Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/26/2009

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Men News

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ABA

Dallas added to the American Basketball Association - by Gianni Pascucci

The ABA announced its return to Dallas, Texas with a new team - the Dallas Generals, in 2009-2010 season. 'Talk about an interesting ownership group, this is it,' stated Joe Newman , ABA CEO. 'The team will be owned by Monopoly Entertainment and run by it's President/CEO, Keio Gamble, a company and person with a huge background in both sports and entertainment being actively involved in film, multimedia, music, publishing, radio & TV, sports and touring segments of the entertainment industry. We think this is going to be quite an operation.' The team has already secured Taurian Fontenette (6'2'-G-82, college: Paul Quinn) as the centerpiece of a very strong team. 'We will be very competitive in a very tough division,' added GM Carlton Dixon. 'We are going to be a standout organization in a great professional basketball league. Count on it.' For more information, email info@dallasgenerals.com or call 214 475 3884. The team web site and additional information will be available shortly.

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Siroki Eronet reaches Bosnian Finals, books place for Adriatic League 09/10 - by Eurobasket News
After missing out on this year's edition of Adriatic league, Siroki will be playing in this competition again next season. After beating Igokea 81-65 in the deciding game of the Bosnian Playoff Semis, Siroki has book a place for the Finals, where they will meet Bosna ASA BHT. Since Bosna was the regular season champion and has automatically secured the place in Adriatic League next year, Siroki will be the second representative. However it was not an easy road to Finals for Siroki. After losing previous game at Aleksandrovac by 31 points, Siroki came back home for the decisive game worried. Still thanks to great plays by Ivo Josipovic (205-F-75, agency: Court Side), Charles Thomas (203-F-86, college: Arkansas) and Chester Mason (192-G-81, agency: N.E.T., college: Miami, OH) they were able to overcome Igokea and get the win. Since the stakes were high for both teams, the game started very nervously. Josipovic led all scorers with 24 points for Siroki, Mason added 15 to go along 9 assists while Thomas finished the contest with 15 points and 8 rebounds. For the visiting side, only Terrell Castle (182-G-72, agency: Court Side, college: Nicholls St.) with 14 points and Amal McCaskill with 12 points and 8 rebounds had a good day while the rest of the team will want to forget it quickly. Igokea will certainly be left frustrated one more year since they have invested heavily in the squad but were not able to fulfill their goal of reaching Adriatic League.
The Playoff finals series between Bosna and Siroki will start on Tuesday with Bosna having the home court advantage. Bosna is the favorit in this series and they will be looking to defend the title they won last year. Siroki on the other hand will be more relaxed since they have achieved their goal. They will be looking to upset the reigning champion and round up what is already a successful season.

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ARGENTINA

Atenas is the champion! - by Facundo Iatzky
Finally Atenas got the championship of Liga A after beating Penarol in the 6th game of an impressive serie. A 12-0 run in the beginning of the game showed that Atenas had get into the game with the only idea of winning the game. Andre Laws (186-G-80, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: San Diego) was named as MVP of the finales, specially because of his great performance in the last three games. Ruben Magnano gets a title in his return to Argentina. It was a fantastic season and specially a huge final with both stadiums full in each game of the serie. Hope that the next season will be even better than this one.

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AUSTRALIA

All guns Blazing for Gold Coast - by Eurobasket News
The Gold Coast Blaze basketball team on Monday forwarded their signed participants agreement to Basketball Australia.

The agreement, signed by the clubs directors, confirms the team's intention to play in the new elite mens 2009-2010 national basketball competition.

Blaze Chief Executive Dave Claxton said the submission of the participants agreement is confirmation of the Blazes belief in the new structure put in place by Basketball Australia.

We believe that the commercial and community based reforms implemented will set a platform for the continued growth of basketball for decades to come, Claxton said.

We are excited about the new direction the league is taking and fully endorse BA CEO Larry Sengstock and his plans for the future of basketball in this country.

Our franchise has been ready for months and we are looking forward to the announcement of the launch of the new competition, Claxton said.

Blaze Head Coach, Joey Wright, and his staff have been talking to some of the best Australian players available and we are assembling a roster that can be a very competitive team this year.

We have our membership packages, marketing and venue operations ready to go as soon as we get the green light.

We are also in the process of finalising our community engagement plan which will expand on our already successful grass roots development programmes.

For example, on Saturday Joey guest coached a Gold Coast junior development league team playing in the Queensland Basketball League.

Tonight he is assisting the Gold Coast basketball team for disabled athletes as they prepare for their national championships later this year.

We aim to be the most community orientated professional sporting club in Australia, he said.

Courtesy of The Gold Coast Blaze

Crocs ready to go - by Eurobasket News
Townsville Crocodiles CEO Ian Smythe believes it is now time to roll up the sleeves, put the heads down and get on with the job of launching the new national men's elite competition.

'It has been a long negotiation, but we are ready to go,' Smythe said. 'We have always been positive that the Crocs would be there for next season and the time has come to get on with the job.

Talks between Basketball Australia and the Crocodiles are currently taking place regarding the season draw and Smythe believes that it should be finalised and released in the coming weeks. He will also commence negotiations with players and expects to be making announcements early next week.

'With the competition in the balance earlier in the month with the withdrawal of the two Melbourne clubs, negotiations with players regarding contracts for the upcoming season and beyond were not able to take place,'Smythe said. 'I will however now commence the process over the weekend and I should have good news in the coming week,' Smythe added.

'Although these past couple months have not been easy, I applaud Larry Sengstock and Basketball Australia for being decisive and getting the job done. It is a disappointment that some teams decided not to participate this season, but in the end I feel it can only benefit the competition as a whole. This season will show just how determined we are as an organisation. The Crocs have worked hard to keep basketball alive and thriving at all levels in Australia,' he added. 'All of the negotiating in the off season has been just the tonic the mens elite competition and Basketball Australia needed with the new season looking like it will finally achieve the level of management and discipline it requires,' Smythe said. 'I cant wait for it to start now,' he added.

The Townsville Crocodiles will launch their Corporate and Season Ticket Member renewal campaign in the coming weeks. For the latest updates and exciting new changes for the 2009/2010 season visit www.crocodiles.com.au.

Courtesy of The Townsville Crocodiles

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BARBADOS

Lakers end Bulls' streak at five - by Justin Marville
THE LUMBER COMPANY Lakers werent concerned with Claphams unbeaten run.
Not when they had a streak of their own to worry about.
The reigning two-time Premier League basketball champs survived a torrid fourth quarter stretch from Ryan Leacock before registering their sixth successive victory over the Act II Clapham Bulls in a gripping 74-66 thriller at the Barbados Community College (BCC) on Saturday night.
Slamming the brakes on Claphams impressive five-game winning streak, Lakers extended their dominance of the former title holders, having not lost a game in that series since their ill-fated finals appearance back in 2006.
But that oppressive hold nearly came to the same abrupt end that befell the Bulls unbeaten run after another one of Leacocks unforgettable fourth quarter performances.
All but two of a massive 16-point deficit (52-36) midway through the third vanished seven minutes into the ensuing period with the continuous, magical flick of the veteran shooting guards right wrist.
Only, instead of a wand, Leacocks preferred weapon of choice was the basketball, which frequently disappeared through the BCC rings during his 13-point fourth quarter effort highlighted by three telling treys.
It didnt help Lakers cause any that they failed to negotiate Claphams stifling half-court trap at the other end. Or that Jeremy Gill added a sublime step-back three-pointer of his own along with another jumper to bolster the rally.
Not even Ricardo Jemmotts two succeeding and-one plays the first coming on a two-handed dunk on Kurtis Elias and the other being a step-through lay-up were enough to subdue the enthralling 23-12 Bulls run.
But Clapham never got over that final hurdle after Halley Franklyn scored the last of the sides five triples in the quarter with 2:05 left to play and the Bulls trailing 67-65.
Reigning MVP Adrian Stewart responded with two free throws for the Lakers before Leacock watched as his potential game-tying trey agonisingly rattled out after team-mate Mark Foster had split his two attempts from the charity stripe.
The Bulls never got any closer as the champs closed out the game at the free-throw line while Leacock and his younger brother Kodias subsequent three point attempts harmlessly hit the front of the ring.
Earlier, Jemmotts three successive dunks through the middle of the lane at the end of the first quarter summed up Claphams slow start to the contest, which was further amplified by Gills woeful performance from the field.
Leacocks subsequent 12-point second quarter explosion wasnt enough to stop Lakers from taking a 38-27 lead by the half as shooting guard Zahir Motara briefly broke out of his season-long shooting slump.
Jemmott led the champs with 19 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks, while Motara also scored 19 points and Stewart added a further 13. Leacock top-scored for Clapham with 25 while Gill had 15.
In the nights first game, a season high 24 points from swingman Kareem Farrell led Playfair Warriors to a huge 76-68 upset of title contenders Roll-A-Way Storm & Security Shutters St John Sonics.

Standings

Premier L. Standings

1. Pinelands	6-1
2. Cavaliers	6-1
3. Bulls	5-1
4. Tridents	4-2
5. Lakers	4-2
6. Warriors	3-3
7. Sonics	3-3
8. Deacons	2-4

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BELIZE

Hopkins U-19 and New Site win in DBA Tournament!!! - by David Magana
This past Saturday in Dangriga Town Hopkins U-19 massacred New Site U-19 by a score of 81 25. Macario Augustine led his team to victory finishing the night with big numbers; 15 pts, 20 rebs, 2 blocks, followed by Ivor Ventura with 14 pts, 6 rebs, 1 block and Keith Castillo with 11 pts. In a losing effort, Kenny Augustine finished with 13 pts.

In the Senior Division, New Site defeated Ghans Avenue in a close game by a score of 56 53. New Site was led by Ray Cruz with 15 pts 8 rebs, Leonardo Baltazar with 14 pts, 16 rebs, Allan Flores with 11 pts and Jahari Caliz with 7 pts, 11 rebs. In a losing effort, Deron Gentle led his team with 13 pts, 8 rebs, Fredrick Swaso 11 pts and Hubert Flores 10 pts, 6 rebs.

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BOLIVIA

Bolivia U17 is ready for Trinidad - by Eurobasket News
Bolivia U17 is ready for South American U17 Championship, that will be played at Ciriaco Lopez Coliseum in Trinidad, Uruguay from May 25-31. Bolivia did not participate in the previous South American U17 Championship and will try to be a decent representative this year.
The tournament qualifies three teams for the FIBA Americas U18 Championship to be played next year. Nine teams are ready to compete for those three places and the task for them so far will be the Semifinal stage.
In Group A the hosts will face Argentina, Ecuador and Paraguay. Bolivia will be in Group B together with Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Venezuela.
In 2007 Argentina surprised Venezuela 61:55 in the final matchday of the U17 South American Championship for Men by winning the gold medal and repeating the honors they had achieved in the edition of Barquisimeto 2005. For Argentina Matias Nocedal nailed that time 13 points, while Fabian Ramirez added 12. Gregory Echenique ended up with 22 points in defeat, whilst Josmar Acevedo had 8 points. Meanwhile, Uruguay also took the opportunity and defeated Brazil in the third place game, leaving them out of the upcoming Americas Cup of 2008 and, therefore, out of the race for a spot in the U19 World Cup of 2009.
May 25th will have two clashes between Brazil and Colombia as well as Venezuela and Chile. Tomorrow Ciriaco Lopez Coliseum in Trinidad will have 4 games as well as on May 27th and 29th. Bolivia will start the South American U17 Championship against Venezuela on May 26th.

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BOSNIA

BULGARIA

Cherno More qualified to the final after 3-2 versus Levski - by Valentin Anguelov
With a decisive basket by Aleksandar Yanev (202-F-90) with 4 seconds to go Cherno More surprised Levski in Sofia and completed the turnaround in the series coming back from 0-2 down to win 3-2. Arnas Kazlauskas's three-pointer with 18 seconds to go took Levski in front 70-69 but in the next attack first Corey McIntosh missed but Yanev grabbed the rebounds and scored for 71-70 with 4 seconds to play. Marcus Hall then passed to Charlie Jones who was all alone at the three-point line. He tried a shot but didn't even hit the rim and the team of Cherno More started celebration. So after two years the team from Varna is again on the final and will play against Lukoil Academic.

The game itself was very balanced but at one point it seemed that Levski were coasting to victory. A triple by Charles Jones with 6.48 to go made the score 64-50 for the hosts. Then the may be thought that the game was over and allowed their opponent to make a 19-1 run and to take a 4-point lead with 2.15 to play. Slaveykov made the score 67-69 with two free throws and then Kazlauskas scored to give his team the lead before the last play where the youngster Yanev gave his team the precious win.

Corey McIntosh was the top scorer for the visitors with his 21 points adding also 6 assists and 3 rebounds. The hero Aleksandar Yanev finished with 12 points and 8 rebounds while Yulian Radionov scored 11.

Stefan Georgiev was the game top scorer with 24 points while Marcus Hall added 12. They were the only players from Levski who scored in double digits.

The players from Varna made two times more turnovers than Levski (20 to 10) but showed better shooting from the 3-point line - 8 from 18 with six from the nine players scoring from that range.

The series for the title will begin on 28th May in Pravets with Game 1. On the next day will be Game 2. Game 3 will be in Varna on June 2nd and on the next day if necessary Game 4. The eventual Game 5 will be in Pravets on June 5th.

FULL STATS OF THE LEVSKI - CHERNO MORE GAME

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CANADA

Graham's bucket with .7 left lifts Slam over Volcanoes - by Eurobasket News
Ira Graham's (188-G, agency: Duran International, college: W.Washington) swooping reverse lay-in with under a second left helped the Bellingham Slam defeat the Vancouver Volcanoes, 106-104, in a non-conference International Basketball League contest at the O'Connell Sports Complex Saturday.

Graham's winning play, already dubbed 'The shot heard around Clark County', capped a hard-fought game that featured huge momentum swings but only five lead changes. The win will easily go down as the most dramatic in the Slam's four-year history.

The Slam started out the game ice cold, and found themselves down 36-17 after the first quarter. Vancouver started the game making their first ten of eleven shots from the floor, while Bellingham struggled offensively, shooting just 24 percent in the period.

The latter portions of the second quarter saw the Slam execute another of their renowned comebacks, as they outscored the Volcanoes 24-6 in the final five minutes to cut their deficit to six, 57-51.

The Slam continued their comeback after halftime, using a sustained effort to take their first lead since the game's opening moments, 72-71, on a lay-in by Paul Hafford with 4:38 left in the third quarter.

The Volcanoes made things very interesting in the fourth quarter, as they trimmed a seven-point Slam lead down to one on three straight buckets with less than 90 seconds to play.

A single free-throw by Tyler Amaya (199-F-82, college: W.Washington) with 30 seconds left gave the Slam a two-point lead, 104-102, before the Volcanoes' Kevin Tyner drew a shooting foul on a botched play with 21 seconds left. Bellingham had fouls to give, but the crafty Tyner went for a shot as he was expecting the Slam to foul. Tyner went on to hit both charity shots and tie the game, setting up Graham's buzzer-beating heroics.

The Volcanoes still had a chance to win, with .7 seconds left, but Brad Lechtenberg (188-G-81, college: San Diego) fumbled the ball out of bounds as time expired.

Amaya led the Slam with 33 points on 7-for-10 shooting from three-point range. Jacob Stevenson added 24 points, while Graham finished with nine.

Jake Carlisle (198-G/F-75, college: Alaska-Anch.) led four Volcanoes players in double figures with 23 points. Tyler was not far behind with 21.

The Slam return home for the first time in over two weeks as they take on the Vancouver Titans on Monday, in a special half-price matinee game. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.

For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com.

Courtesy of The Belingham Slam

Explosion drop to the Edmonton Energy 159-127 in Alberta - by Eurobasket News
Explosion drop first game in a two game series against Edmonton Monroe, Washington - May 22nd 2009 - The Snohomish County Explosion drop the first game in Edmonton Friday night 159-127. The Explosion have less than 24 hours until the second game tip off so regrouping is necessary in quick order. The Explosion's leading scorer was the IBL leader Devon Greene (198-G/F-84, college: Grand Canyon) who poured in 39 points. Jason Hicks (178-G-82, college: Walsh (OH)) recorded the Explosion's second franchise triple double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.

With Snohomish County down by 30 points at halftime the Explosion did clawed there way back into the game and made a huge run in the second half bring the lead down to 8 points before the Energy put away the game.

Look for the Explosion to make some lineup changes going into the second game with a friendly flu holding some player out due to sickness.

Stats:

Devon Greene - 39 points 13 rebounds 9 assist

Richard Ford (203-F-85, college: So.Polytechnic St.) - 26 points 16 rebounds 7 assist 5 blocks

Jason Hicks - 10 point 10 rebounds 11 assist

Antwon Jarrell - 12 points 12 rebounds

Thomas Tomsic - 3 points

Jeffery Day - 1 point 10 rebounds

Courtesy of The Snohomish County Explosion

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CROATIA

Cedevita appoints Slobodan Subotic as their new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News
It seems that Cedevita did not have to wait long after its Head Coach Srecko Medvedec left the post. The answer was found in form of Slobodan Subotic who will take over the team as a Head Coach. Subotic has became available only recently after leaving Split. He started this season as Split's Head Coach moving later to the position of the Sport Director. However, bad financial situation at Split forced him to ask for termination of his contract and he has been free agent ever since. Cedevita was the quickest on to take advantage of this opportunity and starting Monday Slobodan Subotic is expected to conduct his first training.
As a player, Subotic spent most of career with Olimpija Ljubljana, but he has also played for Barcelona and Aris. He has played for Yugoslavian National Team but after gaining Greek citizenship he also played for Greek National Team from 1987-1991. After retiring from playing, Subotic signed with Iraklis Thessaloniki in Greek League as their Head Coach. Other than Iraklis, Slobodan Subotic was also Head Coach of AEK, Panathanaikos, Panionios, PAOK and Olympiacos all in Greece. He was especially successful in Panathanikos whom he led to two consecutive titles in 1998 and 1999. Subotic also had a brief stint in Italy where he has coached Sicc BPA Jesi before joining BC Split in 2007. Last season Subotic has lead Split to Croatian Playoff Finals where they have lost to Cibona. This year he started with Split but because of poor financial situation he has left the club mid season. Slobodan Subotic was also a Head Coach of Slovenian National Team from 2001-2003.

Planinic's injury not as serious as initially feared - by Eurobasket News
CSKA Moscow player Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) will miss the rest of the season due to the foot injury. Planinic has sustained the injury during Game 2 of the Russian Playoff Semifinals series against Khimky. In the closing seconds of the first quarter Planinic asked to be substituted because of pain in his foot and he did not return for the rest of the game. Judging by the painful look on his face everyone was worried that the injury may be severe. After the game he was taken straight to the hospital for testing in order to establish how bad the injury is. However, after initial tests were completed it looks that nothing was broken in his foot and even though he will miss remainder of the season, he will not be out of action for an extended period of time. Since the season is almost over, Zoran Planinic will have enough time to recuperate his foot and he will be ready for next season for sure. This will also be great news for Croatian National Team since Planinic is expected to be fully fit for European Championship which will be held in Poland in September.
Zoran Planinic started his professional career at Cibona Zagreb. In 2003, he was drafted by New Jersey Nets as 22 pick in 1st round. After 2 seasons with New Jersey Nets, Planinic returned to Europe and signed with Tau Vitoria. In two seasons at Tau Vitoria Planinic helped the team win Spanish ACB Championship in 2008. In June 2008, Planinic signed two year contract with CSKA Moscow. This season he has helped CSKA reach Euroleague Finals which they lost to Panathanaikos and was also important in helping CSKA reach Playoff Semifinals.

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ECUADOR

The Ecuadorian Basketball Federation announced the Junior national team - by Eurobasket News
The Ecuadorian Basketball Federation announced the Junior national team that will participate in South American U17 Championship scheduled from May 25-31at Ciriaco Lopez Coliseum in Trinidad, Uruguay. The tournament qualifies three teams for the FIBA Americas U18 Championship to be played next year. Nine teams are ready to compete for those three places and the task for them so far will be the Semifinal stage.
In Group A the hosts will face Argentina, Ecuador and Paraguay. Group B is integrated by Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Venezuela.
In 2007 Argentina surprised Venezuela 61:55 in the final matchday of the U17 South American Championship for Men by winning the gold medal and repeating the honors they had achieved in the edition of Barquisimeto 2005. For Argentina Matias Nocedal nailed that time 13 points, while Fabian Ramirez added 12. Gregory Echenique ended up with 22 points in defeat, whilst Josmar Acevedo had 8 points. Meanwhile, Uruguay also took the opportunity and defeated Brazil in the third place game, leaving them out of the upcoming Americas Cup of 2008 and, therefore, out of the race for a spot in the U19 World Cup of 2009.
Ecuador will start the South American U17 Championship against Uruguay on May 26th. This team will be coached by Miguel Salvitelli and Ecuadorian Jorge Davila.
The roster will include the following players: Walter Intriago, Oswaldo Tamayo, Juan Patino, Daniel Guayaquil,Diego Chachapollas, Manuel Maldonado, Josue Obando, Ricardo Icaza, Andres Espinoza, Alan Dunn, Ricky Tenorio

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EL SALVADOR

Standings - Liga Superior

Liga Superior Standings

1. ExSAL	10-0
2. UTEC	7-3
3. Denver	7-4
4. Cosmos	6-6
5. Leones	4-7
6. San Marcos	3-7
7. San Miguel	0-10

LSB updatings - by Jaime Arevalo
Thanks to a great performing from Panamanian Alejandro Cajar (190-G/F-78) (25 pts) and Ernesto Oglivie (199-F-88) (18 pts), UTEC defeated Denver 84-77, extending its winning strike to six. The main performer in Denver was Hank Rivers (203-F-81, college: Stephen F. Austin), with 29 pts. In another game of the round, Cosmos easily defeated San Miguel, 105-77, led by Wilson Quijano, who scored 22 pts and Victor Toribio (198-G/F-82), who added 21. Edgar Ramirez and Felix Ayala topped San Miguel, with 22 and 15 points, respectively. The table is again topped by ExSal, yet undefeated, after the win, 83-73 over Leones, in which Nathan Watson (191-G-83, college: Auburn) led again ExSal with 20 points.

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ESTONIA

TU/Rock douse Kalev/Cramo to tie the series - by Eurobasket News
Kalev/Cramo - TU/Rock 49:74

Kalev/Cramo wasted the chance to inch closer to the KML title. They lost to TU/Rock in Tallinn today as they KML finals became leveled at 2 wins apiece. The fifth game of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for May 29 in Tartu.
Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86, agency: Octagon) inspired TU/Rock to an important victory. Georgian forward stepped up with 22 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. His fellow countryman Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) added 20 points, 8 boards, 4 assists and 3 steals for the visitors.
Kalev/Cramo looked the better side early in the game. They held the visiting team to 11 points in the opening frame and piled up a 19:11 lead. But the wheels have soon fallen off for Kalev/Cramo. They accounted for only 10 points in the second term and allowed TU/Rock to draw things level at 29 at halftime.
Kalev/Cramo started to rot away in the third quarter. Sanikidze and Giorgi Tsintsadze paced the visitors as they took over completely. The defending champions outgunned the home team 25:11 to accumulate a comfortable advantage before the fourth term. Kalev/Cramo looked stunned and failed to come up with any sort of answer in the final period.
Tanoka Beard (205-F/C-71, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Boise St.) secured 13 points in the winning case. John Linehan (175-G-78, college: Providence) was the only player to score in double digits for Kalev/Cramo as he nailed 11 points. Kevin Lyde (206-C-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Temple) and Rait Keerles (201-F-80) added 9 points each in the loss.

Kalev/Cramo: John Linehan 11, Kevin Lyde 9, Rait Keerles 9
TU/Rock: Viktor Sanikidze 22+10 boards, Giorgi Tsintsadze 20, Tanoka Beard 13

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EUROLEAGUE

Panathinaikos unstoppable is claiming his tenth title in the last eleven years - by Chris Mammides
Panathinaikos thrashed Olympiakos with 27 points (91-64) difference proving once more that is the best team in Greece and in Europe for the season 2008-2009. Panathinaikos needs just one victory to add its second triple crown in the last seven years. Panathinaikos tonight was simply astonishing; coach Obradovics Greens played probably their best game in the season with five players scoring double digits and with 11 out of 12 players scoring (only Kecman remain pointless) Panathinaikos dominated totally over the team of Olympiakos, while Panagiotis Yannakis couldnt help at all his team while Obradovic drove his team to this victory using all his players. Teodosic and Bourousis tried their best but the reality is that 2 players cant win twelve and that was the real picture in the game. Panathinaikos was more of a team and it was more than obvious that the Greens were more mature and ready for such a game than their Red opponents.
In regards to the game now, the first quarter was more or less a monologue for Panathinaikos as only in the first five minutes Printezis was able to keep in score with Panathinaikos, the Reds remain without a point for more than 4 minutes while Panathinaikos builited a ten points difference with an offensive polyphony as Diamantidis, Spanoulis, Pekovic and Batiste added the points to score 21, (21-11 the first quarters score) while they kept Olympiakos in just 11 points. In the second half the difference went up to 15 before Teodosic and Papaloukas scored from the parameter to cut the deficit to 10 by the end of the first half with the score being 39-29 and with Childress and Greer remaining in the 3 points altogether. The third and more crucial half there was only one team in the court as Spanoulis, Diamantidis, Jasikevicius and Batiste over scored their opponents and increase their series to 27-30 points to close the third quarter with 65-41, it was more than obvious which team would have been the final winner. The fourth quarter was simply typical with the Greens reaching their cursed difference of 35 points, (they reached 32) to finish the game with 27 and 91-64 with the Greens simply waiting for their in-between third game in SEF, with a possible sweeping to be on the horizon as the morale of the Red players will be definitely very low after their appearance tonight. The score between the two teams is currently 5-1 as the Greens have already beat the Reds in Euroleagues Final Four and in the Greek Cups Final.
The top scorers were:
From Panathinaikos: Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) 18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block shot, Jasikevicius 13 points, 2 assists and 2 steals, Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) 8 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block shot (over Vujcic)
From Olympiakos: Bourousis scored 15 points and 9 rebounds while Teodocic added 14

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FRANCE

NM1: Lille and Bordeaux advance to Pro B - by Eurobasket News
French third division (NM1) finished yesterday. Lille is the champion with 28 wins in 34 games. Second place, which is also enough for Pro B 09/10, is reserved for Bordeaux. Actually the third ranked Fos Ouest has the same digits, but Bordeaux registered better score in two games.
In the last round of NM1 Lille cruised past Chalons 71-52. Bordeaux faced with huge road defeat against Get Vosges 65-92. That game was totally unimportant for Bordeaux, who booked a spot for Pro B after 33rd round. Jason Bach (198-F-87) was a key player for Get Vosges this week-end nailing 30 points. Laurent Correa (197-F-83, college: Western St.) was behind him with 16, while Matt Webster (203-F-84, college: Evansville) added 13 pts. Robert Strickland (200-F-82, college: Charleston Univ.) led the scorers in loss with 17 points. Joseph Owona (205-C-76) had 14 and Germain Siraudin (190-F-88) contributed with one point less.
So Lille and Bordeaux are the two top ranked teams, Fos Ouest is third and Challans finished the season on the 4th place. On the other side of the standings we have CFBB with poor 5-29 (bottom). Juvisy has two wins more, what is not enough for any better than 17th place.

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GERMANY

Marco Buljevic(EWE Baskets Oldenburg) Thoughts To Game Three Win And Game Four Against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners May 26th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
22 year old Croatian-German Marco Buljevic (197-G-87, agency: Court Side) is a 196 guard playing his first season with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. He started his Basketball career 2003-2004 in the German Oberliga SG Urspringschule. In the 2004-2005 season, he split his time between TSG Ehingen (2. Bundesliga): 7 games: 1.7ppg, 1.0rpg and SGUrspringschule/Schelklingen (Oberliga): 13 games: 19.2 ppg. In the 2005-2006 season, he played at Ehingen averaging in 28 games: 10.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 49.2%, 3FGP: 45.9%, FT: 72.3%. He was the best three point shooter in the second league. In the 2006-2007 season, he signed with the Giessen 46ers averaging in twenty games 4,4 ppg and also played at TV Lich averaging in 7 games: 7.3ppg, 1.9rpg, 2FGP: 50%, 3FGP: 25.9%, FT: 80.0%. Last season, he averaged in 21 games for the Giessen 46ers 2.4ppg. He was part of the German U-16-18 and -20 teams and played at the U-18 European Championships in Belgrade in 2005 averaging in seven games 5.0ppg, 1.0rpg.This season he is averaging only 3,3 minutes per game with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and can benefit from the top class teammates that he can practice against each day. He spoke to Eurobasket about the game three win and upcoming game four in Frankfurt May 26th.

Congrats on the win. It was a curious game. It is obvious that every Basketball game is different!

Definitely. Game three was totally different than game two. Game three was a total defensive battle.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners started game one bad and finished game three bad. The way Frankfurt lost game three was bitter. You were able to forget the game two loss. Will Frankfurt be able to forget the game three loss?

Frankfurt has to forget the loss Sunday. We were better in game three and deserved to win. Frankfurt has to think about why they lost game three.

What adjustments did you guys make in game three besides slowing down Pascal Roller and controlling the zone?

We rebounded very well especially on the offensive boards something we do very well.

Ruben Boumtje Boumtje is a strong player. You once said he likes to swear in Croatian. He always seems so cool after games, but is he able to get loud in the locker room?

Yes he can get loud. He is a veteran and has seen a lot in his career. He is able to open his mouth. I can only praise him for his work.

Do you still have hope of coming into a game this late in the season? The waiting surely doesnt get any easier as the season winds down.

I dont really think about it. I am one of 12 players and try to help the team win. I have to be ready to come in at anytime.

The Oldenburg defense was really strong in the second half. Were you able to notice that Frankfurt was uncomfortable on offense.

I think you could see that. We wanted to defend better in the second half. We defended better and it was clear to see that they were having problems against our defense, because they were making bad decisions.

As The Deutsche Bank Skyliners came back to 50-48, were you scared that they could take the lead?

Yes, in tight games there is always a lot of pressure to win. We showed with that last run that we wanted to win. The three pointer by Majstorovic sealed the win for us.

What did coach Predrag Krunic tell the team after the win?

He congratulated us. He said one more win and we are in the semis. But he told us not to be too happy since the series is not over yet?

History is on the side with Murat Didin and the Skyliners. Didin is 2-0 in five game quarterfinal series winning 3-2 in 2005 against The Artland Dragons and 3-2 against The Bayer Giants Leverkusen in 2008. Does a record like this stick in the back of your mind?

Our 2-1 lead is good, but anything can happen in the playoffs. We cant think about that history, but just go out and win game four. They have a lot of experience. We have to be calm and not react in ahectic way on the court.

What little things odes a team need to adjust to when the next game is in 48 hours?

We have to concentrate on our own game. Both teams know each other and what they will do on offense and defense. Now it is the job of the players to win the game.

What will be the key for victory?

We have to start well. We started bad in the first game here in December and lost the game in the first quarter. That cant happen again. We have to think about game two here where we started well.

Are you surprised that the Telekom Baskets Bonn beat ratiopharm Ulm 3-0?

I was a bit surprised. I thought that Ulm could make it a four or five game series. I give Bonn a lot of respect and they could play a major role in the semifinals.

Have you watched a new DVD since Goodfellas?

Yes, currently I am watching the second season of 24 with Kiefer Sutherland.

Ilian Evtimov(Deutsche Bank Skyliners) Thoughts To Game Three Loss and Game Four Against The EWE Baskets Baskets Oldenburg May 26th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.) is a 201cm forward that has the French/Bulgarian Nationality. He started his Basketball career at The University of North Carolina State where he averaged in 31 games: 10.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FG: 45.3%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 89.5% in his senior year. He started his career in Italy for VidiVici Bologna where he averaged in 15 games: 3.1ppg, 2.1rpg. He didnt get much playing time so he left and signed with the Deutsche Bank Skyliners in the summer of 2007. Last season he averaged in 13.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 86.2%. His stats have dipped a bit this season, due to a deeper roster than last season. This season he is averaging 8,5ppg, 2,5rpg and 1,5apg. Evti spoke to eurobasket about the game three loss to Oldenburg and the upcoming game four against The EWE Baskets Oldenburg May 26th.

It was very hot today. Is heat something that you like?

Well on hot days like this, I like to stay inside.

Have you already digested the 61-50 game three loss?

I dont know if I have digested it yet, but it was a very disappointing loss. I think that we learned our lesion. Now we have to be ready and win game four at home.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners played well for 36 minutes and stuck with Oldenburg, but the last four minutes was like day and night. How could you lose the game like that at the end?

They had a big three pointer by Majstorovic and Jason Gardner had a three pointer later to finish off the game. We fought so hard in the third and fourth quarter coming back, but just couldnt get even.

The first quarter was real low scoring at 9-7. Were both teams nervous?

I dont think we were nervous. The intensity was very high. A score like this happens sometimes when the defense is strong on both sides and teams are missing shots. I think this was the first time that we scored only 50 points. We have to score more than 50 points to win. Our defense was very good before the Oldenburg 11-2 run.

The Oldenburg defense got a lot stronger in the second half. Why couldnt you make some adjustments? Frankfurt had difficulty getting the shot clock down before getting a good shot.

We could of done a better job executing plays. We were not paying attention with little details on the screens or when we were getting the ball inside. We were not doing the absolute best job that we could with getting easy shots on offense.

Oldenburg did a good job defending the pick and roll and disturbing Pascal Roller. Couldnt Frankfurt make any adjustments here?

Oldenburg did a good job covering Pascal and me. We had no open looks. Pascal needs shots. He helps the team when he is making Five or six three pointers in a game.

Oldenburg got 43 rebounds. The presence of Lorenzo Gordon was hurting. Why could Frankfurt not do more damage inside.

In my opinion, it had to do a lot with lucky bounces and loose balls. It disturbed me how often they got loose balls or got the call when a ball went out of bounds. They also got a lot of easy layups because of the loose balls and lucky bounces. It hurts even more when it is low scoring, the game counts and you are not getting loose balls.

Oldenburg reached the free throw line 30 times. Why did they get so many?

Loose balls and rebounds led to fouls. They were more aggressive at home and they got a few more calls. We were a bit passive and have to be more aggressive in game four, They hurt us with offensive rebounds and we also have to get more to the foul line in game four.

What did The Deutsche bank Skyliners learn from this loss?

That all details count. We have to pay attention to al details. We have to work to get the open shots.

I was disappointed that you only played 12 minutes. Did coach Murat Didin give you a reason why you only played 12 minutes?

I got no explanation, but I am here to go out and do my job as a player. If coach wants me to play 12 minutes than I play 12 minutes. I have to be ready mentally from minute 1-40.

How was the last practice in the Ballsporthalle in preparation for game four?

We got together and watched video and looked at our mistakes. We are physically ready, but key will be to be mentally strong.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were down 2-1 against The Bayer Giants Leverkusen last season. How key is that experience for the players that are still here?

That experience will be very important. We know this series is not over yet and that anything can happen. We know from experience that if we win game four then anything is possible in game five. We will have the momentum for game five.

Who will win the NBA series Orlando-Cleveland and Los Angeles-Denver?

Well I think everybody wants to see Kobe vs Lebron. That could bring back memories to the 80s with Larry Bird/Magic Johnson. That would be great for the entertainment, but I think Denver might pull an upset.

What current movie to you recommend?

Angels & Demons.

Steven Esterkamp(Paderborn Baskets) Thoughts To Game Three Loss and Game Four Against 8 Time BBL Champion Alba Berlin May 26th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Steven Esterkamp (198-F-81, agency: LimeLight, college: Ohio) is a 198cm forward playing his fifth season for the Paderborn Baskets. He played at Ohio University from 1999-2003 averaging 11,7ppg and 2,8rpg in four years. He then crossed the Atlantic Ocean to start his Basketball career in Austria. He played at Steiner Swans Gmunden (AUT-A Bundesliga): 6 games: 14.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.7apg, 2.7spg and in December went to Germany and played at SG FT/MTV Braunschweig (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 19 games: 23.9ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.6apg. In 2005-2006, he, Timothy Black (178-G-81, agency: LimeLight, college: Barton (NC)) and Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: LimeLight) helped Paderborn advance to the BBL. Last season he averaged in 31 games: 12.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.3apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 86.1% for Paderborn. This season he averaged in the regular season 13,1ppg, 3,7rpg and 2,1apg. He spoke to Eurobasket about the game three loss in Berlin and the upcoming game four in Paderborn.

You are playing your first BBL playoffs. What kind of feeling is it playing your first playoffs against 8 time BBL champion Alba Berlin?

It is a great feeling. We are in the playoffs, something we work the whole season for. We know that playing Berlin is difficult, but we have nothing to lose and can just go out and play.

You guys are back 2-1 in games and have the backs to the wall. Have you ever experienced a situation like this in your career?

Not like this. It is important that we come back and win. We know that it is win or go home now.

You have lost three times in Berlin this season. Why is it so difficult to win in the O-2 arena. The arena is big, but not as loud as smaller gyms like Ulm, Paderborn or Giessen.etc

You can always say that the arena brings the sixth man, but Alba Berlin is a great team and difficult to beat. They punish you when you make a mistake. A reason, why teams may have problems can also be because of the size and perhaps guys get more nervous?

You won the second game at home. What kind of feeling was it controlling the game and beating players with more than 400 NBA games experience?

It was a great feeling winning such an emotional game at home against Alba Berlin. It is never easy as the underdog, but a team should have self confidence and if not then they shouldnt be playing at all.

Does a bigger heart sometimes beat a team with more talent?

Yes I believe so. That is how I play and how I was raised to play. I think teams with the bigger heart and will to win can in most cases beat the team with more talent. Of course it gets a lot harder to overcome talent in a five game series.

What is the biggest strength of The Paderborn Baskets in the 2008-2009 season?

It is simply the way that we play. We play with a lot of energy and play transition game. On defense, we help each other out.

You guys lost game three 77-67. You led, were down by 20 points acme back and cut the lead to eight games. What were the main reasons that you lost that game?

We lost our aggressiveness that we had in the first two games. We were unable to produce open shots and when we had open shots, we didnt make them. We were not aggressive on defense and allowed easy lay ups.

How is the latest status of Marius Nolte? Can he play game four?

I dont know if he can play. He has problems raising his shoulder and cant get motion. But he is a tough guy and hope he can play.

Two years ago, Matt Terwilliger (206-F/C-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Ohio St.) was playing against Portland Trailblazer Greg Oden in practice at Ohio and this season he has had a reduced role as backup center with Paderborn. He played much in game two and three scoring 13 points and getting seven rebounds. How has his development grown this season? He has shown that he can play in the BBL.

Yes he has. He is a big man that can shoot the three pointer. That is a quality that a big man needs in Europe. Now he just has to learn the European style and know what he can do and what he cant do.

How much is a Timothy Black missing now?

That is a tough question, because we have great guards with Steven Wright (191-G-83, agency: Warren Sports International, college: N.Kentucky) and Lavelle Felton (193-G-79, agency: Court Side, college: Louisiana Tech). They have done a great job. Felton has helped in scoring. Tim can score in periods when a team is having problems scoring or not getting shots. I have missed him the whole season not only on the court but as a friend.

You have always been a go to guy especially since the departure of Timothy Black. In the first three games against Alba Berlin, you have only 26 points. I think your club has done a great job forming many guys that can score and contribute. It must be great not having to score 20-25 points each night?

It is a great feeling when I dont have to score so much. This season with the success of the team, many guys have developed into scorers. I have not gotten so many shots in the last games. Guys like Nathan Peavy (203-F-85, agency: LimeLight, college: Miami, OH), Lavelle felton, Matt Terwilliger and Chris Ensminger (209-C-73, agency: LimeLight, college: Valparaiso) have all stepped up. We have a lot of fire power and the opponents defense cant focus only on one player.

What will be the key for Paderborn to win game four?

Having intensity will be key to winning. We have to play hard and run. We have to keep Alba Berlin on their heels and get stops on defense.

The Deutsche Bnak Skyliners are down 2-1 against The EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Will they win the series?

I think Frankfurt could win. They have to start by winning at home. Then anything is possible in a fifth game. Then there is more pressure on the home team to win.

How is ex Skyliner Nino Garris doing?

He is doing well and enjoying his time in Paderborn. He scored eight points in game three knocked down some three pointers and his defense is strong.

What was the last DVD that you saw?

Mallcop with Kevin James from King of Queens.

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GHANA

Standings

GBA Standings

GAABL
1. Hoops	3-0
2. CEPS Braves	2-0
3. Reformers	2-0
4. Panthers	1-0
5. Holy Family	1-1
6. Yotive	1-1
7. Fire Service	1-2
8. Tema Youth	1-2
9. D.C.D.	0-2
10. Wizards	0-2
11. C.Y.O	0-2
WBA
1. Takoradi	4-0
2. Eff-Ess	3-1
3. Bikat	2-3
4. Frank Motors	1-2
5. Grippers	0-4

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GREECE

Panathinaikos unstoppable is claiming his tenth title in the last eleven years - by Chris Mammides
Panathinaikos thrashed Olympiakos with 27 points (91-64) difference proving once more that is the best team in Greece and in Europe for the season 2008-2009. Panathinaikos needs just one victory to add its second triple crown in the last seven years. Panathinaikos tonight was simply astonishing; coach Obradovics Greens played probably their best game in the season with five players scoring double digits and with 11 out of 12 players scoring (only Kecman remain pointless) Panathinaikos dominated totally over the team of Olympiakos, while Panagiotis Yannakis couldnt help at all his team while Obradovic drove his team to this victory using all his players. Teodosic and Bourousis tried their best but the reality is that 2 players cant win twelve and that was the real picture in the game. Panathinaikos was more of a team and it was more than obvious that the Greens were more mature and ready for such a game than their Red opponents.
In regards to the game now, the first quarter was more or less a monologue for Panathinaikos as only in the first five minutes Printezis was able to keep in score with Panathinaikos, the Reds remain without a point for more than 4 minutes while Panathinaikos builited a ten points difference with an offensive polyphony as Diamantidis, Spanoulis, Pekovic and Batiste added the points to score 21, (21-11 the first quarters score) while they kept Olympiakos in just 11 points. In the second half the difference went up to 15 before Teodosic and Papaloukas scored from the parameter to cut the deficit to 10 by the end of the first half with the score being 39-29 and with Childress and Greer remaining in the 3 points altogether. The third and more crucial half there was only one team in the court as Spanoulis, Diamantidis, Jasikevicius and Batiste over scored their opponents and increase their series to 27-30 points to close the third quarter with 65-41, it was more than obvious which team would have been the final winner. The fourth quarter was simply typical with the Greens reaching their cursed difference of 35 points, (they reached 32) to finish the game with 27 and 91-64 with the Greens simply waiting for their in-between third game in SEF, with a possible sweeping to be on the horizon as the morale of the Red players will be definitely very low after their appearance tonight. The score between the two teams is currently 5-1 as the Greens have already beat the Reds in Euroleagues Final Four and in the Greek Cups Final.
The top scorers were:
From Panathinaikos: Mike Batiste 18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block shot, Jasikevicius 13 points, 2 assists and 2 steals, Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) 8 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block shot (over Vujcic)
From Olympiakos: Bourousis scored 15 points and 9 rebounds while Teodocic added 14

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HOLLAND

Bryan Defares Returned To Holland, Signs Two-Year Deal With West Brabant Giants - by Fred Roggen
Bryan Defares (192-G-81, agency: Court Side, college: Boise St.), point guard of Dutch National team, has signed a contract for two seasons with West Brabant Giants. Defares began his basketball career in Amsterdam, went then to the United States, where he played three years for Boise State University. Then he came back to Europe, where he played the recent years in Greece, Spain, England and Norway. Last Season he played for Ammerud (Norway) but left the team after nine games because of some financial problems. He averaged last season for Ammerud Basket (Norway-BLNO): 9 games: 16.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 5.7apg and 3.0spg.

Orien Green Dismissed By EclipseJet MG Amsterdam - by Fred Roggen
EclipseJet MG Amsterdam has dissolved the agreement with Orien Greene (193-G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: La-Lafayette). The 27-year-old American was officially suspended by the Dutch Basketball Federation last Saturday, because he a was caught during a doping control on the use of cannabis. Green was immediately dismissed by EclipseJet MG Amsterdam. 'Orien is a nice guy who has made a stupid mistake,' said
Amsterdam coach Arik Shivek afterwards. Orien Green played 42 games for EclipseJet MG Amsterdam this season and averaged 10.6ppg, 3.7rpg and 2.7apg.

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IBL

Graham named MVP of NetScouts Basketball Eugene International Tryout - by Carl Berman
Ira Graham (6'2''-G, agency: Duran International, college: W.Washington) currently playing for the Bellingham Slam of the IBL, has been named the Most Outstanding Player at the NetScouts Basketball International Tryout Camp held this weekend in Eugene, OR. Graham showed excellent scoring ability from everywhere on the court. He averaged 31 ppg and shot 6-12 from 3-point range in the two games. Graham is athletic, can attack the basket and has the skills to play point in addition to the two. He has the ability and attitude to play at a high level overseas.
Graham is joined on the All-Tournament Team by Ryan Schmidt, Chris Faidley, Calin Schell and Josh Jarrett. Schmidt a versatile 6-7 forward can score inside and out and is very athletic. Schmidt scored in double figures at Western Oregon after transferring from the University of Hawaii. He was one of the last cuts by the Idaho Stampede of the D-League. Schmidt averaged 19 points and 6 rebounds. Faidley, a strong 6-2 shooting guard averaged over 20 ppg at Whitman College. He showed excellent three point range in shooting 9-15 from downtown. Chris averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Shell, another Western Washington grad playing for the Bellingham Slam, showed a nice inside game with nice pick and pop ability. He averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds. Jarrett, a smart 6-6 from NW Christian, averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds. Jarret showed a nice mid range game and understands how to use his body in the post. All the All-Tournament selections have the ability to play well overseas.
Leo Thornton, a smart point guard from NW Christian, showed poise and understanding of the game in running his team and earned Honorable Mention. Thornton had over a 2:1 assist:turnover ratio and ran the offense well. He focused on directing his team rather than scoring which is commendable at a tryout camp. He is the type of player who would make a team better regardless of how much he plays.
NetScouts Basketball will continue their International Basketball tryouts in San Jose, CA on May 31st. If you are interested in participating, please write to info@netscoutsbasketball.com or go to www.netscoutsbasketball.com and complete the Create a Profile form. Information concerning the tryouts can be found in the Resources section of the website.

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ITALY

SerieA Round: 4 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Angelico BI - Lottomatica 85-67
Angelico Biella forced the decider in the series versus Lottomatica. Pietro Aradori (192-G-88) and Valerio Spinelli notched 13 points each to pace Angelico Biella to a comfortable home win in Game 4. James Gist added 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Sani Becirovic responded with 19 points in defeat.

Armani MI - Banca Tercas 70-69
David Hawkins (193-G-82, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) notched 22 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists to propel Armani Jeans past Banca Tercas into the semifinal stage. Denis Marconato added 10 points and 8 boards for the winning side. Guiseppe Poeta answered with 19 points as Banca Tercas completed their season.

La Fortezza - Benetton 99-78
La Fortezza tied the series over Benetton at 2-2 after 99:78 win in Game 4. Six players scored in double figures for the home side as Sharrod Ford (206-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Clemson) led all of them with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Langford Keith nailed 17, while Blizzard Brett added 15. Wood DaShaun ended up with 16 points for the team from Treviso, whilst Nicevic Sandro and Rancik Radoslav scored 15 each.

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JAPAN

Takuya Kawamura searching the path to NBA - by Kenji Will
It has been reported in the media that Takuya Kawamura (191-G-86) who led the JBL in scoring has resigned with the Link Tochigi Brex but has made a option in the contract to be able to travel to the U.S. in the offseason to tryout for the NBA.
According to his official blog that he is currently located in Los Angeles, California, training along with other American players who are seeking their way to the big league.
Takuya Kawamura has made a decision to not join the national team training camp that is getting prepared for the qualifying tournament to the all Asia tournament. This decision of him might cause some trouble for national team in the east Asia tournament since he has been the nations no.1 option in offence for the past two years.

If Takuya Kawamura happens to sign or even make it to a training camp for a NBA team, he will be the second Japanese native to accomplish that after Yuta Tabuse who played for the Phoenix Suns in the past and now is Takuya Kawamuras teammate at the Link Tochigi Brex.

Joji Takeuchi to leave Hitachi? - by Kenny
2nd-year Hitachi F Joji Takeuchi (205-C-85) is making waves in the JBL this off-season by testing the free-agent waters. After reportedly requesting to be placed on waivers by his current team, the Hitachi SunRockers, Takeuchi is rumored to be negotiating with several teams in the JBL. Takeuchi, who is considered by many players and coaches in the league to be one of the top 3 players in the league, recently led the SunRockers to the JBL Finals where they lost to his twin brother Kosuke Takeuchi and the Aisin Sea Horses. There are also rumors that Joji wants to eventually play in Europe or the U.S. Will he return to Hitachi next season? Or will he be snatched away by another team? For now, let the speculation begin.

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LATVIA

LBL Round: 6 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Barons/LMT - Ventspils 87-77
Barons/LMT tied the SuperFinal series over Ventspils at 3-3 after 87:77 in Game 6. Trailing 2-3 in the sereis and in the majority of the game, the hosts exploded with 29-14 in the last period to ask for the decisive Game 7. Armands Skele (192-G-83, agency: Agency No 10) erupted with 32 points, while Berzins Kaspars collected 17 points and 11 rebounds. King Bernard responded with 22 points in the losing case.

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LIBYA

Libya ready to host Afrobasket 2009 - by Eurobasket News
Libya is ready and well prepared to host the Men's Africa Championship for FIBA, Afrobasket Libya 2009 scheduled for August 5-15 in the Jamahiriya push Libya into the sports events scene as an organiser.

Mr. Omar Elbarshushi, president of the Libyan Basketball Federation, and the organising committee told a press conference at the Shahat Hall at the Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel in Tripoli, that all the sports arenas in Tripoli and Benghazi that are to be used during the august event have been refurbished to the fullest standard. He said that no stone is being left unturned to assure the success of the tournament.

The staging of the tournament comes at a crucial time, in the year that Libya is marking an important milestone in the countrys history, the 40th anniversary of the great El Fatah First of September Revolution.

The international basketball event will spearhead the occasion of the Anniversary, with the Libyan Leader, Muammar Al-Qathafi, who is also president of the African Union, wishing for the competition to serve as a gathering of the youth of Africa, and for it to be the biggest youth event year on the continent.

As such, upon the advice of the Local Organising Committee, LOC, a new date was set for the launch last Tuesday to accommodate all requests made by the many personalities who wished to be present.

Later in the evening, the official logo of the Tournament was unveiled during a gala dinner during which renowned North African musician Cheb Khaled (Algeria), the popular francophone West African youth group Magic System and popular Libyan artists provided the entertainment.

The Libyan Basketball Federation is aware of the tough task ahead as it also tries to be successful on the court and in order to reach this goal a new, experienced American coach has been appointed. Kevin Nick Ben, mostly know as coach to American University teams, said he was thankful of the opportunity accorded him by the LBA to create a winner.

The American has prepared a programme for his players to follow in order to make a success of the occasion. He is running daily training sessions and will take the national squad to training camp in Turkey.

Libya will be hard pressed to succeed as Afrobasket Libya 2009 promises to be very keenly contested between 24 of the best basketball countries in Africa. They include defending champions Angola, and Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Cape Verde and Rwanda, who have already qualified from the ongoing heated zonal qualifiers tournaments. Eight other countries are expected to qualify until June.

During the conference, held in the presence of the General Secretary of FIBA Africa, Dr. Alphonse Bile, and Mr. Rene Williams Koue Bi, CEO of AFRISAT International, the Media and Marketing Partner, the LOC introduced the official song of the tournament sung by Alrouqi and Emad Elshitiwi.

Courtesy of Tripolipost.com

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LITHUANIA

Akademija - EYBL champions - by Lukas Zajancauskas
Lithuanian team KK Akademija Vilnius won the European Youth Basketball League.
They overcame Ukrainian team 'Khimik-89' in the final 101:75 (33:11, 29:27, 27:19, 12:18).
Most valuble players in Lithuanian team were Marciulionis academy pupils Gediminas Bertasius (196-F-90) and Augustas Peciukevicius (190-G-91) - 25 and 24 points. Also, Peciukevicius became the MVP of the whol tournament.

Third place gone to ASK Riga, who won the match in the last seconds versus Chimki Moscow - 81:79 (27:29, 22:25, 14:16, 18:9).

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LUXEMBOURG

Three wins in a row for Luxembourg - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg posted the third straight win as they continued their preparation for the upcoming Games of the Small States of Europe. Luxembourg faced Albania in Mersch and secured an 84:73 win. Nelson Delgado (185-G-80) came up with 30 points to lead the hosts. Samy Picard (195-F-88) and Tom Schumacher (188-G/F-87) added 14 points each in the winning effort.
Luxembourg will tip off their campaign at the Games of the Small States of Europe on June 2. Luxembourg will face hosting Cyprus in the opener.

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MONTENEGRO

Standings - 1A

1A Standings

Superleague
1. Buducnost	10-0
2. Ulcijn	6-4
3. Primorje-M.	5-5
4. Danilovgrad	5-5
5. ABS Primorje	3-7
6. Mornar Bar	1-9
Play-Out
1. Lovcen	10-0
2. Mogren	7-3
3. Jedinstvo	7-3
4. Gorstak	4-6
5. Rudar	2-8
6. Niksic	0-10

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MOROCCO

Zone I qualifiers ahead in Rabat - by Kristian Santiago
Two of the three teams competing in the qualifiers will be present in Libya in August:

Sunday, 24th of May (18h) : Morocco - Algeria
Monday, 25th of May (19h) : Algeria - Tunisia
Tuesday, 26th of May (19h) : Tunisia - Morocco
Wednesday, 27th of May (16h) : Algeria - Morocco
Thursday, 28th of May (19h) : Tunisia - Algeria
Friday, 29th of May (20h) : Morocco - Tunisia

Tunisia's National Team looks as follows:

Hamdi Braa (208-C-86) Makren Ben Romdhane (198-F-89), Omar Mouhli (190-G-86), Salah Mejri (214-C-86) all from Etoile du Sahel
Atef Maoua (198-F-81) from J.S.Kairouan
Mohamed Hdidane (205-F-86) , Nizar Knioua (189-G-83), Bechir Mohamed Hdidane all from Stade Nabeulien
Marouane Lahmar (179-G-82) from Club Africain Tunis
Mokhtar Ghayaza (204-C-86) from Ezzahra Sport Rades
W Mannai Walid from C.S.Cheminots Megrine
Marouana Kechrid (180-G-81) from Ittihad de Tanger
Naim Dhifallah (196-F/G-82) and Amine Rezig (198-G/F-80) from Egypt.

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NBA

New Orleans Hornets say they are prepared to pay the luxury tax 'if we need to' - by Eurobasket News
With his team's player payroll projected at $76 million next season, Hornets owner George Shinn might have to pay a luxury tax bill of more than $5 million.

But even if the Hornets cannot reduce their payroll this summer, Shinn would not have to pay the NBA until after next season. That's because the NBA calculates the luxury tax on the team's payroll for the final day of the regular season, and not after July 1 when the new threshold figure is set. So the Hornets could continue to make roster changes to reduce their payroll until the mid-February trading deadline.

'It's not like, 'Wow, we have 30 days to figure it out -- let's have a fire sale,'' Hornets President Hugh Weber said. 'You have to get through the end of next season before the tax becomes an issue. So it's not where you are today, it's where you are a year from today.'

Teams with a payroll exceeding $71.15 million this season will have to pay the league a dollar for every dollar they are above the luxury tax. Next season, the threshold is expected to drop to about $69 million because of lower revenue league-wide, attributed to the recession.

Weber said the Hornets are exploring a number of options, including paying the tax if need be.

'We've started the budgeting process and looked at scenarios from best- to worst-case,' Weber said. 'I think the real question is if we have to go over the luxury tax to be competitive, the answer is 'Yes.' The same question is, if we don't have to, we won't.'

The Hornets could pursue a similar course that Denver did last summer to restore its financial flexibility. The Nuggets traded starting center Marcus Camby, who was owed more than $15.6 million over the next two seasons, to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Denver's choice to swap second-round draft picks in 2010.

The Nuggets still had to pay a $13,572,079 luxury tax bill, since the deal did not take place until July, but they were under the luxury tax threshold for the 2008-09 season.

The Hornets, with a salary cap figure expected to be between $57 million and $58 million in July, would be able to pull off a similar deal. They could send a player such as Antonio Daniels (owed $6.6 million next season), Morris Peterson (owed $12.9 million over the next two seasons), or Tyson Chandler (owed $11.9 million next year and a player option for $12.8 million the following season) to a team in exchange for a future draft pick.

Teams projected to be below the cap this summer include Detroit, Portland, Sacramento, Toronto, Oklahoma City, Atlanta, Minnesota, New Jersey and Memphis. All of those teams have projected payrolls of less than $52 million.

Detroit has the lowest projected for next season at $33 million, but it has been speculated the Pistons are aiming to stay below the salary cap to make a push next summer for either Cleveland's LeBron James, Toronto's Chris Bosh or Miami's Dwyane Wade, all who will become free agents.

Usually, teams have to come within 75 percent of the salaries of the players traded for league approval.

Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower declined last week to speculate what specific direction New Orleans might pursue.

'We continue to evaluate our team and every other team,' Bower said. 'We're planning ways to improve, and we have started our draft preparations.'

At this point, it does not benefit the Hornets to make a trade that involves expiring contracts, like they tried to do in February. Oklahoma City rescinded a deal involving Chandler, in exchange for Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox, because Chandler failed his Oklahoma City physical. With a similar trade now, those contracts would count on the Hornets' payroll at the end of the 2009-10 regular season.

It is unlikely the Hornets can find a team willing to trade for starting small forward Predrag Stojakovic (6'10''-F-77), who has back problems and is guaranteed $29.5 million over the next two seasons. But they could negotiate a buyout.

If an agreement could be reached, only Stojakovic's buyout would count against the cap the next two seasons, not his salary.

Without a buyout, Stojakovic is owed $14.2 million next season and $15.3 million in 2010-11. In the final year of Stojakovic's deal, he has an early termination option clause in which he could exercise to become a free agent. If he does not, he would still be on the books to collect $15.3 million. Early termination options are available on contracts that are at least five years in length, and a player cannot exercise the clause until after the fourth year of the contract.

Stojakovic, who missed 20 games this season because of back spasms, will have the highest salary on the Hornets' payroll next season.

Another possibility is that Stojakovic could be forced to retire because of back problems. He had season-ending surgery to remove a disk fragment in 2006. If he retired and a league-appointed physician confirmed he was unfit to play, the Hornets would still have to absorb Stojakovic's salary for the 2009-10 season. But the Hornets could apply for salary cap relief and Stojakovic's salary would taken off the books the next season.

If Stojakovic was to prove the doctors wrong and resume his career, his salary would return on the Hornets' books if he plays in 10 games, including those played in the preseason.

That was the case with Portland and forward Darius Miles this season. Miles played six preaseason games and two regular season games with Boston before being signed by Memphis in December, where he spent the rest of the season. Because he played in 10 games, Miles' $18.8 million owed to him by the Trail Blazers through 2009-10 was put back on the books.

Even with Stojakovic's $13 million salary this season, the Hornets had the seventh-lowest payroll in the league at $67.8 million. But Chris Paul (6'0''-G-85, college: Wake Forest) new contract kicks in next season. He is slated to make $13.7 million in the first season of a four-year deal worth $68 million.

'We believe in the plan that we have,' Weber said. 'We look at these things three, five to 10 years out. And the whole notion that we're trying to react to something that just happened is just not the case.

'One of the ways we measure ourselves is in terms of cost per win. Last year we were third in the league in cost per win, and this year we were sixth. Obviously, our plan and structure work.

'These plans and budgets are multi-year, and we knew this day was coming.'

Courtesy of www.nola.com

Camby hopes to stay with Clippers - by Eurobasket News
With the ship finally turning in the right direction with Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89) soon to be aboard, Marcus Camby (6'11''-F/C-74, college: Massachusetts) hopes to stay a Clipper.

The Clippers, riddled with bad news, finally got some great news last Tuesday as they landed the top pick in this year's draft through the lottery. Even they can't mess this up.

Griffin, the Oklahoma power forward, is a can't-miss prospect, and his arrival will likely lead to the departure of one of the Clippers' big men: Camby, the ex-University of Massachusetts star, Chris Kaman, or Zach Randolph.

'Griffin is a tremendous young talent who has a bright future in this league,' said Camby. 'As far as the depth we have at the big man position, it remains to be seen how or if we can all coexist.'

Entering this season, the Clippers were expected to be a playoff-caliber team.

They had signed Baron Davis to a five-year, $65 million deal in the offseason. They had basically acquired Camby for nothing from Denver. They had talented young frontcourt players in Kaman and Al Thornton. They also drafted heralded guard Eric Gordon.

But in an injury-riddled campaign, the Clippers won just 19 games. They fired longtime general manager Elgin Baylor, who is suing the team. Coach Mike Dunleavy and Davis had issues all season long. Davis was on the trading block already and was nearly dealt to Houston.

'Last season was terrible and frustrating because I know we have the talent,' said Camby. 'We just weren't healthy.'

The Clippers entered the draft lottery with the third-best odds for the top pick. Dunleavy was in Spain scouting Spanish sensation point guard Ricky Rubio. But once the ping-pong balls bounced in the Clippers' favor, Dunleavy told the Los Angeles Times that they would be drafting Griffin and that Rubio was an afterthought.

Griffin was the Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year after averaging 22.7 points and 14.4 rebounds as a sophomore. The 6-foot-10-inch, 245-pounder will sell tickets and jerseys, while bringing a much-needed star presence to the Clippers.

'He's athletic, he's strong, he's a terrific person,' said Clippers president Andy Roeser. 'I think any franchise would be happy to have Blake Griffin.'

But now it makes no sense for the Clippers to have Camby, Kaman, and Randolph, as well as Griffin. Don't be surprised if Camby is the odd man out.

The 7-foot, 255-pound Kaman, 27, has a reasonable $33.9 million remaining on his contract over three years.

Randolph, 27, is a talented post player, but his off-court issues and his contract (two years and $33.3 million) would likely keep other teams at bay.

As for Camby, he has a contract paying $12.1 million next season and $13 million the following season. He is 35 and averaged 10.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks this season. San Antonio, Dallas, Miami, and Atlanta surely have to be interested.

But Camby would be a great mentor for Griffin and he hopes to be part of the beginning of the Griffin Era.

'I like what we are building in LA with the addition of Blake,' he said. 'And with the depth and experience we have, we should be able to make a playoff push.'

Courtesy of www.boston.com

NBA Round: 3 (Conference Finals) - by Eurobasket News

Eastern Conference

Cavaliers - Magic 89-99
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) had no shot. Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) scored 24 points -- 14 on free throws -- and Rafer Alston added 18 as the Orlando Magic, sick of seeing replays of James' dramatic Game 2 buzzer-beater, downed the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-89 on Sunday night to take a 2-1 lead in an Eastern Conference finals getting nastier by the minute. James scored 41 on just 11-of-26 shooting and missed five free throws in the fourth quarter. But once again, Cleveland's superstar didn't get enough help from his teammates. Maurice Williams (6'1''-G-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Alabama), who needed four stitches to close two gashes around his left eye after being elbowed in the first half, Delonte West (6'4''-G-83, college: St.Joseph's) and Zydrunas Ilgauskas (7'2''-C-75, agency: Interperformances) shot a combined 13-of-37. Game 4 is Tuesday night.

Western Conference

Lakers - Nuggets 103-97
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78)'s big shot over J.R. Smith (6'6''-G-85) gave Los Angeles a one-point lead with just over a minute left Saturday night and sparked the Lakers to a 103-97 victory over the downtrodden Denver Nuggets for a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference finals. Kobe Bryant, who scored 41 points, went 5-of-6 on free throws to ice it after his 3-pointer gave Los Angeles a 96-95 lead. Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) scored 21 points but just three after halftime for Denver, which lost at home for the first time since March 9. He was 4-for-13 in his worst performance of the postseason.

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NCAA1

Alex Kellogg transfers to Ohio, Tavernari coming back to BYU - by Eurobasket News
Alex Kellogg (6'7''-F) has transferred from Providence to Ohio University and will be eligible to play for the Bobcats at the start of the 2010-11 season. Ohio University officials announced on Friday that Kellogg, the son of former NBA player and current TV analyst Clark Kellogg, had enrolled at the school. Alex Kellogg, a 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward, played in 33 games over the last two years at Providence, starting one game. The Columbus native was an all-state performer as a senior in high school.

BYU forward Jonathan Tavernari (6'6''-G/F-87) has withdrawn his name from consideration for the NBA draft. Tavernari did not hire an agent after declaring for the draft on April 22, so he can still return to BYU for his senior season. Tavernari said in a release Wednesday that he talked with his family and coaches and decided to complete school and play another year of college before going pro. He averaged 15.7 points last season and led the Cougars, who lost to Texas A&M in the first round of the NCAA tournament, with 85 3-pointers. Tavernari had until June 15 to withdraw his name. The draft is June 25.

Courtesy of Yahoo (www.yahoo.com)

Illinois' Weber gets 50 percent raise, extension - by Eurobasket News
University of Illinois basketball coach Bruce Weber is getting a big raise after his team's surprising turnaround last season.

University trustees voted Thursday to raise Weber's pay by 50 percent and extend his contract by three years, through April 2015.

Weber's pay will increase immediately from $1 million to $1.25 million a year. Starting in January, Weber will be paid $1.5 million a year.

The Illini were 24-10 and finished second in the Big Ten before losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. They weren't expected to do that well a year after finishing 16-19.

Weber has coached at Illinois for six seasons. His teams have been to the tournament five times.

Courtesy of www.chicagotribune.com

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NCAA2

Interview With Head Coach: Joan Sanchez - by Ozell Wells
Eurobasket had the pleasure of sitting down for a brief chat with newly appointed head men's basketball coach Joan Sanchez at Concordia (NY). Joan answered some questions about his journey through the ranks of the NCAA, his views on being a Latino head coach in the USA, and the future of basketball in his native Venezuela.

EU: Hello Coach, how does it feel to have reached one of your long term goals? Briefly tell us about your experiences. You started as a prep basketball and baseball star in New York?

JS: First and foremost I want to extend my gratitude and sincere thanks to Eurobasket and the many people that have supported me as we reach this point in my journey, to many to mentioned, but all worthy of my loyalty and respect.

As you can imagine this is a Blessed and Exciting time for me and my family.

As a young kid from the Barrios of Barrio Sucre in San Cristobal, Venezuela to become a head coach at Concordia College-NY one of the top college institutions in the United States with it's rich tradition in the class-room and on the court, furthermore right at the heart of the MECCA of Basketball, I must confess that I am overwhelmed with pride and humility.

Please allow me to take time and thank Concordia College Athletic Director Ivan Marquez and his staff for the faith they put in me to lead the men's basketball program. Its definitely a great challenge and great opportunity and I look forward to building a Championship Together.

Since early on my teenage years and watching the original Dream Team and It's Coach, the late Chuck Daly play the 'Hero's of Portland' led by Victor David Diaz and Sam Shepherd in Portland back in 1992, I knew what I wanted to be in my life.

As with every journey the road begins with a single step and for me it all began with the positive examples of my parents and my brother which without the mercy of God and the help of them, I would never be where I am today.

My athletic experience began at Newtown High School in Queens, NY under Coach Warren Albert where I was a two sports letter winner. Far from being a star, I was a hard-nose, leave-it-all on the line energetic kind-off player who was more known for my passion and knowledge of the game then anything else.

I greatly benefited from Newtown's rich-tradition in sports that produced some of the finest talents in New York, including MLB NY Mets General Manager Omar Minaya and NBA Stars Charlie Villanueva and Smush Parker to name just a few whose being a by a product of Newtown.

After High School, I bypassed several college opportunities to play basketball and opted to follow a baseball career. After a short sting I soon realize that my passion was elsewhere and so I entered Moody Bible Christian Seminary and concentrated on becoming a coach.

Little did I know that the basketball coaching community is a close-knit one and so I needed to prove myself, working basketball camps of every sort in order to prove that a Venezuelan, Latino can actually have an impact in the greatest basketball community in the world.

After all the camps and all the trails and errors, to seat here a member of the NCAA basketball head coaching community and at it's highest level of NCAA Division II, I must confess is truly a Dream come true.

EU: You began your coaching career at Bryant HS and then moved on to garner your first collegiate job at Lehman College? Tell us about that?

JS: Bryant High School was our rivals while at Newtown and they where looking for an assistant coach. Faith would have it that I was training a point guard, John Paul Ballesteros a Colombian-American who had recently graduated from Bryant and before he left to play college basketball he introduced me to the head coach, John Dimas.
Coach Dimas hired me and gave me my first step into the coaching circle, and the rest is history has they said.

While at Bryant High School, I was able to lock an assistant coaching position with the late legendary AAU Coach Paul 'Doc' Nicelli whose Student-Athlete Broncos program had produce over 200 NCAA Division I players and over 10 NBA Stars. While coaching the Broncos I was able to coach several top-flight student-athletes such as Carl Krauser, Jeff McMillen and others who went on to play at the highest levels of basketball. This experience gave me national exposure, which led me, in 2000 to accept my first NCAA coaching Position at Lehman College, under the leadership of Coach Steven Schulman.

Being Coach Schulman first assistant was instrumental to my growth as a college basketball coach. Under his guidance I learned the other side of coaching that include the administrated part such as compliance and NCAA Rules and Regulations. Something that today is one of my strong points in coaching.

While at Lehman College I was able to recruit the Conference Rookie of the Year, Luis Chavez and an impressive line up of recruits followed as we where able to signed Miguel Jorge and Edgar Lugo who today plays professional basketball in Venezuelan Professional League.

Our success in recruiting opened the door for not only Latino Players, but also to coaches, as in 2002 I was able to secure a coaching position at Lehman College for fellow countries man Wolfgang Lucena. Coach Lucena was instrumental to helping several of our athletes gain overseas contracts thus expanding our program to greater heights.

From Lehman I moved on to take an administrative position at Hostos Community College where I served as special assistant to the Athletic Director and Associate Head Men's Basketball coach.

Under the leadership of Coach Robert Holford and Vice President Ben Corpus, I was able to recruit several top-flight athletes while helping Hostos basketball program gather national accolades.

EU: Please tell us how you made de jump from Assistant Coach to being named Head Coach at Concordia College?

JS: In all reality it was a 10-year process in which I had to pay my dues. I've being fortunate enough to be part of the top basketball camp in the world, The Hoop Group where I have sharpen my coaching philosophy, and work my way up as an assistant coach and then later has an Associate Head Coach at Lehman College on my second sting on the Bronx, Campus.

Lastly, the Blessing of God who put me in the right situation at Concordia College.

EU: We understand that you studied divinity at Moody Bible College? How does a large Christianity-based area of study affect your coaching?

JS: It shaped my coaching philosophy. It's giving me understanding to be more concern with the person as much as the player on the team. This has enabled me to get maximum effort from each team member. It's giving me the tools to solve daily problems and issues that go along with dealing with college age kids and adults.

It showed me the road map how to deal with success and failure, and also thought me that patience is a virtue and in this business is a key to any success effort.

EU: Who are some of the players that you have been able to assist by adopting this type of coaching philosophy?

JS: It's hard to say whose benefited from my coaching style, since in a decade of coaching I've being able to coach a large number of student-athletes. However, I do believe that in a place like the fast pace that New York City is where people and especially young people get lost in this high popularize city, many under recruited and over shadowed athletes have benefited from my second opportunity personality.

EU: Briefly tell us your thoughts particularly with you being a Latin American Head Basketball Coach in a HUGE Latin American populated city such as New York. Does this change the nature of recruiting on the part of Concordia College? Does it provide unique opportunities for you? The Latin community? If so, how?

JS: A great deal!

You can count with your fingers the amount of head coaches that are from Latin America decent at any level of basketball in the United States. So this certainly provides our people a great opportunity to showcase our talents.

As far has recruiting. It does change the nature of our recruiting a great deal. However, everytime an institution hires a new coach, this tend to happen as the in-coming coach will bring his style and so recruit players that will fit that style of play.

In our case, being Venezuelan has giving me an edge in recruiting top-flight Latino players from around NYC and elsewhere.

A quick story, since being named head coach at Concordia College, I've received dozens of calls from players from several Latin American Countries. So it does provide a unique opportunity for us and an edge that many colleges don't have, and I will be using this advantage as a key member of my winning strategy.

My goal is to serve as a bridge to other Latino Coaches and Players who seek to make it in this wonderful world of Basketball.

EU: We know that it has not been an easy road making such tremendous strides. From your birthplace of Caracas to your hometown of San Cristobal, Venezuela to becoming a Head Coach in the NCAA in the United States. What other Venezuelan coaches or athletes have you learned from and/or worked with who have left an impressions on you?

JS: Besides my Parents and my Brother, my childhood coach, Hector Gruber had a great impact on me. He thought me the importance of mastering the fundamentals, and putting in the work.

Also, The Late Burt Beagle and Paul 'Doc' Nicelli had a great deal of impact in my coaching career.

In essence, I've learn a little from such everyone I have met in this business. I'm proud of the strides Venezuelan Basketball have made in recent years, and credit must go to the FVB (Venezuelan Basketball Federation), it administrators, coaches and staff. To see a large number of Venezuelan talents playing on the courts of the NCAA shows the amount of growth we have made in the sport. Moreover, the countries talent.

EU: Are there any final thoughts for the interested readers and fans at home in Caracas or New York who may be reading this interview as well?

JS: I'm just humble for this opportunity. I'm thankful that an important site as Eurobasket has taking the time out to make this interview happen.

My road to becoming a Head Coach was a great journey one filled with great memories, filled with learning and opportunities. As I embark on this next chapter, I love to become a greater part iv both Venezuela and Latin America basketball growth and success.

A final thought: 'They Told the FOOL that it CAN'T Be done, and the FOOL went ahead and DID IT anyway!'.

Thanks EU, please came by and visit us at Concordia College anytime.

EUROBASKET WOULD LIKE TO WISH COACH SANCHEZ THE BEST AS HE CONTINUES TO BLAZE A TRAIL AS ONE OF THE USs LEADING, UP AND COMING, COLLEGE BASKETBALL MINDS, AND ONE OF LATIN AMERICA'S SHINING ROLE MODELS.

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NICARAGUA

ACB to start on May 29th - by Gianni Pascucci
The main Nicaraguan League, run by Asociacion de Clubes de Baloncesto (ACB), will start on Friday, May 29. The most intersting new of the 2009 is the comeback of Jaguares de la UAM, a team strengthened by Manuel McKenzie (192-F-83) and Carlos Gonzalez (177-G-80), expected to battle for the title. Its main contenders will be usual powerhose Tiburones Bancentro and titleholders Tigres de la Universidad de Managua. The other two teams registered in ACB 2009 are Panteras UNICIT, a team that is negotiating with Anthony Gayle (185-G-80), and Delfines de la BICU-Inatec, from the town of Bluefields. This town, located on the Caribbean Sea, will also host the 'Sammy Lamberth Memorial Tournment', in which all the five ACB teams will meet themselves in round-robin format, and all the games will ba also kept valid for the ACB regular season.

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PALESTINE

Standings - Men

PBBA Standings

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

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PARAGUAY

Libertad is yet at the top - by Gianni Pascucci
After defeating Deportivo San Jose over the weekend, Libertad defeated Sol de America, 82-78 after an overtime, yesterday night in Asuncion, taking the lead of the Apertura Semifinal Round. P.J. Mills (201-F) with 23 points and Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) with 19 were the best performers in Libertad, while Jose Fabio (198-F-77) topped Sol de America with 21 and Daniel Ocampos (-G-58) added 14 pts. The standings are now as follows:
1. Libertad 2-0
2. Sol de America 1-1
3. San Jose 0-2

Paraguay U17 to start with the Champions - by Eurobasket News

Paraguay U17 will start with Argentina in South American U17 Championship scheduled from May 25-31at Ciriaco Lopez Coliseum in Trinidad, Uruguay. The tournament qualifies three teams for the FIBA Americas U18 Championship to be played next year. Nine teams are ready to compete for those three places and the task for them so far will be the Semifinal stage.
In Group A Paraguay will play with the hosts, Argentina and Ecuador. Group B is integrated by Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Venezuela. In 2007 Argentina surprised Venezuela 61:55 in the final matchday of the U17 South American Championship for Men by winning the gold medal and repeating the honors they had achieved in the edition of Barquisimeto 2005. For Argentina Matias Nocedal nailed that time 13 points, while Fabian Ramirez added 12. Gregory Echenique ended up with 22 points in defeat, whilst Josmar Acevedo had 8 points. Meanwhile, Uruguay also took the opportunity and defeated Brazil in the third place game, leaving them out of the upcoming Americas Cup of 2008 and, therefore, out of the race for a spot in the U19 World Cup of 2009.
The roster for the South American U17 Championship will include:

Marcelo Vaccaro (-G-92) (San Lorenzo),

Juan Carlos Gomez (-92) (Sol de America),

Rodrigo Torres (-F/C-92) (Deportivo Sajonia),

Nelson Benitez (-92) (Felix Perez Cardozo),

Manuel Aponte (190-G-92) (Felix Perez Cardozo),

Luis Gonzlez,

Marcelo Osorio (-92) (Flix Perez Cardozo),

Carlos Luis Vallejos (-92) (Regatas Corrientes),

Federico Caceres (San Lorenzo),

Reinaldo Ramrez (San Lorenzo),

Jeremias Hrisuk (-92) (San Juan),

Alex Emhart (-92) (Sacachispas),

Marcos Rabino (-92) (APAC),

Emanuel Casco (-92) (Olimpia),

Jorge Paredes (-92) and Guido Ramirez (-92) (Area 4).

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PUERTO RICO

Lions make it 2 in a Row - by Luis Ramirez
The Ponce Lions obtained a much needed win last night as they beat the Humacao Grays 100-97. The Grays took the 1st qtr. 27-24 and were leading at the half 47-46. In the 3rd qtr the Grays were still leading by 2 points 72-70 but the Lions saved the best for the last quarter. With crucial free throws from Lee Nailon (204-F-75, college: TCU) the Lions sealed the win. For Ponce, Lee Nailon (204-F-75, college: TCU) scored 29 points with 12 rebounds and 5 assists; he was followed by Ricardo Melendez with 19 points. For Humacao, James Life scored 24 points followed by Roberto Nieves with 21 points.
In other BSN action last night, the Mayaguez Indians continue to play well as they beat the Carolina Giants 87-79. The Indians took the lead in the 1st qtr 19-14. At the half they were ahead 35-24 but in the 3rd qtr the Giants made an offensive comeback but then again in the 4th quarter the Indians contained the Giants and secured the win. For Mayaguez, Dan Langhi scored 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds followed by James Maye with 23 points. For Carolina, Alejandro Carmona scored 30 points followed by Ebi Ere with 18 points.
Over at Quebradillas, the Pirates beat the Guaynabo Conquistadors 106-98. The Pirates had a huge 1st quarter scoring 35 points to just 19 points for the Conquistadors and this margin made it difficult for the Conquistadors to regain their confidence in the game. For Quebradillas, Joel Jones had a big night with 32 points followed by David Huertas with 23 points. For Guaynabo, Carlos Escalera scored 25 points followed by Gabriel Muoneke with 21 points

BSN Imports Update - by Rafael Otero

The norm continues: Constant Change of imports players on this BSN 2009 season. Almost every team around the league has changed their initial imports either due to injuries or to unachievement. Starting with the current leaders Santurce Cangrejeros, who still undefeated with their new import NBDleaguer Josh Davis (Josh Davis (203-C/F-80, college: Wyoming), to the last team on the standing, Guaynabo, who just added veteran and former NBA player Jumaine Jones (Jumaine Jones (201-F-79, agency: Octagon, college: Georgia), every team seems to be making moves to improve their rosters on a very exciting BSN season. Also for the Cangrejeros, veteran and PR National Team member Larry Ayuso(190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) has stepped up and is really performing at the level he used to. Ayuso has also shown that he still one of the more effective sharpshooters in the world, having an average of 21.7 points per game, good for fifth in the league. He is also in the top five on steals and free throws and is shooting around 45% both from the field and beyond the 3point arc. Alfred Butch Lee (the first Puertorrican Player who played in the NBA) is coaching this version of the Cangrejeros who seems very comfortable with the 8-man rotation that they has established. Quebradillas though, has kept their same two imports from the beginning of the season, former NBA Marcus Williams(191-G-85, college: Connecticut) and versatile Shawn Redhage(202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.). Redhage is an underrated talent who do almost everything on the floor and is a team player. That import combination along with young explosive talents as Joel Jones Camacho, Peter John Ramos and David Huertas make the Piratas a very dangerous team coming down the post season. Bayamon Vaqueros had made their changes of their own. They substitute, multiple BSN champ Monty Wilson with Glen McGowan(206-F-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Pepperdine), an athletic scorer who played at the NBDL this past season putting out great numbers. He did quite well on his first two games on BSN scoring 24 and 25 points respectively, along with 9 boards each game, but the Bayamon team wasn't able to obtain the victory. This new version of the Bayamon Vaqueros has one of the highest pay rolls of the tournament and came out with high expectatives. They started with an impressive 8-2, but has fall down to an 11-6, good for a third overall. Jabari Smith(211-C/F-77, college: LSU) still as their other import, at least for the moment. The current champs, Capitanes de Arecibo, also made their move. Panamanian Danilo Pinnok(196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) enters in place of the injured Marcus Fizer(203-F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.). Conversations around the league affirm that the team management were not satisfied with Fizer's performance due to his lack of conditioning and harmstring problems. Fizer was previously released by the Israel Club Maccabi Tel-Aviv until the Capitanes signed him. This season he did have some high scoring nights but he was forcing too many shoots taking away shots from current MVP Angel Figueroa (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Dowling). Now with Pinnok, 'Buster' came back to play his natural BSN position at '4' and the current Champs looked on great shape since having won their last three games. Ponce for his part, took out Edward Nelson(203-F-82, college: Connecticut) and replaced him with Darion Stowes. Nelson was previously released by Santurce this season and came out as the replacement of Nigel Dixon(210-C/F-80, college: W.Kentucky) in Ponce. Stowes made an impressive debut substituting Nelson recording a Double-Double, scoring 11 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Lee Nailon(204-F-75, college: TCU), tournament second best scorer, still as the other import. After tested positive on a drug control, Carolina Gigantes replaced Donta Smith with former NCAA Maryland Terapin, the 7' footer Ekene Ibekwe(206-F-85, college: Maryland), who has been inconsistent so far. Nigerian Scoring machine Ebi Ere still as their other import. Caguas has also made their roster changes. An average team without Vassallo, the Criollos has struggled finding out their rhythm in order to establish a winning streak that put them back in the conversation. The consistent Matt Freije (206-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) still as their main import and Keith Butler (213-C-83, agency: Huss Sport Agency, college: De Paul) enters in a team who is still trying to find his identity. Humacao added NBA experienced Dermarr Johnson(206-G-80, college: Cincinnati) who is shooting the lights out in the two games that he played. Also Kurth Looby(208-F/C-84, college: Iowa), the other new comer, has been impressive with his rebounding ability achieving double digits on that category consistently since arriving but the Grises still in last place with a record of 3-12. Neither Mayaguez nor San German has made changes to their rosters. Maye (James Maye 201-G-81, college: NC-Greensboro) and Langui (Dan Langhi 208-F-77, college: Vanderbilt) still as imports for Mayaguez and the Atleticos still 'south' with Osimani (Martin Osimani 194-G-81, college: Duquesne) and Wolkowitzky (Ruben Wolkowisky 207-C-73) combo. Mayaguez and San German are 7th and 6th respectively on the standing.

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RUSSIA

Unstoppable CSKA claim seventh straight Superleague title - by Eurobasket News
Khimky - CSKA 45:78

CSKA dismantled Khimky on the road to clinch the Superleague title today. The victory marked the seventh consecutive crown for CSKA in Russia. The fourth game was surrounded by controversy as CSKA disputed the result of Game 3 in the series. Referees came up with some controversial decisions late in regulation of the third clash that arose some furious protests from the Moscow team. The Russian basketball federation however did not satisfy the claims from CSKA. But it turned out that CSKA left all of their anger for the upcoming fourth game.
Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) and Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) teamed up for 10 points in the opening frame as CSKA grabbed the lead. The visitors looked better in literally every facet of the game and earned a 24:9 advantage at the first intermission. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78), Erazem Lorbek and Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, college: Duke) tipped off the second period with 7 points in a row as CSKA stretched the margin to 22 points. Khimky looked hapless offensively and CSKA easily kept them at bay. J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell) gave the defending champions a 40:18 lead late in the half before Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) sealed it 20:40.
J.R. Holden and Matjaz Smodis ignited an 8:0 rally from CSKA early in the second half as the gap grew to 26 points. Jorge Garbajosa (205-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances) and Wilkinson tried to wake Khimky up but CSKA stayed on fire tearing up their opponents. Khimky went scoreless for almost five minutes in the fourth term as CSKA extended the margin to massive 35 points dooming the home team.
Erazem Lorbek scored 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the champions. Trajan Langdon and Matjaz Smodis added 13 points in the winning effort. Jorge Garbajosa and Kelly McCarty finished with 8 points apiece for Khimky. Mozgov added 7 points in the losing effort.

Khimky: Jorge Garbajosa 8, Kelly McCarty 8
CSKA: Erazem Lorbek 14, Trajan Langdon 13, Matjaz Smodis 13

Standings - Superleague B

B Superleague Standings

1. Avtodor	47-7
2. Magnitogorsk	41-13
3. Revda	37-19
4. Lok.Novos.	36-18
5. Chelabinsk	33-21
6. N.Novgorod	32-22
7. Saransk	30-24
8. Krasnodar	29-25
9. Rjazan	26-29
10. Irkutsk	24-30
11. Zaretchny	23-33
12. Naltchik	19-35
13. Severstal	16-40
14. Ural Ekater.	10-47
15. Kursk	8-48

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SERBIA

Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Awards 2008-09 - by Eurobasket

Velickovic

Tepic

Macvan

Tripkovic

Marinovic

Player of the Year - Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) of Partizan
Guard of the Year - Milenko Tepic (198-G-87) of Partizan
Forward of the Year - Novica Velickovic of Partizan
Center of the Year - Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) of Hemofarm
Newcomer of the Year - Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88) of Crvena Zvezda
Most Improved Player of the Year - Boban Marjanovic (222-C-88) of Hemofarm
Bosman Player of the Year - Jan Vesely (211-F-90) of Partizan
Import Player of the Year - Stephane Lasme (203-F-82) of Partizan
Domestic Player of the Year - Novica Velickovic of Partizan
Defensive Player of the Year - Stephane Lasme of Partizan
Coach of the Year - Dusko Vujosevic of Partizan

1st Team
Marko Marinovic (183-G-83) of Crvena Zvezda
Milenko Tepic of Partizan
Uros Tripkovic (196-G-86) of Partizan
Novica Velickovic of Partizan
Milan Macvan of Hemofarm

2nd Team
Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81) of Hemofarm
Andre Owens (192-G-80) of Crvena Zvezda
Stephane Lasme of Partizan
Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86) of Crvena Zvezda
Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86) of FMP

Honorable Mention
Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84) of Partizan
Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87) of Crvena Zvezda
Elmedin Kikanovic (206-C-88) of Crvena Zvezda
Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80) of Hemofarm
Milivoje Bozovic (210-C/F-85) of Hemofarm
Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87) of FMP
Sasa Ocokoljic (183-G-76) of Swisslions Takovo
Marko Sutalo (194-G-83) of Vojvodina

All-Domestic Players Team
Marko Marinovic of Crvena Zvezda
Milenko Tepic of Partizan
Uros Tripkovic of Partizan
Novica Velickovic of Partizan
Milan Macvan of Hemofarm

All-Imports Team (* this year it includes also Bosmans)
Andre Owens of Crvena Zvezda
Charron Fisher (193-G/F-85) of Vojvodina
Stephane Lasme of Partizan
Lawrence Roberts (205-F/C-82) of Crvena Zvezda
Jan Vesely of Partizan

All-Defensive Team
Boris Bakic (194-G-86) of Crvena Zvezda
Milenko Tepic of Partizan
Stephane Lasme of Partizan
Novica Velickovic of Partizan
Predrag Samardziski of FMP

Stepandic is new head coach of Metalac Valjevo - by Zoran Popovic
Milovan Stepandic is new head coach of Metalac Valjevo. Management of Metalac Valjevo and Stepandic made agreement and in next few days, Stepandic will be officially promoted. Last season Stepandic started in Borac Cacak and in December 2008 moved to FMP Zeleznik. After the semi final play off serie and the end of the season for FMP, Stepandic leaves FMP. Before Borac Cacak and FMP Zeleznik, Milovan Stepandic was head coach of Iva Zorka Sabac, Vojvodina, Buducnost, Swisslions and Lavovi 063.

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SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U17

Uruguay welcomes South American U17 Championship - by Eurobasket News
Today will be the start of South American U17 Championship scheduled from May 25-31 at Ciriaco Lopez Coliseum in Trinidad, Uruguay. The tournament qualifies three teams for the FIBA Americas U18 Championship to be played next year. Nine teams are ready to compete for those three places and the task for them so far will be the Semifinal stage.
In Group A the hosts will face Argentina, Ecuador and Paraguay. Group B is integrated by Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Venezuela.
In 2007 Argentina surprised Venezuela 61:55 in the final matchday of the U17 South American Championship for Men by winning the gold medal and repeating the honors they had achieved in the edition of Barquisimeto 2005. For Argentina Matias Nocedal (192-G-90, agency: Interperformances) nailed that time 13 points, while Fabian Ramirez added 12. Gregory Echenique (206-F-90) ended up with 22 points in defeat, whilst Josmar Acevedo (196-F-90) had 8 points. Meanwhile, Uruguay also took the opportunity and defeated Brazil in the third place game, leaving them out of the upcoming Americas Cup of 2008 and, therefore, out of the race for a spot in the U19 World Cup of 2009.
May 25th will have two clashes between Brazil and Colombia as well as Venezuela and Chile. Tomorrow Ciriaco Lopez Coliseum in Trinidad will have 4 games as well as on May 27th and 29th. On May 28th there are two games scheduled, while the Semifinals will begin on May 30th.

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SOUTH KOREA

730 APPLICANTS APPLY FOR 2009 KBL DRAFT CAMP - by Rick Ross
THE KBL WILL MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT THE
INVITED PLAYERS FOR THE 2009 KBL TRYOUT CAMP
ON OR AROUND JUNE 1ST - JUNE 2ND

1 Acquah Kobby
2 Addison Brian
3 Adebayo Adewumi
4 Adeife Emmauel
5 Agbai Uka
6 Akin Akintunde
7 Akinyanju Oladoyin
8 Aldano Corey
9 Alexander Chris
10 Alexander Demetrius
11 Allen Curtis
12 Allen Justin
13 Allen Marcus
14 Allen Ronald
15 Allen Steve
16 Amaya Tyler
17 Ambres Mildon
18 Ames Rayshaun
19 Anderson Michael
20 Anderson Rob
21 Angounou Serge
22 Archbold Dwayne
23 Arigbon Ade Bayo
24 Asbury Brian
25 Asumnu Stanley
26 Atchley Connor
27 Aubry Jeffrion
28 Auguste Wilder
29 Austin Bryant
30 Bagga David
31 Bailey Chuck
32 Bailry David
33 Baker Lawrence
34 Baker.Jr Tony
35 Balsam Anthony
36 Banks Tezarray
37 Barbary Menelik
38 Barber Korvotney
39 Barber Steven
40 Barreto Da Silva Andre'
41 Barrett Rasheem
42 Barro Ousmane
43 Bartolotta Jimmy
44 Batchelor Anthony
45 Bateer Mengke
46 Battle Robert
47 Beard Tanoka
48 Beck Romel
49 Bell Mike
50 Bell Rashad
51 Bell Troy
52 Bender Brandon
53 Bennett Mario
54 Bennett Raheem
55 Benning Charles
56 Benson Rodney
57 Berry DeMarcus
58 Beshara Brian
59 Bevard Dustin
60 Biggs Tyrell
61 Bing Erroyl
62 Bishop Kishon
63 Blair Demetruis
64 Blair Jason
65 Blair Tyrelle
66 Blankson Odartey
67 Boateng Stanley
68 Bogan Rudy
69 Bonner Luke
70 Booker Christopher
71 Booker Roy
72 Bortz Mark
73 Bouldin Dreike
74 Boumtje-Boumtje Ruben
75 Bowen Justin
76 Bowman DaVodis
77 Boyd Kenney
78 Boykin Ruben
79 Boylan Ian
80 Bradshaw Craig
81 Brand Micah
82 Braswell Devin
83 Bray Sharif
84 Brewer Jamison
85 Brewington Dwight
86 Bridges Benjamin
87 Briggs Stephen
88 Britto Joseph
89 Bro Grebe Jean Francois
90 Brock Evan
91 Brooks Darren
92 Brown Anthony
93 Brown Bruce
94 Brown Cecil
95 Brown Damone
96 Brown Danny
97 Brown Durelle
98 Brown Dustin
99 Brown Ernest
100 Brown Graham
101 Brown Ira
102 Brown Jamaal
103 Brown Jamar
104 Brown Raheim
105 Brown Terrell
106 Browne Dean
107 Brownlee Michael
108 Broxsie Antoine
109 Bryant John
110 Buck Joe
111 Buckley Melvin
112 Burgess David
113 Burks Dwight
114 Burnett Byron
115 Burns Christian
116 Burrough Thomas
117 Butler Keith
118 Bynum Andre
119 Byrd William
120 Cage Justin
121 Calton Donny
122 Camara Babacar
123 Cambell Chris
124 Canady Raymond
125 Carr Garrison
126 Carroll Demarre
127 Carter Dlancy
128 Carter Jordan
129 Carter Nate
130 Castleberry Stephen
131 Cebular Sandi
132 Champion Ashley
133 Chandler Marquin
134 Chapman James
135 Chavez Jacobo Cesar
136 Chester Kevin
137 Chitwood Calvin
138 Chones Kendall
139 Chppell Michael
140 Christensen Michael
141 Clark Ivory
142 Clark Samuel
143 Clarke Elliah
144 Clifford John
145 Cline-Heard Gyasi
146 Cofield Harvis
147 Cole Brandon
148 Coleman Daniel
149 Coleman HL
150 Coleman-Scott Anwar
151 Collington Omar
152 Colon Benjamin
153 Colwell Jr. Shellton
154 Cook Letheal
155 Cooper William
156 Coppenrath Taylon
157 Cota Ed
158 Coulson Eddie
159 Cousin Marcus
160 Cox Larry
161 Cripe James
162 Crump Brandon
163 Cuffe Kyle
164 Cummings Robert(T.J)
165 Curtis Dwayne
166 Cusworth Brian
167 Dabbert Joe
168 Dagunduro Aoeola
169 Daniels Chris
170 Daniels Robert(Chris)
171 Danielson Greg
172 Dantzler Damion
173 Darden Pierre
174 Dartez Kendall
175 Davis Chris
176 Davis Christopher
177 Davis Derrick
178 Davis John
179 Davis Luke
180 Davis Quincy
181 Davis Ronnie
182 Davis James
183 Davis ? Herbert
184 Davison Bennett
185 Dawson Eric
186 Dawson Mark
187 Day Dwayne
188 De Bem Ricardo
189 Deas Clinton
190 Decker Tate
191 Degroat John
192 Devine Christopher
193 Dialls Darnell
194 Dill Anthony
195 Dixon Carlos
196 Dixon Nigel
197 Doliboa Seth
198 Donaldson Jakim
199 Dozier Robert
200 Drafts Trenton
201 Drakeford Aaron
202 Drayton E.J
203 Ducreay Yanif
204 Duffey James
205 Dukes Johnny
206 Dunn Willie
207 Dunston Bryant
208 Dyer Levi
209 Echols Najeeb
210 Edwards Quentin
211 Elegar Frank
212 Elliott Glen
213 Ellis Chris
214 Epperson Rodney
215 Ere Ebi
216 Erwin Duane
217 Esemomoh Kelvin
218 Estill Marquis
219 Everhart Jonathan
220 Ezeoke Collins
221 Eziukwu Callistus
222 Ezugwu Peter
223 Fairley Thomas
224 Fall Bamba
225 Felder Jerry
226 Ferguson Desmond
227 Fey Michael
228 Fiegi Eric
229 Fields Jerald
230 Figueroa Angel
231 Flanagan Terry
232 Ford Alton
233 Ford Dashawn
234 Ford Richard
235 Foreman Dwayne
236 Foster Blake
237 Foster Darith
238 Fox Isaiah
239 Francois Jean
240 Franklin Derrick
241 Fraser Michael
242 Freeman Gabriel
243 Frey Kevin
244 Frierson ? Charlie
245 Frisby Will
246 Fritz DJ
247 Fugate Demetruis
248 Fuller Reginald
249 Fuqua Elbert
250 Futch Matt
251 Gabbidon Travis
252 Gainous Marquise
253 Galloway Trello
254 Gammage Christopher
255 Garnett Christopher
256 Garrison Travis
257 Gartrell Darian
258 Gatlin Adre
259 Gaye Alioune
260 Genao Andy
261 Gentry Fred
262 Gentry Marvin
263 George Reginald
264 Gibson Herb
265 Gilbert Johnnie
266 Giles Brandon
267 Gill Randy
268 Glenn Brandon
269 Gloger Spencer
270 Glover Luther
271 Goins Marcelle
272 Gosa Chares
273 Grando Yonatan
274 Gray Brandon
275 Gray Jassan
276 Gray Terrence
277 Green Edjuan
278 Green Jermaine
279 Green Kevin
280 Green Nathan
281 Green Terrance
282 Greene Devon
283 Griffin Jermaine
284 Griffin Taylor
285 Grismore D'Mond
286 Guyton Jamie
287 Guzman Ansel
288 Hainje Nathaniel
289 Haley Simeon
290 Hall Hernol
291 Hall Marcus
292 Hamilton Gary
293 Hamilton Lamont
294 Hampton William
295 Handler Adam
296 Handy Michael
297 Hanke Randall
298 Hardge Tyru
299 Harper Brian
300 Harris Darrell
301 Harris Evan
302 Harris Johnny
303 Harrison Donte
304 Harrison Henry(JR)
305 Hawkins Juaquin
306 Hawkins Shawn
307 Haymon Theanthony
308 Haynes Aaron
309 Heinle Brian
310 Henderson Kenneth
311 Henderson Mike
312 Henderson Raymond
313 Hendrix Chad
314 Herndon Justin Boomer
315 Hicks Jason
316 Hickson Dwayne
317 Hill Adrian
318 Hill Herbert
319 Hill Mark
320 Hills Brian
321 Holcomb Randy
322 Holden Jamal
323 Holloway Lauce
324 Holm Chris
325 Holmes Sidney
326 Horace Daniel
327 Howard Justin
328 Howell Kaelvin
329 Howlett Shawn
330 Huffman Reggie
331 Hughes Gabriel
332 Hulett Deeandre
333 Humphrey Ryan
334 Hunter Chris
335 Hunter Vincent
336 Hyman Jayson
337 Hynes Ryan Hynes
338 Inman Gerald
339 Ivery Brandon
340 Izzo Kenny
341 Jackson Cedric
342 Jackson-Wilson Jermyl
343 Jamore Brian
344 Jenkins.Jr Calvin
345 Jeter Richard
346 Johnson Anthony
347 Johnson Demarshay
348 Johnson Ivan
349 Johnson Jasper
350 Johnson Kareem
351 Johnson Kedrick
352 Johnson Ken
353 Johnson Kevin
354 Johnson Kevin
355 Johnson Rob
356 Johnson,?Gordon
357 Joiner Michael
358 Jolley Kevin
359 Jolly Bruce
360 Jones Anthony
361 Jones Danny
362 Jones Dontae
363 Jones Jonathan
364 Jones Joshua
365 Jones Julian
366 Jones Lonnie
367 Jones Michael
368 Jones Mike
369 Jones Vincent
370 Jones-Jennings Rashad
371 Joseph Fitzgerald
372 Jothnson Justin
373 Jun Goo(Yong)
374 Kaladokubo Nguye
375 Kanis Bradley
376 Kante Djibril
377 Kelly Lou
378 Kennerly Joe
379 Kent Anthony
380 Kent Darren
381 Kere Innocent
382 King Christopher
383 King Damon
384 King-Stockton Marcus
385 Kinney Dustin
386 Kirkwood Darnell
387 Klaiber Gordon
388 Klotz Jason
389 Knight Travis
390 Knowles David
391 Knysas Giedrius
392 Kohs Nick
393 Krabbenhoft Joe
394 Kuso Abdullahi
395 Lagarde Terrell
396 Lagnston Terrell
397 Lampley Sean
398 Langhi Dan
399 Larkai Dzaflo
400 Larry Reggie
401 Laster? Marvin
402 Latham Brian
403 Leather Terrence
404 Leblanc Machael
405 Lee Carl
406 Leith Justin
407 Lett Ontario
408 Lewis Gimel
409 Lewis James
410 Lewis Marcus
411 Linhart Nate
412 Little Cory
413 Little Donald
414 Little Theophlus
415 Liverpool Dominique
416 Loe James
417 Long Art
418 Longar Longar
419 Looby Kurt
420 Louis Corey
421 Love Casey
422 Love Eric
423 Lu Chen
424 Lyde Kevin
425 Lyons Dexter
426 Lyons Leo
427 Malloy Lashawn
428 Maraker Christian
429 Marshall Michael
430 Martin Chris
431 Martin Kevin
432 Martin Robert
433 Martin Jr. Michael
434 Mason Alton
435 Mason Dameon
436 Masudi Jeff
437 Mathews Bryant
438 Matteson Colin
439 Matthews Clarence
440 Maye James
441 Mazur Marc
442 Mbanugo Okey
443 McCarroll Mark
444 Mccaskill Amal
445 McCauley Ben
446 McCelos Jeremy
447 McCoy Desma
448 Mccoy Jason
449 Mccoy Lennox
450 McCrommon Chaz
451 McGadney Mack
452 McGowan Cedric
453 Mcgowan Glen
454 McKamey Duke
455 McKenzie Bryson
456 Mclean Alex
457 Mcmillion Antonio
458 Mcneal Tyrone
459 Merrill Jarred
460 Messy Mani
461 Mexey Erron
462 Mingo Ronell
463 Minnifield Corey
464 Minter Donte
465 Mitchell Carl
466 Mitchell Markus
467 Mitchell Willie
468 Mokariya Maulik
469 Molnar Aaron
470 Momplaisir Marcel
471 Monds David
472 Moore Christopher
473 Moore Jamaal
474 Moore Reggie
475 Morgan Sylvester
476 Morris Ian
477 Morris Tim
478 Morrison Scott
479 Murray Justin
480 Murray Lamond
481 Muse Andre
482 Nash Leighton
483 Naughton Justen
484 Nelson Demetrius
485 Nelson Ed
486 Nelson Faheem
487 Newman Steve
488 Newton Jeffrey
489 Nichols Jamal
490 Nivins Ahmad
491 Oatis Donald
492 O'Bannon Yun
493 Odo-Boms Praise
494 Ofoegbu Ike
495 Ogunoye Yemi
496 Ohanson Ike
497 Okafor Patrick
498 Okosa Reggie
499 Oliver Wayne
500 Orr Randall
501 Osby Bambale
502 Owens Andre
503 Owens Kevin
504 Owolabi Alegbe
505 Owolabi Jacob
506 Palazzolo Joseph
507 Palmer Elijah
508 Parada Adam
509 Parham Tim
510 Parham Tristan
511 Paris David
512 Patten David
513 Patterson Andre
514 Patton Cedric
515 Payne Derick
516 Pellot-Rosa Jesse
517 Perez Anthony
518 Perez Manuel
519 Perkins Ben
520 Perry Keven
521 Peterkin Omari
522 Peters James
523 Peters Kraig
524 Petway Brent
525 Phillips Marvin
526 Pierre Jonas
527 Pitttsnogle Kevin
528 Plummer Norman
529 Popoola Olumuyiwa
530 Porter Robert
531 Powell Rashaad
532 Powell Ricardo
533 Powell Wayne
534 Price Jeffery
535 Proby Brandon
536 Proctor Steven
537 Pruitt Shaun
538 Puckett Benjamin
539 Radojicic Nikola
540 Ramos Pablo
541 Ramsdell Charles
542 Randle Ryan
543 Raymond BJ (Benjamin)
544 Redhage Shawn
545 Reed Drake
546 Reed Travis
547 Reid Arizona
548 Reyes Angelo
549 Reynolds Grady
550 Rhinehart Erik
551 Rice Darius
552 Richardson Dewayne
553 Rigsby Carey
554 Riley Korey
555 Rivers Hank
556 Rivi Kumar Kaushal
557 Robert Rolan
558 Robinson Brandon
559 Robinson Eddie
560 Robinson Jason
561 Rogers Kevin
562 Rollerson Ron
563 Rosegreen Warren
564 Ruffus John
565 Ruiz Jared
566 Russell Jeremiah
567 Rutledge Mareceo
568 Sabourin Jordan
569 Salaam Bilal
570 Sally Tyrone
571 Samake Soumaila
572 Sanchez Ricardo
573 Sanford Eumarkjah
574 Sasser Jeryl
575 Satarian Shawn
576 Sauls Jr Baron
577 Saunders Marlo
578 Schafer Ray
579 Scott Ernest
580 Scruggs Lee
581 Seals Eugene
582 Seawright Kahiem
583 Semien Prentiss
584 Sensley Julian
585 Session Marcus
586 Sewell Leon
587 Shabazz Karim
588 Shand Kevin
589 Shaw Ethan
590 Simple Silvester
591 Simpson Diamon
592 Simpson Patrick
593 Slater Anthony
594 Sloan Marcus
595 Smallwood Roy
596 Smith Andre
597 Smith Donte
598 Smith Jabari
599 Smith Jeron
600 Smith Patrick
601 Smith Steve
602 Smith Thommy
603 Smith Tyler
604 Sneed Dillion
605 Sockwell Chris
606 Southall Michael
607 Spain Kyle
608 Spanich Adam
609 Spann Frankie
610 Spell Telron
611 Spencer Isaac
612 Spicer Kevin
613 Stallworth Albert
614 Stampter J'son
615 Staple Damion
616 Stapleton Nick
617 Stephens Jarrett
618 Steyn Frans
619 Stiemsma Greg
620 Stinson Curtis
621 Stricker Brad
622 Strickland Bradley
623 Swafford Jemell
624 Tangava Mohammed
625 Tate Cyrus
626 Tate Dajuan
627 Tavares Danny
628 Tavares Simeon
629 Taylor Joseph
630 Taylor Tim
631 Telander Davio
632 Terrell Thomas
633 Thomas Charles
634 Thomas Delvin
635 Thomas Doug
636 Thomas Eryk Thomas
637 Thomas Harvey
638 Thomas Jadin
639 Thomas Rouldra
640 Thomas Steve
641 Thomas Victor
642 Thompson Garnett
643 Thompson Navarro
644 Thompson Ronald
645 Thomson Coney
646 Thornton Quintin
647 Thorpe Jhamar
648 Toba Eugene
649 Todd Terrance
650 Toliver Jonathan
651 Toney Tafari
652 Townes Darian
653 Trim Kibwe
654 Tuck Mark
655 Tucker Daryl
656 Turner Larry
657 Tyner Kevin
658 Udeoji Joseph
659 Underwood Cory
660 Underwood Jason
661 Uter Adrian
662 Vasiljevic Pero
663 Villegas Samuel
664 Vinson Durell
665 Vrcelj Ljubisa
666 Wade Devon
667 Wade Lorrenzo
668 Wade Tiras
669 Walker Jeremy
670 Walker Jermaine
671 Walker Johnathan
672 Walker Samaki
673 Wallace Jermaine
674 Wallace Mike
675 Wallery Nick
676 Walls Calvin
677 Ware Gary
678 Warren Jason
679 Warren Reginald
680 Washam Tony
681 Washington Tyrone
682 Watlington Lionell
683 Webb Joel
684 Webstar Matthew
685 Wells Isacc
686 Wells Jayson
687 Wethers Brian
688 White Albert
689 White DeSean
690 White Jamie
691 White Rodney
692 White Wendell
693 Whitehead Luke
694 Whittenburg Jordan
695 Wilborn Elgrace
696 Wilkins Anthony
697 Wilkins Marquette
698 Wilkinson Gary
699 Williams Armond
700 Williams Curtis
701 Williams Demario
702 Williams James
703 Williams Jermaine
704 Williams Jimmy
705 Williams Latece
706 Williams Monta
707 Williams Patrick
708 Williams Robert
709 Williams Tarvis
710 Williams Waki
711 Wilson Dante'
712 Wilson Darnell
713 Wilson Donald
714 Wilson Jeffery
715 Winchester John
716 Winder Craig
717 Wingate Major
718 Wise Kelly
719 Witt Matthew
720 Wood Jeremiah
721 Woods Ricky
722 Works Joseph
723 Wyatt Avis
724 Wyatte Nigel
725 Yates Ron
726 Young David
727 Young Ian
728 Young keena
729 Zahn Adam
730 Zimmerman Thurman

NBA Join KBL In Korea Development Camp - by Rick Ross
The Korea Development Camp presented by Shinhan Card returned to
Seoul for the third year last week, as some of Korea's best young basketball players got the chance to learn from the pros.
The Korean Basketball League (KBL) and the National Basketball Association
(NBA) organized the four-day program, which took place from Thursday to Sunday.
The top 40 Korean high school players were invited to the camp to learn from players and coaches from the two leagues.

Five-time NBA champion Ron Harper was the biggest star in attendance.
Harper won three straight NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls alongside legends Michael Jordan
and Scotty Pippen and then won two more titles in 2000 and 2001 with the Los Angeles Lakers with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.
I am very happy to come to Korea. It is my first time here. I would like to make good memories here,'' the 45-year-old told The Korea Times.

In his first season, Harper was named to the NBA All-Rookie team in
1986-87 season after averaging 22.9 points and 4.8 rebounds with 4.8 assists with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Through the first eight seasons of his career, Harper was a good player on two bad teams with the
Cavs and later the Los Angeles Clippers. Harper eventually decided he wanted to play for a winner,
even if it meant a reduced role. Harper joined the Bulls just as
Michael Jordan returned to the court after a brief retirement. When he arrived,
Chicago coach Phil Jackson asked Harper to focus on defence.

I lost a lot,'' said Harper, who saw his points-per-game drop from 20 to 6.9 when he left the
Clippers for the Bulls in 1994. ''But I wasn't disappointed about changing my role - never, ever.
Harper explained that he had matured as a player, and his goals had changed.
When you first start playing basketball, you play for yourself at first.
But as the years go on, you want to win a championship.
As a kid you watch every team that wins a championship
and ultimately it's not about what you do, it's what the team does.

I knew that I was a good basketball player but I did not win a lot of games,
Harper said of his time with the Cavs and Clippers.
To win the championship was my dream when I was growing up.
But the only way to win a championship was to get to a good basketball team.
You can score all the points you want on a team that's not going anywhere, but I wanted to go somewhere.

As a player on teams with prolific scorers like Shaquille O'Neal and
Michael Jordan, Harper didn't get the chance to take a lot of shots.
I could score but it wasn't my role. My role was to pass the ball to the good players.
You learn that it's all about playing team basketball. I didn't score points, but I helped the team win.
I played with the best player of all time. He's going to shoot more than me. I know I have to get the ball to him.

Harper remembered his first meeting with Jackson.
Phil asked me, how am I going to help this team and I said
my job is to be a defensive player' and he said 'you're going to play a lot then''' Harper said.
I knew what he wanted me to do, and I did it.'
Harper had the unique opportunity of playing with both Jordan and
Bryant, and while he believes Jordan is the best ever, he said they both have an incredible work ethic.

He said some of young Korean players at camp also brought a strong work ethic.
Some players come here to work very hard, but a few kids are here to have fun.
I always tell folks, the only way you learn how to play the game is to play hard all the time.
He added that having fun is important, too.
You've got to have fun, but if you don't enjoy playing this game, then don't play it.
Harper said his team-minded mentality comes from his upbringing.
I was one of five boys and a girl in my house. We always played basketball together.
That was how I learned about being team.''

By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter

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TAIWAN

Taiwan NT for East Asian qualifier announced - by Chris Wang
CTBA on Sunday announced the 12-man roster for the upcoming East Asian Qualifying Championship, the qualifying tournament for the 2009 Asian Men's Championship.

Head coach Chung Kwang-suk, a South Korean, submitted the final roster which comprised of players from the top three teams -- Dacin, Yulon and Taiwan Beer -- in the regular season.

Since the team has only 10 days to prepare for the tournament, Chung said, he decided to pick players from only the top three teams who had international competition experience.

One glaring absentee is Yulon star forward Chen Hsin-an, who has been plagued by a knee injury all year which resulted in a mediocre season. It was reported that Chen has flown to the U.S. to seek treatment on his knee.

Local media also reported that Wu Tai-hao, Lin Chih-chieh and Chang Chih-feng could all possibly withdraw from the team due to injury.

The qualifying tournament will tip off in Nagoya, Japan on June 10. Taiwan, along with Mongolia, South Korea, China, Japan and Hong Kong, will fight for two seeds for the Asian Championship.

Taiwan is scheduled to meet host Japan on June 10 and Mongolia on June 12 in the preliminaries.

Taiwan NT roster

Po., Name, Ht., Age
G Lee Hsueh-lin, Yulon, 175cm, 25
G Su Yi-chieh, Dacin, 181cm, 22
G Chang Chih-feng, Dacin, 183cm, 28
G Chen Shih-nian, TB, 180cm, 25
G Yang Yu-min, TB, 176cm, 30
F Lin Chih-chieh, TB, 192cm, 27
F Ho Shou-cheng, TB, 196cm, 26
F Tien Lei, Dacin, 202cm, 26
F Lin Yi-hui, Dacin, 193cm, 23
F Yang Che-yi, Yulon, 193cm, 31
C Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon, 202cm, 25
C Wu Tai-hao, TB, 202cm, 24
Avg. Height: 189.6cm, Age: 26

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TUNISIA

Tunisian National Cup: Four teams prepare for Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Four teams are preparing for the Semifinals of Tunisian National Cup. Both games will be played on June 6th and the pairs are JSK - ESS and SN - CA.
In the Quarterfinals JSK had an easy job against CS Ksar Hellal scoring 116 points (116-62). ESS had to give much bigger effort against C Cheminots. The reigning Tunisian champion proved its highest ambition in National Cup celebrating 70-59 on the road. Third participant of the Semis CA was better than ESR 72-61. The toughest job in the QFinals had SN. Its rival USM showed pretty good performance managing to resists until the end. However, SN's players were concentrated when it was the most important winning by one point, 65-64.
All of the Semifinals participants cruised past their rival in the Eightfinals in style. Each of the teams won with at least plus 18 at the end. ESS destroyed Kasserine 102 -70. JSK was better than JSM 103-73, while SN beat ES 89-60. CA outplayed AS 73-55.

Zone I qualifiers ahead in Rabat - by Kristian Santiago
Two of the three teams competing in the qualifiers will be present in Libya in August:

Sunday, 24th of May (18h) : Morocco - Algeria
Monday, 25th of May (19h) : Algeria - Tunisia
Tuesday, 26th of May (19h) : Tunisia - Morocco
Wednesday, 27th of May (16h) : Algeria - Morocco
Thursday, 28th of May (19h) : Tunisia - Algeria
Friday, 29th of May (20h) : Morocco - Tunisia

Tunisia's National Team looks as follows:

Hamdi Braa (208-C-86) Makren Ben Romdhane (198-F-89), Omar Mouhli (190-G-86), Salah Mejri (214-C-86) all from Etoile du Sahel
Atef Maoua (198-F-81) from J.S.Kairouan
Mohamed Hdidane (205-F-86) , Nizar Knioua (189-G-83), Bechir Mohamed Hdidane all from Stade Nabeulien
Marouane Lahmar (179-G-82) from Club Africain Tunis
Mokhtar Ghayaza (204-C-86) from Ezzahra Sport Rades
W Mannai Walid from C.S.Cheminots Megrine
Marouana Kechrid (180-G-81) from Ittihad de Tanger
Naim Dhifallah (196-F/G-82) and Amine Rezig (198-G/F-80) from Egypt.

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TURKEY

Market round up - by Sinan Can
MERSIN Buyuksehir Belediyespor who made it to the Play-Off's for the first time in club history decided to extend the contract with Coach Ahmet Kandemir. After spending first three years out of Play-Off's, medditerranian club tasted a bit of success with Kandemir who had some succesful runs with Besiktas and PInar Karsiyaka recently, will try to improve their record on 2009-2010 season.

- Erdemirspor also extended with Coach Ahmet Caki. After a very poor start to Beko Basketball League this season, Erdemirspor survived with the arrival of young coach. Due to the rumours, Caki will build a new roster with a re-organised budget.

- It's been rumoured that Banvitspor is in touch with Turk Telekom's Baris Ermis. It's already been reported that Banvitspor who signed with Orhun Ene on coaching position is in talks with Jamon Gordon. American guard has spent 2007-2008 season with Ene at Antalya BSB.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

PRO REPORT - by David Edole
Carl Krauser (188-G-81, agency: AMI, college: Pittsburgh) and Ploiesti became Champions of Romanian Division A playoffs as they swept the series over Timisoara. The winners of the regular season needed just three games to prove their superiority. Ploiesti won the deciding game 80-66 on Saturday. Krauser had nine points and two assists.
Timisoara opened the game with 17-14 lead after the 1st period. Ploiesti immediately responded in the second frame as they went on a 21-9 run to take 35-25 halftime lead.
In the second half it was all Ploiesti. Piloiesti took the third period 25-18 and gave themselves an 60-43 lead. It became clear to the fans in attendance that Timisoara could not challenge Ploiesti the rest of the way. Ploiesti won game two, 90-82, and game one, 79-71. Krauser had eight points, four boards and two assists in game ones win.

UKRAINE
Kitwana Rhymer (208-C-78, college: Massachusetts) and Kryvbasbasket are this close to the UBL championship. Kryvbasbasket has a 2-0 lead with game three scheduled for later on today in Kyiv. Kryv defeated Budivelnyk, 81-72, Sunday night. Rhymer had 11 points, six boards and three blocked shots. Rhymer shot 4-of-7 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free throw line.
Kryvbasbasket destroyed Budivelnyk in game one, 89-54, on Saturday. Rhymer had nine points, four rebounds and two assists in just 16 minutes of play.

FRANCE
Josiah James (203-F/C-81, agency: Octagon, college: Birmingham Souther) and St. Etienne may have run into a team on a mission. St. Etienne could not make things interesting as they loss to the number one ranked team Paris-Levall, 63-91, in the quarterfinals of PRO B. Paris outrebounded St. Etienne 41-to-25. James had 12 points, three boards and three blocked shots. Game 2 is scheduled for May 30.

SPAIN
Cuthbert Victor (196-G-83, college: Murray St.) had 15 points as Melilla Baloncesto outlasted Leon, 76-75, in LEB Gold quarterfinals playoffs. The overtime win gave Melilla a two games to none series win and a place in the semifinals where they will face the surprise of the playoff Tenerife Rural. Tenerife upset the favorite CI. Rincon in two straight games.
Melillas rival Lucentum Alicante will face CB Villa De Los Barrios in the semifinals (FINAL FOUR). The final four format is one and done ala NCAA. Melillas game versus Tenerife is scheduled for Saturday May 30th at 8:45 pm Spanish time (around 2:45 pm V.I. time) . If Melilla survives the semifinals they will play Alicante-Barrios winner on Sunday at 6:30 pm Spanish Time. If you have time on your hands and would like to watch the games log on to http://www.febtv.com/

VENEZUELA
Jason Edwin (196-G/F-81, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Kent St.) had 18 points but needed more and Guaros de Lara lost to Zulianos, 83-87, on Saturday in LPB play. Guaros (28-10) still maintains a two game lead over Crocodiles (27-12).

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UKRAINE

Azovmash lifted the Ukrainian Superleague trophy - by Eurobasket News
BC Donetsk -BC Azovmash Mariupol 78:90

BC Azovmash Mariupol became the Superleague champion sweeping the Final series. The favorites of the Play-offs overcame BC Donetsk 90:78 away from home to clinch the winning outcome. Dijon Thompson (201-G/F-83, college: UCLA) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 17. Marius Prekevicius (195-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Florida) and Rolandas Jarutis (183-G-76) each had 11 while Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84) got 10 for the winning effort. Haywood Owens (204-F-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Texas) shined for Donetsk with 37 points and 13 rebounds.
The guests decided not to postpone the triumph and pushed the tempo for good from the very beginning. BC Azovmash Mariupol grabbed 12-2 lead, while the hosts could no match the opponents. Andres Rodriguez tried to change things for the hosts but an unstoppable Rizvic and a triple by Richard Guinn made it a 27:12 at the end of the first quarter. The favorites did not slow down in the second period and produced another 23-16 to take 50:28 advantage at the halftime. It became clear at that time that the hosts would not recover in the game.
BC Donetsk however played better in the second half. The home side closed the gap to 11 points entering the last quarter. They created a 24-14 burst in the third frame to trail only 52:64. The things could change in the last stanza but experienced BC Azovmash Mariupol held the score for good. The Winner of the Regular Season proved their superiority to lift the Ukrainian Superleague trophy with 3-0 in the Final series.

BC Donetsk: Haywood Owens 37 points and 13 rebounds, Demetrius Alexander (204-F/C-75, agency: CAA Sports, college: Alabama) 17
BC Azovmash Mariupol: Dijon Thompson 19 points and 13 rebounds, Serhiy Lishchuk 17, Marius Prekevicius 11, Rolandas Jarutis 11, Hasan Rizvic 10

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UNITED KINGDOM

U20 National Team announced - by Eurobasket News
The future of the Great Britain men's and women's teams looks bright as British Basketball pulls together its strongest under 20 training programme this summer.

With players travelling back from their clubs or colleges across the globe, from Florida to Manchester and Iceland to Southend it is a further illustration of the development British Basketball's scouting network has made.

The U20 women will be in action first this summer, with games against Greece, Hungary, Portugal, Belgium and Austria at the Division B Championships in Ohrid, Macedonia from July 6-15.

The 24 names in the squad list include Harriett Yea, Leah Dehaan and Charlotte Stoddart, all of whom were part of the senior women's campaign in January.

'This European campaign is so exciting. We have put together a fantastic preparation build-up that includes trips to Spain, Estonia and Greece before arriving in Macedonia for the championships,' said head coach Sergio Lara-Bercial.

'Likewise, the number of quality girls available in every position is amazing. It is going to be very hard for the coaching staff to make some really tough decisions, but this a great place to be in.'

The U20 men will be in a different part of Macedonia, Skopje, for the Division B Championships July 16-26. Their group games include ties against Norway, Finland and Poland.

With a number of last year's roster now too old for the squad only four players from the 2008 campaign return to under 20 action; Devan Bailey (183-F-89), Alhadji Fullah, Benjamin Mockford (184-G-89) and Colin Sing (195-G-89).

'The schedule for 2009 is very competitive and includes at least two trips into Europe to play quality European opponents,' said head coach Tim Lewis.

'There are some really talented younger players and key second year players on the squad list. It promises to be an exciting summer.'

Head of basketball operations for British Basketball, Ron Wuotila, added: 'Once again, we have a talented group of players on the squad lists and it's an encouraging sign that the future of British Basketball can be found across top colleges and clubs throughout the world.

'Sergio and Tim have done a good job of putting together competitive preparation periods, which will be vital ahead of a testing, but sure to be great, campaign.'

From the U20 squad lists approximately 15 players will be invited to training camps in June.

U20 men:
Alhodzic, Fahro - Gran Canaria Basketball Academy (ACB, Spain)
Anderson, Jamell - City of Nottingham Tribe (EBL Div III, ENG)
Awosanya, Larry - Rancocas Valley High School (New Jersey, USA)
Bailey, Devan - Brewster Academy (New Hampshire, USA)
Caird, Chris - FSU Selfoss (Express L, ICE)
Fernley, Sam - Fairleigh Dickenson University (NCAA Div I, USA)
Fullah, Alhadji - Southend (ENG)
Gilchrist, Robert - Barking Abbey (ENG)
Greenan, Lee - Barking Abbey (ENG)
Hanson, David - Lee Academy (Maine, USA)
Hesson, Myles - Birmingham Athletics (EBL Div II, ENG)
Lawrence, Andrew - Heat Basketball Academy (Virginia, USA)
Mabbutt, Nick - FSU Selfoss (Express L, ICE)
McKay, Daniel - University of Reading (BUCS, ENG)
Mockford, Benjamin - Apex Academy (New Jersey, USA)
Neighbour, William - Central Park Christian High School (Alabama, USA)
Nyeko, Patrick - Seattle Prep (Washington, USA)
Okpalugo, Donald - Deerfield Academy (Massachusetts, USA)
Rolls Tyson, Josh - Solihull College (ENG)
Russell, Benjamin - London Capitals (BBL, UK)
Scotland-Williamson, Alexander - University of Texas of Permian Basin (NCAA Div II, USA)
Sing, Colin - Sefton Stars (Liverpool, ENG)
Treasure, Tyrone - Bristol Academy Flyers (EBL Div I, ENG)
Van Oostrum, Nigel - Mercersburg Academy (Pennsylvania, USA)
Wallace, Andrew - Worcester Wolves (BBL, UK)

U20 men schedule:
Division B Championships, 16-26 July, Skopje (FYROM)
16.07 v Norway 18:45
18.07 v Finland 16:30
20.07 v Poland 18:45

Courtesy of www.basketball.24.co.uk

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URBL

Standings

URBL Standings

D Division
1. Austin F.	6-5
2. Houston S.	6-5
3. S. Antonio	5-6
4. Univ.City S.	3-7
5. Dallas	1-10
National Division
1. DFW	13-2
2. Irving A.	13-2
3. Converse F.	12-3
4. Houston G.	8-7
5. Texas M.	6-9
6. Katy S.	0-15

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URUGUAY

VENEZUELA

LPB Standings

1. Guaros	28-10
2. Cocodrilos	27-12
3. Marinos	25-14
4. Guaiqueries	23-15
5. Trotamundos	21-17
6. Gaiteros	16-22
7. La Guaira BBC	14-24
8. Toros	14-25
9. Gigantes	13-26
10. Panteras	11-27

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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Spain to host 2014 FIBA World Championship - by Eurobasket News
FIBA Central Board in Geneva announced that Spain will host 2014 FIBA World Championship. In a contest with Italy, Spain received 11 votes to Italy's 8. Nine countries initially wanted to stage the 2014 FIBA World Championship but only China, Italy and Spain stayed in the race. As a reminder the 2010 FIBA World Championship will be held in Turkey next year.
In 2006 playing without superstar Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80), Spain didn't miss a beat, running past Greece, 70-47, in the gold-medal game of the 2006 FIBA World Championship. Spain, which finished the World Championship with a perfect 9-0 record, led by six after one quarter. In the second quarter, Spain outscored Greece, 25-11, to take a 54-34 lead and all but guarantee its first-ever gold medal. Juan-Carlos Navarro and Jorge Garbajosa (205-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances) filled the void for Gasol, scoring 20 points each. Garbajosa also grabbed 10 rebounds.

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Women News

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ANGOLA - Women

Angola host Torneo Internacional 18 de Maio - by Eurobasket News
Angolan Lubango hosted the international basketball tournament Torneo Internacional 18 de Maio lately. National teams from four countries arrived in Lubango to play for the trophy. Angola was among the favorites. They were scheduled to meet South Africa in the opener but the game was cancelled as the South African team failed to get to Angola on time.
Next the hosts took on D.R. Congo and celebrated a cruising 61:41 victory. Angola ensured a 32:17 lead at halftime and never looked back en route to the win.
Angola finally met with Portugal in the third round of action. The game turned into a low-scoring battle with the teams playing some stifling defense. Portugal led by just 2 points after ten minutes of action however they managed to clear off to an 8-point distance at the interval. Angola would not go away as they clipped the margin at 2 points late in the third stanza. The visitors reacted with a 9:2 run to pile up a safe 9-point buffer. Sonia Reis (189-C-84) and Paula Muxiri (186-F/C-81, college: ODU) paced the Portuguese side late in the game as they gave no chance for Angola claiming a 52:43 victory. Reis finished with 18 points. Paula Muxiri provided 13 points for the winners. Luisa Macuto (192-C-83) stepped up with 11 points for Angola. Sonia Guadalupe (188-F/G-85) had 9 points in the loss.
Angola claimed the second spot in the tournament.
The Angolan roster for the tournament looked as follows:
Catarina Camufal (167-G-80), Antonieta Gabriel (180-F-77), Ngiendula Filipe (178-F-82), Clarice Mpaca, Judith Queta (186-D-85), Sonia Guadalupe, Irene Guerreiro (170-F-70), Luisa Macuto, Astrida Vicente (174-F/G-78), Nassecela Mauricio (181-F-80), Nadir Manuel (183-F-86), Jacquelina Francisco (185-F-78).

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

AUSTRALIA - Women

Coach Joe McKay with Lynx For Season 09/10 - by Eurobasket News
Basketball WA and the Go For 2&5 Perth Lynx are pleased to announce the re-signing of Coach Joe McKay.

Joe, who led the 2003 Western Australian Under-16 Metro Men's team to their first title for WA in 52 years.

McKay has extensive on-field experience as an Australian Rules Player with the South Fremantle Football Club and he has led the Lynx since 2007, rebuilding the Club towards what is hoped to be successful 2009/10 campaign.

Speaking on SportFMs Above The Rim radio show last night, McKay said Theres probably a view in the Eastern States that the Lynx are so far away that its not worth being here. The Lynx is trying to change that, he said, Basketball WA right the way through is trying to change that image and that profile and I think we are succeeding at it. I think we are moving ahead in fairly significant steps. When asked about his 2009/10 playing group McKay said more and more players now see that this program is advancing and theyre making decisions to perhaps have a greater emphasis on the Lynx than what theyve done in the past and I think thats very encouraging.

Rockingham Flames player Kaye Tucker has also re-signed with the Go For 2&5 Perth Lynx for the 2009/10 WNBL season. Kaye and her Flames squad take on the Perry Lakes LadyHawks tonight at Perry Lakes Stadium and then travel down to Mandurah to play the Magic on Saturday.

For more information and podcast Joe McKay's full interview, check the SBL website www.sbl.asn.au.

Courtesy of www.sbl.asn.au

Belinda Snell's game shines with opportunity - by Eurobasket News
The quiet confidence is still there. So, too, are the shooting touch, rebounding prowess and heady passing, writes Terrence Thomas for Express-News.

As Silver Stars assistant coach Sandy Brondello sees it, there hasn't been a overhaul in guard Belinda Snell's (181-F-81) game in the five years since they were teammates on Australia's silver medal-winning team at the 2004 Olympics.

It's just that now everyone is getting to see what the 5-foot-11 Snell has long been capable of doing.

I think it comes down to sometimes what team you're on, (and the) opportunities that you get, Brondello said. I don't think anyone in the WNBA has seen the best of Snelly.'

The Silver Stars hope that much changes this season.

After playing in the shadows of some of the world's best players Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter at Phoenix and Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor with the Australian national team Snell has come into her own.

At the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the former AIS and Sydney Uni Flames player averaged 11.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists, helping Australia win the silver medal.

Snell, who played three seasons at Phoenix including on the Mercury's 2007 team that won the WNBA title followed her effort in the Olympics by averaging 13.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists for Dynamo Moscow during EuroLeague play.

It was a big step up for me, Snell said. A lot of it, sometimes, is about opportunity. But whether you get five minutes or 20 minutes, it's what you do with that.

I've got to get out there and try and make the most of my opportunities.''

Thus far, she has. So impressive was Snell during the Olympics and EuroLeague season, that Becky Hammon, Ann Wauters and Sophia Young raved to the Silver Stars' coaching staff about her.

Those same players also inquired about trying to bring Snell to San Antonio. That request became a reality when Phoenix released her March 16 and the Silver Stars signed her to a free-agent deal exactly a week later.

A lot of times, that's a great sign when your players kind of step forward and say, Hey, here's a player we think really will be good for us,' Silver Stars coach and general manager Dan Hughes said. Even in Australia, with Penny and with Lauren, she really stepped up big, I thought.

I just have always thought she was tough-nosed, and I just always felt she played like a Silver Star.''

Courtesy of The Express-News

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CANADA - Women

Kalisha Keane will play with Canada at the 2009 FISU Games in Serbia - by Eurobasket News
Canada Basketball announced Friday the schedule and training camp rosters for the six mens and womens age-group teams that will be competing in four zones around the globe this summer.

From National Championship MVPs and All-Stars, to CIS All-Canadians and NCAA record holders, the teams feature the best young players ages 15-25 from across the nation, who will be preparing to compete in FISU and FIBA qualification and world championship events.

Our country has fantastic young talent and this summer we have the opportunity to showcase six age-group teams on the world stage, said Wayne Parrish, CEO and Executive Director for Canada Basketball. We all know that basketball is a global game, and it is thriving right here in Canada. Our nation has such depth in our talent pool, particularly in the age-group categories. It will be exciting to watch as these young players grow and develop through the national team elite pathway.

Cadet(te) National Teams
The youngest players will comprise the first ever Cadet(te) National Teams, representing the nations best under 16 years of age. Canada Basketball worked together with the provincial sport organizations to select Cadet(te) athletes from the Centre for Performance program, a regional training centre concept intended to identify and develop elite-level Canadian basketball players at a young age. A key component of Canada Basketballs national player and coach identification and development strategy, top male and female players were chosen from each of the six sites across Canada -- B.C., Alberta, the Prairies, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic.

The talent includes 2008 U15 National Championship first team all-stars, David Wagner from Kamloops, B.C., Vanessa Pickard from Riverview, N.B.,and Ontarios Karly Roser from the National Elite Development Academy (NEDA), as well as National Championship MVP Kevin Pangos from Holland Landing, Ont., and Nirra Fields from Lachine, Que.

The Cadet Teams inaugural competition will be the FIBA Americas zone championships leading to the first-ever FIBA U17 World Championship in 2010. The FIBA Americas U16 World Championship Qualification Tournament for Men takes place June 17-21 in Mendoza, Argentina. Eight countries -- Canada, the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Venezuela and Mexico -- will take part, with the top three nations advancing to the first ever FIBA U17 World Championship next year. Canada is placed in Group B and will play its first three games against Mexico, the Bahamas and Argentina.

It is a great honour to be leading this first Cadet group in to the FIBA Americas qualifier. I look forward to contributing in the development of the future of our national team program,' said head coach Roy Rana. Our goals for this group are many, but most importantly we want to represent Canada with great passion and qualify for the 2010 FIBA U17 World Championship.

On the Cadette womens side, the FIBA Americas U16 World Championship Qualification Tournament for Women takes place Aug. 5-9 in Mexico City. Eight countries will compete, including Canada, the U.S., Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Likewise, the top three nations will advance to the FIBA U17 World Championship for Women next year.

Junior National Teams

2009 is an exciting year for both the Mens and Womens Junior National Teams as both will face the biggest competition on the FIBA schedule. After a strong performance at the 2008 FIBA Americas U18 Championships (3rd place), the Junior Mens National Team (JMNT) earned a place at the 2009 U19 FIBA World Championships taking place July 212 in Auckland, New Zealand, marking the second consecutive berth for Canada at the FIBA U19 World Championship.

The Junior Womens National Team (JWNT) also came off a fantastic 2008 season, finishing second only to the U.S. at the 2008 FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Women, thereby qualifying for the U19 FIBA World Championship for Women taking place July 23Aug. 2 in Bangkok, Thailand. This will be the third consecutive time that Canadas JWNT has qualified for the Junior World Championship for Women.

Both past members of the JMNT and JWNT teams and many current players in the National Elite Development Academy (NEDA) program have been invited to attend training camps. Athletes in NEDA, a high-performance centralized residential program, have access to comprehensive world class basketball education, including nutrition, mental training, balanced training schedules, and proper strength and conditioning techniques.

'We have tremendous motivation this year with the upcoming FIBA U19 World Championships in July, said Greg Francis, Head Coach of the NEDA Boys' Team and the Junior National Mens Team. I am excited to prepare with this team that has been working hard over the past two years. We are focused on building our team chemistry to be successful at the worlds.

A 66 Wing from Edmonton,, Mangisto Arop was an inaugural NEDA athlete and has excelled at the national and international level. He was recently awarded a full scholarship to attend the NCAAs Gonzaga University (Spokane, Wash.) later this fall. Natalie Achonwa, a 62 forward from Guelph, Ont., is currently serving her second season with NEDA. A standout on Ontarios gold medal U17 provincial team, she was also named the 2008 National Championship MVP.

In addition to the invited players, Canada Basketball will also be conducting open tryouts for junior teams, starting with the JMNT open tryout session on May 26 at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont. The JWNT open tryout session is scheduled for June 5 at Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School in Ancaster, Ont. The deadline to register for JMNT is Friday, May 22 and for JWNT is Tuesday, June 2. Only athletes born on or after Jan. 1, 1990 are eligible and can register by contacting Jen Elliott at jelliott@basketball.ca.

Development National Teams

The development teams are comprised of athletes attending university, either in the CIS or NCAA. Every two years, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) hosts the World University Games. 2009 marks the 25th edition of the Summer Universiade, and both the Mens and Womens Development Teams will head to Belgrade, Serbia, July 1-12 to compete against the best in the world.

While the final rosters for both Development National Teams will be determined in June, Canada Basketball is working closely with the CIS and NCAA to select players from the national depth pool of eligible athletes. For the men, nine players have confirmed their participation on the team, including national team alum and 2008 CIS Player of the Year Aaron Doornekamp, a 66 forward from Carleton University. The remaining three spots will be filled in mid-June.

The ladies have a long list of 17 players, including sophomore forward Kalisha Keane (185-F-89) from Michigan State. Keane, who in her first year set the record for most points scored as a freshman with 460 and was named MSUs Co-Player of the Year, has played for Canada on the Junior and U21 teams. As she develops along the national elite pathway, she is sure to play an integral role on the team this summer.

Help Send Canadas Youth on the Road to the Worlds
With our country fielding all of these talented athletes on four continents, Canada Basketball is encouraging the greater basketball community to get involved and support these teams on their road to the worlds. The Canadian Basketball Foundation, the registered charitable arm of Canada Basketball, is currently collecting donations to fund critical areas such as travel, meals, and training, and all contributions are 100 per cent eligible for tax receipts.

To make a donation, please visit www.canadahelps.org and enter Canadian Basketball Foundation or log on to www.basketball.ca and select Donate Now.

Please see the attached document for the most up to date training rosters of the Cadet(te), Junior and Development National Teams including players and team staff. For more information on Canada Basketball and the Canadian Basketball Foundation visit www.basketball.ca.

Courtesy of www.basketball.ca

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FRANCE - Women

France topple Greece in Lyon - by Eurobasket News
France - Greece 54:50

French National Team swept the friendly series against Greece clinching the third straight success yesterday. The teams met in Lyon and France celebrated victory in a low-scoring affair. It was all thanks to the fourth-frame effort when France outgunned their opponents 16:8 and eked out a tough win.
Greece looked much more confident in this one as they did not allow France to clear off early in the game. The teams traded baskets throughout the opening quarter and were all square at 16 after ten minutes. Stella Kaltsidou (187-C/F-83) sparked a run from the visitors in the second period as the Greek team gained the advantage 28:25. Greece secured a 33:31 lead at halftime.
The visitors maintained the advantage throughout the third frame. Elodie Godin (190-C-85) and Emmeline Ndongue (191-F/C-83) kept Les Bleus close but Greece entered the fourth term ahead by 4 points. The hosts used a 5:0 rally midway through the fourth term to ensure a 47:46 advantage. It all came down to the final minutes when Elodie Godin and Dumerc accounted for the buckets that sealed the win for Les Bleus.
Elodie Godin finished with 8 points to lead France. Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (195-C-86), Endene Miyem (188-F-88), Emilie Gomis (180-F-83) and Emmeline Ndongue secured 6 points each in the victory. Stella Kaltsidou responded with game-high 18 points and 7 rebounds for Greece. Pelagia Papamichail (189-F/C-86) and Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) had 10 points apiece in the losing effort.

France: Elodie Godin 8, Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui 6, Endene Miyem 6, Emilie Gomis 6, Emmeline Ndongue 6
Greece: Stella Kaltsidou 18, Pelagia Papamichail 10, Dimitra Kalentzou 10

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GREECE - Women

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HOLLAND - Women

Rob van Essen new Headcoach Perik Jumpers - by Bas Hendriks
Former National Team great Rob van Essen (member of the number 4 squad at Euro Basket 1983) was announced to be the new headcoach for Perik Jumpers from Tubbergen.
The team that soon will announce their new sponsor stated to be very happy with the signing of van Essen who was a player in Holland for Weert , Groningen and Urk.

After his playing days were over he coached on several lower levels in Holland. Van Essen is a rookie in the dutch first league.

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HUNGARY - Women

Russian team Unbeaten In Warm-Up games - by Eurobasket News
The National Team of Russia remained perfect in the friendly games played before EuroBasket 2009 in Latvia. Over the weekend the National team hosted Hungary and beat them twice. On Saturday Russia celebrated 61:42 victory with a great defensive style in the court. Last night Russia won over Hungary 66:58 as the latter produced a better game in comparison with the first one. Russia opened the game with 19-10 lead and the Hungary responded with 18-14 in the second. A 20-15 in the third gave the hosts more confidence at the end even though they lost the last period 13-15.

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ISRAEL - Women

Latvia storm past Israel again - by Eurobasket News
Latvia - Israel 85:55

Latvia stayed perfect in their friendly outings prior to the 2009 EuroBasket. They claimed the fourth straight win rolling past Israel. Ieva Tare (185-F-74) secured 13 points, 5 boards and 4 assists to lead balanced effort from the hosts.
Latvia took over right from the start as they earned an early lead. Israel tried to stay close but still appeared 7 points behind at the first intermission. Latvia stepped on the gas in the second quarter as they stiffened their defense. Israel managed just 11 points in the second frame and trailed by as many as 16 points at halftime. The onslaught continued in the third stanza. Latvia coasted mounting their advantage with every passing minute. The gap grew at 20+ mark midway through the third frame and the game was done. The hosts however did not loosen the grip and clinched an overwhelming victory at the end. Zane Tamane (196-C-83, college: W.Illinois) scored 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds for Latvia. Santa Dreimane (176-G-85) had 11 points in the winning effort. Ekaterina Abramzon (186-F/C-87, agency: ZAG Advocates) answered with game-high 19 points for Israel. Liad Suez Karni (190-F/C-81, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) came up with 12 points in defeat. Latvia will face Ukraine on May 30 next.

Latvia: Ieva Tare 13, Zane Tamane 12, Santa Dreimane 11
Israel: Ekaterina Abramzon 19, Liad Suez Karni 12

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LATVIA - Women

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LITHUANIA - Women

Lithuanian NT smashes Ukrainian side in the friendly game - by Eurobasket News

Lithuanian National team was too good for the Ukrainian side in the friendly game at home. The Baltic side won all the period to seal an easy 76:42 victory.
The home side opened the game with some easy shots to take the lead from the very beginning. It looked that the guests also remained hot and after the opening quarter the board showed 14:11 for the Baltic team. The tempo of the game had definitely increased in the second period when the hosts pushed the tempo for good. Lithuania produced 25-10 to take 39:21 halftime advantage.
Even though it was a friendly game, both squads battle hard in the court. Led by Agne Ciudariene (188-F-79) and Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) the hosts did not slow down in the second half. Lithuanian team made 18-13 in the third period and added 19-8 in the last. As a total it gave 76:42 in the first friendly game between the teams. Agne Ciudariene led the winners with 14 points, while Sandra Valuzyte added 13. Milda Sauliute (175-G-81) ended up with 11 points and Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) poured in 10. Ausra Bimbaite (179-G-82) delivered 9 points, while Egle Stakneviciene and Iveta Salkauske notched 7 each.

Ukrainian National team will stay until May 29th to play some more games in the country.

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LUXEMBOURG - Women

Luxembourg lose two consecutive games in Mersch - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg National Team continued to get fit before the upcoming Games of the Small States of Europe. Recently a Herman Paar team played two more friendly games against Switzerland and Albania. This time they were far from success as Luxembourg suffered resounding losses.
First the hosts were beaten by Albania 31:51. Lisy Hetting (173-G-90) topscored for Luxembourg with 7 points. Nadia Mossong (182-F-86) added 6 points in the losing effort.
Next Luxembourg took on Switzerland and could not match the opponents losing 45:65. Nadia Mossong led the charge with 13 points. Tessy Hetting finished with 10 points in defeat.

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PORTUGAL - Women

Portugal triumph at Lubango International tournament - by Eurobasket News
Lubango welcomed four international teams that arrived in Angola to participate in the annual tournament. Portugal came to battle alongside South Africa, D.R. Congo and hosting Angola.
Portugal took on D.R. Congo in the opening day of the competition. It was a tough battle right from the start as the African team ensured a 32:29 lead at halftime. Portugal failed to come any closer in the third frame and needed a late surge to eke out a 69:58 victory. Sonia Reis (189-C-84) came up with 19 points for Portugal. Ana Fonseca (168-G-78) added 11 points, while Paula Muxiri (186-F/C-81, college: ODU) and Carla Nascimento (171-G-86) finished with 10 points each in the win. Jeanine had 14 points for D.R. Congo.
Next Portugal faced South Africa and coasted to a stunning 95:34 success. The Portuguese team limited their opponents to only 11 points in the first half piling up a 34-point halftime advantage. Portugal never looked back in the second half and posted the second straight win at the tornament. Sonia Reis notched 13 points for the European team. Carla Freitas (171-G-80) added 12 points in the victory. Mitsweni had 8 points in the loss.
Finally Portugal met with Angola. The game turned into a low-scoring battle with the teams playing some stifling defense. Portugal led by just 2 points after ten minutes of action however they managed to clear off to an 8-point distance at the interval. Angola would not go away as they clipped the margin at 2 points late in the third stanza. The visitors reacted with a 9:2 run to pile up a safe 9-point buffer. Sonia Reis and Paula Muxiri paced the Portuguese side late in the game as they gave no chance for Angola claiming a 52:43 victory. Reis finished with 18 points. Paula Muxiri provided 13 points for the winners. Luisa Macuto (192-C-83) stepped up with 11 points for Angola.

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RUSSIA - Women

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UKRAINE - Women

Lithuanian NT smashes Ukrainian side in the friendly game - by Eurobasket News

Ukrainian National team will stay until May 29th to play some more games in the country.

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UNITED KINGDOM - Women

U20 National Team announced - by Eurobasket News
The future of the Great Britain men's and women's teams looks bright as British Basketball pulls together its strongest under 20 training programme this summer.

With players travelling back from their clubs or colleges across the globe, from Florida to Manchester and Iceland to Southend it is a further illustration of the development British Basketball's scouting network has made.

The U20 women will be in action first this summer, with games against Greece, Hungary, Portugal, Belgium and Austria at the Division B Championships in Ohrid, Macedonia from July 6-15.

The 24 names in the squad list include Harriett Yea, Leah Dehaan and Charlotte Stoddart, all of whom were part of the senior women's campaign in January.

'This European campaign is so exciting. We have put together a fantastic preparation build-up that includes trips to Spain, Estonia and Greece before arriving in Macedonia for the championships,' said head coach Sergio Lara-Bercial.

'Likewise, the number of quality girls available in every position is amazing. It is going to be very hard for the coaching staff to make some really tough decisions, but this a great place to be in.'

The U20 men will be in a different part of Macedonia, Skopje, for the Division B Championships July 16-26. Their group games include ties against Norway, Finland and Poland.

With a number of last year's roster now too old for the squad only four players from the 2008 campaign return to under 20 action; Devan Bailey, Alhadji Fullah, Benjamin Mockford and Colin Sing.

'The schedule for 2009 is very competitive and includes at least two trips into Europe to play quality European opponents,' said head coach Tim Lewis.

'There are some really talented younger players and key second year players on the squad list. It promises to be an exciting summer.'

Head of basketball operations for British Basketball, Ron Wuotila, added: 'Once again, we have a talented group of players on the squad lists and it's an encouraging sign that the future of British Basketball can be found across top colleges and clubs throughout the world.

'Sergio and Tim have done a good job of putting together competitive preparation periods, which will be vital ahead of a testing, but sure to be great, campaign.'

From the U20 squad lists approximately 15 players will be invited to training camps in June.

U20 women:
Allen, Dominique - Oral Roberts University (NCAA Div I, USA)
Avery, Nicky - UWIC (EBL Div I, ENG)
Bardsley, Kelsey - Manchester Mystics (EBL Div I, ENG)
Barroilhet, Tamzin - Bourges (NF2, FRA)
Blood, Alyssa - Brown University (NCAA Div I, USA)
Brookfield, Jessica - Solent Suns (EBL Div I, ENG)
Buchan, Mairi - Old Dominion University (NCAA Div I, USA)
Bofenda, Ziana - Barking Abbey (EBL Div I, ENG)
Campbell, Josette - Northwest Florida State College (NJCAA Div I, USA)
Colley, Julia - University of Bridgeport (NCAA Div II)
Davidson, Ruth - Northumbria (EBL Div I, ENG)
DeHaan, Leah - UWIC (EBL Div I, ENG)
Mary Durojaye (188-F-90) - Robert Morris University (NCAA Div I, USA)
Harris, Katie - Sevenoaks Suns (EBL Div I, ENG)
Johnson-Allen, Renee - Barking Abbey (EBL Div I, ENG)
Kashmere Joseph (188-C-90) - Seton Hall University (NCAA Div I, USA)
Karumba, Mrashi - Northwest Florida State College (NJCAA Div , USA)
Leedham, Kirsty - Caldwell College (NCAA Div II, USA)
Minister, Kate - Clark University (NCAA Div III, USA)
Yemi Oyefuwa (198-C) - University of Maryland (NCAA Div I, USA)
Hannah Shaw (192-F-90) - University of Miami (NCAA Div I, USA)
Stoddart, Charlotte - Manchester Mystics (EBL Div I, ENG)
Turner, Cristal - Oral Roberts University (NCAA Div I, USA)
Yea, Harriett - Iniexa Caceres 2016 (LF2, ESP)

U20 women schedule:
Division B Championships, 6-15 July, Ohrid (FYROM)
06.07 v Greece 14:15
07.07 v Hungary 12:00
08.07 v Portugal 14:15
10.07 v Belgium 16:30
11.07 v Austria 12:00

Courtesy of www.basketball24.co.uk

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WNBA - Women

Two waived by Indiana Fever during camp's opening week - by Eurobasket News
To make room for a large contingent of guards in the opening week of training camp, the Indiana Fever has waived returning players Sherill Baker (5'9''-G-82, agency: Ronsport, college: Georgia) and Doneeka Lewis. The Fever travels to Minnesota to face the Lynx in a preseason opening game on Saturday afternoon (1:00 p.m. ET). The game will take place at the College of St. Benedict.

Baker played in 13 games for the Fever last season before missing most of the season with a bruised wrist. Lewis signed a free agent contract late in the 2008 season and appeared in just eight games. Offseason additions at guard have included former LSU product Erica White (5'3''-G-86, college: LSU) (acquired in a dispersal draft last December), first round draft pick Briann January (5'8''-G-87, college: Arizona St.) of Arizona State, and 12-year WNBA veteran Tamecka Dixon (5'9''-G-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: Kansas). Other returning candidates at guard are Tully Bevilaqua (5'5''-G-72), Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) and Tan White.

Indiana hosts a preseason game next Thursday, May 28, against the Chicago Sky, and makes a final preseason road appearance when it visits San Antonio on June 2.

Training camp continues through the opening week of June, with the Fever officially opening the summer season at Atlanta on Saturday, June 6 (7:00 p.m.). It's home opener is Sunday, June 7 (7:00 p.m.) against the Minnesota Lynx, exactly 10 years after the franchise was founded (June 7, 1999).

Led by two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time WNBA All-Star Tamika Catchings, Olympic silver medalist Tully Bevilaqua, 2008 WNBA Most Improved Player Ebony Hoffman and two-time WNBA All-Stars Katie Douglas and Tammy Sutton-Brown, the Fever bids for its fifth consecutive playoff appearance in 2009. Season tickets are available at FeverBasketball.com, or by calling (317) 917-2500.

Courtesy of The Indiana Fever

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Connect. S.	0-0
2. Indiana F.	0-0
3. Detroit S.	0-0
4. Washingt. M.	0-0
5. New York L.	0-0
6. Chicago S.	0-0
7. Atlanta D.	0-0
Western
1. Sacram. M.	0-0
2. L.Angeles S.	0-0
3. Minnesota L.	0-0
4. Seattle S.	0-0
5. Phoenix M.	0-0
6. S.Antonio SS	0-0

Sun beat Liberty in exhibition opener - by Eurobasket News
It was easy to tell the time of year by looking at the Connecticut Sun's lineup in the final three minutes of their exhibition opener against the New York Liberty.

On the floor were Ashley Hayes, Kristi Cirone, Lyndra Littles, Danielle Page and Lauren Ervin, all with one thing in common they are fighting for roster spots.

But their poise and production down the stretch helped the Sun secure a 74-62 victory Friday night before 5,578 at Mohegan Sun Arena.

'They came in and played great,' said veteran guard Lindsay Whalen, who had six points in 15 minutes.

Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) led the Sun with 11 points, all in the first half.

First-round pick Chante Black (6'5''-C-85, college: Duke) (eight points, seven rebounds, three blocks in 19 minutes) made her first impression a good one.

'It's all about getting into the flow of the game and then picking it up because it's an aggressive league,' Black said.

Free agents Hayes (six) and Cirone (four) lit things up in the 3:43 they played.

'The hardest part was getting 15 players into the game,' Sun coach Mike Thibault said.

Jessica Davenport (6'5''-C-85, college: Ohio St.) led New York with 10 points.

The Liberty, who knocked the Sun out of the playoffs last season in the first round, opened exhibition play Thursday with a win over Washington.

The best player on the floor Friday was Jones, making a seamless transition from her successful winter in Russia. She helped the Sun to a 31-30 halftime lead.

One of the things that makes this camp unique for two of Connecticut's rookies, Black and free agent forward Carrem Gay, is the presence of their former post coach at Duke, Al Brown.

Brown and Thibault are good friends and Brown has been a fixture at training camp, adding another experienced set of eyes.

'I told Mike it's enjoyable to come here and spend time with him, but the pressure is on me now,' Brown said. 'It's a lot easier to come here when you are looking at other people's players. But Chante and Carrem are wonderful, talented young players. You want to see them do well, but the most important thing is helping the Connecticut Sun do well.

'We're all hopeful they can make contributions, and I know they can. If I happened to just walk in here without knowing Chante and Carrem, I'd have to say I've been happy with what I've seen. They've looked good and they fit.'

Vaughn's Debut

Rutgers center Kia Vaughn, a first-round pick, had eight points (4 of 6) in her Liberty debut. Vaughn missed Thursday's exhibition opener to attend her graduation. She is reunited in New York with former college teammate Essence Carson, who is in her second year. ... Anne Donovan, the coach of the gold medal-winning 2008 Olympic team, is an assistant to Liberty coach Pat Coyle. Donovan coached the Seattle Storm to the WNBA championship in 2004 before leaving for the Olympic team. ... Coyle, Thibault, Seattle coach Brian Agler and San Antonio's Dan Hughes are likely candidates for the WNBA spot on Geno Auriemma's coaching staff for the 2012 U.S. Olympic team.

Courtesy of www.courant.com

Indiana outlasts Minnesota 68-51 in preseason game - by Eurobasket News
Lynx rookie Quanitra Hollingsworth's (6'5''-C-88, college: Va Commonwealth) team-high 14 points were not enough as the Indiana Fever bested the Lynx 68-51 in Saturday's preseason matchup at Claire Lynch Hall in St. Joseph, Minn. Indiana rode the hot shooting of Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) to claim a 16-12 advantage after one quarter. Minnesota answered back, using a 9-0 quarter-opening run to surge ahead 31-27 at half. Minnesota was led in the second quarter by six points apiece from Charde Houston (6'1''-F-86, college: Connecticut) and Hollingsworth. The Fever took control of the game in the opening stages of the second half, opening the quarter on a 13-0 run to take a 40-31 lead with 6:17 to play in the third. Indiana's lead swelled to 14 points at the end of three. The Fever widened the gap to as many as 21 points in the fourth before eventually claiming the 68-51 victory. Hollingsworth paced the Lynx with 14 points in just under 20 minutes of action. Minnesota's 2009 first-round draft pick Renee Montgomery (5'7''-G-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) made her pro debut, scoring seven points and chipping in three assists in the loss. Former University of Minnesota guard Emily Fox got on the board with a three-pointer mid-way through the fourth quarter, and finished with three points and two assists in just under 17 minutes of action. Seimone Augustus played just seven minutes for the Lynx, while starters Anna DeForge (5'10''-G-76, college: Nebraska), Nicky Anosike (6'4''-C-86, college: Tennessee) and Kelly Miller saw limited action. Lynx guard Candice Wiggins sat out the contest due to a strained left hamstring, but is expected back for the season opener. Katie Douglas' game-high 19 points led the Fever. With the loss, Minnesota falls to 15-14 all-time in preseason play. Minnesota will start the regular season two weeks from today when they take on Chicago on Saturday, June 6 at Target Center. Tip-off for the season opener will be at 7:00 p.m.

ROOKIE ORIENTATION

Five rookies made their respective debuts for the Lynx on Saturday, combining for 24 points on 8-22 shooting. The fourth overall pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft, Renee Montgomery scored seven points and dished out three assists in a team-high 23:49. 20-year-old Quanitra Hollingsworth scored 14 points and pulled down two rebounds. Emily Fox scored three points, and Rashanda McCants and Aisha Mohammed each went scoreless.

QUOTEABLES

LYNX HEAD COACH DON ZIERDEN

On his overall thoughts on the game...

'There were a couple of mix-ups that we'll go over in the film. Indiana was 7-14 from beyond the arc. Overall we held them to 36 (percent) for the game; at halftime they were shooting only 31 (percent). Those numbers are way better than last year. There were some things I'll take away from this defensively that I was pretty pleased with, but you can't let Katie Douglas slip away for a couple threes like she did. That part has to be corrected. But overall we lost by one on the boards and we held them to 36-percent shooting. The 50 percent from the free throw line can be corrected. I just wanted to see how we could play today. I thought overall we were okay defensively. We gave up 80 (points) last year and we gave up 60 (today) to a playoff team.'

On Quanitra Hollingsworth...

'I would say she was one of the bright spots. She hadn't practiced so it was really the first time we got to see her live. There were a lot of positives we'll take out of her game. Obviously she can do things better, but we were pleased with what we saw today. Indiana has some seasoned and very talented posts.'

On the post players...

'We need help in the post, there's no doubt about it. We need help on the boards. We were pleased - at halftime we were beating them (Indiana) on the boards. We felt we had gotten some good post play, but it's important to play everybody in the second half. For a while there Hollingsworth and Charde was a good combination.'

On the team's strong play in the second quarter...

'We found a combination that was working and I thought defensively we were pretty solid the entire first half. I was pleased with holding them to 27 points and holding them to 31-percent from the field. We got a little something going there in the second quarter and found ourselves with the lead in the first half.'

EMILY FOX

On her initial feelings before the game...

'It was really exciting. My mom and dad were here and I had some family from Minnesota and some other friends come out so it was really exciting. Ashey Ellis-Milan was here, one of my former teammates, and some of my former managers were here.'

On her first time entering the game...

'I was so nervous. I was just like 'you've got to let it go.' 'There's no way you can play out there if you're going to be scared'. That was kind of my welcome to the WNBA moment.'

On making a 3-point basket...

'I was excited. In the first half I passed on a shot and Coach Z told me I've got to shoot that. So when it came to me that time I was going to shoot no matter what. I'm just glad that it went it.'

CHARDE HOUSTON

On the team's overall performance...

'We've been in training camp for one week, but nobody is satisfied with that performance. We had some rookies on the floor a lot of the time and I think everybody gave a complete effort. Now we can see what we have to work towards. We have a lot of improvements to be made and I think that everyone has definitely taken this seriously, but now we see ourselves on the court against another team. Now we see what we're up against. Now we have two weeks to improve upon those things. I think right now we're in a good place. Two weeks is a lot of time and everybody is going to give it their all to improve.'

On the positives from the game...

'Ultimately I think with such a new team, it's important to have team chemistry, and I think we have that with this team. I think we're big, which means we're going to be able to give people a lot of problems on the inside. Our guard play is good, so when you put all of that together I think we'll have a really good team.'

QUANITRA HOLLINGSWORTH

On the team's play...

'I think we did very well seeing that we only had about two weeks of training camp. I'm definitely a rookie so I haven't had much time myself. I think in time, myself and the other post players are definitely going to be able to work together.'

On if being young was a factor at all...

'It wasn't a focus factor to me. I knew they (Indiana) were going to come out and get at me just like any other opponent. They don't factor in how old I am, so obviously why should I. I just have to go out there and play the game.'

NEXT UP - MINNESOTA VS. CHICAGO - SATURDAY, JUNE 6 @ 7:00 PM

Minnesota opens the regular season at Target Center on Saturday, June 6 vs. Sylvia Fowles and the Chicago Sky. Tip-off will be at 7:00 p.m. The first 2,500 fans to the home opener, presented by Best Buy, will receive a 2009 magnet schedule. The game will be televised on FS North, with Tom Hanneman and Lea B. Olsen on the call. Lynx radio voice Alan Horton will call the action on the radio home of the Lynx, BOB FM106.

Courtesy of The Minnesota Lynx