Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/29/2009

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Men News

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ABA

Dallas Generals Press Conference - by Chris Terrell
Dallas, TX - Earlier this week the Dallas Generals of the American Basketball Association held a press conference on the 38th floor of the Downtown Dallas Sheraton to unveil players and coaches for the upcoming season. Among those in attendance included ESPN, BET, FOX News, Dallas Weekly, Dallas City Council, K104 Radio, Dallas Life Foundation, Dallas Transit 'DART', Sheraton Hotel, Yums Shoes, Black Chamber of Commerce, along with many other sponsors and community organizers.

Due to a partnership with the City of Dallas; The Dallas Generals announced that the team will be playing on Reunion Court at the Coliseum at Fair Park. The near 10,000 seat arena will boast the same 94 feet of hardwood and goals that the Dallas Mavericks played on at Reunion Arena. The Coliseum is located next to the Cotton Bowl in Downtown Dallas and among other activities hosts the State Fair of Texas each year along with concerts and other large scale events.

At the press conference, The Dallas Generals announced the franchise's first head coach, Chris Terrell . Terrell will hold a dual title of Head Coach and Director of Basketball Operations. Among other accomplishments, Terrell was the coach for the Texas Tycoons team that went to the 06/07 ABA championship game while leading the league in scoring en route to a 25-5 record, South Division, and Western Conference Champions. Holding a career winning percentage of .840, Terrell has coached abroad in the professional leagues of CIBACOPA and LNBP, held the position of director of basketball development for the Fort Worth Flyers in the NBA D-League, and was director of basketball operations for the World Basketball Association during 2005 and 2006.

The team also announced they have come to an agreement with the following players:

Anthony Miller (6'11''-C) (Lakers, Rockets, Hawks, 76'ers)
Taurian Fontenette (6'2''-G-82) (Mr. 720 - And-1 phenon with a 50' verticle - The Air up There)
Tyrone Rayson (6'6''-F-80, college: East Central) (All-First Team PBL incl. #1 RPG, #2 PPG, ABA Finalist)
Benny West (6'3''-G-80, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Howard Payne) (Mexico All-Star and Slam Dunk Champion, ABA Finalist)
Brandon Lee (6'2''-G, college: Tarleton St.) (Mexico, Chile, ABA Finalist)
Jerome Rogers (5'10''-G-81, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Texas) (Finland, ABA Finalist)
Jonathan Hopkins (6'10''-F/C-78, college: Tex.A&M-Comm.) (Mexico, Chile, Middle East, ABA Finalist)
Shawn Ward (6'6''-F-78, college: Incarnate World) (Mexico, Argentina, Middle East)

Jonathan Walker (6'3''-G-86, college: McMurry agency: Prossin Sports Management) (Rookie)

Jonathan Amos (6'4''-G-87) (6'4''-G-87, college: Toledo) (Rookie)

Mike Jones (6'8''-F, college: N.Texas) (Mexico, Portugal)

You can get more information on the Dallas Generals on the web at www.dallasgenerals.com Tickets will be available for purchase beginning October 26th by visiting online or by calling team headquarters at 214-484-8071

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ARGENTINA

Joe Williams is new player of independiente (Tandil) - by Diego Calla
After play two games in Atletico Independiente Neuquen Joseph Williams (201-C-79, college: Austin Peay St.)was released by financial problems in the team, Williams arrived from Paraguay only ten days ago where he played in sacachispas in the paraguay National League, he played 2 games with Independiente (neuquen) and he scored 7.5 ppg and 4.5 rpg. but Williams will remain in Argentina because he arranged terms with Independiente Tandil and it will be his new team.
Independiente (Tandil) lost his two first games and Williams replace american player Deshawn Danzey (198-F-84, college: Crichton) who was released after last game. Danzey played 2 games , scored 2.5 ppg and 2.5 rpg.

Bruno Zanotti replace Stalin Ortiz in Regatas corrientes - by Diego Calla
Colombian guard Stalin Ortiz (191-G-81, college: Valparaiso), who averaged just 5.8 points per game in six games, did not satisfy the coaching staff headed by Fabio Demti and will not play in Regatas.
'Unfortunately Stalin (Ortiz) could not adapt to the physical demands of a highly competitive league. The competitiveness and emergencies led us to take the decision, 'said coach Fabio Demti
His place is taken by the Paraguayan player Bruno Zanotti (197-F-82, agency: Megasport, college: Merrimack), today from 10 am will be training with the new team. He was playing in Libertad of Paraguay, where he was champion of National League, and he played recently the classification phase of the American Basketball League 2009, in Parana.

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

1. Obras	5-1
2. Penarol	5-1
3. C.Entrerriano	5-1
4. Atenas	4-2
5. Regatas C.	4-2
6. Libertad	3-1
7. Union S.	3-2
8. Quimsa	3-3
9. Boca Jrs	3-3
10. Sionista	2-2
11. La Union	2-4
12. Quilmes MP	2-4
13. Gimnasia CR	2-4
14. Estudiantes	1-5
15. Lanus	1-5
16. Cicl.Olimpico	0-5

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Fernando FUNES
  C.Entrerriano
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 23.7

1. Funes, C.Entrer.	23.7
2. Cequeira, Sionista	20.3
3. Jackson, La Union	20.3
4. Smith, Estudiantes	20.0
5. Wolkowyski, Libertad.	19.0
6. Moodie, Boca Jrs	18.7
7. Pelussi, Libertad S.	18.3
8. Brown, Libertad S.	17.3
9. Mikulas, Boca Jrs	17.0
10. Robinson, Sionis.	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Federico KAMMERICHS
  Regatas C.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 15.7

1. Kammerichs, Regat.	15.7
2. Abney, Olimpico LB	9.0
3. Osborne, La Union	8.3
4. Wolkowyski, Libertad.	8.0
5. Gomez, Quimsa	8.0
6. Pelussi, Libertad S.	7.8
7. Gonzalez, Quimsa	7.8
8. Mikulas, Boca Jrs	7.5
9. Williams, Union S.	7.3
10. Rollins, Gimnas.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Sebastian GINOBILI
  Libertad S.
  (190-G-72)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Ginobili, Libertad S.	4.8
2. Cadillac, C.Entrer.	4.7
3. Labaque, Obras	4.3
4. Cequeira, Sionista	4.3
5. Martinez, Sionista	3.5
6. Carabajal, Regat.	3.0
7. Figueroa, Atenas	3.0
8. Rodriguez, Penarol	2.7
9. Edwards, Quilm.	2.5
10. Gerbaudo, La Uni.	2.5

Steals Per Game

Fernando FUNES
  C.Entrerriano
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Funes, C.Entrer.	2.8
2. Smith, Estudiantes	2.3
3. Labaque, Obras	2.2
4. Cutley, C.Entrer.	2.2
5. Gil, Union S.	2.2
6. Moodie, Boca Jrs	2.2
7. Lane, C.Entrerriano	2.0
8. Figueroa, Atenas	1.8
9. Mazzaro, Quimsa	1.8
10. Pelussi, Libertad.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Federico KAMMERICHS
  Regatas C.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Kammerichs, Regat.	2.8
2. Johnson, Lanus	1.5
3. Leiva, Penarol	1.2
4. Alloatti, Obras	1.2
5. Williams, Union S.	1.0
6. McFarlan, Union S.	1.0
7. Brown, Libertad S.	1.0
8. Gutierrez, Penarol	0.8
9. Cabello, C.Entrer.	0.8
10. Alston, Boca J.	0.8

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AUSTRALIA

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Kirk PENNEY
  Breakers
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 22

1. Penney, Breakers	22.0
2. McKee, Hawks	21.3
3. Williams, Crocodiles	20.8
4. Cedar, Crocodiles	19.5
5. Worthington, Tig.	18.9
6. Maxey, Blaze	18.8
7. Ubaka, Blaze	18.4
8. Bruton, Breakers	18.2
9. Redhage, Perth	18.2
10. Gilchrist, 36e.	17.2

Rebounds Per Game

Jacob HOLMES
  36ers
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Holmes, 36ers	8.7
2. Maxey, Blaze	8.0
3. Worthington, Tig.	7.9
4. Rickert, Breakers	7.8
5. Davidson, Hawks	7.7
6. Rychart, Taipans	7.5
7. Williams, Crocodiles	7.3
8. Roberts, Crocodiles	7.3
9. Greer, Tigers	6.8
10. Gilchrist, 36e.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Corey WILLIAMS
  Racing
  (200-F-74)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Williams, Crocodiles	6.8
2. McKee, Hawks	4.5
3. Penney, Breakers	4.0
4. Ubaka, Blaze	3.9
5. Bruton, Breakers	3.8
6. Saville, Hawks	3.8
7. Gilchrist, 36ers	3.7
8. Martin, Perth	3.7
9. Gibson, Blaze	3.3
10. Mills, Taipa.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Tywain MCKEE
  Hawks
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 2

1. McKee, Hawks	2.0
2. Jones, Taipans	1.8
3. Saville, Hawks	1.7
4. Martin, Perth	1.5
5. Robbins, Perth	1.3
6. Lisch, Perth	1.2
7. Worthington, Tig.	1.1
8. Crawford, Croco.	1.1
9. Cedar, Crocodiles	1.0
10. Penney, Breake.	1.0

Blocks Per Game

Corey WILLIAMS
  Crocodiles
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Williams, Crocodiles	1.3
2. Maxey, Blaze	1.2
3. Williams, Crocodiles	1.0
4. Worthington, Tig.	1.0
5. Penney, Breakers	0.7
6. Ronaldson, Breakers	0.7
7. Bruton, Breakers	0.7
8. Melzer, Taipans	0.6
9. Gibson, Blaze	0.6
10. Cattalini, Per.	0.5

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

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

Hawks and Tigers open Round 6 in style - by Eurobasket News
The Hawks opened Round 6 with nice home win against the Taipans, 77-67. In two days the Hawks will play another game, but until that time they stay on top of NBL with almost perfect 5-1 record. On the other side, the Taipans dropped to 3-5. Tywain McKee (188-G-86, agency: Liman Sports, college: Coppin St.) shined for the winners with 19 points and 7 assists. Larry Davidson (207-C-83, college: Boise St.) also was good collecting 14 points and 9 boards, while Cameron Tragardh (209-C/F-83, college: ORU) helped with 11 pts. In the loosing squad, Julien Mills (193-G/F-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Ball St.) had 12 pts, 6 rebs and 5 assists. Rich Melzer stopped on 11 points.
Gold Coast has replaced Melbourne at the bottom of the NBL ladder after the Tigers beat them 94-88. The Tigers jumped to 3-4 now, while the Blaze joined GCB with 3-5. The winner had couple of players in a game mood today. Daniel Johnson (212-C-88, college: Pepperdine) was the leading one with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Luke Kendall (193-G-81, college: Metro St.) had 16 pts and 7 rebs, while Mark Worthington

(202-F-83, college: Metro St.) added 15 pts and 8 rebs. James Harvey (196-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) top-scored in defeat with 23 points. Ayinde Ubaka

(193-G-85, college: California) followed with 2 less.
We will have one game tomorrow, one on Friday and two on Saturday.

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AUSTRIA

Standings - 2.Bundesliga

2.Bundesliga Standings

East
1. Mistelbach	2-0
2. Danube City	1-0
3. Baden BJ	1-1
4. Basket 2000	1-1
5. Mattersb.R.	1-1
6. Modling	0-1
7. Amstetten F.	0-1
8. Vienna 87	0-2
South
1. Klagenfurt	2-0
2. Gratkorn	1-1
3. UBSC Graz 2	1-1
4. Villach	0-0
5. ATSE Graz	0-2
West
1. Schwaz	2-0
2. Salzburg	1-1
3. Dornbirn	1-1
4. UBBC Enns	1-1
5. SVO/BRG	1-1
6. Feldkirch	0-2

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Standings - Men

BBL Standings

1. Zalgiris		5-0
2. Siauliai		4-1
3. Lietuvos Rytas		2-0
4. Norrkoping		2-0
5. TTU KK		2-0
6. Kalev/Cramo		2-1
7. Perlas		1-0
8. Aisciai		1-0
9. Rudupis		1-0
10. Tallinna Kalev		1-1
11. Valga Welg		1-1
12. Suduva		1-1
13. Alytus Alita		1-1
14. Techasas		1-1
15. Ventspils		1-2
16. VEF Riga		1-2
17. Liepaja		1-3
18. TU/Rock		1-3
19. Nevezis		1-3
20. Neptunas		0-1
21. Sakalai		0-1
22. Juventus		0-1
23. Zemgale		0-2
24. Keizarmezs		0-2
25. Valmiera		0-3

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jamaal MOORE
  Tallinna Kalev
  (197-F-83)
  Avg: 25

1. Moore, Tallinna Kalev	25.0
2. Osins, Keizarmezs	22.5
3. Tagamets, Valga W.	22.5
4. Gailius, Siauliai	21.2
5. Kieza, Suduva	21.0
6. Covington, Tallin.	21.0
7. Keerles, Kalev/Cr.	20.0
8. Strelnieks, Ventspils	19.7
9. Sirutavicius, Techa.	19.0
10. Bankevics, VEF Ri.	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Lauri HINGLA
  Valga Welg
  (202-C-85)
  Avg: 14

1. Hingla, Valga Welg	14.0
2. Staniulis, Perlas	11.0
3. Watson, Zalgiris	10.7
4. Kieza, Suduva	10.5
5. McNaull, Norrkoping	10.0
6. Bojic, Kalev/Cramo	10.0
7. Pettway, Ventspils	9.5
8. Morrison, TU/Rock	9.0
9. Makke, TTU K.	9.0
10. Griskenas, Techas.	8.5

Assists Per Game

Tomas GAIDAMAVICIUS
  Juventus
  (191-G-82)
  Avg: 9

1. Gaidamaviciu., Juven.	9.0
2. Grant, Norrkoping	7.5
3. Sokk, Kalev/Cramo	7.3
4. Renfroe, VEF Riga	6.7
5. Gervin, Norrkoping	6.5
6. Pranciliausk., Sakal.	6.0
7. Kazevicius, Alytus A.	6.0
8. Peciukeviciu., Aisci.	6.0
9. Ivanauskas, Alytus A.	5.5
10. Slezas, Perl.	5.0

Steals Per Game

Robertas BITINAS
  Neptunas
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 6

1. Bitinas, Neptunas	6.0
2. Leonavicius, Sakalai	5.0
3. Aleksandrova., Alytus A.	4.5
4. Kurauskas, Neptunas	4.0
5. Arbet, Kalev/Cramo	3.5
6. Watson, Zalgiris	3.3
7. Chmieliauska., Suduva	3.0
8. Cizikas, Suduva	3.0
9. Petraitis, Siauliai	3.0
10. Kelys, Perl.	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Gediminas ZYLE
  Aisciai
  (210-C-88)
  Avg: 3

1. Zyle, Aisciai	3.0
2. Silins, Keizarmezs	3.0
3. Valanciunas, Perlas	3.0
4. Kieza, Suduva	3.0
5. Saks, TTU K.	3.0
6. Toome, TTU K.	3.0
7. Ezerskis, Techasas	2.5
8. Baynes, Lietuvos.	2.5
9. Pettway, Ventspils	2.0
10. Begic, Zalgir.	2.0

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BOSNIA

Bosna ASA BHT looses Jovanovic to injury, brings in Feliks Kojadinovic - by Eurobasket News
Bosna ASA BHT failed in Adriatic League this weekend and it came with another bad news. During the matchup against Cedevita, Zlatko Jovanovic (181-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) had to leave the game because of foot injury. He did not return to the court, and according to reports from Bosnian media, his injury seems to be of serious nature. It is expected that Jovanovic will be out of action for at least 6 weeks.
Meanwhile, Bosna's management agreed one month trial with Feliks Kojadinovic (197-G-79, agency: World Sport Agency). Experienced player should join Bosna in the coming days, and in the next period he will try to persuade staff to offer him a deal until the end of the season.
Zlatko Jovanovic started his career with Polet Keramika Novi Becej where he played for four seasons before moving to Banjalucka Pivarna in 2005. Last season, Jovanovic had great season at Sloboda Dita Tuzla which prompted Bosna ASA BHT to bring him in during the summer. Good games for Sloboda landed him several individual acclaims last season such as All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Player of the Year, Bosnia and Herzegovina League All-Defensive Team and All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Guard of the Year. He also got invitation to join Bosnian NT this summer.
Feliks Kojadinovic is an experienced player who started his career in 1997 with Borac Nektar Banja Luka. He has also played for the likes of Vojvodina Novi Sad, VVS Samara, PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki, Costa Cafe Marousi and others. Last season, he played for Ukrainian outfit Cherkasy Monkeys. He appeared in 33 league games and has posted averages of 10 points, 6.6 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game.

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CANADA

The Ryerson Rams Host European Pro Team - by John Gary
courtesy basketball.ca The Ryerson Rams mens basketball team will continue its pre-season schedule on saturday when it plays host to European team Prokom from Poland,Prokoms senior mens team plays in the Euroleague,the second highest level of competition in mens basketball after the NBA. Prokom will be sending its developmental team as part of a Canadian tour that Rams head coach Ray rana helped to plan and set up. Ryerson will be one of several universities that Prokom will visit during its time in Canada. The game will mark a change in the preseason schedule. Ryerson,until now only has played teams in the Canadian INTER UNIVERSITY CIS.

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CHILE

Dimayor: Quarterfinals Game 1 & 2 results - by Daniel Valencia
Liceo Mixto, Deportivo Valdivia and Universidad de Concepcion took a 2-0 lead in their quarterfinal series, winning both games at home and now one step away form the semifinals. Boston College, already qualified to the semifinals after Provincial Osorno retired from the tournament due to financial problems.

Quarterfinals Game 1

Liceo Mixo 78 - Espanol de Talca 71
Lic: Thurman Zimmerman 19 pts.
Esp: Guillermo Araujo 27 pts.

CD Universidad de Concepcion 76 - Provincial Llanquihue 73
Ucon: Eduardo Marechal 22 pts.
Llan: Jose Luis Campos 30 pts.

Deportivo Valdivia 74 - Universidad Catolica 45
Val: Jonathan Heard 20 pts.
Uc. Scott Rodgers 24 pts.

Quarterfinals Game 2

Liceo Mixto 97 - Espanol de Talca 66
Lic: Thurman Zimmerman 18 pts.
Esp: Jose Madrid 23 pts.

CD Universidad de Concepcion 94 - Provincial Llanquihue 78
Ucon: Evandro Arteaga 33 pts.
Llan: Leonel Mendez 21 pts.

Deportivo Valdivia 68 - Universidad Catolica 56
Val: Jonathan Heard 18 pts.
Uc: Ruben Molina 16 pts.

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

CHINA

Guangdong Wins Title at Chinese National Games - by Arthur Volbert
Zhu Fangyu (201-F-83) scored 43 points to lead Guangdong to an 81-76 victory over Shandong and to the championship of the Chinese National Games. Wang Shipeng scored 14 points and Du Feng added 10. Chen Jianghua had 8 points. Mengke Bateer led Shandong with 27 points and 5 rebounds. Yang Ming scored 13. Guangdong led 24-21 after one quarter, 49-40 at the half and 67-55 after three quarters. Guangdong proved that it did not need Yi Jianlian to win the title, and benefited from giving valuable experience to its two talented young seven-footers, Su Wei and Wang Zheng.

I would like to thank pryuen of http://www.yaomingmania.com/forum/index.php for information contributing to this story.

The People's Liberation Army took third place with a 103-94 victory over Jiangsu. Wang Zhizhi was dominant with 33 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Mo Ke had 27 points, Chen Ke had 13 and Hu Ke had 10. Li Nan added 4 points as he winds down his career. Meng Da had 34 points and appears to have become Jiangsu's main scoring option. Yi Li had 20 points. Tang Zhengdong had 19 points and 7 rebounds. Liu Yahui (206-F-88) had 15 points. Hu Xuefeng was held to 4 points.

Hubei defeated Xinjiang for fifth place 71-68. Zhang Kai had 21 points for Hubei. Qiu Biao had 19 and Song Kanming had 13. Xu Guozhong and Xirelijiang Muhetaer each had 22 points for Xinjiang.

Liaoning defeated Jilin 108-96 to gain seventh place. Veteran Bian Qiang led Liaoning with 28 points. Li Xiaoxu had 23 points, Liu Shunan (198-F-90) had 21, Han Dejun (215-C-89) had 17 and Zhang Qingpeng added 10. Yu Shulong (185-G-90) had 22 points for Jilin. Zhong Cheng and Liu Wei each scored 17. Zhang Baio and Sun Tanglin each scored 13.

Several young standouts emerged from this tournament, players who had limited roles or no roles last year but who have performed consistently well this year.

The most interesting prospect is Song Kangming (208-F-87) from Hubei, nee Dongguan. This powerful 208 cm youngster is the type of strong inside presence that China has to develop to truly attain a top position in international basketball. Han Dejun of Liaoning is a late-developing massive seven-footer. When I first heard of him a few years ago he was only 208 cm. So either he had a very late growth spurt and was actually born in in 1987, as first listed. Or they lied to make him older then, because he was not thought of as a prime basketball prospect, and he was truly born in 1989, as currently listed.

Yu Shulong of Jilin is a highly-promising young point guard. He was on China's under-18 team at the Asian Championship in 2008 and is one of the candidates for China's point guard of the future. Xirelijiang Muhetaer, a point guard, appears bo be Xinjiang's top young prospect. Sui Ran (193-G-92) put in several strong performances for Shandong. Liu Yahui is emerging as a power forward for Jiangsu and Liu Shunan as a perimeter player for Liaoning.

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

CROATIA

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Toni BIZACA
  Trogir
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 28.5

1. Bizaca, Trogir	28.5
2. Vragovic, Dubrava	23.5
3. Sakic, Dubrava	23.0
4. Meznaric, Darda	19.0
5. Drezga, Trogir	18.0
6. Vukicevic, Svjetlost	18.0
7. Soda, Trogir	18.0
8. Petani, Borik	17.5
9. Macura, KK Split	17.0
10. Ridl, Dar.	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Filip VUKICEVIC
  Svjetlost
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 13

1. Vukicevic, Svjetlost	13.0
2. Bilan, Sibenik	8.5
3. Bizaca, Trogir	8.0
4. Sakic, Dubrava	8.0
5. Macura, KK Split	7.5
6. Krapic, Zabok	7.0
7. Maric, Dubrava	7.0
8. Krolo, Darda	7.0
9. Kolovrat, Zabok	6.5
10. Ridl, Dar.	6.5

Assists Per Game

Igor SUMIC
  KK Split
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 9

1. Sumic, KK Split	9.0
2. Tomeljak, Zabok	6.5
3. Vragovic, Dubrava	5.5
4. Cosic, Svjetlost	4.5
5. Petkovic, Sibenik	4.5
6. Blajic, Trogir	4.5
7. Ridl, Darda	4.0
8. Camagajevac, Darda	4.0
9. Drazovic, Borik	4.0
10. Norac, Svjetlo.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Teo PETANI
  Borik
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Petani, Borik	4.5
2. Petkovic, Sibenik	3.5
3. Pavic, Borik	3.0
4. Blajic, Trogir	3.0
5. Batina, KK Split	3.0
6. Babic, KK Split	2.5
7. Sumic, KK Split	2.5
8. Caktas, Svjetlost	2.5
9. Sobin, KK Split	2.0
10. Rezic, Kaste.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Toni BIZACA
  Trogir
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Bizaca, Trogir	4.5
2. Macura, KK Split	4.5
3. Delas, KK Split	1.5
4. Sakic, Dubrava	1.0
5. Babic, KK Split	1.0
6. Soda, Trogir	1.0
7. Radic, Kastela	1.0
8. Budimir, Zabok	1.0
9. Olivari, Borik	1.0
10. Bosnjak, Dubra.	0.5

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

CYPRUS

The most unlucky Cyprus International player - by Chris Mammides
One of the top performers Cyprus international players who actually make Cyprus proud for his great achievements, Vassilis Kounas (195-G-84) is among the most unlucky players in the modern history of Cyprus Basketball. The powerful and experience guard (one of the steadiest players in the last three years in the Greek A2) got seriously injured after just two weeks from the beginning of the A2 league. His injury is so serious that he will be staying out of the courts for at least seven months! This is the second time in his career that gets so seriously injured as in his first attend in A2 after leaving the Cyprus league and his ex team APOEL, and the Second division leagues with a number of teams (starting of AONS Milonas Athens) the young Vassilis got seriously injured and lost once more the 70% of the season. Vassilis is in his most mature age and that is why this season was much closed to sign a contract in the A1 team of AS Trikala 2000 of Head Coach Vangelis Agelou . His career the last three years had a positive feedback and many coaches and scouters were looking at his performance in a great extent, his career especially the last two season got elevated as he was the top performer in his team and among the top performers in the league. This season also participated in the Cyprus NT (partially) as he has been called after many forgotten years in the Greek league.
Eurobasket.com wishes to the international player a very fast recovery and very soon to be again alive and kicking in the courts of the Greek league. All the best to Vassilis

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. CEZ Nymburk	8-0
2. BK Prostejov	8-0
3. BK Decin	6-2
4. BK Pardubice	6-2
5. Novy Jicin	6-2
6. BK B&W Opava	3-5
7. BC Kolin	3-5
8. Podebrady	3-5
9. Basketbol Brno	3-5
10. USK Praha	2-6
11. NH Ostrava	0-8
12. Vysehrad	0-8

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Myles MCKAY
  USK Praha
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 23.6

1. McKay, USK P.	23.6
2. Hatcher, BK Decin	19.9
3. Stria, Podebrady	18.3
4. Jones, BC Kolin	17.8
5. Smith, BC Kolin	17.4
6. Chan, BK Prostejov	16.9
7. Lewis, CEZ Nymburk	16.9
8. Houska, BK Decin	16.4
9. Castleberry, Podeb.	16.3
10. Meno, Basket.	16.1

Rebounds Per Game

Tremaine FORD
  USK Praha
  (207-F-86)
  Avg: 12.1

1. Ford, USK Praha	12.1
2. Meno, Basketbo.	7.9
3. Chan, BK Prostejov	7.8
4. Houska, BK Decin	7.6
5. Landry, BK Prost.	7.3
6. Castleberry, Podeb.	7.0
7. Platt, BC Kolin	6.8
8. McKay, USK P.	6.6
9. Steffel, Novy Jicin	6.6
10. Houska, BK Dec.	6.5

Assists Per Game

Eugene LAWRENCE
  BK Prostejov
  (184-G-86)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Lawrence, BK Prost.	5.6
2. Carnecky, BK B&W O.	4.3
3. Hatcher, BK Decin	4.3
4. Jones, BC Kolin	4.0
5. Mitchell, NH Os.	3.9
6. Sanders, Novy Jicin	3.9
7. Wright, BK Pardu.	3.8
8. McKay, USK P.	3.3
9. Stria, Podebrady	3.1
10. Kotas, USK Pra.	3.1

Steals Per Game

Eugene LAWRENCE
  BK Prostejov
  (184-G-86)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Lawrence, BK Prost.	2.8
2. Hanavan, CEZ N.	2.7
3. Wright, BK Pardu.	2.6
4. Mitchell, NH Os.	2.6
5. Sirina, BK B&W O.	2.3
6. Stria, Podebrady	2.3
7. Kotas, USK Praha	2.1
8. Pandula, Novy Jicin	2.1
9. Muirhead, Novy Jicin	2.1
10. Novak, BK B&W.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Stephen CASTLEBERRY
  Podebrady
  (214-C-81)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Castleberry, Podeb.	2.7
2. Steffel, Novy Jicin	2.5
3. Meno, Basketbo.	2.1
4. Pelikan, Novy Jicin	2.0
5. Walker, Novy Jicin	2.0
6. Chan, BK Prostejov	2.0
7. Dousa, BK B&W O.	1.3
8. Horak, Podebrady	1.3
9. Nuber, Podebrady	1.2
10. Landry, BK Pro.	1.1

NBL Round: 8 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
BK Decin - BK B&W Opava 82-76
Decin posted the sixth win as they prevailed against Opava. Wiliam Hatcher (188-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Miami, OH) knocked down 22 points for Decin. Pavel Houska delivered 18 points, 10 caroms and 5 assists in the winning effort. Daniel Dousa had 17 points and 6 rebounds for Opava.

Podebrady - NH Ostrava 90-85
Lubos Stria (197-G/F-81) knocked down 25 points to lead Podebrady past Ostrava. Stephen Castleberry delivered 19 points and 11 boards for the winners. Mike Mitchell responded with 21 points, 7 steals and 5 boards for Ostrava.

Vysehrad - CEZ Nymburk 47-96
Nymburk have little noticed Vysegrad rallying to a comprehensive road win. Petr Benda

(203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) scored 19 points for the defending champions. Pavel Slezak added 14 points in the win. Marek Smula had 10 points for Vysegrad in defeat.

BK Prostejov - Basketbol Brno 86-70
Prostejov remained undefeated as they tamed Brno at home. Kyle Landry (206-F-86, college: N.Arizona) knocked down 17 points for one of the league leaders. Ales Chan top-scored with 19 points for Prostejov. Brno answered with 18 points from Stepan Reinberger.

BK Pardubice - USK Praha 96-70
Pardubice eased past USK Praha to improve at 6-2 record. Pavel Milos (200-F-79, agency: PPGroup) knocked down 26 points for the winners. Maurice Hampton added 18 points for Pardubice. Myles McKay answered with 18 points as USK Praha slipped at 2-6.

Novy Jicin - BC Kolin 97-82
Novy Jicin held off Kolin as six players scored in double figures. Corey Muirhead

(198-F-83, college: W.Carolina) stepped up with 18 points and 5 assists. Dusan Pandula and Kenneth Walker had 15 points each in the victory. David Machac answered with 17 points for Kolin.

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

D-LEAGUE

Madsen had Greek offer but opted to sign with Utah Flash - by Gerard Lim
Mark 'Mad Dog' Madsen now the Assistant coach of the Utah Flash explained in an NBA.com interview that his decision to hang up his jersey and call it quits was based on the fact that most NBA teams nowadays are hoping to carry only 13 players as the season progresses. Madsen, in his previous seasons in the league has been accustomed to the 14th to 15th man role and in today's NBA climate the opportunities seemed slim. But besides the NBA he also had a standing offer with a Greek team but ultimately his conversation with head coach Brad Jones and the organization was what convinced him to take a chance and take the position.

Mark Madsen, who replaces Dale Osbourne, expects to bring a lot to the table in his rookie season as an assistant coach. 'I really want to learn Brad Jones basketball philosophy. That was one of the big things that was really attractive about this job. The second standpoint is that Brad runs the Jazz offense and I know bits and pieces of it from having to defend it over the years, but I am excited to learn it from the inside. Its exciting. Its Jerry Sloans stuff! I know the triangle [offense] from Phil Jackson and now to learn the Utah offense is exciting to me.'

Former Jam players make NBA rosters - by Eurobasket News
The Bakersfield Jam proudly announced that two former players have secured roster spots on NBA teams for 2009-10 season. Derrick Byars (6'8''-G/F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) (2008-09 season) will be playing in Chicago with the Bulls while Patrick O'Bryant (7'0''-C-86, college: Bradley) (2007-08 season) will be playing in Toronto with the Raptors.

'My season spent with the D-League's Bakersfield Jam was beneficial in many ways.' Byars stated. 'It allowed me to play against quality competition in games as well as hone my skills on a daily basis behind Coach Roth and his staff. My teammates challenging me to get better also served well for my transition to landing an NBA roster spot.'

An all-time high 63 players with NBA Development League experience highlight 2009-10 NBA opening day rosters. The 63 former NBA D-Leaguers on NBA opening day rosters surpasses the previous highs of 60 featured on 2008-09 NBA start-of-season rosters, and the 44 former NBA D-Leaguers on 2007-08 opening day rosters. In just four years, the number of former NBA D-League players on NBA start-of-season rosters has nearly doubled, going from 35 on opening day in 2006-07 to 63 today.

Twenty-nine of 30 NBA teams feature at least one player with NBA D-League experience, while the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors each have four former NBA D-Leaguers on their respective rosters. Two members of the 2008 NBA D-League Champion Colorado 14ers are on NBA rosters, with Trey Gilder suiting up for the Memphis Grizzlies and Sonny Weems joining the Raptors.

The NBA regular season begins tonight as the Boston Celtics visit the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Washington Wizards visit the Dallas Mavericks, the Houston Rockets visit the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers visit the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Courtesy of The Bakersfield Jam

Three former Skyforce players in NBA rosters - by Eurobasket News
The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced today that three former players made 2009-10 NBA opening day rosters. Ten former players were invited to NBA training camps at the end of September.

Following is the list of former players on NBA opening day rosters:

Name, NBA Team, Last Season in S.F.

Alexis Ajinca

(7'1''-C-88) * Charlotte Bobcats 2008-09

Stephen Graham (6'6''-G-82, college: Oklahoma St.) Charlotte Bobcats 2006-07

Amir Johnson

(6'9''-F/C-87) *Toronto Raptors 2006-07

* - NBA Assigned Player

The NBA regular season begins tonight as the Boston Celtics visit the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Washington Wizards visit the Dallas Mavericks, the Houston Rockets visit the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers visit the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Season tickets and 12-ticket flex packs are on sale for the 2009-10 season. Discounts and benefits are also available for groups of 10 or more. Single game tickets will go on sale on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. The home opener is set for Friday, Nov. 27 against the expansion Maine Red Claws. For more information please contact a Skyforce representative at (605) 332-0605.

Courtesy of The Sioux Falls Skyforce

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

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Marlon Martinez Back in La Vega - by Oscar Peralta
Marlon Martinez (204-F/C-79) who just came back from Colombia, signs with Dosa for the La Vega Regional Tournament. He will be joining a team that is doing very well and is holding the number 1 spot at the moment. Is expected for Marlon Martinez (204-F/C-79) to have an immediate impact because of his great performance in Colombia and the fact he is coming from playing he should be in great shape. The fact is he will make the team better when is all said and done.

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

EGYPT

Super League Standings

Superleague Standings

1. Al Ittihad	4-0
2. Gezira	4-0
3. Zamalek	3-1
4. Ahly	3-1
5. Somouha	3-1
6. Shorta-Police	2-2
7. Sporting	2-2
8. Al-Intaj	1-3
9. Geish Army	1-3
10. Gasco	1-3
11. Shark ins.	0-4
12. Tanta	0-4

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

ESTONIA

Standings - KML

EMKL Standings

1. TTU KK	4-0
2. Rakvere	3-0
3. TU/Rock	1-1
4. Kalev/Cramo	1-1
5. Tallinna Kalev	1-2
6. Parnu	1-2
7. Valga Welg	1-2
8. Kuremaa	0-4

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

EUROLEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Qyntel WOODS
  Assec.Prokom
  (204-F/G-81)
  Avg: 22.5

1. Woods, Assec.Pr.	22.5
2. Salyers, Le Mans	21.5
3. Foster, EWE B.	20.0
4. Hackett, Benetton.	17.5
5. Hackett, Benetton.	17.5
6. Hackett, Benetton.	17.5
7. Hackett, Benetton.	17.5
8. Paulding, EWE B.	17.5
9. Traore, AS.	17.5
10. Jenkins, AL.	17.3

Rebounds Per Game

Aaron PETTWAY
  Ventspils
  (211-C-80)
  Avg: 17

1. Pettway, Ventspils	17.0
2. Pettway, Ventspils	17.0
3. Watson, Zalgiris	14.0
4. Pettway, Ventspils	12.5
5. Pettway, Ventspils	12.5
6. Pettway, Ventspils	12.5
7. Pettway, Ventspils	12.5
8. Woods, Assec.Pr.	10.0
9. Burrell, Assec.Pr.	10.0
10. Riddick, Charler.	8.5

Assists Per Game

Terrell MCINTYRE
  Montepaschi
  (175-G-77)
  Avg: 11

1. McIntyre, Montepas.	11.0
2. Popovic, Lietuvos.	10.0
3. Rubio, Regal Barca	9.0
4. Cook, Unicaja	5.5
5. Khryapa, CSKA	5.0
6. Papaloukas, Olymp.	5.0
7. Prigioni, Real Madrid	4.5
8. Foster, EWE B.	4.5
9. Johnson, Charleroi	4.0
10. Lukauskis,.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Terrell MCINTYRE
  Montepaschi
  (175-G-77)
  Avg: 7

1. McIntyre, Montepas.	7.0
2. Jurevicus, Ventspils	4.0
3. Jurevicus, Ventspils	4.0
4. Jurevicus, Ventspils	4.0
5. Jurevicus, Ventspils	4.0
6. Perperoglou, Panath.	4.0
7. Wright, Le Mans	4.0
8. Wisniewski, Maccabi .	4.0
9. Lavrinovic, Montepas.	3.0
10. Jurevicus, Ventspi.	3.0

Blocks Per Game

D''or FISCHER
  Maccabi T-A
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 5

1. Fischer, Maccabi .	5.0
2. Baynes, Lietuvos.	4.0
3. Pettway, Ventspils	3.0
4. Pettway, Ventspils	3.0
5. Pettway, Ventspils	2.5
6. Pettway, Ventspils	2.5
7. Pettway, Ventspils	2.5
8. Pettway, Ventspils	2.5
9. Shermadini, Panath.	2.0
10. Kalnietis, Zalgir.	2.0

Standings

Euroleague Standings

Group A
1. Regal Barca		1-0
2. Montepaschi		1-0
3. Zalgiris		1-0
4. Fener.Ulker		1-1
5. Cibona		0-1
6. ASVEL		0-2
Group B
1. Unicaja		2-0
2. Lietuvos Rytas		1-0
3. Olympiakos		1-1
4. Efes Pilsen		0-1
5. Partizan		0-1
6. Orleans		0-1
Group C
1. Lottomatica		2-0
2. Maccabi T-A		1-0
3. CSKA		1-1
4. Caja Laboral		0-1
5. C.C. Marousi		0-1
6. U.Olimpija		0-1
Group D
1. Panathinaikos		1-0
2. Khimky		1-0
3. EWE Baskets		1-1
4. Real Madrid		1-1
5. Armani MI		1-1
6. Assec.Prokom		0-2

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

FINLAND

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings

1. Pyrinto	7-1
2. Kouvot	6-2
3. Korihait	6-2
4. LrNMKY	6-2
5. ToPo	6-2
6. Honka	5-3
7. KTP	3-5
8. FoKoPo	2-6
9. Namika Lahti	2-6
10. Salon Vilpas	2-6
11. Kataja	2-6
12. Kauhajoki	1-7

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Herman FAVORS
  JKS
  (174-G-84)
  Avg: 34

1. Favors, JKS	34.0
2. Swanston, Lapua	25.0
3. Haynes, Lapua	24.5
4. Stamper, JKS	22.8
5. Conerly, Tarmo	21.8
6. Haanpaa, Kerava ET	20.3
7. Leggett, Huima	20.3
8. Graham, Tarmo	19.8
9. Jallow, JKS	19.5
10. Egwuatu, Kerava	17.8

Rebounds Per Game

Bryant NASH
  Lapua
  (198-F-81)
  Avg: 19

1. Nash, Lapua	19.0
2. Pichon, LoKoKo	13.0
3. Douglas, Ura Basket	12.3
4. Leggett, Huima	12.0
5. Stamper, JKS	12.0
6. Thomas, LoKoKo	11.8
7. McCulloch, BC No.	11.0
8. Jallow, JKS	10.8
9. McMillion, Lapua	9.7
10. Sampay, Hui.	9.5

Assists Per Game

Herman FAVORS
  JKS
  (174-G-84)
  Avg: 7

1. Favors, JKS	7.0
2. Conerly, Tarmo	5.5
3. Nikitin, Honka	4.8
4. Riihela, BC Nokia	3.3
5. Viertola, JKS	3.0
6. Ahila, Jyvaskyla	2.8
7. Bakradze, Lapua	2.7
8. Laaksonen, BC Nokia	2.5
9. Douglas, Ura Basket	2.5
10. Egwuatu, Kerava	2.3

Steals Per Game

Aubrey CONERLY
  Tarmo
  (183-G-83)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Conerly, Tarmo	3.8
2. Stamper, JKS	3.0
3. Rokala, Ura Basket	3.0
4. Hirvikoski, BC No.	2.5
5. Still, Tarmo	2.3
6. Pekkola, Namika II	2.0
7. Tuunanen, Kerava ET	2.0
8. Favors, JKS	2.0
9. Pasanen, Jyvaskyla	2.0
10. Pichon, LoKo.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Herman FAVORS
  JKS
  (174-G-84)
  Avg: 1

1. Favors, JKS	1.0
2. Santa, Huima	1.0
3. Alanen, Namika II	1.0
4. Leggett, Huima	0.8
5. Graham, Tarmo	0.8
6. Hassinen, Wartti	0.8
7. Johansson, Namika I.	0.8
8. Maki-Tulokas, Tar.	0.8
9. McMillion, Lapua	0.7
10. Sirvo, Namika	0.5

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

Obie TROTTER
  ToPo
  (186-G-84)
  Avg: 25.6

1. Trotter, ToPo	25.6
2. Hickman, Namika Lahti	24.3
3. Johnson, LrNM.	23.7
4. Ivey, Kataja	22.0
5. Reid, Korihait	21.3
6. Elliott, Honka	20.8
7. Virtanen, Kataja	20.6
8. Turner, LrNM.	20.4
9. Spencer, KTP	20.3
10. Lowe, Pyrin.	20.1

Rebounds Per Game

Lawrence HAMM
  Salon Vilpas
  (198-F-84)
  Avg: 13.3

1. Hamm, Salon Vilpas	13.3
2. McDade, KTP	11.5
3. Vinson, FoKoPo	11.4
4. Williams, Pyrinto	10.4
5. Kaunisto, Kouvot	9.6
6. Spencer, KTP	8.9
7. Neltner, Kouvot	8.8
8. Rouse, Namika L.	8.6
9. Davis, LrNM.	8.3
10. Jones, Kauhajo.	8.3

Assists Per Game

Matthew GIBSON
  LrNMKY
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 5

1. Gibson, LrNM.	5.0
2. Hickman, Namika Lahti	4.7
3. Davis, LrNM.	4.0
4. Burgess, Salon Vilpas	3.9
5. Suonio, Namika Lahti	3.4
6. Sarcevic, Korihait	3.3
7. Favors, KTP	3.2
8. Gonner, Korihait	3.1
9. Williams, Pyrinto	3.1
10. Elliott, Hon.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Ricky HICKMAN
  Namika Lahti
  (190-G-85)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Hickman, Namika Lahti	3.7
2. Gibson, LrNM.	3.0
3. Davis, LrNM.	3.0
4. Elliott, Honka	2.8
5. Trotter, ToPo	2.6
6. Washington, KTP	2.3
7. Davis, Kataja	2.3
8. Cummings, Honka	1.9
9. Turner, LrNM.	1.9
10. Sarcevic, Koriha.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Eric WASHINGTON
  KTP
  (192-F/G-74)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Washington, KTP	1.3
2. Hickman, Namika Lahti	1.3
3. Ivey, Kataja	1.0
4. Mulligan, Namika L.	1.0
5. Chones, Kataja	0.9
6. Riley, Namika Lahti	0.9
7. Rouse, Namika L.	0.8
8. Huuskonen, Kauha.	0.8
9. Jones, Kauhajoki	0.7
10. Shiloh, Kouv.	0.6

KORISLIIGA: Hanno Mottola and the operation - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, Round 8: Six contests tonight and five home victories. The only win on the road taking place in Forssa, where Kouvot (Kouvola) crushed FoKoPo by 30 pts 77-107! Ajene Moye (193-G-82, college: Indiana) led Kouvot with 27 pts. Ville Kaunisto (204-F-82, agency: Rasmussen Services) added 24 and Ross Neltner 20 pts. Pyrinto (Tampere) had a 55-25 lead vs Karhu (Kauhajoki) during the half time. The bench got then plenty of playing time during the second half and the final difference was 'only' 12 pts between teams # 1 and # 12. Damon Williams (201-F-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) led Pyrinto with 21 pts and 11 rbs. YMCA Lappeenranta winning the sixth game in a row when beating visitor Vilpas (Salo) 93-77. Anthony Johnson (197-G/F-79, agency: Liman Sports, college: La-Lafayette), Sami Pekkola (200-F-83) and Robert Turner (206-C-82, college: Pepperdine) scored 20+ pts. KTP (Kotka) had five players in double digits as they defeated Honka (Espoo) by 15 pts 88-73. Isaac Spencer (198-F-77, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Murray St.) led KTP with 22 pts. Eric Washington added 19 pts and grabbed 13 rbs. In Uusikaupunki local Korihait had to work hard to win over Kataja (Joensuu) by seven: 95-88. There were 14 lead changes and eight ties during the 'fight'. Bojan Sarcevic (190-G-88) scored his personal high 25 pts for the hosts. In Helsinki also a close game, when Torpan Pojat winning over YMCA Lahti 73-69 after nine ties and 13 lead changes. Obie Trotter (186-G-84, college: Alabama A&M) led ToPo with 22 pts. Corey Smith (195-G/F-83, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Vanderbilt) still on injured list (knee) as well as Hanno Mottola (209-F/C-76, college: Utah) (achilles tendon). Mottola will be operated this week Friday and Finnish NT F-C will be back on basketball courts first in February 2010.
Pyrinto - Kauhajoki 90-78 (55-25) (Damon Williams 21/11, Kenny Lowe 17, Jesse Niemi 15 - Marcel Jones 19/10, Aleksi Huuskonen 12, Maurice Horton 11).
YMCA Lappeenranta - Vilpas 93-77 (43-36) (Anthony Johnson 23, Sami Pekkola 22, Robert Turner 20/11 - Lawrence Hamm 21/14, Charlie Burgess 14, Darryl Dora 14).
KTP - Honka 88-73 (51-38) (Isaac Spencer 22, Eric Washington 19/13, Pasi Heinonen 15 - Tuukka Kotti 20, Monte Cummings 20, Jukka Matinen 14).
Torpan Pojat - YMCA Lahti 73-69 (27-27) (Obie Trotter 22, Timo Heinonen 15, Samuel Haanpaa 15 - Corey Rouse 18, Riacky Hickman 17, Ville Vesala 8).
Korihait - Kataja 95-88 (46-46) (Bojan Sarcevic 25, Ray Cunningham 14, Jussi Kumpulainen 13 - Jeb Ivey 24, Petri Virtanen 18, Kendal Chones 16).
FoKoPo - Kouvot 77-107 (38-45) (Ashley Champion 24, Durell Vinson 13, Rodrick Stewart 12 - AJ Moye 27, Ville Kaunisto 24, Ross Neltner 20).

Korisliiga Round: 8 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
LrNMKY - Salon Vilpas 93-77
LrNMKY edged Salon Vilpas 93:77 as Anthony Johnson (197-G/F-79, agency: Liman Sports, college: La-Lafayette), Pekkola Sami and Turner Robert combined 65 points for the winners. Hamm Lawrence produced 21 points and 14 rebounds in the losing case.

Pyrinto - Kauhajoki 90-78
Pyrinto cruised past Kauhajoki 90:78 for 7-1 record on top. Damon Williams (201-F-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) led the league leaders with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Lowe Kenneth netted 17. Jones Marcel finished the night with 19 points and 10 boards in defeat.

ToPo - Namika Lahti 73-69
ToPo imroved to 6-2 record after the in over Namika Lahti 73:69. Obie Trotter (186-G-84, college: Alabama A&M) top-scored for the winners with 22 points, while Haanpaa Samuel and Heinonen Timo netted 15 each. Rouse Corey and Hickman Ricky combined 35 points in defeat.

Korihait - Kataja 95-88
Korihait beat Kataja 95:88 in the Regular Season Round 8. Six players scored in double figures as Bojan Sarcevic (190-G-88) top-scored in the game with 25 points. Ivey Jeb ended up with 24 points and 7 boards in defeat.

KTP - Honka 88-73
Spencer Isaac nailed 22 points as KTP outscored Honka 88:73. Eric Washington (192-F/G-74, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) collected 19 points and 13 boards, while Heinonen Pasi notched 15. Cummings Monte and Kotti Tuukka scored 20 points each for the guests.

FoKoPo - Kouvot 77-107
Kouvot is 6-2 in the League after the road 107:77 victory over FoKoPo. Ajene Moye (193-G-82, college: Indiana) nailed 27 points, Kaunisto Ville scored 24 and Neltner Ross posted 20 for the winners. Champion Ashley delivered 24 points in the losing effort.

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FRANCE

Olympique Antibes sign Aleksandar Zecevic - by Eurobasket
Olympique Antibes (ProB) agreed terms with 34-year old Serbian forward Aleksandar Zecevic (201-F-75, agency: Interperformances). Zecevic played most recently at VOO Verviers-Pepinster (Belgium). He has a contract as a freelance medical until late November, replacing Luc-Arthur VEBOBE injured. Zecevic had quite solid stats last year: 10.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.9apg.

Chalon agrees with its ex player Marcellus Sommerville - by Eurobasket News
ES Chalon-Sur-Saone announced signing of the American player Marcellus Sommerville

(200-F-82, college: Bradley). The 28-year old forward is already a familiar face in France, where he played in Pro A, as well as in Pro B. Last season, Sommerville started with Roanne averaging 15.1 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 7 games. He got injured in November and was sidelined two months. In March, Sommerville moved to Dexia Mons-Hainaut collecting 9.6 ppg and 3.9 rpg for 8 Belgian league games.
Season 2007/08, Marcellus Sommerville spent with STB Le Havre, also in Pro A. In 30 appearances he registered 14.1 ppg and 6 rpg. At the end of the season he was named 'Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Honorable Mention -08'. His Rookie season in Europe was 2006/07. After he left Hungarian Atomeromu, Sommerville joined Angers (Pro B) and later his new/old club Chalon. He played just 6 games for Chalon until the end of the season averaging 9.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg. In 2006, Sommerville graduated at the Bradley University.
As a reminder, Chalon faced with big problem after injury of Brian Boddicker (204-F-81, college: Texas) and now signed Sommerville to replace him. The team started 2009/10 season with poor 0-4.

Jerusalem prevail against Roanne - by Eurobasket News
Jerusalem - Roanne 88:79
Hapoel Jerusalem claimed a necessary home win over Roanne to reach the EuroCup regular season. The Israeli entered the game needing to overcome a 2-point deficit after the opening encounter in France. However Roanne was not about to give it away that easily. The visitors looked better in the starting frame. Roanne jumped to a 7:0 lead early on. They maintained the advantage throughout the first quarter and posted a 22:18 lead after ten minutes. However Jerusalem tipped off the second period with 10 points in a row to take the lead. Soon Tre Simmons

(198-G-82, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Washington) and Pinkney opened a double-digit lead for the hosts. Jerusalem rallied confidently and ensured a 49:39 advantage at halftime. Roanne never got closer than six points in the third stanza. Pinkney and Brandon Hunter

(201-F-80, college: Ohio) provided the home team with a 10-point buffer into the fourth period. Uchenna Nsomwu

(208-F/C-78, agency: Beo Basket, college: Wyoming) dragged the visitors within 6 midway through the fourth term but Jerusalem stayed cool and rolled to the victory at the end. Tre Simmons produced 22 points for Jerusalem. Brandon Hunter knocked down 18 points, while Dijon Thompson (201-G/F-83, college: UCLA) added 13 points for the winners. Uchenna Nsomwu replied with 21 points for Roanne. Pape-Philippe Amagou

(185-G-85) finished with 14 points in defeat.

Jerusalem: Tre Simmons 22, Brandon Hunter 18, Dijon Thompson 13
Roanne: Uchenna Nsomwu 21, Pape-Philippe Amagou 14

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FYR MACEDONIA

Vardar Osiguruvanje rolls over Rabotnicki in last matchup of Round 3 - by Eurobasket News
Rabotnicki - Vardar Osiguruvanje 54-90

Vardar Osiguruvanje visited Rabotnicki in the final matchup of Superleague, Round 3. In the end it was the visiting team which had more reason to celebrate, as they rolled over hosts 54-90. It was evident that Rabotnicki is having troubles on the offensive end, as in the 2nd half they scored only 19 points. Vardar came out strong from the start and thanks to points from Damjan Stojanovski (197-F-87) and Darko Radulovic (194-G-80) they took the early minutes lead. They continued to pile up pressure, and after first quarter they held 17-26. In the second, Rabotnicki players picked up their intensity but they could not cut the deficit. Teams exchanged baskets for the whole period and at halftime and Vardar was still up 35-44. Than in the second half, Rabotnicki started having problems with offensive execution. They scored only 10 points in the third quarter, allowing Vardar to further extend its lead to 45-68 with one quarter left to play. In the final 10 minutes, things did not go better for Rabotnicki as this time they were limited to 9 points. Vardar took full advantage of this and extended its lead, to secure 54-90 rout of Rabotnicki.
Vardar outrebounded Rabotnicki 37 to 27, and they took better care of the ball committing only 5 turnovers, compared to 16 made by hosts. Damjan Stojanovski led visiting team with 18 points, while Toni Simic (210-C-76) added 13. Toni Grncarov (191-G-80) was also good with 12, while Darko Radulovic and Pero Blazevski (200-C-72) scored 11 points apiece. For Rabotnicki, only Gjorgi Cekovski (202-F/C-81, agency: Arik Krayn Services) and Darko Sokolov (190-G-86) reached double figures as they scored 24 and 14 points respectively.

Rabotnicki: Gjorgi Cekovski 24, Darko Sokolov 14
Vardar Osiguruvanje: Damjan Stojanovski 18, Toni Simic 13, Toni Grncarov 12, Darko Radulovic 11, Pero Blazevski 11

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GERMANY

Brose Baskets with narrow escape in Podgorica - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost - Brose Baskets 67:65
Eric Taylor (201-F-76, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: St.Francis,PA) knocked down a freebie late in regulation and Brose Baskets escaped EuroCup elimination in Podgorica. Buducnost claimed a two-point win but it was not enough to reach the tournament regular season. Goran Jeretin

(192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) had a chance to save the game for Buducnost but his three-pointer rimmed out.
Brose Baskets grabbed the lead right from the start and Predrag Suput

(200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) gave the visitors a 12:6 lead midway through the first frame. Jacobsen capped the first quarter with a jumper to ensure a 17:12 lead for the visitors. The German team unloaded 10 points in a row at the start of the second quarter as Brose Baskets were cruising at the moment. But Buducnost refused to surrender. They limited Brose Baskets to just three points in the reminder of the half and got within 2 at halftime 28:30. Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services) opened the second half with a treble but the hosts were ready. They responded with seven straight points to surge ahead. The teams traded baskets throughout the rest of the quarter and entered the fourth quarter tied at 47. Goran Jeretin and Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88) put the home team up by 4 points early in the fourth quarter. Brose Baskets narrowed the gap. Finally Goldsberry dropped a long bomb as the visitors clinched a 64:62 lead with just over a minute left. But Nemanja Gordic unleashed 5 points in a row as Buducnost tallied so needed 67:64 advantage. But Eric Taylor silenced the home crowd with a free throw and Brose Baskets snatched a needed result at the end.
Nemanja Gordic produced 19 points and 6 boards for Buducnost. Goran Jeretin added 14 points, while Boris Savovic

(206-F-87) had 10 for the winners. Predrag Suput responded with 15 points for Brose Baskets. Brian Roberts had 13 points and 6 boards.

Buducnost: Nemanja Gordic 19, Goran Jeretin 14, Boris Savovic 10
Brose Baskets: Predrag Suput 15, Brian Roberts 13

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Seek To Throw Out The MBC Wolves From Their Den October 30th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Deutsche Bank Skyliners are looking to quickly halt the MBC Wolves aggression, by rapidly frightening and making the reborn BEKO BBL team look small and less conspicuous and even getting them to whimper by making their den their second home. The MBC Wolves will have to find some anger quickly, because they were only able to leave their den victorious once against Frankfurt almost ten years ago 90-89 as Pascal Roller

(180-G-76) was still sporting a head full of hair, the Euro was still being prepared and David Beckham was looking real GQ and not like a wear wolf in 2009. 'It will not be easy to win in the wolves den, but one thing that the Skyliners can do is set a trap that the hungry wolves cant resist. The hunger to win at all cost will definitely be a distraction if food is scattered all over the floor. Especially meat, because it is a dish that wolves cant resist', joked ex MBC guard Will Chavis (181-G-81, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Texas Tech) For Frankfurt, coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) will have to get center Greg Jenkins (206-F/C-82, college: Iona) finding his aggressive style that he had in Ulm and making the wolves all tense with his abrasive play so they get down crouching so the big man can glide to the hoop and use his soft touch for success. 'Greg will be very important for us against MBC. He will have to be more of a big effect in the paint', warned Skyliner coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ).

For even the most dedicated MBC fans. five years of inactivity from the highest German Basketball league may have felt like five years without your favourite beer, or for a child being able to go into a candy store, but not grab for their favourite candy. How tough must it have been for the organization and fans in 2004 to win the prestigious Fiba Europe Cup against JDA Dijon 84-68 not losing a single game in international play and a short time later have to learn that they would have to stop their successful run in the BBL due to bankruptcy. 'I remember watching the Eurocup final in 2004. I am happy that MBC is back and it is nice to see how well a job young coach Bjoern Harmsen is doing. It is a special team that is playing with a lot of emotion and energy. It is refreshing to see that 10 players are sharing minutes, scoring and rebounding', stressed Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ). This was a huge blow to the region and may only have been topped if a severe unusual drought had whipped away the two natural springs, the Leisslinger mineral water and Saskia Quelle where mineral water is bottled in the region. However the organization never gave up, took up playing in the Regionaliga and eventually moving up to the Second Bundesliga/PRO A and continuing to build up the team financially and through success on the court. Coach Ari Tammivaara was sort of the early architect managing a record of 72-20 until 2007. In 2007-2008 under the watchful eye of ex BG Karlsruhe coach Uwe Sauer , the team reached position five with a 20-10 record and everyone that followed the PRO A last season know with what kind of a fury the club raced through the season totally dominating the league. The long and laborious five years are finally over as MBC is back at the big show in the BBL.

In the 2008-2009 PRO A season, MBC ploughed through the league with a 26-4 record with the same easy as a bull dozer had to get through the sloppy and treacherous roads and drive ways during the New England blizzard of 1978. Even though the team was so commanding at home with a 14-1 record, it simply couldnt get by Bayreuth that won the season series. The team had better luck against Phoenix Hagen sweeping the season series who they will meet again with changed rosters in the BBL. The team scored 90 points or more nine times and 100 points or more twice. There strongest phase was in the middle of the season going on an 14 game winning streak. They also showed that they could step it up on defense if they needed to ousting Science City Jena 61-48 and also showing their own nerves of steel grinding out close wins against The Teck Pro Braves 68-67 and 83-81 against Cuxhaven. The only real slip up that the team had was a 95-76 defeat against USC Heidelberg. Without question, MBC was the best team in the PRO A last season and rightfully deserved to return back to the BBL after a five year drought and soon after gave the fans a tasty summer gift as management announced that the club was also prepared to enter the BBL with the minimum allocated budget. 'I believe what made MBC so strong is that everyone knew and ACCEPTED their role. Coach Harmson makes sure they are prepared and its up to the players to do their part. It seemed that everyone was on the same page', stressed Bayreuth youth coach Sean McCaw

(205-F-73, college: S.Utah).

More times than not, after a team has been together for a season, achieved a lot of success and come together like a happy family, one would think that it would be proper and smart not to change or disrupt the harmony. Why change a winning team was what the EWE Baskets Oldenburg thought too as most players were kept with ten in all which also set a BBL record for the most number of players staying with a club. Many have criticised the BBL since years that too many teams are changing their players each season not bringing enough identity not only to the teams, but also to the BBL. 'I wasnt surprised that he changed almost the whole team. When we moved up in Jena we kept most of team intact, but it was obvious that we werent talented enough for the BBL. Of course its a risk to work with players you dont know, but thats part of the job', said Sean McCaw. The changing of players disease has also come upon Argentina Soccer national coach Diego Maradona who has nominated 67 players in the last nine months including seven goal tenders, but thank god that a BBL team only has 12 players per roster. The foreigner regulation as well as getting American players cheap has been the biggest problem for the BBL the last years. MBC decided not to go against the usual norm and got rid of most of the players which didnt sit well with the guys that had to depart. 'After the way we (MBC) dominated through the PRO A and I was the captain of that team I would think that they would keep most of the team, but I guess they felt they needed to go in a different direction. So I was disappointed more than shocked. I dont think what MBC did was right because we always talked about family and being together, but it taught me a valuable lesson and I wish them luck this season. Its a great place to play and the fans are great there. A lot of people have always passed on me even though my resume is good, but its really unfortunate as I always have a lot to offer any team. I try to be professional no matter where I am and represent my family, the organization and the community the best way I can. If teams are not interested in that there is nothing I can do about it. I am a humble person so playing in PRO B will be a different kind of challenge then I am used to but, I believe everything happens for a reason', stressed Nurnberg PRO B guard Will Chavis

One could argue that MBC is Coach Bjoern Harmsen s team and it could be that he had a new kind of vision of going into the BBL and wanted to go in a new direction. He changed the face of MBC almost completely getting rid of almost every player except for 28 year old 190cm guard Wayne Bernard (190-G-81, college: Davidson) who was the 2009 PRO A player of the year averaging 14.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 80.4%. It almost would have stayed with only keeping one player, but American Tom Jervis (213-C-87, college: Troy) decided to go back to the States and MBC was lucky that they were able to resign 27 year 203 cm forward old new year baby Johnnie Gilbert (203-F-82, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Oklahoma) who recently became a father. He was the man under the boards for MBC averaging 13.2ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 61.9%, FT: 59.8%. Every other player received a pink slip including captain Will Chavis, who led the club into the BBL. What exactly went wrong will remain the secret of coach Bjoern Harmsen and manager Martin Geissler , because Chavis was never told a reason why he wasnt returning back at the end of the season. He had a very strong season averaging 10.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 37.0%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 86.5%. His highlights included 23 points against Essen and 22 points vs Lich. He also showed his brilliant playmaking skills dishing out 8 assists vs Karlsruhe and Jena. It is simply a pity that MBC decided against retaining this skilled player who has the heart of a lion and the character of a dolphin. 32 year old 192 cm guard Malik Moore (192-G-77, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Amer.Internat.) also didnt get resigned after coming during the stretch run and giving added stability to the roster playing 15 games and averaging 10.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 77.5%. He was instrumental in the wins against Kirchheim adding 23 points and 22 points vs Karlsruhe. He also exploded against the Bremen Roosters scoring 19 points and adding 10 assists.

The team also separated themselves from 29 year old 175cm point guard Gregory Burks (175-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Prairie View A&M), who was a bit unlucky getting injured in January 2009 and not being able to return missing the rest of the season. For the American from Prairie View A&M (NCAA) getting injured was a pity since he had started the season so well averaging 13.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 87.2% in 13 games. He was a big part of the MBC success in the first few months playing very solid scoring in double figures in 10 of 13 games. His scoring highlights included 20 points against the Teckpro Braves and 18 points vs Karlsruhe. He also had four games with seven assists and had eight assists vs Chemnitz. The team also said farewell to 29 year old 217 cm German Martin Ides (217-C-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Davidson). He had a solid season playing 29 games and averaging 8.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 46.7%, FT: 79.2%. He was never ever really able to become a big inside presence simply because that was not the style of play of MBC. Ides had some big games against Schalke with 21 points or 16 points vs Bremen and was able to score in double figures in 12 games. He simply was not the first or maybe even the second scoring option in the team simply because the team had so many ways to score. In 29 games, Ides only attempted ten or more shots in seven games. 27 year old 200cm forward Robert Cardenas (200-F-82) also left for the Saar-Pfalz Braves after averaging 5.0ppg, 3.0rpg in 30 games. His best games were against Heidelberg with 15 points and eight rebounds and ten points and seven rebounds against TV Langen. He was a solid role player from the bench averaging 16 minutes, but if he will get more than 16 minutes in K-town is the question. 29 year old 211 cm German banger Lars Gruebler also had to go after averaging 4.2ppg, 3.2rpg in 14 minutes. His best game was against Essen with 17 points and 11 rebounds. He will bring terror to the boards this season in the black forest in Freiburg. 24 year old 193 cm shooting guard Jorge Schmidt (193-G/F-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) didnt get a real chance with MBC not getting past the Americans in the rotation averaging 3.7ppg, 1.3rpg in 29 games in 11 minutes per game. He is still looking for his breakthrough after not making it in Goettingen, Braunschweig or MBC taking two steps back and playing in the Regionaliga next season for SCH Wuerzburg Baskets. Another talented German Frieder Diestelhorst (201-F-87, agency: Limelight Hoops) will take the short move to Science City Jena next season after having a productive season averaging nine minutes per game with 4.6ppg, 1.9rpg. He scored in double figures four times including 13 points against USC Heidelberg.

Some critics may not be thrilled about how MBC didnt retain most of its players from the 2009 PRO A title season, but then again can tip their hats to Harmsen and Geissler for not doing the usual, safe and cowardly act by going out and getting 6-7 new Americans and giving more business to the Mcdonalds and Burger Kings in Weissenfels. Instead the club did something very untypical, by taking out the globe and finding players from many different countries. The team got only two Americans, but five Germans, a Serb, a Russian, a Nigerian and a Georgian This interesting mix will make MBC not your typical BBL team, but a very absorbing and unpredictable team that will be a delight to follow this season. 'Only time will tell if that was the right way to go for his team but obviously he believes it is. It could be that it brings the team closer together or exactly the opposite. I dont think it is so bad to have different nationalities though. The key is to manage PEOPLE and not nationalities. Some do it well, some not so well. Its always a gamble no matter what nationality a coach has to bring in new players', warned Sean McCaw.

The most beautiful signing this off season was also the last new player to arrive is 25 year old 210cm center German Peter Fehse (210-C/F-83). A few months ago, it looked more like Fehse would be watching games in the arenas instead of being on a court after suffering a severe hamstring injury. However through the power of mother nature and the possibility a basketball god, his foot healed and he has gotten the ok to resume his playing career from doctors. This heart felt gesture by MBC showed that the club still has something left in their basketball heart. Fehse has had a lot of misfortune in his basketball career after being drafted by the Seattle Supersonics some years ago. Fehse is still looking to make his breakthrough on the international basketball scene after suffering many injuries and never being able to develop as a player. In the last two years, he was only able to play two games. With MBC, he will have a double function as player and helping the youth. After playing only 28 games for Alba Berlin from 2003-2006, 27 year old 202 cm forward Sascha Leutloff (202-F-82, agency: Limelight Hoops) will get a second chance in the BBL after playing the last two years with MBC and becoming into a solid role player. Last season, he averaged 9.9ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 48.9%. He demonstrated that he was a very reliable scorer scoring in double figures in 17 games. The question will be if he will equal or better his 27 minutes per game average from last season in the BBL? This season, he is averaging 2,6ppg and 1,6rpg

MBC only got two new Americans with considerable youth as they share only one year of professional experience among them. 22 year old 203 cm Ivan Elliott (203-F/C-86, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: UCSB) will add muscle under the boards this season. He is very very versatile on the offensive end, able to shoot the 3-pointer with confidence, slash to the basket, and play underneath the basket with his physical strength and overall skills. He is a great team player who always gives everything he has in every practice and game and is highly motivated and willing to do the extra work to become the best player possible. He already showed signs of his overall strong play last season with SK Valmiera playing in the Latvian League averaging 11.5ppg, Reb-4 (8.0rpg), Blocks-4 (1.1bpg), FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 64.% in 30 games and in the Baltic League playing 18 games and averaging 10.1ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 70.3%.'I really like the game of Elliot. He can do it all', stressed Sean McCaw. This season, Elliot is the top scorer averaging 14,8ppg and 4,6rpg.The other American that MBC picked up is 25 year old 198 cm shooting guard Matt Stucki (198-G-83, college: Idaho St.) who will be a BBL rookie even though, he has one year less professional experience and is three years older than Ivan Elliott (203-F/C-86, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: UCSB) Matt Stucki (198-G-83, college: Idaho St.) played at Idaho State from 2005-2009 playing 31 games last year averaging 12.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3Pts: 40.0%, FT: 78.3%. He never shot below 43% from the field his last three seasons and shows that he is a sniper. This season, he is at the end of the bench averaging 1,0ppg and 2,0rpg.

The most interesting development in the future game of MBC is the point guard position. In a league like the BBL where American point guards are as frequent as apples growing on a tree, the club went against the benchmark by bringing in a classical floor general with Giorgi Gamqrelidze

(183-G-86, agency: Limelight Hoops) from the country of Georgia. Even though he can put up huge assist numbers, he is also known as an unsavoury defender. He can run without making a sound. When he puts his mind to it, hes capable of being unstoppable on offense and a stopper on defense. He catches his man like a tick and can squash an offender. He has good court vision and knows how to run a team. He is 183cm and 23 years old, but has already showed his mark in Fiba Eurocup and Eurochallenge games. He played at Energy Invest Rustavi the last two seasons and showed in the Georgian League that he can be a scoring point guard averaging 17.5ppg, and leading the league in assists with 7.6apg, and Steals with 3.0spg. It will be interesting to see if he can be as strong in a more rigid league like the BBL? But he has developed very nicely and now he has deserved a chance in the BBL to make the next step. This season, he is averaging 11,0ppg, 1,0rpg and 5,6apg. Radenko Pilcevic

(188-G-86) is a 188cm guard from Serbia that will also help out at the point. He had solid stats at KK Borac Cacak last season playing 31 games and averaging 10.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.9%, FT: 85.1%. This season, he is averaging 6,4ppg and 3,4apg.

Another reason to watch MBC in 2009-2010 will be to see if German Nikita Khartchenkov (201-F-87) will finally break free of the web that somehow has been holding him back for so many years. The 22 year old 201 cm forward that was born in Leningrad, Russia, but grew up in Germany was seen as one of the bigger European prospects for the birth year of 1987. His game is interesting to watch as he is a very fast shooter and his shot is not the easiest one as he uses specific technicalities including a fine vertical leap which makes his shot even more difficult to guard, at the same time is very good in the penetration against both smaller and larger opponents. He is also an athletic guy with a very athletic body. After never getting a shot in Braunschweig, showed last season with BV Chemnitz 99 that he can be a force playing 28 games and averaging 18.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT 81.1%. He will get a chance with MBC and get another attempt to show his stuff at the BBL level. This season he is averaging 9,4ppg, and 1,8rpg.

The team also picked up 23 year old 196 cm guard Adeola Dagunduro

(196-G-86, college: Nebraska), who will be a BBL rookie. He hails from Nigeria and grew in Inglewood, California close to the former stomping ground Forum of Magic Johnson. He played at Nebraska playing 31 games: and averaging 12.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3Pts: 34.4%, FT: 69.7%. He had a solid senior season at Nebraska and one shouldnt await miracles from him in the first months in the BBL, but just let him expand his skills throughout the season. This season, he is averaging 10,6pg, 5,0rpg and 2,2apg. The biggest question mark of the team was the center position even before Cheick Diakite came and soon after was released. MBC didnt wait long finding an unwanted ex German National player Guido Grunheid (209-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) who jumped at the chance. Grunheid not only can rebound and score on a regular basis, but also gives the team experience and knows the feeling of lifting a championship trophy, because he won three BBL titles and two Cup titles with Alba Berlin and a BBL and Cup title with Rhein Energy Cologne. Last year he spent time between Cologne and ESTIA Egaleo (Greece-A1) playing 15 games and averaging 6.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 50.0%. This season, he is averaging 9,8ppg, 3,8rpg and 1,8apg. The team recently also signed 22 year old 215cm Russian Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87, agency: Court Side) who comes from CSKA Moscow and has gotten some experience despite the always deep rosters. He has played 16 Euroleague games and is a seven footer that has amazing sense of the basket especially in the paint. He has solid scoring aptitude and variability. He is really unbeatable in the paint. This season he is averaging 10,8ppg,3,6rpg and 1,2apg.

MBC also has young Germans in their roster that will be fighting each day in practice for playing time. 20 year old 204 cm forward Michael Jost (204-F-88) played at RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (ProB,) playing 30 games and averaging 8.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 69.1%. The team roster is also rounded out with 20 year old 193 cm shooting guard Marcus Kruger, 18 year old 198 cm forward Kevin Weber and 18 year old 189 cm guard Florian Konnegen. I havent seen them enough to give a real assesment but Gilbert is a tireless worker, Bernard is a fantastic shooter that should be the leader of the team, Elliot and Dagunduro will determine a lot about the teams success, Kharchenkov should develop to a very good player, and the rest of the guys will most likely follow Leutlof and fill their roles as nicely as he does. I think both Elliot and Dagunduro could be very important to their success but the development of Kharchenkov shouldnt be underestimated, warned Sean McCaw.

It seems like coach Bjoern Harmsen and Martin Geissler had the correct feeling with their off season decisions and work through five games, because MBC is currently in fifth place with a 4-1 record. They are the big surprise of the season thus far bringing back memories not only to the start of the Nordlingen Giants last season, but also to the playing style of MEG Goettingen, where 10-11 guys contribute equally. 'I wouldnt say I am totally surprised but of course as the new team on the block it is pretty difficult. Their coach is EXTREMELY ambitious and works hard to make sure his team is prepared. The rest is on them to perform. I am not sure what their secret is, but coach stresses team. Yes I agree about that comparison to Goettingen. I think Coach Harmsen has built a very deep team and if you have it, you should use it', warned Sean McCaw. Even ex MBC guard Will Chavis is not surprised by the quick start of his ex team. 'They have one loss courtesy of my man Ronald Ross. I am not surprised at all, because Bjorn prepares well, and they only beat one good team in Bonn who obviously took them for granted', added Will Chavis

Coach Bjoern Harmsen really has to take a lot of credit for the current success of the team and with his young age of 27 and his slicked back hairdo last season, comparisons to legend coach Pat Riley seem only a matter of time. The ex Jena skipper has showed early that he can get everyone on the same page, but something must of changed in his coaching style since his unlucky start in the BBL with Science City Jena in 2007-2008? . 'I wouldnt say that his coaching style has changed so much. I am sure his basic philosophies have stayed the same. As a coach you have to be able to adjust to your team and I think he does that pretty well. I think he learned a lot from the season he was with Jena in the first league. I believe it is not so much the coach getting all 12 players on the same page, but the players themselves. The coach can lay the groundwork according to his philosophy, but the players have to accept and be willing to fullfill their roles. Although it may not look like it from the outside, I am willing to bet that their team has one or two leaders that help the process along', stressed Sean McCaw. 'Young coach Harmsen has created a nice team with chemistry on and off the court. They are playing for each other and are the new Goettingen style with the smiliar behaviour, just technically a bit different', warned Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ).

MBC has also showed an uncanny ability to shoot out the lights not only at home, but also on the road winning already three away games in Tuebingen, Bonn, and Hagen and averaging 91 points per game and shooting an overwhelming 53% form the field, which is what Alba Berlin was shooting last season. Have the first five BBL teams not been so clever by taking MBC to lightly or why has the team of Bjoern Harmsen scored so much and so easily as if there was a zone block only open for MBC?' It can be a good thing to be the new team. No one can scout you as intensively as a team you have played many times throughout the years with the same coach. I would imagine that many teams have underestimated MBC and that might also play a role', said Sean McCaw. Ex MBC guard Will Chavis isnt surprised at all about the early scoring rage of MBC. 'They are getting many points because of taking only open threes and taking a lot of shots close to the basket. We did the same last year. Its the style of play from Bjorn. Win in rebounding, and shoot high percentage shots. They added three new bigs, that have really helped them', stressed Will Chavis What also has been a bit of a mystery is that the American duo of Johnnie Gilbert (203-F-82, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Oklahoma) (8,4ppg) and Wayne Bernard (190-G-81, college: Davidson) ( (7,0) who were big parts to the wining of MBC last season and in the scoring department are only 7th and 8th in team scoring. 'One doesnt have to be the top scorer in order to lead and I am sure they have a big part in the early success of the team', stated Sean McCaw.

The new BEKO BBL standings format with each loss resulting with a point have been a heated topic the last weeks, but The Deutsche Bank Skyliners are not going to complain from third place with a record of 3-3. The club is looking for their second win on the road. Only the Artland Dragons were able to get past MBC this season and it seems like Frankfurt wont make the same mistake as the other teams that lost. 'I am sure Murat has warned his guys not to underestimate MBC and I think that is the key for Frankfurt', stressed Sean McCaw. Didin may be impressed by MBC, but is 100% sure that his team has the upper hand in one important category. 'This will be a hard game, but I think that we have more experience. We have to play and think quick. We need patience to create and use more experience while matching their energy level', warned Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ). Even though MBC coach Bjoern Harmsen sees Frankfurt as the favourite, his former player Sean McCaw

(205-F-73, college: S.Utah) knows how MBC has to think and play to be successful. 'MBC should just maintain what they have been doing all season long and stay together no matter if they are up 10 or down 10', stated Sean McCaw. Ex Bjoern Harmsen player Will Chavis knows exactly how his ex coach tics and can only warn Frankfurt to be alert at all times during the game. 'Bjorn is going to take away whatever they do best. They have to get offensive rebounds and get to the foul line and freaking scout for gods sake. The reason MBC is winning is because Bjorn scouts like crazy. He knows all the plays of the other teams and then breaks them down, and shows everyone how to guard them. If coaches dont prepare as hard as he does he will always have a chance to win. The most important thing for Frankfurt to do is prepare to fight, get rebounds, stop easy layups and get to the foul line', said Will Chavis MBC hosts The Deutsche Bank Skyliners on October 30th at 19:30.

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GREECE

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Aaron MILES
  Aris
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 27

1. Miles, Aris	27.0
2. Abrams, Trikalla	25.0
3. Kleiza, Olympiakos	24.0
4. Harris, VAP K.	21.0
5. Powell, Trikalla	19.0
6. Dorkofikis, AEK	19.0
7. Kallinikidis, AEK	19.0
8. Kalambokis, Panionios	19.0
9. Tountziaraki., AEK	18.0
10. Arnold, DASH.	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Periklis DORKOFIKIS
  AEK
  (206-F-80)
  Avg: 9

1. Dorkofikis, AEK	9.0
2. Tountziaraki., AEK	9.0
3. Petway, Ilysiakos	9.0
4. Vougioukas, Panellin.	9.0
5. Tsiakos, DASH P.	9.0
6. Kleiza, Olympiakos	8.0
7. Diamantidis, Panath.	7.0
8. Rogers, Panionios	7.0
9. Sermantini, Panath.	7.0
10. Richardson, Ar.	6.0

Assists Per Game

Thodoros PAPALOUKAS
  Olympiakos
  (200-G-77)
  Avg: 8

1. Papaloukas, Olymp.	8.0
2. Keys, C.C. Marousi	7.0
3. Tepic, Panathinaikos	6.0
4. Hammonds, DASH P.	5.0
5. Nikolaidis, AEK	5.0
6. Panteliadis, VAP K.	5.0
7. Karidas, Ilysiakos	4.0
8. Diamantidis, Panath.	4.0
9. Bramos, DASH P.	4.0
10. Miles, Ar.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Prodromos NIKOLAIDIS
  AEK
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 5

1. Nikolaidis, AEK	5.0
2. Kendall, C.C. M.	4.0
3. Clark, Aris	4.0
4. Athanasoulas, Ilysi.	4.0
5. Lukas, C.C. M.	4.0
6. Kafkis, PAOK	3.0
7. Diamantidis, Panath.	3.0
8. Kallinikidis, AEK	3.0
9. Xanthopoulos, Panell.	3.0
10. Papaloukas, Oly.	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Ian VOUGIOUKAS
  Panellinios
  (212-C/F-85)
  Avg: 4

1. Vougioukas, Panellin.	4.0
2. Pekovic, Panathin.	3.0
3. Petway, Ilysiakos	3.0
4. Arnold, DASH P.	2.0
5. Homan, C.C. M.	2.0
6. Smith, Panellinios	1.0
7. Batis, C.C. M.	1.0
8. Kendall, C.C. M.	1.0
9. Pappas, VAP K.	1.0
10. Wade, Kavala.	1.0

A2: Stats leaders of Round 2, Yiannis Gagaloudis is the top-scorer - by Chris Mammides
Yannis Gagaloudis (191-G-78) is the top-scorer after two rounds with 68 points. Fotis Vassilopoulos (187-G-86) of Dafni is following him from a distance with 39, while Nikos Michalos (192-G-77) of Near East is third on this list with 38 pts with Vladimir Petrovic-Stergiou (198-F/G-77) of Iraklis having the same points and Christos Petrodimopoulos (209-F/C-80) with a point less, 27 is closing the top 5 scorers. Damir Latovic (204-C-80) is the king of the air as he is the leading rebounder with 31 while Power forward Kosanovic of Olympiada Patras is following with 18 and another two players are closing the quartet with 17 rebounds, Harismidis and Despos of Iraklis. Fotis Vassilopoulos is handing out 7.5 assists per game while Vagelis Koukouravas (186-F-82) and Yannis Gagaloudis are both stealing the ball 2.5 times per game as they registered 5 steals each in these two rounds.

Points
1 Yannis Gagaloudis 68
2 Fotis Vassilopoulos 39
3 Nikos Michalos 38
4 Vladimir Petrovic-Stergiou 38
5 Christos Petrodimopoulos 37

Rebounds
1 Damir Latovic 31
2 Predrag Kosanovic (203-F-76) 18
3 Tasos Harismidis (203-F-81) 17
4 Dimitris Despos (209-C-76) 17
5 Panagiotis Houliaras (197-77) 15

Assists
1 Fotis Vassilopoulos 15
2 Giannis Kiriakopoulos (185-G-83) 13
3 Yannis Gagaloudis 10
4 Leonidas Zoupas (182-G-82) 9
5 Georgios Koukas (180-G-85) 9

Steals
1 Vagelis Koukouravas 5
2 Yannis Gagaloudis 5
3 Alexis Bardas (189-F-81) 4
4 Tasos Dimitriadis (201-C-82) 3
5 Kostas Behlivanis (180-G-74) 3

Week 2: Second Division Results and Scorers - by Chris Mammides
B' Division: An analysis about the current situation in the division just after the end of he second week, together with the latest results and the top Scorers per team.
During the second week of the second Division games one can realize that the league (for anotehr one seazon) has two gear teams, in the first gear (which is the strongest too) are the solid teams with a roster which consist of at least two players for each position and are fighting for the best in all the games, with their target being the good basketball and the best feasible position, while the probability of promotion (if this can happen), is always among their mind, in this first group there are teams such as: Lavrio - same roster the last four years, Ase Doukas Athens - many good transactions and players that can easily play in the A2, Panelefsiniakos - the surprise of the league these first two games which seems to be doing a great job there and with players that they have played together for many years (in other teams), Pierikos Arhelaos - a solid team with the same body of players the last three years and with Cul being the 'ruler' in the rebounding area, and Komotini - good transactions this seazon and with Kimonas Lehoudis (205-F-83) in his best shape in his career. These teams according to Eurobasket predictions, together with another one or two teams will fight untill the end of the seazon, for the promotion, while the second speed teams are teams such as: Mantoulidis, Ag. Paraskevi (this team entered the division just a week before the announcement of the promotion due to merge between two teams, so it was ready for the C Division until the very last minute) and Anagennisi Floga, these teams will fight for the survival in the division. In the middle one can see that there are teams that are solid with good roster but still cant do anything and it will take them some time to do so, teams such as Apollon Patras, Keravnos Aigiou and Panerythraikos. The predictions for these three teams could vary from the best to worst.
The results in this 2nd day were as follows:

Ase Doukas Athens-Mantoulidis 79-56
Quarters: 18-13, 30-23, 54-37, and 79-56.
Ase Doukas Athens: Giorgos Melas (194-G-80) 15, Yfantis 14
Mantoulidis: Katsivelis 14

Lavrio - Ag. Paraskevi 97-70
Quarters: 20-17, 42-29, 67-49, 97-70.
Lavrio: Sinnis 14, Giannakopoulos 17, Nick Psileas (200-F-80) 18.
Ag. Paraskevi: Alexandros Sarikas (188-G-81) 20, Hatzikostis 18

Komotini - Keravnos Aigio 74-64
Quarters: 19-25, 37-35, 53-48, and 74-64.
Komotini: Kimonas Lehoudis 28.
Keravnos Aigiou: Savas Kiriakidis (203-F-78) 22, Anthis 15.

Panelefsiniakos - MENT 91-72
Quarters: 16-19, 44-24, 64-46, and 91-72.
Panelefsiniakos: Ventouris 19, Giorgos Tirlas (198-F-80) 21, Theos 20
MENT: Athanasiadis 17, Stamatis Benas (206-F-85) 20

Panerythraikos - M. Alexandros 75-64
Quarters: 18-11, 36-28, 54-49, 75-64.
Panerythraikos: Phillip Hopson (195-G/F-74, college: Barton County CC) 20, Papadopoulos16
M. Alexandros: Dimas 19

AIAS Evosmou - Anagennisi Floga 80-67.
Quarters: 20-14, 33-27, 57-42, 80-67.
AIAS: Paritsis 12, Giorgos Filiousis (198-G-77) 26
Anagennisis Floga: Zarogiannis 14, Karipidis 15.

AEK Pegasus - Apollon Patras 66-64
Quarters: 3-14, 20-27, 42-42, 57-57 (OT) 66-64
AEK Pegasus: Papantoniou 12, Christos Gavanopoulos (198-G-85) 18, Bellis 13.
Apollon Patras: Aristides Koronides (188-G-82) 21, Veskoukis 15.

Apollon Kalamarias - Pierikos Arhelaos 64-71
Quarters: 15-25, 30-39, 48-54, 64-71.
Apollon Kalamarias: Vasilis Gamouras (196-F) 12, Kloutzos 13, Giosmas 15
Pierikos Arhelaos: Gogidis 21, Rodostoglou 19, Nemanja Cuk (208-C-74) 22

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

HOLLAND

PromotieDivisie Scores Round 4: MSV Log.in wins big over Red Giants! - by Terry Cooper
Round 4 in the Promotie got teams back on the winning edge or a step behind in the standings early in the season. BV Hoofddorrp secured a 73-66 win over struggling VBC Akrides while Binnenland won over Punch 78-66. Jeffrey de Vries (180-G-84) 17 point outburst got MSV Log.in back on the good side of things as they cruised to a 85-70 victory over then undefeated Red Giants. BV Rooi won at home over Intl High Five 73-62, GOBA pounded Landstede2 on the road 95-62, and Amsterdam2 stays undefeated winning over De Groene Uilen 66-42. Z&Z Leiden2 had the week off. Stay Tuned for it is going to get more and more interesting as the season progress! (Would be alot better if they can go ahead and mandate official stats for the league)

Round 4 scores:

BV Hoofddorp - VBC Akrides 73 - 66
Binnenland - Punch 78 - 66
MSV Log in - Red Giants 85 - 70
BV Rooi - High Five 73 - 62
Landstede2 - Goba 62 - 95
De Groene Uilen - Amsterdam2 42 - 66
Z&Z2 Bye

Three Broncos, "Living, studying and playing ball" - by Fred Roggen
I was sitting with the GasTerra Flames players Jason Ellis (201-F-82, college: Boise St.) and Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: 540 Sports) and with WCAA Giants player Bryan Defares (192-G-81, college: Boise St.) at a table, talking with these guys, all former BSU greats. The night was getting colder and I was reminded of the feeling I had as a 16-year-old when I interviewed for the first time an American basketball player in Holland in the mid-seventies. All three were very personable, friendly, and easygoing. They have besides their friendship, a number of similarities like their passion for the game, a winnig-attitude and they are 'Broncos' for life. If you are a basketball fan living in the state of Idaho, then you have probably heard of all three.

When did you first realize you had a talent for basketball?
Matt: Probably when I was about 8 years old and would shoot at halftime during basketball games and the people in the stands would just stare.
Jason: I first realized I had a talent in basketball was when I was able to compete with my brothers on a regular basis.
Bryan: Basically the same as Jason, when my older brother and his friends let me play with them.

Who is your inspiration?
Jason: My inspiration is Jesus Christ
Matt: My parents without a doubt. My dad is very successful but has worked for every single thing he has achieved. He told me two main things 1) never say the word can't and 2) if your going to do something, do it right! My mom has been amazing, so supportive and always here for me! Without them in my life, I know I would not be playing basketball in Holland.
Bryan: My family

What did you study on Boise?
Bryan: Social Science & Economics
Matt: I graduated with a degree in Political Science. I had an internship at Moffatt Thomas law firm while going to school and playing basketball and that is possibly a career path I will take when my time playing is finished.
Jason: Communications

It seems difficult to me but is studying easy to combine with basketball?
Jason: Its tough but if you have a schedule and stick with it, it's not so bad to manage.
Bryan: I wouldn't say it's easy, but it's not hard either. If you manage your time right & take advantage of 'the help' that the university provides, you'll be ok.
Matt: As Bryan has said, time-management is the key to combining school with basketball. It's definitely not easy, but if you manage your time you can do well.

Often you had many week night games during peak academic periods. When accounting the return trips and the late arrivels to the campus on many occasions. All of those factors make succeeding academically all the more challenging.How was that regulated?
Matt: We would generally leave Boise on a Wednesday and return on a Sunday afternoon- missing three days of class. Some professors were great about working with you when you were on the road....while others didn't care why you were missing class. We had tutors and computers for the road trips- which made doing homework convenient.
Jason: We had academic advisors that would travel with us and we got homework assignments ahead of time.
Bryan: We had 'study-hall' every night and on the road, which ment that we all came together & had to study for 1 or 2 hours.

Ok, that makes it clearer for me and what kind of role did Boise State play in your live?
Bryan: I still live in the area, I have a beautiful family, I have great friends and I have a degree, so I would say a real big role.
Matt: A huge role. Being raised in the Boise area I always wanted to be a Bronco. Now I'm proud to be a part of the Boise State alumni. It's the phase when I grew from a boy to a man- learned what 'hard work' was all about. They have a blue collar mentality at BSU and I really cherished my 4 years there.
Jason: It enabled me to play basketball on the division 1 level and it gave me a free education

Obviously every kid's goal growing up and playing ball is to be in the NBA. Did you believe through your career that you would make the league, or at least get a tryout?
Matt: Getting a workout and making a team...is a world of difference. Playing in the NBA is the toughest league to play professionally. NFL and MLB there are dozens more players on each team. I always dreamed about playing professionally and feel lucky to still be playing.
Bryan: When I was young I believed I could play in the NBA one day. But by the time I got to college I figured out that you need way more than talent to get to the NBA

Did you grow up with great ballplayers who lost their way?
Matt: Not really, I mean there are great players everywhere, but everyone's games and mentality are different.
Jason: no
Bryan: I've known some people that had all the physical talent & had the opportunity to make it to the NBA. But mentally they just weren't strong enough.

What is the hardest thing about playing as a pro?
Jason: I don't think playing as a pro is hard at all, it's always fun for me when I step onto the court
Matt: Staying strong mentally. The season over here is roughly 10 months...much longer than a college season, d-league season, etc.
Bryan: Being away from family and friends

Thus, playing miles from home, missing family and friends, a kind of homesick?
Matt: I wouldn't say homesick, but I definitely miss everybody back home. I don't know what I would do without Skype. Hopefully quite a few of them make a trip over here to Groningen to see me!
Jason: I'm ok so far, I miss my family but I'm not necessarily home sick.
Bryan: Eventhough I do what I love to do, there's nothing like coming home to your family

Over the years you have played with a lot of different guys. Players move on from one team to another, is it hard to keep friendships alive?
Jason: Yes
Bryan: Nope, cause It's easier now because of the internet
Matt: As Bryan said, luckily technology has made it much easier! It's fun to keep up with friends who are playing in different countries, my boys back home, etc. I don't want to be a guy who loses contact with all of his good friends, so I try hard to keep up with everybody.

Many pro's have trouble, of keeping things real and knowing which people around them are there for the right reasons.
Matt: I've had the same friends for years and my family is my backbone.

How do you compare Dutch basketball with the U.S.?
Matt: It's pretty similar, there are a couple different rules and they officiate differently but I think the rest of the world is starting to catch up to the USA.
Bryan: Dutch basketball is more physical but less athletic

And how do you compare living in Holland to the U.S.?
Bryan: I grew up in Holland & Amsterdam is where my heart is at, but I don't mind living in the States. In Holland they're 'taking it easy', in the States, it's 'easy living'
Matt: It's more similar than one would think. People speak English which is great, the food at the grocery stores is pretty much the same...as far as transition to another country- Holland has to be one of the easiest to adapt to.

Something else, what are your thoughts about each other
Bryan: Jason is a good friend of mine. He's a great father and husband. He's the best teammate you can have and the hardest working player/rebounder I've ever seen.
Matt is smart and works very hard to get better. I like playing with him because he knows the game and is very unselfish.
Jason: Matt and Bryan are hard workers who give there all every time they step onto the floor, they always give there teams
a chance to win and they are great competitors.
Matt: BD is a competitor. He loves to win and is a guy you would want to have on your team. He's very unselfish and would rather have an assist than a bucket.
J-EL is the warrior. Nobody can match him physically, his motor is constantly running. He's the guy you pick first in open gym. I've known both of them for 6 years and it's great how things have turned out.

Tell me about the influence of sport in your life
Matt: Huge influence, it's been my life. Without sports, not sure where I would be.
Jason: Sports have opened up a whole lot of possiblities for me on and off the court
Bryan: I've been playing sports my whole life and it has had a great influence in my life. It has taking me places I've never seen. It has giving me oppertunities and experiences I'd probably never would have had. I have met some of the best people and it probably kept me out of trouble somewhat. Now I'm supporting my family with it.

What About your aspirations
Bryan: To stay healthy and happy.
Matt: I want to make a difference. Not sure where that is going to be, but I want to affect peoples lives in a positive way. .

And about your future
Bryan: Who knows
Matt: My immediate future is definitely basketball. I'm wanting to open a few doors back home, as a plan for when my career over here has come to an end. You can't play basketball forever.

What advice do you have for teen athletes trying to go pro?
Matt: An education is a great thing, but if your good enough to go pro...I say do it. There is so much wear and tear on athletes bodies, that you never know when you will get hurt. You can always go back and get your education.
Jason: Take care of your bodies, practice hard, listen to your coaches, and be a good person on and off the court
Bryan: Have fun, stay out of trouble and save some of that money for a rainy day.

Matt, Jason and Bryan thanks for the time to do this interview.

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

IBL

Albany Legends professional team to play at the Armory - by Eurobasket News
The International Basketball League announces today that a team from Albany New York will compete in the IBL 2010 season. Millera lifelong resident of Albany and capital regionhas completed applications and payment for an ownership group composed primary of himself and Robert Hord, Jr. Miller is a 1984 graduated from Union College in Schenectady NY with a B.S. and M.S. in electrical engineering. Miller is currently employed by a globally recognized IT firm in downtown Albany. Miller is a long time sports fan and local minor league sports supporter; in fact, with partner Bob Hord, Miller worked with the Sports Foundation to bring over 2,200 kids from deserving organizations to minor league events last year. Miller is married to wife Lisa of 24 yrs and together, they have 4 children. Steve Millers vision for the team is that of outreach; Miller believes that his basketball team and the associated positive role models will commit to out reach and that this team can have a positive influence on the youth of the Capital community especially as this new team partners with organizations who share that same vision and mission.

Robert H. Hord Jr. currently resides in Clifton Park, New York. Hord has a B.S. from State University of New York and a Masters in Public Administration from the Maxwell School, Syracuse University. Hord is the President/CEO of R Harrison LLC, consulting firm September of 2005). Before that, Robert was a consultant for Bolton St. Johns lobby firm for a year and before that Robert was employed for 31 years at Xerox corporation handling multiple managerial positions for 29 of those years; in 17 of those years- Hord managed state government operations York). Robert Hord is a member and/or past member in these organizations: Macedonia Baptist Church, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Albany Chapter Beta Psi Boule, Governor Cuomos Excelsior Committee Improvement), Senior Services of Albany, 100 Black Men, Schuyler Center for Advocacy and Analysis, YMCA Board and Albany High Mentorship. Rowland is the third owner. Rowland is a graduate of Potsdam State 1981. Rowland was an NBA draft pick in the 10th round by the Denver Nugget in 1981. Derrick played with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1985-1986 NBA season. Rowland played with the Albany Patroons and several European league teams as well. Since his playing days in Albany, Derrick has called Albany his home. Derrick will be the Legends Vice President of Player Development and Derrick will also serve as the teams head coach.

IBL Commissioner Mikal Duilio our product is so efficient that we do not need an entire town and 4,000 fans per night behind the team- for the team to survive; that being said, we would like a good amount of fans at the games and we would like the team to be a big event. The IBL believes that Mr. Miller and Mr. Hord are capable of working with the Armory to make this team special in the community. To understand how a team will survive and/or thrive in a community, it is important to understand some aspects about the International Basketball League itself, especially that teams are limited to just one flight, total.

Courtesy of IBL

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ISRAEL

Jerusalem prevail against Roanne - by Eurobasket News
Jerusalem - Roanne 88:79
Hapoel Jerusalem claimed a necessary home win over Roanne to reach the EuroCup regular season. The Israeli entered the game needing to overcome a 2-point deficit after the opening encounter in France. However Roanne was not about to give it away that easily. The visitors looked better in the starting frame. Roanne jumped to a 7:0 lead early on. They maintained the advantage throughout the first quarter and posted a 22:18 lead after ten minutes. However Jerusalem tipped off the second period with 10 points in a row to take the lead. Soon Tre Simmons

(201-F-80, college: Ohio) provided the home team with a 10-point buffer into the fourth period. Uchenna Nsomwu

(185-G-85) finished with 14 points in defeat.

Jerusalem: Tre Simmons 22, Brandon Hunter 18, Dijon Thompson 13
Roanne: Uchenna Nsomwu 21, Pape-Philippe Amagou 14

Pini Gershon sorry for actions against New York Knicks - by Eurobasket News
The president of Maccabi Tel Aviv has apologized to the NBA and the Knicks for its coach's behavior during an exhibition game at Madison Square Garden.

Pini Gershon (agency: Arik Krayn Services ), the coach, also said he was sorry in letters that were sent Monday to league commissioner David Stern and Knicks president Donnie Walsh, and seen by The Associated Press.

'Having had time to reflect on my actions while our team was in New York, I would like to apologize to the New York Knicks franchise, the NBA and basketball fans not only at Madison Square Garden but throughout the country,' Gershon wrote.

'Our trip to the U.S. was for a wonderful cause -- the children of Migdal Ohr -- and hopefully a few minutes of bad behavior on my behalf won't detract from all the good that was accomplished by our spirited competition with the Knicks and the Clippers.'

The game in New York benefited Migdal Ohr, the world's largest orphanage. Maccabi Tel Aviv visited the Clippers two nights later.

Gershon received two technical fouls and was ejected in the third quarter of an Oct. 18 loss to the Knicks, but refused to leave the court, as rules specify. The game was delayed about eight minutes before Gershon agreed to leave, with Rabbi Yitchak Dovid Grossman, the founder and dean of Migdal Ohr, coming on the floor to ask referees to let the coach stay.

In his letter, Maccabi Tel Aviv president Shimon Mizrahi thanked the NBA and the Knicks for their hospitality, and said Gershon should have left the court immediately instead of arguing with the officials.

'We also join in apologizing, because behavior of this sort is not at all representative of our basketball club,' Mizrahi wrote.

The NBA confirmed that Stern received the letter.

'The apology was unnecessary -- and accepted,' Stern said. 'We have only the highest regard for Maccabi Tel Aviv, their ownership, coaches, players, and our longtime friend Shimon Mizrahi.'

The Knicks did not comment.

Courtesy of ESPN (www.sports.espn.go.com)

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Brian ASBURY
  Hap.Tivon
  (201-F-)
  Avg: 30

1. Asbury, Hap.Tivon	30.0
2. Markson, Elitzur .	28.3
3. Clemente, Macc.Ash.	28.0
4. Courtney, Hapoel B.	25.0
5. Brandy, Hod H.	23.5
6. Shiran, Lev H.	23.0
7. Byerson, Natzrath.	22.5
8. Jackson, Elitzur .	20.0
9. Hicks, Kohav Yair	19.5
10. Tzubrevitch, Elit.	19.3

Rebounds Per Game

Bryant MARKSON
  Elitzur Yavne
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 13.3

1. Markson, Elitzur .	13.3
2. Brandy, Hod H.	13.0
3. Hicks, Kohav Yair	11.0
4. Auter, Macc.Hab.	11.0
5. Tzubrevitch, Elitzu.	9.7
6. Harrison, Hap.Haifa	9.7
7. Simhon, Hod H.	9.5
8. Byerson, Natzrath.	9.5
9. Lee, Kiryat Ata	9.3
10. Peterson, Elitzu.	9.0

Assists Per Game

Ilan NENIKASHVILI
  Megido/Yok.
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 8

1. Nenikashvili, Megido.	8.0
2. Berkovich, Hap.H.	6.7
3. Shifman, Hapoel Beeri	6.3
4. Arieli, Hap.Tivon	6.3
5. Hirsh, Beer Yaakov	6.0
6. Huli, Lev Hasharon	6.0
7. Golan, Lev Hasharon	5.3
8. Yasu, Hap.Tivon	5.3
9. Brandwein, Elitzu.	5.3
10. Skverer, Macc.H.	5.0

Steals Per Game

Stanley BRANDY
  Hod Hasharon
  (200-F-67)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Brandy, Hod H.	3.5
2. Asbury, Hap.Tivon	3.0
3. Farchi, Macc.Ash.	3.0
4. Almoznino, Megido/Y.	3.0
5. Clemente, Macc.Ash.	2.7
6. Markson, Elitzur .	2.7
7. Huli, Lev Hasharon	2.3
8. Eliyaho, Hap.Haifa	2.3
9. Harrison, Hap.Haifa	2.0
10. Wolfer, Hod.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Michael HARRISON
  Hap.Haifa
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Harrison, Hap.Haifa	6.3
2. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	3.0
3. Courtney, Hapoel B.	2.0
4. Markson, Elitzur .	2.0
5. Martin, Elitzur Yavne	2.0
6. Auter, Macc.Hab.	1.7
7. Tzubrevitch, Elitzu.	1.7
8. Kremer, Lev H.	1.5
9. Peterson, Elitzur .	1.3
10. Lavi, Hap.Hai.	1.3

Brandon Wallace joins Hapoel Holon - by Eurobasket News
Hapoel Holon decided to strengthen their roster following the loss in the starting round of the Israeli league. They landed Brandon Wallace (206-F-85, college: S.Carolina). The 24-year-old forward began the previous season in Mersin in Turkey. He played just one game in the TBL and left for Poland. There Brandon Wallace inked with Bank BPS Kwidzyn. The forward tallied 7.8 points, 5.6 boards and 1.2 assists per game in the PLK. Wallace participated at the Polish League All-Star Game.

Top players of Round 1 - by Eurobasket News
Dagan Yavzuri

(193-G-85, agency: Ronsport) is MVP of Round 1 in Israeli top division. Yavzuri led his Galil Gilboa to 72-57 home win against Ironi Asheklon collecting 20 points and 5 rebounds. He made 6 of 8 attempts from behind the arc and 1 of 2 for FG2, all in 32 minutes. Yavzuri registered 5 rebounds and 1 assist beside that.
Top scorers of Round 1 are Justin Dentmon

(180-G-85, college: Washington) of Hapoel Afula and Tre Simmons

(198-G-82, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Washington) of Hapoel Jerusalem with 25 points each. Davon Jefferson

(203-F-86, college: USC) of Maccabi Haifa is third on this list with 21 pts.
The best rebounder of Round 1 is Killingswort of Natanya with 13. Katz of Bnei Hasharon and John Thomas (205-F/C-75, college: Minnesota) of Hapoel Holon had 12 boards apiece.
Meir Tapiro

(194-G-75, agency: Avi Zilberman) of Maccabi Rishon dished out the most assists in this round (9). Three players follow him with 8 (Katz, Eidson and Perkins).
Shmuel Brener

(188-G-81, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) of Netanya and Segado Belcher

(191-G-78, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Nebraska) of Bnei Hasharon are the best in steal in Round 1. They had 6 each, while Tony Washam

(198-F/G-82, college: St.Vincent) of Netanya is third on this list with 5 steals.
Round 2 is scheduled for November 1.

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ITALY

Lottomatica crushes CSKA in Moscow - by Eurobasket News
CSKA - Lottomatica 69-74

Lottomatica grabbed impressive win in Moscow. The team from Rome crushed Russian powerhouse in very exciting finish jumping to 2-0 in Group C. At the same time, CSKA dropped to 1-1. Andre Hutson

(202-F-79, college: Michigan St.) led the winners with 15, while Kennedy Winston (198-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Alabama) and Herve Toure

(202-F-82, agency: ACMT) added 13 points each. Ibrahim Jaaber

(187-G-84, college: Pennsylvania) this time helped with 11 points and 5 rebounds. In CSKA, Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) shined with 22 points and 7 boards. J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell) followed with 12 pts.
Lottomatica opened the game better creating 4-6 and later 6-11 lead. After ten minutes of play the Italians had 19-25 lead, despite CSKA tied the score to 15-15 few moments before. Different picture on the court was seen in the second quarter, which CSKA ended 19-13. Zoran Planinic was the one who scored the last basket in the first half setting the score to 41-39. It was his 18th point. After the breather, CSKA jumped to 46-39, but Lottomatica quickly responded taking back their lead, 48-50. Later, with ten minutes to go the score was 53-58 for the guests. Zoran Planinic lifted his team to 5-0 run and on the other side Ibrahim Jaaber led Lottomatica to 0-6 after that. With less than a minute remaining Lottomatica had 69-70, after what Herve Toure and De La Fuente scored the decisive points for their team.

CSKA: Zoran Planinic 22+7 boards, J.R. Holden 12
Lottomatica: Andre Hutson 15, Kennedy Winston 13, Herve Toure 13, Ibrahim Jaaber 11+5 boards

Market news: Armands Skele joins Martos Napoli - by Antonello Varallo
Martos Napoli announced the agreement with Latvian National team playerArmands Skele

(192-G-83). Skele is a great shooter and a good rebounder with good offensive skills. At the beginning of his career he was rated as a NBA prospect but he was not choosen by any team during the 2004 draft. He spent the best seasons of his career with Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-PLK) between 2002 and 2005:in 2004 he was choosen for FIBA Europe League All-Star Game.
During last 3 seasons, Skele played with Barons/LMT Riga (LBL),winning Fiba EuroCup in 2008 and ending 2008/09 with 16.8 ppg in 25 LBL games and a season high of 30 points ( Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League Player of the Year for the second time), 16.3 ppg in 17 Baltic League Games with a season high of 27 points and 11.3 ppg in 4 Eurocup games, with a high of 26 points.

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LIGA SUDAMERICANA

Standings

Liga Sudamericana Standings

Group A
1. Sionista		3-0
2. Universo/BRB		2-1
3. U.Concepcion		1-2
4. Libertad		0-3
Group B
1. Libertad S.		3-0
2. Pitagoras/Minas		2-1
3. Bigua		1-2
4. Millonarios		0-3
Group C
1. Quimsa		1-0
2. Defensor		1-0
3. Flamengo		0-1
4. Malvin		0-1

Liga-Sudamericana Round: 7 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News

Group C

Flamengo - Defensor 68-82
Defensor opened their Liga Sudamericana campaign with a comfortable win over the defending champions Flamengo. Robby Collum (185-G-81, college: W.Michigan) knocked down 24 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead the charge. Dillon Sneed added 23 points and 8 rebounds for Defensor. Marcelinho Machado answered with 22 points, 8 boards and 5 steals for Flamengo. Guilherme Teichmann knocked down 14 points in the losing effort.

Quimsa - Malvin 77-72
Quimsa prevailed against Malvin as Roman Gonzalez

(211-C-78) netted 20 points and pulled down 8 rebounds in the victory. Julio Mazzaro contributed 17 points for the winners. Fernando Martinez responded with 20 points for Malvin.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Gene MYVETT
  Millonarios
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 34

1. Myvett, Millonarios	34.0
2. Wolkowyski, Libertad.	27.0
3. Collum, Defensor	24.0
4. da Rosa, Pitago.	23.7
5. Giovannoni, Unive.	23.7
6. Sneed, Defensor	23.0
7. Hure, Sionista	23.0
8. Brown, Libertad S.	23.0
9. Machado, Flamengo	22.0
10. Adams, Millonari.	22.0

Rebounds Per Game

Michael ADAMS
  Millonarios
  (211-C-)
  Avg: 17

1. Adams, Millonarios	17.0
2. Myvett, Millonarios	12.0
3. Hubner, Pitagora.	9.0
4. Calfani, Bigua	9.0
5. Drudi, Pitagora.	8.3
6. Collum, Defensor	8.0
7. Machado, Flamengo	8.0
8. Hure, Sionista	8.0
9. Gonzalez, Quimsa	8.0
10. Sneed, Defens.	8.0

Assists Per Game

Facundo SUCATZKY
  Pitagoras/Minas
  (176-G-72)
  Avg: 9

1. Sucatzky, Pitago.	9.0
2. Hernandez, U.Concep.	8.0
3. Silva, Un.	8.0
4. Togni, Pitagora.	5.7
5. Ginobili, Libertad S.	5.7
6. Martinez, Sionista	5.3
7. dos Santos, Unive.	5.0
8. Rodriguez, Sionista	4.3
9. Campos, Pitagora.	4.0
10. Martinez, Malv.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Marcelinho MACHADO
  Flamengo
  (199-F/G-75)
  Avg: 5

1. Machado, Flamengo	5.0
2. Myvett, Millonarios	4.0
3. Ozuna, Libertad	3.3
4. Landoni, Libertad.	3.0
5. Togni, Pitagora.	3.0
6. Rodriguez, Sionista	3.0
7. Pelussi, Libertad S.	2.7
8. Stephens, U.Concep.	2.5
9. dos Santos, Unive.	2.3
10. Da Silva, Pita.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Michael ADAMS
  Millonarios
  (211-C-)
  Avg: 5

1. Adams, Millonarios	5.0
2. Landoni, Libertad.	3.0
3. White, Quimsa	3.0
4. Stephens, U.Concep.	2.0
5. Teichmann, Flame.	1.0
6. Bouzout, Malvin	1.0
7. Dixon, Sionista	1.0
8. Mazzaro, Quimsa	1.0
9. Hubner, Pitagora.	1.0
10. Coloneze, Flamen.	1.0

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

LUXEMBOURG

Soleuvre (0-5) loses match and its Coach Serge Logelin!! - by Alex Meyers
Sunday, October 25, 2009

Soleuvre 67 - Musel Pikes 85

Soleuvre, Luxembourg,
ASoleuvre is 0-5 in the DBBL and is out from the Cup of Luxembourg. Some changes apparently had to be made. Subsequently, Coach Serge Logelin , who brought Soleuvre up last season from N2 has lost his job. Assistant Coach Yann Thiltges already coached the last game at home against Musel Pikes. Without starting forwards Christian Weisen and David Berthle, Soleuvre and Logelin had no chance for victory in its first 4 outings: A respectful 9 point loss vs. Contern, a 5 point loss at Residence, a well played 6 point loss vs. Amicale and a 16 point loss at league leader T71. The results were not that bad, but a loss is a loss. However, take away two starting forwards from any team in the DBBL and see what happens. Logelin did an adequate job with what he had to work with. But as it always seems in the basketball world of Luxembourg, when a team loses... first its the import player... then its the coach who must go. Sam Hinnant is gone and now Serge Logelin is gone. Life goes on in the DBBL.

Last sunday afternoon in Remich, Soleuvre lost again. Soleuvre played well for 10 minutes. In the 3rd Quarter, they outscored their opponent 32-23. But, in the other quarters they played poorly enough to come away with an 67-85 loss. Bright spots for Soleuvre were Luc Loesch's 23 points and David Controguerra's 16. Cory Smith (195-F/G-87, college: Rhodes) had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, but he isn't the guy to lead Spoleuvre to many victories without the two missing forwards Weisen and Berthle. Pikes' Fletcher Walters (201-F-86, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Amherst) led again in scoring and rebounding with 27 and 15. Guy Schmit added 17 points, Laurent Schwartz 14 and Jannik Tuffel 12. Tomasz Wojnowski had a big duble-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Musel Pikes held Soleuvre to only 21 first half points and cruised on automatic pilot until the end for the easy home win. Musel Pikes is now 3-2 on the young DBBL season and will face Contern at home on Saturday, October 31st. Sloeuvre with have to face Sparta in Bertrange on Friday night, the 30th of October.

Soleuvre: 23 field goals, 7 three pointers, 14 for 20 free throws, 33 rebounds, 12 fouls and 15 turnovers
Smith 14, Loesch 23, Controguerra 16, Mertz 8, Hemmen 0, also Muepu 4, Kombo 2 and Schreiner 0
Musel Pikes: 35 field goals, 6 three pointers, 9 for 19 free throws, 37 rebounds, 17 fouls and 9 turnovers
Walters 27, Schwartz 14, G. Schmit 17, Tuffel 12, Wojnowski 10, also R. Dentzer 1, Haas 0, Kox 2, C. Schmit 2 and Schmitz 0

Score by quarters: 1st Q 10-20, Halftime 21-39, 3rd Q 53-62, Final 67-85
290 spectators

BBC Nitia gets 1st DBBL win in vs. Racing in OT!!! Billy McDaniel 30 points & 27 rebounds!!! - by Alex Meyers
Sunday, October 25, 2009

BBC Nitia 79 - Racing 78 1OT

Bettembourg, Luxembourg
Billy McDaniel (201-F/C-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Ark.-Monticello), the FLBB's MVP for the DBBL last season, grabbed and unusual amount of rebounds (27) to go along with his 30 points to help his new team to their first win of the season. McDaniel must play hero and savior for this team, which without him would have a difficult time remaining in the DBBL for next year. Now they are in 8th place as Racign and Soleuvre are still looking for their first taste of victory. Stephane Ribeiro Da Silva stepped it up as well for Nitia with 21 points Tom Kaiser added 13. For DBBL doormat Racing, Corey Largent (200-F-80, college: W.Carolina) put in his bid for DBBL scoring leader with 35 points and added 11 rebounds to the cause. Andre Pesch scored 11 and Vincent Weynandt and Dean Gindt notched 10 points a peice. The game was close all the way coming down to the wire in a barn burner in Bettembourg, Nitia tied it in the final seconds to go into overtime. McDaniel dominated in the extra minutes scoring 9 points and Nitia got the 1 point victory. Nitia must host their neighbors from Dudelange on Saturday, October 30th and Racing will host Etzella also on Saturday.

BBC Nitia: 33 field goals, 3 three pointers, 10 for 29 free throws, 57 rebounds, 21 fouls and 18 turnovers
McDaniel 30, Ribeiro Da Silva 21, Kaiser 13, Bintz 4, Bevilacqua 8, also Di Bartholomeo, 0 Kuhlmann 3 and Muller 0
Racing: 25 field goals, 11 three pointers, 17 for 27 free throws, 39 rebounds, 23 fouls and 16 turnovers
Weynandt 10, Pesch 11, Largent 35, Pires 8, Groos 0, also Stojanovic 4, Florentin 0 and Gindt 10

Score by quarters: 1st Q 17-18. Halftime 35-40, 3rd Q 53-56, 4th Q 68-68, Final 1OT 79-78
160 Spectators

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

MONTENEGRO

(192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) had a chance to save the game for Buducnost but his three-pointer rimmed out.
Brose Baskets grabbed the lead right from the start and Predrag Suput

(206-F-87) had 10 for the winners. Predrag Suput responded with 15 points for Brose Baskets. Brian Roberts had 13 points and 6 boards.

Buducnost: Nemanja Gordic 19, Goran Jeretin 14, Boris Savovic 10
Brose Baskets: Predrag Suput 15, Brian Roberts 13

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NBA

NBA Round: 2 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
N.Orleans H. - San Antonio S. 96-113
Tony Parker scored 17 points before leaving the game after a hard fall and the San Antonio Spurs beat the New Orleans Hornets 113-96 on Wednesday night. Parker landed with a thud on his right side after slicing between fellowAll-Star Chris Paul and Hilton Armstrong for a lay-up late in the third quarter. He lay scrunched up and wincing for more than a minute before walking back to the bench on his own. The contact set off heated words between Paul and Spurs newcomer Richard Jefferson, who were both hit with technical fouls at midcourt upon being separated. Paul led all scorers with 26 points and Emeka Okafor had 18 points and 10rebounds in his Hornets debut after sitting out the preseason with an injured toe. Manu Ginobili scored 16 points in his first game healthy for the Spurs since hobbling through last season with bad ankles. Tim Duncan had nine points and 12 rebounds.

Utah Jazz - Denver N. 105-114
Carmelo Anthony had a game-high 30 points and rookie Ty Lawson scored seven of his 17 points in a pivotal fourth-quarter run, lifting the Denver Nuggets to a season-opening 114-105 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. Chauncey Billups finished with 25 while Kenyon Martin added 16 points and 11 rebounds. Deron Williams led Utah with 28 points and 13 assists. Andrei Kirilenko and Ronnie Brewer each contributed 16 on a night when two-time All-Star Carlos Boozer struggled, finishing 3 of 14 and scoring 12 points - most coming late. He also had 11 rebounds.

Houston R. - Golde State W. 108-107
The difference was clear. So is the change that is needed. From now on, all water transportation. Cruise ships and sail boats, yachts and submarines. If the Rockets have to take canoes down the bayous, they should do it. With the Bay Bridge closed, they took the step unprecedented in the NBA world of luxury planes, trains and automobiles of taking the ferry across the San Francisco Bay on Wednesday, and though there was nothing like smooth sailing, the Rockets took over the second half and held to beat the Warriors, 108-107, for their first win of the season. Trevor Ariza led the Rockets with 25 points, one shy of his career-high, with Aaron Brooks getting a career-high 12 assists and Luis Scola 21 points, 14 in the third-quarter surge that the Rockets rode to the win.

Phoenix Suns - LA Clippers 109-107
Steve Nash scored 15 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, when he rallied the Phoenix Suns to a 109-107 season-opening victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Grant Hill had 19 points and 13 rebounds, Leandro Barbosa added 17 points, Amare Stoudemire 16 and Channing Frye 12 for the Suns, who won their fifth in a row over the Clippers. Stoudemire played his first game since Feb. 18, on the same court and against the same opponent. The All-Star forward underwent surgery to repair a detached retina in his right eye, which kept him out of the final 29 games last season. Marcus Camby had 23 points and 11 rebounds for Los Angeles, which dropped to 0-2 after losing its opener 99-92 to the NBA champion Lakers a night earlier. Chris Kaman added 22 points, including six straight over the final 4:02, to keep the Clippers in it until the end. Eric Gordon added 16 points, but he missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer with Stoudemire guarding him closely in the closing seconds.

New York K. - Miami Heat 93-115
Dwyane Wade knows they all won�t be this easy. Wade began defense of his NBA scoring title with 26 points, Jermaine O�Neal finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds, and the Miami Heat opened with a 115-93win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. New starting power forward Michael Beasley scored 21 for Miami, which made26 of 31 shots in a staggering 20-minute stretch spanning the second and thirdquarters, turning a close game into a blowout. Al Harrington and Danilo Gallinari netted 2 pts each for the Knicks.

Detroit P. - Memphis G. 96-74
Richard Hamilton scored 25 points, Ben Gordon added 22,and the Detroit Pistons ran away from the Memphis Grizzlies 96-74 on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams. The two guards were a combined 17 of 31 from the floor, and that was after Hamilton started the game missing five of his first six shots. Hamilton left the game after spraining his right ankle on a shot with just under 5 minutes to play. He hit one of the two ensuing free throws, then went straight to the dressing room on the next dead ball. Tayshaun Prince finished with 14 points for Detroit in new coach John Kuester�s debut, while Rodney Stuckey scored 12.

New Jersey N. - Minnesota T. 93-95
The young Minnesota Timberwolves sure showed some spirit on opening night. Jonny Flynn scored 13 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter to help the Wolves erase a 19-point deficit and Damien Wilkins� putback at the buzzer lifted Minnesota to a 95-93 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday night. Minnesota trailed by 16 points with less than 7 minutes to play. But the rookie Flynn scored 11 points the rest of the way and the Timberwolves closed the game on a 24-6 run to steal the victory. Brook Lopez had 27 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks for the Nets. But he didn�t score in the final period and Al Jefferson blocked a shot with 25 seconds to go that would have given New Jersey the lead.

Sacramento K. - Oklah.City T. 89-102
Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder completed step one in avoiding another horrendous start to the season. Durant had 25 points and 11 rebounds, Jeff Green added 24 points and the Thunder led from start to finish in a 102-89 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams. A year after opening their first season in Oklahoma City with a 3-29 record, the Thunder hit 10 of their first 13 shots and built a double-digit lead in the first 6 minutes of the game, then never let Sacramento mount a serious comeback in Paul Westphal's debut as coach. Nenad Krstic added 20 points and Russell Westbrook had 14 points and a career-high 13 assists for Oklahoma City in front of a sellout crowd of 18,203.

Indiana P. - Atlanta H. 109-120
Joe Johnson scored 25 points, Al Horford(notes) had 24 and the AtlantaHawks finally played some defense in an offensive shootout, pulling away in thefourth quarter for a season-opening 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers onWednesday night. The Pacers shot 53 percent from the field but only 5 of 15 in the finalperiod, including an uncontested layup at the end. They also turned it over sixtimes to finish with a staggering 25 giveaways, leading to 32 points for thehome team. Danny Granger led Indiana with 31 points, but only one other starter was indouble figures. Earl Watson added 20 points for the Pacers.

Philadelph.76 - Orlando M. 106-120
Dwight Howard had 21 points and grabbed 15 rebounds as the Orlando Magic cruised past the Philadelphia Sixers 120-106 in the NBA regular season opener for both teams. Five other players scored in double figures and ten Magic players tallied seven or more points in a balanced attack. Marreese Speights led all scorers with 26 points on 10-for-11 shooting for Philadelphia. Guard Lou Williams added 18. The Sixers return home Friday to open their season at the Wachovia Center against the Milwaukee Bucks. Philadelphia is beginning their first season under new coach Eddie Jordan.

Cleveland C. - Toronto R. 91-101
Andrea Bargnani scored 28 points, Chris Bosh had 21 points and 16rebounds, and the Toronto Raptors overcame LeBron James� 25th career triple-double to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 101-91 on Wednesday night. James had 23 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds, but Cleveland opened its season with consecutive losses for the first time since an 0-3 start in 2004-05.James scored 38 points in Tuesday�s 95-89 home loss to Boston. Mo Williams scored 16 points and Shaquille O�Neal had 12 for Cleveland, which had won five straight over Toronto and nine of 10. Hedo Turkoglu scored 12 points in his Raptors debut and Marco Belinelli had 10. Jose Calderon had 11 assists for Toronto.

Charlotte B. - Boston C. 59-92
Kevin Garnett returned to the Boston parquet and slipped on it, putting a bigger scare into the Celtics than the Charlotte Bobcats could. In his first game back in Boston since the injury that knocked him out of last year's playoffs, Garnett scored 10 points with seven rebounds over 26 easy minutes and the Celtics held Charlotte to a franchise-low in scoring to coast to a 92-59 victory. Ray Allen was the only Boston starter to play in the fourth, scoring 18 points in all. Rajon Rondo scored 10 with 11 assists, and newcomers Rasheed Wallace and Shelden Williams came off the bench to help; Wallace had three three-pointers and Williams had 12 points and nine rebounds. Gerald Wallace had 10 points and 12 rebounds - the only Bobcat to reach double digits in scoring.

Boston's Rajon Rondo not signing extension - by Eurobasket News
It appears that midnight will come on Halloween without Rajon Rondo (6'1''-G-86, college: Kentucky) signing a contract extension with the Boston Celtics, according to Yahoo! Sports' Marc J. Spears. This will make Rondo a restricted free agent next summer when everybody and their brother (LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, etc.) is an unrestricted free agent.

Rondo's agent is apparently saying that there isn't much that will change his client's mind to actually sign the extension between now and Saturday night. 'We're not going to do an extension right now,' he said. 'There is a difference between the perception of him in their eyes and our eyes.'

Rondo supposedly wants to be in the top five in terms of payment to point guards which would put him in the company of Chris Paul ($13.6 million), Deron Williams ($13.5 million), Steve Nash ($13.1 million), Chauncey Billups ($12.1 million), and Baron Davis ($12.1 million). Obviously, Boston doesn't want to shell out that kind of cash right now.

Courtesy of www.yahoo.com

Celtics' Davis has surgery on thumb after fight - by Eurobasket News
Boston Celtics forward Glen Davis ''Big Baby'' (6'9''-F-86, college: LSU) had surgery on Tuesday to repair his broken right thumb after fighting with a childhood friend while riding in an SUV less than two days before the season opener.

A police report identified Davis as the victim and said his friend, Shawn Bridgewater, appeared to be intoxicated.

Davis is expected to miss at least six weeks, though the Celtics said he also could be suspended for his behavior.

While his teammates were in Cleveland on Tuesday preparing for the Celtics' opening game against the Cavaliers, Davis was undergoing an operation at a Boston hospital. In a statement released by the team, Davis apologized to his teammates, coaches and the organization.

''I am extremely disappointed that this incident occurred and that it will prevent me from starting the season with the rest of my teammates,'' he said. ''My teammates and the entire Celtics organization are extremely important to me and I will do my best to expedite the healing process and be back on the court as soon as possible.''

That might not be good enough for the Celtics.

Owner Wyc Grousbeck told The Associated Press that Davis could be suspended for violating the contract he signed this summer, which would pay him about $6 million over the next two years.

''We are talking with his representatives and will likely move to suspend him for a period of time once we have all the facts in front of us,'' Grousbeck said. ''We expect him to return to the team ready to contribute once his hand is healed. This situation, while regrettable, can be a catalyst for a team coming together.''

Celtics coach Doc Rivers is upset with Davis and the circumstances that led to the injury.

''I'm supportive of 'Baby' but I'm disappointed,'' Rivers said before Tuesday night's game. ''It puts everybody in a bad way and, obviously, the timing of it wasn't great, but I don't know if there is a good time for it. It happened. When we got the results back, we were hoping for the best that it would be a bad lesson, but not a lesson that was going to hurt our team as well. It turned out to be both.''

On the possibility of Davis being suspended, Rivers said, ''I've been in on the conversations very little. Basically, I don't want to be a part of that right now because I have a job to do. We've got time to discuss what we want to do there. Something is going to happen, obviously.''

Rivers spoke to Davis on Monday but offered no details on their talk.

''That's a private conversation,'' Rivers said. ''It wasn't a jovial one, I can tell you that. But it was an honest one.''

While disappointed in Davis, Rivers is standing by him.

''I'll make this point, 'Baby' is not a bad person,'' Rivers said. ''He made a bad mistake. He made a bad judgment. Unfortunately, it only takes one second or five seconds to make a mistake and then you have to live with it at times. Right now, he has to live with that mistake. He's not a bad kid. He's grown. He's maturing. Obviously, he has a ways to go, but we want to help him do that. I really feel that's part of my job as coach to help him become a better person and to not put himself in ways like this.''

Rivers isn't certain when Davis will return.

According to the police report, officers found Davis at 4 a.m. Monday walking shirtless near a black SUV that had stopped in the middle of the road, less than one-quarter mile from his Waltham house. Davis told police he had gotten into a fight with Bridgewater, whom he identified as his ''best friend since childhood,'' while driving back from a restaurant in Boston.

Davis' girlfriend and her friend were also in the car; the report said all four concurred that Bridgewater, who like Davis is from Baton Rouge, La., threw the first punch and the 6-foot-9, 289-pound forward retaliated, leaving Bridgewater with a fat lip and blood around the mouth and nose. Both Davis and Bridgewater refused medical attention, before Davis and his girlfriend walked home.

A backup for most of his career, Davis moved into the starting lineup after Kevin Garnett was injured last season and went from 21 minutes a game to 36 while bumping his scoring average from 7 points to 15.8. Davis became a restricted free agent this summer but re-signed with the Celtics after to a two-year deal worth about $6 million.

Courtesy of www.comcast.net

NBA regular season: Summary of Day 1 - by Eurobasket News
Boston C. - Cleveland C. 95-89
The Boston Celtics beat Cleveland 95-89 in the NBA season opener, spoiling the hyped debut of the Cavaliers with LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) and Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU).. James, the league MVP, and O'Neal were shaded by Boston's reunited Big Three. Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) scored 23 points, Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut) 16 and Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76, agency: Pro Management Agency) 13 in his first regular-season game since last March. Pierce made two crucial jumpers and two free throws in the final 1:03 to pace the Celtics, whose drive to a second straight NBA title was derailed when Garnett injured his knee late last season. Rasheed Wallace, added as a free agent during the offseason, had 12 points. James scored 38 and O'Neal added 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Cavaliers.

Washington W. - Dallas M. 102-91
New Washington coach Flip Saunders was as eager as everyone else to see how Gilbert Arenas (6'3''-G-82, college: Arizona) would look in his latest return from injury. He had to like the answer. Arenas had 29 points and nine assists, helping stake the Wizards to an early lead over the revamped Dallas Mavericks and keeping them ahead throughout the final three quarters on their way to a 102-91 victory Tuesday night. Arenas shot 10 of 21 and made 8-of-9 free throws for his most points since Nov. 14, 2007. Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) scored 34 points, but was only 10 of 25. He was 12 of 13 from the foul line - all in the first half. Shawn Marion had 16 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in his Dallas debut, but didn't have any baskets in the middle two quarters.

Houston R. - Portland TB 87-96
Reserve Travis Outlaw (6'9''-F-84) scored 23 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Houston Rockets 96-87 in the season opener Tuesday night. Brandon Roy (6'6''-G-84, college: Washington) added 20 points and five assists for the Blazers. Portland hit 20 of 22 free throws and outrebounded Houston 51-33. Aaron Brooks had 19 points for the Rockets, who defeated Portland in six games this past spring in the first round of the playoffs. That was a much different Houston team, though. Rockets center Yao Ming is out for the season after offseason foot surgery, and Ron Artest - who pestered the Blazers - left for the Lakers as a free agent.

LA Clippers - LA Lakers 92-99
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) scored 33 points and Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services) added 26 on his 22nd birthday as the reigning NBA champions opened defense of their title Tuesday night with a 99-92 victory over the Clippers, their Staples Center co-tenants who played without injured No. 1 overall draft pick Blake Griffin. Artest scored 10 points in his debut in the starting lineup. Pau Gasol sat out with a strained right hamstring and was replaced by Lamar Odom, who had 16 points and 13 rebounds. Eric Gordon scored 21 points for the Clippers, who lost their ninth in a row to the Lakers. Chris Kaman added 18 points and 16 rebounds, Marcus Camby had 14 points, and reserve Craig Smith 12. Baron Davis was held to two points on 1 of 10 shooting.

No.1 pick Blake Griffin injured, could miss 6 weeks of play - by Eurobasket News
Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) is injured and could miss upto 6 weeks of play. He has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left patella, which would take 6 weeks recovery time. He suffered this leg injury in the teams final pre-season game. Los Angeles Clippers revealed this sad piece of news to the fans on Monday night.

Blake Griffin is the team member of Los Angles and he plays as the Clippers forward. He was picked up for the National Basketball League for the first time as he impressed the authorities with his earnest and impressive performance.

Blake Griffin was born on 16th March 1989 in the US. He played for the Oklahoma Sooner during his college football career. He was awarded many times and was also the winner of the John Wooden Award, the Naismith Award. He also remained the player of the year for college basketball season in 2008-2009.

He was also a hot favorite to win the NBA award but it now looks dicey since he is all set to lose 6 weeks of play due to the stress fracture in his kneecap.

Courtesy of www.thaindian.com

Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Home Opener - by Zoran Vukovic
October 28, 2009

Tonight the home opener for the Toronto Raptors will tip off at the Air Canada Centre.
With a lot of trades and movement on the roster in the off season, a key factor to success this season for the Raptors will be how quickly they can gel as a team.

The key figure on the team is still Chris Bosh. Bosh, the four-time all-star, is heading into what could be the final year of his contract, a 25-year-old talent chasing not only a $130-million (U.S.) payday, but respect: Teams dont give out those deals to players who dont win playoff games any more. Not in these economic times.

Bosh is on a mission to prove his case. He committed himself to a newly rigorous off-season routine; inspired by the sand-kicking physiques of the NBAs title-winning elite he rubbed shoulders with on Team USA last summer at the Beijing Olympics.

He showed there that he belongs among the best. But he was a role player in China. With three playoff wins on his rsum as a headliner with the Raptors, he needs to prove he can be part of an NBA team that matters.

Bets are on that the Raptors will make it into the play-offs this year. The start to it all for this season is tonight, Tipoff is at 7pm EST.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Dirk NOWITZKI
  Dallas M.
  (211-F-78)
  Avg: 34

1. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	34.0
2. Bryant, LA Lakers	33.0
3. Granger, Indiana P.	31.0
4. James, Clevelan.	30.5
5. Anthony, Denver N.	30.0
6. Arenas, Washingt.	29.0
7. Bargnani, Toron.	28.0
8. Williams, Utah Jazz	28.0
9. Lopez, New J.	27.0
10. Martin, Sacram.	27.0

Rebounds Per Game

Alfred HORFORD
  Atlanta H.
  (208-F/C-86)
  Avg: 16

1. Horford, Atlanta H.	16.0
2. Bosh, Toronto R.	16.0
3. Howard, Orlando M.	15.0
4. Gasol, Memphis G.	15.0
5. Lopez, New J.	15.0
6. Bynum, LA Lakers	13.0
7. Odom, LA Lakers	13.0
8. Kaman, LA Clippers	12.5
9. Duncan, San A.	12.0
10. Oden, Portland	12.0

Assists Per Game

Deron WILLIAMS
  Utah Jazz
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 13

1. Williams, Utah Jazz	13.0
2. Westbrook, Oklah..	13.0
3. Calderon, Toron.	11.0
4. Rondo, Boston C.	10.5
5. James, Clevelan.	10.0
6. Davis, LA Clippers	10.0
7. Paul, N.Orleans H.	9.0
8. Arenas, Washingt.	9.0
9. Brooks, Houston R.	8.5
10. Harris, New.	8.0

Steals Per Game

Josh SMITH
  Atlanta H.
  (205-F-85)
  Avg: 5

1. Smith, Atlanta H.	5.0
2. Johnson, Atlanta H.	4.0
3. Iguodala, Philadel.	4.0
4. Wilkins, Minnesota T.	4.0
5. Bryant, LA Lakers	4.0
6. Curry, Golde S.	4.0
7. Davis, LA Clippers	3.5
8. West, N.Orleans H.	3.0
9. Rondo, Boston C.	3.0
10. Brewer, Minnes.	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Greg ODEN
  Portland TB
  (213-C-88)
  Avg: 5

1. Oden, Portland TB	5.0
2. Lopez, New J.	5.0
3. Gasol, Memphis G.	3.0
4. Villanueva, Detro.	3.0
5. Green, Oklah.Ci.	3.0
6. Turkoglu, Toron.	3.0
7. Marion, Dallas M.	3.0
8. Garnett, Boston C.	3.0
9. Turiaf, Golde S.	3.0
10. Perkins, Boston.	2.5

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.	2-0
2. Toronto R.	1-0
3. New Jersey N.	0-1
4. New York K.	0-1
5. Philadelph.76	0-1
Central Div.
1. Detroit P.	1-0
2. Milwaukee B.	0-0
3. Chicago B.	0-0
4. Indiana P.	0-1
5. Cleveland C.	0-2
Southeast Div.
1. Atlanta H.	1-0
2. Miami Heat	1-0
3. Washington W.	1-0
4. Orlando M.	1-0
5. Charlotte B.	0-1
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Oklah.City T.	1-0
2. Minnesota T.	1-0
3. Portland TB	1-0
4. Denver N.	1-0
5. Utah Jazz	0-1
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers	1-0
2. Phoenix Suns	1-0
3. Sacramento K.	0-1
4. Golde State W.	0-1
5. LA Clippers	0-2
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.	1-0
2. Houston R.	1-1
3. N.Orleans H.	0-1
4. Dallas M.	0-1
5. Memphis G.	0-1

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

NCAA1

Hampton University basketball captain dies in accidental Va. shooting; suspect charged - by Eurobasket News
A Hampton University basketball player has died from what police call an accidental shooting outside a nightclub.

Theo Smalling (6'7''-F-87) of Tampa, Fla., died Monday night, according to a university statement Tuesday.

Police said the 22-year-old team captain was shot in the abdomen early Saturday in the parking lot of a nightclub after another man mishandled a firearm.

Police have charged 21-year-old Dominique Devon Smith with reckless handling of a firearm. They could not say if he has an attorney. Police are awaiting autopsy results.

HU basketball coach Ed Joyner called Smalling's death a 'devastating loss.' Hampton President William R. Harvey described him as a 'model' student-athlete.

A campus memorial in Smalling's memory was planned Thursday night.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com

Knight refuses Indiana's offer to settle lawsuit - by Eurobasket News
Bob Knight has two more complaints with Indiana University.

He didn't like the school making a private matter public, and he didn't want Indiana alumni footing the bill to settle a lawsuit.

On Tuesday, Knight released a statement saying he will return a $75,000 check sent last week by Indiana officials as a settlement offer.

'Indiana University has refused for nine years to take care of their obligation in this matter,' Knight said in a statement released by ESPN, who he now works for. 'I did not know until yesterday (Monday) that this check was sent to my attorney. Upon finding out about it, I immediately gave him instructions to send the check back.'

The letter, sent from Russell Yates' law firm in Denver, was dated Monday and requested routing codes and account numbers so the money could be wired back to the university's account.

Indiana University spokesman Larry MacIntyre confirmed the letter had been received but the money, which was obtained through private donations, had not yet been returned.

Knight sued Indiana, claiming the school did not properly defend him against a suit from Ron Felling, a former assistant coach. Knight settled that case in 2002 by paying Felling $25,000 and admitting that in 1999 he shoved Felling in anger after overhearing him criticize Knight's coaching and behavior.

When asked what Knight's decision meant for the lawsuit, MacIntyre said: 'I have no idea.'

The timing of Knight's decision is awkward, though.

On Wednesday, the NCAA is holding a public tribute for the late Myles Brand, the man who fired Knight in September 2000 when he was Indiana's president.

And next week, Knight and former player Steve Downing will be inducted into the school's hall of fame. Downing is expected to attend the ceremonies next weekend. It is unclear whether Knight will attend.

Next week's honor didn't stop Knight from criticizing the university for its efforts to settle.

'In all the years I coached at Indiana and elsewhere, I never accepted a thing from alumni and I don't intend to start now,' he said. 'This issue is with the university not with the alumni.

'It would be amazing what this university's legal office has spent over the past nine years avoiding this obligation as well as paying off all the broken athletic contracts they have made.'

Indiana fired Knight in September 2000 after he won a school record 662 games, 11 Big Ten championships and three national championships. The reason: Brand put Knight on a zero-tolerance policy following a university investigation into a former player's allegations that Knight had choked him during a practice. When freshman Kent Harvey accused Knight of grabbing him later that year, Brand fired Knight.

The General returned to coaching in 2001 at Texas Tech, where he continued to coach until retiring as the Division I leader in victories (902) in 2008. His son, Pat, replaced Knight at Texas Tech.

Knight also was the head coach at Army before coming to Indiana.

Courtesy of www.kansascity.com

Governors dismiss Harris - by Kevin Cochran
Austin Peay St. men's basketball has announced that sophomore guard James Harris (6'1''-G) has been dismissed from the team for a 'violation of athletic department policy.'

That was announced Thursday by APSU head coach Dave Loos .

Harris, of Kalamazoo, Mich., played in only 16 games in 2008-09, averaging 1.1 points per game. The dismissal came a week after he was suspended from team activities.

Harris will remain in school through semester's end.
Courtesy APSU Sports Information

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

NORWAY

Underdog ends on top - by Kaare Vangen
Ammerud was 4-2 and Baerum 2-4 before the match but Baerum had little trouble winning 91-63 tonight. Aggresive defense and Roy Bright

(197-F-86, agency: Rice and Rice, college: Delaware St.) grabbing a lot of rebounds gave the Baerum team an early lead. Ammerud came back strong after a timeout and the game was close at the start of the second period. But from then on Baerum was in the driver's seat. Stian Berg (186-G-91) showed excellent shooting from three point land. Ammerud managed to have a kind of contact until early in the fourth period but a lot of bad shot choices and turnovers let the Baerum team run over Ammerud. And we all know how the Baerum men can run... and gun.

Baerum - Ammerud 91-63 (20-19, 24-16,19-17,28-11)
Baerum: Roy Bright 21, Nils-Paul Skaara 18, Christer Elgmork (180-G-87) 17, Stian Berg 16
Ammerud: Roy Nwachuckwu 13, Thor Afam Hagen 12, Christian Hinsch 10

Some come, some go - by Kaare Vangen
The times they are changing. Robert Holm is out and Harstad has decided to go for a coaching combo of former players Sanel Gabela (188-G-80) and Bjorn Risshall (200-F/C-76, college: Modesto JC). Gabela led the team in the 1 point loss against Ammerud last weekend.

In Baerum Dexter Grey has gone back to USA due to family reasons just when Roy Bright

(197-F-86, agency: Rice and Rice, college: Delaware St.) arrived. And In Bergen will Audun Eskeland (176-G-85) take a break from basketball. He has not been practising for two weeks and has not played the last two matches. Eskeland was THE key player for Ulriken and will be missed. So get ready for new BLNO scoring records unless some imports enter the court. Who will be the first team to make 150 points in regular time? My bet is Asker. The have the current record with 140 points (against Kristiansand in 2007).

Standings - BLNO

BLNO Standings

1. Asker	6-0
2. Gimle	5-1
3. Tromso	4-2
4. Ammerud	4-3
5. Harstad	3-3
6. Baerum	3-4
7. Ulriken	0-6
8. Froya	0-6

New BLNO record? - by Kaare Vangen
My, oh, my! In the Bergen derby today Gimle took revenge against Ulriken.
Ulriken have been 'big brother' for at least 15 years now but after 125-33 (!) Gimle will for a long, long time always have something to reply when Ulriken fans will try to argue about which club is the best one. Ulriken without Audun Eskeland (176-G-85) was held to single digit score in three of four periods. Gimle had six players in double digits and Magne Fivelstad (197-G/F-89) leading the pack with 30 points. Ali Ouakkaha (184-G-90) had 14 for Ulriken.
OK, Ulriken is regrouping and must have credit for not spending money they don't have but this was ugly, really, really ugly. Even not the Kristiansand Pirates had losses like this one when they had their 46 games losing streak. I really, really hope the Ulriken team will keep their spirits up and make progress soon. And Gimle must remember that there are good and bad losers and good and bad winners...

The other matches gave us Asker getting a very comfortable win against the young team from Froya and Tromso Storm getting a favourite win at home against Baerum who didn't get second import player Roy Bright ready in time. Ammerud edged Harstad with one point in Oslo in a match with a lot of nerve. Sanel Gabela did not get the start of his coaching career in Harstad that he wanted. Harstad had a 3-0 record after the first weekend in Oslo but is now 3-3. Ammerud is on the way up and takes the third spot with a 4-2 record.

In Div 1 BK Miners from Kongsberg present themselves as the big favorites to the title. They are now 6-0 after two wins on Trondheim. Runner up Kristiansand is 5-1 after losing with 15 (96-81) to last team on the standings Persbraten and winning with four (88-84) to number two from the bottom. Not impressing from the Pirates.

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

PANAMA

The CBS Final is Navieros - Caimanes - by Gianni Pascucci
The Final Game of the CBS 2009 will be played between Caimanes de Rio Abajo and Navieros de Colon, and will be the replay of last year final, in which Caimanes crowned champions. In fact, Navieros defeated 112-110 Colosos de Betania in their semifinal game, in front of a packed Al Brown Arena in their Colon, and Caimanes clearly prevailed, 112-100, over Canguros de Parque Lefevre the day after, in the second semifinal game. The Final is scheduled for saturday, October 31, at 16:00 at the Roberto Duran Arena in Panama City. The game will be covered live by RPC RADIO and its stats will be published soon on www.cbs2009.net

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

PBL

Highly Competitive Combine hosted by the Manchester Millrats - by Carl Berman
(Derry, New Hampshire): Over 70 players turned out for an extremely competitive New Hampshire Exposure Combine over the weekend. Pro Partner Sports (www.propartnersports.com), who entered one of the agency teams in the event, managed to post the top record through the combine (6-0). The Pro Partner team featured the high flying Julian Allen (6'4''-G-87) (6'5 Georgia Southern), strong guard Dawin Whiten (6'3 Cal-Poly), and the dynamic Tyrece Gibbs (6'4 UNH). Bobby Bailey, Mo Sumter, and Marcus Palmer were also impressive.

NetScouts Basketball LLC also fielded a team, led by 6'5 Jamaal Webb, 6'1 Todd Burton, 6'2 Leonard Lans, and point guard Harry Osterhoudt. Charles Easterling, another NetScouts player, performed exceptionally well.

Other players who made a mark included 6'6 wing Lou McCroskey (Syracuse/Marist), 6'2 point guard Shannon Crooks (UMass), 6'0 guard Eric Gilchrese (UNH), 6'4 G-F Gerald Carter (SNHU), 6'3 guard Derek Savage, 6'5 forward Ben Grate, 6'7 forward Jamaal Caterina (UNH/So Maine), 6'7 forward Renato Lindmets (Elms), 6'4 guard Damien Battles (Central CT State), and 5'10 point guard Brandon Ball (Michigan Tech).

Among the former Millrats who played well were 5'10 point guard Al Stewart, 6'5 forward Eric Downie, 6'8 forward Charles Mason, and 6'5 forward Dwight Brewington (Providence/Liberty).

'The camp was great' stated Pro Partner Sports Agent Jim Buckley, 'Thanks again!' 'I was suprised by the level of talent here,' said 6'7 Jamaal Caterina, 'there was more here than at recent D-League tryout camps.' 'We had a great turnout with alot of great talent, and that's what we do - we want to help players who are not exactly where they want to be, to get there,' explained Millrats GM Ian McCarthy.

PBL Media specialist and photographer extraordinaire posted an essay of the combine on his blog (http://blog.timesunion.com/chuckmiller/photo-essay-manchester-millrats-free-agent-camp/476/) with a flickr photo gallery at the bottom. The Millrats staff will begin the process of compiling a roster for a November veteran's camp. Following that, the roster will be trimmed further for training camp which begins December 12th.

The Manchester Millrats recently completed a very successful second season, finishing 16-4 and winning the Atlantic Division of the Premier Basketball League. For more information please feel free to email Millrats GM Ian McCarthy at millrats@gmail.com or visit www.manchestermillrats.com, or www.pblproball.com.

Carl Berman is a Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball LLC. NetScouts Basketball is the largest collegiate scouting service in the United States as well as a progressive basketball media company. Information on NetScouts Basketball can be obtained from their website at www.netscoutsbasketball.com or by writing info@netscoutsbasketball.com.

Rainmen re-sign Crookshank, Strickland - by Eurobasket News
The Halifax Rainmen have welcomed Eric Crookshank (6'7''-F-80, college: Idaho St.) and John Strickland (6'8''-F/C-72, college: Hawaii-Pacific) back into the fold.

The Premier Basketball League team made official on Monday two re-signings that team owner and president Andre Levingston had referred to earlier in the fall as priorities for the Halifax squad.

The six-foot-eight Crookshank tied for fourth in the league last year by pulling down nine rebounds per game, to go along with 11.8 points, while averaging 26.6 minutes in 13 contests.

Strickland, also six-foot-eight, played 16 games for the Rainmen last season, averaging 23.8 minutes, 9.3 points and 5.4 rebounds a game.

'I am very pleased to have guys with this type of experience and knowledge of the game playing with us again this year,' head coach Les Berry said in a news release.

'Having these two back is key to providing continuity for our roster; both know the league very well, have become fan favourites and adopted the city of Halifax as their second home.'

Crookshank, who was an all-star two years ago when the Rainmen played in the American Basketball Association, sat out seven games last season when he was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team.

Details were never released and he was reinstated to the lineup a day after then-coach Rick Lewis was dismissed, although Levingston said then that the timing was coincidental.

In an interview Monday, Levingston said he expects the small forward to be a key part of the Rainmen lineup.

'We have him in as a starter, hes a guy that gonna be high-energy for us, and do a great job for us on the defensive end as well because hes so athletic.'

Strickland, wholl split time between centre and power forward, wont play as many minutes this year, Levingston said.

'Hell play a reduced role, but he will definitely come in and provide some leadership to us and some experience to our younger guys, but also be prepared to give those minutes that we need from a true veteran.'

Mondays signings give the Rainmen nine men under contract. Levingston said the team is looking to take about 15 players into training camp when it opens Dec. 1 in Yarmouth and will cut the roster to 12 or 13 before the season opens in January.

Two more players could come on board shortly. The Rainmen have the seventh and 17th picks in Thursdays two-round, 20-player PBL draft.

'Were definitely looking for another big guy for sure,' Levingston said Monday. 'We really have a need for another big guy; were looking at a couple of guys at that position.'

The Rainmen signed former NBA draft pick Gordon Malone, a six-foot-11 centre from Brooklyn, N.Y., on Oct. 1.

Courtesy of www.thechronicleherald.ca

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

PHILIPPINES

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

JayJay HELTERBRAND
  Ginebra
  (183-G-76)
  Avg: 18.5

1. Helterbrand, Gineb.	18.5
2. Cardona, Talk N.	18.3
3. Casio, Smart Gilas	17.7
4. Tubid, Ginebra	17.5
5. Santos, San Miguel	17.3
6. Williams, Santa Lucia	17.0
7. Yap, Purefoods	16.7
8. Tenorio, Alaska	16.3
9. Miller, Alaska	16.0
10. Buenafe, Burger.	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Kelly WILLIAMS
  Santa Lucia
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 13

1. Williams, Santa Lucia	13.0
2. Espinas, Santa L.	12.7
3. Santos, San Miguel	12.5
4. Pena, San Miguel	11.3
5. Aguilar, Smart Gilas	10.3
6. Raymundo, Puref.	10.3
7. Reavis, Purefoods	10.3
8. Rodriguez, Coca-.	9.3
9. Yee, Burger King	9.3
10. Miller, Alas.	9.0

Assists Per Game

Mark BARROCA
  Smart Gilas
  (198-F/C-88)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Barroca, Smart G.	7.7
2. Helterbrand, Gineb.	7.3
3. Alapag, Talk N Text	7.3
4. Yeo, Santa Lucia	6.0
5. Tiu, Smart Gilas	6.0
6. Yap, Purefoods	5.3
7. Miller, Alaska	4.8
8. Artadi, Purefoods	4.7
9. Custodio, San Miguel	4.7
10. Norwood, Rain.	4.3

Steals Per Game

Ryan REYES
  Santa Lucia
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 3

1. Reyes, Santa Lucia	3.0
2. Santos, San Miguel	2.5
3. Lanete, Burger King	2.5
4. Williams, Santa Lucia	2.3
5. Mercado, Rain o.	2.0
6. Norwood, Rain o.	2.0
7. Dela Cruz, Alaska	1.8
8. Ross, Coca-Cola	1.7
9. Castro, Talk N Text	1.5
10. Buenafe, Burger.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Ali PEEK
  Talk N Text
  (194-F-75)
  Avg: 3

1. Peek, Talk N Text	3.0
2. Aguilar, Smart Gilas	3.0
3. Hontiveros, San M.	1.5
4. Santos, San Miguel	1.3
5. Quinahan, Burger K.	1.3
6. Viray, Barako Bull	1.0
7. Mamaril, Ginebra	1.0
8. Williams, Santa Lucia	1.0
9. Thoss, Alaska	1.0
10. Gonzales, Coca-Co.	1.0

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings

1. Alaska	4-0
2. Ginebra	3-1
3. Talk N Text	3-1
4. Santa Lucia	2-1
5. Purefoods	2-1
6. Barako Bull	2-2
7. Burger King	2-2
8. San Miguel	2-2
9. Coca-Cola	0-3
10. Smart Gilas	0-3
11. Rain or Shine	0-4

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

ROMANIA

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Jarrett HOWELL
  Gaz Metan
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 22.8

1. Howell, Gaz Metan	22.8
2. Timus, Steaua T.	22.8
3. Bassett, Craiova	21.4
4. Santana, Municipal B.	21.2
5. Seals, Otopeni	20.8
6. Dzambic, Timisoara	20.0
7. Smith, CSU Sibiu	19.7
8. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	19.0
9. Howard, Gladiato.	18.3
10. Dawson, Gladia.	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Virgil CARUTASU
  Ploiesti
  (204-C-76)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Carutasu, Ploiesti	10.8
2. Smith, CSU Sibiu	9.8
3. Paltinisanu, Timis.	8.0
4. Gnjato, Oradea	8.0
5. Clark, Pitesti	7.8
6. Roschnafsky, Gladia.	7.6
7. Harris, Craiova	7.6
8. Masiulis, Mures	7.5
9. Johnson, CSU Sibiu	7.3
10. Seals, Otope.	7.2

Assists Per Game

Jarrett HOWELL
  Gaz Metan
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 7

1. Howell, Gaz Metan	7.0
2. Roschnafsky, Gladia.	6.4
3. Dzambic, Timisoara	6.0
4. Pesic, Timisoara	4.8
5. Cuic, U.Mobitel.CN	4.7
6. Fometescu, Dinamo B.	4.7
7. Helcioiu, Municipa.	4.5
8. Sheard, Mures	4.3
9. Johnson, CSU Sibiu	4.2
10. Burleson, Ploies.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Darius HARGROVE
  Ploiesti
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Hargrove, Ploiesti	3.6
2. Howell, Gaz Metan	3.5
3. Johnson, CSU Sibiu	3.3
4. Mitchell, Gaz Metan	3.2
5. Tyner, Rovinari	2.8
6. Jackson, Pitesti	2.5
7. Sheard, Mures	2.5
8. Brown, CSU Sibiu	2.3
9. Timus, Steaua T.	2.2
10. Burleson, Ploies.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Radovan DRAGOVIC
  Craiova
  (206-C-83)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Dragovic, Craiova	2.8
2. Masiulis, Mures	2.5
3. Lazar, Oradea	1.5
4. Dragusin, Pitesti	1.3
5. Vajda, Mures	1.2
6. Carutasu, Ploiesti	1.0
7. Lawrence, U.Mobite.	1.0
8. Marojevic, Municipa.	1.0
9. Paltinisanu, Timis.	0.8
10. Pantelic, Steaua.	0.8

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

RUSSIA

Standings - Superleague A

A Superleague Standings

1. Triumph	3-0
2. CSKA	2-0
3. Unics	2-0
4. Lok.Rostov	2-1
5. Krasnie Krilya	1-1
6. Khimky	1-1
7. Spartak SP	0-2
8. Dynamo M.	0-2
9. Krasnoyarsk	0-4

Stats Leaders - Superleague A

Points Per Game

Sergey BYKOV
  Dynamo M.
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 24

1. Bykov, Dynamo M.	24.0
2. Lyday, Unics	22.0
3. Flores, Krasnie .	21.0
4. Chalmers, Enisey	19.3
5. Shabalkin, Triumph	18.5
6. Trushkin, Krasni.	18.5
7. Capin, Lokomoti.	18.3
8. Vorontsevich, CSKA	18.0
9. Monya, Dynamo M.	17.0
10. Demeshkin, Enis.	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Andrey VORONTSEVICH
  CSKA
  (204-C-87)
  Avg: 11

1. Vorontsevich, CSKA	11.0
2. Trushkin, Krasni.	10.0
3. Monya, Dynamo M.	9.5
4. Meshcharakou, Sparta.	9.0
5. Antic, Lokomoti.	7.7
6. Langdon, CSKA	7.0
7. Veremeenko, Unics	7.0
8. Panin, Triumph	7.0
9. Javtokas, Khimky	7.0
10. Rush, Trium.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Ernest BREMER
  Krasnie Krilya
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 6

1. Bremer, Krasnie .	6.0
2. Popovic, Unics	5.0
3. Capin, Lokomoti.	4.7
4. Bykov, Dynamo M.	4.5
5. Flores, Krasnie .	4.0
6. Lopez, Khimky	4.0
7. Joksimovic, Lokomo.	4.0
8. Chalmers, Enisey	3.8
9. Cabezas, Khimky	3.5
10. Pashutin, Spa.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Vitaly FRIDZON
  Khimky
  (195-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Fridzon, Khimky	2.5
2. Bremer, Krasnie .	2.5
3. Biggs, Krasnie Krilya	2.5
4. Rush, Triumph	2.3
5. Monya, Dynamo M.	2.0
6. Siskauskas, CSKA	2.0
7. Shabalkin, Triumph	2.0
8. Samoylenko, Unics	2.0
9. Surovtsev, Lokomoti.	2.0
10. Kolesnikov, Spa.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Sergey MONYA
  Dynamo M.
  (204-F-83)
  Avg: 2

1. Monya, Dynamo M.	2.0
2. Nesterov, Triumph	1.7
3. Savenkov, Lokomoti.	1.7
4. Trushkin, Krasni.	1.5
5. Meshcharakou, Sparta.	1.5
6. Javtokas, Khimky	1.5
7. Sokolov, CSKA	1.0
8. Mozgov, Khimky	1.0
9. Savrasenko, Dynamo M.	1.0
10. Shabalkin, Trium.	1.0

A Superleague Round: 2 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Triumph - Spartak SP 84-74
Triumph celebrated the third straight victory in the League as they beat Spartak SP 84:74. Konstantin Nesterov (205-F/C-81, college: Va Commonwealth) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Rush Brion nailed 18. Fields Levance posted 24 points in the losing effort.

Khimky - Krasnie Krilya 70-71
Krasnie Krilya upset Khimky 71:70 as Flores Luis and Andrei Trushkin (207-C/F-81) led the way with 21 points each. Javtokas Robertas ended up with 14 points in the losing effort and Jankunas Paulius nailed 11.

Lokomotiv K. - Enisey 81-69
Lokomotiv Kuban overcame Enisey 81:69 in the last game of the Regular Season Round 2 played on Wednesday. Aleksandar Capin (186-G-82) paced all the winners with 24 points and Surovtsev Aleksei nailed 15. Demeshkin Sergei collected 25 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort.

Dynamo M. - Unics 70-78
Dynamo Moscow lost to Unics 70:78 and suffered the second straight loss. Terrell Lyday

(190-G-79, college: BYU) paced the guests with 26 points and Popovic Marko nailed 11. Bykov Sergey delivered 26 points in the losing effort.

Enisey - CSKA 79-82
CSKA toiled for a narrow road win over Enisey. The defending champions arrived to Krasnoyarsk without Trajan Langdon and had to sweat heavily before eking out the second win in the Superleague. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) knocked down 20 points to lead CSKA. J.R. Holden added 17 points for the winners. Lionel Chalmers responded with game-high 28 points, 5 boards, 4 steals and 4 assists for the home team.

Lottomatica crushes CSKA in Moscow - by Eurobasket News
CSKA - Lottomatica 69-74

Lottomatica grabbed impressive win in Moscow. The team from Rome crushed Russian powerhouse in very exciting finish jumping to 2-0 in Group C. At the same time, CSKA dropped to 1-1. Andre Hutson

(202-F-79, college: Michigan St.) led the winners with 15, while Kennedy Winston (198-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Alabama) and Herve Toure

(202-F-82, agency: ACMT) added 13 points each. Ibrahim Jaaber

(187-G-84, college: Pennsylvania) this time helped with 11 points and 5 rebounds. In CSKA, Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) shined with 22 points and 7 boards. J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell) followed with 12 pts.
Lottomatica opened the game better creating 4-6 and later 6-11 lead. After ten minutes of play the Italians had 19-25 lead, despite CSKA tied the score to 15-15 few moments before. Different picture on the court was seen in the second quarter, which CSKA ended 19-13. Zoran Planinic was the one who scored the last basket in the first half setting the score to 41-39. It was his 18th point. After the breather, CSKA jumped to 46-39, but Lottomatica quickly responded taking back their lead, 48-50. Later, with ten minutes to go the score was 53-58 for the guests. Zoran Planinic lifted his team to 5-0 run and on the other side Ibrahim Jaaber led Lottomatica to 0-6 after that. With less than a minute remaining Lottomatica had 69-70, after what Herve Toure and De La Fuente scored the decisive points for their team.

CSKA: Zoran Planinic 22+7 boards, J.R. Holden 12
Lottomatica: Andre Hutson 15, Kennedy Winston 13, Herve Toure 13, Ibrahim Jaaber 11+5 boards

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

SERBIA

Metalac, Novi Sad and Mega Vizura win in Round 4 - by Dragan Jankovski
Three games of Round 4 were played yesterday.

Metalac was better than Masinac in Kraljevo 72-79. The winner had impressive first half of the game finishing it 23-43. It turned out as unreachable for rest of the way. Dragomir Marojevic (207-C-81) led Metalac with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Vuksan Gagovic

(202-F-84) scored 14. Nemanja Milasinovic (194-F-84) had 14 points in Masinac.

Novi Sad also celebrated as a guest, but against KG 06. It was 66-74 win for Novi Sad, who recovered from the bad start. Miljan Rakic (195-G-86, agency: Beo Basket) was the most important player for the winners scoring 25 points. Maksim Kovacevic

(199-G/F-87) and Marko Jagodic Kuridza (204-C-87) had 13 each. KG 06 got 20 points from Ivan Milosevic

(193-F-78).

In the last game, Mega Vizura was too strong for Sloga in Belgrade 80-73, what is their third straight win this season. Third quarter was the decisive one and it belonged to Mega Vizura 30-17. Danilo Andjusic (190-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) again was the best player in Mega Vizura scoring 20 points. Nemanja Arnautovic (194-G-90) also was good with 19 points and 5 assists. Nemanja Dasic

(191-F-86) scored 17 in Sloga.

Other four games will be played today.

Standings - A Liga

A Standings

1. Beograd	3-1
2. Metalac	3-1
3. Borac	3-1
4. Proleter Naft.	3-1
5. Mega Vizura	3-1
6. Tamis	3-1
7. Sloga	2-2
8. Novi Sad	2-2
9. Vojvodina	2-2
10. Masinac	1-3
11. KG 06	1-3
12. Napredak	1-3
13. Ergonom	1-3
14. Radnicki Basket	0-4
Will join on later stage:
1. Radnicki K.	-
2. Hemofarm	-
3. FMP	-
4. Crvena Zvez.	-
5. Partizan	-

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Dragan KRUSCIC
  Beograd
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 23

1. Kruscic, Beograd	23.0
2. Markovic, Napredak	21.0
3. Stojacic, Mega V.	20.0
4. Korac, Beograd	19.0
5. Riznic, Ergonom	19.0
6. Andjusic, Mega V.	18.7
7. Smiljanic, Radnic.	18.5
8. Prolovic, Borac	18.3
9. Milosevic, KG 06	17.3
10. Mladenovic, Erg.	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Stefan JELOVAC
  Mega Vizura
  (208-C-89)
  Avg: 13

1. Jelovac, Mega V.	13.0
2. Lukovic, Radnic.	9.0
3. Mikic, KG 06	8.3
4. Dramicanin, Borac	7.7
5. Mladenovic, Ergon.	7.3
6. Borovcanin, Sloga	7.0
7. Cvetkovic, Masinac	6.0
8. Bircevic, Metalac	6.0
9. Dasic, Sloga	6.0
10. Jagodic Kuri., Novi.	6.0

Assists Per Game

Vid ZARKOVIC
  Proleter Naft.
  (189-G-75)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Zarkovic, Prolet.	6.7
2. Stefanovic, Metal.	5.0
3. Velickovic, Vojvodina	5.0
4. Trailovic, Ergonom	4.7
5. Pistoljevic, Radnic.	4.3
6. Prolovic, Borac	4.3
7. Milasinovic, Masinac	3.7
8. Vasojevic, KG 06	3.3
9. Pejovic, Napredak	3.3
10. Miljkovic, Masin.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Ilija CVETKOVIC
  Masinac
  (207-C/F-88)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Cvetkovic, Masinac	3.5
2. Milasinovic, Masinac	3.0
3. Velickovic, Vojvodina	2.7
4. Dimitrijevic, Sloga	2.7
5. Dasic, Sloga	2.5
6. Trailovic, Ergonom	2.3
7. Tresac, Borac	2.3
8. Pasuj, Tamis	2.3
9. Kovacevic, Novi Sad	2.3
10. Djordjevic, Slo.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Uros LUKOVIC
  Radnicki Basket
  (213-C-89)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Lukovic, Radnic.	2.7
2. Maravic, Mega V.	2.0
3. Buric, Tamis	2.0
4. Bircevic, Metalac	1.7
5. Petric, KG 06	1.5
6. Mladenovic, Ergon.	1.3
7. Jelovac, Mega V.	1.0
8. Markovic, Tamis	1.0
9. Vasilic, Radnic.	1.0
10. Cvetkovic, Mega.	1.0

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

SLOVAKIA

Standings - D1

Extraliga Standings

1. Nitra	8-1
2. Pezinok	7-2
3. Handlova	6-3
4. Levice	5-4
5. Nova Ves	5-4
6. Svit	4-5
7. Inter Bratisl.	4-5
8. B.Bystrica	4-6
9. Prievidza	3-6
10. Komarno	2-7
11. Vahostav-Zilina	2-7

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

SLOVENIA

Standings - 1A

Liga Standings

1. Helios	3-1
2. TCG Mercator	3-1
3. Krka	2-1
4. Polzela	2-1
5. Elektra Esotech	2-1
6. Geoplin Slovan	2-1
7. Parklji	1-2
8. Luka Koper	1-2
9. Rudar	1-2
10. Alpos Sentjur	1-2
11. Zlatorog	1-2
12. Sencur CP	0-3
Will join on later stage:
1. U.Olimpija	-

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Marcus CRENSHAW
  Sentjur
  (178-G-86)
  Avg: 28.3

1. Crenshaw, Sentjur	28.3
2. Snow, Helios	25.5
3. Bubnic, Zlatorog	21.3
4. Nikolic, Krka	19.7
5. Markic, Luka Koper	18.3
6. Feeley, Elektra .	18.0
7. Jagodnik, Polzela	17.7
8. Dragic, Geoplin .	17.7
9. Drzic, Luka Koper	17.7
10. Kobale, Polze.	16.7

Rebounds Per Game

Uros NIKOLIC
  Krka
  (207-F/C-87)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Nikolic, Krka	12.3
2. Jagodnik, Polzela	12.0
3. Jovanovic, Sencur C.	9.0
4. Feeley, Elektra .	8.5
5. Ibok, Polzela	8.3
6. Erzen, Parklji	8.3
7. Cup, Elektra .	8.0
8. Pavic, Geoplin Slovan	8.0
9. Markic, Luka Koper	7.3
10. Finzgar, TCG.	6.5

Assists Per Game

Jure MOCNIK
  Helios
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Mocnik, Helios	4.8
2. Crenshaw, Sentjur	4.3
3. Kostomaj, Elektr.	4.3
4. Nachbar, Luka Koper	4.3
5. Anzulovic, Rudar	4.0
6. Lorbek, Polzela	3.7
7. Snow, Helios	3.5
8. Marcelic, Krka	3.3
9. Jersin, Parklji	3.0
10. Dragic, Geopli.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Andriy LEBEDINTSEV
  TCG Mercator
  (186-G-91)
  Avg: 3

1. Lebedintsev, TCG M.	3.0
2. Kostomaj, Elektr.	2.3
3. Mocnik, Helios	2.3
4. Dragic, Geoplin .	2.3
5. Jovanovic, Sencur C.	2.0
6. Mezek, TCG M.	2.0
7. Kosec, Parklji	2.0
8. Finzgar, TCG M.	2.0
9. Lapornik, Sentjur	2.0
10. Bajramlic, Heli.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Simon FINZGAR
  TCG Mercator
  (196-F-80)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Finzgar, TCG M.	1.8
2. Sviridov, Polzela	1.3
3. Cup, Elektra .	1.3
4. Nikolic, Krka	1.0
5. Skerbec, Geoplin .	1.0
6. Sjekloca, Elektr.	1.0
7. Ibok, Polzela	1.0
8. Virijevic, Sencur C.	1.0
9. Soldo, Rudar	0.7
10. Muric, Parkl.	0.7

TCG Mercator knocks off last unbeaten team - by Zeljko Zule
Mensud Julevic (200-C-85) scored 20 points and Simon Finzgar and Mirko Mulalic added 11 each as TCG Mercator handed Helios their first loss of the season, 63-53 in the opening game of Round 4. Helios was the Telemach's Leageu last unbeaten team. Alexei Lashkevich scored 20 points and Jure Mocnik netted 11 points and handed out 5 assists. TCG trailed just 10-11 and shot only 2-of-21 from 3-point line while Helios commited 18 turnovers.

Branik Primorac inks Bucar, Mihajlovic returns to Switzerland - by Zeljko Zule
MFC.2 Branik Primorac (B1) signed Klemen Bucar (198-G-87) till end of the season. Bucar temporary retired in May 2008 after playing a season for Krka, where he averaged 0.6 points and 0.2 steals per game in A1 UPC Telemach League. He did not play the 2008-09 season.
CRO-SLO Martin Mihajlovic (208-C-81) has left Turkish team Pinar Karsiyaka to join Lugano Tigers. .

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

SOUTH KOREA

Standings

KBL Standings

1. LG Sakers	5-1
2. SK Knights	4-1
3. Dongbu Promy	4-2
4. Sonic Boom KT	3-2
5. Samsung Th.	3-2
6. Mobis Phoebus	3-3
7. KCC Egis	2-3
8. KT&G Kites	1-3
9. Daegu Orions	1-5
10. ET Land B.Sl.	1-5

KBL Round: 7 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Daegu Orions - Mobis Phoebus 68-86
Mobis Phoebus toed their record at 3-3 as they rolled over Daegu Orions after 86:68. Haynes Aaron (201-F-81, college: Boise St.) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and Yang Dong-Geun added 13. Hill Herbert finished the night with 21 points and 15 rebounds in defeat.

LG Sakers - ET Land B.Sl. 97-82
LG Sakers beacme the leader of the KBL after the win over ET Land B.Sl. 97:82 as they improved to 5-1 record. Bradshaw Craig (207-F/C-83, college: Winthrop) contributed with 13 points and 10 boards, while Cho, Sang-Hyun and Baek In-Seon posted 10 each. McCaskill Amal collected 22 points and 12 caroms in defeat and Seo Jang-Hoon followed him with 21.

Dongbu Promy - KT&G Kites 91-77
Dongbu Promy improved to 4-2 record beating KT&G Kites 91:77. Chandler Marquin (202-F-82, college: San Jose St.) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Lee Kwang-Jae nailed 16. Dixon Nigel ended up with 19 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Bell Rashad scored 17.

Samsung Th. - SK Knights 82-80
Samsung handed SK Knights their first 82:80 loss in the league. Leather Terrence (204-C-81, college: S.Florida) paced all the winners with 25 points and Sandrin Eric added 18. Kim Julian and Byeong Seok notched 17 points each for the Knights.

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

SPAIN

Standings - LEB Gold

LEB Gold Standings

1. Girona	4-1
2. La Laguna	4-1
3. Burgos	4-1
4. Melilla	4-1
5. Vive Menorca	3-1
6. Clin.Rincon	3-2
7. Caceres	3-2
8. Breogan	3-2
9. Cornella	3-2
10. Mallorca	2-2
11. Leon	2-2
12. CAI Zaragoza	2-2
13. Palencia	2-3
14. La Palma	1-3
15. Ourense	1-4
16. Vigo	1-4
17. Andorra NT	0-0
18. Tenerife	0-4
19. CB Tarragona	0-5

Standings - LEB Silver

LEB Standings

Group A
1. Huesca	4-1
2. Andorra	3-1
3. Santurtzi	3-1
4. Caja Rioja	3-2
5. Coruna	3-2
6. Alaior	2-3
7. Rosalia	2-3
8. L'Hospitalet	2-3
9. ADT Tarragona	1-3
10. Prat Juventud	1-3
11. Navarra	1-3
Group B
1. Promobys	3-1
2. Alcazar	3-1
3. Huelva	3-1
4. Real M. II	2-2
5. Guadalajara	2-2
6. Plasencia	2-2
7. Illescas	2-2
8. Matchmind	1-3
9. Qalat CajaSol	1-3
10. CajasurCord.	1-3

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game

Justin HOWARD
  Guadalajara
  (208-C-81)
  Avg: 20

1. Howard, Guadalaj.	20.0
2. Johnson, Huesca	18.3
3. Griffin, Cajasur .	17.5
4. Williams, Matchmind	17.0
5. Virgil, Alcazar	16.3
6. Richotti, Real M.	16.0
7. Suka-Umu, Cajasur .	15.5
8. Alonso, Guadalajara	14.8
9. Thompson, ADT T.	14.8
10. Barcelo, Plasenc.	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Justin HOWARD
  Guadalajara
  (208-C-81)
  Avg: 13.3

1. Howard, Guadalaj.	13.3
2. Andrews, Huesca	10.0
3. Thompson, ADT T.	10.0
4. Drame, Andorra	9.5
5. Matali, Andorra	9.3
6. Miller, Huelva	8.8
7. Virgil, Alcazar	8.3
8. Hampl, Santurtzi	8.3
9. Ayon, Illescas	8.0
10. Silvestre, Plasenc.	8.0

Assists Per Game

Josep MARCOS
  Alcazar
  (187-G-78)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Marcos, Alcazar	5.5
2. Rufian, Huelva	4.8
3. Lopez, Coruna	4.6
4. Gonzalez, Navarra	4.0
5. Guigou, Illescas	4.0
6. Sanz, Navarra	4.0
7. Herrero, Huesca	3.7
8. Alonso, Matchmind	3.5
9. Nunez, Guadalajara	3.3
10. Rueda, Promob.	3.3

Steals Per Game

David SUKA-UMU
  Cajasur Cord.
  (195-F-77)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Suka-Umu, Cajasur .	3.8
2. Martinez, Huelva	3.3
3. Alonso, Matchmind	2.8
4. Savitski, Santurtzi	2.8
5. Arjonilla, Guadalaj.	2.8
6. Lyons, Alcazar	2.5
7. Miller, Coruna	2.4
8. Richotti, Real M.	2.3
9. Andrews, Huesca	2.3
10. Justo, Alai.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Ronald THOMPSON
  ADT Tarragona
  (208-F/C-81)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Thompson, ADT T.	2.3
2. Diop, Huelva	1.5
3. Miller, Huelva	1.5
4. De Santana, Caja R.	1.3
5. Sekulic, Plasencia	1.3
6. Williams, Matchmind	1.0
7. Bart-W., Huelva	1.0
8. Adams, Navarra	1.0
9. Howard, Guadalaj.	1.0
10. Biyombo, Illesc.	1.0

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Rick HUGHES
  Leon
  (204-C/F-73)
  Avg: 18.5

1. Hughes, Leon	18.5
2. Riera, Mallorca	18.0
3. Urtasun, Leon	17.8
4. Quinteros, CAI Z.	16.5
5. Phillip, CAI Z.	16.0
6. Morley, Burgos	15.3
7. Robinson, Melilla	14.5
8. Palacios, La Palma	14.3
9. Smith, Cornella	14.0
10. Coleman, Breog.	13.4

Rebounds Per Game

Jakim DONALDSON
  La Laguna
  (203-C/F-83)
  Avg: 10

1. Donaldson, La La.	10.0
2. Lima, Clin.Rincon	9.3
3. Padgett, La Palma	8.8
4. Adrien, Breogan	8.8
5. Northen, Mallorca	8.3
6. Middleton, Girona	8.0
7. Palacios, La Palma	7.8
8. Morley, Burgos	7.5
9. Hess, CB Tarragona	7.0
10. Mirotic, Palenc.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Daniel PEREZ
  Cornella
  (188-G-90)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Perez, Cornella	5.5
2. Jimenez, Melilla	5.3
3. Garrido, La Laguna	4.7
4. Ciorciari, Vive M.	4.5
5. Quinteros, CAI Z.	3.8
6. Bernabe, Leon	3.5
7. Arco, Ourense	3.5
8. Angulo, Caceres	3.4
9. Corrales, Burgos	3.3
10. Garcia, La Pal.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Cuthbert VICTOR
  Vive Menorca
  (196-G/F-83)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Victor, Vive M.	3.3
2. Lescano, CAI Z.	3.0
3. Fuentes, Clin.Rincon	3.0
4. Bernabe, Leon	2.8
5. Samb, Cornella	2.8
6. Urtasun, Leon	2.3
7. Rodriguez, CB Tarra.	2.3
8. Palacios, La Palma	2.0
9. Corbacho, Breogan	2.0
10. Rabaseda, Cornel.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Jakim DONALDSON
  La Laguna
  (203-C/F-83)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Donaldson, La La.	1.8
2. Diouf, CB Tarragona	1.5
3. Turner, Vive M.	1.5
4. Holcomb, Caceres	1.4
5. Mirotic, Palencia	1.2
6. Adrien, Breogan	1.2
7. Coleman, Breogan	1.2
8. Lewis, Palencia	1.0
9. Vazquez, Ourense	1.0
10. Elonu, CAI Zarago.	1.0

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

SWITZERLAND

2008-2009 LNA Player of the Year Marcus Sloan returns to Switzerland - by Alexander Davis
With the season starting a little over a month ago the top Swiss teams have already begun to seperate themselves from the pack. The Birstal Starwings saw this and made a move that they feel can pull the team right a top the leader board. They signed the 2008-2009 Eurobasket Swiss LNA player of the Year Marcus Sloan

(205-F-82, college: TCU). His stats from last year were with Fribourg Olympic, Swiss League: 22 games: 11.3ppg, Reb-5 (9.2rpg), 1.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 65.2%, FT: 51.1%; EuroChallenge: 5 games: 12.0ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.4spg, but the team is looking for him to bring rebounding and defense, according to the club. Also the Lugano Tigers strengthed their froncourt by signing former Vacallo forward Martin Mihajlovic (208-C-81). He was with the Turkish team Karsiyaka earlier this season. He helped Vacallo win the Swiss and Swiss cup championship, and looks to do the same for the derby rival Lugano. His stats were 30 games: 13.2ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 79.3%

Standings - LNA

LNA Standings

1. Fribourg	5-0
2. SAV Vacallo	5-1
3. BBC Nyon	5-1
4. Lugano Tigers	4-1
5. Starwings	3-3
6. Monthey	2-3
7. Boncourt	2-3
8. Geneva Devils	2-4
9. MGS	1-4
10. SAM Massagno	1-4
11. Lausanne	0-6

Stats Leaders LNA

Points Per Game

Daniel FITZGERALD
  SAM Massagno
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 19.8

1. Fitzgerald, SAM M.	19.8
2. Hamilton, SAM M.	18.8
3. Volcy, Monthey	18.8
4. Wooten, Boncourt	18.3
5. N''Diaye, Lausanne	18.2
6. Delic, Starwings	18.0
7. Vogt, Fribourg	17.5
8. Johnson, BBC Nyon	17.4
9. Abukar, Lugano T.	17.3
10. Grimes, Lausan.	16.5

Rebounds Per Game

Christopher GRIMM
  SAM Massagno
  (207-F/C-84)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Grimm, SAM M.	10.2
2. Yates, Fribourg	9.5
3. Thompson, Lausanne	9.3
4. Sanders, Lugano T.	9.0
5. Southall, BBC Nyon	8.6
6. Gugino, Boncourt	8.5
7. VanderMeer, Lugano T.	8.5
8. Dacevic, SAV V.	7.8
9. Molteni, Monthey	7.0
10. Erwin, SAV Vacal.	6.8

Assists Per Game

Karon BRADLEY
  MGS
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Bradley, MGS	5.8
2. Johnson, BBC Nyon	5.4
3. Lukovic, SAV V.	5.0
4. Monroe, Boncourt	4.3
5. Walton, Lugano T.	4.3
6. Pleux-D., Lausanne	4.3
7. Petkovic, Fribourg	4.0
8. Maio, Monthey	3.8
9. Polyblank, Fribourg	3.8
10. Jaquier, Starwin.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Vernon HAMILTON
  SAM Massagno
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Hamilton, SAM M.	5.2
2. Grimes, Lausanne	4.0
3. Pleux-D., Lausanne	3.3
4. Monroe, Boncourt	3.0
5. Dacevic, SAV V.	3.0
6. N''Diaye, Lausanne	2.8
7. Efevberha, Lugano T.	2.5
8. Jaquier, Starwings	2.4
9. Stockalper, Lugano T.	2.3
10. Edecki-A., Geneva.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Alex THOMPSON
  Lausanne
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Thompson, Lausanne	4.5
2. Southall, BBC Nyon	4.2
3. Grimes, Lausanne	2.0
4. VanderMeer, Lugano T.	2.0
5. Basit, Geneva Devils	2.0
6. Niang, MGS	1.8
7. Sanders, Lugano T.	1.8
8. Molteni, Monthey	1.7
9. Grimm, SAM M.	1.4
10. Stockalper, Lugano.	1.0

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

TURKEY

Standings - TB2L

TB2L Standings

Group A
1. Trabzonspor	2-0
2. Beykoz	2-0
3. Gelisim	2-0
4. Selcuk Univ.	1-1
5. Vestel	1-1
6. Yeni Nesil	1-1
7. Final Genclik	1-1
8. Hacettepe Un.	1-1
9. Istanbul B.B.	1-1
10. Pertevniyal	0-2
11. Orman	0-2
12. Duzce Genclik	0-2
Group B
1. FMV Isikspor	2-0
2. ITU	2-0
3. Yesilyurt	2-0
4. Genc Telekom	2-0
5. Akhisar Bld	1-1
6. Optimum TED	1-1
7. Edirne Genclik	1-1
8. Usak	1-1
9. Genc Banvit.	0-2
10. Pamukkale	0-2
11. Akcakoca P.	0-2
12. TED Istanbul	0-2

Efes center Kerem Gonlum given one-year doping ban - by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen player Kerem Gonlum

(208-C/F-77) was given a one-year ban due to a positive doping test, the Turkish Basketball Federation announced Monday.

The Turkish center tested positive for banned substance cathine after the fifth game of the Turkish Beko Basketball League final series against Fenerbahce Ulker in June.

Efes Pilsen went on to win the series, which was marred by crowd troubles, 4-2.

The 32-year-old player was given a provisional ban in late August when his test results were declared, but it was not until this week that the Basketball Federation Disciplinary Committee announced Gnlms suspension.

Gonlum was also given a 10,000 Turkish Liras fine, while Efes Pilsen was also instructed to pay 30,000 liras for its 'negligence' in the event.

Gonlum will also return the medal he won with the team and was banned from receiving any payment from his team during the ban. The player will not be able to train with his team until the last nine months of the suspension period.

Efes Pilsen General Manager Engin Ozerhun said the club would appeal the bans.

We have seen the decision with great sorrow, he said. We hold the right to appeal against the ban in 10 days. We will continue the judiciary process.

Another Efes Pilsen player, Mario Kasun, also tested positive in the tests run after the fifth game in the final series against Fenerbahe, but he staved off any suspension since the amount of cathine material in his blood was within the limit detailed in sports regulations, the Disciplinary Committee declared.

Courtesy of www.hurriyetdailynews.com

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Bobcats G Bell putting off wrist surgery - by David Edole
By MIKE CRANSTON (AP)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. Raja Bell (196-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) wants to tough it out without being a liability. The Charlotte Bobcats likely need their starting shooting guard if they want a realistic shot at the playoffs.

Tuesday was a day of optimism for both sides, with Bell hopeful he'll be able to play this season with a torn ligament in his left wrist and put off surgery that would sideline him up to four months.

'I'm going to (sit out) for another week to see if it continues to progress as it has, then I'll probably wind up playing,' Bell said after participating practice with his non-shooting hand heavily taped. 'If it doesn't, then we'll go back to the drawing board.'

Bell was injured when his wrist bent awkwardly as he tried grab a loose ball in an exhibition game on Oct. 18. He sat out the final two preseason games after tests revealed the torn ligament. Bell got a second opinion from a Chicago hand specialist who told him if he can withstand the pain, he can play.

'I'm pretty encouraged,' Bell said. 'It's feeling a lot better than it did. I still have some hurdles to clear with it, but I feel good.'

Bell will sit out Wednesday's season opener in Boston, leaving the Bobcats short-handed because Ronald 'Flip' Murray hasn't been cleared to return from a stress reaction in his left shin. Coach Larry Brown said Stephen Graham will start against the Celtics ahead of rookie Gerald Henderson.

'I'm not afraid to play Gerald Henderson, but I don't want his first NBA game chasing Paul Pierce and Ray Allen around right off the bat,' Brown said.

Guarding the top scorers has been Bell's job since Charlotte acquired him from Phoenix in December. But Bell acknowledged defending and passing will be more difficult with the injury.

'Defensively, it's tough. It's hard to kind of put your hand on people, it jams it,' Bell said. 'Taking a charge would probably be a scary thought for me right now. And it gets so heavily taped that passing and dribbling, anything to my left, is a problem. That really hinders your game. ... I have to be able to play with a little less tape to be effective.'

Bell said his shooting isn't affected because he doesn't have to snap his left wrist on the release. Bell averaged 13 points and four rebounds and shot 42 percent from 3-point range in 45 games with Charlotte last season. The Bobcats, though, saw their playoff hopes derailed when Bell was sidelined with a calf injury near the end of the season.

If his wrist doesn't improve enough in a week or so, Bell said he could undergo exploratory arthroscopic surgery to make sure the corrective surgery is needed. The arthroscopic surgery would keep him out four to six weeks. Surgery to repair the ligament would sideline him three to four months.

Playing this season would not only help the Bobcats' playoff hopes, but Bell's financial prospects. He turned 33 last month and is in the final year of his contract after the Bobcats rebuffed his request for an extension in the offseason.

But Bell also doesn't want to be so limited by his left hand that he's ineffective.

'To help this team I'll have to be able to use it, so I'll take that week and see if it continues to heal,' Bell said. 'As soon as I feel I can be on the court and not be a liability meaning people can't just sit on my left hand I'll be back.'

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

UKRAINE

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Lamar KARIM
  DniproAzot
  (178-G-83)
  Avg: 27.5

1. Karim, DniproAzot	27.5
2. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	24.8
3. Coleman, BC Odessa	21.3
4. Mitchell, Khimik	17.8
5. Tiggs, Fe.	17.7
6. Rizvic, Azovmash	17.5
7. Fraser, Hoverla	17.3
8. Thomas, Fe.	17.2
9. Daniels, Azovmash	16.8
10. Umbrasko, Dni.	16.6

Rebounds Per Game

Charles THOMAS
  Ferro-ZNTU
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11.7

1. Thomas, Fe.	11.7
2. Fraser, Hoverla	9.7
3. Rizvic, Azovmash	9.2
4. Wilson, Gryfony	8.2
5. Kravtsov, BC Kyiv	7.7
6. Iailo, Mykolaiv	7.5
7. Agafonov, Khimik	7.0
8. Hunter, Fe.	7.0
9. Kornienko, Dnipro	6.8
10. Ugboaja, Azovma.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Darrel MITCHELL
  Khimik
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 8

1. Mitchell, Khimik	8.0
2. Hill, BC Odessa	4.8
3. Antonijevic, Kryvba.	4.7
4. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	4.6
5. Crowe, Dnipro	4.4
6. Perry, BC Donetsk	4.2
7. Jeromanovs, Mykol.	3.8
8. Annenkov, Kryvbasb.	3.8
9. Shaposhnikov, Ferro.	3.7
10. Jarutis, Azovma.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Ilya SHEMOSYUK
  Pulsar
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Shemosyuk, Pulsar	4.5
2. Tiggs, Fe.	4.3
3. Jeromanovs, Mykol.	4.2
4. Lukashov, BC Kyiv	3.6
5. Crowe, Dnipro	3.6
6. Mitchell, Khimik	3.4
7. Hill, BC Odessa	3.0
8. Wilson, Gryfony	3.0
9. Goliakhov, DniproAzot	3.0
10. Perry, BC Donet.	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Edgars JEROMANOVS
  Mykolaiv
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 3

1. Jeromanovs, Mykol.	3.0
2. Sparks, Hoverla	2.3
3. Tiggs, Fe.	2.3
4. Perry, BC Donetsk	2.3
5. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	2.2
6. Canak, Gryfony	2.2
7. Serapinas, Azovm.	2.2
8. Wilson, Gryfony	2.0
9. Zimmerman, Budivelnyk	2.0
10. DeGroat, BC Odes.	2.0

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

Women News

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

ADRIATIC LEAGUE - Women

Stats Leaders

IWBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1.Ivezic, Gospic 22,0
2.Baric, Merkur 20,7
3.Mazic, Medvescak 20,3
4.Thomas, Gospic 20,0
5.Ilijev, AJM 19,3
Hadzovic, Jedinstvo 19,3
7.Tavic, Merkur 16,7
Kure, AJM 16,7
9.Cakic, Sibenik 16,5
10.Trebec, KrGora 15,3

Rebounds Per Game

1.Popovic, Sibenik 12,0
2.Tratsiak, KrGora 11,3
3.Demirovic, Rag. 11,0
4.Mazic, Medvescak 10,0
5.Bura, Sibenik 9,0
6.Anic, Ragusa 8,7
7.Hughes, Merkur 8,0
8.Graham, Jedinstvo 7,0
9.Ostojic, Vojvodina 6,7
Meznaric, Medvescak 6,7

Assists Per Game

1.Krnjetin, Vojvod. 5,0
2.Jelavic, Gospic 4,7
3.Stupar, Vojvod. 4,3
Cuncic, Medvesc. 4,3
5.Cakic, Sibenik 4,0
6.Anic, Ragusa 3,7
Zakula, MlKrajisnik 3,7
8.Cacic, Medvescak 3,5
9.Jurse, KrGora 3,3
Baric, Merkur 3,3

Steals Per Game

1.Stupar, Vojvodina 4,0
2.Ostojic, Vojvodina 3,0
3.Krnjetin, Vojvodina 2,7
Anic, Ragusa 2,7
Hadzovic, Jedinstvo 2,7
Peric, Medvescak 2,7
7.Jelavic, Gospic 2,3
Zakula, Jedinstvo 2,3
Mazic, Medvescak 2,3
Hughes, Merkur 2,3
Augustine, Gos 2,5

Blocks Per Game

1.Tratsiak, KrGora 3,7
2.Ivankovic, Sibenik 2,7
3.Je.Karakasevic, Voj 1,7
4.Hughes, Merkur 1,0
Graham, Jedinstvo 1,0
Popovic, Sibenik 1,0
7.Benic, Ragusa 0,7
Badanjak, Medvesc 0,7
9.Cakic, Sibenik 0,5
Turcinovic, Merkur 0,5

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

ARGENTINA - Women

Chile book FIBA Americas U18 Championship spot - by Eurobasket News
Chile U17 - Argentina U17 62:59
Chile defeated Argentina in front of a sell-out crowd in Peunte Alto. The hosts celebrated the fourth win at the U17 South American Championship. The victory also meant Chile clinched the last available ticket to the FIBA Americas U18 Championship. Argentina suffered the first defeat at the tourney as they fell at 4-1 record.
Chile and Argentina traded baskets throughout the opening frame and were tied at 12 after ten minutes. Argentina managed to put their noses in front in the second term. They ensured a narrow 32:31 lead at halftime. Things hardly changed in the third quarter as the teams exchanged the blows and tension increased. Supported by the home crowd Chile were able to deny the deficit and surged in front in the fourth term. They maintained a narrow advantage and celebrated a tough victory at the end.
Francisca Rojas had 18 points and 16 boards for Chile. Fernanda Serrano (173-G-92) delivered 17 points, while Javiera Morales added 5 points and 10 boards in the victory. Natasha Spiatta (92) answered with 16 points for Argentina. Diana Cabrera (92) had 14 points and 21 boards in defeat.

Chile: Francisca Rojas 18+16 boards, Fernanda Serrano 17, Rocio Dieguez 9
Argentina: Natasha Spiatta 16, Diana Cabrera 14+21 boards

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

AUSTRALIA - Women

Shelley Burston to make Adelaide debut - by Eurobasket News
Record smashing Shelly Burston (188-C-83) will make her much-anticipated Adelaide Lightning debut on Friday in Whyalla against Dandenong Rangers, writes Boti Nagy in The Adelaide Advertiser.

Burston (nee Hammonds), 26 and one of the WNBL's marquee power forwards, tore an anterior cruciate ligament in her knee playing with Bulleen in February.

Adelaide had believed she would be available to play late next month after originally not expecting her on-court until January 8, after the league's New Year season-recess.

'She's just done an amazing job,' Lightning operations manager Steve Breheny said.

In fact Burston was close to selection for last week's 1-1 road trip to Canberra which saw the Lightning smack AIS by 25, but turn the other cheek in a 27- point loss to the Capitals.

'I'd been training and (coach) Vicki (Valk) was keen for me to go,' Burston said. 'I was 50-50 to suit up but the physios thought I needed one more week.

'In hindsight, I probably would have been at about 80 per cent back so I feel better having the extra week of training.'

Burston said her knee was strong and for the past two weeks she had been doing everything at the training sessions.

'I've surprised myself on it,' she said. 'I did it in February but I didn't have the reconstruction until the start of April. 'Seven months is pretty good.'

Burston believed 'the theoretical recovery time' for an ACL reconstruction to be six months, but had spoken to people who had suffered the injury, ascertaining eight-to-10 months as the likely recovery time.

Clearly Adelaide's former regular nemesis is way ahead and has done 'the impossible'.

Local fans will first see her on Sunday against her former club Bulleen.

'I left the club on great terms and am really looking forward to seeing the team and playing against them,' Burston said. Not nearly as much as Lightning fans are looking forward to seeing her in Adelaide red.

Courtesy of www.news.com.au

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

BOSNIA - Women

Standings - Women

D1 Standings

1. Livno	0-0
2. Jedinstvo	0-0
3. Zeljeznicar	0-0
4. Borac-Mladost	0-0
5. Celik	0-0
6. Brotnjo 94	0-0
7. Brcko	0-0
8. Banovici	0-0
9. Tomislavgrad	0-0
10. Sloboda	0-0
11. Trebinje	0-0
12. Igman	0-0

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

BRAZIL - Women

Brazil post the fifth victory in Chile - by Eurobasket News
Brazil U17 - Venezuela U17 93:53

Brazil cruised to the fifth straight win at the U17 South American Championship. They rallied past Venezuela to stay on top of the ladder. Aline Teixeira paced balanced effort with 13 points and 11 boards for Brazil. Venezuela fell at 1-4 record after the defeat. Brazil will face Argentina for the championship on the last day of the tournament.
Brazil did not waste too much time to take a lead. They surged in front early in the encounter and posted a 20:11 advantage after ten minutes. Venezuela could not adjust the rhythm in the second stanza as Brazil continued to mount the advantage. They ensured a 38:21 lead at the interval. Brazil unleashed 30 points in the third stanza to clear off to a 29-point distance. Venezuela had little chance to save the encounter in the fourth frame. Moreover Brazil stretched the margin to massive 40 points at the end.
Damiris Dantas do Amaral (92) and Julia Torres (182-C-93) had 12 points each for Brazil. Aruzha Lima and Jennifer Sirtoli delivered 11 points each in the victory. Waleska Perez responded with 13 points, 8 boards and 4 steals for Venezuela. Mariana Duran added 11 points in the loss.

Brazil: Aline Teixeira 13, Damiris Dantas do Amaral 12, Julia Torres 12
Venezuela: Waleska Perez 13, Mariana Duran 11

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CHILE - Women

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CZECH REPUBLIC - Women

The Defending Champions hammered Brno team - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Moscow Region -Frisco Sika Brno 95:71

The Defending Champions of Euroleague and the winners of the last three campaigns started 2009/2010 season with a home victory over Frisco Sika Brno. Spartak celebrated 95:71 victory due to the great game of Diana Taurasi (182-F-82, college: Connecticut) . The latter poured in 27 points and proved the ambitions with her team for this season as well.
Horakova gave the guests the first lead that was not the last in the game. Zirkova made a lay-up later in the period for 17:16 for the Czechs. Mc Williams closed the first frame for 23:22 but the guests could not keep the score for good. Mc Carville at first toed the game at 23:23 and then gave the hosts the lead from the free throw line. Osipova made a lay-up for 33:27 and Diana Taurasi's shot saw 46:36. She also nailed three at the end of the half for 49:38. With 16-12 Spartak reached 65:50 after three periods when DeWanna Bonner (193-G-87, college: Auburn) closed the third frame. Linda Frohlich (188-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management, college: UNLV) reduced with her team to 74:63, while Fowles gave her side massive 83:67. Petrovic made two free throws at the end of the game for the final, 95:71 win.
Fowles followed Diana Taurasi with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Jekabsone-Zogota added 14. Linda Frohlich ended up with 20 points in the losing effort and DeWanna Bonner posted 12.

Spartak Moscow Region: Diana Taurasi 27, Fowles 17+10 rebs, Jekabsone-Zogota 14
Frisco Sika Brno: Linda Frohlich 20, DeWanna Bonner 12

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ECUADOR - Women

Ecuador topple Paraguay in Chile - by Eurobasket News
Ecuador U17 - Paraguay U17 82:49

Ecuador recorded the third win at the U17 South American Championship in Chile. They tamed Paraguay but the victory of Chile over Argentina left Ecuador without a ticket to FIBA Americas U18 Championship. Paraguay slipped at 1-4 record after the defeat.
Ecuador limited their opponents to 6 points in the first quarter and built an 8-point advantage at the first break. Ecuador increased the tempo in the second period and took a 15-point advantage at halftime. Paraguay could not match their opponents in the third term. Ecuador fired 30 points in the term and piled up a comfortable 29-point cushion heading into the fourth stanza. Ecuador never slowed down and raced to the win at the end.
Yoselyn Escalante knocked down 25 points to lead Ecuador. Maria Mora contributed 23 points and 31 rebounds in the victory. Maria Caraves answered with 15 points and 9 boards for Paraguay. Astrid Huttemann had 11 points and 12 boards in defeat. Ecuador will have a bye in the last round. Paraguay will wrap up their campaign against Colombia later tonight.

Ecuador: Yoselyn Escalante 25, Maria Mora 23+31 boards, Doris Lasso 14
Paraguay: Maria Caraves 15, Astrid Huttemann 11+12 boards

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EUROLEAGUE - Women

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Delisha MILTON-JONES
  Ros Casares
  (186-F-74)
  Avg: 25

1. Milton-Jones, Ros C.	25.0
2. De Souza, Ros C.	24.0
3. Powell, Fenerbahce	18.0
4. Brunson, Taranto	17.0
5. Nolan, UMMC	17.0
6. Matovic, Lotos G.	16.0
7. Young, Galatasaray	15.0
8. Perkins, Galatasa.	15.0
9. Abrosimova, UMMC	15.0
10. Podrug, Lotos.	14.0

Rebounds Per Game

Cathrine KRAAYVELD
  USK Praha
  (193-F-81)
  Avg: 12

1. Kraayveld, USK P.	12.0
2. De Souza, Ros C.	10.0
3. Horasan, Galatasa.	9.0
4. Gruda, UMMC	9.0
5. Le Drean, USK P.	9.0
6. Milton-Jones, Ros C.	9.0
7. Young, Galatasaray	8.0
8. Bjelica, TEO V.	8.0
9. Vesela, Ros Casares	8.0
10. Jones, UM.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Birsel VARDARLI
  Fenerbahce
  (175-G-84)
  Avg: 13

1. Vardarli, Fener.	13.0
2. Aguilar, Ros C.	9.0
3. Bibrzycka, UMMC	6.0
4. Wambe, Taranto	5.0
5. Tuncluer, Fener.	5.0
6. Manic, Bourges	5.0
7. Palau, Ros Casares	4.0
8. Jones, UMMC	4.0
9. Montanana, Ros C.	4.0
10. Matovic, Lotos.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Nicole POWELL
  Fenerbahce
  (188-G/F-82)
  Avg: 5

1. Powell, Fenerbahce	5.0
2. De Souza, Ros C.	4.0
3. Ndongue, Bourges	4.0
4. Vardarli, Fener.	4.0
5. Wambe, Taranto	3.0
6. Lima, TTT Riga	3.0
7. Abrosimova, UMMC	3.0
8. Mahoney, Taranto	3.0
9. Bibrzycka, UMMC	3.0
10. Nnamaka, TEO.	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Erika DE SOUZA
  Ros Casares
  (197-C-82)
  Avg: 3

1. De Souza, Ros C.	3.0
2. Tamane, USK Praha	3.0
3. Ndongue, Bourges	3.0
4. Palau, Ros Casares	2.0
5. Milton-Jones, Ros C.	2.0
6. Snell, Ros Casares	2.0
7. Kublina, USK Praha	2.0
8. Christon, Lotos G.	1.0
9. Gruda, UMMC	1.0
10. Nevlin, Fenerbah.	1.0

Standings (Women)

Euroleague Standings

Group A
1. UMMC		1-0
2. Galatasaray		1-0
3. TTT Riga		0-0
4. Ros Casares		0-0
5. Taranto		0-1
6. TEO Vilnius		0-1
Group B
1. Gospic		0-0
2. Villeneuve		0-0
3. Familia Schio		0-0
4. TS Wisla Can-Pak		0-0
5. Perfumerias		0-0
6. MiZo Pecs		0-0
Group C
1. MKB Eurol.		1-0
2. USK Praha		0-0
3. Rivas Ecopolis		0-0
4. Gorzow		0-0
5. Bourges		0-0
6. Dobri Anjeli		0-1
Group D
1. Fenerbahce		1-0
2. Spartak V MR		1-0
3. Szeged		0-0
4. Tarbes		0-0
5. Lotos Gdynia		0-1
6. Frisco Sika		0-1

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FINLAND - Women

Standings - Women

D1 Standings

1. Espoo Team	4-1
2. PeKa	4-1
3. Huima	3-2
4. Catz	3-2
5. HoNsU	2-3
6. S-Hameenmaa	2-3
7. Keravan	1-4
8. FoA	1-4

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Rene HAYNES
  FoA
  (177-G-85)
  Avg: 26

1. Haynes, FoA	26.0
2. Jones, PeKa	23.3
3. Marlow, S-Hameen.	22.8
4. Lee, PeKa	22.0
5. Johnson, HoNsU	19.0
6. Robinson, Huima	18.8
7. Rinta, Espoo Team	18.8
8. Solovyeva, Catz	17.3
9. Snelgro, HoNsU	16.8
10. Freeman, S-Hame.	16.3

Rebounds Per Game

Monet JOHNSON
  HoNsU
  (180-F-87)
  Avg: 15.3

1. Johnson, HoNsU	15.3
2. Haynes, Espoo Team	13.3
3. Freeman, S-Hameen.	13.0
4. Robinson, Huima	13.0
5. Jones, PeKa	10.5
6. Jahilo, FoA	10.2
7. Laaksonen, Espoo T.	10.0
8. Green, PeKa	9.2
9. Lee, PeKa	9.0
10. Nyman, Pe.	8.8

Assists Per Game

Danyelle SNELGRO
  HoNsU
  (165-G-87)
  Avg: 5

1. Snelgro, HoNsU	5.0
2. Kesanen, Catz	3.7
3. Robinson, Huima	3.6
4. Haynes, Espoo Team	3.3
5. Pekkarinen, Huima	3.0
6. Green, PeKa	2.8
7. Rinta, Espoo Team	2.8
8. Lee, PeKa	2.4
9. Pounds, HoNsU	2.3
10. Jones, Pe.	2.0

Steals Per Game

Vilma KESANEN
  Catz
  (173-G-88)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Kesanen, Catz	3.3
2. Haynes, FoA	3.0
3. Moua, Espoo Team	3.0
4. Lee, PeKa	3.0
5. Jones, PeKa	2.5
6. Piipari, Catz	2.3
7. Snelgro, HoNsU	2.3
8. Freeman, S-Hameen.	2.3
9. Vapamaa, S-Hameen.	2.3
10. Johnson, HoN.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Salla VIITANEN
  HoNsU
  (167-G-87)
  Avg: 1

1. Viitanen, HoNsU	1.0
2. Haynes, Espoo Team	0.7
3. Lehtoranta, S-Hameen.	0.7
4. Kesanen, S-Hameen.	0.5
5. Nyman, PeKa	0.5
6. Lehtoranta, PeKa	0.4
7. Nissinen, Kerava ET	0.4
8. Mitchell, Kerava E.	0.4
9. Green, PeKa	0.4
10. Holtta, Espoo Te.	0.4

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FRANCE - Women

Angers still undefeated in NF2 - by Juliane Hoehne
Also, after the 7th game day in NF2, Angers - Union Feminine Basket 49 is still undefeated and improved with a 83-47 victory over Evreux AC on saturday night. Even though Evreux AC came as close as 2points in the 2nd quarter, Angers - Union Feminine Basket 49 was able to increase the lead to 15points at half-time (23-38). From there on Angers - Union Feminine Basket 49 was the dominating team, while Evreux AC wasn't able to keep up and lost clearly to the top team in Group C. Carine Brossais (185-F-89) and Besson paced the winners with 21 and 17points, while Justyna Lambert (182-F-82, agency: Promotex) (16) and Tracy Albicy (156-G-92) (13) scored in double-digits for Evreux AC.

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GREECE - Women

A1, Round 2: Four teams jump to 2-0 - by Eurobasket News
After two rounds of Greek top division, four teams are on top with perfect 2-0 record (DAS Ano Liosa, Athinaikos, Esperides, Aris Thessaloniki).
This week-end DAS Ano Liosa cruised past Olympiada in style 56-91. Laura Kurz (185-F-86, college: Villanova) was totally the best player in victory draining impressive 35 points. Abramzon Katya delivered 15 in loss.
Athinaikos also celebrated on the road, but against Apollon P 73-92. LaToya Davis (186-F/C-84, college: Texas Tech) led the winners with 24 points and 8 rebounds. The host got 26 pts from Nasfika Stavridou (182-G-86).
Esperides blasted Apollon K 52-72 and Aris outplayed Hania 65-75, so these teams closed Round 2 with road victories. Niki Hatzakou (177-G-84) paced Aris to second win netting 24 points. Esperides got the most from Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton (188-F/C-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue), 27.
Panathinaikos was too strong for Panionios 67-59 and FEA Naes outsmarted P Faliro 67-64. Giuliana Mendiola (182-G-81, college: Washington) top-scored for PAO with 16 points. Johanna Solverson (188-F-84, college: Iowa) lifted FEA Naes to victory with magnificent 30 points.
Round 3 is scheduled for November 1.

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ITALY - Women

Galatasaray entertained the home crowd with victory over Taranto - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray -Taranto 76:64

Galatasaray entertained the home crowd as they opened Euroleague with victory over Taranto. The Turkish side won the opener of EuroLeague 2009/2010 season over Italian side 76:64.
Sophia Young (186-F-83, college: Baylor) opened the game for the hosts with a jump shot and Siccardi was the first player to score for Italian team. Greco tied it at 10:10 and Alben gave the hosts 19:15 after the opening quarter. Jia Perkins (173-G-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Texas Tech) opened the second period from the perimeter to give her team 22:15. Sophia Young made it 36:20 midway through the period and she also closed the half at 46:25. The intrigue however was not over and Taranto climbed back. The latter produced 25-11 to reduce to 57:50 after three periods. Rebekkah Brunson (191-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) scored later for 65:52, but Yigit made it 67:52. Taranto created a 6-0 run as Montagnino nailed three for 67:58. Galatasaray however stayed tough and Sophia Young scored the last points for the winners. Rebekkah Brunson made the final score, 76:64 in the game.
Jia Perkins and Sophia Young knocked down 15 points each for Galatasaray. Yasemin Horasan (187-F/C-83) and Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia) added 12 points apiece for the hosts. Rebekkah Brunson came up with 17 points and 7 rebounds for Taranto.

Galatasaray: Jia Perkins 15, Sophia Young 15, Yasemin Horasan 12 Yelena Leuchanka 12
Taranto: Rebekkah Brunson 17, Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) 11, Megan Mahoney (183-F-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Kansas St.) 11

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LITHUANIA - Women

UMMC opens 2009/2010 Euroleague campaign with the home victory - by Eurobasket News
UMMC-TEO 85:56

One of the favorites of EuroLeague 2009/2010 season Russian UMMC started their campaign with the decisive victory over the Baltic team. The Russian Champion won over TEO 85:56 for the first victory.
More than 5000 fans came to support their local team and were satisfied with the first game. The Russian team opened the game with 25:23 and pushed the tempo for good in the rest of the half. Renee Montgomery (170-G-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) however tied it first at 27:27 and then UMMC produced 15-5 for 43:32 at the halftime. It happened when Deanna Nolan (180-G/F-79, college: Georgia) pulled up and hit a three-pointer and Svetlana Abrosimova (185-F-80, college: Connecticut) followed with a trey the next trip down the floor. Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) added two straight jump shots for her first points of the game. Chioma Nnamaka's jump shot reduced the gap but then UMMC took the bigger lead. In the third period the Russian team registered 23-18 to have 16 points advantage after thirty minutes. The last frame was a disaster for the guests that managed to score only 6 points. UMMC played well in defense as well as nailed 19 points in the frame for the massive win.
Deanna Nolan top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Svetlana Abrosimova nailed 15. Sandrine Gruda, Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Abil.Christian) and Jones added 13 for the hosts. Quanitra Hollingsworth (196-C-88, college: Va Commonwealth) collected 17 points and 15 rebounds in defeat and Renee Montgomery notched 11.

UMMC: Deanna Nolan 17, Svetlana Abrosimova 15, Sandrine Gruda 13, Agnieszka Bibrzycka 13, Jones 13
TEO: Quanitra Hollingsworth 17+15 rebs, Renee Montgomery 11

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PARAGUAY - Women

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PUERTO RICO - Women

Semifinal Summary - by Raul Colon
'This is our year', stated a boastful Pedro Marrero, owner of the Morovis franchise, the Women Superior Basketball League (WSBL) top team this year. The affirmation came immediately after his Mountineers dispatched the 2008 champions, Valencianas of Juncos, in five grueling games. It wasnt easy. They were the defending title holders and had a lot of talent and heart, added the owner of the top seeded Mountneers. For Marrero, head coach Raymond Cintron, and the rest of Morovis management, Juncos presented the biggest obstacle towards the road to a championship. 'This is not disrespect to San Juan, but Juncos was our main rival coming into the playoffs. The Warriors are a good team, but they lack depth to compete on a regular bases'.

The lack of depth is indeed San Juans most pressing concern. As a first year franchise, the Warriors had broken many of the rules governing such young institutions. They not only made the postseason in a relative easy matter, but were able to knockoff what was arguable, the hottest team in the league at the time; the Aguas Buenas. But now the game has change. Morovis is no Aguas Buenas. The Montaeras did not get the best record in the regular season by accident. It had the most talented roster, from top-to bottom, in the WSBL. Forward Amy Denson (21.5 points, 14.2 rebounds per game in the regular season) and guard Pamela Rosado (16.3, 5.1 assist) lead a hard charging group of athletes.

The energetic duo had been doing its magic during the playoffs and, if the first game of the series is any indication, they are in no hurry to stop yet. The 6-foot-1 Denson, who is averring a double-double every time she takes the court in the postseason, scored 25 points and grabbed 17 boards, in Morovis, 86-76 game one win. Rosado chipped in with a game high 29 points to go along with her four assists and two rebounds. Natalie Emanuelli, a consistent scorer for the Mountneers throughout the quarterfinal round, added 6 points and 7 rebounds.

Center Whitney Cunningham led the Warriors with 20. The guard combination of Amanda DeCoud and Rashida Suber managed to score only 13 and 12 respectively. Underused sharpshooter, Leslie Vazquez, hit a pedestrian 30 percent (3 out of 10) from beyond the three point arc. This young team simply cant compete with such performances from its guards. They need more production out of DeCoud and Suber, and a better shooting night from Vazquez, to have a shoot at upsetting the more experience Montaeras.

The winner of the San Juan-Morovis match up will likely had its hand full with who ever comes out of the Carolina/Mayagez series. In sharp distinction to the other semifinal, this one has the promises, and so far has deliver, to be one of the most exciting pairings in years. Both the Giants and Indians are high scoring, up tempo teams. But that is where the similarities ends. Thats because where areas Mayagez utilized its bigger frontline to generate offense, Carolina does it with the quick play of its guards.

It all starts at the point for the surging Giants. Veteran Felicity Willis seems to have found the fountain of youth this year. The 5-foot-8 point guard, who average 17.1 points and 5.6 assist per contest during the regular season, is the main reason Carolina is up 2-1, instead of the other way around. Her 13 points a game versus a tough Indians defense complement perfectly the explosive penetration style of Holly Mahan. The Queens-product sank 23 points and took home 16 boards in the Gigantes thrilling 66-63 opening game win against Mayagez. Barbara Concepcion, another of those players who seldom are found on the scoreboard but whose contribution can not be underestimated, added 11. Mayagezs sensational quartet of Aixanel Santos, Mari Placido, Jade Paez and Marlene Zwarich combined for 51 of the teams 63 points in a losing effort.

Zacha Gonzalez desperation shoot with a second left, gave the Indians a dramatic, 61-59 win over the Giants in game two. The see-saw affair ended when Gonzalez sunk a two point basket with 1.1 seconds remaining in the game to seal an important win for the home team. Both teams started out cold from the field as reflected in the halftime scoreboard (tied at 27), but the second stanza was a different story as the Giants jumped ahead of the Indians only to see them fight back for the win. Gonzalez finished up with 16 points. Zwarich also added 16 and Santos chipped in with 14. For Carolina, Whitney Murrer had 16, Mahan 13 and Willis 8.

In the always pivotal game three, Carolina used a balance attack to upend Mayagez, 61-59. Willis shined for Carolina in the victory. The veteran scored 14 points and grabbed 8 boards. Rodsan Rodriguez finished with a double-double (13 points-10 rebounds). Concepcion finished with 12 and Mahan with 11. Santos led the Indians with 13. Gonzalez, Placido and Paez had 10 a piece. The contest was a close one from the opening tip-off as neither team able to separate from the other by more than seven points during the whole game. With the scoreboard tie at 59 and less than seven (6.9) second remaining in the game, Willis used a backcourt cut to send a pass down load to Murrer, who promptly put on the basket giving Carolina a 2-point lead. Mayagez missed a desperate, long range shoot as time expire, sealing the Giants triumph.

The emotional high of both semifinals are better expressed by the Leagues president who on Monday predicted that this will go down in the record books as 'one of the most successful seasons ever. Four thrilling games, and this is just the semifinals', said, Jose Rosas, 'imagine what will happen in the finals. We are exited about the rebirth of women basketball in the Island'.

Mayaguez defets Carolina 69-62 - by Raul Colon
Mayagez evened up its series with Carolina with a 69-62 win this past Wednesday night. The Indians got 19 point and 8 rebounds each, from Maralene Zwarich and Zacha Gonzalez to help offset a 20-point night by Giants Holly Mahan, and even the best of seven semifinal series at two wins a piece. The Wilfredo Toro coliseum in Hormigueros rocket as the hometown, at least for the night, Indias overcame a two point (28-30) halftime lead to take the important game. Aixanell Santos added 14 points and 6 assists. Barbara Concepcion netted 15 and Felecity Willis chipped in with 10 in a losing effort. The all important fifth game will take place next Friday at the Guillermo Angulo coliseum in Carolina.

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RUSSIA - Women

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ekaterina SNYTSINA
  Nadezhda O.
  (188-F-85)
  Avg: 31

1. Snytsina, Nadezhda.	31.0
2. Kuzina, Dynamo M.	19.5
3. Ovcharenko, Nadezhda.	18.7
4. Nolan, UMMC	17.5
5. Abrosimova, UMMC	16.5
6. McCarville, Spart.	14.0
7. Lawson-Wade, Spart.	13.7
8. Verameyenka, Nadezh.	13.7
9. Gruda, UMMC	12.8
10. Pimenova, Che.	12.7

Rebounds Per Game

Irina OSIPOVA
  Spartak V MR
  (196-F-81)
  Avg: 12

1. Osipova, Spartak .	12.0
2. Verameyenka, Nadezh.	10.3
3. Linkeviciene, Dynamo K.	8.0
4. Yakovleva, Cheva.	8.0
5. Logunova, Dynamo M.	8.0
6. Stepanova, UMMC	8.0
7. Kuzina, Dynamo M.	7.5
8. Zakalyuzhnay., Nadezh.	7.0
9. Snytsina, Nadezhda.	7.0
10. Kiseleva, Dynamo.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Ksenia LAPTEVA
  Dynamo K.
  (183-G-83)
  Avg: 7

1. Lapteva, Dynamo K.	7.0
2. Chrustaljeva, Cheva.	5.0
3. Miller, Spartak .	4.7
4. Berseneva, Nadezhda.	4.7
5. Abrosimova, UMMC	4.3
6. Popova, Dynamo M.	4.0
7. Lawson-Wade, Spart.	4.0
8. Osipova, Spartak .	4.0
9. Firsova, Spartak SP	3.3
10. Bocharova, Dynamo.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Ekaterina SNYTSINA
  Nadezhda O.
  (188-F-85)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Snytsina, Nadezhda.	4.5
2. Popova, Dynamo M.	3.0
3. Dumerc, UMMC	3.0
4. Logunova, Dynamo M.	3.0
5. Bolsunovskay., Dynamo N.	3.0
6. McCarville, Spart.	3.0
7. Nolan, UMMC	3.0
8. Abrosimova, UMMC	2.8
9. Beglova, Spart.	2.7
10. Zhedik, Spartak	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Anastasiya VERAMEYENKA
  Nadezhda O.
  (192-C-87)
  Avg: 5

1. Verameyenka, Nadezh.	5.0
2. Fauls, Spartak .	1.7
3. Robbins, Dynamo K.	1.5
4. Myasoedova, Nadezhda.	1.0
5. Kiseleva, Dynamo N.	1.0
6. Snytsina, Nadezhda.	1.0
7. Tatarnikova, Spart.	1.0
8. Pupko, Spartak M.	1.0
9. Yakovleva, Cheva.	1.0
10. Osipova, Sparta.	1.0

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SLOVENIA - Women

AJM uses two big runs to beat Jezica, Merkur hits 11 3-pointers - by Zeljko Zule
AJM Maribor used two strong runs to beat Jezica 79-55 in the game of Round 3 and Merkur's bench players almost outscored the enitre team od Konjice.
AJM Maribor-Jezica 79-55: Runs of 15-0 in the second quarter and 15-2 in the final period enabled AJM to defeated Jezica. Anja Prsa (191-C-85) had 14 points and 14 rebounds, Katja Skerget collected 11 points and 11 rebounds, Ljubica Kure scored 17 points and Katarina Ilijev added 12. Jezica was outrebounded 21-49 and had just one scorer in double digits. Kristina Pavli posted 13 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.
Konjice-Merkur Celje 58-90: Merkur outscored Konjice 54-10 in bench points. Ines Kerin finished with 18 points, Nika Baric added 15, Tjasa Kopusar 13 and Kara Richars had 11 points and 12 points. Merkur shot 11-of-19 from 3-point range. For Konjice, Iva Klancnik and Nina Srot posted 15 points apiece.

Standings - Women

SKL Standings

1. Merkur Celje	4-0
2. AJM Maribor	2-1
3. Hit Kr.Gora	1-0
4. Rogaska	1-1
5. Triglav	1-1
6. Konjice	1-1
7. Ilrija	1-1
8. Jezica	1-2
9. Odeja KED	0-2
10. Domzale	0-2

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TURKEY - Women

Galatasaray Signs Katie Douglas - by Cem Guvener
Galatasaray added another WNBA star to their roster. Katie Douglas (185-G/F-79, college: Purdue)s, who spent the last WNBA season with Indiana Fever signed with Galatasaray even though she will be missing the first three weeks of the Euroleague. Douglas who was an All-star last year also has been the All-star MVP in 2006. Since she also has a Greek passport due to her husband she will not be counting towards 2 non European players in Euroleague which were already filled with Jia Perkins and Sophia Young.

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Michelle CAMPBELL
  Ceyhan Bld
  (188-F-84)
  Avg: 38

1. Campbell, Ceyhan Bld	38.0
2. Sales, Besiktas	26.0
3. Uzun, Botas	26.0
4. Hodges, Istanbul.	26.0
5. Bowen, Cankaya	25.0
6. Perkins, Galatasa.	22.0
7. Yavuz, Istanbul.	21.0
8. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld	21.0
9. Pringle, TED K.	19.0
10. Taylor, Fenerbah.	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Dubravka DACIC
  Besiktas
  (201-C-85)
  Avg: 19

1. Dacic, Besiktas	19.0
2. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld	19.0
3. Pringle, TED K.	15.0
4. Leuchanka, Galatasa.	13.0
5. Yilmaz, Fenerbahce	13.0
6. Frazee, Cankaya	11.0
7. Campbell, Ceyhan Bld	11.0
8. Sales, Besiktas	10.0
9. Alyoshkina, Samsun	10.0
10. Black, Tarsus B.	10.0

Assists Per Game

Sharnee ZOLL
  Botas
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 9

1. Zoll, Botas	9.0
2. Vardarli, Fener.	6.0
3. Hodges, Istanbul.	6.0
4. Yalcin, Ceyhan Bld	6.0
5. Siyahdemir, Tarsus B.	5.0
6. Zellous, Besiktas	5.0
7. McBride, TED K.	4.0
8. Taylor, Fenerbahce	4.0
9. Bouthors, Besiktas	4.0
10. Yigit, Galatasar.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Quianna CHANEY
  Samsun
  (180-G-86)
  Avg: 5

1. Chaney, Samsun	5.0
2. Zoll, Botas	5.0
3. Vardarli, Fener.	4.0
4. Gokce, Mersin	4.0
5. Penn, Istanbul.	4.0
6. Sales, Besiktas	4.0
7. Reves, Botas	4.0
8. Swanier, Tarsus B.	3.0
9. Black, Tarsus Bld	3.0
10. Sevinc, Kocae.	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Chante BLACK
  Tarsus Bld
  (196-C-85)
  Avg: 3

1. Black, Tarsus Bld	3.0
2. Pringle, TED K.	2.0
3. Anaz, TED Kayseri	2.0
4. Perostiyska, Sam.	2.0
5. Zellous, Besiktas	2.0
6. Dacic, Besiktas	2.0
7. Inontepe, Kocaeli	2.0
8. Akkaya, Samsun	1.0
9. Ural, TED Kayseri	1.0
10. Kress, Tarsus B.	1.0

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VENEZUELA - Women