Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 4/22/2009

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Men News

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ABA

Nicaraguan ballplayers invited to Georgia Gwizzlies - by Eurobasket
West Virginia Wild-Greenville Hoopsters and new teams in Pikeville and Ashland,Ky-Columbia and Mytle Beach,Sc-two more teams in West Virginia and two more teams in southern Ohio near Portsmouth and Ashland.Paul for complete infro contact the principala at wvwild@hotmail.com.Thank God you got that ABA rec league off your well-respected www.oursportscentral.com site,I hope www.usbasket.com and www.probasketballnews.com follow suit
Source Georgia Gwizzlies

Standings

ABA Standings

Exhibition-Touring
1. LA Slam	5-9
2. Empire 5 Linx	3-4
3. TH T.Blazers	1-2
4. Tri-City Racers	0-2
5. Empire Rage	0-8
Northeast Div.
1. Cleveland R.	22-4
2. S.Chicago BS	14-4
3. Jersey Expr.	13-8
4. W. Virginia B.	11-14
5. New York I.	3-7
6. N.Y. Thunder	1-0
7. Aurora Force	1-4
8. W.Virginia W.	0-2
9. Detroit Hoops	0-6
Northwest Div.
1. Maywood B.	18-3
2. Beijing O.	14-6
3. LA Push	7-6
4. S.Francisco R.	7-7
5. Salt Lake S.	1-0
6. Washington R.	1-1
7. Modesto B.	1-6
8. Sacramento	0-1
Southeast Div.
1. Kentucky B.	13-2
2. Kansas City	7-3
3. Nashville B.	6-5
4. Knoxville T.	5-5
5. Atlanta V.	1-5
6. Bahama PS	0-4
7. Georgia G.	0-9
Southwest Div.
1. Texas M.	24-1
2. Las Vegas A.	8-2
3. South Texas	8-7
4. Houston T.	7-10
5. W.Texas W.	4-3
6. Mississippi B.	4-8
7. Arizona R.	3-5
8. Fury	2-3
9. Texas City R.	2-12
10. Gallup T.	0-3

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AUSTRALIA

Deba George joins Cairns Marlins - by Eurobasket News
Former Cairns Taipans indigenous development player and NBL Slam Dunk Champion Deba George (183-G-85) is set to add an X-factor to the Cairns Marlins' attack in the QABL this season after impressing in the team's only pre-season trial match of the season.

The nippy guard scored 24 points in Marlins Blues 95-69 loss to Marlins Black in a Queensland Basketball League inter-squad challenge at the Bendigo Bank Basketball Centre on Sunday.

George produced stunning numbers for the Atherton Harriers in the FNQ basketball Super League last season, including a haul of 62 points against Mulgrave.

Assistant coach Jamie Pearlman said the Marlins were debating whether to use George as a starter or an impact player off the bench.

'Hes just a guy who can create something out of nothing,' Pearlman said. 'In situations where you need a big bucket or the shot clock is running down, you just get it in his hands and he can penetrate to the key and pass it but hes a great three-point shooter as well so hes a fantastic asset.'

The Marlins open their QBL season on the road this weekend with games against Townsville on Friday night and Mackay on Saturday.

The Marlins have lost guard Scott Cook to Mackay this season, while centre Matt Smith has gone to the Hobart Chargers.

Pearlman admitted the side would enter the season underdone, with Rowan Gray expected to play big minutes at centre.

'Weve had a slow start to the season in terms of preparation and were definitely underdone at this point in time but weve got players with great experience and players with a lot of ABA and NBL experience and were hoping that experience will get us through in the early rounds.'

Former Marlins assistant Brad Burdon has taken over from new Taipans coach Aaron Fearne as head coach.

Courtesy of The Cairns Post

AIS star signs with Washington State - by Eurobasket News
After 13 hours in the air in the air, (Washington State head coach) Ken Bone and (assistant) Ben Johnson landed in the living room of Brock Motum (205-F-90) and his parents on Friday. They were hopeful, but uncertain, the long trip to Brisbane would end the way they wanted it to: with the 6-9 Australian standout reaffirming his commitment to play basketball at Washington State. The two coaches spent a couple of hours talking with the Motum family.

And the next day, Queenslander Motum told them what they flew across the Pacific Ocean to hear. Brock Motum is coming to Pullman.

'For him to recommit to us is great for our program, great for Washington State,' Johnson told CF.C in between flights back home. 'At the end of the day, Brock really liked Coach Bone and felt comfortable with him, and his parents did too. This was a chance for him to get a feel, in person, for Coach Bone and to get a comfort level.

'The family had obviously done their research on Coach Bone and were very impressed with his track record as a coach, but when you're sending your son halfway around the world, you also want to make sure you're entrusting your son to a good man, a quality person.'

Johnson, who had been WSU's point person in the recruitment of Motum, said Bone and Motum connected quickly.

'He was very comfortable with Coach Bone. He likes the WSU campus and the college-town atmosphere of Pullman, so the combination was right.'

With the graduation loss of a fellow Aussie, Aron Baynes, Motums recommitment to WSU is great news for the Cougars outlook in the post next season. Motum is mobile, yet hard-nosed, and can play several positions. He has nice shooting range and is an effective passer.

Motum comes to WSU from the same organisation the Australian Institute of Sport that produced Baynes.

Baynes deveopment at WSU - on the court and in the classroom - wasnt lost on Motum, who told CF.C last fall, 'Aron, his success over there, encouraged me ... I had seen him (in Australia) and what he played like before he went over and now -- the way he's developed his game and the way he's playing now, it's impressive what he's done.'

Motum earned his leagues Player of the Year honours in the just-concluded season - and the previous year he took home a National Player of the Year award. This past season, he averaged 15.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. He shot 57 percent from the field, and made 13-of-29 three-pointers.

Australia is no longer the hoops secret it once was, but Motum also didn't get the same number of looks playing Down Under he would have plying his wares in the U.S. And by the time he did start getting late looks, he had long since made the decision to go crimson - Motum said he made up his mind two years ago, in the summer of '07, that he would be headed to WSU.

On his Australian Institute of Sports bio page, Motum states that his two major goals in sport are to represent Australia in the Olympics and to play in the NBA.

Courtesy of www.cougarfan.com

Angus Brandt signs letter of intent with Oregon State University - by Eurobasket News
The Oregon State men's basketball program rounded out one of its most highly-touted recruiting classes in school history as Angus Brandt signed a National Letter of Intent with the Beavers on Monday, head coach Craig Robinson announced.

Brandt joins Joe Burton, Jared Cunningham, Rhys Murphy and Roberto Nelson as players who have signed with the Beavers. The group forms one of the most decorated men's basketball signing classes in program history as the group is ranked No. 21 in the nation by Rivals.com and No. 8 in the nation by hoopscooponline.com.

'We are extremely pleased to bring in a class of this caliber,' head coach Craig Robinson said. 'It is an athletic and intelligent group as each player brings skill sets that will fit well with our system. We finished the season on a great note and a signing class such as this will keep the program heading in the right direction.'

Brandt, a 6-10, 210-pound center, signs with Oregon State out of Lake Forest (Ill.) Academy and is rated as one of the top prospects in the 2009 class. The Sydney, Australia, native has been ranked as high as the No. 20 center in the country and No. 146 overall by Rivals.com.

Brandt recently concluded his senior season at Lake Forest, averaging 14.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game while leading the team to a 15-10 record.

'Angus (Brandt) is a guy who can bring a lot to the table,' Robinson said. 'He has a variety of skills and is capable of stepping back and hitting the three-point shot. He is a tough player who makes very good decisions on the court.'

In addition to Brandt, Cunningham and Murphy signed with the Beavers during the spring signing period.

Cunningham, a 6-3, 170-pound guard, signs with the Beavers out of San Leandro (Calif.) High School as one of the top guards in the nation. The guard is rated as the No. 14 point guard in the nation and No. 76 player overall by rivals.com.

The guard averaged 20.4 points, 6.3 rebounds per, 2.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game his senior season while leading San Leandro to a 24-4 record and the Hayward Area league title.
'Jared (Cunningham) is a big guard who is a leader,' Robinson said. 'He is an athletic player who is able to score and likes to get everyone involved. He certainly has a bright future and should excel in this system.'

Murphy, a 6-7, 185-pound shooting guard, signs with Oregon State out of Lee (Maine) Academy. An athletic player, the native of Australia is rated as a three-star prospect by nearly every recruiting service.

The guard burst onto the recruiting scene this past summer, his first in the United States, playing with the Chicago Elite before heading to Lee Academy.

'Rhys (Murphy) is an athletic and strong player who has great range on the three-point shot,' Robinson said. 'He can defend multiple positions and should be a versatile player for us throughout his career.'

Oregon State recently completed one of the greatest single season turnarounds in the country as the Beavers captured the CBI postseason title and finished the year with an 18-18 record. The Beavers plus-12 win total from the previous year ranked No. 3 in the country.

Courtesy of www.osubeavers.com

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BELARUS

The favorites reach the Semifinal stage - by Eurobasket News
Minsk-2006, Vitalyur, Grodno-93 and OZAA swept their Quarterfinals series to advance to the Semifinals. April 24th will be the start of them as Minsk-2006 will face OZAA, while Vitalyur will take on Grodno-93.
Minsk-2006 swept the series over Temp as in the second game the favorites celebrated 93:58 win. The guests grabbed the lead from the very beginning and never looked behind in the game. Sarunas Velius (207-C/F-83) top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Carlos Hurt (188-G-83, college: Robert Morris) and Rostislav Vergun (202-G/F-82, college: Birmingham Souther) netted 15 each. Malkov ended up with 24 points in the losing effort.
Vitalyur ovecame BNTU 91:74 to advance to the Semifinals. The favorites won three quarters out of four and especially gave more troubles for BNTU in the third period with 32-19. Kanstantsin Yafremau (201-F-86) top-scored for the winners with 19 points, while Aliaksei Pacevich (195-G-88) netted 16. Golovskiy ended up with 20 points in defeat.
OZAA defeated Lokomotiv 106:85 to win the series 2-0. The team won all the periods and especially enjoy 31-16 in the end. Andrei Maksimov (200-F-83) led the winners with 25 points and Siarhei Vabishchevich (188-G-88) nailed 19. Konyushenko finished the night with 30 points in the losing case. Sozh Gomel did not come to play with Grodno-93 as the latter advanced automatically.

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BOSNIA

Standings - BIH League

D1 Standings

League 8
1. Siroki Eronet	6-1
2. Bosna S.	6-2
3. Igokea	6-2
4. BoracNektar	4-4
5. Sloboda Dita	3-4
6. Zrinjski MC	3-5
7. SL IAT Leotar	2-6
8. Hercegovac	1-7
League 13
1. Mladost MG	10-14
2. Vitez	9-15
3. Slavija	9-15
4. Grude	9-15
5. Posusje	8-16
6. Novi Grad	0-24

Bosnian League 8, 8TH round - by Elvir Halilovic

Results:
SL IAT Leotar - Bosna ASA BH Telecom 61:82
Igokea Partizan - Hercegovac 89:66
Borac Nektar - Zrinjski HT Mostar 65:61
Sloboda Dita - Siroki Eronet (Wednesday 22TH April)

Standings:
1. Bosna ASA BH Telecom 6-2 /689:576/ +113 / 14
2. Igokea Partizan 6-2 /637:574/ +63 / 14
3. Siroki Eronet 6-1 /599:534/ +65 / 13
4. Borac Nektar 4-4 /603:610/ -07 / 12
5. Zrinjski HT Mostar 3-5 /630:638/ -08 / 11
6. Sloboda Dita 3-4 /571:565/ +06 / 10
7. SL IAT Leotar 2-6 /534:602/ -68 / 10
8. Hercegovac 1-7 /542:706/ -162 / 9

SL IAT Leotar - Bosna ASA BHT 61:82
(13:28, 14:14, 18:19, 16:21)
Trebinje SD Bregovi; Att.: 2.000; Ref.: Obradovic, Okuka, Drmic
SL IAT LEOTAR: S. Kovacevic, Setencic 4, Miskovic, Rajkovic, Radulovic, Zotovic 22, Vukovic 11, Kordou 13, Markovic 9, M. Kovacevic, Zagorac, Djordjevic
Coach: Radomir Kisic
BOSNA ASA BHT: Ivanovic 5, Sehovic 12, Rakic, Vucurovic 12, Djurasovic 16, Suljagic 4, Hajric, Pasalic, Djordjevic 11, Avdic 2, Ovcina 20
Coach: Vlada Vukoicic

Borac Nektar - Zrinjski HT Mostar 65:61
(12:11, 23:16, 16:12, 14:22)
Banja Luka - SD Borik; Att.: 500; Ref.: Zurapovic, Lakic, Nozinovic
BORAC NEKTAR: Vucic, Adamovic 12, Fekete 12, Peterkin 7, Palalic 12, Djurasovic 2, Pavlovic 7, Milinovic 2, Djuranovic, Josipovic 11, Komljenovic, Kostadinovic
Coach: Boro Dzakovic
ZRINJSKI: Vujicic 14, Cular 9, Sarenac, Tomovic 11, Petric, Oroz, Dzidic 3, Simovic 3, Brecic, Vuckovic 18, Ceskovic 3
Coach: Kristijan Maric

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BULGARIA

Levski demolished Cherno More in Varna - by Valentin Anguelov
Levski clinched second place in the Bulgarian National Basketball League (NBL) Regular season after a blowout 58-84 away victory over the only team that had any chance of catching them - Euroins Cherno More. In fact, the game was much more important for the hosts, who weren't looking at the second place, but rather the third. Despite this latest setback, the men from Varna still have the chance of getting that and avoiding a playoff clash with champions Lukoil Academic before the finals. But to do that Euroins Cherno More have to win on the road versus another 3rd place contestant Rilski Sportist on Saturday and hope that at the same the third team involved in that battle - Spartak Pleven - lose to Lukoil at home.

As for today's game in Varna, it was only really competitive during the opening 15 minutes. That was when Levski center Stefan 'Toro' Georgiev was playing great (12 points in the first quarter), but the Cherno More team was doing well too, especially their combo-guard Corey McIntosh and center Dusan Jelic. But from then on it was Marcus Hall that got all the attention, as the home team's defence was totally unable to stop him. Thanks mainly to his input in offence and the defensive efforts of the entire Levski team, the visitors increased their advantage from 5 points in the 16th minute to a whopping 18-point lead at half-time.

After the break Cherno More were unable to mount any kind of a come-back and coach Daniel Dimitrov's constant rotation didn't make any difference, as almost all of his players looked like they had an off-day. An Arnas Kazlauskas 3-pointer to end the 3rd quarter at 41-65 was the final nail in the coffin for an already disheartened home team. In the 4th quarter they even stopped trying and Levski weren't playing on 100% either, so both teams just palyed out time to finish the game at 58-84.

Marcus Hall had a game high 22 points, as well as 8 assists, 5 boards and 3 steals. Stefan Georgiev had a total of 14 points, just 2 for the last 32 minutes of the game, but was still very efficient in the paint and added 8 rebounds and 2 blocks - the third 2-block game in a row for him. Asen Velikov had 11 points, 5 assists and, amazingly for his size, 7 rebounds. Arnas Kazlauskas contributed another 11 points off the bench.

Corey McIntosh had 14, half of a mere 28 points that the Cherno More starters accumulated. Zeljko Bojovic added another 10, while substitutes Dusan Jelic and Bryce Sheldon scored 10 and 8 respectively.

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CHILE

Stats Leaders - DIMAYOR

DIMAYOR 2009 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1. Tisby, Oso 33.0
2. Chaine, Llan 27.0
3. Holloway, Eve 19.0
4. Morton, Esp 18.5
5. Del Solar, Val 17.5

Rebounds Per Game

1. Briones, Lic 17.0
2. Hubner, Sag 16.0
3. Morton, Esp 14.5
4. Frings, UC 7.0
5. Blackwell, Ula 7.0

Assists Per Game

1. Garrido, Llan 8.0
2. Holt, Eve 7.0
3. Chaine, Llan 7.0
4. Lara, Lic 6.0
5. Ziegele, Lic 5.0

Steals Per Game

1. Sepulveda, Llan 6.0
2. Del Solar, Val 4.5
3. Morales, Lic 4.0
4. Ilabaca, Sag 3.5
5. Gallardo, Lic 3.5

Blocks Per Game

1. Holloway, Eve 3.0
2. Tisby, Oso 2.0
3. Paris, Oso 2.0
4. Arroyo, Bos 2.0
5. Hubner, Sag 2.0

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Previewing the NBL Playoffs First Round - by Surujh Roopnarine
CEZ Nymburk (1) vs. USK Praha (8)
The unquestioned best team of the NBL with a 39-1 record, Nymburk finished atop the regular season standings for the sixth consecutive year and will be the favorites to win their sixth consecutive Championship. The well balanced squad features five players who average double-figures (Blake Schilb (201-G-83, college: Loyola, IL), Goran Jagodnik (202-F-74), Arthur Lee (185-G-77, college: Stanford), Petr Benda (203-F/C-82) and Justin Gray (188-G-84, college: Wake Forest)), while Ladislav Sokolovsky (201-F-77) averages 9.9 points per game. Floor leader Arthur Lee is one of the best three-point shooters in the entire league at 49.2% while Petr Benda shoots a remarkable 66.8% from the field. USK Praha, the eighth seed at 16-24 will have the daunting task of even trying to stay competitive with Nymburk. During their regular season matchups they fell 96-68 on the road, 62-69 at home, 91-52 on the road and 75-86 at home. Praha is led by American import center Roderick Platt (205-C-75, college: Loyola, MD) (15.3ppg, 8.1rpg) and swingman Lawrence Hamm (198-F-84, college: Towson) (13.7ppg).
Prediction: Nymburk 2-0

Geofin Novy Jicin (2) vs. BK Opava (7)
Maybe the only legitimate threat to another championship for Nymburk could come from Geofin, as they finished the regular season at 30-10, good for second in the standings. Big men Robert Sarovic (205-F-78) (15.7 points, 7.3 rebounds) and Kenny Walker (206-F/C-80, college: Alabama) (14.8points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks) present an imposing frontline while guards Emanuel Ubilla (188-G-86, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) and mid-season acquisition Corey Muirhead (198-F-83, college: W.Carolina) provide a good combination of outside shooting and dribble-penetration. Geofin went 3-1 against Opava during the regular season, but did drop their last meeting on March 7 in Opava, 83-78. Opava (17-23) enters the playoffs having played much better during the second half, winning four of their last five to close the regular season and climb to the seventh position. Having no American imports, Opavas main weapon is 'Mr. Everything' Pavel Pumprla (194-G-86) who led the team in scoring (13.3ppg), rebounds (4.6rpg), steals (1.9spg) and blocks (0.5bpg).
Prediction: Novy Jicin 2-0

BK Decin (3) vs. BK Nova Hut Ostrava (6)
Narrowly edging BK Prostejov for third position is BK Decin who enters the playoffs after finishing 22-18 in the regular season. A team capable of amazing highs (handed Nymburk their only loss of the season) as well as baffling lows (losing to Pardubice 66-74 at home), Decin did close strong, winning their last two games including a 74-54 victory over Geofin in the regular season finale to secure the #3 seed. Guard William Hatcher (188-G-84, college: Miami, OH) is the leader of Ostrava, leading the team in scoring (15.9ppg) and assists (5.0apg) while his main support comes from Pavel Houska (201-F-84) (13.1ppg, 5.2rpg) and mid-season addition Tarvis Williams (205-F/C-78, college: Hampton) who leads the team in rebounds (6.6) and blocks (1.6).
Ostrava (17-23) will definitely provide a challenge to Decin, as they took the last two meetings of the season against Decin, 93-78 at home and 90-87 in Decin. Unfortunately, Ostrava also dropped their last three games of the season and will need to re-focus for the playoffs. Marcus Arnold (207-F/C-84, college: Illinois), one of the NBLs top big men at 18.2ppg and Ostravas leading rebounder at 8.3 per game is the main force in the middle and it will be interesting to watch his matchup against Houska and Williams of Decin. Mike Mitchell (183-G-83, college: N.Mexico St.) (13.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.9apg) and Marek Stuchyl will be relied upon heavily as well.
Prediction: Decin 2-1

BK Prostejov (4) vs. BK Kondori Liberec (5)
On paper, Prostejov (21-19) seems to have the right pieces in place to make a run at their second NBL Finals (2007). They made the finals of the Czech Cup this year, losing a tough contest against Nymburk, but did not finish the season strong, losing to Ostrava, Opava and Nymburk in three of their last four regular season games. The team which relies most heavily on imports, regularly starting five foreigners, is led by veteran guard Hurl Beechum (196-F-73, college: Iowa St.) (15.0ppg) and versatile big man Ian Hanavan (202-F-80, college: Evansville) (18.1ppg, 6.8rpg). Mid-season acquisitions Jason Miller (208-F/C-80, college: Oklahoma St.) and former Notre Dame sharp shooter Colin Falls (196-G-85, college: Notre Dame) add toughness and three-point shooting respectively. The team at times lives and dies by the three-point shot and it will be interesting to see if they can adjust their tactics if and when the shots stop falling from behind the arc. Prostejov went 3-1 on the season against Liberec, winning their last matchup on March 7, 83-74 at home. Liberec (17-23) is led by NBL leading scorer Maurice Hampton (188-G-84, college: Austin Peay St.) (20.0ppg) and mid-season acquisition Boris Meno (203-F-83, college: Davidson) (7.0rpg), who mans the middle. Liberec had the luxury of playing their final six regular season games at home, going 4-2 in that stretch. Expect high-scoring games when these two teams meet.
Prediction: Prostejov 2-0

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DENMARK

CDL Finals Game 3: Svendborg breaks the streak! - by Thomas Soltau
It will be hard to put words on how significant this win was for Svendborg.

But just imagine how it must be like to make it to the Finals three times in a row, but never to have been able to win a Finals game. Would you not start to question yourself, both as a player and as a coach?

Nine games in a row Svendbrog has lost in the Finals, and to the same team - Bakken.

This streak is now over, and the win was convincing.

Svendborg toke control of the game from the start, a 15-27 first quarter gave them an important lead. Bakken could not find a rhythm. 37 percent from the floor was evidence hereof.

Svendborg was aggressive and deserved to win. The final score was 79-97.

So what will happen now? Will Bakken shake it off, and regroup? Svendborg, for sure, is seeing daylight at the end of the tunnel.

If Svendborg could take Game 4 at home, the momentum of the series will shift and then Bakken could be in trouble.

Join the fun on Thursday!

Bakken: Eric Bell (190-G-75, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: New Paltz St.) 20 points, Elliah Clarke (198-F-85, college: De Paul) 13 points and 8 rebounds.

Svendbrog: Johnell Smith (186-G-80, college: New Orleans) 26 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, Ivan Hoger (225-C-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) 21 points and 9 rebounds, Niels Degn-Andersen (185-G/F-80) 14 points on 5-7 shooting in just 15 minuttes.

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D-LEAGUE

Utah Flash Advance to their First Ever NBA Development League Finals - by Surujh Roopnarine
The Utah Flash picked up their first win in franchise history against the Dakota Wizards last night, 103-93 and advanced to the NBA D-League Finals where they will host the Colorado 14ers in game one on Wednesday night in Orem. Boston Celtics assignee J.R. Giddens (6'5''-G-85, college: N.Mexico) scored a game high 25 points for the Flash and veteran swingman Ronald DuPree (6'7''-F/G-81, college: LSU) notched his second consecutive double-double of the playoffs with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Utah defeated the 14ers both times the two teams met this seasonboth wins coming on April 10, with the Flash winning the completion of a 25.2 second suspended game as well as the regularly scheduled matchup. After trading baskets to start the game, a Giddens lay-up capped a 15-0 run as the Flash went up 17-3 with just under five minutes to go in the opening quarter. Utah took a modest four point lead into the halftime break before Giddens, who knocked down 12 points in the third quarter, connected on a lay-up to extend the Flash lead to 64-54 with 8:06 left in the third.
A Gavin Grant (6'8''-F-85, college: N.Carolina St.) dunk stretched the Utah lead to 93-74 in the fourth quarter. Dakota cut the Flash lead to seven with 3:31 left, but back-to-back three-pointers from Kevin Kruger (6'2''-G-83, college: UNLV) and Andre Ingram (6'3''-G-85, college: American) sealed the Flash victory down the stretch. Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, college: Missouri St.) led Dakota with a team-high 22 points, but was just 1-6 shooting in the second half.
WIZARDS: Blake Ahearn (22pt), Renaldo Major (18pt+7rb), Richard Hendrix (10pt+11rb), Maurice Baker (16pt+5rb)
FLASH: J.R. Giddens (25pt+9rb), Morris Almond (18pt), Ronald DuPree (13pt+11rb), Kevin Kruger (13pt+7as)

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

AL IS LEADING THE WAY FOR THE HAWKS...1st Round NBA PLAYOFFS - by Ozell Wells
In only his second year in the league, Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) has become a force in the NBA and could be a key piece in pulling off a first-round drubbing in this year's 2009 playoffs. The Hawks however are not a sleeper team this year, as they were last year, posting a 47-win season, their first wining campaign since 1999. During this weekend's first round playoff game against the Miami Heat, Horford scored 14 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and played stellar defense as the Hawks pounded the Heat 90 - 64. The next game is in Atlanta on Wednesday. Atlanta has a 1-0 series lead.

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EGYPT

Super League Standings

Superleague Standings

Group A
1. Al Ittihad	8-2
2. Zamalek	7-3
3. Ahly	7-3
4. Gezira	5-5
5. Geish Army	2-8
6. Somouha	1-9
Group B
1. Sporting	7-0
2. Shorta-Police	6-1
3. Gasco	3-4
4. Shark ins.	3-4
5. Al Olympi	1-6
6. Shams	1-6

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ESTONIA

Standings - KML

EMKL Standings

1. TU/Rock	26-2
2. Kalev/Cramo	23-5
3. TTU KK	17-11
4. Valga Welg	14-14
5. Kalev Tallinn	11-17
6. Rakvere	10-18
7. Parnu	8-20
8. Kuremaa	3-25

Stats Leaders

KML Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Sanikidze, Rock 16.5
2 Belousov Kalev 16.3
3 Saage, Rakvere 16.2
4 Gray, Kalev 16.1
5 Vares, Kalev 14.8
6 Erm, Parnu 14.8
7 Tagamets, Tarvas 14.5
8 Toome, TTU 14.3
9 Riis, Parnu 14.0
10 Pokla, TTU 13.9

Rebounds Per Game

1 Ringmets, Parnu 11.0
2 Anderson, Valga 8.5
3 Sanikidze, Rock 7.8
4 Fox, Kalev/Cramo 7.6
5 Toome, TTU KK 7.3

Assists Per Game

1 Tsintsadze, Rock 4.2
2 Linehan, Cramo 3.7
3 Rannula, Valga 3.6
4 Roos, Valga 3.1
5 Pugonen, Rakvere 2.9

Steals Per Game

1 Linehan, Cramo 3.7
2 Vasar, Valga 2.5
3 Saage, Rakvere 2.3

Blocks Per Game

1 Lyde, Cramo 2.0
2 Toome, TTU KK 1.4
3 Hallik, Valga 1.1

2FGP

1 Sanikidze, Rock 69
2 Erm, Parnu 64
3 Nmm, Valga 64

3FGP

1 Kullamae, Rock 46
2 Gray, Kalev 46
3 Fox, Cramo 46

Free Throws

1 Toome, TTU 90
2 Parve, Kalev 89
3 Kullamae, Rock 88

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EUROLEAGUE

Igor Rakocevic is Ford Trophy winner again - by Kostas Papadopoulos
The Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy, awarded annually to the Euroleague player with the most points averaged over a minimum number of games, not including the Final Four, has been won by Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) of Tau Ceramica. Igor Rakocevic, having already been the Euroleague's top scorer in 2007, becomes the first player to win the Ford Trophy twice. Igor Rakocevic became the Ford Trophy winner due to his scoring average of 17.95 points over a total of 20 games. His was the highest full-season average by a Euroleague player in three seasons. Igor Rakocevic was the only player to average 20 points in the 10-game regular season. He scored double digits in 19 of his 21 Euroleague games this season. Igor Rakocevic boosted his scoring average this season by setting a Euroleague record for consecutive free throws made, with 58 in a row, 10 more than the previous best. At the end of the season, Igor Rakocevic ranked third in scoring average this decade among all players with 100 or more Euroleague games. What's more, his career points-per-minute rate is now 0.57, better than anyone who has played more than 60 Euroleague games since 2000.

From the third week of the regular season onward, Igor Rakocevic was the top overall scorer in the competition. Besides finishing the regular season first, he would go on to rank eighth among the Top 16's best scorers (15.8 ppg.) and fourth in playoffs (16.4 ppg.). Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) of Montepaschi Siena was second in the top scoring race (17.26 ppg.), David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) of Asseco Prokom third (16.87 ppg.), Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) of Regal FC Barcelona fourth (14.84 ppg.) and Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) of Montepaschi Siena fifth (14.78 ppg.). Igor Rakocevic set his personal-high scoring mark of 31 points against Lottomatica Roma during the regular season, the same phase in which he broke 24-point barrier three more times, against Fenerbahce Ulker and Alba Berlin, twice.

Igor Rakocevic follows Marc Salyers (205-F-79, college: Samford), Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) and the trophy's first winner, Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico), to become the fourth player to win the award in five years. Alphonso Ford died of leukemia in September 2004 after a career in which he was the competition's top scorer twice, in 2000-01 and 2001-02, both seasons with Olympiacos. He subsequently led Montepaschi Siena in scoring as it reached the 2003 Final Four in its debut Euroleague season. The Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy is the first in a series of Euroleague end-of-season honors. Other to be announced shortly include: the Euroleague Rising Star Trophy for players under 22, the Euroleague Best Defender Trophy, the All-Euroleague first and second team, and the Euroleague MVP, the last two to be revealed at the Euroleague Basketball Awards Ceremony on May 3 during the Final Four in Berlin. The Aleksander Gomelskiy Coach of the Year Trophy and the Euroleague Club Executive of the Year are post-season awards.

His second Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy is another highlight in Igor Rakocevic's outstanding career. Igor Rakocevic, who recently turned 31 years old, is also set to become the Spanish League top scorer this season. He has always been an all-around scorer, with unlimited range and superb one-on-one skills, since his early days at Crvena Zvezda, winning the Yugoslavian League title in 1998. Igor Rakocevic moved to Buducnost in 2001, averaging 14 points in his first Euroleague season while helping his team win the Yugoslavian League and Cup titles. Igor Rakocevic also filled the baskets with his national team, winning consecutive gold medals with Yugoslavia at EuroBasket 2001 and the 2002 FIBA World Championships. After a brief stop in the NBA with Minnesota, Igor Rakocevic returned to Europe with Crvena Zvezda. There, he became the 2003-04 Adriatic League top scorer (23.2 ppg.) and helped Zvezda to win the Serbia and Montenegro Cup in epic fashion, surviving several overtimes. Igor Rakocevic moved to Pamesa Valencia and became the Spanish League second top scorer (21 ppg.) while also leading the team to the ULEB Cup semifinals. He joined Real Madrid in summer 2005, for one season, and is now in his third season with TAU. Not only he won the Ford Trophy twice with his club, but has won a Spanish League, a Spanish King's Cup and three Spanish Supercup titles since he moved to Vitoria in summer 2006, as well as taking part in the 2007 and 2008 Euroleague Final Fours. Igor Rakocevic was named to the all-Euroleague second team in 2006-07, the same year in which he made 66 three-point shots, the third-most in a season this decade. On the Euroleague career records list, Igor Rakocevic moved into 10th place this season with 223 three-pointers made for the decade.

Courtesy of Euroleague.net

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FINLAND

Korisliiga Round: 2 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
ToPo - Kataja 64-96
The Winner of the Regular Season Kataja improved to 2-0 in the Quarter-Final series over ToPo. Larry Blair (183-G-84, college: Liberty) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Virtanen Petri nailed 17. Allen James posted 19 points in the losing case.

KTP - Honka 64-89
Honka is 2-0 now over KTP after 89:64 in Game 2. Jukka Matinen (203-F-78) paced all the winners with 22 points and Perkins Ben netted 20. Vinson Durell responded with 22 points adn 11 rebounds in the losing effort.

Korihait - Namika Lahti 84-77
Korihait tied the series over Namika Lahti at 1-1 after 84:77 in Game 2. Josh Gonner (188-G-82, college: S.Carolina) poured in 31 points for the winners, while Kumpulainen Jussi collected 17 points and 12 boards. Nixon Ray brought his team 27 points.

Pyrinto - Kouvot 84-56
Damon Williams (199-F-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) exploded with 18 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists to upset Kouvot for the second time with his Pyrinto, 84:56. Lowe Kenny and Nikkila Antti led the winners with 19 points apiece, while Swift Brian scored 18 point in defeat.

KORISLIIGA: Vilpas defeated TC - by Rauno Hurmalainen
It seems, that there will be two new teams on top level in Korisliiga next 2009-10 season. Karhu (Kauhajoki) has already won the 1. Division and deserved the place in Top league. Now Vilpas (Salo) may join Kauhajoki if they can win one more game out of two. Namely Vilpas visited tonight in Karkkila and defeated Team Componenta 67-79 (28-41). Quarters: 12-16, 16-25, 24-17, 15-21. If TC, the # 11 Team in Korisliiga cannot win on Thursday in Salo, Vilpas will make the come back to top level. If TC wins on Thursday, there will be game # 3 in Karkkila on Saturday. Darrell Waters (192-G-74, college: Texas A&M) (19/14) and Frank Richards (188-G-82, college: Kansas St.) (19/7) led TC and guards Aubrey Conerly (183-G-83, college: Jacksonville) (20pts) and Roope Ahonen (186-G-90) (17) were the key players on Vilpas roster tonight.

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FRANCE

Besancon has signed Delonte Holland in order to replace Hawkins - by Gregory Caru
Besancon (8-18) who's fightening in order to stay in Pro A, has decided to sign Delonte Holland (201-F-82, college: De Paul) because Hawkins (13,3ppg 4,6rpg) is injured for the rest of the season.Holland is a great player,a complete forward with good fundamentals (attack defense) , good shoot and good hands.He's especially known in Italy because he has played in a lot of teams in this country.Teramo (05-06 SerieA 18,6ppg 5,6rpg) Varese (06-07 SerieA 17,5ppg 4,8rpg) and Fortezza Bologna (07-08 SerieA 13,2ppg 3,8rpg) he played in Euroleague with good stats 19,4ppg 5,6rpg in 7 games, but he's returned in Varese for the rest of the season 25ppg ( Score-3) and 4,7rpg.At the beginning of this season he has been drafted by Rio Grande Valley(D-League) before to sign with Roseto(Leg2) for 16,4ppg 3,3rpg.But this is a new challenge for this player to help Besancon in this last 4 games!

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GERMANY

Standings - 1. Bundesliga

1.Bundesliga Standings

1. Oldenburg	25-6
2. Goettingen	23-7
3. ALBA	21-7
4. Bonn	20-10
5. Frankfurt	20-12
6. Ulm	19-11
7. Bamberg	17-14
8. Paderborn	16-14
9. Art.Dragons	16-15
10. Ludwigsb.	15-17
11. Trier	15-17
12. Tuebingen	13-18
13. Braunschweig	12-19
14. Duesseldorf	12-19
15. Noerdlingen	10-21
16. Koeln 99ers	8-20
17. Giessen	8-23
18. Bremerhaven	5-25

18 players invited to German U20 National Team training camp - by Moritz Korff
Henrik Roedl, Headcoach of the German U20-National Team, selected 18 players for a training camp, that will take place in Paderborn May 21st to 24th.

The following players were picked:
Cornelius Adler (195-G/F-89) - Ehingen/Urspringschule
Kai Barth (188-G-89) - Langen
Robin Benzing (208-F-89) - Langen/Frankfurt
Bastian Doreth (183-G-89) - Nuernberg
Thomas Gajda (201-F-89) - Paderborn
Elias Harris (199-F-89) - Speyer
Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) - Koeln
Stefan Schmidt (206-C-89) - Nuernberg
Simon Schmitz (188-G-90) - Speyer
Thomas Schoeps (188-G-89) - Berlin
Philipp Schwethelm (201-F-89, agency: Court Side) - Koeln
Andreas Seiferth (206-F/C-89) - Berlin
Walter Simon (196-F-89) - Berlin
Christian Standhardinger (201-F-89) - Ehingen/Urspringschule
Maurice Stuckey (187-G-90) - Ehingen/Urspringschule
Fabian Thuelig (196-F-89) - Rhoendorf/Bonn
Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann (207-C-90) - Bonn/Rhoendorf
Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) - Trier

Reserve players:
Malte Schwarz (188-G-89) - Hagen
Thierno Agne (200-F-89) - Ehingen/Urspringschule
Erik Land (203-C-90) - Breitenguessbach
Daniel Schmidt (186-G-90) - Breitenguessbach
Akeem Vargas (191-G-90) - Ehingen/Urspringschule
T.J. DiLeo (188-G) - Temple University

Headcoach: Henrik Roedl
Assistant Coach: Alan Ibrahimagic

Michael Umeh(Giessen 46ers) Interview - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
24 year old Nigerian-American Michael Umeh (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: UNLV) is a 188 cm guard playing his second season for The Giessen 46ers. He was born in Houston, Texas and went to Hightower high school. He played at Nevada Las Vegas University from 2003-2007. In his four year career, he averaged in 111 games, 7,8ppg, 2,2rpg and 1,7apg. In his senior year he averaged in 35 games, 7,9ppg, 2,9rpg and 1,5apg. Last season for Giessen, he averaged in 34 games: 13.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 81.9%. This season he is averaging 13,4ppg, 3,3rpg and 1,8apg. He spoke to Eurobasket before The Deutsche Bank Skyliners-Giessen 46ers game last weekend.

How difficult has it been in the last weeks being a Giessen 46er and losing?

It has been very tough. We are fighting hard each day and trying to accomplish wins. We take the situation day by day and will continue to work hard and try to win the rest of the games.

The team has lost ten of the last 11 games. Why has the team not been able to win more games?

We have played tough teams. We get down early and then it is difficult to come back. We arent able to get stops or execute in crucial moments of the game. We have been so close in many games though.

Why couldnt the team win more games under Simon Cote?

The organization felt like a change was needed. He is a great coach and I have a lot of respect for him. I listened to his advice, but we just couldnt win on a consistent rate.

I suppose the loss of Maurice Jeffers has really weakened the team down the stretch.

I dont like making excuses, but missing Jeffers has really hurt us. But like I already said, we have not been able to get defensive stops and execute on offense.

Have you ever lost as much as in Giessen with another team in your early career?

I have never lost as much as this in my career. I have never had single digit wins in my career. But I see it as a test and all I can do is to stay strong, work hard and stay focused.

How do you like living in Giessen?

I like to live small and I have no problems with it. I am not used to living in big cities. I was raised in a small town. I like staying home and watching movies.

How much potential does Johannes Lischka have?

I like him a lot. He has improved a lot. He finishes very well. He has a lot of potential and could play for a top team. I like his approach to the game and he is a student of the game.

What was your childhood like?

I had a nice childhood. I was raised in Missouri City and went to Hightower high school. I still have many friends there and am anxious to go back this summer and visit.

Who were Basketball idols growing up?

Michael Jordan and Penny Hardaway.

What are your nicest memories of Nevada-Las Vegas University?

My best memory is from my senior year where we reached the NCAA tournament and reached the Sweet 16. I had a lot of fun there and finished school.

Who is the best Basketball player that you played against?

Lebron James. I played against him in high school when I was 14 and 16. I think that he will get the NBA MVP this season. I also played against Dru Joyce.

How did you play against Lebron James?

Honestly I dont remember how the team did. I also didnt have to guard him.

How is it living in Europe for you?

It has been a great experience and I have no problem being away from the States. I like learning the German language and the culture.

How do you see your Basketball future?

I hope that I can play at the highest level and just continue to improve my game.

What is the craziest shot that you have ever taken?

I dont remember making a crazy shot. Maybe when I was young.

What are your hobbies?

I like watching movies, playing video games and hanging out.

What would you like to do after your Basketball career?

I would like to become a physical therapist. I have always been interested with sports medicine and sports injuries.

Who will win the NBA title in 2009?

I hope the Cavs do. They have a great team that play together and play defense. I think that they can win it all. But it will be hard to beat the Lakers.

Do the Boston Celtics have a chance to repeat?

It will be tough for them to win without Kevin Garnett.

What was the last DVD that you saw?

American Gangstar.

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GUATEMALA

Ricardo Amaya leads Sat Cybertech in win over favorite team Lemans - by Victor Padilla
In a clash of titans, Sat Cybertech defeated Lemans 102 to 95 in one of the best games of the season, which was not defined until the last couple of minutes of regulation, when the runner-up team of last year's tournament proved its experience and class. This time, the winning team found its lethal support in Ricardo Amaya�(191-G-84, agency: Tank Sports) 25 pts, Oscar Salguero�(196-F-87) 23 pts, and Bonti Garca and Juan Jose Rosales with 18 pts each, in a game play that constantly kept their opponents under attack, mostly in the paint, where more than two thirds of the score was produced through effective post play, fast drives to the basket and free throws gained by those strategies. However, at the losing side, Barrios, with an outstanding personal contribution of 38 pts and Bobby Aitkenhead�(188-G-82, college: SMU) with 20 pts, managed to keep their team close, leaving the game always at hand, victory reachable, for a young team that demonstrates an important dependency in their 3-pt shooting, an area where they outscored the winners 12 to 7. Now it is yet to see if both-of-these-teams' final confrontation with last year's champion, Lanco Elite Sport, showcases the same quality play that fans and peers witnessed at Gimnasio UP tonight: An spectacle worth of cheering.

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IRAQ

Al Kahraba completes their ACC's imports list - by Mohammed Malas
Al Kahraba Electricity club completed their 20th Arab Clubs Championship's players list yesterday by signing with 3 imports for the big arabic event in Beirut from 25th of April until the 6th of May, The players are: Curtis Slaughter (201-G-80, agency: Promotex, college: Cal.St. Northridge), Rashad Powell (198-G-81, college: Idaho) and Nakiea Miller (204-C-79, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Iona) All of them are from the United States of America.

Slaughter will have his 1st experience abroad, While Powell who will join Satria Muda Britama Jakarta from Indonesia for the 20th Asian Clubs Championship after the arabic tournament has a good career esspecially in Saudi Arabia and UAE, The same thing is to the center Nakiea Miller who had the chance to passby Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Mexico.

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KUWAIT

29th GCC's Imports - by Mohammed Malas
# Imports list of the 29th Gulf Clubs Championship (Kuwait, April 23 - 29):

- Al Wasl:
Herve Lamizana (208-F/C-81, college: Rutgers) 'Ivory Coast'

- Al Qadsia:
Joel Box (205-C-84, college: Quincy) 'USA'

- Al Arabi Club:
Maurice Hargrow (195-G-83, college: Minnesota) 'USA'

- Al Rayyan:
Boney Watson (183-G, college: Sam Houston St.) 'USA'

- Al Ansar:
Boubacar Coly (206-F-83, college: Xavier) 'Senegal'

- Al Muharraq:
Rah-Shun Roberts (202-F-75, college: California (PA)) 'USA'

- Al Jahraa:
Cedric Taylor (202-F-79, agency: Low Country Sports Management, college: Pikeville) 'USA'

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LEBANON

Al Riyadi Stuns Al Mouttahed in Finals - by Maarouf Mawloud
Al Riyadi Stuns Al Mouttahed in Finals

By pma-basketball.com

Date: Apr 20, 2009

Title holders Al Riyadi showed up in Tripoli in championship form and stunned their finals rival Al Mouttahed.

Regular season champions Al Mouttahed couldnt match Al Riyadis offensive prowess, and left the game with a disappointing 70-84 loss.

Their defense that gave them the upper hand all throughout the season couldnt come to the rescue.

Al Riyadi bombarded the opponents basket with 9 shots out of 11 attempts in the second quarter, snatching the lead that once belonged to Al Mouttahed.

The visitors outscored their hosts 32-15 in the second period, taking a 10-point lead (45-35) into the break.

Al Mouttaheds players came back strong in the third quarter, playing D to stop Al Riyadi, and making their shots to cut the lead to 3 points.

Their comeback, however, soon came to a halt, as they failed to make their field goals attempts (5-for-18 in the quarter), allowing Al Riyadi to pull away once more and lead by as much as 23 points.

By the fourth quarter, defending champions Al Riyadi had already secured the win and the advantage with the away victory in the championship finals.

Al Mouttaheds captain Roy Samaha couldnt find his way into Al Riyadis zone, managing only 4 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist in the contest.

The series goes to Al Riyadi for Game 2 on April 21, 2009.

Source: http://www.pma-basketball.com/newsdetail.asp?newid=310

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LIBERIA

Sports Power ends visit to Liberia - by Numennie Williams
The Sports Power delagation has ended it visit to Liberia. The team whipped LPRC Oilers and the Liberian national basketball team 93-89 points to complete their visit. While in Liberia, the team also spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to many. The head of the team Bill Alexson thanked the Liberian for their warm welcome and prayed God's blessing upon them and promised that one day the team will be back in Liberia. The team departed Liberia last week after a week visit to Liberia.

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LITHUANIA

LKL Round: 1 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos - Siauliai 110-86
Lietuvos won the opener of the Semifinals over Siauliai 110:86 as six players scored in double figures for the winners. Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina) led the hosts with 21 points and Zavackas Donatas added 20. Hannah Stefhon answered with 21 points in the losing effort.

Zalgiris - Neptunas 105-67
Zalgiris smashed Neptunas 105:67 in the first Semifinal game between the teams. Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances) top-scored for the hosts with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists, whilst Kalnietis Mantas chipped in 20. Morkeliunas Paulius delivered 16 points for the visitors.

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LUXEMBOURG

Etzella wins again! T71 defeats Sparta! Musel Pikes over Contern! - by Alex Meyers

April 5, 2009

Amicale 63 - Etzella 75

Steinsel, Luxembourg
Nelson DelGado and company defeated Amicale with defense, holding the home team to 12 and 11 in the middle 2 quarters as they keep a firm grip on their lead in the DBBL playoffs. Securing their bid for a top 4 finish behind Nelson DelGado's 27 point effort, Etzella is looking more and more like the team to beat again. Marcus Kennedy (193-F-84, college: Montevallo) connected for 22 points 13 rebounds and 5 steals. Tim Giver added 15 points and 4 assists. The hosts took the reins early and jumped out to a 10 point lead. The visitors bounced back by the end of the period. Still down by only 1 point at the half, Amicale hung in looking like they could possibly win it. Etzella then smothered their chances in the 3rd period destroying Amicale's hopes as they took control of the game with a huge momentum spurt. Etzella led by as many as 17 points mid way thru the final quarter and hung on for a 12 point road victory. Amicale had Chris Scholtes with 21 points followed by Christopher Jones with 18. Travis DePree (201-F/C, college: Albion) was held to a season low 8 points on the night but took 14 rebounds and 4 steals. Amicale is no longer in the top four and they'll have to turn things around if they want a shot the DBBL title.

Amicale: 23 field goals, 5 three pointers, 12 for 15 free throws, 34 rebounds, 17 fouls and 17 turnovers
Schartz 9, DePree 8, Jones 18, Scholtes 21, Ney 4, Birenbaum 3, Kartheiser and Rausch
Etzella: 27 field goals, 5 three pointers, 16 for 22 free throws, 33 rebounds, 15 fouls and 13 turnovers
N. DelGado 27, J. DelGado 4, Giver 15, Schroeder 4, Kennedy 22, also Albaladejo 3 and Benseghir

Score by quarters: 1st Q 24-23, Halftime 36-37, 3rd Q 47-50, Final 63-75
486 Spectators

T71 94 - Sparta 72

Dudelange, Luxembourg
Tim Whitworth (198-G/F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Drexel), Gilles Ruffato and Martin Rajniak ruled in the T71's 12 point home victory against Sparta. The first quarter was close with the home squad taking the slight advantage. Midway thru the 2nd period, Sparta led 26-27 for there only lead of the game. T71 then came up with stops and scores taking complete control of the game the rest of the way. In the middle of the 4th quarter, T71 could already celebrate as Sparta never showed a chance to come from behind for the possibility of a road win. The 3 point arc was biggest problem for Sparta and was the biggest success for T71. T71 went 10 for 20(50%) and Sparta only 7 for 32(22%). T71 also dominated at the free throw line, nailing 20 of 28(72%) compared to Sparta's 9 for 23(40%). Sparta out-rebounded 39-33. Larrie Smith (195-F-75, college: Tennessee Tech) was held to 17 points but grabbed 15 boards. Julien Hublart added 13 points before fouling out late in the match. T71 boasted three big scorers: Tim Whitworth 31, Martin Rajniak 28 and Gilles Ruffato 21. The recent Cup winner must win several of its next games to make the top 4 however.

T71: 32 field goals, 10 three pointers, 20 for 28 free throws, 33 rebounds, 20 fouls and 17 turnovers
F. Hoffmann 2, Rajnial 28, Whitworth 31, Siebenbour 2, Ruffato 21, also Steinmetz 2, Abreu 2 and Kostur 6
Sparta: 28 field goals, 7 three pointers, 9 for 23 free throws, 39 rebounds, 22 fouls and 13 turnovers
Smith 17, Hoffmann 8, Engel 9, Wagner 7, Evans, also De Marchi 4, Palumbo 4, Wolzfeld, Nittler 5, Kelin 7 and Hublart 13

Technical fouls: 30' De Marchi(Spa), 33' Bench(Spa); Fouled out: 39' Hublart(Spa)
Score by quarters: 1st Q 23-20, Halftime 47-39, 3rd Q 72-55, Final 94-72
423 Spectators

Musel Pikes 72 - Contern 62

Contern faltered and Musel Pikes took advantage taking a 10 point home victory over their neighbors. Chris Braier (195-F-84, college: Lawrence) had one of his better games scoring 14 points while ripping down 21 big rebounds to lead his team the win. Contern couldn't stop Samy Picard so they had to foul him. He busted 17 for 18 free throws on his way to a 27 point performance to lead all scorers. Guy Schmit added 17. Contern's Brandon Gary (202-F-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Hutchinson CC) had a double double of his own with 20 points and 16 rebounds. He got some help from Gilles Becker who notched 16 points before fouling out in the last minute. Musel Pikes had a huge quarter 30-14 and never looked back. Contern led only once as they scored making it 2-0, then proceeded to fall apart. with a 14 point lead going into the 4th quarter, Musel Pikes put it on automatic pilot and cruised to the finish line still up by 10 as Contern won the last period 13-9. Strangely enough Musel Pikes score only 8/26 from 2 point range compared to Contern's 19/40. Where Musel Pikes dominated was from the two lines. The free throw line, where they went 23/28, and the 3 point line where they were 11/43 compared to Contern's 2/18. Ken Diederich and Eric Jeitz who usually score 15-25 points were held to 6 and 7 points respectively in a game marred by several unsportsmanlike and technical fouls.

Musel Pikes: 19 field goals, 11 three pointers, 23 ofr 28 free throws, 37 rebounds, 15 fouls and 14 turnovers
G. Schmit 17, Braier 14, Picard 27, Schwartz 8, Schmitz 6, also C. Schmit 0 and Dentzer 0
Contern: 21 field goals, 2 three pointers, 18 for 21 free throws, 31 rebounds, 22 fouls and 8 turnovers
Becker 16, Gary 20, Diederich 7, Fasbender 5, Jeitz 6, also Braun 8, bissener 0 and Torres Dos Santos 0

Unsportsmanlike fouls: 27' Diederich(Con) 25' Jeitz(Con) 39' Diederich(Con)
Technical fouls: 17' Diederich(Con) 24' and 25' Jeitz(Con)
Fouled out: 39' Becker(Con), 39'Jeitz(Con) 39' Diederich(Con)
Score by quarters: 1st Q 30-14, Halftime 41-28, 3rd Q 63-49, Final 72-62
205 Spectators

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MONTENEGRO

One-on-One with Mijuskovic Rasa - by Dragan Scepanovic
Eurobasket Montenegro have One-on-One interview with Mr. Rasa Mijuskovic , best Montenegrin basketball manager , ex Director of BC Mogren , Budva and Niksic about situation in Montenegrin basketball.

Eurobasket Montenegro : Mr. Mijuskovic , regular part of basketball season in all Montenegrin competition is over , how do you see first part of season :
~ In first phase of competition in Montenegro we see good basketball. In MNT1A League BC Danilovgrad show best performance and deserve 1st place in MNT1B League BC Teodo from Tivat with only 2 lose games show best basketball and in MNT2 League best was BC Podgorica. In regular part of season in woman competition best was BC Herceg Novi without lose game ( BC Buducnost and BC Jedinstvo play in second stage). For me biggest surprise was elimination BC Niksic from MNT1A League.

Eurobasket Montenegro : In Montenegrin Super League basketball teams play 7 Round , which team are close to play semi final of Montenegrin Play-Off :
~ Basketball Club Buducnost from Podgorica will start from 1st position , Basketball Club Danilovgrad from 2nd position , and for other two place battle will lead between BC Primorje from H.Novi , ABS Primorje from H.Novi and BC Ulcinj. In 8 Round of MNT SL we will know answer after end of basketball game Primorje-ABS and Ulcinj-Buducnost. I think that very close to play in semi final are BC Primorje and BC Ulcinj.

Eurobasket Montenegro : In next basketball season tree Montenegrin basketball club will play in International competitions BC Buducnost Podgorica in Euro Cup and ABA league and BC Mornar Bar and BC Lovcen Cetinje in Balkan League :
~ Basketball Club Buducnost are best basketball club in Montenegro in last 15 year , they are most organized club and they have very good and competitive team , excellent coach Dejan Radonjic , very good financial situation , in last tree season BC Buducnost was champion and runner Montenegrin Cup. In next season I think that BC Buducnost will play same basketball and have same success. For BC Mornar and BC Lovcen Balkan League will be very good test were they are in basketball map of region. In both basketball team we have many good and young basketball players.

Eurobasket Montenegro : Montenegrin basketball NT start in Euro competition :
~ First I must commend basketball federation of Montenegro on good work , from bringing one of best European basketball coach Vujosevic , to very good organization . Mr. Danilo Mitrovic ( Director of BF Montenegro) finish great job. Second , for me score which NT realize is expects and I think that will be better in future .

Standings - 1A

1A Standings

Superleague
1. Buducnost	7-0
2. Danilovgrad	4-3
3. Primorje-M.	4-3
4. Ulcijn	3-3
5. ABS Primorje	2-5
6. Mornar Bar	0-6
Play-Out
1. Lovcen	7-0
2. Mogren	6-2
3. Jedinstvo	5-2
4. Gorstak	3-5
5. Rudar	2-4
6. Niksic	0-10

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NBA

KG may have knee surgery - by Eurobasket News
There may be yet another act in the Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76) saga.

It was reported in yesterdays Herald that the All-Star forward is planning to have surgery soon on his injured right knee, and sources continue to indicate hes heading in that direction.

But a day after reiterating Garnett wont be coming to the Celtics rescue in these playoffs, coach Doc Rivers said privately after his post-practice press conference that he and the team would like Garnett to hold off on the surgery.

Then, at 3:14 yesterday afternoon, the story took another twist when Garnett appeared on the teams practice floor wearing full workout gear. He proceeded to dribble a basketball as he walked slowly around the perimeter of the court, with strength coach Bryan Doo watching intently. Trainer Ed Lacerte came out of his office and sat at the far end of the floor to watch the event.

After four minutes, Garnett, Doo and Lacerte walked through a door that leads to the weight room at the teams facility.

In all truth, the Sunday afternoon dribble could be part of Garnetts maintenance program or a final check to see if there is any hope he can play.

Shortly before, in an indication of just how difficult it is to find certainty with the injury, Rivers opened the door he had been working so hard to shut since Thursday, when he first said Garnett likely would miss the playoffs.

Hes thinking about (surgery), and it looks like thats the way he wants to go, Rivers said in response to the Herald story, but I think he might wait. We think he should wait, because you never know.

Its hard because one day he looked great and you think hes definitely coming back, and then you see him run and you realize he just cant play.

Thats where he and the Celtics have been the last few days, but Rivers was weighing the benefits when he advised a holding pattern on the surgery.

We would tell him to do it right now if it meant that he couldnt be ready for the start of next year if he waited, Rivers said. But the recovery on this wont be that long, so our thing is just wait.

Rivers also indicated yesterday a belief that the procedure Garnett will undergo wont solve the issue.

From what weve understood, the surgery has nothing to do with the injury, Rivers said. Now they may get in there and find out that the bone spur was rubbing against that tendon and thats what was causing the problem. But they cant see that until they go in there. From what weve been told, its just going to take rest for the tendon problem to calm down.

Rivers wasnt exactly calm when asked about Garnett not sitting on the bench in the second half of Saturdays Game 1 loss to the Bulls.

Guys, Kevin is not playing in these playoffs, Rivers said after the loss. Im not answering Kevin Garnett questions.

Saying yesterday that Garnett should wait on his surgery may just be a prudent course of action with an injury that has been hard to track, but Rivers is aware it will be open to negative interpretation.

Thats just people, he said. Unfortunately, we live in a society that sometimes even when youre honest its looked upon as a conspiracy. There was no reason for us to mislead anybody about this. We were just hoping he would be back.

Courtesy of www.bostonherald.com

Wolves may want to hire Dennis Lindsey - by Eurobasket News
The revolving door in the Spurs front office may be in for another spin.

Spurs general manger RC Buford confirmed Sunday that the Minnesota Timberwolves have asked for permission to interview Spurs assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey for an opening atop the teams basketball operations department.

Lindsey has been with the Spurs since the summer of 2007, when he replaced Sam Presti as RC Buford's top assistant after the then-Seattle SuperSonics hired Presti as general manager.

Presti had moved up to a role as assistant general manager after the Cleveland Cavaliers hired Spurs assistant GM Danny Ferry as their general manager after the Spurs 2005 playoff run.

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor removed Kevin McHale from duties as vice-president of basketball operations when he named him as successor on the bench after Randy Wittman was fired as head coach on Dec. 8. The teams basketball operations now are being conducted by general manager Jim Stack and his two assistants, Fred Hoiberg and Rob Babcock.

During the Spurs-Hornets playoff series last spring, Lindsey was asked to interview for the Atlanta Hawks vacant general manager position, but he took his name out of the running for that job after preliminary talks. He declined to comment about the Timberwolves request to speak to him about their opening.

Lance Blanks, another former member of the Spurs front office and now Ferrys top assistant in Cleveland, also is believed to be on the Timberwolves short list to replace McHale.

Extra work: Though he had a solid offensive showing in Game 1, Tim Duncan was the last player to leave the practice court after the Spurs had a brief workout on Sunday morning.

Utilizing the automated shot machine that fires passes and rebounds both makes and misses, Duncan shot for about 45 extra minutes, finishing with five minutes of extra free-throw practice.

Duncan made 13 of 24 shots and scored 27 points in Game 1.

Ghost of Manu: Less than 24 hours after Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told reporters that he didnt want his players to consider injured Manu Ginobili a part of the team, it was strange to see Ginobili in a Spurs practice uniform after the teams workout at its practice facility.

Ginobili, out with a stress fracture of the right distal fibula, fired a few underhanded, full-court shots before retreating to the teams locker room.

Courtesy of www.mysanantonio.com

Play-off, quarterfinals: Celtics and Spurs grab the first wins for 1-1 - by Eurobasket News
The reigning champion managed to beat Chicago Bulls 118-115 tying the quarterfinal series to 1-1. It was another very exciting match and Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut) was a hero draining a triple with 2 seconds left. It was his sixth 3-pointer last night. Allen was the leading scorer in his team with 30 points. Glen Davis (6'9''-F-86, college: LSU) also shined for Boston collecting 26 points and 9 rebounds. Rajon Rondo (6'1''-G-86, college: Kentucky) was the only player with triple-double in both teams: 19 points, 12 rebounds and 16 assists. Ben Gordon (6'2''-G-83, college: Connecticut) was on fire for the Bulls scoring impressive 42 points (6 triples). John Salmons (6'7''-F-79, college: Miami, FL) was second scorer of the team with 17. Third game is scheduled for April 23rd in Chicago.
In the second game of the day, San Antonio Spurs tied the score vs Dallas Maverics to 1-1, 105-84. It was an easy win for Tony Parker (6'0''-G-80) and his teammates. The French superstar led SAS nailing 38 points and dishing out 8 assists. Tim Duncan (6'10''-F-76, college: Wake Forest) was behind him registering double-double, 13 pts and 11 boards. Dallas this time got the most point from Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona) -16. Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) and Jason Kidd (6'4''-G-73, college: California) delivered 14 pts each. Game No.3 will be played on April 23rd in Dallas.

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NCAA1

Angus Brandt signs letter of intent with Oregon State University - by Eurobasket News
The Oregon State men's basketball program rounded out one of its most highly-touted recruiting classes in school history as Angus Brandt signed a National Letter of Intent with the Beavers on Monday, head coach Craig Robinson announced.

Brandt joins Joe Burton, Jared Cunningham, Rhys Murphy and Roberto Nelson as players who have signed with the Beavers. The group forms one of the most decorated men's basketball signing classes in program history as the group is ranked No. 21 in the nation by Rivals.com and No. 8 in the nation by hoopscooponline.com.

'We are extremely pleased to bring in a class of this caliber,' head coach Craig Robinson said. 'It is an athletic and intelligent group as each player brings skill sets that will fit well with our system. We finished the season on a great note and a signing class such as this will keep the program heading in the right direction.'

Brandt, a 6-10, 210-pound center, signs with Oregon State out of Lake Forest (Ill.) Academy and is rated as one of the top prospects in the 2009 class. The Sydney, Australia, native has been ranked as high as the No. 20 center in the country and No. 146 overall by Rivals.com.

Brandt recently concluded his senior season at Lake Forest, averaging 14.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game while leading the team to a 15-10 record.

'Angus (Brandt) is a guy who can bring a lot to the table,' Robinson said. 'He has a variety of skills and is capable of stepping back and hitting the three-point shot. He is a tough player who makes very good decisions on the court.'

In addition to Brandt, Cunningham and Murphy signed with the Beavers during the spring signing period.

Cunningham, a 6-3, 170-pound guard, signs with the Beavers out of San Leandro (Calif.) High School as one of the top guards in the nation. The guard is rated as the No. 14 point guard in the nation and No. 76 player overall by rivals.com.

The guard averaged 20.4 points, 6.3 rebounds per, 2.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game his senior season while leading San Leandro to a 24-4 record and the Hayward Area league title.
'Jared (Cunningham) is a big guard who is a leader,' Robinson said. 'He is an athletic player who is able to score and likes to get everyone involved. He certainly has a bright future and should excel in this system.'

Murphy, a 6-7, 185-pound shooting guard, signs with Oregon State out of Lee (Maine) Academy. An athletic player, the native of Australia is rated as a three-star prospect by nearly every recruiting service.

The guard burst onto the recruiting scene this past summer, his first in the United States, playing with the Chicago Elite before heading to Lee Academy.

'Rhys (Murphy) is an athletic and strong player who has great range on the three-point shot,' Robinson said. 'He can defend multiple positions and should be a versatile player for us throughout his career.'

Oregon State recently completed one of the greatest single season turnarounds in the country as the Beavers captured the CBI postseason title and finished the year with an 18-18 record. The Beavers plus-12 win total from the previous year ranked No. 3 in the country.

Courtesy of www.osubeavers.com

AIS star signs with Washington State - by Eurobasket News
After 13 hours in the air in the air, (Washington State head coach) Ken Bone and (assistant) Ben Johnson landed in the living room of Brock Motum (205-F-90) and his parents on Friday. They were hopeful, but uncertain, the long trip to Brisbane would end the way they wanted it to: with the 6-9 Australian standout reaffirming his commitment to play basketball at Washington State. The two coaches spent a couple of hours talking with the Motum family.

And the next day, Queenslander Motum told them what they flew across the Pacific Ocean to hear. Brock Motum is coming to Pullman.

'For him to recommit to us is great for our program, great for Washington State,' Johnson told CF.C in between flights back home. 'At the end of the day, Brock really liked Coach Bone and felt comfortable with him, and his parents did too. This was a chance for him to get a feel, in person, for Coach Bone and to get a comfort level.

'The family had obviously done their research on Coach Bone and were very impressed with his track record as a coach, but when you're sending your son halfway around the world, you also want to make sure you're entrusting your son to a good man, a quality person.'

Johnson, who had been WSU's point person in the recruitment of Motum, said Bone and Motum connected quickly.

'He was very comfortable with Coach Bone. He likes the WSU campus and the college-town atmosphere of Pullman, so the combination was right.'

With the graduation loss of a fellow Aussie, Aron Baynes, Motums recommitment to WSU is great news for the Cougars outlook in the post next season. Motum is mobile, yet hard-nosed, and can play several positions. He has nice shooting range and is an effective passer.

Motum comes to WSU from the same organisation the Australian Institute of Sport that produced Baynes.

Baynes deveopment at WSU - on the court and in the classroom - wasnt lost on Motum, who told CF.C last fall, 'Aron, his success over there, encouraged me ... I had seen him (in Australia) and what he played like before he went over and now -- the way he's developed his game and the way he's playing now, it's impressive what he's done.'

Motum earned his leagues Player of the Year honours in the just-concluded season - and the previous year he took home a National Player of the Year award. This past season, he averaged 15.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. He shot 57 percent from the field, and made 13-of-29 three-pointers.

Australia is no longer the hoops secret it once was, but Motum also didn't get the same number of looks playing Down Under he would have plying his wares in the U.S. And by the time he did start getting late looks, he had long since made the decision to go crimson - Motum said he made up his mind two years ago, in the summer of '07, that he would be headed to WSU.

On his Australian Institute of Sports bio page, Motum states that his two major goals in sport are to represent Australia in the Olympics and to play in the NBA.

Courtesy of www.cougarfan.com

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NIGERIA

Eze dump NAWIS, emerge South East rep... As Siendof, Tagwai makes board list - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Strong woman of South East nay Nigeria basketball Madam Vivinne Eze has dumped her immediate constitution the National Association of Women In Sports, NAWIS, a platform she often used to get nomination into the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation to pick the South East ticket to the NBBF board that will be inaugurated next week.

The woman often refered to as 'Madam Rangers' replaced former South East zonal representative, Richard Agu, a move which is seen as a set back for the busty Agu of making a come back to the board.

Other members who made it from the zonal election conducted around the country Monday has only Babatunde Ogunade retaining his South West seat while four others are first timer to the board of the NBBF.

Former Kano Pillars basketball club players, Mustapha Lawal Sulaiman emerged from the North West vacated by FIBA Africa Zone-3 President, Muktar Khaleh who is returning to the board as the only international member, Yusuf Tagwai replaced Tijjani Umar who is favoured to pick the National Sports Commission slot from the North Central Zone, Alhaji Shehu Maijama'a defeated Musa Kida for the North East ticket while Roya\l Hoopers basketball club owner, Syndoph Paebi Endoni

The new board of the Nigeria basketball house is expected to be inaugurated next Tuesday in Abuja with Umar tipped to emerged as the president.

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PALESTINE

Standings - Men

PBBA Standings

Gaza Group
1. Gaza SC	2-0
2. Khadamat B.	2-0
3. Khadamat DA.	2-1
4. Rafah	2-1
5. Khadamat KY.	0-3
6. Khadamat J.	0-3
West Bank Group
1. Orthodox R.	9-0
2. Ibdaa D.	9-0
3. Orthodox BJ	8-1
4. Sarriyet	8-1
5. De La Salle	8-2
6. Hiteen	7-3
7. Qalandia	6-4
8. Al Ahli	6-4
9. Catholic A.	6-4
10. Ebal	5-4
11. Islami	4-6
12. AlBireh	3-6
13. Huwara	3-6
14. RaI AlSaleh	2-7
15. Thaqafi BS	2-8
16. Al Fara	1-8
17. Thaqafi T.	0-9
18. Balata	0-10

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PARAGUAY

A positive day 2 for Sol and San Jose - by Gianni Pascucci
After winning over FPC in Day 1 of the Top 4 Tournemnt, Sol de America trimuphed over Libertad, 71-66, and now ia alone at the top undefeated. Anothre time more, argentinean Jose Fabio (198-F-77) was an important factor in the win, with 17 pts, followed by Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82) with 13. Daniel Perez (190-G/F-84) and Bruno Zanotti (197-F-82, agency: Megasport, college: Merrimack) scored 18 pts each in the loss. In the other game of the round, Deportivo San Jose prevailed 106-103 over Felix Perez Cardozo with Gustavo Torres (175-G-80) leading the way at 32 pts and Hugo Paredes (198-F-84) adding 29 out from the bench. Argentinean Diego Romero (209-C-82, college: Florida St.) was the game top performer at 39 pts in FPC, but it wasn' t enough.

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PBL

Stats Leaders

PBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Millien, Halifax 24.7
2 Rayson, Buffalo 23.3
3 Woodland, Detroit 22.6
4 Bufford, Detroit 22.2
5 Gill, Detroit 21.9

Rebounds Per Game

1 Rayson. Buffalo 10.1
2 Waters. Detroit 9.5
3 Millien. Halifax 9.5
4 Crookshank. Halifax 9.0
5 Reaves. Rochester 9.0

Assists Per Game

1 Johnson, Battle Creek 7.0
2 Sawyer, Chicago 6.9
3 Gill, Detroit 6.0
4 Sims, Augusta 5.5
5 Bennett, Halifax 5.5

Steals Per Game

1 Bennett. Halifax 3.1
2 Stewart. Manchester 2.8
3 Glass. Manchester 2.3

Blocks Per Game

1 Pierre. Quebec 3.0
2 Bryant. Vermont 2.9
3 Richard. Wilmington 2.0

2FGP

1 Johnson. Rochester 70.4%
2 Phillips. Battle 69.6%
3 Waters. Detroit 67.8%

3FGP

1 Williams. Wilmington 53.1%
2 Leggett. Wilmington 52.4%
3 Whitted. Rochester 52.2%

Free Throws

1 Miles. Chicago 89.7%
2 Hazelton. Manchester 88.9%
3 Williams. Wilmington 88.3%

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PHILIPPINES

Two wins for Alaska Aces, Johnson leads Santa Lucia to 6-3 - by Eurobasket News
Santa Lucia - Barako Bull 98-88
Santa Lucia was too strong for Barako Bull remaining the second ranked team in PBA with 6-3 record. Anthony Johnson (198-G/F-79, agency: Liman Sports, college: La-Lafayette) was a key player in the winning squad with 29 points and 19 rebounds. Jeff Varem responded with 24 pts and 12 boards in defeat.

Barako Bull - Alaska 90-100
Willie Miller (180-G-77) led Alaska in this game collecting 28 points and 6 rebounds. Rosell Ellis delivered 20 and Jeffrey Cariaso added 16 pts and 6 rebs. The hosts got 25 points from John Arigo.

Rain or Shine - Ginebra 89-94
Eric Menk (199-F-74, college: L.Superior) and Jayjay Helterbrand combined 44 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists in Ginebra's win against Rain or Shine. Paul Anthony Artadi was second scorer of the team with 14 pts. Solomon Mercado and Jai Lewis had 44 pts together in loss. Lewis had 18 rebs beside that.

Alaska - Purefoods 80-74
Joe Devance (201-C-82, college: UTEP) stepped up for Alaska Aces with 22 points and 8 rebounds, while Rosell Ellis had two points less, including 13 boards and 6 assists. On the other side, Purefoods got 20 pts from Peter June Simon. Alaska 4-6, Purefoods 4-4.

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings

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

Ginebra agrees with David Noel and Cyrus Baguio - by Eurobasket News
David Noel (198-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) and Cyrus Baguio (188-G-80) are the new players of Barangay Ginebra Kings.

David Noel started the season with NBA team Los Angeles Clippers, but he moved to D-League's Albuquerque Thunderbirds before any official game. With Thunderbirds he appeared 30 times in D-League averaging 17.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 4.4 apg. In March he joined another D-League team Reno BigHorns. With them Noel had 19.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 6.7 apg in 18 games. He has experience from Spain as a member of Joventut Badalona. On season 06/07 David Noel played 68 games for Milwaukee Bucks registering 2.7 ppg and 1.8 rpg. He came out of North Carolina in 2006. At the same year the Bucks picked him in the second round. Noel already made his debut with Ginebra registering triple-double against Burger King: 22 pts, 17 rebounds and 10 assists. His team celebrated 100-94.

Cyrus Baguio joined Ginebra from Burger Kings Titans. He played 8 games with the Titans this season averaging 10.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 2.4 apg. Yesterday he played against his ex team scoring 5 points. In the past Baguio was a member of Red Bull Barako.

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PUERTO RICO

Puerto Rico Basketbal - by Aramides Rodriguez
The Puerto rico male tournament has all ready started,there are a lots of new spectations according with the new management and directors of the puertorican basketball male superiorleague,with the new president Mr.Carlos Beltran and his tournament director Lic.C.Oliveros,they hasaddressed to the local media and stated that this year are going to be an all new once,the president has anounce that this season is going to be a much better once,that al those problems that is use to have on the past are gone for good.hesaid this is a new era and a new administragion and we all are going to work touguether encouraging all members including owners,managers and players,he although said that his goal are going to be an increace of fans and sponsors on each core on an 25% percent,looking toward a new era of visions on hw to do things for the best interest of each franchise and the league as well.
The new administracion of the Puerto Rico male (BSN)also said that all that'it happens before then is on the past and we have to think and look to the future for the well being of every once involve.one of the first example of this year is the come back of the Quebradilla Captain franshise after nearly five season out this tournaments.so there is a lots of spectations,every once are looking foward including the fans for this year season on were eleven teams are the composition of this tournament.this year promise to be an very competive one do to all teams are renewed with new players on effort to make improvement,atractive and a very interesting one for this season.each team will have the opportunity to play at least three games with the same team,for wich only eigth of then are going be left for the playoff

Athletics not Intimidated by Pirates - by Luis Ramirez
They may not be playing in their usual home court, but the San German Athletics were not the least intimidated as they played the Quebradillas Pirates at Quebradillas. The strange thing about the whole thing is that San German was the home team. San German currently is without their regular arena due to improvements being done to the Arena, thus they were playing at Quebradillas last night as the home team, and they surely looked at home as they beat the Pirates, 85-81.

San German started on fire in the very 1st quarter as they took an early 10 point leading the Pirates 25-15. The Pirates tried to manage a comeback in the 2nd quarter but the Athletics continued to their offense mainly with their guns Ruben Wolkowisky, Martin Osimani (194-G-81, college: Duquesne) and Omar Alvarado and the lead at halftime had stretched to 12 points 44-32.

In the 2nd half the Pirates were able to close the gap as the 3rd period ended 66-60 in favor of the Athletics. In the 4th quarter Jesse Pellot drained a bomb with 1:53 to go in the game to seal the victory. For San German, Wolkowisky scored 21 points followed by Omar Alvarado with 18 points. For Quebradillas it was Marcus Williams with 20 points followed by Peter John Ramos with 18 points.

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

1. Bayamon	2-0
2. Santurce	1-0
3. Caguas	1-1
4. Ponce	1-1
5. San German	1-1
6. Carolina	1-1
7. Quebradillas	1-1
8. Mayaguez	1-1
9. Guaynabo	0-0
10. Humacao	0-1
11. Arecibo	0-2

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QATAR

Al Arabi signs for Hargrow - by Ali Ahmed
Al Arabi Club basketball team management agreed terms with the American Guard Maurice Hargrow (195-G-83, college: Minnesota) to play for them the Gulf Cup (GCC) and Asia Cup.

An outstanding athlete who has great quickness and can explode to the goal also a good on-the-ball defender.

Awards/Achievements:
NIT Semifinals -03
Big 10 Conf. Honorable Mention -03
Austrian A Bundesliga All-Star Game -07 (Slam Dunk Contest Winner)
Austrian Bundesliga A Semifinals -07
Qatar Emir Cup Finalist -08
Luxembourg League Semifinals -08

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RUSSIA

A Superleague Round: 3 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Unics - Triumph 74-64
Unics held off Triumph to enter the semis. Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) knocked down 14 points to pace Unics Kazan. Vladimir Veremeenko and Kresimir Loncar had 13 points apiece in the winning case. Ernest Bremer nailed 15 points for Triumph in defeat.

Khimky - Lok.Rostov 86-65
Khimky earned the spot in the semifinal after they held off Lokomotiv Rostov at home court. Maciej Lampe (210-C-85, agency: Edge Sports) nailed 19 points and grabbed 16 boards to lead Khimky. Timofei Mozgov added 16 points in the victory. Dramir Zibirov answered with 14 points and 6 boards for Lokomoiv Rostov Na Donu.

Standings - Superleague B

B Superleague Standings

1. Avtodor	42-4
2. Magnitogorsk	33-11
3. Revda	31-16
4. Lok.Novos.	30-15
5. N.Novgorod	28-17
6. Chelabinsk	26-19
7. Saransk	24-21
8. Krasnodar	23-23
9. Rjazan	19-24
10. Naltchik	18-25
11. Irkutsk	18-27
12. Zaretchny	16-28
13. Severstal	11-34
14. Kursk	8-33
15. Ural Ekater.	7-37

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SAUDI ARABIA

Al Ansar signs Coly for GCC - by Mohammed Malas
Al Ansar basketball club management agreed with the coach of the men's team Tareq Salim to have the services of the Senegalese forward Boubacar Coly (206-F-83, college: Xavier) to be with the team in the 29th Gulf Clubs Championship in Kuwait (April 23 - 29).

The Morgan State University (US-NCAA1) graduate is very athletic. He has the potential to be a major contributor on both ends of the court. He can score around the basket and he can step out and hit a jumper. He has a nose for the ball in rebounding. He is very active on defense, including blocking shots and taking charges. Boubacar understands how to play.

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SEBL

Final roster set for BaselineUSA tour to China... - by David Archer

Rashad

Kirkland

Saunders

Thomas

Cox

Cartersville, GA - The Cartersville-Baseline Warriors (BaselineUSA) will embark on their third trip to China where they will compete in a series of friendly competitions against teams from the Chinese Basketball Association, South Korea, Russia and Lithuania. The team will depart on April 30th. The first game is slated for May 3rd.

The roster is listed below...

Lamar Karim (5'10''-G-83, college: So.Polytechnic St.)
Lemarr Farr (6'4''-G-83, college: Wisconsin/Lambuth)
Marvin Rashad of Wamsler SE Salgotarjan (HUN) (6'4''-G/F-82, college: Fairmont St.)
Shaun Kirkland of Wingate University (6'3''-G, college: Wingate University)
Chucky Frierson (6'6''-G/F-82, college: Dominican, NY)
Kenneth Saunders of MGS Grand-Saconnex Basket (SUI) (6'6''-F-82, college: Ft.Valley St.)
Rouldra Thomas of BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (GER) (6'9''-F-79, college: Temple)
Larry Haygood (6'9''-F/C, College: Grambling State)
Donald Oatis (6'9''-F/C-79, college: Wilberforce)
Larry Cox (6'10''-C-84) of Kahraba Zouk (LEB) (6'10''-C-84, college: Miss.Valley St.)

Head Coach: David Archer

Upon returning from the trip to China, the Baseline organization will immediately begin play in the World Basketball Association (WBA), followed by re-joining the Southeastern Exposure Basketball League (SEBL) Summer League for the summer campaign during July and August. The organization will also compete in the highly regarded Southern Roundball Classic in mid-August.

The Cartersville-Baseline Warriors (BaselineUSA) is a division of The Human Race, Inc., a Georgia 501(c)3 Non-profit Corporation, organized to provide opportunity through sports and community-oriented efforts. For more information visit http://www.leaguelineup.com/sebl, http://www.wbawarriors.com, http://www.leaguelineup.com/summerhill, http://www.elwyoth.org or email David Archer at darcherjr@yahoo.com.

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SLOVENIA

Zlatorog wins easily over Krka - by Zeljko Zule
Dario Krejic (194-G-78, agency: VTBM/SRBM) scored 27 points off the bench and Uros Lucic and Vincent Hunter netted 23 of their 27 combined points in the first half as Zlatorog defeated Krka 75-67 in the opening game of UPC League Play-Off Round 9. Zlatorog moved ahead by 40-34 at the break, then outscored Krka by 12-1 over the first two minutes of the second half to take a 52-35 lead that never dipped below double digits until 1:08 left. Krka commited 20 turnovers and lost three of their four last games. Marko Rakocevic had 16 points and 8 rebounds and Simon Petrov and Davor Marcelic added 12 points apiece.

Short interview with Gil Goodrich, leading scorer of the Liga UPC - by Uros Vujic
- THE SEASON IS FINISHED HOW DO YOU FEEL?
I am very sore. Towards the end of the season I had a couple of injuries that I had to play through. I managed to do that and now when I go home I will get them checked out so I will be ready to go back to working out in a couple of weeks.
- ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE SEASON AND YOUR PLAY?
No I am never satisfied for the way I play. I always feel like I can do better and I hold myself to very high standards out on the floor.
- WHAT ABOUT NEXT SEASON, WILL WE SEE YOU AGAIN HERE IN SLOVENIJA?
I had a great time here and loved the people as well. But I have to take a step up next year. I have a couple options for next season, but I will not make my mind up until the end of June, where I will be playing next season.
- FOR THE END WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUR FANS HERE IN ZAGORJE?
Well I would tell my fans here in Zagorje that I am so apprieciated of them and I thank them for all the support through the tough and good times in the season. They stuck with me and our team through whatever happened out on the court. Everytime I would see my fans outside in the city of Zagorje they would make conversation and say hi. And I can not say enough to thank them for that it really made my time here a whole lot easier.

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SPAIN

Paolo Quinteros injured - by Natxo Mendaza
CAI Zaragoza will lose its Argentinean star Paolo Quinteros (185-G-79) for a month because of injury. Quinteros had to leave last game against TAU Ceramica in Vitoria after Will McDonald hit him unwittingly in the eye when fighting for a loose ball. CAI player had to undergo durgery to repair a broken bone the same day and left hospital on monday, but despite of the sucessful surgery, Quinteros will probably miss the remainder of the regular season.

Ricky Rubio to declare for 2009 NBA Draft - by Eurobasket News
Ricky Rubio (192-G-90), the Spanish point guard sensation that has been compared to everyone from Pete Maravich to Steve Nash will declare for the 2009 NBA draft.

Rubio will have until June 15 to withdraw his name from the draft. However, his agent sounded confident that he's staying in.

'Ricky will be in the 2009 draft,' Fegan said to ESPN.com from Barcelona Monday afternoon. Fegan has been in Barcelona this week meeting with Rubio and his family trying to come to a decision.

Rubio is the starting point guard for DKV Joventut in Spain and is widely considered the best young international player in the world.

The 6-foot-4, 180-pound point guard from Barcelona has been a starter in the best basketball league in Europe since the age of 16. He made himself into an international phenomenon with his strong performance for Spain in the Olympics. Rubio more than held his own playing against NBA point guards like Chris Paul and Jason Kidd. This season he's averaging 10 points per game and six assists per game in the Spanish League in about 22 minutes per game.

Rubio has been the consensus No. 2 pick on the ESPN.com Top 100 for the entire year. While scouts say that he needs to get stronger and work on his jump shot, the consensus is that he's got the talent to be a star.

'He's special,' one NBA GM told ESPN.com. 'There aren't many kids you'll find at his age with such a terrific feel for the game. He just knows how to play. When he gets out there with players 10 years older than him, he just looks like he belongs. He'll have some adjusting to do in the NBA, but the truth is, he's as NBA ready as most of the college kids that are coming out. He's playing on a very big world stage.'

Rubio's decision to enter the draft comes after months of speculation that he might return to his DKV Joventut for one more year. For Rubio to leave for the NBA, he's going to have to pay Joventut a huge buyout to be released from his contract there. NBA teams are limited to paying just $500,000 toward an international player's buyout by the collective bargaining agreement. That means if Rubio wants to play in the NBA, he's going to have to pay some of the buyout out of his own pocket.

Most likely, Rubio and Joventut come to some sort of compromise. If Joventut doesn't make it to the Spanish League Finals this year, most likely they won't be in the Euroleague next year. That puts more financial pressure on Joventut to come up with some sort of compromise that gives them financial relief from a buyout and allows Rubio to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA.

Courtesy of the ESPN (wwwsports.espn.go.com)

Branko Cvetkovic will play for Zaragoza - by Robert Mayor
According to several spanish media, Branko Cvetkovic (200-G/F-84) will play for CAI Zaragoza for the remainder of the season in order to replace injured Paolo Quinteros (185-G-79). Serbian forward, that comes from Panionios, where has averaged more than 8 points and 2 rebounds per game, has ACB experience after playing last season for Akasvayu Girona.

Now in Zaragoza, Cvetkovic will have the mission to be important in a team that needs an offensive player in order to continue with the 17 points per game that Argentinean player was averaging.

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SYRIA

Stats Leaders

Syrian Playoffs Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Anderson Tyrone 30
Edwards Ryan 29
William Clay 22
Gibbs-Smith Kristophor 21.5
Shawa Salah 16

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URUGUAY

Fans stormed the field and Welcome-Verdirrojo was interrupted - by Hector Lopez
Welcome was defeating Verdirrojo 88-74 with 1.27 minutes to play when fans from both sides stormed the field and the referees left the game, for the second round of the Metro League. For Welcome Ollie Bailey (201-F-85, college: Oklahoma City) scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. The import player for Verdirrojo, Jeff Fahnbulleh (200-C/F-85), scored 6 points and took 10 rebounds. Other results:
Urunday Universitario 66 - Nicolas Borsellino (201-C-86) 18 pions and 13 rebounds
Larranaga 64 - Sebastian Vazquez (195-F-85) 22 points and 7 rebounds
- - -
Olivol Mundial 72 - John Huggins (188-G-82, college: Amer.Internat.) 30 and 7
Larre Borges - Renzo Lazzaroni (186-G-85) 15 points.

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VENEZUELA

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Marinos	19-6
2. Guaros	19-6
3. Cocodrilos	16-9
4. Trotamundos	14-10
5. Guaiqueries	14-11
6. Gaiteros	13-11
7. La Guaira BBC	9-15
8. Toros	8-17
9. Gigantes	7-17
10. Panteras	4-21

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WBA

WBA's Cartersville-Baseline Warriors to tour China in early May... - by David Archer

Karim

Farr

Frierson

Oatis

Thomas

Cartersville, GA - The Cartersville-Baseline Warriors (BaselineUSA) will embark on their third trip to China where they will compete in a series of friendly competitions against teams from the Chinese Basketball Association, South Korea, Russia and Lithuania. The team will depart on April 30th. The first game is slated for May 3rd.

The roster is listed below...

Lamar Karim (5'10''-G-83) of ALM Evreux Basket (FRA)

Lemarr Farr (6'4''-G-83) of Cartersville Baseline Warriors
Marvin Rashad (6'4''-G/F-82, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Fairmont St.)

Shaun Kirkland (6'3''-G, college: Wingate University)

Chucky Frierson (6'6''-G/F-82) of Georgia Gwizzlies

Kenneth Saunders (6'6''-F-82, college: Ft.Valley St.)

Rouldra Thomas (6'9''-F-79) of BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (GER)

Larry Haygood (6'9''-F/C, college: Grambling State)

Donald Oatis (6'9''-F/C-79) of Kazma (KUW)
Larry Cox (6'10''-C-84, college: Miss.Valley St.)

Head Coach: David Archer

Karim, Farr and Cox have all logged time in the WBA. Karim played with the South Carolina Heat in 2005, leading them in scoring. In 2006, Karim helped the Cartersville Warriors win the Eastern Conference Title and advance to the WBA Tournament Finals, where they lost a heartbreaking double-OT game to the Rome Gladiators. Farr and Cox were members of the Warriors last spring. Farr averaged 22 ppg, while Cox averaged 17.points, 11 rebounds and almost 4 blocks per game.

Upon returning from the trip to China, the Baseline organization will immediately begin play in the World Basketball Association (WBA), followed by re-joining the Southeastern Exposure Basketball League (SEBL) Summer League for the summer campaign during July and August. The organization will also compete in the highly regarded Southern Roundball Classic in mid-August.

The Cartersville-Baseline Warriors (BaselineUSA) is a division of The Human Race, Inc., a Georgia 501(c)3 Non-profit Corporation, organized to provide opportunity through sports and community-oriented efforts. For more information visit http://www.leaguelineup.com/sebl, http://www.wbawarriors.com, http://www.leaguelineup.com/summerhill, http://www.elwyoth.org or email David Archer at darcherjr@yahoo.com.

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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Opals team for international tour announced - by Eurobasket News
Basketball Australia is pleased to announce the 16 athletes selected for the Opals team that will tour China and Europe in May.

The team was selected following a successful training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport from April 2-5 and includes 2008/09 Women's National Basketball League MVP Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) and fellow Olympians Emma Randall (188-C-85) and Alicia Poto (166-G-78).

Making their Opals debut on the tour will be Natalie Hurst (163-G-83), Elyse Penaluna (193-C-88) and Elizabeth Cambage (203-C-91).

In China the World Champion Opals will compete against the world number five-ranked Chinese women's team in a three game series on May 15, 17 and 19; their first appearance with Head Coach Carrie Graf at the helm.

Following the China series the team will travel to Europe for a camp in Varese, Italy from May 20-23.

The Opals will then head to the Czech Republic to play the women's national team, ranked seventh internationally, in two games on May 25-26.

A friendly game against Hungary (world ranking - 24) on May 28 in Paris will be a warm up for an international tournament in the city from May 29-31, where the Australians will compete against the Czech Republic, Hungary and host nation France (world ranking - eight).

Team for China Series

Alicia Poto, Kathleen MacLeod, Rohanee Cox, Abby Bishop, Elyse Penaluna, Samantha Richards, Carly Wilson, Liz Elizabeth Cambage, Marianna Tolo (pictured), Eva Afeaki, Deanna Smith, Emma Randall.

Head Coach: Carrie Graf

Assistant Coaches: Karen Dalton & Michele Timms

Manager: Renae Maycock

Physio: Rachael McAlister

Dr. Sandra Mejak

Team for Europe series

Alicia Poto, Kathleen MacLeod, Rohanee Cox, Abby Bishop, Elyse Penaluna, Marianna Tolo, Eva Afeaki, Deanna Smith, Hollie Grima, Emma Randall, Jenna O'Hea, Renae Camino, Natalie Hurst.

Head Coach: Carrie Graf

Assistant Coaches: Cheryl Chambers, Peter Buckle

Manager: Renae Maycock

Physio: Rachael McAlister

Courtesy of www.wnbl.com.au

Canberra Capitals secure Bishop for another season, Stephanie Cumming returns to Dandenong - by Eurobasket News
The Canberra Capitals have announced they have re-signed forward Abby Bishop (189-C-88) for one more season. Bishop says she would not consider playing for any other WNBL side but had received offers from teams in Europe. 'I weighed up my options and it's the best thing for me to stay in Canberra for one more season,' she said. She says she will reconsider her options at the end of the new contract. 'After this season we'll re-evaluate and see where I'm at,' she said. (Courtesy of www.abc.net.au)

Former Dandenong Jayco Rangers player Stephanie Cumming (178-G-90) has signed up with the Dandenong Jayco Rangers for season 09/10 after 2 years at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Cumming was the first ever Rangers player to be offered a scholarship at the AIS and head coach Dale Waters summed up the feelings of everyone involved at Dandenong saying; We are really excited that the first Rangers player ever offered a place at the AIS has gone full-circle and is coming back home to Dandenong. Stephanie will play a key role as a guard in the national league team next season, said Waters.
At only 18 years of age, Cumming already has an impressive bio, says Sponsorship & Marketing Manager of the Dandenong Basketball Association, Deb Weston. Stephanie first played WNBL in season 06/07 at Dandenong; has competed in 6 junior international games; and represented Australia in the 2006 Oceania Youth tournament in New Zealand. Stephanie is a fantastic acquisition for the upcoming 09/10 WNBL season and I am sure there will be some hot competition amongst our WNBL sponsors to secure her individual player sponsorship said Weston.
In the last two seasons playing for the AIS in the WNBL national league Cumming averaged 5.5 points per game. Stephanie stands at 178cms, plays as a guard and has been described by coaching staff at the AIS as a feisty defender, tremendous competitor, a wonderful player to coach and an athletic player who is exciting to watch! (Courtesy of The Dandenong Jayco Rangers)

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BELARUS - Women

Standings - Women

Premier League Standings

Places 1-4
1. Olimpia	35-4
2. Berezina	33-6
3. Minsk-2006	26-13
4. Victoria	15-24
Places 5-8
1. BrGU	24-16
2. Mogilevchanka	13-27
3. Sozh Gomel	6-34
4. RGUOR	6-34

Olimpia triumphs in the country! - by Eurobasket News
Olimpia became a New Champion of the country as the team finished with 35-4 record on throne. The last games remained Olimpia on top of the standings, while Berezina finished second with 33-6 record.
In the last games of the Qualifying Round Olimpia grabbed two important victories to taste Gold. At first Olimpia edged Minsk-2006 56:54 and then overcame Berezina as well. Natalia Anufryienko (174-G-85), Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G-88) and Sviatlana Valko (173-G-89) became the real leaders of the team to triumph with it in the national league.
Berezina finished second, while Minsk-2006 is third with 26-13 record. Victoria enjoyed the fourth position with 15-24 record.

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CROATIA - Women

Standings - Women

A1 Standings

Places 1-6
1. Gospic	10-0
2. Sibenik	7-3
3. Medvescak	6-4
4. Studenec O.	4-6
5. Croatia 2006	1-8
6. Ragusa	1-8
Places 7-12
1. Mursa	6-1
2. Pula	4-2
3. Agram	3-2
4. Pozega	3-3
5. Zadar	2-3
6. Novi Zagreb	0-7

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GERMANY - Women

DBBL Finals are tied at 1-1 - by Moritz Korff
The DBBL finals kicked off with a doubleheader last weekend. In game one the Saarlouis Royals used the home-court advantage to grab the 84-76 win, but only two days later TSV Wasserburg replied and edged past Saarlouis 85-83.

In the first encounter the hosting Royals dominated the paint and outrebound the visitors 44-29. Celeste Trahan (184-C-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Elizabeth City) grabbed a game high 12 boards for Saarlouis, Romy Baer (188-F-87), Fantasia Goodwin (179-G/F-85, agency: LBM Management) and Petra Manakova (190-F/C-82, college: Oakland) each had 7 rebounds. In scoring the regular season champ was paced by Goodwin who put in 20 points, Trahan followed with 18. Wasserburg struggled in the zone, but shot 7 out of 18 from beyond the arc. Rebecca Thoresen (178-F-78) hit 3 threes and shared topscoring honors with Carlene Hightower (180-F-86, college: La Salle). Both finished the game with 15 points.

Game 2 turned into a thriller. Wasserburg missed 14 free throws totally and therefore gave away the chance for an early decision in the match. With 3 minutes left to go the score was tied at 74. With only 5 seconds on the game clock the host was ahead 84-80, when Baer hit a three-pointer from downtown for the Royals. The Saarlouis players then sent Thoresen to the line, who converted only one of her two attemps. Thus Saarlouis had the final shot, but missed the buzzer beater. Hightower led Wasserburg with 23 points, Thoresen added 17, while Trahan had a game high 29 points and 15 boards for Saarlouis, Goodwin contributed 22 points and 13 boards.

The finals (best-of-five series) continue on April 24th with match 3 in Saarlouis.

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HUNGARY - Women

MKB Euroleasing takes 1-0 lead in the final - by Eurobasket News
MKB Euroleasing - Szeged 73-54

MKB Euroleasing did not have any troubles to beat Szeged in the first game of the big final. The regular season champion took control on its rival from the very beginning. As a reminder, Szeged already made nice success knocking out powerful MiZo in the semis. After opening ten minutes MKB Euroleasing already made plus 8 and it was a clear signal that Szeged most probably won't have any chance until the end. Amber Holt (183-G/F-85, college: Middle Tenn.St.) and her teammates dominated at the both sides of the court. They did a great job in the paint totally outjumping Szeged. Until the half time MKB Eurleasing had double-digit lead, 40-30. Nothing has changed after the breather as the hosts keep controlling rhythm of the game. Szeged was able to score just 24 points during the second half, what for sure wouldn't be enough even for much weaker team than MKB. Amber Holt top-scored in this victory with 21 points. Kathleen Macleod (167-G-86) followed her with 12, while Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) collectied 8 points and 6 rebounds. MKB Euroleasing also had three more players with 8 pts each. Michelle Maslowski (188-F/C-79, college: Drexel) answered with 18 points in the loosing squad. Hero of the semifinals series against Mizo, Olena Zherzherunova (191-F-78, agency: LBM Management), this time stopped on 10 pts and 9 rebs. The second game is scheduled for tomorrow and Szeged will be the host.

MKB Euroleasing: Amber Holt 21, Kathleen Macleod 12, Jelena Milovanovic 8+6 boards
Szeged: Michelle Maslowski 18, Olena Zherzherunova 10+9 boards

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ISRAEL - Women

Import players dominate All-League Awards 2008-09 - by Eurobasket

Perkins

Hoffman

Pringle

Ogorodnikova

Houston

Player of the Year: Jia Perkins (173-G-82) of Electra Ramat
Guard of the Year: Jia Perkins of Electra Ramat
Forward of the Year: Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) of Elizur Ramla
Center of the Year: LaToya Pringle (191-F/C-86) of Maccabi Ramat Hen
Bosman Player of the Year: Olena Ogorodnikova of Elizur Ramla
Import Player of the Year: Jia Perkins of Electra Ramat
Domestic Player of the Year: Laine Selwyn (170-G-81) of Electra Ramat
Defensive Player of the Year: LaToya Pringle of Maccabi Ramat Hen
Coach of the Year: Orna Ostfeld of Electra Ramat

1st Team
Jia Perkins of Electra Ramat
Ebony Hoffman (188-C/F-82) of Electra Ramat
LaToya Pringle of Maccabi Ramat Hen
Olena Ogorodnikova of Elizur Ramla
Charde Houston (185-F-86) of Bnot Raanana

2nd Team *(this season 6 players)
Tatyana Troina (188-F/C-81) of Electra Ramat
Laine Selwyn of Electra Ramat
Temeka Johnson (160-G-82) of Bnot Raanana
Ayana Walker (191-F/C-79) of Elitzur Holon / Maccabi Ramat Hen
Tamara Ransburg (194-C-82) of Elizur Natanya
Brooke Reves (185-F-77) of Maccabi Tel Kabir / Elitzur Holon

Honorable Mention
Steffani Hawell (-C) of Maccabi Tel Kabir
Mirav Dori (178-F-86) of Electra Ramat
Ivory Latta (168-G-84) of Maccabi Ramat Hen
Tamara James (178-G/F-84) of Maccabi Ramat Hen
Sheri Lynette Sam (183-F/G-74) of Elizur Ramla
Tamara Moore (180-G-80) of Maccabi Ashdod / Elizur Ramla
Sherill Baker (174-G-82) of Maccabi Ashdod
Edwina Brown (175-G-78) of Elitzur Holon
Natasha Brackett (175-G-83) of Elizur Natanya
Diamond Rogers (180-F-86) of Hapoel Tel-Aviv

All-Domestic Players Team
Laine Selwyn of Electra Ramat
Michal Epstain (180-G-81) of Maccabi Ramat Hen
Ekaterina Abramzon (186-F/C-87) of Bnot Raanana
Liad Suez Karni (190-F/C-81) of Electra Ramat
Mirav Dori of Electra Ramat

All-Imports Team
Jia Perkins of Electra Ramat
Ebony Hoffman of Electra Ramat
LaToya Pringle of Maccabi Ramat Hen
Charde Houston of Bnot Raanana
Temeka Johnson (160-G-82) of Bnot Raanana

All-Bosmans Team
Tatyana Troina of Electra Ramat
Olena Ogorodnikova of Elizur Ramla
Ina Gourevitch (180-G-68) of Elizur Ramla
Ylena Izenshtat (172-G-70) of Bnot Raanana
Yana Shapiro (194-C-80) of Elizur Natanya

All-Defensive Team
LaToya Pringle of Maccabi Ramat Hen
Ayana Walker of Elitzur Holon / Maccabi Ramat Hen
Tamara Ransburg of Elizur Natanya
Brooke Reves of Maccabi Tel Kabir / Elitzur Holon
Edwina Brown of Elitzur Holon

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NCAA1 - Women

Vining, Hammond to transfer from Oklahoma - by Eurobasket News
Two players from Oklahomas Final Four team are planning to transfer.

Sooners coach Sherri Coale announced Friday that guards Jenny Vining (5'9''-G) and Rose Hammond (5'9''-G) plan to leave the team after the spring semester to seek additional playing time.

Vining had struggled with her shot for most of her two seasons at Oklahoma before breaking through late in the regular season. On the other side, starter Whitney Hand was out with a broken finger. She hit a career-high five 3-pointers for 15 points in a win against Oklahoma State.

She averaged 3.3 points in 35 games while shooting 28 percent from 3-point range.

Hammond scored just seven points all season in limited playing time as the Sooners third-string point guard.

Courtesy of www.oregonlive.com

N.C. State tabs Western Carolina's Harper - by Eurobasket News
North Carolina State has chosen Western Carolina's Kellie Harper to replace Hall of Famer Kay Yow as the Wolfpack's women's basketball coach, a person with knowledge of the decision told the Associated Press on Wednesday.

The search committee will forward Harper's name to the university's board of trustees for approval at its meeting later this week. The person spoke on condition on anonymity because an official announcement had not yet been made, though the school has scheduled a news conference for Thursday afternoon to announce the hiring of a new coach.

Harper has spent the past five seasons at Western Carolina, compiling a 97-65 record while leading the Catamounts to two NCAA tournament bids and a pair of Southern Conference championships. Harper also played under Pat Summitt as part of Tennessee's three straight national championship teams from 1996-98.

This year, Harper led Western Carolina -- located about 300 miles west of the Raleigh campus in the North Carolina mountains -- to a 21-12 record and an appearance in the first round of the NCAAs.

While N.C. State has long been one of the more successful programs in the Atlantic Coast Conference, it slid in recent years while nearby rivals Duke and North Carolina became annual fixtures among the nation's elite. The decision to hire Harper, who turns 32 on May 3, apparently signals that athletics director Lee Fowler was ready for a fresh start for a program defined by Yow's success on the court for the past three decades and her courage in fighting cancer away from it.

Harper will become just the third coach in team history. Robert 'Peanut' Doak spent one season as coach in 1974-75 before Yow's arrival.

The decision will be a sensitive one for many surrounding the program. Yow, who died in January after a long fight against the disease, had hoped that the school would designate longtime assistant Stephanie Glance as her successor, but Fowler said the school had to conduct a thorough search for a replacement.

Glance served as the interim coach when Yow took leave from the team in January, guiding the team to a 13-17 record and keeping the players together through an emotionally wrenching stretch that included Yow's funeral, burial and a campus tribute ceremony during the heart of the ACC season. She also guided the Wolfpack when Yow was forced to step away for health reasons during the 2004-05 and 2006-07 seasons.

Glance, an assistant to Yow for 15 seasons, interviewed with Fowler for several hours in late March. She did not immediately return a call for comment Wednesday.

Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987, but coached the U.S. Olympic team to the gold medal the next year. She was 737-344 in 38 seasons as a coach -- 34 with the Wolfpack and four with Elon - and won four ACC tournament titles, earned 20 NCAA tournament bids and reached the Final Four in 1998 at N.C. State.

She also was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2002, while the school dedicated 'Kay Yow Court' in Reynolds Coliseum in 2007.

But for many fans, Yow was best defined by her unwavering resolve while fighting cancer after it first recurred during the 2004-05 season. She raised awareness and money for research, and stayed with her team through the debilitating effects of the disease and chemotherapy treatments.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

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PALESTINE - Women

Launching of the Womens League Today The Late Rasem Younis Tournament - by Tamara Awartani
Wednesday the 22nd of April is the start for the Palestinian Womens Basketball League, which was named after the late Dr. Rasem Younis.
10 teams will take part to make this league a success divided into two groups after having a draw last week:
Group 1: De La Salle Jerusalem, De La Salle Bethlehem, Thaqafi Beit Sahour, Sariyet Ramallah, Orthodoxi Ramallah.
Group 2: Catholic Action, Orthodoxi Beit Sahour, Orthodoxi Beit Jala, Terrasanta Beit Hanina, Ibdaa

The opening will be at 6pm at the Catholic Action Club headed by the federation president Mr. Khader Diab along with the members and others from the Olympic Committee.
There will be opening speeches followed by a folkore dance by AlGhad AlSahouri Troop followed by an exciting opening game between De La Salle Jerusalem vs. De La Salle Bethlehem.

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RUSSIA - Women

A Superleague Round: 1 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
UMMC - Spartak V MR 61-59
UMMC opened the Finals with the most excited win over the defending champions Spartak Moscow Region 61:59. Sandrine Gruda (191-F/C-87) led the winners with 22 points, while Pondexter Cappie added 18. Fowles Sylvia ended up with 18 points in the losinjg effort.

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UNITED KINGDOM - Women

City of Sheffield Hatters won the Playoff Final - by Eurobasket News
City of Sheffield Hatters won the Playoff Final to triumph in the country. The winners completed their performance against UWIC Archers at the Amaechi Centre.
At first City Of Sheffield Hatters overcame Solent Suns 72:66 in the Semifinal clash. The favorites started with 25:14 at the end of the opening quarter and had 47:28 at the halftime. Solent Suns played better in the third period and reduced the gap to 55:46, however City Of Sheffield Hatters saved the lead until the last seconds. Sarah Naylor (183-F-83) and Stephanie Gandy (178-F-82, college: Michigan) top-scored for the winners with 20 points each, while Jacinda Lambert (180-G/F-81, college: NC-Greensboro) netted 12. Joann Overstreet produced 22 points in the losing case. UWIC Archers rolled over Nottingham Wildcats 84:75 to take another place in the Final. Meagan Hoffman paced all the winners with 25 points, while Stefanie Collins (174-G-82, college: St.Bonaventure) and Sarah Wagstaff added 17 each. Jill Glessner shined with 36 points in the losing effort.
The Final game was expected more than any other games as the League saw two best teams in it. City of Sheffield Hatters however proved the superiority to smash UWIC Archers 81:48. The favorites opened the game with 28:15 and never looked behind after that. They improved to 48:23 at the halftime and had 67:31 after three quarters played. Sarah Naylor led all scorers with 30 points and received the most valuable player award. American pair Jacinda Lambert and Stephanie Gandy each added 20. Meagan Hoffman and Stefanie Collins led the way for the Archers with 18 and 13 points respectively.

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WNBA - Women

Seimone Augustus and Sophia Young win EuroCup with Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News

Two WNBA players, Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) and Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor), demonstrated magnificent performance for their Galatasaray in EuroCup 08/09 season. Thanks to these two players the Turkish squad grabbed this prestigious trophy, outplaying Cras Taranto in the final series. The Italians made 12-point lead in the first game against Galata. The hosts had impressive last period ending it 25-9. Suzy Batkovic led the winners collecting 15 points and 9 rebounds. Ilisaine David followed her with one point less. On the other side, Galatasaray got 19 pts from Seimone Augustus. Sophia Young contributed with 9 points and 8 rebounds.
Galatasaray blasted Cras Taranto in the second game of the big EuroCup final aggregating 137-128 in total. The Turkish squad needed an extra five minutes to grab the trophy in this prestigious competition. Sophia Young (186-F-83, college: Baylor) was a key player of the new champion collecting 27 points and 9 rebounds. Seimone Augustus (185-G-84, college: LSU) also had very important role adding 23 pts, 6 rebs and 7 assists. Marina Kress (193-F/C-80) had 12 and Isil Alben (170-G-86) helped with 2 points less. Megan Mahoney (183-F-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Kansas St.) answered with 20 points in loss. Elodia Godin contributed with 14, while Suzy Batkovic had 11 pts. Ilisaine David this time stopped on 5 pts. Galatasaray had impressive beginning creating 18-9 and later 23-11 lead. Nothing has changed after that. Sophia Young and Seimone Augustus were on fire lifting their team to 35-20 in 17th minute. Visitors finally recovered from this shock closing the gap to 39-28 until the half time. At the middle of third quarter Galatasaray again jumped to plus 12, 49-37. However, the Italians quickly came to 55-49, what would be enough for the title. In the finish of the regular time the hosts were up 7-10 points. Thanks to Marina Kress they made 69-57 after what Sauret-Gillespie committed a turnover for Cras Taranto so teams went to overtime. Galatasaray totally dominated during the extra five minutes ending it with 13-4.

Seimone Augustus appeared 15 times in EuroCup this season averaging 20 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 1.8 apg. She is the third leading scorer of this prestigious competition.

Sophia Young played 8 games with 14.5 ppg and 8.6 rpg.