Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/30/2008

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Men News

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ABA

Washington Raptors sign duo - by Eurobasket News
Washington Raptors President/GM, Tim Joseph, announced the signing of Nguye Kaladokub and Curtis Hill (6'6''-F-81, college: Morehouse).

Kaladokub is a 6'11' Nigerian diamond who plays the 3 through the 5. He attended Midland College and Portland State College. 'Nauye is a fast big-man' states Joseph.

Hill is 6'6' , plays the 2 through the 5 and attended Moorehouse College. Hill played for the Vancouver Volcanoes and then came to the Raptors in 2007 when they were in the IBL. He has ABA experience having played previously for the San Francisco Rumble. 'He's got great defensive play and has great blocking abilities' adds Joseph.

Team owner, Regina Joseph, states 'I'm very pleased with the signing of these two players'.

Courtesy of ABA

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ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

Day 2 results and stats - by Eurobasket News
GROUP A
China defeated India 98:49 in its second game at the Asian Under-18 Championship in Tehran. Wang Zheng (216-C-90) led the scoring with 25 points and Li Xiaoxu had 15 points and 19 rebounds. Hitendra Rathore finished the night with 12 points in defeat. India began the game with a scoring run and led 12:2. Then China ran off 19 straight points and led 31:18 at the end of the first quarter. It gave them also 51:25 at the half and 75:38 after three quarters.
In the second day of the tournament Japan mauled Hong Kong 102:60 and advance to the top groups of the Quarterfinal round. Japan won the opening quarter 22:11 and did not stop in the game. They led to 39:27 after the half and increased to 74:43 after three quarters played.

China U18-India U18 98:49
China U18: Wang Zheng 25, Dong Hanlin (206-F-91) 17, Li Xiaxou 15, Ren Junfei 13
India U18: Hitendra Rathore 12

Japan U18-Hong Kong U18 102:60
Japan U18: Kaito Ishikawa 17, Yusuke Karino 15, Takumi Hoshino 13
Hong Kong U18: Chow Kin Wan 23

GROUP B
In the second game of FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Junior Men Kazakhstan beat Saudi Arabia 101:72 in Group B. Kazakhstan, who finished just outside the semifinals at Urumqi two years ago, raced ahead 11-4 early in the first quarter and that set the tempo for the rest of the game. They finished with 23:15 in the opening quarter and never looked behind. Kazakhstan outscored Saudi Arabia with 49:27 at the halftime and looked more optimistic. In the second half the winners held off the opponents and led the game to the winning end. Omirzak Akhmet (202-C-90) top-scored for the winners with 30 points. Alexander Tyutyunik netted 20, while Denis Degtyarev added 15. Hassan BinMohammed posted 25 in defeat and Yazaeed Fallatah nailed 21.
In the second game Korea beat Jordan 78:69. Jordan went ahead 10:4 early in the game but Korea staged a 17-5 run midway through the quarter to move ahead. Korea never looked behind later and won the game. Lim Jongill top-scored for the winners with 29 points and Kim Yumin added 15. Louay Obeidi ended up with 32 points, whilst Odai Abuqamar posted 14.

Kazakhstan U18-Saudi Arabia U18 101:72
Kazakhstan U18:Omirzak Akhmet 30, Alexander Tyutyunik 20, Denis Degtyarev 15
Saudi Arabia U18: Hassan BinMohammed 25, Yazaeed Fallatah 21

Korea U18-Jordan U18 78:69
Korea U18: Lim Jongill 29, Kim Yumin 15
Jordan U18: Louay Obeidi 32, Odai Abuqamar 14

GROUP C
Philippines U18 had another thriller in Day 2 of FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Junior Men. This time however Lebanon U18 upset the team 87:84 in a Group C preliminary round game.Philippines, who had won after allowing Chinese Taipei to bounce back before winning in second overtime on Wednesday seemed to have learnt their lessons. Trailing 61:66, at the start of the fourth quarter, Lebanon ran a 13-3 spree that brought back the confidence in their trait. Mikael El Nar led the winners with 32 points and Ahmad Ibrahim nailed 24. Ryan Garcia (178-F) top-scored in the losing effort with 28 points.

Lebanon U18-Philippines U18 87:84
Lebanon U18: Mikael El Nar 32, Ahmad Ibrahim 24
Philippines U18: Ryan Garcia 28

GROUP D
Syria U18 started the FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Junior Men only in the second day as Group D has only 3 teams. Syria overcame Malaysia U18 100:63 to send the latter to 0-2 record. Malaysia, on the other hand, having lost both their games left to play the consolation league in the Quarterfinal round. The winners started with 21;14 in the opening quarter and improved to 42:19 at the halftime. Belal Gneed and Alaa Al Sebay paced the winners with 17 points each. Samer Bawadekji followed them with 12 points for 1-0 record. Ong Chun Khee ended up with 25 points in the losing effort.

Syria U18-Malaysia U18 100:63
Syria U18: Belal Gneed 17, Alaa Al Sebay 17, Samer Bawadekji 12
Malaysia U18: Ong Chun Khee 25

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AUSTRALIA

Dontaye Draper moves to Italian Basket Napoli - by Eurobasket News
Former Sydney Kings import Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston) has signed a deal to play in Italys top league.

Drapers signing was announced by Basket Napoli, based in Naples and playing in the Serie A, on the teams website.

The 180cm guard averaged 14.5 points and 4.4 assists per game for the Kings. He led his team to within one win of the title in 2008.

Following the demise of the Kings, he had been rumoured to be in the sights of a number of NBL teams, before opting to sign in Europe following a stint in the NBA summer leagues.

Draper was named the NBLs Best Sixth Man in 2008, as well as being honoured with selection in the All-NBL Third Team.

Courtesy of www.gaze.com.au

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BAHAMAS

Winston-Salem State plays two exhibition games in four-day tour of Bahamas - by Eurobasket News
Winston-Salem State is off to Nassau, Bahamas for a four-day trip in which the team will play two exhibition games against two club teams. The Rams take advantage of an NCAA rule that allows a school to play in an early tournament once every four years. The team was allowed to practice for 10 days prior to its departure on Friday.

'We are extremely excited about this opportunity,' said head coach Bobby Collins . 'We have been practicing for 10 days and this gives us not only a chance to get a jump start in evaluating where we are as a team, but will give a chance for our student-athletes to help broaden their world experiences both on and off the court.'

After a Friday evening arrival, the Rams will face the NP All Stars at 2 p.m. on Saturday and then face Commonwealth Bank in a 6 p.m. match-up on Sunday. Both games will be played at Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, a 3,500-seat venue in Nassau.

WSSU, which went 12-18 in 2007-08, returns a talented group of players from last year's squad, with senior forward Jamal Durham leading the team. Brian Fisher, the Rams only junior with experience in head coach Bobby Collins ' system, will also add experience along with sophomore forward Paul Davis, who led the team in rebounds and blocked shots last season.

After losing two starters in Roy Peake and Darrell Wonge, Collins will look to his seven newcomers to provide depth for the team.

'This trip will allow us to come together as a team as we prepare for the long and arduous 2008-09 basketball season. We are truly grateful to the athletic administration for allowing us to have this opportunity. We are excited to travel and represent Winston-Salem State University as we help to educate not only our young student-athletes but the people of the Bahamas about how great an academic institution that Winston-Salem State truly is.'

ABOUT NASSAU
Nassau, the nation's capital, sits 179 miles off the Florida coast and is also known as New Providence Island. It is home to many historical sites, including the Government House, Parliament Square, Fort Charlotte, Fort Montagu and Queen's Staircase.

Nassau provides numerous sporting opportunities, including golf, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Straw Market, one of the largest and most famous markets in the world, is located at Cable Beach and boasts authentic Bahamian art, antiques and handmade clothing and jewelry.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

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BOSNIA

British guards lead UK to a tight 100-98 win after being trailing by 15! - by Nedzad Kladusak
BIH lost their test match against Great Britain, a team they will face in their qualification group.
Bosnia-Hercegovina started very well and dominated the game through its big men Jazvin and Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket). Surprisingly not Freeland and Mensah-Bonsu have not been the driving forces in the british team but their guards. After the main bosnian players have been charged with PF coach Mensur Bajramovic had to enter his benchplayers who had great problems to get in the game. The british team took advantage of the lacking experience and initiated a 14-0 run at the begin of the fourth quarter. The bosnian team managed to tie in the late 4th quarter having even the chance to win with a threepointer with the buzzer but J.R.Bremer missed also his 4th threepoint-attempt.Great Britain will play against Portugal that lost to Turkey only by 7 points. Bosnia-Hecegovina will meet Turkey and will in case they win the match, win the tournament.

BIH: Kenan Bajramovic 22, Opacak 20, Jazvin 17, Djedovic 17, Teletovic 5,Gordic 5, Milosevic 4, Bremer 4, Ikonic 2, Bavcic 2, Nesovic, Kikanovic.
Great Britan: Reinking 21,Mensah-Bonsu 20, Leven 19, Sullivan 13, Hart 12, Freeland 8, Boyd 6, Beateng 1, Larkai,

Pecs the fourth team of Mirza Delibasic Memorial 2008 - by Nedzad Kladusak
After Galatasaray and Red Star Belgrade decided to support their player e.g. former player in the promotion of hatred,racism and fascism, KK Bosna did not want to provide the stage for hailing an ideology that is responsible for more several hundred thousand people in Bosnia Hercegovina. This time the management took one of its few honourable steps, kindly asking Galatsaray to leave Gurovic in Istanbul.
KK Bosna decided to invite the hungarian team of Pecs, featuring several hungarian NT players.
The other two teams will be FMP Belgrade and KK Split.

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CANADA

Penn State to tip off season in Canada on Saturday - by Eurobasket News
This weekend will not only mark the beginning of the Penn State football season, but the very early tip-off of what is expected to be a rewarding season for the Nittany Lion basketball team as they play the first of four exhibition games in Toronto, Canada, Saturday at noon.A roster of 15 Nittany Lion players, coaches and staff will head north to take on a group of Canadian colleges and universities in the Toronto area, opening play on the season a full month and a half before the official NCAA start date for practice on Oct. 17.

Penn State will open play with a double-header against the University of Waterloo Warriors and the Sheridan College Bruins on Saturday, Aug. 30. Both games will be played at Sheridan College's Davis Campus just outside of Toronto. The Nittany Lions will take on the Warriors, who went 6-16 in the west division of Ontario University Athletics (OUA) last year, in a noon tip-off. Penn State will take on Sheridan, which won the Ontario College Athletics Association with a 16-2 record last year and finished fourth in the Canadian College National Championship, at 7:00 p.m.

Penn State will face the Ryerson University Rams on Sunday, Aug. 31 in a 7:00 p.m. game in Toronto. The Rams finished with a 7-15 record in the East Division of the OUA last season.

The Nittany Lions will wrap up the Toronto trip with a noon tip-off against the York University Lions on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. The Lions also posted a 7-15 mark in the OUA last season.

The Nittany Lions also plan to make a stop at Niagara Falls on the return trip home following Monday's game and take a voyage on the Maid of the Mist.

'It's been fun,' Penn State coach Ed DeChellis said of the opportunity to begin coaching his team early. 'We've had some very spirited practices and the guys are really excited for the chance to play this early in the year. It's been a great opportunity to teach the freshmen our offensive and defensive sets and get a feel for where guys are going to fit and what we are going to be able to do this season. I think the guys will really enjoy the trip, and we are all looking forward to spending some time together in a different city and playing some competitive games.'

Under NCAA rules, the Nittany Lions were allowed 10 practice dates prior to the exhibition games. Penn State got four of those in with its 12 returning players prior to the end of the summer session. Once the fall semester began Nittany Lion freshmen, Chris Babb, Billy Oliver and Cammeron Woodyard, joined the team and Penn State has been putting in two-a-days this week to prepare to play.

Among the things they have been practicing are playing under FIBA rules set by the International Basketball Federation. Among the differences they've been adjusting to are a wider trapezoid lane, 24-second shot clock, four 10-minute quarters, an eight-second backcourt violation and the ability to touch the ball on the rim after its initial contact. Penn State has also been adjusting to the new 20 feet, 9 inch NCAA three-point line, which is actually three inches longer than the 20 feet, 6 inch international arc.

Penn State returns its top two scorers and five of its top six from last season, including leading scorer Talor Battle (Albany, N.Y.). Battle, a sophomore point-guard who posted 10.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 3.1 apg last season, also led the Lions in assists and steals and is among four of the Lions top five rebounders that also return. Battle shared team MVP honors with two-time All-Big Ten honoree Jamelle Cornley (Columbus, Ohio). Cornley averaged 12.1 ppg and 6.0 rpg last season to earn third-team All-Big Ten honors despite missing six games total and the last three of the season with a knee injury. Cornley is fully recovered from knee surgery and is among five returning seniors that include Danny Morrissey (Cleveland, Ohio), the team's leading three-point shooter in three seasons, and Stanley Pringle (Virginia Beach, Va.), a starter in 12 games who shot better than 40 percent from the arc last year.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

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CBA

CBA announces date of 2008 Draft - by Eurobasket News
Continental Basketball Association today announced that the 2008 CBA Draft will be held on Tuesday, September 23. The CBA Draft is considered by many to be the unofficial start of the 2008-09 season as the member teams look to start putting a face to their franchise. After the outstanding success last year, the CBA will again webcast the CBA Draft through the efforts of Web Television Network.

The CBA Draft will take place on Tuesday, September 23 and be webcast live starting at 8:00 PM EST. Fans can log on to the CBA Website (www.cbahoopsonline.com) or Web Television Network (www.webtelevisionnetwork.com) to follow all of the Draft action. Every selection will be updated as it happens, and the final results will be posted when the draft has concluded.

The CBA Draft will consist of six rounds and is open to all players who have exhausted their college eligibility and were eligible for the NBA Draft this past June. CBA Deputy Commissioner Dennis Truax will serve as the moderator for the CBA Draft with CBA Director of Scouting Mark Argenziano and Director of Player Personnel Jeff Argenziano providing commentary on the Draft.

'We are very pleased to partner again with Web Television Network to webcast the 2008 CBA Draft,' said CBA Deputy Commissioner Dennis Truax. 'WTN did such a great job last season that we wanted to continue our partnership with them to bring the fans one of our premier events.'

Web Television Network (webtelevisionnetwork.com) is a comprehensive broadband initiative designed to provide fans, sponsors, media and the public with quality live and archived steaming webcasts of games and other compelling video on-demand programming. WTN seeks to be the premier broadband destination for free, live video of Continental Basketball Association games and other video-on-demand features highlighting the League's teams and athletes.

Courtesy of CBA

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CENTROBASKET

Standings (Men)

Standings

Group A
1. US V.Isl		2-1
2. Domin.R.		2-1
3. Mexico		2-1
4. El Salva.		0-3
Group B
1. P.Rico		3-0
2. Cuba		2-1
3. Panama		1-2
4. Costa Ri.		0-3

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CHINA

China Defeats India 98-49 in Asian U-18 Championship - by Arthur Volbert
China defeated India 98-49 in its second game at the Asian Under-18 Championship in Tehran. Wang Zheng (216-C-90) led the scoring with 25 points and Li Xiaoxu had 15 points and 19 rebounds.

Dong Hanlin (207-F-91), the second Chinese player with NBA potential, had 17 points. Dong also did not play in China's loss to Chinese Taipei in Manila. Dong is a 207 cm forward who was the best leaper at the recent Basketball Without Borders camp in India.

Li Xiaoxu could also have NBA potential if he is indeed only 18. He has three years of pro experience so he is not as raw as other members of the team. He is a rebounding specialist but at only 204 cm he may be too small to fill that role in the NBA. He needs to develop an outside shot to be NBA material.

Ren Junfei, a 202 cm forward from Guangdong, scored 13 points. Ren's twin brother, Ren Junwei, a 201 cm forward, is also on this team. I can't get it out of my head that the only English-language twins with the same sounding names as Ren Junfei and Ren Junwei are Tweedledee and Tweedledum.

India began the game with a scoring run and led 12-2. Then China ran off 19 straight points and led 31-18 at the end of the first quarter. It led 51-25 at the half and 75-38 after three quarters.

China will play Japan tomorrow for first place in Group A. Japan, which also has a 2-0 record, defeated India yesterday and Hong Kong today.

China 98 (Wang Zheng 25, Dong Hanlin 17, Li Xiaxou 15, Ren Junfei 13) bt India 49 (Hitendra Rathore 12). Scores: 31-18, 51-25, 75-38.

Other scores:
Yesterday:
Lebanon 76 - 61 UAE

Today:
Jordan 69 - 78 Korea
Hong Kong 60 - 102 Japan
Kazakhstan 101- 72 S.Arabia
Syria 100 - 63 Malasiya

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COLOMBIA

Super Copa Bogota ended with Success - by Victor Garcia
And the most important, the tournament put togoether again all the Basketball people in the city, each weekend people of all ages arrived to the Liga Court to see or play in the games, parents with his kids, people of the public life in the country like Congressman Ivan Moreno and his Bucaros team, old glories of the Basketball in the country like Guido Mosquera, the core of the Basketball with stars like Gianlucca Bacci, Joban Berrio, Emiro Romero, Fraser Mena or Ricardo Sanz,and lady players like Solis and Otavo the best among the women.
The tournament was also the return of the Bogotas basketball to its home : the Liga Court in the salitre complex, the effort of the directives Mr Luis Enrique Rojas, Mr Yesid Rivero and Mrs Yaneth Beltran had its fruits in one of the better tournaments in the memory of the fans in the city, and is a signal of the commitment of the directives with the develpment of the Basketball in the city, we know that they are working to start the second edition of the tournament soon, and for sure will be bigger, this effort really deserves the support of all the Basketball people in the city.
We want to congratlate the top teams in both categories:
Codema, Bucaros , Club Los Pinos and Santan Linces in men second category.
Codema and Clun Antilopes in women second category.
Club Los Pinos, Club Rinos, Amricana and Bogot U-18 in men first category
Garotas, Halcones, Cronoexpress A and Taironas in women first category

Edgar Moreno will play in Norte de Santander, formerly Canoneros - by Victor Garcia
Edgar Moreno, the starting point guard of the National Team move to Cucuta and will play with the Norte de Santander team formerly know as Canoneros, Moreno who has been two straigh times MVP of the finals with Bucaros de Bucaramanga.
Moreno will join coach Julio Toro and a group of talented players in the roster of Norte de Santander, the already began its training camp in Cucuta, another group of players are to be confirmed in Cucuta

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COSTA RICA

Centrobasket 2008: Cuba seals semifinals against Costa Rica - by Eurobasket News
Costa Rica - Cuba 77-94

Cubans once again demonstrated nice performance on Centorbasket Championship 2008. This time Cubans were too strong for Costa Rica, advancing to the semifinals from the second place of Group B. As a reminder, Cuba recorded excellent win against defending champions Panama in the first game and mostly owing to that victory Cubans get through Group B.

Cuba didn't let Costa Rica to make better digits extending lead after every single quarter. The first one was 20-25 while the same difference was in the next one. Cuba had Allens Jemmott (193-G-80) and Geoffrei Silvestre (202-F/C-79) which were in a game mood what at the end was more than enough for comfortable victory. After 30 minutes of the game Cubans had plus 14. They had decent 27 of 49 for FG2, 55%. Costa Rica was pretty close in rebounding as well as in all shot percentages but it seems that Cubans played as much as it was necessary for the semis.

This time Cuba got the most from Allens Jemmott. He spent 28 minutes on court collecting 25 points and 4 assists. Geoffrei Silvestre once again was great adding 20 points and 8 boards while Alexis Lavastida (187-G-77) counted until 16. David Carnegie (193-F-84) was better than the others in Costa Rica with 17 points and impressive 14 rebounds. Spencer Jaffry had 12 points and 4 boards. Cuba will take on top ranked team from Group A - USVI. Costa Rica continues championship in Classification Round for 5th to 8th place.

Costa Rica - Cuba 77-94
(20-25, 22-27, 17-21, 18-21)

Costa Rica: David Carnegie 17 (14 rebs), Spencer Jaffry 12 (4 rebs)
Cuba: Allens Jemmott 25 (4 as), Geoffrei Silvestre 20 (8 rebs), Alexis Lavastida 16

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CUBA

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

EL SALVADOR

Centrobasket 2008: Virgin Islands cruises past El Salvador for to of Group A - by Eurobasket News
El Salvador - Virgin Islands 66-86

Virgin Islands had an easy job in the last game of Group A on Centrobasket Championship 2008. Thus Virgin Islands improved its score to 2-1 advancing to the semifinals as a top ranked team from Group A. Interesting is that the hosts Mexico as well as Dominican Republic have the same score but USVI has the best digits in this magic circle.

From the very beginning Virgin Islands demonstrated its power. After ten minutes of the game Kevin Sheppard (182-G-79, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Jacksonville) and his teammates already has huge 7-26. Shepard netted 9 points in this period. El Salvador started to play much better in the next frame. Mostly owing to Oscar Rivera (186-G-80) and Carlos Alas (181-G-79) El Salvador ended second frame 25-17. However, it was enough only for minus 11 at the half time, 32-43. Third period was the crucial one in this game. Virgin Islands put into the fifth gear playing pretty good ten minutes. Its players had nice shot percentage which resulted with plus 19 before the last stanza. The rest of the game was just the formality.

Kevin Sheppard paced Virgins Iceland to victory scoring 20 points. Cuthbert Victor (196-G-83, college: Murray St.) alos demonstrated wondefrull performance adding 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists while Kitwana Rhymer (208-C-78, college: Massachusetts) helped his team netting 13 points. Oscar Rivera and Carlos Alas had 17 points each for the loosing side. Fabio Molina (195-G/F-81) stopped on 16. Virgin Islands will meet Cuba in the semifinals. El Salvador will take on Panama in Classification Round.

El Salvador - Virgin Islands 66-86
(7-26, 25-17, 15-23, 19-20)

El Salvador: Oscar Rivera 17 (6 rebs), Carlos Alas 17, Fabio Molina 16
Virgin Islands: Kevin Sheppard 20, Cuthbert Victor 19 (8 rebs, 6 as), Kitwana Rhymer 13

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: HL Coleman next to Lappeenranta/Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen
This player has so much professional and international experience! American F HL Coleman (202-F-74, college: Wyoming) has played in England, Dominican Republic, Italy, Argentina and last season in Israel and of course in several minor leagues (IBA, USBL, CBA, XBA) in the USA. Coming 2008-09 season Coleman
will play on YMCA Lappeenranta roster in Finland. 'HL Coleman is very reliable player with a lot experience. He plays hard and for the Team',
knows YMCA LPR new Head Coach Jarmo Laitinen .

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GREECE

Kavaliauskas in Kavala - by Chris Mammides
The 'fresh' team in A1, Kavala/Panorama after the signing of the first three players, Head Coach Kostas Pilafidis agreed financial terms with the Lithuanian ex Panionios player, Antanas Kavaliauskas (208-C-84, college: Texas A&M). The Lithuanian player will help the newcomers in their roockie seazon in A1. It seems that Coach Kostas Pilafidis and Kavala's management are trying very hard to mentle the best feasible team in such a little time.
In some otehr news Nestor Kommatos (203-F-77) is very clsoe to Trikal 2000. The experienced Greek player has offers from at least three teams but it seems that Trikalla are currently in the leading position as their financial offer is the best.

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HOLLAND

Robby Bostain re-signs with Landstede Zwolle - by Fred Roggen
Landstede Zwolle have re-signed Robby Bostain

(191-G/F-84, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Furman) to their roster for the 2008/09 season. The 24-year-old guard / forward is now for the 2nd year in Zwolle, this means for Bostain a longer stay in Zwolle.
Even head-coach Herman van de Belt is pleased that Bostain stays in Zwolle. 'Bostain is an example for many basketballplayers. With his unbridled commitment and absolute drive to win, he fits perfectly into the team basketball that we like to play as Landstede Basketball. '

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HUNGARY

Hudson signed with Falco KC - by Tamas Deri
American combo guard, Darryl Hudson (196-G-85, college: Howard,, agency: Basketball Beyond Borders) signed a one-year deal with FALCO-SZOVA KC SZOMBATHELY and will arrive on monday to Hungary. The 193 cm tall guard will spend a 10days tryout period with the team and after that the club will decide about keeping him on the roster for the upcoming season.
Hudson graduated in 2007 on Howard University and had a great NCAA carreer. In his senior season was second on the team in scoring at 14.9ppg and assists 1.8apg, while leading the team in minutes (32mpg), rebounds (6.2rpg), 3pt % (44%) and FT makes and attempts. Was one of the best players in the MEAC conference this season. Was named MEAC Player of the Week Dec 11th for his outstanding efforts in 3 games. His 26pts, 13rebs and 2assists vs Navy (Dec 4/06), 20pts, 6rebs and 2 assists vs American (Dec 6/06) and finally his 10pt, 9rebs and 3 assists in a win over Md - Eastern Shore (Dec 9/06) garnered him player of the week honors.
He started his professional carreer in Finland with Kauhajoen Karhu in Finland and immediately established himself as one of the premier players in the league. Ranked 8th in the league in scoring (19.7ppg), uncoverable going to the basket he led the league both in FT made and attempted, 10th in the league in assists with 3 per game and showed his durability by playing more than 35mpg. Recorded six double doubles on the season of pts and rebs while playing primarily out of the PG spot. Had a season high 35pts vs Team Componenta on 12/12/07. Grabbed an amazing 13rebs against the same team earlier in the year on 3/11/07. Also showed his great court vision by dishing out 8 assists amazingly against Team Componenta in the new year 30/1/08.
'I am verry happy to get the chance to play for the champion team of Hungary and will do all my best for my team to get the title again! I am very excited about playing for Falco KC and hope to enjoy my time in your country.' - said Hudson.
'We are very happy, that Darryl decided to accept our offer and show his skills in Szombathely next week. We hope that we found the right replacement for Bam Doyne. '- Mr. Gyorgy Graczer, directing manager of Falco KC.

David Brooks signed with Sopron - by Tamas Deri
The american shooting guard, David Brooks (191-G-82, college: Niagara) signed a one-year contract with the team of Sopron. Brooks is a well known player in our country as he spent the last two season with Hodmezovasarhely: in his first season he averaged 20.7, in the second 19.8 points per game.
Brooks graduated in 2005 on the Niagara University and was the key player of his team with excellent numbers: 17.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 41.5%, 3Pts: 36.2%. He started his professional carreer in Turkey with Oyak Renault Bursa in the 2nd division.

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INDIA

India U18 tries hard in Iran - by Eurobasket News
Japan U18 opened the FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Junior Men with a tough win over India. The final score 96:71 might not describe the whole game as to be tough, but India struggled a lot. The latter won the opening quarter 30:22 and remained hot in the first hot. Japan bounced back in the second quarter and could take 43:42 after the first half. India however managed to score only 41 points in 30 minutes, that more or less summed up the tale of the game. Japan on the other hand began subdued, but grew in confidence and scoring rate as the match progressed to canter home. Kaito Ishikawa paced all the winners with 21 points. Makoto Hiejima scored 16 and Yusuke Karino posted 13. Vishesh Bhriguvanshi ended up with 22 points in defeat and Sunil Rathee added 13.
China defeated India 98:49 in its second game at the Asian Under-18 Championship in Tehran. Wang Zheng (216-C-90) led the scoring with 25 points and Li Xiaoxu had 15 points and 19 rebounds. Hitendra Rathore finished the night with 12 points in defeat. India began the game with a scoring run and led 12:2. Then China ran off 19 straight points and led 31:18 at the end of the first quarter. It gave them also 51:25 at the half and 75:38 after three quarters.

China U18-India U18 98:49
China U18: Wang Zheng 25, Dong Hanlin (206-F-91) 17, Li Xiaxou 15, Ren JunFei (202-F) 13
India U18: Hitendra Rathore 12

Japan U18- India U18 96:71
Japan U18: Kenta Tateyama 21, Makoto Hiejima 16, Yusuke Karino 13
India U18: Vishesh Bhriguvanshi 22, Sunil Rathee 13

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MALAYSIA

Syria U18 was the only team to start from Day 2 - by Eurobasket News
Syria U18 started the FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Junior Men only in the second day as Group D has only 3 teams. Syria overcame Malaysia U18 100:63 to send the latter to 0-2 record. Malaysia, on the other hand, having lost both their games left to play the consolation league in the Quarterfinal round. The winners started with 21:14 in the opening quarter and improved to 42:19 at the halftime. Belal Gneed and Alaa Al Sebay paced the winners with 17 points each. Samer Bawadekji followed them with 12 points for 1-0 record. Ong Chun Khee ended up with 25 points in the losing effort.

Syria U18-Malaysia U18 100:63
Syria U18: Belal Gneed 17, Alaa Al Sebay 17, Samer Bawadekji 12
Malaysia U18: Ong Chun Khee 25

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MEXICO

Centrobasket 2008: Dominican Republic outsmarts Mexico for the semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Mexico Dominican Republic 70-78

Dominican Republic grabbed victory in the last game of Group A securing a place for the semifinals of Centrobasket Championship 2008. It means that Dominicans and Mexicans as well as Virgin Island have the same score, two wins and two defeats. USVI had the best digits in this circle while the hosts of the championship Mexico has the worst. Second place in Group A belongs to Dominicans and it will take on Puerto Rico in the semifinals. Mexico is transferred to Classification Round for 5h to 8h place and it forst rival will be Costa Rica.

Dominicans took this one mostly owing to well played second and third frame. Mexico was better team at the very beginning having 19-16 after ten minutes but they slowed down after that moment. Horford Alfred shined in Dominican Republic leading his team to 14-13 in the second stanza. It was 33-39 at the half time for the official visitors in this game. Nothing has changed after the half time as Dominican Republic was the team which controlled rhythm of the game. It stretched advantage to 12 points before the last frame. However, Mexicans didnt want to give up. With 33 second remaining in the game Mexican came on 75-70. After that moment Horford Alfred stepped up for his team scoring one free throw and later another basket for the final 70-78 for his team.

Horford Alfred was hero of the game draining 24 points and grabbing 12 boards. Martinez Jack helped his team collecting 14 points and 13 rebounds while Western Franklin also stopped on 14 points. Quintero Omar added 15 points and was the best scorer in Mexico. Pedroza Anthony was behind him with 13 points while Real Lorenzo had 10 points and 4 boards.

Mexico Dominican Republic 70-78
(19-16, 14-23, 20-26, 17-13)

Mexico: Quintero Omar 15, Pedroza Anthony 13, Real Lorenzo 10 (4 rebs)
Dominican Republic: Horford Alfred 24 (12 rebs), Martinez Jack 14 (13 rebs), Western Franklin 14

Threat of area hurricanes cancel St. John's trip to Cancun - by Eurobasket News
Tropical Storm Gustav, currently brewing in the Caribbean near the island of Jamaica, canceled the St. John's men's basketball team's Labor Day trip to Cancun, Mexico. With sustained winds near 70 mph, a tropical storm warning has been issued for the Caribbean, with the severe weather threatening to worsen and continue on a path toward Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, where Cancun is located.

The Red Storm will not reschedule the trip for this season, but will consider options for international travel before the 2009-10 season.

'We were looking forward to the trip to Cancun, but with the severe weather in the area we decided it best to keep our team and student-athletes out of potential harm's way,' said St. John's head coach Norman Roberts. 'We are disappointed, but it is the right thing to do, and we were able to get a few great days of practice in and get the freshmen on the court for one day as well. We're all really looking forward for the 2008-09 season, and will get a chance to travel internationally before next year begins.'

The Red Storm was granted 10 days of team practice in advance of its foreign travel, as per the NCAA, but will have to cancel the remaining sessions. Freshmen Quincy Roberts and TyShwan Edmondson practiced for the first time with their teammates yesterday, as the fall semester officially began.

Strength and conditioning sessions will continue, and Roberts plans to begin individual training sessions and limited full-team practices in the next few weeks as per NCAA rules (Sept. 15).

Four starters and 10 letterwinners return for Roberts and the Red Storm in 2008-09, including an All-BIG EAST honorable mention selection in senior Anthony Mason Jr. (14.0 points per game, 4.4 rebounds) and BIG EAST All-Rookie team member Justin Burrell (10.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg). Rising sophomore Dele Coker, who has slimmed down to 260 lbs. after an outstanding summer conditioning effort, continues to show marked improvement and looks to be a factor on the Red Storm's front lines.

Freshman Phil Wait, the Red Storm's new 7-1 center from Manchester, England, will continue to receive treatment and rehab from a minor knee injury suffered during a summer pickup game. Wait has been able to maintain a full conditioning regiment while rehabbing.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

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NBA

Memphis Grizzlies ink Hamed Ehadadi, Sean Marks goes to New Orleans - by Eurobasket News
Memphis Grizzlies announced signing of free agent center Hamed Ehadadi (7'2''-C-85, agency: Agency No 10) but per team policy terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ehadadi showed wonderful performance at the Olympic Games in Peking leading all 2008 Olympic players in rebounding and blocks. He had 6 appearances in Beijing registering 16.6 ppg, 11.2 rpg and 2.6 bpg. Unfortunately to him Team Iran couldn't get through the Preliminary Round ending it winless. 23-year old center wasn't selected on 2004 NBA Draft but he continued trying to get himself into the NBA mix. Ehadadi participated at the 2008 Rocky Mountain Revue adding 14 ppg, 11.5 rpg and 2.5 bpg in two games against NBA players. Ehadadi played last season for Iranian team Saba Battery winning the Asian Club Championship. Before Saba Battery, he played two years for Paykan Teheran. Interesting is that with signings of Hamed Ehadadi, Grizzlies has two players which appeared at the Olympics in Beijing. The first one is Marc Gasol.

New Orleans Hornets signed free agent forward Sean Marks (6'10''-F-75, college: California), who played last season for Phoenix Suns. He had 19 appearances in NBA regular season averaging 3.1 ppg and 1.9 rpg. It was his second year with the Suns as he joined them in 2005. At the same year he grabbed the NBA ring with San Antonio Spurs. He played 23 games adding 3.3 ppg and 2.4 rpg. Over the past 9 years he also was a member of Toronto Raptors, Slask Zepter Wroclaw, Miami Heat and Seattle Supersonics. Marks participated on World Championship 2002 in Indianapolis with New Zealand. On 2001 his Slask Wroclaw grabbed the title in Polish championship.

Knicks signed Patrick Ewing Jr and injury updates - by Bruno Baltazar

The New Yorrk Knicks announced that forward Patrick Ewing (7'0''-C-62, college: Georgetown)Jr. has been acquired from Houston for the draft rights to center Frederic Weis (7'2''-C-77).
Ewing, Jr., 6-8, 240-pounds, was originally drafted by Sacramento in the 2008 NBA Draft as the 43rd overall selection. Traded to the Rockets on Aug. 14 as part of a multi-player deal, the 24-year-old Boston native played his first two collegiate seasons at Indiana University before transferring to Georgetown. As a senior with the Hoyas during the 2007-08 season, Ewing averaged 6.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 34 games, winning the Big East Sixth Man of the Year award.
Ewing is the eldest child of Knicks legend, Patrick Ewing.

San Antonio Spurs announced that Emanuel Ginobili (6'6''-G-77, agency: Interperformances) will undergo surgery to correct a posterior impingement of his left ankle.
He originally suffered the injury in the Spurs-Suns series in the 2008 NBA Playoffs. The injury hampered Ginobili for the remainder of the postseason. After a rehabilitation program Ginobili was cleared to play in the 2008 Olympics. He re-aggravated the injury in the tournaments semifinal round in a game versus the U.S.A. on August 22.

An MRI conducted earlier this week confirmed that he had re-aggravated the injury and that there was no additional damage to the ankle or the ligament.
The surgery is expected to take place next week. Following the surgery the Spurs will announce a timeline for his return.

Houston Rockets forward Chuck Hayes (6'6''-F-83, college: Kentucky) underwent successful surgery this afternoon to repair a broken nose which he sustained during a workout session earlier in the day. The procedure was conducted at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center by Dr. Becky McGraw-Wall. Hayes is expected to miss four to six weeks before he is cleared to return to on-court workouts.

Stats Leaders

NBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 LeBron, CLE 30.0
2 Kobe, LAL 28.3
3 Iverson, DEN 26.4
4 Carmelo, DEN 25.7
5 Stoudemire, PHX 25.2

Rebounds Per Game

1 Dwight, ORL 14.2
2 Camby, DEN 13.1
3 Chandler, NOH 11.7
4 Duncan, SAS 11.3
5 A.Jefferson,MIN 11.1

Assists Per Game

1 Paul, NOH 11.6
2 Nash, PHX 11.1
3 D.Williams, UTA 10.5
4 Kidd, DAL-NJN 10.1
5 Calderon,TOR 8.3

Steals Per Game

1 Paul, NOH 2.7
2 Artest, SAC 2.3
3 B.Davis, GSW 2.3

Blocks Per Game

1 Camby, DEN 3.6
2 J.Smith , ATL 2.8
3 Kaman, LAC 2.8

2FGP

1 Biedrins,GSW 62.6
2 Chandler,NOH 62.3
3 Howard,ORL 59.9

3FGP

1 Kapono,TOR 48.3
2 Nash,PHX 47.0
3 Jones,POR 44.4

Free Throws

1 Ahearn, MIA 96.8
2 Barry, SAS 95.0
3 Stojakovic, NOH 92.9

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.	66-16
2. Toronto R.	41-41
3. Philadelphia	40-42
4. New Jersey N.	34-48
5. New York K.	23-59
Central Div.
1. Detroit P.	59-23
2. Cleveland C.	45-37
3. Indiana P.	36-46
4. Chicago B.	33-49
5. Milwaukee B.	26-56
Southeast Div.
1. Orlando M.	52-30
2. Washington W.	43-39
3. Atlanta H.	37-45
4. Charlotte B.	32-50
5. Miami H.	15-67
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Utah J.	54-28
2. Denver N.	50-32
3. Portland T.B.	41-41
4. Minnesota T.	22-60
5. Seattle S.	20-62
Pacific Div.
1. Los Angeles L.	57-25
2. Phoenix S.	55-27
3. Golden St.	48-34
4. Sacramento K.	38-44
5. Los Angeles C.	23-59
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.	56-26
2. N.Orleans H.	56-26
3. Houston R.	55-27
4. Dallas M.	51-31
5. Memphis G.	22-60

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NCAA1

Henry enrolls at Memphis, joins Tiger basketball program - by Eurobasket News
C.J. Henry, a 6-3, 205-pound guard, took his first classes at the University of Memphis Thursday and joins the Tiger basketball program as a freshman for the 2008-09 campaign. Henry starts his collegiate career after spending the last three years playing professional baseball.

'I'm happy that a player of C.J.'s caliber would choose to play for our program and pursue his college degree at the University of Memphis,' said Tiger head coach John Calipari . 'I'm anxious to see where C.J. is with his conditioning. He is an exciting addition to our team.'

Prior to his stint in professional baseball, Henry was a basketball standout at Putnam City High School for head coach A.D. Burtschi from 2002-05. In his career, Henry scored over 1,500 points and finished his prep playing days as the school's second all-time leading scorer. He is second on Putnam City's all-time scoring list to Alvan Adams, who went to a 13-year NBA career with the Phoenix Suns.

As a senior in 2004-05, Henry helped lead the Pirates to a 25-2 overall record and the Oklahoma Class 6A Tournament semifinals. He averaged 23.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.4 steals, while shooting 58 percent from the field, 36 percent from the arc and 80 percent from the free throw line. Henry earned All-State, Super 5 and Daily Oklahoman Big All-City Team honors, and also was named the Metro Athletic Conference Most Outstanding Player for a second-straight year.

In his junior campaign in 2003-04, Henry averaged 22.4 points, 6.1 boards and 4.4 assists as the Pirates finished runner-up in the Oklahoma Class 6A Tournament. Henry was named to the Oklahoma Class 6A All-Tournament Team, and was also selected the Metro Athletic Conference Most Outstanding Player. Henry earned All-State Underclassmen recognition for a second-consecutive season.

As a sophomore, Henry averaged 19.9 points and helped Putnam City to a runner-up finish in the Oklahoma state tournament. He received All-State Underclassmen distinction. Henry played on the varsity squad as a freshman and averaged 9.4 points in 2002-03. The Pirates won the Oklahoma Class 6A title that season.

On the diamond, Henry hit .481 with 13 home runs, 51 RBI and 21 stolen bases his senior season in 2005. He was named to the 2005 EA SPORTS Baseball All-America team as an infielder, and also was selected to 2005 Louisville Slugger's preseason high school All-America baseball first team as a shortstop. A year earlier, Henry was picked to play in the 2004 AFLAC All-American Baseball Classic, which was held at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, Md., in August 2004.

In the summer of 2005, Henry was a first-round pick (overall No. 17) of the New York Yankees in the MLB Amateur Draft. Henry made pro debut with the Gulf Coast League Yankees and hit .249 in 48 games. His professional career also had him play with the Charleston RiverDogs and Lakewood BlueClaws.

Courtesy of www.gotigersgo.com

Siena ends foreign tour with blowout win - by Eurobasket News
Clarence Jackson (6'3''-G-89) scored 36 points and Ryan Rossiter (6'9''-F) added 20 points and 13 rebounds as Siena breezed past Stella Azura 88-69 in Rome Thursday night. The Saints finish their foreign tour with a 4-1 record. The team heads home Friday.

The Saints controlled the action throughout, scoring the first nine points of the game and never trailing. They held a 10-point lead at the end of the first quarter and an 18 point advantage at halftime.

Siena used a different starting lineup than they had the previous three games. Edwin Ubiles started at the point, with Jackson at the off guard. Cory Magee, Rossiter and Josh Duell started up front.

Ubiles efficiently ran Siena's high powered offense finishing with five assists and two steals. He played sparingly in the second half along with usual starters Ronald Moore, Kenny Hasbrouck and Alex Franklin.

The Saints dominated play inside, especially on the glass. Magee finished with 12 rebounds to go along with Rossiter's 13. Reserve Steven Priestly grabbed 10 boards in an expanded role.

Siena shot just 43% from the field and 26% from 3-point range, but it utilized a zone defense that limited Stella Azura to just 37% from the field. The home team settled for 35 3-point attempts, making just six.

The game marks the end to a 13-day foreign tour that included visits to Como, Venice, San Marino, Florence, Siena and Rome. In addition to the experience gained through the five competitive games, the travel party takes home memories for a lifetime.

Courtesy of www.cstv.com

La Salle names Harris Adler assistant coach - by Eurobasket News
La Salle University head basketball coach Dr. John Giannini has named Harris Adler Assistant Coach.

Adler, who has served as the team's Director of Basketball Operations for the past four seasons will take the place of Ashley Howard who recently returned to his alma mater Drexel University.

'Coach Adler has worked extremely hard over the past four years to help us build the program. He has great relationships with the all of our student-athlete and he understands everything that we need to do to be successful; at La Salle,' said Giannini.

Coach Adler's responsibilities will include recruiting, scouting, scheduling, and monitoring the academic progress of the team's student athletes.

Giannini noted that Adler's previous experience makes him a good fit for the job, 'He has already been a strong recruiter at other schools such as Penn and he brings continuity, knowledge of our program and experience.'

Adler was Giannini's first hire when he took over the Explorer program in September of 2004. Adler came from the University of Pennsylvania where he had been on Fran Dunphy's staff during the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons.

Prior to his experience at Penn, Adler was an assistant at Centenary (2001-02) and broke into the coaching business as a graduate assistant at Rowan University during the 1999-2000 season.

Giannini, whose staff includes Adler and assistants Walt Fuller and Horace Owens is expected to announce additions to his staff to replace Adler as the basketball ops director and departed video coordinator Peter Gash who joined Tom Crean's staff at Indiana.

'We thank Coach Howard for outstanding service as he returns to alma mater and college mentor Bruiser Flint,' commented Giannini.

Courtesy of www.goexplorers.com

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NCAA2

NEW ZEALAND

New Orleans Hornets sign Sean Marks - by Eurobasket News
Sean Marks (208-F-75, college: California) has signed with the Hornets. In an effort to help strengthen their front-court depth, the Hornets signed free agent forward/center Sean Marks on Thursday. Terms of his contract were not released.

The Hornets are hoping the signing of Marks, a 6-foot-10, 250-pounder who is a nine-year NBA veteran, helps shore up a front court that lacked depth last season.

Marks has career averages of 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 9.1 minutes per game, while playing with four different teams -- Toronto, Miami, San Antonio and Phoenix.

'We are excited for Sean to join our team,' Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower said. 'He is a veteran leader, who has been on winning teams and will be a great addition to our front court.'

Marks is the second free agent the Hornets have signed in the past eight days, and the third they have added this offseason. The team also signed guard Devin Brown last week and forward James Posey last month.

The addition of Marks brings the Hornets' roster to 14, and could bolster their bench as they try to defend their Southwest Division title.

Marks caught the eye of the Hornets during the preseason last year when he scored 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds in 27 minutes. He played in 19 regular-season games last season, shooting 53.5 percent and averaging 3.1 points a game, including a season-high 16 points and career-high 13 rebounds in the Suns' season finale against Portland.

Marks, who prefers to play facing the basket, is expected to compete with Hilton Armstrong and Melvin Ely for playing time behind starting center Tyson Chandler.

'He's a player that runs the floor and is a very good shooter,' Bower said. 'He will be able to provide more depth for our front line. He knows how to play the game. And he has been on good teams in the past. He's going to bring a lot to our team both on the court and off the court.'

Courtesy of www.nola.com

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NIGERIA

First Deepwater Discovery Battle for Supremacy - Potters pummeled Pillars 83-61 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Niger Potters basketball club of Minna showed the stuff it is made up when it tear apart Kano Pillars basketball club to record its second straight win by 83-61 points in the First Deepwater Discovery Battle for Supremacy Basketball Tournament holding at UNILAG Sports Centre, Akoka.

Potters who on Thursday defeated Ebun Comets basketball club by 66-56 points will meet Union bank basketball club today (Saturday) in the decider for the winner-take-all prize money of .N5M.

Potters inspirational guard Abubakar Usman had a good game in the second day running scoring 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steal and 2 assist to lift the 2007 FIBA Africa Champions Club Cup fifth placed team over Savannah conference rival Pillars.

Usman was joined on the scorer chat by Abubakar Yusuf who led the floor with 23 points, Sati Paul added 13 points and 4 rebounds while Shehu Mohammed grabbed 8 rebounds and one block-shot.

Pillars was once again led in scoring by its playmaker, Ibrahim Adamu Yusuf with 20 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steal, compatriot Haruna Maitama contributed 16 points just as Ahmed Danmama grabbed 7 rebounds for the Savannah conference top side who takes on Ebun Comets basketball club today in the race for the third place.

Potters was greater at the board with 42 rebounds as against Pillars 26.

...Delta Force shove aside Sunshine 58-45 points, battle Dolphins

Delta Force basketball club of Asaba put behind them the narrow lose to First Bank basketball club on Day-1 of the battle for Supremacy tournament to shove aside challenges from Sunshine Angels basketball club of Akure by 58-45 points.

The Lateef Erinfolami girls won in three of the four quarters (14-11, 10-14, 19-08 and 15-12) to set up battle for the second spot against Dolphins basketball club having conceded the top spot to First Bank basketball club.

Magdalene Mukato once again led her teammate in scoring with 12 points, 4 assists, 3 steal and 2 rebounds, Ogor Bolum added 10 points and 6 rebounds while Memuna Fuludu grabbed 7 rebounds.

Sunshine Becky Iritie had 19 points and 4 rebounds to her credit while Korede Sosanya grabbed 7 rebounds.

Delta Force proved a better side on the board picking up 46 rebounds at both offense and defense while Sunshine had 32 rebounds.

...Union Bank survive Comets onslaught, confront Potters for title

The local derby between Union Bank basketball club and Ebun Comets basketball club Friday lived up to its rating as both sides gave the fans a good match to cheer.

While Union Bank basketball club bank on its array of stars to do the job Comets on the other hand relied on the plays from its bench to rattle the stallion boys.

The four quarters was won evenly with Union Bank coming from a 13-10 points down in the first quarter to pick the second quarter by 13-08 thus gaining a two points advantage going into the break.

Comets again charged back in the third quarter to even scores at the close of the quarter with a 17-15 points win to go into the last quarter on a level ground.

The last quarter proved rather more exciting as both side take on each other like a wounded lions recording points for points fouls for fouls, with time tickling away. And just as an over-time seems to be in the offing Comets guard, Orseer Ikyaato committed a foul with the buzzer shot clock about to sound off the game with Daniel Daudu perfectly scored the resultant free throws to give victory to his side by 56-54 points.

Union Bank off-guard Azuoma Dike led floor with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steal, kingsley Aguara added 12 points and 3 rebounds while forward Malik Tella grabbed 8 rebounds.

Comets captain and point guard, Orseer Ikyaato led his teammates with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, Deji Egbeyemi contributed 11 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds just as Obum Ekpete grabbed 7 rebounds.

. ..First Bank confirm rating beat Dolphins 67-54

First Bank basketball club of Lagos Friday confirm her rating as the number one women club in Nigeria with an emphatic 67-54 points victory over Dolphins basketball club also of Lagos.

The Elephant Girls had succumbed to a 13-12 points lose in the first quarter to the Wale Aboderin Dolphins but came back into the game strongly in the second quarter throughout the duration of the game to out-scored its opponent (23-15, 17-13 and 15-13) to seal victory leaving Dolphins and Delta Force to fight for the second spot today (Saturday).

The Adewumi Aderemi tutored Elephant Girls will battle bottom placed Sunshine Angels in a formality match today (Saturday).

Day-2 Results:

Niger Potters 83-61 Kano Pillars

Sunshine Angels 45-58 Delta Force

Union Bank 56-54 Ebun Comets

First Bank 67-54 Dolphins

Day-3 Games:

First Bank Vs Sunshine Angels

Ebun Comets Vs Kano Pillars

Dolphins Vs Delta Force

Union Bank Vs Niger Potters

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PALESTINE

28th Martyrs Basketball Tournament Update - Day 8 to 12 - by Tamara Awartani
Day 8 - 22nd of Aug

Orthodoxi Ramallah vs. Al'Amal 81 - 70
An intense game not an easy win for Orthodoxy Ramallah, Al'amal lead in the 1st quarter 19-17, then ORC 15- 17, then Al'Amal 16-13, then ORC 20 - 24.
Ahamd Amin, Mohammed Khalili, Ghassan Elayyan, Hamzeh Gharbli, and Bryan Brian Sigafoos (212-C-81, college: Harvard) played for Orthodoxi Ramallah, with Michael Khayat (24 points) and Bryan Brian Sigafoos (22 points) as top scorers, and a powerful dunk for Bryan. Ricardo Jothman, Evan Kossa, Shadi Nabhan, Yassin Sharabati and Yousef Anustas played for Al'Amal, with Shadi (19points), Firas (11points) and Evan (11points) as top scorers,and a block shot for Yousef & Yassin.

AlAhli vs. Eibal 83 - 74
A tough close game throughout, a lot of players were fouled out. AlAhli lead in the 1st half 22-17, 19-17, then Eibal 15-16, then Al Ahli 27 - 24.
Raed Dyab, Ammar Baghdadi, Mahdi Eid, Rami Bakri and Sameh Hdeib played for AlAhli, with Mahdi Eid (24 points), one block shot, a nice tip from an alley-oop from Ammar & and an amazing dunk, Rami Bakri (20points) and great fastbreaks. While Basheer AbdelAziz, Tamer Qanadilo, Anan Fahoum, Nasser Harbi, Naeem Turabi played for Eibal, with Tamer (26points), Anan(13points) and Basheer (12 points) as top scorers, and a blockshot for tamer and Nasser.

Day 9 - 23rd of Aug

Hiteen vs. Terrasanta 75 - 72
A breath taking game, both teams needing the win to play against the 1st from the third group in the next round. Hiteen lead 1st quarter 18-10, then terassanta 17-20, 16-17, 24-25. Maisara Itmeh, Shadi Takruri, Saed Darwazeh, Moh AlHilu and Haitham AlQana'eer played for Hiteen, with Shadi (28points) and Saed (17points) as the top scorers, and two block shots for Saed. While Tony Abu Ali, Maurice Salman, Peter Qanadalft, Daoud Halimeh, Rafiq Nassrallah played for Terrasanta, with Peter (28points) and Tony( 21points) as the top scorers.

Siriyyeh vs. Orthodoxi Bethlehem 92 - 72
A very competative game that a lot of fans came to watch, it was a very close game till half time, until Siriyyeh played box and one on ORC Bethlehem's main player Jerred Saulice by Hassan Jida', increased the gap and won the game. Ghassan Habash, Sean, Ahmad Yasser, Sanni & Salim Sakakini played for Siriyyeh with Salim (28 points), Sean (25 points) and Sanni (17points) as top scorers. While Khader Jackman, Basheer Shatara, Raed Barakat,Jerred Saulice and Ibrahim Bandak played for ORC Bethlehem with Jerred (19points), Ibrahim (19points), Khader (15points) and Basheer (13points) as top scorers.

Day 10 - 24th of Aug

AlBireh vs. Al Far'a 90 - 65
A slow pace game, both teams are getting experience from more games, althought AlBireh might be the youngest team in the tournament, they managed to win. Shadi Bagali, Fuad Jarrar, Mustafa Yasser, Mustafa Sanduka and Ahmad Awadallah played for Al Bireh with Fuad (25points), Ahmad (23points), Shadi (12points) & Nasser (10points) were the top scorers. While Qasem Abadi, Ahmad Said, Mohammed & Ahmad Daraghmeh, Fares Taye played for AlFar'a with Fares (19points), Ahmad Said (17points), Ahmad Aqab (12points) & Mohammed Sheil (11points) as top scorers.

Day 11 - 25th of Aug

Orthodoxi Ramallah vs. AlAhli 84 - 64
A fast pace game that witnessed the most blockshots from both teams, it was an exciting fun game to watch. Orthodoxi Ramallah lead the first half, 18 -17, 28 - 8, then AlAhli 15 - 25, then Orthodoxi again 23 - 14. Mohammed Khalili, Ghassan Elayyan, Ahmad Dieb, Bryan Brian Sigafoos Micheal Khayat played for Orthodoxi Ramallah with Micheal (26 points) and a block shot, Bryan (16points) and 6 blockshots, Ahmad (13 points) as top scorers. As for AlAhli the players were Raed Dyab, Ammar Baghdadi, Mahdi Eid, Sameh Hdeib, Daoud Elayyan, with Mahdi (17points) and 3 block shots & an awesome pass between a players legs, Raed (16points), Rami Bakri (11points), Sameh as top scorers.

Hiteen vs. Orthodoxi Beit Jala 84 - 79
A thrilling game that was breath taking till the last second, both teams refusing to lose, Orthodoxi Beit Jala played smart with the time to try to win the game in the end, but Hiteen made sure they win by making most freethrows through Shadi. Hiteen lead the 1st quarter 20 - 15, then ORC 14 - 19, then Hiteen 20 -19, finally 30 - 26. Assad Affouri, Maisara Itmeh, Shadi Takruri, Saed Darwazeh, Mohammed AlHilu played for Hiteen, with Shadi (32 points), Mohammed AlHilu (22points), and Haitham Qana'eer (20points) were the top scorers for this game, while Raed Abu Rumman, Josh Holy, Osama Abd Rabo, Kamal Mkarkar, Charlie Qattan played for Orthodoxi Beit Jala, with Khalil Harb (20points), Raed Abu Rumman (18points), Josh Holy (18points) as top scorers.

Day 12 - 26th of Aug

Sirieyyeh vs Al Bireh 78 - 60
A good game for AlBireh to gain experience, however a game to settle the siriyyeh team to get ready for the next round.Ghassan Habash, Chaun Ballard, Sanni Sakakini, Ahmad Yasser and Salim Sakakini played for Sirieyyeh with Ghassan Habash (21points), Salim & Sanni Sakakini (14points) with two great dunks for Sanni were the top scorers and two block shots for Omar Ja'bari. Shadi Bajali, Fuad Jarrar, Mustafa Yasser, Mustafa Sanduaka & Ahmad Awadallah Played for AlBireh with Ahmad Awadalla (14points) & Shaker Khoury (11points) as top scorers.

De La Salle vs. Orthodoxi Bethlehem 94 - 88
A tough exciting breath taking game, not an easy win for De La Salle, as ORC Bethlehem lead the second half & kept fighting till the last second but still it wasnt enough to win the game lead by Hanna Sahwani and Tawfiq Richard. Labib Faidi, Ammar Nofal (190-F-84), Michael Li & Fadi Yaghmur played for De La Salle with Fadi (28points) and two blockshots, Labib (18 points) and Ammar & Hassan Awad (10points) as top scorers.While Khader Jukman, Basheer Shatara, Awad AlHermi, Jaired Saulice and Ibrahim Bandak played for ORC Bethlehem with Jaired (35points), Khader (19points) and Ibrahim (18 points) and a block shot.

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PANAMA

Centrobasket 2008: Puerto Rico edges Panama in high-scoring game - by Eurobasket News
Puerto Rico - Panama 107-102

Puerto Rico outsmarts reining Centrobasket champions in the last game of the first stage keeping them away from the semifinals. Thus Puerto Rico remained on top on Group B with perfect score 3-0. On the other side Panama didn't succeed to reach second place. The main reason for that is defeat at the opening day against Cuba.

Puerto Rico entered into this game strongly making double-digit lead quickly. Since the very beginning it was clear that Panamanians won't be able to stop NBAer Jose Juan Barea (181-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Northeastern), who once again amazed everyone with his performance. At the end of the first frame Puerto Rico already had 35-22. The next one belonged to Panama. Its best player was Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: George Washington), who scored more than 1/3 of Panama's points in total. Mostly owing to him Panama came on minus 7 at the half time, 57-50. After the breather, tough Puerto Ricans had another good quarter extending their lead on 10 points. It turned out as unreachable for Danilo Pinnock and his teammates until the end.

Jose Juan Barea led his team to 3-0 in Group B with 31 points and 4 assists for just 24 minutes. Filiberto Rivera

(187-G-82, college: UTEP) and A.D. Vassallo (198-G/F-86) also were good netting 13 points each. The best scorer of the game was Danilo Pinnock, who stopped on fantastic 39 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Jair Peralta (178-G-76, college: Tennessee-Martin) had 17 points and 5 assists while Ernesto Oglivie (199-F-88) finished the game scoring 15 points. In the semifinals Puerto Rico will play against Dominican Republic. Panama will take a place in Classification Round for 5th to t8h place.

Puerto Rico - Panama 107-102
(35-22, 22-28, 24-21, 26-31)

Puerto Rico: Jose Juan Barea 31 (4 as), Filiberto Rivera

13 (5 as), A.D. Vassallo 13
Panama: Danilo Pinnock 39 (6 rebs, 4 as), Jair Peralta 17 (5 as), Ernesto Oglivie 15

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PHILIPPINES

Philippines U18 survived two overtimes against Chinese Taipei U18 - by Eurobasket News
The most interesting game of the fist day of FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Junior Men was played between Philippines U18 and Chinese Taipei U18. Thanks to both teams the game was extended to two overtimes where only one point separated Philippines U18 from Chinese Taipei U18. The former champions survived a thriller to win 106:105. Philippines U18 easily won the first period and enjoyed 28:16 lead. It took more than three quarters for the last editions semifinalists to tie the game. The teams remained together at 88:88 and 96:96 entering the extra periods. Philippines went into the first overtime with four players ejected due to personal fouls and were even worse off at the start of the second extension with six forced to sit out. Gabriel Banal converted both his free-throws to seal the win. Ryan Garcia (178-F) led the winners with 18 points. Jaypee Mendoza (188-F) netted 15, Ian Sangalang 14 and Matthew Wright together with Samuel Marata added 12 each. Lin Li-Jen top-scored in defeat with 14 and Lee Ming-Hui nailed 13.
Philippines U18 had another thriller in Day 2 of FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Junior Men. This time however Lebanon U18 upset the team 87:84 in a Group C preliminary round game.Philippines, who had won after allowing Chinese Taipei to bounce back before winning in second overtime on Wednesday seemed to have learnt their lessons. Trailing 61:66, at the start of the fourth quarter, Lebanon ran a 13-3 spree that brought back the confidence in their trait. Mikael El Nar led the winners with 32 points and Ahmad Ibrahim nailed 24. Ryan Garcia top-scored in the losing effort with 28 points.

Lebanon U18-Philippines U18 87:84
Lebanon U18: Mikael El Nar 32, Ahmad Ibrahim 24
Philippines U18: Ryan Garcia 28

Philippines U18-Chinese Taipei U18 106:105
Philippines U18: Ryan Garcia 18, Jaypee Mendoza 15, Ian Sangalang 14, Matthew Wright 12, Samuel Marata 12
Chinese Taipei U18: Lin Li-Jen 14, Lee Ming-Hui 13, Lai Kuo-Wei 12

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PORTUGAL

Stats Leaders - UZO Liga

UZO Liga Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Drayton, Barr. 20.2
2 Daniels, Ginasio 19.8
3 Marcal, FC Porto 18.8
4 Harris, Barr. 18.5
5 Smith, Barr. 18.4

Rebounds Per Game

1Harris, Barr. 13.0
2 Nwankwo, Bele. 8.9
3 Peterkin, Lusitania 8.8
4 Terrell, FC Porto 8.5
5 Labbate, Ginasio 8.4

Assists Per Game

1 Carreira, Bele. 5.3
2 Costa, CAB 5.1
3 Figueiredo, FCPorto 4.9
4 Henry, Ovarense 4.2
5 Reveles, Ginasio 4.1

Steals Per Game

1 Manuel, CAB 2.7
2 Alexander, Barr. 2.2
3 Daniels, Ginasio 2.2

Blocks Per Game

1 Harris, Barr. 2.1
2 Peterkin, Lusitania 1.5
3 Labbate, Ginasio 1.3

2FGP

1 Miranda, Ovarense 64.4
2 Brown, Ovarense 63.1
3 Drayton, Barr. 61.5

3FGP

1 Nuno, Vagos 46.5
2 Rodrigues, Vagos 45.5
3 Scott, CAB 45.5

Free Throws

1 Salvador, Lusitania 91.3
2 Vik, Lusitania 89.7
3 Rodrigues, Vagos 88.9

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PUERTO RICO

13 (5 as), A.D. Vassallo 13
Panama: Danilo Pinnock 39 (6 rebs, 4 as), Jair Peralta 17 (5 as), Ernesto Oglivie 15

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SERBIA

Vojvodina gets young Danilo Andjusic on loan - by Dragan Jankovski

Hemofarm STADA and Vojvodina Novi Sad (Serbian 1B league) continue successful cooperation. Hemofarm STADA decided to give a green light to Danilo Andjusic (190-G-91) in order to spend one season on loan in Vojvodina. Andjusic was a member of Serbian U16 National Team which won Gold medal on Crete last summer. He helped U16 Serbia averaging 6.3 ppg and 2 rpg in 8 games.

In the meantime, management of Crvena Zvezda still wait final decision of Svetislav Pesic. If Pesic doesn't accept Zvezda's offer it is is not known yet who could be the team's second pick.

Nenad Pistoljeivc in Enisey Krasnoyarsk, Ergonom looks for the new head coach - by Dragan Jankovski

Point guard Nenad Pistoljevic (196-G-80) agreed terms with Russian team Enisey from Krasnoyarsk, which ended last season on the bottom of Russian Superleague. However, the team will participate in Russian best division next one also trying to register better results. Pistoljevic played last season for Greek team Ago Rethimno from Crete. He had 17 appearances in A1 averaging 6.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.8 apg and 1.3 spg. Befor Retimno he played for Apoel Nicosia, Cherkassy Monkeys, Lukoil Akademik, Borac Nektar and FMP. With Lukoil Akademik, he captured the two titles in Bulgarian championship as well as National Cup in 2005. He grew up in FMP Zeleznik reaching the final of Yugoslavian Cup in 2002.

Head coach Ivan Drobnjak left Ergonom Nis after very short period. It means that Egronom, which had extremely poor last season, will have to look for his replacement as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Zdravlje played another friendly game recording second victory. Zdravlje was too strong for Radnicki 034 Group 87-75. The game was decided already at the half time as the hosts of this game already made plus 17. Actually Zdravlje created impressive 19-0 at the very beginning. Vladica Jovanovic (202-F-83) was the best scorer of the winning team scoring 19 points. Danilo Draskovic (207-C-85) had 15 points in Radnicki 034 Group.

Serbia looks for third victory tomorrow in Finland - by Dragan Jankovski
Serbian senior National Team continues qualification for Eurobasket 2009 tomorrow in Finland. In the first round Serbia was better than Italy on the road 78-64 while in the second game Hungary suffered serious defeat 94-60. It means that Bulgaria and Serbia are the only undefeated teams in Group A. Finland faced with two losses so far and it was against Bulgaria at home 68-90 and vs Italy like visitor 88-80. Head coach of Team Serbia Dusan Ivkovic was satisfied with performance of his players against Finland. He stated that Serbia played three quarters on pretty good level. As a reminder, Serbia had fantastic support form it fans in Belgrade's Arena (around 22.000 spectators).

Point guard Milos Vujanic (192-G-80), who was the best scorer of the first match against Italy with 16 points, before the tomorrow's game said: 'It will be tough one for sure. Every road game in our group will be difficult. We have to prepare for it and to continue in the same rhythm as we started Eurobasket 2009 qualifications. We are in a good shape and we are self-confident, what is very important'.

Newcomer to Serbian NT Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) also stated that the game against Finland won't be an easy one.

'Finland is totally different rival than Hungary. I am almost sure we will have more problems against them. My personal opinion is that Hungary possesses little bit lower quality than all other teams in our group. We entered into that game aggressively as and with strong willingness to fight which resulted with comfortable victory at the end' - said Dusko Savanovic.

New players in Swisslion Takovo - by Zoran Popovic
Managament of KK Swisslion Takovo Lions Vrsac signed contracts with three new players, Vladimir Popovic (191-G-82), Nemanja Kovacevic (194-G-85) and Nemanja Sladoje (212-C-91). Vladimir Popovic came from Feni Industrija Kavadarci and before Feni Industrija he played for Pivovarna Lasko, KK Elektra Sostanj, KK Sloga Telekom Srbija, KK Spartak Subotica, Ergonom Best and KK Fersped-Rabotnicki Skopje.
Nemanja Kovacevic came from KK Leotar Trebinje and in his career Kovacevic played for Hercegovac Bileca, BC Ulcinjska rivijera Ulcinj and OKK Jagodina. Swisslion also verified contract with young Nemanja Sladoje from junior team.

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SLOVENIA

Jovanovic promoted to head coach of NT - by Zeljko Zule

KZS (Basketball Federation of Slovenia) wasted little time finding a new coach of women National Team, promoting asistant Goran Jovanovic to replace Zeljko Ciglar . Federation also has announced that Damir Grgic has been hired as new assistant coach and Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) will miss next 2009 European Championship Qualiyfing matches aganist Ireland, Iceland, Montenegro and Switzerland with foot and back injury.

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SOUTH KOREA

Sakers Vs Slingers in Brunei Cup Final - by Rick Ross
THE LG Sakers battled to an 82-60 victory over the
Jordan All Stars in last night's 2008 Brunei Cup
semi-final to book their place in tonight's championship match.

They will face the Singapore Slingers in the final at 9pm today.
The Slingers beat Darwin Airport Resort All Stars 75-73
in the second semi-final to book the final berth.

The All Stars trailed 19-13 in the first quarter after a
sluggish start which saw LG Sakers race to an 8-0 lead in
the first couple of minutes in their match contested at the
Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

LG Sakers guard Park Kyu Hyun did a commendable job of
torturing the opponents with his three pointers and he made them look effortless, too.

Shifting up a few gears in the next quarter,
LG Sakers who are the best-supported team in the
Korean Basketball League ended the half with a 42-25 lead.

Hyun Joo-Yeop(176-G-83) shone bright in the second period coming up with a
flurry of points through his stylish lay ups.

The action came hard and fast in the second half,
a physical game that saw neither team spare any
breathing space to their rivals.

A slam dunk by import centre Johnson Ivan (203-C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) and a shot from three-point
land courtesy of Park to start the third period saw the
Koreans widen their lead to 10 points.

Jordan All Stars tried to find their way back into the game
especially with Yousef Fakes's persistent efforts inside the
paint but to no avail.

Trailing 59-43 after the third quarter, Jordan All Stars knew
they needed a miracle to stop the rampant LG Sakers.

But the miracle did not come and LG Sakers would go on to play
brilliantly on both ends showing just why they are the defending champions.

Johnson was a valuable addition to the LG Sakers with his good
play under the basket at both ends of the court.

'I am confident we can win the final game,' Johnson said.

'We're just going to do the same thing that we've been doing all
week just get out there and play,' he added.

Their head coach Kang Eul Jun is also determined that they would
defend their title. 'We're going to show them tomorrow (Saturday) night.'

The Brunei Times
Zul Rosli
BANDAR SERI BEGAWANHyun Joo-Yeop (196-C/F-75)

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SYRIA

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Virgin Islands advances to semifinals - by David Edole
The Virgin Island opened Day 3 of CentroBasket 2008 with an easy win over El Salvador 86-66, Friday afternoon. The team already knew they advance to the semifinals and played their bench for most of the game. The VI will find out their position when Dominican Republic takes on Mexico in the evening contest. The Mexicans can secure a position in the semifinal by beating the Dominican Republic or losing by six points or less .The Dominicans can reach the semifinals winning by seven points. USVI is just waiting in the wings to find out if they will be a one or a two seed.
Group B Puerto Rico faces Panama and Cuba takes on Costa Rica. A win for Puerto Rico gives them a semifinal berth but if they lose they have to do it by 13 points or less. Cuba already qualified by having a +3 in case of a three-way tie.
The VI jumped out to a 26-7 lead and cruised the rest of the way. Kevin Sheppard (182-G-79, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Jacksonville) led the team with 20 points on efficient shooting. He was 6-of-8 from the field including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. Cuthbert Victor (196-G-83, college: Murray St.) was his usual all around performer. He scored 19 points, hauled down eight boards and dished out a team high six assists. Kitwana Rhymer chipped in with 12 and Jason Edwin added 11.
The much-maligned bench actually produced 19 points in the contest.
Oscar Escalante and Carlos Garay both tallied 17 points to lead three players in double figures for El Salvador. Fabio Soloranzo added 16 points.

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VENEZUELA

Bethelmy and Brito win in Mexico's latest friendly matches - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan players Luis Bethelmi (200-C-86) and Pedro Brito (202-F/C-82) won and had starring roles in their team's most recent friendly matches prior to the beginning of Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP) of Mexico, as Lobos UAC de Saltillo beat Shooting Stars, 94-89 at Coahuila and Panteras de Aguascalientes came back to defeat Tecos de la Universidad de Guadalajara, 88-85, as hosts.

Bethelmy scored the three-pointer that eliminated any chances for a come back in the last seconds of the match in a game in which he netted 25 games. The power forward, who recently won the LPB 2008 championship in Venezuela with Cocodrilos de Caracas and is nicknamed 'The Tsunami', got help from Jactan Bracey with 18 points, while countryman Alejandro Barrios (205-F-79) did not score over 10 points. For the Shooting Stars, Derrick Thomas scored 17 points and Ryan Skylar added 15.

Meanwhile, Brito scored 16 points to support 27 points of Devon Ford (193-G-77), 20 of Mario Bennett (207-F-73) and 16 from Puerto Rican Gabriel Colon (200-G/F-84), as the team coached by Argentinian Diego Riboldi was able to recover from a bad start to finish with the win. For Tecos, Ricardo Melendez (180-G-83) netted 22 points, Noe Alonso added 14 and Christopher Jeffries (199-F-80) and Jeff McMillan (203-F-80) scored 13 points each.

Askia Jones to play for Caciques, Tiburones sign Kyle Cuffe and add Peter Kvietek - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan/American Askia Jones (196-G-71) will join Caciques de Trujillo for the remainder of Liga Nacional de Baloncesto's 2008 season, after ending a successful season with Gaiteros del Zulia in LPB in which the team made it to the Finals, though they lost it against Cocodrilos de Caracas, 4-2.

Jones, a 36 year-old shooting guard and small forward who was born in the United States but applied for the Venezuelan nationality back in 2004, will help his former coach at Venezuela's Senior NT, Nestor Salazar , make Caciques a better based team in its official debut in the league.

Meanwhile, Tiburones de Vargas announced the signing and arrival of American power forward Kyle Cuffe (205-F-82), a 2.05m tall player who played for the Brooklyn Kings in the 2007 season of the USBL, where he averaged 10.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. He studied in Saint John's University, New York. Cuffe will get help in the paint by Venezuelan center Peter Kvietek (203-C-77), who started the season with Centauros de Cojedes but has been loaned to the Sharks for the remainder of the season.

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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Lauren Jackson hopes to return for Storm's postseason - by Eurobasket News

Storm star Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on her right ankle Thursday in Sydney and has told coach Brian Agler to expect her to be back in action soon after she returns to Seattle on Sept. 8 three games before the end of the regular season.

Doctors at St. Vincent's Hospital removed a detached bone spur and scar tissue from her 2004 ankle reconstruction. Doctors expected the 6-foot-5 forward to be out four to six weeks.

But Jackson told Agler she's a 'quick healer' and could return for postseason, if the Storm advances. The team's final regular-season game is Sept. 14 in Los Angeles.

'Obviously she knows herself better than anyone else,' Agler said. 'But I also know what the doctors are saying, and they have a lot more history. She'll come back, and it'll be great to have her back. She'll rehab here, and we'll just see what happens.'

Jackson, the 2007 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and MVP, is the Storm's leading scorer (20.2) and rebounder (7.0).

Courtesy of www.seattletimes.com

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WNBA - Women

Sparks forward Candace Parker named Hanns-G Go Beyond' Rookie of the Month for July - by Eurobasket News
After leading all rookies with more than 20 points per game, Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) was named the Hanns-G 'Go Beyond' Rookie of the Month for July. She previously won the inaugural award for the month of May.

In 12 games, the 6'4' forward topped all rookies in scoring (20.8 ppg) and rebounding (9.5 rpg), led the league in both double-doubles (8) and rebounds and ranked third in scoring. In an 82-74 win over the Houston Comets on July 9, Parker poured in a career-high 40 points and tied a career-best 16 rebounds. She scored 20 or more points six times and scored in double-digits in all games played during the month of July.

The first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft has lived up to the extraordinary expectations that accompanied her arrival in the WNBA. For the season, the Naperville, IL product tops the charts for rookies in scoring (18.8 ppg), rebounds (9.4 rpg) and double-doubles (14). Parker hasn't just been one of the league's most impressive rookies, she has also held her own against competition throughout the league. She also leads the entire WNBA in rebounds and ranks in the top 5 in points per game. The Sparks are currently 15-12 and sit in third place in the Western Conference.

Below are the highlights of Parker's outstanding month:

- July 6 vs. Phoenix: 31 points and 10 rebounds in a 91-80 win.

- July 9 vs. Houston: Career-high 40 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 blocks in an 82-74 win.

- July 17 at Phoenix: 23 points and 13 rebounds in a 99-92 loss.

- July 27 at Minnesota: 23 points on 10-17 shooting and 10 rebounds in a 92-84 win.

Courtesy of WNBA

Detroit and Sun clinch playoffs and Sky beated Washington - by Bruno Baltazar
Jia Perkins (5'8''-G-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Texas Tech) (5'8''-G-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Texas Tech) scored 20 of her 28 points in the second half, and Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) had career-highs with 20 points and 13 rebounds as the Chicago Sky beat the Washington Mystics 79-75 on Friday night.
Dominique Canty (5'9''-G/F-77, agency: Merit Sports, college: Alabama) added 10 points for the Sky.
Alana Beard (5'11''-G/F-82, college: Duke) scored 18 points and Monique Currie added 16 for the Mystics , who shot 38 percent from the field in their first game following the month long Olympic break. Currie had two shots inside to tie the game within the final 10 seconds, but they both fell off the rim.

Tamika Whitmore (6'2''-C/F-77, college: Memphis) scored 27 points and Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) added 24 to lead the Sun to a 98-72 victory over the Dream.
Connecticut clinched a playoff spot, has won five straight games to match its longest winning streak of the season.
Betty Lennox (5'8''-G-76, college: Louisiana Tech) led the Dream with 19 points, while reserve Katie Feenstra (6'8''-C-82, college: Liberty) added 13. Erika DeSouza had 11 points for Atlanta, which has dropped eight of its last nine games.

Ford and Plenette Pierson (6'2''-F/C-81, college: Texas Tech) were still gone Friday night, but new acquisition Taj McWilliams-Franklin was in a Detroit uniform for the first time and her 15 points helped the Shock beat the New York Liberty 83-69.
The win clinched Detroit's sixth straight playoff appearance.
During the break, the Shock traded two young players and a draft pick for the veteran McWilliams-Franklin in an attempt to provide a post game. Ford will miss the rest of the season with the torn ACL she sustained during the fight, while Pierson was serving the third game of her four-game suspension.
Smith, who won a gold medal with the United States in Beijing, scored 14 points, giving her 4,999 points in her WNBA career.
Shameka Christon (6'1''-G/F-82, college: Arkansas) added 16 points for New York.

Connecticut clinch playoff birth - by Eurobasket News
The Connecticut Sun stunned the Atlanta Dream 98:72 away from home to clinch the playoff birth. Tamika Whitmore (6'2''-C/F-77, college: Memphis) knocked down 27 points as the Sun improved to 18-10 record in the Eastern conference. Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) added 24 points as Connecticut posted the 5th straight success. The visitors built a 21-point lead in the second period. The margin grew to 30 points in the third quarter and Connecticut never looked back again. Gardin contributed 13 points for the winners. Betty Lennox (5'8''-G-76, college: Louisiana Tech) answered with 19 points for Atlanta. Katie Feenstra (6'8''-C-82, college: Liberty) tallied 13 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. The hosts slipped to 3-25 record in the season.
The Chicago Sky grabbed the second consecutive road win as they held off the Washington Mystics 79:75 yesterday. Jia Perkins (5'8''-G-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Texas Tech) nailed 28 points including 20 in the second half. Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) was impressive with 20 points and 13 boards for the winners. Candice Dupree put Chicago in front 72:71 with just over 2 minutes remaining. The Sky managed to secure the advantage and registered their 10th win. Alana Beard (5'11''-G/F-82, college: Duke) responded with 18 points for the home team. Monique Carrie added 16 points as the Mystics fell to 10-17 record.
The Detroit Shock used a 26-point haul from Deanna Nolan (5'11''-G/F-79, college: Georgia) to rout the visiting New York Liberty 83:69 at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Taj McWilliams-Franklin knocked down 15 points in her first appearance for the Shock. Detroit missed Cheryl Ford and Plenette Pierson from the squad but still managed to perform well in this one. The Liberty were up by 3 points at halftime but Detroit recovered in the third stanza. They rolled past New York 31:14 in the third frame and never surrendered the advantage in the fourth term. Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) knocked down 14 points in the 17th win for the Shock. Janel McCarville (6'2''-C-82, college: Minnesota) replied with 21 points for the Liberty.

Standings

WNBA Western Standings

1. S.Antonio SS	18-7
2. Connect. S.	17-10
3. Seattle S.	16-8
4. Detroit S.	16-9
5. L.Angeles S.	15-9
6. Sacram. M.	13-12
7. New York L.	12-11
8. Houston C.	12-12
9. Minnesota L.	10-12
10. Phoenix M.	10-14
11. Chicago Sky	10-14
12. Indiana F.	9-13
13. Washingt. M.	9-16
14. Charlotte S.	0-0

Lauren Jackson hopes to return for Storm's postseason - by Eurobasket News