EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/31/2008

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Men News

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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Dejan Borovnjak agrees with Vojvodina Srbijagas
Vojvodina Srbijagas is the team which signed the most players this summer. It was totally expectable as almost all players from the last season left the club. This time Vojvodina take care for a real surprise adding Dejan Borovnjak (208-F-86) to its roster. Borovnjak grew up in Partizan's young selections and he was member of senior team since 2004. During this period Partizan won four championship titles in Serbia, two in Adriatic league and one National Cup 'Radivoj Korac'. Borovnjak played 28 games for reining Serbian and Adriatic league champion in regional competition averaging 4.2 ppg and 2.9 rpg. He also played 14 games in Serbian Superleague registering a little bit lower digits. Bodovnjak appeared 20 times in Euroleague but without important record. The main reason for Borovnjak's leaving to Novi Sad is his strong desire to get more minutes on the court. As a reminder Vojvodina Srbijagas already agreed terms with Marko Popovic (193-G-84), Marko Sutalo (194-G-83), Marko Jovanovic (214-C-82), Darko Habus (186-G-82, agency: 011 Sports) and head coach Zoran Sretenovic.

Crvena Zvezda is close to resolve its problems for the future. According to the Serbian media owner of FMP Zeleznik Nebojsa Covic is ready to take over the club. Covic will most probably be the president of the club while highly respected Bozidar Maljkovic announced that he for sure won't be the head coach of Crvena Zvezda. That possibility was one of the hottest stories in Serbian basketball public over the past month but mystery is finally resolved.

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  ANGOLA   


Diamond Ball, day 3: The Boomers with Bogut outsmarts Angola - by Eurobasket News
Angola - Australia 78-81

After victory against China yesterday, Australians created another one. This time the Boomers outplayed Angola thus they advanced to the final of 'Diamond Ball' which will be played tomorrow. Angolans will continue their participation on this prestigious tournament fighting for the position number five. NBA super star Andrew Bogut (212-F/C-84, college: Utah) was totally unstoppable in this game. Interesting is that he was the only player with double figures for the Boomers.
Both teams started the game carefully playing not so confident in offense. During the next 10 minutes Bogut's domination resulted with first bigger lead for the Boomers. Angola had minus 7 at the half time but they return from it with attitude. Olimpio Cipriano (193-F-82), Joaquim Gomes (200-C/F-80, agency: Prime Select Sports, college: Valparaiso) and Eduardo Mingas (200-F-79) created some points on their own setting the score on 59-59. Australians, once again mostly owing to Andrew Bogut, were strong enough at the end to take this one. The Boomers had a better stroke from behind the arc reaching 36.8% while they also had 55.6% for FG2 and 70% from the free throw line. Almost half of the attempts for FG2 in this game pulled up Andrew Bogut, having excellent 75%.

Andrew Bogut spent 30 minutes on court nailing 32 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Matt Nielsen (208-F/C-78) was a far away from him adding 9 points and 6 rebounds. Angola got 23 points and 5 boards from Olimpio Cipriano while Eduardo Mingas stopped on 20 points and 8 rebounds. Joaquim Gomes also shined for the loosing side with 17 points and 7 rebounds.


Angola - Australia 78-81
(16-17,19-25,24-17,19-22)

Angola: Olimpio Cipriano 23 (5 rebs), Eduardo Mingas 20 (8 rebs), Joaquim Gomes 17 (7 rebs)
Australia: Andrew Bogut 32 (11 rebs), Matt Nielsen 9 (6 rebs)

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  ARGENTINA   


Argentinian National Team for Olympic Games 2008 - by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Scola


Ginobili


Prigioni


Delfino


Nocioni
4 Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) of Houston Rockets (USA)
5 Emanuel Ginobili (198-G-77) of San Antonio Spurs (USA)
6 Roman Gonzalez (211-C-78) of Penarol Mar del Plata
7 Fabricio Oberto (207-C-75) of San Antonio Spurs (USA)
8 Pablo Prigioni (186-G-77) of Tau Ceramica Vitoria (ESP)
9 Antonio Porta (188-G-83) of Spartak St.Petersburg (RUS)
10 Carlos Delfino (199-G-82) of BC Khimky Moscow Region (RUS)
11 Paolo Quinteros (185-G-79) of CAI Zaragoza (ESP)
12 Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) of Atenas Cordoba
13 Andres Nocioni (199-F-79) of Chicago Bulls (USA)
14 Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) of CB Granada (ESP)
15 Federico Kammerichs (203-F-80) of Regatas Corrientes
Head Coach: Sergio Hernandez

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  AUSTRALIA   


Diamond Ball, day 3: The Boomers with Bogut outsmarts Angola - by Eurobasket News
Angola - Australia 78-81

After victory against China yesterday, Australians created another one. This time the Boomers outplayed Angola thus they advanced to the final of 'Diamond Ball' which will be played tomorrow. Angolans will continue their participation on this prestigious tournament fighting for the position number five. NBA super star Andrew Bogut (212-F/C-84, college: Utah) was totally unstoppable in this game. Interesting is that he was the only player with double figures for the Boomers.
Both teams started the game carefully playing not so confident in offense. During the next 10 minutes Bogut's domination resulted with first bigger lead for the Boomers. Angola had minus 7 at the half time but they return from it with attitude. Olimpio Cipriano (193-F-82), Joaquim Gomes (200-C/F-80, agency: Prime Select Sports, college: Valparaiso) and Eduardo Mingas (200-F-79) created some points on their own setting the score on 59-59. Australians, once again mostly owing to Andrew Bogut, were strong enough at the end to take this one. The Boomers had a better stroke from behind the arc reaching 36.8% while they also had 55.6% for FG2 and 70% from the free throw line. Almost half of the attempts for FG2 in this game pulled up Andrew Bogut, having excellent 75%.

Andrew Bogut spent 30 minutes on court nailing 32 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Matt Nielsen (208-F/C-78) was a far away from him adding 9 points and 6 rebounds. Angola got 23 points and 5 boards from Olimpio Cipriano while Eduardo Mingas stopped on 20 points and 8 rebounds. Joaquim Gomes also shined for the loosing side with 17 points and 7 rebounds.


Angola - Australia 78-81
(16-17,19-25,24-17,19-22)

Angola: Olimpio Cipriano 23 (5 rebs), Eduardo Mingas 20 (8 rebs), Joaquim Gomes 17 (7 rebs)
Australia: Andrew Bogut 32 (11 rebs), Matt Nielsen 9 (6 rebs)

Another Australian in Spanish ACB, Slingers out of NBL - by Eurobasket News
After David Andersen (212-C-80) and Daniel Kickert (208-C-83, college: St.Mary's, CA), another Australian will continue career in Spanish ACB league. It is Aleks Maric (211-C-84), who showed pretty good performance at the previous NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Unfortunately to him it wasn't enough for contract with San Antonio Spurs but it was for CB Granada. Maric spent last four years at University of Nebraska. At his senior year he averaged 15.7 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.3 spg and 1.7 bpg. Interesting is that two years before he registered even better digits in Nebraska. Maric was named to be in the second team of 'All-Big 12' in 2007 as well as this year. In the past he was a member pf Australian U18, and U21 National Team. With U18 NT he won the World Championship which was held in Athens in 2003. Before he officially signed with Granada, Croatian champion Zadar showed serious interest in Maric. Croatian team even sent him contract but Australian player thanked them deciding to go in Granada. Aleks Maric grew up as a player in Australian Institute of Sport.

In the meantime Singapore Slingers announced withdrawal from NBL for the next season. The reason for this inconvenient decision are huge international travel costs of the team. The Slingers finished last season as 12 ranked team with score 6-24. At their first season in NBL (06/07) Singapore Slingers ended it on position number eight.

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  BELGIUM   


Oostende Transfer News - by Peter Buyse

Base Oostende is next time to finalize its roster by reaching an agreement with American guard Rashid Atkins (182-G-75, college: St.Joseph's).
Atkins is a veteran of European basketball with stops in Bratislava, Stargard, Lugano, Tekelspor Istambul, Haifa and Banvit Kolubu between 1998 and 2005.
Played in Poland the past 3 seasons first for Trefl Sopot during the 2005-2006 and 2007-2007 seasons.
The prevous season he spent playing for Slask Wroclaw and averaged 11.1 ppg and 4.2 apg in the Polish league and 12.8 ppg and 4.3 apg in the Uleb Cup.

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  BOSNIA   


Tuljkovic stays in Poland, Igokea Partizan inks Bulajic - by Eurobasket News
Ex member of Bosnian National Team Mujo Tuljkovic (203-F-79) agreed terms with Polpharma-Pakmet Starograd. It will be Tuljkovics sixth team in Poland over the past 5 years. He started the last one in Polpak Swecie averaging 10 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 5 games. After month and a half he moved to another Polish team Banks BPS Basket Kwidzyn. For the rest of the season he had 21 appearances in DBE registering 12.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.2 spg. Two seasons ago he played half of the season for Bosna Sarajevo adding 9.6 ppg and 4 rpg for 9 games in Adriatic league. His team was a regular season champion but in the play-of final Tuljkovic and his teammates suffered defeat against Siroki Prima pivo. In the past Tuljkovic also used to play for Polonia Warszawa, Helios Domzale, Tirow, Wisla Kwakow, Sloboda Dita and Cenex. With Bosnian senior National Team he participated at the European Championship 2005 in Belgrade.

Bosnian/Serbian Nikola Bulajic (208-C-84) is the first player who arrived to Igokea Partizan at the off-season. Bulajic played last two years for Ukrainian team Politekhnika Lvov adding 8.5 ppg and 4.3 rpg at his last one. His team made nice success reaching the play-off semifinal as well as the semis in Ukrainian National Cup. Before Lvov, Bulajic spent 6 years in Montenegrin team Buducnost from Podgorica and half of the season in Primorka from Bar. He was a member of Serbian & Montenegrin National Team which participated at the Global Games in Dallas in 2003.

In the meantime Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) joined Bosnian National Team, which is preparing for the Eurobasket 2009 qualification. NT head coach Mensur Bajramovic approved Teletovic couple of days-off due to player's personal obligations.

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  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Rocks Hit Jackpot with Big Man Chino - by David Edole
The SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks have added their first new face to the 2008/09 squad in the name of high-flying forward Randy George (200-F-81, college: Henderson St.). The 6-7 (200 cm) native of the British Virgin Islands goes by the nickname Chino.

George spent last season in a Sheffield Sharks uniform where he averaged 7 points and 5.3 rebounds while playing an average of 17 minutes per game. Rocks player/coach Sterling Davis feels he landed a hidden gem in George.

Randy is a guy who Ive been impressed with from the first time I saw him. He has a raw talent for the game and great athleticism and agility for his size. I think he has so much more to show that maybe didnt come out last year.

Many saw that raw talent on display as he excited a hungry crowd during the BBLs 2008 Molten Slam Dunk Contest at the Playoff Finals Weekend in Birmingham. The Rocks resident Duke of Dunk, Gareth Murray, also participated in the contest however, George may soon be crowned King. Murray was eliminated in the preliminary rounds of the contest while George advanced to the final and finished in 2nd place.

Aside from the excitement of Georges talent, Davis says the islander has the right attitude as well.

Ive also done my research on Randy to know that well be getting a great guy who is hard-working and wants to do anything to help his team to win, said Davis. We are all looking forward to his arrival in the city and I in particular look forward to working and playing alongside him.

George will arrive in Glasgow around 1 September to begin preparations for the Rocks first season at Kelvin Hall.

Defending champs East lose series with Young Legs after falling, 86-84 - by David Edole
Kennedy Bass had 29 points, eight rebounds and four assists, in leading Young Legs past defending BVI Basketball Federation champs East, 86-84, in weekend action, as the took the regular season series 2-1.

Jason Edwin followed up with 13 points. Demeon Otter led the East-who outscored Young Legs 52-45 in the second half-with 24 points. David 'Bolo' Lettsome and Douron Phillips added 14 points each to the tally.

Run It Red outscored Outkast 29-21 in the third quarter, en route to a 93-83 triumph, behind Reynaldo Smith's 23 points. Jamal Todman and Travis Malone tossed in 19 and 13 each, with Malone completing a double double by pulling 11 off the glass. He also had eight steals.

Roger Frank lead Outkast with a game high 28 points and 12 rebounds. Kirk Adams narrowly missed double double by adding 25 points and nine steals.

And One overpowered Full Force, 87-75, behind Ryan Mills' 35 points and 11 rebounds. Shamori Morgan and Rowan Victor added 16 and 14 points a piece.

Full Force's Jerrick Amaro was their leading scorer with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Jacoy Brathwaite, Kashawn Pope and Jamarli James tossed in 15 each.

Norvin Smith's game high 30 points led five scorers in double figures, as Another Level pinned a 50-point 108-58, loss on Young Gunners. Kimani Walker pulled down 19 boards to go with his 15-point contribution. Kenrick Thomas, Dion Edwin and Raheem Blyden, followed up with 11 points respectively.

Jevon Serrand had Young Gunners' top score with 18 points. Rhakim Todman and Sean Martin chipped in 17 and 10 points each.

Off Da Chainz edged the Peacemakers, 63-60, behind Shevon Reefe's 21 point 13 rebound game. Vaughn Bassue and Michael Bassue, added another 16 and 10 points to the final score.

Peacemakers' Nahassie Chalwell had a game best 24 points and seven rebounds. Andre Adams tossed in another 13.

Dudley Richardson and Charubin Smith had 34 and 29 points respectively, in leading the Guns past the Latinos, 84-77. Sandy Nadal led the Latinos' scores with a 34 point 11 rebound double. Lanoco Quesasa poured in a15 points 14 rebounds double, double. Carlos Ramirez and Angel Rodriquez, each added 10 to the final tally.

PENN-ING FOR ANOTHER YEAR - by David Edole
McNeese coach Dave Simmons is still waiting on the appeal to get big man Kleon Penn (211-C-86) a fifth-year.

The 6-foot-11, 285-pound native of the Virgin Islands was fourth in the country in blocks.

``He takes up a lot of space in the paint, Simmons said.

Penn played two years at McNeese and also spent part of one season at a community college in the Virgin Islands, but the issue is regarding when his clock began as far as his eligibility is concerned.

``If he comes back, the skys the limit, Simmons said. But if we dont get him back, well still be a very good team.

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  CHINA   


Australia Beats China 67-55 - by Arthur Volbert
Australia showed China's vulnerability to strong defense as it defeated China's National Team today 67-55. Liu Wei (190-G-80) was injured running into a screen set by Australia's Chris Anstey after only 7 minutes of the game, and the defeat in his absense shows Liu's importance to the team.

Liu remained on the floor for nearly five minutes before being helped to the bench by Yao Ming. At halftime he went to the hospital to be checked out and Coach Jonas Kauslauskas said after the game that he did not yet know the nature of Liu's injury.

Yao Ming had 14 points and 7 rebounds in 30 minutes, but also had 5 turnovers. Yi Jianlian was scoreless in 24 minutes, missing all three shots he took. Wang Zhizhi had 4 points, hitting 1 of 5 shots. Yi had 4 rebounds while Wang had 3. China and Australia each had 29 rebounds, as China's rebounding against strong competition has definitely improved.

But China hit only 15 of 45 shots and had 24 turnovers to 12 by Australia.

Sun Yue played 26 minutes with 1 assist and 2 turnovers, but only hit 1 of 5 shots. Zhang Qingpeng played 20 minutes and scored 6 points on 2 of 4 three-pointers but had 1 assist to 5 turnovers. Chen Jianghua was scoreless in 14 mintues with 3 turnovers. So Zhang and Chen combined for 1 assist and 8 turnovers in 34 minutes, showing their youth and inexperience.

Li Nan scored 11 points for China and Wang Shipeng scored 8. Wang hit 2 of 5 three-points shots but missed all 4 two-point shots he attempted. Zhu Fangyu did not play.

Chris Anstey led Australia with 11 points, Dave Anderson scored 10 and Andrew Bogut had 9 points and 8 rebounds in 23 minutes.

China certainly did not look like an Olympic medal contender but it used to lose games such as this one by 40 points.

Box Score:
http://www.nanjing2008.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/08/diamBall/men/scheResu/p/eventid//gamename/2/groupname/A/langlc//roundid/6361/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html

In the other game today Iran defeated Serbia 72-70 as Hamed Ehadadi had 20 points and 20 rebounds in 40 minutes.

Box Score:
http://www.nanjing2008.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/08/diamBall/men/scheResu/p/eventid//gamename/2/groupname/B/langlc//roundid/6361/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html

China Team has long way to go - by Robert Wang
From the final score 67:55, noone can tell if China played well or not since it was a warm-up game between China and Australia before Olympic Games. But it really showed some big problems when you watched the whole game. China has ben struglling in the whole game. 3 NBA big guys in china team, Yao Ming, Yi Jian Lian, Wang zhi zhi. But Yi scored '0'. Who can tell how china team would play like in Olympic games without Yao Ming. Yi and Yao played together for some minutes but he really can't make points, then he was set on bench, while Wang zhi zhi has made some nice passes to Yao Ming. It seemed that Yi has a long way to go although he is an NBA player now. Liu Wei is another player that china can't play without him. After he injuried, other 3 guards (Sun Yue, Zhang Qing Peng, Chen Jiang hua) met big problem on the tight defence from australian team. 25 turnover, what an unblievable stats! China has been played many games before Olympic Games and they wonsome games, but those team is not the top national team but china team did not noticed this. They tought they are so strong, they can been any teams, now what happened? If control Liu wei at Poijnt guard psoition and control Yao Ming on center position, what can this team do? China team needs to think about thier weekpoints and think how to improve themselves. Game lost, but it is good for the players to put themselves into the right position. They have long way to go!

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  COLOMBIA   


Federation Cup Schedulled to begin on August 29 - by Victor Garcia
The 2008 Colombian Basketball Federation Cup yet without an official sponsor is schedulled to start on August 29, eight teams are expected to play in the Cup.
At this time just Arrieros from Antioquia, Bucaros from Bucaramanga, Piratas from Bogot, Soles from San Andrs are confirmed, Condores from Cundinamarca, Indervalle from Cali, Patriotas from Tunja, Sabios from Manizales and Caoneros from Norte are still to confirm, one of this last 5 teams will not be accepted.

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  CROATIA   


Russia go on top of Group F in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Russia U18 - Croatia U18 85:76

Russian Junior National Team survived close last seconds in the clash against Croatia to post their second consecutive win at the Qualifying round of the European Championship. Russia thus climbed on top of Group F but still did not guarantee the semifinal birth. Four teams have a chance to enter the semis with Croatia, France and Latvia hoping for it alongside Russia. The teams looked well matched in the opening minutes however Toni Prostran (188-G-91) and Mario Delas (210-C-90) spurred Croatia to a 17:8 lead midway through the frame. Vladimir Pichkurov (195-G-90), Evgeny Valiev (204-F-90) and Maxim Grigoryev (191-G-90) chipped in a bunch of free throws and Russia cut the deficit to 3 points. The teams traded baskets throughout the second term with Russia keeping it close. Alexey Murychev (203-F/C-90) put Russian team ahead thrice before he was supported by Pavel Antipov (200-F-91) and they established a 43:41 advantage at halftime. Pavel Antipov and Maxim Grigoryev fired three treys at the start of the third period and Russia cleared off to an 11-point distance. Croatia failed to recover in the third stanza and trailed by 10 points heading into the final frame. Mario Delas tipped off the fourth quarter with 4 points to cut the deficit however Sergey Palkin (191-G-90), Alexey Murychev and Vladimir Pichkurov secured a safe distance for Russian team. Croatia managed to come as close as 5 points with just over 2 minutes remaining but Russian players were deadly from charity stripe in the final minutes to seal the winning outcome. Vladimir Pichkurov nailed 17 points to lead Russia. Alexey Murychev contributed 15 points and 13 boards for the winners. Mario Delas answered with 20 points and 8 boards for Croatia. Toni Prostran scored 17 points in a losing case. Russia will face Latvia, while Croatia will take on France in the final round of the Qualifying round.

Russia U18: Vladimir Pichkurov 17, Alexey Murychev 15+13 boards, Maxim Grigoryev 14
Croatia U18: Mario Delas 20, Toni Prostran 17

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  D-LEAGUE   


Top Performances by D-Leaguers at 2008 Rocky Mountain Revue - by Surujh Roopnarine
Atlanta Hawks
Luke Jackson (6'7''-F/G-81, college: Oregon) (Idaho Stampede): 6 games: 11.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 80.0%
Jeremy Richardson (6'7''-G/F-83, college: Delta St.) (Ft. Wayne Flyers): 6 games: 9.7ppg, 3.7rpg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 10.0%, FT: 72.2%
Kevinn Pinkney (6'9''-F-83, college: Nevada) (Bakersfield Jam): 6 games: 5.3ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 56.0%, FT: 50.0%

Dallas Mavericks
Gerald Green (6'8''-G/F-86) (Florida Flame/Fayetteville Patriots): 6 games: 17.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 90.3%

D-League Ambassadors
Glen McGowan (6'9''-F-81, college: Pepperdine) (Sioux Falls Skyforce): 3 games: 15.0ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 80.0%
Nick Lewis (6'10''-F/C-83, college: San Diego) (Bakersfield Jam): 3 games: 10.7ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 75.0%
Josh Gross (6'6''-F-83, college: NC-Greensboro) (Austin Toros): 3 games: 10.0ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 80.0%

New Jersey Nets
Julius Hodge (6'7''-G-83, college: N.Carolina St.) (Albuquerque Thunderbirds): 3 games: 12.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.7spg, FGP: 65.4%, FT: 40.0%
Brian Hamilton (6'6''-F-82, college: La-Lafayette) (Utah Flash): 3 games: 3.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.0spg, FGP: 45.5%, FT: 25.0%

San Antonio Spurs
Ian Mahinmi (6'9''-F/C-86) (Austin Toros**): 3 games: 12.7ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 45.0%, FT: 90.9%
Anthony Tolliver (6'9''-C-85, college: Creighton) (Iowa Energy): 4 games: 11.5ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 53.3%, FT: 88.9%
Devin Green (6'7''-G-82, college: Hampton) (Los Angeles D-Fenders): 4 games: 10.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 38.2%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 84.6%
Brian Morrison (6'2''-G-82, college: UCLA) (Los Angeles D-Fenders): 3 games: 9.7ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 75.0%, FT: 71.4%

Utah Jazz
Morris Almond (6'6''-F-85, college: Rice) (Utah Flash**): 6 games: 18.5ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.4%
Britton Johnsen (6'10''-F-79, college: Utah) (Utah Flash): 2 games: 7.5ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 45.5%, FT: 83.3%
Earl Calloway (6'3''-G-83, college: Indiana) (Ft. Wayne Mad Ants): 5 games: 5.8ppg, 1.4rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 29.2%, FT: 83.3%
Hiram Fuller (6'9''-F-81, college: Fresno St.) (Florida Flame): 6 games: 5.0ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 36.7%, FT: 66.7%

** 2007-08 Assigned Player

Former D-League Rookie of the Year Will Bynum Heads Back to NBA - by Surujh Roopnarine
The Detroit Pistons have signed Will Bynum (5'11''-G-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) to a contract in order to provide depth in their backcourt. Bynum, a standout at Georgia Tech, where as a junior he helped the Yellow Jackets to the NCAA Championship game in 2004 (lost to Connecticut), joins the Pistons after spending the last two seasons with Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Israel. Bynum took the D-League by storm as a rookie during the 2005-06 season with Roanoke, scoring a league-leading 24ppg to go along with 6.7 assists per contest (29 games). Bynums last NBA stint came with Golden State where he averaged 3.6 points and 1.3 assists in 15 games after his time in the D-League. This past season with Maccabi, arguably one of the historic clubs least-successful (by their standards), Bynum had an up and down season, marred by an off-the-curt issue and sometimes inconsistent play, the 511 guard still averaged 10.6 points and 3.0 assists in 24 Euroleague games. Brought in as a second option to Detroits Summer League Entry in Las Vegas, Bynum averaged 11.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

Toros assistant Rogers called up to the New Jersey Nets - by Eurobasket News
Toros assistant coach Roy Rogers has been promoted to an assistant coach with the New Jersey Nets, announced today by Nets President Rod Thorn. Rogers is the 19th coach called-up to the NBA in the D-League's seven year history and the first for Austin.

Rogers spent last season with the Toros on Head Coach Quin Snyder's staff. In his season with the Toros he helped steer the team to a 30-20 record, a Southwest Division Championship title and a trip to the 2008 D-League finals.

'I am excited about this great opportunity with the Nets. I've gained invaluable experience from the D-League, Coach Snyder and my time with the Spurs coaching staff,' said Rogers.

Prior to joining the Toros, Rogers spent the previous two seasons with the Tulsa 66ers. Rogers made his coaching debut with the Huntsville Flight in 2004.

'We are very pleased for Roy and his family. He was a valuable asset to our Toros program. We are excited for this opportunity for him, but he and his family will be greatly missed,' said Spurs General Manager and President of Sport Franchises R. C. Buford.

Prior to his coaching experience, Rogers played professionally from 1996-2004. He was drafted 22nd overall in the 1996 NBA Draft out of the University of Alabama and played for Memphis, Boston, Toronto, Houston, Chicago, and Denver, while in the NBA. Rogers played internationally from 2000-2004 in Russia, Italy, Greece and Poland.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Arsenal names Sam Vincent head coach - by Eurobasket News
Former NBA Head Coach Sam Vincent was named the new head coach of the Anaheim Arsenal yesterday during a press conference at the ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney.

The Anaheim Arsenal is Vincent's latest stop in his distinguished basketball career which has included coaching stints with the Dallas Mavericks, Charlotte Bobcats, Mobile Revelers, Fort Worth Flyers and several international teams.

Last season, Vincent made NBA and NBA Development League history as the first former NBA Development League coach to be named the head coach of an NBA team when Michael Jordan, the team's president of basketball operations and a former teammate of Vincent's, chose him to lead the Charlotte Bobcats. During his tenure in Charlotte, Vincent helped the squad to the longest winning streak in franchise history, a five-game stretch in early March that included four victories against playoff teams.

Vincent's head coaching career began in 1996 with the Cape Town Kings in South Africa, where Vincent was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization, including business administration, sponsorship sales, marketing and communications. After three seasons with Cape Town, Vincent would accept the head coaching position of both the men's and women's South African senior national teams. Vincent also coached in the Greek A-2 men's basketball league and with the Canoe Jeans in Den Bosch, Netherlands, in the A1 Dutch league before being named head coach of the Nigerian women's national team. He led the squad to its first FIBA Africa championship in December 2003, earning a berth at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. In Athens, Vincent guided the Nigerian team to the first Olympic victory by an African women's basketball team, defeating South Korea 68-64. Vincent also served as head coach for the Nigerian men's national team, leading the team to a bronze medal during the 2005 FIBA Africa championships and an 82-75 upset win over powerhouse Serbia and Montenegro during the 2006 FIBA World Championships.

Vincent had his first NBA coaching experience with the Dallas Mavericks during the Toshiba Vegas Summer League in 2006. He then went on to serve as an assistant coach under Avery Johnson during the 2006 - 2007 season. As a member of Johnson's staff, he was a part of a Mavericks team that won a league-best 67 games during the regular season.

Sam Vincent 's first experience with the NBA Development League came in the inaugural season of 2001-02 as head coach of Mobile Revelers. During his second season with the Revelers, Vincent coached the fourth-seeded squad to their first NBA Development League championship. He returned to the NBA Development League in 2005 as head coach of the Fort Worth Flyers, steering the team to a league-best 28-20 record in 2005-06 and advancing to the championship game.

Vincent was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the first-round (20th overall) of the 1985 NBA Draft. As a rookie he helped the Celtics win an NBA championship. The very next season, the Celtics would make another NBA Finals appearance in Vincent's sophomore year. After spending part of the 1987-88 season with the Seattle SuperSonics, Vincent was traded to the Chicago Bulls and averaged 13 points, 8.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds, while starting 27 games and helping the Bulls to the playoffs. Vincent started 56 of the 70 games he played the following season as the Bulls advanced to the Eastern Conference finals. Chosen in the expansion draft by the Orlando Magic after the 1989-90 season, he averaged 11.2 points, 5.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game for the Magic during the team's inaugural season in the league.

A seven-year NBA veteran, Vincent followed his playing career up with a position as a special advisor to Reggie Williams, Vice President of Disney's Wide World of Sports. In this capacity, Vincent was responsible for attracting major sporting events to the Orlando area.

A native of Lansing, Mich., Sam Vincent was named Michigan's first 'Mr. Basketball' in 1981. A standout at Michigan State University, he averaged 16.8 points per game for the Spartans, was named team MVP from 1983 to 1985 and was recognized by The Sporting News as an All-American in 1985. A two-time First Team All-Big Ten honoree, he ranks sixth in career scoring, ninth in career assists and third in career steals for Michigan State.

Vincent now brings his extensive NBA, NBA Development League and international coaching experience to the Anaheim Arsenal.

Vincent and his wife, Lisa, have three children: Fabian, 13; Jordique, 6; and Jaren, 2.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

*****************************************************
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Standings - LIDOBA
LIDOBA Standings
North Division
 1. Reales 6-0 
 2. Marineros 3-3 
 3. Metros 2-4 
 4. Indios SF 1-5 
South Division
 1. Constituyentes 5-1 
 2. Panteras DN 2-3 
 3. Cocolos 2-3 
 4. Caneros 2-4 


Reales de La Vega continue undefeated. - by Jaime Gomez
Reales de La Vega defeated Marineros de Puerto Plata 93-86 to remain undefeated in Lidoba League.

For Reales, Jorge Almanzar (193-G/F-76) 19 points, 6 assists and 6 steals, Ramon Ruiz (188-G-85) 17 points, John Jackson (201-F-74, college: Mississippi) 14 points and 10 rebounds, Juan Coronado (198-F-90) 13 points.

For Marineros, Marlon Martinez (204-F/C-79, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes) 29 points and 10 rebounds, Jamaal Thomas (202-F-80, college: Angelo St.) 21 points, Olivier Gonzalez 11 points.


Constituyentes de San Cristobal 92, Caneros de La Romana 89.

FOr Constituyentes de San Cristobal, Josue Abreu (188-G-66) 20 points, Hansel Salvador (186-G-80) 19 points, Eddie Elisma (205-F/C-75, college: Georgia Tech) 15 points and 7 rebounds, Kyle Edwards (208-C-80, college: Texas A&M Int.) 14 points and 7 rebounds.

For Caneros de La Romana, Reggie Charles (200-F-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) 24 points and 9 rebounds, Lennox McCoy (188-G-77, college: Cent.Oklahoma) 20 points, Edward Santana (203-F-80) 12 points and 12 rebounds, Leroy Nunez 13 points, Carlos Sanchez 13 points.<<>><<>>

Indios Sign Chris Smith - by Kerwin Abreu
San Francisco De Macoris: Indios de San Francisco sign Chris Smith (201-F/C-82, college: St.Edward's) in substitution of Mike Dean. Dean left the team because of personal reasons with the team. Los Indios are 0-5 and will face Los Metros today. Dean was averaging 18.4 per games. He was 4th in scoring. Chris Smith will be with Jamal Holden (206-C-80, college: UALR) as the Indios reinforces players.

Los Indios also included Gregory Ventura to help Richard Ortega (188-G-82) at the PG spot. Luis Nelson Ferreiras (191-F-76) who was mentioned not to be with the team for this game, will be available.

Lidoba's Wednesday Results - by Kerwin Abreu
San Francisco De Macoris: Indios de san francisco wins first vs Los Metros De Santiago 95-90. Los Indios are now 1-5. The best players in the victory were Benyi Minaya (180-G) 21 points 5 rebounds, Jamal Holden (206-C-80, college: UALR) 20 points, Henry Paulino (198-F-73) 16 points. In the lost cause Robert Sanders (201-F-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Providence) 27 points, Osvaldo Lopez (189-G/F-83) 21 points.


Santo Domingo: Las Panteras defeated Los cocolos 75-65. The best man in the victory was Benito Flores (198-F-80, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) 15 points 15 rebounds, Ocani Belis 13 points, Chris Garnett (211-C-80, college: Indiana SE) 12. In the lost cause Sammy Villegas (198-G-83, agency: Next Level, college: Toledo) 16 points, Henry Lalane (199-F-78, college: St.Francis,NY) and Juan Carlos Eusebio (203-C/F-73) 14 each.

Friday's Games:

Los Indios vs Los Cocolos
Marineros vs Constituyentes
Caneros vs Metros
Panteras vs Reales

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  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


Eurobasket Summer League (Salt Lake City) - Friday Results & Stats - by Darryl Reshaw

The semifinal showdown between Sevilla (Play to Win) and Rotterdam featured a lot of talent on the court in the first game on Friday.
Sevilla again over powered their opponents with a lot of talent and earned a place in Saturdays championship game by crushing Rotterdam 97-82
Ryan Williams (196-F-83, agency: Tank Sports, college: St.John's) (196-F-83, agency: Tank Sports, college: St.John's) was outstanding and unstoppable as he scored 36 pts, 7rbs, 5ast and 5 steals including some amazing dunks which were the highlights of the day at the ESL.
He is definitely one of the most athletic players the ESL has seen this summer by far and he is difficult to stop as he gets to the basket at will.
Kenny Walker (206-F/C-80, college: Alabama) was outstanding again as he scored 21pts and 8rbs and Sevilla received some nice guard play again from Adrian McCullough (178-G-78, college: Nevada) as he added 11pts.
Sevilla was totally dominant on the boards as they out rebounded Rotterdam 45-26 and was probably the decisive factor regarding the outcome.
Marlo Saunders (196-F-84, agency: IceBasket) and Troy Gwynn (196-G/F-80, college: Evergreen St.) were the only bright spots for Rotterdam in their losing effort. Marlo competed with the talented Sevilla squad and scored an impressive 23 pts and had 5 steals.
Troy is a super athlete and in the transition game managed to dunk and run his way to 15 points. Melvin Jones (206-F-84, college: St.John's) was solid and pitched in 7pts, 8rbs and 3blk for Rotterdam as well.

In the second game on Friday night Frankfurt just crushed Belgrade 128 -78 as they ran on all cylinders and had some outstanding performances from several players.
Travis Knight (211-F/C-74, college: Connecticut) (211-F/C-74, college: Connecticut) the former NBA player had his best game in the ESL to date as he competed in the ESL in Las Vegas as well.
Travis scored 23pts, 11rbs and altered several shots as he was running the floor well and knocking his jump shot down extremely well all night and its seems like he is getting in excellent shape and could surprise some teams in Europe next season.
Rick Cardoso (201-F-85, college: Cal.St.-Stanislaus) had an amazing game and is a very talented player as he scored 27 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Rick has looked good in both of his games in the ESL in Salt Lake to date and is a very long and athletic player who can play and score.
Only one player on the Frankfurt team did not score in double figures as their shooters played well and shot the lights out from deep on the second day.
Nic Fuller (179-G-85, college: Colorado Springs) (16pts), Todd Okeson (183-G-82, college: Nevada) (19pts), Marcus Watts (201-F, college: Chattanooga) (15pts) and Jeremy Walker (191-G-81) (13pts) all played extremely well and help crush the Belgrade squad.
Matt Wheaton (196-G-85, college: Tulane) (14pts) and Monty Rogers (196-F-82, college: Mayville St.) (17pts & 8rbs) stepped their games up and competed with the Frankfurt team but the just did not have enough firepower to deal with Frankfurt.

The third game of the night saw the powerful Munich team blast Naples 125-88 to face Sevilla in the ESL Championship on Saturday.
Six players from the Munich team scored in double figures as Nathan Green (203-F-75, college: Idaho St.) dominated inside and outside by scoring 26pts and grabbing 10rbs.
Nathan Green was one of the best players in the CBA last season and is showing his skills and professional experience in the ESL.
Nick Covington (188-G-85, college: Oklahoma City) the outstanding guard from Oklahoma City University scored 25pts, 8rbs, 10ast and 5 steals put on a show and is probably the best guard in the ESL at Salt Lake City.
Emmanuel Little (196-F-85, college: N.Dakota) (13pts), Marcus King-Stockton (206-F-85, college: Colorado) (15pts & 9rbs), Kevin Young (16pts), Isaiah Allen (191-G-85, college: UTSA) (15pts) and Phillippe Harris (180-G-85, college: Fayetteville St.) (9pts &6rbs) all contributed well for the Munich team.
Chris Keller (196-F-85, college: Northwest) the deadly outside shooter for the Naples team hit four 3pt shots and scored 18 points and got a little help from Chris Gaines (193-F-85, college: Prairie View A&M) who hit 13pts.
Munich had too many quality players and depth compared to the Naples team.
Munich should match the Sevilla team with depth and talent in Saturdays championship game.

The final game on Friday night was a thriller that went down to the last shot as Barcelona and Sofia traded blows all night.
Ryan Mueller (201-F-86, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Carroll) who had struggled with his precise outside shooting all night finally hit a 3pt shot in the corner with a few seconds left to give Barcelona a 108-107 victory over Sofia in an ESL classic.
Barcelona had a great team effort as six players scored I double figures.
This game was very exciting as both teams played well all night as both teams change leads several time throughout the game.
The exciting and ultra quick and athletic point guard Kenny Pascley (183-G-85, college: Tiffin) scored 18pts & 3ast, Brian Lathan played well and had 11pts & 5ast & 5stls; Marcus Heard (201-F-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: De Paul) was great all night and had a couple of monster dunks and he scored 20pts and grabbed 8rbs; Quincy Hodges (196-G-81) chipped in 13pts; Mensah Sadikki Taylor (198-F-80, college: Gardner-Webb) had a great all around game and is a very talented and lighting quick player who scored 16pts, 8rbs and 6ast and Chris Hunt (198-F-85, college: Occidental) was great as well by scoring 19pts and grabbing 5rbs.
Sofia has three great players who have been virtually impossible to stop during the ESL in Salt Lake City and all of them are unique players who are fun to watch.
Issac Spencer who has professional experience internationally scored 25pts, 9rbs and 6ast. He has a great all around game and does everything right.
Kurtis Rice (200-F-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Charleston So.) is a smooth big guard or wing player who is very athletic but has the whole package when it comes to scoring. His mid-range game is excellent.
He scored 30pts, 10rbs and 6ast and has the talent to play anywhere in Europe.
Gordon Chase (188-F-86, college: Georgetown, KY) the NAIA All American that has the Baby Andrian Dantley game is very unique and is totally impossible to guard for big guys and small opponents.
He scored 25pts with everyone being amaze by his raw power, old school slick moves and great mid-range shooting touch.
This was a tough defeat for Sofia because it seemed that they had control of the game.

Day 2 Box Scores:

Game 1: Sevilla 97, Rotterdam 82

Sevilla: 97

Mike Dale: 5pts, 2rbs, 1ast
Shawn Daniels: 2pts, 4rbs
Adrain McCullough: 11pts, 4rbs, 2ast
Jeff Mc Millan: 6pts, 7rbs
Lawrence Blackledge: 4pts, 2rbs
Maurice Spillers: 5pts, 6rbs, 4ast, 6stl
Justin Taylor: 9pts, 3rbs
Kenny Walker: 21pts, 8rbs, 2ast
Ryan Williams: 36pts, 7rbs, 4ast, 5stl
Ryan Davis: 3pts,

Rotterdam: 82

Marlo Saunders: 23pts, 5stl
Melvin Jones: 7pts, 8rbs, 3blk, 3stl
Brian Dailey: 2pts, 3rbs, 2stl
Christopher Agnes: 4pts, 4rbs, 4ast
Jamaal Conley: 6pts, 2rbs, 1ast, 1stl
McCade Olsten: 10pts, 3rbs
Troy Gwynn: 15pts, 3ast
Robin Hood: 6pts, 2rbs, 4ast, 4stl
Zack Alviderez: 9pts, 3rbs



Game 2: Frankfurt 128, Belgrade 78

Frankfurt: 128

Travis Knight: 23pts, 11rbs, 3ast
Guy Meyer: 4pts, 2rbs, 2ast
Rick Cardoso: 27pts, 13rbs, 2ast
Nic Fuller: 16pts, 5rbs, 7ast
Andre Thompson: 11pts, 2rbs, 4ast
Todd Okeson: 19pts, 5rbs, 2ast
Marcus Watts: 15pts, 4rbs, 5ast, 2stl
Jeremy Walker: 13pts,

Belgrade: 78

Marcus Saunders: 9pts, 4rbs
Nocola Bodin: 11pts, 3rbs, 3stl
Kareem Grant: 13pts, 5rbs
Quincy Saxton: 2pts, 5ast
Matt Wheaton: 14pts, 4rbs, 2ast
Clive Williamson: 5pts,
Monty Rogers: 17pts, 7rbs
Matt Thomas: 4pts


Game 3: Munich 125, Naples 88

Munich: 125

Emmanuel Little: 13pts, 5rbs, 4ast
Marcus King Stockton: 15pts, 9rbs
Joseph Johnson: 4pts, 2rbs, 2ast
Kevin Young: 16pts, 4rbs, 2ast
Nathan Green: 26pts, 11rbs, 2blk
Isaiah Allen: 15pts, 4ast
Nick Covington: 25pts, 8rbs, 10ast, 4stl
Philippe Harris: 7pts, 7rbs, 3ast, 2stl


Naples: 88

Derrick Courtney: 7pts, 7rbs, 1blk
Clayton Cruse: 10pts, 2rbs, 3blk
Emmitt Thomas: 6pts, 4rbs, 2ast
Joseph Thomas: 9pts,
Brian Sewald: 8pts,
Chris Gaines: 13pts, 5rbs, 1stl
Chris Keller: 18pts, 4rbs
Jon Sheets: 8pts, 1rbs, 2ast
Kevin Mitchell: 9pts, 1rbs, 2ast


Game 4: Barcelona 108, Sofia 107

Barcelona: 108

Kenneth Pascley: 18pts, 3ast, 3blk
Brian Lathan: 11pts, 5ast, 4stl
Ryan Mueller: 9pts, 2rbs
Marcus Heard: 20pts, 8rbs, 1ast
Quincy Hodges: 13pts, 2rbs
Joshua Richardson: 8pts, 2ast
Mensah Sadikki Taylor: 16pts, 8rbs, 6ast, 1stl
Chris Hunt: 19pts, 5rbs, 1stl, 1blk

Sofia: 107

Micah Smith: 12pts, 2rbs, 3stl
Issac Spencer: 25pts, 9rbs, 6ast, 1stl
Kurtis Rice: 30pts, 10rbs, 6ast, 1stl
Julian Franklin: 4pts, 3ast
J. Williams: 6pts, 3ast
Shawn Sridhar: 3pts
Gordon Chase: 25pts, 4rbs, 2ast

Eurobasket Summer League (Salt Lake City) Day 1 results and boxscores - by Darryl Reshaw
Barcelona and Naples squared off in the third game on Friday night as Naples nipped Barcelona 96-91.
The Naples team had five players who scored in double figures as they outscored Barcelona 26-5 at the free throw line.
Naples continued to go inside and lived on the charity stripe all night.
Derrick Courtney (198-G/F-84) led the Naples team with 18 points as he took the ball to the basket all evening.
Brian Sewald (196-F-86, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) and Chris Keller (196-F-85, college: Northwest) also had great games and added 17pts and 18pts as well.
Chris Keller was hot as he made 4 of 6 three point shots for the Naples team.
Kevin Mitchell (188-G-80, college: UTPA) the smooth point guard with the nice jump shot ran the team and made great decisions and had 13 pts and 5ast for Naples.
Chris Gaines (193-F-85, college: Prairie View A&M) also played extremely well and added 14 points for the winning team.
Barcelona had six players scored double figures as well in the high scoring contest.
Joshua Richardson (195-F-78, agency: Promotex) paced Barcelona with 18 points as he scored buckets all night long and was unstoppable.
Marcus Heard (201-F-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: De Paul) who was on the CBA All Rookie Team in 2007-08 was very impressive and athletic powering a couple of serious dunks; he scored 16 points and hailed down 11 rebounds.
Chris Hunt (198-F-85, college: Occidental) was solid as he scored 16pts; Mensah Sadikki Taylor (198-F-80, college: Gardner-Webb) added another 15pts and the talented Kenny Pascley (183-G-85, college: Tiffin) chipped in 11pts for the losing team.

The rest of the weekend results and full stats will be posted on the Eurobasket web site with full details of the Salt Lake City event later.
The ESL will announce the Salt Lake City All Tournament Team and the All Big Men Team on Wednesday.


Game 4 on Thursday saw the strong Rotterdam team beat Belgrade 90-81.
Melvin Jones (206-F-84, college: St.John's) (206-F-84, college: St.John's) of Rotterdam was dominant in this game as he scored 19pts and pulled down 10 rebounds as he controlled the painted area on both ends.
Christopher Agnes (193-F-84, college: Morehouse) had a great floor game as he pitched in 18pts and had 5ast and Robin Hood was a surprise addition as he scored 17 points and shot the ball well.
Troy Gwynn (196-G/F-80, college: Evergreen St.) showed his crazy athleticism by powering and dunking in an interesting 17 points.
Belgrade was led by the very athletic Marcus Saunders (203-F/C-84, agency: IceBasket, college: Texas-PB) who played in Spain last season with 18pts and 7rbs.
He received some help from Kareem Grant (198-F/G-82, college: Tennessee St.) (16pts) and Monty Rogers (196-F-82, college: Mayville St.) who chipped in 13pts.

Thursdays Games Boxscores:

Game 1: Sevilla (Play to Win) 95, Frankfurt 91

Sevilla: 95

Shawn Daniels: 2pts
Adrian McCullough: 12pts, 4ast
Jeff Franklin: 8pts, 2ast
Lawrence Blackledge: 0pts
Maurice Spillers: 10pts, 6rbs, 4ast
Justin Taylor: 8pts,
Kenneth Walker: 13pts, 9rbs, 4ast
Ryan Williams: 25pts, 5rbs
Ryan Davis: 9pts

Frankfurt: 91

Travis Knight: 9pts, 11rbs, 3blk
Guy Meyer: 6pts
Rick Cardoso: 14pts, 8rbs
Andre Thompson: 19pts
Nic Fuller: 3pts, 4ast
Todd Okeson: 0pts
Marcus Watts: 29pts; 5rbs
Jeremy Walker: 7pts


Game 2: Munich 109, Sofia 89

Munich: 109

Emmanuel Little: 13pts; 5rbs
Marcus King-Stockton: 10pts, 7rbs
Joseph Jackson: 12pts, 4rbs, 3ast
Kevin Young: 15pts, 6rbs
Nathan Green: 15pts, 10rbs
Isiah Allen: 19pts, 3ast
Nick Covington: 26pts, 4rbs, 8ast
Phillipe Harris: 7pts


Sofia: 89

Micah Smith: 9pts, 3rbs
Issac Spencer: 26pts, 9rbs, 5ast
Kurtis Rice: 26pts, 8rbs, 3ast
Julian Franklin: 9pts, 4rbs
J. Williams: 2pts
Shawn Sridhar: 2pts
Gordon Chase: 19pts, 5rbs


Game 3: Naples 96, Barcelona 92

Naples: 96

Derrick Courtney: 18pts, 4rbs
Clayton Cruse: 6pts, 5rbs
Emmitt Thomas: 8pts, 4rbs, 3ast
Joseph Thomas: 0pts
Brian Sewald: 17pts, 4rbs
Charles Gaines: 14pts, 3ast
Chris Keller: 18pts, 2ast
Jon Sheets: 2pts
Kevin Mitchell: 13pts, 3rbs, 6ast


Game 4: Rotterdam 90, Belgrade 81

Rotterdam: 90

Marlo Saunders: 9pts, 4rbs
Melvin Jones: 19pts, 10rbs
Brian Dailey: 2pts
Christopher Agnes: 18pts, 4rbs, 3ast
Jamaal Conley: 4pts, 3rbs
McCade Olsten: 0pts
Troy Gwynn: 17pts, 6rbs
Zack Alviderez: 4pts, 3rbs
Robin Hood: 17pts, 4rbs, 4ast


Belgrade: 81

Marcus Saunders: 18pts, 6rbs, 3ast
Nocola Bodic: 10pts, 4rbs
Kareem Grant: 16pts, 3rbs
Hasan Houston: 8pts, 3rbs, 3ast
Quincy Saxton: 2pts
Matt Wheaton: 5pts, 4rbs
Clive Williamson: 5pts, 5ast
Monty Rogers: 13pts, 3rbs
Matt Thomas: 6pts,
Ron Senior: 4pts, 3rbs

*****************************************************
  EUROCUP   


Latest Eurocup signings - by Eurobasket News
Another Russian team took care for enormous surprise this summer. It is Triumph Luybertsy which signed two-years deal with Serbian center Nenad Krstic (213-C-83). Ex player of New Jersey Nets will earn 6 million euros for these two years but he also has an option to leave the team after the first one. The salary is equivalent of round 9 millions dollar in USA with an important fact that European teams pay all the players' taxes. Krstic played 45 games for the Nets last season averaging 6.6 ppg and 4.4 rpg. It was a season after his serious knee injury which affected his numbers. Two years before Krstic had 16.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg for 26 games. He arrived to New Jersey from Partizan Belgrade in 2004, two years after he was chosen as a 24th overall pick at 2002 NBA draft.

Kyiv announced signing of Scoonie Penn (178-G-77, college: Ohio St.) yesterday. Pen is coming from Efes Pilsen where he added 10.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.9 apg and 1.5 spg in 10 Euroleague games. He also had 6.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 4.1apg for 32 appearances in Turkish TBL. Penn's biggest achievement so far is a title in Croatian championship with Cibona Zagreb in 2006. Before Cibona, Penn used to play for Makedonikos Kozani, Scavolini, Crvena Zvezda and Trieste.

Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-78, college: St.Cloud St.) left CEZ Nymburk for Benetton while the team immediately signed Goran Jagodnik (202-F-74, agency: Beo Basket) from Hemofarm STADA. Jagodnik had very good first half of the season in Hemofarm after what he get faced with knee injury. He recovered participating with Slovenian National Team on FIBA Olympic Qualifying Trournament in Athens. On the other side Rancik arrives to Benetton as a top scorer of Czech top division with 18.3 ppg. At the same time Rancik was a third 'stealer' having 2.0 spg.

Benetton Treviso also agreed terms with Croatian player Sandro Nicevic (210-C-76, agency: Beo Basket).

Bilbao Basket subs Girona, Cajasol joins second qualifying round - by Eurobasket News
Bilbao Basket Berri has replaced C.B. Girona in the 2008-09 Eurocup and Cajasol has joined the second qualifying round, Euroleague Basketball announced Thursday. Club Basquet Girona, which had a guaranteed spot in the 2008-09 regular season, announced in a press conference on Friday that it would not take part in the Eurocup nor the Spanish League (ACB) next season. The club could not match the economic standards required to compete in both competitions due to its difficult financial situation. As such, Bilbao Basket Berri, which was initially set to play the second qualifying round, takes Girona's vacant spot and joins Group H along with KK Hemofarm, CEZ Nymburk and either Galatasaray Cafe Crown, Siauliai or Buducnost, whichever reaches the regular season group via the qualifying rounds. Cajasol steps in to fill the vacancy left by Bilbao Basket in the second qualifying round and will reach the Eurocup regular season if it downs the winner of the first qualifying round series between ASK Riga or Cholet Basket.

Founded in 1987, Cajasol needed just two years to reach the Spanish League first division (ACB) and is about to enter its 20th consecutive season among its domestic elite. Cajasol is not a newcomer to European club competitions, as it has taken part in the Euroleague, Saporta Cup and Korac Cup since its first continental appearance in 1993. The club, however, has not taken part in European club competitions since it reached the 2001 Saporta Cup elimination rounds. Its best result in continental competitions came in 1997, when the then-called Caja San Fernando reached the Euroleague eighthfinals, registering wins against Asvel Basket and Union Olimpija, which reached the Final Four that season. Cajasol reached the Spanish League finals in 1996 and 1999, losing twice against FC Barcelona. It also made it to the 1999 Spanish King's Cup title game, but Tau Ceramica stood in its way to success. Cajasol ranked 10th in the Spanish League regular season last season, winning eight of its last 13 games.

Courtesy of www.eurocupbasketball.com


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Basile stays in Barca, three Euroleague teams in USA - by Eurobasket News
Italian superstar Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) extended contract with Barcelona for two more years including an option that the team can release him after the first one. Basile arrived to Barcelona in 2005 from Climamio Bologna. During this period Barca captured 'Copa del Rey' and two times reached Euroleague quarterfinals. The team from Catalonia advanced to the play-off final in ACB last season but TAU Cermanica was too strong for them. Basile played 22 games for Barcelona in Euroleague averaging 9.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.5 apg and 1.3 spg. Very similar digits he had for 33 games in ACB regular season. At his last two seasons in Italy he was named to be the 'Player of the Year' in Serie A. He succeeded to win it twice. First time it was in 2000 and the next one five years later. Basile played for Italian National Team on all important international competitions since 1996. Their biggest achievement for sure is a Gold medal on European Championship in 1999. In 2004 Basile was named in 'All-Europe 2nd Team' by Eurobasket.com.

In the meantime Euroleague and NBA announced that three European teams will participate at the Euroleague American Tour. Reining Euroleague champion CSKA, Barcelona and Lietuvos Rytas will play 5 pre-season games against Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors and possibly the Los Angeles Clippers.
Barcelona will meet NBA runner-up Los Angeles Lakers in Staples Center on October 18. The next day Barca will take on Los Angeles Clippers or Toronto Raptors. It will be first appearances of Barcelona in USA ever.
CSKA Moscow will start its USA tour on Florida on October 10 playing against Orlando Magic. Its second rival will be Toronto Raptors four days later.
Finally ex ULEB Cup and Baltic league champion Lietuvos Rytas will have an opportunity to play against Golden State Warriors on October 21 in Oakland, California.

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   


Division A. Qualifying round Day 2 - by Eurobasket News
Group E
Italy U18 - Israel U18 93:57
Italian U18 National Team scored their first win at the Qualifying round of the European Championship in Greece. Nicolo Melli (205-F-91) tallied 22 points and 12 boards to lift Italy past Israel today. Israel opened their Qualifying round campaign with a surprising victory over Lithuania but could not match the winning tempo. Italy thus improved to 1-3 record and leapfrogged Israel in Group E ladder. The teams got to a slow start of the game but Italy used triples from Andrea Muner and Andrea De Nicolao to jump ahead. Another 6:0 run late in the frame propelled Italian team to a 20:7 advantage. The Azurri secured a 23:11 lead at the end of the first frame. Daniele Sandri (196-F/G-90) sparked a 7:0 rally from Italy early in the second period as they cleared off to a 17-point distance. Israel never reminded of the team that crushed Lithuania a day ago as they trailed by 13 points at halftime. Italy tipped off the second half with a 13:2 surge that put them ahead by 24 points. Israel just managed to close the margin to 18 by the end of the stanza. However Lorenzo Panzini (185-G-90) and Paolisso never allowed Israel to revive the intrigue in the fourth quarter as they led Italy to a confident victory at the end. Lorenzo Panzini nailed 16 points for the Azurri. Daniele Sandri came up with 14 points in a win. Yotam Shiran (198-F-90) responded with 11 points for Israel. Ron Sabag (184-G-90) had 9 points in a losing case.

Italy U18: Nicolo Melli 22+12 boards, Lorenzo Panzini 16, Daniele Sandri 14
Israel U18: Yotam Shiran 11, Ron Sabag 9


Greece U18 - Serbia U18 72:59
Greek Juniors avenged of the last years loss in the European Champions Final beating the defending champions Serbia today. Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) exploded with 23 points to lift the hosts to an impressive victory and ensured their perfect record on top of the Qualifying round Group E. Serbia in the meantime received a major setback in their semifinal pursuit as they slipped to 2-2 record. Serbia will face Israel, while Greece will take on Lithuania tomorrow.
Nikolaos Pappas scored 9 points to mastermind a 19:11 lead for Greece after the starting period. The hosts opened the second frame with a 13:0 run to clear off to a 21-point distance. Aleksandar Mitrovic (201-G-90) and Dejan Musli cut the deficit by a whisker but Nikolaos Pappas iced their effort with a three-pointer. Serbia however refused to fold and closed the second stanza with a 5:0 rally to trail by 16. Greece stunned their opponents in the third period when they posted a 13:0 surge and built a 54:26 advantage with under two minutes remaining in the quarter. Serbia only managed to burst out with a 12:0 rally in the fourth term to trim the gap to 15 points but Greece used accurate free throws from Konstantinos Sloukas (192-G-90) and a jumper from Leonidas Kaselakis (202-C-90) to silence their opponents. Konstantinos Sloukas tallied 14 points and 9 boards for Greece. Leonidas Kaselakis had 10 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Filip Sepa (199-G/F-90) answered with 20 points for Serbia. Aleksandar Mitrovic delivered 14 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Greek team converted 50% from the field, while Serbia replied with just 30% of field goals.

Greece U18: Nikolaos Pappas 23, Konstantinos Sloukas 14, Leonidas Kaselakis 10
Serbia U18: Filip Sepa 20, Aleksandar Mitrovic 14


Lithuania U18 - Spain U18 82:66
Donatas Motiejunas (215-C-90) produced 31 points and 14 boards and Lithuanian U18 National Team toppled Spain at the European Championship in Greece. Lithuania dominated the game as they got to a quick start. Donatas Motiejunas, Tautvydas Slezas (210-C-90) and Gediminas Bertasius (196-F-90) gave the Baltic team a 9:0 lead early in the encounter. Donatas Motiejunas and Tautvydas Slezas soon opened a double-digit lead for Lithuania and they secured a 25:13 advantage at the first intermission. Donatas Motiejunas and Sapiega stretched it to 16 points in the second frame. Spain sparked with an 8:0 run at the start of the third stanza to cut the deficit to 6 points. Ignacio Llovet (202-C-91) added 6 straight points and Spain climbed within 2 points from Lithuania midway through the third quarter. However Lithuania went on 21:1 rally bridging the third and fourth terms to establish a massive 26-point advantage midway through the final stanza. Donatas Motiejunas added 14 rebounds to his tally. Tautvydas Slezas finished with impressive 19 points, 17 boards and 6 assists, while Gediminas Bertasius knocked down 11 points for the winners. Ignacio Llovet banked 14 points for Spain. Josep Franch (190-G-91) secured 11 points in a loss. Lithuania outrebounded Spain 41:35 and shot solid 51% from the field. Spaniards answered with just 34% of field goals. Lithuania will take on Greece in the battle of Group E leaders today.

Lithuania U18: Donatas Motiejunas 31+14 boards, Tautvydas Slezas 19+17 boards, Gediminas Bertasius 11
Spain U18: Ignacio Llovet 14, Josep Franch 11


Group F
France U18 - Turkey U18 83:64
French Junior National Team rebounded after the starting loss at the Qualifying round of the European Championship. Today they heavily defeated Turkey to stay positive about their hopes of reaching the semifinal stage in Greece. The teams looked well matched at the start of the encounter and Turkey enjoyed a 19:18 lead ten minutes into the game. However French team opened the second stanza with a 9:0 rally to establish a 27:19 lead. Back-to-back trebles from Bourhis and Nicolas Lang (195-G-90) made it 39:30 for French team late in the second stanza. France finally posted a 42:36 advantage at the sides change. Melih Mahmutoglu (191-G-90) opened the second half with a three-pointer but France reacted immediately. Lacombe, Alexis Tanghe (207-F/C-90) and Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) stepped up to enlarge the margin to 11 points. Turkey failed to respond and found themselves trailing by 18 points with just quarter to go. France kept Turkey at bay through the rest of the encounter and celebrated an important victory at the end. Alexis Tanghe nailed 22 points and grabbed 7 boards to pace France. Andrew Albicy, Nicolas Lang and Miguel Buval (206-F/C-90) came up with 12 points apiece in a win. Melih Mahmutoglu, Volkan Incekara (192-G-90) and Ilhan Gokalp (198-F-91) replied with 9 points apiece for Turkey as they slipped to 1-3 record in Group F ladder. France dominated the boards with 44 against 30 caroms. They also shot solid 54% from the field and 70% from charity stripe.

France U18: Alexis Tanghe 22, Andrew Albicy 12, Nicolas Lang 12, Miguel Buval 12
Turkey U18: Melih Mahmutoglu 9, Volkan Incekara 9, Ilhan Gokalp 9


Latvia U18 - Ukraine U18 86:54
Latvian Junior National Team gained the full speed at the European Championship in Greece. Today they blew out Ukraine to earn the third win in a row and sparked their chances of making it to the semis. Ukraine meanwhile suffered the second consecutive loss at the stage and remained at the bottom of the Qualifying round Group F. Ukraine had no answer for the Latvian stifling defense and overwhelming dominance on the boards. Ruslan Otverchenko gave Ukraine a 2:0 lead at the start of the game but it quickly disappeared. Latvia went on an 8:0 run to surge in front. Latvia rolled to a 14:8 lead at the first intermission and continued to stretch the gap in the second stanza. Armands Osins (190-G-91), Laska and Lauris Blaus teamed up for 8 straight points as Latvian team opened a 23:10 advantage. Ukraine could not match the tempo and trailed by 18 at the interval. Laska and Kalvis Krumins scored 5 points to tip off the second period and Latvia established a 23-point cushion. The margin grew to as many as 26 points with ten minutes left in the game. The game turned into a one-way traffic in the fourth stanza as Ukrainian defense collapsed allowing Latvia to breeze to the victory. Martins Laksa (196-F-90) and Davis Rozitis (206-C-90) scored 14 points apiece for Latvia. Armands Osins and Girts Celms (182-G-90) added 9 points apiece for the winners. Igor Dobrikov (191-G/F-90) responded with 11 points for Ukraine. Roman Dmytrenko (200-F-90) notched 9 points in a loss.

Latvia U18: Martins Laksa 14, Davis Rozitis 14, Armands Osins 9, Girts Celms 9
Ukraine U18: Igor Dobrikov 11, Roman Dmytrenko 9


Russia U18 - Croatia U18 85:76
Russian Junior National Team survived close last seconds in the clash against Croatia to post their second consecutive win at the Qualifying round of the European Championship. Russia thus climbed on top of Group F but still did not guarantee the semifinal birth. Four teams have a chance to enter the semis with Croatia, France and Latvia hoping for it alongside Russia. The teams looked well matched in the opening minutes however Toni Prostran (188-G-91) and Mario Delas (210-C-90) spurred Croatia to a 17:8 lead midway through the frame. Vladimir Pichkurov (195-G-90), Evgeny Valiev and Maxim Grigoryev (191-G-90) chipped in a bunch of free throws and Russia cut the deficit to 3 points. The teams traded baskets throughout the second term with Russia keeping it close. Alexey Murychev (203-F/C-90) put Russian team ahead thrice before he was supported by Pavel Antipov and they established a 43:41 advantage at halftime. Pavel Antipov and Maxim Grigoryev fired three treys at the start of the third period and Russia cleared off to an 11-point distance. Croatia failed to recover in the third stanza and trailed by 10 points heading into the final frame. Mario Delas tipped off the fourth quarter with 4 points to cut the deficit however Sergey Palkin, Alexey Murychev and Vladimir Pichkurov secured a safe distance for Russian team. Croatia managed to come as close as 5 points with just over 2 minutes remaining but Russian players were deadly from charity stripe in the final minutes to seal the winning outcome. Vladimir Pichkurov nailed 17 points to lead Russia. Alexey Murychev contributed 15 points and 13 boards for the winners. Mario Delas answered with 20 points and 8 boards for Croatia. Toni Prostran scored 17 points in a losing case. Russia will face Latvia, while Croatia will take on France in the final round of the Qualifying round.

Russia U18: Vladimir Pichkurov 17, Alexey Murychev 15+13 boards, Maxim Grigoryev 14
Croatia U18: Mario Delas 20, Toni Prostran 17

Division B. Stats leaders after Preliminary Round - by Eurobasket News
Center of Czech U18 National Team Jan Vesely (210-F/C-90) is together with Bosnian Aldin Majstoric (198-G-90) currently the top scorer of U18 European Championship division B in Debrecen. Both players netted 87 points in four games, 21.8 ppg. Vesely and his teammates ended Preliminary Round on top of Group A recording three wins and one defeat. Vesely demonstrated the best performance at the opening day against Netherlands scoring 26 points for 24 minutes. He also had 24 points against Montenegro, 17 vs Norway and 20 against Austria. On the other side Majstoric's name is alongside Vesely's thanks to wonderful performance at the last round against Slovenia. Majstoric led his team to win in that game draining 38 points. Round before that he poured in 30 points vs Ireland while at the first two days he had 19 points in total. Another Czech is on the list with Top 3 scorers of the championship so far. It is Richard Grznar (187-G-91), who averaged 21.5 ppg in four games. He reached the competition-high scoring 31 points against Georgia on Monday.

Romanian Rolland Torok (198-C-90) is currently the top rebounded of the championship with 12 rpg while the second place belongs to Danish player Mads Frandsen (201-F-90), who averaged 11.8 rpg. On position number three with 9.5 rpg is Andre Pereira (198-F, college: Rider) from Portugal.

Top assistant after Preliminary Round is another Czech Tomas Satoransky (196-G/F-91, agency: PPGroup), who dished out 7.3 apg. Andrew Lawrence (186-G-90) follows him with 4.7 apg while Uros Zadnik (185-G-90) has 4.3 apg.

Two Portuguese are on top of the list with best 'stealers'. Jose Barbosa and Diogo Correia (185-G-90) registered 5 spg while Mohammed Kherrazi (199-F-90) of Netherlands has 3 spg.

Standings Division A
Standings
Group E
1. Greece4-0
2. Lithuania3-1
3. Serbia2-2
4. Israel1-3
5. Italy1-3
6. Spain1-3
Group F
1. Croatia3-1
2. France3-1
3. Russia3-1
4. Latvia2-2
5. Turkey1-3
6. Ukraine0-4
Group G
1. Germany1-0
2. Bulgaria1-0
3. Estonia0-1
4. Belgium0-1


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20   


M-Standings - Division B
Standings Div.B
Group A
1. U.Kingdom0-0
2. Finland0-0
3. FYR Macedo.0-0
4. Norway0-0
5. Portugal0-0
Group B
1. Azerbaijan.0-0
2. Czech Repu.0-0
3. Germany0-0
4. Ireland0-0
5. Sweden0-0
Group C
1. Austria0-0
2. Belgium0-0
3. Estonia0-0
4. Switzerl.0-0
5. Slovakia0-0
Group D
1. Hungary0-0
2. Holland0-0
3. Poland0-0
4. Romania0-0


M Standings - Division A
Standings
Group A
1. Croatia0-0
2. Greece0-0
3. Lithuania0-0
4. Ukraine0-0
Group B
1. Georgia0-0
2. Israel0-0
3. Italy0-0
4. Turkey0-0
Group C
1. Bulgaria0-0
2. Spain0-0
3. Latvia0-0
4. Monteneg.0-0
Group D
1. France0-0
2. Russia0-0
3. Slovenia0-0
4. Serbia0-0


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  FINLAND   


Lithuania routs Finland before leaving for Beijing - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania - Finland 90:62

Lithuanian National Team played their last game before leaving to Beijing for the Olympic Games basketball tournament. They took on Finnish team in Vilnius. The hosts got a slow start and Finland kept it close in the first half. Lithuania managed to outscore visitors 17:15 in the first frame but the Suomi team bounced back in the second stanza. Led by Mikki Koivisto Finland capitalized on sloppy form of Lithuania and drove to a 34:28 advantage at the interval. However the complexion of the game changed after the break. Lithuania stepped on the gas and easily ran away from Finnish team. The home side limited their opponents to just 6 points in the quarter and established a 65:40 advantage heading into the fourth term. The teams then cruised through the reminder of the contest and Lithuania easily secured the winning outcome in the dying stages of the clash. Six Lithuanian players scored in double figures in a win. Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) led the charge with 13 points. Jonas Maciulis (200-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances) and Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) came up with 12 points apiece in a win. Mikko Koivisto (193-G-87) answered with game-high 17 points for Finland. Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) netted 11 points in defeat.

Lithuania: Sarunas Jasikevicius 13, Jonas Maciulis 12, Rimantas Kaukenas 12
Finland: Mikko Koivisto 17, Petri Virtanen 11

1.DIV.: Transfer news - by Rauno Hurmalainen

American G Aubrey Conerly (183-G-83, college: Jacksonville) is returning back to Finland. Last season Finnish Champion in the 1st division on FoKoPo (Forssa) roster Conerly will play 2008-09 on the same second highest level, but different town and team. Conerly's new address will be Vilpas at Salo. In Forssa Conerly averaged
15,5 ppg and 5,9 apg.
1st Division newcomer Kori-Konkarit (Loimaa) has signed with two American players. F Jonathan Heard (198-G/F-86, agency: David Lee services) comes straight from college (Cal.St. Northridge 11,4 ppg - 5,5 rpg), but F Eryk Thomas (198-F-85, college: E.Tenn.St.) has played shortly (seven games) last season in Ireland. Juha Valkama continues as LoKoKo Head Coach.
Korikobrat (Lapua) had a very good year last season in the 1st division (record 23-3). Coming 2008-09 season Team wants to be at least as successful.

Toni Raiski (194-F-81) returns back 'home' from Kauhajoki, American F Tyrwone Still (196-F-77, college: W.Virginia St.) (17,7 ppg - 6,5 rpg last season) has re-signed with Lapua as well as Gambian F-C Baboucarr Bojang (204-F-80, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Illinois St.), who will start his 4th season in Finland. By the way; Bojang knows now the difference between 1st division and Top League (Korisliiga) in Finland. Bojang averaged 25,3 ppg - 15,8 rpg in 1st division (Lapua) and while playing 10 games on top level (KTP, Kotka), he averaged 11,8 ppg - 7,7 rpg.



KORISLIIGA: Kouvot inked with Calvin Walls - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Kouvot (Kouvola), # 2 Team last season in Finland, has found and signed Team's second American player. F Ronny LaMelle agreed and signed already
earlier with Kouvot and now American C-F Calvin Walls (201-F, agency: Court Side) has decided to start his international basketball career in Finland and Kouvola. Walls averaged as a Sr 8,4 ppg - 7,3 rpg at U. of Tulsa. Kouvot has now eight players signed. Jukka Toijala will continue as Team's Head Coach.

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  FRANCE   


French U20 National Team 2008 - by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Beaubois


Diot


Jackson


M'Baye


Vaty
Rodrigue Beaubois (186-G-88) of Cholet Basket
Frens Johwe Casseus (211-C-89) of Entente Orleans 45
Antoine Diot (192-G-89) of Le Mans Sarthe Basket
Antoine Eito (188-G-89) of Adecco ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne
Thomas Heurtel (186-G-89) of Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez
Meridis Houmounou (188-G-88) of ALM Evreux Basket
Edwin Jackson (191-G-89) of JSF Nanterre
Rudy Jomby (196-G/F-88) of STB Le Havre
Abdoulaye M'Baye (189-G-88) of JDA Dijon Bourgogne<
Guy-Marc Michel (210-C-88) of Sluc Nancy Basket Pro
Adrien Moerman (203-F/C-88) of Entente Orleans 45
Kevin Seraphin (205-C-89) of Cholet Basket
Pape Sy (190-G-88) of STB Le Havre
Kim Tillie (206-F-88) of University of Utah (USA)
Ludovic Vaty (206-F-88) of Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez
Raphael Wilson (196-F/G-89) of Saint Vallier Basket Drome
Head Coach: Richard Billant

Pro A Trades: Strasbourg strenghtens its roster - by Chris Spiesser
The SIG hired two perimeter players which put brightness to a shy recruitement. At first, the new SG will be Brion Rush (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Grambling St.) from Roanne. In the french league, he went for 16.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.4apg, 2.1spg. Despite a complicated season ending which led him to a low accuracy 2FGP: 39.8%, 3PT: 28.6%, he showed nice scoring abilities. The swingman will be John Allen (196-F-82, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Seton Hall) from the german team of Braunschweig. He posted complete stats on the other side of the Rhin: 13.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.7apg, 1.4spg. Before that he had also good figures with Seton Hall and afterwards during his european experiences in Finland (Kouvot) and Israel (Ramat Gan). So this gives a good outside profile to the alsatians that can also count on Derek Obashohan or Elson Mendy as forwards. But coach Sarre will still have to hire inside players. For the moment Sacha Giffa is the only paint player. A US center is expected in the next days.

France bounce back dismantling Turkey - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Turkey U18 83:64

French Junior National Team rebounded after the starting loss at the Qualifying round of the European Championship. Today they heavily defeated Turkey to stay positive about their hopes of reaching the semifinal stage in Greece. The teams looked well matched at the start of the encounter and Turkey enjoyed a 19:18 lead ten minutes into the game. However French team opened the second stanza with a 9:0 rally to establish a 27:19 lead. Back-to-back trebles from Bourhis and Nicolas Lang (195-G-90) made it 39:30 for French team late in the second stanza. France finally posted a 42:36 advantage at the sides change. Melih Mahmutoglu (191-G-90) opened the second half with a three-pointer but France reacted immediately. Lacombe, Alexis Tanghe (207-F/C-90) and Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) stepped up to enlarge the margin to 11 points. Turkey failed to respond and found themselves trailing by 18 points with just quarter to go. France kept Turkey at bay through the rest of the encounter and celebrated an important victory at the end. Alexis Tanghe nailed 22 points and grabbed 7 boards to pace France. Andrew Albicy, Nicolas Lang and Miguel Buval (206-F/C-90) came up with 12 points apiece in a win. Melih Mahmutoglu, Volkan Incekara (192-G-90) and Ilhan Gokalp (198-F-91) replied with 9 points apiece for Turkey as they slipped to 1-3 record in Group F ladder. France dominated the boards with 44 against 30 caroms. They also shot solid 54% from the field and 70% from charity stripe.

France U18: Alexis Tanghe 22, Andrew Albicy 12, Nicolas Lang 12, Miguel Buval 12
Turkey U18: Melih Mahmutoglu 9, Volkan Incekara 9, Ilhan Gokalp 9

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  GERMANY   


Gary Johnson to Herten - by Moritz Korff
Gary Johnson (188-G-82, college: Cent.Florida) was supposed to return to BG Suedpark Bochum, as the club had announced already some months ago. But now he has made an agreement with Hertener Loewen from the 2. Bundesliga Pro B regarding the 2008-09 campaign. The Lions were looking for a player to replace Dustin Pfeifer (173-G-83, college: Findlay (OH)) who had moved to Chemnitz. Johnson scored 21.2 points per contest for SVD 49 Dortmund in this past season and received back-to-back Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga West First Team-honors.

Chris Copeland signs Trier deal - by Moritz Korff
Chris Copeland (203-F-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Colorado) has committed his near future to TBB Trier (1. Bundesliga) by penning a one-year contract. The 24-year-old Forward is the seventh summer signing of Coach Yves Defraigne. Copeland will go into his third season as a professional basketball player and his first in Germany. After finishing college in 2006 he joined the Fort Worth Flyers from the NBA D-League and averaged 9.8 points and 4.7 rebounds through 20 games of the 2006-07 season. In the summer of 2007 Copeland first took his game to Europe and had a short stint in Spain at C.B. L'Hospitalet (LEB Gold), but left after 4 games (4 ppg, 8 rpg). He ended up playing in Holland for the remainder of this past season and was honored as a Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie Honorable Mention. He scored 18 points on average in 28 encounters for Nijmegen and also tallied 7.6 boards, 2.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 1 blocked shot a game.

Landshut adds Forward to 2008-09 roster - by Moritz Korff
TG Renesas Landshut, newcomer to the 2. Bundesliga Pro B, announced the signing of Tamal Forchion (198-F, college: W.Georgia) today. The native of Willingboro, NJ played college-basketball at George Washington University (3.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg in 2003-04) and transfered to West Georgia (NCAA2) for his senior season. He averaged 12.2 points in his final year of NCAA basketball in 2004-05. During 2006-2007 Forchion spent some time at the Lions Dornbirn of the second Austrian division, B Bundesliga). There are no reports saying that he played someplace in this past season.

Robin Benzing: Back to the Future - by Moritz Korff
After it became clear that Robin Benzing (209-F-89) will not enroll at the University of Michigan due to NCAA initial eligibility requirements, the 19-year-old Forward has decided to stay one more season with the Giraffes of TV Langen (2. Bundesliga Pro A). Benzing, who started his basketball-career at SC Bergstrasse, appeared in 18 league-games for the Giraffes in this past season with averages of 8 points and 2.6 rebounds. He is currently preparing for the U20 European Championships (Division B) with the German team. The tournament kicks off on Friday.

Royal Blues land two Americans - by Moritz Korff
FC Schalke 04 (2. Bundesliga Pro A) has signed its first two import players this summer: Melvin Hall (183-G-85, college: S.Indiana) and Brady Brink (195-F-86) will suit up for the Royal Blues in the 2008-09 campaign.
Hall was set to start his pro-career last year in Hagen, but got waived due to a broken bone in his hand in pre-season. He is healthy now and ready to play. In college, at the University of Southern Indiana (NCAA2), he made himself a name as a shooter and finished the 2006-07 season with averages of 14.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists, being ranked seventh in the entire NCAA Division 2 in Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage (47.0%, 103-219).
Brink spent his university career in the NCAA Division 3 and was enrolled at Saint John's University, Minnesota. In this past season he led the Johnnies in both points (17.4ppg) and rebounds (8.4rpg) per contest.

BG Karlsruhe brings in Nigel Moore - by Moritz Korff
BG Karlsruhe (2. Bundesliga Pro A) has confirmed the signing of Guard/Forward Nigel Moore (195-F/G-81, college: Alabama A&M). Karlsruhe will be Moore's fourth club in Germany. From 2003 to 2005 he started his overseas career at TV Lich and played for the Giessen 46ers in the following year. The 26-year-old from Rochester, New York averaged 3.8 points and 2.8 rebounds for BG 74 Goettingen in this past season, but left the Violets in February and finished the campaign in Finland, putting up 18.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 2.3 assists through 8 encounters for Team Componenta Karkkila from the Korisliiga.

Stiggers invited to tryout for Eisbaeren Bremerhaven - by Moritz Korff
Dante Stiggers (188-G-82, college: S.Mississippi) signed a tryout contract with 1. Bundesliga's Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. The 26-year-old Guard from Houston, Texas will arrive this weekend. Stiggers spent his entire college career at the University of Southern Mississippi (NCAA1). He played 28 games for the Golden Eagles as a senior in 2004-05 with averages of 4.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 steals. During this past season Stiggers shot hoops for BK Minsk-2006 in Belarus.

Michael Buse moves from Weissenfels to Muenchen - by Moritz Korff
FC Bayern Muenchen keeps signing fresh players for its first season in the 2. Bundesliga Pro A after moving up directly from Regionalliga South-East. Michael Buse (207-F-80) has been announced as the next new player for 2008-09. Coach Georg Kaempf will get a solid Power Forward who spent the past two years at Mitteldeutscher BC, averaging 9.3 points, 4.3 boards and 1.6 assists through 30 encounters of the 2007-08 campaign. The Bayern frontcourt now consists of Buse and recently signed Stuart Robbins (210-C-76, college: Wabash Valley CC).

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  IBL   


2008 IBL Western Conference All-League Team - by joeb

Akapana Publishing has released its 2008 All IBL League Team for the Western Conference. The team was assembled through a random poll of coaches, fans and media. The publication also considered live games attended, film and statistics. There were numerous players who were within the top 11 to 22 who were within votes of making the top ten. The following is a list of the first and second teams selected.

2008 IBL Western Conference All-League Team

1ST TEAM
C- Jake Carlisle (6'6''-G/F-75, college: Alaska-Anch.) VANCOUVER - Solid post both ends, great footwork, winner.
F- Tyler Amaya (6'6''-F-82, college: W.Washington) BELLINGHAM- Very Athletic, can do a bit of all, wont be outworked.
F- Mike Tabb (6'6''-G/F-82, college: San Jose City JC) LAS VEGAS- 2007 rebound champ. Can and does score inside and out.
G-Ryan Diggs (6'2''-G-83, college: W.Washington) BELLINGHAM- Great finisher, great competitor, prepares well.
G-Tyner Kevin (6'0''-G-83, college: W.Oregon) VANCOUVER- Very quick, great leaper with strength, unselfish.


2ND TEAM
C- Lee Scruggs (6'11''-F/C-79, college: Georgetown) EDMONTON- Legit big man, consistent game.
F- David Lucas (6'8''-F-82, college: Oregon St.) PORTLAND- Outstanding low post scorer, class act.
F- Porter Troupe (6'5''-G/F-83, college: Portland) VANCOUVER- Great athlete. Great body control, scorer.
G- Jeff Dunn (6'5''-G-83, college: Corban) CENTRAL OREGON- Finished season with Edmonton. He can score in any country.
G- Rashaun Broadus (6'0''-G-84, college: BYU) EDMONTON- Great performer on very talented squad.



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  ICELAND   


Johann Olafsson to Proveo Merlins Crailsheim in Germany - by Einar Johannsson
National team guard Johann Olafsson (195-G-86, agency: Rasmussen Services) has signed for Proveo Merlins Crailsheim in ProB in Germany for upcoming season.
Olafsson has played for his hometown team UMFN Njardvik for his career except one year when he played in high school in USA so this will be his first job overseas.
Olafsson has been a key player for youth national teams in the past and has been involved with national team recently, latest playing two games against Lithuania in july (games played in Vilnius & Kaunas).

Olafsson will be with his new team on 18th of august when preseason begins.

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  IRAN   


Iranian U18 Team gains the first win in Yemen - by Eurobasket News
Iran U18 - Lebanon U18 92:83

Iranian Junior National Team made the first step towards reaching the FIBA Asia U18 Championship. They opened their WABA U18 Championship campaign with victory over Lebanon. The teams contested pretty evenly in the first half but Iran stepped on the gas in the third stanza. They opened up a double-digit lead and never looked back again securing a 92:83 win at the end. Hayk Gyokchyan (201-F-90) topscored for Lebanon with 27 points. Ahmad Ibrahim had 17 points in defeat.
Four teams are participating in the tournament. Three top squads will make it to the FIBA Asia U18 Championship to be held from August 28 through September 5 in Iran. Lebanon will take on Jordan next. Iran faces Yemen in the second game of the contest.

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  IRELAND   


U18 EC, division B: England beats Ireland for the second win in Hungary - by Eurobasket News
U18 Ireland - U18 England 61-83

In the first game of Classification Round from 17th to 20th place England was too strong for Ireland registering first win in Group I. Except of these two teams, Norway and Hungary are also participants of the same group on U18 European Championhsip division B.

Ireland struggled a lot from the field today. The Irish had something more that 35% for FG2 and 33% from behind the arc. On the other side William Neighbour (203-F-90) and his teammates made 29 of 48 attempts for FG2, 60.4%. After almost equalized first stanza, England made nice 13-1 run for 18-31. Ciaran O'Sullivan (193-G-90) made some free throws as well as two jump shots for Ireland setting the score on 30-37 after 20 minutes. After the breather William Neighbour and Bradley Wilkinson (198-F-90) dominated at the offensive end which resulted with plus 17 for England at the middle of third stanza. The Irish couldn't make any improvement until the end as England had advantage of more than 20 points almost the entire time.

William Neighbour once again shined for England leading it to victory with 21 points and 4 assists. Bradley Wilkinson missed one more rebound for double-double as he added 17 points and 9 boards while Andrew Lawrence (186-G-90) stopped on 11 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Daniel James (192-F/G-90) and Conor James (191-G/F-90) netted 12 points each while they also had almost the same number of rebounds. Ciaran O'Sullivan followed them with 12 points. England will meet Norway tomorrow while Ireland will take in Hungary.


U18 Ireland - U18 England 61-83
(17-18,13-19,13-27,18-19)

Ireland: Daniel James 12 (7 rebs), Conor James 12 (6 rebs), Ciaran O'Sullivan 12
England: William Neighbour 21 (4 as), Bradley Wilkinson 17 (9 rebs), Andrew Lawrence 11 (6 rebs, 7 as)

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  ISRAEL   


Italy thump Israel in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Italy U18 - Israel U18 93:57

Italian U18 National Team scored their first win at the Qualifying round of the European Championship in Greece. Nicolo Melli (205-F-91) tallied 22 points and 12 boards to lift Italy past Israel today. Israel opened their Qualifying round campaign with a surprising victory over Lithuania but could not match the winning tempo. Italy thus improved to 1-3 record and leapfrogged Israel in Group E ladder. The teams got to a slow start of the game but Italy used triples from Andrea Muner (196-F-90) and Andrea De Nicolao (175-G-91) to jump ahead. Another 6:0 run late in the frame propelled Italian team to a 20:7 advantage. The Azurri secured a 23:11 lead at the end of the first frame. Daniele Sandri (196-F/G-90) sparked a 7:0 rally from Italy early in the second period as they cleared off to a 17-point distance. Israel never reminded of the team that crushed Lithuania a day ago as they trailed by 13 points at halftime. Italy tipped off the second half with a 13:2 surge that put them ahead by 24 points. Israel just managed to close the margin to 18 by the end of the stanza. However Lorenzo Panzini (185-G-90) and Paolisso never allowed Israel to revive the intrigue in the fourth quarter as they led Italy to a confident victory at the end. Lorenzo Panzini nailed 16 points for the Azurri. Daniele Sandri came up with 14 points in a win. Yotam Shiran (198-F-90) responded with 11 points for Israel. Ron Sabag (184-G-90) had 9 points in a losing case.

Italy U18: Nicolo Melli 22+12 boards, Lorenzo Panzini 16, Daniele Sandri 14
Israel U18: Yotam Shiran 11, Ron Sabag 9

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  ITALY   


Tyus Edney to Capo D'Orlando - by Stefano Pini
Tyus Edney (178-G-73, college: UCLA) will be the starting five pointguard for Capo D'Orlando. He came back in Italy after a season at Azvomash. Cantu added to his roster Barry Elder (193-G-82, college: Georgia Tech), last season at Biella. Jacob Jaacks (208-F-77, college: Iowa) signed with Teramo for one season. Snaidero Udine added the veteran Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) positon number 3. Udine is looking for a pointguard now. As we anticipated yesterday Tim Pickett (193-G/F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida St.) inked a 2 years contract with Rieti. Napoli signed Massimiliano Monti (205-F/C-75) and Thomas Viglianco (206-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Birmingham Souther). Montegranaro reached a deal with the forward Darius Rice (208-F-82, college: Miami, FL) forthe next season.

Italy thump Israel in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Italy U18 - Israel U18 93:57

Italian U18 National Team scored their first win at the Qualifying round of the European Championship in Greece. Nicolo Melli (205-F-91) tallied 22 points and 12 boards to lift Italy past Israel today. Israel opened their Qualifying round campaign with a surprising victory over Lithuania but could not match the winning tempo. Italy thus improved to 1-3 record and leapfrogged Israel in Group E ladder. The teams got to a slow start of the game but Italy used triples from Andrea Muner (196-F-90) and Andrea De Nicolao (175-G-91) to jump ahead. Another 6:0 run late in the frame propelled Italian team to a 20:7 advantage. The Azurri secured a 23:11 lead at the end of the first frame. Daniele Sandri (196-F/G-90) sparked a 7:0 rally from Italy early in the second period as they cleared off to a 17-point distance. Israel never reminded of the team that crushed Lithuania a day ago as they trailed by 13 points at halftime. Italy tipped off the second half with a 13:2 surge that put them ahead by 24 points. Israel just managed to close the margin to 18 by the end of the stanza. However Lorenzo Panzini (185-G-90) and Paolisso never allowed Israel to revive the intrigue in the fourth quarter as they led Italy to a confident victory at the end. Lorenzo Panzini nailed 16 points for the Azurri. Daniele Sandri came up with 14 points in a win. Yotam Shiran (198-F-90) responded with 11 points for Israel. Ron Sabag (184-G-90) had 9 points in a losing case.

Italy U18: Nicolo Melli 22+12 boards, Lorenzo Panzini 16, Daniele Sandri 14
Israel U18: Yotam Shiran 11, Ron Sabag 9

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  JAPAN   


Hitachi acquires Smith - by Kenny
According to league sources, the Hitachi Sunrockers of the JBL have reportedly signed 28-year old F/C Tyler Smith (203-F-80, college: Penn St.) to be one of their 2 imports this season. The 6-8 Penn State product played this past season in the Netherlands. Not much is known about Smith, but one thing is for certain: If Smith is even half the player another 6-8 product from Penn St., ex-JBL great Tom Hovasse (Toyota 1990-1994, 1995-2000, Toshiba 2000-01), was, then Hitachi will be in great shape.

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  JORDAN   


Yemen edge Jordan at the start of WABA U18 Championship - by Eurobasket News
Yemen U18 - Jordan U18 95:88

Yemen Junior National Team got the taste of victory at the beginning of the WABA U18 Championship. The hosts of the event held off Jordan 95:88 to gain their first win. Four teams tipped off the competition fighting for three tickets to the FIBA Asia U18 Championship. The continental tourney will be held in Iran at the end of August. Yemen will now face the first round winners Iran next. Jordan will try to bounce back against Lebanon tonight.

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  LATVIA   


Spain topple Latvia in friendly - by Eurobasket News
Spain - Latvia 107:57

Spanish National Team continued their preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games. Yesterday they played an exhibition encounter against Latvian National team in Castellon. Spain proved they are in a decent form at the moment crushing their opponents. The hosts rushed ahead right from the start and accounted for 27 points in the opening stanza. It gave them a 12-point lead ten minutes into the game. Spain however never slowed down and stretched the margin to massive 30 points at halftime 55:25. The onslaught went on in the second half. Spain notched 32 points in the third stanza giving no trace of hope for the visitors. Latvia trailed by as many as 46 points before the fourth quarter. Spain entertained the local fans with high-flying tip-top basketball and poured in 30 points in the fourth quarter to finalize an impressive win at the end. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) led the charge with 17 points. Alex Mumbru (201-F-79) had 16 points, while Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85) added 14 points for the winners. Kaspars Berzins (211-F/C-85, agency: FCM) answered with 17 points for Latvia. Raimonds Gabrans (188-G-84, agency: FCM) added 10 points in a losing effort.

Spain: Pau Gasol 17, Alex Mumbru 16, Rudy Fernandez 14
Latvia: Kaspars Berzins 17, Raimonds Gabrans 10

Latvia chop up Ukraine for the third straight win in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U18 - Ukraine U18 86:54

Latvian Junior National Team gained the full speed at the European Championship in Greece. Today they blew out Ukraine to earn the third win in a row and sparked their chances of making it to the semis. Ukraine meanwhile suffered the second consecutive loss at the stage and remained at the bottom of the Qualifying round Group F. Ukraine had no answer for the Latvian stifling defense and overwhelming dominance on the boards. Ruslan Otverchenko (192-F-90) gave Ukraine a 2:0 lead at the start of the game but it quickly disappeared. Latvia went on an 8:0 run to surge in front. Latvia rolled to a 14:8 lead at the first intermission and continued to stretch the gap in the second stanza. Armands Osins (190-G-91), Laska and Lauris Blaus (204-C-90) teamed up for 8 straight points as Latvian team opened a 23:10 advantage. Ukraine could not match the tempo and trailed by 18 at the interval. Laska and Kalvis Krumins (182-G-90) scored 5 points to tip off the second period and Latvia established a 23-point cushion. The margin grew to as many as 26 points with ten minutes left in the game. The game turned into a one-way traffic in the fourth stanza as Ukrainian defense collapsed allowing Latvia to breeze to the victory. Martins Laksa (196-F-90) and Davis Rozitis (206-C-90) scored 14 points apiece for Latvia. Armands Osins and Girts Celms (182-G-90) added 9 points apiece for the winners. Igor Dobrikov (191-G/F-90) responded with 11 points for Ukraine. Roman Dmytrenko (200-F-90) notched 9 points in a loss.

Latvia U18: Martins Laksa 14, Davis Rozitis 14, Armands Osins 9, Girts Celms 9
Ukraine U18: Igor Dobrikov 11, Roman Dmytrenko 9

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  LEBANON   


Iranian U18 Team gains the first win in Yemen - by Eurobasket News
Iran U18 - Lebanon U18 92:83

Iranian Junior National Team made the first step towards reaching the FIBA Asia U18 Championship. They opened their WABA U18 Championship campaign with victory over Lebanon. The teams contested pretty evenly in the first half but Iran stepped on the gas in the third stanza. They opened up a double-digit lead and never looked back again securing a 92:83 win at the end. Hayk Gyokchyan (201-F-90) topscored for Lebanon with 27 points. Ahmad Ibrahim had 17 points in defeat.
Four teams are participating in the tournament. Three top squads will make it to the FIBA Asia U18 Championship to be held from August 28 through September 5 in Iran. Lebanon will take on Jordan next. Iran faces Yemen in the second game of the contest.

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  LITHUANIA   


Neptunas not interested in Al Khas - by Erildas Budraitis
Krepsinis.net is writing that Neptunas are not interested in Zaid Al Khas (205-C-76, college: Gannon) adn they didn't sent offer to him. The player is ex-Ganon (NCAA2), Had an experience in Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan. Neptunas also signed Osvaldas Kurauskas (190-G-79) and a new head coach will be Rytis Vaisvila. Vaisvila assistant will be Paulius Juodis. Neptunas have contracts with Remigijus Trakimas, Deividas Gailius, Marius Kasiulevicius, Evaldas Dainys, Antonas Pisarcikas, Vytautas Buzas and Vytenis Petkus.

Lithuania routs Finland before leaving for Beijing - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania - Finland 90:62

Lithuanian National Team played their last game before leaving to Beijing for the Olympic Games basketball tournament. They took on Finnish team in Vilnius. The hosts got a slow start and Finland kept it close in the first half. Lithuania managed to outscore visitors 17:15 in the first frame but the Suomi team bounced back in the second stanza. Led by Mikki Koivisto Finland capitalized on sloppy form of Lithuania and drove to a 34:28 advantage at the interval. However the complexion of the game changed after the break. Lithuania stepped on the gas and easily ran away from Finnish team. The home side limited their opponents to just 6 points in the quarter and established a 65:40 advantage heading into the fourth term. The teams then cruised through the reminder of the contest and Lithuania easily secured the winning outcome in the dying stages of the clash. Six Lithuanian players scored in double figures in a win. Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) led the charge with 13 points. Jonas Maciulis (200-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances) and Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) came up with 12 points apiece in a win. Mikko Koivisto (193-G-87) answered with game-high 17 points for Finland. Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) netted 11 points in defeat.

Lithuania: Sarunas Jasikevicius 13, Jonas Maciulis 12, Rimantas Kaukenas 12
Finland: Mikko Koivisto 17, Petri Virtanen 11

Lithuania beat Spain in Amaliada - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U18 - Spain U18 82:66

Donatas Motiejunas (215-C-90) produced 31 points and 14 boards and Lithuanian U18 National Team toppled Spain at the European Championship in Greece. Lithuania dominated the game as they got to a quick start. Donatas Motiejunas, Tautvydas Slezas (210-C-90) and Gediminas Bertasius (196-F-90) gave the Baltic team a 9:0 lead early in the encounter. Donatas Motiejunas and Tautvydas Slezas soon opened a double-digit lead for Lithuania and they secured a 25:13 advantage at the first intermission. Donatas Motiejunas and Sapiega stretched it to 16 points in the second frame. Spain sparked with an 8:0 run at the start of the third stanza to cut the deficit to 6 points. Ignacio Llovet (202-C-91) added 6 straight points and Spain climbed within 2 points from Lithuania midway through the third quarter. However Lithuania went on 21:1 rally bridging the third and fourth terms to establish a massive 26-point advantage midway through the final stanza. Donatas Motiejunas added 14 rebounds to his tally. Tautvydas Slezas finished with impressive 19 points, 17 boards and 6 assists, while Gediminas Bertasius knocked down 11 points for the winners. Ignacio Llovet banked 14 points for Spain. Josep Franch (190-G-91) secured 11 points in a loss. Lithuania outrebounded Spain 41:35 and shot solid 51% from the field. Spaniards answered with just 34% of field goals. Lithuania will take on Greece in the battle of Group E leaders today.

Lithuania U18: Donatas Motiejunas 31+14 boards, Tautvydas Slezas 19+17 boards, Gediminas Bertasius 11
Spain U18: Ignacio Llovet 14, Josep Franch 11

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  MONTENEGRO   


Goran Nikolic joins Panionios Athens, U20 NT heads to Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Euroleague participant Panionios Athens announced signing of experienced power forward of Montenegrin National Team Goran Nikolic (205-C-76, agency: Beo Basket). After Lonny Baxter (203-C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) and Ibrahim Jaaber (188-G-84, college: Pennsylvania), Nikolic is a third player who joined Panionios at the off-season. As a reminder Serbian coach Aleksandar Trifunovic replaced Bosnian Nenad Markovic at Panionios' bench during the summer. Nikolic had pretty good last season winning the title in German Championship with ALBA Berlin. He played 44 games for the German team in domestic competition averaging 9 ppg and 4.6 rpg. At the same time Nikolic had 10 appearances in ULEB Cup posting 11.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 1.5 apg. Before ALBA, Nikolic spent one season in Spanish Estudiantes Madrid reaching semifinals of FIBA Eurocup. During his basketball career he also played for Kyiv, Efes Pilsen, FMP Zeleznik and Ibon Niksic. His biggest achievement so far for sure is participation on FIBA World Championship in 2006 with Serbian & Montenegrin National Team. Except of that, Nikolic also grabbed two titles in Turkish championship with Efes Pilsen and one Yugoslavian National Cup with FMP. His name is on the list of NT head coach Dusko Vujosevic for the upcoming NT project.

In the meantime Montenegrin U20 National Team travels to Latvian capital Riga for U20 European Championship division A. Montenegrins are placed in Preliminary Group C. Their rival at the opening day will be powerful Spain while their two other opponents at the first stage will be Bulgaria and the host Latvia. Montenegro made great success at the last EC division B in Poland winning the title.

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  NBA   


Knicks waive Green and Bobby Jones - by Bruno Baltazar
The New York Knicks President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that guard Taurean Green (6'0''-G-85, college: Florida) and guard/forward Bobby Jones (6'6''-F-84, college: Washington) have been waived. Both had been acquired on Monday from Denver, along with a 2010 second-round draft choice, for forward Renaldo Balkman and cash considerations. Seems like they want to make salary cap on their roster waiving this players just right after their trade.

Tickets to the NBA pre-season game in London are sold out and three Euroleague teams will compete against NBA teams in USA - by Bruno Baltazar
Tickets for the NBA pre-season matchup between the Miami Heat and the New Jersey Nets in London are sold out - nearly three months before the game.
Tickets to the Oct. 12 game at the 16,500-seat O2 Arena went on sale March 31 and were all taken by late last week, organizers said Tuesday.
It's the second straight year that the NBA Europe Live game at the venue has sold out. The Boston Celtics beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 92-81 in a pre-season game last year.
This year's game is one of four in Europe. The Heat and the Nets first meet in Paris on Oct. 9 before the rematch in London.
The New Orleans Hornets and the Washington Wizards play in Berlin on Oct. 14 before meeting in the final of the four-game tour in Barcelona, Spain, three days later.

The NBA and Euroleague announced that three Euroleague teams will compete in five NBA preseason games from October 10-21, 2008. The five games, which are part of the Euroleague American Tour, will be played by 2008 Euroleague champion CSKA Moscow (Russia), FC Barcelona (Spain) and Lietuvos Rytas (Lithuania). The teams may face up to five NBA opponents including the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Orlando Magic, the Toronto Raptors and possibly the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Euroleague American Tour continues a tradition of friendly competition between the NBA and Euroleague Basketball, dating back to 1978 when Maccabi Tel Aviv played the Washington Bullets in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The Euroleague American Tour tips off on Oct. 10 in Orlando, Florida, when six-time Euroleague champion CSKA Moscow makes its North American debut against the Orlando Magic. CSKAs second preseason game will take place in Toronto, Canada, when CSKA plays the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 14.

FC Barcelona will play two games as part of the Preseason Shootout at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. The 2008 NBA Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers will be Barcelonas first opponent on Oct. 18, followed by the either Los Angeles Clippers or Toronto Raptors on Oct. 19. For Barcelona, founded in 1926, the games in Los Angeles will be their first played in the United States.

ORACLE Arena in Oakland, Calif. will be the final site of the Euroleagues American Tour when the Golden State Warriors hosts Lietuvos Rytas on Oct. 21. Rytas is the 2005 ULEB Cup champion and hold five Lithuanian League crowns.

News from Chicago, Denver, Atlanta and LA Clippers - by Eurobasket News
Chicago Bulls finally agreed terms with Sudanese/British forward Luol Deng (6'7''-F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Duke). The contract is not officially signed yet but the Bulls and Deng verbally agreed on a six-year deal worth 71 million dollars. Interesting is that Deng and the Bulls negotiated almost a years about the new contract but it seems they finally done it successfully. Deng recorded pretty good digits last season with the Bulls. He had 63 appearances in NBA averaging 17 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 2.5 apg. Two seasons before his figures were even better: 22.2 ppg and 8.7 rpg. Deng arrived to Chicago from Duke after he was chosen as 7th overall pick at 2004 NBA draft.

Denver Nuggets announced signing of Dahntay Jones (6'5''-F/G-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Duke), who finished the season in NBDL team Fort Wayne Mad Ants averaging 24.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 2.4 apg in 10 games. Interesting is that he spent some time at the pre-season with Boston Celtics and later moved to Sacramento Kings. Finally in March this year he joined the Mad Ants. As Deng, Jones also came out from Duke but a year before him.

Randolph Morris (6'11''-F/C-86, college: Kentucky) put signature on contract with Atlanta Hawks. Morris spent last 2 years in New York Knicks playing only 23 NBA games in total. He had 3.1 ppg and 2.1 rpg in 18 games last season.

LA Clippers waived Josh Powell (6'9''-F-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.), who had 5.5 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 64 games last season. It was his first but also his last one so far with the Clippers, where he arrived from Golden State Warriors last year. Except of Warriors, Powel also played for Indiana, Dallas, Lokomotiv Rostov and Italian Scafati.

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  NCAA1   


Tom Crean agrees to extension with Indiana University - by Eurobasket News
Indiana University men's basketball coach Tom Crean has agreed to a two-year extension through the 2017-18 season, according to people familiar with the situation. Terms were not immediately available.

'As soon as the long-form contract is done and finalized, it will be released,' Crean said Monday. 'To date, I'm comfortable with the progress and look forward to its completion.'

The extension matches the length of the deal Crean had at Marquette before leaving for IU.

Crean initially agreed to an eight-year deal worth $18.24 million, the largest for an IU coach. He signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 1 that outlined the terms but never signed an official contract.

Introduced April 2, Crean was hired to replace Kelvin Sampson, who resigned following allegations of major recruiting violations.

Following a hearing June 13-14 in Seattle on the allegations related to Sampson's tenure, the NCAA infractions committee added a charge of 'failure to monitor,' which could bring additional penalties. IU is preparing its response to the added charge. Another infractions committee hearing then likely would occur in August, October or December, followed by a decision on possible penalties.

Courtesy of www.indystar.com

Ohio: Williams inks deal to play professionally in Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Former Ohio University forward Leon Williams (6'8''-F/C-86, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Ohio) has agreed to terms with Pinar Karsiyaka of the Turkish Basketball League, the club announced on Tuesday. Williams is the second former Bobcat to ink an overseas deal in the last week, as one-time teammate Bubba Walther signed with ZZ Leiden of the Dutch Eredivisie on Friday.

The Baltimore, Md., native is the 40th former Ohio player to ever sign a contract to play professionally overseas. He was one of three Americans signed by Pinar Karsiyaka on Tuesday, giving the squad four on its roster.

Williams, a four-time All-Mid-American Conference selection, is one of the most decorated players in Ohio history. In addition to finishing his career in seventh place on the school's all-time scoring list (1,716 pts.), his .608 career field goal percentage is a school record. He also ranks second in Ohio history in rebounds (1,090) and free throws attempted (732), as well as fourth in free throws made (489) and tied for seventh in field goals made (613).

In addition to his All-MAC accolades, Williams earned All-District 10 honors from the National Basketball Coaches Association (NABC) in each of his final two collegiate campaigns.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

Georgia Tech adds new big man - by Kevin Cochran

Bassirou Dieng (6'9''-F-85), who played basketball the last two seasons at St.Francis and has been accepted into Georgia Tech's International Affairs graduate program, has been granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA to play for the Yellow Jackets' basketball team in the 2008-09 season.

Dieng (pronounced BASS-uh-roo dee-ENG), who is 6-9 and 215 pounds, has one year of eligibility at Tech. In two years at St.Francis, he averaged 8.5 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game and shot 46.2 percent from the floor. Dieng also played one year at Norfolk State (2004-05) before moving to St.Francis, where he sat out the 2005-06 season in accordance with NCAA transfer rules.

''Bass' is a young man who contacted us about playing basketball after applying and being accepted into graduate school at Georgia Tech,' said head coach Paul Hewitt. 'Coaches in their league that I have spoken with are very complimentary of his ability as a player and his character. We're happy that he has decided to attend Georgia Tech.'

NCAA rules require student-athletes sit out one year when transferring, but the NCAA can grant a waiver when the student-athlete enrolls at an institution in a graduate program which is not offered by his previous school. Dieng, who received his undergraduate degree from St.Francis in the spring in Political Science and International Studies and will begin his graduate studies at Tech in the fall semester.

Dieng, a native of Dakar, Senegal, will be on a basketball scholarship at Tech this year. The post player actually has played a game in Alexander Memorial Coliseum, scoring four points in 19 minutes for St.Francis during an 87-43 loss to the Jackets on Dec. 30, 2006.


Courtesy: NCAA.com




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


Mike McBride named Tusculum assistant coach - by Eurobasket News
Mike McBride has been named the new assistant coach at Tusculum College announced Pioneer head coach Jim Boone.

McBride will be involved in all phases of the program, serving as recruiting coordinator and assisting with on-floor coaching and teaching, game preparation and director of operations for summer basketball camps.

'We are very excited to have someone of Mike's caliber as both a coach and a person to become a member of our basketball and college family, said Boone. Mike brings a wealth of successful experience as a coach and as a recruiter. Not only is he obviously a tremendous addition to our staff, but as good as he is as a coach, he is a better person.'

McBride comes to the Greeneville campus after serving three seasons at Indiana University Southeast (2004-07). While at the New Albany, Ind. school, he helped the Grenadiers to a 78-22 combined record, including two seasons where IUS finished the year nationally ranked.

During the 2004-05 campaign, IUS posted a 29-8 record, while capturing the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) Regular Season and Tournament titles and advanced to the NAIA Division II National Tournament, finishing the year ranked No. 23 in the country.

The Grenadiers followed that outstanding campaign with one even better as IUS rattled off a 30-4 record. IUS repeated as KIAC Regular Season and Tournament Champions, and returned to the NAIA National Tournament. IUS posted the second-best scoring margin in the nation (+16.91), while finishing seventh in both field goal percentage (49.4%) and three-point field goal percentage (40.5%). The Grenadiers ended the season ranked No. 9 in the land, while tallying winning streaks spanning 10 and eight games, including four overtime contests. IUS averaged 79.8 points per game, while limiting its opponents to just 62.9 ppg.

During his three seasons at IUS, McBride mentored eight All-Conference selections, including Ty Crone, who garnered NAIA All-America recognition in 2004-05.

Im extremely excited to join a quality institution like Tusculum College and to work with a successful and well respected coach in Jim Boone, said McBride. The work that Coach Boone and the previous coaching staffs have put in over the past few years have TC primed for great success. Im very fortunate to be a part of it.

Prior to coaching at IUS, he spent four seasons as the boys varsity head coach at Tipton (Ind.) High School. He led the Blue Devils to the Class 2A Taylor Sectional Championship in 2001.

His first stint as a collegiate coach came at Eastern Kentucky University during the 1999-2000 season, preceded by three years as head boys varsity coach at Eminence (Ind.) High School. From 1997-99, he also served the dual role as basketball coach and athletic director.

The Jeffersonville, Ind. native played his collegiate career at Marian College, where he was an All-Conference standout (1995-96) and was twice named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Honors Court (1994-96). The 1996 Marian graduate lettered three seasons with the Knights and served as team captain during his senior year.

McBride has worked at numerous basketball camps and clinics, serving as director of the IUS Basketball Camp, Tipton Summer League, Tipton High School Basketball Camp and the Tipton Fall Developmental Camp. He has also worked with the Bloomington Red AAU Program, Five Star Basketball Camp and the Indiana University Basketball Camp.

He is a member of the NABC and the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association.

Tusculum College, located in Greeneville, Tenn., is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, USA and is a NCAA Division II member of the South Atlantic Conference which is comprised of nine colleges and universities in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Courtesy of www.tusculum.edu

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  PORTUGAL   


Schedule of new Liga released - by Portugal Eurobasket

Although teams are still in vacations till mid-August - season only begins on October 4th - the schedule has been release for the new Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol. Therefore, on day 1, champions Ovarense host Academica Coimbra, FC Porto challenges Lusitania, Barreirense hosts Vagos, former Proliga champions Fisica Torres Vedras challenges CAB Madeira, Ginasio and Vitoria play in Figueira da Foz and the Lisbon derby puts Belenenses against Benfica.

There will be 22 rounds, plus the crossed games against Proliga teams, in a total of 34 games for each team.
One of the biggest news for this season's game plan are the crossed games against Proliga teams, which will be held between both regular seasons. On the first day of these games, on October 4th: Queluz-Academica, Electrico-Benfica, Angrabasket-CAB Madeira, Sampaense-Ovarense, Sangalhos-Barreirense, Maia-Ginasio, Esgueira-Belenenses, Illiabum-FC Porto, Seixal-Vitoria, Basq. Barcelos-Vagos, Galitos-Lusitania and Atletico-Fisica.

Schedule

Crossed games Schedule



Big games in 2008 - by Portugal Eurobasket
Key games till the end of the year in Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol

October 4th - first day of games, crossed games between Liga and Proliga
October 11th - Fisica, Vitoria and Academica make their debut in the top division since 1995
October 25th - Vitoria hosts Benfica on day 3 of the event, Vagos plays FC Porto
November 8th - The big clash in basketball between champions Ovarense and runners-up FC Porto
December 1st - Ovarense host Vitoria in a re-match of last seasons' semi-final of the Portuguese Cup
December 13th - Benfica receives Ovarense and FC Porto travels to Vitoria in a re-match of the Portuguese Cup Final
December 20th - Old rivals FC Porto and Benfica meet in Matosinhos, Proliga finalists Fisica and Vitoria meet in Torres Vedras

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  RUSSIA   


Russia go on top of Group F in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Russia U18 - Croatia U18 85:76

Russian Junior National Team survived close last seconds in the clash against Croatia to post their second consecutive win at the Qualifying round of the European Championship. Russia thus climbed on top of Group F but still did not guarantee the semifinal birth. Four teams have a chance to enter the semis with Croatia, France and Latvia hoping for it alongside Russia. The teams looked well matched in the opening minutes however Toni Prostran (188-G-91) and Mario Delas (210-C-90) spurred Croatia to a 17:8 lead midway through the frame. Vladimir Pichkurov (195-G-90), Evgeny Valiev (204-F-90) and Maxim Grigoryev (191-G-90) chipped in a bunch of free throws and Russia cut the deficit to 3 points. The teams traded baskets throughout the second term with Russia keeping it close. Alexey Murychev (203-F/C-90) put Russian team ahead thrice before he was supported by Pavel Antipov (200-F-91) and they established a 43:41 advantage at halftime. Pavel Antipov and Maxim Grigoryev fired three treys at the start of the third period and Russia cleared off to an 11-point distance. Croatia failed to recover in the third stanza and trailed by 10 points heading into the final frame. Mario Delas tipped off the fourth quarter with 4 points to cut the deficit however Sergey Palkin (191-G-90), Alexey Murychev and Vladimir Pichkurov secured a safe distance for Russian team. Croatia managed to come as close as 5 points with just over 2 minutes remaining but Russian players were deadly from charity stripe in the final minutes to seal the winning outcome. Vladimir Pichkurov nailed 17 points to lead Russia. Alexey Murychev contributed 15 points and 13 boards for the winners. Mario Delas answered with 20 points and 8 boards for Croatia. Toni Prostran scored 17 points in a losing case. Russia will face Latvia, while Croatia will take on France in the final round of the Qualifying round.

Russia U18: Vladimir Pichkurov 17, Alexey Murychev 15+13 boards, Maxim Grigoryev 14
Croatia U18: Mario Delas 20, Toni Prostran 17

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  SCOTLAND   


Well-known Glasgow coach dies at age of 59 - by Sandy Sutherland
James 'Mickey' McKechnie, a much-loved coach from the East End of Glasgow, has died from cancer after a short illness.
Mickey, who was still coaching kids in Easterhouse in Glasgow only last month, was responsible for introducing thousands of youngsters to the hoops game in the city and for many years kept the game alive almost single-handed.
With Paisley, Penilee, Bannerman Vikings, GEAR, Glasgow Brightsiders and Glasgow d2 he won almost every honour in the game, first as a player, then as a player-coach and coach yet he never received the recognition he deserved.
His funeral, details of which are stil to be announced, will be on Tuesday August 5.

Scotland unsure of a place in 2010 Commonwealth Hoops - by Sandy Sutherland
Thanks to the intervention of FIBA, there will after all be a Commonwealth Basketball Championship in Delhi in 2010, despite the fact that basketball has not been included in the list of sports for the Commonwealth Games there in October of that year.
But it will be for men only, although a women's event is to be added, possibly in 2012 and possibly even in Glasgow.
Eight countries will be invited to take part in the first FIBA
Commonwealth Championship which will be hosted by India in Delhi in
July 2010 and Australia have already announced that they will be
taking part.
India, Nigeria, England and possibly Canada and South Africa have
also been mentioned but it is not clear yet whether Scotland, who
finished sixth in the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, ahead of
both India and South Africa, would earn a direct invitation.
'We are still awaiting details of the new event from FIBA and are
unsure whether we would have to play off with other countries for
one of the eight spots,' said Basketballscotland Chief Executive
Kevin Pringle.
Plans for a Commonwealth Women's Championship have still to be
finalised but FIBA have suggested the first event could take place
in 2012 and Glasgow, which has also left out basketball from its list of sports for the 2014 Games, could be in line to host it, possibly in the new Indoor Arena.







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  SEBL   


Baseline-1 Clinches North, Marietta, Supreme and Celtics get wins; South Divsion scores... - by David Archer

Cartersville, GA - Playoff positioning in the SEBL Metro A-League was being battled for on Wednesday night at JH Morgan Gym... Baseline-1 and Marietta helped their causes with big wins, while Skyline and ServPro's defeats proved costly...

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Wed., July 30th @ JH Morgan Gym:



Supreme 79 Skyline 70... Supreme surprised a flat shooting Skyline squad, to capture their second straight win. The Supreme moved to 2-6 and into 7th place and will be a scary match-up for who ever they play in the first round of the playoffs. They have lost several games in the waning moments and could actually be sitting as good as 6-2 had the Basketball Gods looked down upon them a little more favorably. Skyline, fighthing for a second place seed in the North Division playoffs, had a chance to catch ServPro but faltered on this night. After leading early, Skyline went flat and Supreme heated up behind the scoring of Carlos Hampton, who had 16 of his 20 in the opening half. Supreme led 43-32 at the half. Skyline tried to make a run in the second half, as Nick Mattone dowened several threes and Antone Anderson hustled his way to 14 points in the second half. But, Supreme's Ale Burt picked up the slack in the second half, downing 18 of his 22 points. Skyline f....ell to 4-3 on the summer and is currently in third place, hoping to hold steady at that spot or even move up if they can get by ServPro-1 on Sunday.

Baseline-1 87 ServPro-1 84... Baseline clinched the Metro A-League North Division Title with a come from behind win over ServPro-1. Behind the scoring of Joe Hamilton and Ronell Wooten, Baseline held a comfortable lead most of the first half, but ServPro's Darnel Cox and Jermaine Spivey began to work around the basket to get buckets. Chris Jones helped Baseline maintain with several offensive boards and put backs, but Servpro managed to get to within 48-46 at the break. Things tightened up in the second half, as both teams began to understand the importance of grabbing a victory. Baseline moved back out to a 7-point lead early in the second half, but ServPro's guards began getting to the basket for either baskets or fouls. ServPro went to the line 16 times for 13 of their second half points and they built a double digit lead with under 10-minutes remaining. Baseline-1 was down but not out and began chipping away at the ServPro lead down the stretch. Wooten got free for two ally oops from Terrence Hundley. Hundley had a stretch where he scored six straight to keep Baseline-1 within striking distance at 72-69. Wooten's basket and freethrow finally re-knotted the score at 72-all. with 3:52 remaining. Later ServPro went back up 80-77 on freethrows by Shan Finley and Spencer Dixon. Wooten then dribble left off a screen and buried a 25 foot trey to tie things up at 80. After a ServPro-1 miss, Wooten dribbled up and drained another three to suddenly put Baseline ahead by three with :40 ticks remaining. ServPro's Finley drew a foul and hit both, making it 83-82, then were forced to foul. Chris Jones was fouled and hit one for Baseline, he missed the second and Hamilton pulled the offensive board. Hundley was then fouled and he connected on one of the two freethrows, putting Baseline up 85-82. Cox answered with a bucket under the basket for ServPro with :6.9 ticks left, to make it 85-84 for Baseline-1. After a timeout, Baseline advanced the ball to half-court and on the the inbounds ServPro-1 fouled Hundley, who went to the line with 5.6 left and hit both freethrows. ServPro-1 inbounded and was unable to get the desparation 3-point shot at the buzzer, allowing Baseline-1 to escape with the win. Servpro, who slipped to 5-2, was led by Finley's 30 points, while Spivey had 20. Cox who only had four points after half-time finished with 16 and Spencer Dixon had 11. For Baseline-1, who improved to 7-0, Ronnell Wooten finished with 26, while Hamilton had 23, Jones 16, Hundley scored all of his 11 in the second half, and Kurtis Wood had eight.


Marietta 81 BC Force 63... Marietta caught BC Force on a off night and streaked to a big win. Shannon Billings downed 22, while Chris Brown had 16, Courtney George 14 and Isaac Cook 12 for Marietta who evened their record at 3-3. Marietta held a 37-19 lead at the half. BC Force was paced by Kelvin McConnell's 17 points, as Antonio Cook had 14 and Marc Reese13. Marietta moved into fourth place in the North Division, while BC Force is currently in fifth place.


BC Celtics 93 Knicks-1 60... The Celtics,who had dropped two straight, got back on track with a big win over the lowly Knicks-1 squad. Mike Reynolds downed 30 points, while Dexter Shaw had 21 and Jeff Croft 20 to pace the Celtics offense. For the Knicks-1, Jon Johnson was the bright spot with 29 points, while DeMarlow Simmons had 15. The win kept the Celtics tied with the Force in the North standings with one round of games to go. The Knicks-1 remained winless at 0-6 in the division.


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Metro A-League South Division Scores... (re-caps and summaries will be posted shortly)


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Wed., July 30th @ Clayton State…


Tri-County 74 BC Lakers 61


Speedboys 66 Black Monop 60


DOTS 82 Young Gunz 67
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Standings
SEBL Standings
City B-East
 1. Summ.Hill BD 6-0 
 2. BC Howren 3-3 
 3. BC Sixers 3-4 
 4. Owen FH 2-4 
 5. Polk Co. 1-5 
City B-West
 1. Metro Tech 6-0 
 2. Cedart.B. II 3-3 
 3. BC Dalton 3-4 
 4. BC Knicks-2 1-4 
 5. Rockmart 1-5 
Metro A-North
 1. Cartersville W. 7-0 
 2. ServPro-1 5-2 
 3. BC Skyline 4-3 
 4. Marietta O. 3-3 
 5. BC Force 3-4 
 6. BC Celtics 3-4 
 7. Supreme 2-5 
 8. Smyrna K. 0-6 
Metro A-South
 1. Speedboys 7-1 
 2. Tri-County 4-4 
 3. BC Lakers 4-4 
 4. Young Gunz 4-4 
 5. Black Monop 3-5 
 6. D.O.T.S. 2-6 


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  SERBIA   


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


Tepic


Erceg


Kecman


Velickovic


Perovic
4 Milos Teodosic (196-G-87) of Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (GRE)
5 Milenko Tepic (198-G-87) of BC Partizan Igokea Beograd
6 Branko Cvetkovic (200-G-84) of Akasvayu Girona (ESP)
7 Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85) of Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (GRE)
8 Dusan Kecman (197-G/F-77) of Panathinaikos Athens (GRE)
9 Stefan Markovic (191-G-88) of KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac
10 Uros Tripkovic (197-G-86) of BC Partizan Igokea Beograd
12 Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) of New Jersey Nets (USA)
13 Milos Vujanic (cap) (190-G-80) of Efes Pilsen Istanbul (TUR)
14 Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) of BC Partizan Igokea Beograd
15 Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) of Golden State Warriors (USA)
16 Luka Bogdanovic (206-F-85) of DKV Joventut Badalona (ESP)

Serbia losses against Iran on Diamond Ball in China
After pretty good performance at 'Mechel Cup' in Moscow, Serbia faced with defeat in its first game on 'Diamond Ball' in Nanjing. National Team of Iran, which played a good game against reining Olympic champions Argentina two days ago, shined once again. Players of Serbian head coach Rajko Toroman gave their best which at the and was enough for 70-72. Ehadadi exploited missing of new 6 million euros worth acquisition of Triumph Luybertsy Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) under the basket taking full control on that position. He led Iranian to win collecting 20 points and 20 rebounds.
Beginning of the game was almost leveled. Serbians started to play a little bit better in the second period making 29-22 but Hamed Ehadadi (218-C-85, agency: Agency No 10) and his teammates very soon succeeded to tie the score. Nothing has changed in third quarter as it was another almost equalized one. Iranians had much better performance during the last ten minutes as they had 69-62 with 2 minutes to go. Serbia immediately intensified defense making 8-2 run for minus one. Crucial moment of the game was a bad pass by young Stefan Markovic (191-G-88). Actually at the very end Serbians had a chance for a last shot but it was unsuccessful.

Except of above mentioned Ahadadi, Javad Davari (185-G-83) also netted 20 points. Serbia got 14 points and 7 rebounds from Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85) while Kosta Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) had 10 points and 5 rebounds. Serbia will meet Argentina today while Iran has a day-off.


Iran - Serbia 72-70
(18-19, 17-16, 19-17, 18-18)

Iran: Ehadai 20 (20 rebs), Davari 20, Afagh 14
Serbia: Erceg 14 (7 rebs), Perovic 10 (5 rebs)

Greece tame Serbia to stay undefeated - by Eurobasket News
Greece U18 - Serbia U18 72:59

Greek Juniors avenged of the last years loss in the European Champions Final beating the defending champions Serbia today. Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) exploded with 23 points to lift the hosts to an impressive victory and ensured their perfect record on top of the Qualifying round Group E. Serbia in the meantime received a major setback in their semifinal pursuit as they slipped to 2-2 record. Serbia will face Israel, while Greece will take on Lithuania tomorrow.
Nikolaos Pappas scored 9 points to mastermind a 19:11 lead for Greece after the starting period. The hosts opened the second frame with a 13:0 run to clear off to a 21-point distance. Aleksandar Mitrovic (201-G-90) and Dejan Musli (213-C-91) cut the deficit by a whisker but Nikolaos Pappas iced their effort with a three-pointer. Serbia however refused to fold and closed the second stanza with a 5:0 rally to trail by 16. Greece stunned their opponents in the third period when they posted a 13:0 surge and built a 54:26 advantage with under two minutes remaining in the quarter. Serbia only managed to burst out with a 12:0 rally in the fourth term to trim the gap to 15 points but Greece used accurate free throws from Konstantinos Sloukas (192-G-90) and a jumper from Leonidas Kaselakis (202-C-90) to silence their opponents. Konstantinos Sloukas tallied 14 points and 9 boards for Greece. Leonidas Kaselakis had 10 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Filip Sepa (199-G/F-90) answered with 20 points for Serbia. Aleksandar Mitrovic delivered 14 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Greek team converted 50% from the field, while Serbia replied with just 30% of field goals.

Greece U18: Nikolaos Pappas 23, Konstantinos Sloukas 14, Leonidas Kaselakis 10
Serbia U18: Filip Sepa 20, Aleksandar Mitrovic 14

Dejan Borovnjak agrees with Vojvodina Srbijagas
Vojvodina Srbijagas is the team which signed the most players this summer. It was totally expectable as almost all players from the last season left the club. This time Vojvodina take care for a real surprise adding Dejan Borovnjak (208-F-86) to its roster. Borovnjak grew up in Partizan's young selections and he was member of senior team since 2004. During this period Partizan won four championship titles in Serbia, two in Adriatic league and one National Cup 'Radivoj Korac'. Borovnjak played 28 games for reining Serbian and Adriatic league champion in regional competition averaging 4.2 ppg and 2.9 rpg. He also played 14 games in Serbian Superleague registering a little bit lower digits. Bodovnjak appeared 20 times in Euroleague but without important record. The main reason for Borovnjak's leaving to Novi Sad is his strong desire to get more minutes on the court. As a reminder Vojvodina Srbijagas already agreed terms with Marko Popovic (193-G-84), Marko Sutalo (194-G-83), Marko Jovanovic (214-C-82), Darko Habus (186-G-82, agency: 011 Sports) and head coach Zoran Sretenovic.

Crvena Zvezda is close to resolve its problems for the future. According to the Serbian media owner of FMP Zeleznik Nebojsa Covic is ready to take over the club. Covic will most probably be the president of the club while highly respected Bozidar Maljkovic announced that he for sure won't be the head coach of Crvena Zvezda. That possibility was one of the hottest stories in Serbian basketball public over the past month but mystery is finally resolved.

Goran Bajic stays in Vojvodina, Jeftic in Radnicki 034 - by Zoran Popovic
Management of Vojvodina Srbija Gas Novi Sad decide to extend contract with Goran Bajic (207-C-83). In season 2007-2008 Bajic was on the top of the rebouds list in Serbian Super league. Bajic scored for Vojvodina Srbija Gas Novi Sad in Adriatic league average 2.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and in Superleague 11.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 0.6 assistants per game. Goran Bajic started career in KK Srem Sremska Mitrovica 2000-2001, next six seasons he played for KK Sloga Kraljevo 2001-2007 and in February 2007 he moved to BC Mega Ishrana.
Young player Nikola Jeftic is new player of Radnicki 034 Group Kragujevac. Before Radnicki Jeftic played for Rudar Ugljevik 2003-2004 and for Beovuk 72 2004-2008.

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  SINGAPORE   


Slingers to form Asian Pro League - by Hector Santos
Former PBL hotshot Jason Castro will remain a member of the Singapore Slinger and will receive the full benefits of his contract despite the teams withdrawal from Australias National Basketball League.

Castro was signed by the Slingers to an eight-month contract last June but his much-anticipated debut as the countrys first player to play for a foreign professional basketball team apparently will not happen, not in the near future anyway.

But the Slingers will remain intact as a team as the Singaporeans try to muster enough members to launch an Asian Pro League.

Singapores withdrawal from the Australian-based NBL was reportedly due to the high cost of travel and team finances could not keep pace with the requirements.

This was, however, denied by Paul Monozca, a Filipino investment banker who is based in Singapore, who said the Slingers are sound financially.

'The true and the main reason behind their decision to withdraw from the NBL is a commercial one,' said Monozca, a long-time buddy of Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero. 'They want to have a better access from the media. They want to have TV coverage so they want to organize and run a league where they can maximize their resources.'

Monozca was personally invited by team owner Bob Turner during a meeting last Saturday with majority of the shareholders where they discussed the plan to form the Asian Pro-League.

He also said that Castro, who helped Harbour Center win three of its five straight championships, will remain with the Slingers until the end of his 8-month contract.

'There are no changes in the contract of Jason,' said Monozca.

'They have been talking about it the past two years,' said Monozca. 'This would open up the Slingers for better sponsorships and player recruitment opportunities moving forward.'

Monoza said Castro is excited about the plan of the management to form a pro league.

'Castro sees the new direction as a wider challenge and a more exciting one considering they will play more countries in Asia than just in Australia,' said Monozca.

The Slingers, according to Monozca, plan to have at least 8 to 10 teams to be involved the Asian Pro-League, and that includes teams from China, Japan, Korea and the Philippines. At least two teams from the NBL will also take part in the event.

The Slingers will hold a Challenge Series starting on Sept. 17 to cushion the impact of their withdrawal from the NBL. The Asian Pro-League is tentatively set in March next year. MB

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  SPAIN   


Spain topple Latvia in friendly - by Eurobasket News
Spain - Latvia 107:57

Spanish National Team continued their preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games. Yesterday they played an exhibition encounter against Latvian National team in Castellon. Spain proved they are in a decent form at the moment crushing their opponents. The hosts rushed ahead right from the start and accounted for 27 points in the opening stanza. It gave them a 12-point lead ten minutes into the game. Spain however never slowed down and stretched the margin to massive 30 points at halftime 55:25. The onslaught went on in the second half. Spain notched 32 points in the third stanza giving no trace of hope for the visitors. Latvia trailed by as many as 46 points before the fourth quarter. Spain entertained the local fans with high-flying tip-top basketball and poured in 30 points in the fourth quarter to finalize an impressive win at the end. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) led the charge with 17 points. Alex Mumbru (201-F-79) had 16 points, while Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85) added 14 points for the winners. Kaspars Berzins (211-F/C-85, agency: FCM) answered with 17 points for Latvia. Raimonds Gabrans (188-G-84, agency: FCM) added 10 points in a losing effort.

Spain: Pau Gasol 17, Alex Mumbru 16, Rudy Fernandez 14
Latvia: Kaspars Berzins 17, Raimonds Gabrans 10

Archibald Delivers Crushing Blow to National Team - by Paul Nilsen
Unicaja Malaga centre/forward Robert Archibald has continued the wrange between ACB teams and the GB National team after the Scotsman decided to withdraw from the forthcoming Eurobasket qualifiers.

Archibald, one of the most influential players in the team and one of the most experienced after the NBA guys, explained his reasons to UK website basketball 24/7

'My body took a bit of coming around at the end of last season and I've ended up in a situation where I need a little bit of extra time to get a good start with my club.

'At this point I would say that it is a done deal that I will not be in camp and that is unfortunate.

'I'm not happy about it. I'd rather be over there with the rest of the guys but you see this happening to guys all the time. You need that little bit of time away at some point.

'This just wasn't something I was going to be able to rest and then come into the start of a new season, starting off at only 70 per cent.

'I will stay here in the States working and trying to get right for a good year and, hopefully, be involved again with GB next summer ... hopefully in the European Finals.'

.The Scots player denied that Unicaja put any pressure on him to withdraw but it does come on the back of the withdrawl of Estudiantes forward Dan Clark and the comments of Andy Betts formerly of Cajasol who insisted that Spanish teams dont take the GB team seriously. Again, smacking of double standards given the focus shown towards the Spanish national team.

He said: 'I feel bad. Of course, I would rather be involved with GB.

'Obviously clubs are rarely big fans of players playing internationally and the Great Britain programme isn't given a lot of respect, for whatever reason.

'But this was based on talking with doctors here. I told the club what my situation is and that's when I made the decision.

'I have an obligation to the club team as well, so that does play into it. But if it was a case of me being good to go, I would be in London next week.'

Archibald describes the injury as a 'wear and tear' problem which requires strengthening ahead of the new campaign.

And he explained: 'Part of the problem is, the season is so long you never have time to do rehab and refresh your body ready for the next year. Everything gets crammed into one.

'Hopefully, this means I will be set for next year with GB.'

Lithuania beat Spain in Amaliada - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U18 - Spain U18 82:66

Donatas Motiejunas (215-C-90) produced 31 points and 14 boards and Lithuanian U18 National Team toppled Spain at the European Championship in Greece. Lithuania dominated the game as they got to a quick start. Donatas Motiejunas, Tautvydas Slezas (210-C-90) and Gediminas Bertasius (196-F-90) gave the Baltic team a 9:0 lead early in the encounter. Donatas Motiejunas and Tautvydas Slezas soon opened a double-digit lead for Lithuania and they secured a 25:13 advantage at the first intermission. Donatas Motiejunas and Sapiega stretched it to 16 points in the second frame. Spain sparked with an 8:0 run at the start of the third stanza to cut the deficit to 6 points. Ignacio Llovet (202-C-91) added 6 straight points and Spain climbed within 2 points from Lithuania midway through the third quarter. However Lithuania went on 21:1 rally bridging the third and fourth terms to establish a massive 26-point advantage midway through the final stanza. Donatas Motiejunas added 14 rebounds to his tally. Tautvydas Slezas finished with impressive 19 points, 17 boards and 6 assists, while Gediminas Bertasius knocked down 11 points for the winners. Ignacio Llovet banked 14 points for Spain. Josep Franch (190-G-91) secured 11 points in a loss. Lithuania outrebounded Spain 41:35 and shot solid 51% from the field. Spaniards answered with just 34% of field goals. Lithuania will take on Greece in the battle of Group E leaders today.

Lithuania U18: Donatas Motiejunas 31+14 boards, Tautvydas Slezas 19+17 boards, Gediminas Bertasius 11
Spain U18: Ignacio Llovet 14, Josep Franch 11

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  TURKEY   


France bounce back dismantling Turkey - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Turkey U18 83:64

French Junior National Team rebounded after the starting loss at the Qualifying round of the European Championship. Today they heavily defeated Turkey to stay positive about their hopes of reaching the semifinal stage in Greece. The teams looked well matched at the start of the encounter and Turkey enjoyed a 19:18 lead ten minutes into the game. However French team opened the second stanza with a 9:0 rally to establish a 27:19 lead. Back-to-back trebles from Bourhis and Nicolas Lang (195-G-90) made it 39:30 for French team late in the second stanza. France finally posted a 42:36 advantage at the sides change. Melih Mahmutoglu (191-G-90) opened the second half with a three-pointer but France reacted immediately. Lacombe, Alexis Tanghe (207-F/C-90) and Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) stepped up to enlarge the margin to 11 points. Turkey failed to respond and found themselves trailing by 18 points with just quarter to go. France kept Turkey at bay through the rest of the encounter and celebrated an important victory at the end. Alexis Tanghe nailed 22 points and grabbed 7 boards to pace France. Andrew Albicy, Nicolas Lang and Miguel Buval (206-F/C-90) came up with 12 points apiece in a win. Melih Mahmutoglu, Volkan Incekara (192-G-90) and Ilhan Gokalp (198-F-91) replied with 9 points apiece for Turkey as they slipped to 1-3 record in Group F ladder. France dominated the boards with 44 against 30 caroms. They also shot solid 54% from the field and 70% from charity stripe.

France U18: Alexis Tanghe 22, Andrew Albicy 12, Nicolas Lang 12, Miguel Buval 12
Turkey U18: Melih Mahmutoglu 9, Volkan Incekara 9, Ilhan Gokalp 9

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Guidance Outlasts Upset-Minded Legacy 78-75 in CBA Playoff Opener - by David Edole
July 29, 2008 -- Sixth-seeded Legacy gave third-seeded Guidance all they could handle Monday night in the opening game of the Continental Basketball Association 2008 playoffs, but it was not enough as they came up just short in their upset bid 78-75.
An enthusiastic, medium-size crowd braved the warm St. Croix Central High school gymnasium for the opening round of the playoffs. If the first game was any indication of the rest of the post season, fans are going to be in for a treat of highly contested games.
The first quarter was tightly contested, with both teams using mini runs to exchange the lead throughout. However, with seven seconds left in the opening period and his team down one at 23-22, Rakeem Christmas took a pass from Lamar Bough and exploded to the basket for a slam dunk as time expired to give his team the lead at 24-23.
Guidance outscored the young Legacy squad 15-8 to start the second quarter, and held a 38-32 lead with 3:50 left in the half. But Legacy responded mightily, closing out the first half with a 13-2 run, highlighted by a three at the buzzer by C. Belle to give his team a surprising five-point lead at the half at 45-40. Bough had the hot hand for Legacy in the second quarter, scoring 12 points in the period to help propel his team to the five-point lead.
If not for an exciting but unsuccessful comeback by Legacy in the fourth period, the game could have very well been over in the third quarter, as Legacy came out flat at the start of the second half. Combined with some good defense by Guidance, they just could not buy a basket for most of the early going. Meanwhile, the veteran third-seeded squad had no such problems as they opened the second half with a 12-0 run to take the lead at 52-45. With eight tough points on the inside by Houston Penn and a couple of threes from Nigel Bridgewater, they went on to outscore Legacy 20-6 in the quarter to take a 60-51 lead at the end of three quarters.
Legacy could have easily thrown in the towel in the third quarter after being outplayed so badly. But, to their credit, the youngsters had no quit in them. They came out of the gate with a purpose, outscoring the higher-seeded team 16-7, topped by two free throws by Christmas, and the game was all tied up at 67. This run woke up Legacy's fans, who were quiet for most of the second half to this point. After one of two free throws by Stephen O'Reilly and a basket by S. Edwards, Legacy now found themselves with a three-point edge at 70-67. After an exchange of baskets, the score was 72-69 legacy with 1:48 left in the game, and the fans smelled an upset.
It was not to be, however, as with the score at 72-70 after a Guidance free throw, a steal by Guidance and a long three by Bridgewater, his sixth of the game, gave the veteran squad the lead for good at 73-72. Guidance would go on to outscore legacy 5-3 to end the game and avoid the upset, 78-75.
Mathew Ogarro led Guidance with a game-high 22 points. Nine of those points came on 9-of-10 clutch free-throw shooting with the game on the line in its latter stages. Bridgewater netted 20 and Penn dropped in 10, also for Guidance. For Legacy, it was O'Reilly leading the way with 19 points, while Edwards had 11 and Christmas finished with 10.
by Dave Davis

ABA Championship: Jam Squad staves off elimination - by David Edole
ST. THOMAS - Jam Squad battled to the end to win a high-scoring game against Jah Youths and even the best-of-five ABA Men's Summer Basketball League championship series at 2-2 on Tuesday night at the Bertha Boschulte Middle School gymnasium.

Neither team led by more than a few points as Jam Squad pushed the championship series to a fifth game with a 95-90 win.

'We had no doubt we could take it to the final,' said Calvert White (191-G/F-75, college: SE Missouri St.), who led Jam Squad with 29 points and 11 assists on Tuesday night.

'There's one more game. Winner takes all,' he said. 'Who can ask for more.'

The game was as close as the series has been. It all came down to the final minutes.

With six minutes to play, Jam Squad took off on a 7-0 run fueled by a 3-pointer by White. But that lead was shortlived, and with 29 seconds to play, a Jabahri Brown 3-pointer capped a 9-4 run by Jah Youths that left a 2-point game and little time on the clock.

Fouls and a critical steal by Dewitt Henley (183-G-86) gave Jam Squad the advantage and they closed out the time with a five-point win.

Akil Lewis (183-G-82, college: Lynn) scored 19 points with nine assists for Jam Squad. Henley scored 15 points.

Jabahri Brown (209-F/C-79, college: Oklahoma) led Jah Youths with 32 points and 17 rebounds; Zachary Coffelt scored 12 points; and Jeff Roberts (202-F/C-77, college: Spoon River JC) scored 10 with 13 rebounds.

Jah Youths coach Tumba Swan said that they will bring their best game to the final contest Thursday night.

'We've got a size advantage and we aren't using it,' Swan said. 'We've got to go inside. We've got two big men to their one. What else are we going to do?

The final game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday at BCB.

By SEAN McCOY

*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


Latvia chop up Ukraine for the third straight win in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U18 - Ukraine U18 86:54

Latvian Junior National Team gained the full speed at the European Championship in Greece. Today they blew out Ukraine to earn the third win in a row and sparked their chances of making it to the semis. Ukraine meanwhile suffered the second consecutive loss at the stage and remained at the bottom of the Qualifying round Group F. Ukraine had no answer for the Latvian stifling defense and overwhelming dominance on the boards. Ruslan Otverchenko (192-F-90) gave Ukraine a 2:0 lead at the start of the game but it quickly disappeared. Latvia went on an 8:0 run to surge in front. Latvia rolled to a 14:8 lead at the first intermission and continued to stretch the gap in the second stanza. Armands Osins (190-G-91), Laska and Lauris Blaus (204-C-90) teamed up for 8 straight points as Latvian team opened a 23:10 advantage. Ukraine could not match the tempo and trailed by 18 at the interval. Laska and Kalvis Krumins (182-G-90) scored 5 points to tip off the second period and Latvia established a 23-point cushion. The margin grew to as many as 26 points with ten minutes left in the game. The game turned into a one-way traffic in the fourth stanza as Ukrainian defense collapsed allowing Latvia to breeze to the victory. Martins Laksa (196-F-90) and Davis Rozitis (206-C-90) scored 14 points apiece for Latvia. Armands Osins and Girts Celms (182-G-90) added 9 points apiece for the winners. Igor Dobrikov (191-G/F-90) responded with 11 points for Ukraine. Roman Dmytrenko (200-F-90) notched 9 points in a loss.

Latvia U18: Martins Laksa 14, Davis Rozitis 14, Armands Osins 9, Girts Celms 9
Ukraine U18: Igor Dobrikov 11, Roman Dmytrenko 9

Penn to Kyiv, Morrow out of Ukraine / Try-outs / NT changes - by Alexander Muzyka
- Euroleague player James 'Scoonie' Penn (178-G-77) from Efes Pilsen has officially been inked by BC Kyiv! Cibona, Scavolini and Olympiakos ex-player is experienced with a top European club championships and looks like a great Ukrainian transfer.

- Anthony Morrow (196-G-85) won't play in Budivelnyk because of his inking in NBA by Golden State Warriors - the contract with 'builders' had this option for American guard.

- Cherkasy Monkeys invited Sergiusz Prazmo (205-F/C-87) from Polish AZS Start for try-outs.

- Sumykhimprom invited Predrag Kosanovic (203-F-76) from Keravnos for try-outs.

- Valentyn Melnychuk called Roman Gumeniuk (221-C-87), Maksym Ivshyn (207-C-86), Maksym Pustozvonov (200-F-87) and Artem Shvets (202-G/F-85) to the NT camp instead of the players disappeared by UBL teams strike.

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  UNITED KINGDOM   


U18 EC, division B: England beats Ireland for the second win in Hungary - by Eurobasket News
U18 Ireland - U18 England 61-83

In the first game of Classification Round from 17th to 20th place England was too strong for Ireland registering first win in Group I. Except of these two teams, Norway and Hungary are also participants of the same group on U18 European Championhsip division B.

Ireland struggled a lot from the field today. The Irish had something more that 35% for FG2 and 33% from behind the arc. On the other side William Neighbour (203-F-90) and his teammates made 29 of 48 attempts for FG2, 60.4%. After almost equalized first stanza, England made nice 13-1 run for 18-31. Ciaran O'Sullivan (193-G-90) made some free throws as well as two jump shots for Ireland setting the score on 30-37 after 20 minutes. After the breather William Neighbour and Bradley Wilkinson (198-F-90) dominated at the offensive end which resulted with plus 17 for England at the middle of third stanza. The Irish couldn't make any improvement until the end as England had advantage of more than 20 points almost the entire time.

William Neighbour once again shined for England leading it to victory with 21 points and 4 assists. Bradley Wilkinson missed one more rebound for double-double as he added 17 points and 9 boards while Andrew Lawrence (186-G-90) stopped on 11 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Daniel James (192-F/G-90) and Conor James (191-G/F-90) netted 12 points each while they also had almost the same number of rebounds. Ciaran O'Sullivan followed them with 12 points. England will meet Norway tomorrow while Ireland will take in Hungary.


U18 Ireland - U18 England 61-83
(17-18,13-19,13-27,18-19)

Ireland: Daniel James 12 (7 rebs), Conor James 12 (6 rebs), Ciaran O'Sullivan 12
England: William Neighbour 21 (4 as), Bradley Wilkinson 17 (9 rebs), Andrew Lawrence 11 (6 rebs, 7 as)

Well-known Glasgow coach dies at age of 59 - by Sandy Sutherland
James 'Mickey' McKechnie, a much-loved coach from the East End of Glasgow, has died from cancer after a short illness.
Mickey, who was still coaching kids in Easterhouse in Glasgow only last month, was responsible for introducing thousands of youngsters to the hoops game in the city and for many years kept the game alive almost single-handed.
With Paisley, Penilee, Bannerman Vikings, GEAR, Glasgow Brightsiders and Glasgow d2 he won almost every honour in the game, first as a player, then as a player-coach and coach yet he never received the recognition he deserved.
His funeral, details of which are stil to be announced, will be on Tuesday August 5.

Scotland unsure of a place in 2010 Commonwealth Hoops - by Sandy Sutherland
Thanks to the intervention of FIBA, there will after all be a Commonwealth Basketball Championship in Delhi in 2010, despite the fact that basketball has not been included in the list of sports for the Commonwealth Games there in October of that year.
But it will be for men only, although a women's event is to be added, possibly in 2012 and possibly even in Glasgow.
Eight countries will be invited to take part in the first FIBA
Commonwealth Championship which will be hosted by India in Delhi in
July 2010 and Australia have already announced that they will be
taking part.
India, Nigeria, England and possibly Canada and South Africa have
also been mentioned but it is not clear yet whether Scotland, who
finished sixth in the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, ahead of
both India and South Africa, would earn a direct invitation.
'We are still awaiting details of the new event from FIBA and are
unsure whether we would have to play off with other countries for
one of the eight spots,' said Basketballscotland Chief Executive
Kevin Pringle.
Plans for a Commonwealth Women's Championship have still to be
finalised but FIBA have suggested the first event could take place
in 2012 and Glasgow, which has also left out basketball from its list of sports for the 2014 Games, could be in line to host it, possibly in the new Indoor Arena.







*****************************************************
  URUGUAY   


Osborne will play for Paysandu - by Hector Lopez
Jason Osborne (203-F-83, agency: Duran International, college: St.Francis,PA) will play for Paysandu BBC during the Uruguayan League it was announced here. Osborne already played in Uruguay during the 2005 season with Aguada, reaching the second position in the tournament. Osborne is expected to be arriving next Saturday. Paysandu BBC is the only team not based in Montevideo playing the Uruguayan League. During the 2005 season Osborne played 34 games with 16.4 ppg, 8.7 rpg and 1.3 apg.

Nacional advanced to the final games - by Hector Lopez
Nacional (2-0) advanced to the final serie for a promotion to the Uruguayan League after beating Verdirrojo 88-80), while Aguada defeated Goes 99-76 to tie (1-1) and they will play a third game.
The best scorers for Nacional were Gonzalo Meira (192-F-88) and Marcelo Correa (208-C-77, college: San Diego St.) both with 25 points. Correa also took 13 rebounds. For Verdirrojo Cam-Ron Clay (203-F) scored 16 points. Wendell Gibson (201-F/C-83, college: Hofstra) netted 39 points and grabbed 14 rebounds leading Aguada. For Goes Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, agency: Chris Pearson SM, college: Wofford) netted 6 points.

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


The Gaita sounds too loud! - by Wolfgang Lucena
Gaiteros Del Zulia was too much for Cocodrilos de Caracas in the first game of the final series of the 2008 professional basketball league of Venezuela.
Ruben Nembhard (191-G-72, college: Weber St.) was a nightmare for Cocodrilos' dreams to win the championship. Ruben made 21 points, followed by Felipe Lopez (197-G/F-74, college: St.John's) with 20 units, five rebounds and three assist. Christopher Jeffries (199-F-80, college: Wash.-St.Louis) helped them with 15 points and Miguel Angel Marriaga (207-C-84) 13 points.
Gaiteros and Cocodrilos will be facing each other once again tonight at 7:30pm, in the United Nations arena for the second game of the finals. Now Cocodrilos is desperate to reach a victory in this final series.
The final score was Gaiteros Del Zulia 99, Cocodrilos 77.


A guaro in Marshall Town - by Yelitza La Torre
Enrique Cova (190-G-88) is back to the United Stated after a deserved vacation in his hometown Barquisimeto. Enrique Cova graduate from high school at Long Island, New York and now he will be attending classes in Marshall Town Community College. Enrique Cova is one of our outstanding Venezuelan basketball players. His basketball background also includes, without borders NBA basketball camp in Argentina, an invitation to the Mc Donalds tournament, Venezuela U17 National team, many AAU tournaments in USA, etc
Enrique Cova, will be facing another challenge in his Student-Athlete career but this time, at college level.
Good luck Son!

*****************************************************
  YEMEN   


Yemen edge Jordan at the start of WABA U18 Championship - by Eurobasket News
Yemen U18 - Jordan U18 95:88

Yemen Junior National Team got the taste of victory at the beginning of the WABA U18 Championship. The hosts of the event held off Jordan 95:88 to gain their first win. Four teams tipped off the competition fighting for three tickets to the FIBA Asia U18 Championship. The continental tourney will be held in Iran at the end of August. Yemen will now face the first round winners Iran next. Jordan will try to bounce back against Lebanon tonight.



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Women News

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


The Opals defeat Brazil twice - by Eurobasket News
Australian National Team took on Brazil in two-game exhibition series at home. The Aussies managed to bring together their almost best squad as they miss just Kristi Harrower (166-G-75) before the opening game. The teams traded baskets early in the opening stanza as Australia could not adjust their long-range shooting. However the Opals gradually surged ahead and led 21:18 after the starting period. The hosts went on an 8:2 rally late in the second frame and grabbed a 42:33 advantage at the interval. Australia continued their dominance in the third stanza when they went on a 20:0 to claim a 65:44 lead with one quarter to go. The Opals never loosened the grip in the final period and drove to a comfortable 99:62 victory in the first game. Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) secured 19 points and 7 boards for Australia. Penny Taylor (185-F-81) had 17 points, while Belinda Snell (182-F-81, agency: LBM Management) netted 16 in a win. Claudia Das Neves (172-G-75) responded with 12 points for Brazil. Karla da Costa (173-G-78) and Patricia Ferreira (180-F/G-79) notched 11 points apiece in a loss.
The teams met again today at the Sydney Entertainment Center. The Opals missed Lauren Jackson in the squad but still managed to sweep the series beating Brazil 85:62. Suzy Batkovic (193-C-80) stepped up for the Aussies with 17 points, 6 boards and 6 steals. Belinda Snell ensured 13 points for the winners. Lauren Jackson had minor problems with her right ankle and was given some rest during this one. Graziane Coelho (192-C-83) shone for the Latin American powerhouse in the first period as they kept in front for some time. But the Opals used a 7:2 run to close the quarter and led 19:14. The hosts maintained the gap and rolled to halftime up by 7 points 34:27. Belinda Snell exploded with 12 points in the third stanza as Australia extended the margin to as many as 16 points. The home team opened the final frame on an 8:0 surge and never looked back afterwards. Kristi Harrower, Emma Randall (188-C-85) and Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) scored 9 points apiece for the winners. Karla da Costa answered with 16 points for Brazil. Jucimara Dantas (192-C-78) delivered 12 points in a losing case.

Australia - Brazil 99:62
Australia: Lauren Jackson 19, Penny Taylor 17, Belinda Snell 16
Brazil: Claudia Das Neves 12, Karla da Costa 11, Patricia Ferreira 11

Australia - Brazil 85:62
Australia: Suzy Batkovic 17, Belinda Snell 13
Brazil: Karla da Costa 16, Jucimara Dantas 12

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


The Opals defeat Brazil twice - by Eurobasket News
Australian National Team took on Brazil in two-game exhibition series at home. The Aussies managed to bring together their almost best squad as they miss just Kristi Harrower (166-G-75) before the opening game. The teams traded baskets early in the opening stanza as Australia could not adjust their long-range shooting. However the Opals gradually surged ahead and led 21:18 after the starting period. The hosts went on an 8:2 rally late in the second frame and grabbed a 42:33 advantage at the interval. Australia continued their dominance in the third stanza when they went on a 20:0 to claim a 65:44 lead with one quarter to go. The Opals never loosened the grip in the final period and drove to a comfortable 99:62 victory in the first game. Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) secured 19 points and 7 boards for Australia. Penny Taylor (185-F-81) had 17 points, while Belinda Snell (182-F-81, agency: LBM Management) netted 16 in a win. Claudia Das Neves (172-G-75) responded with 12 points for Brazil. Karla da Costa (173-G-78) and Patricia Ferreira (180-F/G-79) notched 11 points apiece in a loss.
The teams met again today at the Sydney Entertainment Center. The Opals missed Lauren Jackson in the squad but still managed to sweep the series beating Brazil 85:62. Suzy Batkovic (193-C-80) stepped up for the Aussies with 17 points, 6 boards and 6 steals. Belinda Snell ensured 13 points for the winners. Lauren Jackson had minor problems with her right ankle and was given some rest during this one. Graziane Coelho (192-C-83) shone for the Latin American powerhouse in the first period as they kept in front for some time. But the Opals used a 7:2 run to close the quarter and led 19:14. The hosts maintained the gap and rolled to halftime up by 7 points 34:27. Belinda Snell exploded with 12 points in the third stanza as Australia extended the margin to as many as 16 points. The home team opened the final frame on an 8:0 surge and never looked back afterwards. Kristi Harrower, Emma Randall (188-C-85) and Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) scored 9 points apiece for the winners. Karla da Costa answered with 16 points for Brazil. Jucimara Dantas (192-C-78) delivered 12 points in a losing case.

Australia - Brazil 99:62
Australia: Lauren Jackson 19, Penny Taylor 17, Belinda Snell 16
Brazil: Claudia Das Neves 12, Karla da Costa 11, Patricia Ferreira 11

Australia - Brazil 85:62
Australia: Suzy Batkovic 17, Belinda Snell 13
Brazil: Karla da Costa 16, Jucimara Dantas 12

*****************************************************
  CENTROBASKET - Women  


Standings (Women)
Standings
Group A
1. P.Rico3-0
2. Mexico2-1
3. Barbados1-2
4. Costa Rica.0-3
Group B
1. Cuba3-0
2. Domin.R.2-1
3. Guatemala1-2
4. Trinid/T.0-3


*****************************************************
  SERBIA - Women  


Serbia better than Hungary in a friendly game - by Dragan Jankovski
Serbian senior National Team celebrated yesterday in a friendly game against Hungary 56-52. This game, which was played at Belgrade's hall Sumice, was a part of preparations for Eurobasket 2009 qualifications which starts in August. At the same time it was a first friendly game of Serbia this summer. Hungarians had better first while Serbia controlled rhythm of the game in the second quarter. Kolo led his team in third stanza to reach plus 8 but still it was not enough for the win. Serbia had impressive last quarter end mostly owing to center Jela Vidacic (190-C-85) and point guard Marija Eric (164-G-83) ended it 20-12. According to head coaches of both teams, Jovica Antonic and Laszlo Ratgeber, their main targets yesterday wasn't the final score.
Jela Vidacic paced Serbia to win draining 14 points. Marija Eric was behind her with 10 points while Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) netted 7. Hungaria got 14 points from Kolo and 9 points from Lajda.

'We don't have a lot of time for preparations so we already started with a friendly games against strong teams such as Hungary. I want to see at the early beginning our biggest weaknesses. It was our first game this summer and my players are still a far away form the right shape. On the other side, lack of shape we successfully compensated with strong willingness to fight for every ball. The good thing that all players got a chance to show what they can. We will play another friendly game against Hungary after what we will participate at 'Four Nations tournament' which will take a place in Turkey' - said Jovica Antonic.


Serbia - Hungary 56-52
(7-11,16-18, 13-21, 20-12)

Serbia: Vidacic 14, Eric 10, Petrovic 7
Hungary: Kolo 14, Lajda 9

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  TOURNAMENT OF THE AMERICAS U18 - Women  


Standings (Women)
Standings
1. USA5-0
2. Canada4-1
3. Brazil3-2
4. Argentina2-3
5. Venezuela1-4
6. P.Rico0-5


*****************************************************
  WNBA - Women  


Jones and Thompson named Players of the Week - by Eurobasket News
Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) of the Connecticut Sun and Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) of the Houston Comets were named the WNBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, July 21 through Sunday, July 27.

Jones earns her third-career Player of the Week award and second this season after averaging 18.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while shooting .500 from the floor (13-26) and .714 from the free-throw line (10-14). She helped Connecticut to a 2-0 record this week, with convincing victories over Los Angeles and Washington. Connecticut is in first place in the Eastern Conference at 16-10 heading into the WNBA's break during the month of August for the Olympics.

Jones nearly posted a double-double against the Sparks on July 24, tallying nine points and eight rebounds to go along with three assists in 26 minutes of action. Against the Mystics on July 27, she recorded a game-high 27 points while shooting .625 from the floor (10-16) and .875 from the free throw line (7-8) in 28 minutes. A member of the 2007 Eastern Conference All-Star Team, Jones ranks among the top 20 WNBA leaders this season in almost every scoring and rebounding category, including points per game, rebounds per game, field goal percentage and double-doubles.

Thompson earns the fourth Player of the Week award of her career and first since 2004. She posted 17.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists this past week en route to an unblemished 3-0 record. The Comets, in the midst of a five-game winning streak, currently own a 14-12 overall record and sit in fifth place in the tightly-contested Western Conference. In a 94-92 win over the Mercury on July 22, Thompson had 19 points and seven rebounds in 38 minutes. She posted similar numbers against the Shock on July 24 with 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Thompson is averaging 17.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this season. In addition, she ranks among top 20 WNBA leaders this season in many categories, including points per game, rebounds per game and free throw-percentage. She ranks first overall in minutes per game (36.0) and fourth in three-point field goal percentage (.447).

Other candidates for WNBA Players of the Week were Atlanta's Iziane Castro Marques, Chicago's Candice Dupree, New York's Janel McCarville, Phoenix' Diana Taurasi, Sacramento's Kara Lawson, San Antonio's Becky Hammon, Seattle's Sue Bird and Washington's Taj McWilliams-Franklin.