EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/7/2008

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Men News

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  ABA   


Mississippi Blues set to play in ABA this season - by Eurobasket News
The American Basketball Association (ABA) today announced that it will return to Mississippi with an expansion team this season. According to Joe Newman, 'We had a great operation there prior to Hurricane Katrina; it has taken a couple of years to get back and we are pleased to be there. We have a great new ownership group, young, with a basketball background, a business background and a lot of energy in Daniel and Demarcus Price.'
Daniel Price is CEO/President of Price Management Group and works with his younger brother, Demarcus who will serve as Vice President. 'The Blues are truly a hometown venture and a family affair,' said Demarcus. 'We love the state of Mississippi and are excited about the opportunity to bring ABA basketball back to the state.'

Daniel is not just a regular person starting a basketball team without any experience. He started playing at the local YMCA when he was five years old and has never left the court in some form or the other. His high school career was impressive while playing at Wingfield High School in Jackson, MS. His senior year he averaged 21 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists and began his college career at Howard College in Big Spring TX where he helped his team go 23-0 before losing their first game. The team was ranked 2nd in the nation.

After graduation from Howard, he signed with NAIA D1 Pikeville College and helped lead the Bears to a national tournament appearance. During his senior year, he led the team in scoring with 18 points as well as field goal percentage, steals and free throw percentage and was ranked 3rd in the nation in steals throughout his senior season helping him make 1st Team All Conference. After college, he played professionally with the Cleveland Majic and also played in the CBA. He is CEO and founder of the Mississippi Basketball Exposure League.

Demarcus is a 2002 graduate of Clinton High School where he was a member of the national champions Attache. He attended Mississippi Delta Community College and was named Mr. MDCC, Captain of the Ambassadors, MDCC Hall of Fame and won the Departmental Award for the Social Sciences while maintaining a 3.8 GPA.

'Being in the Mississippi Delta, I was able to see the wonderful spectrum of Mississippi life and culture. As a performer, I was able to travel all over the US and it was during these travels I found that Mississippi was one of the few places where when one person succeeds the entire state succeeds,' said Demarcus. 'From watching my brother Daniel play, I have always dreamed of owning a professional sports team and I knew that I could not fulfill my dream anywhere but Mississippi. We are pleased and proud to be part of the ABA.' For more information, email dprice924@yahoo.com or call 601 951 5045 or visit www.abalive.com.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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  AUSTRIA   


U20 EC, division B: Poland outplays Austria in Targu Mures - by Eurobasket News
U20 Austria - U20 Poland 68-74

Poland grabbed win in the first day of Classification Round from 9th to 16th place on U20 European Championship division B. Austria entered into this stage transferring one victory from the Preliminary Round but after this defeat it dropped on 1-1. On the other side Poland improved to the same score keeping its hope alive to reach the second place in Group H.

Poland had furious beginning taking quick 0-6 lead. After Karol Gruszecki's (195-F-89) triple in 6th minute it already was 4-16 for the Poles. Austria couldn't recover form the staring shock during the entire first half. At the one point in the second stanza Poland touch plus 12 but it succeeded to keep 25-32 until the half time. Paul Radakovics (188-G-88) and Christof Hetzmannseder (181-G-88) created 8-0 at the beginning on third stanza making turn 33-32. Their joy didn't last too long as Poland very soon grabbed back its lead heading into the last ten minutes with plus 4. Austrians were very close until the end but Karol Gruszecki and Adam Waczynski (199-F-89) were unmistakable from the free throw line brining important win to their team.

Adam Waczynski led Poland to victory in this game collecting 19 points and 10 boards. Michal Nowakowski (199-F-88) also registered double-double adding 16 points and 13 rebounds while Daniel Goldammer (200-F-89) had 11 points and 6 boards. Paul Radakovics was the best scorer in Austria with 22 points. Christof Hetzmannseder helped his team with 12 points and 4 assists while Lorenzo O'Neal (188-G-88) stopped on 10 points and 5 rebounds. In the next round Poland will take on Slovak Republic, which doesn't have any chances for one of the first two places. Austria will meet Hungary.


U20 Austria - U20 Poland 68-74
(11-20, 14-12, 18-15, 25-27)

Austria: Paul Radakovics 22, Christof Hetzmannseder 12 (4 as), Lorenzo O'Neal 10 (5 rebs)
Poland: Adam Waczynski 19 (10 rebs), Michal Nowakowski 16 (13 rebs), Daniel Goldammer 11 (6 rebs)

Shawn Ray moves to Furstenfeld - by Cueneyt Tuerk
Former Kapfenberg Bulls forward Shawn Ray (193-F-80, agency: Court Side, college: N.C.Central) signed a contract to play for the Furstenfeld Panthers. Ray played three seasons for the bulls, beginning with the 2005-06 season and ending with the 2007-08. Ray, a 6'4' forward, averaged 17.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game the past season for the Bulls. He was first on team scoring and second in rebounding. He is the first signed player by the Panthers for the upcoming season.

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  AZERBAIJAN   


U20 EC, division B: Antti Kanervo blasts Azerbaijan netting 43 points - by Eurobasket News
U20 Finland - U20 Azerbaijan 118-56

Finland had an easy job against Azerbaijan in the first day of Classification Stage from 17th to 19th position. Azerbaijanis couldn't find a solution how to stop amazing Antti Kanervo (193-G/F-89), who totally smashed them draining 43 points. After this game Finland is a step closer to position number 17 on U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures while Azerbaijan will most probably end this competition as a last ranked team.

Azerbaijan showed the poorest performance on his championship than any other team. This time Azerbaijanis once again finished the with more than 100 points in their basket. As a reminder, just once they avoided this number and it happened against Ireland in Preliminary Round. Finland dominated in the paint finishing the game with 45 boards. At the same time Finish defense looked pretty good which resulted with 28 turnovers by Azerbaijan. Antti Kanervo was on fire during the entire time scoring more than 1/3 points of his team. At the half time Finland already created advantage of 32 points what made this game not so exciting until the very end.

As it was mentioned above, Antti Kanervo was totally the best player of this game. He played 36 minutes shooting 9/12 for FG2, 7/14 for 3-pts and 4/5 FTs. Except of him Juho-Matti Lehtoranta (191-G-89) also shined for the winning side scoring 22 points including 6 boards. Azerbaijan got the most from Anar Hajiyev (198-F-88), who scored 18 points. Amil Hamzayev (200-C-90) was the last player in Azerbaijan with double-digits adding 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Finland will have a day-off tomorrow while Azerbaijan will meet Switzerland.


U20 Finland - U20 Azerbaijan 118-56
(33-10, 30-21, 35-12, 20-13)

Finland: Antti Kanervo 43 (5 rebs), Juho-Matti Lehtoranta 22 (6 rebs)
Azerbaijan: Anar Hajiyev 18, Amil Hamzayev 12 (10 rebs, 4 as)

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  BELGIUM   


U20 EC, division B: Belgium triumphs against Romania - by Eurobasket News
U20 Belgium - U20 Romania 85-79

Belgium continued its domination on U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures. After perfect score in the Preliminary Round, Belgians entered into the next one celebrating. Actually it was a tough game against the hosts Romania until the last quarter when Munda Hockins (188-G-88) and his teammates totally smashed their opponents. It means that Belgium improved its score on 2-0 in Group F and most probably booked a spot for the semifinals. On the other side Romanians has small chances to do the same if it succeeds to beat Estonia. As a reminder Belgium transferred one victory to Group F from the Preliminary Round while Romania started it with 0-1 because of defeat against Netherlands.

Romania dominated in the first while Belgium took control on the hosts of U20 European Championship division B in the second frame. Belgium succeeded to recover from the starting 0-6 and later 22-31. Munda Hockins and Olivier Troisfontaines (193-G/F-89) led 17-8 run for their team making turn just before the half time 48-47. After the breather Vlad Moldoveanu (208-F-88) and Cezar Stanescu (191-G-88) were unstoppable and together with Titus Nicoara (200-F-88, agency: Interperformances) brought 60-74 to their team. Very soon Belgium answered with 8-0 run entering into the last frame with minus 6. With 3:31 to go Belgians tied the score on 79-79 after what Olivier Troisfontaines and Boris Penninck (205-C-88) took care for the winning 6-0 run.

Nothing new happened as Munda Hockins once again led his team to victory. This time he stopped on 21 points and 5 assists for 36 minutes. Olivier Troisfontaines also demonstrated wonderful performance for the winners collecting 20 points and 5 rebounds. Armand Kabeya (197-F-88) helped his team adding 17 points and 9 rebounds. Romania got the most from Vlad Moldoveanu, who scored 22 points and grabbed 10 boards. Cezar Stanescu was behind him with 20 points and 5 rebounds while Titus Nicoara had 17 points and 12 rebounds.


U20 Belgium - U20 Romania 85-79
(22-28, 26-19, 20-27, 17-5)

Belgium: Munda Hockins 21 (5 as), Olivier Troisfontaines 20 (5 rebs), Armand Kabeya 17 (9 rebs)
Romania: Vlad Moldoveanu 22 (10 rebs), Cezar Stanescu 20 (5 rebs), Titus Nicoara 17 (12 rebs)

Lions in preparation before Eurobasket 2009 qualifying campaign - by Bertrand Larsimont
The Belgian Lions are already preparing their Eurobasket 2009 qualifying campaign. They started practice sessions last weekend and will travel to Bulgaria for a few scrimmage games against the local national team this week. Three preparatory games are also scheduled in Belgium at the end of the month: Belgium vs. Sweden in Hoboken on Aug. 24th, Belgium vs. England in Battice on Aug. 26th and Belgium vs. Sweden in Brussels on Aug. 27th.

In the Qualifying Round of the Eurobasket 2009, the Belgian NT has been put in Group C. The Lions' opponents in this group will be France of NBA star Ronny Turiaf (208-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) and Coach Michel Gomez, Turkey of young talent Cenk Akyol (200-G-87), Real Madrid's Kerem Tunceri (190-G-79) and NBA player Hidayet Turkoglu (206-F-79) as well as Ukraine of Yaroslav Zubritskiy and Coach Valentyn Melnychuk.

Here is the complete Belgian Lions' schedule in Group C:

France vs. Belgium in Nancy on 2008-09-03
Belgium vs. Turkey in Charleroi (Spiroudome) on 2008-09-06 at 20:00
Belgium vs. Ukraine in Charleroi (Spiroudome) on 2008-09-10 at 20:00
Belgium vs. France in Charleroi (Spiroudome) on 2008-09-13 at 20:00
Turkey vs. Belgium in Istanbul on 2008-09-17
Ukraine vs. Belgium in Odessa on 2008-09-20

13 players have been selected by Coach Eddy Casteels and are supposed to travel to Bulgaria, Italy and Israel for training camps and preparatory tournaments: Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side), Sebastien Bellin (205-C-78, agency: Court Side, college: Oakland), Lionel Bosco (176-G-81, agency: Court Side), Yannick Driesen (215-C-88), Axel Hervelle (205-F-83), Dimitri Lauwers (187-G-79), Alexander Lichodzijewski (200-C-84), Didier Ilunga Mbenga, Roel Moors (190-G-78, agency: Agency No 10), Randy Oveneke (201-F-86, agency: Prime Select Sports), Jonathan Tabu (190-G-85), Jef Van der Jonckheyd (203-F-82, agency: Court Side), Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86). For unknown reason, Sacha Massot (205-F/C-83, agency: LBM Management) declined.

One or two individuals among the following players will also join the group on their way to Bulgaria: Nathan Hervelle (192-G-84), Domien Loubry (186-G-85), Maxime De Zeeuw (205-F-87, agency: LBM Management) or Xavier Collette (184-G-85).

As mentioned above, all Lions' qualifying round home games will be played at the Spiroudome in Charleroi. As far as the competition system is concerned, 17 teams are divided into three groups of four teams and one group of five teams (home and away games). The four teams placed first in each group, plus the three best second-placed teams will directly qualify for the final round of Eurobasket 2009 to be held in Poland. The ten teams which do not qualify will play in the Additional Qualification Round just before the Eurobasket 2009.

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  CHILE   


Dimayor: Connor for Baeta in Ancud - by Daniel Valencia
Deportes Ancud released the brazilian shooting guard Eduardo Baeta (195-G/F-84). Baeta played 4 games with the team averaging 16.8 points per game. To replace Baeta the leaders of Deportes Ancud signed a contract with the american player Malcolm Connor (198-G/F-80, college: W.New Mexico). Connor played with UDE Temuco in the 2006, when he became one of the league's scoring leaders. He will play alongside the brazilian Marcos Hubner and Leonardo Alves.

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  COLOMBIA   


Edgar Moreno Champion in Venezuela with Cocodrilos - by Victor Garcia
Colombian guard Edgar Moreno won its first tittle abroad, Moreno was again one of the key pieces in the Cocodrilos de Caracas scheme to obtain the 2008 Championship in Venzuelas LPB, Edgar was called for the playoffs.
Cocodrilos defeated Gaiteros del Zulia 111 - 93, Gaiteros had in its roster Colombian guard Jorge Leonardo Leon, and also during the season had Colombian forward Enielsen Guevara, Edgar Moreno scored 13 points in the 7th game of the serie and 23 points in the game 6.
Congratulations to the Cocodrilos, and to the Colombian star Edgar MorenoEdgar Moreno (191-G-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: UTEP)

Juan Diego Tello Palacios , agrees terms with VIC in Spains LEB GOLD - by Victor Garcia
Juan Diego Tello Palacios spent most of the summer, working hard in NBA summer camps, the Colombian forward was in Clevelands and Sacramentos summer camps, but finally he choose to take the European Adventure and agrees terms to joint Spains LEB GOLD newcomer AKASVAYU-VIC.
Tello Palacios already is visiting his family in Medellin , a short vacation period, and will join his new team on August 12, Tello Palacios project is to show its skills in the LEB GOLD and then get a call for a ACB or another big team in Europe.
Juan Palacios (203-F-85)

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  COSTA RICA   


Standings - D1
NL Standings
 1. Barva 5-0 
 2. Santa Cecilia 5-0 
 3. Liceo 4-0 
 4. Escazu 3-1 
 5. San Luis Gonzaga 2-2 
 6. Limon 2-3 
 7. Santa Ana 2-4 
 8. UCR 1-4 
 9. Goicoechea 0-5 
 10. Perez Zeledon 0-5 


Barva, Liceo and Santa Cecilia stay perfect in Clausura - by Gianni Pascucci
After 5 rounds of regular season in the Clausura Tournment, Ferreteria Brenes Barva, Liceo de Costa Rica and Santa Cecilia are yet unbeaten, while most of the opponents have yet suffered at least one loss. In the last round, Limon defeated Perez Zeledon 78-56 led by Jackie Acuna (190-F-81), who scored 20 pts, Barva destroyed UCR 89-55 with Amir Alvarado (198-G/F-84, college: Marshalltown CC) leading the way at 23 pts, Liceo de Costa Rica prevailed over San Luis Gonzaga 100-73 with the 'usual' point production of Henry Martinez (186-G/F-75, agency: Interperformances) (20 pts), and Coyotes de Santa Ana defeated Goicoechea 64-46 with Hector Shepherd (191-C-80) and Carlos Villalobos topping the two teams at 14 points each.

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  CROATIA   


Croatia nip Israel in Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U20 - Israel U20 80:62

Miro Bilan (210-C/F-89) tallied 20 points and 11 boards to lift his Croatian U20 Team to a solid win over Israel at the European Championship Qualifying round yesterday. It was the initial win for Croatia at this stage of the tournament. Israel remained at the bottom of the ladder at 0-4 record. Croatia jumped to an early 12:4 lead and kept mounting the pressure on their opponents. Three freebies from Teo Petani (190-G-88) marked a 22:13 lead for Croatia, however Ronen capped the frame with a layup and Israel trailed by 7 points at the first break. Anton Shoutvin (205-C/F-89) kept Israel close early in the second term but Croatia persisted. Miro Bilan and Filip Kruslin (198-G-89) opened a double-digit advantage for the Balkan team midway through the period and later Croatia rolled to a 42:31 advantage at halftime. Croatia tipped off the second half with an 8:2 rally to clear off to a 50:33 distance. Anton Shoutvin and Gal Mekel (195-G-88) trimmed the deficit to 8 points late in the quarter but it was Bubalo who crowned the frame with a treble giving Croatia a 62:53 advantage. A 9:0 surge from Croatia at the start of the fourth quarter gave them enough breathing space and they kept Israel at bay through the reminder of the contest. Ivan Milekovic (197-G/F-88) added 18 points for Croatia. Teo Petani had 14 points, 6 boards and 4 assists for the winners. Gal Mekel had 20 points for Israel. Anton Shoutvin contributed 12 points in a loss. Croatia will take on Turkey, while Israel will play against Ukraine today.

Croatia U20: Miro Bilan 20+11 boards, Ivan Milekovic 18, Teo Petani 14
Israel U20: Gal Mekel 20, Anton Shoutvin 12

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


U20 EC, division B: Czechs rout Norway in Targu Mures - by Eurobasket News
U20 Norway - U20 Czech Republic 80-91

Czech Republic took care for the win in the first day of Classification Round from 9th to 16th place against Norway. Thus Czechs improved their score to 2-0 in Group G while Norway has 1-1.

Czech Republic had much better beginning. After 5 minutes in the first quarter Czechs already made 6-11. They didn't wait too long for Norway's answer as it immediately created 22-9 run taking lead 28-20. Tomas Macela (179-G-88) shined for the official visitor in this game leading 9-1 run for his team. It was a game with a lot of series by both teams as Norway, mostly owing to Terrence Oglesby (188-G-88), made another one finishing the first half with advantage of 8 points. Norwegians couldn't know at that time what will happen to them in the last two quarters. After the breather Czechs started to play much better at the both ends of the court. Tomas Macela and Vojtech Hruban (197-F-89) were concentrated in the offense while on the other side Norway missed many open shots. Everything resulted with big turn 66-77 at the middle of the last frame. Until the end of the game Norway couldn't recover from the shock what made this job even easier for the Czechs.

The winning side got the most from Tomas Macela, who added 16 points and 6 assists. Vojtech Hruban followed him with 15 points and 4 rebounds while Lukas Palyza (201-F-89) stopped on 11 points and 5 boards. Terrence Oglesby was totally the best player in Norway. He played 21 minutes scoring 29 points and grabbing 8 boards. Torgrim Sommerfeldt (200-G-89) had 18 while Anders Stien (194-G-90) netted 10 points. In the next round Czech Republic will play against Great Britain while Norway will take on Ireland.


U20 Norway - U20 Czech Republic 80-91
(28-20, 20-20, 16-25, 16-26)

Norway: Terrence Oglesby 29 (8 rebs), Torgrim Sommerfeldt 18, Anders Stien 10
Czech Republic: Tomas Macela 16 (6 as), Vojtech Hruban 15 (4 rebs), Lukas Palyza 11 (5 rebs)

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  DENMARK   


Bakken Bears' newest addition - by Michael Ronne


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  D-LEAGUE   


Whirlwind NBA Career Contines as Bobby Jones Signs with Miami Heat - by Surujh Roopnarine
Bobby Jones (6'6''-F-84, college: Washington), the young, yet well-traveled NBA swingman has been signed by the Miami Heat.
A member of the Sioux Falls Skyforce for 5 games in 2007-08, where he averaged 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists, joins the Heat after being acquired, then waived by the New York Knicks on July 29th. Jones appeared in 47 NBA games (two starts) last season with five different teams, including Miami. He averaged 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 11.3 minutes per game while shooting 42.9 percent from the field. He played in 25 games for the Denver Nuggets, nine for the Memphis Grizzlies, six for the Heat, four for the Houston Rockets and three for the San Antonio Spurs. Jones signed with the Heat as a free agent on March 12, 2008 and appeared in six games. In that span, he averaged 8.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 23.8 minutes per game, while shooting 53.1 percent from the field. He led the Heat in scoring on March 21 vs. Washington with 15 points. During the 2006-07 season, Jones appeared in 44 games (five starts) with the Philadelphia 76ers. He averaged 2.5 points, 1.3 rebo

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  ESTONIA   


U20 EC, division B: Estonia beats Netherlands thanks to furious last quarter - by Eurobasket News
U20 Estonia - U20 Netherlands 69-65

Estonia made a huge step forward to the semifinals of U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures. Estonians were better than Netherlands mostly owing to pretty good performance by Tanel Kurbas (195-F-88) as well as the perfect last ten minutes. Thus Estonia improved to 1-1 in Group F while Netherlands dropped on the same score. If Estonia succeeds to beat the hosts Romania in the next round it will advance to the semis. Even if Estonians loose against Romanians they still have some chances for the semifinals.

Interesting is that the loosing side grabbed 17 more rebounds that the winner of this game. Netherlands finished it having 17 + 30 while Estonia had just 6 +24. The main problem for Netherlands was stroke from behind the arc as well as for FG2 (25% 3-pts, 40.4% FG2). Estonia dominated in the opening stanza. After successful jump shot by Timo Eichfuss (199-F-88), Estonians created 17-9. Roeland Schaftenaar (211-F/C-88) woke up in the next frame for Netherlands, which had full control on its opponent during the following 20 minutes. Thanks to mini 6-0 run led by Mattijs Hak (187-F-88) and Roeland Schaftenaar Netherlands headed with 41-49 into the last frame. As it was mentioned above, Estonians had wonderful last ten minutes. Tanel Kurbas and Rain Raadik (200-C-89) were on fire while Netherlands missed many jump shots. Everything resulted with 67-65 with 00:09 to go after what Rain Raadik drained winning jump shot for the final score 69-65.

Tanel Kurbas paced Estonia to victory netting 22 points for 33 minutes. Rain Raadik followed him scoring 14 points while Timo Eichfuss helped his team with 12 points and 6 boards. Roeland Schaftenaar was the best player for the loosing side adding 20 points and amazing 20 rebounds. Mattijs Hak delevered 15 points and grabbed 9 boards while Ewoud Kloos (-89) stopped on 12 points.


U20 Estonia - U20 Netherlands 69-65
(17-9, 14-17, 10-23, 28-16)

Estonia: Tanel Kurbas 22, Rain Raadik 14, Timo Eichfuss 12 (6 rebs)
Netherlands: Roeland Schaftenaar 20 (20 rebs), Mattijs Hak 15 (9 rebs), Ewoud Kloos 12

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  EUROCUP   


Cholet Basket adds Mickael Mokongo, Uka Agbai joins Le Havre - by Eurobasket News
Cholet Basket announced signing of Mickael Mokongo (180-G-86, agency: ACMT) from BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral. Mokongo is a 22-year old point guard who started last season in Turkish team Banvit averaging 10.2 ppg and 3.2 apg for 12 games in TBL. At the same time he played 5 games in FIBA Eurocup adding 8 ppg and 1 apg. In January this year he left Banvit immediately joining Gravelines. He had 14 appearances at the second half of the season in Pro A posting 5.6 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 2.9 apg. Mokongo was a member of French U20 National Team which participated at the European Championship in Izmir last summer. In the past he also played one season in Italian Capo D'Orlando and four years in Chalon. Interesting the he got a chance to play in ULEB Cup with Chalon as a 16-year old player adding more than 2 ppg.

Le Havre announced signing of Nigerian player Uka Agbai (203-F-81, college: Boston Coll.) on a one-year contract. Agbai spent last two seasons in Puerto Rican team Cariduros de Fajardo. At his first year with the team they were regular season champions in BSN. In the meantime he was a member of Japanese team Toyama Grouses. Agbai has European experience as he spent one year in Finland as a player of Pyrinto Tampere. He also played one season for German Bundesleague 1 team TBB Trier. According to Le Havre head coach Jean Manuel Sousa, Uka Agbai will be pretty good complement of team's frontcourt, that already featured Bingo Merriex (204-F-80, college: TCU), Kentrell Gransberry (206-C-85, college: LSU) and Romain Duport (215-C-86).

Brose Baskets tabs Filiberto Rivera, Panellinios inks Ivan Radenovic - by Dragan Jankovski
Brose Baskets inked Puerto Rican point guard Filiberto Rivera (187-G-82, college: UTEP) to a one-year deal. Rivera started the last season in Eldo Basket Napoli playing 13 games in Serie A with average stats 10.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 3.3 apg and 1.7 spg. In December last year the team decided to release him after what he joined AEK Athens. He had just 3 appearances in Greek A1 league getting waived by the tem in January. Later he finally agreed term with Gigantes de Carolina from Puerto Rico. Since he came out from UETP, Rivera played two seasons in Artland Dragons reaching the play-off final as well as the final of German National Cup.

Panellionios announced signing of Serbian big guy Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) on a one-year contract. Radenovic had few offers after his ex team Akasvayu Girona went bankrupt. He was connected with Aris as well as with Estudiantes Madrid but he finally agreed terms with Panellinios. Radenovic had 15 appearances for Girona in ULEB Cup last season averaging 8.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg. He registered 24 games in ACB league regular season having 5.3 ppg and 2.1 rpg. Radenovic joined Girona from University of Arizona during the previous summer.

Allianz Swans Gmunden announced arrival of Reggie Huffman (201-F-82, college: UAB) for the upcoming season. Huffman is coming from University of Alabama at Birmingham. At his senior season with UAB he averaged 7.7 ppg and 6.3 rpg in 34 games. Actually it was his lower digits in NCAA. Before UAB he played for Western Oklahoma State College.

Another "revolution" in names of Europen clubs competitions - by Eurobasket
Were you wondering what European cups we would have this upcoming season?
Here the organizations responsible for European clubs competitions surprised you again.
We have two new cups (Eurocup and EuroChallenge), which practically changed only their names and the format.
We already got used to changing the competition format of European cups practically every year.
But we hoped to have at least some stability about the competitions names.
No way, it seems that two years without significant changes in European clubs competitions is entire era, which has to be (obviously) changed.
How should we call last year EuroCup winner? EuroCup will be currently called EuroChallenge and ULEB Cup suddenly took the name of EuroCup.
So Barons and Akasvayu, which won last two editions of EuroCup should forget about their trophies as the competition name is taken over by another cup.
Let's try to put some order into what clubs competitions we used to have in Europe. If you think the current order stays for longer, you may be very surprised.
Just wait for another year or two and here we may have another 'revolution' in European clubs competitions.

The evolutions of names for European clubs competitions (1990-2009):

2008-2009:
Euroleague
Eurocup (previous name ULEB Cup)
EuroChallenge (previous name FIBA EuroCup)

2007-2008:
Euroleague
ULEB Cup
FIBA Eurocup

2006-2007:
Euroleague
ULEB Cup
FIBA EuroCup
EuroCup Challenge (last season)

2005-2006:
Euroleague
ULEB Cup
FIBA EuroCup (previous name FIBA Europe Cup)
EuroCup Challenge

2004-2005:
Euroleague
ULEB Cup
FIBA Europe Cup (previous name FIBA Europe League)

2003-2004:
Euroleague
ULEB Cup
FIBA Europe League (previous name FIBA Champions Cup)

2002-2003:
Euroleague
ULEB Cup (new cup)
FIBA Champions Cup (combination of Saporta Cup and Korac Cup)

2001-2002:
Euroleague (combination of ULEB Euroleague and FIBA Suproleague)
Saporta Cup (last season)
Korac Cup (last season)

2000-2001:
ULEB Euroleague (first year the competition is handled by ULEB)
FIBA Suproleague (previously known as Euroleague, when it was still handled by FIBA)
Saporta Cup
Korac Cup

1999-2000:
Euroleague (last year when the competition is handled by FIBA)
Saporta Cup
Korac Cup

1998-1999:
Euroleague (previous name European Cup)
Saporta Cup (new)
Korac Cup

1997-1998:
EuroCup
Korac Cup

1996-1997:
EuroCup (previous name European Cup)
Korac Cup

1995-1996:
European Cup (previous name European Champions' Cup)
Korac Cup

1994-1995:
European Champions' Cup
Korac Cup

1993-1994:
European Champions' Cup
European Cup

1992-1993:
European Champions' Cup
European Cup

1991-1992:
European Champions' Cup
European Cup

1990-1991:
European Champions' Cup
European Cup Winners' Cup (last season)

*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Team Serbia without Darko Milicic on Eurobasket 2009 Qualifications - by Dragan Jankovski
The bad news came from Serbian senior National Team. Darko Milicic (212-C-85) of Memphis Grizzlies won't be able to help his teammates on the upcoming Eurobasket 2009 Qualifications. Namely, due to Achilles injury Milicic already missed strong tournament in Moscow as well as a Diamond Ball in Nanjing. Head coach of the Team Serbia Dusan Ivkovic announced that the best solution for both sides is that Milicic leave NT camp in order to recover as soon as possible for his future obligations with the Grizzlies.

'Milicic suffered inconvenient Achilles injury on July 20. Despite it he traveled with us to Moscow and to Nanjing but he wasn't able to play. Therapies helped him but not as much as we expected. The last check we had yesterday but we decided that it is better for him to leave NT and focus on recovering. Most probably he will he ready to play very soon but the problem is that Eurobasket 2009 Qualification starts in two weeks and he for sure won't be 100% ready for it. We agreed together that the best possible solution is to find a replacement for him on position number 5. NT doctors will be on line with Milicic in order to help him recover asap' - said Dusan Ivkovic.

Serbian National Team is currently in city of Kovilovo where it prepares for the very important upcoming event. Serbia is placed into Group A for together with Hungary, Italy, Bulgaria and Finland. In the first round, which is scheduled for August 20, Italy will host Serbia. Basketball fans in Serbia will have an opportunity to watch their team their country on August 27 against Hungary. Two best teams from this group will automatically advance to the Eurobasket 2009. Third and fourth ranked teams will have a chance to do the same through the Additional Qualifying Round while the weakest team of Group A will fight for the survival in A division.

*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20   


M-Standings - Division B
Standings Div.B
Group E
1. Germany2-0
2. Portugal1-1
3. Sweden1-1
4. FYR Macedo.0-2
Group F
1. Belgium2-0
2. Estonia1-1
3. Holland1-1
4. Romania0-2
Group G
1. Czech Repu.2-0
2. U.Kingdom1-1
3. Norway1-1
4. Ireland0-2
Group H
1. Hungary2-0
2. Poland1-1
3. Austria1-1
4. Slovakia0-2
Group I
1. Finland1-0
2. Switzerl.0-0
3. Azerbaijan.0-1


M Standings - Division A
Standings
Group E
1. Italy4-0
2. Lithuania3-1
3. Turkey3-1
4. Ukraine1-3
5. Croatia0-3
6. Israel0-3
Group F
1. Monteneg.3-1
2. Serbia3-1
3. Spain2-2
4. France2-2
5. Latvia1-2
6. Russia0-3
Classification
1. Bulgaria1-0
2. Slovenia1-0
3. Georgia0-1
4. Greece0-1


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


U20 EC, division B: Antti Kanervo blasts Azerbaijan netting 43 points - by Eurobasket News
U20 Finland - U20 Azerbaijan 118-56

Finland had an easy job against Azerbaijan in the first day of Classification Stage from 17th to 19th position. Azerbaijanis couldn't find a solution how to stop amazing Antti Kanervo (193-G/F-89), who totally smashed them draining 43 points. After this game Finland is a step closer to position number 17 on U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures while Azerbaijan will most probably end this competition as a last ranked team.

Azerbaijan showed the poorest performance on his championship than any other team. This time Azerbaijanis once again finished the with more than 100 points in their basket. As a reminder, just once they avoided this number and it happened against Ireland in Preliminary Round. Finland dominated in the paint finishing the game with 45 boards. At the same time Finish defense looked pretty good which resulted with 28 turnovers by Azerbaijan. Antti Kanervo was on fire during the entire time scoring more than 1/3 points of his team. At the half time Finland already created advantage of 32 points what made this game not so exciting until the very end.

As it was mentioned above, Antti Kanervo was totally the best player of this game. He played 36 minutes shooting 9/12 for FG2, 7/14 for 3-pts and 4/5 FTs. Except of him Juho-Matti Lehtoranta (191-G-89) also shined for the winning side scoring 22 points including 6 boards. Azerbaijan got the most from Anar Hajiyev (198-F-88), who scored 18 points. Amil Hamzayev (200-C-90) was the last player in Azerbaijan with double-digits adding 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Finland will have a day-off tomorrow while Azerbaijan will meet Switzerland.


U20 Finland - U20 Azerbaijan 118-56
(33-10, 30-21, 35-12, 20-13)

Finland: Antti Kanervo 43 (5 rebs), Juho-Matti Lehtoranta 22 (6 rebs)
Azerbaijan: Anar Hajiyev 18, Amil Hamzayev 12 (10 rebs, 4 as)

KORISLIIGA: Durell Vinson comes to Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen
KTP (Kotka) and Korihait (Uusikaupunki) have now two American players for coming 2008-09 season. KTP signed recently F Durell Vinson (201-F),
who averaged a double-double (13,6 ppg - 11,5 rpg) as a Sr at Wagner U. Vinson will be in Finland first week of September. Earlier KTP
re-signed with American F Steve Smith (200-F-81, agency: CAA Sports, college: Iona).
Korihait inked on Tuesday with F-G Alain Laroche (198-F-83, agency: Court Side). Laroche comes from North Florida U. (18,2 ppg - 9,2 rpg) and has played shortly in Holland and last season in Chile (Universidad de Conception, 20,3 ppg - 9,1 rpg). Earlier Korihait signed with American F Jeremy Clayton (201-F-86).

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


Muurinen


Huff


Koponen


Mottola


Virtanen
4 Aki Ulander (208-C-81) of Sundsvall Dragons (SWE)
5 Antti Nikkila (210-F/C-78) of Banco di Sardegna Sassari (ITA)
6 Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81) of Honka Espoo Playboys
7 Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84) of Valparaiso University (USA)
8 Sami Lehtoranta (205-C/F-79) of Joensuun Kataja
9 Mikko Koivisto (193-G-87) of University of North Carolina, Greensboro (USA)
10 Tuukka Kotti (204-F/C-81) of Solsonica Rieti (ITA)
11 Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) of Honka Espoo Playboys
12 Samuel Haanpaa (203-G-86) of Valparaiso University (USA)
13 Hanno Mottola (208-F-76) of Aris Thessaloniki (GRE)
14 Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) of Joensuun Kataja
15 Ville Makalainen (194-F-85) of Namika Lahti
Head Coach: Henrik Dettmann

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


Spain rout France in Riga - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20 -France U20 92:72

Spanish U20 National Team posted their first win at the Qualifying round of the European Championship. They bruised France today and improved to 2-2 record in Group F. French woeful form continued in the second straight game. The team entered the Qqualifying round with a perfect record but was twice heavily beaten. Spain won all the quarter and easily reached another win. Victor Claver (204-F/C-88) led the winners with 21 points. Joaquin Colom (187-G-88) collected 19 points and 12 assists and Tomas scored 19. Edwin Jackson (191-G-89) poured in 13 points in defeat and Abdoulaye MBaye (189-G-88) added 12. Spain will take on Russia on the last day while France will try to avoid a third loss against Montenegro.

Aguilar opened the game for Spain that never looked behind in the game. In the decisive first quarter Spain held off France to 16:7 after the first 10 minutes of the game. Tomas made it 18:7 entering the second period. France remained in the game and Vaty sent both teams to the lockers for 36:23. In the third quarter the game was even but the score was still up for the Spanish squad. They produced 25:23 in the period for 61:46 lead before the final stanza. Rabaseda's three made it plus 21 and Joaquin Colom scored for 74:52. Victor Claver's jump shot was the last in the game as Spain dominated 92:72 win.

Spain U20:Victor Claver 21, Joaquin Colom 19+12 ast, Tomas 19
France U20: Edwin Jackson 13, Abdoulaye MBaye 12

Cholet Basket adds Mickael Mokongo, Uka Agbai joins Le Havre - by Eurobasket News
Cholet Basket announced signing of Mickael Mokongo (180-G-86, agency: ACMT) from BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral. Mokongo is a 22-year old point guard who started last season in Turkish team Banvit averaging 10.2 ppg and 3.2 apg for 12 games in TBL. At the same time he played 5 games in FIBA Eurocup adding 8 ppg and 1 apg. In January this year he left Banvit immediately joining Gravelines. He had 14 appearances at the second half of the season in Pro A posting 5.6 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 2.9 apg. Mokongo was a member of French U20 National Team which participated at the European Championship in Izmir last summer. In the past he also played one season in Italian Capo D'Orlando and four years in Chalon. Interesting the he got a chance to play in ULEB Cup with Chalon as a 16-year old player adding more than 2 ppg.

Le Havre announced signing of Nigerian player Uka Agbai (203-F-81, college: Boston Coll.) on a one-year contract. Agbai spent last two seasons in Puerto Rican team Cariduros de Fajardo. At his first year with the team they were regular season champions in BSN. In the meantime he was a member of Japanese team Toyama Grouses. Agbai has European experience as he spent one year in Finland as a player of Pyrinto Tampere. He also played one season for German Bundesleague 1 team TBB Trier. According to Le Havre head coach Jean Manuel Sousa, Uka Agbai will be pretty good complement of team's frontcourt, that already featured Bingo Merriex (204-F-80, college: TCU), Kentrell Gransberry (206-C-85, college: LSU) and Romain Duport (215-C-86).

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


U20 EC, division B: Tight win for Germany against F.Y.R. of Macedonia - by Eurobasket News
U20 F.Y.R. of Macedonia - U20 Germany 75-81

Germany had to work very hard in order to beat F.Y.R. of Macedonia in the first game of the Qualifying Round on U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures. Germans entered into this stage transferring the victory against Sweden from the Preliminary Round. Thus the Germans improved to 2-0 in Group E while Macedonians dropped on 0-2 loosing any chance for the semifinals.

Macedonias main problem in this game were turnovers as its players committed 26. Despite it Macedonians had a chance to take this one. Germany opened the game better. Lucca Staiger's (196-G-88) triple brought 20-25 to Germany at the end of the first stanza. During the next ten minutes Germany touched plus six but Aleksandar Kostoski (188-G-88, agency: Octagon) and his teammates immediately created 7-2 run. Once again Lucca Staiger was successful at the Germany's last possession for 35-38. Macedonians showed slightly better performance after the breather ending third frame 25-20. It means that Macedonians entered into the last stanza with 60-58. On 73-75 for Germany with 1:13 to go Macedonians missed three pointer after what they commited two turnovers. On the other side Per Gunther was successful from the free throw line resolving question about the winner.

Elias Harris (202-F-89) paced Germany to win netting 29 points and grabbing 7 boards for 33 minutes. Per Gunther was the last player with double-digits in Germany nailing 10 points. Aleksandar Kostoski helped his team collecting 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists but it was not enough to Macedonia against the strong Germans. Marjan Janeski also shined for the loosing side adding 19 points and 8 rebounds.


U20 F.Y.R. of Macedonia - U20 Germany 75-81
(20-25, 15-13, 25-20, 15-23)

F.Y.R. of Macedonia: Aleksandar Kostoski 20 (7 rebs, 4 as), Marjan Janeski 19 (8 rebs)
Germany: Elias Harris 29 (7 rebs), Per Gunther 10

*****************************************************
  GAMBIA   


Gambian player update August 2008 - by Rolando Delabarrera
According to a small article in the Norwich Bulletin dated July 15, 2008, Amadou Sambou will be attending Putnam Science Academy in Conneticut next year. Putnam Science is a private boys boarding school . It is unclear if Sambou did not qualify for the NCAA or just thought a second post high school year would help his development. His new coach Tom Espinosa was quoted in the article as saying ,' He has the talent to be special but needs to get himself into much better basketball condition'. Sambou is listed at 275 lbs in the article and should probably play at 240 or so. Amadou Sambou (206-C)

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


U20 EC, division B: Tight win for Germany against F.Y.R. of Macedonia - by Eurobasket News
U20 F.Y.R. of Macedonia - U20 Germany 75-81

Germany had to work very hard in order to beat F.Y.R. of Macedonia in the first game of the Qualifying Round on U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures. Germans entered into this stage transferring the victory against Sweden from the Preliminary Round. Thus the Germans improved to 2-0 in Group E while Macedonians dropped on 0-2 loosing any chance for the semifinals.

Macedonias main problem in this game were turnovers as its players committed 26. Despite it Macedonians had a chance to take this one. Germany opened the game better. Lucca Staiger's (196-G-88) triple brought 20-25 to Germany at the end of the first stanza. During the next ten minutes Germany touched plus six but Aleksandar Kostoski (188-G-88, agency: Octagon) and his teammates immediately created 7-2 run. Once again Lucca Staiger was successful at the Germany's last possession for 35-38. Macedonians showed slightly better performance after the breather ending third frame 25-20. It means that Macedonians entered into the last stanza with 60-58. On 73-75 for Germany with 1:13 to go Macedonians missed three pointer after what they commited two turnovers. On the other side Per Gunther was successful from the free throw line resolving question about the winner.

Elias Harris (202-F-89) paced Germany to win netting 29 points and grabbing 7 boards for 33 minutes. Per Gunther was the last player with double-digits in Germany nailing 10 points. Aleksandar Kostoski helped his team collecting 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists but it was not enough to Macedonia against the strong Germans. Marjan Janeski also shined for the loosing side adding 19 points and 8 rebounds.


U20 F.Y.R. of Macedonia - U20 Germany 75-81
(20-25, 15-13, 25-20, 15-23)

F.Y.R. of Macedonia: Aleksandar Kostoski 20 (7 rebs, 4 as), Marjan Janeski 19 (8 rebs)
Germany: Elias Harris 29 (7 rebs), Per Gunther 10

Two import players to Wuerzburg - by Moritz Korff
The SCH Wuerzburg Baskets (Regionalliga South-East) have found their import players for the 2008-09 campaign. Monty Rogers (196-F-82, college: Mayville St.) and Ryan Steer (183-G-84, college: University of Windsor) will join the squad of Coach Berthold Bisselik.
Rogers has been a star at NAIA Division 2-level and was named an All-American in his senior year (2006-07) at Mayville State University. He spent his first season as a pro in Finland and continued to put up great numbers, just like he did for the Comets. In 26 games with BC Jyvaskyla of the second Finnish league Rogers averaged 21.6 points and 10.1 rebounds. However, he is a poor free throw shooter and hit only 52.5% from the line last season. In his final year of college-basketball it was even worse: 46.1% (71-154).
Meanwhile Steer, a Canadian who played for the University of Windsor in the CIS over the last years, only missed 15 shots from the charity-stripe in this past season (83.5%). The Point Guard scored 15.5 points a game for the Lancers and dished out a CIS-best 7.4 assists per contest.

Lich lands Jesse Bunkley - by Moritz Korff
LTi Lich (2. Bundesliga Pro A) sealed its first signing of an import player this summer. Jesse Bunkley (196-G/F-86, college: E.Michigan) has made an one year-agreement with the team of Coach Alexander Biller. The 21-year-old Guard/Forward played university-hoops at Mott CC and Eastern Michigan University (NCAA1). The native of Detroit, Michigan played 30 games for EMU in this past season and produced 9.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per contest.

Iserlohn Kangaroos sign Fletcher Walters - by Daniel Poerschke

The NOMA Iserlohn Kangaroos of the 1. Regionalliga West announced today, that they have signed their second foreigner for the upcoming season: Fletcher Walters (201-F-86, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) comes from NCAA 3 national powerhouse Amherst College to the Kangaroos. Walters is a multi-dimensonal forward who averaged 14.8ppg and 7.2rpg last season. In 2007 his college team won the NCAA 3 national championship and in 2008 Amherst lost in the national championship game. He was named to the D3hoops.com All-Northeast Region 1st Team and to the NABC Division III Northeast Region 1st Team this past season.

Also Jason Rueter (192-G-77) will come back to Iserlohn, after spending last season with FC Schalke 04 in the german Pro A league.



Bundesliga-News - by Moritz Korff
Ivars Timermanis (202-F-82) has signed a one-year contract-extension with Eisbaeren Bremerhaven from the 1. Bundesliga. The 26-year-old Latvian played 34 league-games for Bremerhaven in this past season and averaged 9.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per outing.
The club also announced, that Moritz Wohlers (203-F/C-84, agency: Court Side, college: Montana St. - Billin) is currently working out with the Polar Bears. The member of the German A2-National Team parted with BG 74 Goettingen recently.

Coach Douglas Spradley of the Paderborn Baskets (1. Bundesliga) will have to replace Nathan Peavy (203-F-85, agency: LimeLight, college: Miami, OH) for a while. The Power Forward suffered a shoulder injury in practice on Saturday. Peavy turned to a shoulder-specialist in Hannover, who diagnosed, that the 23-year-old has to undergo surgery and may out of action for up to six months.

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


Diamantidis could play in the NBA according to Eric Musselman - by Simon Varvakis
Eric Musselman , the former head coach of the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings wrote his views on his personal blog about the Greek National Team.

He said that Greece is really playing on another level now. They are well coached by Panagiotis Giannakis. Their team plays with a great pace and a winning tempo. They push it when its there and run a disciplined half-court offense. Unselfish team.

He also made a special mention on Greece's left-handed point guard, Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80). He said that he loves his game and that he could play in the NBA. He also said that Diamantidis is better than some NBA starters and better than most back-up point guards. Diamantidis can defend and he could post in a NBA game for short stretches as a 'bait' man as he wants to draw the double team and pass out of it. He's so unselfish, but did not knock down enough shots with range.

He also said that Greece really goes to Sofoklis Schortisiantis with post ups and recognized that he's a real crowd favorite.

A1 Market and transfer news - by Simon Varvakis
Panellinios agreed terms with Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) who played for Girona last year and averaged 5.3ppg, 2.1rpg. Radenovic had renewed his contract with Girona but the team was dismantled because of financial difficulties and relegated to the LEB Bronze, hence Ivan Radenovic was free to sign with any team he wanted.

PAOK agreed terms with Vassilis Simtsak (204-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances) who played for AEK last year and announced it.

Pat Calathes (208-G/F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services) is rumored to have agreed terms with Maroussi and he will be announced soon for a 3-year contract. Maroussi is waiting for Arik Krayn to send back the contract of Calathes signed so they can announce the player.

Yannis Gagaloudis (191-G-78) has agreed terms with AEL 1964 and will also be announced very soon.

Olympiakos made the start - by Serafim Karaiskakis
Olympiakos move to bring an NBA star in Europe this summer changed the worldwide market. We dont know if Josh Childress is going to help them that much as they paid him but for sure they disclosed an unknown world for the NBA players. The EuroWorld which is stronger of the DollarWorld in the Usa. Last year was NBA star Chris Webber but he was not convinced to come and play in Greece, this year Childress transfer made everybody in the Usa talking about Olympiakos and European basketball. Other players from NBA with decent career followed him: Earl Boykins in Virtus Bologna, Carlos Arroyo in Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Juan Carlos Navarro in Barcelona, Primoz Brezec in Roma, Bostjan Nachbar in Dynamo Moscow, Carlos Delfino and Jorge Garbajosa in Khimky Moscow.
We hear now that Nick Fazekas (211-F-85, agency: Octagon, college: Nevada) is looking a European team to continue his career with salary around half million dollars net free. He had solid career in NCAA with Nevada and he was taken with the 34th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. On July 26, the Mavericks signed Fazekas to a one year contract but he was realeased on February and ended up the same month with the Clippers where he had 4.7ppg, 3.9rpg in 22 games. However, on August 1, the Clippers withdrew their qualifying offer to Fazekas, leaving him as an unrestricted free agent right now.
NBA scouters and coaches named him slow and weak for the NBA having a Center height but playing like a forward.He shots good but he does not play hard defence trying to avoid body contact. He will try to find a team to be a star and boost his value even more if he manages to get bosman passport due to his Hungarian roots. Analysts believe that he will end up moving in Europe playing like Rick Ricket. Playing in NBDL does not give him enough money.Some European team will pick him giving him the playing time he wants but nobody is sure if eventualy will be a big transfer or another talented young prospect troubled with his gameplay. Keep an eye on him we may see him in Greece..,Russia,Spain or Italy.

*****************************************************
  HAITI   


Topaz stays alive - by Stardeak Durand

Topaz Club improved its record to 3-2 in the National Championship with a 103-80 win over Bota's House at the Carrefour Sports Center Saturday.


The Topaz' coach Emmanuel Adhemar used nine players. And this time his players showed that they could win by 20-plus and stay in the race for the playoffs, thanks to tough defense and a pretty good performance from their leading scorer Alexis Brunel.

Brunel found his shooting touch, leading all scorers with 37 points on 16-of-26 shooting, 2 assists and 2 blocks. Samuel Danache contributed with 26 points on 10-of-16 from the field and 5-of-7 from the free-throw line. And Nielsen Guillaume tallied 16 point on 7-of-13 shooting and pulled down 16 rebounds and blocked 2 shots.

Josnel Joseph led Bota's House with 25 points hitting 10 of his 22 attempts and 4-of-6 free-throw to go along with 7 rebounds. Randy Israel helped with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals but those digits were not enough to help Bota's House run out of a 3-game losing streak.

Topaz as a team hit 42-of-60 field goals but struggled behind the arc with an awful 2-of-10, and was outrebounded by Bota's House 38-37.


Next week Topaz will play Bazooka, the team wich beat ASBA 84-77 friday, at the Carrefour Sports Center, where both teams host their games.And Bota's House will go to Cayes where Dynamic will be awaiting. Dynamic has a 0-5 record.



Week 5 complete results - by Stardeak Durand

Here are the complete results of the National Championship / Week 5


Bazooka - ASBA 84-77 ( @ Carrefour Sports Center, Port-au-Prince )
Wilkie Desin ( Bazooka ) : 19 points and 1 assist

Topaz - Bota's House 103-80 ( @ carrefour Sports Center, Port-au-Prince )
Alexis Brunel ( Topaze ) : 37 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks

Giants - Dynamic 99-64 ( @ College Saint Jean, Cayes )
Pascal Jeune ( Giants ) : 20 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist

Exposant - Ninja 20-0 ( @ Gymnasium of Cap-Haitien, Cap-Haitien )***
Benji Lizaire 17 points, 5 steals, 3 assists and 2 rebounds


*** Following the incident that occured at the Gymnasium of Cap-Haitien, where the principal referee had to stop the game for safety reasons, ( Ninja's fans were throwing bottles and stones on the floor), and according to the report of the commissioner of the match, the Organizing Committee made the decision to apply in the circumstance the Article 20 of the official rules of the FIBA which governs the championship. Consequently, the local team, NINJA, in charge of the organization of the game and the safety in the Gymnasium (by extension, of the actions of the fans having prevented the game from continuing) loses the game by the score of 20-0.



Voila National Standings
Division 1 Standings
 1. Exposant 5-0 
 2. Giants 4-1 
 3. Bazooka 3-2 
 4. Topaz 3-2 
 5. ASBA 3-2 
 6. Bota's House 1-4 
 7. Ninja 1-4 
 8. Dynamic 0-5 


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


Keith Spencer joins Aris Friesland - by Fred Roggen
Aris Friesland has contracted his second American. The team agreed a one-year contract with Keith Spencer (203-F, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) today. Spencer is a graduate from the University of Texas - San Antonio, where he averaged 6.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game
Coach Pete Miller is enthusiastic about Spencer: 'I am confident of his speed, athletic ability and driving ability. We will have much pleasure with him and he can be used on both the 3 and 4 position. '

U20 EC, division B: Estonia beats Netherlands thanks to furious last quarter - by Eurobasket News
U20 Estonia - U20 Netherlands 69-65

Estonia made a huge step forward to the semifinals of U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures. Estonians were better than Netherlands mostly owing to pretty good performance by Tanel Kurbas (195-F-88) as well as the perfect last ten minutes. Thus Estonia improved to 1-1 in Group F while Netherlands dropped on the same score. If Estonia succeeds to beat the hosts Romania in the next round it will advance to the semis. Even if Estonians loose against Romanians they still have some chances for the semifinals.

Interesting is that the loosing side grabbed 17 more rebounds that the winner of this game. Netherlands finished it having 17 + 30 while Estonia had just 6 +24. The main problem for Netherlands was stroke from behind the arc as well as for FG2 (25% 3-pts, 40.4% FG2). Estonia dominated in the opening stanza. After successful jump shot by Timo Eichfuss (199-F-88), Estonians created 17-9. Roeland Schaftenaar (211-F/C-88) woke up in the next frame for Netherlands, which had full control on its opponent during the following 20 minutes. Thanks to mini 6-0 run led by Mattijs Hak (187-F-88) and Roeland Schaftenaar Netherlands headed with 41-49 into the last frame. As it was mentioned above, Estonians had wonderful last ten minutes. Tanel Kurbas and Rain Raadik (200-C-89) were on fire while Netherlands missed many jump shots. Everything resulted with 67-65 with 00:09 to go after what Rain Raadik drained winning jump shot for the final score 69-65.

Tanel Kurbas paced Estonia to victory netting 22 points for 33 minutes. Rain Raadik followed him scoring 14 points while Timo Eichfuss helped his team with 12 points and 6 boards. Roeland Schaftenaar was the best player for the loosing side adding 20 points and amazing 20 rebounds. Mattijs Hak delevered 15 points and grabbed 9 boards while Ewoud Kloos (-89) stopped on 12 points.


U20 Estonia - U20 Netherlands 69-65
(17-9, 14-17, 10-23, 28-16)

Estonia: Tanel Kurbas 22, Rain Raadik 14, Timo Eichfuss 12 (6 rebs)
Netherlands: Roeland Schaftenaar 20 (20 rebs), Mattijs Hak 15 (9 rebs), Ewoud Kloos 12

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


U20 EC, division B: Hungary takes it easily over Slovak Republic - by Eurobasket News
U20 Slovak Republic - U20 Hungary 59-72

Hungary registered the first win in Classification Round from 9th to 16th place on U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures. Thus Hungarians remained undefeated in Group H with score 2-0 and it already secured battle for the position number nine. On the other side Slovakia has 0-2 and after the next game against Poland it will continue participation on the championship fighting for 13th place.

Slovakians had terrible shot percentage in this game. They made just 6 of 24 attempts from behind the arc as well as 16 of 50 attempts for FG2. With that kind of stroke Slovakians couldn't expect victory against inconvenient Hungarians. Hungary started the game strongly making 1-9 after four minutes. Slovakians didn't give up and thanks to Peter Dorazil (198-C-89) and Peter Mikulik tied the score on 20-20 in 11th minute. They even grabbed plus 4 in the second period but still Hungary ended it with 32-34. From the middle of third stanza center Gergely Somogyi (218-C-89) stepped up for Hungary leading 2-13 run which meant that his team had 40-51 before the last frame. Slovakia's maximum during the next ten minutes was minus 3 after what Milan Csorvasi (209-F/C-88, agency: FCM) drained a triple for plus 6, what his team kept steady until the end.

Milan Csorvasi netted 13 points from the winners while Gergely Somogyi was a hero of the game collecting 11 points and 15 boards. Peter Hajmasy (194-F-88) helped his team scoring 10 points. The loosing side got 12 points and 7 rebounds from Pavel Losonsky (203). Gabriel Unatinsky (174-G) was behind him adding 11 points and 7 rebounds for Slovakia. In the last round of Group H Hungary will meet Austria. As it was mentioned above, Slovakia will take on Poland.


U20 Slovak Republic - U20 Hungary 59-72
(17-20, 15-14, 8-17, 19-21)

Slovak Republic: Pavel Losonsky 12 (7 rebs), Gabriel Unatinsky 11 (7 rebs)
Hungary: Milan Csorvasi 13, Gergely Somogyi 11 (15 rebs), Peter Hajmasy 10

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


Croatia nip Israel in Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U20 - Israel U20 80:62

Miro Bilan (210-C/F-89) tallied 20 points and 11 boards to lift his Croatian U20 Team to a solid win over Israel at the European Championship Qualifying round yesterday. It was the initial win for Croatia at this stage of the tournament. Israel remained at the bottom of the ladder at 0-4 record. Croatia jumped to an early 12:4 lead and kept mounting the pressure on their opponents. Three freebies from Teo Petani (190-G-88) marked a 22:13 lead for Croatia, however Ronen capped the frame with a layup and Israel trailed by 7 points at the first break. Anton Shoutvin (205-C/F-89) kept Israel close early in the second term but Croatia persisted. Miro Bilan and Filip Kruslin (198-G-89) opened a double-digit advantage for the Balkan team midway through the period and later Croatia rolled to a 42:31 advantage at halftime. Croatia tipped off the second half with an 8:2 rally to clear off to a 50:33 distance. Anton Shoutvin and Gal Mekel (195-G-88) trimmed the deficit to 8 points late in the quarter but it was Bubalo who crowned the frame with a treble giving Croatia a 62:53 advantage. A 9:0 surge from Croatia at the start of the fourth quarter gave them enough breathing space and they kept Israel at bay through the reminder of the contest. Ivan Milekovic (197-G/F-88) added 18 points for Croatia. Teo Petani had 14 points, 6 boards and 4 assists for the winners. Gal Mekel had 20 points for Israel. Anton Shoutvin contributed 12 points in a loss. Croatia will take on Turkey, while Israel will play against Ukraine today.

Croatia U20: Miro Bilan 20+11 boards, Ivan Milekovic 18, Teo Petani 14
Israel U20: Gal Mekel 20, Anton Shoutvin 12

Market News - by Or Berger
Rumors sais that the player JamesOn Curry (191-G-86, college: Oklahoma St.) nominee to the position of the PG in Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem after that the negotiation with the Israeli PG, Moran Roth (178-G-82), were stuck. Rumors also said that Kevinn Pinkney (206-F-83, college: Nevada) was offered to the team (despite some rumors that the player has agreed his terms in other Italian team).

Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem is also negotiating with the player Andre Emmett (196-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech) who played last year in Belgium League in Liege, were he averaged there the last season 23.6ppg and 4.6ppg.

Avishay Gordon (192-G-77) who played last year with the Israeli Champions, Hapoel Holon, is very closed to sign in Galil\Gilboa.

Oded Katash ,Galil\Gilboa head coach, is still looking for foreigners to C and PF positions.

*****************************************************
  ITALY   


Italy - France 68-65 - by Gianni Pascucci
Daniel Hackett (196-G-87) and Massimo Bulleri (188-G-77) scored 13 points each to lead Team Italy to the win over France in the last test match before the 'Sardegna Canestro Tournment', scheduled for August 13-15 in Cagilari. France started very well, taking the lead at the beginning and ending the first half ahead 44-38. In the second half of the game, the Azzurri showed more agreessiveness and managed to come back, led by Builleri, who scored the last 9 points of Team Italy and stole the ball almost at the buzzer, when France was trying to tie the score. Thomas Dubiez (195-G-80) scored 14 points to be the top scorer of the guest team.

Italy stay on top of Group E in Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Italy U20 - Ukraine U20 99:60

Italian team secured their leading position at the Qualifying round Group E of the U20 European Championship in Latvia. Today Italy stunned Ukraine to improve to 4-0 record. Ukraine meanwhile fell to 1-3 record at the fourth spot in the ladder. Ukraine stayed close in the opening stanza. Sergiy Gladyr (196-G/F-89) and Oleksandr Sizov (200-F-88) teamed up for 17 points in the quarter and Ukraine entered the second term up by one 20:19. However a 23:3 rally from Italy in the second term allowed Azzurri to accumulate an 18-point advantage at the interval. Marco Ammannato (202-F/C-88), Bonesio and Roberto Rullo (192-G-90) knocked down 6 straight points for Italy to enlarge the lead to 24 points at the start of the third period. Ukraine failed to recover and trailed by 26 points heading into the fourth term. Italy never slowed down in the fourth quarter and secured an overwhelming victory at the end. Marco Giuri (192-G-88) led balanced offense with 13 points. Roberto Rullo, Giancarlo Ferrero (194-G-88, agency: Players Group) and Marco Ammannato added 12 points apiece for the winners. Vadym Norenko (204-F-88) had 13 points for Ukraine. Oleksandr Sizov netted 11 points and pulled down 6 boards in defeat. Italy shot impressive 58% from the field, while limiting their opponents to 40% accuracy. The winners also forced Ukraine to 25 turnovers.

Italy U20: Marco Giuri 13, Roberto Rullo 12, Giancarlo Ferrero 12, Marco Ammannato 12
Ukraine U20: Vadym Norenko 13, Oleksandr Sizov 11

*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


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


Helmanis


Blums


Jahovics


Cipruss


Janicenoks
1 Juris Umbrasko (196-F-79) of Politekhnika-Halychyna Lviv (UKR)
4 Uvis Helmanis (204-F-72) of BK Ventspils
7 Janis Blums (190-G-82) of Iurbentia Bilbao Basket (ESP)
8 Mareks Jurevicus (198-F-85) of Liepajas Lauvas
10 Gatis Jahovics (200-F-84) of ASK Riga
12 Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82) of Liepajas Lauvas
14 Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) of Upim Bologna (ITA)
18 Janis Poznaks (205-F-83) of Bumerangs/Gulbene/ASK
21 Janis Porzingis (201-F-82) of New Basket Brindisi (ITA)
25 Raimonds Gabrans (188-G-84) of BK Ventspils
27 Ernests Kalve (200-F-87) of ASK Riga
30 Ronalds Zakis (205-F/C-87) of VEF Riga
39 Edgars Jeromanovs (186-G-86) of VEF Riga
41 Kaspars Berzins (211-F/C-85) of Barons/LMT Riga
Head Coach: Karlis Muiznieks

Latvia remain hopeful in title race - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U20 - Russia U20 68:55

Latvian U20 National Team reignited their hunt for the place in the final four of the European Championship. The hosts of the event recovered after a slow start to the competition to post straight wins at the Qualifying round and improved to 2-2 record in Group F. They now need to overcome Serbia to have a chance to get into the semis. Latvia defeated Russia yesterday sending their opponents to 0-4 record in the Pool. Janis Strelnieks (185-G-89) scored 15 points to pace the home team to a key win. Arturs Berzins (202-C/F-88) was helpful with 10 points and 12 boards in the win. Alexey Shved (196-G-88) answered with 13 points for Russia as their limp form continued. The outcome was laid in the opening stanza. When the teams were tied at 6 Latvia burst out with a 14:0 rally that put them in charge 20:6 late in the period. Ivan Nelyubov (207-C-88) just managed to trim the deficit to 12 points at the intermission. Russia struggled to deny the deficit in the second quarter and trailed by 11 points at the interval. The situation hardly changed after the long break. Latvia kept their opponents at safe distance and rolled to a 54:40 lead at three-quarter time. Alexey Shved and Valentin Novikov (195-F-89) cut the deficit to 9 points early in the final term but Latvia never allowed them to come any closer. Andrejs Selakovs (209-C-88) and Bertans secured the winning outcome for the hosts at the end. Andrejs Selakovs notched 14 points for the winners. Valentin Novikov had 12 points in defeat.

Latvia U20: Janis Strelnieks 15, Andrejs Selakovs 14, Arturs Berzins 10+12 boards
Russia U20: Alexey Shved 13, Valentin Novikov 12

*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Turkey narrowly defeat Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20 - Lithuania U20 84:80

Turkish U20 National Team grabbed their second consecutive victory at the Qualifying round of the European Championship in Riga. Today they held off Lithuanian team to improve to 3-1 record in Group E. Lithuania meanwhile suffered their initial loss at the tourney and slipped to 3-1 record. Lithuania got to a slightly better start to the game as Vytenis Lipkevicius (200-F-89) and Martynas Gecevicius (194-G-88) teamed up for 17 points in the opening term and the Baltic team stepped in front 28:19. Juskevicius extended the margin to 11 points with a jumper at the start of the second quarter. However Sevinc dropped three treys and Turkey trimmed the distance to 4 points at the interval. Turkey opened the third frame with a 7:2 rally to surge in front. The lead then changed hands for several times throughout the period and Lithuania led by just a single point 65:64 heading into the fourth stanza. Turkey finally pulled ahead with 6 straight points late in regulation. They enjoyed an 80:76 advantage with under 2 minutes left. Juskevicius cut the gap but Baris Hersek (204-F/C-88) maintained the distance with 47 seconds to go. Donatas Motiejunas (214-C-90) clipped the margin once again with accurate freebies however Baris Hersek netted two free throws to bring victory to Turkey. Dogus Balbay (184-G-89) led Turkey with 20 points, 7 assists and 5 boards. Gokper Gen (188-G-89) added 18 points, while Can Ozcan (201-F-89) had 17 in a win. Martynas Gecevicius came up with 16 points for Lithuania. Zygimantas Janavicius (195-G-89, agency: Interperformances) contributed 12 points in defeat.

Turkey U20: Dogus Balbay 20, Gokper Gen 18, Can Ozcan 17
Lithuania U20: Martynas Gecevicius 16, Zygimantas Janavicius 12

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


Former countrymen meet in Riga - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20 - Montenegro U20 75:70

Serbian U20 National Team overcame Montenegrin team in a former Yugoslavian countries clash. Montenegro entered the game undefeated and hoped to extend their impressive rally against principal rivals. But the defending champions snapped the streak. Miroslav Raduljica (212-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) came up with 25 points and 11 boards to pace Serbia. Marko Keselj (206-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) contributed 23 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Montenegro were led by 25 points and 7 boards from Vladimir Dasic (209-F-88, agency: Beo Basket). Nemanja Vranjes (188-G/F-88) chipped in 18 points in defeat. Vladimir Dasic had monster 15 points in the opening stanza but Serbia still managed to claim a 26:23 advantage. Miroslav Raduljica opened the second period with 4 straight points and Serbia jumped to a 7-point lead. Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) and Koprivica stretched the margin to 11 points midway through the frame. Montenegro used a three-pointer from Stijepovic to cap the first half trailing by 8 points. Miroslav Raduljica reigned in the court in the third quarter as he dropped 11 points and Serbia enjoyed a 60:49 advantage at the final break. Montenegro exploded with treys from Nemanja Vranjes and Bijelic as they deficit was narrowed to 3 points midway through the fourth term. Sead Sehovic (201-G/F-89) and Nemanja Vranjes put Montenegro ahead later on. But Jeremic and Marko Keselj knocked down 4 freebies and Serbia clinched a 71:68 lead with just over a minute remaining. Katnic and Marko Keselj then sealed the winning outcome from the stripe. Serbia had an overwhelming advantage under the rims 44:25 including 14 offensive caroms.

Serbia U20: Miroslav Raduljica 25+11 boards, Marko Keselj 23, Milan Macvan 7
Montenegro U20: Vladimir Dasic 25, Nemanja Vranjes 18

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  NAIA   


NAIA and Rawlings Extend Partnership to 2012 - by Eurobasket News
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced today that Rawlings Sporting Goods will continue to be the official supplier of baseballs, basketballs and footballs for the NAIA effective through December 2012.

'The NAIA is pleased to extend its relationship with Rawlings and is confident in its ability to provide superior products and exceptional customer service to our members, coaches and student-athletes,' said Mike Campbell, NAIA Vice President for Marketing and Corporate Partnerships. 'The NAIA would like to thank Rawlings for its continued interest in college athletics and dedication to the championship experience.'

Rawlings has been an integral part of the NAIA since 1997 and will continue to provide the official baseball, men's and women's basketball and football during national championship events. More specifically, the Rawlings Vision has been named the 'Official Basketball of the NAIA,' the Rawlings ST-5 will serve as the 'Official Football of the NAIA' and the Rawlings R100 will be the 'Official Baseball of the NAIA'. Each official ball will feature the NAIA logo. In addition to its official ball status, Rawlings will award coach of the year honors for each NAIA-sponsored sport. To enhance brand loyalty, Rawlings Sporting Goods has partnered with the NAIA to create an advisory board to encourage dialogue on product development and promotion.

'The fact that top performing players use Rawlings' high-performance products means a lot to us,' said Mike Thompson, Senior Vice President of Sports Marketing and New Business Development for Rawlings Sporting Goods. 'Supporting their needs, and that of the NAIA, is a tradition we're proud to uphold. We'll also continue to foster relationships with NAIA staff, coaches and student-athletes to promote and enhance the collegiate sporting experience.'

Rawlings and the NAIA share a passion for character-driven intercollegiate athletics. To learn more about Rawlings Sporting Goods and products, visit www.rawlings.com.

NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association's innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.

Rawlings Sporting Goods
Rawlings is the leading marketer and manufacturer of baseball equipment and other sporting goods in the United States. Rawlings is the official Baseball and Helmet of Major League Baseball and the official ball of the NAIA and NCAA baseball championships. Rawlings is also the official basketball of the NAIA, NJCAA, AAU and many other organizations as well as the official football of the NAIA. Rawlings is also the official basketball, football, baseball, softball, volleyball and soccer ball of the National High School Federation.

Courtesy of www.cstv.com

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


Heat claimed Bobby Jones and Pistons exercised team option on Stuckey and Afflalo - by Bruno Baltazar
The Miami Heat claimed Bobby Jones (6'6''-F-84, college: Washington) off waivers.
Jones appeared in 47 NBA games (two starts) last season with five different teams, including Miami. He averaged 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 11.3 minutes per game while shooting 42.9 percent from the field. He played in 25 games for the Denver Nuggets, nine for the Memphis Grizzlies, six for the Heat, four for the Houston Rockets and three for the San Antonio Spurs.
Jones signed with the Heat as a free agent on March 12, 2008 and appeared in six games. In that span, he averaged 8.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 23.8 minutes per game, while shooting 53.1 percent from the field. He led the Heat in scoring on March 21 vs. Washington with 15 points.

Detroit Pistons exercised team option on the contracts of guards Rodney Stuckey (6'4''-G-86, college: E.Washington) and Arron Afflalo (6'5''-G-85, college: UCLA).
Both contracts are now extended through the 2009-10 NBA season.
Stuckey, 22, appeared in 57 games (two starts) last season, averaging 7.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 19.0 minutes per game. In two starts (Pistons 2-0 in those games) he averaged 18.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 28.5 minutes per game. Stuckey saw action in 17 playoff games (2 starts), averaging 8.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 22.4 minutes per game.

Afflalo, 22, appeared in 75 games (nine starts) last season, averaging 3.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 12.9 minutes per gameIn nine starts (Pistons 6-3 in those games) he averaged 7.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 21.1 minutes per game.

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


Michael Lee inks contract in French Pro A League - by Eurobasket News
Recent St. Bonaventure graduate Michael Lee (6'9''-F-86) will be taking his career to the next level, announcing he has signed a professional contract with Cholet of the French Pro A League.

Lee is now the seventh former Bonnie currently signed to a pro contract overseas for the 2008-09 season.

'This is my first chance as a professional and I'm excited for the opportunity,' said Lee, who leaves for France in less than a week. 'It was a goal of mine to sign in France with a top team and it's a good feeling to have that happen. I'm ready to work hard and take the next step in my career.'

Lee's long 6-foot-9 frame and scoring abilities will be a much needed addition to a Cholet club that posted a 15-15 overall mark last season and fell in the quarterfinals of the Pro A Play-Offs.

A native of West Palm Beach, Fla., Lee certainly showed pro talent during his career in the Brown and White, as he ended his four-year career at St. Bonaventure as the program's 16th all-time leading scorer with 1,445points and the 12th-best rebounder with 684 caroms. Lee saved his best for last as he turned in banner year in 2007-08, under first-year head coach Mark Schmidt. Lee turned in career-highs in nearly every statistical category, highlighted by team-bests of 17.5 points per game and 8.0 rebounds. Lee also ranked among the top 10 in the Atlantic 10 in seven different categories en route to being named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) District II second team.

Lee's impressive four-year resume also includes becoming the 21st member of the 1,000-point and 500-rebound club. He also accumulated 91 career starts, 71 double-digit scoring games and 16 double-doubles.

Former Bonnies Currently Signed For 2008-09 Season
JR Bremer - Triumph (Russia)
Terrence Durham - Plymouth Raiders (England)
Marques Green - Fenerbahce Ulker (Turkey)
Michael Lee - Cholet (France)
Ahmad Smith - BSV Wulfen (Germany)
Peter Van Paassen - MyGuide Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Patricio Prato - Solsonica Rieti (Italy)

Courtesy of www.cstv.com

South Carolina heads to Europe - by Eurobasket News
The University of South Carolina men's basketball team departs Wednesday, Aug. 6, for an eight-day tour of Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria.
The Gamecocks depart from Columbia Metropolitan Airport a little after 5 p.m. for Atlanta and then catch a 7:30 p.m. trans-Atlantic flight to Prague, Czech Republic, scheduled to take 9 hours, 30 minutes. When the team lands, it will be 11 a.m. local time Thursday, Aug. 7, due to the six-hour time difference.

While basketball will be an important part of the trip for South Carolina, first-year head coach Darrin Horn sees it as a tremendous educational opportunity for his players.

'It's a great educational experience for our young people,' Horn said. 'The basketball will be basketball and the other part will be fun. It's pretty much that simple. We just think that the experience and educational portion of being in a different country, traveling overseas and all that is really, really important.'

For one Gamecock, Evaldas Baniulis, traveling to Europe will get him closer to his home country of Lithuania. Baniulis echoed coach Horn's comments on the goals for the trip.

'I think this trip is all about bonding and just getting to know each other and getting to know the coaching staff,' Baniulis said. 'This trip is all about that, not about basketball, even though it is going to be a good opportunity for us to find out who's who, but it's still far away from the season.'

Upon arriving in Prague, the Gamecocks are scheduled to take a bus tour of the city and then a tour of the Prague Castle. The castle is the world's largest ancient castle at 1,870 feet long with an average width of 420 feet while occupying 18 acres of land.

On Friday, Aug. 8, South Carolina will visit Terezin concentration camp used by Nazis during World War II. The Gestapo took control of the fortress and prison city of Terezin in 1940, and its function was to provide a front for the extermination operation of Jews.

The following day marks the first of three consecutive days with games against European teams. Carolina faces Bresnov BBC at noon ET and then departs the next morning for Bratislava, Slovakia.

The Gamecocks will have to play games according to FIBA rules, which are somewhat different from the NCAA. Instead of two 20-minute halves, the game will be divided into four 10-minute periods. The playing court will also have a different layout, as the lane is a trapezoid (19 feet, 8 inches on the baseline and 11 feet, 10 inches at the free-throw line) in international play, while for NCAA games it is a 12-foot by 19-foot rectangle. The 3-point line also moves back from 19 feet, 9 inches in NCAA play to 20 feet, 6 inches, and South Carolina will deal with a 24-second shot clock as oppose to 35 seconds.

A portion of Sunday, Aug. 10, will be spent on a bus making the four-plus hour trip from Prague to Bratislava. After checking in to the hotel and resting for a few hours, South Carolina takes on Pezinok BBC at 1 p.m. ET.

Monday's schedule feature's a tour of Bratislava Castle and an opportunity to visit Martin Cathedral, a spot where at least nine Hungarian kings and eight queens were crowned from 1563 to 1830. At noon ET, the Gamecocks face BK Nitra.

A short bus ride on Tuesday, Aug. 12, lands the Gamecocks in Vienna, Austria. After touring the city in the afternoon with a professional guide, the team will visit the famous Prater Amusement Park, home to the 'Riesenrad' (The Giant Ferris Wheel). At its highest point, the ride stands almost 200 feet high.

On their final full day of the trip Wednesday, Aug. 13, the Gamecocks have the opportunity to visit numerous sites, including the Imperial Palace, Upper Belvedere Palace and Museum of Fine Arts. Their fourth and final game of the tour takes place at 12:30 p.m. ET against Klosterneuburg.

South Carolina departs Vienna on Thursday morning, Aug. 14, for an 11-hour flight back to Atlanta before arriving in Columbia, S.C., later that night.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

Illinois State Brandon Sampay and freshman Michigan State Delvon Roe had surgery - by Bruno Baltazar
Illinois St. senior forward Brandon Sampay (6'8''-F/C) underwent surgery Monday to repair a congenital condition in his left hip, and as a result, will be sidelined for four-to-five months. Sampay's surgery went well, and he has already begun the rehabilitation process.
Sampay averaged 4.1 points and 2.6 rebounds per game last season, while seeing action in 31 contests. In addition to losing the 6-foot-8 Sampay for the early part of the season, the Redbirds' Bobby Hill, another forward, is currently rehabbing following his knee surgery.

Michigan St. incoming freshman forward Delvon Roe had exploratory surgery on his left knee Tuesday afternoon. During the surgery, small particles of cartilage were cleaned out of the knee. He is slated to return to action in approximately six weeks.
Roe, who had been limited in his activity this summer while recovering from surgery on his right knee that occurred last December, developed swelling in the knee last week. When the swelling persisted over a few days, despite resting the knee, the Michigan St. medical staff determined that exploratory surgery was the best option.

Pelphrey gets raise, extension - by Kevin Cochran
Arkansas basketball coach John Pelphrey has a new contract and a raise in salary.

Athletic director Jeff Long told the Arkansas Democrat Gazette Friday that a $45,000 raise will increase Pelphrey's base pay from $750,000 to $795,000 a year. Incentive bonuses for winning the SEC titles and advancing in the NCAA tournament were also added to the annual compensation part of the coach's contract, and the original four-year contract was extended by another year.

'I'm thrilled that he's here,' Long was quoted as saying by the paper. 'I think the job that he did [last season] was remarkable.

Pelphrey, who was hired from South Alabama in April 2007, just finished the first season of a four-year deal that paid him approximately $750,000 per season. He will be under contract through the 2012-2013 season, the paper said.

Pelphrey, 40, said he welcomes the support and said the extension represents another sign of how serious Arkansas is about bolstering the Razorbacks' future.

'As I've said before, I'm very humbled to be the Razorbacks'coach,' Pelphrey told the newspaper. 'We will continue to work hard and operate a program Razorback fans can be proud of.'

In his first season as Arkansas' coach, Pelphrey led the senior-laden Razorbacks to a 23-12 record, their third-straight NCAA tournament and first victory there since 1999.

'It can be difficult for a new coach to come in and develop a chemistry with so many seniors,' Long said. 'I think John did a wonderful job managing that situation and leading those young men.'

Courtesy: ESPN.com

Maui Invitational announces field - by Kevin Cochran

The pairings for the 25th annual EA Sports Maui Invitational are officially set, KemperSports Marketing announced Tuesday. The eight-team field will feature six teams that advanced to last year's NCAA Tournament (Indiana, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Oregon, St.Joseph's and Texas) along with Alabama and host Chaminade University.

Texas will square off against St.Joseph's in an opening-round game on Monday, Nov. 24 at 10 a.m. Hawaii time (2 p.m. Central), and the contest will be televised by ESPN2. The Longhorns will then meet either Indiana or Notre Dame in their second-round matchup on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The final round of the tourney is slated for Wednesday, Nov. 26.

All games are scheduled to be played in Maui's ocean-front Lahaina Civic Center (2,400-seat capacity). The ESPN networks will once again combine to offer live national television coverage of all 12 tournament games. In addition, ESPN360.com will provide live simulcasts of the games televised on ESPN and ESPN2.

This marks UT's third appearance in the Maui Invitational. The Longhorns posted a 2-1 mark in the 1993 tourney and a 2-1 record in 2004.

Remaining game tickets, including school-specific tickets, will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. Hawaii time (1 p.m. Central) via the official tournament Web site at mauiinvitational.com. Travel packages with game tickets and hotel accommodations are still available through Oahu Travel, the tournament's official travel agency (800.826.3822).

EA Sports, the world's leading interactive entertainment software company and developer of the top-selling NCAA March Madness videogame, enters its eighth year as title sponsor of the Maui Invitational.

'Throughout its history, the EA Sports Maui Invitational has become synonymous with the kickoff of the college basketball season,' said Tournament Chairman Dave Gavitt. 'We look forward to commemorating the tournament's 25th year with another impressive field vying for Maui glory. Fans from across the nation can look forward to a memorable experience, on and off the court.'


Courtesy: NCAA.com



University of Kanzas re-signed Bill Self - by Eurobasket News
University of Kansas basketball coach Bill Self has signed a new 10-year contract that will pay him $3 million per year; the agreement begins retroactively on April 1, 2008, and expires in March 2018. Selfs prior contract had three years remaining (expiring March 2011).

Coach Selfs compensation package comes from private resources. No tuition dollars or state funds are used.

Under the new contract, Kansas Athletics will pay Self an annual salary of $229,900, unchanged from the previous contract. The compensation package also includes an annual payment of $2,270,100 for professional services, which may include educational, public relations and promotional duties as assigned by the director of athletics. Such duties could include the production of any radio or television shows, internet features or Selfs occasional endorsement of products affiliated with and approved by Kansas Athletics or its marketing partner(s).

Additionally, the compensation package includes a retention agreement that pays Self $500,000 for each year during the contract that he serves as Kansas head coach.

The contract also includes several provisions for incentives that could total as much as an additional $425,000 in any one year.

Selfs prior contract paid him an annual total of $1,610,600.00.

'We are thrilled that Bill will be our coach for years to come', said KU Athletics Director Lew Perkins. 'He has done a tremendous job leading the Kansas mens basketball program both on and off the court; theres no one Id rather have at the helm of the Kansas program.'

Self just completed his fifth season as the head coach at Kansas, having guided the Jayhawks to the 2008 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship. His KU teams are 142-32 (.816) overall, including 64-16 (.800) in Big 12 games. His Jayhawks have won at least a share of the last four Big 12 Conference regular-season titles and the championship of the last three Big 12 Tournaments. Including 2008, under Selfs leadership the Jayhawks also reached the Elite Eight of the 2004 and 2007 NCAA Championships and he has led three different teams (Tulsa, Illinois and Kansas) to the Elite Eight.

'Im very thankful to Chancellor Hemenway and Lew for the confidence they have shown in me', Self said. 'I have said many times that I cannot imagine a better place to play, or to coach, than the University of Kansas. My family and I look forward to being part of the Kansas and Lawrence communities for many years to come.'


Previous Self Contract

Current term: April 1, 2006 - March 31, 2011

Base salary 229,900

Professional

Services 1,155,700

Retention Payment 225,000

Total 1,385,600 + 225,000 = 1,610,600.00

Incentives:

Final 4 $100,000

NCAA Championship 200,000

Big 12 Regular Season

Championship 50,000

Big 12 Tournament

Championship 25,000

AP Coach of the Year 50,000

New Self Contract

Term: April 1, 2008- March 31, 2018

Base Salary 229,900

Professional Services 2,270,100

Total 2,500,000 + 500,000 = $3,000,000

Retention Payment 500,000 (guaranteed after taxes) per year.

Earned only if remain each year. Paid out in 5 year increments. Current retention agreement is in place until 2011.

Courtesy of www.wibw.com

Todd Stephens named director of basketball operations at Citadel - by Eurobasket News
Head coach Ed Conroy announced the addition of Todd Stephens to The Citadel basketball staff. Stephens will join the Bulldogs as the Director of Basketball Operations for the 2008-09 season.

'We are thrilled to have someone with Todds background joining our staff', said Conroy. 'He is eager to learn and grow in the coaching profession. He has already distinguished himself on campus with his organization abilities and his desire to get things done.'

Stephens joins The Citadel after serving as an assistant coach at Marymount University in Arlington, Va. While at Marymount, he was responsible for team travel, scouting, academic support, recruiting and working with the guards.

'I think he will really complement what I think is a very talented staff of assistant coaches', Conroy added.

Prior to his stint at Marymount, Stephens served two years as an assistant coach at Frostburg State University. He led the Bobcats to a first place ranking in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference in rebounding offense and a third place ranking in both field goal percentage defense and free throw percentage during the 2005-06 season.

Stephens spent the 2004-05 season as an assistant coach at Susquehanna University, where he assisted with recruiting and took on the head coaching responsibilities for the junior varsity team. Before his coaching debut at Susquehanna, Stephens served as a graduate assistant coach at Frostburg from 2002-2004.

This is an amazing opportunity and I am very happy to be a part of The Citadel, said Stephens. I am very excited for the upcoming season and being a part of something special.

In 2004, Stephens received a masters degree in education and interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in business and physical education from Frostburg State.

He is a 2002 graduate of York College in Pennsylvania, where he received a bachelors degree in sport management. While at York, Stephens was a four-year member of the Spartan basketball team, where he served as team captain his senior year.

Courtesy: CitadelSports.com

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  NIGERIA   


Uka Agbai joins Le Havre - by Eurobasket News
French Pro A team and participant of Eurocup Le Havre announced signing of Nigerian player Uka Agbai (203-F-81, college: Boston Coll.) on a one-year contract. Agbai spent last two seasons in Puerto Rican team Cariduros de Fajardo. At his first year with the team they were regular season champions in BSN. In the meantime he was a member of Japanese team Toyama Grouses. Agbai has European experience as he spent one year in Finland as a player of Pyrinto Tampere. He also played one season for German Bundesleague 1 team TBB Trier. According to Le Havre head coach Jean Manuel Sousa, Uka Agbai will be pretty good complement of team's frontcourt, that already featured Bingo Merriex (204-F-80, college: TCU), Kentrell Gransberry (206-C-85, college: LSU) and Romain Duport (215-C-86).

*****************************************************
  NORWAY   


U20 EC, division B: Czechs rout Norway in Targu Mures - by Eurobasket News
U20 Norway - U20 Czech Republic 80-91

Czech Republic took care for the win in the first day of Classification Round from 9th to 16th place against Norway. Thus Czechs improved their score to 2-0 in Group G while Norway has 1-1.

Czech Republic had much better beginning. After 5 minutes in the first quarter Czechs already made 6-11. They didn't wait too long for Norway's answer as it immediately created 22-9 run taking lead 28-20. Tomas Macela (179-G-88) shined for the official visitor in this game leading 9-1 run for his team. It was a game with a lot of series by both teams as Norway, mostly owing to Terrence Oglesby (188-G-88), made another one finishing the first half with advantage of 8 points. Norwegians couldn't know at that time what will happen to them in the last two quarters. After the breather Czechs started to play much better at the both ends of the court. Tomas Macela and Vojtech Hruban (197-F-89) were concentrated in the offense while on the other side Norway missed many open shots. Everything resulted with big turn 66-77 at the middle of the last frame. Until the end of the game Norway couldn't recover from the shock what made this job even easier for the Czechs.

The winning side got the most from Tomas Macela, who added 16 points and 6 assists. Vojtech Hruban followed him with 15 points and 4 rebounds while Lukas Palyza (201-F-89) stopped on 11 points and 5 boards. Terrence Oglesby was totally the best player in Norway. He played 21 minutes scoring 29 points and grabbing 8 boards. Torgrim Sommerfeldt (200-G-89) had 18 while Anders Stien (194-G-90) netted 10 points. In the next round Czech Republic will play against Great Britain while Norway will take on Ireland.


U20 Norway - U20 Czech Republic 80-91
(28-20, 20-20, 16-25, 16-26)

Norway: Terrence Oglesby 29 (8 rebs), Torgrim Sommerfeldt 18, Anders Stien 10
Czech Republic: Tomas Macela 16 (6 as), Vojtech Hruban 15 (4 rebs), Lukas Palyza 11 (5 rebs)

*****************************************************
  OLYMPIC GAMES   


Dirk Nowitzki to carry German flag at Olympic Games - by Kostas Papadopoulos
As Moritz Korff, our correspondent from Germany, wrote today, Germany's best basketball-player Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) will carry the German flag at next Friday's Olympic Games opening ceremony in Beijing, as the German Olympic Commitee announced today. What's new? Just look the last picture of Dirk Nowitzki. What a player!!!!!!!!!!!
Michael Vesper, Chef de Mission of the German Olympic Team, said on the website of the DOSB: 'We have taken this decision, because he represents the Olympic idea like almost nobody else. Dirk Nowitzki has been dreaming to take part in the Olympic for years. This dream has come reality. A world-famous athlete shows that it is a pinnacle of his career to partcipate in an event with athletes from around the world and from many different sports - this is a clear message and because of that he is a role model for every young athlete. This is a decision in favor of Dirk Nowitzki and not against another athlete from another sport.'

Spanish National Team for the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008 - by Eurobasket
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Calderon


Gasol


Garbajosa


Navarro


Fernandez
Jose Manuel Calderon (190-G-81) of Toronto Raptors (USA)
Ricard Rubio (192-G-90) of DKV Joventut Badalona
Raul Lopez (182-G-80) of Real Madrid
Bernardo Rodriguez (197-F/G-80) of Unicaja Malaga
Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85) of Portland Trail Blazers (USA)
Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) of AXA F.C. Barcelona
Alex Mumbru (201-F-79) of Real Madrid
Carlos Jimenez (203-F-76) of Unicaja Malaga
Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) of Real Madrid
Jorge Garbajosa (205-C/F-77) of Toronto Raptors (USA)
Marc Gasol (212-C-85) of Memphis Grizzlies (USA)
Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) of Los Angeles Lakers (USA)
Head Coach: Garcia Aito Reneses of Joventut

Russian National Team for the Olympic Games 2008 - by Eurobasket
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Holden


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Monya


Savrasenko


Keiru
4 Nikita Shabalkin (204-F-86) of BC Khimky Moscow Region
5 J.R. Holden (185-G-76) of CSKA Moscow
6 Sergei Bykov (190-G-83) of Dynamo Moscow
7 Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) of Utah Jazz (USA)
8 Nikita Morgunov (211-F-75) of Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu
9 Petr Samoylenko (186-G-77) of Dynamo Moscow
11 Zakhar Pashutin (195-G-74) of Spartak St.Petersburg
12 Sergei Monya (204-F-83) of Dynamo Moscow
14 Alexei Savrasenko (215-C-79) of CSKA Moscow
15 Viktor Keiru (200-G-84) of CSKA Moscow
17 Vitali Fridzon (195-G-85) of BC Khimky Moscow Region
20 Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) of CSKA Moscow
24 Alexander Kaun (211-C-85) of CSKA Moscow
Head Coach: David Blatt

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


NexxNow and PBL join forces: PBL China LLC formed - by Eurobasket News
NexxNow, Inc. (OTCBB: NXXN), a sports media and marketing company (developers of the 'ACE' Technology) and the Premier Basketball League ('PBL') have joined forces on the eve of the Beijing Olympics via the formation of PBL China LLC.

PBL China LLC will pursue:

Television broadcast of PBL basketball games into and from China worldwide

International league expansion

The formation of Chinese owned and operated PBL teams in the People's Republic of China

Solicitation of international/national sponsorship of the PBL through the utilization of NexxNow's 'ACE' technology and multi-media platform offering.

NexxNow recently joined forces with Pan Asia Investment and Management Co., a China registered corporation, and added Dr. Fu Lo Jen and Huang Dasen, of Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, amongst others to its Chinese Advisory Board. These relationships have forged ahead in pursuit of the broadcast of PBL games and team formation within the PRC. NexxNow's vision has been received enthusiastically by Chinese officials and high ranking members of China's media industry. More announcements to follow.

'We have been in negotiations with the PBL for many months. Dr. Hrywnak, PBL Chairman and Tom Doyle, President govern what we and most of the sporting world consider the highest quality basketball product in North America, second only to the NBA. Their international vision, willingness to think outside the box and commitment to the future is what compelled us to lend our Chinese associations and join forces in creating a basketball offering worthy of broadcast to the PRC.

The progress that has been made by NexxNow, the PBL, Pan Asia and our Advisory Board is remarkable and defines a true desire on the part of China to participate and deliver quality sports programming worldwide. The CCTV/IMG joint-venture defines this clearly also. We have worked very hard in cultivating the needed relationships in Asia and are thankful for all they have done to further our initiatives,' stated Paul Riley, NexxNow CEO.

Dr. Hrywnak added, 'This agreement places another piece into our model for business success that we have crafted the past year. Professional teams need to find ways to profit and with this partnership we are surely on that road as a professional basketball league. Economic times dictate that pro teams seek out new business strategies that will insure their longevity. The PBL together with NexxNow has given us that ability.'

Courtesy of PBL

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


U20 EC, division B: Poland outplays Austria in Targu Mures - by Eurobasket News
U20 Austria - U20 Poland 68-74

Poland grabbed win in the first day of Classification Round from 9th to 16th place on U20 European Championship division B. Austria entered into this stage transferring one victory from the Preliminary Round but after this defeat it dropped on 1-1. On the other side Poland improved to the same score keeping its hope alive to reach the second place in Group H.

Poland had furious beginning taking quick 0-6 lead. After Karol Gruszecki's (195-F-89) triple in 6th minute it already was 4-16 for the Poles. Austria couldn't recover form the staring shock during the entire first half. At the one point in the second stanza Poland touch plus 12 but it succeeded to keep 25-32 until the half time. Paul Radakovics (188-G-88) and Christof Hetzmannseder (181-G-88) created 8-0 at the beginning on third stanza making turn 33-32. Their joy didn't last too long as Poland very soon grabbed back its lead heading into the last ten minutes with plus 4. Austrians were very close until the end but Karol Gruszecki and Adam Waczynski (199-F-89) were unmistakable from the free throw line brining important win to their team.

Adam Waczynski led Poland to victory in this game collecting 19 points and 10 boards. Michal Nowakowski (199-F-88) also registered double-double adding 16 points and 13 rebounds while Daniel Goldammer (200-F-89) had 11 points and 6 boards. Paul Radakovics was the best scorer in Austria with 22 points. Christof Hetzmannseder helped his team with 12 points and 4 assists while Lorenzo O'Neal (188-G-88) stopped on 10 points and 5 rebounds. In the next round Poland will take on Slovak Republic, which doesn't have any chances for one of the first two places. Austria will meet Hungary.


U20 Austria - U20 Poland 68-74
(11-20, 14-12, 18-15, 25-27)

Austria: Paul Radakovics 22, Christof Hetzmannseder 12 (4 as), Lorenzo O'Neal 10 (5 rebs)
Poland: Adam Waczynski 19 (10 rebs), Michal Nowakowski 16 (13 rebs), Daniel Goldammer 11 (6 rebs)

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  PORTUGAL   


U20 EC, division B: Sweden surprises Portugal in Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
U20 Portugal - U20 Sweden 66-80

Sweden succeeded to beat Portugal in the first game of Qualifying Round improving to score 1-1. On the other side Portugal suffered first defeat on U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures. As a reminder Portuguese walked through the Preliminary Stage registering four wins.

Everything started good for the Swedish. Kim Palmqvist (201-F-88) and his teammates grabbed 9-17 after seven minutes of the opening quarter. Thanks to John Gaddefors' (198-F-89) triple at the buzzer Sweden entered into the second frame with 15-24. They kept advantage steady until the middle of the second period when Fernando Sico (202-F/C-88) and Andre Boavida (198-F-88) made mini 5-0 run for 29-24 at the half time. Portugal was pretty close until 25th minute when Kim Palmqvist made two consecutive triples for 39-51 for his team. After that moment Portugal tried to do something though Jose Silva (194-F-89) and Fabio Lima (196-C-88) but 51-59 was their maximum until the end.

Kim Palmqvist was the key player for Sweden today netting 20 points. He was almost perfect from the field having 4 of 4 for FG2 and 4 of 6 from behind the arc. Jeffery Taylor (200-G/F-89) also shined for the winners collecting 15 points and 13 rebounds while John Gaddefors followed him scoring 13 points. Jose Silva netted 17 while Fabio Lima had 15 points and 6 boards. Fernando Sico and Andre Boavida were behind these two players adding 11 points each. In the last game of Qualifying Round Sweden will take on F.Y.R. of Macedonia while Portugal will play against strong Germany.


U20 Portugal - U20 Sweden 66-80
(15-24, 14-10, 16-18, 21-28)

Portugal: Jose Silva 17, Fabio Lima 15 (6 rebs), Fernando Sico 11 (9 rebs), Andre Boavida 11 (4 rebs)
Sweden: Kim Palmqvist 20, Jeffery Taylor 15 (13 rebs), John Gaddefors 13

Dario Furtado will play next season for Vagos - by Bruno Baltazar


Dario Furtado will play next season for Vagos - by Bruno Baltazar
Vagos signed former Proliga and Queluz player , Dario Furtado (206-C-84).
Dario Furtado is a center and in the last 2 seasons played for Queluz ,previously he had 2 years with Santarem Basket and another season with Academica.
The portuguese 6'9 center with 24 years old of age will increase the inside options for the last year surprise league team of AD Vagos.
This will make that the past news that gave Barreirense center,David Gomes (200-F-86) as Vagos player was not truth.

Proliga teams update news - by Bruno Baltazar
Illiabum signed Vasco Estevao former Penafiel player and Kratsov (former Atomicos).
For Illiambum head coach ,Carlos Cabral,this 2 signings means a example for all the young players ,as with hard work and dedication every player can be playing for the team.

In Esgueira Jose Guerreiro cameback to the team and now will be the assistant coach , the only player they signed so far is Daniel Costa, ex-Cenap, but they saw leaving the team players such as Rene Mota (Beira-Mar), Bruno Santos and Claudio Sardo as he ended his basketball career.
The team will be closed with the signing of 2 americans and another portuguese player,team will start working in September the 1st.

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  PUERTO RICO   


"El Bimbo" Carmona in Mexico. No Caricom for Ricky Sanchez - by Alessandro Fontana
Fuerza Regia Monterrey signed Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83, agency: Next Level) for next mexican season.
Alejandro Carmona was one of the strongest 'boricuas' in the last BSN with Los Gigantes de Carolina.
Last season He scored in Puerto Rico 20.3 ppg (60% 2pts, 39% 3pts, 75% FT)+6.2 rpg and 2.0 apg and He was the best player of Los Gigantes de Carolina.
Fuerza Regia Monterrey is also very interested in another 'Boricua', Jeff Aubry (205-C-76, agency: Next Level, college: Cornell) who could be helpful in the painting area with some points and with his intensity in defense and in catching rebounds.
CARICOM
Ricky Sanchez (212-C-87) will not play the CARICOM 2008 for an injury, it is really a pity because 'El Nino Maravilloso' played a great Pre-Olympic in Greece with 9.4 ppg and 4.2 rpg.
A. Fontana

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  ROMANIA   


U20 EC, division B: Belgium triumphs against Romania - by Eurobasket News
U20 Belgium - U20 Romania 85-79

Belgium continued its domination on U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures. After perfect score in the Preliminary Round, Belgians entered into the next one celebrating. Actually it was a tough game against the hosts Romania until the last quarter when Munda Hockins (188-G-88) and his teammates totally smashed their opponents. It means that Belgium improved its score on 2-0 in Group F and most probably booked a spot for the semifinals. On the other side Romanians has small chances to do the same if it succeeds to beat Estonia. As a reminder Belgium transferred one victory to Group F from the Preliminary Round while Romania started it with 0-1 because of defeat against Netherlands.

Romania dominated in the first while Belgium took control on the hosts of U20 European Championship division B in the second frame. Belgium succeeded to recover from the starting 0-6 and later 22-31. Munda Hockins and Olivier Troisfontaines (193-G/F-89) led 17-8 run for their team making turn just before the half time 48-47. After the breather Vlad Moldoveanu (208-F-88) and Cezar Stanescu (191-G-88) were unstoppable and together with Titus Nicoara (200-F-88, agency: Interperformances) brought 60-74 to their team. Very soon Belgium answered with 8-0 run entering into the last frame with minus 6. With 3:31 to go Belgians tied the score on 79-79 after what Olivier Troisfontaines and Boris Penninck (205-C-88) took care for the winning 6-0 run.

Nothing new happened as Munda Hockins once again led his team to victory. This time he stopped on 21 points and 5 assists for 36 minutes. Olivier Troisfontaines also demonstrated wonderful performance for the winners collecting 20 points and 5 rebounds. Armand Kabeya (197-F-88) helped his team adding 17 points and 9 rebounds. Romania got the most from Vlad Moldoveanu, who scored 22 points and grabbed 10 boards. Cezar Stanescu was behind him with 20 points and 5 rebounds while Titus Nicoara had 17 points and 12 rebounds.


U20 Belgium - U20 Romania 85-79
(22-28, 26-19, 20-27, 17-5)

Belgium: Munda Hockins 21 (5 as), Olivier Troisfontaines 20 (5 rebs), Armand Kabeya 17 (9 rebs)
Romania: Vlad Moldoveanu 22 (10 rebs), Cezar Stanescu 20 (5 rebs), Titus Nicoara 17 (12 rebs)

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  RUSSIA   


Triumph hires Karasev as a player/assistant coach, Algirdas Brazys takes over Enisey Krasnoyarsk - by Eurobasket News
Triumph Luybertsy hired Vasili Karasev (192-G-71, agency: Interperformances) as a player and at the same time as an assistant coach. Karasev is a Russian basketball legend who was one of the best players of Russian National Team from 1993-2004. He played last season for Universitet Surgut averaging 3.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg and 2.8 apg for 20 games in Russian Superleague. Veteran Karasev changed many teams in the past. Some of those are Spartak St. Petersburg, Efes Pilsen, ALBA Berlin, CSKA Moscow, Khimky Moscow, Lokomotiv Mineralnye Vodi and Ural Great Perm. He helped Russian National Team to grab the Bronze medal on European Championship in 1997. Except of this achievement, Karasev celebrated seven championship titles in Russian Superlegaue. Six of them he won with CSKA and one as a member of Ural Great Perm. He also grabbed one title in Turkey with Efes Pilsen and one in Germany with ALBA Berlin.

The last ranked team from the last season Enisey Krasnoyarsk appointed Algirdas Brazys as a new head coach. Lithuanian coach, whose last team was Tartu Ulikool/Rock will replace Vladimir Petrokovskiy on Krasnoyarsk's bench. Brazys already has experience from Russia. He was a head coach of Spartak St. Petersburg from 2004-2006. Actually he started the season 04/05 as an assistant coach but in December he got promotion to head coach position in Spartak. In the past he also was a head coach of Lithuanian giant Zalgiris Kaunas from 2000-2003 when he was replaced by Antanas Sireika. His best achievement as a head coach so far is the title in Estonian championship in with Tartu in 2007. He also was named to be the coach of the year in Lithuania in 2001.

Latvia remain hopeful in title race - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U20 - Russia U20 68:55

Latvian U20 National Team reignited their hunt for the place in the final four of the European Championship. The hosts of the event recovered after a slow start to the competition to post straight wins at the Qualifying round and improved to 2-2 record in Group F. They now need to overcome Serbia to have a chance to get into the semis. Latvia defeated Russia yesterday sending their opponents to 0-4 record in the Pool. Janis Strelnieks (185-G-89) scored 15 points to pace the home team to a key win. Arturs Berzins (202-C/F-88) was helpful with 10 points and 12 boards in the win. Alexey Shved (196-G-88) answered with 13 points for Russia as their limp form continued. The outcome was laid in the opening stanza. When the teams were tied at 6 Latvia burst out with a 14:0 rally that put them in charge 20:6 late in the period. Ivan Nelyubov (207-C-88) just managed to trim the deficit to 12 points at the intermission. Russia struggled to deny the deficit in the second quarter and trailed by 11 points at the interval. The situation hardly changed after the long break. Latvia kept their opponents at safe distance and rolled to a 54:40 lead at three-quarter time. Alexey Shved and Valentin Novikov (195-F-89) cut the deficit to 9 points early in the final term but Latvia never allowed them to come any closer. Andrejs Selakovs (209-C-88) and Bertans secured the winning outcome for the hosts at the end. Andrejs Selakovs notched 14 points for the winners. Valentin Novikov had 12 points in defeat.

Latvia U20: Janis Strelnieks 15, Andrejs Selakovs 14, Arturs Berzins 10+12 boards
Russia U20: Alexey Shved 13, Valentin Novikov 12

Russian National Team for the Olympic Games 2008 - by Eurobasket
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Keiru
4 Nikita Shabalkin (204-F-86) of BC Khimky Moscow Region
5 J.R. Holden (185-G-76) of CSKA Moscow
6 Sergei Bykov (190-G-83) of Dynamo Moscow
7 Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) of Utah Jazz (USA)
8 Nikita Morgunov (211-F-75) of Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu
9 Petr Samoylenko (186-G-77) of Dynamo Moscow
11 Zakhar Pashutin (195-G-74) of Spartak St.Petersburg
12 Sergei Monya (204-F-83) of Dynamo Moscow
14 Alexei Savrasenko (215-C-79) of CSKA Moscow
15 Viktor Keiru (200-G-84) of CSKA Moscow
17 Vitali Fridzon (195-G-85) of BC Khimky Moscow Region
20 Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) of CSKA Moscow
24 Alexander Kaun (211-C-85) of CSKA Moscow
Head Coach: David Blatt

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  SERBIA   


News from Swisslions Takovo, Partizan Belgrade and Mega Basket - by Dragan Jankovski
Swisslions Takovo officially started preparations for Serbian A1 and Balkan league. Head coach of the team Dejan Mijatovic counts on ten experienced players at the very beginning: Radovan Markovic (192-G-82), Vladimir Vlaskovic (195-G-77), Milos Kasabasic (191-G-84), Danilo Mijatovic (204-F-83), Milos Marjanovic (206-C-81), Branko Jorovic (205-F-81, agency: Beo Basket), Aleksandar Gajic (186-G-83, agency: Beo Basket), Marko Pekovic (193-G-81, agency: Beo Basket), Igor Jokic (204-F-80, agency: VTBM/SRBM) and Dusan Knezevic (207-C-80). Except of these ten players, Mijatovic also promoted couple of youngsters from junior to senior team. The man target of Swisslions Takovo for the upcoming season is participation In Serbian Superleague and the best possible results in Balkan league. As a reminder one of the best players from the last season Vukasin Aleksic (185-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) left the team moving to Partizan Igokea. During the preparation period Swisslions will play couple of friendly games against UNICS Kazan, Buducnost Podgorica and Vojvodina Srbijagas. The team will also participate at the international tournament in Romania.

In the meantime reining Serbian and Adriatic league champion Partizan Igokea also started preparations for the new season. The team started it with head coach Dusko Vujosevic but he will have to join Montenegrin National Team on Friday. Uros Tripkovic (197-G-86), Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) and Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) will join the team later when they finish obligation with Serbian National Team. Center Jan Vesely (210-F/C-90) got couple of days off as he just ended U18 European Championship division B with Czech Republic.

Young shooting guard Stefan Matovic (197-G-91) moved from Sloga Kraljevo to Mega Basket. 17-year old player appeared 5 times for his ex team in A1 league averaging less than a point. Mega Basket will take a part on international tournament in Bosnian city Tuzla (26-27 September). The hosts of this event will be Sloboda Dita while the other participants are Zlatorog Lasko from Slovenia and Sibenka from Croatia.

Team Serbia without Darko Milicic on Eurobasket 2009 Qualifications - by Dragan Jankovski
The bad news came from Serbian senior National Team. Darko Milicic (212-C-85) of Memphis Grizzlies won't be able to help his teammates on the upcoming Eurobasket 2009 Qualifications. Namely, due to Achilles injury Milicic already missed strong tournament in Moscow as well as a Diamond Ball in Nanjing. Head coach of the Team Serbia Dusan Ivkovic announced that the best solution for both sides is that Milicic leave NT camp in order to recover as soon as possible for his future obligations with the Grizzlies.

'Milicic suffered inconvenient Achilles injury on July 20. Despite it he traveled with us to Moscow and to Nanjing but he wasn't able to play. Therapies helped him but not as much as we expected. The last check we had yesterday but we decided that it is better for him to leave NT and focus on recovering. Most probably he will he ready to play very soon but the problem is that Eurobasket 2009 Qualification starts in two weeks and he for sure won't be 100% ready for it. We agreed together that the best possible solution is to find a replacement for him on position number 5. NT doctors will be on line with Milicic in order to help him recover asap' - said Dusan Ivkovic.

Serbian National Team is currently in city of Kovilovo where it prepares for the very important upcoming event. Serbia is placed into Group A for together with Hungary, Italy, Bulgaria and Finland. In the first round, which is scheduled for August 20, Italy will host Serbia. Basketball fans in Serbia will have an opportunity to watch their team their country on August 27 against Hungary. Two best teams from this group will automatically advance to the Eurobasket 2009. Third and fourth ranked teams will have a chance to do the same through the Additional Qualifying Round while the weakest team of Group A will fight for the survival in A division.

Former countrymen meet in Riga - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20 - Montenegro U20 75:70

Serbian U20 National Team overcame Montenegrin team in a former Yugoslavian countries clash. Montenegro entered the game undefeated and hoped to extend their impressive rally against principal rivals. But the defending champions snapped the streak. Miroslav Raduljica (212-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) came up with 25 points and 11 boards to pace Serbia. Marko Keselj (206-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) contributed 23 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Montenegro were led by 25 points and 7 boards from Vladimir Dasic (209-F-88, agency: Beo Basket). Nemanja Vranjes (188-G/F-88) chipped in 18 points in defeat. Vladimir Dasic had monster 15 points in the opening stanza but Serbia still managed to claim a 26:23 advantage. Miroslav Raduljica opened the second period with 4 straight points and Serbia jumped to a 7-point lead. Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) and Koprivica stretched the margin to 11 points midway through the frame. Montenegro used a three-pointer from Stijepovic to cap the first half trailing by 8 points. Miroslav Raduljica reigned in the court in the third quarter as he dropped 11 points and Serbia enjoyed a 60:49 advantage at the final break. Montenegro exploded with treys from Nemanja Vranjes and Bijelic as they deficit was narrowed to 3 points midway through the fourth term. Sead Sehovic (201-G/F-89) and Nemanja Vranjes put Montenegro ahead later on. But Jeremic and Marko Keselj knocked down 4 freebies and Serbia clinched a 71:68 lead with just over a minute remaining. Katnic and Marko Keselj then sealed the winning outcome from the stripe. Serbia had an overwhelming advantage under the rims 44:25 including 14 offensive caroms.

Serbia U20: Miroslav Raduljica 25+11 boards, Marko Keselj 23, Milan Macvan 7
Montenegro U20: Vladimir Dasic 25, Nemanja Vranjes 18

Steven Markovic agrees with Benetton, news from Masinac Kraljevo - by Dragan Jankovski
Steven Markovic (190-G-85) finally agreed terms with Italian team Benetton from Treviso. Over the past month and a half there was some speculations that he could continue career in United Colors but it was officially announced yesterday. Markovic, who has triple citizenship Serbian/Australian/Italian, played last three seasons in Crvena Zvezda from Belgrade winning the National Cup 'Radivoj Korac' in 2006. At the last one he played 12 games for Zvezda in ULEB Cup adding 8.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.2 apg. He registered lower digits for 29 appearances in Adriatic league as well as for 14 games in Serbian Superleague. Interesting is that Markovic played for Australian U18 National Team which went Gold on U18 World Championship in Athens in 2003. Two years later he moved from West Sydney Razorbacks to Crvena Zvezda.

Participant of Serbian A1 league Masinac from Kraljevo started with preparations for the upcoming season. It is already clear that Masinac's roster will be much different that it was last season. Almost all members of the starting-five left the team: Milan Rakic (193-G-86), Darko Habus (186-G-82, agency: 011 Sports), Marko Dimitrijevic (190-G-78), Dejan Becin (207-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) and Slobodan Bozovic (207-F/C-79, agency: Interperformances). Good thing for Masinac is that Uros Mirkovic (205-F/C-82, agency: Beo Basket), Nemanja Milasinovic (192-G-84) and Nikola Tutus (203-F-85) will stay in the club. Head coach of the team Zoran Petrovic also will count on youngsters Slaven Cupkovic (205-F-88), Aleksandar Radulovic (190-G-88), Edi Sinadinovic (190-G-88) and Nemanja Arsic (214-C-85). During the off-season Masinac already hired Popovic from Prva Petoletka, Golubovic and Barlov from Goc and Balas from Mladost. The team also promoted young Vuletic from junior to senior squad. According to head coach Zoran Petrovic Masinac is looking to hire another point guard as well as a center for season 08/09.

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  SLOVAKIA   


U20 EC, division B: Hungary takes it easily over Slovak Republic - by Eurobasket News
U20 Slovak Republic - U20 Hungary 59-72

Hungary registered the first win in Classification Round from 9th to 16th place on U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures. Thus Hungarians remained undefeated in Group H with score 2-0 and it already secured battle for the position number nine. On the other side Slovakia has 0-2 and after the next game against Poland it will continue participation on the championship fighting for 13th place.

Slovakians had terrible shot percentage in this game. They made just 6 of 24 attempts from behind the arc as well as 16 of 50 attempts for FG2. With that kind of stroke Slovakians couldn't expect victory against inconvenient Hungarians. Hungary started the game strongly making 1-9 after four minutes. Slovakians didn't give up and thanks to Peter Dorazil (198-C-89) and Peter Mikulik tied the score on 20-20 in 11th minute. They even grabbed plus 4 in the second period but still Hungary ended it with 32-34. From the middle of third stanza center Gergely Somogyi (218-C-89) stepped up for Hungary leading 2-13 run which meant that his team had 40-51 before the last frame. Slovakia's maximum during the next ten minutes was minus 3 after what Milan Csorvasi (209-F/C-88, agency: FCM) drained a triple for plus 6, what his team kept steady until the end.

Milan Csorvasi netted 13 points from the winners while Gergely Somogyi was a hero of the game collecting 11 points and 15 boards. Peter Hajmasy (194-F-88) helped his team scoring 10 points. The loosing side got 12 points and 7 rebounds from Pavel Losonsky (203). Gabriel Unatinsky (174-G) was behind him adding 11 points and 7 rebounds for Slovakia. In the last round of Group H Hungary will meet Austria. As it was mentioned above, Slovakia will take on Poland.


U20 Slovak Republic - U20 Hungary 59-72
(17-20, 15-14, 8-17, 19-21)

Slovak Republic: Pavel Losonsky 12 (7 rebs), Gabriel Unatinsky 11 (7 rebs)
Hungary: Milan Csorvasi 13, Gergely Somogyi 11 (15 rebs), Peter Hajmasy 10

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  SLOVENIA   


Zagorje signs Ales Primc - by Uros Vujic
Zagorje KD FT signed their former player, experienced Ales Primc (201-F-79, agency: Global Sports Plaza) for the upcoming season. Primc had a great season (28 games: 17.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.2apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 54,0%, 3FGP: 46,3%, FT: 86,1%) at Zagorje in 2006/2007 and moved to Spanish team CB Ourense (Spain-LEB Silver, starting five) in 2007/2008 season, where he produced 8.1ppg, 1.1rpg, 2FGP: 33.0%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 80.0% in 33 games. In his career he also played for Triglav Kranj, Krka, Kaposvari and Albacomp in Hungary and ENAD in Cyprus.

Market News from B-1 League - by Zeljko Zule
Serbian Predrag Jacimovic has been announced as the new coach for the Parklji Bezigrad. The team from B-1 League also inked Jure Erzen (203-F/C-75) ex TCG Mercator, Sasa Ljubenovic (205-F-82, agency: Promotex) ex TCG Mercator and Srboljub Nedeljkovic (202-F/C-79) ex Alpos Sentjur and re-signed Jaka Hladnik (192-G-82).
Litija loaned Jan Mesic (198-F-85) from Parklji Bezigrad.
Hrastnik is very close to Mitja Brecko (188-G-80) of Rudar and their former member Ziga Koritnik (197-F-89) of Krka II. .

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  SPAIN   


Spain rout France in Riga - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20 -France U20 92:72

Spanish U20 National Team posted their first win at the Qualifying round of the European Championship. They bruised France today and improved to 2-2 record in Group F. French woeful form continued in the second straight game. The team entered the Qqualifying round with a perfect record but was twice heavily beaten. Spain won all the quarter and easily reached another win. Victor Claver (204-F/C-88) led the winners with 21 points. Joaquin Colom (187-G-88) collected 19 points and 12 assists and Tomas scored 19. Edwin Jackson (191-G-89) poured in 13 points in defeat and Abdoulaye MBaye (189-G-88) added 12. Spain will take on Russia on the last day while France will try to avoid a third loss against Montenegro.

Aguilar opened the game for Spain that never looked behind in the game. In the decisive first quarter Spain held off France to 16:7 after the first 10 minutes of the game. Tomas made it 18:7 entering the second period. France remained in the game and Vaty sent both teams to the lockers for 36:23. In the third quarter the game was even but the score was still up for the Spanish squad. They produced 25:23 in the period for 61:46 lead before the final stanza. Rabaseda's three made it plus 21 and Joaquin Colom scored for 74:52. Victor Claver's jump shot was the last in the game as Spain dominated 92:72 win.

Spain U20:Victor Claver 21, Joaquin Colom 19+12 ast, Tomas 19
France U20: Edwin Jackson 13, Abdoulaye MBaye 12

Market News from Estu and Bruesa - by Paul Nilsen

Bruesa GBC have announced a contract with young shooting guard Alex Urtasun. The 24 year olfd was a player with Pamesa Valencia last season but is now in San Sebastian for the forthcoming ACB campaign after coming to an agreement with Valencia over the final year of a contract.

The shooter who was born in Pamplona has previously played for Siglo XXI Pas Vasco, Cermicas Leoni Castelln, Plus Pujol LLeida, Len Caja Espaa and Alerta Lobos Cantabria. His career with Pamesa never quite took off averaging only 2 points per game in 24 games.

MMT Estudiantes have contracted Tom Wideman for one season. The American centre who hails from South Carolina stands at 2.10 metres and arrives having already spent four seasons in the Spanish capital with Estu city rivals Funelabrada. At 32 years old, Wideman offers a veteran perspective and some solid numbers - something that the coach will know all about. For Wideman has followed former Fuenla coach Luis Casimiro to Estu and the play-caller will be hoping for the kind of form he has shown in recent years. Wideman was named Player of the Week more than once last season and averaged 10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and a valuation of 13 in 25 minutes per game.

Market News from Estu and Bruesa - by Paul Nilsen

Bruesa GBC have announced a contract with young shooting guard Alejandro Urtasun (193-G-84, agency: Interperformances). The 24 year olfd was a player with Pamesa Valencia last season but is now in San Sebastian for the forthcoming ACB campaign after coming to an agreement with Valencia over the final year of a contract.

The shooter who was born in Pamplona has previously played for Siglo XXI Pas Vasco, Cermicas Leoni Castelln, Plus Pujol LLeida, Len Caja Espaa and Alerta Lobos Cantabria. His career with Pamesa never quite took off averaging only 2 points per game in 24 games.

MMT Estudiantes have contracted Tom Wideman (209-C-76, agency: Duran International, college: Clemson) for one season. The American centre who hails from South Carolina stands at 2.10 metres and arrives having already spent four seasons in the Spanish capital with Estu city rivals Funelabrada. At 32 years old, Wideman offers a veteran perspective and some solid numbers - something that the coach will know all about. For Wideman has followed former Fuenla coach Luis Casimiro to Estu and the play-caller will be hoping for the kind of form he has shown in recent years. Wideman was named Player of the Week more than once last season and averaged 10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and a valuation of 13 in 25 minutes per game.

Spanish National Team for the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008 - by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Calderon


Gasol


Garbajosa


Navarro


Fernandez
Jose Manuel Calderon (190-G-81) of Toronto Raptors (USA)
Ricard Rubio (192-G-90) of DKV Joventut Badalona
Raul Lopez (182-G-80) of Real Madrid
Bernardo Rodriguez (197-F/G-80) of Unicaja Malaga
Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85) of Portland Trail Blazers (USA)
Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) of AXA F.C. Barcelona
Alex Mumbru (201-F-79) of Real Madrid
Carlos Jimenez (203-F-76) of Unicaja Malaga
Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) of Real Madrid
Jorge Garbajosa (205-C/F-77) of Toronto Raptors (USA)
Marc Gasol (212-C-85) of Memphis Grizzlies (USA)
Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) of Los Angeles Lakers (USA)
Head Coach: Garcia Aito Reneses of Joventut

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  SWEDEN   


U20 EC, division B: Sweden surprises Portugal in Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
U20 Portugal - U20 Sweden 66-80

Sweden succeeded to beat Portugal in the first game of Qualifying Round improving to score 1-1. On the other side Portugal suffered first defeat on U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures. As a reminder Portuguese walked through the Preliminary Stage registering four wins.

Everything started good for the Swedish. Kim Palmqvist (201-F-88) and his teammates grabbed 9-17 after seven minutes of the opening quarter. Thanks to John Gaddefors' (198-F-89) triple at the buzzer Sweden entered into the second frame with 15-24. They kept advantage steady until the middle of the second period when Fernando Sico (202-F/C-88) and Andre Boavida (198-F-88) made mini 5-0 run for 29-24 at the half time. Portugal was pretty close until 25th minute when Kim Palmqvist made two consecutive triples for 39-51 for his team. After that moment Portugal tried to do something though Jose Silva (194-F-89) and Fabio Lima (196-C-88) but 51-59 was their maximum until the end.

Kim Palmqvist was the key player for Sweden today netting 20 points. He was almost perfect from the field having 4 of 4 for FG2 and 4 of 6 from behind the arc. Jeffery Taylor (200-G/F-89) also shined for the winners collecting 15 points and 13 rebounds while John Gaddefors followed him scoring 13 points. Jose Silva netted 17 while Fabio Lima had 15 points and 6 boards. Fernando Sico and Andre Boavida were behind these two players adding 11 points each. In the last game of Qualifying Round Sweden will take on F.Y.R. of Macedonia while Portugal will play against strong Germany.


U20 Portugal - U20 Sweden 66-80
(15-24, 14-10, 16-18, 21-28)

Portugal: Jose Silva 17, Fabio Lima 15 (6 rebs), Fernando Sico 11 (9 rebs), Andre Boavida 11 (4 rebs)
Sweden: Kim Palmqvist 20, Jeffery Taylor 15 (13 rebs), John Gaddefors 13

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  TPBL   


TEXAS OPEN TOURNAMENT (MENS / WOMENS)- new date!!!!!! - by Chris Cardenas
SAN ANGELO,TX
'TEXAS OPEN MENS/WOMENS NATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT IS THE BEST TOURNAMENT IN THE STATE' says TPBL league owner Chris Cardenas . Theres gonna be great competition, you'll make new friends, meet new coaches and you have a chance to take home $2000 for first place. A hospitality party for all players and coaches will be held saturday night August 30th to help introduce all teams, and by doing this we hope all teams can stay in contact about other tournaments, leagues and any other hoops info. here is the tournament information.....


WHAT: TEXAS OPEN MENS / WOMENS NATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

WHEN: SAT (AUG. 30) (SUN IF NEC.)

WHERE: SAN ANGELO, TX

ENTRY FEE: $350 PER TEAM (3 GAME GUARANTEE)
only room for 1st 20 teams

1ST-3RD PLACE AWARDS, ALL TOURNEYS, MVP AWARD
1ST PLACE - $2000 CASH

DEADLINE TO ENTER YOUR TEAM : AUG. 27

FOR AN ENTRY FORM EMAIL: CARDENAS_CHRIS@YAHOO.COM
OR CALL CHRIS : 325-763-6630

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  TURKEY   


Turkey narrowly defeat Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20 - Lithuania U20 84:80

Turkish U20 National Team grabbed their second consecutive victory at the Qualifying round of the European Championship in Riga. Today they held off Lithuanian team to improve to 3-1 record in Group E. Lithuania meanwhile suffered their initial loss at the tourney and slipped to 3-1 record. Lithuania got to a slightly better start to the game as Vytenis Lipkevicius (200-F-89) and Martynas Gecevicius (194-G-88) teamed up for 17 points in the opening term and the Baltic team stepped in front 28:19. Juskevicius extended the margin to 11 points with a jumper at the start of the second quarter. However Sevinc dropped three treys and Turkey trimmed the distance to 4 points at the interval. Turkey opened the third frame with a 7:2 rally to surge in front. The lead then changed hands for several times throughout the period and Lithuania led by just a single point 65:64 heading into the fourth stanza. Turkey finally pulled ahead with 6 straight points late in regulation. They enjoyed an 80:76 advantage with under 2 minutes left. Juskevicius cut the gap but Baris Hersek (204-F/C-88) maintained the distance with 47 seconds to go. Donatas Motiejunas (214-C-90) clipped the margin once again with accurate freebies however Baris Hersek netted two free throws to bring victory to Turkey. Dogus Balbay (184-G-89) led Turkey with 20 points, 7 assists and 5 boards. Gokper Gen (188-G-89) added 18 points, while Can Ozcan (201-F-89) had 17 in a win. Martynas Gecevicius came up with 16 points for Lithuania. Zygimantas Janavicius (195-G-89, agency: Interperformances) contributed 12 points in defeat.

Turkey U20: Dogus Balbay 20, Gokper Gen 18, Can Ozcan 17
Lithuania U20: Martynas Gecevicius 16, Zygimantas Janavicius 12

Turkish National Team roster 2008 - by Eurobasket
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#e#6


Akyol


Ilyasova


Erden


Tunceri


Gonlum
4 Cenk Akyol (200-G-87) of Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul
5 Sinan Guler (192-G-83) of Efes Pilsen Istanbul
6 Engin Atsur (193-G-84) of Efes Pilsen Istanbul
7 Omer Onan (194-G-78) of Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul
8 Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) of AXA F.C. Barcelona (ESP)
9 Semih Erden (211-C-87) of Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul
10 Kerem Tunceri (190-G-79) of Triumph Lyubertsy (RUS)
11 Oguz Savas (208-C-87) of Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul
12 Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) of Efes Pilsen Istanbul
13 Ender Arslan (190-G-83) of Efes Pilsen Istanbul
14 Umit Sonkol (206-F-82) of Banvit Basketbol Kulubu
16 Cemal Nalga (208-C-87) of Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul
17 Ersin Gorkem (198-F-77) of Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Inter-Neighborhood Basketball Tournament Scheduled for Four Days of Competition - by David Edole
The C.E.I. and Sunstroke 'Hood Hoops' Inter-neighborhood Basketball Tournament will begin at 5:30 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 8, at the Whim Basketball court. The schedule is as follows:

Games 1: Friday, Aug. 8, at Whim Basketball court
Who's Next from Whim vs. Working Together from Chabert
Game 2: Saturday Aug. 8, at Mon Bijou Basketball Court
UMB Souljah'z from Mon Bijou vs. Pushers from Grove at Mon Bijou
Game 3: Tuesday Aug. 12, at Sion Farm Basketball Court
Sion Farm Tribe vs. Hoyas
Game 4: Wednesday Aug. 13, at Safarelli Basketball Court
Boyz Dem vs. Sion Farm Zion

According to Rashidi Clenance, C.E.I. vice president and tournament organizer, 'The V.I.P.D. will be present at all games throughout the tournament, as we realize we're going to be building lasting friendships in neighborhoods that may currently have troubled relationships. Our purpose is to provide these young men with a positive outlet for their energy, promote good sportsmanship and get the community involved with our youth. These are the same young men that will one day be leaders our community.'
All coaches are reminded to bring copies of all players' birth certificates to the game. The tournament is funded and supported by the Virgin Islands Police Department, TRAXCO and The Horse Owners Association.

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  UKRAINE   


Azovmash and Politekhnika summer camps' rosters / BC Odesa's plans - by Alexander Muzyka

- Eurobasket.com has informed about Azovmash summer camps already. We just wanna note the roster of Azovmash for this season:
Pointguards
Khalid el-Amin (178-G-79,)
Aleksandar Capin (186-G-82)
Bohdan Baida (193-G-89)
Shooting guards
Panagiotis Liadelis (193-G-74)
Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82)
Small forwards
Simonas Serapinas (197-F-82)
Dijon Thompson (201-G/F-83)
Power forwards
Serhi Lischuk (210-C/F-82)
Maksym Ivshyn (207-C-86)
Marc Salyers (205-F-79)
Centers
Uche Nsonwu-Amadi (208-F/C-78)
Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84)

- Politekhnika-Halychyna has gone to Slovenian Tatra for summer camp. The roster is the following:
Anton Ageev (191-G-84)
Andri Bagri (191-G-89)
Dmitri Kouzmine (197-G-75)
Brad Rootes (178-G-84)

Alexander Kudrautsau (190-G-80)
Jovan Koprivica (198-G/F-82)
Aliaksandr Pustahvar (200-G/F-85)
Oleksandr Koroviakov (200-F-81)
Gennadi Kuznetsov (204-F-75)
Mykola Kavaleridze (202-F/C-87)
Yaroslav Zubrytskyi (202-F-74)
Vadym Reka (208-F/C-83)
Volodymyr Gurtovoi (207-C-75)
Nikola Aliakseyeu (212-C-78)
Zied Jaafar (-83)

- BC Odesa had its own press-conference. Now 'sharks' are going to Slovenian Rogaska to the camp with a friendly with Zlatorog. Then Yuzhnyi camp, tournament in Turkey (Sep. 5-6 vs Antalya and Skyliners) and tournament in Yuzhnyi (Sep. 21-22 vs Khimik, ASK Riga and Hapoel GE) will take place. There will 14 players take part in there including three youngsters Roman Sokil (211-C-87), Yevhen Pastushenko (195-F-91) and Volodymyr Kovaliov (-90) from BC Odesa's farm. Remind, ex-MBC Mykolaiv player Oleksandr Chausov is working as a coach assistant in BC Odesa and has loaned Serhi Sabutskyi (208-C-86) from Mykolaiv already. Rumours say R.T. Guinn (208-C-81) can arrive to Odesa.



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


Zabirchenko


Krivych


Kobzisty


Onufriyev


Khizhnyak
5 Dmitri Zabirchenko (191-G-84) of BC Donetsk
7 Timur Yevseyevych (180-G-85) of SK DneprAzot Dnepropetrovsk
11 Rostislav Krivych (198-F/G-78) of BC Donetsk
12 Timur Arabadzhi (192-G-81) of BC Politekhnik Kharkov
13 Igor Silkovskiy (194-G-85) of MBC Mykolaiv
15 Igor Krivych (199-F-78) of BC Donetsk
22 Viktor Kobzisty (200-F-79) of Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk
23 Olexiy Onufriyev (200-F-82) of MBC Mykolaiv
24 Yaroslav Zubrytskyi (202-F-74) of Politekhnika-Halychyna Lviv
27 Andriy Agafonov (207-F-86) of Khimik-OPZ Yuzny
28 Maxym Korniyenko (201-F/C-87) of Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk
30 Grigori Khizhnyak (216-C-74) of Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk
32 Vyacheslav Kravtsov (212-C-87) of BC Kyiv
Head Coach: Valentin Melnychuk

Italy stay on top of Group E in Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Italy U20 - Ukraine U20 99:60

Italian team secured their leading position at the Qualifying round Group E of the U20 European Championship in Latvia. Today Italy stunned Ukraine to improve to 4-0 record. Ukraine meanwhile fell to 1-3 record at the fourth spot in the ladder. Ukraine stayed close in the opening stanza. Sergiy Gladyr (196-G/F-89) and Oleksandr Sizov (200-F-88) teamed up for 17 points in the quarter and Ukraine entered the second term up by one 20:19. However a 23:3 rally from Italy in the second term allowed Azzurri to accumulate an 18-point advantage at the interval. Marco Ammannato (202-F/C-88), Bonesio and Roberto Rullo (192-G-90) knocked down 6 straight points for Italy to enlarge the lead to 24 points at the start of the third period. Ukraine failed to recover and trailed by 26 points heading into the fourth term. Italy never slowed down in the fourth quarter and secured an overwhelming victory at the end. Marco Giuri (192-G-88) led balanced offense with 13 points. Roberto Rullo, Giancarlo Ferrero (194-G-88, agency: Players Group) and Marco Ammannato added 12 points apiece for the winners. Vadym Norenko (204-F-88) had 13 points for Ukraine. Oleksandr Sizov netted 11 points and pulled down 6 boards in defeat. Italy shot impressive 58% from the field, while limiting their opponents to 40% accuracy. The winners also forced Ukraine to 25 turnovers.

Italy U20: Marco Giuri 13, Roberto Rullo 12, Giancarlo Ferrero 12, Marco Ammannato 12
Ukraine U20: Vadym Norenko 13, Oleksandr Sizov 11

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  UNITED KINGDOM   


All-Star Shelton Signs for Scots - by George Manousidis
The SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks have completed the signing of former Sheffield standout and BBL All-Star Blake Shelton (198-G/F-80).

The 27-year-old guard played alongside Rocks' coach Sterling Davis at Sheffield in 2005, and went on to finish runner-up in the BBL Championship and earn an All-Star spot in 2006/07. He was twice a BBL Championship Playoff semi-finalist, losing to the Rocks at the National Indoor Arena in 2005/06.

Shelton, 6'6', averaged 16.3 points per game over his 76-game Sheffield career, as well as contributing 6 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.

'I was with Blake since he first started his professional career three seasons ago,' said Coach Davis, 'he impressed me with his size and ability to handle the ball while also having the footwork and speed of your typical guard.'

In Shelton, Davis has secured one of his main targets since taking over as Head Coach in 2007 and he expects him to become a huge asset to the organisation both on and off the court.

'He has been a guy I have been chasing since I took on this role and to be able to finalise this deal with him is a big plus for what we want to accomplish this season. Not only is he a very talented player but a good guy from a good background. We are all pleased to have him in a Rocks uniform.'

Last season Shelton featured for German Bundesliga side Jena, where he was in the starting five for 14 games and averaged 8 points per outing whilst shooting 36.2% three-pointers, before moving to German ProA team Chemnitz, averaging 13.3 points per game.

On returning to the BBL and linking up again with Davis, Shelton commented:

'I'm excited to get there and get started with the team and to work with 'old man' Sterl again. I am also looking forward to returning to the UK after having a tough season in Germany.'

Blake and his new team-mates will begin pre-season training in Glasgow's Kelvin Hall in Sept with the Rocks' first home game at their new West End home tipping off on 19th October.

JETS FLY CHUCK IN FOR CAMP - by George Manousidis
BiG Storage Cheshire Jets have been running their much acclaimed summer basketball camp at Ellesmere Port Catholic High School this week. With over 200 basketball players and coaches from across the UK, Europe and USA attending, it is the largest residential camp in the country.

Chuck Evans (180-G-71, college: Mississippi St.), the American based star point guard who was signed by The Jets last month, flew in to provide expert tuition to the budding prospects. Chuck, who has played at the highest level in the Euroleague with top German teams Bayer Giants Leverkusen and Alba Berlin as well as the Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow, commented
I have been really impressed with the professionalism and scale of the camp, the standard of players is excellent; Im sure some of the young people Ive seen this week will go on to earn professional contracts as they mature. Im really looking forward to getting down to business on court with The Jets when the season starts at the end of September.

The camp has been running since last Sunday providing coaching for young people from 7-21 with work on the fundamentals of the game and a very competitive league. The highlight of the week is the finals tournament on Thursday evening and the awards ceremony on Friday when the camps MVP (most valuable player) will be announced. The winner of this much sought after prize will have worked very hard to win an all expenses paid trip to the USA 5 star camp in Pennsylvania, USA.

Paul Smith, Director of Basketball and Head Coach at BiG Storage Cheshire Jets added, were really pleased with both the attendance and level of play at the camp. Many of the young people who have been part of both our Hoops for Health programme and our Junior Jets clubs have come along for the first time and are not only enjoying it but also improving their game enormously, while we have some genuine talent on the camp we are also able to provide an environment for the beginners to learn the basics and take their game onto the next level.

In addition, the event has also brought together the community that is The Jets with many of the helpers volunteering their time this week to ensure that the camp is successful on behalf of everyone involved with the camp, Id like to personally thank them!

The camp is the curtain raiser for the Jet 08/09 community programme which will engage with over 10,000 young people in Cheshire, The Wirral and Flintshire delivering programmes promoting healthy living, fitness and basketball.

Meanwhile The BBL squad for 08/09 is taking shape with 4 confirmed signings and further announcements expected over the next few weeks.

*****************************************************
  USBL   


USBL BEGINS MARKETING INITIATIVE - by John Gary
courtesy oursportscentral.com The USBL launched its marketing campaign recently in the wall Street Journal and Barrons publications. The Usbl is in discussions with several ownership groups and the league believes that continuing with a proactive approach in attracting investors is the best way to reach its growth potential and increase the sale of expansion teams. Growth potential for the league lies in the affordabilty to own a team currently vauled at 100,000.

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


LPB 2008 Finals - Game 6: Cocodrilos de Caracas, new champions of Venezuela - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Cocodrilos de Caracas defeated Gaiteros del Zulia, 111-83, in Game 6 of Liga Profesional de Baloncesto's 2008 Finals at Naciones Unidas Park of Caracas, to earn the fourth crown in the history of the capital city and its third as an organization. They had also won it in 1974 as Ahorristas de Caracas and then did so as Cocodrilos in 1992 and 2000.


For coach Nestor Salazar it is his first championship after seven previous attempts in this kind of series. He had coached Panteras de Miranda back in 1987 and 2002, then Trotamundos de Carabobo in 1992, Guaros de Lara in 2005 and 2006 and Cocodrilos de Caracas in 2007 without being able to become the national champion.


'The work that we had performed during the whole season has paid off. The players deserve this championship title and this was a great victory for us', said Salazar. In 16 seasons, Salazar has a record of 318 victories and 248 defeats in the regular season. However, he has a 16-26 record in Finals.


'It's always good to get your personal revenges. This was a mental triumph more than a technical or strategic triumph', he added.


Meanwhile, captain Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) earned his second LPB title after the one he won back in 1995 with Panteras de Miranda. 'This is a moment of happiness and the trophy comes from all the work we had been doing since last January', said Diaz. It was also the second LPB title for Henry Paez (184-G-70), who was the only still standing member of the 2000 version of Cocodrilos, who also defeated Gaiteros back then, though they did so in seven games that other time.


Martinez, MVP

Dominican center Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81) was named Most Valuable Player of the LPB 2008 Finals after averaging 19 points and 12 rebounds per match in six outings and performing for 23 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in the last match of the season.


LPB 2008 FINALS
COCODRILOS DE CARACAS 119 - GAITEROS DEL ZULIA 101
Belisario Aponte Gymnasium - Maracaibo, Zulia
(Cocodrilos won the Finals 4-2)

Quarter by quarter
COC: 28-28-27-28= 111
GAI: 24-18-24-17= 83



Scorers
GAI: Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) 27 points, Christopher Jeffries (199-F-80) 19 points, Ruben Nembhard (191-G-72) 16 points, Askia Jones (196-G-71) 11 points, Miguel Angel Marriaga (207-C-84) 8 points, Felipe Lopez (197-G/F-74) 5 points, Luis Julio (199-F-80) 4 points, Pedro Cubillan (187-G-82) 3 points, Jean Carlos Espinoza (190-G/F-74) 0 points, Jorge Leon (186-G-79) 0 points, Jose Bravo 0 points, Omar Walcott (202-C-66) 0 points

COC: Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81) 23 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 16 points, Kevin Freeman (201-F-78) 14 points, Henry Paez (184-G-70) 13 points, Edgar Moreno (191-G-81) 12 points, Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 12 points, Juan Herrera (197-F-81) 11 points, Luis Bethelmi (200-C-86) 10 points, Kevin Palacios (203-F/C-84) 0 points, Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 0 points, Rosmel Blanco (205-C-76) 0 points, Vladimir Saavedra (200-F-77) 0 points





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Women News

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


Belgium close Adana International Tournament with win - by Eurobasket News
Belgium - Serbia 66:63

Belgian National Team secured their first win at the Adana International Tournament in Turkey. They defeated Serbia to claim the third overall spot. Both teams entered the game winless and hoped to finish campaign on positive note. Serbia got to a better start as they jumped to an 8:0 lead. The Balkan team stayed ahead and finished the starting period ahead by 6 points 18:12. Ines Kresovic (182-G-84) and Marija Eric (164-G-83) kept Serbia in front through the second stanza and they secured a 7-point cushion at the interval. The situation never changed in the third frame as Serbia confidently controlled the tempo. They limited Belgium to 13 points in the quarter and entered the fourth period ahead by 10. Five minutes into the fourth term Serbia remained in charge 59:51 however Belgium were not about to fold. Anka De Mondt fueled a 9:2 run to cut the deficit to just a single point. Ilse San Dar Vonder then put Belgium up 62:61 and they did not surrender an inch of their lead in the reminder of the contest. Anke De Mondt (180-F-79) topscored with 18 points and 6 boards for Belgium. Laurence Van Malderen (194-C-81, agency: LBM Management) added 11 points, while Marjorie Carpreaux (165-G-87) and Evelien Callens (188-F-84, agency: LBM Management) had 6 points apiece in a win. Zorica Mitov (189-C-87) answered with 13 points for Serbia. Ines Kresovic had 11 points and 6 boards in a losing effort.

Belgium: Anke De Mondt 18, Laurence Van Malderen 11, Marjorie Carpreaux 6, Evelien Callens 6
Serbia: Zorica Mitov 13, Ines Kresovic 11

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


Turkey win Adana International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Turkey - France 60:58

Turkish National Team toppled their French opponents in a dramatic clash in Adana yesterday. Thus Turkey claimed their third straight victory and earned the title. The game turned into a real seesaw battle with two sides giving up no easy baskets. The hosts jumped in front 7:2 early in the game however France managed to cut the deficit to 3 points 10:13 after ten minutes of action. France opened the second term with a 6:0 rally to surge in front. The maintained the margin well through the rest of the quarter and built a 27:24 advantage at the interval. Turkey came up big after the long break. They posted a 7:0 surge to regain the lead and soon stretched the margin to 5 points at 38:33. Naile Ivegin (186-F/C-85) and Tugba Tasci (176-G-84) allowed Turkish team to enjoy a 43:33 buffer heading into the fourth period. France stayed in the contest and cut the deficit to only 2 points midway through the stanza. The hosts led by just one point 51:50 with under 3 minutes remaining however Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80) and Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) secured a narrow win for Turkey late in the encounter. Nevriye Yilmaz finished with 19 points and 10 boards for Turkey. Emine Tugba Palazoglu (174-G-80) added 13 points, while Tugba Tasci had 9 in a win. Isabelle Yacoubou (195-C-86) and Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) replied with 11 points each for France. Miyem netted 7 points in defeat.

Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 19+10 boards, Emine Tugba Palazoglu 13, Tugba Tasci 9
France: Isabelle Yacoubou 11, Celine Dumerc 11

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


U18 wins opener of European Championship Division B - by Cornelius Damm
The German U18 National Team had a successful start in the European Championship Division B. Facing Switzerland the team of head coach Reiner Chromik started strong with 7-0 and was already leading 22-09 after the first quarter. Until halftime the girls extended their lead to 35-13. In the second half Chromik gave minutes to all of his 12 players who were all able to bring up their names onto the stat sheet. In the end the game was won 63-35. Thursday the team will take on Austria and will try to repeat its performance.

Leonie Bleker (RC Borken/NB Oberhausen, 6), Svenja Brunckhorst (TSV Wasserburg, 5), Stephanie Eitel (BSG Ludwigsburg, 1), Emina Karic (Herner TC, 10), Pia Mankertz (SC Alstertal-Langenhorn/SC Rist Wedel, 7), Jenny Menz (TuS Jena, 10), Carolin Riehle (USC Freiburg, 5), Danina Skrobek (ETB SW Essen, 3), Stephanie Wagner (TV Langen, 6), Carlina Haas (TS Jahn Mnchen, 2), Mara Greunke (TV Langen, 4) und Franziska Steiner (TS Jahn Mnchen, 4)

*****************************************************
  ISRAEL - Women  


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


Suez-Karni


Dori


Cohen


Kolodny


Fleischer
4 Liad Suez-Karni (191-F/C-81) of A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra
5 Mirav Dori (178-F-86) of A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra
6 Ayelet Cohen (172-G-85) of A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra
7 Liron Cohen (173-G-82) of Los Angeles Sparks (USA)
9 Shiran Zairy (170-G-86) of Elitzur Maclaren Holon
10 Ortal Oren (176-G-84) of Maccabi Ashdod
11 Naomi Kolodny (172-G-82) of A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra
12 Bat-El Lazmi (170-G-86) of Maccabi Ashdod
13 Katia Abramzon (186-F/C-87) of Elizur Ramla
14 Katia Levitsky (190-C-85) of Bnot Ra'Anana Hasharon
15 Jennifer Fleischer (191-C-84) of Tim-Scuf Kyiv (UKR)
Laine Selwyn (170-G-81) of Indiana Fever (USA)
Shay Doron (175-G-85) of Besiktas Istanbul (TUR)
Head Coach: Eli Rabi

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  MALI - Women  


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


Bagayokoc


Coulibaly


Dabo


Diarra


Diawara
Fatoumata Bagayokoc (-G-88) of Djoliba Athletic Club
Nagnouma Coulibaly (192-F/C-89) of Basket Landes (FRA)
Maimouna Dabo (170-G-89) of York College, CUNY (USA)
Mariatou Diarra (178-G-85) of Clube Universitario Dakar (SEN)
Djene Diawara (192-F/C-88) of Limoges ABC en Limousin (FRA)
Diana Gandega (171-F-83) of Racing Club Strasbourg (FRA)
Kadiatou Kanoute (178-F-78) of Union Lyon Basket Feminin (FRA)
Hamchetou Maiga (184-G/F-78) of Houston Comets (USA)
Aminata Sininta (185-C-85) of Djoliba Athletic Club
Djenebou Sissoko (188-F/C-82) of Union University, TN (USA)
Meiya Tirera (180-F-86) of Djoliba Athletic Club
Kadiatou Toure (174-G/F-83) of ASPTT Alger (ALG)
Mama Traore (-89) of Djoliba Athletic Club
Nassira Traore (185-F/C-88) of Djoliba Athletic Club
Head Coach: Jose Ruiz

*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND - Women  


Sirens leave Christchurch - by Eurobasket News
Christchurch Sirens basketball team will not contest the 2008/09 Australian Womens Basketball League from Christchurch. After one season in the Australian WNBL, the Christchurch-based franchise has not been able to secure sufficient funding to remain in Christchurch and is now searching for a new home. The Sirens were established last year as a joint venture between Canterbury Basketball Association and entrepreneur Jan Cameron, operating under a licence held by Basketball New Zealand. BBNZ is now exploring the option of relocating the franchise to Wellington.
The Sirens board has worked strenuously to secure enough commercial support to keep the team in Christchurch, but has not been able to confirm the $600,000 required, says board member Amanda Strong. Shareholders are disappointed at this outcome, but believe it is a prudent step and supports the efforts to continue the franchise elsewhere in New Zealand. All costs associated with the inaugural season have been met and the board believes it would not be financially responsible to embark on a second season in Christchurch without the necessary level of confirmed funding. The Sirens were formed as an integral part of the NZ Tall Ferns programme, designed to give the countrys top women basketballers a chance to compete at a consistently high level over the summer. Christchurch then became the training base for the Ferns as they prepared for the Beijing Olympics. After beginning their inaugural season with seven straight losses, the Sirens finished with a 9-15 record, including 9-2 at Cowles Stadium and victory over every team in the league except eventual champions Adelaide. The benefits of the programme were reflected when the Tall Ferns achieved their first ever win over the world champion Australian Opals at the Good Luck Beijing Olympic test event in April. We remain committed to the Sirens concept as a step in the professional pathway for our women, says Basketball New Zealand chief executive Dale Stephens. We sincerely thank Jan Cameron and Canterbury Basketball for their efforts in getting the team off the ground, and are determined not to let their hard work go to waste.
Courtesy of: www.basketball.org.nz

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  OLYMPIC GAMES - Women  


Standings - Women
Standings
Group A
1. Australia0-0
2. Belarus0-0
3. Brazil0-0
4. S.Korea0-0
5. Latvia0-0
6. Russia0-0
Group B
1. China0-0
2. Czech Repu.0-0
3. Spain0-0
4. Mali0-0
5. N.Zealand0-0
6. USA0-0


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


Bagayokoc


Coulibaly


Dabo


Diarra


Diawara
Fatoumata Bagayokoc (-G-88) of Djoliba Athletic Club
Nagnouma Coulibaly (192-F/C-89) of Basket Landes (FRA)
Maimouna Dabo (170-G-89) of York College, CUNY (USA)
Mariatou Diarra (178-G-85) of Clube Universitario Dakar (SEN)
Djene Diawara (192-F/C-88) of Limoges ABC en Limousin (FRA)
Diana Gandega (171-F-83) of Racing Club Strasbourg (FRA)
Kadiatou Kanoute (178-F-78) of Union Lyon Basket Feminin (FRA)
Hamchetou Maiga (184-G/F-78) of Houston Comets (USA)
Aminata Sininta (185-C-85) of Djoliba Athletic Club
Djenebou Sissoko (188-F/C-82) of Union University, TN (USA)
Meiya Tirera (180-F-86) of Djoliba Athletic Club
Kadiatou Toure (174-G/F-83) of ASPTT Alger (ALG)
Mama Traore (-89) of Djoliba Athletic Club
Nassira Traore (185-F/C-88) of Djoliba Athletic Club
Head Coach: Jose Ruiz

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


Belgium close Adana International Tournament with win - by Eurobasket News
Belgium - Serbia 66:63

Belgian National Team secured their first win at the Adana International Tournament in Turkey. They defeated Serbia to claim the third overall spot. Both teams entered the game winless and hoped to finish campaign on positive note. Serbia got to a better start as they jumped to an 8:0 lead. The Balkan team stayed ahead and finished the starting period ahead by 6 points 18:12. Ines Kresovic (182-G-84) and Marija Eric (164-G-83) kept Serbia in front through the second stanza and they secured a 7-point cushion at the interval. The situation never changed in the third frame as Serbia confidently controlled the tempo. They limited Belgium to 13 points in the quarter and entered the fourth period ahead by 10. Five minutes into the fourth term Serbia remained in charge 59:51 however Belgium were not about to fold. Anka De Mondt fueled a 9:2 run to cut the deficit to just a single point. Ilse San Dar Vonder then put Belgium up 62:61 and they did not surrender an inch of their lead in the reminder of the contest. Anke De Mondt (180-F-79) topscored with 18 points and 6 boards for Belgium. Laurence Van Malderen (194-C-81, agency: LBM Management) added 11 points, while Marjorie Carpreaux (165-G-87) and Evelien Callens (188-F-84, agency: LBM Management) had 6 points apiece in a win. Zorica Mitov (189-C-87) answered with 13 points for Serbia. Ines Kresovic had 11 points and 6 boards in a losing effort.

Belgium: Anke De Mondt 18, Laurence Van Malderen 11, Marjorie Carpreaux 6, Evelien Callens 6
Serbia: Zorica Mitov 13, Ines Kresovic 11

*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA - Women  


Radulovic extends in Spain, MVP Blake moves to Hola - by Zeljko Zule

Former NT member Natasa Radulovic (180-G-82) ex Rambla Santa Cruz inked with El Duran Maquinaria Ension for the upcoming season in Spanish Liga Femenina 2. Last season she averaged 22,4 points in Primera Division.
Slovenian League Play-Off MVP Monique Blake (188-F-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: Seton Hall) ex Merkur has signed a one-year deal with CREF Hola from Spain (Liga Femenina 2).

.



*****************************************************
  TPBL - Women  


TPBL TO START A WOMENS DIVISION - by Chris Cardenas

' i think the ladies want to play ball too !! ' chris cardenas (tpbl league owner)

SAN ANGELO,TX - The TPBL is doing its best to expand and grow. The 1st step was to put together a tough league where players can get looked at, move on to higher paying leagues and make a little money. After 8yrs of MENS PRO BASKETBALL IN TEXAS, now its time for the ladies to play!!! Starting in June of 2009 the TEXAS PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE will have a womens pro division. The womens division will have a first year schedule that includes 12 regular season games ( 6 home / 6 away), with the top 4 teams playing for the TPBL crown. Here is more WOMENS TPBL info.

WOMENS TPBL DIVISION

ENTRY FEE: $750 per team (12 player max)

DEADLINE TO ENTER : APRIL 1 .....no joke :)

FOR A LEAGUE PACKET EMAIL LEAGUE OWNER CHRIS CARDENAS : cardenas_chris@yahoo.com

This will be for serious female basketball players only wanting to expand their basketball playing careers and get looked at by other higher paying pro leagues.

*****************************************************
  TURKEY - Women  


Turkey win Adana International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Turkey - France 60:58

Turkish National Team toppled their French opponents in a dramatic clash in Adana yesterday. Thus Turkey claimed their third straight victory and earned the title. The game turned into a real seesaw battle with two sides giving up no easy baskets. The hosts jumped in front 7:2 early in the game however France managed to cut the deficit to 3 points 10:13 after ten minutes of action. France opened the second term with a 6:0 rally to surge in front. The maintained the margin well through the rest of the quarter and built a 27:24 advantage at the interval. Turkey came up big after the long break. They posted a 7:0 surge to regain the lead and soon stretched the margin to 5 points at 38:33. Naile Ivegin (186-F/C-85) and Tugba Tasci (176-G-84) allowed Turkish team to enjoy a 43:33 buffer heading into the fourth period. France stayed in the contest and cut the deficit to only 2 points midway through the stanza. The hosts led by just one point 51:50 with under 3 minutes remaining however Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80) and Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) secured a narrow win for Turkey late in the encounter. Nevriye Yilmaz finished with 19 points and 10 boards for Turkey. Emine Tugba Palazoglu (174-G-80) added 13 points, while Tugba Tasci had 9 in a win. Isabelle Yacoubou (195-C-86) and Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) replied with 11 points each for France. Miyem netted 7 points in defeat.

Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 19+10 boards, Emine Tugba Palazoglu 13, Tugba Tasci 9
France: Isabelle Yacoubou 11, Celine Dumerc 11