EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/27/2008

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Men News

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  ABA   


Showboats announce more signings to current roster - by Eurobasket News
The South Texas Showboats are very pleased with their current core of guys which are Jason McNeil 6'7(small/power forward/center), Leonard Brown 5'10 (point guard), Chris Woods 6'4(versitle player 1-2-3-4-5), and Jamarr Chatman 6'2 (shooting guard). All these players are local and from San Antonio and have signed for a year in hopes of contiueing their career at another level. They all played here in the San Antonio area through their high school careers.

'We are very happy with our line-up right now and we are going to do our best to be a competitive team this season. We are still encouraging other big men(6'8-6'10) to contact us about a position available. I still have 1 or 2 positions available at the 4&5 spots.' said Head Coach Ben Mireles.


Glen Croom 6'6 guard/small forward/center - signed for a year

James Ellison 6'7 small forward/center - signed to the practice team

Frank Ford 6'2 shooting guard - signed for a year

Santiago Lopez 5'10 point guard - signed for a year

Anthony Washington 5'10 point guard- signed to practice team

Luis Martinez 6'0 point guard- signed to practice team

Robert Harrington 5'9 point guard- signed for a year


Offer sheets pending for following players are: Alfred Best 6'3 (shooting guard), Jason Macias 6'2 (small forward), Ronnie Davis 6'10 (center), Kenny Wilson 6'5 (shooting guard), Langston Grady 6'7 (Power Forward/Center)

Courtesy of ABA

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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


"Mirza Delibasic" tournament in Sarajevo - by Milan Jovanovic
On Saturday 27th, Sarajevo will once again be the host of 'Mirza Delibasic trophy', dedicated to one of the best playmakers Europe has ever seen, and probably the coolest player in history of basketball. Participants will be KK Split (Croatia), FMP Zeleznik Beograd (Serbia), PVSK-Expo Center Pecs (Hungary), and of course the host, Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo.
On the opening day KK Split plays FMP Zeleznik Beograd (18:00) , while Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo hosts PVSK-Expo Center Pecs (20:00).
Defeated teams play for 3rd place on Sunday 18:00 CET, followed by the final game at 20:00.

Crvena Zvezda inks Filip Sepa and Nemanja Bjelica - by Dragan Jankovski
Crvena Zvezda continued with signings this summer. After coach Svetislav Pesic, Vladimir Stimac, Marko Keselj, Marko Marinovic, Stevan Milosevic and Milan Milosevic, Red-and-whites agreed terms with young Filip Sepa (199-G/F-90) and Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances).

During the summer Filip Sepa spent some time with Fortitudo Bologna but he didn't get a contract. As a reminder, last season Sepa was on try-out in Partizan Igokea. He played last season for Belgrade's team Zemun Lasta. Sepa played for U18 Serbia on European Championship in Amalaida/Pyrgos this summer. In 8 games he averaged 16.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.3 apg. At the end of this event he was named 'Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 2nd Team -08'. Two years before Sepa was a member of U16 Serbia, which grabbed the Bronze on EC in Jaen. His average stats was 13.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.9 apg and 1.3 spg in 8 games. Sepa signed 4-year deal with Crvena Zvezda.

Power forward Nemanja Bjelica also agreed terms with Crvena Zvezda but just for the upcoming season. Bjelica played the last one for Austrian team Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions. He appeared 26 times in A Bundesleague having 8.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.2 apg. His team succeeded to reach semifinals of Austrian National Cup. In 2006 Bjelica was a member of U18 Serbia.

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  ARGENTINA   


Argentinian Cup final 4 -day 1 - by Facundo Iatzky

Quimsa 77- Boca 80
Good victory for boca. Boca have won this cup 5 times so they know how to do it. Mark Alan Bortz (208-F/C-82, agency: Passing Lane, college: Buffalo) had his best game since he plays in Argentina with 21 pts and 10 rebs. Gabriel Fernandez (204-C-76) added 15 points. Raymundo Legaria was abscent so Nicolas Aguirre had to play as the main point guard all the match and he did it very well. Anthony Johnson made his debut with 6 points. In a losing effort, Julio Mazzaro scored 17.

Atenas 79-Penarol 75
Atenas is still unbeaten in this tournament. They are in a great shape thanks to the high level of their players, specially Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) who is outstanding everymatchs. This time he completed 15 points. Djibril Kante (201-C-80, college: Indiana St.) and Juan Locatelli scored 16 each. Penarol showed Roman Gonzalez and Byron Johnson as their most valuable players.


Day 2: Quimsa-Atenas

Boca-Penarol



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  AUSTRALIA   


The Blaze losing skid aggravates - by Eurobasket News
The Blaze have played four games already but the wins are yet to come. Today they were blown away by the Perth Wildcats 80:94 to fall to 0-3 record in the ladder. The Wildcats opened the season with two losses and hoped to improve against the winless Blaze. And they succeeded sending Gold Coast deeper in the bog. Darnell Hinson capped the first term with a three-pointer to give the Wildcats a 29:18 lead. The visitors stayed cold throughout the second term and Perth stretched the margin to 19 points at halftime. Shane Heal (182-G-70) fired 10 points in the third quarter but it little helped the visitors as they trailed by 23 points heading into the fourth term. Perth eased to the initial win in the season with Isiah Victor (206-F-78, college: Tennessee) securing 20 points to pace the team. Peter Crawford (193-G-79) came up with 17 points, while Shawn Redhage (202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) had 13 points for the winners. Shane Heal knocked down 28 points for the Blaze. Harvey tallied 16 points in the loss.
Yesterday the Townsville Crocodiles reminded the South Dragons the season would be hot claiming for another upset of the favorites. The Crocs pulled away with a dramatic 91:89 win at the Hisense Arena. The South Dragons relied on Joe Ingles on the last possession however his three-pointer rimmed out and Townsville sealed the win. Corey Williams (191-G-77, college: Alabama St.) poured in 22 points and grabbed 12 boards to lead the Crocodiles. Brad Williamson (197-F/G-81) secured 16 points, while Kelvin Robertson (180-G-83) added 10 for the winning side. Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) answered with 20 points. Adam Gibson (188-G-86) contributed 13 points for the South Dragons. Corey Williams was pivotal in the fourth term as he dropped 11 points in the fourth term when the South Dragons almost denied a 19-point halftime deficit.

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  BOSNIA   


Memorial tournament 'Mirza Delibasic' starts tomorrow in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News
Bosnian champion Bosna ASA BHT will be the host of fourth memorial tournament 'Mirza Delibasic', one of the biggest basketball legends in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Except of the reining Bosnian champion, other participants will be Croatian Split, Serbian FMP and Hungarian PVSK Pecs. In the first game FMP will meet Split. Serbian team left big number of players, including the best one Zoran Erceg, who joined Greek Olympiakos. Except of him Stefanovic, Micic, Delic, Krstovic, Djerasimovic, Duvnjak i Zigeranovic also left Zeleznik during the summer. The team got only one acquisition for the next season and it is Nikola Ilic (207-C/F-85), who is transferred from Borac Cacak to FMP. On the other hand Split will have to play this game without Nino Vlaic (208-C-87), who still has influence. Important news is also that Croatian team parted ways with Ante Bilobrk (202-F-82) yesterday. Bilobrk will most probably continue career in Sibenik.
In game number two Bosna's fans will have opportunity to watch their team against PVSK Pecs, tomorrow at 20h. Game for third place is scheduled for Sunday at 18h. Final game will be played at 20h.

In the meantime Sloboda Dita also will host international tournament this week-end. Participants will be Zlatorog Lasko, SIbenik, Mega Hypo Leasing and of course Sloboda. In the first game, which is scheduled for today at 18h, Mega HL will take on Zlatorog. In the second game Sloboda will meet Sibenik at 20h. Final games will be played tomorrow.

Bosna ASA BHT ends third on Cedevita Cup - by Eurobasket News
Bosna ASA BHT finished international Cedevita Cup in Zagreb on third place. As a reminder in the first game the host Cedevita was better than Bosna while yesterday Bosnian champion outplayed Slovenian team Krka Novo Mesto 87-82. At the end of the first and beginning of the second quarter point guard Dusan Djordjevic led Bosna to 11-0 run for 22-15. Until the half time Bosna's lead became even bigger, 45-34. After the breather Slovenians finally woke up and thanks to Smiljan Pavic (210-F/C-80, agency: VTBM/SRBM) made 14-0 run taking 45-48. At that time Nikola Vucurovic (200-G/F-80) stepped up for Bosnian champion and together with his teammates created 25-7. It was plus 8 for Bosna with 4 minutes to go and clear sign that this game is already over. Muhamed Pasalic (192-G-87) scored the most in Bosna, 14 points. One point less than him had Nikola Vucurovic while Dusan Djordjevic (195-G-83) had 12 points, all in the first half. Smiljan Pavic recorded double-double in Krka Novo Mesto collecting 22 points and 11 rebounds. Croat Davor Marcelic (200-F/G-69, college: S.Utah) had 18 while Ricky Shields (193-G-82, college: Rutgers) scored 15 points.

Meanwhile, Leotar was better than Grude in a friendly game 81-77. Visitors had advantage during the first three quarters but the last one totally belonged to Leotar. Branko Zotovic (198-G-79) was the key player of this game scoring 24 points. Pelkic was behind him with 15 points while captain Dusko Markovic (204-F/C-74) collected 12 points. Josip Sakota (209-C/F-87) drained 19 points fro the loosing side while Josko Srzic (191-G-83) had 17 points.

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  BULGARIA   


News from Bulgarian champ Lukoil Akademik - by Eurobasket News
Bad news showed up for reining Bulgarian champion Lukoil Akademik. Namely, Riste Stefanov (198-G-83, agency: Interperformances), who supposed to be the back-up point guard in Lukoil will bee sidelined around a month due to injury. The team will have to count on young Kalin Hristov (192-G-90). As a reminder, starting point guard in Lukoil is American Antonio Burks (183-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Memphis).
In the meantime, almost finished transfer with Courtney Sims (211-C-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Michigan) is on hold and it is not known will be realized. Lukoil Akademik is currently focused on Nigerian / American Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83, college: Hartford). 25-year old center played last season for Turkish team Banvit Basketbol. He appeared 33 times in TBL finishing it as a second rebounder with 11.4 rpg. At the same time he averaged 14.1 ppg and 1.1 spg. Adeleke played for San Antonio Spurs on NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Before Banvit, he used to play for Israeli Hepol Galil Eyon. Adeleke graduated at University of Hartford in 2006.

Today in Yambol starts traditional tournament 'Petr Maystorov'. At the opening day Spartak Pleven will meet Olin Edirne. In the second game the host team Tundja Yambol will take on Sliven. The winner of this traditional tournament last year was Serbian Team Zdravlje Leskovac. In 2006 it was Cherno More.

New signings in Balkan Botevgrad - by Eurobasket News
After signing / re-signings of six players, Balkan Botevgrad announced arrival of two more.

The first one is Serbian center Aleksandar Gilic (207-C-69). 38-year old veteran started last season in Bosnian team Leotar Trebinje but he left it in December. Next month Gilic agreed terms with Cypriot InterCollege Etha Engomis, where he played 2 games averaging just 2 ppg and 2 rpg. In the past Gilic was one of the biggest Yugoslavian prospects. He used to play for Crvena Zvezda, IMT, Radnicki, Buducnost Podgorica, Partizan, Zito Vardar and so on. In 1999 he won Yugoslavian National Cup with Partizan Belgrade. Later he was a member of Pivovarna Lasko, Igokea and Bamberg. Interesting is that from 2001 to 2007 he did not play but he decided to reactivate last year joining Leotar Trebinje. In 1994 Gilic was member of Yugoslavian National Team.

In the meantime, Balkan Botevgrad also announced signing of Lubomir Lilov (198-F-87) on one-year contract extension. Lilov had 43 appearances in A1 league last season averaging 8.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 2 apg. Second half of 06/07 season he also spent in Balkan as a loaned player from Lukoil Akademik. Lilov was member of all younth Bulgarian National Team selections. Last year on U20 European Championship in Nova Gorica he had 9.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.8 apg and 2.3 spg in 8 games.

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  CBA   


Veterans McLeish, Crain re-sign with Miners - by Eurobasket News
Two familiar faces are headed back to the East Kentucky Expo Center for a second stint with the East Kentucky Miners. Guards Jason McLeish (6'0''-G-80, agency: Rice and Rice, college: E.Kentucky) and Mike Crain (6'2''-G-84, agency: Dynasty Sports, college: Valdosta St.) have both re-signed with the Miners for the 2008-09 season. Miners Coach Kevin Keathley was eager to re-sign two of the key players from last season.

McLeish averaged 15.7 points and 2.6 rebounds for the Miners during the 2007-08 season. A proven playmaker, McLeish averaged 4.4 assists per game for the Miners, sharing the team-high mark with Syracuse alum Josh Pace. The former Eastern Kentucky University standout earned a CBA Player of the Week honor during the Miners' debut season. McLeish, a native of Queens, N.Y., became an immediate fan favorite for the Pikeville, Ky.-based professional basketball team.

'Jason is the perfect example of a player excelling in a system that fits their style,' said Keathley. 'We emphasize outlet break basketball and Jason has the ability to keep the tempo where we like to have it. With his ability to get to the rim and knock down the mid-range jumper, Jason is perfect for our high spread offense.

'Jason also was a fan favorite for us, so I'm happy that we could bring back one of our more popular players from last season. I'm expecting big things out of Jason this year and look forward to putting a proven winner back in a Miners uniform.'

Crain earned a spot on the 2007-08 All-CBA Rookie Team. He joined the Miners following an exceptional career at Valdosta State University. Crain averaged 10 points and 2.3 rebounds per game last season for the Miners. He returned to Eastern Kentucky earlier in the month, participating in the Miners free agent camp. Crain was also a fan favorite.

'Mike had an excellent season last year in his rookie debut,' said Keathley. 'He was named an All-CBA rookie and started for most of the season. The biggest thing Mike brings to the table for us is his ability to blend in to a team concept. He has the ability to contribute in a variety of ways. Both Jason and Mike will help mold these new guys we get in. It's always a plus when you have returning players from last year. I'm excited about both of these players returning for the upcoming season.'

The youngest team in the CBA during the 2007-08 season, East Kentucky won with a stable roster. Eight of the 10 players on the team's opening day roster finished the season in a Miners uniform.

Courtesy of the East Kentucky Miners

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  COLOMBIA   


Indervalle vs Islanders on National TV - by Victor Garcia
Indervalle vs Islanders Sopesa will be nationally broadcasted tonight at 8:00 PM Colombian time, Islanders is already in the third place and Indervalle in the fifth place, the game will be live by Telepacifico and for the regional Chanels, Telantioquia, Telecaribe and Canal Capital.
Indervalle need the victory to be back in the options for the playoffs, Islanders will try to get its fifth straight win as visitor

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  CROATIA   


Bilobrk splits with Split - by Milan Jovanovic
Ante Bilobrk (202-F-82) is no longer player of Split, since he left the club on Thursday.
Most probably he's to join Sibenik next few days.
Another blow for Split just before their departure for Sarajevo where they are to play for 'Mirza Delibasic trophy' is the virosis of Nino Vlaic (208-C-87), who had to stay in Split to heal it.
The only good news for Split is that Stephen Brun (202-F-80) has finally joined the team, and Sarajevo tournament will be his first chance to share some minutes with his new team-mates.

Cholet better than Zadar in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
French Pro A team Cholet outplayed current Croatian champion Zadar in a friendly game 90-82. Cholet entered into this game strongly making 12-0 at the early beginning. On the other side Zadar had few erratic shots from behind the arc, what French team knew to exploit very well. Until the end of the first frame Cholet created huge 23-5. FInally, Rok Stipcevic (189-G-86), Damir Rancic (198-G-83) and Malik Dixon (187-G-75, college: UALR) started to make shots. They drained seven triples in the second stanza melting Cholet's lead to 10 points until the half time, 47-37. After the breather Nikkhah and Thomas Larrouquis (197-F/G-85) shined for the hosts. They netted 17 points keeping advantage of their team on more than 10 points. Croatians demonstrated some of their qualities in the last frame. It resulted with only plus 5 for the French team with 2 minutes to go. Than Rodrigue Beaubois (186-G-88, agency: Court Side) stepped up for Cholet and hitting a long range stroke resolved question about the winner. Tomislav Ruzic (208-F/C-79) posted 17 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for Zadar. Malik Dixon also registered double-double, 17 points and 10 assists. Damir Rancic and Jere Macura (204-F/C-80, college: Notre Dame) had 11 poinst each while Rok Stipcevic added one points less.

Zadar played this game with center Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances), who joined the team after he finished obligations with FYROM NT.

"Calloway Mistery" in Cibona - by Milan Jovanovic

Since the Cibona's new signing Earl Calloway (190-G-83, college: Indiana) left the team just before their departure on Belgium tour, nobody from the club can confirm what was the reason and when (if) he's to rejoin the team. Club officials stated it's due to the 'privat issues', but the truth is they could just guess, since he haven't reported his absence in advance, and is still unavailable for anybody. Coach Velimir Perasovic stated: 'according to informations I have, he's to join us on Friday for the departure on St Petersbourgh tournament'.

Obviously, it wasn't a planned absence, which is absolutelly logical since if anything has to be practiced, it's a new playmaker situation, so Belgium tour obviously couldn't produce the expected results, surelly not serving it's purpose.



Another defeat for Zagreb in Spain - by Eurobasket News
Zagreb CO ended Spanish tour registering four defeats, 1-4. This time ACB team Cajasol Sevilla outsmarted Zagreb 74-62, thanks to fantastic played third frame, 23-7. Zagreb opened this game very well making 16-24 after ten minutes but during the following two frames Spaniards controlled rhythm of the game. Until the halftime they already made a turn and later created unreachable lead. Zagreb managed to end last stanza 12-17 but for sure it was not enough against tough Sevilla. Serbian center Mile Ilic (215-C-84) paced Spanish team to victory scoring 14 points. Michal Ignerski (205-F-80, agency: Stanley International, college: Mississippi St.) and Pedro Rivero (186-G-79) helped the winners adding 12 points each. Krunoslav Simon (198-G/F-85) of Zagreb was the top scorer of this game with 18 points. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) had 12 while Jakov Vladovic (187-G-83) collected 9 points.

Cedevita lost against Hemofarm Vrsac in the final of Cedevita Cup 83-86. It was very exciting game until the very end. Croatians were close to victory in regular time as they had double-digit lead with less than 5 minutes remaining in the game. Unfortunately, Hemofarm put into the fifth gear managing to reach an over time, which later finished 9-12. Tandem Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) - Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) was the best for the winning team draining 21 points apiece. Ivan Novacic (201-F-85) of Cedevita had the same digits. Ramel Bradley (188-G-85), who brought Cedevita win in the first game against Bosna ASA BHT, this time scored 16 points. Frano Colak (205-C-77, agency: Court Side) stopped on 15.

Standings - Ozujsko A1 League
A1 Standings
 1. Kvarner NR 0-0 
 2. Sibenka 0-0 
 3. Alkar Sinj 0-0 
 4. Dubrava 0-0 
 5. Svjetlost 0-0 
 6. Cedevita 0-0 
 7. Dubrovnik 0-0 
 8. Zabok 0-0 
 9. Trogir 0-0 
 10. Osijek 2006 0-0 
 11. Borik 0-0 
Will join on later stage:
 1. KK Split 0-0 
 2. KK Zagreb 0-0 
 3. Cibona 0-0 
 4. Zadar 0-0 


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  CYPRUS   


A coach with an excellent record, never been called in the National Basketball team!!! - by Nasios Orinos
Coach Costas Englezos knows what it feels to be disregarded, despite having achieved more than his colleagues did. The 40 year-old coach reached the pinnacle of Cyprus mens basketball when in 1987-1988, played in APOEL, against ETHA, he scored 15 out of 20 three-point shots, an amazing 75%, holding this way the world record (except NBA).

He has been coaching basketball in Keravnos Strovolou since 2001. For a strange reason though, has never been called at any level of the Cyprus National team. Despite the fact that he has probably won more titles than any of the other coaches who have ever coached in the national team he is wondering why. To be honest, I have no idea, Kostas said to eurobasket.com.

Taking a closer look at his record, Kostas Englezos is a terrific talent. He has won 15 titles in the ages up to 19, all in the last 7 years. Specifically, he has won:

1 championship in the ages up to 14 (2007-2008)
5 championships in the ages of 15-16 (2001-2007)
3 championships in the ages of 17-19 (2004-2006) & (2007-2008)
2 cups in the ages of 17-19 (2005-2007)
4 special cups in the ages of 17-19 (2003-2007)

Finally, through his years in Keravnos he managed to develop very good players, all who have been top in their league. One of them, Christopher Razis, aged 19, was even called in the Mens National Team this past summer. It was very tough and required a great effort. I have spent many hours in the gym, Kostas told us.

When you have a record like this it is disappointing to stay away. To cut the story short Kostas Englezos has 15 titles in his resume and all in just 7 years, but never coached a single hour in the Cyprus National team, at any level. Why?

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  DENMARK   


Changes in Aabyhoj - 3 foreign players! - by Thomas Soltau
For many years Aabyhoj IF has been a team that took pride in presenting only one foreigner and otherwise a team entirely filled with its own talented youth players and/or other Danish players seeking a chance to play in the best Danish league, but last season made management re-think this strategy.
Last season Aabyhoj IF came all too close to relegation. Their struggles had a lot to do with their player personal. Often forced to go with a 4 guard-line-up, Aabyhoj IF failed to put themselves in a position to win against most of the Canal Digital League teams, who present much bigger and physically stronger line-ups.
This season will be different, as the club has already signed 3 foreign players so far. The signing of Chris Gilliam (201-F, college: Pitt-Johnstown), a strong US power forward and the re-signing of Joe Benjamin (201-F/C-83, college: W.Virginia St.), should seal the whole in the point. This should also allow Thomas Skotting, one of the best Danish scorers in the league, to move back to a wing position. This will give Aabyhoj IF a bigger, but still very fast and versatile front-line.
A point of emphasis has also been to address last years lack of a real floor leader. Daniel Thomas (176-G-85) is the 3rd foreign signee and should fill Aabyhoj IFs need for a true point guard.
The level of play in the Canal Digital League is being raised every year it seems, and this move should give Aabyhoj IF a much better chance of competing with the better teams in the league.

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  D-LEAGUE   


Former D-Leaguers Recently Signed to NBA Training Camp Rosters - by Surujh Roopnarine

NBA Camp rosters are starting to fill out as most teams will begin formal practices next week in preparation for the upcoming NBA season. Expect to see most of these players last thru the pre-season where their fates will be in the balance as far as making an opening night squad.

Charlotte Bobcats
Courtney Sims (6'11''-C-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Michigan)

Chicago Bulls
Elton Brown (6'9''-F/C-83, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Virginia)
Roger Powell (6'6''-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois)
Darius Washington (6'2''-G-85, college: Memphis)

Orlando Magic
Dwayne Jones (6'11''-C-83, college: St.Joseph's)
Jeremy Richardson (6'7''-G/F-83, college: Delta St.)
Mike Wilks (5'11''-G-79, college: Rice)

Philadelphia 76ers
Andre Emmett (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: Octagon, college: Texas Tech)
Justin Reed (6'8''-F-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Mississippi)
Jared Reiner (6'11''-C-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa)
Antywane Robinson (6'8''-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Temple)

San Antonio Spurs
Desmon Farmer (6'5''-G-81, agency: CGL Sports, college: USC)
Devin Green (6'7''-G-82, college: Hampton)
Darryl Watkins (6'11''-C, agency: Priority Sports, college: Syracuse)

Washington Wizards
DerMarr Johnson (6'9''-G-80, college: Cincinnati)



Chicago Bulls Add Trio of Former D-Leaguers - by Surujh Roopnarine
Elton Brown (6'9''-F/C-83, college: Virginia), Roger Powell (6'6''-F-83, agency:college: Illinois) and Darius Washington (6'2''-G-85, college: Memphis) have been added to the Chicago Bulls Training Camp Roster. Brown, a D-League All-Star the last two seasons finished up the 07-08 campaign in Israel with Hapoel Holon where he averaged 13.1 points and 5.4 rebounds in 12 games. With the Colorado 14ers, the former Virginia Cavalier big man appeared in 36 games and averaged a double-double of 20.4 points and 11.9 rebounds while shooting 50.9% from the field. Powell, a member of the University of Illinois 2005 NCAA runner-up squad, played with the Arkansas RimRockers during the 2006-07 season. In 28 games the athletic forward averaged 22.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists on 52.4% shooting. Last season he played in Italy with Siviglia Wear Teramo.
Darius Washington has the most NBA experience of the trio, having played in 18 games with the San Antonio Spurs last season, averaging 2.9 points in limited action. While having the most NBA experience, Washington also has the least D-League experience only appearing in 6 total games with the Austin Toros last season before leaving to Greece with Aris Thessaloniki.

Albuquerque Thunderbirds to hold open try-outs - by Eurobasket News
The NBA Development League and your Albuquerque Thunderbirds are pleased to announce their 2008 Open Try-Outs and Audition event at West Mesa High School's main gym on October 18 & 19, 2008. Open try-outs will be held from 7:45am (check in time)-5:00pm on Saturday and 8:45am (check in time) - 5:00pm on Sunday. The event will focus on the recruitment of players for the Thunderbirds 2008-2009 roster. Once candidates make it through the open try-out session they will proceed to a two-week training camp in Albuquerque, where they will continue to test their skills against newly drafted and returning NBA D-League players. Final cuts to the Thunderbirds roster will be made after training camp has been completed.

Out of town open try-out candidates are encouraged to stay at the MCM Elegante where they can receive a discount rate of $49.00/night. Registration forms are available online at www.abqtbirds.com. Cost for open try-outs is $125.00 early registration (Payment due by 10/10/08) Day of tryout cost is $150.00. Please make all checks payable to ALBUQUERQUE THUNDERBIRDS.

Aside from local basketball talent, the Albuquerque Thunderbirds are also searching for local talent interested in becoming the next Trey, the Thunderbirds' mascot, and interested in singing the national anthem at one of this year's 24 home games. National Anthem and mascot auditions will be held on Saturday October 18, 2008 at West Mesa High School from 9:00am-12:00pm. Vocalists should come prepared to sing the entire Star-Spangled Banner in front of a panel of judges. Mascot candidates should come prepared to perform in costumer for 1-2 minutes.

Interested candidates can visit www.abqtbirds.com for more information or call 505.265.DUNK (3865).

Courtesy of the Albuquerque Thunderbirds

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  EUROLEAGUE   


Teodosic and Erceg: we are a new team, the results are not such important now - by Kostas Papadopoulos
Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) and Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85), the two Serbians of Olympiacos talked to us about the new season and their two-days experience from their team, after returning from their obligations with their National team and before travelling to Italy for their first friendly games with Olympiacos:
Milos Teodosic:' I have still not anticipated to get used after so much time in the National team. The new persons in the team are many, but what is important is that they all are great players. We will not achieve our goal from the very first day and that is why each day that passes is in favour for us. Substantially, the season began for all the team on Wednesday, although the three of us who had obligations have not entered 100% in the trainings. I do not know whether we will participate on our friendly games in Bologna, but what matters at that moment is to learn each other and this will happen only with the daily get-together'
Zoran Erceg: 'I have now begun to realise the big change not simply in my career, but generally in my life. I am still a little out of the whole situation in the team but I am trying a lot to be adapted to the new data. I do not know the rest players, I still do not know our coaches philosophy and what they wait from me. It is good that we are all together for the first time and it is really very nice to be a member of such a complete team. In Italy we will have the chance to know better each other, to train together and to acquire pictures. The results are not such important now, but what really matters for each one is to understand the role of everyone in the team'

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


Standings - Korisliiga
Korisliiga Standings
 1. Honka 0-0 
 2. KTP 0-0 
 3. FoKoPo 0-0 
 4. Lahti 0-0 
 5. Kouvot 0-0 
 6. Korihait 0-0 
 7. Pyrinto 0-0 
 8. Kataja 0-0 
 9. Tarmo 0-0 
 10. Componenta 0-0 
 11. LrNMKY 0-0 
 12. ToPo 0-0 


Standings - Division I
1st Division Standings
 1. HNMKY 0-0 
 2. Salon Vilpas 0-0 
 3. Nokia 0-0 
 4. Jyvaskyla 0-0 
 5. Huima 0-0 
 6. RU/ToPo 0-0 
 7. PuHu 0-0 
 8. Kauhajoki 0-0 
 9. Lapua 0-0 
 10. Honka 0-0 
 11. Ura Basket 0-0 
 12. JKS 0-0 
 13. LoKoKo 0-0 


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


Bozidar Maljkovic again in France?! - by Eurobasket News
It looks like French Basketball Federation immediately reacted after poor results in EuroBasket 2009 qualifications where Team France, which was led by NBA superstar Tony Parker (183-G-80), didn't make it. French basketball is in deep crisis and the leading people from FBF decided to make huge improvement. The first wish of FBF is signing of highly respected Bozidar Maljkovic as a new head coach of Team France. According to the rumors, French Basketball Federation already started negotiations with the coach. Maljkovic spent many extremely successful years in France. He was a head coach of CSP Limoges, when the club touched the sky, and later Paris SG. It seems with his knowledge, huge experience and reputation Maljkovic could be the right person able to save French basketball.

Basketball public is aware it could be mission impossible as Bozidar Maljkovic already refused few very good offers this summer, including ambitious project with Serbian team Red Star, which later Svetislav Pesic accepted. However, lets hope that FBF will find a way to convince Maljkovic to return in France again, what could be the first step for brighter future of French basketball.

The most recently Bozidar Maljkovic led Spanish Tau Ceramica. Before that, he spent two years with Real Madrid as well as four great seasons with Unicaja Malaga, including winning of European Cup Radivoj Korac in 2001. He also used to work in Panathinaikos, Barcelona and Jugoplastika. The list with Maljkovic's trophies is huge. Some of those are: Yugoslavian league champion three times, Yugoslavian Cup winner twice, EuroCup winner twice, Spanish Copa del Rey, Cup of Championships winner, French championship winner twice, French Cup winner twice, Greek Cup winner, Euroleague winner, Spanish SuperCup. In 1995 he was named European coach of the year. In 2005 Maljkovic was coach of the year in Spanish ACB.

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


Gambian basketballer shines in US - by Eurobasket News
Tijan Jobe (213-C, college: Butler County CC) is a junior college transfer from The Gambia who is presently making a name for himself at the Indiana University men's basketball team in United States.

Jobe, a 7-foot, 255-pound center, had brief sting with Olney Central College in Illinois before signing a national letter of intent to attend Indiana University and play basketball for the team beginning this season - a development that excited the Indiana officials.

'We are excited to be able to sign a player with the defensive ability and rebounding presence that Tijan has,' said his new manager Tom Crean.

'We feel he has a lot of room for growth in the sense of improving on both the defensive and offensive end and we love the fact that he plays extremely hard. His height and wingspan (7-5 1/2) is something that our team was in great need of.'

Originally from Banjul, Jobe averaged 4.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and a block for Olney Central College last season. He attended Butler County Community College as a freshman and attended Laurinburg (N.C.) Prep School.

He went to the United States four years ago through the African Hoop Opportunities Providing an Education Foundation (A-HOPE), which is run by Bloomington resident Mark Adams. The foundation is designed to provide talented basketball players from a host of African countries the opportunity to go to the United States to use their skills as a means to get a U.S. education.

The Gambian, who chose Indiana over scores of other teams, is ready to prove that he belongs.

'Of course, I have a long wingspan', Jobe said. 'I'll make use of that'.

Offensively, Jobe said his coaches have been working with him to help develop a mid-range jump shot. Although Jobe admits he prefers to have his back to the basket on offense, he said the coaching staff has been working with him on facing up on to open lanes for the guards. Jobe said his big role on offense will be to set screens for the many guards on the team and create open space for them to make plays.

Quizzed about the way the team is coming together, the big man said he has noticed changes in every player on the team since theyve started playing together.

Everybodys getting better everyday, Jobe said.

He said said since he has come to the United States, he hasnt been able to go back to The Gambia, and although he said he loves Bloomington and has a brother and sister who work in Washington, he still misses his home.

'I miss all my friends back home', Jobe said. 'I miss my family'.

Jobe said he hopes to be able to visit his family next year, but until then, he will be counted on by Crean, a man impressed with Jobes work ethic.

Courtesy of http://www.observer.gm

*****************************************************
  GEORGIA   


Market News - by Lasha Danelia
Energy Invest Rustavi
MVP of 2007-08 Georgian Superleague Konstantine Tugushi (193-G-84) signed 1 year contract with Energy Invest Rustavi. This time one more Georgian is back from abroad Davit Ugrekhelidze came back from Bosnia to Energy. Giorgi Gamqrelidze (183-G-86) and Besik Lezhava (192-G-86) are remained in Davit Ustiashvili's roster for upcoming season as well. More transfer news will be announced soon for Energy Invest Rustavi as team management is planning to import some bosman and American players for Eurocup Challenge Elimination Round.

Avia Tbilisi
Anatoli Boisa (195-G-83, college: Lincoln Memorial) is first biggest signing by Avia Tbilisi this season. Soso Shermadini (208-C-86) is also in Moseshvili's team for upcoming season. Richard Matiashvili (209-C-89) and Giorgi Nikoladze (188-G-81) are staying in Avia Tbilisi this year as well. Levan Moseshvili (195-F-87) will probably announce the full roster soon but we shouldn't expect probably any foreigners in the team.

Maccabi Brinkford Tbilisi
European Star Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) after his wonderful U20 European Championships (21.5ppg, 10.5rpg, 3.7bpg, 72.3 FG%) will not stay in Georgia this season. There are some rumors that several Euroleague teams are trying to recruit him for next couple of years. Maccabi Brinkford Tbilisi will have very young team this year. Some of the players already announced: Davit Ioseliani, Zviad Antadze, Irakli Ivaneishvili (194-G-89), Zura Bibiluri (204-C-87) and Viktor Koguashvili (205-C-85).

TSU Tbilisi
Giorgi Markoishvili (200-G/F-83) is biggest signing by TSU Tbilisi this year. Other transfer news is not announced by TSU Tbilisi management so far but we should probably think that Mikheil Panchulidze (195-F-83) and Irakli Keidia (203-F-83) will be staying in the team as well.

Dinamo Tbilisi
Tato Tavartkiladze (-G) is a new PG for Dinamo Tbilisi. For Shooting Guard position Zaza Tsagareishvili has recruited Zurab Korkotadze (194-F-83) from Maccabi Brinkford Tbilisi.

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


Interview with Jannick Freese(Giessen 46ERS) - by Miles Scheuber
Hi Jannik, thanks for taking some time to talk to www.eurobasket.com. You guys started off the season with a crushing loss in Oldenburg 91 to 66. What were the main reasons why the team couldnt register a victory?


We played a good first quarter and started of the 2nd quarter pretty good then midway through the 2nd quarter our defense broke down and we went downhill from that point on and could not get back to make it a close game.


How has the team preparation been going this week against Alba Berlin? I am sure the team will be fired up, but can it stay with Berlin for 40 minutes?

We had a good week as far as practicing goes, it was very intense and everybody makes sure we gonna be prepared for Alba, as far as keeping up with Alba for 40 minutes, I am positive we can do that, we have a group of competitors and fighters, so we just going to work hard the whole game and try to win it.

What are the biggest strengths that the Giessen 46ers have this season?

Our biggest strengths is that we work very good together as a team, we have no selfish players and a good mix of veterans and young players.


How is the team chemistry in Giessen? With what guys do you hang out the most with?


The team chemistry is very good, everybody is cool, I really enjoy being on this team.


Simon Cote is head coach for the first time in his career. He seems to have a lot of confidence in your abilities. How important has he been for your further development in Giessen this season?


Simon loves to work with his players and try to make me and everybody else better every day, we have a lot of individual workouts, he stays after practice with players to work on different things and is always there to teach and help his players out, I am very confident that he will help me improve a lot during my time in Giessen.


You have a lot of big players at your postion like Robert Maras and Florian Hartenstein. How confident are you that you will get playing time this season.

I just have to work hard in practice and fight for each minute, but I am confident I will have an important role in the coaches rotations, also because he can put me on either the 4 or the 5.


How supportive have Robert Maras, Gerit Terdenge, and Florian Hartenstein been for you. All three guys are older and have a lot of experience. What have you been able to learn from them?

These guys are helping me out a lot, everyday during and after practice, they have been playing a long time and I can learn a lot from them. Also guys like Corey Rouse and our point guards Heiko Schaffartzik and Danny Lewis have been very helpful.


What things do you still need to work on with your game?

I want to improve my post game, which I am working on a lot these days, and just getting better on all parts of my game, there are always things that have to be worked on.

Last summer, you were working out in Washington DC. How was that for you? You were playing with some established American players, now playing in Europe.

DC has been my off season home ever since I got out of high school, so after the season the time that I am not with the A2 National team, I stay out in DC and have workouts with my trainer Michael Short and my old high school coaches. This summer I was working out with guys like David Hawkins, who works very hard and we sometimes stayed in the gym from the morning to the afternoon, getting stronger, doing agility drills and working on different individual things.


You went to highschool at Northwestern in Washington D.C. What kind of experience was it for you to go to school in the states?

It was a very good experience, but it was tough competiton, during that time you had guys like Roy Hibbert, Rudy Gay, Kevin Durant and my teammate Jeff Green in the area, so you know DC got good ballplayers, the competition is very good out there. We had a good team, working hard every day in practice plus having a good coach that made us tougher as a person and player. Winning the state championship my junior year was a great accomplishment.


Who were your Basketball idols growing up?

I would say Jordan, Shaq and of course Dirk when he came into the league.

You were three years in Braunschweig. You belonged to the Phantoms roster, but mostly played for their PRO B team. How disappointed were you that you couldnt really develop in Braunschweig?

Its not that I couldnt develop, I think I developed a lot in Braunschweig, getting to play a lot of minutes in the 2nd league or last year in the Pro B helped me a lot. Coach Liviu Calin is very good at developing young players and helping them make the next step in their careers and I have to thank him for supporting me. The only thing I was dissapointed with was that I wasnt getting a lot of playing time in the BBL team, I mean coach Mutapcic is a very good coach and he also helped me to improve, but I just see a better chance of getting more playing time on Giessens squad.

Braunschweig has a very good youth program, but still the team has not been able to develop any of the young German players into BBL players. Why do you think is the reason for that?

I think the guys that left the team this year are all capable of playing in the BBL, and also guys like Dirk Maedrich or Jan Lipke are also products of the Braunschweig youth program. The Problem is Braunschweig was not ready to give the players they developed a role in their BBL team so the guys left and became or will become BBL players with their new team.

There is a big difference playing basketball in the bigger but quiet Volkswagon arena and the smaller but loud Osthalle. How excited are you about playing in Giessen?


The Volkswagen arena is much bigger but like you said most of the time its pretty quiet too, having a packed loud gym every game is very nice and will also help the team to win games.


Your friend Flavio Stckeman also left the The New York Phantoms Braunschweig and is playing for The Artland Dragons. How much do you miss him and do you guys have any friendly bets going as to who will win the games this season, Giessen-Artland?

We do not have any bets going on, We played three years together in Braunschweig and developed a good friendship during that period, and I am just happy for him that he is getting his chance to prove that he belongs in the BBL on a good team like Artland with a coach that believes in his abilities. He is a good player and I am sure he will have a good year.

Recently, you played against FC Barcelona, one of Europes greatest teams. What kind of experience was that for you?

It was great playing against a good team like Barcelona, I mean they have some of the best European players on their roster and getting to compete against these guys just helps you improve a whole lot.

How was it defending David Anderson and Fran Vazquez. Do those guys play like from another planet, or were you not as impressed?


Both of them are very good players and they just know how to play the game, I mean Anderson is one or might be the best big man in Europe, and Vasquez is very good too, playing against these type of players just gets you better and you know where you have to work on to get better.


After you finished high school in the states, why did you not go to college and gain valuable experience? Many German players have gone to college in the states and then returned and had successful BBL careers.

I had offers from good Colleges, but after high school I went back to Oldenburg for a year and my plan was that I will head to a prep school after that to get ready for college and then having all my grades to go to college, but some problems occurred and I decided to play for Braunschweig.


What dreams do you still have as a Basketball player?

I just want to become the best player I can be. I go from day to day, season to season, get better and see where I will end up. But of course winning a lot of Games and Championships wherever I go.


You belong to the A-2 German National team. In the next years, there will be a big change with new players coming in. How do you see your chances at the big positions at making the team in the future?

I am pretty confident that I will be on the team in the future.


What are your hobbies?

I like to hang out with friends and be on the internet or phone.



Where do you go if you want to be alone? Have you found any nice quiet spots in Giessen, where you can be alone and just relax?

Most of the time I just either walk around the city or stay in the apartment after practice or go eat somewhere with some guys like Heiko, Schafartzik Corey Rouse, Mike Umeh or Johannes Lischka. I do not really like to be alone like that but I also need my rest in between or after practices.


What three things would you take on a deserted island?

A Basketball, music and a boat so I can get away from there.


Thank you Jannik for the interview and good luck in future!!Thank you

Interview with Jannick Freese of The Giessen 46ers - by Miles Scheuber


Interview with Jannick Freese of The Giessen 46ers - by Miles Scheuber


Interview with Jannick Freese of The Giessen 46ers - by Miles Scheuber


Weissenhorn: Williams replaced by Tolliver - by Moritz Korff

BC Weissenhorn (Regionalliga South-West) has made a switch on one of its import player-spots, as local newspaper 'Augsburger Allgemeine' reports today. Trey Williams (188-G, college: Lipscomb) had to leave and was replaced by Bubba Tolliver (188-G-84, college: Tennessee-Martin), who is going to suit up for the Bears in first game of the 2008-09 season, Sunday against MTV Stuttgart. It will be Tolliver's first stint in European basketball. The 24-year-old Guard from Portland, Oregon played college-basketball at NCAA Divion One's University of Tennessee at Martin. In his senior-year (2006-07) Tolliver appeared in 31 encounters for the Skyhawks, averaging 8.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1 steal per contest.



Essen: Ed Williams arrives, Mario Brown out, Ethan Shaw injured - by Moritz Korff
2. Bundesliga Pro A-newcomer ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen has sealed the signing of another American player for the 2008-09 season. Ed Williams (200-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: NC-Wilmington) will join the team and thus gets reunited with coach Igor Krizanovic, whom he played for in Herten during the 2006-07 season. Williams spent this past campaign in Finland at Korisliiga-side Namika Lahti. He saw action in 42 games and produced the following statistics: 14.5ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 68.6%
Meanwhile, Ethan Shaw (203-F-83, college: Detroit Mercy) is suffering from an injured hip and will be unable to play for an undefinite time. Also, Mario Brown (201-F-84, college: Jacksonville) did not receive the needed employment permit and therefore has to leave the Essen squad.

Schwelm: Lee leaves, Krzyminski arrives - by Moritz Korff
Robert Lee (191-G-85, agency: Heinrich Sports, college: W.Texas A&M) has been waived by his club Schwelmer Baskets (Regionalliga West) after only two games played this season (6.5ppg). When Lee was introduced as a new player of the team in July, his signing was announced as a 'special coup'. However, he turned out to be not the perfect fit.
To replace Lee, the Schwelm officials now hired Kris Krzyminski (188-G-83, college: Wayne St., MI), who averaged 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 29 games of the 2. Bundesliga Pro A for Rhoendorf during this past season.

Regionalliga-News - by Moritz Korff
Bad news for coach Torsten Schierenbeck and his SSV Lokomotive Bernau team. Alexander Rosenthal (201-F-88) who was supposed to suit up for the club in the Regionalliga North in this up and coming season will return to Hertener Loewen (2. Bundesliga Pro B), where he shot hoops during 2007-08. The forward applied to university in Berlin, but did not receive the wanted place to study. That's why he will enroll at the University of Bochum and continue to play for the Lions.

Jan Wieland (188-G-78, college: Goldey-Beacom) has joined the Schwenningen Panthers (Regionalliga South-West) on a tryout-basis. The 30-year-old had a short stint at USC Heidelberg in the Pro A in this past season, before he had to undergo ankle surgery. He averaged 0.7 points through six games for USC.

Darien Chavis (180-G-82), the younger brother of Will Chavis (181-G-81, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Texas Tech), has joined Mitteldeutscher BC II, that is competing in Regionalliga North. The former player of Colorado State (NCAA1) and Clayton State (NCAA2) shall help the MBC-farmteam with his experience.

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


Teodosic and Erceg: we are a new team, the results are not such important now - by Kostas Papadopoulos
Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) and Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85), the two Serbians of Olympiacos talked to us about the new season and their two-days experience from their team, after returning from their obligations with their National team and before travelling to Italy for their first friendly games with Olympiacos:
Milos Teodosic:' I have still not anticipated to get used after so much time in the National team. The new persons in the team are many, but what is important is that they all are great players. We will not achieve our goal from the very first day and that is why each day that passes is in favour for us. Substantially, the season began for all the team on Wednesday, although the three of us who had obligations have not entered 100% in the trainings. I do not know whether we will participate on our friendly games in Bologna, but what matters at that moment is to learn each other and this will happen only with the daily get-together'
Zoran Erceg: 'I have now begun to realise the big change not simply in my career, but generally in my life. I am still a little out of the whole situation in the team but I am trying a lot to be adapted to the new data. I do not know the rest players, I still do not know our coaches philosophy and what they wait from me. It is good that we are all together for the first time and it is really very nice to be a member of such a complete team. In Italy we will have the chance to know better each other, to train together and to acquire pictures. The results are not such important now, but what really matters for each one is to understand the role of everyone in the team'

Panathinaikos defeats Maccabi in the opener of Tournament Ljubljana 2008 - by Eurobasket News
Panathinaikos defeats Maccabi in the opener of Tournament Ljubljana 2008 80:79. The team won the opener of the Tournament Ljubljana 2008 which is taking place in Tivoli arena. Clubs which take part in this tournament are the top Euroleague teams such as Panathinaikos Athens, Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul, Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv and home team Union Olimpija Ljubljana. Thanks for both teams that even in the friendly tournaments show the basketball deserved the final. Trailing 23:29 after the opening quarter the Greens produced a good end to win the opener. Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) led the winners with 15 points. Michael Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) ended up with 12, while Petkovic scored 11. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) was again the best in defeat with 18 points.
Four days ago Panathinaikos needed an overtime to defeat Maccabi in Gomelskiy Cup opener in Russia. The first day proved the ambitions and presented the spectators an overtime battle from the Greek and Israeli teams. Panathinaikos looked better in overtime and advanced to the Final with 100:96 victory.
It was another battle of the top teams in Europe and kept the audience with intrigue until the end of the game.
In another game of the day Union Olimpija beat Fenerbahce Ulker 74:57.

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


David Jackson signs with Eiffel Towers Den Bosch - by Fred Roggen

Eiffel Towers Den Bosch has attracted a new player, replacing Travis Young who left the team yesterday. David Jackson (195-G-78, college: Oregon) has signed a contract for one season, in which is included a try-out of a week. Jackson has arrived in Den Bosch today.
The experienced Jackson played last season in China, where he played 30 games: 21.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.6apg. and became player of the year.
As from March 2008, he was active in Bosnia at Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo, with whom he became champion.

Coach Randy Wiel: 'After the loss of Travis, we needed a strong replacement. In Jackson we have found a versatile offensive player, who is willing to work hard for the team.


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


*****************************************************
  IBL   


Standings
IBL Standings
East
 1. Elkhart E. 23-2 
 2. Holland B. 11-9 
 3. Windy City S. 11-16 
 4. Battle Creek K. 10-12 
Midwest
 1. Gary S. 18-4 
 2. Elgin R. 9-12 
 3. G.Rapids F. 6-12 
 4. USA All-Stars 1-21 
Southwest
 1. Portland C. 14-15 
 2. Las Vegas 10-10 
 3. C.Oregon H. 10-17 
 4. Los Angeles 9-11 
 5. Shanxi Zh. 1-17 
West
 1. Bellingham S. 19-4 
 2. Vancouver V. 18-7 
 3. Snohomish C. 14-10 
 4. Edmonton C. 13-9 
 5. Tacoma J. 9-13 


Stats Leaders
IBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. David Lucas Portland Chinooks 37.0
2. Cedric Moodie Elkhart Express 28.1
3. Dennis Springs Holland Blast 26.8
4. Lamond Murray LA Lightning 26.6
5. Kenny Langhorne Grand Rapids Flight 25.8
6. Ryan Diggs Bellingham Slam 25.6
7. Demario Butler Las Vegas Stars 24.1
8. Jeff Dunn Edmonton Chill 24.6
9. Terry Horton Central Or' Hotshots 23.8
10. Erik Rhinehart Windy City Soldiers 23.5
Rebounds Per Game
1. Lamond Murray LA Lightning 11.9
2. Terry Horton Central Oregon Hotshots 10.6
3. Terrance Shaw Grand Rapids Flight 10.0
4. Keith Gayden Elgin Racers 10.2
5. Chris Charles Elkhart Express 9.9
6. Lee Scruggs Edmonton Chill 9.6
7. David Lucas Portland Chinooks 9.6
8. Ronnel Mingo LA Lightning 9.3
9. Dontay Harris Jazz of Tacoma 9.3
10. Tyler Amaya Bellingham Slam 9.2
Assists Per Game
1. Kamran Sufi Los Angeles Lightning 11.6
2. Willie Hall Las Vegas Stars 9.9
3. Barry Bradford Windy City Soldiers 8.5
4. Dennis Springs Holland Blast 8.2
5. Anthony Kyle Battle Creek Knights 7.1
6. Kevin Tyner Vancouver Volcanoes 6.9
7. Ryan Diggs Bellingham Slam 6.3
7. Eddie Shelby Las Vegas Stars 6.3
7. Royce Parran Gary Steelheads 6.3
10. Brandon Watkins Elgin Racers 6.2


Bellingham forward Amaya lands job in China- other IBL greats ready to go overseas as well - by Trask Frost


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26th, 2008
CONTACT: IBL Commissioner Mikal Duilio (ph) 866-IBL-GAME

BELLINGHAM FORWARD AMAYA LANDS JOB WITH TOP TEAM IN CHINA

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The Bellingham Slam have announced that 6 7 forward Tyler Amaya has signed a contract to play overseas this winter. Amaya will play with the Guangdong Southern Tigers, a first-division team in China. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Guangdong is considered one of Chinas elite teams, having won the Chinese Basketball Association title in four of the previous five seasons. The Southern Tigers are the former team of Yi Jianlian (now plays for the New Jersey Nets).

Amaya joined the Bellingham Slam 8 games into the 2008 season. Amayas impact with the Slam was felt immediately as he scored 24 points in his first game and the team went on to win 14 of their next 16 games with him in the lineup. Amaya finished the IBL season with averages of 21.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. Bellingham won the International Basketball League championship and Amaya was named co-MVP of that IBL championship game. The Chinese Basketball Associations season runs October to March, making Amaya eligible to potentially re-sign with the Slam for the 2009 season.

SIX MORE GREAT PLAYERS READY TO PLAY OVERSEAS

6 0 Point Guard Kevin Tyner (first photo) averaged 20.2 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds for the Vancouver Volcanoes who were 16-3 under Tyners direction. Tyner is considered a division 1 level professional, but along with the next 5 players, Tyner is not officially signed yet.

6 9 Point Forward Dean Browne (second photo) is coming into his own as a point guard and a power forward, but unlike most point forwards, Browne can play both positions in the traditional sense. In a September 22nd friendly game versus the Beijing Ducks, Browne scored 19 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, blocked 6 shots and had 8 assists. As a point guard, Browne puts his team in a position to score with almost every possession where he runs the point guard position.

6 3 Point Guard Ryan Diggs (third photo) The Bellingham Slam won the 2008 IBL Championship on July 18, 2008 over the two time champion Elkhart Express and 6 2 Ryan Diggs was the Slams point guard averaging 25.6 points, 6.3 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game.

6 4 Shooting Guard Paul Hafford (fourth photo) was an IBL All Star in 2007 averaging 26 points per game. Hafford then played for Bellingham in 2008 where Hafford averaged a touch over 17 points and 5 rebounds per game; Hafford proved he was a big time shooter at the end of 2008 when he sparked a comeback for the Bellingham Slam in the IBL Championship game scoring 30 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and getting the MVP award for the championship game.

6 4 Small Forward Terry Horton played for Central Oregon 17 games averaging 23.8 points, 2.6 assists & 10.6 rebounds per game (2nd best in the IBL). Horton was a 2008 IBL All Star.

6 4 Shooting Guard Cliff White played 23 games for Central Oregon averaging 18.0 points, 5.2 assists & 4.7 rebounds per game. White was a 2008 IBL All Star who was generally regarded as one of the best defenders in the IBL.

WWW.IBLHOOPSONLINE.COM



*****************************************************
  ICELAND   


Standings - Iceland Express League
Express L. Standings
 1. Grindavik 0-0 
 2. Keflavik 0-0 
 3. UMFN 0-0 
 4. KR 0-0 
 5. Snaefell 0-0 
 6. Tindastoll 0-0 
 7. Skallagrimur 0-0 
 8. Breidablik 0-0 
 9. IR 0-0 
 10. Thor AK 0-0 
 11. Stjarnan 0-0 
 12. FSU 0-0 


Standings - 1 Division
D1 Standings
 1. Hottur 0-0 
 2. Haukar 0-0 
 3. Valur 0-0 
 4. KFI 0-0 
 5. Hamar 0-0 
 6. Thor Thorl 0-0 
 7. Armann 0-0 
 8. Fjolnir 0-0 
 9. UMFH 0-0 
 10. Laugdaelir 0-0 


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


Panathinaikos defeats Maccabi in the opener of Tournament Ljubljana 2008 - by Eurobasket News
Panathinaikos defeats Maccabi in the opener of Tournament Ljubljana 2008 80:79. The team won the opener of the Tournament Ljubljana 2008 which is taking place in Tivoli arena. Clubs which take part in this tournament are the top Euroleague teams such as Panathinaikos Athens, Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul, Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv and home team Union Olimpija Ljubljana. Thanks for both teams that even in the friendly tournaments show the basketball deserved the final. Trailing 23:29 after the opening quarter the Greens produced a good end to win the opener. Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) led the winners with 15 points. Michael Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) ended up with 12, while Petkovic scored 11. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) was again the best in defeat with 18 points.
Four days ago Panathinaikos needed an overtime to defeat Maccabi in Gomelskiy Cup opener in Russia. The first day proved the ambitions and presented the spectators an overtime battle from the Greek and Israeli teams. Panathinaikos looked better in overtime and advanced to the Final with 100:96 victory.
It was another battle of the top teams in Europe and kept the audience with intrigue until the end of the game.
In another game of the day Union Olimpija beat Fenerbahce Ulker 74:57.

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


Serie A start delayed - by Gianni Pascucci
Lega Basket Serie A President Francesco Corrado announced yesterday what was rumored all the last days long: the Serie A League decided to postpone the start of the season from October 5 to 12, waiting for the final decisions about the two suspended teams, Napoli and Capo d'Orlando. The league headquarters have yet prepared a 16 team game schedule, but it will be officially released only when the number of teams allowed to Serie A will be definitive.

Roster Changes in Serie A - by Gianni Pascucci
After that all the dust settled, Premiata Montegranaro opted to release Shawn Kemp (209-F-69, college: Trinity Valley JC), who was not yet came back from a 'brief trip' to the USA. At his place, the team signed Brandon Hunter (201-F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Ohio). Team President Tiziano Basso officially announced the move yesterday, telling also that Kemp is very sorry and thanks everyone of the Italian team. Despite a great media attention over him and the team, Kemp showed to be yet out of shape in the few occasions he was sent on the court, and his long delay in coming back helped the team officials to take the difficult decision. After a succesful tryout, Fortitudo Bologna signed Bulgarian teenager Hristo Zahariev (198-G/F-90). The other young player tested by Fortitudo, Serbian Filip Sepa (199-G/F-90), should join soon Crena Zvezda Beograd.

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


Knights clobbers Linkup to move to 20-0 - by Leonard Whyte
Well, it was not much of a game (as expected), but the fact is, defending champions Urban Knights are now 20-0 and rolling. Last night they destroyed last place Linkup All-Stars 86-53 as action continued in the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)/National Basketball League (NBL) with the playing of four games. In other games played, Port Royal Bulls defeated Runnin Rebels 67-55, St. Georges Slayers upended Jamaica Defence Force 75-63, and Arnett Gardens Rockers stopped Majestic Gardens 86-81.

The 33-point victory was one of the largest for Knights who barely broke a sweat in this encounter. Andre Murray finished with a double-double (17 points and 11 rebounds), and Kerron Caine added 18 for the winners while Narado Gordon with 28 points and Clifton Walla with 12 led Linkup.

Saturdays schedule:
Runnin Rebels vs. St. Georges Slayers at 6:45 pm National Stadium
Linkup All-Stars vs. Blazing Panthers at 5:00 pm Edgewater
Jamaica Defence Force vs. Tivoli Wizards at 6:45 pm - Edgewater

Standings
NBL Standings
 1. Urban K. 20-0 
 2. Port Royal 16-5 
 3. Tivoli Wizards 14-7 
 4. Arnett GR 12-9 
 5. Majestic G. 11-8 
 6. Portmore F. 11-10 
 7. Runnin' R. 10-10 
 8. Slayers 10-10 
 9. JDF 9-11 
 10. Blazing P. 6-14 
 11. Catherine AS. 3-15 
 12. Linkup All-S. 1-20 


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


Standings - JBL
JBL Standings
 1. Toshiba 1-0 
 2. Aishin 1-0 
 3. Hitachi S. 1-0 
 4. Hokkaido 0-0 
 5. Panasonic 0-0 
 6. Mitsubishi 0-1 
 7. Toyota 0-1 
 8. Tochigi Brex 0-1 


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


Latvian National Team 2008 - by Gunars Gailitis

4 Uvis Helmanis (204-F-72) of ASK Riga
5 Aigars Vitols (194-G-76) of BK Ventspils
6 Juris Umbrasko (196-F-79) of BK Ventspils
7 Janis Blums (190-G-82) of Iurbentia Bilbao Basket (ESP)

8 Mareks Jurevicus (198-F-85) of BK Ventspils
9 Kristaps Valters (188-G-81) of Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada Madrid (ESP)
10 Gatis Jahovics (200-F-84) of ASK Riga
11 Pavels Veselovs (206-F-83) of BK Ventspils
12 Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82) of Liepajas Lauvas

13 Ernests Kalve (200-F-87) of ASK Riga
14 Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) of Upim Bologna (ITA)
15 Andris Biedrins (213-C-86) of Golden State Warriors (USA)
25 Raimonds Gabrans (188-G-84) of BK Ventspils
41 Kaspars Berzins (211-F/C-85) of Barons/LMT Riga
Head Coach: Nenad Trajkovic
Coach Assistant: Edmunds Valeiko

Director: Edgars Buls



Igors Miglinieks agrees terms with Donetsk - by Eurobasket News
According to the official web site of Ukrainian Donetsk, the team hired Latvian Igors Miglinieks as a new head coach. Miglinieks started last season in Cyprion AEL Limassol but in November he joined Spartak St. Petersburg. The team ended Superleague on not so good 11th place after what Spartak's management landed Evgeniy Pashutin as a head coach. From 2005 to 2007 Miglinieks led AEL Limassol winning two titles in domestic championship. AEL also reached the final of Cypriot National Cup but it stayed without this trophy both times. In 2006 Igors Miglinieks was awarded 'Eurobasket.com All-Cyprus League Coach of the Year -06'. Last year his team was stopped in FIBA EuroCup quarterfinals. Before AEL, Miglinikes used to work in BK Riga, Arsenal Tula and Neptunas. He already has experience from Ukraine as a head coach of BC Kyiv from 2001 to 2003.

Igors Miglinieks had very successful career as a player. He played eight years for Soviet Union National Team and even was its captain few years. Miglinieks grabbed the gold medal on the Olympic Games in Seoul exactly 20 years ago. He was known as a very good defender. At the Olympic Games in 1992 he was the second best stealer, after Michael Jordan.

*****************************************************
  MOZAMBIQUE   


National League - by Carlos Pereira
The new league will was started. It comprises 8 teams qualified through regional competitions. Maputo is the city with most teams (4), followed by Beira (2).
The teams are:

Ferrovirio Maputo (current champion)
Maxaquene
Costa do Sol
Desportivo Maputo
Ferrovirio Beira
Desportivo Beira
Politcnica Quelimane
Sport Clube Chimoio


Competition system:

12th Sep - 19th Nov: regular season (best 4 teams go to the playoffs)
Playoff semi-finals (best of 3)
Playoff finals (best of 5)

Results
1 Round
Costa do Sol-Maxaquene 56-65
Desportivo-Ferrovirio 80-78
Fer. Beira-Sport Club 103-58
Desp. Beira-A Politcnica 79-87

2 Round
Maxaquene-Desportivo 74-83
Ferrovirio-Costa do Sol 63-77
Fer. Beira-A Politcnica 88-69
Desp. Beira-Sport Club 69-89

*****************************************************
  NAIA   


INSTANT IMPACT: Jason McRae signs with Saint Thomas University! - by Lucius Jones
Jason McRae (6'10''-C) has signed on to play with Saint Thomas University and almost certainly should make an immediate impact on the team. The big man from Monroe CC honed his skills in Jamaica at MayDay and with the St.Georges Slayers before entering the United States. He has a solid base of talent having led Monroe CC in both rebounds and blocks per 40mins despite limited playing time. Look for him to form a great inside/outside combination with All American Antonio Jones (5'7''-G). The Old Harbour resident in Jamaica is a candidate for a Jamaican National Team hoping to qualify for the 2012 Olympics. Head Coach Clark Maloney stated ' If Jason focused in for these 3years here at Saint Thomas University, the sky is the limit. Literally! '

Dana College Junior to Travel to Europe - by Stephan Ditgens
Blair, Nebraska ~ Dana junior Eric Maassen (Hancock, IA) has been selected to travel overseas this summer with USA Athletes International. Maassen and his teammates will depart the United States on May 19 for a ten-day trip to Italy.

The team consists of ten NCAA and NAIA basketball players. The squad will travel to Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice, and the Vatican City. Along the way, the team will play five friendly games against local talent. One game will be held in an outdoor, open air stadium.

This is a once in a life-time opportunity, said Eric Maassen. I have never been overseas. I am really excited about this opportunity.

Mens Basketball Head Coach Chris Fear was contacted by the USAAI for any players who may be interested in playing. Fear nominated Maassen and one other Viking player for the trip. Each player who travels with USAAI has to pay $4,000 for the trip in order to maintain ones eligibility.

This is a great opportunity for Eric and he has worked very hard to earn it, commented Head Mens Basketball Coach Chris Fear. His teammates and coaches are excited for him. Eric will represent Dana College very well and benefit greatly from the experience.

Maassen looks at this experience to get him ready for the 2008-2009 campaign. The Vikings will return four starters and their top two players off the bench.

Dana finished the year 15-17 overall and 7-11 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. Coach Chris Fear is in his eighth season as the head coach for Dana College. Dana College is a private, Lutheran college located in Blair, Nebraska. The Vikings participate in the Great Plains Athletic Conference and are members of the NAIA. Dana College is a place where all students actively participate.

source: http://www.dana.edu/mens_basketball/news.html

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


Atlanta keeps Hroford and Law for 2009/10, Trail Blazers ink Randolph - by Eurobasket News
Atlanta Hawks have exercised the contract options for the 2009/10 season on forward/center Alfred Horford (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) and guard Acie Law (6'3''-G-85, college: Texas A&M).
Alfred Horford played 81 regular season games for the Hawks averaging 10.1 ppg, 9.7 rpg and 1.5 apg. His digits increased for 7 play-off games on 12.6 ppg, 10.4 rpg and 3.6 apg. This year he was named 'NBA All-Star Game All-Rookies Team -08'. Horford was third overall pick on 2007 NBA Draft selected by Atlanta. He left his Florida after three years. In the last one 06/07 Horford had 13.2 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.8 bpg.
Acie Law had 4.2 ppg and 2 apg in 56 regular season games. He appeared 7 times in play-off with lower digits 3 ppg and 1.1 apg. Law graduated at Texas A&M last year averaging 18.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 5 apg in 34 games. At the end of his senior season he got the award 'NABC All-NCAA 1st Team -07'.

Portland Trail Blazers announced landing of Shavlik Randolph (6'10''-F-83, college: Duke). 24-year old forward had 9 appearances in NBA regular season with Philadelphia 76ers in 07/08 averaging less than a point and 1.2 rpg. Later he appeared in 2 play-off games posting 1.5 ppg. Randolph came out from Duke after three years helping it to NCAA Sweet 16 in his last one, 2005. His average digits n 04/05 were 4.4 pg and 4.3 rpg. A year before, Duke participated at NCAA Final Four. Interesting is that the freshman year in jersey of Duke was the best one for Randolph. In 26 games he recorded 7.4 ppg and 3.9 rpg.

Philadelphia signs five free agents - by Eurobasket News
Philadelphia 76ers announced signing of five free agents yesterday: Andre Emmett (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: Octagon, college: Texas Tech), Justin Reed (6'8''-F-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Mississippi), Jared Reiner (6'11''-C-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa), Maureece Rice (6'1''-G-84, agency: CAA Sports, college: George Washington) and Antywane Robinson (6'8''-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Temple). Philadelphia's training camp begins on September 30th and with yesterday's additions it will count 19 players.

Andre Emmett was selected as 35th overall pick on 2004 NBA Draft by Seattle. Later he was traded to Memphis Grizlies playing the 8 NBA games. Emmett spent last season in Belgian team Belgacom Liege Basket. In 24 games in Belgian top division he had 23.9 ppg and 4.7 rpg getting the award for the best scorer of the championship. In the past he spent four years playing for Texas Tech.

Justin Reed was selected by Boston at the same year 2004 as 40th overall pick. He has three NBA seasons behind him as a member of the Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves averaging 3.5 ppg for 136 games in total. Reed started the last one with Houston Rockets but he moved to D-League team Austin Toros before the NBA season started.

Jared Reiner came out from University of Iowa in 2004 but wasn't picked on NBA Draft. However, he agreed terms as a free agent with Chicago Bulls in 2004 while next year he joined Milwaukee Bucks. Reiner appeared 46 times in total adding 1.2 ppg and 2.4 rpg for 8.2 minutes per game. He spent last season in Spain and Germany.

Maureece Rice came out from George Washington University but wasn't selected on NBA Draft this past summer. His average stats in 07/08 was 9.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 2.7 apg in 22 games.

Antywane Robinson started 07/08 in Atlanta Hawks but was waived before the season. Later he joined Sioux Falls Sky Force of D-League before playing for French Pau-Orthez.

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


Villanova completes 2008-09 coaching staff - by Eurobasket News
Villanova head coach Jay Wright announced a series of promotions and one new hire today to complete his 2008-09 coaching staff. Assistant coach Patrick Chambers has been elevated to the post of associate head coach; operations manager Jason Donnelly becomes an assistant coach; administrative intern/video coordinator Keith Urgo moves up to manager of basketball operations and Kyle Neptune has been added to the staff in the video post.

Former associate head coach Brett Gunning's departure to the National Basketball Association's Houston Rockets earlier this month created the vacancy on the staff.

'I'm very excited about the makeup of our staff,' stated Wright. 'Each of these coaches has earned his new position through his commitment and dedication to our program.'

Chambers enters his fifth season on the Villanova staff in 2008-09. The Philadelphia University graduate joined the program in the operations role in 2004. One year later, he was elevated to an assistant coaching slot. In that capacity he has been instrumental in on-court teaching, recruiting, player development and oversight of the team's academic progress. In his four seasons on staff, Villanova owns a 96-37 (.722) record and has made three appearances in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.

'Pat has learned every facet of our program over these last four seasons and has become one of the bright young coaches in our business,' states Wright. 'He has an incredible passion and intensity level in everything he does. His infectious personality is a great asset to our staff.'

Joining Chambers and Doug West - who was added in 2007 - as an assistant coach is Donnelly. Since 2005 Donnelly - who came to Villanova after a successful stint as an assistant coach at Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, Va. - has served as the operations manager for the men's basketball program. Now, he moves into to an on-court coaching role with responsibility for instruction, recruiting and attention to the academic performance of the men's basketball squad.

'Jason is a young, enthusiastic and experienced basketball coach,' says Wright. 'His organization and people skills made an enormous impact on our program over the last three years and those traits will serve him well as a teacher and recruiter. We look forward to watching Jason emerge as another great Villanova basketball assistant coach.'
Urgo spent the 2007-08 campaign as the administrative intern/video coordinator. The 2002 Fairfield University graduate came to Villanova after serving as an assistant coach at Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C.

'Keith Urgo was a terrific addition to our staff last year,' Wright states. 'We saw his creativity as our video coach and his energy is tremendous. He's a great fit to handle all of the important details that go into making our program run efficiently.'

The newest addition to the staff is Kyle Neptune who will serve as the administrative intern/video coordinator. Neptune is a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. who played four seasons of varsity basketball at Lehigh University prior to his graduation in 2007. He was a part of the Mountain Hawks' 2004 Patriot League championship team that earned an invitation to the NCAA Tournament and served as a team captain as a senior.

'Kyle is a great addition to our staff,' says Wright. 'He is very bright and comes to us with an enthusiasm to work hard. He is an outstanding role model for our young men. As a player at Lehigh he was tenacious and committed. Those qualities will serve him well as a member of our family.'

Courtesy of www.villanova.com

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


Premier Basketball League Draft to be held at ESPN Zone in Chicago - by Eurobasket News
The Premier Basketball League (PBL) announced today that the 2009 PBL Draft will be held on October 16, 2008, at the ESPN Zone in downtown Chicago.

Players projected to be first-round draft picks will be flown into Chicago for this gala event. PBL guests will be hosted at the Downtown Chicago Marriott on Michigan Avenue, on Chicago's 'Magnificent Mile.' The draft will be televised and webcast.

Additionally, a production company will produce a showcase video not only of player selection but in-depth interviews, past highlights as well as insight from the teams on their selections.

'This will be an exciting day for the league and the talented young men who will be selected,' commented Chairman of the Board Dr. Severko Hrywnak. 'Having the draft broadcast nationally as well as having a full production crew on hand to capture this showcase event will enable us to give unprecedented exposure to these players, the league and our sponsors.'

Due to space limitations, as well as the large number of media requests and those from scouts and agents, the PBL requests that those requiring credentials contact the league office 3 days prior to the event to confirm attendance. This will ensure that if approved, credentials and interview requests can be timely accommodated.

Food and drink will be provided to all guests and media in attendance.

Further detailed information on the PBL draft will be released shortly.

Courtesy of PBL

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


Ovarense dumps Basit and signs Mazur - by Luis Rocha
Ovarense hosted Jamal Basit (206-C-78, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Delaware), but he didnt prove to be the player Ovarense was in need. They decide to let im out of the roster, and wnet looking for a new player that could fill the spot in a more fullfielding way. They find Marc Mazur (210-C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Detroit Mercy), this guy is a very tough contender, got a great work ethic, and has been playing in many places with good results. He can play as a 4 or 5, got nice shooting ability, and above all can rebound and defend well inside. If he gets well adapted, it seems that Ovarense has find is big man.

Surprises in Antnio Pratas Trophy day 1 - by Portugal Eurobasket
Vitoria SC repeated last season's Portuguese Cup result over FC Porto by winning 79-76 in day 1 of North Zone. Willie Taylor (194-G-81, college: Va Commonwealth) with 22 pts and Donte Miner with 21 were on fire against Porto which had Christian Burns and Kevin Martin combining for 36 points. However Julio Matos' team played without injured Joao Figueiredo and Nuno Marcal and also without captain Paulo Cunha after he played for Portugal in the European Championship qualification. Also in the same zone, Ovarense beat Vagos 80-73.
In Center Zone, Proliga champions Fisica were better than Ginasio, 78-91 with four players scoring more than 11 points. In the South Zone, wins to Benfica and CAB Madeira. Benfica beat Barreirense 80-82 with Sergio Ramos and Seth Doliboa scoring 18pts each, while for Barreirense Chad McKenzie scoring 17. As for CAB, they trushed Belenenses 88-58 as Jason Smith scored 32 points

RESULTS

NORTH
Ovarense-Vagos, 80-73
Vitoria-FC Porto, 76-73

CENTER
Ginasio-Fisica 78-91

SOUTH
CAB Madeira-Belenenses, 88-58
Barreirense-Benfica, 80-82

Antonio Pratas Trophy day 2 - by Portugal Eurobasket
In the second day of the Antonio Pratas Trophy, attentions are gathered in North Zone with the clash between Ovarense and FC Porto, which will be held in Guimaraes. In the other match, Vitoria and Vagos play each other, but with Ovarense and Vitoria with one win in the first place. Both Ovar and Porto play without some players (Marc Mazur (210-C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Detroit Mercy) for Ovarense, Nuno Marcal, Joao Figueiredo for FC Porto), but they will continue a great saga which had 11 episodes last season.
In Center, Academica makes its debut against Ginasio which lost to Fisica. The Proliga champions last season then will face Academica in day 3. As for the South Zone, CAB Madeira - which trashed Belenenses for 30 points, 88-58 - take on Barreirense, while Benfica and Belenenses play the Lisbon derby.

SCHEDULE:

NORTH
16h Ovarense-FC Porto
18h15 Vitoria-Vagos

CENTER
17h Academica-Ginasio

SOUTH
16h CAB Madeira-Barreirense
18h15 Benfica-Belenenses

Presenting Ovarense - by Portugal Eurobasket
Ovarense Dolce Vita comes to new Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol as 3-time champions in a row of former LCB (2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08). Coach Mario Leite , a long time assistant at the club took charge this season and brought Carlos Pinto as his assistant, both assumed Ovarense leadership in the beginning of 2004/05 season. The club and its main sponsor Aerosoles parted away but they in Dolce Vita a new main partner. They also could resign many of the players that played last season such as Nuno Manarte, Gregory Stempin, John Waller, Miguel Miranda, Rui Mota, Andre Pinto, Joao Abreu and Nuno Cortez. They saw Ben Reed, Cordell Henry, Graham Brown, Elvis Evora and Fernando Neves go away but landed Pedro Azevedo, Mario Fernandes (176-G-82, agency: Duran International), young Jose Miguel Barbosa and recently Marc Mazur who replaced Ajmal Basit whose performances were not quite what they excepted.
Ovarense has the most supporting people in Arena Dolce Vita and they are the main favourites to win again, at least this is the idea of the whole town of Ovar.

The Roster
4-Joao Abreu
5-Pedro Azevedo
6-Jose Barbosa
7-Nuno Manarte (team captain)
8-Andre Pinto
9-Rui Mota
10-John Waller
11-Miguel Miranda
12-Mario Fernandes
13-Nuno Cortez
14-Marc Mazur
15-Gregory Stempin

Presenting FC Porto - by Portugal Eurobasket
FC Porto were beaten in the last 2 season in the Finals by Ovarense and also lost Portuguese Cup Final to Vitoria and 2 Supercups to Ovarense. This costed Alberto Babo his place, and brough Julio Matos , his former assistant, to the main spot at the bech. FC Porto changed their US players for this season and also landed Daniel Monteiro and Jose Almeida to its roster, however injuries of Joao Figueiredo and Nuno Marcal and the absense of captain Paulo Cunha made Julio Matos promote 3 players from EB Porto to the main team in order to prepare the pre-season. Christian Burns (203-F-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Philadelphia) and Kevin Martin showed that they are great newcomers and John Oates can be useful on rebounding. Julio Matos told the media that the main targets are winning everything, specially the title which they last won in 2003/04 with Luis Magalhaes.

The Roster

4-Daniel Monteiro
5-Kevin Martin
6-Fabio Fernandes
7-Christian Burns
8-Paulo Diamantino
9-Joao Diamantino
10-Paulo Cunha
11-Nuno Marcal
12-Joao Figueiredo
13-Jose Almeida
14-John Oates
15-Augusto Sobrinho

*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO   


Joel Jones makes debut in Polish League - by Luis Ramirez
It was a good beginning for Joel Jones (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Sacramento St.) as he scored 19 points and grabbed 2 rebounds in 33 minutes played for PBG Basket against Energa Czarni but Jones could not prevent his team from falling against Energa 77-73. Also in the Polish League Donald Copeland scored 12 points and had 1 assist as PGE Turow beat AZS Koszalin 88-61. Finally, Javier Mojica scored 17 points and captured 5 rebounds in 39 minutes of play. In related information on the Polish League, Ansel Guzman and Kevin Hamilton will make their debut this Saturday.

Courtesy of BSN

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


Triumph and Ural Great finish their groups - by Eurobasket News
Triumph and Ural Great finished their groups in the International tournament in Turkey. Today the teams will play for the exact places with the other teams from the opposite groups.
Triumph Lyubertsy met Banvit in the first game loosing it 72:77. Nenad Krstic played the first game for his new team nailing 14 points. Marcus Goree (201-F-77, agency: Passing Lane, college: W.Virginia) scored 11 points while Ognjen Askrabic, Sergei Toporov and Ernest Bremer posted 9 points apiece.
Ural Great Perm registered tight victory against Antalya 85:83. Jumaine Jones (201-F-79, agency: Octagon, college: Georgia) and Ralph Biggs paced Ural to win draining 19 points each. Turkish team got 20 points from Marcus Melvin.

In Day 2 Triumph overcame BC Kyiv 89:84. The Russian squad went on an early lead 18:16 closing the first period. They improved to 40:35 when both teams went to the lockers. The game remained tough and interesting in the second half as Ukrainian team bounced back with 31:27 in the third period, but could not stay alive in the last stanza. Triumph ended the game with 22:18 to take the first victory in the group. Markus Gore paced all the winners with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Ernest Lennel Brener nailed 14 and Vadim Panin had 13. Sconnie Penn finished the night with 19 points in the losing effort, while Kenan Bajramovic notched 16.
Besiktas became the leader of the group after the win over Ural Great 86:62. It was an easy start for the Turkish team when they produced 30-4. Ural Great tried to recover but the opponent stayed good until the end of the game. Marcus Faison (196-G-78, agency: Agency No 10, college: Siena) poured in 21 points for the winners. Mario Austin posted 14 and Mire Dujuan Chatman had 13. Jumaine Jones shined for the Russian squad with 28 points and 7 rebounds.

Day 3 Triumph started with 91:80 victory over Efes Pilsen. The Russian team grabbed the lead from the very beginning and after 2 quarters had 49:41 advantage. Even though Efes reduced the gap to 7 points entering the last frame, Triumph had 25:20 in the final period to seal the second victory. Alexander Miloserdov ended up with 20 points for the winners. Markus Goree scored 14 and Ernest Lennel Bremer posted 12. Kaya Peker finished the game with 16 points in defeat.
Aliaga Petkim outscored Ural Great 90:82 in the last game of the group. The latter looked pretty well in the whole game but failed in the last period. A 36:23 was a spurt of the winners that won the first game. Roberto Bergersen paced all the winners with 21 points. Jumaine Jones collected 15 points and 6 rebounds in defeat.

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


Partizan and Crvena Zvezda on friendly games in Igalo and Roma - by Zoran Popovic
Serbian Champion BC Partizan Igokea Beograd on friday and saturday will play on tournament Atlas Mont 2008 in Igalo. Except BC Partizan Igokea Beograd on tournament will play Primojre, Buducnost and Siroki Brijeg. Head coach Dusko Vujosevic will lead team on tournament without Velickovic, Tepic, Tripkovic and Vranes, who are taking short rest after the playing of Serbian and Montenegro National teams.
KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd in next two days will play two friendly matches with Lottomatica Virtus Roma in Rome. Head coach Svetislav Pesic in Rome takes 14 players: Bjelica, Kovac, Bakic, Keselj, Stimac, Marinovic, Kikanovic, Milan Milosevic, Ovens, Roberts, Stevan Milosevic, Nedovic, Radosavljevic and Sepa. After the friendly games in Rome, on sanday KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd will promote in Belgrade team for the new season.

Crvena Zvezda inks Filip Sepa and Nemanja Bjelica - by Dragan Jankovski
Crvena Zvezda continued with signings this summer. After coach Svetislav Pesic, Vladimir Stimac, Marko Keselj, Marko Marinovic, Stevan Milosevic and Milan Milosevic, Red-and-whites agreed terms with young Filip Sepa (199-G/F-90) and Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances).

During the summer Filip Sepa spent some time with Fortitudo Bologna but he didn't get a contract. As a reminder, last season Sepa was on try-out in Partizan Igokea. He played last season for Belgrade's team Zemun Lasta. Sepa played for U18 Serbia on European Championship in Amalaida/Pyrgos this summer. In 8 games he averaged 16.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.3 apg. At the end of this event he was named 'Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 2nd Team -08'. Two years before Sepa was a member of U16 Serbia, which grabbed the Bronze on EC in Jaen. His average stats was 13.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.9 apg and 1.3 spg in 8 games. Sepa signed 4-year deal with Crvena Zvezda.

Power forward Nemanja Bjelica also agreed terms with Crvena Zvezda but just for the upcoming season. Bjelica played the last one for Austrian team Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions. He appeared 26 times in A Bundesleague having 8.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.2 apg. His team succeeded to reach semifinals of Austrian National Cup. In 2006 Bjelica was a member of U18 Serbia.

Hemofarm STADA wins 'Cedevita Cup' in Zagreb - by Dragan Jankovski
Hemofarm STADA celebrated in the final game of 'Cedevita Cup' in Zagreb against the host team 86-83. The game is decided in over time, which Serbian team ended 12-9. Croatian A1 team Cedevita was very motivated in this game and its players showed good performance. Interesting is that Croatians had advantage of 10 points at the middle of the last quarter but it was enough for the win. Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89), Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) and their teammates finally woke up after that moment reaching the overtime. During those 5 minutes Hemofarm played more focused celebrating 3-point win at the end. Young big guy Milan Macvan and point guard Miljan Pavkovic led Hemofarm to win scoring 21 points each. Boris Savovic (207-F-87) followed thse two players netting 12 points. Cedevita got the most from Ivan Novacic (201-F-85), who also scored 21 points. Cedevita's hero form the first game Ramel Bradley (188-G-85) had 16 while Frano Colak (205-C-77, agency: Court Side) scored 15 points.
In the battle for third place Krka Novo Mesto beat Bosna ASA BHT 87-82.

Hemofarm: Joksimovic 4, Bozovic 1, Pavkovic 21, Krstovic 7, Macvan 21, Vukosavljevic 7, Marjanovic 4, Borisov, Petrovic 2, Markovic 7, Savovic.
Cedevita: Primorac 9, Colak 15, Bradley 16, Ivan Novacic 21, Basic, Tomeljak 2, Samadan 3, Parezanovic 9, Petrovic, Kovacevic 2, Pasalic, Filipovic.


Tamis Petrohemija played another friendly game. This time the team from Pancevo was defeated by Cluj 82-91. Majstorovic scored 13 points in Romanian team. Branko Cuic (196-G-78) had 7 while Aleksandar Glintic (208-C-76, agency: Agency No 10) stopped on 6 points. Sasa Mihajlovic (204-C-75) netted 23 points in Tamis Petrohemija. Stajic was behind him with 18 points.

Partizan better than Primorje on tournament in Igalo - by Zoran Popovic

In the first match on tournament in Igalo, BC Partizan Igokea Beograd won against ABS Primorje Herceg Novi 65:87 (16:24, 17:27, 18:16, 14:20). Serbian Champion started match very agresive and finished first quarter with 8 points advantage. Third quarter BC Partizan Igokea Beograd continued in the same rytam the half time finished with result 33-51. After the half time pause domestic players tried to made break, but 18 points advantage from the first two quarters was inscrutably. More cfficient then others in BC Partizan Igokea Beograd was Vladimir Lucic (-F-89) with 17 points, Strahinja Milosevic (203-G/F-85, agency: Beo Basket) scored 12 and Cedomir Vitkovac (201-F-82) 10 points. For Primorje Vojislav Ilic (202-F/C-77) scored 14 points, Vladimir Radovanovic (194-G-81) 13 and Pejovic 12 points.

ABS Primorje Herceg Novi: Bulatovic 2, Vladimir Radovanovic 13, Boricic 4, Pejovic 12, Vojislav Ilic 14, Medic, Bacovic 2, Vujovic 9, Sesterovic 7, Mandic 2, Vidojevic.

BC Partizan Igokea Beograd: Riznic 2, Djurkovic 8, Strahinja Milosevic 12, Balaban 3, Rasic 7, Soares, Vladimir Lucic 17, Aleksic 4, Cedomir Vitkovac 10, Bozic 7, Rakocevic 8, Veseli 9.



*****************************************************
  SEYCHELLES   


Cobras add to Razors woes - by Carlos Pereira
COACHLESS Razors days as a top-flight team are numbered after they succumbed to their 15th defeat of the season on Wednesday at Victoria Gymnasium.

Solomon carried Premium Cobras scoring load with 45 pointsTitle contenders Premium Cobras added to the Razors woes by hitting the century mark in a 124-42 victory to go joint top with Baya in the 10-team Mens Division One standings.
No match for the Cobras, the Razors are glued to the bottom of the table with one win and 15 defeats for 16 points 14 fewer than Premium Cobras total of 30. The Razors have also lost a match by a walkover.
Coached by Guy Hall, former champions Premium Cobras, who fielded their three foreign players during the encounter, won all four quarters, 34-5, 33-14, 25-11 and 32-12.
As expected, Nigerian Alao Solomon carried the scoring load for the Cobras with 45 points and he was helped on the offensive end by Seychelles power forward Dominic Pillay (14 points) and Amadou Sylla (11).
Christopher Valmont and J. Tirant each got 12 points to lead the Razors.

In Mondays Mens Division Two match, Anse Etoile walked over AAP Brothers, who refused to play after losing their appeal against the National Basketball Technical Committee decision to impose a fine on them for leaving the court in their match against Mont Fleuri Dawgz and the one-match ban imposed on the Andr brothers Steve and Steven.
With the win their 14th in 18 games Anse Etoile have brought their points tally to 32, while AAP Brothers have 29.
Drifters collected only their third win of the season when they beat Cadets 84-73 in another mens lower division match played on Tuesday.


G. G. from thenation.sc

*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA   


Ljubljana welcomes to Tivoli arena - by Eurobasket News

Union Olimpija - Fenerbahce Ulker 74:57

Olimpija won the opener of the Tournament Ljubljana 2008 which is taking place in Tivoli arena. Clubs which take part in this tournament are the top Euroleague teams such as Panathinaikos Athens, Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul, Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv and home team Union Olimpija Ljubljana.
Union Olimpija beat Fenerbahce Ulker 74:57 trailing after the halftime. The home team did not have however difficulties in the opening quarter taking 17:10 lead. Turkish side recovered quickly and reduced the gap in the beginning of the second. Vidmar made the score 21:19 and then Fenerbahce Ulker improved even more. The guests closed the first half with a 33:30 advantage as both teams disappeared in the lockers.
Union Olimpija did not panic and came back to the court with another desire to win. They outscored the guests in the third period and led the game to the winning effort in the last. Marko Milic (199-G-77) led the winners with 18 points. Jasmin Hukic (204-G/F-79, agency: Beo Basket) scored 14, while Damjan Rudez (207-F-86) and Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) posted 12 each. Gordan Giricek (197-G-77) top-scored for Fenerbahce Ulker with 15 points.

In another game of the opener Panathinaikos beat Maccabi 80:79. The second day expects to be even more interesting!

Union Olimpija: Wallace 3, Vlado Ilievski 12, Golubovic 2, Crawford, Damjan Rudez 12, Marko Milic 18, Jasmin Hukic 14, Begic 11, Sarajlija, Sirnik, Zupan 2, Ozbolt.
Fenerbahce Ulker: Green 5 , Turkcan 7, Basak 5, Gordan Giricek 15, Mrsic 3, Vidmar 6 , Demirel, Demir, Savas 10, Smith 6, Cetin, Preldzic.



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


Viopisa Gijon Baloncesto sign Michel Diouf - by Eurobasket
Viopisa Gijon Baloncesto (LEB Silver) strengthened their roster with addition of 19-year old Senegalese center Michel Diouf (208-C-89). Diouf played last season at Qalat Caja Sol (LEB Silver), where in 34 games he averaged 9.8ppg, 4.6rpg and was best blocker in the league with 1.9bpg. He started even this season at Qalat Caja Sol, but moved to Gijon team for the second round. In his first game he had just 2 points and 4 rebounds in 15 minutes on the court.

Pre-Season Round Up (Thurs 25 sep) - by Paul Nilsen
Kalise Gran Canaria destroyed Italian opponents Bancatercas Teramo 101-73 with Carl English top scoring with 22 points. However this game was about the return of Joel Freeland (208-F-87) to the club. For after a few frustrating years on the bench, as acb-basket.com keeps saying, this could be a real breakthrough season for the Portland Trailblazer draft. He has helped Team GB to Eurobasket in Poland and looks much improved and he showed signs of this with 16 points and a strong performance against the Lega A team.

It was another young English player in Daniel Clark of Estudiantes who had a pivotal say in perhaps a shock 81-87 win for Estu at Pamesa Valencia. The forward scored 8 points of the bench and a big three in the last period as the side from the capital took a huge pre-season victory. Vonteego Cummings showed that he can compete with the best backcourts in the ACB with the veteran scoring 15 points while Pamesa handed a debut to Perovic who scored 13 points and looked like he can be a threat this season for Tarjona.

A physical and defensive performance from Iurbentia Bilbao Basket inflicted a 63-52 defeat on ViveMenorca who had an offensive nightmare. Janis Blums scored 9 points off the bench for Bilbao while Banic top scored with 12 points and every player got on the score sheet for the Basques. While Menorca had the games top scorer in Pooh Jeter with 16 points, it was a poor and worrying performance against a team in Bilbao who themselves have had a shaky pre-season campaign.

Cajasol got back to winning ways with a comfortable 74-62 over Croatian tourists KK Zagreb. Savanovic, Ignerski, Rivero and Illic all getting in double digits with the latter scoring 14 off the bench. Manel Comas and his team found themselves 8 points down at the end of the first quarter but eventually got the heavy defeats to Granada and Unicaja in the Andalucia Cup out of their system producing a strong performance either side of half time.

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


Benetton Fribourg Olympic finds a substitute for Dave Esterkamp - by Dimitri Toumayeff
Fribourg signed Bruce Fields (1980, 197, 3) for at least 6 months to replace the injured Dave Esterkamp (1978, 200, 3). Last season, Fields played for St-Vallier (French Pro B). He's also not unknown in Switzerland, since playing for the Birstal Starwings in 2005-2006. He graduated from Gardner-Webb University (Division II team) in 2002, after averaging 12.9pts, 8.1reb, and 3.4ass his senior year. The American forward also spent time in Denmark, where he played for Svendborg.

*****************************************************
  TANZANIA   


NBL teams reach 17 - by Carlos Pereira
By Renatha Msungu

Three more regions have confirmed to compete in the National Basketball League (NBL) which will be staged at Dar es Salaam`s Indoor Stadium from October 19-25.
The Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) Secretary-General, Lawrence Cheyo, yesterday named them as Lindi, Morogoro and Coast.
He said the turning up of the three had made the number of the regions reach 17.
Cheyo named other regions which had confirmed earlier as hosts Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza, Iringa, Mara, Dodoma, Tanga, Kigoma, Ruvuma, Kagera, Shinyanga, Rukwa and Kilimanjaro.
He appealed to regions which were yet to confirm to do so immediately.
He said that preparations of the event were in the final stages as they had already got a sponsor.
``We have already got a sponsor. We will soon name him to the public,`` he added.
The event was last year sponsored by Barrick and Tanzania Breweries Limited.

*****************************************************
  TURKEY   


Banvit hosts an International tournament - by Eurobasket News
Banvit hosts an International tournament with 8 teams participating. The competition system of the tournament divided the teams into two groups. In Group A the spectators are able to see the games of Banvit, BC Kyiv, Triumph and Efes Pilsen. Petkim, Antalya, Besiktas and Ural Great made up Group B.

Triumph Lyubertsy met Banvit in the first game loosing it 72:77. Nenad Krstic played the first game for his new team nailing 14 points. Marcus Goree scored 11 points while Ognjen Askrabic, Sergei Toporov (197-F-81) and Ernest Bremer posted 9 points apiece.
Ural Great Perm registered tight victory against Antalya 85:83. Jumaine Jones (201-F-79, agency: Octagon, college: Georgia) and Ralph Biggs paced Ural to win draining 19 points each. Turkish team got 20 points from Marcus Melvin.
Efes Pilsen beat BC Kyiv 61:58 in the opener of the tournament. Ukrainian side played pretty well in the first three quarters and led the game for the majority of the game. In the last period however Turkish side bounced back with 22:13 to seal the victory. Mario Kasun led the winners with 14 points, whilst Preston Shumpert and Bootsy Thorton added 13 each. Clay Tucker (194-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) top-scored for the Ukrainian squad with 14 points.
Besiktas won the opener over Aliaga Petkim 99:85 as Mario Austin (206-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.) top-scored for the winners with 22 points.

In Day 2 Triumph overcame BC Kyiv 89:84. The Russian squad went on an early lead 18:16 closing the first period. They improved to 40:35 when both teams went to the lockers. The game remained tough and interesting in the second half as Ukrainian team bounced back with 31:27 in the third period, but could not stay alive in the last stanza. Triumph ended the game with 22:18 to take the first victory in the group. Markus Gore paced all the winners with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Ernest Lennel Brener nailed 14 and Vadim Panin had 13. Sconnie Penn finished the night with 19 points in the losing effort, while Kenan Bajramovic notched 16.
Efes Pilsen grabbed the second victory beating Banvit 78:70. Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico) led the way with 14 points and 7 assists. Lance Williams (206-C-80, college: De Paul) ended up with 14 points in the losing effort.
Antalya overcame Aliaga Petkim 90:88 in a tough game between two Turkish representatives.
Besiktas became the leader of the group after the win over Ural Great 86:62. It was an easy start for the Turkish team when they produced 30-4. Ural Great tried to recover but the opponent stayed good until the end of the game. Marcus Faison (196-G-78, agency: Agency No 10, college: Siena) poured in 21 points for the winners. Mario Austin posted 14 and Mire Dujuan Chatman had 13. Jumaine Jones shined for the Russian squad with 28 points and 7 rebounds.

Day 3 Triumph started with 91:80 victory over Efes Pilsen. The Russian team grabbed the lead from the very beginning and after 2 quarters had 49:41 advantage. Even though Efes reduced the gap to 7 points entering the last frame, Triumph had 25:20 in the final period to seal the second victory. Alexander Miloserdov ended up with 20 points for the winners. Markus Goree scored 14 and Ernest Lennel Bremer posted 12. Kaya Peker finished the game with 16 points in defeat.
Banvit outscored BC Kyiv 86:84 as Ukrainian team climbed back with 25:19 in the last frame. The Turkish team started the game with 29:21 and then had 7 points deficit entering the last period. Banvit led to the winning end and finished the group with 2-1 record. Lance Williams shined with 26 points and Kerim Umut Yenice notched 13. Clay Tucker had a great night for the guests nailing 27 points.
Antalya tied the record with Besiktas at 2-1 beating them 84:78as Marcus Douthit poured in 21 points and made 12 rebounds.
Aliaga Petkim outscored Ural Great 90:82 in the last game of the group. The latter looked pretty well in the whole game but failed in the last period. A 36:23 was a spurt of the winners that won the first game. Roberto Bergersen paced all the winners with 21 points. Jumaine Jones collected 15 points and 6 rebounds in defeat.

Ljubljana welcomes to Tivoli arena - by Eurobasket News

Union Olimpija - Fenerbahce Ulker 74:57

Olimpija won the opener of the Tournament Ljubljana 2008 which is taking place in Tivoli arena. Clubs which take part in this tournament are the top Euroleague teams such as Panathinaikos Athens, Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul, Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv and home team Union Olimpija Ljubljana.
Union Olimpija beat Fenerbahce Ulker 74:57 trailing after the halftime. The home team did not have however difficulties in the opening quarter taking 17:10 lead. Turkish side recovered quickly and reduced the gap in the beginning of the second. Vidmar made the score 21:19 and then Fenerbahce Ulker improved even more. The guests closed the first half with a 33:30 advantage as both teams disappeared in the lockers.
Union Olimpija did not panic and came back to the court with another desire to win. They outscored the guests in the third period and led the game to the winning effort in the last. Marko Milic (199-G-77) led the winners with 18 points. Jasmin Hukic (204-G/F-79, agency: Beo Basket) scored 14, while Damjan Rudez (207-F-86) and Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) posted 12 each. Gordan Giricek (197-G-77) top-scored for Fenerbahce Ulker with 15 points.

In another game of the opener Panathinaikos beat Maccabi 80:79. The second day expects to be even more interesting!

Union Olimpija: Wallace 3, Vlado Ilievski 12, Golubovic 2, Crawford, Damjan Rudez 12, Marko Milic 18, Jasmin Hukic 14, Begic 11, Sarajlija, Sirnik, Zupan 2, Ozbolt.
Fenerbahce Ulker: Green 5 , Turkcan 7, Basak 5, Gordan Giricek 15, Mrsic 3, Vidmar 6 , Demirel, Demir, Savas 10, Smith 6, Cetin, Preldzic.



Standings - TBL
TBL Standings
 1. Efes Pilsen 0-0 
 2. Karsiyaka 0-0 
 3. Darussafaka 0-0 
 4. T.Telekom 0-0 
 5. Fener.Ulker 0-0 
 6. Galatasaray 0-0 
 7. TED Koleji 0-0 
 8. Besiktas 0-0 
 9. Oyak Renault 0-0 
 10. Erdemir 0-0 
 11. Antalya 0-0 
 12. Banvit 0-0 
 13. Mersin 0-0 
 14. Aliaga 0-0 
 15. Selcuk Uni. 0-0 
 16. Kepez Bld 0-0 


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


BC Kyiv participates in Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Banvit hosts an International tournament with 8 teams participating. The competition system of the tournament divided the teams into two groups. In Group A the spectators are able to see the games of Banvit, BC Kyiv, Triumph and Efes Pilsen. Petkim, Antalya, Besiktas and Ural Great made up Group B.

Efes Pilsen beat BC Kyiv 61:58 in the opener of the tournament. Ukrainian side played pretty well in the first three quarters and led the game for the majority of the game. In the last period however Turkish side bounced back with 22:13 to seal the victory. Mario Kasun led the winners with 14 points, whilst Preston Shumpert and Bootsy Thorton added 13 each. Clay Tucker (194-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) top-scored for the Ukrainian squad with 14 points.

In Day 2 Triumph overcame BC Kyiv 89:84. The Russian squad went on an early lead 18:16 closing the first period. They improved to 40:35 when both teams went to the lockers. The game remained tough and interesting in the second half as Ukrainian team bounced back with 31:27 in the third period, but could not stay alive in the last stanza. Triumph ended the game with 22:18 to take the first victory in the group. Markus Gore paced all the winners with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Ernest Lennel Brener nailed 14 and Vadim Panin had 13. Scoonie Penn (178-G-77, college: Ohio St.) finished the night with 19 points in the losing effort, while Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) notched 16.

Banvit outscored BC Kyiv 86:84 as Ukrainian team climbed back with 25:19 in the last frame. The Turkish team started the game with 29:21 and then had 7 points deficit entering the last period. Banvit led to the winning end and finished the group with 2-1 record. Lance Williams shined with 26 points and Kerim Umut Yenice notched 13. Clay Tucker had a great night for the guests nailing 27 points.

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


BBL Debut For Thunder - by Andy Webb
BBL basketball returns to the Worthing Leisure Centre on Saturday when Thunder face Airwaves Plymouth Raiders in their inaugural BBL Championship campaign.

Thunder coach Gary Smith expects a difficult challenge from Raiders as his side make the step up from the EBL Division One: Plymouth are old foes from the EBL and we've played them a few times in the BBL Trophy too. Gary Stronach always prepares his team very well and I suppose we are fortunate that for our first game in the BBL we have a team we know a bit about, but on the other hand we're expecting them to be near the top of the table at the season's end so it's a tough start.

Meanwhile, the BBLs oldest club, Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders, start their season against PAWS London Capital on Saturday.

With Capital still putting their team in place, rookie coach Rob Paternostro (180-G-73, college: S.New Hampshire) is unsure who his new team will face on Saturday evening: Its a strange way to approach things, and we havent had that much information about them. What I do know, is that if they bring back the players they had last season, theyll play hard and make it very tough for us. Theyll make us play for the whole 40 minutes, and they won some games last season that no one gave them a chance in by playing that way.

Capital are also in action the following day when they host Marshall MK Lions. Vince Macaulay , the Lions play-caller, expects a difficult encounter at the Capital City Academy: I know the coach, Malek Jivens, and we know all their English players. We will see them on Saturday in Leicester in order to get a view of their import players. As we all know Capital is a tough cauldron to play in so we need to be prepared mentally.

The weekends action is wrapped up at the Northgate Arena where BiG Cheshire Jets hosts Worcester Wolves.

Jets coach Paul Smith admits to having only a limited knowledge of the Wolves side his team will host, on Sunday: I don't know an awful lot about the Wolves at present. They have a very different line up to last year but I can see they have a lot of size and a quality pass first point guard. Any team coached by Skouson will play hard for the full 40 so I know it will be a battle for us.

Standings - BBL
BBL Standings
 1. MK Lions 1-0 
 2. Newcastle E. 1-0 
 3. Scottish R. 0-0 
 4. Worthing T. 0-0 
 5. London C. 0-0 
 6. Leicester R. 0-0 
 7. Sheffield S. 0-0 
 8. Plymouth R. 0-0 
 9. Worcester W. 0-0 
 10. Everton T. 0-0 
 11. Birmingh.P. 0-0 
 12. Cheshire J. 0-1 
 13. Guildford H. 0-1 


*****************************************************
  URBL   


Audition, Draft Day Approaching - by Mac Claire
San Antonio - The URBL is getting ready for former college hoopsters with no professional experience to participate in the URBL College Draft on October 18th.
Players still have time to register and submit online at www.love4hoops.com. The early registration fee is still in place and will remain so through the end of September. The fee will go up to $225.00 from $150.00 on October 1st.

There will be an announcement some time before the day of the draft about the league's roster of teams expected to play beginning in April 2009.

Soul, Flight to Launch Youth Organization - by Mac Claire
Converse - The San Antonio Soul and the Converse Flight are teaming up to start a youth organization designed to combine basketball and education. San Antonio-Converse Organization for Recreation and Education (S. C. O. R. E.) will offer tutoring for local area youth in a number of school subjects, and a mentoring program that will encourage youngsters to make the right decisions in life off the court. S. C. O. R. E. founder Mac Claire feels that the combination of hoops and education is a recipe for keeping the teenagers involved in supervised activities on the court while getting the support of parents who want their children to be tutored or mentored. 'We know that it is important to grab the attention of parents,' Claire said, 'and why shouldn't we all step in and involve ourselves with the kids outside of basketball?
'It is my expectation that we can have a real positive impact off the court as well as on it.'
Claire also mentioned that the non-profit organization is still looking high and low for volunteers to mentor and teach. 'I am still waiting for a response to my email from the Texas Retired Teachers Association,' Claire mentioned. 'There are some wonderful retired educators out there who still have that burning desire to teach. This could be the perfect vehicle for them as well as for our kids.'
Email info@love4hoops.com or visit www.love4hoops.com for details while the S. C. O. R. E. website is being built.

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


New import players for the LUB - by Hector Lopez
Three new import players were announced in the last hours. The Dominican Juan Bautista Araujo (206-F/C-83) was inked by Paysandu to replace Gyasi Cline-Heard (202-F-79, college: Penn St.). Another Dominican, Amaury Filion (206-C/F-81) will play for Bohemios, replacing Darryl Butterfield (201-F, college: Missouri). Finally Travis Garrison (203-F-84, agency: CAA Sports, college: Maryland) will be the new import player for Trouville replacing Ollie Bailey (201-F-85, college: Oklahoma City) Bigua said Duke Freeman-McKamey (208-F-80, college: Fordham) will not stay with the team due to personal problems.

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


Carmelo Cortez doesn't respect rules - by Carlos Santander
The South America Basketball Confederation (CONSUBASKET) and its president, the Venezuelan Carmelo Cortez is in serious problems with FIBA (International Basketball Federation).
FIBA decide to impose a strong sanction and get rid of any powers related with basketball competitions to CONSUBASKET, also imposed a fine of $50.000 (fifty thousand American dollar) due a contract violation with MOLTEN which is the official basketball brand for FIBA competition. The Venezuelan Carmelo Cortez , whom is the president of CONSUBASKET, also got another sanction because he didn't show off himself at FIBA meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. So far, every official South America basketball competitions will be handle it by FIBA
Unfortunately any results of the last U15 South American championship for men played last week at Guanare Venezuela are not valid due Carmelo Cortez 's disrespect.



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Women News

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  BULGARIA - Women  


Lukoil Neftochimic gets another American post player - by Valentin Anguelov
The Bulgarian women league runner-up and and cup holder Lukoil Neftochimic Burgas inked a one year deal with American Danyel Crutcher (188-F-86, agency: Merit Sports), who has been at Illinois in NCAA (Big Ten conference) for the last 3 years. She played a total of 79 games during those seasons and averaged 10.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists per game in the last of them (2007/08), while shooting 51.3% from the field and 76.0% from the charity stripe.

Crutcher will be the second American in the roster for the new season, besides Dionne Brown. The other USA national, who was on try outs and about to sign a contract - Rachel Wojdowski - was released, when it was found out she had a herniated disc.

From September 30-th to October 2-nd the team from Burgas will take part in the prestigious Fenerium Tournament in Istanbul, along with 3 teams preparing for the start of the Women EuroLeague season - Russians Spartak Moscow Region (the EuroLeague champions of the last 2 years!), czechs USK Prague and hosts Fenerbahce (the Turkish champions). A day later Lukoil Neftochimic will play a friendly game with another great team from Istanbul - Galatasaray.

Standings - Women
A1 Standings
 1. Lukoil 0-0 
 2. Slavia 0-0 
 3. Montana 2003 0-0 
 4. Rilski Sportist 0-0 
 5. Dunav 0-0 
 6. NSA 0-0 
 7. Tony 7 0-0 
 8. Beroe 2007 0-0 
 9. Minor 0-0 


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  CROATIA - Women  


Merkur Celje outsmarts Medvescak - by Eurobasket News
In the first game of regional Cup 'Vojko Herstel' Medvescak suffered home defeat against Slovenian Merkur Celje 54-57. It was a game with many turns. First quarter belonged to Croatians 15-11 while the next one Merkur ended 9-19. Third frame was totally leveled and when it was expected that Merkur finish this game with routine, that didn't happen. With 26 seconds remaining Medvescak managed to make a turn, 53-52. Thanks to young Nika Baric (168-G-92) and Iva CIglar, Slovenian team took this one scoring 5 points in at the very end.
Eva Komplet (182-F/C-86) was the best player for the winning team with 15 points. Nika Baric had 14 while Kristina Verbole (193-F/C-88) stopped on 12 points. Other players in Merkur: Ciglar 5, Kerin, Cverlin, Jagodic, Klavzar, Muhovic, Hughes 2, Brown 9.
Mirna Mazic (188-F-85, college: Richmond) was a way better than the others in Medvescak. She registered double-double collecting 24 points and 10 boards. Interesting but she was the only one with double digits in Croatian team. Actually Ana Cacic (175-G-86) was the second scorer with only 7 points. Other players in Medvescak: Plazanic, Peric 4, Cuncic, Majstorovic, Seda 5, Brkljaca, Klein-Simunovac 2, Marina Mazic 3, Semren 4, Badnjak 5.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Gambrinus Brno wins two friendlies - by Eurobasket News
Gambrinus Brno and Nadezhda Orenburg played two friendly games. The team from Czech Republic won stronger in two games and proved the ambitions for the upcoming season.
In the first game Gambrinus Sika Brno beat Nadezhda Orenburg 80:72. The Czechs started with 25:17 in the opening quarter but slowed down a bit in the second. Nadezhda managed to come clsoer as both teams went to the lockers for 39:32. The Russian team played even better in the third period and managed to reduce to 60:54 at the end of the quarter. Gambrinus Brno did not allow them to take the lead and won the game 80:72. Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) led the winners with 19 points. Beresova nailed 14, while Vteckova posted 12. Verameyenka Anastasiya top-scored for Nadezhda with 19 points and Ovcarenkova scored 15.
In the second game Gambrinus Sika Brno edged Nadezhda Orenburg 76:63. The latter looked better in the first half even though they trailed in the first quarter 19:23. The Russian team won the half 38:36, but then the third period was too much for them in the game. Horakova top-scored for the winners with 15 points. Zuzana Zirkova scored 13 and Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) netted 12. Teilane-Tamane Zane was the top-scorer in defeat with 12 points.

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  FINLAND - Women  


Standings - Women
D1 Standings
 1. Huima 0-0 
 2. PuHu 0-0 
 3. BC Nokia 0-0 
 4. Espoo Team 0-0 
 5. FoA 0-0 
 6. Catz 0-0 
 7. PeKa 0-0 
 8. HoNsU 0-0 
 9. S-Hameen. 0-0 


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  HUNGARY - Women  


Standings - Women
A Standings
 1. MKB Eurol. 0-0 
 2. ZTE 0-0 
 3. BEAC 0-0 
 4. BSE 0-0 
 5. Szeged 0-0 
 6. Szolnok 0-0 
 7. Pecsi 0-0 
 8. Atomeromu 0-0 
 9. Foton 0-0 
 10. Vasas-Csata 0-0 
 11. Cegledi EKK 0-0 
 12. Savaria 0-0 


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  ICELAND - Women  


Standings - Women
Express L. Standings
 1. Haukar 0-0 
 2. KR 0-0 
 3. Keflavik 0-0 
 4. Grindavik 0-0 
 5. Hamar 0-0 
 6. Fjolnir 0-0 
 7. Valur 0-0 
 8. Snaefell 0-0 


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  ITALY - Women  


Venezia participates in Torneo de Las Palmas - by Eurobasket News
Umana Reyer Venezia played first two games in the international Tournament in Spain. The Italian team was invited to the tournament together with Dynamo Moscow and the hosts La Caja De Canarias.
In the opener La Caja De Canarias overcame Umana Reyer 70:51. The hosts started well and rushed to 20:14 lead. In the second period the picture did not change and Spanish team increased to 33:26 entering the second half. Sten made it 46:30 in the third but the teams finished the quarter at 56:34. Sten led the winners with 17 points, while Rofriguez and Ble followed her with 13 points each. Aleksandra Vujovic (182-G-80, agency: LBM Management) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort. La Caja De Canarias led to a comfortable win to take the top position of the tournament.

In the second game Dynamo Moscow defeated Umana Reyer 84:68. The Russian team will try to improve the last year upset when they could not qualify to the play-offs. That is why the team has a great preparation for the upcoming season and was glad to open the International tournament. Dynamo went on an early lead and finished the first period at 25:21. The tempo remained fast as the teams showed good percentage from the field. Dynamo controlled the game and did not have difficulties reaching the victory. Sytnyak top-scored for the winners with 21 points. Marina Kuzina (195-C-85) nailed 19 and Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (176-F-83) posted 14. Aleksandra Vujovic produced 16 points in defeat, whilst Daliborka Jokic (185-F-81) scored 14.

La Caja De Canarias -Umana Reyer 70:51
La Caja De Canarias: Piipari 7, Halman 2, Montesdeoca 4, Alamo 6, Rofriguez 13, Ble 13, Sten 17, Sanchez, Suarez 8, Cabrera.
Umana Reyer: Tognalini, Corradini 5, Sottana 2, Brotto ne, Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) 4, Cirone 8, Andrade ne, Nadalin 8, Giauro 5, Daliborka Jokic 3, Aleksandra Vujovic 16.


Umana Reyer - Dynamo Moscow 68:84
Umana Reyer: Corradini 2, Sottana 9, Simona Ballardini 12, Cirone 2, Andrade 2, Nadalin 11, Giauro, Daliborka Jokic 14, Aleksandra Vujovic 16. Tognalini e Brotto n.e.
Dynamo Moscow: Latysheva 5, Sytnyak 21, Anete Jekabsone-Zogota 14, Marina Kuzina 19, Zakalyuzhnaya 9, Popova 2, Vishnyakova, Selwyn 3, Logunova 2, Jelavic, Burse 9.

Masciadri starts in the line-up of the semifinal - by Eurobasket News
Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) started in the line-up of the first semifinal game in WNBA. Her Los Angeles Sparks celebrated an 85:70 win over the San Antonio Silver Stars in the Western conference finals opener. The Sparks grabbed a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series with the next two games scheduled to take place in San Antonio. Lisa Leslie knocked down 22 points, collected 7 rebounds and dished out 4 assists to carry the Sparks to the win. Marie Ferdinand, Temeka Johnson and Candace Parker fired 14 points each for the winners. Raffaella Masciadri ended up with 8 points and made 1 steal. Ann Wauters answered with 18 points for the Silver Stars. Sophia Young secured 16 points, while Rebecca Hammon knocked down 9 points in the loss. The hosts dominated nearly every aspect of the game outrebounding San Antonio 37:21 and converting 53% from the field. The visitors capped the first frame with an 8:0 run to accumulate a 26:17 lead. However the hosts answered with an 11:0 surge late in the second term to build a 9-point lead at halftime. The home team maintained the distance well and secured the same lead before the fourth quarter. Erin Buescher came up with 7 points for the Silver Stars cutting the deficit to 6 points midway through the final period. But the Sparks looked cool in the dying minutes and secured a tough win at the end. The Sparks held their opponents to 38% from the field and grabbed twice as many offensive boards as the visitors.

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  NCAA1 - Women  


Penn State lands big verbal - by Eurobasket News
Penn State women's basketball has been in desperate need of a post player, so head coach Coquese Washington went out and snagged a pretty good one.

Nikki Green, a 6-foot-5 post player, gave Washington a verbal commitment on Thursday. Green is from Diboll, Texas, a town with a population just below 6,000. Green is the 19th-ranked player in the nation, according to hoopgurlz.com.

Green could make an immediate impact on the Lady Lions. When she arrives in Happy Valley next year, she will battle current sophomores Janessa Wolff (6-3) and Evelyn Lews (6-3) for playing time and will be the tallest Lady Lion on the roster.

She visited Rutgers before verballing to Penn State. She was scheduled to visit Texas and LSU, but cancelled those visits because of Hurricane Ike.

'Ive never really spent time up there,' Green told hoopgurlz.com. 'But I'd like to experience something new, and my grandmother and mom really enjoyed it.'

She said that her relationship with Washington, along with assistant coaches Itoro Coleman, Maren Walseth and Kia Damon, made her choice an easy one.

The coaches were a huge factor, she said. I have a good relationship with them, and I connected with the players, too.

Green is the second verbal for Washington and her staff. They landed 6-foot wing Gizelle Studevent from California earlier this year.

Penn State is coming off a 13-18 season and rides a 12-game losing streak into the 2008-09 season

Courtesy of www.rivals.yahoo.com

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  NCAA3 - Women  


Lawrence University hires Marcus Heidorf - by Eurobasket News
Alverno College assistant coach Marcus Heidorf has been named the new women's basketball coach at Lawrence University, less than one month before practice begins for the season.

'I am impressed by Marc's enthusiasm and determination to build a strong program,' LU provost David Burrows said in a news release. 'The students who met him are excited about him and are eager to begin working with him.'

A Manitowoc native, Heidorf has been coaching women's basketball for more than a decade. He got his start when he was a student at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, serving as an assistant coach for the 1997-98 season in which UW-Oshkosh won the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division III Tournament.

'This is a program that has had success in its very recent history,' Heidorf said. 'After meeting the people, players, and staff here, I am convinced that the tools and support necessary to win are in place to enable us to be successful again.'

Lawrence tips off its season Nov. 15 when it hosts Macalester College. The Vikings return six letterwinners from a team that finished 4-19 overall and 1-15 in Midwest Conference play, and must replace its four top scorers from last season. Jenny Stoner, Kelly Mulcahy and Carrie Van Groll graduated, while Caresse Reiland transferred.

Courtesy of http://www.postcrescent.com

Kosiba set to replace Quinn at NYU - by Eurobasket News
Chris Kosiba became NYU's interim women's basketball coach Friday. A day before, Janice Quinn retired because of medical issues.

Quinn, remaining as associate director of athletics, led NYU to the 1997 Division III title and two other Final Four appearances in 21 seasons. She has an arrhythmia-related condition and had a pacemaker implanted four weeks ago.

Kosiba and Stefano Trompeo, promoted to interim associate head coach, assisted Quinn the last five seasons. Kosiba also coaches the Violets' golf teams.

'I have every confidence in the offseason preparation of these young women, and the staff that we have secured to continue to move the program forward,' Quinn said.

Courtesy of http://www.examiner.com

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  POLAND - Women  


Dydek registers the semifinal appearance - by Eurobasket News
Malgorzata Dydek (213-C-74) registered the semifinal appearance last night as her Los Angeles Sparks celebrated an 85:70 win over the San Antonio Silver Stars in the Western conference finals opener. The Sparks grabbed a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series with the next two games scheduled to take place in San Antonio. Lisa Leslie knocked down 22 points, collected 7 rebounds and dished out 4 assists to carry the Sparks to the win. Marie Ferdinand, Temeka Johnson and Candace Parker fired 14 points each for the winners. Malgorzata Dydek played a short period of time grabbing one rebound for the winners. Ann Wauters answered with 18 points for the Silver Stars. Sophia Young secured 16 points, while Rebecca Hammon knocked down 9 points in the loss. The hosts dominated nearly every aspect of the game outrebounding San Antonio 37:21 and converting 53% from the field. The visitors capped the first frame with an 8:0 run to accumulate a 26:17 lead. However the hosts answered with an 11:0 surge late in the second term to build a 9-point lead at halftime. The home team maintained the distance well and secured the same lead before the fourth quarter. Erin Buescher came up with 7 points for the Silver Stars cutting the deficit to 6 points midway through the final period. But the Sparks looked cool in the dying minutes and secured a tough win at the end. The Sparks held their opponents to 38% from the field and grabbed twice as many offensive boards as the visitors.

In the quarterfinals the Los Angeles Sparks celebrated a 71:64 win in the third decisive game against the Seattle Storm and advanced to the Western conference finals. Candace Parker came up with another sensational performance of 20 points to lead the Sparks to the win at the Key Arena. The Sparks led throughout the encounter and enjoyed a 10-point advantage with less than 6 minutes left. However Lisa Leslie was fouled out and Seattle went on a 7:0 run to cut the deficit. Marie Ferdinand converted two free throws and then Johnson and Candace Parker added four more free throws to pace the Sparks to the victory. Lisa Leslie secured 15 points and 7 rebounds for Los Angeles. Marie Ferdinand had 12 points in the win. Tanisha Wright answered with 20 points and 6 rebounds for Seattle. Camille Little dropped 17 points in the loss.

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Dynamo Moscow settled down in Spain - by Eurobasket News

Dynamo settled down in Spain and participates now in the international Tournament. The Russian team was invited to the tournament together with Umana Reyer and the hosts Gran Canaria.
Dynamo Moscow defeated Umana Reyer 84:68 in the opener. The Russian team will try to improve the last year upset when they could not qualify to the play-offs. That is why the team has a great preparation for the upcoming season and was glad to open the International tournament. Dynamo went on an early lead and finished the first period at 25:21. The tempo remained fast as the teams showed good percentage from the field. Dynamo controlled the game and did not have difficulties reaching the victory. Sytnyak top-scored for the winners with 21 points. Marina Kuzina (195-C-85) nailed 19 and Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (176-F-83) posted 14. Aleksandra Vujovic (182-G-80, agency: LBM Management) produced 16 points in defeat, whilst Jokic scored 14.
On Wednesday Dynamo stormed past Gran Canaria 80:51. Dynamo controlled the game from the very beginning and proved the ambitions in the tournament. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota led the winners with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Marina Kuzina and Jannell Burse (197-C-79, college: Tulane) nailed 12 points apiece, while Snell collected 10 points and 4 rebounds.

Meanwhile Gambrinus Brno and Nadezhda Orenburg played two friendly games. The team from Czech Republic won stronger in two games and proved the ambitions for the upcoming season.
In the first game Gambrinus Sika Brno beat Nadezhda Orenburg 80:72. The Czechs started with 25:17 in the opening quarter but slowed down a bit in the second. Nadezhda managed to come clsoer as both teams went to the lockers for 39:32. The Russian team played even better in the third period and managed to reduce to 60:54 at the end of the quarter. Gambrinus Brno did not allow them to take the lead and won the game 80:72. Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) led the winners with 19 points. Beresova nailed 14, while Vteckova posted 12. Verameyenka Anastasiya top-scored for Nadezhda with 19 points and Ovcarenkova scored 15.
In the second game Gambrinus Sika Brno edged Nadezhda Orenburg 76:63. The latter looked better in the first half even though they trailed in the first quarter 19:23. The Russian team won the half 38:36, but then the third period was too much for them in the game. Horakova top-scored for the winners with 15 points. Zuzana Zirkova scored 13 and Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) netted 12. Teilane-Tamane Zane was the top-scorer in defeat with 12 points.



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  SCOTLAND - Women  


Standings - Women
National League Standings
 1. Clark Erikss. 0-0 
 2. Edinburgh 0-0 
 3. Polonia P. 0-0 
 4. St.Mirren 0-0 
 5. Gladiators 0-0 
 6. Flyers 0-0 


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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Presov inks three inside players - by Eurobasket News
Presov heads into the new season with big ambitions. The team got huge reinforcement with signing of three inside players: Latvian Ieva Kulite (192-C-88), American Erin Lawless (188-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue) and Russian Julija Karavaeva (193-F-82, agency: LBM Management).

Ieva Kulite arrived from Latvian team RTU/Klondaika Riga, where she joined in March. She started 07/08 inanother team from Riga, TTT/Rapa. For 11 games in Baltic league she averaged 4.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.9 apg and 3.1 spg. She also had 25 appearances in Lavian championship adding little a bit lower digits. Before these two teams, Kulite played for BK Venspils. In 2006 she was a member of U18 Latvia on European Championship division B in Chieti.

Erin Lawless is coming to Presov from Italian A1 team New Wash Montigarda. She played 26 games in Serie A averaging 13.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 1.1 spg. She came out from Purdue University last year with average digits 10.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 1.6 apg. That year her University reached NCAA Elite Eight.

Julija Karavaeva spent last season in Czech team Kara Trutnov. She demonstrated pretty good performance in EuroCup recording 12.3 ppg, 9 rpg and 1.5 spg in 6 games. Her numbers fell a bit in domestic championship. It was third season for Karavaeva in EuroCup as she played the previous two in Lithuanian Arvi Marijampole and before that in Dynamo Kursk.

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  SLOVENIA - Women  


Merkur Celje outsmarts Medvescak - by Eurobasket News
In the first game of regional Cup 'Vojko Herstel' Medvescak suffered home defeat against Slovenian Merkur Celje 54-57. It was a game with many turns. First quarter belonged to Croatians 15-11 while the next one Merkur ended 9-19. Third frame was totally leveled and when it was expected that Merkur finish this game with routine, that didn't happen. With 26 seconds remaining Medvescak managed to make a turn, 53-52. Thanks to young Nika Baric (168-G-92) and Iva CIglar, Slovenian team took this one scoring 5 points in at the very end.
Eva Komplet (182-F/C-86) was the best player for the winning team with 15 points. Nika Baric had 14 while Kristina Verbole (193-F/C-88) stopped on 12 points. Other players in Merkur: Ciglar 5, Kerin, Cverlin, Jagodic, Klavzar, Muhovic, Hughes 2, Brown 9.
Mirna Mazic (188-F-85, college: Richmond) was a way better than the others in Medvescak. She registered double-double collecting 24 points and 10 boards. Interesting but she was the only one with double digits in Croatian team. Actually Ana Cacic (175-G-86) was the second scorer with only 7 points. Other players in Medvescak: Plazanic, Peric 4, Cuncic, Majstorovic, Seda 5, Brkljaca, Klein-Simunovac 2, Marina Mazic 3, Semren 4, Badnjak 5.

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  SPAIN - Women  


Gran Canaria hosts an International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Gran Canaria hosts an International Tournament with three teams participating. The home team is glad to have such competitors as Russian Dynamo and Italian Venezia.
In the opener Gran Canaria overcame Umana Reyer 70:51. The hosts started well and rushed to 20:14 lead. In the second period the picture did not change and Spanish team increased to 33:26 entering the second half. Sten made it 46:30 in the third but the teams finished the quarter at 56:34. Sten led the winners with 17 points, while Rodriguez Leonor, and Ble followed her with 13 points each. Aleksandra Vujovic (182-G-80, agency: LBM Management) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort. Gran Canaria led to a comfortable win to take the top position of the tournament.
On Wednesday Dynamo stormed past Gran Canaria 80:51. Dynamo controlled the game from the very beginning and proved the ambitions in the tournament. Jekabsone led the winners with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Marina Kuzina (195-C-85) and Burse nailed 12 points apiece, while Snell collected 10 points and 4 rebounds.
Dynamo Moscow defeated Umana Reyer 84:68. The Russian team will try to improve the last year upset when they could not qualify to the play-offs. That is why the team has a great preparation for the upcoming season and was glad to open the International tournament. Dynamo went on an early lead and finished the first period at 25:21. The tempo remained fast as the teams showed good percentage from the field. Dynamo controlled the game and did not have difficulties reaching the victory. Sytnyak top-scored for the winners with 21 points. Marina Kuzina nailed 19 and Jekabsone posted 14. Aleksandra Vujovic produced 16 points in defeat, whilst Jokic scored 14.
The team will play another round with another games with each other.

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  WNBA - Women  


The Sparks eclipse the Silver Stars in Los Angeles - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Sparks celebrated an 85:70 win over the San Antonio Silver Stars in the Western conference finals opener. The Sparks grabbed a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series with the next two games scheduled to take place in San Antonio. Lisa Leslie (6'5''-C-72, college: USC) knocked down 22 points, collected 7 rebounds and dished out 4 assists to carry the Sparks to the win. Marie Ferdinand (5'9''-G-78, college: LSU), Temeka Johnson (5'3''-G-82, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: LSU) and Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) fired 14 points each for the winners. Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80) answered with 18 points for the Silver Stars. Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) secured 16 points, while Rebecca Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.) knocked down 9 points in the loss. The hosts dominated nearly every aspect of the game outrebounding San Antonio 37:21 and converting 53% from the field. The visitors capped the first frame with an 8:0 run to accumulate a 26:17 lead. However the hosts answered with an 11:0 surge late in the second term to build a 9-point lead at halftime. The home team maintained the distance well and secured the same lead before the fourth quarter. Erin Buescher (6'2''-G-79, college: Master's) came up with 7 points for the Silver Stars cutting the deficit to 6 points midway through the final period. But the Sparks looked cool in the dying minutes and secured a tough win at the end. The Sparks held their opponents to 38% from the field and grabbed twice as many offensive boards as the visitors.
The teams will meet again on Saturday at the AT&T Center.

Monarchs guard Chelsea Newton undergoes successful surgery - by Eurobasket News
Sacramento Monarchs today announced that guard Chelsea Newton (5'11''-G-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Rutgers) underwent successful surgery this morning to repair cartilage damage and remove loose bodies from her left ankle. Monarchs Team Doctor, Kirk Lewis, performed the surgery. It is projected that she will be out four to six weeks; a complete recovery is expected.

Newton originally sprained her left ankle on July 24, 2008 against the Phoenix Mercury at ARCO Arena. Further evaluation and testing revealed she had a bone spur and loose bodies causing her pain which could only be relieved through surgery.

A four-year WNBA veteran, Newton has played three seasons with Sacramento (2005, 2007 and 2008) and one season with Chicago (2006). She was originally selected by the franchise as the 22nd overall pick of the 2005 WNBA Draft. For the 2008 season, Newton appeared in 26 games and averaged 4.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 15.1 minutes per game. During the Monarchs playoffs run she played in all three games, averaging 4.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.7 steals and 14.7 minutes per outing.

Through her four WNBA seasons, Newton has played in 121 games and averaged 20.3 minutes, 5.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.1 blocks per game. Additionally, the 2005 WNBA All-Defensive Second Team and WNBA All-Rookie team honoree was an integral part of the Monarchs 2005 WNBA Championship team.

Courtesy of the Sacramento Monarchs