EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/16/2008

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Men News

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  ABA   


Charlotte team announces new name - by Eurobasket News
The ABA expansion team entry for Charlotte, North Carolina for the 2009-2010 season has chosen the name The Charlotte Crossover following a contest open to the community and supported by popular local radio station, Power 98, and No Limit Larry, JD and Tone-X. The team also received support from News 14. According to Michelle Pierre, team VP, 'We are very pleased with the support we're receiving from the community and from the media. In fact, The Score, a popular sports station in Charlotte, has even offered to team up with us to help purchase book bags and other school items. This is fun.'

'While we don't begin play until next season,' Ms. Pierre added, 'we are doing a lot of things now to build excitement and momentum and have scheduled several events.'

October 11 & 12: Madden '09 & Guitar Hero Tournament with The Score-Charlotte league in Charlotte.

October 18 - Co-sponsoring a basketball league in Charlotte with The Score-Charlotte.

October 25 & 26: Next tryouts at Vance High School.

Courtesy of ABA

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  ARGENTINA   


Market News - by Bruno Fontana
Edgardo Agudo (196-F/G-75) was contracted by Unin y Fuerza of Senz Pea (league B)
Juan Ignacio Varas (194-G-87) was contracted by Unin of Mar del Plata (League B).
Tiras Wade (200-F-81, college: La-Lafayette) was contracted by Quilmes of Mar del Plata (LIGA A) instead of Duane John.
Ollie Bailey (201-F-85, college: Oklahoma City) was contracted for Belgrano of San Nicolas (TNA).
Perrin Johnson (196-G-84, college: Louisville) was contracted by Central Enterriano (TNA) instead of Kwan Johnson.

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  AUSTRALIA   


Saville breaks finger before season-opener - by Eurobasket News
Wollongong's major off-season signing Glen Saville (197-G/F-76) has vowed to ignore a broken finger and take his place in the Hawks starting five for next week's NBL season-opener against New Zealand.

Saville suffered the freak injury after catching a seemingly innocuous pass during the closing stages of Tuesday's training session.

An X-ray revealed a fracture in the ring finger of his right hand. Saville also damaged a tendon.

The injury is identical to the one the two-time Olympian sustained playing for the Hawks almost nine years ago.

Saville trained yesterday and has no plans of spending any time on the sidelines.

Wollongong battle the Breakers across the Tasman on Thursday night before taking on the Sydney Spirit two days later at WIN Entertainment Centre.

'I'll just wear the splint and hope that it heals up just like a normal fracture,' Saville said.

'When I did it in the 1999-2000 season right towards the end of the finals, it wasn't a big deal because I taped it up and played with it.

'We got knocked out of the finals and then it seemed to come good and I just forgot about it.

'But it's the exact same finger, and I don't know if it was something from the fact it broke before, and whether that was an issue with it happening again.

'I'll get it X-rayed again in 10 days and find out whether it's healing properly. Hopefully it is healing, otherwise the other option is surgery, and I don't really want to go down that path because that's going to mean time off.'

Mat Campbell and Anthony Petrie sat out a part of Friday's training session at the Snakepit, but both are expected to be fit to play the Breakers.

Courtesy of www.nbl.com.au

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  AUSTRIA   


Standings - A Bundesliga
A Bundesliga Standings
 1. Arkadia 0-0 
 2. St.Polten 0-0 
 3. Worthersee 0-0 
 4. Klosterneub. 0-0 
 5. Wels 0-0 
 6. Oberwart 0-0 
 7. Furstenfeld 0-0 
 8. Gmunden 0-0 
 9. UBSC Graz 0-0 
 10. Kapfenberg 0-0 
 11. Gussing 0-0 
 12. Vienna 0-0 


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  BARBADOS   


Bulls drop Cavs behind Gibbons' 30 - by Justin Marville
THE CONTEST may have been missing the 'big names', but the historic rivalry surely wasn't any less gripping.

Clapham Bulls point guard Rahiim Gibbons scored nine of his game-high 30 points in the decisive fourth quarter as the defending champs survived tense moments before outlasting bitter rivals Station Hill Cavaliers 77-67 in the latest action of the Barbados Light & Power Under-21 Basketball Tournament at the Barbados Community College on Saturday.

Spanning over two decades across the now five divisions of local basketball, the rivalry between the two clubs threatened to be a dull affair on this occasion as both sides were hampered by the absence of key players.

The Cavs 'Big Three' of Jamai Puckerin, Jamar King and Corey Howard have been turned into mere spectators this season due to ineligibility, while the Bulls were forced to do without the services of the injured Ramon Byer and Damian McClean.

But what the game might have lacked in star quality it made up for with dramatic moments.

From Bulls swingman Stefan Yarde's spellbinding play-making off the dribble, to the Cavs' hot streak from behind the arc in the third quarter and their subsequent late game rally in the ensuing period, the contest wasn't left wanting for memorable plays.

Reserve Clapham guard Lorenzo Thorpe even made good on a half-court buzzer-beating heave at the end of the third to add to the list of spectacular highlights

However, they all paled in comparison and significance to the efforts of Gibbons.

Whether it be in transition or half-court sets, Station Hill found it next to impossible to contain the crafty Bulls floor general as Gibbons used his change of pace and wily ball-handling skills to break down each of his clueless defenders.

Those weren't the only weapons in the arsenal of the Clapham point guard, though, as he scored on a variety of floaters, lay-ups and mid-range jumpers with the utmost of ease.

And Gibbons appeared to be at his very best when needed.

After building a 65-52 lead early in the fourth quarter, the Bulls threatened to waste their substantial cushion by needlessly throwing away the ball in the face of full-court pressure.

The Cavs duly took advantage at the other end, as Ross Maynard, Decino Corbin and Kevin Robinson converted the 'free-bees', reducing the deficit to as little as seven points with just over two minutes to play.

But Gibbons took over down the stretch, beating his markers to the paint while drawing fouls on the opposing front court to put away Station Hill at the foul line.

Forward Daniel Lovell and Yarde assisted Gibbons with 15 and 13 points respectively, while the Cavs were led by Darren Hunte's 16 points and Maynard's 14.

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  BELARUS   


Vitalyur and OZAA participated in the International tournament - by Eurobasket News
Pulsar became the winner of the international tournament in Rovno, Ukraine. The team hosted Vitalyur and OZAA from Belarus and American amateur team Kapelani.
In day 1 OZAA overcame Kapelani 115:97 with a massive 28:13 in the start. Milos Ristic (198-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 29 points. Evgeni Ivanov (196-F-84) nailed 20 and Milos Maksimovic (200-F-85) scored 12. Hall was the best in the losing effort with 21 points.
Pulsar opened the tournament with 71:58 victory over Vitalyur. The team from Belarus won the opening quarter 21:13 and was also in front at the halftime. A 19:11 and 18:11 in the second half brought the Ukrainian side the win in the opener. Bryantsev top-scored for the winners with 18 points. Belov netted 15 and Nerush scored 14. Sviridov finished the game with 14 points for Vitalyur.
In Day 2 Vitalyur overcame OZAA in the battle of the teams from Belarus. The winners controlled the majority of the game, but OZAA was managed to reduce after 28:16 in the last period. Shustov led the winners with 18 points. Sviridov nailed 15 and Zaytsev posted 14. Osipovich top-scored in defeat with 21 points. Milos Ristic nailed 17 and Evgeni Ivanov had 14.
Pulsar did not have any difficulties over Kapelani smashing them 104:64. Belov led the game with 22 points and Dyabo posted 15. Again Hall top-scored in the losing effort with 17 points.
In Day 3 Vitalyur grabbed the second position outscoring Kapelani 116:67. Sviridov top-scored with 22 points, Dadikin added 20 and Patsevich had 17. Williams led the way for the American team with 18 points.
Pulsar triumphed with 84:78 win over OZAA in the last game of the tournament. Dyatlovsky Dmitri paced all the winners with 23 points. Dyabo posted 20 and Belov added 15. Stankovic ended up with 18 points in defeat.

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  BELGIUM   


Gent News - by Peter Buyse


In another setback for Belgian forward Michael Krikemans it seems he is going to miss another season to injury.
The team has acted quick in finding a possible replacement for him in former Austin Peay player Todd Babington (196-G-86).
Babington played 4 years for the Austin Peay Governors and averaged 11.5 ppg and 2.3 rpg for his senior year.
He was also the teams leading 3pt shooter with 102 shot made out of 267. Todd saves his best game of the season for the Ohio Valley Conference championship game vs Tennesee State which Austin Peay won 82-64 to advance to the NCAA tournament. Babington was voted OVC Tournament MVP. He scored 24 pts on 9 for 12 shooting (6-8 3pt) in the final game and grabbed 5 rebs.

The player is scheduled to arrive on Wed morning.



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  BOSNIA   


Split beats Bosna, Tuzla celebrates on tournament in Osijek - by Eurobasket News
Bosnian champion Bosna ASA BHT suffered defeat against Croatian team Split in a friendly game. At the same time it was a game between two teams which will meet each other in Adriatic league this season. Split grabbed victory in thriller 74-76. First 20 minutes of the game were totally leveled, 39-39. The same picture one the court was seen during the following quarter and a half but in the finish Split succeeded to make 73-76. However, Bosna had a chance at the very end. With 5 seconds remaining Suad Sehovic (198-G-87) got fouled after what he scored first free throw and intentionally missed the second one. He and Stanley Burrell (191-G-84) tried to catch the ball under the basket but at the end Split's players grabbed it keeping 74-76.
After the game head coach of Bosna ASA BHT Alen Abaz stated that he is satisfied with performance of his players. Stanley Burrell, Nikola Vucurovic (200-G/F-80) and Suad Sehovic shined but all other players also were on a good level.

Sloboda Dita Tuzla won international tournament in Osijek. The host of this event was Croatian team Vrijednosnica Darda, which was Sloboda's opponent in the final game.
At the opening day Sloboda was better than another Croatian team Zabok 79-58. At the same day Darda beat Hungarian Dombovar. In the battle for first place Sloboda celebrated 89-83 mostly owing to point guard Zlatko Jovanovic (181-G-84). Except of him, Ranko Velimirovic (203-F/C-72, agency: Beo Basket), Dejan Jeftic (200-F-89) and Samir Leric (204-F/C-74) also were good.

Bosnia looks for the win or less than 6-point defeat in Israel - by Eurobasket News
Bosnian National Team succeeded to beat Czech Republic in fourth round of EuroBasket 2009 qualifications. What is very important for Bosnians, they made it with more that 14 points, how much Czechs had in the first game. Head coach of Team Bosnia Mensur Bajramovic was satisfied with performance of his players after the game.

'Except of the win, our goal was to celebrate with more that 14 points, what we successfully done. It affected our game at the beginning. We showed our nerves but later we managed to handle that pressure pretty good. We had couple of players in a game mood and, what is very important for our game, we made many triples. Those long range strokes as well as our defense was key of our victory in this game', said Mensur Bajramovic.

Next game Bosnia plays in Israel after what Great Britain arrives to Cazin.

'Our next game in Israel for sure will be the tough one. The good thing is that our shape is getting better. We will try to resist in Israel as much as we can and if there shows up any chance for victory, we will grab it. In case if we loose that game it should be with less than 6 points', said Bajramovic for Bosnian newspapers Dnevni Avaz.

Game between Israel and Bosnia is scheduled for Wednesday at 18h in Tel Aviv. The last game of EuroBasket 2009 qualifications Bosnia will play vs Great Britain on Saturday in Cazin with start at 20h.

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  BRAZIL   


Nene Hilario looks forward to the upcoming NBA season - by Eurobasket News
Count Nene Hilario (6'10''-C-82) among those who were steamed when the Nuggets traded Marcus Camby to the Los Angeles Clippers. The irony is that the trade of Nene's best friend on the team has also been a reason for the Brazilian to smile. It was, in large part, a giant leap of faith in him.

'I'm gonna be honest, I was very angry during that time,' he said. 'First of all, he's like my brother. He helped me a lot.'

Economics drove the decision to move Camby. The team removed $10 million from its payroll, which was important for owner Stan Kroenke, who, according to the NBA, cut the league a luxury tax check of roughly $13.5 million for last season's payroll, which was $81 million.

Aside from money, the choice to make Nene the featured player in the middle was the unspoken part of the Camby trade. The Nuggets are relying on Nene as their center for now and the future. Within the organization there is a belief Nene is an all-star talent, if he can stay healthy and refine his game.

After beating testicular cancer and coming back from numerous injuries, Nene heads into the third year of a six-year, $60 million contract knowing he has to deliver if the Nuggets are going to improve.

With training camp set to start Sept. 30, Nene promises to be ready. He has spent all summer preparing.

'I've been though a lot of things, the injuries, the chemotherapy,' Nene said. 'To be able to be fine through the season, I had to sacrifice my summer and be in shape early to prevent all that stuff. So that's what I did.'

In past years, Nene spent much of the offseason in Brazil. This summer, he went for just 15 days in July.

'I know I was going to miss a lot of people in Brazil, but I know I have a lot of good people here, too,' Nene said. 'And for my game, I invested in myself. That's going to be an advantage in the future.'

In six seasons, the only thing that has defined Nene more than his trademark smile has been his trademark 'did not play' in the scoring summary. Injuries derailed a promising start to his career, then testicular cancer kept him out most of the second half of last season.

Since being drafted No. 7 overall in 2002 by the Knicks, then traded that night with Camby to the Nuggets, Nene has played in 293 of a possible 492 regular-season games, just under 60 percent.

Only once has Nene averaged more than 30 minutes a game (2003-04), which, incidentally, was the last time he started full time. Since starting all 77 games he played in that season, he has started just 61 games, total, over the past four seasons.

His injury list is long. In 2004-05, there was a sprained medial collateral ligament, a hip contusion and a strained hamstring. It was a torn ACL in the 2005-06 season opener that cost him 81 games.

Last season, he injured his left thumb in the fifth game of the season and missed seven weeks after surgery to repair a ligament. He returned Dec. 26, but left the team Jan. 11 after a tumor was found during a routine drug test. He played in 16 games before having surgery Jan. 14.

Nene said he still feels the effects of chemotherapy.

'It still bothers me a little bit,' Nene said. 'But I work hard and I feel better. I want that (cancer) to get out of my body. I feel better, but sometimes my stomach feels painful when I'm doing a lot of work or exercise.

'But that's why I came (back) early, to get accustomed to all of that stuff.'

He is not expected to have any more chemo, but will have checkups every three months. His weight has fluctuated because of the chemotherapy, but currently he's at 269.

In January 2007, the Nuggets put Nene on a diet and he lost 40 pounds. He entered the playoffs at 250 pounds, which he later said was too light for his position.

Nene, 6-feet-11, insists he can play at his current weight. Teammate Chris Andersen, who has been playing against Nene in pickup sessions, vouches for that.

'That's why I come in here and go against him, to try to push him a little bit more,' Andersen said. 'And I'm very, very impressed. It's hard for me sometimes because he's just so strong. He's definitely going to be able to take that center role.'

Nene sounds ready to put the past two years behind him.

'A lot of things that I had in my life all these injuries, all these physical problems I know for a lot of people's eyes these are bad things,' he said. 'But for my eyes, that is a good thing. They made me learn a lot of things spiritually. From what happened to me, the chemotherapy, the cancer, if you want to be an example you need to be an example in every aspect of your life, on and off the court. I have that experience.

'After the chemotherapy, a lot of people said, 'You're my hero because you're so young, and you've been through all of this stuff. You passed and you've come back strong.' A lot of people take me as an example. That is good.'

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

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  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   


East overpowers Young Legs, 78-66, to retain Basketball crown - by David Edole
After forcing a fifth and deciding game, Young Legs' quest to win the senior division and join the Virgin Gorda Jr. Mystics and Ghetto Mix-who had complete and reverse sweeps of the Jr. and intermediate divisions of the BVI Basketball federation league-was foiled by defending champs East.

'The East was hungrier than and more aggressive than us,' noted Young Legs coach Brian 'Bash' Brewley, who was seeking his second title this season after leading Ghetto Mix to the intermediate division crown. 'My guys weren't getting back and the East was beating me to every loose ball. Tonight, they came more focused and they had more energy than us. It was like in the opening game,' he pointed out. 'My guys weren't getting back, boxing out or getting the rebounds and they were getting three and four chances to make one basket. Everybody had a wonderful game for the East End team. Congratulations to the East. They played a helluva ball game.'

Championship MVP Douron Phillips, scored 13 of his game high 22 points in the second half, when the East returned to their running game, turning a two point deficit into a 10 point lead from which Young Legs would never recover. The East went on to a convincing, 78-66 victory.

Phillips, who stuffed his final two points for a dunk off a turnover and fast break as teammates watched-also pulled nine rebounds. Damien Ottley-who walked off with the sportsmanship award-settled for a 14 point 11 rebounds double, double. Dwayne 'Kobo' Penn pulled 10 rebounds and added seven points before cutting down the nets.

Kennedy Bass had Young Legs' top score with 14 points. Keithwarner Rhymer bagged his fourth straight double double, this time with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Jevaughn Cameron tossed in another 10.

After taking the lead at the end of the third quarter, Vene 'Bego' Turnbull said he told his team to take it inside and it worked.

'Douron did an awesome job tonight along with Kobo (Dwayne Penn)-those big guys-along with everybody else,' he pointed out. 'Our main thing was to take Kennedy (Bass) and their big man (Keithwarner Rhymer) out of the game, but we had to make up our minds to put some distance. Once we got that done, we were on the way to glory.'

Turnbull said he couldn't find words to describe the feeling of repeating, after taking a 2-0 lead, then saw Young Legs evening the series and forcing a fifth game.

'I just thank God for this organization,' he said. 'I do a lot of praying. And all the things we had to do on the court, we communicated and that helped us tonight.'


By DEAN 'The Sportsman' GREENAWAY
BVI News Online Chief Sports Correspondent

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  BULGARIA   


Sliven inks two players, Cherno More adds Brazilian - by Eurobasket News
Sliven announced signing of two more players for the upcoming season. Both of them are coming from Dunav Rousse.
The first one is Milen Dimitrov (201-F/C-88), who had 13 games in A1 last season averaging 20 ppg, 12.8 rpg and 2.5 spg. He was one of the best players in A2. At the same time Dimitrov played 4 games for Dunav 2007 in A1 league but without important record.
The other player is Hristo Gatev (192-G-85), who together with Dimitrov, led Dunav Rousse last season. Gatev appeared 13 times in A2 avearging 17.6 ppg, 7 rpg and 1.5 spg.
Except of these two players, during the summer Sliven also agreed terms with Todor Tenev, Tsvetomir Benchev and Andrean Ilchev. Sliven will compete next season in A2 league, which starts on October 26th.

Cherno More signed contract with Brazilian player Atila Santos (208-C-83, college: N.Iowa). 25-year old big guy this year gradated at Minnesotta State-Mankato University averaging 16.1 ppg, 10.6 rpg and 1.8 apg in 29 games. At the end of the season he was named 'NCAA D2 All-America Team (by NABC) -08'. At the same time he was selected 'All-NCC Player of the Year -08' while his team was NCC regular season champion and later reached semifinals on NCC tournament. Interesting is that Santos started his studies in Northern Iowa University in 2003 but three years later he transferred to Minnesotta State-Mankato.

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  CANADA   


David Thomas leads Cairns to the first win in ANBL - by Eurobasket News
Canada's international David Thomas (204-G/F-76, college: Michigan St.) looked solid in his debut for the Cairns Taipans in the Australian National Basketball League. Canadian National team player spent the last season playing for the Melbourne Tigers and celebrated the NBL title. He however decided to change the team before the current season and the Taipans already experienced his impact on the game. David Thomas tallied 13 points and 8 rebounds as Cairns prevailed against the league favorites the South Dragons 98:92 in the season opener.
Martin Cattalini (202-F-73) nailed 21 points to pace the Taipans to the first win. The hosts enjoyed a narrow 34:32 lead after the opening term. The close game continued in the second period as the Dragons trailed by just 3 points at the long intermission. Cairns were paced by Martin Cattalini in the second half and gradually cleared off to a comfortable distance. They headed into the fourth term up by 12 points. Melbourne outfit refused to surrender and cut the deficit to a single point 88:89. However several clutch baskets from Cattalini secured the winning outcome for the home team at the end. Darnell Mee added 12 for the winners. Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) answered with 23 points for the South Dragons. Nick Horvath (208-F/C-81, college: Duke) had 17 points in the loss.
The Cairns Taipans will next take on the Gold Coast Blaze on September 19.

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  CHINA   


Mu Tie-Zhu, Giant Chinese Center, Dead at 59 - by Arthur Volbert
Mu Tie-Zhu (230-C-49), who starred for China's National Team in the 1970's and 1980's, has died in Beijing of a heart attack at age 59.

Born in 1949, Mu began playing with the National Team in 1973 and retired from basketball at age 38 in 1987. He was a member of the Chinese Army and was the long-time center for the Army team, Bayi.

There was a famous matchup between Mu and Yasutaka Okayama (236-C-54, college: Portland), a 236 cm giant from Japan who was once drafted by Golden State Warriors. Mu completely outplayed the Japanese giant. Mu was reluctant to have his height measured and he may have been as tall as 7-10, which would make him as big as the Russian giant, Aleksandr Sizonenko (241-C-62). If so, Mu was the tallest truly important basketball player who ever lived.

Mu has been in poor health for several years, suffering from heart disease, as well as severe phlebothrombosis and arthritis in his legs and waist partly due to the hard training he did when he was still a basketball player and partly as result of the condition of gigantism from which he suffers.

When he was a basketball player, Mu used to run 10,000 meters every day. He played for the national team for 14 years.

Mu acted as coach for Bayi Rockets for 3 years before forced to step down due to the diagnosis of his severe heart problem.

He and his wife were married for 26 years at the time of his death. His wife used to be his fan, and wrote him an anonymous letter. The Bayi Rockets did background research on her, and arranged their first date. They felt in love and got married afterwards.

He has one son and one daughter, who are both under 180 cm. This is a further indication that his enormous height was produced by the pituitary condition of gigantism, rather than by genetics.

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  COLOMBIA   


Federation Cup 2008, September 15 , Standings - by Victor Garcia
Arrieros de Antioquia , udefeated is at the top of the standings, while Norte with one loss is behind, the biggest surprise is to see Piratas without victories is at the bottom of the standings, Indervalle fall to the fourth place after the two losses in Nortes home

Standings
1- Arrieros 6/0 12 pts
2- Norte 5/1 11 pts
3- Bucaros 4/2 10 Pts
4- Indervalle 3/3 9 pts
5-Islanders 3/3 9 pts
6- Ovni 2/4 8 pts
7- Patriotas 1/5 7 pts
8- Piratas 0/6 6 pts

Bucaros lost Curtis Williams for an injury - by Victor Garcia
Just after the first 5 minutes of the first game of the season, Curtis Williams injured his knee because a hard foul of an Islanders player, Williams however tried to play, and he did it, he played 5 more games, but the pain in his knee after the 5 game, forced to a more deep exam, the doctors found that Williams will need 4 to 5 weeks to heal his knee.
Bucaros is talking with Glen Mcgowan to replace Williams.Curtis Williams (205-F/C-77, college: Louisiana Tech)

Federation Cup 2008, Sept 12 , Day 5 results - by Victor Garcia
Arrieros defeated Islanders 92 72, in a game of favourites, Arrieros playing without its starters big men Bayona and E. Guevara, was leaded by Jermaine Walker who scored 19 in the game, Alejandro Flores had its debut with Islanders while Kevin Sowell was the best in the visitors with 21 pts.
Arrieros 92 Jermaine Walker 19 pts
Islanders 72 Kevin Sowell 21 pts

Norte de Santander get its first victory at home, defeating Indervalle 90 81, Moreno and Renteria again leaded the Norte team, while Dajuan Gouard and George Baker did it with Indervalle.
Norte de Santander 90 Edgar Moreno 23 pts
Indervalle 81 Dajuan Gouard 29 pts

Bucaros defeated Piratas in Bucaramanga, Marriaga and C. Salcedo guided the team to victory witha good combination of internal play of Marriaga and perimeter of Salcedo, David Reyes also did a good job moving the ball, in Piratas Emiro Romero scored 17 pts.
Bucaros Freskaleche 76 Cruz Salcedo 19 pts
Piratas 65 Emiro Romero 17 pts

Patriotas won its firs game of the year at home defeating Ovni Alcaldia de Tenjo 77 69,
Patriotas Proactiva 77
Alcaldia de Tenjo 69

Bucaros adds Rogers Washington - by Victor Garcia
Bucaros Freskaleche is waiting for tomorrow the arrival of Rogers Washington, Washington will fill the starting small forward spot for the yellow team Washington was champion with Bucaros two seasons ago, and averaged in Venezuela 19 PPG playing in Guaiqueries.
The team will try to put Quincy Alexander in Curtis Williams place or replace him with another import, Bucaros will receive Patriotas tonight in BucaramangaRogers Washington (202-F-77, college: LSU)

Federation Cup 2008, Sept 13, Day 6 results - by Victor Garcia
Arrieros again defeated Islanders in Itagui, Islanders took the control of the game in the first half thanks specially to the work of Alejandro Flores in the paint, but in the second half, Arrieros perimeter of D. Guevara, Aragn and Walker wake up, Norbey Aragn with 28 pts leaded Arrieros, Walker and D. Guevara added 24 pts each, Alejandro Flores finishes with 32 pts, but make his 5th fouls with 2 minutes remaining in the clock.
Arrieros 92 - Norbey Aragon 28 pts
Islanders 82 - Alejandro Flores 32 pts.

Norte de Santander is strong at home , defeats Indervalle 96 88 with an excellent night of Eleuterio Renteria who scored 24 pts, Edgar Moreno helped with 21 pts, Indervalle had again in Dajuan Gouard and George Baker its leaders Gouard finished with 28 pts, ad Baker with 18 pts.
Norte de Santander 96 - Eleuterio Renteria 24 pts
Indervalle 88 - Dajuan Gouard 28 pts

Bucaros complete a good start at home defeating Piratas 85 78, Bucaros had a 16 pts lead in the third quarter but Piratas perimeter made a great effort and short the gap, but was not enough, Cruz Salcedo again leaded Bucaros with 23 pts, in Piratas John Rat Perez scored 19.
Bucaros Freskaleche 85 - Cruz Salcedo 23
Piratas 78 - John Perez 19 pts

Ovni Alcaldia de Tenjo got a very good victory as visitor defeating Patriotas in Tunja, in the lowes scoring game of the cup
Patriotas Proactiva 62
Ovni Alcaldia de Tenjo 68

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  CROATIA   


Zagreb CO cruises past Lokomotiv Novosybirsk - by Eurobasket News
After defeat against Triumph Lyubertsy this past week-end, Zagreb CO took care for the easy win against Lokomotiv Novosybirtk 77-59.

First quarter was totally leveled as both teams made few successful shots 21-21. The most important period was the second one. Players of head coach Zeljko Pavlicevic intensified defense forcing Russians to make many erratic shots. On the other side Dzenan Rahimic (205-C/F-74) dominated at the offensive end which resulted with 29 points in this quarter for Zagreb. Lokomotiv had Bailey and Pavel Podkolzin (226-C-85) in a game mood but they didn't get a proper help from their teammates. Lokomotiv started to play slightly better after the half time. Two above mentioned players brought it a little it closer but Dzenan Rahimic and Ivan Papac (211-F/C-87) immediately answered for Croatian team. They allowed Russians to to end this quarter with just 26-27. After few starting minutes of the last frame it was clear that Lokomotiv missed its chance in this game as Zagreb once again took total control on them. Croatians ended these ten minutes 27-17 registering more than comfortable victory.

Dzenan Rahimic paced Zagreb to victory scoring 18 points. Petar Babic (191-G-85) followed him with 14 while Filip Basljan (196-G-84) had two points less. Other scorers in Zagreb CO were: Tomic 9, Vladovic 12, Simon 6, Dundovic 7, Morovic, Dijan 8, Stimac 8, Drezga 8.
Lokomotiv got the most from Bailey, who drained 25 points. Pavel Podkolzin also was good scoring 22 points. Others in Lokomotiv: Timakov, Hatohin 2, Grachev 3, Karmazinski 3, Tirdyachkin, Abediran, Kataev 12, Zaykin 1, Pronin 3, Cvetkov 11.

"Torpedo cup" Rijeka 2008 - by Marin Stipanic
BC Torpedo from Rijeka was host to the first 'Torpedo cup' which gathered BC Pallacansetro from Trieste (Italy), BC Postojna Epik Misel (Slovenia) and BC Sanac Karlovac (Croatia).
First day,semifinal day in which Torpedo overcome Italian Pallacanestro 79:62 while in second semifinal Postojna EM triumphed over Sanac Karlovac 80:78. In game for 3rd place on Sunday, Sanac Karlovac overcome Pallacanestro Trieste 65:62, while Torpedo won the tournament,as it was expedted. In final Torpedo triumphed 84:58 over Postojna EM. Tomislav Maruna from Torpedo got MVP award. All of the teams are playing second leagues in their national championships.

*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Standings - NBL
NBL Standings
 1. Brno 0-0 
 2. Pardubice 0-0 
 3. USK Praha 0-0 
 4. Ostrava 0-0 
 5. Geofin 0-0 
 6. Decin 0-0 
 7. Opava 0-0 
 8. Kolin 0-0 
 9. Nymburk 0-0 
 10. Podebrady 0-0 
 11. Prostejov 0-0 
 12. Liberec 0-0 


Standings - D2
1Liga Standings
 1. Sparta Praha 0-0 
 2. Vysehrad 0-0 
 3. Usti n/Labem 0-0 
 4. Chomutov 0-0 
 5. J.Hradec 0-0 
 6. Plzen 0-0 
 7. VSB Ostrava 0-0 
 8. Benesov 0-0 
 9. Prazsky 0-0 
 10. Trutnov 0-0 
 11. Zlin 0-0 
 12. Pardubice B 0-0 
 13. Sokol Pisek 0-0 
 14. Prostejov B 0-0 


*****************************************************
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Ivan Almonte goes into his third season in france - by Jordan Olivo
On July 5 became Official the signing of prominent Dominican player, Ivan Almonte (198-F-81, college: Florida Intern.) with the team for JSF Nanterre Liga Pro-B France.

Almonte is well known in the French league, as this is going to be his third season, each one with different teams.

His first experience was in 2006-2007 with the team Boulazac Basket Dordogne, having a dream season with 16.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists in 33 games. These numbers will be valid for the Leader in Rebounds, Forward of the Year, Member of first team All-Star League.

Then in 07'-08' season, Ivan, returned to Pro-B, this time with the team Limoges CSP, but had a season full of injuries, specifically in one of his thighs. But could participate in 22 matches with averages of 11 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2 assists per encounter leading his team to the quarterfinals.

The numbers in last season won him the 4th in Rebounds and the 5th in effeciency throughout the league with 17.5 points.

This season the Dominican player is ready along with his new team Nanterre with their sight to the upcoming campaign in Pro-B France which will start next September 27 agaisnt Charleville-Mezieres.

*****************************************************
  EBA   


THE EBA ADDING NEW TEAMS IN 09 - by Justin Moore
THE EBA LOOKS TO HAVE 5 NEW TEAMS JOINING FOR THE 09 SEASON, NPBL RUNNER UP Elmira Bulldogs, MARYLAND SUNS, NEW JERSEY LIGHTNING,HAMPTON ROADS CARDINALS FROM HAMPTON VA,AND THE SALEM MUSTANGS FROM SALEM VA. THE EBA LOOKS TO VERY COMPETITIVE THIS SEASON WITH MOST OF THE WEAKER TEAMS NO LONGER LISTED FOR 09 LOOK FOR BIGGER AND BETTER THINGS FROM THE EBA IN 09 AND CHECKOUT WWW.EASTERNBASKETBALLALLIANCE.COM FOR MORE INFO ON THE EBA.

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


Petrovski leaves Soproni, new players on try-out in Ohrid - by Eurobasket News
After just two weeks since Macedonian point guard Jane Petrovski (181-G-87, agency: 011 Sports) agreed terms with Soproni, he left Hungarian team. According to the player's interview for Macedonian media he was not satisfied with current situation in Hungarian team. Petrovski played last four seasons in MZT Skopje. He left it this summer in order to play abroad. It is not known yet will he return to his ex team or he will continue search for the new one.

In the meantime AMAK SP from Ohrid called two players on try-out.
The first one is Miroslav Cubrilo (205-C-82), who played last season for Serbian B league team Kikinda. Before Kikinda, Cubrilo spent one season in Cukurova University (Turkish D2). On season 04/05 he was a member of Swisslions Takovo but he didn't play any official game. Except of the above mentioned teams, Cubrilo also used to play for Vojvodina Novi Sad.
Aleksandar Peric (208-C-83) is coming on try-out in AMAK SP from German Regionalliga team SV Hagen-Haspe 70. He had 7 appearances in this competition averaging 5.4 ppg. He grew up as a player in Beovuk 72. Later he played for Atlas Novi Beograd and Zdravlje Leskovac. Season 05/06 Peric spent in Napredak Rubin, which competed in Serbian A1 league.

Pelister close to ink another foreigner, Macedonians vs Portugal tomorrow - by Eurobasket News
After signing of Nikola Rizic, Swisslions Pelister is close to add another non-Macedonian to its roster. It is Serbian big-guy Vojislav Gojnic (208-C-80, agency: Beo Basket), who played last season for Napredak Rubin. He appeared 20 times in A1 league averaging 10.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 0.8 spg. 28-year old center changed many teams in the past. From 2005 to January 2007 he played for OKK Beograd, which competed in Serbian A1 league. For 21 games on season 05/06 he had 12 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 2.3 apg. At the beginning of 2007 he joined Bosnian team Sloboda Dita Tuzla but he played only 2 games in D1. In the past Gojnic also used to play for Hercegova Bileca, Swisslions Takovo, Glasinac Sokolac and Beopetrol. In 2000 he was a member of Yugoslavian National Team. At the same year they participated at the Global Games in Dallas.

In the meantime Macedonian National Team went to Portugal for the fifth game of EuroBasket 2009 qualifications. Macedonians need only one win from the last two games in order to book a ticket for Poland. They will have a first chance tomorrow but if not there is another one on Saturday. Macedonia was better that Estonia on the road 78-90 and it is expected that playes of head coach Jovica Arsic celebrate in the last one also. Estonia and Portugal currently had 1-3 while Macedonia and Latvia are on 3-1.

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


News from Weissenhorn - by Moritz Korff
According to local newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine BC Weissenhorn, that finished third in the Regionalliga South-West in this past season, have landed two new Americans for the up and coming campaign. Trey Williams (188-G, college: Lipscomb) and Janon Cole (198-F-83, college: Northeastern). Williams averaged 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 36 games for NCAA Divion One's Lipscomb University during 2006-07, while Cole spent this past year at FC Schalke 04. In 20 encounters of the 2. Bundesliga Pro A the 25-year-old tallied 12.4 points and 6.4 boards per contest. However, Cole reportedly is still going through a tryout-period.
Meanwhile, Weissenhorn has added a couple of new German players to its 2008-09 roster: Former Ulm Forward Florian Moebius (202-F-79), Guard Jonathan Genck (185-G-86), former German junior-international Johannes Betz (198-F-88), Alexander Gotzler (196-F-88) of Bayern Muenchen and Shooting Guard Benjamin Scheytt out of the club's youth-program. Coach Dario Jerkic has only three players from 2007-08 left: Mario Simic (198-F-83), Max Engel (198-F-84) and Tobias Waitzinger (188-F-79).

Regionalliga-News - by Moritz Korff
TV Konstanz (Regionalliga South-West) announced the signing of another new player for fir the 2008-09 roster. Roland Andris (190-G-84, college: Mercyhurst) has joined the squad of Coach Roger Washington. The 24-year-old German, a member of the U18-NT in 2003, left Ehingen in 2004 and took his game to the USA. In the following years he played for Mercyhurst College (NCAA2).

The Itzehoe Eagles (Regionalliga North) will go to the start as the CRE Eagles Itzehoe in the 2008-09 campaign. The new name comes from a sponsorship deal with a real estate company. Meanwhile, Moritz Peiseler (197-F-84) has been announced as the latest new player on the team of Coach Paul Larysz. The 24-year-old Forward spent the past two years in Hungary and suited up for PEAT Pecs. Before moving abroad Peiseler was a member of the German Junior National Team and shot hoops for Rhoendorf in the 2. Bundesliga. Additionally, Mirko Leube (182-G-92), Sven Gottschalk (198-F-92) and Torben Wendt (195-F-89), all coming out of the youth-program of the club, have made the Regionalliga-roster.

Brandon James (201-F, college: Biola (CA)) is now a member of the TuS Red Devils Bramsche (2. Regionalliga North-West). The 2006 NAIA Division One All-America Honorable Mention averaged 16.7 points in 22 games for the BSW Sixers in this past season.

Mainz hires rebound machine - by Moritz Korff
Mike Zuiderveen (206-C-84, college: Saginaw Valley) has joined ASC Theresianum Mainz. The newcomer to the 2. Bundesliga Pro B was in need of a new man in the middle, as Jamie Andrisevic (205-F/C-82, college: Arizona St.) left the club after a tryout and is trying to land a contract with another German team.
Zuiderveen played NCAA-basketball at Saginaw Valley State University until spring 08. During 2007-08 the 24-year-old, who played one season for Kalamazoo Valley Community College before joining the Cardinals, pulled down 12 rebounds per contest and set a new Saginaw Valley State record for both total rebounds in a season, and best per game average. He finished the campaign third in NCAA Division 2 rebounds per game, and first in the nation in total rebounds. Zuiderveen also tallied 10.2 points a game and shot 59.7% from the floor as a senior.

Paralympics: Germany beats Japan for 5th-6th place game of wheelchair basketball - by Eurobasket News
BEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Germany's victory over Japan in the classification game sent them into the play-off for 5th-6th place against Israel on Monday at the National Indoor Stadium.

German forward Dirk Passiwan and center Dirk Kohler-Lenz combined for 53 points to lead Germany in a 71-57 win over Japan.

'We lost to Japan in the preliminary, but this time our defence and shooting were better. We pressed them more so we could shoot more. Our big center (Dirk Kohler-Lenz) also played very well. All these things are very important, and it's great for us to win the game,' said the game leading scorer Passiwan.
Germany lost to Japan in a 56-58 thriller in a preliminary game of group A, but a 3-2 record for Germany made them rank ahead of Japan's 2-3 result in preliminaries.

Germany maintained a steady offensive momentum throughout the game, but overpowered Japan in the fourth quarter in which they outscored the opposition 22-14.

Germany also gained 14 points from Japan's 12 turnovers.

Japan's center Rao Fujimoto scored 20 points for his team, but only one other Japanese player scored in the double digits.

Germany advanced to the classification play-off game for 5th-6th place, against Israel, on Tuesday at the National Indoor Stadium.

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

Watson will stay in Bremerhaven - by Moritz Korff
Giordan Watson (178-G-85, college: Cent.Michigan) has signed a one-year contract with Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (1. Bundesliga), as the club announced in a press release today. Watson, a 2007-08 All-Mid American Conference Second Team selection, had joined the club on a tryout basis recently. He averaged 19.3 points and 5 assists in three exhibition games at a pre-season tournament in Bamberg this past weekend. The 22-year-old Guard will play his first Bundesliga-game on Saturday, when his new team takes on Braunschweig on the opening day of the 2008-09 campaign.

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


Standings - ProA
ProA Standings
 1. Bayreuth 0-0 
 2. Heidelberg 0-0 
 3. B.Muenchen 0-0 
 4. Karlsruhe 0-0 
 5. MBC 0-0 
 6. Langen 0-0 
 7. Lich 0-0 
 8. Schalke 0-0 
 9. ETB Wohnbau 0-0 
 10. Jena 0-0 
 11. Chemnitz 0-0 
 12. Hagen 0-0 
 13. Bremen 0-0 
 14. Kirchheim 0-0 
 15. teckproBraves 0-0 
 16. Cuxhaven 0-0 
 17. Speyer 0-0 


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


FIBA problem for AEL Larisa ? - by Serafim Karaiskakis

AEL Larisa is trying to cut the guarantee contract of Rob McKiver (191-G-84, college: Houston). The team from Larisa had a bad game in a friendly game where they lost (71-84) from Egaleo. In that game first scorer for Ael was Rob McKiver with 13 points. They changed their decision to build a young team and started negotiations to get experienced player. Now with the help of FIBA the players are safer because they can go to court teams like AEL and make them pay what the contract says.Along with Rob McKiver the team wants to release and Bruce Price (191-G-83). We remind that last year PAOK did not payed on time money to Djuro Ostojic and to his agent but in the end they took their money from the team with the help of FIBA.

FIBA wrote: After the failure by the Greek Basketball club PAOK KAE to honor the FAT Award, and after numerous reminders to honour the FAT Award, FIBA had to entail a sanction on 29th November 2007 to the PAOK KAE club in banning them of the registration of new players, as provided in the FIBA Internal Regulations. After intervention and help of the Hellenic Basketball Federation the case has been settled and the ban on PAOK KAE club to register new players has been lifted.

-> At this point i dont know the intention of the Usa agent which represents the player, the Greek side just called me and informed that they will not go to Fiba F.A.T for the player but from my point of view i encourage everyone to take legal actions because everybody must obey to the rules.



Standings - B Division
B Standings
 1. Sporting 0-0 
 2. Komotini 0-0 
 3. Ikaros K. 0-0 
 4. Halkida 0-0 
 5. Amyntas 0-0 
 6. P.Faliro 0-0 
 7. AIAS Evosmou 0-0 
 8. Doukas 0-0 
 9. OFI 0-0 
 10. Ikaroi Serron 0-0 
 11. Arkadikos 0-0 
 12. Lavrio 0-0 
 13. Periko-Arhelao 0-0 
 14. Apollon K. 0-0 
 15. Goumenissa 0-0 
 16. Anagennisi 0-0 


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


FEB Team-By-Team Analysis: Matrixx Magixx Nijmegen - by Sanders Jackson


Matrixx Maigxx Nijmegen

2007-08 Record: 25-15 (lost in FEB semis)

Head coach: Michael Schuurs

Additions: Darnell Wilson, Ryan Sears, Frank Tolbert, Raoul Heinen, Elias Bush, Erik Nelson, Mikell Gladness, Rob van Mill

Outlook:

Matrixx Magixx is a club team that continues to be on the rise, first making the 2007 FEB Finals, and last season bowing out to Dutch champion EJMG Amsterdam in four games. Someone who was influential in helping Matrixx reach the FEB Finals, Ryan Sears (185-G-79, agency: Court Side, college: Creighton) is back running the show for Matrixx after spending one season in Belgium. Eiffel fortified their front line with erasers Erik Nelson (201-F/C-76, college: Vermont) and Mickell Gladness (211-F/C-86). Nelson is no stranger to Nijmegen, having spent two seasons playing for then-Eiffel Towers Nijmegen and Den Bosch, having spent time last season playing in the US. Former Dutch international Raoul Heinen (196-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: George Mason) is a big addition to the Matrixx backcourt and should provide a boost to their perimeter game. But the player that can help Matrixx get closer to the top of the upper echelon is 2008 FEB scoring champion Darnell Wilson (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Canisius). Wilson helped Landstede reach the playoffs last season and is a difference maker on both ends of the floor. His athletic ability will excite many fans in the Horstacker. Matrixx must hope that it can depend on a healthy Gerrit Brigitha (204-F/C-82, college: Cent.Michigan), who missed all but four games last season with a back injury. When Brigitha did play, he averaged 12.8 ppg and 6.8 rpg., so he can get the job done. Dutch youngsters Sjors Poels (210-C-86, agency: R.H.Consultancy) and Thijs Vermeulen (192-F-85) made strides in the lime-green and gives Schuurs more options off the bench. Frank Tolbert (193-G-86, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Auburn) gives Matrixx another scoring option.


Matrixx should be more equipped to take on the big front lines of EJMG and Eiffel Towers but must be a better blocking out team and not rely on height and athleticism to do it. Matrixx is a tough team to play in the Horstacker, with its enthusiastic fan base, but must learn to be a better road team and avoid those slipups of playing to the level of the lesser teams if it wants to return to the FEB Finals.


Next: Upstairs Weert



PromotieDivisie: Scores Week 1 - by Terry Cooper
Week 1 in the Promotie started off with a bang as teams are trying to establish themselves early in the season. With the welcoming of Goba and Red Giants, the league is solid with 14 teams fighting for pride and early respect from all teams as they take the long journey to the playoffs. Stay tuned.

Punch - Pigeons 75-73
MyGuide2- Red Giants 105-82
Intl High Five - Cangeroes 65-55
Goba - Leiden2 95-88 OT
Groene Uilen - EBBC2 71-62
BV Rooi - MSV Log in 82-106
VBC Akrides - Landstede2 75-76

Standings - Promotie Divisie
Prom.Divisie Standings
 1. MSV 1-0 
 2. Groene 1-0 
 3. Gorinchem 1-0 
 4. Punch 1-0 
 5. Landstede 2 1-0 
 6. MyGuide 2 1-0 
 7. Initial H5 1-0 
 8. Leiden 2 0-1 
 9. Pigeons 0-1 
 10. BV Rooi 0-1 
 11. EBBC 0-1 
 12. Red Giants 0-1 
 13. Cangeroes 0-1 
 14. Akrides 0-1 


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


Market news - by Tamas Deri

The tryout of Zbigniew Bialek (203-F-82, agency: AB Agency) is over, and the management of Falco KC decided not to keep the polish forward for the upcoming season.

The management of Falco KC did not hesitate too long and invited croatian big man, Ivan Perincic (208-F-77, agency: Agency No 10) for a tryout. The 31 years old, 208 cm tall player was member of the U-18 and U-20 national team of his country. In 1995 he won with his team the junior championship of Croatia, in 2006 he was the member of the champion team of the first division. In 2003 he was voted into the best domestic team by eurobasket.com. In 2006-07 he played for Novy Jicin and put up very great numbers in the EuroCup Challenge: 17.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in 8 games. In the championship he averaged 12.7 points and 5.5 points in 45 games. The last season he played with Siroki in Bosnia and Adriatic League, where he had 7.9 points and 4.0 rebounds in 17 games.

The management of Univer KSE decided not to keep Ricky Volcy (202-F-82, college: N.Michigan) for the upcoming season and invited already one other big man for a tryout, who should be arriving on Wednesday to Hungary.
Volcy played 4 pre-season games with the team and scored every game in double figures (29, 18, 16, 13), but coach Zsoldos needs a player, who is using more his body under the rim.



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


Standings - BSL
Premier L. Standings
 1. Galil Gilboa 0-0 
 2. Maccabi T-A 0-0 
 3. Jerusalem 0-0 
 4. Rishon LZ 0-0 
 5. Hapoel Holon 0-0 
 6. Ramat Gan 0-0 
 7. Bnei Hasharon 0-0 
 8. Ironi Nahariya 0-0 
 9. Givat Shmuel 0-0 
 10. Ashkelon 0-0 
 11. Maccabi Haifa 0-0 
 12. Kiryat Ata 0-0 


Standings - National League
National L. Standings
 1. Macc.Netanya 0-0 
 2. Hap.L.Hashar. 0-0 
 3. Macc.H.Hash. 0-0 
 4. Macc.Ashdod 0-0 
 5. Benyamina 0-0 
 6. Elitzur Ramla 0-0 
 7. Hap.B-Sheva 0-0 
 8. Hap.Y./Megido 0-0 
 9. Hap.N.Elite 0-0 
 10. Modiin 0-0 
 11. Elitzur Yavne 0-0 
 12. Kiryat Tivon 0-0 
 13. Afula 0-0 


*****************************************************
  JAMAICA   


Demeatrio Wade signs with Northern New Mexico - by Leonard Whyte
Demeatrio Wade, after a successful career at Decatur Christian in Illinois, will now take his blossoming talent to Northern New Mexico in Espanola, New Mexico. Wade, a 6' 4' forward, drew interest from several programs at various levels but chose NNMC, an N.A.I.A. affiliate. He was an IBS-Premier All Star and won the all star game slam dunk contest last season. He also was an All IBS-Premier Spring Showcase, being selected as one of the top five of 80 participants in the annual spring event.

*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


Paralympics: Germany beats Japan for 5th-6th place game of wheelchair basketball - by Eurobasket News
BEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Germany's victory over Japan in the classification game sent them into the play-off for 5th-6th place against Israel on Monday at the National Indoor Stadium.

German forward Dirk Passiwan and center Dirk Kohler-Lenz combined for 53 points to lead Germany in a 71-57 win over Japan.

'We lost to Japan in the preliminary, but this time our defence and shooting were better. We pressed them more so we could shoot more. Our big center (Dirk Kohler-Lenz) also played very well. All these things are very important, and it's great for us to win the game,' said the game leading scorer Passiwan.
Germany lost to Japan in a 56-58 thriller in a preliminary game of group A, but a 3-2 record for Germany made them rank ahead of Japan's 2-3 result in preliminaries.

Germany maintained a steady offensive momentum throughout the game, but overpowered Japan in the fourth quarter in which they outscored the opposition 22-14.

Germany also gained 14 points from Japan's 12 turnovers.

Japan's center Rao Fujimoto scored 20 points for his team, but only one other Japanese player scored in the double digits.

Germany advanced to the classification play-off game for 5th-6th place, against Israel, on Tuesday at the National Indoor Stadium.

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

*****************************************************
  KENYA   


Blazers are back in charge - by Eurobasket News
Blazers returned on top of Division One league standings. They defeated African Nazarene University 67:56 at the Nairobi Nyayo Stadium to leapfrog Posta in the ladder. Posta however remain undefeated after 11 games and have a chance to retain the lead as they take on Lomboritz. Blazers and Posta are leveled at 22 points on top of the standings.
Blazers looked confident against African Nazarene University. They jumped to a 10-point lead at halftime. Blazers never looked back after the long break and celebrated an impressive win. Glen Simwa led all scorers with 14 points. Ken Keya added 12 points for the winners.
Lomboritz in the meantime secured their 9th win over the weekend. They held off University of Agriculture and Technology 75:59. Dennis Chutte stepped up with game-high 21 points. Peter Omondi answered with 16 points in defeat. The teams are fighting for top four spots that will enable them to enter the postseason action.

*****************************************************
  KOSOVO   


ON MONDAY THE DRAW FOR SUPER LEAGUE - by Alban Salihu

On Monday September 15, 2008 starting at 15:00 in the meeting hall of the Sports House will take place the draw for the competitive edition 2008/09 of Super League.


The draw result these configuration of matches as follows:

Super League of Kosovo
Competitive Edition 2008/2009
Draw

1 KB 12
2 RC Cola Drita
3 Bashkimi
4 Trepca
5 Kolegji EuroSporti
6 Kastrioti
7 Kosova
8 Peja
9 Sigal Prishtina
10 Bambi

Week 1
KB 12 : Bambi
RC Cola Drita : Sigal Prishtina
Bashkimi : Peja
Trepca : Kosova
Kolegji EuroSporti : Kastrioti

Week 2
Bambi : Kastrioti
Kosova : Kolegji EuroSporti
Peja : Trepca
Sigal Prishtina : Bashkimi
KB 12 : RC Cola Drita

Week 3
RC Cola Drita : Bambi
Bashkimi : KB 12
Trepca : Sigal Prishtina
Kolegji EuroSporti : Peja
Kastrioti : Kosova

Week 4
Bambi : Kosova
Peja : Kastrioti
Sigal Prishtina : Kolegji EuroSporti
KB 12 : Trepca
RC Cola Drita : Bashkimi

Week 5
Bashkimi : Bambi
Trepca : RC Cola Drita
Kolegji EuroSporti : KB 12
Kastrioti : Sigal Prishtina
Kosova : Peja

Week 6
Bambi : Peja
Sigal Prishtina : Kosova
KB 12 : Kastrioti
RC Cola Drita : Kolegji EuroSporti
Bashkimi : Trepca

Week 7
Trepca : Bambi
Kolegji EuroSporti : Bashkimi
Kastrioti : RC Cola Drita
Kosova : KB 12
Peja : Sigal Prishtina

Week 8
Bambi : Sigal Prishtina
KB 12 : Peja
RC Cola Drita : Kosova
Bashkimi : Kastrioti
Trepca : Kolegji EuroSporti

Week 9
Kolegji EuroSporti : Bambi
Kastrioti : Trepca
Kosova : Bashkimi
Peja : RC Cola Drita
Sigal Prishtina : KB 12

Week 10
Bambi : KB 12
Sigal Prishtina : RC Cola Drita
Peja : Bashkimi
Kosova : Trepca
Kastrioti : Kolegji EuroSporti

Week 11
Kastrioti : Bambi
Kolegji EuroSporti : Kosova
Trepca : Peja
Bashkimi : Sigal Prishtina
RC Cola Drita : KB 12

Week 12
Bambi : RC Cola Drita
KB 12 : Bashkimi
Sigal Prishtina : Trepca
Peja : Kolegji EuroSporti
Kosova : Kastrioti

Week 13
Kosova : Bambi
Kastrioti : Peja
Kolegji EuroSporti : Sigal Prishtina
Trepca : KB 12
Bashkimi : RC Cola Drita

Week 14
Bambi : Bashkimi
RC Cola Drita : Trepca
KB 12 : Kolegji EuroSporti
Sigal Prishtina : Kastrioti
Peja : Kosova

Week 15
Peja : Bambi
Kosova : Sigal Prishtina
Kastrioti : KB 12
Kolegji EuroSporti : RC Cola Drita
Trepca : Bashkimi

Week 16
Bambi : Trepca
Bashkimi : Kolegji EuroSporti
RC Cola Drita : Kastrioti
KB 12 : Kosova
Sigal Prishtina : Peja

Week 17
Sigal Prishtina : Bambi
Peja : KB 12
Kosova : RC Cola Drita
Kastrioti : Bashkimi
Kolegji EuroSporti : Trepca

Week 18
Bambi : Kolegji EuroSporti
Trepca : Kastrioti
Bashkimi : Kosova
RC Cola Drita : Peja
KB 12 : Sigal Prishtina

Source: BFK



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


LBL standings
LBL Standings
Division I
 1. Valmiera 0-0 
 2. Zemgale 0-0 
 3. Barons/LMT 0-0 
 4. BK Ventspils 0-0 
 5. Liep.Lauvas 0-0 
 6. Keizarmezs 0-0 
 7. Buki Gulbene 0-0 
 8. ASK Riga 0-0 
 9. VEF Riga 0-0 
Division II
 1. Zemgale/Juniors 0-0 
 2. BA Riga 0-0 
 3. Liepajas Papirs 0-0 
 4. Keizarmezs-2 0-0 
 5. Kandava 0-0 
 6. Saldus 0-0 
 7. Jurmala 0-0 
 8. Ventspils au. 0-0 
 9. Valmiera-2 0-0 
 10. SK Cesis 0-0 
 11. RNS-D/Livani 0-0 
 12. Ridzene/Barons 0-0 
 13. ASK/Juniors 0-0 


Valmiera clinches the only win in the tournament, Barons wins too - by Eurobasket News
Latvian Valmiera finished third in the tournament with Neptunas beating them 96:94 and remained them winless. Neptunas however started very strong and opened the game with 34:21. Latvian team could bounce back with 28:20 in the second to reduce to 5 points at the halftime. In the third quarter Valmiera was too good providing 30:21 lead to take the control of the game. With 19:17 in the last period Neptunas could only cut the deficit to 2 points. Ronnie Clark (196-G-81, college: Colorado St.) led the winners with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Eliots collected 16 points and 13 boards, while Agnis Cavars (196-F-86) nailed 13 points. Ronnie Clark was named the best player for the Latvian team in the tournament, while Martinas Majeyka was named the best for the hosts.
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. Jannero Pargo was awarded as the best player in his team during the tournament, while Derrick Zimmerman was the best for Budivelnik.

Barons overcame Mykolaiv 85:77 last night. Latvian side was too good in the opening quarter opening the game with 18:14 lead. Ukrainian team replied with 23;20 in the second but could not win any of the quarters from the second half. Barons clinched the victory due to 25:20 in the third and 22:20 in the last. Gustas Giedrius led the winners with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Braits followed him with 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Henning Adrian nailed 12. Wilkins top-scored for Mykolaiv with 21 points, Hlebowicki Michal collected 13 points and 8 boards and Rajevskiy scored 13.

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


Three loses for the Lithuanian squads - by Eurobasket News
With an impressive performance against Lietuvos Rytas Spanish CB Granada celebrated 76:72 win. Lithuanian team let the hosts go on 19:28 lead and could not catch them up later in the game. Even though Rytas reduced to 25:21 in the second, Spanish squad used 20:16 in the third. With 12-7 in the last period Lietuvos closed the game with another 72:76 loss. Argentinian Gianella nailed 13 points and Nacho Martin also getting into double figures with 10. Martynas Gecevicius (194-G-88) and Chuck Eidson (202-F-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) top-scored for Rytas with 14 points each.

Sauliai lost to Sumihimprom 78:88 on Tuesday. The game was even and in some periods of time Lithuanian team controlled the game. Sumihimprom however used a 19-0 run throughout the game to seal the victory. Green led the winners with 18 points. Marcenis nailed 15 as well as Kuso had the same number of points. Stanevicus and Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) ended up with 22 points in the losing effort each.

Latvian Valmiera finished third in the tournament with Neptunas beating them 96:94 and remained them winless. Neptunas however started very strong and opened the game with 34:21. Latvian team could bounce back with 28:20 in the second to reduce to 5 points at the halftime. In the third quarter Valmiera was too good providing 30:21 lead to take the control of the game. With 19:17 in the last period Neptunas could only cut the deficit to 2 points. Ronnie Clark (196-G-81, college: Colorado St.) led the winners with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Eliots collected 16 points and 13 boards, while Cavars nailed 13 points. Ronnie Clark was named the best player for the Latvian team in the tournament, while Martinas Majeyka was named the best for the hosts.
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. Jannero Pargo (187-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arkansas) was awarded as the best player in his team during the tournament, while Derrick Zimmerman (189-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi St.) was the best for Budivelnik.

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


Luxembourg drops to 0-2 losing to Ireland in European Championship qualification match. Schumacher dropped 26 to lead all scorers. - by Alex Meyers

Ireland defeated Luxembourg last night at 'The Coque' in Kirchberg, Luxembourg by a score of 70-97 in the second match of the EC Qualifications Division 2 Group B. The visitors came out strong in the beginning jumping out to an 8-0 lead. Luxembourg was able to crawl back into the game to tie at 19-19. Then, until midway thru the 2nd quarter Luxembourg fell apart and Ireland took full advantage.

Tom Schumacher (188-G/F-87) led all scorers with 26 points followed by Peter Rajniak (196-G-81, college: Cal.Baptist) with 12 and Frank Muller (195-F) added 11. Luxembourg had to play short-handed the entire fourth quarter as its leader Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: CSU Bakersfield) became injured and had to sit out.

Jay Larranaga (195-G-75, college: Bowling Green) had a hot hand early hitting several from behind the arc and finished the match with 14. Jay is the son of Ireland's Head Coach Jim Larranaga . The former plays for Eldo Caserta of Italy. The latter is the head coach at George Mason University of the NCAA. Guards Ian O'Boyle (191-G-84, agency: Megasport, college: New Jersey Tech) and Donnie McGrath (193-G-84, college: Providence) led Ireland with 19 and 18 points respectively. Ireland's big men also hurt Luxembourg inside on the boards out-rebounding 46-25. Conor Grace (205-F-82, college: Davidson) added 14 points followed by Chris Bracey (198-F-80, college: W.Texas A&M) with 11 and Justen Naughton (205-F-81, college: Cal.St.-Los Angeles) had 10.

Luxembourg: Schumacher 26, P. Rajniak 12, Muller 11, M. Rajniak 5, Abdiu 5, Haan 4, Birenbaum 3, J. Delgado 2, Kieffer 2
Ireland: O'Boyle 19, McGrath 18, Larranaga 14, Grace 14, Bracey 11, Naughton 10, O'Reilly 4, Matacz 4, Donnelly 3


Up next for the Luxembourg National team: Slovakia on Wednesday in the Slovak Republic.



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


The leaders stay upbeat - by Eurobasket News
Halcones Xalapa added to another victory to the winning streak as they cruised past Bucaneros in the fourth round of action in the LNBP. Sam Bowie (198-F/G-75, college: SE Louisiana) knocked down 25 points and Halcones Xalapa celebrated a 94:74 victory at the end. LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82, college: Cumberlands) added 21 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. The hosts led by just 5 points before the fourth term but outgunned the visitors 27:12 and eased to the 4th straight win in the season. Aaron Eneas (202-F-78, agency: Promotex) replied with 17 points for Bucaneros as they slipped to 2-2 record.
Soles also stayed undefeated as they held off Lobos 88:84 at home. Greg Lewis (198-F-78, college: Winthrop) knocked down 22 points to pace the home team. De Juan Wheat (183-G-73, college: Louisville) added 19 points for the winners. Lobos answered with 22 points from Jerry Williams (198-F-79, college: Cumberlands). Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) contributed 20 points and 9 rebounds in defeat. Lobos opened the game in a stunning manner outscoring the hosts 24:11 however they failed to capitalize on the advantage. Soles de Mexicali denied the deficit in the second frame and sealed the winning outcome in the second half.
Bravos snatched a narrow 86:85 road win over Dorados. Four other teams improved to 3-1 record in the ladder.

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


Mijuskovic Predrag in Beirut , Lebanon - by Dragan Scepanovic
DELFI SMG Agency announced that ex basketball player of Basketball Club Niksic Predrag Mijuskovic (189-G-78) singed 1 year contract in Beirut Lebanon . Before Basketball Club Niksic Predrag Mijuskovic play for Basketball Club Student Tuzla BiH , Basketball Club Politcarbochim Cluj ROM ( best assistant in Fiba cup ), Basketball Club Lavovi Belgrade , Basketball Club Avala Ada Belgrade , Basketball Club Igokea Aleksandrovac BiH , Basketball Club Borac Cacak

BC Ulcinj will play in MNT1A league , new coach Radovic Dragan - by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball Club Ulcinj and DELFI SMG Agency announced that ex basketball player of BC Niksic Miljan Vukotic (204-F/C-77) singed 1 year contract with Basketball Club Ulcinj. Before Basketball Club Ulcinj Miljan Vukotic play for BC Niksic MNT1A , BC Yambol BUL , BC Vojvodina N.Sad.In same way Basketball Club Ulcinj announced that management of club agree terms with basketball coach Dragan Radovic ex basketball coach of Basketball Club Lovcen from Cetinje for season 2008-2009 and with basketball players Zeljko Jovanovic (192-G/F-86) , Luka Dabanovic (195-G-86) , Sandro Cuk (188-G-85) , Edvin Kalezic (201-C-84) .

New Montenegrin basketball season 2008-2009 start on October 18, 2008 - by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball Federation of Montenegro announced that new basketball season 2008-2009 in Montenegro will start on October 18 , 2008.Montenegrin cup competition will start on October 11, 2008 with game of 1/16 of final .All Junior league will start on October 4 , 2008.
In first stage of MNT1A league ( regular part of season ) will participate : BC Mogren Budva , BC Niksic, BC Danilovgrad , BC ABS Primorje H.Novi , BC Ulcinj , BC Mornar Bar , BC Rudar Pljevlja and BC Primorje H.Novi
In second stage of MNT1A league (MNT Super league ) will play BC Buducnost Podgorica and first 5 basketball teams form MNT1A regular league. After end of MNT Super League first four basketball teams will play MNT Play-Off : 1-4 , 2-3

In MNT1B will participate ( regular part of season ): BC Ljubovic Podgorica , BC Teodo Tivat , BC Studentski Centar Podgorica , BC University Mediteran Podgorica , BC Zeta Golubovci , BC Gorstak Kolasin , BC Niksic 2 , BC Mogren Budva 2 . Basketball team which conquer first place in MNT1B league ( regular part ) automatically go to MNT1A league in season 2009-2010.
In second stage of MNT1B league ( Play-Out league ) will play basketball teams form 5 to 10 place from MNT1A league and second team form MNT1B league. Last two basketball teams will next year play in MNT1B league. Last basketball team in MNt1B league next year will play in MNT2 league.

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


Trail Blazers centre Raef LaFrentz to have shoulder surgery - by Eurobasket News
Portland Trail Blazers centre Raef LaFrentz (6'11''-C-76, college: Kansas) will have shoulder surgery later this month.

The surgery to repair a tear in the labrum of his right shoulder will be performed Sept. 26 at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles.

A timetable for his return to the team will be determined after the surgery.

LaFrentz injured his shoulder during a game against Seattle on Feb. 22.

'I was hopeful that an off-season regiment of physical therapy and treatment would heal the injury, but unfortunately it's become clear now that I need to move forward with surgery,' he said.

LaFrentz had 39 appearances in NBA last season averaging 1.7 ppg and 1.7 rpg. It will be his third year with Trailblazers.

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

NBA power rankings - Grizzlies last - by Eurobasket News
NBA power rankings, rating the entire league from top to bottom. NBA power rankings are based mostly on how good teams really are, with recent performances taken into partial consideration. Since it's now the playoffs, we're basing this on how good teams are right now, looking towards the future (with the same roster) not the past.

Records are final 2007-08 regular season wins-losses.


1) Boston Celtics (66-16) - The champs lost key role player James Posey but still get the top spot in the InsideHoops.com NBA power rankings, since they kept their starting five, though the bench needs an upgrade. Posey and PJ Brown need to be replaced.

2) Los Angeles Lakers (57-25) - Developed nice chemistry with last season's addition of Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum should be healthy and keep improving. But should Lamar Odom be their full-time small forward? The Lakers still need better point guards and an improved bench.

3) New Orleans Hornets (56-26) - With superstar Chris Paul, star David West and terrific, still-improving role player Tyson Chandler, the Hornets, who added James Posey, should be as good as they were last year. Maybe a game or two better. Peja Stojakovic scores but doesn't do too much else. Still need an upgrade at the shooting guard spot.spot.

4) Houston Rockets (55-27) - They played great with Yao Ming, great without him, and now add Ron Artest, who despite his wacky ways should make the team better, or at the very least, keep them as good as they were last year. The Rockets should be in the West's true finals contender mix, which is to say they could also get sent packing in Round 2. That's how good the West still is.

5) San Antonio Spurs (56-26) - Don't write them off. You want to, but don't. If Manu Ginobili heals and actually stays healthy in the second half of the season and the playoffs, this team is as good as any, though their bench needs to be upgraded.

6) Detroit Pistons (59-23) - Despite talk of shaking up the roster, every key guy is still here. But Rasheed Wallace and Chauncey Billups are slowing down. InsideHoops.com doesn't expect Detroit to win 59 games again, but they certainly should still win 50-54. Backup point guard Rodney Stuckey looks like a future starter. Jason Maxiell is nice off the bench. Still the same strong team, just older.

7) Utah Jazz (54-28) - The Jazz absolutely should win 50+ games. The all-star level combination of Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer is one of the league's top duos, plus Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko make Utah winners. They're close to being championship contenders but are still a half-notch below a level that is deserving of wearing a ring.

8) Phoenix Suns (55-27) - The Suns are getting old, folks. Their wild fast break and constant fluid motion ways aren't quite as awesome anymore. Sure, they're still excellent and absolutely should win 50+ games. But Steve Nash is getting up there in age, and Shaquille O'Neal, though still effective for stretches of minutes, is ancient at this point. InsideHoops.com supports the Matt Barnes addition. Amare Stoudemire is awesome. Leandro Barboa scores in a big way. The championship window remains open, but it could close a bit this season.

9) Orlando Magic (52-30) - We want to bump them higher, but other than Dwight Howard continuing to improve everyone else should pretty much stay the same. The Magic are still weak at both guard spots. And unless a trade happens, Rashard Lewis will again play out of position at power forward again, which worked well enough last season but it limits their upside. But again, the bigger problem is the backcourt. Still a good, well-coached team that should match last season's success.

10) Dallas Mavericks (51-31) Jason Kidd wasn't used correctly last season and will be mixed in better this year, but even so, he's up there in age. Josh Howard had some off-court stuff happen this summer but it means nothing; he's still a positive aspect to the team and a terrific player. Dirk Nowitzki is still excellent. DeSagana Diop is back to take minutes from Erick Dampier. Jason Terry is here, though may remain a bit lost with Kidd around. Jerry Stackhouse still gets the ball and scores it. The Mavs have been moving in the wrong direction as far as championship contension is concerned. The Mavs actually aren't a lock to make the playoffs, though they should.

11) Denver Nuggets (50-32) - They traded Marcus Camby away for nothing. InsideHoops.com can't think of how the Nuggets will improve. Still, Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, Kenyon Martin and Nene should do their share of winning. No real point guard here, and not too impressive a bench. But Iverson and Melo guarantee at least some success. The Nuggets aren't a lock to make the playoffs, though if they do head to the lottery, Allen Iverson could get traded. He'd go before Melo would.

12) Portland Trail Blazers (41-41) - Showed nice flashes and great team play for big stretches last season before coming back to Earth, but now they add scoring point guard Jerryd Bayless, internationally-successful Rudy Fernandez, and last season's star addition, center Greg Oden, who will be a rookie this season since he didn't play in 2007-08. Channing Frye is injured, but everyone else seems ready to go, including Brandon Roy, who is coming off surgery. The Blazers have potential to leap ahead of the 3-5 of the teams we list above. Could be special. We've probably underrated them.

13) Philadelphia 76ers (40-42) - They're taking last year's team and adding Elton Brand. Sounds fantastic. But the Sixers overachieved slightly last season, winning a few more than they should have. They added star power forward Elton Brand in free agency and kept everyone else who mattered. We've probably underrated them, though if you just look at East teams, we have them doing pretty well.

14) Cleveland Cavaliers (45-37) - LeBron James is the best young superstar on the planet. Is he better than Kobe Bryant yet? The InsideHoops basketball message board has had about 9 billion discussions on the topic. But King James still needs a Scottie Pippen-like sidekick and the Cavs in general simply need to improve all around, both starters and bench, to be considered a legit championship contender. They did upgrade the point guard position, adding Mo Williams. Still a good, sometimes very good team.

15) Washington Wizards (43-39) - A healthy Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison should once again mean that the Wizards win 40-something games and go a round or two into the playoffs. Basically the same team as before. You know what you're getting with Washington. They're limited by their centers. Also, a break-out season by Andray Blatche would help a lot.

16) Toronto Raptors (41-41) - TJ Ford is gone, Jermaine O'Neal is on board, giving Chris Bosh help up front. But which O'Neal arrives in Toronto, the one from years ago who was an All-Star, or the recent one, who is bigger, less agile, not quite as good and constantly hurt? Hopefully the former. Jose Calderon takes over for good at point guard. Roko Ukic is here. Andrea Bargnani needs to improve, something he failed to do last season. The Raptors need upgrades at many spots before they can become better than average. Unless JO goes nuts. Then, it's ON.

17) Miami Heat (15-67) - Last season was absurd. The team should have just let InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner run the point and signed some streetballers or something. Forget about 2007-08. This upcoming season the Heat have Dwyane Wade (looked totally healthy in Olympic basketball exhibitions), Michael Beasley (InsideHoops.com NBA Rookie of the Year watch favorite, and Shawn Marion (needs a new contract). The point guard and center positions are still weak. New addition Jamaal Magloire improves the backup center spot, but Mark Blount is still the team's best big-man, and that's not too hot. Will Udonis Haslem play undersized center, allowing Beasley to get full-time minutes at power forward?

18) Atlanta Hawks (37-45) - Although there was nice stuff to say about the Hawks last season, they still only won 37 games. It was cool that they took the eventual-champion Celtics to a 7-game, first-round series. But that's the past. The team re-signed Josh Smith, who alongside Joe Johnson, Al Horford, Mike Bibby and Marvin Williams form a decent, fun starting lineup. InsideHoops.com likes Maurice Evans, but the bench is still pretty weak. Horford and Williams need take their games to the next level this season for Atlanta to advance. Right now they aren't a lock to return to the playoffs. Horford, and possibly Williams, should keep improving.

19) Milwaukee Bucks (26-56) - The addition of Richard Jefferson, who had his best individual year ever last season, could be huge for Milwaukee. Also, the Bucks decided they didn't want Mo Williams' contract anymore and traded him away. Luke Ridnour is now the team's main point guard, and if he can return to form before getting hurt he now has plenty of nice passing options and should rack up assists pretty easily. Michael Redd has been fading. Can he reverse that trend? We're not sure. Center Andrew Bogut had a terrific season last year, though it wasn't enough to make a difference. Charlie Villanueva needs to step up now that Yi Jianlian is gone and the door for him is wide open.

20) Golden State Warriors (48-34) - Baron Davis signed with the Clippers, so he's gone. Monta Ellis is seriously injured. Stephen Jackson, Al Harrington and Andris Biedrins are still here, plus new addition Corey Maggette adds scoring punch. Ronny Turiaf helps the bench a bit. Rookie Anthony Randolph has all sorts of potential. And new backup point guard Marcus Williams (from the Nets) will need to step up while Ellis is out. Coach Don Nelson always gets the most of his team. But the Warriors probably won't make the playoffs.

21) Chicago Bulls (33-49) - It was shocking how lousy the Bulls were last season, because they were the same good squad from the previous year. So consider 2007-08 a bit of a fluke. Rookie point guard Derrick Rose, a star in college, is on the roster. But now the backcourt is even more crowded and confusing. Will the team re-sign Ben Gordon? He scores like crazy, especially in the 4th quarter, but the Bulls still think he's better off the bench than in the starting lineup. Will Kirk Hinrich play point guard this year or be used as an undersized shooting guard? to the mix. Luol Deng re-signed. Also, the big-man aren't so hot. Power forward Drew Gooden is pretty good, but Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah are still developing.

22) Los Angeles Clippers (23-59) - The new-look Clippers no longer have Elton Brand (who didn't play last season) and are now built around new free agent super-addition Baron Davis, returning center Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby (who the Nuggets traded to the Clippers for nothing more than cap relief), the promising Al Thornton and rookie scoring guard Eric Gordon. It's an interesting set of players. Camby or Kaman (likely Camby) will play out of position as a power forward, but that's a very big, talented set of twin towers. But will they slow it down for Kaman or run it and go wild with B-Diddy? And if they lose a lot, how will Davis handle it?

23) New Jersey Nets (34-48) - It seems like only yesterday that Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson and Keyon Martin were competing for a championship, but the current Nets are built around individual star shooting guard Vince Carter, athletic point guard Devin Harris, lots of role players, and youth. The frontcourt of Bobby Simmons, Yi Jianlian and Josh Boone, with rookie Brook Lopez and athletic forward Sean Williams off the bench (though the team hopes Lopez will pass Boone), is clearly below average. Keyon Dooling, Jarvis Hayes and Eduardo Najera help the bench quite a bit. Will the team stand around motionless watching Vince Carter take tough shots? Or will they cut, move, and take some chances? Either team, the Nets should be headed to the lottery.

24) Indiana Pacers (36-46) - Jermaine O'Neal is gone, TJ Ford is here, and the Pacers are now built around Ford, Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy, with help from Troy Murphy, Jeff Foster, Jarrett Jack and rookie Brandon Rush. Also, rookie center Roy Hibbert adds size. They're basically a rebuilding team, and haven't had a clear direction in recent seasons. None of their current good players are superstars to build a team around. Could be fun to watch, though, because they play good team basketball. Side note: Pacers fans don't actually go see their team play.

25) New York Knicks (23-59) - The Knicks are now run by general manager Donnie Walsh and coached by Mike D'Antoni. Isiah Thomas, still employed by the team, has a job title we seriously don't know the name of. As for the players, the team is still built around Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson, Zach Randolph, Eddy Curry and David Lee. Rookie tweener forward Danilo Gallinari is on board, and guard Chris Duhon helps the bench (and could wind up starting if the team parts ways with Marbury). Wilson Chandler has potential. Although the roster still needs to be completely overhauled, the Knicks should win 5 or 10 more games this season, simply because Isiah Thomas didn't even run any plays last season and D'Antoni should get these guys to actually cut and look for each other.

26) Charlotte Bobcats (32-50) - Now run by new head coach Larry Brown, the Bobcats showed they aren't sure Raymond Felton is a keeper at point guard by drafting DJ Augustin. Shooting guard Jason Richardson provides big-time scoring punch, and undersized small forward Gerald Wallace is super-versatile and can defend. Emeka Okafor, who re-signed, is a very good big-man. Matt Carroll can hit shots. Jared Dudley is good off the bench. Can Sean May stay healthy? Will Adam Morrison live up to where he was drafted? The Bobcats have some nice pieces, but need to keep growing in every way.

27) Sacramento Kings (38-40) - With Ron Artest gone, shooting guard Kevin Martin is the Kings lone star. He'll be helped by decent point guard Beno Udrih, the underrated John Salmons, the fading Brad Miller, various youth and filler. It was actually impressive that they won 38 games last season. We doubt they can do it again. Also off the bench is the King-again Bobby Jackson. But as for that other bench youth there's interesting stuff here, with Francisco Garcia, scoring rookie Donte Green, Jason Thompson, Spencer Hawes and Shelden Williams. The team hopes Green is special.

28) Minnesota Timberwolves (22-60) - The Wolves have some fun young talent. Star big man Al Jefferson has fantatic rookie help in Kevin Love, who should have an instant impact. Multi-talented Mike Miller is on board in the trade that sent OJ Mayo to the Grizzlies. That's a decent trio of players. Rashad McCants adds scoring punch. Randy Foye, Corey Brewer, Rodney Carney and other young guys have potential. Worth watching, even if they keep losing.

29) Oklahoma City Thunder (20-62) - Formerly the Seattle Sonics, now the Oklahoma City Thunder, have sold out all of their season tickets, which is impressive, even if they reportedly are selling the seats at pretty cheap prices. As for the team, swingman Kevin Durant is the star here, providing tons of points. Jeff Green and Chris Wilcox are the other key guys along with rookie point guard Russell Westbrook. Luke Ridnour is gone. Earl Watson is still here, but the team hopes Westbrook leaps past him and never looks back. This is a young, extremely raw roster who is basically an expansion team and should win 20-something games, but possibly be fun to watch while they lose.

30) Memphis Grizzlies (22-60) - With Mike Miller gone, the Grizzlies are 'built' around Rudy Gay, with help from rookie guard OJ Mayo, point guard Mike COnley, and new addition Marc Gasol, who despite the fact that he looks like he's never exercised is actually an accomplished overseas star. Hakim Warrick and Darko Milicic are here. Marko Jaric is decent. Antoine Walker is old. This team is totally in construction.

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

Nene Hilario looks forward to the upcoming NBA season - by Eurobasket News
Count Nene Hilario (6'10''-C-82) among those who were steamed when the Nuggets traded Marcus Camby to the Los Angeles Clippers. The irony is that the trade of Nene's best friend on the team has also been a reason for the Brazilian to smile. It was, in large part, a giant leap of faith in him.

'I'm gonna be honest, I was very angry during that time,' he said. 'First of all, he's like my brother. He helped me a lot.'

Economics drove the decision to move Camby. The team removed $10 million from its payroll, which was important for owner Stan Kroenke, who, according to the NBA, cut the league a luxury tax check of roughly $13.5 million for last season's payroll, which was $81 million.

Aside from money, the choice to make Nene the featured player in the middle was the unspoken part of the Camby trade. The Nuggets are relying on Nene as their center for now and the future. Within the organization there is a belief Nene is an all-star talent, if he can stay healthy and refine his game.

After beating testicular cancer and coming back from numerous injuries, Nene heads into the third year of a six-year, $60 million contract knowing he has to deliver if the Nuggets are going to improve.

With training camp set to start Sept. 30, Nene promises to be ready. He has spent all summer preparing.

'I've been though a lot of things, the injuries, the chemotherapy,' Nene said. 'To be able to be fine through the season, I had to sacrifice my summer and be in shape early to prevent all that stuff. So that's what I did.'

In past years, Nene spent much of the offseason in Brazil. This summer, he went for just 15 days in July.

'I know I was going to miss a lot of people in Brazil, but I know I have a lot of good people here, too,' Nene said. 'And for my game, I invested in myself. That's going to be an advantage in the future.'

In six seasons, the only thing that has defined Nene more than his trademark smile has been his trademark 'did not play' in the scoring summary. Injuries derailed a promising start to his career, then testicular cancer kept him out most of the second half of last season.

Since being drafted No. 7 overall in 2002 by the Knicks, then traded that night with Camby to the Nuggets, Nene has played in 293 of a possible 492 regular-season games, just under 60 percent.

Only once has Nene averaged more than 30 minutes a game (2003-04), which, incidentally, was the last time he started full time. Since starting all 77 games he played in that season, he has started just 61 games, total, over the past four seasons.

His injury list is long. In 2004-05, there was a sprained medial collateral ligament, a hip contusion and a strained hamstring. It was a torn ACL in the 2005-06 season opener that cost him 81 games.

Last season, he injured his left thumb in the fifth game of the season and missed seven weeks after surgery to repair a ligament. He returned Dec. 26, but left the team Jan. 11 after a tumor was found during a routine drug test. He played in 16 games before having surgery Jan. 14.

Nene said he still feels the effects of chemotherapy.

'It still bothers me a little bit,' Nene said. 'But I work hard and I feel better. I want that (cancer) to get out of my body. I feel better, but sometimes my stomach feels painful when I'm doing a lot of work or exercise.

'But that's why I came (back) early, to get accustomed to all of that stuff.'

He is not expected to have any more chemo, but will have checkups every three months. His weight has fluctuated because of the chemotherapy, but currently he's at 269.

In January 2007, the Nuggets put Nene on a diet and he lost 40 pounds. He entered the playoffs at 250 pounds, which he later said was too light for his position.

Nene, 6-feet-11, insists he can play at his current weight. Teammate Chris Andersen, who has been playing against Nene in pickup sessions, vouches for that.

'That's why I come in here and go against him, to try to push him a little bit more,' Andersen said. 'And I'm very, very impressed. It's hard for me sometimes because he's just so strong. He's definitely going to be able to take that center role.'

Nene sounds ready to put the past two years behind him.

'A lot of things that I had in my life all these injuries, all these physical problems I know for a lot of people's eyes these are bad things,' he said. 'But for my eyes, that is a good thing. They made me learn a lot of things spiritually. From what happened to me, the chemotherapy, the cancer, if you want to be an example you need to be an example in every aspect of your life, on and off the court. I have that experience.

'After the chemotherapy, a lot of people said, 'You're my hero because you're so young, and you've been through all of this stuff. You passed and you've come back strong.' A lot of people take me as an example. That is good.'

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

Denver Nuggets inks Sonny Weems - by Eurobasket News

Denver Nuggets announced signing of Sonny Weems (6'6''-G/F-86, college: Ark.-Ft.Smith JC) on Monday. Terms of the contract were not announced.

Sonny Weems graduated this year on University of Arkansas. He was one of the players which led Arkansas during the wonderful 07/08 season, ended with NCAA title. For 34 games Sonny Weems averaged 15 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.6 apg and 1.3 spg. At the end of season he was elected 'All-SEC 1st Team -08' as well as 'NABC Division I All-District 9 Second Team -08'. Interesting is that Weems also won on 'College Slam Dunk Champion -08'. In 06/07 Weems also shined registering a bit lower digits than it was in the last one. For 35 games he had 11.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 2.1 apg. His Arkansas reached SEC tournament final while he was named 'All-Tournament Team'. He joined Arkansas from Ark.-FT. Smith JC in 2006. Before he transferred to Arkansas University he was named All-NJCAA D1 Honorable Mention -06.

At NBA draft this past summer Sonny Weems was elected in the second round by Chicago. Later, Bulls traded right on him to Denver for a 2009 second-round draft pick. He played at the Las Vegas Summer league for Denver. In July, Weems had surgery to repair a sports hernia. He was expected to fully recover in time for the start of training camp on September 30th.



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


Ivy League clears Harvard, Amaker of recruiting questions - by Eurobasket News
Harvard University and head basketball coach Tommy Amaker have been cleared by the Ivy League of improper recruiting activity during the spring and summer of 2007.

A New York Times story in March said that Kenny Blakeney, the top assistant on Amaker's staff, reportedly visited two recruits when in-person contact is not allowed. Blakeney was announced as a Harvard assistant coach on July 2, 2007.

Blakeney was mentioned along with Amaker and Harvard as being cleared in a news release distributed by the Ivy League.

Both Amaker and Blakeney 'were completely forthcoming in their participation in this inquiry, and interviews with others who were involved, as well as a thorough examination of relevant records, corroborated that the coaches' contacts with prospective student-athletes and their families were entirely consistent with NCAA and Ivy League rules,' according to the Ivy League news release.

Courtesy of http://sports.espn.go.com/

No point guard? No problem for Purdue - by Eurobasket News
The differences are obvious between the Purdue Boilermakers and most other talented teams that recently tried to operate without a pure point guard: More victories, fewer excuses.

Last season, Purdue coach Matt Painter employed Keaton Grant (6'4''-G-86) as his point guard of record. Grant is an excellent defender and leader and a first-rate jumpshooter. In his second season with the Boilermakers, Grant averaged 11.2 points and shot 44 percent from 3-point range. He rarely makes mistakes. That he is not a conventional playmaker, though, is obvious in the fact he ranked fourth on the team in assists.

Lately, Purdue has had lots of guys who can play the position but nobody who truly fits it. Not a single player in either season reached 100 assists for the year. And yet they were invited to the last two NCAA Tournaments and advanced both times, and they will make it again this year even if they choose to follow the same approach.

'The two toughest things to get in recruiting are a true point guard and a true big man,' Purdue associate head coach Paul Lusk said. 'It's not that we weren't trying.

'If you can't get a true point guard, the next-best thing is a big combo. Each team is different, but you have to adjust to your personnel.'

One reason Purdue has succeeded where (so many) others have failed is defense. The Boilermakers committed to one another and to Painter's emphasis on pressuring the perimeter.

The biggest reason, though, is they field so many players willing to help fill the position. 'It is something I really do enjoy because I like getting everybody involved, distributing the ball,' junior Chris Kramer said. 'I know what's going on out on the court, what everybody can do, getting them in the right positions so they can really excel at what they do.'

When Grant was injured and unable to play on the team's August trip to Australia, Kramer and sophomore E'Twaun Moore played the point. Forward Robbie Hummel doesn't run the offense, but he is such an able and willing passer he contributes to its functionality more than just his double-digit scoring. And any of those players who grabs a rebound is likely to put it on the floor and push forward toward a fastbreak.

Although there hasn't been a Marques Haynes-style ballhandler on the squad, the Boilermakers don't do anything foolish with the basketball. They handle it carefully until someone is in position to score.

It's amazing how effective that can be. It's astounding that Purdue could be such a team with four freshmen among its top seven players. All but forward Scott Martin return; he transferred to Notre Dame.

'Last year, we really didn't know what to expect a lot of times. We just knew to go play hard,' Moore said. 'Now that we know how to execute, how hard we actually have to go play and how physically other teams play, we'll be a lot better.'

It didn't hurt Purdue that it operated in the Big Ten, in which few teams have the requisite athleticism to extend their defenses and fewer still choose to pursue that course. But when the Boilers did face a capable opponent that goes after the ball - on the road, no less - they determined the tempo of their game against Clemson and only lost by three.

'Coach Painter puts those guys in a position to be successful,' Lusk said.

Purdue did add a conventional point guard as part of its 2008 freshman class: 5-9 Lewis Jackson of Decatur, Ill. At that size, there's no other position he can play. He is strong, quick, creative and fast and eventually will give Purdue the option of playing more conventionally.

With several excellent shooters and scorers in its rotation, a creative point guard would energize Purdue's offense. Although playing on the ball helped develop his skills, Grant could blossom if he were able to concentrate more on scoring.

How long it takes for 'eventually' to arrive remains to be seen. No one's in any rush. Until that time arrives, Purdue will continue winning games and making the common lament of others - If only we had a point guard - sound hollow.

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

*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


Wheelchair Basketball is growing in Nigeria Babalola - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Engineer Babatunde Babalola deep love for the growth of the game of basketball in Nigeria lately cannot be under estimated with the sponsorship of two competitions in quick succession by his company First Deepwater Discovery Limited and for identifying with the physically challenged players.

In a brief chat with journalists in Lagos the First Deepwater Discovery boss says Wheelchair basketball is gaining grounds in Nigeria.

The Ekiti State-born oil magnate believed the nations U22 national who are currently in camp ahead the Africa Wheelchair Basketball Championship billed for Johannesburg, South Africa from September 30 through October 5 will not disappoint the nation.

Babalola who is not expecting the team coached by National Institute for Sports, NIS senior lecturer, OBrien Adoki to make appreciable impact in the sport dominated by South African. Excerpt:

On the team preparation?

I think the two weeks they have to prepare for the Africa Championship in all honesty is not enough but the players and their handlers knows what is ahead of them to put the little time they have to good use.

Expectation from the team?

As a lover of the game and sponsor of the team, I am not expecting them to win judging by the pedigree of the South Africans who have dominated Wheelchair basketball for a long time in Africa, dont forget that the South Africans have a Wheelchair basketball league and are a force to reckon with in the game at the world stage but I am confident that our team would not disappoint at the end.

Level of the game in Nigeria?

The enthusiasm displayed by the players at the recent open camp screening exercise conducted in Lagos is a pointer that the Wheelchair basketball has a future in Nigeria and with the little space of time the game came into existence in the country I will say the game is growing and can only be supported to develop further against the back drop that these physically challenge individuals are making serious effort to useful to the society.

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


NCAA playoff matches - by Eurobasket News
September 14 - Four teams clash today in a tedious process to complete the Final Four cast in the NCAA basketball tournament at the Astrodome.

In a pair of playoff matches, San Sebastian College faces Jose Rizal University at 2 p.m. while Mapua collides with Letran College at 4 p.m.

The winners of these playoffs take the floor to dispute the twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals while the losers square off for the right to face idle defending champion San Beda College in the Final Four.

The first match features teams that were able to string together eight wins during the season.

The Stags, who had a 1-4 start, ended the eliminations winning eight of their last nine games, the most recent a 58-62 decision against the Red Lions.

The Heavy Bombers, meanwhile, rose from a 0-2 start and racked up eight straight wins. But they lost three of their last four games to end with a 9-5 record.

'We are just thankful to God for giving us another chance. We have to keep the faith,' JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia said.

San Sebastian mentor Jorge Gallent, however, is still wary despite JRUs poor form of late.

'JRU is a strong team. If we want to beat them, we have to play 40 minutes of aggressive basketball,' said Gallent.

The Stags swept their two meetings with the Bombers in the eliminations.

Jason Ballesteros (198-C) and Jim Viray have been Gallents reliable performers with Jimbo Aquino, Froilan Saquillo, Raymond Maconocido, and John Raymundo providing occasional support.

Vanguardia, meanwhile, is counting on veterans James Sena, Marc Cagoco, John Wilson, and Marvin Hayes.

Two teams based in Intramuros collide in the other playoff duel.

Undefeated in its first six matches, Letran faded and only won three of its last eight games.

Mapua, on the other hand, is enjoying a four-game roll.

'The hottest team as of the moment ang Mapua,' Letran coach Louie Alas said. 'We have to do a good job on handling Ian Mazo, Kelvin dela Pea, Jonathan Banal and Allan Mangahas especially on transition.

Mapua mentor Leo Isaac , however, was cautious in his assessment.

'Malakas ang Letran pero maganda ang naging preparation namin,' Isaac said.

The Letran and Mapua split their matches in the elims, with the Knights taking the first round, 67-60, and Mapua winning the second, 69-52.

Opening the playoffs is the junior match pitting La Salle Greenhills and JRU at 11:30 a.m.

Courtesy of www.mb.com.ph

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


Mroz with an injury - by Filip Stanczyk


Standings - DBE
DBE Standings
 1. Slask 0-0 
 2. Anwil 0-0 
 3. Sportino I. 0-0 
 4. Polonia 0-0 
 5. PBG Basket 0-0 
 6. Gornik W. 0-0 
 7. AZS Koszalin 0-0 
 8. Kotwica 0-0 
 9. Turow 0-0 
 10. Atlas Stal 0-0 
 11. En.Czarni 0-0 
 12. Znicz J. 0-0 
 13. Prokom 0-0 
 14. Polpharma 0-0 
 15. Basket 0-0 


Standings - 1 Liga
1Liga Standings
 1. BT Wozki 0-0 
 2. Zastal ZG 0-0 
 3. Stal SW 0-0 
 4. Siarka T. 0-0 
 5. Resovia 0-0 
 6. Zubry 0-0 
 7. Sudety JG 0-0 
 8. LKS Lodz 0-0 
 9. AZS Kalisz 0-0 
 10. Sokol L. 0-0 
 11. Big Star 0-0 
 12. Polonia 2011 0-0 
 13. MOSiR Kr. 0-0 
 14. MMKS DG 0-0 
 15. Prokom II 0-0 
 16. AZS AWF K-ce 0-0 


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


Back To Work - by Nuno Vieira
Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras the ProLiga Champion is back to work. Today the portuguese players have join the club and made the usual medical exames.
With a re build team, where Amadeu Cordeiro is one of the players with more experience, Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras will have a lot of work to do.
But the underdogs Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras have proven last season that with hard work and a great group, everything its possible.

Coach Jose Tavares have pick up, all the players he wanted to the season 2008-2009, so the US players will arrive to the club soon!!

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


Market News - by Richard
Macedonian sharpshooter Enes Hadjibulic (196-G-83) continues his career in Romania but not in Dinamo Bucharest where he last year score 18.6 points per game but in CSU Brasov. Hadjibulic signed one year deal with Brasov and should be again among best scorers of the league.

Standings
Div.A Standings
 1. Dinamo Buc. 0-0 
 2. CSU Sibiu 0-0 
 3. BCM Tim. 0-0 
 4. CSM Oradea 0-0 
 5. Rapid Buc. 0-0 
 6. Tg Mures 0-0 
 7. CSU Ploies. 0-0 
 8. UMobitelco 0-0 
 9. CSU Brasov 0-0 
 10. BCM Pitesti 0-0 
 11. Gaz Metan M. 0-0 
 12. CSM Craiova 0-0 
 13. Rm Valcea 0-0 
 14. Rovinari 0-0 
 15. CS Otopeni 0-0 
 16. Targoviste 0-0 


*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


CSKA won another game in their Italian journey - by Eurobasket News
CSKA won another game in their Italian journey. Yesterday the Russian squad played the third game of Italian tour and overcame Virtus 73:58. The game was played on the court of new Futurshow Station - completely reconstructed famous Palamalaguti arena. CSKA opened the game easily with 19:6 and led to 17-point advantage at the halftime. Virtus bounced back in the third period and reduced to 2 points after 25:10 in the third quarter. The last period was supposed to bring more intrigue but CSKA had 24:11 in it to seal another win. Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) led the winners with 20 points. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) nailed 17 and Langdon together with Morris produced 8 points apiece. Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) top-scored in the losing effort with 14 points, Ford netted 13 and Earl Boykins (168-G-76, college: E.Michigan) added 9.
Spartak from St Petersburg lost to Turkish Fenerbahce 79:84. It was the last game for the Russian team in the Italian tour. Spartak led 28:24 after the opening quarter and remained in front at the halftime. Fenerbahce closed the gap after two to minus two points after 23:21 in the second. Spartak from St Petersburg won also the third period to improve to 68:64. In the last period however the Turkish side was too good for the opponent. They managed to have 20:11 to win the game 84:79. Zakhar Pashutin (195-G-74) top-scored for Spartak with 20 points.

Standings - Superleague A
A Superleague Standings
 1. CSKA 0-0 
 2. Spartak SP 0-0 
 3. Dynamo M. 0-0 
 4. Ural Great 0-0 
 5. Lok.Novos. 0-0 
 6. CSK VVS 0-0 
 7. Unics 0-0 
 8. Krasnoyarsk 0-0 
 9. Khimky 0-0 
 10. Univ.Surgut 0-0 
 11. Spartak-P. 0-0 
 12. Lok.Rostov 0-0 
 13. Triumph 0-0 


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


Team Serbia waits Finland tomorrow - by Dragan Jankovski
Team Serbia will have a chance tomorrow in Belgrade's Arena to seal a place for EuroBasket 2009 in Poland. If Serbia beat Finland tomorrow, the last game in Bulgaria will be just the formality. On the other hand it could be very important for Bulgaria, especially if Italy celebrates against it tomorrow.
As a reminder Finland was better than Serbia the first game 80-77 thanks to many successful long range strokes. Head coach of Team Serbia Dusan Ivkovic after that game stated that referees weren't on a good level, especially at the very end. However, Serbia will have a chance for revenge tomorrow. Ivkovic one again won't be able to count on Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket), who sprained his ankle last week. Uros Tripkovic (196-G-86) has some pain in his knee but he will be ready to play.

One of the biggest Serbian prospects Stefan Markovic (191-G-88) before the game stated that Serbia will revenge for defeat in Finland.

'We have two more games until the end. The first one is the most important at this moment as Finland is the only team which beat us in these qualifications. We will give our best in the front of our fans in Arena and I am sure it will be enough. We will prove we are much better team than Finland and that defeat in the first game was just our bad day', said Stefan Markovic.

Big guy Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85) said: 'Tomorrow's game is the most important so far. We have to beat Finland in order to secure a spot for EuroBasket 2009. In that case we will be out of pressure in Bulgaria'.

The game is scheduled for tomorrow at 20:30h and entrance once again will be free.

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


Regeneracom joins Peixe Galego - by Robert Mayor
Peixe Galego and Regeneracom, marketing and communication consultancy, have signed a sponsorship agreement for the 2008-2009 season on the junior team of Peixe Galego will be renamed Peixe Galego Regeneracom.

In the 2007-2008 season, already played in this junior team, which finished fourth of Galicia, staying one step away from qualifying round to Spanish Championships, three players represented by Regeneracom Sports, as were the the dominicans Junior National Team Gregorio Adn (born in 1991) and Jose Enrique Henrquez (1992) and the U18 Georgia National Team Beqa Chikviladze (1991), the highest scorer of his NT in the U16 European Championship Division 'A' in 2007.

In addition to the name of the team, Regeneracom also will be present at the shirts of the components of the junior team.

Richard Damus and Carl Damus, new CB Quintanar players - by Robert Mayor
The 1'98 small forward Richard Damus (198-F-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports) and the 2'02 power forward Carl Damus (203-C-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports) will play in 1st National Division in CB Quintanar, in Cuenca, with the team trying to get promotion to EBA League. Richard and Carl are brothers and have been formed in NCAA.
Richard Damus is a very athletic small forward able to dominate played spectacular and with a capacity of impressive jump.

This was a proper technical capability, which allows him to be decisive in the 1 to 1 offensive. Alike, makes his physical very important in defence against forwards less powerful than himself.

Carl Damus is a corpulent american 2'02 power forward circumstance that takes this to be a strong man inside.

Brother Richard Damus, played with him in High School, where Carl was elected to Port St. Lucie HS in the second team of state and the first team from the conference, averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds per game in his senior year of high school. In Junior College, Pensacola, Carl finished with 10 points and 8 rebounds, and subsequently joined the University of Bakersfield (NCAA Div 2).

Pre-Season Round Up (Monday 15/09 games) - by Paul Nilsen
It was a case of home comfort for Trifon Poch and his beleagured CB Granada team who finally got that elusive pre-season victory with an impressive performance against Lietuvos Rytas. The 76-72 success again witnessed Granada have offensive difficulties but they played good defence to counteract this and came away happy from the game. Even more impressive is that Poch had to do without the services of Videnov and Scepanovic but could rely on the dominance of Jimmie Hunter and Curtis Borchardt. However this time, the two stars were ably helped by scoring from elsewhere with Argentinian Gianella racking up 13 points and Nacho Martin also getting into double figures with 10. Granada were cheered on by a healthy 2,500 fans in their home-court.

300 fortunate fans were present in the city of Logrono, half way between CAI Zaragoza and Iurbentia Bilbao to watch both ACB teams clash with the latter coming out on top by 77-68. It was a game that was typically pre-season with multiple substitutions and while Zaragoza had the top scorer in the game with Quinteros and also veteran Larry Lewis weighing in with 13, it was Bilbao that produced the stronger team performance. They found some 31 points off the bench for that extra depth to overcome a sluggish start to the game when Zaragoza had took the early initiative. The newly promoted side have a chance to rectify this defeat as they face Gran Canaria tonight while the club is the latest to be featured in the Ultimate ACB Guide in Englsih at www.acb.basket.com.

Finally 1,000 fans in Malaga at Clinicas Roncon were treated to a thrilling game and a spectacular 32 point display from Taquan Dean (193-G-83, college: Louisville) whose valuation of 39 helped visiting Polaris Wolrd Murcia to a 107-110 win. It was hard to bear for the LEB Oro team with the home side having looked good in the first half for the victory. However after double overtime, the teams were finally separated and Murcia coach Hussein can look back on some good performances from his big men also with Chris Moss and Lamont Barnes both reaching double figures.

*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Standings - Basketligan
Basketligan Standings
 1. Norrkoping 0-0 
 2. Plannja 0-0 
 3. 08 0-0 
 4. Sodertalje 0-0 
 5. Helsingborg 0-0 
 6. Jamtland 0-0 
 7. Boras 0-0 
 8. Solna 0-0 
 9. Sundsvall 0-0 
 10. Uppsala 0-0 
 11. Gothia Basket 0-0 


Standings - BasketEttan
Basketettan Standings
North
 1. Lidingo 0-0 
 2. Umea 0-0 
 3. Blackeberg 0-0 
 4. Lulea BG 0-0 
 5. Hallsta 0-0 
 6. Lulea Steel 0-0 
 7. Akropol 0-0 
 8. Talje 0-0 
 9. Polisen 0-0 
 10. Haga Haninge 0-0 
 11. Alvik Basket 0-0 
 12. KFUM Uppsala 0-0 
 13. Orongo 0-0 
South
 1. NUBF 0-0 
 2. S:t Helena 0-0 
 3. Soder 0-0 
 4. Sanda 0-0 
 5. Norrkoping BK 0-0 
 6. Saltsjobaden 0-0 
 7. Eos 0-0 
 8. Orebro 0-0 
 9. Kalmar 0-0 
 10. Srbija 0-0 
 11. Kvarnby 0-0 
 12. Nassjo 0-0 


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


Fribourg signs Franks, MGS Grand-Saconnex agrees with Zahirovic - by Eurobasket News
Fribourg Olympic announced signing of American Clifford Franks (201-F-83, college: Prairie View A&M) on a one-year contract. Franks started last season in Protuguese team CTM V. Pouca de Aguiar but in December he moved to German SG Manheim. He played only 3 games in 2. Regionalliga after what he left the team. For those 3 games Clifford Franks averaged 11.7 ppg. He graduated at Prairie View A&M University in 2007. For 27 games in NCAA he added 4.6 ppg and 2.8 rpg. Franks started his studies in Mountain View College in 2003 but after two years he transferred to Prairie Ciew A&M. His best season in NCAA was 04/05 when Franks averaged 18 ppg and 14 rpg.

In the meantime MGS Grand-Saconnex Basket agreed terms with Namik Zahirovic (192-F-77). Experienced forward played last eason in LNB team Chene BC adding 15.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg and 2.7 apg. He started 07/08 in Bernex Onex Basket but got released in December. Zahirovic spent many years playing for Swiss LNA and LNB teams. Some of those are Geneve Devils, Neuchatel and Vernier. His best achievement so far is LNA final with Geneve Devils in 2005. He helped the Devils that season with 2.3 ppg and 1.1 rpg. His recorded the best digits in LNA during the 03/04 as a member of Neuchatel. For 22 games he had 10.1 ppg and 3.2 rpg.

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


Zion wins Inter-neighborhood hoops title - by David Edole
After several weeks of intense competition, the Caribbean Education Initiative Sun Stroke Inter-neighborhood Hood Hoop Competition has come to an end with the Sion Farm Zion claiming the championship after defeating the Fredensborg Hoyas, 68-52, at Sion Farm park on Friday.

Rashidi Clenance, league organizer, said the Hood Hoop Competition included boys between the ages of 13 and 15 from neighborhoods across the island with teams representing Walter I.M. Hodge Housing Community, Ralph deChabert Housing Community, Sion Farm, JFK Housing Community, Candido Guadeloupe Housing Community, Estate Whim, Mon Bijou and William's Delight.

He said the inter-neighborhood league was a concept that was born more than two years ago, but never materialized because of lack of support and safety concerns.
'People were very skeptical and advised me against going into these neighborhoods to host the games so it was hard to get it started,' he said.

Clenance said he had since seen the overwhelming need for the event and aggressively solicited and received support from the Police Department, who provided security each night at the games, which began in August.

'These kids from neighborhoods, that are otherwise at odds, came out and showed great sportsmanship and we had no incidents,' he said.

He said Traxco, DJ Hatma and youth coaches like Ludvig Sealey supported the events and the youth to make it a successful venture.

He said because the games were held in the neighborhood there was a large support from the home-team fans that pushed the players to perform at their best and now they must play to live up to the expectations of their fans.

Clenance said the league was formed because he has seen a tremendous increase in serious crimes being committed by teens and he believes that if they are given an avenue to exert their energy, they can turn it into positive.

'Youth are very impressionable in their teens and we want them to get engaged in positive activities, be responsible and ultimately make good choices in life,' he said.

The inter-neighborhood league is hoped to become an annual summer affair, so that students are not distracted from school work and school leagues. Clenance said he also hopes to get community support to realize the importance of such event and expand the league to the St. Thomas- St. John district.

This Friday and Saturday, the championship trophy and other awards will be given following the King of the Court Inter-island Men's League Championship which will feature the East Rockers from Tortola, Jam Squad from St. Thomas, the Hoyas from St. Croix and the UVI Bucs from St. Thomas.

Clenance said anyone interested in owning a team for the next inter-neighborhood league can call 332-6280 for more information.

By FIONA STOKES

*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


Pulsar became the winner of the international tournament in Rovno - by Eurobasket News
Pulsar became the winner of the international tournament in Rovno, Ukraine. The team hosted Vitalyur and OZAA from Belarus and American amateur team Kapelani.
In day 1 OZAA overcame Kapelani 115:97 with a massive 28:13 in the start. Milos Ristic (198-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 29 points. Ivanov Evgeni nailed 20 and Milos Maksimovic (200-F-85) scored 12. Hall was the best in the losing effort with 21 points.
Pulsar opened the tournament with 71:58 victory over Vitalyur. The team from Belarus won the opening quarter 21:13 and was also in front at the halftime. A 19:11 and 18:11 in the second half brought the Ukrainian side the win in the opener. Bryantsev top-scored for the winners with 18 points. Belov netted 15 and Nerush scored 14. Sviridov finished the game with 14 points for Vitalyur.
In Day 2 Vitalyur overcame OZAA in the battle of the teams from Belarus. The winners controlled the majority of the game, but OZAA was managed to reduce after 28:16 in the last period. Shustov led the winners with 18 points. Sviridov nailed 15 and Zaytsev posted 14. Osipovich top-scored in defeat with 21 points. Milos Ristic nailed 17 and Ivanov Evgeni had 14.
Pulsar did not have any difficulties over Kapelani smashing them 104:64. Belov led the game with 22 points and Dyabo posted 15. Again Hall top-scored in the losing effort with 17 points.
In Day 3 Vitalyur grabbed the second position outscoring Kapelani 116:67. Sviridov top-scored with 22 points, Dadikin added 20 and Patsevich had 17. Williams led the way for the American team with 18 points.
Pulsar triumphed with 84:78 win over OZAA in the last game of the tournament. Dmitri Dyatlovsky (195-G-85, agency: Promotex) paced all the winners with 23 points. Dyabo posted 20 and Belov added 15. Stankovic ended up with 18 points in defeat.

In the friendly games Sauliai lost to Sumihimprom 78:88 on Tuesday. The game was even and in some periods of time Lithuanian team controlled the game. Sumihimprom however used a 19-0 run throughout the game to seal the victory. Green led the winners with 18 points. Marcenis nailed 15 as well as Kuso had the same number of points. Stanevicus and Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) ended up with 22 points in the losing effort each.

Barons overcame Mykolaiv 85:77 last night. Latvian side was too good in the opening quarter opening the game with 18:14 lead. Ukrainian team replied with 23;20 in the second but could not win any of the quarters from the second half. Barons clinched the victory due to 25:20 in the third and 22:20 in the last. Giedrius Gustas (190-G-80, agency: Interperformances) led the winners with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Braits followed him with 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Henings nailed 12. Wilkins top-scored for Mykolaiv with 21 points, Hlebovickis collected 13 points and 8 boards and Rajevskiy scored 13.

*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


Riders Land BBL Legend Windless - by George Manousidis
Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders have signed Tony Windless (196-F-70, college: Sam Houston St.), one of the BBL's most successful players, to their roster for the 2008/09 season.

The 6'5' forward has won every trophy on offer in British basketball during a glittering career that ironically began in Leicester when he made his BBL debut for London Towers in 1994.

'Obviously when you sign Tony Windless you are getting valuable experience, leadership and someone who knows what it takes to be successful,' said Coach Rob Paternostro. 'He's been there and done it in the BBL and has a clutch of medals to prove it.

'But to me that stuff is just a bonus, because what I'm excited about is we are getting one heck of a player. Tony still has an awful lot to give in this league and I think he's going to make a huge impact for us this season.'

In January, Windless helped Milton Keynes Lions claim their first trophy in club history when he netted 22 points in their BBL Cup final victory over Newcastle Eagles.

It was the latest medal in a career that has also included stops in Derby, Newcastle, Scottish Rocks and three years in France with Besancon, Gravelines and Montpellier.

With over 5,000 career points to his name, Windless ranks in the top 20 scorers in the history of British basketball and is also amongst the elite for rebounds and floor shots as well. Last season he averaged 9 points and 5 rebounds a contest for the Lions.

Windless signed in time to play for the Riders against USA Select in the Leicester International Tournament on Saturday. He had an impressive debut as he poured in 17 points off 60% shooting in only 21 minutes of action as Riders won the trophy.

Wolves Make Finishing Touches - by George Manousidis
The Worcester Wolves are putting the finishing touches to their preparations for the 2008/09 British Basketball League season which begins in two weeks time. A race against the clock to clear Americans Will Funn and Jamaal Caterina has the club shorthanded for their friendly down in Plymouth this weekend; with any luck though they will arrive within the next week.

With long season ahead, Coach Harker has added depth to the team in the form of point guards Roy Owen (183-G), who was probably the most successful player in the Wolves second team last season, and Steve Archer (180-G-86), who will also compete for time in the point guard position. The club is still looking to add one more experienced BBL guard to their roster.

Guard/forward Ben Potts (194-F-85) returns to the team for his sixth season with the Wolves and is now the longest serving player at the club. He is joined by 6 8 forward Oliver Turner (198-F), another product of Wolves development programme.

Also in the line-up will be 7 0 Aussie International Justin Brown (213-C-80, agency: Passing Lane, college: Connecticut), who also holds a British passport. In training camp as well is 6 5 European standout, Tommy Johnson (196-G/F-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Texas Wesleyan) who was born in Lakenheath and hails from Dallas. Also 6 7 Frenchman Harry Disy (201-F-84, college: Louisiana Tech) has looked very impressive and athletic in camp. English U18 standout, Andrew Wallace (193-G-90) has shown promise early on in training camp. Coach Harker is very enthusiastic about his summer recruits During our first week I have been delighted with the players attitudes and effort. After evaluation, I am happy to report that all players have been better than I hoped for, but we have a major task ahead of us if we are to form a cohesive unit in the next two weeks.

The team travels down to Plymouth Raiders for the first of two pre-season friendly games (Saturday 13th September; tip-off at 7.30 p.m.).

Top EBL team, Reading Rockets are going to make the trip up from the Thames Valley to Worcester on Saturday 20 September to play the new-look Wolves. This will give the Wolves fans an opportunity to see our newly arrived players in action.

The Rockets have performed consistently well in EBL Division 1 over the last few years and are coached by the very well respected Dave Titmuss. Their team is a good mix of youth and experience and will be very well drilled.

Head Coach Skouson Harker said, We are very excited to have Rockets come to Worcester for a pre season tilt. It will be a good chance for fans to see our new look team take the floor for the first time in Worcester this season. I know the players are getting anxious to get going and this friendly will help get things right for us on the court. I would imagine Will and Jamaal would have landed by then, fingers crossed. I am looking forward to seeing a lot of familiar faces as we are so reliant on our superb supporters.

Please note that, due to ongoing construction works, access to the sports hall will be via the disabled persons car park. Please park in the big car park on the right as you enter from Hylton Road, walk past the outdoor court at the end of the sports hall and then turn left along the footpath to the glass double doors.

The season proper begins with a trip to Cheshire Jets on Sunday 28 October 2008 at 5.30 p.m. The first Championship home game at the University of Worcester is against the Scottish Rocks on Saturday 4 October 2008 at 7 p.m.

Wolves Fight Short Handed - by George Manousidis
The Worcester Wolves opened up thier pre-season with a hard fought 104-95 loss to the Plymouth Raiders. Worcester played without two imports 66 Jamaal Caterina and point guard Will Funn, who are both awaiting entry clearance into the UK. The Raiders, predicted to compete strongly for the BBL Championship, came out firing on all cylinders and held an early led. In the early stages Wolves summer signing Justin Brown used his strapping 7 0 frame to score the Wolves first eight points of the game with an array of moves, including a rim shaking monster jam. Brown commented afterwards that he wanted to bring the basket down. Browns huge slam and post-dunk growl seemed to fire up the other players. Brown dominated the paint for 12 first-quarter points.

Wolves continued to trail throughout the first half. They then went on a high scoring burst fuelled by the defensive play of Roy Owen and England U18 star Andrew Wallace (193-G-90), and some fine bench work from Olly Turner, as Player/Head Coach Skouson Harker sat out the quarter with three personal fouls. Fine team defensive play saw the Wolves bring the score back to 40-40. Plymouth then showed their class by finishing the first half with a 15-0 spurt spearheaded by lighting quick guards Andrew Lasker and Anthony Martin.

The second half saw English/American new boy Tommy Johnson find his form, making some fine baskets on his way to 14 second half points finishing with 19 points for the game. Coach Harker found his shot with two quick threes while having a commanding second half producing 22 points to finish with a game high 27 points. Brown continued his dominant play to finish with 26 points and 15 rebounds, while Frenchman Harry Disy worked well inside to finish with nine points and nine rebounds. But all this was not enough as Plymouth held off a Steve Archer led fast break attack that saw the Wolves outscore Plymouth in both the third and fourth quarters. All said and done, Wolves Coach Harker was very pleased with the effort. We showed a lot of pride down in Plymouth. They are the best they have ever been, and to travel down to their home arena, which was at near capacity, and play with such energy was very pleasing. I asked certain players to rise to the task and guys like Roy, Andrew, Olly and Steve did a good solid job for us. Once we get our two Americans on board we will be a very difficult team to beat. We have a great mix of size and speed and we are hungry and committed to make our mark this season.

Wolves continue their preparations this Saturday (20 September) at home in the Wolves Den at the University of Worcester Sports Centre against top EBL 1 side Reading Rockets. Tip off is at for 4 pm.

sdfds - by Dave Ryan
Leopards opened their season by splitting their two games in the Worthing Thunder tournament on Saturday.
The Big Cats lost 80-61 to Irish Superleague champions DART Killester in the opening game, but bounced back to defeat Neptune 67-60 in their second game.
The results were enough to give them third place in the competition, though they ended up with an identical record with second placed Thunder.
A good performance in the first 11 of minutes of the 30 minute game saw Leopards leading Killester 28-22, but the Irish side took control after that and went in at half-time leading 38-32.
The first seven minutes of the second half proved key as Killerster went on a 20-2 run. England junior international Robert Gilchrist was the only Leopard to score in that time before Lee McCarthy broke the run with an and-one
The lead ballooned to 28 at one stage, but a strong finish from Leopards younger players saw Lucas Volskis and Kenroy Wood each drain a pair of trey as the Big Cats got the margin under 20.
Volskis led the Leopards scoring with 11 points and three assists, while Wood finished with nine.
Coach Jon Burnell managed to get all 11 players into the action in the first half, with all of the team playing at least ten minutes.
The second game saw an improved performance as third place in the competition was wrapped up with a comfortable victory against Neptune.
Kevin Griffin led the way with 13 points, while Gareth Laws hit 12 and Carl Latham-Henry, Sam Salter and Robert Gilchrist each scored eight.
The Irish team opened the scoring, but an 11-0 run from Leopards capped by a Laws trey gave the Big Cats a lead they never lost.
A basket from Lee McCarthy put the Big Cats up be ten going into the final 90 seconds of the half, and a Salter buzzer beater sent them into the locker room with a 38-25 lead.
Whatever the Irish coach said at half-time clearly had the desired effect as Neptune opened with the first ten points of the second half before Johnnie Carter broke the run. Back-to-back Griffin three-pointers put Leopards back in control , and with Robert Gilchrist hammering home a couple of dunks, the Big Cats wrapped up their first victory of the season.
Leopards did leave the Worthing Leisure Centre with one piece of silverware as Wood comfortably won the three-point contest which was staged after the second semi-final. The 18-year-old shooting guard drained 15 three pointers in two minutes to lift the trophy.

Greg Meldrum

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  URUGUAY   


Malvin is now the only leader - by Hector Lopez
Brad Kanis (218-C-84) scored 26 points and grabbed 15 rebounds playing his best game since he arrived and Welcome beat 101-98 Tabare, which was one of the leaders of the Uruguayan League. Malvin, dfefeating Cordon96-80 is now the only leader of the LUB, at the beggining of the 7th round. The results and figures for the import players were as follows:
Tabare 98 - Clarence Matthews (201-F-82, agency: 22ft, college: Tennessee St.) 30 points 11 rebounds Ryan Blankson (198-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Loyola, IL) 26 and 20
Welcome 101 - Brad Kanis 26 and 15, JR Morris (196-G-82, college: Seton Hall) 8 and 7
- - -
Malvin 96 - Jarrett Stephens 15 and 6, Anthony Washington (206-F/C-83, agency: Duran International, college: Portland St.) 12 and 7
Cordon - 'Pop' Thornton (201-F-74, college: W.Kentucky) 28 and 9, Cameron Echols (203-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Ball St.) 10 and 5
- - -
Bohemios 64 - Albert Burditt (203-F-72, college: Texas) 11 and 11, Darryl Butterfield (201-F) 8 and 6
Olimpia 77 - Reque Newsome (203-C-82, college: S.Indiana) 9 and 10. Eric Freeman (205-C-79, college: Ky Wesleyan) left the field injured after 4 minutes with 0 and 4

Dilligard will play for Olimpia - by Hector Lopez
Greg Dilligard (203-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International) will be arriving tomorrow (Wednesday 17) to join Olimpia, it was announced by the team. Dilligard played four seasons witjh Illinois State. Last year he went to play with Sodertalje Kings, from Sweden. He had a record of 22 games, 12 ppg, 8.3 rpg 1.5bpp, 2Pts: 60.2% (121-201), free throws: 45.7% (21-46). Olimpia is in the second place of the Uruguayan League with a 5-2 record. Dilligard will replace Eric Freeman (205-C-79, college: Ky Wesleyan).

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


Butterfield will play for Bohemios - by Hector Lopez
Darryl Butterfield (201-F) signed to play for Bohemios the Uruguayan League, according to sources from the team. Butterfield, from Missouri University, arrived yesterday for a trial. He will replace Anthony Rice, who left the team with 12.8 ppg2.2 rpg 1.5 apg. Bohemios has a 2-4 recoird for the LUB. Also yestarday arrived Cline-Heard Gyasi (202-F-79, college: Penn St.), who was signed by Paysandu BC. It will the second season in Uruguay for Cline-Heard who already played during the LUB 2004, winning the Uruguayan championship.

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  VENEZUELA   


Standings - LNB
LNB Standings
 1. Graneros 8-2 
 2. Duros 8-2 
 3. Trujillo 6-4 
 4. Centauros 5-5 
 5. Cojedes 4-6 
 6. Tiburones 3-7 
 7. Estudiantes 3-7 
 8. Falcon 3-7 




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Women News

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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Perth Lynx re-sign exciting guards Marsh and Kelly - by Eurobasket News
The Go for 2&5 Perth Lynx have been very busy the last few months re-signing and signing new local WA talent.

Two of these re-signings will see versatile and exciting guards Melissa Marsh (175-G-85) and Tanya Kelly take to the court again for the 08/09 season.

We are so lucky to have Min (Marsh) return from last season. The improvements she has made to her defensive game has made her a more complete player and I believe we have not seen the best from the 23 year old Coach Joe McKay stated.

I think Min will put her best foot forward this season to build on what she has already achieved personally from previous years, and also for the future of development in the West which is shaping up to be a great program in the making. A player like Marsh is an important ingredient to this program..

Marsh has had a terrific WSBL season dominating on the three point line averaging 17ppg, 3.5 assists and 5.2 rebounds.

We will be keeping our up tempo game style from last season, if we can play like that for the full 4 quarters I think we will see the rewards. This is the first season that we have had a full squad months ahead of schedule and the trainings have been tough and consistent. I think that will make all the difference said Marsh

We have some great juniors coming up through the ranks and training has been intense and all the better for it. Knowing we are setting in place a great development program for the future is the most rewarding thing for me.

I just cant wait to get out there and play

WSBL veteran point guard Tanya Kelly is another local that is no stranger in the Lynx camp.

Kelly had a fantastic season in the WSBL captaining her team, which boasts two other Lynx signings, to back to back championship. This makes 11 Grand final appearances for the pint sized star.
We have a lot of talent in the guard rotations and TK is well and truly in that mix. She displays great patience and experience, intensity and guts. She will certainly be building on what she learnt last year when she received our Most Improved Player award for the 07/08 season Coach Joe McKay stated.

Every training session is important for us to see how each of our players is progressing; TK is a player that pushes all her team mates to do just that

Kelly said she learnt a lot from last seasons Lynx MVP Sammy Richards and is excited about bringing her experience of 325 games in the WSBL to the best league in
A big focus we have this year is to win the rebound count every game. While we are still a smaller team compared to most, we will be giving 100% every game

Coach McKay insists on an upbeat style of play and we are all ready to give just that, with a lot of new, fresh juniors getting involved this year, the focus is development and the future

On a personal level, I am going to build on my most improved player award from last season and hope to become more of a threat offensively, while keeping the defense guessing. As a team, we have all learnt to run the floor and get the ball to the player in the best position and this will continue to be a focus this year

Melissa Marsh and Tanya Kelly will join Captain Deanna Smith in the Lynx 15 member squad.

Courtesy of www.wnbl.com.au

Tully Bevilaqua gets ready for the play-offs - by Eurobasket News
Tully Bevilaqua (164-G-72) gets ready for the play-offs with her Fever in WNBA. Last night Tammy Sutton-Brown 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 notched 24 points, while Ebony Hoffman added 20 points for the winners. Tully Bevilaqua collected 3 points, 4 assists and 2 rebounds. Cappie Pondexter 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.
Before that Indiana took care of the New York Liberty 74:59 at home. Despite being locked into the fourth playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, Indiana jumped out to a big early lead. Tammy Sutton-Brown produced 16 points to pace the Fever. Latanya White added 13 points for the winners that saw limited minutes for the teams leaders. Tully Bevilaqua posted 9 points and made 4 steals. Jessica Davenport answered with 12 points for the Liberty.

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  AUSTRIA - Women  


Standings - AWBL
AWBL Standings
 1. Wels 0-0 
 2. Wien 0-0 
 3. UBBC 0-0 
 4. Jocher's D. 0-0 
 5. Fl.Foxes 0-0 
 6. Graz 0-0 
 7. Baden 0-0 
 8. Vienna 87 0-0 


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  BARBADOS - Women  


Cavs maul Tigers in KO action - by Justin Marville
IT WAS NOT enough for the Lady Cavs to capture their sixth successive league title this season.

They want back the knockout crown as well.

The Station Hill Cavaliers moved one step closer to regaining the knockout title they lost last season by up-ending last year's title holders Pepsi Tigers 73-52 in the BABA Women's Basketball Knockout Competition semi-finals on Sunday night at the Barbados Community College.

The Cavs, shockingly eliminated at this stage of the competition last year, allowed an undermanned Tigers side to hang around up to the fourth quarter.

But the veteran Cavaliers have grown tired of hearing about the reported end of their dynasty, and the ensuing period was a perfect instance of the type of hostile retaliation the Cavs are capable of when their dominance is questioned.

On the back of a stifling full court woman-to-woman defence, the Cavs responded to their opponents' unexpected resilience with ruthless efficiency as national combo guard Ria Phillips opened the fourth period with five unanswered points.

Phillips' burst sparked an 11-2 Cavaliers run that stretched the lead from from five points (47-42) to a substantial double-digit margin.

The already short-handed Tigers lacked the firepower to make a rally, especially after national forwards Denise Alleyne and Jennifer Joseph-Hackett fouled out within minutes of each other midway through the fourth.

Young Tigers reserve Shanice Banfield was solid off the bench in relief but 'twin towers' Wanda Agard-Belgrave and Astrid Alleyne, in tandem with the Cavs' stringent defence, proved to much for the defending champs to contend with.

Agard-Belgrave scored nine of the side's last 11 points, outscoring the opposition by herself during the game's final seven minutes as the Tigers were held to a mere ten fourth-quarter points.

Agard-Belgrave led all scorers on the night with 23 points, with Alleyne and Phillips chipping in with 16 and 14 points, respectively.

For the Tigers, Joseph-Hackett topscored with 14 points, while Ingrid Folkes added 13 off the bench with Jackie Brown scoring a further 10 points.

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  BRAZIL - Women  


Kelly Santos finishes with 22-12 record with the Storm - by Eurobasket News
In the last three games for the Storm in WNBA Kelly Santos (192-C-79) had some achievement to her team's effort. At first Sacramento Monarchs claimed the last available spot as they held off the Seattle Storm 77:74 in a close contest. Nicole Powell nailed 20 points and the Monarchs celebrated a vital win at the ARCO Arena. Kara Lawson added 19 points for the winners. Seattle led 74:70 late in the game but the hosts accounted for the final 7 games of the encounter to secure a tough win. Wright and Gearlds answered with 17 points apiece for the Seattle Storm.

Later Camille Little and Katie Gearlds registered career-high digits and lifted the Seattle Storm past the Atlanta Dream 77:72. The defeat sent the Dream to the league worst regular season record as they slipped to 4-30. In 2006 Chicago finished the season at 5-29. Seattle played without their leader Sue Bird but still managed to secure the best home-record in the league improving to 16-1 at the Key Arena. Kelly Santos nailed 8 points, made 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Tamera Young knocked down 20 points for the Dream. Seattle led by just a single point after three quarters of action but ran away for good in the fourth.

Last night 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 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 had 16 points for the Storm, while Kelly Santos scored 2 points, made 5 rebounds and 1 assist.

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  CHINA - Women  


Paralympics 2008: China edges GB for seventh place - by Eurobasket News
Britain's women's basketball team lost 57-38 to China to match their efforts in Athens four years ago and finish eighth in their Paralympic campaign.

Head coach Garry Peel said: 'It's been a cracking tournament for us and we performed really well.'

In archery, the women's defending recurve champions lost in the quarter-finals, while the men lost to Thailand.

GB pushed hosts China all the way in the class 3 table tennis, but lost 3-1 to be edged out of the medals.

In the women's basketball, Britain started well, but were outscored 20-2 to trail by 12 points at half-time.

China then took control of the game, with Fu Yongging racking up 28 points.

Peel added: 'We gave it everything we had. I think we came out really on fire. Then all of a sudden we couldn't handle their pressing and we collapsed.'

The GB men's team play for the bronze medal against the US on Tuesday.

GB's class 3 table tennis team of Neil Robinson, Arnie Chan and James Rawson missed out on bronze after losing their play-off 3-1 to China.

Robinson lost his opening singles match but Rawson levelled the match at 1-1. The pair lost their doubles match and then Rawson lost out in the opening reverse singles to seal their fate.

The five-a-side football team will play-off against Korea for fifth and sixth place on Wednesday after they lost 3-1 to Athens silver medallists Argentina.

GB were without top scorer Dave Clarke who was suspended after getting a second yellow card in Saturday's 5-0 defeat to Brazil.

Courtesy of www.bbc.co.uk

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Standings - ZBL (W)
ZBL Standings
 1. USK Praha 0-0 
 2. Gambrinus 0-0 
 3. Trutnov 0-0 
 4. Hradec Kralove 0-0 
 5. Sparta Praha 0-0 
 6. Karlovy Vary 0-0 
 7. Strakonice 0-0 
 8. Slovanka 0-0 
 9. Valosun B. 0-0 
 10. BK Tabor 0-0 


*****************************************************
  D.R. CONGO - Women  


Bernadette Ngoyisa finishes the regular season in WNBA - by Eurobasket News
Bernadette Ngoyisa (195-C-82) gets ready for the play-offs with her Fever in WNBA. Last night Tammy Sutton-Brown 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 notched 24 points, while Ebony Hoffman added 20 points for the winners. Bernadette Ngoyisa scored 2 points with 1/1 from the field, made 1 steal and 1 rebound. Cappie Pondexter 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.
Before that Indiana took care of the New York Liberty 74:59 at home. Despite being locked into the fourth playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, Indiana jumped out to a big early lead. Tammy Sutton-Brown produced 16 points to pace the Fever. Latanya White added 13 points for the winners that saw limited minutes for the teams leaders. Bernadette Ngoyisa had 3 points making 1/3 from the field and 1/2 from the free throw line. Jessica Davenport answered with 12 points for the Liberty.

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  GERMANY - Women  


Standings - 2.Bundesliga - by Eurobasket
2.Bundesliga Standings
North
 1. Bonn 0-0 
 2. Rist-Wedel 0-0 
 3. Hagen SV 0-0 
 4. Osnabrucker 0-0 
 5. Berlin Baskets 0-0 
 6. Opladen 0-0 
 7. Jena 0-0 
 8. Gotha 0-0 
 9. Koeln 0-0 
 10. Hagen Phoe. 0-0 
 11. Bielefeld 0-0 
 12. Quakenbrueck 0-0 
South
 1. SV Fellbach 0-0 
 2. Ludwigsburg 0-0 
 3. Gruenberg 0-0 
 4. Keltern 0-0 
 5. Rhein MB 0-0 
 6. Speyer 0-0 
 7. Herzogenaur. 0-0 
 8. Leimen 0-0 
 9. Sandhausen 0-0 
 10. Mainz 0-0 
 11. Viernheim 0-0 
 12. Wuerzburg 0-0 


Standings - Women
DBBL Standings
 1. Saarlouis 0-0 
 2. Wasserburg 0-0 
 3. Leipzig 0-0 
 4. Chemnitz 0-0 
 5. Goettingen 0-0 
 6. Marburg 0-0 
 7. Oberhausen 0-0 
 8. Wolfenbuttel 0-0 
 9. Freiburg 0-0 
 10. Halle 0-0 
 11. Donau-Ries 0-0 
 12. Herner 0-0 


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  ITALY - Women  


Standings A1 (W)
A1 Standings
 1. Vomero NA 0-0 
 2. Schio 0-0 
 3. Parma 0-0 
 4. Comense 0-0 
 5. Faenza 0-0 
 6. Taranto 0-0 
 7. Venezia 0-0 
 8. Priolo 0-0 
 9. Ribera 0-0 
 10. Viterbo 0-0 
 11. San Giovanni 0-0 
 12. Umbertide 0-0 
 13. Pozzuoli 0-0 
 14. Livorno 0-0 
 15. Pallacan.NA 0-0 


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  JAPAN - Women  


Oga will miss play-offs abroad - by Eurobasket News
Yuko Oga (170-G-82) and her Phoenix Mercury became the first WNBA champion to miss the playoffs as they fell short to the Detroit Shock at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Deanna Nolan knocked down 18 points, while Katie Smith had 17 as the Shock rallied to a 89:78 victory. Cappie Pondexter secured 23 points for the Mercury. A probable explanation for a dull season with the Mercury could be the absence of star guard Penny Taylor as the Aussie decided to skip the regular season in order to get prepared for the Olympic Games.
Tammy Sutton-Brown 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 notched 24 points, while Ebony Hoffman added 20 points for the winners. Cappie Pondexter answered with 23 points for the Mercury. Diana Taurasi had 19 points as the reigning WNBA champions missed the playoffs in this season. Yuko Oga nailed 7 points and made 3 assists. Indiana led from the start and secured a moral-soothing win before hosting the Detroit Shock on Friday in the playoffs opener.

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  POLAND - Women  


Dydek scores first points after being signed recently - by Eurobasket News
Malgorzata Dydek (213-C-74) joined WNBA Sparks right in the special moment. She has averaged 10 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in her WNBA career. Malgorzata Dydek was the first overall pick in the 1998 WNBA draft going to the Utah Starzz. She was then traded by the San Antonio Silver Stars to the Connecticut Sun in 2005.
Last night 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 scored 12 and the Sparks won their 20th game of the season. Malgorzata Dydek scored 4 points and made 3 rebounds. 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 had 16 points for the Storm.
In the Malgorzata Dydek's opener DeLisha Milton-Jones had 16 points and seven rebounds to help the Los Angeles Sparks clinch a playoff berth with an 84:66 win over the slumping Houston Comets on Saturday night. Los Angeles is in third in the Western Conference, two games behind the Silver Stars and Seattle. Los Angeles raced out to a 21:11 lead after the first quarter. The Sparks increased the advantage to 33:20 in the second quarter. Lyttle left the game with 2:07 to play with an undisclosed injury.

Standings - PLKK
PLKK Standings
 1. Lotos PKO BP 0-0 
 2. Wisla Can-Pak 0-0 
 3. PTK Pabian. 0-0 
 4. AZS Gorzow 0-0 
 5. LKS 0-0 
 6. CCC 0-0 
 7. Cukierki 0-0 
 8. AZS J.Gora 0-0 
 9. Energa Torun 0-0 
 10. Duda Leszno 0-0 
 11. Utex Row 0-0 
 12. MUKS Pozn. 0-0 


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  RUSSIA - Women  


Standings Women D1
A Superleague Standings
 1. UMMC 0-0 
 2. Dynamo N. 0-0 
 3. Dynamo M. 0-0 
 4. Dynamo K. 0-0 
 5. Spartak V MR 0-0 
 6. Orenburg 0-0 
 7. CSKA 0-0 
 8. Vologda 0-0 
 9. Shelen 0-0 
 10. Spartak SP 0-0 
 11. Slavyanka 0-0 
 12. BC Moscow 0-0 
 13. Spartak N. 0-0 


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  SPAIN - Women  


Standings - LFB
LFB Standings
 1. Perfumerias 0-0 
 2. Ros Casares 0-0 
 3. Hondar.-Irun 0-0 
 4. Real C.Vigo 0-0 
 5. Burgos 0-0 
 6. Mann Filter 0-0 
 7. Extrugasa 0-0 
 8. Estudiantes 0-0 
 9. San Jose 0-0 
 10. EBE Ibiza-PDV 0-0 
 11. Gran Canaria 0-0 
 12. Cadi la Seu 0-0 
 13. Rivas Ecopolis 0-0 
 14. Olesa 0-0 
 15. Mariana 0-0 


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  SWEDEN - Women  


Standings - Damligan
Damligan Standings
 1. Eskinstuna 0-0 
 2. Solna Vikings 0-0 
 3. Visby 0-0 
 4. Jamtland 0-0 
 5. Brahe 0-0 
 6. 08 0-0 
 7. Lulea BBK 0-0 
 8. Norrkoping 0-0 
 9. Sundsvall 0-0 
 10. Telge Energi 0-0 
 11. Umea 0-0 
 12. Marbo Basket 0-0 


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  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


Paralympics 2008: China edges GB for seventh place - by Eurobasket News
Britain's women's basketball team lost 57-38 to China to match their efforts in Athens four years ago and finish eighth in their Paralympic campaign.

Head coach Garry Peel said: 'It's been a cracking tournament for us and we performed really well.'

In archery, the women's defending recurve champions lost in the quarter-finals, while the men lost to Thailand.

GB pushed hosts China all the way in the class 3 table tennis, but lost 3-1 to be edged out of the medals.

In the women's basketball, Britain started well, but were outscored 20-2 to trail by 12 points at half-time.

China then took control of the game, with Fu Yongging racking up 28 points.

Peel added: 'We gave it everything we had. I think we came out really on fire. Then all of a sudden we couldn't handle their pressing and we collapsed.'

The GB men's team play for the bronze medal against the US on Tuesday.

GB's class 3 table tennis team of Neil Robinson, Arnie Chan and James Rawson missed out on bronze after losing their play-off 3-1 to China.

Robinson lost his opening singles match but Rawson levelled the match at 1-1. The pair lost their doubles match and then Rawson lost out in the opening reverse singles to seal their fate.

The five-a-side football team will play-off against Korea for fifth and sixth place on Wednesday after they lost 3-1 to Athens silver medallists Argentina.

GB were without top scorer Dave Clarke who was suspended after getting a second yellow card in Saturday's 5-0 defeat to Brazil.

Courtesy of www.bbc.co.uk

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  WNBA - Women  


The regular season is over - by Eurobasket News
The Houston Comets overcame the Sacramento Monarchs 90:81 at the Strahan Coliseum in Texas to wrap up the WNBA regular season yesterday. The game was postponed several days ago because of the hurricanes going through the state. Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) stepped up with game-high 31 points to propel the Comets to the 17th win. Roneeka Hodges (5'11''-G-82, college: Florida St.) nailed 14 points, while Tamecka Dixon (5'9''-G-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: Kansas) had 10 points for the winners. It was the third straight win for the Comets at the end of the season. Nicole Powell (6'2''-G/F-82, college: Stanford) answered with 15 points for the Monarchs as they meanwhile lost two in a row. Adrian Williams-Strong also knocked down 15 points in defeat.
Sacramento clinched the fourth spot in the Western conference earlier and was not threatened by the Comets. They tip off their sixth consecutive playoff season against the San Antonio Silver Stars on Friday. The Rockets in the meantime missed the second straight postseason appearance. The hosts led throughout the first half and piled up a 6-point advantage at halftime. The Monarchs cut the deficit to just 2 points midway through the fourth term however the hosts surged ahead in the closing moments and sealed the winning outcome at the end.
The league also named the Players of the Week yesterday. Tammy Sutton-Brown (6'4''-C-78, college: Rutgers) of the Indiana Fever took the honour in the East. She averaged 19.0 points and 6.8 rebounds helping the Fever to 3-1 record over the week.
Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80) from the Silver Stars earned the recognition in the West. She came up with 15.3 points, 9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.

Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Detroit S. 22-12 
 2. Connect. S. 21-13 
 3. New York L. 19-15 
 4. Indiana F. 17-17 
 5. Chicago Sky 12-22 
 6. Washingt. M. 10-24 
 7. Atlanta D. 4-30 
Western
 1. S.Antonio SS 24-10 
 2. Seattle S. 22-12 
 3. L.Angeles S. 20-14 
 4. Sacram. M. 18-15 
 5. Houston C. 16-17 
 6. Minnesota L. 16-18 
 7. Phoenix M. 16-18