EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/6/2008

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Men News

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


San Antonio team names a female Asst.coach - by Gianni Pascucci
Benjamin Mireles , owner of the ABA South Texas Showboats, announced that Lisa Felton Bowdy has been named Assistant Coach of the team that begins play in December. The mother of Jay Bowdy (6'5''-F), one of the Showboat players, a San Antonio native, has considerable basketball experience following her graduation from Texas A & M. She played for a large number of teams and served as a referee at Clemson Presbyterian College and high school tournaments. Miss Bowdy is expected to bring passion, dedication, discipline, commitment, heart, leadership, coaching experience and determination to the team.

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  ARGENTINA   


Liga A 2008/09 official domestic rosters: part 2 - by Facundo Iatzky

BAHIA BLANCA ESTUDIANTES
Juan Manuel Rivero (192-G-85)
Pedro Franco (187-G-81)
Gerardo Barrera (201-F-77)
Lucas Bianco (198-F-80)
Juan Cangelosi (195-G-81)
Leonardo La Bella (180-G-86)
Leandro Cecchi (201-G/F-88)
Cristian Aguiar (201-C-89)
Cristian Schmidt
Youngster team players: Matias Martinez, Gonzalo Etchepare
Head Coach: Marcelo Richotti

GIMNASIA Comodoro Rivadavia
Bruno Ingratta (201-F/C-85)
Diego Romero (209-C-82, college: Florida St.)
Diego Alba (186-G-81)
Nicolas Ferreyra (185-G-85)
German Sciutto (190-F-78, agency: Interperformances)
Mariano Franco (200-F-80, agency: HM Sports Agency)
Jose Alessio (203-C-87)
Sebastian Morales (201-F/C-88)
Hernan Schneider (195-F-89)
Fabian Gabriel (-F-90)
Youngster team players: Federico Favre, Ivan Macharasvili (91), Matias Monzon
Head Coach: Nicolas Casalanguida

INDEPENDIENTE Neuquen
Leandro Lauro (188-G-80)
Martin Melo (197-F-82)
Agustin Carabajal (179-G-78)
Federico Marin (199-G/F-82)
Jervaughn Scales (200-F-71, college: Southern)
Fabian Levrino (190-G-87)
Pablo Heit (205-F/C-89)
Juan Levrino (188-G-90)
Santiago Fedele (187-G-89)
Ramiro Mendoza
Head Coach: Mauricio Santangelo


LANUS
Diego Prego (198-F-77)
Julian Olmedo

Fernando Funes

Juan Pablo Sanchez

Andres Rodriguez

Sebastian Chaine

Nicolas Laprovittola

Juan Ignacio Catalano

Rodrigo Fucek

Yemil Tosi

Head Coach: Alvaro Castineira



Liga A 2008/09 official domestic rosters: part 3 - by Facundo Iatzky

LIBERTAD Sunchales
Andres Pelussi (198-F-77)
Pablo Moldu (191-G-78)
Sebastian Ginobili (190-G-72, agency: Interperformances)
Alejandro Zilli (200-F-82)
Juan Sartorelli (190-G-83)
Gustavo Orona (196-G-75)
Marcos Saglietti (189-G-86)
Lucas Diaz (91)
Emiliano Correa
Joaquin Giordana (182-G-90)
Andres Landoni (206-C/F-90)
Fernando Manattini (190-F-89)
Juan Emilio Fernandez (196-G/F-91)
Nicolas Herrera (195-F-89)
Head Coach: Julio Cesar Lamas


OBRAS
Tyler Field (206-F/C-78, college: San Diego)
Gabriel Cocha (194-G-71)
Fernando Titarelli (183-G-82)
Daniel Chaher (192-F-78, agency: HM Sports Agency)
Fernando Martina (202-F/C-81)
Omar Canton (210-C-82)
Sergio Ravina (190-F-86)
Cristian Cortes (185-G-90)
Franco Giuletti (200-C-90)
Alan Omar (195-G-90)
Leon Nicanoff (185-G-91)
Luciano Pozzer (196-F-90)
German Chiaruttini (194-F-90)
Franco Rivero (191-G-90)
Horacio Cardani (206-C-89)
Leonardo Alvarez (209-C-88)
Youngster Team Players: Ivan Jaskowsky (190-F-92), Dario Sosa (196-C-92), Lautaro Fraga (180-G-92)
Head Coach: Bernardo Murphy

OLIMPICO
Diego Cavaco (202-F-79)

Jorge Benitez

Mariano Byro

Martin Trovellesi

Fernando Gutman

Leonel Schattmann (194-G-87)

David Jaime

Carlos Leiba

Gustavo Fernandez (173-G-89)

Matias Maidana

Coach: Gonzalo Garcia

PEÑAROL
Roman Gonzalez (211-C-78)

Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez

Marcos Mata

Lucas Picarelli

Alejandro Reinick

Jose Muruaga

Alejandro Diez

Sebastian Vega

Matias Ruger (200-F/C-91)

Facundo Campazzo

Facundo Varela (194-G-90)

Coach: Sergio Hernandez



Liga A 2008/09 official domestic rosters: part 4 - by Facundo Iatzky

QUILMES Mar del Plata
Pablo Gil (188-G-78)
Hernando Salles (188-G-79)
Maximiliano Maciel (197-F-83)
Ezequiel Dentis (206-C-82)
Esteban Lopez (184-G-84)
Nicolas Romano (197-F/C-87)
Dragan Capitanich (191-G-90)
Facundo Pinero (199-G/F-88, agency: Interperformances)
Nahuel Jerez (182-G-89)
Federico Aldama (198-C)
Youngster team players: Maximiliano Iturrioz (185-F-92), Guillermo Subeldia (199-F-92)
Head Coach: Esteban De la Fuente


QUIMSA
Julio Mazzaro (186-G-79)
Gabriel Mikulas (201-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: E.Carolina)
Jonathan Treise (186-G-85)
Victor Hugo Cajal (179-G-80)
Juan Manuel Torres (208-C-84)
Federico Mansilla (190-G-87)
Miguel Gerlero (192-G-88)
Mauricio Zanni
Martin Balteiro
Nahuel Melian
Rafael Adaro (200-F/C-90)
Head Coach: Fernando Duro


REGATAS Corrientes
Roberto Lopez (199-F/C-76)
Damian Tintorelli (202-C-81, agency: Players Group)
Luis Cequeira (180-G-85)
Sebastian Acosta (178-G-82)
Federico Kammerichs (203-F-80)
Alejandro Montecchia (180-G-72, agency: Interperformances)
Mariano Fierro (200-F-86)
Milton Temute (202-F/C)

Alejo Montes

Nestor Serantes

Damian Pineda

Head Coach: Silvio Santander



Sionista Parana:

Juan Pablo Cantero (186-G-82)

Daniel Hure

Eduardo Villares

Alejandro Burgos

Matias Fioretti

Pablo Rizzo

Augustin Carnovale

Ramiro Iglesias

Juan Carlos Bergel

Edgardo Torne

Lucas Machuca

Valentin Marchisio

Head Coach: Sebastian Svetliza



Liga A 2008/09 official domestic rosters: part 2 - by Facundo Iatzky
BAHIA BLANCA ESTUDIANTES
Juan Manuel Rivero (192-G-85)
Pedro Franco (187-G-81)
Gerardo Barrera (201-F-77)
Lucas Bianco (198-F-80)
Juan Cangelosi (195-G-81)
Leonardo La Bella (180-G-86)
Leandro Cecchi (201-G/F-88)
Cristian Aguiar (201-C-89)
Cristian Schmidt
Youngster team players: Matias Martinez, Gonzalo Etchepare
Head Coach: Marcelo Richotti

GIMNASIA Comodoro Rivadavia
Bruno Ingratta (201-F/C-85)
Diego Romero (209-C-82, college: Florida St.)
Diego Alba (186-G-81)
Nicolas Ferreyra (185-G-85)
German Sciutto (190-F-78, agency: Interperformances)
Mariano Franco (200-F-80, agency: HM Sports Agency)
Jose Alessio (203-C-87)
Sebastian Morales (201-F/C-88)
Hernan Schneider (195-F-89)
Fabian Gabriel (-F-90)
Youngster team players: Federico Favre, Ivan Macharasvili (91), Matias Monzon
Head Coach: Nicolas Casalanguida

INDEPENDIENTE Neuquen
Leandro Lauro (188-G-80)
Martin Melo (197-F-82)
Agustin Carabajal (179-G-78)
Federico Marin (199-G/F-82)
Jervaughn Scales (200-F-71, college: Southern)
Fabian Levrino (190-G-87)
Pablo Heit (205-F/C-89)
Juan Levrino (188-G-90)
Santiago Fedele (187-G-89)
Ramiro Mendoza
Head Coach: Mauricio Santangelo


LANUS
Diego Prego (198-F-77)




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  ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   


Finals - by Eurobasket News

FINAL

Iran U18- Kazakhstan U18 95:76

Iran U18 triumphs at home at FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Men. In the Final game the team overcame strong Kazakhstan U18 95:76. Azadi Stadium crowd was gladly satisfied with their juniors effort. Mehdi Shirjang led the winners with 24 points. Farbod Farman netted 18, Ramin Honarmand scored 12 and Mohammad Amjad added 11. Alexander Tyutyunik, Anton Arsenyev and Artyom Skornyakov posted 18 each in defeat and Obirzak Akhmet had 11. Both Iran and Kazakhstan had already qualified for the FIBA U19 World Championship for Men in New Zealand next year.
Both squads realized the importance of the game and tried hard from the very beginning. Iran managed to take 25:19 ahead at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was fatal for the guests that trialed 24:35 in the middle of it. Moreover Iran pushed the tempo and increased to 59:37 going into the changing rooms and never looked back.
The score after the third period was 81:58 that already at that time gave Iran the confidence in a win. The hosts did not stop and won the Final 95:76. It was a great organization and the spectators enjoyed the win of their local team!

Iran U18: Mehdi Shirjang 24, Farbod Farman 18, Ramin Honarmand 12, Mohammad Amjad 11
Kazakhstan U18: Alexander Tyutyunik 18, Anton Arsenyev 18, Artyom Skornyakov 18, Obirzak Akhmet 11


Game for the 3rd place
Syria U18-Japan U18 93:86

The title probably depicts better the whole campaign for Syria U18 that won Bronze medals of FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Men. In the game for the third position Syria overcame Japan 93:86. Belal Gneed led the winners with 24 points, while Samar Bawadekji netted 16. Makoto Hiejima top-scored in defeat with 25 points. Yuya Nagayoshi posted 20 and Yusoke Karino had 12. The bronze also put Syria in the FIBA U19 World Championship for Men in New Zealand next year.
Syria went on a lead from the very beginning taking the control of the game. They finished the opening quarter leading 22:17. Syria pushed the tempo for a bit to take 41:38 at the half time.
The game remained interesting in the second half and the teams were separated by 5 points entering the last stanza, 61:56. In the last period Syria led to the win and grabbed bronze of the tournament. Japan had some great games and deserved a higher position. Anyway the game is game and the participation is more than that. The Final game is coming next.


Syria U18: Belal Gneed 24, Samar Bawadekji 16
Japan U18: Makoto Hiejima 25, Yuya Nagayoshi 20, Yusoke Karino 12


`````

Korea U18 ended 6th at the FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Men. In the game for the 5th position the team lost to China 97:106. It was a great encounter and the first and the second quarters were tied at the end. Korea did not mind playing with the team that hoped for Gold and produced a great effort. Only in the third period China started to dominate the court and won the game. Cao Fei (193-G-88) paced all the winners with 23 points. Dong Hanlin (206-F-91) had 18, while Li Xiaoxu added 14. Jongill Lim produced 27 points in defeat, Kyungsang Park added 20 and Seounghyun Lee scored 14.


5th place play-off
China U18- Korea U18 106:97
China U18: Cao Fei 23, Dong Hanlin 18, Li Xiaoxu 14, Sui Ran 13
Korea U18: Jongill Lim 27, Kyungsang Park 20, Seounghyun Lee 14, Jaeseok Jang 12

`````

Lebanon U18 finished the FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Men on the eighth position. In the game for the seventh spot Philippines U18 overcame Lebanon U18 74:63. Trailing 17:18 after the opening quarter the winners could come back into the game. The teams went to the lockers for 40:34 and then Philippines U18 had 52:48 after the third period. In the last stanza the winners increased the lead and enjoyed the last win. Mark De Guzman led the winners with 15 points. Matthew Wright netted 11, while Jaypee Mendoza scored 10. Ahmad Ibrahim ended up with 14 points in defeat, Hassan Maatouk and Raph Akl added 10 each.


7th place play-off
Philippines U18- Lebanon U18 74:63
Philippines U18: Mark De Guzman 15, Matthew Wright 11, Jaypee Mendoza 10
Lebanon U18: Ahmad Ibrahim 14, Hassan Maatouk 10, Raph Akl 10



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  AUSTRALIA   


Wildcats want title now - by Eurobasket News
It's been eight long years since the Perth Wildcats tasted NBL Championship glory and the club's millionaire chairman Jack Bendat is getting rather impatient, AAP reports.

Speaking at the club's season launch on Wednesday, Bendat demanded nothing less than the club be crowned NBL Champions this season and captain Paul Rogers (213-C-73, college: Gonzaga) believes the team is in good shape to achieve that goal.

The Cats, who last lifted the trophy in the 1999-00 season, added imports Darnell Hinson and Isiah Victor, former Kings forward Ben Knight and talented youngster Stephen Weigh in the off-season to complement the likes of Shawn Redhage, Rogers, Alex Loughton and Peter Crawford.

'I think every year you want to add a piece and get a little bit better and I think we've added a few,' Rogers said.

'To win a championship you have to do that, you've got to go 10 deep and I think we've been able to do that.

'Jack's wanted to be number one ever since he's been here (since 2006). We want to repay that faith but also do it for ourselves.

'The team has to concentrate on ourselves and not worry about outside pressures but when the owner's saying you've got to be number one, you are going to try your hardest to do that for him.

'It's really early days and other teams over east have really stacked up their rosters as well but I just feel like the quality of guys we've got and the experience is definitely going to put us in good stead.'

Rogers is facing a race against time to be fit for the club's season-opening clash with the South Dragons on September 17 after undergoing pre-season knee surgery.

The 34-year-old veteran returned to light training duties this week and is eager to play the Dragons, but Cats coach Conner Henry indicated the club wanted to err on the side of caution with the star centre.

'I'm not optimistic about the first game for cap (captain),' Henry said.

'If we could get five, 10 minutes out of him that would be great.

'But there's no rush, it's a long season.

'We've just added Ben Knight as a back-up piece for cap and we'll see. Hopefully we'll have cap for the second game.'

But it's hard to keep a good man down, with Rogers desperate to be there when the Wildcats get their season underway.

'My fitness feels really good, obviously the knee is a little way off but my goal is to be there lining up in the first game,' Rogers said.

Courtesy of www.nbl.com.au

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  BELGIUM   


Mons-Hainaut Transfer News - by Peter Buyse


Dexia Mons-Hainaut signed Elton Nesbitt (177-G-80, college: Georgia Southern) to finalize its roster for the 2008-2009 season.
Nesbitt was already on the Coach Finch's wish list last year but things did not work out then.
Nesbitt has signed a one year deal with an option for a second season.
He played in the NBDL for the Sioux Falls Skyforce during the past season and averaged 15.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 3.6 apg (49 games)..

Also made 118 3pt shots out of 310 in the NBDL.

Left Georgia Southern in 2005-2006 with averages of 22.1 ppg and 3.0 apg, earning him Southern Conference Player of the Year honors.



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  BOSNIA   


Cedevita and Siroki Prima pivo in the final of tournament 'Siroki 2008' - by Eurobasket News
Cedevita and the hosts of traditional tournament in Siroki beat their rivals in the opening day.

Sroki Prima pivo outplayed Sibenik 81-78. Croatian team demonstrated very good performance in the first half controlling rhythm of the game. Ivan Mimica (193-G-80) and Luka Petkovic (181-G-88) easily get their points at the offensive end leading their team to 35-47 at the half time. Siroki intensified defense in third frame stopping Sibenik on just 9 points. Croatians didn't want to give up and once again through Ivan Mimica and Miro Bilan (210-C/F-89) closed the gap on just 2 points with 20 seconds remaining. Hero of the game was Ivo Josipovic (205-F-75, agency: Court Side), who made few last points in Siroki. Ivo Josipovic actually was the best player in the winning team collecting 21 points and 11 rebounds. Igor Sumic (186-G-82, agency: Court Side) had 17 points while center Mike Kale also shined with 11 points and 13 boards. Sibenik got the most points Ivan Mimica, who finished the game with 21. Luka Petkovic followed him adding 20 points and 5 assists while Miro Bilan had 17 points and impressive 15 rebounds.

In the second game Cedevita was better than Zrinjski 81-73 mostly owing to Ljubo Samadan (208-C/F-83), who scored 17 points, and Nino Primorac (196-F/G-82), who netted two less. Josip Sesar (197-G/F-78, agency: Court Side) was the leading scorer for the loosing side.

Final game, as well as the game for third place, will be played today.

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  CANADA   


Wheelchair basketball teams seek to continue Paralympic dominance - by Eurobasket News
Canada's men's and women's wheelchair basketball teams (both ranked No. 1 in the world) are in Beijing, hoping to continue a golden dynasty. The men will be attempting to capture their third consecutive Paralympic gold while the women will be seeking their fourth Paralympic championship and fifth straight medal in five Games appearances.

The Beijing Paralympic games will kick off Saturday while the wheelchair basketball tournament will start a day later.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced Thursday that fans will be able to follow the Canadian wheelchair basketball teams live throughout the Paralympic Games, broadcasting a minimum eight hours per day of hosted broadcast coverage from Beijing on the IPC's internet TV channel www.ParalympicSport.TV.

Canada's schedule for the Paralympic Games Wheelchair Basketball Tournament. All times are Eastern Time. There is a 12-hour time difference between Toronto and Beijing:

Sunday, September 7
8:45 a.m.: Pool A - Men's Preliminaries - Canada vs. Germany

Monday, September 8
11:15 p.m. Sept. 7: Pool B - Women's Preliminaries - Canada vs. Netherlands
5:45 a.m.: Pool A - Men's Preliminaries - Russia vs. Canada

Tuesday, September 9
4:15 a.m: Pool B - Women's Preliminaries - Japan vs. Canada
6:30 a.m. Pool A - Men's Preliminaries - Canada vs. Sweden

Wednesday, September 10
9 p.m. Sept. 9: Pool A - Men's Preliminaries - Japan vs. Canada
4:15 a.m.: Pool B - Women's Preliminaries - Canada vs. China

Thursday, September 11
3:30 a.m.: Pool B - Women's Preliminaries - Mexico vs. Canada
4:15 a.m.: Pool A - Men's Preliminaries - Canada vs. Iran

Friday, September 12
Womens quarter-finals

Saturday, September 13
Mens quarter-finals
Womens semi-finals

Sunday, September 14
Mens semi-finals

Monday, September 15
Womens Bronze medal match
Womens Gold medal match

Tuesday, September 16
Mens Bronze medal match
Mens Gold medal match

For more information, visit the Canadian Wheelchair Basketball Association website at: www.cwba.ca.

Courtesy of www.basketball.ca

Montana Grizzlies win the Battle of the Border tournament - by Eurobasket News
The Montana Grizzlies secured 4 wins in a row to claim the top spot in the Battle of the Border tournament. They defeated the University of Calgary in 76:69 victory to go undefeated at the event. Jordan Hasquet (6'9''-F-85) notched 19 points and 8 boards for the Grizzlies. Jack McGillis (6'6''-G/F) and Brian Qvale (6'11''-C) added 13 points apiece for the winners. The Grizzlies piled up a 2-point lead before the fourth term however they limited the Dinos to just 2 points in almost 6 starting minutes of the quarter to run away for good in this one. Calgary was paced by 19 points from Tyler Fidler (6'9''-G-89).
Earlier in the tournament Montana handled Calgary 82:72 behind 19 points from Jack McGillis. Jordan Hasquet added 15 points for the winners.
After that the Grizzlies routed Univerisity of Lethbridge 90:60 for the second victory in Calgary. Hasquet knocked down 16 points to lead the charge. Jack McGillis came up with 12 points, while Michael Taylor (6'4''-G-87, college: E.Washington) had 11 points in the win. Danhue Lawrence (6'3''-G) answered with 16 points and 8 assists for the University of Lethbridge.
In the third game of the competition Montana cruised past the Southern Institute of Technology 94:34. Michael Taylor secured 18 points for the Grizzlies, while Mathias Ward notched 17 for the winning side.

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  CHINA   


China Edges Korea to Finish Fifth, Iran Wins Title - by Arthur Volbert
China placed fifth in the Asian Junior Championship with a 106-97 win over Korea. The game was tied 19-19 after the first quarter and 43-43 at halftime before China pulled away in the third quarter to lead 77-66. China's 33-23 edge in the third quarter made it the only quarter in which China outscored the Koreans.

China won the U-18 championship against Korea in 2006, when the tournament was played in China.

This time, with the tournament being played in Iran, Iran won the title with a 95-76 win over Kazakhstan (surprise, surprise). Syria won the bronze medal, defeating Japan 93-86.

East Asian teams tend to win when the junior tournament is played in the east and West Asian teams tend to win when the tournament is played in the west. I believe that the officiating has something to do with this. For Asian basketball to truly thrive, FIBA Asia has to do something to ensure that the officiating is fair to all, whereever the tournament is played.

Iran, Kazakhstan and Syria qualified to send teams to next year's world championship in New Zealand. China was left out because of its incredibly stupid forfeit to Syria.

I believe that Iran would have won this tournament even if China did not forfeit, based on the strength of its team and the bias of the officiating, but China would likely have finished second. Outstanding young players like Li Xiaoxu, Wang Zheng, Dong Hanlin and Ren Junfei, who would have done well against top European and western hemisphere juniors, are thereby deprived of showing-casing their talents on the world stage. And Asia is deprived of demonstrating how much its level of basketball has truly improved.

Cao Fei (193-G-88), a 194 cm forward according to the U-19 roster, led China with 23 points, Dong Hanlin scored 18, Li Xiaoxu scored 14, and Sui Ran scored 13. Sui is another kid to watch. A 194 cm guard, he is listed as being born in 1992 and is, if this date is correct, the youngest member of the team.

Eurobasket lists Cao Fei as being born in 1988. At this tournament he is listed as being born in May, 1991. I have no idea which date is correct, if either. I have no idea why this discrepancy has occurred. Such is the challenge of judging junior players in China. This may even be a case of two players with the same name being mis-identified. Or one date or the other may be a typographical error. Then again, deception may be involved. Hopefully China will in the future take better care when submitting these type of statistics so that these discrepancies stop occurring again and again.

China 106 (Cao Fei 23, Dong Hanlin 18, Li Xiaoxu 14, Sui Ran 13) bt Korea 97 (Jongill Lim 27, Kyungsang Park 20, Seounghyun Lee 14, Jaeseok Jang 12). Quarterwise Scores: 19-19, 43-43, 77-66.

Today's scores:
Philippines 74 - 63 Lebanon
Syria 93 - 86 Japan
China 106 - 97 Korea
Iran 95 - 76 Kazakhstan

Placings:
1. Iran
2. Kazakhstan
3. Syria
4. Japan
5. China
6. Korea
7. Philippines
8. Lebanon
9. Chinese Taipei
10. Jordan
11. Saudi Arabia
12. Hong Kong
13. India
14. UAE
15. Malaysia

*****************************************************
  COLOMBIA   


FEDERATION CUP , OPENING NIGHT PREVIEW - by Victor Garcia
Four games will open tonight the 2008 Fed Cup, Bogot, Cali, San Andres and Tenjo will host the games.

Bogot, Coliseo el Salitre
Piratas vs Arrieros de Antioquia.
Problably start in Piratas: V. Camper, J. Perez, E. Romero, M. Skinner, G. Fuentes
Problably start in Arrieros: H. Soler, D. Guevara, N. Aragn, D. Perez, H. Bayona

Cali, Coliseo de El Pueblo
Indervalle vs Patriotas Proactiva
Problably start in Indervalle: S. Mosquera, D. Gouard, G. Baker, D. Casiani, A. Teheran.
Problably start in Patriotas: E. Mijares, J. DIaz, W. Mosquera, T. Henry, F. Granja

San Andrs, Pink Coliseum
Islanders Sopesa vs Bucaros Freskaleche
Probalbly start in Islanders: K. Sowell, S. Ortiz, J. Manuel, D. Rufus, E. Webster
Problably start in Bucaros: A. Reyes, C. Salcedo, R. Sanz, Q. Alexander, C. Williams

Tenjo, Coliseo de Tenjo.
OVNI Alcaldia de Tenjo vs Norte de Santander:
Problably start in OVNI: J. Spiegel, J. Lopez, F. Robinson, R. Rodriguez, E. Davis
Problably start in Norte: E. Moreno, R. Carrol, E. Torres, E. Renteria, J, Echenique

ARAGON LEADS ARRIEROS TO BEAT PIRATAS 79-77 IN THE OPENER - by Victor Garcia
Norbey Aragn scored 33 points and took 7 rebounds, leading Arrieros de Antioquia to win 79 - 77 in the opening night of the 2008 Federation Cup, Humberto Soler added 20 points including 5 three pointers, in Piratas Emiro Romero show his skills with a great ofensive and defensive job, Romero scored 15 points, Vincent Camper and John Perez also had good performances.
Piratas use full court press over Arrieros guards to force them in mistakes, but Arrieros back up guard Soler did a good job handling the game and moving the ball, Norbey Aragn was unstopable for Piratas defense, and hurt them from the perimeter in the fast break and breaking the zone with his penetrations, Piratas Marcus Skinner did not have the game the team needs, but still helped in the rebounds, Piratas also had problems facing Arrieros center Heberth Bayona in both sides of the court, but Bayona injured a muscle on his league and had to leave the game, now is under medical care to see what kind of serious is the injury, Diego Guevara also played with fever.
Piratas Marcus Skinner shows good skills and looks like he can make a good job for the team, but Piratas need lot more from Marcus Skinner, Arrierosstar Jermaine Walker will play tomorrow.

Piratas 77
Arrieros 79

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  CROATIA   


Miro Vranjic in Dinamo Bucharest, Posusje hires Ante Nazor - by Eurobasket News
Miro Vranjic (201-F-83, agency: Court Side) put signature on one-year deal with Romanian team Dinamo Bucharest. 25-year old player spent last season in Croatian team Crkvenica leading it to qualifications for A1. He averaged 18.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 3.1 in A2. Vranjic already has experience form abroad. Namely, he played season 06/07 in Hungarian Debreceni. He appeared only in six games adding 11.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.3 spg. In 2003 he spent some time with French Pro A team Chalon. Except of Crkvenica, Vranjic changed few Croatian teams in the past. Some of those are Sibenik, Karlovac and Medjumurje Cakovac.

Young Croatian coach Ante Nazor is hired by Bosnian team Posusje as a head coach. Nazor worked last seven seasons in Split. He was a head coach of Split's cadet as well as junior selections winning to championship title in Croatia. Since 2003 he was an assistant coach of senior team. This summer he worked on the same position with U18 Croatia on European Championship in Amalyda and Pyrgos.

*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE   


Childress: I really like Athens - Olympiacos is a great organization. - by Kostas Papadopoulos
Over one month has already passed since Josh Childress (203-G/F-83, college: Stanford) accepted and signed an unprecedented 20 million euros net deal for three years with Olympiacos and the whole subject still impresses everyone both in Europe and NBA. Born in 1983 in California, Josh at 2.03 meters tall will drive his new fans crazy. Mosaiko.gr hosted an exclusive interview with this sensational athlete right after his contract was signed, to discuss his decision to leave the NBA, his basketball experience and certainly his team, Olympiacos.
How did you make the final decision to come to Greece to play?
I made the final decision to come to Greece to play while on my visit to Athens. I really like the city and Olympiacos is a great organization.
What do you think about Greek basketball? Have you been following the league here?
Well, from what I have seen on film, Greek basketball is excellent. I really enjoy watching how hard the teams play and how passionate the fans are. It was pretty difficult watching games during my season last year. I plan on having the team supply me with more DVD's so I can get a better feel for the style of play here.
Who are some of your favorite basketball players and why?
My favorite basketball player of all time is Scottie Pippen. I enjoyed his play because he was so versatile and was a winner. He had the ability to control a game without scoring a single point.
Tell us a little about playing in Atlanta and the NBA. How do you see it as different from playing here in Greece?
Playing in Atlanta and the NBA was a very good experience. I learned a lot playing against some of the best players in the world. I see the biggest difference being the style of play. The NBA is more one-on-one and European basketball focuses more on a team game.
You had an outstanding GPA at Stanford - 3.5. How did you manage to balance basketball with your studies?
Well, I actually had the 3.5 GPA in high school. I am still working towards finishing my degree at Stanford. I will be sure to let everyone know what my GPA is when I finish!
What do you think about the Olympics this year? Greece is in the same bracket as the U.S....
I think the Olympics will be an amazing display of the world's best athletes competing for their countries. In regards to the U.S./Greece match-up, I think it will be a very good game. Two teams made up of great players and two legendary coaches. I also have learned that a majority of the Greek national team will be my teammates for the upcoming season. I will definitely be tuned in!
How did you get to be so good? Natural, lots of practice...?
I think I got to the level where I am today because I was blessed with some natural ability. I added hard work and remained, and still remain, dedicated to becoming the best player I can be. This constant motivation helps me get better every day.
What do you think are the most important qualities of a good basketball player?
I think the most important qualities of a basketball player are to be able to read a situation and to be a good team-mate. Everything else will take care of itself.
Have you learned any Greek words?
I have learned a few Greek words, although I have no clue how to spell them. I plan on working hard to learn the language.
What are your plans for the future?
My plan for the future is to become the best person I can be. In whatever area I decide to venture, I want to be successful and will work as hard as I can to make that a reality.

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


NM1: Focus on the new season - by Chris Spiesser
As usual, the NM1 will be the first french league to start its season and this happens tomorrow. Many impressive teams are standing on the line but only two will join ProB. No changes about the relegating rules. The four last teams will join NM2 except the CFBB.

6 teams seem to have serious ambitions for the upcoming season.
The GET Vosges is among them with an impressive Webster/Vasiljevic inside duo surrounded by routed NM1 players. Blois made some changes in its paint with Condouant or Caskill and will remain highly competitive around captain Johan Blot. The bench is also stronger with the venue of Recoura. Reims will try to minimise its NM1 stay with a solid roster and two US players, Chris Marsh from Longwy and Todd Martin. Angers maintained quite the same team that ended strong last season. Coach Hay replaced Rajnak by the interesting Zekovic. Fos-sur-Mer should not be far behind, Babou Cisse is still in the house and the newcomers, Brocheray and Draughan, have serious references. Boulogne could be the surprise of the season if the players find the chemistry. Storozynski, Mantcha Traor, Legname, Romain or Petrovic are the newcomers in the harbour city and have things to prove.

Bordeaux, Challans, Lille or Longwy look well also.
Bordeaux managed to hire Camille Delhorbe with a long term project but the swingman will be sidelined the whole year. Though, the girondins remain solid and experienced. Challans hasn't signed its traditionnal US center yet but called Mathieu Boutry back from ProB kept its vital spine (Wagner, Geay, Judith, B.Boutry) and added Charly Gretouce. Lille will try to settle in the top of the league with a new coach, Philippe Namyst from Gravelines. The nordists will be developping their talented young players and hired impact outside players like Adam Payton from Boncourt. Longwy fought the whole last year to save its spot. This time coach Mriguet built a solid roster by keeping Godin, Alao and Traore and 3 impressive recruits: Kaczmarow, Eppehimer and MacDonald.

Quite on the same line then the four precedent teams we find 4 other squads:
St-Chamond is still the same experienced team, not shining but solid with a good potential. Two pillars have gone: Patey and Gotagni but Trojanowski, M'Balla and especially Olivier Vivies should fit the red's philosophy. Bayonne won the NM2 title and should have the qualitites to grab a safe spot in May. Coach Singleton is the captain of a talented group which stayed together. The recruits wisely densify the roster, Curculosse being back in town, Seth Scott bringing his inside impact after a tremendous last season ending with Challans. Livin is hard to evaluate but the venue of Sandjay Adell will count just like the other recruits: Dessart, Pierre-Joseph or N'Kembe. A word to qualify Chalons is mysterious. The relegated lost coach Charneux replaced by Rodrigue M'Baye. The new technician
has an interesting but totally new group. The canadian Pellerin will have to show strong but the other players could also lift the former ProA team to a good level.

The three remaining promoted, Roche-La-Moliere, Priss-Mcon and Juvisy seem in danger but have also some assets.
Roche is giving Jerome Navier his first principal coach experience after years aside coach Eric Girard. He kept a part of the last year's team and added well-known names: Audet-Sow, Bichard and Leon Piper who leaves Cognac with an english passport. Priss-Mcon hired Brian Grier but the US power has gone and the orange look quite short in the paint right now. But before that incident, the ESPM had a real interesting roster. They kept their best players to whom they added Tillon, Lefevre and Kolb. With the same players. Juvisy climbs one stair each year. The guys which played together at regional level are now in NM1 and added Lassana Traore to their squad. The francilians, on top of their Everest, seem capable of everything at that moment...

A final part about the CFBB. The kids must do better than last year where they only beat Andrezieux. Not a big challange according to the good results in the international summer competitions. The U16 and U18 ended at place 4 of their respective competitions. Leo Westerman, elected in the best 5 of the U-16 years European Championnship will have the keys. He will drive the rising 92 generation with Fournier or Pourchot aside remaining 90/91 players like Mutuale, Sane, Ostric or Bourdillon.

A pronostic would be totally subjective, at that point each team look like Juvisy, capable of everything, so let's focus on the first results. Only after a few weeks only a hierarchy should appear.

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


Kaiserslautern inks Daniel Ruffin - by Manuel Schust
ProA team Kaiserslautern Braves signed american Daniel Ruffin (178-G-84), who spent the last 4 years with Bradley University, whose basketball team is also called Braves.
Ruffin, a 178cm Point Guard, led his team to NCCA Sweet 16 in 2006 and averaged 14.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game in his last college year.
After beeing a part of the San Antonio Spurs Summer League team this season, Ruffin is ready for a new challenge in Kaiserslautern.
Meanwhile the team announced that their new team name will be changed into teckpro Braves. Teckpro already was a sponsor last year and decided to extend its partnership with the basketball team that will play in Homburg from next season on.

Bundesliga-News - by Moritz Korff

Dante Stiggers (188-G-82, college: S.Mississippi) has finished his tryout (four weeks) with Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (1. Bundesliga). Finally he did not receive a contract for the 2008-09 season. According to a Bremerhaven press-release he already left for Poland. Instead of Stiggers, Giordan Watson (178-G-85, college: Cent.Michigan) has arrived and joined the team of Coach Sarunas Sakalauskas for a tryout. Watson completed his collegiate career this past spring after four years at Central Michigan University (NCAA1). The 22-year-old from Detroit, Michigan averaged double-digits in scoring in each season for the Chippewas. During 2007-08 he produced 16.4 points, 4.5 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals per contest.

Coach Michael Koch of the Telekom Baskets Bonn (1. Bundesliga) will have to replace his main man in the middle in the next three months. John Bowler (206-F-84, agency: LimeLight, college: E.Michigan) suffered a knee-injury in practice Wednesday. A patellar luxation was diagnosed by the doctor. Bowler already missed parts of the 07-08 Bundesliga-finals because of problems with his knee.


Jonathan Moore (203-F/G-82, agency: LimeLight, college: N.C.Central) is heading to Swedish basketball and will join the Gothia Basket, as the club announced on its website today. Moore has both an American and a German passport. He appeared in 33 Bundesliga-games for TBB Trier in this past season, averaging 4.6 points and 3.6 boards per contest.


Jason Dourisseau (196-G-83, college: Nebraska) who played for EnBW Ludwigsburg in the past two years is close to the Icelandic Express-League team KR. The 24-year-old is currently working out with the club. Dourisseau posted 6.5 points and 3.4 boards a game in the Bundesliga during 2007-08.



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


Radunovic in AEK - by Chris Mammides

AEK Athens agreed financial terms with Balsa Radunovic (206-F-80), the dynamic power forward played the last three years of his career in the Cyprus league with the yellow jerseys of APOEL and AEL. It is obvious that Coach Kostas Flevarakis is adding some depth in his team.
In some other news, Dusan Sakota (209-F-86) will be wearing officially the Green jersey of Panathinaikos after one year break in Panionios, the Greek-Serbian player is from the very beggining, among Zeljko Obradovic's players who participate in the trainign from the very first day. Another player who became officially 'Green' is Dimitris Verginis (194-G-87), the talented guard will be wearing the green jersey for the coming three years.
Egaleo renewed the contract of Chris Bracey (198-F-80, college: W.Texas A&M) for another one seazon.

AEL 1964 agreed financial terms with the ex player of Trikala 2000, Theofanos Papakostas (205-C-78)

Kavala/Panorama and coach Pilafidis agreed terms with another player while they are very close to another one. Vasilis Angelakopoulos (203-F-79) is officially player of Kavala/Panorama while Giorgos Diamantopoulos (195-F-80) is ready to sign his new two years contract with the newcomers in the league.



Childress: I really like Athens - Olympiacos is a great organization. - by Kostas Papadopoulos
Over one month has already passed since Josh Childress (203-G/F-83, college: Stanford) accepted and signed an unprecedented 20 million euros net deal for three years with Olympiacos and the whole subject still impresses everyone both in Europe and NBA. Born in 1983 in California, Josh at 2.03 meters tall will drive his new fans crazy. Mosaiko.gr hosted an exclusive interview with this sensational athlete right after his contract was signed, to discuss his decision to leave the NBA, his basketball experience and certainly his team, Olympiacos.
How did you make the final decision to come to Greece to play?
I made the final decision to come to Greece to play while on my visit to Athens. I really like the city and Olympiacos is a great organization.
What do you think about Greek basketball? Have you been following the league here?
Well, from what I have seen on film, Greek basketball is excellent. I really enjoy watching how hard the teams play and how passionate the fans are. It was pretty difficult watching games during my season last year. I plan on having the team supply me with more DVD's so I can get a better feel for the style of play here.
Who are some of your favorite basketball players and why?
My favorite basketball player of all time is Scottie Pippen. I enjoyed his play because he was so versatile and was a winner. He had the ability to control a game without scoring a single point.
Tell us a little about playing in Atlanta and the NBA. How do you see it as different from playing here in Greece?
Playing in Atlanta and the NBA was a very good experience. I learned a lot playing against some of the best players in the world. I see the biggest difference being the style of play. The NBA is more one-on-one and European basketball focuses more on a team game.
You had an outstanding GPA at Stanford - 3.5. How did you manage to balance basketball with your studies?
Well, I actually had the 3.5 GPA in high school. I am still working towards finishing my degree at Stanford. I will be sure to let everyone know what my GPA is when I finish!
What do you think about the Olympics this year? Greece is in the same bracket as the U.S....
I think the Olympics will be an amazing display of the world's best athletes competing for their countries. In regards to the U.S./Greece match-up, I think it will be a very good game. Two teams made up of great players and two legendary coaches. I also have learned that a majority of the Greek national team will be my teammates for the upcoming season. I will definitely be tuned in!
How did you get to be so good? Natural, lots of practice...?
I think I got to the level where I am today because I was blessed with some natural ability. I added hard work and remained, and still remain, dedicated to becoming the best player I can be. This constant motivation helps me get better every day.
What do you think are the most important qualities of a good basketball player?
I think the most important qualities of a basketball player are to be able to read a situation and to be a good team-mate. Everything else will take care of itself.
Have you learned any Greek words?
I have learned a few Greek words, although I have no clue how to spell them. I plan on working hard to learn the language.
What are your plans for the future?
My plan for the future is to become the best person I can be. In whatever area I decide to venture, I want to be successful and will work as hard as I can to make that a reality.

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


Rotterdam Challengers land Martin Iti - by Fred Roggen
Rotterdam Challengers strengthened their frontcourt with addition of 25-year old Australian center Martin Iti (213-C-83, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Charlotte). Martin Iti a native of Sydney, Australian has signed an contract for one year with the Rotterdam Challengers. Martin Iti played most recently at New Mexico State University (NCAA 1) in the U.S. He averaged 5.7ppg, 5.0rpg in 35 games last season, it will be his first year in professional basketball.

*****************************************************
  IRAN   


Iran U18 triumphs at home! - by Eurobasket News
Iran U18- Kazakhstan U18 95:76

Iran U18 triumphs at home at FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Men. In the Final game the team overcame strong Kazakhstan U18 95:76. Azadi Stadium crowd was gladly satisfied with their juniors effort. Mehdi Shirjang led the winners with 24 points. Farbod Farman netted 18, Ramin Honarmand scored 12 and Mohammad Amjad added 11. Alexander Tyutyunik, Anton Arsenyev and Artyom Skornyakov posted 18 each in defeat and Obirzak Akhmet had 11. Both Iran and Kazakhstan had already qualified for the FIBA U19 World Championship for Men in New Zealand next year.
Both squads realized the importance of the game and tried hard from the very beginning. Iran managed to take 25:19 ahead at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was fatal for the guests that trialed 24:35 in the middle of it. Moreover Iran pushed the tempo and increased to 59:37 going into the changing rooms and never looked back.
The score after the third period was 81:58 that already at that time gave Iran the confidence in a win. The hosts did not stop and won the Final 95:76. It was a great organization and the spectators enjoyed the win of their local team!

Iran U18: Mehdi Shirjang 24, Farbod Farman 18, Ramin Honarmand 12, Mohammad Amjad 11
Kazakhstan U18: Alexander Tyutyunik 18, Anton Arsenyev 18, Artyom Skornyakov 18, Obirzak Akhmet 11

*****************************************************
  IRELAND   


Big weekend for Irish basketball - by Eurobasket News
Ireland's Senior Men's and Women's teams face a big weekend as they meet Sweden and Iceland respectively in their European qualifiers.

The Irish Senior Women's team are at full strength and are riding the crest of a wave after two wins in the past week against Slovenia (home) and Switzerland (away).

They welcome Iceland to the National Basketball Arena on Saturday knowing a third win would leave them with a great opportunity of joining Basketball's elite next year.

Head coach Mark Scannell is urging the Irish public to come out in force on Saturday as the side aim to keep the momentum going ahead of their massive final group game away to the Netherlands next Wednesday.

'I hope all basketball people in particular from the women's game come out and give the side the support they so richly deserve,' said Scannell. 'They have given a huge level of commitment and deserve a huge backing on Saturday.'

Meanwhile, Irish Senior Men's coach, Jay Larranaga, is expecting a tough opener against Sweden in their European clash on Saturday.

Sweden suffered relegation from Division A last season and will be determined to make amends this time around.

'It's a tough one to open with but we have been together for a couple of weeks and are travelling in a positive mood rather than with fear,' said Larranaga.

'The Emerald Hoops International Series pitted us with top quality opposition and hopefully the team will have gained confidence from these games.'

Both sides are expected to be at full strength.

Courtesy of RTE Sport

Know Dion Sherrell - by Mariano Galindo
After two seasons playing to Dallas Diesel (TPBL), Dion Sherrell (194-G-83, college: Wyoming) arrives in Europe, in Irish Basketball to compete with Belfast Star.

Sherrell is a guard who standed out in NCAA with Wyoming University. After finish play there, he tried to play in NBDL and was seleceted in the WBA draft by Griffin Warriors and however, he went to Dallas to play in the minor league (TPBL).

Now, he has the chance to show what kind of guard he is. Quick and good scorer, Belfast Star supporter are going to watch this season an espectacular player who are going to bring good basketball nights.

This is the first european team for Sherrell, a challenge for him.

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


Gilboa-Galil gets youngster Mekel on loan - by Yehonatan Eliahu
Hapoel Gilboa-Galil Elyon has strengthen it's squad by adding one the most promising youngsters in Israel, Gal Mekel (195-G-88), on loan term from Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv. Mekel will follow the path of many great Israeli players, who has gone through Galil as a youngsters. after having a so-so two seasons at Wichita St. college( 9.3 points along 3.7 assists as a Sophomore), Mekel came back to Israel and signed a long term contract with Maccabi, where he also spent the last period of the season. He also had a very nice showing in the U-20 European Champoinship this summer, averaging 16.8 points. 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He will now try to show off his skills in his debut at the PL.

Israel begins three-state trip in Bosnia on Saturday - by Eurobasket News
A day after needing overtime to get the better of Great Britain in Wednesday's first EuroBasket 2009 qualifier in Tel Aviv, the national team set off on a 10-day, three-state European tour which begins with a game at Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday.

The Israelis will then travel to the Czech Republic for a game on Wednesday before playing Britain in Liverpool next Saturday and then returning home for two more games in Israel.

After playing each other home and away, the top team in each of the four groups and the three best second-place teams qualify for next year's European Championships in Poland.

Israel needed a dose of good luck to force the match with Britain into overtime when British point guard Nate Reiking fouled Israeli captain Meir Tapiro (194-G-75, agency: Avi Zilberman) with half a second left on the clock and Israel down by a point. Tapiro sunk both his free throws and his team won in overtime.

In Wednesday's other Group D game the Bosnians lost heavily to host Czech Republic 70-56 in Pardubice, but Israel coach Tzvika Sherf stressed they will be a different proposition on home soil.

'It is going to be a tough game,' Sherf told reporters at Ben-Gurion airport. 'According to all the information we have on the Bosnians, and the preparation games of theirs we have seen, they play very well.

I don't know what happened to them in their game [at the Czech Republic] and I will watch a video of the game when we arrive. But we know the team and the players, and we know it will be a fiery atmosphere on their court.' The match up will be played in the eastern Bosnian city of Tuzla.

'It will be a real home game for them and there will be pressure on the referees and we need to be prepared for this. I am not looking at what happened in yesterday's game, I am looking forward,' Sherf added.

The Bosnians did well in their preparation games, beating teams including Portugal. The team's 22-year-old big man Mirza Teletovic was named revelation of the year in Spain last season after impressive performances for Tau Ceramica which reached the Euroleague Final Four, and will be a main threat to the Israelis.

Teletovic scored only 10 points on Wednesday and will be eager to put in a strong performance against Israel.

Straight after the loss, Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Mensur Bajramovic was already looking to improving in time for the Israel game.

'I believe that the Czech team just wanted to win more than we did today,' he said. 'The most important thing for my team right now is to forget about this loss as soon as possible and focus on the remainder of the qualifiers, especially on our first home game against Israel.'

Courtesy of www.jpost.com

*****************************************************
  KAZAKHSTAN   


Iran U18 triumphs at home! - by Eurobasket News
Iran U18- Kazakhstan U18 95:76

Iran U18 triumphs at home at FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Men. In the Final game the team overcame strong Kazakhstan U18 95:76. Azadi Stadium crowd was gladly satisfied with their juniors effort. Mehdi Shirjang led the winners with 24 points. Farbod Farman netted 18, Ramin Honarmand scored 12 and Mohammad Amjad added 11. Alexander Tyutyunik, Anton Arsenyev and Artyom Skornyakov posted 18 each in defeat and Obirzak Akhmet had 11. Both Iran and Kazakhstan had already qualified for the FIBA U19 World Championship for Men in New Zealand next year.
Both squads realized the importance of the game and tried hard from the very beginning. Iran managed to take 25:19 ahead at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was fatal for the guests that trialed 24:35 in the middle of it. Moreover Iran pushed the tempo and increased to 59:37 going into the changing rooms and never looked back.
The score after the third period was 81:58 that already at that time gave Iran the confidence in a win. The hosts did not stop and won the Final 95:76. It was a great organization and the spectators enjoyed the win of their local team!

Iran U18: Mehdi Shirjang 24, Farbod Farman 18, Ramin Honarmand 12, Mohammad Amjad 11
Kazakhstan U18: Alexander Tyutyunik 18, Anton Arsenyev 18, Artyom Skornyakov 18, Obirzak Akhmet 11

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


REMINDER FOR ASSEMBLYS DELEGATES - by Alban Salihu
According to the article 25 of the Basketball Federation of Kosovas Status the Board of BFK : C O N V O K E S

The IV session of the Assembly for September 6, 2008(Saturday) starting at 12:00 and proposes this:

1. Election of the working bodies,

- Verifying Commission
- Report person

2. Approval of the Report from the meeting held on 07.06.08

3. Analyze and approve the working report of BFK.

4. Analyze and approve the financial report from 18.06.08-31.08.08

5. Analyze and Approve the changes in the Disciplinary Regulation.

6. Decisions on Competition System.

7. Different topics.

The meeting will take place in the hall of the Hotel Victory in Prishtina.

Prishtin,21.08.2008

President of BFK
Erolld Belegu

source : Basketball Federation

*****************************************************
  LEBANON   


Akiki, Champvilles New Guard - by Mohammed Malas
Ramy Akiki (186-G-82, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Cypress JC) found himself a team closer to home.

In a sudden turn of events, the 25-year-old Jounieh boy chose Awkar over Tripoli.

Negotiations with Tripolis Al Mouttahed (LEB-Div.A) were well underway when Ramy decided to accept the Champville (LEB-Div.A) offer.

And it all happened in 24 hours.

A single call from Champvilles management closed the deal with the quick guard.

Ramy lifted two championship trophies with Al Riyadi (LEB-Div.A), but had always complained about time on the floor.

With Champville, there wont be a need to complain.

As a starter, Ramy will provide his new team with a much needed experience at the guard position, especially when it comes to 3-point shooting.

The 62 guard is especially famous for his quick and fearless shots behind the arc, in addition to his ball-handling abilities.

Akiki started his career with Al Tadamon, a former powerhouse in Lebanon, after which he played at Central, Blue Stars and then Al Riyadi the last two seasons.

In between, he spent one year at two American colleges, Alaska Fairbanks (NCAA-II) and Cypress JC (NJCAA).

Source: Pro Management Agency

Lebanon U18 finished 8th at FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Men - by Eurobasket News
Lebanon U18 finished the FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Men on the eighth position. In the game for the seventh spot Philippines U18 overcame Lebanon U18 74:63. Trailing 17:18 after the opening quarter the winners could come back into the game. The teams went to the lockers for 40:34 and then Philippines U18 had 52:48 after the third period. In the last stanza the winners increased the lead and enjoyed the last win. Mark De Guzman led the winners with 15 points. Matthew Wright netted 11, while Jaypee Mendoza scored 10. Ahmad Ibrahim ended up with 14 points in defeat, Hassan Maatouk and Raph Akl added 10 each.
Before that Korea U18 overcame Lebanon U18 93:72. The winners of the game started with 23:15 and took the whole control of the game later in the first half. They produced a wonderful second period and had 48:22 at the halftime. In order not to stop Korea increased to 69:47 after thirty minutes of the game. The last quarter did not bring any changes as Korea won the game. Kyungsang Park led the winners with 21 points. Jongill Lim nailed 16, while Jaeseok Jang notched 15. Vincent El Khouri finished the game with 18 points in the losing effort.

7th place play-off
Philippines U18- Lebanon U18 74:63
Philippines U18: Mark De Guzman 15, Matthew Wright 11, Jaypee Mendoza 10
Lebanon U18: Ahmad Ibrahim 14, Hassan Maatouk 10, Raph Akl 10

Korea U18- Lebanon U18 93:72
Korea U18: Kyungsang Park 21, Jongill Lim 16, Jaeseok Jang 15
Lebanon U18: Vincent El Khouri 18

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


Ewing among seven to be inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame - by Eurobasket News

NBA star power will be in full force Friday night at induction ceremonies for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. The ceremonies will be presented live on NBA TV and ESPN Classic (7:30 ET).

The inductees:

Patrick Ewing (7'0''-C-62, college: Georgetown): Played 17 seasons in the NBA and scored 24,815 points while collecting 11,607 rebounds. Selected to 11 All-Star teams, in addition to being a three-time All-American at Georgetown and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. Ewing, 46, is an assistant coach with the Orlando Magic.

Hakeem Olajuwon: Former MVP played 18 seasons, was a two-time defensive player of the year and led the Houston Rockets to two titles. He is the only NBA player with more than 3,000 career blocked shots (NBA-record 3,830) and 2,000 steals. Olajuwon, 45, lives part-time in Jordan.

Adrian Dantley: Former Notre Dame star played with seven teams during a 15-year career. Ranks 23rd on scoring list (23,177 points). Dantley, 52, is an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets.

Pat Riley: Won five NBA titles four with the Los Angeles Lakers, one with the Miami Heat as a coach. Riley, 63, is third on the league's all-time victories list with 1,210.

Dick Vitale: Voted in as a contributor for his impact on the game's popularity and growth. Vitale, 69, a former high school, college and pro coach, is best known for his work as a TV analyst.

William Davidson: The 84-year-old billionaire entrepreneur presided over three championships with the Detroit Pistons and two with the WNBA's Shock. He still owns the teams.

Cathy Rush: A women's pioneer, she coached tiny Immaculata College to three consecutive AIAW national titles (1972-74), and her teams were 149-15. Rush, 61, operates summer camps.

Also, Sonny Hill and David Robinson will be presented the Mannie Jackson Basketball's Human Spirit Award. Former USA TODAY basketball reporter David DuPree and broadcaster Bob Wolff will be honored with the Curt Gowdy Media Award.

Courtesy of USA Today



NBA's David Stern furious over rookies' hotel incident - by Eurobasket News
National Basketball Association Commissioner David Stern was so angered by two rookies' behavior at a league meeting for first-year players that he had them expelled.

Mario Chalmers (6'1''-G-86, college: Kansas) and Darrell Arthur (6'9''-F-88, college: Kansas), both members of the University of Kansas's national championship team last season, were dismissed from the NBA's four-day rookie transition program in Rye Brook, New York, after women and signs of marijuana were found in their hotel room, ESPN said. The program has a no- visitors rule, the broadcaster said.

Stern was furious when told of the incident and mentioned the players by name in a speech to the other 67 rookies in attendance, ESPN said. He also said they were expelled from this year's session and would be forced to attend in 2009.

Chalmers, who plays for the Miami Heat, and Arthur, a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, were fined $20,000 each and may start the season on the NBA's suspended list, ESPN said, citing league sources it didn't identify.

Courtesy of ESPN

Cavaliers Sign Lorenzen Wright - by Bruno Baltazar
Cleveland Cavaliers have signed veteran center Lorenzen Wright (6'10''-C/F-75, college: Memphis) to a contract.
Wright, 32, played 13 games last season with the Atlanta Hawks and five games with the Sacramento Kings. The 6-foot-11, 255 pound center was drafted by the L.A. Clippers with the seventh overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft and has played in 761 career games (445 starts) with averages of 8.1 points and 6.5 rebounds in 24.2 minutes per game.

Lorenzen brings us valuable size and experience and adds depth to our front court, Ferry said. We think hes a good fit for us and look forward to him joining our team.

The 12-year veteran has appeared in 15 postseason games (11 starts) and averaged 7.7 points, 5.3 rebounds,1.1 assists and 24.2 minutes per game.

The OKC team becomes "the Thunder" - by Gianni Pascucci
At a wednesday, September 3rd press conference, the NBA team recently relocated to Oklahoma City announced that it will be called the 'Oklahoma City Thunder' and the new team colors will be the orange and blue. No great surprise if the team went for a weather-related name, and 'Thunder' reminds some of the intimidating weather conditions you can find while travelling around the Oklahoma plains. Now, let's see it the players will interpret well this nickname....

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  NCAA1   


All 10 bid cities advance for 2012-16 Final Fours - by Eurobasket News
The NCAA Division I Mens Basketball Committee elected to keep all 10 cities that submitted bids for the right to host the 2012-16 Mens Final Fours under consideration, designating them all as finalists. The committee received bids from Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, New Orleans, North Texas, Phoenix, San Antonio and St. Louis in June.

Sites are scheduled to be awarded in November.

Quite honestly, our committee has been overwhelmed and impressed by the creativity and attention to detail in the bids received from the bid cities, said Mike Slive, commissioner of the Southeastern Conference and chair of the committee. Each of these cities can be proud that they have been well-represented. The written presentations were outstanding with each city showcasing a unique vision of hosting this event. It is exciting to see the growth of the Final Four, both in the venue and throughout the region where events are held. Over the past few years, the growing variety of Final Four events has attracted millions of fans of all ages, and last years championship was viewed by more than 150 million people worldwide. The responses we have received confirm that the excitement is shared among our bid cities. We feel it is only appropriate to keep all under consideration they have most certainly earned it.

The bid process began earlier this year and meetings were conducted until bids were submitted in June. Site visits will be conducted over the coming weeks leading up to in-person presentations by each city prior to the committees final decisions in November.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.org

Danny Nee joins Rutgers staff - by Kevin Cochran

Rutgers Head Men's Basketball Coach Fred Hill announced the hiring of Danny Nee as Director of Player Development and Oliver Winterbone as Director of Basketball Operations. Hill also announced that Dennis Gregory , formerly Director of Basketball Operations, will now serve as Senior Director of Basketball Operations and that Matt Bloom, previously a special assistant, will be Basketball Operations Coordinator.

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Nee most recently worked as a scout for the NBA's Utah Jazz He arrives 'On The Banks' with 410 career wins in 26 seasons as a Division I head coach. Best known for revitalizing the programs at Ohio (1980-81 to 1985-86) and Nebraska (1986-87 to 1999-00), he also served as head coach at Robert Morris (2000-01) and Duquesne (2001-02 to 2005-06). A two-time MAC Coach of the Year, he led the Bobcats to three post-season appearances before moving on to Lincoln, where he became the Cornhuskers all-time winningest coach with a 254-189 record. Nebraska advanced to the postseason 11 times under his leadership, including five NCAA tournaments and an NIT championship in 1996.

Nee was a teammate of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor) at New York's Power Memorial High School before becoming a member of the late Al McGuire's first recruiting class at Marquette. He captained the Warrior's freshman team before serving a two-year tour of duty in United State Marine Corps. He received Combat Air Insignia Medals and an honorable discharge in 1968 after serving in Vietnam. Nee completed his collegiate playing career at St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kan., where he received a degree in English and Physical Education in 1971. He earned a master's degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Kansas State in 1972. Nee began his coaching career in the Garden State, directing Red Bank Regional (1972-73) and Brick Township (1973-76) High Schools before serving as an assistant coach at Notre Dame (1976-77 to 1979-80) under Digger Phelps.

'Danny is an individual of tremendous character who brings a wealth of experience to our program,' said Hill. 'His perspective will be invaluable in the mentoring of our young men.'

A native of Fair Haven, N.J. and a Rutgers graduate, Winterbone spent the past three seasons as Assistant Director of Basketball Operation/Video Coordinator at Virginia under head coach Dave Leitao . He managed the Cavaliers video library and assisted with scouting, travel, camps and community service initiatives. The Cavaliers won the ACC regular season title in 2006-07 and advanced to the NCAA tournament. In the summer of 2007, Winterbone was on the staff for Team USA's U19 World Championship squad for trials and training camp. The team won a gold medal at the Global Games in Dallas, Texas, and finished with the silver medal at the 2007 U19 World Championship competition in Serbia.

Winterbone earned his bachelor's degree in Information Technology and Informatics from Rutgers in May of 2005. During his tenure in Piscataway, he served as head men's basketball manager for three seasons.

'Oliver is a 'Jersey guy' with a passion for Rutgers basketball,' said Hill. 'His experience in video and day-to-day operations will be a great asset to our program.'

The Scarlet Knights begin preseason practice on Friday, October 17.

Courtesy: www.scarletknghts.com



Marist announces additions of Daye Kaba and Javon Parris - by Eurobasket News
Marist head coach Chuck Martin announced to the additions of Daye Kaba (6'4''-G-86) and Javon Parris (6'3''-G, college: Charleston) to the team on Friday. Kaba is a transfer from Boston College who will serve his NCAA-mandated year in residency during the 2008-09 season, and then will have two years of eligibility remaining. Parris will have two years of eligibility beginning this season.

Daye Kaba - 6'3' / 215 - Guard - Our Savior New American / Boston College - Ridge, N.Y.

Kaba played two years for Boston College of the Atlantic Coast Conference before transferring to Marist. A native of France, Kaba played in 16 games for the Eagles over the course of the past two seasons.

Martin on Kaba: 'I'm really, really excited about Daye Kaba, a kid who comes in with great experience at Boston College of the ACC. I'm really looking forward to working with him this year and getting him out on the floor next year.'

Javon Parris - 6'4' / 180 - Guard - Our Savior New American / Barton County CC - Brooklyn, N.Y.

Parris comes to Marist with two years of eligibility remaining. He began his collegiate career at College of Charleston, where he red-shirted the 2005-06 season and played 22 games in the 2006-07 campaign. A Brooklyn native who was born in Guyana, Parris played last season at Barton County Community College in Kansas, where he averaged 11.4 points and 5.4 assists per game. He was named Second Team All-Jayhawk Conference.

Martin on Parris: 'Javon could be a blessing in disguise, getting him late. He could surprise some people. We're fortunate to have him.'

The Marist men's basketball team will open its 2008-09 season at Rutgers on Friday, Nov. 14 as part of the Garden State Tip-Off Classic.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

Two Rutgers players suspended - by Kevin Cochran

Rutgers head men's basketball coach Fred Hill today announced that seniors Jaron Griffin (6'7''-G/F-87) and JR Inman (6'9''-F-87) will be suspended from game competition at the beginning of 2008-09 season for violating team policies. Griffin and Inman will continue to participate in team activities, including practices.

The two players were among the Scarlet Knghts top returnees. Griffin started every game last season, averaging 7.5 points and 3.2 rebounds. Inman led Rutgers in scoring at 12.2 points per game.


'Accountability is extremely important in the development of a successful program,' said Hill. 'Jaron and JR are team leaders and valuable members of our basketball family. How they respond to what has been asked of them will determine the lengths of their suspensions. We expect them to grow from their mistakes and serve as positive role models for our underclassmen.'


Courtesy: www.scarletknights.com



Winthrop's Buechert out for the season - by Kevin Cochran

Winthrop will enter the 2008-09 season without their tallest player.

German center Andy Buechert (6'9''-C) has a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, and will miss the entire season. The native of Trier, Germany was playing in a pickup game last month when he was injured.

A transfer from Tallahasse CC, Buechert averaged 3.0 points and 3.5 rebounds in his first season with the Eagles. He will get a medical redshirt for this season, and will have one year of eligibility left.



Oklahoma guard released from hospital - by Kevin Cochran

Oklahoma freshman guard Ray Willis has been released from the hospital, three days after suffering knife wounds in a nightclub brawl. Willis and football player Frank Alexander were both injured in the fight, but Alexander left the hospital on Sunday. Willis has a partially collapsed lung, a cracked rib, and muscle damage from a side puncture

One of Oklahoma's top recruits, Willis was performing well in offseason drills, and is still expected to be one of the Sooners top perimeter players. Coach Jeff Capel says doctors expect Willis to make a full recovery, and that this incident will not change any of the program's rules.

'They didn't do anything wrong -- all college students go out, they just have to be careful when they go out,' Capel said.



Charlotte point guard will transfer - by Kevin Cochran

Charlotte 49ers head men's basketball coach Bobby Lutz has announced that junior guard Michael Gerrity (6'0''-G-86, Yorba Linda, Ca./Mater Dei H.S.) has decided to leave the program. While Gerrity will not be a part of the team, he will finish out the semester at Charlotte and transfer at the end of the fall. He has not yet finalized his destination.

'I'm very surprised and disappointed with Mike's decision,' said Lutz. 'However, I have to respect what he and his family have decided is best for him. I hope that things turn out the way he wants them to.'

Gerrity averaged 4.7 points in 19.1 minutes of play as the 49ers reserve point guard, last season. Despite joining the team at the end of the first semester as a transfer from Pepperdine, Gerrity passed out 91 assists to lead the team with a 3.50 assist average. He was third in the Atlantic 10 Conference in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.39) behind teammate and league leader Dijuan Harris (5'9''-G-86) and Xavier's Drew Lavender (5'7''-G-84, agency: CGL Sports) Gerrity made four starts in 26 games played. He shot .390 from the field and .645 from the foul line. He posted a 3.0 GPA in each of his three semesters with the 49ers.

'I definitely wish my teammates the best of luck,' said Gerrity, who cited personal reasons for his decision. 'I enjoyed my time playing with the team.'

Courtesy: Charlotte athletics...charlotte49ers.cstv.com



Montana Grizzlies win the Battle of the Border tournament - by Eurobasket News
The Montana Grizzlies secured 4 wins in a row to claim the top spot in the Battle of the Border tournament. They defeated the University of Calgary in 76:69 victory to go undefeated at the event. Jordan Hasquet (6'9''-F-85) notched 19 points and 8 boards for the Grizzlies. Jack McGillis (6'6''-G/F) and Brian Qvale (6'11''-C) added 13 points apiece for the winners. The Grizzlies piled up a 2-point lead before the fourth term however they limited the Dinos to just 2 points in almost 6 starting minutes of the quarter to run away for good in this one. Calgary was paced by 19 points from Tyler Fidler (6'9''-G-89).
Earlier in the tournament Montana handled Calgary 82:72 behind 19 points from Jack McGillis. Jordan Hasquet added 15 points for the winners.
After that the Grizzlies routed Univerisity of Lethbridge 90:60 for the second victory in Calgary. Hasquet knocked down 16 points to lead the charge. Jack McGillis came up with 12 points, while Michael Taylor (6'4''-G-87, college: E.Washington) had 11 points in the win. Danhue Lawrence (6'3''-G) answered with 16 points and 8 assists for the University of Lethbridge.
In the third game of the competition Montana cruised past the Southern Institute of Technology 94:34. Michael Taylor secured 18 points for the Grizzlies, while Mathias Ward notched 17 for the winning side.

Rutgers suspends Inman, Griffin for season's start - by Bruno Baltazar
Rutgers seniors Jaron Griffin (6'7''-G/F-87) and JR Inman (6'9''-F-87) were suspended indefinitely on Friday for breaking team rules.

Scarlet Knights coach Fred Hill said the two will continue to participate in team activities, including practices.

Griffin started all 31 games last season, averaging 7.5 points and 3.2 rebounds. Inman started 28 games, averaging team highs of 12.2 points and 32.8 minutes.

``Accountability is extremely important in the development of a successful program,'' Hill said. ``Jaron and JR are team leaders and valuable members of our basketball family. How they respond to what has been asked of them will determine the lengths of their suspensions. We expect them to grow from their mistakes and serve as positive role models for our underclassmen.''

Winthrop center Buechert to miss season - by Bruno Baltazar
Winthrop center Andy Buechert (6'9''-C, college: Tallahasse CC) is out for the season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Eagles coach Randy Peele said Friday the 6-foot-9 player from Germany will have surgery next week. He was injured while playing a pickup game last month.

Buechert started two of the 32 games he played in last season. He averaged 3 points and 3.5 rebounds to help the Eagles win the Big South Conference tournament and reach the NCAA tournament.

Peele said Buechert will receive a medical redshirt year and have one season of eligibility remaining.

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  PBL   


Frost Heaves and Millrats running tryout camps - by Gianni Pascucci

The Vermont Frost Heaves are inviting all prospects to their 2008 Vermont Open Tryout Camp over the weekend of September 27 and 28, 2008. The is being held at Essex High School, 2 Educational Drive in Essex Junction, Vermont. Fon any registration info check the official team website www.vermontfrostheaves.com or contact Head Coach Will Voigt at 802-578-4172 or General Manager Michael Healey at 802-578-7056. It is also possible to apply online go to www.vermontfrostheaves.com/Camps/TryoutCamps
The Manchester Millrats Tryout Camp yet announced will NOT run on September 13-14, BUT on September 20-21, at the Sportszone Athletic Facility, Derry, NH (USA). Players may register online at www.manchestermillrats.com Both Vermont and Manchester are two well organized and very well managed new entry league teams.



Quad City leaves the PBL. Temporarily or not ? - by Gianni Pascucci
The Premier Basketball League announced that the Quad City Riverhawks will not actively participate in the upcoming PBL season. The official PBL release says that Riverhawks will continue to work to solidify their venue as well as continue marketing efforts and plan to participate in the 2010 season. It is unfortunate that Quad City will not play this season, stated Premier Basketball League President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Doyle . However, we have always stressed to our owners that making smart business decisions regarding all aspects of organizational operations before attempting to play on the court is key to the success of an organization. We have guidelines that all of our teams understand and respect and we appreciate Tom McGinn's recognition of this. Tom is a very good businessman and we look forward to continuing to work with Tom and the Riverhawks. As you can see down, local media says that the team averaged about 400 fans a year ago and pegged a break-even number at 1,000 fans per game. No one can speculate whether Tom McGinn 's decision of shutting down the Riverhawks was based on financial losses or on poor attendance. And, otherwise than officially released, no one can say if the team will relaly come back in 2010...

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  PHILIPPINES   


Philippines U18 is seventh in Tehran - by Eurobasket News
Philippines U18 finished the FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Men on the seventh position. In the game for the seventh spot the team overcame Lebanon U18 74:63. Trailing 17:18 after the opening quarter the winners could come back into the game. The teams went to the lockers for 40:34 and then Philippines U18 had 52:48 after the third period. In the last stanza the winners increased the lead and enjoyed the last win. Mark De Guzman led the winners with 15 points. Matthew Wright netted 11, while Jaypee Mendoza scored 10. Ahmad Ibrahim ended up with 14 points in defeat, Hassan Maatouk and Raph Akl added 10 each.
Before that Philippines U18 lost to China in the games for 5/8 places. China flew with 17:11 in the opening quarter and had 38:32 at the half time. It was a great to see Philippines U18 struggling against the strong opponent, but later in the game China pushed the tempo and won 86:63. Ren Junfei paced all the winners with 27 points. Wang Zheng nailed 14 and Li Xiaoxu had 13. Matthew Wright top-scored with 16 points in the losing effort.

7th place play-off
Philippines U18- Lebanon U18 74:63
Philippines U18: Mark De Guzman 15, Matthew Wright 11, Jaypee Mendoza 10
Lebanon U18: Ahmad Ibrahim 14, Hassan Maatouk 10, Raph Akl 10

China U18- Philippines U18 86:63
China U18: Ren Junfei 27, Wang Zheng 14, Li Xiaoxu 13
Philippines U18: Matthew Wright 16

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  POLAND   


Tournaments in Poland, 1st day - by Michal Falkowski
Mazovia Cup Tournament in Warsaw, 1st day

SPEC Polonia Warsaw - BK Ventspils 74:70 (16:19, 23:10, 20:21, 15:20)
SPEC Polonia: Ansley 18, Laczynski 11, Adams 9, Frasunkiewicz 8, Harrington 8, Radke 7, Bacik 5, Johnson 4, Przybylski 4
Ventspils: Brazelton 21, Tsiakos 17, Jurevicius 14

Anwil Wloclawek - Norrkoping Dolphins 89:52 (21:16, 27:16, 24:6, 17:14)
Anwil: Boylan 14, Miller 14, Modric 13, Henderson 13, Brkic 10, Gabinski 10, Woloszyn 8, Koszarek 5, Janik 2
Norrkoping: McNaull 15, Drains 12, Gervin 8, Bergstrm 7, Cipriano 4, Saks 3, Riipinen 3

Tournament in Slupsk, 1st day

Energa Czarni Slupsk - Kotwica Kolobrzeg 78:52 (16:15, 18:19, 22:12, 20:6)
Energa Czarni: Ingram 23, Sroka 13, Howell 10, Straight 10, Malesa 10, Bennett 4, Dutkiewicz 4, Lebedev 2, Leonczyk 2
Kotwica: Barrett 14, Mills 13, Naymick 10, Crone 6, Hamilton 4, Stelmach 3, Kikowski 2

PBG Basket Poznan - Polpharma Starogard Gdanski 86:79 (24:19, 18:30, 21:11, 23:19)
PBG Basket: Davis 24, Szawarski 14, McLean 14, Brannen 10, Bigus 8, Radwan 6, Smorawinski 4, Flieger 3, Mowlik 2, Metelski 1, Mowlik 0
Polpharma: Hicks 21, Glavas 15, Kowalczuk 10, Tulijkovic 9, Coleman 8, Eldridge 7, Sulowski 4, Zurawski 3, Jarecki 2, Neumann 0

Tournament in Rewal, 1st day

AZS Koszalin - Bank BPS Basket Kwidzyn 85:79 (17:15; 23:24; 18:18; 27:22)
AZS: Reese 19, Mojica 16, Bradford 12, Luszczewski 8, Arabas 7, Callahan 7, Swanson 7, Barycz 6, Diduszko 3, Barnes 0, Korytek 0
Bank BPS Basket: Garner 19, Lubeck 10, Malczyk 8, Tica 7, Dabrowski 6, Davis 3, Mazur 3, Koton 3, Mielnik 0, Puncewicz 0

Victoria Gornik Walbrzych - Atlas Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski 85:83 (16:22, 20:18, 29:24, 20:19)
Gornik: Steven 16, Ercegovic 16, Raczynski 15, Barro 13, Argrett 8, Waczynski 6, Zablocki 4, Carr 5, Jozefowicz 0, Bierwagen 0
Atlas Stal: Szubarga 19, Okafor 17, Woods 14, Grzesinski 8, Majewski 8, Wichniarz 6, Cook 6, Andrzejewski 4, Jovanovic 3, Ochonko 0

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  PORTUGAL   


Mims goes to Acadmica - by Luis Rocha
After a nice season In Benfica, Karlton Mims (189-G-80, college: Washburn) goes to Coimbra to be part of Academicas roster. Mims prove to be a nice combo-guard, who can easily play in positions 1 or 2. He drives the ball well and can shoot or penetrate, but has to improve is skills in defence. In Coimbra he can add something to the team, they will play LPB, and this new competition is making all the clubs search harder for good players, in order to build up rosters that can leave them satisfied. Acadmica decided on Mims, and they didnt take a wild guess, this one is well known.

Vitoria signs Boggan - by Luis Rocha
Mario Boggan (200-F/C-83, college: Oklahoma St.) is the first foreign player in Vitoria for this season. Boggan is a power forward that plays very hard inside the box, and can make some impact in Portugal. Vitoria will sign two more foreign players to complete their roster, but Boggan is without a doubt a very good signing, lets see if he can adapt well to Portugal, if he manage to do that , Vitoria has find a great player to play inside , grab rebounds, gain fouls and score points in the paint.

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  PUERTO RICO   


Apodaca opts out of Besiktas - by Luis Ramirez
Information provided by Mr. Jose Paris President of Paris Global Sport indicates that Global Sports has been successful in negotiating a buyout agreement with the Besiktas Club to terminate the contract of Rick Apodaca (192-G-80, college: Hofstra). Paris informs that Apodaca will now be free to pursue other options in Europe. Apodaca had previously played with the Turkish team in the 2007 - 2008 season when he played 33 games averaging 2FGP of 52.6%, he also averaged 26.5 from 3 point range. After finishing his commitment in Turkey, Apodaca joined the BSN playing for the Santurce Crabbers.

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  ROMANIA   


Dinamo-Galean Bucuresti sign Miro Vranjic - by Eurobasket
Dinamo-Galean Bucuresti added to their roster 25-year old Croatian forward Miro Vranjic (201-F-83, agency: Court Side). Vranjic played most recently at KK Crikvenica (Croatia). The talented Croatian forward will try to help Dinamo in achieving high goals the club has set for this coming season. With Miro they are sure to add potential on both forward positions as Miro can play both inside and outside equally well. In addition to his offensive qualities Dinamo will count on the 25 year old's smarts and experience on the defensive end as well.

CSU Asesoft Ploiesti sign Tyson Wheeler - by Eurobasket

CSU Asesoft Ploiesti agreed terms with 33-year old American guard Tyson Wheeler (183-G-75, college: Rhode Island, agency: Passing Lane).
Tyson will join Mike Jones (196-G-84, agency: Passing Lane, college: Maryland), his teammate from last season in APOEL. The two have great chemistry together and should bring a Romanian League championship and FIBA Cup success to Asesoft.



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  RUSSIA   


CSK VSS Samara extends American Marque Perry - by Eurobasket News
After signing of Eric Hicks (198-F-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Cincinnati) and Mladen Sljivancanin (200-G/F-85), CSK VSS Samara extended contract with Marque Perry (186-G-81, agency: N.E.T., college: St.Louis). Thus it will be second season in Samara for 27-year old American. He had a pretty good 07/08 helping his team to reach quarterfinals in FIBA EuroCup. For 10 games in this European competition Perry averaged 15.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.2 spg. He also demonstrated nice performance in Russian Superleague adding 12.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.9 apg and 1.3 spg in 23 games. At the end of the season he was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Russian A Superleague Honorable Mention -08'. Samara ended regular season on ninth place with score 10-14 staying without play-off. Before Samara, Perry spent one season in Banvit. He had 6 appearances in FIBA EuroCup recording impressive 21.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 4.2 apg. Later, he was invited to play at the All-Star game. His Banvit succeeded to reach the final of Turkish National Cup. On season 05/06 he was a member of Capo d'Orlando while a year before he played for Olympiakos. His average stats in these two teams was around 14 ppg and 3 apg. Interesting is that Marque Perry played for USA National Team on Copa America which was held on Dominican Republic in 2005. He came out from St. Louis University in 2003. Later he had few attempts to jump into the NBA he never got a contract.

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  SERBIA   


Serbia meets Italy tonight in Belgrade's Arena - by Dragan Jankovski
Serbia will play maybe the most important game in Eurobasket 2009 qualifications today against Italy in Belgrade's Arena. Serbia had an easy job on Wednesday against until that moment undefeated Bulgaria. On the other side Italy is coming to Belgrade with only one win from four games. Head coach Carlo Recalcati had to make few changes in the roster for today's game. Luca Vitali (201-G-86) is out due to injury while Recalcati decided to add Andrea Crosariol (212-C-84, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) and Jacopo Giachetti (191-G-83).

Head coach of Team Serbia Dusan Ivkovic thinks only about the victory tonight.

'We have to beat Italy tonight. It is kind of competition where every team have to celebrate at its home court so we also have to do it. After defeat in Finland, Serbia have to play until the end unmistakable. Italy is extremely dangerous rival thus the game for sure will be the tough one. We succeeded to stop Massimo Buleri in the first game as we knew that he is one of the key players in Team Italy. Italians surprised Bulgaria on the road with pretty good zone defense. They also had two shots for the victory but they missed it. It is very possible that Carlo Recalcati and his players will try to do the same against us. They will for sure look forward to victory as after that Italians again could be in the race for one of the first two places', said Dusan Ivkovic.

Italy arrived to Belgrade on Friday and it already practiced in Arena. Serbian Basketball Federation once again arranged free tickets so it is almost sure that Serbia once again will have support of more than 15.000 people.

Masinac lost frendly match in Banja Luka - by Zoran Popovic
In friednly match KK Masinac Krajlevo as a guest lost against Borac Banja Luka. During the all match Borac was better team and in one period of the match Borac had 26 points advantage. Better role then the others in KK Masinac Krajlevo had Tomasevic, Uros Mirkovic (205-F/C-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Tutus and in Borac Banja Luka Puljko and Garma.

Borac: Vucinic, Janjusevic 8, Puljko 13, Peterman 5, Mladenovic 6, Milekic 4, Djurasovic 5, Kostadinovic, Pavlovic, Milinovic 2, Garma 20, Josipovic 2, Anicic.

KK Masinac Krajlevo: Tutus 14, Tomasevic 8, Radulovic 3, Barlov 6, Milasinovic 6, Popovic, Sestovic, Uros Mirkovic 19, Arsic, Sinadinovic, Vuletic, Cupkovic 4, Balac, Jacovic.

New friendly match KK Masinac Krajlevo and Borac Banja Luka will play in Kraljevo, September 9.

Obradovic and Messina on basketball seminar in Moscow - by Zoran Popovic
Zeljko Obradovic head coach of Panathinaikos Athens and Ettore Messina head coach of CSKA Moscow will be lecturers on basketball seminar during the Aleksandar Gomeljski Cup. Obradovic will have presentation about offence variety and Messina will have presentation about variety how to offence on zone defense.
Except two famous coaches, lecturers will be Rimantas Grigas , head coach of B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas and Yoram Menahem, Maccabi Tel Aviv Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Center Mladen Pantic moves to Greece, Ergonom inks head coach and American big guy - by Dragan Jankovski
Center Mladen Pantic (210-C-82) signed contract with newcomer to Greek A1 league Kavala. Pantic played last season in ALBA Berlin winning the title in German Bundeslague. ALBA was regular season champion and later was better than Telekom Basket Bonn in the play off-final 3-1. Pantic played 25 games in domestic championship averaging 2.7 ppg and 1.4 rpg. He also appeared 9 times in ULEB Cup adding 3 ppg and 2.7 rpg. Pantic started basketball career in FMP Zeleznik staying there until summer 2007. In the meantime he played one season for Atlas Belgrade (03/04), which competed in ULEB Cup. He won two Serbian National Cups with FMP as well as Adriatic league in 2006. Mladen Pantic was a member of Yugoslavian U18 and U20 National Team. With U20 Yugoslavia he participated on World University Games in Lithuania in 2002.

Ergonom Nis announced signing of new head coach. It is Ljubisa Anicic, who in the past used to work as an assistant coach in Novi Sad and Vojvodina Srbijagas. Anicic also took a part as an assistant of S&M University National Team in 2005. Anicic inked 3-year deal with the club.
Ergonom also agreed terms with American Tyler Best (206-F/C-83, college: IPFW), who arrives from Danish team SISU Copenhagen. Best played 11 games in Danish top division averaging 10.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.5 apg. Before SISU Copenhagen, he played in Uruguay and IUPU-Ft.Wayne Univesity in USA.

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  SLOVENIA   


Goran Dragic to get 18-plus minutes per game with the Phoenix Suns - by Eurobasket News
The buzzwords for the Suns this season have been energy conservation - whether it entails bringing solar power to US Airways Center or resting their aging starting lineup.

Suns guard Steve Nash threw his support behind the latest 'green' effort by the Suns, who are spending $1.5 million to put atop the parking garage solar panels that will produce enough energy to power the center's pavilion area for 26 home games beginning next year.

Nash is also all for the idea of conserving the two-time NBA MVP's energy this season by cutting his minutes and having him sit out selected back-to-back games - even if he's somewhat skeptical about the postulate in practice.

'It's a great idea. Everyone would love to go into the playoffs rested, and it makes a lot of sense,' said Nash. 'But competition being what it is, especially in the West, we'll have to see if it's plausible.'

Nash admitted he was worn out at the end of last season, more than he had been in past seasons. But rather than blaming age, he said it was a matter of circumstance.

'I handled the ball a lot, probably abnormally compared to other guards,' he said. 'It was a grind, and I was a little tired and yeah, there is a lot of mileage. But there was no time to rest. Either we were behind or adding Shaq (Shaquille O'Neal) or fighting to get into the playoffs or fighting for seeding ... it's tough.

'If we can avoid those situations, that's great. But you can't plan for everything.'

Nash said he likes what he's seen of his new understudy, rookie Goran Dragic (194-G-86, agency: Interperformances), in drills and offseason pickup games. The plan is for Goran Dragic to play 18-plus minutes and give Nash more rest time.

'From what I see, I think he's got a great game and great potential,' Nash said. 'The difficult thing for him is that this is quite a change. The (NBA) game is different than Europe. The rules are different. The referees don't care who you are or where you're from, and the rookies have to get up to speed on that stuff.

'Hopefully it takes two weeks, but it could take him two months or a year. Hopefully his experience and intelligence and feel for the game will allow him to adapt quickly, but we shouldn't put too much pressure on him.'

Goran Dragic said he wants to soak up everything he can from the two-time MVP, and Nash - who hasn't always had a close relationship with his backups - is willing to be a teacher.

'If I can help him as a player, I'm here if he wants my help. I'd love to share with him,' Nash said. 'He's a great kid and a talent and, for me, such a huge component of any player is their hunger, desire and willingness to learn. If he has those things, which it appears he does, he'll have a great career.'

Nash, who said he trained more than normal this summer and is in 'great shape,' was pleased with the Suns' offseason additions (Goran Dragic, Matt Barnes, Robin Lopez and Louis Amundson) and that the team's top seven players will return intact.

'We didn't have a lot of cap space or ability to do much, from what I know, so to get what we got is pretty impressive under the circumstances,' he said. 'It could really help us.'

Courtesy of www.eastvalleytribune.com

*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA   


Korea U18 come home with the 6th position - by Eurobasket News
Korea U18 ended 6th at the FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Men. In the game for the 5th position the team lost to China 97:106. It was a great encounter and the first and the second quarters were tied at the end. Korea did not mind playing with the team that hoped for Gold and produced a great effort. Only in the third period China started to dominate the court and won the game. Cao Fei (193-G-88) paced all the winners with 23 points. Dong Hanlin (206-F-91) had 18, while Li Xiaoxu added 14. Jongill Lim produced 27 points in defeat, Kyungsang Park added 20 and Seounghyun Lee scored 14.
Before that Korea U18 overcame Lebanon U18 93:72. The winners of the game started with 23:15 and took the whole control of the game later in the first half. They produced a wonderful second period and had 48:22 at the halftime. In order not to stop Korea increased to 69:47 after thirty minutes of the game. The last quarter did not bring any changes as Korea won the game. Kyungsang Park led the winners with 21 points. Jongill Lim nailed 16, while Jaeseok Jang notched 15. Vincent El Khouri finished the game with 18 points in the losing effort.

5th place play-off
China U18- Korea U18 106:97
China U18: Cao Fei 23, Dong Hanlin 18, Li Xiaoxu 14, Sui Ran 13
Korea U18: Jongill Lim 27, Kyungsang Park 20, Seounghyun Lee 14, Jaeseok Jang 12

Korea U18- Lebanon U18 93:72
Korea U18: Kyungsang Park 21, Jongill Lim 16, Jaeseok Jang 15
Lebanon U18: Vincent El Khouri 18

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


ACB Pre-Season Round Up 04/05 Sep Games - by Paul Nilsen

Ricky Rubio returned from his Olympic exploits in Bejiing to score 12 points for DKV Joventut who claimed an impressive 82-73 victory over Pamesa Valencia in the pre-season Reus Tournament writes www.acb-basket.com. Almost 3,000 fans watched a hugely interesting game with the deadly outside shooting of Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Mc Neese St.) proving significant in the outcome of an exciting game with the shooter nailing five three-pointers from eight attempts. For Pamesa, there were debut games for Pietrus, Martinez and Kuqo while Victor Claver continued to enhance his growing reputation after he joined Mallet as the joint top scorer in the game with 15 points. While Pamesa were without Dikoudis, Miralles and Avdalovic, Badalona are still without big star Pops Mensah-Bonsu, still with the Great Britain NT.

In the second semi-final of the Reus tournament, Real Madrid booked their place in the final against DKV Joventut with a convincing 78-60 victory over ACB new boys Cai Zaragoza.17 points from Louis Bullock (186-G-76, college: Michigan) made it an uphill struggle for Zaragoza as did a blistering start by the Whites who led 24-13 after the opening period. Even more worryingly is that this comfortable stroll for Madrid came without the heavyweight triop of Axel Hervelle, Alex Mumbru and Raul Lopez who were all missing. One positive is that shooter Roberto Guerra (195-G-83) and big man Larry Lewis both played well on their debuts for Zaragoza and combined for 26 points.

Meanwhile Unicaja made the short trip along the Costa Del Sol to near neighbours Los Barrios who play in the division below in LEB Oro and the class of the Eueroleague outfit was evident from the outset. The Malaga club dominated and picked up a 70-92 victory with Marcus Haislip (207-F-80, college: Tennessee) showing why he will be important this season picking up 22 points. New boy Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) scored 14 as did local hero Carlos Cabezas while big man Boniface NDong looks like he could take his impressive form from last season into the new campaign.

400 people elsewhere left a game scratching their heads after Ricoh Manresa drew, yes drew 71-71 with Ukranian team BC Kiev. After regulation, the game was tied up at 62-62 but after overtime the sides were still level and so both teams decided that was enough of a pre-season work-out and they would keep double-overtime for when points and trophies are on the line. This was a positive display by Manresa and Jordi Grimau (193-G-83) top scored with 16 points while summer acquisition Javier Bulfoni (192-G-76) again made it into double figures for his new club.

On Thursday night Fuenlabrada tipped off their pre-season in hugely disappointing fashion as they went down 75-67 at Illescas of LEB Oro. While the loss was a difficult one, there was one huge piece of good news in that new signing Brad Oleson (191-G-83, agency: Duran International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) got straight off the mark for his new club by rattling off 20 points for the oranges in front of 1,300 fans.

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


Fox sports sweepstakes-Paradise Jam - by David Edole
The 8th annual Paradise Jam tournament features of the best NCAA mens basketball teams from around the USA. One grand prize winner will receive a trip for 2 to the 2008 Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands from November 20-24, 2008. http://www.fcsparadisejam.com/
The field for the 2008 Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands includes UConn, Southern Miss, Miami, La Salle, San Diego, Valaparaiso, Iona and Wisconsin.
For the schedule click HERE. Baylor Bears won the 2007 edition.

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


Celtics championship trophy to visit Burlington - by Eurobasket News
The National Basketball Association championship trophy will be in Burlington later this month, the first stop of the Boston Celtics' New England tour.

The trophy will be on display on Burlington's Church Street from noon to 2 p.m. on Sept. 15.

Celtics officials say it hasn't been decided yet which team member will make the trip to Burlington with the trophy.

But Celtics spokeswoman Heather Walker says NBA legend Jo Jo White will be on hand. White helped the Celtics win championships in 1974 and 1976.

Walker says U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy invited the Celtics to Vermont.

Earlier this year the Celtics won their 17th NBA championship by beating the Los Angeles Lakers in the finals.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

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


Che Garcia HC for Bigua - by Hector Lopez
The Argentine Nestor Garcia assumed as the HC for Bigua, the last Uruguayan League champions, it was announced by the team. Bigua has a 1-2 record in the current competition beingcoachd by the assistant Alejandro Alvarez. Bigua was expecting to hire Guillermo Narvarte, but finally he rejected the offer. The team then began negotiations with Garcia, who was the HC for the Uruguayan NT during 2003.

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


Torres and Romero did it again in Italy, this time against Capodistria Koper - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelans Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76) and Hector Romero (202-F-80) proved their quality again, by guiding Snaidero Udine, of Italy's Lega A, to a good triumph against Luka Capodistria Koper of Slovenia, 85-68, in another friendly match played in Udine that serves as preparation for the side coached by Attilio Caja .

Torres netted 20 points and Romero added 12 points. They got help from Rashad Anderson (195-G/F-83) with 17 points. In their previous match, they had also beaten Slovan Ljubljana of Slovenia, 87-81, to win Memorial Melzi at nearby town, Tarvisio. Next weekend, Snaidero Udine will play against Solsonica Rieta, Scavolini Spar Pesaro and Benetton Treviso in a cuadrangular exhibition tournament.

Axiers Sucre shines, Carlos Cedeno defeated in Argentinian Cup - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Power forward Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) scored 22 points and grabbed 9 rebounds coming off the bench, and his team, second division's Union de Sunchales, was able to defeat first division's Ben Hur de Rafaela, 79-75, in Matchday 3 of the 2008 Argentinian Cup's Group 1.

Sucre got help from Cristian Amicucci (201-F/C-85) with 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Jorge Toriano (177-G-76) and Enzo Ruiz (193-F-88) scored 12 points each. For Ben Hur, the top scorers were Patricio Rodriguez (193-F-84) with 30 points, Mariano Castets (188-G-83) and Walter Storani, both with 10 points.

Meanwhile, guard Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85) had no luck in a Group 8 contest between his team, Club Lanus, and the mighty Boca Juniors, won by Boca 81-64. Cedeno was the starter at the point guard and scored 9 points. The winning side was led by Raymundo Legaria (178-G-80) with 22 points and Carl Edwards (196-F-81) with 20. For Lanus, Nicolas Laprovittola (191-G-90) scored 18 points and Wendell Gibson (201-F/C-83) scored 8 points.

LNB 2008 - Week 3: Duros, Graneros and Caciques sweep, only one split series - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Duros de Lara, Graneros de Portuguesa and Caciques de Trujillo showed no hesitation as they returned home and were more than able to sweep their respective opponents, as Week 3 of Liga Nacional de Baloncesto went on its way. The only split series was that between Centauros de Cojedes and Petroleros de Falcon in San Carlos.

SCOREBOARDS

Duros de Lara 94 - Centauros de Apure 83 (Tue)
Napoleon Rodriguez Arena - Barquisimeto, Lara

Quarter by quarter
DUR: 23-24-26-21= 94

APU: 20-18-24-21= 83

Scorers
DUR: Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 19 points, Heissler Guillent (191-G-86) 17 points, Juan Herrera (197-F-81) 12 points, Jackson Zapata (198-F-85) 11 points, Derson Santos (197-F-84) 10 points, Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 9 points, Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85) 7 points, Francisco Sanabria (190-G-77) 4 points, Gerardo Chourio (193-F-87) 2 points, Carlos Quintero (202-F-85) 2 points, Grady Osorio (193-F-87) 1 point.
APU: Richard Mejias 20 points, Elvis Montero (193-G-78) 18 points, Nathan Green (203-F-75) 9 points, Juan Carlos Rodriguez (193-G-78) 9 points, Daniel Dominguez (183-G-71) 7 points, Alex Quiroz (185-G-75) 6 points, Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78) 6 points, Freddy Del Pino (180-G-89) 4 points, David Cedeno (190-G-83) 4 points, Christopher Torres 0 points, Luis Carmona (191-F/G-90) 0 points, Deninson Rodriguez 0 point

-

Duros de Lara 99 - Centauros de Apure 64 (Wed)
Napoleon Rodriguez Arena - Barquisimeto, Lara

Quarter by quarter
DUR: 23-24-26-21= 99

APU: 20-18-24-21= 64

Scorers
DUR: Heissler Guillent (191-G-86) 19 points, Juan Herrera (197-F-81) 16 points, Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 14 points, Kenji Urdaneta 12 points, Francisco Centeno 11 points, Derson Santos 9 points, Francisco Sanabria 5 points, Grady Osorio 5 points, Jackson Zapata 4 points, Gerardo Chourio 2 points, Carlos Quintero 1 points.
APU: Elvis Montero 15 points, Alex Quiroz 10 points, David Cedeno 10 points, Nathan Green 8 points, Richard Mejias 6 points, Juan Carlos Rodriguez 6 points, Kervin Bracho 3 points, Daniel Dominguez 2 points, Freddy Del Pino 2 points, Deninson Rodriguez 2 points, Christopher Torres 0 points, Luis Carmona 0 points



Caciques de Trujillo 101 - Tiburones de Vargas 100 (Tue)
Ricardo Salas Arena - Valera, Trujillo

Quarter by quarter
Unavailable



Scorers
Unavailable



Caciques de Trujillo 95 - Tiburones de Vargas 88 (Wed)
Ricardo Salas Arena - Valera, Trujillo

Quarter by quarter
Unavailable


Scorers
CAC: Askia Jones (196-G-71) 31 points, Manuel Berroteran (185-G-80) 12 points, Nestor Moran (178-G-87) 10 points, Cesar Musset (190-F-78) 10 points, Yorvis Umbria (203-F-85) 9 points

TIB: Kyle Cuffe (205-F-82) 22 points, Dennis D'Adezzio (191-G-81) 20 points, Cesar Silva (187-G/F-81) 18 points, Peter Kvietek (203-C-77) 15 points



Graneros de Portuguesa 74 - Estudiantes de Guarico 67 (Tue)
Gaston Portillo Arena - Catia la Mar, Vargas

Quarter by quarter
GRA: 20-17-19-18= 74

EST: 15-14-25-13= 67


Scorers
GRA: Henry Paez (184-G-70) 14 points, Antonio Torcatt (182-G-76) 11 points

EST: Jose Martinez (196-F-82) 21 points, Vladimir Saavedra (200-F-77) 14 points, Deivis Aranguren (192-F-85) 12 points


Graneros de Portuguesa 74 - Estudiantes de Guarico 64 (Wed)
Gaston Portillo Arena - Catia la Mar, Vargas

Quarter by quarter
Unavailable


Scorers
GRA: Amber Marin (208-C-81) 19 points, Douglas Chiquito (193-G-86) 18 points, Pedro Cubillan (187-G-82) 16 points

EST: Derwin Ramirez (191-F-82) 17 points, Jose Martinez 14 points


Centauros de Cojedes 87 - Petroleros de Falcon 81 (Tue)
Villa Deportiva of San Carlos Arena - San Carlos, Cojedes

Quarter by quarter
COJ: 19-24-22-22= 87

PET: 25-25-12-19= 81


Scorers
COJ: Darwin Jaramillo (192-F-86) 22 points, Roberto Basanta (192-F) 20 points, Martin Correa (198-F-78) 10 points, Luis Fernando Hurtado (204-F-86) 10 points

PET: Derale Wilson (197-F-77, college: Oklahoma City) 20 points, Jorge Leon (186-G-79) 17 points, Luis Julio (199-F-80) 11 points


Petroleros de Falcon 91 - Centauros de Cojedes 74 (Wed)
Villa Deportiva of San Carlos Arena - San Carlos, Cojedes

Quarter by quarter
Unavailable



Scorers
PET: Luis Julio 22 points, Jorge Leon 14 points, Jose Yovera (194-G/F-75) 14 points, Gregory Vargas (182-G-86) 12 points, Derale Wilson 11 points

COJ: Roberto Basanta 20 points, Darwin Jaramillo 15 points, Carlos Rivero 10 points



*****************************************************
  WCBPL   


Breakers annonce hosting 2008 Holiday Tournment - by Gianni Pascucci

Just after introducing their tournee to China, the Santa Barbara Breakers professional basketball club announced that they will be hosting a 'Holiday Basketball Tournament' in Santa Barbara December 6 & 7 (Saturday & Sunday). The Breakers will play in the round robin format and have invited West Coast Pro Basketball League (WCPBL) members Pasadena Slam and the Orange County Gladiators. Breakers President Curt Pickering has also been in negotiations with the Mexican National Team as well as several professional clubs in Mexico to fill the fourt spot in the line-up. For everything Breakers, call our office at (805) 685-5600 or visit our website at www.breakersbasketball.com





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

Women News

*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Flames, Caps, AIS and Thunder begin pre-season this weekend - by Eurobasket News

The WNBL Fiesta Pre-Season Tournament in Shoalhaven kicks off at 5pm on Friday afternoon.

A local derby of A.C.T. teams kicks off precedings as the AIS takes on the Canberra Capitals, followed by new franchise Logan Thunder testing their outfit against Sydney Uni Flames at 7pm.

The action continues tomorrow at 11am with a replay of the 2006/07 Grand Final with Sydney Uni Flames up against Canberra Capitals and at 1pm Logan Thunder plays the AIS.

The teams face off again tomorrow night with the last two fixtures of the event, Sydney Uni backs up against the AIS at 6pm and at 8pm Logan Thunder closes the event as they try out their skills on 22-year WNBL veterans, the Canberra Capitals.

Shoalhaven Basketball Associations Special Events coordinator Scott Balsar is delighted to bring the Women's national league to Nowra and the tigers den.

Four teams will play a series of 6 games over the two day event, with the Sydney Uni Flames and 3-time WNBL champion Canberra Capitals contesting the 'WNBL Fiesta' along with the ADF WNBL's newest franchise, the Logan Thunder, and the youngsters from the nation's capital, the Australian Institute Of Sport.

The Fiesta will host players like Alicia Poto (Sydney) Abby Bishop (Canberra), Kristen Veal and Mikalea Dombkins (Logan) and Elizabeth Cambridge (AIS).

'Its a great opportunity for all four teams to showcase women's basketball here in the Shoalhaven and South Coast,' said Balsar.

'We have always had a close working relationship with both Canberra and Sydney but we have taken the usual one pre-season game to hopefully an annual event.

'The WNBL Clubs have been tremendous and I also had good interest from the Dandenong Rangers and Townsville Fire.

'If the Fiesta is successful this year Im thinking it may expand next year into six or more teams which would be fantastic for not only women's basketball but basketball in the Shoalhaven too.'

A players clinic will be held on Friday night on Court 2 at 4pm-4.45pm, run by the staff and players from the Logan Thunder and Sydney Uni Flames.

The Clinic is FREE. Giveaways and Prizes will also be handed out by the players at the conclusion of the clinic.

The clinic is open to all Players aged 8 - 11 years old both boys and girls.


At a glance:

Friday 5 September 2008
5.00pm AIS vs Canberra Capitals
7.00pm Logan Thunder vs Sydney Uni Flames

Saturday 6th September 2008
11.00am Sydney Uni Flames vs Canberra Capitals
1.00pm Logan Thunder vs Australian Institute of Sport
6.00pm Sydney Uni Flames vs Australian Institute of Sport
8.00pm Logan Thunder vs Canberra Capitals

Courtesy of Tigers Media



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


Wheelchair basketball teams seek to continue Paralympics dominance - by Eurobasket News
Canada's men's and women's wheelchair basketball teams (both ranked No. 1 in the world) are in Beijing, hoping to continue a golden dynasty. The men will be attempting to capture their third consecutive Paralympic gold while the women will be seeking their fourth Paralympic championship and fifth straight medal in five Games appearances.

The Beijing Paralympic games will kick off Saturday while the wheelchair basketball tournament will start a day later.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced Thursday that fans will be able to follow the Canadian wheelchair basketball teams live throughout the Paralympic Games, broadcasting a minimum eight hours per day of hosted broadcast coverage from Beijing on the IPC's internet TV channel www.ParalympicSport.TV.

Canada's schedule for the Paralympic Games Wheelchair Basketball Tournament. All times are Eastern Time. There is a 12-hour time difference between Toronto and Beijing:

Sunday, September 7
8:45 a.m.: Pool A - Men's Preliminaries - Canada vs. Germany

Monday, September 8
11:15 p.m. Sept. 7: Pool B - Women's Preliminaries - Canada vs. Netherlands
5:45 a.m.: Pool A - Men's Preliminaries - Russia vs. Canada

Tuesday, September 9
4:15 a.m: Pool B - Women's Preliminaries - Japan vs. Canada
6:30 a.m. Pool A - Men's Preliminaries - Canada vs. Sweden

Wednesday, September 10
9 p.m. Sept. 9: Pool A - Men's Preliminaries - Japan vs. Canada
4:15 a.m.: Pool B - Women's Preliminaries - Canada vs. China

Thursday, September 11
3:30 a.m.: Pool B - Women's Preliminaries - Mexico vs. Canada
4:15 a.m.: Pool A - Men's Preliminaries - Canada vs. Iran

Friday, September 12
Womens quarter-finals

Saturday, September 13
Mens quarter-finals
Womens semi-finals

Sunday, September 14
Mens semi-finals

Monday, September 15
Womens Bronze medal match
Womens Gold medal match

Tuesday, September 16
Mens Bronze medal match
Mens Gold medal match

For more information, visit the Canadian Wheelchair Basketball Association website at: www.cwba.ca.

Courtesy of www.basketball.ca

*****************************************************
  IRELAND - Women  


Big weekend for Irish basketball - by Eurobasket News
Ireland's Senior Men's and Women's teams face a big weekend as they meet Sweden and Iceland respectively in their European qualifiers.

The Irish Senior Women's team are at full strength and are riding the crest of a wave after two wins in the past week against Slovenia (home) and Switzerland (away).

They welcome Iceland to the National Basketball Arena on Saturday knowing a third win would leave them with a great opportunity of joining Basketball's elite next year.

Head coach Mark Scannell is urging the Irish public to come out in force on Saturday as the side aim to keep the momentum going ahead of their massive final group game away to the Netherlands next Wednesday.

'I hope all basketball people in particular from the women's game come out and give the side the support they so richly deserve,' said Scannell. 'They have given a huge level of commitment and deserve a huge backing on Saturday.'

Meanwhile, Irish Senior Men's coach, Jay Larranaga, is expecting a tough opener against Sweden in their European clash on Saturday.

Sweden suffered relegation from Division A last season and will be determined to make amends this time around.

'It's a tough one to open with but we have been together for a couple of weeks and are travelling in a positive mood rather than with fear,' said Larranaga.

'The Emerald Hoops International Series pitted us with top quality opposition and hopefully the team will have gained confidence from these games.'

Both sides are expected to be at full strength.

Courtesy of RTE Sport

*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL - Women  


Ticha Penicheiro is 16-14 with the Monarchs - by Eurobasket News
Patricia Penicheiro (180-G-74, college: ODU) is 16-14 with the Monarchs and so far this is the play-off spot for the team. Last night the WNBA defending champions Phoenix Mercury scored a key win over the Sacramento Monarchs 81:69 at the US Airways Center. Diana Taurasi tallied 26 points and 8 rebounds and Phoenix moved within 2 games from the 4th-placed Monarchs in the West. There are 4 games left in the regular season and four teams are going to battle for the fourth available playoff spot in the Western conference. Cappie Pondexter provided 19 points as the hosts dominated in the second half and secured an important victory. Kara Lawson knocked down 19 points for the Monarchs. Nicole Powell was limited to just 3 points in defeat, while Patricia Penicheiro scored 2 points, made 5 assists and 4 rebounds.
On August 30st Nicole Powell hit four 3-pointers and had 20 points and 9 rebounds to lead the Sacramento Monarchs past the Houston Comets 80:65. Lawson also had four 3-pointers and finished with 14 points for the Monarchs. Shannon Johnson had 12 points and five assists, but committed six of Houston's 21 turnovers.Patricia Penicheiro produced 6 assists and 3 rebounds.
On August 28th Candace Parker put on a sizzling performance and the Los Angeles Sparks held off the Sacramento Monarchs 78:63 at home. The sensational rookie tallied 19 points, 9 boards and 5 blocks to stay in the rhythm after the Olympic Games triumph. Lisa Leslie was helpful with 14 points, while Delisha Milton-Jones had 11 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Nicole Powell replied with 12 points for the Monarchs. The visitors led by 4 points after the starting period but the Sparks rallied fast in the second and third frame and built a massive 19-point advantage before the final stanza. Patricia Penicheiro nailed 3 points, made 7 assists and 3 rebounds.

ESSA signs Brown - by Luis Rocha
Lina Brown (191-Center,agency: Pinnacle Sports LLC, college: Livingstone) will join ESSA roster for the 2008-09 season. She is a native of Norfolk, VA and just finished her collegiate career at Livingstone College where she earned 1,000 career points,568 career rebs, 226 career blks. She is a strong, physical center with nice mid range jumper. Lina has been playing in the Puerto Rico summer league for the Isabela Pollitas.

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


Slovenian U16 National Team 2008 - by Sahereh
#s#
#e#6


Samec


Meden


Abramovic


Adamovic


Jakovina

4 Alja Samec (167-G-93)
5 Sara Meden (165-G-94)
6 Rebeka Abramovic (168-G-93)
7 Bojana Adamovic (172-G-92)
8 Tina Kercmar (177-F-94)
9 Tina Jakovina (180-G-92)
10 Ursa Svetic (169-G-93)
11 Eva Rupnik (173-G-92)
12 Tjasa Kopusar (178-G-92)
13 Sandra Jevtovic (185-F-93)
14 Eva Zivanovic (177-F-92)
15 Neza Belak (176-F-92)
Head Coach Bostjan Kocar
Assistant Coach Borut Fijavz



*****************************************************
  VENEZUELA - Women  


Cleider Blanco in USA - by Yelitza La Torre
Finally, after many moths waiting for her college; the venezuelan terrific basketball player Cleider Blanco went to USA.
Cleider Blanco (-C-90) will be attending classes at Seward County Community College, Kansas, where she is going to be chasing her social degree. This opportunity is the first step for this young player, whom at soon that she steps up and play ball in USA' s basketball courts, is going to be an easy target for many recruiting coaches interested on enrolling her in a senior college or university at NCAA level.
As everybody knows, Students-athlete can choose their college or university from as many invitations received. They are allowed to accept 5 of those invitations, visits each of them to finally choose the most convenient one; obviously our Cleider Blanco is going to receive more than five invitations thanks to her great basketball skills. Experts believe that Cleiber Blanco should be a Big East basketball player. Being part of the U16 team on 2006, U17 2007, U18 2006 thru 2008 and 2008 senior Venezuelas National Team, it' s a reason enough to think so.




*****************************************************
  WNBA - Women  


Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connect. S. 20-10 
 2. Detroit S. 18-12 
 3. New York L. 17-12 
 4. Indiana F. 14-16 
 5. Chicago Sky 11-19 
 6. Washingt. M. 10-19 
 7. Atlanta D. 3-28 
Western
 1. S.Antonio SS 20-10 
 2. Seattle S. 20-10 
 3. L.Angeles S. 18-13 
 4. Sacram. M. 16-14 
 5. Houston C. 14-15 
 6. Minnesota L. 14-15 
 7. Phoenix M. 14-16 


Phoenix get closer to playoff zone - by Eurobasket News
The WNBA defending champions Phoenix Mercury scored a key win over the Sacramento Monarchs 81:69 at the US Airways Center. Diana Taurasi (6'0''-G-82, college: Connecticut) tallied 26 points and 8 rebounds and Phoenix moved within 2 games from the 4th-placed Monarchs in the West. There are 4 games left in the regular season and four teams are going to battle for the fourth available playoff spot in the Western conference. Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) provided 19 points as the hosts dominated in the second half and secured an important victory. Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee) knocked down 19 points for the Monarchs. Nicole Powell was limited to just 3 points in defeat.
Janel McCarville (6'2''-C-82, college: Minnesota) put on another sizzling performance as she poured in 21 points and lifted New York to a 82:71 win over the Atlanta Dream. Lisa Willis had 12 points and Ashey Battle contributed 9 as the Liberty clinched the playoff birth. The hosts played without Shameka Christon and Tiffany Jackson but still had little problems en route to the win. Betty Lennox (5'8''-G-76, college: Louisiana Tech) notched game-high 28 point and 7 rebounds for Atlanta.
The San Antonio Silver Stars clinched the postseason appearance as they knocked down the Los Angeles Sparks 76:58 at home. Edwige Lawson (5'6''-G-79) came up with career-high 14 points for the hosts. Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80) had 12 points to secure the 20th win for the Silver Stars. Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) answered with 17 points for the Sparks. Los Angeles lost the first game after 4 straight wins.