EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/23/2008

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Men News

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AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan upset Scotland to reach championship game - by Eurobasket News
Scotland - Azerbaijan 80:91

Azerbaijan came up with the biggest surprise of the European championship in Division C. They toppled hosting Scotland in Edinburgh to reach the Final. Azerbaijan will now play against Moldova in todays title clash. Scotland will now fight for only Bronze medals with Andorra. Scottish team were obvious favorites before the game but the support of the home crowd did not help the tartan. Azerbaijan sent a strong message to the hosts in the second period when Tahir Bakhshiyev (199-F-82), Kataev and Davit Barbakadze (204-F-82) nailed three trebles in a row for Azerbaijan to accumulate a 37:28 advantage. The teams traded the baskets in the opening frame and were all square at 24 after ten minutes of action. But long range artillery helped the visitors to change the complexion of the game. Kitayev and Tahir Bakhshiyev added two more treys late in the first half, while Sariyev capped it with two freebies to make it 51:42 for Azerbaijan. The bombardment continued in the third stanza. Sariyev hit two three-pointers and Kitayev added another one for the visiting side to go 64:47 up. Scotland looked stunned at the moment. Nevertheless Gareth Murray (201-F-84, college: Kalamazoo Valley CC), Keith Bunyan (191-G-77) crowned the third frame with 6 straight points to revive the intrigue heading into the fourth term down by 15 points. But their hopes were abrupt by four consecutive points from Davit Barbakadze and Fuad Niftaliyev (178-G-80) to open the fourth quarter. Back-to-back triples from Gareth Murray and Keith Bunyan allowed the home team to shave the difference to 9 points with just over 5 minutes left. Scotland threw everything they had and Laurie Costello (188-G-82) and Gareth Murray narrowed the gap to 7 points with less than 2 minutes left. But a bunch of free throws from Fuad Niftaliyev and Sariyev kept Scotland at bay in the dying seconds. Azerbaijan secured the win and advanced to the main game of the tournament. Fuad Niftaliyev finished with 23 points, 12 assists and 7 boards to pace Azerbaijan. Davit Barbakadze and Tahir Bakhshiyev nailed 20 points apiece for the winners. Keith Bunyan answered with 21 points for Scotland. Gareth Murray had 20 points and 8 boards in a losing case. Scottish players outrebounded their opponents 45:33 but conceded 46% field goals from Azerbaijan. The hosts shot just 40% from the field themselves.

Scotland: Keith Bunyan 21, Gareth Murray 20
Azerbaijan: Fuad Niftaliyev 23+12 assists, Davit Barbakadze 20, Tahir Bakhshiyev 20

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BELGIUM

Verviers Transfer News - by Peter Buyse


VOO Verviers-Pepinster has announced the return of Anthony Chada (196-G/F-89) to their team after a stint at Spirou Charleroi.
Also on next season's roster will be young Belgian Center Maxime De Zeeuw (205-F-87).
The most experienced player on the Verviers roster will once again be Aleksandar Zecevic (201-F-75).

It will be Zecevic's sixth season at Verviers. This past season he was the 3rd leading scorer for VP with over 11 points per game.

Also on the roster will be youngsters Yannick Moray and Gael Hulsen.


Jurgen Van Meerbeeck is rumoured to be the next Verviers-Pepinster coach.


The team management also said they hope to announce more transfers in the week to come.



Optima Gent Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Optima Gent is the first team in D1 to finalize its roster with the signing of Monwell Randle (203-F/C-83, college: SE Missouri St.).
Randle previously played in Belgium during the 05-06 season when he played 15 games for Scarlet Vilvoorde
before the team got into financial trouble and had to let its players go.
Randle then moved to Holland to play for Bergen-Op-Zoom where he was coached by Belgian coach Tony van den Bosch.
Also played the whole 2006-2007 season for BOZ and averaged 14.3 ppg and 10.6 rpg (3rd in Dutch League).
Played briefly for Cholet a French ProA team at the end of the 06-07 season.
Caught the eye of Oyak Renault Bursa (Turkey) where he played the whole 2007-2008 season with averages of 11.6 ppg and 8.2 rpg (10th in rebounding).

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BOSNIA

Latest market news - by Eurobasket News
Cypriot team AEL Limasol announced arrival of Haris Mujezinovic (205-F-74, agency: Beo Basket, college: Indiana) from Benetton Treviso. Thus ex member of Bosnian NT will join head coach Dragan Raca, who returned to the club this summer. Mujezinovic changed three teams previous season. His first destination was Panionios Athens while later in February he accepted call of coach Zeljko Lukajic and moved to Bulgarian champion Lukoil Akademik. Finally in April he arrived to Treviso. He had 5 appearances in Italian Serie A averaging 8.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1 apg and 2.2 spg. In the past Mujezinovic played for some of the top European teams. Fans of Dynamo Moscow, Panathinaikos, Fortitudo, Lietuvos Rytas and Pamesa Valencia had an opportunity to watch Mujezinovic on the court.

Former head coach of Bosnian National Team, Nenad Markovic, from yesterday is officially without the club. He parted way with Panionios Athens, who immediately agreed terms with ex head coach of Lietuvos Rytas, Aleksandar Trifunovic. Great succes which Panionios made last season wasn't enough for its management to keep Markovic.

'In interview which he gave for Bosnian daily newspaper 'Dnevni Avaz' Markovic said: 'At the time when we had 0-2 against Marousi I realized that management of the team have other plans for the future. They were really surprised when we made great turn winning 3-2 at the end and securing the place for Euroleague next season. My satisfaction is that we made fantastic success which Panionis had in the past only when Dusan Ivkovic was on its bench. The fact that I don't have Euroleague experience as a coach I can not count as a good one. Maybe it is better that we parted ways at this moment because later they would probably wait just one unexpected defeat to release me. I had two very good options for the next season but at the time when it was hot I was too busy with our play-off games. I don't have an intention to accept first offer. I love this job and I enjoy working it. I made very good result with Panionios and I am sure I will get a new chance to show what I can very soon.'

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BULGARIA

Balkan extends Morton Dwayne - by Eurobasket News
Balkan Botevgrad announced signing of contract extension with Dwayne Morton (200-F-71, agency: Interperformances, college: Louisville) for one more year. Balkan had very good last season as they participated in the play-off final. Dwayne had 43 appearances for Balkan last season averaging 16.4 ppg and 6.9 rpg. Almost the same stats he had at his first season in Botevgrad, where he arrived in 2006. Before Balkan, Dwayne already spent two years in Bulgaria as a member of Levski and CSKA.

The player stated he feels good in Botevgrad and he doesn't have any reason to leave the club. Interesting is that Dwayne posses NBA experience as he played 41 games for Golden State Warriors almost 13 years ago.

Zeljko Lukajic leaves Lukoil Akademik - by Eurobasket News
According to Serbian media coach Zeljko Lukajic already signed 2-years contract with Russian team Universitet Surgut. Lukajic served last season as a head coach of Lukoil Akademik making fantastic result with them. The team won 6th consecutive title in domestic championship finishing it with perfect score 40-0. At the same time Lukoil won Bulgarian National Cup while the team also had important role in ULEB Cup. During the last couple of days there was many speculations about Lukajic's future but it seems that he won't continue with Lukoil.
The team from Surgut showed serious intention to see Lukajic on its bench more than a month ago. Management of the club is not satisfied with results which their team made last season and they decided to make a step forward. Coach Lukajic confirmed this news in his interview for Tanjug.

Meanwhile, one of the candidates for Lukoil's bench, Velimir Perasovic, agreed terms with Cibona Zagreb. Perasovic, who spent last season as a head coach of ACB team Fuenlabrada, signed 2-years deal with Cibona. Beside Perasovic, Lukoil also showed interest in Jurij Zdovc, Igors Miglinieks and Kostas Flevarakis. Zdovc finished the season in Bosna ASA BHT winning the championship title of Bosnia and Hercegovina. After one year break, the team from Sarajevo will participate in Adriatic league next season. Zdovc has a valid contract with Bosna for one more year but he stated that he is not sure will he stay in the club due to many problems which they had last season. On the other side Miglinieks is free at the moment as he parted ways with Russian team Spartak St. Petersburg. Third candidate, Flevarakis, spent 5 months as a head coach of PAOK last season but as Miglinieks he is free to join any other team at the moment.

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CHILE

Centro-Sur: Liceo reach the F4 - by Daniel Valencia

After defeating Deportivo Aleman on saturday night, Liceo Mixto reach the Final Four of Centro-Sur league. Claudio Naranjo (191-F-87) was the scoring leader with 19 points. The leader, CD Puente Alto defeated Boston College 92-68. Boston played without the NT players (Carrasco and Valencia). The scoring leader for Puente Alto was German Siegmund (190-G/F-83) with 20 points. The second seed, CD Universidad de Concepcion had to work hard to beat Sagrados Corazones 69-68.The forward Carlos Sepulveda (195-F-83) was the offensive leader for the winners with 19 points. These are the complete results of round 14.

Liceo Mixto 91 - Deportivo Aleman 62
Lic: Claudio Naranjo 19 pts. / Ale: Rodolfo Caceres (188-F-81) 16 pts.

Sagrados Corazones 68 - CD Universidad de Concepcion 69
Sag: Hector Gomez (188-G-88) 15 pts. / Ucon: Carlos Sepulveda 19 pts.

Universidad Catolica 74 - Espanol de Talca 68
Uc: Felipe Contreras (183-G-81) 14 pts. / Esp: Pablo Ayala (188-F-79) 25 pts.

CD Puente Alto 92 - Boston College 68
Pue: German Siegmund 20 pts. / Bos: Jose Madrid (195-F/C-76) 17 pts.

Final Standings

1. CD Puente Alto 11-3 *
2. CD Universidad de Concepcion 11-3 *
3. Boston College 9-5 *
4. Liceo Mixto 8-6 *
5. Deportivo Aleman 6-8
6. Universidad Catolica 6-8
7. Espanol de Talca 4-10
8. Sagrados Corazones 1-13


* Qualified to Final Four



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CHINA

China Defeats Lithuanian B Team 87-70 - by Arthur Volbert
China routed Lithuania's B Team today 87-70 as it continued its practice for the Olympics. Lithuania's A Team meanwhile is just gathering for training with some of its more prominent players not scheduled to report until the beginning of July.

European National teams, preparing for the Olympics or the FIBA Qualifying Tournament, are not going to travel to China in June, while China needs to sort out who are its best players and to perfect newly-learned techniques. This is not the point in training where the emphasis should be on going all out for wins against tough competition.

China has improved markedly over the past several years. Five years ago it could not have beaten a Lithuanian team of this caliber, from the Lithuanian basketball system, without maximum effort and using its very best players.

Today Yao Ming did not play, nor did Liu Wei or Chen Jianghua. Nevertheless China led 41-24 at the half before rolling to a 17-point victory. China had only 10 turnovers to over 20 for Lithuania. This never would have happened five years ago.

Wang Shipeng led China's scoring with 17 points on 6 of 9 shooting. Yi Jianlian had 15 points and 7 rebounds but only hit 6 of 16 shots. Zhu Fangyu had 14 points on 5 of 7 shooting. Wang Zhizhi had 12 points on 6 of 12 shooting. Sun Yue (205-G/F-85) ran the team well but missed all four of his shots, a typical Sun Yue performance against defenses more intense than those he encounters in the ABA. Du Feng had 7 points and 6 rebounds and enhanced his chances of making the team as a combo forward.

Box Score:
http://cba.sports.sina.com.cn/look_scores.php?m_id=2060
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---- 20 21 24 22 87
Lithuania 11 13 23 23 70

Du Feng 15 20min+7p+6r+2a, Sun Yue 9 24min+2p+1r+3a+1s+1to, Zhu Fangyu 8 20min+14p+4r, Wang Shipeng 7 24min+17p+1r+2a+5s, Yi Jianlian 11 21min+15p+7r+2a+1s+1bl, Liu Xiaoyu 18 11min+3p+4a+3to, Li Nan 10 10min+6p+1r+2s, Zhang Kai 23 20min+3p+3r+1s, Zhang Qingpeng 17 12min+2p+1r+1a+1to, Wang Lei 19 15min+1p+3r+1s, Wang Zhizhi 14 17min+12p+3r+1bl, Ding Jinhui 7min+5p+1a

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CROATIA

Velimir Perasovic takes over Cibona - by Eurobasket News
Cibona Zagreb finally got a new head coach. The team agreed terms with Velimir Perasovic, who will sign 2-years contract very soon. The main target for Perasovic will be to secure another 3-year Euroleague contract for Cibona. The team from Zagreb currently has small advantage against Zadar in this battle but they will have to play much better next season in order to reach it.

Velimir Perasovic was a very successful player in the past. In fact he was one of the most important players of Yugoslavian and later Croatian National Team. He used to play for Split, Lugo, Taugres (now TAU Ceramica), Fuenlabrada and Alicante. After the end of his playing career, Perasovic spent one year as a Sport Director of Split while in 2004 he became a head coach of Caja San Fernando Sevilla. The team released him in March but during the year he took over TAU Ceramica. He helped the team to win 'Copa del Rey' in 2006 and to participate in Euroleague Final 4 as well as in the ACB play-off final. Perasovic left the team from Vitoria in March 2007 due to health problems. Couple of months later he activated again. Estudiantes Madrid hired him and the team succeeded to survive in ACB league finishing it with 12 wins and 22 defeats.

Meanwhile, it seems that Barcelona is trying to make a place for Roko Leni Ukic (195-G-84), who spent last season as a loaned player in Lottomatica Roma. He had a pretty good performance in Lottomatica as his team played in the final of Italian Serie A. Barcelona announced they will not offer contract extension to Argentinean Pepe Sanchez. Thus it means that it could be an open spot for Ukic. Nothing is officially confirmed from the Spanish team but there is also other stories and according to them Barca wont return Ukic this season.

Market News-Zizic Considering Cibona Return - by Davor Kosic
Panatinaikos Center - Andrija Zizic (207-F/C-80, agency: FCM) is considering a return to Cibona Zagreb.
The 28 years old already played a year and a half in the Zagreb team during the 2003/2004 season and 2004/2005.
Since leaving the team in Jan 2005,Zizic played at Spanish Giants Barcelona,Greek giants - Olympiacos and Panathinaikos collecting the Euroleague title in 2007 with the Greens.
Meanwhile reports in Croatia is heavily linking Zizic to Israeli side Maccabi Tel-Aviv.

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CYPRUS

Great Transfer for AEL!! - by Chris Mammides

A Euroleague player just arrived and joined the Cyprus team of Proteas EKA AEL. The Bosnian power forward/center ex player of Panathinaikos and many other teams in the European courts Haris Mujezinovic (205-F-74, college: Indiana) agreed financial terms with the Limassol team. This is a personal success of the Serbian/Cyrpiot Head coach of AEL, Dragan Raca as he proves once more about his very good acquaintances in the ex Yugoslav market, besides the jewel of the Cyprus courts, is well known allover Europe and the players that knows him loves to play under his commands... Dragan Raca is not only good coach but has amazing relations in the European Basketball not like many other head Coaches in the Cyprus courts that they really know nothing.....

In the mean time Palalas agreed to renew his contract for anotehr three years, up untill 2011, the experienced guard will wear the yellow jersey of AEL under Raca's coaching as he had done four years ago.



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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Ariza stays in Lakers - by Eurobasket News
Trevor Ariza (203-F-85, agency: David Lee services, college: UCLA) will stay in Los Angeles Lakers for at least one more year. Ariza arrived to Los Angeles from Orlando Magic in November 2007. He had 25 appearances for the Lakers in NBA regular season averaging 5.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 1.3 apg. In play-off he registered a bit lower digits. For 8 games he had 2.1 ppg and 1.4 rpg. However, it was enough for Lakers to keep him for another year. Ariza recorded his season high in Lakers' jersey against Phoenix Suns in December when he netted 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Before Orlando, Ariza played two years for New York Knicks, which picked him on NBA draft 2004.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

San Marino topples Gibraltar for the 5th spot in Scotland - by Eurobasket News
San Marino - Gibraltar 77:64

San Marino clinched the 5th spot at the European Championship in Division C today. They overcame Gibraltar in Edinburgh to complete their campaign with a 3-2 record. Gibraltar got to a fast start of the encounter as Guerrero and David Garcia (205-F-76) put them ahead 9:3. But Emanuele Crescentini (198-F-83) kept San Marino in contest and they finally grabbed their first lead of the game following Flavio Bottiroli (194-G/F-77)s layup 17:16. The teams finished the first half all square at 23. The lead changed hands for 7 times throughout the second period before Stefano Rossini (183-G-74) nailed a three-pointer to cap the first half with San Marino leading 42:41. Tentoni and Flavio Bottiroli stretched the gap to 9 points early in the third stanza as San Marino took over. Tentoni and Andrea Raschi (198-G/F-79) soon marked a double-digit advantage for San Marino. Ugolini and Emanuele Crescentini crowned the frame with back-to-back treys to make the cushion looked comfortable at 65:51. David Garcia scored 5 straight points for Gibraltar to drag them within 10 points early in the fourth quarter. David Garcia later added 4 more points and Gibraltar appeared just 7 points behind with less than 3 minutes left. Emanuele Crescentini converted a vital layup for San Marino to silence Gibraltar. San Marino withstood at the end to celebrate victory. Emanuele Crescentini nailed 26 points to pace San Marino. Andrea Raschi secured 15 points and 8 boards for the winners. David Garcia answered with 22 points and 13 boards for Gibraltar. Guerrero had 11 points in a losing effort.

San Marino: Emanuele Crescentini 26, Andrea Raschi 15, Flavio Bottiroli 12, Stefano Rossini 12
Gibraltar: David Garcia 22+13 boards, Angel Guerrero 11

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GERMANY

Bastian Kordyaka signs with BBV Hagen - by Daniel Poerschke
Bastian Kordyaka (207-F-82) signed with 1. Regionalliga West club BBV Hagen this weekend. The 26year old Forward/Center returns to the club, where he did spent most of his youth-playing days. Kordyaka played in the german BBL with Brandt Hagen, RE Koeln and Wuerzburg. He also played in Austria, Finnland and Switzerland as a pro in the last couple of years. 'With the addition of Kordyaka we are adding very high quality to our frontcourt', says BBV Coach Adam Fiedler .

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MALTA

Malta clinches the 7th spot at the European championship in Division C - by Eurobasket News
Malta - Wales 84:67

Maltese National team did not leave Scotland winless. They registered their first win at the tournament beating Wales today in the clash for the 7th overall spot. The teams entered the contest exchanging the baskets but Maltese team soon surged in front. Steve Schembri (187-F-79) nailed back-to-back trebles and Malta accumulated a 20:12 lead. Ben Potts (194-F-85) cut it back to 3 however Malta had the last laugh in the period as Omar Said (177-G-80) and Christopher Sammut (169-G-85) finalized the outcome at 26:17. Omar Said and Steve Schembri combined for 5 points early in the second period and Malta stretched the margin to as many as 12 points. Anthony Berry (200-C-78) and Pearce managed to cap the firs half with straight jumper and Wales trailed by 6 at the interval. Omar Said opened the second half with two triples to give Malta a safe 12-point buffer. The team maintained the gap and when Omar Said and Steve Schembri notched 5 points in a row at the end of the quarter Malta were up by 15. Pearce, Waite and Anthony Berry revived the hope for Welsh team early in the fourth term clipping the deficit to 9 points. But Omar Said, Christopher Sammut and Steve Schembri reacted with 7 straight points to keep the distance comfortable. Wales failed to recover in the dying stages and suffered a sour loss at the end. Omar Said topscored with 25 points for Malta. Steve Schembri provided 19 points, while Marco Mercieca (184-G-83) added 11 for the winners. Anthony Berry had 22 points and 8 boards for Wales. Ben Potts nailed 15 points in a losing effort. Welsh team outrebounded their opponents 46:38 but shot only 37% from the field and suffered 20 turnovers.

Malta: Omar Said 25, Steve Schembri 19, Marco Mercieca 11
Wales: Anthony Berry 22, Ben Potts 15

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MOLDOVA

Moldova makes it to the Final - by Eurobasket News
Moldova - Andorra 85:74

Moldova became the first finalist of the European championship in Division C. They held off Andorra to claim the ticket to the title game. Andorra will fight for Bronze medals in consolation final. Moldova marked their dominance right from the start as Oprea and Eugeniu Melinic (196-F/G-79) put Moldovan team ahead 4:0. But Andorra quickly responded through 5 points from Xavier Galera (182-G-82) and grabbed a 10:9 lead midway through the first term. But Moldova looked persistent as Maxim Rusu (196-G-88), Eugeniu Melinic and Priscepnii retained the lead and stretched it to 23:15 at the end of the first quarter. Maxim Rusu nailed 5 straight points early in the second period and Moldova jumped to a 30:18 advantage. Then Eugeniu Melinic added 5 more points and the cushion started to look comfortable at 20-point mark. But Andorra refused to give up. Xavier Galera, Marin and Farras clipped the deficit to 12 points at halftime. Moldova got to a better start of the third period when Fedorenco nailed 4 points and Maxim Rusu fired from beyond the arc for 20+ advantage. Andorra failed to deny a massive hole and trailed by 24 points heading into the final stanza. Marc Martret (192-C-82) scored 5 points, while Ruz and Gabriel added 4 more to open the fourth quarter with a 9:0 run. Sansa later cut the deficit to just 12 points giving Andorra hope. But Eugeniu Melinic and Priscepnii kept Moldova at distance. Xavier Galera sparked a fierce desperate comeback effort from Andorra in the final 2 minutes. He nailed back-to-back jumpers, while Sansa hit from outside to make it 71:79 game with just over a minute left. Maxim Rusu was deadly from charity stripe and later Scipcaru and Priscepnii sealed the winning outcome for Moldova. Eugeniu Melinic led the winners with 19 points. Eugeniu Scripcaru (205-F-83) delivered 15 points and 12 boards for Moldova. Xavier Galera answered with game-high 26 points for Andorra. Marc Martret contributed 12 points and 12 boards in a loss.

Moldova: Eugeniu Melinic 19, Eugeniu Scripcaru 15+12 boards, Maxim Rusu 13
Andorra: Xavier Galera 26, Marc Martret 12+12 boards

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MONTENEGRO

Radonjic announced 23 names of basketball players for U21 NT - by Dragan Scepanovic


Head coach of Montenegrin U21 NT Mr Dejan Radonjic , announced 23 names of basketball players which will be on preparation in city of Cetinje from Jun 23 , 2008

Vladimir Dasic (209-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) - BC Buducnost Podgorica
Sead Sehovic (200-G-89) - Buducnost Podgorica
Krsto Bjelica (191-G-88) - Buducnost Podgorica
Darko Kastratovic (189-G-88 , agency : Beo Basket ) - BC Niksic
Nikola Pavlicevic (192-G-88, agency: DELFI SMG ) - BC Niksic
Nemanja Vranjes (188-G/F-88, agency : DELFI SMG) - BC Niksic
Goran Gajovic (199-G-88 , agency DELFI SMG) - BC Niksic
Nikola Djokovic (188-G-89 , agency : DELFI SMG) - BC Niksic
Maksim Sturanovic (209-C/F-88, agency: Beo Basket) - BC Niksic
Nikola Lalic (188-G-89) - BC Lovcen Cetinje
Nicola Ivanovic (192-G-89) - BC Lovcen Cetinje
Igor Lutersek (203-C-89) - BC Lovcen Cetinje
Milos Djurisic (186-G-88) - BC Mornar Bar
Alen Djeljosevic (198-F-88) - BC Mornar Bar
Vujosevic Radoje (210 -C-89) - BC Mornar Bar,
Igor Bijelic (207-F/C-88 , agency : DELFI SMG ) - BC Mornar Bar
Nemanja Radovic - BC Mornar Bar
Marko Milatovic (191-G-88) - BC Danilovgrad
Jovanovic Sekula - no BC on moment
Marko Ljujic (204-F/C-90) - BC Jedinstvo B.Polje
Jovic - BC Studentski Centar Podgorica
Dusan Stijepovic (195-G/F-88) , BC Trapan B1 Italy

Djordje Kavaric (200-F-89) , BC Santeramo C2 Italy
Nikola Vucevic (201-F-90) - from USA



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NBA

Latest signings - by Eurobasket News
Trevor Ariza (6'8''-F-85, agency: David Lee services, college: UCLA) will stay in Los Angeles Lakers for at least one more year. Ariza arrived to Los Angeles from Orlando Magic in November 2007. He had 25 appearances for the Lakers in NBA regular season averaging 5.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 1.3 apg. In play-off he registered a bit lower digits. For 8 games he had 2.1 ppg and 1.4 rpg. However, it was enough for Lakers to keep him for another year. Ariza recorded his season high in Lakers' jersey against Phoenix Suns in December when he netted 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Before Orlando, Ariza played two years for New York Knicks, which picked him on NBA draft 2004.

Meanwhile, New York Knicks named Phil Weber and Dan D'Antoni assistant coaches. Weber was an assistant coach in Phoenix Suns over the past 8 years. His best achievement during this period was the final of Western Conference in 2006. As Weber, D'Antoni also arrived from the Suns. He spent last 3 years as a coach assistant in Phoenix and interesting is that he is older brother of Mike D'Antoni. The team also announced signing of contract extension with assistant coach Herb Williams. In the past Williams spent 8 seasons as a player of New York Knicks. After his last year Knicks hired him as an assistant coach while during the 2003 and 2004 he spent some time as a head coach.

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NCAA1

Santa Clara names James Ware top assistant coach - by Eurobasket News
James Ware, former director of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Gopher men's basketball program, has been named the top assistant at Santa Clara. Ware served the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Utah State.

James Ware was involved in all phases of the day-to-day operations of the men's basketball program as the Director of Basketball Operations and had been an important part of the team's Minnesota recruiting efforts.

Ware was responsible for team budgetary matters, academic development, dining and housing contracts and serves as the director of Dan Monsons summer basketball camps.

Ware helped recruited Minnesota natives Bryce Webster and Stavon Williams to Utah State. Webster is not expected to enroll at Utah State.

Ware played in two state tournaments for Hopkins High School and was an all-state and all-metro selection his senior year, as well as being a Mr. Basketball finalist. During his three years of playing for Coach Ken Novak Jr., Hopkins compiled a 75-5 record.

Ware started his college career at Colorado State, but transferred to Midland (TX) CC. He became a two-year starter at Texas Tech and was named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2000 and was an All-Big 12 Academic second-team selection. From 2000-03, Ware was an assistant coach for Hopkins, coaching Utah Jazz forward and former Gopher Kris Humphries and current Golden Gopher Dan Coleman.

Ware had served as the program coordinator for the Work Study Program at the University of Minnesota since January of 2001. He was responsible for all aspects of the Work Study Program, including monitoring student eligibility for work study employment and orienting students, parents and departments to the Work Study Program. He also managed the community service program, which developed student participation and networked with Twin Cities non-profit organizations.

Ware graduated from Texas Tech with a Bachelors of Arts degree and earned his Masters of Education and Human Development, with an emphasis in Sports Management from the University of Minnesota in August of 2003.

Ware and his wife, Tamika, have two sons, Jimmy and J.J.
Courtesy of minnesota.scout.com

Air Force extends head coach Jeff Reynolds - by Eurobasket News
Air Force Academy signed five year contract with head coach Jeff Reynolds. It means that Reynolds will lead his team until the end of the season 2012/13.

Reynolds started as an assistant coach at Air Force in 2005. After almost two years he was promoted to head coach position, when Jeff Bzdelik decided to join Colorado. In his first season as a head coach at Air Force the school registered 16 wins and 14 defeats. Before Air Force, Reynolds used to work two years at Tulane.

Details of the new contract are not announced yet.

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NCAA3

Dee Vick will coach Hampden-Sydney next season - by Eurobasket News
Hampden-Sydney announced Dee Vick to be their next head coach. Dee Vick leaves his position of an assistant coach with Division I William & Mary to take up the position. Dee Vick assisted to former Hampden-Sydney head coach Tony Shaver . Vick also played under Shaver for the Tigers for four years. As the shooting guard Vick led Hampden-Sydney to two ODAC titles alongside NCAA Sweet 16 tournament appearance. Dee Vick graduated from the college in 1994 and was invited to Shavers coaching staff shortly after. He was among the coaching bunch when the Tigers made it to the NCAA tournament for four times. The Tigers also entered the final in 1999 where they were beaten by UW-Platteville 75:76 in a dramatic fight. Dee Vick will replace Bubba Smith at the helm of the Tigers. Bubba Smith inked with Sewanee leading Hampden-Sydney to a 94-36 record in five seasons. Last season the Tigers went 15-12 (8-10 in ODAC). Dee Vick had a stint with East Carolina for two years before having some coaching experience with South Carolina and College of Charleston.
Meanwhile Jonathan Furbush has been named the new head coach of Bates mens basketball team. Furbush will replace Joe Reilly who took over the position at Wesleyan. Jonathan Furbush worked as an assistant coach at Springfield in 2007-2008 season. He also worked at the same position at Bates for two years after graduation. As a player Furbush averaged 10.6 points and 5.6 boards per game in his senior year.

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NICARAGUA

Jaguares top Liga premier - by Gianni Pascucci
A Walter Roberts (191-F-85) in very good form leads Jaguares de la UAM in the first edition of 'Liga Premier de Baloncesto', that sees in this weekend the end of the regular season,with the lst game between Jaguares and Fupade Coast-Super Santiago. This game will decide the first place, at present Jaguares are at the top and seems to be favourite for the title. Roberts is topping most of the individual stndings, like the best scorer with 157 pts, the best FG percentage and the best assist man. The main league rebounder is, instead, Servio Abea (195-F-78), of American College.

ACB Standinga
D1 Standings
ACB
 1. Tiburones 7-2 
 2. Tigres 7-2 
 3. Vikingos de V. 4-3 
 4. Pumas 3-2 
 5. Delfines 3-5 
 6. Halcones 0-7 
Liga Premier
 1. Jaguares 6-2 
 2. Fupade Coast 5-3 
 3. American Coll. 4-5 
 4. Caimanes 2-7 


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POLAND

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.com



Marculewicz and Kowalczuk in Polpharma - by Michal Falkowski
The club Polpharma Starogard Gdanski is still top team of current transfer season. The board of Polpharma had made a decision of hiring new coach - Mariusz Karol . Later they inked extended deals with a junior Dawid Neumann (185-G-87) and Jaroslaw Drewa (201-F-84). After that the club had decided to sign one of the most talented junior player - Jacek Jarecki (196-G-88). Next decisions had been about two key players - a playmaker Courtney Eldridge (175-G-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) and a power forward Wojciech Zurawski (200-F-76).
Today the club announced the signing deals with two power forwards / centers: Zbigniew Marculewicz (205-F-78, agency: Promotex) and Pawel Kowalczuk (207-F/C-80, agency: Promotex, college: St.Francis,NY). Marculewicz extended his contract for one more year. Last season he played only in 10 games due to he has been seriously injured - an Achilles tendon rapture. It is worth adding Marculewicz has been playing for Polpharma since 2003. Last year he was averaging 2.4 ppg. and 3.2 rpg. When it comes to Kowalczuk, last season he played in Zastal Zielona Gora in Polish 1. Liga (A2 Division) where he was averaging 9.8 ppg. and 6.4 rpg. Kowalczuk had just played in DBE (Polish A1 Division) being a member of Polpak Swiecie (06/07) and AZS Koszalin (03/06).

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RUSSIA

Changes in CSKA - by Eurobasket News
Some player movements in the Euroleague champions squad happened recently. Firstly David Andersen (212-C-80) decided to continue his career in Spain. The 27-year-old centre signed a three-year deal with Barcelona. The Australian player is expected to arrive to Catalonia next week. He is due to pass medical tests before the team will officially announce the deal. Andersen spent the last four years in CSKA winning two Euroleague titles. He also grabbed four Russian Superleague titles and two Russia Cups. CSKA was about to extend the contract with David Andersen but he opted to move to Barcelona.
CSKA however quickly find the replacement for the centre. CSKA signed a three-year contract with Russian talented centre Sasha Kaun (211-C-85). Sasha Kaun moved to the USA in the age of 16. He studied in the Kansas University. There he celebrated his biggest achievement so far winning NCAA tournament this season. Kaun averaged 7.1 points, 3.9 boards and 1.2 blocks per game for the Jayhawks.
CSKA also bolstered their squad with addition of Terence Morris (206-F-79, college: Maryland). American forward spent the last season in Israel playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv. He inked a three-year agreement with the Moscow outfit. The Maryland graduate played in the NBA for Houston and Orlando. He also won the Israeli Cup with Hapoel Jerusalem and reached the Euroleague Final with Maccabi this year. Last season Terence Morris averaged 11.3 points, 8.2 boards and 2.4 assists per game in Israeli championship. His Euroleague stats came up to 12.4 points, 8.3 boards and 1.6 assists per game.

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SCOTLAND

Azerbaijan upset Scotland to reach championship game - by Eurobasket News
Scotland - Azerbaijan 80:91

Azerbaijan came up with the biggest surprise of the European championship in Division C. They toppled hosting Scotland in Edinburgh to reach the Final. Azerbaijan will now play against Moldova in todays title clash. Scotland will now fight for only Bronze medals with Andorra. Scottish team were obvious favorites before the game but the support of the home crowd did not help the tartan. Azerbaijan sent a strong message to the hosts in the second period when Tahir Bakhshiyev (199-F-82), Kataev and Davit Barbakadze (204-F-82) nailed three trebles in a row for Azerbaijan to accumulate a 37:28 advantage. The teams traded the baskets in the opening frame and were all square at 24 after ten minutes of action. But long range artillery helped the visitors to change the complexion of the game. Kitayev and Tahir Bakhshiyev added two more treys late in the first half, while Sariyev capped it with two freebies to make it 51:42 for Azerbaijan. The bombardment continued in the third stanza. Sariyev hit two three-pointers and Kitayev added another one for the visiting side to go 64:47 up. Scotland looked stunned at the moment. Nevertheless Gareth Murray (201-F-84, college: Kalamazoo Valley CC), Keith Bunyan (191-G-77) crowned the third frame with 6 straight points to revive the intrigue heading into the fourth term down by 15 points. But their hopes were abrupt by four consecutive points from Davit Barbakadze and Fuad Niftaliyev (178-G-80) to open the fourth quarter. Back-to-back triples from Gareth Murray and Keith Bunyan allowed the home team to shave the difference to 9 points with just over 5 minutes left. Scotland threw everything they had and Laurie Costello (188-G-82) and Gareth Murray narrowed the gap to 7 points with less than 2 minutes left. But a bunch of free throws from Fuad Niftaliyev and Sariyev kept Scotland at bay in the dying seconds. Azerbaijan secured the win and advanced to the main game of the tournament. Fuad Niftaliyev finished with 23 points, 12 assists and 7 boards to pace Azerbaijan. Davit Barbakadze and Tahir Bakhshiyev nailed 20 points apiece for the winners. Keith Bunyan answered with 21 points for Scotland. Gareth Murray had 20 points and 8 boards in a losing case. Scottish players outrebounded their opponents 45:33 but conceded 46% field goals from Azerbaijan. The hosts shot just 40% from the field themselves.

Scotland: Keith Bunyan 21, Gareth Murray 20
Azerbaijan: Fuad Niftaliyev 23+12 assists, Davit Barbakadze 20, Tahir Bakhshiyev 20

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SERBIA

Predrag Danilovic: The best season of Partizan since 1992 ! - by Dragan Jankovski
Partizan Igokea grabbed seventh consecutive title in domestic championship, fifteenth in total. Black-and-white team also defended title in Adriatic league and won National Cup 'Radivoj Korac'. Euroleague story was something remarkable for Partizan's fans as they had opportunity to watch how Partizan is knocking out of the competition defending champion Panathinaikos Athens.

'We finished the season in style. This is for sure the best one since 1992. We had serious problems during the season but all of us gave a lot of efforts and we succeeded to get over it. These three trophies are totally deserved. We have to work very hard this summer and we will have many negotiations. Our team has 2 millions of fans and I hope Euroleague will decide to sign 3-year contract with a team from Serbia and that team will be Partizan as it already has unreachable advantage against Hemofarm STADA' - said Serbian basketball legend and president of Partizan Igokea, Predrag Danilovic (202-G-70).

Sports Director of the club, Dragan Todoric, stated that it is too early for any talks about the new players. Nikola Pekovic and Milton Palacio leaved the club. It is not sure will Dusan Kecman, Petar Bozic and Dejan Borovnjak stay in Partzan Igokea.

'We will negotiate with players which contracts has expired. Our next moves also depends a lot of Euroleague decision about 3-year contract' - said Todoric.

'Arrival to Partizan is the best move in my career so far. I changed many teams in Europe and USA and I am glad I stopped here' - said big guy Slavko Vranes.

Petar Bozic stated that Partizan is option number one for him.

Dusan Kecman, who was a hero of the fourth game against Hemofarm STADA, won his seventh trophy with Partizan.

'Let me celebrate a little bit. At this moment I really do not think about the other things. It is not a right time yet' - said Kecman.

Novica Velickovic just shortly said: 'Partizan can count on me fot the next season!'

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SLOVENIA

Koper and Postojna target new coaches - by Zeljko Zule

Luka Koper is negotiating with Croatian coach Ivan Stanisak ex Elektra Esotech.
Misel Postojnska jama is close to Croatian coach Aramis Naglic ex Crikvenica and their former member Milan Bjegovic (210-C-81, agency: Promotex) ex Etoile Charleville (FRA-N1).
Geoplin Slovan agreed terms with their former member Milan Klepo (211-F/C-80, agency: VTBM/SRBM) ex Misel Postojnska jama.

Nova Gorica re-signed coach Dejan Gasparin .
Coach Sekule Popovic extended his contract with Italian team Jadran Trieste (C-1).



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SPAIN

Another Star to Shine in Barca - by Paul Nilsen
Barcelona have signed their second major star within days following up the sensational return home of JC Navarro with the acquisition of David Anderson. The Denmark born forward who grew up In Australia has a reputation of being one of the most talented forwards playing in Europe having played for several seasons with CSKA Moscow.

The arrival of Anderson is another massive coup for the Catalan giants who clearly will be having a real tilt at Euroleague next season. The Azulgranas will not only get a player with talent and real presence but one with experience of playing and most importantly willing titles in Europe. His resume shows four domestic titles in Russia but critically two Euroleague winners medals too.

Next up - with Gasol looking like he is no longer an option, will Barca make it a star treble and land Garbajosa to seal a fantastic week or two for the club?

Elsewhere, Marcus Haislip has re-signed for another year at Unicaja although he will have to wait a little bit longer to find out which coach he might be playing for with still no official announcement but with Pepu Hernandez rumoured to be the man in the frame for the post.

Finally former MMT Estudiantes head coach Velimir Persovic has been announced as the new play-caller at Cibona Zagreb.

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UGANDA

ALL STAR GAMES TO BE A THILLER - by Rogers Senkwale
The local basketball fraternity can wait for the forthcoming all star games due on 27th of this month at the lugogo indoor staduim.the annual event on FUBA's calender has kept getting better every year and this promises to be another hot event with slam dunk and three point shooting contests on the agenda.However fans will miss the blick brothers and the malinga brothers who travelled with the KCC team for iner cities in Tanzania but the gap wil be filled in by emerging youg talents such as Brian Sentongo,Ivan Enabu and balemwa Richard.MTN who are the league sponsors shall be the main sponsors.

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UNITED KINGDOM

Malta clinches the 7th spot at the European championship in Division C - by Eurobasket News
Malta - Wales 84:67

Maltese National team did not leave Scotland winless. They registered their first win at the tournament beating Wales today in the clash for the 7th overall spot. The teams entered the contest exchanging the baskets but Maltese team soon surged in front. Steve Schembri (187-F-79) nailed back-to-back trebles and Malta accumulated a 20:12 lead. Ben Potts (194-F-85) cut it back to 3 however Malta had the last laugh in the period as Omar Said (177-G-80) and Christopher Sammut (169-G-85) finalized the outcome at 26:17. Omar Said and Steve Schembri combined for 5 points early in the second period and Malta stretched the margin to as many as 12 points. Anthony Berry (200-C-78) and Pearce managed to cap the firs half with straight jumper and Wales trailed by 6 at the interval. Omar Said opened the second half with two triples to give Malta a safe 12-point buffer. The team maintained the gap and when Omar Said and Steve Schembri notched 5 points in a row at the end of the quarter Malta were up by 15. Pearce, Waite and Anthony Berry revived the hope for Welsh team early in the fourth term clipping the deficit to 9 points. But Omar Said, Christopher Sammut and Steve Schembri reacted with 7 straight points to keep the distance comfortable. Wales failed to recover in the dying stages and suffered a sour loss at the end. Omar Said topscored with 25 points for Malta. Steve Schembri provided 19 points, while Marco Mercieca (184-G-83) added 11 for the winners. Anthony Berry had 22 points and 8 boards for Wales. Ben Potts nailed 15 points in a losing effort. Welsh team outrebounded their opponents 46:38 but shot only 37% from the field and suffered 20 turnovers.

Malta: Omar Said 25, Steve Schembri 19, Marco Mercieca 11
Wales: Anthony Berry 22, Ben Potts 15

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VENEZUELA

Manios de Oriente obviously in the postseason - by Wolfgang Lucena
Marinos de Oriente took the last spot vacant for the postseason, defeating Panteras de Miranda 115-110 in overtime.
David Cedeno , whom was the best player of this classificatory game, finished with 30 points. Michael Flores did his best, scoring 26 points for Panteras de Miranda.

In Another games between Gatos vs. Gigantes and Gaiteros vs. Guaiqueries;

Gatos de Monagas defeated Gigantes de Guayana 95-81. Alejandro Flores once again was the leader of the game with 20 points for the cause of Gatos de Monagas.

Gaiteros Del Zulia defeated Guaiqueries de Margarita 89-87 Christopher Jeffries scored 31 points helped by Ruben Nembhard with 21.



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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Australia outlast Russia in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Australia - Russia 65:61

The Australian Opals celebrated a narrow win over Russia in friendly game in Brunico, Italy. Both teams are now building up for the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing. The European champions missed their superstar Maria Stepanova in the lineup. However they got to a better start outscoring the Opals 20:10 in the opening frame. But Australia adjusted their defense in the second period and limited Russia to just 8 points in the quarter. It allowed the Opals to cut the deficit to a single point at the interval 27:28. The game turned into a physical battle in the third period with neither side able to clear off. The defense prevailed as the pressure grew and the Opals succeeded in taking the lead. Kristi Harrower (166-G-75) masterminded the fourth term run from the Opals. The World champions took over in the final minutes as Harrower fed Belinda Snell (182-F-81, agency: LBM Management) and Suzy Batkovic (193-C-80) for some easy baskets down the stretch. Harrower also came up with some vital buckets and the Opals ran away with a narrow first-game victory at the end. Suzy Batkovic, Laura Summerton (191-C-83, agency: LBM Management) and Belinda Snell had 10 points apiece for Australia. Emma Randall (188-C-85) added 10 boards to dominate the paint. Marina Karpunina (180-F-84) nailed 12 points for Russia. The next two games are scheduled for June 23 and June 24.

Australia: Suzy Batkovic 10, Laura Summerton 10, Belinda Snell 10
Russia: Marina Karpunina 12

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BELGIUM - Women

Wauters improves to 14.1 ppg and 7.9 rbs in WNBA - by Eurobasket News
San Antonio relied on their leading scorers Sophia Young, Ann Ann Wauters (194-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 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 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.
Before that San Antonio grabbed a road win over Atlanta on June 19th. Hammon had 25 points and a season-high nine assists, Ann Ann Wauters added 18 points and 14 rebounds, and the Silver Stars beat the winless Atlanta Dream 81-66 Wednesday night. It was Ann Wauters who created 5-0 run in the opening tip of the game. Castro returned for the Dream after missing five games while participating in the Olympic qualifying tournament for Brazil. Castro, who has averaged 8.2 points per game, had only two points in 18 minutes.

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BRAZIL - Women

Castro is back to her Atlanta - by Eurobasket News
Iziane Castro (183-G/F-82) is back to her Atlanta in WNBA after the Olympic Qualifying tournament. At first without Iziane Castro Atlanta failed to deliver the initial win in the franchise history losing to the Houston Comets away from home. Michelle Snow came up with 18 points and 13 boards to hand the Dream the 10th loss. Houston meanwhile recorded their second win a row. Tina Thompson had 12 points and season-high 7 assists as the Comets improved to 3-7 record. Betty Lennox answered with game-high 29 points and 11 boards for the Dream. Ivory Latta provided 21 points in defeat. Atlanta became the third team in the WNBA history to lose the first 10 games in the season. Houston did the same last year, while Detroit suffered 13 consecutive defeats in 2003. The hosts led by 10 points at the interval but Atlanta cut the deficit to a single point late in the third period. Matee Ajavon and Mistie Williams scored 4 points to cap the frame and Houston entered the fourth term leading by 5 points. They never allowed the visitors to threaten the advantage in the final period and celebrated victory at the end.
San Antonio grabbed a road win over Atlanta on June 19th. Hammon had 25 points and a season-high nine assists, Ann Wauters added 18 points and 14 rebounds, and the Silver Stars beat the winless Atlanta Dream 81-66 Wednesday night. It was Wauters who created 5-0 run in the opening tip of the game. Iziane Castro returned for the Dream after missing five games while participating in the Olympic qualifying tournament for Brazil. Iziane Castro, who has averaged 8.2 points per game, had only two points in 18 minutes.
Washington upset Atlanta 72:61 as Iziane Castro nailed 2 points and made 3 rebounds. Atlanta is one loss from tying Detroit in 2002 and Chicago in 2006 for the worst losing streak in WNBA history.

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D.R. CONGO - Women

Mabika starts in the line up - by Eurobasket News
Mwadi Mabika (180-F-76) started in the line up for Houston Comets last night. The latter reached a road win over Minnesota to improve to 4-8 in the Western Conference. Due to 17-6 in the opening quarter the guests felt more comfortable in the other periods to seal the victory. Thompson led the winners with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Shannon Johnson collected16 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, while Maiga netted 10. Wiggins produced a good night for the hosts nailing 24 points in defeat. Maiga drove a lay-up for the first points in the game as her Houston scored first four points in the game. Anosike resisted for the Lynx to close the margin at 8:6 in the opening tip of the game. It was however the last points for her team in the period. The Comets created a 9-0 run to take 17:6 lead entering the second quarter. Williams's layup brought Houston 27:12 in the middle of the second stanza. Minnesota woke up immediately and reduced the gap to 5 points at the half. Houston led by only two points after Anna DeForge opened the second half with a 3-pointer, but the Lynx went cold again. They managed just two other field goals in the quarter, and the Comets steadily pulled away. Thompson made another two for 55:44 when the teams started the last period. Wiggins drove to 57:63 with 2 minutes in the game, but Maiga's free throws in the game brought the Comets a road win.
In the game over Washington Mwadi Mabika provided 5 points and 5 rebounds in a 63:67 loss. Later Atlanta failed to deliver the initial win in the franchise history losing to the Houston Comets away from home. Michelle Snow came up with 18 points and 13 boards to hand the Dream the 10th loss. Houston meanwhile recorded their second win a row. Betty Lennox answered with game-high 29 points and 11 boards for the Dream. Ivory Latta provided 21 points in defeat. Atlanta became the third team in the WNBA history to lose the first 10 games in the season. Houston did the same last year, while Detroit suffered 13 consecutive defeats in 2003. The hosts led by 10 points at the interval but Atlanta cut the deficit to a single point late in the third period. Matee Ajavon and Mistie Williams scored 4 points to cap the frame and Houston entered the fourth term leading by 5 points. They never allowed the visitors to threaten the advantage in the final period and celebrated victory at the end. Mwadi Mabika posted 6 points and collected 1 rebound and 1 assist.

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FRANCE - Women

Emilie Gomis leaves USVO - by Eurobasket News
Emilie Gomis (180-F-83) decided to move to Turkey for the upcoming season. Gomis signed a contract with Fenerbahce. The Istanbul outfit won the Turkish league and would play in Euroleague next season. It would be the third straight appearance for Feberbahce in the main European club tournament. The French international spent the last two seasons in France playing for Valenciennes. Emilie Gomis averaged 11.5 points and 2.8 boards per game for Valenceinnes in the French league. She also came up with 11.5 points, 2.8 boards and 1.4 assists per game in Euroleague. She played for French National team at the World Championship in Brazil in 2006 and the European Championship in Italy in 2007.

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GERMANY - Women

Peter Kortmann named Head Coach at Halle Lions - by Moritz Korff
Peter Kortmann has been named new Head Coach of the SV Halle Lions (DBBL), as announced today. The 46-year-old has already been in the coaching-buisness since 20 years and owns a lot of experience on the national and international level. Kortmann worked for AS Soleuvre in Luxembourg during this past season. The Lions parted with Thomas Roijakkers, who had led the Lions to the DBBL, at the end of the 2007-08 season.

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MALI - Women

Maiga top-scores for the Comets - by Eurobasket News
Hamchetou Maiga (185-G/F-78, college: ODU) is improving her stats for Houston in WNBA this season. In the game over Washington she top-scored for her team with 15 points in a 63:67 loss. Atlanta failed to deliver the initial win in the franchise history losing to the Houston Comets away from home. Michelle Snow came up with 18 points and 13 boards to hand the Dream the 10th loss. Houston meanwhile recorded their second win a row. Betty Lennox answered with game-high 29 points and 11 boards for the Dream. Ivory Latta provided 21 points in defeat. Atlanta became the third team in the WNBA history to lose the first 10 games in the season. Houston did the same last year, while Detroit suffered 13 consecutive defeats in 2003. The hosts led by 10 points at the interval but Atlanta cut the deficit to a single point late in the third period. Matee Ajavon and Mistie Williams scored 4 points to cap the frame and Houston entered the fourth term leading by 5 points. They never allowed the visitors to threaten the advantage in the final period and celebrated victory at the end. Hamchetou Maiga ended up with 9 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals.
Last night Houston Comets reached a road win over Minnesota to improve to 4-8 in the Western Conference. Due to 17-6 in the opening quarter the guests felt more comfortable in the other periods to seal the victory. Thompson led the winners with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Shannon Johnson collected16 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, while Hamchetou Maiga netted 10. Wiggins produced a good night for the hosts nailing 24 points in defeat.
Hamchetou Maiga drove a lay-up for the first points in the game as her Houston scored first four points in the game. Anosike resisted for the Lynx to close the margin at 8:6 in the opening tip of the game. It was however the last points for her team in the period. The Comets created a 9-0 run to take 17:6 lead entering the second quarter. Williams's layup brought Houston 27:12 in the middle of the second stanza. Minnesota woke up immediately and reduced the gap to 5 points at the half. Houston led by only two points after Anna DeForge opened the second half with a 3-pointer, but the Lynx went cold again. They managed just two other field goals in the quarter, and the Comets steadily pulled away. Thompson made another two for 55:44 when the teams started the last period. Wiggins drove to 57:63 with 2 minutes in the game, but Hamchetou Maiga's free throws in the game brought the Comets a road win.

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MONTENEGRO - Women

Petrovic annonced 17 names for U21 NT - by Dragan Scepanovic


Head coach of Montenegrin U21 NT Mr. Rade Petrovic announced 16 names of basketball players which will be on preparation in city of Cetinje


Asisstant : Zdenko Grbavcevic - BC University Mediteran Podgorica

Cond. Coach : Djurickovic Predrag - BC Budcnost Podgorica

Snezana Aleksic (170-G-89) - BC Buducnost
Jelena Culafic (174-G-89) - BC Buducnost
Mihajlovic Ljubica - BC Buducnost
Milica Jovanovic (186-F/C-89) - BC Buducnost
Andjela Djurovic (184-F/C-90) - BC Buducnost
Ivana Jovovic - Skofija Loka Slovenia
Natasa Mijatovic (-89) - Skofija Loka Slovenia
Biljana Turcinovic (186-F-89, agency : DELFI SMG ) - BC Usce Belgrade
Marija Terzic (196-C-89) - BC Radnicki Belgrade
Aleksandra Ratkovic (-89) - BC Kastel Nuovo H.Novi
Marija Vujadinovic (-90) - BC Kastel Nuovo H.Novi
Vukmarkovic Natasa - BC Karaburma Belgrade
Stanisic Masa - BC Roling Niksic
Gordana Cavic (174-G-90) - BC Kastel Nuovo H.Novi
Knezevic Ksenija - BC Karaburma Belgrade
Neda Nikolic (178-F/C-91) - BC Roling Niksic
Knezevic Kataraina - BC Karaburma Belgrade



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RUSSIA - Women

Australia outlast Russia in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Australia - Russia 65:61

The Australian Opals celebrated a narrow win over Russia in friendly game in Brunico, Italy. Both teams are now building up for the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing. The European champions missed their superstar Maria Stepanova in the lineup. However they got to a better start outscoring the Opals 20:10 in the opening frame. But Australia adjusted their defense in the second period and limited Russia to just 8 points in the quarter. It allowed the Opals to cut the deficit to a single point at the interval 27:28. The game turned into a physical battle in the third period with neither side able to clear off. The defense prevailed as the pressure grew and the Opals succeeded in taking the lead. Kristi Harrower (166-G-75) masterminded the fourth term run from the Opals. The World champions took over in the final minutes as Harrower fed Belinda Snell (182-F-81, agency: LBM Management) and Suzy Batkovic (193-C-80) for some easy baskets down the stretch. Harrower also came up with some vital buckets and the Opals ran away with a narrow first-game victory at the end. Suzy Batkovic, Laura Summerton (191-C-83, agency: LBM Management) and Belinda Snell had 10 points apiece for Australia. Emma Randall (188-C-85) added 10 boards to dominate the paint. Marina Karpunina (180-F-84) nailed 12 points for Russia. The next two games are scheduled for June 23 and June 24.

Australia: Suzy Batkovic 10, Laura Summerton 10, Belinda Snell 10
Russia: Marina Karpunina 12

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SPAIN - Women

Brooke Wyckoff joins Estudiantes - by Eurobasket News
USP-CEU MMT Estudiantes signed the first player for season 2008/09. The team agreed terms with Brooke Wyckoff (187-F-80, college: Florida St.), who is currently a member of WNBA team Chicago Sky. Wyckoff already has huge experience from Spain. She spent last season in Gran Canaria where she averaged 9 ppg and 8.9 rpg for 26 games in LFB. She finished the season as the third rebounder of the league. Before Gran Canaria, Wyckoff also played for Cajacanarias, Leon, Breogan Lugo, Zaragoza, Tenerife and Oviedo. In 2005 her team Connecticut Sun was the WNBA Eastern Conference Champion.

Zaragoza hires Carlos Iglesias Allue - by Eurobasket News
Mann Filter Zaragoza announced signing of head coach Carlos Iglesias Allue on one year contract. Zaragoza didn't have so brilliant previous season. The team finished it on 12th place with score 8-12. It is the worst score of the team in regular season since 2001. The brightest moments Zaragoza had in 2005 when they reached the final of LFB Cup.

Carlos Iglesias Allue in the past used to work in Rivas Futura and Celta Vigourban. Last season he spent in Zaragoza working with one of their men's selections.

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WNBA - Women

Target Center could not stop the Comets - by Eurobasket News
Minnesota-Houston 65:72

Houston Comets reached a road win over Minnesota to improve to 4-8 in the Western Conference. Due to 17-6 in the opening quarter the guests felt more comfortable in the other periods to seal the victory. Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) led the winners with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Shannon Johnson (5'7''-G-74, college: USC) collected16 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, while Hamchetou Maiga (6'1''-G/F-78, college: ODU) netted 10. Candice Wiggins (5'11''-G-87, college: Stanford) produced a good night for the hosts nailing 24 points in defeat.
Hamchetou Maiga drove a lay-up for the first points in the game as her Houston scored first four points in the game. Anosike resisted for the Lynx to close the margin at 8:6 in the opening tip of the game. It was however the last points for her team in the period. The Comets created a 9-0 run to take 17:6 lead entering the second quarter.
Williams's layup brought Houston 27:12 in the middle of the second stanza. Minnesota woke up immediately and reduced the gap to 5 points at the half. Houston led by only two points after Anna DeForge opened the second half with a 3-pointer, but the Lynx went cold again. They managed just two other field goals in the quarter, and the Comets steadily pulled away. Tina Thompson made another two for 55:44 when the teams started the last period. Candice Wiggins drove to 57:63 with 2 minutes in the game, but Hamchetou Maiga's free throws in the game brought the Comets a road win.

Minnesota: Candice Wiggins 24, Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) 12
Houston: Tina Thompson 18+8 rebs, Shannon Johnson 16+6 ast+5 rebs, Hamchetou Maiga 10

Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connect. S. 10-3 
 2. Detroit S. 9-3 
 3. Indiana F. 6-5 
 4. New York L. 5-5 
 5. Washingt. M. 5-7 
 6. Chicago Sky 3-7 
 7. Atlanta D. 0-12 
Western
 1. L.Angeles S. 8-3 
 2. S.Antonio SS 8-4 
 3. Seattle S. 8-6 
 4. Minnesota L. 6-6 
 5. Sacram. M. 5-6 
 6. Phoenix M. 4-6 
 7. Houston C. 4-8