EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/1/2008

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Men News

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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Pavic out after just one day in Zadar! - by Zeljko Zule
Smiljan Pavic (210-F/C-80, agency: VTBM/SRBM) was released by the Croatian champion Zadar yesterday. The move comes just one day after he signed a two-year contract. According rumors, coach Aco Petrovic has stopped deal. .

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  BELGIUM   


Liege Transfer News - by Peter Buyse


While some teams seem not be making any moves other teams such as Liege are working hard on getting their team together for next season.
Their latest recruit is American guard Chris Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) who comes to Liege from Turkey where he played for Banvit Kulubu.
Played 18 games in the Turkish league and averaged 13.2 ppg and 2.6 rpg.
Had a good 4 year career at Michigan State before going oveseas. His first 2 years he spent in France, first for Avreux in ProB.
His second year in France he spent with ProA team Stade Clermont. had averages of 14.1ppg and 3.5 rpg during the 2006-2007 season.

Was selected to play for Team USA at the 2003 Pan Am games.



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  BRAZIL   


Aguiar leads Berlin to the third position - by Eurobasket News
Diego Aguiar (201-F-83, college: Nova SE) together with his Berlin grabbed third place in Eurobasket Summer League. It was the Final day of the tournament and Berlin enjoyed the last win as well. Berlin overcame Madrid 100:98 in a great game of the League. Diego Aguiar led the winners with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Bryan Edwards netted 15 points, while David Johnson had 14. Justin Johnson and Eric Vierneisel ended up with 16 points in the losing effort. The Madrid team lost two very close games which everyone at the ESL thought they gave away and knew that they should have been playing in the final. Berlin played well as well and deserved third position.
Meanwhile Leandrinho Barbosa (190-G-82) is definetely out of the Brazil squad for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens after being told by doctors to rest his knee. Brazilian player had a great season in Phoenix Suns. Leandrinho Barbosa will be replaced by Fulvio, who is already training with the national team. The South Americans are in Group A with Greece and Lebanon, and will attempt to advance to the quarter-finals where Germany, New Zealand or Cape Verde would await them. Leandrinho Barbosa played for Brazil at the FIBA World Championship in Japan, and the FIBA Americas Championship in Las Vegas. Earlier Anderson Varejao and Nene Hilario's sad news were mentioned to the team. The squad however will do the best in order to be a good representative of the continent in the group.

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  CAMEROON   


BAD NEWS MENGHE A NYAM IS NO MORE - by Gilles Bouwe
MENGHE A NYAM well known by his nickname 'PAPY' is no more.He collapsed this night during a game in US. He was 6-5 and 215 lb born in 1987 and play during two years with Canisius COLLEGE after a trip at HAMPTON PREP SCHOOL. This is a very bad news for CAmeroonian basketball because Menghe is the second of our Countrymen who collapsed like that in the US. We all remenber the young talent ALLAN who dead in the similar conditions last year in US

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  CANADA   


Canadians in Eurobasket Summer League - by Eurobasket News
The first edition of the Eurobasket Summer League took place in Chicago at the famous Attack Athletics facility where some of the famous NBA players train daily during the summer. The ESL in Chicago feature 80 players across the United States and some international players looking to advance the careers in the European market.
Canadian Joel Haviland (203-G/F-83, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Fresno Pacific) together with Berlin finished third in Eurobasket Summer League. In the first day his team overcame Rome 73:48. Joel Haviland ended up with 7 points for the winners. Day 2 saw London in the end overwhelmed Berlin by 83:65 by displaying outstanding defense and received superb play by Kyle Lamonte. The game was a closely fought contest with several lead changes the first 15 minutes of the game.However the defensive intensity of Kyle Lamonte, Emmanuel Little and Jermaine Dailey was too much for the Berlin team. Joel Haviland produced 3 points and 3 rebounds in defeat.
Last night Joel Haviland grabbed third place in Eurobasket Summer League. It was the Final day of the tournament and Berlin enjoyed the last win as well. Berlin overcame Madrid 100:98 in a great game of the League. Diego Aguiar led the winners with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Bryan Edwards netted 15 points, while David Johnson had 14. Justin Johnson and Eric Vierneisel ended up with 16 points in the losing effort. Joel Haviland posted 4 points in defeat. The Madrid team lost two very close games which everyone at the ESL thought they gave away and knew that they should have been playing in the final. Berlin played well as well and deserved third position.
Canadian Corey Niles (190-G-86) and Peter Gecelovsky (208-F/C-80, college: N.Michigan) having Slovakian-Canadian Nationality struggled for Paris. The latter had 7 points in the second day when Amsterdam beat Paris 100:86 with Junior Austin leading the way with an impressive 22 points and 8 rebound performance. Jimmy Williams c

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  CAPE VERDE   


Cape Verde National Team 2008 - by Pedro Gomes
#s#
#e#6


Xavier


Mascarenhas


Houtman


Correia


Lima

Jeff Xavier (185-G-85) of Providence College (USA)
Rodrigo Mascarenhas (197-F-80) of Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda (ANG)
Marques Houtman (190-G-79) of Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda (ANG)
Mario Correia (189-G-78) of Promade Cabinda (ANG)
Aldevino Lima (203-C-86) of Northeastern University (USA)
Tony Barros (193-F-84) of University of Massachusetts Boston (USA)
Fidel Mendonca (191-F-84) of Olivais Coimbra/Chamag (POR)
Josh Gomes (190-G-83) of Baitar Benyamina (ISR)
Peter Cipriano (206-F-83) of Kouvot Kouvola (FIN)
Avery Oliver (193-F-83) of TV Hohenlimburg (GER)
Abdulay Faty (205-C-85) of Desportivo da Huila (ANG)

Antonio Monteiro (192-F-75)

Head Coach: Eric Silva

Assist. Coach: Kula



NT Ends First Phase with a W - by Pedro Gomes
The National Basketball team closed the first phase of preparation for the Pre-Olympic tournament in Athens with a victory of 98 to 57, over the Mix of Praia. The game served as the presentation of the national squad to the Cape Verdean public and its sponsors. During the game, it was clearly noted a certain superiority in terms of individual skills from Rico and Kulas players over the Mix of Praia, especially in the last two periods.

The national team won the first period by 20-17, by halftime the advantage was 4 points (39-35). In the third period the NT extended the lead to 15 points (65-40), and closed the game with a 41 point difference, with the final result at 98-57.

The final 12 selected players for the Pre Olympic tournament, from 14 to the 20 of July in Athens, are: Jeff Xavier; Josh Gomes; Abdulay Faty; Fidel Mendonca; Mario Correia, Antonio Monteiro, Marques Houtman; Adelvino Lima; Peter Cipriano; Avery Oliver; Tony Barros and Rodrigo Mascarenhas.

The NT will depart today to Paris where they will continue their training for the next 10 days. In the French capital, the squad should participate in a national tournament, against the National team of Cameroon, Lebanon and a Paris Pro team.

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  CHILE   


SouthAmerican Championship: Chile goes for the podium - by Daniel Valencia
This tuesday begins the SouthAmerican championship in the city of Puerto Montt. The National Team started the preparation for this tournament in february with a trip to Bahia Blanca that was part of a physical conditioning and during the first semester Daniel Allende worked with the team at least one week in each month. After that was the trip to Mexico to play some friendly games, in a way to prepare the roster for the high requirements of the international tournament. Three weeks ago Allende named the roster and with this players faced 'Copa Carranza' and the 'Top 4', with opposite results, winning 'Copa Carranza', defeating Brazil and Uruguay and finishing in the last place of the 'Top 4'. The goal for the NT it's to reach at least the fourth place to clinch a spot in the pre-world championship.

NT Roster

Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83)
Erik Carrasco (181-G-83)
Marcelo Hernandez (188-G-79)
Jose Luis Campos (189-G-80)
Leonel Mendez (184-G-75)
Lino Saez (195-F-77)
Mike Elliot (193-G-79)
Pablo Coro (197-F/C-69)
Emilio Paris (196-F/C-74)
Jorge Valencia (206-C-77)
Claus Prutzmann (204-C-79)
Patricio Briones (213-C-72)

Schedule

Day 1

Brazil v/s Colombia
Chile v/s Uruguay
Argentina v/s Venezuela

Day 2

Brazil v/s Chile
Argentina v/s Colombia
Venezuela v/s Uruguay

Day 3

Brazil v/s Argentina
Venezuela v/s Chile
Uruguay v/s Colombia

Day 4

Brazil v/s Venezuela
Uruguay v/s Argentina
Colombia v/s Chile

Day 5

Colombia v/s Venezuela
Brazil v/s Uruguay
Chile v/s Argentina

Day 6

Fourth v/s Third
Second v/s First

Centro-Sur: Liceo Mixto is the new champion - by Daniel Valencia
Liceo Mixto, despite playing without the national team players (Briones and Saez) won the 2008 edition of Centro-Sur league after defeating CD Puente Alto 76-56 on sunday night. The defense was the main factor for the winners, allowing Puente Alto only 24 points in the first half. The offensive leaders once again were Patrick Saez (191-G/F-71) and Rodrigo Espinoza (183-G-81, agency: Players Group) with 19 and 16 points respectively. This is the second Centro-Sur title (also 2006) for Liceo Mixto In the game for the third place, CD Universidad de Concepcion defeated Boston College 85-75 with Eduardo Marechal (186-G-85) leading all scorers with 29 points.

Final Game

CD Puente Alto 56 - Liceo Mixto 76
Pue: Mauricio Cisternas (198-C-83) 16 pts. Franco Garrido (181-F-86) 13 pts. German Siegmund (190-G/F-83) 12 pts.
Lic: Patrick Saez 19 pts. Rodrigo Espinoza 16 pts. Oliver Hermosilla (201-C-80) 15 pts.

3rd place Game

CD Universidad de Concepcion 85 - Boston College 75
Ucon: Eduardo Marechal 29 pts. Samuel Bravo (194-F-82) 13 pts. Carlos Sepulveda (195-F-83) 12 pts.
Bos: Jose Madrid (195-F/C-76) 23 pts. Marcos Cornez (195-F-82) 16 pts. Patricio Arroyo (197-F/G-73) 13 pts.

Final Standings

1. Liceo Mixto
2. CD Puente Alto
3. CD Universidad de Concepcion
4. Boston College

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  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


Standings
Eurobasket S.League Standings
1. London 3-0
2. Warsaw 2-1
3. Berlin 2-1
4. Madrid 1-2
5. Rome 2-1
6. Amsterdam 1-2
7. Athens 1-2
8. Paris 0-3


Eurobasket Summer League (Chicago) - Final Day - by Darryl Reshaw

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Chicago ESL Final Day Stats below:


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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



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  FRANCE   


French U18 Team claims Douai Tournament title - by Eurobasket News
French U18 Team showed some class at home as they posted four wins in five games at the Douai International Tournament over the last week. French U18 squad are getting fit for the upcoming European championship and looked pretty impressive down the stretch. They opened the tournaments campaign with an 88:70 win over Africa Selection. Sanchez led the charge with 15 points. Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) had 13 points, while Florian Thibedore (192-G-90) dropped 12 in a win.
The second game however was not that successful for French side as they were routed by Germany 60:70. This time Florian Thibedore came up with 15 points but it was not enough to spark French success. Tanghe had 13 points in defeat. However French team rebounded against Turkey in the third encounter. The hosts dominated the game and posted a well-deserved 72:53 win at the end. Andrew Albicy knocked down 19 points to lead France. Florian Thibedore was once again helpful with 11 points to his tally.
Jonathan Bourhis (182-G-90) stepped for France in the semifinal clash against Croatia. He chipped in 22 points and France pulled away with a last-second 75:73 victory. Chrislain Cairo (196-F-91) delivered 11 points for the winners. Finally French U18 side took on the USA. Another extra close encounter turned in favor of France as they grabbed a 73:71 win. Andrew Albicy netted 19 points, while Jonathan Bourhis had 16 as France claimed the Douai Tournament title.

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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Macedonian U20 National Team 2008 - by Todor Chalovski
#s#
#e#6


Markovski


Simonovski


Kostoski


Nikolovski


Janevski
Jovan Markovski (197-F-88) of Torus Skopje
Marko Simonovski (190-G-89) of Vardar Osiguruvanje Skopje
Aleksandar Kostoski (188-G-88) of BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (FRA)
Kiril Nikolovski (210-C-88) of MZT FON Univerzitet Skopje
Marjan Janevski (203-F-88) of Torus Skopje
Bojan Krstevski (205-F-89) of Vardar Osiguruvanje Skopje
Petar Apcev (200-F/C-89) of Heraklea Bitola
Igor Atanasovski (188-G-88) of Torus Skopje
Ivan Atanasovski (190-G-88) of Torus Skopje
Vladimir Brckov (193-G-89) of KK Fersped-Rabotnicki Skopje
Ivica Dimcevski (-89) of Vardar Osiguruvanje Skopje
Aleksandar Kosteski (204-C-88) of Torus Skopje
Atanas Manev (188-G-90) of Feni Indistrija Kavadarci

Miroslav Petrovski (208-C-88) of AMMAK SP Ohrid

Dimitar Petrusev (190-G-89) of Goce Delchev

Igor Stojanovski (201-C-91) of Torus Skopje

Igor Sarac (196-F-88) of Droga Kolinska Negotino

Nenad Vukadinovik (185-G-88)


Head Coach: Emil Rajkovic
Assistant Coach: Slobodan Petrovski


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  GERMANY   


Josef Eichler to play for Noerdlingen - by Moritz Korff
The Giants Noerdlingen (newcomer to the 1. Bundesliga) will add Josef Eichler (200-F-87) to their 2008-09 roster. The 20-year-old Power Forward is a product of FC Bayern Muenchen, where he played for Coach Andreas Wagner as a junior. Wagner will also be his coach in Noerdlingen. Eichler wore the jersey of Heimerer Schulen Basket Landsberg 24 times during this past season and scored 12.4 points per contest in the Regionalliga South-East.

Junior Denson Interview: "Whatever team I play for next season will get a winner" - by Daniel Poerschke
Eurobasket Germany had the chance to sit down and talk with american point guard Junior Denson (180-G-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement). Junior was one of the top guards in the NAIA at California Baptist College and last season he played with SG Wollfenbuettel in the 1. Regionalliga North. He averaged 26.2ppg and 5.5apg in his first season in Germany and in his first pro game he scored an amazing 45 points against EBC Rostock.

1. How was your first pro experience with SG Wolfenbttel this season?
My first season in Germany with SG Wolfenbuttel went well and i really enjoyed the season though I didnt meet my expectations team wise. My job was to help the club stay in the 1. Regionalliga in which we did, but I also wanted to help the team finish in the top half of the league. We had a lot of close games but we weren't able to pull them out and as a point guard and a floor general I take a lot of repsonsibility on myself when my team doesnt win games. I greatly appreciated the oppurtunity that SG Wolfenbuttel gave me to play for there club as well as learn about the European basketball and culture and wish the club nothing but the best.

2. You quickly emerged as one of the top-scorers in the 1. Regionalliga North, did you expect that?
Going into the Regionalliga league and my first season in Germany I had high expectations for myself but being the leagues top scorer was not 1 of them. I can only take so much credit for that but I give the most credit and appreciation to my teammates for trusting in me to score the ball. As a point guard I beleive in doing whatever is necessary for my team to win and after my first game where I scored my season high 45 points it became clear to me as well as the coaching staff and players what they expected from me for us to win basketball games and thats what I tried to do every game as well as get my teammates involved.

3. Compare NAIA college basketball with German pro basketball.
NAIA basketball is very similiar to German basketball and there were only a few differences that I believe seperates the 2 leagues. One was the reffering and rules of the game which are slightly different in Germany then the college ball I played in California but the level of intesity is defintely high in Germany and the NAIA. The main difference that I felt between the 2 leagues was the physical play in Germany. The game in Germany allowed a lot more contact then NAIA basketabll but I quickly adjusted to it. The other difference that caught my eye was how traveling and carrying of the ball were emphasized. In NAIA traveling was less focused on while the carrying of the ball was highly focused on and in Germany I felt it was the complete opposite. Though there are differences in the 2 leagues my goal has always been to help my team excel in whatever league I play in and I will continue to do that in my career.

4. What are your strenghts and weaknesses on and off the court?
I believe my strenghts on the court is being a floor leader and having the ability to do what is necessary for my team to win wheter its playing defense, scoring the ball, or being a role player. If I could describe my game in 1 word it would be 'playmaker' I have a lot of confidence in my game and know that given the oppurtunity I can play in any sysytem or style to help my team win. I also feel that in clutch situations is when I perform my best. Off the court my strenghts are that I never have problems with teammates and I know that I can always get better and I am never satisfied with my performances in the games so I spend as much time as I can in the gym working on my game. I beleive a player can have the most talent but if he isnt practicing constantly and trying to improve on there game then there is a barrier on how good they can get. I strive to be the best player on the court every game so I dont settle for mediocrity and believe as long as I put in the work then the skys the limit. My weaknesses on the court would be that I hate to lose and that I sometimes try and force plays for my team which in the end dont work out. As far as off the court weaknesses, my college coach would tell me that I spent to much time in the gym and it could result in fatigueness in games or even burned out of basketball but I disagreed because I have to much love and passion for the game to ever get burned out on it.

5. What are your plans for the next season?
My plans for next season are to play in Germany again hopefully for a team in the 2nd Bundesliga and win a championship. I've never been used to or satisfied in losing and thats what motivates me to work hard in the off season. I have a personal trainer who helps me get my shots up on a regular basis and I am playing in a summer league in California to keep my game polished. I am also working out with a few other players who play in NCAA as well in Europe. I try and make sure that i put atleast 20 hours a week in the gym and I feel that my workouts and summer league will help me stay in shape and play at a high level so that whatever team I play for next season will get a winner and a hard working player.

Any team that is interested in contacting Junior Denson for next season can email him: junior_denson@yahoo.com

Kesselring moves to Schalke 04 - by Moritz Korff
Sascha Kesselring (209-C-85, agency: LimeLight) will continue his career as a member of FC Schalke 04 (2. Bundesliga Pro A). As the Royal Blues announced on their website today the 23-year-old Center will join S04 for the 2008-09 campaign. Kesselring averaged 7.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in 29 games for the Kirchheim Knights during this past season in the 2. Bundesliga Pro B and also held a double-license to play for EnBW Ludwigsburg, the cooperation-team of the Knights. He had 4 appearances in the 1. Bundesliga and scored 4 points a game.

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

Germany overcame Poland 92:70 - by Moritz Korff
The German Men's National Team handed Poland the second loss in a friendly match within three days, as the team of Coach Dirk Bauermann won 92:70 in Berlin on Monday night. Dominik Bahiense de Mello (190-G-85) had been withdrawn from the roster before the game. Bauermann has to cut his team to 12 players in the face of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament which kicks off July 14 in Greece. Veteran Ademola Okulaja (202-F-75, college: N.Carolina) is still out with back-problems, also Gordon Geib (180-G-83, agency: LimeLight) missed Monday's game with a toe-injury.
Germany looked sharp in the first quarter and scored 27 points in 10 minutes, while Poland put in 16. Until halftime the lead increased to 19 points. After three quarters Germany was ahead 70:51. Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) tallied a game-high 21 points, followed by Steffen Hamann (194-G-81), Jan-Hendrik Jagla (213-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Penn St.) and Tim Ohlbrecht (211-C/F-88) who scored 14 points apiece. The Polish attack was led by Michal Ignerski (205-F-80, agency: Stanley International, college: Mississippi St.) who finished the game with 18 points.
The German team will return to action July 4, when the Supercup starts in Bamberg. Opponents include Greece, Puerto Rico and Slovenia.

Germany: Nowitzki (21 pts), Hamann (14 pts), Jagla (14 pts, 8 rbs), Ohlbrecht (14 pts), Zwiener (8 pts, 5 rbs), Wysocki (6 pts, 6 rbs), Greene (5 pts), Roller (5 pts), Roessler (3 pts), Femerling (2 pts), Schultze (0 pts), Garrett (DNP), Gruenheid (DNP).

Boxscore: click

McIntosh stays another year in Quakenbrueck - by Moritz Korff
Lamont McIntosh (191-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia St.) of the Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (1. Bundesliga) has received contract-extension for the 2008-09 campaign. He will go into his third season with the Dragons. McIntosh, a 2007-08 Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honorable Mention, averaged 10.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists over 38 Bundesliga-games of this past season and also appeared in 14 games of the ULEB-Cup, scoring 9.2 points per outing.

Trier adds Norman Richardson - by Moritz Korff
Norman Richardson (196-F/G-77, college: Hofstra) will join the Bundesliga-squad of TBB Trier. Richardson receives a contract for one season. He is 30 years of age and owns a lot of experience in overseas basketball. Since starting his professional career in 2001, Richardson played in Italy, Serbia, Venezuela, France, Argentina and Poland. He also had some appearances for the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls in the NBA. During this past season the native of Brooklyn, New York averaged 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 26 games for SPEC Polonia Warszawa of the Polish DBE. He also attended the Polish All-Star Game.

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  GREECE   


Aris Thessaloniki agreed terms with Blagota Sekulic - by Simon Varvakis
Aris Thessaloniki has just announced the newest addition their roster and their third transfer this summer, montenegran center Blagota Sekulic (209-F/C-82, agency: FCM). The 26 year old center has played for a few greek teams and also has Euroleague experience playing for Buducnost, Partizan and Real Madrid. Sekulic has been in the spotlight the last few days because of the interest of Aris and today the deal has been made final by receiving the signed contract of Blagota Sekulic.

Playing for Real Madrid he obtained valueable experience in the spanish league and also in the Euroleague last year.

These are his stats playing for Real Madrid last year.
2007-2008: Real Madrid (Spain-ACB): Euroleague: 19 games: 3.6ppg, 2.3rpg; Spanish ACB Regular Season: 32 games: 5.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 2FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 10.0%, FT: 78.0%; Spanish ACB Play-Offs: 2 games: 2.5ppg, 3.5rpg

Sekulic signed a one year contract with Aris Thessaloniki.

*****************************************************
  HAITI   


The National Championship started - by Stardeak Durand
The haitian National Championship started on saturday june 28. The two times LSB champions Giants and Bazooka tipped off the action at the Carrefour Sports Center. The two teams started slowly with Bazooka scoring the first 2 pts at 8:10 remaining in the first quarter, and the first Giants basket coming from a jump shot set by Alabre Wickerson with 7:58 to go in the period. Bazooka led the game until the middle of the third quarter when Brisly Paul smash the ball into the basket and Giants held off Bazooka to win his first game in the first Haitian National Basket-ball Championship 71-57.

COMPLETE RESULTS

Giants-Bazooka : 71-57
Ninja-Dynamic : 71-63
Exposant-Topaze : 102-91
ASBA-Botha's House : 97-66

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


Lega2 - Latest market news - by Gabriele Fioretti
Weekend rich of news for Legadue market. Anthony Maestranzi (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois) that several some rumours talk about an interest by different club in Serie A, will remain for another year at Jesi. Imola announced its new coach: Massimo Bianchi , former head coach at Teramo last season. Soresina inked swedish young point guard Rudy Mbemba (181-G-87), while Caserta announced to have inked David Brkic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) for the next two seasons. Veroli is looking for a combo guard: Trent Whiting (185-G-76, college: BYU) could be the right name for that team managed by Antonello Riva (194-G-62) and coached by Andrea Trinchieri .

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


Standings - JBL
JBL Standings
 1. Mitsubishi 0-0 
 2. Toshiba 0-0 
 3. Toyota 0-0 
 4. Panasonic 0-0 
 5. Aishin 0-0 
 6. Hitachi S. 0-0 
 7. OSG 0-0 
 8. Hokkaido 0-0 
 9. Tochigi Brex 0-0 


Jangki and Nozawa finished Eurobasket Summer League - by Eurobasket News
Che Jangki (172-G) and Ryosuke Nozawa (178-G-82, college: Hawaii-Hilo) finished the Eurobasket Summer League that was held in Chicago. Che Jangki's Madrid team lost two very close games which everyone at the ESL thought they gave away and knew that they should have been playing in the final.However a combination of not closing out games and late game decision making cost this very talented team a couple of should have, would have and could have win games. The last game for the third place saw 98:100 from Berlin. Diego Aguiar led the winners with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Bryan Edwards netted 15 points, while David Johnson had 14. Justin Johnson and Eric Vierneisel ended up with 16 points in the losing effort.
Ryosuke Nozawa had 3 assists for Paris in the last game for his team. The 7th place game was probably the most exciting game of the day as Athens beat Paris 127:126 in the pride check up game. Phillip Gilbert top-scored for the winners with 33 points. Lawrence Brocks netted 23, while Stanley Thomas scored 22. Courtney Bradley ended up with 28 points in the losing effort. Before that Ryosuke Nozawa's Paris lost to Madrid 102:114 in the opener. Madrid was impressive as Daniel Bandy and Eric Vierneisel put on a show by scoring 23 and 22 points a piece. Dainiel Bandy scored on an array of sweet drive to the baskets finishing with either hand.
In the second day Amsterdam beat Paris 100:86 with Junior Austin leading the way with an impressive 22 points and 8 rebound performance. Jimmy Williams chipped in with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Eugene Seals added 19 points and 9 rebounds.

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  MALTA   


Malta U16 will play for the 5th spot in Gibraltar - by Eurobasket News
Malta U16 - San Marino U16 49:40

Maltese U16 National Team grabbed a narrow win over San Marino to fight for the 5th spot at the European Championship in Division C. Malta will take on Monaco in tomorrows game. Bugeja started the game confidently as his 6 points put Malta in charge 12:5. Maltese youngsters drove to a 15:9 lead at the first intermission. Bugeja and Cilia teamed up for 8 points early in the second stanza and Malta stretched their lead to 15 points. San Marino relied on a nice shooting from Stefanelli to trail by 11 at the main sides change. The teams traded baskets throughout the third period and Carlini and Moretti capped the frame with 4 points to cut the deficit to 9 points before the fourth quarter. Bugeja and Merlini exchanged the buckets to open the final stanza and then the teams took almost a 5-minute scoring pause. Finally Moretti broke the draught with a layup, while Stefanelli penetrated for two more points as San Marino were down by just 5 points with less than 3 minutes left. But Bugeja scored 5 points in the dying moments bringing Maltese team to the victory. David Bugeja led the action with 19 points, 14 boards and 7 steals. He also committed massive 15 turnovers down the stretch. Mark Cilia knocked down 10 points and collected 11 boards for the winners. Marco Stefanelli answered with 12 points and 7 rebounds for San Marino. San Marino takes on Andorra in the game for the 7th spot tomorrow.

Malta U16: David Bugeja 19+14 boards, Mark Cilia 10+11 boards, Edward Bonello 9+15 boards
San Marino U16: Marco Stefanelli 12, Gioele Moretti 9

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  MEXICO   


Dorados lead 2-0 - by Gianni Pascucci
Thanks to a very good second half, Dorados de Playa del Carmen won Game 1 of the Liga del Sureste finals 85-60, defeating Leopardos. Greg Lewis (198-F-78, college: Winthrop) was the main performer with 30 pts, Jaime Lloreda (201-F-80, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: LSU) added 16 and James Penny (198-F-76, college: TCU) 12 at the winning side, Harold Arceneaux (198-F-77, college: Weber St.) was the best in Leopardos with 17 points. The night after, Dorados won again, this time 83-58, and lead now the series 2-0, But Game 3 willl be played in Merida..

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


Georgia's Humphrey dismissed following arrest - by Kyle Stefan

Georgia coach Dennis Felton has dismissed Billy Humphrey (6'2''-G-87) from the team.


Felton announced recently that Humphrey, a rising senior who was the team's second-leading scorer last season, was dismissed following his third arrest.


According to the Associated Press, the 20-year-old Humphrey was charged with DUI, failure to maintain his lane and the underage purchase of alcohol and taken to the Gwinnett County jail early Tuesday.




Michigan's Harris, Perry selected to Jones Cup team - by Kyle Stefan
Michigan guard Manny Harris (6'5''-G-89) has been selected to play this summer for the U.S. Jones Cup Team, which will be sponsored by Athletes in Action Basketball.

The team is made up of selected men's college basketball players from across the country and will play in a tournament in Tita, Taiwan, on July 7-20.

Harris, who finished fourth in the Big Ten in scoring last season (16.1 points per game), will be joined by U-M teammate Laval Lucas-Perry (6'1''-G), who has four years of eligibility after transferring mid-season last year from Arizona.

The U.S. Jones Cup Team will be coached by former Baylor head coach Dave Bliss and is one of 10 teams competing in the tournament. Bliss will be assisted by Phil Bollier, a head coaching veteran from Millcreek High School in Atlanta, and Morris Michalski, a former head coach at Bryan College. The teams will head to Ohio for a comprehensive training in leadership and cultural and biblical studies on July 1-6 before departing from the U.S. on July 7.

Joining Harris and Lucas-Perry on the 2008 roster are Dane Brumagin (6'4''-G-86) (UMKC), Jamel McLean (6'8''-F-88) (Xavier), Sean Butler (6'4''-G/F) and Wellington Smith (6'7''-F) (West Virginia), Stephen McDowell (Tennessee-Chattanooga), Brett Winkelman and Ben Woodside (North Dakota State) and Marcus Kitts (College of William & Mary).


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  NPBL   


Delaware wins the NPBL title - by Gianni Pascucci
In front of a record crowd of 700 fans, the Elmira Bulldogs felt to the Delaware Destroyers, 105-119 in NPBL Title Game on Saturday night. The game of the Bulldogs was conditioned by the loss of NPBL All-Star Lester McNair (6'2''-G, college: Buffalo St.), who suffered a game ending injury just a few minutes into the 1st quarter. Also, David Ruffin (6'4''-G/F-84, agency: Rice and Rice, college: Hartford), missed almost the entire 3rd quarter with leg cramping. The same, Ruffin finished with 33 points to be the game top scorer in losing effort. The Destroyers played a very good game, leading at the halftime by 2 points and keeping the head of the score for almost al the second part of the game. Their main performer was recent addition Sami Wylie (5'11''-G-84) who scored 27 points including five 3-point makes.

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  PARAGUAY   


America de Pilar clinches first place - by Gianni Pascucci

At the end of the second leg of the 'Semifinal Round', America de Pilar leads the table and Deportivo San Jose struggles at the bottom. The Pilar people showed also to be greatly passionately found in basketball, with a record attendance of more than 1500 in the last night.

The results in Pilar were:
Dep.San Jose-Sacachispas 100-86
America - Sol de America 84-78
Sacachispas - Sol de America 83-116
America - Dep.San Jose 91-80
The updated Standings:
1. America 4-2 11
2. Sol de America 3-3 10
3. Sacachispas 3-3 9
4. Dep.San Jose 2-4 8



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  POLAND   


Changes in Walbrzych, Poznan and Warsaw - by Michal Falkowski
Victoria Gornik Walbrzych announced today the agreement of extending contracts with Tomasz Zablocki (202-F-78, agency: Promotex) and Rafal Glapinski (183-G-82). These two players were members of Gornik last season. Zablocki was one of the most important option in attack 9.8 ppg. and 2.8 rpg, however Glapinski was averaging 4.9 ppg. and 1.0 apg. Moreover the club is interested in signing Mateusz Bierwagen (192-G-88) from SIDEn Torun and extending deals with Markus Carr (186-G-79, college: Cal.St. Northridge) and Kristijan Ercegovic (208-C-76, agency: VTBM/SRBM) (who has an offer from Atlas Stal Ostrow Wlkp.)

Politechnika Poznan came to terms of contract and extended deals with Marcin Flieger (182-G-84, agency: Promotex) and junior player Pawel Mowlik (182-G-89). Last season Flieger was noting 5 ppg. and 3 apg., while Mowlik was scoring 0.6 ppg. and noting 0.3 apg.

Norman Richardson (196-F/G-77, college: Hofstra) signed a deal with TBB Trier so it means he did not agree the offer of his former club SPEC Polonia Warsaw. Experienced shooting guard was a key player of the team scoring about 15 ppg. and having 5 rpg. and 3 apg.

BOT Turow will probably sign Copeland and Daniels - by Michal Falkowski
Donald Copeland (178-G-84, college: Seton Hall) and Chris Daniels (200-F-82, agency: LimeLight, college: Georgia) will probably be the new faces in BOT Turow Zgorzelec. Copeland is a point guard, playing in Polpharma Starogard Gdanski last season where he was the best player 19.5 ppg. and 4.6 apg. When it comes to Daniels he has been a member of Kotwica Kolobrzeg for last two years. Daniels is a power forward, however he is very versatile player. Last season he was averaging 14.4 ppg., 9.4 rpg., 2.5 spg. and 2.3 apg.
Robert Witka (205-F-81) and Iwo Kitzinger (188-G-85) are very close to extend their contracts with BOT Turow. Both Polish players and the club agreed the terms of contracts and they will have signatured them by some days. Moreover the club is thinking about the loan of Michal Chylinski (199-G-86) from Unicaja Malaga. Turow tried to ink Krzysztof Roszyk (200-F-78) but he has chose Porkom Trefl once again.
According to some sources, Saso Filipovski is determined to stay in his roster Dragisa Drobnjak (200-F-77, agency: VTBM/SRBM), Vjeko Petrovic (193-G-81) and Marko Scekic (207-F-81). The club is negotiating with these players and there are high chances both sides will make a deal.

Stipe Modric in Anwil - by Michal Falkowski
Next player who joined Anwil Wloclawek is Stipe Modric (207-F-79). This 29-year-old small or power forward signed ony-year deal. Last season he played in Geoplin Slovan Ljubljana. In Slovenian League he was averaging 10.2 ppg. and 2.4 rpg., while in Adriatic League competition - 8.0 ppg., 4.4 rpg. Before that, in his career, he had played for Cholet Basket, Cedevita Zagreb, EnBW Ludwigsburg and Olimpija Ljubljana. The headcoach Zmago Sagadin knows Modric very well from his past performances in Olimpija. Modric is a Croat with Slovenian passport.

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  PORTUGAL   


Vagos in the market - by Luis Rocha
Vagos sign Pedro Pinho (201-F/C-83) and Jose Costa (187-G-73) both players played last season for CAB, and moved togheter to the team of Aveiro. Vagos decided to strenght the point guard and center positions with portuguese players, in a clever move, now that only 3 foreign players are allowed to play in the new competition, LPB, at the same time they took players from a rival, regarding next season. Costa is a very experienced point guard, and Pinho played last season for the first time in a Liga, but did well and was able with his performances to find a spot on a competitive team for the upcoming year.

Sampaense sign 2 players - by Luis Rocha
Although no knowing in wich competition will play, Sampaense went to the market and get the signing of Jorge Sing (192-G/F-77) and Feliciano Camacho (194-F-81). Sing comes from Porto, and can play with equal capacity in the point and shooting guard positions. Camacho can play as 2 or 3 and comes from Queluz. Still many things to decide in Portugal, but nevertheless clubs are doing for their lives, getting important players to enhance their performances next season. Sampaense is one of those , and the eraly risers can take good profit on their choices.

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  SAUDI ARABIA   


D1 Standings
D1 Standings
 1. Ohod 8-1 
 2. Al Ahli 8-1 
 3. Al Ittihad 7-2 
 4. An Naser 6-4 
 5. Al Wahda 4-4 
 6. Al Ansar 3-6 
 7. Al Qadsia 3-6 
 8. Al Hilal 3-7 
 9. Al Nahda 2-6 
 10. Al Fateh 1-8 


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


Akasvayu Girona extends contract with Radenovic - by Zoran Popovic
Akasvayu Girona extends contract with Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) for one more season. In his first season in Girona Radenovic scored in ULEB Cup 8.1Pts, 3.3Reb, in ACB league 5.3ppg, 2.1rpg and in play-off 8.7Pts, 4.3Reb per game. Before Girona Radenovic played in NCAA league for Arizona 2003-2007 (starting five). In last season for Arizona Radenovic scored 15.1Pts, 7.6Reb, 2.1Ast per game. With Serbia and Montenegro National team U20 won European Championship in Brno 2004.

Keselj and Stimac on Crvena Zvezda`s wish list? - by Zoran Popovic
After the radical changes in roster of players from last season, KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd starts negotiations and contact with couple of young and interesting players. First contact is made with Milan Milosevic (205-F-85) from KK Sloboda Dita Tuzla, but in last few days names of Marko Keselj (208-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) and Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) are very present in Serbian daily news (Sport and B92) as a new acquisition of KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd.
Milan Milosevic played last three seasons in KK Sloboda Dita Tuzla. Vladimir Stimac is B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas player, but in the last season he was loaned to SK Valmiera Latvia and have great season. In Latvian League he scored 15.5Pts, 11.3Reb and in Baltic league he scored 17.1Pts, 11Reb and 1.3Ast per game. Marko Keselj is Akasvayu Girona player and he is also loaned to Koeln 99ers. In the last season for Koeln 99ers Keselj scored in ULEB Cup 6.8Pts, 2.8Reb and in German League 9.8Pts, 3.6Reb per game.

Jovovic and Sulovic in Napredak Rubin - by Zoran Popovic
KK Napredak Rubin Krusevac start preparations for the new season and signed contract with Bosko Jovovic (205-F/C-83) and Nenad Sulovic (202-F/C-85). Last season Jovovic played in Feni Indistrija Kavadarci 2007-2008 and Swisslion Pelister Bitola 2006-2007 (FYR Macedonia). From 2004-2006 Jovovic also played for KK Napredak Rubin Krusevac and scored 5.4Pts, 1.3Reb per game.
Nenad Sulovic in his career played for KK Beovuk 72 Beograd in period 2004-2006, OKK Beograd 2006-2007 and in Polpak Swiecie 2007-2008 and lost in semifinal from Prokom Trefl Sopot 4-2 in serie.

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


Pavic out after just one day in Zadar! - by Zeljko Zule
Smiljan Pavic (210-F/C-80, agency: VTBM/SRBM) was released by the Croatian champion Zadar yesterday. The move comes just one day after he signed a two-year contract. According rumors, coach Aco Petrovic has stopped deal. .

*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Standings - Basketligan
Basketligan Standings
 1. Sundsvall 24-9 
 2. Plannja 23-10 
 3. Solna 23-10 
 4. 08 19-14 
 5. Sodertalje 19-14 
 6. Uppsala 17-16 
 7. Oresundskraft 16-17 
 8. Norrkoping 15-18 
 9. Boras/Marbo 14-19 
 10. Jamtland 11-22 
 11. Akropol 9-24 
 12. Gothia Basket 8-25 


Standings - BasketEttan
Basketettan Standings
North
 1. Blackeberg 17-5 
 2. Talje 16-6 
 3. Umea 16-6 
 4. Lulea Steel 14-8 
 5. Lidingo 14-8 
 6. Hallsta 11-11 
 7. Lulea BG 10-12 
 8. Polisen 10-12 
 9. Alvik Basket 9-13 
 10. Haga Haninge 8-14 
 11. Tensta 7-15 
 12. Eskilstuna 0-22 
South
 1. Orebro 19-3 
 2. Nassjo 18-4 
 3. Srbija 16-6 
 4. Kvarnby 15-7 
 5. Hoganas 13-9 
 6. Norrkoping BK 12-10 
 7. S:t Helena 12-10 
 8. Sanda 10-12 
 9. Kalmar 7-15 
 10. NUBF 5-17 
 11. Malbas 4-18 
 12. Eos 1-21 


Stats Leaders - BasketEttan
BasketEttan Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Häggblad Luleå 26
2 Christie Örebro 25
3 Lenngren Kvarn 23,44
4 Vukovic Eos 22,22
5 Bergstrom Black 20,59
5 Ronstrom Sanda 20,80
Rebounds Per Game
1 Anderson, Hall 13,12
2 Morin, Haga 12.0
3 Vukovic Eos 11,44
4 Petkovski Srbija 11,60
5 Soderman Haga 10,57
Assists Per Game
1 Forsgardh Hallsta 6,67
2 Sillen S:t Helena 6,33
3 Nouri, Blackeberg 5,53
4 Anderson Hallsta 4,76
5 Zorlak Kvarnby 4,33
Steals Per Game
1 Sillen S:t Helena 4,33
2 Deloatch Nassjö 4,17
3 Ryan BG Luelå 3,71
4 Kalpakas Tensta 3,29
5 Kurinczky Örebro 3,35


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


Maxime Jaquier signs with Basket-Club Boncourt ! - by Peter Isler
Former Swiss National Team Captain, Maxime Jaquier (180-G-80), signed a contract for one season with Boncourt. The 1.80cm Point Guard who began his career in Fribourg and included a stint to Mulhouse (FRA-Pro B), spent the last four seasons with Monthey. Boncourt added Jaquier to the roster after acquiring Schwaiger and Dos Santos the previous week. Right now 7 out of 10 players on Boncourt's roster are Swiss players

*****************************************************
  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO   


St Augustine and ISPS score big in high school awards - by Don Farrell


St Augustine Secondary and International School of Port of Spain (ISPS) were big winners when the NGC/Express Secondary Schools Basketball League held their 2008 prize-giving ceremony yesterday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

St Augustine picked up the national Champion of Champions Under-20 and Under-17 titles, while Ashton Demurrel and Chris Nelson picked up the respective MVP awards for those divisions.

The 'Green Machine' also won the East Zone accolades for both divisions.

International School also grabbed a large haul at the awards function. They took the Girls Open and Boys Under-15 categories, with Matthew Temple and Kristen Temple taking the MVP awards for those divisions in that order.

ISPS were third among the Under-20 boys, runners-up at Under-17 level, in addition to finishing the best team among the Under-15 and Girls Open categories in the North Zone.

QRC, led by some strong performances by Shemuel Bartholomew in the North Zone Under-20 division, copped that category easily, and were second best among Under-15 boys, and third best among the Under-17s.

Barrackpore Senior Comprehensive came in for great plaudits after their girls topped the open category in their first year of competition, while Mason Hall were the dominant force in Tobago .

SSBL president, Ishmael St Bryce, was pleased that there were 'minimal incidents of injury or disruptions' in the 2008 staging of the League. But he also lamented the many challenges schools basketball continued to face.

Representatives of the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs did not show up to address the gathering, but Wynda Chandler, community relations officer of main sponsors NGC, made up for it with a lively session, as she interacted with the young players, inquiring how they saw themselves benefiting from the SSBL.

Several of the hard-working members of the league were also honoured for their continued service to the game, including long-standing official/coach Anthony Lewis, and Stephen Leonce, currently the coach of Success/Laventille.

trinidadexpress


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  URUGUAY   


Diego Gonzalez replaced Jason Granger - by Hector Lopez
Diego Gonzalez (176-G-84) joined the Uruguayan NT to play the South American Championship, replacing Jason Granger (186-G-89). The Uruguayan Federation said Granger decided not to travel from Spain to Chile, where the tournament will take place, after he was not given a second air tocket for his girl friend. The mother of the player denied such information saying his son is injured. The problems to find a new guard began after Martin Osimani (194-G-81, college: Duquesne) was injured during warm-up game. The South American tournament will begin Tuesday 1st. in Puerto Montt with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay and Venezuela.



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Women News

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  FRANCE - Women  


France U20 celebrates victory at the Istanbul International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
France U20 - Russia U20 69:48

French U20 National Team grabbed the Istanbul International Tournament title after beating Russian counterparts on the final day of competition. French team led right from the start and kept Russia at bay throughout the contest. Nice defensive effort limited Russia to only 10 points in the first period as France accumulated a 6-point lead. Russia raised the tempo but it was well-matched by their opponents. France outscored Russia 22:15 in the second stanza to build a 38:25 lead at the interval. Sarah Michel (178-F-89) shone on the court as she ignited French team to yet another impressive term right after the long break. France stretched the gap to as many as 21 points after three quarters of action. The things changed little in the final stanza with France cruising to an overall victory at the end. Sarah Michel scored 20 points to lead the charge. Marielle Amant (189-C-89) dropped 12 points and grabbed 8 boards for the winners. Olga Zhuzhgova (203-C-88) scored 10 points for Russia. Yulia Lukina had 7 points in a losing case. Both France and Russia posted 2-1 records at the tournament. They are getting ready for the upcoming European championship in Italy. The action begins on July 11.

France U20: Sarah Michel 20, Marielle Amant 12, Carine Paul (176-F-88) 8, Isis Arrondo (164-G-89) 8
Russia U20: Olga Zhuzhgova 10, Yulia Lukina 7

Australia U18 shine in France - by Leslie Anderson

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


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

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


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


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




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  FYR MACEDONIA - Women  


Macedonian U18 National Team Roster 2008 - by Todor Chalovski
#s#
#e#6


Antik


Musa


Tanturovska


Janevska


Reskoska

Macedonian U 18 National Team Roster


Jelena Antik (182-F-91) of Liberty Christian Academy (USA)

Vanesa Vasilevska (92)
Edina Musa (170-G-91) of Vodnjanski Lisici Skopje
Ana Tanturovska (170-G-90) of Vigor Skopje
Ana Dogazanska (185-F/C-90) of Kumanovo
Sanja Radenkovic (179-F-91) of Vigor Skopje
Simona Janevska (168-F-90) of Vigor Skopje
Ema Reskoska (188-C-90) of ZKK Spars Sarajevo (BIH)

Jovana Jolovic (186-C-92) of Vodnjanski Lisici Skopje

Anzelika Mitrasinovic (170-G-93) of Mladinec Skopje

Aleksandra Pavlovska (170-G-90) of Pelister Bitola

Bisera Rajcinoska (90) of Kimiko Struga

Kristina Stojanovska (159-G-91) of Vodnjanski Lisici Skopje

Arnela Hodza (185-C-91) of Mladinec Skopje

Bisera Bozhinovska (178-G-1990)


Head Coach: Svetislav Kostovski

Assistant: Pero Stamevski.



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  GERMANY - Women  


Saarlouis: Manakova earns contract-extension - by Moritz Korff
The Saarlouis Royals (DBBL) and Petra Manakova (193-F/C-82, college: Oakland) agreed on a contract for the 2008-09 season and extended their agreement for one more year. The Czech Center who represented her country internationally as a junior won the German Cup with the Royals in this past season. She averaged 7.9 points and 3.7 boards per contest in DBBL-play. Before she moved to Saarlouis Manakova suited up for the BBV Leipzig Eagles during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 campaign, shortly shot hoops in Italy and played college-basketball at Oakland University.

U20 wins Four-Nations-Tournament in Luxemburg - by Cornelius Damm
With three wins in three games the German U20 internationals were able to win the Four-Nations-Tournament in Luxemburg (June 26th through June 30th). They beat the Netherlands 72-60, Ireland 66-39 and host Luxemburg 55-51. Head coach Julia Gajewski was pleased with her teams effort. She named compensating playing without two important inside players and the good defense as the two main aspects of the success. The young squad will keep on preparing for the upcoming championship in Chieti/Pescara (ITA) July 11th 20th 2008 as they head on to Mikulov/Czech Republic for another three games (July 1st 3rd) against the hosting 2002 European U20 Champion.

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  HOLLAND - Women  


The Netherlands U20 come back from Partnership tournament - by Eurobasket News
The Netherlands U20 participated in Partnership tournament that was held on June 26th through June 30th in Luxembourg. The hosts won its first game of the tournament against Ireland U20 54:52. Hetting led the winners with 17 points. Haris netted 15, whilst Stoll posted 7. In another day of the opener Germany U20 had no difficulties to hold the Netherlands U20 down 72:60. For the latter Jantine Kraak (187-F-89) top-scored with 14 points. Francis Donders nailed netted 11, while Maaike Klein (177-G-90) scored 6. Karen van den Nieuwendijk collected 6 rebounds, Rianne de Roos had 5 and Marie Hoogstraten (175-F-88) grabbed 4.
On Day 2 Germany U20 won its second game against Ireland 66:39, while Netherlands U20 tasted the first victory over Luxembourg 78:60. Day 3 saw Luxembourgian national team finished third at the partnership tournament. Luxembourg was defeated by the favorites of the tournament Germany U20 51:55. Netherlands smashed Ireland 78:37 to seal the second position.
Germany triumphed in Partnership tournament, while Netherlands finished second. Luxembourg ended up third with one win and Ireland could not win any games. It was a great tournament for the Dutch team that will continue to prepare for the European Championship.

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  IRELAND - Women  


Ireland loses three games in Luxembourg - by Eurobasket News
Ireland lost three games in Partnership tournament that was held on June 26th through June 30th in Luxembourg. The hosts won its first game of the tournament against Ireland U20 54:52. Hetting led the winners with 17 points. Haris netted 15, whilst Stoll posted 7. In another day of the opener Germany U20 had no difficulties to hold the Netherlands U20 down 72:60.
On Day 2 Germany U20 won its second game against Ireland 66:39, while Luxembourg lost to Netherlands U20 60:78.
Day 3 saw Luxembourgian national team finished third at the partnership tournament. Luxembourg was defeated by the favorites of the tournament Germany U20 51:55. Netherlands smashed Ireland 78:37 to seal the second position.
Germany triumphed in Partnership tournament, while Netherlands finished second. Luxembourg ended up third with one win and Ireland could not win any games. The Irish side will be captained by Leah Westbrooks (183-F/C-88), who is currently plying her basketball trade with Mount St Marys. a Division One University side in Maryland. Westbrooks is relishing the opportunity to lead the side and believed the trip to Luxembourg is ideal preparations ahead of the summer months.
Later Ireland will face a tricky European series of games with Great Britain, Slovak Republic, Romania and Hungary providing tough opposition.

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  ITALY - Women  


Stats Leaders - Women
A1 regular season Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Brunson Taranto 18.8
2 Holland-Corn Nap18.8
3 Dixon Pozz. 18.1
4 Maslowski Vit., 17.0
5 Machanguana 16.0
Rebounds Per Game
1 Brunson Taranto 13.2
2 Smith Viterbo 10.1
3 Grima Pozzuoli 9.9
4 Machanguana Rm 8.6
5 Pascalau Priolo 7.7
Assists Per Game
1 Eric Faenza 3.5
2 Moro Schio 2.8
3 Zampella Como 2.6
4 Slavcheva Como 2.5
5 Sauret Taranto 2.4
Steals Per Game
1 Holland-Corn, Nap. 4.2
2 Macchi, Schio 3.6
3 Andrade, Venezia 3.2
4 Johnson, Venezia 3.1
5 Newton, La Sp. 3.0
2FGP
1 Cirov Pozzuoli 65.0
2 Ngoyisa Schio 62.6
3 Holland-Corn, NA. 59.9
3FGP
1 Moro, Schio 46.9
2 Duffy, Ribera 46.5
3 Grima, Pozzuoli 44.1
Free Throws
1 Duffy, Ribera 92.8
2 Holland-Corn, NA 84.7
3 Lawless Mont. 84.7
4 Macchi Schio 82.7


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  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


Luxembourg hosted Partnership tournament - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg hosted Partnership tournament that was held on June 26th through June 30th. The hosts won its first game of the tournament against Ireland U20 54:52. Hetting led the winners with 17 points. Haris netted 15, whilst Evelyne Stoll (187-C-86) posted 7. In another day of the opener Germany U20 had no difficulties to hold the Netherlands U20 down 72:60.
On Day 2 Luxembourg lost to Netherlands U20 60:78. Haris top-scored for the winners with 16 points. Lisy Hetting ended up with 13 and Tessy Hetting nailed 6. Germany U20 won its second game against Ireland 66:39.
Day 3 saw Luxembourgian national team finished third at the partnership tournament. Luxembourg was defeated by the favorites of the tournament Germany U20 51:55.
Netherlands smashed Ireland 78:37 to seal the second position. Haris and Nadia Mossong (183-F-86) led the winners with 8 points each. Evelyne Stoll produced 7 and Haentges together with Tessy Hetting posted 6 apiece.
Germany triumphed in Partnership tournament, while Netherlands finished second. Luxembourg ended up third with one win and Ireland could not win any games.

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  NIGERIA - Women  


Sanni's three latest games - by Eurobasket News
Detroit had little problems in handing Atlanta the 15th straight loss at the start of the season. The Dream claimed the WNBA worst losing streak record. Kara Braxton nailed career-high 26 points to ensure the win for the Shock. Katie Smith drained 24 points and Deanna Nolan added 11 assists to her 18 points for the winners. Tamera Young canned career-high 26 points for the Dream who are still looking for the initial victory. Olayinka Sanni (188-C-86, college: W.Virginia) netted 2 points and made 4 rebounds for the winners.
Chicago Sky overcame Detroit Shock 76:59 as Chicago Sky snapped a five-game losing streak. Chicago outrebounded Detroit 12-2 and led Detroit by as many as seven in the first quarter, as the Shock converted only 33 percent from the field in the opening 10 minutes. Candice Dupree top-scored for the winners with 18 points. Jia Perkins and Dominique Canty each had 14 as Chicago improved to 4-9 in the Eastern Conference. Shay Murphy nailed 13 points and Alexis Hornbuckle had 11 for the Shock that fell at 11-5. Olayinka Sanni nailed 5 points and made 4 rebounds in defeat.
Deanna Nolan scored 13 points to lead a balanced Detroit Shock offense in a 70:61 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Thursday night. Detroit used an 11-1 third-quarter scoring run to build a commanding lead after Connecticut trimmed the Shock's lead to five. Olayinka Sanni produced 2 points and 1 block for the Shock.

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  PORTUGAL - Women  


Vagos sign 2 players - by Luis Rocha
After a season well played and a title, Vagos is already preparing next season. They signed point guard Carla Nascimento (171-G-86) from B.Viagem and cneter Ana Teixeira (184-C-79) (former champion) from OLivais. Two experienced portuguese players who can maintain an higher level of performances for Vagos. Teixeira had a wonderfull season at Olivais where she won the tilte, and Nascimento although a bit under her level last season, is one of the most promising point guards in the country.

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  RUSSIA - Women  


France U20 celebrates victory at the Istanbul International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
France U20 - Russia U20 69:48

French U20 National Team grabbed the Istanbul International Tournament title after beating Russian counterparts on the final day of competition. French team led right from the start and kept Russia at bay throughout the contest. Nice defensive effort limited Russia to only 10 points in the first period as France accumulated a 6-point lead. Russia raised the tempo but it was well-matched by their opponents. France outscored Russia 22:15 in the second stanza to build a 38:25 lead at the interval. Sarah Michel (178-F-89) shone on the court as she ignited French team to yet another impressive term right after the long break. France stretched the gap to as many as 21 points after three quarters of action. The things changed little in the final stanza with France cruising to an overall victory at the end. Sarah Michel scored 20 points to lead the charge. Marielle Amant (189-C-89) dropped 12 points and grabbed 8 boards for the winners. Olga Zhuzhgova (203-C-88) scored 10 points for Russia. Yulia Lukina had 7 points in a losing case. Both France and Russia posted 2-1 records at the tournament. They are getting ready for the upcoming European championship in Italy. The action begins on July 11.

France U20: Sarah Michel 20, Marielle Amant 12, Carine Paul (176-F-88) 8, Isis Arrondo (164-G-89) 8
Russia U20: Olga Zhuzhgova 10, Yulia Lukina 7

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  SPAIN - Women  


Turkey U20 Team clinches 3rd spot in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20 - Spain U20 62:51

Turkish U20 Team gained the third spot at the Istanbul International Tournament. The hosts prevailed against Spain in the last round of action yesterday. Spanish U20 Team meanwhile finished the tourney winless. The teams looked well-matched in the first half as they stayed close. The home side managed to pull away a 2-point lead after the starting quarter and surged ahead early in the second one. Melek Bilge (191-C-89) widened the margin to 11 points after a 9:0 run. But Spain answered with a 12:0 rally to claim a 30:29 lead late in the period. Bahar Caglar capped the frame with a jump shot to make it 31:30 for Turkey at the interval. The things remained extra close in the third stanza. Turkey cleared off to a 7-point distance just to see Spain getting things knotted once again. The hosts entered the final quarter leading by 3 points. Gizem Yavuz (168-G-88, agency: Prosportman) paced the charge at the start of the final period as Turkey stretched the lead to 8 points. They later went on a 6:1 run to get a comfortable cushion that proved too big for their opponents. Turkey breezed in the final seconds to post an impressive victory at the end. Melek Bilge scored 14 points to lead Turkey. Gizem Yavuz and Bahar Caglar (188-F-88) notched 13 points apiece for the winning side. Gaby Ocete (166-G-88) answered with 14 points for Spain. Jael Freixanet (187-F-88) had 11 points and 10 boards in a loss.

Turkey U20: Melek Bilge 14, Gizem Yavuz 13, Bahar Caglar 13
Spain U20: Gaby Ocete 14, Jael Freixanet 11+10 boards

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  TURKEY - Women  


Turkey U20 Team clinches 3rd spot in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20 - Spain U20 62:51

Turkish U20 Team gained the third spot at the Istanbul International Tournament. The hosts prevailed against Spain in the last round of action yesterday. Spanish U20 Team meanwhile finished the tourney winless. The teams looked well-matched in the first half as they stayed close. The home side managed to pull away a 2-point lead after the starting quarter and surged ahead early in the second one. Melek Bilge (191-C-89) widened the margin to 11 points after a 9:0 run. But Spain answered with a 12:0 rally to claim a 30:29 lead late in the period. Bahar Caglar capped the frame with a jump shot to make it 31:30 for Turkey at the interval. The things remained extra close in the third stanza. Turkey cleared off to a 7-point distance just to see Spain getting things knotted once again. The hosts entered the final quarter leading by 3 points. Gizem Yavuz (168-G-88, agency: Prosportman) paced the charge at the start of the final period as Turkey stretched the lead to 8 points. They later went on a 6:1 run to get a comfortable cushion that proved too big for their opponents. Turkey breezed in the final seconds to post an impressive victory at the end. Melek Bilge scored 14 points to lead Turkey. Gizem Yavuz and Bahar Caglar (188-F-88) notched 13 points apiece for the winning side. Gaby Ocete (166-G-88) answered with 14 points for Spain. Jael Freixanet (187-F-88) had 11 points and 10 boards in a loss.

Turkey U20: Melek Bilge 14, Gizem Yavuz 13, Bahar Caglar 13
Spain U20: Gaby Ocete 14, Jael Freixanet 11+10 boards

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  WNBA - Women  


The Mercury eclipse the Sun - by Eurobasket News
Diana Taurasi (6'0''-G-82, college: Connecticut) knocked down 25 points and the Phoenix Mercury held off the Connecticut Sun 87:80 away from home. The reigning champions are showing signs of recovery as they posted the 5th win in the last 6 games. Tangela Smith (6'4''-F/C-77, college: Iowa) had 21 points and 11 boards to help the visitors to the victory. It was just the 5th loss for the Sun in the season however Phoenix swept the season series against Connecticut. Phoenix enjoyed an 11-point cushion at some points in the third frame. However the hosts went on a 10:0 run to cut it a single one. The Mercury still entered the fourth period ahead 63:57. The home side got within 4 points with under two minutes left in regulation. Nevertheless Cappie Pondexter dropped a jumper and sealed the winning outcome for the Merucry. She finished with 16 points for the winners. Asjha Jones had 16 points for Connecticut. Lindsay Whalen dropped 14 points and dished out 8 assists for the Sun in defeat.
Meanwhile Seattle limited the visiting Washington Mystics to only 49 points to celebrate a confident 64:49 win at the end. Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) came up with 14 points and 7 assists to pace the Storm to the 9th win in the season. Lauren Jackson notched 13 points, while Sheryl Swoopes added 11 in a win. Alana Beard tallied 16 points in the loss that followed three straight road victories for the Mystics. The hosts entered the final period up by 10 and never looked back again.
Detroit had little problems in handing Atlanta the 15th straight loss at the start of the season. The Dream claimed the WNBA worst losing streak record. Kara Braxton (6'6''-C-83, college: Georgia) nailed career-high 26 points to ensure the win for the Shock. Katie Smith drained 24 points and Deanna Nolan added 11 assists to her 18 points for the winners. Tamera Young canned career-high 26 points for the Dream who are still looking for the initial victory.

Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connect. S. 12-5 
 2. Detroit S. 12-5 
 3. New York L. 7-7 
 4. Indiana F. 7-8 
 5. Washingt. M. 6-9 
 6. Chicago Sky 4-9 
 7. Atlanta D. 0-15 
Western
 1. L.Angeles S. 10-4 
 2. S.Antonio SS 9-6 
 3. Seattle S. 9-7 
 4. Minnesota L. 8-7 
 5. Phoenix M. 7-7 
 6. Sacram. M. 7-8 
 7. Houston C. 7-8