EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/30/2008

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Men News

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  AUSTRALIA   


The Boomers sweep Al Ramsay Shield series - by Eurobasket News
Australia - New Zealand 94:57

The Australian National Team celebrated the second straight win over New Zealand to sweep Al Ramsay Shield friendly series. After beating the Tall Blacks in Auckland the Boomers repeated the trick at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne yesterday. Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) came up with 18 points including 5/6 from beyond the arc for Australia. David Barlow (205-F-83, college: Metro St.) contributed 17 points in a winning case. The Kiwis got to a flying start and three-pointers from Pero Cameron (199-F-74, agency: Duran International) and Lindsay Tait (194-G-82) put them in charge 11:2 early on. Michael Fitchett added another trey to keep things going New Zealand way as the Tall Blacks led 14:5. They remained in front after one quarter of action 16:13. However the full-court pressure forced the Kiwis to too many turnovers early in the second period. The Boomers capitalize as they posted a massive 20:5 rally to grab a 33:21 advantage midway through the frame. David Barlow completed his 13-point first half tally and Australia appeared leading by as many as 22 points at halftime. Aussies opened the third frame with an 8:2 run to leave all doubts about the outcome behind. The hosts stretched the lead to 70:38 before the fourth term. New Zealand never recovered suffering another loss to the Boomers. Shawn Redhage (202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) scored 13 points and Joe Ingles had 10 for the winners. Lindsay Tait answered with 14 points for the Tall Blacks. Pero Cameron nailed 9 points in a losing effort. The home team shot 48% from the field, while limiting the Tall Blacks to just 32%. They also forced the visitors to 20 turnovers. The Tall Blacks will now head to Canada for the Jack Donohue International Classic. There they will play two games against Canada and one versus Lebanon. The Boomers will depart to Europe for a 5-game tour. They will play against Croatia in three-game series before taking on Greece and Brazil.

Australia: Mark Worthington 18, David Barlow 17, Shawn Redhage 13
New Zealand: Lindsay Tait 14, Pero Cameron 9

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  BELGIUM   


Spirou Charleroi Transfer News - by Peter Buyse


Spirou Charleroi is the second team in the league to finalize its roster with the recent additions of American forward Dwayne Broyles (196-F/G-82, college: JMU) and young Belgian player Senna Senna Hounhanou (194-G-90, agency).
Broyles is replacing Matt Walsh on the roster and played the past season in Latvia for ASK Riga. Played 10 games with Riga in the Uleb Cup and averaged 13.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 2.0 apg.

Left James Madison at the end of the 2003-2004 season with averages of 15.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg.
Came overseas and played his first season in Europe for Sibenka Sibenik in Crioatia. Played the next 2 seasons for KK Zagreb before going to Riga this past season.

Senna Hounhanou played the past 2 seasons in Switserland with Fribourg.

He is also a member of the Belgian U18 NT.



Dexia Mons Transfer News - by Peter Buyse


Dexia Mons-Hanaut has added another player to its roster for the coming season.
The new arrival is forward Julian Sensley (206-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Hawaii) an American with German passport.
Sensley played his college career at Hawaii where during the 2005-2006 season he averaged 17.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 3.2 apg.
Came to Europe after leaving Hawaii and during the 2006-2007 season played for Lega 2 team Monferrato, Spanish team Valladolid and finished the season back in Italy playing for Livorno a Seria A team.
This past season he played in the NBDL for the Colorado 14ers but got injured in December and was released.

In 7 games he averaged 16.7 ppg and 8.9 rpg.

Was teammates at Hawaii with Okapi Aalstar player Matt Lojeski.



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  BULGARIA   


Standings A1
A1 Standings
 1. Lukoil A. 32-0 
 2. Levski 22-10 
 3. Balkan 20-12 
 4. Spartak P. 16-16 
 5. CSKA 15-17 
 6. Cherno More 15-17 
 7. Yambol 11-21 
 8. Rilski S-list 10-22 
 9. Dunav 2007 3-15 
 10. Sliven 2-16 


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  CANADA   


Canada Basketball announces 2008 Senior Men's National Team roster - by Simon Yau


DALEMBERT HEADLINES 2008 CANADIAN SENIOR MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM - by Simon Yau


DALEMBERT HEADLINES 2008 CANADIAN SENIOR MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM - by Simon Yau


Canada Basketball names 2008 Canadian Senior Men's National Team roster - by Simon Yau


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  CHILE   


Centro Sur: Liceo and Puente Alto reach the final game - by Daniel Valencia
CD Puente Alto and Liceo Mixto will play the final of the league on sunday night. In da1 1 of the Final Four the host, CD Puente Alto defeated Cd Universidad de Concepcion 85- 69, with the small forward German Siegmund (190-G/F-83) as the offensive leader with 24 points in the night. For the visitors (they play without the NT players) the power forward Carlos Sepulveda (195-F-83) ended the game with 14 points. In the second game of the night, Liceo Mixto, led by Patrick Saez (191-G/F-71) and Rodrigo Espinoza (183-G-81) (both scored 28 points) defeated Boston College 89-87 and will play their third consecutive Cenro-Sur final game.

Day 1

Boston College 87 - Liceo Mixto 89
Bos: Jose Madrid 19 pts. Patricio Arroyo 18 pts. Felipe Ziegele 17 pts.
Lic: Patrick Saez 28 pts. Rodrigo Espinoza 28 pts. Carlos Gallardo 13 pts.

CD Puente Alto 85 - CD Universidad de Concepcion 68
Pue: German Siegmund 24 pts. Franco Garrido 18 pts. Mauricio Cisternas 10 pts.
Ucon: Carlos Sepulveda 14 pts. Eduardo Marechal 14 pts. Samuel Bravo 13 pts.

Libsur: Lautaro and ULA to the Final Four - by Daniel Valencia
Deportes Lautaro and Universidad de Los Lagos are the third and fourth team qualified to Libsur's Final Four 2008. They defeated Deportes Castro and Asociacion Ancud respectively. Both teams will be playing their first F4 in the history of the league.

Game 1

Deportes Lautaro 83 - Deportes Castro 73

Universidad de Los Lagos 91 - Asociacion Ancud 55

Game 2

Deportes Castro 75 - Deportes Lautaro 66

Asociacion Ancud 69 - Universidad de Los Lagos 68

Final Four 2008

- Provincial Osorno
- Deportes Lautaro
- Universidad de Los Lagos
- Deportivo Valdivia

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  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


Chicago ESL Stats - Final Day - by Darryl Reshaw


Team: London Final Score:113
Name PTS Total FG Free Throws 3-Point FG REB AST

Leonard Houston 27 10 12 1 1 2 5 2 2
Emanuel Little 8 1 1 6 7 0 0 6 0
Marcus King Stockton 13 5 6 3 3 0 0 5 1
Kyle Lamonte 24 3 9 9 9 3 4 4 6
Jermaine Daley 6 3 4 0 3 0 0 8 0
Dane Cruz 20 6 7 5 7 1 2 2 5
Andre Muse 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 4
Corley Lee 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 1
Carl Marshall 11 1 2 0 1 3 4 0 3
Team Totals: 113 31 45 24 31 9 15 32 22

Team: Warsaw Final Score: 102
Name PTS Total FG Free Throws 3-Point FG REB AST

Jimmy Miles 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0
Maurice Carter 17 1 2 0 0 5 8 1 2
Marcus Arnold 15 5 5 5 8 0 0 7 0
Glani Bearden 4 2 3 0 0 0 1 1 0
Jason Warren 5 2 3 1 3 0 1 5 0
Demarius Bolds 7 2 6 3 6 0 0 3 3
Reo Logan 5 2 3 1 2 0 0 4 0
Brandon Watkins 24 4 5 4 7 4 6 1 7
Casey Love 13 5 8 3 4 0 0 2 1
Perrick Robinson 12 3 3 6 7 0 1 0 8
102 26 38 23 39 9 17 24 21

Team: Berlin Final Score: 100
Name PTS Total FG Free Throws 3-Point FG REB AST
M A M A M A
Diego Agular 26 11 12 4 4 0 0 6 2
Lantrice Green 10 5 10 0 0 0 1 3 2
Joel Haviland 4 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 0
Danny Brown 8 2 5 4 4 0 1 2 1
Brian Carter 6 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0
Mark Salley 7 10 4 4 2 4 0 0 9 1
David Johnson 13 4 6 2 2 1 2 9 1
Jeremey File 9 13 3 4 1 2 2 5 4 6
Bryan Edwards 15 4 7 7 9 0 0 1 2
100 34 50 20 25 4 11 39 15

Team: Madrid Final Score: 98
Name PTS Total FG Free Throws 3-Point FG REB AST


Michael Rembert 14 5 7 1 1 1 1 6 3
Matt Martin 15 1 2 1 1 4 2 0 2
J.J. Tauai 4 2 3 0 0 0 1 6 3
Dshon Cannon 4 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 1
Eric Vierneisel 16 3 3 4 5 2 4 5 1
Che Janangki
Maurice Gipps 12 3 5 0 1 2 2 0 2
Justin Johnson 16 5 9 6 9 0 0 6 0
Daniel Bardy 7 2 3 0 0 1 4 1 2
Brian Filyes 10 2 2 0 0 2 3 3 1
98 25 36 12 17 12 18 28 15

Team: Rome Final Score: 109
Name PTS Total FG Free Throws 3-Point FG REB AST

Ervin Youmans 7 2 3 3 3 0 1 2 5
Vangelo Smith 4 2 3 0 0 0 1 3 0
Edward James 5 1 1 0 0 1 2 2 1
Chip Sodemann 8 4 7 0 2 0 2 3 6
Alex Davenport 22 9 14 4 6 0 3 3 1
Tyler Moretto 14 3 4 8 8 0 0 12 2
Jerrah Young 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0
Jessan Gray 10 1 4 2 2 2 4 6 1
Keith Hampton 28 6 8 4 5 4 4 9 2
Ben Hebl 11 1 1 0 0 3 3 1 0
109 29 47 21 26 10 20 41 18

Team: Amsterdam Final Score: 104
Name PTS Total FG Free Throws 3-Point FG REB AST

John Griffin 8 0 3 2 3 2 5 2 4
Kevin Chester 24 10 16 4 6 0 0 10 2
Eugene Seals 14 6 9 2 2 0 0 5 1
David Jordon
Fred Oguns 14 4 7 6 7 0 0 3 0
Jimmy Williams 12 6 10 0 0 0 3 12 7
Cortez Forte 12 6 8 0 0 0 1 3 0
Junior Austin 20 7 8 3 3 1 1 4 1
104 39 61 17 21 3 10 39 15

Team: Paris Final Score: 126
Name PTS Total FG Free Throws 3-Point FG REB AST

Brent Cowles 7 1 3 2 2 1 2 4 1
Elzie Bibbs 24 7 14 4 4 2 6 7 0
Corey Niles 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 2 2
Courtney Bradley 28 10 22 2 3 2 4 6 1
Jermel Nelson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Ryosuke Nozawa 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3
Jontee Willhite 26 6 11 8 10 2 3 10 8
Mark Stovall 24 8 8 5 8 1 2 4 1
Olalekan Esho 17 5 9 7 7 0 0 4 2
126 37 71 28 34 8 19 38 18

Team: Athens Final Score:127
Name PTS Total FG Free Throws 3-Point FG REB AST


John Little 11 2 4 1 2 2 2 1 6
Lawrence Brocks 23 10 15 3 3 0 1 4 7
Stanley Thomas 22 7 13 2 3 2 3 8 1
Mike Lytle 8 3 5 2 2 0 1 6 1
Roderick Smith 6 3 4 0 2 0 0 6 2
Stephen Ecker 8 3 7 2 2 0 0 4 2
Jordan Lear 8 4 6 0 0 0 0 8 0
Tyler Sickmeyer 8 3 3 2 4 0 0 6 0
Phillip Gilbert 33 7 12 7 9 4 6 1 3
127 42 69 19 27 8 13 44 22



Eurobasket Summer League (Chicago) - Final Day - by Darryl Reshaw
The final day of the Eurobasket Summer League (ESL) was an outstanding display of basketball by all eight teams.
The first two games of the day went into overtime and the third place game almost ended in the third tied game of the day.
All of the players seem to settle down little and were more comfortable with each other and as a result everyone who was at the Attack Athletics facility witnessed some exciting basketball on Saturday.
In ESL Chicago Championship game London overwhelmed Warsaw 113-102 with their supreme athletic ability.
London featured a talented bunch of players who recently graduated from college in the 2007-08 season in the United States and are looking for their first professional jobs.
Half of the team were NAIA and NCAA II All Americans and the team featured three guys who played at major NCAA Division I programs.
All week their coach Tony Lenard had them playing excellent defense and great team basketball but it did help that they were the most athletic team in the event.
Their opponents Warsaw featured a really good team that had quality a lot of players with professional experience in Europe and the United States minor league market.

The game was close in the first quarter but London made some great runs with the scoring trio of Leonard Houston (191-G-85, college: Drake) (191-G-85, college: Drake) 27pts, Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84, agency: Beggs and Lane, college: William Carey) 24pts and Dane Cruz (175-G-86, college: Doane) 20pts, Warsaw made their last run with some fine three-point shooting by Brandon Watkins (183-G-81, college: Penn St.) 24pts and Maurice Carter (191-G-74, college: Brandon) 17pts.
Marcus King-Stockton (206-F-85, college: Colorado) had his best game of the tournament with 15 points, 15 rebounds, 4 block shots and some nice dunks.
Marcus Arnold (203-F-84, college: Illinois) gave another sold performance with15 pts, 5rbs and Warsaw other big man Casey Love (203-F/C-80, college: Robert Morris) chipped in 13 points.
Chicago native Carl Marshall (180-G-84, college: Seton Hall) hit some deep threes and pitched in 11 points.

In the third place game Berlin squeaked by Madrid 100-98 in a very exciting finished as both teams played well all week.
Berlin had six players score double figures led by Diego Aguiar (201-F-83, college: Nova SE) 26pts and 6 rebounds. Lantrice Green (191-G-83, agency: CGL Sports, college: Virginia Union) 10pts, Matt Salley (201-F-86, college: Bradley) (201-F/C, college: Armstrong Atlantic)10pts, 7rbs, David Johnson (193-G-85, college: SE Missouri St.) 13pts, 9rbs, Jeremy File (186-G-84, college: W.Michigan) 13pts, 6ast and Bryan Edwards (188-G-81, college: Cornerstone) 14 points all paced the way for Dr. Jack Greenan well coached Berlin team.
The team was probably the most balanced team all tournament and only lost to London in the semi-final.
The Madrid team lost two very close games which everyone at the ESL thought they gave away and knew that they should have been playing in the final.
However a combination of not closing out games and late game decision making cost this very talented team a couple of should have, would have and could have win games.
Michael Rembert (206-C-84, college: SE Missouri St.) had another solid performance with14pts, 6rbs, Matt Martin (188-G-85, college: Montana) probably had his best game of the ESL with 15pts, Eric Vierneisel (201-F-85, college: California) continued his fine performances at the ESL with 16pts, Maurice Gibbs (188-G-85, college: UAB) chipped in 12pts, Justin Johnson had another nice day with 17pts, 6rbs and Brian Filyes (196-F-84, college: Moody Bible) chipped in 10 points for the most talented team in the ESL which played great throughout the ESL but somehow managed to destruct in the closing minutes.

In the 5th place game of the Chicago ESL Rome defeated Amsterdam in overtime 109-104 in a very exciting contest featuring a lot of great performances.
Keith Hampton (198-G/F-80, college: St.Xavier) dominated play with scored 28pts, 9rbs and Alex Davenport (194-G-85, college: Ft.Hays State) the smoothest big guard of the ESL added another 23 points.
Tyler Moretto (188-G-86, college: Robert Morris) had an amazing 14 points and 12 rebounds for a guard who plays with unbelievable energy and pushes the ball in a Steve Nash tempo.
His running mate Chip Sodemann (183-G-83, agency: Stefanou Sports Agency, college: Truman St.) added 8pts and 6ast and the both of these guys gave too much guard play and speed for Amsterdam.
Jessan Gray (208-F-84, agency: Beggs and Lane, college: Iowa St.) added 10pts, 6rbs and the 3pt specialist Ben Hebl added 11 more point for the winners.
Amsterdam was paced by Kevin Chester (203-C-84, agency: Champion Sports Management, college: Nova SE) best performance of the ESL with 24pts, 10rbs and Jimmy Williams (196-F-86, college: Alders.-Broad.) 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Jimmy Williams has been the quite assassin of the ESL and put in another fine game. Eugene Seals (199-F-82, college: Miami, OH) scored 14pts, 5bs, Fred Oguns added 15pts, Cortez Forte (196-G-83, college: Concordia-St.Paul) was solid with 12pts and the powerful Junior Austin (192-G-81, college: Philander Smith) bullied his way to 20 points and 4 rebounds.
This game was fast pace with a lot good action but Rome just wanted it a little more in the end.

The 7th place game was probably the most exciting game of the day as Athens beat Paris 127-126 in the pride check up game.
There were a lot of fireworks in this game and some nice match ups worth watching. Phillip Gilbert (191-G-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Bradley) of Athens was matched up against Jontee Willhite (186-G-86, college: E.Illinois) of Paris and they put on a show. Neither one of them could stop each other as Gilbert scored 34 points but Jontee Willhite countered with 26 points, 10rbs and 8ast. Courtney Bradley (196-F-83, college: Jacksonville St.) 28pts, 6rbs of Paris was matched up with Stanley Thomas (189-G-80) 24pts, 8rbs of Athens and these highly talented played got very competitive. Athens Lawrence Brooks (193-G-84, college: Jamestown) 25pts, 4rbs and 6ast played extremely well and John Little (180-G-84, college: N.Iowa) was having a great game until he suffered a broken nose in the second half but still had 11pts and 6ast.
Mark Stovall (197-F-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: McKendree) has been consistent in the ESL and added 24pts and 4rbs while Elzie Bibbs (193-G/F-82, agency: Champion Sports Management, college: Ferris St.) the ESL leading scorer added another 26 points.
Both teams really looked good and played a lot better than everyone expected in the early morning contest.

The ESL in Chicago featured a lot of quality players that can play at a variety of levels in Europe. There was a mixture of players with European, NBDL, CBA, IBL, ABA and college experience.
Monday we will announce the ESL Chicago All Tournament Team and the ESL Chicago All Big Man Team.
Teams in Europe that are currently looking for quality players in the entry to medium level market please contact the ESL ASAP at marketing@eurobasket.com

The ESL identified at least 25-30 players in Chicago that should be playing somewhere in Europe next season and we have DVDs of all 12 games that will be available upon request.
We feel that a few of the top players at this years ESL in Chicago will have outstanding careers and could play at the highest level in Europe with some quality experience.
There were coaches from Serbia, Lithuania and the Ukraine that agree with our scouting evaluation of the top players in the Chicago ESL are attempting to sign the players.
We will feature these players on the ESL Chicago All Tournament and Big Man Teams on Monday.

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16   


European Championship Division C. Day 3 - by Eurobasket News
Scotland U16 - Malta U16 114:25
Scottish U16 National Team thrashed Maltese counterparts to claim the top spot in the preliminary Group B of the European championship in Division C. Scotland advanced to the semifinal where they would meet hosting Gibraltar tomorrow. The game against Malta turned into a rather one-sided traffic with Scotland having an overwhelming dominance. Scotland opened the game with a stunning 20:0 run to leave Malta far behind. Gatt nailed a freebie to give Malta their first points with just over 4 minutes remaining in the first period. Scotland enjoyed a 23:5 advantage at the first intermission. Fraser opened the second frame with 8 points in a row to give Scottish side an unassailable lead. They drove to a 52:13 lead at halftime. Fraser added 4 unanswered points to tip off the second half. Scotland went on a 15:2 run and never looked back afterwards. Alasdair Fraser knocked down 20 points to lead Scottish side. Bryan Munnoch had 17 points, while Jonathan Bunyan and Cameron Buchan delivered 15 points apiece for the winners. David Bugeja answered with 9 points for Malta. Maltese team takes on San Marino in the lower playoffs tomorrow.

Scotland U16: Alasdair Fraser 20, Bryan Munnoch 17
Malta U16: David Bugeja 9


Wales U16 - Monaco U16 64:53
Welsh U16 National Team pulled away with a hard-fought win over Monaco on the last day of preliminary action at the European Championship in Division C. Thus Wales clinched the spot in the semifinal where they would take on Moldova tomorrow. Monaco meanwhile remained winless as they head to lower playoffs to face Andorra on Monday. Pulman and Trotman put Wales ahead early in the game 8:2. However four points from Rosenal allowed Monaco to get back on track. Varitto, Barte and Souciant capped the first frame with 6 points in a row and Monaco held to a 15:12 lead. The lead changed hands for a couple of times throughout the second term before Rosenal made it 26:24 going into the main change. Wales used a 7:0 run late in the third stanza to grab a 48:37 advantage before the fourth quarter. Monaco cut the gap to 3 points midway through the frame but Pulman scored 4 straight points to ensure a 7-point buffer for Welsh side with 3 minutes remaining in regulation. He then added 3 more points to give Wales a 10-point lead with 34 seconds left and actually sealed the winning outcome. Daniel Pulman scored 19 points to pace Wales. Alex Kilmartin knocked down 16 points in a winning effort. Robert Rosenal answered with 14 points and 14 boards for Monaco. Maxime Varitto posted 12 points and 11 boards in a loss. Wales outrebounded their opponents 53:43 and shot 36% from the field. Monaco managed just 31% of field goals.

Wales U16: Daniel Pulman 19, Alex Kilmartin 16
Monaco U16: Robert Rosenal 14+14 boards, Maxime Varitto 12+11 boards


Moldova U16 - Gibraltar U16 85:40
Moldovan U16 National Team celebrated their third consecutive win at the European championship in Division C. They held off the hosts Gibraltar and clinched the first place in the preliminary Pool A. Moldova will now take on Wales in the semifinal battle. Gibraltar also booked the semifinal ticket despite loss. They will face Scotland in the playoffs. The start of the game was for Gibraltar. Gracia and Power drained three-pointers and the home team led 8:3 early on. But Moldova soon took over and jumped ahead to lead 15:12 after the starting frame. Gracia nailed another trey to square things up early in the second stanza but Moldova had an answer in store. They went on a 9:0 run to take a sigh of relief. Moldovan team kept the hosts at bay through the rest of the quarter and rolled to the main break ahead 34:24. Cojuhari and Mescoi dropped back-to-back trebles and Carali added 6 consecutive points for Moldova to pile up a 46:24 lead early in the third period. Moldova outgunned Gibraltar 24:2 in the third quarter and eventually drove to a comfortable victory. Denis Melniciuc poured in 21 points for Moldova. Vladimir Carali delivered 15 points and 11 caroms in a win. Brad Power replied with 10 points in defeat.

Moldova U16: Denis Melniciuc 21, Vladimir Carali 15+11 boards
Gibraltar U16: Brad Power 10


Andorra U16 - San Marino U16 93:25
Andorra U16: Pau Purroy 13, Marti Palou 12
San Marino U16: Davide Macina 7

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  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: Pasi Riihela still going strong - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Finnish ex-NT-player, F Pasi Riihela (199-F-75) has re-signed with YMCA Lappeenranta a 1-year-contract. Riihela, who came to Lappeenranta in the year 2001,
will begin his 8th season on YMCA LPR roster. Riihela has been on NT roster 66 times and has been named three times 'the Player of the Year':
1998, 2004, 2005. Last season Riihela averaged 13,8 ppg - 7,6 rpg in 30 games and 31,5 mpg. YMCA Lappeenranta's new Head Coach Jarmo
Laitinen has now one signed player on Team roster. There will be three American players and a bunch of younger Finnish players. But why did
Coach Laitinen move from Tampere to Lappeenranta? 'It was a high time to coach a new Team. This change was better both for Pyrinto (Tampere)

as well as for myself', says Coach Laitinen.



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  FRANCE   


Pro B : Edwin Jackson loaned to Nanterre - by Aurelien Hipp
*After Adrien Moerman (203-F/C-88) last season, Nanterre keeps on developping the connection with U20 players loaned by ProA teams. The team of the western parisian suburbs has signed Edwin Jackson (191-G-89), loaned by Villeurbanne for next season. Jackson is a member of the U19 2007 French NT and played 25 games this season (2.4ppg 0.6rpg 0.7apg). A pretty young team is being built in Nanterre for next season, with Etienne Plateau (187-G-86) and Arnaud Kerckhof (193-F-84) staying with the team.

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  GERMANY   


Germany defeats Poland in friendly match - by Moritz Korff

The German Men's National Team defeated Poland 76:62 in the first of two friendly matches in Halle/Westfalen Saturday. The second game will be played in Berlin Monday.
In front of 9000 fans in Halle/Westfalen the guests had the better start and were ahead 14:9 after ten minutes. Coach Dirk Bauermann used the encounter to let his complete roster play and gave five players the chance for their first ever appearance on the German National Team: Dominik Bahiense de Mello (190-G-85), Tim Ohlbrecht (211-C/F-88), Rouven Roessler (200-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports), Konrad Wysocki (202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton) and Philip Zwiener (198-F-85, agency: Court Side).
At the half Germany led 29:23. Followed by a third quarter which Poland won 22:20. In the final ten minutes Germany secured the victory.

Germany: Nowitzki (18 pts, 9 rbs), Wysocki (12 pts), Greene (11 pts, 3/5 3P), Roller (8 pts, 4 rbs), Zwiener (7 pts), Ohlbrecht (6 pts), Bahiense de Mello (5 pts), Gruenheid (4 pts), Roessler (3 pts), Geib (2 pts), Garrett, Hamann, Jagla, Schultze.

Boxscore: click



Torvoris Baker from Herten to Chemnitz - by Moritz Korff
BV Chemnitz 99 (2. Bundesliga Pro A) signed Torvoris Baker (201-F-83, college: Detroit Mercy), the 2007-08 Eurobasket.com All-German 2. Bundesliga Pro B Forward of the Year and member of the Eurobasket.com All-German 2. Bundesliga Pro B 1st Team. The native of Albany, GA, who is 25 years of age, wore the jersey of Hertener Loewen 30 times in this past season and produced some impressive stats: 18.8ppg, 11.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.7spg. In his first year in Europe, the 2006-07 season, Baker shot hoops for Neptune Cork of the Irish SuperLeague.

Salzkotten gets two new players - by Moritz Korff
The Benslips Baskets Salzkotten (Regionalliga West) added Marcus Ligons (201-F-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) to their 2008-2009 roster. The American Forward and graduate of Chadron State University (NCAA2) played for Vegesacker TV (2. Regionalliga) at the end of this past campaign and averaged 24 points in 8 games. A second newcomer to the Salzkotten roster will be Lars Ulrich (183-G-85) who suited up for VSC Donauwoerth in 2007-08. The Guard also played for TSV Noerdlingen in the 2. Bundesliga during his career.

Weber stays at BG Hagen - by Daniel Poerschke
Matthias Weber (198-F-80) stays at 1. Regionalliga West club BG Hagen one more season. The long-time 1. Bundesliga forward with Leverkusen moved to Hagen last season and will be an important player on the roster of head coach Kosta Filippou .

The Schwelmer Baskets of the 2. Bundesliga Pro B announced the signing of Engin Demircan (205-C-79) as their new back-up Power Forward. Demircan comes from TuS Meckenheim, where he spent his whole career so far.

Meanwhile the TuS Meckenheim will be coached by Dominik Seger again next season, when they will play in the 2. Regionalliga West trying to move up again to the 1. Regionalliga.

Artland adds Stueckemann to its roster - by Manuel Schust
A2 national player Flavio Stueckemann (187-G-85) signed a one-year contract with Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck.
The 23-year-old german spent the last four years with Braunschweig's youth program, playing mainly for farm team Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig. Last season he averaged 11.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game and also got some playing time for BBL team Newe Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig.

Stueckemann, who started his career with TSV Quakenbruck junior team, returns to Quakenbrueck and will play BBL and Uleb Cup with the Dragons.

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  GREECE   


Green News - by Chris Mammides
According to the official Panathinaikos Athens announcement, through its manager Mr. Manos Papadopoulos , there is not any specific target at this stage for the Green team. As he stated to a couple of Greek newspapers Panathinaikos Athens has the best feasible roster, and at the same time the most expensive ones, we do not wait for any messiahs. Whatever is announced from the Media people is a myth! The team has a specific plan and its management together with the Coaching staff has put their plans on table from the very next day of the fifth game against Olympiakos.

Utah Jazz to stop Koufos - by Chris Mammides
The Salt Lake City team is following the same tactic as with all its European members and will not give the permission to the Greek International center to participate in the Pre-Olympic tournament which will take place in Athens. According to the Greek site cotra.gr, the international Greek-American center stated 'Ill do my best to succeed in NBA. My top priority, right now, is to become the best player, which means that Ill do what Utah wants me to. Playing with the Hellenic National team is still my dream, but for the moment, my efforts to prove myself to Utah are more important for me. Its clear enough that pragmatism prevailed over the national team.

According to the newspaper 'Salt lake tribune', Utah Jazz included Kostas Koufos (213-F/C-89)s in the Utah Jazz roster for the Rocky Mountain Revue which means that between 18th-25th July the Greek-American center will be playing at the Redwood Campus and not at OAKA.

AHEPANS to play two friendly games in Athens this week - by Chris Mammides
The team of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) is on their annual tour in Greece and they will play two friendly games against Marousi and the Greek National Team U21. The Greek American Head Coach Steve Lappas , brought some really very good players who could be of interest for many Greek teams. The most known player from the specific team is Michael Bizoukas (185-G-90), De Paul freshman point guard; Bizoukas is an NCAA star who unfortunately got medical red shirted this season after diagnosed with mononucleosis shortly after arriving at De Paul last fall. Mike attempted to come back from the illness and appeared in five games for the Blue Demons before suffering a relapse in December. At that point Mike shut down his basketball activity to focus on his recovery. The last five months is absolutely fantastic and is ready to play, his hanger for the game is amazing.

Mike is happy to report that his recovery is going well as he works with Bryce in order to be able to get more time next season and prove his quality and his real worth. Bizoukas also wants to participate in the Greek U19 team and there are many people in USA saying that these two friendly games will open the eyes of many Greek scouters and managers for the young Greek American talent.
Eurobasket.com, wishes all the best to the young Greek star.

Market News - by Chris Mammides
Other Transfer news - A1.
Igor Milosevic (193-G-86), the talented Greek-Serbian point guard agreed terms with Olympiakos Piraeus for the next three years
Greek head Coach Kostas Flevarakis agreed financial terms with his ex team the Polish Polpak Swiecie.
Nikos Papanikolopoulos (193-G-79), the successful Greek guard of AEL 1964 agreed financial terms with the team of Head Coach Giannis Sferopoulos , Kolossos Rodou and will be player of the islanders for the next two years
Fanis Koumpouras (185-G-83), the Greek guard who succeed a wonderful season with Olimpia Larissas jersey is officially player of Marousi for the next three years. The player has agreed financial terms with Soulis Markopoulos team and is now an added power in the guard position for Marousi.
Giorgos Kalaitzis (195-G-76) (as Eurobasket.com, stated a month ago) has finally agreed financial terms with Panellinios for the next two years, at the same time Coach Elias Zouros extended his contract for the next three years. It is worth mentioned that Vladimir Petrovic (198-F/G-77) was the first transaction for Panellinios three weeks ago.
AEL 1964 agreed financial terms with the experienced coach Vangelis Alexandris . Alexandris was coaching Larissa in the periods 1992-1995.
Egaleo renewed financial terms with their Head Coach Skourthopoulos for the next two years.
Aris Thessalonikis agreed financial terms with the young talented Linos Chrysikopoulos (195-G-92) from the team of Faiakas Kerkyras. Furthermore, Mazzon and Nikos Vetoulas who are strategically working towards the development of the new Aris, have come to a verbal agreement with the power forward of Olympiakos, Loukas Mavrokefalides (207-C-84), if Olympiakos agrees, Loukas will be wearing the yellow jersey of Aris for the next two years.
Christos Pappas will be the new assistant Coach of Coach Aleksandar Trifunovic in Panionios. The ex assistant coach of coach Giorgos Bartzokas and Olympia Larissas agreed financial terms early this week.
Dafni Athens agreed terms with Christos Vidalis (188-G-85) and Kostas Tzialas (207-C/F-84)

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  HUNGARY   


ASE signed Nick Williams - by Tamas Deri
Regarding the website of his agency - http://www.beobasket.co.yu/page/playerMarket/sr.html?view=player&id=683 - Nick Williams (192-G-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Cincinnati) will be the new shooting guard of Atomeromu SE. The 26 years old guard, had a great season last season in our country, he averaged 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game as a player of PECS-Expo Panthers. He is the first new foreigner of ASE, but the management is working on getting some more players who can help the team a lot next season.

Zoran Kmezic is the new head coach NYKK - by Tamas Deri
The experienced 46 years old, Zoran Kmezic has been working for more than 10 years in our country already. He got the head coach of Debrecen in 1997 after Stevan Tot got fired. He used to be for 3 years the head coach of Szolnok, 2 years for Kaposvar, but the last two seasons he spent with the female team of Szolnok. Now, he will be the coach of a male team again, and his goal is to lead his team into the playoffs.

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


Fogel in Givat Shmuel Ichaki moves to Bnei - by tamar goldman
The Israeli guard Ori Ichaki (196-G-81, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: Clemson) returns to Bnei Hasharon after playing there on 2004/05 season. After Ichaki left Bnei he palyed one year in Europe (Pivovaina) and in the summer of 2006 signed with Dynamo st. Petersburg (the team was closed before the beginning of the season) and Ichaki found himself without a club. He began looking for a team, signed for a short while with Nahariya and then moved to Greece for no more than a month. Last year Ichaki had one of his best seasons in his carrier in Ramat Gan and averaged 15.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg.
The new addition to the first Div. Givat Shmuel continues to strengthen and signed the American guard Andrew Fogel (188-G-85, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mercyhurst). The 23 years old guard has an Israeli citizenship that will help the club with the Russian law that forces the teams to play with two Israelis on court at all times.

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  ITALY   


Last market news - by Gianni Pascucci
Angelico Pallacanestro Biella announced the signing of Pietro Aradori (192-G-88), with a four-year agreement. Basket Napoli announced the promotion of former Coach Assistant Maurizio Bartocci to team Head Coach for the upcoming 2007-08 season. Premiata Montegranaro announced the extension of the agreement with PG Kiwane Garris (188-G-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) for another season. The same team should announce soon the agreement with Daniele Cavaliero (189-G-84), from Air Avellino. Armani Jeans Milano inked Jobey Thomas (193-G-80, college: Charlotte) and could announce soon the signing of Yohann Sangare (193-G-83, agency: Priority Sports). In Lega 2, Cimberio Varese announced the agreement with Randolph Childress (190-G-72, college: Wake Forest).

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  MALTA   


Scotland U16 clinches the top spot in preliminary group - by Eurobasket News
Scotland U16 - Malta U16 114:25

Scottish U16 National Team thrashed Maltese counterparts to claim the top spot in the preliminary Group B of the European championship in Division C. Scotland advanced to the semifinal where they would meet hosting Gibraltar tomorrow. The game against Malta turned into a rather one-sided traffic with Scotland having an overwhelming dominance. Scotland opened the game with a stunning 20:0 run to leave Malta far behind. Gatt nailed a freebie to give Malta their first points with just over 4 minutes remaining in the first period. Scotland enjoyed a 23:5 advantage at the first intermission. Fraser opened the second frame with 8 points in a row to give Scottish side an unassailable lead. They drove to a 52:13 lead at halftime. Fraser added 4 unanswered points to tip off the second half. Scotland went on a 15:2 run and never looked back afterwards. Alasdair Fraser knocked down 20 points to lead Scottish side. Bryan Munnoch had 17 points, while Jonathan Bunyan and Cameron Buchan delivered 15 points apiece for the winners. David Bugeja answered with 9 points for Malta. Maltese team takes on San Marino in the lower playoffs tomorrow.

Scotland U16: Alasdair Fraser 20, Bryan Munnoch 17
Malta U16: David Bugeja 9

*****************************************************
  MOLDOVA   


Moldova U16 keeps record spotless in Gibraltar - by Eurobasket News
Moldova U16 - Gibraltar U16 85:40

Moldovan U16 National Team celebrated their third consecutive win at the European championship in Division C. They held off the hosts Gibraltar and clinched the first place in the preliminary Pool A. Moldova will now take on Wales in the semifinal battle. Gibraltar also booked the semifinal ticket despite loss. They will face Scotland in the playoffs. The start of the game was for Gibraltar. Gracia and Power drained three-pointers and the home team led 8:3 early on. But Moldova soon took over and jumped ahead to lead 15:12 after the starting frame. Gracia nailed another trey to square things up early in the second stanza but Moldova had an answer in store. They went on a 9:0 run to take a sigh of relief. Moldovan team kept the hosts at bay through the rest of the quarter and rolled to the main break ahead 34:24. Cojuhari and Mescoi dropped back-to-back trebles and Carali added 6 consecutive points for Moldova to pile up a 46:24 lead early in the third period. Moldova outgunned Gibraltar 24:2 in the third quarter and eventually drove to a comfortable victory. Denis Melniciuc poured in 21 points for Moldova. Vladimir Carali delivered 15 points and 11 caroms in a win. Brad Power replied with 10 points in defeat.

Moldova U16: Denis Melniciuc 21, Vladimir Carali 15+11 boards
Gibraltar U16: Brad Power 10

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  MONTENEGRO   


Montenegrin National Team 2008 - by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Jeretin


Mijatovic


Koljevic


Cook


Scepanovic
Goran Jeretin (192-G-79) of ALBA Berlin (GER)
Nenad Mijatovic (194-G-87) of BC Kyiv (UKR)
Ivan Koljevic (186-G-84) of Ural Great Perm (RUS)
Omar Cook (186-G-82) of Unicaja Malaga (ESP)
Vlado Scepanovic (198-G-75) of CB Granada (ESP)
Nebojsa Bogavac (199-G-73) of Le Mans Sarthe Basket (FRA)
Boris Bakic (195-G-86) of KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd (SRB)
Bojan Bakic (197-G-83) of Costa Cafe Marousi (GRE)
Vujadin Subotic (198-G-81) of KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd (SRB)
Aleksandar Pavlovic (200-F-83) of Cleveland Cavaliers (USA)
Suad Sehovic (198-G-87) of Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo (BIH)
Zarko Cabarkapa (211-F/C-81) of Golden State Warriors (USA)
Milos Borisov (201-F-85) of KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac (SRB)
Vladimir Dasic (209-F-88) of BC Buducnost Podgorica
Milko Bjelica (207-C-84) of Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (LTU)
Goran Nikolic (205-C-76) of ALBA Berlin (GER)
Blagota Sekulic (209-F/C-82) of Real Madrid (ESP)
Ivan Ivanovic (205-F-80) of Vojvodina Srbija Gas Novi Sad (SRB)
Ivan Maras (209-C-86) of BC Buducnost Podgorica
Predrag Drobnjak (212-F/C-75) of Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul (TUR)
Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86) of Panathinaikos Athens (GRE)
Vladimir Golubovic (212-C-86) of Vojvodina Srbija Gas Novi Sad (SRB)
Slavko Vranes (229-C-83) of BC Partizan Igokea Beograd (SRB)
Djuro Ostojic (211-C-76) of Panellinios Athens (GRE)
Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84) of Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (UKR)
Head coach: Dusko Vujosevic

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  NBA   


Beasley arrived in Miami - by Eurobasket News
The NBA Draft is over, but the passion for the new players and their acclimation in new teams is hot news now. Michael Beasley (6'9''-F-89) arrived in Miami one night after his new team used the number two pick in the NBA draft on the scoring machine who left Kansas State after averaging 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds. Miami is doing all it can help Beasley acclimate to South Beach, one of the hottest of America's hotspots. Beasley was to stay in Miami on Friday night, fly home to Washington on Saturday, then return on Monday to get to work. The Heat open training camp for their summer-league team on Wednesday.
Meanwhile Robert Horry (6'10''-F-70, college: Alabama) decided to spend at least one more year in NBA. San Antonio Spurs forward is set to become a free agent July 1. Horry averaged 2.5 points a game last season, 1.5 during the playoffs. Horry would like to return to the Spurs, where he spent the last five seasons. If that's not possible, then he would like to go to the Houston Rockets, where he played his first four seasons.
The Utah Jazz made a qualifying offer to shooting guard C.J. Miles (6'6''-G-87). The Jazz had until Monday to make an offer to C.J. Miles, who is a restricted free agent and can receive offers from other teams starting Tuesday. Terms of the offer were not released. The Jazz will have the right to match any offers to C.J. Miles.

*****************************************************
  NCAA1   


Goodbye Georgia: Humphrey dimissed from Bulldogs - by Kevin Cochran
Georgia has dismissed starting guard Billy Humphrey (6'2''-G-87) from their team after he was arrested for the third time in less than a year. The 20 year old was charged with DUI, failure to maintain his lane, and the underage purchase of alcohol after his arrest Tuesday. Earlier, Humphrey was arrested for possession of alcohol by a minor, and was suspended for one game after a weapons arrest on campus. He averaged 12.2 points per game, second-best among all Bulldogs, and 3.5 rebounds. His 37 percent shooting from 3-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line were tops on the team.

Please, please, please, I am begging you not to do this,' Humphrey told a police officer when he was arrested, according to the police report. 'You will ruin my career.'

'I am disappointed in Billy,' coach Dennis Felton said. 'We've worked really hard with him in the past to see that he succeeds, but I feel that it's now best for our program to move forward without him.'

O'Shea to lead Bryant into Division I - by Kevin Cochran

Bryant has named Tim O'Shea, the seven-year head coach at Ohio, as their new head men's basketball coach. Formerly an assistant at Rhode Island and Boston College, O'Shea was introduced as the Bulldogs' new head coach at a press conference held by Director of Athletics Bill Smith and Bryant President Ronald K. Machtley. O'Shea becomes the seventh Bryant coach in school history and only the third since 1989-90.

O'Shea replaces Max Good , who stepped down after seven seasons to join Bill Bayno's staff at Loyola Marymount. Good posted a 132-86 overall record at Bryant and led the Bulldogs to five-consecutive NCAA tournaments including a run to the 2005 Division II championship game. Bryant was 18-13 last season, and earned their fifth consecutive berth in the NCAA Division II tournament.

The Bulldogs will begin transitioning to Division I this fall. At the conclusion of the four-year transition period, Bryant will become an official member of the Northeast Conference.


'This is a tremendous day for Bryant,' said Smith. 'We are thrilled to have a coach that brings a great amount of respect throughout the country to lead our program into Division I. Tim is an outstanding coach who has enjoyed success everywhere he has been, not only in terms of wins, but in graduating student-athletes. It's a great day for the Bulldog Family.'

In seven seasons at Ohio, O'Shea was the architect of a Bobcat program that made an impact within the MAC and on the national stage. In the last four seasons alone, O'Shea's Bobcats compiled 79 wins, captured a MAC title and were named college basketball's 'It' team by ESPN.com. He was 120-95 during his tenure at Ohio including wins over North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland. Last year, Ohio posted a 20-13 record and reached the second round of the College Basketball Invitational (CBI).


Courtesy: Bryant University



Groce named head coach at Ohio - by Kevin Cochran
After 14 years as an assistant coach, John Groce is getting the chance to lead his own program. Ohio has named Groce as their new head coach after a successful run at Ohio St.. He replaces Tim O'Shea who took the head coaching job at Bryant.

Groce has spent the past four seasons as the top assistant at Ohio St. and has also been an assistant at Butler, Xavier, NC State, and Taylor. His teams have earned 13 post season bids, including a Final Four, two Elite Eights, a National Invitation Tournament championship and multiple conference titles.

'I am very grateful for the opportunity to be the head coach at Ohio University,' Groce said. 'I appreciate the board of trustees, Dr. McDavis and Jim Schaus affording me and my family the chance to be part of the Bobcat community. We look forward to the transition and are very excited about the opportunity we have to positively impact the basketball program, the University and the Athens community at large.'

'What a great day for Bobcat athletics,' Schaus said. 'John Groce has long been considered one of the top assistant coaches in the country, and has been renowned for both his recruiting successes and offensive expertise. He has won everywhere he has been, he has coached for programs at the highest level and he has worked under some of the top coaches in the country. John presented the best vision and answers to my questions.'

'It will be an easy transition for the Bobcat Nation to rally around his experience, vision and energy,' Schaus said. 'The future is bright for Bobcat men's basketball under John's leadership!'

Duquesne extends Everhart through 2014 - by Kevin Cochran
Ron Everhart inherited one of the worst programs in Division I, then endured the shooting of five players only two months before his first season at Duquesne. After posting the Dukes first winning season in more than a decade, the school has extended his contract through the 2013-14 season.

'I'm fortunate to be part of a program here at Duquesne that has been given a strong commitment for excellence by the administration,' Everhart said. 'We have a commitment that allows us to compete at the highest level of the Atlantic 10.'

Everhart came to Duquesne from Northeastern, and has proceeded to upgrade the talent level on the roster with strong recruiting. Highly sought European swingman Aleksandar Milovic (6'7''-F-87), Connecticut high school player of the year B.J. Monteiro, and former Louisville signee Melquan Bolding are among the Dukes recent additions. He also developed transfer Shawn James (6'10''-F/C-83), who left school early and has already signed with Bnei Hasharon of Israel's Premier League.

Everhart rebuilt the roster after arriving, adding 12 new players for his first season. He'll be facing a similar task this offseason, but the Fairmont, WV native is happy to be at Duquesne.

'Being close to home means a lot to me and my family,' he says.

Everhart has also rounded out his coaching staff, adding Steve Hall and Scott Rigot to his bench. Hall coached incoming freshmen Eric Evans and Shawntez Patterson last season at Detroit's Northwestern High School.

Georgia's Humphrey dismissed following arrest - by Kyle Stefan


Georgia's Humphrey dismissed following arrest - by Kyle Stefan


Transfer Updates: Jasper, Johnson find new schools - by Kevin Cochran

Two high profile transfers have found new schools for the 2009-2010 season.

Former Kentucky swingman Derrick Jasper (6'6''-G-88) told the Las Vegas Sun that he intends to transfer to UNLV. During a weekend visit, Jasper committed to coach Lon Kruger , saying 'It seems like a great fit for me.'

Jasper left Kentucky in May, citing a desire to play closer to his family in California. The UNLV campus is about six hours from his hometown of Paso Robles, Calif. Jasper averaged 4.2 points and 5.5 rebounds as a sophomore at Kentucky, but was limiited to 20 games after knee surgery.

Former Iowa St. forward Wesley Johnson (6'7''-F-87) also has a new team: Syracuse. Johnson picked the Orange over Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Ohio St.. Johnson averaged 12.4 points last year for Iowa St. before leaving the Cyclones due to issues with coach Greg McDermott . He plans to enroll at Syracuse in time for summer school classes.

Both players will sit out the 2008-09 season and will have two years of eligibility.



Williams will not play for Long Beach; heads to Oregon State - by Kevin Cochran
Providence transfer Dwain Williams (6'0''-G-87) took a rather circuitous route to Oregon St., where he's now enrolled.

Williams, who averaged 11 points per game last season for the Friars, had signed with Long Beach St. about a week before winding up in Corvallis.

Williams told the 49ers there had been a 'miscommunication,' the Long Beach St. sports information office said.

New Beavers coach Craig Robinson was aware of Williams. Robinson coached at Brown last season; Brown also is located in Providence, R.I., and the teams played each other Dec. 9. Robinson was linked to the Providence job after Tim Welsh was fired, but the Friars went with Drake's Keno Davis and Robinson landed at Oregon St..

'We are excited to have a player of Dwain's caliber come to Oregon St.,' Robinson said. 'I had an opportunity to coach against him at Brown, and I came away very impressed. He's a talented guard and the type of player who can provide an immediate impact and can help us build as a program.'

In a release from Long Beach St., apparently put out before the 'miscommunication,' Williams was quoted as saying, 'I felt that Long Beach was the best place to go in that league. It's close to my mother and I have a single parent, raising five kids on her own. To come back home and be near my family and help put Long Beach on the map were the main reasons I chose Long Beach St.. Coach (Dan) Monson and the coaching staff are a good group of guys and good recruiters. They told me I'll have an opportunity to come in and be a leader on the team and bring my 'A' game every night and to practice every day and bring leadership. They were really real. Everything was up front. They are a good group of guys, and my mom loved them.'

Williams will have two years of eligibility remaining when he takes the court again in 2009-10.

Courtesy: Rivals.com


Millsap moves to Birmingham - by Kevin Cochran
Former Louisiana-Lafayette standout Elijah Millsap (6'5''-G-87) has signed a scholarship and will transfer to UAB, announced Blazers' head coach Mike Davis. Millsap, who will sit out a year as an NCAA Division I transfer, will be eligible to play in 2009-10.

'Elijah is a talented player who will be able to step on the court and help us immediately,' Davis said. 'He has an uncanny ability to score and is a very sound all-around player. Even though he cannot play next season, he will still help us in practice and make our team better. I am very excited to have Elijah join the UAB basketball family. This is an outstanding addition to our team and the fans are going to enjoy watching him play.'

Millsap, who is the younger brother of former Louisiana Tech star and current member of the Utah Jazz, Paul Millsap (6'7''-F-85, college: Louisiana Tech), had an impressive two seasons while with the Ragin' Cajuns. While there, he played in 53 contests, made 40 starts and led the team in rebounds and steals over the two-year span.

As a freshman, the 6-6, 211-pound swingman averaged 12.4 points and a team-best 7.3 rebounds per game on his way to being tabbed the 2007 Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year. Millsap also shot 45.5 percent from the floor and led the team with 30 steals on the campaign.

Last season, Millsap battled nagging injuries throughout the season, but managed to lead the team in rebounding (5.4 rpg) and steals (44) for a second straight season, while also finishing second on the team in scoring (9.4 ppg).

When UAB snuck out with a 78-72 overtime victory at UL-Lafayette last season (Nov. 27, 2007), the Blazers had a lot of problems trying to contain Millsap. In that contest, Millsap connected on 10-of-22 shots from the floor and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc to finish with a career-high 26 points and five rebounds in a losing effort.

Millsap was a highly-rated prospect out of Grambling HS in Grambling, La., as he was tabbed the Louisiana Class A MVP during his senior season. That year, Millsap averaged a staggering 29.8 points and 14.5 rebounds per game on his way to first-team all-state and all-district accolades.

Despite not being able to suit up for the Blazers in 2008-09, Millsap will be allowed to practice with the team.

Courtesy: NCAA.com

Carlwell headed to San Diego - by Kevin Cochran
Brian Carlwell (6'11''-C), the Illinois player injured in an auto accident in February 2007 in which teammate Jamar Smith eventually pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI, has transferred to San Diego St.. Carlwell, a 6-11 center, is a former four-star prospect.

He left the Illini in February after a November knee injury kept him on the bench. He played in only 29 games at Illinois due to the knee injury and a concussion from the accident with Smith, and will have two seasons to play with the Aztecs.


Courtesy: Rivals.com

Lawrence to leave Mizzou - by Kevin Cochran

Missouri guard Keon Lawrence (6'2''-G) has been granted permission to seek a transfer, according to state media reports.

Coach Mike Anderson said Friday that the school had granted a release to Lawrence, a 6-foot-2 guard who would have been entering his junior season, according to the Kansas City Star.

'The well-being of our student-athletes is always a chief concern for us, and with that, I have always wanted my players to be happy,' Anderson said, according to the Star.

Lawrence indicated that he has not been happy at Missouri, according to the Columbia Daily Tribune.

'It's not my teammates, and it's not the fans. That should tell you something,' Lawrence said, according to the Daily Tribune. 'I definitely don't think this time I'm changing my mind. At this point, I just can't.'

Later on Friday, Lawrence, of Newark, N.J., said 'I need to be closer to home' and declined to answer follow-up questions, according to the Star.

Lawrence was recruited by former Mizzou coach Quin Snyder. When Snyder left, Anderson talked Lawrence into staying. And when Lawrence wanted to leave during last season after being demoted from the starting lineup, Anderson again convinced Lawrence to stay on.

'I just felt that it would be bad timing,' Lawrence said about the possibility of leaving during the season, according to the Daily Tribune. 'I didn't want to bail out on the team like that.'

This time, there was no talking Lawrence out of leaving.

'I feel by granting Keon his release it's in the best interest of both him and our program. We appreciate Keon's efforts at Missouri and wish him nothing but the best,' Anderson said, according to the Star.

Under NCAA rules, Lawrence would have to sit out a year at another Division I school but then would have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Courtesy: Eurobasket news services



Davidson gives McKillop extension - by Kevin Cochran
Davidson coach Bob McKillop has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him at the school through 2016.

'We are absolutely thrilled to have reached an agreement with Coach McKillop that will enable him to remain at Davidson for at least eight more years, said Davidson President Tom Ross. After 19 years at Davidson, it is clear to everyone that Coach McKillop is one of the nations premier basketball coaches. At Davidson, we know that he is also an outstanding leader of young men and an ideal representative of Davidson, a college of excellence, both academically and athletically.'

McKillop will enter his 20th season at the helm of the Wildcat basketball program and led Davidson to a 29-7 overall record and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional Final last season. The Wildcats went undefeated in Southern Conference (SoCon) action for the third time under McKillop, posting a 20-0 mark, and have won 30 consecutive regular-season Southern Conference games.

Davidson also posted 25-game win streak in 2007-08, which was the longest in the nation. McKillop was named the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Coach of the Year and was given the Coach Clair Bee Award, which honors a Division I mens basketball coach, who through his actions on and off the court, makes an outstanding contribution to the sport of college basketball.

'I'd like to thank Tom Ross, the Davidson College community, my staff, all of my players and my family for giving me the opportunity to continue my commitment to Davidson, said McKillop. Commitment has been the foundation of what we have accomplished, and this clearly strengthens the foundation.'

McKillop owns a career record of 340-225 overall (.601 winning percentage) with the Wildcats, and Davidson has recorded a 58-12 mark in the last two seasons. He is also the head coach of USA Basketball's under 18 national team.


Courtesy: Davidson media relations

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  NEW ZEALAND   


Horvath gets nod - by Eurobasket News
Wellington Saints centre Nick Horvath (208-F/C-81, college: Duke) has won the hotly contested naturalized spot on the NZ Tall Blacks roster for their last-ditch bid to qualify for the Beijing Olympics. Coach Nenad Vucinic has opted for Horvath over incumbent Casey Frank (203-F-77, college: N.Arizona) as the national mens team heads to Europe for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens next month. This decision was not made on form, says Vucinic. We looked at the composition of the team and felt we needed more cover for the centre position we had the four spot covered. As far as we are concerned, Casey is still a Tall Black he is just unlucky this time.
Frank scooped the forward awards in this years Dominion Finance NBL and was named Kiwi MVP after averaging 21.6 points and 8.5 rebounds for the Auckland Stars. He and Horvath, who obtained NZ citizenship in April, were both named in the All-Star. Horvath, a former Duke University captain, averaged 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds for the Saints, then 28.0 points in their finals loss to Waikato Pistons. After their 57-94 loss to Australian in Melbourne last night, the Tall Blacks will pick up star shooter Kirk Penney in Toronto for the Jack Donohue International Classic against Canada and Lebanon.
Courtesy of: www.basketball.org.nz

The Boomers sweep Al Ramsay Shield series - by Eurobasket News
Australia - New Zealand 94:57

The Australian National Team celebrated the second straight win over New Zealand to sweep Al Ramsay Shield friendly series. After beating the Tall Blacks in Auckland the Boomers repeated the trick at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne yesterday. Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) came up with 18 points including 5/6 from beyond the arc for Australia. David Barlow (205-F-83, college: Metro St.) contributed 17 points in a winning case. The Kiwis got to a flying start and three-pointers from Pero Cameron (199-F-74, agency: Duran International) and Lindsay Tait (194-G-82) put them in charge 11:2 early on. Michael Fitchett added another trey to keep things going New Zealand way as the Tall Blacks led 14:5. They remained in front after one quarter of action 16:13. However the full-court pressure forced the Kiwis to too many turnovers early in the second period. The Boomers capitalize as they posted a massive 20:5 rally to grab a 33:21 advantage midway through the frame. David Barlow completed his 13-point first half tally and Australia appeared leading by as many as 22 points at halftime. Aussies opened the third frame with an 8:2 run to leave all doubts about the outcome behind. The hosts stretched the lead to 70:38 before the fourth term. New Zealand never recovered suffering another loss to the Boomers. Shawn Redhage (202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) scored 13 points and Joe Ingles had 10 for the winners. Lindsay Tait answered with 14 points for the Tall Blacks. Pero Cameron nailed 9 points in a losing effort. The home team shot 48% from the field, while limiting the Tall Blacks to just 32%. They also forced the visitors to 20 turnovers. The Tall Blacks will now head to Canada for the Jack Donohue International Classic. There they will play two games against Canada and one versus Lebanon. The Boomers will depart to Europe for a 5-game tour. They will play against Croatia in three-game series before taking on Greece and Brazil.

Australia: Mark Worthington 18, David Barlow 17, Shawn Redhage 13
New Zealand: Lindsay Tait 14, Pero Cameron 9

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  NIGERIA   


Kaduna, Kano rules Savannah Conference .At Nestle Milo School Championship - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The Kaduna state female team, Queen Amina College, Kaduna, and their Kano state male counterparts, Army Day Secondary School, Bukavu, have both qualify for the grand

finale of the 2008 Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship.

In the Savannah conference finals decided recently at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. Both teams came top to book a place in the finals billed for Lagos later this year.

The Queen Amina College girls from Kaduna, who were the Savannah conferences defending champions, outclassed their opponents from Ahmadiyya College, Kano in all departments of the game.

They showed better dribbling skills and effectively utilized their heights to make more baskets winning the conference final by 38-30 points.

The boys final between Army Day Secondary School, Kano and Al Huda-Huda College, Zaria, was keenly contested.

The Kano boys backed by their teeming home supporters managed a close win of 43-40 points to bring the match to a befitting end.

National coordinator of the championships Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) praised the high standard of play exhibited by the players.

Ahmedu a member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF said the national finals slated for Lagos later in the year promises to be electrifying.

Enugu State will host the Equatorial conference which gets underway today (Sunday) through 4 July, while Asaba will host the Atlantic conference from July 5 to 9.

Ibadan will host the last conference finals, the Western conference from July 10 to 13.

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  POLAND   


Changes in Anwil and Czarni - by Michal Falkowski
Anwil Wloclawek is continuing completing its roster. After the strenghtening of Milos Paravinja (212-C/F-79, agency: Interperformances), Anwil came to an agreement with Paul Miller (208-C-82, college: Wichita St.). Both sides have signatured one-year-deal.
Miller is 26-year-old American center who is graduated from Wichita State. He spent there full four seasons, averaging in the last one 13.0 ppg., 6.6 rpg. and 1.2 apg. For the 2006-2007 season he bound with Eisbaeren Bremerhaven after some failure experiences in Polpak Swiecie, New York Knicks and Daegu Orions. Last season he played in Poland for SPEC Polonia Warsaw 11.6 ppg., 6.7 rpg. and 1.1 bpg.
It is worth adding Anwil has already eight players under contract: Andrzej Pluta (182-G-74, agency: Court Side), Lukasz Koszarek (187-G-84), Bartlomiej Woloszyn (197-F-86), Marek Piechowicz (201-G/F-88), Michal Gabinski (202-F-87), Kamil Michalski (183-G-87), Paravinja and just Miller.

Energa Czarni Slupsk is still collecting Polish players. After having sealed deals with Pawel Leonczyk (202-F-86, agency: Promotex) and Lukasz Ratajczak (201-F-86), the board announced the agreement with Pawel Malesa (198-F-85, college: Chipola J7.4ppg, C). This 23-year-old Polish can play as shooting guard or small forward. Last two seasons he performed in Canisius College jersey in NCAA. Last time he was averaging 5.6 ppg. and 1.6 rpg. in 28 games.
Moreover the headcoach of the team, Andrei Podkovyrov made some decisions about previous players future. Only three: Piotr Szczotka (197-F-81), Omar Barlett (203-F-80, college: Jacksonville St.) and Mantas Cesnauskis (188-G-81, agency: LimeLight) were approved by the coach and the club will be negotiating with these basketballers. Besides, Szczotka got offers from Turow Zgorzelec and Znicz Jaroslaw.

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  PORTUGAL   


Vitoria strikes again - by Luis Rocha
Vitoria is working hard and fast constructing their roster for 2008-2009. After Sergio Correia (197-F-85), now its time for Fernando Neves (194-F-80) to go to Guimares. Neves used to play for Ovarense, and was a product of Sangalhos 'production factory'. Strong group is been gathering by Vitoria, now it seems that they only need to find 3 foreign players to close the roster, it seems that the team is on the market for 1 guard and 2 centers.

Porto has a new coach - by Luis Rocha
Regarding next season, Porto decide to change things in the coach position. After 2 seasons with Alberto Babo, now they promoted Julio Matos (former assistant) to the job of head coach. Matos has a past of many years in Porto first as a player then as a coach. He coached youngsters there and for some years we was an assistant coach who worked with any new coach that arrives. Now its time for him to step up to the top, and carries Porto to the title, though task, but certaily worth taking.

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  PUERTO RICO   


Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
Finals
1. Arecibo 4-3
2. Carolina 3-4
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


Arecibo Captains are the 2008 Champions - by Luis Ramirez
With everything on the line both Carolina and Arecibo went into the 7 game of the finals looking to see who would crown themselves Champions for the 2008 season. Both teams came out with a lot of intensity conscious that there would be no tomorrow. The first 4 minutes were played to a tie 11 all giving an early indication that the game would be tight down to the wire. With 7 seconds left in the quarter Filiberto Rivera (187-G-82, college: UTEP) was fouled and he went to the line and sank the two free throws to give Carolina the advantage 27-25 in the quarter. In the 2nd quarter the Giants came out with a 5-2 run 32-27 and Arecibo immediately called a time out. After this time out Arecibo seemed to come out with a more offensive mind and Bobby Joe Hatton gave the Arecibo Captains the spark that had been missing up to that point, the Captain then had a rally of 7-0 to tie the game at 36 with 4:57 to go in the quarter. The 1st half came to an end with the Captains leading 52-48. In the 3rd quarter the Giants came out with two consecutive 3 pointers to force Arecibo to immediately take a time out. The rest of the quarter saw both teams try to extend a lead but they played out that 3rd quarter to a 25 point tie leaving the Captains with the 4 point lead they had obtained at the 1st half. In the 4th quarter once again the game seemed to be heading to a possible overtime period, but with just 13 seconds left in the game and with a chance to tie the game Filiberto Rivera missed a layup and Arecibo took possession of the ball, the Giants had no other recourse than to foul and this sent the Captains to the line to seal the win. For Arecibo, Angel Figueroa (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Dowling) had an MVP night as he scored 33 points and captured 21 rebounds, he was followed by Bobby Joe Hatton with 20 points. For Carolina, Filiberto Rivera scored 32 points followed by Ebi Ere with 19 points.

This championship was specially sweet for the Captains as they played this 7th game without the services of Rodney White and Karel Rosario who were suspended by the League for having participated in an after game altercation with Giant Player Angelo Reyes after the 6th game of the series.

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  SCOTLAND   


Scotland U16 clinches the top spot in preliminary group - by Eurobasket News
Scotland U16 - Malta U16 114:25

Scottish U16 National Team thrashed Maltese counterparts to claim the top spot in the preliminary Group B of the European championship in Division C. Scotland advanced to the semifinal where they would meet hosting Gibraltar tomorrow. The game against Malta turned into a rather one-sided traffic with Scotland having an overwhelming dominance. Scotland opened the game with a stunning 20:0 run to leave Malta far behind. Gatt nailed a freebie to give Malta their first points with just over 4 minutes remaining in the first period. Scotland enjoyed a 23:5 advantage at the first intermission. Fraser opened the second frame with 8 points in a row to give Scottish side an unassailable lead. They drove to a 52:13 lead at halftime. Fraser added 4 unanswered points to tip off the second half. Scotland went on a 15:2 run and never looked back afterwards. Alasdair Fraser knocked down 20 points to lead Scottish side. Bryan Munnoch had 17 points, while Jonathan Bunyan and Cameron Buchan delivered 15 points apiece for the winners. David Bugeja answered with 9 points for Malta. Maltese team takes on San Marino in the lower playoffs tomorrow.

Scotland U16: Alasdair Fraser 20, Bryan Munnoch 17
Malta U16: David Bugeja 9

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  SERBIA   


Avdalovic continues rehabilitation in Serbia - by Zoran Popovic
Playmaker of Pamesa Valencia Vule Avdalovic (189-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) will continue rehabilitation in Serbia. Spanish team expects that Serbian player will be ready for the training proccess August 11th and for preparation for the new season. Last season Avdalovic got knee injured, but Managament of Pamesa Valencia Valensia was very satisfied with his games in previous seasons and desides to extend cotract with him.

Avdalovic came in Valencia in season 2005-2006 and scored 13.5Pts, 1.8Reb, 3.8Ast, in season 2006-2007 he scored 13.4Pts, 1.2Reb, 3.0Ast per game. Before injury in season 2007-2008 Avdalovic scored 7.5Pts, 1.5Reb, 1.8Ast per game.

Vladimir Golubovic in Pacers summer camp - by Zoran Popovic
Vladimir Golubovic (212-C-86) is invited in Indiana Pacers summer camp. Although he`s not chosen on Draft, he will get new chance during the summer league. Vladimir Golubovic was mentioned as a new acquisition of Partizan. In his last season for Vojvodina Srbija Gas Novi Sad Golubovic scored 13.3Pts and 8.7Reb per game.
He was member of Serbia and Montenegro U18 National team 2004 and U20 National Team 2005 and 2006. He won Bronze medal with Serbia and Montenegro U20 on European Championship.

Vinko Bakic and Aleksandar Subara in Vizura - by Zoran Popovic
Vinko Bakic is new head coach of Vizura Beograd Last three seasons Bakic was head coach of Partizan II Beograd 2005-2007 and Partizan II Beograd jurior team 2007-2008. Also in the next season Aleksandar Subara (182-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) will be new Director of Vizura Beograd
Subara in his career played for Mirijevo 1998-1999, KK Beobanka Beograd 1999-2000, BKK Radnicki Beograd 2000-2002, KK Sinalco Spartak Subotica and TEC Spirou Charleroi 2002-2003, OKK Beograd 2003-2005, Khimik-OPZ Yuzny 2005-2006, Panionios ON Telecoms Athens and BC Igokea Partizan Aleksandrovac 2007. As a player he retired in February 2008.

Igor Milosevic inks for Olympiakos - by Zoran Popovic
Young Serbian-Greek playmaker Igor Milosevic (193-G-86) leave KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd and join small Serbian colony in Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (Milos Teodosic and Zoran Erceg). Milosevic signed contract on two years. In the next season he will got extremely strong competition on his position in Theodoras Papaloukas and Milos Teodosic.

He start professional career in Greece and played for Iraklis Thessaloniki Thessaloniki 2003-2005 and continue in KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd 2005-2008. He got serious injury at the end season 2007. With KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd he won National Cup 2006.

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  SLOVENIA   


Real target Brezec, Pavic moves to Zadar, Anwil adds Paravinja - by Zeljko Zule

Former NT member Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) ex Toronto Raptors is negotiating with Real Madrid.

Smiljan Pavic (210-F/C-80, agency: VTBM/SRBM) ex ASK Riga inked with Croatian champions Zadar till June 2010.

Geoplin Slovan inked Andrej Macek (183-G-83) ex Zlatorog.
Ljubo Samadan (208-C/F-83) has left Geoplin Slovan to join Cedevita for two seasons.

Milos Paravinja (212-C/F-79, agency: Interperformances) ex Livorno join Anwil Wloclavek for the upcoming season.



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  SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Brazil defeats Venezuela twice in Rio - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- The Senior NT of Venezuela lost both friendly matches played at Maracanazinho Arena in Rio de Janeiro against the Senior 'A' NT of Brazil, the first with a final scoreboard of 97-69 and the second one finishing 84-61, in preparation for the South American Championship, which starts next Tuesday in Puerto Montt, Chile.

In the first game, Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85) netted 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to guide the hosts to a comfortable win. He got help from Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75) with 17 points and Fulvio with 10 points. For Venezuela, former NBA player Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76) scored 12 points, Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) added 11 points and both Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85) and Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) finished up with 10 points.

The second game was more of a fight among two equals, at least during the first couple of quarters, but Venezuela's attack got fried and Brazil got control of things. For Brazil, Marcelo Marcelinho Huertas (191-G-83) netted 16 points, Marcelinho Machado added 13 and Jonathan Tavernari (185-G-87) finished up with 12. For Venezuela, Oscar Torres scored 19 points and Roque Osorio (206-C-76) ended up with 10.

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  SPAIN   


Weekend signings - by Natxo Mendaza
Several interesting moves in ACB teams this weekend; Unicaja Malaga confirmed that Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) will play in Malaga the next two seasons. Cook, coming from Red Star, keeps an option to break the deal in case any NBA franchise makes him an offer before July, 10th. Meanwhile, the Spanish team keeps working on extending the contracts of domestic players Berni Rodriguez and Carlos Cabezas, although the negotiations seem to be in a 'standby' mode.

DKV Joventut also officialized the signing of Serbian forward Luka Bogdanovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket), last year in Le Mans. Bogdanovic signed a 2-years deal with the ULEB Cup champion, who could be very close to add Simas Jasaitis too, as TAU Ceramica, his former team, won't exercise the right to extend his contract for another season.

The next ones to be confirmed should be Marcelo Marcelinho Huertas (191-G-83, agency: Edge Sports) and Salvador Guardia (205-F-74), both in Bilbao Basket. The Basque team made official offers to both, but they will need to wait for 10 days to sign the definitive deal, as DKV Joventut and Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada have the right to even the offer to keep Huertas and Guardia, respectively.

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  TANZANIA   


Dar, Mombasa through to semis - by Carlos Pereira
By Faustine Feliciane

Dar es Salaam and Mombasa men`s teams yesterday qualified for the semi finals in the on going Africa Zone V Inter-Cities Basketball tourney.
Mombasa went through after hitting Kampala City Council (KCC) 63-46 in the match played at Dar es Salaam`s Indoor Stadium yesterday.
The Kenyan side were ahead 31-9 until the half time with Dan Foster who scored 18 points and Nelson Njau (16) emerging the top scorers.
The highest scorers for KCC were Akita Helbert (12) and Ssentongo Brain (11).
Dar es Salaam went through after winning all their three games.
They defeated Mombasa 69-59 in their last match played on Thursday evening.
The hosts were yesterday evening expected to play Mbeya in a formality tie.
Other two teams which will join Dar es Salaam and Mombasa in the semis will be known today after the morning matches.
In another development, Mwanza hit Arusha 80-44 in the men`s match played yesterday.
The regional championship will end today.

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  TURKEY   


Turkey Takes 5th Place in Douai - by Serdar Ortakuyu
Turkish U18 defeated Israel in overtime by 1 in the last game of the annual Douai Tournament and took the fifth place. After losing its scorer Can Maxim Mutaf (193-G-91) to injury in the opener against Germany, Turkey failed to snap up a victory untill he recovered and hit 23 and 22 against Lithuania and Israel respectively. During the games Turkey registered 2 wins and 3 losses unlike the previous years. Next month Turkey will take place in U18 European Championship in Greece.

Game 1: Germany - Turkey: 73-69
Game 2: Turkey - South Africa: 64-69
Game 3: France - Turkey: 72-53
Game 4: Turkey - Lithuania: 94-89
Game 5: Israel - Turkey: 89-99

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Elegar works out with 76ers - by David Edole
Frank Elegar has racked up a plethora of frequent flyer miles working out for numerous NBA teams in preparation for the 2008 NBA Draft.
But on June 24 he found himself right at home at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, working out for the 76ers.
'It's a good feeling,' Elegar told reporters after being asked his feelings about working out for the local team. 'I've been traveling around the country late and it just feels good to be home in Philly.'
Elegar, who established himself in the mid-major Colonial Athletic Association, got an opportunity to showcase his skills along with a pair of likely first-round draft picks: power forward Darrell Arthur of Kansas and center Alexis Ajinca, a native of France.
'Playing against guys like that shows you where you stand as a player and how much room [there is] to get better,' Elegar said.
Elegar participated in a variety of drills including shooting mid-range jumpers and free throws, posting up and defending the post and running the floor and finishing at the rim with Sixers President GM Ed Stefanski and head coach Maurice Cheeks amongst those in attendance.
'[I wanted to show] my ability to shoot the 15-to-18 foot mid-range jumper, my athleticism and my length and my quickness,' he said.
The 6-foot-9 forward, who also worked out with NBA franchises in Houston, New Orleans, Portland and Washington D.C. is unsure whether his name will be called on June 26.
'I don't know, it's a wait and see process,' Elegar said. 'Hopefully I hear good things come Thursday night.'
But regardless of whether or not he does get drafted, Elegar believes he will eventually get a contract with a professional team, even if he has to head overseas, due to his experiences playing internationally for the U.S. Virgin Islands National Team at the Pan American Games and the Tournament of Americas. Elegar scored one point and had four rebounds in a 123-59 loss against a USA team that was compiled of players like Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd and Dwight Howard, so he certainly has experience against top-caliber talent.
'I played at a high level and I've shown a lot of teams, not only in the NBA and overseas that I could play and perform with a lot of professionals that come into big tournaments like the Pan American Games and the Tournament of Americas,' he said.
Elegar had a strong performance in the 2008 NBA Pre-Draft camp in Orlando, Fla. posting 8.7 points per game on 62 percent shooting.
Prior to the pre-draft camp he also had a solid showing at the Portsmouth Invitational averaging 14 points and better than six rebounds a contest.
Elegar left Drexel ranked 15th on the school's all-time scoring and rebounding lists with 1,285 points and 676 rebounds respectively.

Jareem Dowling to leave his assistant coaching job at Cecil C.C. - by David Edole
SALISBURY -- Former University of Maryland Eastern Shore forward Jareem Dowling has spent five years of his life at Cecil Community college, first as a player and then as an assistant basketball coach under Bill Lewit. But on Monday he'll be coaching elsewhere for the first time.

Dowling has been hired as an assistant coach under new head coach Kevin Reynolds at Division II Slippery Rock University.

'A lot of coaches have told me, 'Jareem, the only thing that stops you from being where you want to be is just some kind of NCAA experience,'' Dowling said. 'I have shown at Cecil that I can recruit, help graduate players and help head coaches win ballgames. The relationship that coach Reynolds has with coach Lewit for nine years made it a no-brainer for me.'

Reynolds was hired as the head coach May 15, after spending 10 years as a Division I assistant coach. He said Dowling was his first choice as an assistant from the beginning.

'There are a variety of things he will bring to the staff,' Reynolds said. 'First is that he is a good coach, but he is a better person than he is a coach. I think that is very important. Under the tutelage and guidance of Bill Lewit as a player and a coach, you are working for one of the best junior-college coaches in the country. I think if you have that type of background you are going to have the experience of winning and hard work, and I think that will make it a smooth transition for him from NJCAA to NCAA basketball.'

Dowling also brings some international flavor after he coached the U.S. Virgin Islands 18-under national team last summer -- the St. Croix native's first head-coaching experience. On Wednesday, he also accepted an invitation to coach the Virgin Islands 15-under team at the Centro Basket U-15 Championship in San Francisco de Marcoris, Dominican Republic on Aug. 16-20.

'Any time you can add that international experience is invaluable to us,' Reynolds said. 'And my assistant coach is going to have to wear a lot of hats. Jareem has been doing that for Billy for years.'

During Dowling's three seasons at Cecil, the team has compiled a 97-6 record and won a JUCO national championship.

'I always call him infatigueable,' Lewit said. 'He doesn't get tired. What he brings to the table is immeasurable. The loyalty and commitment he has shown me is second to none. I am going to miss him on a daily basis. I now have a vacant spot that it may take two or three assistants to measure up to what he has done.'

While Dowling has had an interest in moving from the junior-college ranks straight to the Division I level, the benefits of the job at The Rock were hard to pass up.

'I believe in hard work pays off,' Dowling said. 'I'm moving up, and I know it is not Division I, but I'll get there. I have a good relationship with the coach, and I didn't have to sell my soul for a Division I job. Plus my brother [Leo King] will get to go to school for free. It is so rewarding to be able to give him that opportunity. That is what made me not hold out for a Division I job, because family is very important to me.'

There was also a certain familiarity with the program and the coach, even though he had never directly worked with him before.

'I wanted to work for a coach that has the same work ethic as coach Lewit, because we are a morning, noon and night program,' Dowling said. 'Kevin Reynolds is that same type of guy. Coach Lewit always says it takes 21 days to form a habit, and working hard is a habit I learned over three years. So I don't want to go any other direction.'

Dowling, who played his high school basketball at Howard High School in Delaware, has kept ties to the Shore as a recruiter for Cecil, a program that traditionally has recruited this area strong. And his recruiting abilities will benefit The Rock, as well.

Dowling first got the coaching bug while helming an intramural basketball squad as a UMES student. After seeing the difference he could make with college students who were not on an elite level -- and experiencing the feeling of accomplishment that came with it -- he wanted to make it a career.

He first got that chance at Cecil ,and it is an opportunity he won't soon forget.

'I'm excited, but also sad,' Dowling said. 'Everything that ever happened to me positive as far as basketball, academics, being mature, learning the ins and outs of what it takes to survive in the real world all happened to me at Cecil. It is not an easy departure, but my chapter at Cecil will never be closed.'

syonker@dmg.gannett.com

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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Wales U16 advances to the semifinal in Gibraltar - by Eurobasket News
Wales U16 - Monaco U16 64:53

Welsh U16 National Team pulled away with a hard-fought win over Monaco on the last day of preliminary action at the European Championship in Division C. Thus Wales clinched the spot in the semifinal where they would take on Moldova tomorrow. Monaco meanwhile remained winless as they head to lower playoffs to face Andorra on Monday. Pulman and Trotman put Wales ahead early in the game 8:2. However four points from Rosenal allowed Monaco to get back on track. Varitto, Barte and Souciant capped the first frame with 6 points in a row and Monaco held to a 15:12 lead. The lead changed hands for a couple of times throughout the second term before Rosenal made it 26:24 going into the main change. Wales used a 7:0 run late in the third stanza to grab a 48:37 advantage before the fourth quarter. Monaco cut the gap to 3 points midway through the frame but Pulman scored 4 straight points to ensure a 7-point buffer for Welsh side with 3 minutes remaining in regulation. He then added 3 more points to give Wales a 10-point lead with 34 seconds left and actually sealed the winning outcome. Daniel Pulman scored 19 points to pace Wales. Alex Kilmartin knocked down 16 points in a winning effort. Robert Rosenal answered with 14 points and 14 boards for Monaco. Maxime Varitto posted 12 points and 11 boards in a loss. Wales outrebounded their opponents 53:43 and shot 36% from the field. Monaco managed just 31% of field goals.

Wales U16: Daniel Pulman 19, Alex Kilmartin 16
Monaco U16: Robert Rosenal 14+14 boards, Maxime Varitto 12+11 boards

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  VENEZUELA   


Brazil defeats Venezuela twice in Rio - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- The Senior NT of Venezuela lost both friendly matches played at Maracanazinho Arena in Rio de Janeiro against the Senior 'A' NT of Brazil, the first with a final scoreboard of 97-69 and the second one finishing 84-61, in preparation for the South American Championship, which starts next Tuesday in Puerto Montt, Chile.

In the first game, Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85) netted 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to guide the hosts to a comfortable win. He got help from Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75) with 17 points and Fulvio with 10 points. For Venezuela, former NBA player Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76) scored 12 points, Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) added 11 points and both Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85) and Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) finished up with 10 points.

The second game was more of a fight among two equals, at least during the first couple of quarters, but Venezuela's attack got fried and Brazil got control of things. For Brazil, Marcelo Marcelinho Huertas (191-G-83) netted 16 points, Marcelinho Machado added 13 and Jonathan Tavernari (185-G-87) finished up with 12. For Venezuela, Oscar Torres scored 19 points and Roque Osorio (206-C-76) ended up with 10.

Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
 1. Trotamundos 40-9 
 2. Cocodrilos 34-16 
 3. Guaiqueries 31-18 
 4. Gaiteros 31-18 
 5. Gatos 30-19 
 6. Marinos 28-22 
 7. Guaros 19-31 
 8. Dep.Tachira 16-34 
 9. Gigantes 10-40 
 10. Panteras 9-41 




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Women News

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  BELGIUM - Women  


Wauters's team edges the Lynx - by Eurobasket News
Belgian Ann Wauters (194-C-80) was again one of the top players for her team in WNBA. San Antonio Silver Stars edged Minnesota Lynx 73:65 as Sophia Young scored 20 points and Ann Wauters added 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Silver Stars started with 17:10 in the opening quarter to build a double-digit lead in the first quarter and led by as much as 16 points in the second half. The Lynx won only the last period, but it was not enough to upset the hosts. Anosike top-scored for the hosts with 16 points and 8 rebounds.
Before that San Antonio Silver Stars lost however 2 games to Houston. The Comets posted a rare away from home 82:81 victory beating the San Antonio Silver Stars in extra period. Tina Thompson knocked down a jump shot with 1.2 seconds remaining in overtime to carry the Comets to the 5th win in the season. Michelle Show led the Comets with 17 points and 11 boards. Tina Thompson finished with 16 points, while Mwadi Mabika had 15 in a win. Becky Hammon answered with 25 points for the Silver Stars. Ann Wauters came up with 19 points as the hosts suffered their first home loss in the season.
Sancho Lyttle scored a career-high 23 points to lead the Houston Comets to a 77:71 win over San Antonio on Thursday night. Lyttle, starting in place of injured forward Tina Thompson, helped Houston rally from a 10-point second-half deficit. Ann Wauters netted 14 points, made 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.

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  BULGARIA - Women  


Standings - Women
A1 Standings
 1. Dunav 20-2 
 2. Lukoil 19-3 
 3. Beroe 2007 12-10 
 4. Rilski Sportist 10-12 
 5. Montana 2003 6-16 
 6. Slavia 5-17 
 7. NSA 0-12 


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  D.R. CONGO - Women  


Mwadi's Houston reach fourth straight win - by Eurobasket News
Mwadi Mabika (180-F-76)'s Houston Comets posted a rare away from home 82:81 victory beating the San Antonio Silver Stars in extra period. Tina Thompson knocked down a jump shot with 1.2 seconds remaining in overtime to carry the Comets to the 5th win in the season. Michelle Show led the Comets with 17 points and 11 boards. Tina Thompson finished with 16 points, while Mwadi Mabika had 15 in a win. Becky Hammon answered with 25 points for the Silver Stars. Ann Wauters came up with 19 points as the hosts suffered their first home loss in the season.
Sancho Lyttle scored a career-high 23 points to lead the Houston Comets to a 77:71 win over San Antonio on Thursday night. Lyttle, starting in place of injured forward Tina Thompson, helped Houston rally from a 10-point second-half deficit. Ann Wauters netted 14 points, made 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. Mwadi Mabika scored 6 points and made 2 assits.
Last night Houston beat Indiana 75:61 to reach 7-8 and left the last spot in the Western Conference. It was the fourth straight win for the Comets that are improving from game to game. It was a good start for the hosts that opened the game with 20:14 in the opening quarter. Ajavon scored the first seven points of the quarter, and Mistie Williams' layup capped a 9-0 run and gave Houston its largest lead of the half at 29:14. Again Ajavon was on fire for Comets in the second quarter as Houston took a 39:29 lead into halftime. Indiana recovered a bit in the third quarter and produced 18:15 in it. In the last period to solve all the problems Houston went on a 19-3 run to capture 20-point lead in the game. Sancho Lyttle scored seven points in the run, and Snow netted six. With 21:14 Houston finished the period and grabbed 75:61 victory. Indiana committed 26 turnovers, which Houston turned into 29 points. Ajavon was unstoppable with 24 points and 2 assists. Lyttle collected 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Snow added 12. Mwadi Mabika started in the line up but played only 8 minutes in the court. Sutton-Brown top-scored for the guests with 13 points and 6 rebounds.

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  FRANCE - Women  


Australia U18 shine in Frace - by Leslie Anderson

The Australian U18 finished their tour of France on a high note this weekend as they won the Fougeres tournament. The also had the satisfaction of beating Lithuania (58-44) who beat them last week in the final at Reze. Australia also had good wins against Turkey and Romania.


Turkey finished second after beating Lithuania and Romania. Turkey and Lithuania are in the same group of the U18 European Champions.

Romania had their first taste of action against Division A teams and despite dropping all three games demonstrated that with more time together they could be surprise this summer.


For more details of the three days at Fougeres just follow the link. Kerryn Harrington from Australia was the MVP, while Aurime Rinkeviciute from Lithuania was top scorer and the winner of the thre-point shoting contest.


Dean Kinsman will be more than satisfied with his team performace as his young ladies played a total of 7 games during their tour of France, winning five.




Turkey U20 claims win at the Istanbul International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20 - France U20 56:52

Turkish U20 National Team picked up a narrow win over France on the second day of the Istanbul International Tournament. The hosts rebounded well after the starting loss to Russia to tally a win over first-day winners France. Turkey got to a confident start through baskets from Mehtap Gezer (192-F-88) and Bahar Caglar. France cut the gap later but the hosts were still in charge. Bahar Yapar finalized the first frame at 20:13 for Turkey. The visitors opened the second period on a 4:0 run to come within 3 points but Turkish team regained control and built a 30:22 advantage at halftime. Gizem Yavuz and Melek Bilge (191-C-89) gave the home side a comfortable 35:25 advantage early in the third stanza but France refused to surrender. The went on 10:2 run to clip the distance to 2 points late in the frame. However Turkey entered the fourth quarter ahead by 4 points 42:38. France soon closed the gap and rushed in front on a Marielle Amant (189-C-89)'s basket. Nevertheless Beril Binogul, Bahar Yapar and Gizem Yavus capped the regulation with accurate shots and Turkey prevailed at the end. Gizem Yavuz (168-G-88, agency: Prosportman) topscored with 12 points for the hosts. Mehtap Gezer delivered 11 points, while Melek Bilge added 8 for the winners. Doriane Tahane (191-C-89) had 13 points for France. Marielle Amant dropped 10 points and pulled down 6 boards in defeat. France U20 takes on Russia today, Turkey will be opposed by their Spanish counterparts.

Turkey U20: Gizem Yavuz 12, Mehtap Gezer 11, Melek Bilge 8
France U20: Doriane Tahane 13, Marielle Amant 10

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  MALI - Women  


Maiga remains hot for the Comets - by Eurobasket News
Hamchetou Maiga (185-G/F-78, college: ODU) and her Houston beat Indiana 75:61 to reach 7-8 and left the last spot in the Western Conference. It was the fourth straight win for the Comets that are improving from game to game. It was a good start for the hosts that opened the game with 20:14 in the opening quarter. Ajavon scored the first seven points of the quarter, and Mistie Williams' layup capped a 9-0 run and gave Houston its largest lead of the half at 29:14. Again Ajavon was on fire for Comets in the second quarter as Houston took a 39:29 lead into halftime. Indiana recovered a bit in the third quarter and produced 18:15 in it. In the last period to solve all the problems Houston went on a 19-3 run to capture 20-point lead in the game. Sancho Lyttle scored seven points in the run, and Snow netted six. With 21:14 Houston finished the period and grabbed 75:61 victory. Indiana committed 26 turnovers, which Houston turned into 29 points. Ajavon was unstoppable with 24 points and 2 assists. Lyttle collected 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Snow added 12. Hamchetou Maiga produced 10 points, made 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Sutton-Brown top-scored for the guests with 13 points and 6 rebounds.
Before that the Comets posted a rare away from home 82:81 victory beating the San Antonio Silver Stars in extra period. Tina Thompson knocked down a jump shot with 1.2 seconds remaining in overtime to carry the Comets to the 5th win in the season. Michelle Show led the Comets with 17 points and 11 boards. Tina Thompson finished with 16 points, while Mwadi Mabika had 15 in a win. Becky Hammon answered with 25 points for the Silver Stars. Ann Wauters came up with 19 points as the hosts suffered their first home loss in the season. Hamchetou Maiga finished the night with 4 points and 2 assists.
Sancho Lyttle scored a career-high 23 points to lead the Houston Comets to a 77:71 win over San Antonio on Thursday night. Lyttle, starting in place of injured forward Tina Thompson, helped Houston rally from a 10-point second-half deficit. Ann Wauters netted 14 points, made 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. Hamchetou Maiga ended up with 4 points for the winners.

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  NCAA1 - Women  


Czech U20 team succumb to Kansas State - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U20 - Kansas State 62:67

Kansas State University womens basketball team wrapped up their European campaign in style holding off Czech Republic U20 National Team. Kelsey Nelson (5'9''-G) dropped 23 points 13 of them coming in the second half. She added 8 boards and 3 assists to her tally. Danielle Zanotti (6'2''-F) was helpful with 12 points in a win. Czech team controlled the tempo in the first half. They built a 31:27 lead heading into the second half. The situation never changed in the third stanza as Czech team stayed ahead. The hosts stretched the advantage to 7 points midway through the fourth term. However the Wildcats answered with a 7:0 run to draw things level with 6 minutes to go. The home side knocked down 5 points to claim a 55:52 advantage but not for long. Shalin Spani (5'11''-G) dropped a trey to get things even once again. The teams then exchanged three-pointers again to keep things squared. The Czechs failed to deliver during their next possession and the Wildcats surged in front following a three-pointer from Kari Kincaid (5'10''-G). The hosts failed to score once again and Kincaid converted two freebies to make it 65:60 with 13 seconds remaining. Later Kelsey Nelson added two more free throws to crown the game with and sealed the winning result for the Wildcats. Marlies Gipson (6'0''-F-87) had 9 points and 5 boards, while Kari Kincaid finished with 7 points for the winning side.

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  NIGERIA - Women  


Zenith Bank Women League: First Bank continue dominance - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Defending champion of the Nigeria Women League sponsored by financial giant, Zenith Bank Plc, First Bank basketball club of Lagos has continued her dominance of the league.

The bankers coached by head coach of Nigeria U16 Women national team Adewumi Aderemi remain the only team that yet to drop a game after 21 games played from the first phase.

First Bank who tops the table from the first two phases of the league decided so far have continue to show champions stuff with wins over FCT Angels (92-26); Amazons (82-50) and Plateau Rocks (80-42) after Day-3 of the final phase of the league.

Team coach, Aderemi told FIBA Africa in a chat that the team is using the Zenith Bank League as a warm up to the qualifying round of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women and the final round of the continental club competition billed for Kenya later in the year.

The one time assistant coach of the Nigeria senior women national team says the club is looking beyond the Nigeria league and hopes to do well at the continental stage where the team performs badly last year in Mozambique finishing a distant seventh.

...Dolphins, Delta, Sunshine in race for second spot

Three clubs, Dolphins, Delta Force and Sunshine Angels basketball clubs are in the race for the second spot behind First Bank basketball club in the Zenith Bank Women League as hostilities hoist up at the sports hall of the national stadium, Lagos.

Dolphins basketball club is presently occupying the second sport on technical ground after beating Delta Force twice in both the first and second phases decided earlier in the year in Abuja and Enugu and losing at both stages to the Andrew Isokpehi tutored Sunshine Angels who lost to Delta Force on both occasions.

And to put her team in good stead to qualify for the FIBA Africa Zone-3 qualifying round, Aboderin recently took his wards to Dakar Senegal to prepare for the task ahead and it seems to be paying off as they are yet to drop a game in the final phase beating Plateau Rocks (45-34); FCT Angels (74-31) and AHIP (71-59).

The team must be at her best to go pass Sunshine this time and continue her dominance over Delta Force whose coach, Lateef Erinfolami is plotting to turn the table against the Dolphins and move into the second spot.

Erinfolami, former Nigeria international who was recently named as the assistant coach of the country U18 men national team says a continental ticket will be cherished by his team.

Honestly, we are tired of playing second fiddle in the women league and if we cant go past First Bank what about Dolphins, he queried.


Day-1 Results

Delta Force 78-25 Nigeria Immigration

Dolphins 45-34 Plateau Rocks

First Bank 92-26 FCT Angels

Sunshine Angels 56-46 AHIP

Amazons 49-38 Nigeria Customs

Day-2 Results

Dolphins 74-31 FCT Angels

Delta Force 67-43 AHIP

First Bank 82-50 Amazons

Sunshine Angels 62-41 Plateau Rocks

Nigeria Customs 56-53 Nigeria Immigration

Day-3 Results

FCT Angels 20-43 Delta Force

Plateau Rocks 42-80 First Bank

AHIP 59-71 Dolphins

Amazons 63-58 Nigeria Immigration

Sunshine Angels 57-33 Nigeria Customs

Day-4 Games 29/06/08

Nigeria Customs Vs Plateau Rocks

Dolphins Vs Amazons

First Bank Vs AHIP

Nigeria Immigration Vs FCT Angels

Delta Force Vs Sunshine Angels

Day-5 Games 30/06/08

Nigeria Immigration Vs Dolphins

Sunshine Angels Vs FCT Angels

Plateau rocks Vs AHIP

Amazons Vs Delta Force

Nigeria Customs Vs First Bank

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  PORTUGAL - Women  


Penicheiro improves her stats - by Eurobasket News
Last night the Sacramento Monarchs and Portuguese player beat the New York Liberty 82:78. Nicole Powell had 17 points and five rebounds, and Rebekkah Brunson added 14 points and seven rebounds for the Monarchs. Shameka Christon had 17 points and Janel McCarville chipped in 13 for New York. The Monarchs expanded their lead in the final period when Patricia Penicheiro (180-G-74, college: ODU) made two free throws to make the score 67:58. She ended up with 12 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals.
On June 20 the Connecticut Sun celebrated their 10th win in the season as they topped the Sacramento Monarchs 72:56 on the road. Asjha Jones 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 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. Patricia Penicheiro nailed 5 points, made 8 assists and 4 rebounds.
Ebony Hoffman had career highs with 23 points and 13 rebounds Tuesday night and the Fever rallied from an 18-point deficit to beat the Sacramento Monarchs 78:73. That night Patricia Penicheiro produced 15 points, made 4 rebounds and the same number of assists.
Twelve points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds were not enough from Portuguese player as the Lynx beat the Monarchs 80:76 Thursday night. Nicole Powell had 20 points for the Monarchs, who have lost four of five since an 82:78 win at Minnesota on June 12.

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Russia U20 tops Spain for second straight win in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Russia U20 - Spain U20 59:57

Russian U20 National Team withheld a fierce comeback effort from Spain in the second half to grab another win at the Istanbul International Tournament. Russia opened their campaign with an overwhelming victory over Turkey and looked to stretch the winning streak. However Spain came back to life after a stunning loss from France on the first day to challenge their opponents. The teams traded the baskets early in the encounter before Olga Zhuzhgova (203-C-88) put Russia ahead 18:14 at the end of the first quarter. Russia extended the margin early in the second period. Natalia Zhedelik hit a jumper to mark a 25:16 lead for Russia. However Anna Carbo (176-F-88) nailed 4 points to drag Spain within 6 points from their opponents at halftime. Russia kept Spaniards at bay early in the third quarter before Anna Carbo and Jael Freixanet (187-F-88) teamed up for straight buckets to reach within 4 points 37:41. Jael Freixanet and Anna Carbo tied the scoreline at 44 apiece two minutes into the fourth term. Laura Herrera (185-F-89) then gained a 46:44 lead for Spanish team. But Tatiana Yuzhakova quickly denied the deficit putting Russia back in the driving seat 50:46. Russia relied on baskets from Natalia Vieru (198-C-89) and Olga Petrova (178-G-88) to seal the winning outcome in the dying seconds. Olga Petrova led the charge with 14 points. Natalia Vieru added 10 points and 8 boards, while Olga Zhuzhgova had 8 points for the winners. Anna Carbo led all scorers with 20 points. Jael Freixanet contributed 12 points and 6 boards in a losing case. Russia faces France, while Spain plays against hosting Turkey in the final round.

Russia U20: Olga Petrova 14, Natalia Vieru 10, Olga Zhuzhgova 8
Spain U20: Anna Carbo 20, Jael Freixanet 12

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  SAINT VINCENT - Women  


Sancho Lyttle scored a career-high 23 points - by Eurobasket News
Sancho Lyttle (193-C-83, college: Houston) and her Houston beat Indiana 75:61 to reach 7-8 and left the last spot in the Western Conference. It was the fourth straight win for the Comets that are improving from game to game. It was a good start for the hosts that opened the game with 20:14 in the opening quarter. Ajavon scored the first seven points of the quarter, and Mistie Williams' layup capped a 9-0 run and gave Houston its largest lead of the half at 29:14. Again Ajavon was on fire for Comets in the second quarter as Houston took a 39:29 lead into halftime. Indiana recovered a bit in the third quarter and produced 18:15 in it. In the last period to solve all the problems Houston went on a 19-3 run to capture 20-point lead in the game. Sancho Lyttle scored seven points in the run, and Snow netted six. With 21:14 Houston finished the period and grabbed 75:61 victory. Indiana committed 26 turnovers, which Houston turned into 29 points. Ajavon was unstoppable with 24 points and 2 assists. Sancho Lyttle collected 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Snow added 12. Sutton-Brown top-scored for the guests with 13 points and 6 rebounds.
Before that the Comets posted a rare away from home 82:81 victory beating the San Antonio Silver Stars in extra period. Tina Thompson knocked down a jump shot with 1.2 seconds remaining in overtime to carry the Comets to the 5th win in the season. Michelle Show led the Comets with 17 points and 11 boards. Tina Thompson finished with 16 points, while Mwadi Mabika had 15 in a win. Becky Hammon answered with 25 points for the Silver Stars. Ann Wauters came up with 19 points as the hosts suffered their first home loss in the season.
Sancho Lyttle scored a career-high 23 points to lead the Houston Comets to a 77:71 win over San Antonio on Thursday night. Lyttle, starting in place of injured forward Tina Thompson, helped Houston rally from a 10-point second-half deficit. Ann Wauters netted 14 points, made 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.

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  SPAIN - Women  


Russia U20 tops Spain for second straight win in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Russia U20 - Spain U20 59:57

Russian U20 National Team withheld a fierce comeback effort from Spain in the second half to grab another win at the Istanbul International Tournament. Russia opened their campaign with an overwhelming victory over Turkey and looked to stretch the winning streak. However Spain came back to life after a stunning loss from France on the first day to challenge their opponents. The teams traded the baskets early in the encounter before Olga Zhuzhgova (203-C-88) put Russia ahead 18:14 at the end of the first quarter. Russia extended the margin early in the second period. Natalia Zhedelik hit a jumper to mark a 25:16 lead for Russia. However Anna Carbo (176-F-88) nailed 4 points to drag Spain within 6 points from their opponents at halftime. Russia kept Spaniards at bay early in the third quarter before Anna Carbo and Jael Freixanet (187-F-88) teamed up for straight buckets to reach within 4 points 37:41. Jael Freixanet and Anna Carbo tied the scoreline at 44 apiece two minutes into the fourth term. Laura Herrera (185-F-89) then gained a 46:44 lead for Spanish team. But Tatiana Yuzhakova quickly denied the deficit putting Russia back in the driving seat 50:46. Russia relied on baskets from Natalia Vieru (198-C-89) and Olga Petrova (178-G-88) to seal the winning outcome in the dying seconds. Olga Petrova led the charge with 14 points. Natalia Vieru added 10 points and 8 boards, while Olga Zhuzhgova had 8 points for the winners. Anna Carbo led all scorers with 20 points. Jael Freixanet contributed 12 points and 6 boards in a losing case. Russia faces France, while Spain plays against hosting Turkey in the final round.

Russia U20: Olga Petrova 14, Natalia Vieru 10, Olga Zhuzhgova 8
Spain U20: Anna Carbo 20, Jael Freixanet 12

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  TURKEY - Women  


Turkey U20 claims win at the Istanbul International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20 - France U20 56:52

Turkish U20 National Team picked up a narrow win over France on the second day of the Istanbul International Tournament. The hosts rebounded well after the starting loss to Russia to tally a win over first-day winners France. Turkey got to a confident start through baskets from Mehtap Gezer (192-F-88) and Bahar Caglar. France cut the gap later but the hosts were still in charge. Bahar Yapar finalized the first frame at 20:13 for Turkey. The visitors opened the second period on a 4:0 run to come within 3 points but Turkish team regained control and built a 30:22 advantage at halftime. Gizem Yavuz and Melek Bilge (191-C-89) gave the home side a comfortable 35:25 advantage early in the third stanza but France refused to surrender. The went on 10:2 run to clip the distance to 2 points late in the frame. However Turkey entered the fourth quarter ahead by 4 points 42:38. France soon closed the gap and rushed in front on a Marielle Amant (189-C-89)'s basket. Nevertheless Beril Binogul, Bahar Yapar and Gizem Yavus capped the regulation with accurate shots and Turkey prevailed at the end. Gizem Yavuz (168-G-88, agency: Prosportman) topscored with 12 points for the hosts. Mehtap Gezer delivered 11 points, while Melek Bilge added 8 for the winners. Doriane Tahane (191-C-89) had 13 points for France. Marielle Amant dropped 10 points and pulled down 6 boards in defeat. France U20 takes on Russia today, Turkey will be opposed by their Spanish counterparts.

Turkey U20: Gizem Yavuz 12, Mehtap Gezer 11, Melek Bilge 8
France U20: Doriane Tahane 13, Marielle Amant 10

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  UKRAINE - Women  


National team prepares at home - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine National team started their preparation for EuroBasket 2009 qualifying games by playing their U20 squad. The teams played two games with 5 quarters in each. In the first game the National team overcame juniors 90:83. The latter did not stay tough throughout the game and even were trailing 16 points. In the last period U20 squad recovered well, but reduced only to 7 points in the end.
Irina Nagorna, the coach of the junior team tries hard with her 16 players and only 12 will be chosen to go to European Championship.
In the second game the National team was also stronger 79:66. Volodymyr Briukhovetskiy's team looked better in all the periods and celebrated the victory. The team will have about 10 more games before heading to the EuroBasket qualifiers.
Ukrainian team and the championship become on the level of the top countries. Even the Final games in the country saw Tim-Scuf edged the 2007 champions Dnipro in the decisive fifth game of the Final series to clinch the Superleague title. The Kyiv outfit saved the day at the capital winning the fourth game and forcing the title decider. They extended the winning streak in Dnepropetrovsk beating the regular season champions and snatching the crown. The encounter turned into a real drama full of lead changes and seesaw action. Ukraine also expect hepl from those players who play abroad.

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  WNBA - Women  


The hosts dominated all courts last night - by Eurobasket News
Saturday night was rich for 4 games in WNBA, however hosts were too strong for the visitors.
Chicago Sky overcame Detroit Shock 76:59 as Chicago Sky snapped a five-game losing streak. Chicago outrebounded Detroit 12-2 and led Detroit by as many as seven in the first quarter, as the Shock converted only 33 percent from the field in the opening 10 minutes. Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, college: Temple) top-scored for the winners with 18 points. Jia Perkins (5'8''-G-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Texas Tech) and Dominique Canty each had 14 as Chicago improved to 4-9 in the Eastern Conference. Shay Murphy nailed 13 points and Alexis Hornbuckle had 11 for the Shock that fell at 11-5.
San Antonio Silver Stars edged Minnesota Lynx 73:65 as Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) scored 20 points and Belgian Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80) added 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Silver Stars started with 17:10 in the opening quarter to build a double-digit lead in the first quarter and led by as much as 16 points in the second half. The Lynx won only the last period, but it was not enough to upset the hosts. Anosike top-scored for the hosts with 16 points and 8 rebounds.
Houston beat Indiana 75:61 to reach 7-8 and left the last spot in the Western Conference. It was the fourth straight win for the Comets that are improving from game to game. It was a good start for the hosts that opened the game with 20:14 in the opening quarter. Matee Ajavon (5'8''-G-86, college: Rutgers) scored the first seven points of the quarter, and Mistie Williams' layup capped a 9-0 run and gave Houston its largest lead of the half at 29:14. Again Matee Ajavon was on fire for Comets in the second quarter as Houston took a 39:29 lead into halftime. Indiana recovered a bit in the third quarter and produced 18:15 in it. In the last period to solve all the problems Houston went on a 19-3 run to capture 20-point lead in the game. Sancho Lyttle scored seven points in the run, and Snow netted six. With 21:14 Houston finished the period and grabbed 75:61 victory. Indiana committed 26 turnovers, which Houston turned into 29 points. Matee Ajavon was unstoppable with 24 points and 2 assists. Lyttle collected 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Snow added 12. Tammy Sutton-Brown (6'4''-C-78, college: Rutgers) top-scored for the guests with 13 points and 6 rebounds.
The Sacramento Monarchs beat the New York Liberty 82:78. Nicole Powell (6'2''-G/F-82, college: Stanford) had 17 points and five rebounds, and Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) added 14 points and seven rebounds for the Monarchs. Shameka Christon (6'1''-G/F-82, college: Arkansas) had 17 points and Janel McCarville chipped in 13 for New York. The Monarchs expanded their lead in the final period when Ticha Penicheiro made two free throws to make the score 67:58.

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