Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/7/2009

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

Men News

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

ANTIGUA

Kishona Aubrey Named The Fastest Learner - by Mahijah Davis
It was a very hard decision for the Antigua & Barbuda Basketball Association (ABBA) to take their full interest off the senior females and place their main focus on germinating the younger female players.
In April of 2008 the ABBA formed the Wadadli Wildcats Foundation, which targets young athletes from the ages of 12-18 in order to give them a comprehensive look into the sport of basketball. The association set a platform that will give them the opportunity to learn the game of basketball from an institutionalize level so they can be ready for the collegiate stage in the United State of America.
The association was fortunate to bank a third place slot in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Junior U-16 Championship games in Antigua the same year.
The Wildcats is a year and four months old now and the Kishona Aubrey is still playing a major role in this foundation. Aubrey is the most talented player in the camp after leaving netball to pursue a career in basketball.
Aubrey was the youngest play to make the 9th Annual Gillian Brazier Shootout all tournament team at the age of 15 and only been playing basketball for eight months. She was awarded the most excited player in the LIME Interschool Basketball Tournament at the end of March this year.
Now, ABBA has named Aubrey the fastest developing player in the history of female basketball on the island. Aubrey has a lot of expectation by the people of Antigua as she and the Wildcats get prepared for CENTRO Basketball in Mexico late summer.

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

ARAB CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Al Riyadi - Champions of the 22nd ACC - by Mohammed Malas
* Wednesday 6/5:

# Final game:

Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (LEB) 60 - Sagesse - (LEB) 49 (Qs: 13-12, 23-26, 47-37 & 60-49)
- Best scorers:
Riyadi [Fadi El Khatib '18 pts, 7 reb', Nate Johnson '16 pts, 7 reb' & Joe Vogel '19 pts, 9 reb']
Sagesse [Norman Nolan '14 pts', Marcus Melvin '10 pts, 9 reb' & Brian Feghali '12 pts']

# 3rd place:

ASU Sports Club (JOR) 88 - Al Manama (BHR) 67 (Qs: 23-15, 48-43, 69-63 & 88-67)

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

AUSTRALIA

Goorjian to help China - by James Hoff
Brian Goorjian has recognised the potential of Asian basketball and the sad state of Australian basketball and taken up a role with the Chinese men's national team.

Only weeks after being relieved of duties as the head coach of the Australian team, the greatest coach in domestic Australian basketball history has been named as team consultant. He will assist new Team China head coach Guo Shiqiang in the leadup to the 2010 World Championships and the 2012 Olympic Games, whilst Brett Brown will lead the Aussie team into the same tournaments.

'I feel honoured to be part of this', Goorjian said from Dongguan, China. 'Ive spent a fair bit of time in China and I have the utmost respect for the way they approach the sport. This is an exciting time'.

Team China finished eighth at the past two Olympics and has a roster featuring NBA superstar Ming Yao (226-C-80) of the Houston Rockets, as well as NBA players Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) and Yue Sun (205-G/F-85, agency: Passing Lane). Goorjian will continue to coach the Melbourne-based Melbourne South Dragons.

The ties between the Melbourne South Dragons and China are only getting stronger, with Goorjian and Performance Manager Nik Popovic currently working with the Dongguan Leopards of the Chinese Basketball Association.

We see this as a great thing for Brian, said Dragons chairman Mark Cowan. Not only is he coaching at the highest level, but hes representing our club and spreading the word about the Dragons throughout China.

It is unknown at this stage whether this will lead towards the new Australian League having more ties with Asian Leagues and possibly playing in club tournaments. Currently Australia is in the Oceania region, with New Zealand being the only other competitive national team. Asian players have been used sparingly to help push the popularity of the NBL in the region so far.

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

BAHRAIN

Manama lose semi-final - by Yousef Ahmed
MANAMA succumbed to Lebanese outfit Al Riyadhi 76-100 last night to bow out of title-contention in the 22nd Arab Clubs Basketball Championship in Beirut, reports PATRICK SALOMON.

The Bahrainis headed into the game as huge underdogs, and were never in line to clinch the win once the home side got into their groove late in the opening quarter. Riyadhi opened up a double-digit lead before half-time and never looked back.

Manama's American trio of David Merrill, Johnny Antonio Taylor, and Christopher Garnett (211-C-80, college: Indiana SE) - each of whom register at six-feet, nine-inches - could not keep them within striking distance.

They got to within 14 points in the third with some good outside-shooting from the likes of their local talents in Mahmood Ghuloom, Mohammed Hussain, and Abdulmajeed Shahram, but Riyadhi were just too good as they rebuilt a commanding lead en route to comfortably sealing the one-sided win.

Manama will now clash with Applied Science of Jordan for third place, while Riyadhi move on to the championship game against compatriots Al Hikma.

Hikma overcame Applied Sience 88-86 in yesterday's other semi-final contest.

Deficit

Manama, coached by former Bahrain national team tactician Salman Ramadhan, kept it close during the game's early stages and managed to keep the deficit within six points, 17-23.

Riyadhi took full control, however, beginning the second quarter. They outscored their opponents by 12 to build a 51-33 lead heading into the interval.

Manama attempted to mount a comeback beginning the third, despite Riyadhi going up 62-38 following four successive field goals, including three from beyond the three-point arc.

But the insertion of Shahram helped the Bahrainis better space the floor, and they themselves began making shots from long range.

Back-to-back triples from Shahram and Merrill, plus two free-throws from Hussain made it 52-66 and gave Manama some hope from making it a tight contest going down the stretch.

But their spurt was short-lived, as Riyadhi were too quick and on several occasions outsmarted the Manama defence for some easy baskets. Despite outscoring their rivals in the third, the Bahraini Cup holders headed into the final period down 72-55.

The Lebanese then extended their lead to over 20 points once more, and were beginning to pull away from a Manama side that appeared to have thrown in the towel.

The victors built their biggest, 95-65, late in the contest, cruising to the century mark and securing the first berth in the final.

Riyadhi finished the game the superior shooting side. They made 13 triples while Manama had just six. They also had better ball movement, dishing out 24 assists as a team compared to Manama's seven.

The Bahrainis, however, managed to out-hustle their opponents in the rebounding department, although narrowly. Manama had 35 in the game while Riyadhi had 34.

source-GDN

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

BELGIUM

Standings - Division I

D1 Standings

1. Charleroi	24-6
2. M.Hainaut	23-8
3. Aalstar	19-11
4. Antwerp	17-13
5. Liege	13-17
6. Oostende	13-17
7. Leuven	12-18
8. Gent	8-22
9. Verviers-Pep.	7-24

D2 Stats Leaders

Belgian League Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Souveryns, Hass 22.2
2 Flanders, Wevel 18.8
3 Moris, Boom 18.7
4 vdVondel, Sint Jan 18.6
5 Vanhove, Hasselt 17.4
6 Thsomba, Carn 17.4
7 Kalut, Ninane 16.9
8 Guillemyn, Wevel 16.2
9 Robeyst, Wareg 15.7
10 Delsaute, Nin 15.6

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

BOSNIA

Bosnian League 8, 12TH round - by Elvir Halilovic
Results:
Siroki Eronet - Zrinjski HTM 87:74
Sloboda Dita - Hercegovac 83:62
SL IAT Leotar - Igokea Partizan 72:77
Bosna ASA BHT - Borac Nektar 106:68

Standings:
1. Bosna ASA BHT 10-2 / 1052:870 / 22
2. iroki Eronet 10-2 / 1040:935 / 22
3. Igokea Partizan 9-3 / 946:867 / 21
4. Sloboda Dita 6-6 / 987:959 / 18
5. Zrinjski HTM 4-8 / 928:936 / 16
6. Borac Nektar 4-8 / 890:951 / 16
7. SL IAT Leotar 3-9 / 823:912 / 15
8. Hercegovac 2-10 / 806:927 / 14

Siroki Eronet - Zrinjski HT Mostar 87:74
(25:14, 13:24, 19:18, 30:18)
Siroki Brijeg SD Pecara; Att.: 2.500; Ref.: Zurapovic, Husaric, Bilic
SIROKI ERONET: Josipovic, Milekovic, Naletilic, Siriscevic 13, Spralja, Puljko 5, Ruzic 10, Misic 3, Thomas 5, Vrbanc 15, Mason 10, Grgat 26
ZRINJSKI HTM: Vujcic 7, Cular, Sarenac 6, Tomovic 12, Gligora 2, Oroz 2, Petric, Brecic, Simovic 9, Vareslija, Vuckovic 20, Ceskovic 16

Bosna ASA BHT - Borac Nektar 106:68
(22:16, 24:16, 30:18, 30:18)
Sarajevo SD Skenderija; Att.: 700; Ref.: Kunosic, Drmic, Lakic
BOSNA ASA BHT: Ivanovic 11, Sehovic 11, Ikonic 3, Rakic 6, Vucurovic 18, Djurasovic 10, Suljagic 2, Hajric 8, Pasalic 5, Djordjevic 11, Avdic 11, Ovcina 10
BORAC NEKTAR: Vucic 4, Adamovic 15, Loncar, Peterkin 18, Komljenovic, Milekic, Crisp 11, Pavlovic 4, Milinovic, Djuranovic 10, Josipovic 6

SL IAT Leotar - Igokea Partizan 72:77
(14:20, 20:16, 22:19, 16:22)
Trebinje SD Bregovi; Att.: 1.000; Ref.: Obradovic, Krizanac, Coric
SL IAT LEOTAR: Kovacevic S., Setencic, Aleksic 6, Rajkovic, Radulovic, Zotovic 24, Vukovic 2, Kordou 20, Markovic 20, Kovacevic M., Zagorac, Djordjevic
IGOKEA PARTIZAN: Castle 19, Vuksanovic 19, Bocka 6, McCaskill 4, Djurica 6, Djerasimovic 6, Taylor 6, Micic 3, Bilanovic, Misanovic 4, Kovacevic 4, Topolovic

Sloboda Dita - Hercegovac 83:62
(22:10, 17:27, 23:11, 21:14)
Tuzla SD Mejdan; Att.: 300; Ref.: Adamovic, Cazic, Petkovic
SLOBODA DITA: Jakubovic, Jovanovic 27, Halilovic 6, Velimirovic 13, Hrncic 9, Halilbegovic 12, Albijanic 7, Persic 6, Leric 1, Milosevic 2, Hodzic, Tanasilovic
HERCEGOVAC: Kures 2, Janjusevic 18, Pejanovic 12, Goranovic 13, Milicevic 1, M. Vukovic, S. Vukovic 2, Timotic 6, Jojic 5, Jokanovic 3

Standings - BIH League

D1 Standings

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

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

BRAZIL

Standings - BNL

NBB Standings

1. Flamengo	23-2
2. Universo/BRB	21-5
3. Pitagoras/Minas	20-6
4. CISER/Araldite	19-7
5. Winner/Limeira	15-10
6. Vivo/Franca	15-11
7. Pinheiros	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

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

CENTRAL AFRICA

Results from the second round of the Ligue de Bangui - by Kristian Santiago

Results from the last weekend of the Ligue de Bangui:

Tondema - Hit Tresor 62-90
Zarasclo - ASOPT 68-92
Abeilles - AS Toukia Abeilles wins due forfait
AS Tongolo - BEAfrica 68-57

Schedule for the third round of play:

8th of May 09 17h00 ASOPT - AS Mazanga
8th of May 09 18h30 Zarasclo - Tondema
9th of May 09 17h00 Hit Tresor - Banque des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale
9th of May 0918h30 BEAfrica - Plateau
10th of May 09 17h00 AS Toukia - AS Tongolo
10th of May 09 18h30 Zarasclo - Abeilles

Hit Tresor will be missing Clovis Barker Boui and ASOPT will be missing Jimmy Djimrambay as both will be into training camp altogether with other national-team players for the upcoming qualifiers for the African Championships.

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

COSTA RICA

Standings - D1

LBS Standings

1. Barva	15-0
2. Liceo	14-1
3. Escazu	9-5
4. UCR	7-7
5. Limon	6-6
6. Perez Zeledon	6-8
7. Goicoechea	6-8
8. USJ-San Ramon	3-11
9. Santa Ana	3-12
10. San Luis G.	2-13

Last LSB results - by Gianni Pascucci

Liceo and Barva go on in heading the table of Liga de Baloncesto Superior (LBS). The 'third force', Limon, experienced some home court problems that prevented the team to play the game vs. Liceo. See here down some of the last week results:

San Luis Gonzaga - USJ ARBA San Ramon 65-61
Santa Ana Blairplayers - Perez Zeledon 86-71
BCR Limon - Coopenae Liceo CR 0-20
Perez Zeledon - USJ ARBA San Ramon 72-61
Coopenae Liceo CR - San Luis Gonzaga 84-65
BCR Limon - Goicoechea Brujas 81-75
UCR - Escazu 63-69

Ferreteria Brenes Barva - BCR Limon 82-71

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

CROATIA

Standings - Ozujsko A1 League

A1 Standings

Group 1-8
1. Cibona	10-1
2. Zadar	9-1
3. KK Zagreb	9-2
4. KK Split	5-6
5. Dubrovnik	4-6
6. Sibenka	2-9
7. Svjetlost	2-9
8. Cedevita	2-9
Group 9-14
1. Kvarner NR	6-4
2. Dubrava	6-4
3. Zabok	5-5
4. Alkar Sinj	5-5
5. Trogir	4-6
6. Borik	4-6

Teo Cizmic resigns in Split - by Eurobasket News
Split is enduring some hard times this season. After an unexpected loss to Svjetlost in Croatian League, Teo Cizmic has resigned as Head Coach. In only five months Split have lost their second coach. As a reminder, Slobodan Subotic left five months before and just like him Cizmic cited similar reasons. Along with the unexpected loss, Cizmic stated that it was an extremely bad financial situation at the club was one of the main reasons for leaving. He believes that the poor financial state has had negative effect to the players and that they suffered psychologically as result. As he could not find a way to motivate them and since this loss has significantly damages Splits chances of finishing third in Croatian Chmpionship, Cizmic felt obligated to resign. Split will miss out on participation in Adriatic League next season.
This was Cizmics first head coaching position. As a player Cizmic enjoyed a fairly successful career. He started his career at Yugoplastika with whom he won EuroCup in 1988 and 1991. With Yugoplastika he also won Yugoslavian League from 88-91 as well as Yugoslavian Cup in 1991. Cizmic also played Postojna, Karlovac, Pelephone Galil Elyon in Israel, Troy Izmir and Oostende in Belgium. In 2004 he returned to Tuborg Izmir in Turkey with whom he played 15 games in Euroleague averaging 14.8 ppg and 3.7 rpg. Cizmic retired as Splits player after season 2005-2006.

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

NBL Round: 5 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Prostejov - Liberec 97-86
Prostejov took the last ticket to the Semifinals as the team overcame Liberec 97:86 in Quarter-Finals Round 5. Hurl Beechum (196-F-73, college: Iowa St.) and Ian Hanavan (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Evansville) paced all the winners with 23 points each, while Miller Jason scored 18. Meno Boris ended up with 23 points for the guests.

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

ESTONIA

TU/Rock cruise past Valga - by Eurobasket News
TU/Rock - Valga 75:47

The regular season champions TU/Rock earned the first win in the semifinal series against Valga. An Indrek Visnapuu team looked confident and dismantled Valga in Tartu today. Tanoka Beard (205-F/C-71, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Boise St.) scored 17 points and pulled down 6 rebounds to lead the home team to the initial win in the series.
The hosts did not waste too much time marking the advantage in the first frame. TU/Rock nailed 28 points in the opening stanza and claimed a 15-point lead after ten minutes. TU/Rock continued their onslaught in the second frame boosting the lead to as many as 20 points at halftime. Valga finally managed to slow their opponents down in the third frame but failed to narrow the margin. The teams exchanged the baskets and TU/Rock entered the fourth quarter leading by comfortable 22 points. Valga never recovered and lost the battle. Janar Talts (205-C-83) scored 13 points, while Silver Leppik (185-G-83) added 12 points in the win. Timo Oja (182-G-87) and Richard Anderson (199-F-77, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Simon Fraser) responded with 13 points. Reigo Nomm (193-F-89) had 7 points in defeat.
TU/Rock outrebounded their opponents 51:30 and limited Valga to just 28% of field goals.
The second game of the series is scheduled for May 8.

TU/Rock: Tanoka Beard 17, Janar Talts 13, Silver Leppik 12
Valga: Timo Oja 13, Richard Anderson 13+14 boards

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

FINLAND

Korisliiga Round: 4 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Pyrinto - Kataja 89-90
Kataja joined Namika Lahti in the Korisliiga finals. The regular season champions needed an extra period to overcome Pyrinto in the fourth game of the series. Larry Blair (183-G-84, agency: Megasport, college: Liberty) nailed 25 points including a go-ahead three-pointer late in overtime to lead Kataja. Petri Virtanen contributed 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Damon Williams responded with 23 points, 19 rebounds and 5 assists for Pyrinto. Chris Hester had 17 points in the loss.

KORISLIIGA: Kataja and YMCA Lahti in the Finals - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Semi-finals, Game # 4: It became a thriller. And regular season winner Kataja (Joensuu) did it. They won in Tampere over Pyrinto by one as Olli Ahvenniemi (207-C-83, college: Maine) missed his second and last FT with one second to go. Actually Pyrinto missed five FTs (2/7) during the last five minutes (OT) and Kataja went to the Finals: 89-90 (77)(40-39). Quarters tonight: 26-19, 14-20, 19-23, 18-15, 12-13. Pyrinto players can blame themselves as they missed 15 FTs in the game (9/24 = 37,5%)! Kataja instead hit treys 56,0% (14/25). Damon Williams (199-F-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) led Pyrinto with 23 pts and 19 rbs. Larry Blair (183-G-84, agency: Megasport, college: Liberty) had 0 pts when Kataja visited Tampere last Saturday. This time Blair scored game high 25 pts. Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) added 16 pts and gave six assists. Kataja - Pyrinto 3-1. In the Finals Kataja vs YMCA Lahti starting on Saturday, May 9 at Joensuu. Kataja's goal to win Team's first Finnish Championship ever. YMCA Lahti knows how it feels as they have won once it all. That took place nine years ago in the year 2000.

Pyrinto - Kataja OT 89-90 (77)(40-39) (Damon Williams 23/19/5a, Chris Hester 17, Antti Nikkila 13/10, Kenny Lowe 13, Joni Harjula 10 - Larry Blair 25, Petri Virtanen 16/6a, Quinnell Brown 14, Sami Lehtoranta 13, Jeremiah Wood 11/12).

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

FRANCE

Pro A, Round 28: Orleans joins ASVEL on top once again - by Eurobasket News
Orleans - Le Havre 83-55
Orleans blasted Le Havre at home joining ASVEL on top of Pro A with 20-8 record. Ryvon Covile (206-C-84, college: Detroit Mercy) stepped up for the hosts with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Cedrick Banks followed with 14 pts. Brian Laing and Danny Strong delivered 11 apiece in the loosing squad.

Chalon - Nancy 75-84
Nancy cruised past Chalon on the road keeping the third place with 19-9 record. Thierry Rupert (200-F-77, agency: Octagon) and Jerome Schmitt combined 38 points and 18 rebounds in this victory. Lamayne Wilson responded with 18 pts and 8 rebs in defeat.

Le Mans - Roanne 80-60
Le Mans celebrated huge 80-60 win against Roanne joining it on the 4th place with 18-10 record. Dewarick Spencer (193-G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Arkansas St.) once again was the most important player for the hosts nailing 24 points. Roanne got 17 from Chris Monroe.

Vichy - Gravelines 68-62
Zach Moss (201-F-81, agency: ACMT, college: Mountain St.) shined for Vichy with 20 points and 7 rebounds, Kareem Reid had 14 pts, 6 rebs and 8 as, while Devid Teague stopped on 10 pts. Yannick Bokolo had 16 pts and 6 rebs for the guests. Vichy 12-16, Gravelines 16-12.

Hyeres-Toulon - Besancon 81-73
Toulon was too strong for Besancon 81-73 jumping to 12-16 record. Besancon is in trouble now with 8-20. Austin Nichols (198-G/F-82, agency: ACMT, college: Humboldt St.) top-scored for the winners with 21 points, while Maxime Zianveni added 19 pts and 8 rebs. Visitors got 23 pts and 9 boards from Justin Doellman.

Strasbourg - Rouen 79-68
16-12 for Strasbourg and 10-18 for Rouen after this game. Brion Rush (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Grambling St.) was central figure in the winning squad with 31 points. Cheikhou Thioune had 16 points and 7 rebs in defeat.

Dijon - ASVEL 84-79
Dijon crushed the top ranked ASVEL jumping to 11-17 record. Aerick Sanders (203-F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: San Diego St.) came up with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Eric Chatfield and Reggie Williams also nailed 18 pts each. Chevon Troutman had 15 pts in ASVEL, who now has the same score as Orleans (1st/2nd place).

Cholet - Pau 95-88
Cholet outplayed the last ranked Pau-Orthez mostly owing to Nando De Colo (202-G-87), who drained 22 points. Rodrigue Beaubois had 15 and Claude Marquis helped with 2 points less. Dylan Page and Antoine Mendy scored 17 pts each in defeat.

Pro B, Round 32: No.1 Paris-Levallois celebrates in derby - by Eurobasket News
St-Etienne - Quimper 80-61
Saint-Etienne outplayed the last ranked Quimper improving to 19-13 record (same as Charleville, 6th/7th place). Terry Williams (189-G-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Georgia Southern) led the scorers with 15, while Ryan Randle added one point less. Pierre Wooten delivered 12 pts for the guests.

Paris-Levall. - Clermont 74-65
No.1 Paris-Levallois (26-6) celebrated once again, this time against No.3 Clermont at home 74-65. Nigel Wyatte (204-F/C-81, agency: Court Side, college: Wagner) and Rodney Elliot combined 27 pts in victory. Erroyl Bing and Errick Craven had 12 pts each.

Charleville - Maurienne 91-89
19-13 for Charleville and 15-17 for Maurienne after this game. Chris Davis (196-G/F-80, agency: Court Side, college: N.Texas) and Brice Vounang led the winners with 46 pts together. Vounang also had 12 rebs beside that. Rashard Sullivan registered double-double in loss, 18 points and 17 rebounds.

Nantes - Nanterre 76-62
John Williamson (198-F-86, college: Cincinnati) was a key player in Nantes delivering 20 points. Lehdi Labeyrie had 5 less than him. On the other side, Nanterre got 21 pts from Antawn Dobie. Nantes 18-14, Nanterre 15-17.

Bourg - St.Vallier 87-85
Bourg escaped with tiny 87-85 home win against Saint-Vallier getting 46 points from Terrance Johnson (196-G-82, college: Cal.Baptist) and Gary Chathuant. Cedric Melicie had 24 pts and 6 rebs in loss. Bourg 21-11 (4th place), Saint-Vallier 11-21.

Boulazac - Limoges 70-69
Boulazac grabbed tiny home win against Limoges improving to 12-20 record (14th place). William Knight and Ronnie Taylor (188-G-81, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Greensboro) were the key players in victory scoring 18 and 16 points respectively. Alhaji Mohammed again was the best in Limoges (20-12, 5th place) collecting 22 points and 5 rebounds.

Antibes - Brest 71-73
Cecil Brown (193-G-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: UCSB) led his Brest to valuable road win against Antibes scoring 21 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. Sherman Gay had 18 pts and 6 rebs. The hosts got double-double from John McCord, 20 pts and 12 rebs. Brest 14-18, Antibes 15-17.

St.Quentin - Evreux 79-84
13-19 for Evreux, who got 19 points and 7 rebounds from Luc Arthur Vebobe (203-F-80, college: Hawaii). James Mathis was second scorer of the team with 15 pts. Shaun Fein had 19 pts in defeat. His Saint-Quentin fell to 8-24.

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

FYR MACEDONIA

Mihajlovski under the question mark for Feni in the first semifinals game - by Eurobasket News
It seems that the Feni Industri will enter the Macedonian Play-Off Semifinals against MZT Skopje weakened. Slobodan Mihajlovski (200-F-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza), who is one of their key players, has injured his knee. It is not clear yet whether he will be ready for the first game. This would be a handicap for the reigning champion. Mihajlovski, who throughout the season had troubles with his left knee, injured his right one in practice. Head Coach of Feni Industri, Emil Rajkovic, believes that even though they will greatly miss Mihajlovski, they still have a good chance of progressing to final. He believes that the atmosphere which was created within the team will help them achieve their goal. He also believes that Feni must still command respect as a reigning champion and he will try to get maximum from his players regardless of who he may miss because of injury. Rajkovic however still hopes that Mihajlovski will pass late fitness tests and that he will be available.
Previous to signing with Feni Industi, Mhiajlovski started his career at Gostivar. Later he played for Vardar Skopje, Mavrovo Gostivar and Veles 2001. In 2007 he signed with Feni Industri. This season in BIBL stojanovski was a key player in several wins. In 10 games he had averages of 3.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.

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

GABON

Eliminatory Zone IV : the list of players is known - by Tim Ndjiki

Eliminatory Zone IV of the 21 to May 31, 2009 to Bangui in the Central African Republic

The national-team coach of the PANTHERS OF GABON , Blaise Louamba Baleketa, came to give the public the roster of the pre-selected players:

Guards:
Conrad Asseko-Allogo (197-F-85) (Bochum Astro Stars, Germany)

Dario Edouba (190-G-83) (Toungui BB, Gabon)

Francis Koubangoye (Olympic Mandji, Gabon)

Denis Mytoulou (-82) (Somo B Libreville, Gabon)

Fabrice Moussounda (195-F-80) (Tihad Sportif de Casablanca, Morocco)

Robert Ndong (-82) (Atomick, Gabon)

Jacques Digondi Nze (-87) (Manga Basket, Gabon)

Julien Nze (191-G-80, agency: ProSportsCareers) (France)

Jacques Zogning Ella (Toungui BB, Gabon)

Forwards:
Steve Martial Madama (-84) (Manga Basket, Gabon)

Darlys Olago (Somo B Libreville, Gabon)

Roland Miyandiambou (190-G-86) (Toungui BB, Gabon)

Roland Owoula (-85) (Somo B Libreville, Gabon)

Eddie Ademba (194-G/F-82) (Atoane Y'ogombie BB, Gabon)

Guy Romaric Lasme Redombina (Laramie CC , USA)

Landry Nguema (193-G-83, college: Mercer Co.CC) (Livingstone, USA)

Assoumou Marius (185-F-84) (Fath US de Rabat, Morocco)

Venance Melo ( AS Douanes Dakar, Senegal);

Centers / Power Forwards:
Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) (BC Partizan Igokea Beograd , Serbia)

Stevy Worah-Ozimo (206-C) (N.C.Central, USA)

Freddy Lyvann Obame (201-F/C) (Monroe Coll. USA)

Jason Retono (201-F-77) (Fath US de Rabat, Morocco).

Practices of the national team start May 10, 2009 -We will come back there.

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

GERMANY

Standings - 1. Bundesliga

1.Bundesliga Standings

1. Goettingen	25-8
2. Oldenburg	25-8
3. ALBA	24-8
4. Bonn	22-11
5. Frankfurt	21-12
6. Ulm	20-13
7. Bamberg	19-14
8. Paderborn	17-15
9. Art.Dragons	17-16
10. Trier	16-17
11. Ludwigsb.	15-18
12. Tuebingen	14-19
13. Duesseldorf	13-20
14. Braunschweig	13-20
15. Noerdlingen	11-22
16. Koeln 99ers	10-23
17. Giessen	8-25
18. Bremerhaven	6-27

Efes Pilsen Slip By The Deutsche Bank Skyliners In Overtime 80-72 In Exhibition Play - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
After experiencing a deep sleep against Nymburk 42 hours earlier where even multiple blows by Evander Holyfield might not of awoken the gang of Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ), The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shaken out of their hibernation as an ever alert Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City) seemed to have snatched the famous bat phone from the bat cave and made out a desperation call to Yogi Bear, who found some special honey awakening the team as they played a solid game against Efes Pilsen despite losing in overtime 80-72. 'Against Nymburk, it seemed like there had been a lid on the basket. We had our focus back and getting the form back that we need for the playoffs', warned Skyliner American Keith Simmons (196-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross). With 67 hours remaining against the important season ending game against The Artland Dragons, Frankfurt showed that they could stay with a Euroleague team that is leading the Turkish league with a 27-2 record. 'The game was even and we showed a big increase to the loss against Nymburk. They hit many three pointers in the overtime that hurt', stressed Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak . Without trying to show disrespect to Frankfurt, but Efes Pilsen was on the court, but were not playing their absolute killer and mouth watering Basketball. 'We were a bit tired. We have been conditioning very much the last weeks getting ready for the playoffs. It was an ok game for us,' said 2009 Turkish cup winner MVP Kerem Tunceri (190-G-79). In a way this was similar to a game like Bayern Munich playing TSG Hoffenheim. 'You have to remember most guys for Efes Pilsen have been playing together for years. Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico) is back for the second time at Efes Pilsen. The players know each other so well that they know who is drinking water at any time', joked Skyliner coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ). Frankfurt was very close to winning and they showed that they were not overwhelmed by the name of the team or its high quality players, but Efes Pilsen was able to force an overtime. 'This was a normal game like any other. They have many experienced players, but as players they are normal just like us', expressed Skyliner forward Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi)

The game also marked the return of ex Skyliner and Croatian National player Mario Kasun (213-C-80), who has fond memories of winning the 2004 BBL title as the Opel Skyliners. At times he looked rusty and at other times, he looked like a world class center, but he is still recovering from his five month injury. 'It was great being back in Frankfurt. I was very tired and I wish that I had had more rest. I am slowly coming back. I was at 60% today', said ex Orlando Magic center Mario Kasun. Even though he was not at full strength, Kasun produced massive stats scoring 19 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in 30 minutes playing time. Skyliner coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) put BBL rookie Anthony King (206-F/C, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL) into the shark tank starting the youngster against the ten year veteran Kasun. King was still learning his trade at the University of Miami, while Kasun was battleling Superman Dwight Howard (207-F-85) daily in practice 200 miles north in Orlando. King seemed to be in awe when reflecting on his matchup with Kasun. 'He is big, effective, hard to box out and just a good player', said Skyliner center Anthony King. Kasun at times had problems securing the rebound and defending King in the paint and had somewhat encouraging words for King. 'He is a bit light and needs to get more physical, but he is pretty good player. But I noticed that he got a lot of help from the referees', described Mario Kasun. Kasun got some encouragement from ex Skyliner captain Ibrahim Diarra (195-G-73) who watched his pal play. They had dinner the night before and still have good contact.' I always like to see him play. It brought back many nice memories. We are very close friends', said Ex Skyliner Ibrahim Diarra. 'He is like my big brother', added Mario Kasun.

Sean Mccaw made an almost full court shot against Bremerhaven last season, ex Skyliner Eric Chatfield (191-G-79, college: N.Mexico) made a game winning shot three years ago against ratiopharm Ulm and American Marvis Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) almost won the game with 0,7 seconds to play making a long distance shot about three meters behind the center line directly at the Efes Pilsen bench, but he didnt get the shot off in time. 'I have made many shots like that in my career. I couldnt see the clock, just caught the ball turned around and shot it. It felt very good when it left my hand and I was pretty sure it was going to go in', stressed 2007 FIBA Eurocup winner with Girona Marvis Thornton. His teammates were joking after the game about the last second Thornton shot. 'He makes shots like that in practice all the time', joked 2007 Italian Cup winner with Climamio Bologna Preston Shumpert (198-G-79, college: Syracuse). It may not have shown on the court, but Frankfurt was breathing a very big sigh of relief as the referee signalled the overtime period. 'That was a good shot. They showed that they play the game until 0.00 time is left on the clock. I didnt think that it would go in as it left his hands, but these shots sometimes fall in', added Skyliner American Derrick Allen

As the game began, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners quickly showed they were there for Basketball business and not playtime. Frankfurt was without guard Adam Emmenecker (185-G-85, college: Drake) and center Greg Jenkins (206-F/C-82, college: Iona) who were nursing minor aches. Frankfurt quickly went out on a 10-5 lead as Derrick Allen scored on a jumper from the wing, Titus Ivory (193-G-79, college: Penn St.) made a three pointer from the wing and Anthony King was very aggressive under the boards showing much motivation against Mario Kasun and dominating the boards. 'We came out fresher, were focused and mentally ready. We were swinging the ball around well and making the extra pass. Against good teams, you need the extra pass', warned Skyliner forward Derrick Allen. Efes Pilsen came back going on a 13-3 run to lead 18-13. In this phase, Efes Pilsen did a good job scoring inside with Thornton and Kasun and finding the range from the perimeter as Tunceri and Thornton scored. Kasun scored a runner in the lane and Frankfurt had problems defending the quick ball movement by Efes Pilsen. Skyliner American Keith Simmons closed out the first quarter with a lay in retrieving the ball down low off a quick Titus Ivory pass. Efes Pilsen led 18-15 after one quarter. Both teams were shooting slightly over 40% from the field, but the big difference was the three point field goal range as Efes Pilsen was solid at 43%, but Frankfurt was miserable at 14%. Efes Pilsen had the slight rebound edge at 9-8 and the turnovers were nearly even at 4-5 for Efes Pilsen. Anthony King was one of the big winners of the first quarter as he looked anything like a BBL rookie as he was keeping good pace with Kasun with three points and six rebounds while Kasun had seven points and four rebounds.

Efes Pilsen was keeping the lead in the second quarter and being very physical on the boards, but Frankfurt was really doing a good job holding against the Turk pressure down low. Frankfurt started with scoring inside as Derrick Allen did a marvellous job freeing himself from the wing and closing with a runner and Anthony King scored on a lay in after retrieving his miss and continuing to promote himself for a contract extension in Frankfurt. But Efes Pilsen was wide awake and took advantage of Frankfurt break downs on defense as Schumpert made an easy lay in off an in bound pass, a mistake that can only be described as bitter. Efes Pilsen led 23-19, but it was Derrick Allen who couldnt find any teammate open and finished with a three pointer. However American Schumpert, who doesnt look like a spectactular player when moving without the ball, but when he has the ball, he can perform tricks like his quick spin move around Ivory on the base line. Efes Pilsen got two more hoops from Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) and EndarArslan and suddenly Frankfurt was trailing 29-22.

Frankfurt kept the steam on Efes Pilsen with a Simmons three pointer to get back to 29-25. But Frankfurt was lacking concentration at times turning the ball over. Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) then tried a three guard rotation on the floor. Frankfurt was playing heads up defense, but was unlucky a few times as Efes Pilsen got lucky bounces which fell into their hands as if Christmas presents were being distributed early in May. Frankfurt crept back as Mckinney scored and then Derrick Allen was the classic cherry picker scoping up the ball on a De Mello blocked shot by Efes Pilsen. Frankfurt was back only 31-29. Efes Pilsen closed out the second quarter strutting out on a 10-4 run to go into halftime with the secure 41-33 lead. After Efes Pilsen free throws, De Mello dunked and Lorenzo Gordon made a lay in and Frankfurt trailed 34-33. However in the last minute, Schumpert stole the ball and dunked and 1997 Miami Heat draft pick Charles Smith buried a three pointer. Both teams were shooting 55% from the field. Frankfurt had improved their three point shooting to 23% while Efes Pilsen got weaker at 33%. Efes Pilsen was controlling the boards 21-14, but had 10 turnovers while Efes Pilsen had only eight.

In the third quarter, Efes Pilsen held the momentum, but received a scare as Preston Schumpert collided with Konrad Wysocki (202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton) and had to leave the game. Wysocki was shaken up too, but he could finish the game Efes Pilsen was the more awake team, but also getting lucky as Mario Kasun caught an airball and stuffed it home. Frankfurt was erratic in the opening minutes missing too many shots and trailing 46-37. But Frankfurt was a totally different team than against Nymburk and were able to score on a more regular basis as Gordon made a hook shot over Kasun, and Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.) made a three pointer from the wing. Frankfurt trailed only 46-42, and one had the uncanny feeling that Frankfurt was not going to severely collapse at any time. Mario Kasun made a difficult shot over Gordon from a tough angle showing just how versatile he is being able to score in many different ways down low.

Titus Ivory answered with a runner in the lane off a nice pass from Evtimov and Frankfurt trailed only 48-44. However a big fault of Frankfurt on this day was having so many chances, but having the inability to execute. The Buffalo Bills in the 90s had four chances to win the Superbowl, but lost each one. How many more missed chances of taking the lead would Frankfurt give up? Ilian Evtimov responded with a high rainbow about 2 meters behind the three point line next to the Efes Pilsen bench and Jimmy McKinney (192-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Missouri) must be thinking a lot these days about his favourite team the St Louis Cardinals who have began very well in the 2009 baseball season as his high rainbow shot looked just as beautiful as does a Albert Pujols moon rocket down the left field line. Frankfurt trailed 54-50 after three quarters. Frankfurt was shooting 42%from the field and 29% from the parking lot while Efes Pilsen was shooting 44% from the field and 28% from three point range. Efes Pilsen continued to lead the rebounding 30-24 and the turnovers were quite even at 12-13 in favour of the Deutsche Bank Skyliners. Efes Pilsen led the points in the paint 26-20.

In the fourth quarter, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners continued to play with a lot of character never even thinking of fading away, but they continued to let Efes Pilsen work hard for their points. The lob pass down low had been surprisingly used less the last weeks, but Derrick Allen decided to unravel it as he fed King down low for two points. Derrick Allen then nailed a three pointer with one second remaining on the shot clock. Frankfurt was only trailing 56-55 . However Efes Pilsen was feeling that Frankfurt was fighting to secure the momentum and they went on a 5-1 run as Ender Arslan made a three pointer and Mario Kasun made an easy lay in as his big body barrelling into the zone reminded one of a tall hummer making noise down low. Efes Pilsen led 61-55, but Frankfurt once again fought back going on a 5-0 run and tying the game at 61. Simmons scored twice on a lay in, which looked identical to the first combination with Ivory and then a three pointer as Ivory made a nice pass in traffic. It almost seemed like Simmons and Ivory have a special close connection on the court. 'Me and Titus had a good connection today. They pressured us a lot and were all over us so we worked the cuts and screens and took advantage of it. It worked both ways. I got the easy shot and Titus the assist', said Skyliner guard Keith Simmons. Milos Vujanic made a jumper and Simmons tied the score again at 63 getting a lob pass from his favourite pass provider Titus Ivory. With Frankfurt up 66-64, Thornton nailed two free throws to tie the game at 66. With 0.7 seconds on the clock, Thornton made a difficult shot behind half court, but time had elapsed, and the overtime period had arrived. Both teams were shooting very closely. Frankfurt at 40% and Efes Pilsen at 41% from the field. Frankfurt was a bit better at 29% from outside and Efes Pilsen at 27%. The rebounds were knotted at 37 and Efes Pilsen was leading the turnover fight at 16-15.

After 40 minutes, the game was knotted at 66, but it seemed like the Shell gas station at the NWZ center had closed, because Frankfurt was in dire need of some extra gas for their gas pumps. 'They seemed a bit more tired than us. But we were a bit more experienced which I think helped us in winning the game', explained 2007 ACB champion Kerem Tunceri with Real Madrid. The overtime started as both teams traded three pointers as Charles Smith started the shooting party, followed by Jimmy McKinney and then Thornton hit a huge three pointer with one second left on the shot clock. Efes Pilsen led 72-69, but Frankfurt mixed it up as Titus Ivory registered another one of his 11 assists to Anthony King for the easy lay up. Frankfurt was trailing only 72-71. Efes Pilsen had had enough of the constant Frankfurt comebacks as Mario Kasun dunked home an alley-oop and Charles Smith showed why he had played in the NBA for six years with a clutch three pointer while falling back. Efes Pilsen led 77-72. Frankfurt would score no more as Efes Pilsen finished with a Kerem Tunceri lay up to secure the 80-72 win. 'We did win, but we didnt play particularly well. We had problems rebounding and they were able to move the ball well and set screens', added Marvis Thornton. 'In overtime, we shot very well, while Frankfurt missed too many shots', said Efes Pilsen guard Kerem Tunceri. With a little more luck in the regular time and a few more made shots and Frankfurt would have won, but the extra energy was not there in overtime. 'We had tired legs in overtime. Charles Smith made big shots', commented Skyliner American Derrick Allen

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by Derrick Allen, who had another exceptional game with 16 points and two three pointers. Keith Simmons had 13 points and eight rebounds. Titus Ivory had nine points and 11 assists. 'Titus is a great player. I played against him in Italy. He is a scorer, but can always find the open guy', expressed Efes Pilsen American Marvis Thornton. Anthony King held his own against Mario Kasun making nine points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Efes Pilsen was led by ex Skyliner Mario Kasun with 19 points and 15 rebounds. Marvis Thornton added 15 points and Charles Smith chipped in with 11 points.

In the five minute overtime period, Efes Pilsen was able to increase their shooting and eclipse the Deutsche Bank Skyliners as they shot 43% from the field and 33% from the parking lot, while Frankfurt shot 40% from the field and 29% form three point range. The rebounds were even at 42 a piece, but Efes Pilsen was able to win the points in the paint 34-28. Frankfurt had 18 turnovers whil Efes Pilsen was more disciplined with 15 turnovers and not getting one in the extra time.

Even though The Deutsche Bank Skyliners lost, they played very strong against a top team in Europe showing that they will have a good chance to win in Quackenbruck if they can give a performance like they did against Efes Pilsen. Even though the rebounding was deadlocked at 42, Frankfurt did an excellent job against the big men Kasun, Peker, and Gonlum. 'We did a good job on the offensive boards. With Evti and D.A fighting under the boards, it was the job of the guards to chip in and help. Our job was sniffing out the ball', joked Skyliner American Keith Simmons. After The Frankfurt defense had taken a quick two hour vacation to Mauritius during the Nymburk game, they were back against Efes Pilsen showing the 2008-2009 Skyliner seal of team defense. 'Our defense was good today. We struggled a bit on the defensive rebounds, but they hit a lot of tough shots that we were defending well', noted Keith Simmons. Kerem Tunceri was impressed with Frankfurt, but might of just been comforting his good friend Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) who coached him twice in Turkey. 'Frankfurt is a good team that hustles. They missed some shots today, but I know that Murat will have his team ready for the playoffs', warned Kerem Tunceri. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners get back to business on Saturday May 9th with the last game of the season at The Artland Dragons.

Andrew Drevo remains with Braunschweig - by Manuel Schust
The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig announced today the re-signing of Power Forward Andrew Drevo (202-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska).
The club exercised a team option on the contract of the 28-year old american for the upcoming 2009/2010 campaign.

Drevo, who has spent the last two years with Braunschweig averaged 12.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in his first year. Last season his numbers dropped a little bit in every category, but Drevo still was the teams second best scorer producing 11.5 points and 6.6 assists. He also lead his team in rebounds and three-point percentage.

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

GHANA

GHANAS REFEREE AND COMMISSIONER LEAVE FOR ABIDJAN - by Isaac Kwapong

Standings

GBA Standings

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

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

GREECE

Kalamnokis in Benetton - by Chris Mammides
The ex player of Panionios ON Telecoms Athens, Giannis Kalambokis (195-G-78) is officially a player of the Italian team Benetton Treviso. The Italian club agreed with the Greek experienced guard as it needs quite some help as the play-offs are starting very soon. The Greek player agreed financial terms only for the Italian play-offs, fo the time being, no news for the coming seazon.
Kalampokis is a steady player with very good diffensive skills but at the same time very good scoring abilities from mid-distance and from the arc. He had a good seazon with Panionios ON Telecoms Athens but unfortunately his team didn't not make it against Aris in the play offs. This seazon Kalampokis had 10ppg, 2rpg, 1apg, 0.5spg in the 25 games that he played, he averaged 22.6 minutes per game.

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

HOLLAND

EclipseJet Amsterdam Relieve Tamien Trent - by Fred Roggen
EclipseJet Amsterdam has dismissed pointguard Tamien Trent (183-G-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Fairleigh Dickinson). The 25-year-old American, who was playing his third season in Amsterdam, came last week in collision with coach Arik Shivek.
He was suspended up to last Monday. In that period the Board of the club tried to find a solution,but they found no solution. Trent already had problems with the agreements within the team.
Tamien Trent played 40 games this season and averaged 8.2ppg and 2.2apg.

Semifinals, round 2: Amsterdam (2-0) and Hanzevast Capitals (1-1) celebrate - by Eurobasket News
West-Brabant - Amsterdam 67-71
The reigning champion grabbed 71-67 road win against the West-Brabant Giants for 2-0 lead in FEB Eredivisie semifinals. Teddy Gipson (193-G/F-80, agency: 540 Sports, college: Arkansas) led the scorers in victory with 16, CC Harrison (194-G-76, agency: Court Side, college: N.Carolina St.) had 13 and Avis Wyatt (211-F/C-84, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Virginia St.) helped with 12 pts. On the other side, the hosts got 15 pts from Patrick Pope. Game No.3 is scheduled for tomorrow in Amsterdam.

Hanzev.Cpt - Eiff.Towers 67-65
Hanzevast Capitals made it in Groningen last nigh tying the score to 1-1. Torey Thomas (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) was a key player for the hosts collecting 19 points and 6 rebounds. Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) had 13 and Ransford Brempong (203-F-81, college: W.Carolina) delivered 12 pts. Taron Downey responded with 14 pts in defeat. Game No.3 - tomorrow in Den Bosch.

FEB Results: Semifinals FEB Playoffs Game #2 - by Sanders Jackson

Tuesday night in Game #2 of the FEB semifinals, defending Dutch champion Eclipse Jet/MyGuide moved one step closer to reaching once again the FEB finals, with a remarkable comeback helping them in winning a close battle vs. West-Brabant Giants, while Hanzevast Capitals avoided an 0-2 hole with an impressive home win over Eiffel Towers.

In Bergen-op-Zoom, the team of Arik Shivek found themselves in a hole midway through the 3rd quarter, with a deficit of 48-31 after three consecutive three-pointers from Giants PG Patrick Pope (183-G-81, college: St.Augustine) and were down 56-45 at the end of the 3rd quarter. However from then on, the experience, resilance, and big game ability of battle-tested Eclipse Jet/MG begon to show in their favor, with ace Teddy Gipson (193-G/F-80, agency: 540 Sports, college: Arkansas) leading the way when needed in crunch time, helping Eclipse Jet/MG win 71-67. Gipson stepped up in the clutch, coming up with a big three-pointer, a big rebound and two free throws to spark a 9-0 run to to be a difference maker for Eclipse Jet/MG. From then on the game momentum swing swung in the favor of the defending FEB champs, outscoring West-Brabant 26-11 in the 4th quarter. Gipson led the way with 16 pts. Pope led the Giants with 15 pts. Poor free throw shooting hurt West-Brabant in the end, converting only 10 of 18. Eclipse Jet/MG are one game from sweeping the series, with Game #3 set in Amsterdam on Thursday night.

In the Martiniplaza, the team of Hanzevast head coach Marco van den Berg got the signature win it needed, with Hanzevast PG Torey Thomas (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) making two difference-making three-pointers in crunch time, helping Hanzevast pull out a 67-65 win to even the series. Thomas'two three-pointers gave Hanzevast a 66-61 cushion, which Eiffel could not overcome. Thomas led all scorers with 19 pts., making 5 three-pointers. Taron Downey (186-G-83, college: Wake Forest) led Eiffel with 14 pts. Eiffel shot the ball poorly from the perimeter, making only 5 of 21 three-point attempts and a pedestrian 10 of 17 free throws. Hanzevast struggled shooting the ball (44.8% FG), but made 10 three-pointers. Game #3 will be in the Maaspoort on Thursday.

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

HUNGARY

Playoffs: round 1 - by Tamas Deri
After an overtime-game on Saturday, Pecs could win by three last night and got as the first team into the semifinals.

Albacomp was very close to the series on Saturday, but missed that chance, so last night they were fighting for surviving. They beat Falco, so their chances are still alive.

Atomeromu SE had an easy home victory after the lost 2nd game in Szolnok and is leading 2-1 now.

After a very low score game in Dombovar the team of ZTE found the rhythm again and had an easy win over Dombovar last night.

The next games will be played on Friday, 8th of May 2009.

Soproni Sordogok - PVSK-Pannonpower 97-101
PVSK Pannonpower - Soproni Sordogok 67-64
Series: 3-0 for PVSK

Falco KC Szombathely - Albacomp 101-97
Albacomp - Falco KC Szombathely 100-90
Series: 2-1 for Falco KC

Szolnoki Olaj KK - ASE 78-69
ASE - Szolnoki Olaj KK 89-70
Series: 2-1 for ASE

Dombovar - ZTE KK 77-52
ZTE KK - Dombovar 92-63
Series: 2-1 for ZTE KK

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

IBL

ENERGY NARROWLY MISS WIN IN DEBUT - by John Gary
Three former NBA players spoiled the IBL debut of the Edmonton ENERGY. The Energy opened an 18 point lead in the first half,before Lamont Murray,Byron Russell and Fred Vinson launched a comeback that gave the Los Angles Lightning a 108-102 victory late saturday. Murray wound up with 26 points while Vinson and Russell added 16 points apiece,tops for the Energy was pwer forward Skoven HUCKER WITH 17 POINTS. COURTESY OURSPORTSCENTRAL.COM

Explosion and IBL leading scorer out indefinitely - by Eurobasket News
Courtyard Media Foundation announced today that the Snohomish County Explosion will be without their leading scorer Devon Greene (6'6''-G/F-84, college: Grand Canyon) immediately and indefinitely as he attends to an urgent family issue back home in Arizona. The IBL leading scorer was made aware of an issues immediately after defeating Japan 146-129 Saturday night in Monroe. Greene was the leading scorer that night as he had 7 rebounds to go with his 44 points. Greene is currently shooting 52% from the three point line, with 42.3 points, and 11 rebounds per game season average. His return to the Explosion is unknown at this time.

Devon has been the key to the Explosion's 4-3 start and the team will now look to Richard Ford, and the remaining players to pick up the deficit in both scoring and rebounding. 'Devon will be missed but this will be a good chance for our bench to get some minutes and see how we can do with out or leading scorer.' commented head coach Chris Weakley at practice on Monday.

The Explosion will find out these answers soon enough as they take on the Oregon Waves this Friday, and then the Vancouver Volcanoes the following week currently 5-1 on the season. The Explosion return home on May 30th against the Vancouver Titans and tickets can still be purchased online at www.explosionbasketball.net or via the phone at 425-339-BALL.

Courtesy of Courtyard Media Foundation announced today that the Snohomish County Explosion will be without their leading scorer Devon Greene immediately and indefinitely as he attends to an urgent family issue back home in Arizona. The IBL leading scorer was made aware of an issues immediately after defeating Japan 146-129 Saturday night in Monroe. Greene was the leading scorer that night as he had 7 rebounds to go with his 44 points. Greene is currently shooting 52% from the three point line, with 42.3 points, and 11 rebounds per game season average. His return to the Explosion is unknown at this time.

Devon has been the key to the Explosion's 4-3 start and the team will now look to Richard Ford, and the remaining players to pick up the deficit in both scoring and rebounding. 'Devon will be missed but this will be a good chance for our bench to get some minutes and see how we can do with out or leading scorer.' commented head coach Chris Weakley at practice on Monday.

The Explosion will find out these answers soon enough as they take on the Oregon Waves this Friday, and then the Vancouver Volcanoes the following week currently 5-1 on the season. The Explosion return home on May 30th against the Vancouver Titans and tickets can still be purchased online at www.explosionbasketball.net or via the phone at 425-339-BALL.

Courtesy of The Courtyard Media Foundation

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

INDONESIA

Miller beside Powell in Satria - by Mohammed Malas
The hosts of the 20th Asia Clubs Championship (May 12-20) Satria Muda Britama Jakarta decided to have the services of the american center Nakiea Miller (204-C-79, college: Iona) instead of Brandon Cole (203-F-84, college: Xavier), He'll be the 2nd import with Rashad Powell (198-G-81, college: Idaho) in the Asian event.

The American center played during the last few days beside Powell in the 22nd Arab Clubs Championship with Al Kahraba of Iraq, He had the chance to passby Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Mexico where he did good performance in these countries.

For more details..Please Visit BasketballFollowers.com...

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

ITALY

Armani Jeans Milano signs Denis Marconato - by Antonello Varallo
Olimpia Armani Jeans Milano announced the agreement with Denis Marconato (211-C-75), who returns to Italy after three seasons spent in Spain. Marconato is one of the most experienced italian big man, with a long international career. He played his best seasons with Benetton Treviso. He also played Olympic Games (Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004) with Italian national team. During last seasons, he played with F.C. Barcelona (Spain-ACB), and at the beginning of the current season he joined Bruesa-Guipuzcoa BC (Spain-ACB), playing 31 games with 3.9 ppg and a season high of 12 points.

Lega2 Round: 2 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Vanoli SO - Edimes PV 87-74
Vanoli SO rolled over Edimes PV 87:74 in Quarter-Finals Round 2. Troy Bell (186-G-80, college: Boston Coll.) led the winners with 22 points and Valenti Rodolfo scored 14 points and made the same number of rebounds. Marigney Paul delivered 23 points for the guests.

Prima VE - Harem SC 69-68
Prima VE revenged for the first Quarter-Finals loss from Harem SC beating them 69:68 in Game 2. Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Rossi Marco nailed 13. Davis Ronald ended up with 21 points and Daviso Bennett scored 15 in defeat.

Banco Sard. - Fileni JE 68-78
Banco Sardegna lost to Fileni JE 68:78 as Antonio Maestranzi (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois) top-scored for the winners with 18 points. Boykin Ruben collected 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Maggioli Michele had 13 points and 10 boards. Ezugwu Peter nailed 14 points in the losing effort.

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

IVORY COAST

The play-offs are on ! - by Kristian Santiago

The regular season in the Ivorian basketball championship is concluded and the play-off teams are known: Abidijan Basketball Club , OBC Olympic Basketball Club , Zenith and Generation are going to battle for the title while teams like Africa Sports National and Phoenix Basket Ball Club were not able to make it to the next stage.

The results of the last game-day of the regular season are as follows:
Zenith - Phoenix Basket Ball Club 86-65
Generation - Ivestp 49-42
Africa Sports National - TBC Ermess 60-65
OBC Olympic Basketball Club - Abidijan Basketball Club 47-57

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

KENYA

KBF suspends 2009 national league - by Kristian Santiago
According to Vitalis Gode, the KBF secretary, the move has been necessitated by the current stand off between the federation and the teams that started after the failed meeting of March 21.
'We have decided to suspend the 2009 national league till further notice. This decision has been occasioned by current stand off by section of the clubs.' Gode said in a letter to the Kenya National Sorts Council (KNSC).
The letter, dated April 26, has also been copied to the Sports Secretary Ministry of Youth and Sports and also to the continental basketball governing body - FIBA Africa.

A series of meetings between the KBF and team managers that started nearly five weeks ago, have so far failed to break the stalemate with each party standings its ground.
The last meeting at the Coca Cola Stadium on April 25 as invited by KBF followed another one on April 23 that went on past mid night at the Railway club, have so far bore no fruits.

Nellie Odera, the Team managers secretary says:' Unfortunately none of the KBF officials appeared for the said meeting. After most members had left, the treasurer appeared at 5.30 p.m with no letter.'
Henry Shihemi, the KBF first vice chairman yesterday told Fiba Afrique that the team managers are now pushing for a different agenda other than the one on the table.
'They are talking about other things that are not possible like having votes during the Governing Council meetings'. noted Shihemi adding 'only the branch officials are welcomed in these meetings.'

The league was programmed to throw off on April 4 with the first leg fixtures already drawn by fixtures secretary Joseph Amoko.
But the team managers have insisted that unless a meeting takes place between KBF and the teams to seriously address the burning issues, they will not be moved.

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

LATVIA

LBL Round: 3 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Ventspils - VEF Riga 79-63
Ventspils made it into LBL finals as they defeated VEF Riga for the third straight time. Ronalds Zakis (207-F/C-87) nailed 16 points and collected 7 rebounds for Ventspils. Akselis Vairogs contributed 14 points in the victory. Evgeniy Kolesnikov answered with 21 points for VEF Riga in defeat.

ASK Riga - Barons/LMT 86-70
ASK Riga reduced to 1-2 record after the win over Barons/LMT 86:70 in Game 3. Uvis Helmanis (204-F-72, agency: Stanley International) led the winners with 16 points and Runkauskas Marius nailed 15. Berzins Kaspars delieverd 19 points in tyhe losing effort, while Skele Armands netted 13.

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

LITHUANIA

LKL Round: 1 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Zalgiris - Lietuvos 84-94
Lietuvos Rytas overcame Zalgiris in the opening game of the LKL finals. Chuck Eidson (201-F-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) played another impressive game of his outstanding season as he tallied 30 points, 6 assists and 3 steals to pace the EuroCup champions. Marijonas Petravicius added 15 points for the winners. Paulius Jankunas responded with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for Zalgiris in defeat. Lietuvos Rytas used a 27:10 rally in the third stanza to take the game away. The second game of the series is scheduled for Saturday.

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

MAURITANIA

Mauritania in top gear for Zone II basketball tournament - by Kristian Santiago
Mauritania is preparing for the Zone II basketball tournament of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa, to be held from 15 to 20 May in the Malian capital, Bamako.

Coaching duo Abdoulaye Ly and Abdoul Ba have pre-selected 20 players for the event, which groups hosts Mali, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal.

The winners of the competition will qualify for the African Championship to be held next September in Tripoli, Libya.

Cape Verde, also in Zone II, have already qualified for the continental event.

Five professionals playing in Senegal, Morocco and France are expected to join the Mauritanian camp in the next few days before the final list of 12 players is a nnounced.
(By Pana Press)

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

MEXICO

Standings - CIBACOPA

CIBACOPA Standings

Northern Division
1. Mineros	30-7
2. Hermosillo	21-16
3. Ostioneros	19-18
4. Trigueros	17-20
5. Fuerza Guinda	7-30
Southern Division
1. Caballeros	26-11
2. Frayles	20-17
3. Lobos UAD	20-17
4. Coras	13-23
5. Pioneros	12-25

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

MONTENEGRO

Buducnost gets an easy win in opening Play-Off Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost - Danilovograd 102-65

It was an easy win for Buducnost in the opening game of Montenegrin League Play-Off Semifinals. They beat Danilovgrad in a last night contest 102-65. All what visitors managed to do in this game is to tie the score at 16-16 with 2 minutes left in the first quarter. In the last two minutes of the first period Buducnost made 11-0 run, finishing it with 27-16. From that point on only one team played, and Buducnost was continuously extending the lead. In the final seconds of the game, it was Marko Simonovic (202-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) creating the final score by draining a three. For Buducnost four players recorded double figures. Two players that stood out were Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) who finished with 23 points, and Marko Simonovic who had 16 on the night. Aleksandar Bogojevic (189-G-86) with 18 and Andrija Pejovic (205-C-83) with 11 points respectively, were the only two players to put up any resistance for Danilvograd.
Since the forming of independent Montenegro in 2007, Buducnost was a team without competition in Montenegrin Championship. They won the league in 2007 and 2008 as well as the Cup. It seems that they will manage to defend the championship crown once again. This season Buducnost enjoyed fairly successful season in Adriatic League finishing 5th which was above expectations. In Quarterfinals of Adriatic League they lost to Hemofarm Vrsac 2-1. They also managed to beat Galatasaray in order to qualify for Eurocup.

Buducnost: Vladimir Dragicevic 23, Marko Simonovic 16, Marko Popovic (200-F-85) 14, Sead Sehovic (201-G/F-89) 12
Danilovgrad: Aleksandar Bogojevic 18, Andrija Pejovic 14, Aleksandar Radulovic (207-C-84) 12

MNT Semi - Final of Play-Off 1 game : Buducnost - Danilovgrad 102-65 - by Dragan Scepanovic
BUDUCNOST T-mobile 102 - DANILOVGRAD 65
PODGORICA - SC 'Moraca'. Reff 500. Reff : Rutesic (Niksic), Dragojevic i Sundic (Podgorica). By-Q. : 27:16, 27:16, 21:12, 27:21.
BUDUCNOST: Sead Sehovic (201-G/F-89) 12 (2- 1), Filip Barovic (206-F-90) 4, Popovic 14 (3-1), Bojovic 7, Gordic 7 (2-1), Otasevic 2, Dragicevic 23 (5-4), Simonovic 16 (1-1), Maras 9 (5-3), Vladimir Dasic (208-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) 2(2- 2), Ljujic, Jenkins 6 (4-4).
DANILOVGRAD: Jovovic, Andrija Pejovic (205-C-83) 14 (3-2), Bogojevic 18 (1-1), Radulovic 12 (4-4), Simonovic 2, B.Stansiic 11, Perovic, Miladin Mijajlovic (204-C-86), Milatovic 7 (2-1), Manojlovic 1 (2-1), Djurovic, M. Stansiic.

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

NBA

NBA Round: 1 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News

Eastern Conf

Hawks - Cavaliers 72-99
The Cleveland Cavaliers shook off some rust, and then the Atlanta Hawks. Newly crowned MVP LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) scored 34 points and the well-rested Cavs, who waited nine days between playoff games after a first-round sweep, pulled away in the second half for a 99-72 win over the Atlanta Hawks in their Eastern Conference semifinal opener on Tuesday. Showing why he was voted the league's best player in a landslide, James added 10 rebounds, three assists and four steals as the top-seeded Cavs won their fifth straight lopsided game in a postseason that has so far mirrored the best regular season in franchise history. Maurice Williams (6'1''-G-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Alabama) added 21 points for Cleveland, which has won each of its five games by double figures. With the Cavs ahead by 21, James was pulled with 4:29 left - extra down time before Game 2 on Thursday night at Quicken Loans Arena, where the Cavaliers are 42-2.

Magic - Celtics 95-90
Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) returned from his one-game suspension to get 16 points and 22 rebounds Monday night and help the Orlando Magic hold off the late-charging Boston Celtics 95-90 in the opener of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Magic opened a 28-point lead early in the second half before Boston cut the deficit to 91-87 in the final 2 minutes. The Celtics had several chances to come within one possession - the best Ray Allen's 3-pointer that rimmed out with 43 seconds left. Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) made a 3-pointer with 6.6 seconds left to make it a three-point game, but J.J. Redick went 4-for-4 from the line in the last 14 seconds to ice it. Pierce scored 16 of his 23 points in the second half and Rajon Rondo had 14 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Game 2 is Wednesday night in Boston.

Western Conf

Mavericks - Nuggets 95-109
Hilario Nene (6'10''-C-82) kept the Denver Nuggets in it until his teammates could turn this one into another runaway. Nene scored 18 of his career playoff-high 24 points in the first half and the Nuggets raced past the Dallas Mavericks 109-95 yesterday in the first day game in the Pepsi Center's 10-year history. Carmelo Anthony scored 23 points, including a dunk off J.R. Smith's behind-the-back assist that rocked the arena in the closing minutes. Smith added 15 points, leading a bench that outscored Dallas' celebrated reserves 38-24 before both teams emptied their benches in the meaningless final minutes. Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) led Dallas with 28 points and 10 rebounds, and Josh Howard, Jason Kidd and Jason Terry each scored 15. Game 2 is scheduled Tuesday night at the Pepsi Center, where the Nuggets have won 14 straight, including four in the playoffs. All four have been blowouts.

Rockets - Lakers 100-92
For a few agonizing, heart-stopping moments, Ming Yao (7'5''-C-80) rocked back and forth on the floor, grimacing and holding his right knee. The Rockets had taken the usual Lakers fourth-quarter hit and hit back harder. But then Yao was knocked hard to the floor, felled when Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78)'s left knee crashed into Yao's right. And all that the Rockets had built seemed to be crashing with him. But Yao insisted he be brought back into the game and the Rockets were every bit as unstoppable, surging through the final six minutes that had tormented them this season to stun the Lakers with a 100-92 win Monday night at Staples Center in the opener of the Western Conference semifinals. Ming Yao finished with 28 points. Kobe Bryant, who had missed Saturday's practice and was called a game-time decision with a sore throat, led the Lakers with 32 points, but needed 31 shots to get it.

Nuggets put Mavs behind 2-0 in series - by Eurobasket News
The Dallas Mavericks toughened up and clamped down Tuesday night, and it still wasn't enough to beat high-flying Denver. Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) led another fourth-quarter blitz by the Nuggets, who overcame Dirk Nowitzki's (6'11''-F-78) 35 points and more hustle and muscle from the Mavericks for a 117-105 victory.

The Nuggets are up 2-0 in their best-of-seven series, which shifts to Dallas for Game 3 Saturday.

Anthony scored 15 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, which the Nuggets entered with a three-point lead. Hilario Nene (6'10''-C-82) scored 25, J.R. Smith (6'6''-G-85) had 21 and Chauncey Billups (6'3''-G-76, college: Colorado) 18 for the Nuggets, who won for the 15th straight time at the Pepsi Center, where they haven't lost since March 11.

The Mavericks can only hope they're going to be as good on their home court as the Nuggets were on theirs. The Mavs are 17-1 at home since the All-Star break, but that one loss was to Denver. They are 0-6 against the Nuggets this season.

Courtesy of www.statesman.com

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

NCAA1

Tigers put the press on Eric Bledsoe - by Eurobasket News
A year ago, only a few people outside of Birmingham knew about the ability of point guard Eric Bledsoe. Now, he's in the middle of a recruiting battle that could have a profound impact on the University of Memphis basketball program for years to come.

'I blew up overnight,' Bledsoe said. 'I was always good. I just needed the opportunity, and I took it.'

Opportunity could be the key word for Bledsoe, who arrived in Memphis on Thursday night for an official visit. The Tigers and new head coach Josh Pastner are hoping to convince the 6-foot Bledsoe, who is ranked among the top three point guards in the country, that his best opportunity to make an impact on a top program will be at Memphis.

Bledsoe is scheduled to depart Saturday and head to Lexington, Ky., where former Memphis coach and current Kentucky coach John Calipari is also hoping to solidify his point guard position.

Bledsoe confirmed Memphis and Kentucky are the only schools is he considering.

'That's who I'm deciding between,' he said. 'I'm going to try to make (a decision) next week.'

Throughout his final season at Memphis, Calipari's sole focus was on landing John Wall, the top-ranked point guard in the country. Thus, Calipari never made the trip to Birmingham to recruit Bledsoe or watch him play.

Pastner, however, remained in contact with Bledsoe and was in attendance Feb. 27 as Bledsoe led his Birmingham Parker team to an upset of Mobile LeFlore and former Tiger commitment DeMarcus Cousins in the Alabama state semifinal.

When Pastner got the head coaching job at Memphis, he immediately identified Bledsoe as his top recruiting priority, given the gaping hole at point guard. As things stand, the only point guard on the roster next season is Willie Kemp, who had three rocky seasons under Calipari.

Bledsoe characterized Pastner as 'pretty cool' and 'down to earth' and said he was surprised when he learned who got the job at Memphis.

'He called me and he was like, 'Guess who you're talking to?'' Bledsoe said. 'I'm like, 'Who?' And he said, 'the head coach of the Memphis Tigers.' I was pretty shocked.'

Bledsoe also has a strong relationship with new Memphis assistant Glynn Cyprien, who was on Billy Gillispie's staff at Kentucky. Cyprien was the key figure in Bledsoe's favoring Kentucky before the coaching changes, according to numerous reports.

When Calipari got the job at Kentucky, however, he also decided to make a strong push for Bledsoe.

Though Bledsoe and Wall have similar strengths -- they're both true point guards but not great shooters -- Calipari has tried to convince them that they could play together rather than outwardly recruiting Bledsoe as a backup plan.

Wall was likely to commit to Memphis before Calipari left, and it is believed he will choose Kentucky over Duke and Miami.

Bledsoe, however, said Wall's decision would not determine his own.

Bledsoe was obviously well-informed on the benefits of playing for Memphis, and he mentioned the opportunity to play in an NBA city.

'I know (the program) is in good shape,' he said. 'I'm just looking for the opportunity to play ball and make it to the next level, see the school, see if I like the campus.'

Courtesy of www.commercialappeal.com

Tyus' return may be turning point for Florida - by Eurobasket News
The stories announcing Alex Tyus (6'8''-F)' decision to transfer from Florida all called him a forward. That's how he is listed on the official Gators roster, as well. If it were that simple, though, there never would have been any stories about him transferring, or any need to rearrange the roster now that he's back.

The truth: Alex Tyus is a center.

No, make that: Alex Tyus was a center.

And if everything goes just right for him next season with the Gators, that will remain a past-tense statement.

Tyus is present tense at Florida again, after a tense few weeks when he looked into whether his college career would develop better elsewhere. Ultimately, he decided he'd play his junior year with the Gators and was welcomed back by his coach.

'There's a vision or a plan of how you see the guy fitting into your program,' Billy Donovan said. 'When we signed Alex, I don't think we ever looked at him being a center.'

Tyus played there as a freshman to free Marreese Speights to be more productive as a forward. And he played there as a sophomore because Speights was gone to the NBA and freshmen Kenny Kadji (6'10''-F/C) and Allan Chaney were either not ready for serious minutes, or injured, or both. Tyus averaged 12.5 points and 6.2 rebounds. He did not attempt a single 3-point shot, because centers rarely shoot from there.

And when Tyus met with Donovan after the season to see if he would continue to be a center in the future, the answer was not precisely what he wanted to hear.

'Whether it was anybody in his ear or not, I don't know,' Donovan said. 'The kid's always been very respectful for me.

'I said, 'Listen, you probably don't want to hear this, but if Vernon Macklin (6'10''-F) and Kenny Kadji break their legs, you're going to play the 5 again for us.' '

Tyus became the third player in seven months to announce a transfer from Florida. With star Nick Calathes also departing, at least temporarily, to take a shot at the NBA draft, it appeared from the outside that something was amiss in the Gators' program. When the crew is manning the lifeboats, no one figures they're just out fishing.

Donovan said he was not overly concerned about that perception because he knows the individual circumstances. Much like Tyus, Jai Lucas did not perceive a future with the Gators at his preferred position, point guard, and decided to leave as Calathes' hold on that spot became more firm. Chaney left after getting less than 10 minutes per game.

'I don't ever want to see anybody leave our program,' Donovan said. 'Sometimes these guys have an opinion, a thought process, of what they need to be to get to where they want to go. Guys used to leave based on, 'I'm not playing a lot.' '

Tyus played 26 minutes per game as a sophomore. That was not the issue at all. But, at 6-8, he is not built to be a center, and his game is not built for it. He might not be a jump shooter, but in order to develop some perimeter skills, he would need to spend some time on the perimeter.

Courtesy of www.nbcsports.com

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

PORTUGAL

Standings - Proliga

Proliga Standings

1. Illiabum	20-12
2. Sampaense	17-15
3. Galitos FC	15-17
4. Esgueira	15-17
5. Queluz	14-18
6. Sangalhos	13-19
7. Electrico FC	11-21
8. Angra	10-22
9. Barcelos	10-22
10. Seixal	9-23
11. Maia	8-24
12. Atletico	2-30

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

PUERTO RICO

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

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

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

SENEGAL

Twelve players started to practice ahead of the FIBA-qualifiers - by Kristian Santiago
Twelve players started to practice in Senegal's capital Dakar under the guidance of national-team assistant coaches Parfait Adjivon and Cheikh Sarr and technical director Ouesseynou Ndiaga Diop.
There will be six to eight further additions to the existing group of players, as most foreign-based players are still playing in their respective championships.
Saer Sene will be one of the additions and he already arrived in the country and is ready to play for Senegal in Mali.
The second stage of the ongoing preparations will be starting on Friday with the definitive roster that will be heading to Mali on the 14th of May. There, Senegal is facing strong competition spear-headed by Mali, Guinea and Mauritania.

Players currently involved in the first stage of the preparations are:

Moustapha Niang (206-F-83) (Switzerland),
Mohammed Diop (Peru),
Soguy Gueye (UGB),
Doudou Thiam Ndiaye (Rail),
Yamar Mbaye (-78) (AS Douanes),
Mayoro Fall (AS Douanes),
Ibou Hanne Niang (AS Douanes),
Elhadji Ndiaye (-86) (DUC),
Maguette Ndione (196-G/F-84) (DUC),
Souhaibou Ndiaye (HLM),
Louis Adams (-87) (JA) and
Ibrahima Sory Traore (Goree).

Senegalese Cup: The semi-finalists are known - by Kristian Santiago
DUC Dakar, US Rail Thies , USC/UGB St.Louis and AS Douanes Dakar are going to compete for the Senegalese Cup when they clash in the upcoming semi-final match-ups.

The students of DUC Dakar routed Mbour Basket Club 91-34 who had previously surprised Hlm in the eighth-finals to make it to the next stage.
Rail edged US Goree 59-50 while the students from St.Louis clinched their ticket by beating favorites Jeanne D'Arc Dakar 62-56. Finally, Douanes experienced no trouble by trouncing ASFA 70-53 to make it to the last four.

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

SERBIA

Hemofarm surprises Partizan, fifth place belongs to Swisslions Takovo - by Dragan Jankovski
Hemfoarm STADA made a big surprise last night celebrating in Belgrade 79-67. It means that the orange team came to 1-2 and the next game will be played in Vrsac. Milos Borisov (201-F-85) shined in Hemofarm scoring 22 points. Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) was behind him with 16 and point guard Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) scored 10 points. Pavkovic also had 6 assists beside that.

This time Hemofarm opened the game strongly. In the first match in Pionir they faced with real fiasco, but yesterday they demonstrated way better performance. After 10 minutes of the game it was plus 13. Later, actually in third quarter, Partizan made 12-0 run for 36-41 and after that 45-46. Hemofarm answered with crucial 17-8 run setting the score to 53-63. That was totally unreachable for Partizan last night.

Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) had 16 points and 8 rebounds for the Black-and-whites. Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) added 14 pts and 12 rebounds.

In the battle for the fifth place Swisslions Takovo was better than Vojvodina Srbijagas 95-93 ending the series with perfect 3-0. Radovan Markovic (194-G-82) scored 21 points for the winners. Marko Sutalo (194-G-83) had 29 in Vojvodina. Swisslions Takovo will play in Adriatic league next season, while the Tulips will most probably compete in Balkan league.

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

SEYCHELLES

Stephen Omony has once again infuriated the PLS Hawks management with his no-show. - by Kristian Santiago

This is hardly the first time Omony has gone missing, and to make matters worse the forwards future with PLS Hawks seems to be over as he has signed a record-breaking two-year 72 million Ugandan shilling contract with his former club, Mogas Falcons Athletics.

Mogas Falcons Athletics beat off competition from the Power and Warriors clubs to sign Omony, who has the habit of not turning up on time and not giving information to his old employers PLS Hawks each time he travels to his homeland.

The deal is worth around US $32,436 (around R454,104) and the player will receive a monthly salary of 3 million shillings (around R18,921) and a monthly housing allowance of 150,000 shillings (around R966).

My return (to Uganda) is a personal decision because I have family issues to sort out, Omony was quoted as saying after signing his contract. Im happy to be back home and playing with a distinguished club like Mogas Falcons Athletics. My move is not motivated by the money, and I will work hard to make sure this team win the championship.

A spokesperson from PLS Hawks management said she has heard the news, and the matter is now in the hands of the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF), which has already sent a written complaint to Fiba Africa.

Probably no one thought that Omonys trip to Uganda in February, after he was called up for national team duty in the Zone 5 Africa Championship qualifiers, could have been just one-way.

According to the spokesperson, Omony did not ask for a transfer and has breached his one-year contract, which was to end on July 1, 2009.

In the article Omony remains king of the hoops carried by the Daily Monitor on February 23, Omony said: My contract (with PLS Hawks) is renewed after every year. We are in discussions and maybe something will be worked out when I go back next month.

Omony has not returned to Seychelles since.
According to a reliable source, any foreign team who want to acquire Omonys services have to pay PLS Hawks US $30,000 (around R420,000), and the fee is R50,000 for any local team.

The first time Omony went missing was in 2006. He left in April for Uganda to take care of some family business and while he was there he took part in an All-Star gala match in Kampala in July and was voted the MTN All-Star Most Valuable Player.

He finished with 30 points, four dunks, 12 boards and five assists to lead his East team to an 82-65 victory over the West team. He returned to Seychelles in August 2006.

The all-rounder, who joined the Hawks in 2001 from the Mogas Falcons Athletics, again left Seychelles in December 2007 and only returned on June 19 last year.

During his time with the Hawks, the 6ft 3in forward twice won the basketballer of the year award and guided the team to three league and cup double wins, in 2001, 2005 and 2007.

Stephen Omony (198-G/F-79)

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

SLOVENIA

Standings - 1A

Liga Standings

Places 1-8
1. U.Olimpija	12-1
2. Helios	11-2
3. Krka	9-4
4. Zlatorog	7-6
5. Slovan	5-8
6. Polzela	5-8
7. Elektra	2-11
8. Luka Koper	1-12
Places 9-13
1. TCG Mercator	12-18
2. Zagorje	12-18
3. Alpos S.	11-19
4. Epic Misel	10-20
5. Nova Gorica	9-21

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

SPAIN

Wayne Simien of Caceres retires from pro basketball - by Eurobasket News
Former Kansas University basketball All-American Wayne Simien (206-F-83, college: Kansas) has decided to retire from professional basketball to pursue work in the ministry.

Simien, 26, who was a first-round draft pick of the Miami Heat in 2005, played for Caceres 2016 C.B. this past season in Spain.

Simien outlined his future plans in a Thursday e-mail to the Journal-World.

'The family and I are un-jet-lagged, unpacked and officially settled. It is great being back', said Simien, who lives with his wife and two children in Lawrence. 'We had a fabulous time in Spain and it was a great cultural experience. I had a good season on the court and we made some really great friends.'

'As far as my basketball future is concerned, I am officially retiring from playing professionally. I still love the game of basketball, can play at a high level and make a great living, however I have more of a passion to pursue other things. That passion being for Christian ministry and youth athletics', Simien said.

'I will be ministering through the Called To Greatness organization (iamctg.org) that I started last year, as well as working with Morningstar Church ministering to the youth and college students.'

Simien added that this is an exciting time in my life. I can honestly say that I am more excited about this transition into ministry than I was on college signing day or even draft night.

Simiens Called to Greatness Organization will sponsor a 3-on-3 league June 1 to July 2 at Holcom Sports Complex. Simien will hold his second-annual camp for youths July 14-16 (for girls) and July 21-23 (boys) at Free State High.

Simien also has helped develop a magazine with his former personal trainer, Doug Hix. Youth Fitness Magazine (youthfitnessmag.com) functions as a tool to help properly educate parents and coaches on physical, emotional and nutritional aspects of youth fitness and sports. I will function as contributing editor and will be doing some writing as well, Simien said.

He concluded by saying, I am proud to call Lawrence home, thrilled to be close to the university I love and looking forward to serving the City of Lawrence and surrounding communities to impact the lives through sports and with the message of Jesus Christ.

Courtesy of www2.ljworld.com

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

SWEDEN

Sundsvall grabs historical first title. - by Antonio Matek
Solna Vikings - Sundsvall Dragons 69-75
(17-26, 15-26, 19-9, 18-14)
What an ending to a great final series! Game 7 of the Swedish Finals had it all! Solna Vikings, the reigning champs, against Sundsvall Dragons, who were hunting their first title ever. The spectators in Solnahallen and all the viewers and listeners saw a game that had it all. The Dragons dominated the first half, leading 32-52 at the half time break. During the second half, the Vikings made furious and heroic comeback to tie and take the lead at one point in the fourth quarter. The end of the game was filled with big nervs and lots of missed shots, especially from the free throw line. Sundsvall prooved to be stronger as they defeated a favourised Solna 69-75 that fought all the way. Both teams showed great skills and big hearts! Liam Rush was Sundsvalls big hero, as he made his both free throws too seal the deal at the end of the game.
Jonte Flowers (196-G, college: Winona St.) was Solnas big star of the night with 18 points, 8 rebounds and a game-high 4 steals. Saulius Dumbliauskas (202-C-81, agency: Court Side, college: St.Bonaventure) put up yet another solid effort (15pts,8reb), Mats Levin (188-G-77) continued to play well as he added 13 points and 6 assists, and Lesli Myrthil (200-F-77, college: Wagner) contributed with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Sundsvalls Liam Rush (203-F/G-82) had 23 points (7/8 2p, 2/5 3p, 3/3ft). Olivier Ilunga (185-G-84, agency: Interperformances) contributed with a great effort, scoring 21 while adding 8 rebounds and a game-high 7 assists. Srdan Subotic (193-G-80, agency: Interperformances) had 11 points and 4 assists, and Alex Wesby (196-G-80, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Temple) was very close to a double-double (10pts, 9reb). Noteable was that Solna only made 13/21 free throws (61,9%) compared with Sundsvalls 15/20 (75%). Sundsvall had made 12/12 shots from the line before the final minute when they only made 3/8.
Doug Thomas (203-F-83, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Iowa) entered the contest with a big dunk, and Alex Wesby drove hard too the basket on two breaks. The first one resulted in two made attempts from the line and the second one with a layup as Martin Pahlmblad failed to stop him. Lesli Myrthil answered with a three, and Jonte Flowers had a dunk that lifted the roof in Solnahallen as Solna trailed 5-8. Liam Rush and Olivier Ilunga had other plans in mind, as they helped their team to take a 11-17 lead before Pahlmblad connected with a deep shot. Rush answered the same way, and shortly he made a layup as the visitors increased their lead 14-22. Q1 ended with a 9-point advantage (17-26) for Sundsvall.
The beginning of the second quarter was like the first one, as Wesby made his patent floater, and later on Ilunga connected for three as Sundsvall pulled away 20-33. Rush dunked on a fast break after a steal by Ilunga, and Solnas coach Pekka Salminen decided to take a time-out when his team trailed by 17 points. It became a 19-point difference (24-43) before Flowers managed to put in two points. Suddenly out of nowhere, Srdan Subotic got on fire as he made three straight shots from down town, ans Sundsvall reached their biggest lead in the contest 26-52. Myrthil and Mats Levin managed to cut down the difference to 32-52 at half time.
Rush hit the first shot in Q3, but afterwards Solna was the team that had the biggest intensity as they had a 7-2 run. The home crowd got louder and louder, and Saulius Dumbliauskas was noted for a three-point play, making a layup and the rewarded bonus shot to make the score 45-56. Sundsvalls coach Peter Oqvist took a time-out, and instantly Michael Palm hit a three-pointer from the corner, but it did not help. Solna grew stronger and stronger, and Juha Sten (191-G-83, agency: Rasmussen Services) had a nice solo run and layup to make the score 49-59. With one minute left of the third quarter Levin hit a shot which meant that Solna trailed with less then ten points for the first time since the beginning of Q2. The score was 51-61 as the third quarter ended.
Pahlmblad made the contest close as he hit a three-pointer too cut the lead 55-61 as the shot clock sounded. Immidiately after that Ilunga was called for an offensive foul, and the crowd went wild. It took 4:25 for Sundsvall to open up Solnas defensive as Rush made his attempt. Juha Sten fouled out for Solna, but the home team had no plans on stopping, and Levin served Dumbliauskas with a sweet pass which he put in to make the score 61-64. Flowers hit a three to tie the game with 3:38 left, 64-64. Ilunga drove to the basket to give Sundsvall the lead once more, but Dumbliauskas hit a three-pointer to give Solna their first advantage in the finals! Ilunga, who had made some mistakes earlier, kept his head cold as he attacked the rim, hit the shot and the following bonus shot to give the guests the lead once more 67-69. Levin tied the game 69-69 after making two free throws, but Ilunga replied as he made a three with 1:12 left of the competition.
Then came the dramatic end. Lesli Myrthil was rewarded with 38 seconds left, but missed both of them, but Solna grabbed the offensive rebound. The following shot was missed, and Wesby was fouled shortly after grabbing the rebound. He got to the line, but missed both of the attempted free throws. Sundsvall cought the loose ball, and Ilunga was fouled. He missed both of the shots and Solna got the ball, but Pahlmblad missed the open three and Rush was afterwards fouled and got to the line. He kept his head cold and made both of the attempts, and Adam Alexander hit 1/2 free throws shortly after as the game ended 69-75. Congratulations to Sundsvall for their first victory, and the citys first win ever in any sports!
Solna:Jermaine Flowers 16 (8reb, 4stl), Saulius Dumbliauskas 15 (8reb), Mats Levin 13 (6ass, 4to), Lesli Myrthil 12 (8reb), Martin Pahlmblad 8, Juha Sten 5.
Sundsvall: Liam Rush 23, Olivier Ilunga 21 (8reb, 7ass), Srdan Subotic 11 (4ass, 5to), Alex Wesby 10 (9reb), Doug Thomas 4, Michael Palm 3, Aki Ulander 2, Adam Alexander 1.
Spectators: 2 004

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

TAIWAN

Standings - SBL

SBL Standings

1. Dacin	23-7
2. Yulon Luxgen	21-9
3. Taiwan Beer	20-10
4. Pure Youth	14-16
5. KKL	13-17
6. Taiw.Mobile	9-21
7. Bank of Taiw.	5-25

Stats Leaders

SBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1. Yang Ching-min, TB 19.0
2. Chang Chih-feng, Dacin 18.0
3. Hsu Chih-chan, BOT 17.3
4. Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon 16.7
5. Lin Chih-chieh, TB 16.3
6. Ouyang Ching-heng, TM 16.0
7. Chen Ching-hwan, KKL 15.7
8. Tien Lei, Dacin 15.4
9. Chien Chia-hong, PY 14.2
10. Chen Shun-hsiang, BOT 14.2

Rebounds Per Game

1. Byron Allen, Dacin 9.9
2. Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon 9.3
3. Hsu Chih-chan, BOT 8.4
4. Lin Chih-chieh, TB 7.1
5. Wu Tai-hao, TB 7.0
6. Chen Ching-hwan, KKL 6.9
7. Tien Lei, Dacin 6.9
8. Cheng Jen-wei, KKL 6.5
9. Mario Boggans, TM 6.2
10. Ho Shou-cheng, TB 6.0

Assists Per Game

1. Chen Chih-chung, Yulon 4.5
2. Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon 4.4
3. Wu Yong-jen, TM 4.1
4. Chen Shih-nian, TB 3.9
5. Su Yi-chieh, Dacin 3.8

Steals Per Game

1. Lin Chih-long, BOT 2.0
2. Chang Chih-feng, Dacin 1.8
3. Chen Ching-hwan, KKL 1.8
4. Wu Yong-jen, TM 1.6
5. Hsu Tse-shin, TM 1.5

Blocks Per Game

1. Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon 2.1
2. Wu Tai-hao, TB 2.0
3. Tien Lei, Dacin 1.6
4. Hsu Chih-chan, BOT 1.4
5. Cheng Jen-wei, KKL 1.3

SBL regular season concludes - by Chris Wang
-- Chen Ching-hwan was named Baller of the Week for the last week of the regular season, the second time he has won the award.

-- May 3 results:
KKL 83-61 TM
PY 118-97 Yulon
PY: Wu Chien-long 26p+10rb, Lin Ching-pang 22p, Tsai Wen-cheng 21p+10rb, Chang Yu-lin 20p
Yulon: Chen Hsin-an 29p, Wu Chih-wei 27p

-- Final 2009 SBL standing
Dacin 23-7
Yulon 21-9
TB 20-10
PY 14-16
KKL 13-17
TM 9-21BOT 5-25

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

TUNISIA

L'Etoile du Sahel crowned champions ! - by Kristian Santiago
In a hard-fought final, Sahel edged the 2008 champions Stade Nabeulien 77-66 to claim the Tunisian Championship.
It's the third time Etoile du Sahel were crowned champions after taking the championships in 1981 and 2007.
The season is not over for Etoile du Sahel as they are going after double soon, as they qualified for the cup-final as well.

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

TURKEY

Standings - TB2L

TB2L Standings

Final Four
1. Tofas	3-2
2. Bornova	3-2
3. Trabzonspor	2-3
4. ITU	2-3
Group A - Others
1. Genc Telekom	16-6
2. Vestel	13-9
3. Edirne Genclik	13-9
4. Pamukkale	11-11
5. Akcakoca P.	10-12
6. TED Istanbul	9-13
7. FMV Isik	9-13
8. Orman	7-15
9. Eyup	4-18
10. Bursa B-bol	4-18
Group B - Others
1. Gelisim	16-6
2. Beykoz	12-10
3. Pertevniyal	12-10
4. Canakkale	12-10
5. Duzce Genclik	11-11
6. Genc Banvit.	10-12
7. Yesilyurt	7-15
8. Usak	7-15
9. Ankara Basket	5-17
10. Mulkiye	0-22

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Peltier signs with Titans - by David Edole
Fullerton, Calif. - Devon Peltier (178-G), a 5-foot-11 combination guard from Missouri State University-West Plains, has signed a national letter of intent to continue his basketball career in 2009-10 at Cal State Fullerton.

The incoming junior averaged 17 points a game in 2008-09 for the Grizzlies, who compete in Region 16 of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and play full schedules with teams from throughout the midwest. He shot 51 percent from the floor, 46 percent from the 3-point line (86 of 188) and 87 percent from the free-throw line while averaging 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He was selected to the All-Region 16 team.

'He is a very prolific scorer,' said CSF Associate Head Coach Andy Newman, who coordinates Fullerton's recruiting. 'He's a combination guard. He made seven or eight treys in a 32-point game against Carl Albert State.'

Peltier will be asked to help replace the offensive production of guard Josh Akognon, who was sixth in the nation in scoring at 23.9 points per game last season for the Titans. Akognon was second in the country in 3-point field goals, making an average of 4.3 per game (136 for 366, .372).

The Grizzlies finished 14-17 last season for first-year Head Coach Yancey Walker. They lost in the first round of the Region 16 playoffs to Moberly Area College, 74-71, despite 23 points by Peltier on 7 of 12 shooting (2 of 5 treys). They had beaten Moberly, 69-59, in their previous game.

Peltier is a native of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, but moved to Kansas City, Missouri, to live with his aunt, attend high school and further develop his basketball game. He prepped at Raytown High School in Kansas City. He has played in the Centrobasket Tournament and Caribbean Basketball Championships as well as the St. Thomas Amateur Basketball Association Summer Open League. He also participated in Basketball Without Borders Americas, an NBA-sponsored camp held in Puerto Rico prior to his senior season.

Devon Peltier (5 11 / 170 # / Combo Guard / Missouri State West Plains): Peltier is nicknamed V.I. for his heritage. Peltier was named to the NJCAA Region 16 All-Region Team last season as a sophomore. He shot .509 from the field, .457 from behind the 3-point arc, and .869 from the charity stripe. Peltier will have two years of eligibility with the Titans

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

UGANDA

Stephen Omony has once again infuriated the PLS Hawks management with his no-show. - by Kristian Santiago

Stephen Omony (198-G/F-79)

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

URUGUAY

Standings - Metropolitan League

Metropolitan Standings

1. Montevideo	6-0
2. Yale	4-1
3. Welcome	4-2
4. Nacional	3-3
5. Verdirrojo	3-3
6. 25 de Agosto	3-3
7. Urunday Univ.	3-3
8. Capitol	3-3
9. Olivol Mundial	2-3
10. Larranaga	2-4
11. Larre Borges	2-4
12. Goes	0-6

Results for the Metro 6th round - by Hector Lopez
Montevideo won its 6th game in a row beating 25 de Agosto 86-81for the Mentropolitan League 6th round. Marques Lewis (203-F-83, college: UAB) scored 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while Juan Andres Cambon (180-G-88) scored 15 and had 4 assists. For 25 de Agosto, Juan Silveira (191-G-86, college: Weber St.) netted 26 points and made 7 assists. Othre results:
Larranaga 86 - Sebastian Vazquez (195-F-85) 23 points
Olivol Mundial 70 - John Huggins (188-G-82, college: Amer.Internat.) 32 points
- - -
Nacional 80 - Julio Solano (202-F/C-76) 23 points and 6 rebounds
Urunday Universitario 60 - Diego Perez (196-F-84) 18 points
- - -
Verdirrojo 89 - Jeff Fahnbulleh (200-C/F-85) 22 points and 14 rebounds
Capitol 71 - Aram Tavokjian (191-G-82) 13 points
- - -
Welcome 78 - Ollie Bailey 24 points and 9 rebounds
Larre Borges 74 - Hugo Timote (198-C-87) 20 points, Roberto Amaro (197-F-69) 12 and 12 rebounds.

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

USBA

Letter from the President of the USBA - by USBA Media

To: USBA Personnel

From: Duane Allen Jenkins- President, United States Basketball Association

Effective May 3, 2009 the United States Basketball Association will postpone its inaugural season until 2010. The league is alive and well and our future looks extremely bright. We have had a multitude of challenges that placed us in a position to reassess continuing the 2009 season.

I will be addressing all remaining questions with each of you during the remainder of this week. In order to provide our cities with a quality product, we will maintain the utmost appearance of integrity.

I believe we have been ostracized by the actions of other leagues. Savannah, Nashville, Jacksonville, Charleston, West Virginia, Augusta, Birmingham and Atlanta have had other teams and leagues that have left negative impressions on the cities, subsequently the press corps used this as an excuse to fail to effectively cover our teams. These incidents range from the president and chief operations officer of the ABA, whose team is based in Atlanta, being arrested and jailed for stealing $300,000.00 from his partners in an attempt to defraud the NBADL, to the owner of the ABA team in Charleston, West Virginia being arrested, tried and convicted of selling two pounds of marijuana to under cover police. A PBL team in Augusta was accused of a multitude of offenses, they were constantly in the newspaper concerning alleged negative behavior. These three incidents are a matter of court record and were committed within the last 6 months. There are five additional incidents that involve our team cities. I must distance the USBA from these incidents and the perpetrators that were accused of committed the offenses.

We also are going to introduce our marketing production in each of our cities, starting August 15, 2009. Each city will have Pocket Money Direct Mail Advertising Guide in each team town. Each team will have a Vice President/Sales and Advertising in place in August to begin sales and production. Pocket Money will be mailed to homeowners in each team city beginning January 2010. The 2010 Season Ticket Extravagaza will begin on October 1, 2009. We have retained all of our sponsors and vendors

Mr. Kennth Green, Mr. David Bell and Mr.Simmie Lavender were consulted in regards to my decision. All of our venues have given me permission to use their facilities in 2010 with the exception of Montgomery (will not be using a High School gymnasium). We will begin the 2010 basketball season on Wednesday April 7, 2010. We will be playing a thirty game schedule. The All Star Game will be reinstated. We will be following the original format. I will be speaking to each of you as to your future involvement with the United States Basketball Association. We will compensate all USBA Independant Contractors for their efforts. I will address this subject with each person individually. All players who paid the $75.00 fee for tryouts are due a refund. I need all applicable forms from all coaches to process payment to these young men.

If you have any questions or comments, Please feel free to relay them to Kenneth Green, Vice President/Basketball Operations.

In the Highest Regards, I Am,

Very Truly Yours,

Duane Allen Jenkins

President/CEO

United States Basketball Association, Inc.

(a Georgia Corporation)

USBA to cancel 2009 season, eyes 2010 with a vengeance - by USBA Media

Another minor league team benched
By Billy Byler | Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
A second minor league basketball team hoping to call Augusta home won't play in 2009. Duane Allen Jenkins, the owner and president of the United States Basketball Association, said Monday he intends to shut down the league for the year.

The league, which was set up to own and operate each of its 10 teams, including the Augusta Raging River.

Jenkins said the two main reasons for shutting down are the state of the economy and the poor reputation other minor league basketball teams have left in USBA markets. 'It's not that we don't have the money to do this thing,' he said. 'I have to distance myself from what's happening with these other leagues. Other towns are lumping us in with what these other teams have done.'

The Augusta Groove, a Premier Basketball League team, brought minor league basketball back to the city in January and played a 20-game schedule. But multiple players and local businesses of bouncing checks and leaving bills unpaid have accused co-owners Gary Perry, Ricky Brown and LaVon Mercer. At least one local business has filed a lawsuit against the team after two bounced checks for a hotel bill topping $15,000. Jenkins said he's heard similar tales in other cities, which has made it difficult for his league to find support.

'The last thing we want to do is hurt any local business by playing half a season and taking their money and leaving, and then hearing everybody say, 'They're just like the other guys,' ' Jenkins said. 'It's not fair to the town, and it's not fair to the fans and players.'

Jenkins said the players who paid to try out for the team will be reimbursed the $75 fee, and all coaches will be compensated for their time worked.

Former Richmond Academy and Florida State standout Chuck Graham was set to coach the Raging River. 'I'm disappointed, not just for myself but for the guys who have been working so hard,' Graham said Monday afternoon. 'We were all ready to go to practice tonight, then I got the news this morning.'

The Raging River announced in February that they had reached an agreement with the Augusta State University athletic department to play all home games at Christenberry Fieldhouse, events coordinator Jason Gribek confirmed.

Jenkins said the league will return in 2010, and the Raging River will play at Christenberry Fieldhouse, he said. Graham said he would stay with the league and return as the head coach next season. 'We are going to be back next year,' Jenkins said

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

VENEZUELA

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Guaros	25-7
2. Marinos	23-9
3. Cocodrilos	21-11
4. Trotamundos	19-13
5. Guaiqueries	17-15
6. Gaiteros	14-17
7. La Guaira BBC	12-19
8. Toros	11-20
9. Panteras	8-23
10. Gigantes	8-24

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

Women News

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

BULGARIA - Women

Beroe 2007 Katya Kordova out for the rest of the season - by Eurobasket News
Even though Beroe 2007 qualified for Bulgarian Play-Off Semifinals by beating Minor Pernik it was not all good news for them. In the process they lost one of their best players. During the second quarter, Katya Kordova (176-G/F-86) suffered a contusion to her knee. She was forced to leave the game and did not return. During the season she had issues with the ligaments in the same knee but she decided to play in the Playoffs. Now it looks like she will be out for the rest of the season because she will be in a need of surgery. The final decision will be made on Thursday upon completing scheduled magnetic resonance.
Katya Kordova started her career at Lukoil Neftochimik Burgas. With them she has won Bulgarian League in 2006 and Bulgarian Cup in 2008. She was also a member of Bulgarian U20 National team. With them she participated at European Championships U20 in Sopron. In four games she averaged 3.3 points and 1.0 rebound per game. For season 2008-2009 she signed with Beroe 2007 quickly establishing herself as one of the teams best players. In 27 games this year Kordova averaged 19.4 ppg in 34.2 minutes per game. Along with that she was also recording 5.6 rpg, 2.2 apg and 2.0 spg respectively.

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

GERMANY - Women

Isabelle Comtesse - Unbreakable! - by Cornelius Damm
It is the story behind this years 1.DBBL Finals between TV Saarlouis Royals and TSV 1880 Wasserburg. On April 11th the Royals advanced to the Finals with their second win against Oberhausen but paid a high price for this effort loosing their most experienced player and true floor general PG Isabelle Comtesse (180-G-82) with a fractured bone in her right hand. Two days later Comtesse had a surgery but returned to the action on court in the crucial third game of the Final Series only eleven days later on April 24th in Saarlouis! The series was tied and if Wasserburg would have won this pivotal game they could have crowned themselves for another German Championship in the upcoming game four in Wasserburg.

Two years ago BG Dorsten entered the 2007 Finals as the top seeded team as well. Having lost only three games during Regular Season and Wasserburg struggling, long time rival Dorsten seemed to be finally able to dethrone the Champion back than. Dorsten won the opener of the Finals but lost their PG and head of the team Dorothea Richter (176-G-83) with a fracture in her hand as well. Dorsten could not compensate this loss and Wasserburg went on to celebrate their fourth Championship in a row after winning all three following games.

Despite these many similarities history did not repeat this year. With a special hand brace Comtesse returned like she had never left. In 20 minutes on the court she lead her team and dished out six assists but even more gave her team a remarkable psychological boost that climaxed in a 89-71 important win in game three. As Wasserburg bounced back in game four the series shifted back to Saarlouis for the ultimate challenge of game five. As the second PG of the team Stina Barnert (176-G-89) had to sit out because of muscle problems in her thigh even more heroics where asked from Superwoman in Saarlouis uniform. Comtesse went on to play nearly 40 minutes where she scored 6 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, handed out 8 assists and impressed with a relentless defense on Wasserburg topscorer Carlene Hightower (180-F-86, college: La Salle) to guide her club to its first ever German Championship.

Beside Basketball Comtesse has a daytime job at the local police and a fulltime job as a mother of two little children.

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

HOLLAND - Women

HLB Accountants, Woonbron DAS victorious in semifinal openers - by Eurobasket News
HLB Accountants proved their status of top favorites in the season clinching a cruising 81:56 win over AutoCAD Amazone in the semifinal opener. HLB Accountants looked better right from the start. The regular season champions eased to a 25:13 lead after ten minutes and continued to pile up the advantage in the second frame. Anna Vicenzetto (183-C/F-77) paced the hosts to a 38:24 lead at halftime. HLB Accountants did not slow down and managed a 20-point cushion heading into the fourth quarter. AutoCAD Amazone were done and had little to answer with in the final period. Anna Vicenzetto scored 23 points and pulled down 6 rebounds to lead HLB Accountants. Maaike Klein (177-G-90) secured 15 points for the winners. Marloes Renskers (170-G-81, college: Armstr.Atlantic) answered with 12 points for Amazone. Audrey Tabon (190-C-85, college: Illinois) finished with 9 points in defeat.
In the meantime Woonbron DAS surprised the ProBuild Lions 73:63 on the road to take the lead in the series. Theresa LeCuyer (182-F-78) nailed 23 points to pace the visitors. Reggie Maddox contributed 14 points in the winning effort. Woonbron DAS upset the hosts in the opening stanza winning it 20:7. The Lions never got back on the track cutting the margin late in the game with little interest coming out of it. Chelsey Warburton (173-G-85, college: Weber St.) scored 19 points for the Lions. Molly McDowell (178-G-81, college: S.Illinois) and Marie Hoogstraten (175-F-88) responded with 11 points each in defeat.

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

IRELAND - Women

Stats Leaders Superleague

Superleague Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 K.O'Neill, Aughinish 25.5
2 C.Grear, Meteors 25.1
3 Vanderwal, Churchf 24.0
4 M.Thomas, Wildcats 22.3
5 Cunningham, Rovers 20.0

Rebounds Per Game

1 C.Grear, Meteors 13.7
2 J.Niland, Rovers 13.6
3 Williams, Churchfield 13.1
4 J.Hayes, Wildcats 11.3
5 L.Truncale, Killester 10.2

Assists Per Game

1 Vanderwal, Churchfi. 3.6
2 M.Thomas, Wildcats 3.6
3 D.Walsh, Montenotte 3.5
4 A.Sullivan, Killester 3.5
5 Cunningham, Rovers 3.3

Steals Per Game

1 Cunningham, Rovers 3.6
2 Vanderwal, Churchfi. 3.2
3 L.Truncale, Killester 3.2

Blocks Per Game

1 L.Truncale, Killester 2.7
2 J.Hayes, Wildcats 1.9
3 S.Maguire, Mercy 1.6

2FGP

1 M.Thomas, Wildcats 64.5%
2 J.Hayes, Wildcats 62.5%
3 DV.Williams, Churchfield 57.0%

3FGP

1 R.Vanderwal, Churchfield 52.3%
2 L.Peat, Mercy 50.0%
3 D.Walsh, Montenotte 44.1%

Free Throws

1 C.Grear, Meteors 90.6%
2 M.Fox, Mercy 88.2%
3 D.Buckley, Montenotte 87.5%

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

ITALY - Women

Big Final: Cras Taranto ties the score to 1-1 - by Eurobasket News
Taranto - Umana Reyer 56-52
The regular season champion survived last night at home for 1-1 in the big final. Brazilian star Ilisaine David (191-F/C-77) led the scorers in victory with 14 points. Elodie Godin (190-C-85) was the only one with double-double in this game - 10 points and 14 rebounds (9 off). On the other side, the team from Venice didn't have any player with double-digits in scoring. Jenifer Nadalin (187-F/C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Furman), Daliborka Jokic (185-F-81) and Licia Corradini (173-G-85) had 8 pts each. Game No.3 is scheduled for tomorrow also in Taranto.

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

LEBANON - Women

Antranik 2-0 in the Finals - by Asia-Basket Lebanon
Antranik Beirut : Homentmen Antelias 62-49

The second game of the Final saw again the dominance of the Champion of the past 6 years Anytranik, despite playing this year without their key player Nayla Alameddine Antranik is cruising to its 10th title for the past 12 years.
Homentmen Antelias players had a very aggressive attitude in this game and defended hard especially on Shada Nasr who had hard time but finished the game with 16 points , Nour Choucair continued its great performance for the second consecutive game and contributed on a large scale in its teams victory .
On the other side Nathalie Sevajian helped her teams hopes in the game she finished the game with 11 points.

Best Scorers :
Antranik Beirut : Shada Nasr (16pts)
Homentmen Antelias : Nathalie Sevajian (11pts)

Q1 : 18-05 Q2:29-27 Q3:47-37 Q4:62-49

First quarter gives Antranik the lead 2-0 in finals - by Maarouf Mawloud

Home team had a bad start 14-0 run, 10 turnovers and 15-2 FG in the 1st quarter which ended 5-18 for the guests.
By making collective efforts on offense and defense, Homenetmen made a good come back in the 2nd quarter by scoring 22 pts, decreasing turovers to 2 and 15-10 as a FG and managed to finish the half time by 2 points difference 29-27.
Antranik that executed man to man defense for the whole game time, was able to win it 62-49. From the other side, Homenetmen did an aggressive defense using a box & 1 against Shada Nasr (17 points-6 ass-9rbs) in order to limit her ball usage,from home team Natalie Sevajian (170-G-88) did a good game with 11 points 9 rbs and 6 ass.

Third game will be on Saturday 9/May at 16.00 in Demerjian Centre. This game will be on LBC

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

LIBERIA - Women

Phoenix dragged Desert Ladies - by Numennie Williams

Former Liberia female champions Phoenix last Sunday dragged Desert Ladies 60-46 points in the Big Eight of the national league while current champions K-Deltas buried Survivors 52-40 points. The league will continue this week with some exciting matches taking place. Six female teams are now battling for the semi final stage of the league. Teams in the Big Six are: K-Deltas, Survivors, Commissioners, Desert Ladies, Destiny Queens and Phoenix

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

LUXEMBOURG - Women

T71 Dudelange and Residence to play in Diekirch League Final - by Eurobasket News
T71 Dudelange advanced into the Diekirch League final after holding off Etzella in the decisive third game of the semifinal series. Alexandra Kugener (178-F/C-83) nailed 18 points to lead balanced T71 offense in an 87:75 success. Dudelange led from start to finish leaving little chance for one of the regular season favorites. The visitors built a 13-point cushion at the interval and never looked back again. Melissa Dennett (188-F-83, college: Colorado St.) added 17 points and 9 boards for Dudelange in the win. Katie Donovan (183-F-82) responded with 33 points and 14 boards for Etzella. Lynn Schreiner (158-G-91) had 18 points in the losing effort.
The regular season champions Musel Pikes also had to surrender. Residence claimed a 70:63 win in the third game and sent Musel Pikes packing. The hosts got to a better start as they enjoyed a 5-point advantage at the first intermission. But Residence adjusted their defense and limited the hosts to only 21 points in the next twenty minutes. It was just enough for the visitors to accumulate a 14-point lead before the fourth stanza. Musel Pikes won the fourth term but it was not enough to save the day. Catherine Scanlon (180-G/F-83, college: Drexel) nailed 29 points, grabbed 6 boards and issued 5 assists for Residence. Michele Orban (190-C-86) added 15 points and 7 boards in the victory. Chrissy Fisher (183-F-83) answered with 25 points and 14 rebounds for Musel Pikes.

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

NCAA1 - Women

UConn news: Tamika Williams-Raymond would be the perfect choice - by Eurobasket News
As we await the press conference tomorrow that will coronate Jamelle Elliott as the next women's basketball coach at Cincinnati, UConn women's basketball fans extend their best wishes to the one of the stalwarts of a program that won six national championships during her four years as a player and 12 as an assistant coach.

The Bearcat players, who have struggled so mightily the last few years, will now have a coach who will be able to speak to them with experience - and they better listen to her, that's all we can say.

But now that Elliott has joined Tonya Cardoza in the coaching ranks, UConn is faced with the critical problem of who to replace her. The candidates are plentiful. But its not as easy as hiring a competent coach, like Geno Auriemma did last year when he brought Shea Ralph home to replace Cardoza.

The reality of the situation is that Geno Auriemma may likely lookfor an African-American assistant to replace Elliott simply because he no longer has any black coaches on his staff. It makes sense that he hires one because he needs a natural mentor for his black players and needs a role model future recruits can relate and look up to.

Of course, there is a natutal fit and she is Tamika Williams, the former UConn star and Connecticut Sun forward.

Tamika would be perfect for UConn. She is experienced after years at Ohio State and Kansas, whom she joined before last season. But its difficult to know whether she would want to take the job.

Tamika and her husband have endured long seperations in their lives because of jobs that have landed them in different states. Her husband has been based in Texas, she in Ohio and now Kansas. Her decision not play in the WNBA this season was made in order to bring some stability to her life and allow her to concentrate on her new job with the Jayhawks.

I am sure Geno Auriemma will at least ask Tamika if she is interested. And I am certain UConn will be able to offer her a salary that will appeal to her. But whether she's prepared to leave Kansas - and uproot her life again - is another story.

But she would add energy and intelligence to UConn's bench and an infectious personality to its recruiting pursuits. She is funny, gregarious and smart; she was involved in the WNBA Players' Association.

She would immediately form a bond with Geno's players and would provide tremendous support and direction to Samarie Walker, the prized junior who offered a verbal to UConn and plays at Tamika's old high school, Chaminade Julienne in Dayton, Ohio.

It's impossible to know whether this is a match than has any chance of happening. But its as good a place as any for Geno Geno Auriemma to start his search.

Courtesy of www.courant.com

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

PALESTINE - Women

PBBA Women Standing

DBBA Standings

1. De La Salle J.	2-0
2. O. Beit Jala	1-0
3. S. Ramallah	1-0
4. T. Beit Sahour	0-0
5. T. Jerusalem	0-0
6. Ibdaa D.	0-0
7. Catholic A.	0-0
8. De La Salle B.	0-1
9. O. Beit Sahour	0-1
10. O. Ramallah	0-2

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

SLOVENIA - Women

HIT Kranjska Gora continues to surprise - by Eurobasket News
HIT Kranjska Gora won the first Final game of the Slovanian clash against Merkur Celje. It was another surprising game from the third team of the Regular Season that shocked the winners of it. HIT Kranjska Gora grabbed 79:74 win to take 1-0 in the Final series.
After the Semifinal win over AJM Maribor, HIT Kranjska Gora decided not to stop and dominates the country. The game against Merkur Celje had an even start as both teams finished with 13-13 the first frame. The picture had changed completely in the court as both teams scored much more in the second quarter in comparison with the first. A 28-27 in it gave the guests 1 points lead entering the second half.
Merkur Celje seemed more relaxed after the break and produced 19-13 in the third period to take the lead in the game. Nika Baric (168-G-92) and Iva Ciglar (170-G-85) looked the real leaders of the home team and had plus 5 at the end of the third stanza. Aya Traore (186-F-83, college: Purdue) howeevr tried very harder for the winning team and due to her effort, the guests grabbed the win in the last period. HIT Kranjska Gora won 25-15 in the last 10 minutes to seal the winning 79:74 outcome.
Aya Traore top-scored for the winners with 30 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Khaili Sanders (191-F-82, college: Clemson) nailed 22 and Vargas-Sanchez scored 10. Nika Baric responded with 24 points in the losing effort and Iva Ciglar netted 18.
Game 2 is scheduled for May 8th.

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

WNBA - Women

Sparks aquire L.A. native Noelle Quinn - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Sparks acquired former UCLA star and Los Angeles native Noelle Quinn (6'0''-G-85, college: UCLA). The Sparks traded Sidney Spencer (6'3''-F-85, college: Tennessee) to the Liberty in exchange for their 2010 First-Round draft pick and then sent the exclusive negotiating rights for Raffaella Masciadri (6'1''-F-80) and the Liberty's First-Round pick to the Lynx.

'Noelle is a great player; we are very happy about her addition to the team and to be bringing her home,' said Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler. 'We wish both Raffaella and Sidney the best. Their time here has been great and we believe that this is a mutually beneficial trade all the way around.'

Originally selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft by the Lynx, Quinn averaged 3.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in only 16.7 minutes per game in 2008 with 25 starts in just her second season in the league.

Quinn finished her career as the No. 4 all-time scorer in UCLA women's basketball history with 1,829 points. She also totaled 794 rebounds (No. 8 on the UCLA career charts) and 450 assists (No. 7 all-time) to become the only UCLA basketball player, man or woman, to record career numbers of 1,800 points, 700 rebounds and 400 assists. She earned honorable mention All-America honors in her last two seasons and first-team All-Pac-10 acclaim as a freshman, junior and senior, as well as 2004 Pac-10 Freshman of the Year honors.

'I am so blessed to be joining the Sparks family. My family has always had season tickets and I grew up watching them and then being able to play at UCLA, I always dreamed of having the opportunity to continue playing at home and now that it has come true, I'm overwhelmed,' said Quinn. 'Thank you to everyone who helped bring me home. It's such a privilege to share in Lisa's last year, to have a chance to help this team win a title and to be here to give back to LA.'

Noelle's mother, Golden Quinn, who currently teaches for the Los Angeles Unified School District, has been a Sparks season ticket holder since the WNBA's inaugural season.

The Bishop Montgomery HS alum, known for her many community endeavors, has decided to become a 'Patron of Lisa's Legacy.' Quinn purchased three season tickets to send three kids to each Sparks home game. In total, 51 kids will benefit from Quinn's sponsorship. To be eligible to win a ticket sponsored by Noelle Quinn, kids can nominate themselves, their friends or be nominated by their parents beginning on Wednesday, May 6th through Monday, June 1st. In 250 words or less, entrants must describe why they feel they deserve the tickets by sending an e-mail to contests@la-sparks.com with 'Noelle's Tickets' in the subject line. Each winner will receive a post-game meet-and-greet with Noelle.

Courtesy of The Los Angeles Sparks