EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/5/2009

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  ARAB CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Day 10 (Quarter Finals) - 22nd ACC - by Maarouf Mawloud
Monday 4/5/2009:
# Group D:
Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (LEB) 70 - ASU Sports Club (JOR) 72 (Qs: 17-25, 35-40, 58-54, 70-72)
- Best scorers:
Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut: [ Fadi El Khatib (197-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) 28 points, Ahmad Ismail (201-F-76)16 pts 12 reb]
ASU Sports Club: [Zeid Abbas (203-F-83) 17 pts 9 reb, Tim Pickett (193-G/F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida St.) 25 pts, Chudney Gray (188-G-78, college: St.John's) 19 pts and 7 ass]

# Group E:
Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut(Leb) 72 - ASPTT Alger (ALG) 65 (Qs: 19-20, 36-32, 61-53, 72-65)
- Best scorers:
Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut: [ Marcus Melvin (203-F-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) 18Pts, 13Rbs, 2Ass , Rolando Howell (206-C/F-82, college: S.Carolina) 14Pts, 8Rbs, 1Ass , Rodrigue Akl (185-G-88) 6Pts, 6Rbs, 1Ass]
ASPTT Alger : [Mehdi Derris 15Pts, 2Rbs, Jilali Camon 20Pts, 6Rbs, Paul Dakouou 5Pts, 3Rbs, 1Ass]

# Day 11 - 22nd ACC (+3 GMT):
[SEMI-FINALS]:
~~Tuesday 5/5 ~~
18.00 Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut v/s Manama
21.00 Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut v/s ASU

Day 10 (Quarter Finals) - 22nd ACC - by Mohammed Malas
* Tuesday 5/5:

# Group D:

ASU Sports Club (JOR) 72 - Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (LEB) 70 (Qs: 25-17, 40-35, 63-66 & 72-70)
- Best scorers:
ASU [Tim Pickett (193-G/F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida St.) '25 pts', Zeid Abbas (203-F-83) '17 pts, 9 reb' & Chudney Gray (188-G-78, college: St.John's) '19 pts, 7 ast']
Riyadi [Fadi El Khatib (197-F-79) '28 pts', Ahmad Ismail (201-F-76) '16 pts, 12 reb']

# Group D standings:
1- Riyadi
2- ASU (+1)
3- Zain (-2)

# Group E:

Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut (LEB) 72 - ASPTT Alger (ALG) 65 (Qs: 19-20, 36-32, 61-52 & 72-65)
- Best scorers:
Sagesse [Marcus Melvin (203-F-82, college: N.Carolina St.) '18 pts']
ASPTT [Djillali Canon (190-G/F-78) '20 pts']

# Group E standings:
1- Sagesse
2- Manama
3- ASPTT

# Day 11(Semi Finals) - 22nd ACC (+3 GMT):
- Tuesday 5/5:
18:00 Riyadi X Manama
21:00 Sagesse X ASU

*****************************************************
  ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Lebanese Abroads will play this summer with the NATIONAL TEAM - by Maarouf Mawloud
Two overseas Lebanese signed the contracts to play for the National Team this summer:
Omar Krayem (185-G-86) last played with California Baptist.
Daniel Faris (206-F-87, agency: Warren Sports International) last played with New Mexico Lobos.
Ali Kanaan (206-F) is yet to be recruited.
Omar Krayem Born Oct. 12, 1986, in San Francisco, Calif. Interdisciplinary studies major.
A good guard. His last stats in the university with E.Washington (NCAA) on 2006-2007 show: 26 games with 8.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3Pts: 37.1%, FT: 71.2%

Daniel Faris Born in May 2, 1987.
A good Forward who has a very good percentage in shooting. He has a fine career history in his NCAA university with N.Mexico.
2005-2006: N.Mexico (NCAA): 24 games: 0.5ppg
2006: Athletes In Action
2006-2007: N.Mexico (NCAA): 32 games: 4.8ppg, 3.4rpg
2007-2008: N.Mexico (NCAA): 33 games: 9.2ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 50.6%, FT: 53.2%
2008-2009: N.Mexico (NCAA, starting five): 34 games: 12.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 52.5%, FT: 71.4%
In his Career lifehe had a good number of awards (According to our site) William Jones Cup Tournament -06,MWC All-Honorable Mention -08,NABC Division I All-District 17 Second Team -09,MWC Regular Season Co-Champion -09,All-MWC 2nd Team -09
And Ali Kanaan (206-F) who is yet to join the national team: born in Lebanon and raised in Monteral, Quebec, and from 2006 till 2008 played with Massachusetts-Lowell (NCAA2),and in 2008-2009: Mass.-Lowell (NCAA2, starting five).

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  AUSTRALIA   


Coach Rob Beveridge agrees with Perth Wildcats - by Eurobasket News
The Perth Wildcats has announced the signing of Rob Beveridge as its head coach for the next three years.

Wildcats owner and chairman Jack Bendat called it a new beginning for the club.

With the reform of the sport nationally and the new direction of the club to recruit an experienced head coach with a proven track record, I am excited about the season ahead, he said.

Beveridge was head coach for the Sydney Spirit in the NBL and coached Australia to a gold medal at the 2003 World Junior Championships. He was also assistant coach with the Australian Senior mens basketball team (Boomers) at the 2004 Olympics, 2006 Commonwealth Games (Gold) and the World Championships in 2006.

Beveridge has been the head coach of the World Team for the last five years, at the NIKE Hoop Summit against Team USA, most recently securing an upset win against the US. Five of his players have been NBA Draft picks.

Today we launch our campaign for the 2009/2010 season, with this announcement, Mr Bendat said. I hope all Western Australians will support us with memberships, corporate boxes and sponsorship as we seek to once again regain the national crown.

With four championships and 23 consecutive playoffs, the Wildcats are winners on court, and with the increased focus on engaging with the community, kids and grass roots basketball, with your help we can continue to be winners off-court as well.

Perth Wildcats announced that they have cleared Alex Loughton to play in the SBL competition. Loughton is expected to play Wanneroo Wolves.

Courtesy of The Perth Wildcats

Kerry Williams knuckles down - by Eurobasket News
It might be the NBL off-season but Kerry Williams (185-G-87) is knuckling down to work.

Williams loves playing in the Queensland Basketball League with the Cairns Marlins, the team with which he won a national title aged just 17.

And while he regards it as fun, theres no doubt hes working away, trying to raise his game to another level.

Now 21, Williams raised plenty of eyebrows in his NBL debut with the Taipans last year.

The dynamic point guard has the speed and skills to mix it with the best if he continues to fine tune his game.

He is already drawing comparisons with another young indigenous whiz, Patrick Mills, who has nominated for Junes NBA draft.

Signed as a development player, Williams averaged almost 18 minutes a game for the Taipans last season, as fellow guard Stephen Blacks back injury, then the axing of imports Larry Abney and Dave Thomas bulked up his time on court.

'It was good,' Williams said of his debut season.

'The guys around me were good like Darnell (Mee) and Bobo (Aaron Grabau).

'When (former Marlins championship coach Mark) Beecroft stepped into the head coaching job he was good, Ive played for him for a while now, so it was a lot easier for me.'

The season gave Williams great exposure and immediate experience but he knows he needs to keep working if he is to make the same impact in his second season. 'My jump shot, thats one big thing Ive got to work on, (shooting) off the dribble, just being accountable on offence knocking down the open jump shot and scoring when I need to,' he said.

'My first thing is to pass the ball for other guys whereas now Im trying to shoot the ball, shoot more threes and off the dribble and stuff.'

Williams found success from long range against Mackay last Saturday night, knocking down five three-pointers and said while it was not his initial instinct, shooting more was becoming 'second nature'.

'Its sort of locked into my brain now, so its a lot easier for me,' he said.

'(I have to work on it) especially if I want to take my game to the next level.'

Not knowing about the Taipans future and that of the NBL had made the past few months difficult but Williams was positive there was a place for him if the Snakes made the new league.

'It has been (difficult) because youre not too sure whats happening with the league and if were going to have jobs, so thats a big thing,' he said.

'Im guessing (Ill have a future at the Taipans), the young guys especially, I think weve got a spot because they want to bring the young locals in, thats a big thing they want to do.

'Ive just got to keep working on my game to make sure I stay at that same level.'

Courtesy of The Cairns Post (by Emma Greenwood)

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  AUSTRIA   


Arkadia and Furstenfeld in the semis - by Eurobasket News
Oberwart - Wels 112-118 OT
The score is tied, 2-2. Wels escaped with 118-112 road win mostly owing to Bruce Fields (197-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Gardner-Webb), who drained 35 points. Tilo Klette had 29 and Brandon Thomas delivered 22 pts. Jae Youngblood was on fire for the hosts scoring 38 points (also had 12 rebounds). The fifth crucial game is scheduled for Wednesday.

Arkadia - Kapfenberg 100-86
Arkadia booked a spot for the semifinals with 100-86 home win against the Bulls (3-1). Titus Nicoara (200-F-88, agency: Interperformances) came up with 22 points and 9 rebounds, while Deven Mitchell also scored 22. The same number had Wayne Arnold, but in the loosing squad. Arkadia will meet Gmunden in the semis..

Klosterneub. - Furstenfeld 80-91
The Pantehrs advanced to semifinals with 3-1. Last night they outplayed Klosterneuburg 91-80. Miljan Goljovic (204-F-71, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) and Samo Grum were the top scorers with 16 and 15 points respectively. Christoph Nagler netted 23 pts in loss.

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  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Eurohold BIBL League facing another expansion? - by Eurobasket News
Eurohold BIBL League is facing yet another extension. This is the result of an appeal from several basketball federations in Balkans. One expansion was already planned for season 2009/2010, from 10 to 12 teams. Now it seems that the league will be expanded to additional 2 teams making the total number of participants of 14. The Board of Directors cannot at this time confirm who will participate in the next years league. But they have confirmed that the reason for yet another expansion was an increasing interest from teams in Balkans for participation. So far the participation in next year BIBL League was confirmed by Vojvodina Novi Sad as representative of Serbia, and BC Mornar Bar and BC Lovcen Cetinje as representatives from Montenegro. Bosnia and Herzegovina will be represented by Sloboda-Dita from Tuzla. Last confirmed was a new entry by BC Timisoara from Romania.
What was also confirmed was that the formula for entry into the league will not be changed. This means that the BIBL founding Federations (FYROM, Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania) will each give two participants, while this year Montenegro will also have 2 participants. With one team from Bosnia and Herzegovina and most likely one team from Israel, the total number of teams will be 12. Additional two places may be handed out as wild-cards to previous finalists of this competition. This would mean that BC Rabotnicki Fersped and BC Rilski Sportist as a winner would gain access. Still the final confirmation will be verified at the next Board meeting of the League.

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  BARBADOS   


Cavs bounce Lakers in finals rematch - by Justin Marville
KELVIN PATTERSON gave the Cavs a brief taste of what could have been in the last two Premier League finals.
The burly national centre scored a game-high 18 points to lead Station Hill in a 74-64 dismantling of the two-time league champions Lumber Company Lakers in Saturday night's action of the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association's Premier League at the gymnasium, Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Wildey, St Michael.
Providing as much drama as the filling out of tax returns, the much-awaited finals rematch fell agonisingly short of its huge billing, while the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls were concurrently wrapping up the most enthralling of NBA first-round series.
Not that it mattered much to the dominant Patterson, whose absence during the 2007 and 2008 league championships played a significant role in the Cavs' resounding 3-1 and 3-0 series defeats respectively.
Station Hill comfortably led from start to finish after blowing open the contest on the back of an emphatic 16-2 run over the first six minutes of the opening period.
National point-guard Corey Williams followed the lead of backcourt mate Jason Smith, who opened the quarter with a two three-pointers, adding jumpers of his own to provide Patterson with the perfect foil on the perimeter.
Playing without reigning MVP Adrian Stewart, the Lakers did themselves no favours with Zahir Motara and Adrian Allman settling for several ill-advised jumpers as the Cavs built a 23-9 lead heading into the second quarter.
Patterson maintained the side's substantial advantage early in that ensuing period until a brief 7-0 Lakers run, sparked by the resurgent Allman, reduced the champs' deficit to single digits for the first time since the opening minutes of the first.
But that rally ended abruptly when Williams returned to the floor to score successive three-pointers and another long jumper, as the diminutive national guard re-opened the lead to 17 points (44-27) at the half.
The Lakers would mount another comeback attempt minutes into the game's resumption behind the mid-range shooting of veterans Matthew Moore and Peter Bancroft, getting as close as 12 points (55-43) at one stage.
That too proved to be fools' gold however as the seasoned forwards got no assistance from the woeful Motara, who missed nine of his first ten shot attempts and had twice as many turnovers as points towards the end of the third quarter.
Junior Moore and Andrew Alleyne scored unanswered baskets to close out the period, ending any threat of a possible threat of a Lakers comeback in the fourth.
Williams finished with 18 points and Alleyne added a season high 12 rebounds for Station Hill, who improved to 3-1. Allman led the Husbands side (2-2) with 18 points while Motara and Moore scored 10 points apiece.
Former champs Clapham Bulls continued their impressive march through the Premier League with a 69-60 victory over DC United in the night's first game.
Even without the unavailable Jeremy Gill and Rahiim Gibbons, the undefeated Bulls (4-0) still managed to survive a second half injury to Ryan Leacock while handing DC their third loss of the season.
The ever-green Leacock led the way with 15 points before leaving the game for good in the third quarter, and Kirk Elias chipped in with 12 points. Sydney Rowe and Selwyn Brooks both had 17 points for DC United while Tyrone Alexander added ten.

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  BOSNIA   


Siroki's captain Spralja back in action - by Eurobasket News
After a lengthy lay off, Sime Spralja (206-F/C-83) is ready to play again. BC Siroki captain is back in action after the surgery that kept him out of the game for four months. Spralja was the last years team best player, and was counted on heavily this year before the injury. According to BC Siroki coach, Hrvoje Vlasic, Spralja will be in the team which will face Borac. But he will only play if necessary since he is severely lacking match fitness. This will certainly be a boost for BC Siroki center line.
Sime Spralja started his career at BC Zadar in 2001. With BC Zadar, Spralja participated in Coratian Cup Finals in 2001, 2002 and 2004. He also won Croatian Cup in 2003 and 2005. Spralja also managed to reach Croatian League Semifinals in 2001, while in 2003 and 2005 he won the Croatian League along with the Adriatic League. 2003 was probably most successful for Spralja, because BC Zadar also made it to ULEB Cup Quarterfinals. Also as a member of Croatian U20 National Team, Spralja participated in 2002 European Championship in Lithuania. Spralja spent season 2005-2006 in BC Split and after only one season he transferred to BC Siroki. In July 2008, he has extended the contract with BC Siroki for two more years. Before the injury, as one of their best players, in four games in EuroChallenge Cup, Spralja averaged 17.5ppg, 6.0rpg and 1.0bpg.

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  BRAZIL   


Standings - BNL
NBB Standings
 1. Flamengo 23-2 
 2. Universo/BRB 21-5 
 3. Pitagoras/Minas 20-5 
 4. CISER/Araldite 19-7 
 5. Winner/Limeira 15-10 
 6. Pinheiros 14-11 
 7. Vivo/Franca 14-11 
 8. GRSA/Bauru 13-12 
 9. Paulistano 11-14 
 10. Conti/Assis 9-16 
 11. Lupo/Araraq. 8-17 
 12. CETAF 8-17 
 13. S.Jose/Vinac 6-19 
 14. Saldanha 4-21 
 15. Univates/Bira 4-22 


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  CANADA   


Amaya leads Slam to road victory against Titans, 120-109 - by Eurobasket News
Tyler Amaya (6'7''-F-82, college: W.Washington) had his second dominating performance in as many nights as he helped the Bellingham Slam earn a big road victory against the Vancouver Titans, 120-109, at the Langley Events Centre on Saturday.

Tyler Amaya scored 36 against the Titans to lead all scorers and follow up on a 31-point outing against Snohomish County on Friday.

The Slam used a steady attack against Vancouver to earn the victory. The Slam outscored the Titans 31-28 in the first quarter, then 34-29 in the second to take an eight-point lead into halftime.

The third quarter was the only time the Slam let the Titans get back into the game, with Vancouver taking their first lead since the game's first possession, at 77-75, with 6:20 left. But the duo of Tyler Amaya and Jacob Stevenson (6'4''-G-81, college: W.Washington) helped Bellingham re-take the lead late in the period, with the Slam taking a 93-90 into the fourth quarter.

The Slam used tough defense in the final quarter to help seal the victory, allowing Vancouver only 19 points in the period. A Calin Schell (6'7''-F, college: W.Washington) put-back was the nail in the coffin for the Titans, which put the Slam up by 16 with under four minutes to play.

Jacob Stevenson scored 30 points following a one-game rest to earn second-best scoring honors for the Slam. Ira Graham (6'2''-G, college: W.Washington) and Jake Linton (5'11''-G, college: St.Martin's) finished with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Kyle Keyes (6'2''-G-78, college: Montana) 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting was the best for Vancouver, who lost their third straight game after a 3-0 start.

The Slam return home to take on the Seattle Mountaineers on Friday in a re-match of the 2009 season opener. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.

Courtesy of the Bellingham Slam

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  CHILE   


Standings - DIMAYOR
DIMAYOR Standings
 1. Liceo Mixto 5-0 
 2. Prov.Llanq. 4-1 
 3. U.Concepc. 3-1 
 4. Dep.Espanol 3-2 
 5. Sagrados 3-2 
 6. U.Catolica 2-3 
 7. Prov.Osorno 2-3 
 8. Dep.Valdivia 2-3 
 9. U.Los Lagos 2-3 
 10. Boston Coll. 1-3 
 11. Dep.Castro 1-3 
 12. Everton 0-4 


Dimayor: sunday night results - by Daniel Valencia
CD Liceo Mixto defeated CD Universidad Catolica 58-75, with Patricio Briones (213-C-72, college: Dade CC) and Franco Lara (189-G-77) leading the scorers with 19 and 18 points respectively. In Concepcion, CD Universidad de Concepcion won the thir consecutive game as host with a victory against Provincial Osorno 65-62, with five players scoring in double figures.

Sunday night results

CD Universidad Catolica 58 - CD Liceo Mixto 75
Uc: Felipe Contreras 15 pts. Sascha Frings 8 pts.
Lic: Patricio Briones 19 pts. Franco Lara 18 pts.

CD Universidad de Concepcion 65 - Provincial Osorno 62
Ucon: Eduardo Marechal 16 pts. Diego Osses 14 pts.
Oso: Cristian Perez 13 pts. Rodrigo Zuniga 12 pts.

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  CHINA   


CBA Round: 5 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Guandong - Xinjiang 106-95
Guandong needed 106:95 in Game 5 victory to clinch the Gold of CBA Finals beating Xinjiang. Zhu Fangyu (201-F-83) paced all the winners with 28 points and Parker Smush netted 27. Mendez Juan (202-F-81, college: Niagara) ended up with 33 points in the losing effort, while Mengke Bateer and Mu Lati added 17 each.

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  CROATIA   


Zadar survives visit to Dubrovnik - by Eurobasket News
Dubrovnik - Zadar 81-101

In the left-over game of the 4th Round, Zadar managed to keep up with Cibona at the top. They managed to beat hosts Dubrovnik at Gospino Polje 81-101. The first quarter started with Zadar coming out strong and managing to take 9 point lead in the 5th minute when it was 10-19. They looked comfortable and kept their lead until the end of first quarter when the result showed 29-32. In the second quarter Dubrovnik managed to tie the score at 32 after a three by Aleksandar Scepanovic (196-G-82). From there it was Zadar who took over managing to extend their lead to 7. Still the resistant hosts once again managed to cut the lead to three and at the halftime result stood at 45:48. It was the third quarter that proved fatal for the hosts. Tomislav Ruzic (208-F/C-79) was unstoppable and he was the main force behind 11-0 run that enabled BC Zadar to finish the quarter with 20 point deficit (61-81). Fourth quarter was just a routine for Zadar players who managed to preserve lead finishing the game with 81-101 win.
Tomislav Ruzic was the best player for BC Zadar. He finished the game with double-double of 33 points and 10 rebounds. Tomislav Ruzic shot 14 of 17 for two and 1 of 2 from three point range. Along with him, five more players recorded double figures. Dubrovnik was led by Maro Lucic (202-C-80) and Aleksandar Scepanovic who had 15 apiece. In the next game Zadar will host Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik: Maro Lucic 15, Aleksandar Scepanovic 15
Zadar: Tomislav Ruzic 33+10 boards

Siroki's captain Spralja back in action - by Eurobasket News
After a lengthy lay off, Sime Spralja (206-F/C-83) is ready to play again. BC Siroki captain is back in action after the surgery that kept him out of the game for four months. Spralja was the last years team best player, and was counted on heavily this year before the injury. According to BC Siroki coach, Hrvoje Vlasic, Spralja will be in the team which will face Borac. But he will only play if necessary since he is severely lacking match fitness. This will certainly be a boost for BC Siroki center line.
Sime Spralja started his career at BC Zadar in 2001. With BC Zadar, Spralja participated in Coratian Cup Finals in 2001, 2002 and 2004. He also won Croatian Cup in 2003 and 2005. Spralja also managed to reach Croatian League Semifinals in 2001, while in 2003 and 2005 he won the Croatian League along with the Adriatic League. 2003 was probably most successful for Spralja, because BC Zadar also made it to ULEB Cup Quarterfinals. Also as a member of Croatian U20 National Team, Spralja participated in 2002 European Championship in Lithuania. Spralja spent season 2005-2006 in BC Split and after only one season he transferred to BC Siroki. In July 2008, he has extended the contract with BC Siroki for two more years. Before the injury, as one of their best players, in four games in EuroChallenge Cup, Spralja averaged 17.5ppg, 6.0rpg and 1.0bpg.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


BK Prostejov Kondori Liberec to be decided in a thriller - by David Dousa
Kondori Liberec tied the the run with Prostejov last Saturday, beating Prostejov 92:78. Kondori Liberec had to play the 4th leg in a reserve gym in Decin, as their home-arena in Liberec was a host to a bike race. Prostejov didnt manage to use the advantage of Liberec not playing at home and the final reset was 92-78. VIP scorer of Prostejov Hurl Beechum only scored 8 points in 24 minutes, while missing all 6 3pt attempts. The leader sof Liberec were yet again Meno and Hampton, scoring 22, and 19 points, repsectively.
The run will finally be decided on Wednesday, in Prostejov. The game will start at 6 PM.


BK Prostejov Kondori Liberec to be decided in a thriller - by David Dousa
Kondori Liberec tied the the run with Prostejov last Saturday, beating Prostejov 92:78. Kondori Liberec had to play the 4th leg in a reserve gym in Decin, as their home-arena in Liberec was a host to a bike race. Prostejov didnt manage to use the advantage of Liberec not playing at home and the final reset was 92-78. VIP scorer of Prostejov Hurl Beechum only scored 8 points in 24 minutes, while missing all 6 3pt attempts. The leader sof Liberec were yet again Meno and Hampton, scoring 22, and 19 points, repsectively.
The run will finally be decided on Wednesday, in Prostejov. The game will start at 6 PM.


BK Prostejov Kondori Liberec to be decided in a thriller - by David Dousa
BK Kondori Liberec tied the the run with BK Prostejov last Saturday, beating BK Prostejov 92:78. BK Kondori Liberec had to play the 4th leg in a reserve gym in Decin, as their home-arena in Liberec was a host to a bike race. BK Prostejov didnt manage to use the advantage of Liberec not playing at home and the final reset was 92-78. VIP scorer of BK Prostejov Hurl Beechum only scored 8 points in 24 minutes, while missing all 6 3pt attempts. The leader sof Liberec were yet again Meno and Hampton, scoring 22, and 19 points, repsectively.
The run will finally be decided on Wednesday, in BK Prostejov. The game will start at 6 PM.

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  DENMARK   


CDL Finals Game 7: Bakken wins the third straight title! - by Thomas Soltau

A game seven, a chance for both teams to realize a dream that made them work hard in the preseason, carried them through the regular season, and inspired their tired bodies in the playoffs.

Now all that mattered was the last 40 minutes - one winner and one loser.

Without Johnell Smith (186-G-80, college: New Orleans), Svendborg was forced to play more team oriented, but looked surprisingly good.
Bakken was solid, and at the halfway mark the score was 31-30.

Two minutes into the fourth quarter Svendborg gained a 7 point lead, but Bakken came back.

62-58 with two minutes to go.

Up six points with less than a minute the Rabbits were forced to foul.

Andreas Jakobsen (187-G-83, college: Columbia (MO)), who had just made a huge three, was sent to the line.

Up nine points and with 37 seconds left there was not much for the Rabbits to do but take quick shots, foul any Bakken player they could and PRAY!

But the defending champion could not be 'shaken' and brought home the third straight Championship!

Bakken wins 71-61!

Congratulations to all the players, coaches and the club in Aarhus from Eurobasket Denmark.


Bakken: Andreas Jakobsen 17 points, Chris Christoffersen 6 points and 18 rebounds.
Svendborg: William Pharis 24 points and 6 boards, Ivan Hoger 11 points and 21 rebounds.

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  D-LEAGUE   


Flash happy with progress of franchise - by Eurobasket News
If you think the Utah Jazz have free agent issues pending, how would you like to be the Utah Flash?

Of the 10 players on their roster, all 10 are free agents.

In other words, a year after the Utah Flash made the NBA D-League Finals, the Flash will be starting over.

Even head coach Brad Jones is a free agent. His contract is up and he is currently deciding if he will return next year.

Ah, the life of a D-League team.

The Flash are in for a busy offseason as they work on reassembling a team they hope can win a D-League title, but for now, those decisions can wait.

The Flash are currently catching their breath from a busy second season that saw the Orem franchise ascend to one of the elite teams in the D-League.

'It was a great season and a lot of fun. We got out into the community. Our players visited 50 schools. We had great support from the community and our sponsors and it's always fun winning a lot of games and getting to the finals,' said team president Joel Brown. 'From a basketball standpoint to get to the finals our second year, we've got to be happy about that. The key will be to try to replicate that.'

In Utah's second season, the Flash finished with the second-best record in the league at 32-18 and won the West Division. Not bad for a team that was two games under .500 in its first season.

In the D-League Finals, Utah lost to Colorado in overtime at home and then dropped the second game of the three-game series in Colorado to finish second out of 16 teams.

'I'm not ready to jump up and down yet after the loss in the finals,' Jones said. 'You only get so many chances to win a championship, you have to take advantage of it, but at the same time when you look at the big picture, it was a pretty good year.'

Utah Jazz guard Morris Almond (6'6''-F-85, college: Rice) led the Flash in scoring with 23.9 points per game. Boston Celtics guard J.R. Giddens (6'5''-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) was second on the team in scoring with 17.2 points per game.

Jazz center Kosta Koufos (7'0''-F/C-89, college: Ohio St.) was third on the team in scoring with 16.7 points per game, but he only played in 10 games for the Flash.

Backup point guard Andre Ingram (6'3''-G-85, college: American) was one of four players who returned from last year. He proved to be one of the league's top 3-point shooters by connecting on 47 percent of his 3-point shots.

But perhaps the biggest key to Utah's success was two huge trades.

Opposing teams may be a little more leery with trading with the Flash after watching the success they had with both trades.

The Flash traded their first-round draft pick for point guard Dontell Jefferson, who was so good that he was signed by the Charlotte Bobcats during the season.

Jones then worked a trade for forward Ronald DuPree (6'7''-F/G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU), who gave the Flash the veteran presence it needed and gave the team a little of everything. Utah was 10-9 when they made the trade for Dupree, who finished fourth on the team in scoring at 16.2 points per game.

Another key was the return of point guard Kevin Kruger (6'2''-G-83, college: UNLV), who played last season with Utah but began the season in Europe. He returned to the Flash midway through the year and averaged 11.4 points and 4.4 assists per game.

It all amounted up to a season to remember, but now that it's over, Jones hopes the success the team had will help the players advance their careers.

'My hope for the players is that they get a better situation for themselves, their families, and their careers. That's the purpose of our league. Coaches are no different,' Jones said.

As for Jones' career, he said he needs some time to weigh out his options. He's back home in Louisiana with his family.

'You always want to move up, but the Flash are a great organization. We discussed it (contract renewal), but I know Joe and Brandt (Andersen) are exhausted and we just needed a break,' Jones said. 'We will touch base in the next few weeks.'

Courtesy of www.heraldextra.com

Bakersfield loses Jam as team ceases operations - by Eurobasket News
The Bakersfield Jam, proud affiliate of the NBA's Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic announced yesterday that the organization will cease operations, effective immediately.

The decision from owners Stan Ellis and David Higdon to shut down the team was announced to the Jam front office staff Wednesday afternoon. 'It's not a reflection on the economy', Ellis said. 'Our other businesses are doing very well. It's simply this: we have other business opportunities out there that are scary phenomenal - they're great. There is so much more potential in those businesses that it's not fair to the other 300 people we employ to continue to incur the losses of the Jam.'

Ellis continued, 'When you have bad business deals that start to go south, you cut your losses and go on to the next one. This is a simple business decision.' When commenting on the move to cease operations, Higdon echoed Ellis. 'No one has told us we made a bad business decision.'

Jam head coach Scott Roth, who led the Jam to their first winning season (26-24 record) and a playoff berth this year mentioned low attendance as the driving force in the owner's decision. 'I don't think fans ever caught on to the Jam. With that talent level that was in our arena on a nightly basis, if you're not getting 1,500 to an NBADL game then you have a problem.'

The 2008-09 Jam season enjoyed many highlights that included guard Trey Johnson (6'5''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.) getting two, 10-day Gatorade Call-ups to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Also, Johnson and fellow guard Derrick Byars (6'8''-G/F-84, college: Vanderbilt) were selected to the NBAD League All-Star west team. Johnson was also selected to the 1st Team All NBAD League Showcase team, and he and Byars were selected to the NBAD League All League second team, while center Nick Lewis (6'10''-F/C-83, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: San Diego) was selected to the NBAD League Honorable Mention team.

Byars also set individual, single-season records in scoring (884) and minutes played (1,918), while Lewis set single-season records in rebounds (368) and games played (51), sharing that honor with forward Terrance Thomas (6'6''-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Baylor). Jam guard Mateen Cleaves (6'2''-G-77, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Michigan St.) set the single-season assist record this year (297).

Giving local TV interviews in the back of the Jam's brand new, state-of-the-art practice facility, Ellis spoke fondly of his involvement with the community over the last three years. 'While we didn't get the fan support needed to sustain operations here, David and I were fortunate to meet so many wonderful people that we may not have met otherwise. Because of that we'll be renting our practice facility to youth organizations and other interested parties that need the space.'

Ellis and Higdon will now direct their attention to their existing business portfolio and their new acquisitions in the clean tech/renewable energy sector.

Courtesy of The Bakersfield Jam

*****************************************************
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


CPN are the new Santiago champions - by Oscar Peralta
After a great performance from Samuel Mejia (198-G-83, college: De Paul), Richard Ortega (188-G-82), Luis Martinez, Carlos paniagua, and the rest of the team, CPN Pueblo Nuevo defeated the defending champions Gregorio Urbano Gilbert. it was a very convincing series after CPN Pueblo Nuevo beat Gregorio Urbano Gilbert 4 games to 1 in a best of seven series and although Felipe Lopez (197-G/F-74, college: St.John's) gave it all he had his team still felt short and didn't have any answer to the CPN Pueblo Nuevo attack. In the Final game the top scorers were (MVP) Samuel Mejia with 25 and Carlos Paniagua with 22 for CPN and For Gregorio Urbano Gilbert it was Julius Nwosu (207-C-71, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Liberty) and Benjamin Colon (201-F-84, college: Florida CCJ) both with 25 points.

*****************************************************
  EGYPT   


Super League Standings
Superleague Standings
Group A
 1. Zamalek 12-3 
 2. Al Ittihad 12-3 
 3. Ahly 10-5 
 4. Gezira 5-10 
 5. Geish Army 4-11 
 6. Somouha 2-13 
Group B
 1. Sporting 7-0 
 2. Shorta-Police 6-1 
 3. Gasco 3-4 
 4. Shark ins. 3-4 
 5. Al Olympi 1-6 
 6. Shams 1-6 


Round 15: Zamalek kills Itthad dreams in Alex. - by Sherif Soliman
Round 15 : Zamalek 75-65 Itthad, Zamalek made a great win over Itthad in Alexandria to tide points, Brandon Morris scored 24 po. no one could stop him last night. Itthad players wasted the chanse to finish the title in Alexandria playing one of their worst games this season,Amir el Fanan scored 15po.. However, Itthad and Zamalek will play again in Cairo next week and no one can predict the winner. On the other hand, Ahly won over Somouha 65-60 keeping their chanses to chase the top. Finally, Army over comed Gezira 79-70 keeping the team chanses for the 4th po. Wael Badr (193-G-78)

*****************************************************
  EL SALVADOR   


Two wins for San Marcos and ExSal - by Jaime Arevalo
Led by Manuel Artiga (196-F/C-83) and Alberto Hinds (-G), who scored 17 and 14 points, respectively, San Marcos prevailed over Leones Automoto, 83-70, staying ahead in the score all game long. Eduardo Garcia (191-F-88) was the best in Leones, with 24 points in losing effort. In another game of the round, title holders of ExSal destroyed San Miguel 108-64, with young Panamanian Nicanor Rivas (192-G/F-91) leading the way at 26 points, and Edwin Lopez (183-G/F-85) adding 17. Francisco Nunez and Edgar Ramirez scored 18 pts each at the losing side.

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


*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE   


After the final: the press conference and the quotes - by Kostas Papadopoulos
The post game of the big final was quite interesting. Certainly, coach Ettore Messina had not enough mood to discuss about the game but what all said follows:
Zeljko Obradovic : 'What to say after a game like today's? My first impression is that we deserved to win the game earlier than the last defense. But this is basketball and it happens, because it's a final of the Euroleague and the opponent team was in the final for the fourth time in a row. Congratulations to the players, together with the fans who came over here to help us try to win. Everybody talked before we came here that the team which would win our semifinal with Olympiacos would have it very difficult to win the final. We showed that it was finally possible by playing a great first half. At halftime, I told my players that CSKA is a great team, it will change its game and play more aggressively, and they did like this.Many thanks to the players and fans, my staff, and Mr. Thanassis Giannakopoulos and his brother, Pavlos, who I am sorry that he could not be here due to health reasons.
The fact that CSKA is a great team that has played four times in a row the final game, I believe it's all due to coach Ettore Messina . I am happy with the friendship we have. Until now, no one has done four finals in a row as he has done the last four years. I believe it was a great game to watch for the fans. This trophy is an obligation for us to try even harder in the future and come back one more time to the Final Four'.
In a question that our site posed to him, about a comment on the fact that CSKA may have played four finals in a row but its two defeats are against Zeljko Obradovic , the coach of Panathinaikos responded briefly but clearly: 'We played Panathinaikos against CSKA, not coach against coach'.
And in other questions, he stated: 'You know the rule, the club must believe in us. Until now they believe a lot, and thanks to our owners, everybody in Panathinaikos is here because of them. In the summer, after we finish our season, we will talk about our mission for the future. For the players now, it's Spanouli's first title, Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland)' fourth, and others, like Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) and Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80), their second. But they like basketball, and this is the only way, to come to the gym every day and enjoy your job. If it's not like this, I'll be the first to stop and do something else in my life. The most important thing is that Panathinaikos for the fifth time is the Euroleague champion. I don't care about any personal things. I am happy for the players. In my first year with Partizan, we had a young team and a young coach took the trophy. Now, we have excellent players and because of them, we are here, like Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) said before, at the top of Europe. We will continue to work. In 10 years at Panathinaikos, we have had 21 trophy attempts and have won the 18 of them. I believe we will have the chance for one more this season. There is a song our fans make: the cup, the Euroleague and the championship. I said to my players we must try to take the last trophy of the season as well.'
Regarding what he said, on being very nervous, after the game against Prokom for the first round of Euroleague, the Serbian coach said: 'My players know very well how I am both as a coach and as a person. I am straight and direct both in what I say and feel. In that period, at the beginning of the season, we played bad on the road. I said that we played bad and I showed them the games in the video. It's the best way for the players to understand, by seeing how they play. From that moment on, we worked like a fist. For any team that wants to win a championship, this is important; the atmosphere was great. Some people try to put some problems on your team, this is not new and happens to many teams at this level around Europe. Now, the fact that we played two difficult games against Olympiacos and CSKA has been very tough, but finally we are all here.
I said many times that I am very happy in Europe. I love Europe and I am happy in Greece, in Athens, with Panathinaikos. I believe the NBA is a competition that people like to watch. They have great players and great coaches. I believe that in Europe there are many coaches ready to go work there, but personally I think differently and I never think to go there. Another thing is that basketball there during the regular season is just to play for the show, and here we play to win. Now, their playoff games are very good. But in the regular season, it's a show, and here in Europe in the regular season you must win every game. This is our life.
On the bench, you don't have time for feelings. You must be concentrated and ready for anything that can happen in the game. And you must help your players. Of course, they decide inside the game, like today. I really don't have time to think even if we were up 23 or not. You just try to win. At halftime everyone was talking what a great game we played. I said that we must win by one point. You are champion of Europe if you win either by 23 points or by one. It's the same.
I remember two years ago after taking the title in Athens how the next season everybody in the Euroleague came to play us, with a big motivation. We must understand this and come ready at the next season. It will be the same as two years ago.
For the last play, it was a timeout so there was enough time to think. I never care about what happened in the last action. I don't like to talk about this. You have 5 or 10 seconds to win the game, a last defense or offense, and anything is possible. Sometimes you score or not, you play good defense or not. My decision was not to foul in the last 5,8 seconds. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) is a great player who made many last shots in his career. If he had scored today, everybody would attack me now. This was my decision because I believe in my players. Now I know everybody will say what a good defender Andrew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) has become under coach Zeljko Obradovic . Everybody talks of good or bad decision. Now, I believe this one is good.'

Ettore Messina : 'First of all, I'd like to congratulate Panathinaikos and coach Zeljko Obradovic for their great win. Second, I'd like to thank my players for the effort they put into the second half to make this event become a basketball game like it wasn't in the first 20 minutes. I think the game, technically speaking, was decided by the fact that we had very early foul trouble to three of our starters, and at that point we saw an imbalance on the court. We started well, but from the moment when Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.), Smodis and Khryapa had two quick fouls, Panathinaikos continued to pound inside, and when we closed, the got a good percentage on three-pointers. At the second half, we managed to keep our starters on the court for a longer time, they played with great heart and made the game to be decided at the end by a couple of details. We congratulate them and we will obviously try to stay together and get ready for the Russian playoffs.'

Ramunas Siskauskas: 'Of course, I am proud of my team. The first half was worst than terrible. We never did what we were supposed to do and the first half is one that I would like to forgety. But I am proud of our second half, we showed that we could be back in the game and we had a chance. About the last shot... We tried to go for a layup, but if there was no possibility, we would have to go for the long shot. I tried to read the situation and I went for it. I think it was not a bad shot, but I just missed it. That's part of the game.'

Nikos Zisis (195-G-83): 'I think Panathinaikos played a great first half and took advantage of our mistakes. They also made us play bad in offense and by the halftime everyone probably thought that was over. They opened the second half with one more three-pointer, so coming back in a way like that, basket by basket, and losing like that is even more frustrating. We got our chance to win but that's basketball and that's life. Sisikauskas is a great player, he made some good plays before, the ball could go in or not. He missed the shot and they are the champions. That's it.'

Erazem Lorbek: 'We came really close and we could have won it as well. But we started with problems. As for me, I got into foul trouble in the beginning and I couldn't play much in the first half. They made that tough run, but after that we came back and we were close at the score. Maybe that last shot was written somewhere... They deserved it more I guess because they started better. That's just how it is.'

J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell): 'Yes, we got it down to that last one shot, but that's part of the game. We had our chance and that is all you can ask for, that's it. We never give up, we have been this way the last seven years and we'll continue to be in such a way. At least, as long as the coach is here and I am here, so... that's just how we play.'

Drew Nicholas: It's a great feeling. It's something special when you work all the year with a great group of guys to arrive at this point, it's something special. And that is the exact reason I came to Panathinaikos. It was defense throughout the whole 40 minutes for us. CSKA played great in the second half, they really tightened their defense and were able to get some scores. I think the 20-point cushion was just enough for us.

Dimitris Diamantidis: I think it was an excellent game at all its duration. CSKA is a very big team, we knew they would try to come back. But we had some good offenses at the end of the game, we tried to stop them and we took the title. This feeling is the best. It's a great feeling. It is the second time for me and Im very happy for that. Im proud to be a member of this team.

Costas Tsartsaris (210-F-79): It is the best feeling ever. It's the second time in my career and I believe now Im in heaven. The fans were unbelievable. Anytime we play and anywhere, they are together with us, they help us win.

Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket): Excellent. There is no better feeling than being a Euroleague champion. We are the best in Europe! Everything was excellent. CSKA showed that it is a big team, but tonight, this was our night.

Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81): 'I think it's the best feeling. It's exciting. I feel so blessed to be here. I cant describe it with words. CSKA never gave up. Theyve been in a Final Four for seven years. They know how to play. Thats what exactly they did today.'

Mike Batiste: 'It feels good and excellent. It's the best. Trust me, it can get no better than this. We knew when we were up 20 points that we were still in a dog fight and we tried not to look at the score because we were up 20, but thats Euroleague basketball. When you are playing for something, they are going to die when trying and thats what CSKA did. Im just happy we held on to the end. What could you say about coach Zeljko Obradovic ? Hes a players coach. This is why we love him, this is why we work hard for him'.

Dusan Kecman (197-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket): It's amazing. It's a great feeling this game that we won. Now we'll have time to enjoy it. Like always, our fans were amazing. In important games, they come and they support us, giving us the extra energy we need. So, I would like to give many thanks to them, to my teammates, to the coaches, to everybody. I think Zeljko Obradovic will keep on going to take more titles.

*****************************************************
  FINLAND   


Korisliiga Round: 3 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Honka - Namika Lahti 79-85
Namika Lahti cruised into the Korisliiga finals as they handed Honka the third straight defeat. Jason Conley (196-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) nailed 31 points to pace Lahti. Ray Nixon provided 21 points for the visitors. Ben Perkins came up with 23 points and 6 rebounds for packing Honka.

Kataja - Pyrinto 91-78
Kataja surged ahead in the series against Pyrinto claiming a comfortable home win. Quinnel Brown (198-G/F-83, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Auburn) scored 25 points and pulled down 11 boards to lead the regular season champions. Larry Blair added 23 points for the winners. Damon Williams responded with 26 points, 5 boards, 5 steals and 4 assits for Pyrinto.

KORISLIIGA: YMCA Lahti made the Finals - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Semi-finals, Game # 3: There will be a new Finnish Champion this spring and no Honka (Espoo) in the Finals. Honka lost vs YMCA Lahti also tonight
79-85 (36-44) and YMCA Lahti went to the Finals by winning three straight contests and twice on the road. YMCA Lahti - Honka 3-0. Honka won three quarters
today, but even that was not enough. Visitor YMCA Lahti won the second quarter by nine pts and that was too much for Honka. Quarters in points: 19-18, 17-26,
17-16, 26-25. The game MVP was Jason Conley (196-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) (YMCA Lahti) who scored game 31 pts. Ray Nixon (203-F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Wisconsin) added 21 pts and Kurtis Rice 15 pts. Lahti's three American players combined 67/85 pts. Ben Perkins (200-F-79, college: Mc Neese St.) led Honka with 23 pts. Akeem Scott added 18 and Jukka Matinen 15 pts. The key factor for YMCA Lahti's victory tonight were the FTs. Lahti had 37 FTs and made 31 of them (83,8%). Honka had only 18 FTs and 11 made (61,1%).

In Joensuu Kataja showed again the meaning of the home court advantage. This time Kataja won over visitor Pyrinto (Tampere) by 13 pts: 91-78 (43-36). Quarters:

21-18, 22-18, 19-15, 29-27. Kataja was one step ahead in all categories. Quinnel Brown (198-G/F-83, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Auburn) led the hosts by 25 pts. Larry Blair (183-G-84, college: Liberty) reached his own level again (23 pts), Sami Lehtoranta netted 21 pts and Jeremiah Wood grabbed 18 rbs. Damon Williams (199-F-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) led Pyrinto by scoring 26 pts. Kenny Lowe (191-G-80, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Purdue) added 21 and Chris Hester 17 pts. All Finnish players combined only 14 pts. Kataja - Pyrinto now 2-1.



*****************************************************
  FRANCE   


Standings - N1
N1 Standings
 1. Lille 27-5 
 2. Bordeaux 25-7 
 3. Fos Ouest 24-8 
 4. Challans 23-9 
 5. Angers 21-11 
 6. Reims 19-13 
 7. Blois 19-13 
 8. Chalons 18-14 
 9. St Chamond 17-16 
 10. Boulogne 16-16 
 11. Get Vosges 15-17 
 12. Lievin 15-17 
 13. Bayonne 12-20 
 14. Longwy 11-22 
 15. Roche-la-Moliere 9-23 
 16. Prisse Macon 8-23 
 17. Juvisy 6-26 
 18. CFBB 4-28 


*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


MZT Skopje completes Semifinals picture by beating Amak SP - by Eurobasket News
Amak SP - MZT Skopje 88-89

MTZ Skopje is the last participant in Macedonian Play-Off Semifinals. After the close contest it was the visitor who came away with vital 88-89 victory. This is the second year in a row that MZT Skopje is proving to be too much for AMAK SP. Just like last year, MZT Skopje was too much for this years Cup winners in the Quarterfinals. The beginning of the game started promising for AMAK SP who managed to create 21-3 lead with good three point shooting. At the end of first MZT was trailing by 21, as the score was 33-17. MZT Skopje regrouped at the beginning of the second quarter opening it with 5-0 lead. By the end of second they managed to take advantage of hosts relaxed approach wining the quarter 20-26 and heading into half time with 10 point deficit (53-43). AMAK SP started the third quarter better managing to build up lead to 15 points again. However, at that time they lost one of their best players Damjan Stojanovski (197-F-87) who received a blow to his nose and was unable to continue. Visitors took advantage of this and won the third quarter cutting the deficit to 71-66. The fourth quarter brought drama. Hosts managed to keep 5 point lead until the last 3 minutes. It was at that time that Darko Radulovic (194-G-80) brought first lead to visitors with series of threes, so minute before the end MZT had 82-87 lead. Last minute brought penalty thriller where the lead changed, but it was the visitors who kept their composure and came out on top.
MZT Skopje was led by Darko Radulovic (194-G-80) with 21 points, while Milos Trailovic (198-G-81) and Darko Sokolov (190-G-86) had 17 and 16 respectively. Best player on this day for AMAK SP were Vojdan Igor Igor Stojanoski with 21. He received help from Miroslav Cubrilo (205-C-82) who scored 16 and Bogoevski who finished the contest with 14 points.The Play Off Semifinals start on May 6th. MZT Skopje will be heading against reigning champion Feni Industi. On the other side of the Semifinals bracket, Fersped Rabotinicki will host BC Swisslion Pelister.

AMAK SP: Damjan Stojanovski 21, Bogoevski 14, Miroslav Cubrilo 16 (7rebs)
MZT Skopje: Darko Radulovic (194-G-80) 21, Milos Trailovic 17, Darko Sokolov 16

Eurohold BIBL League facing another expansion? - by Eurobasket News
Eurohold BIBL League is facing yet another extension. This is the result of an appeal from several basketball federations in Balkans. One expansion was already planned for season 2009/2010, from 10 to 12 teams. Now it seems that the league will be expanded to additional 2 teams making the total number of participants of 14. The Board of Directors cannot at this time confirm who will participate in the next years league. But they have confirmed that the reason for yet another expansion was an increasing interest from teams in Balkans for participation. So far the participation in next year BIBL League was confirmed by Vojvodina Novi Sad as representative of Serbia, and BC Mornar Bar and BC Lovcen Cetinje as representatives from Montenegro. Bosnia and Herzegovina will be represented by Sloboda-Dita from Tuzla. Last confirmed was a new entry by BC Timisoara from Romania.
What was also confirmed was that the formula for entry into the league will not be changed. This means that the BIBL founding Federations (FYROM, Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania) will each give two participants, while this year Montenegro will also have 2 participants. With one team from Bosnia and Herzegovina and most likely one team from Israel, the total number of teams will be 12. Additional two places may be handed out as wild-cards to previous finalists of this competition. This would mean that BC Rabotnicki Fersped and BC Rilski Sportist as a winner would gain access. Still the final confirmation will be verified at the next Board meeting of the League.

*****************************************************
  GERMANY   


Nymburk Control The Deutsche Bank Skyliners 86-60 In Exhibition Play - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After the thrilling 73-66 victory against Alba Berlin last weekend and eight days off, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners wanted to keep the momentum, but were met rudely by Czech Champion Nymburk falling from seventh heaven back to earth with a crushing 86-60 loss. At times, it seemed like Skyliner coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) was in shock, simply because he was so calm often standing behind the bench trying to figure out why so much was not functioning for his team. Possibly Didin was trying to send his team hidden messages with his gestures and body language for the future, because the BCM training facility was witnessing a different coach in his total appearance. 'I really hope that this loss brings us back to reality. We have to play every game like it is our last or we could lose by thirty points again', stressed Skyliner center Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City). Nymburk also seemed a bit surprised by the lackluster performance by Frankfurt. 'They looked a bit tired and it seemed like their muscles were not ready to go. We shot very well and they did not. They missed many easy baskets', said Nymburk forward Robert Tomaszek (205-F-81, college: Texas Tech). The best consolation for Frankfurt was that it was a friendly game and did not count. 'That is why we play exhibition games. We had a few days off and we had some injuries and it was difficult getting the cobwebs away. But I have to give Nymburk a lot of credit. They are a good team and jumped on us early. We got into a hole early and couldnt get out', stated Frankfurt guard Titus Ivory (193-G-79, college: Penn St.).

The first quarter started out slow for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners and would end in an unbelievable nightmare as the team failed to score a single field goal about as comparable as to a novice swimmer who takes ten dives from the diving board, but somehow ends up making nine belly flops. The 2008 Czech champion started solid with strong ball movement and hitting their shots consistently as American Blake Schilb (201-G-83, college: Loyola, IL) scored on a fade away jumper and a three pointer. That was followed by a Michal Kremen (200-F-81, agency: PPGroup) three pointer and before Frankfurt really knew what had hit them, they were down 7-0. Frankfurt was a bit static on offense and often trying to get the job done individually. Now it was time for the Arthur Lee (185-G-77, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: Stanford) show, who often has been compared to Tyus Edny as he made a fade away jumper scored on the penetration and finished off his own 7-0 run with a three pointer. Nymburk led 14-0 and Frankfurt was having problems compensating the loss of Pascal Roller at the point guard position who was supposed to sit out the game, but would later be inserted by Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ).

Near the end of the first quarter, Frankfurt made their first two points as Titus Ivory sunk two free throws. But the motor of Nymburk was getting hotter as they ended the first quarter with a 6-0 run with two three pointers by Goran Jogodnik and Michal Kremen. Nymburk led 22-2 after one quarter, which has to go down as the weakest quarter in the history of the Skyliners. The field goal percentages of both teams were as different as Spud Webb and Manute Bol (231-C-62, college: Bridgeport) in height. Nymburk was shooting 56% from the field and 67% from the three point line, while Frankfurt was shooting double zero from the field and the parking lot which would even had made a goose cry as well as Celtic double zero legend Robert Parish. Frankfurt known as a tough rebounding group were trailing 15-7 in the rebound department. 'The 22-2 start didnt surprise me since we have had scores like that before. In the pre season, we led Bamberg by 20 points at halftime, but with only seven players. In the Czech league, we have won games by 50 points, so leads like that are only common for us', said Nymburk forward Robert Tomaszek

The beginning of the second quarter looked a bit more fruitful for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners as they raced out on a 4-0 run with powerful hoops inside by Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) and Lorenzo Gordon, but couldnt keep the same intensity on defense as they continued to make easy mistakes. Frankfurt also was unable to step up their offense another notch as they would lack concentration, make wrong decisions, miss shots and often their passes were readable leading to steals. Even though Nymburk have three strong Americans with Lee, Schilb and Gray, they also have talented Czech players Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) and Michal Kremen who were banging inside. Robert Tomaszek strolled around Gordon for two quick points and Nymburk led 26-6. Nymburk kept getting points on offense and went on a 11-6 run to lead 37-12. American Justin Gray (188-G-84, agency: Octagon, college: Wake Forest), who reached the NCAA sweet 16 in 2004 with Wake Forest and Braunschweig Center Kyle Visser (211-C-85, agency: Octagon, college: Wake Forest) came on fire scoring inside over the mismatch Pascal Roller and then burying a three pointer as Roller was just a tick too late. 'Gray showed that he can make big and difficult shots', expressed Skyliner American Lorenzo Gordon.

Anthony King (206-F/C, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL) followed with a jumper, but on the ensuing Nymburk play, they scored a quick fast break layup from Kremen as Frankfurt looked like a half hibernating bear in winter not getting back on defense. The play brought back memories to the 2009 Euroleague final between Panathinaikos Athens-CSKA Moscow as Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) was cheering after his three pointer, but forgot to get back on defense as Moscow scored on the fast break. Frankfurt trailed 35-10 as they continued making easy mistakes on the transition as if it was the second day of practice in a new season. Derrick Allen and Keith Simmons (196-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) scored down the stretch, but couldnt make up much ground as Ladislav Sokolovsky (201-F-77, agency: PPGroup) made a tip in as the halftime buzzer sounded. Nymburk led 39-15. Frankfurt was doing a better job on the boards as Anthony King was doing a solid job. Frankfurt was adding a few inches to the Spud Webb height as their field goal percentage rose to 24%, but their three point field goal percentage was still in single digits. Nymburk was shooting 50% from the field, but were starting to miss more from outside shooting only 38%. Nymburk still led the rebounding 22-18 and Frankfurt had an enormous 12 turnovers, while Nymburk had six.

Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) kept his team in the video room for the whole halftime, returning at the start of the third quarter without having warmed up, perhaps as a punishment. Nymburk started the third quarter going on a 7-3 run as Petr Benda scored twice inside trying to figure out if it really was his birthday or why Frankfurt was allowing little resistance on defense. After Ivory sunk a three pointer, Kremen followed with another open three pointer and Frankfurt trailed 49-19. Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) was on the verge of exploding and knocked over a chair that unexpectedly went on the court. Didin seemed at the end with his nerves, but somehow he was able to hold back his anger as his team continued to struggle not being able to find a healthy groove that might get the team out of this negative funk. Derrick Allen brought some intensity into the Frankfurt game making a lay in and scoring on a mini hook shot. Nymburk still led 53-22 and this thirty point cushion would continue to stay for the next minutes as both teams scored, and Frankfurt was unable to get some consecutive stops on defense. A big play might of sparked Frankfurt, but that was missing on this day. American Justin Gray hit two more three pointers and showed with his calm playmaking, quick moves, slick ball handling and secure shooting that he could be very interesting for top notch teams in Europe. 'Gray is a good player and shooter, even if he is more of a two guard', said Skyliner American Derrick Allen.

Allen kept making baskets, but 34 year old, five time Polish allstar Goran Jagodnik (202-F-74, agency: Beo Basket) showed that he is anything like a Trabbi car, but more like a cute slick smart car that is always good for a surprise scoring a fade away jumper and a three pointer. After three quarters, Nymburk was still dominating the game 68-38, while Frankfurt was still playing catch up not being able to disrupt the Nymburk offense for a longer period of time and hiding their feisty defense, which had brought some BBL teams nightmares this season. Frankfurt kept making Spud Webb taller as their field goal percentage rose to 31% and three point shooting to 22%. Nymburk was still shooting well at 54% from the field and 47% form the parking lot. Frankfurt took command of the rebounding battle 27-25, but were losing the turnover contest 17-10.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners played for pride in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter as they jumped out on a 6-2 run as Derrick Allen showed flashes of his 2007-2008 Skyliner MVP season making three lay ins after being fed from Evtimov, Ivory and Wysocki. Frankfurt trailed only 70-44. The forceful play by Allen didnt bring Nymburk out of their rhythm as they even got fancy as Gray made a back door pass to a streaking Schilb in the lane finishing with a reverse lay up. German National player Konrad Wysocki (202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton) responded with a tip in off an Evtimov miss and Wysocki then hit a mini hook shot. Nymburk led 75-48, but time was elapsing for Frankfurt. Whenever Frankfurt was starting something on offense, they would get hit in the rear end by a Nymburk 7-0 run. Frankfurt didnt help their cause either on offense as they missed easy lay ups time in and time out. Schilb hit a fade away jumper, which was made to perfection in the 80s by Celtic legend Kevin Mchale and Tomaszek scored inside as Frankfurt was lazy again getting back on the transition defense. Nymburk led 80-48. Frankfurt finished the game strong going on a 10-6 run. Adam Emmenecker (185-G-85, college: Drake) made a three point from the top of the key and Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.) a jumper. Konrad Wysocki kept fighting down low scoring on a third opportunity and then again inside. He finished the game with eight points and nine rebounds and was one of the few positive bright spots for the Skyliners. 'Konrad and Anthony played well and really hustled. Derrick and Keith also helped bring intensity to our game', added Skyliner American Titus Ivory.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by American Derrick Allen with 17 points and six rebounds. Nymburk was led by Czech Michal Kremen with 16 points. American Justin Gray produced 15 points. Goran Jagodnik added 14 points. American Blake Schilb chipped in with 13 points and American Arthur Lee with 11 points.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners started the game shooting as if they were on the north pole, but recovered by finding a warmer climate like New York in winter shooting 37% from the field, but were back to a colder climate like New England in winter shooting 18% from the three point area. Nymburk were hanging out in warmer climates shooting 55% from the field and 39% from three point land. After a very laggard start in the rebounding category, Frankfurt got wide awake out rebounding Nymburk 24-7 in the second half and winning the rebounding fight 42-29. Frankfurt finished with 19 turnovers lacking some organization in the playmaking as captain Pascal Roller (180-G-76) who was nursing a minor injury was reduced to only 12 minutes. 'This was just not our day. We missed so many shots. Our defense was ok. We were hustling at times', reflected Skyliner American Lorenzo Gordon.

Any loss hurts, but a 26 point defeat is painful and will need to be erased from the Skyliner memory bank quickly. The positive thing is that the game was only an exhibition game and the team can take it as a learning experience. The Berlin loss at the beginning of 2009 in the O2 arena was a bit of a wake up call as Frankfurt went on to a successful January winning four of five games. The team needs to stay focused mentally and coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) has to get his team on the right road that will bring the team success in the playoffs. 'We have to bring intensity back. We have a lot of work to do, but we need to come back and play better against Efes Pilsen', warned Lorenzo Gordon. Coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) knows what he will encounter against The Artland Dragons as he surely can recount every game in the 2005 quarterfinal series that Frankfurt won in five hard fought games. Frankfurt has a plus that they have won the last three games against the Artland Dragons, but know what they will encounter in the Dragons den in Quackenbruck. 'That will be a very intense game. They have a hostile gym. We need a win on the road and get ready for the playoffs', warned Skyliner guard Titus Ivory. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners host Efes Pilsen in another exhibition game May 6th at the training facility BCM.

*****************************************************
  GREECE   


After the final: the press conference and the quotes - by Kostas Papadopoulos
The post game of the big final was quite interesting. Certainly, coach Ettore Messina had not enough mood to discuss about the game but what all said follows:
Zeljko Obradovic : 'What to say after a game like today's? My first impression is that we deserved to win the game earlier than the last defense. But this is basketball and it happens, because it's a final of the Euroleague and the opponent team was in the final for the fourth time in a row. Congratulations to the players, together with the fans who came over here to help us try to win. Everybody talked before we came here that the team which would win our semifinal with Olympiacos would have it very difficult to win the final. We showed that it was finally possible by playing a great first half. At halftime, I told my players that CSKA is a great team, it will change its game and play more aggressively, and they did like this.Many thanks to the players and fans, my staff, and Mr. Thanassis Giannakopoulos and his brother, Pavlos, who I am sorry that he could not be here due to health reasons.
The fact that CSKA is a great team that has played four times in a row the final game, I believe it's all due to coach Ettore Messina . I am happy with the friendship we have. Until now, no one has done four finals in a row as he has done the last four years. I believe it was a great game to watch for the fans. This trophy is an obligation for us to try even harder in the future and come back one more time to the Final Four'.
In a question that our site posed to him, about a comment on the fact that CSKA may have played four finals in a row but its two defeats are against Zeljko Obradovic , the coach of Panathinaikos responded briefly but clearly: 'We played Panathinaikos against CSKA, not coach against coach'.
And in other questions, he stated: 'You know the rule, the club must believe in us. Until now they believe a lot, and thanks to our owners, everybody in Panathinaikos is here because of them. In the summer, after we finish our season, we will talk about our mission for the future. For the players now, it's Spanouli's first title, Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland)' fourth, and others, like Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) and Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80), their second. But they like basketball, and this is the only way, to come to the gym every day and enjoy your job. If it's not like this, I'll be the first to stop and do something else in my life. The most important thing is that Panathinaikos for the fifth time is the Euroleague champion. I don't care about any personal things. I am happy for the players. In my first year with Partizan, we had a young team and a young coach took the trophy. Now, we have excellent players and because of them, we are here, like Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) said before, at the top of Europe. We will continue to work. In 10 years at Panathinaikos, we have had 21 trophy attempts and have won the 18 of them. I believe we will have the chance for one more this season. There is a song our fans make: the cup, the Euroleague and the championship. I said to my players we must try to take the last trophy of the season as well.'
Regarding what he said, on being very nervous, after the game against Prokom for the first round of Euroleague, the Serbian coach said: 'My players know very well how I am both as a coach and as a person. I am straight and direct both in what I say and feel. In that period, at the beginning of the season, we played bad on the road. I said that we played bad and I showed them the games in the video. It's the best way for the players to understand, by seeing how they play. From that moment on, we worked like a fist. For any team that wants to win a championship, this is important; the atmosphere was great. Some people try to put some problems on your team, this is not new and happens to many teams at this level around Europe. Now, the fact that we played two difficult games against Olympiacos and CSKA has been very tough, but finally we are all here.
I said many times that I am very happy in Europe. I love Europe and I am happy in Greece, in Athens, with Panathinaikos. I believe the NBA is a competition that people like to watch. They have great players and great coaches. I believe that in Europe there are many coaches ready to go work there, but personally I think differently and I never think to go there. Another thing is that basketball there during the regular season is just to play for the show, and here we play to win. Now, their playoff games are very good. But in the regular season, it's a show, and here in Europe in the regular season you must win every game. This is our life.
On the bench, you don't have time for feelings. You must be concentrated and ready for anything that can happen in the game. And you must help your players. Of course, they decide inside the game, like today. I really don't have time to think even if we were up 23 or not. You just try to win. At halftime everyone was talking what a great game we played. I said that we must win by one point. You are champion of Europe if you win either by 23 points or by one. It's the same.
I remember two years ago after taking the title in Athens how the next season everybody in the Euroleague came to play us, with a big motivation. We must understand this and come ready at the next season. It will be the same as two years ago.
For the last play, it was a timeout so there was enough time to think. I never care about what happened in the last action. I don't like to talk about this. You have 5 or 10 seconds to win the game, a last defense or offense, and anything is possible. Sometimes you score or not, you play good defense or not. My decision was not to foul in the last 5,8 seconds. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) is a great player who made many last shots in his career. If he had scored today, everybody would attack me now. This was my decision because I believe in my players. Now I know everybody will say what a good defender Andrew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) has become under coach Zeljko Obradovic . Everybody talks of good or bad decision. Now, I believe this one is good.'

Ettore Messina : 'First of all, I'd like to congratulate Panathinaikos and coach Zeljko Obradovic for their great win. Second, I'd like to thank my players for the effort they put into the second half to make this event become a basketball game like it wasn't in the first 20 minutes. I think the game, technically speaking, was decided by the fact that we had very early foul trouble to three of our starters, and at that point we saw an imbalance on the court. We started well, but from the moment when Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.), Smodis and Khryapa had two quick fouls, Panathinaikos continued to pound inside, and when we closed, the got a good percentage on three-pointers. At the second half, we managed to keep our starters on the court for a longer time, they played with great heart and made the game to be decided at the end by a couple of details. We congratulate them and we will obviously try to stay together and get ready for the Russian playoffs.'

Ramunas Siskauskas: 'Of course, I am proud of my team. The first half was worst than terrible. We never did what we were supposed to do and the first half is one that I would like to forgety. But I am proud of our second half, we showed that we could be back in the game and we had a chance. About the last shot... We tried to go for a layup, but if there was no possibility, we would have to go for the long shot. I tried to read the situation and I went for it. I think it was not a bad shot, but I just missed it. That's part of the game.'

Nikos Zisis (195-G-83): 'I think Panathinaikos played a great first half and took advantage of our mistakes. They also made us play bad in offense and by the halftime everyone probably thought that was over. They opened the second half with one more three-pointer, so coming back in a way like that, basket by basket, and losing like that is even more frustrating. We got our chance to win but that's basketball and that's life. Sisikauskas is a great player, he made some good plays before, the ball could go in or not. He missed the shot and they are the champions. That's it.'

Erazem Lorbek: 'We came really close and we could have won it as well. But we started with problems. As for me, I got into foul trouble in the beginning and I couldn't play much in the first half. They made that tough run, but after that we came back and we were close at the score. Maybe that last shot was written somewhere... They deserved it more I guess because they started better. That's just how it is.'

J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell): 'Yes, we got it down to that last one shot, but that's part of the game. We had our chance and that is all you can ask for, that's it. We never give up, we have been this way the last seven years and we'll continue to be in such a way. At least, as long as the coach is here and I am here, so... that's just how we play.'

Drew Nicholas: It's a great feeling. It's something special when you work all the year with a great group of guys to arrive at this point, it's something special. And that is the exact reason I came to Panathinaikos. It was defense throughout the whole 40 minutes for us. CSKA played great in the second half, they really tightened their defense and were able to get some scores. I think the 20-point cushion was just enough for us.

Dimitris Diamantidis: I think it was an excellent game at all its duration. CSKA is a very big team, we knew they would try to come back. But we had some good offenses at the end of the game, we tried to stop them and we took the title. This feeling is the best. It's a great feeling. It is the second time for me and Im very happy for that. Im proud to be a member of this team.

Costas Tsartsaris (210-F-79): It is the best feeling ever. It's the second time in my career and I believe now Im in heaven. The fans were unbelievable. Anytime we play and anywhere, they are together with us, they help us win.

Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket): Excellent. There is no better feeling than being a Euroleague champion. We are the best in Europe! Everything was excellent. CSKA showed that it is a big team, but tonight, this was our night.

Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81): 'I think it's the best feeling. It's exciting. I feel so blessed to be here. I cant describe it with words. CSKA never gave up. Theyve been in a Final Four for seven years. They know how to play. Thats what exactly they did today.'

Mike Batiste: 'It feels good and excellent. It's the best. Trust me, it can get no better than this. We knew when we were up 20 points that we were still in a dog fight and we tried not to look at the score because we were up 20, but thats Euroleague basketball. When you are playing for something, they are going to die when trying and thats what CSKA did. Im just happy we held on to the end. What could you say about coach Zeljko Obradovic ? Hes a players coach. This is why we love him, this is why we work hard for him'.

Dusan Kecman (197-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket): It's amazing. It's a great feeling this game that we won. Now we'll have time to enjoy it. Like always, our fans were amazing. In important games, they come and they support us, giving us the extra energy we need. So, I would like to give many thanks to them, to my teammates, to the coaches, to everybody. I think Zeljko Obradovic will keep on going to take more titles.

Grundy run with ... 1000 and still go - by George Manousidis
It is very difficult for a player in 2009 to put in the opponent basket more than 1000 points in two seasons. Anthony Grundy (189-G-79, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) with last night game make 1005 in 55 games (I am not calculating Cup or European competition). In the same time he owns the second place in steals and assists.
I ask him what means for him that achievement and Anthony Grundy say to me : Is very important but the big owner goes to my fellow players and my coaches, but I believe personal distinction has no value if the team did not achieve its objectives
His Greek representative Thanos Koukouravas from La sports says:'Is very hard an athlete in such a competitive and tough championship to make 1000 points, I am very proud for Tony and I thank my colleagues, Matt Brown and Jamie Knox who give me in my trusted for Europe

*****************************************************
  GUYANA   


Interward back on GABA calendar- event promises to be bigger than ever - by Paul Haynes
Preparations are well on the way for the InterWard competition. The Wards are awfully busy preparing and we anticipate a very good tournament, Robert Cadogan told Kaieteur Sport Thursday in an exclusive interview on the event.
The annual and usually much anticipated Inter-Ward basketball competition returns to the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) calendar next weekend following stringent preparations from the organising committee.
It is good that it is coming at this time to help restore some fans to basketball. It is amid the marquee tournaments in the country and I am glad that we were able to facilitate the event under the new GABA leadership, Cadogan said.
The Georgetown InterWard contest had disappeared from the GABA calendar under the Chris Bowman led administration but has returned on the new President, Trevor Roses ticket that promised more tournaments for players.
Georgetown is currently in one of its best basketball season where the proliferation of the sport is obvious.
Rose was elected in September last year and there has been a basketball activity every month since he took the oath to office.
Our players just want to play basketball and we are making that possible for them. That is one of the only ways that we will progress against our counterparts, Cadogan, who is also the GABA General Secretary, told this newspaper.
The InterWard event has been able to secure sponsorship from Hits and Jams Television and Lens Craft Optical. According to Cadogan, other sponsors have promised to support the marquee basketball event scheduled to jump off May 9.
The players should enjoy the competition. The sport needs this to keep our momentum right now. The beautiful thing about this tournament is that it is not a club thing anymore since various clubs make up the wards, Cadogan observed.
Georgetown was divided into 16 wards including defending champions, North Ruimveldt, South Ruimveldt, East/West Ruimveldt, Albouystown/Charlestown, Kitty/Campbellville, Alpha/Bourda and Tucville/Guyhoc.
Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust, Plaisance, Beterverwagting/Melanie, McDoom/Houston, Agricola/Bagotstown Republic Park/Mocha, Prospect/Grove, Supply/Soesdyke and Lodge/Meadowbrook are the other wards.
Darcel Harris is the contact person for North; Kelvin Simon for South; William DAguiar for East; Trevor McLeod for Albouystown; Trevor Rose for Kitty; Derek Alphonso for Bourda and Joel Loncke for Tucville district.
Other contacts include Naylon Loncke for Wortmanville, Stephon Gillis for Plaisance; Kayode Murray for Melanie; Travis Burnette for McDoom; Kwesi Roberts for Agricola; Hodayah Stewart for Republic Park; Mark Richards for Grove; Vivian Alder for Supply and Orin Sandiford for Lodge.

Royals stop Ravens in grudge match - by Paul Haynes
It was sweet revenge forthe Victory Royals when they defeated Dynas Ravens 56-54 last Thursday in Linden when the two clubs met in what was dubbed a grudge match at the McKenzie Sports Club hard Court.
The last time the two sides met, was in the finals of the prestigious Next Level Entertainment (NLE) basketball tournament, where Ravens dominated their opponents.
At half time, the city side led 39-34 but the Royals used their home court advantage to its fullest and clawed their way back into the game in the second half, where the two sides went head-to-head.
But the Ravens felt the effects of playing without their mentor and coach Lugard Mohan and made several blunders which cost them the game. And with the Royals realizing that they were weak mentally, constant ball pressure and the good offense saw them home.
Orlando Glasgow shot a game high 12 points while Anson Durant and Alwyn Rodney scored 11 and 10 points respectively for the Royals. However, their usual go-to-guy, Dwayne Brown Sugar Roberts, had a relatively bad night on the floor as he could only mustered six points, but he played a vital roll in their defensive line.
NLE Most Valuable Player (MVP) Ryan Gullen and flashy point guard Ryan Stephaney were the only two players to touch double digits for the Ravens, each scoring 10 points.
Meanwhile in the supporting game, Odly Alleyenes game high 34 points was not enough to help GT Ballers from going down 65-69 to the Kashif and Shanghai Kings.
The game was closely contested from jump-ball but it was the kings who held the slight advantage at the end of the first half as the score board red 36-34 in favour of the victors. This would continue through the second half but the former top club refused to be bitten at home.
National point guard Steve Neils Jr had 21 points inclusive of four threes while his side-kick Marvin Hartman also came up big scoring three threes in his 19 points. Dale Williamson and Curtis Gravesandy also got into the double figures, scoring ten points each.
Alleyene stroked seven threes in his well player 34 and was supported by Rockclif Rocky Joseph who had 14 points.
The GT Ballers team which is made up of overseas based Lindeners who are home for the Linden Town Week.

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  HUNGARY   


A Division Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Roy BOOKER
  Marso-Vagep
  (191-G/F-84)
  Avg: 22.2
 1. Booker, Marso-Va.22.2 
 2. Banks, Kormend21.7 
 3. Bell, Albacomp21.5 
 4. Dill, Dombovar21.4 
 5. Tutt, Szolnok20.8 
 6. Ciric, Falco19.4 
 7. Welton, Kaposvari19.1 
 8. Brooks, Soproni19.0 
 9. Cruz, Soproni18.4 
 10. Ross, Szoln.18.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ousmane BARRO
  Szolnok
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 10.8
 1. Barro, Szolnok10.8 
 2. Horvath, Falco9.4 
 3. Dill, Dombovar8.3 
 4. Morrison, Albacomp8.0 
 5. Basit, Szolnok7.8 
 6. Ware, Debreceni7.7 
 7. Bialek, Kormend7.6 
 8. Bell, Albacomp7.3 
 9. Bencze, PVSK P.7.2 
 10. Clark, Dombov.7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Kestutis MARCIULIONIS
  Kaposvari
  (188-G-76)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Marciulionis, Kapos.6.8 
 2. Kalman, Falco6.4 
 3. Ross, Szolnok5.7 
 4. Savic, Marso-Vagep5.3 
 5. English, Atomeromu4.9 
 6. Simon, Albacomp4.7 
 7. Dagostino, Debre.4.6 
 8. LaGrange, Dombovar4.6 
 9. Kelley, PVSK P.4.6 
 10. Hinnant, ZTE.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Branko SAVIC
  Marso-Vagep
  (181-G-79)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Savic, Marso-Vagep3.3 
 2. Sitku, Marso-Vagep2.6 
 3. Kelley, PVSK P.2.4 
 4. Couisnard, Soproni2.3 
 5. Coleman, Szolnok2.3 
 6. Wittmann, PVSK P.2.3 
 7. Ciric, Falco2.2 
 8. Dies, Soproni2.2 
 9. Haynes, Univer KSE2.1 
 10. Simon,.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Anthony DILL
  Dombovar
  (200-F-81)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Dill, Dombovar1.3 
 2. Wilson, Szolnok0.9 
 3. Horvath, Falco0.9 
 4. Dale, Univer KSE0.8 
 5. Ross, Szolnok0.8 
 6. Barro, Szolnok0.8 
 7. Helbich, ZTE K.0.7 
 8. Bell, Albacomp0.7 
 9. Spivey, PVSK P.0.7 
 10. Kennerly, Debrece.0.7 


*****************************************************
  IBL   


Amaya leads Slam to road victory against Titans, 120-109 - by Eurobasket News
Tyler Amaya (6'7''-F-82, college: W.Washington) had his second dominating performance in as many nights as he helped the Bellingham Slam earn a big road victory against the Vancouver Titans, 120-109, at the Langley Events Centre on Saturday.

Tyler Amaya scored 36 against the Titans to lead all scorers and follow up on a 31-point outing against Snohomish County on Friday.

The Slam used a steady attack against Vancouver to earn the victory. The Slam outscored the Titans 31-28 in the first quarter, then 34-29 in the second to take an eight-point lead into halftime.

The third quarter was the only time the Slam let the Titans get back into the game, with Vancouver taking their first lead since the game's first possession, at 77-75, with 6:20 left. But the duo of Tyler Amaya and Jacob Stevenson (6'4''-G-81, college: W.Washington) helped Bellingham re-take the lead late in the period, with the Slam taking a 93-90 into the fourth quarter.

The Slam used tough defense in the final quarter to help seal the victory, allowing Vancouver only 19 points in the period. A Calin Schell (6'7''-F, college: W.Washington) put-back was the nail in the coffin for the Titans, which put the Slam up by 16 with under four minutes to play.

Jacob Stevenson scored 30 points following a one-game rest to earn second-best scoring honors for the Slam. Ira Graham (6'2''-G, college: W.Washington) and Jake Linton (5'11''-G, college: St.Martin's) finished with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Kyle Keyes (6'2''-G-78, college: Montana) 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting was the best for Vancouver, who lost their third straight game after a 3-0 start.

The Slam return home to take on the Seattle Mountaineers on Friday in a re-match of the 2009 season opener. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.

Courtesy of the Bellingham Slam

Explosion win 146-129 over Japan to improve to 4-3 for the season - by Eurobasket News
Explosion now has one two punch with Ford and Devon Greene (6'6''-G/F-84, college: Grand Canyon) Monroe, Washington - May 2nd 2009 - The night belong to the Explosion and the IBL leading scorer Devon Greene had some help with the emergence of Richard Ford (6'8''-F-85, college: So.Polytechnic St.) as the second go-to option for the Explosion.

The Explosion defeated Japan 146-129 and led by as many as 41 points and in control of the game throughout the contest. Devon Greene had 7 rebounds to go with his 44 points but not to be overlooked was the play of Richard Ford with 40 points, and 11 rebounds dubbing him as the Explosion Double-Double man. Ford went a remarkable 16/18 from the floor and was perfect from three point range going 4 for 4.

The game had a lot of three points shots as both teams combined for a total of 119 shots from beyond the arch still being reviewed as a possible IBL record for three points shot attempts. The fireworks happened in the first five minutes as the Explosion took the lead and never looked back.

'Tonight was a game that showed we have a great coaching staff and some real NBA and European talent,' said Nathan Mumm, owner of the Explosion organization. 'Even with a double team Devon Greene was not going to be denied as he kept going to the basket time after time. The best part was with Slater running the show from the point he was setup for open looks all night.'

'We have some real special guys that are far and away NBA starting talent and these guys need to make that next step up to the highest level of basketball for them to be truly challenged.' Coach Weakley said after the game.

The Explosion move to a 4-3 record after their win against Japan, with a three week road trip coming on up before returning to the Monroe Sports Arena May 30th with a contest against the Vancouver BC Titans.

Courtesy of The Snohomish County Explosion

Standings
IBL Standings
 1. S.Illinois T. 0-0 
Eastern
 1. Holland B. 7-2 
 2. G.Rapids F. 4-3 
 3. Kankakee S. 4-4 
 4. Japan T. 0-2 
Northern
 1. Bellingham S. 6-2 
 2. Snohomish C. 4-3 
 3. USA All-Stars 4-16 
 4. Vancouver T. 3-3 
Southern
 1. Vancouver V. 5-2 
 2. C.Oregon H. 0-0 
 3. Shanxi Zh. 0-0 
 4. Nevada P. 0-0 
 5. Oregon Wave 0-0 
Western
 1. Seattle M. 4-2 
 2. Edmonton E. 1-1 
 3. L.Angeles L. 1-1 
 4. Tacoma T. 0-0 


*****************************************************
  INDONESIA   


IBL round 2 preview - by Anto Hanayudha
After round 1, IBL regular season will continuing their show in the next round. Round 2 will take place in 3 cities (Jakarta, Semarang and Surabaya). Next round the top 4 teams will follow the final four round.
Most teams already prepared their self with many try out matches, against some local teams or made try out to another country. One of them was Garuda, IBL cup champion which they trained to Phillipine for several matches againt local teams. For top four teams, these try out matches could increase their performance in round 2 to secure one place in final four spot.
Several teams already did many changes to face round 2, such as bring new players to the team, changed coach and club name. Muba Hangtuah fired their coach Johanis Winar and now still looking for new replacement boss. Pelita Jaya changed to be Pelita Jaya Esia with hold Bakrie Telecom. For many teams, they are hoping it could effective way to raise their position in the standings to find one place in final four spot.

*****************************************************
  IRAN   


Utah Flash invited to play games in Iran - by Houman Bagheri
The Iranian Basketball Federation has invited the Utah Flash of the National Basketball Association Developmental League to play a few games in Tehran, NBA Commissioner David Stern said.

The Iranian team played in the NBA summer league in Salt Lake City last year. The Flash are considering the offer, Stern said at the NBA owners meetings in New York.

Meanwhile, the coach of the Iranian national team, Veselin Matic said, We have negotiated with a U.S. basketball club but cannot unveil the name of the team,.

Iran will hold a warm-up game against an American club team ahead of the West Asian Basketball Association (WABA) Mens Championship which will be held in Tehran from June 8 to 12.

Iran is going to book a berth in the 25th FIBA Asia Championship for Men, in Tianjin, China from October 21st to 29th.

*****************************************************
  ITALY   


Legadue, Play-offs (quarter finals, game 1) - by Antonello Varallo
Prima Veroli - Harem Scafati 65-70 (13-20/32-26/46-49)
Scafati gained the first surprise of post season defeating Veroli, who was undefeated in home games. Joel Salvi (199-F-78,college:Rutgers) and Bennett Davison (203-F-75,college:Arizona)were the best scorers of the match with 18 and 20 points, while Klaudio Ndoja (198-G/f-85) signed the decisive 3 point of the game. For Veroli,Ivan Gatto (207-F/C-78) and Roberts Stelmahers (192-G-74) scored 14 points (with 13 rebounds) and 12 points (with 2 assists but also 4 turnovers).Only 9 points and 7 rebounds for Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) of Veroli, and 3/12 from the field for Ronald Davis (1,90-G-82, college:Wisc.Milwaukee) of Scafati.

Banco di Sardegna Sassari - Fileni Jesi 94-67 (25-15/48-21/75-47)
Jason Rowe (178-G-78,college:Loyola,MD) and Trent Whiting (185-G-76,college:BYU) destroyed Jesi scoring 19 and 20 points.Great performance of Manuel Vanuzzo (203-F-75),with 17 points (4/7 from 3), 8 rebounds and 5 steals. For Jesi, 21 points and 12 rebounds for Michele Maggioli (212-C-77),17 points but also 6 turnovers for Michael Cuffee (193-F-83, college:Middle Tenn. State).

Fastweb Casale Monferrato - Coopsette Rimini 90-83 (29-26/46-38/70-60)
A great Simone Pierich (198-F-81) led Casale with 17 points (5/10 from downtown) in only 22 minutes. Zabian Dowdell(191-G-84,college:Virginia Tech) was the best scorer of Casale with 19 points (8/11 from 2).For Rimini, Giacomo Gurini(190-G-84) scored 17 points with 6/8 from the field and Chris McCray (195-G-84, college: Maryland) nailed 24 points with 11/14 from the line.

Vanoli Soresina - Edimes Pavia 90-83 (29-25/54-46/67-68)
Thanks to a perfect Troy Bell (186-G-80, college: Boston College), who scored 27 points with 6/8 from the field and 11/12 from the line,Vanoli defeated Pavia, who had 22 points with 5/8 from behind the arch scored by Jeffrey Viggiano (200-F-84,college:Massachussetts)and 19 with 9/11 from the field from Paul Marigney (192-G-82, college:St.Mary's,CA).

Lega2 Round: 1 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Vanoli SO - Edimes PV 90-83
Troy Bell (186-G-80, college: Boston Coll.) nailed 27 points to lift Vanoli Soresina to a home win over Edimes Pavia. Quadre Lollis produced 13 points and 8 rebounds for the home side. Jeffrey Viggiano responded with 22 points for Edimes Pavia.

Prima VE - Harem SC 65-70
Bennett Davison (203-F-75, agency: Megasport, college: Arizona) knocked down 20 points to propel Harem Scafati to the road win over Prima Veroli in the quarterfinal opener. Joel Salvi added 18 points and 8 rebounds in the win. Ivan Gatto had 14 points and 13 boards for Prima Veroli in defeat.

Banco Sard. - Fileni JE 94-67
Banco Di Sardegna earned a cruising win over Fileni Jesi as Trent Whiting (185-G-76, college: BYU) came up with 20 points. Jason Rowe added 19 points, 5 boards and 4 assists for the winners. Michele Maggioli responded with 21 points and 12 boards for Fileni Jesi in the loss.

Fastweb CM - Coopsette RN 90-83
Fastweb Casale held off Coopsette Rimini for a 1-0 lead in the series. Zabian Dowdell (191-G-84, college: Virginia Tech) was pivotal with 19 points. Simone Pierich contributed 17 points for the winners. Chris McCray had 24 points in the losing effort.

*****************************************************
  LEBANON   


Day 10 (Quarter Finals) - 22nd ACC - by Maarouf Mawloud
Monday 4/5/2009:
# Group D:
Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (LEB) 70 - ASU Sports Club (JOR) 72 (Qs: 17-25, 35-40, 58-54, 70-72)
- Best scorers:
Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut: [ Fadi El Khatib (197-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) 28 points, Ahmad Ismail (201-F-76)16 pts 12 reb]
ASU Sports Club: [Zeid Abbas (203-F-83) 17 pts 9 reb, Tim Pickett (193-G/F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida St.) 25 pts, Chudney Gray (188-G-78, college: St.John's) 19 pts and 7 ass]

# Group E:
Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut(Leb) 72 - ASPTT Alger (ALG) 65 (Qs: 19-20, 36-32, 61-53, 72-65)
- Best scorers:
Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut: [ Marcus Melvin (203-F-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) 18Pts, 13Rbs, 2Ass , Rolando Howell (206-C/F-82, college: S.Carolina) 14Pts, 8Rbs, 1Ass , Rodrigue Akl (185-G-88) 6Pts, 6Rbs, 1Ass]
ASPTT Alger : [Mehdi Derris 15Pts, 2Rbs, Jilali Camon 20Pts, 6Rbs, Paul Dakouou 5Pts, 3Rbs, 1Ass]

# Day 11 - 22nd ACC (+3 GMT):
[SEMI-FINALS]:
~~Tuesday 5/5 ~~
18.00 Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut v/s Manama
21.00 Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut v/s ASU

Lebanese Abroads will play this summer with the NATIONAL TEAM - by Maarouf Mawloud
Two overseas Lebanese signed the contracts to play for the National Team this summer:
Omar Krayem (185-G-86) last played with California Baptist.
Daniel Faris (206-F-87, agency: Warren Sports International) last played with New Mexico Lobos.
Ali Kanaan (206-F) is yet to be recruited.
Omar Krayem Born Oct. 12, 1986, in San Francisco, Calif. Interdisciplinary studies major.
A good guard. His last stats in the university with E.Washington (NCAA) on 2006-2007 show: 26 games with 8.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3Pts: 37.1%, FT: 71.2%

Daniel Faris Born in May 2, 1987.
A good Forward who has a very good percentage in shooting. He has a fine career history in his NCAA university with N.Mexico.
2005-2006: N.Mexico (NCAA): 24 games: 0.5ppg
2006: Athletes In Action
2006-2007: N.Mexico (NCAA): 32 games: 4.8ppg, 3.4rpg
2007-2008: N.Mexico (NCAA): 33 games: 9.2ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 50.6%, FT: 53.2%
2008-2009: N.Mexico (NCAA, starting five): 34 games: 12.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 52.5%, FT: 71.4%
In his Career lifehe had a good number of awards (According to our site) William Jones Cup Tournament -06,MWC All-Honorable Mention -08,NABC Division I All-District 17 Second Team -09,MWC Regular Season Co-Champion -09,All-MWC 2nd Team -09
And Ali Kanaan (206-F) who is yet to join the national team: born in Lebanon and raised in Monteral, Quebec, and from 2006 till 2008 played with Massachusetts-Lowell (NCAA2),and in 2008-2009: Mass.-Lowell (NCAA2, starting five).

*****************************************************
  LUXEMBOURG   


Musel Pikes sweep top-seeded Etzella in 2 games!! Musel Pikes Reach Finals with 2nd half defense!!! Series MVP Samy Picard Scores 27!!! - by Alex Meyers

Sunday, May 3, 2009


Etzella 65 - Musel Pikes 73


Ettelbruck, Luxembourg

Etzella gets nothing this season as they were ousted from the final four last night at home by a pesky Musel Pikes team. Pikes won 3 of their last 4 games to squeeze into the final four as the bottom seed. That meant they had to play Etzellafor a right to reach the final series. Etzella and new coach Rick Brooks could not find a way to stop Samy Picard (195-F-88). Samy scored 36 in game 1 and last night 27 to lead his team to the promised land. Musel Pikes, who is coached by Frank Baum celebrates a 2-0 sweep now knocking Etzella from the final series again for the 2nd time in as many years. So, Etzella gets to join Sparta in the stands to watch this season's final series against the winner of game 3 in the Contern-T71 series.

The visitors from Musel Pikes were dominated by Etzella the entire 1st half. Etzella led by making defensive stops and scores at the other end for several 4 and 6 point
momentum swings. Marcus Kennedy (193-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: Montevallo) and company were hot from the field knocking down big shot after big shot to boost the home crowd. Up by 16 points at the half, Etzella came out flat. They were just too comfortable and forgot to play in the second half. Musel Pikes shut them down completely and turned things around taking the second half by a score of 20-44 for the 8 point 1/2 final victory.

Series MVP Samy Picard ended the game with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. Chris Braier (195-F-84, college: Lawrence), the defensive specialist scored only 8 points but his presence was felt ripping down 11 rebound and grabbing 5 important steals. Guy Schmit scored 11 points and took 5 rebounds. Musel Pikes had two players step it up big time to key this road victory. Those two players were pivot player Tom Schmitz and combination guard Laurent Schwartz. Tom Schmitz played tough for 40 minutes and contributed with 9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocked shots, 2 steals and 1 assist. It was a huge game for Schmitz to say the least. Laurent Schwartz scored 18 big points and dished for 3 assists. Coach Frank Baum stayed with his starting lineup for nearly the entire game.

Etzella's Marcus Kennedy led all scorers with 28 points while grabbing 14 rebounds and 4 steals in a valiant effort to try and help his team win in game 2. It wasn't enough. Nelson Delgado (185-G-80), who averages over 22 points per game was held to 14 points. Tim Giver scored 13 points, dished 4 assists and took 6 defensive boards. Noone else stepped it up for Etzella. They only went to the free throw line only 8 times where they were miserable, scoring only 50% on 4/8 shooting. Musel Pikes on the other hand were fouled again and again and were put on the line 31 times where they knocked down 20 shots. This was was the difference in game 2 allowing Musel Pikes to advance for another shot at the title. Last season, Musel Pikes lost to Sparta in the final series.

Etzella: 25 field goals, 11 three pointers, 4 for 8 free throws, 34 rebounds, 24 fouls and 13 turnovers
Kennedy 28, N. DelGado 14, Giver 13, Schroeder 2, J. DelGado 5, also Albaladejo 1 and E. Ferreira 2
Musel Pikes: 24 field goals 5 three pointers, 20 for 31 free throws, 34 rebounds, 10 fouls and 13 turnovers
Picard 27, G. Schmit 11, Schwartz 18, Schmitz 9, Braier 8, also R. Dentzer and C. Schmit

Fouled out: 40' J. DelGado(Etz)

Score by quarters: 1st Q 18-11, Halftime 45-29, 3rd Q 55-50, Final 65-73

695 Spectators



Contern wins at home in game 2!!! T71-Contern now tied 1-1!!! Contern's Brandon Gary with 25 points and 23 rebounds!!! - by Alex Meyers

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Contern 89 - T71 59

Contern, Luxembourg
Brandon Gary (202-F-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Hutchinson CC) played hero last night in Contern leading his troops to a lop-sided 89-59 victory over T71 to tie the 1/2 final series at 1 game each. Contern led the entire match coming out on fire in the first quarter, completely annihilating their visitors, blowing T71 out 21-7. T71, played a bit better in the 2nd and 3rd, but Contern was still in control and kept a 15 point lead going into the 4th. T71 gave up 33 points in the final stanza and Contern went on to tie the series, sending a strong messaage to their opponent with a 30 point blowout victory.

Gary Brandon was quite the man of the night with 25 points, 23 rebounds, 4 blocked shots, 6 assists and 2 steals. He was simply marvelous! Eric Jeitz played well against his former teammates. Jeitz lit 'em up for 24 points and handed out 5 assists. Ken Diederich also hit double figures in scoring, nailing 17 points. Playmaker Gilles Becker was held to 6 points but managed 5 assists and 3 steals.

Apart from Martin Rajniak, T71 struggled from everywhere. they couldn't shoot well from anywhere including the free throw line where they went 8/14 for only 58%. Tim Whitworth (198-G/F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Drexel) had one of the poorest games of his career. Whitworth(DBBL leading scorer with 29 ppg) had no steals or assits and scored only 9 points. He was a miserable 1/10 inside the arc, 5 for 23 from three point range and shot only 1 shooting foul where he was 100%. Martin Rajniak was a bright spot for T71 scoring 21 points while grabbing 13 rebounds and dropped 4 assists. Tom Schumacher struggled missing all 6 of his 3 pt. attempts ending with only 7 points. Frank Muller had only 6 points but managed 10 rebounds. T71 had 15 turnovers compared to Contern's 5. Point guard Gilles Ruffato played only 13 minutes and did not score.

Game 3, which will decide who advances to face Musel Pikes in the final will be on on Wednesday, May 6th in Contern.

Contern: 31 field goals, 8 three pointers, 19 for 26 free throws, 41 rebounds, 17 fouls and 5 turnovers
Brandon 25, Jeitz 24, Becker 6, Diederich 17, Bissener 3, also Braun 1, Fasbender 2, Gindt 7 & Majerus 4
T71: 23 field goals, 5 three pointers, 8 for 14 free throws, 44 rebounds 23 fouls and 15 turnovers

Whitworth 9, Rajniak 21, Ruffato 0, Schumacher 7, Muller 6, also Abreu 5, Hoffmann 3, Klein 5, Laures 3, Siebenbour and Steinmetz

Score by quarters: 1st Q 21-7, Halftime 35-21, 3rd Q 52-37, Final 89-59

925 Spectators



*****************************************************
  MEXICO   


The playoffs are coming - by Harold Valenzuela
The CIBACOPA is coming to the end of the 2009 regular season. This year we have big surprises, new teams, new players, new coaches and it looks like this year will be a new champion.
The champions Lobos UAD Mazatlan are looking for the second place in the south zone, actually they are in third place only 1 game behind the Frayles de Guasave, this year Lobos UAD Mazatlan have less chances to win the champion than the last year. Caballeros de Culiacan will be the south zone champion they have a great team, a great coach an a good organization. Joe Chapman (193-G-84, agency: AMI, college: Marquette) is the scoring leader, Victor Avila (209-C-77, college: Oklahoma) is the rebound leader, they have a great team, Caballeros de Culiacan are the branch organization of Halcones UV Xalapa in CIBACOPA. They have Victor Avila, Cordell Henry (178-G-80, agency: N.E.T., college: Marquette), Omar Lopez (203-C-80, college: Cal.Baptist) (former Halcones UV Xalapa player) Sam Bowie (198-F/G-75, college: SE Louisiana) (inactive player but he can play in the playoffs) and the coach Angel Gonzalez . Its looks that Halcones organization will win the LNBP and the CIBACOPA this year. The Coras de Nayarit team is a new team that is looking for the last spot in the south zone, they have good American players, and 3 strong Mexicans players in the names of, Christopher Silva (201-C-82), Miguel Ayala (198-F/G-82, college: UTEP) and Raul Navarro (192-G-84).
The north zone has the league super leader, the Mineros de Cananea have a very good team, his coach Andres Contreras is a smart coach who knows how to win with the players he has. Is the only team with 3 players in the top 12 in scoring this season, this 3 players are, Letheal Cook (208-C/F-80, college: Bowie St.), Derek Thomas (193-F-84, college: Appalachian St.) and Franco Harris (183-G-83, college: Boise St.), they also have Miguel Acuna (181-G-72), Jose Ortiz (197-F/C-81) and the best juvenile player in the name of Jorge Casillas (196-F-90). If the team still the same in playoffs they will win it all.
The surprising team of this season is Rayos de Hermosillo, a new team in the league, this team start the season bad, but the owner made some moves, hire the right people, and the team is the best team in the second half of the season, after the all star break the team looks strong in all the areas, they have Marcos Chavez (179-G-77) in the point a solid Mexican player, they just hire Anthony Pedroza (191-G-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon), one of the best Mexican player right now, he plays the 2 very well, with a good offensive skills and have a lot of knowledge of this sport, this player is a team leader with experience in the LNBP, France and in the NBA. He can be the diference to win it all this year. In the 3 spot is Manuel Esteva (196-F/C-83), Reggie Jordan (193-G-68, college: N.Mexico St.) the ex NBA play the 4, he is a 40 years old veteran but he is very good, he knows what to do, how to do and when to do and in the middle is Marquise Gainous (206-F-76, college: TCU) a strong player who this season is playing extremely well. They have a good bench and a very good coach who knows the Mexican leagues very well in the name of Lasalle Taylor , this team has a lot of probabilities to win the championship.
This is the last week of the CIBACOPA season, lets see how this regular season finished. Around

CIBACOPA - by Chris Terrell
Caballeros de Culiacan roll against Tepic by a score of 105-92 behind a sensational performance by Joe Chapman (193-G-84, agency: AMI, college: Marquette). Chapman's 41 points led all scorers in the CIBACOPA on this night. Froylan Verdugo (196-F-79) and Jesus Lopez (205-F-83, college: SW Baptist) also came up big with 21 and 20 respectively. Jared Mckoy is the new import in Tepic and he had an excellent game with 21 points and 14 rebounds to go with Dedrick Gage (201-F-80, college: Lynn) and his 24 but Culican continues to find ways to win, doing so this game without the services of Cordell Henry (178-G-80, agency: N.E.T., college: Marquette) and Sam Bowie (198-F/G-75, college: SE Louisiana). It doesn't hurt to Chapman's league leading scoring average of 30 points a game to aid the cause.

Guaymas upsets Cananea 87 -73. New big man Ja Ja Richards (207-C-75, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Loyola, IL) manned the middle and imposed his will in this one. The 12 points and 7 rebounds don't tell the whole story as the big pressense in the middle (3 blocked shots and several altered) helped keep a high scoring Cananea team to only 73 points in the game. Rommel Marentez (178-G-84, college: Cal-Davis) had 20 and Jose Valdez (201-F-85) 16. Letheal Cook (208-C/F-80, college: Bowie St.) has been dominating for the Caneros all season and was matched up with the bigger Richards for the most part in this one. Cook's 21 points paced Cananea to go with 3 rebounds.

Obregon needed this 'W' as they have recently fallen to the 4th position in the Northern Division and were successful holding off Mazatlan 88-73. 'El Pajarito' Edwin Sanchez (170-G-73) is a basketball idol in the costal communities of the Mexican Pacific and the wisdom in his on the court connection with former Phoenix Suns Center and 08 LNBP Champion Horacio Llamas (212-C-73, agency: Interperformances) proved to much to stop for the Lobos of Mazatlan. Sanchez was huge in this one leading Obregon with 26 to go with his 4 assists and 4 rebounds while the aforementioned Llamas had 25 points and 8 boards. Hugo Carrillo (205-C/F-83), Llamas's understudy in Mexicali stars on this frontline right along with him and did his part en route to 13 points and 9 rebounds. The 2 mexican bigs really held things down low for the Trigueros. Ron Selleaze (197-F-76, college: CSU Bakersfield) never disappoints and his 23 points helped keep Mazatlan within striking distance for much of the game but the size disparity between the two teams was apparent. Obregon winning going away behind the play of their Mexican stars.

Los Mochis is struggling to get out of the basement in the South and went into this one trailing Tepic for the last playoff seed by 1 point in the standings. Facing off with Hermosillo, the Pioneros needed to find a way to get this one. James Parker (183-G-81, college: Robert Morris) had 28, Marcos Dorado (198-G/F-75) 20, and Michael Henderson (196-F-84, college: Chicago St.) had 15 points and 6 rebounds but it wasn't enough. Reggie Jordan (193-G-68, college: N.Mexico St.) and Marquise Gainous (206-F-76, college: TCU) had 23 apiece, 7 and 8 boards respectively joined by the terrific all-around game by Anthony Pedroza (191-G-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon), the son of former NBA star Fat Lever; who had 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists in a convincing win, Hermosillo 94 - Pioneros 76.

The only team having a rougher go of it this season than Los Mochis is the Fuerza Guinda of Nogales having won only 7 contests on the season. Nogales is a former league champion and a storied and proud franchise that has never really gotten on track this year. No one can blame the organization for not attempting to improve as the shuffling of the player deck has been constant for the Arizona neighbor. New signee Roy Morris (188-G, college: San Diego) had a great game with 25 points and Victor Esquer (188-G-81, college: Cal Lutheran) contributed with 21 to go with Jorge Cota (188-G-80) who had 14 and 6 but a lack of depth is apparent and proved to be their achillies heal in this contest. No other player on the roster had more than 5 points or 3 rebounds for Head Coach Adolfo Sanchez . For Guasave, 5 games behind Culiacan for first place in the Zona Sur, Jeremy Bell (183-G-83, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Williams Baptist) continued to be a knock down shooter on his way to 24 points on the night to go with his 7 boards from the guard spot. Leroy Davis (200-F-81, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Georgia St.) and Jorge Acosta (190-G-79) had 15 in the game with 11 Frayles seeing action in the win. Final score Guasave 90, Nogales 75.

Standings - CIBACOPA
CIBACOPA Standings
Northern Division
 1. Mineros 29-7 
 2. Hermosillo 20-16 
 3. Ostioneros 18-18 
 4. Trigueros 17-19 
 5. Fuerza Guinda 7-29 
Southern Division
 1. Caballeros 25-11 
 2. Frayles 20-16 
 3. Lobos UAD 19-17 
 4. Coras 13-23 
 5. Pioneros 12-24 


CIBACOPA Stats Leaders
CIBACOPA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Champan CLN 29.1
2 Parker MOC 27.3
3 Selleaze MAZ 27.1
Rebounds Per Game
1 Avila CLN 11.5
2 Jordan HMO 9.8
3 Miller GVE 9.1
Assists Per Game
1 Patterson MAZ 6.2
2 Marentez GYM 5.3
3 Zuiga GVE 3.3


*****************************************************
  NBA   


Nuggets' Warkentien wins NBA executive of the year - by Demar Thomas
Mark Warkentien, the Denver Nuggets' vice president of basketball operations, was named the National Basketball Association executive of the year on Sunday.

Warkentien engineered the biggest trade in the league this season, exchanging Allen Iverson for Chauncey Billups.

The deal sparked Denver's franchise record-equalling 54-win regular season and the Nuggets' first playoff series win in 15 years.

In results of balloting announced on Sunday, Warkentien received nine of 30 votes from a panel of NBA executives.

Cleveland's Danny Ferry finished second with seven votes. Orlando's Otis Smith finished third with six votes, and the Los Angeles Lakers' Mitch Kupchak and Chicago's John Paxson were tied for fourth with two votes each.

*****************************************************
  NCAA1   


New NCAA rule will close NBA draft window sooner - by Eurobasket News
College basketball players will have to decide more quickly whether they plan to stay in the NBA draft.

A new rule approved Thursday by the NCAA's Board of Directors requires early entrants to withdraw from the draft by May 8. Current rules allow players to make that decision by June 15.

The change will take effect this fall. It's a compromise to an ACC proposal that would have required players to pull out by mid-April.

The NCAA said it favored the May 8 date after receiving advice from NBA officials and the NBA Players Association. The NBA also has agreed to move individual tryouts up to April 30.

How the notification will be done has not been determined.

The NBA calendar, under the current collective bargaining agreement, requires the list of college players who withdraw to be released in mid-June. That will stay in place next year, but Division I vice president David Berst said players who return to school still must notify the NCAA by the new deadline.

The change may not be the final piece to this legislation. Berst said the NCAA hopes to continue having discussions with the NBA, NBAPA and National Association of Basketball Coaches to find a withdrawal date that is satisfactory for all parties.

Coaches wanted the measure approved so they could make more tangible plans for the following season, and the board approved the rule because it puts more emphasis on keeping returning players academically eligible.

The Legislative Council approved the measure last week.

In another action, the board rejected a proposal that would have cut four games from baseball's 56-game limit but approved a measure to spread those games out over one additional week. The season will start one week earlier next season.

The hope is that it will reduce the amount of missed classes in baseball, a sport that has traditionally posted low scores in the Academic Progress Rate and Graduation Success Rate.

Courtesy of www.salon.com

Sean Miller settling in at Arizona - by Eurobasket News
Sean Miller has moved into Lute Olson's McKale Center office - sort of.

The walls and shelves are bare, and the only signs that the room is occupied are the paper-covered desk, a laptop computer and a cup of takeout coffee.

'It may be like this for a while,'' Miller said during an interview with The Associated Press this week. 'When you do something, you also want to do it right. Sometimes you have to be a little patient.''

The same can be said for the job Miller undertook last month when he left Xavier to become the permanent successor to Olson, the legendary former coach who suddenly retired in October.

Arizona is no longer among the national elite, but it's hardly a rebuilding job. The Wildcats in March reached the NCAA tournament for the 25th straight time, the nation's longest active streak and two shy of North Carolina's record run of 27 straight appearances 1975-2001.

Arizona may have been the last team into the tourney field, but the 12th-seeded Wildcats made a surprising run to the regional semifinals.

The bad news is that two of the Wildcats' best players - forwards Jordan Hill and Chase Budinger - are headed to the NBA, and a third - point guard Nic Wise - may join them.

That's where patience comes in. It's also why Miller has spent little time in his cozy office on a concourse above the arena floor. He's been out trying to round up recruits.

The Wildcats have signed two players since Miller was hired - touted forward Solomon Hill from Los Angeles' Fairfax High School and 7-foot center Kyryl Natyazhko of Florida's IMG Academy. Miller beat out Arizona State and Herb Sendek, his former boss at Miami of Ohio, for Natyazhko.

Miller has lost guard Zane Johnson of Phoenix, who has announced that he will transfer out of the program.

The new coach hasn't spent much time in Tucson, but he likes what he's seen of the relentlessly sunny weather.

'It's a change of life,'' said Miller, decked out in polo shirt, khaki shorts and sneakers. 'It is the most amazing transition. I can't explain it to you. At first, I felt strange in the morning because of the brightness of the sun.''

The desert might seem a strange landing spot for a Pennsylvania gym rat whose father, John, was one of the state's winningest high school coaches. But Miller wanted to be a top-level college coach for as long as he can remember, and he didn't have a specific destination in mind.

'I always hoped that I would have an opportunity to be at a place that can win the national championship, and to try to do the best I can at that program,'' Miller said. 'Where that program would be, or which one it was, that really wasn't important to me.''

It happened to be Arizona, which spent the last year looking for a permanent successor to Olson, who went 589-187 here, leading the Wildcats to the 1997 national championship and four Final Fours, most recently in 2001. Before landing Miller, the Wildcats had an ill-fated courtship with Tim Floyd, who decided to stay at Southern California.

Miller put together an impressive resume in five seasons at Xavier. He compiled a 120-47 record and took four teams to the NCAA tournament, and in 2008 the Musketeers advanced to the Elite Eight.

Arizona lured the 40-year-old Miller to Tucson from Xavier with a five-year contract that pays him a base salary of $2 million per year plus a $1 million signing bonus.

In some ways, the Western Pennsylvania-bred Miller is the opposite of the silver-haired Olson, who was as familiar as the craggy mountains that ring the city.

But like Olson, Miller is a devout believer in up-tempo basketball, man-to-man defense and point guards - especially point guards. As a former star point guard at Pittsburgh, Miller seems to be the perfect fit at a program known for producing stars at the position.

Miller is hoping to hold onto his best point guard - Wise, who has declared himself eligible for the NBA draft but has yet to hire an agent, allowing him the possibility to return for his senior season.

'I hope, for Nic, that he makes the decision based on what's best for him,'' Miller said. 'As opposed to, I've gone through a lot, it's time to move on.''

On the court, Miller's transition figures to be much smoother if Wise returns. But Miller knows that much of his work in the next year will come off the court, as he tries to restore stability to a program rocked by change in the last two seasons.

'That's the highest-level priority,'' Miller said.

Arizona has had three coaches in the last three years - Olson and interims Kevin O'Neill and Russ Pennell. O'Neill took over when Olson went on a personal leave of absence in the 2007-2008 season and Pennell coached Arizona last season after Olson retired.

Miller said he senses the Wildcats' rabid supporters want him to succeed - and stick around.

'I underestimated the passion of Tucson for our program,'' he said. 'I cannot believe how much it means to people here - which I know can be both good and bad.

'Where I'm at right now is a great challenge,'' Miller said. 'But it's also a dream come true. And hopefully I can be here for a long time.''

Courtesy of www.cleveland.com

*****************************************************
  NCAA2   


Springfield to host Elite Eight through 2011 - by Eurobasket News
The NCAA, Division II Men's Basketball Committee has announced that Springfield, Mass. will host the 2010 and 2011 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Elite Eight.

The event will be held at the MassMutual Center, with American International College and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame serving as the hosts. The dates of the competition will be March 24, 25 and 27 in 2010 and March 23, 24 and 26 in 2011.

'The committee is excited about going back to Springfield,' said Rich Sanders, chair of the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Committee and director of athletics at Northwest Nazarene University. 'It is a tremendous venue for our event. The staffs at American International and the Hall of Fame make sure the student-athletes, coaches and fans all have a first-class experience.'

Springfield has hosted the event 20 times previously, including the last four years. With the addition of the next two years, Springfield will have hosted the event on 22 occasions; one more than the 21 times Evansville, Ind. has served as hosts.

Courtesy of NCAA

*****************************************************
  SCOTLAND   


FURY TURN TABLES ON KINGS - by Sandy Sutherland
Falkirk Fury turned the tables on Scottish

Cup-holders Edinburgh Kings to win 58-46 in the

long-awaited play-off for the RAF Scottish

Junior League title at Linlithgow Academy on

Saturday May 2.
A disastrous second quarter, which they lost

19-7, cost Kings their chance of completing the

double and they turned round 30-12 down after

the first quarter had been tied 11-11.
'The result was desperately disappointing but we

were poor on the day and Fury deserved their win

- they executed better than we did,' said Kings

coach Doug Reilly, who believes the month's

competitive gap following the Scottish Cup

finals at Edinburgh University at the end of

March certainly did not help their cause:
'We've had no practice - only three training

sessions in that time - and no competitive games

so we've lost our continuity,' declared Reilly,

whose son Lee was top scorer with 19 points but

also got in foul trouble.
'Missing 10 out of 12 free throws didn't help

either,' he added.


*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA   


Damjanovic new coach of U18 NT - by Zeljko Zule

KZS (Basketball Federation of Slovenia) announced that Dalibor Damjanovic , head coach of TCG Mercator, will be the head coach of Slovenia's U-18 Team for the 2009 European Junior Championship, July 23-August 2, in France.
Radomir Mijanovic is still head coach of U-20 NT and Dejan Mihevc is coach of U-16 NT.

.



*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA   


Korean Basketball League(KBL) Pre-Draft Tryout Camp - by Rick Ross
July 22-24, 2009, Las Vegas, NV, U.S.A.

Korean Basketball League(KBL) Pre-Draft Tryout Camp for Foreign Players will be held from
July 22nd(Wed) to 24th (Fri), 2009 at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, NV, U.S.A.

The players who are interested in playing in Korea for the 2009~2010 season,
which will start from the middle of October 2009 to the end of April 2010,
and meet the qualifications below are asked to fill out the application form and send via a
fax or by e-mail the required documents to KBL office by May 22nd, 2009.(Korea Time)

1. Must have at least a high school diploma
2. Must be at least 18 years of age
3. Have not had a contract with teams in Europe Division I (Spain, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Israel, France, Russia,
Greece) Club for the most recent consecutive two (2) years
4. Have not had a contract with teams in NBA for the most recent consecutive three (3) years


1. KBL Tryout Application Form (must be signed by a player)
2. Resume (with a recent photo)
3. Personal data (stats must be official game stats)
4. A copy of university / college / high school diploma
5. Letter of Clearance from previous team (optional)
6. Letter of Recommendation (optional)
7. Character Reference from 3 non-family members (optional)

KBL Office Must Receive Application form by May 22nd, 2009.(Korea Time)

1. KBL will draft 20 foreign players for the 2009~2010 season. (including of renewal players)
2. This is a Pre-Draft Tryout Camp by invitation only. KBL will screen all of the applications the beginning of June
and players that are invited for the Pre-Draft Tryout will be informed in the middle of June
3. All of the invited players will be asked to send a registration fee of US$100 (non-refundable)
to secure a spot at the tryout.
4. Players who participate in the 2009 Pre-Draft Tryout, will be qualified as a replacement player
for 2009-2010 season.


1. The terms of the players contract is from September 1st, 2009 to March 31st, 2010(7 months contract).
Each player will receive the net amount of US$25,000 per month during the regular season.
Players will additionally receive a net winning bonus of US$300 for every win
2. In the playoffs, players will be compensated for his extended services on a pro rata basis with the monthly
payment of the net amount of US$25,000. The players will additionally get paid a playoffs incentive bonus.
3. The clubs shall provide a dormitory room, meals during the season, and a round trip of airfare (business class)
4. A player once can invite one of his relatives during the season. The clubs shall provide a round trip of air fare
and lodging for up to 7-Days.

Coach Ross Rick
Any questions regarding this event should be directed to the following number and address.
Hyuk Joon, LEE
KBL Center 5th Fl.
2 Nonhyun-dong, Gangnam-gu
Seoul, Korea 135-010 Tel: (822) 2106-3055
Fax: (822) 2106-3094
E-Mail : draft@kbl.or.kr

Future of Veteran Guard Lee Catching Fans' Eyes - by Rick Ross
Fans of the Korean Basketball League (KBL)
are still cooling down after the championship series between the
KCC Egis and Samsung Thunders.

But with the season now over attention has shifted to the future of popular Thunders guard Lee Sang-Min (183-G-72).
Lee, who has been first in the KBL All-Star voting for eight consecutive years will become a free agent this summer.
The 36-year-old veteran guard will likely consider two or three teams,
including the Thunders, before making his decision.
While the Thunders veteran didn't have a great season, averaging just 5.1
points per game along with 3.8 assists, he did raise his game during the
championship series where he averaged 11 points per game.
Lee also brought the fans out of their seats with his clutch shooting at key times.
Lee, a former player with Egis, was claimed by the Thunders two years ago after
Egis failed to put Lee on their protected list after the team brought in center Seo Jang-hoon.
Egis fans will hope to see Lee return to his old club, but the Thunders will likely push hard to sign the guard.
We will do our best to keep Lee. We hope Lee stays with us because we have really good relationship,
and Lee also enjoys playing for the Thunders,
Thunders Deputy General manager Lee Sung-hoon told The Korea Times.
We have not talked with him yet, but we have a plan to offer around a two-year contract.
And the contract will only concern his time as a player not as coach after his retirement.
That part can be negotiated in the meeting but it is not our first consideration,'' Lee said.
The general manager also downplayed the decline in Lee's play this season.
While Lee didn't play like he did during his best years, he still proved his worth as a clutch shooter.
And Lee also has the ability to change the mood in the stadium.

He's also positive influence on the bench and in locker room, which is something you don't see.
That ability is why we want him and it is enough reason to re-sign him,''
Lee said, adding that he expects the dollar amount of the contract to be similar to what the guard earned this season.
The Thunders have Lee's exclusive negotiating rights until May 15, at which time he will be free to negotiate with any time.

By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter

*****************************************************
  SPAIN   


Oleson Officially A Revelation! - by Paul Nilsen
Sharp shooter Brad Oleson (191-G-83, agency: Duran International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) has picked up the ACB 'Revelation Of The Year' award after voting ended' over the weekend writes www.acb-basket.com. The Fuenlabrada ace who stepped up from LEB and has been playing in his first season in the ACB has enjoyed a stellar year. His three-point shooting and general offensive production catapulting Fuenla from expected relegation battle to fighting instead of a shock play-off spot.

Oleson has spoken of his delight at the award but empahsised his season was about the team and not him as an individual. He beat off competition from several other nominees with voting ending as follows:

1 Brad Oleson (Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada)
2 Pablo Aguilar (CB Granada)
3 Sergio Llull (Real Madrid)
4 Joel Freeland (Gran Canaria)
5 Pau RIbas (DKV Joventut)

*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Vikings beat Dragons, force game 7 - by Antonio Matek
Sundsvall Dragons vs Solna Vikings 69-77
(19-22, 22-15, 18-16, 10-24)
Solna Vikings managed to force a game 7 after defeating Sundsvall Dragons in Sundsvalls Sporthall. Great perfomances by Mats Levin (188-G-77) (14pts, 8reb, 7ass) and Jonte Flowers (196-G, college: Winona St.) (13pts, 7reb, 5ass, 3stl, 3blk) lifted the reigning champs as they started of the battle in a furious pace. Sundsvall fought back and the game stayed close until the very end, were Solna went on too take home the contest. They now have the advantage in the upcoming final game 7, which will be played 5th of May in Solnahallen. Noteable is that both teams shot well inside (Sundsvall 22/41 for 53.7%, Solna 25/45 for 55.6%) but poorly outside (both team made 6/21 for 28.6% ). The free-throw shooting was not to cheer for as the Dragons made 7/11(63.6%) and the Vikings only managed to hit 9/16 (56.2%). Solna won the rebounding 37-30, and both teams managed to pull up 17 assists.
Doug Thomas (203-F-83, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Iowa) gave Sundsvall the lead in the beginning of Q1 after a dunk, but after that it was all about Solna. The guests from Stockholm showed their great defensive skills, going 14-0 as their opponents seemed to roll on the first gear all the time. However, Sundsvall kept their heads high, as Alex Wesby (196-G-80, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Temple) and Srdan Subotic (193-G-80, agency: Interperformances) hit two three-pointers that was the start of a 17-2 run. The quarter ended with Solna leading 19-22.
The second quarter remainded close until Sundsvall made a 9-2 run, and the hosts seemed to go the halftime break with a seven point lead. Saulius Dumbliauskas (202-C-81, agency: Court Side, college: St.Bonaventure) had other plans, as he hit his 3p-attempt to cut the lead as Solna trailed 41-37.
The finalists did not want to give away the game, as the second half began with a picture that was the same as the first half. Sundsvall had a 4-0 run, and led with 52-46 before Solna replied with a 6-0, tying the contest after a dunk by Martin Pahlmblad (193-G-86) and layup by Dumbliauskas. A long three-pointer made by Adam Alexander (176-G-80) put the hosts up 57-52, and Q3 ended with a 59-53 advantage for the Dragons.
Sundsvall seemed to be stronger, and Subotic insides hot found its way in to put his team ahead by eight. Dumbliauskas, Pahlmblad and Levin closed the gap 61-59, before Thomas made back-to-back points, giving his team a six point lead. The visitors had other plans in mind, and Juha Sten (191-G-83, agency: Rasmussen Services) made a three-point attempt to end yet another run in the game, 7-0. Solna were now ahead 65-66, leading for the first time since early in Q2. Wesby made a floater to give the Dragons the lead once more, but he seemed tired after playing almost 40 minutes in all of the five first games. Sten hit a break away layup, and Lesli Myrthil (200-F-77, college: Wagner) scored on a hard fade away. Once again, Wesby responded by making a jump shot, which proved to be his teams last point. The score was 69-70 as Solnas coach Pekka Salminen decided to take a timeout. He changed the play that was called twice before the timeout was over. Myrthil scored on a tough layup, and now Sundsvalls coach Peter Oqvist took the oppurtunity too call a timeout. He wanted his team to go two-for-one, but their play was not executed as planned, and Subotic was forced to take a hard shot that did not go in. The hosts took for straight fouls to stop the clock, until team foul was reached. Levin made one of the following to free throws that he was given, but Solna managed to stay calm, winning the contest 69-77.
Sundsvall: Olivier Ilunga 15 (6ass), Doug Thomas 14 (3stl), Alex Wesby 14 (7reb, 4 ass), Liam Rush 9, Srdan Subotic 7 (4ass), Michael Palm 5, Adam Alexander (176-G-80) 3, Aki Ulander 2.
Solna: Lesli Myrthil 14, Mats Levin 14 (8reb, 7ass), Juha Sten 13, Jermaine 'Jonte' Flowers 13 (7reb, 5ass, 3stl, 3blk), Saulius Dumbliauskas 11 (9reb), Martin Pahlmblad 7, Peter Bogner 5.
Spectators: 2 301

Christopher Ryan voted rookie of the year - by Antonio Matek
Plannja Basket Lulea's Christopher Ryan (196-G-90) has been voted as rookie of the year in Sweden. He has been in the starting five during most of the year since Derrick Stevens (180-G-80, college: Colorado St.) left Plannja, posting good numbers on both ends of the court. He played in 28 games (25mpg) and averaged 10ppg while shooting 54.4% 2p, 34.2% 3p and 69.2% ft, while adding 0.9 spg and 1.2 apg to his stats.
The jurys choice was based on the fact that Ryan is a player that has shown great vision for the game and possesses great potential to develop into one of Swedens future stars.


*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


Martigny advance to LNA - by Eurobasket News
Martigny triumphed in the LNB after they swept the final series against Luzern. Thus a Laurent Plassard team paved their way into the top Swiss league. It is quite an incredible success for the team that completed the regular season at the 8th spot just making it to the playoffs. However it was a different team in the postseason. First Martigne saw off Union Neuchatel in two games and then dealt with Vevey in the semifinal.
Finally Martigny-Rhone faced Luzern in the best-of-three final series. Martigny upset the regular season champions 78:72 on the road in the opener. The teams kept it close throughout the game but Martigny raised the tempo late in the encounter and got away with the win. Riccardo Fischer (180-G-91) topscored with 18 points in that game. Diego Martins (206-C-85) provided 17 points, 12 boards and 6 assists for the winners. Rolf Stallkamp (200-F-78) answered with 24 points for Luzern.
The second game started with Martigny grabbing a 22:16 lead after ten minutes of action. The Lions however struck back in the second stanza turning a 6-point deficit into a 6-point lead at the interval. But it was rather one-sided game after the major break as Martigny kept the clash under control and ensured a big victory at the end 90:69. Raphael Moret (200-F-84) had 23 points, 11 boards and 5 assists for Martigny. Diego Martins added 20 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in the win. Julio Anthony (193-G-86, college: E.Illinois) responded with 20 points for Luzern.

LNA Round: 3 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Vacallo - Boncourt 68-50
Vacallo completed the sweep of the series against Boncourt and advanced into the LNA Finals. Nikola Dacevic (205-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) tallied 17 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists to lead Vacallo to the decisive third win. Dejan Lukovic added 14 points and 6 assists in the victory. Kevin Corre responded with 19 points for Boncourt.

Fribourg - Lugano Tigers 93-55
Dennis Harrison (201-F-79, college: Colorado) unleashed 33 points, added 8 rebounds and 6 assists to propel Fribourg to an impressive home success over Lugano. The defending champions took a 2-1 lead in the series. Marcus Sloan provided 17 points and 9 boards in the win. Mohammed Abukar replied with 18 points for the Tigers.

Fribourg gets impressive home win to go ahead 2-1 in the semifinals - by Alexander Davis
What a difference a week makes!! After Fribourg Olympic gave up 104 points on the road last Saturday to Lugano, the focus of the team had to be to play better defense against the high scoring Tigers. And that's exactly what happened in game 3 as Fribourg won 93-55 at home. Scoring points has never been a problem for Fribourg, and game 3 was no different, Dennis Harrison (201-F-79, college: Colorado) led all scorers with 33 points, follwed by Marcus 'The Warrior' Sloan (205-F-82, college: TCU) 17 points and 9 rebounds, and Tresore Quidome (192-G-80, agency: Interperformances) who finished with 14 points. Lugano was led by Mohammed Abukar (208-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: San Diego St. 18 points in the losing effort. The biggest key of the game however was the stellar defensive play of Fribourg. Sloan, who played only 11 minutes due to some questionable foul calls in game 2, could only sit and watch as his team let Lugano score 104 points. Fribourg missed the defensive energy Sloan brought in game 2, but it was evident that he was there in game 3! 'Obviously when Marcus is in the game, it changes the way we play defesne, his enery and toughness rubs off on everyone!', said coach Damien Leyrolles. Tresore Quidome also did an amazing job on defense holding Dusan Mladjan (199-G-86, agency: Interperformances) to only 2 points the entire game!! Mladjan seem to be unhappy with not getting the ball, and in the 3rd took a 40 ft 3 point shot, after just crossing half court. This isnt the 1st time that Lugano has lost teir cool, as big man Isaac Wells, was cut from the team last week, after arguing with his teammates and coaches during halftime of game 1! Game 4 will be played on Tuesday in Lugano as Fribourg will look to close out the series in what will be a tough game for both teams, The winner of this series will play Vacalo, who dismantled the undermanned Boncourt team 68-50.

*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


UBL Round: 2 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Kryvbasbasket - Ferro-ZNTU 87-61
Kryvbasbasket edged Ferro-ZNTU 87:61 in Quarter-Finals Round 2. Dmitri Glebov (198-F-88) led all the winners with 16 points, while Kondratovets Viktor and Zemljic Dubravko had 14 each. Balashov Stanislav chipped in 13 points for the guests.

Politek.Lviv - DniproAzot 103-76
Politekhnika Lviv overcame DniproAzot 103:76 in the Quarter-Finals Game 2 on May 4th. Aliaksandr Pustahvar (200-G/F-85) and Kuzmin Dmitri top-scored for the winners with 15 points each, while Gurtovoy Volodymyr posted 14. Alexeenko Alexander and Zozulia Jurij produced 13 points apiece in defeat.

Budivelnyk - Hoverla 110-81
Budivelnyk improved to 2-0 over Hoverla after 110:81 in Game 2. John DeGroat (198-F-85, college: Pittsburgh) paced all the winners with 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Chukinas Pavelis ended up with 16. Sparks Patrick resisted with 31 points in the losing case.

BC Odessa - Dnipro 74-76
Dnipro was the only team to win away from home as they rolled over BC Odessa 76:74. Patrick Beverley (185-G-88, college: Arkansas) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Panchenko Oleksandr added 14. Coleman Jerome delivered 18 points for the hosts.

SK Cherkasy Monkeys released all foreigners - by Aleks
After headcoach Jovica Arsic departed recently, the team of SK Cherkasy Monkeys decided now to release furthermore all foreigners too.

Namely, Vladislav Dragojlovic (206-C-79, agency: Beo Basket), Ivan Koljevic (186-G-84), Ivan Kuburovic (201-G/F-81), Miljan Pupovic (209-C/F-83, agency: Interperformances) and Chris Hill (178-G-83, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) all had to leave.

SK Cherkasy Monkeys enjoyed a good regular season finishing 4th on the table, but could not manage to keep up the good form and finished on a dissapointing last spot in the playoff qualification round. They are now playing against Gryfony for final qualification (Position 9 and 10).

The team decided to go into the reminder of the season with its domestic players.

*****************************************************
  URBL   


Barnes adds Star Power to the URBL - by URBL media

Interview with Jermaine 'JB' Barnes - March 10, 2009
Currently joining the Dallas Ft. Worth Disciples in there first season Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G-82, college: Atlanta Christian,GA) or 'JB' as he is affectionately known, has landed in Dallas,TX doing what he does best.putting on a show. The Atlanta born guard out of Atlanta Christian College took some time to answer a few questions in the days leading up to the opening game. Starting guard for the Dallas Ft. Worth Disciples (URBL) Barnes brings Japan star power to the new league, while in Japan he was named the JBL3 Most Valuable Player and the leagues top scorer(48.3ppg). Also being name the 1st selection in the 09' URBL draft.

Q: Hey 'JB' congratulations on becoming the 1st player taking the this years draft. How did you end up playing in Japan and now the URBL?

A: I ended up in Japan due to a close friend (Jerone Dodd), he got me my first shot to play out of college. Seeing that I went to a D3 college alot of teams were afraid to take me but he gave me a chance. I guess you could say it paid off. He really taught me how to be a professional, on and off the court. The URBL was more of a business move. Sherman Douglas who is a close friend of mine purchased the team. Long story short, he hates to lose so I came.

Q: How has the transition been with your teammates and coach?

A: The transition has been good between me and the team and coach. I came in a little bit out of shape and didn't have much time to get ready but we(me and D.J. Douglas) made it work.. Sherman has put me through extra workouts, extra running, extra shootingBut most of all I like the group he has put together. Royal Maxwell (6'9''-F-80, college: Jackson St.), is hands down our best player. He can do it all at 6-9, Jared McClinic (6'4'-F-80, college: Morris Brown), is a freak and Jerome Boyd (6'8'-F-C-84, college: Clayton St.) is a great post. He can use both hands and can flat out score. Im just trying to come in and win.

Q: You were named D3 National Player of the Year, All-Japan MVP, URBL MVP?

A: 'God willing'.

Q: You have excelled as a scorer on every level, the NCAA(26.1), Japan(48.3), ABA(26.2) and EBA(23.1). Why do you feel your not in the NBA?

A: 'To be honest I get this question alot, but it's very easy to answer. I had to go D3 in college because of my grades. So I had to prove that I wasn't just a small league star. When I went to Japan I had to start at the bottom, but I worked my way up. The Japanese teams and agents told me I had to play in the ABA,NBDL and CBA if I wanted a chance at the big league there and in the NBA. But now I have proven that I can play on all level. Now im ready to take my game to another level. But if I could play in the NBA that would be a blessing'.

Q: Who is the best player you have played with or against?

A: 'Wow, great question. That would have to be Royal Maxwell. He can do it all. He's 6-9 and plays like a guard'. Against would have to be Sherman Douglas, he cheats'. As far as a teammate Mike Kearse maybe the best. A 6-4 PG who can do it all. He belongs in the NBA.

Q: Where did you learn to shoot? People say you have the best mid range in the south?

'A: Sherman Douglas and Derrick Stroud. There's not secret to shooting, just hard work. They pushed me to be the player I am today. Stroud tought me how to be a pro. It was really hard on me my first year in Japan, but he kept me focused and ready to play. And til this day I still can't out shoot either one of them'. (lol)

Q: As far as coaching. Who was your favorite and who was the toughest?

A: My favorite coach was Robert 'Reed' Moore. He was great. He could sell papaer to a tree. I can honestly say he brought the 'JB' out of Jermaine Barnes. The toughest was hands down 'Jay Livingstone'. Coach Jay was a great coach.

Q: What were you doing to keep busy while playing in Japan?

A: I really didnt do much in Japan but work on my game. I had alot to prove my first two season in the JBL3'

Q: There's a rumor that you scored 60 point twice while in Japan, is this true?

A: Very much so. The first time I did it was my first year with Proline. We were down big and God took over. I really can't say it was me. The second time was last year in the All-Japan Tournament. I had 63 but we lost in the Championship.

Q: Ok, now focusing on your present situationWhat are you doing to prepare for the upcoming season in the URBL?

A: Well my goals are simple. I want the win the URBL championship and be the MVP of the league. Anything else will be a failure.

Q: Who would you say helped you get to this point in life as a player and a person?

A: 'My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Followed by my mother and father. I had a great dad. He always pushed me to be the best in everything I did. He made me believe in my dreams. He pushed me. My mother was a strong women of God and she pushed me in my foundation in the Lord. Those two where very important in my growth as a person. As a player Sherman Douglas, Jared McClinic, Mike Davis, Sam Orum, Royal Maxwell, Derrick Stroud, Dorian Lee and Mike Kearse. Those guys helped me as a player and are my dear friends.



URBL Stats Leaders
URBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1.Barnes, DFW 41.3
2.Conwill, Con 31.5
3.Boyd, DFW 30.2
4.James, Irving 27.8
5.Sloan, Irving 26.7
Rebounds Per Game
1.Boyd, DFW 15.8
2.Barnes, DFW 10.5
3.Ellison, Texas 10.2
4.Cato, Con 10.0
5.McClinic, DFW 9.5
Assists Per Game
1.Douglas, DFW 13.2
2.Fisher,Con 12.0
3.De La Cruz, Irving 10.0
4.Negrin, Houston 9.5
5.Oxley, Hou G. 9.0
Steals Per Game
1.Sloan, Irving 5.5
2.Barnes, DFW 5.2
3.Fisher, Con 4.0
4.Negrin, Houston 3.5
5.Trinquier, Texas 2.5
Blocks Per Game
1.McClinic, DFW 4.0
1.Moon, Irving 3.5
3.Ellison, Texas 2.5
4.Cato, Con 2.0
5.Barnes, DFW 1.8
2FGP
1.Boyd, DFW .913
2.Fisher, Con .750
3.James, Irving .532
4.Cato, Con .500
5.Barnes, DFW .500
3FGP
1.Douglas, DFW 100
2.Harner, Con .700
3.James, Irving .600
4.Tranquier, Texas .500
5.Barnes, DFW .495


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  VENEZUELA   


Venezuelan U18 National Team 2009 - by Richard

Jose Silvera
Alexander Morillo of Trotamundos de Carabobo
Jose Matias Aranguren of Guaros de Lara|
Drexler Mejias
Israel Blanco of Trotamundos de Carabobo
Jose Cubiano
Abrouse Acosta of Panteras de Miranda
Angel Urbina
Anthony Sucre
Erick Bermudez
Edyn Calatayud of Trotamundos de Carabobo
Alfredo Flores of Trotamundos de Carabobo
Leonardo Betancourt of Caciques de Trujillo
Head Coach: Daniel Centeno
Assistant Coach: Alfredo Madrid





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Women News

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  ALBANIA - Women  


Flamurtari are the 2008/2009 League winners! - by Eurobasket News
Flamurtari - DHL 82-73

Flamurtari are the 2008/2009 League winners in the country. The favorites swept the Final series over DHL 3-0 after 82:73 in the last game. It is a great success for the team in the season.
After 86:75 in Game 1 and 83:68 wins in Game 2, Flamurtari needed another victory to win the series. The home side opened the game with 22-11 in the opening quarter and tried not to slow down. DHL however had nothing to lose and grabbed the lead later in the game with 47:46 advantage in the third period. Flamurtari recovered immediately and even after 21-23 loss in the frame had 67: 61 lead.
With another spurt DHL tied the game at 73:73, but the home side won the rest of the period. A thrilling 15-12 and a great play in defense lifted the home side to celebrate in the country. All the players including Valbona Sako (182-F-72), Myrto, Demiraj, Brikena Cakici (176-G-80), Migena Plasa (185-C-76), Baxhaj, Gjokaj, Rrapaj, Hasanaj and Sherifaj contributed into the win. The team of Toska truthfully triumphed in the country and hopes for another success. DHL meanwhile proved the ambitions of the team that could play even games with the favorites. The season is over for all the teams and will be open with another passion and desire next year.

FLAMURTARI: Valbona Sako, Myrto, Demiraj, Brikena Cakici, Migena Plasa, Baxhaj, Gjokaj, Rrapaj, Hasanaj, Sherifaj.
DHL: F.Prmeti, E.Mehmeti, Sinani, D.Mehmeti, Perquku, Toce, Aliaj, Cani, R.Hoxhaj, Esa Lamce (-F-91).

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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Steve Breheny to steer Lightning - by Eurobasket News
Storms may be lashing the future of elite basketball in Australia but the Lightning have a new anchor to weather the tumult, writes Boti Nagy in The Adelaide Advertiser.

One of the nation's leading basketball 'brains' Steve Breheny has accepted the tough role of keeping Adelaide viable as a WNBL force, aiming for growth in a time of economic downturn.

'Stephen is our new operations manager and we're very happy to have someone with his experience,' Link Lightning owner Vince Marino said.

'He's taking on a tough job as this year we need to find a sponsor, which won't be easy with the economy falling apart.'

Breheny, 54, has extensive experience across all areas of basketball, including the women's scene, having coached Coburg in the WNBL in 1987-88, winning the Australian Club Championship in both years.

As a player at St Kilda, Geelong and Coburg, he was instrumental in the Saints' 1979-80 NBL title-double and played for Australia at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and 1982 world championship.

As an NBL coach, he held the reins at Canberra Cannons (1989-90) and Geelong Supercats (1992-93) before turning to an assistant role and helping North Melbourne to the 1994 crown.

After his 1994-97 stint at the Giants, Breheny joined Phil Smyth at Adelaide for 11 years, winning championships in 1998-99-2002.

Between 1999 and 2007, the qualifed physical education and mathematics teacher was the tournament director of three Masters Games.

As a self-confessed basketball junkie with encyclopedic knowledge of the game in Australia, Breheny, married with three sons, is under no illusions about the job ahead.

After all, if the NBL is floundering, can the women's game be far behind?

'In line with the direction Basketball Australia is taking, I think there's two areas we have to address,' he said of his local challenges.

'Firstly we need to make a transparent effort to reconnect with the grassroots of our sport.

'We also must address attendances. Numbers have gone down and we need to get people back to support the game.'

Lightning players and staff will spend time at SA's domestic clubs working with under-10 through to under-14 age groups, a schools program also being planned.

Appointed for two years - Carla Koshutnig and Sam Woosnam retained in new capacities at the club - Breheny has rolled up his sleeves and is ready to go.

'It's very exciting, that's for sure,' he said. And the Dome still has one tenant.

Courtesy of the Adelaide Advertiser

Rebecca Haynes to lead Cyclones - by Eurobasket News
Logan Thunders Rebecca Haynes (188-F-84, college: Jacksonville St.) has been named co-captain of QBL team the Rockhampton Hog's Breath Cafe Cyclones, alongside Chantelle Traficante, writes Aaron Kelly in The Morning Bulletin.

Haynes joins Australian Opal and Canberra Capital Abby Bishop (189-C-88) on the Cyclones roster.

An excited Haynes said she could not wait to join Traficante as co-captain this year after arriving in Rockhampton last month from WNBL duties.

I'm just really happy. I like it up here - nice small town. I like it, Haynes said.

It's a good group of girls and we've been working hard in the pre-season.

The new Cyclones co-captains agreed the team was confident of launching their season in style with an upset victory over the Townsville Flames who are on a 48-game winning streak.

Sunday should be good. We've got to beat them, Haynes smiled.

Everyone's excited and looking forward it. We know it's definitely do-able and we can definitely beat them. We've just got to all come together.

Cyclones coach Kevin Bolck said yesterday Traficante and Haynes had impressed during the pre-season and could not split the duo for the captaincy role.

Bec's got the WNBL experience and Chantelle's been around the local scene for quite a while, Bolck said.

Courtesy of WNBL (www.wnbl.com.au)

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  BOSNIA - Women  


Standings - Women
D1 Standings
Liga 4
 1. M.Kraj. BL 2-0 
 2. Celik 1-1 
 3. Zeljeznicar 1-1 
 4. Jedinstvo 0-2 
Places 5-12
 1. Brotnjo 94 13-7 
 2. Trebinje 13-7 
 3. Sloboda 12-8 
 4. Banovici 10-10 
 5. Borac-Mladost 7-12 
 6. Livno 5-14 
 7. Bugojno 1-19 
 8. Zrinjski 1-19 


Mladi Krajisnik remains undefeated - by Eurobasket News
Mladi Krajisnik is the only undefeated team left in Liga 4 after the second straight win. The favorites overcame KK Zeljeznicar in the key game of the round. It was a tough game and the spectators enjoyed the show for the whole game until the final whistle. The hosts scored some important baskets in the end for 75:72.
In another game Celik beat KK Jedinstvo to improve at 1-1. The home side produced 65 : 58 to take the initial victory in Liga 4 and leaving KK Jedinstvo with no victories so far.
The next games are scheduled for May 9th.

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  BULGARIA - Women  


Dunav, Lukoil and Montana advance to final - by Eurobasket News
As it was expected, Dunav Econt, Lukoil Neftochimik and Montana outplayed their rivals in the play-off semis with perfect 2-0. It means that these three teams advanced to big final, where Dunav will meet Montana, while Lukoil waits the winner of Minor - Beroe semifinal series.
In the second game of the semis the defending champion Dunav blasted NSA on the road 109-31. Katarina Mrcela (190-F/C-75) shined in victory with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Anna Rimpova (183-F-82) also registered double-double, 20 pts and 11 rebs. NSA had Galina Stoyanova (175-G-88) with 10 pts.
Lukoil Neftochimik cruised past Slavia on the road 95-62. Olena Samburska (172-G-89, agency: LBM Management) and Elena Yolovska (183-F-74) combined 48 points in this victory.
Montana smashed Rilski also on the road 93-64. Ivelina Vrancheva (175-G-82, agency: Ronsport) shined for the team from Samokov with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: Florida Intern.) helped with double-double, 23 pts and 11 rebs.
Beroe escaped with tiny 72-70 home win against Minor tying the quarterfinals series to 1-1. Katya Kordova (176-G/F-86) and Latasha Byears (184-F-73, college: De Paul) had 51 points and 23 rebounds together for the winners. Third decisive game is scheduled for today in Pernik.

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  CROATIA - Women  


Gospic CO is one step away from the title - by Eurobasket News
Gospic CO - Jolly JBS 73-65

Gospic CO grabbed lead once again in the big Croatian final. As a reminder, in game two the defending champion Jolly JBS registered easy 70-52 home win tying the score to 1-1. On Saturday, Gospic demonstrated much better performance, especially in the last quarter, jumping to 2-1. It means that Gospic now needs just on win to reach the title. Carla Thomas (191-F/C-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Vanderbilt) was the most important player for the hosts collecting 18 points and 9 rebounds. Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) had 16, while Anda Jelavic (175-G-80, agency: Itzhak HUKY Nir) added 14 points and impressive 15 rebounds. Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) also came up with double-double, 13 points and 12 boards. The team from Sibenik got the most from Luca Ivankovic (200-C-87), 14 points. Constance Jinks (170-G-81, college: UNLV) was behind her with one point less.
Gospic opened the game much better taking quick 10-2 lead. Later it was 16-6, but Jolly JBS immediately woke up coming to 34-31 after 15 minutes. At the end of the first half Gopic was 4 points ahead, 42-38. After the breather, Jolly JBS cut the margin to minus 2. Last quarter was the crucial one. Gospic intensified defense letting Sibenik to score just 8 points. Carla Thomas made a basket with less the 3 minutes to go for 69-63, what was unreachable for the guests until the end. Game No.4 will be played tomorrow in Sibenik.

Gospic CO: Jelena Ivezic, 16, A. Dosen, D.Dosen, Zubak, Anda Jelavic 14 (15 rebs), A.Vrsaljko, Luketic, Marija Vrsaljko 13 (12 rebs), Augustine 7, Carla Thomas 18 (9 rebs)
Sibenik Jolly JBS: Jurcevic 8, Cakic, Erak 1, Lokas, Raguz 10, Constance Jinks 13, Misura 5, Zubak, Juric 10, Perisa, Luca Ivankovic 14, Terglav-Tretsiak 4

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  ESTONIA - Women  


Meisterliga Stst Leaders
Meistriliiga Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Payne BC Star-TL 24.0
2 Skorohhodova Kalev 18.7
3 Jallai Living 18.0
4 Rannaveski BC Star 16.0
5 Tamkrv Kalev 15.7
Rebounds Per Game
1 Wallace BC Star 10.2
2 Olmari Living 8.9
3 Okuneva Kalev 8.0
4 Jallai Living 7.9
5 Kster Audentes 7.9
Assists Per Game
1 Olmari Living 2.9
2 Rannaveski BC Star 2.7
3 Tein Tartu likool 2.6
4 Kostla BC Star-TL 2.5
5 Ptitsna Living 2.4


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  RUSSIA - Women  


Silver Stars re-sign Edwige Lawson-Wade - by Eurobasket News
The San Antonio Silver Stars have re-signed Edwige Lawson-Wade (5'6''-G-79), to a contract, Head Coach and General Manager Dan Hughes announced today. Per team policy, terms of the contract have not been released.

'We are so happy to have Edwige join us again in 2009,' said Hughes. 'She became an important piece of the Silver Stars last year and we look forward to her return to San Antonio.'

Lawson-Wade played in 30 games for the Silver Stars last season, averaging 3.3 points per game. She shot .468 from three-point range, hitting 22 of 47 attempts. A native of France, Lawson-Wade has played four seasons in the WNBA with New York, Houston, Seattle and most recently, San Antonio.

Lawson-Wade also plays with CSKA Samara of the Russian Super League with Silver Star teammates Becky Hammon and Ann Wauters. She averaged 6.8 points and 1.7 assists per game in EuroLeague play this season.

The defending Western Conference Champion Silver Stars open the 2009 season on the road at Phoenix before coming home to host the New York Liberty Saturday, June 13 with Dads and Daughter's night in honor of Father's Day.

For more information on Silver Stars single-game tickets, planned theme nights or one of the affordable full and partial season ticket plans, visit www.sasilverstars.com or call (210) 444.5090.

Courtesy of The San Antonio Silver Stars

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  SWITZERLAND - Women  


Sdent Sierre go level with Neuchatel in LNA final - by Eurobasket News
Sdent Sierre - Neuchatel 87:81

Sdent Sierre drew things level in the LNA finals as they earned a home win yesterday. Maria Villarroel (174-G/F-78, college: Oklahoma) stepped up for the hosts with 25 points and 8 rebounds as Sdent Sierre added intrigue to the championship clash. It went all about the first frame in this game. Sdent Sierre raced into the game firing on all cylinders. They outgunned the defending champions 31:14 in the opening ten minutes to pile up a comfortable cushion. Neuchatel started to get back to life in the second stanza as they finally adjusted their defense. The visitors won the second frame 20:19 to trim the margin. Noemie Mayombo (171-G-91, agency: LBM Management) fueled the comeback effort from Neuchatel as they got within 11 points with a quarter to go in the encounter. The tempo increased in the fourth term but Neuchatels effort was well-matched by the home side. Agnieszka Szott (184-F-82, agency: Itzhak HUKY Nir) and Maria Villarroel kept Neuchatel at bay in the dying minutes as Sdent Sierre ensured the winning outcome at the end. Szott finished with 20 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Rhona McKenzie (183-F-76, agency: LBM Management) added 19 points, 7 boards and 4 assists in the win. Noemie Mayombo responded with 24 points for Neuchatel. Cameo Hicks (178-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Washington) had 21 points and 7 boards in defeat.
The third game is scheduled for May 8.

Sdent Sierre: Maria Villarroel 25, Agnieszka Szott 20, Rhona McKenzie 19
Neuchatel: Noemie Mayombo 24, Cameo Hicks 21

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  TURKEY - Women  


Kiesha Brown returns to Mystics roster - by Eurobasket News
General Manager Angela Taylor announced today that the Washington Mystics have added 5'10 guard Kiesha Brown (5'11''-G-79, agency: Ronsport, college: Georgia) to its roster. Brown spent the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks. She started her WNBA career in Washington, and was with the Mystics from 2002-2005. She has had stints with the New York Liberty, Houston Comets and the Minnesota Lynx.

'We are thrilled to bring Kiesha back to DC. Kiesha is the consummate professional and will bring some additional veteran leadership to our team,' said Taylor. 'She gained invaluable playoff experience last season with the Los Angeles Sparks, which will be beneficial as we look to build a team that will compete for the Eastern Conference Championship on a regular basis.'

Brown was signed as a free agent by the Mystics in 2002. During the last two seasons with the Sparks, she averaged 4.9 points per game and 1.96 assists per game. She started 17 games for the Sparks in 2008 and was instrumental to the team during its post season run.

A graduate of the University of Georgia, Brown was the 1996 Naismith Player of the Year from Woodward Academy. She was the 1995 and 1996 Gatorade Player of the Year. Brown was named Ms. Georgia Basketball in 1995 and 1996.

The Washington Mystics will tip off the 2009 season on Saturday, June 6, on the road against the Connecticut Sun. Washington will host the club's home opener on Sunday, June 7, against the Atlanta Dream. Season and group tickets for the 2009 season are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the Mystics Sales Office at 1-877-DC-HOOP1 or by visiting the Mystics web site at www.washingtonmystics.com.

The Washington Mystics organization is dedicated to providing affordable entertainment, serving as an impactful community partner and maintaining accessibility to positive female role models. Supported by passionate fans, the Mystics are elite, hardworking athletes continually striving to win a Championship.

Courtesy of The Washington Mystics

Mercury signs Laurie Koehn - by Eurobasket News
The Phoenix Mercury has signed Washington Mystics guard Laurie Koehn (5'9''-G-82, college: Kansas St.) (pronounced KANE) to a training camp contract, General Manager Ann Meyers Drisdale announced today.

'I was excited about the opportunity to bring Laurie into training camp this season,' said Head Coach Corey Gaines. 'She's proven to be one of the league's best pure shooters, which is a valuable asset in our system.'

In four seasons in Washington, the 5-8 guard averaged 2.5 points in just 5.3 minutes per game on 43.7 percent shooting from the field and an even more impressive 44.9 percent shooting from long range. Koehn appeared in 30 games for the Mystics in 2008, posting averages of 2.4 points, 0.4 rebounds and 0.1 assists in 4.8 minutes per game. The underutilized wing ranked first in the WNBA last season in three-point field goals per 40 minutes (6.39).

One of the league's best three-point shooters, Koehn was the winner of the 2007 Three-Point Shoot Out at the 2007 WNBA All Star Game, scoring a league-record 25 points. In 2006, she shot a career-best 52.4 (22-46) percent from behind the arc. In her rookie campaign with the Mystics in 2005, Koehn led the league in three-point shooting percentage, connecting on 46.7 percent (35-75) of her shots from long-range.

The Hesston, Kansas native attended Kansas State University and graduated in 2005 as the NCAA's all-time career three-point leader with 392 made treys. Koehn shared the court with new Mercury teammate Nicole Ohlde for three seasons from 2001-2004 where the two were leading scorers for the Wildcats.

The Phoenix Mercury tips off a summer of savings on Saturday, June 6 when the team takes on the San Antonio Silver Stars at 7 p.m. at US Airways Center. The first 6,000 people through the doors on opening night will receive a free commemorative t-shirt courtesy of Arizona Lottery. To purchase tickets to the home opener, visit phoenixmercury.com or call 602.252.WNBA. Lower-level seats start at just $10. Season tickets and a variety of other flexible game packages are available.

Courtesy of The Phoenix Mercury

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  UKRAINE - Women  


The end of the Regular Season in UBL - by Eurobasket News
UBL Regular Season went to the end as Dnipro triumphed with 35-1 record. The favorites looked much better in the whole season than any other team and truthfully crowned the top position. The only loss Dnipro saw in Kiev, where the local Dynamo was stronger 85:82. Joei Clyburn (186-G/F-84, college: Xavier) led the winners with 26 points and 8 rebounds. Elena Legostaeva nailed 24 and Lyudmila Lyubarska posted 14. Yuliya Yakhina (187-C-80) responded with 30 points in the losing effort.
Dnipro finished the season with a win over Galitskaya Akademia 115:95. All the players contributed into the win as the home side prepared more troubles for the guests in the second period. A 35:17 was too much for the team from Ivano-Frankivsk. The latter responded however with 29-20 in the third frame and lost 32-28 in the last. Maryna Sazonenko (172-G-86, college: Oregon St.) led the winners with 24 points, while Yuliya Yakhina nailed 22. Anna Pokoiova (188-F-87, agency: Promotex) produced 21 points and Kisilyova scored 19. Zarytska shined with 34 points in the losing effort.
Dynamo finished with 30-6 record on the second position as they rolled over Luganski Lastivki 85:69 in the last game. Joei Clyburn paced all the winners with 17 points, whilst Sholohova scored 15. Grishina produced 29 points in the losing case as her team finished with 10-26 record on the 8th position.

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  VENEZUELA - Women  


Distrito Capital Champions - by Yelitza La Torre
FVB Media; Last Sunday Distrito Capital retained its last year throne, defeating Yaracuy 75-73 in overtime game; this way Distrito Capital representatives became Champions of the 2009 U17 Venezuela National Championship. Angelie Frontado was the best player for Distrito Capital with 25 points helped by Laurent Garcia with 17. Yaracuy has its best player on Sharon with 20 points and Marina Duran with 14. The third place of this 2009 Venezuela U17 championship belong to the Lara State representatives

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  WNBA - Women  


Kiesha Brown returns to Mystics roster - by Eurobasket News
General Manager Angela Taylor announced today that the Washington Mystics have added 5'10 guard Kiesha Brown (5'11''-G-79, agency: Ronsport, college: Georgia) to its roster. Brown spent the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks. She started her WNBA career in Washington, and was with the Mystics from 2002-2005. She has had stints with the New York Liberty, Houston Comets and the Minnesota Lynx.

'We are thrilled to bring Kiesha back to DC. Kiesha is the consummate professional and will bring some additional veteran leadership to our team,' said Taylor. 'She gained invaluable playoff experience last season with the Los Angeles Sparks, which will be beneficial as we look to build a team that will compete for the Eastern Conference Championship on a regular basis.'

Brown was signed as a free agent by the Mystics in 2002. During the last two seasons with the Sparks, she averaged 4.9 points per game and 1.96 assists per game. She started 17 games for the Sparks in 2008 and was instrumental to the team during its post season run.

A graduate of the University of Georgia, Brown was the 1996 Naismith Player of the Year from Woodward Academy. She was the 1995 and 1996 Gatorade Player of the Year. Brown was named Ms. Georgia Basketball in 1995 and 1996.

The Washington Mystics will tip off the 2009 season on Saturday, June 6, on the road against the Connecticut Sun. Washington will host the club's home opener on Sunday, June 7, against the Atlanta Dream. Season and group tickets for the 2009 season are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the Mystics Sales Office at 1-877-DC-HOOP1 or by visiting the Mystics web site at www.washingtonmystics.com.

The Washington Mystics organization is dedicated to providing affordable entertainment, serving as an impactful community partner and maintaining accessibility to positive female role models. Supported by passionate fans, the Mystics are elite, hardworking athletes continually striving to win a Championship.

Courtesy of The Washington Mystics

Mercury signs Laurie Koehn - by Eurobasket News
The Phoenix Mercury has signed Washington Mystics guard Laurie Koehn (5'9''-G-82, college: Kansas St.) (pronounced KANE) to a training camp contract, General Manager Ann Meyers Drisdale announced today.

'I was excited about the opportunity to bring Laurie into training camp this season,' said Head Coach Corey Gaines. 'She's proven to be one of the league's best pure shooters, which is a valuable asset in our system.'

In four seasons in Washington, the 5-8 guard averaged 2.5 points in just 5.3 minutes per game on 43.7 percent shooting from the field and an even more impressive 44.9 percent shooting from long range. Koehn appeared in 30 games for the Mystics in 2008, posting averages of 2.4 points, 0.4 rebounds and 0.1 assists in 4.8 minutes per game. The underutilized wing ranked first in the WNBA last season in three-point field goals per 40 minutes (6.39).

One of the league's best three-point shooters, Koehn was the winner of the 2007 Three-Point Shoot Out at the 2007 WNBA All Star Game, scoring a league-record 25 points. In 2006, she shot a career-best 52.4 (22-46) percent from behind the arc. In her rookie campaign with the Mystics in 2005, Koehn led the league in three-point shooting percentage, connecting on 46.7 percent (35-75) of her shots from long-range.

The Hesston, Kansas native attended Kansas State University and graduated in 2005 as the NCAA's all-time career three-point leader with 392 made treys. Koehn shared the court with new Mercury teammate Nicole Ohlde for three seasons from 2001-2004 where the two were leading scorers for the Wildcats.

The Phoenix Mercury tips off a summer of savings on Saturday, June 6 when the team takes on the San Antonio Silver Stars at 7 p.m. at US Airways Center. The first 6,000 people through the doors on opening night will receive a free commemorative t-shirt courtesy of Arizona Lottery. To purchase tickets to the home opener, visit phoenixmercury.com or call 602.252.WNBA. Lower-level seats start at just $10. Season tickets and a variety of other flexible game packages are available.

Courtesy of The Phoenix Mercury

Silver Stars re-sign Edwige Lawson-Wade - by Eurobasket News
The San Antonio Silver Stars have re-signed Edwige Lawson-Wade (5'6''-G-79), to a contract, Head Coach and General Manager Dan Hughes announced today. Per team policy, terms of the contract have not been released.

'We are so happy to have Edwige join us again in 2009,' said Hughes. 'She became an important piece of the Silver Stars last year and we look forward to her return to San Antonio.'

Lawson-Wade played in 30 games for the Silver Stars last season, averaging 3.3 points per game. She shot .468 from three-point range, hitting 22 of 47 attempts. A native of France, Lawson-Wade has played four seasons in the WNBA with New York, Houston, Seattle and most recently, San Antonio.

Lawson-Wade also plays with CSKA Samara of the Russian Super League with Silver Star teammates Becky Hammon and Ann Wauters. She averaged 6.8 points and 1.7 assists per game in EuroLeague play this season.

The defending Western Conference Champion Silver Stars open the 2009 season on the road at Phoenix before coming home to host the New York Liberty Saturday, June 13 with Dads and Daughter's night in honor of Father's Day.

For more information on Silver Stars single-game tickets, planned theme nights or one of the affordable full and partial season ticket plans, visit www.sasilverstars.com or call (210) 444.5090.

Courtesy of The San Antonio Silver Stars