EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/15/2008

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Men News

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  ABA   


Alaska inks three - by Gianni Pascucci
The ABA Alaska Dream announced thet agreement with three players for their inaugural season that begins in December. They are the first players signed to the 2008-2009 season. The players are Andrew Smith (6'8''-F-83, college: Alaska-Fairb.), Justin Bourne (6'6''-F), from University of Alaska Fairbanks and Antonio Whische (5'11'-G), from Skagit Valley Community College.

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  AUSTRALIA   


Standings - NBL
NBL Standings
 1. Melbourne T. 1-0 
 2. Cairns T. 1-0 
 3. Sydney S. 0-0 
 4. N.Zealand B. 0-0 
 5. Wollongong 0-0 
 6. Perth W. 0-0 
 7. Townsville C. 0-0 
 8. Adelaide 36ers 0-0 
 9. Gold Coast B. 0-0 
 10. Melbourne SD 0-1 


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  AUSTRIA   


Colwell moves to Gmunden - Gussing presents new PG - by Stefan Heinrich
The formern Furstenfeld Panther, Shelton Colwell (202-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Missouri St.), moved to the Allianz Swans Gmunden. Colwell won the championship with the Panthers in the last season and he was a key factor for the first title in the history of the team. During the Finals he averaged 17.4ppg, 6.2rpg and 0.6bpg.

The Gussing Knights announced that their new PG will be Jermaine Thomas (187-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: La Salle) who played the past 2 seasons in Hungary and Yao Schafer will replace Christoph Poller (200-C-81), who moved to Furstenfeld. The Knights also announced that Marqus Ledoux (203-F-80, college: Tulsa) and Jason Chappell (208-F/C-83, agency: Heinrich Sports, college: Wisconsin) will stay in the roster for the new season.

Gmunden inks Shelton Colwell from Furstenfeld - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup participant Allianz Swans Gmunden announced signing of Shelton Colwell (202-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Missouri St.) increasing number of players to 16.

Colwell was one of the best players in A Bundesliga last season. He played for Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers ending it as a top shot blocker with 1.6 rpg. At the same time he averaged 14.1 ppg and 6.5 rpg in 43 games. His team ended regular season on the second place with score 25-11, same as Gmunden. These two teams met in the play-off semifinals, where Panthers were better 3-2 thanks to home court advantage. In the final Furstenfeld grabbed the title in the fifth game. It was a real thriller 88-89. Shelton Colwell arrived to Furstenfeld in 2007 from Dutch team BS Leiden. As it was in Austria, Colwell was one of the leading players in Eredivisie on season 06/07. He appeared 39 times recording 17.4 ppg, 8 rpg and 1.9 apg. He got the invitation to participate in Eredivisie All-Star Game. Actually it was his second time on All-Star Game in Holland. He got the same invitation in 2005 as a player of Rotterdam. In 05/06 Shelton Colwell played for Spanish LEB 2 team Gandia. He graduated at SW Missouri State University in 2003. In his senior year Colwell had 9.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg.

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  BAHRAIN   


Malloy To Play For Muharraq - by Mohammed Malas
Interest in LaShawn Malloy (208-C-83, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: New Orleans) has crossed several borders in the Middle East to finally land in the Arab Kingdom of Bahrain.

After his performance with Antranik (LEB-Div.A) in 2008, the 610 American forward attracted interest from several Arab teams in the region.

First it was Dubais Al Shabab (UAE-D1) that he joined for training camp in Egypt in late August 2008.

Malloy and the team could not reach an agreement, leaving the athletic forward free again.

Next was interest from two Lebanese Div.A teams, Champville and the newly relegated Tebnin.

Shawn, however, preferred Bahrain to play for his friend, Muharraqs coach.

The 24-year-old Portland resident left his hometown September 12, 2008 and headed to Muharraq, where he will stay until the end of the basketball season.

His first impressions of Bahrain came out positive.

I like it, its a beautiful country, Malloy said. My apartment is very nice.

Shawn and Al Muharraq (BRN-Premier League) will start their official practices September 15, preparing for the local league which will tip off October 11, 2008.

Malloy was a personal success with Antranik last season. He led the league in FT attempts (98), and led his team in rebounding (13.2ppg), blocks (17), FGs made (95), 2pts made (88) and FTs made (53) in the regular season.

Source: Pro Management Agency

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  BOSNIA   


Siroki Prima pivo losses against Gravelines in Brest - by Eurobasket News
Siroki Prima pivo went on French tour last week. The first game Siroki played in Brest, where Gravelines was better 80-88. Bosnian team was on a good level against French, which competes in Pro A. During the entire time Siroki was in but not strong enough to take a lead. However, Bosnians had the biggest problems in the paint. Gravelines' big guy Rashaun Freeman (206-C/F-84, college: Massachusetts) was totally unstoppable scoring 28 points. The other problem was a fact Freemen moved Siroki's guards out of the paint stopping them to make easy penetrations. Interesting is that ex member of Siroki Prima pivo Cyril Apkomedah also was good for the winning team. Actually he was its second scorer with 11 points. Recovered captain Sime Spralja (206-F/C-83) was on a good level netted 18 points. American Kevin Braswell (188-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgetown) had great debut for his new team scoring one point less. Ivo Josipovic (205-F-75, agency: Court Side) also shined with 16 while Ivan Siriscevic (198-G/F-87) counted till 14. Head coach Josip Vrankovic and others from Siroki Prima pivo were not satisfied with referees. After the game they complained on it with a reason. Graveliness never had more than four personal fouls per quarter.

On Tusday Siroki will once again meet Gravelines. At the end of the week it will participate on tournament in Paris.

Latest signings - by Eurobasket News
Bosnian runner-up Igokea Partizan announced signing of shooting guard / small forward Marko Djerasimovic (200-F-84). 24-old player is coming for FMP Zeleznik, where he spent last two seasons. In 07/08 he had 7 appearances in ULEB Cup adding 7.1 ppg and 2.1 rpg. He also had 25 games in Adriatic as well as 14 games in Serbian Superleague averaging around 5 ppg and 2 rpg. His team reached semifinals in both, Adriatic league and Superleague. In 2007 FMP won Serbian National Cup and was very close to book a spot for the Euroleague. Namely, FMP reached semifinals of ULEB Cup, where Lietuvos Rytas was better. The other finalist Real Madrid earned a spot for Euroleague in ACB so Lietuvos booked a place for this elite competition. Djerasimovic came to FMP in 2006 as a best scorer of Serbian A1 league with 18.7 ppg. He was member of Zdravlje Leskovac from 2004-2006. Before Zdravlje, he spent many years in Zastava Kragujevac.

Current Bosnian champion Bosna ASA BHT looks to the future. The team agreed terms with young Aleksandar Milojevic, ex player of Buducnost Bijeljina. It is second departure of young players from Buducnost this summer. As a reminder, Djordje Micic already left the team from Bijeljina joining Union Olimpija.

Borac Nektar celebrates in two friendly games - by Eurobasket News
D1 team Borac Nektar had two more friendlies during the last few days. In both of those Borac played as a visitor.

In the first game the team from Banja Luka met Serbian B league team Zeleznicar Cacak. Bosnians were a way better celebrating 96-45. Since the opening frame it was clear that difference in quality level between these two teams is huge. The fact that Zeleznicar managed to score just 6 points in third quarter talks everything for itself. Hrvoje Puljko (193-G-83, agency: Interperformances) was the best player in the winning team scoring 22 points. Power forward Milos Mladenovic (205-C/F-82) netted 16. New Borac's acquisition on PG Donta Richardson (188-G-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Wyoming) made his debut adding 5 points.

Second game was much interesting. Borac's rival was Serbian A1 team Sloga Kraljevo, which suffered home defeat 72-79. Bosnians were on a pretty high level in this game. They had very good second frame taking 8-point lead after it. Sloga answered after the breather though Grbic and Stefanovic but it was not enough against motivated Borac. Visotors played steady at the very end winning this one, despite Sloga ended last stanza 22-19. This time Milan Janjusevic (197-F-83) was the key player in Borac scoring 16 points. Hrvoje Puljko had one point less while Milos Mladenovic stopped on 13 points. Other in Borac: Vucic, Peterkin 12, Milekic, Djurasovic 5, Kostadinovic, Pavlovic, Milinovic 5, Garma 10, Richardson 3. Sloga got 18 points from Grbic while Stefanovic added 15. Experienced Mladen Gambiroza (206-C-75, agency: 011 Sports) finished the game with 11 points. Others in Sloga: Novoselski, Dasic 7, Trtic 8, Pekovic 3, Adamovic 4, Petrovic 1, Bojinovic, Bajavac, Olujic.

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  CHILE   


Dimayor: round 4 results - by Daniel Valencia
On saturday night, CD Universidad de Concepcion defeated Universidad de Los Lagos 94-80 with the shooting guard Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83) as the offensive leader with 25 points. In Santiago, CD Puente Alto defeated Deportes Castro (the leader) 104-84 with the forward John Davis (201-F-84, agency: AMI, college: Tarleton St.) as the scoring leader (34 points) for the winners. In Osorno, the host Provincial Osorno completed a perfect weekend with a victory against Liceo Mixto 79-75. Thurman Zimmetman and Marc Mazur (210-C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Detroit Mercy) combined for 41 points for 'Toros'. In Llanquihue, a last second shot by Dominick Melton (198-F, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Wisc.-Parkside) gave the victory to Provincial Llanquihue against Espanol de Talca 109-108. John A. Thomas (198-G/F-82, college: Columbus St.) was unstoppable, scoring 52 points in the night, including 17 in the last period. These are the complete resulst of saturday night.

Round 4

Boston College 88 - Deportes Ancud 82 OT
Bos: B.J. Puckett 23 pts. Felipe Ziegele 21 pts.
Anc. Leonardo Alves 30 pts. Marcos Hubner 21 pts.

CD Puente Alto 104 - Deportes Castro 84
Pue. John Davis 34 pts. Bruce Jolly 19 pts.
Cas: Gonzalo Velasquez 38 pts. Roy Morris 12 pts.

Provincial Llanquihue 109 - Espanol de Talca 108
Llan: John A. Thomas 52 PTS. Dominick Melton 20 pts.
eSP: Marques Hayden 27 pts. David Gonzalez 17 pts.

Deportivo Valdivia 72 - Universidad Catolica 58
Val: Marcus Elliott 20 pts. Tony Bishop 17 pts.
Uc: Mike Elliot 19 pts. Keddric Mays 12 pts.

Provincial Osorno 79 - Liceo Mixto 75
Oso: Thurman Zimmerman 22 pts. Marc Mazur 19 pts.
Lic: Brandon Mason 19 pts. Patricio Briones 17 pts.

Universidad de Los Lagos 80 - CD Universidad de Concepcion 94
Ula: Michael Pierrot 26 pts. Leonel Mendez 13 pts.
Ucon: Evandro Arteaga 25 pts. Jefferson Agba 19 pts.

Dimayor: round 3 results - by Daniel Valencia
On friday night was played round 3 of the national phase of Dimayor 08/98. Playing in Santiago, Deportes Castro defeated Boston College 91-76, with a huge performance by the guard Roy Morris (188-G, college: San Diego) who ended the night with 34 points. Between the other teams at the top, CD Universidad de Concepcion, playing as visitors defeated Provincial Llanquihue 97-94 with Jefferson Agba (210-F/C-80, college: Embry Riddle) as the key offensive player with 34 points. After a dissapointing start in the zonal phase, Provincial Osorno reacted and win the third game in a row during the national phase. This time the victim was Universidad Catolica. 106-66 was the final score . Once again, the forward Thurman Zimmerman (196-F-83, agency: AMI, college: S.Carolina St.) was the scoring leader with 26 points. These are the complete results of friday night.

Round 3

Boston College 76 - Deportes Castro 91
Bos: B.J. Puckett 28 pts. Felipe Ziegele 14 pts.
Cas: Roy Morris 34 pts. P.J. Mills 24 pts.

CD Puente Alto 86 - Deportes Ancud 53
Pue: John Davis 22 pts. German Siegmund 14 pts.
Anc: Malcolm Connor 14 pts. Federico Radavero 12 pts.

Provincial Llanquihue 93 - CD Universidad de Concepcion 97
Llan: John A. Thomas 33 pts. Anthony Knox 21 pts.
Ucon: Jefferson Agba 34 pts. Evandro Arteaga 17 pts.

Deportivo Valdivia 81 - Liceo Mixto 93
Val: Marcus Elliott 28 pts. Claus Prutzmann 18 pts.
Lic: Kevin Frey 24 pts. Brandon Mason 18 pts.

Provincial Osorno 106 - Universidad Catolica 66
Oso: Thurman Zimmerman 26 pts. Cristian Perez 20 pts.
Uc: Keddric Mays 19 pts. Angelo Olivares 12 pts.

Universidad de Los Lagos 91 - Espanol de Talca 76
Ula: Michael Pierrot 28 pts. Tim Jennings 26 pts.
Esp: Jose Madrid 15 pts. Marques Hayden 13 pts.



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  CROATIA   


Triumph Lyubertsy too much for Zagreb CO - by Eurobasket News
Zagreb CO suffered second consecutive defeat in just few days. After Krka Novo Mesto, Russian team Triumph Lyubertsy was better 59-77. The game was played in Porec.

Zagreb played wonderful first half against much stronger Triumph. As a reminder Triumph landed ex center New Jersey Nets Nenad Krstic (214-C-83) this summer on 1+1 deal worth 6 million dollars but he didn't play in this game due to obligation with National Team of Serbia. Russians also wanted to ink Croatian Gordan Giricek (197-G-77) but at the last moment he decided to join Fenerbahce Ulker. Anyway, Zagreb managed to make plus one after first 20 minutes, 37-36. Russians woke up after the breather immediately making turn and later set the margin to 4 before the last frame. After 2-minute break Triumph showed up on a court demonstrating impressive performance. Player of head coach Zeljko Pavlicevic could not resist against Fedor Dmitriev (205-F-84) and Marcus Goree (201-F-77, agency: Passing Lane, college: W.Virginia), which led Triumph to 11-25 in this period. These two players were the only one with double figures in Russian team. Fedor Dmitriev drained 16 while Marcus Goree nailed 11 points. Zagreb got 14 points from Krunoslav Simon (198-G/F-85). Dzenan Rahimic (205-C/F-74) also was good with 11 points.

Zagreb CO: Tomic, Vladovic 8, Babic 3, Krunoslav Simon 14, Papac 4, Dundovic, Morovic 4, Dijan 2, Rahimic 11, Basljan, Stimac 13, Drezga.
Triumph Lyubertsy: Panin 8, Karashev 6, Miloserdov 2, Romanov 4, Voron 1, Vyaltsev, Sregeyev, Likhoday 9, Fedor Dmitriev 16, Marcus Goree 11, Askrabic, Toporov 8


Zagreb will play another friendly game today. Its rival will be Lokomotiv Novosybirsk.

Barcelona edges Cibona winning the tournament in Giessen - by Eurobasket News
Barcelona - Cibona 81:77

Cibona Zagreb missed a chance to beat Spanish giant Barcelona and to win tournament in Giessen. The main reason was fantastic first half by the Spanish team.

Barcelona entered into the game strongly. Vasquez and Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) were great at the offensive end while Barca's defense also looked good. Cibona managed to score just 10 points during the first ten minutes while Barca netted 23. Nothing has changed in the second frame. Roger Grimau (196-G-79) and David Andersen (212-C-80) joined two above mentioned players, what brought Barcelona wonderful 48-26 at the half time. It seemed that this game was already over but Croatians didn't want to give up. Players of head coach Velimir Perasovic demonstrated amazing performance in third quarter. Nikola Prkacin (208-C-75) and his teammates took care for impressive 20-0 run! Barcelona wasn't able to score any point almost 7 minutes in this period. It means that Cibona entered into the last quarter closing the gap to seven. However, Bercelona's players recovered from this shock and despite 19-22 in the last stanza succeeded to win this tournament.

Vasquez led Barcelona to trophy in Giessen scoring 18 points. Juan Carlos Navarro followed with 14 while Roger Grimau stopped on 13 points. Vedran Vukusic (203-F-82, college: Northwestern) shined in Cibona adding 15 points. NT member Davor Kus (190-G-78) had two points less while Marin Rozic (201-F-83) and Luksa Andric (209-C/F-85) nailed 11 points each for Croatian team.


Barcelona: Barrett, Barton 4, Juan Carlos Navarro 14, David Andersen 12, Vazquez 18, Basile, Trias 6, Lakovic 5, Rey 6, Sada 3, Samb, Roger Grimau 13
Cibona: Kus 13, Vukusic 15, Luksa Andric 11, Calloway 4, Rozic 11, Zubcic, Kruslin, Longin 8, Prkacin 12, Troha, Kastropil, Princ 3.

More friendlies - by Eurobasket News
Cedevita played a friendly game in Slovenian city Novo Mesto. The host team Krka celebrated 73-78 thanks to great second half. Cedevita totally trashed participant of Adriatic league during the first 20 minutes. Big guy Frano Colak (205-C-77, agency: Court Side) led Cedevita in the opening quarter to 23-14. Croatian team also dominated in the second frame grabbing plus 17 at the end of it. Slovenians woke up after the breather realizing that it could be a huge defeat for them if they continue at the same rhythm. Thanks Davor Marcelic (200-F/G-69, college: S.Utah) and Ricky Shields (193-G-82, college: Rutgers), Krka ended third frame 28-14.Cedevita missed 7 free throws in this period. Despite Croatians had 69-67, Krka managed to make a turn at the very end, 73-78. Ricky Shields was the leading player in Krka scoring 25 points. Davor Marcelic and Smiljan Pavic (210-F/C-80, agency: VTBM/SRBM) were behind him with 16 points each. Ramel Bradley (188-G-85) drained 19 points in Cedevita while Frano Colak had 15.

Cedevita: Basic, Primorac 7, Tomeljak 6, Samadan 7, Colak 15, Parezanovic, Petrovic 5, Kovacevic 3, Ramel Bradley 19, Filipovic 2, Novacic 8.


In the meantime Split CO outplayed Bosnian champion Bosna ASA BHT in Bugojno 76-74. Third quarter was the crucial one in this game. After 39-39, Split succeeded to set the margin on 12 points. At the very end Bosna drained two triples making this defeat acceptable. Antonio Grant (196-F-77, college: S.Carolina) paced Split to win scoring 18 points. Sinisa Stemberger (195-G-79) had 15 while Andrija Stipanovic (208-C-86) posted 10. Other scorers in Split were Batina 8, Shannon 7, Poljak 7, Delas 6 and newcomer Vrkic 5 points.

Zizic continuing with big games - by Marin Stipanic
New player of Galatasary, Andrija Zizic shows that he will be one of first violins in upcoming season. Great games he had since he signed contract with Galatasary. First game against Bremen Roosters, Zizic scored 10 pts, then Mallorca (12 pts),Frankfurt Skyliners (22 pts),Turk Telekoma (17 pts,8 rbs), Antalya (14 pts, 11 rbs). Zizic was topic of many discussions in Croatia this summer in reason of refusing playing for national team. Good business had Galatasaray by signing Zizic, they dont have to be affraid of Zizic injuries while he is with national team .

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


CEZ Nymburk won Memorial Nikolaje Ordnunga - by Eurobasket News
CEZ Nymburk won Memorial Nikolaje Ordnunga. In the first game CEZ Nymburk overcame WBC Kraftwerk Wels 90:60. In Day 2 Skanska Pezinok lost to the Czech team 63:107. In the last game CEZ Nymburk triumphed over USK Praha 103:74.
After that CEZ Nymburk finished second in the Citibank Cup held over the weekend. The tournament included Alba, CEZ Nymburk, Science City Jena and Weissenfeld.
In the first day of the tournament CEZ Nymburk won the opener over Science City Jena 91:84. It was a good start of the Czechs that were truthfully sent to the Final. Gray top-scored for the winners with 20 points. Blake Schilb (201-G-83, college: Loyola, IL) collected 18 points and 9 rebounds. Lee also posted 18, while Jagodnik had 13, Michal Kremen (200-F-81) 9 and Tomaszek scored 8.
Alba Berlin overcame CEZ Nymburk 91:84 in the Final of the tournament. The game was close for three periods and the Czech champs led heading into the fourth quarter, but Alba outscored its opponents 31-15 in the fourth quarter to claim the win. Julius Jenkins (187-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Southern) paced all the winners with 23 points, 4 assists and 3 steals. Aleksandar Nadjfeji added 15 points and Emmanuel McElroy and Adam Chubb (207-F/C-81, college: Pennsylvania) scored 11 points apiece for the winners. Blake Schilb paced Nymburk with 23.

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  D-LEAGUE   


Former Pack players reconnect at tryouts - by Eurobasket News
Four years ago, Todd Okeson (6'0''-G-82, college: Nevada) made his name as the sharp shooter of Nevada's Sweet 16 basketball team. Also on that team was Kyle Shiloh (6'3''-G-85, college: Nevada), who ultimately rose to become one of the best defensive players in the Western Athletic Conference.

Now, the duo has the opportunity to be teamed again.

Okeson and Shiloh were just two of the 60 participants at the Reno Bighorns' open tryouts Saturday at the South Reno Athletic Club. Saturday was just the first of the two-day tryout that the participants took part in with the hopes of making the team and maybe one day playing in the NBA.

'I think I did good today,' said Shiloh, who was selected for the All-WAC defensive team in his senior year. 'I think there were a lot of guys here that can play real well.'

Shiloh and Okeson had a chance to rekindle their on-court chemistry as the two were paired up most of the day when participants were split into teams. It was apparent the two had played together as they constantly fed the ball to each other for open looks and break away layups.

'I enjoyed that,' Okeson said. 'I haven't played with him since, shoot, I only got to play with him for one season, 2004.

'Playing with (each other) I think we kind of knew what the other guy does and after the first game or so we just kind of started remembering.'

Shiloh stood out with his blanketing defense and Okeson, although he struggled early on, showed the same shooter's touch he had at Nevada, constantly knocking down shots from the perimeter.

'I think those were (among) the guys that I'm speaking of that are setting themselves separate from the others,' Bighorns coach Jay Humphries said. 'They played well, played hard. (Today) will be a better indication.

'I would love to make sure we had a local college guy on the team here, but we just take it day by day and they have to work hard just like everyone else.'

Both Okeson and Shiloh were well aware that if they make the team it's going to be because of what they were known for in college.

'It's muscle memory now, it's like riding a bike,' Okeson joked.

Bighorns' president of basketball operations Jason Glover ran the tryout. He began by putting the participants through a series of drills followed by several games of five on five, which began to weed out the good players from the bad.

'During drills ... it was hard to separate and as soon as you watch them play one game, boom now the separation comes,' Glover said. 'The more you watch them, the more they separated.'

On Day 2 of the tryouts the participants will get a glimpse of the offensive style Humphries wants to run, an up and down game very similar to the style the Phoenix Suns ran last year.

'What I want to do is get some numbers on shots, try to get a better idea on what guys are doing,' said Humphries, a former Suns' assistant. 'I'm going to give a little more instruction. I went through a transition offense that I wanted to work at this camp and I'm going to be a little more critical and I'm going to let them know that if this is what I'm telling (them) I want, I want it done like this. A lot of guys can play the game, but a lot of guys can't do what you want them to do in the game.'

Courtesy of http://www.rgj.com/

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  EBA   


Alexandria Avengers Try-outs - by Justin Moore


ALEXANDRIA AVENGERS TRY-OUT - by Justin Moore
THE Alexandria Avengers WILL BE HOLDING TRY-OUTS FOR THE 2009 EBA SEASON, OCTOBER 25 &26 2008. LOCATION..8515 OLD MOUNT VERNON ROAD...MOUNT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL ALEXANDRIA VA 2230

10:00 am- 2:00pm

COST: $60.00 PER PLAYER

CASH OR MONEY ORDER MADE OUT TO THE Alexandria Avengers..

BRING YOUR 'A' GAME AS WE ARE ONE OF THE TOP SEMI-PRO TEAMS IN THE AREA...

IF YOU WANT TO ADVANCE YOUR PRO BASKETBALL CAREER THIS IS THE ORGANIZATION FOR YOU..DON'T WAIT..SEE YOU AT TRY-OUTS!!!!

THE AVENGERS FINISHED IN SECOND PLACE IN THERE FIRST SEASON AND THIS YEAR LOOK TO MAKE A RUN FOR THE TITLE!
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT OWNER DOMINIC MANUEL 202-270-7087 OR EMAIL AT ALEXANDRIA.AVENGERS@HOTMAIL.COM OR LILJAY_10@HOTMAIL.COM

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Day: 3 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket
Montenegro - Austria 96-73
Montenegro kept their record spotless in Group A as they held off Austria at home. Nikola Pekovic netted 22 points to pace the hosts. David Jandl answered with 16 points as Austria fell to 1-2 record.

Switzerland - Belarus 77-81
Belarus earned their second straight win at the EuroBasket in Division B campaign. Heorhi Kandrusevich and Dimitri Kuzmin secured the win as Belarus stayed in charge in Group B. Oliver Vogt topscored for Swiss team as they dropped to 2-1 record.

Albania - Cyprus 69-63
Albania secured their first win in the tournament as they toppled visiting Cyprus in Tirana. Gerti Shima knocked down 18 points and the hosts improved to 1-1 record in Group B. Cyprus were paced by 20-point and 12-boards performance from Panagiotis Trisokkas.

Slovakia - Georgia 78-101
Georgia sent a strong message to all Group C contestants as they posted the third straight win at the tournament. Zaza Pachulia fired 27 points to silence Slovakian fans in Nova Ves. Richard Lesko led the home team with 19 points as Slovakia fell to 0-2 record at the start.



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  FRANCE   


Standings - N1
N1 Standings
 1. Blois 2-0 
 2. Get Vosges 2-0 
 3. Fos Ouest 2-0 
 4. Lievin 2-0 
 5. Challans 2-0 
 6. Lille 2-0 
 7. Angers 1-1 
 8. Juvisy 1-1 
 9. Boulogne 1-1 
 10. Bordeaux 1-1 
 11. Chalons 1-1 
 12. Reims 1-1 
 13. CFBB 0-2 
 14. Bayonne 0-2 
 15. Longwy 0-2 
 16. St Chamond 0-2 
 17. Prisse Macon 0-2 
 18. Roche-la-Moliere 0-2 


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  GERMANY   


Engelken heads to Muenchen - by Moritz Korff
FC Bayern Muenchen (2. Bundesliga Pro A) has agreed a deal to hire Seth Engelken (203-F-85, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) as its final summer signing. The FCB-officials let go Mirko Virijevic (201-F-81, college: Freed-Hardeman) to TG Renesas Landshut lately and therefore were looking for a new man. The former Stahnsdorf player and graduate of Texas A&M - Corpus Christi (NCAA1) now landed the spot. Engelken played 27 games for RSV Eintracht in this past season, averaging 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.6 steals in the 2. Bundesliga Pro B.

Alba triumphs in Citibank Cup - by Eurobasket News
German Alba became the winner of the Citibank Cup held over the weekend. The tournament included Alba, CEZ Nymburk, Science City Jena and Weissenfeld.
In the first day of the tournament Alba overcame Weissenfeld 88:66. It was an easy start for the hosts that opened the game with 18-0 run. They led to 29:11 and increased to 72:46 by the end of the third period. Weissenfeld could reduce the gap in the last stanza to 66:88 loss. Julius Jenkins (187-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Southern) led the winners with 17 points. McElroy nailed 16, while Rashad Wright scored 13.
CEZ Nymburk won the opener over Science City Jena 91:84. It was a good start of the Czechs that were truthfully sent to the Final. Gray top-scored for the winners with 20 points. Blake Schilb (201-G-83, college: Loyola, IL) collected 18 points and 9 rebounds. Lee also posted 18, while Jagodnik had 13, Kremen 9 and Tomaszek scored 8.
Alba Berlin overcame CEZ Nymburk 91:84 in the Final of the tournament. The game was close for three periods and the Czech champs led heading into the fourth quarter, but Alba outscored its opponents 31-15 in the fourth quarter to claim the win. Julius Jenkins paced all the winners with 23 points, 4 assists and 3 steals. Aleksandar Nadjfeji added 15 points and Emmanuel McElroy and Adam Chubb (207-F/C-81, college: Pennsylvania) scored 11 points apiece for the winners. Blake Blake Schilb paced Nymburk with 23.

Alexander Johnson signs Bamberg deal - by Moritz Korff
Alexander Johnson (208-F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Florida St.) has put pen to paper on a contract with the Brose Baskets Bamberg (1. Bundesliga). The 25-year-old Center was Bamberg's final piece of the puzzle for the 2008-09 campaign. He averaged 13.2 points, 7.4 boards, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocked shot for Florida State University (NCAA1) as a senior during 2005-06 and was selected by the Indiana Pacers (second round, 45th) in the 2006 NBA Draft. However, Johnson did not make his NBA-debut as a Pacer, but for the Memphis Grizzlies and appeared in 59 games (4.4ppg, 3.1rpg) of the 06-07 campaign, before being sent to NBA D-League's Arkansas RimRockers. In summer 07 Johnson landed a spot on the roster of the Miami Heat for the 2007-08 season and played 43 games with averages of 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds.

Giants land Varnie Dennis - by Moritz Korff
Bundesliga-newcomer Giants Noerdlingen completed the signing of Varnie Dennis (202-F-82, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Cal Poly - SLO). The 26-year-old from Houston, Texas spent his university-career at NCAA Division One's Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo and graduated in 2004. He played as a professional in Sweden, France, Austria, Israel and most recently Spain. He appeared in 28 games of the Spanish LEB Bronze (4th division) in this past season, averaging 10.1 points and 6.2 rebounds for Gestiberica Vigo.

Latest pre-season results - by Eurobasket News
Ukrainian BC Kyiv overcame Brose Basket from Germany 62:45. Ukrainian side won the first three quarters that was more than enough for the win. In the first half BC Kyiv scored 20 points in each quarter and had 40:17 lead at the halftime. With 13:11 Ukrainian squad led to 53:28 after three quarters played. German side could win the last period to reduce to 45:62. Penn and Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, college: Florida) led the winners with 12 points each. Saltovets scored 9 and Clay Tucker (194-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) had 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals.
In the game for the third place in Licher Premium Cup Banvit overcame the hosts, LTI Giessen 81:78. The hosts were in front for 18:17 in the opening quarter. They also increased in the second period providing 22:21. The third quarter was however a benefit for the Turkish side that had 24:17 in it to seal the win later in the fourth. Lance Williams led the winners with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Dalron Johnson (206-F-81, college: UNLV) added 15 and Crispin scored 14. In the game for the first place Barcelona beat Cibona Zagreb 81:77. Vasquez led Barcelona to trophy in Giessen scoring 18 points. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) followed with 14 while Roger Grimau stopped on 13 points.

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  GREECE   


A2 News - by Chris Mammides
Lefteris Neofitidis (208-C-86) agreed financial terms with ICBS and will be wearing the jerssey of Coach Nikos Tsotsoumanos team for the next seazon. Furthermore, ICBS agreed financial terms with the Bosman player from Croatia, Matija Ceskovic (192-G-82)
Ionikos Lamias will not participate in the A2 league even though had all the rights as the management of one of the most wealthy teams in A2 decided that is unfair for their team to play in the A2 and not in A1 especially upon the Federation's decision to upgrade a team from the Third Division such us Kavala. It is worth mentioned the fact that the Lamia team is not either in the A2 or the B' and C' Division so it is basecally out of the Greek league unless many situations changes....

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  HOLLAND   


FEB Team-By-Team Analysis: Hanzevast Capitals Groningen - by Sanders Jackson


Hanzevast Capitals Groningen

2007-08 Record: 24-16 (lost in 1st round FEB playoffs)

Head coach: Marco van den Berg

Additions: Ransford Brempong, Daniel Novak, Simon Conn, Chaz McCrommon, Zoran Krstanovic, Bas Rozendaal

Outlook:

Hanzevast Capitals underachieved once again for the second consecutive season, in spite of having a talented bunch (on paper at least). Donar never recoverd from the bad start to the 2007-08 season, and never established themselves under the regime of Pep Claros. The lingering hostilities within the team, with also dismissals done during the seasons, and acqusitions that didn't pan out, left a dark cloud over the entire season. Former Dutch national team and Omniworld head coach van den Berg returns to his roots, and set on making a difference. It was once again a revamping of the roster for Hanzevast, wih only Dutch international Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) and Dutch U20 international Stefan Mladenovic (188-G-90) returning. An old familiar face, Daniel Novak (201-F/G-78, agency: Interperformances), last from the formidable Donar teams in 2004 and 2005, returns to the Martiniplaza. Van den Berg can rely on a bigger, more tougher inside team on the glass and defense with additions such as Rans Brempong (203-F-81, college: W.Carolina). Brempong, the 2007 Eurobasket Holland Defensive Player-of-the-Year, played last season in the German Bundesliga and an eraser in the paint. He will be supported by Australian inside-outside threat Simon Conn (206-F/C, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Gardner-Webb), inside banger Zoran Krstanovic (205-C-82) and Bas Rozendaal (213-F/C-86, agency: R.H.Consultancy), who spent the past collegiate seasons at Robert Morris in America. Expect

On the wings and backcourt is an upgrade with the additions of Torey Thomas (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross), sniper Will Whittington (191-G/F-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Marist) and former Upstairs Weert and Den Helder standout Chaz McCrommon (197-F/G-82, agency: Court Side, college: Robert Morris). Thomas is excellent in the open court with quick hands, and Whittington should be one of the top 3-point threats in the FEB. McCrommon is an ideal go-to guy in the FEB who has good athletic ability both in the open court and halfcourt.


If Hanzevast are to make a move to the upper echelon of the FEB standings, it will have to remain healthy and get off to a good start, which will re-energize their fan base. Rebounding and conversion defense will also be crucial to this team, as well as a good inside-outside balance and someone standing out as a leader. If this happens, Donar will be a serious title contender.


Next: Matrixx Magixx



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  ISRAEL   


Jerusalem tabs rebounding ace Watson - by Yehonatan Eliahu
Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem's searching for a big men has finally came to an end, as the team officially signed rebounding ace Travis Watson (203-F/C-81, college: Virginia) (203-F/C-81, college: Virginia). Watson reportedly refused some offers from bigger clubs and will complete Jerusalem's roster for the upcoming season. A well-known player in Europe, Watson has gone through Panionios, Furtitudo Bologna and Milano, always proving to be a great rebounder and a useful presence under the rim. Last season playing for Italian side Armani Jeans Milano, he was Euroleague's top rebounder averaging 9.7 rebounds per game along 11.7 points. He will join the team as soon as possible, as the team already started it's preperations and practices.

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  ITALY   


Beard joins Milano - by Gianni Pascucci
Olimpia Armani Jeans Milano annnounced the agreement with USA-ITA Joey Beard (209-F/C-75, college: Boston U.), who iinked a one-year contract wiith the team. The player will wear the shirt # 19.

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  KUWAIT   


Clark signs for Al Kuwait - by Ali Ahmed

Al Kuwait SC basketball team management agreed terms with the American Forward Ira Clark (203-C-75, college: Texas) to play for them this season 2008/2009.

Awards/Achievements:
SWBL Champion -01
USBL Champion -02
USBL Finals MVP -02
Turkish Cup Final Four -03
Turkish League Regular Season Runner-Up -03
Greek A1 All-Star Game -04
Russian Cup Finalist -05
FIBA Europe League Quarterfinals -05
Russian A Superleague Semifinals -05
Korean KBL Semifinals -06
Turkish League Regular Season Champion -06, 07
Turkish League Champion -06, 07
Turkish Cup Semifinals -07
Kuwait League Regular Season Champion -08
Kuwait League Runner-Up -08
Arab Club Championships -08 (Semifinals, Best center)
Asia-Basket.com All-21st Arab Clubs Championship 1st Team -08



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  LITHUANIA   


News from the Neptunas tournament - by Eurobasket News
Neptunas that host International Tournament of four, played another game at home. Ukrainian Budivelnik won only by one point over Neptunas in their tourney 93:92. It was another good game by the Ukrainian and Lithuania players where the last seconds decided the result. For the winners Pechukas top-scored with 19 points. John DeGroat (198-F-85, college: Pittsburgh) scored 16 points, while Derrick Zimmerman (189-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi St.) and Chappell Michael had 14 points apiece. Trakimas netted 19 points in the losing effort and made 8 rebounds. Gaylius scored 20 and Daynis posted 13.
In another game of the day Dynamo Moscow won the second game of the tournament Time team in Lithuania. Russian squad overcame Valmiera from Latvia 94:81. Dynamo started with 29:22 in the opening period and tried not to look behind in the game. Latvian squad however reduced the gap to 3 points entering the third period. In the beginning of the second half Dynamo increased the lead to finish the third at plus 7. With 20:14 the Russian titan led the game to the win. Ex-NBA star Jannero Pargo (187-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arkansas) was unstoppable with 24 points. Javtokas nailed 21 and Hansen scored 15.
In a friendly game Mykolaiv beat Panevezys 77:63 with 21-9 in the last period. Lithuanian team looked better from the start taking 20:19 lead. Even at the halftime Panevezys was in front by one point. In the third period Ukrainian side tied the game and went in front. With 21-9 they closed the game and won the encounter. Raevskiy top-scored for the winners with 19 points. Wilkins posted 14 and Gilevic scored 11.

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  NCAA1   


Cougars' Hairston chooses Duke - by Eurobasket News
Natalie Hairston knows her son.

And yesterday, she knew 16-year-old Josh Hairston was uneasy as the Courtland High School junior basketball star prepared to make an unofficial visit to Duke University.

'He was a basket case,' Natalie Hairston said. 'We calmed him down and told him: 'Josh, just be who you are. If it doesn't feel right, you don't have to do it.''

But it must've felt right for the 6-foot-8 power forward, because about 4 p.m. yesterday he gave his oral commitment to the Blue Devils, choosing them over Natalie Hairston's alma mater, Virginia Tech.

Josh Hairston said yesterday that Duke and Virginia Tech were his final two choices after sorting through several scholarship offers more than a week ago.

'It feels like a tremendous weight is off my shoulders now,' Josh Hairston said. 'This is one of the biggest decisions I've made in my life, and I'm happy with it.'

His family is happy, too.

Keith Hairston said he never imagined discussing his son with Hall of Fame Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, but that's what he was doing yesterday morning.

He said Josh couldn't go wrong with any of his final four choices--Virginia, Virginia Tech, Georgetown or Duke--but Coach K was a strong selling point. He has won three national titles, and last month he coached the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in Beijing.

'It's just a lot to be said playing for a legend, playing for a program as prestigious as Duke,' Keith Hairston said. 'When you hear it and to be in that atmosphere, it's just a great day for Josh. He's going to be a part of the Duke family.'

Josh Hairston, who is rated the No. 15 overall prospect in the nation for the Class of 2010 by rivals.com, wasn't the only coup for Duke yesterday.

The Devils also received an oral commitment from Washington point guard Tyler Thornton, Hairston's D.C. Assault AAU teammate and fellow 2010 class member.

Neither player can officially sign his national letter of intent until November 2009.

Josh Hairston's former AAU teammate Andre Dawkins, who committed to Duke over the summer, helped sway them both.

Courtesy of http://www.fredericksburg.com/

Deron Williams scores 19 in Illinois alumni basketball game - by Eurobasket News
The younger players got the best of the older ones in A Night of Legends on Saturday. In what was more of a commemorative ceremony than a competitive basketball game, four of the starting five from the 2005 Final Four team led the Blue Team to an 84-70 victory over the White team, led by the starting five from the 1989 'Flyin' Illini.'

U.S. Olympic gold medalist Deron Williams (6'3''-G-84, college: Illinois) led all scorers with 19 points at Assembly Hall. Williams and USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo were honored at halftime for their contributions to the U.S. gold medal-finish at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Luther Head added 11 points, most on alley-oop dunks, and Roger Powell finished with 11 points.

Longtime NBA players Nick Anderson and Kendall Gill led the White team with 14 and 13 points, respectively. The White were coached by former Illinois coach Lou Henson, while former assistant Jimmy Collins headed the Blue.

Illinois honored 30 former players by hanging their jerseys from the Assembly Hall rafters. Attendance at the game reached 15,417.

Courtesy of http://.www.dailyillini.com/

Xavier adds recruit for 2009 - by Eurobasket News
Xavier bolstered its 2009 men's basketball recruiting effort Saturday by securing an oral commitment from one of its main targets, Kevin Parrom.

Parrom, a 6-foot-6 small forward originally from Bronx, N.Y., told Xavier's coaching staff that he would accept a scholarship offer from Xavier, which now has one scholarship left to give for the 2009 class. Saturday's commitment came during Parrom's official campus visit to Xavier, which prompted his announcement. He had made up his mind among Xavier, St. John's and several other schools, including Marquette, South Carolina and Pittsburgh, a couple weeks ago. Parrom had even told the Xavier coaches he probably would choose XU.

'I wanted to make it official when I was on my visit,' Parrom said. 'Xavier wins, and that's what I like about it here.'

Before Parrom committed, Xavier had not received an oral commitment from a 2009 recruit. Instead, XU opted to use several of its open scholarships on the 2008 class, which includes Indiana transfer Jordan Crawford, who won't be eligible until 2009, unless the NCAA allows current Indiana transfers to play this upcoming season because of hardship associated with former IU coach Kelvin Sampson's departure.

With only two scholarships to give for 2009, Xavier heavily targeted two small forwards, Parrom and Ari Stewart, who recently visited Xavier without offering a commitment.

'That didn't really matter to me because I knew I was going to commit to Xavier anyway,' Parrom said. 'Staying in New York City would have been good, but I felt like I needed to get away and go to where a team is already winning, where I can build off that.'

Xavier assistant coach Emanuel Richardson, a former summer basketball coach in the New York City area, has a well-established relationship with Parrom.

In May, Parrom was arrested after being involved in physical altercation with his coach at St. Raymond High School in the Bronx, where Parrom averaged 14.5 points and nine rebounds. The New York Daily News reported Parrom punched coach Oliver Antigua, prompting a 911 call.

'It was something that happened, and it could have been avoided,' Parrom said Saturday. 'It was a crazy moment and totally out of character for me. I've never done anything like that before. And I've moved on since then.'

Parrom later transferred to South Kent (Conn.) School, a preparatory school where he is beginning his senior year.

Courtesy of http://www.cincinnati.com/

Coach Ben Jacobson inducted into UND Hall of Fame - by Eurobasket News
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson was back in Grand Forks, N.D., this past weekend to participate in induction ceremonies for the University of North Dakota Athletics Hall of Fame.

Jacobson's 1989-90 men's basketball team, of which he was a freshman guard, finished that season with a 28-7 overall record and were champions of the North Central Conference with a 14-4 league mark. The Fighting Sioux also went undefeated at home (16-0.

After finishing third in the NCC conference tournament in the 1989-90 season, UND was named to host the NCAA North Central Region tournament. North Dakota beat Alaska Anchorage 78-71 in the regional semifinals and then downed Metro State 85-80 in the region final. That put the Sioux in the Division II Elite Eight tournament in Springfield, Mass. UND opened play there with an 89-67 win over Jacksonville (Ala.) State, but lost 101-92 to eventual national champion Kentucky Wesleyan in the semifinals. In the third-place game, the Sioux dispatched Morehouse (Ga.) College 98-77 to finish third in the nation.

Several others with UNI ties were also part of that team. Richard Glas, formerly a UNI assistant coach and now the head basketball coach at Concordia, was is in second season as UND's head coach. In addition, former UNI head coach and current Iowa State head coach Greg McDermott was an assistant coach for that team.

Courtesy of www.unipanthers.com/

La Salle names Eric McNelley Director of Basketball Operations - by Eurobasket News
Eric W. McNelley was named to the Director of Basketball Operations post, announced by men's basketball head coach John Giannini . McNelley succeeds Harris Adler, who was promoted to Assistant Coach for the Explorers.

McNelley comes to 20th and Olney from La Salle High School in Miami, Fla., where he served as the head boys' basketball coach as well as a teacher and gymnasium supervisor. He led the La Salle HS team to an 83-33 record since 2004, including top five rankings three out of four years. He established the program as one of the top five in South Florida as named by 'Rise Magazine' in the 2007-08 season. During his tenure there, he produced nine All-Dade County selections and three All-State honorees and was named the Dade County Private School Coach of the Year in 2005.

Prior to La Salle High School, McNelley served as an assistant boys' basketball coach at Felix Varela High School in Miami, Fla., from 2003 to 2004 and as a teacher, athletic director and head boys' basketball coach at Holy Cross Academy in Miami from 2001 to 2003.

McNelley boasts a 118-62 career record as a head coach and has seen 19 of his student-athletes sign college scholarships. He mentored his teams to three regional final appearances, five regional semifinal appearances and two district titles.

In 2004, McNelley founded Elite Hoops, Inc., which provides various basketball services including travel teams, camps, individual instruction and leagues. He recently served as the director of the Dade County Private School All-Star Game and as the USSSA Tournament Director for Dade County.

Says Explorer Head Coach Tadija Dragicevic: 'Coach McNelley has demonstrated excellent coaching and leadership skills, but more importantly he has impressed me as a great person. He brings to our staff a tremendous work ethic and continued positive chemistry on our staff. He is also well respected in South Florida, Puerto Rico and South America as he has coached numerous players from these places.'

Courtesy of www.goexplorers.com

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  NICARAGUA   


William Ramirez Tournment introduced to media - by Gianni Pascucci
The International Basketball Tournment 'William Ramrez has been introduced to media last weekend by Mario Valle, President of Organizing Committee. The fourth edition of the competition has been scheduled for October 11-18 in Managua and at least six teams will participate, from USA (the Houston Blazers), Cuba, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica and Honduras (Policia Nacional). The two teams from NIcaragua should be top ACB clubs Tigres UdeM and Tiburones Bancentro. The participation of the Cuban team has been directly negotiated from the Nicaraguan Sports Institute (IND) and it could also be the National Team Senior. All the games will be played in the Universidad de Managua (UdeM) Gymnasium.

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  PANAMA   


Canguros and Magnates won on CBS 2008.- - by Eddie Munoz
Canguros de Parque Lefevre defeated Toros del Chorrillo 110-100 in a very disputed game this win put Canguros in the 4th place trying to advance to Semifinals the best scorers of the game were Gabriel Giron 33 Points and Daniel Munoz (178-G-84) point guard of Canguros with 21 Points and 9 Assistances including four 3 Points Shots, by Toros were Colbert Prince 22 Points and Daniel King 21 Points. In the 2nd game in another buzzer end Magnates de Calidonia won over Colosos de Tumba Muerto 75-73 Joel Munoz (179-G-80, agency: HM Sports Agency) with 25 points leaded the Magnates and Angel Rivera by Colosos with 16 Points were the best scorers of the game.Daniel Munoz (178-G-84)

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  PBL   


Battle Creek Knights Tryout Information: - by Lucius Jones

BATLE CREEK KNIGHTS of the PBL:

When: 13th of September

Where: at Triple Threat Sports located at 399 20th St N, Springfield MI 49307

Time: 8:30am to 4:00pm.

Cost: $40.00

This will be the Battle Creek Knights initial (and probably only) Free Agent Camp. At least one player (if not more) from this camp will be invited to vet camp beginning in December. This is a first class organization that has always been atop of the IBL in attendance figures, salary and housing, and usually winning as well. The 2005 IBL Champions should be a welcomed addition to the league. Many roster positions are available as of now with only 4 or 5 players signed including Grand Rapids Flight(IBL) standout Kenny Langhorne (6'5''-F/G-83, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: S.Arkansas) and D1 All American Ed McCants (6'4''-G-82, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee), as well as Jeremy File (6'1''-G-84, college: W.Michigan) and Duke Cleveland (6'8''-C-80, college: Grand Valley St.). Contact information is below:

Head Coach Terry Sare
terry.sare@kentcountymi.gov



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  PORTUGAL   


Vagos signs Green - by Luis Rocha
Wesley Green (206-C, agency: 540 Sports) is the last signing of Vagos. This powerfull center will be a great add to the roster, and comes to be dominant when it comes to rebounding and defending centers. Vagos is going to make the team presentation next week and Green should already be with them and ready to start practicing and began hes adaptation to new methods and new styles of play, since hes never played abroad. The references about him are good and if he gets well adapted can easily madke the difference

Ginasio signs 3 foreign players and CAB signed Mario Jorge - by Bruno Baltazar

Ginasio just signed their 3 foreign players to battle in the new LPB season.
The first american player is Dustin Brown (202-F-83, college: Loyola Marymount) a well known in Portugal because last season he played in Proliga for Sampaense averaging in 15 games 17.7ppg, 10.1rpg, 1.6apg.He is forward,25 years old.
The 2nd american player comes from NCAA2 where he was at the dunk competition ,lead his college of August State to the ncaa2 final and goes by the name of Tyrekus Bowman (196-F-86) but known as AJ Bowman,forward,6'5,22 years old ,and last season he did the fallowing averages in 34 games: 19.8ppg, 7.5rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2bpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 72.0%

The last american player is John Torson (208-F/C, agency: Warren Sports International) ,center,2.09m that will help them inside as he is very athletic post player with good hands and nice touch around the basket. Great footwork, runs the floor well, excellent above-the-rim rebounder and shot blocker. Very good touch from outside with very good range which will create major match up problems for opposing teams. Last season he averaged in 24 games- 15.4ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.5bpg, 1.8apg.

To remember they already signed portuguese players such as Jose Costa and Joao Manuel from CAB and Joaquim Soares from Vagos .

In other news CAB signed Mario Jorge (190-G/F-77) for another season.



Belenenses signs Carlos Seixas - by Bruno Baltazar
Carlos Seixas (192-G-72) is the latest signing for Belenenses Hyundai Lusifor in their rebuild precess after the decision to keep the team with a basketball section this will increase the power of the roster with a experienced player in our league.
Carlos Seixas signed with CAB for this season but some problems made him leave Madeira island ,now he will play for Belenenses Hyundai Lusifor.
Last season he played for Lusitania and in 21 games averaged 9.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.4spg.

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  RUSSIA   


Dynamo Moscow won the tournament in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
As it was expected Dynamo Moscow won the tournament in Lithuania. In their last game of the tourney the team overcame Ukrainian Budivelnik 87:70. Ukrainian side started offensively and took 23:21 after the opening quarter. In the next period the Russian team however stormed past Budivelnik with 31:9 run. Even though Ukrainian team won the third and the fourth with 23:22 and 16:12 respectively they could not catch up with the opponent. Bostjan Nachbar (207-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) and Jannero Pargo (187-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arkansas) led the winners with 17 points each. Lavrnovic nailed 13 and Javtokas scored 8. Pechukas and Wethers posted 13 apiece, while Derrick Zimmerman (189-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi St.) ended up with 12 in defeat. Jannero Pargo was awarded as the best player in his team during the tournament, while Derrick Zimmerman was the best for Budivelnik.

Spartak-Primorye lost to Turk Telekom from Ankara. The Turkish side opened the game with 23:22 in the opening quarter and was too good in the second one. Turk Telekom stormed past the Russian team with 25:16 in the end of the first half and had 10 points deficit at the halftime. Spartak-Primorye bounced back with 20:16 in the third period but could not go in front. Turk Telekom won the last period 22:12 and the game itself. Andrei Trushkin (207-C/F-81) top-scored for the Russian team with 14 points. Beyli netted 10 as well as Ginevicus.

CSK Samara won two games over the team from Israel. At first Samara was stronger than Hapoel from Jerusalem 93:92. Last night the Russian team overcame them 100:94 as Hiks led the winners with 20 points, while Agapov socred 14.

Enisey lost to Helios 61:69. Dmitri Nikolaev (200-F-83) top-scored in defeat with 19 points, while Belyaev posted 10.

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  SERBIA   


Panathinaikos beat Partizan in the final of 'Valjevo 08' - by Dragan Jankovski
Very interesting tournament in Valjevo ended yesterday. Greek champion and National Cup holder Panathinaikos Athens recorded tight victory against Serbian and Adriatic league champion Partizan Igokea 64-61. PAO was great in the first quarter 31-20 while Partizan responded in the next one 9-18. The Greens played steady during the entire second half creating plus 5 with just 6 seconds remaining in the game. When it seemed that the game is over Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84) scored first but intentionally missed second free throw after what he grabbed the ball and made it from the paint 63-61. On the other side Stratos Perperoglou (203-G-84) scored just one FT giving Partizan a chance to reach over time. Captain Petar Bozic (197-G-78) attempted for 3-pts at the buzzer but unfortunately for Partizan's fans he missed it. Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) was the best player in PAO with 17 points. Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Stratos Perperoglou netted 11 points each. Petar Bozic was better than the others in Partizan scoring 18 points. Actually he was the only one with double digits in Serbian powerhouse.

Partizan: Rasic 4, Lucic, Bozic 18, Rakocevic 6, Vesely 9, Vitkovac 6, Aleksic 6, Milosevic 6, Djurkovic 6, Tapuskovic, Balaban, Riznic.
PAO: Spanoulis 11, Perperoglou 11, Batiste 2, Nicholas 17, Sakota, Alvertis, Fotsis 8, Hatzivretas 3, Diamantidis 6, Verginis, Jasikevicius, Tatarounas.


In battle for third place the hosts of this tournament Metalac Valjevo suffered defeat against Universitet Surgut of head coach Zeljko Lukajic 78-88. Third quarter, which Russian team won 16-25, was the crucial one in this game. Shooting guard Nikola Lepojevic (195-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) demonstrated amazing performance. He paced Russians to victory draining 26 points and catching 7 rebounds. Third Serbian in Surgut Slavko Stefanovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) stopped on 11 points and 6 boards. Jereminov had 15 points in Metalac.

Metalac: Panic 11, Ljubojevic 5, Jereminov 15, D. Marojevic 12, Gagovic 8, Teodosic 12, Tanaskovic 2, Beljic 1, R. Marojevic 4, Micevic 2, Bircevic 6, Djukanovic, Djordjic.
Surgut: Lepojevic 26, Chalmers 14, Komarovski 16, Stefanovic 11, Savenkovc, Smigin 3, Gubanov 6, Akingbala 9, Hajradinov, Vokmjanin 3, Krasnikov, Peruhin.

More friendly games - by Dragan Jankovski
Swisslions Takovo was better than Tamis Petrohemija 78-67 in the final of memorial tournament 'Zoran Mileusnic'. From the beginning of the game it was clear that Swisslions is much better team, what it proved ending first frame 9-26. The rest of the game was just the formality for Dejan Mijatovic's team. Radovan Markovic (192-G-82) and Milos Marjanovic (206-C-81) were the leading scorers in Swisslions with 15 points apiece. Dusan Knezevic (207-C-80) followed them netting 11 points. Tamis Petrohemija got the most from Bojan Stanojevic, who stopped on 20 points.
Others in Swisslions: Popovic 5, Vlaskovic 8, Gajic 7, Jokovic 2, Sladoje, Kasabasic 1, Mijatovic 8, Kovacevic, Jevdjic 6.
Other is Tamis: Stajic 7, Pasuj, Vujacic 10, Djokic, Perak 16, Markovic 6, Jovicic 4, Barosevic, Ivanic 4, Babic.

In a game for third place Vizura outsmarted Proleter Naftagas 77-75. B league team had great last quarter 21-30, but it was not enough for the win. Participant of Serbian A1 league took this one mostly owing to Stefan Balmazovic (200-F-89), who scored 17 points. Dadic had 15 while Atanackovic netted one points less. Zarkovic was the best scorer in Proleter with 17 points.
Others in Vizura: N. Buric, Sinovec 8, Dundjerski 4, Avlijas 8, D. Buric 6, Jelovec, Djordjevic, Vucicevic 5, Stefanovic.
Others in Proleter: Pekovic, Vulin 3, Kravic 4, Krstic 3, Pacin 16, Stanojevic 7, Rajkovic 15, Rudic, Barac, Vukosavljevic.


Ergonom and Sloga also met each other in a friendly this week-end. Ergonom celebrated 95-88 thanks to 22 poinst by Slavisa Bogavac (200-G-80). Mladen Gambiroza (206-C-75, agency: 011 Sports) scored 19 in Sloga.

Ergonom: Best 2, Velickovic 14, Ivetic, Mladenovic 12, Stanisavljev 6, Lekovic 8, Majstorovic 12, Bulat 6, Maric 12, Radovic, Gavrilovic, Bogavac 22.
Sloga: Novoselski 6, Dasic 4, M. Trtic 13, Stepanovic 9, Jakovljevic 4, I. Trtic, Gambiroza 19, Petrovic, Grbicic 8, Bulatovic 8, Bojovac 15, Nikolic 2, Kajganovic.

Friendly games, Zvezda beats Zdravlje - by Dragan Jankovski
Crvena Zvezda played first friendly game of the pre-season and it was the interesting one. Red-and-white outsmarted Zdravlje Leskovac on the road 88-86. The host team had amazing support of its fans, which helped it to demonstrate pretty good performance. On the other hand Zvezda, with head coach Svetislav Pesic on the bench and three new players but without Kikanovic, who is with Bosnian National Team, succeeded to get back into the game after Zdravlje's 12-0 run at the middle of last quarter, 73-77. Thanks to two Marko, Marko Marinovic (183-G-83) and Marko Keselj (206-F-88, agency: Beo Basket), Zvezda recorded extremely tight victory. Marko Marinovic was key player in Zvezda draining 29 points. Mikic netted 21 points in Zdravlje.

Crvena Zvezda: Marko Marinovic 29, Stimac 8, Marko Keselj 8, Majstorovic, S. Dragicevic 12, Nedovic 5, Kovac 11, Bjelica, Milosevic 10, Bakic 5.
Zdravlje: Radivojevic, Ilic, Janjusevic 11, Trajkovic 12, Mikic 21, Mitic 11, V. Jovanovic 17, I. Jovanovic 10, Mukanovic 2, Krstic 2, Kocic.


In the first day of memorial tournament 'Zoran Mileusnic' Tamis Petrohemija was better than Proleter Naftagas 84-76. Davor Perak (197-G-83) was the top scorer for Tamis with 20 points.

Tamis: Pasuj, Djokic 11, Vujacic 2, Stajic 19, Perak 20, Markovic 11, Jovicic 4, Mihajlovic 10, Stanojevic 4, Barosevic, Ivanic 3, Babic.
Proleter: Djordjevic 4, Pekovic, Vulin 8, Kravic, Krstic, Pecin 20, Stanojevic 10, Rajkovic 9, Zarkovic 12, Barac, Vukosavljevic 13.


In other much interesting game between two A1 teams Swisslions Takovo cruised past Vizura 84-67. The team from Vrsac was much better in second quarter finishing it 23-14. Actually Swisslions didn't let Vizura to take any of those four (21-20, 23-14, 19-18, 21-15). Kovacevic netted 15 points for the winners. Vladimir Popovic (191-G-82), who scored 14 points, and Aleksandar Gajic (186-G-83, agency: Beo Basket), who had one point less, also were one of the best players in Swisslions. Miroslav Radic (195-G-84) scored 11 points for Vizura.

Swisslions: Vladimir Popovic 14, Vlaskovic 2, Aleksandar Gajic 13, Markovic, Jorovic, Sladoje, Kasabasic 6, Mijatovic 10, Marijanovic 9, Kovacevic 15, Knezevic 9, Jevdjic 6.
Vizura: Buric 6, SInovec 5, Dundjerski, Avlijas 9, Bukic 9, Jelovac 6, Miroslav Radic 11, Balmazovic 3, Djordjevic, Atanackovic 8, Vucicevic 10, Stefanovic.

Partizan and Panathinaikos celebrate on tournament in Valjevo, day 1 - by Dragan Jankovski
At the opening day of international tournament in Valjevo Partizan Igokea and Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos made victories.

Partizan Igokea was better than newcomer in Serbian A1 league and at the same time the hosts of this tournament Metalac Valjevo 82-77. Partizan had furious beginning creating 26-17 after first ten minutes. Totally unexpectedly Metalac answered in the next quarter stopping reining Serbian and Adriatic league champion on just 11 points, 11-21. Third period was the crucial one. Two big guys, Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84) and Jan Vesely (210-F/C-90), together with Cedomir Vitkovac (201-F-82) shined setting the margin to 8 points before the last ten minutes. Metalac was good but not enough to tie the score once again. Zarko Rakocevic was the best scorer in Partizan with 21 points and 8 boards. Jan Vesely had 18 points and 4 rebounds while Strahinja Milosevic (203-G/F-85, agency: Beo Basket) scored 12 points. Petar Bozic (197-G-78) netted 11 and Cedomir Vitkovac stopped on 10 without any missed shot from the field (5/5). Marko Ljubojevic (201-F-84) added 21 points and 6 rebounds for the loosing side while Micevic followed him with 19 points and 5 rebounds.

Partizan: Rasic 7, Lucic, Bozic 11, Zarko Rakocevic 21 (8 rebs), Jan Vesely 18 (4 rebs), Aleksic 3, Cedomir Vitkovac 10, Strahinja Milosevic 12 (4 rebs), Djurkovic, Riznic, Jaramaz, Balaban.
Metalac: Teodosic 7, Beljic, R. Marojevic 2, Bircevic 4, Marko Ljubojevic 21 (6 rebs), Jereminov 5, Gagovic 9, Panic 9, Djordjic, Djukanovic, Tanaskovic, D. Marojevic 1.


In the second game PAO outplayed Universitet Surgut 77-68. As a reminder, head coach of green PAO is Zeljko Obradovic while Russian team leads Zeljko Lukajic 'Struja'. It was very tough game, which PAO won thanks to well played last quarter. Dusan Sakota (209-F-86) paced Greek team to victory scoring 15 points and grabbing 5 rebounds (3 triples). Slavko Stefanovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) was the best in Russian team with 18 points. Other Serbian in Surgut Nikola Lepojevic (195-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) netted 9 points.

Final game of tournament in Valjevo is scheduled today for 20h and it will be broadcasted live on Serbian National Television.

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  SEYCHELLES   


Premium Cobras sign Adama Bamba - by Carlos Pereira
Premiun Cobras have another foreign player.
Now they have three. Two from Nigeria (Alao Solomon and Simon Pusam) and now one from Ivory Coast ADAMA BAMBA (2,02m).
He can play at forward and also in paint.
Adama Bamba have 26 years of age.
Alao Solomon was the MVP of the league. In the last round he scores 56 points against Cascade Bullets.
Premiun Cobras have a new roster with new local players and also the 3 foreigners.

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  SWITZERLAND   


Rhone Herens Basket wins tournament in Birsfelden - by Eurobasket News
Rhone Herens Basket celebrated on tournament in Birsfelden, which was held this past week-end. At the opening day Herens Basket and Boncourt outplayed their rivals advancing to the final.

Herens Basket was better than Bristal Starwings 86-66. It was an easy one for Herens, which had couple of players in a game mood. For sure the best one was Corey Muirhead (198-F-83, college: W.Carolina), who drained 38 points in total. Herens controlled rhythm of the game during the entire time. After opening two frames it already was 44-34. Interesting but almost the same picture was seen on the court in the second half, which Herens ended 42-32. Except of the Muirhead, Fernando Fischer (190-F-81) also shined for the winning team adding 16 points. Greg Miller (193-G-77, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Delaware) had two points less than him. Others in Herens: Hatila Passos (212-C-86, college: N.Mexico St.) 5, Douglas Gorauskas (205-C-83) 7, Clay, Garutti, Bradley 2, Martins 4, Maza.

Boncourt had even easier job against SAM Massagno Basket celebrating 102-65. Quality level between these two teams was seen at the very beginning. Boncourt created plus 23 already at the half time while during the following 20 minutes it just extended lead even more.

In the final game Herens totally smashed Boncourt. Name of the tournament winner was known at the half time, when Herens had huge 64-26. The final score was 99-81. Douglas Gorauskas was the best one in Herens with 21 points. Corey Muirhead followed adding 20 points while Hatila Passos had one points less than him. Other scorers in Herens: Greg Miller 7, Bradley 11, Fernando Fischer 4, Garutti 3, Martins 11, Maza 3.

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  TURKEY   


Banvit is third in Germany, Besiktas loses the friendly - by Eurobasket News
In the game for the third place in Licher Premium Cup Banvit overcame the hosts, LTI Giessen 81:78. The hosts were in front for 18:17 in the opening quarter. They also increased in the second period providing 22:21. The third quarter was however a benefit for the Turkish side that had 24:17 in it to seal the win later in the fourth. Lance Williams (206-C-80, college: De Paul) led the winners with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Dalron Johnson added 15 and Crispin scored 14. In the game for the first place Barcelona beat Cibona Zagreb 81:77. Vasquez led Barcelona to trophy in Giessen scoring 18 points. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) followed with 14 while Roger Grimau (196-G-79) stopped on 13 points.
Spartak St Petersburg won the friendly game over Besiktas from Turkey 69:63. The latter opened the game with 18:17 and looked better in the first half. They proved it with another win in the second period 18:15. Spartak did not panic and produced 20:13 in the third period for 3-point advantage at the end of the third. With another 17:14 the Russian squad finished the game. Nikita Kurbanov (202-F-86) led the winners with 17 points.

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  UBL   


UBL OWNERS MEETING A SUCCESS - by Ozzie Denson

The UBL Owners Meeting was a success. The United Basketball League (UBL) had their 2008 Owners Meeting this pass Saturday in Addison Texas. New Owner new Sponsors and a new attitude to improve the League. Last year we had 8 UBL teams to start the season and finish with 9 UBL teams. This season we are looking at over 12 teams to start the season. With sending more UBL Players to the NBA DL Teams. The UBL is a League of notice.
Coach Ozzie Denson CEO (UBL)
United Basketball League
www.ublhoops.com
www.ublwranglers.com

TEAM UBL



UBL LEGAL AFFAIRS (MR. ROLAND COMBS) - by Ozzie Denson

Mr. Roland Combs will head up the United Basketball League Legal Affairs Department. The UBL is doing great programs for our sponsors and UBL teams. With the addition of Mr Combs, the UBL is getting ready to lunch our product line. Stay tune for more info to come. The UBL Owners Meeting this pass weekend was a success. We will start Tryouts the first weekend in October
Visit our site at www.ublhoops.com or www.ublwranglers.com

MR. ROLAND COMBS



UBL OWNERS MEETING 2008 - by Ozzie Denson




The UBL Owners Meeting was a success. The United Basketball League (UBL) had their 2008 Owners Meeting this pass Saturday in Addison Texas. New Owner new Sponsors and a new attitude to improve the League. Last year we had 8 UBL teams to start the season and finish with 9 UBL teams. This season we are looking at over 12 teams to start the season. With sending more UBL Players to the NBA DL Teams. The UBL is a League of notice.
Coach Ozzie Denson CEO (UBL)
United Basketball League
www.ublhoops.com
www.ublwranglers.com

TEAM UBL



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  UKRAINE   


Ukrainian teams won another pre-season games - by Eurobasket News
BC Kyiv overcame Bros Basket from Germany 62:45. Ukrainian side won the first three quarters that was more than enough for the win. In the first half BC Kyiv scored 20 points in each quarter and had 40:17 lead at the halftime. With 13:11 Ukrainian squad led to 53:28 after three quarters played. German side could win the last period to reduce to 45:62. Penn and Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, college: Florida) led the winners with 12 points each. Saltovets scored 9 and Clay Tucker (194-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) had 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals.

Mykolaiv beat Panevezys 77:63 with 21-9 in the last period. Lithuanian team looked better from the start taking 20:19 lead. Even at the halftime Panevezys was in front by one point. In the third period Ukrainian side tied the game and went in front. With 21-9 they closed the game and won the encounter. Raevskiy top-scored for the winners with 19 points. Wilkins posted 14 and Gilevic scored 11.

Budivelnik won only by one point over Lithuanian Neptunas in their tourney 93:92. It was another good game by the Ukrainian and Lithuania players where the last seconds decided the result. For the winners Pechukas top-scored with 19 points. John DeGroat (198-F-85, college: Pittsburgh) scored 16 points, while Derrick Zimmerman (189-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi St.) and Chappell Michael had 14 points apiece. Trakimas netted 19 points in the losing effort and made 8 rebounds. Gaylius scored 20 and Daynis posted 13.

Donetsk and Budivelnik finish the abroad tournaments - by Eurobasket News
Donetsk finished last in the tournament with the Spanish titans. In the game for the third place the team lost to DKV Joventut 74:91.Dutch talent Henk Norel (212-F/C-87) justifying his promotion to the Badalona first team with 17 points. Penya doingthe damage in the first half building up a double figure lead that they never relinquished. Pau Ribas, Ferrna Lavina, Jan Jagla and Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Mc Neese St.) all joing Noel in double figures. Techer top-scored for Donetsk with 24 points.Andrukaitis scored 18 and Kryvych posted 12. Unicaja overpowered Ricoh Manresa to secure the win in the final of the Trofeo Castell D'Aro with a 70:58 success thanks once again to another sublime showing from Thomas Kelati who landed 16 points.
As it was expected Dynamo Moscow won the tournament in Lithuania. In their last game of the tourney the team overcame Ukrainian Budivelnik 87:70. Ukrainian side started offensively and took 23:21 after the opening quarter. In the next period the Russian team however stormed past Budivelnik with 31:9 run. Even though Ukrainian team won the third and the fourth with 23:22 and 16:12 respectively they could not catch up with the opponent. Bostjan Nachbar (207-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) and Pargo led the winners with 17 points each. Lavrnovic nailed 13 and Javtokas scored 8. Pechukas and Wethers posted 13 apiece, while Derrick Zimmerman (189-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi St.) ended up with 12 in defeat. Pargo was awarded as the best player in his team during the tournament, while Derrick Zimmerman was the best for Budivelnik.

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  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


Al Shabab change their imports - by Mohammed Malas
After the failure in reaching a deal with Vincent Jones (210-C-77, college: Jackson St.) and LaShawn Malloy (208-C-83, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: New Orleans), Al Shabab club decided to enforce their roster with the american pair Akeem Wright (198-G-84, college: Kansas St.) & Michael Fey (213-F/C-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: UCLA)...

Akeem played his 1st professional year in Saudi Arabia last season with Al Qadsia after gruaduating from Kansas State University back in the US, While ex-UCLA Fey knows dubai before when he came with Zain Club of Jordan in Dubai Tournament last year, He had a good career after playing in Poland & China.

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  UNITED KINGDOM   


sdfds - by Dave Ryan
Leopards make their eagerly awaited return to the Brentwood Centre on Sunday afternoon when Kent Crusaders are the visitors.
It will be the Big Cats penultimate pre-season friendly, and theres plenty of action for supporters as they return to Brentwood after two and half seasons away.
The main game starts at 4pm, but at 2.30pm there is a Streetball Extreme game where the crowd will be treated to slam dunks and alley-oops galore.
Streetball Extreme are a high octane version of the Harlam Globetrotters who have created a newly evolved style of basketball. The team shot to fame after it's smash hit TV show 'The Battle For Europe' which aired on the Extreme Sports Channel in 2006. On their arrival back to the UK the Streetball Extreme players were crowned the European Streetball Champions, successful and undefeated in all nine cities.
Leopards will face a Kent Crusaders team who are expected to challenge for the EBL Division Two championship having signed Danish forward Soren Sorensen and Canadian guard Simon Mitchell.
It will be a tough test for us said coach Jon Burnell. Were still at the building stage, but well look to put on a good show for the fans in our first game back in Brentwood.
General manager Dave Ryan admitted that he couldnt wait to see the Big Cats back at Brentwood: Its really exciting, we reformed the Leopards to bring basketball back to Brentwood, and were delighted to be coming home again. Weve got an exciting team with a great mix of youth and

Hrvoje Pervan

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  URUGUAY   


Standings - LUB
LUB Standings
 1. Malvin 5-1 
 2. Tabare 5-1 
 3. Defensor 4-2 
 4. Hebraica 4-2 
 5. Atenas 4-2 
 6. Olimpia 4-2 
 7. Un.Atletica 3-3 
 8. Trouville 3-3 
 9. Sayago 3-3 
 10. Paysandu 2-4 
 11. Bohemios 2-4 
 12. Welcome 1-5 
 13. Cordon 1-5 
 14. Bigua 1-5 


Tabare and Malvin leads the LUB - by Hector Lopez
Bigua, the last LUB champions suffered its fifth defeat after six games played, losing against Tabare 82-77. Tabare is leading the standings with a 5-1 record, along with Malvin which beat 84-77. The results andnumbers for import playters were as follows:
Tabare 82 - Clarence Matthews (201-F-82, agency: 22ft, college: Tennessee St.) 18 points and 11 rebounds, Ryan Blankson (198-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Loyola, IL) 14 and 9
Bigua 77 - Charles Thomas (203-F-86, agency: CGL Sports, college: Arkansas) 13 and 7, Tang Hamilton (201-F-78, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Mississippi St.) 4 and 1
- - -
Malvin 84 - Jarrett Stephens (200-F/C-77, agency: Duran International, college: Penn St.) 18 and 13, Anthony Washington (206-F/C-83, agency: Duran International, college: Portland St.) 11 and 16
Welcome 77 - JR Morris (196-G-82, college: Seton Hall) 23 and 10, Brad Kanis (218-C-84) 13 and 9
- - -
Defensor Sporting 97 - Brian Woodward (191-G-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Rhode Island) 32 and 2, Chris Jackson 16 and 18
Bohemios 55 - Albert Burditt (203-F-72, college: Texas) 3 and 3, Anthony Rice (193-G-83, college: Memphis) 6 and 1
- - -
Olimpia 91 - Reque Newsome (203-C-82, college: S.Indiana) 17 and 7, Eric Freeman (205-C-79, college: Ky Wesleyan) 22 and 9
Cordon 86 - Cameron Echols (203-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Ball St.) 19 and 13, 'Pop' Thornton (201-F-74, college: W.Kentucky) 23 and 8
- - -
Sayago 81 - Brandon Hassell (209-F-86, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Penn St.) 18 and 13, Charles Burgess (188-G) 13 and 9
Union Atletica - Jemino Sobers (201-F-84, college: Cent.Conn.St.) 12 and 5, Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Lewis) 26 and 12
- - -
Hebraica 75 - Corey Smith (196-G/F, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Vanderbilt) 21 and 7, Angelo Reyes (205-F/C-81) 15 and 19
Paysandu 72 - Austin Montgomery (196-G, college: Bowling Green) 20 and 2, Jeffrey Ferguson (210-F/C-81, agency: CGL Sports, college: Wayne St., MI) 14 and 3
- - -
Atenas 91- Darryl Dora (206-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Texas Tech) 15 points Marques Lewis (203-F-83, college: UAB) 20 points
Trouville 68 Levi Stukes (188-G-84) 25 and 7, Jemere Hendrix (203-F-83, college: Tennessee) 0 and 2



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Women News

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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Erin Phillips top-scores in the last game of the regular season for the Sun - by Eurobasket News
The Connecticut Sun with Australian player finished the regular season on a high note beating the Washington Mystics 87:81 at home court. Erin Phillips (173-G-85) led the charge with 18 points. Barbara Turner came up with 13 points all of them coming in the final term to pace the Sun to the 21st win. Monique Currie nailed 23 points for the Wizards as they fell to 10-24 record. Alana Beard knocked down 16 points in defeat. It was the eighth consecutive loss for the Mystics. The Connecticut Sun versus New York on September 18.
Before that the San Antonio Silver Stars dealt with the Connecticut Sun at home to secure the top finish in the Western conference. Sophia Young came up with a pivotal performance of 24 points and 7 rebounds to pace the hosts to a 78:74 victory. Ann Wauters and Rebecca Hammon added 17 points apiece for the winners. San Antonio also posted a perfect 14-0 record against the Eastern conference teams in the regular season. Asjha Jones answered with 18 points for the Sun as they slipped to 20-13 record. It was the third straight loss for once Eastern conference leading squad. Tamika Whitmore added 12 points in defeat. Connecticut played without Lindsay Whalen. Connecticut led 72:71 with just over two minutes left in regulation however Rebecca Hammon nailed 7 points in the closing minutes to lift the home team to the win. Erin Phillips ended up with 11 points and 2 rebounds.

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  BELGIUM - Women  


Wauters and Stars consolidated their position on top of the Western Conference - by Eurobasket News
The San Antonio Silver Stars consolidated their position on top of the Western Conference. They defeated Sacramento 77:69 in the rehearsal of the upcoming West semifinal clash. The Silver Stars thus secured their second win against the Monarchs in the season. Ann Wauters (194-C-80) provided 18 points to propel the Silver Stars to the 24th victory. Edwige Lawson stepped up with career-high 14 points substituting Rebecca Hammon in the starting five. Kara Lawson replied with 23 points for Sacramento. The Monarchs will close the regular season the day after tomorrow when they take on the Houston Comets in the postponed game. Sacramento and San Antonio will tip off the semifinal encounter on September 18.
Before that the San Antonio Silver Stars dealt with the Connecticut Sun at home to secure the top finish in the Western conference. Sophia Young came up with a pivotal performance of 24 points and 7 rebounds to pace the hosts to a 78:74 victory. Ann Wauters and Rebecca Hammon added 17 points apiece for the winners. San Antonio also posted a perfect 14-0 record against the Eastern conference teams in the regular season. Asjha Jones answered with 18 points for the Sun as they slipped to 20-13 record. It was the third straight loss for once Eastern conference leading squad. Tamika Whitmore added 12 points in defeat. Connecticut played without Lindsay Whalen. Connecticut led 72:71 with just over two minutes left in regulation however Rebecca Hammon nailed 7 points in the closing minutes to lift the home team to the win.

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  CROATIA - Women  


New faces in Gospic for season 2008/09 - by Eurobasket News
Croatian runner-up Gospic heads into the 08/09 season with six new players: Anda Eibele (170-G-84), Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84), Martina Gambiraza (176-G-82), Martina Zubak (191-C-83) and sisters Vrsaljko.

Anda Eibele is member of Latvian National Team, which participated at the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer. She played last two seasons for Latvian team Avantis/Turiba Riga reaching the play-off semifinals. In 38 games in LSBL she recorded 15.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 4.5 apg. Her team also participated in Baltic women basketball league. Eibele had 14 appearances in BWBL averaging 14.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 3.1 apg. In 2006 she played for AEL Limassol winning the Cypriot National Cup. She has even more experience from abroad as a member of Spartak Moscow and Powerbasket Wels. With Wels Eibele won the title in Austrain championship as well as National Cup on season 04/05.

Jelena Ivezic arrived from Hungarian team MiZo Pecs. She was one of the best players in Croatian A1 from 2004-2006, when she moved to Spain. Jelena Ivezic is a member of Croatian National Team since 2004.

Eurobasket already wrote about Martina Gambiraza before while Martina Zubak is coming to Gospic from Bosnian team Zeljeznicar.

Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) and Ana Vrsaljko (188-C-84) moved from Zadar to Gospic. This summer Marija got an invitation to join Croatian senior NT.

The team also promoted sisters Adrijana Dosen (180-F-89) and Danijela Dosen from junior to senior team.

Emanuela Salopek (179-G-87), Slavica Luketic (185-C-69) and Ana Stilinovic (178-F-82) will stay in the club for the next season. Zoran Ostric also will lead the team in 08/09 while his assistant will be Marko Strahinja.

The team is looking forward to sign another player on PF.

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  EUROLEAGUE - Women  


Saziye KArsli in Spartak Moskow - by Iva Ivanova
Saziye Ivegin Karsli, the sparkling star of the Turkish Womens Basketball, has agreed terms with the Russian giants Spartak Moscow Region. 26 year old star signed one year contract with the Euroleague Champions of the last two seasons. Spartak Moscow Region is still accepted as the most powerful team in Europe by basketball authorities. Saziye will meet the other world famous stars like Lauren Jackson, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird after the Eurobasket Women Qualification games.

After the deal is done, Saziye said:

'I have been considering the offers from both Turkish clubs and some European clubs for a long time. Finally, Spartak Moscows offer convinced me at all. So I made my decision for them. Im proud of being a part of such a good team. Spartak Moscow is a highly respected club and has been keeping its spot at the top of Europe for many years. I cant wait to meet my teammates to start working on the road to win all titles in Russia and Europe this season. To end with, I like to thank all clubs which have had interest on me so far. I do respect all of them and wish good luck.'

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Day: 10 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket
Germany - Lithuania 57-67
Lithuania recorded road win against Germany despite it booked a spot for EuroBasket 2009 before this round. Sandra Valuzyte paced Lithuania to victory collecting 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Germany, which will continue battle for the above mentioned event in Additional Qualifying Round, got 17 points, 9 boards and 3 assists from Anne Breitreiner.

Israel - United Kingdom 75-69
Israel grabbed crucial victory for EuroBasket 2009. In case of defeat in this game, Israel would be transferred to Additional Qualifying Round and Ukraine will go to Latvia next year. Israel became the top team of Group A with score 6-2 mostly owing to 28 points and 5 boards by Shay Doron. Great Britain is moved to Relegation Round where it will fight for the survival in Division A.

Turkey - Italy 80-61
Turkey easily beat Italy at home but even before this game it was known that the hosts already qualified for EuroBasket 2009 while visitors will continue their battle for it in Additional Qualifying Round. Nevriye Yilmaz was the best scorer for the winning team with 13 points. Chiara Maria Franchini of Italy also had 13 points but with 6 rebounds.

Romania - France 71-72
France celebrated tight victory in Romania just proving its domination in Group C with score 7-1. Emmeline Ndongue demonstrated fantastic performance for the winners recording 18 points and 11 rebounds. Maria Pascalaus 21 points and 6 boards didn't help Romania to avoid Relegation Round.

Croatia - Hungary 62-72
Hungary made it in Croatia after over time improving to 5-3 in Group C. The great thing for Hungary is that it edged Ukraine finishing as a third best-placed team in four groups. Zsofia Fegyverneky, who netted 20 points and caught 6 boards, was the clutch player in Hungary. Croatia goes to Additional Qualification Round despite 16 points and 9 rebounds by Jelena Ivezic.

Bulgaria - Serbia 75-68
Bulgaria was better than Serbia improving to 2-4 but that didn't help it to avoid last place in Group D and Relegation Round. Lucky Serbia had to take this one but Greece done a good job against Belgium helping Serbia to reach EuroBasket 2009. Tanya Chirov was the best in Bulgaria with 21 points and 4 rebounds while Serbia got 14 points, 6 boards and 4 assists from Miljana Musovic.

Greece - Belgium 79-40
Greece just sealed a place for Latvia smashing Belgium in Athens. As it was during the entire qualifications, Evanthia Maltsi was the key player in Greece draining 30 points and grabbing 10 boards. Evelien Callens scored 14 points for Belgium, which is transferred to Additional Qualification Round as a third ranked team in Group D.



Standings Div.A (Women)
Standings
Group A
1. Israel 6-2
2. Lithuania 6-2
3. Ukraine 5-3
4. Germany 2-6
5. U.Kingdom 1-7
Group B
1. Turkey 7-1
2. Poland 7-1
3. Italy 4-4
4. Bosnia 1-7
5. Finland 1-7
Group C
1. France 7-1
2. Slovakia 5-3
3. Hungary 5-3
4. Croatia 2-6
5. Romania 1-7
Group D
1. Greece 5-1
2. Serbia 3-3
3. Belgium 2-4
4. Bulgaria 2-4


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  FRANCE - Women  


Eurobasket qualification assured for France and 13 other nations - by Leslie Anderson

For France the qualification for the finals was a roller coaster ride with many close games. Pierre Vincent finished with a 7-1 record and qualified first from the group. Celine Dumerc, the captain of the team and Emmeline Ndongue played a big part in seeing them through some tight games.


The two months the squad was together is only the first stage in the team-rebuilding process. Sandra Dijon is the only player left from the golden age of French women basketball in a squad that is currently made of mainly players under the age 26.


The final qualification for the nine nations was only confirmed this weekend after the 10th round of games.


France will be joined by Belarus, Czech Republic, Greece, Israel, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Spain and Turkey.


The final two places for Eurobasket will be determined in January with Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Italy and Ukraine fighting it out.



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  MONTENEGRO - Women  


Mann Filter Zaragoza lands Ana Baletic - by Eurobasket News
Spanish Mann Filter Zaragoza announced signing of Montenegrin National Team member Ana Baletic (185-G/F-85). 23-year old Baletic demonstrates pretty good performance at the EuroBasket 2009 division B. Her Montenegro is unbeaten yet with score 5-0. There is five more rounds to be played and Montenegro is on the right track for EuroBasket 2011 division A. Ana Baletic played 4 games for her country so far averaging 8 ppg and 3.8 rpg. She showed the best performance against Ireland. For 32 minutes she collected 13 points and 4 boards.
Ana Baletic played previous couple of seasons for Buducnost Podgorica. Her team grabbed the title in domestic championship as well as National Cup. Buducnost also participated at the EuroCup where Baletic had 8.6 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 7 games. She played 9 matches in Adriatic league averaging 11.1 ppg and 3.9 rpg. The team from Podgorica was stopped in the semifinals of regional championship. Baletic's new team ended last season as 12th ranked team in Spanish LFB staying far away of the play-off. It registered 8 wins and 18 defeats.

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  NCAA1 - Women  


Weldon leaves University of Kansas - by Eurobasket News
University of Kansas women's basketball coach Bonnie Henrickson announced Friday that sophomore Chakeitha Weldon (5'8''-G) has elected to leave the team for personal reasons.

'We wish Chakeitha well in her future endeavors,' Henrickson said.

Chakeitha arrived at KU for the 2007-08 season. The Atlanta, Ga., native played in 10 games, including a 10-point, three assist outing against Oklahoma. It was her best moments in Kansas jersey. Unfortunately she injured her knee in early February and missed the remainder of the season. Weldon averaged 2.6 points and 0.4 rebounds in her brief Kansas career.

Courtesy of http://www.cjonline.com/

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Abrosimova finished the WNBA regular season on a high note - by Eurobasket News
The Connecticut Sun finished the regular season on a high note beating the Washington Mystics 87:81 at home court. Erin Phillips led the charge with 18 points. Barbara Turner came up with 13 points all of them coming in the final term to pace the Sun to the 21st win. Russian Svetlana Abrosimova (188-F-80, college: Connecticut) collected 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals. Monique Currie nailed 23 points for the Wizards as they fell to 10-24 record. Alana Beard knocked down 16 points in defeat. It was the eighth consecutive loss for the Mystics. The Connecticut Sun versus New York on September 18.
Before that the San Antonio Silver Stars dealt with the Connecticut Sun at home to secure the top finish in the Western conference. Sophia Young came up with a pivotal performance of 24 points and 7 rebounds to pace the hosts to a 78:74 victory. Ann Wauters and Rebecca Hammon added 17 points apiece for the winners. San Antonio also posted a perfect 14-0 record against the Eastern conference teams in the regular season. Asjha Jones answered with 18 points for the Sun as they slipped to 20-13 record. It was the third straight loss for once Eastern conference leading squad. Tamika Whitmore added 12 points in defeat. Connecticut played without Lindsay Whalen. Connecticut led 72:71 with just over two minutes left in regulation however Rebecca Hammon nailed 7 points in the closing minutes to lift the home team to the win. Svetlana Abrosimova ended up with 7 points and 6 rebounds.

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  SERBIA - Women  


Serbia qualifies for EuroBasket 2009 in Latvia - by Dragan Jankovski
Serbian senior National Team suffered road defeat in the last round against Bulgaria 75-68 but despite it Team Serbia will take a place on EuroBasket 2009 in Latvia. Namely, Serbia had to beat Hungary on Saturday in order to eliminate all possible surprises and to book ticket for Latvia right after the game but it didn't happen. In the front of its fans Bulgaria played better taking this one totally deserved. On the other hand Greece done a great job for coach Jovica Antonic and his players. Evanthia Maltsi and her teammates trashed Belgium helping Serbia to reach its target this summer.

Head coach of Team Serbia Jovica Antonic stated that his player and whole country deserved to show up in Latvia in next year.

'We played these qualifications on extremely high level. After two very inconvenient defeats, we showed character and toughness. My players succeeded to forget it winning the following three games. We had many troubles, injured players this summer but everything ended pretty good for Serbia. I want to say that we qualify for EuroBasket 2009 thanks to our performance and not because a fact that Greece beat Belgium. I mean Greece was a host and it was expected to celebrate in that game. We knew that from the very beginning. I am very grateful to my players, which gave 100% of their capability over the past 60 days. I am also grateful to fans which supported us in Nis', said Jovica Antonic.

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  SPAIN - Women  


Mann Filter Zaragoza lands Ana Baletic - by Eurobasket News
Spanish Mann Filter Zaragoza announced signing of Montenegrin National Team member Ana Baletic (185-G/F-85). 23-year old Baletic demonstrates pretty good performance at the EuroBasket 2009 division B. Her Montenegro is unbeaten yet with score 5-0. There is five more rounds to be played and Montenegro is on the right track for EuroBasket 2011 division A. Ana Baletic played 4 games for her country so far averaging 8 ppg and 3.8 rpg. She showed the best performance against Ireland. For 32 minutes she collected 13 points and 4 boards.
Ana Baletic played previous couple of seasons for Buducnost Podgorica. Her team grabbed the title in domestic championship as well as National Cup. Buducnost also participated at the EuroCup where Baletic had 8.6 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 7 games. She played 9 matches in Adriatic league averaging 11.1 ppg and 3.9 rpg. The team from Podgorica was stopped in the semifinals of regional championship. Baletic's new team ended last season as 12th ranked team in Spanish LFB staying far away of the play-off. It registered 8 wins and 18 defeats.

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  TURKEY - Women  


Saziye KArsli in Spartak Moskow - by Iva Ivanova
Saziye Ivegin Karsli, the sparkling star of the Turkish Womens Basketball, has agreed terms with the Russian giants Spartak Moscow Region. 26 year old star signed one year contract with the Euroleague Champions of the last two seasons. Spartak Moscow Region is still accepted as the most powerful team in Europe by basketball authorities. Saziye will meet the other world famous stars like Lauren Jackson, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird after the Eurobasket Women Qualification games.

After the deal is done, Saziye said:

'I have been considering the offers from both Turkish clubs and some European clubs for a long time. Finally, Spartak Moscows offer convinced me at all. So I made my decision for them. Im proud of being a part of such a good team. Spartak Moscow is a highly respected club and has been keeping its spot at the top of Europe for many years. I cant wait to meet my teammates to start working on the road to win all titles in Russia and Europe this season. To end with, I like to thank all clubs which have had interest on me so far. I do respect all of them and wish good luck.'

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  WNBA - Women  


Standings
WNBA Western Standings
 1. S.Antonio SS 23-8 
 2. Detroit S. 20-10 
 3. Connect. S. 20-13 
 4. Seattle S. 19-11 
 5. L.Angeles S. 18-11 
 6. New York L. 16-14 
 7. Sacram. M. 16-14 
 8. Houston C. 14-15 
 9. Indiana F. 14-15 
 10. Phoenix M. 14-16 
 11. Minnesota L. 13-16 
 12. Chicago Sky 12-19 
 13. Washingt. M. 9-22 
 14. Charlotte S. 0-0 


Tammy Sutton-Brown lifts Indiana past Phoenix - by Eurobasket News
Tammy Sutton-Brown (6'4''-C-78, college: Rutgers) knocked down career -high 26 points and the Indiana Fever routed the Phoenix Mercury 103:89 in their final game of the regular season. It also became a franchise scoring record for the Fever as their previous record numbers stood at 102. Katie Douglas (6'0''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) notched 24 points, while Ebony Hoffman (6'2''-C/F-82, college: USC) added 20 points for the winners. Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) answered with 23 points for the Mercury. Diana Taurasi had 19 points as the reigning WNBA champions missed the playoffs in this season. Indiana led from the start and secured a moral-soothing win before hosting the Detroit Shock on Friday in the playoffs opener.
Detroit also secured positive emotions before upcoming playoff games as they snatched a narrow 61:59 road win over New York. Plenette Pierson (6'2''-F/C-81, college: Texas Tech) and Deanna Nolan (5'11''-G/F-79, college: Georgia) led balanced offensive effort from the visitors with 11 points apiece. Katie Smith and Ashley Shields knocked down 9 points each in the win. Erlana Larkins (6'1''-F-86, agency: 540 Sports, college: N.Carolina) dropped 13 points for New York who played without Shameka Christon and Tiffany Jackson. Detroit led by 8 points with just over 2 minutes left however the hosts cut the deficit to minimum. But the Liberty simply ran out of time in their tries to save the game.
The Los Angeles Sparks finished the regular season in style cruising past the Seattle Storm 65:48 at home court. Marie Ferdinand-Harris secured 14 points, while Delisha Milton-Jones (6'1''-F-74, college: Florida) scored 12 and the Sparks won their 20th game of the season. The hosts piled up a massive 40:18 lead by halftime and never looked back after the long break. The teams will meet again on Friday at the start of the Western conference semifinal series. Shyra Ely (6'2''-F-83, agency: Merit Sports, college: Tennessee) had 16 points for the Storm.