Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/10/2009

Copyright � 1997-2009 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com

Men News

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

AUSTRALIA

Longley into Sport Australia Hall of Fame - by James Hoff
Basketball Australia Hall of Famer Luc Longley (217-C-69, college: N.Mexico) has been recognised by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame at its annual gala dinner at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Longley was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to Australian sport alongside seven other Australian decorated sportsmen and women.

When Longley was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves as the seventh overall pick of the 1991 NBA Draft, he not only became the first Australian to enter the elite ranks of the worlds greatest basketball league, but unwillingly he positioned himself as an icon to thousands of young basketballers, a legacy that only grows as the years pass.

He showed that with hard work and dedication you could make it to the top and flourish a truly Australian ethos.

Two seasons later he was recruited to the illustrious Chicago Bulls, with whom he would win three consecutive NBA Championships alongside legends Michael Jordan (199-F-63, college: N.Carolina), Scottie Pippen (202-G/F-65, college: Cent.Arkansas) and coach Phil Jackson .

After 10 years and 567 games in the elite league he retired from top level competition, much the same man as when he began.

Gracious, quiet but well spoken, intelligent and humble, Longley not only broke down the door to the NBA, he illustrated the class it took to stay there.

Along the way, with Bulls matches broadcast to televisions across the world, he was the consummate ambassador for Australia.

Not only a handy scorer, he was praised for his unselfishness and for making his team mates better by doing his job to the best of his abilities.

Most male basketball players in Australia now dream of playing in the NBA. Without Luc leading the way, it would never have seemed possible.

His efforts for Australia on the domestic and international stage were also outstanding.

He represented Australia at three Olympic Games and a World Championship, twice obtaining fourth place finishes, still the best results an Australian senior mens team has achieved in Olympic competition.

After his retirement he returned to his beloved Western Australia to benefit the local game by becoming a part owner of the Perth Wildcats.

He then increased his community involvement by becoming the Chairman of Healthway as well as acting as an Ambassador for the WA Dept. of Sport & Recreation Be Active program, promoting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

In early 2007 Luc awoke in his WA home to the sound of a loud pop. He got out of the house safely with his wife and two kids as an electrical fire quickly consumed the premises.

In a sign of his popularity, the event was documented in every major newspaper across Australia and many across the world.

Its a bummer, but its not a tragedy, Luc said while standing in the ashes of his house, before shedding a tear at the thought of how lucky he was to still have his family, all safe and well.

A champion on the court and a legendary man off it, Luc Longley fully deserves his induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Andrew Gaze (201-G-65, college: Seton Hall) AM, Michele Timms OAM and Phil Smyth AM are other basketball players inducted into the Hall, while Ivor Burge MBE, Lindsay Gaze OAM and FIBA President Bob Elphinston OAM were previously inducted as general members.

Adelaide pips Townsville - by Eurobasket News
A clutch basket to import John Gilchrist

(187-G-84, college: Maryland) has earned the Adelaide 36ers a thrilling 90-89 victory over the Townsville Crocodiles at the Distinctive Homes Dome on Friday night.

After leading by 20 points late in a dominant second quarter, the Sixers fell in a hole, surrendering their advantage midway through the third.

It was anyone's game in the final term but Gilchrist came up with the final two buckets of the game - one with 25 seconds remaining and the second with 1.9 seconds left on the clock - to get his side across the line.

The match-winner smashed into the ring but luckily fell for the home side.

Peter Crawford got a shot away in the brief restart but his attempt fell short of the hoop.

Adam Ballinger (205-F-79, college: Michigan St.) led from the front in the fourth quarter and doubled his points tally to finish with 24, Gilchrist collected 21 points while Darren Ng was on fire in the second term and finished with 17 points.

Townsville showed character to outscore the home side 51-34 in the second half and would've been rueing its slow start.

Corey Williams (200-F-74, agency: Agency No 10, college: Arizona), who almost registered a triple-double, got his side back into the contest after the break with 32 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists, Rolan Roberts (201-F/C-78, agency: Warren Sports International, college: S.Illinois) was influential in the tight fourth quarter and finished with 22 points and Russell Hinder (208-F/C-79, college: Augusta St.) was next best with 14 points.

The match began with an even first quarter as Townsville opened up mini-breaks before Adelaide hit back.

The Sixers were showing some promising form but it took the home side until the final minute to arrest the ascendancy away from the visitors. Ng sunk his first three pointer, David Cooper swatted a ball clear of the Crocs' hoop before Jacob Holmes scored just before the buzzer to deliver his side a 24-20 lead.

Adelaide had all the momentum in the second term with Ng continuing his scintillating form outside the arc.

He scored 11 of his team's first 14 points (featuring a hat-trick of three pointers) and in an instant the Sixers were out to a 16-point buffer.

It took the Crocs more than four-and-a-half minutes to register their first points from the field - a Cameron Tovey lay-up - and the drought-breaker prompted Townsville coach Trevor Gleeson to call time-out.

The break in play did temporarily stop the haemorrhaging, with Williams enjoying some time in the key, but the Sixers were unrelenting.

Gilchrist showed some slick dribbling and sharp passing while he and his team-mates maintained a perfect record from the stripe.

In contrast, Townsville dropped just four out of 10 from the line and were playing with little confidence.

Stephen Hoare got the important final bucket of the quarter but the Sixers still held a commanding 56-38 lead at half-time.

Townsville staged an amazing turnaround in the second half with Williams single-handedly leading the rapid fight back.

He scored 14 effortless points, featuring lay-ups and jump shots, and left the Distinctive Homes Dome crowd stunned.

Crawford sunk a long bomb midway through the period to give the Crocs an unlikely lead.

Adelaide's radar had gone haywire with the home side shooting at just 22 percent from the field.

But a solo effort and then a last-gasp lay-up from Cortez Groves at least brought the scores level - 67 a piece - at three-quarter time.

It was a real slug fest in the fourth quarter before a Russell Hinder three, a Rolan Roberts ally-oop and another Williams bucket in quick succession gave the visitors the edge once more.

But Ballinger then Gilchrist stood up to deliver some telling baskets and the crowd urged their heroes home.

Adelaide now holds a 2-1 record and heads to Perth next week to tackle the Wildcats while Townsville (1-2) plays the Tigers in Melbourne on Saturday night.

Adelaide 36ers 90 (Ballinger 24, Gilchrist 21, Ng 17)
Townsville Crocodiles 89 (Williams 32, Roberts 22, Hinder 14)

Courtesy of www.skysport.co.nz

Wildcats send Blaze to bottom - by Eurobasket News
The Perth Wildcats overcame a determined Gold Coast Blaze 89-84 in their opening home match of the season at Challenge Stadium.

Both teams were coming off heavy losses in Cairns and were desperate to bounce back from 1-2 starts to the season, but in the end the Wildcats were able to just shake a Blaze team that would not go away.

Perth's loss to the Taipans was by 18 points the night after a thrilling win in Townsville and a week after a tight loss in Wollongong.

The Wildcats took to 'The Jungle' for the first time this season without the injured Paul Rogers and despite still showing signs of the teamwork not quite being what it could become, they did enough for the five-point win.

New skipper Shawn Redhage (203-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) led the way with 32 points on 12-of-17 shooting including four from long range.

He had good support from Stephen Weigh (198-G/F-87) with 13 points of which nine came from beyond the arc, with Jesse Wagstaff (203-F-86, college: Metro St.) scoring 11 and Drew Williamson 10.

Gold Coast went down to Cairns by 17 on Wednesday and looked tired without injured pair Anthony Petrie (203-F/C-83) and Ayinde Ubaka

(193-G-85, college: California), but were a much better unit in Perth with new import Erron Maxey (198-F-78, college: Providence) starting in just his second game since replacing Michael Joiner.

Maxey finished with 23 points and 10 boards in a supremely impressive performance in a sign of exciting things to come. Fellow import Ubaka scored 16 and Adam Gibson 10 with seven assists.

Pero Cameron, Greg Vanderjagt and Chris Goulding all added eight for the Blaze.

The Wildcats started well with Weigh enjoying his starting role early with eight points in the first five minutes as the 'Cats went up 14-9.

Gold Coast was playing hard, though, and with much more purpose than Wednesday in Cairns. With new import Maxey looking good in his first start and Vanderjagt doing well under the bucket, the Blaze remained within five after the first quarter.

Perth began the second period strongly with six quick points in a row to lead by nine, but only managed three more for the final six minutes as Gold Coast got moving despite Harvey sitting out after picking up his third foul.

Gibson hit eight points in the second term alone and helped Gold Coast tie the sores 37 at the main break.

The Blaze continued the momentum early in the third when Cameron nailed two straight threes and give his side its biggest lead of the game.

The Wildcats quickly hit back with three-pointers to Martin, Weigh and Redhage to regain the lead at 50-48. The Blaze took control again, though, and went back up by five when Harvey hit his first from long range.

The lead was then 59-52 when Maxey hit another jumper, but the 'Cats hit back with a pair from the stripe to Wagstaff and a three to Drew Williamson. Another bomb from Williamson and one to Redhage then saw Perth lead 63-59 at three quarter-time.

Perth quickly went out by eight early in the last quarter, but Gold Coast kept coming and Ubaka brought them within one with four minutes to go.

Redhage continued his big night hitting a crucial three to make the margin four and the 'Cats did enough for the win from there.

Gold Coast (1-3) returns home to host the Melbourne Tigers on Wednesday, while the Wildcats (2-2) remain home the next four weeks to play Adelaide, Melbourne, Wollongong and New Zealand.

Perth Wildcats 89 (Redhage 32, Weigh 13, Wagstaff 11)
Gold Coast Blaze 84 (Maxey 23, Ubaka 16, Gibson 10)

Courtesy of www.sportal.com.au

Stats Leaders - NBL

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Taipans	3-1
2. 36ers	2-1
3. Perth	2-2
4. Breakers	2-2
5. Tigers	1-1
6. Hawks	1-1
7. Crocodiles	1-2
8. Blaze	1-3

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

BAHRAIN

Warner may replace Warren in Al Manama - by Mohammed Malas
Following the serious injury of Reginald Warren

(204-F-81, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: W.Florida), Al Manama club management decided to invite Warner Calvin (201-F-80, college: Jacksonville) to Bahrain in order to possible replace for Warren in the team.

Warner had played in the area before in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Iran, He also hold a good experience in playing in France and South Korea.

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

BELGIUM

Mons coaches news - by Peter Buyse
Dexia Mons-Hainaut has found a replacment for departed coach Chris Finch. Former Amsterdam coach Arik Shivek takes over the head -coaching job for the running season with an option for next season. Shivek coach the Antwerp Giants between 2005 and 2007 at which point he joined Amsterdam. He won the Belgian cup with Antwerp in 2007.
Before that he coached Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Ramat Gan in his home country Israel. He also won 3 championships in Holland the last being this past season with Amsterdam.

Standings - Division I

D1 Standings

1. Oostende	1-0
2. Leuven	1-0
3. M.Hainaut	1-0
4. Liege	1-1
5. Antwerp	1-1
6. Charleroi	0-0
7. Aalstar	0-1
8. Verviers-Pep.	0-1
9. Gent	0-1

Stats Leaders - Division I

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

BOSNIA

Standings - BIH League

D1 Standings

1. SL IAT Leotar	0-0
2. Slavija	0-0
3. Igokea	0-0
4. Zrinjski MC	0-0
5. Grude	0-0
6. Hercegovac	0-0
7. Mladost MG	0-0
8. Sutjeska	0-0
9. Celik	0-0
10. Sloboda Dita	0-0
11. Borac Nektar	0-0
12. Capljina	0-0
Will join on later stage:
1. Siroki Eronet	0-0
2. Bosna S.	0-0

Kakanj signs Kahrimanovic - by Eurobasket News
The reports from Bosnia indicate that BC Kakanj signed another player this pre-season. After securing the signature of Nedzad Mulic (181-G-77) and bringing in new Head Coach Irfan Hasanagic, Kakanj is set to reinforce at forward position. Experienced international Abdurahman Kahrimanovic (197-G-75, agency: Court Side) is expected to join the team, which will this season try to qualify for League 12. He will be expected to provide experience under the rim, and it is expected that the player will have no trouble fitting in. Player himself stated that he was glad to be offered a chance to be a part of ambitious project, ant that he hopes he will repay the faith shown in him trough good form. With this signing, Kakanj most probably completed its roster for season 2009/10.
Abdurahman Kahrimanovic started his career with Celik Zenica. He has also played for lot of clubs including Cenex Sarajevo, Zenica Metalno, Hopsi Polzela, Go-Pass Pepinster and many others. His best season came in 2004, when as a member of Hungarian outfit Vitai Eger Egri Fekete Sasok he appeared in 25 games and posted averages of 15.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Following season he moved to Greece where he signed with Greek 2nd league outfit Aigaleo. He averaged 11.2 points and 3.6 rebounds. In 2005 he moved to KAO Dramas where in 26 games he averaged 14.0 points and 5.0 rebounds. Last season, Kahrimanovic spent with Bashkimi Prizren in Kosovo. He was forced to leave the club in March of 2009 due to the injury.

Denis Vrsaljko close to Zrinjski - by Eurobasket News
According to various reports from Croatian and Bosnian media, Zrinjski is close to securing a new signing. Their first center Mate Perajica (203-C-81) is currently recovering from knee surgery, so short-term replacement is needed. Reportedly they are currently negotiating with Denis Vrsaljko (212-C-82). If they agree terms, Vrsaljko is expected to join his new squad sometime next week. He is expected to play in several control matches, which Zrinjski scheduled for the following couple of days. Vrsaljko is seen as big reinforcement under the rim.
Denis Vrsaljko is a product of Zadar youth system. He made his professional debut in 2001 when he signed for Zrinjevac. In three seasons with Zrinjevac he improved each year, and during 2003-2004 he appeared in 8 games, averaging double-double of 13.1 points and 10.1 rebounds. In 2004, Vrsaljko moved to Zagreb where in his first season he appeared in 29 Adriatic League games and averaged 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds. In Croatian League he averaged 3.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in 10 matches. In 2008, Vrsaljko won National Cup with Zagreb. Last season, Vrsaljko played for Hungarian outfit Falco KC-Szombathely. In 26 games, he posted averages of 9.1 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 69.2% for two.

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

CHINA

Sun Was Not Trying to Fail - by Arthur Volbert
Recently a source told me that rumors in Chinese newspapers have stated that Sun Yue has been sabatoging his teams. They say he purposely played terribly in the Asian championships. They say that he was the main reason that China lost to Iran because he didn't like the National Team's head coach, Guo Shiqiang, and that he convinced some of his teammates to play terribly. These rumors are ridiculous.

It was not intent that caused Sun Yue to play so poorly in the Asian championship. Rather it was an adverse reaction to his training by the Los Angeles Lakers last season. The Lakers needed to transform Sun from a pure point guard into a point forward-shooting guard, someone in the mold of Scotty Pippen or Boris Diaw. Sun appeared to have the physical and mental characteristics for such a transformation, but apparently does not. Such characteristics are rare in individuals, which is why such transformations usually flop. But the Lakers tried this because of Sun's marketing potential and Sun tried it because it was the only way he had a chance to make it in the NBA. Most 40th picks in the draft flop, but every once in a while you get a talent who becomes a player as good as Pippen or Diaw.

Apparently this effort to transform him has caused Sun to become a far less effective player than he used to be. Whether or not Sun can shake off the negative results of this experiment, and once again be a highly effective player against Asian competition, is something we will soon find out.

Hopefully Sun will join a team in the CBA where he can learn to excel against Chinese competition. A season in the CBA may help Sun to once again be a highly effective player on China's National Team.

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

CROATIA

Dubrava Cup: Sibenik wins by 1 point to claim third place, Krka wins the Slovenian final - by Eurobasket News
Sibenik won in thriller against the hosts Dubrava to claim third place at Dubrava Cup. Even though they managed to build 14-point lead at the halftime, Sibenik still had to work hard in order to secure win. After 20 minutes of play the score stood at 40-54, and in the second half Dubrava started with the 10-run. They continued to dominate third quarter, as Sibenik simply could not execute on the offensive end. As result, we entered the final 10 minutes with Dubrava holding 71-70 lead. In the final quarter we saw tight match-up where lead changed from possession to possession. Still in the end, Sibenik had more sports luck as they managed to hit the winning hot with seconds left in the game. This enabled them 97-98 victory.
Bilan led Sibenik with 27 points, while Luka Petkovic (181-G-88) and Mario Filipovic (195-G-88) added 18 each. On the other hand, Dubrava had Igor Maric (196-F-85) and Karlo Vragovic (191-G-89) score 23 and 22 points respectively. Sakic was also exceptional as he recorded double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds.
In the game for first place, Krka was able to beat Zlatorog Lasko 78-66. It was a match which Krka players controlled from the start. At the halftime they held 43-34 lead and were looking comfortable. In the second, they kept their advantage not allowing Zlatorog players to mount a serious challenge. In the final 10 minutes they extended their lead for the final 12 point margin win to claim first place.
Blazic and Uros Nikolic

(207-F/C-87) led Krka with 19 and 18 points respectively. For the loosing side only Luka Dimec (207-F/C-90) reached double figures with 13 points.

Denis Vrsaljko close to Zrinjski - by Eurobasket News
According to various reports from Croatian and Bosnian media, Zrinjski is close to securing a new signing. Their first center Mate Perajica (203-C-81) is currently recovering from knee surgery, so short-term replacement is needed. Reportedly they are currently negotiating with Denis Vrsaljko (212-C-82). If they agree terms, Vrsaljko is expected to join his new squad sometime next week. He is expected to play in several control matches, which Zrinjski scheduled for the following couple of days. Vrsaljko is seen as big reinforcement under the rim.
Denis Vrsaljko is a product of Zadar youth system. He made his professional debut in 2001 when he signed for Zrinjevac. In three seasons with Zrinjevac he improved each year, and during 2003-2004 he appeared in 8 games, averaging double-double of 13.1 points and 10.1 rebounds. In 2004, Vrsaljko moved to Zagreb where in his first season he appeared in 29 Adriatic League games and averaged 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds. In Croatian League he averaged 3.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in 10 matches. In 2008, Vrsaljko won National Cup with Zagreb. Last season, Vrsaljko played for Hungarian outfit Falco KC-Szombathely. In 26 games, he posted averages of 9.1 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 69.2% for two.

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

CYPRUS

Panathinaikos capture Love Cyprus Basketball Tournament in Nicosia - by Nemanja Bjedov
Nikola Pekovic poured in 20 points and Dimitris Diamantidis added 16 as Panathinaikos topped BC Khimky Moscow Region 78-72 in the final game of the Love Cyprus Basketball Tournament at the Tassos Papadopoulos Eleftheria Athletic Center in Nicosia on Thursday night.

Every time we come to Cyprus it is really special for us to see how many fans we have over here and it is especially important to my players as they thrive when playing in front of big crowds, said Panathinaikos head coach Zeljko Obradovic after the game.

The hospitality was excellent at all levels and I have to thank everyone who got in touch with us over the last few days, and also to express my surprise with the level of Cypriot teams that took part at this tournament as they are much better than we initially thought, added Obradovic.

The Greek powerhouse was constantly ahead as they held a five-point lead at the end of the opening period at 19-14, which they then increased to seven at 43-36 as the teams headed to the locker rooms for the half time interval. In the third period teams traded basket-for-basket and Obradovics men were still firmly ahead at 60-53 with the final ten minutes left to be played. However, the Russian side never gave up and with just over a minute remaining they reduced their deficit to a single point at 73-72, but they had no strength to completely turn things around and Panathinaikos closed the game on 5-0 run to clinch the victory.

Drew Nicholas scored 15 points for Panathinaikos including four three-pointers, while Nickolas Calathes chipped in with four and also claimed the MVP of the tournament award.

Keith Langford and Kelly McCarthy each had 16 points for BC Khimky Moscow Region, while Vitaly Fridzon finished the game with 13.

In the game for third place APOEL narrowly beat Keravnos Strovolos 78-75 with Brandon Heath leading the way for the ruling Cypriot champions with 18 points. Gerben Van Dorpe and Philips Sullivan added 13 points each, while Lewis Sims had 12 for APOEL. Jarrett Hart led Keravnos Strovolos with 15 points, while Lonnie Cooper and Aleksandar Damjanovic had 11 and 10 points respectively.

In the meantime Proteas EKA AEL brought back the American guard Quincy Ronell Taylor who averaged 13.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game throughout the last years campaign in Cyprus, while in Europe he had 16.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.

Intercollege/ETHA signed ex-Proteas EKA AEL guard Olivier Ilunga who spent the last two seasons in Sweden and Serbian power forward Goran Ignjatovic. Omonoia Nicosia agreed terms with Serbian power forward Nikola Tutus and Montenegrin guard Dusan Blecic. The Larnaca team BMC AEK inked experienced American power forward Jerod Ward.
SOURCE: www.cybasketball.com

APOEL VS KERAVNOS - by Nasios Orinos
Love Cyprus Basket Ball Tournament Day 2 and......

if there is one thing we should get from last night is that there will be a 'war' between APOEL and KERAVNOS.

Both teams have a good roster and quite many options in all positions, so it is going to be who wants it the most.

APOEL was a lot better at the 1st half and advanced to a 17-point lead during the 2nd quarter, with KERAVNOS being quite improved during the second half. During the last 5 minutes the game was close with APOEL securing the victory at the end (78-75).

I don't think we should say too much about the game or rush into conclusions. We believe that both teams can play a lot better and definitely they will be among the top contenders in this year's league.

Quarters: 26-17, 49-36, 52-49, 78-75

APOEL: Van Dorpe 13 (2), Sims 12 (2), Foulks, Heath 18, Roberts 9 (1), Anastasiades 3 (1), Salivan 13 (3), Tamir 8, King 2

KERAVNOS: Xart 15, Pilavas 6 (2), Trisokkas 8, Smith 8 (1), Jones 2, Carmelo Le 6 (2), Cooper 11 (2), Damianovic 10, Garcia 8

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

USBasket.com Exclusive Interview with Shaun Pruitt - by Surujh Roopnarine
We all go through learning processes, whether on the basketball court or in life. As a player, you have to pick up new defensive schemes, offensive philosophies and adapt to different cultural environments depending on where you play. Sometimes we (myself specifically) dont take these factors into account when we see players perform. We assume that once on a basketball court, all the superfluous things are put aside and have no affect on performance; that however, is not the case. Just like a joyous event can buoy a players spirits and energy, negative circumstances often have a corresponding adverse effect.
Former University of Illinois starting center Shaun Pruitt

(6'10''-C-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Illinois) is currently in training camp with the Golden State Warriors. After a rookie season that saw Pruitt travel the globe (literally) through the Czech Republic, Latvia and China, he is back in the USA and in an NBA training camp, practicing and working out with NBA stars like Stephen Jackson, Cory Maggette and Monta Ellis. When I wrote last week that Shaun was in camp with the Warriors, I drew on personal perceptions to describe the type of player I thought Shaun was. Upon further reflection, it seemed prudent to go directly to the source and try to find out what it was actually like for a kid from Chicago to be thrust into a completely different world both basketball wise and culturally, and see how that may have influenced him and his development.
Shaun took a few moments to talk with me about life in NBA training camp, his whirlwind rookie season and his expectations.

USBasket: How has training camp been thus far? Is there anything that has surprised you about the experience?
Shaun: Training camp experience was great; a lot of work and very intense which will help my career out a lot. It was good to see first hand what goes on behind the scenes of a training camp and get valuable information from a great teacher like (Head Coach) Don Nelson.

USBasket: What is the main point of emphasis Coach Nelson and his staff have been emphasizing?
Shaun: I would say the main point of emphasis has been defense. The Warriors have been a great offensive team with an up and down pace, but they want to get back t o focusing on shutting the opposition down on the other end.

USBasket: How has your development evolved between your rookie and second seasons as a professional?
Shaun: I have matured a lot, been all over the world and even though a lot of things weren't always fair, especially in the Czech Republic last year, I know how to deal with things better as a professional.

USBasket: Describe your time in the Czech Republic for meboth personally and basketball wise.
Shaun: My time in the Czech Republic was at times up and down. I made some life long friends there like Rashaan Ames and many other friends from Czech. Also, Prague is one of the best cities ever. Basketball wise it was even more up and down for me. My first coach, (Ivica) Mavrenski and I ended up gaining a lot of respect for each other; he taught me a lot basketball- wise, especially from a defensive standpoint. At first I struggled because his defensive principals were a little different than what I was used to from college. At this level they don't trap and hedge off screens as much which is actually better. They force the guard to the baseline and have the big man help which is the same thing the Warriors do so that was valuable for me to learn. I played hard for him and was very intense, almost too much at times, especially when our relationship grew. He really knew his basketball and I liked how he pushed us. Unfortunately the team decided to let him go along with Rashaan Ames around the end of December. Losing a mentor (Mavrenski) and my best friend out there (Ames) was hard for me.
After a few weeks of not having the same comfort level that I had had at the beginning of the season, I decided to speak with GM Petr Fridrich and work out a way to leave and try to find a better situation. During the time prior to my leaving, we suffered some more losses, which the fans were not expecting. Being the highest paid player, a lot of the criticism fell to me, which was expected. During my last season at Illinois (16-19, 5-13 Big 10), as a senior and a leader I accepted the brunt of the criticism that was directed at our team. It was difficult at times to constantly bear the criticism, but I have matured a lot as a person since then and can deal better with situations that are not entirely fair. By the way, I cherished my time at my alma mater Illinois and the Illini Nation very much.

USBasket: Who was your toughest matchup against least season in the NBL?
Shaun: My toughest opponent was Marcus Arnold, because we know each others games and he backed me up at Illinois. I know he came to the games wanting to show me what he could do which I already knew, he's a great player. We just had a three guard offense a lot at times in college so it limited how much we both played. Last season in the Czech Republic, we both had an opportunity to showcase our skills and prove ourselves.

USBasket: After leaving Prostějov (Czech Republic), how did you end up heading to Latvia and then finally to China?
Shaun: I stayed in Prague for a while after leaving Prostějov. Ventspils is a great team and not far from the Czech Republic, so I decided to go play there for a game. I was able to get decent compensation for doing so and I love to play basketball, so I wasn't scared to play in a game even though I had only practiced with them once for an hour the night before! It ended up that they were looking for something different; more of a small forward with outside shooting ability and afterwards they eventually signed my Illini teammate Warren Carter, who I was very happy for! I probably should have waited to play after signing a contract, but I love to hoop and compete and hadn't played in three weeks, so I was just ready to get in a game and have fun and help the team.
That was also a learning experience, because even though I love to play it wasn't smart to play so soon, especially without a contract. That won't happen again.

USBasket: There were many former NBA players in China last season (Bonzi Wells, Kirk Snyder, Smush Parker, etc). Was it a good experience for you to interact and meet some of these guys and pick their brains?
Shaun: China was a different but great experience, especially basketball wise. I think it probably prepared me the most for the experience I'm now having with the Warriors and playing in the NBA. I would say even more so than the NCAA D1 level and NBA Summer League (2008 New Orleans), because I played so much and they follow many of the same rules as the NBA does. The players are all talented and the American imports are all great players. The crowds were huge and they loved basketball; when we (Fujian SBS XunXin) played Smush Parkers team (Guandong Southern Tigers) there were almost 25,000 fans at the game! (Note: Shaun scored 16 points and pulled down 14 rebounds in 48 minutes)

USBasket: The Warriors have 15 guaranteed contracts already, so chances of sticking with the team are not the greatest. What do you and your agent have lined up for after training camp if for some reason you dont make the squad? Would you consider going back to the Czech Republic again? Where do you see yourself playing this season if not in the NBA?
Shaun: The Warriors have 15 guaranteed contracts, but I honestly feel that I belong and have been working very hard and I am under the impression that I have a chance to make it. I am still competing for a spot so I can't get into worrying about that right now, but nothing is guaranteed and Im just glad for this experience and the opportunity to quiet some of the critics.
Unless one of the top teams wants to sign me and it is a nice deal I don't think I will go back to the Czech Republic, but I will be there soon to visit friends. I would want to go to a top team in Europe. China is an option, but right now I'm focused on the Warriors. We play the Lakers tonight (pre-season); the best team in the world and against the best player in Kobe Bryant. This is a great experience!
(Note: Golden State lost 118-101. Shaun logged 13 minutes, scoring one point, grabbing three rebounds and blocking one shot).

Shaun: I want to thank you Surujh, Eurobasket and USBasket for giving me this interview and to all my fans, I really appreciate the support.

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

DENMARK

SISU upset reigning champions - by Eurobasket News
Bakken Bears - SISU 69:76
SISU handed the defending champions the first loss in the season. SISU claimed a road win to improve at 3-1 record. The Bears slipped at 1-1 record in the standings.
Bakken got to a brisk start. They limited SISU to 12 points in the opening frame earning a 7-point lead at the first break. But SISU responded equally in the second stanza. Mychal Kearse (194-G/F-83, college: Mt.St.Mary's) led the visitors as they went on a 20:3 run to surge in front. SISU unloaded 30 points in the stanza and grabbed a 42:30 lead at halftime. SISU opened the third period with a 13:6 run to open up a 19-point advantage. But the Bears maintained the pressure and triggered a 21:6 rally to narrow the deficit. SISU stayed calm and cleared off to an 8-point distance. They held off the Bears in the dying seconds claiming a surprising win at the end.
Mychal Kearse knocked down 20 points and 8 rebounds for SISU. Thomas Soltau (210-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Northwestern) added 17 points, while Tomas Rinkevicius (178-G-78) had 14 points and 5 assists in the victory. Darryl Proctor (193-F-86, college: UMBC) responded with 20 points for Bakken. Chris Christoffersen (218-C-79, college: Oregon) netted 14 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

Bakken: Darryl Proctor 20, Chris Christoffersen 14
SISU: Mychal Kearse 20, Thomas Soltau 17, Tomas Rinkevicius 14

Standings - Basketligaen

Basketligaen Standings

1. Svendborg	3-0
2. SISU	3-1
3. Aabyhoj	2-0
4. Horsens IC	2-0
5. Bakken	1-1
6. Naestved	1-2
7. Aalborg	1-2
8. Horsholm	0-2
9. Amager BK	0-2
10. Randers	0-3

Stats Leaders - Basketligaen

Points Per Game

Mickey DENNIS
  Naestved
  (190-G/F-78)
  Avg: 33

1. Dennis, Naestved	33.0
2. Johansen, Naestved	27.0
3. Smith, Svendborg	27.0
4. Smith, Svendborg	27.0
5. Nielsen, Randers	24.5
6. Kearse, SISU	24.0
7. Vance, Aalborg	24.0
8. Morris, Aabyhoj	24.0
9. Morris, Aabyhoj	24.0
10. Thomsen, Aalbo.	23.0

Rebounds Per Game

Chris CHRISTOFFERSEN
  Bakken
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 15

1. Christoffers., Bak.	15.0
2. Morris, Aabyhoj	13.5
3. Vance, Aalborg	12.0
4. Christoffers., Bak.	12.0
5. Guyton, Aabyhoj	12.0
6. Guyton, Aabyhoj	12.0
7. Morris, Aabyhoj	12.0
8. Morris, Aabyhoj	12.0
9. Johansen, Naestved	11.0
10. Nielsen, Horsho.	11.0

Assists Per Game

Florian HOUGUET
  Aalborg
  (184-G-81)
  Avg: 11

1. Houguet, Aalborg	11.0
2. Houguet, Aalborg	6.5
3. Jakobsen, Bakken	6.0
4. Jakobsen, Bakken	6.0
5. Darboe, Horsholm	5.5
6. Fatic, Naestved	5.0
7. Smith, Svendborg	5.0
8. Dennis, Naestved	5.0
9. Iversen, Svendborg	5.0
10. Houguet, Aalbo.	5.0

Steals Per Game

Johnell SMITH
  Svendborg
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 5

1. Smith, Svendborg	5.0
2. Smith, Svendborg	4.5
3. Smith, Svendborg	4.3
4. Oppong, Randers	4.0
5. Oppong, Randers	4.0
6. Dennis, Naestved	3.5
7. Nielsen, Horsholm	3.0
8. Fall, Horsens IC	3.0
9. Fall, Horsens IC	3.0
10. Dennis, Naestv.	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Edward MORRIS
  Aabyhoj
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 4

1. Morris, Aabyhoj	4.0
2. Morris, Aabyhoj	4.0
3. Morris, Aabyhoj	3.5
4. Christoffers., Bak.	3.5
5. Christoffers., Bak.	3.0
6. Fatic, Naestved	2.0
7. Kalvelis, SISU	2.0
8. Hoger, Svendborg	1.7
9. Cavanuagh, Aalborg	1.7
10. Kalvelis, SI.	1.5

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

EUROLEAGUE

Standings

Euroleague Standings

Group A
1. Regal Barca		0-0
2. Zalgiris		0-0
3. Cibona		0-0
4. Montepaschi		0-0
5. Fener.Ulker		0-0
6. ASVEL		0-0
Group B
1. Lietuvos		0-0
2. Efes Pilsen		0-0
3. Partizan		0-0
4. Unicaja		0-0
5. Olympiakos		0-0
Group C
1. CSKA		0-0
2. Lottomatica		0-0
3. Maccabi T-A		0-0
4. Tau		0-0
5. U.Olimpija		0-0
Group D
1. Asec.Prokom		0-0
2. EWE Baskets		0-0
3. Khimky		0-0
4. Real Madrid		0-0
5. Armani MI		0-0
6. Panathinaikos		0-0
Group Q
1. C.C. Marousi		2-1
2. Orleans		2-2
3. Benetton		2-2
4. Aris		1-1
5. BK Ventspils		1-1
6. Le Mans		1-1
7. Charleroi		1-1
8. ALBA		1-2

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Igor RAKOCEVIC
  Efes Pilsen
  (191-G-78)
  Avg: 17.8

1. Rakocevic, Caja L.	17.8
2. McIntyre, Montepas.	17.3
3. Logan, Assec.Pr.	17.0
4. Warren, Air AV	16.2
5. Turkcan, Fener.Ul.	15.4
6. Becirovic, Lottomat.	14.8
7. Kaukenas, Montepas.	14.8
8. Navarro, Regal B.	14.7
9. Arroyo, Maccabi .	14.6
10. Eliyahu, Maccab.	14.0

Rebounds Per Game

Loren WOODS
  CAI Zaragoza
  (213-C-78)
  Avg: 9

1. Woods, Zalgiris	9.0
2. Turkcan, Fener.Ul.	8.6
3. Jankunas, Zalgiris	8.0
4. Fischer, Maccabi .	7.7
5. Bourousis, Olympiakos	7.4
6. Julian, Nancy	7.3
7. Ilyasova, Regal B.	7.0
8. Burke, Assec.Pr.	6.9
9. Eliyahu, Maccabi .	6.6
10. Gonlum, Efes Pils.	6.5

Assists Per Game

Thodoros PAPALOUKAS
  Olympiakos
  (200-G-77)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Papaloukas, Olymp.	5.2
2. Cook, Unicaja	5.1
3. Mallet, DKV J.	4.6
4. McIntyre, Montepas.	4.4
5. Prigioni, Caja L.	4.3
6. Arroyo, Maccabi .	4.1
7. Becirovic, Lottomat.	3.8
8. Navarro, Regal B.	3.6
9. Spanoulis, Panath.	3.5
10. Tepic, Partiz.	3.4

Steals Per Game

David LOGAN
  Assec.Prokom
  (184-G-82)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Logan, Assec.Pr.	2.7
2. Stonerook, Montepas.	2.5
3. Smith, Efes Pilsen	2.2
4. Green, Fener.Ulker	2.0
5. Anderson, Cibona	2.0
6. Jaaber, Lottomat.	1.9
7. Miles, Panionios	1.9
8. Sato, Montepaschi	1.8
9. McIntyre, Montepas.	1.7
10. Julian, Nan.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Loren WOODS
  CAI Zaragoza
  (213-C-78)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Woods, Zalgiris	2.4
2. Fischer, Maccabi .	1.8
3. Vazquez, Regal B.	1.7
4. Begic, U.Olimpija	1.7
5. Splitter, Caja L.	1.6
6. Lasme, Partizan	1.6
7. Ndong, Unicaja	1.3
8. Eze, Montepaschi	1.2
9. Archibald, Unicaja	1.1
10. Vasilopoulos, Olym.	1.1

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

FINLAND

Standings - Division I

1st Division Standings

1. BC Nokia	0-0
2. Jyvaskyla	0-0
3. Huima	0-0
4. Tarmo	0-0
5. Kerava ET	0-0
6. Lapua	0-0
7. Wartti	0-0
8. Honka	0-0
9. Ura Basket	0-0
10. JKS	0-0
11. LoKoKo	0-0
12. Namika II	0-0

KORISLIIGA: Pyrinto is rolling - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, Round 4: Only one contest tonight. Pyrinto (Tampere) visiting in Kotka and crushing local KTP by 28 pts 82-110 (46-60)! Pyrinto has started the season
well and is # 1 in the league right now with 4-0 record. Pyrinto was shooting 57% (17/30) from behind the arc. There were five Pyrinto players in double digits. Kenny Lowe (192-G-80, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Purdue) led visitors with 24 pts. Ryan McDade (201-F-80, college: N.Arizona) scored 20 pts for hosting KTP.
KTP - Pyrinto 82-110 (46-60) (Ryan McDade 20, Isaac Spencer 19, Sami Ikavalko 16 - Kenny Lowe 24, Damon Williams 18, Chris Hester 17, Antero Lehto 16, Pekka Setala 15).
Kataja (Joensuu) is testing the third American PG this fall. First Joey Knight (186-G-83, agency: Liman Sports, college: Lehigh) was tested, but the player was not happy with the conditions in Kataja and they came to mutual agreement, that the player could be freed from the contract. Brock Gillespie (185-G-82, college: Rice) had the same kind of destiny; no contract. Derrick Mercer from American University (175-G) is now replacing Gillespie and will play his first Top League game on Saturday in Kouvola.

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

FRANCE

Standings - ProB

ProB Standings

1. Evreux	2-0
2. St.Vallier	2-0
3. Le Portel	2-0
4. Bourg	2-1
5. Bordeaux	2-1
6. Pau-Lacq-Ort.	2-1
7. Lille	2-1
8. Limoges	1-1
9. Nantes	1-1
10. Maurienne	1-1
11. Nanterre	1-1
12. Charleville	1-2
13. Clermont	1-2
14. Boulazac	1-2
15. Brest	1-2
16. Antibes	1-2
17. Quimper	0-2
18. Fos Ouest	0-3

Stats Leaders - ProB

SO Maritime Boulogne sign Ronald Yates from Fribourg - by Eurobasket
SO Maritime Boulogne (NM1) added to their roster 26-year old American forward Ronald Yates (201-F-83, college: St.Peter's). Yates started this season at Benetton Fribourg Olympic (Switzerland). Last year he played for Forssan Koripojat in Finland where in 27 games, he averaged 17.6ppg and 6.9rpg. It's his come back to France as two years ago he played for Quimper UJAP (ProB) with stats: 30 games, 10.6ppg, and 4.1rpg. Yates will replace Reggie Larry (201-F-87, college: Boise St.) who was released. If all registering paperwork is done, Yates may be available to play his first game tomorrow.

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

GERMANY

Standings - 1. Bundesliga

1.Bundesliga Standings

1. NY Phantoms	1-0
2. EnBW L'burg	1-0
3. TBB Trier	1-0
4. MBC	1-0
5. Telekom B.	1-0
6. Art.Dragons	1-0
7. Hagen	1-0
8. EWE Baskets	0-0
9. Pad.Baskets	0-0
10. ALBA	0-0
11. Brose Baskets	0-0
12. LTi 46ers	0-1
13. Goettingen	0-1
14. Duesseldorf	0-1
15. ratiopharm	0-1
16. Walter Tigers	0-1
17. Dt.Bank SKY	0-1
18. Bremerhaven	0-1

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Rickey PAULDING
  EWE Baskets
  (196-G-82)
  Avg: 15.6

1. Paulding, EWE B.	15.6
2. Suput, Brose B.	15.2
3. Callahan, Bremerha.	14.9
4. Jenkins, ALBA	14.8
5. Peavy, Pad.Baskets	13.9
6. Gardner, EWE B.	13.6
7. Brown, Brose B.	13.0
8. Foster, EWE B.	13.0
9. Hunt, Koeln 99ers	12.7
10. Esterkamp, Pad.Ba.	12.6

Rebounds Per Game

Chris ENSMINGER
  Telekom B.
  (209-C-73)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Ensminger, Pad.Bask.	9.3
2. Brown, Brose B.	7.7
3. Callahan, Bremerha.	7.0
4. Boumtje Boum., EWE B.	6.5
5. Grunheid, Koeln	5.3
6. Terrell, Koeln 99ers	5.2
7. Suput, Brose B.	5.1
8. Peavy, Pad.Baskets	5.1
9. Elegar, Bremerha.	5.0
10. Milosevic, Koel.	4.9

Assists Per Game

Michael JORDAN
  Koeln 99ers
  (183-G-77)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Jordan, Koeln 99ers	6.2
2. Jenkins, ALBA	4.2
3. Watson, Bremerha.	3.8
4. Gardner, EWE B.	3.7
5. McElroy, AL.	3.1
6. Rivera, Brose B.	3.0
7. Jones, EnBW L.	2.7
8. Goldsberry, Brose B.	2.7
9. Wright, ALBA	2.5
10. Felton, Pad.Baske.	2.4

Steals Per Game

Je''Kel FOSTER
  EWE Baskets
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Foster, EWE B.	1.7
2. Jordan, Koeln 99ers	1.5
3. Paulding, EWE B.	1.4
4. Goldsberry, Brose B.	1.4
5. Woudstra, EnBW L.	1.2
6. Watson, Bremerha.	1.1
7. McElroy, AL.	1.1
8. Wright, Pad.Bask.	1.0
9. Gardner, EWE B.	1.0
10. Grunheid, Koel.	1.0

Blocks Per Game

Yemi NICHOLSON
  Pezinok
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Gadri-N., Bremerha.	1.4
2. Boumtje Boum., EWE B.	1.1
3. Sesay, ALBA	0.9
4. Grunheid, Koeln	0.8
5. Pleiss, Koeln 99ers	0.8
6. Majstorovic, EWE B.	0.8
7. Ohlbrecht, Brose B.	0.7
8. Terrell, Koeln 99ers	0.7
9. Chubb, ALBA	0.5
10. Milosevic, Koel.	0.5

TBB Trier Close The Theater Balcony Door On The Deutsche Bank Skyliners in OT 71-67 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were on their way out of the basketball theatre strutting away with a seemingly positive showing, but TBB Trier pulled out the magical red carpet away from underneath them surprising them with a 71-67 win in overtime. The Frankfurt movie could of turned into a positive thriller, but instead turned into a sad tragic flick where no hero came to the rescue at the end. Finding a right title for this movie was not easy, but Skyliner players found responses. 'Finding an appropriate name is tough, but Old Yeller would be my pick. It is an old sad classic movie where a dog dies at the end', reflected Skyliner rookie Grayson Moyer (196-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.). Skyliner American guard Quantez Robertson

(190-G-84, college: Auburn) didnt think old school, but more towards new school. 'I would pick Sunset Park as my movie for this loss. The score was almost identical. The movie is about a team from New York that loses the championship by three points', said Quantez Robertson

(190-G-84, college: Auburn).

Frankfurt came into the season opener with an optimistic 9-6 pre season record, but against TBB Trier were missing that team togetherness on the court to help get through the crunch time of the overtime. 'I am not biter that we lost, but moreover disappointed the way we lost. It is not always a question of the ball going in or not. I think if we would of made better decisions near the end then we could of won. We just werent clever enough to pull out the victory. 1 or 2 players were missing that we needed to take charge in the important moments instead of having each guy trying to win the game', stressed Skyliner captain Pascal Roller

(180-G-76). TBB Trier didnt play beautiful basketball, but were able to play their best basketball in overtime when it counted most. 'It was exciting the way we won. The missed free throws were surprising, but showed that nerves were involved. We stepped it up in the overtime. My key defensive play to start overtime helped us get in the right groove and helped us win the game', added TBB Trier American Jamal Shuler

(191-G-86)

(191-G-86)

After nearly four months of summer break, it was time for the new Beko BBl to finally start again. The Trier arena had a new floor which looked fancier and was made to be more likeable to the players joints. The arena was quite empty 20 minutes before tipoff, but as is usually the case in the German league, two minutes before the starting jump ball, most of the seats were filled and it was time to play basketball again. TBB Trier therapist Aggi Mock and his twin brother mascot were getting the home crowd into the perfect mood. The only aspect which was different and sheepish was the play of the ten players on the court. Granted it was the first game of the new season and no team can play perfect, but in the first half, players at times looked more like wrongly tuned robots then fresh and ready players. Balls were being fired left and right and it looked more like a shooting range for amateur police officers just learning to use a pistol. Both teams were running around the court like helpless turkeys on the eve of Thanksgiving trying to avoid becoming a hearty holiday feast. When there is low scoring then one tends to think it is related to top notch defense. 'This was a classic season opening game. Both teams were missing to many shots, but in a way that was expected', stressed ex TBB Trier player James Marsh (193-F-70, college: Davidson). Skyliner Grayson Moyer (196-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.) noticed the bad start by both teams, but was in awe with his new job as basketball player in Germany. 'There was a great atmosphere in his arena and it was a good experience. The fans were great, and I am really looking forward to this season', commented Grayson Moyer (196-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.). 'You either start off on fire or struggle and both teams showed quickly that it would be a defensive game', said Jamal Shuler

(191-G-86)rr.

Even though, it seems like it has been ages since Maksym Shtein

(206-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops) was rotting on the Skyliner bench, this will be his second season in Trier. He was never really able to fully show his basketball game in Frankfurt, despite showing developing basketball qualities in Ulm and now matured skills with TBB Trier. Shtein played 30 minutes, which could of been his total for a month with Frankfurt and put up six points and six rebounds. He was happy for beating his ex club for two reasons. 'It was great since I once played there and they were strong', added Maksym Shtein

(206-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops). The ex Skyliner, who has received the confidence of coach Yves De Fraigne pulled out his running hook shot, displayed keen passing adroitness, and had to disrupt the ballerina moves of Derrick Allen

(203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi)

(203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi). Shtein looks like a brand new Ukrainian train instead of a rundown derailed Ukrainian train. 'I am fully accepted here and get enough playing time and I am having a lot of fun', joked Maksym Shtein

(206-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops). His teammates see him as an important part to the success of the team the same way Beglota Sekulic has become a non changeable part to the Alba Berlin prosperity. 'Max is very versatile able to play the 4/5 position. Christopher Copeland

(203-F-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Colorado) was hurt and he stepped up. He started today and really set the tone. He rebounded, passed and set screens very well', stressed Jamal Shuler

(191-G-86)rr.

If a qualified artist could of described the first quarter, then it would have been about as distant from the Mona Lisa as Earth is too Pluto. Both teams were on the court, but the play looked anything but pretty. TBB Trier was without Christopher Copeland who had a muscle problem. After five minutes, the score was tied 4-4 and some fans may have been asking if the calendar had jumped to April fools, but it was really October 9th and all serious. After Derrick Allen

(203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) got Frankfurt on the board with two free throws, newcomer Seth Doliboa (203-F/C-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wright St.) gave Frankfurt the lead 4-2 with a quick first step drive to the hoop leaving Maksym Shtein

(206-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops) in the dust. TBB Trier took the lead back 6-4 on a George Evans

(202-F/C-71, agency: Court Side, college: George Mason) lay in. However Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) has his own Pascal Roller

(180-G-76) bat phone needing help as Roller dropped a three pointer giving Frankfurt the lead back at 7-6. After Brian Brown

(191-G-79, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Ohio St.) gave TBB Trier the lead back to 8-7, it was time for Grayson Moyer (196-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.) to make his first Beko BBL hoop. He had missed his first four shots, but never gave up. 'Coach kept telling me to shoot if I have an open look. At the start, I was shooting a bit long and I just needed to calm down a bit', said Grayson Moyer (196-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.). Jamal Shuler

(191-G-86) then made a pretty runner in the lane tying the score at ten. With the clock winding down, it was Doliboa that sealed off a fast break after getting a nice pass from Moyer. Frankfurt led 12-10 after one quarter. Both teams were still feeling each other out and it seemed to be taking a lot longer then it should of. TBB Trier was shooting 30% from the field and Frankfurt only 27%, while Trier had the big goose egg from outside and Frankfurt was low at 20%. Frankfurt had the slight rebound advantage at 9-8. TB Trier had three turnovers and Frankfurt two.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners quickly forgot the slow and pathetic non shooting clinic of the first quarter rushing out on a 9-2 run which even got Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) claping his hands on the sidelines. It was American Greg Jenkins (206-F/C-82, college: Iona) and German Dominik Bahiense de Mello (190-G-85, agency: Pro One Sports) that were the Skyliner spark plugs. De Mello made a clutch three pointer and Jenkins showed that he does have a physical side by making two tip ins of Skyliner misses and really teasing George Evans

(202-F/C-71, agency: Court Side, college: George Mason) as if they were little kids on a play ground fighting for the swing. Frankfurt had many players in this phase that were contributing on both ends, while TBB Trier was looking for a player to be their go to guy. But Basketball doesnt only allow runs to one team, but also to the other. TBB Trier fought back and in the shortest time went on a 8-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 21-21 finding their clutch player in Brian Brown

(191-G-79, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Ohio St.). He hit two three pointers including one as the shot clock went off and Shuler scored on a fast break. Frankfurt closed out the second quarter getting some production from Derrick Allen

(203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi). TBB Trier had done a fine job getting 2 big bodies near Allen whenever he had the ball, but in the closing minutes, Allen was free and won two one on one contests with his patented ballerina moves. TBB Trier responded with two buckets inside by Maksym Shtein

(206-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops) and George Evans

(202-F/C-71, agency: Court Side, college: George Mason) where the Frankfurt help defense looked nonexistence. Jamal Shuler

(191-G-86) closed out the second quarter with a jump shot. The score was knotted at 26-26 after 20 minutes. TBB Trier had improved their field goal percentage to 42% while Frankfurt was still miserable at 32%. Both teams were shooting under 30% from the parking lot. Frankfurt was still leading the rebound battle at 13-12. Both teams increased their turnovers in the second quarter as Frankfurt had eight and TBB Trier seven.

The basketball game took more shape in the third quarter as both teams seemed to play more structured ball and at a more higher and ferocious tempo. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners kept the lead in the third quarter and also were controlling the game. Quantez Robertson

(190-G-84, college: Auburn) started with a three pointer showing is offensive skills. He has been in Germany only a week and had a pretty solid debut. 'It felt good to knock down a shot to help the team. I was ok on defense taking some silly fouls. The team did good things on offense and defense', stated Quantez Robertson

(190-G-84, college: Auburn). Allen made a lay in and that was followed by a curious hoop as Aubrey Reese (183-G-78, agency: Interperformances, college: Murray St.) shot an air ball which was caught by Dliboa under the basket and was layed in. Frankfurt had the 34-28 lead and were doing a very good job on defense forcing TBB Trier often to take low percentage shots as the shot clock was winding down. However TBB Trier did not give up as here and there, they could sneak into the zone with easy hoops from Gillingham and Shuler.A 6-0 run was capped off by George Evans

(202-F/C-71, agency: Court Side, college: George Mason) scoring in the zone and tieing the score at 34.

German Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops) came in and did some damage barrelling into the zone for two points. The day that Nolte makes a pretty and conventional hoop is the day when EWE Baskets Oldenburg Rickey Paulding

(196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) decides to stop flying to the hoop. It is not always beautiful, how Nolte scores, but it is efficient. Frankfurt led 36-34 and now all of a sudden, scoring became natural for both teams. Little used Trier hulk Kosta Karamatskos came in and gave TBB Trier needed energy driving to the hoop by Derrick Allen

(203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) as if he were a rookie. Roller and Schuler then traded three pointers and the score was deadlocked at 39. Frankfurt then went into turbo boost mode finishing the third quarter with an 8-2 run to lead 47-41 after 30 minutes. Allen started the charge with a three pointer, which was followed by a Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops) steal and very rare coast to coast run and Aubrey Reese closed out the scoring with a fancy finger tip lay up. 'The level was a lot higher now. Both teams were hitting three pointers and I think if TBB Trier would have hit some more in the last quarter, then hey could of won there already', stated ex TBB Trier player James Marsh (193-F-70, college: Davidson). Frankfurt had reached 40% from the field, while TBB Trier was at 42%. Both teams were still a bit under 30% from three point land and TBB Trier had 10 turnovers and Frankfurt had nine.

In the fourth quarter, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners kept the lead, but were unable to go on a run or get TBB Trier out of range to come back, but they couldnt stop George Evans

(202-F/C-71, agency: Court Side, college: George Mason) from doing damage inside. Evans scored 6 points very close to the basket including a nice reverse layup as Frankfurt either were a step to slow on the help defense or lost the one on one match up. American Derrick Allen

(203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) scored inside giving Frankfurt the 53-47 lead. Then it was time for the Derek Raivio show as he took TBB Trier on a 7-2 run giving clutch and killer instinct a totally new meaning as he showed no fear and made difficult jump shots. His pull up jumper off the dribble brought TBB Trier back to 55-54 and had his teammates and opponents in pure amazement. 'Derek made big shots. He really sparked us in the fourth quarter. Coach wanted him to have the ball in his hands and it was his money time', stressed Jamal Shuler

(191-G-86). 'Raivio was really clutch. I remember watching him when he was at Gonzaga. Despite his youthfulness, he seems to have been around for a while', added Grayson Moyer (196-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.). With Frankfurt leading 55-54, TBB Trier had a chance to take the lead, but were denied after 3-4 chances and Frankfurt had the ball. Reese then missed on a wild penetration into the zone with 13 seconds to play. Shuler then hit two free throws to give TBB Trier the 56-55 lead. Frankfurt had one last chance to win the game, but Reese made only 1 of 2 free throws sending the game into overtime tied at 56. 'We have to learn to finish games. We had some mental lapses down the stretch', commented Grayson Moyer (196-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.). After 40 minutes, TBB Trier was shooting 43% from the field, but Frankfurt had dipped back down to 36%. Both teams were deadlocked at 25% from outside. Both teams had 32 rebounds, while TBB Trier at 13 turnovers and Frankfurt only 10.

In the beginning of the overtime period, Derek Raivio continued his hot shooting exhibiting his nerves of steal with another three pointer. Roller answered with a three pointer tying the score at 59. Evans then made another reverse lay up as no Frankfurt player was near him when he scored. Doliboa made two free throws to tie the score at 61. TBB Trier then took the lead 63-61 with two Brown free throws and they would never trail again. Now Frankfurt had problems executing on offense, missing key free throws and getting very questionable calls. Gillingham made a big three pointer giving TBB Trier the 66-62 lead. Allen and Raivio then made 1 of 2 free throws as TBB Trier led 67-63. Derrick Allen

(203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) then breathed a new breath of life in the Skyliner hopes getting a nasty hoop in traffic inside getting fouled. He missed his free throw, but Frankfurt was down only 67-65. Evans then made two free throws giving TBB Trier the 69-65 lead. Frankfurt now was in the hole as time was running down and TBB Trier had the advantage with the slight lead, clock and foul advantage. In the end, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners lost a game that they never should of lost and can only learn form this experience and win the next time. 'We did get some questionable calls, but that usually happens on the road and we cant use it as an excuse. We put ourselves in a bad situation and should of closed out the game earlier', stressed Grayson Moyer (196-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.).

TBB Trier was led by Jamal Shuler

(191-G-86)rr with 13 points and eight rebounds. I was happy with my game. 'My focus is too play an overall solid game every time', said Jamal Shuler. American Brian Brown

(191-G-79, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Ohio St.) added 12 points, four rebounds and four assists. American George Evans

(202-F/C-71, agency: Court Side, college: George Mason) added ten points, eight rebounds and three assists. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by Derrick Allen with 16 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Seth Doliboa (203-F/C-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wright St.)aa, Pascal Roller

(180-G-76) and Aubrey Reese added six points a piece. Frankfurt shot 36% from the field and 26% from outside, while TBB Trier shot 45% from the field and 32% from outside. TBB Trier was able to win the rebounding battle in overtime 38-34, while Frankfurt had no turnovers in overtime finishing with ten while TBB Trier had 13. It was a bitter start for Frankfurt, but in 48 hours, the Giessen 46ers visit the Ballsporthalle and then TBB Trier will have been long forgotten. 'We have to put this loss behind and focus on Giessen which will be a whole new ball game', warned Grayson Moyer (196-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.). The Deutsche Bank Skyliners host The Giessen 46ERS in the Hessen derby on October 11th at 15:00
)

Wolfgang Gieler Departs From MEG Goettingen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
A few days before the start of the 2009-2010 Beko BBL season, Wolfgang Gieler

(206-C-86, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Siena) decided to leave MEG Goettingen. The 23 year old 206 cm center from Bonn that also had had experience playing in the NCAA at Cal-Irvine told the club that he felt that he could not fulfill his personal goals in Goettingen. MEG Goettingen decided to terminate the contract. 'It is really a pity that Wolfgang doesnt see his future in Goetingen and a bit of a surprise too. We did everything possible that he would feel comfortable here and be able to get a foot into the league. We have accepted his wish to go. After a long thought process, we decided to let him go. One should never hold up travelers', stated MEG Goettinge CEO Marc Franz
Source: www.bg74.de

Sean Finn Refuses To Play For Phoenix Hagen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Sean Finn

(212-C-82, college: Dayton) had only been in Hagen 10 days, but for some reason his stay came abruptly to an end as he decided not to play for his new club. This was not only unlucky for Phoenix Hagen a day before the start of the Beko BBL in Giesen, but a shock as the team could of really used his services under the boards which Giessen easily won 33-27. 'There was absoltuly no indication that this would happen. Finn came ten days ago, was feeling comfortable was practicing and had signed a contract. Yesterday without a plausable reason refused to practice with us and said farewell to his teammates. He also was not willing to speak except to say that he would not play for us', stated Haegn CEO Oliver Herkelmann. Phoenix Hagen lost their opening game in Giessen 83-77 and might have not had clear heads in the game. 'The team is really mad at him. We wont let him go so easily since we dont understand what really happened. I have never seen a player act like this.He will not play this weekend. Whoever doesnt practice and identifys with the club wont play. He has a valid contract and could play. We are checking the options now including the transfer market, because we dont know how this affair wil end', stressed Oliver Herkelmann.
Source: www.phoenix-hagen.de

BEKO Bundesliga Game Day 1 Friday October 9th, 2009 - by Michael Taylor
Beko Basketball Bundesliga tipped off the 2009-2010 season friday night with exciting games all over Germany. Telekom Baskets Bonn, Artland Dragons, EnBW Ludwigsburg, NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig and TBB Trier all took home opening game wins along with both Bundesliga 'Aufsteigers' Phoenix Hagen and MBC who both won on the road.

Friday October 9th, 2009
TELEKOM BASKETS BONN 89 RATIOPHARM ULM 81
Chris Ensminger posted 18pt 6reb, Vincent Yarbrough added 17pt 9boards, Bryce Taylor scored 16pt and Jared Jordan totaled 10pt 14ast leading Telekom Baskets Bonn to an 89-81 opening game road win over ratiopharm Ulm Friday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg. Head coach Michael Koch and his Bonn team raced to a 28-19 lead after 1Q and took a 49-37 margin into half. Ulm responded with a strong 3Q run taking a 66-65 lead after 3. Bonn rebuilt their lead in the 4Q with a solid team effort and hot shooting for the 89-81 win. Bonn shot 55% from the floor including 9 of 15 (60%) from three and 16 of 25 (64%) from the foul line. Bonn also outrebounded Ulm 40-33 in the win. Ulm was led by Robin Benzing and Lee Humphrey who scored 15pt apiece while Coleman Collins added 13pt and Christian Burns 12pt 7reb in the loss. Kevin Kanaskie chipped in 10pt 4ast. Ulm shot 40% from the floor including 8 of 22 from three (36%). Bonn returns home to host Artland Dragons while Ulm travels to MBC Sunday.

ARTLAND DRAGONS 75 MEG GOTTINGEN 73
Folarin Campbell topscored with 15pt and the Artland Dragons got 13pt apiece from Darren Fenn and Ali Seggelke in Friday nights 75-73 home win over MEG Gottingen at Artland Arena. Head Coach Thorsten Liebenath and his Artland team pushed to an early 20-14 lead after 1Q before a 2Q Gottingen run which gave the guests a 38-36 halftime lead. German talents Robert Kulawick (12pt) and Chris McNaughton (11pt) led the Gottingen attack while Chris Oliver added 11pt and Ben Jacobsen finished with 10pt 6reb 5ast for the Violets. Artland shot 45% from the floor including 10 of 26 threes (38%) and 17 of 24 FT (70%) compared with Gottingen's 39% shooting hitting 6 of 22 from three (27%) and 15 of 18 FT (83%). The Dragons outrebounded Gottingen 35-30 in the win. Artland visits Telekom Baskets Bonn Sunday.

EnBW LUDWIGSBURG 98 EISBAREN BREMERHAVEN 85
EnBW Ludwigsburg put 6 players in double figures as they opened their new arean with a 98-85 home win over Eisbaren Bremerhaven Friday night in Ludwigsburg. Michael Haynes led Ludwigsburg with 20pt while Mike King added 16pt 5reb 4ast and Kyle Bailey had 15pt 9reb in the win. Domonic Jones and Richard Chaney chipped in 13pt apiece and Ludwigsburg got 11pt from Kyle Visser. Head Coach Tolga Ongoran was pleased with his teams balanced attack. Leading 20-15 after 1Q, Ludwigsburg broke the game open in the 2Q outscoring Bremerhaven 32-23 to take a 52-38 halftime lead before maintaining for the win. Lou Campbell led Bremerhaven with a fine 19pt 8ast performance while Rodney Buford added 15pt and Adrian Moss 10. Ludwigsburg shot 52% from the floor hitting 12 of 26 threes (46%) and 18 of 26 FT (69%) compared with Bremerhavens 50% floor shooting, 52% from three (12-23) and 71% from the line (15 for 21). Ludwigsburg outrebounded Bremerhaven 32-30. Bremerhaven hosts Braunschweig Monday October 12th.

NEWYORKER PHANTOMS BRAUNSCHWEIG 80 DUSSELDORF GIANTS 67
Michael Hicks hit 4 of 7 threes and Heiko Schaffartzik sank 3 of 6 as both players topscored with 15pts in NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig's 80-67 home win Friday night at Volkswagonhalle. Brandon Thomas also drilled three 3pt shots to add 13pt to the Phantoms attack. Head Coach Sebastian Machowski's Braunschweig team took a 20-12 lead after 1Q and maintained a 37-32 lead at half. A 26-16 3Q gave the Phantoms a 63-48 advantage heading into the 4th before Braunschweig took the season-opening win. Brant Bailey led Dusseldorf with a 16pt 9reb night while Koko Archibong added 15pt and BA Walker 14 in the loss. The big difference in the game came behind the 3pt line where Braunschweig hit 13 of 25 threes (52%) compared with Dusseldorf's 2 for 18 (11%). Conversely, Dusseldorf sank 19 of 25 FT (76%) to Braunschweig's 5 for 7. The Phantoms visit Bremerhaven Monday October 12th.

TBB TRIER 71 DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS 67 OT
TBB Trier edged Deutsche Bank Skyliners 71-67 in overtime Friday night at Trier Arena in an exciting season opening game for both teams. Derek Raivio led Trier with 15pt while George Evans added 14pt 11reb, Brian Brown 14pt and Jamal Shuler 13pt 10reb in the win. A tight game throughout, Frankfurt took a 12-10 lead after 1Q before Trier evened the game at half 26-26. The Skyliners surged ahead to a 47-41 lead after three before Trier outscored Frankfurt 15-9 in the 4th to even the score at 56 at the end of regulation. Trier made a decisive run in overtime to capture the exciting and hardfought 71-67 game 1 win. Head Coach Yves DeFraigne and his Trier team shot 45% from the floor hitting 6 of 19 threes (31%) and 15 of 19 FT (78%) while Frankfurt hit 36% from the field with 7 of 27 threes (25%) and 16 of 22 FT (72%). Trier also edged Frankfurt on the boards 38-34. Skyliners host traditional rival LTi Giessen 46ers Sunday.

MBC 95 WALTER TIGERS TUBINGEN 91 OT
MBC picked up their first win in their first game since returning to the Bundesliga as the Wolves edged Walter Tigers Tubingen 95-91 in overtime Friday night at Paul Horn Arena in Tubingen. Anatoly Kashirov led MBC with a strong 19pt 9reb night while Ivan Elliot added 15pt and Nikhita Khartchenkov sank 4 of 6 threes to finish with 12. Guido Grunheid (11pt) and Johnnie Gilbert (10pt) also reached double figures in the win. Tubingen led 19-15 after 1Q and maintained a 42-38 lead at half. The Tigers carried a 61-54 advantage into the 4th, but MBC stormed back evening the score at 80 at the end of regulation. In overtime, Head Coach Bjorn Harmsen and his MBC team surprised Tubingen taking the win down the stretch 95-91. Romeo Travis was excellent for Tubingen posting a 25pt 16reb double double and Michael Jenkins contribued 22pt in the loss. MBC shot 47% from the floor hitting 9 for 21 (42%) from three and 16 of 27 FT (59%) compared with Tubingen's 44% floor shooting with 7 for 29 threes (24%) and 24 for 33 FT (72%). Tubingen outrebounded MBC 46-35 but the Tigers suffered 22 turnovers in the loss. Walter Tigers Tubingen visits brose Baskets Bamberg Monday October 12th and MBC hosts ratiopharm Ulm Sunday October 11th.

PHOENIX HAGEN 83 LTI GIESSEN 46ers 77
Chase Griffin scored 27pt leading Bundesliga 'Aufsteiger' Phoenix Hagen to a first game 83-77 road win over LTi Giessen 46ers Friday night in Giessen. Hagen took an early 24-12 lead after 1Q and held a 47-37 halftime advantage before holding off a 3Q 46er run that trimmed the score to 63-60 going into the 4th. Hagen held off the Giessen run to earn their hardfought win. Along with Griffin's good game, Hagen received production from Andre McGee (12pt 5ast) and Quentin Pryor (10pt). The 46ers were led by David Teague's 23pt and Lorenzo Williams 21 in the loss. Hagen hit 45% from the field making 4 of 15 threes (26%) and 16 of 23 FT (69%) while Giessen sank 56% with 4 of 14 threes (28%) and 7 of 18 FT (38%). Giessen outrebounded Hagen 34-27 but Hagen had only 8 turnovers compared with 18 for the 46ers. Giessen visits rival Deutsche Bank Skyliners Sunday afternoon for a 3pm tip.

Saturday October 10th
brose Baskets Bamberg @ Ewe Baskets Oldenburg 3:40pm DSF

1.Bundesliga Round: 1 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
LTi 46ers - Hagen 77-83
Hagen upset Giessen away from home. Chase Griffin (188-G-83, college: Pepperdine) was unstoppable with 27 points in the win. Andre McGee added 12 points and 5 assists for the visitors. David Teague notched 23 points for Giessen in defeat.

Walter Tigers - MBC 91-95
Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87, agency: Court Side) scored 19 points and pulled down 9 rebounds to lead MBC past Walter Tigers in his debut game. Ivan Elliott added 15 points for the overtime winners. Romeo Travis responded with 25 points and 16 boards for Tuebingen. Michael Jenkins had 22 points in defeat.

Art.Dragons - Goettingen 75-73
Artland Dragons eked out a tough home win against Goettingen in the opener. Folarin Campbell (193-G/F-86, college: George Mason) was responsible for 15 points in the win. Alexander Seggelke and Darren Fenn contributed 13 points each in the win. Robert Kulawick answered with 12 points for Goettingen.

TBB Trier - Dt.Bank SKY 71-67
TBB Trier needed an overtime to tame Frankfurt at home court. Derek Raivio

(190-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) scored 15 points to lead the hosts. Brian Brown and George Evans added 14 points each in the win. Derrick Allen responded with 19 points and 8 caroms for Skyliners.

NY Phantoms - Duesseldorf 80-67
NY Phantoms earned the first win in the season. They held off Duesseldorf at home court. Heiko Schaffartzik

(182-G-84) and Michael Hicks added 15 points each in the win. Brandon Thomas added 13 points for Braunschweig. Brant Bailey responded with 16 points and 9 boards for Duesseldorf.

ratiopharm - Telekom B. 81-89
The Bundesliga vice-champions claimed the initial win in the season. They toppled ratiopharm Ulm on the road. Chris Ensminger

(209-C-73, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Valparaiso) knocked down 18 points for Bonn. Vincent Yarbrough contributed 17 points and 9 boards in the victory. Robin Benzing and Lee Humphrey answered with 15 points each for Ulm.

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

GREECE

Panathinaikos wins Love Cyprus Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Greek Panathinaikos became the winner of the Love Cyprus Tournament. The team won two games to remain undefeated in triumphed in Cyprus.
In the first game the Greek side overcame APOEL 86:68. The latter played better in the beginning of the game and won the first quarter 25:20. Panathinaikos bounced back in the second frame for 45:38 halftime lead. The margin reached plus 20, when the sides finished the third period with 66:46 for the guests. Panathinaikos led the game to the winning end as Nikola Pekovic

(210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Nick Calathes

(198-G-89, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Florida) top-scored with 17 points each. Robert, Health and King delivered 12 points each in defeat.
In the Final game Panathinaikos beat Russian Khimki 78:72. A great game from both sides was expected even before the tournament. Panathinaikos took 19:14 after the opening quarter and reached 43:36 at the halftime. Both teams tied the third quarter that remained the Greek squad in front at 60:53 and kept the spectators alive for the end of the game. Khimky reduced the gap to 66 points at the final minutes, but could not win the encounter. Nikola Pekovic top-scored for the winners with 20 points, whilst Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) netted 16. Nicholas ended up with 15 and Fotsis added 9. Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) and Keith Langford

(193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) delivered 16 points apiece in the losing effort. Fritz nailed 13 and Lopez netted 7.

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

HOLLAND

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings

1. GasTerra F.	2-0
2. ZZ Leiden	2-0
3. W.Class AA	2-0
4. M.Magix	1-1
5. Upstairs Weert	1-1
6. Eiff.Towers	1-1
7. Amsterdam	1-1
8. DeFriesland	0-2
9. Landstede	0-2
10. Rotterdam	0-2

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie

Eredivisie, Round 2: Three teams remain unbeaten - by Eurobasket News
Landstede - Giants 65-96
The Giants cruised past Landstede in style jumping to perfect 2-0 in Eredivisie. Daniel Faris (206-F-87, agency: Warren Sports International, college: N.Mexico) top-scored in victory with 16, while Brandon Griffin (202-F-82, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: SE Missouri St.) and Bryan Defares added 14 pts each. The hosts (0-2) got 17 points from Larry Cunningham.

M.Magix - ZZ Leiden 62-63
ZZ Leiden grabbed 63-62 thriller win in Nijmegen. Danny Gibson

(180-G-84, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: S.Indiana) and Ronny LeMelle (196-G-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Auburn) led the guests with 16 points each. Markel Humphrey responded with 13 pts in loss. Both teams celebrated in Round 1.

DeFriesland - GasTerra F. 66-76
GasTerra Flames is third team with perfect 2-0 record after 2 Rounds. Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: 540 Sports) shined with 16 points and 7 assists, while Jason Ellis (201-F-82, college: Boise St.) helped Groningen with 12 points and 10 boards. Tristan Blackwood delivered 17 pts for Leeuwarden.

Eiff.Towers - EclipseJet 92-68
In the second playround in the Dutch Eredivisie, Eiffel Towers Den Bosch - EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam ended in a convincing 92-68. Peter Van Paassen

(211-C/F-78, agency: Court Side, college: St.Bonaventure) scored 20 points for the Eiffel Towers Den Bosch during his first game against his former teammates. Anthony Richardson scored 16 points for the Eiffel Towers Den Bosch. Statistical leaders for EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam were Alton Mason (former GasTerra Flames Groningen player) 15 points, Robert Krabbendam 13 points and Jessey Voorn 11. (by Claudia vanGorp)

Upstairs Weert - Challengers 80-63
First win for Weert and second consecutive loss for Rotterdam. Elijah Palmer (201-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Duquesne) was a key player for the hosts with 26 points and 14 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Worthy de Jong (194-G-88) scored 14.

Coach Arik Shivek moved to Dexia Mons-Hainaut - by Fred Roggen
Arik Shivek (agency: Avi Zilberman ) replaces Chris Finch as head coach of Belgian Dexia Mons-Hainaut. The Israeli coach, since 2007 head coach of Eclipse Jet Amsterdam , signed a contract for for the running season with an option for a second year at Dexia Mons-Hainaut. Last season, Shivek became Dutch champion and reached the quarterfinals of the Eurochallenge with Amsterdam.
Shivek knows the Belgian league, he was coach of Antwerp in the period 2005 to 2007.

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

HUNGARY

A Division Stats Leaders

Points Per Game