EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/1/2008

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Men News

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  ABA   


WASHINGTON RAPTORS ANNOUNCE TEAM TRAINER,LOS ANGELES PUSH STAFFS UP - by Bruno Baltazar
The Los Angeles Push professional basketball team that begins play in December today announced several additions to the management team including Danny Hood at its VP of Scouting. Mr. Hood has been around professional sports for nearly six decades starting his career with the Los Angeles Chargers.
LaShun McDaniel and the Push have agreed in principle that will name him as Head Coach. 'Shawn will certainly add a stability element to our coaching staff,' added Mitchell. 'His experience as a coach and mentor is invaluable; his accomplishments precede him and the Push is extremely delighted to announce his services. He has been a winner internationally and with the ABA.'
The Push is pleased and delighted to announce that Wash Stallworth is the Assistant General Manager. He brings a level of competition, tenacity and patience reserved only for champions and his commitment and success to basketball at every level will undoubtedly produce an immediate impact.
Jennifer Gilmore has accepted the position of Game Time Coordinator and her insight will bring excitement and a tough of class to the organization. Ms. Gilmore's exceptional organizational and diplomatic abilities make her the perfect choice for the Push.
The Los Angeles Push will have tryouts Sunday, August 3rd from 9-4pm and on Sunday, August 17th from 9-4pm at Los Angeles Adventist Academy located at 846 E. El Segundo Road, Los Angeles. The tryout fee is $50.
For more information, email mdonye@hotmail.com or visit www.losangelespush.com.

The Washington Raptors have announced the signing of Dr. Rick Still, chiropractor, as the team trainer for the upcoming season that starts in December. Dr. Still is the owner of FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC CARE Back Pain Clinic located in Longview, WA.

Hope Basketball Academy won his first Championship - by Emery Doradji
Hope Basketball Academy.
Academy Basketball Club (ABC) first year, first title. Couple months ago when we talked to Team manager Tissaign Niahma Doradji he said that they are ready to fight for the title. Here they are, ABC lost couple games but that did not discourage them to play. The head coach Marc N. and Tissaign N. D they guide the team toward the championship. Bourgeons the defending of the title lost the final to ABC

Baydiguim Abderaman E. and Ali Abdoul - by Emery Doradji

Baydiguim Abderaman Eric was voted foreign most valuable player in Algeria. Eric was on the top of his game, he carried his team Wab of Boufarik to the playoff game. Eric average 27 pts per game, 9 offensive rebounds, 8 defensive rebounds, and twelve blocks shot 2 turnovers, and stills. His contract is done with Wab Boufarik he is hoping to transfer to a different team.


Ali Abdoul is trying out in Western Nebraska Community College; he came from Virginia bethel high.


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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Dejan Borovnjak agrees with Vojvodina Srbijagas - by Dragan Jankovski
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 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. Actually hero of the game at the very end became CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC), who buried a game-winning three-pointer. 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)Andrew Bogut (212-F/C-84, college: Utah)

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  ANTIGUA   


Antigua will host CBC U16 Championships - by Eurobasket News
Antigua is set to host the Caribbean Basketball Confederation U16 Championship for the first time in history. The sixth edition of the competition will be held at the JSC Sports Complex from August 12 through August 18. Five mens teams and three womens squads are to take part in the tourney. The event was originally slated to take place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. However the country pulled out because of the financial woes. Due to the changes the staring date was shifted to August 12 instead of August 6 previously stated. The Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association confirmed their full readiness to welcome the tournament and provide the best possible conditions for the participants.

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  AUSTRALIA   


Diamond Ball, day 3: The Boomers 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. Actually hero of the game at the very end became CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC), who buried a game-winning three-pointer. 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)Andrew Bogut (212-F/C-84, college: Utah)

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  AUSTRIA   


U18 EC, division B: Tough Slovenia celebrates against Austria - by Eurobasket News
U18 Austria - U18 Slovenia 74-80

Austria is the fourth team which suffered Slovenian power on U18 European Championship division B in Debrecen. Slovenia get through the Preliminary Round transferring one victory to the Qualifying Group E while Austria started with 0-1. Tomorrow Slovenia will take on Czech Republic in the battle for top of Group E.

Beginning of the game belonged to Austrians. Moritz Lanegger (188-G-90) and Rasid Mahalbasic (203-F-90) took care for 15-11 after four minutes. Luka Dimec (207-F/C-90) made two jump shots for Slovenia at the end of the first stanza tying the score on 21-21. During the next ten minutes Austria once again had advantage of 4 points but very soon Slovenians created 10-4 run for 32-36 at the half time. After Dino Muric's (198-F/C-90) lay-up Slovenia touched plus 6 in 23rd minute but its joy didn't last long as Austrians very soon equalized on 42-42. Crucial period of the game was middle of the last frame when Slovenia through Luka Dimec and Uros Zadnik (185-G-90) made 6-0 run for 62-71 what was unreachable for Austrians until the end.

Mirza Sarajlija (183-G-91) shined for the winners collecting 18 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Luka Dimec netter 16 points while Marko Vranjkovic (202-F/C-90) added 13 points and 7 rebounds. Dino Muric also contributed in this important victory with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Moritz Lanegger once again was the best in Austria finishing the game with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Jesse Seilern (189-G-90) had 17 while Rasid Mahalbasic posted 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.


U18 Austria - U18 Slovenia 74-80
(21-21,13-15,21-21,19-23)

Austria: Moritz Lanegger 17 (8 rebs), Jesse Seilern 17, Rasid Mahalbasic 12 (7 rebs)
Slovenia: Mirza Sarajlija 18 (4 rebs, 4 as), Luka Dimec 16, Marko Vranjkovic 13 (7 rebs), Dino Muric 13 (5 rebs)

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  BELARUS   


U18 EC, division B: Finland blasts Belarus in classification round - by Eurobasket News
U18 Belarus - U18 Finland 44-71

Finland registered an extremely easy win in the first game of Classification Round from 9th to 16th place. Thus Finland improved its record to 2-0 in Group H while Belarus suffered fourth defeat so far dropping on 0-2. In the next round, which is scheduled for tomorrow, Finland will meet Romania in the battle for top of Group H while Belarus will play against Georgia.

Belarus didn't have many problems with rebounding nor with turnovers today, what was the case at the first stage. This time Byelorussians struggled a lot with their stroke. They registered only 14.3% from behind the arc and 35% for FG2. With that kind of percentage they couldn't expect anything good in this game. Finland had much better digits from these positions which brought them the final plus 27. Belarus showed decent performance during the first 10 minutes. Actually they had plus 3 after it but in the next quarter they succeeded to net just 6 points. Finland took full control on Belarus after the breather reaching plus 16 at the middle of it. The biggest lead Finland had wit 2:30 to go and it was plus 29.

Sasu Salin (187-G-91) paced Finland to win in this game netting 13 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Roopi Ahonen (185-G-90) also has done many important things in this game collecting 10 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Lauri Tiainen (192-F/G-90) helped the winning side with 10 points. Belarus got the most from Viktar Ausepian (200-F-91), who scored 12 points with 4 rebounds, while Uladzimir Krysevich (205-C-91) registered double-double, 10 points and 13 rebounds.


U18 Belarus - U18 Finland 44-71
(15-12, 6-12, 13-29, 10-18)

Belarus: Viktar Ausepian 12 (4 rebs), Uladzimir Krysevich 10 (13 rebs)
Finland: Sasu Salin 13 (5 rebs), Roopi Ahonen 10 (4 rebs, 4 as), Lauri Tiainen 10

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  BELGIUM   


Germany wastes chance to secure Division A spot, loses to Belgium - by Eurobasket News
Germany U18 - Belgium U18 62:73

Belgian U18 National Team escaped bidding farewell to the European Championship Division A for now. Earlier today they held off Germany to improve to 1-1 record in the Classification Round of the tournament. This means that Germany and Belgium will decide on the team to stay in Division A in the last round of action on Saturday. Belgium will face Estonia, while Germany will take on Bulgaria. Lorenzo Lorenzo Giancaterino (190-F-90) tallied 21 points and 8 rebounds to propel Belgium past Germany in a must-win encounter.
The teams were on the level terms early in the game as Germany built a narrow 21:19 lead into the second period. But Belgium tightened their defensive schemes in the second stanza and it worked out well. They limited German side to just 6 points in the frame and rolled to a 14-point advantage at halftime. Germany though were not about to fold that early. They bounced back right after the break knocking down 23 points and cutting the deficit to 5 points before the final stanza. But a raw and uneven performance from Germany continued in the final period as they accounted for only 12 points and allowed Belgium to ease to the win. Dennis Donkor (192-G/F-91) had solid tally of 13 points for Belgium. Quentin Serron (190-G-90) provided 11 points in a win. Maurice Stuckey (187-G-90) answered with 15 points for Germany. Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) chipped in 14 points in a losing effort. Belgium converted impressive 53% from the field, while limiting their opponents to just 36% accuracy.

Germany U18: Maurice Stuckey 15, Maik Zirbes 14
Belgium U18: Lorenzo Giancaterino 21, Dennis Donkor 13, Quentin Serron 11

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  BULGARIA   


Bulgaria handles Estonia, stays in Division A - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U18 - Estonia U18 79:69

Bulgarian Junior National Team prevailed against Estonia in the second day of the Classification round action. The victory meant Bulgaria secured their Division A spot for the next year. Estonia meanwhile fell to 0-2 record and lost the chance to avoid relegation. Hristo Zahariev (198-G/F-90) was the usual contributor for Bulgaria with 27 points, 9 boards, 3 assists and 3 steals. Bulgaria needed to overcome a slow start to deliver crucial victory. Estonian team threw all they had to survive in this one and kept it close in the opening frame. Moreover they managed to pull ahead and led 15:13 after ten minutes of action. But Bulgaria took over in the second quarter accounting for 23 points and piling up a 36:31 lead at halftime. Bulgarian players continued to dominate after the long break and stretched the gap to as many as 11 point heading into the fourth stanza. Estonia never threatened the deficit in the final minutes and had to surrender at the end. Aleksandar Yanev (202-F-90) dropped 16 points for Bulgaria. Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90) contributed 14 points for the winners. Rain Veideman (190-G-91) replied with 20 points for Estonia. Kristjan Kitsing (201-F/C-90) secured 15 points and 11 boards in defeat. Bulgaria knocked down impressive 12 attempts from beyond the arc showing 44% accuracy from the outside.

Bulgaria U18: Hristo Zahariev 27, Aleksandar Yanev 16, Bozhidar Avramov 14
Estonia U18: Rain Veideman 20, Kristjan Kitsing 15+11 boards

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  CAPE VERDE   


SEVEN STARS SANTIAGO SOUTH CHAMPIONS OR ARE THEY - by Pedro Gomes
THE FINAL GAME

Seven Stars won the title of Santiago South Regional champions, last Saturday, by beating ABC 77 to 71 in the Vava Duarte Pavilion.

Motivated by the support of their fans in the crowd, the players left nothing behind and gave an excellent final game to the Basketball fans from the city of Praia.

Seven dominated the first half of the game, and from there they constructed their victory, finishing the half leading by 14 points, with the result fixed at 40-26.

In the third period Seven Stars kept the same posture to maintain 12 point advantage, with the scoreboard reading 52-44 at the end of the period.

Bu in the last period, ABC picked up their game. With the pressure from ABC, and the slow reaction from Seven, helped ABC cut into the lead. However, the game was too far out of reach, with the lead that Seven had built, that the game was out of reach for ABC

The final result was Seven 77, ABC 71, making Seven Stars the new Santiago South champion, breaking a 10 year slump from winning the Santiago championship. Also, managing to take the throne from ABC, which they have held for more than 5 years.

THE PROTEST

The Regional Association of Basketball for Santiago South (ARBSS) gave reason to ABC in the protest that they presented to the Association after their last playoff game against Seven, which they lost 77-71. ABC alleged that Seven Stars, used a player illegally. The player, Dario Pires (187-F-84), has been suspend by the Association for 120 days at the beggining of the season. The Association declared ABC Santiago South champion.

The ARBSS penalized Seven Stars with a forfeit for irregular use of one of its player. N9 (Drio Pires) in their last game of the finals playoff series, this forfeit will mean a defeat for Seven Stars, and ABC is the champion for the 2007/2008 season, with 3-2 series victory. ARBSS also deliberated a punishment to the player, a suspension of 120 days, this says, Nuno Levy, president of the ARBSS, because the player signed with two teams at the time.

In deliberating for this punishment of the player, the ARBSS took into consideration the players previous penalty, which is an occurring one, that is, Drio Pires had previously been suspended for signing with two teams before the season. More, Nuno Levy, also declares, that the ethical behaviors of the team were not favorable to the player. The teams knew the player had signed with a different team, and they still urged him to sign with them.

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  CHINA   


Australia, Argentina Win in Diamond Ball -- China to Face Iran for Third Place - by Arthur Volbert

Australia defeated Angola 81-78 in the FIBA Diamond Ball Classic today while Argentina defeated Serbia 75-60.

Tomorrow Australia will play Argentina for first place, China will play Iran for third place and Angola will play Serbia for fifth place.

In China's game against Iran Yao Ming will face Iran's 7-2 Hamed Ehadadi (218-C-85, agency: Agency No 10), who is averaging 20 points and 14.5 rebounds per game in the tourney. We ought to get some idea of how good a prospect Ehadadi is.

-

According to www.fiba.com, China is expected to have Liu Wei back in the line-up. Liu left the first quarter of China's loss to Australia with a suspected rib injury.

China coach Jonas Kazlauskas said on Thursday: 'I hope that Liu will be okay. He went to the hospital and had an MRI which confirmed there was nothing serious. We worried that he might have an injury but he will be able to play on Friday.'


Andrew Bogut led Australia with 32 points and 11 rebounds in its win over Angola. Olimpio Cipriano scored 23 points, Edwardo Mingus scored 20 and Joaquim Gomes had 17 for Angola.

Box Score:
http://www.nanjing2008.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/08/diamBall/men/scheResu/p/eventid//gamename/3/groupname/A/langlc//roundid/6361/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html

Manu Ginobili scored 18 points and Andres Nocioni scored 15 in Argentina's 75-60 win over Serbia. Branko Svetkovic led Serbia with 13 points.

Box Score:
http://www.nanjing2008.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/08/diamBall/men/scheResu/p/eventid//gamename/3/groupname/B/langlc//roundid/6361/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html

Group Standings:
GROUP A Games Points
# AUS CHN ANG P W L For Agst Pts

1. AUS 67-55 81-78 2 2 0 148 133 4
2. CHN 55-67 83-74 2 1 1 138 141 3
3. ANG 78-81 74-83 2 0 2 152 164 2

GROUP B Games Points
# ARG IRI SRB P W L For Agst Pts

1. ARG 81-71 75-60 2 2 0 156 131 4
2. IRI--- 71-81 72-70 2 1 1 143 151 3
3. SRB 60-75 70-72 2 0 2 130 147 2



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  CROATIA   


France beat Croatia in dramatic clash - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Croatia U18 74:73

French Junior National Team advanced to the semifinal of the European Championship. Earlier today they overcame Croatia in a mouth-watering battle in Amaliada. Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) nailed go-ahead freebies with just over 2 minutes remaining in the fourth term to lift France to a crucial victory in their race for the semifinal birth. Both teams were tied at 3-1 record in the Qualifying round Group F before the game and had to win to advance to the semis. Croatia got to a slightly better start as three-pointers from Toni Prostran (188-G-91) and Batur lifted them to a 10:5 lead. Hower Alexis Tanghe (207-F/C-90) compiled 9 points in the opening stanza and led France to a 24:22 advantage at the first intermission. Nicolas Lang (195-G-90) and Bourhis stretched the margin to 6 points early in the second frame and France maintained the lead throughout the quarter. Andrew Albicy capped the first half with a three-pointer and French team piled up a 47:34 advantage at the interval. Nicolas Lang and Andrew Albicy widened the damage at the beginning of the third term as it read 17-points. But Mario Delas (210-C-90) and Toni Prostran fueled a 16:5 rally from Croatia as they trimmed the distance to 5 points. France entered the fourth period leading by 8 points but Tomislav Zubcic (213-C/F-90) chipped in 8 points and Ivan Ramljak (203-F-90) added 4 more as Croatia surged ahead 71:70 with under 4 minutes left in regulation. The lead changed hands for several times before Andrew Albicy put France in charge for good. Croatia had two minutes to save the game but Toni Prostran and Tomislav Zubcic wasted their chances and France got away with a narrow victory. Nicolas Lang nailed 16 points to pace France. Andrew Albicy and Alexis Tanghe added 13 points in a win. Toni Prostran topscored with 22 points for Croatia. Mario Delas had 16 points, while Tomislav Zubcic contributed 15 points in defeat.

France U18: Nicolas Lang 16, Andrew Albicy 13, Alexis Tanghe 13+10 boards
Croatia U18: Toni Prostran 22, Mario Delas 16

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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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


EC U18, division B: Czech Republic continues domination against Sweden - by Eurobasket News
U18 Czech Republic - U18 Sweden 94-76

Czechs continued where they stopped in the Preliminary Round of U18 European Championship division B in Debrecen. This time Sweden wasn't able to resist against strong Czechs, which once again were led by fantastic Jan Vesely (210-F/C-90). Thus Czech Republic improved to 2-0 in Qualifying Group E while Sweden dropped to 0-2. As a reminder two best teams from this group will advance to the semifinals, which is scheduled for Saturday.

From the early begging it was clear that level of quality between these two teams is high. After first 10 minutes Czechs already created advantage of 11 points. With 3 minutes to go in the first half Czech Republic extended lead to huge 25 points thanks to Jan Vesely and Tomas Satoransky (196-G/F-91, agency: PPGroup). Nothing has changed after the half time. Czech Republic still was the team which dominated while Sweden struggled a lot with its defense. These 20 minutes were just the formality as it was clear that Sweden is not able to make this day more interesting. Center Jan Vesely was unstoppable under the basket. He poured in 30 points and grabbed 18 rebounds. Vesely's shot percentage was on a pretty good level as he had 63.2% for FG2, 33.3 for 3-pts and 60% from the free throw line. Jakub Kudlacek (186-G-90) contributed in this win having 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists while Tomas Satoransky also shined with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Sweden got the most from Christopher Czerapowicz (195-G-91), who scored 28 points. Andreas Person (188-G-91) was behind him with 17 points and 4 boards. Czechs will take on powerful Slovenians tomorrow while Sweden will play against Austria.


U18 Czech Republic - U18 Sweden 94-76
(27-16,30-15,22-22,15-23)

Czech Republic: Jan Vesely 30 (18 rebs), Jakub Kudlacek 16 (5 rebs, 6 as), Tomas Satoransky 15 (7 rebs, 9 as)
Sweden: Christopher Czerapowicz 28, Andreas Person 17 (4 rebs)

BK SCE Decin sign William Hatcher - by Eurobasket
BK SCE Decin agreed terms with 24-year old American guard William Hatcher (188-G-84, college: Miami, OH, agency: LimeLight). Hatcher played most recently at CSU Atlassib Sibiu (Romania). It will be his third year playing pro basketball in Europe after he graduated the college. First year he played for SOBA Dragons Rhoendorf in Germany and last year he spent at CSU Atlassib Sibiu in Romania, where he lead his team to the semifinals. He also was selected to play in league all-star game.

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  D-LEAGUE   


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

Dahntay Jones Signs Deal With Denver Nuggets - by Surujh Roopnarine
NBA veteran guard/forward Dahntay Jones (6'5''-F/G-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Duke) has signed a contract with the Denver Nuggets after impressing team officials with his stellar play at the 2008 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The former Duke Blue Devil star averaged a team-leading 18.4ppg to go along with 2.4rpg and 1.0apg in five games for the Nuggets. Jones began last season with the Sacramento Kings, but was released after appearing in only 25 games. He finished up his season impressively with the Ft. Wayne Mad Ants in the D-League. In 10 games for Ft. Wayne, Jones averaged 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 52.4% from the field. Jones was originally drafted by the Boston Celtics in the first round (20th overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft. His draft rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he spent four seasons from 2003-07.

Oklahoma City to Purchase Tulsa 66ers - by Surujh Roopnarine
Following in the footsteps of the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, the newly re-located Oklahoma City NBA franchise has reached an agreement in principle to purchase the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League from Southwest Basketball, LLC. Oklahoma City will oversee all aspects of the organization, including implementing the offensive and defensive systems the 66ers run in practices and games, and hiring all business and basketball staff. Oklahoma City will also have exclusive rights to assign its players with one or two years of NBA experience to the 66ers. The 66ers will play their home games in the new SpiritBank Event Center in Bixby, OK.
The 66ers saw meaningful contributions from NBA-assigned players Nick Fazekas (Dallas Mavericks) and Ramon Sessions (Milwaukee Bucks) last season. Following his time with the 66ers, Sessions became the first player with NBA D-League experience to earn an NBA monthly award when he was named April's T-Mobile Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month. Head coach Joey Meyer, who is the winningest coach in NBA D-League history with 175 regular season wins, guided the 66ers to a 26-24 record during the 2007-08 season.
Prior to moving to Tulsa, the 66ers were known as the Asheville Altitude, one of the founding NBA D-League teams which began play in 2001. As the Altitude, the club won NBA D-League Championships in 2004 and 2005.

The Reno team will be named Bighorns - by Gianni Pascucci
The NBA Development League announced Thursday that the Reno based team name will be the Reno Bighorns. 'Bighorns', aside from being the state animal, is a throwback to the citys old basketball team which used the name. The original Bighorns played in the Western Basketball Association in 1978-79. The second edition of the Bighorns played in the Continental Basketball Association from 1982-83. This announcement adds some more flavour to the upcoming pro team and finally answers to main questions local basketball fans have had since that Reno was chosen as part of the leagues two team expansion for the 2008-09 season.

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  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 


Stats Leaders - LIDOBA
LIDOBA 2008 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
Western, SC, 30.2
Ozuna, SC, 23.3
Thomas, PP, 21.5
Pena, PP, 21.0
Araujo, DN, 19.4
Lopez, STGO, 18.7
Dean, SFM, 18.4
Morban, PP, 18.4
Charles, LR, 17.2
Salvador, SC, 17.3
Rebounds Per Game
Santana, LR, 9.5
Sanders, STGO, 9.3
Gomez, LV, 8.4
Ferreiras, SFM, 8.4
Western, SC, 7.8
Eusebio, SPM, 7.8
Pandy, LV, 7.5
Araujo, DN, 7.4
Charles, LR, 6.8
Thomas, PP, 6.5
Assists Per Game
Ortega, SFM, 7.5
Ramirez, STGO, 6.8
Pena, PP, 5.8
Morban, PP, 5.2
Fortuna, SC, 4.3
Coronado, LV, 4.2
Salvador, SC, 4.0
Villegas, SPM, 3.8
Thomas, PP, 3.5
Charles, LR, 3.0
2FGP
Western, SC, 72%
Dumont, LR, 63%
Araujo, DN, 61%
Williams, LR, 56%
Lopez, STGO, 55%
Thomas, PP, 54%
Salvador, SC, 46%
Charles, LR, 45%
Pena, PP, 45%
3FGP
Lopez, STGO, 55%
Ozuna, SPM, 48%
Snow, STGO, 47%
Morban, PP, 43%
Lalane, SPM, 40%
Salvador, SC, 37%
Abreu, SC, 36%
Dean, SFM, 35%
Villegas, SPM, 31%
Pena, PP, 26%
Free Throws
Abreu, SC, 100%
Pena, PP, 84%
Minaya, SFM, 78%
Ozuna, SC, 78%
Thomas, PP, 78%
Charles, LR, 72%
Pandy, LV, 68%
Filion, STGO, 66%
Western, SC, 62%
Sanders, STGO, 56%


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

LIDOBA: Indios win their first game. - by Jaime Gomez
Benyi Minaya (180-G) scored 21 points and led Indios de San Francisco de San Francisco to a 95-90 victory over Metros de Santiago and their first win in LIDOBA.
For Indios de San Francisco, Minaya 21 points and 5 rebounds, Jamal Holden (206-C-80, college: UALR) 20 points and 12 rebounds, Henry Paulino (198-F-73) 16 points, Chris Smith (198-F) 14 points.

For Metros de Santiago, Robert Sanders (201-F-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Providence) 27 points and 15 rebounds, Osvaldo Lopez (189-G/F-83) 21 points, Carl Elliott (193-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) 14 points, Angel Sanchez (196-F-76) 11 points.

Panteras del Distrito Nacional 75, Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris 65.
For Panteras del Distrito Nacional, Benito Flores (198-F-80, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) 15 points and 15 rebounds, Ocanis Belis (193-F) 13 points, Chris Garnett (211-C-80, college: Indiana SE) 12 points, Cesar Rosario (180-G) 11 points.

For Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris de San Pedro, Sammy Villegas (198-G-83, agency: Next Level, college: Toledo) 16 points, Juan Carlos Eusebio (203-C/F-73) 14 points and 15 rebounds, Henry Lalane (199-F-78, college: St.Francis,NY) 14 points.

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  ESTONIA   


Bulgaria handles Estonia, stays in Division A - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U18 - Estonia U18 79:69

Bulgarian Junior National Team prevailed against Estonia in the second day of the Classification round action. The victory meant Bulgaria secured their Division A spot for the next year. Estonia meanwhile fell to 0-2 record and lost the chance to avoid relegation. Hristo Zahariev (198-G/F-90) was the usual contributor for Bulgaria with 27 points, 9 boards, 3 assists and 3 steals. Bulgaria needed to overcome a slow start to deliver crucial victory. Estonian team threw all they had to survive in this one and kept it close in the opening frame. Moreover they managed to pull ahead and led 15:13 after ten minutes of action. But Bulgaria took over in the second quarter accounting for 23 points and piling up a 36:31 lead at halftime. Bulgarian players continued to dominate after the long break and stretched the gap to as many as 11 point heading into the fourth stanza. Estonia never threatened the deficit in the final minutes and had to surrender at the end. Aleksandar Yanev (202-F-90) dropped 16 points for Bulgaria. Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90) contributed 14 points for the winners. Rain Veideman (190-G-91) replied with 20 points for Estonia. Kristjan Kitsing (201-F/C-90) secured 15 points and 11 boards in defeat. Bulgaria knocked down impressive 12 attempts from beyond the arc showing 44% accuracy from the outside.

Bulgaria U18: Hristo Zahariev 27, Aleksandar Yanev 16, Bozhidar Avramov 14
Estonia U18: Rain Veideman 20, Kristjan Kitsing 15+11 boards

*****************************************************
  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


Eurobasket Summer League (Salt Lake City) Final Day Results - by Darryl Reshaw

The final day at the Eurobasket Summer League in Salt Lake City featured an electrifying atmosphere and some great games.
The venue at the Franklin Covey Corporate gym was pumping with the R&B beats from the DJ who had the place rocking all weekend.
The players were seen dancing during warm-ups and throwing down some serious dunks due to the soulful atmosphere.
During the week visitors like the former NBA legend Norm Van Leer and some scouts from the Toronto Raptors visited the gym where the Utah Jazz once used the venue as a practice facility.
In all of the ESL events in the other cities the final day always provided the best basketball as players actually begin to feel more comfortable with their teammates.
The anticipation of the championship game in Salt Lake was very interesting because both teams had been very dominant in the first couple of matches.

The first game of the day was the 5th Place game between Frankfurt and Barcelona where the Frankfurt team won a thrilling contest 104-98.
The game was a seesaw battle with a lot of scoring and quality play from both teams but in the end Frankfurt led by Marcus Watts (201-F, college: Chattanooga) 39pts and Travis Knight (211-F/C-74, college: Connecticut) 16rbs, 6ast and 5blks was too much for Barcelona.
The match-up between the talented Mensah Sadikki Taylor (198-F-80, college: Gardner-Webb) who scored 26pts, 10rbs and 5ast and Marcus Watts is what the summer league is all about.
Both of these talented players illustrated some serious skills and scoring ability and it was fun match-up to watch as they guarded each other with no success.
Mensah played like a point-forward often bringing up the ball and created off the dribble for himself and his teammates using his deadly cross-over dribble and blazing quickness.
Marcus Watts usually caught the ball on the wing and created of the dribble mixing up some nice drives to the basket and his deadly shooting from the perimeter.
Marcus had some sweet moves and finishes which brought the crowd and scouts right out of their seats.
Travis Knight showed why he played 7 years in the NBA and played smarter than his opposition all week and was scientific with his defense without picking up fouls.
His jump shot was a little off in this game but his 16 rebounds, great passing (6ast) and 5 blocks were equally impressive and everyone agreed that he will be a nice addition to a European team looking for a quality big man who knows how to play.
Rick Cardoso (201-F-85, college: Cal.St.-Stanislaus) was a big surprise in the ESL with his all around quality play and slick athleticism. He scored 20pts, 7rbs and had 4blks. He was a smooth scorer by either driving or shooting the jump shop and using his athleticism by dunking on people. He is a nice 6'8' swing forward who plays a lot bigger than listed.
Marcus Heard (201-F-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: De Paul) of Barcelona scored 17pts and 7rbs and continued to show why his was named to the CBA All Rookie team using his athleticism and nice shooting touch.
Quincy Hodges has been solid all week and added 15pts and 7rbs for the Barcelona team.
Kenny Pascley (183-G-85, college: Tiffin) the ultra quick and super athletic point guard scored 13pts and dished out 5ast to help out the Barcelona team. Kenny has been a bright spot in the ESL all week and maybe the most athletic point guard we seen in all the ESL events.

In the 3rd place game Rotterdam overwhelmed Naples 126-96 in a game that was over way before the forth quarter began.
The story of this game was Melvin Jones (206-F-84, college: St.John's) the big man who scored 28pts, 20rbs, 7blks, 4stls and dished 5ast.
This big man played in South America last year but is a super talent for Europe and won't be on the sideline too long this season.
He is very athletic and has quality footwork and moves around the basket and can play at a high-level in Europe and his still very young.
Some of the dunks, blocks and moves he displayed on Saturday were very unique and if there are teams in Europe in need for a big man please look no further because this guy is the real deal.
Troy Gwynn (196-G/F-80, college: Evergreen St.) (24pts & 4rbs) the super athletic player who probably had the most dunks in the Salt Lake City event had another quality game and was unstoppable in transition.
Marlo Saunders (196-F-84, agency: IceBasket) again played superior and displayed another quality performance using his skills and athleticism to score 19pts.
Christopher Agnes (193-F-84, college: Morehouse) scored 16 of his 18pts in the second half to help pace Rotterdam to the blowout victory. This was probably his best game of the ESL.
Robin Hood (186-G-84) looked good and had a solid performance as he scored 11 points and dished out 8 assists in the game.
Naples was limited in power but had some bright spots as Kevin Mitchell (188-G-80, college: UTPA) played extremely well and looked like a smooth quality point guard with a great jump shot as he scored 17pts and 7ast.
The big Clay Cruse (211-C-86, college: Tarleton St.) had his best game of the ESL by scoring 16pts and 5rbs.
Chris Gaines (193-F-85, college: Prairie View A&M) played well and scored 16 points for the Naples team.

The Championship game was the third game of the day and featured the best two teams in the Salt Lake City event and was the marquee match-up in the ESL.
Sevilla (Play to Win) featured a team that previously had won three back to back to back championships in the Sothern California Summer Pro League in Long Beach.
Their team featured a very talented team of players with pro experience and a few rookies and were the favorites of the tournament.
They were matched up against a very talented young Munich team that consisted of mostly rookies and a veteran CBA star.
The game was intense and exciting and went down to the final possession as Sevilla (Play to Win) won 85-84 in a thrilling contest that featured a lot of talent on both sides.
The game started out with Munich taking a double digit lead in the first quarter with the outstanding play of Nathan Green (203-F-75, college: Idaho St.) (203-F-75, college: Idaho St.) and Nick Covington (188-G-85, college: Oklahoma City)
However in the second period the intense defense of Sevilla picked up and their offensive rebounding and strong inside play overwhelmed Munich.
As a result Sevilla strolled to a 48-43 halftime lead and seem like they were ready to roll to an easy victory as they found a way to control the rapid scoring of Nathan Green and Nick Covington early in the game.
Maurice Spillers (199-F-74, college: Utah St.) and Kenny Walker (206-F/C-80, college: Alabama) (206-F/C-80, college: Alabama) were the key figures for the Sevilla team in the first half as Spillers was posting up his smaller opponents and kept attacking the basket relentlessly.
Kenny Walker the smooth and very skilled big man just scored at will and showed why he has played at the top level in Europe as he dominated the inside by scoring, rebounding and altering shots.
Lawrence Blackledge (203-F-86, college: Marquette) was probably the X-Factor for the Sevilla team as he made his presence felt during the game with his crazy athleticism, length, shot blocking ability and offensive rebounding as he scored 17pts, 7rbs, 4blks and had a tip dunk that brought the crowd out of their seats.
During the second half Munich made a serious run and the game went back and forth like a good prize fight which featured some quality play from both teams.
Kevin Young (196-F-83, college: Cal.St.-Stanislaus) came of the bench to provide Munich a spark in the forth quarter and Nick Covington recaptured his form and was unstoppable.
Sevilla continued to get quality inside play from Kenny Walker and company.
Munich went to a zone defense which slowed Sevilla down but Mike Dale (197-G/F-84, college: S.Illinois) (12pts) came in and provided some needed outside shooting to keep Sevilla in the contest.
In the final moments Munich held a small lead but the lack of experience was critical and Sevilla prevailed and made the key plays down the stretch to escape with a one point victory in a great game.
Munich did have the last shot opportunity where Emmanuel Little (196-F-85, college: N.Dakota) drove the lane and was clearly hit hard but the officials let the game be decided on the court.
The Championship game in Salt Lake City was the most competitive game in all of the ESL events this summer and featured some very talented performers who had mutual respect for their counterparts.
Sevilla (Play to Win) has added another chapter to their legacy of Summer League play in the United States and brought flavor and quality to the ESL.

In the 7th place game which was the final game of the ESL this summer Sofia beat Belgrade 110-106 to earn their first victory in the ESL.
As usually the final day brought out some fine performances and over four players scored over 20 points for the Sofia squad.
Kurtis Rice (200-F-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Charleston So.) again put on a show and was one of the best scorers and player in Salt Lake City as he did it all and scored 29pts, 8rbs, 6ast and 5stls.
Isaac Spencer (198-F-78, agency: Tank Sports, college: Murray St.) like Rice has been very consistent and had another great performance by scoring 21pts, 8rbs and 3ast.
Rice and Spence were very impressive during the ESL and you could see their professional experience and talent.
Gordon Chase (188-F-86, college: Georgetown, KY) also had his third straight quality game as he scored 26 points and has been totally unstoppable all week with his unique inside power and great mid-range jump shooting ability.
The guy has some many old school moves its rare and amazing to witness and you wont believe his game until you see it in person.
Its like seeing a mixture of Adrian Dantley and Chares Barkley in a 63 & 240lb powerful body with serious basketball skills.
Julian Franklin had his best game of the ESL and his 20pts help Sofia defeat Belgrade in the very competitive pride game.
Belgrade had five players who scored in double figures led by super athletic Marcus Saunders (203-F/C-84, agency: IceBasket, college: Texas-PB) 18pts, 8rbs, 3ast and 2blks.
Nikola Bodic (196-F-83, college: W.Illinois) scored 19 points and was very aggressive offensively all week.
Kareem Grant (198-F/G-82, college: Tennessee St.) scored 15 of his 22 points in the first half and had a quality scoring performance.
Matt Wheaton (196-G-85, college: Tulane) also looked good and had a nice 11pts and 9rbs performance.
Monty Rogers (196-F-82, college: Mayville St.) the super athletic forward who has played professionally in Finland had a couple of show-time dunks and had 13pts and 7rbs.
This game was very exciting and all of the players played really hard in a game that was not decided until the final 50 seconds.
The ESL will announce the Salt Lake City All Tournament Team on Friday as well as the All Big Men Team.
We are sorry about the delayed news but the Eurobasket server was down a few days and the ESL staff was traveling back to our office.

If any coaches require any additional information regarding the top players in the ESL we have DVD's of all of the events and all of our All Tournament players can play anywhere in Europe.

Most of our events featured players who had professional experience in Europe, NBA, CBA, NBDL, ABA and other international markets.

We identified some very talented young players who stood out against stiff competition in the various cities where we held the ESL.

Please contact us ASAP for additional scouting information regarding some of the players who are stil available and we will direct you to the players agents and etc.

Please email us at marketing@eurobasket.com for additional information regarding the ESL this summer.

Game 1: (5th Place): Frankfurt: 104, Barcelona 98

Frankfurt: 104

Travis Knight: 6pts, 16rbs, 5ast, 5blks, 4stl
Guy Meyer: 7pts, 6rbs, 3ast
Rick Cardoso: 20pts, 7rbs, 4blks
Nic Fuller: 5pts, 5ast
Andre Thompson: 8pts,
Todd Okeson: 0pts, 3ast, 4stls
Marcus Watts: 39pts, 2rbs, 4ast, 2stls
Jeremy Walker: 11pts,


Barcelona: 98

Kenny Pascley (183-G-85, college: Tiffin): 13pts, 5ast, 4rbs, 2stl
Brian Lathan: 9pts, 2rbs, 2stl
Ryan Mueller: 10pts, 2stls
Marcus Heard: 17pts, 6rbs, 2ast
Quincy Hodges (196-G-81) (196-G-81): 15pts, 7rbs, 2ast
Mensah Sadikki Taylor: 26pts, 10rbs, 5ast, 3stl
Chris Hunt: 12pts, 5rbs, 1ast


Game 2: (3rd Place): Rotterdam 126, Naples 96

Rotterdam: 126

Marlo Saunders: 19pts, 3rbs
Melvin Jones: 28pts, 20rbs, 7blk, 3ast, 4stl
Brian Dailey: 9pts, 2rbs, 4stl
Christopher Agnes: 18pts, 2rbs, 3stl
Jamaal Conley: 2pts, 4ast
Troy Gwynn: 24pts, 4rbs, 4ast
Robin Hood: 11pts, 3rbs, 8ast, 2stl
Zack Alviderez: 12pts, 4ast, 2rbs


Naples: 96

Derrick Courtney: 5pts, 5rbs
Chris Gaines: 16pts, 5rbs
Emmitt Thomas: 9pts, 3rbs
Brian Sewald: 8pts, 4rbs, 2stl
Chris Gaines: 16pts, 5rbs, 3ast, 2stl
Chris Keller: 11pts, 2stl
Jon Sheets: 11pts, 2rbs, 3ast
Kevin Mitchell: 17pts, 7ast, 4stl


Game 3: (1st Place) Sevilla 85, Munich 84

Sevilla: 85

Mike Dale: 12pts, 1rbs
Shawn Daniels: 4pts, 6rbs, 2ast
Adrian McCullough: 4pts, 4ast, 2stl
Jeff McMillan: 8pts, 6rbs, 2ast, 1blk
Lawrence Blackledge: 17pts, 7rbs, 3blk
Maurice Spillers: 16pts, 7rbs, 4ast, 5stl
Justin Taylor: 2pts, 3rbs, 1ast, 1stl
Kenny Walker (206-F/C-80, college: Alabama): 21pts, 9rbs, 2blk, 1stl
Ryan Davis: 2pts

Munich: 84

Emmanuel Little: 11pts, 4rbs, 2ast
Marcus King-Stockton: 4pts, 7rbs, 1ast, 1stl
Joseph Jackson: 5pts, 1rbs, 1blk, 1stl
Kevin Young: 8pts, 5rbs, 2ast, 1stl
Nathan Green: 19pts, 13rbs, 1ast
Isiah Allen: 7pts, 3rbs
Nick Covington: 25pts, 7rbs, 8ast, 3stl
Phillipe Harris: 5pts, 1stl


Game 4: (7th Place Game) Sofia 110, Belgrade 106

Sofia: 110

Micah Smith: 9pts, 5rbs
Isaac Spencer: 21pts, 8rbs, 3ast, 2stl
Kurtis Rice: 29pts, 8rbs, 6ast, 5stl
Julian Franklin: 20pts, 2stl, 1blk
J. Williams: 3pts, 2ast
Shawn Sridhar: 2pts, 1rbs, 1blk, 1stl
Gordon Chase: 26pts, 4rbs, 1ast, 1stl


Belgrade: 106

Marcus Saunders: 18pts, 8rbs, 3ast, 2blk, 1stl
Nikola Bodic: 19pts, 4rbs, 1ast, 1blk, 1stl
Kareem Grant: 22pts, 5rbs, 3ast, 1stl
Hasan Houston: 7pts, 3rbs, 5ast, 1stl
Quincy Saxton: 2pts, 2ast
Matt Wheaton: 11pts, 9rbs, 2ast
Clive Williamson: 3pts, 5ast
Monty Rogers: 13pts, 7rbs, 1stl
Matt Thomas: 2pts, 1rbs, 2ast



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) (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

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


Standings
Eurocup Standings
Group A
 1. Zadar 0-0 
 2. Marousi 0-0 
 3. Roanne 0-0 
Group B
 1. Dynamo M. 0-0 
 2. Barons/LMT 0-0 
 3. Lukoil A. 0-0 
Group C
 1. Upea 0-0 
 2. Khimky 0-0 
 3. Besiktas 0-0 
Group D
 1. Aris 0-0 
 2. Bnei Hash. 0-0 
 3. T.Telekom 0-0 
Group E
 1. ASVEL 0-0 
 2. Lietuvos 0-0 
 3. Azovmash 0-0 
Group F
 1. Turow 0-0 
 2. Bamberg 0-0 
 3. Charleroi 0-0 
Group G
 1. Pamesa 0-0 
 2. Upim 0-0 
 3. Art.Dragons 0-0 
Group H
 1. Bilbao 0-0 
 2. Hemofarm 0-0 
 3. Nymburk 0-0 
Qualifying Round
 1. ASK Riga 0-0 
 2. Triumph 0-0 
 3. BC Kyiv 0-0 
 4. Gmunden 0-0 
 5. Unics 0-0 
 6. Galatasaray 0-0 
 7. Energa Czarni 0-0 
 8. Oostende 0-0 
 9. Cholet 0-0 
 10. Crvena Zvez. 0-0 
 11. Benetton 0-0 
 12. Jerusalem 0-0 
 13. Amsterdam 0-0 
 14. Cajasol 0-0 
 15. TU/Rock 0-0 
 16. Ural Great 0-0 
 17. Le Havre 0-0 
 18. Panellinios 0-0 
 19. G.Canaria 0-0 
 20. Fribourg 0-0 
 21. Bonn 0-0 
 22. Siauliai 0-0 
 23. FMP 0-0 
 24. Buducnost 0-0 


*****************************************************
  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.

*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   


Division A. Qualifying round Day 3 - by Eurobasket News
Group E
Israel U18 - Serbia U18 65:61
Israel Junior National Team completed their European Championship Qualifying round campaign with a narrow win over Serbia. Yotam Shiran (198-F-90) scored 14 points to pace balanced Israeli offense past the reigning champions. Both teams finished with 2-3 record in Group E and would play in the 5-8th spots semifinals. Israel used a 14:3 rally in the first period to establish a 22:12 lead with just over 2 minutes left. Three freebies from Filip Sepa (199-G/F-90) and a three-pointer from Aleksandar Vlahovic (193-G-90) cut the distance to 6 points but Ventura capped the frame with a free throw and Israel enjoyed a 25:18 advantage. Israel maintained the distance well and drove to a 35:30 lead at the sides change. Finally Serbia surged in front early in the third quarter. Aleksandar Vlahovic and Subotic teamed up for 6 consecutive points and Serbia jumped to a 39:38 lead. But Israel retained the advantage and Sabag gave Israel a 51:49 buffer entering the fourth term. The teams kept it extra close throughout the final stanza but Israel proved more accurate at the end. Sabag nailed a jumper with 56 seconds left, while Ben Reis (196-F-90) sealed the winning outcome from the charity stripe. Ben Reis scored 12 points and pulled down 6 boards for Israel. Tamir Ariely (190-G-90) chipped in 10 points for the winners. Aleksandar Vlahovic contributed 15 points for Serbia. Filip Sepa added 11 points before fouling out.

Israel U18: Yotam Shiran 14, Ben Reis 12, Tamir Ariely 10
Serbia U18: Aleksandar Vlahovic 15, Filip Sepa 11


Greece U18 - Lithuania U18 72:54
Greek Juniors once again proved they should be considered the main contenders for the title at the home European Championship. Today they edged Lithuania to stay undefeated and finished the Qualifying round at the helm of Group E. Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) masterminded the victory scoring 22 points. Lithuania entered the semifinal stage despite the loss. Tautvydas Slezas (210-C-90) tallied 13 points and 12 boards to pace the Baltic team. Greek team dominated right from the start and piled up a 22:11 advantage ten minutes into the game. Lithuania opened the second frame with an 8:0 rally to close the margin but Greece responded with a 16:3 outburst to build an 18-point cushion at the interval. The hosts maintained the distance well throughout the third quarter and rolled to a 52:38 advantage at three-quarter time. Lithuania managed to cut the gap to 8 points after Gediminas Bertasius nailed 4 straight points. But they failed to come any closer and Greek side cruised to the victory in the dying minutes. Konstantinos Sloukas (192-G-90) netted 14 points for Greece. Leonidas Kaselakis (202-C-90) provided 12 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Augustas Peciukevicius (190-G-91) produced 12 points for Lithuania. Gediminas Bertasius knocked down 10 points and collected 8 caroms in a loss. Lithuania committed 25 turnovers and got outrebounded 34:36. Greece accounted for 16 offensive boards in the win.

Greece U18: Nikolaos Pappas 22, Konstantinos Sloukas 14, Leonidas Kaselakis 12
Lithuania U18: Tautvydas Slezas 13+12 boards, Augustas Peciukevicius 12


Spain U18 - Italy U18 83:80
Spanish U18 Team finished their Qualifying round campaign with win over Italy today. Alberto Jodar (205-F/C-91) nailed 15 points to lead balanced Spanish team. Spain improved to 2-3 record and occupied the third spot in Group E. Italy remained at the bottom of the Pool and would play for the 9th-12th spots.
Jorge Santana, Daniel Perez and Alberto Jodar lifted Spain to an early 9:2 lead. But six points from Martone shook things up for Italy and they trimmed the deficit to trail by one points at the first break 21:22. Pasquale Paolisso (203-F/C-90, agency: Court Side) converted a three-point play at the start of the second term to put Italy in charge 24:22. Italy kept in front and soon back-to-back trebles from Moraschini and Muner stretched their lead to 12 points. A bunch of free throws from Alberto Jodar and a three-pointer from Daniel Perez secured a 40:46 score at halftime. Spaniards came as close as 3 points midway through the third frame but Andrea De Nicolao hit a trey and Italy remained safe. But Spanish team persisted and Josep Franch (190-G-91) and Toni Vicens (202-C-90) dragged them within a single point from Italy heading into the fourth period. Josep Franch tipped off the final quarter with a layup and Spain regained the lead 66:65. The lead changed hands for several times before Jorge Santana put Spain in up 81:80 with 7 seconds remaining. Italy failed to deliver and Daniel Perez sealed the outcome from the stripe. Toni Vicens tallied 14 points and 7 rebounds for Spain. Ignacio Llovet (202-C-91) and Josep Franch had 10 points apiece in a win. Luca Campani (204-F-90) notched 22 points and 7 boards to pace Italy. Pasquale Paolisso knocked down 14 points in a losing case.

Spain U18: Alberto Jodar 15, Toni Vicens 14, Ignacio Llovet 10, Josep Franch 10
Italy U18: Luca Campani 22, Pasquale Paolisso 14


Group F
Turkey U18 - Ukraine U18 85:69
Melih Mahmutoglu (191-G-90) scored 22 points and made 3 steals and Turkish Juniors burn Ukraine for the first win at the Qualifying round of the European Championship in Greece. Turkey improved to 2-3 record in Pool F. Ukraine completed their inglorious Qualification round campaign with the third straight loss and remained at the bottom of the ladder at 0-5 record. Ukraine will now play for the 9th-12th spots. Turkey got to a brave start as they led 8:0 just over 3 minutes into the game. Oleksandr Osnach scored first four points for Ukrainian team but the effort was eclipsed by three-pointers from Melih Mahmutoglu and Can Maxim Mutaf as Turkey remained comfortably in front. Ibrahim Yildirim capped the opening stanza with a layup giving Turkish team a 26:16 advantage. Ukraine tipped off the second frame with a 10:2 outburst to trim the distance to 2 points. However Mukremin Kilicli (206-F/C-90) answered with 8 points and Turkey regained a double digit advantage. Turkey enjoyed a 41:32 cushion at sides change. Pavlo Burenko (188-G-90) and Roman Dmytrenko (200-F-90) once again dragged Ukrainian team as close as 2 points from Turkey midway through the third term and later Roman Dmytrenko crowned the period with two freebies as they trailed by just one heading into the fourth frame. Turkey kept it cool and overcame the danger by scoring 8 unanswered points at the start of the final quarter. Oleksandr Gudkov tried to spark the intrigue when he shaved the deficit to 4 points but a 14:2 surge secured an unclouded game finale for Turkey.
Mukremin Kilicli provided 18 points and 12 boards for Turkey. Enes Kanter (205-C-92) had 14 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Pavlo Burenko and Roman Dmytrenko netted 14 points apiece for Ukraine. Oleksandr Osnach nailed 11 points in a losing effort. Turkey outrebounded their opponents 44:39 and sank solid 46% from the field.

Turkey U18: Melih Mahmutoglu 22, Mukremin Kilicli 18+12 boards, Enes Kanter 14+14 boards
Ukraine U18: Pavlo Burenko 14, Roman Dmytrenko 14


France U18 - Croatia U18 74:73
French Junior National Team advanced to the semifinal of the European Championship. Earlier today they overcame Croatia in a mouth-watering battle in Amaliada. Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) nailed go-ahead freebies with just over 2 minutes remaining in the fourth term to lift France to a crucial victory in their race for the semifinal birth. Both teams were tied at 3-1 record in the Qualifying round Group F before the game and had to win to advance to the semis. Croatia got to a slightly better start as three-pointers from Toni Prostran (188-G-91) and Batur lifted them to a 10:5 lead. Hower Alexis Tanghe (207-F/C-90) compiled 9 points in the opening stanza and led France to a 24:22 advantage at the first intermission. Nicolas Lang (195-G-90) and Bourhis stretched the margin to 6 points early in the second frame and France maintained the lead throughout the quarter. Andrew Albicy capped the first half with a three-pointer and French team piled up a 47:34 advantage at the interval. Nicolas Lang and Andrew Albicy widened the damage at the beginning of the third term as it read 17-points. But Mario Delas (210-C-90) and Toni Prostran fueled a 16:5 rally from Croatia as they trimmed the distance to 5 points. France entered the fourth period leading by 8 points but Tomislav Zubcic chipped in 8 points and Ivan Ramljak added 4 more as Croatia surged ahead 71:70 with under 4 minutes left in regulation. The lead changed hands for several times before Andrew Albicy put France in charge for good. Croatia had two minutes to save the game but Toni Prostran and Tomislav Zubcic wasted their chances and France got away with a narrow victory. Nicolas Lang nailed 16 points to pace France. Andrew Albicy and Alexis Tanghe added 13 points in a win. Toni Prostran topscored with 22 points for Croatia. Mario Delas had 16 points, while Tomislav Zubcic contributed 15 points in defeat.

France U18: Nicolas Lang 16, Andrew Albicy 13, Alexis Tanghe 13+10 boards
Croatia U18: Toni Prostran 22, Mario Delas 16


Latvia U18 - Russia U18 79:75
Latvian Junior National Team showed character as they posted a come-from-behind victory over Russia in todays Qualifying round finale in Group F. Latvian team denied a 10-point halftime deficit to knock down Russia and left their opponents without semifinal. Kalvis Krumins (182-G-90) had a pivotal performance for Latvia with 30 points. Russia thus finished at the third pot in Group F, while Latvia secured the 4th. Both teams will play for the 5th-8th places at the tournament. The teams looked well-matched in the starting period and the lead changed hands for numerous times before Babunashvili gave Russia a 22:20 lead at the intermission. Sergey Palkin (191-G-90), Pavel Antipov (200-F-91) and Maxim Grigoryev (191-G-90) combined for 20 points in the second stanza and Russia accumulated a 43:33 advantage at the interval. Pavel Antipov tipped off the second half with a layup to stretch the gap to 12 points and Russia seemed to be well in control at the moment. However Latvia refused to fold. Kalvis Krumins netted 11 points in the third frame and narrowed the margin to 4 points with ten minutes to go. Martins Laksa opened the fourth term with a three-pointer, while Kalvis Krumins and Maris Ziedins added 4 points for Latvia to surge in front 64:61. The teams then exchanged the blows for some time and all came down to the final seconds. Maxim Grigoryev pulled Russian team ahead 75:74 with just over two minutes remaining. Latvia responded with a layup from Kristers Zeidaks (201-F-90) with 42 seconds left in regulation. Sergey Palkin missed a jumper and Kristers Zeidaks sealed the outcome converting a three-point play with one second to go. Kristers Zeidaks scored 17 points and grabbed 7 boards for Latvia. Armands Osins (190-G-91) secured 12 points for the winners. Pavel Antipov led Russia with 25 points and 7 boards. Sergey Palkin and Maxim Grigoryev delivered 13 points apiece in a losing effort.

Latvia U18: Kalvis Krumins 30, Kristers Zeidaks 17, Armands Osins 12
Russia U18: Pavel Antipov 25, Sergey Palkin 13, Maxim Grigoryev 13


Classification Round
Germany U18 - Belgium U18 62:73
Belgian U18 National Team escaped bidding farewell to the European Championship Division A for now. Earlier today they held off Germany to improve to 1-1 record in the Classification Round of the tournament. This means that Germany and Belgium will decide on the team to stay in Division A in the last round of action on Saturday. Belgium will face Estonia, while Germany will take on Bulgaria. Lorenzo Lorenzo Giancaterino (190-F-90) tallied 21 points and 8 rebounds to propel Belgium past Germany in a must-win encounter.
The teams were on the level terms early in the game as Germany built a narrow 21:19 lead into the second period. But Belgium tightened their defensive schemes in the second stanza and it worked out well. They limited German side to just 6 points in the frame and rolled to a 14-point advantage at halftime. Germany though were not about to fold that early. They bounced back right after the break knocking down 23 points and cutting the deficit to 5 points before the final stanza. But a raw and uneven performance from Germany continued in the final period as they accounted for only 12 points and allowed Belgium to ease to the win. Dennis Donkor (192-G/F-91) had solid tally of 13 points for Belgium. Quentin Serron (190-G-90) provided 11 points in a win. Maurice Stuckey (187-G-90) answered with 15 points for Germany. Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) chipped in 14 points in a losing effort. Belgium converted impressive 53% from the field, while limiting their opponents to just 36% accuracy.

Germany U18: Maurice Stuckey 15, Maik Zirbes 14
Belgium U18: Lorenzo Giancaterino 21, Dennis Donkor 13, Quentin Serron 11


Bulgaria U18 - Estonia U18 79:69
Bulgarian Junior National Team prevailed against Estonia in the second day of the Classification round action. The victory meant Bulgaria secured their Division A spot for the next year. Estonia meanwhile fell to 0-2 record and lost the chance to avoid relegation. Hristo Zahariev (198-G/F-90) was the usual contributor for Bulgaria with 27 points, 9 boards, 3 assists and 3 steals. Bulgaria needed to overcome a slow start to deliver crucial victory. Estonian team threw all they had to survive in this one and kept it close in the opening frame. Moreover they managed to pull ahead and led 15:13 after ten minutes of action. But Bulgaria took over in the second quarter accounting for 23 points and piling up a 36:31 lead at halftime. Bulgarian players continued to dominate after the long break and stretched the gap to as many as 11 point heading into the fourth stanza. Estonia never threatened the deficit in the final minutes and had to surrender at the end. Aleksandar Yanev (202-F-90) dropped 16 points for Bulgaria. Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90) contributed 14 points for the winners. Rain Veideman (190-G-91) replied with 20 points for Estonia. Kristjan Kitsing (201-F/C-90) secured 15 points and 11 boards in defeat. Bulgaria knocked down impressive 12 attempts from beyond the arc showing 44% accuracy from the outside.

Bulgaria U18: Hristo Zahariev 27, Aleksandar Yanev 16, Bozhidar Avramov 14
Estonia U18: Rain Veideman 20, Kristjan Kitsing 15+11 boards

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

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  FINLAND   


U18 EC, division B: Finland blasts Belarus in classification round - by Eurobasket News
U18 Belarus - U18 Finland 44-71

Finland registered an extremely easy win in the first game of Classification Round from 9th to 16th place. Thus Finland improved its record to 2-0 in Group H while Belarus suffered fourth defeat so far dropping on 0-2. In the next round, which is scheduled for tomorrow, Finland will meet Romania in the battle for top of Group H while Belarus will play against Georgia.

Belarus didn't have many problems with rebounding nor with turnovers today, what was the case at the first stage. This time Byelorussians struggled a lot with their stroke. They registered only 14.3% from behind the arc and 35% for FG2. With that kind of percentage they couldn't expect anything good in this game. Finland had much better digits from these positions which brought them the final plus 27. Belarus showed decent performance during the first 10 minutes. Actually they had plus 3 after it but in the next quarter they succeeded to net just 6 points. Finland took full control on Belarus after the breather reaching plus 16 at the middle of it. The biggest lead Finland had wit 2:30 to go and it was plus 29.

Sasu Salin (187-G-91) paced Finland to win in this game netting 13 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Roopi Ahonen (185-G-90) also has done many important things in this game collecting 10 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Lauri Tiainen (192-F/G-90) helped the winning side with 10 points. Belarus got the most from Viktar Ausepian (200-F-91), who scored 12 points with 4 rebounds, while Uladzimir Krysevich (205-C-91) registered double-double, 10 points and 13 rebounds.


U18 Belarus - U18 Finland 44-71
(15-12, 6-12, 13-29, 10-18)

Belarus: Viktar Ausepian 12 (4 rebs), Uladzimir Krysevich 10 (13 rebs)
Finland: Sasu Salin 13 (5 rebs), Roopi Ahonen 10 (4 rebs, 4 as), Lauri Tiainen 10

KORISLIIGA: Kataja signed Jeremiah Wood - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Jeremiah Wood (198-F-85, agency: Court Side), one of the top players in the Mid American Conference, has signed a 1-year-contract with Finnish Top League team Kataja (Joensuu). Wood comes from Akron College, where he stayed five years (2003-08). During his Sr-year Wood averaged 14,1 ppg, 7,7 rpg, 2,5 apg and 1,2 spg
in 31 contests. Wood was named All-MAC 2nd Team -08. Experts say Wood has great work ethic and he is a ferocious rebounder. Kataja's Head Coach Ray Ailus is satisfied, that Team Kataja and Wood have agreed on the details of the contract and the Player will start his international playing career in Finland and Joensuu.

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  FRANCE   


France beat Croatia in dramatic clash - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Croatia U18 74:73

French Junior National Team advanced to the semifinal of the European Championship. Earlier today they overcame Croatia in a mouth-watering battle in Amaliada. Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) nailed go-ahead freebies with just over 2 minutes remaining in the fourth term to lift France to a crucial victory in their race for the semifinal birth. Both teams were tied at 3-1 record in the Qualifying round Group F before the game and had to win to advance to the semis. Croatia got to a slightly better start as three-pointers from Toni Prostran (188-G-91) and Batur lifted them to a 10:5 lead. Hower Alexis Tanghe (207-F/C-90) compiled 9 points in the opening stanza and led France to a 24:22 advantage at the first intermission. Nicolas Lang (195-G-90) and Bourhis stretched the margin to 6 points early in the second frame and France maintained the lead throughout the quarter. Andrew Albicy capped the first half with a three-pointer and French team piled up a 47:34 advantage at the interval. Nicolas Lang and Andrew Albicy widened the damage at the beginning of the third term as it read 17-points. But Mario Delas (210-C-90) and Toni Prostran fueled a 16:5 rally from Croatia as they trimmed the distance to 5 points. France entered the fourth period leading by 8 points but Tomislav Zubcic (213-C/F-90) chipped in 8 points and Ivan Ramljak (203-F-90) added 4 more as Croatia surged ahead 71:70 with under 4 minutes left in regulation. The lead changed hands for several times before Andrew Albicy put France in charge for good. Croatia had two minutes to save the game but Toni Prostran and Tomislav Zubcic wasted their chances and France got away with a narrow victory. Nicolas Lang nailed 16 points to pace France. Andrew Albicy and Alexis Tanghe added 13 points in a win. Toni Prostran topscored with 22 points for Croatia. Mario Delas had 16 points, while Tomislav Zubcic contributed 15 points in defeat.

France U18: Nicolas Lang 16, Andrew Albicy 13, Alexis Tanghe 13+10 boards
Croatia U18: Toni Prostran 22, Mario Delas 16

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.

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  GEORGIA   


U18 EC, division B: Romania celebrates over Georgia in Group H - by Eurobasket News
U18 Romania - U18 Georgia 76-71

In the first game of Classification Round from 9th to 16th place Romania outplayed Georgia improving to 2-0 in Group H. As a reminder Romania transferred win against Belarus from the Preliminary Round. On the other side Georgia dropped on 0-2 loosing all chances for the ninth position. Two top teams from Group H will continue battle for ninth place with two best teams from Group G.

Everything started good for Georgians as they made quick 2-10 run thanks to Giorgi Sharabidze (208-C-90). After that moment Ioan Pop (175-G-90) woke up and together with his teammates answered with 20 points for almost 7 minutes setting the score on 22-22. Beginning of the second stanza was totally equalized. With two minutes to go until the half time score was tied 34-34. This time Konstantine Tomaradze (197-G-90) stepped up for Georgia leading 9-0 run for 34-43. Despite Rolland Torok (198-C-90) and Ioan Pop shined for Romania in third frame Georgia succeeded to keep plus 5 until the crucial ten minutes. Romanians didn't want to give up and finally equalized on 66-66 with 2:52 remaining. Until the end of the game Georgia missed 3 free throws, one three pointer and committed one turnover what is too much for just 3 minutes. Naturally they couldn't celebrate at the end especially as Romanians were steady when it was the most important.

Ioan Pop demonstrated fantastic performance for the winning side collecting 25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals. Romania also got huge help from Rolland Torok, who added 21 points and 8 rebounds. Giorgi Sharabidze posted 16 points and 7 rebounds for Georgia while its best player so far Tornike Shengelia (201-G/F-91, agency: Life Sports) stopped on 14 points and 10 rebounds. Konstantine Tomaradze and Davit Maisuradze (204-F/C-90) had 10 points each. Romania will meet Finland tomorrow trying to keep the top of Group H while Georgia will play against Belarus.


U18 Romania - U18 Georgia 76-71
(22-22,12-21,20-16,22-12)

Romania: Ioan Pop 25 (6 rebs, 6 as, 6 st), Rolland Torok 21 (8 rebs)
Georgia: Giorgi Sharabidze 16 (7 rebs), Tornike Shengelia 14 (10 rebs), Konstantine Tomaradze 10 (4 rebs), Davit Maisuradze 10

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  GERMANY   


Germany wastes chance to secure Division A spot, loses to Belgium - by Eurobasket News
Germany U18 - Belgium U18 62:73

Belgian U18 National Team escaped bidding farewell to the European Championship Division A for now. Earlier today they held off Germany to improve to 1-1 record in the Classification Round of the tournament. This means that Germany and Belgium will decide on the team to stay in Division A in the last round of action on Saturday. Belgium will face Estonia, while Germany will take on Bulgaria. Lorenzo Lorenzo Giancaterino (190-F-90) tallied 21 points and 8 rebounds to propel Belgium past Germany in a must-win encounter.
The teams were on the level terms early in the game as Germany built a narrow 21:19 lead into the second period. But Belgium tightened their defensive schemes in the second stanza and it worked out well. They limited German side to just 6 points in the frame and rolled to a 14-point advantage at halftime. Germany though were not about to fold that early. They bounced back right after the break knocking down 23 points and cutting the deficit to 5 points before the final stanza. But a raw and uneven performance from Germany continued in the final period as they accounted for only 12 points and allowed Belgium to ease to the win. Dennis Donkor (192-G/F-91) had solid tally of 13 points for Belgium. Quentin Serron (190-G-90) provided 11 points in a win. Maurice Stuckey (187-G-90) answered with 15 points for Germany. Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) chipped in 14 points in a losing effort. Belgium converted impressive 53% from the field, while limiting their opponents to just 36% accuracy.

Germany U18: Maurice Stuckey 15, Maik Zirbes 14
Belgium U18: Lorenzo Giancaterino 21, Dennis Donkor 13, Quentin Serron 11

Regionalliga West News - by Daniel Poerschke
NOMA Iserlohn Kangaroos of the 1. Regionalliga West added Julian Poerschke (198-F-84) to their roster. He played the last two seasons for BBV Hagen in the same league. Before that Poerschke suited up for BG and Phoenix Hagen in the 2. Bundesliga.

In the 2. Regionalliga West TV Werne announced the signing of a pair of serbian twins: Marko Filipovic (207-F-87) and Darko Filipovic (196-G-87) are both coming from the serbian 2nd league to the club of Head Coach Ivan Rosic. Meanwhile Bastian Naber (194-G-89) will leave the club and joins BSV Wulfen in the 1. Regionalliga West instead. Werne did sign two US players already and is expected to announce their names soon.

Ken Johnson joins Koeln 99ers - by Moritz Korff
The Koeln 99ers (1. Bundesliga) have completed the signing of Center Ken Johnson (210-C-78, college: Ohio St.), as the club announced on its website today. The 30-year-old is expected to help the 99ers especially on the defensive end of the court. He is known as a good shot-blocker and still the all-time leader in blocked shots at Ohio State University. He suited up for the Buckeyes from 1998 to 2001. His record of blocked shots in a NCAA-game stands at 11, which he achieved twice. In the 1999-2000 season Johnson averaged 5.4 bpg for OSU. Since leaving college the native of Detroit, Michigan and 2001 NBA-Draft Pick (2nd round, 49th, selected by the Miami Heat) played in several countries including Italy, France, Korea, China, Spain and Switzerland. In January 2008 he joined the Frankfurt Skyliners and played 29 Bundesliga-games until the end of the season, averaging 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per contest.

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).

German National Team beats Finland in last game before Olympic Games - by Moritz Korff
Germany won its final exhibition game prior to the Olympic Games Thursday night in Bamberg. 6000 fans in Jako-Arena saw Dirk Bauermann's troops overcome Finland 78:67. Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) played his first official game on German ground and was one of four players on his team who finished the encounter in double figure-scoring. He had 13 points, Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) added 11 points, while Demond Greene (185-G-79, agency: Court Side) and Pascal Roller (180-G-76) each netted 10 points. Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84) tallied 12 points for the guests, Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR) and Hanno Mottola (208-F-76, college: Utah) had 9 points apiece.
The German National Team had the lead after ten minutes (19:15) and Kaman chipped in 4 early points in the second quarter to make it 23:15. Finland cut the lead to two points with 120 seconds left to go in the first half. Germany replied with 9 points until halftime (35:28). In the third stanza the host pushed the lead into double digits (43:32). Suomi, coached by former 'Bundestrainer' Henrik Dettmann, had another answer, but a 6:0-run in the last minutes of the quarter seemed to have broken the Finnish resistance. Germany went into the final period with a 59:44 lead and enlarged the gap to 20 points (67:47) on the way to a final victory before entering the plane to Beijing.
Boxscore: click

Dortmund 49ers announce roster moves - by Moritz Korff
SVD 49 Dortmund, reigning champion of the Regionalliga West, announced the signings of their two import players for the 2008-09 campaign. James Cooper (183-G-86, college: Wooster) and Stephan Bolt (198-F, college: Lewis) committed to the 49ers. 22-year-old Cooper graduated from NCAA Division 3 powerhouse The College of Wooster earlier this year. He left the Fighting Scots as the second best scorer in school history (2037 points) and first in three-points made (241). The native of Springfield, Ohio averaged 19.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2 assists in 28 encounters of this past season. D3hoops.com, the most important source for D3-basketball, had Cooper as a member of the 2007-08 All-America First Team.
Bolt played for Lewis University (NCAA2) since 2005. He averaged double figures in scoring and rebounding as a junior and as a senior. During 2007-08 he had 31 appearances for Flyers, producing 15.8 points (Field-Goal Percentage: 60.6%), 10.9 boards and 1.4 assists per contest.
Jonas Hartmann (184-G/F-76) and Stefan Fuerst (201-F-81) from GV Waltrop had made agreements with the team of Coach Peter Radegast earlier. Meanwhile, Center Daniel Freienstein (205-C-78) leaves the club and heads to Baskets Luedenscheid (2. Regionalliga).

A Point Guard for Cuxhaven - by Moritz Korff
The Cuxhaven BasCats (2. Bundesliga Pro A) have found a playmaker for the upcoming season. The club-officials and Brandon Watkins (183-G-81, college: Penn St.) agreed on a contract for the 2008-09 campaign. Watkins enjoyed a respectable collegiate career at Penn State (28 games: 13.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.7apg as a senior in 2002-03), but did not make any impact in European basketball yet. After his college days had come to an end Watson attended several showcases and exposure camps. For the 2004-05 season he joined Olympique Antibes from the French Pro B-league, but was cut after 15 games (12.9ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.0apg). In the following years he mostly played in the IBL and had a one game-stint at Darussafaka Istanbul in February 2006. Some weeks ago he attended the Eurobasket Summer League in Chicago and made the All-ESL Chicago Second Team.

Regionalliga-News - by Moritz Korff
SSV Lok Bernau (Regionalliga North) completed its last summer signing and added Mayu Tho Horst (193-G-88) to the 2008-09 roster. The Berlin native played 17 games for UBC Hannover in this past season and averaged 2.6 points per contest.

Team captain Efram Yaman (180-G-75) will stay one more season with the SCH Wuerzburg Baskets (Regionalliga South-East). Meanwhile, Kelubia Ekoemeye (200-F/C-80, agency: Agency No 10) will join the club. He previously played for Wuerzburg in the Bundesliga.

BG Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Regionalliga South-East) landed Dominik Veney (200-F-87) for the 2008-09 campaign. The athletic Swingman played for Heimerer Schulen Basket Landsberg at the beginning of this past season. Jonathan Genck (185-G-86), who scored 15.1 points per outing for the Red Kangaroos during 2007-08, makes a move to BC Groer Recycling Weissenhorn (Regionalliga South-West).

TuS Treis-Karden (Regionalliga South-West) announced the first newcomer for the 2008-09 campaign in Filip Piljanovic (187-G-78) from VfB Giessen. Johannes Grunenberg (205-F/C-80) and veteran Joseph Robisch (200-F/C-69) will have to be replace, while the following players remain on the Treis-Karden roster: Tim Kaurisch (180-G-84), Michael Chojnowski, Tim Seimet (195-G/F-81), Benjamin Keifenheim (192-G-81), Pierre Hennerici, Edvinas Kurgonas (205-C), Christopher Nitzsche (198-F-86) and Dominik Neeb.

Emre Atsuer had extended his agreement with TSVE Bielefeld (Regionalliga West) already some weeks ago. Now Mario Rondas (200-F/C-77) and Robert Huelsewede (198-F-90) did the same. Serbian big man Dejan Cvjetkovic (205-F/C-77) returns to the Dolphins after one season at SV Brackwede (Oberliga). Also Christof Schirok (190-F-81) is back on the squad.

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.

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  GREECE   


U18 European Championship Men - Qualifying Round: Lithuania - Greece 54-72 - by Chris Mammides
GROUP E - U18 European Championship Men - Qualifying Round: Greece thrashed the Lithuanian NT with 72-54!!
Host Greek talents prove once more that the Hellenic Basket has past, future and Present!! The amazing Hellenic National team of Coach Giorgos Vlassopoulos moved into the semi-finals of the U18 European Championship Men with a perfect record after knocking off one of the top favourite teams in the European courts, the National team of Lithuania with the astonishing score of 72-54.

Vitoldas Masalskis 's Lithuanians led 7-5 early. But a the solid power from Konstantinos Sloukas (192-G-90) together with his three-ball started an 11-0 run over 4:30 for a 16-7 lead. And Greece took an initial early lead with 22-11 after the first quarter. Lithunia's defence stopped the Greeks for the first 3:30 of the second period and Matas Sapiega's triple completed an 8-0 run for a 22-19 deficit. But Vlassopoulos's boys remembered their team-mate, Vladimir Jankovic (208-F-90) and turned their defence up a notch while both Leonidas Kaselakis (202-C-90) and Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) drained three-balls as Greece closed the first half on a 16-3 spurt for a 38-22 half-time cushion.

Papanikolaou's basket pushed the advantage to 45-26 before Tautvydas Slezas (210-C-90) and Bertasius pulled the Lithuanians to within 45-35 with 3:30 left in the third quarter, Greece were ahead 52-38 after three periods. Bertasius treid his best by scoring four unanswered points (knocked down a 3pointer and hit a free throw to cut the deficit to 56-48 with six minutes to play). But the Greeks buckled down once more defensively for two minutes and Nikolaos Pappas pushed the margin back to 63-48. Lithuania would not get closer than 12 points the rest of the way.

Nikos Nikolaos Pappas scored 22 points to lead four players in double figures as George Vlassopoulos's team captured their sixth straight win (on six games) to take top honours in their Qualifying Round Group. Nikolaos Pappas also added six rebounds, four assists and five steals while Kostas Sloukas scored 14 points, Leonidas Leonidas Kaselakis had 12 and Kostas Papanikolaou chipped in 10 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals together with very good defence

Tautvydas Tautvydas Slezas paced Lithunia with 13 points and 12 rebounds while Augustas Peciukevicius had 12 points and Gediminas Bertasius scored 10.

Lithuania had already booked their place in Saturday's semi-finals but dropped to 3-2 in the group.

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


Last Market news - by Fred Roggen
Aris Friesland inked shootingguard Matt Bauscher (188-G, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) from Boise State University to their roster. He signed a contract for one year. His average stats for 33 games in the WAC-conference was 9.2ppg and 3.2 apg.

Rotterdam Challengers agreed terms with guard B.A. Walker (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Va Commonwealth) for one season. Walker played last season in Iceland as a member of Keflavik. He averaged 22 ppg.

Bluestreamseals Den Helder attracted American center Darnell Dialls (203-F/C-86, agency: Court Side) for the coming season to strengthened up the frontcourt of the team of coach Peter van Noord. Dialls is an American center who played last season at Eastern Kentucky. His average stats for 30 games, 12.3 ppg and 6.1 rpg.

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  IBL   


Express Celebrity Classic Seats ON SALE - by John Gary
courtesy oursportscentral.com Tickets are now on sale for the Elkhart Express Celebrity Classic on August 8th at North Side gym. A celebrity basketball game featuring politicans,media personalties and former area athletes is scheduled for 5pm. At 7:15,the Elkhart Express of the IBL takes on the Wanma Cyclones of the Chineese Basketball Association. Additional information can be found by calling the Elkhart Express offices.

Battle Creek joins PBL - by Gianni Pascucci
The Premier Basketball League (PBL) announced that the Battle Creek Knights, headed by ownership group LN King Entertainment LLC, have been accepted into the league for play in the upcoming 2008-2009 PBL season. The Knights have played for the past four seasons in the International Basketball League, and subsequent to the conclusion of their season, were looking at alternatives to best benefit their organization. PBL President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas E. Doyle stated: 'we are impressed with their vision to continue to grow their basketball organization. Battle Creek is a terrific market, and the Kellogg Arena, which seats 4,700 for basketball, is a perfect venue for PBL games.' With the addition of the Knights, the PBL line-up is now made of 20 teams, the double of their inaugural season. A dramatic growth, and a sign of the league success.

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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   


Israel roll over France in Bormio's opener - by Yehonatan Eliahu
Israel national team squad collected it's second win this week in Italy, having a training camp there. After beating Italy itself on Sunday, Israel overcame team France in Bormio's tournament opener with quite an easy one. With the absences of the likes of Tony Parker (183-G-80), Boris Diaw (203-F/C-82) and Roni Turiaf, France could not find the rhythm and Israel jumped ahead right from the begining, finishing the first period with a 25-13 lead. Second phase brought up a whole new vital French team, and they were able to cut the lead to 41-35 before the break. But from now on it was Israel bigs Amit Tamir (208-C-79, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: California) (208-C-79, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: California) and Yaniv Green (206-F-80, agency: ZAG Advocates) running the show, and one more run made by Israel put them up by 18. Getting into the fourth quarter, Israeli coach Zvi Sherf let the youngsters some playing time, and they were able to maintain the lead and complete a 84-67 win.

Israel: Amit Tamir 13, Yaniv Green 12, Lior Eliahu 11( 7 rebounds)

Israel outscore Serbia in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Israel U18 - Serbia U18 65:61

Israel Junior National Team completed their European Championship Qualifying round campaign with a narrow win over Serbia. Yotam Shiran (198-F-90) scored 14 points to pace balanced Israeli offense past the reigning champions. Both teams finished with 2-3 record in Group E and would play in the 5-8th spots semifinals. Israel used a 14:3 rally in the first period to establish a 22:12 lead with just over 2 minutes left. Three freebies from Filip Sepa (199-G/F-90) and a three-pointer from Aleksandar Vlahovic (193-G-90) cut the distance to 6 points but Ventura capped the frame with a free throw and Israel enjoyed a 25:18 advantage. Israel maintained the distance well and drove to a 35:30 lead at the sides change. Finally Serbia surged in front early in the third quarter. Aleksandar Vlahovic and Subotic teamed up for 6 consecutive points and Serbia jumped to a 39:38 lead. But Israel retained the advantage and Sabag gave Israel a 51:49 buffer entering the fourth term. The teams kept it extra close throughout the final stanza but Israel proved more accurate at the end. Sabag nailed a jumper with 56 seconds left, while Ben Reis (196-F-90) sealed the winning outcome from the charity stripe. Ben Reis scored 12 points and pulled down 6 boards for Israel. Tamir Ariely (190-G-90) chipped in 10 points for the winners. Aleksandar Vlahovic contributed 15 points for Serbia. Filip Sepa added 11 points before fouling out.

Israel U18: Yotam Shiran 14, Ben Reis 12, Tamir Ariely 10
Serbia U18: Aleksandar Vlahovic 15, Filip Sepa 11

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  ITALY   


Spain wrap up Qualifying round with win over Italy - by Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Italy U18 83:80

Spanish U18 Team finished their Qualifying round campaign with win over Italy today. Alberto Jodar (205-F/C-91) nailed 15 points to lead balanced Spanish team. Spain improved to 2-3 record and occupied the third spot in Group E. Italy remained at the bottom of the Pool and would play for the 9th-12th spots.
Jorge Santana (193-G-90), Daniel Perez (188-G-90) and Alberto Jodar lifted Spain to an early 9:2 lead. But six points from Martone shook things up for Italy and they trimmed the deficit to trail by one points at the first break 21:22. Pasquale Paolisso (203-F/C-90, agency: Court Side) converted a three-point play at the start of the second term to put Italy in charge 24:22. Italy kept in front and soon back-to-back trebles from Moraschini and Muner stretched their lead to 12 points. A bunch of free throws from Alberto Jodar and a three-pointer from Daniel Perez secured a 40:46 score at halftime. Spaniards came as close as 3 points midway through the third frame but Andrea De Nicolao (175-G-91) hit a trey and Italy remained safe. But Spanish team persisted and Josep Franch (190-G-91) and Toni Vicens (202-C-90) dragged them within a single point from Italy heading into the fourth period. Josep Franch tipped off the final quarter with a layup and Spain regained the lead 66:65. The lead changed hands for several times before Jorge Santana put Spain in up 81:80 with 7 seconds remaining. Italy failed to deliver and Daniel Perez sealed the outcome from the stripe. Toni Vicens tallied 14 points and 7 rebounds for Spain. Ignacio Llovet (202-C-91) and Josep Franch had 10 points apiece in a win. Luca Campani (204-F-90) notched 22 points and 7 boards to pace Italy. Pasquale Paolisso knocked down 14 points in a losing case.

Spain U18: Alberto Jodar 15, Toni Vicens 14, Ignacio Llovet 10, Josep Franch 10
Italy U18: Luca Campani 22, Pasquale Paolisso 14

Italy defeats Poland - by Gianni Pascucci
Team Italy came back to the win in Day One of the 'Diego Gianatti International Tournment' in Bormio. Italy prevailed over Poland 90-75, staying ahead in the score almosta all game long and finally showing some improvements. The main performers were Marco Mordente (192-G-79), who scored 17 pts, and Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85), who added 10 points, while Polish Szymon Szewczyk was the game top scorer at 22. In the other game of Day 1, Israel defeated France 84-67. On Friday 1 night, Italy meets Israel for the Day 2 of the Gianatti Tournment.

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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.

Sun headed to Land of Rising Sun? - by Kenny
According to an article in today's Japan Times, the newest member of the bj-league, the Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix, have acquired 7-9 giant Ming Ming Sun (235-C-83, agency: Passing Lane) from China for the upcoming season. The 24-year old center, who has reached legendary status in the U.S. even though he's never played in the NBA, reportedly participated in the bj-league tryouts in July and showed enough skills for the Phoenix to sign him. Sun gained notoriety in 2007 for appearing in the Jackie Chan flick, 'Rush Hour 3,' but failed in his attempt to make an NBA roster after moving to the U.S. from China in 2005. The Phoenix, formerly known as the OSG Phoenix, defected to the bj-league this season after spending the previous 6 seasons in the JBL's top division.

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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   


Latvia end Russia's title hopes - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U18 - Russia U18 79:75

Latvian Junior National Team showed character as they posted a come-from-behind victory over Russia in todays Qualifying round finale in Group F. Latvian team denied a 10-point halftime deficit to knock down Russia and left their opponents without semifinal. Kalvis Krumins (182-G-90) had a pivotal performance for Latvia with 30 points. Russia thus finished at the third pot in Group F, while Latvia secured the 4th. Both teams will play for the 5th-8th places at the tournament. The teams looked well-matched in the starting period and the lead changed hands for numerous times before Babunashvili gave Russia a 22:20 lead at the intermission. Sergey Palkin (191-G-90), Pavel Antipov (200-F-91) and Maxim Grigoryev (191-G-90) combined for 20 points in the second stanza and Russia accumulated a 43:33 advantage at the interval. Pavel Antipov tipped off the second half with a layup to stretch the gap to 12 points and Russia seemed to be well in control at the moment. However Latvia refused to fold. Kalvis Krumins netted 11 points in the third frame and narrowed the margin to 4 points with ten minutes to go. Martins Laksa (196-F-90) opened the fourth term with a three-pointer, while Kalvis Krumins and Maris Ziedins (198-F/C-90) added 4 points for Latvia to surge in front 64:61. The teams then exchanged the blows for some time and all came down to the final seconds. Maxim Grigoryev pulled Russian team ahead 75:74 with just over two minutes remaining. Latvia responded with a layup from Kristers Zeidaks (201-F-90) with 42 seconds left in regulation. Sergey Palkin missed a jumper and Kristers Zeidaks sealed the outcome converting a three-point play with one second to go. Kristers Zeidaks scored 17 points and grabbed 7 boards for Latvia. Armands Osins (190-G-91) secured 12 points for the winners. Pavel Antipov led Russia with 25 points and 7 boards. Sergey Palkin and Maxim Grigoryev delivered 13 points apiece in a losing effort.

Latvia U18: Kalvis Krumins 30, Kristers Zeidaks 17, Armands Osins 12
Russia U18: Pavel Antipov 25, Sergey Palkin 13, Maxim Grigoryev 13

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

SK Valmiera sign Ivan Elliott - by Eurobasket
SK Valmiera added to their roster 22-year old American forward Ivan Elliott (203-F-86, college: UCSB, agency: LimeLight). Elliott played most recently at Univ. of California-Santa Barbara (NCAA) in the U.S. It will be his first year in professional basketball. Last year playing for UCSB he averaged 9.6ppg and 5.7rpg in 32 games. He was also selected to All-Big West Honorable Mention team, when he help his team to win Big West Regular Season Champion.

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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   


Greece outmuscle Lithuania to stay untamed - by Eurobasket News
Greece U18 - Lithuania U18 72:54

Greek Juniors once again proved they should be considered the main contenders for the title at the home European Championship. Today they edged Lithuania to stay undefeated and finished the Qualifying round at the helm of Group E. Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) masterminded the victory scoring 22 points. Lithuania entered the semifinal stage despite the loss. Tautvydas Slezas (210-C-90) tallied 13 points and 12 boards to pace the Baltic team. Greek team dominated right from the start and piled up a 22:11 advantage ten minutes into the game. Lithuania opened the second frame with an 8:0 rally to close the margin but Greece responded with a 16:3 outburst to build an 18-point cushion at the interval. The hosts maintained the distance well throughout the third quarter and rolled to a 52:38 advantage at three-quarter time. Lithuania managed to cut the gap to 8 points after Gediminas Bertasius (196-F-90) nailed 4 straight points. But they failed to come any closer and Greek side cruised to the victory in the dying minutes. Konstantinos Sloukas (192-G-90) netted 14 points for Greece. Leonidas Kaselakis (202-C-90) provided 12 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Augustas Peciukevicius (190-G-91) produced 12 points for Lithuania. Gediminas Bertasius knocked down 10 points and collected 8 caroms in a loss. Lithuania committed 25 turnovers and got outrebounded 34:36. Greece accounted for 16 offensive boards in the win.

Greece U18: Nikolaos Pappas 22, Konstantinos Sloukas 14, Leonidas Kaselakis 12
Lithuania U18: Tautvydas Slezas 13+12 boards, Augustas Peciukevicius 12

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

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.

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  NBA   


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   


Smith sent away by Illini - by Kevin Cochran

Illinois basketball coach Bruce Weber announced this evening that junior guard Jamar Smith (6'3''-G-87) has been dismissed from the men's basketball team for violating terms of his agreement for a possible return to the team following an alcohol-related car accident in February 2007.

'Jamar's decision to violate the terms of our personal agreement for his potential return to our basketball program has left me with no other recourse but to rescind that opportunity,' said Weber. 'At this time, Jamar and his family need to focus their attention on the issues that have brought Jamar to this point. For the good of our program and players we need to move forward and prepare for the 2008-09 season. While Jamar will always be a part of the Illinois basketball family, I have made the decision that he can no longer be a part of our team. Our entire team and coaching staff are obviously very disappointed he will not be with us. We will continue to do everything we can to help him continue his academic career and achieve his goal of graduation.'

Smith, a native of Peoria, Ill., played in 53 games during his two years on the court, starting six times. He scored a total of 425 points for an average of 8.0 per game.


Courtesy: Illinois Athletics




Pacific loses three players - by Kevin Cochran

Pacific was supposed to be the favorite in the Big West. Not any longer.

Bob Thomason just lost three of his top players for the season and one of them, the frontrunner for Big West Player of the Year honors, is leaving the school permanently.

The Stockton Record said that the three players were involved in an alleged sexual assault which also involved a womens basketball player.

Pacific sports information director Mike Millerick confirmed to FOXSports.com that the three players Steffan Johnson (6'1''-G), Michael Nunnally (6'8''-F) and Michael Kirby (5'11''-G) - are no longer on the current roster (all three names have been removed from the roster on the schools athletic web site).

According to a source close to the situation, Johnson, a senior guard who averaged 14.5 points and 4.9 assists last season, appears to be headed to the University of Idaho where he would play for head coach Don Verlin (whose twin brother, Ron, is an assistant at Pacific).

Nunally, a senior big man who averaged 7.4 points and 4.5 boards last season, will miss the entire year and Kirby will be eligible for the second semester.

The source said there is currently no criminal investigation and that Johnson will likely sue the school.


Courtesy: Foxsports.com




Dollard dropped by Tigers - by Kevin Cochran
Josh Dollard (6'7''-F-86), who redshirted last season at Auburn due to medical reasons, has been dismissed from the team for violating undisclosed university policies.

'Auburn has supplied Josh with all the resources for him to be successful,' coach Jeff Lebo said. 'Josh understood his requirements and responsibilities to be an Auburn student-athlete, and he has fallen short in fulfilling what was clearly communicated to him.'

Dollard was the Tigers top scorer and rebounder as a sophomore, averaging 12.5 points and 7.0 rebounds. He has been given the option of staying in school at Auburn and is only one semester away from finishing his degree.

'I have had the opportunity to be successful on and off the court at Auburn,' Dollard said. 'Due to certain circumstances, I am unable to continue my career here at Auburn. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in my career at Auburn, and I would like to wish my teammates, coaching staff and Auburn family much success in the future.'

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

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

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


Battle Creek joins PBL - by Gianni Pascucci
The Premier Basketball League (PBL) announced that the Battle Creek Knights, headed by ownership group LN King Entertainment LLC, have been accepted into the league for play in the upcoming 2008-2009 PBL season. The Knights have played for the past four seasons in the International Basketball League, and subsequent to the conclusion of their season, were looking at alternatives to best benefit their organization. PBL President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas E. Doyle stated: 'we are impressed with their vision to continue to grow their basketball organization. Battle Creek is a terrific market, and the Kellogg Arena, which seats 4,700 for basketball, is a perfect venue for PBL games.' With the addition of the Knights, the PBL line-up is now made of 20 teams, the double of their inaugural season. A dramatic growth, and a sign of the league success.

*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES   


Hungry Air21 Express guns for clincher - by Eurobasket News
A wonderful episode looms bright in the horizon for the Air21 franchise after 13 frustrating conferences, four coaching changes and several surprising trades.

So as he entertained sportswriters for the post-game interview, Dolreich Perasol allowed his troops to seize the moment and celebrate at the confines of their locker room.

The Express have just defeated the Magnolia Beverage Masters, 92-82, in Game 5 of their semifinal duel for a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The result of Wednesday's encounter, without doubt, means so much for Perasol, the low-keyed and unassuming coach of Air21, the players and management for whom a trip to the Finals has been nothing but just a dream for the past six years.

After a roller coaster ride early in the eliminations, the Express slowly picked up their rhythm and suddenly Perasol, whose patience and modesty had endeared him to his players, has a chance to accomplish what his predecessors Bonnie Garcia, Derrick Pumaren, Bong Ramos and Joe Lipa had failed to achieve.

Unless something terrible happens to his lead characters, Perasol and the overachieving Express may find themselves playing in the Finals and contending for the PBA's season-ending championship.

History awaits the six-year-old franchise Friday night as the Express aim for the clinching fourth victory over the Magnolia Beverage Masters in Game Six of their semifinal series set for 7 p.m. at the Cuneta Astrodome.

A win will send Air21 to a best-of-seven title duel opposite Barangay Ginebra starting Wednesday at the Araneta Colliseum.

Perasol is confident his charges would get the job done but for good measure he cautioned them to stay focused on the task at hand.

'If we have to win, we have to do it in a fashion that is convincing,' Perasol said.

Resiliency, hardwork and unselfishness have become the foundations of the Express' success this conference.

The Express were also this good three years back. They made the semifinals of this same conference with Sean Daniels as import. Although they showed some promise, the team eventually fell short and settled for a third place finish.

Steven Thomas, who is now the leader of this year's class, has never played in a championship game much like the Express, reason why he's moving heaven and earth to get there.

'I've never been in a championship series so this is very important to me,' Thomas said. 'We just have to take it one game at a time.'

'Our chances are good because our locals are playing phenomenal. They're winning without me. I'm just doing the talking communicating.'

Still, Thomas cautioned his teammates to treat Magnolia with respect, short of saying they can't afford to be complacent.

Obviously, the Beverage Masters are hard-pressed to win Game 6 to force a deciding game. And there's a possibility they might have to do it without hotshot Dondon Hontiveros.

Hontiveros, who played just 11 minutes in Game 5 after injuring his left ankle in the second quarter, remains a doubtful starter.

Without Hontiveros, Magnolia coach Siot Tanquingcen could only hope import Amal Mccaskill, Lordy Tugade, Danny Seigle, Danny Ildefonso and Olsen Racela would be able to withstand the booming cannons of Air21.

'I hope Dondon could play. I don't want our achievement to be tainted,' Perasol said. 'It would be sweeter to win the series if Dondon is there. But we'll take it any which way.' (DBC)

Courtesy of www.pba.ph

Norwood awaits PBA's verdict - by Benny Lirio
It's still not certain if Gabriel Norwood (196-G/F-85, college: George Mason) will be declared eligible for the PBA draft on Aug. 31 even as Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez
has affirmed his right to Filipino citizenship under a 1973 Constitution provision.

Norwood is now in the US waiting for the decision on his eligibility by the PBA Board of Governors. His local representative
Mark Chan said he plans to fly in two weeks before the PBA draft if the Board clears his eligibility.

Last Friday, Chan submitted to the PBA a four-page memorandum signed by Gonzalez and addressed to Foreign Affairs
Secretary Alberto Romulo explaining why Norwood has a rightful claim to Filipino citizenship.

Gonzalez' memorandum triggered the issuance of a Philippine passport to Norwood which he used to represent the country as
a national cager at the FIBA-Asia Championships in Tokushima and the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok last year.

PBA executive director Rickie Santos said the memorandum was forwarded by commissioner Sonny Barrios to league lawyers
for review before making a recommendation to the Board.

'I was told that the PBA reserves the right to confirm or deny a draft applicant's eligibility,' said Chan. 'Right now, Gabe's case is up in the air.'

Chan said he sought Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain's counsel and was advised to pursue
the case with the PBA on the strength of Gonzalez' endorsement.

'An option was to get a Presidential Executive Order from Malacaang like Alex Crisano,' said Chan. 'But we were informed
Crisano's case is different because he had already played in the PBA and all the PBA needed was a reconfirmation.'

Chan turned in Gonzalez' memorandum as a document of proof to beat the July 25 deadline the PBA set for submission of papers.
The PBA is requiring original copies of birth certificates of Fil-foreign draft applicants and their parents to be given by Aug. 29.

Chan said Norwood's priority is to play in the PBA. He has offers to play in the National Basketball Development League, which is the NBA's farm system,
the National Basketball League in Australia and the French league. But Norwood is holding out for the opportunity to play in the PBA.

'Gabe is excited to play in the PBA,' said Chan. 'He loves the Filipino fans and he considers it an honor to play for the country.
He thinks if he plays elsewhere, it will be difficult to rejoin the national team because of conflict in schedules, distance and contract obligations.'

Norwood, 23, was born in North Carolina. He traces his Filipino roots to his maternal grandmother Francine Dora Viloria. Gonzalez
said his mother Tiffiney Sainte Hardy is considered a Filipino national under the 1935 Constitution.

Gonzalez pointed out that Norwood's mother was only 18 when he was born.

'Being a minor who had no chance to elect Philippine citizenship, Tiffiney should be treated as having enjoyed
dual citizenship at the time (of Norwood's birth),' said Gonzalez. 'Having been born in the US, she is an American
under the jus soli principle. At the same time, she is a Filipino citizen under the jus sanguinis principle as her mother
appears to have retained her Philippine citizenship despite her marriage to an (African-American).'

Gonzalez said because Norwood was born to a Filipino mother, he gained the right to Philippine citizenship under Section 1(2)
of Article III of the 1973 Constitution declaring as Philippine citizens 'those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines' at the time of their birth.

Gonzalez said Norwood has the right to be issued a Philippine passport in accordance with Section 5 of Republic Act No. 8239.

'Norwood's case is a no-brainer,' said a source. 'He has played twice for the Philippine team. He paid his dues in the PBL and acquitted
himself admirably. He holds a Philippine passport. Surely, he is eligible to apply for the PBA draft as a Filipino citizen. It would be a denial
of his human right if he is declared ineligible because after all, he is a Filipino citizen as affirmed by the Department of Justice.' -

Joaquin Henson/Philstar

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


Electrico signs 3 players - by Luis Rocha
Electrico Ponte de Sor, comes to Proliga from CNB1 and feels that to be properly in the competition, they need to sign some players that provide them means to achieve a good classification. Miguel Domingos (point guard ex-Academia), Danilson Vieira (192-F-85) (a 2 ex- Imortal) and Tiago Pinto (183-G-88)(point guard ex-Queluz) are the ones chosen by now. The team will surely try to hire some foreign players, but for now they fill some gaps in the perimeter game.

Ovarense re-signs Greg Stempin and Joao Abreu - by Bruno Baltazar
Ovarense anounced today that they re-signed american forward Greg Stempin (203-F-79, agency: Duran International, college: Toledo) to another year ,last season he averaged in the ULEB Cup: 10 games: 14.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.8apg, 2.2spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 72%; and in the Portuguese League: 19 games: 14.8ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 76.1%
A clunch 3 point shoter that helped them alot past season ,they also renewed contract for another year with Joao Abreu (179-G-83) ,the portuguese guard with 25 years old did 1 game in the Uleb Cup last season and 10 games in the portuguese league averaging 3pts and 1.2 assists ,this season he will play more minuts for sure in the new league.

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

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


2008 CentroBasket Tournament Itinerary announced - by Luis Ramirez
The upcoming Centrobasket Tournament which will take place in Mexico from August 27 through August 31 has the following itinerary for this competition:

On August 27 - Virgin Islands will meet Dominican Republic, Mexico will meet El Salvador, Cuba will face Panama and Puerto Rico will face Costa Rica.

On August 28 - Dominican Republic vs. El Salvador, Panama vs. Costa Rica, Virgin Islands vs. Mexico and Puerto Rico vs. Cuba

On August 29 - El Salvador vs. Virgin Islands,Costa Rica vs. Cuba, Mexico vs. Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico vs. Panama.

The Tournament will host two Groups of Teams, Group A is composed of Mexico, Domican Republic, Virgin Islands and El Salvador. Team B will host Puerto Rico, Panama, Cuba and Costa Rica.The best two from each group will go on to play at the Worlds Qualifier.

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


U18 EC, division B: Romania celebrates over Georgia in Group H - by Eurobasket News
U18 Romania - U18 Georgia 76-71

In the first game of Classification Round from 9th to 16th place Romania outplayed Georgia improving to 2-0 in Group H. As a reminder Romania transferred win against Belarus from the Preliminary Round. On the other side Georgia dropped on 0-2 loosing all chances for the ninth position. Two top teams from Group H will continue battle for ninth place with two best teams from Group G.

Everything started good for Georgians as they made quick 2-10 run thanks to Giorgi Sharabidze (208-C-90). After that moment Ioan Pop (175-G-90) woke up and together with his teammates answered with 20 points for almost 7 minutes setting the score on 22-22. Beginning of the second stanza was totally equalized. With two minutes to go until the half time score was tied 34-34. This time Konstantine Tomaradze (197-G-90) stepped up for Georgia leading 9-0 run for 34-43. Despite Rolland Torok (198-C-90) and Ioan Pop shined for Romania in third frame Georgia succeeded to keep plus 5 until the crucial ten minutes. Romanians didn't want to give up and finally equalized on 66-66 with 2:52 remaining. Until the end of the game Georgia missed 3 free throws, one three pointer and committed one turnover what is too much for just 3 minutes. Naturally they couldn't celebrate at the end especially as Romanians were steady when it was the most important.

Ioan Pop demonstrated fantastic performance for the winning side collecting 25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals. Romania also got huge help from Rolland Torok, who added 21 points and 8 rebounds. Giorgi Sharabidze posted 16 points and 7 rebounds for Georgia while its best player so far Tornike Shengelia (201-G/F-91, agency: Life Sports) stopped on 14 points and 10 rebounds. Konstantine Tomaradze and Davit Maisuradze (204-F/C-90) had 10 points each. Romania will meet Finland tomorrow trying to keep the top of Group H while Georgia will play against Belarus.


U18 Romania - U18 Georgia 76-71
(22-22,12-21,20-16,22-12)

Romania: Ioan Pop 25 (6 rebs, 6 as, 6 st), Rolland Torok 21 (8 rebs)
Georgia: Giorgi Sharabidze 16 (7 rebs), Tornike Shengelia 14 (10 rebs), Konstantine Tomaradze 10 (4 rebs), Davit Maisuradze 10

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

Latvia end Russia's title hopes - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U18 - Russia U18 79:75

Latvian Junior National Team showed character as they posted a come-from-behind victory over Russia in todays Qualifying round finale in Group F. Latvian team denied a 10-point halftime deficit to knock down Russia and left their opponents without semifinal. Kalvis Krumins (182-G-90) had a pivotal performance for Latvia with 30 points. Russia thus finished at the third pot in Group F, while Latvia secured the 4th. Both teams will play for the 5th-8th places at the tournament. The teams looked well-matched in the starting period and the lead changed hands for numerous times before Babunashvili gave Russia a 22:20 lead at the intermission. Sergey Palkin (191-G-90), Pavel Antipov (200-F-91) and Maxim Grigoryev (191-G-90) combined for 20 points in the second stanza and Russia accumulated a 43:33 advantage at the interval. Pavel Antipov tipped off the second half with a layup to stretch the gap to 12 points and Russia seemed to be well in control at the moment. However Latvia refused to fold. Kalvis Krumins netted 11 points in the third frame and narrowed the margin to 4 points with ten minutes to go. Martins Laksa (196-F-90) opened the fourth term with a three-pointer, while Kalvis Krumins and Maris Ziedins (198-F/C-90) added 4 points for Latvia to surge in front 64:61. The teams then exchanged the blows for some time and all came down to the final seconds. Maxim Grigoryev pulled Russian team ahead 75:74 with just over two minutes remaining. Latvia responded with a layup from Kristers Zeidaks (201-F-90) with 42 seconds left in regulation. Sergey Palkin missed a jumper and Kristers Zeidaks sealed the outcome converting a three-point play with one second to go. Kristers Zeidaks scored 17 points and grabbed 7 boards for Latvia. Armands Osins (190-G-91) secured 12 points for the winners. Pavel Antipov led Russia with 25 points and 7 boards. Sergey Palkin and Maxim Grigoryev delivered 13 points apiece in a losing effort.

Latvia U18: Kalvis Krumins 30, Kristers Zeidaks 17, Armands Osins 12
Russia U18: Pavel Antipov 25, Sergey Palkin 13, Maxim Grigoryev 13

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  SEBL   


Standings
SEBL Standings
City B-East
 1. Summ.Hill BD 7-0 
 2. BC Sixers 3-4 
 3. Owen FH 3-4 
 4. BC Howren 3-4 
 5. Polk Co. 1-6 
City B-West
 1. Metro Tech 7-0 
 2. Cedart.B. II 4-3 
 3. BC Dalton 3-4 
 4. BC Knicks-2 1-5 
 5. Rockmart 1-6 
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 5-3 
 3. BC Lakers 4-4 
 4. Young Gunz 4-4 
 5. Black Monop 3-5 
 6. D.O.T.S. 2-6 


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


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 - by Dragan Jankovski
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.

Serbia losses against Iran on Diamond Ball in China - by Dragan Jankovski
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)

Israel outscore Serbia in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Israel U18 - Serbia U18 65:61

Israel Junior National Team completed their European Championship Qualifying round campaign with a narrow win over Serbia. Yotam Shiran (198-F-90) scored 14 points to pace balanced Israeli offense past the reigning champions. Both teams finished with 2-3 record in Group E and would play in the 5-8th spots semifinals. Israel used a 14:3 rally in the first period to establish a 22:12 lead with just over 2 minutes left. Three freebies from Filip Sepa (199-G/F-90) and a three-pointer from Aleksandar Vlahovic (193-G-90) cut the distance to 6 points but Ventura capped the frame with a free throw and Israel enjoyed a 25:18 advantage. Israel maintained the distance well and drove to a 35:30 lead at the sides change. Finally Serbia surged in front early in the third quarter. Aleksandar Vlahovic and Subotic teamed up for 6 consecutive points and Serbia jumped to a 39:38 lead. But Israel retained the advantage and Sabag gave Israel a 51:49 buffer entering the fourth term. The teams kept it extra close throughout the final stanza but Israel proved more accurate at the end. Sabag nailed a jumper with 56 seconds left, while Ben Reis (196-F-90) sealed the winning outcome from the charity stripe. Ben Reis scored 12 points and pulled down 6 boards for Israel. Tamir Ariely (190-G-90) chipped in 10 points for the winners. Aleksandar Vlahovic contributed 15 points for Serbia. Filip Sepa added 11 points before fouling out.

Israel U18: Yotam Shiran 14, Ben Reis 12, Tamir Ariely 10
Serbia U18: Aleksandar Vlahovic 15, Filip Sepa 11

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  SLOVENIA   


U18 EC, division B: Tough Slovenia celebrates against Austria - by Eurobasket News
U18 Austria - U18 Slovenia 74-80

Austria is the fourth team which suffered Slovenian power on U18 European Championship division B in Debrecen. Slovenia get through the Preliminary Round transferring one victory to the Qualifying Group E while Austria started with 0-1. Tomorrow Slovenia will take on Czech Republic in the battle for top of Group E.

Beginning of the game belonged to Austrians. Moritz Lanegger (188-G-90) and Rasid Mahalbasic (203-F-90) took care for 15-11 after four minutes. Luka Dimec (207-F/C-90) made two jump shots for Slovenia at the end of the first stanza tying the score on 21-21. During the next ten minutes Austria once again had advantage of 4 points but very soon Slovenians created 10-4 run for 32-36 at the half time. After Dino Muric's (198-F/C-90) lay-up Slovenia touched plus 6 in 23rd minute but its joy didn't last long as Austrians very soon equalized on 42-42. Crucial period of the game was middle of the last frame when Slovenia through Luka Dimec and Uros Zadnik (185-G-90) made 6-0 run for 62-71 what was unreachable for Austrians until the end.

Mirza Sarajlija (183-G-91) shined for the winners collecting 18 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Luka Dimec netter 16 points while Marko Vranjkovic (202-F/C-90) added 13 points and 7 rebounds. Dino Muric also contributed in this important victory with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Moritz Lanegger once again was the best in Austria finishing the game with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Jesse Seilern (189-G-90) had 17 while Rasid Mahalbasic posted 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.


U18 Austria - U18 Slovenia 74-80
(21-21,13-15,21-21,19-23)

Austria: Moritz Lanegger 17 (8 rebs), Jesse Seilern 17, Rasid Mahalbasic 12 (7 rebs)
Slovenia: Mirza Sarajlija 18 (4 rebs, 4 as), Luka Dimec 16, Marko Vranjkovic 13 (7 rebs), Dino Muric 13 (5 rebs)

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  SPAIN   


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

Blums arrives and Basile extended - by Robert Mayor
Janis Blums (190-G-82) has reached an agreement with Iuerbentia Bilbao and will play for spanish team next season. After losing Marcelo Huertas (191-G-83, agency: Edge Sports), club was looking for a playmaker and finally decided to sign Latvian player, last season in Eldo Napoli.

Moreover, Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) will continue playing for F.C. Barcelona two more seasons. After several weeks of negotiations, Italian guard decided to stay in Barcelona and be part of one of the most powerfull rosters of Europe next season, with teammates like Navarro, Andersen and Barton.

Spain wrap up Qualifying round with win over Italy - by Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Italy U18 83:80

Spanish U18 Team finished their Qualifying round campaign with win over Italy today. Alberto Jodar (205-F/C-91) nailed 15 points to lead balanced Spanish team. Spain improved to 2-3 record and occupied the third spot in Group E. Italy remained at the bottom of the Pool and would play for the 9th-12th spots.
Jorge Santana (193-G-90), Daniel Perez (188-G-90) and Alberto Jodar lifted Spain to an early 9:2 lead. But six points from Martone shook things up for Italy and they trimmed the deficit to trail by one points at the first break 21:22. Pasquale Paolisso (203-F/C-90, agency: Court Side) converted a three-point play at the start of the second term to put Italy in charge 24:22. Italy kept in front and soon back-to-back trebles from Moraschini and Muner stretched their lead to 12 points. A bunch of free throws from Alberto Jodar and a three-pointer from Daniel Perez secured a 40:46 score at halftime. Spaniards came as close as 3 points midway through the third frame but Andrea De Nicolao (175-G-91) hit a trey and Italy remained safe. But Spanish team persisted and Josep Franch (190-G-91) and Toni Vicens (202-C-90) dragged them within a single point from Italy heading into the fourth period. Josep Franch tipped off the final quarter with a layup and Spain regained the lead 66:65. The lead changed hands for several times before Jorge Santana put Spain in up 81:80 with 7 seconds remaining. Italy failed to deliver and Daniel Perez sealed the outcome from the stripe. Toni Vicens tallied 14 points and 7 rebounds for Spain. Ignacio Llovet (202-C-91) and Josep Franch had 10 points apiece in a win. Luca Campani (204-F-90) notched 22 points and 7 boards to pace Italy. Pasquale Paolisso knocked down 14 points in a losing case.

Spain U18: Alberto Jodar 15, Toni Vicens 14, Ignacio Llovet 10, Josep Franch 10
Italy U18: Luca Campani 22, Pasquale Paolisso 14

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

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  SWEDEN   


EC U18, division B: Czech Republic continues domination against Sweden - by Eurobasket News
U18 Czech Republic - U18 Sweden 94-76

Czechs continued where they stopped in the Preliminary Round of U18 European Championship division B in Debrecen. This time Sweden wasn't able to resist against strong Czechs, which once again were led by fantastic Jan Vesely (210-F/C-90). Thus Czech Republic improved to 2-0 in Qualifying Group E while Sweden dropped to 0-2. As a reminder two best teams from this group will advance to the semifinals, which is scheduled for Saturday.

From the early begging it was clear that level of quality between these two teams is high. After first 10 minutes Czechs already created advantage of 11 points. With 3 minutes to go in the first half Czech Republic extended lead to huge 25 points thanks to Jan Vesely and Tomas Satoransky (196-G/F-91, agency: PPGroup). Nothing has changed after the half time. Czech Republic still was the team which dominated while Sweden struggled a lot with its defense. These 20 minutes were just the formality as it was clear that Sweden is not able to make this day more interesting. Center Jan Vesely was unstoppable under the basket. He poured in 30 points and grabbed 18 rebounds. Vesely's shot percentage was on a pretty good level as he had 63.2% for FG2, 33.3 for 3-pts and 60% from the free throw line. Jakub Kudlacek (186-G-90) contributed in this win having 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists while Tomas Satoransky also shined with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Sweden got the most from Christopher Czerapowicz (195-G-91), who scored 28 points. Andreas Person (188-G-91) was behind him with 17 points and 4 boards. Czechs will take on powerful Slovenians tomorrow while Sweden will play against Austria.


U18 Czech Republic - U18 Sweden 94-76
(27-16,30-15,22-22,15-23)

Czech Republic: Jan Vesely 30 (18 rebs), Jakub Kudlacek 16 (5 rebs, 6 as), Tomas Satoransky 15 (7 rebs, 9 as)
Sweden: Christopher Czerapowicz 28, Andreas Person 17 (4 rebs)

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  TURKEY   


Turkey take down sluggish Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U18 - Ukraine U18 85:69

Melih Mahmutoglu (191-G-90) scored 22 points and made 3 steals and Turkish Juniors burn Ukraine for the first win at the Qualifying round of the European Championship in Greece. Turkey improved to 2-3 record in Pool F. Ukraine completed their inglorious Qualification round campaign with the third straight loss and remained at the bottom of the ladder at 0-5 record. Ukraine will now play for the 9th-12th spots. Turkey got to a brave start as they led 8:0 just over 3 minutes into the game. Oleksandr Osnach (202-C-90) scored first four points for Ukrainian team but the effort was eclipsed by three-pointers from Melih Mahmutoglu and Can Maxim Mutaf (193-G-91) as Turkey remained comfortably in front. Ibrahim Yildirim (190-G-90) capped the opening stanza with a layup giving Turkish team a 26:16 advantage. Ukraine tipped off the second frame with a 10:2 outburst to trim the distance to 2 points. However Mukremin Kilicli (206-F/C-90) answered with 8 points and Turkey regained a double digit advantage. Turkey enjoyed a 41:32 cushion at sides change. Pavlo Burenko (188-G-90) and Roman Dmytrenko (200-F-90) once again dragged Ukrainian team as close as 2 points from Turkey midway through the third term and later Roman Dmytrenko crowned the period with two freebies as they trailed by just one heading into the fourth frame. Turkey kept it cool and overcame the danger by scoring 8 unanswered points at the start of the final quarter. Oleksandr Gudkov (201-F-90) tried to spark the intrigue when he shaved the deficit to 4 points but a 14:2 surge secured an unclouded game finale for Turkey.
Mukremin Kilicli provided 18 points and 12 boards for Turkey. Enes Kanter (205-C-92) had 14 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Pavlo Burenko and Roman Dmytrenko netted 14 points apiece for Ukraine. Oleksandr Osnach nailed 11 points in a losing effort. Turkey outrebounded their opponents 44:39 and sank solid 46% from the field.

Turkey U18: Melih Mahmutoglu 22, Mukremin Kilicli 18+12 boards, Enes Kanter 14+14 boards
Ukraine U18: Pavlo Burenko 14, Roman Dmytrenko 14

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  UKRAINE   


Turkey take down sluggish Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U18 - Ukraine U18 85:69

Melih Mahmutoglu (191-G-90) scored 22 points and made 3 steals and Turkish Juniors burn Ukraine for the first win at the Qualifying round of the European Championship in Greece. Turkey improved to 2-3 record in Pool F. Ukraine completed their inglorious Qualification round campaign with the third straight loss and remained at the bottom of the ladder at 0-5 record. Ukraine will now play for the 9th-12th spots. Turkey got to a brave start as they led 8:0 just over 3 minutes into the game. Oleksandr Osnach (202-C-90) scored first four points for Ukrainian team but the effort was eclipsed by three-pointers from Melih Mahmutoglu and Can Maxim Mutaf (193-G-91) as Turkey remained comfortably in front. Ibrahim Yildirim (190-G-90) capped the opening stanza with a layup giving Turkish team a 26:16 advantage. Ukraine tipped off the second frame with a 10:2 outburst to trim the distance to 2 points. However Mukremin Kilicli (206-F/C-90) answered with 8 points and Turkey regained a double digit advantage. Turkey enjoyed a 41:32 cushion at sides change. Pavlo Burenko (188-G-90) and Roman Dmytrenko (200-F-90) once again dragged Ukrainian team as close as 2 points from Turkey midway through the third term and later Roman Dmytrenko crowned the period with two freebies as they trailed by just one heading into the fourth frame. Turkey kept it cool and overcame the danger by scoring 8 unanswered points at the start of the final quarter. Oleksandr Gudkov (201-F-90) tried to spark the intrigue when he shaved the deficit to 4 points but a 14:2 surge secured an unclouded game finale for Turkey.
Mukremin Kilicli provided 18 points and 12 boards for Turkey. Enes Kanter (205-C-92) had 14 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Pavlo Burenko and Roman Dmytrenko netted 14 points apiece for Ukraine. Oleksandr Osnach nailed 11 points in a losing effort. Turkey outrebounded their opponents 44:39 and sank solid 46% from the field.

Turkey U18: Melih Mahmutoglu 22, Mukremin Kilicli 18+12 boards, Enes Kanter 14+14 boards
Ukraine U18: Pavlo Burenko 14, Roman Dmytrenko 14

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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)

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  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.

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

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


*****************************************************
  ROMANIA - Women  


Standings - Women
D1 Standings
 1. Targoviste 0-0 
 2. Arad 0-0 
 3. Oradea 0-0 
 4. S.Studentesc 0-0 
 5. Olimpia 0-0 
 6. Cluj Napoca 0-0 
 7. Iasi 0-0 
 8. Dej 0-0 
 9. Rapid 0-0 
 10. Govora 0-0 
 11. Alexandria 0-0 
 12. Sf.Gheorghe 0-0 
 13. Satu Mare 0-0 
 14. Craiova 0-0 


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  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


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  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.