EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/11/2008

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ABA   


LAS VEGAS ACES BASKETBALL TEAM NAMES GENERAL MANAGER and new team tryouts info - by Bruno Baltazar
Carl Dossenbach was named new General Manager of the Las Vegas Aces as he and Todd Tripplet, owner of the team, came to an agreement over the 4th of July Independence Holiday weekend. Carl had formerly been retained by the Las Vegas Lights for their first season, but made the decision to move to the Aces via mutual consent.

With a strong background in sports marketing and management, Carl led the way for organization such as the Las Vegas Gladiators Arena Football Team in the capacity of Promotions Coordinator for their final years in LV. Prior to that, he held a position devoting many community hours while sitting on the LV Gladiators Board for Community Development for the 2004-05 seasons. Coming to LV in 2002 after reaching an agreement with the AAGT in Tampa FL, Dossenbach returned to his one true love, Golf, and became Director of the 'Michelob ULTRA Amateur Golf Tour.'

'As GM for the Aces, I would like to say thank you to the ABA for the opportunity to become an integral part of this exciting league. I would also like to thank Todd,' stated Dossenbach. 'More importantly, I am looking forward to working with the communities and fans in the great Las Vegas area.'

For more information, please call (702) 421-1855 or email carl@lasvegasacesbasketball.com.
and


The San Antonio Showboats professional basketball team that begins play in December have announced its first two tryout camps - scheduled for August 1st, 2nd and 3rd - followed by August 28th, 29th, 30th. The location will be the Christian World of Ministries, 6633 Walzern Road, San Antonio, Texas. The times will be Friday 730pm-1030pm, Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 3pm-6pm. Advanced registration will be $75 (by July 21st for first camp) or (by August 9th for the second camp). Walk-up will be $125 per player.

'This is San Antonio and the return of the ABA, a city with memories of the original ABA San Antonio Spurs and the incomparable George 'Iceman' Gervin,' said owner/coach Benjamin Mireles. 'We have some big shoes to fill and we are looking for the next 'Iceman' to lead our team. There are a lot of great players in this area, we hope they'll attend our camps.'

For more information email coachb_showboats08@yahoo.com, call (210) 897-0379, or visit www.sanantonioproball.com.



Burrel Lee III, GM of the Maywood Buzz professional basketball team, has announced the times of its 2008-2009 team tryouts.

Tryouts will begin at 10am, Saturday, July 12th with registration and tryouts to begin at 11 am and going until 3 pm. They will resume on Sunday, July 13th at 6 pm until 10pm. From there, players that tryout will then be placed on teams and will play in the Buzz Summer League with all games taking place at the Maywood Activity Center. Game times can be obtained at the teams' Web site.

Admission to all games are free.

For more information on the tryouts and the Buzz Summer League please call (323) 562-5570, email buzzbasketball@gmail.com, or visit www.buzzbasketball.com.


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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Important day for Igokea Partizan, Siroki Prima pivo and Zagreb - by Dragan Jankovski
At the today's assembly of company Sidro, owner of the regional championship, it will be known who will be the 14th participant of the Adriatic league next season. Igokea Partizan, Siroki Prima pivo and Zagreb are looking forward to news from Ljubljana.
Igokea Partizan reached the final of Bosnian play-off loosing it against Bosna ASA BHT 2-1. In the semifinals they outplayed Siroki Prima pivo 2-0. It was mentioned as a crucial result of Igokea for the Adriatic league next season. On the other side Siroki also has hopes as they are members of the regional championship since the beginning. It seems that Igokea has a small advantage as Basketball Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina send an official request to Adriatic league that the runner-up in Bosnian championship participate in NLB next season.
Zagreb also has a chance to reach Adriatic league 08/09. The team already started with the singings for the next season as its management is almost sure that they will get a special invitation. As a reminder Buducnost Podgorica already got a 'wild card' from the league.

Adriatic league counts 13 teams so far. Serbia will once again have 5 representatives: Partizan Igokea, Crvena Zvezda, Hemofarm STADA, FMP and Vojvodina Srbijagas. Croatia will have three teams so far: Cibona, Zadar and Split. Slovenians also count three teams for the next season: Union Olimpija, Helios Domzale and Krka. Bosna ASA BHT will represent Bosnia and Herzegovina (maybe one more team) while Buducnost is a represent of Montenegro.

The crucial assembly of Sidro company will be held today in Ljubljana at 17h.

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  ALGERIA   


Miloud DOUBAL MVP in FRANCE - by Foued Benhenni
this a new birth for the algerian point guard Miloud DOUBAL who played this season with Antibes in FRENCH nationale 1 division,DOUBAL and his team has won the championship in june and will be next year in PRO B division,DOUBAL was just great with solid stats 13 pts 3 rebonds and 2,5 assists per game,
antibes has succeded to resign him for a new 2 years contract for a new challenge in PRO B
but it was not the end of story,DOUBAL has surprised everybody in NATIONALE 1 all star game ,where DOUBAL has wn first the 3 point shootout contest but also the all star game mvp spot with 23 points 2 assits and 1 steal,he led both teams (south selection and north selection) and remind the crowd that ha did not loose his offensive skills )Miloud Doubal (189-G-81)

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  AUSTRALIA   


Australia U18 National Team for William Jones Cup Tournament 2008 - by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Page


Dellavedova


Salecich


Young


Harris-Trunk
Jorden Page (183-G-90) of Australian Institute Sport
Matthew Dellavedova (189-G-90) of Australian Institute Sport
Ryan Godfrey (187-G-90) of Rockingham EM Flames
Christian Salecich (194-G-90) of Australian Institute Sport
Todd Blanchfield (200-F-90) of Mackay Meteors
Hugh Greenwood (188-F-90) of Australian Institute Sport
Ryan Broekhoff (196-F-90) of Australian Institute Sport
Brock Motum (205-F-90) of Australian Institute Sport
Cody Ellis (202-F-90) of Australian Institute Sport
Brad Simpson (198-F-90) of Illawarra Seahawks
Mitchell Young (205-F-90) of Australian Institute Sport
Shane Harris-Trunk (208-C-90) of Australian Institute Sport
Head Coach: Martin Clarke
Assistant Coach: Damian Cotter

Australia outguns Brazil in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Australia - Brazil 89:84

Australian National team finally got things going the right way as they defeated Brazil on the last day of the Acropolis tournament. Chris Anstey (213-C-75) nailed 24 points to carry the Boomers past Brazil yesterday. Brad Newley (199-G-85) added 17 points, while Patrick Mills (178-G-88) chipped in 10 for the winners. Brazilian team dominated the start of the game as they clinched a 28:21 lead after the first frame. The Boomers turned to a stifling defense in the second stanza and limited their opponents to just 13 points in the quarter. It allowed the Boomers to grab a 48:41 advantage at the main sides change. Australia fought bravely to maintain the margin as they enjoyed a 6-point lead heading into the final quarter. The gap remained throughout the final stanza and Australia celebrated a difficult victory at the end. David Barlow netted 9 points for the winners. Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) answered with 20 points for Brazil. Marcelo Marcelinho Huertas (191-G-83, agency: Edge Sports) added 19 points, while Alex Garcia (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) had 15 in a losing effort. The Latin American team outrebounded Australia 37:25. However the Boomers replied with 47% accuracy from the field. Aussie team travels back home for the final training camp before the Olympic Games. Greece won the Acropolis tournament beating Croatia in the last game.

Australia: Chris Anstey 24, Brad Newley 17, Patrick Mills 10
Brazil: Marcelinho Machado 20, Marcelo Marcelinho Huertas 19, Alex Garcia 15

Milwaukee Bucks extends Andrew Bogut - by Eurobasket News

First pick from NBA draft 2005, Andrew Bogut (212-F/C-84, college: Utah), decided to accept offer for contract extension from his team Milwaukee Bucks. It means that Bogut will stay in Milwaukee for 5 more years. During this period he will earn fantastic 72.5 million dollars.

After not so brilliant previous season, Milwaukee made many changes which should bring them better results. These changes were one the most important facts for Bogut's decision to stay in the club. First move of the Bucks was hiring of new General Manager John Hammond from Detroit Pistons. Hammond's task was to find a news head coach, what he done bringing Scott Skiles. At the previous NBA Draft, which was held this summer in Madison Square Garden, Bucks picked up tallented Joe Alexander. Earlier that day the team traded Chinese Jianlian and Bobby Simmons to New Jersy Nets for Richard Jefferson (198-F/G-80, college: Arizona). Thus the key players of Milwaukee Bucks for the next season will be Richard Jefferson and Andrew Bogut. Contract with Bogut is not officially signed yet but it is expected to happen next week.


Bogut had 78 appearances in NBA last season averaging 14.3 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 2.6 apg and 1.7 bpg. It was his best one since Bucks drafted him in 2005. At his first year he had 9.4 ppg and 7 rpg while a year later he improved to 12.3 ppg and 8.8 rpg. He was a member of Australian senior National Team which participated on the World Championship in Japan in 2006.



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


Mensur Bajramovic: 'Great Britain is dangerous opponent' - by Eurobasket News
As Eurobasket already published two days ago, head coach of Bosnian National Team, Mensur Bajramovic, announced list with 15 players on which he counts for the Eurobasket 2009 qualifications. In interview for Bosnian media Bajramovic stated that he wanted to make the body of the team from young players. Bosnians will have two targets for the near future. The first is participation at Eurobasket 2009 in Poland and the second one is successful rejuvenation of the team. All players which he called will show up on 21st of July in Sarajevo expect of Dragan Tubak, whose participation is under the question mark because of injury. Coach Bajramovic doesn't count on Sasa Vasiljevic, who has some private problems. The reason why he didn't call Feliks Kojadinovic and Elvir Ovcina are injuries. Between two Americans Bajramovic at the end decided to call Ernest Bremer instead of Henry Domercant.

Bajramovic stated than Bosnians have to be very careful during these qualifications, especially against Great Britain.

'Great Britain has two NBA superstars Luol Deng and Ben Gordon, both of Chicago Bulls. They also have couple of very good players from some of the top European teams. I want to say that they are not outsiders. Actually with all those players they could be one of the favorites. Czech Republic showed decent performance on the last European Chemapionship and they still have a good team. I do not need to talk anything about the Israel, as they are always dangerous opponent' - said Mensur Bajramovic for Bosnian media.

For Eurobasket 2009 qualifications coach Bajramovic called: Ernest Bremer (Spartak), Nemanja Gordic (Buducnost), Aleksej Nesevic (Bosna ASA BHT?), Nihad Djedovic (Barcelona), Goran Ikonic (Bosna ASA BHT), Ivan Opacak (Murcia), Jasmin Hukic (Union Olimpija), Milan Milosevic (Sloboda Dita), Kenan Bajramovic (Kiev), Mirza Teletovic (Tau Ceramica), Damir Krupalija (Dijon), Edin Bavcic (Bosna ASA BHT), Elmedin Kikanovic (Crvena zvezda), Ermin Jazvin (Maroussi) and Dragan Tubak (Borac Cacak) - roster written by Eurobasket correspondent Elvir Halilovic.

*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   


Australia outguns Brazil in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Australia - Brazil 89:84

Australian National team finally got things going the right way as they defeated Brazil on the last day of the Acropolis tournament. Chris Anstey (213-C-75) nailed 24 points to carry the Boomers past Brazil yesterday. Brad Newley (199-G-85) added 17 points, while Patrick Mills (178-G-88) chipped in 10 for the winners. Brazilian team dominated the start of the game as they clinched a 28:21 lead after the first frame. The Boomers turned to a stifling defense in the second stanza and limited their opponents to just 13 points in the quarter. It allowed the Boomers to grab a 48:41 advantage at the main sides change. Australia fought bravely to maintain the margin as they enjoyed a 6-point lead heading into the final quarter. The gap remained throughout the final stanza and Australia celebrated a difficult victory at the end. David Barlow netted 9 points for the winners. Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) answered with 20 points for Brazil. Marcelo Marcelinho Huertas (191-G-83, agency: Edge Sports) added 19 points, while Alex Garcia (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) had 15 in a losing effort. The Latin American team outrebounded Australia 37:25. However the Boomers replied with 47% accuracy from the field. Aussie team travels back home for the final training camp before the Olympic Games. Greece won the Acropolis tournament beating Croatia in the last game.

Australia: Chris Anstey 24, Brad Newley 17, Patrick Mills 10
Brazil: Marcelinho Machado 20, Marcelo Marcelinho Huertas 19, Alex Garcia 15

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  BULGARIA   


Pamesa Valencia sends Bozhidar Avramov on loan - by Eurobasket News
One of the hot prospects from Bulgaria, Bozhidar Avramov (195-G-90), will have a chance to show what he can in Spanish team Gandia Basket, which competes in LEB Gold. Avramov has a valid contract with Pamesa Valencia, where he joined in 2007. He hadn't a lot of chance to play last season so management of the team agreed with Gandia to sent Bulgarian prospect on loan one season. Avramov had just 8 appearances for Pamesa in ACB adding 1 ppg. He also played 3 games in ULEB Cup but not enough to register more than 1.7 ppg. Young point guard was a member of Bulgarian U 18 National Team which participated at European Championship in Madrid last summer. After that he also played for U20 NT on European Championship in Nova Gorica.

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  CAMEROON   


Milwaukee Bucks signs Luc to a multi-year contract - by Cyril Empig

Congratulations, Luc!!!

Bucks Sign Second-Round Pick Mbah A Moute
Posted Jul 9 2008 7:37PM

MILWAUKEE, July 9 -- The Milwaukee Bucks signed Luc Richard Mbah a Moute to a multi-year contract, General Manager John Hammond announced Wednesday. Mbah a Moute (6-foot-8, 230 pounds) was the 37th overall selection in the 2008 NBA Draft and will participate in the 2008 Las Vegas Summer League with the Bucks (July 12-20).

A native of Yaounde, Cameroon, Mbah a Moute played three seasons for the UCLA Bruins and left the school as the 15th leading rebounder with 775. In 107 games (106 starts) with the Bruins, Mbah a Moute averaged 8.7 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 50.3 percent from the field. As a junior he was named Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 and Honorable Mention All-Defensive Team as he produced 8.8 points and 6.0 rebounds (T-11th in the Pac-10). He has been a part of UCLA teams that reached the Final Four three consecutive years (2006-2008).

Mbah a Moute, pronounced Bah ah Moo-tay, will join Bucks first round draft pick Joe Alexander along with Ramon Sessions and Awvee Storey on the Bucks Summer League team. The five-game schedule kicks of Saturday against Memphis and includes games against Detroit (July 15), Denver (July 17), Minnesota (July 19) and Cleveland (July 20).

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (200-G/F-88)


Read the NBA.com/Milwaukee Bucks release here:

http://www.nba.com/news/mbahamoute_080709.html



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  CANADA   


Canada shoots down Germany in exhibition game - by Eurobasket News
Germany - Canada 86:91

Canadian National Team overcame a sizzling performance from worlds basketball star Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) to overcome Germany in Hamburg in friendly encounter yesterday. The teams traded baskets early in the game before Canada posted a 15:13 lead into the second period. Canada remained in control over the second stanza and stretched the gap to 7 points at halftime. But Dirk Nowizki was unstoppable in the third frame as he singlehandedly dragged the hosts back into contest. Germany squared things up at 63 before the fourth term. The lead changed a couple of times throughout the final quarter but Canada proved stronger at the dying moments. Joel Anthony (206-C-82, college: UNLV) converted several vital freebies late in regulation to seal the winning outcome for Canada. The Miami Heat center led Canada with 22 points and 5 boards. Carl English (192-G-81, college: Hawaii) provided 20 points off the bench, while Rowan Barrett (197-G/F-72, college: St.John's) had 16 points for the winners. Dirk Nowitzki led all scorers with 33 points. Sven Schultze (208-C-78, agency: Court Side) had 15 points in defeat. Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) joined German team but remained on the bench. He is expected to appear on the court on Friday when the teams meet again. Canada had a slight advantage under the rims outrebounding the hosts 28:26. They also shot 49% of field goals and committed just 7 turnovers down the stretch.

Germany: Dirk Nowitzki 33, Sven Schultze 15
Canada: Joel Anthony 22, Carl English 20, Rowan Barrett 16

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  CAPE VERDE   


French Toast - Cape Verde and Cameroon in France - by Pedro Gomes

(by Kris SANTIAGO] - While the sun shining outdoors and many French on the Cote d'Azur or elsewhere, two national teams

are probably on their own in Paris and Lyon.

Cape Verde is in the last phase of the preparations and so is Cameroon. The two nations are currently seating in the gym and

working hard to surprise the other participating countries at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens, which is around the

corner (14th -20th of July).

Cape Verde and Cameroon were set to meet in a tournament in Paris which was cancelled in the last minute as Cameroon declined

to participate. Now Cape Verde will be playing a team of African players of the French Pro A on Wednesday and the Lebanese on

Thursday before they are leaving for Athens on Friday.


In an interview given to Okabol.com, Coach Eric Silva was pleased with the recent developments within the team and the important

creation of a team spirit coupled with the recent results against the teams of French Pro B (98-69 vs. Nanterre) and National 3

(111-58 vs. Sartrouville).

However the cancellation of Cameroon to play Cape Verde was disappointing but he looks forward to play Lebanon and the African

players from Pro A, which will serve as the main tests before the departure to Greece.

www.fiba.com



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  CROATIA   


Croatian U20 National Team 2008 - by Kasia
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#e#6


Sarlija


Pilepic


Dugum


Sakic


Petkovic
Marino Sarlija (205-F/C-89) of KK Zadar
Fran Pilepic (192-G-89) of Kvarner Resort Novi Rijeka
Ante Dugum (210-C-88) of Borik Puntamika Zadar
Zeljko Sakic (203-F-88) of KK Dubrava Zagreb
Luka Petkovic (181-G-88) of Sibenka Sibenik
Miro Bilan (210-C/F-89) of Sibenka Sibenik
Ivan Milekovic (198-G/F-88) of KK Zrinjevac Zagreb
Mario Filipovic (194-G-88) of BK Usti nad Labem (CZE)
Filip Vukicevic (202-F-88) of Sibenka Sibenik
Filip Kruslin (200-G-89) of KK Rudes Zagreb
Marijo Hajdic (203-F-89) of KK Dubrovnik
Ivica Radic (207-F-90) of KK Split
Franjo Bubalo (192-G/F-88) of Siroki Prima pivo (BIH)


Greece cruises past Croatia winning Acropolis Cup - by Eurobasket News

In the last game of 'Acropolis Cup' in Athens Croatia suffered defeat by the host team Greece 64-77. It means that Greece finished this traditional tournament on first place undefeated. Croatia showed a bit better performance at the beginning taking 9-3 lead and later thanks to Damir Markota (209-C/F-85) it was 18-13. However strong Greek machine woke up finishing first quarter with plus one, 18-19. It seems that crucial period of the game was second quarter when Croatians made many mistakes at the offensive end. Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) drained a triple after what Croatia committed three turnovers. It resulted with double digits advantage for the hosts, 28-38. Croatia succeeded just to decrease its minus on 8 until the half time. After the breather Marin Rozic (201-F-83) and Roko Leni Ukic (195-G-84) were successful form behind the arc and it seems that Croatia is able to equalize. That didn't not happen as Greeks answered with many offensive rebounds and mostly owing to third triple by Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) reached advantage of 15 points in the middle of the third quarter. Jasmin Repesa once again made many substitutions in order to find the best five but it was not successful yesterday. Greeks succeeded to keep big advantage from the third quarter until the very end.
Dimitris Diamantidis led the winners netting 14 points. Nikos Zisis (195-G-83) also was good adding 13 points. On the other side Damir Markota stopped on 11 points while Roko Leni Ukic followed him with 10 points.



Final standings of 'Acropolis Cup 2008'

1. Greece 3-0

2. Brazil 1-2

3. Australia 1-2

4. Croatia 1-2



Greece - Croatia 77:64
(19:18, 40:32, 61:46)

Greece: Diamantidis 14, Zisis 13, Spanoulis 12, Fotsis 10, Printsezis 7
Croatia: Markota 11, Ukic 10, Tomas 7, Popovic 7, Rozic 7



News from Cibona - by Eurobasket News
One of the best players of Cibona over the past three years, Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina), won't stay in Zabreb any more. He agreed terms with Cibona's opponent in Euroleague, Scandone Air Avelino. Warren had 14 appearances previous season in Euroleague averaging 15.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.5 spg. He also played 28 games in Adriatic league adding 15 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.4 spg. Almost the same digits Warren had in Croatian A1 league. He joined Cibona Zagreb from Mexican team Tiburones Mazatlan. In the past he also had experience from Adriatic league as a player of FMP Zeleznik. Warren is named to be the defensive player of the year in Adriatic league as well as to be in all-imports team. Two seasons before, Cibona grabbed the championship title in Croatia while Warren was forward of the year in A1. He signed 1 + 1 contract with Avelino, whose head coach is Macedonian Zare Markovski. It is expected that Cibona earn just 60 thousand euros from his move. Coach Markovski stated that Warren is a player with good Euroleague experience who will be important member of his roster for the next season.

In the meantime Warren's ex team Cibona continues search for the new players. Negotiation with Nikola Prkacin (208-C-75) is not a secret. The team also had some talks with Branimir Longin (195-G-78). Management of the club and coach Velimir Perasovic also would like to see Davor Kus (190-G-78) in Zagreb next season. It will be very hard to believe that Kus will return to Cibona as he has a valid contract with Unicaja for one more season.

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  CYPRUS   


FIBA EuroChallenge qualifying round match-ups announced - by Nemanja Bjedov
Proteas EKA AEL and Aspis APOEL were drawn against difficult opposition in the FIBA EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 on Tuesday afternoon in Berlin.

The local league finalist, Aspis APOEL, will take on the French side J.A. Vichy Auvergne and the first game will be played in Nicosia on October 14. The rematch is scheduled a week later in France. The cup holders, Proteas EKA AEL, have got an even tougher opponent as they face BC Donetsk of Ukraine with the first game away from home at the Sports Palace Deuzhba in Donetsk also on October 14; however, the return game is scheduled for October 22 in Limassol.

Should the Cypriot teams advance to the Qualifying Round 2, Aspis APOEL would meet the winner of the match-up between the Danish champions Bakken Bears and Liege Basket of Belgium; while Proteas EKA AEL would clash with CSU Atlassib of Romania or the Turkish side Banvit BC. The opening matches of the Qualifying Round 2 are scheduled for November 4, with the second games taking place a week later.

In an attempt to strengthen their current roster and actually have a go in the European competitions, Proteas EKA AELs head coach Dragan Raca signed an experienced Montenegrin guard Vujadin Subotic who played for both, Alba Berlin and KK Crvena Zvezda of Serbia last season.

The Cypriot champions Keravnos Strovolos directly qualified for the group stage of the EuroChallenge 2009.

SOURCE: CyBasketball.com

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  EGYPT   


Egyptian National Team for William Jones Cup Tournament 2008 - by Eurobasket
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#e#6


Gunady


Badr


Adly


El Ghanam


El Kerdani
Mohamed Said (205-C-80) of Shorta-Police
Mahmoud Mahmoud (185-G-86) of Al Gezira
Ramy Gunady (185-G-81) of Al Gezira
Wael Badr (193-G-78) of Al Zamalek
Mohamed Adly (211-C-87) of Al Ahly
Ahmed El Said (193-F-84) of Al Zamalek
Tarek El Ghanam (211-C-78) of Al Ahly
Haitham El Saharty (197-F-85) of Al Zamalek
Mohamed Khorshed (204-C-85) of Sporting
Karim Shamseya (198-F-83)
Mohammed El Kerdani (195-F-77) of Al Gezira
Moumen El Enein (198-F-86) of Al Ittihad Alexandria
Mostafa Shaawat (203-C-87)
Tamer Mostafa (187-G-82) of Somouha
Head Coach: Samy El Sharony
Coach: Sabry Abdel-Naby

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  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


Eurobasket Summer League (Las Vegas) - Day 2 - by Darryl Reshaw
The Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas second day consisted of all the teams practicing for (40) minutes.
After the practice session there were two exciting games played in front of scouts from Italy, Spain, Germany, Finland, Japan, Mexico, Austria and etc.
The second day audience from the international coaching community increased as the majority of the people at the Tarkanian Basketball Academy was coaches from all over the world.

In the first game Venice stormed back against Brussels after being down by nine points at half time to earn an 86-76 victory.
During the first half Venice controlled the game and seem destined to play in the Championship game on Thursday but Brussels had a different plan.
Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84, agency: Beggs and Lane, college: William Carey) and Leonard Houston (191-G-85, college: Drake) the Co-MVPs from the Chicago ESL led Venice in the first half and ended with 21 and 16 points each.

However the outstanding defense, shooting and guard play from the Brussels team controlled the second half as they outscored Venice 54-35 in the period.
Brussels had a balance attack as all ten players scored between a minimum of 6 points with Temi Soyebo (183-G-84, college: NC-Wilmington) leading the way with 15 points.
They shot and amazing 65% from the field and well over 50% from the 3pt line in the second period.
There big guy Aristide Sawadogo (213-C-81, agency: 22ft, college: Clayton St.) was a defensive force in the middle blocking and altering shots all night which made the Venice team very hesitant to enter the paint.

The pro experience of Whit Holcomb-Faye (185-G-84, college: Radford) and Temi Soyebo was the difference in the game as they made better decisions than the talented young guards from Venice. Philip Scott (190-G-83, college: Prairie View A&M) also shot well all night for Brussels and ended with 10 points and at one point they hit six straight 3 pointers in the second period. Bennet Davis (206-F-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Northeastern) also had an outstanding all around game with 9 points and 10 rebounds.
Reggie Huffman (201-F-82, college: UAB) was also very athletic and had a couple of serious dunks while Tim Morris (193-G-84, college: Washington), Dshon Cannon (178-G-84, college: Cal.St.-Monterey) and Dan Fitzgerald (206-F-84, college: Marquette) all looked good for Brussels.
The ESL staff felt that Nathan Green (203-F-75, college: Idaho St.) looked very good for Brussels getting a lot of offensive boards ending up with 10 rebounds and 8 points but the guards forgot to get him the ball.

In the second game of the night Monaco beat Geneva 91-80 as guard the play of Pele Paelay (193-G-84, college: Co.Carolina) (25pts) and Derrick Stevens (180-G-80, agency: 011 Sports, college: Colorado St.) (180-G-80, agency: 011 Sports, college: Colorado St.) (21pts) who both have professional experience dominated the game.
Derrick Stevens was outstanding during the game using great decision making and scoring skills. Pele Paelay put on a show using his athleticism and shooting ability while displaying a few dunks on the way.
The game was a seesaw battle all night as the teams exchanged momentum swings throughout the game.
Geneva was down at half time but came storming back and was in the position to win the game but did not benefit from a couple of dubious officiating no calls.
Geneva had six players in double figures and had some really talented players on their team including Bennett Davison (203-F-75, agency: Megasport, college: Arizona), Chad Bell (213-C-82, college: Nevada), Derrick Franklin (208-C-81, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Columbus St.), Chris Brooks (193-G-81, college: Florida Southern), Tremaine Dalton (186-G-83, agency: AI Sports MM, college: St.Mary), J.J. Tauai (190-G-85, college: Bradley) and Joseph Frazier (188-G-83, college: Cal.St. Northridge).
Monaco added a new big guy Josh Stanhiser to their roster who had 11 rebounds and made several outstanding block shots.
Larry Morinia (180-G-80, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Montana St.) also added a smooth 11 points for the winners of game 2 on Wednesday night.

Thursday at 6:30pm Brussels vs. Monaco in the ESL Las Vegas Championship:
8:30pm Venice vs. Geneva in the 3rd place game.

Game 1: Statistics

Brussels: 86

Whit Holcomb-Faye: 9pts; 3ast
Dan Fitzgerald: 6pts; 2rbs; 2ast
Temi Soyebo: 15pts; 5rbs; 3ast
Dshon Cannon: 6pts; 4rbs; 6ast
Philip Scott: 10pts; 4rbs; 3ast
Aristide Sawadogo (213-C-81, agency: 22ft, college: Clayton St.): 7pts; 6rbs; 2ast; 5blk
Bennet Davis: 9pts; 10rbs; 1ast; 1blk
Joseph Powell: 7pts; 2rbs; 5ast
Reggie Huffman: 8pts; 4rbs; 2ast

Venice: 76

Ryan Read: 12pts; 3ast
Zack Alvidrez: 0pts; 3rbs
Travis Knight: 8pts; 5rbs; 2ast; 2blk
Alex Davenport: 5pts; 1rbs; 1ast
Nathan Green: 9pts; 10rbs; 3ast; 1blk
Kyle Lamonte: 21pts; 1rbs; 6 ast
Leonard Houston: 16pts; 7rbs; 2ast; 2blk
Jermaine Dailey: 5pts; 11rbs; 1ast
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Game 2: Statistics

Monaco: 91

Glen Elliot: 2pts; 5rbs; 3ast
Lance Ortiz: 7pts; 3rbs
William Maupins: 8pts; 3rbs; 2ast
Mario Brown: 7pts; 6rbs; 5ast
Tyler Franklin: 2pts; 1rb; 1ast
Jeffrey Mayi: 4pts; 1rbs
Larry Morinia: 11pts; 5ast
Pele Paelay: 25pts; 4rbs; 2ast
Derrick Stevens: 21pts; 1rbs; 6ast
Josh Stanhiser: 2pts; 12rbs; 3blk


Geneva: 80

Dedrick Bates: 5pts; 3rbs; 2ast
Tremaine Dalton: 10pts; 5rbs; 4ast
Bennet Davison: 11pts; 7rbs; 2ast
Derrick Franklin: 13pts; 4rbs; 1ast; 1blk
Chris Brooks: 10pts: 5rbs
Joseph Frazier: 13pts; 2rbs; 4ast
J.J. Tauai: 7pts; 6rbs; 7ast
Chad Bell: 11pts; 7rbs; 3ast; 2blk

*****************************************************
  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: Pieti Poikola new Head Coach for Pyrinto - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Pyrinto (Tampere) has found and signed the new Head Coach. Pieti Poikola will replace Jarmo Laitinen, who moved to Lappeenranta after new challenges.
Poikola has been coaching mainly juniors, women and men, but not on Top League level by now. This new situation will be a big challenge to Poikola as well.
On his and Team's roster there are already eight Finnish players: Antero Lehto (184-G-84) (2008-10) and the rest with one-year-contract; Joni Harjula (189-G-83), Sami Kajander (189-G-83), Eetu Koivuniemi (202-C-85), Riku Liljeberg (176-G-84), Jesse Niemi (187-F-90), Jukka-Pekka Jukka-Pekka Vaananen (194-F/G-84) and Olli Ahvenniemi (208-C-83, college: Maine) (new).

KORISLIIGA: Korihait signed Jeremy Clayton - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korihait (Uusikaupunki) has signed with Team's first American player. After four years and seasons at Appalachian State University Jeremy Clayton (201-F-86) has
agreed and signed with Korihait a 1-year-contract for coming 2008-09 season. Clayton averaged at ASU as Sr 8,7 ppg, 8,1 rpg and 2,4 bpg.
Korihait inked also with Finnish PG Petri Kallio (176-G-82), who played last season in the 1.division (Ura Basket, Kaarina) averaging 8,1 ppg, 3,6 rpg and 3,0 apg.

KORISLIIGA: Finnish centers change Teams - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Two Finnish Centers have changed teams. Jari Vanttaja (208-F/C-86, college: Baylor) played on Team Componenta (Karkkila) roster only one season (2007-08) averaging 6,6 ppg - 3,6 rpg in 22 contests. Vanttaja's new team will be YMCA Lahti and the contract is for seasons 2008-10. YMCA Lahti has now six Finnish players signed: Teemu Laine, Vesa Makalainen, Sami Pekkola, Ville Vesala, Ilkka Vuori and Jari Vanttaja. Sami Toiviainen continues as Team's Head Coach.

Another Finnish big man Olli Ahvenniemi (208-C-83, college: Maine) will leave Kauhajoki and moves to Tampere after his studies. Ahvenniemi will thus be on Pyrinto's (Tampere) roster. Ahvenniemi averaged 5,5 ppg - 4,8 rpg in 41 games last season.



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


Pro A trades: Signatures in Nancy and ASVEL - by Chris Spiesser
Lamayn Wilson (203-F-80, college: Troy) leaves the ASVEL for Nancy. He will replace Mike Bauer who signed for Oostend. The swingman who posted 15.6ppg and 5.4rpg during the french regular season will discover Euroleague for the first time. Nancy is still looking for a tall center to densify a paint that already involves Samnick, Julian, Wilson and Zaki.

After that departure and Nsonwu's signature for Mariupol, the green team inked, for 2 years, Eric Campbell (199-F-76, agency: SportsTalent, college: Spring Hill). The former Le Mans' player will join his ex-coach Vincent Collet in Lyon. Last year, he was member of the unbelievable Hapoel Holon that beat the eternal Maccabi to clinch the israeli title and went bankrupcy a few days ago. In that adventure, the small forward posted 11.5ppg and ended as 4th best rebounder of the premier league with 8.0 boards per game.

ProA Trades: Besancon is building a competitive team - by Chris Spiesser
Besancon is trying to settle in ProA. To achieve that task the doubists hired a general manager, Olivier Veyrat who will bring his experience to the club. A new coach is also in town with Alain Thinet . He is also a routed man who worked since 2003 for Saint-Etienne after experiences in Dijon, Bourg or Chalons. The ProB playoffs winner kept a Darnauzan - Schmieder - Hoard axis from last season and hired a second PG, Ahmed Fellah (180-G-81) from Orleans. Tommy Gunn (191-G-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Middle Tenn.St.) lost the ProB final with Poitiers but will reach the upper level with the winner of that game. After 3 brilliant ProB seasons in Angers and Bourg, Raphael Desroses (199-F-80, 13.8ppg, 4.5rpg in 07/08) will try to prove his progression in ProA. John Ford (207-C/F-78, college: Colorado St.) shows his fidelity to the BBCD as the center left Chalon (14.2ppg, 6.2rpg) to reach his former paint. The minutes he will spend on the bench will be dedicated to Yamar Diene (209-F-81, college: Rice) who is also a routed LNB player (Roanne, Evreux, Pau) coming from La Palma (LEB) where he posted 6.0ppg and 4.4rpg. That 8-men rotation will be densified by a Swingman and another Power Forward to give the team a serious outsider look.

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


Pero Antic chooses Russia - by Eurobasket News
Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) will continue his career in Russian team Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu. Antic had wonderful last season with Lukoil Akademik, who won the title in Bulgaria with score 40-0. The team also won Bulgarian National Cup and had important role in ULEB Cup. Antic played 55 games for Lukoil in Bulgarian league averaging 21.4 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.2 spg. At the same time he played 14 games in ULEB Cup having 18.2 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 2.7 apg. He was named to be the forward of the year in Bulgarian top division. He also was a top rebounder of ULEB Cup last season. Before Lukoil, Antic used to play for Serbian team Crvena Zvezda Belgrade. With them he became the National Cup winner in 2006. In the past Antic also played for AEK Athens and Rabotnicki Skopje.

In the meantime AMAK-SP got a rival for the EuroChallenge next season. It will be Slovenian team Zlatorog Lasko, who finished last season in domestic championship on fifth position. New head coach of AMAK-SP, Marjan Lazovski, stated that he is not unsatisfied with the draw.

'I think it was not a bad draw for us. We could get a much stronger opponent than Zlatorg Lasko. The most important thing for us at this moment is to make a strong team for the next season. With hard work and couple of friendly games we will prepare for the battle against Slovenian team - said Marjan Lazovski.

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


Newson and Schneider to Bamberg - by Moritz Korff
The Brose Baskets Bamberg (1. Bundesliga) announced two signings for the 2008-09 camapign today. Jared Newson (196-G/F-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Tennessee-Martin), who made a two-year deal with the Bundesliga-team, and Dominik Schneider (203-F-85) will come to Bamberg. 23-year-old Newson played for Polpak Swiece (Poland, 2 games: 0 pts, 2.5rpg) and the Cairns Taipans (Australia, 13 games: 13.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.8spg) in this past season. The year before the graduate of Tennessee-Martin (NCAA1) had 37 appearances for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen in the Bundesliga (13.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg) and was invited to attend the German All-Star Game.
Schneider, a product of TSV Wiesentheid, shot hoops for Dimplex Falke Nuernberg (2. Bundesliga Pro A) during 2007-08, contributed 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest. He is a former member of the German U20-National Team and played the U20-EURO in 2005. Schneider will receive a double-license to get the chance to play for one of Bamberg's cooperation-teams as well.

Germany upset by Canada 86:91 - by Moritz Korff

The German Men's National Team has suffered defeat 86:91 (33:40) in the first of two scrimmage games against Canada tonight.
Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) had arrived to Hamburg via Frankfurt earlier today, but was not ready to play his first game for Germany yet due to matters of insurance. However, he attended the game against Canada in the Color-Line-Arena sitting on the bench next to his new countrymen. The next chance for Kaman to make his debut on the 'Nationalmannschaft' could be on Friday, when Germany takes on Canada in Mannheim for a re-match.
Canada shot with a high percentage from the field in a hard fought game and was leading most of the time, while Germany struggled in offense to begin with. The guests won the first ten minutes by two (15:13) and the second stage by five (25:20). Thus, the Canadians were ahead 40:33 at halftime. In the third quarter Sven Schultze (208-C-78, agency: Court Side) nailed a couple of shots and gave Germany the 63:61 lead with 18 seconds left in the period. Joel Anthony (206-C-82, college: UNLV) replied with a couple of free-throws to tie the score again.
Germanys Coach Dirk Bauermann started the final ten minutes with some of his substitutes. On the other end Anthony opened the period with a jumper, but Schultze hit another trey, before Robert Garrett (193-G-77, agency: SportsTalent) put in a single from the charity stripe to get the Germans into the leading position again. However, the guests had an answer, as Anthony continued to impress in offense. With six minutes left to go Canada had increased the lead to 75:68. The German fans got new hope when Jan-Hendrik Jagla (213-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Penn St.) cut the lead to three at 1:57min with a long-distance shot. However, Carl English (192-G-81, college: Hawaii) replied with another three points.
The game continued to go back and forth. Garrett made a lay-up with 17 seconds left to cut the lead to three points (84:87). Canada took a time-out and talked things over. Coming out of the break Pascal Roller (180-G-76) committed a foul and Rans Brempong (203-F-81, college: W.Carolina) hit a couple from the line. Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) struck back, drove to the basket and was fouled too. He converted both free-throws to make it a three-point game again. Canada called another time-out with 8 seconds left to play. Three seconds prior to the end of the game Steffen Hamann (194-G-81) was whistled for a foul and sent Anthony to the line who put in both attempts to decide the game at 91:86.

Germany: Nowitzki (33 pts, 6 rbs, 3 st), Schultze (15 pts, 3/4 3P), Greene (8 pts, 5 rbs), Femerling (6 pts), Garrett (6 pts, 5 rbs), Hamann (6 pts), Zwiener (6 pts), Jagla (5 pts), Wysocki (1 pt), Geib, Ohlbrecht, Roller.
Canada: Anthony (22 pts, 7/8 FG, 5 rbs), English (20 pts, 5/11 3P), Barrett (16 pts, 4/5 3P, 5 rbs), Kendall (9 pts), Dalembert (8 pts), Brempong (7 pts), Famutimi (4 pts), Rautins (3 pts), Anderson (2 pts, 7 rbs), Thomas.

Boxscore: click

Video: click



Oldenburg accepts Ratkovica exit - by Moritz Korff
Branislav Ratkovica (193-G-85) leaves the EWE Baskets Oldenburg (1. Bundesliga) after one season. The 22-year-old Serbian Guard and the club agreed on cancelling their contract today. Ratkovica averaged 2.3 points and 1 assist in 35 Bundesliga-games for the Thunderbirds in the 2008-09 season. As his agency Beobasket published on its website the former junior international will move to the Walter Tigers Tuebingen.

German U20 National Team 2008 - by Kasia
#s#
#e#6


Harris


Staiger


Schwethelm


Spoler


Fassler
Elias Harris (202-F-89) of BIS Baskets Speyer
Lucca Staiger (196-G-88) of Iowa State University (USA)
Philipp Schwethelm (200-F-89) of Koeln 99ers
Tom-Gerhard Spoler (206-F-88)
Oskar Fassler (198-G-88) of TUS Lichterfelde Berlin
Michael Jost (203-F-88) of RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf
Ziyed Chennoufi (202-F-88) of Phoenix Hagen
Robin Benzing (209-F-89) of University of Michigan (USA)
Gunther Per (183-G-88) of Phoenix Hagen
Phillipp Heyden (208-C-88) of EnBW Ludwigsburg
Philip Noch (200-G/F-89) of Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig
Tibor Pleiss (215-F/C-89) of Koeln 99ers
Robert Oehle (209-C-88) of Digibu Baskets Paderborn
Head Coach: Emir Mutapcic

Philipp Friedel to Braunschweig - by Moritz Korff
Philipp Friedel (185-G-87) will leave Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule and join the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig (1. Bundesliga) for the upcoming season, as newsclick.de reported. The 21-year-old will receive a license to play for the Phantoms' cooperation-team SG Braunschweig (2. Bundesliga Pro B) also. Friedel played 30 times for Ehingen in this past season and averaged 9.5 points, 3.1 assists and 2.2 rebounds per contest.

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  GREECE   


Acropolis Tournament: GRE-CRO 77-64 Press Conference - by Kostas Papadopoulos
Jasmin Repesa (coach, Croatia): Congratulations to the Greek Team for their win. We played better compared to the previous games, but not so much better in order to beat Greece. We made many unforced turnovers and gave Greece the opportunity to make some easy baskets. Now we have five days ahead of us to get prepared for the start of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament and hopefully have our injured players back. Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) will return to practice tomorrow and we will check out on his condition to determine whether or not he is in a state to be in the team on Monday. Thanks to the Hellenic Basketball Federation for this wonderful tournament. We wish the Greek team good luck in the OQT.
Panagiotis Giannakis (coach, Greece): Tonight we had the opportunity to split the playing time and we managed to control the score. Despite our not controlling the rhythm in some cases, we reacted well in terms of mentality and did a good job against a team with big bodies. Today I told Ian Vouyoukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) and Giannis Kalambokis (195-G-78, agency: FCM) that they will not be in the final squad and thanked them for their contribution. Xanthopoulos will stay to help us in practice and gain some more experience. The other 14 players will be with the team until before we hopefully leave for Beijing. Even our 12th player has to be someone who will be able to provide some quality minutes whenever needed.

GRE: Vasilopoulos: Be the best we can be! - by Kostas Papadopoulos
Although aged only 24, Panagotis Vasilopoulos (202-F-84, agency: FCM) is considered a veteran of the Greek national team. He was present in two great achievements, the captures of the gold medal in the 2005 European Championship in Belgrade and the silver medal in the 2006 World Championship in Japan, and also in the 2007 European Championship of Spain, which confirmed that Greece is again among the European elite to stay. He is back in the national team this summer, more mature and experienced, keeping the faith that despite all difficulties the Greek squad will once more reach its goals. He gave the following interview at Greek National Federation's site:
Q: This is the fourth consecutive year you are present in a Mens national team training camp. However, the circumstances this summer were kind of unusual.
P.V.: Certainly. To begin with, the basic preparation stage was just one week long. It went by too quickly. Moreover, several new guys were present, and we had to work all together to involve them as well, to make old and new faces click together as a group. All this happened in a great atmosphere, where everyone works hard for the national team. I am among the lucky ones who have experienced that in the past years, and we all want the new guys incorporated in that atmosphere and philosophy. And from their part, they have shown that they are all eager to adjust to the team and become part of it.
Q: Do you reckon that the presence of new faces may have helped in a way?
P.V.: The national team has done well with the players that had competed for it so far. On the other hand, when some players step down and new faces emerge, the change could be beneficial for the team and offer incentives to all players, new and old ones.
Q: You are still going to be all together in the friendly games that are about to start. What are you expecting from the first tournament in Germany?
P.V.: Friendly games are a totally different thing, and no easier than training camp. They are a difficult part as well, as we are going to see to what extent we can put into practice everything we have worked on. Its the hardest part of all, in fact. We want to and have to be the best we can be!
Q: Are you not tired after a hard season, which is essentially being prolonged?
P.V.: We will see There is indeed fatigue; I dont think anyone can deny that. It is a fact that we have accepted, though. Thank God the Olympic Qualifying Tournament will be held in Greece, and we will not have to overcome the fatigue from a journey as well. Because Puerto Rico may be a great place to go on holiday, but at this point such a trip would not be the best ones asking for, with qualification for the Olympic Games at stake.
Q: Some consider the OQT easy to slip through, despite all players who have talked about it so far giving it a high degree of difficulty.
P.V.: Its not an easy mission. There are several good teams, and a crucial game: the knock-out game of the quarterfinals, which will determine almost everything. I have a reason to believe that we will succeed again in accomplishing what we are aiming at and be present at the Olympic Games.
Q: Apart from the comfort of not traveling abroad, could the fact that the OQT will be held in Athens be a factor of extra pressure for you?
P.V.: Of course not! All guys playing for the national team are top-class players. And all of us playing in Greece are used to that kind of pressure. So its natural not to be influenced. Besides, we have already set ourselves high goals for this team.

Greece won the Acropolis tournament - by Kostas Papadopoulos

The 22nd Acropolis Eurobank tournament finished yesterday and the winner was Greece for 4th consecutive year. Last night, Greece won Croatia (77-64) after another impressive appearance based mostly on its good defense. Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) played for the first time in this tournament (he missed the first two games due to a small injury), scoring 14 points while Nikos Zisis (195-G-83), Vasilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) followed him in double-digit points. Greek team never faced any problems during the game, it was always ahead and increased the difference at the second half, even at 16 points. After the game, coach Panagiotis Giannakis stated that Kalambokis, Vougioukas and Xanthopoulos will not be at the team for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament next week, so there remain two more names to be announced that will be added to the one referred previously.
Periods: 19-18, 40-32, 61-46, 77-64
Greece: Papaloukas, Bourousis 6 (1), Nikos Zisis 13, Vasilis Spanoulis 12, Vasilopoulos 2, Antonis Fotsis 10 (2), Tsaldaris 2, Andreas Glyniadakis (215-C-81) 9, Tsartsaris 2, Dimitris Diamantidis 14 (3), Kalambokis, Giorgos Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) 7
Croatia: Roko Leni Ukic (195-G-84) 10 (1), Kus, Popovic 7 (1), Rozic 7 (1), Loncar 4, Tomas 7 (1), Nicevic 6, Damir Markota (209-C/F-85) 11 (1), Banic 6, Bagaric, Barac 6

At the other game of the tournament, Australia won Brazil 89-84.

Antonis Fotsis was announced as the MVP of the tournament while Vasilis Spanoulis as the first scorer.



A2 Transfer news - by Chris Mammides
Peristeri agreed financial terms with Dimitris Despos (209-C-76), the powerful center will give an inside the paint help to Peristeri which is aiming the promotion to A1.
Rethymno agreed financial terms with Kostas Kakaroudis (204-C-83) and Alexandros Panagiotopoulos (202-F-80), it is worth mentioning here that Kostas Kakaroudis had agreed financial terms last year but the head coach those days, Stergios Koufos thought that he was not the right person for the team, Kostas Kakaroudis joined Panorama and helped his team to be promoted in A1.
Panerythraikos succeeded a great transfer as agreed financial terms with the talented international Alexandros Petrakis (200-F-87), ex player of Doukas.
Ermis Lagkada agreed financial terms with Stratos Nisiotis (203-F-78) ex player of MENT and Antonis Godopoulos (185-G-81) ex player of Keravnos Aigiou, while Aris Nikoloudis, ex Xanthi player sign his 2 years contract with Lagkada team last week.
Vasilis Mihos (198-F-79) ex player of Olympiakos Volou agreed financial terms with Olympiada Patras. Furthermore, the Serbian-Greek Djorde Komadinic (205-F-81) is the new player of Nikos Ekonomou in Patras.

Ikaros Kallitheas agreed financial terms with Alexis Falekas (190-G-76) and Panagiotis Ifantis ex player of Panerythraikos.
Anagennisi / Floga agreed financial terms with Sotiris Bourdanos (187-G-86) while it split ways with Kostas Pallis (190-G).
OFI agreed financial terms with the Greek-Cypriot player Panagiotis Barlas (193-G-76).
Sporting agreed terms with Serafin Papanoglou (200-G/F-83) and Aris Gyftakis while it split ways with Paris Vekris.
Apollon Kalamarias agreed financial terms with Kiriakos Troulialis

Korivos Amaliadas agreed financial terms with Panagiotis Hatzinikolaou (192-G-79) (195-F-79), ex Goumenissa player and with the experienced center Sotiris Kalapanidas (199-C-76) ex player of SEFA Arkadikos

SEFA Arkadikos agreed financial terms with John Kopsaftis (192-G-84) and Giannis Tsolakis (195-F-83) ex player of Olympiakos Volou and Elias Mutran (199-F-80) ex Sporting player

Amyntas agreed financial terms with Phaedon Pagonis (197-G-85) and Dimitris Giannaletsos (203-F-85)

Doukas agreed financial terms with Giorgos Karabas (189-G-84), Christos Gavanopoulos (198-G-85), Rigas Papargilopoulos (202-F-86) and Giorgos Galliotos while head Coach Giannis Giannopoulos will be leading the team

EA Patron agreed terms with the Greek American forward Demetrios Tsimis (201-G/F-79), Spyros Samolis (190-G-80) and Giannis Rekouniotis ex player of SEFA Arkadikos and with Head Coach Makis Giatras

Grigoris Ralatos (202-F-86) ex player of Ikaros Kallitehas agreed financial terms with Niki Amarousiou

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  GUYANA   


National Schools Basketball - by Joe Chapman


Pepsi 2008 National Schools Basketball - by Joe Chapman

KWAKWANI HIGH DESTROY ST ROSES 65-19
DEFENDING National Schools Basketball champions Kwakwani High School sounded another warning to the pretenders of their title by decimating St Roses High in their match yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Their 65-19 demolition of St Roses comes on the heels of their 43-8 annihilation of Central High on the first day Monday.
Captain and point guard Shelroy Thomas once more was at the centre of his teams performance. He scored 20 points and dished out numerous assists. One of his more spectacular assists had the small gathering spellbound at his master class.
However, the Kwakwani lads solid all-round play was the hallmark of their victory. Power forward Leron La Fleur contributed 12 points while centre Dencil Plak scored 10.
In an invited comment, Thomas mentioned that the team is motivated to take away the trophy once more, since they are doing it for the people of their community who are their biggest supporters.
He warned, If any team fails to prepare, let them prepare to fail. We want it.
Meanwhile, in the other match Wismar-Christianburg Multilateral defeated the Bishops High School 46-30.
Wismar-Christianburg Multilateral were out of the blocks faster than their opponents and were comfortably ahead but turnovers and poor defence allowed the city lads to pull within one at halftime, with the scores 22-21 at the interval.
On resumption Bishops sank two free throws to move one point ahead. However, that seemed to propel Wismar into action as they subsequently went on a 7-0 run with top scorer Stravin Ettienne (23 points), finding his range behind the arc.
From then on, Bishops play was fraught with indiscipline - unusual for their school - resulting in numerous turnovers and missed shots. Wismar eventually cruised to a comfortable 16-point victory.
(Courtesy of the Guyana Chronicle)

National Schools Basketball - by Joe Chapman


NEWBALLERS/UPRISING ENTERTAINMENT EIGHT TEAM K.O BASKETBALL FINAL - by Joe Chapman
PISTONS OVERWHELM RAIDERS 88-41 TO TAKE HONOURS
SENIOR National club champions Wismar Pistons took care of business when they captured the South Star New Ballers/Uprising Entertainment inaugural eight-team basketball championship with a 66-48 win on Monday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.
Led in the final by forward Trevor Profitt, who finished with a 17 team-high points with back support from captain Mark Louis and Quincy Jones with 14 points each and Shane Lewis with 10, Pistons fired their way to a win that was never in doubt.
After the first quarter the Pistons were leading 15-6 and at halftime were up by 11 points, 32-21, and by the end of the third quarter the Pistons were coasting at 44-28. Despite a valiant bid by the Raiders in the final stanza they eventually lost 66-48, never being able to lower the deficit below double digits.
Alexander Rose was the games top scorer with 22 points. Duane Lovell had eight points.
In the third-place playoff game, Victory Valley Royals were winners over Block 22 Flames.
The Royals were leading at halftime 39-12 after a first quarter 21-5. At the end of the third quarter the eventual winners had led by 30 points, 57-27, and when the game was over they had a 47-point advantage at 88-41.
Chris Williams had 22 points for the Royals with Lawrence Da Costa adding 16 and Dwight Cooper 11.
The best shoots for the Flames were Aubrey Johnson with 10 points and Devon Morrison, Sherwin Cameron and Patrick Clarke each netting six points.
Pistons, who are coached by Raphael Damon, won for themselves $40 000, a trophy and replicas, while the losing finalists Raiders were recipients of $20 000, a trophy and replicas. Royals were given $15 000, a trophy and medals and fourth-placers Block 22 Flames got $10 000 and a trophy.
Profitt received $5 000 for being named the MVP of the tournament

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


SNOHOMISH EXPLOSION TO HOST IBL TOURNEY IN 2009 - by John Gary
COURTESY IBLHOOPSONLINE.COM The IBL announced that the Snohomish Explosion will host the 2009 league tournament. The club will also host the 2010 and 2011 events as well. This is a first for the franchise that has done quite well both on and off the floor this season. The league had no comment on who might get the tournament in 2012. Snohomish had many significant victories this season and its capture of the tournament for three years will only serve as the basis for added success in the future.

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  IRAN   


Iran narrowly loses to Puerto Rico in Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
Iran - Puerto Rico 80:83

Iran fell short in the second game of the Alpos Cup in Slovenia. Yesterday they were defeated by Puerto Rico to slip to 0-2 record at the tourney. Iranian National Team got to a better start to the game as they claimed an 18:15 lead after the starting stanza. Iran kept mounting the pressure and it worked out well. The Asian powerhouse stretched the advantage to as many as 13 points at the interval. But Puerto Rico were far from being done for the game. Led by the Maverick Jose Juan Barea (181-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Northeastern) the Latin American team went on a comeback run in the second half. They outgunned their opponents 23:16 in the third quarter to clip the distance to 5 points before the final stanza. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) and Jose Juan Barea capitalized on numerous turnovers from Iranian side in the final quarter to pace Puerto Rico to a hard-fought victory at the end. Jose Juan Barea finished with 17 points for Puerto Rico. Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) added 15 points, while Peter John Ramos tallied 14 points and 8 boards in a win. Hamed Hadadi (218-C-85, agency: Huss Sport Agency) answered with 17 points and 8 boards for Iran. Samad Bahrami (200-F/G-83, agency: Huss Sport Agency) delivered 14 points and 6 boards in defeat. Iran outrebounded their opponents 33:22 but suffered 27 turnovers. Iran will face winless New Zealand in the last game of the competition. Puerto Rico and Slovenia will decide on the winner later tonight.

Iran: Hamed Hadadi 17, Samad Bahrami 14, Kamrany 12
Puerto Rico: Jose Juan Barea 17, Daniel Santiago 15, Peter John Ramos 14

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  ISRAEL   


Lewis and Gino together again - by tamar goldman

The American guard, Ron Lewis (193-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Ohio St.) that played in Spotter Leuven last season, singed with Ironi Nahariya. The coach of Nahariya Yaakov Gino knows the player, having coaching him in Belgium. The 24 years old player made his debut out side of the States in Lueven in Israel is the second European stop in his Carrier. Last year Lewis averaged 17.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg. The guard is the 4th one in Nahariya, after the return of Raviv Limonade, and the joining of Ohayon and Hanochi.

Newcomer Haifa to sign another Israeli - by Yehonatan Eliahu
Newcomer Maccabi Haifa seem to do some serious job in order to strengthen it's Israeli cadre for the upcoming season.

After signing Ido Kozikaro (202-F/C-78) yesterday, the team officialized the signing of another Israeli, Amit Ben David (190-G-77).

The guard spent the last season playing for the relegated Gilboa Afula, averaging 9.2 points along with 3.3 assists. Before then Ben David played for Ironi Naharia for six seasons.

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  ITALY   


Last Serie A news and rumors - by Gianni Pascucci
Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina) signed yesterday a two year contract with new Euroleague team Scandone Air Avellino after playing his last three seasons with KK Cibona Zagreb. Premiata Montegranaro officially announced its first addition for the new season in Daniele Cavaliero (189-G-84). Virtus Bologna agreed to terms with veteran PG Melvin Booker (185-G-72, college: Missouri). Ryan Hoover (188-G-74, agency: SportsTalent, college: Notre Dame) could come back to Teramo, thanks to his brand new Belgian passport.

Lega2 - Latest market news - by Gabriele Fioretti
Big deal of Livorno that announced to agreed terms with Simone Bagnoli (206-F/C-81) (206-F/C-81) from Roma. Also Scafati announced a new player: Leonardo Busca (180-G-72), former point guard of Reggio Emilia. As written yesterday, Imola inked Gennaro Sorrentino (185-G-85) and Franco Migliori (190-G-82) is the new shooting guard of Veroli. Francesco Amoni (201-F-84), last season at Modena in B d'Eccellenza, will play for Sassari in the next season. Troy Bell (186-G-80, college: Boston Coll.) could be the new guard for Soresina, while Pistoia is close to sign Stefano Rabaglietti (190-G-83).

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  JORDAN   


Jordan wins the 30th WJ's opener over the Americans - by Mohammed Malas
Jordan National team succeeded to win a hard game over the american team Athletes In Action (AIA) 67-63 after an overtime in the opener day of the 30th edition of William Jones which is taking place nowadays in Tiwan, The american team came this year with a mixture between experience and fresh youngesters and that provided a good team who made the lead most time of the game but they found themselves behind at the end.

NT's captain Zaid Al Khas (205-C-76, college: Gannon) '17 pts & 9 reb' deserved to be the game's MVP following his huge performance esspecially in the last quarter and the overtime (Scored 2 important 3-pt shots at the end of the OT), Jamal Abu-Shamala (196-G/F-87) was best scorer with 24 pts & 7 reb followed by Al Khas and then Wesam Sous (181-G-83) who made 12 points, Francis Ireifej (186-G-82) who was one of the keys win appeared again in the NT after one year absence and showed.

Jordan's next game will be tomorrow over Egypt at 10 AM Jordan's time.....


# Day 1 games results:
Taiwan 72 - South Korea University Selects 68
Kazakhstan 74 - Australia U19 NT 71
Qatar 82 - Egypt 80
Jordan 67 - AIA 63

# Day 2 games schedule (Jordan Time +3 GMT)
* Friday 11/7:
8:00 AM Qatar - AIA
10:00 AM Jordan - Egypt
12:00 PM Korea - Kazakhstan
2:00 PM Australia - Taiwan

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  KAZAKHSTAN   


Kazakhstan National Team for William Jones Cup Tournament 2008 - by Eurobasket
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Biryulin


Nechayev


Evstigneev


Voyeikov


Shpekht
Egor Biryulin (185-G-86) of BK Astana Tigers
Ivan Nechayev (187-G-82) of CSKA Almaty Alma-Ata
Kirill Rau (210-C-85) of BK Almaty Alma-Ata 2
Mikhail Evstigneev (203-F/C-84) of BK Almaty Alma-Ata
Maxim Voyeikov (195-F-88) of BK Almaty Alma-Ata
Andrei Shpekht (195-G/F-76) of BK Astana Tigers
Roman Muraviev (196-G/F-84) of BK Almaty Alma-Ata
Anton Ponomarev (209-C-88) of BK Astana Tigers
Evgeni Isakov (203-F-82) of BK Astana Tigers
Rustam Yargaliyev (195-F-86) of BK Astana Tigers
Dimitri Gavrilov (201-F-86) of Barsy Atyrau
Vsevolod Fadeykin (206-G-85) of BK Almaty Alma-Ata
Head Coach: Vitaliy Strebkov
Coach Assistant: Evgeniy Ovsiannikov

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  LATVIA   


Latvia sends three teams to european arena in the upcoming season - by Eurobasket News
ASK Riga and Barons/LMT Riga will represent the country in EuroCup in the upcoming season. First sixteen teams of EuroCup found out their opponents in the first Qualifying Round. The draw was held recently in Berlin, Germany. ASK Riga will struggle versus Cholet Basket in EuroCup Qualifying Round 1. The latter finished French League on the 8th position with 15-15 record. The team advanced to the play-offs where it was beaten by Le Mans 2-0.
Barons/LMT Riga will start directly from the regular season and will find out the opponent later. The EuroCup season will start on October 14th.
BK Ventspils will play in FIBA Europe's new competition EuroChallenge. Recently the teams found out their opponents in the first qualifying round. The draw was held in Berlin, Germany as well as EuroCup and Euroleague draws. The winner and runner-up of EuroChallenge will earn the right to play in the EuroCup next season. Eight teams qualified directly to the first qualifying round. Dexia Mons-Hainaut (Belgium), Keravnos (Cyprus), Kalev (Estonia), Larissa (Greece), Virtus Bologna (Italy), BK Ventspils (Latvia), Lokomotiv Rostov (Russia) and Khimik (Ukraine) will wait for their opponents. The season will be open on October 21st.

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  LITHUANIA   


Lithuanian U20 National Team 2008 - by Kasia
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Valukonis


Gecevicius


Juskevicius


Cepukaitis


Janavicius
Marius Valukonis (198-F-88) of Marijampole Suduva-Arvi
Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) of Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius
Adas Juskevicius (194-G/F-89) of Zalgiris-Sabonio mokykla Kaunas
Vaidas Cepukaitis (207-C-89) of Zalgiris-Sabonio mokykla Kaunas
Zygimantas Janavicius (195-G-89) of Zalgiris-Sabonio mokykla Kaunas
Rokas Uzas (204-F-88) of SK Dextera Jonavos
Vytenis Lipkevicius (196-F-89) of Zalgiris-Sabonio mokykla Kaunas
Pranas Skurdauskas (209-C-88) of Aisciai-Atletas Kaunas
Paulius Kleiza (194-F-88) of KKM-Aisciai Kauno
Lukas Brazdauskis (203-F-88) of Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius
Sarunas Vasiliauskas (188-G-89) of Zalgiris-Sabonio mokykla Kaunas
Aurimas Birgelis (190-G-88) of BC Siauliai
Evaldas Zabas
Head coach: Rimvydas Samulenas
Coach: Arunas Visockas

Zalgiris heads to Euroleague Group B - by Eurobasket News

Zalgiris will be the only representative in Euroleague the next season from Lithuania. The season will tip-off at the Fernando Buesa Arena in Vitoria, Spain, where Tau Ceramica will host the competition's traditional opening game on October 20. Lithuanian team will play in Group B with Montepaschi, FC Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Prokom Trefl and SLUC Nancy. Last season Zalgiris finished Group F with 1-5 record that was not enough to advance to the play-offs. Lietuvos also represented the country in Euroleague and had 2-4 record in Group E.
First sixteen teams of EuroCup found out their opponents in the first Qualifying Round. The draw was held recently in Berlin, Germany. Lietuvos Rytas will start directly from the regular season, while Siauliai faces Galatasaray in EuroCup Qualifying Round 1. Siauliai renewed contract with Saulius Kuzminskas (210-C/F-82, college: California) and signed 3 new players Mindaugas Kuzminskas, former Marijampole Suduva-Arvi playmaker Aurimas Birgelis (190-G-88) and Laimonas Lukosevicius (193-G/F-86).

As for Galatasaray, they finished 5th in the regular season in Turkey and was not satisfied with their achievements. In the Quartefinals of the Play-offs Turkish side was swept by Turk Telecom 0-3. The majority of the team's roster are Turkish and Americans, however there might be some changes before the season starts. The EuroCup season will start on October 14th.



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  NBA   


Derrick Rose sits out but Chicago beats Orlando - by Eurobasket News
The Chicago Bulls overcame the absence of #1 Draft pick Derrick Rose to topple the Orlando Magic in the Orlando Summer league. Tyrus Thomas (6'8''-F-86, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: LSU) finished with 25 points and 2 blocks to propel the Bulls past the Magic 86:74. Orlando suffered two defeats prior to the game and looked to deny the tradition. They went out firing from all guns and enjoyed a 12:3 lead early on. However the Bulls quickly drew things level and Keith Langford closed the opening stanza with a buzzer-beating trey to put Chicago in charge 21:20. The teams kept it close in the second frame and the Bulls led 43:40 at halftime. Tyrus Thomas came up with 8 points in the third stanza to keep the hosts at bay. The Bulls never surrendered the lead and later cruised to an overall victory. JamesOn Curry (6'3''-G-86, college: Oklahoma St.) and Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) had 10 points each in a win. Noah added 12 boards to his tally. Marcin Gortat (7'0''-C-84) secured 14 points and 10 boards for the Magic. Courtney Lee and Kevin Kruger chipped in 13 points apiece in defeat.
Shawne Williams (6'9''-F/C-86, college: Memphis) nailed 25 points for the Pacers as they held off Miami 95:84. Mario Chalmers (6'1''-G-86) nailed 10 points in the starting frame for the Heat as they grabbed a 25:19 lead. Indiana went on a 12:2 run to open the third stanza. They surged ahead and enjoyed a 6-point advantage at the start of the final period. The Pacers opened a double-digit advantage in the final quarter and never looked back again. Josh Davis knocked down 19 points for the winners. Mario Chalmers finished with 23 points and 6 assists for the Heat. Michael Beasley delivered 17 points and 8 boards in defeat.
New Jersey defeated Oklahoma City 95:81 in the third game of the day. Brook Lopez (7'0''-F/C-88) registered 22 points, while Chris Douglas-Roberts (6'7''-G-87) added 20 to pace the Nets past Oklahoma. Jeff Green (6'9''-F-86, college: Georgetown) contributed 23 points and 10 boards for Oklahoma City in a losing effort.

Milwaukee Bucks extends Andrew Bogut - by Eurobasket News

First pick from NBA draft 2005, Andrew Bogut (212-F/C-84, college: Utah), decided to accept offer for contract extension from his team Milwaukee Bucks. It means that Bogut will stay in Milwaukee for 5 more years. During this period he will earn fantastic 72.5 million dollars.

After not so brilliant previous season, Milwaukee made many changes which should bring them better results. These changes were one the most important facts for Bogut's decision to stay in the club. First move of the Bucks was hiring of new General Manager John Hammond from Detroit Pistons. Hammond's task was to find a news head coach, what he done bringing Scott Skiles. At the previous NBA Draft, which was held this summer in Madison Square Garden, Bucks picked up tallented Joe Alexander. Earlier that day the team traded Chinese Jianlian and Bobby Simmons to New Jersy Nets for Richard Jefferson (198-F/G-80, college: Arizona). Thus the key players of Milwaukee Bucks for the next season will be Richard Jefferson and Andrew Bogut. Contract with Bogut is not officially signed yet but it is expected to happen next week.


Bogut had 78 appearances in NBA last season averaging 14.3 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 2.6 apg and 1.7 bpg. It was his best one since Bucks drafted him in 2005. At his first year he had 9.4 ppg and 7 rpg while a year later he improved to 12.3 ppg and 8.8 rpg. He was a member of Australian senior National Team which participated on the World Championship in Japan in 2006.



New signings - by Eurobasket News
Sacramento Kings announced signing of multi-year contract extension with Beno Udrih (6'5''-G-82). Slovenian guard arrived to Sacramento in November last year from San Antonio Spurs. He had 65 appearances for the Kings adding 12.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 4.3 apg. It was Udrih's best season since he landed to the States in 2004. Before San Antonio, Udrih played for Italian Milano, Russian Avtodoroznik Saratov, Macabi Tel Aviv, Union Olimpija and Polzela. With Union Olimpija he won Slovenian championship, two National Cups and Adriatic league. In 2003 he grabbed the title in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv and also won National Cup. The most important achievements in his career for sure are two NBA rings with the Spurs in 2005 and 2007. He was a member of Slovenian National Team on the European Championship in Turkey on 2001 and the World Championship in Japan two years ago.

Dallas Mavericks extended contract with Puerto Rican Jose Juan Barea (5'11''-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Northeastern). He joined Mavericks two seasons ago after he shined at the NBA Summer League in Vegas and Portsmouth invitational tournament. At his first season in NBA Mavericks sent him to play for a while in D-league team Fort Worth Flyers but after very good performance in 8 games, including 27.3 ppg, 5 rpg, 7.8 apg and 1.3 spg, they recalled him. Last season he had 44 games in NBA regular season averaging 4.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 1.3 apg. Barea graduated at Northeastern in 2006.

At the same time Mavericks announced signing of Senegalese DeSagana Diop (7'0''-C-83) from New Jersey Nets. Diop already played two seasons for the Mavericks. Actually he started the third one in the team but very soon he moved to the Nets. He averaged 2.9 ppg, 5 rpg and 1.1 ppg for 79 games last season. In the past he also played for Cleveland Cavaliers, who picked him on NBA draft 2001 as eighth pick of the first round.

New Jersey inked Chris Douglas-Roberts (6'7''-G-87), who came out from Memphis averaging 18.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.2 spg at his last year. He was taken by the Nets in the second round on this summers draft.

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  NCAA1   


Guerrero heads NCAA tourney committee - by Kevin Cochran

Dan Guerrero, athletics director at the UCLA, has been appointed chair of the Division I Mens Basketball Committee for the 2009-10 academic year.

Guerreros term will begin September 1, 2009, following formal approval by the NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet in early 2009. He will replace current chair Mike Slive, commissioner of the Southeastern Conference.

Guerrero is vice president of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and chairs the NCAA's Division I Mens Basketball Academic Enhancement Group. He also serves on the executive board of the Division I Athletic Directors Association and last year was named NACDA's Division I West Region Athletic Director of the Year.

In addition, Guerrero serves on the College Basketball Partnership, a committee formed by NCAA President Myles Brand that includes many of the most influential people in the sport. He also was named as one of the top 100 most influential Hispanics by Hispanic Business Magazine and was ranked among the top 30 most influential minorities in sports by Sports Illustrated.

'It is truly an honor to follow in the footsteps of my colleagues who have previously served the NCAA membership as chair of this prestigious committee,' said Guerrero. 'Their extraordinary leadership has helped to ensure that this great sporting event remains at the pinnacle for generations of college basketball fans everywhere. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time on the committee and, as chair, will endeavor to listen, lead and embrace this wonderful opportunity.'


'Dan is an excellent choice to chair the Division I Men's Basketball Committee in 2009-10,' said Tom Jernstedt, executive vice president of the NCAA. 'The NCAA has been fortunate to have had chairs of this committee who have had tremendous integrity and vision, and Dan certainly keeps that tradition alive. His leadership skills, energy level and passion for college basketball will serve the membership and the Division I men's basketball championship well.'

Courtesy: NCAA.com




Athletes in Action for William Jones Cup Tournament 2008 - by Eurobasket
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McDowell


Brumagin


Woodside


Smith


Winkelman
Damian Long (6'3''-G-77) of Harvard University
Nick Graham (6'0''-G-80) of Aurora Cavalry
Stephen McDowell (5'11''-G-85) of Univ.of Tennessee - Chattanooga
Laval Lucas-Perry (6'1''-G-89) of University of Arizona
William WILSON
Dane Brumagin (6'4''-G-86) of Univ.of Missouri - Kansas City
Ben Woodside (6'0''-G-85) of North Dakota State University
Wellington Smith (6'7''-F-87) of West Virginia University
Brett Winkelman (6'7''-F-86) of North Dakota State University
Jamel McLean (6'8''-F-88) of Xavier University
Dasean Butler (6'7''-F-88) of West Virginia University
Marcus Kitts (6'9''-F-89) of College of William & Mary
Coach: Dave Bliss
Coach: Morris Michalski
Assistant Coach: Phil BOLLIER

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  NEW ZEALAND   


Radoslav Nesterovic leads Slovenia past New Zealand - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia - New Zealand 73:67

New Zealand National team lost their second straight game at the Alpos Cup in Slovenia. Yesterday they were beaten by the hosts 73:67 as Slovenia celebrated their second win at the tournament. New Zealand once again opened the game confidently jumping to an early lead. Craig Bradshaw (207-F/C-83, college: Winthrop) notched a three-pointer to give the Tall Blacks an 11:6 lead. However the hosts answered with an 11:3 run to grab a 6-point advantage into the second period. The hosts stretched the gap to double figures but the Kiwis remained in the contest. They answered with a 10:0 rally to come within a single point from Slovenia. Goran Dragic (194-G-86, agency: Interperformances) and Sani Becirovic (195-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) fired from downtown to establish a 43:32 advantage at the interval for Slovenia. The Tall Blacks clawed their way back into single digits and trailed by 9 points at the start of the final quarter. Craig Bradshaw scored 5 points in a row to put the visitors as close as 2 points from Slovenia. The hosts withheld the run from the Kiwis and sealed the winning outcome from the charity stripe in the dying minutes. Radoslav Nesterovic (212-C-76) produced game-high 23 points and 10 boards for Slovenia. Sani Becirovic nailed 11 points in a winning case. Kirk Penney (194-G-80, college: Wisconsin) answered with 22 points for the Tall Blacks. Craig Bradshaw provided 21 points in a loss. New Zealand will play against Iran today. Slovenia will decide on the winner of the tournament versus Puerto Rico.

Slovenia: Radoslav Nesterovic 23+10 boards, Sani Becirovic 11
New Zealand: Kirk Penney 22, Craig Bradshaw 21

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  NICARAGUA   


ACB updating - by Gianni Pascucci
In last ACB games, Halcones de la Red Nicarao defeated 112-103 Delfines de la BICU-Inatec. The best players in Halcones were Harold Barberena, who scored 33 pts, Jamal Walker (193-G/F-81, agency: 011 Sports, college: Briar Cliff), with 27 pts and Myles Guidry (193-F-85), with 24. Windell Sloan (-F/C) was the best at the losing side with 32 pts, and Meylon Gibbs added 18. Some days after, Delfines felt again, this time to Vikingos, and the final score was 109-64. Henningston Clair scored 21 points to be the best in Delfines, Jasser Jimenez (180-G-83) led Vikingos with 24 pts, Danny Gomez (-G) added 18 pts and 11 rebs at the winning side.

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  NIGERIA   


African players in the NBA Summerleague - by Kristian Santiago

Here is a list of all African players currently involved in the NBA Summerleague (Orlando and Las Vegas).
The rosters for the Rocky Mountain Review are not up yet, but we will include the missing teams as soon as possible.

Milwaukee:
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (200-G/F-88) (CMR)
Olumide Oyedeji (208-C/F-81) (NGR)

Dallas:
Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) (GHA)
Pape Sow (208-F-81, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) (SEN)

Minnesota:
Longar Longar (211-C-83) (SUD)

New Orleans:
Ndudi Ebi (206-F-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Arizona) (NGR)

Denver:
Jeff Ngutar Varem (198-G/F-83, agency: Larry Fox Services, college: Washington St.) (NGR)

Detroit:
Cheikh Samb (215-C-85) (SEN)

Phoenix:
Ekene Ibekwe (206-F-85, agency: Octagon, college: Maryland) (NGR)

L.A. Clippers:
Koko Archibong (202-F-81, college: Pennsylvania) (NGR)

L.A. Lakers:
Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) (ERI)

San Antonio:
Maleye N'Doye (203-F-80, college: Furman) (SEN)
Amara Sy (202-F-81) (MAL)
Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83, college: Hartford) (NGR)


Memphis:
Malick Badiane (211-F/C-84) (SEN)
Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma) (NGR)

Toronto:
Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.) (NGR)

Miami:
Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) (GAB)

Oklahoma City:

Ndudi Ebi (NGR)



Azovmash Mariupol inks Uche Nsonwu - by Eurobasket News
French Pro A center of the year, Uche Nsonwu (208-F/C-78, agency: Beo Basket, college: Wyoming), agreed terms with Ukrainian team Azovmash from Mariupol. Nwonwu played last season for AVSEL averaging 13.5 ppg and 7.3 rpg in ULEB Cup. He also played 30 games in Pro A having 13.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg and 1.6 apg. He finished Pro A as a fifth rebounder of the competition. Before the last two years which he spend in ASVEL, Nsonwu played for Gravelines, Hapoel Galil Elion, Telindus Oostende, Antibes and Galatasary. His last season was the best one in his career as Nsonwu except of the center of the year award also was invited to participate at the All-Star game and was named to be in Pro A first team. Uche Nsonwu graduated at Wyoming in 2003.

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  OLYMPIC GAMES   


Greece won the Acropolis tournament - by Kostas Papadopoulos

The 22nd Acropolis Eurobank tournament finished yesterday and the winner was Greece for 4th consecutive year. Last night, Greece won Croatia (77-64) after another impressive appearance based mostly on its good defense. Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) played for the first time in this tournament (he missed the first two games due to a small injury), scoring 14 points while Nikos Zisis (195-G-83), Vasilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) followed him in double-digit points. Greek team never faced any problems during the game, it was always ahead and increased the difference at the second half, even at 16 points. After the game, coach Panagiotis Giannakis stated that Kalambokis, Vougioukas and Xanthopoulos will not be at the team for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament next week, so there remain two more names to be announced that will be added to the one referred previously.
Periods: 19-18, 40-32, 61-46, 77-64
Greece: Papaloukas, Bourousis 6 (1), Nikos Zisis 13, Vasilis Spanoulis 12, Vasilopoulos 2, Antonis Fotsis 10 (2), Tsaldaris 2, Andreas Glyniadakis (215-C-81) 9, Tsartsaris 2, Dimitris Diamantidis 14 (3), Kalambokis, Giorgos Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) 7
Croatia: Roko Leni Ukic (195-G-84) 10 (1), Kus, Popovic 7 (1), Rozic 7 (1), Loncar 4, Tomas 7 (1), Nicevic 6, Damir Markota (209-C/F-85) 11 (1), Banic 6, Bagaric, Barac 6

At the other game of the tournament, Australia won Brazil 89-84.

Antonis Fotsis was announced as the MVP of the tournament while Vasilis Spanoulis as the first scorer.



GRE: Vasilopoulos: Be the best we can be! - by Kostas Papadopoulos
Although aged only 24, Panagotis Vasilopoulos (202-F-84, agency: FCM) is considered a veteran of the Greek national team. He was present in two great achievements, the captures of the gold medal in the 2005 European Championship in Belgrade and the silver medal in the 2006 World Championship in Japan, and also in the 2007 European Championship of Spain, which confirmed that Greece is again among the European elite to stay. He is back in the national team this summer, more mature and experienced, keeping the faith that despite all difficulties the Greek squad will once more reach its goals. He gave the following interview at Greek National Federation's site:
Q: This is the fourth consecutive year you are present in a Mens national team training camp. However, the circumstances this summer were kind of unusual.
P.V.: Certainly. To begin with, the basic preparation stage was just one week long. It went by too quickly. Moreover, several new guys were present, and we had to work all together to involve them as well, to make old and new faces click together as a group. All this happened in a great atmosphere, where everyone works hard for the national team. I am among the lucky ones who have experienced that in the past years, and we all want the new guys incorporated in that atmosphere and philosophy. And from their part, they have shown that they are all eager to adjust to the team and become part of it.
Q: Do you reckon that the presence of new faces may have helped in a way?
P.V.: The national team has done well with the players that had competed for it so far. On the other hand, when some players step down and new faces emerge, the change could be beneficial for the team and offer incentives to all players, new and old ones.
Q: You are still going to be all together in the friendly games that are about to start. What are you expecting from the first tournament in Germany?
P.V.: Friendly games are a totally different thing, and no easier than training camp. They are a difficult part as well, as we are going to see to what extent we can put into practice everything we have worked on. Its the hardest part of all, in fact. We want to and have to be the best we can be!
Q: Are you not tired after a hard season, which is essentially being prolonged?
P.V.: We will see There is indeed fatigue; I dont think anyone can deny that. It is a fact that we have accepted, though. Thank God the Olympic Qualifying Tournament will be held in Greece, and we will not have to overcome the fatigue from a journey as well. Because Puerto Rico may be a great place to go on holiday, but at this point such a trip would not be the best ones asking for, with qualification for the Olympic Games at stake.
Q: Some consider the OQT easy to slip through, despite all players who have talked about it so far giving it a high degree of difficulty.
P.V.: Its not an easy mission. There are several good teams, and a crucial game: the knock-out game of the quarterfinals, which will determine almost everything. I have a reason to believe that we will succeed again in accomplishing what we are aiming at and be present at the Olympic Games.
Q: Apart from the comfort of not traveling abroad, could the fact that the OQT will be held in Athens be a factor of extra pressure for you?
P.V.: Of course not! All guys playing for the national team are top-class players. And all of us playing in Greece are used to that kind of pressure. So its natural not to be influenced. Besides, we have already set ourselves high goals for this team.

Acropolis Tournament: GRE-CRO 77-64 Press Conference - by Kostas Papadopoulos
Jasmin Repesa (coach, Croatia): Congratulations to the Greek Team for their win. We played better compared to the previous games, but not so much better in order to beat Greece. We made many unforced turnovers and gave Greece the opportunity to make some easy baskets. Now we have five days ahead of us to get prepared for the start of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament and hopefully have our injured players back. Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) will return to practice tomorrow and we will check out on his condition to determine whether or not he is in a state to be in the team on Monday. Thanks to the Hellenic Basketball Federation for this wonderful tournament. We wish the Greek team good luck in the OQT.
Panagiotis Giannakis (coach, Greece): Tonight we had the opportunity to split the playing time and we managed to control the score. Despite our not controlling the rhythm in some cases, we reacted well in terms of mentality and did a good job against a team with big bodies. Today I told Ian Vouyoukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) and Giannis Kalambokis (195-G-78, agency: FCM) that they will not be in the final squad and thanked them for their contribution. Xanthopoulos will stay to help us in practice and gain some more experience. The other 14 players will be with the team until before we hopefully leave for Beijing. Even our 12th player has to be someone who will be able to provide some quality minutes whenever needed.

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


Polish U20 National Team 2008 - by Kasia
#s#
#e#6


Nowakowski


Snieg


Bierwagen


Kostrzewski


Goldammer
Michal Nowakowski (199-F-88) of Polonia 2011 Warszawa
Tomasz Snieg (187-G-89) of Polonia 2011 Warszawa
Mateusz Bierwagen (192-G-88) of Energa Czarni Slupsk
Mateusz Kostrzewski (198-G/F-89) of Prokom Trefl Sopot
Daniel Goldammer (200-F-89) of MCKiS AND-BUD Jaworzno
Karol Gruszecki (195-F-89) of SPEC Polonia Warszawa
Adam Waczynski (199-F-89) of Prokom Trefl Sopot
Albert Skowronski (190-G-89) of KK Politechnika Poznanska
Hubert Pabian (199-F-89) of Energa Czarni Slupsk
Patryk Pelka (202-F-89) of Polonia 2011 Warszawa
Tomasz Prostak (188-G-88) of ASCO Slask Wroclaw
Jakub Zalucki (194-G-89) of OSSM PZKosz Sopot

*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


Pedro Azevedo signs with Ovarense - by Bruno Baltazar
Pedro Azevedo (193-F-81) former Vitoria player just signed with Ovarense in a return to a former home.
He is 26 years old of age,6'4 and last season played for Vitoria ,two seasons ago for Galitos where he did tremendous numbers averaging 17PPG,4 rebounds and 1.5APG.
He did his formation years in Ovarense playing for them from 99-00 to 05-06 season so its a return to a well known place.
Another portuguese player that Ovarense signed,in a year they reduced their orcament but still want to win the championship next year again.

Final result of the polls - by Bruno Baltazar
Before the past season started we asked if the Liga Uzo would be more competitive or not than the previous season(06/07)and in 1343 votes we had the voters said NO.
Heres the results:
What in your view this year
LIGA UZO will bring in the
competitive level?

Same level

18%
Better level

35%
Worse level

48%
Total voters: 1343

Ended up to be a good season with the finantials problems ,we had a final between Porto and Ovarense really disputed with the win going to Ovarense in the game 7.

Next season ,new competition.

Now we ask as Portugal is about to compete to be in the next European in Turkey ,do you think Portugal will be in that tournament?

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


Jose Juan Barea extends with Dallas Maverics - by Eurobasket News
Jose Juan Barea (181-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Northeastern), who is currently with Puerto Rican National Team on tournament in Slovenia, extended contract with his team Dallas Mavericks. Barea arrived to Dallas in 2006 when Mavericks grabbed him after nice performance at the NBA Summer League in Vegas and Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. During his rookie season Mavericks sent him to D-league team Fort Worth Flyers. Barea shined in the first 8 games adding 27.3 ppg, 5 rpg, 7.8 apg and 1.3 spg after what Mavericks immediately returned him to the roster. Previous season had 44 appearances in NBA registering 4,3 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 1.3 apg. Before Dallas he played for a while for Cangrejeros de Santurce. Jose Juan Barea graduated at Northeastern in 2006.

Puerto Rico beats Iran to continue Unbeaten in Slovenia - by Luis Ramirez
In a dramatic fashion team Puerto Rico defeated Iran 83-80. Iran gave Puerto Rico a run for their money as they took the 1st quarter 18-15. Half way thru the 2nd quarter the Iranian team had opened a 12 point lead with just under 5 minutes to play in the quarter. Puerto Rico would not find an answer to the Iranian team and they would finish trailing 45-32 in the first half. In the 3rd quarter Puerto Rico got hot from the 3 point line and with a dunk from Center Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) the game was tied at 55 points with 1:16 left in the quarter. Iran then got some clutch 3 pointer of their own and finished in the lead at the end of the 3rd quarter 61-55. In the 4th quarter Iran keep the pressure on the Puerto Rican team until Santiago who was perfect from the free throw line sank consecutive free throws to cut the lead to just 4 points 69-65 with 4:48 to go in the game. Iran once again tried to put the game on ice but a 3 pointer from Larry Ayuso and another set of free throws from Santiago set the stage for consecutive baskets from Peter John Ramos to seal the win for Puerto Rico. For Puerto Rico, Jose Juan Barea (181-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Northeastern) scored 17 points followed by Daniel Santiago with 15 points. For Iran, H. Ehadadi scored 17 points followed by M. Nikkhah with 14 points. Puerto Rico will now face Slovenia who like Puerto Rico is currently undefeated.

*****************************************************
  QATAR   


Qatar National Team for William Jones Cup Tournament 2008 - by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Ali


Al Nasr


Musa


Turki


Ismail
Saad Abdulrahman Ali (193-F-85) of Al Rayyan
Khalid Masoud Al Nasr (175-G-80) of Al Arabi Club
Daoud Musa (193-G-82) of Al Rayyan
Ali Turki (202-F-82) of Al Rayyan
Yaseen Ismail (204-F-80) of Al Rayyan
Omar Abdgader Salem (205-C-83) of Al Rayyan
Salamn Abu Faisal (177-G-79)
Ahmed Al Darwish (188-G-90)
Khalid Suliman Abdi (198-F/G-87) of As Sadd Sports Club
Erfan Ali Saeed (200-F-83) of Al Rayyan
Hashem Zaidan (211-C-80) of Al Arabi Club
Mansour El Hadary (178-G-90) of Al Arabi Club
Mohammed Al Naimi (175-G-80) of Qatar Club
Baker Ahmad Mohammed (199-F-86) of Al Arabi Club
Hammam Ismail (200-C/F-83) of Al Wakrah
Mohammed Ali (192-G-87)
Head Coach: Kent Davison
Assistant Coach: Cliff Levingston
Assistant Coach: Adam Westlake

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


Market news - by Eurobasket News
Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) moved to Lokomotiv Rostov from Bulgarian team Lukoil. He is becoming the second new addition of the team, after the experienced 32-years old point guard DeJuan Collins, who spent the last two years in Lithuanian Zalgiris in Euroleague. Pero made 18,2 points per game and 9,1 rebounds per game in ULEB Cup last season after terrific start of the tournament.

Vladimir Shevel (199-G-84) moved from University Urga to Spartak Primorye. In 2005 he signed 3-years contract with Dynamo Moscow Region. Played 15 games that season and had 3.7ppg, 1.4rpg. In FIBA Europe Cup spent 5 games averaging 3.8ppg, 1.4rpg, 4ast. In 2006 moved to Universitet Surgut and spent 14 games averaging 15.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.7apg. Last season started in Ural Great Perm but in December 2007 moved back to Universitet-Yugra Surgut.

Andrei Trushkin (207-C/F-81) belonged to Universitet Surgut from year 2001 is heading also to Spartak Primorye. He played 46 games in the first season having 10.0ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.3apg, 0.9spg. The next three season were played also for the team. In 2004-2005 playing for Universitet Surgut had the third result in scoring, averaging 19.5ppg. He became also sesond in rebounds stats having 10.2 per game. In 2005-2006 moved to Ural Great Perm and had 37 games in Russian League. He averaged 8.4ppg, 3.8rpg. 2006-2007 saw Trushkin in Dynamo Moscow as he nailed 5.2ppg, 3.3rpg. Last season he played in CSK VVS Samara and in 23 games had 9.6ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.3apg.

*****************************************************
  SENEGAL   


African players in the NBA Summerleague - by Kristian Santiago

Here is a list of all African players currently involved in the NBA Summerleague (Orlando and Las Vegas).
The rosters for the Rocky Mountain Review are not up yet, but we will include the missing teams as soon as possible.

Milwaukee:
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (200-G/F-88) (CMR)
Olumide Oyedeji (208-C/F-81) (NGR)

Dallas:
Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) (GHA)
Pape Sow (208-F-81, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) (SEN)

Minnesota:
Longar Longar (211-C-83) (SUD)

New Orleans:
Ndudi Ebi (206-F-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Arizona) (NGR)

Denver:
Jeff Ngutar Varem (198-G/F-83, agency: Larry Fox Services, college: Washington St.) (NGR)

Detroit:
Cheikh Samb (215-C-85) (SEN)

Phoenix:
Ekene Ibekwe (206-F-85, agency: Octagon, college: Maryland) (NGR)

L.A. Clippers:
Koko Archibong (202-F-81, college: Pennsylvania) (NGR)

L.A. Lakers:
Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) (ERI)

San Antonio:
Maleye N'Doye (203-F-80, college: Furman) (SEN)
Amara Sy (202-F-81) (MAL)
Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83, college: Hartford) (NGR)


Memphis:
Malick Badiane (211-F/C-84) (SEN)
Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma) (NGR)

Toronto:
Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.) (NGR)

Miami:
Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) (GAB)

Oklahoma City:

Ndudi Ebi (NGR)



DeSagana Diop joins Dallas Mavericks - by Eurobasket News
DeSagana Diop (213-C-83) agreed terms with NBA team Dallas Mavericks. Diop arrived to Dallas from New Jersey Nets where he registered 79 appearances in NBA regular season averaging 2.9 ppg, 5 rpg and 1.1 bpg. In the past he already played two years for the Mavericks. Actually he started the third one there but at the beggining of the last season he moved to the Nets. In the past he was a member of Cleveland Cavaliers, who grabbed him on NBA draft 2001 as 8th pick of the first round. His best achievement so far is NBA final in 2006. He was member of Senegaleese National Team on African Championship in Marocco in 2001.

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


Ratkovica in Walter Tigers - by Zoran Popovic
Branislav Ratkovica (193-G-85) signed contract with Walter Tigers Tuebingen. In the last season Ratkovica played for EWE Baskets Oldenburg and on 35 games scored average 2.3 points, 0.7 rebound, 1.0 assistant per game. EWE Baskets Oldenburg lost 3-1 from ALBA in semifinal of Gemany play-off. Ratkovica started career in Zemun and also played for Beopetrol 2002-2003, Atlas 2003-2006 and Avala Ada 2006-2007. Ratkovica was member of Serbia and Montenegro National tema U21 in Brno 2004.

Predrag Drobnjak is close to Efes Pilsen? - by Zoran Popovic
Former player of BC Partizan Igokea Beograd Predrag Drobnjak (212-F/C-75) is very close to sign contract with Efes Pilsen Istanbul. After excellent season in Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul, new head coach of Efes Pilsen Istanbul Ergin Ataman (last season head coach of Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul) insists on transfer Drobnjak to Efes. In this moment Efes has too much foreigners, so Managament of Efes Pilsen Istanbul thinks to offer Drobnjak Turkey citizenship, so he can play as a domestic player.
Except Predrag Drobnjak, Efes already signed contracts with Milos Vujanic (190-G-80), Charles Smith, Bootsy Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's), Sinan Guler (192-G-83, college: Carroll (MT)), Andrew Betts (216-C-77, college: Long Beach St.) and Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side). On the list of wishes of Efes Pilsen Istanbul are Mario Kasun and Preston Shumpert.
In his last season for Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul, Predrag Drobnjak scored in ULEB Cup average .8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.0 assistant and in Turkish league 8.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.0 assistant per game.

Dusan Ivkovic called Dusko Savanovic to join NT - by Dragan Jankovski
After four days since the preparation of Serbian senior National Team officialy started, head coach Dusan Ivkovic had to call another power forward to join the team. Namely, Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) didn't return from USA and it is not known yet when he will arrive to Belgrade. Ivkovic faced with another bad news from the doctors of National Team and it is that Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) will have to take a rest for a while. Dragicevic missed couple of games at the end of Serbian Superleague after what he started to work with the NT. After new examinations doctors advised Dragicevic to stop practicing with NT for a while. In the meantime Ivkovic decided to call Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket), who spent last season in Russian team Unics Kazan. He played 22 games in Russian Superleague averaging 11 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.6 apg and 1.5 spg. He also played 15 games in ULEB Cup adding 11.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.5 apg and 1.1 spg. More than two weeks ago he agreed terms with Spanish team Cajasol Sevilla.

'Our main goal during these couple of days was to get together. I tried to give the players all necessary information about our ideas and plans. The bad news is that we have a problem now on position 4. Tadija Dragicevic will have to take a rest while Radenovic decided to continue with his master studies in USA. However both of them will remain candidates for NT' - said Dusan Ivkovic.

Ivkovic also stated that there was a lot of possible candidates on position 4 but he decided to call Savanovic. He didn't want to take any player from U20 NT as they need to stay together in order to repeat great success from the last summer.

Serbian U20 NT outplays Montenegro in friendly game - by Dragan Jankovski
Serbian U20 National Team was better than Montenegro U20 in a friendly game which was played in Zeleznik 96-75. This friendly game was a part of preparations of Serbian NT for European Championship in Riga from 1st to 10th of August. Montenegro was an equal rival just during the first couple of minutes. After starting 5-2 lead by the visitors, Serbia answered with 17-4 run setting the score on 19-9. Serbian youngsters didn't stop until the half time extending its lead to 53-30. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) was the best player for the host in the first two quarters. After the half time Montenegrins started to play much better. Their defense was a way more aggressive which resulted with just two points from the field for 7 minutes by Serbia. However Serbian players hit couple of free throws which allowed them to kept bigger lead. Montenegro didn't want to give up and thanks to Vladimir Dasic (209-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) came closer on 63-50. Fortunately to Serbian team Bojan Radetic (203-F-88) and Stefan Sinovec (195-G-88) stopped Montenegrins on their way securing an easy win.

Miroslav Raduljica collected 21 points for the winners while Milan Macvan (206-F/C-89) had 15 points. Bojan Radetic followed them scoring 11 points. Vladimir Dasic was the best in Montenegro netting 24 points while visitors also got 15 points from Sead Sehovic (200-G-89).

Serbian U20 National Team will travel to Greece on Saturday where it will play three friendlies against the hosts. Head coach of National Team, Slobodan Klipa, will have to cut two players before the trip.


U20 Serbia - U20 Montenegro 96-75
(24-11,29-19,18-25,25-50)

Serbia: Raduljica 21, Macvan 15, Radetic 11, Despotovic 8, Radulovic 7
Montenegro: Dasic 24, Sehovic 15, Vranjes 9, Bjelica 8, Gajovic 5

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


Slovak Extraliga Awards 2007/2008 - by Martin Galajda
Player of the Year: Daniel Novak (201-F/G-78, agency: Interperformances)

Guard of the Year: Nenad Milosevic
Forward of the Year: Daniel Novak
Center of the Year: Dametri Hill

Newcomer of the Year: Marek Kozlik
Most Improved Player of the Year: Branislav Brlit
Bosman Player of the Year: Daniel Novak
Import Player of the Year: Dametri Hill
Domestic Player of the Year: Daniel Novak
Defensive Player of the Year: Dusan Pandula
Coach of the Year: Dusan Kasum

1st Team
Nenad Milosevic
Dusan Pandula
Daniel Novak
Dametri Hill
Drazen Klaric

2nd Team
Lorenzo Williams
Hrvoje Puljko
Andrej Lukjanec
Igor Majoros
Glen Whisby

All-Domestic Players Team
Martin Micka
Dusan Pandula
Daniel Novak
Igor Majoros
Peter Micuda

*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA   


Korean University Select Team for William Jones Cup Tournament 2008 - by Eurobasket
Kim Hyun-Ho (184-G-88)
Park Rae-Hun (192-F-89)
Hur Jin-Sung (183-G-86)
Byun Hyun-Soo (184-G-86)
Yoo Seung-Ho (203-C-88)
Kim Kang-Sun (190-G-86)
Song Su-In (195-F-86)
Heo Il-Young (197-F-85)
Choi Yun-Ho (188-G-86)
Kim Myung-Hoon (200-C-85) of Kyong Hee University
Kim Hyeon-Min (200-F-87)
Bang Deo-Kwon (210-C-88)
Head Coach: Chang Bong-Kun
Assistant Coach: Park Sang-Kwan

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


DKV Joventut returns Huertas, Zaragoza inks Roberto Guerra - by Eurobasket News
DKV Joventut returned member of Brazilian National Team, Marcelo Marcelinho Huertas (191-G-83, agency: Edge Sports), after just one year in Bilbao. Huertas had a very good season with the team of coach Txus Vidoretta reaching quarterfinals of play-off as well as semifinals of 'Copa del Rey'. He had 34 appearances in ACB for Bilbao averaging 14.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.9 apg and 1.6 spg. For two games in play-off Huertas had 14 ppg and 6 apg. Before Bilbao he spent three years in DKV Joventut winning the FIBA EuroCup in 2006. With Brazilian National Team Marcelo Marcelinho Huertas won Pan-American Games last summer. He also participated on World Championship in Japan.

In the meantime, according to the Croatian media TAU Ceramica negotiates with point guard Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC). After leaving of Zoran Planinic (198-G-82), Popovic is mentioned as one of the main targets of TAU for PG position.

CAI Zaragoza announced signing of Roberto Guerra (195-G-83), ex player of Gran Canaria. Actually Zaragoza will be the second team in his career so far. Guerra played 14 games for Gran Canaria in ULEB Cup averaging 8.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 1.1 apg. He also had 32 appearances in ACB league adding 6.9 ppg, 1.6 rpg and 1.7 apg. In the past Guerra was a member of Spanish U20 National Team.

*****************************************************
  TAIWAN   


Jones Cup Day 1: Kazakhstan, Jordan score opening wins - by Chris Wang
Taiwan 72-68 Korea University Selects (39-29)

Yang Ching-min scored 15 of his game-high 22 points in the second half as Taiwan NT edged Korea University Selects 72-68 for its first win in the 30th Jones Cup tournament.

Korea, which trailed by ten at the half, closed the gap and even took the lead briefly in the final quarter. As Taiwan clung to a mere three-point lead with 1:20 to go, Yangs reverse backhand layup boost the lead to five.

After Koreas three-pointer once again made it a three-point game with 17.8 seconds left, Yang made one of two free-throws with 5.3 seconds remaining and iced the game.

Lee Fung-yung had 9 points and puled down 13 boards for Taiwan, which entered the tourney without almost all of its core players: Chen Hsin-an, Tseng Wen-ting, Lin Chih-chieh, Wu Tai-hao and Tien Lei.

A 10-point halftime deficit didnt faze the Koreans, who went on a scoring tear and tied the game at 45-45 on Kim Hyeon-mins three with 4:40 to go in the third quarter.

Kazakhstan 74-71 Australia U-19 (36-30)

Australias young squad surprised an experienced Kazak team in the opening game of the 30th William Jones Cup but Kazakhstan still escaped with a 74-71 win. Both teams were sluggish, which was not uncommon in the opening day of any tournament, with two double-digit scorers apiece.

Kazak 6-9 backup Seva Fadeikin led all scorers with 18 points while Anton Ponomarev finished with 11 for Kazakhstan. Australia U-19 NT was led by Mitchell Youngs 11 points. Matthew Dellavedova scored 10 points. Young Aussies were hurt by their rebounding, trailing 26-40 in that department.

Qatar 82-80 Egypt

Jordan 67-63 AIA

Veteran Zaid Alkhas made two crucial threes in overtime as Jordan defeated Athletes in Action 67-63 after the extra session and opened its quest for the second consecutive Jones Cup crown with an inspiring win.

Jordan made two free-throws in the last five seconds in regulation to send the game into overtime, during which it made three of its seven threes in the game.

Standings:
Taiwan 1-0, Jordan 1-0, Qatar 1-0, Kazakhstan 1-0, Korea 0-1, Egypt 0-1, Australia 0-1, AIA 0-1

*****************************************************
  TURKEY   


Turkish teams in 2008/09 European seasons - by Eurobasket News
The majority of Turkish teams find out their opponents in European tournament scheduled for the beginning of autumn. Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul and Efes Pilsen will be the only representatives in Euroleague. The season will tip-off at the Fernando Buesa Arena in Vitoria, Spain, where Tau Ceramica will host the competition's traditional opening game on October 20.
First sixteen teams of EuroCup found out their opponents in the first Qualifying Round. The draw was held today in Berlin, Germany. Turkish Galatasaray will face Lithuanian BC Siauliai in EuroCup Qualifying Round 1. The season will start on October 14th. Besiktas and Turk Telekom will start directly from the regular season.
Banvit and Antalya will be getting ready in FIBA Europe's new competition EuroChallenge. The draw was held in Berlin, Germany as well as EuroCup and Euroleague draws. The winner and runner-up of EuroChallenge will earn the right to play in the EuroCup next season. The season will be open on October 21st. Banvit BC will face Romanian CSU Atlassib, while Antalya Basket will play against Spartak.
Turkey became one of the countries that is represented with a lot number of teams.

*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


JETS WELCOME BACK ALTO - by George Manousidis
BiG Storage Cheshire Jets are pleased to confirm that they have secured the signature of Alto Virgil (188-G-82, college: Passaic City JC) who will rejoin the Jets after a season with Yorkshire Rivals Sheffield Sharks

Alto, a 6ft2 guard made his debut for the Jets on October 6, 2006 in a home game against Scottish Rocks. The score finished 89-86 to the Jets, and Virgil claimed instant recognition and became a firm favourite with the Northgate faithful as the game-high scorer with 29 points. He played in all 36 league games during the 2006-07 season, averaging more than 36 minutes per game, and an impressive 18.36 points per game, becoming the club's second top scorer and the league's sixth highest scorer. He was also ranked fifth in the league in assists, with 4.58 per game, and tenth in free-throw shooting, with 78.30 percent.

At the end of that season it was announced that Alto had been called up to train with the Great Britain team, in preparation for the Eurobasket 2009 qualifiers throughout the summer.

BiG Storage Cheshire Jets Head Coach Paul Smith commented, We are really pleased that Alto will be part of our squad for next year. All Jets fans will know exactly what to expect 100% commitment at all times with the ability to make others play with his passing, and a sweet outside shot. He is also strong enough to take the ball inside when necessary, so he is always difficult to defend. If he can put up the sort of numbers that he did the last time he was here then we should see some impressive results!

Alto himself is very enthusiastic about his return to the Jets It is a real pleasure to come back to the club that launched my professional career and above all. I cant wait to play in front of the Northgate crowd that always gave me such great support . It will be good to play there again as a home player. I am truly confident that I can play my part in making the Jets a force to be reckoned with again in the BBL

Peter Hawkins, Director of BiG Storage Cheshire Jets agreed : The Head Coach has made another shrewd signing. Combining Alto with Chuck Evans in the backcourt should pose plenty of problems for the other teams in the league. We now have four squad members announced [Virgil, Evans, Hamilton, Calvin Davis] and not one permit spot used! He also added, we are still in talks with a number of players and would expect to be making announcements relating to further additions to the squad in the near future

Dahi Bitten by Sharks - by George Manousidis

The Sheffield Sharks have announced the first addition to player/coach Atiba Lyons' squad in the form of power forward sensation Arnaud Dahi (202-F-83, agency: IceBasket, college: ODU).

The 6'8' power forward has long been a focus for the Sharks who overcame tough opposition from top French clubs to secure the 24-year-old's services.

Dahi, who is a native of the Ivory Coast, moved to the United States as a youngster with his family and currently resides in Virginia. A graduate of Old Dominion University, a division one NCAA college, he also competed at a national level for the Ivory Coast in the World Junior Tournament and the senior national team at the All-African Championships.

'I am thrilled to have Arnaud on board with the team, he is a great addition, a very intelligent player with a strong team ethos,' said Coach Lyons. 'He exhibits the winning mentality that we require if we are to secure some silverware this season.'

Following his college career, Dahi's inaugural season as a professional took him to Ireland where he played in the Irish Super League for Killester, winning the Irish Super league North Conference with a record of 17-4 and the Super League Cup.

'We have only heard positive things about Arnaud, he is a versatile player who has inside and outside game', said Managing Director Sarah Backovic. 'This is a great start to the roster and we are confident that he will fit well with traditional Sharks philosophy'.

Dahi, who is back in Virginia, and is preparing for his return to the British Isles, is very much looking forward to joining the Sharks organisation,

'Historically, The Sharks have a great reputation for winning, and although it has been a tough year for them, its clear they want to get back to where they belong, and hopefully I can help them!' said Dahi.


From BBL official website



BBL Fixtures 2008/09 - by George Manousidis
The fixtures for the 2008/09 BBL Championship season have been announced, along with the draw for the BBL Cup and the BBL Trophy groups.

The new campaign opens with a bang as the reigning league champions, the Newcastle Eagles, host the BBL Championship Playoff and Trophy double winners, the Guildford Heat, at the MetroRadio Arena on Friday 26th September.

The opening night also sees the Marshall MK Lions - BBL Cup winners and losing finalists in the playoffs - host the BiG Storage Cheshire Jets, whilst the SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks welcome the Sheffield Sharks.

The following night brings a tough start to life in the top flight for the Worthing Thunder, as they host South- Coast rivals the Plymouth Raiders on Saturday 27th September; the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders and PAWS London Capital also raise the curtain on their respective seasons in the East Midlands.

The first weekend of the new season concludes with the Capital hosting the Lions and the Jets welcoming the Worcester Wolves, from whom they recently snatched point guard Chuck Evans, on Sunday 28th September.

The full fixture list can be seen here.

The first-round games in the BBL Cup will be played over the weekend of 18 / 19 October, with the pre- drawn fixture tree providing a draw as follows:

First Round
BiG Storage Cheshire Jets vs. PAWS London Capital
SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks vs. Everton Tigers
Worcester Wolves vs. Sheffield Sharks
Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders vs. Worthing Thunder

Quarter-Finals
Newcastle Eagles vs. Jets / Capital
Marshall MK Lions vs. Rocks / Tigers
Guildford Heat vs. Wolves / Sharks
Plymouth Raiders vs. Riders / Thunder

The BBL Trophy, which becomes the focal point for the month of January, sees the league's twelve teams separated into four regional groups as follows:

Group One
Newcastle Eagles
SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks
Sheffield Sharks

Group Two
BiG Storage Cheshire Jets
Everton Tigers
Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders

Group Three
Guildford Heat
PAWS London Capital
Marshall MK Lions

Group Four
Plymouth Raiders
Worcester Wolves
Worthing Thunder

The BBL's three showpiece events of the season are to be held on the following dates:

BBL Cup Final - Sunday January 18th 2009
BBL Trophy Final - Sunday March 15th 2009
BBL Finals Weekend - Saturday 2nd / Sunday 3rd May 2009

Worcester Wolves in partnership with Worcester Sixth Form College - by George Manousidis
We are pleased to announce that the Worcester Wolves in partnership with Worcester Sixth Form College have been approved as the first providers nationally for the AASE Basketball scheme. This new Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence, a scheme for all Olympic sports, is approved and supported by England Basketball and is funded by the Learning and Skills Council.

The aim of the apprenticeship is to enable students between the ages of 16 and 18 to continue their full-time education whilst also receiving coaching for elite performance and preparation for successful participation in the national basketball leagues. Only players of high potential are allowed entry to the scheme though for 2008-09 it will operate in pilot mode.

Steve Mitchell, the Regional Partnerships Manager for Skills Active in London said, Skills Active are committed to creating the most sustainable sport structure anywhere in the world, so we welcome the flexible AASE framework, which will assist in producing some of Englands most talented athletes and sports people. AASE is fully reflective of the broad range of competences required in professional sport and not a qualification for simply playing the game. Theres now a structure in place to support the professional development of our most hopeful young sporting prospects. This is especially important in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and beyond and we are really pleased to support England Basketball and their partners in engaging with this exciting programme.

Worcester Sixth Form College have already established a successful AASE programme in Rugby Union in collaboration with the Worcester Warriors and are excited at the prospect of developing the Basketball programme alongside this. Principal John Tredwell said, 'The College is a centre for sporting excellence and is delighted to be chosen with Worcester Wolves as the first national centre for the development of top quality young basketball players and those interested in officiating. The College hopes soon to announce the plans for more first rate facilities to support this groundbreaking programme'.

Chief Executive of England Basketball Keith Mair added, We (England Basketball) are very pleased to see the initiative of the Worcester Wolves Basketball Club rewarded in this way, a first for basketball in England, and sincerely hope that their efforts will be emulated by other progressive English basketball clubs'.

The Worcester Wolves, who will be delivering the program in collaboration with the University of Worcester, have a proven record of promoting the values of Sport and Education working together and have received recognition at national and international academic and sporting conferences.

Mick Donovan is Director of Basketball for the Wolves and a Principal Lecturer at the University of Worcester. He commented, We have a vibrant community programme that is led by our Head Coach Skouson Harker and we currently visit over 50 schools throughout the year. Within the club, coach education is a key theme. We are about to publish our Learning Through Sport learning aids for primary schools nationally. The AASE initiative seems like a natural progression. We have fantastic support from the School of Sport and Exercise Science at the University which can give the youngsters at the sixth form college an enhanced understanding of their specialist sport.

The Wolves currently have representative teams in the British Basketball League, English Basketball Division 4, the Under 18 and Under 14 national leagues.

Andrew Wallace sign with Worcester Wolves - by George Manousidis
The Worcester Wolves have signed one of the most exciting young English talents who many believe has the potential to play in the 2012 Olympics. Several top BBL sides have been interested in signing Andrew Wallace (193-G-90), once it became known that he intended to begin his professional career in the United Kingdom. Director of Basketball, Mick Donovan made the trip to Peterborough at the weekend to meet with the player and the national coaches who are preparing for the forthcoming European Championships in Hungary.

Donovan said, This is a brave and certainly one of the most exciting moves in British Basketball for many years as we actually have a young player with genuine potential coming to this country to get better rather than travelling to Europe or the United States to try and improve. We have the expertise at Worcester to support Andrew as a player and as a student and are delighted to be involved in such a significant breakthrough for British sport.

The youngster was born in Paris and has British father. His career to date has included representing Dijon (one of the strongest clubs in Europe) in 2007, who finished 2nd in the Pro A French under 21s League. In 2007/ 08, he captained the England U18 National team at the Cherbourg tournament; significantly it was the first time England won in the tournaments 21-year history. Also with the Under 18's England squad, he participated at the European Championships in Bulgaria and in 2006/07. The previous year, he was named the U16 English Player of the Year. In the earlier years of his career he had great experience with the renowned Cote dAzur program and has attended several prestigious camps in the United States.

2006: Invited to participate in the U16's Jordan classic in London. Made all star

The Wolves and the University of Worcester have a great reputation for encouraging the younger generation to grow within selected sports and this unique partnership clearly had an influence over his final decision. The universities commitment to supporting elite student athletes is gaining international recognition.

Andrew Wallace on Why Worcester said, Well its very simple, I have set myself three simple goals over the next four years: to play professional basketball, to be selected for the GB squad for the 2012 Olympics and achieve a solid education. Worcester can help me tick all these boxes. There are only a handful of pro clubs in France that could offer pro basketball with a solid program for student athletes, hence my reason for looking at offers back in the UK. So, when the offer from the Wolves presented itself it was a dream come true. This is a fantastic place for me to start my professional career and I am really looking forward to prove myself in the BBL.

Head Coach Skouson Harker added, 'Andrew Wallace's signing shows our clubs commitment to quality British talent. Andrew is a top young player who has an exciting future in professional basketball. We realise that Andrew could have had his pick among top BBL sides and we are very proud that he has chosen the Wolves set-up to get him ready for big time International and Professional Basketball. Providing Andrew with the stage for him to showcase his talent is an achievement that Wolves, and I'm sure the BBL, can be proud of.'

The Wolves are now moving very quickly to confirm other key signings and more announcements are expected in the next week.



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Women News

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  BELARUS - Women  


Sviatlana Volnaya underwent knee surgery - by Eurobasket News
One of the best players of Belarus National Team, Sviatlana Volnaya (187-G/F-79, college: Virginia), underwent knee (meniscus) surgery in USA thus she will have to take a rest for a while. Svietlana is a player with huge international experience. She started the last season in Dynamo Moscow while in December she moved to Fenerbahce. She had 7 appearances for Turkish team in Euroleague adding 7.9 ppg and 4.4 rpg. Her team grabbed the title in TBBL also winning the National Cup. Before Dynamo, Sviatlana Volnaya used to play in Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Italy and France. She graduated at Virginia in 2001.

It is not the only problem for NT head coach, Anatoli Bujalskij, as Ekaterina Snitina also has some health problems.

Martchenko heads to Poland - by Eurobasket News
The national player of Belarus Natalia Martchenko (170-G-79) will join Lotos in the upcoming season. In addition to bringing in Marchanka and Podrug, Lotos PKO BP have signed Israeli center Jennifer Fleischer, who spent last season at Dexia Namur, American-born Michelle Maslowski, a forward with Italian side Viterbo in 2007-08, and Poland U18 internationals Olivia Tomialowicz, Ewelina Gala and Klaudia Sosnowska. The club has also extended the contract of USA international playmaker Alana Beard.
Natalia Martchenko started her career in 2004-2005 for Berezina Borisvo. Later she moved to Meblotap Chelm until year 2006. In 2006-2007 joined Russian Dynamo-Energia Novosybirsk and played 32 games averaging 9.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.6apg, 1.9spg. Last season saw her in 21 games as she had 10.6ppg, 2.1rpg,6.5apg. The latter was the best result in the Superleague.
Right now Natalia Martchenko is getting ready for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Group A will see Australia, Belarus, Brazil, Korea, Latvia and Russia. China, Czech Republic, Mali, New Zealand, Spain and USA made Group B. Olympic Basketball Tournament for Women will be played from 9th to 23rd August 2008 in the brand new Wukesong Indoor Stadium.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Gambrinus inks Liene Jansone - by Eurobasket News
Gambrinus still remembers the Final of Euroleague and outstanding welcome for the Final Four. Spartak Moscow Region was the best team however of the European world for the second time in a row. In a Final game in Brno the defending champions beat hosts Gambrinus 75:60. It was another hot night of Australian Lauren Jackson who shined with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Yesterday Gambrinus signed Latvian Liene Jansone (192-F/C-81, college: Siena) to a three-year contract. Liene Jansone last three seasons spent in Spain. In 2005-2006 she played for Yaya Maria Breogan Lugo in LFB and played 24 games. She averaged 16.7ppg, 9.4rpg, being the fifth in that category. In 2006-2007 moved to Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca and had 11 games in Euroleague averaging 5.8ppg, 4.0rpg. Last season saw latvian player in Hondarribia - Irun. She played 8 games in EuroCup showing 14.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg. In Spanish League after 26 games she had 12.6ppg, 6.0rpg.
For her achievements it is a must to mention that Liene Jansone in 2006 she was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB Bosman Player of the Year.
She reached Spanish LFB Supercup Finalist in 2006 and was Spanish LFB Finalist in 2007. In FIBA Oympic Qualifying in Madrid this year she played 3 games and averaged 9.3ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.3spg.

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  EUROCUP WOMEN - Women  


EuroCup Draw - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup Draw was held today in Germany and was up first and the growth of the tournament was evident from the number of teams involved.EuroCup Women's schedule gets underway with Qualifying Round games on 2nd October.
EuroCup Women will have 58 teams altogether in 2008/2009 years. Thirty eight teams will qualify automatically for the Preliminary Round. Russia and Spain will have more than any other country representatives, 5. In the Qualifying Round 20 teams will beat for 10 spots in 12 groups created.
Last season Schio won Eurocup playing a great retour-match in Moscow, after the comfortable 20-points cushion earned at home in the first leg. The Russian squad started strong, but Schio didn't struggle, and evened the score at the end of the first quarter, lead by Moro and Ngoyisa. In the second game the Italian squad had an impressive Bethany Donaphin and Laura Macchi since the first quarter (18-25), while on the Russian side Plenette Pierson and Elena Danilochkina tried to cut the gap. Schio took the control of the rhythm and preserved the advantage both at halftime (33-39) and at the end of third quarter (49-56), even though Monique Currie's hand was red hot. Elisabetta Moro netted in some crucial buckets for Schio, helped by Kathrin Ress and Raffaella Masciadri, and Schio never trailed all night long, untill the final triumph. By winning Eurocup, Schio assured a place in next Euroleague.

Qualifying Round
Universit BC Neuchatel - Seat Foton Gyr
O8 Stockholm HR - Pallacanestro Ribera
CAB Madeira - Athinaikos Basketball Club
BBT Letzebuerg - Arvi Marijampole
Flying Foxes - Gran Canaria
Sporta Klubs Cesis - Sporta Klubs Cesis
BC Star - Spartak Noginsk
Municipal Targoviste - Electra Ramat-Hasharon
CSB CST Alexandria - Crvena Zvezda
Mladi Krajisnik - AKO Aris Holargou

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  EUROLEAGUE (W) - Women  


EuroLeague Draw 2008/09 is completed - by Eurobasket News
Euroleague announced the teams for the next season that will participate in the same format in comparison with the previous year. Twenty four teams were divided into four groups of six teams each for the Qualifying Round, with the top four of each group getting a ticket for the Eighth-Final Play-Offs. Two countries will be represented by 4 teams, Russia and France.
The draw was held in Germany as the teams participating in the 2008-2009 season of EuroLeague Women gathered to find out who they will face in the Qualifying Round. Group A will be consisted of MiZo Pcs 2010, Halcon Avenida, Nadezhda, Wisla Krakow, Bourges Basket and Besiktas Cola Turka. MKB Euroleasing, TTT Riga, CSKA Moscow, ESB Lille Metropole, Gambrinus Brno and Umana Reyer Venezia were sent to Group B. In Group C will play Union Hainaut Basket, USK Prague, Ros Casares, Lotos Gdynia, UMMC Ekaterinburg and Jolly JBS Sibenik. Lattes Montpellier, Broker Kosice, Fenerbahce, TEO, Spartak and Famila Schio will compete in Group D.
EuroLeague Women play will kick off on 15th October.
Last season Spartak Moscow Region became the best team of the European world for the second time in a row. In a Final game in Brno the defending champions beat hosts Gambrinus 75:60. It was another hot night of Australian Lauren Jackson who shined with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Sue Bird posted 14 points and made 7 rebounds, Diana Taurasi scored 14 and Tina Thompson collected 12 points and 8 rebounds. Zuzana Zirkova top-scored for the hosts with 16 points.
Eurobasket will follow all the games of Euroleague and pay close attention to them.


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20 - Women  


Italy and Poland welcome to U20 European championships - by Eurobasket News
Italian Chieti and Pescara will open doors tomorrow for U20 European championship in Division A. Four groups with 4 teams in each were chosen for Division A competition. The U20 European championship will take place from July 11 through July 20. Three top teams of each group will advance to the qualifying round, where they will fight for the right to go into the semifinal stage. Group A will have Serbia, Germany, Italy and France. Czech Republic, Turkey, Latvia and Greece were sent to Group B. In Group C Italy will have Lithuania, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Russia. Group D will have Spain, Belarus, Montenegro and Belgium.
Last year Spain U20 National team became the new European champions. In the final clash they edged Serbia 75:60 to complete their perfect campaign in Bulgaria. It became the first ever title for Spanish team at U20 level.
Meanwhile Division B tournament will take place in Poznan, Poland. The teams were distributed in 2 groups with 5 teams in each. Four best teams of each group will advance to the quarterfinal knockout stage. Group A was fulfilled with Great Britain, Ireland, Slovak Republic, Romania and Hungary. Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Israel and Sweden made Group B.
Last year Montenegrin U20 National team celebrated their first historic trophy at the European championship in Division B. They edged the home side 83:64 to claim the first ever title and ensured Division A birth.

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  FINLAND - Women  


SM-SARJA: YMCA Helsinki gave up - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Last season # 3 (bronze) in Finland, coming season no team on top level! This is the situation with YMCA Helsinki right now. Team's big star Niina Laaksonen (185-F/C-85) left the team as she signed with an Italian team and financially Team was not able to sign 2-3 American players. So, there will be only nine (9) Teams in the 'SM-sarja' 2008-09: BC Nokia, Catz (Lappeenranta), Espoo Team, Alku (Forssa), HoNsU (Jyvaskyla), PeKa (Kotka), PuHu (Vantaa), Huima (Aanekoski) and the newcomer Jymy (Orimattila).

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  FRANCE - Women  


France to have 4 teams in EuroLeague - by Eurobasket News
French League, being one of the top in Europe will send 4 teams to EuroLeague the upcoming season. The draw announced the teams for the next season that will participate in the same format in comparison with the previous year. Twenty four teams were divided into four groups of six teams each for the Qualifying Round, with the top four of each group getting a ticket for the Eighth-Final Play-Offs. Two countries will be represented by 4 teams, Russia and France. Group A will be consisted of MiZo Pcs 2010, Halcon Avenida, Nadezhda, Wisla Krakow, Bourges Basket and Besiktas Cola Turka. MKB Euroleasing, TTT Riga, CSKA Moscow, ESB Lille Metropole, Gambrinus Brno and Umana Reyer Venezia were sent to Group B. In Group C will play Union Hainaut Basket, USK Prague, Ros Casares, Lotos Gdynia, UMMC Ekaterinburg and Jolly JBS Sibenik. Lattes Montpellier, Broker Kosice, Fenerbahce, TEO, Spartak and Famila Schio will compete in Group D. EuroLeague Women play will kick off on 15th October.
Mondeville, Tarbes and Challes will play in EuroCup. The Draw was held today in Germany and was up first and the growth of the tournament was evident from the number of teams involved.Tournament schedule gets underway with Qualifying Round games on 2nd October.EuroCup Women will have 58 teams altogether in 2008/2009 years. Thirty eight teams will qualify automatically for the Preliminary Round. All three French teams will start with the group stage.

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  GERMANY - Women  


U20 on the way to Italy - they believe in miracles - by Cornelius Damm
On Friday 07/11/08 at 15:15 p.m. Germanys U20 will start its mission of remaining in the Division A European Championship in Chieti (ITA). Unfortunately they are situated in what they call 'the group of death'.

In the opener they will take on last years U20 silver medal winner Serbia that 'feels the obligation to win this Championship'. Serbia girls aged 89 also come in as 2007 U18 European Champion. Therefore a German success would be nothing but a huge upset.

A day later the German squad of head coach Julia Gajewski will have to crack another tough nut as they face last years U20 bronze medal winner France Saturday 07/12/08 at 8 p.m. Immediately one day later Sunday 07/13/08 also at 8 p.m. the team will face another 'mission impossible' as they have to play against host and last years sixth seeded Italy.

After these three games the first three teams of all four groups will go for the championship in play offs meanwhile the last seeded teams in the four groups will all try to survive in play downs. But eventually two of them will have to take the hard road down to Divison B.

The goal of the young Germans is to prevent this dilemma for the upcoming generations. Earlier this week they ended their preparation with a 74-69 overtime win against the Netherlands in Oberhausen (GER). During this game head coach Julia Gajewski could only use seven players. The rest was out due to injuries and virus infections but is expected to be back on track for the Championship. Good luck Germany!

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  ITALY - Women  


Raffaella Masciadri posts 5 in overtime battle - by Eurobasket News
Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) and her Los Angeles Sparks needed an overtime to prevail against visiting Houston last night. The Sparks went on an 8:0 run in the extra frame to pile up an unassailable lead against the Comets. Candace Parker tallied massive 40 points, 16 boards, 6 assists and 5 blocks in a win. Lisa Leslie secured 13 points as the Sparks improved to 12-6 record. Parker had a chance to win the game in regulation but missed one of two freebies to send game into overtime. Tina Thompson answered with 21 points, 7 boards and 6 assists for the Comets. Sancho Lyttle secured 12 points for the Comets who fell to 9-11 record. Italian player produced 5 points for the winners.
On July 7th Candace Parker had a monster night as she tallied 31 points and 10 boards to propel her Los Angeles past Phoenix 91:80 at the Staples Center. Lisa Leslie finished with 25 points and 15 boards to help dismantle the reigning champions. The Sparks entered the game having lost three consecutive games but snapped the streak easily. The hosts were comfortably up throughout the major part of the game. They piled up an 11-point advantage at halftime and then stretched to 20 in the third period. The Mercury answered with a 15:2 run to come as close as 7 points from the home team late in regulation but could not succeed. Shannon Bobbitt and Sidney Spencer nailed from downtown and the Sparks never looked back again. Shannon Bobbitt contributed career-high 11 points for the winners. Cappie Pondexter and Kelly Miller provided 14 points apiece for the Mercury. That night Raffaella Masciadri ended up with 6 points.
In the game versus New York Liberty, the Sparks got 18 points, 10 boards, 4 blocks, 3 assists and 3 steals from sensational rookie Candace Parker but it was not enough to overcome Shameka Christon heroics. Christon came up with career-high 28 points and the Liberty drove to an 89:78 win. Janel McCarville tallied 15 points and 8 boards for the visitors as they improved to 8-7 record. Loree Moore tied her career best with 9 assists. Delisha Milton-Jones answered with 15 points for the Sparks as they fell to 10-5 record. The hosts enjoyed a 62:51 advantage before the final period but the Liberty denied and went on a massive run to accumulate a decisive lead late in regulation. Raffaella Masciadri had 3 points for her team.

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  LATVIA - Women  


Gambrinus inks Liene Jansone - by Eurobasket News
Gambrinus still remembers the Final of Euroleague and outstanding welcome for the Final Four. Spartak Moscow Region was the best team however of the European world for the second time in a row. In a Final game in Brno the defending champions beat hosts Gambrinus 75:60. It was another hot night of Australian Lauren Jackson who shined with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Yesterday Gambrinus signed Latvian Liene Jansone (192-F/C-81, college: Siena) to a three-year contract. Liene Jansone last three seasons spent in Spain. In 2005-2006 she played for Yaya Maria Breogan Lugo in LFB and played 24 games. She averaged 16.7ppg, 9.4rpg, being the fifth in that category. In 2006-2007 moved to Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca and had 11 games in Euroleague averaging 5.8ppg, 4.0rpg. Last season saw latvian player in Hondarribia - Irun. She played 8 games in EuroCup showing 14.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg. In Spanish League after 26 games she had 12.6ppg, 6.0rpg.
For her achievements it is a must to mention that Liene Jansone in 2006 she was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB Bosman Player of the Year.
She reached Spanish LFB Supercup Finalist in 2006 and was Spanish LFB Finalist in 2007. In FIBA Oympic Qualifying in Madrid this year she played 3 games and averaged 9.3ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.3spg.

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  MALI - Women  


Maiga averages 7.5 points per game in WNBA - by Eurobasket News
Hamchetou Maiga (185-G/F-78, college: ODU) averages 7.5 points per game however even scored 11, 12 and 8 points respectively in the last three games played.
At first she nailed 8 points and made 3 rebounds for Houston over Atlanta. The latter rallied a lot, cutting the lead to 66:62 after Ivory Latta's steal and layup. Atlanta then hit three free throws to cut the lead to 68:65, but Johnson hit a short jumper and made two free throws to put the game away. Houston won 72:65 and reached the 8th win at that time.
On July 5th Tina Thompson scored 19 points in her first game since missing four games leading the Houston Comets to a 73:65 victory over the Sacramento Monarchs. The Comets reached 9-9 for the first time this season after they started the year 0-5. The Comets have won eight of their last 12. Hamchetou Maiga had 12 and Sancho Lyttle 10. Lyttle, who averaged more than 15 points while filling in for Thompson, also had 13 rebounds.
Last night the Los Angeles Sparks needed an overtime to prevail against visiting Houston. The Sparks went on an 8:0 run in the extra frame to pile up an unassailable lead against the Comets. Candace Parker tallied massive 40 points, 16 boards, 6 assists and 5 blocks in a win. Lisa Leslie secured 13 points as the Sparks improved to 12-6 record. Parker had a chance to win the game in regulation but missed one of two freebies to send game into overtime. Tina Thompson answered with 21 points, 7 boards and 6 assists for the Comets. Sancho Lyttle secured 12 points for the Comets who fell to 9-11 record. Hamchetou Maiga had 11 points in the losing effort.

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  NEW ZEALAND - Women  


New Zealand U18 lose fifth straight in Ballarat - by Eurobasket News
New Zealand U18 Team could not breed the winning habit during five days of the Australian U18 Championship. On the fourth day of the tournament the Kiwi juniors were defeated by South Australia Metro 70:99. Mesha Blair led the visitors to a 23:17 lead after the starting period. But New Zealand could not capitalize. South Australia Metro stepped on the gas in the latter stages and cruised to a stunning win at the end. Mesha Blair finished with 24 points and 14 boards for Kiwis. Hannah Mackay contributed 17 points, 6 boards and 3 steals, while Natasha Hall added 8 points in a losing effort.
Later New Zealand faced West Australia yesterday but still could not deliver the initial victory. Natasha Hall and Mesha Blair sparked the Kiwis in the starting quarter as they jumped to an 18:9 advantage. But West Australia quickly suppressed the effort and outscored the visitors 23:10 to earn a 4-point lead at the interval. New Zealand tied it all at 46 heading into the final quarter but fell just short of the win at the dying moment. Natasha Hall came up with 15 points and 11 boards for New Zealand. Mesha Blair tallied 12 points and 10 caroms, while Jasmine Davis registered 13 points and 6 boards in defeat. New Zealand juniors will take on Tasmania in the final pool encounter.

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  POLAND - Women  


Polish National Team 2008 - by Kasia
#s#
#e#6


Krawiec


Gburczyk


Bibrzycka


Chomac


Drzewinska
Monika Krawiec (172-G-84) of Wisla Can-Pack Krakow
Dorota Gburczyk (188-F-79) of Wisla Can-Pack Krakow
Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82) of UMMC Ekaterinburg (RUS)
Aleksandra Chomac (191-C-85) of Utex Row Rybnik
Aleksandra Drzewinska (179-F-83) of Duda Leszno
Agata Gajda (174-G-80) of CCC Polkowice
Joanna Jarkowska (183-F/C-81) of AZS Poznan
Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) of Wisla Can-Pack Krakow
Magdalena Leciejewska (191-C-86) of Lotos PKO BP Gdynia
Elzbieta Miedzik (180-F-83) of Utex Row Rybnik
Paulina Pawlak (170-G-84) of Lotos PKO BP Gdynia
Agnieszka Palka (195-C-82) of Wisla Can-Pack Krakow
Agnieszka Szott (186-F-82) of Elizur Ramla (ISR)
Emilia Tlumak (183-F-82) of MMKS Energa Katarzynki Torun
Natalia Waligorska (171-G-84) of MMKS Energa Katarzynki Torun
Anna Wielebnowska (188-C-78) of Wisla Can-Pack Krakow
Justyna Zurowska (188-C-85) of AZS PWSZ Gorzow
Head Coach: Krzysztof Koziorowicz

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  PORTUGAL - Women  


Eurocup schudale for portuguese teams - by Bruno Baltazar
CAB,Olivais and Vagos already know their oponents in the Eurocup tournament for next season.
If the mens side in Portugal have no team in the Euro competitions the womans side is diferent even the if the teams have some finantial problems.

CAB Madeira will play the qualification series against Athinaikos,first game in their arena at 8.15pm ,portuguese time on October the 2nd and a week later they will play in Greece(October,9th at8.30pm).

Olivais and Vagos are already in the group stage so they compete later then CAB .

Olivais is in group J and their first game will be in October 23th, at home against the french side ofTarges GB (at 8.30pm),in the same day and same hour AD Vagos plays against ZKK, in Group K against this serbian side.
Hope better results will be achieved compared to the ones past season.

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Russia sends 9 teams to European arena in fall - by Eurobasket News
Russian Superleague, being the top in Europe will send 9 teams to European arena in the upcoming season. In Euroleague the country will be represented by 4 teams. Twenty four teams were divided into four groups of six teams each for the Qualifying Round, with the top four of each group getting a ticket for the Eighth-Final Play-Offs. Russia will have Spartak, CSKA, UMMC and Nadezhda. Group A will be consisted of MiZo Pcs 2010, Halcon Avenida, Nadezhda, Wisla Krakow, Bourges Basket and Besiktas Cola Turka. MKB Euroleasing, TTT Riga, CSKA Moscow, ESB Lille Metropole, Gambrinus Brno and Umana Reyer Venezia were sent to Group B. In Group C will play Union Hainaut Basket, USK Prague, Ros Casares, Lotos Gdynia, UMMC Ekaterinburg and Jolly JBS Sibenik. Lattes Montpellier, Broker Kosice, Fenerbahce, TEO, Spartak and Famila Schio will compete in Group D. Last season Russian Spartak triumphed in the tournament as well as two years ago. EuroLeague Women play will kick off on 15th October.
In EuroCup Russia and Spain will have more than any other country representatives, 5. Dynamo Moscow, Dynamo Kursk, Vologda, BC Moscow and Spartak Noginsk will play in the tournament. Only Spartak will start with the Qualifying round, while four other teams went directly to the group stage. Last season BC Moscow reached the Final, but lost to Italia Schio in two games.

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  SAINT VINCENT - Women  


Lyttle collects tremendous 18 rebounds in a game - by Eurobasket News
Sancho Lyttle (193-C-83, college: Houston) becomes even hotter for her Houston in WNBA. In the game over over Atlanta she scored 15 points and made tremendous 18 rebounds!. Atlanta rallied a lot, cutting the lead to 66:62 after Ivory Latta's steal and layup. Atlanta then hit three free throws to cut the lead to 68:65, but Johnson hit a short jumper and made two free throws to put the game away. Houston won 72:65 and reached the 8th win at that time.
On July 5th Tina Thompson scored 19 points in her first game since missing four games leading the Houston Comets to a 73:65 victory over the Sacramento Monarchs. The Comets reached 9-9 for the first time this season after they started the year 0-5. The Comets have won eight of their last 12. Maiga had 12 and Sancho Lyttle 10. Sancho Lyttle, who averaged more than 15 points while filling in for Thompson, also had 13 rebounds.
Last night the Los Angeles Sparks needed an overtime to prevail against visiting Houston. The Sparks went on an 8:0 run in the extra frame to pile up an unassailable lead against the Comets. Candace Parker tallied massive 40 points, 16 boards, 6 assists and 5 blocks in a win. Lisa Leslie secured 13 points as the Sparks improved to 12-6 record. Parker had a chance to win the game in regulation but missed one of two freebies to send game into overtime. Tina Thompson answered with 21 points, 7 boards and 6 assists for the Comets. Sancho Lyttle secured 12 points for the Comets who fell to 9-11 record.

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  SPAIN - Women  


Spain will have 5 representatives in EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Spain will have 5 teams that participate in EuroCup in the upcoming season. EuroCup Draw was held today in Germany and was up first and the growth of the tournament was evident from the number of teams involved. EuroCup Women's schedule gets underway with Qualifying Round games on 2nd October.
The tournament will have 58 teams altogether in 2008/2009 years. Thirty eight teams will qualify automatically for the Preliminary Round. In the Qualifying Round 20 teams will beat for 10 spots in 12 groups created. Extrugasa, San Jose, EBE Promoc., Gran Canaria and Rivas Futura will for sure be truthful representatives from the country.
Euroleague announced the teams for the next season that will participate in the same format in comparison with the previous year. Twenty four teams were divided into four groups of six teams each for the Qualifying Round, with the top four of each group getting a ticket for the Eighth-Final Play-Offs. Two countries will be represented by 4 teams, Russia and France. Spain will have two best teams Ros Casares and Halcon Avenida. Group A will be consisted of MiZo Pcs 2010, Halcon Avenida, Nadezhda, Wisla Krakow, Bourges Basket and Besiktas Cola Turka. MKB Euroleasing, TTT Riga, CSKA Moscow, ESB Lille Metropole, Gambrinus Brno and Umana Reyer Venezia were sent to Group B. In Group C will play Union Hainaut Basket, USK Prague, Ros Casares, Lotos Gdynia, UMMC Ekaterinburg and Jolly JBS Sibenik. Lattes Montpellier, Broker Kosice, Fenerbahce, TEO, Spartak and Famila Schio will compete in Group D. EuroLeague Women play will kick off on 15th October.

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  TURKEY - Women  


Turksih women teams in Europe after draw - by Iva Ivanova
Istanbul teams Fenerbahce and Besiktas Cola Turka will be the only representatives in Euroleague in 2008/09 season. Besiktas Cola Turka will face Bourges Basket in the 1st game on 15th october.
In Group A in qualyfing Round are also Mizo Pecs, Halcon Avenida, Nadezhda and Wisla Krakow.

Fenerbahce will face TEO Basket in a first game at Istanbul. In the qualyfing Group D are also Montpellier, Kosice, Spartak and Famila.

There are two teams in EuroCup tournament. Galatasaray will face ZKK Buducnost in Group F for EuroCup,while Botas Spor will play against winner of game 7 in a qualyfing round between BC Star and Spartak Noginsk.

Women's National Team U20 ready to win - by Iva Ivanova
U-20 Women's National Team left yesterday to Italy to participate at the European Championship 2008 that will be played in Chieti between 11th-20th July 2008. Turkish National Team will play in B Group with National Teams of Czech Republic, Latvia and Greece.

Program of the games:
11th July, 18:45 TURKEY - Latvia
12th July, 14:00 TURKEY - Greece
13th July, 14:00 TURKEY - Czech Republic

Roster of team: Bahar caglar, Begum Dalgalar, Melek Bilge, Ilknur Dumlu, Burcu Erbas, Mehtap Gezer, Tugba Gonen, Candide Ozturk, Gamze Karatas, Burcu Tasbas, Gizem Yavuz, Bahar Yapar

Technicak staff: Manager Didem Akin, Head coach Aziz Akkaya, Assistants Erkan Metin and Asuman Ersan, Taylan Yasin Masseur

Women's National Team will play friendly games in France - by Iva Ivanova
Women's National Team will play two friendly games with French National Team. Date of game`s are on 10th and 11th July 2008. Team head coach is Ceyhun Yildızoglu, assistants are Omer Petorak and Erman Okermen. Players, included into team are: Esmeral Tuncluer, Melike Bakircioglu, Sariye Gokce, Isil Alben, Saynur Tozlu, Nilay Yigit, Saziye Karsli, Tugba Tasci, Seda Tekindag, Hulya Ozkan, Seda Tabakci, Naile Ivegin and Yasemin Horasan. This tournament is a part of the preparation for the qualification for Euro2009








Sariye Gokce sign with Mersin BSB - by Iva Ivanova

National player Sariye Gokce (176-F-79) signed with TBBL team Mersin Bukusehir Belediye. According to rummors, contract is for 1 year. Sariye Gokce is one of the very progressive player into TBBL. She was born 23 th February, 1979 in Samsun. She was at Ceyhan Belediye in 2004/05. In 24 games Gokce scored 13.9ppg, 4.9rpg and 3.2apg. In 6 games for Ceyhan in Europe Cup tournament she have 11.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.0apg. Next season she moved to Mersin. She have 10 games for Euro Cup with 7.9ppg, 3.0rpg and 2.7apg. In 26 games in TBBL with Mersin BSB she scored 7.7ppg, 2.9rpg and 1.8apg. Next step into her carrer is Istanbul team Besiktas Cola Turka. With them she plays in 9 EuroCup games when shehave 4.8ppg, 2.1rpg and 1.7apg. In Turkish League Gokce play 32 games. Last season Sariye Gokce start with Besiktas Cola Turka, then moved to Galatasaray Istanbul. With Galatasaray whe participate in EuroCup in 6 games and scored 2.8ppg. In Turkish League she have 20 games with 2.8ppg and 1.2rpg. Sariye Gokce is a Europe Cup Semifinalist with Galatasaray.



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  WNBA - Women  


Atlanta keeps on Dreaming - by Eurobasket News
The Dream remained real for Atlanta as they posted the second straight win yesterday. The WNBA extension team lost their first 17 games of the season before breaking the curse with win over Chicago several days ago. The Dream overcame a 13-point first period deficit to knock down the Minnesota Lynx away from home. Betty Lennox (5'8''-G-76, college: Louisiana Tech) notched 24 points 17 of them coming in the second half. Ivory Latta and Jennifer Lacy produced 11 points apiece in a winning case. Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) came up with 17 points to pace the Lynx. The hosts enjoyed a 6-point lead with just over 3 minutes left in regulation. But the Dream went on a 13:1 run to claim a narrow 73:67 win at the end. Nicky Anosike and Candice Wiggins had 11 points each in a loss.
The Los Angeles Sparks needed an overtime to prevail against visiting Houston. The Sparks went on an 8:0 run in the extra frame to pile up an unassailable lead against the Comets. Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) tallied massive 40 points, 16 boards, 6 assists and 5 blocks in a win. Lisa Leslie secured 13 points as the Sparks improved to 12-6 record. Parker had a chance to win the game in regulation but missed one of two freebies to send game into overtime. Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) answered with 21 points, 7 boards and 6 assists for the Comets. Sancho Lyttle secured 12 points for the Comets who fell to 9-11 record.