EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/7/2008

Copyright 1997-2007 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com


Men News

*****************************************************
ARGENTINA

Roman Gonzalez signed again by Penarol -by Eurobasket News
Center Roman Gonzalez (211-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) signed again a one-year contract with Mar del Plata Penarol, after rejecting some contract offers made by European clubs.

Last season, Gonzalez's stats were 17.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 28 minutes in 50 games. He was Champion of the first FIBA Americas League, and in the national league, he lose to Sunchales Libertad in semi-finals.

Alongside signing Gonzalez, Penarol secured the contracts of Marcos Mata, Alejandro Diez, and Lucas Picarelli for the 2008/09 season; losing Juan Manuel Locatelli to Cordoba Atenas.

'They made a real good offer, while Penarol's proposal wasn't that solid', Locatelli (32) said.

Another club, Boca Juniors, who is yet to appoint a head coach (with Oscar Sanchez and Fabio Denti as the main candidates), re-signed guard Raimundo Legaria.

Now Boca will try to re-sign forward Leonardo Gutierrez, who has been also interested by Cordoba Atenas and Mar del Plata Penarol.

Forward Maximiliano Maciel finalized a contract renovation (for one more season) with Mar del Plata Quilmas. This is the second import player to be officially announced by the team that will be coached by Esteban de la Fuente, who has had previous conversations with point guard Hernando Salles.
Courtesy of Lacapital.net

*****************************************************
AZERBAIJAN

Basak wins in Turkey -by Eurobasket News
Rasim Basak (202-F-80, agency: Court Side) and his Fenerbahce successfully defended their TBL title beating Turk Telecom in Game 5 of the finals and completing a 4-1 win in the series. The hosts arrived to Istanbul having stolen a narrow in the fourth game and leading 3 games to 1. Turk Telecom had their backs against the wall in this one but could not come up with heroics at hostile territory. Fenerbahce were driven by a supportive crowd and got aggressive right from the start. Omer Onan and Semih Erden quickly built a 10:4 lead for the hosts. Omer Onan and Will Solomon kept on delivering the points and led Fenerbahce to a 16:6 advantage. Turk Telecom struggled to find the right rhythm and appeared trailing by 9 points at the end of the first frame. Erwin Dudley and Baris Ozcan cut the gap to 6 points early in the second period. But the home team reacted with an 8:0 run to clear off to a 14-point distance. Kris Lang and Khalid El-Amin ignited a 9:1 run from the visitors to stay in a striking range at 30:36. Demir Kaan fired from downtown to give Fenerbahce a 39:30 lead. The hosts maintained the margin and led by 10 points at the interval 50:40. Omer Asik and Omer Onan stretched the gap to 16 points early in the third period. But some vital attempts from Tutku Acik kept Turk Telecom in the game as they trailed by 10 points at the end of the third frame. However the battle never heated up in the fourth term. Omer Onan quickly propelled Fenerbahce to a 14-point distance and the home team repelled any comeback efforts from Turk Telecom. Omer Onan scored 20 points to lead Fenerbahce. Semih Erden provided 14 points, while James White knocked down 12 points in a win. Kris Lang answered with 19 points and 9 boards for Turk Telecom. Khalid El-Amin accounted for 16 points in defeat.
Rasim Basak enjoyed the year in Turkey and looks forward to stay on track.

*****************************************************
BELIZE

Finals in BECOL Tournament!!! -by David Magana

The first champ has emerged in the U-17 division in the BECOL tournament. Last weekend, the Tigers completed a two-game sweep over Sacred Heart College, winning by the score of 47-28 on Friday night, and by the score of 47-35 on Sunday night.

In the Senior division, the champ will be decided this coming Saturday night between Christ for Life and Belize Bank Diamonds. In game one of this series, Christ for Life beat the Diamonds by a score of 62-50. Mark Gentle had 16 pts in the win, followed by Keith Acosta (193-G/F-76, college: Tex.A&M-Comm.) 13 pts 8 rebs and Linden Galvez 15 pts 7 rebs. The Diamonds were led by Lester Cadle (188-G-80) 22 pts 4 rebs and Milton Hoare 10 pts 3 rebs. In game two, the Diamonds extended the series to game three after deafeating Christ for Life by a score of 70-61. Lester Cadle had a game high of 25 pts, followed by Michael Martinez 14 pts and Stanley Flowers 11 pts. Christ for Life was led by Mark Gentle 13 pts, Brett Smith 13 pts 9 rebs, Jamie Gillett 13 pts, Linden Galvez 12 pts 6 rebs and Rico Black (180-G-75) 10 pts.



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

Sloboda doesn t extend with Jocovic,Tomovic and Ross! -by Nedzad Kladusak
Sloboda Dita has took its first decisions regarding the question with which players they want to play the next season.

First of the names of the players who will leave Bosna after that season is Ronnie Ross who played an excellent first half of the regular season and being one of the reasons Sloboda finished on the second rank. Vladan Jocovic also started well but at the latter stage of competition and particularly in the Liga 8 his performances have not satisfied the headcoach.
Veljko Tomovic however was only an addition for the bench and Sloboda already has a large number of talented guards that have been educated in the junior team.

Tanjevic, Mrsic and Preldzic win the turkish championship! -by Nedzad Kladusak
Bogdan Tanjevic the legend of bosnian basketball coaching and Damir Mrsic one of the finest shooter in Europe won the turkish championship after beating 4-1 in the final series!
Looking back, the season has been very successfull. Fenerbahce has reached surprisingly the second stage of Euroleague, winning also the very strong domestic competition with a young prospective roster including the 'lost' bosnian top prospect Emir Prelzdic.

Coach Nenad Markovic reaches Euroleague with Panionios Athens -by Eurobasket News
Panionos Athens, whose head coach is Bosnian Nenad Markovic, made fantastic result in Greek A1 league. They finished regular season as a fourth ranked team with score 14-12. Panionios outplayed Panelinions in the quarterfinal 2-0 reaching semis. But at the next stage they faced up with green Panatinaikos which naturally beat them 3-0. However, Panionios continued fight for the third place and a spot in Euroleague for season 08/09.

After 2-0 on the start for Maroussi Athens, Panionios didn't give up. They outplayed its opponent in the following three games finishing Greek A1 league on position number 3. The team of head coach Nenad Markovic made a historical result this season as they qualified for Euroleague after almost 12 years. It is already announced that the team will have a solid budget for the next season which will be around 3 million Euros. Thus Nenad Markovic and his team will be very inconvenient opponent next season for any European team.

Former NT head coach, Nenad Markovic, took over Panionios in November 2007. A season before he was a head coach of Bosna ASA BHT. Interesting is that Markovic already was a member of Panionios in the past. On season 01/02 he had a very good year there as a player. For 13 games in European Saporta Cup he averaged 16.1 ppg while for 26 games in Greek A1 league he had 14.2 ppg. A year later he joined Olympiakos. It seems that people from Panionios remembered him as a fantastic player and a person so they wanted to give him a chance as a head coach. At the end it outcame as a superb move by Panionios's management.

*****************************************************
CAMEROON

Parfait Bitee, Joe Mbang have great closing year to USA college careers -by Cyril Empig
Parfait Bitee (PG, 6'2', 185) and Joe Mbang (F, 6'7', 220), both Yaounde natives, closed their US NCAA college careers impressively this year. Bitee and Mbang played for The University of Rhode Island Rams (Kingston, Rhode Island, USA; the school that produced current NBA Los Angeles Laker Lamar Odom) in the always tough Atlantic 10 conference. The Atlantic 10 boasts storied basketball programs such as Xavier, St. Joseph's, Saint Louis and George Washington, several of which are regular participants in post-season tournaments such as the NCAA tournament and the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). In terms of tournaments, the NIT is second tier to the NCAA tournament. Schools that do not make it to the NCAA tournament might still get invited to play post-season basketball in the NIT.
A lot was expected of both Bitee and Mbang at the start of the season. In the previous year, Bitee was thrusted into the PG position and did well. As a result, Bitee was assigned to run the Rams offense this year, his senior season. He did not disappoint. Bitee averaged 11.8 points, 4.7 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 0.2 blocks and 0.8 steals per game for the 2007-2008 season. He also made 50% of his 3-point shot attempts. During the regular season, Bitee had monster games against Xavier and Saint Joseph's, scoring 25 and 19 points, respectively, in those games. Throughout the Rams season, there were a number of stretches of games in which Bitee scored in double digits and also dished out more than 5 assists in a game.
Mbang also had an impressive third year last season with the Rams and was expected to bring punch to the post offense this year, also his senior season. He finished the 2007-2008 season with a respectable 6.3 points, 4.1 rebounds per game average, even hitting close to 30% of his 3-point shot attempts. Mbang had monster games during the regular season, lighting up New Hampshire for 22 points and Dayton for 21 points.
Closing out the Atlantic 10 conference season, Rhode Island lost in the first round of the conference tournament to the NIT-bound UNC Charlotte 49ers. Bitee had 10 points and 6 assists in the game, although he had 5 turnovers.
With a commendable 21-11 regular season record, the Rams were invited to play in the post-season NIT as a #6 seed. They faced the #3 seed Creighton Bluejays of Omaha, Nebraska (21-10, Missouri Valley Conference) in the first round. The Rams lost the game by one point, 74-73. Bitee scored 7 points, had 2 assists but committed 3 turnovers. Mbang did not play. The Rams closed the season with a final record of 21-12.
Because of his stellar season this year, Bitee was invited to play at the annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, a tournament which invites top seniors from across the country for a 4-day competition in front of representatives of NBA teams. Hopefully, players at the PIT would be invited to pre-NBA draft camp or to individual workouts with an NBA team. At the PIT, Bitee averaged 8.7 points, 1, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, and an impressive 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, in a span of 3 games. Unfortunately, despite these respectable numbers, Biteng was not invited to the pre-NBA Draft camp in Orlando, Florida, where he could have met up with fellow Yaounde native, UCLA Bruins' Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.
Finally, Bitee is slotted to play for Cameroon in the upcoming Olympic qualifier tournament in Greece this summer, where he does get to play with Mbah a Moute.
We are all proud of what Bitee and Mbang had accomplished this year donning the powder blue and white jerseys of Rhode Island. Good luck to these fine men, wherever their careers (basketball or otherwise) might take them.
Parfait Bitee (188-G-85)

*****************************************************
CBA

The Krunk joins PBL -by Gianni Pascucci

The Premier Basketball League announced that the Augusta Groove, formerly known as the Atlanta Krunk, have been accepted into the league for the upcoming 2008-09 season. The Krunk was purchased at the end of the 2008 CBA season and relocated to Augusta Georgia. 'We spent time examining both leagues and it was an easy decision to apply for membership into the PBL,' said Groove owner Gary Perry (6'1''-G-68, college: Boston Coll.). 'Having solid ownership groups and league initiatives benefiting all the teams, coupled with controlled expansion, solidified the PBL as a great fit for the Groove. We wish the CBA the best moving forward.' In addition to Perry, the ownership group consists of two other area businessmen Lavon Mercer and Ricky Brown. All three played in the NBA and met while playing overseas before coming together after leaving professional basketball. For information on the Augusta Groove, contact Gary Perry at (404) 863-7754 or Ricky Brown at (678) 898-5279 or via e-mail at Augustagroove@gmail.com



*****************************************************
CENTRAL AFRICA

Sato is close to celebrate in Italy -by Eurobasket News
Romain Sato (194-G-81, college: Xavier) and his Italian Montepaschi Siena is 2-0 in the Final series over Lottomatica Roma. In Game 1 Montepaschi Siena celebrated 85:73 win over the opponent. Lottomatica struggled and kept the game open till the end, led by a good Erazem Lorbek. It wasn't enough because Siena played the usual tough home game and found a key break in the last minutes of the third quarter. Due triples by Terrell McIntyre and two crucial shots by Rimantas Kaukenas allowed Montepaschi to take a 10-point lead. And Roma, from that moment, always trailed, despite two impressive plays by Roko Leni Ukic. In the fourth quarter Siena backcourt controlled the game, while Ksystof Lavrinovic shot 7/9 from the free throws line to close the game. However the mvp of the game was Terrell McIntyre, that closed with 22 points, 8 assists and 3 steals. Romain Sato ended up with 11 points and made 7 rebounds.
In Game 2 Montepaschi edged Lottomatica RM 85:82 to take 2-0 in the series. Erazem Lorbek and Roberto Gabini combined for 39 points. David Hawkins added 17 with 6 steals, while Romain Sato produced 14 points and made 7 rebounds.
Game 3 is scheduled for June 8th. The teams will go to Roma for the next two games in the series.

*****************************************************
COSTA RICA

Playoff have started -by Gianni Pascucci
Eight CostaRican NL teams qualified for the Quarterfinals (best of three games) and the first result were as follows: Liceo beat on the road San Luis Gonzaga 86-74 thanks to a banner performance from Kendrick Jones (190-G-83, college: Columbus St.), who scored 41 points (!!). Limon prevailed on the road, 67-61 over Universidad de Costa Rica with some players in double digits and Minor Arias (193-F/C) being the game top scorer with 17 pts in losing effort. Santa Cecilia defeated Escazu on the road 64-53 led by Jeffrey Spencer (189-F-81), who scored 17 pts. Game 1 between Coopealianza Perez Zeledon and Ferreteria Brenes Barva was delayed due to bad eweather (Hurricane Alma). The complete playoff grid is as follows:
# 1 Barva - # 8 Perez Zeledon
# 4 Santa Cecilia - # 5 Escazu
# 3 Limon - # 6 U C R
# 2 Liceo - # 7 San Luis Gonzaga

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

Repesa and Ukic suffers 0-2 in Italian final -by Eurobasket News
National team head coach Jasmin Repesa and Roko Leni Ukic (195-G-84) suffered the second defeat in Italian play-off final. This time Montepaschi was better 85-82.

Montepashi Sienna showed much better performance that it was in the first game. They didn't give any bigger chance to Lottomatica last night. The hosts entered the game strongly which resulted with plus 12 very soon. It didn't scare Lottomatica's players as they succeeded to come minus 6 after first frame. Later, actually a minute before the end of the first half, Repesa's players came even closer on 38-43 which would be an acceptable minus before third stanza. But Montepaschi immediately answered with 5-0 run which brought them comfortable plus 10. As it was during the entire season, Montepaschi once again smashed its opponent in third frame. After 5 minutes it already was 60-44 for Italian top-ranked team. A tiny hope has born for visitors in the last 2 minutes of the game. Namely, with 30 seconds remaining Gabini drained 3-pointer setting the score on 83-79 after what Repesa told his players to commit a personal foul. They done it but on the other said top scorer of the game Kaukenas was concentrated from the FT line resolving question about the winner.

Roko Leni Ukic spent 27 minutes on court last night scoring 11 points. He made 2 of 5 attempts from the field and the same digits he had from behind the arc. He also dished out 4 assists reaching index value 8.

The third game will be played in Rome where Lottomatica will try to stay in race for the title.

*****************************************************
CZECH REPUBLIC

Schilb leads Nymburk to 3-1 -by Eurobasket News
Geofin - Nymburk 58:67 (17:28 38:42 46:56)

Nymburk is 3-1 in the Final series and is one step to celebrate again in Czech Republic. In Game 4 the defending champions overcame Geofin 58:67 away from home. Blake Schilb (201-G-83, college: Loyola, IL) led the winners with 23 points and 16 rebounds. Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-78, college: St.Cloud St.) netted 13, while Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) scored 10. Robert Sarovic (205-F-78) finished the night with 14 points and Matej Venta (187-G-84) posted 11 in defeat.
Nymburk will come back home for Game 5 of the best-of-seven series and might celebrate the triumph in the next game. It was also an important game for the hosts that could tie the series. Geofin raced out to a 7-2 lead behind a pair of Robert Sarovic baskets. The hosts tried to control the game but a 2-17 run led to 17:28 after the opening quarter. Ondrej Saska helped Geofin get within 38:42 at halftime as the teams disappeared in the lockers.
In the third quarter the defending champions played a bit better, but it was clear that the last period would be the decisive. Radoslav Rancik came through with 8 third-quarter points as Nymburk remained in control. Both squads entered it with 46:56 as the board showed the last 10 minutes. Marek Stec (193-G-80, college: Jacksonville JC) made it 56:60 but that was all the hosts could do. Nymburk led the game to 58:67 and took 3-1 in the series.
Game 5 is scheduled for June 7.

Geofin: Robert Sarovic 14, Matej Venta 11
Nymburk: Blake Schilb 23+16 rebs, Radoslav Rancik 13, Petr Benda 10

*****************************************************
ERITREA

Kelati celebrates silver with Turow -by Eurobasket News
Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) and his PGE Turow Zgorzelec finished second in Poland after an outstanding, however pity loss in the best-of-seven Final series over Prokom Trefl Sopot. In Game 5 Prokom won the third game in a row in the Final series over Turow. Trailing 0-2 after the first two games away from home Prokom is now 3-2 after 59:66. An outstanding last period lifted them closer to the trophy as they host Game 6. Filip Dylewicz top-scored for the winners with 26 points. Krzysztof Roszyk nailed 15, while Mustafa Shakur scored 8. David Logan poured in 15 points in defeat, Dragisa Drobnjak had 14 and Robert Witka posted 13. Thomas Kelati ended up with 7 points in defeat. Turow looked really well at home and another proof for it was the first three quarters. Prokom could not stay tough in the start of the game playing without Gurovic that was suspended for one game after fighting in Game 4. PGE Turow Zgorzelec opened the game with 17:16 and increased the lead to 3 points at the half. After halftime Dragisa Drobnjak hit 2 triples in the third period as Turow went ahead by 10. After 17:12 in the third period Turow remained in front of the game dominating the court. Prokom Trefl Sopot woke up in the last period as they limited Turow to just 5 points in the period. Filip Dylewicz and Krzysztof Roszyk made three-point plays to seal the victory.
PGE Turow Zgorzelec made one more fantastic victory beating Prokom Trefl Sopot on the road 74:69 and tied the score in the play-off final on 3-3 after Game 6. That game Thomas Kelati produced 10 points for the winners.
June 4th was lucky for Prokom Trefl Sopot that has won the championship and it's their fifth title in the row. Milan Gurovic was the key player with 36 points and 10 rebounds. David Logan was the best player in Turow with 26 points as well as Thomas Kelati who scored 16.

*****************************************************
ESTONIA

Eurobasket.com All-Estonian League Awards 2007-08 -by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Cusworth


Tein


Tsintsadze


Talts


Kangur
Player of the Year - Brian Cusworth (213-C-84, college: Harvard) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
Guard of the Year - Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
Forward of the Year - Janar Talts (204-C-83) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
Center of the Year - Brian Cusworth (213-C-84) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
Newcomer of the Year - Timo Oja (182-G-87) of Valga Welg/Kolmvedu
Most Improved Player of the Year - Sten Sokk (181-G-89) of Triobet/Dalkia
Import Player of the Year - Brian Cusworth (213-C-84) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
Domestic Player of the Year - Tanel Tein (194-G/F-78) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
Defensive Player of the Year - Janar Talts (204-C-83) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
Coach of the Year - Ullar Kerde

1st Team
Tanel Tein (194-G/F-78) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
Janar Talts (204-C-83) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) of BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn
Brian Cusworth (213-C-84) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock

2nd Team
Sten Sokk (181-G-89) of Triobet/Dalkia
Gert Dorbek (187-G-85) of Triobet/Dalkia
Veljo Vares (200-F/G-81) of Valga Welg/Kolmvedu
William Sharp (202-F-84) of TTP/Pirita
Travis Reed (203-C-79) of BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn

All-Domestic Players Team
Tanel Tein (194-G/F-78) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
Sten Sokk (181-G-89) of Triobet/Dalkia
Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) of BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn
Janar Talts (204-C-83) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
Ardo Armpalu (207-F/C-80) of Fausto-Tartu Kalev

All-Imports Team
Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
William Sharp (202-F-84) of TTP/Pirita
Mateo Kedzo (207-F/C-84) of BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn
Travis Reed (203-C-79) of BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn
Brian Cusworth (213-C-84) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock

All-Defensive Team
Valmo Kriisa (190-G-74) of BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn
Tanel Tein (194-G/F-78) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
Gregor Arbet (195-F/G-83) of BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn
Janar Talts (204-C-83) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock
Brian Cusworth (213-C-84) of Tartu Ulikool/Rock

All-Newcomers Team
Vitali Komar (179-G-89) of TTP/Pirita
Timo Oja (182-G-87) of Valga Welg/Kolmvedu
Janar Soo (190-G-91) of KK Parnu
Mooses Kaja (195-F-88) of BC Rakvere Tarvas
Erik Keedus (194-F-90) of Tallinn Technical Univ. KK

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

EuroBasket 2009 preparations -by Kostas Papadopoulos
The EuroBasket 2009 preparations in Poland are continuing according to the initial plan, FIBA Europe Secretary General Nar Zanolin corroborated on Monday.
Mr. Zanolin led a FIBA Europe delegation, which visited the venues of the tournament and discussed about various organizational matters with its organizing committee, headed by the Polish Basketball Federation president Roman Ludwiczuk.
'The EuroBasket 2009 organisers have now appointed most departmental heads within the organizing committee and I have received assurances that the few ones missing will also be in place very soon,' said Zanolin.
One open question before the latest visit was the capacity of the Final Round venue in Katowice. 'The Mayor of Katowice has now confirmed to us that the venue will seat over 11,500 spectators, with a possible option to amplify further, so that is not an issue anymore,' commented Zanolin.
EuroBasket 2009 will take place in seven Polish cities from 7-20 September 2009.

Fiba.com's courtesy

*****************************************************
FYR MACEDONIA

Vlado Ilievski close to defend title in Italy -by Eurobasket News
Lefty point guard of FYR Macedonian National Team, Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency), made a huge step forward to the championship title in Italian Serie A. His team Montepaschi Siena celebrated in the second game of the final series 85-82.

Siena showed totally different face than it was in the first game on Tuesday. The defending champion came into this battle with attitude and willingness to fight. Naturally, when the team who possesses 12 extremely skilled players in its roster plays with heart the victory will come to them. At the early beginning Siena made advantage of 12 points. After that moment visitors woke up decreasing its minus on 6 after first quarter. They had a nice chance to went on the half time with deficit of 'just' 5 points but Ilievski and his teammates didn't let them to do it. They immediately made mini 5-0 run closing the first half with plus 10. Siena proved why they finished regular season on top and why they participated at the Euroleague Final 4 devastating Rome at the half way of the third frame. It was 60-44 for the defending champion. Lottomatica threatened with 30 seconds to go after Gabini's 3-pointer after what they immediately committed a foul. Fortunately for Ilievski and his team Kaukanas drained two free throws setting the score in the final series on 2-0.

As it was during the entire season Vlado Ilievski and McIntyre weren't on the court at the same time so Ilievski got 13 minutes last night. He scored 8 points shooting 4 of 5 from the field. He also had one unsuccessful attempt for behind the arc.

Next game will be played on Sunday in Rome where Ilievski and his team will have a first chance to defend championship title.

*****************************************************
GEORGIA

Giorgi Tsintsadze - guard of the year in Estonia -by Eurobasket News
Georgian National Team member, Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86), captured the title in Estonian championship. It is the second consecutive title for Tsintsadze with his team Tartu Ulikool/Rock.

Tartu finished regular season on top of EMKL with score 33-3. Kalev Tallin had the same score but Tsintsadze's team had better digits against its direct rival for the title. Tartu smashed its opponents in the quarterfinals and in the semis without any defeat. It was not expected but Tartu also outplayed Kalev in the final series with fantastic 4-0 defending the championship title.

Giorgi Tsintsadze shined in the game number #3 vs Kalev netting 21 points. In the last game Tsintsadze also had solid performance adding 8 points and 4 rebounds. He is named to be the 'Guard of the year' in EMKL by Eurobeasket.com. He got the same award in FIBA EuroCup this season. For 13 games in FIBA EuroCup Tsintsadze averaged 14.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.8 spg. He was the second assistant of the competition with 5.2 apg. In Estonian EKML he had 20 appearances adding 13.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 1.6 spg. In this competition he was the leading assistant dishing out 4.2 apg.

Before Tartu, Giorgi Tsintsadze spent half of the season in Dynamo Moscow. In 2006 with Georgian U20 National Team he won European Championship division B which was held in Portugal. In the past he also played for Samara, Ural Great Perm and junior team of CSKA Moscow.

*****************************************************
GERMANY

Goettingen inks Rocky Trice -by Moritz Korff
He had a fantastic first season in Germany, including being named the 2007-2008 Eurobasket.com All-German 2. Bundesliga Pro A Player of the Year, Guard of the Year, Import Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Now Roderick Trice (191-F-84, agency: Profibasketball.de, college: S.Carolina) is making the next step and has agreed to terms with BG 74 Goettingen (1. Bundesliga), as the Violets announced in a press release today. Trice finished this past season in the 2. Bundesliga Pro A in second place with the Cuxhaven BasCats and also made it to the quarterfinal of the German Cup-competition. In 26 games of the 2. Bundesliga Pro A he averaged 14.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.9 steals, 2.3 assists and 1.0 block per outing.

Edward Seward transfers from Karlsruhe to Cuxhaven -by Moritz Korff
The Cuxhaven BasCats (2. Bundesliga Pro A) signed Edward Seward (206-C-78, college: Norfolk St.) to a contract for the 2008-2009 season. The 29-year-old from Norfolk, VA is an athletic post-man and a strong rebounder. After three seasons with the Aschersleben Tigers the member of the 2007 Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga North First Team left for BG Karlsruhe in the summer of 2007. In his first year in the 2. Bundesliga Pro A he he had 26 appearances (17:55 minutes per game) for Karlsruhe, averaging 5.0 points and 6.8 rebounds.

Victor Morris: "I'm more than capable of playing in the 1st league" -by Moritz Korff
With an average of 20.3 points through 18 games Victor Morris (185-G-85, college: Cleveland St.) led TS Goeppingen (Regionalliga South-West) in 2007-2008 and spend a good first year as a professional basketball player in Germany. One of the highlights of the season came about in the end, when the 22-year-old from Minden, La. scored 44 points in the final of the BBW-Cup and helped the club to win this title for the first time since 1995. To learn more about Victor Morris, please visit his website: www.victormorris.webs.com

Before going to Germany you said in an interview with the Fan Home of the Cleveland State Vikings: 'I have always dreamed of playing in the NBA. Of course, I'm not there yet but I'm going to use playing ball overseas as a stepping-stone to make it to the League.' Do you feel that you have come closer to the NBA after your first season in Germany?
I feel my game has improved tremendously this past season..I have become a better point guard and overall player. I still think the NBA is still a ways away but its close. I think if I can get on a first league team here in Germany and establish myself as a dominant player like I did this season in the Regionalliga, then more doors will open. My goal is to play in the 1st League next season.

Please describe the role that you had on the Goeppingen-team.
My role for Goeppingen changed as the year progressed, when I first got there in October I was more of a playmaker I created for my teammates and just tried to control the game and pick my oppurtunties to score... My role changed when a couple of our key players left the team. I then became the go to guy on our team so I had to score a lot more and still bea able to create for my other teammates and control the flow of the game. It was challenging but I adapted quick and it ended up working out for us. I had a lot of help from my teammates.

Did you have to change your game in Germany compared to your senior-season at CSU?
Yes, my game change completly coming from college, at CSU I was more of a role player. When I finished school I trained hard and told myself that I was going to be a player who decides the game for my team. I want to have the ball when the games on the line. One thing that didnt change is my ability to defend and play hard all the time.

The list of players who you played with at CSU includes names like Jermaine Robinson and Omari Westley who turned pro some years before you did and also played in Germany in this past season. Did you ask these two about the European game before you left to Germany?
Yea, I talked to Maine and O as much as I could before I started my professional career. They gave me advice as to what to expect and how European basketball is a lot different from basketball in the states. Their advice was very helpful.

If somebody, who has not been in Germany before, would ask you: Is there anything special that you have to be prepared for if you are going to Germany to play basketball? What would you say?
I would tell them to work on their foot work, I seen a lot of travel calls this past season. I would also tell them that they have to be mentally prepared to play and live in Germany, because there will be times when you feel like you are alone and you will want to go home. You have to be mentally tough and use the time you have wisely.

Can the game in the Regionalliga be compared to the level of competition that you were used to in the NCAA Division One?
Division 1 basketball to me is more competitive than the Regionalliga. I mean the league is good but the level of talent and the intesity at the D-1 level is very high. You are playing the best in the country. I feel I was successful this past season because I played 4 years of D-1 ball.

Are you going to return to Goeppingen after the summer break or what's next?
I'm not sure where I will be playing next season as of yet. Like I said I feel I'm more than capable of playing in the 1st league here in Germany, I have seen several games in the 1st league and I know I can play with those guys. My agent and I are working right now on making that happen.

What have you been doing since the season ended and what will you do until the start of the next season?
Since the season ended I have been back home relaxing and spending time with my family and friends. I just started back working out this past week. Im preparing for my agents camp the KY Pro Am in Louisville, KY June 26-29. So Im currently working out in Cleveland with some of my old college teammates. Preparing my self for next season, trying to get better everyday and take my game to the next level.

Osnabrueck acquires new Post Player -by Moritz Korff
The P4two Ballers Osnabrueck (newcomer to the 2. Bundesliga Pro B) have filled their second import player-spot by signing Bryan Freshwater (203-C-83, agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment, college: Cent.Washington). The first one had been given to Lamar Morinia (183-G-81, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Montana St.-Northern). The 25-year-old Center played for the reserve team of the Telekom Baskets Bonn in the 2. Regionalliga during this past season and was also used as a practice-player for the Bundesliga-squad. Freshwater spent his collegiate career at Lower Columbia CC, the University of Alaska Anchorage (NCAA2) and Central Washington (NCAA2). As a senior he averaged 10.6 points and 4.3 rebounds for the Wildcats.
The signing of Freshwater means at the same time, that Aaron Fleetwood (206-F-84, college: Delaware St.) is not going to return to the Osnabrueck-team. Fleetwood helped the Ballers to win the championship in the Regionalliga North and averaged 15.5 points per contest in RLN-play, being named to the Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga North Second Team.

*****************************************************
GREECE

Charalampos Giannopoulos, Dimitris Verginis and Igor Milosevic in Trevizo -by Serafim Karaiskakis
Charalampos Giannopoulos, Dimitris Verginis and Igor Milosevic (193-G-86) will participate in Reebok Eurocamp 2008. It's an annual camp about the best european prospects, players like Danilo Gallinari, Nicolas Batum and Goran Dragic will be there. The games will start in 2 days (June 7th). Many players who played there in the past years are now in the NBA, like Andrea Bargnani, Mouhamed Sene, Marco Belinelli, Johan Petro, Marcin Gortat and Didier Mbenga.

*****************************************************
HOLLAND

Paz Costa remain at Rotterdam -by Fred Roggen
Yasalde Fernandes Paz Costa play also the coming season for the Rotterdam Challengers. Paz Costa signed a contract for one more year with the Challengers. The 21-year old Paz Costa from Angola,who will get his Dutch passport this year ,will start to his third season at the Rotterdam Challengers. He is the third pointguard in the team of coach Terence Stansbury after Charles Richardson and Richard Maxwell.

Rogier Jansen stay in Groningen -by Fred Roggen

Dutch NT-pointguard Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) remain at Hanzevast Capitals. He has signed a contract for one year. Jansen averaged 11.1 points and 2.1 assists per game this season for the Capitals.
' I had offers of several teams and could deserve more money but with a great change of less playingtime. For this reason I have chosen to remain with the Capitals, thus Rogier Jansen.

Jansen is the fifth player who has been signed for the coming season in Groningen. With Aron Roye, Stefan Mladenovic and Will Whittington, he is the fourth guard on the roster of coach Marco van den Berg.



Eredivisie
Eredivisie Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Mohamm., Magix 19.6
2 Champion, Weert 19.5
3 Wilson,Zwolle 19.5
4 McDowell, Weert 18.3
5 Sneed, Aris 18.2
Rebounds Per Game
1 Sneed, Aris10.3
2 Giles, W.Brabant 10.2
3 Briggs, Rotterdam 9.5
4 Champion, Weert 9.3
5 Chiotti, Leiden 9.3
Assists Per Game
1 Kimbrough, Aris 6.9
2 Coleman, Weert 6.1
3 Oliver, Eiff 5.8
4 Bradshaw, D.Helder 4.9
5 Nash, Leiden 4.9
Steals Per Game
1 Champion, Weert 2.7
2 Sykes, Rotterdam 2.2
3 Smith, Magix 2.2
Blocks Per Game
1 Mattis, M.Magix 2.0
2 Wilson,Zwolle 1.3
3 Briggs, Rotterdam 1.3
2FGP
1 Mattis, Magix 62.8
2 Aarts, Eiff 61.7
3 Morales, Hanzev 60.9
3FGP
1 Kabba, Amster. 46.4
2 Akerboom, Eiff 46
3 Smith, Magix 44.1
Free Throws
1 Pope, W.Brabant 85.9
2 Kabba, Amster. 85.7
3 Coleman, Weert 85.2


*****************************************************
IBL

The Battle Creek Knights add Former D1 All American and European Professional Ed McCants! -by Lucius Jones
Terry Sare , Head CoachThe Battle Creek Knights, has added Ed McCants (6'4''-G-82, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) to his roster in an attempt to add some extra scoring punch for the IBL stretch run and playoff race.

The Battle Creek Knights are 7-8 right now and are looking to improve to over .500 and gain some momentum before heading into the Playoffs. As a former IBL Champion and consistent contender, the Knights should not be taken lightly.

Ed McCants (6'4''-G-82, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) who led his midmajor underdog squad to 2 highly unlikely victories versus Boston Coll. and Alabama in the 2005 NCAA D1 Tournament to advance to the Sweet 16 round. A tournament in which Ed McCants competed in the Slam Dunk competition during the Final 4 as well. The D1 All American continued his career in the NBA Portsmouth camp and most recently finished his season in the top division in Hungary. As a lights out shooter and supreme athlete who debuted with 16 points and 4assists versus Gary Steelheads look for Ed McCants to leave his mark with the Battle Creek Knights in their remaining games.

Kenny Langhorne of the Grand Rapids Flight with back to back 40+point games! -by Lucius Jones
IBL All Star to be this season, Kenny Langhorne (6'5''-F/G-83, college: S.Arkansas) has raised his stock over this highly competitive 2008 IBL season with a coming out party of sort in his 2nd season with the Grand Rapids Flight. Langhorne is listed in the top 8 in scoring in the IBL currently and should crack the top 5 once all his games are included in his average. The most recent games missing from his tally are his 44points and 7 3's versus Central Oregon Hotshots in a 147-141 win for Coach David Fox and the Grand Rapids Flight and a tough loss to Vancouver Volcanoes in which he scored 49 points and recorded 10 rebounds to boot. Look for this shining star to continue his ascension into the IBL's elite.

*****************************************************
ICELAND

Stefansson struggles in the Final -by Eurobasket News
Jon Stefansson (195-G-82) spends a good season with his Lottomatica Roma in Italy. The latter is struggling hard in the Final series against Montepaschi Siena but trails 0-2 so far. In Game 1 Montepaschi Siena celebrated 85:73 win over the opponent. Lottomatica struggled and kept the game open till the end, led by a good Erazem Lorbek. It wasn't enough because Siena played the usual tough home game and found a key break in the last minutes of the third quarter. Due triples by Terrell McIntyre and two crucial shots by Rimantas Kaukenas allowed Montepaschi to take a 10-point lead. And Roma, from that moment, always trailed, despite two impressive plays by Roko Leni Ukic. In the fourth quarter Siena backcourt controlled the game, while Ksystof Lavrinovic shot 7/9 from the free throws line to close the game. However the mvp of the game was Terrell McIntyre, that closed with 22 points, 8 assists and 3 steals. Jon Stefansson nailed 5 points and made 4 rebounds.
In Game 2 Montepaschi edged Lottomatica RM 85:82 to take 2-0 in the series. Erazem Lorbek and Roberto Gabini combined for 39 points. David Hawkins added 17 with 6 steals, while Sato Romain produced 14 points and made 7 rebounds. Jon Stefansson ended up with 3 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.
Game 3 is scheduled for June 8th. The teams will go to Roma for the next two games in the series.

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

Serie A Finals Game 2 -by Stefano Pini
Montepaschi SI-Lottomatica RM 85-82 (aggregate 2-0)
In game 2 we had the possibility to watch the 'Old Siena'. With Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) healthy on the court, Siena is still the team that attack the rim on the mismatch, very skill to create spacing in offense. For the lithuanian guard: 19 points in 23'. Siena gained 40 free throws, and seems less addicted to the 3p. shot as in the past weeks. Roma resisted very well to Montepaschi's waves. Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) and Roberto Gabini (198-F-75, agency: Interperformances) combined for 39 points. David Hawkins (193-G-82, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) (193-G-82, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) added 17 with 6 steals. Even if wasn't easy play against Siena's defense. Shaun Stonerook (203-F/C-77, college: Ohio) was everywhere: 9 rebounds, 2 blocks and 4 steals for him, adding 5 assists in the other halfcourt. We've to appreciate Roma's attitude even if to see a long series, Lottomatica should play with more continuity, without unforced errors. In this moment Roma is well coached team with big pride that won't sink. But to beat Siena is necessary execute better during the 40'.

A first Italian market resume -by Gianni Pascucci
The first moves in the Italian basketball market were, as usual, the one regarding the executives and the coaches. Marco Atripaldi left Benetton Treviso to come back at Biella, where he will serve as President and Director of Basketball Operations. His replacement at Treviso will be Enzo Lefebre . The new sponsor of Teramo Basket will be local bank 'Banca Tercas'. Zoran Savic should be officially named the GM of Fortitudo Bologna, and his first move will be to confirm coach Dragan Sakota . After having been the main sponsor of the team for some seasons, univesally known fashion stylist Giorgio Armani is becominig the new owner of Olimpia Milano. His first move will be the agreement with Lucio Zanca , who is said to sign as the new team GM. The ownership of Pallacanestro Cantu changed last week: the majority of the shares are now owned by 'NGC Medical' company, whose officials have just announced a two-year contract extension with coach Luca Dalmonte . Carife Ferrara extended the agreements with Marco Allegretti (204-F-81) and Daniel Farabello (194-G-73), who will stay in the team for the upcoming Serie A season. After the farewell of Matteo Boniciolli, Zare Markovski is rumored to come back soon on the bench of Air Avellino. In Lega 2, Cimberio Varese is negotating with coach Stefano Pillastrini

*****************************************************
JAPAN

BJ League Transaction and News Update -by John Scribe
With the Bj League Finals and 2008 draft now complete, it is now transaction time. During this brief off-season, there have been numerous moves that may wow fans as the bj has had one of its most busy off-seasons in leagues history. With the implementation of free agency this season, many players have declared themselves eligible. However, at the moment there haven't been any transfers as most players have returned to their original teams. This may be the case due to the fact that teams bidding for a coveted players' services must not only pay a player his salary, but pay his former team 50% of his new contract as a free agent transfer fee.

In the coaching spectrum there have been several aggressive moves made by team executives to make a run at improving their team(s).

The Oita Heatdevils, which finished in 3rd place during the 2006-2007 Season, ended up biting the dust in its 2008 campaign and released its young strategist Dai Oketani. Down below, NBA scout and Ryukyu head coach Hernando Planells was shown the door after struggling to make his expansion club competitive. Niigata's Masaya Hirose must be in the hot seat after not taking his Albirex team to the Promised Land.


Here are the latest transactions in the BJ:

Contract Expirations:

Ryuzo Nakazono, Rizing Fukuoka-4/10
Kazuyuki Murakami (also announces retirement)-4/15
Sung Ming Eum, Rizing Fukuoka-5/9
Teruaki Ikeda, Takamatsu Fiver Arrows-5/23
Shuhei Shiroma, Takamatsu Five Arrows-5/23
Jo Kurino, Oita Heatdevils-4/30
Takuma Yamashiro, Ryukyu Golden Kings-6/2
Takashi Hirai, Rizing Fukuoka-6/2
Yuji Kondo, Sendai 89ers (Kondo also announced his retirement)-6/2
Shinji Miyamoto, Takamatsu Five Arrows-6/5



Player Signings:

Sendai 89ers
2008 Draftee Takehiko Shimura agrees to terms
Keniichi Takahashi re-signs for a 1-year contract
Hikaru Kusaka re-signs for a 1-year offer.

Osaka Evessa
Kazuya Hatano agreed to terms to a new 1-year contract after announcing FA.
Naoto Nakamura re-signs for another 1 year-offer.

Takamatsu Five Arrows
Satoshi Takeda renews contract announcing FA

Rizing Fukuoka BB
Michael Parker signs one year deal.
Jun Nakanishi remains with Rizing for another year.
Tsuyoshi Kawazura returns for another season.
Masahiro Kanou signs 1-year deal to remain with Fukuoka.
Toshiyuki Chijiiwa secures 1-year deal for next season.
Masahide Haraguchi decides to stay put in Rizing for another season.

Ryukyu Golden Kings
Kenya Tomori is signed to a 1-year deal

Coaching Transactions:

Sendai 89ers
HC Honoo Hamaguchi renews contract to coach 2008-2009 season.

Niigata Albirex BB
HC Masaya Hirose receives one-year contract extension

Toyama Grouses
HC Masato Fukushima agrees to one-year deal to coach next season.

Osaka Evessa
HC Kensaku Tennichi extends contract after leading Osaka to V3

Oita Heatdevils
Dai Oketani is relieved of his Head Coaching duties

Ryukyu Golden Kings
Announce the signing of former-Oita Heatdevils HC Dai Oketani.

*****************************************************
KBDL

Ron Lewis - Ohio State, -by Thom McQueen
Ron Lewis (6'4''-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Ohio St.) was picked up by the Thunder. A second-team All-Mid American Conference honoree as a sophomore, Lewis (6-4, 195) averaged 17 points and nearly 5.0 rebounds a game as a sophomore. In just two seasons he shot 420 free throws, making 340 for a foul-shooting percentage of .810.
Throughout his career, Ron scored 1,560 points, made 497 rebounds, and had 248 assists. He is an 80 percent career foul shooter and has NBA three point shooting range.

SCOTT HUNDLEY STROKES EXPRESS ENGINE -by Thom McQueen
Scott Hundley (6'5''-G/F-81, college: Vanderbilt), 185 lb forward pushes the Express down the court in every game with 20.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. Scott wants to continue his playing career in Europe, and will be a great player for the team that picks him up.

*****************************************************
LATVIA

Evgeni Pashutin replaces Igors Miglinieks in Spartak St. Petersburg -by Eurobasket News
Former member of Russian National Team, Evgeni Pashutin, is the new head coach of Spartak St. Petersburg. During the last couple of days there was many speculations about his move to Spartak but yesterday it is officially announced.

New Spartak's head coach stated that he is grateful to his ex team CSKA. 'I want to say that I am grateful to CSKA and personally to Ettore Messina, Andrey Vatutin and Sergey Kushchenko, who let leave to Spartak. They have the same thoughts as me. We want to have another big club in Russia which will increase quality of the league. I think that Spartak could be that team. I will try to help them to play more important role in Russian championship as well as in European competitions. We will have to work a lot especially in order to recruit players for the next season. I will try to mix import players with Russians and our youngsters which could possibly be the winning combinaiton. We have some names in our heads but it is still too early for any announcements' - said Pashutin.

Evgeni Pashutin is one of the Russian basketball legends. He was member of Russian National Team from 1993 to 2002. He finished career as a professional player in CSKA Moscow on season 02/03 and immediately started to wok in the club as a head coach of junior team. A year later he became the assistant coach of senior team.

Pashutin will replace Latvian coach Igors Miglinieks on Spartak's bench. Miglinieks agreed terms with Spartak in October 2007. Before St. Petersburg he spent 2 years in Cypriot team EKA AEL Limassol.

Management of Spartak St. Petersburg was not satisfied with recent team's performance as they finished regular season on 11th place with score 5-19.

*****************************************************
LEBANON

Al-Riyadi gained its momentum again and outplayed Mouttahed in a game that did not reach the happy ending -by Hassan Thini
Riyadi was back on the right track in game 3 of the Lebanese Championship final series and put Mouttahid back in place in an encounter where the Champions of Lebanon showed high caliber and advanced skills that entertained the numerous number of fans who gathered to stand by their team and players in time when they needed it the most. However, the beautiful night did not reach the happy ending as some outliers from the fans started chanting unnecessary and very offensive political slogans that were out of place completely, triggering a reaction - or an over-reaction from the security men which lead to a Chaos in court and pushed the Lebanese Federation to stop the game and send the fans out of the court. At that time, Riyadi was maintaining its comfortable lead of 23 pts (76-53). However, when the court was emptied out, Mouttahid's coach chose to withdraw from the game just 4 minutes before the final buzzer, causing his team to lose (20-0) according to the FLBB rules. The fourth game is expected to be played on Saturday at 8.45 p.m. in Tripoli.

*****************************************************
LITHUANIA

Cepulis Arvydas triumphs in Romania -by Eurobasket News
Arvydas Cepulis (195-G-79) and CSU Ploiesti clinched Romanian Championship title after defending in the crucial Game 7 of the Finals U Mobitelco 82:66 as they won Final Series 4-3. CSU was lead by Serbian power forward Bojan Obradovic who poured in 25 points and Lithuanian guard Arvydas Cepulis that produced 23 points for the winners.
CSU Ploiesti could triumph even earlier, but UMobitelco came from behind in the second half to upset CSU Ploiesti at home in the sixth game of the finals. The hosts had their backs against the wall heading into the game trailing 2-3 in the series. And the first half of home game did not add positive emotions to UMobitelco. CSU Ploiesti controlled the rhythm and due to back-to-back trebles from Arvydas Cepulis enjoyed a 24:18 lead after the starting frame. The visitors quickly cleared off to a 10-point distance early in the second term and kept the hosts at bay throughout the rest of the frame. Arvydas Cepulis completed the first half with a 22-point tally while Virgil Carutasu added 10 boards to dominate the paint. Virgil Carutasu, Arvydas Cepulis and Reggie Elliott quickly paced CSU Ploiesti to a massive 17-point cushion early in the third frame. However Silvasan and Zoran Krstanovic had a proper answer. They ignited a 15:7 run that put the home team just 9 points away from the defending champions at the end of the third frame. Lapuste nailed a three-pointer and UMobitelco cut the deficit to a single point at the very beginning of the final frame. Virgil Carutasu and Bojan Obradovic carried the visiting team back to a 7-point buffer but UMobitelco stayed alert. They denied the gap and surged ahead 81:79 as Brad Buckman hit a jumper. The hosts then proved deadly from charity stripe to secure the vital win and forced the seventh game in the dramatic finals.
Zoran Krstanovic led all scorers with 28 points and 11 boards for UMobitelco. Milan Medvedj, Brad Buckman and Branko Cuic scored 13 points apiece for the winners. Arvydas Cepulis answered with 27 points for CSU Ploiesti.

*****************************************************
MONTENEGRO

Bogavac hopes for the Final -by Eurobasket News
Nebojsa Bogavac (199-G-73, agency: Beo Basket) and the top-ranked Le Mans took care of Roanne 82:67 at home in the semifinal series in France. Roanne played equally for three quarters before falling down in the final frame. The hosts led by just 2 points after the opening stanza and struggled to clear off substantially in the second. Le Mans managed to pile up a 4-point buffer at the interval. Finally things started to get rolling for the home team after the long break as they ran away to a 9-point distance heading into the final period. A solid performance from Nebojsa Bogavac and Luka Bogdanovic allowed Le Mans to keep their opponents at bay and celebrate a hard-fought win at the end. Luka Bogdanovic led the charge with 21 points. Nebojsa Bogavac added 16 points, while Nicolas Batum had 15 in a winning case. Marc Salyersanswered with 30 points and 6 boards for Roanne. Brion Rush knocked down 11 points in a loss. The hosts outrebounded their opponents 40:34 and converted 46% from the field.
Roanne stayed alive in the semifinal series against Le Mans after Game 2. They held off the top-ranked Le Mans at home in the second game of the series to force the decisive third encounter in the clash. The win never came easy for Roanne. They opened the game slowly and the visitors capitalized. Le Mans limited the hosts to 9 points in the starting frame and built an 18:9 lead after a quarter of action. Roanne could not recover in the second frame as Le Mans dictated the pace at the moment. Sam Clancy led the charge for the visitors in the first half as they enjoyed a 7-point buffer at halftime. But finally Roanne broke through. They notched 20 points in the third frame while Le Mans answered with just 6 to fall behind. Brion Rush and Laurent Cazalon ignited the hosts' rally that put them in front 50:43 with one quarter left in the game. Roanne kept mounting the pressure and kept the visitors at bay throughout the fourth term. A couple of treys from Cazalon and Brion Rush allowed Roanne not to worry about the outcome in the dying stages as they drove to a confident victory at the end. Brion Rush finished with 19 points and 8 boards for Roanne. Laurent Cazalon added 17 points, while Marc Salyers and Pape Badiane dropped 10 points apiece for the winners. Sam Clancy answered with 15 points and 9 boards for Le Mans. Alain Koffi had 13 points in a losing effort, while Nebojsa Bogavac ended up with 5 points and 2 rebounds. The hosts outrebounded Le Mans 32:26 and converted 48% from the field. The third game is scheduled for Saturday.

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

Celtics won the first game of the Final series -by Eurobasket
Sprawled near the edge of the famed parquet floor, Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) grabbed his throbbing right knee and wondered if his first NBA finals - the ones he had always dreamed of playing in - were finished.
'A lot was going though my head,' Pierce said. ''It can't be over like this.''
The Boston Celtics' captain wouldn't quit.
He came back out, carrying the franchise's title hopes with him.
Pierce, who as a kid growing up in Los Angeles used to sneak into Lakers games, returned from a knee injury to inspire and lead Boston to an emotional and tense 98-88 victory on Thursday night in Game 1 of these tradition-soaked NBA finals.
Pierce's dramatic return after being carried from the court and then wheeled down a hallway for treatment will be added to the annals of Celtics-Lakers finals lore, taking a spot alongside Magic Johnson's baby sky hook and Kevin McHale's clothesline of Kurt Rambis .
Pierce's comeback drew immediate comparisons to Willis Reed, the former New York Knicks great who once hobbled onto the court of Madison Square Garden before Game 7 of the 1970 finals against the Lakers. Some of the savvy Celtics fans chanted Reed's name in tribute.
'I wasn't trying to imitate him,' Pierce said. 'I'm just glad I was able to get back out there.'
Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76) scored 24 points, Pierce finished with 22-111 after going down-and Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut), the third member of Boston's Big Three, added 19 for the Celtics, who are chasing a 17th NBA championship. The trio was making its first finals appearance, and for a short time it appeared only two of them would finish their long-awaited debut.

Courtesy of Yahoo.com

Latest signings of Charlotte Bobcats -by Eurobasket News
Charlotte Bobcats announced contract extension with two assistant coaches Phil Ford and Jeff Capell. The team also signed another assistant coach and it Dave Hanners.

Phil Ford is former NBA player which career highlight was award 'NBA Rookie of the Year' in 1979. Later he played six more seasons in NBA. In 1998 he became the assistant coach at North Carolina where he stayed two seasons. Four years later he joined Detroit Pistons also as an assistant coach. Pistons were NBA Central division champion for season 04/05. Before Bobcats he also used to work one year at New York Knicks.

Jeff Capell is an assistant coach of Charlotte Bobcats since 2004. In the past he used to work as a head coach in NBDL team Fayetteville Patriots. Actually he spent two seasons and a half there as he was hired in January 2002. On season 03/04 Patriots reached semifinals of NBDL. Before Patriots Capell was a head coach at ODU (NCAA) from 1994 to 2001.

Dave Hanners is a new face in Charlotte. For the last two years he was an assistant coach in New York Knicks. In the past he had two very successful seasons with Detroit Pistons. One year he cooperated with his new-old colleague Phil Ford. On season 03/04 he was with the Pistons when they became the NBA Champions.

Collins has Change of Heart on Bulls Job. -by Bryan Floyd
Doug Collins isn't coming back to the Chicago Bulls after all, citing a mutual agreement with Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf that the team will continue its coaching search without him.'I just knew over the last few days that Jerry was really struggling over whether or not to do this, and I didn't want Jerry to have those struggles,' Collins told the Chicago Tribune for a story posted on the newspaper's Web site. 'I love him. And I didn't want him feeling that kind of angst.'This is absolutely mutual,' Collins told the Tribune. 'When this first came about, there was a tremendous amount of excitement about this possibility. And I'm losing that. The feeling now is more, 'Should I do this?' Once I got to that point, it meant no. I always make decisions yes is yes, no is no and maybe is no.
'Jerry knows me well enough to know the only way I could do this is if I was totally engaged. And I just couldn't do that now.'Reinsdorf told the Tribune: 'As time went on, he came to realize that there are good coaches out there and we will be able to get somebody and that it's more important for us to maintain our friendship. I didn't push him to this. And I'm disappointed because I won't be reunited with Doug. But in my heart, I know he made the right decision.'On May 29, ESPN confirmed reports from Chicago-area media outlets that the Bulls intended to announce that Collins would leave his TV career to take over as the Bulls' head coach. The Bulls denied the reports that day, saying 'contrary to some reports that are currently out there, we have not reached an agreement.'
Collins, working for TNT on the NBA playoffs that night, said: 'I have not been offered. I have not accepted.' The Bulls have been without a head coach for seven weeks since firing interim coach Jim Boylan.

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

North Carolina's Lawson charged with alcohol offense -by Eurobasket News

North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson (5'11''-G-87) was charged Friday with driving after consuming alcohol following an early-morning traffic stop.

Lawson was stopped in downtown Chapel Hill because of the loud music coming from the car, Police Capt. Jackie Carden said. The car smelled of alcohol and a field sobriety test led the officer to file charges, she said.

Because Lawson is not 21, he was charged with driving after consuming alcohol. He also was charged with violating the city's noise ordinance and driving with a suspended or revoked license. He was taken into custody and released. Lawson is scheduled to appear in court July 8.

He was one of three North Carolina players who declared for the 2008 NBA draft. Lawson has not hired an agent, meaning he could return to school for his junior season.

Lawson attended the NBA predraft workouts last week in Florida with teammates Wayne Ellington and Danny Green. On Wednesday, he worked out for the Indiana Pacers. Lawson helped the Tar Heels reach the Final Four, where they lost to eventual national champion Kansas in the semifinals.
Courtesy of ncaa.com



*****************************************************
NCAA2

Quinn takes over at Nyack -by Eurobasket News
Nyack College Director of Athletics Keith Davie recently announced the hiring of Head Men's Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director, Ted Quinn. Quinn comes to Nyack from Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa where he was at the helm for the past three years. Prior to the role of Head Coach at Graceland, Quinn held the post of Assistant and Associate Head Coach from 2002 - 2005.

Quinn brings experience on the basketball court, but also brings off the court attributes that will lend to his success at Nyack. Quinn has been the Director of the Leadership Education and Development Program (LEAD) at Graceland which centered on developing leadership skills through workshops, community service, seminars, retreats, internships and practicums.

The Nyack administration received over 110 applications for the position and, after reducing the pool to under 30, a team of eight full-time institutional employees evaluated the resumes and narrowed the group down to seven candidates. Four candidates were brought to campus and were interviewed by a distinguished list of faculty and staff who were entrusted with the task of finding a leader for the Men's Basketabll program.

The role of Assistant Athletic Director is new to the athletic department and Athletic Director Keith Davie is very excited about the potential for the department with the addition of Quinn. 'I look forward to the opportunity of working with Ted. The ability to partner with Ted and the rest of our athletic staff to move the department forward is an important step for Nyack College,' stated Davie.
Courtesy of ncaa.com

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

The Hawks swoop down the Giants -by Eurobasket News
Bay Hawks - Nelson 90:87

With the playoff time closing on the fight for the home-court advantage is getting tougher. The Hawkes Bay Hawks completed their season with an important win over the defending champions the Nelson Giants at home court. Thus the Bay Hawks improved to 7-2 record at the Pettigrew Arena and 11-7 overall record. They now hold a 4th overall spot but can be leapfrogged by the Giants in case Nelson beat the Manawatu Jets. But half of the task was accomplished today as the Bay Hawks overcame a sizzling performance from retired Tall Black Phill Jones (196-G-74) to edge the Giants. The Bay Hawks got to a better start as they outscored the visitors 25:20 in the first frame. They kept Nelson at distance and finished the first half in charge 44:40. But Phill Jones ignited a 33:24 third quarter rally that put the Giants up by 5 points heading into the final term. The lead was stretched to as many as 13 points for Nelson midway through the fourth term. However the Bay Hawks answered with a stifling defense that kept Nelson scoreless for about 4 minutes. Finally Paora Winitana (195-G-76) nailed a three-pointer to give the hosts a lead in the dying moments. The Giants missed four free throws in the final minute and failed to threaten the home side win. Paul Henare (182-G-79) finished with season-high 23 points to lead the Bay Hawks. Aidan Daly (182-G-78) added contributed 18 points and 4 assists, while Paora Winitana had 17 points for the winners. Phill Jones was impressive with game-high 40 points and 9 boards for the Giants. Jamil Terrell (200-F/C-80, college: W.Texas A&M) knocked down 22 points in a losing effort.

Bay Hawks: Paul Henare 23, Aidan Daly 18, Paora Winitana 17
Nelson: Phill Jones 40, Jamil Terrell 22

Cameron cleared -by Eurobasket News
Gold Coast Blaze star Pero Cameron (199-F-74, agency: Duran International) will take to the court for his NZNBL team, the Waikato Pistons, on Friday night when they face Auckland after being cleared of rough play.

A Basketball New Zealand judicial committee determined yesterday the Tall Blacks forward had no case to answer.

It follows an on-court incident in the Pistons' loss to the Harbour Heat last Thursday. Cameron was whistled for an unsportsmanlike foul when he forcefully pulled Heat forward, and Tall Blacks team-mate, Mika Vukona (who recently signed with the South Dragons) to the floor.

'The judicial committee set-up to investigate this incident was satisfied with how the referees dealt with the incident and upon viewing the game footage was of the view that the incident was accidental and not intentional and decided that Cameron had no case to answer,' Basketball New Zealand CEO Dale Stephens said.

'I had a long chat with Pero Cameron, who expressed regret for the incident and concern that he did not want his actions to tarnish the sport. He has apologised to both Mika Vukona and to BBNZ for any inconvenience his actions may have caused.'

Play gets underway in the Auckland-Waikato clash at 7.30pm on Friday night.
Courtesy of nbl.com.au

Standings Men
NBL Standings
 1. Wellington 14-4 
 2. Waikato 13-5 
 3. Harbour Heat 11-6 
 4. G&H Hawks 11-7 
 5. Nelson 10-7 
 6. Auckland 9-9 
 7. Taranaki 8-9 
 8. Canterbury 5-12 
 9. Manawatu 4-13 
 10. Otago 2-15 


*****************************************************
NICARAGUA

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


*****************************************************
NIGER

Zaki nails his first points in the semis -by Eurobasket News
Amadou Zaki (215-C-88, college: Saint-Brieuc) and his Nancy are struggling in the semifinal series in France. The latter held off ASVEL 86:75 at home court. The second-ranked squad of the regular season got to a better start and accumulated a 27:19 lead after the starting stanza. ASVEL failed to threaten the deficit throughout the reminder of the contest and had to surrender at the end. Nancy looked pretty comfortable driving to the victory in this one. Mike Bauer topscored with 24 points and 8 boards for the hosts. Ricardo Greer scored 17 points, while Jeff Greer had 13 points for the winners. Laurent Foirest answered with 15 points for ASVEL. Uche Nsonwu provided 13 points and 9 boards in defeat.
An impressive fourth-term comeback rally from ASVEL allowed them to celebrate a vital 92:79 win in the second leg encounter against Nancy in the LNB semifinal series. The teams became now tied at 1-1 and would move back to Nancy for the third and decisive game on Friday. The teams were equally matched in the regular season but Nance proved stronger in the series opener at home court. However ASVEL found the right answer at the home premises. Although it was not an easy ride for ASVEL. Nancy got to a better start to the game and quickly posted a 30:21 lead at the first intermission. The tempo was impressive and the teams threw all they had with the stakes being too high. ASVEL cut the deficit to 8 points at halftime. Vincent Collet used just 7 players in rotation for the game but depleted ASVEL squad still managed to come as close as 2 points from the visitors in the third stanza. The initiative was in the hands of the home team as they entered the fourth period. Lamayn Wilson led the charge for ASVEL as his sizzling performance became a key to Villeurbanne's success. He bombarded the basket from beyond the arc hitting 7/11 three-point attempts and ASVEL surged ahead leaving Nancy behind stunned. The hosts accounted for 32 points in the final quarter and grabbed an impressive victory to stay in the series. Lamayn Wilson poured in 37 points and collected 7 boards to lead ASVEL. Laurent Foirest knocked down 15 points, while Robert Conley provided 13 for the winners. Mike Bauer notched 21 points for Nancy. Amadou Zaki provided 4 points, while Cyril Julian nailed 15 points in a losing case. The hosts outrebounded their opponents 31:26 and shot 45% from the field.

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

Tapgun Rockets suffers two defeats -by Eurobasket News
Tapgun Rockets is defeated twice in its last two games. The team from Jos started mini tour though Atlantic conference on Monday. They met Delta and Ebun Comets at the first point.

Delta beat Rockets 52-44 at their home court in Asaba. It was not a game with lot of points and attractive moves but on the other hand both teams showed strong willingness to fight for the win. The number of points can prove why these two teams are currently on not so brilliant position on the table. As a reminded Tapgun Rockets of Savannah Conference are still winless. On the other side it was a good night for Delta, who suffered couple of inconvenient defeats this season.

The second game Rockets played in Nigeria's business capital Lagos. Their opponent was Ebun Comets. Rockets lost this game 70-55 without any chance to win it. Comets looked forward to this victory before the game. They took control on Rockets at the early beginning keeping it until the end without problems. As a reminder Comets are former winners of Nigerian championship.

Rockets will have to play 4 more game in Lagos as a part of its tour. Their opponents will be Dodan Warriors, Lagos Islanders, Union Bank and Customs. The last game will be played on Saturday after what Rockets will return to their home city Jos.

*****************************************************
OLYMPIC GAMES

Varejao ruled out for Brazil because of injury -by Kostas Papadopoulos

Brazilian player Anderson Varejao (205-C-82) is not recovering quickly from the ankle and quadriceps injuries he picked up while playing for Cleveland in the NBA play-offs and will miss this summer's FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens.
Anderson Varejao, who also missed last year's FIBA Americas Championship because of his contract dispute with the Cavaliers, has been told by Cleveland doctors not to play in Greece. 'I'm shocked by the news,' he said. 'I thought I was better and focused on recovering. It's frustrating because it's a very important moment for the national team. It's important for me, too, as I have always been proud of defending my country.'
Anderson said he has already broken the news to his national team coach, Moncho Monsalve. 'I thanked Moncho for having named me and I wished him luck in this challenge. We really need this Olympic berth.'
Brazil are hoping to play at an Olympic Games for the first time in 12 years. They are in Group A of the 12-team FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens with hosts Greece and Lebanon. Only three places are up for grabs for Beijing at the event.
It should also be mentioned that there are also injury concerns around Leandro Barbosa (190-G-82), while it is still unclear if Nene, the Denver Nuggets center, will play. He underwent an operation earlier this year for testicular cancer.


Fiba.com's courtesy



Reneses is the new coach of Spain's national team -by Kostas Papadopoulos
The Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) have confirmed they are in talks with Garcia Aito Reneses about taking over the national team following the sacking of Hernandez.
Aito stepped down as coach of Copa del Rey and ULEB Cup winners DKV Joventut last week, fuelling speculation that a change was about to take place at the helm of the world champions. On the same day as his resignation, Hernandez told a press conference in Madrid that he expected to coach Spain at the Olympics but said he felt 'persecuted' by the federation. Hernandez was relieved of his duties this week.
The FEB president, Jose Luis Saez, said: 'We began talks on Wednesday and yesterday morning and I would like to have a new national coach as soon as possible. At this time, there is one name that has priority and that is the one we are working on. Aito is the only one we are talking to right now.'
Aito has coached some of Spain's players before, including Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) and Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) at Barcelona, and Alex Mumbru (201-F-79) and Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85) at DKV Joventut. DKV's 17-year-old sensation Ricky Rubio (192-G-90) is also expected to be named in this year's squad.
Spain were expected to announce their preliminary squad on June 10 but it is unclear when that list will be released.

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

Gary Forbes shines at the NBA Rookie Camp in Orlando -by Eurobasket News
Member of Panamanian National Team, Gary Forbes (201-G/F-85, college: Virginia), did successful job in Orlando, Florida. In his last game at NBA Rookie camp he netted 17 points and according to the rumors he could be picked somewhere in the second round on the next NBA draft.

Gary Forbes touched the sky in the third game when he drained 30 points. He was focused on his shot during the entire tournament. He had a solid percentage shooting from mid range but also from behind the arc. He showed his is able to create for himself and he was considered to be the MVP of the NBA's rookie camps by a wide margin. He was the top scorer of the rookie camp in Orlando averaging 21.3 ppg.

In the past Forbes spent two years University of Virginia. In 2006 he transferred to Massachusetts where he was the best player of his team. In his first year with Massachusetts he averaged 13 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 2.5 apg for 33 games in NCAA. At his senior season he registered much better stats. He had 19.4 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 3 apg and he was named to be the 'All-Atlantic 10 Player of the year'. After graduation he participated at Portsmouth Invitational Tournament and he was named to be in 'All-Tournament team'.

He is a member of Panamanian NT since 2007.

*****************************************************
PBL

The Krunk joins PBL -by Gianni Pascucci

The Premier Basketball League announced that the Augusta Groove, formerly known as the Atlanta Krunk, have been accepted into the league for the upcoming 2008-09 season. The Krunk was purchased at the end of the 2008 CBA season and relocated to Augusta Georgia. 'We spent time examining both leagues and it was an easy decision to apply for membership into the PBL,' said Groove owner Gary Perry (6'1''-G-68, college: Boston Coll.). 'Having solid ownership groups and league initiatives benefiting all the teams, coupled with controlled expansion, solidified the PBL as a great fit for the Groove. We wish the CBA the best moving forward.' In addition to Perry, the ownership group consists of two other area businessmen Lavon Mercer and Ricky Brown. All three played in the NBA and met while playing overseas before coming together after leaving professional basketball. For information on the Augusta Groove, contact Gary Perry at (404) 863-7754 or Ricky Brown at (678) 898-5279 or via e-mail at Augustagroove@gmail.com



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

Zmago Sagadin bound with Anwil Wloclawek -by Michal Falkowski
One of the most important daily newspapers in Poland, 'Przeglad Sportowy', informed today that Anwil Wloclawek is very close to sign a deal with Slovenian coach Zmago Sagadin . A legendary coach, who achieved almost everything with Olimpija Ljubljana, came to Wloclawek in order to find out more about the club and city and to negotiate the terms of contract.
Such information has also a confirmation from Slovenian media. Slovenian section of eurobasket.com infromed about agreeing terms of contract by both sides yesterday.
Moreover 'PS' quoted Sagadin's words: 'I do not have to work for money, I have them. It is a big challenge to work in Wloclawek for Anwil. I still believe I can achieve good results. Moreover, I saw that the level of training base in Wloclawek is so high and I have to say it is what I expect from club.' When it comes to Anwil, the president of this club says; 'We have not inked a deal yet, but we are close to do it. The coach Sagadin spent two days in Wloclawek. He was seeing the club's base and was meeting with team players. I said that he sees a great potential to achieve a success in Wloclawek.'
It is worth underlining that Sagadin, if he inks a deal he will replace his countryman Ales Pipan who has just signed with Zlotorog Lasko.

*****************************************************
ROMANIA

CSU Ploiesti wins Romanian title ...again -by Adrian Popa
CSU Ploiesto clinched Romanian Championship title after defending in the crucial Game 7 of the Finals U Mobitelco 82-66. They won Final Series 4-3.
It was not an easy run as they needed all 7 games to get the title. But it does not change the fact that it is their fifth championship title in a row as they started in 2004 and continue to dominate in Romanian basketball since then.
For U Mobitelco it was another unlucky season when they were very close. Two years ago they made it already to the finals and last year they ended the play-offs in the semifinals.
CSU was lead by Serbian power forward Bojan Obradovic (206-F/C-77, agency: Beo Basket) (25) and Lithuanian guard Arvydas Cepulis (195-G-79) (23), while the best at U Mobitelco size were Serbian center Zoran Krstanovic (205-C-82) (23) and American guard LeVar Seals (194-G-82, agency: N.E.T., college: De Paul) (11).

CSU Ploiesti - U Mobitelco Cluj 82-66
Ploiesti: Obradovic 25, Cepulis 23, Griffith 9+5reb, Szijarto 7+11reb, Elliott 5, Blidaru 5, Paul 3, Hartman 3, Carutasu 2+9reb, coaches: Vladirmir Arnautovic, Andreea Carutasu
Cluj: Krstanovic 23+10reb, Seals 11, Cuic 9, Silvasan 6, Medvedj 5, Buckman 5, Chetreanu 4, Lapuste 3, coach: Tab Baldwin

*****************************************************
RUSSIA

Evgeni Pashutin replaces Igors Miglinieks in Spartak St. Petersburg -by Eurobasket News
Former member of Russian National Team, Evgeni Pashutin, is the new head coach of Spartak St. Petersburg. During the last couple of days there was many speculations about his move to Spartak but yesterday it is officially announced.

New Spartak's head coach stated that he is grateful to his ex team CSKA. 'I want to say that I am grateful to CSKA and personally to Ettore Messina, Andrey Vatutin and Sergey Kushchenko, who let leave to Spartak. They have the same thoughts as me. We want to have another big club in Russia which will increase quality of the league. I think that Spartak could be that team. I will try to help them to play more important role in Russian championship as well as in European competitions. We will have to work a lot especially in order to recruit players for the next season. I will try to mix import players with Russians and our youngsters which could possibly be the winning combinaiton. We have some names in our heads but it is still too early for any announcements' - said Pashutin.

Evgeni Pashutin is one of the Russian basketball legends. He was member of Russian National Team from 1993 to 2002. He finished career as a professional player in CSKA Moscow on season 02/03 and immediately started to wok in the club as a head coach of junior team. A year later he became the assistant coach of senior team.

Pashutin will replace Latvian coach Igors Miglinieks on Spartak's bench. Miglinieks agreed terms with Spartak in October 2007. Before St. Petersburg he spent 2 years in Cypriot team EKA AEL Limassol.

Management of Spartak St. Petersburg was not satisfied with recent team's performance as they finished regular season on 11th place with score 5-19.

Market News-CSKA signs Keiru,Dinamo fights Erzem Lorbek with Maccabi -by Andrei Maminov

CSKA Moscow has agreed terms with Unics Kazan starlet Viktor Keiru (200-G-84, agency: Octagon)- The Rostov born Keiru has signed a two years contract with the Euroleague and Russian Champions with CSKA having an option to release him after the first year.
Keiru,a product of Unics youth teams has made his doubt in the 2003/2004 season with the greens.after two years in Kazan he moved to Dynamo St.Petersburg in the 2005-2006 season and a year later moved to Spartak Primorie Vladivostok.
last year he came back to Kazan and avreged 5.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.2apg in 23 games.in the Uleb cup he played 15 games avreging 5.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1spg.the player himslef stated that he very happy to join CSKA and looking forward for next season.
Meanwhile in other Moscow team - Dinamo are very busy in the transfer market.after hiring David Blatt as head coach and signing of American point guard - Hollis Price (186-G-79, college: Oklahoma)

Dinamo are very intrested in adding Slovenian Center - Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.).according to a report in Sport Express.
Lorbek is still playing in the finals series with Lottomatica Roma(2-0 to Siena) and has finished his contract with the Italian team.
David Blatt is very keen on Lorbek after he coached him in Benetton Treviso but Lorbek wants to play next season in the Euroleague.thing that Dinamo cant offer.

according to the report -Israeli giants Maccabi Tel-Aviv are in pole position to sign Lorbek.his agant confirmed the intrest of Maccabi and Dinamo but stated that nothing willl happend until the Italian league is finished.Maccabi are looking for a replacment for Nikola Vujcic .
Lorbek is planning to attend in the Las Vegas SummerLeague in july but a good offer from Europe will make him stay in the continent:



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

Milan Gurovic nails 36 points for the title in Poland -by Dragan Jankovski
Prokom Trefl Sopot defended championship title in Poland. They finished final series against Turow 4-3 beating them on the road in the last game. After two defeats at the beginning it seemed that Prokom is not capable to defend title but they immediately answered with 3 consecutive wins. At the game number six Milan Gurovic (207-F-76, agency: Beo Basket), Jovo Stanojevic (207-C-77, agency: Beo Basket) and their teammates had a chance for finish the final story at their home court but Turow was better 74-69.

Serbian scoring machine Milan Gurovic once again showed that he is the best when it is the most important. Despite many problems during the final series he succeeded to show his real face. Gurovic led Prokom to win in game number 7 in Zgorzelec 76-70. He was the only one in Prokom who had double digits as he scored fantastic 36 points. At the same time he grabbed 10 more rebounds reaching index value 38. He had a very good shot percentage adding 5/8 FG2, 5/11 3-pts, 11/11 FT. The best scorer of Prokom after Gurovic was Igor Milicic who scored 9 points. It talks for itself about Gurovic's performance in the decisive game of the play-off final.

The only reason why he is not named to be the MVP of the final series is his fight with Thomas Kelati in game #4. He was banned for one game after this incident but it seems that it gave him an extra motive to do what he has done at the last game in Turow.

Center Jovo Stanojevic of Prokom scored 6 points for 16 minutes in the last game.

Partizan Igokea is the first finalist ! -by Dragan Jankovski
Partizan Igokea is the first finalist of Superlegaue play-off. Reining Serbian champion outplayed Crvena Zvezda as a visitor 89-80 finishing semifinal series 2-0.

Partizan took control on Zvezda at the early beginning and mostly owing to Uros Tripkovic made 11-2 after 4 minutes. Steven Markovic delivered 8 points for Zvezda until the end of the first frame tying the score on 21-21. Black-and-white team demonstrated great performance in the second stanza. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) dominated in the paint which outcame with 41-30. After 3-pointer from Novica Velickovic (205-F-86), visitors closed the first half having comfortable lead 36-50. Crvena Zvezda showed character in this game intensifying defense in the third quarter. USA PG Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) drained 8 consecutive points setting the score on 58-62. Pekovic stopped Zvezda in their mission to come even closer while Milton Palacio led Partizan's 13-0 run in the last stanza. Four minutes before the end score was 65-81 for Partizan. After that moment the hosts succeeded to decrease minus on 6 but they weren't capable to do more than that.
Center Nikola Pekovic led the winners registering double-double, 20 points and 12 rebounds. Novica Velickovic also shined adding 18 points and 6 rebounds. Dusan Kecman (197-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket) was MVP of the game with index value 31. He collected 12 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists missing only one shot during the game. Omar Cook was the best in Zvezda finishing the game with 21 points and 7 assists.


Crvena Zvezda - Partizan Igokea 80-89
(21-21,15-29,25-16,19-23)

Zvezda: Cook 21 (7 as), Markovic 16, Kikanovic 13, Sljivancanin 8
Partizan: Pekovic 20 (12 rebs), Velickovic 18 (6 rebs), Palacio 13, Kecman 12 (10 rebs, 6 as)

*****************************************************
SLOVAKIA

Rancik advantages over another players -by Eurobasket News
Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-78, college: St.Cloud St.) and his Nymburk is 3-1 in the Final series and is one step to celebrate again in Czech Republic. In Game 4 the defending champions overcame Geofin 58:67 where Juraj Gavlak (185-G-79), Ondrej Soska (208-C-78), Marek Stec (193-G-80, college: Jacksonville JC) and Matej Venta (187-G-84) represent Slovak Republic. Blake Schilb led the winners with 23 points and 16 rebounds. Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-78, college: St.Cloud St.) netted 13, while Petr Benda scored 10. Robert Sarovic finished the night with 14 points and Matej Venta posted 11 in defeat. Nymburk will come back home for Game 5 of the best-of-seven series and might celebrate the triumph in the next game. It was also an important game for the hosts that could tie the series. Geofin raced out to a 7-2 lead behind a pair of Robert Sarovic baskets. The hosts tried to control the game but a 2-17 run led to 17:28 after the opening quarter. Ondrej Saska helped Geofin get within 38:42 at halftime as the teams disappeared in the lockers.
In the third quarter the defending champions played a bit better, but it was clear that the last period would be the decisive. Radoslav Rancik came through with 8 third-quarter points as Nymburk remained in control. Both squads entered it with 46:56 as the board showed the last 10 minutes. Marek Stec made it 56:60 but that was all the hosts could do. Nymburk led the game to 58:67 and took 3-1 in the series.
In Game 3 Gefin survived the home test against the league favorites Nymburk and cut the deficit in the final series to 1-2. Geofin actually handed Nymburk just the second loss in the season. The hosts jumped to an early lead due to back-to-back trebles from Robert Sarovic. Two free throws from Chapman gave Geofin a 10:2 lead with 3 minutes gone in the game. However Nymburk quickly denied the deficit as Radoslav Rancik, Schilb and Lee dragged the visitors back within 2 points. Chapman and Robert Sarovic continued to terrorize the opponents' defense and led Geofin to a 29:24 advantage at the first intermission. Sokolovky and Radoslav Rancik quickly narrowed it to 1 point but Geofin still maintained the lead. Consecutive triples from Hurl Beechum allowed the hosts to enjoy a 5-point cushion midway through the frame. The teams drove to halftime break with Geofin up by 3. Ladislav Sokolovsky and Radoslav Rancik accounted for the first 4 points in the second half and Nymburk surged in front. Nevertheless Hurl Beechum and Robert Sarovic regained the advantage for the home side a minute later. The lead changed hands for three times before Benda and Schilb capped the quarter with 4 unanswered points to keep Nymburk in the charge 72:71 after three quarters of action. Gavlak and Reinberg notched 4 points to give the hosts a 75:72 lead early in the fourth. Soska and Stec added back-to-back treys and Geofin took a sigh of relief. Gavlak and Stec later widened the damage to 11 points. However Nymburk did not give up. Benes and Schilb ignited a comeback effort from the visitors as they cut the gap to a single point 91:92. Venta and Schilb traded baskets before Hurl Beechum nailed a free throw for a 95:93 margin. Seconds later Venta sealed the outcome from charity stripe and Geofin celebrated a tough victory. Hurl Beechum poured in 18 points to pace Geofin. Robert Sarovic and Kenny Walker provided 17 points apiece for the winners. Ladislav Sokolovsky answered with 22 points for Nymburk. Radoslav Rancik had 21 points and Scilb delivered 15 in a losing effort.

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

TAU releases Spahija, extends Splitter -by Natxo Mendaza

Despite of a winning season, Spanish ACB League champion TAU Ceramica officially announced that the club won't exercise the option to extend Croatian head coach Neven Spahija for the next season. TAU's president Josean Querejeta and Spahija met on friday morning to discuss about the future, and few hours after the meeting, the Spanish club made the official announcement. Spahija led TAU to its most succesful season so far, winning the ACB title, the ACB Supercup, qualifying for the Euroleague Final Four -fourth time in a row- and reaching Spanish King's Cup Final, but it wasn't enough to convince TAU's management to extend his contract for another year. Now the big question is who will follow Spahija in taking TAU's bench. Several rumours about Scariolo, Ivanovic, Pesic and some other came along in the last weeks for coahing TAU, the hottest bench of the Spanish championship; 5 different coaches have taken TAU in the last 3 years -Spahija, Maljkovic, Lezkano, Perasovic and Pedro Martinez-, since Dusko Ivanovic left in 2005.


In the same day, but only one hour later, TAU also announced the extension of Brazillian center Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) till 2012. Splitter had one more season with TAU, but he was able to buy out his contract for an affordable ammount this summer. Now, with the new agreement, Splitter will be able to escape to the NBA in 2 seasons (2009-2010) and becomes one of the best paid players of the roster.



Rudy departs after Reneses while Scariolo follows suit in Malaga -by Paul Nilsen
ACB and DKV Joventut star Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85) looks to have made his decision to follow several of his Spanish National Team-mates and leave for the NBA this summer. It always looked likely that Rudy would call it a day on his fabulous time in Badalona and especially when coach Garcia Aito Reneses also decided to end his disntinguished career with La Penya.

Talking of Reneses, the Madrid native is believed to now be in prime position to take over as National Coach after the shock move by the Fedration to ditch Pepu Hernandez earlier this week despite the former boss having secured a gold world medal and sliver European medal in the space of a couple of years.

Reneses who led Badalona to the Copa Del Rey and ULEB Cup glory certainly has the experience and is allegedly the only current candidate in negotiation with the hierarchy as to whether he will take over. Hernandez is however likely to offer assistance and advice in any transition period if the new coach asks for it as Spain try to focus their minds ahead of the forthcoming Olympics when they will again be among the medal favourites.

Another coach who won't be with his team next year is Sergio Scariolo who is, as many had expected, leaving Unicaja after five years although his next destination after Malaga has yet to be confirmed. The Italian play-caller had said a couple of weeks ago that he needed time to make sure he was making the right decision and now it has been made it will be interesting to see who is at the helm of the South Coast side come the start of next season.

*****************************************************
SURINAM

Randamie and MyGuide Amsterdam wins the trophy -by Eurobasket News
de Randamie Sergio and his MyGuide Amsterdam won the title in Holland. In the decisive Game 7 the latter overcame Eiffel Towers 83:74. Eiffel kept MyGuide on the ropes helping stake Eiffel to a 40:32 halftime lead. In the beginning 4th quarter MyGuide got good results in their first few possessions, first from Avis Wyatt scoring a lay-up. MyGuide Amsterdam pushed the tempo and won the battle.
Before that Amsterdam clinched 72:82 road win. Gipson Sergerio led the winners with 26 points. Tamien Trent nailed 15, Jeron Roberts scored 14 and Avis Wyatt had 12 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Kees Akerboom top-scored for the hosts with 18 points. Den Bosch seemed in control while leading 28:16 after one quarter yesterday. It was an easy start for the hosts that dominated the court. Amsterdam needed the second quarter to turn things around quickly. The winner of the regular season produced 23:14 for 42:39 at the halftime. MyGuide Amsterdam found a key to solve the game in the second half winning the third period 22:13. The guests looked better in every aspect of the game and led by Gipson Sergerio stayed in front.
de Randamie Sergio had a great season and deserved a top place with his team.

*****************************************************
SWITZERLAND

Sdent BBC Nyon inks Yuanta Holland -by Eurobasket News
Sdent BBC Nyon announced signing of American Yuanta Holland (202-F/C-78, college: Dayton) for the next two seasons. Holland is a power forward / center who finishes season at French Pro B semifinalist St-Etienne. He averages 13.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg this year in Pro B.

Before St-Stienne, Holland played one year in Swiss BBC Monthey. He graduated on University of Dayton in 2002. After that he moved to Red Team Boncourt where he spent 3 successful years. He was named to be the 'Center of the year' in Swiss LNA on season 03/04.

*****************************************************
TANZANIA

Daba awards Kili Super Cup winners -by Carlos Pereira
By Renatha Msungu

Dar es Salaam basketball Association (DABA) yesterday awarded winners of this year`s Kilimanjaro basketball championships.
The championships were staged on February at the indoor National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Savio, who emerged winners in men category, were handed over 6.5m/-, the second -placed City Bulls received 3m/-while the third winners JKT were awarded 2m/-.
The women top team, JKT, scooped 0.5m/-, the second winners Jeshi Stars took home 300,000/- while the third winners Lady Lion pocketed 100,000/-.
Mohamed Yusuph of Savio was awarded 100,000 /- after emerging the best scorer while Dasi Makula was awarded 300,000/- for being the best coach.

*****************************************************
UZBEKISTAN

Ilyasova finished a great season in Spain -by Eurobasket News
Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) and his AXA FC Barcelona finished second in Spain after a loss from TAU Ceramica Vitoria in the Final series.Barca previously eliminated Tau in the semifinals back in 2004 and 2007. Tau was even closer in 2005 and 2006 making it to the finals and losing twice.
Tau Ceramica won at Palau Blaugrana to pick up a dominant 64:75 success against Barcelona. The home team had looked like they might be capable of their emotional semi-final success over DKV Joventut but after an impressive and frenetic start top the contest, Barca simply folded and lost all of their intensity when Tau found their feet. Splitter top scored for Tau wirth 21 points while Singleton missed out on a double-double with 9 points and 10 rebounds. Ersan Ilyasova and Grimau were the only players to do themselves justice in the Barca team with Grimau scoring 17 points while Ersan Ilyasova claimed 10 rebounds to go with his 21 points.
Tau Ceramica picked up a second victory in Palau Blaugrana against Barcelona who now look to have had their dreams shattered by the side from Vitoria-Gasteiz. Tau secured the 74:78 win at the Fernando Buesa Arena on Tuesday night.Illyasova desperately needed someone to support him again but nothing comprehensive in the backcourt emerged - and that has been the problem of Barca. Ersan Ilyasova was the only one to reach double digits scoring 15 points.
And it went very easy for Tau as they crushed Barca in all three finals games, ending the series with impressive 76:61 victory. Ersan Ilyasova poured in 2 points and made 3 rebounds.

*****************************************************
VENEZUELA

Luis Felipe Lopez became Gaitero -by Wolfgang Lucena
After few days of conversations between the general manager of Gaiteros del Zulia and his agent Pedro Pablo Perez, 'Done Deal', Felipe Lopez (197-G/F-74, college: St.John's), became the next community basketball player for Gaiteros Del Zulia.
'Luis Felipe is having a great moment...he is going to bring a lot of experience to Gaiteros...he knows exactly how to take care of his business,_ Pedro Pablo Perez'
The former NBA player will be arriving in Venezuela this Friday 06/06/2008, to then, on Saturday, face up his first challenge versus Guaros de Lara in Barquisimeto.
'With Luis Felipe we are reinforcing our troop,... we been waiting for him since many weeks ago,...we are looking for a championship, Felipe is the kind of basketball player we need for it. _Paul Romero'.



*****************************************************
WCBPL

Another win for the Breakers -by Melissa McGinnis
On Saturday the Santa Barbara Breakers took on the Ventura Jets for the third time this season and defeated them once again. The Jets did put up a fight for 40 minutes of the game and held the lead late in the fourth quarter, but were eventually out scored for a final score of 113-108. For the Breakers Tim Taylor, Justin Johnson, Josh Merrill, and Adam Zahn all scored in the double digits, 19, 18, 16, and 15 respectively. Rashyd Bird and Allan Purnell both scored 13 and Mark Peters brought in 11. For the Jets Small had 34 points, Dant Lincoln had 26, and Julius Samuels had 21.



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

Women News

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

Abby shines with Opals -by Eurobasket News
Abby Bishop (189-C-88) had been playing basketball less than a year when she watched the Opals win silver at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Now 19, Bishop finds herself the youngest member of the 15-woman Opals squad that flew into Cairns yesterday for a five-day training camp.

A netballer in her younger days growing up in country South Australia, Bishop said she was surprised to still be in contention for the final cut of 12 who will head to the Beijing Olympics.

'I never thought for a second that I would make it this far,' she said.

'I think this is more a development thing for me and getting me ready for the future.

'It's been a great experience. The older girls do take you under their wing and I've learned heaps and a lot of different things about my game.'

Bishop and the rest of her teammates will not have much time for sight-seeing while in the Far North with preparation for Beijing reaching its final stages.

After winning the 2006 World Championships and taking part in the last two gold medal play-offs, the Opals can expect plenty of attention from opposition teams and the public at the Olympics.

For Bishop, who plays for the Canberra Capitals in the WNBL, it's a pleasure just to soak in the experience of an Olympic preparation given her rapid elevation through the basketball ranks.

'I've been through under-19 and under-21 level and this is completely different to anything I've been through,' she said.

The Opals are scheduled to play a Green versus Gold game tomorrow at 6pm at the Bendigo Bank Basketball Centre after the Cairns Dolphins' QABL match against Bundaberg.
Courtesy of The Cairns Post

*****************************************************
BRAZIL - Women

Brazil loses to China in Spain -by Eurobasket News
Brazil - China 90-81

Brazilian National team arrived to Spain to take part in Olympic Qualifying tournament. Yesterday Brazil played a friendly game with one of the world's leading sides China. The Asian team proved their strength once again rolling past Brazil 90:81 in Pinto. Chinese were coming off a rare loss to Spain 60:64 but quickly rebounded to dominate the fixture. They outgunned Brazil 51:40 in the first half and kept the Latin American champions at bay throughout the rest of the encounter. Soeli Garvao (187-C-77) led Brazil with 15 points. Iziane Castro (183-G/F-82) and Karla da Costa (173-G-78) nailed 14 points apiece in losing effort. Brazil will play in Pool C in Madrid alongside Fiji and Spain.

*****************************************************
CANADA - Women

The tryout schedule for the Senior Women's National Team announced -by Eurobasket News
An invitational tryout is scheduled to take place over two days, from July 3-4, 2008 at Georgian College, in Barrie, Ontario. Top athletes from across Canada will be competing for a roster spot on the 2008 Senior Women's National Team.

In addition, Team Canada will be holding an open tryout on July 2, from 5-8pm at York University (Keele Campus) in Toronto, Ontario. Up to six players may be selected from the session, earning an invitation to compete for a spot on either the Senior or Development Women's National squads.

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

After McNeill and her staff decide on a final pool of athletes, training camp will follow immediately for both the Development and Senior women's squads, held during a joint mega camp at Georgian College, July 5-18. After that, the two squads will embark on separate summer itineraries.

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

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

'We are using this summer as development as we prepare for our next quad heading towards the 2010 World Championships and the 2012 Olympics Games,' explained McNeill.
Courtesy of basketball.ca

*****************************************************
CZECH REPUBLIC - Women

Czech Republic beat New Zealand again -by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic - New Zealand 73:46

Czech Republic team celebrated the second straight win over the Tall Ferns this time in Luhacovice. Czech Republic opened the game in storming manner as they accumulated a 21:10 lead into the second period. The Tall Ferns seemed to stay in contention for some time early in the second quarter but Czech team prevailed at the end of it. They scored 18 unanswered points to build up a 39:17 advantage at halftime. The situation hardly changed in the third stanza as the hosts continued to dominate and cleared off to a 26-point distance after three quarters of action. The Tall Ferns never recovered in the final minutes suffering yet another sour loss on their European tour. The Kiwis actually finalized the tour with 2-4 record and would now head back home for the final preparations before the Olympic Games. Michaela Hartigova (192-C-83) led the hosts with 15 points. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) had 14 points, while Hana Machova (182-F/G-79) contributed 10 for the winners. Angela Marino (166-G-86) knocked down game-high 16 points. Lisa Wallbutton (183-F-86) added 9 points and 9 boards in a loss. The Kiwis outrebounded the home team including 12-4 edge in offensive boards. But the visitors sank just 30% from the field.
The Tall Ferns head coach Mike McHugh will name the final roster for the Olympic Games next month. He also hinted at the possibility of new faces joining the team.

Czech Republic: Michaela Hartigova 15, Eva Viteckova 14, Hana Machova 10
New Zealand: Angela Marino 16, Lisa Wallbutton 9+9 boards

*****************************************************
NEW ZEALAND - Women

Czech Republic beat New Zealand again -by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic - New Zealand 73:46

Czech Republic team celebrated the second straight win over the Tall Ferns this time in Luhacovice. Czech Republic opened the game in storming manner as they accumulated a 21:10 lead into the second period. The Tall Ferns seemed to stay in contention for some time early in the second quarter but Czech team prevailed at the end of it. They scored 18 unanswered points to build up a 39:17 advantage at halftime. The situation hardly changed in the third stanza as the hosts continued to dominate and cleared off to a 26-point distance after three quarters of action. The Tall Ferns never recovered in the final minutes suffering yet another sour loss on their European tour. The Kiwis actually finalized the tour with 2-4 record and would now head back home for the final preparations before the Olympic Games. Michaela Hartigova (192-C-83) led the hosts with 15 points. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) had 14 points, while Hana Machova (182-F/G-79) contributed 10 for the winners. Angela Marino (166-G-86) knocked down game-high 16 points. Lisa Wallbutton (183-F-86) added 9 points and 9 boards in a loss. The Kiwis outrebounded the home team including 12-4 edge in offensive boards. But the visitors sank just 30% from the field.
The Tall Ferns head coach Mike McHugh will name the final roster for the Olympic Games next month. He also hinted at the possibility of new faces joining the team.

Czech Republic: Michaela Hartigova 15, Eva Viteckova 14, Hana Machova 10
New Zealand: Angela Marino 16, Lisa Wallbutton 9+9 boards

*****************************************************
POLAND - Women

Stats Leaders - PLKK
PLKK Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Taylor, Energa 16.9
2 Jarkow., Poznan 16.9
3 Holdsclaw, Lotos 16.3
4 Clyburn, Cukierki 15.9
5 Coleman, PKM 15.7
Rebounds Per Game
1 Humphrey LKS 10.4
2 Taylor, Energa 9.9
3 Bell, Utex 9.8
4 Merideth, Utex 9.5
5 Ndiaye, CCC 8.6
Assists Per Game
1 Malaszewska, Gora 5.0
2 Skerovic, Wisla 4.7
3 Wlazlak, LKS 4.0
4 Tyszkiew., Poznan 3.3
5 Bortelova, CCC 3.3
Steals Per Game
1 Skobel, MUKS 3.5
2 Bell, Utex 2.8
3 Bond, Energa 2.75
Blocks Per Game
1 Clyburn, Cukierki 1.97
2 Aleliuna., Poznan 1.93
3 Sanders Cukierki 1.76
2FGP
1 Grabow., Energa. 66.0
2 Kobryn, Wisla 62.0
3 Dupree, Wisla 60.0
3FGP
1 Breitreiner, Lotos 46.0
2 Krysiewicz, PKM 44.0
3 Jackson, Fineph 40.0
Free Throws
11 Zurowska, Kssse 89.0
2 Ristic, Kssse 88.0
3 DeForge, Wisla 87.0


*****************************************************
SLOVENIA - Women

Pirsic moves to Santa Eulaliai -by Zeljko Zule

NT member Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) has left Cadi Le Seu to join another Sapnish team Ebe Promociones Santa Eulaliai. Last season she averaged 21,8 minutes, 7,6 points (FG 53%, FT 58%), 5,4 rebounds and 0,6 blocks in 16 games of Liga Femenina. .

.



*****************************************************
WBCBL - Women

WBCBL Teams Set to Tip-off 2008 Season Today! -by Willie McCray
The WBCBL has found home-sites in 10 States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas!

Players from around the United States and other Countries have gathered to play in one the most exciting and fastest growing leagues in North America. The competition level varies from former College players to former NWBL and WNBA players and current International players.

Game times will vary from Saturday afternoon to Saturday evenings. Please check in the schedule for game times in your area.