Marino for the 5th-6th spots in tomorrows campaign-ending encounter. However the start of the game never looked like Gibraltar would be able to break through the losing tradition at the competition. Alan Duppa (199-F/C-80) and Berry scored 6 unanswered points to open the game. Alan Duppa added 4 more points and Welsh team maintained the gap at 10:4. But Garcia and Adam Cassaglia (192-G/F-78) gradually evened the teams. Gibraltar eventually jumped ahead and Jordan Ramagge (180-G-78) hit two freebies to make it 17:12 midway through the starting frame. Gibraltar enjoyed a 24:18 lead after ten minutes of action. Jordan Ramagge and Garcia stretched the margin to double figures at the start of the second term. Gibraltar kept Wales at bay throughout the major part of the quarter before Potts and Michael Gregory (195-F-80) nailed 4 points in a row to cut the deficit to 5 points at halftime. Jordan Ramagge netted 7 quick points to tip off the second half and Gibraltar once again were up by 10. Garcia hit from beyond the arc and Jordan Ramagge added another layup for South Europeans to widen the damage. Garcias layup with just over 4 minutes remaining in the period marked a 20-point cushion for Gibraltar. However Wales did not say die. Alan Duppa, Asa Waite and Christopher Pearce shaved the distance to 10 points at the end of three quarters. Jordan Ramagge and Garcia though did not allow Welsh side to come any closer in the final stanza. They were too accurate for Wales to revive any sort of intrigue and carried Gibraltar to the initial win at the tourney. Jordan Ramagge finished with 23 points, 8 boards, 5 assists and 2 steals to lead Gibraltar. Garcia had 19 points and 16 boards, while Adam Cassaglia nailed another 19 points for the winners. Alan Duppa answered with 24 points and 8 boards for Wales. Michael Gregory delivered 19 points and 8 caroms in defeat. Wales will play against Malta for the 7th-8th places tomorrow.

Gibraltar: Jordan Ramagge 23, David Garcia 19+16 boards, Adam Cassaglia 19
Wales: Alan Duppa 24, Michael Gregory 19

San Marino - Malta 73:57
San Marino celebrated their second straight win at the European championship in Division C. Today they exercised Malta to fight for the 5th spot tomorrow. Malta meanwhile suffered their 4th straight loss and would try to clinch the 7th place. The teams traded baskets early on with neither side able to clear off. Maltese team relied mainly on offensive courage from Dirk Schembri (193-F-85). He nailed 6 points and Gauci added a three-pointer for Malta to accumulate an 11:8 early advantage. However Stefano Rossini (184-G-74) capped the first frame with 4 points and San Marino held to a 17:14 lead. San Marino kept Malta at distance throughout the second period and Andrea Raschi (198-G/F-79) finalized a 34:26 lead for San Marino at the interval. Five points in a row from Stefano Rossini gave San Marino a 12-point cushion at the start of the third stanza. Then Andrea Raschi hit five freebies and San Marino stretched the gap to as many as 17 points. They maintained the margin and entered the final period ahead by 19. Stefano Rossini came up with a three-pointer to make it 64:40 for San Marino midway through the final quarter. The game was done and San Marino breezed to an overall win at the end. Andrea Raschi topscored with 23 points and 10 boards for San Marino. Emanuele Crescentini (198-F-83) nailed 20 points, while Stefano Rossini added 18 for the winners. Dirk Schembri and Lawrence Deguara (183-G-70) answered with 12 points apiece for Malta. Gauci secured 7 points in defeat. Malta outrebounded San Marino 40:36 but suffered 22 turnovers.

San Marino: Andrea Raschi 23+10 boards, Emanuele Crescentini 20, Stefano Rossini 18
Malta: Dirk Schembri 12, Lawrence Deguara 12

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

ProA&B : Market news - by Aurelien Hipp

*Le Mans is building its new team and is about to start a new cycle, after having lost Vincent Collet (coach, who signed at Villeurbanne), Jean-Pierre Goisbault(President) and a couple of players (Bogdanovic, Clancy,Ricci). The new coach, J.D. Jackson has chosen a new assistant (Laurent Vila ) and 2 new players : Pape Badiane (208-F/C-80, college: Cleveland St.), coming from Roanne, also in contacted by Nancy, has signed for 2 seasons. He will be joined by Maleye N'Doye (203-F-80, college: Furman),, who will replace Nicolas Batum, leaving France to play in the NBA.

*Chalon replaces Brian Bracey (201-F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Oregon) by Brian Boddicker (204-F-81, agency: EM-PA, college: Texas), a power-forward coming from the spanish league. Boddicker is attracted by the outside shooting and was playing with french guard Joseph Gomis at Valladolid. He posted 13.6ppg 3.9rpg.

*Pau-Orthez starts the re-build operation with the signature of Frederic Moncade (183-G-78). The local PG was playing in ProB last seasons (Chalons, Bourg,Rouen). He posted 8.6ppg 1.8rpg 3.3apg with Rouen last season and helped the team to go to ProA.

*Le Portel signed Rochel Chery (194-G-82), who played for Reims last season (10.3ppg 2.4rpg).

*Jean Manuel Sousa will become coach of the professionnal team in Le Havre. Sousa won the U21 national title with his players of le Havre last 2 seasons.

*Alain Thinet leaves St-Etienne and will coach Besancon in ProA (Besancon won the ProB final last sunday).

*Antibes has signed Herman Favors (173-G-84, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Georgia St.) for next season. Favors is a quick and explosive PG, coming from Georgia State U. He already has 2 european experiences (Holland and Sweden). Last year, he posted 23.5ppg 4.3rpg 6.2apg with Oresundskraft Basket.

*Maxime Chupin (203-C-89), former U21 player of Cholet, will play for Aix-Maurienne next season.

*****************************************************
HUNGARY

B Division awards 2007/08 - by Balazs Radics
Player of the Year - Gabor Toth (196-F-78, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) (Debrecen)
Guard of the Year - Artur Puskas (190-G-76) (Elite)
Forward of the Year - Gabor Toth (Debrecen)
Center of the Year - Joe Kennerly (204-C/F-84, agency: Passing Lane, college: Cent.Oklahoma) (Debrecen)
Most Improved Player of the Year - Balint Agfalvi (199-F-85) (Baja)
Coach of the Year - Peter Vaczi (Debrecen)

1st Team

Artur Puskas (190cm, 1976, G) of Elite (20 ppg, 8 rpg, 7 apg)
Peter Farago (182-G-84) (188cm, 1984, G) of Veszprem (17 ppg, 3 rpg)
Gabor Toth (196cm, 1978, F) of Debrecen (19 ppg, 6 rpg)
Daniel Koma (201-F-79) (200cm, 1979, F/C) of Flextronics (24 ppg, 7 rpg)
Joe Kennerly (205cm, 1984, C) of Debrecen (20 ppg, 9 rpg)

2nd Team

Gabor Javorszki (188-G-77) (187 cm, 1977, G) of Tiszaujvaros (18 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg)
Tamas Sebok (191-G-77) (191cm, 1977, G) of Kaszasok (21 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg)
Balint Agfalvi (199cm, 1985, F) of Baja (26 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 apg)
Gergely Hegedus (198-F-83) (198cm, 1983, F) of Veszprem (19 ppg, 5 rpg)
Gordan Filipovics (203-C-65) (203cm, 1965, C) of Melo Diak (20 ppg, 14 rpg)

Honorable Mentions

Arnold Csaplar-Nagy (212cm, 1977, C) of SMAFC (18 ppg, 11 rpg)
Malick Lo El Hadji (206cm, 1976, C) of Jaszbereny (18 ppg, 11 rpg)
Attila Farkas (208cm, 1987, F/C) of Nagykallo (28 ppg, 10 rpg)
Balazs Kollar (182cm, 1982, G) of Elite (23 ppg, 4 apg)
Peter Kovacs (189cm, 1988, G) of Baja (16 ppg, 5 rpg)
Jozsef Lekli (206cm, 1987, F) of Univer (16 ppg, 8 rpg)
Tamas Hidi (189cm, 1979, G) of Fehervar (24 ppg)
Attila Lukacs (185cm, 1981, G) of Bonyhad (23 ppg, 5 rpg, 3apg)
Mate Karoly (190cm, 1981, G) of Budafok (22 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg)
Balazs Szabo (198cm, 1980, C) of Kanizsa (19 ppg, 10 rpg)
Miklos Bovanovics (200cm, 1978, F/C) of Veszprem (15 ppg, 5 rpg)
Gabor Gombas (200cm, 1985, F) of SMAFC (16 ppg, 8 rpg, 4 apg)
Attila Kovacs (203cm, 1985, F) of Budaors/Szedeak (18 ppg, 8 rpg)

*****************************************************
ISRAEL

Market moves: Kadir to Galil - by Yarone Arbel
- Galil Elyon made their first move in the market with the signing of Elishay Kadir (203-F-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) for the next season. The skilled forward will try to keep his progress after the good season he had at Ironi Ramat Gan last year. Kadir is the first signing of Galil in the Israeli market, after the team earlier extended Aaron Nixon (188-G-83, college: Long Beach St.).

- Yakov Gino is the new head coach of Ironi Nahariya. Gino is coming back to Israel after two years in Belgium with Leuven.

- Avi Sukar (187-G-76, agency: Arik Krayn Services) left Nahariya and will play the next two seasons with Ironi Ramat Gan.

*****************************************************
ITALY

Market News and Rumors - by Stefano Pini
Scavolini Pesaro announced the deal with Ramel Curry (191-G-80, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: CSU Bakersfield), that comes in Italy after a season at Hapoel Jerusalem. LeRoy Hurd

(202-F/G-80, college: UTSA) could be the next addition, with Maximiliano Stanic (178-G-78, agency: Players Group) and Casey Shaw

(208-C-75, agency: Priority Sports, college: Toledo). Armani Jeans Milano will officialize soon the sign of Luca Vitali

(201-G-86). Benetton Treviso will start from Deshaun Wood that last season pushed Cantu to the playoff. Next target should be Gary Neal (193-G-84, college: Towson). Pepe Sanchez (193-G-77, college: Temple) is Lottomatica's first target. Pallacanestro Varese announced that Alessandro De Pol (204-G/F-72) won't be part of the roster for the next season. The deal with Randolph Childress (190-G-72, college: Wake Forest) seems close.

*****************************************************
KUWAIT

Mandic signs for An Nasr - by Ali Ahmed
An Nasr basketball team management agreed terms with the Slovenian Coach Ranko Mandic for next season 2008/2009.

Awards/Achievements:
Slovenian League 1B Champion -92
Head Coach: Slovenian U20 National Team -97, 99
Olympic games for youngsters in Denmark Bronze medal with Slovenian U20 National Team -97
Slovenian League 5th place -00
Coach Assistant: Slovenian U18 National Team -00
European Championship 9th place in Croatia with Slovenian U18 National Team -00
Albert Schweitzer Junior Championships in Mannheim with Slovenian U18 National Team (GER) -00: Three of the Young teams players are in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets & San Antonio Spurs
FIBA cup Quarter Finals -00, 01
Slovenian Cup Finalist -01
Slovenian League Finalist -01
Adriatic League Finalist: lost to Union Olimpija in the final -01
Portuguese League Finalist -02
Portuguese Cup Final Four -02
Head Coach: Jordan National Team -05-06
Bahrain Regular Season Champion - 05
Syrian league championship (1st place) -07
Syrian cup winner -07
Asian clubs championship (2nd place) -07

*****************************************************
MALTA

San Marino overwhelms Malta in Scotland - by Eurobasket News
San Marino - Malta 73:57

San Marino celebrated their second straight win at the European championship in Division C. Today they exercised Malta to fight for the 5th spot tomorrow. Malta meanwhile suffered their 4th straight loss and would try to clinch the 7th place. The teams traded baskets early on with neither side able to clear off. Maltese team relied mainly on offensive courage from Dirk Schembri (193-F-85). He nailed 6 points and Gauci added a three-pointer for Malta to accumulate an 11:8 early advantage. However Stefano Rossini (184-G-74) capped the first frame with 4 points and San Marino held to a 17:14 lead. San Marino kept Malta at distance throughout the second period and Andrea Raschi (198-G/F-79) finalized a 34:26 lead for San Marino at the interval. Five points in a row from Stefano Rossini gave San Marino a 12-point cushion at the start of the third stanza. Then Andrea Raschi hit five freebies and San Marino stretched the gap to as many as 17 points. They maintained the margin and entered the final period ahead by 19. Stefano Rossini came up with a three-pointer to make it 64:40 for San Marino midway through the final quarter. The game was done and San Marino breezed to an overall win at the end. Andrea Raschi topscored with 23 points and 10 boards for San Marino. Emanuele Crescentini (198-F-83) nailed 20 points, while Stefano Rossini added 18 for the winners. Dirk Schembri and Lawrence Deguara (183-G-70) answered with 12 points apiece for Malta. Gauci secured 7 points in defeat. Malta outrebounded San Marino 40:36 but suffered 22 turnovers.

San Marino: Andrea Raschi 23+10 boards, Emanuele Crescentini 20, Stefano Rossini 18
Malta: Dirk Schembri 12, Lawrence Deguara 12

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

Allen Iverson stays in Denver - by Eurobasket News
Allen Iverson (6'1''-G-75, college: Georgetown) will remain in the Denver Nuggets for the upcoming season. Allen Iverson had an option of opting out of his contract after the last season and becoming a free agent. However the veteran All-Star guard decided to stay with the Nuggets. Allen Iverson is about to make about $20.8 million next season. Iverson was traded to the Nuggets in 2006 from the Philadelphia 76ers. He averaged 26.4 points per game in the last season what was worth the third best result in the league.
Meanwhile some Spanish sources announced that Marc Gasol (7'0''-C-85, agency: Interperformances) decided to follow his brothers steps. Reportedly Gasol signed a three-year contract with the Grizzlies.The talented 23-year-old centre spent the last two seasons playing for Akasvayu Girona in the Spanish ACB. He averaged 16.2 points, 8.3 boards and 2.3 assists per game in 2007-2008 season. He also led Girona to the ULEB Cup finals.
The Phoenix Suns completed their coaching staff with edition of assistants for Terry Porter . The Suns hired Bill Cartwright , Dan Majerle (6'6''-G-65, college: Cent.Michigan), Alvin Gentry and Igor Kokoskov to the position. Alvin Gentry was the only specialist to work alongside Mike DAntoni. Dan Majerle is the former Suns star and has no previous coaching experience. He worked as the Suns broadcast analyst.

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

Changes in Polpharma and Polpak - by Michal Falkowski
Polpharma Starogard Gdanski is still building their roster. Jacek Jarecki (196-G-88), Wojciech Zurawski (200-F-76) and Courtney Eldridge (175-G-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: NC-Greensboro) are three new faces in the team from Starogard Gdanski.
Jarecki is only 20-year-old junior who previously played only in 1. Liga (A2 Division). Last season in Stal Stalowa Wola he was averaging about 12 ppg. and 3.5 rpg. 'He would be needed in knowing that there is an order of a junior player competing throughout the whole second quarter.'
Second and third acquisitions comes from BPS Bank Basket Kwidzyn - former club of Mariusz Karol (currently in Polpharma). Both, Zurawski and Eldridge are ones of the favourite players of this headcoach. For an American playmaker it will be third season in a row in Poland. Last two years he played respectively for Kager Gdynia and Basket Kwidzyn. In 26 games last season he was averaging 11.3 ppg., 4.5 apg. and 2.7 rpg. Last season Zurawski was scoring 7.5 ppg. and rebounding 5.5. rpg.

Two players leave Polpak Swiecie. Polish junior Lukasz Ratajczak (201-F-86) moves to Energa Czarni Slupsk while Bobby Dixon (178-G-83, college: Troy), a key-player and the biggest star from last season, moves to Ukraine to Cherkassy Monkeys team.
Ratajczak last season performed in 31 games, however he was scoring only about 2 ppg. and grabbin 1.7 rpg. But he was born in 1986 what means the solution of the problem caused by the new order of a junior player. When it comes to an American point guard, he chose the offer from Ukrainian team despite such good offer of extension from Polpak. He was noting 16.6 ppg. and 5.1 apg. last season.

Changes in Slask and Turow - by Michal Falkowski

Asco Slask Wroclaw announced the extension of the deal with their coach last season - Rimas Kurtinaitis . The extension was confirmed by the sport director of Asco Slask, Lukasz Orzel: 'We had prolongued the contract with coach Kurtinaitis so he will coach the team in at least next season'. Some days ago Kurtinaitis took part in camp in Treviso where he had a chance to see some players.
Moreover, Asco Slask is interested in signing Justinas Sinica (203-F-85) - Lithuanian small / power forward from Sakalai Vilnius. In the last season he was a key player of the team - 16.7 ppg., 4.1 rpg. and 2.5 apg.

BOT Turow Zgorzelec loses next player. After Andres Rodriguez (182-G-81, college: American) who had decided to move to Ukraine, Slobodan Ljubotina (207-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) chose Belgian team - Telindus Oostende. Serbian forward / center played last two years in Turow. Last season he performed in 36 games and in 14 mpg. he was scoring about 5 ppg. and grabbing 3 rpg.
Some rumours say Saso Filipovski , Slovenian coach of BOT Turow from last two years, is very close to extend his deal for more two years. The final decision will be known in the following days.

According to www.slask-wroclaw.pl

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

Arecibo Captains comeback gives them Win - by Luis Ramirez
The Captains got a slam dunk from Rodney White (206-F-80, college: Charlotte) to put the game on ice as they beat the Carolina Giants 77-75. The win puts the Captains in control of the series once again with a 2-1 advantage in the best of 7 series. The game started with the Giants comfortably in command in the 1st quarter 21-10. The Captains came back in the second with more intensity and managed to cut the lead to just 3 points as they 1st half came to a close 36-33. In the 3rd quarter both teams played at an even level as both teams managed to score 19 points each, thus keeping the Giants in the lead as the 3rd quarter came to an end. In the final period neither team would let up and it was the Captains taking over the game in the final second to take the win. For Arecibo, Rodney White was the top scorer with 31 points and 11 rebounds; he was followed by Angel Figueroa with 16 points and 12 rebounds. For Carolina, Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma) scored 23 points followed by Alejandro Carmona with 16 points. The Giants will now look to once again tie the series when they play at home on Sunday.

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

Finals
1. Arecibo	2-1
2. Carolina	1-2




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

*****************************************************
SAINT KITTS

Ghetto Roots back to winning ways in Digicel Premier League - by Eurobasket News
The Ghetto Roots rebounded after a stunning defeat to the Rams Hitters last week dealing with the Blue Devils at the Premier League action. The Ghetto Roots celebrated a 78:56 victory to remain the title contenders. The Roots got to a slow start struggling to overcome a tense Blue Devils defense. The Blue Devils stayed at a striking distance and trailed by just 3 points at halftime. But the Ghetto Roots were not about to suffer another defeat. They increased the tempo drastically and cleared off to a safe distance. The Blue Devils failed to deliver when it mattered the most and had to surrender at the end. Anthony Joseph (193-G/F-81) provided 20 points to pace the Roots. Halstead Isles (196-F) and Bertram Richards scored 13 points apiece for the winners. Ian Phillips (185-83) answered with 12 points and 11 boards for the Blue Devils.
In the meantime the McKnight Trotters remained undefeated in the Digicel A Division. They knocked down the Challengers Exodus 93:86. Levi Fyfield produced 30 points, 12 boards, 7 assists and 2 steals in his monster performance for the Trotters. Tambora Caines (186-/F-80) contributed 27 points in a winning case. Glen Phillip (198-F-67, college: Quinnipiac) responded with 20 points and 15 boards for the Challengers in defeat.
The Sandy Point Fruta Falcons stayed unbeaten in the KFC Junior Division. They defeated the Bird Rock Uprisers 123:49 behind 33 points and 12 assists from Jaslyn Belboda. Calvert Gift notched 24 points in a winning case. Holden Hull had 16 points for the Uprisers. Jaslyn Belboda gave out another astonishing performance a day later as the Falcons toppled the Rams Hitters 89:58. He tallied 32 points to pace the Falcons to another win. Jason Rogers dropped 24 points and 9 boards for the winning side. Calvin Wallace answered with 19 points and 12 boards for the Hitters.

*****************************************************
SEBL

SEBL set to tipoff in early July... - by David Archer

Cartersville, GA - The SEBL Summer Pro League is set to start its 2008 summer campaign. The league, in its 20th season of operation, will again boast two men's Conferences.

The NCAA sanctioned Metro A-league will consist of an 8-team North Division in Cartersville and an 8-team South Division in Morrow, Georgia. The City B-League (non NCAA-sanctioned) will have a East and West Divisions that will both compete at the JH Morgan location in Cartersville, as well as an Oklahoma affiliate division, which is being operated by Onpoint Hoops and Jonathan Reed in Oklahoma City.

In the Metro A-League, traditional teams such as the Baseline Warriors, ServPro-1, BC Celtics, BC Knicks and others will return to the North Division, while in the South the 2007 South Champs, DOTS, will be back, Final Four team the Atlanta Speedboys, BC Lakers, Metro Stars, Black Monopoly will all return, along with new squads such as one headed up by long-time pro Johnny McClenton and the Young Gunz, featuring Jesse Wheeler, B.J. Puckett, Antron Pippen and former Lander star Adrian Penland.

In the City B-League, the Baseline-2 squad will return, along with ServPro-2, Cedartown, BC Howren, and the Sixers. North Metro Technical College will field a summer league team before its inaugural season in the 2008-09 school year and will supplant the Summer Hill Blue Devils in the City Conference this summer.

The City B-League will kick off on July 6th, while the Metro A-League will tip off on July 7th. The women's WSEBL league will also begin on July 10th in Cartersville. There are teams who are still looking for roster players for this summer. For information regarding the SEBL please contact David Archer, Jr. at darcherjr@yahoo.com. For information regarding the WSEBL please contact Melissa Bunce at mbbasketball42@hotmail.com

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

Luka Bogdanovic joins Joventut Badalona - by Nenad Ilijev
Versatile forward Luka Bogdanovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) made big move signing with Spanish Joventut Badalona. Former Partizan player finished this season playing with Le Mans in France. He averaged 11.1ppg, 2.8rpg and 1.2apg in Euroleague last year. Joventut won ULEB Cup last season so they are eligible for playing Euroleague next season too. Bogdanovic has signed 2-year contract. He was a member of Serbia and Montenegro national team in 2006.

Igor Kokoskov in Phoenix Suns - by Zoran Popovic
Igor Kokoskov is new assistant coach in Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Suns today announced news that Alvin Gentry, Bill Cartwright, Dan Majerle and Igor Kokoskov will be assistant coaches of Terry Porter coaching staff in next season. Kokoskov has worked with Porter on the Pistons staff the last two years and brings a wealth of experience both on the NBA and international levels

Kokoskov is first non-American assistant coach in NCAA 1 and NBA history. He was assistant coach in Missouri University 1999-2000, LA Clippers 2002-2003, assistant coach in Detroit Pistons 2003-2008 and in the season 2004 he won NBA championship with them. Kokoskov was assistant coach of Zeljko Obradovic in Serbia and Montenegro National team 2004-2005. From this year he is head coach of Georgia National team.

Lukajic next two seasons in Universitet Yugra Surgut - by Zoran Popovic
Serbian coach Zeljko Lukajic signed yesterday two years contract with Universitet-Yugra Surgut. After very successful season in PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia and titles of national Cup and Bulgrian champoionship, Lukajic has lot of offers, but team from Russia was more concrete then others.

Russian team follows Lukajic results with PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia. Last season in Bulgaria Lukajic was three times coach of the month. Before Lukoil Akademin Lukajic was head coach of Partizan, Borovica, Vojvodina, Sloga and Hemofarm.

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

Some rumours in Slovenia - by Jan Flac

Some sports nawspaperes report that Ivo Sunar has become a head coach of Krka, although the club does not comment this. Source: prostimet.com

Uros Slokar has a lot of offers from diffeent clubs for the next season. Among them Pamesa publicly announced that. Source: siol.net/sportal

It seem like Goran Dragic will play for The Tau Ceramica for sure in the next season. Source: siol.net/sportal

-----------

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

Marc Gasol to NBA and other market news - by Robert Mayor
- Marc Gasol (212-C-85, agency: Interperformances) will probably be a Grizzlie next season according to several medias. Spanish center was pretended by Barcelona and Madrid, but seems that he has decided to play in his brothers ex-team.

- Center Jerome Moiso (208-C/F-78, college: UCLA) will play for Khimki next season. French player leaves DKV Joventut after winning ULEB Cup and Copa del Rey and completing a very good season. Also in Badalona, club is very close to sign Luka Bogdanovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket).

- Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico) won't continue in Real Madrid after player announced that has reached an agreement with Efes Pilsen, next destiny of american guard.

- Gary Neal (193-G-84, college: Towson), that arrived to Barcelona during past season, will play for Benetton Treviso next year.

*****************************************************
U.KINGDOM

Gibraltar get their first win in Scotland beating Wales - by Eurobasket News
Gibraltar - Wales 93:77

Gibraltar finally delivered their first win at the European Championship in Division C in Scotland. It came just in time for Gibraltar to take a chance to fight for the 5th overall spot tomorrow. Gibraltar edged Wales 93:77 and would play against San Marino for the 5th-6th spots in tomorrows campaign-ending encounter. However the start of the game never looked like Gibraltar would be able to break through the losing tradition at the competition. Alan Duppa (199-F/C-80) and Berry scored 6 unanswered points to open the game. Alan Duppa added 4 more points and Welsh team maintained the gap at 10:4. But Garcia and Adam Cassaglia (192-G/F-78) gradually evened the teams. Gibraltar eventually jumped ahead and Jordan Ramagge (180-G-78) hit two freebies to make it 17:12 midway through the starting frame. Gibraltar enjoyed a 24:18 lead after ten minutes of action. Jordan Ramagge and Garcia stretched the margin to double figures at the start of the second term. Gibraltar kept Wales at bay throughout the major part of the quarter before Potts and Michael Gregory (195-F-80) nailed 4 points in a row to cut the deficit to 5 points at halftime. Jordan Ramagge netted 7 quick points to tip off the second half and Gibraltar once again were up by 10. Garcia hit from beyond the arc and Jordan Ramagge added another layup for South Europeans to widen the damage. Garcias layup with just over 4 minutes remaining in the period marked a 20-point cushion for Gibraltar. However Wales did not say die. Alan Duppa, Asa Waite (195-F-86) and Christopher Pearce (195-F-89) shaved the distance to 10 points at the end of three quarters. Jordan Ramagge and Garcia though did not allow Welsh side to come any closer in the final stanza. They were too accurate for Wales to revive any sort of intrigue and carried Gibraltar to the initial win at the tourney. Jordan Ramagge finished with 23 points, 8 boards, 5 assists and 2 steals to lead Gibraltar. Garcia had 19 points and 16 boards, while Adam Cassaglia nailed another 19 points for the winners. Alan Duppa answered with 24 points and 8 boards for Wales. Michael Gregory delivered 19 points and 8 caroms in defeat. Wales will play against Malta for the 7th-8th places tomorrow.

Gibraltar: Jordan Ramagge 23, David Garcia 19+16 boards, Adam Cassaglia 19
Wales: Alan Duppa 24, Michael Gregory 19

*****************************************************
URUGUAY

Vazquez named to the NT to replace Martinez - by Hector Lopez
Sebastian Vazquez (195-F-85) was named to replace Fernando Martinez (170-G-79, agency: Interperformances) in the NT to play the South American Championship, the local Federation announced. Martinez brokes a bone on his rigth elbow during a training. The NT will travel today to Chile where he will play two exhibistions tournaments in Valapariso (June 22-23) and Punta Arenas (June 25-26-27) against Argentina, Brazil and Chile. The team will then travel to Puerto Montt, 1.000 kilometers South of Santiago, to play the regional tournament against the same teams and Colombia.

*****************************************************
WBA

Standings

WBA Standings

1. Decatur CK	6-1
2. Buford M.	5-2
3. Memphis B.	3-4
4. Cartersville W.	3-6
5. Mississippi HH	2-4
6. Tri-State	2-4

WBA Week 4 Results... - by David Archer

Atlanta, GA - WBA action continued last weekend:

Jun. 13, 2008 Mississippi Hardhat 119 at Cartersville Warriors 136...

The Cartersville Warriors made it two straight after pulling away from the Missisippippi Hardhats at home. Mike Dean and Jermaine Spivey each had 21 in the win for the Warriors.

Jun. 13, 2008 Tri-State Crusaders 98 at Decatur Court Kings 109...

Pig Miller and company came from behind to beat the Crusaders in Decatur. The Court Kings have remained a top the the standings since the first weekend of WBA play. They are clearly the team to beat at this point.

Jun. 13, 2008 Buford Majic 121 at Memphis Blues 68...

Buford travelled to Memphis and embarraed the Blue Tornadoes on their home floor. This was one was never in question as Coach Lionel Garrett's crew displayed Majic in Memphis.

Jun. 14, 2008 Tri-State Crusaders 102 at Cartersville Warriors 103...

Cartersville won it's third straight game Saturday night, as they came from behind to steal one from the visiting Crusaders. Down by 10 with under five minutes left, the Warriors got key baskets and points at the line from Mike Dean and Jermaine Spivey down the stretch. Joe Hamilton had his second straight double-double for Cartersville. After an 0-4 start the Warriors are now sitting at 3-4 on the season.

Jun. 14, 2008 Mississippi Miracles at Decatur Court Kings (Ppd. due to power outage)...

After a lightening shower bolted through the area, the Court Kings' venue was left with no power, so this game was postponed and will be made up at a later date.

Jun. 15, 2008 Cartersville Warriors 105 at Decatur Court Kings 111...

The Court Kings showed why they're the front runners, as they dropped the Warriors in Decatur and effectively ended Cartersville's three-game win streak.

*****************************************************

Women News

*****************************************************
AUSTRALIA - Women

The Gems cruise past Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Australia U18 - Turkey U18 69:39

Australian Junior National team succeeded in their opening game at the Reze tournament in France. They thumped Turkey in the starting game of the event playing some sizzling basketball at moments. Australian team got to a stunning start as they outgunned their opponents 23:2 in the first term. Turkey switched to zone defense in the second period and allowed Australia to some numerous misses from distance. It helped Turkey to capitalize on the momentum as they cut the deficit by 13 points. The Gems enjoyed a 29:21 lead at halftime and raised the tempo once again in the third frame. Gretel Tippett notched 7 points in the third stanza as the Gems restored a 13-point cushion between the sides. Turkey never threatened the Gems lead in the final period and Australian youngsters breezed to a confident win. Stephanie Cumming scored 10 points to lead the charge. Kerryn Harrington, Kate Oliver and Tess Madgen nailed 8 points apiece for the winners. Gamze Takmaz (180-F-91) dropped 7 points for Turkey. The Gems will next face Czech Republic. They will wrap up their tournament campaign against France on July 21. If the Gems get into Final they will stay in France for one more game on Sunday.

Australia U18: Stephanie Cumming 10, Kerryn Harrington 8, Kate Oliver 8, Tess Madgen 8
Turkey U18: Gamze Takmaz 7, Ozge Yavas (170-G-91) 6

*****************************************************
BERMUDAS - Women

Hamilton Parish Hurricanes stay perfect at the start - by Eurobasket News
The Hamilton Parish Hurricanes won three straight encounters at the beginning of the TBI Womens Basketball League on Bermudas. The Hurricanes held off the Warwick Suns in the opener and then continued their journey in the same mood. St. Georges Storm became their second victim as the Hurricanes prevailed 24:15. The Hurricanes led from the start and their perfect defensive effort allowed them to post the second victory. Dominique Richardson led all scorers with 8 points. Wenda Godfrey had 6 points and 11 boards for the winners. Angelica Berkeley answered with 6 points for the Storm in a loss.
The Hurricanes never slowed down and picked up their third win. This time they overcame the Somerset Hornets 47:25 to remain on top of the standings.
In the meantime the Warwick Suns rebounded after the starting loss to the Hurricanes and registered two victories at the tournament. First they thumped the Somerset Hornets 39:13 for the initial victory. The Suns used a storming 24:5 second half to come out on top. Tashae Thompson delivered 9 points and 6 boards for the winners. Kimmisha Perenchief nailed 8 points and dished out 6 assists in a win. Denice Burgess answered with 6 points for the Hornets. Later in the week the Warwick Suns handed the St. Georges Storm the third consecutive defeat outlasting them 28:19. The next round will be held on Sunday. The Warwick Suns will try to upset the Hamilton Parish Hurricanes for the first time in the season. St. Georges Storm will look for the first win against the Somerset Hornets.

*****************************************************
GERMANY - Women

Teilane will stay in Wolfenbuettel - by Moritz Korff
Anita Teilane (196-C-85) has made a decision. The 22-year-old Latvian international will stay with the BC Wolfenbuettel Wildcats, who just moved up to the DBBL. Teilane has been a dominant figure in the North-division of the 2. DBBL in this past season. In the year 2007 she played the European Championships in Italy with the Latvian National Team and also attended the World University Games in Bangkok. She has been playing in Wolfenbuettel since the 2005-2006 season.

*****************************************************
GREECE - Women

Market news. - by Chris Mammides
Katerina Sereti the ex player of Paghiakos agreed financial terms with FEA where the Head Coach Marios Despotakis wants to do a new start in the league with young and talented players. FEA has already agreed financial terms with Irene Mitropoulou (188-G-76), the experienced forward will help the fresh team of FEA this season.
Athinaikos and Georgis Dikeoulakos agreed financial terms with the top scorer of the Greek league LaToya Davis (186-F/C-84, college: Texas Tech) for one year.

*****************************************************
TURKEY - Women

Mujde Yuksel and Tugba Tasci are signed with Besiktas - by Iva Ivanova

Players Mujde Yuksel (180-F-81) and Tugba Tasci (176-G-84) are signed contracts with Istanbul club Besiktas, announced their management.

Mujde Yuksel played in Mersin BSH Bld and scored 4.5ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.5apg in 23 games in TBBL 2007/08.

Tugba Tasci left Ceyhan Belediyespor. In 22 games she scored 14.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg. Tasci already have place in Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TBBL Honorable Mention -08.

*****************************************************
WNBA - Women

Standings

WNBA Eastern Standings

1. Connect. S.	10-3
2. Detroit S.	9-3
3. L.Angeles S.	8-3
4. S.Antonio SS	8-4
5. Seattle S.	8-6
6. Minnesota L.	6-5
7. Indiana F.	6-5
8. New York L.	5-5
9. Sacram. M.	5-6
10. Washingt. M.	5-7
11. Phoenix M.	4-6
12. Chicago Sky	3-7
13. Houston C.	3-8
14. Charlotte S.	0-0

The Sun burn down the Monarchs - by Eurobasket News
The Connecticut Sun celebrated their 10th win in the season as they topped the Sacramento Monarchs 72:56 on the road. Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) came up with 14 points, 5 boards, 5 assists and 4 blocks to lead the league leading Connecticut to yet another victory. Lindsay Whalen was helpful with 9 points, 6 boards and 5 assists for the Sun as they improved to 10-3 record. Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) led the Monarchs with 19 points and 10 boards in a loss. Connecticut jumped to an early lead as they held a 22:17 advantage after the first frame. The visitors stretched the margin to 9 points at halftime and 11 points at three-quarter time. The hosts never recovered and suffered the 6th loss in the season.
The leagues reigning champions Phoenix Mercury posted their second straight win as they outgunned the Chicago Sky 112:105 in overtime. Diana Taurasi (6'0''-G-82, college: Connecticut) had 33 points, while Cappie Pondexter added 31 for the Mercury to hold off the Sky. Jia Perkins (5'8''-G-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Texas Tech) nailed 10 points in the final minutes of the regulation to force overtime. But Diana Taurasi nailed a three-pointer to propel the Mercury in front midway through the extra period. Cappie Pondexter then dropped three jumpers and sealed the winning outcome for the home team. Lecoe Willingham added 16 points and 7 boards for the winners. Jia Perkins answered with 30 points for the Sky. Candice Dupree delivered 28 points and 12 boards in a losing effort.
San Antonio relied on their leading scorers Sophia Young, Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80) and Becky Hammon to prevail against the Los Angeles Sparks 77:75 at home. The teams enjoyed the best records in the Western conference before the game with the Sparks winning four consecutive games. But the streak came to an end in Texas. The Silver Stars led comfortably by 18 points midway through the third stanza. But Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) scored 12 points in the fourth term to cut the deficit to just 2 points with 14 seconds remaining. But Becky Hammon converted two free throws to secure the perfect home record for the Silver Stars. Ann Wauters topscored with 21 points for the hosts. Sophia Young added 20 points, while Becky Hammon dropped 19 in a win. Candace Parker responded with game-high 27 points for the Sparks.

*****************************************************
ZIMBABWE - Women

Interview with BUZ president, Chiware - by Gracey Chirumanzu

Interview with BUZ president, Chiware - by Gracey Chirumanzu