EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/26/2008

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Men News

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  ABA   


West Texas Whirlwinds sign Randy Holbrook, Washington Raptors ink Chris Adams - by Eurobasket News
West Texas Whirlwinds today announced the signing of 6'10', 240lb Randy Holbrook (6'9''-C-82, college: S.Indiana) of St. Louis, MO. Holbrook was an Honorable Mention All-American at Division II Bulletin. He helped lead the Southern University Eagles to regular-season and tournament titles in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and the team added a first round victory in the NCAA Tournament on its way to a 25-7 record. Holbrook averaged 16.2 points and 6.6 rebounds. He has played overseas in Poland and Finland.

Washington Raptors President/GM Tim Joseph has announced the signing of 6'11' Chris Adams (6'10''-C-83, college: Fresno St.) (not to be confused with former UAF player Chris Adams). 'Adams is a force who devastates the opponent playing the 3, 4,5' stated Joseph. 'He lives his A-game.
Raptors owner Regina Joseph added, 'Chris is a very dedicated big man, hungry for the game, who plays from the heart. I'm very happy he's part of our team.'
Adams attended City College in San Francisco and Fresno State University. He also has ABA experience having played previously for the San Francisco Rumble. Adams joins Lewis Lofton, Greg Johnson and Casey Frandsen as the Washington Raptors players who have been announced so far.

Courtesy of ABA

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  ARGENTINA   


Stats Leaders - LigaA
LigaA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Gutierrez, BocaJr 20.7
2 Johnson, Indep 20.6
3 Sowell, CentEt 20.2
4 Pittman, Libertad 19.3
5 Brown, Quimsa 19.3
Rebounds Per Game
1 Battle, Libertad 9.4
2 Garcia, Estudian 9.0
3 Kante, ElNacion 8.6
4 Reynolds, Quilmes 8.6
5 Johnson, Indep 8.4
Assists Per Game
1 Martines, Regatas 5.3
2 Labaque, Atenas 4.2
3 Rodriguez, Penarol 4.1
4 Titarelli, Obras 3.6
5 Ginobili, Libertad 3.3
Steals Per Game
1 Sowell, CentEt 3.4
2 Edwards, Quilmes 2.6
3 Johnson, Indep 2.4
Blocks Per Game
1 Moore, Atenas 2.5
2 Battle, Libertad 1.6
3 Aubry, Indep 1.4
2FGP
1 Alloati, BocaJr 68.1
2 Smith, BocaJr 68.1
3 Maciel, Quilmes 67.4
3FGP
1 Romero, Quilmes 66.7
2 Taylor, Atenas 66.7
3 Dia, Belgrano 62.5
Free Throws
1 Wallace, Estudian 93.7
2 Masieri, Belgrano 93.3
3 Wilson, Penarol 92.3


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  AUSTRIA   


2 new Centers in Austria - by Stefan Heinrich
The Klosterneuburg Dukes and the Worthersee Piraten announced their new Centers for the 2008/09 season. The Dukes found the replacement for Kevin Martin (208-C-83, college: Florida Gulf Coast) at the Eurobasket Summer League in Chicago in Michael Rembert (206-C-84, college: SE Missouri St.). Rembert was in the Chicago All-BigMan and All-Tournament 2nd Team. The 6'9 tall Rembert played college basketball for SE Missouri St. where he had 7.3ppg and 5.2rpg in 29 games. He will be tested during the first preseason games against Traiskirchen and at a tournament in Zlin.

The Worthersee Piraten signed the 6'9 Erik Rhinehart (206-F-82, college: Olivet Nazarene) for the new season. Rhinehart is 26 years old and played for the NCAA III school of Kalamazoo as well as for the NAIA team of Olivet Nazarene. His first pro experience was in the German Regionalliga for Captone Dusseldorf, where he drew the attention of the new Worthersee Coach. This summer he played in the IBL, where he averaged 23.5ppg and 6.7rpg. This signing means that Stjepan Gavran (206-C-78) will not return to the Piraten.

Erik Rhinehart to play for Woerthersee - by Cueneyt Tuerk
The Woerthersee Pirates has announced today that Erik Erik Rhinehart (206-F-82, college: Olivet Nazarene) have signed a deal for the upcoming season. Erik Rhinehart (26, 206), who averaged 23.5ppg, 6.7rpg and 1.3apg last season for the Chicago Windy City Soldiers (IBL) will arrive on Saturday in Klagenfurt. 'Whe are excited about adding Erik Rhinehart to our roster, because we are in need of another athletik and great defender under the basket which gives us a presence at both ends of the court.' said Matthias Fischer .

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  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Grande opening of new season will be Presidents Cup - by Eurobasket News
For the first time before the regular season there will be played a two-day tournament SEB BBL Presidents Cup. Main goal of the tournament is to popularize best Baltic basketball teams and their players.

Participants of Presidents Cup:
Lithuanian Champion Kaunas Zalgiris
Latvian Champion Barons LMT Riga
Estonian Champion Tartu Rock
SEB BBL finalist Vilnius Lietuvos Rytas

Schedule of the tournament:
6th of September (date can change) draw of SEB BBL Presidents Cup
27th of September semi-finals of SEB BBL Presidents Cup in Arena Riga
28th of September finals of SEB BBL Presidents Cup in Arena Riga

During the tournament there will be the opening enterprise of SEB BBL 2008/09 season and basketball tournament for the media representatives of the Baltic States.

Courtesy of SEB BBL Media Service

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  BELGIUM   


Standings - Division I
D1 Standings
 1. Gent 0-0 
 2. Antwerp 0-0 
 3. Charleroi 0-0 
 4. Aalstar 0-0 
 5. Oostende 0-0 
 6. Verviers-Pep. 0-0 
 7. Leuven 0-0 
 8. M.Hainaut 0-0 
 9. Liege 0-0 


Standings - Division II
D2 Standings
 1. Hasselt 0-0 
 2. Willebroek 0-0 
 3. Fleurus 0-0 
 4. St-Truiden 0-0 
 5. Waregem 0-0 
 6. Bree 0-0 
 7. Wevelgem 0-0 
 8. Falco Gent 0-0 
 9. Nivelles 0-0 
 10. Boom 0-0 
 11. Sint-Jan Antw. 0-0 
 12. De Westhoek 0-0 
 13. Carnieres 0-0 
 14. Ninane 0-0 


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  BOSNIA   


Borac Nektar adds big guy from U.S. Virgin Islands - by Eurobasket News
Borac Nektar from Banja Luka finally resolved the problem in the paint. The team announced signing of big guy from U.S. Virgin Islands Omari Peterkin (204-F/C-83, college: Boston U.). 24-old PF/C started last season in Viking Gdynia from Poland but very soon he left the team due to bankruptcy. In November he joined Lusitania Angra Patrimonio Mundial from Portugal. He played 16 games in UZO Liga averaging 11 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.1 spg and 1.5 bpg. He ended competition as a third rebounder as well as second shot blocker. Peterkin graduated at Boston University in 2007. He played 28 games at his senior year delivering 8 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 1.6 bpg. He studied for a while at Notre Dame but in 2004 he transferred to Boston. He was a member of U.S. Virgin Islands' National Team on Tournament of the Americas in 2003 and 2007.
It is not the only news from Borac Nektar. The team announced cooperation with lower team Radivoj Korac, which will help with development of younger players which do not have so many chances to play in Borac. Some of the players will be licensed for both teams. According to Borac's management, it is important cooperation which will be extremely usefll for players of both teams, Borac and Radivoj Korac.

In the meantime experienced Samir Leric (204-F/C-74) joined preparations of Sloboda Dita.

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  CANADA   


Quebec wins gold at U17 National Championships - by Simon Yau
CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI The top juvenile basketball teams in the nation were crowned over the weekend as the Quebec boys provincial team managed to score a 90-81 victory over the defending national champions Alberta .

Alberta exploded for 31 points in the final quarter, shooting 11 of 19 from the field, but it wasn't enough to overcome the 19-point lead that Quebec had built up during the first three periods. Jonathan Tshibuy had 19 points and six rebounds to pace Quebec, while teammate Laurent Rivard added 13 points and seven rebounds. Logan Reiter was Alberta's top points man with 19 while his teammate Jordan Baker had 12 rebounds and eight assists, both game highs.

The Ontario boys claimed bronze in the tournament with an 85-65 win over British Columbia. Gregory Faulkner scored 19 points for Ontario in the win, while Corey Joseph added 17 points and eight rebounds.

for more, visit: www.basketball.ca

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  CENTROBASKET   


Dominican Repulic National Team for Centrobasket 2008 - by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Horford


Martinez


Western


Pena


Garcia
Joel Ramirez (191-G-81) of Metros de Santiago
Andres Sandoval (193-G-83) of Reales de La Vega
Alberto Ozuna (203-F-82) of Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris
Manuel Fortuna (187-G) of Panteras del Distrito Nacional
Kelvin Pena (193-G-81) of Marineros de Puerto Plata
Carlos Morban (187-G-82) of Marineros de Puerto Plata
Franklin Western (200-F-72) of Constituyentes de San Cristobal
Francisco Garcia (201-F-81) of Sacramento Kings (USA)
Al Horford (208-F/C-86) of Atlanta Hawks (USA)
Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81) of Cocodrilos de Caracas (VEN)
Eulis Baez (201-F-82) of Baloncesto Leon (ESP)
Alejandro Flores (203-F-81) of Metros de Santiago
Head Coach: Scott Roth
Coach Assistant: Jeffrey Martin

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  CHINA   


Sun Yue signs multiyear contract with Los Angeles Lakers - by Eurobasket News
Chinese guard Sun Yue (205-G/F-85, agency: Passing Lane) signed a multiyear contract with the National Basketball Associational finalist Los Angeles Lakers.

Terms of the deal were not announced.

The 23-year-old, 2.06-meter (6-foot-9) Sun was taken with the 40th overall selection by the Lakers in last year's draft. He averaged 6.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.33 steals in six games for China in the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Sun played for the Beijing Aoshen Olympians of the American Basketball Association for the past three seasons, and was a first-team All-ABA selection each of the last two years.

The ABA is an seven-year-old pro league with teams in the Bahamas, Canada, Mexico but mostly the United States. The Beijing Olympians, which formerly competed in the Chinese Basketball Association, played in Maywood, California, while in the ABA.

Courtesy of www.shanghaidaily.com

Zhejiang Wanma Cyclones sign Sam Hoskin - by Eurobasket
Zhejiang Wanma Cyclones strengthened their roster with addition of 29-year old American power forward Sam Hoskin (206-F/C-79, college: De Paul, agency: Higher Vision Sports). Hoskin played most recently at KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (Croatia). Hoskin was set to sign in Russia with either Enisey or Ural Great or with the Greek team PAOK before the Chinese team convinced the player that some teams in China are very powerful like the Clubs in Greece and Russia. Hoskin played for Cibona last season and averaged 13.7 points and 6.7 rebounds in the Euroleague. Hoskin intends on returning to europe to help a quality team in March since the Chinese season last for seven months instead of the nine month european season.

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  CROATIA   


Dalibor Bagaric close to Atlanta Haws, Dubrovnik inks Ljubo Prgomet - by Eurobasket News
One Croat left NBA while another one will most probably jumped to it. Gordan Giricek (197-G-77) returned from USA to European basketball as a member of Fenerbahce Ulker but center Dalibor Bagaric (217-C-80) is close to move from Italian Upim Bologna to Atlanta Hawks. Actually Bagaric agreed all terms with the Hawks and if he passes successfully all medical tests this week he will sign one-year contract with the team. Bagaric played 30 games for Upim Bologna in Italian Serie A averaging 5.4 ppg and 4.6 rpg. He also appeared 9 times in ULEB Cup adding 7 ppg, 4 rpg and 1 apg. Before Upim, Bagaric spent one season in Spanish Akasvayu Girona winning FIBA EuroCup. He already has experience from NBA as a player of Chicago Bulls, which picked him on 2000 NBA Draft. He had 50 regular season games in 01/02 averaging 3.7 ppg and 3.2 rpg. During the next one he played only ten games and was many times placed on injured list. He moved from the Bulls to Olympiakos in 2003. Bagaric played for Croatian National Team on European Championship 2005.

Ljubo Prgomet (195-G/F-84) signed contract with A1 team Dubrovnik. He started last season for Amfora Makarska while later he joined he Sanas Karlovac. With his new team he became the champion of A2 League Center. His contract with Karlovac has expired which Dubrovnik exploited to ink him for the upcoming season. Except of above mentioned teams, Prgomet in the past also played for Kingtraed, Zrinjevac and Hermes Analitica.

News from Dubrovnik - by Eurobasket News
Except of the Ljubo Prgomet, Croatian A1 team Dubrovnik also agreed terms with Igor Kralj (190-G-88). 19-year old guard arrived from A2 team Kapitol Zagreb, where he played last two seasons.
Dubrovnik officially started preparations for the upcoming season last week. Two above mentioned players joined the team, which also promoted few youngsters. As a reminder Ivan Siriscevic and Josip Glavinic left Dubrovnik. The team is currently in Bosnia where it will play two friendly games. The first one is scheduled for Thursday against reining Bosnian champion Bosna ASA BHT. Two days later, Dubrovnik will meet Slavija Sarajevo. In September the team will participate on tournament in Zabok. Head coach Darko Kunce announced that Dubrovnik is looking for another reinforcement. He stated it have to be a high-class player.

Current roster of Dubrovnik: Marko Radic, Marijo Hajdic, Igor Kralj, Mislav Peric, Tomislav Soko, Husnija Habul, Jure Skific, Maro Lucic, Ljubo Prgomet, Ante Vranjes and Frano Karac.

U14 Croatia participated on international Slovenia Ball tournament. Croatians managed to end it on to recording three wins. The first one came against Spain 69-68 and in the next one Croatia beat Slovenia Green 100-44. At the last day of the tournament Croatia was better than second Slovenian team called Slovenia Blue 81-59. Dario Saric is voted to be the MVP of the tournament.

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  DENMARK   


Horsens IC sign Milan Kolovrat - by Eurobasket
Horsens IC signed 22-year old Croatian power forward Milan Kolovrat (205-C/F-86). Kolovrat played most recently at SK Vindija Varadin (Croatia). he spent most of his career playing in Croatian second division (A2). He was tried at one point to play in A1 for Dubrovnik. He was also four years ago called to Croatian U18 National Team.

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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Dominican Repulic National Team for Centrobasket 2008 - by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Horford


Martinez


Western


Pena


Garcia
Joel Ramirez (191-G-81) of Metros de Santiago
Andres Sandoval (193-G-83) of Reales de La Vega
Alberto Ozuna (203-F-82) of Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris
Manuel Fortuna (187-G) of Panteras del Distrito Nacional
Kelvin Pena (193-G-81) of Marineros de Puerto Plata
Carlos Morban (187-G-82) of Marineros de Puerto Plata
Franklin Western (200-F-72) of Constituyentes de San Cristobal
Francisco Garcia (201-F-81) of Sacramento Kings (USA)
Al Horford (208-F/C-86) of Atlanta Hawks (USA)
Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81) of Cocodrilos de Caracas (VEN)
Eulis Baez (201-F-82) of Baloncesto Leon (ESP)
Alejandro Flores (203-F-81) of Metros de Santiago
Head Coach: Scott Roth
Coach Assistant: Jeffrey Martin

DOMINICANS ABROAD: Santana returns to Spain - by Ozell Wells
Edward Santana (203-F-80, agency: Regeneracom Sports) has signed to return to Spain's LEB PLATA. After having a blockbuster season, in which he was regarded as one of the league's BEST PLAYERS, Edward Santana who also holds a Spanish passport, has signed as the newest player of Plasencia Extremadura. Santana averaged 15.1 points,9.2 rebounds,1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game this past season. He has shown himself to be a player of MUCH promise after his debut in the ACB with Leche Rio Breogan Lugo in 2001, he has since then played in LEB ORO & in LEB PLATA. We at Eurobasket Dominican Rep. Page want to wish the best to Edward for a great season to come!

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  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


The talented Marcus Watts signs in Finland - by Darryl Reshaw

Marcus Watts (201-F, college: Chattanooga) (201-F, college: Chattanooga) (201-F, college: Chattanooga) signed for Team Componenta in Finland for the upcoming season.
This summer Marcus Watts competed at the Eurobasket Summer League in Salt Lake City and was simply outstanding as he was the tournaments leading scorer.
He is definitely a player who is going to have a better professional career than in college career based of off his natural scoring potential which was systemized in college.
During the ESL he put on a show against the champions Sevilla (Delta Jammers Play to Win) in his first game and caught the eye of the significant scouts at the event.

After the game ex-NBA player Travis Knight (211-F/C-74, college: Connecticut) was amazed by his skills and enquired 'who is that guy on my team he can really play'.
In his final game he showed some amazing skills creating off the dribble and getting to the basket while finishing with either hand.

He had NBA range on his jump shot as he torched various defenders all weekend in Salt Lake City while creating off the dribble.
He definitely is a big guard who is long and athletic who can also play the small forward position. All the coaches at the ESL was very impressed with his skill level and expect big things in the future.
Marcus Watts was definitely one of the outstanding hidden talents we scouted this summer and we expect him to have an outstanding career in Europe with the potential to make the big leagues.



Lewis Lofton (ESL Director of Salt Lake City) named Washington Raptors (ABA) coach - by Darryl Reshaw
The ABA Washington Raptors professional basketball team announced that Lewis Lofton (191-F/G-72, college: Weber St.) has been named the Head Coach for the upcoming 2008-09 season and will also play home games for the team.
Lewis Lofton is currently the founder of the Utah Sports Academy a non for profit organization that develops a series of basketball related projects for youths and adults in Utah.
This summer Lewis was responsible for bringing the Eurobasket Summer League (ESL) to Salt Lake City and he was one of the outstanding ESL coaches in our Las Vegas event.

Lewis is a professional player who has had an outstanding career in Europe being a star for some of the top teams in Poland and in the 2007 was named Eurobasket.com All-Polish 1Liga Import Player of the Year.
Lewis also is considered a dual citizen and has received his Polish passport and speaks the language fluently.
In addition he has also played professionally in Korea, Cyprus and Venezuela.
In college Lewis was a standout performer for Weber State University back in 1993-95.
'We are very pleased to have Lewis Lofton aboard,' stated Lewis Lofton owner Regina Joseph. 'Lewis has played overseas and has a vast knowledge of basketball that will bring many strong and talented players to our team.'

'As the head coach, Lewis still wants to play for the fans at our home games,' added Raptors President/GM Tim Joseph.

Lewis Lofton has a bright future in basketball and was a very positive influence this summer at the ESL events as he mentored a lot of younger players who were looking for professional opportunities in Europe.
Lewis Lofton (191-F/G-72, college: Weber St.)

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  EUROLEAGUE   


Efes Pilsen grabs Preston Shumpert, TAU returns Ariel Eslava - by Eurobasket News
Turkish giant Efes Pilsen announced signing of Preston Shumpert (198-G-79, college: Syracuse) on a two-year contract. There was some rumors over the last few weeks that Shumpert could continue career in Efes but it is officially announced on Monday. American forward arrives from Besiktas Cola Turka where he last season averaged 17.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.5 apg and 1.8 spg for 15 games in ULEB Cup. His team ended regular season perfect with score 10-0 reaching the Final Eight in Turin. Shumpert also played 36 games in Turkish TBL adding 16.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.9 apg and 1.2 spg. Before Besiktas, Shumpert was a member of Benetton Treviso, Climamio Bologna, Armani Jeans and Livorno. First European season after Syracuse University he spent in French Besancon. His best achievement so far is a trophy in Italian National Cup in 2007 as well as ULEB Cup quarterfinals with Besiktas.

Argentinean guard Ariel Eslava (202-G/F-79) returned to Spanish champion TAU Ceramica after one year. He played in Vitoria on season 06/07 having 5 Euroleague games. He got almost 4 minutes per game scoring 3 points in total. In October 2007 he agreed terms with Gimnasia Esgrima Comodoro Rivadavia. He had 41 appearances in Argentinean Liga A averaging 6.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.1 apg and 1.5 spg. Except of TAU, Eslava in the past played for Real Madrid, Caja Rural Melilla, Caceres and Fuenlabrada. In Argentina he played for Alerta Cantabria Lobos, Atletico Argentino Junin and Boca Juniors. Eslava signed one-year deal with TAU.

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16   


Division A. Jonas Valanciunas is MVP of the championship - by Eurobasket News
Lithuanian big guy Jonas Valanciunas (209-C-92) is voted as MVP of U16 European Championship 2008. Valanciunas led his team to Gold averaging 14.3 ppg, 11.1 rpg and 2.3 bpg in 8 games. He registered double-double five times. Beside this award, Valanciunas also is the second best rebounder as well as the leading shot blocker of the championship.
Valanciunas is together with Leo Westermann (196-G-92) of France, Dmitry Kulagin (194-G-92) of Russia, Milan Ryska (204-C/F-92, agency: PPGroup) of Czech Republic and Enes Kanter (205-C-92) of Turkey named in 'All-Tournament team'.

Enes Kanter of Turkey is the top scorer of the championship with fantastic 22.9 ppg in 8 games. Interesting is that he recorded double-double in every single game. Actually twice he had more than 20-20 double-double. He demonstrated the best performance in the last game against France collecting 28 points and 20 boards.
Dmitry Kulagin is the second best scorer with 20.8 ppg in 8 games. Third place belongs to Greek Georgios Mavrogiannis, who nailed 19.8 ppg.

Of course top rebounder of U16 European Championship 2008 is Enes Kanter with impressive 16.5 rpg. Above mentioned Jonas Valanciunas is on the second place grabbing 11.1 rpg. Edmunds Dukulis (201-F/C-92) of Latvia is third with 10.9 rpg.

Leo Westermann dished out 2.1 apg while the same digit had Andris Misters (192-G-92). Third best assistant in Chieti is Anastasios Antonakis (204-C/F-92) with 2 apg.
Complete list with stats leaders you can find below

Division B. Championship stats leaders - by Eurobasket News
Vitali Liutych (190-G-92) got award for the top scorer of U16 European Championship division B in Sarajevo. Liutych helped his Belarus to reach sixth place averaging 22.1 ppg in 9 games (199 in total). His championship-high happened in fourth game of Preliminary Round when Liutych drained 31 points against Slovakia. He had 28 against Montenegro and 25 vs Estonia.
Haukur Palsson of Iceland is the second on this list. He also played nine games adding 20.1 ppg. He touched 41 against Belgium in Qualifying Round for 9th to 16th place.
Sam de Haas of Netherlands is third scorer of the championship with 18.9 ppg.

Award for the top rebounder of this event belongs to Bulgarian Hristo Gospodinov. He participated in nine games grabbing 13 rpg. Haukur Palsson is one another list. Beside the award for the second scorer, he is also second rebounder in Sarajevo with 11.2 rpg. Carlos Novas Mateo of Austria is third one registering 10 rpg for 8 games.

Stefan Petkovic (182-G-92) of Switzerland dished out the most assists on the championship. He had 8 appearances delivering 4.4 apg. Alen Hodzic (192-F-92) of Slovenia and Andrej Pajovic of Montenegro share second place with 3.3 apg each.

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   


M-Standings - Group B
Standings Div.B
Group A
1. Austria3-1
2. Czech Repu.3-1
3. Monteneg.2-2
4. Holland2-2
5. Norway0-4
Group B
1. Slovenia3-1
2. Sweden3-1
3. Switzerl.2-2
4. Bosnia2-2
5. Ireland0-4
Group C
1. Poland4-0
2. Portugal2-2
3. Romania2-2
4. Belarus1-3
5. U.Kingdom1-3
Group D
1. Slovakia3-1
2. Denmark2-2
3. Finland2-2
4. Georgia2-2
5. Hungary1-3


Standings Division A
Standings
Group E
1. Greece5-0
2. Lithuania3-2
3. Serbia2-3
4. Israel2-3
5. Spain2-3
6. Italy1-4
Group F
1. France4-1
2. Latvia3-2
3. Russia3-2
4. Croatia3-2
5. Turkey2-3
6. Ukraine0-5
Group G
1. Bulgaria2-0
2. Germany1-1
3. Belgium1-1
4. Estonia0-2


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20   


M Standings - Division A
Standings
Group E
1. Italy4-1
2. Lithuania4-1
3. Turkey4-1
4. Ukraine2-3
5. Croatia1-4
6. Israel0-5
Group F
1. Serbia4-1
2. Monteneg.3-2
3. Spain3-2
4. France3-2
5. Latvia2-3
6. Russia0-5
Classification
1. Bulgaria2-1
2. Greece2-1
3. Slovenia2-1
4. Georgia0-3


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  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: Quinnel Brown back to Scandinavia/Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen

American F-G Quinnel Brown (198-G/F-83, agency: R.H.Consultancy) will return back to Scandinavia. Brown has signed a 1-year-contract with Finnish Team Kataja (Joensuu). Brown is then returning also back to Finland, where he had a try out on KTP (Kotka) roster in the fall 2005. KTP didn't keep the player and Brown went to Sweden (Sundsvall), where Brown got injured (finger) in January 2006. Brown played 21 games on Sundsvall roster averaging 14,6 ppg - 6,6 rpg in 29,0 mpg. Brown has played also in minor leagues (PBL, IBL, ABA) in the USA and graduated from Auburn U. (12,8 ppg - 6,0 rpg) in the spring 2005. Kataja's roster seems to be ready for 2008-09 season. There are nine Finnish players and three American players (Quinnel Brown, Ty Harrelson (190-G-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Wayland Baptist), Jeremiah Wood (198-F-85, agency: Court Side) signed and Ray Ailus starting his second season as Team's Head Coach.



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  FRANCE   


Stats Leaders - ProA
Pro A Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Colson, Hyeres 21.4
2 Graves, Orthez 20.4
3 Salyers, Roanne 19.7
4 Cox, Havre 18.8
5 Skinn, Clermont 16.5
Rebounds Per Game
1 Masingue, Hyeres 10.5
2 Issa, Vichy 8.8
3 Krupalija, Dijon 8.2
4 Williams, Hyeres 7.7
5 Nsonwu, ASVEL 7.6
Assists Per Game
1 Colson Hyeres 8.3
2 Sciarra, Dijon 8.1
3 Stanic, Orthez 7.4
4 Thompson, Havre 6.8
5 Mitchell, Chalon 5.3
Steals Per Game
1 Dobbins, Cholet 2.5
2 Foster, Levallois 2.4
3 Rush, Roanne 2.1
Blocks Per Game
1 Issa, Vichy 1.7
2 Benson, Dijon 1.7
3 Simon, Dijon 1.6
2FGP
1 Akindele, Orthez 66.1
2 Ford, Chalon 64.1
3 Slaughter, Gravel, 63.2
3FGP
1 Nichols, Hyeres 46.2
2 Perincic Hyeres 45.1
3 Jeanneau, ASVEL 44.6
Free Throws
1 Colson, Hyeres 91.5
2 Dewar, Orleans 88.9
3 De Colo, Cholet 86.0


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


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


Stefanov


Ilievski


Tasovski


Wilkinson


Samardziski

4 Vrbica Stefanov (188-G-73) of Vive Menorca (ESP)
5 Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80) of Union Olimpija Ljubljana (SLO)
6 Dimitar Mirakovski (180-G-81) of Ago Rethimno Almeco (GRE)

7 Riste Stefanov (198-G-83) of PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia (BUL)
8 Jane Petrovski (181-G-87) of MZT FON Univerzitet Skopje
9 Pero Blazevski (200-C-72) of Vardar Osiguruvanje Skopje
10 Dimtche Tasovski (202-F-80) of Strumica 2005
11 Todor Gecevski (209-C-77) of KK Zadar (CRO)
12 Pero Antic (210-F-82) of Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu (RUS)
13 Zlatko Gocevski (206-C-82) of Feni Indistrija Kavadarci
14 Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82) of Real Madrid (ESP)

15 Predrag Samardziski (215-C-86) of FMP Zeleznik Beograd (SRB)

Darko Sokolov (190-G-86) of Strumica 2005

Ognen Stojanovski (190-G-85) of KK Fersped-Rabotnicki Skopje

Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) of AMMAK SP Ohrid


Head coach: Jovica Arsic.

Assistant: Marjan Lazovski



U 20 National team - by Todor Chalovski

Macedonian U 20 National team head coach, Emil Rajkovic, announced a list of 22 players, for the preparations for EC Division B games in Romania in august. The list is consisted of these players:

Jovan Markovski (198-F-88) of Torus Skopje

Marko Simonovski (190-G-89) of Vardar Osiguruvanje Skopje

Aleksandar Kostoski (188-G-88) of BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (FRA)
Kiril Nikolovski (210-C-88) of MZT FON Univerzitet Skopje
Marjan Janeski (203-F-88) of Torus Skopje
Bojan Krstevski (205-F-89) of Vardar Osiguruvanje Skopje

Igor Atanasovski (188-G-88) of Torus Skopje
Ivan Atanasovski (189-G-88) of Torus Skopje

Vladimir Brckov (194-G-89) of Ovce Pole Sveti Nikole
Ivica Dimcevski (192-G-89) of Vardar Osiguruvanje Skopje

Aleksandar Kosteski (204-C-88) of Torus Skopje

Nikola Vukadinovik (178-G-88)



News from Fersped Rabotnicki - by Eurobasket News
Fersped Rabotnicki still looks for the player which will be the starting point guard of the team in the upcoming season. Sport director of Fersped Rabotnicki Goran Kostovski announced that the team offered contract to Serbian point guard Nikola Radojicic (196-G-86, agency: 011 Sports), who played last season in Romanian team SC Rapid Neoset Bucuresti. Kostoski stated that if Radojicic accept terms he will have a back-up point guard role in Rabotnicki.

'Radojicic is young an talented player but we think that he is not able to be a starting point guard of Rabotnicki next season. We offered him a long-term contract and we would like to see him in our roster during the next two maybe three years. He has good potential as he is only 22-year old. Everything is up to him now will he accept our offer. We are still looking for the solution about the starting PG. I hope we will talk more precisely about it during the next couple of days. We have few Americans on our mind but it is too early for the names' - said Kostoski.

As a reminder, Fersped Rabotnicki will participate in Macedonian league as well as in Balkan league. BIBL starts on October 8th and Rabotnicki's first rival will be Bulgarian team Rilski sportlist. Beside these two teams, participants of Group B also are Serbian team Mega Basket Belgrade, Romanian Dinamo Bucharest and Levski Sofia. Name of sixth participant of this group will be announced soon (Greek/Bulgarian).

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


Walter Tigers Tuebingen sign Michael Haynes - by Eurobasket
Walter Tigers Tuebingen strengthened their roster with addition of 27-year old American swingman Michael Haynes (203-G/F-81, college: Fordham). Haynes played most recently at Alerta Cantabria Lobos in Spanish LEB Gold, where in 17 games averaged 10.4ppg and 3.5rpg. Except of France, he played also in other European pro leagues in Poland, France and Israel. It will be his fifth professional season.

Frankfurt stomp past Kaiserslautern 71 to 57 - by Eurobasket
THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS only had 24 hours to recuperate from their six man win against Nrdlingen, but had more gas and legs as they defeated the Kaiserslautern Braves 71 to 57 with nine hungry players. Jan Novak, son of Basketball city manager Kamil Novak made his debut scoring four points. The fans also saw the debuts of two new tryout players Shawan Robinson (187-G-83, college: Clemson) who played in Giessen last year and 206m big man Anthony King (206-F/C, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL), who is a rookie having learned his Basketball traits at the University of Miami. He was still suffering from jetlag, but was happy with his first performance.It felt good, but I had to slow my moves down a bit since there is a huge difference to what I was used to at Miami. I hope I can help the team with scoring, rebounding and my ability to block shots. It was the third win in preseason for Frankfurt.
In the first two minutes, there were three lead changes as the PRO A team looked like a formidable opponent even though they had lost a majority of their strong team from last year including big man Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) to BG Gttingen. The game was a bit sloppy, but it didnt take long until American Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City) found his groove scoring off the rebound, on a fade away jumper and on the fast break from a slick De Mello pass. Frankfurt led ten to six and would extend their lead to 18 to six as De Mello and Simmons hit back to back three pointers. Frankfurt were showing a very diverse offense scoring from all over the floor. Kaiserslautern was nervous and not finding the way into the zone, thus opting for outside shots which werent falling. Frankfurt continued their blitzkrieg on offense getting a beautiful penetration hoop from Keith MR complete package Simmons and a basket from Allen off the fast break from De Mello, after a pretty steal from American Shawan Robinson. Frankfurt led 25 to 10 after one quarter.
In the first few minutes of the second quarter, the Kaiserslautern Braves seemed a bit frozen as their offense didnt produce any points and their defense was helpless against a fierce Frankfurt attack. American Keith Simmons (196-G-85, college: Holy Cross) continued his magic scoring in the zone with a sweet pass from Evtimov and then following up on a tip in off a rebound. American Anthony King amazed the crowd with a monster block and scoring in the zone after another perfectly calculated pass from Evtimov. King then scored again off the rebound and Frankfurt led 34 to 10. Everything was gelling for Frankfurt, but as is so often the case, Basketball is a game of runs and the momentum can change hands quicker than the eye can blink. Simmons and Gordon took a rest and King had a few turnovers and the lax defense of Frankfurt enabled Kaiserslautern to go on a 9-0 run with hoops from Skende, Brooks and Kreis. Frankfurt now only led 34 to 19, but De Mello answered with another timely three pointer. Gordon came back in and scored on a tip in and once again under the basket after getting a acrobatic pass from De Mello. The game seemed decided at halftime with Frankfurt leading 41 to 23, but the third quarter was only around the corner and always a friend of the opponent.
THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS might consider skipping halftime and just keep playing, because the break seems to hinder them time in and time out in the third quarter. Kaiserslautern started on a five to zero run with hoops from Skende and Damajanovic until Jan Novak heaved a outside jumper that found nothing but net. However Frankfurt was slowing down on defense and Kaiserslautern was gaining more self confidence hitting the majority of their shots. After Simmons answered with a three pointer, Kaiserslautern went on an 8-0 run and were suddenly trailing only 47 to 37. Simmons hit a free throw and Kaiserslautern kept up their pressure and scored six unanswered points from Kreis, Skende, and Brooks and Frankfurt had made a lead of 41 to 23 dwindle to a lead of only 48 to 45. Frankfurt was lacking concentration turning over the ball as well as not dominating the boards. Coach Murat Didin took a timeout and it seemed to have woken his team up as they came back on to the floor reborn and focused getting hoops from King, Allen and Evtimov. Frankfurt had a little more breathing room leading 54 to 48.
THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS played more controlled Basketball in the fourth quarter never allowing Kaiserslautern to come closer than six points. German Max Weber (201-G/F-85) started the scoring on a nifty reverse layup as De Mello showed his much improved passing skills. Allen scored a pair of hoops including a lay up on a no look sweet pass from Evtimov. Frankfurt led 61 to 51. Kaiserslautern was getting tired and sloppy on defense giving up many fouls, which sent Frankfurt to the foul line. After Gordon hit a mini hook shot, Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.) made the basket of the game unleashing his secret weapon hook shot that seemed to have been sent via a shot gun, because it was so fast, but found a way into the basket via the back board. It might have been a bit lucky, but very beautiful to watch. Kaiserslautern had little firepower left as they seemed a bit tired as well only playing eight men. The last spectacular play of the game was Robinson leading the fast break and feeding Gordon for an easy lay in. The 71 to 57 victory was not beautiful, but it was another chance for the team to find themselves. We struggled a bit in the third quarter, but as a whole we played pretty good moving the ball. We are building team chemistry, but it is coming and going at the moment, said American Keith Simmons. We didnt hit our shots on a consistent basis and had problems on transition defense, said Kasierslautern guard Adrick Hill.
THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS were led by Keith Simmons with 17 points and six rebounds. American Lorenzo Gordon continued to show his dominance scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. American Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) chipped in with 12 points and six rebounds. The Kaiserslautern Braves were led by American Marcus Smallwood (198-F-82, college: N.Illinois) with 16 points and nine rebounds. Michael Skender (202-F-78) chipped in with 11 points.
This was another typical pre season game, where there were many positive things to be seen as well as some negative things. Frankfurt continued to be without captain Pascal Roller (180-G-76), Konrad Wysocki (202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton), Jimmy McKinney (192-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Missouri), Adam Emmenecker (185-G-85, college: Drake) and Kirsten Zoellner (216-C-81, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Albany). Plus it was the first game for tryout candidates King and Robinson, who were able to shine. Frankfurt wasnt always superior under the boards in the past, but clearly out rebounded Kaiserslautern 45 to 32. Frankfurt shot ok at 47%. The overall defense of Frankfurt was good with 12 steals, only at times a loss of concentration was the reason for the lapses on defense. American Keith Simmons showed great progress having another strong game and bringing up the question if he is the complete package? Well I dont know. I try my best and try to layer my game. I try to be as versatile as I can and help my team the best way I can. I did miss some rotations, because I heard coach Didin yelling my name, said Keith Simmons. Ilian Evtimov is without doubt one of the most talented players in Europe and showed his team skills with his brilliant passes, rebounding and quick hands on defense, but was way off from the field. He seems to be in the shadow of Allen and Gordon now and hopefully will get the ball more in the next games. THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS next play a mini tournament in Bremen.

Steeples seal Dials move - by Moritz Korff
Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (2. Bundesliga Pro B) have completed the signing of Nick Dials (185-G-84, college: Akron) from The University of Akron (NCAA1). The 22-year-old is seen as a boost for the Steeples' backcourt. He will share point guard-duties with Maurice Stuckey (187-G-90) and also help the team of Coach Ralph Junge on the wing. Dials spent one single season (2003-04) at Ohio State University and made the move to Akron after his freshman-year. During 2007-08 Dials led the Zips in scoring (11.9ppg) and dished out a team-best 4.2 assists per contest. He shot 37.6% (77-205) from beyond the arc as a senior and 38.6% (108-280) from the floor. A percentage of 87.2 (123-141) made him the 19th best free-throw shooter of the entire NCAA Division One in this past season.

German A2 overpowered by Israel - by Moritz Korff
Despite a great performance of Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) who scored 33 points, the German A2 Men's National Team was unable to topple Israel in the second of two exhibition games in Crailsheim, falling 85:89 in overtime.
With 4 seconds left to go in the fourth quarter Schaffartzik hit one of his eight three-pointers to tie the score at 80. However, in extratime the guests had more to give. The German team will be back in action on Thursday and play the International Tournament in Alkmaar, Holland. Until Saturday the men of Coach Frank Menz will take on Sweden, Switzerland and Holland.

Germany (points): Schaffartzik (33), Gruenheid (12), Simon (11), Khartchenkov (7), Benzing (6), Greene (6), Raffington (5), Schwartz (3), Maedrich (2), Hoffmann, Mangold.

German A2 National Team 2008 - by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Gruenheid


Maedrich


Schaffartzik


Simon


Staiger
Robin Benzing (208-F-89) (TV Langen)
Sebastian Greene (203-F)
Guido Gruenheid (209-F/C-82) of Hanzevast Capitals Groningen (NED)
Christian Hoffmann (184-G-87) (TBB Trier)
Nikita Khartchenkov (201-F-87)
Dirk Maedrich (211-C-83) of (Artland Dragons Quakenbrck)
Andrej Mangold (190-G-87) (Bayern Mnchen)
Jermain Raffington (205-F/C-85) (BBC Bayreuth)
Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) of (LTi Gieen 46ers)
Tim Schwartz (199-F-87) (Kaiserslautern Braves)
Nicolai Simon (191-G-87) of (ALBA Berlin)
Lucca Staiger (196-G-88) of (Iowa State University)

Frankfurt down Norlingen 74-66 - by Eurobasket
After a short summer recess of about two months, the faithfull Skyliner fans finally saw Basketball again and werent disappointed as THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS held of a feisty Nrdlingen team 74 to 66. It was the second win in a row against the team run by Andreas Martin for Frankfurt after a smooth victory in Rothenburg last week. Even though the score was close in the last quarter, it was a game that Frankfurt dominated even though they were shorthanded playing only with six players. Jimmy McKinney (192-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Missouri), Kirsten Zllner and try out candidate Adam Emmenecker (185-G-85) were on the sidelines nursing injuries. Olympic players captain Pascal Roller (180-G-76) and Konrad Wysocki (202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton) also did not play and will a have little vacation after the gruelling Olympic schedule. With every passing day, the 2008-2009 season is getting closer and THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS will need to slowly grow into a strong BBL team. We were a bit rusty today, but it was a good win considering we only had six players who could play, said Ilian Evtimov.
Nrdlingen is playing back in Germanys top league after not being able to breath BBL air for 36 years. The team has no proven star, but very talented players like Americans Monta McGhee (202-F-79, agency: AMI, college: Lewis) and Daniel Gibson (191-G-86, college: Texas), but nothing will come easy for this team and fighting for each win may become the teams mission for the new season. With the score tied four to four, Frankfurt was able to go on a mini run of 6-0 on hoops from Allen and De Mello. De Mello did a fine job taking the point guard position and playing like a seasoned veteran. Frankfurt was playing a very concentrated defense and Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City) was doing a fine job closing the spaces in the zone and hauling down rebounds. After Evtimov hit a sweet three pointer to give Frankfurt a 15 to 8 lead, Nrdlingen answered with baskets from Bannet and Gibson. Frankfurt led only 15 to 12, but the fans then witnessed the Frankfurt fast break as Keith Simmons (196-G-85, college: Holy Cross) scored. Allen hit a few free throws and then American Lorenzo Gordon hit a mini hook shot to give Frankfurt a 21 to 12 lead. Gordon showed that he is no player, who will hang out in the zone for a coke, but moreover a smart player, who wastes no time, but releases the ball as soon as he receives it near the hoop. Frankfurt led 23 to 15 after one quarter
THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS started strong in the second quarter going on a seven to five run and leading comfortably 30 to 20. In this phase the intelligent combination of Allen and Gordon gave the fans an early indication that this duo could cause a lot of disorder under the basket for the defense of opponents. Gordon scored twice in the paint with the Nrdlingen defense a few steps away. Most would have expected a Gibson or Mcghee show to start on offesne, but instead it was a powerful exhibition of inside play by American Kyle Landry (206-F-86). He might be a rookie coming fresh from the University of Northeren Arizona, where he averaged 17,5 points and 8,1 rebounds in 2007-2008, but he looked like a very small version of Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) as he ignited Nrdlingen on a five to zero run with offensive rebounds, tip ins and off balance shots. If it had not been for De Mellos timely three pointer, then Nrdlingen would of come a lot closer. Frankfurt remained with the lead 38 to 29, but Landry had scored nine consecutive points. Frankfurt remained strong drawing fouls and getting hoops from Gordon. Nrdlingen wasnt effective from outside, so here and there, they had to hope for a spectacular hoop from Daniel Gibson. In the last two minutes, Frankfurt continued going inside to Allen/Gordon and Nrdlingen made the halftime score deficit of 46 to 37 look somewhat reasonable after Jeanty and Gibson scored three pointers.
THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS have never been a very strong third quarter team and they showed once again that coming out of half time is like a torture. Nrdlingen went on a 15 to five run and took only their second lead of the game 52 to 51. Frankfurt was lackluster and seemed to have lost intensity as Nrdlingen was using a combination of inside/outside and hitting their shots with consistency. Nordlingen was using the whole team as it was not only Gibson scoring, but also guys like Jeanty or Kazavnovski. Gibson did show his strong offensive skills giving his team the lead back 52 to 51. Frankfurt was slow on offense and getting too many fouls. However the game of Basketball can be changed rapidly by only one play and that is exactly what happened as little used Max Weber (201-G/F-85) came into the game and penetrated into the lane with a running layup that could of received the seal of approvel by master penetartor Chris Paul (183-G-85, college: Wake Forest). This energizing spark got Frankfurt back on track as the troops of Murat Didin went on an eight to two run to lead 59 to 56. American Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) showed his continuing love of shooting and hitting the three pointer, Gordon his offensive rebound qualities and put away skills and American Keith Simmons started to put a dent in all doubters, who saw the going of Archibong as a mistake. De Mello led the fast break and Simmons finished cleanly with a layup strong over his defender. American Daniel Gibson closed out the third quarter with a three pointer. Frankfurt had the slight lead of 59 to 56.
In the fourth quarter, even though Nrdlingen had ten players, the team started to run low on gas, as Frankfurt remained strong and slowly started to pull away going on a seven to three run. Ilian Evtimov had been a bit quiet not getting his usual looks as Allen and Gordon were getting the majority of the plays and balls. However early in the fourth quarter, Evtimov thrilled the fans again by unleashing his famous running hook shot that gave Frankfurt the 61 to 58 lead. After a pair of free throws by Omari Westley (201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.), it seemed like Nrdlingen was coming back and had found some new life, but De Mello hit another timely three pointer, followed by free throws from Allen and De Mello. Frankfurt led 68 to 61, and Nrdlingen had one last breath of air as Kyle Landry (206-F-86) was back at it. After scoring nine consecutive points earler in the game, he was inserted back into the game and scored four unanswered points to bring Nrdlingen back to 68 to 63. However that was their last gasp as De Mello did it again burying a three pointer and Simmons scoring on the fast break and hitting a free throw. Frankfurt led 74 to 63. The last three pointer by Monta McGhee (202-F-79, agency: AMI, college: Lewis) didnt help as Frankfurt won a game that looked easy at the end, but surely cost a lot of energy.
THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS were led by American Lorenzo Gordon with 18 points and five rebounds and German Dominik Bahiense De Mello who had 18 points and five assists. American Derrick Allen registered 16 points and six rebounds. American Keith Simmons had a strong game scoring 13 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. The Nrdlingen Giants were led by Americans Daniel Gibson with 15 points and four assists and Kyle Landry with 15 points and seven rebounds. American Monta McGhee finished with 12 points.
Whenever a team is so short of manpower, one should not expect too much, but THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS did a fine job controlling the game and winning so easily down the stretch. The team played a pretty sound offensive game, had some let ups on defense, but overall were sparked by the three Americans Gordon, Allen and Simmons. Gordon had a very strong season in Turkey and his cousin Jimmy McKinney says that there is more to come from him. Lorenzo is a great finisher and that is his greatness. He needs a little work on defense, but as soon as he knows all the plays and knows his spots, he will be even better. The famous graceful Derrick Allen ballet moves were not present, but so more his outside shot. Lorenzo was down low a lot, but we simply have to find Derrick Allen more in the zone. We have to run some more plays for him, but if he has the open shot, then he should take it, said injured American Jimmy McKinney. Frankfurt doesnt have much time to rest as in less than 24 hours, the next exhibition game will take place against the PRO A team Kaiserslautern Braves on Monday August 25, at 19:00 at Basketball city. Maybe then Derrick Allen will put on his ballet shoes and remind the fans how beautiful his moves were last season.

Standings - 1. Bundesliga
1.Bundesliga Standings
 1. Duesseldorf 0-0 
 2. ALBA 0-0 
 3. Braunschweig 0-0 
 4. Ludwigsb. 0-0 
 5. Trier 0-0 
 6. Ulm 0-0 
 7. Bamberg 0-0 
 8. Giessen 0-0 
 9. Goettingen 0-0 
 10. Paderborn 0-0 
 11. Tuebingen 0-0 
 12. Bonn 0-0 
 13. Oldenburg 0-0 
 14. Art.Dragons 0-0 
 15. Bremerhaven 0-0 
 16. Frankfurt 0-0 
 17. Koeln 99ers 0-0 
 18. Noerdlingen 0-0 


Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga
1.Bundesliga Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Black, Paderborn 21.3
2 Allen, SKY. 19.7
3 Jenkins, ALBA 18.0
4 Green, Trier 17.9
5 Greene, Kln 16.5
Rebounds Per Game
1 Gibbs, Ulm 9.4
2 Katic, Tubingen 8.3
3 Guinn, Bremerh. 8.2
4 Haryasz, Bremer. 8.0
5 Reiner, Brose 7.8
Assists Per Game
1 Whiting, L'kusen 4.6
2 Joyce, Ulm 4.4
3 Gardner, Oldenb. 4.4
4 Rowland, Trier 4.4
5 Sparks, LTi 46ers 4.3
Steals Per Game
1 Basden, Telekom 1.9
2 Ross, L'burg 1.7
3 Bobbitt, Bremerh. 1.7
Blocks Per Game
1 Benton, Trier 1.9
2 Haryasz, Bremerh. 1.7
3 Femerling, ALBA 1.4
2FGP
1 Femerling, ALBA 73.3
2 Benton, Trier 69.8
3 Finn, Ulm 69.3
3FGP
1 Prewitt, Artl. 50.9
2 Nikolic, Alba 49.3
3 Funk, Bremerh. 48.7
Free Throws
1 Cage, Trier 93.8
2 Rasic, Alba 93.3
3 Raivio, Koeln 91.7


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


Wesson officially at PAOK - by Kostas Papadopoulos
K'Zell Wesson (201-F/C-77, college: La Salle) is officially, from today's morning a PAOK's player. The American player, who recently received a Bulgarian passport and could play as a Bosman player in Europe, is the tenth new player for the team from Thessaloniki.
Ater Dimitris Drosos took its leadership, PAOK signed contacts also with Demetrius Alexander (204-F/C-75, college: Alabama), Georgios Tsiaras (207-C/F-82), Alexandros Kyritsis (195-G-82), Chris Harissis (191-G-76), Panagiotis Kafkis (195-G-80), Vassilis Simtsak (204-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances), Costas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM), Mihalis Giannakidis (193-G-88, agency: FCM) and Dimitrios Marmarinos (205-C-76, college: Nevada).
Thus, it seems that an interesting team is begginning to be shaped under coach Argiris Pedoulakis' training

Stats Leaders - A1
A1 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Grundy, Panell. 21.5
2 Massey, ARIS 18.0
3 Keys, A.E.L. 13.0
4 Pinnock, Kolossos 15.0
5 Nikolaidis, Egalo 14.8
Rebounds Per Game
1 Wesson, A.E.K. 8.9
2 Massey, ARIS 8.6
3 Ceranic, A.E.L. 8.6
4 Bourousis, Oly. 7.5
5 Klimavicius, A.E.L. 6.9
Assists Per Game
1 Spanoulis, Pana. 4.8
2 Diamantidis, Pana. 3.6
3 Jasikevicius, Pana. 3.5
4 Kojadinovic, Costa 3.5
5 Keys, A.E.L. 3.3
Steals Per Game
1 Jaaber, Egaleo 2.8
2 Massey, Aris 2.3
3 Grundy,Panell. 2.3
Blocks Per Game
1 Klimavicius, A.E.L. 1.5
2 N'Diaye, Panell. 1.3
3 Bourousis, Oly. 1.2
2FGP
1 Giannoulis, Pan. 65.0
2 Massey, ARIS 63.0
3 Klimavic., A.E.L. 63.0
3FGP
1 Kurtovic, Olympia 53.0
2 Jasikevic., Pana. 49.0
3 Becirovic, Pana. 45.0
Free Throws
1 Papan.., A.E.L. 92.0
2 Kalampoki., Pan. 87.0
3 Keys A.E.L. 87.0


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


Orien Greene joins MyGuide Amsterdam - by Fred Roggen
EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam and former NBA player Orien Greene (193-G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: La-Lafayette) have reached an agreement on a contract for the 2008/2009 season. Greene is 26 years old and can play at both the point guard as shooting guard position.
In 2005, Orien Greene was drafted by the Boston Celtics. He played the previous seasons 80 games for the Celtics, 41 games for the Indiana Pacer and last season he played from August till november for the Sacramento Kings where he played 7 games.

MyGuide adds Victor Thomas and Clint Harrison to their roster. - by Fred Roggen
Dutch Champion EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam, attracted the Americans C.C. Harrison (194-G-76, agency: Court Side, college: N.Carolina St.) and Victor Thomas (201-F-79, college: La Salle) for the upcoming 2008/2009 season.
C.C. Harrison signed last season for the Italian Serie A team Legea Scafati Basket where he because of sad family circumstances had to disolve his contract.
It is for Thomas a renewed acquaintance with the Netherlands. In the past season Thomas exchanged Matrixx Magixx already after five games for the South Korean - Seoul Samsung Thunder.

*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


UNIVER KSE news - by Tamas Deri
The team of Univer KSE with head coach Andras Zsoldos started the practices for the next season today. Akos Kovacs and Balint Horti were working hard with U20-, David Puszta with the U18-national team during the summer.
Zsolt Szabo had a smaller surgery but together with Peter Toth was working hard in Kecskemet already. This morning a new player was waiting in the locker room. The 200 cm tall forward, Jean-Cloude Tornoczky came after a succesfull tryout from the 2nd division team Obuda to Kecskemet. The two female NT players, Akos Horvath and Andras Molnar have been playing with the NT in the EC qualification and will be back to the team on the 20th of September.
From the 1st of September two new foreigners will practice with the team. American point guard, DeAndre Haynes (187-G-84, agency: Pro Agents-Basketball Careers, college: Kent St.) graduated on Kent State University in 2006 and spent two seasons with Brussels and Okapi in Belgium.
Ricky Volcy (202-F-82, college: N.Michigan) is a 26 years old canadian power forward, he played the last season with Aguas Gandia in Spain, LEB Gold.
A magyar vlogatottban szereplo Horvth kos s Molnr Andrs a vlogatott utols, szeptember 20-i mrkozse utn csatlakozik a kerethez.

Sopron signed two foreigners - by Tamas Deri
Jane Petrovski (181-G-87, agency: 011 Sports) will be the new point guard in Sopron. The 24 years old macedonian player has been a member of the National Team and was a key player of his team in Skopje. The 181 cm tall player is very quick with nice shoots and passes (5.12 assists per game last season).

Calvin Bowman (206-F/C-77, college: W.Virginia) will be back to Sopron. The american big man is a well known player in the city as he had a very great debut in the season 2005-06 and returned after one unsuccesfull tryout in Poland in the season 2006-07. In that season his number were not as good as in his first in Sopron as he had some problems with his former injury. The last season he did not play any official games because of familiar problems but this summer he decided to step on the court again!

Falco KC: Vida signed, Vrsaljko on tryout - by Tamas Deri
The management of FALCO SZOVA KC SZOMBATHELY just signed hungarian point guard Mate Vida (191-G-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) for 1+1 year. The 22 years old, 191 cm tall player spent the last season with Univer and started to practice with Hodmezovasarhely this summer but after losing Will and Szanati the management gave him one offer which he accepted really quickly.

Croatian center Denis Vrsaljko (212-C-82) just arrived last night to the city and will spend a 4days tryout-period with coach Sekulovis's team. The 212 cm tall, 26 years old big man played with KK Zagreb last season and averaged 3.1 points and 1.6 rebound in 21 games of the Adriatic League. He played also 17 games in the croatian championship and averaged 4.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.

Coach Dzunic is back to Kaposvar - by Tamas Deri
Branislav Dzunic decided to leave Dombovar and to return to Kaposvar. The 44 years old coach had a great season in Dombovar he lead his team on the 2nd place after the regular season into the tryout, where they lost 3-1 against Kormend after the MVP of the regular season Julian Mills got injured. Dzunic and his team started to practice today with the hungarians as the management did not decide about signing of the foreigners yet!

*****************************************************
  IRELAND   


U16 EC, division B: Ireland avoids last place in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News
U16 Luxemburg - U16 Ireland 67-84

In the last game of U16 European Championship division B in Sarajevo Ireland succeeded to beat Luxemburg and to avoid last 23rd place. That position belongs to Luxemburg as it is the only winless team on the entire championship.

Ireland took control on Luxemburg already in the first quarter. After ten minutes of the game Ireland already had solid plus 7. Luxemburg stayed without any point during the first four minutes of the second period. The Irish exploited that chance stretching lead to 14-24. They continued in the same rhythm until the half time setting the score on 27-41. At that point of game it was almost clear that Luxemburg will end this championship winless. It was confirmed very soon by Ireland. With two minutes to go in third frame official visitor in this game set the margin on 17 points. It was too much for Luxemburg, despite some bright moments in the last frame.

Benjamin Horner was the best scorer for Ireland with 17 points for 18 minutes. Stephen James also was good adding 12 points and 8 rebounds while Peter Herron has 12 points and 6 boards. Max Schmit was a way better than the others in Luxemburg collecting 25 points and 5 boards. Jo Hoeser finished the game with 14 points and 9 rebounds.


U16 Luxemburg - U16 Ireland 67-84
(14-21, 13-21, 20-24, 20-18)

Luxemburg: Max Schmit 25 (5 rebs), Jo Hoeser 14 (9 rebs)
Ireland: Benjamin Horner 17, Stephen James 12 (8 rebs), Peter Herron 12 (6 rebs)

Misfortune for Ireland at Emerald Hoops Tournament - by Eurobasket News

Irish National Team could blame ill fate for their unsuccessful performance at the Emerald Hoops Tournament during the weekend. Ireland lost all of their three games at the competition however none of the losses was by virtue of more than 3 points.
Ireland opened their campaign against Notre Dame University team from the USA. The hosts looked confident at the start of the game and jumped to a 12:4 lead. Notre Dame cut the deficit due to trebles from Luke Harangody and Kyle McAlarney (185-G-87). The college hoopsters however trailed 19:23 after ten minutes of action. The hosts opened a double figures lead in the second frame but Kyle McAlarney answered with three trifectas late in the quarter to put Notre Dame ahead 41:40 at halftime. The teams traded basket throughout the third frame but the North American outfit gradually cleared off to a 71:62 distance. Irish team denied the deficit and surged ahead on a Conor Grace (205-F-82, college: Davidson) basket with 30 seconds remaining in regulation. However Zach Hillesland closed the gap from the charity stripe, while Ryan Ayers (203-G/F-86) intercepted the ball during the Irish last possession and sealed the victory for Notre Dame. Kyle McAlarney knocked down 25 points to pace Notre Dame. Ryan Ayers had 23 points for the winners. Donnie McGrath (193-G-84, college: Providence) answered with 23 points for Ireland. Colin O'Reilly (197-F-84, college: Post) contributed 12 points in defeat.
Ireland took on Iceland in the second round of the event. Ireland once again looked better at the start of the game. They rolled to a 12:8 lead after the opening stanza and However Icelandic team recovered effectively after the intermission and surged ahead to enjoy a 44:34 lead at halftime. The seesaw action continued when Ireland regained the advantage in the third stanza and arrived at three-quarter time up by 9 points. The game remained extra close in the fourth term with Ireland first wasting the advantage before tying it at 85 with seconds left on the clock. But Hinrik Gunnarson drained a three-pointer with just moments left in the encounter to bring Iceland to the victory. Borvaldson led the winners with 18 points. Hinrik Gunnarson added 14 points, while Baeringson knocked down 11 for Iceland. Colin O'Reilly answered with 15 points for the home team. Donnie McGrath and Damian Matacz (206-C-79, college: N.Michigan) delivered 13 points apiece in defeat.
Ireland faced Poland in the last day of the tournament. The visitors led throughout the major part of the encounter but wasted the advantage. Ireland denied a 15-point deficit before the fourth term to send game into overtime. However Polish team snatched a narrow win at the end and claimed the second spot at the competition. Lukasz Wichniarz (197-F-82, agency: AB Agency) tallied 22 points to pace the winners. Pawel Mroz (215-C-84) added 18 points, while Marcin Stefanski (199-F-83) had 13 points for Poland. Colin O'Reilly responded with 22 points for Ireland. Donnie McGrath had 18 points, while Conor Grace chipped in 11 points in the losing effort.

Ireland - Notre Dame 88:90

Ireland - Iceland 75:78

Ireland - Poland 81:84 (OT)



*****************************************************
  ISRAEL   


Hapoel Holon signs Luis Flores - by Netanel Dahan

Hapoel Holon singed Dominican guard Luis Flores (188-G-81, college: Manhattan) (188-G-81, college: Manhattan). Flores was picked with 55 number at the 2004 draft by Houston Rockets. He also played at Golden State, Denver, Sacramento and New Orleans. Flores came to Europe in 2005/06 season joining Italian team LidoRose Roseto Basket but got injuerd and left during the season. Last year he played for Olimpias Patron in Greece. In November he moved to Indesit Fabriano In Italian SerieB.

Flores will be the second forign player of the team.



Newcomer Haifa gets Doron Perkins - by Yehonatan Eliahu
After a long negotiation, newcomer Maccabi Haifa has finally assured the addition of point guard Doron Perkins (188-G-83, college: Santa Clara) (188-G-83, college: Santa Clara), the team announced today. Perkins is coming out of a great season playing for Belgian side Euphony Bree, where he averaged 15.8 points, 5.7 assists and 5.3 rebounds. He also played successfully in Germany and Japan beforehand and even drew attention from Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv two years ago. He is projected to be the starting point guard for Haifa. Owner Jeff Rosen said after the announcment: ''we brought a relatively young player for the most important position but he's record speaks for itself. Our goal is clear- to catch up a spot in the Final Four event ''.

*****************************************************
  LUXEMBOURG   


U16 EC, division B: Ireland avoids last place in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News
U16 Luxemburg - U16 Ireland 67-84

In the last game of U16 European Championship division B in Sarajevo Ireland succeeded to beat Luxemburg and to avoid last 23rd place. That position belongs to Luxemburg as it is the only winless team on the entire championship.

Ireland took control on Luxemburg already in the first quarter. After ten minutes of the game Ireland already had solid plus 7. Luxemburg stayed without any point during the first four minutes of the second period. The Irish exploited that chance stretching lead to 14-24. They continued in the same rhythm until the half time setting the score on 27-41. At that point of game it was almost clear that Luxemburg will end this championship winless. It was confirmed very soon by Ireland. With two minutes to go in third frame official visitor in this game set the margin on 17 points. It was too much for Luxemburg, despite some bright moments in the last frame.

Benjamin Horner was the best scorer for Ireland with 17 points for 18 minutes. Stephen James also was good adding 12 points and 8 rebounds while Peter Herron has 12 points and 6 boards. Max Schmit was a way better than the others in Luxemburg collecting 25 points and 5 boards. Jo Hoeser finished the game with 14 points and 9 rebounds.


U16 Luxemburg - U16 Ireland 67-84
(14-21, 13-21, 20-24, 20-18)

Luxemburg: Max Schmit 25 (5 rebs), Jo Hoeser 14 (9 rebs)
Ireland: Benjamin Horner 17, Stephen James 12 (8 rebs), Peter Herron 12 (6 rebs)

*****************************************************
  MEXICO   


Two more wins for Mexico - by Eurobasket News
Mexican National Team played two more exhibition games prior to the Centrobasket tournament. Mexico posted two victories extending their winning record to 6 games on the exhibition tour. First Mexico defeated Loros de Colima 81:72. The University outfit got to the better start outscoring Mexico 21:20 in the first period. Mexico continued to recover from a sloppy start in the second quarter and Logos were able to stretch the margin to 9 points till the main break. However Mexico showed their strength after the intermission. They stunned Logos 27:11 in the third stanza and cruised to the victory in the fourth period. Anthony Lever-Pedroza (191-G-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon) topscored with 19 points for Mexico. Raymond Castillo (196-G/F-82, college: UTPA) nailed 13 points, while Horacio Llamas (212-C-73, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points and 6 boards for the winners. Marlon Dumont (206-F-77, college: TCU) led all scorers with 23 points. Leroy Davis (194-F-81, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Georgia St.) knocked down 11 points and dished out 5 assists in defeat.
Next Mexico took on Tecos UAG. This the National Team wasted no time as they jumped ahead early in the game. Mexico piled up a 27:17 lead after ten minutes of action. But Tecos stayed contestant and trimmed the deficit to 2 points at halftime. However Mexico did not allow their opponents to capitalize. They rolled on all cylinders in the second half and posted a well-deserved victory at the end. Anthony Lever-Pedroza notched 22 points to pace Mexico. Gustavo Ayon (209-F/C-85, college: San Jose St.) added 18 points, while Omar Quintero (183-G-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: S.Nazarene) secured 14 points for the winners. Ricardo Melendez (180-G-83) answered with game-high 27 points for Tecos. Noe Alonso chipped in 25 points in a losing case.

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


Montenegro played two friendly games against Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1-1 - by Eurobasket News
National Team of Montenegro and National Team of Bosnia and Herzegovina played two friendly games in Bosnian capital Sarajevo. In the first one, which was held on Friday, Bosnia registered comfortable victory 89-69. Since the beginning of the game players of head coach Mensur Bajramovic dominated. At the half time it was already clear that the Bosnians will take this one. They were very motivated to show the best possible performance at the front of their fans. Ermin Jazvin (208-C-80) led Bosnia to victory in the first game scoring 18 points. Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) was behind him with 14 points. Euroleague center of the year and new player of Panathinaikos Athens Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 23 points for Montenegro.

Montenegrins demonstrated much better performance in the next game, which was played on Saturday. It was enough for 93-90 for Dusko Vujosevic's team. Center Nikola Pekovic again dominated in the paint scoring 20 points. Goran Nikolic (205-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) helped his team with 14 points. Kenan Bajramovic shined in Bosnia stopping on 20 points while Goran Ikonic (196-G-80) had 17.

Those two friendly games were part of the preparations of Montenegrin NT for qualifications for division A. On the other hand Bosnia will participate in Eurobasket 2009 qualifications.

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


San Antonio keeps Michael Finley - by Eurobasket News
The San Antonio Spurs have agreed to re-sign with veteran forward Michael Finley (6'7''-G-73, college: Wisconsin). Finley will sign a tow-year deal worth about $5 million. Finley played all 82 games last season starting 61 of them. He averaged 10.1 points, 3.1 boards and 1.4 assists per appearance. Finley was signed by the Spurs in 2005. In 2007 he won the NBA championship with the team. His career stats come up to 16.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in 11 seasons in the league.
In the meantime the Denver Nuggets signed a new multiyear contract with J.R. Smith (6'6''-G-85). The deal is rumored to be worth about $16.5 million and is granted for three years. The 22-year-old guard was a restricted agent during the summer and the Nuggets managed to agree with him on terms of the new contract. J.R. Smith was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in 2004. Denver traded him from the Chicago Bulls in 2006. He averaged 12.3 points, 2.1 boards and 1.7 assists per game last year. He also shot 40% from beyond the arc in the season.
The New Orleans Hornets meanwhile deepened their backcourt with the addition of Devin Brown (6'5''-G/F-78, college: UTSA). The Hornets signed the 30-year-old guard but the terms of the deal were not disclosed. He averaged 7.5 points, 3.4 boards and 2.2 assists per game for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season. Devin Brown played for the Hornets in 2006-2007 season scoring 11.6 points and issuing 2.6 assists. New Orleans were in need of guard after Jannero Pargo left the team for the stint in Russia.

News from Houston, Dallas and L.A. Lakers - by Eurobasket News
Houston Rockets acquired D.J. Strawberry (6'5''-G-85, college: Maryland) from Phoenix Suns in exchange for Sean Singletary (6'0''-G-85, college: Virginia).
D.J. Strawberry played 32 regular season games for the Suns averaging 2.2 ppg. In December 2007 he moved to D-league team Albuquerque Thunderbirds but next month the Suns called him back. It was his first NBA season since he graduated at Maryland in 2007. He played 34 games at his senior year adding 14.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.5 apg and 2 spg. His last year was the best one at Maryland. Phoenix Suns picked him in the second round of 2007 NBA Draft.
Sean Singletary already was traded this summer from Sacramento to Houston. Most probably his final destination is Phoenix. Singletary came out from Virginia this year having 19 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.7 apg and 1.2 spg in 32 games. After two workouts with Sacramento and Charlotte, the Kings took him in the second round.

Dallas re-signed Devean George (6'8''-G-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Augsburg), who had 3.7 ppg and 2.6 rpg in 53 regular season games 07/08. Later he had 5 appearances in play-off averaging 5.8 ppg and 3 rpg. Before the Mavericks, George spent seven years in Los Angeles Lakers. Actually Los Angeles was his only NBA destination before he moved to Dallas in 2006. He joined L.A. Lakers from Augsburg (NCAA3) signing 3-year contract in 1999. Later, actually when first contract expired, he inked another even longer one, 4-year deal worth $21 million.

Chinese guard Sun Yue (6'9''-G/F-85, agency: Passing Lane) signed a multiyear contract with the NBA finalist Los Angeles Lakers. Terms of the deal were not announced.

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


UB's Andy Robinson suspended 3 games - by Eurobasket News
University at Buffalo senior guard Andy Robinson (6'1''-G-87) has been reinstated but will be suspended for the first three games of the basketball season for his solicitation of academic fraud last spring.

Robinson, who led UB in scoring last season, in April was suspended indefinitely after attempting to solicit another student to complete his course work. Robinson, an honorable mention All-Mid-American Conference selection last season as a junior, was not allowed to participate in offseason conditioning and individual workouts.

Robinson is practicing this week as the Bulls prepare to play three exhibition games and a scrimmage in Canada over Labor Day weekend.

He is back practicing with the team after serving a suspension in the spring, said UB coach Reggie Witherspoon in a statement released by the school. He has done everything asked of him from the university, division of athletics and mens basketball program to atone for his actions and has learned and grown from his mistake. Andy had a successful summer session in the classroom and we look forward to a successful senior season on the court.

Robinson admitted posting a message on the social networking site facebook.com last April that read: I am paying anybody who have read the book there are no children here by Alex Kotlowitz $30-40 which in some classes you have to read at UB (even more money if you have to read the book a little more!!) to write a 3-4 page paper, on a couple questions which was assigned.

Robinsons action violated UBs policies regarding academic integrity and he could have been charged with academic fraud. The Facebook message was discovered by another UB student, who alerted reporters at UBs student newspaper, the Spectrum. Robinsons Facebook page was immediately removed and he completed the assignment on his own.

The senior shooting guard was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal 10-20 season for the Bulls. Robinson led the team in scoring (13.4 points per game) and steals (52) while starting 28 games and improving as the season progressed. He averaged 16.3 points in MAC play, ranking fourth in the conference. His breakout game occurred at Northern Illinois on Feb. 5 when he scored a career-high 35 points, including eight three-pointers.

Courtesy of www.buffalonews.com

Notre Dame complete Ireland tour - by Eurobasket News
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish recently wrapped up their Ireland tour. The college hoopsters won all of their six games and remained untamed in Europe. Notre Dame got to an impressive start of the tour beating Ireland 104:67 in the opener. Luke Harangody (6'8''-F-88) stepped up for Notre Dame with 15 points. Tory Jackson (5'10''-G-88) contributed 14 points, while Jonathan Peoples and Kyle McAlarney (6'1''-G-87) added 11 points apiece for the winners.
The Fighting Irish continued their tour taking on Irish All Stars. The game was played in Belfast and Notre Dame rolled to an overwhelming 123:77 victory. Luke Harangody and Zach Hillesland (6'9''-F-86) knocked down 19 points and grabbed 8 boards apiece to lead the charge. Kyle McAlarney delivered 18 points for the winners. Notre Dame looked confident and built a 50:36 lead at the interval. They stretched the margin to 30 points before the fourth term and never looked back again.
Next Notre Dame faced Polish B National Team and secured an impressive 104:86 victory. Luke Harangody once again posted solid numbers as he finished with 16 points and 17 rebounds in the win. Kyle McAlarney hit five trebles to add 17 points for the Fighting Irish. Tory Jackson came up with all-around performance as he tallied 13 points, 5 boards, 7 assists and 5 steals.
Notre Dame then took part in the International Emerald Hoops Basketball tournament. The Fighting Irish won all of their three games to claim the title. They first snatched a narrow 90:88 win over Ireland. The hosts looked confident at the start of the game and jumped to a 12:4 lead. Notre Dame cut the deficit due to trebles from Luke Harangody and Kyle McAlarney. The college hoopsters however trailed 19:23 after ten minutes of action. The hosts opened a double figures lead in the second frame but Kyle McAlarney answered with three trifectas late in the quarter to put Notre Dame ahead 41:40 at halftime. The teams traded basket throughout the third frame but the North American outfit gradually cleared off to a 71:62 distance. Irish team denied the deficit and surged ahead on a Conor Grace basket with 30 seconds remaining in regulation. However Zach Hillesland closed the gap from the charity stripe, while Ryan Ayers (6'8''-G/F-86) intercepted the ball during the Irish last possession and sealed the victory for Notre Dame. Kyle McAlarney knocked down 25 points to pace Notre Dame. Ryan Ayers had 23 points for the winners. Donnie McGrath (6'4''-G-84, college: Providence) answered with 23 points for Ireland. Colin O'Reilly (6'6''-F-84, college: Post) contributed 12 points in defeat.
The Fighting Irish play against Poland B National Team and once again edged them. Notre Dame scored an emphatic 88:76 win behind 32-point haul from Kyle McAlarney. McAlarney notched incredible 10 three-pointers down the stretch to lift the US college team to the 5th straight victory in Ireland. Luke Harangody and Ryan Ayers added 13 points apiece in the win. Finally the Fighting Irish battled against Iceland and cruised to a 90:65 win. Kyle McAlarney showed another MVP-caliber performance as he dropped 22 points. Luke Harangody was helpful with 19 points as Notre Dame remained undefeated on the tour.

Trevor Mbakwe leaves Marquette for personal reasons - by Eurobasket News
Sophomore forward Trevor Mbakwe (6'7''-F) of the Marquette University has decided not to return to the program for his second season due to personal reasons.

Mbakwe made the MU coaching staff aware of his decision late Friday afternoon, just days before the start of the fall semester on Monday, August 25. The St. Paul, Minn., native and the rest of his teammates had each returned home following the conclusion of summer school and were due to report back to Milwaukee this weekend.

'I was shocked by the news and obviously caught off guard, having initially heard through one of my assistants his intent on Friday night and then having it confirmed over the last 36 hours,' head coach Buzz Williams said. 'He had a great summer in workouts and did well academically. Having said that, we want people here who are completely committed to being part of our program, our institution and our family. We all wish Trevor the best of luck.'

After missing a majority of the 2007-08 because of a knee injury suffered in the preseason, Mbakwe made his Marquette debut on Feb. 15 against Pittsburgh and averaged 1.5 points and 2.1 rebounds per game in 11 overall appearances. He saw an average of 9.2 minutes per outing and shot 26.7 percent (4-of-15) from the floor and 47.4 percent (9-of-19) from the free throw line.

Courtesy of www.cstv.com

Al Turley leaves University at Albany - by Eurobasket News
Forward Al Turley (6'7''-F/C) is leaving the University at Albany for personal reasons and intends to stay closer to his family, as head coach Will Brown announced today.

Turley, a 6-foot-7 and 285-pound forward/center, was a starter in 11 of 30 games played as a freshman last season. He averaged 2.9 points and 2.3 rebounds and blocked 15 shots. Turley, who was born in New Orleans, was an all-district selection as a scholastic player at Westfield High School in Houston, Texas.

Al has made a decision that he feels is in his best personal interest, Brown said. He has informed me of his intent to pursue a college football career in his home state. As a student-athlete, he had a solid first year on the court and in the classroom. We thank him for his contributions to our program and wish him well.

Courtesy UAlbany Sports Information

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


Poland clinch second spot at the Emerald Hoops Tournament in Ireland - by Eurobasket News
Polish B Team travelled to Belfast to take part in the Emerald Hoops International Basketball tournament. Polish team played against Iceland, Ireland and Notre Dame University team. The event was quite a success for Polish B team as they claimed two wins and occupied the second overall spot at the end.
Poland opened their Emerald Hoops campaign against one of the NCAA powerhouses Notre Dame. The USA college hoopsters looked better from the start. They gained a 22:18 lead after ten minutes of action and stretched the margin to 18 points at the main break. Polish side failed to recover in the third frame and trailed by as many as 26 points before the fourth quarter. Notre Dame easily secured the winning outcome at the end. Pawel Kikowski (190-G-86, agency: LimeLight) led Polish team with 24 points. Pawel Leonczyk (202-F-86, agency: Promotex) added 16 points, while Kamil Chanas (188-G-85) contributed 14 points in defeat.
Polish B team however quickly rebounded and found their rhythm against Iceland in the second round of action. Poland needed a half of action to gain the necessary speed. The teams traded baskets throughout the first half and were all square at 31 at the interval. However Poland stepped on the gas in the third frame and established a 22-point cushion before the final term. Iceland never recovered and had to surrender at the end. Lukasz Wichniarz (197-F-82, agency: AB Agency) led the charge with 19 points. Pawel Mroz (215-C-84) and Adam Waczynski (198-F-89) nailed 9 points apiece for the winners.
Poland wrapped up their campaign against Ireland. The visitors led throughout the major part of the encounter but wasted the advantage. Ireland denied a 15-point deficit before the fourth term to send game into overtime. However Polish team snatched a narrow win at the end and claimed the second spot at the competition. Lukasz Wichniarz tallied 22 points to pace the winners. Pawel Mroz added 18 points, while Marcin Stefanski (199-F-83) had 13 points for Poland.

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


Stats Leaders - Men
Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. McCullough,MUR 24.6
2. Smith TAR 24.5
3. Djordjic, ORA 21.3
4. Krstanovi, UMOB 21.1
5. Mojica, 19.8
Rebounds Per Game
1. Williams, DIN 14.2
2. Gnjato, PIT 11.2
3. Ambres, BRA 9.8
4. Pantelic, RAP 9.2
5. Krstanov, UMOB 9.0
Assists Per Game
1. Helcioiu, PIT 7.0
2. Cooley, MUR 6.9
3. Dawson, BRA 6.0
4. Telfer, 4.5
5. Tadic, DIN 4.5
2FGP
1. Stamate, TAR 100
2. Tadic, DIN 90.9
3. Bascovea, OTO 81.8
3FGP
1. Cunda, GAZ 69.2
2. Urucatu, DIN 62.5
3. Nixon, OTO 56.8


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


Aleksandar Mladenovic and Marko Simonovic free agents - by Dragan Jankovski
Hemofarm STADA and its two players from the last season Aleksandar Mladenovic (207-F-84) and Marko Simonovic (203-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) terminated the contract yesterday.

Aleksandar Mladenovic arrived to Hemofarm STADA from Ergonom during the previous summer. In January Hemofarm loaned him to Swisslions Takovo for the rest of the season. He played 11 games for Swisslions in A1 averaging 8 ppg and 3.8 rpg. His team ended it on top advancing to the Superleague where Mladenovic had 2.8 ppg and 1.5 rpg. Swisslions tried to grab fifth place in order to qualify for Adriatic league but Vojvodina Srbijagas showed better performance.

Marko Simonovic joined the orange team in December 2006 from Telindus Oosstende. He didn't have an opportunity to spend so much time on the court last season adding 1.6 ppg for 12 games in Adriatic league. He had similar digits in ULEB Cup as well as in Serbian Superleague. Before Oostende, Simonovic played for Ergonom, Lavovi 063 and Radnicki Belgrade. He participated at the World University Games in Bangkok in 2007 and a year before he played on Global Games in Dallas with U20 Serbian & Montenegrin National Team.

Serbian market news - by Zoran Popovic
Three young Serbian players are signed their first professional contracts. Filip Simic (184-G-90), Nemanja Grujicic (203-F-90) and Nenad Grujo (204-F-90) are verifying professional contract with their team Mega Basket. Nenad Grujo was member of Serbian junior National team.
Danijel Danny Cavic (198-G/F-85, agency: 011 Sports) will continue career in Vojvodina. Before Vojvodina Cavic played for University of San Francisco. Last season Cavic scored on 31 games average 8.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 assistants per game.

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


Darwin Airport Resort & LG Sakers Win - by Rick Ross
LG Sakers 83 Singapore Slingers 70
Darwin Airport Resort 105 Quezon Red Oilers 99
Lee Hyun-Min (176-G-83) of the Sakers Improve to 3-0 as they continue to Defend Its Crown In Brunei,

LG no.27 scores 3pts to kill of the game
Castro scores 3pts 79-70 LG 28 secs
LG leads 79-67 with 30 secs remaining.
That could be the winner already
LG no.11 scores another 3pts,, on form
LG 12 miss jumper,
Shane assist Sadrin for dunk 76-66 LG
LG No.12 gets in basket for 76-65 lead 2 mins left
Back and forth possession but no one can find the basket
LG No.10 travels. 74-65 LG leads, 3 mins left
LG no.11 then scores 3 pts
LG 31 fouls Janev, goes for FT but converts 1 FT
Janev 2pts
LG leads 71-62 4 mins left
Game seem to go away for LG
Johnson steals again as Slingers fail to score
LG leads 69-62 5 mins left
Johnson converts 1/2 FT
Johnson converts 2FT
LG Sakers lead 66-62 6 mins left
Harris gets fouled out after fouling on Johnson
Johnson scores, pressure from Harris and Janev but manage lay up
Kirkland scores 2pts, 64-60 8 mins left
Johnson 1/2 FT, Harris rebound
Harris fouls Johnson, Harris' 4th foul
Kirkland scores basket 63-58 9 mins left
Johnson fouls Castro
Johnson converts 2FT
Harris rejects Johnson shot but Janev fouls Johnson

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


Standings - LEB Gold
LEB Gold Standings
 1. Caceres 0-0 
 2. Leche Rio 0-0 
 3. Leon 0-0 
 4. Valladolid 0-0 
 5. La Laguna 0-0 
 6. Burgos 0-0 
 7. Tenerife 0-0 
 8. Mallorca 0-0 
 9. Vic 0-0 
 10. Melilla 0-0 
 11. Aguas Gandia 0-0 
 12. Alicante 0-0 
 13. Los Barrios 0-0 
 14. La Palma 0-0 
 15. Rosalia 0-0 
 16. Plus Pujol 0-0 
 17. Axarquia 0-0 
 18. Illescas 0-0 


Standings - LEB Silver / Bronze
LEB Standings
 1. Ourense 0-0 
 2. Huesca 0-0 
 3. Cornella 0-0 
 4. CB Tarrag. 0-0 
 5. L'Hospitalet 0-0 
 6. Jerez 0-0 
 7. Gijon 0-0 
 8. Qalat Caja Sol 0-0 
 9. Palencia 0-0 
 10. Plasencia 0-0 
 11. Vigo 0-0 
 12. Prat 0-0 
 13. Caja Rioja 0-0 
 14. Coruna 0-0 
 15. Navarra 0-0 
 16. Girona 0-0 
 17. Navalcarnero 0-0 
 18. V.Sligo XXI 0-0 
 19. Almanzora 0-0 
 20. Oviedo 0-0 
 21. Avila 0-0 
 22. Merida 0-0 
 23. Tijola 0-0 
 24. Molina 0-0 
 25. Opel Jovent 0-0 
 26. Archena 0-0 
 27. Huelva 0-0 
 28. Real M. II 0-0 
 29. Alcazar 0-0 
 30. Cantabria 0-0 
 31. ADT Tarrag. 0-0 
 32. Guadalajara 0-0 
 33. Cajasur-Musa 0-0 


Stats Leaders - ACB
ACB Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Fernandez, DKV 21.2
2 Gomis,VLL 18.0
3 Douglas, PAM 16.6
4 Gasol, GIR 16.2
5 English, KGC 15.2
Rebounds Per Game
1 Gasol, GIR 8.3
2 Weis, BLB 7.3
3 Reyes, MAD 6.9
4 Moss, MEN 6.2
5 Evtimov, VLL 6.1
Assists Per Game
1 Sanchez, BAR 5.4
2 Rodrguez, MAN 5.4
3 Williams, PAM 4.8
4 Prigioni, TAU 4.6
5 Sada, GIR 4.2
Steals Per Game
1 Fernandez, DKV 2.2
2 Rubio, DKV 2.2
3 Barton, DKV 1.7
Blocks Per Game
1 Asselin, MAN 2.2
2 Gasol, GIR 1.8
3 Barnes, LEO 1.5
2FGP
1 Gasol, GIR 67.7
2 Pietrus, EST 66.9
3 Hervelle, MAD 66.7
3FGP
1 Sundov, LEO 53.0
2 Rancik, BLB 50.0
3 Bueno, CAJ 50.0
Free Throws
1Marco, LEO 94.9
2 Lopez, MAD 94.0
3 Bullock, Louis 93.0


Standings - ACB
ACB Standings
 1. Real 0-0 
 2. Joventut 0-0 
 3. Barcelona 0-0 
 4. Tau 0-0 
 5. Unicaja 0-0 
 6. Pamesa 0-0 
 7. Estudiant. 0-0 
 8. Murcia 0-0 
 9. Ricoh Man. 0-0 
 10. Granada 0-0 
 11. Cajasol 0-0 
 12. G.Canaria 0-0 
 13. Bilbao 0-0 
 14. Menorca 0-0 
 15. Fuenlabrada 0-0 
 16. Zaragoza 0-0 
 17. Bruesa 0-0 


Market News CB Granada and Fuenla - by Paul Nilsen
CB Granada have closed a deal for Bulgarian 3 man Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, college: W.Kentucky) writes www.acb-basket.com. The acquisition of the Sofia born 28 year old completes the Nazari perimter line-up and will be a boost for the fans who watched big favourite Andrea Pecile leave over the weekend.

Videnov was courted by top European clubs a few years ago but has suffered with injuries which have affected hioss development. He has however recently found form and full fitness again and played for New Orleans Hornets in the NBA Summer League.

Videnov is known to have quick feet, is a good shooter and can also score by taking the ball to the hoop. He has played in the ACB before having played in Seville with Caja San Fernando a couple of season ago where he averaged 8 points per game.

The director general of CB Granada, Julian Aranda, explained why he and Head Coach Trifon Poch decided to go for Videnov 'In the Summer League in Las Vegas, Trifon and I had occasion to see him live in four games. His maturity and his knowledge of ACB will facilitate his adaptation to the team and the competition. In addition, his features are complemented well with the current configuration of the squad and he provides reliability and the capacity to score on the perimeter. '

Fuenlabrada have signed American shooter Brad Oleson (191-G-83, agency: Duran International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) for next season as they complete this summers recruitment with five new faces. Oleson joins Valters, Mainoldi, Bueno and Vidauretta.

The 25 year old played last season in LEB Oro with Rosalia where he averaged 17.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Oleson has a German passport and will make the step up to ACB hoping his strong defence and quickness will still be effective I the big league.

Oleson is already with his new club and explained that he was looking forward to the challenge ahead.

I am very happy to play in the ACB with Fuenlabrada. The club is showing a bet with great confidence in my ability. From now on I am playing to demonstrate that they are not wrong with that bet. This is a team consolidated in ACB and I know that the initial objective is to ensure we remain in the league. We will have to go step by step, and the important thing now is to do a good job in preseason. '

Sant Josep Girona sign Casey Wohlleb - by Eurobasket
Sant Josep Girona (LEB) added to their roster 22-year old American guard Casey Wohlleb (201-G-86, college: Florida Gulf Coast, agency: AMI). Wohlleb played most recently at Florida Gulf Coast University (NCAA) in the U.S. He was the best scorer in his college last year when in 31 games he averaged 16.5ppg and 3.8rpg. It will be his first year in professional basketball.

Official: Aito to Unicaja - by Robert Mayor
It wasn't a secret, but today it's official: Aito Garcia Reneses will coach Unicaja Malaga next season. Spanish NT trainner, completed a sensational season last year winning Copa del Rey and ULEB Cup with DKV Joventut and a few days ago, added a silver medal with Spain in the Olympics, completing his best career season.

Now will try to guide Unicaja Malaga to the top positions again after a not very good year for Andalusian team, past course coached by Sergio Scariolo.

Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's), Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) and Robert Jr. Archibald (211-C/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) are some of the new names of new Aito project.

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


Roster of Lugano Tigers for 08/09 is known, 9 new players - by Dragan Jankovski
Lugano Tigers completed its roster for the upcoming season. The team decided to keep Derek STOCKALPER, Slavisa PANTIC, Gustavo LO LEGGIO and Massimo MAJOCCHI. Lugano also signed nine news players.

Daron LEONARD arrived to Lugano from Canadian Carleton University where he averaged 6.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 0.3 apg. He has double nationality Canadian / Suisse.

Point guards Marco MAGNANI is coming from LNB team SAM Basket Massagno. He was maybe the bets player of Massagno in 07/08 recording 15 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 3 apg. Magnani already played for Lugano before he moved to LNB.

Westher MOLTENI, who can play on both 3 and 4, spent last two seasons in SAV Vacallo Basket adding 7.3 ppg and 4.3 rpg in the last one. Interesting is that he also played for Lugano in the past.

Guard Niccolo PORETTI arrived from BBC Cossonay. He had 6.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1.7 apg in LNB last season.

Beside above mentioned player Lugano added 5 more imports.

Guard Kameron GRAY from Oklahoma City University where he added 14.6 ppg, 4 rpg and 6 apg in 07/08.

Big guy Isaac WELLS from Italian Lega Due team Indesit Fabriano.

Another American, this time power forward / center Josh ALMANSON, who is coming from German TBB Trier. He averaged 6.4 ppg and 2.6 rpg in German 1. Bundesleague last season.

American Dutch Matt OTTEN, ex BiG Storage Cheshire Jets.

The last one is American / Italian Daniel Muto. He graduated this year at Point Park University (NAIA).


*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Omari Peterkin in Bosnia - by Eurobasket News
Borac Nektar from Banja Luka finally resolved the problem in the paint. The team announced signing of big guy from U.S. Virgin Islands Omari Peterkin (204-F/C-83, college: Boston U.). 24-old PF/C started last season in Viking Gdynia from Poland but very soon he left the team due to bankruptcy. In November he joined Lusitania Angra Patrimonio Mundial from Portugal. He played 16 games in UZO Liga averaging 11 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.1 spg and 1.5 bpg. He ended competition as a third rebounder as well as second shot blocker. Peterkin graduated at Boston University in 2007. He played 28 games at his senior year delivering 8 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 1.6 bpg. He studied for a while at Notre Dame but in 2004 he transferred to Boston. He was a member of U.S. Virgin Islands' National Team on Tournament of the Americas in 2003 and 2007.

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


Stats Leaders - LUB
LUB Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
L. Garcia (BIG) 26.6
D.Jackson (DEF) 21.2
F. Martinez (MAL) 20.9
G. Reynolds (HEB) 20.8
E. Taboada (MAL) 20.4
Rebounds Per Game
K. Young (BIG) 13.7
L. Truscott (PAY) 110.8
K.Adams (MAL) 10.4
M. Flavin (UNI) 10.3
N- Mielke (DEF) 10.2
Assists Per Game
D. Barrera (HEB) 6.9.
D. Gonzalez (DEF) 5.9
M. Osimani (BIG) 5.6
D. Pereyra (ATE) 4.9
G. Caneiro (ATE) 4.4


The Uruguayan League will start tomorrow - by Hector Lopez
The Uruguayan League will begin tomorrow with 14 teams playing a first stage to classify 10 teams to the second stage. The playoff will then continue with 8 teams playing quarter finals to end on March 15. The last confirmations for import players were as follow:
Atenas - Marques Lewis (203-F-83, college: UAB)
Bohemios - Albert Burditt (203-F-72, college: Texas)
Defensor Sporting - Chris Jackson (208-C-81, college: N.Mexico St.) and Brian Woodward
Malvin - Anthony Washington (206-F/C-83, agency: Duran International, college: Portland St.)
Olimpia - Eric Freeman (205-C-79, college: Ky Wesleyan)
Paysandu - Jeffrey Ferguson (210-F/C-81, agency: CGL Sports, college: Wayne St., MI)
Sayago - Brandon Hassell (211-F-86, agency: Warren Sports International) and Charlie Burgess (185-G-84, agency: Warren Sports International)
Trouville - Jemere Hendrix (203-F-83, college: Tennessee)
Union Atletica - Jemino Sobers (201-F-84, college: Cent.Conn.St.) and Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Lewis)
Welcome - Brad Kanis (218-C) and JR Morris (196-G-82, college: Seton Hall)

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


Stats Leaders - LPB
LPB Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
M. Fleming (Guai) 21.4
R. Nembhard (Gai) 19.7
Washington (Guai) 19.2
J. Vargas (Tro) 18.3
C. Krauser (Gig) 17.9
Rebounds Per Game
A. Sucre (Mar) 9.3
D. Freeman (Gat) 9.2
T. Aguilera (Tro) 8.1
M. Fleming (Guai) 8.0
T. Taylor (Gig) 7.3
Assists Per Game
C. Krauser (Gig) 6.1
R. Nembhard (Gai) 5.8
C. Cedeno (Guai) 5.6
M. Osimani (Tro) 5.6
E. Mijares (Gat) 4.7
Steals Per Game
J. Smith (Tach) 3.8
H. Salcedo (Gai) 3.6
E. Mijares (Gat) 3.5
C. Cedeno (Guai) 3.5
H. Guillent (Gua) 3.3
Blocks Per Game
M. Marriaga (Gai) 1.7
L. Bethelmi (Coc) 1.2
H. Bayona (Guai) 1.1
E. Brock (Gua) 1.0
M. Dumont (Pan) 0.8
2FGP
L. Wallace (Tro) 65.0%
L. Bethelmi (Coc) 65.0%
H. Salcedo (Gai) 63.0%
T. Taylor (Gig) 62.0%
J. Vargas (Tro) 62.0%
3FGP
J. Centeno (Coc) 47.0%
L. Garcia (Coc) 47.0%
L. Cappare (Tro) 46.0%
M. Fleming (Guai) 43.0%
L. Wallace (Tro) 43.0%
Free Throws
L. Wallace (Tro) 91.0%
H. Paez (Coc) 88.0%
V.D. Diaz (Coc) 85.0%
J. Herrera (Coc) 84.0%
M. Osimani (Tro) 83.0%




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

Women News

*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC L. (W) - Women  


Gospic CO adds Martina Gambiraza - by Eurobasket News
Participant of Croatian A1 league as well as Adriatic league Gospic Croatia osiguranje got pretty good reinforcement for the upcoming season. It is guard Martina Gambiraza (176-G-82), who played last season in Bosnian team Zeleznicar Sarajevo. Her team succeeded to defend championship title beating Mladi Krajisnik on the road 80-78. In the first game of the play-off final Zeleznicar outplayed its rival setting the margin on 19 points. Martina Gambiraza and her teammates won League 4 and the entire championship recording impressive score 24-0. Martina Gambiraza also played for Zeleznicar in EuroCup averaging 9.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 1.1 spg in 8 games. In the past she used to play for PGM Ragusa Dubrovnik, Studenac Omis and Jolly Sibenik. As a player of Sibenik on season 04/05 Gambiraza won Adriatic league and reached play-off final in domestic championship. Her team also played in the quarterfinals of Europe Cup and in the semis of Croatian National Cup. At the same year she got an invitation to join National Team of Croatia.

In the meantime Croatian National Team arrived to Sopron for the fourth game of Eurobasket 2009 qualifications against Hungary. Three days later Croatia will take on France on the road. Head coach of the team Nenad Amanovic stated that after victory against Slovakia his team has a chance to reach Eurobasket 2009.

'If we grab one of the following two games we'll be good. I know it won't be an easy job but if we show up with good attitude and willingness to fight we will have a chance' - said Amanovic.

*****************************************************
  BELGIUM - Women  


Spirou Monceau Charleroi sign Sarune Jasiunskaite - by Eurobasket
Spirou Monceau Charleroi agreed terms with 20-year old Lithuanian U20 international forward Sarune Jasiunskaite (188-F-88). Jasiunskaite played most recently at TEO Vilnius (Lithuania). She was there usually on the bench, while it was extremely hard to make it to starting five in such strong team. She was tried even in one of Euroleague games. She has a long career in Lithuanian national teams playing for last four year in different age selections. She just played at European Championships U20 in Chieti (ITA).

Point Chaud Sprimont sign Audrey Salvi - by Eurobasket
Point Chaud Sprimont signed 19-year old French guard Audrey Salvi (168-G-89). Salvi played most recently at Etoile de Voiron Feminin in French NF1. She represented France playing for U16 team. She tried to make it to top French league (LFB) at Cercle Jean Mace Bourges, but he decided last year to move to lower league NF1. It seems this year she will be back in top league, but in neighbour Belgium.

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


Ontario captured gold in U17 National Championships - by Simon Yau

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI The top juvenile basketball teams in the nation were crowned over the weekend as Ontarios girls squad captured gold with a 77-44 win over Alberta.

Natalie Achonwa and Kayla Alexander scored 20 points apiece in the girls gold medal game while also combining for almost half of Ontario's 35 boards. Stephanie Vermunt led Alberta with 11 points while teammate Michelle Plouffe took down a game-high 11 rebounds for the silver medal squad.

In the bronze medal match, Diana Lee led the British Columbia girls to an 87-64 victory over Quebec with 14 points and seven rebounds.


For more, visit: www.basketball.ca



*****************************************************
  CROATIA - Women  


Gospic CO adds Martina Gambiraza - by Eurobasket News
Participant of Croatian A1 league as well as Adriatic league Gospic Croatia osiguranje got pretty good reinforcement for the upcoming season. It is guard Martina Gambiraza (176-G-82), who played last season in Bosnian team Zeleznicar Sarajevo. Her team succeeded to defend championship title beating Mladi Krajisnik on the road 80-78. In the first game of the play-off final Zeleznicar outplayed its rival setting the margin on 19 points. Martina Gambiraza and her teammates won League 4 and the entire championship recording impressive score 24-0. Martina Gambiraza also played for Zeleznicar in EuroCup averaging 9.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 1.1 spg in 8 games. In the past she used to play for PGM Ragusa Dubrovnik, Studenac Omis and Jolly Sibenik. As a player of Sibenik on season 04/05 Gambiraza won Adriatic league and reached play-off final in domestic championship. Her team also played in the quarterfinals of Europe Cup and in the semis of Croatian National Cup. At the same year she got an invitation to join National Team of Croatia.

In the meantime Croatian National Team arrived to Sopron for the fourth game of Eurobasket 2009 qualifications against Hungary. Three days later Croatia will take on France on the road. Head coach of the team Nenad Amanovic stated that after victory against Slovakia his team has a chance to reach Eurobasket 2009.

'If we grab one of the following two games we'll be good. I know it won't be an easy job but if we show up with good attitude and willingness to fight we will have a chance' - said Amanovic.

*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18 - Women  


W-Standings - Group A
Standings
Group E
1. Lithuania5-0
2. Czech Repu.3-2
3. Poland2-3
4. Slovakia2-3
5. Turkey2-3
6. Ukraine1-4
Group F
1. France4-1
2. Russia4-1
3. Spain3-2
4. Serbia2-3
5. Sweden2-3
6. Bulgaria0-5
Classification
1. Belarus2-0
2. Italy1-1
3. Romania1-1
4. Croatia0-2


Standings - Division B - by Eurobasket
Standings Div.B
Group E
1. Slovenia3-0
2. Greece2-1
3. Estonia1-2
4. Germany0-3
Group F
1. Latvia3-0
2. Belgium2-1
3. Holland1-2
4. Hungary0-3
Group G
1. Portugal3-0
2. Israel2-1
3. Austria1-2
4. Luxembourg.0-3
Group H
1. Bosnia2-1
2. Ireland2-1
3. U.Kingdom1-2
4. Finland1-2
Group I
1. Denmark2-1
2. FYR Macedo.2-1
3. Scotland2-1
4. Switzerl.0-3


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20 - Women  


W-Standings - Group A
Standings
Group E
1. France4-1
2. Serbia4-1
3. Turkey2-3
4. Italy2-3
5. Latvia2-3
6. Czech Repu.1-4
Group F
1. Russia5-0
2. Spain4-1
3. Lithuania2-3
4. Ukraine2-3
5. Belarus2-3
6. Monteneg.0-5
Classification
1. Germany2-0
2. Belgium1-1
3. Bulgaria1-1
4. Greece0-2


*****************************************************
  FRANCE - Women  


Standings - LFB
LFB Standings
 1. USVO 0-0 
 2. Mondeville 0-0 
 3. Bourges 0-0 
 4. Tarbes 0-0 
 5. Villeneuve 0-0 
 6. Clermont 0-0 
 7. Montpellier 0-0 
 8. Pays d'Aix 0-0 
 9. COB Calais 0-0 
 10. St Amand 0-0 
 11. Challes 0-0 
 12. Reims 0-0 
 13. Arras 0-0 
 14. Nantes 0-0 
 15. Landes 0-0 


Standings - NF1 (Women) - by Eurobasket
NF1 Standings
 1. Nice 0-0 
 2. Strasbourg ABC 0-0 
 3. Mourenx 0-0 
 4. Voiron 0-0 
 5. Charleville 0-0 
 6. Limoges 0-0 
 7. CFBB 0-0 
 8. Toulouse 0-0 
 9. Ifs 0-0 
 10. Dunkerque 0-0 
 11. Lot-et-Garonne 0-0 
 12. Laveyron 0-0 
 13. Rennes 0-0 
 14. Pleyber Christ 0-0 
 15. Armentieres 0-0 
 16. SI Graffenstaden 0-0 
 17. La Roche-sur-Lion 0-0 
 18. Colomiers 0-0 


LFB Stats Leaders
LFB Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Mosh, Arras 19.4
2 Davenpo, Challes 16.1
3 Williams, Mondev. 15.6
4 Basko, Montpellier 15.4
5 Lelas, Monrenx 15.0
Rebounds Per Game
1 Stansbu, StAmand 9.8
2 Butler, Clermont 9.2
3 Neaves, Calais 9.0
4 Jackson, Challes 8.5
5 Thomas, Arras 8.5
Assists Per Game
1 Aubert, Mondeville 8.1
2 Wambe, Villeneuve 6.1
3 Pinto, Montpellier 5.1
5 Sharp, Pays d'Aix 4.3
4 Dumerc, Bourges 4.6
Steals Per Game
1 Moore, St Amand 3.7
2 Luptakova, Challes 2.5
3 Cibert, Calais 2.3
Blocks Per Game
1 El-Gargati, Mondev 1.1
2 Davenport, Challes 1.1
3 Moeggen, Tarbes 1.0
2FGP
1 Davenpo, Challes 64.0
2 Mame, Reims 63.5
3 Dijon, Montpellier 63.2
3FGP
1 Ivancevic, Arras 55.0
2 Moeggen, Tarbes 50.6
3 Dijon, Montpellier 50.0
Free Throws
1 Snell, Bourges 97.4
2 Savasta, Tarbes 93.2
3 Pinto, Montpellier 90.0


*****************************************************
  GERMANY - Women  


Stats Leaders - Women
Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Tulikihihifo, Got. 19.5
2 Paunovic, Freiburg 18.9
3 Woods, Leipzig 18.8
4 Hibbert, Wass. 17.6
5 Carroll, Munchen 17.2
Rebounds Per Game
1 Dennett, Freiburg 9.9
2 Tulikihihifo, Got. 9.5
3 Triggs, Halle 9.4
4 Zberch, Chemnitz 8.8
5 Muller, Munchen 8.2
Assists Per Game
1 Pop, Wass. 5.8
2 Woods, Leipzig 4.8
3 Comtesse, Saar. 4.8
4 Mersch, Ober. 4.1
5 Austmann, Ober. 4.0
Steals Per Game
1 Hayes, Freiburg 3.9
2 Woods, Leipzig 3.9
3 Austmann, Ober. 3.7
Blocks Per Game
1 Lassiter, Wass. 1.8
2 Muller, Munchen 1.7
3 Dennett, Freiburg 1.3
2FGP
1 Furkova, Wass. 66.2
2 Ernest, Ober. 61.7
3 Triggs, Halle 58.6
3FGP
1 Berger, Wass. 57.1
2 Krug, Halle 50.0
3 Barker, Ober. 41.8
Free Throws
1 Carroll, Munchen 90.4
2 Nakase, Herner 88.4
3 Adlerova, Leipzig 88.2


*****************************************************
  GREECE - Women  


A1 Womens Stats Leaders
A1 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 QUAYIE (Aias) 20.3
2 REEVES (Meg) 18.1
2 MURPHY(Apolon) 18.1
3 DAVIS (Apolon) 17.1
5 TIERNY (Sport) 16.8
6 QUIGLEY (Siem) 15.86
7 QUEENAN (Pan) 15.6
Rebounds Per Game
1 TIERNY SPO 81
2 REEVES ALE 69
3 CHRISTOFORAKI 59
4 CARVER AST 58
5 DAVIS APO 58
Assists Per Game
1 GOUZINI ATH 38
2 WILLIAMS ALE 34
3 KARABATZAKI 24
4 KALENTZOU 24
5 DELI PANIONIOS 22
Steals Per Game
1 WILLIAMS Kim 28
2 HAGIYA IRAKLIS 19
3 QUAYE AIAS 18
4 MURPHY APO 17
5 PAPADIMOU 14
Blocks Per Game
1 BIBIRI IRAKLIS 10
2 NERO ATHINAIKOS 6
3 KATOPODI IRAKLIS 5
4 NIKOLAIDOU PAN 5
5 KERR ARIS 4
2FGP
1 QUIGLEY SIE 41
2 NERO ATH 40
3 REEVES ALE 37
3FGP
1 KOCH SPORTING 19
2 SCOTT ESP 17
3 DELI PANIONIOS 15
4 MURPHY APOLLON 14
Free Throws
1 THORN PANION 95%
2 KALENTZOU ESP 89%
3 KALTSIDOU ESP 89%


*****************************************************
  JAPAN - Women  


WNBA Phoenix Mercury's Yuko Oga making mark - by Eurobasket News
Yelling a flurry of directions to her teammates, star guard Diana Taurasi usually dominates the Mercury's huddle.

But it isn't unusual for Mercury fans to notice repeated enthusiastic clapping and head bobs from rookie Yuko Oga (170-G-82) of Japan.

'She does not have great English, but her character is very positive,' Oga's agent, Toshinori Koga, said. 'She can jump in with the team, laughing, even though she may not understand.'

Oga's cheery demeanor, explosive speed and constant enthusiasm have made her a quick fan favorite during her rookie season with the Mercury.

She is only the second Japanese WNBA player. The first was Mercury guard Mikiko Hagiwara from 1997-1998.

Mercury coach Corey Yasuto Gaines, whose grandparents are Japanese, discovered Oga through his Japanese basketball contacts. Gaines played in a Japanese men's basketball league in the early 2000s.

Oga represented Japan in the 2004 Athens Olympics and played for the JOMO Sunflowers team of the Women's Japan Basketball League.

Gaines decided that Oga would be a perfect fit for the Mercury's uptempo offense.

'She has an energy level . . . an excitement,' he said. 'She goes hard every time. She has that mentality of ,'Go, go, go.' That's what we need.'

Oga, known by her nickname 'Shin,' has appeared in 19 Mercury games and is averaging 7.6 minutes and 2.5 points.

'To play in the WNBA, it is my dream,' she said. 'It's exciting. I try to play hard . . . appeal to coach. I am very happy. I like Phoenix.'

The passion exhibited by Mercury fans was a pleasant surprise for Oga.

'The fans are so hot . . . booing, then a standing ovation,' she said. 'In Japan it is like [politely clapping].'

The language barrier has been a challenge for Oga, who humbly apologizes for her basic English.

Because Japanese teams use English terms such as 'offense,' 'defense,' 'fast break,' and 'foul,' Oga feels comfortable in games and practice.

But off the court, dialogue poses a greater challenge. Team huddles, bench chatter and practice jokes sometimes leave her feeling lost.

Gaines often helps Oga by demonstrating plays rather than giving verbal instructions.

'Talking is fast, and hearing it is hard,' she said. 'My Phoenix Mercury teammates are so sweet. They communicate a little slowly and make it easier. Everyone is so nice. They are great teammates.'

Oga's closest teammate is rookie and former training-camp roommate Brooke Smith.

Smith helped Oga learn English and move forward from some early humorous mishaps.

Earlier in the summer, Smith was scheduled to pick up Oga at Sky Harbor Airport when she returned from an overseas trip.

'She texted me, 'I alive at airport,' ' Smith said, laughing. 'When she got in the car I said, 'Shin, it's ARRIVE, not alive.' '

Koga introduced Oga to several Japanese athletes training in the area. Now she frequently meets Japanese baseball player Kazumi Saito for dinner.

'He is very famous in Japan,' Oga said. 'He has watched the Phoenix Mercury games about four or five times. He likes basketball.'

When she returns to play in Japan for the off-season, Oga hopes to take home a few lessons she has learned from U.S. players. Taurasi's proactive leadership has served as an inspiration.

'I want to teach and do my job,' she said. 'With Japanese basketball, the head coach is speaking, and the players say, 'Yes, yes, yes.' I like the American style. It is very different.'

Oga remains humble about her potential impact in the league. She gives more credit to Hagiwara.

'Thank you very much to her,' she said. 'She opened the road for Japan to go to WNBA. I make more of that road. Now, Japanese players have dreams to go to the U.S.'

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com

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  PORTUGAL - Women  


Hood lands on CAB - by Luis Rocha
CAB gets their second foreign player, by signing Danielle Hood (185-F/C-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Hartford), a powerfull forward who comes to play with Ebony Twiggs in the inside game of the Mdeira club. CAB is following their own steps by signing great players with a lot to give , in order to regain the title. The last campaign was far from the expectations, but now it seems that the club managed some finantial problems that afflicted the women s team last season, and tries to step forward trough a splendid 2008-09.

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  ROMANIA - Women  


Stats Leaders - Women
Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Hodges, Alex. 20.0
2. Pop, Cluj Nap. 14.2
3. Orosz, Cluj Nap. 13.7
4. Dragusin, S.Stud. 12.8
5. Ondreikovics, S.Stud. 12.4
Rebounds Per Game
1. Hood, Alex. 13.5
2. Dragusin, S.Stud. 8.2
3. Urse, S.Stud. 7.8
Assists Per Game
1. Dragusin, S.Stud. 5.2
2. Ondreikovics, S.Stud. 3.0
3. Nicolaescu, S.Stud 3.0


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  RUSSIA - Women  


Spartak St.Petersburg sign Elena Vishniakova - by Eurobasket
Spartak St.Petersburg signed 30-year old forward Elena Vishniakova (191-F-78, college: George Washington, agency: LBM Management). Vishniakova played most recently at ASPTT Charleville-Mezieres (France), where she took 3rd place in NF2 (second division). After graduating the college in the States, she went straight to France, whe she played for last six years. Sttrangely it will be her first Superleague season in her country.

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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Viktoria PCSP Kosice sign Chelsea Aubry - by Eurobasket
Viktoria PCSP Kosice strengthened their roster with addition of 24-year old Canadian forward Chelsea Aubry (188-F-84, college: Nebraska). Aubry played most recently at Nebraska in the States, where she averaged 8.4ppg and 4.5rpg in 32 games. She was selected there to All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. Aubry also played last two years for Canadian National Team, when she went with Canadian team to American Championships in Hato Mayor (DOM), Panamerican Games in Rio de Janeiro (BRA) and Tournament of the Americas last year.

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  SWITZERLAND - Women  


Sdent Nyon Basket Feminin sign Zsuzsa Tarnai - by Eurobasket
Sdent Nyon Basket Feminin agreed terms with French center Zsuzsa Tarnai. Tarnai played most recently at Etoile de Voiron Feminin (France). She helped her team to get promotion from NF2 to NF1 (second division) in France. She won NF2 championship in 2007. That's the way to take 'shortcut' directly to top division ...abroad.

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  WNBA - Women  


Sacramento awarded fourth consecutive WNBA "Court of Dreams" - by Eurobasket News
The WNBA and the Sacramento Monarchs turned another dream into reality today as they announced the winner of the league-wide 2008 'Court of Dreams' contest. Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, in partnership with the Sacramento Monarchs, Wells Fargo and St. John's Shelter Program for Women and Children, have been awarded their fourth consecutive 'Court of Dreams' for Sacramento.

'Court of Dreams' is an annual WNBA promotional campaign involving community groups from each of the 14 WNBA team markets competing to sell the most tickets for local WNBA games through the program period. Winners of the contest have the opportunity to select one of three prizes: a WNBA-identified basketball court, a Reading and Learning Center or $10,000 cash. St. John's Shelter Program for Women and Children has chosen to receive a Reading and Learning Center.

'The WNBA and the Sacramento Monarchs are so pleased to be part of a community that comes together to build better opportunities for our youth to learn, play and grow,' said WNBA President Donna Orender. 'Congratulations to the Sacramento area Rotary and Kiwanis clubs and Wells Fargo for all your efforts.'

The Sacramento area Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, Wells Fargo and the Sacramento Monarchs won a Reading and Learning Center for Oak Ridge Elementary School in 2007. In 2006, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs teamed up with the Sacramento Monarchs to win an official regulation WNBA basketball court for the YMCA of Greater Sacramento. In 2005, though the Washington Mystics won the national promotion by two tickets, Joe and Gavin Maloof stepped up to show their appreciation to the Rotary and Kiwanis group's exceptional effort and results by building a new basketball court for the Children's Receiving Home, a shelter for abused and neglected children in Sacramento County.

'The Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 5180 are pleased to have won another Court of Dreams for the Sacramento area,' said Doug Kraft, Co-Chair, Sacramento Court of Dreams, Rotary District 5180. 'This is the fourth consecutive year we have been awarded a ?Court of Dreams.' During this period, we have purchased over 20,000 tickets to WNBA games, raised in excess of $30,000 for the Kiwanis Family House and Rotary's Polio Plus, have sent thousands of kids to WNBA basketball games and have built a basketball court and two Reading and Learning Centers for deserving organizations in our community.'

Gary Christensen, Kiwanis New Build Project Manager and Co-Chair, Sacramento Court of Dreams added, 'Winning another ?Court of Dreams' shows just what can be accomplished when a team of dedicated Kiwanians and Rotarians focus their community service efforts towards such a tremendous contest. St. John's Shelter is so deserving of the Reading and Learning Center, which will be used to assist many women and children. And with over 5,000 donation tickets sold to win the contest, several thousand deserving children were able to attend a Sacramento Monarchs game this season. Congratulations to all who participated.'

Felix Fernandez, Wells Fargo Northern California Regional President added, 'Wells Fargo is pleased to be the presenting partner of the ?Court of Dreams.' We are proud to align ourselves with great organizations that share a similar community vision such as Kiwanis, Rotary and the Monarchs. At Wells Fargo we believe that we are only as successful as the communities we serve. Our team members volunteer over 20,000 hours each year and the Wells Fargo Foundation supports over 600 non-profit organizations like St John's Shelter. Being a part of the new Reading and Learning Center at St John's Shelter solidifies our commitment to the Sacramento community.'

St. John's mission is to support women who are homeless with children to advance from a point of crisis to a position of self-sufficiency. St. John's Shelter Program for Women and Children is the only shelter program in Sacramento County focused exclusively on women with children - the most vulnerable of the homeless population. Since 1985, the program has provided a safe and supportive haven to more than 23,000 displaced women and children.

'Most of the children who enter the doors of St. John's have been in multiple schools over the past year, sometimes as many as eight schools in a year,' said Michele Steeb, Executive Director, St. John's Shelter Program for Women & Children. 'To be able to enroll them in one school for the 90 days we have with them, and moreover, to be able to offer them a state-of-the-art Reading and Learning Center in which they can study and progress while St. John's is their home, this is truly a dream come true for our families and our staff. Thank you to our supporters including Rotary, Kiwanis, Wells Fargo and the Sacramento Monarchs for making this happen for our families who are homeless, not helpless. The impact that this Center will have on the 600+ families who enter St. John's each year is immeasurable.'

'We are so proud to be a part of winning another ?Court of Dreams' for the Sacramento community,' said Danette Leighton, Vice President of Monarchs Business Operations. 'We'd like to once again thank the Sacramento area Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs and Wells Fargo for making four consecutive ?Court of Dreams' a reality.'

About Rotary International Rotary International is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 31,000 Rotary clubs located in 167 countries. Rotary District 5180 serves the Sacramento area from Oroville and Gridley in the North to Elk Grove and Walnut Grove in the South, from West Sacramento to El Dorado Hills in the East with approximately 2,100 Rotarians participating in 37 clubs. To learn about Rotary International visit http://www.rotary.org/.

About Kiwanis Family House Kiwanis Family House is dedicated to providing temporary housing and support to families of seriously ill or injured children being treated at the UC Davis Medical Center. For more information about Kiwanis Family House, please visit www.kiwanisfamilyhouse.org.

About Maloof Sports and Entertainment: Maloof Sports & Entertainment includes the Sacramento Kings (NBA), Sacramento Monarchs (WNBA) and ARCO Arena. Led by Joe and Gavin Maloof, and owned by the Maloof family with long-term, local partners, the organization is committed to the community in Sacramento and to making a positive, meaningful difference in the lives of families in need and at risk in the Sacramento region. Maloof Sports & Entertainment has donated more than $13 million to charities in the Sacramento region in nine years of Maloof family ownership. For more information about Maloof Sports & Entertainment, please visit kings.com, sacramentomonarchs.com and arcoarena.com or call 916-928-0000 .

About Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $540 billion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through almost 6,000 stores and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the only bank in the U.S., and one of only two banks worldwide, to have the highest credit rating from both Moody's Investors Service, 'Aaa,' and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, 'AAA.'

About the WNBA Comprised of 14 teams and now in its 12th season, the WNBA is the longest-running and most successful women's professional team sports league in America. The 2008 season tipped off May 17 with ESPN2 again providing appointment viewing in the form of its 'WNBA Tuesdays' telecasts. Combined coverage on ABC and ESPN2 will include 21 national telecasts, while NBA TV - the league's 24-hour television network - will offer 70 regular-season contests.

The WNBA is deeply committed to WNBA CARES programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on promoting health and fitness, breast health awareness, reading and youth basketball programs. For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.

Courtesy of WNBA