EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/17/2008

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ABA   


Jersey Express try-outs this weekend - by Eurobasket News
Jersey Express will be holding try-outs on Saturday, September 20th & Sunday, September 21st. There will be two different locations, in two different Counties.

On Saturday, the location will be the Morristown Neighborhood House, 12 Flagler Street, Morristown, NJ, in the County of Morris.

On Sunday, the location will be the John F. Kennedy Recreation Center, located at 211 W. Kinney Street (enter on Howard St.), Newark, NJ, in the County of Essex.

Registration is still open for both locations. Pre-registration can be done on-line for a discounted fee of $75.00. To register at the door, for Saturday ONLY, the fee will be $100.00 cash only. To gain entry on Sunday, you must be pre-registered; no fees will be taken for the Newark try-out on Sunday.

To register for the open try-outs, or for more information on the Jersey Express, and for Season Ticket information, log onto www.jerseyexpress.net of www.ABAlive.com.

Courtesy of ABA

Mississippi Blues announce tryout camp - by Eurobasket News
The ABA Mississippi Blues will be holding tryouts for ten roster spots. According to Daniel Price, team owner, 'We know that there are a lot of players who want to make it pro. So we are giving players that opportunity to make it with the Mississippi Blues. We are looking for great players with outstanding character that we can build with.'

The Blues will be inviting 15 players from tryouts to training camp set to start in November. 'We are looking for players we can win a championship with,' added Price. 'The roster spots are wide open for the best players. We do not have anyone set for any spot. We just want the best personal available.' The price is $100.

Tryouts will be on September 27th at Kurts Gym on Gymnasium Drive in Jackson, Mississippi. For more information, contact Daniel at 601 951 5045 or email dprice924@yahoo.com or visit www.abalive.com.

Courtesy of ABA

Charles Town's Carr taking shot at pro basketball - by Eurobasket News
Professional basketball has arrived in the Mountain State, and Charles Town native and Jefferson graduate Travon Carr will be among the players ushering in the inaugural season.

Carr, a 5-foot-9, 145-pound point guard who played at Potomac State as a freshman in 2006-07, turned a recent 6 1/2-hour trip to Beckley into a roster spot on the fledgling American Basketball Association's West Virginia Blazers, an organization based in Bluefield.

'I tried out on Sunday,' Carr said. 'They called me back today to set up my background check, so essentially that means I'm on the roster.'

After starting as a freshman at Potomac State, Carr, 21, didn't return to the Catamounts in 2008, instead choosing to focus on his criminal justice studies and working individually to take his basketball game to the next level. It worked, and now he'll travel to Beckley later this month to officially sign his contract and learn what his first-year salary will be.

'It was tough,' Carr said. 'I was kind of shaky, didn't know anybody. But I just went out and did my best.'

Although the organization is based in Bluefield, most of the Blazers' activities will take place in Beckley with home games being played at the Raleigh County Armory and Convention Center. The Blazers' home-opener is scheduled for Jan. 4, but no other information was available on their web site.

Carr left Jefferson High School after his sophomore year for opportunities at Glen Mills Schools in Philadelphia, the nation's oldest existing residential school for court-referred young men, where he began his high school basketball career.

'I was second team all-state, first team all-area as a senior and ranked in the top 68 out of about 600 seniors in New Jersey and Pa., combined by Hoop Scoop,' Carr said of his time as a Bulldog. 'I came back to Jefferson after my senior basketball season to graduate with my classmates.'

Carr considers himself one of the best point guards to come out of Jefferson County, and said he thinks his game will translate well to the ABA.

'The ABA is based on an up-tempo game,' he said. 'Everyone is fast. That's how they play. At tryouts, I went out and ran the floor, was the general. I think they liked what they saw.'

Carr is now preparing for the transition to the Beckley area, where the team will help him find a job and an apartment.

'There is a YMCA and a Wendy's, that's about it,' Carr said. 'I'm going to take some classes at Bluefield State to kill some time. I'll lose my college eligibility and won't be able to play sports anymore, but I want to still get a degree.

'I guess I'll have to adapt to the environment. It's a little different.'

So is the Blazers' owner situation. Owned and managed by the Bluefield Housing Authority, the Blazers will apparently donate all net proceeds to sponsor prevention programs which promote a drug-, alcohol-, tobacco- and crime-free lifestyle, serving at-risk youths in southern West Virginia.

After nearly seven hours in a car to get to Beckley, Carr joined 24 other prospective players to compete for the final seven available roster spots. He was called back by the team the next day, and now joins Brian Kidd (Beckley, Mountain State University), Chris Nichols (Hico, Concord), Brad Surface (Lochgelly, Fayetteville HS), DeNelle Hale (Baltimore, Md., Frostburg State), Neil Rasnake (Bee, Western Carolina University), Joey Preast (Fayetteville, Davis & Elkins) and Maurice Davis (Sophia, Mountain State University), who were already on the Blazers' roster.

'I'll be paid, just don't know how much,' Carr said. 'I won't be able to play in college anymore, but I'm happy to move on to the pros. It's better competition and you get paid. College ball is great, but you don't get a check.'

Courtesy of http://www.journal-news.net/

West Virginia Outlaws announce first tryout camp - by Eurobasket News
The brand new expansion ABA West Virginia Outlaws will be holding its first tryout camp for the team that will begin play in December. The tryout camp will be on Saturday, October 4th and registration will be from 9am-10am. If you are not registered by 10am, you will not be allowed to participate in this camp.

Please bring your own toiletries and towels. For the tryout, you must bring your own reversible jersey and I.D. There will be a lunch break. 'Please come in shape and ready to go,' said Tommy Jones, team owner. 'This tryout will be very demanding, but we want to put the best possible team on the fall when the season starts.'

The final day of pre-registration will be October 2nd. Pre-registration will be $100.00. At the door, the price will be $150.00, we urge you to sign up now. (Cash or money orders accepted).

For an application or any questions, please email info@westvirginiaoutlaws.com. You'll be appraised of the exact location of the tryout camp. Or, visit www.abalive.com.

Courtesy of ABA

Las Vegas Aces sign former NBA draftee Cory Hightower - by Eurobasket News
The ABA Las Vegas Aces have announced the signing of 6'8 guard/forward Cory Hightower (6'8''-F/G-79, college: Indian Hills CC) who joins the ranks of marquee players for the team. Hightower, born July 30, 1979 in Flint, Michigan, is a pro player who was formerly selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the 2000 NBA Draft.

He played two years as a guard/forward with Indian Hills Community College and had committed to play at Texas Christian University but decided to leave early to declare for the draft. While at Indian Hills, Hightower was named NJCAA Tournament MVP his freshman year and was named a First Team NJCAA All-American his second year.

His draft rights were traded by the Spurs to the LA Lakers on the day of the draft, but he would never play for them in an actual game. He split the 2000-2001 season in the CBA with the Gary Steelheads before joining the Harlem Globetrotters. Corry participated on training camp with the Charlotte Hornets in 2001 before being released. He has played professionally for the past few years including internationally. For more information, visit www.lasvegasacesbasketball.com or www.abalive.com.

Courtesy of ABA

*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


ARGENTINA - TNA - by Bruno Fontana

BEN HUR already has his two foreigners. James Life (194-G-83, college: Massachusetts) and Cedric McGuinnis came to Rafaela's city and already they train with his team.
ECHAGUE of Parana contracted Diego Bernardi (197-F-76). The player comes of playing in Spain. The team of Parana waits for the definition of the foreign player.
ARGENTINO of JUNIN decided to rescind contract to the American Ryan Edwards (196-F-83, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Missouri Baptist) (11,3 points in six games of the Argentina Coup).

SAN MARTIN of Corrientes contracted Alex Carcamo (200-F-77, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: E.Washington). A forward of 31 years and 2.00 meters



Argentinian Cup 2008: Quarterfinals game 1 - by Facundo Iatzky
Libertad 77 - Atenas 108

Great victory of Atenas on the road. The team of Ruben Magnano played in a huge level with the contribution of olympic Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) with 27 points. Djibril Kante added 19 and Juan Pablo Figueroa scored 23 coming from the bench. In Libertad played Jackie Manuel but he could not show all his skills by the moment. Andres Pelussi finished with 22 points.

San Martin Corrientes 61 - Quimsa 76

The team of TNA(second division) played a good game and complicated to Quimsa during all the match, but eventually the good players of Quimsa like Julio Mazzaro (186-G-79) 20 points or Herb Courtney 18 pts, had a nice last quarter and gave the victory to their team. In a losing effort Claudio Chiappero scored 14 points.

Gimnasia CR 64 - Penarol 81

Penarol did not have any problem defeating Gimnasia. Roman Gonzalez (211-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) and David Jackson were the top scorers and led their team to the victory. Good game of the young player Sebastian Vega too, specially in deffensive game.

Boca Juniors 77 - Obras 75

In an attractive game boca won the first point of the serie. Obras started better and they even won the first half but in the second one, the best players of boca faced the struggle, specially Juan Marcos Casini (188-G-80) with a fantastic night (25 points) and Mark Bortz. Daniel Chaher was the best of Obras.

Standings - LigaA
LigaA Standings
North
 1. Atenas 0-0 
 2. Obras 0-0 
 3. Libertad 0-0 
 4. Ben Hur 0-0 
 5. Regatas C. 0-0 
 6. Sionista 0-0 
 7. Quimsa 0-0 
 8. Cicl.Olimpico 0-0 
South
 1. El Nacional 0-0 
 2. Lanus 0-0 
 3. Independ.N. 0-0 
 4. Estudiantes 0-0 
 5. Penarol 0-0 
 6. Gimn.CR 0-0 
 7. Boca Jrs 0-0 
 8. Quilmes MP 0-0 


Standings - TNA
TNA Standings
North
 1. La Union 0-0 
 2. Atl.Echague 0-0 
 3. Alma Juniors 0-0 
 4. A.Espanola 0-0 
 5. Union 0-0 
 6. Obera TC 0-0 
 7. A.Italiana 0-0 
 8. San Mart.C. 0-0 
South
 1. San Mart.MJ 0-0 
 2. Firmat SF 0-0 
 3. P.Echague 0-0 
 4. C.Entrerriano 0-0 
 5. Belgrano SN 0-0 
 6. GimnasiaLP 0-0 
 7. Ciclista 0-0 
 8. Argentino 0-0 


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


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


SBL Annouces All-Stars - by Richard
1st Team
F - Marshall (Buccs)
F - Dowdell (Wolves)
C - Sonderleiter (Hawks)
G - Crawford (Hawks)
G - Lay (Buccs)

2nd Team
F - Olowoyo (Senators)
F - Garlepp (Hawks)
C - Matacz (Wolves)
G - Nixon (Suns)
G - Caporn (Flames)

3rd Team
F - Dodd (Senators)
F - Haney (Giants)
C - Moody (Lightning)
G - Hunt (Tigers)
G - Tupaea (Hawks)

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


*****************************************************
  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Estonian TTU closed the list of Challenge Cup participants - by Eurobasket News
Estonian TTU SK KK close the list of Challenge Cup participants getting a wild card to the tournament. In first BBL Challenge Cup game the team however lost to BC Keizarmezs 69:85. In the second BBL Challenge Cup game for a wild card BC Keizarmezs lost BC TTU SK KK in Saulkrasti 57:78. So in the sum of two games BC TTU SK KK will play in BBL Challenge Cup in coming season.
This means that all the participants are known for the upcoming season. SEB BBL Elite Division will have Kaunas Zalgiris, Lietuvos Rytas, Siauliai, ASK Riga, Barons/LMT, Ventspils, Valmiera, Tallinn Kalev/Cramo, and Tartu Rock. By winning Challenge Cup tournament Kedainiai Nevezis obtained the 10th place.
In Challenge Cup there will be 10 teams: Neptunas, Aisciai/Atletas, Alytus, Arvi/Suduva, Sakalai, Techasas, VEF Riga, Liepajas Lauvas, Triobet/Dalkia, and TTU SK KK.
The season will be opened with SEB BBL Presidents Cup. Two Lithuanian titans will compete with
Latvian and Estonian Champions. The semi-finals of SEB BBL Presidents Cup are scheduled in Arena Riga on September 27th. The day after Arena Riga will see the finals of SEB BBL Presidents Cup.

Standings - Men
BBL Standings
Elite Division
 1. Zalgiris 0-0 
 2. Lietuvos 0-0 
 3. TU/Rock 0-0 
 4. Valmiera 0-0 
 5. Barons/LMT 0-0 
 6. BK Ventspils 0-0 
 7. Siauliai 0-0 
 8. BC Kalev 0-0 
 9. Nevezis 0-0 
 10. ASK Riga 0-0 
Challenge Cup
 1. Sakalai 0-0 
 2. Panevezys 0-0 


*****************************************************
  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.

*****************************************************
  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.

*****************************************************
  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.

*****************************************************
  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.

Tim Pickett in Lukoil - by Vladi Lazarova

The best Bulgarian men's basketball club - Lukoil Akademik, has an interesting addition. Today in Sofia arrived the new player of 'The Students' - Tim Pickett (193-G/F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida St.). 193 cm tall shooting guard, who was born in Daytona Beach, Florida, signed a contract with Bulgarian champion and National Cup holder till the end of 2008/2009 season. Tonight 27-years old American, who spent the last two years of his career in Italy, will be introduced to his teammates. One of them Pickett knows very well. Antonio Burks will be the main man in the squad of Lukoil, after one year ban from FIBA. But Pickett must wait till the end of the month, when he will meet and the new head coach of Lukoil Akademik Lubomir Minchev. Now Minchev is following Bulgarian National team, because there he is in the crew of Pini Gershon.




Standings A1
A1 Standings
 1. Levski 0-0 
 2. Spartak P. 0-0 
 3. CSKA 0-0 
 4. Dunav 2007 0-0 
 5. Cherno More 0-0 
 6. Sliven 0-0 
 7. Yambol 0-0 
 8. Balkan 0-0 
 9. Lukoil A. 0-0 
 10. Rilski S-list 0-0 


*****************************************************
  CANADA   


Wheelchair men settle for Silver at Paralympics 2008 - by Eurobasket News
The Canadian Wheelchair Men's Basketball Team fell short in their bid for a third straight Paralympic gold medal, settling for silver after losing to Australia 72-60 in Monday's championship game.

Patrick Anderson led Canada with 22 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.

Australia's victory was its first gold medal in men's wheelchair basketball since Atlanta in 1996. Canada's loss was its first defeat of the Beijing 2008 tournament.

Great Britain beat the United States 85-77 in the bronze medal game.

Also on Tuesday, Germany defeated Israel in the classification playoff game for fifth-sixth place and Brazil defeated South Africa in the playoff for ninth-10th place.

(More later)

Courtesy of www.basketball.ca

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.

*****************************************************
  CBA   


Patroons to announce 2008 - 2009 head coach - by Eurobasket News
The Albany Patroons will be holding a press conference at the Washington Avenue Armory on Wednesday, September 17th at 10 AM to announce the Head Coach of the 2008 - 2009 Albany Patroons. An update on season ticket sales will also be included in Wednesday's press conference.
---

Kentucky players joined with hoopsters from 13 other states and one foreign country during the East Kentucky Miners free agent camp held Saturday, Sept. 6 at the East Kentucky Expo Center. Other states represented in the camp were North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Ohio, Missouri, Maryland, California. Mississippi, Virginia, Michigan, Alabama and Maine. Nearly a quarter of the players in attendance at the free agent camp had Kentucky ties.

Lexington native Jaron Brown brought one of the most impressive resumes to the free agent camp. Brown, a 6-4 guard, played four seasons for the University of Pittsburgh. He averaged 10.7 points and 5 rebounds per game during his junior season with the Panthers. As a senior, Brown averaged 11.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. The Lexington native participated in the 2004 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft). He attended Bryan Station High School in Lexington.

Recent Georgetown College standouts Gordon (Gus) Chase and Justin Taylor more than held their own during the free agent session. Taylor is a Lexington native who previously starred at Tates Creek High School. Chase a native of Baltimore, Md., was an NAIA First Team All-American in the spring. Joe Buck, a California native who played at USC, ventured to the camp from Lexington - his new home. Buck had one of the best overall performances of the camp.

Other players with Kentucky ties in the Miners free agent camp were Lamont Campbell (Lexington), John Patterson (Lexington) and Brandon Moore (Louisville).

'I was pleased with the turnout for the camp,' said East Kentucky Miners Coach Kevin Keathley. 'Some of the players who attended the free agent camp will definitely be invited back for the veteran's camp. Right now, we're still evaluating players.'

The East Kentucky professional basketball organization continues to prepare for the 2008-09 season. The Miners will hold a press conference on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 11:30 a.m. upstairs in the East Kentucky Expo Center.

Courtesy of CBA

*****************************************************
  CROATIA   


Croatians abroad - by Eurobasket News
Bilbao Basket outplayed Zaragoza in a friendly game 77-68. As it was from the beginning of pre-season, Croatians Drago Pasalic (208-C/F-84) and Marko Banic (204-F-84) were in a starting five. Pasalic helped his team netting 10 points while Banic had two points less. Luke Recker was the best one in Bilbao with 12 points. Argentinean Paolo Quinteros added 17 for the winning team.

Murcia was better that Clinicas Rincona 110-107 but it is important to be mentioned that his game, instead of 40, lasted 50 minutes as it was the friendly one. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) added just two points for his team. Taquana Deana was the best scorer with 32 points.

Australian / Croatian Aleks Maric (211-C-84) and his CB Granda suffered defeat against Lietuvis Rytas 72-76. Maric contributed in this game with 5 points coming from the bench. Nicolas Gianella led Lietuvos to win scoring 13 points.

In the meantime Nikola Vujcic (211-C-78, agency: Interperformances) made his debut in jersey of Olympiakos Pireus. His team was better than Olimpia Larissa 79-66 while Vujcic had 2 points. Ex NBA star Josh Childres paced Olympiakos to victory with 19 points.

Galatasary Cafe Crown beat Erdemir Spor 74-68. Andrija Zizic (207-F/C-80, agency: FCM) was one of the best players in the winning team adding 15 points and 6 rebounds for 24 minutes.

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.

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  D-LEAGUE   


Anaheim Arsenal holds local player tryouts - by Eurobasket News
The Anaheim Arsenal will be holding local player tryouts for the 2008 - 2009 NBA Development League season on Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28, from 9am to 3pm at the American Sports Center in Anaheim, CA. The American Sports Center is located at 1500 S Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805.

Registration forms for the tryouts can be found online at www.AnaheimArsernal.com. Fees for the tryouts are $150 for pre-registered players and $175 for walk-ups. All players are required to submit the following forms prior to or on the day of the event: 1) Player Registration Form; 2) Authorization Acknowledgement Form; 3) Disclosure Form; and 4) Player Release Form.

For more information, please contact Office Manager Katie Birkenstein at (714) 635-2255 or via email at kbirkenstein@anaheimarsenal.com.

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The Anaheim Arsenal will host three special Scout Night events throughout the season so that all local Boy and Girl Scouts may attend a fun and exciting night of Arsenal basketball.

The first event for scouts is on Sunday, December 21 at 3 p.m. vs. the Utah Flash. This is followed by another event on Sunday, February 8 at 3 p.m. vs. the Reno Bighorns and the final event on Friday, March 20 at 7 p.m. vs. the Iowa Energy.

Each game will feature a special autograph session for all scouts in attendance and scouts will receive an honorary Anaheim Arsenal Scout patch. The Arsenal welcomes scout councils from Orange County, the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, and surrounding councils to attend any of the Scout Night events with discounted tickets for scouts, family, and friends.

Courtesy of Anaheim Arsenal

Standings
D-League Standings
Central Division
 1. Dakota W. 0-0 
 2. Ft.Wayne MA 0-0 
 3. Iowa E. 0-0 
 4. Erie BH 0-0 
 5. Sioux Falls S. 0-0 
Southwest Division
 1. Rio Grande VV 0-0 
 2. Albuquerque T. 0-0 
 3. Austin T. 0-0 
 4. Tulsa 66ers 0-0 
 5. Colorado 14ers 0-0 
West Division
 1. Bakersfield J. 0-0 
 2. Anaheim A. 0-0 
 3. LA D-Fenders 0-0 
 4. Utah F. 0-0 
 5. Idaho S. 0-0 
 6. Reno B. 0-0 


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  ESTONIA   


Estonian TTU closed the list of Challenge Cup participants - by Eurobasket News
Estonian TTU SK KK close the list of Challenge Cup participants getting a wild card to the tournament. In first BBL Challenge Cup game the team however lost to BC Keizarmezs 69:85. In the second BBL Challenge Cup game for a wild card BC Keizarmezs lost BC TTU SK KK in Saulkrasti 57:78. So in the sum of two games BC TTU SK KK will play in BBL Challenge Cup in coming season.
This means that all the participants are known for the upcoming season. SEB BBL Elite Division will have Kaunas Zalgiris, Lietuvos Rytas, Siauliai, ASK Riga, Barons/LMT, Ventspils, Valmiera, Tallinn Kalev/Cramo, and Tartu Rock. By winning Challenge Cup tournament Kedainiai Nevezis obtained the 10th place.
In Challenge Cup there will be 10 teams: Neptunas, Aisciai/Atletas, Alytus, Arvi/Suduva, Sakalai, Techasas, VEF Riga, Liepajas Lauvas, Triobet/Dalkia, and TTU SK KK.
The season will be opened with SEB BBL Presidents Cup. Two Lithuanian titans will compete with
Latvian and Estonian Champions. The semi-finals of SEB BBL Presidents Cup are scheduled in Arena Riga on September 27th. The day after Arena Riga will see the finals of SEB BBL Presidents Cup.

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  FRANCE   


NM1 Day 02: 6 teams confirmed their initial win - by Chris Spiesser
After the second NM1 Day last week-end, 6 teams remain unbeaten and the same number is still victoryless. Challans has the best point average (+39) after two nice home wins while the worst balance goes to the CFBB (-44).

Day 02 results and main facts:
Challans 83-66 Chalons
Challans shot at 62% with the accurate Geay (16pts - 4/5 3pts) and Herard (23pts 10/11).

Boulogne 89-81 Saint-Chamond
Djordje Petrovic (202-F-84) (25pts 10/13, 4rbs, 3stl, 4to, 3ass) and Legname (23pts, 3rbs, 3stl, 4ass) gave Boulogne its first victory.

Roche-la-Molire 83-100 GET Vosges
Audet-Sow and Bichard scored respectively 32 and 31 pts but Roche couldn't face the GET's collective even missing Vasiljevic. Webster scored 27pts and Thevenon 25pts. Other issue for the newcomer, Leon Piper suffers a familial mourning and will not play for Roche this year.

Longwy 64-68 Livin
Longwy shot at 36% while N'Kembe clinched a second 20 ranking points performance (11pts 5/6, 11rbs).

Fos 87-59 Centre Fdral
Stats N/A but Fos seems in good shape for this season start with a second win.

Lille 78-61 Denek bat Urcuit
Lille took a jump start (16-2) to overcome Bayonne as Malet, N'Kembe, Payton and Gouez scored between 12 and 14pts.

Juvisy 75-83 Blois
Juvisy hold on with Missengue (25pts, 5rbs) but Blois and Blot (25pts, 14rbs) made the difference in the second and third QTs (31-45).

Reims 80-62 Angers
Reims punished Angers with an efficient Jalce (17pts 7/9, 4rbs) and a precious Atamna (13pts, 7rbs, 5ass).

Priss 82-86 Bordeaux
Kodjo-Sitchi (27pts, 4stl) answered Preira (21pts 4/5 3pts, 4rbs, 4ass) but Strickland posted 22pts in 23' to drive Bordeaux to its first win. Prisse's accuracy (63%, 7/7 for Jobert) couldn't compensate the team's rebounding lacks as the oranges grabbed only 14! boards (vs 26).

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  FYR MACEDONIA   


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.

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  GERMANY   


Muenchen: Stemler arrives - Gutt stays - by Moritz Korff

Coach Michael Schwarz of Telemotive Muenchen (2. Bundesliga Pro B) has finally found the second import player for his 2008-09 roster. Lance Stemler (203-F-84, agency: Prime Select Sports, college: Indiana) will join the team and arrive to Germany next week.

The 24-year-old wing transfered from SW Illinois Junior College to Indiana University (NCAA1) in 2006. In his final year at JC level Stemler earned National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) first team All-America honors after leading his squad to 34 victories (31 straight) and a sixth-place finish in the NJCAA national tournament. During 2005-06 he was sixth in the entire NJCAA in scoring at 22.4 points per game and chipped in with eight rebounds and 1.8 steal. However, he did not continue to post such impressive stats after making the move to IU. As a senior Stemler appeared in 33 games (15 starts) for the Hoosiers, scored 4.4 points per contest and grabbed 3 rebounds a game. His teammates at Indiana University included Eric Gordon (193-G-88, college: Indiana) - selected seventh in the 2008 NBA-Draft - and D.J. White (206-F-86, college: Indiana), another NBA first round-pick.
Meanwhile, Muenchen also announced that Henning Gutt (203-C-78) will stay another season. The 30-year-old Center produced 6.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in this past season.



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).

Team by Team Bundesliga Preview for 2008-2009 season! - by Michael Taylor
The 2008-2009 Bundesliga basketball season tips off this weekend all over Germany and the league looks to be as competitive as ever. ALBA Berlin is poised to defend their title with arguably their best roster ever as the premier German organization opens up the beautiful new O2 World Arena in Berlin this year. With Head Coach Luka Pavicevic and his ALBA team preparing for Euroleague competition, several other Bundesliga teams will also compete in Europe with Artland, Bamberg and Bonn participating in the new Eurocup while Oldenburg and Frankfurt play in the new EuroChallenge. Basketball fans all over the world can follow the exciting Bundesliga action all season long on Eurobasket.com or on the official Bundesliga website www.basketball-bundesliga .de
Now, here is a look at each of the 18 Bundesliga teams as the season tips off this weekend.

ALBA BERLIN
homecourt: O2 World Arena
After returning to the pinnacle of German Basketball winning the championship last season, ALBA Berlin is focused to take things to a new level in 2008-2009. ALBA ushers in a new era with the fantastic O2 World Arena, an elite arena in all of Europe this year and Head Coach Luka Pavicevic has a fantastic team to represent German Basketball well in the Euroleague. Bundesliga MVP Julius Jenkins (18.2ppg 42% three) is back and is sure to once again be among the leagues best scoring guards. But this season ALBA also teams JJ up with former Bundesliga Offensive Player of the Year and NBA vet Casey Jacobsen who starred with Bamberg two seasons ago before playing last year with the Memphis Grizzlies. Another elite player, Rashad Wright, joins the backcourt after playing in the Euroleague with Efes Pilsen in Turkey last year. Bundesliga All Stars Immanuel McElroy (10.6ppg 4.9reb), Patrick Femerling (9.6ppg 4.8reb 71%fg) and Aleksandar Nadjfeji (12.9ppg 4.3reb 69%fg) also return to play important roles for Berlin. Key newcomers include firey point guard Steffan Hamann (9.8ppg 3.4ast 31%three win Bamberg)(who starred in Bamberg and for the German National team), top center Adam Chubb (13.6ppg 4.6reb 57%fg as an all star with Artland last season) and former NBA forward Ansu Sesay (who played last season in Italy with Milan). Solid forward Dragan Dojcin (5.2ppg 3.2reb) and popular Joe Herbert also return for ALBA and basketball fans hope Herbert can recover from his knee injury a few seasons back. Overall, ALBA has a dominant team for the Bundesliga and is poised for success at home and in Euroleague competition. With the excitement of the new O2 World Arena, basketball fans in Germany hope ALBA can make further steps to develop into an elite organization in Europe. As the 2008-2009 season tips off, ALBA Berlin is a clear favorite in the Bundesliga.

TELEKOM BONN
homecourt: Telekom Dome
Head Coach Michael Koch and his Telekom Baskets Bonn caught fire in the post season last year racing all the way into the Bundesliga Finals before falling to powerful ALBA Berlin. Charged by the opening of their own arena, Telekom Dome in Bonn, the men of magenta look to build on their organizations excellent tradition of their own. After gaining great popularity throughout the league and earning the Bundesliga's Most Likeable Player Award last season, round big man John Bowler (12.1ppg 5.3reb) suffered a knee injury in preseason forcing him to miss the majority of this year. A big blow to the front court, Bonn will rely on a talented and athletic team as the season tips off. Returning key players include lightning quick wing Winsome Frazier (12.9ppg 4reb) and underrated forward Moussa Diagne (5.1ppg 2.2reb). Koch's excellent recruiting in the summer landed Bundesliga veterans Vincent Yarbrough (from Ludwigsburg/Bamberg) and EJ Rowland (from Artland) for the starting lineup along with talented young wing Alex King (Frankfurt) and center Ken Johnson (Frankfurt) to replace Bowler. Solid team players Artur Kolodziejski (5ppg 39%three) and JJ Strasser (6.4ppg 40%three) provide quality depth in the backcourt and a strong German presence in the rotation. Finally, newly signed power forward Kyle Bowman and former Holy Cross center Tim Clifford will be important additions to Bonn in 2008-2009. One exciting development in Bonn is the teams return to international competition in the EuroCup this year. As the new season tips off, this Bonn roster is deeper and more talented than recent seasons and basketball fans in Bonn should have alot to cheer about in beautiful Telekom Dome again this year.

EWE BASKETS OLDENBURG
homecourt: Ewe Arena
One of the most impressive teams the second half of last season, Ewe Baskets Oldenburg are primed to make the next step into the top level of Bundesliga teams this year. Head Coach Predrag Krunic did an excellent job with the Thunderbirds in his first season and has the solid nucleus of last seasons successful team returning while adding a few key additions. Last year, the backcourt of PG Jason Gardner (13ppg 4.3ast) and All Star forward Rickey Paulding (12.7ppg 3.7reb 38%three) provided an outstanding combination on the perimeter while Jasmin Perkovic (11.9ppg 5.7reb 31%three) proved to be a terrific interior player for Oldenburg. The key to Oldenburgs team were the solid supporting players such as Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje (5.7ppg 5.7reb 58%fg 1.1blk), Mladin Pekovic (7.2ppg 2reb 36%three), Milan Majstorovic (6ppg 4.9reb) and Daniel Strauch (4ppg 33%three). A fantastic new addition to the team is former Ludwigsburg all star J'kel Foster who played in France Pro A last season. Young talent Marco Buljevic adds a shooting threat and Marco Scekic joins the Thunderbirds from Poland. Continuity will be a strength for Krunic and company and the excitement of competing in the Eurochallenge represents excellent progress for the Oldenburg oraganization and team.

DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS
homecourt: Ballsporthalle Frankfurt
Another Eurochallenge participant this season will be the Deutsche Bank Skyliners from Frankfurt Germany. Head Coach Murat Didin also returns a terrific core of players along with several key additions and the Skyliners are focused to fight for a title once again. Top PG Pascal Roller (13ppg 4ast 46%three) returns to run the show and will feature familiar targets in All Star power forward Derrick Allen (18.1ppg 7.3reb), skilled shooter Ilian Evtimov (13.1pg 5.1reb 33%three) and versatile Jimmy McKinney (9ppg 3.4reb 34%three). Former ratiopharm Ulm All Star and German National team player Konrad Wysocki (13.1ppg 7.8reb with Ulm) arrives this season and will energize the Frankfurt attack along with excellent defender Keith Simmons (from Antalya in Turkey) on the perimeter while new post men Anthony King and Lorenzo Gordon strengthen the inside. Young talent Domonic Bahiense de Mello (4.9ppg) and former Giessen 46er Shawan Robinson add depth to the perimeter. Overall, the Skyliners are ready for an outstanding season as they aim to challenge for a return to the top of the Bundesliga.

ARTLAND DRAGONS
homecourt: Artland Arena
Winning the German Cup last season was a terrific accomplishment for the Artland Dragons but much has changed over this off season in Quakenbruck. New Head Coach Thorsten Liebenath takes the reigns and has rebuilt the Dragons with several excellent new players. All Star big man Darren Fenn (11.3ppg 5.8reb 40%three in Bamberg) joins Artland after several tremendous seasons in Bremerhaven and Bamberg. All Star wing Adam Hess returns to Artland after playing in Euroleague Roanne France last season. Gritty PG Zach Whiting moves to Artland after a solid rookie year with Leverkusen and former Michigan State standout Drew Neitzel will be featured for the Dragons as a rookie. Returning keys for Artland include center Darius Hall (7.8ppg 3.3reb), sharpshooting big man Chad Prewitt (9.2ppg 3.7reb 50%three) and versatile scoring guard Lamont McIntosh (10.8ppg 36%three). Key role players Jan Rhodewald (2.9ppg 35%three), Paul Johnson and Dirk Maedrich (4ppg 2.4reb 26%three) also return. Young German players Flavio Stuckeman and Leo Niebuhr also hope to develop with the Dragons. It will take time for the new team to come together but this talented team will be ready for success in both the EuroCup and Bundesliga this year.

DUSSELDORF GIANTS
homecourt: Burg-Wachter Castello
Bundesliga Coach of the Year Achim Kuczmann directed a fantastic story in Leverkusen's last hurrah leading the team to a wonderful final year and outstanding regular season. Despite the teams re-location from traditional Leverkusen to near-by Dusseldorf, expect the Giants to have the same feel in their new home. Returning key players include sharpshooting Brendan Winters, energizing Brant Bailey and skilled young PG Gordon Geib. Newcomers include PG Matt Lottich (Stanford/Osaka Japan), Pete Campbell (rookie from Butler), TJ Carter (rookie from UNC Wilmington), Fred Peete (New Mexico State), Todd Hendley (rookie from UNC Wilmington) and Logan Kosmalski. (Davidson College/Nantes France). Both brothers Tom and Ben Spoeler also return to add depth to the roster. Dusseldorf will certainly go through a transition period in their new home, but Dusseldorf is not only a beautiful city, it's a sports town!

BROSE BASKETS BAMBERG
homecourt: JAKO Arena
With the departure of German Coaching Legend Dirk Bauermann who completely focuses on the German National team program, new Head coach Chris Fleming takes over after building a top team in Artland and is ready to continue the tradition of success in Bamberg. After playing in the Euroleague last season, Bamberg now welcomes EuroCup competition to Jako Arena this year. Returning keys include German National team wings Demond Greene (10.4ppg 42%three) and Robert Garrett (8ppg 2.9reb 35%three), veterans Predrag Suput (9.2ppg 4reb) and star Ademola Okulaja (9.9ppg 5.4reb) along with talented young big man Tim Ohlbrecht (3.4ppg 2.6reb). Coach Fleming has his last two top PG's in John Goldsberry and Filberto Rivera (both played under Fleming in Artland recently) and veteran post man Eric Taylor (Leverkusen) with athletic wing Jared Newson (Leverkusen/Cairns Australlia). Hardworking Beckham Wyrick adds depth after two solid seasons in Leverkusen. With the coaching change, Bamberg will have a slightly new look, but Chris Fleming and company are ready to add to the tradition and success established by Dirk Bauermann and Bamberg teams from the last few years. Fans in JAKO Arena can expect another terrific basketball season filled with Bundesliga wins and EuroCup excitement.

EISBAREN BREMERHAVEN
homecourt: Stadthalle Bremerhaven
One of the most impressive stats in Bundesliga basketball is Bremerhaven's perfect 3 for 3 in playoff appearances since joining the Bundesliga in 2005-2006. Under the direction of Dr Sarunas Sakalauskas, the Eisbaren have been a consistent winner and an immediate challenger for top levels of the league. Late preseason arrivals Marcus Slaughter and Giordan Watson have shown signs of terrific potential and returning All Star Zygimantas Jonusas (10.7ppg 3.2reb 27%three) will provide a scoring threat. Newly signed shooters Jeb Ivey (gottingen) and Mike Gansey (West Virginia/Anaheim NBDL) are Bremerhaven type sharpshooters. Big men Frank Elegar (Drexel), Yemi Nicholson (Austin Toros NBDL) and Moritz Wholers (Scottish Rocks) add a new look to the Eisbaren frontcourt.

NEWYORKER PHANTOMS BRAUNSCHWEIG
homecourt: Volkswagonarena
Head Coach Emir Mutapcic has steady developed the Phantoms year by year and returns the starting frontcourt of Kyle Visser (9.8pph 4.3reb 57%fg) and Andrew Drevo (12.4ppg 6.6reb 41%three) who both impressed in their first Bundesliga season in Braunschweig. Wing Jonathan Levy (10.4ppg 3.6reb) also is back for the Phantoms and brings an exciting athletic element to the team. Key post depth will once again be provided by Jason Cain (5.8ppg 4.3reb) who was solid as a rookie last year. Key new additions in Braunschweig include guards Will Franklin and Jeremy Crouch who both played at Bradley University. Former Wisconsin Badger Michael Flowers will add more athleticism to the defense on the perimeter and hardworking Nils Mittmann (4.9ppg 2.6reb 32%three in Ludwigsburg) returns home to Braunschweig after successful stints in Ulm, Wurzburg and Ludwigsburg. Young German players Kevin Wysocki, Tony Granz and Philip Freidel give the Phantoms a look for the future.

KOLN 99ERS
homecourt: Rheinenergie Dome
After a tumultous 2007-2008, Koln 99ers see much change for the new Bundesliga season ahead. After doing an outstanding job coaching Koln through their offcourt adversity, Sasa Obradovic moved onto Kiev and experienced assistant Drasko Prodanovic assumes Head Coaching duties of the 99ers. Only talented young players return from the 99ers roster as Philipp Schwethelm (6.6ppg 43%three) and young big men Tibor Pleiss and Davis Martens are back in Koln. Key new faces include Jeremy Hunt (Kaiserslautern/Memphis), Julian Terrell (Porto Portugal) and young Germans Bjorn Schoo and Raed Mostafa will be given chance to develop. Australlian playmaker Zarryon Fereti joins the 99ers from St Bonaventure and Slovenian players Danillo Smigic and Jasmin Catovic are also new. Two seasons removed from a Bundesliga championship and Euroleague competition, Koln is in rebuilding mode and features young talent with potential. Expect the 99ers to make key additions to their team to complement their young talent.

PADERBORN BASKETS
homecourt: Sportszentrum am Maspernplatz
A key player in Paderborns step by step ascent from the 2.Bundesliga North to Bundesliga has moved on. Head Coach Doug Spradly and the Baskets must replace the heart and soul of the team, Tim Black who has moved on to Antwerp in Belgium after leading the Bundesliga in scoring last year. Experienced guards Lavelle Felton (Jena) and Steven Wright (Braunschweig) are underrated and will work to capitalize on their opportunities to fill the void. A strength of Paderborn will be the wings with sharpshooting Steve Esterkamp (12.8ppg 3.2reb 33%three), athletic Reggie Golson (back in Paderborn after a season in France and Netherlands) and homegrown former All Star Nino Garris. New big men Spencer Tollackson (U of Minnesota) and Matthew Terwilliger (Ohio St) will be relied upon in the paint and veterans Marius Nolte (6.2ppg 4.1reb) and Nathan Peavy (9.4ppg 3.8reb 46%three) will also help provide continuity. Bryant McAllister also joins Paderborn after starring in Munich last season and will bring an offensive spark off the bench. With Paderborn solidly establishing themselves in the Bundesliga, 2008-2009 could be their best Bundesliga year yet.

RATIOPHARM ULM
homecourt: Sportszentrum Kuhberg
With two solid Bundesliga seasons under their belt, ratiopharm Ulm has rebuilt their team with a solid mix of returning players and talented new faces as head coach Mike Taylor and team attempt to replace the loss of four starters from the beginning of last season. All Star power forward Jeff Gibbs (14.1ppg 9.4reb) remains the franchise player and has led the Bundesliga in rebounding for two seasons in a row. Center Sean Finn (6.4ppg 2.9reb 69%fg) returns after making tremendous strides during last season and point guard Dru Joyce (9.5ppg 4.4ast 32%three) also is back taking over the starting role as the teams floor general. Dru's long time friend and teammate Romeo Travis (10.8ppg 5.1reb) steps into the three spot looking to fill the void left by All Star Konrad Wysocki who moved onto Frankfurt in the offseason after excellent development in Ulm. Former Florida Gator Lee Humphrey is a terrific addition to the Ulm backcourt along with defensive standout Keith Triplett who starred Kaiserslautern and Romania in recent seasons. Big man Michael Schroeder provides size and depth to the Ulm frontcourt and sharpshooting rookie Dan Fitzgerald will add a perimeter threat from the post spot after a solid college career at Marquette. Hardworking captain Emeka Erege (4.1ppg 2.5reb) and talented young Sebastian Betz (3.2ppg 39%three) provide depth on the wings. Ulm is also very excited about talented young point guard Per Gunther who joins the team after successful development in Hagen and a great summer in the German junior national program. With the return of ratiopharm as main sponsor and a new arena on the horizon, the future for Bundesliga basketball is bright in Ulm. For now, basketball fans can enjoy the 2008-2009 season and more upsets from the exciting ratiopharm Ulm team.

ENBW LUDWIGSBURG
homecourt: rundsporthalle
New Head Coach Rick Stafford is the leader in Ludwigsburg after serving as top assistant in Bamberg under Legendary Dirk Bauermann the last several seasons. With the excitement of a new arena in Ludwigsburg building, Stafford has rebuilt the roster with a quality new look. Bundesliga All Star Brandon Woudstra (15.2ppg 4.4reb 3.8ast 34%three) returns to provide a bulls-eye shooting threat and veterans Brian Jones and Domonic Jones add athleticism and experience to the backcourt. Brian Jones has been an impact player for both Tubingen and Bremerhaven in his pro career and looks to be a leader for Ludwigsburg in his return to South Germany. Meanwhile, Domonic Jones (11.6ppg 2.2reb 2.2ast 34%three in Braunschweig) was a terrific player for Karlsruhe and Braunschweig over the last few seasons. New big men include Kelvin Gibbs and sweet shooting Dane Watts (Creighton) along with athletic Deangelo Alexander on the wing. Hardworking Stefan Fahrad (2.7ppg) returns to provide depth and young talent Philip Heyden returns home after time in the ALBA Berlin youth program. Exciting young talent PG David McCray (5.2ppg 35%three) looks to continue his development as well this season. For Ludwigsburg, the new-look team aims to provide energy and success in the final season at Rundesporthalle.

BG74 GOTTINGEN
homecourt: Lokhalle
As a first year team in the Bundesliga, BG74 Gottingen fit into the league well and firmly estbalished themselves in their rookie season. Head Coach John Patrick and his team adjusted their uptempo style to the Bundesliga and made progress throughout the year. After a season in Ulm, point guard Kyle Bailey (12.6ppg 3reb 3.4ast 31%three) returns to the Violets and looks to bounce back from his injury shortened tenure in the South. The Violets recruited two top Pro A players in guard Rocky Trice from Cuxhaven and forward Chris Oliver from Kaiserslautern. From the Bundesliga, big men Jason Miller (Jena) joins Gottingen and athletic forward Clif Brown (Niagara) and skilled Peer Wente will look to be productive in the front court. Returning players include intelligent Ben Jacobsen (9.8ppg 3.6reb 37%three) and hardworking Marco Grmaldi (3.7ppg) in the backcourt along with physical Jason Boone (4.3ppg 3.3reb) and experienced Robert Dill on the block. Former Bremerhaven prospect Robert Kulawick rounds out the roster. Gottingen aims to bring exciting basketball into the Lokhalle for the new season ahead.

WALTER TIGERS TUBINGEN
homecourt: Tubingen Arena
Head Coach Tolga Ongoran has several key returning players to work with including All Star C Rasko Katic (15.2ppg 8.3reb 50%fg) who has been among the best big men in the Bundesliga for several seasons. PG Jermaine Anderson (13.9ppg 2.9ppg 2.6ast) enjoyed a terrific summer with the Canadian National team. Talented former All Star AJ Moye (10.7ppg 3.7reb 32%three) looks to regain his form after an injury riddled 2007-2008. Hardworking team player Jay Thomas (1.7ppg 46%three) also provides a reliable presence on the wing. Daniel Fountain adds a new perimeter shooting touch and power forward Michael Haynes will bring a versatile scoring threat in the post. Athletic Kenny Williams joins the Tigers and looks to make an impact in the post while Brantislav Ratkovica and Mirko Anastasov move south to Tubingen from Oldenburg looking to bolster the team with depth. Late preseason addition Richard Chaney (Troy St/Utah) could also be a sleeper this season with the Tigers. After taking over mid-season last year, look for Head Coach Tolga Ongoran

GIESSEN 46ERS
homecourt: Sporthalle Giessen-East
New Head Coach Simon Cote takes over for the Giessen 46ers and the former Frankfurt assistant and NBA scout is excited about the opportunity with one of the Bundesliga's original teams. One strength for the 46ers will be continuity as scoring guard Michael Umeh (13.1ppg 37%three), athletic forward Corey Rouse (10.6ppg 6.1reb), leader Flo Hartenstein (1.9ppg 1.7reb), young talent Johannes Lischka (3.5ppg 2.3reb), skilled veteran post man Gerrit Terdenge (10.4ppg 4.3reb 42%three) and experienced floor general Danny Lewis (6.5ppg 39%three) all return to Giessen. Former NBA draft pick Maurice Jeffers will bring talent to the perimeter and sharpshooting Heiko Schaffartzik (10.1ppg 37%three in Ludwigsburg) joins the 46ers after solid seasons in Oldenburg and Ludwigsburg. Possibly the most important new face is a familiar one in former National team big man Robert Maras who starred for the 46ers a few seasons ago. With a strong preseason performance under their belt, Giessen is excited about the new year and the new way forward with Coach Cote. For the traditional team, 2008-2009 looks to be a move in the right direction.

TBB TRIER
homecourt: Trier Arena
After a disappointing 2007-2008 and 'Absteig' (relegation), Trier earned a Wildcard from the Bundesliga and head coach Yves Defraigne has rebuilt the team over the summer. Former Koln PG Derek Raivio (8ppg 3.2ast 36%three) runs the show and an infusion of new talent includes skilled wing Jamal Schuler (VCU) and scoring four man Chris Copeland. The man in the middle is veteran George Evans who starred at George Mason University and in Belgium for Mons. Tyrone Riley, Norman Richardson join Trier from Poland and Maksym Shtein will be a solid backup big man after experience in Ulm and Frankfurt. Captain James Gillingham (11.4ppg 2.6reb 31%three) returns along with young talents Christian Hoffmann (2.4ppg 43%three), Mark Zirbes and Kostas Karamatsos. With a fresh start and a strong preseason, optimism is high in Trier and with an improved team Trier fans will definitely enjoy 2008-2009 on the court at Trier Arena.

NORDLINGEN
homecourt: Hermann-Kessler Halle
After a surprising rise to the top of the German Pro A, the wonderful success story of small town Nordlingen finished last season with a championship and 'Aufsteig'. Head Coach Andreas Wagner has brought together the best of the Pro A keeping a core from his championship team and adding several key pieces to the mix. Athletic forwards Omari Westley and Ty Shaw make the power forward spot a strength on the team and key players to Nordlingen success Avi Kazarnovski, Carl Mbassa, Joe Tesfaldet and Osvaldo Jeanty return with their sights set on a solid first season in the Bundesliga. Point guard Danny Gibson and small forward Monta McGee move south from Cuxhaven and bring in tremendous skill and athleticism. Late in the preseason Varnie Dennis joined the Giants to provide a skilled big man in the middle. The excellent chemistry and family oriented approach that led to Nordlingen success has been rewarded with the 'Aufsteig' and the small Bavarian basketball-town must be ready to support their team through the challenges ahead this season.

ALBA Berlin claim BBL Champions Cup title - by Moritz Korff
Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck - ALBA Berlin 69:84
The 2008-09 Bundesliga season has officially been opened with the 'BBL Champions Cup' today. The clash between the reigning German champion ALBA Berlin and the 2008 German-Cup winner Artland Dragons took place in the Artland Arena in Quakenbrueck. 2850 fans saw the Dragons fall 69:84 to Berlin.
ALBA-coach Luka Pavicevic started the game with Hamann, Jenkins, McElroy, Sesay and Chubb, while Thorsten Leibenath, the new man on the Artland-bench, sent Whiting, Hess, Johnson, Prewitt and Fenn to the opening tip. ALBA looked sharp on the defensive end in the early going, while both teams struggled a little bit in offense in the first minutes of the game. The guests were ahead 20:13 when quarter number one came to a close. But Quakenbrueck stormed back. Led by the strong inside play of Darius Hall (201-C/F-73, agency: Stanley International, college: W.Kentucky) Artland reduced the margin to two points in the 14th minute. However, ALBA regained control of the game and got some clutch shots from its new player, Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81, agency: Octagon, college: Stanford), and went into halftime with a 44:30 lead.
The Dragons came out of the intermission focused, while Berlin only scored five points in the first six minutes of the second half. Coach Pavicevic called a time out to talk things over and Julius Jenkins (187-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Southern) took charge in the following minutes to guide his colors back to a double-figure lead. The hosting Dragons, who had won the third frame 22:13, tied the score at the beginning of the last period, when Drew Neitzel (183-G-85, college: Michigan St.) nailed his only three pointer of the match. But Berlin then came back with Jacobsen and Jenkins making a couple of shots from beyond the arc as well and made it a 76:62 game with four minutes left to go. The guests controlled the action until the final buzzer sounded and earned a well-deserved win.
The defending German champ was led by Ansu Sesay (206-C/F-76, college: Mississippi) who shot 6 out of 9 from the floor and recorded 17 points. The 32-year-old also had 3 steals. Casey Jacobsen and Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) each scored 15 points, Rashad Wright (189-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia) had 10. Quakenbrueck's Darius Hall and Chad Prewitt (206-F/C-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arizona St.) tallied 16 points a piece, Darren Fenn (208-C-80, agency: LimeLight, college: Canisius) netted 13 points and Adam Hess (201-G/F-81, college: William & Mary) scored 10.
Both clubs will already meet again Sunday on game day one of the 2008-09 Bundesliga season.

Deutsche Bank Skyliners host Telekom Baskets Bonn Sunday Sept 21. - by Miles Scheuber
2008 BBL FINALIST BONN VISIT FRANKFURT






Even though it has been 106 days since the game five loss to the Telekom Baskets Bonn in the BBl semi finals, it still has been a short summer for THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS and their faithful fans in comparison to the two seasons before where the playoffs were not reached. THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS host The Telekom Baskets Bonn on Sunday September 21st to open the 2008-2009 BBL season. The home openers the two seasons before were against new regulated teams Ulm and Jena and even then Frankfurt had their problems, but the team will need to play a strong and concentrated game against Bonn in order to start the season on a positive note. Not only the fans are looking forward to the season starting, but even new Skyliner Keith Simmons is hot and ready for the beginning of the season. I am really excited for the start of the season. Pre season seemed to drag on at the start, but the exhibition games flew by. The team is ready for the season. I cant wait to see how the competition will be in the BBL and how the atmosphere will be at home.
THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS have not only had exciting games during the regular season, but also in the last two playoff series. Who can forget the 2004 semi final duel, where Frankfurt came back from trailing 0-2 and winning the last three games to reach the BBL final, where they beat Bamberg in five games and won their first BBL title. Some months ago, The Telekom Baskets Bonn got their revenge winning in five games on account of a last second miss from Pascal Roller. In the last three seasons, Bonn has had the upper hand over Frankfurt winning four of the last six games. Frankfurt has had problems in Bonn the last years, but have had more luck winning at home the last two seasons.
After the successful season of THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS last season, the team has shown that they want a title badly by strengthening their team in the off season. The team got American Lorenzo Gordon, who played at Kepiz Antalya last season averaging 21,3 points, 8,6 rebounds and 1,3 assists. He showed early in pre season games that he has the ability to become a huge BBL star. He is a player that gets most of his points in the paint and lets his self confidence make him successful. The team also got American Keith Simmons, who was a teammate with Gordon at Kepiz Antalya last season. There he averaged 16,2 points, 5,7 rebounds, and 2,1 assists, and 1,2 steals per game. He is a very athletic player that can shoot, penetrate and plays aggressive defense. When he is leaping through the air, a mini Jordan comes to mind. The team also got German National player Konrad Wysocki, who got valuable experience playing along side Dirk Nowitski at the 2008 Olympics in Bejing. Last season, he had his breakout season in Ulm averaging 13,1 points, 7,8 rebounds, 1,5 assists, and1,0 steals per game. He could become the X-factor this season. He is a strong rebounder, that makes a lot of his points in the paint, but also doesnt shy away from the three pointer.
The team also brings back captain Pascal Roller, who was the best German point guard in the BBL last season. He isnt the youngest anymore, but he can still play and is the brain and leader of the team. He most likely will play less minutes during the season, so he will be fit in the playoff run. Ilian Evtimov had a fine season in Frankfurt in 2007-2008 averaging 13,1 points, 5,1 rebounds, 2,1 assists and 1,3 steals per game. He has the ability to become one of the strongest players in Europe. He has a complete game and will be dazzling the crowd with his outside bombs and running hook shots in the lane. Power forward Derrick Allen was the teams MVP last season averaging 18,1 points and 7,3 rebounds per game. It will be difficult for him to reach those stats this season, simply because the team has so much more depth at scoring. The fans may also see less of his ballerina moves, since his love for the outside shot is growing. German Dominik Bahiense De Mello was the most improved player on the team last season. He gained a lot of experience playing more minutes in ULEB Cup play and improved his outside shot. He averaged 4,7 points, 1,7 rebounds and 1,0 assists per game. The fact that he also studies at The Frankfurt School of Finance has not hurt his zeal or effort on the court. The only negative fact to his development is the strong roster that may cut down his minutes dramatically. American Jimmy Mckinney is still injured and will be back in November. The team also brought in American Shawan Robinson to give Pascal Roller some minutes rest. He played at Giessen last season, but never found his rhythm in the rotation of Thorsten Leibenath and averaged only3,1 points per game. He is a solid point guard that has an unorthadox shot, but is successful with it. The team also signed American Anthony King, who is a BBL rookie and averaged 7,1 points, 7,0 rebounds, 1,3 assists and 1,4 blocked shots in his last season at the University of Miami. He is a hard worker under the hoop and is a fine shot blocker. Both Robinson and King have contracts to the end of October.
The Telekom Baskets Bonn have been successful for many years being the BBL finalist four times in 1997, 1999, 2001, and 2008. It took many years, but the new Telekom Arena was finished for the 2008 BBL finals. The new arena has a capacity of 6000 and is just one of many new arenas that will make the BBL even more dynamic in the years to come. Bonn lost many important players like Jason Conley, Edward Basden, Miah Davis, Robert Burrell or Bernd storch Kruel, but that shouldnt hurt the team too much, because the team got new strong players and the team still has the mastermind coach Michael Koch, who is one of Germanys best coaches. Koch is a coach, who knows how to bring out the best in every one of his 12 players. The team signed ex Artland player EJ Rowland, who will get the starting point guard duties. He is an athletic player, who can pass, but penetrates first and shoots second. Last season he averaged 7,5 points, 3,1 rebounds and 2,2 assists. Critics say he cant shoot, but his 52% field goal percentage doesnt confirm that.
The team also picked up American Vincent Yarbrough, who has a lot of experience. He was drafted by the NBA Denver Nuggets in 2002 and played 59 NBA games. He has played in Italy and Belgium and knows the BBL having won a BBL title with Bamberg in 2007 and also playing in Ludwigsburg last season. He is a good defender and likes to show his smooth touch from outside. American Brandon Bowman was also added to the team. He could become the X-factor. He is an allrounder, who can score, create his own shot and defend anyone. He played at the famous Georgetown University averaging 11,0 points and 5,0 rebounds in his last season there. He also played in Italy and last season had strong stats in the D-league for Bakersfield with 11,4 points, 5,7 rebounds and 1,9 assists per game. The team also signed American Tim Clifford, who is a BBL rookie and played last season at Holy Cross averaging 18,0 points, 5,4 rebounds and 2,3 blocked shots per game. He had a pre draft workout with the Boston Celtics and had time to work out with Skyliner Keith Simmons. I played with him at Holy Cross and am looking forward to play against him. We are still staying in touch. It will be weird to play against him, but on game day, he will be the enemy, said Keith Simmons.
The team also picked up Skyliner fan favourite Alex King, who will play his first game not wearing a Skyliner uniform. I have a good feeling about playing against Frankfurt. We have a good team. They will have to find a way to stop us. We will have to play with a lot of energy to win, said Alex King. The team also has a healthy core of guys from last seasons successful team like American Winsome Frazier. When he is hot, then there is no cooling him down. He has a deadly shot and seems to know exactly how to hurt a team best with his shot. He played in Hungary and last season he averaged 12,9 points, 4,0 rebounds, 1,4 assists and 1,8 steals per game for Bonn. German A-2 National player Johannes Strasser has turned into a very fine backup point guard. He averaged 6,4 points, 1,7 rebounds and 1,6 assists per game last season. He has a good outside shot and the opponent should never forget not to leave him open because he will nail the open shot often. German Arthur Kolodziejski is the fan favourite and energy source off the bench. Last season he averaged 5.0 points and 1,2 assists per game. He comes on the floor and always gives 110%. Michael Koch also has two strong forwards with Patrick Flomo and Moussa Diagne. Flomo averaged 3,4 points and 2,7 rebounds last season and can score and make monster blocks. Moussa Diagne averaged 5,1 points and 2,2 rebounds per game last season. He has quick moves in the paint, runs the fast break like a guard and can help on defense with his long arms with blocking. The biggest blow that Bonn received was the injury to American John Bowler. He will miss three months. The team acted quickly and signed ex Skyliner Ken Johnson. He is very experienced being drafted by the Miami Heat in 2001. He played 16 games for the Miami Heat and has played in countries like China, Spain, France and Schwitzerland. He can block on an efficient rate and give any defense a boost. The question is will Michael Koch allow him to shoot his three pointer?
The Telekom Baskets Bonn will be strong again this season. All 12 players on this team can contribute and will full fill the role that Coach Koch has set for them. Bonn has the ability and talent to be one of the four top teams in the BBL this season. Bonn plays a fierce defense, but will also score enough too. Bonn is strongest at the forward position and Frankfurt will need to find a way to stop the duo of Bowman/Frazier. The guard play is solid and Frankfurt will need to control Rowland and not let him find his rythm. The center position is a question mark. Bowler is out. Tim Clifford is a BBL rookie and seems like he will come from the bench. Ken Johnson is a delight to watch as he shows all his emotions after registering a huge block. He is not really a scorer, but he can if he wants to. No body should forget his 22 point, 9 rebounds outburst in Cologne last season. Frankfurt will need to have a good start in the Ballsporthalle and be carried on by the fans. A nice change of inside/out game should be the game plan of Frankfurt. If THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS can show early that they didnt forget how to play hard defense from last season and run whenever possible, then they should have good chances to win. This will be a very very tight game and might even bring back memories to game five in the semi finals some months ago. Frankfurt will not lay down and die, but will be seeking revenge for the heartbreaking loss to Bonn in the playoffs. THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS host The Telekom Baskets Bonn on Sunday September 21st at 15:00 in the Ballsporthalle.

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 


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  GREECE   


AEL 1964 inks Brozos - by Chris Mammides

AEL 1964 agreed terms with the Greek forward George Brozos (198-F-86) Brozos played for the last four years in the NCAA wearing the jersey of Ferman College. Brozos is coming from ARis Thessalonikis junior team as he begun his career with the yellows of Thessaloniki.

Kavala/Panorama agreed financial terms with the French point guard Pape-Philippe Amagou (185-G-85)

Other news
Periko-Arhelao agreed financial terms with the ex center of Peristeri Nemanja Cuk (208-C-74) for the next year, the Second division newlly merged team is adding a lot of power in its paint as the experienced center finished succesfully a seazon wearing the yellow jersey of Peristeri in A2.

Head Coach Christos Murionis (205-F-71) agreed financial terms with Age Halkidas,

Perama/Ermis Korinthou agreed terms with Dimitris Tsarouchas (197-G-86)

AEK/Pegasus agreed financial terms with ex Keravnos Aigiou scorer Dimitris Prokos (192-G-74)




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  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



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  ISRAEL   


LIgat Winner schedule for the upcoming season 2008/09 - by Netanel Dahan
Today the Ligat Winner administration make the darw for the upcoming season this is the schedule:
Away-Home
First round(26/10/2008):
M. Rishon-Kiryat Ata.
Nahariya-Givat Shmuel.
Maccabi Heat Haifa-Ramat Gan.
H. Holon-B. Hashron.
Hapoel Jerusalem-Ashkelon.
Gilboa-Galil-Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Second round(02/11/2008):
Givat Shmuel-Kiryat Ata.
Ramat Gan-H. Holon.
Heat Haifa-.Rishon.
Ashkelon-Nahariya.
B. Hashron-Gilboa Galil.
Maccabi Tel Aviv-Hapoel Jerusalem.

Third round:
M. Rishon-Givat Shmuel.
Gilboa Galil-Ramat Gan.
Hapoel J.-B. Hashron.
Kiryat Ata-Ashkelon.
H. Holon-Heat Haifa.
Nahariya-Maccabi Tel Aviv.

4 round:
Maccabi Tel Aviv-Kiryat Ata.
Ashkelon-Givat Shmuel.
H. Holon-M. Rishon.
B. Hashron-Nahariya.
Heat Haifa-Gilboa Galil.
Ramat Gan-Hapoel J..
5 round:
Nahariya Ramat Gan.
Kiryat Ata-B. Hashron.
Gilboa Galil-
H. Holon.
M. Rishon-Ashkelon.
Hapoel J.-Heat Haifa.
Givat Shmuel-Maccabi Tel Aviv.

6 round:
Ramat Gan-Kiryat Ata.
B. Hashron-Givat Shmuel.
Maccabi Tel Aviv.-Ashkelon.
Gilboa Galil-M. Rishon.
Heat Haifa-Nahariya.
H. Holon-Hapoel J..

7 round:
Heat Haifa-Kiryat Ata.
Givat Shmuel-Ramat Gan.
Ashkelon-B. Hashron.
Nahariya-H. Holon.
Hapoel J.-Gilboa Galil.
M. Rishon-Maccabi Tel Aviv.

8 Round(14/12/2008)
H. Holon-Kiryat Ata.
Heat Haifa-Givat Shmuel.
Tel Aviv-B. Hashron.
Ramat Gan-Ashkelon.
Hapoel J.-M. Rishon.
Gilboa Galil-Nahariya.

The next games will drawing after the First round.

The preseason games:
Maccabi'Electra' Tel Aviv beat Gilboa-Galil 95-60 Carlos Arroyo scored 24 points and add 4 asists.

Hapoel Jerusalem lose to Samara(Rusiia) 100-94,at the second game Jerusalem lose again 94-93.

At the National league Hapoel Afula lose to Kiryat Tivon 100-99 after very close game.

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 


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  ITALY   


Napoli will start from -15 - by Gianni Pascucci
A story of false tax receipts discovered some month ago causes the yesterday evening convinction of Serie A club Basket Napoli The Italian League Justice sentenced that the team will start next season from -15 in classification, and this could mean that we have yet the name of one of the two teams relegated to Lega 2 at the end of the race. Of course, the team will appeal to this decision and could also be sanctioned in a lighter way, but it is very hard to start season with this kind of 'ballast' aboard..

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


Tyler Smith - Japan Blog 2 (Hitachi Sunrockers - JBL) - by Tyler Smith

Food is something that can be very similar in some countries, and totally opposite in others. When I was in Holland last season, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich was unheard of. In Uruguay, I tried a few things… BEFORE I knew what it was. Cow's blood included.

A couple weeks ago here in Japan, I found out what is common to eat for breakfast. Fish. Now, I'm not a big fish guy, but a little salmon now and then is ok. However, I had NEVER heard of fish being a breakfast food. When I roll out of bed in the morning, flounder is not the first thing that comes to mind. Nevertheless, many of my teammates don't think twice about it. Go get em fellas. I'll be over here with my Corn Flakes.

Our team is coming together nicely. We had 2 exhibition games this week against the Korean Champions, Dongbu Promy. They are a very strong team with 2 really talented Americans, Okosa Reggie (206-F/C-80, agency: Passing Lane, college: La Salle) and White Wendell (198-G-84, college: UNLV). Fortunately, we played pretty well overall in both games and we were able to win twice.

Everyone on our team contributed nicely and I think we played with a lot of confidence which is great to see early in the season. We even had a nice crowd for the 2nd game and it was really fun to have the fans behind us. Our goal is to give them plenty to cheer about during the season.

The games were a very good test for us and I think one advantage we had over Dongbu Promy is that we have had a little more practice time together as a team. Look for them to be right at the top again in the KBL. We will be working hard to try and do the same in the JBL. And as much as I will be trying my best to fit into our team system and the Japanese culture, I think I will be sticking with my cereal and eggs for breakfast.



*****************************************************
  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.

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


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.

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


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.



Standings
NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
 1. Boston C. 0-0 
 2. New Jersey N. 0-0 
 3. New York K. 0-0 
 4. Philadelphia 0-0 
 5. Toronto R. 0-0 
Central Div.
 1. Indiana P. 0-0 
 2. Detroit P. 0-0 
 3. Milwaukee B. 0-0 
 4. Chicago B. 0-0 
 5. Cleveland C. 0-0 
Southeast Div.
 1. Atlanta H. 0-0 
 2. Miami H. 0-0 
 3. Washington W. 0-0 
 4. Orlando M. 0-0 
 5. Charlotte B. 0-0 
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
 1. Oklahoma City 0-0 
 2. Minnesota T. 0-0 
 3. Utah J. 0-0 
 4. Portland T.B. 0-0 
 5. Denver N. 0-0 
Pacific Div.
 1. Golden St. 0-0 
 2. LA Lakers 0-0 
 3. Phoenix S. 0-0 
 4. LA Clippers 0-0 
 5. Sacramento K. 0-0 
Southwest Div.
 1. San Antonio S. 0-0 
 2. Memphis G. 0-0 
 3. Houston R. 0-0 
 4. N.Orleans H. 0-0 
 5. Dallas M. 0-0 


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


All-State forward from RHS commits to Drake - by Eurobasket News
Elaine Benes and Aaron Hawley are in agreement: They love the Drake.

Hawley, an All-State forward for the Mountaineers, has committed to play basketball for the Drake Bulldogs according to Rogers head coach Marty Barnes.

The 6-foot-7 Hawley made his decision after returning Monday from an official visit to Belmont (Tenn. ) University in Nashville.

Both of those schools played in the NCAA Tournament last spring. Barnes says Hawley will sign a national letter of intent during the early signing period in November.

'He'd planned to take a couple of other trips to St. Louis and to Yale and he really liked Belmont but he liked the Drake Bulldogs better,' Barnes says.

Drake was nationally ranked last season and posted a school-record 28-5 record, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 37 years. The success, however, for the Missouri Valley Conference school in Des Moines, Iowa, came with a price. Keno Davis, 36, was named national coach of the year by the Associated Press and the Sporting News following his only season as Drake's head coach but he left in April for the same job at Providence. Mark Phelps, associate head coach at Arizona State the last two years, was named as his replacement. Hawley, All-Conference as a sophomore after averaging 12. 1 points per game, led the Mounties with 15. 2 ppg last season as Rogers went 21-8. The Mounties were beaten 36-34 by eventual champion Little Rock Catholic in the state tournament quarterfinals in Conway.

The Mounties begin the 2008-09 season Thursday, Nov. 20, at home against Russellville.

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

Northside High center to play basketball for Georgia State - by Eurobasket News
Center James Vincent, the second part of Northside High School's towering inside presence, has decided to play his college basketball at Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Vincent, who is 6-foot-11, 265 pounds, selected the Panthers of the Colonial Athletic Association after a visit to GSU last weekend. He selected Georgia State over UAB, Florida Atlantic, Savannah State, Southern California and Auburn among a host of scholarship offers.

Vincent's commitment comes less than a week after Torin Walker, his 6-10 1/2 complement in the Patriots' frontcourt, selected Oklahoma State as his college destination. Vincent and Walker will make their selections official during the early signing period, Nov. 12-19.

'Everybody was family-oriented. The coaches were family-oriented, the players were real cool and outstanding guys,' Vincent said. 'Being around them was kind of like being at home.'

Rod Barnes is in his second-year at Georgia State after winning Naismith Coach of the Year honors during a decade at Mississippi. His first team was 9-21 but 10 of the losses were by five points or less.

Vincent believes he will fit well in the Panthers' style of play, which he described as 'aggressive.' 'I expect to see some really tough things from them in the next couple of years,' he said.

Northside coach Kenneth Lawrence said Georgia State assistant William Small did an excellent job recruiting Vincent. 'I think it's an excellent fit for James, it's close to home,' the coach said. 'They built a pretty good relationship.'

Vincent was honorable mention All Bi-City as a junior.

Courtesy of http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/

Q and A: Rutgers guard Courtney Nelson - by Eurobasket News
Courtney Nelson (6'1''-G-85, college: Richmond) has been a bit of an enigma during his time at Rutgers. Following his senior season at Bloomfield Tech when he was named Star Ledger NJ Player of the Year, he enrolled at Richmond, where he played for 1 season before transferring to the Banks. Though Nelson played mostly a reserve role last year, it was obvious that his skills are legitimate and substantial.

Courtney, a well-spoken and grounded young man, played with Bignell Planning this summer and was the main offensive option for most of their schedule. He led the RU contingent in scoring during the summer session at 22.3 points and averaged almost 5 assists per game to boot. Nelson is currently rehabbing a wrist injury from last season that required surgery in late July. He is not expected to miss any time following the rehab period.

Brian: What were your thoughts on participating in the summer league this season?
Courtney: The competition this summer was great. I think the balance on each team was really good, and versus last summer, more teams were competing. It's going to be a great tournament as it goes on year by year.

Brian: From a basketball standpoint, what are you looking to improve upon as the new season approaches?
Courtney: I guess mainly my shooting. I'm just trying to prove that I can score. I've been known to score in the past, so I'm trying to get back to those ways this summer. I'm playing off the ball more, rather than always on it. I'm starting to feel a little more comfortable catching and coming off screens and shooting, just trying to be a scorer.

Brian: Who is your roommate on campus?
Courtney: Hamady. He ducks everywhere he goes. I watch him play Playstation for 8 hours, then go to sleep!

Brian: Do you have a favorite professional sports team?
Courtney: Wow, that's a tough one. I really don't have one. I'm more of a fan of specific players.

Brian: Pick the way you help the team win a big game - Defend and shut down a game winning shot attempt, hit a big 3 at the buzzer, or throw down a thunderous dunk as time expires?
Courtney: I'd have to say game winning 3. I love the pressure of having to make that shot. The importance of the shot just means so much to me. I've always looked forward to having the ball in my hands at the end of games.

Brian: Who has been the biggest influence on your basketball career so far?
Courtney: Definitely my father. Through thick and thin, he's always been there.

Brian: Do you have a favorite junk food?
Courtney: Swedish FishI eat them before every game.

Brian: What song don't you want anyone to know is on your MP3 player?
Courtney: Ohhhthat's a good one! True Colors by Phil Collinsbut nobody's supposed to know that!

Brian: Headbandsfor or against?
Courtney: For, but not for me. I like them. I used to wear them back in high school.

Brian: Can you impersonate one of the Rutgers basketball coaches?
Courtney: No, but I used to do a real good Gary Waters impression.

Brian: If not basketball, what other sport could you see yourself participating in?
Courtney: Track and Field

Brian: What was the last movie you saw?
Courtney: I love movies. The last one I saw was Fantastic Four, the second one. I liked it, it was cool. I love Jessica Alba, any movie she is in I have to go see.

Brian: Do you have any hidden talents away from the court?
Courtney: I can cook. All the guys I live with call me 'Grandpa' because I stay in my apartment, lie around and cook all day!

Brian: Who is the funniest guy on the team?
Courtney: Jaron Griffin

Brian: Who is your favorite pro athlete of all time?
Courtney: Allen Iverson when I was younger, but I really like Jamal Crawford.

Brian: What is your take on those alternate uniforms that many of the teams have these days?
Courtney: I love the black uniforms!

Brian: Zone or man to man, any preference?
Courtney: Man to man, no doubt!

Brian: Impressions of the RAC as a home court?
Courtney: I love it. There is nothing like the RAC when everything is good. When a big school comes in, everybody is coming to the RAC looking to bash the other team and see Rutgers win. I really love the RAC when we are on top.

Brian: Finally, any thoughts on the upcoming season?
Courtney: I think we are gonna be young, very young, but we have a core group of guys that have kinda been through it. We have 4 juniors - me and Byron are pretty much seniors - so I look at it as possibly a very good year. We have a great group of young guys that can help us a lot. I'm really excited about the new strength coach, Phil Dyer. He's done a great job with our big guys, and the whole team in general getting us into better shape. Starting at the bottom of the Big East this year is kind of a motivation for us. We are kinda tired of being stuck at the bottom. We have the fan support here at Rutgers to win and to be that next big school. Everybody's doing it here - the women's team, the football team. We look at it as a challenge for us to get on track with everyone else.

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

Jonathan Smith from Ohio commits to St. Louis - by Eurobasket News
Jonathan Smith, a 6-foot-7 guard-forward from Grove City, Ohio, has made an oral commitment to play basketball at St. Louis University.

Smith averaged 17 points and 11 rebounds and was an all-conference selection as a junior last season for Grove City High, just outside Columbus. He said most of the other interest in him came from schools in his home state such as Ohio University, and he was swayed to SLU by the presence of Coach Rick Majerus . 'I'll get better under him,' Smith said, 'and he cares about what you do after basketball.'

Smith describes himself as a small forward who also can defend a power forward or a shooting guard. He said he was surprised when he was first contacted by SLU in the early summer because he had drawn little attention outside Ohio. 'It was pretty tough choosing them over OU,' he said. 'But now, I don't feel good about the decision. I feel great.'

Smith can sign a letter of intent starting on Nov. 12.

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

North Carolina basketball recruit chooses Miami Hurricanes - by Eurobasket News
The University of Miami men's basketball team landed a big commitment Monday night -- and another budding star from coach Frank Haith's home state of North Carolina -- when swingman Garrius Adams announced he was picking the Canes over South Carolina.

Adams, a 6-5, 185-pound senior at Apex Middle Creek High, is rated a four-star recruit by Scout.com and is in Rivals.com's Top 150. And according to his coach, David Kushner, he will fit perfectly into the Canes' offense.

''Garrius is a guy who is a late bloomer, someone the bigger schools past on at first, but were chasing late,'' Kushner said. ``When he went down and visited Miami with his parents two weeks ago, he really felt at home. He's what Coach Haith is looking for, a guard that can shoot the ball and is long and lean. He's got an 82-inch wingspan. He can be a ridiculous defender.''

Adams averaged 18.2 points and 7.8 rebounds last season for Middle Creek and was the conference player of the year in Wake County. He is the fourth player Haith has recruited to Miami from his home state.

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

Arizona reports possible recruiting violation - by Eurobasket News
The University of Arizona has reported a possible NCAA recruiting violation by men's basketball coach Lute Olson , who called it ``an unfortunate and regrettable error.''

Athletic director Jim Livengood said Monday that Olson had sent a letter to basketball boosters asking for a donation to Jim Storey's Arizona Cactus Classic basketball tournament, held last May at Arizona's McKale Center. NCAA rules prohibit institutional representatives or boosters from arranging financial assistance for potential recruits.

``A 'personal and confidential' letter was sent to Rebounders Club board of directors over the electronic signature of Lute Olson , requesting that they provide financial assistance to Jim Storey's Cactus Classic AAU Tournament,'' Livengood said in a July 2 letter to Ron Barker, Pac-10 associate commissioner in charge of governance and enforcement. ``The letter expressed how important this tournament is to the Arizona basketball program's recruiting. The letter also stated (correctly) that 'The athletics department can't assist in any way.' Which would include requesting that donors make financial contributions.''

The alleged violation did not involve a specific athlete, Livengood told the Pac-10.

Livengood reported that Olson had denied knowledge of the letter.

``Others inside and outside of the department stated that they thought that he had requested that the letter be sent,'' Livengood told the conference.

Livengood said the NCAA is investigating and that university officials would have no further comment until the process is concluded.

In a statement issued by the university, Olson called the letter ``an unfortunate and regrettable error.''

Olson, who turns 74 next week, returned to the helm of the Wildcats last spring after missing the 2007-08 season on a personal leave of absence.

In a letter to the Rebounders Club, Olson denied any knowledge of the request for donations, calling it a ``clear-cut violation of NCAA rules.''

``We have always been very diligent in following rules to the letter,'' Olson wrote in the letter, which was distributed to the media by the athletic department. ``We always make sure to cross our 't's' and dot our 'i's' and do not look for a way around the rules.

``I am very embarrassed that this letter was sent,'' he wrote. ``I have already met with our compliance officer to apologize about this letter. Please accept my deepest apology. Thank you for your understanding.''

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

VCU lands highly rated point guard - by Eurobasket News
Virginia Commonwealth University basketball coach Anthony Grant made a splash in the recruiting pool, getting a commitment from one of the country's top-rated point guards.

Ben Eblen is rated the 17th-best point guard by Scout.com. The 6-0, 185-pound left-hander from Florida Air Academy in Melbourne, Fla., was one of the Rams' top targets. VCU will lose one player after this season: senior point guard Eric Maynor, last year's Colonial Athletic Association player of the year.

Eblen chose VCU over Stanford and College of Charleston, his hometown in South Carolina. He said he received offers from Miami, Tulsa and Marshall, and substantial interest from SEC, Big East and ACC schools.

He can sign a national letter of intent with the Rams on Nov. 12.

'He made a choice that gives him a chance to someday be an all-league player,' said Dave Telep, Scout.com's national basketball recruiting director. 'It's almost the perfect fit.

'He is a sum-of-all-parts point guard. He has a lot of leadership qualities. . . . If you try to quantify all his physical attributes, it doesn't matter. He's just a winner.'

Eblen averaged about 15 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds and 3 steals last season at Florida Air. Eblen transferred to the boarding school before his sophomore year.

'He knows when it's time to take over a game,' Florida Air coach Aubin Goporo said. 'When he needs to get [his teammates involved], he gets more assists. When he needs to score more, he scores. He's a smart player.'

Eblen said he chose VCU because of the relationship he established with Grant and assistant coach Tony Pujol. He also likes the way he fits with the fast pace and pressure defenses employed by the Rams.

'You can tell when coaches are just feeding you a bunch of nonsense,' Eblen said. '[Grant] was always straightforward and honest. My parents and high school coach felt the same way about him.'

Eblen will take his official visit to VCU this weekend. He took an unofficial visit with his mother in June.

Note -- VCU will play New Mexico on Nov. 29 in the second phase of the four-game Cancun Challenge in Cancun, Mexico. The Rams then will play Drake or Vanderbilt on Nov. 30.

In the first phase, VCU will play at the Siegel Center against The Citadel on Nov. 16 and South Dakota State on Nov. 19. VCU's complete schedule has not been released.

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

Big guy Kenny George may miss senior season - by Eurobasket News
UNC Asheville's Kenny George (7'6''-C), at 7-foot-7 the nation's tallest college basketball player, might not play this season because of a foot injury.

George had two surgical procedures on an infected right foot and remains in a Chicago hospital, the school said. The senior is not expected to return to school this semester.

Coach Eddie Biedenbach said George first felt discomfort last month during a camp in Las Vegas.

When he returned to his native Chicago, a doctor recommended immediate surgery.

George was the Big South's defensive player of the year after helping the Bulldogs win a school-record 23 games and reach the NIT last season. George averaged 12.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.3 blocks.

Courtesy of http://www.onlineathens.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.

*****************************************************
  PARAGUAY   


Quadrangolar has started - by Gianni Pascucci
The four teams round robin named Quadrangolar started yesterday night in Asuncion. Sol de America made a very succesful debut, defeating UAA 104-63 led by Renzo Ferrari (191-G/F-84) with 18 pts and Cristian Viveros (182-G-78) with 13 pts. In the other game of the night, Libertad defeated 74-73 Deportivo San Jose coming from behind with Ricardo Ozuna (185-G/F-82) topping all the scorers at 23 pts. The first standings are as follows:
1. Libertad 3 pts,
2. Sol de America 2,50 pts,
3. Deportivo San Jose and UAA 1 point.

Quadrangolar has started - by Gianni Pascucci
The four teams round robin named Quadrangolar started yesterday night in Asuncion. Sol de America made a very succesful debut, defeating UAA 104-63 led by Renzo Ferrari (191-G/F-84) with 18 pts and Cristian Viveros (182-G-78) with 13 pts. In the other game of the night, Libertad defeated 74-73 Deportivo San Jose, coming from behind with Ricardo Ozuna (185-G/F-82) topping all the scorers at 23 pts. The standings are as follows:
1. Libertad 3 pts,
2. Sol de America 2,50 pts,
3. Deportivo San Jose and UAA 1 point.

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


Knights update, NH Exposure Combine Registration Filling Up - by Eurobasket News
Knights mascot, Sir Jam A Lot, will be at Meijer Inc., on West Columbia Avenue, in Battle Creek, from 6 to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 26th, to greet customers during the Meijer store grand opening celebration month.

If you are a Knights fan, check out today's Battle Creek Enquirer Sports Section, Tuesday, September 16th, edition for some fantastic coverage of this past Saturday, September 13th, Knights Free Agent Camp that was held at Triple Threat Sports.

For more information in regard to the Knights 2009 season ticket packages, sponsorship opportunities, and group ticket plans, please contact the Battle Creek Knights professional basketball team offices (McCamly Place) at 269-965-5001 or email questions to info@bcknights.com.

---

The New Hampshire Exposure Combine has only a few spaces left for registration. The camp, which is to be held on September 20th and 21st, will also serve as the official tryout camp of the Manchester Millrats.

The camp will include several overseas scouts, PBL coaches and representatives from several agencies.

The camp registration fee is $195.00 for the two day event which will run from 9am to 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Hotel rooms are available at a discounted rate of just $45.00 per night at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott-Merrimack (for reservations call 603-424-7500 ). Manchester Airport (code=MHT) is conveniently served by Southwest Airlines.

Courtesy of PBL

PBL issues profit sharing checks to teams - by Eurobasket News
The Premier Basketball League (PBL) announced a historic first for minor league basketball, as the league issued profit sharing checks to its member teams from the 2008 season.

The PBL business model is structured such that the league pays for travel, officials, and uniforms, providing ownership groups the best opportunity to turn a profit.

'Our business model is working, and the rewards of that model are starting to pay off,' said PBL Chief Executive Officer Thomas E. Doyle.

'The days of pouring good money after bad has to come to an end in minor league sports,' stated PBL Chairman of the Board Dr. Sev Hrywnak. 'The owners in this league are our partners and treated as such. We do not want travel money or league fees from our owners, leagues that do are operating with a flawed 1970's business model.

In the next 2 -3 years, our teams should have an operating budget that comes from the league profit sharing model. This will keep down owner investment and more importantly keep ticket prices very affordable for the fan.'

Wilmington Sea Dawgs Co-Owner Peter Gratale said, 'As one of the original members of the PBL, I would like to thank Sev and Tom for the level of professionalism they have brought to minor league basketball. It was surprising enough to have our annual operating budget reduced by 40% due to the league sharing our expenses, but to receive a disbursement from the league for a share of sponsorship dollars generated by the league is beyond my expectations.'

After a much heralded inaugural season, the PBL enters its second season of professional basketball in January 2009, with teams throughout the United States and Canada. Games will be viewed on national television as well as via webcasts.

Courtesy of PBL

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


Bombers, Knights barge into semis - by Eurobasket News
Jose Rizal University and Letran College came through with huge victories at the Astrodome yesterday to claim two of the last three Final 4 slots while setting a date for the second twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals of the NCAA basketball tournament.

The Bombers held off the San Sebastian College Stags, 57-53, while the Knights thumped the Cardinals, 62-52 in a pair of playoff games which determined the leagues second and third semifinalists.

The four squads finished the elimination round tied for second behind first semifinalist and defending champion San Beda College and are in a two-game playoffs to determine the three other Final 4 entries.

While the two wins gave the Bombers and the Knights tickets to the semis, they will still meet for the No. 2 spot and the second twice to beat incentive in a virtual start of a best-of-three Final 4 series tomorrow, the same day that the Stags and the Cardinals knock each other out for the No. 4 spot and the right to meet defending champion San Beda College in the semifinals.
The Knights used their signature fullcourt press to twit the Cardinals in the fourth quarter while racing to a 59-47 advantage, four minutes and 41 seconds left.

'It is a hard fought game,' Letran coach Louie Alas said afater the Knights claimed their sixth straight Final 4 ticket since 2003. 'Good thing hindi bumaba ang intensity ng depensa namin.

'I am really blessed with players na madaling sumunod. Mga players na napaka-coachable.'

Dino Daa asserted led the Knights with 24 points, five rebounds, four assists, five steals and a block while Rey Guevarra had one of his best games this season with 17 points and six rebounds.
In the first playoff, the Bombers led, 51-34, midway in the fourth quarter but the Stags, behind fastbreak plays centered on Jim Viray and Froilan Saquillo came back and threatened, 47-51, with still 2:52 left.

But as fate would have it, that was the best the Stags could do as the Bombers held on to claim the second Final 4 seat.

'We just kept our faith. (San Sebastian) is a very tough team kaya nakahabol sila,' said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia. 'Nagkataon lang malaki lamang namin and we were able to stop their perimeter shooters.'

James Sena led the Bombers with 11 points while Jayson Nocom had 10 points and eight rebounds.

'May flashes (of previous meetings) na kanina,' Vanguardia said. 'Hindi na tayo papayag nang ganon. Wala silang three-points. Three-points ang pumatay sa amin sa endgame (of our past matches) especially in the first round.'

Saquillo led the Stags with 16 points and Viray had 10 points. Jason Ballesteros notched seven points and 11 rebounds.

Jose Rizal completed 11 steals that gave the Bombers 21 turnover points. The Stags had only three steals.

In the juniors division, the Light Bombers made it a double with a 95-89 overtime decision against La Salle Greenhills.

Joshua Saret scored 16 of his 31 points in the fourth period while Kim Villena scored seven of his 13 points in the extra period to help push the Lighties to a knockout match with the Letran Squires, also tomorrow, for the right to meet the Staglets in the finals.

The Staglets, who swept the elimination round, will need only one win to claim the crown.


The scores:

First Game (Jrs)

JRU 95 Saret 31, Agovida 23, Madlangbayan 15, Villena 13, Vigil 6, Vital 5, Oliveria 2, Regis 0.
LSGH 89 Mart. Reyes 26, Adornado 16, Malimban 12, Franco 10, Quebral 8, Mi. Reyes 6, Henares 6, Marc. Reyes 3, Cruz 2.

Quarters: 5-17, 28-39, 53-57, 85-85 (Reg.) 95-89 (OT)


Second Game (Srs)

JRU 57 Sena 11, Nocom 10, Wilson 9, Pradas 9, Cagoco 5, Njei 5, Agas 4, Bulangis 2, Hayes 2, Kabigting 0.
SSC 53 Saquillo 16, Viray 10, Ballesteros 7, Bringas 6, Raymundo 5, Aquino 3, Zulueta 2, Bulawan 2, Maconocido 2, Delgado 0, Semira 0, Najorda 0.

Quarters: 15-11, 34-23, 43-33, 57-53.


Third Game (Srs.)

LETRAN 62 Daa 24, Guevarra 17, Foronda, J. 8, Melegrito 8, Cortes 3, del Rosario 2, Gutilban 0, Dangcal 0, Jazul 0, Foronda, C. 0, Belencion 0, Ranises 0.
MAPUA 52 Mangahas 13, Mazo 13, Acosta 7, dela Pea 7, N. Pascual 7, Sarangay 5, J. Pascual 0, Banal 0.

Quarters: 21-13, 29-22, 49-45, 62-52.

Courtesy of www.mb.com.ph

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


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   


Lusitania will not compete in the new LPB - by Bruno Baltazar
The portuguese federation said today that Lusitania Angra Patrimonio Mundial will not compete in the new LPB.
The federation tried to reach since Agust,20th many times Lusitania Angra Patrimonio Mundial regarding schudale aspects but they did not said nothing at all, to add this factor Lusitania Angra Patrimonio Mundial is living a crisis with some debts and lack of money as well as lack of dirigents.
Without garantees or answers the portuguese league decided to exclude Lusitania Angra Patrimonio Mundial for the next season because they want to have everything prepared and ready for this season.
The federation also wish all the best luck to Lusitania Angra Patrimonio Mundial.
With this decision some new updates will take place in the next days because now the league will have 11 and not 12 teams , more news to come in the next days...

*****************************************************
  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 B
B Standings
 1. Irkutsk 0-0 
 2. Lok.Novos. 0-0 
 3. Krasnodar 0-0 
 4. Magnitogorsk 0-0 
 5. Revda 0-0 
 6. Severstal 0-0 
 7. Zaretchny 0-0 
 8. Rjazan 0-0 
 9. N.Novg.NBA 0-0 
 10. Chelabinsk 0-0 
 11. Dynamo-2 0-0 
 12. Khimky-2 0-0 
 13. Triumph-2 0-0 
 14. Ural Ekater. 0-0 
Div.A
 1. Saransk 0-0 
 2. Kursk 0-0 
 3. Naltchik 0-0 
Div.B Center
 1. Avtodor 0-0 


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. CSK VVS 0-0 
 6. Unics 0-0 
 7. Krasnoyarsk 0-0 
 8. Khimky 0-0 
 9. Univ.Surgut 0-0 
 10. Spartak-P. 0-0 
 11. Lok.Rostov 0-0 
 12. Triumph 0-0 


*****************************************************
  SEBL   


Baseline set to return to China for pro tour... - by David Archer
#s#
#e#6


Penland


Sloan


Wooten


Hamilton


Sheppard

Cartersville, GA - Baseline Sports Management announces it will be returning to China this month for a 12-15 game tour. Baseline will take on teams from the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in partnership with Chinese Hoops Agency and Robert Wang. The Baseline Warriors went on a tour in April and finished with a 7-5 record.


The roster has been selected for this tour and will be as follows...


Baseline-USA:
Brandon Kelley (5'11''-G-84, college: Clayton St.), 5-10 PG
Adrian Penland (6'1''-G-80) of Young Gunz, 6-1
Michael Sloan (6'4''-G-84) of BC Lakers
Ronell Wooten (6'4''-G-85) of Cartersville Baseline Warriors
Joe Hamilton (6'6''-F-79) of Cartersville Baseline Warriors
Jacob Frasier (6'5''-F-82, college: Mobile (AL))
Michael McCowan (6'8''-F-83) of Cartersville Baseline Warriors
Nick Sheppard (6'11''-C-76) of Newport Beach Surf
Donovan McMullen (6'10''-C-85) of Atlanta Speedboys
EJ Johnson, 6-11 C

Head Coach: Marcus Hughes

Alternates for this tour:
Raymond Canady, 6'7' F
Terrence Jones, 6'7' PF
Anthony Brown, 6'4' SG
Golden Ingle, 5'10 PG
Jeremy Law, 6'2 G


Baseline Sports is a division of The Human Race, Inc., a Georgia 501(c)3 Non-profit Corporation. The Human Race also operates the SEBL Summer Pro League, the Summer Hill Post Grad program and Summer Hill Blue Devils, the SH Minority Baseball project, the G.I.R.L.S. outreach programs and JC Theatre Productions.



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


FMP Unics 78-77, Crvena Zvezda II in Serbian Ib league, tournament Borislav Reba Corkovic - by Zoran Popovic

In friendly game played in Belgrade, FMP Zeleznik Beograd won Unics Kazan 78-77. First three quarters results were equal, but in the fourth quarter FMP Zeleznik Beograd players with stronger defense made advantage 21-9 and finish match 78-77. For FMP Zeleznik Beograd Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87) scored 21, Ilic 15, Miroslav Raduljica (212-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) 11 and Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: CAA Sports) 10 points, and for Unics Kazan Dmitri Sokolov (212-C-85, agency: Agency No 10) scored 16 and Popovic 15 points.

FMP: Jeremic 10, Zivanovic 6, Savic, Soskic, Labovic 21, Markovic, Lazic 2, Ilic 15, Stamenkovic, Protic 8, Musli, Milutinovic 2, Raduljica 11, Covic 3.

Unics: Popovic 15, Zamansky 7, Kuzyakin 5, Samoylenko 5, Urazmanov, Sipatov, Loncar 13, Chikalkin, Lyday 13, Wotson, Sokolov 16, Zhukanenko.

Management of Serbian basketball association decides to approve participation of Crvena Zvezda II in Serbain 1b league. Young team of Crvena Zvezda won Serbian junior Championship 2008, when they beat FMP Zeleznik Beograd in final game.
In organization of BC Partizan, this weekend in Belgrade will be played memorial tournament Borislav Reba Corkovic for juniors. Participation on tournament are already confirmed Vizura, Crvena Zvezda, Radnicki and Partizan.



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   


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.

Pre-Season Round Up (Sep 16 games) - by Paul Nilsen
Fuenlabrada pulled off a famous 69-63 success against their illustrious Euroleague neighbours Real Madrid in the Torneo de la Communidad de Madrid. It might only be a pre-season game as Felipe Reyes tried to make out after the game and after the success of Bejiing this might all seem a bit trivial but maybe he was trying to deflect that fact that Fuenla big man Antonio Bueno (208-F/C-80, agency: Interperformances) showed that he does have what it takes to dispel his doubters with a great 24 point performance.

Joan Plaza and his stars might well talk about the need to beat Estu by 12 points to win the tournament but that is because they will want to forget about this game - and quickly. Not that the Oranges will let them forget it too soon - Yes, the Whites had big players missing but nevertheless Luis Guil and his players holding such a powerful club to a meagre 63 points. The coach expressed his delight after the game commentating that Bueno has the talent to continue playing at a high level and that he was delighted to keep a team with so many scoring options to 63 points. Overall he seemed most pleased with the fact his team had played a really good seven of eight quarters in the tournament.

Bruesa GBC completed an 86-75 triumph over Donetsk with veteran Italian centre Denis Marconato continuing to grow into his new club with a veteran 16 point performance for the San Sebastian team. The only blow for Bruesa was an injury scare for veteran Lou Roe who injured his ankle jumping for a rebound and he didnt play in the second half. Fans will have to wait anxiously in the4 next few days for the full extent of Roes injury to be revealed. Bruesa led by as many as 18 during the game at 58-40 after a 17-3 run from the half but the Ukrainians fought back to narrow the deficit.

There were three games involving ACB Clubs on Tuesday night with CAI Zaragoza bouncing back from their defeat 24 hours earlier against Iurbentia Bilbao with a hard fought 78-82 victory over Kalise Gran Canaria - their second of pre-season. Inspired by Paulo Quinteros who scored 21 points, Zaragoza were always in control throughout although Granca closed towards the end.

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


Market News - by Richard
Ted Skuchas (211-C-83, college: Vanderbilt) and Jaraun Burrows (203-F-85, college: IPFW) signed with Sodertalje Sweden

Skuchas was hurt before season even started with hand injury in Germany, Trier last season and had to return home for surgery. Ted Skuchas joined ABA team Vermont Frost in January of 08 where he helped them win another Championship. Burrows led his team to Conference Tourney championship game against Oral Roberts in his teams first season in The Summit League. In that game Burrows scored 20 points and 10 rebounds with season averaged 13.9 ppg and 6.4 rpg while shooting 42 percent from the 3 point line.

John Torson (208-F/C, college: Rockhurst) has signed with Ginasio in Portugal
Cory Abercrombie (201-F/C, college: Pittsburg St.) has signed with Dombovar, Hungary
Greg Dilligard (203-F-85) has signed with Olimpia in Uruguay
Alan Metcalfe (206-F-85, college: Vanderbilt) has signed with Guildford Heat of England

*****************************************************
  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.

Lausanne and Academie Fribourg Olympic are searching for replacements - by Kristian Santiago
Recently announced Clifford Franks (201-F-83, college: Prairie View A&M) returned to the U.S. due to family problems.
AcadAƒÆ'A†â€™Aƒâ€sA‚©mie Fribourg Olympic (LNB) is now searching for a replacement.

Lausanne Morges Basket suffered a setback when it announced that Willie Freeman (198-F-80, college: W.Carolina) injured his ligament in his right knee in a test match. He will be out for two months and now the search for a temporarily replacement for Freeman has also begun for the LNA-team.

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


Tomas Van den Spiegel arrives to Mariupol on medical tests - by Eurobasket News
According to official web site of Azovmash, Belgian big guy Tomas Van Den Spiegel (214-C-78) arrived to Mariupol for a medical tests. It is not announced what kind of deal he signed with Ukrainian champion.

Tomas van den Spiegel started last season in Polish powerhouse Prokom Trefl Sopot. He played 10 games in Euroleague averaging 10.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg and 1.7 bpg. It is interesting but almost the same digits he had for 8 games in Polish DBE. In January this year Van den Spiegel agreed terms with CSKA Moscow. He helped Russian team to grab Euroleague trophy adding 3.9 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 8 Euroleague games. It was not Van den Spiegel's first season in jersey of CSKA. He already was its member on 06/07 and in the second half of 05/06. In the past he spent two years in Lottomatica Roma, three years in Skipper Bologna and four in Telindus Oostende. He has two Euroleague trophies and as well as three Russian championships in his 'pocket'. Of course all of those with CSKA Moscow. There is also two more National Cups with Russian giant. Tomas Van Den Spiegel also won two championship titles and two National Cups of Belgium.

During the summer he agreed 2-year deal with Pamesa Valencia but he didn't sign the contract with Spanish team.

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   


Paralympics 2008: Britain defends bronze in wheelchair basketball - by Eurobasket News
Britain successfully defended their third- place finish from Athens 2004 by defeating the United States 85-77 in the Paralympic men's wheelchair basketball at the National Indoor Stadium on Tuesday.

Britain built on their one-point halftime lead through a determined offence in the second half.

They outscored the United States 24-11 in the third quarter, and held off the United States' scoring drive in the fourth quarter for the victory.

British forward Terence Bywater was the game's top scorer with 32 points, a total which included five successful free throws in the last two minutes of the game.

'Although we met a tough team today, we still played really well. Our teamwork is the most important reason for our winning,' said British coach Thomas Richford Sinclair. 'Our next goal is the London Paralympic Games.'

On the Chinese audience's reaction to the game, Sinclair said: 'They were fabulous. They have been a most lively and energetic group during the tournament. We have never heard such big noise before.'

Forward Simon Munn, the game's top rebounder, and guard Jon Pollock combined for 35 of Britain's points.

Forward Steve Serio and guard Jeremy Lade each hit two field goals in the last minutes of play, but the United States could not offset the British team's steady shooting.

'They started to hit some shots, and we were missing our shots. We weren't getting the stops we needed. Whenever we would get close, they would come back with another score. It was hard for us to overcome that,' said U.S. coach Steve Wilson.

'We always try to stop their big three, and obviously we didn't do a good job of that. Terry (Bywater) ended up with 32 points, Simon (Brown) had 20, and Pollock had 15, which means our defence didn't do a good job,' added he.

'They had a lot of experience, and they played like it. They executed.Britain is a really good team. They have been together for 10 years. They are experienced and have been to the Paralympics many times.'

'We need to go back to the starting point, with the guys we have, and try and get better.'

Center Joe Chambers was the United States' leading scorer with 25 points.

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

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


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).

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

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 




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Women News

*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC LEAGUE - Women  


Adriatic league with a new sponsor, first round on October 11th - by Eurobasket News
Adriatic league enters into the eighth season with a new general sponsor. Instead of NLB, new sponsor of the regional championship for women will be brand Multipower. Headquarters of the league stays in Slovenian capital Ljubljana.

Regional championship starts on October 11th. As it was last season, the number of teams will be the same - 10. The most teams are coming from Croatia - 4. Referees will be selected from all countries participants of the league. It is decided that instead of three, only two referees will be delegated for each game. At the final tournament will be three referees per one match. As it is mentioned above, Croatia will have four representatives next season: Jolly JBS, Gospic CO, Ragusa and Medvescak. Two teams will come from Serbia: Crvena Zvezda and Vojvodina NIS Gas. Montenegro also has two: Jedinstvo Bijelo Polje and Buducnost. Slovenian representative is Merkur Celje while Mladi Krajisnik will be the only Bosnian team.

It is also decided that this year will be organized WABA Cup. The host team of the final tournament of WABA Cup will be Sibenik.

*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA - Women  


All ready for the beginning of National League 2008 - by Facundo Iatzky
This week the teams hat will play in 2008 season were confirmed. They are:
Velez Sarsfield
Lanus
Union Florida
Temperley
Talleres Parana
Central Entrerriano
Rieles Argentinos
Pacifico San Martin
Bartolome Mitre
Petroleros YPF
Ciudadela Norte
Sportivo Guzman

Fixture 1st round:
*September 20
Union Florida - Temperley
Sp. Guzman - Rieles Argentinos
Velez - Lanus
Pacifico San Martin - Petroleros YPF
Central Entrerriano - Ciudadela Norte
Talleres - Mitre

The first stage will be played in three groups(4 teams in each one) and the the two best teams of each group will advace to the final 6 Round.

Standings - Women
Liga Standings
Zona A
 1. Union Florida 0-0 
 2. Temperley 0-0 
 3. Guzman 0-0 
 4. Rieles 0-0 
Zona B
 1. Petroleros 0-0 
 2. Pacifico 0-0 
 3. Lanus 0-0 
 4. Velez S. 0-0 
Zona C
 1. Talleres 0-0 
 2. Mitre 0-0 
 3. C.Norte 0-0 
 4. C.Entrerriano 0-0 


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


*****************************************************
  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.

*****************************************************
  BRAZIL - Women  


Castro top-scores in the last win for the Dream - by Eurobasket News
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. 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. Iziane Castro (183-G/F-82) finished the game with 10 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, while Erika De Souza (197-C-82) nailed 5 points.
Iziane Castro scored 15 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter as the Atlanta Dream rallied for a 83:72 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night, snapping a 10-game losing streak. The Sparks held a 63:57 lead with 8:52 to play but scored just eight points during the next 7:54. Meanwhile, Iziane Castro scored 15 points in a span of 5:57 as the Dream built a 79:69 advantage with 2:12 remaining. Erika De Souza scored 4 points and made 5 rebounds. That was the last win for the Dream in the regular season.

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


Sutton-Brown shines in the end of the season - by Eurobasket News
Tammy Sutton-Brown (193-C-78, college: Rutgers) knocked down career-high 26 points and the Indiana Fever routed the Phoenix Mercury 103:89 in their final game of the regular season. It also became a franchise scoring record for the Fever as their previous record numbers stood at 102. Katie Douglas 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. Indiana led from the start and secured a moral-soothing win before hosting the Detroit Shock on Friday in the playoffs opener.
The league also named the Players of the Week yesterday. Tammy Sutton-Brown 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 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.
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. Jessica Davenport answered with 12 points for the Liberty.

Paralympics 2008: Fifth place belongs to Canada - by Eurobasket News
BEIJING - The Canadian Women's Wheelchair Basketball team captured fifth place by overwhelming the Netherlands while the U.S. claimed the gold medal by defeating Germany at the Beijing Paralympics on Monday.

Canada, the defending gold medallist, secured fifth place by defeating the Netherlands 61-32.

Three players, led by the 14 points of guard Sabrina Pettinicchi of Fredericton, scored in double figures for Canada. The Canadians' tight defence limited the Netherlands to only 10 points in the second half.

The Netherlands nearly matched Canada in rebounds (38 vs. 43) and steals (eight vs. 10), but the losing side hit fewer than half of the field goals that Canada did. Guard Inge Huitzing, who contributed 12 points, was the only player from the Netherlands to score over six points.

'We seemed not to have an answer for their new kind of offense,' said Dutch guard Roos Oosterbaan. 'We didn't seem to get our set. They were really strong. They don't seem to let their game out of their hands.'

In other women's games played Monday:

The U.S. defeated Germany 50-38 in the gold medal game thanks to tight defence, 16 points from guard Christina Ripp and key free throws in the final minutes of the game

The United States, which won the gold medal in Athens, kept a close guard on Germany with man-to-man defence that minimized Germany's scoring potential. Centre Marina Mohnen, who scored 13 points, was the only German player to score over six points.

Forward Carlee Hoffman and guard Stephanie Wheeler helped seal the U.S. victory by each hitting two free throws in the last two minutes of play.

Germany committed a game total of 19 turnovers, from which the United States scored 11 points.

The German women's team's silver medal was its first medal since the 1988 Seoul Games, where the Federal Republic of Germany won silver.
---

Despite 21 turnovers and a flurry of missed scoring opportunities in the fourth quarter, Australia outlasted Japan 53-47 in the bronze medal game.

Australia, the defending silver medallist, held on to win as guard Kylie Gauci hit a clutch three-point shot and a foul shot, forward Sarah Stewart made a field goal and a foul shot, and forward Cobi Crispin made a free throw, all in the last three minutes of play.

Forward Liesl Tesch led Australia with 16 points and 14 rebounds, while Japanese forward Mari Amimoto was the game's highest scorer with 18 points.

'It's unreal,' said Gauci. 'A lot of people come to the Paralympic Games and don't win a medal, so to get third in the world is amazing. Hopefully in four more years we will be there for the gold medal.'
---

Centre Fu Yongqing's 28 points led China's relentless offence that earned the team a 57-38 win over Great Britain in the classification playoff game for seventh-eighth place.

China overcame a first-quarter deficit of six points and poured in the shots for the rest of the game to earn its second win of the tournament. China outscored Great Britain 20-2 in the second quarter.

German men head for 5th-6th place playoff against Israel

In the only men's game played Monday, Germany's 71-57 victory over Japan sent them into the classification playoff game for fifth-sixth place against Israel.

German forward/guard Dirk Passiwan had 30 points and centre Dirk Kohler-Lenz had 23 points and 14 rebounds to provide most of the German offence. Centre Reo Fujimoto scored 20 points to lead Japan.

Canadian men battle Australia for gold

Canada and Australia will challenge each other in Tuesday's Men's Wheelchair Basketball final, and the United States will take on Great Britain in the bronze medal game.

As the only undefeated team in the men's tournament, Canada enters the final as the favorite. It is the defending champion, as well as the reigning world champion. Australia won the silver medal at Athens.

Great Britain will attempt to retain its 2004 bronze medal.

Also on Tuesday, Israel and Germany will compete in the classification playoff game for fifth-sixth place, and Brazil and South Africa will compete in the classification game for ninth-10th place.


Canada vs. Australia

Canada advanced to the final by beating the US team 69-62 in double overtime in Sunday's semifinal.

Canadian forward Patrick Anderson, the tournament's leading scorer with an average of 20.1 points per game, said Canada is very familiar with Australia's playing tactics. 'The Australians play like any Australian playing sport,' Anderson said. 'They are very physical, and try and turn the referee to their decision.'

Australia, which placed first in the group B preliminaries, earned its way to the final by beating Great Britain 67-54 in Sunday's semifinal.

Canada is Australia's 'main foe,' according to Australian centre Brad Ness. 'They've beaten us many times in finals,' Ness said. 'We want to get one back from them.'


United States vs. Great Britain

The United States lost in double overtime to Canada in Sunday's semifinal and had a 4-1 record in the group B preliminaries, with the one loss against their bronze medal game opponent Great Britain.

Coach Steve Wilson said Great Britain poses a serious threat. 'It's going to be a very tough game,' Wilson said. 'They are an experienced team, just like Canada. They have been together a long time.'

Great Britain, who lost its Sunday semifinal to Australia, defeated the U.S. 54-50 in the group B preliminaries.

Forward Terence Bywater said any colour medal would 'mean just as much as the gold does' to the British team. Added guard Jon Pollock, 'There are no second chances.'

Courtesy of www.basketball.ca

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


Mabika wins three in a row, but will miss play-offs with Houston - by Eurobasket News
The Houston Comets and Mwadi Mabika (180-F-76) 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 stepped up with game-high 31 points to propel the Comets to the 17th win. Roneeka Hodges nailed 14 points, while Tamecka Dixon had 10 points for the winners. It was the third straight win for the Comets at the end of the season. Nicole Powell 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.
Two days ago Tina Thompson had 26 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks and the Houston Comets beat the Chicago Sky 79:76 on Sunday.Chicago rookie center Sylvia Fowles left the game early in the third quarter after getting elbowed in the neck. Mwadi Mabika finished the regular season with 4.6 points per game and 1.9 rebounds.

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


Lawson and Gruda step forward - by Eurobasket News
Sandrine Gruda (192-F/C-87) and her Connecticut Sun finished the regular season on a high note beating the Washington Mystics 87:81 at home court. Erin Phillips led the charge with 18 points. Barbara Turner came up with 13 points all of them coming in the final term to pace the Sun to the 21st win. Monique Currie nailed 23 points for the Wizards as they fell to 10-24 record. Sandrine Gruda finished the regular season with 6 points and 4 assists. Alana Beard knocked down 16 points in defeat. It was the eighth consecutive loss for the Mystics. The Connecticut Sun versus New York on September 18.

In the meantime the San Antonio Silver Stars consolidated their position on top of the Western Conference. They defeated Sacramento 77:69 in the rehearsal of the upcoming West semifinal clash. The Silver Stars thus secured their second win against the Monarchs in the season. Ann Wauters provided 18 points to propel the Silver Stars to the 24th victory. Edwige Lawson (167-G-79) stepped up with career-high 14 points substituting Rebecca Hammon in the starting five. Kara Lawson replied with 23 points for Sacramento. The Monarchs will close the regular season the day after tomorrow when they take on the Houston Comets in the postponed game. Sacramento and San Antonio will tip off the semifinal encounter on September 18.

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


Canadian National Player Tamara Tatham second import in Halle - by Cornelius Damm
'Small Ball' seems to be the slogan for this season at SV Halle Lions as the club now announced to fill its second import spot on the team with Tamara Tatham (185-F-85, college: Massachusetts). In the early beginnings of their preseason the club tried out Mercedez Walker (191-C-85) to get the job done underneath the baskets, but released her immediately after two weeks, as she fell short on the expectations of a first league inside player. Now after signing Tatham the club is missing quite some size but will try to compensate this with speed and agility, what the Canadian National Player Tamara Tatham sure can bring to any team. As her parents were accustomed to the popularity of track and field in their native country of Jamaica, they pushed her daughter to start running at an early age. It wasn't until her older brother Patrick - a later four year NCAA forward at Cleveland State between 2003 and 2007 - started playing basketball that Tamara left track behind and found love shooting hoops as well. After a 23 PPG and 10 RPG High School career 'T' chose to attend the University of Massachusetts over several other schools, trying to recruit her. At 'UMass' she finished her senior year as the top rebounder in the Atlantic-10, averaging 9.0 per game in 2007. She also filled the stat sheet with 12.8 PPG on a .493 shooting performance and with 3.1 APG while stealing the ball two times a game. Her first professional baskets Tatham shot for the Finnish championship runner-up Catz Lappeenranta this past season, averaging 14.1 PPG and 7.6 RPG. During the summers Tatham usually wears the Canadian National Team jersey. In September 2007 she paced the FIBA ranked number 13th in the world at FIBA America's Championship for Women in Chile with 7.0 PPG, shooting .542 from the field and 3.4 RPG in 18.2 minutes per game. Canada finished fifth in the eight teams event that year.

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 


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 


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  ITALY - Women  


Italian Cup Games - First Round - by Juliane Hoehne

The first round of Italian Cup games will take place this and the following weekend in the cities New Wash Montichiari, Memar Reggio Emilia, Tecno Allarmi Cervia and San Martino Di Lupari with following schedule:


at New Wash Montichiari:
Fri 09/19/08 8.30pm New Wash Montichiari - Sea Logistic Systems Crema
Sat 09/20/08 8.00pm New Wash Montichiari - Pilot Italia Biassono
Sun 09/21/08 6.00pm Sea Logistic Systems Crema - Pilot Italia Biassono

at Memar Reggio Emilia:
Fri 09/19/08 8.30pm Memar Reggio Emilia - Cantina Sociale Broni
Sat 09/20/08 8.30pm Cantina Sociale Broni - Le Mura Lucca
Sun 09/21/08 6.00pm Memar Reggio Emilia - Le Mura Lucca

at San Martino Di Lupari:
Sat 09/20/08 6.00pm Pakelo San Bonifacio - Lenzi Profexional Bolzano
8.00pm San Martino Di Lupari - Libertas Sporting Udine
Sun 09/21/08 6.00pm TBA (Losers)
8.00pm TBA (Winners)

at Tecno Allarmi Cervia:
Thu 09/25/08 8.30pm Meccanica Nova Bologna - Acetum Cavezzo
Fri 09/26/08 6.00pm Tecno Allarmi Cervia - Sernavimar Marghera
Sat 09/27/08 4.00pm Tecno Allarmi Cervia - Acetum Cavezzo
6.00pm Meccanica Nova Bologna - Sernavimar Marghera
Sun 09/28/08 4.30pm Sernavimar Marghera - Acetum Cavezzo
6.30pm Tecno Allarmi Cervia - Meccanica Nova Bologna



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  POLAND - Women  


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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  PORTUGAL - Women  


Catarina Rodrigues goes to Olivais - by Bruno Baltazar
Catarina Rodrigues the young portuguese guard/forward will change teams due to academical reasons.
Last season she represented Santarem Basket Clube and this season she will play for Olivais de Coimbra, being the city of Coimbra well known for their colleges .
Santarem Basket Clube just lost a important piece in their team from last season and Olivais added a nice player to their roster in what they expect to be a good season for them .

Penicheiro ended up the regular season - 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 stepped up with game-high 31 points to propel the Comets to the 17th win. Roneeka Hodges nailed 14 points, while Tamecka Dixon had 10 points for the winners. It was the third straight win for the Comets at the end of the season. Nicole Powell 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, while Patricia Penicheiro (180-G-74, college: ODU) posted 6 and made 6 assists.
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.
Before that San Antonio Silver Stars consolidated their position on top of the Western Conference. They defeated Sacramento 77:69 in the rehearsal of the upcoming West semifinal clash. The Silver Stars thus secured their second win against the Monarchs in the season. Ann Wauters provided 18 points to propel the Silver Stars to the 24th victory. Edwige Lawson stepped up with career-high 14 points substituting Rebecca Hammon in the starting five. Kara Lawson replied with 23 points for Sacramento. Patricia Penicheiro ended up with 6 points and 4 assists.The Monarchs will close the regular season the day after tomorrow when they take on the Houston Comets in the postponed game. Sacramento and San Antonio will tip off the semifinal encounter on September 18.

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  VENEZUELA - Women  


New Mexico. Here we go! - by Yelitza La Torre

From next Thursday 17, September 2008 New Mexico Junior College is going to be the new house for our Roselis Silva (-G-90).
Outstanding player Roselis Silva (-G-90) will be playing high level basketball at New Mexico Junior College under Coach Drew Sanders' responsibilities.
Coach Sander had a great experience with Venezuelan players. At Easter Oklahoma State College, Coach Sanders had Yesi Castillo (175-F, college: E.Oklahoma St. JC) and Eilyn Flores (186-C-83) in the roster, both of them were five started by this time; now at New Mexico Junior College, Coach Sander didn't hesitate to get in touch with Coach Wolfgang Lucena to enroll Venezuelans players at his new home court as women's head coach.

'I'm really excited about it. My experience with Venezuelan players makes feel that Roselis Silva will be a great add for my squad' coach Drew Sanders

'When we talk about international players we have to understand that It is not just about coaching basketball, but about good treatment as well Coach Sander is a great coach and great human been' Coach Wolfgang Lucena



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  WNBA - Women  


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 


Coco Miller re-signs with Mystics - by Eurobasket News
Washington Mystics General Manager Linda Hargrove announced today that guard Coco Miller (5'9''-G-78, college: Georgia) has re-signed with the team for the next two years. An eight-year WNBA veteran, Miller has spent her entire career with the Mystics. Per team policy, financial terms were not released.

'Coco has been an important part of the Mystics for a long time and she continues to show her value, said Hargrove. 'As one of the solid players in this league, we are happy that she has decided to commit to the team for another two years.'

Miller was drafted in 2001 following a standout career at the University of Georgia where she was named to the All-SEC first team in 1999 and 2001. In 2002, Miller was named the WNBA's Most Improved Player and averaged 9.3 points per game and 3.6 rebounds per game. She has recorded career averages of 6.3 points per game and 2.4 rebounds per game

'I am extremely excited to return to the Mystics' said Miller. 'The organization has treated me so well and I look forward to the 2009 season.'

Tickets for the 2009 season are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the Mystics Sales Office at 1-877-DC-HOOP1 or by visiting the Mystics web site at www.washingtonmystics.com

The Washington Mystics organization is dedicated to providing affordable entertainment, serving as an impactful community partner and maintaining accessibility to positive female role models. Supported by passionate fans, the Mystics are elite, hardworking athletes continually striving to win a Championship.

Courtesy of Washington Mystics

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.

2008 WNBA Finals to be presented by adidas - by Eurobasket News
The WNBA announced today that adidas will be the official presenting partner of the 2008 WNBA Playoffs and 2008 WNBA Finals. adidas will be the first partner to present the WNBA's entire postseason.

The 2008 WNBA Playoffs presented by adidas will begin Thursday, Sept. 18 when both the Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals tip off. The Eastern Conference Semifinals will get underway first when the No. 2 seed Connecticut Sun visits the No. 3 seed New York Liberty (7 p.m. ET on NBA TV). Later that evening, the Western Conference Semifinals will tip off when the No. 1 team in the West, the San Antonio Silver Stars, visit the No. 4-seeded Sacramento Monarchs (9 p.m. ET on ESPN2).

As the official presenter of the WNBA Playoffs and Finals, adidas continues its commitment to women's basketball and the WNBA. This season, adidas was the presenting partner of the 2008 WNBA Draft and the WNBA iDesign program which gave fans the opportunity to submit an original shooting shirt design to be worn on court during one game of the WNBA Finals. adidas has been the official uniform and apparel provider of the WNBA since 2006.

'adidas continues to bring the sisterhood of basketball at its highest level to the fans,' said league President Donna Orender. 'This year has been the best we've ever seen in terms of competition on the court. The adidas partnership will highlight what is an outstanding time of year when the greatest women's basketball players in the world take center stage.'

All first round series will follow a best-of-three format with the higher seed opening on the road before hosting Game 2 and, if necessary, a deciding Game 3.

For Playoff schedule updates and for the opportunity to purchase tickets, fans should visit http://www.wnba.com.

The entire schedule for the Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals is as follows:



2008 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

Detroit vs. Indiana National

Game Date Opponent Local Eastern Broadcast

Game 1 Friday, Sept. 19 Detroit at Indiana 7 p.m. 7 p.m. NBA TV

Game 2 Sunday, Sept. 21 Indiana at Detroit 3 p.m. 3 p.m. ESPN2

Game 3* Tuesday, Sept. 23 Indiana at Detroit 7 p.m. 7 p.m. ESPN2


Connecticut vs. New York National

Game Date Teams Local Eastern Broadcast

Game 1 Thursday, Sept. 18 Connecticut at New York 7 p.m. 7 p.m. NBA TV

Game 2 Saturday, Sept. 20 New York at Connecticut 7 p.m. 7 p.m. NBA TV

Game 3* Monday, Sept. 22 New York at Connecticut 7 p.m. 7 p.m. ESPN2



2008 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

San Antonio vs. Sacramento National

Game Date Opponent Local Eastern Broadcast

Game 1 Thursday, Sept. 18 San Antonio at Sacramento 6 p.m. 9 p.m. ESPN2

Game 2 Saturday, Sept. 20 Sacramento at San Antonio 8 p.m. 9 p.m. NBA TV

Game 3* Monday, Sept. 22 Sacramento at San Antonio TBD TBD TBD


Seattle vs. Los Angeles National

Game Date Teams Local Eastern Broadcast

Game 1 Friday, Sept. 19 Seattle at Los Angeles 7:30 p.m. 10:30 p.m. NBA TV

Game 2 Sunday, Sept. 21 Los Angeles at Seattle 2:00 p.m. 5 p.m. ESPN2

Game 3* Tuesday, Sept. 23 Los Angeles at Seattle 6 p.m. 9 p.m. ESPN2

(* - if needed)

Courtesy of WNBA

WNBA names players of the week - by Eurobasket News
Tammy Sutton-Brown (6'4''-C-78, college: Rutgers) of the Indiana Fever and Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80) of the San Antonio Silver Stars were named the WNBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Sept. 8 through Sunday, Sept. 14.

Sutton-Brown earns her first career Player of the Week award after averaging 19.0 points and 6.8 rebounds on 58.3 percent (28-48) shooting from the field. On the week, the Fever went 3-1 with wins over Atlanta, New York and Phoenix to even their record at 17-17 as the regular season concludes. The week marked the only time in 2008 that Indiana won three games in a week.

Sutton-Brown capped her week by leading the Fever with 26 points in the team's 103-89 victory over the Mercury. With 103 points, Indiana set a franchise record for points in a game. Her 26 points marked broke her previous career high of 23 which she set on June 26 at New York. In the Fever's lone loss this week, she recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 19 points and 11 rebounds. In each of the week's four games, she scored in double figures tying her longest such stretch of the season.

A two-time WNBA All-Star, Sutton-Brown averaged 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game in 2008 while helping the Fever to the playoffs. She ranked fourth in the league in blocks per game and third in total blocks on the season. Her three blocks in the Fever's penultimate game gave her a franchise record for blocks in a season with 57.

Wauters also picks up the first Player of the Week award of her career following a week in which she averaged 15.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 61.3 percent (19-31) on field goals. San Antonio concluded the 2008 regular season with a five-game winning streak, including victories over three playoff teams (New York, Connecticut and Sacramento). Wauters is the third Silver Stars player to earn Player of the Week in 2008, along with Sophia Young and Becky Hammon.

Wauters led the team in rebounds against Connecticut and New York with 15 and 10, respectively, and then paced the team in scoring with 18 points against Sacramento in the regular season finale. Against the Monarchs, Wauters was flawless from the field, finishing 9-for-9 in the 77-69 win. Her 15 rebounds against Connecticut marked a career high to break her previous record of 14 which she set June 18 at Atlanta.

In her sixth season, she averaged career highs in points (14.7 ppg), rebounds (7.5 rpg), assists (1.8 apg), steals (1.1 spg) and blocks (1.2 bpg). On the year, she tied for third in the league in double-doubles with nine and finished fifth among league leaders in rebounds. The former No. 1 overall pick of the Cleveland Rockers, she returned to the league in 2008 after electing to play overseas only following the 2005 season when she last played for New York. Her rights were selected by Atlanta in the 2008 WNBA Expansion Draft and she was subsequently traded to San Antonio on April 9 where she was reunited with Dan Hughes, her coach with Cleveland.

Other candidates for WNBA Players of the Week were Atlanta's Iziane Castro Marques, Los Angeles' DeLisha Milton-Jones, Minnesota's Charde Houston, Phoenix's Cappie Pondexter, Sacramento's Kara Lawson, Seattle's Katie Gearlds and Washington's Monique Currie.

Courtesy of WNBA