Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/9/2009

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

Men News

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

ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Standings

Adriatic L. Standings

1. Crvena Zvez.		0-0
2. Cedevita		0-0
3. Zagreb		0-0
4. Bosna S.		0-0
5. Partizan		0-0
6. Cibona		0-0
7. Zadar		0-0
8. Olimpija		0-0
9. Siroki		0-0
10. Krka		0-0
11. Radnicki		0-0
12. FMP		0-0
13. Buducnost		0-0
14. Hemofarm		0-0

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

ARGENTINA

Atenas win inaugural game - by Facundo Iatzky
Atenas Cordoba won very easily to Quimsa in the first game of Liga A 2009/10. The first half finished 48-18 for the host team that showed great concentration and attitude. In the third quarter Quimsa reacted but it was not enough. Jarred Merrill (206-F-81, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Oklahoma Christian) had a good debut being the top scorer of the game.

Atenas (83): Juan Pablo Figueroa 13, Andre Laws 8, Juan Manuel Locatelli 5, Jarred Merrill (206-F-81, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Oklahoma Christian)l 18, Pablo Orlietti 2 (st); Cristian Romero 8, Diego Osella 6, Federico Ferrini 11, Juan Pablo Cantero 12, Felipe Pais 0. coach: Ruben Magnano.
Quimsa (61): Jonatan Treise 3, Julio Mazzaro 11, Albert White 13, Damian Tintorelli 3, Roman Gonzalez 9 (st); Franco Balbi 12, Jose Muruaga 2, Bruno Ingratta 8. coach: Carlos Romano.

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

AUSTRALIA

New Zealand Breakers celebrate second win - by Eurobasket News
New Zealand Breakers - Melbourne Tigers 79-74

The New Zealand Breakers registered second win of the season, after beating the Melbourne Tigers today 79-74. The winning squad now has 2-2, while the Tigers dropped to 1-1 record. CJ Bruton (188-G-75, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Indian Hills CC) was totally the best play for the hosts. He spent 34 minutes on the court draining 32 points (5 triples). He was followed by Rick Rickert (211-F-83, agency: Court Side, college: Minnesota), who added 16 points and 8 boards. Rickert was the last one with double digits in scoring for the Breakers, as all other had 9 or less. On the other side, Daryl Corletto (193-G-81) and Sam Mackinnon (197-F/G-76) responded with 13 pts each in defeat. Mark Worthington

(202-F-83, college: Metro St.) and Ben Knight (203-F-76) stopped on 11 (apiece).
The hosts opened this game better taking 21-16 lead. CJ Bruton was on fire and together with his teammates, he helped the Breakers to extend their plus even more. After 20 minutes of play it was 39-30. Worthington nailed a free throw to stretch the lead to 54-52 at the end of the third quarter but there were some worried faces on the Tigers players as the Breakers had well and truly got themselves back in the game. Two Bruton three-pointers in the opening stages of the final quarter handed the Breakers the lead, much to the satisfaction of the big, vocal crowd. In the last period Bruton again exploded with a triple and the hosts jumped to plus 8. Melbourne Tigers did not give up, bur they were not able to make a turn.

New Zealand Breakers: CJ Bruton 32, Rick Rickert 16+8 boards
Melbourne Tigers: Daryl Corletto 13, Sam Mackinnon 13, Mark Worthington 11, Ben Knight 11

Stats Leaders - NBL

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

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

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

AUSTRIA

Mahalbasic back in Austria - by Stefan Heinrich
After the Worthersee Piraten and Bosna Sarajevo couldnt find a deal on the buy-out the young Austrian Insideplayer Rasid Mahalbasic

(207-F/C-90) returns to the Worthersee Piraten for now. The member of the National Team will practice and play again with his former team, but he keeps looking for a new team in another country, but this team has to pay a buy-out to get him out of this contract, which is valid until 2011. Last season he averaged 16.3ppg and 7.1rpg in the Austria league and in the summer he was the MVP of the U20 Division B European Championship in Skopje, where he had 19.4ppg and 10.0rpg

Bulls and Zeleznik part ways - by Stefan Prager
The Kapfenberg Bulls announced that they have parted ways with Point Guard Damir Zeleznik� (191-G-80, agency: Heinrich Sports). Zeleznik had a running contract throughout the season but it was managed tor resolve the contract situation amicably. Due to the surprising return of Armin Woschank�

� (184-G-82, agency: R.H.Consultancy) there was no room left for Zeleznik. The Bulls are proud to have nine Austrians on their 12 player roster. They would not give away minutes for an import player in favor of back up PG Moritz Lanegger. Zeleznik is looking at a three year career in Kapfenberg. He won the Cup Title in 2007 and reached the league semifinals in 2007 as well as in 2008. Zeleznik is a three time Austrian All Star and was named Eurobasket Bosman Player of the Year in 2005 when he played for the Furstenfeld Panthers.

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

BAHRAIN

Al Hala going big with Oneal Mims from Austin Texas - by Eurobasket
Al Hala has agreed to terms with Forward O'Neal Mims (208-F-83, agency: Low Country Sports Management, college: Angelo St.). Mims will join Al Hala this week, and is expected to impact the club in many ways with his versatility and athletic ability to play multiple positions.

Mims is a 6'10 wing player that can handle the ball, shoot the three, and runs the court well finishing on the break. He possesses the ability to slash to the basket and finish with numerous moves, or pull up and show his strong mid-range jump shot. Mims is also an excellent defender and his length and athleticism on the wing is NBA level. Having spent some time in the LA Lakers Camp, a season with Bakersfield Jam (NBDL), and Austin Toros (NBDL), Mims took his show to Turkey last season averaging 16.6ppg, 10.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.2bpg, for Vestel Sports Kulubu.

AL Hala going big with Oneal Mims from Austin Texas - by Corey Washington
Al Hala has agreed to terms with Forward O'Neal Mims (208-F-83, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Angelo St.). Mims will join Al Hala this week, and is expected to impact the club in many ways with his versatility and athletic ability to play multiple positions.
Mims is a 6'10 wing player that can handle the ball, shoot the three, and runs the court well finishing on the break. He possesses the ability to slash to the basket and finish with numerous moves, or pull up and show his strong mid-range jump shot. Mims is also an excellent defender and his length and athleticism on the wing is NBA level. Having spent some time in the LA Lakers Camp, a season with Bakersfield Jam (NBDL), and Austin Toros (NBDL), Mims took his show to Turkey last season averaging 16.6ppg, 10.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.2bpg, for Vestel Sports Kulubu.

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

BELGIUM

Bree News - by Peter Buyse
D2 team Bree has found its new coach for the 2009-2010 season in former Liege coach Tom Johnson .
The former Canadian National team guard has reached an agreement with the team to take over from player/coach Ed Norvell.
Coach Johnson also works for the NBA's Oklahoma Thunder as their scout for France and Germany. During his playing career he played for Braine and Bree. He was head coach at Vilvoorde, Aalst and Liege.
Norvell stays on as player and could be joined soon by former Belgian player of the Year Yves Dupont

(211-C-75, agency: Court Side) who has been practising with the team as of recently.
Earlier the team had already signed Thomas Lamot (190-G-87) and David Cobb.
They recently released Luka Hoti.

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

BELIZE

Lawyer says FIBA wrongly interpreted Belize Constitution !!! - by David Magana
As you know by now, the national basketball team won silver at the COCABA championships in August in Cancun, Mexico. The team played under protest because the eligibility of several players were questioned by FIBA officials who felt that the nationality of the Belizean players had to be determined by the age of sixteen. The Belize Basketball Federation challenged FIBA based on our own laws, which provide that any person born from one Belizean parent qualifies automatically for citizenship whether or not that person resides in Belize. Arguments were heard in September and the arbitrator, Doctor Ulrich Haas, ruled on Tuesday from Geneva that the evidence provided by the B.B.F. did not prove that the contested players acquired their nationality by age sixteen. The basketball federations attorney, Godfrey Smith, said that the judge wrongly interpreted a section of Belizes constitution when making his judgment.

Godfrey Smith, Attorney for B.B.F.
Under the Belize constitution, all of these fellows acquired Belizean nationality because their parents, mother of father were Belizean and so under the Belize constitution, automatically at birth or on independence day, these fellows became citizens. FIBA lawyers argued against that and said no these fellows only got nationality certificates after they became sixteen. The judge of the tribunal agreed with our points that these players became citizens of Belize on Independence Day or on their birthdays by virtue of the Belize constitution but then the judge went on to base his decision on section twenty-seven of the Belize constitution, which wasnt argued by us or by FIBA. The Belize constitution section twenty-seven, relied on by the judge says that a citizen of Belize who acquired another nationality, may at his option retain his citizenship of Belize. What does that provision mean? To my mind, its simply saying that Belize, under our law, we allow dual nationality. If you dah wah Belizean and you become a citizen of another country like the US, you could still keep your Belizean citizenship if yoh want. What the judge did was to latch on that and say okay, you have the option to retain your citizenship if yoh want. What that means, the judge reasoned, is that even though you became a citizen under the constitution, to retain it or to prove that you retain it, you have to do something. You have to step forward and do something otherwise how will we know that you retain it? We disagree with that interpretation. Our view is that it allows you to have two nationalitiesBelizean and otherwiseand you dont have to do anything more. If you dont want to be a citizen of Belize anymore, then there is a process to deal with that. You cant just announce well Im not a citizen of Belize, I dont want to be a citizen of Belize. You have to under our laws, renounce. So just to summarize, we believe the judge wrongly interpreted and wrongly applied section twenty-seven of the Belize constitution.
Courtesy of Channel 5

B.B.F. might appeal FIBA decision !!! - by David Magana
The decision to appeal Haas judgment has to come from the Belize Basketball Federation. That is the only point bouncing in the mind of B.B.F. president Paul Thompson. The ruling never discussed the eligibility of the basketball team in the COCABA games in Cancun. So the B.B.F. is not sure whether or not the team can continue to move on to the next Olympic qualifier with a new set of players. Thompson says the decisions to move on to the Court of Arbitration in Switzerland will have to be weighed carefully.

Paul Thompson, President, B.B.F.
At the B.B.F. we are very extremely disappointed with the decision made from the Tribunal that our appeal was denied. The next step for us is to look at the option of taking an appeal to the court of arbitration of sports in Switzerland.

Jose Sanchez
With the finances of the BBF, would you be needing help maybe from Central Government to go to that next level?

Paul Thompson
Well, actually thats why we have to look at that option. We have to find out what it entails to take an appeal to this court and that obviously has cost implications so we have to look at that to find out what those costs would be and how we would raise those funds.

Jose Sanchez
The proceedings themselves just addressed the players but it never addressed whether or not Belize keeps silver, Belize can move on. Do you know as yet where we stand?

Paul Thompson
The appeal, the tribunal that we went to the last three weeks ago never touched on whether or not we qualify for the next round. That tribunal only was about whether or not the players were eligible or ineligible. I believe that the process has to go through for that decision to be made.

Jose Sanchez
But the country does want this thing to continue as far as it can so do you see yourself going in the direction of heading to the next stage, the tribunal?

Paul Thompson
We will do the best to do whatever it takes to take this to the furthest point that we can so that we get the results that are favorable to us.
Courtesy of Channel 5

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

BOSNIA

Vitez withdraws, Grude back in D1 - by Sead Buljina
Basketball club Vitez has sent a statement to Bosnian basketball federation (BBF) notifying them that B.C. Vitez has no financial resources for Division 1 competition. Thus, Vitez will next season play in D2. Basketball federation has decided to replace Vitez with basketball club Grude based on the previous season's results. Grude was the best-placed club that got relegated to D2 following 2008/09 play out. There will be 12 teams in Bosnian D1 during the upcoming regular season with Bosna and Siroki joining competition in play offs. These two teams will compete during the regular season in the Adriatic league as BiH representatives. Complete list of Bosnian D1 teams:

1. Borac (Banja Luka)
Bosna (Sarajevo; will join in playoffs)
2. Capljina (Capljina)
3. Celik (Zenica)
4. Grude (Grude)
5. Hercegovac (Bileca)
6. Igokea (Aleksandrovac)
7. Leotar (Trebinje)
8. Mladost (Mrkonjic Grad)
Siroki (Siroki Brijeg; will join in playoffs)
9. Slavija (Lukavica)
10.Sloboda (Tuzla)
11.Sutjeska (Foca)
12.Zrinjski (Mostar)

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

BULGARIA

Three americans in Levski happy with the organization - by Valentin Anguelov
The three new American players in Levski all said that are impressed with the organization and professionalism with which the club is working. Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, college: Mississippi), Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.) and Jason Smith (183-G-83, college: Al.-Huntsville) all spoke today and said they were delighted from the city of Sofia and have the ambitions to win the championship with 'The Blues'.

'I'm happy to be here. I didn't know a lot of things for Bulgaria before I came here. I like Sofia very much, the boys in the team are very good. Our coach is giving a lot of passion in the games but of course the season is still about to start' commented Aaron Harper who is expected to be the leader of the team this season. Harper who played in France last year said: 'I'm ready to be the leader. I know the coach wants it from me. I like when the responsability is on me. I think I can handle it.'

Another one from the Americans Jason Smith, who is having a stomach problems before the start of Levski in the Eurohold Balkan league on saturday said: 'Everybody here is very friendly. Levski has to win the title and that's why I came here. We're training very hard. Everything in the club is very professional. I'm ready for the start of the season.'

The former player of Feni Industry, the next opponent of 'The Blues' - Donald Cole said: 'I had the chance to play against Levski with Feni and now I'm here. I knew what it is about here. Still from the airport when Titi waited for me I remained happy with the organization. I feel like home here. I'm ready to win the championship. I expect to play good on saturday. They will want to win because I'm here but I feel the same way. They will be focused on me but this will give a chance to my other teammates.'

Levski with injury problems ahead of Balkan League - by Valentin Anguelov
The Evtimov brother, Vasil and Ilian and the American Jason Smith are having some problems before the first game of Levski in the Balkan league. The game against Feni Industry is on saturday at 18.00 in Universiada hall.

'Jason played very good game against Yambol. He played good in the other games as well. He has a problem with the stomach disorder. Vasko Evtimov also had problems today. I hope it's not epidemic. The situation with Jason is more serious but I believe he'll be able to play in two days. We have a problem with Ilian Evtimov as well. He is a player with whom both sides are helping each other. He is training with us, we're giving him a chance to be in good condition because is waiting for a call. In the game against Pirot he injured his thigh. We're protecting him and he is protecting himself because his future is on the line' made his comments the head coach of Levski Konstantin Papazov .

Papazov confirmed also the team's interest in Georgi Cekovski. 'Cekovski is very good player and I have good memories with him. I respect him a lot as a player, I respect him a lot as a human. I know he is very motivated because he didn't receive his last monthly salary from Lukoil Academic. Probably right after Ilian leaves us Cekovski will be the one who replaces him. He is a player with big heart. One of the things the team is missing right now is the good play in defense. With him we're having a little missunderstandings about the financial terms but I think an agreement is very near. For him it will be an interesting challenge - to go out against Lukoil Academic.'

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

CHILE

Dimayor: roster changes for Provincial Llanquihue - by Daniel Valencia
Provincial Llanquihue announced the signing of the american Garry Beverly (203-F/C, college: Clark Atlanta) as their new foreing player for Dimayor's playoffs. Beverly is a 24 years old power forward with playing experience in the NCAA and the NCAA2, with Delaware State and Clark Atlanta respectively. This will be his first experience playing outside the United States.

He is replacing Delvin Thomas (201-F/C-78, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Bethune-Cookman), who left the team after 16 regular season games. Thomas averaged 18.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 1.3 steals and 1.1 assists in 35.9 minutes per game.

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

COLOMBIA

Federation Cup day 23 results - by Victor Garcia
Federation Cup, Day 23 Results
Bucaros blasted Piratas in Bogot, the game began at Piratas speed, both team running the court and shooting at the first pass, but Piratas was not accurate and allow Bucaros to take distance.
In the last quarter Piratas made a big effort a came to 5 points behind but a technical foul over Diomedes Casiani give Bucaros a 9 pts advantage, the Piratas made a mistake going to zone against a 50% 3pts shooting team, Bucaros rise the gap to 12 pts to clinch the victory.
Piratas Saludcoop 85
Bucaros Freskaleche 100

Patriotas give the surprise defeating Cucuta Norte in Tunja, Cesar Silva leaded the Patriotas with good help of Julian Pineda and Keving Palacios, Juan Herrera leaded Cucuta Norte.
Patriotas 92 Cesar Silva 28, Keving Palacios 16
Cucuta Norte 86.

Arrieros with Jermain Walker shinning defeated Cangrejeros in Cartagena was the 5th straight victory for the Arrieros.
Arrieros Idea 81 Jemaine Walker 32, Heissler Guillent 18
Cangrejeros 75 Francisco Centeno 22, Joey Spiegel 19

Federation Cup day 24 results - by Victor Garcia
Different history from the begin, Piratas took the rebounds and run the floor, and each one of the players on the court score to get the victory against Bucaros, for Bucaros was not a good night the team played without energy on defense, allowing Piratas to control the tempo of the game
Piratas Saludcoop 85
Bucaros Freskaleche 63

For the second straight night Cesar Silva was a nightmare for the Cucuta defense and with 32 pts, carried the Tunja team to the victory, Sebastian Marquez also had a good night.
Patriotas 85 Cesar Silva 32, Sebastian Marquez 18
Cucuta Norte 70.

No problems for Arrieros to blast Cangrejeros in the second game at Medellin, Norbey Aragon and Heissler Guillent leaded Arrieros.
Arrieros Idea 84
Cangrejeros 66

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

COSTA RICA

Barva alone at the top - by Gianni Pascucci
In last days of September, Ferreteria Brenes Barva took its 14th consecutive win defeating Coopenae Liceo de Costa Rica, 82-75 (41-31), and this result will grant Barva the home advantage all the playoff long. In the other games of the round, the results were as follows:
Escazu 104 - Perez Zeledon 45
Santa Ana 82 - Goicoechea 101
Mucap San Luis Gonzaga 65 - BCR Limon 75
UCR 88 - USJ ARBA 77
These down were the results of the week after:
Perez Zeledon 20 - Santa Ana 0
Escazu 67 - F. Brenes Barva 81
UCR 72 - Goicoechea 66
Coopenae Liceo 100 - BCR Limon 73
USJ ARBA 76 - Mucap San Luis Gonzaga 53

Standings - D1

LBS Standings

1. Barva	15-0
2. Liceo	14-1
3. Escazu	12-4
4. UCR	10-4
5. Limon	9-7
6. Goicoechea	6-10
7. Santa Ana	5-9
8. USJ-San Ramon	3-13
9. San Luis G.	3-15
10. Perez Zeledon	2-16

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

Stats Leaders - NBL

NBL Round: 2 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
BK Pardubice - Novy Jicin 77-80
After controlling the first half, Novy Jocin had a slow third quarter and saw their nine point half time lead dissipate into a one point deficit heading into the fourth quarter. Novy Jicin celebrated 80:77 victory as Nerijus Varnelis (200-F-78) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Pandula Dusan had 14. Hampton Maurice ended up with 17 points in the losing case.

Basketbol Brno - NH Ostrava 87-68
Basketbol Brno tied their record at 1-1 beating NH Ostrava 87:68 in the Regular Season Round 2. Daniel Gajdosik (189-G-80) paced all the winners with 19 points, Meno Boris scored 14, while Norwa Michal and Vrubl Stepan had 13 each. Palyza Lukas ended up with 14 points in the losing effort.

BK Prostejov - BK B&W Opava 100-87
BK Prostejov nailed three digits to beat BK B&W Opava 100:87. Ales Chan (214-C-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Seton Hill) top-scored for the winners with 20 points, Slezas Andrius nailed 16, while three other players posted 11 each. Soska Ondrej brought 23 points in defeat, while Stec Marek poured in 19.

Vysehrad - BC Kolin 85-104
BC Kolin celebrated the first victory in the League after 104:85 over Vysehrad. Smith top-scored for the winners with 32 points, Brad Jones (186-G-85, college: Wyoming) notched 22 and Machac David delivered 21. Dvorak posted 16 points in defeat and Skorepa Michal had 14.

USK Praha - BK Decin 83-90
Decin jumped on 2-0 record after the road win over USK Praha 90:83. Wiliam Hatcher (188-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Miami, OH) paced all the winners with 23 points, while Houska Pavel had 18 points and 11 boards. McKay Myles erupted with 31 points, Vocetka Michal and Ford Tremaine added 13 points each for the hosts.

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

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

NBL Round 2 Recap - by Surujh Roopnarine
CEZ Basketball Nymburk (86) vs. Karma Podebrady (46)
Reigning champs romp to another victory, this time by 40 points over visiting Podebrady.
Former Ohio State guard Ron Lewis

(193-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Ohio St.) led a balanced Nymburk attack with 18 points, as four players tallied double digit scoring. Stephen Castleberry (214-C-81, agency: Court Side, college: Rider) led Podebrady with 18 points. (box score not available due to technical difficulties at the game).
NYMBURK: Ron Lewis (18pt), Ian Hanavan (16pt), Petr Benda (14pt), Arthur Lee (13pt)
PODEBRADY: Stephen Castleberry (18pt), Muzik (9pt), Stria (6pt), Marvin Rashad (4pt)

BK Synthesia Pardubice (77) vs. Mlekarna Miltra Novy Jicin (80)
In the game of the night, Pardubice showed there form by pushing Novy Jicin to the wire in a 77-80 home defeat. Nerijus Varnelis (200-F-78) led all scorers with a game high 24 points for Novy Jicin, while Maurice Hampton (188-G-84, college: Austin Peay St.) led Pardubice with 17. After controlling the first half, Novy Jocin had a slow third quarter and saw their nine point half time lead dissipate into a one point deficit heading into the fourth quarter. The veteran team found a way to preserver, and avoided a shocking 0-2 start to the season.
PARDUBICE: Maurice Hampton (17pt), Derek Wright (16pt), Sykora (11pt), Marek (10pt)
NOVY JICIN: Nerijus Varnelis (24pt), Pandula (14pt0, Steffel (13pt), Muirhead (12pt)

BK Prostejov (100) vs. BK B&W Opava (87)
Prostejov is now 2-0 on the season, after thrashing visiting Opava to the tune of 100-87. The resurgent Ales Chan (214-C-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Seton Hill), formerly of CEZ Nymburk, led Prostejov with 20 points and six rebounds, while connecting on eight of his nine field goal attempts. Ondrej Soska (208-C-78) paced all scorers with a game high 23 points in defeat for Opava.
PROSTEJOV: Ales Chan (20pt+6rb), Anrius Slezas (16pt), Kyle Landry (11pt+6rb), Robert Skibniewski (11pt)
OPAVA: Ondrej Soska (23pt+7rb), Marek Stec (19pt+7rb), Jakub Sirina (12pt), Jan Kratochvil (9pt)

USK Praha (83) vs. BK Decin (90)
USK Praha suffered a difficult defeat at the hands of a more veteran Decin squad last night in Prague. Though they took a slim 68-66 lead into the fourth quarter, Wiliam Hatcher (188-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Miami, OH) and company controlled the final quarter and secured the road victory. Hatcher led all Decin players with 23 points and a team-high five assists. The star of the game, though in defeat, was rookie sensation Myles McKay (191-G-86, college: Wisc.-Whitew.), who continued his torrent tear thru the first two rounds, as he scored a game high 31 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 6 assists.
PRAHA: Myles McKay (31pt+8rb+6as), Tremaine Townsend (13pt+19rb), Michal Vocetka (13pt), Lukas Kotas (11pt)
DECIN: Wiliam Hatcher (23pt+5as), Pavel Houska (18pt+11rb), Lavontay Fenderson (16pt+7rb), Andrej Cervenka (10pt)

Sokol Vysehrad (85) vs. BC Kolin (104)
Last seasons bottom-dwellers, BC Kolin destroyed this seasons likely candidates for the bottom of the ladder, Sokol Vysehrad 85-104 on Vysehrads home court. After getting thoroughly annihilated in their opening round game in Pardubice (111-43), Vysehrad faired only slightly better last night, losing by 19 at home. Newcomers Terry Smith (185-G-86, college: Mercyhurst) (32) and Brad Jones (186-G-85, college: Wyoming) (22), together with David Machac (21) combined to score 75 points in leading Kolin to victory. Martin Dvorak (199-F) led Vysehrad with a team-high 16 points.
VYSEHRAD: Martin Dvorak (16pt), Michal Skorepa (14pt+7rb), Lukas Marik (12pt), Citrad Klimanek (9pt+5rb)
KOLIN: Terry Smith (32pt), Brad Jones (22pt+7rb), David Machac (21pt), Roderick Platt (8pt)

Basketball Brno (87) vs. NH Ostrava (68)
Basketball is back in Brno and the home team gave their crowd something to cheer, as they destroyed visiting Ostrava by 19 points. Michal Norwa tallied a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds to help lead Brno to the mild upset. Though Ostrava is now 0-2, many believed that their reinforcements in the off-season would help returning star Mike Mitchell; so far though that has not been the case. Lukas Palyza (203-F-89) led Ostrava with 14 points while newcomer Lavell Payne chipped in 12 points in 28 minutes.
BRNO: Daniel Gajdosik (189-G-80) (19pt+6rb), Michal Norwa (13pt+10rb), Boris Meno (14pt+8rb), Stepan Vrubl (13pt)
OSTRAVA: Lukas Palyza (14pt), Lavell Payne (12pt), Mike Mitchell (9pt), Martin Gniadek (9pt)

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

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

USBasket: How has training camp been thus far? Is there anything that has surprised you about the experience?

Shaun: Training camp experience was great; a lot of work and very intense which will help my career out a lot. It was good to see first hand what goes on behind the scenes of a training camp and get valuable information from a great teacher like (Head Coach) Don Nelson.

USBasket: What is the main point of emphasis Coach Nelson and his staff have been emphasizing?

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

USBasket: How has your development evolved between your rookie and second seasons as a professional?

Shaun: I have matured a lot, been all over the world and even though a lot of things weren't always fair, especially in the Czech Republic last year, I know how to deal with things better as a professional.

USBasket: Describe your time in the Czech Republic for meboth personally and basketball wise.

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

USBasket: Who was your toughest matchup against least season in the NBL?

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

USBasket: After leaving Prostejov (Czech NBL), how did you end up heading to Latvia and then finally to China?

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

USBasket: There were many former NBA players in China last season (Bonzi Wells, Kirk Snyder, Smush Parker, etc). Was it a good experience for you to interact and meet some of these guys and pick their brains?

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

USBasket: The Warriors have 15 guaranteed contracts already, so chances of sticking with the team are not the greatest. What do you and your agent have lined up for after training camp if for some reason you dont make the squad? Would you consider going back to the Czech Republic again? Where do you see yourself playing this season if not in the NBA?

Shaun: The Warriors have 15 guaranteed contracts, but I honestly feel that I belong and have been working very hard and I am under the impression that I have a chance to make it. I am still competing for a spot so I can't get into worrying about that right now, but nothing is guaranteed and Im just glad for this experience and the opportunity to quiet some of the critics.
Unless one of the top teams wants to sign me and it is a nice deal I don't think I will go back to the Czech Republic, but I will be there soon to visit friends. I would want to go to a top team in Europe. China is an option, but right now I'm focused on the Warriors. We play the Lakers tonight (pre-season); the best team in the world and against the best player in Kobe Bryant. This is a great experience!
(Note: Golden State lost 118-101. Shaun logged 13 minutes, scoring one point, grabbing three rebounds and blocking one shot).

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

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

D-LEAGUE

Rosas named GM of Rio Grande Valley Vipers - by Eurobasket News
Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the team's Vice President of Player Personnel, Gersson Rosas, has been named General Manager of the team's NBA Development League affiliate the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. In his new role, Rosas will oversee all aspects of the Vipers' daily basketball operations.

'Gersson has distinguished himself as a top evaluator of young talent over the years,' said Morey. 'In his new role with the Vipers he will play a vital role in developing our younger players as well as ensuring a complete integration of the Vipers with our Rockets operations.'

Rosas enters his sixth season with the Rockets and was elevated to the position of Vice President of Player Personnel in September. In addition to his Vipers responsibilities, Rosas will continue to assist Morey in all Rockets basketball operations including player personnel matters, the evaluation of draft prospects, free agency and trade prospects. Additionally, he will continue to oversee the Rockets' domestic and international scouting departments.

'I would like to thank Daryl and Rockets Owner Leslie Alexander for showing confidence in my abilities and affording me this great opportunity to be directly involved in the development of our young talent,' said Rosas. 'I look forward to leading our personnel group in working with Coach Finch and the Vipers organization to develop our young players, and bring an exciting brand of professional basketball to The Valley. We also believe that this will be a productive personnel extension of the Houston Rockets.'

In 2008-09, Rosas served as Houston's Director of Player Personnel after working a season as the team's Director of Scouting and three campaigns as the team's Personnel Scout/Video Coordinator. Prior to his present stint with the Rockets, Rosas was the head coach of the Global Games Prep USA Team during the summer of 2004. His experience also includes work as a graduate assistant for the University of Houston's men's basketball team (2003-04), as an assistant coach on Westbury Christian High School's state championship team (2002-03) and as a basketball coordinator for the Venezuelan Basketball Federation during the 2002 World Basketball Championships.

Additionally, Rosas has been an active participant the past four years in the NBA's Basketball Without Borders program, the league's global basketball development and community outreach program, including serving this past summer as the Americas Camp Director in Mexico City. He also has served as director of college counselors at RBKU All-American Camp (2007, 2008) and as camp coach at the Reebok ABCD Camp (2006, 2007).

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Bighorns to host tryouts this weekend - by Eurobasket News
The Reno Bighorns will hold their second set of tryouts for the 2010 NBA D-League season this weekend at the South Reno Athletic Club.

The Bighorns recently completed the first set of tryouts, hosted by their parent club Orlando Magic. The second tryout session will be held in Reno, Nev., at the South Reno Athletic Club. This session will begin Oct. 10 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. PT, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. The session will conclude Oct. 11 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. PT.

All players interested in attending Bighorns tryouts must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate by Nov. 19, 2008. In addition, interested players must submit all required forms, which can be found online at RenoBighorns.com. No incomplete registration will be accepted.

Players must submit a $150 non-refundable fee and all completed forms to: Reno Bighorns Player Tryouts, 250 Evans Ave., Reno, NV 89501. Money orders and cashiers checks should be made out to Reno Bighorns.

Any questions about 2009-10 player tryouts should be directed to the Reno Bighorns office at (775) 284-2622.

Season tickets are available now for the 2009-10 season of Reno Bighorns Basketball. For more information, call (775) 284-2NBA or visit RenoBighorns.com.

Courtesy of The Reno Bighorns

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

ESTONIA

Estonian Cup results - by Eurobasket News
The Estonian Cup enjoyed quarterfinal stage. Kalev/Cramo, TU/Rock, TTU KK and Parnu made it through.
Parnu held off Kuremaa 111:75. Elgar Tamsalu (182-G-87) knocked down 20 points to lead the charge. Toomas Raadik (198-F-90) added 17 points, while Heigo Erm (190-G/F-80) netted 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in the winning effort. Kuremaa responded with 18 points and 15 boards from Sven Kukemelk (205-C-87).
Kalev/Cramo toppled Valga/CKE 65:59 in another quarterfinal clash. Valga/CKE were up by 4 points heading into the fourth frame but could not capitalize. Kalev/Cramo raced to the win in the final period. Gert Dorbek (190-G-85) notched 25 points for the KML defending champions. Janev Blagoj (203-F-84, college: New Hampshire) added 12 points in the win. Ando Tagamets (200-F-79) responded with 23 points and 8 rebounds in the losing effort.
TU/Rock rolled past Tallinna Kalev 92:75. Scott Morrison (212-C-86, college: Portland St.) exploded with 24 points and 10 boards for TU/Rock. Todd Abernethy netted 21 points in the winning case. Jamaal Moore (197-F-83, college: Rice) came up with 23 points and 7 rebounds for Tallinna Kalev.
TTU KK eked out a 65:62 win over Rakvere. Reimo Tamm (185-G-84) notched 15 points for TTU KK. Joosep Pokla (198-G-86) netted 12 points in the victory. Valmo Kriisa (190-G-74) answered with 18 points, 6 boards and 4 assists in defeat.
TU/Rock will face Parnu, while Kalev/Cramo will take on TTU KK in the semis.

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

FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: ToPo scored 100 pts tonight - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, Round 3: There are three undefeated teams (Honka, Korihait, Pyrinto) left after three rounds and two teams (Kataja, Kauhajoki) without the season
opening victory. Tonight Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) scored 100 pts, when beating KTP (Kotka) by 14 pts. Sharpshooter Samuel Haanpaa (203-G/F-86) scored 29 pts and grabbed 11 rbs for ToPo. Honka (Espoo) visited in Joensuu and scored 99 pts, when winning Kataja by 16 pts. Monte Cummings (193-G-76, college: Florida St.) netted 26 pts for Honka. Kouvot (Kouvola) crushed YMCA Lahti by 22 pts and Korihait (Uusikaupunki) left Vilpas in 53 pts, when visiting in Salo. Korihait had 81 pts.
ToPo - KTP 100-86 (47-38) (Samuel Haanpaa 29/11, Obie Trotter 23, Timo Heinonen 17 - Isaac Spencer 21/14, Herman Favors 20, Ryan McDade 18/17).
Kouvot - YMCA Lahti 94-72 (55-33) (Ajene Moye 19, Ross Neltner 18/12, Kyle Shiloh 18 - Corey Rouse 18/12, Ville Veala 12, Pasi Pekkola 12).
Pyrinto - FoKoPo 78-63 (37-32) (Kenny Lowe 21, Olli Ahvenniemi 14/10, Damon Williams 13/10 - Ashley Champion 26/12, Durell Vinson 13/13, Jarno Nissinen 10).
Kataja - Honka 83-99 (48-56) (Juho Nenonen 22, Daviin Davis 18, Kendall Chones 17 - Monte Cummings 26/5a, Sasu Salin 19, Tuukka Kotti 18).
Vilpas - Korihait 53-81 (19-41) (Antonio McMillion 17, Charlie Burgess 10 - AZ Reid 20, Ray Cunningham 15, Josh Gonner 15/5a).
YMCA Lappeenranta - Kauhajoki 93-61 (51-31) (Robert Turner 17, Jouko Jarvinen 17, Anthony Johnson 16 - Marcel Jones 23, Aleksi Huuskonen 8).

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

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

FRANCE

Andre Harris replaces Robinson Louisme - by Eurobasket
Saint-Etienne (NM1) decided to sent home American center Robinson Louisme (201-F/C-84, college: Tulane) at the end of his try-out contract. Just 3 points average over first two games was not that impressive, so club management decided to replace Robinson with his countryman Andre Harris

(201-F/C-85, college: Fairleigh Dickinson). Harris played in Israel National League last season with quite impressive stats (leading scorer in the league with 25ppg with 62,2% and 8,3rpg). During the season moved to Hapoel Kyriat Tivon, which finished eighth before failing in quarterfinal of the play-offs. Harris plays similarly like Nate Carter', explains the coach Fabien Romeyer , He is a very aggressive player under the basket. He was one of my first choices. Hopefully Harris will be able to play his first game on Saturday in Angers.

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

GERMANY

Jamal Shuler (TBB Trier) Pregame Thoughts To Deutsche Bank Skyliners Season Opening Game October 9th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Jamal Shuler

(191-G-86)r is a 23 year old 191 cm guard from Jacksonville, North Carolina. He played at Virginia Commonwealth (NCAA) from 2004 to 2008. His best season was hiss enior year as he played 32 games averaging 15.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3Pts: 41.3%, FT: 79.8%. He was CAAC Regular Season Champion in 2007 and 2008 and CAAC Tournament Winner in 2007. In 2008-2009, he turned professional and went to Germany to play for TBB Trier. As a rookie he played 34 games averaging 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 72.6%. He scored in double figures 14 times and his best game was against The Walter Tigers Tuebingen as he scored 29 points. He spoke to eurobasket before the season opening game against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners.

Jamal, thanks for taking some time to talk to eurobasket. You are starting your second season in Trier. How excited are you about playing in Trier this season?

I am very excited about the new season with Trier, we have the core of our team back so we're just trying to get back to playing good basketball and being competitive in the Beko BBL.

TBB Trier did a good job keeping the team together. Besides knowing each other and having experience playing with each other, what other pluses have you noticed that the team has this season?

I think those two points are pluses itself. We know what to expect from one another and that makes playing on this team easy because any given night one of us can have a breakout game.

What kind of style can we await from TBB Trier in this season? Has coach De Fragne changed something for this coming season?

We are a smaller team so we have to play faster than our opponent. Coach De Fragne just wants us to add on to the things we did last year to get better options within the plays.

What part of the TBB Trier game is most improved and will surprise?

Our inside play has improved because our bigs are finally getting healthy now and the guards have to step up everyday to provide a steady balance for our team.

TBB Trier was one of the worst rebounding teams last season. You didnt get an additional big man. What is the plan of the team to improve on the rebounding side of the game?

Everybody has to step up in that aspect, we need to be good in that stat to be competitive in the BBL and coach has stressed that to us from day one.

Is that a sign that big German talent Maik Zirbes will get more playing time? What is your impression of Zirbes? Is this the season where he could make a breakthrough?

Zirbes will definitely have to step up if coach gives him his chance but we all do. Maik has really gotten better he just needs the confidence in his game to be successful.

How has Sami Picard played this pre season. What is your impression of him and how wil he help the team?

Sammy is a great shooter and he has to learn a lot and what coach wants from him is to learn and get better each day.

I see you as the X-factor this season. It will be important for the club if you can become a scorer. Is there a lot of pressure for you to score when possibly a Chris Copeland has an off night which is rarely the case.

There is no pressure. I play with a lot of vets so I just try to do everything else on the floor. I know I can score, but coach wants me to let the game come to me so thats what I am going to do this year.

The first game of the season is against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. They had a lot of personal changes. That must be an advantage, because you guys al know where the other guy is while Frankfurt is not as comfortable playing with each other after only a few months.

Frankfurt is a strong team and we will have to fight for a win. This is the first game of the BBL season and I know they have been playing a lot of preseason games so I know they will be ready to play team basketball against us.

What will be the key to victory?

Us playing together and taking care of the basketball against a good team. Frankfurt is a playoff team so we have to limit our mistakes and play a strong game.

Who will be the key player to watch besides Derrick Allen and Pascal Roller?

I think the big man Jenkins hurt us last year at their place and jimmy Mckinney is a good player so they have some threats that we need to be aware of at all times.

What Skyliner player are you looking most forward to playing?

Pascal Roller is a good point guard and I like his game so I will be looking forward to seeing him on the cour,t but we will have our hands full trying to stop him but that is the fun in basketball playing against good players.
Thanks Jamal for the interview. Good luck this season!

John Allen (New York Phantoms Braunschweig) And His Key For Success Is Playing On Instinct - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
John Allen (196-G/F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Seton Hall) is a 26 year old 196 cm shooting guard/small forward, who is playing for The New York Phantoms Braunschweig this season. He is a a swingman who can be a huge problem for lots of defenses; can deliver some driving dunks and also display a deft shooting touch from the perimeter; and this double dimension make him a very tough player to guard. He comes from Coatesville, Pennsylvania. He went to Seton Hall from 2001-2005 and was a very important player in his time there. He never averaged less than 11,4ppg in his four years. His most productive season was the 2002-2003 season where he played 30 games averaging 14.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.7apg. He took no time resting a few months after graduation and in May signed with the New Jersey Flyers of the USBL playing 21 games and averaging 21.7ppg, 7.2rpg, 3.0apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 47.7%, 3FGP: 39.0%, FT: 73.8%. He then went to Finland for the 2005-2006 season playing for Kouvolan Kouvot playing 44 games and averaging 19.8ppg, 7.7rpg, 2.6apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 81.9%. In 2006-2007, he went to Israel to play for Maccabi Ironi Ramat playing 27 games and averaging 15.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 46.3%, FT: 81.5%. In 2007-2008, he had his first tenure with The New York Phantoms Braunschweig playing 34 games and averaging 13.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.7apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 75.4%. Lasts eason, he played in France for Strassburg playing 31 games and averaging 8.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 84.7%. John spoke to eurobasket over the phone during training camp a day before he got injured and will miss two months.

John, thanks for talking to eurobasket. Welcome back to Germany and Braunschweig. You were a fan favourite back in the 2007-2008 season in Braunschweig. Was that one of the main reasons why you decided to come back?

It was a very comfortable situation for me coming back to Braunschweig. I had heard good things about the coach and I feel that we can reach the playoffs. With adding me making the playoffs would be even greater. This is a goal for the club since it has not been back to the playoffs in a while.

Last season, you played at Strassburg in the France PRO A, but living so close to Germany might of not let you forget your memories in Braunschweig? How French was Strasburg? Did you experience many German influences living so close to Germany?

There were some German influences, My house was only five minutes from the boarder. I loved the Strassburg. The city and people were great there. The only problem was that the coach and I didnt really see eye to eye.

What did you miss most from Braunschweig and what did you visit first when you returned back to Braunschweig this summer?

The thing I missed most were my teammates from the 2007-2008 BBL season. There were many Americans and we got a long very well. We hung out a lot together. The first place I visited when I returned was a restaurant called Mo mos.

The last weeks have been like a rollercoaster. When the news came that American Andrew Drevo had left, how disappointed were you? How was the atmosphere in the team? Being without Kyle Visser and Andrew Drevo was a huge void to fill.

I didnt really know what to expect at first when I heard about Drevo going, and to this day I still am a bit unclear as to what exactly happened. When Oliver Braun told me he was gone, he also told me that Nate Fox would be coming in which made me happy. I remember Nate well from Leverkusen. I was sure that whoever they would bring in, we would still be competitive no matter what. We would still have same approach if we had a Fox or another guy. Fox can do so many things that Drevo did and more. Fox is a leader and will help us right away.

But then all of a sudden and within 24 hours management went to work signing German national player Yassin Idbihi and experienced Nate Fox. I guess when that happened, the basketball world looked a lot different again for the organization? In the 2007-2008 season, you played against Nate Fox. Could he be the X-factor in the team and what do you remember the most from his game?

I remember Nate as a guy that could do it all. He could shoot and rebound and hit the big shots. It was a shock for me when he got suspended from the BBL, because he was on his way of becoming BBL MVP. Another thing that I like about his play is that he is very aggressive.

The 2009-2010 New York Phantoms Braunschweig seem to be very solid with a solid 8 man rotation and young Germans Kevin Wysocki, Tony Granz and Philipp Friedel to round out the roster. What is your first impression of this team. You have a lot of scorers and experience as well. Are you a worthy playoff team?

We just have to put it all together now. We can be a playoff team. We have a solid rotation. When Heiko Schaffartzik comes to the team we will get an added bonus and I feel that we will be able to surprise a lot of teams. However we have to continue to work hard and find the right chemistry. We have one ball and many scorers so finding that right chemistry will be key. We have a healthy mix of old and young guys. In the pre season, young guys have been getting more playing time as other guys have been banged up. We are still making mistakes but that is what the pre season is about so we dont make those mistakes during the season.

How difficult has it been practicing without starting point guard Heiko Schaffartzik? Do you think he will be able to quickly come form the German National team and quickly be able to adapt to his new team and playmaking duties?

I dont really know exactly what his role will be, but he can really play. I was watching the Germany games and he can really shoot the ball. He can play the two position as Hamann was playing point guard. It is simply great bringing in a quality player like Schaffartzik. He will play a big role for us and the sky is the limit for us.

With guys like yourself, Fox, Cain, Schaffartzik, and Idbihi, you pretty much know what you will get. However a guy I am looking forward to will be Michael Hicks. He was the third best scorer in Poland. Is he a guy that could be explosive and change the momentum of a game in the BBL?

Michael can be very explosive. He has shown in the preseason that he can play 18 minutes and score 27 points. He can quickly score 10 points in five minutes. He will really help us since the club was lacking a scorer from the wing in the past. He will be a big weapon and can really light it ip. I am really looking forward to seeing what he will do against the many different defenses this season.

Tomasz Cielebak is very experienced having played 12 seasons in Poland and also got experience playing NCAA basketball at Marist. What part of his game will help the team most?

He is a pick and pop type of player. He can shoot well when guys like myself penetrate and can help in the post. He can rebound and can finish nicely around the rim. He can do a lot defending the 4/5 positions, but also can guard some 3 position players.

What have been the biggest differences between Emir Mutaptic and new coach Sebastian Machowski?

The differences are like night and day. Mutaptic was more a coach that was always yelling and in a players face. I loved him very much and will always be grateful that he brought me to Germany. Sebastian is a players coach. He is more loose, lets the players go and gives a player more freedom. He also works more on technical things. He has an American mentality, because he has been around many American players He understands Americans. I actually played against him before some years ago.

What style of basketball can we expect from The New York Phantoms Braunschweig this season?

We will score a lot this season. We just have to combine offense with defense. Our defense is coming along. It always takes longer to get defense going than it does offense. I think with Schaffartzik on the floor, that will give us an added strength on defense. If we can combine a good offense and defense, then I think that we will be tough every night.

The team will have no problems to score this season. You showed in the 2007-2008 season averaging 13.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.7apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 75.4% that you can score. However might we see you having a different kind of role. With so many adepts corers and you also being known as an assist man, could we see you being more of a creater this season?

My main focus is going into games being aggressive. I play basketball on instinct. I dont go into games looking just to score or get assists. I go in to help the team at that moment by leading the team to score. I have a lot of freedom this season with Sebastian as coach. Two years ago, I didnt have as much freedom and wasnt feeling comfortable, but that grew as the season progressed. I feel very comfortable this season and am looking to have better seasons than two seasons ago and last season in France.

You had a great season in 2006-2007 with Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan in Isarel playing 27 games and averaging 15.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 46.3%, FT: 81.5%. Were you surprised that you didnt get more interest from ULEB Cup or Euroleague teams?

I wasnt too surprised that I didnt get to play in the cup for a team. I really wanted to play for a team that was in cup play so I could travel and see other parts of Europe. There are so many good players in Europe and our team wasnt really that successful. I do know that if I get a chance again to play for a cup team then I wont disappoint. I will be the first guy at practice and last to go. I hope I get a chance to play cup someday.

What kind of experience was it playing in Isarel? What remains unforgettable in your one year there?

It was really comfortable living and playing in Israel. I was at the beach every day and the weather was great. Basketball was more up and down. There were many great players in Israel. The difference to Germany was that in Germany there are many guys that arent used to playing in Europe or have guys that arent normal position two or three players. In Israel, guys can flat out play. You had to come ready to play every night. There were no sloppy games. Sometimes you would score 20 points, but you also might get 20 points from your defender that was guarding you. It was a tough league to play in.

What is your nicest memory on and off the court at Seton Hall?

My best memory are the friends I made there. My best memory on the court was when we reached the NCAA tournament beating Arizona and Channing Frye. We ended up losing to Duke that had guys like Sheldon Williams, JJ Rednick and Daniel Ewing. The media attention was great and having 1,500 people at practice was nice as well.

You like soccer. Do you follow the German Bundesliga and do you ever go to games and do you have a favorite team?

Yes I follow soccer. I went to a game at Stuttgart as they played Cottbus two seasons ago and I also saw Wolfsburg vs Cottbus. My favourite team is Chelsea. I have been at Stafford Bridge. I have hung out with Arthur Boka from Stuttgart and Florent Malouda from Chelsea. I love the strikers form Wolfsburg Graffite and Dzeko. I like to follow Wolfsburg watched the game where they beat CSKA Moscow 3-1. One of them scored three goals. I also follow the Spanish and Italian leagues.

What is the most craziest shot that you have ever taken in a game or practice that went in?

I remember making a game winning shot against Oldenburg two seasons ago as well as making a last second shot with Seton Hall against Villannova. I dont really have any trick shots. Last season at Strassburg during practice I was at the base line got pushed away and took a shot from behind the back board and it went in

Who was the best player that you ever played against?

I have played against so many great players. I played against Carmelo Anthony. The toughest guy that I ever had to guard was Ben Gordon. He could do it all. He was explosive, could shoot, pass and dribble very well

What was the last DVD that you saw?

I dont watch many DVDs, but the funniest movie that I ever saw was Hang Over. Mike Epps was in it as well as the boxer Mike Tyson. This is a movie you got to see!

Thanks John for the chat! Good luck this season!
No problem.

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

GREECE

Market news - by Chris Mammides
Panionios ON Telecoms Athens agreed financial terms with the Georgian ex NBAer Nikoloz Tskitishvili

(212-C/F-83) The Georgian giant after four years in the magic world of NBA is returning in Europe and he will be wearing Panionios ON Telecoms Athens jersey for the enxt two years.
Kavala/Panorama agreed financial terms with Marinos Raicevic

(208-C-81) . The Greek Serbian power forward will be addign expereince and power to Coach Kostas Pilafidis team.
Ioannis Karathanasis (200-F-91) will be playing in Mas Mantoulidis on a loan from Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus for one year.
Stefanos Dedas will be the assistant coach of Aris Thessalonikis. Coach Katsikaris is thinking of brinign by Aaron Miles

(186-G-83, college: Kansas) to cover the one of the positions for the Americans, as the new coach has to see all the players and will need to decide as on which players he will keep and on the players to be released. Within the next few days there will a decision upon the overall roster.

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

HOLLAND

2nd playround, EiffelTowers beats Amsterdam with big numbers - by Claudia vanGorp
In the second playround in the Dutch Eredivisie, Eiffel Towers Den Bosch - EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam ended in a convincing 92-68. Peter Van Paassen

(211-C/F-78, agency: Court Side, college: St.Bonaventure) scored 20 points for the Eiffel Towers Den Bosch during his first game against his former teammates. Anthony Richardson

(201-F-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: Florida St.) scored 16 points for the Eiffel Towers Den Bosch. Statistical leaders for EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam were Alton Mason (190-G-77, college: Arizona St.) (former GasTerra Flames Groningen player) 15 points, Robert Krabbendam

(213-C-86, agency: Court Side, college: Virginia Tech) 13 points and Jessey Voorn (193-G-90, agency: R.H.Consultancy) 11.
Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden won against Matrixx Magix Nijmegen 63-62, Landstede Basketbal Zwolle - World Class Aviation Academy Giants 65-96 and DeFriesland Aris Leeuwarden - GasTerra Flames Groningen ended in a 66 - 67.

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

HUNGARY

A Division Stats Leaders

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

IRAN

Market news - by Eurobasket News
As the new season is approaching the teams are looking for reinforcement. Some market moves have been made recently.
Saba Mehr signed a contract with Priest Lauderdale (221-C-73, college: Central State). The 36-year-old centre started the previous season in China. He tallied 20.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 3.7 blocks and 1.7 assists per game for the Shandong Flaming Bulls. In January he moved to Mahram and helped the team to ensure the title. Priest Lauderdale has an NBA experience as he played for the Hawks and the Nuggets back in 1996/98 seasons.
Marcus Melvin

(203-F-82, college: N.Carolina St.) has agreed on terms of contract with Petrochimi. The last season semifinalists are searching to improve this year. The 27-year-old forward is sure to help. Marcus Melvin began the last season in Turkey. He averaged 11.9 points and 5.6 boards per game for Antalya. Later he moved to Sagesse Beirut. In Lebanon his stats came up to 20.5 points, 10.3 boards and 2.5 assists per game. He was named Asia-Basket.com All-Arab Championship Best Import Player in 2009.
Kevin Sheppard (182-G-79, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Jacksonville) joined Azad. The 30-year-old guard played in Puerto Rico in 2008. He moved to Shiraz in Iran to spend the last season there. Kevin Sheppard played for US Virgin Islands National Team at the FIBA Americas Tournament in San Juan this year. He averaged 15.8 points, 4.5 assists and 2.8 rebounds at the tournament.

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

ISRAEL

Jerusalem vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv in Winner Cup Final - by Eurobasket News
Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv marched into the Winner Cup championship game. They prevailed against Maccabi Haifa and Galil Gilboa respectively.
First Hapoel took on Maccabi Haifa. Jerusalem enjoyed a narrow 22:21 lead after the opening stanza. But next two quarters belonged to Haifa. They surged in front and ensured a 7-point lead into the fourth period. Kevinn Pinkney

(206-F-83, college: Nevada) came up for Jerusalem as he unloaded 12 points at the start of the final stanza helping the team to restore the advantage. Hapoel raced to a narrow win 77:75 at the end. Kevinn Pinkney fired 26 points to lead the charge. Chester Simmons

(198-G-82, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Washington) added 15 points in the victory. Davon Jefferson

(203-F-86, college: USC) responded with 16 points for Maccabi Haifa. Rich and Kozikaro finished with 12 points each in defeat.
Maccabi Tel Aviv faced Galil Gilboa and ensured a comfortable 87:65 victory at the end. Maccabi used a 16:0 run in the starting quarter to run away. They went on a 14:1 run in the second period taking a 42:20 advantage at halftime. Galil Gilboa never recovered and had to surrender at the end. Alan Anderson

(198-G/F-82, college: Michigan St.) paced Maccabi with 15 points. Stephane Lasme

(203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) had 12 points, while Doron Perkins (188-G-83, college: Santa Clara) netted 11 in the win. Dion Dowell

(198-G-85, college: Houston) and Dagan Yavzuri

(193-G-85, agency: Ronsport) replied with 12 points each in defeat.

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

JAPAN

Standings - BJ League

BJ League Standings

Eastern
1. Sendai 89ers	2-0
2. Hamamatsu P.	2-0
3. Niigata Albirex	0-0
4. Toyama Grouses	0-0
5. Saitama Bron.	0-0
6. Tokyo Apache	0-2
Western
1. Shiga Lakestars	1-1
2. Kyoto Hannaryz	1-1
3. Osaka Evessa	0-0
4. Oita H.Devils	0-0
5. Fukuoka Rizing	0-0
6. Okinawa GK	0-0
7. Takamatsu FA	0-2

BJ League Round: 1 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Kyoto Hannaryz - Shiga Lakestars 85-81
Kyoto Hannaryz revenged for the first loss over Shiga Lakestars as they beat them 85:81 in the second appearance. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (186-G-69, college: LSU) paced all the winners with 22 points, while Bostic Josh had 12 points and 12 caroms. Hall Mike finished the nigth with 23 points, while Christopher Schlatter (203-F-81, college: Washington St.) collected 15 points and 14 boards.

Tokyo Apache - Hamamatsu P. 73-81
Hamamatsu beat Tokyo Apache in the opener for both teams in Japan. Wendell White (198-G-84, agency: Liman Sports, college: UNLV) erupted with 32 points and 10 rebounds, whilst William Knight (196-F/G-79, college: UCLA) nailed 20 points. Collins Johann collected 11 points and 10 rebounds for the winners.

Tokyo Apache - Hamamatsu P. 72-84
Hamamatsu rolled over Tokyo Apache 84:72 in the Regular Season Round 1. William Knight top-scored for the winners with 25 points and Wendell White collected 24 points and 12 boards. Aoki Cohey was responsible for 28 points in the losing effort.

Kyoto Hannaryz - Shiga Lakestars 73-82
Kyoto Hannaryz lost to Shiga Lakestars 73:82 in the Regular Season Round 1. Christopher Schlatter and Joho Masashi combined 38 points for the winners as Hall Mike added 13. Bostic Josh ended up with 26 points and 14 rebounds in the losing effort.

Sendai 89ers - Takamatsu FA 103-56
Sendai 89ers opened 2009-2010 season with the win over Takamatsu FA 103:56. Demetrius Guions (196-G-86, college: Georgetown, KY) top-scored for the winners with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Pomare Leonardo had massive 16 points and 19 rebounds, while Peeples Michael had 15 points and 12 boards. Takeda Satoshi brought 18 points in the losing effort.

Sendai 89ers - Takamatsu FA 87-69
Sendai 89ers outscored Takamatsu FA 87:69 as Chris Holm (212-F-84, college: Vermont) shined with 20 points and 19 rebounds, while Pomare Leonardo collected 20 points and 17 boards. Demetrius Guions ended up with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Okada Yu finished the night with 25 points in the losing case.

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

JORDAN

No chance to improve, if not improve the local competition - by Omar Shafaamri
No chance to improve, if not improve the local competition.

We need a professional league. All teams practice 2 time a day. Give good ways to Improve the coaches.
The league must to be , at least 5-6 month long, and minimun, 30-35 games.Find good time for the league and for NT.
need to find the way to federation can to guarantee for players minimun salary ( maybe federation sponsor can make the deal with the players directly), and get permission from his job. ( as i know, a lot of players can do this)

1-ROSTER
2-SCHEDULE
3-TRANSFER RULES
4-SENIOR NATIONAL TEAM

1- Each team must have in his roster no more than 9 players over 20 years old.
this is one of the more important decision to take it.
With this, a lot of good players, from strong team, ( 10, 11 and 12 place), will go for others weak teams and , the best young players will learn from experience ..
If some team does not have NT players, maybe let to them to sign one more import.

2.- You need other competition. More games. all week-end. Twice games a week.
Young teams must to play at same time .

3- need to give more freedom for the player to move to other teams.
Maybe each team can choose 4 players, and all the others can be free agent, or make a draft, giving the best chances to weak teams.
All the players, after some age ( i know something about after 28 ), can move free. Before this, his team can make equal offers, and keep the player, or receive one % of the difference between his offers and the other team.
EXAMPLE . a team are interesting in a player under 28, 23 years old. They offer for him, 100.000 a year.
His club, offer him 60.000.
The player can go for the other team, and this team must to pay some % of the difference ( 40.000) for the team owner of his rights depending his age ( more young, more %).

4- With all this changes, the senior NT will be better. I think you must to start to mix young and experiences players ( with the same idea that point 1 ).
Coach Ricardo Daniel Maffei

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

KOSOVO

FBK confirm transfers - by Besart Sadikaj
Superliga:
KBSIGAL PRISHTINA

1. Yll Kaqanikut
2. Fahri Breca

KB PEJA

1. Nexhat Spahiq
2. Taulant Dupa
3. Allen Idrizaj
4. Shpat Nila
5. Qndrim Gashi

KBBIG BROTHER BASHKIMI

1. Blerim Mazrekut
2. Fisnik Mehmetit
3. Demarius Bolds

KB TREPA

1. Naim Haxha

KBDRITA

1. Chris Bevin.

KB KOLEGJI EUROSPORTI

1. Jahi Zeqiri
2. Kreshnik Juniku
3. Albatrit Berisha

LIGA E FEMRAVE

KB SIGAL PRISHTINA
1. Arnore Pruku
2. Fabjolla Permeti
KBBASHKIMI
1. Valbona Bytyqi

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

LATVIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game