EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/25/2009

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ABA   


Maryland Marvels Hires New Coach - by Chris Terrell
Ron Moore (7'0''-C-62, college: W.Virginia St.) , Former NBA Champion to Coach Maryland Marvels

(Laurel, Maryland). After several months of searching for a head coach for the Maryland Marvels, James Agbai , owner and general manager, announces that Ron Moore will serve as head coach for the team. Moore has an extensive 10-year professional playing background, which includes a 1989 NBA Championship win with the Pistons and several coaching positions in European leagues and the United States.

Moore grew up in Brooklyn, NY and began playing basketball at the age of 11. He received a four-year scholarship to West Virginia, where he was All American for three years and All Conference during his senior year. He was the second round, number 2 pick, and 25th player overall when drafted by the Knicks. He spent two seasons with the Detroit Pistons and one season with the Phoenix Suns before going to Europe.

Despite the challenges faced growing up in New York, Moore was able to accomplish his goal of playing basketball for the NBA. When asked about his biggest accomplishment, Moore is most pleased with his 10-year professional playing career but most importantly, the hard work and sacrifice he put into playing the game he loves so much and earning his degree.

Moore is as excited about the opportunity to coach the Maryland Marvels, as the Marvels organization is to have him on board. His commitment to youth stems from his own childhood experiences and the support of his family, friends and community. When asked what drives his commitment, Moore responded, I feel that our young people have the ability to do so many positives things, they just need someone who will take the time to show them the way. I feel my experiences and the things I've gone through will get young people to believe they can have success as well.

That connection to the community is an important value to the Maryland Marvels team. 'After meeting Mr. Moore for the Head Coach position, it was immediately clear to me that he posses exactly the qualities I envision a coach should be. Not just an ABA coach, but a pure coach. He is more than willing to pass that knowledge of how to be champions that he learned from the late great coach Chuck Daly, to our athletes. All of these qualities are immeasurable and we are honored to have him as our head coach,' commented Agbai.

Moore says he looks to bring to the team someone who understands what it takes to be able to get to the next level and someone who is very oriented with working with young people. He looks forward to helping someone make it to the NBA or overseas. Having said that, he encourages individuals who are interested in playing for the Maryland Marvels to come to tryouts in good physical condition and not take this level of competition for granted. Moore went on to say, I want players who are willing to sacrifice their own personal beliefs for the team and the organization. Players who are willing to pay the price for success.

To read the Ron Moore interview in its entirety, and for additional information about upcoming tryouts and the Maryland Marvels, please visit www.marylandmarvels.com or call 410 233 1110.



*****************************************************
  AFGHANISTAN   


ASF Standing
ABL Standings
 1. Buzkashi 8-1 
 2. Khudrat 8-1 
 3. Lhmar 7-2 
 4. Tha City 5-4 
 5. VA Finest 4-5 
 6. Ballstarz 4-5 
 7. Pamir 4-5 
 8. F.Fighters 2-7 
 9. A.Stallions 2-7 
 10. Donia 1-8 


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


Perth Wildcats with important announcement today - by Eurobasket News
The Perth Wildcats will on Wednesday announce a new multi-year partnership with a well recognised, prominent WA company, the club said in a release to media.

The deal will be the fist time in over a decade that the Perth Wildcats have secured a significant second tier sponsor. The new sponsor will have exclusive advertising rights to the back of the Perth Wildcats home and away playing singlets as well as significant game night advertising and website branding.

After going public just over six weeks ago requesting more financial support from the WA corporate community, the club has now officially secured its first White Knight, one which will go a long way in helping to sustain the long term viability of the Perth Wildcats. Whilst the sponsorship signing is the largest since Saville Australia just over two years ago, more sponsorship announcements will be made over the coming weeks.

'As a part of the press conference the club will also be announcing the signing of three marquee players.,' the statement said. 'This announcement will see the Perth Wildcats roster take even greater shape with four-time Perth Wildcats MVP Shawn Redhage (202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.), point guard Brad Robbins (186-G-85) and exciting rookie Stephen Weigh (198-G/F-87) already recommitting to the club. Tomorrow's player announcements will see a considerable amount of scoring power, strength and experience added to the team.'

Courtesy of The NBL (www.nbl.com.au)

Wollongong Hawks sign big guy Tim Behrendorff - by Eurobasket News
The Wollongong Hawks have announced the signing of 211cm big man Tim Behrendorff (211-C-81, college: Gardner-Webb) as a new addition to the club for the 2009/10 NBL season.

At 27 years of age, the Queensland-born centre has five seasons under his belt in the NBL with the past four seasons with the New Zealand Breakers.

Behrendorff has just finished a breakout season with the Christchurch Cougars in the New Zealand National Basketball League averaging 18 points per game and finishing in the top ten in rebounding, blocked shots and field goal percentage.

Were very excited to secure the services of Tim Behrendorff for the 2009/10 NBL season,' Wollongong Hawks CEO Wayne Morris said.
'He has continued to improve over the past several seasons and Gordie has paid close attention to his play while he has been in New Zealand.

Hes a promising talent and adds some great height and length on the floor, this is a great opportunity for Behrendroff and we look forward to him taking full advantage of a fresh start and the chance to represent the Wollongong ahm Hawks.

Behrendorff is the third addition to the Wollongong Hawks roster and joins Mat Campbell and Cameron Tragardh as official signings for the 2009/10 NBL season.

This is a great move for me, its an exciting opportunity to play under Gordie next season and hopefully helps me take my career to the next level, Tim Behrendorff said.

Ive heard so many great things about Wollongong, including the lifestyle it offers and playing for a club with so much history and community pride.

Just witnessing the support the ahm Hawks have received from the community the past few months to keep this team alive has been amazing. Im looking forward to representing Wollongong and a community that has done so much to save the last remaining foundation NBL club, Behrendorff added.

Behrendorff has just finished his New Zealand NBL season and is currently away on a personal holiday in the United States. He will arrive in Wollongong in late July to begin pre-season training with his new club.

The Wollongong ahm Hawks are continuing negotiations with a number of players and hope to make further announcements shortly.

For more information on the Wollongong Hawks and to sign up as a member please visit www.hawks.com.au.

Courtesy of The Wollongong Hawks

*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA   


Joynes becomes a Duke - by Stefan Heinrich
Byron Joynes (206-C-85, college: Rutgers) signed a contract with the Klosterneuburg Dukes for the upcoming season. The 6'9 Center played the previous season for the Oberwart Gunners and in almost 14 minutes per game he was responsible for 3.5 Rebound per game and 3.2 Point per game.

Dukes-Coach Werner Sallomon is happy to have a real Center on his roster for the new season and he hopes that Joynes helps the Dukes with the Rebounding and the presence under the basket.

Joynes played College basketball for the Rutgers University and in his senior season he averaged 3.1ppg and 5.5 rpg.

*****************************************************
  BELGIUM   


Gent Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Optima Gent has added point guard Zam Fredrick (183-G-86) to its roster for the upcoming season.
Fredrick played the past 2 season at South Carolina where in his senior year he averaged 15.5 ppg, 2.7rpg and 1.8 apg.
He started his college career at Georgia Tech in the strong ACC where he had a pretty good sophomore year with 10.6 ppg and 4.0 rpg.
Zam is the son of Zam Fredrick Sr who also played overseas and even played in Oostende.

*****************************************************
  BOSNIA   


Ivan Vujcic new Zrinjski head coach - by Sead Buljina
Ivan Vujcic who finished his playing career at the end of the season will remain at Zrinjski next year. Namely, Vujcic has been promoted to the head coaching position for the next season. Kristijan Maric who temporarily led the team after Rudolf Jugo left the club will be an assistant coach to Ivan Vujcic. Zrinjski had high ambitions past season aiming to the top of the league. However, team failed to qualify for Bosnian league Final4. With new coach Zrinjski management hopes to make more progress next season.

Stats Leaders - D1
1. LIGA BiH Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 J Sesar ZRI 23,45
2 Z Jovanovic SLO 20,86
3 M Janjusevic HER 18,57
4 V Vuksanovic IGO 18,14
5 D Markovic LEO 16,79
6 B Zotovic LEO 15,14
7 Z Vuckovic ZRI 14,43
8 C Crisp BOR 14,08
9 R Velimirovic SLO 14,07
10 I Grgat SIR 14,00
Rebounds Per Game
1 O Peterkin BOR 10,9
2 C Thomas SIR 7,4
3 E Ovcina BOS 7,2
4 I Cular TRI 6,4
5 F Goranovic HER 6,4
6 C Mason SIR 5,9
7 D Markovic LEO 5,5
8 R Velimirovic SLO 5,5
9 S Kordou LEO 5,3
10 J Ruzic SIR 5,2
Assists Per Game
1 Z Jovanovic SLO 7,6
2 C Mason SIR 4,9
3 D Djordjevic BOS 4,6
4 V Jojic HER 3,2
5 F Adamovic BOR 3,2
6 S Fekete BOR 3,2
7 T Tomovic ZRI 3,0
8 E Ovcina BOS 2,9
9 T Castle IGO 2,7
10 C Crisp BOR 2,5
Steals Per Game
1 Z Jovanovic SLO 2,9
2 T Tomovic ZRI 2,7
3 T Castle IGO 1,6
4 D Persic SLO 1,6
5 H Puljko SIR 1,6
6 N Milosevic SLO 1,6
7 K Taylor IGO 1,6
8 S Sehovic BOS 1,4
9 C Thomas SIR 1,3
10 S Vukovic HER 1,3
Blocks Per Game
1 O Peterkin BOR 1,2
2 S Kordou LEO 1,2
3 A MCCaskill IGO 1,1
4 C Thomas SIR 0,7
5 D Markovic LEO 0,6
2FGP
1 V Vuksanovic IGO 6,0
2 O Peterkin BOR 5,3
3 D Markovic LEO 5,2
4 I Grgat SIR 4,8
5 E Ovcina BOS 4,8
6 C Mason SIR 4,2
7 J Sesar ZRI 4,2
8 M Janjusevic HER 4,1
9 S Kordou LEO 4,0
10 F Goranovic HER 4,0
3FGP
1 J Sesar ZRI 3,4
2 Z Jovanovic SLO 3,2
3 M Ceskovic ZRI 2,4
4 R Velimirovic SLO 2,3
5 K Taylor IGO 2,3
6 B Zotovic LEO 1,9
7 C Crisp BOR 1,8
8 H Puljko BOR 1,8
9 G Vrbanc SIR 1,8
10 B Setencic LEO 1,8
Free Throws
1 M Janjusevic HER 6,6
2 D Markovic LEO 5,5
3 J Sesar ZRI 5,4
4 V Vuksanovic IGO 4,4
5 I Grgat SIR 4,4
6 B Zotovic LEO 4,2
7 I Ivanovic BOS 4,2
8 Z Jovanovic SLO 4,1
9 Z Vuckovic ZRI 4,1
10 H Puljko SIR 3,2
Ranking
1 O Peterkin BOR 10,9
2 Z Jovanovic SLO 10,5
3 E Ovcina BOS 10,2
4 R Velimirovic SLO 9,2
5 C Mason SIR 8,1
6 D Djordjevic BOS 8,1
7 C Thomas SIR 8,1
8 J Ruzic SIR 7,2
9 I Grgat SIR 6,5
10 V Vuksanovic IGO 6,4


*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   


U18 Bulgaria looses yet again to U18 Israel - by Eurobasket News
U18 Bulgaria - U18 Israel 67-75

U18 Bulgaria lost its second control match against U18 Israel. Wisiting team proved to be too much one more time for young Bulgarians, winning the contest by 8 point margin. Still it was an improvement compared to 1st game which Bulgaria lost 55-75.

This time, U18 Bulgaria players opened the game better, not allowing the opponent to make a run. Teams exchanged baskets for the most of 1st quarter, but also missed a lot of shots. As result of such game, the score after 10 minutes stood at 14-12. In the 2nd quarter, it was more of the same, with Bulgaria managing to find an answer to each Israel move. During the stretch in the 2nd quarter, it was Ivanov who was keeping Bulgaria up with a string of nice moves. At the half time Bulgaria had 40-37 lead, and were looking a lot better than in game 1. More of the same continued after the break, with both teams exchanging baskets, but it was Bulgaria players who looked more secure than their opponents. With 10 minutes to play, Bulgaria still held the lead at 55-53. However, in the 4th quarter it looked like suddenly Bulgarian players ran out of steam. They started missing open shots, their transition game slowed down, and they werent as alert on defensive end as in previous quarters. Israeli players knew how to punish this, and after winning 4th quarter by 10 points, they came away with 67-75 win.

For U18 Bulgaria Darin Ivanov finished the game with 14 points while Pavlin Ivanov added 13. For winning team, Halamish scored 15 points and was closely followed by Solomon with 14 and Lavi with 11 points.


*****************************************************
  CANADA   


Heat make qualifying offers to Anthony, Moon - by Eurobasket News
The Miami Heat on Monday announced they have made qualifying offers to center Joel Anthony (206-C-82, college: UNLV) and forward Jamario Moon (203-F-80, college: Meridian CC), making both players restricted free agents.

The 6-foot-9, 245-pound Anthony appeared in 65 games for the Heat last season and averaged 2.2 points and 3.0 rebounds. His 1.43 blocks per game ranked second on the team, and ended fourth on the club in both offensive rebounds and field goal percentage.

Moon was acquired from Toronto along with Jermaine O'Neal on February 13. He appeared in 26 games, starting 21, while averaging 7.1 points and 4.5 rebounds. The 6-foot-8 Moon finished the season first in the league in steals- per-turnover ratio (2.00:1) with 86 swipes to just 43 turnovers. More news about this will be publish soon.

Courtesy of www.oddsandnews.com

Toronto Raptors can prepare all they like - anything can happen on NBA Draft night - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors have spent the past several weeks auditioning players, painstakingly taking notes, making phone calls, watching and rewatching video.

But no matter how prepared they are, come Thursday and the crapshoot that is the NBA draft, anything can happen.

The Raptors have the No. 9 pick in this year's draft at New York's Madison Square Garden (The Score, 7 p.m. ET).

Whom they end up with is far from a given considering the only somewhat sure thing is Oklahoma forward Blake Griffin (208-F-89) going No. 1 to the Los Angeles Clippers. Who goes where from there on down to No. 9 is anybody's guess.

'It's definitely not clear water, let's just say that,' Jim Kelly, the Raptors' senior director of player personnel, said in a phone interview Monday.

Making matters more muddled, the Raptors have several key free agents who might or might not be back next season, and so the makeup of the team remains somewhat in limbo.

'You try to project where they fit on our team and we happen to have a number of free agents, and we're not really sure if we're going to be able to re-sign those people,' Kelly said.

'You've got to sort of project that we think we have a good chance with him, maybe not so much with him and if they don't come back, we can use him in a certain role. It's a little bit of a guessing game there.'

Shawn Marion (201-F-78, college: UNLV), Anthony Parker (196-G/F-75, college: Bradley) and Jake Voskuhl (211-C-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Connecticut) are unrestricted free agents, while Carlos Delfino is a restricted free agent. Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Joey Graham will be unrestricted free agents if the team doesn't tender a qualifying offer by June 30.

'It's a little bit of a guessing game but we do have a strategy of what we're going to do in the free agent market,' Kelly said. 'I'm sure as we get closer to the draft, maybe with trades or something else, well know if were going down the right path or not.'

Most NBA mock drafts link the Raptors with Demar DeRozan (201-F-89), a six-foot-seven swingman out of USC who did a solo audition for Toronto last week.

But Kelly said the team knew DeRozan well before he walked into the Air Canada Centre. Amongst all the members of the Raptors staff, the team had probably seen DeRozan 25 times, and every member of the staff has seen him.

'It would be about that number for anybody who's on our supposed short list here,' Kelly said. 'But you've never seen enough. As a scout, you can always see them one more time.

'We see them play against bad teams, against good teams, in good competitions, bad competitions, three-on-three, one-on-none, we try to evaluate them all.'

Other players potentially in the mix: Memphis guard Tyreke Evans (198-G-89), UCLA guard Jrue Holiday, Wake Forest forward James Johnson, and Arizona forward Jordan Hill or Duke guard Gerald Henderson.

The Raptors have compiled their wish list of several players.

'It's sort of a fluid list, you try to get down to five to three to two, and eventually down to the one guy. But when you're picking at nine, you're sort of at the mercy of who's picking in front of you,' Kelly said.

Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo has had considerable success with the ninth pick in the past. As GM of the Phoenix Suns, Colangelo took Shawn Marion at No. 9 in '99 and Amare Stoudemire in 2002.

Those two picks were part of what prompted ESPN.com to rank Colangelo at the top of the list of the best drafters from the past 20 years. Colangelo also nabbed Canada's Steve Nash at No. 15 in 1996.

But this year's draft is considered weak, lacking the star power from past years.

'I think the guys in the top 10 are pretty good players, I just don't think they're the household name players, the big splash players, but I think there is talent there,' Kelly said. 'We have to find a guy who can complement what we have.'

There could be some movement come Thursday night, which could also potentially throw a wrench in Toronto's best-laid plans.

'It seems that there are certain picks, probably two picks, that can be had. . . by teams a little bit behind us in the draft,' Kelly said. 'So there's sort of a wildcard, so you don't really know who they want when they move up.

'If somebody else moves into that slot, you have no idea what they would want in the draft. You might have a course where you think you know where everyone is and then on draft day, a complete surprise is there.'

Nine is the highest pick Colangelo has had in Toronto since he took Italian centre Andrea Bargnani at No. 1 in 2006. Last year, the Raptors selected Roy Hibbert at No. 17, but traded his rights to Indiana in the deal that sent T.J. Ford and Rasho Nesterovic to the Pacers for Jermaine O'Neal.

The pick is the team's fifth top-10 in the past 10 years. Previous top-10 acquisitions were Chris Bosh at No. 4 in 2003, Rafael Araujo (No. 8 in 2004), Charlie Villanueva (No. 7 in 2005), and Bargnani.

Courtesy of The Canadian Press

*****************************************************
  CROATIA   


Croatia gets another head coach in Belgium - by Eurobasket News
Young Croatian coach, Dario Gjergja (agency: Agency No 10 ) is set to land his first Head Coaching job after being signed by Belgacom Liege in Belgian 1st league. Gjergja, worked previously as Assistant coach to Drazen Anzulovic (agency: Agency No 10 ) in Charleroi. Along with Anzulovic, he had successful year managing to win the double in Belgium. Charleroi won the national title and national cup for the second straight year. Young Croatian's work as Assistant did not go unnoticed, and after he was approached by Liege, he jumped at the chance to work on his own. Gjergja is excited and honored to receive this chance, and he believes that he has learned a lot from Anzulovic, which will help him with his new team. The goals set for the new season, by Liege management is to try and make it to the playoffs. This season, Liege finished 5th during the regular part of the season with 15 wins and 17 losses. They were eliminated in the Playoff quarterfinals by Antwerp 2 games to 1.
Dario Gjergja (agency: Agency No 10 ) started his coaching career as Assistant Coach at BC Cibona. In his last one with Cibona, Gjergja won Croatian Title in 2006. In 2007, Gjegja moved to Russia where he was signed as Assitant at Ural perm Gate. However, once he received the call from Drazen Anzulovic (agency: Agency No 10 ) to be his Assistant, Gjergja jumped at the opportunity and moved to Charleroi in February of 2008. He had a lot of success learning from Anzulovic, as they helped Charleroi win Belgian League 2 times in a row.

Croatian National Team 2009 - by Sahereh
#s#
PlaninicPlaninic
Planinic
PopovicPopovic
Popovic
KusKus
Kus
RozicRozic
Rozic
TomasTomas
Tomas
#e#6
Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) of CSKA Moscow (RUS)
Marko Popovic (185-G-82) of Unics Kazan (RUS)
Davor Kus (192-G-78) of KK Cibona VIP Zagreb
Marin Rozic (201-F-83) of KK Cibona VIP Zagreb
Marko Tomas (201-G-85) of Real Madrid (ESP)
Damjan Rudez (206-F-86) of Union Olimpija Ljubljana (SLO)
Nikola Prkacin (208-C-75) of KK Cibona VIP Zagreb
Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83) of Unics Kazan (RUS)
Marko Banic (204-F-84) of Iurbentia Bilbao Basket (ESP)
Sandro Nicevic (210-C-76) of Benetton Treviso (ITA)
Nikola Vujcic (211-C-78) of Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (GRE)
Mario Kasun (213-C-80) of Efes Pilsen Istanbul (TUR)
Ante Tomic (215-C-87) of KK Zagreb
Drago Pasalic (208-C/F-84) of Iurbentia Bilbao Basket (ESP)
Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) of KK Zagreb
Jakov Vladovic (186-G-83) of KK Zagreb
Rok Stipcevic (188-G-86) of KK Zadar
Mario Stojic (198-G/F-80) of Vive Menorca (ESP)
Goran Suton (209-C-85) of Michigan State University (USA)
Damir Markota (209-C/F-85) of Iurbentia Bilbao Basket (ESP)
Tomislav Zubcic (211-C/F-90) of KK Cibona VIP Zagreb
Mario Delas (207-C/F-90) of KK Split
Damir Rancic (197-G-83) of KK Zadar
Roko-Leni Ukic (195-G-84) of Toronto Raptors (USA)
Head Coach: Jasmin Repesa (agency: World Sport Agency )

Croatian U19 National Team 2009 - by Sahereh
#s#
DosenDosen
Dosen
ProstranProstran
Prostran
BilinovacBilinovac
Bilinovac
BaturBatur
Batur
OlivariOlivari
Olivari
#e#6
Nikola Dosen (180-G-91) of Sibenka Sibenik
Toni Prostran (183-G-91) of KK Zadar
Josip Bilinovac (195-G-90) of KK Siroki Eronet (BIH)
Dino Butorac
Ivan Batur (202-F-91) of Pet Bunara Zadar
Luka Babic (199-G-91) of KK Split
Sime Olivari (190-G-90) of Jazine Zadar
Tomislav Zubcic (211-C/F-90) of KK Cibona VIP Zagreb
Mario Delas (207-C/F-90) of KK Split
Domagoj Bubalo (212-C-91) of KK Siroki Eronet (BIH)
Darko Planinic (209-C-90) of KK Siroki Eronet (BIH)
Leon Radosevic (210-F/C-90) of KK Cibona VIP Zagreb
Head Coach: Boris Kurtovic

*****************************************************
  DENMARK   


Spencer Ross to bolster Aabyhoj roster - by Eurobasket News
Spencer Ross (181-G-81, college: Queens (NC)) decided to sign with Aabyhoj for the upcoming season. A 28-year-old guard spent the last season in Horsens IC. His season was however limited to just 8 teams because of the injury. Spencer Ross averaged 9.8 points, 2.0 boards and 1.7 assists in these games.
The Basketligaen champions Bakken Bears landed Darryl Proctor (193-F-86, college: Coppin St.). A 23-year-old forward graduated from University of Maryland, Baltimore County. In his senior season Darryl Proctor averaged 20.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game in NCAA. Prior to UMBC Proctor spent three years in Coppin State. There his average stats came up to 13.6 points and 7.4 boards.


*****************************************************
  D-LEAGUE   


Former D-Leaguers on Mexicos Preliminary Squad for the FIBA Americas Championship - by Surujh Roopnarine

Looking to reach the FIBA World Championships for the fist time in over 30 years, Mexicos Senior National Team has put out a list off 22 players they hope will come together to train for the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship to be played in San Juan, Puerto Rico from August 26 to September 6. On that list includes several former D-leaguers who will definitely be counted upon to help Mexico.


Victor Avila (6'10''-C-77, college: Oklahoma): The veteran center out of Oklahoma was with the D-League during the leagues initial season as a member of the North Charleston Lowgators in 2001-02. The 6-10 big man appeared in 40 games that season, averaging 6.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and ranked third in the league in field goal percentage (.544). Since then, Avila has been a staple of the Mexican domestic leagues, having most recently played for Caballeros de Culiacan of the CIBACOPA. He also played in eight games for Mexico during the 2007 Tournament of the Americas.

Romel Beck (6'8''-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: UNLV): One of the most gifted scorers on the international scene, Romel Beck is one of the go-to-men for Mexico. In the last TOA, the former UNLV swingman scored 17.8 points per game while shooting 70.9% from the field! This past season he joined the Dakota Wizards in February and in 16 games averaged 15.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists while connecting on 49.2% of his shots from three-point distance.

Adam Parada (7'0''-C-81, agency: Octagon, college: Cal-Irvine): Parada, a more traditional back-to-the-basket big man than compared to Avila, Parada played in 23 games with the Huntsville Flight during the 2004-05 season, his first pro-season out of Cal-Irvine. He has found a lot of success in Asia since leaving college, playing in Jordan, South Korea, Japan and Jordan. During the 2007 Tournament of the Americas he averaged 12.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in eight games.



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


Junior Tall Blacks account for Egypt - by Eurobasket News
New Zealand U19 - Egypt U19 98:75

New Zealand and Egyptian U19 National Teams tipped off their final preparations for the upcoming World championship in Auckland. The teams clashed in a friendly encounter at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua today.
The Junior Tall Blacks looked better throughout the battle and posted a well deserved win at the end. Richie Edwards (201-F-90) topscored for New Zealand with 22 points. The hosts jumped to a brave start going on a 16:0 rally in the opening minutes. Egypt however came back to life moments later unleashing a 9:0 run of their own to cut the deficit. New Zealand however maintained the advantage and completed the opening frame ahead by 10 points 24:14. The second frame once again belonged to the home team as they notched 29 points to lead by 21 points at halftime. The Junior Tall Blacks never loosened the grip in the third frame avalanching to a 26-point margin into the final stanza. Egypt finally got things rolling their way in the fourth stanza and sweetened the pill clipping the distance at the end.
Dion Prewster (195-G/F-91) knocked down 17 points for New Zealand. Brook Ruscoe (188-G-90) added 16 points in the victory. Amr El Gendy (192-G-89) responded with game-high 30 points for Egypt. Hadi Osama (176-G) delivered 17 points in the losing effort.

New Zealand U19: Richie Edwards 22, Dion Prewster 17, Brook Ruscoe 16
Egypt U19: Amr El Gendy 30, Hadi Osama 17


*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   


Estonia fall short against Turkey in Liepaja - by Eurobasket News
Estonian U18 National Team could not keep the winning pace at the Baltic Cup international tournament in Latvia. They wrapped up their campaign with an 80:93 loss to Turkey. Estonia thus slipped at 2-1 record and finished the competition at the second position.
Turkey got to a strong start as they accounted for 30 points in the opening frame. It was worth an 11-point cushion at the first break. Turkey continued to dominate in the second frame keeping it hot in offense. They fired 26 points in the second stanza and earned a 14-point lead at the interval. However Martin Dorbek (183-G-91) gave a necessary spark for the Estonian team after the major break. They finally adjusted their defense and began clipping the margin. Estonia won the quarter but still trailed by 11 points into the fourth period. Turkey proved cool and solid in the final minutes never allowing Estonia to threaten the margin. Can Maxim Mutaf (193-G-91) finished with 24 points to pace Turkey to the tournaments title.
Rain Veideman (190-G-91) delivered 14 points for Estonia. Martin Dorbek added 13 points, while Sven Kaldre (194-F-91) had 12 in defeat.
Estonia will tip off their European championship in Division B campaign on July 23. They will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the opener.


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


Novica Velickovic in Real Madrid - by Zoran Popovic
Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) former BC Partizan Igokea Beograd player, signed contract with Real Madrid. Velickovic signed two years contract, with possibility to extend for one more season. Yesterday Velickovic passed all medical tests and today will be officially present. Last season Velickovic average scored in Euroleague 10.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.7 steals, in Adriatic league 12.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals and in Serbian Superleague 10.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
Novica Velickovic debut in BC Partizan Igokea Beograd senior team in season 2004-2005 and played next four great seasons for Serbian Champion. In that period Velickovic with BC Partizan Igokea Beograd won 5 Serbian Championships, three times Adriatic league and two times National cup Radivoj Korac. Velickovic was member of Serbia and Montenegro U16, U18, U20 National team and won Bronze medal in Moscow 2005 and Gold medal in Izmir 2006. His debut for senior National team Velickovic had on European Championship in Spain, last year showed great games during the qualifications for European Championship in Poland 2009. Novica Velickovic winner of the 2008-2009 Rising Star Trophy, voted by Euroleague head coaches.


Euroleague 2009-10, Regular Season and Qualifying Rounds - by Eurobasket News
The Euroleague Management Board officially announced list of the teams for season 09/10. There will be 13 teams with A Licenses, 8 teams with one-year B Licenses and 8 teams in a pre-season Qualifying Round, of which the two surviving teams will also earn one-year licenses. All are pending finalization of the team registrations.

The teams with A license are Greek Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, Israeli Maccabi tel-Aviv, Italian Lottomatica Roma and Montepaschi Siena, Lithuanian Zalgiris, Russian CSKA Moscow, Spanish Regal Barca, Tau Ceramica, Real Madrid and Unicaja, Turkish Efes Pilsen and Fenerbahce Ulker.

With B license we have 8 teams. Croatian champion Cibona, French ASVEL, German Bonn or Oldenburg, Italian finalist Armani Jeans, Polish Asseco Prokom, Serbian and Adriatic league champ Partizan Belgrade and Slovenian Union Olimpija. Of course there also will be the Lithuanian and EuroCup champion Lietuvos Rytas.

The wild card for regular season belonged Russian Khimky Moscow Region. The Russian Basketball Federation also supported Khimky and there was no doubt they will get the Euroleague wild card.

Beside these, two more teams will join in regular season from the pre-season Qualifying Round. There we will have German ALBA Berlin, French Orleans, Italian Benetton and Greek Maroussi. We will also have there Belgian Charleroi, Latvian Ventspils, Ukrainian Azovmash and another French team, Le Mans.

So the teams like Vantspils, Azovmash, Charleroi got a chance to reach the Euroleague regular season. They didn't have an opportunity to compete in the best European competition in the past, but with this kind of system they finally got a chance. Qualifying Round draws that will take place on July 8.

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


Kataja add Daviin Davis - by Eurobasket News
The Korisliiga vice-champions Kataja have strengthened their squad. They signed a contract with Daviin Davis (193-F-85). A 24-year-old forward spent the last three seasons playing in NCAA. Davis was among the standouts in the Weber State University. His average stats in the senior year came up to 9.5 points, 3.4 boards, 2.4 assists and 1.6 blocks. An all-around performer was named the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year.



KORISLIIGA: Daviin Davis going to Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Three American guards have signed with Finnish teams recently. Kataja (Joensuu) started by signing Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year
-09 Daviin Davis (193-F-85). Davis averaged at Weber State as a Sr 9,5 ppg - 3,4 rpg - 2,4 apg - 1,3 spg and 1,6 bpg. Kouvot (Kouvola) didn't want to take any risks and signed with Kyle Shiloh (190-G-85, college: Nevada), who was playing in Finland (Korihait) 2007-08 averaging 16,9 ppg - 7,0 rpg and 1,6 apg in 35:45 mpg. Last season Shiloh played shortly in D-league (Reno Bighorns). Deonte Huff (193-G-86, agency: Heinrich Sports) will start his international/professional basketball career in the second highest level (I-division) in Finland. LoKoKo (Loimaa) signed with Huff, who averaged 13,7 ppg and 6,0 rpg at Portland State as a Sr 2007-08.

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


French National Team 2009 - by Sahereh
#s#
AjincaAjinca
Ajinca
BatumBatum
Batum
BokoloBokolo
Bokolo
De ColoDe Colo
De Colo
CurtiCurti
Curti
#e#6
Alexis Ajinca (215-C-88) of Sioux Falls Skyforce (USA)
Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) of Portland Trail Blazers (USA)
Yannick Bokolo (191-G-85) of BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral
Nando De Colo (202-G-87) of Cholet Basket
Aldo Curti (180-G-87) of Entente Orleans 45
Mamoutou Diarra (200-F-80) of PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki (GRE)
Boris Diaw (203-F/C-82) of Charlotte Bobcats (USA)
Laurent Foirest (197-F-73) of Adecco ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne
Joseph Gomis (180-G-78) of Unicaja Malaga (ESP)
Alain Koffi (207-C-83) of Le Mans Sarthe Basket
Adrien Moerman (204-F/C-88) of Entente Orleans 45
Joakim Noah (211-F/C-85) of Chicago Bulls (USA)
Tony Parker (183-G-80) of San Antonio Spurs (USA)
Johan Petro (214-C-86) of Denver Nuggets (USA)
Florent Pietrus (202-F-81) of Pamesa Valencia (ESP)
Mickael Pietrus (198-F-82) of Orlando Magic (USA)
Ali Traore (207-C-85) of Adecco ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne
Ronny Turiaf (208-C/F-83) of Golden State Warriors (USA)
Head Coach: Vincent Collet

Paris-Levallois inks American Lamont Hamilton, Hyeres-Toulon adds big guy - by Eurobasket News
Paris-Levallois announced arrival of American player Lamont Hamilton (208-F-84, college: St.John's). The 208cm power forward is coming to Paris from Spanish team Tenerife Rural, where he was one of the best players. Hamilton appeared 31 times in LEB Gold last season averaging 12.6 ppg and 7 rpg. He had decent 41% from behind the arc making 33 of 80 attempts. He ended the season with two awards: 'Eurobasket.com Spanish LEB Gold All-Defensive Team' and 'Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold 2nd Team'. Tenerife was No.5 in regular season with 21 -13 record. Before Tenerife, Lamont Hamilton played for Basquetinca.com Mallorca also in LEB Gold. He graduated at the St. John's University in 2007.
Meanwhile, Hyeres-Toulon announced signing of young Kazakhstan player Anton Ponomarev (209-C-88, agency: Court Side). 210cm big guy inked 4-year deal with the French club. He arrived from BK Astana Tigers, with whom he won 5 championship titles in Kazahstan. This year he participated at the Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso. Last year he played on World University Championships in Bangkok with Kazakhstan. Before that he was a member of U18 and U20 NT.

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


German U18 team get upset by France - by Eurobasket News
German U18 National Team played three-game test series against the French opponents. Unfortunately for the German fans their junior team was swept by France.
Philipp Neumann (210-C-92) scored 18 points in the opening game but could not rescue Germany from falling 61:67 at the end. France led by a single point at the first intermission but stretched the gap to 11-point mark with one period remaining. Germany tried hard as they clipped the margin to 5 points midway through the final frame before losing at the end. Harald Debelka (193-G/F-91) nailed 12 points, while Mathis Moenninghoff (196-G-92) had 10 points in defeat.
The second game of the series turned into a one-way traffic. France led from start to finish to register a comfortable 87:54 victory at the end. Philipp Neumann knocked down 22 points to lead the charge once again. But he received no support from his teammates. Mathis Moenninghoff added 6 points in the loss.
But Germany showed character in the third encounter. They were down by as many as 15 points at halftime but denied the deficit to trail by just three points late in the game. The visitors trimmed the distance to only 2 points but France eked out a tough 69:67 victory at the end. Philipp Neumann had 19 points for the German juniors. Harald Debelka notched 11 points.



Phantoms land Polish Forward - by Moritz Korff
The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig (1. Bundesliga) have announced their first new player for the 2009-2010 season. Tomasz Cielebak (203-F-76, college: Marist) will join the team. The 33-year-old Forward from Poland worked with Braunschweig's new Head Coach Sebastian Machowski (agency: Lime Light) at SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg last season. Cielebak averaged 10.4 points, 5.2 boards and 1.6 assists in 34 games of the Polish DBE league and was named to the 2008-09 Eurobasket.com Polish-League All-Domestic Players Team.

Lamont Mcintosh (Artland Dragons) Pregame Thoughts To Game 5 Between The EWE Baskets Oldenburg And The Telekom Baskets Bonn June 25th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

American Lamont McIntosh (191-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia St.) is a 26 year old 191 cm guard from Georgia. He played at Georgia State from 2000-2004 and averaged in his senior year in 28 games: 9.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.5apg. He started his career in the WBA for The Southern Crescent Lightening averaging in 2004 in 7 games: 11.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.1apg and in 2005 in 40 games: 16.2ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 45.4%, 3Pts: 33.5%. He also played for the Scottish Rocks before going to play in Belgium for Verviers-Pepinster where he averaged in 28 games: 15.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 51.0%. He then moved to the BBL in 2006 and has played three years for the Artland Dragons. In his first season he averaged in 23 games: 10.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 40.7%, FT: 63.0%. In the 2007-2008 season, he averaged 38 games: 10.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 82.3%. This season, he just missed reaching the BBL playoffs on the last game day and averaged in 34 games 9,6ppg, 2,1rpg and 1,4 apg. He has played in 14 ULEB Cup games averaging 9.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 33.8%, 3FGP: 35.5%, FT: 62.5%; and in 12 Eurocup games averaging 10.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 43.9%, FT: 76.7%. He was WBA champion in 2004 with the Southern Crescent Lightening and won the 2008 BL cup with the Artland Dragons. Lamont took some time totalk about game five of the 2009 BBL finals

what do you think about final series bonn-oldenburg the way it has gone this season?

I think it has been entertaining, with the back and forth of the series. I'd also add that its a bit odd that neither team has won at home yet.

What will be vital for each team in game five in order to go home as 2009 BBL champions?


The most important factor heading into game 5 for both teams, will be which PG, Rowland or Gardner can control the tempo and both teams like to run, but they'll have to dictate when to press the accelerator and when to release.

The 2009 BBL MVP was Jason Gardner but guys like Rickey Paulding, Julius Jenkins and Immanuel Mccelroy belong to the best players in the BBL. Who for you is best in the BBL?

tough question to answer for me, but if i go by consistency, i'd have to say Julius Jenkins when healthy. He scores, his assists were up, and he defends. And has done so, season in and season out

The Oldenburg zone worked well in game 4 and what will Bonn have to do better in game 5 to score

Bonn just has to get penetration into the zone, and work from inside out. With kick outs, with early scores by the post , they can get better looks outside for guys like Frazier, Yarborough, Rowland, Ko... (sp) off the bench


Which team will win the 2009 BBL finals in game five?

If we go by the way the series has been then I would have to say Bonn! The home team hasn't won a game! and they went into Berlin and won a winner takes all game in the Semis previously

Rickey Paulding takes these wild in your face shots at times and makes them. Is that just learned or is that through experience? Whats it like guarding him? have you guarded him?

I think Ricky has practiced those shots, so yes, experience is a factor, but also his athleticism permits him to be able to make those with consistency. Guarding him is challenging, because he runs the floor, rebounds and pushes it himself, and he can post. So he's a jack of many trades.



Your friend Derrick Allen recently signed with the Deutsche Bank Skyliners for a third year. What is your future? Will you stay in the BBL next season?

I am not sure about my future in the BBL, but I'm sure I'll be playing in Europe very soon

What is your opinion about athletes trying to change sports? Michael Jordan went from basketball to baseball with little success and now suppossedly Jimmy Mckinney might wanna give baseball a shot.

I think if you're an athlete. you may be able to switch sports physically, its just the mental aspect that sometimes gets you. There are different schemes among different sports, from baseball, football, soccer, etc







Cory Abercrombie heads to Herten - by Moritz Korff
Cory Abercrombie (201-F/C-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Pittsburg St.) has agreed to terms with Hertener Loewen (2. Bundesliga Pro B) and will spend the upcoming season with the Lions. The former NCAA Division All-American played for FC Schalke 04 during 2008-2009. He appeared in 26 games for the Royal Blues and averaged 13.5 points, 6.8 rebounds per contest. Abercrombie is the second import player on the 09-10 Herten squad. Ahmad Smith had signed with the team already a couple of weeks ago.

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  GHANA   


Ghana's U16 Boys National Team drop out of FIBA AFRICA zone 3 preliminaries - by Isaac Kwapong
Ghana U16 Boys National Basketball Team couldnt make it to Benin for the U16 FIBA AFRICA ZONE3 World & African Championship qualification in Benin to begin on the 24th of June 2009. The team's inability to make it to the zone3 event is due to a combination of reasons. The first reason that caused the team not to make it is the lateness in the forwarding of the Officical letter of the tournament to the Ghana Basketball Association from FIBA AFRICA. This was a major set back for the Ghana Basketball Association since they could not adequately have enough time to requ

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  GUYANA   


ROYALS CAPTURE LABA/ PIONEER CONSTRUCTION SR CLUB 2008/9 LEAGUE C/SHIP... - by Joe Chapman
Royals take unassailable lead to become senior basketball champions

THE Victory Valley Royals are the new senior club basketball champions having secured an unassailable 22 points to win the coveted Pioneer Construction-sponsored basketball senior club championship, after completing their quota of twelve matches among the contesting seven first division clubs affiliated to the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA).
Royals completed the double-round league format tournament losing the least, with just two defeats, while arch-rivals Wismar Pistons with 17 points, having conceded three defeats and seven wins, cannot overtake the Royals, even if they win their final two matches.
Today, the battle for the remaining top spots will continue at the tournament venue, the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court, with Alleyenes Retrieve Raiders against Glands Trucking Service Bulls at 19:00 h and the other Wismar Pistons versus Patriots at 21:00 h.
Last Friday the Royals easily disposed of Pistons with a 52-36 win after taking the lead at halftime, 26-22, as guard Anson Durant got 12 points and centre Dwayne Roberts 10 while for the Pistons' forward Trevor Profitt had 13 gane-high points.
In the previous game Royals outplayed the Alleyenes Retrieve Raiders 55-49 after trailing at the break 25-23 but rebounded well through Roberts with 15 points and Durants 12.
For the Raiders who are one from the cellar spot on 12 points, forward Louis James had 17 game-high points and Deon Joseph 15.
The penultimate day of the championship will be Sunday when two more matches are scheduled for the MSC hard court, where in game one GTS Bulls oppose Patriots and game two brings together Amelias Ward Jets and New Ballers.
The final set of matches will be played next Wednesday when the first game pits Amelias Ward Jets against New Ballers then Pistons versus Raiders.
This double-round seven-team tournament began last November with the other first division club Kashif and Shanghai Kings, opting out due to the LABA being able to give the Kings assurances about the cash prizes at stake.
The winners are to receive a top prize of $100 000, second 60 000, third 40 000 and fourth $20 000 along with trophies donated by overseas-based Lindeners, James Brusche and Linden Alphonso among others.


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


Standings
IBL Standings
Eastern
 1. Holland B. 14-2 
 2. Kankakee S. 12-8 
 3. G.Rapids F. 7-9 
 4. Japan T. 0-18 
Independent
 1. Red Rock R. 1-4 
 2. Yamhill H. 1-6 
 3. Arizona F. 0-1 
 4. Nevada P. 0-1 
 5. Chicago S. 0-1 
 6. Olympia R. 0-4 
 7. S.Illinois T. 0-5 
Northern
 1. Bellingham S. 14-3 
 2. Snohomish C. 7-10 
 3. Vancouver T. 7-12 
 4. USA All-Stars 4-16 
Southern
 1. Vancouver V. 13-6 
 2. Oregon Wave 12-6 
 3. C.Oregon H. 5-10 
 4. Shanxi Zh. 0-0 
Western
 1. Edmonton E. 16-3 
 2. L.Angeles L. 12-3 
 3. Seattle M. 11-7 
 4. Tacoma T. 10-7 


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  ITALY   


Benetton sign Daniel Hackett - by Eurobasket News
Daniel Hackett (196-G-87) inked a one-year contract with Benetton Treviso. A 22-year-old guard spent the last three seasons playing for the University of South California. He averaged 12.3 points, 4.7 assists and 4.2 boards per game in his senior season.
Benetton also finalized the deal with Mantas Kalnietis (195-G-86, agency: Interperformances). The team announced the signing of a three-year contract with the Lithuanian guard. He averaged 11.2 points, 4.3 assists and 2.6 boards per game in LKL. In Euroleague Kalnietis tallied 8.5 points, 2.3 boards and 3.0 assists per appearance.


Virtus Bologna hires Lino Lardo as new head coach - by Antonello Varallo
Lino Lardo is the new head coach of Virtus Pallacanestro Bologna. He signed an agreement for two seasons and he is going to replace Matteo Boniciolli. Lardo ended last season with Sebastiani Rieti, the team he joined in 2006, winning Legadue Championship and Legadue Cup in the first season, and avoiding the relegation this season thanks to a record of 11-19. During his career, Lardo also trained Verona, Reggio Calabria and Milano. His best season remains 2004/05: he reached the playoffs finals with Milano after a regular season ended with a record of 24-10.

Seria A confronts Italian Basketball Federation - by Eurobasket News
Seria A Assembly that met in Bologna threatened to boycott the next championship if the Italian Basketball Federation persist with their new implementations. The federation insisted earlier on reducing the number of imports allowed on the roster. The team will now be able to have 2 imports and 4 Europeans (Bosman A and Bosman B players) in the squad. The idea however was harshly confronted by Seria A.
The assembly issued a memorandum that states possible boycott of the 2009-2010 championship. Seria A also refused to allow their young players to participate in the summer youth championships for the Italian national teams.



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  JAMAICA   


Jamaican National Team 2009 - by Sahereh
#s#
CarrCarr
Carr
McCarthyMcCarthy
McCarthy
CoburnCoburn
Coburn
RogersRogers
Rogers
StapleStaple
Staple
#e#6
Chaz Carr (183-G-82) of Guaiqueries de Margarita (VEN)
Kali McCarthy (196-G-80) of Loros de Colima (MEX)
Mike Coburn (183-G-88) of Rutgers, The State University (USA)
Michael Rogers (198-G-88) of Valparaiso University (USA)
Damion Staple (201-F/C-80) of Marinos de Anzoategui (VEN)
Ricky Johns (190-G-85) of La Guaira BBC (VEN)
Adrian Forbes (203-C-88) of Trinity Valley JC (USA)
Shane Nicely (198-F-74) of Easy LPG Bay Hawks (NZL)
Oneil Mundle (206-C-83) of Urban Knights
Kemar McLeish (183-F-86) of Majestic Gardens
Samardo Samuels (203-F-89) of University of Louisville (USA)
Weyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86) of Providence College (USA)
Kimani Ffriend (211-C-77) of Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyesi (TUR)
Christopher Walker (198-F-81) of Cedarville University (USA)
Neveji walters
Andre Smith (188-G-80) of Lobos Grises de la UAD Durango (MEX)
Ricardo Alliman (201-F-87) of Cedarville University (USA)
Head Coach: Sam Vincent
Coach Assistants: Paul Mokeski (agency: SportsTalent ), Julian Dunkley

*****************************************************
  KAZAKHSTAN   


Top prospect Anton Ponomarev moves to France - by Eurobasket News
On of the top prospects in Kazahkstan, Anton Ponomarev (209-C-88, agency: Court Side) will continue basketball career abroad. The 210cm big guy inked 4-year deal with the French club Hyeres-Toulon. It seems his talent and good performance in Kazahstan were not unnoticed by the European scouts.
Anton Ponomarev started basketball career in BK Astana Tigers. With the Tigers he won 5 championship titles in Kazakhstan. This year they also won Kazakhstan Open Cup Winner. Last month he participated at the Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso, where she showed decent performance.
With Kazakhstan Anton Ponomarev played on World University Championships 2007 in Bangkok. Before that he was a member of U18 and U20 National Team. That is no all. Ponomarev also was a member of Senior NT from 2005 to 2008, what was a great award for the player. In 2005 he was named 'All-Kazakhstan League 1st Team'. Next year he participated at the prestigious Basketball Without Borders Asia Camp.
Hyeres-Toulon ended last season as No.11 in Pro A with 13-17 record. They will compete at the same stage in the next one also.

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


Mexico calls up 22 players for TOA-preparations - by Kristian Santiago

(By FIBA Americas)

ADEMEBA gave a list of 22 players called for the Mexican National Team that will train for the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship to be played in San Juan, Puerto Rico from August 26 to September 6.

The practices begin on June 28 at Centro Nacional de Alto Rendimiento in Mexico City under head coach Arturo Guerrero .

The players called are:

Omar Quintero (183-G-81, college: S.Nazarene),

Enrique Zuniga (193-G-76, college: Grand Canyon),

Pedro Meza (187-G-85, college: Arizona W. CC),

Christopher Hernandez (188-G-83, agency: Octagon, college: Stanford),

Raymond Castillo (196-G/F-82, college: UTPA),

Anthony Pedroza (191-G-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon),

Miguel Ayala (198-F/G-82, college: UTEP),

Victor Mariscal (198-F-72),

Anthony Esparza (196-F, college: Pacific),

Jesus Lopez (205-F-83, college: SW Baptist),

Noe Alonzo (200-F-83, college: Grand Canyon),

Stephen Soriano (201-F-84, college: Mesa St.),

Romel Beck (203-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: UNLV),

Omar Lopez (203-C-80, college: Cal.Baptist),

Hector Hernandez (206-F-85, agency: European Basketball Agency, college: Fresno St.),

Arim Abdul Solares (202-F/C-83), Gustavo Ayon (209-F/C-85, college: San Jose St.),

Lorenzo Mata (205-C-86), Ramses Benitez (210-C-79),

Victor Avila (209-C-77, college: Oklahoma),

Horacio Llamas (212-C-73, agency: Interperformances)

and Adam Parada (213-C-81, agency: Octagon, college: Cal-Irvine).

In the last FIBA Americas Championship (World Qualifier), Mexico finished tenth in the standings and in the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship (Olympic Qualifier) they ended seventh. The Mexican teams wants to qualify for their first FIBA World Championship since 1974.



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


Wizards agree to trade No. 5 pick to Timberwolves for Miller, Foye - by Eurobasket News
The Wizards and Timberwolves have agreed in principle to a trade involving Washington's No. 5 pick in the draft, a league source told SI.com on Tuesday.

The Wizards would receive Randy Foye (6'3''-G-83, college: Villanova) and Mike Miller (6'8''-F/G-80, college: Florida) while the Timberwolves would get the No. 5 pick, Etan Thomas (6'9''-C/F-78, college: Syracuse), Darius Songaila (6'9''-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) and Olexei Pecherov (7'0''-C-85).

The deal would leave Minnesota with the Nos. 5 and 6 picks in the lottery. The Timberwolves also have the 18th and 28th selections in the first round of Thursday's draft.

The trade was awaiting final approval by both sides. If consummated, the deal would enable new Timberwolves general manager David Kahn to make any number of moves leading up to the draft, whether he decides to keep the picks or package some or all of them to move up to No. 2 in an exchange with Memphis that could bring Ricky Rubio to Minnesota.

It is clear from the trade that Kahn intends to rebuild his backcourt after offering his two most talented guards to Washington -- and by no coincidence, this happens to be a draft heavy with guards, and point guards in particular.

For Washington, the trade is particularly intriguing. With the arrival of new coach Flip Saunders coinciding with the return from injury of point guard Gilbert Arenas and center Brendan Haywood, the Wizards are in win-now mode. This trade would deepen their backcourt with Miller becoming the likely starter at shooting guard alongside Arenas, and Foye serving as an excellent combo guard off the bench.

It was long rumored that the Wizards were seeking to dump salary, but this deal makes it clear they are investing to win big as the trade would keep them well above the luxury-tax threshold -- but with a much stronger team. They'd go into next season with firepower at all positions, in addition to the bench scoring they'd receive from Foye, swingman Nick Young and second-year big man JaVale McGee.

Miller's $9 million salary will expire next season, while Foye (who makes $3.6 million next season) is entering his fourth year and will be a restricted free agent in 2010.

Courtesy of www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Its Back! 76ers return to Old-School look - by Eurobasket News
After a few years of speculation the Sixers finally decided to go back to their roots. On Tuesday the Sixers formally announced a logo and uniform change, going back to the red, white and blue color scheme along with the old 76ers logo.

The logo is described as the traditional 76ers Basketball logo, and of course with the familiar red, white and blue colors. Going throwback has been popular in sports lately however only a few teams have gone back full time to their old uniforms.

As a huge fan myself, Ive been hoping for a change back to these uniforms since 1996. That year they changed to the horrid things you see Charles Barkley (6'6''-F-63, college: Auburn) sporting below:

Now for those of you who dont get the significance of the old 76er logo (like the ugly uniforms above arent reason enough,) read this quote from the Doctor, Julius Erving:

'I always felt the Sixers were the patriotic team. Boston always had the parquet floor. Youd go to L.A. and everything was gold, white, with a touch of blue. Our thing was red, white and blue. This floor reaps of that when you look at our logos. Were true red-blooded American by design.'

Courtesy of www.phinallyphilly.com

Economy eats into funds for Thunder arena project - by Bruno Baltazar
City officials are reassessing an ongoing $100 million renovation of the arena where the Oklahoma City Thunder play, because a sales tax that was supposed to fund it has brought in less money than expected.
With shoppers buying less so far this year, the tax approved by voters as a way to lure the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics to town -- where they were renamed the Thunder -- has produced $4.2 million below projections.
'It's a point of concern,' said Tom Anderson, the city's special projects manager. 'When the initial projections were done, sales tax was riding high.'

A report presented to the City Council on Tuesday showed that the one-penny sales tax increase has yielded $29.8 million so far, or 12.6 percent less than the $34 million projected. The numbers include actual taxes collected from January through April, as well as projections for major taxpayers for May.

Anderson said the city has asked construction firm The Benham Cos. to send in a new estimate for the cost of the renovations. The city also is working on an updated projection of how much the sales tax will generate before it runs out at the end of March.

Senior city staff members will review those figures later this week and present them next week to a board that oversees the renovation.

If the gap between the expected cost and incoming revenue doesn't improve, the city can start trimming projects or seek new modes of funding, such as tapping into a use tax fund of $3.1 million.
'What I don't want to do is a knee-jerk reaction and do something that we don't have to. I want to wait as long as we can before we make a decision, to get as much information as possible,' said Councilman Patrick Ryan, the chair of the Sports Facilities Oversight Board.

Voters approved the 15-month sales tax in March 2008 as a way to lure the SuperSonics, who had been bought by Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett. The tax was intended to generate about $100 million for the Ford Center overhaul and an additional $20 million for a practice facility. Construction on the practice facility is expected to begin in August.

The city has been looking at ways to keep the Ford Center project within the wavering budget. A new scoreboard expected to cost $5.5 million was instead found for nearly $1.6 million cheaper.
'We want to explore all options that are going to maintain that quality but might be more cost-effective. One example is we've looked at a variety of flooring treatments. ... We've looked at everything from Terrazzo to tile,' Anderson said.
Anderson said the city has been working closely with the Thunder, the arena's highest-profile tenant, throughout the process. Dan Mahoney, the team's spokesman, did not return telephone messages left by The Associated Press on Tuesday.

As of May 30, the city had spent $11.5 million on the renovation and had committed an additional $30.3 million. The third and final phase of the renovation won't begin until next summer.

The new estimates will provide a gauge on the shortfall the city can expect, and what affect it would have on the renovation.

'If you're talking about a million dollars, then we can look at tweaking it. If you're looking at $10 million or $15 million, then you're looking at not doing something the way it was proposed or not doing it at all,' Ryan said.

The renovation project includes a new locker room and practice gym along with new suites and restaurants. Ryan said items requested specifically by the NBA would likely be the last to be taken out.

'We want to keep the necessities in there and look at the niceties,' he said.



Spurs get Richard Jefferson in trade from Bucks - by Eurobasket News
The Spurs acquired swingman Richard Jefferson (6'6''-F/G-80, college: Arizona) from Milwaukee in a four-player deal Tuesday, giving San Antonio the extra offensive punch the aging former champions sorely needed.

The Spurs sent veterans Bruce Bowen (6'7''-F-71, college: Cal.St. Fullerton), Kurt Thomas (6'9''-F-72, college: TCU) and Fabricio Oberto (6'10''-C-75, agency: Interperformances) to the Bucks in exchange for the 29-year-old Jefferson, who averaged 19.6 points in his one season with the Bucks.

Milwaukee then dealt Oberto to the Detroit Pistons for forward Amir Johnson (6'9''-F/C-87). The trades give the Bucks more financial flexibility, the Spurs a proven scorer and the Pistons a veteran big man at a lower cost than Johnson.

Milwaukee unloaded Jefferson's contract, which has two years and $29.2 million remaining.

The Minnesota Timberwolves agreed to trade guards Randy Foye and Mike Miller to the Washington Wizards for the fifth overall pick in Thursday's draft and three players, two NBA officials with knowledge of the deal confirmed. Minnesota also has the Nos. 6, 18 and 28 selections in the first round.

Courtesy of www.latimes.com

NBA Season Awards 2008-09 - by Richard
#s#
BryantBryant
Bryant
WadeWade
Wade
JamesJames
James
NowitzkiNowitzki
Nowitzki
HowardHoward
Howard
#e#6
Most Valuable Player: LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) of Cleveland Cavaliers
Rookie of the Year: Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis)
Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) of Orlando Magic
Sixth Man of the Year: Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona)
Most Improved Player: Danny Granger (6'8''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico)
Sportsmanship Award: Chauncey Billups (6'3''-G-76, college: Colorado)
Coach of the Year: Mike Brown
Executive of the Year: Danny Ferry

All-NBA First Team:
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) of Los Angeles Lakers
Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82) of Miami Heat
LeBron James
Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) of Dallas Mavericks
Dwight Howard

All-NBA Second Team:
Tim Duncan (6'10''-F-76, college: Wake Forest)
Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas)
Ming Yao (7'5''-C-80)
Brandon Roy (6'6''-G-84, college: Washington)
Chris Paul (6'0''-G-85, college: Wake Forest)

All-NBA Third Team:
Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse)
Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80)
Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU)
Chauncey Billups
Tony Parker (6'0''-G-80)

NBA All-Defensive First Team:
Dwight Howard
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Chris Paul
Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76)

NBA All-Defensive Second Team:
Tim Duncan
Dwyane Wade
Rajon Rondo (6'1''-G-86, college: Kentucky)
Shane Battier (6'8''-F-78, college: Duke)
Ron Artest (6'7''-G-79, college: St.John's)

NBA All-Rookie First Team:
Derrick Rose
O.J. Mayo (6'5''-G-87, college: USC)
Russell Westbrook (6'3''-G-88, college: UCLA)
Brook Lopez (7'0''-F/C-88, college: Stanford)
Michael Beasley (6'9''-F-89, college: Kansas St.)

NBA All-Rookie Second Team:
Eric Gordon (6'4''-G-88, college: Indiana)
Kevin Love (6'10''-C-88, college: UCLA)
Mario Chalmers (6'1''-G-86, college: Kansas)
Marc Gasol (7'0''-C-85, agency: Interperformances)
D.J. Augustin (5'11''-G-87, college: Texas)
Rudy Fernandez (6'6''-G-85)

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  NCAA1   


Prosecutors won't charge ex-Trojan Boseman for carjacking incident - by Eurobasket News
Prosecutors have declined to file charges against a former Southern California basketball player who was arrested Sunday on suspicion of carjacking.

The district attorney's office filed a document Tuesday that said investigators had insufficient evidence to charge 35-year-old Stais Boseman (6'4''-G/F-75, college: USC).

Deputy District Attorney James Prudhomme said police were unable to contact the alleged victim and her boyfriend, who gave police bogus phone numbers.

Prudhomme says the alleged victim was in the car with her boyfriend when Boseman allegedly jumped into the vehicle and drove off. Prosecutors say Boseman agreed to drop the boyfriend's $20 debt to him if he used the car.

Boseman played briefly for the Houston Rockets. He also played for several minor league teams.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com



Forecasting college players' impact in NBA - by Eurobasket News
It's the week of the NBA Draft.

And you know what that means, right?

It means a bunch of dudes who spent last year playing for free -- theoretically, at least -- will become millionaires the moment David Stern speaks their names. It's a wonderful, life-altering moment for all involved. And though in some cases it'll be money well spent, many first-round picks will be viewed as mistakes when they are bounced from the NBA in a few years, and banished to a career in Turkey or Puerto Rico (or both).

Mock drafts | Prospect Rankings

Who will be who?

I'm as qualified as anybody to tell you, if only because the people whose careers actually revolve around projecting NBA players are notoriously hit-or-miss. In other words, I might be wrong about Demar DeRozan (6'7''-F-89), but I'll never be the guy who took Darko Milicic second overall (ahead of Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade), or even the guy who thought it was brilliant when it happened. So what I know going into this is that I can't possibly look as stupid as those people, which gives me the courage to predict how the college kids will translate to the NBA.

Thus, I'll do it now.

This is the NBA Draft Look Ahead ...

Player most likely to be a star: Despite what you might've read on the night of the lottery, there isn't a single NBA franchise that would've taken anybody other than Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89) with the top pick. Not. A. One. And the reason is simple: Griffin has a combination of achievements, size, strength, athleticism and desire to be great that makes it difficult to envision a scenario where he isn't an elite player in this league for a decade. I love him. So will the Clippers.

Player most likely to be a bust: I've always found Austin Daye (6'11''-F-88) to be pleasant and wise. Which is why I differ from those who believe he's stupid for entering this draft clearly before he's ready to be a relevant NBA player. My question: What if Daye is entering this draft because he fears he might always be a slender finesse player who can look great individually but struggle in a five-on-five setting? What if Daye is concerned that another so-so season (from a statistical standpoint, he didn't really improve from his freshman to sophomore year) will have NBA general managers more concerned about an average college career than his upside? If that's the case, this is a good move because somebody is going to draft Daye high, make him a millionaire and then ... sit him on the bench or send him to the NBDL. I feel sorry for that team, particularly if that team needs help right now. But Daye will be rich either way. So good for him.

Player I like (but who scares me): Watch DeJuan Blair (6'7''-F-89) play, and you just know he's going to be a good NBA rebounder. But his knees are so messed up that many franchises are worried about selecting him, and I would be, too. If you have a weight problem and bad knees at the age of 20, it's reasonable to think those things will be problems going forward. Alas, I'm afraid they will be. So if Blair tears an ACL for the third time next season and balloons to 285 pounds, well, I warned you.

Safest pick in the draft (besides Blake Griffin): I'm not sure Stephen Curry (6'3''-G-88, agency: Octagon) will be an All-Star, but what I am certain of is that there's no way he'll be a bust or anything close to a bust. The Davidson star will be in the NBA for close to 15 years, and he'll create and make big shots along the way, just you watch.

Riskiest (high) pick in the draft (besides Austin Daye): I was actually a fan of B.J. Mullens before he enrolled at Ohio State, but I became less of one when it was clear Thad Matta didn't believe playing him a lot was the key to winning. Think about that. Mullens barely averaged 15 minutes per game in OSU's final four games, and that can't be a good sign. In fact, it reminds me of how Mark Turgeon used DeAndre Jordan, and that sure as hell wasn't a good sign.

Player who will be taken too low: Brandon Jennings is slipping in most mock drafts, which suggests folks aren't sure he'll be a good pro. But those folks are ignoring history, because if there's one reliable thing in sports it's that the top player in any particular high school class usually becomes a very good or great NBA player.

Check it:

Class of 2002 No. 1 player: Amare Stoudemire
Class of 2003 No, 1 player: LeBron James
Class of 2004 No. 1 player: Dwight Howard
Class of 2005 No. 1 player: Josh McRoberts
Class of 2006 No. 1 player: Greg Oden
Class of 2007 No. 1 player: O.J. Mayo

Of that group, only McRoberts can be considered a bust. Maybe Oden (if you ignore the fact that injuries have hindered his development). But three (Stoudemire, James and Howard) of the other four players are stars, and the fourth (Mayo) just averaged 18.5 points as a rookie. Case you didn't know, Jennings was the No. 1 player in the Class of 2008. So if he's not a very good or great NBA player, he'll be an exception to a fairly reliable rule.

Another player who will be taken too low: Jeff Teague.

Yet another: Sam Young.

Three likely second-round picks who will make a roster: I'll take Patrick Mills, Danny Green and Jodie Meeks. Why? Because Mills can run a team, Green can do a little of everything and Meeks can really shoot. That'll be enough for them to earn NBA paychecks.

In five years, the top five college players from this draft will be ...

1. Blake Griffin
2. Demar DeRozan
3. Stephen Curry
4. Hasheem Thabeet (7'3''-C-87)
5. James Harden (6'5''-G-89)

Courtesy of The CBS (http://www.cbssports.com)

*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND   


Rare chance for New Zealand Junior Tall Blacks captain Dion Prewster - by Eurobasket News
For New Zealand Junior Tall Blacks captain Dion Prewster (195-G/F-91), the FIBA U19 World Championship in Auckland, starting next week, is more than just an opportunity to play at home.

It is also a rare chance to play in front of his family.

Mom hasnt seen me play in over two years, said Prewster, who is based at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas.

Im really excited. It just adds more, not fuel to the fire, but makes me play harder for the team because my friends and family will be there.

Moms pretty excited and being captain adds a little more to it. Shes definitely proud but Ive still got to go out and do a job.

Prewster, a high-rising 1.92m (6ft 4in) shooting guard, has not played in New Zealand in almost two years, since leaving Wellington and heading to the United States, his country of birth, for his final year of high school and freshman year at San Jacinto, a junior college in the outlying suburbs of Houston.

He will have a extended family group including his mother Ana, aunts, uncles and cousins - of around 20 in the stands at the North Shore Events Centre throughout the tournament, with the Junior Tall Blacks opening up against Argentina on July 2.

The 19-year-old joined Kenny McFaddens squad in late May once school let out for the American summer but he is no stranger to the Junior Tall Blacks set-up 2009 being his fifth year in the team after making his debut as a 15-year-old in 2005.

Prewsters experience and playmaking ability on the court made him an obvious choice as captain, a leadership quality that was evident just days after arriving home.

My job, first and foremost, is to be a vocal leader. Prewster said. Motivating the guys, telling guys where to go, keeping morale up when things maybe arent going well, keep them up, staying positive and to be an extension of the coaches out there on the court, repeating the messages and reinforcing what the guys need to do.

Prewster, a two-time BBNZ national age-group tournament MVP and championship winner, and seven-time tournament team selection, averaged 8.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.8 blocks in 32 games with the San Jac Ravens.

And he credits his shift to the home of hoops, which included winning a 4A state championship with Iowa City High in 2008, for developing his game.

Its helped develop my game because if I had stayed here, there wouldnt have been the opportunity to play against that kind of standard, unless I played NBL. The game is a lot quicker and our training schedule is a lot more intense and full-on. Here you play a lot of games, while over there you train more.

Prewster has had interest from larger NCAA-division one schools but is likely to stay for his sophomore year at San Jacinto, a school that includes former NBA players Sam Cassell and Steve Francis and Major League Baseball pitchers Roger Clemens and Andy Pettite as alumni.

He hopes the FIBA U19 tournament will open up new opportunities with bigger colleges or with professional teams for the future.

Theres so many opportunities out there, the game really is global now. I dont think people realise how much this tournament could open up some opportunities for them.

Courtesy of www.basketball.org.nz

Junior Tall Blacks account for Egypt - by Eurobasket News
New Zealand U19 - Egypt U19 98:75

New Zealand and Egyptian U19 National Teams tipped off their final preparations for the upcoming World championship in Auckland. The teams clashed in a friendly encounter at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua today.
The Junior Tall Blacks looked better throughout the battle and posted a well deserved win at the end. Richie Edwards (201-F-90) topscored for New Zealand with 22 points. The hosts jumped to a brave start going on a 16:0 rally in the opening minutes. Egypt however came back to life moments later unleashing a 9:0 run of their own to cut the deficit. New Zealand however maintained the advantage and completed the opening frame ahead by 10 points 24:14. The second frame once again belonged to the home team as they notched 29 points to lead by 21 points at halftime. The Junior Tall Blacks never loosened the grip in the third frame avalanching to a 26-point margin into the final stanza. Egypt finally got things rolling their way in the fourth stanza and sweetened the pill clipping the distance at the end.
Dion Prewster (195-G/F-91) knocked down 17 points for New Zealand. Brook Ruscoe (188-G-90) added 16 points in the victory. Amr El Gendy (192-G-89) responded with game-high 30 points for Egypt. Hadi Osama (176-G) delivered 17 points in the losing effort.

New Zealand U19: Richie Edwards 22, Dion Prewster 17, Brook Ruscoe 16
Egypt U19: Amr El Gendy 30, Hadi Osama 17


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  OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Standing
Standings
1. Australia4-0
2. New Caledo.2-1
3. Guam1-2
4. N.Zealand1-2
5. Northern M.0-3


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  PALESTINE   


AlTadamun: De La Salle close win & Sariyet Ramallah win it strong - by Tamara Awartani
American Colleges Team vs. Palestine National Team 100 91 (With overtime)
A nice game to watch & a good first game for the National Team to see how they stand and work on their chemistry. National team started off with Tawfiq Rafidi as a Point Guard, Yahia Al Khatib (190-G-77) a Shooting Guard, Mahdi Eid (194-F-81) a small forward, Salim Sakakin as a forward & Iyad Yousef Abdalla (205-C-80) as a center leading the first quarter which had several 3pointers from both teams, Yayha AlKhatib got injured (wishing him all the best to recover fast), Saleem Al Husari (184-G-85) at the point & Ahmad Deeb as a shooting guard played well . Second Quarter was led by the Americans who stood out with 7 3points in that quarter, while the National team needed to close off the shooters, Ammar Nofal played as a shooting guard and also had several shots along with Iyad Yousef Abdalla with great moves under basket. Palestinian Coach played all players to check for the best chemistry amongst the players, 3rd quarter was led by the Americans by 1point while the 4th was exciting played on a fast pace with the Americans more determined to win, tying the 4th quarter, playing 5mins overtime. Americans played better defense which is something the National Team needs to work on along with taking the time to their advantage thus losing by 6points, while the Americans took advantage of the National Teams hastiness scoring from fast breaks along with playing the time.
1st 19 - 24, 2nd 27 23, 3rd 19 20, 4th 14-12, 5th 21 15

Games Result:
De La Salle vs. Orthodoxi Bethlehem 75 - 65
Sariyet Ramallah vs Qalandia 101 76

Details to follow

Thursday Games:
Orthodoxi Beit Sahour vs. Orthodoxi Bethlehem at 6pm
Ibdaa Dheisheh vs. Sariyet Ramallah at 8pm


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  PBL   


Millrats to Conduct Basketball Camp on Nantucket Island - by Eurobasket News
The Manchester Millrats are please to announce a partnership with the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club to conduct a week long basketball camp on Nantucket Island. Nantucket is the home of Millrats principal owner Jason Briggs.

The camp will run July 13th to the 17th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm each day, and will feature professional basketball coaches and players from the Millrats organization, who will personally to instruct the campers. The focus will be on individual skills training and helping each kid advance in the art of basketball. An example of the caliber of players that will be at the camp to instruct the campers (and more):

Al Stewart (5'10''-G-83, agency: Rice and Rice, college: Drake) 5'10 Point Guard: 2009 PBL Co-Defensive Player of the Year. 2008 WBA Championship Co-MVP. 2008 All-ABA Honorable Mention. Starred the past two seasons for the Manchester Millrats. Played at division one Drake University.

Kenyon Gamble (7'0''-C-82, college: Tuskegee) 7'0 Center: Has participated in several NBA training camps including the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers. Played professionally for the Millrats this season during February when the Millrats were 8-0. Also played overseas in many places including Europe, the Middle East, and South America. Holds several CBA records for blocked shots.

'We are proud to work with the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club to present this unique basketball camp and we know the kids will be as excited as the players to work together on improving their game,' stated Millrats Principal Owner Jason Briggs.

To inquire about attending one of these camps or to sign up, please contact the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club at (508)-228-0158 or visit www.nantucketboysandgirlsclub.org. The clinics are open for kids ages 9+ and the tuition is $150.00 for the week. Attendance is guaranteed on a 'first come, first serve basis'. Campers will bring their own lunch each day.

The Manchester Millrats are a Premier Basketball League (PBL) franchise entering their third season overall this year. In their first two seasons, the Millrats have reached the playoff semifinals each year and have posted an impressive 43-15 combined regular season record. In addition they have produced a league MVP, a General Manager of the Year, a Coach of the Month, and numerous other All-Star and All-League achievements.

For more information please contact the Premier Basketball League at (773) 844-7251 or visit the Premier Basketball League website at www.pblproball.com and the @SPORTS Television Network web site at www.atsportstv.com or contact Millrats GM Ian McCarthy at millrats@gmail.com or visit www.manchestermillrats.com.

Courtesy of The Manchester Millrats

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  PHILIPPINES   


SBP draws support from many Filipino, FIBA should stop transacting with BAP - by Hector Santos
Recent report that FIBA will again form a task force to investigate the SBP vs BAP disagreement again made many Filipino basketball hardcore fans angry. As per various websites, forums, blogs etc. many Filipino condemn this move by FIBA due to the real fact that SBP under President Manny V. Pangilinan is doing excellent job in uplifting anew the status of Philippine Basketball.

Many Filipino also hate the BAP topman, Graham Lim, who is a Chinese national, to be involved again in Philippine basketball. History will tell that during the reign of Lim the Philippines suffered its worst status in basketball. BAP sending rag tag team instead of the best, no clear grass root development, no clear policy in developing its national team etc. etc are just among the few reasons why many Filipino hate this involvement again by BAP.

One thing is clear for the said many Filipino, Philippine basketball should be led by a Pinoy servant not a Chinese ruler!

See below link for the petition of many Filipino supporting the one and only basketball governing body in the Philippines.. and that is the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP):

http://forums.interbasket.net/f32/calling-all-filipino-forumers-9972/#post


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  PORTUGAL   


Portuguese National Team 2009 - by Sahereh
#s#
CarreiraCarreira
Carreira
MinhavaMinhava
Minhava
FigueiredoFigueiredo
Figueiredo
RevelesReveles
Reveles
CostaCosta
Costa
#e#6
Diogo Carreira (180-G-78) of Sport Lisboa Benfica
Miguel Minhava (197-G-83) of Sport Lisboa Benfica
Filipe Da Silva (185-F-86) of ALM Evreux Basket (FRA)
Joao Figueiredo (183-G-79) of Porto Ferpinta
Joao Reveles (187-G-80) of Aleluia Ceramicas/Rota Da Bairrada
Jose Costa (187-G-73) of Casino Figueira Ginasio
Joao Santos (205-C-79) of Sport Lisboa Benfica
Miguel Miranda (205-F-78) of Ovarense Aerosoles
Carlos Andrade (197-F-78) of Bruesa-Guipuzcoa BC (ESP)
Fabio Lima (196-C-88) of AB Merida Patrimonio de la Humanidad (ESP)
Joao Gomes (199-F-85) of Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (ESP)
Rui Mota (190-G/F-78) of Ovarense Aerosoles
Fernando Sousa (192-F-81) of Ass. Academica de Coimbra
Elvis Vora of Sport Lisboa Benfica
Nuno Cortez (205-C-82) of Ovarense Aerosoles
Jorge Coelho (200-C-78) of Porto Ferpinta
Manuel Sico (202-F/C-88) of Barreirense/Unilogos
Mrio Gonalves of CAB Madeira
Marco Gonalves of Sport Lisboa Benfica
David Gomes (200-F-86) of CAB Madeira
Head Coach: Moncho Lopez

Carlos Andrade is fully portuguese now - by Bruno Baltazar
The dilema that we noticed a couple days ago is now a less dilema for Moncho Lopez the portuguese national head coach.
The problem was Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, college: Queens (NC)) was consider as a naturalized player for FIBA but now and after more then 1 year with this process the portuguese federation with FIBA says Carlos Andrade for now on will no longer be considered a naturalized player but a fully portuguese player ,like any other player that was born in Portugal ,with this situation Moncho Lopez now will have to cut between Joao Gomes (199-F-85) and Manuel Sico (202-F/C-88) as the only naturalized player that can compete for Portugal in this qualification to be compete this summer.
Great news and more options for Portugal do well in this summer.

Players called for Moncho Lopez - by Bruno Baltazar
The complete list of players that will start working with Moncho Lopez on June 28th are:
Guards: Diogo Carreira (Banfica), Miguel Minhava (Benfica), Filipe da Silva (Evreux, Fra), Joo Figueiredo (FC Porto), Joo Reveles (Vagos) and Jos Costa (Ginsio Figueirense).

Forwards: Joo Santos (Benfica), Miguel Miranda (Ovarense), Carlos Andrade (Bruesca, Esp), Fbio Lima (Mrida, Esp), Joo Gomes (Breogan, Esp), Rui Mota (Ovarense) and Fernando Sousa (Acadmica).

Centers: Elvis vora (Benfica), Nuno Cortez (Ovarense), Jorge Coelho (Gijon, Esp), Manuel Sic (Barreirense), Mrio Gonalves (CAB Madeira), Marco Gonalves (Benfica) and David Gomes (CAB Madeira).
The 1st phase of cutting players will happen next Saturday ,the first exam will be against Finland on July the 8th ,the 2nd phase will be from July 10-12th playing a triangular tournament against the powerfull and well known Angola ,Brazil and Angola again.
On the 25th and 27th Portugal will face in Italy a tournament playing against the home team,New Zeland and Canada,on the 29th and 30th of July they face 2 games against Bulgary and then its game time against Bosnia Herzgovina (August 5th in Portugal and away in 14th) and Belgium (11th away and 20th at home)in group A ,if they win that group they will face the winner of the other group (Italy,France or Finland) for the last place in the European to be held in Poland from 7-20th September.

*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO   


Lions rebound from Loss by beating Criollos - by Luis Ramirez
Playing without any of their two import players, the Ponce Lions beat the Caguas Criollos 82-71. The Lions played without Lee Nailon who is recovering from a nagging ankle injury and they let go Aaron Mcghee last week and are awaiting a new import player this week. The game started at an even pace as both teams ended the 1st quarter tied at 23 points. In the 2nd quarter the Lions took control of the game as the first half ended 42-39. Caguas tried to keep pace with the Lions in the 2nd half with import Matt Freije who would go on to score 26 points for the Criollos. But in the 4th quarter it was all Lions as they went on a offensive run to close out strong in their win. For Ponce, Roberto Jose Hatton (187-G-76, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Marist) scored 24 points while Raul Orta followed with 20 points. For Caguas, Matt Freije scored 26 points followed by Jose Luis Rivera with 13 points.

In other BSN action, the Mayaguez Indians surprised the Quebradillas Pirates, 89-84. The Pirates took an early lead in the game as the 1st quarter came to an end 26-20, but it was the 2nd quarter which turned it all around for the Indians, they were able to have a great offensive run in this quarter to take control of the game, the 1st half ended with the Indians leading 46-39. In the 2nd half the Pirates tried to keep pace but time ran out for the Pirates. For Mayaguez, James Maye scored 23 points followed by Giovanni Jimenez with 18 points. For Quebradillas, Shawn Redhage and Peter John Ramos both scored 20 points, Ramos also grabbed 16 rebounds for the Pirates.

In the last game of the night, the Santurce Crabbers thrashed the Humacao Grays 113-87. The Crabbers jump out in the lead in the 1st quarter 34-30. They continued to pad their lead as the game went on and in the 4th quarter completely blew the Grays away as they scored 33 points in that quarter while the Grays would only score 17 points. For Santurce, Larry Ayuso scored 24 points followed by Jameel Watkins with 16 points. For Humacao, Roberto Nieves scored 17 points followed by James Life with 16 points.


Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
 1. Arecibo 21-6 
 2. Quebradillas 20-8 
 3. Santurce 20-8 
 4. Bayamon 18-9 
 5. Carolina 15-13 
 6. San German 14-13 
 7. Mayaguez 14-14 
 8. Ponce 12-16 
 9. Guaynabo 7-20 
 10. Caguas 7-21 
 11. Humacao 4-24 


*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


Fedor Likholitov to join Unics - by Eurobasket News
Different Russian basketball resources have reported that Fedor Likholitov (210-C-80, college: Va Commonwealth) signed a one-year contract with Unics. A 29-year-old centre played for Ural Great in the previous season. He averaged 10.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in the Superleague. His EuroChallenge stats came up to 11.9 points, 7.3 boards and 1.1 blocks.
Fedor Likholitov played for Triumph Lyubertsy, Dynamo Moscow Region, Aris and Virgin Commonwealth in NCAA. He played for Russian National team at the EuroBasket 2005. Likholitov also triumphed at the ULEB Cup with Dynamo.



Khimky Moscow Region gets Euroleague wild card for season 08/09 - by Eurobasket News
As it was expected, Russia will have two teams in Euroleague 08/09 regular season. After many days of speculations will BC Khimky Moscow Region and Russian Basketball Federation succeed in their intention to get the special invitation, the official confirmation was announced yesterday. On the Euroleague official website it is announced that BC Khimky Moscow Region will compete in Euroleague 08/09 directly in regular season, skipping the pre-season Qualifying Round. Of course, except of Khimky there also will be the Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow. Khimky had very good last season managing to reach EuroCup and Russian Finals, but they were not able to grab any of these two trophies. Despite that, Khimky will have big budget for the next season and for sure will have important role in this elite European competition.
There will be 13 teams with A Licenses and 8 teams with one-year B Licenses in regular season. Eight team 8 teams are placed to pre-season Qualifying Round, of which the two surviving teams will also earn one-year licenses. All are pending finalization of the team registrations.
The teams with A license are Greek Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, Israeli Maccabi tel-Aviv, Italian Lottomatica Roma and Montepaschi Siena, Lithuanian Zalgiris, Russian CSKA Moscow, Spanish Regal Barca, Tau Ceramica, Real Madrid and Unicaja, Turkish Efes Pilsen and Fenerbahce Ulker.
With B license we have 8 teams. Croatian champion Cibona, French ASVEL, German Bonn or Oldenburg, Italian finalist Armani Jeans, Polish Asseco Prokom, Serbian and Adriatic league champ Partizan Belgrade and Slovenian Union Olimpija. Of course there also will be the Lithuanian and EuroCup champion Lietuvos Rytas.
The wild card for regular season belonged Russian BC Khimky Moscow Region Moscow Region. The Russian Basketball Federation also supported BC Khimky Moscow Region and there was no doubt they will get the Euroleague wild card.
Beside these, two more teams will join in regular season from the pre-season Qualifying Round. There we will have German ALBA Berlin, French Orleans, Italian Benetton and Greek Maroussi. We will also have there Belgian Charleroi, Latvian Ventspils, Ukrainian Azovmash and another French team, Le Mans.
Qualifying Round draws that will take place on July 8.

*****************************************************
  SENEGAL   


Senegal basketball star tries to give back - by Eurobasket News
He moves across the sand-specked basketball court swathed in the glossy dark blue jersey of his old Japanese pro team, a keepsake from a career that propelled him around the world.

Now back home in Africa, playing among friends, Ndongo N'diaye (214-C-77, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Delaware) is in no hurry to impress anymore. But when a crosscourt pass comes his way, time stands still for a moment.

The 7-foot-1 Senegalese hoop star snatches the ball from the air with remarkable swiftness, slamming it home in one deft motionjust like the old days.

Not long ago, Ndiaye lived the life of a professional international athlete, scoring kudos, cash and respect on courts from the U.S. to Lebanon to Japan.

Plucked from teenage obscurity by an American scout, he turned basketball into a 14-year trek across the globe, experiencing things along the way that people in his tiny West African village never had, from hot showers to the finest sashimi and sake.

Earlier this year, Ndiaye moved back to Dakar to start a new career in business, imbued with a fresh perspective on the world. But the nation he left is unchanged. Its still full of kids just like he was once: naive and inexperienced, desperate to escape the continents crushing poverty and unemployment.

They are there in the basketball academy in Senegals interior that he visits, the promising high school students hoping for professional careers in the West. They are there, sometimes, on his doorstep, the young kids who cannot afford school, who may never play the game well.

Basketball helped me to have an education, see new things, travel, make a little bit of money, Ndiaye said in an interview. And the best thing I can do with that is come back here and help.

As the number of African players in the United States begins to climb, The Associated Press counted more than 170 of them in U.S. colleges last season.

With many more pursuing the great American hoop dream, Ndiayes story offers a glimpse of what it takes to break outa combination of talent, work, timing and flexibility.

The potential in this country is unbelievable as far as basketball, Ndiaye said of his native Senegal. But most kids here are never given a chance.

When Ndiaye was growing up in Sadio, a village some 130 miles east of Dakar, everyone he knew seemed to have the same goal. Get out of this country and start a new life, he recalled.

The aim: find a job, make enough money to come back, support family and friends.

He had never heard of basketball before. In Sadio, there were no courts or even TV.

The first time he picked up a basketball was when he went to high school in Dakar at the age of 16.

Already a head taller than his peers, Ndiaye stood out. Boys teased him. Girls wouldnt have anything to do with him. The alienation proved advantageous: with little else to do, he was soon playingand improvingevery day.

He joined the high school team, and in his senior year, an American recruiter from the University of Maine showed up.

The man looked at Ndiaye and said, Holy God, youre 7-foot-tall! Ndiaye recounted. Why dont you try out?

The recruiter left, and two weeks later calledoffering a one-year scholarship to a U.S. prep school where Ndiaye could learn English and try his chances at college.

The prospect was daunting. America, from the movies hed seen, appeared to be a violent frontierland.

I thought Id be armed, live with black gangster-rappers or white cowboys, Ndiaye said.

Before leaving, his father handed him a good luck charm, a small pouch made of goatskin to be wrapped around the waist on a thin string. It contained a prayer written in Arabicto protect me against guns, Ndiaye shrugged with a smile.

In the fall of 1995, Ndiaye boarded a plane for the first time in his life. Soon, he was gazing down at the world from above the clouds.

Instead of Wild West gunbattles and gangland drive-bys, the Senegalese teen discovered quiet American suburbia and lived in a dorm on the campus of Suffield Academy, a private Connecticut prep school founded in 1833.

He fell in love with it, and America.

It was everything Senegal was not. The cars were big. The houses were big. The roads were trash-free and paved. And unlike Senegals dry and dusty climate, greenery was omnipresentin neatly trimmed lawns, in lush swaths of treetops.

His coach took him shopping for clothesthe school dress code required blue blazers and khaki pantsand tied his tie each morning because Ndiaye didnt know how.

He took his first shower with hot-running water. And then, in the campus dining hall, he spied something bizarre: a drink dispenser filled with cold milk.

They told me you dont have to drink it all, if you need more, its still gonna be there, he said. But I was hungry. My mind was hungry. It was all so overwhelming.

Ndiaye gulped down five glasses at each meal one day. By nightfall, he was in bed with stomach pains so bad, he never tasted milk again.

Ndiaye felt no racism. But people sometimes stared or joked at his height. When they did, he turned their comments into a conversation-starter, winning instant friends with a capacious smile and a warm personality.

He deciphered the world by looking and listening. He barely spoke English, and history class sounded more like gibberish. After a few months, though, he began to understand, and excel.

He won a basketball scholarship to Providence, which recruited him to play center. Wanting more time on the court, he transferred to Delaware in his sophomore year.

By the time he graduated in 2000 with a degree in business administration, he was good enough to take a shot at the NBA.

He signed for a two-week training camp with the San Antonio Spurs. It paid $25,000, and put him right up there in heaven, he said.

The NBA dream, however, quickly crashed. Ndiaye was cut and for a time, crushed. But he settled for the next-best thing: the minor-league American Basketball Association. He helped the Detroit Dogs to victory in the nascent leagues first-ever championship, and realized second-best wasnt so bad.

I was doing something I loved, and getting paid for it, he said.

The ABA didnt pay enough, though, so Ndiaye sought more lucrative salaries with professional teams outside of the U.S., living out of a suitcase in countries as far-flung as Japan, Lebanon, France, Syria, Tunisia, Angola and Saudi Arabia. The pay was much less than NBA standards but still allowed for a comfortable living.

Basketball was the same everywhere, but every country was a new experience, he said. You play a few hours a day and the rest of the time you learn about a new culture, a new religion, how to live with other people. Thats where I really grew up as a person.

And most important, perhaps, Ndiaye felt he had become a man.

He could take care of himself, so he bought himself clothes, shoes, a gold necklace.

He could take care of others, so he sent money home.

In 2001, he built an eight-bedroom house for his mother and family. A year later, he got married to a Senegalese woman he met through a friend and started a family.

Pro sports is a young mans game, and after one last pro stint in Saudi Arabia, Ndiaye finally moved home in February to settle down.

His countrymen, he noticed, regarded him differently than before.

When you come back with money in your pocket, people expect that now you can help them out, he said. You have a certain status in your family. You have respect. People love you more.

These days, Ndiaye sits in the living room of his small Dakar apartment on a brown leather couch. There is a large flat-screen TV, a Persian rug, gold-colored curtains, and in his hand, a small, sweet cup of coffee.

A poster on the wall shows him staring fiercely ahead with the Japanese team Fukuoka Rizing, who he played with in 2007-08. He had enjoyed a special status thereas the leagues tallest player.

At home, Ndiaye exudes an American-style, can-do spirit of entrepreneurialism.

He keeps an apartment in Delaware. And the apartment he owns in Dakar is part of a complex he is building to rent out.

He fiddles with his cell phone and pulls up the number of Senegals most popular traditional wrestler, a muscle-bound man named Tyson, and says he wants to promote him stateside.

He recounts Senegals woescorruption, trash, lack of developmentand expounds on improving agricultural production.

Hes gotten involved in politics and goes to opposition party meetings, something he never thought hed do.

We are not a poor continent. But we live very poorly because of the way we behave and handle things, he said. I want to see what I can do to help, and I think the best way is to change peoples mentality.

He marvels at the American concept of personal responsibility, the unity of Japanese society, and wonders why there is so much trash in Dakars streets.

Basketball opened my eyes and allowed me to see things from a different perspective, Ndiaye said. Ive seen how other people live, how other governments function, and I always say, why not us?

A few years ago, Ndiaye spotted the legs and head of a young mechanic sticking out from under a car in the Senegalese town of Thies.

Do you play basketball? Ndiaye asked.

The teen said he didnt know anything about the game.

Well, you should, Ndiaye shot back.

The mechanic was Mouhamed Sene (notes). Now aged 23 and 6-foot-11, Sene is a center for the New York Knicks.

Ndiaye takes no credit. He simply introduced Sene to fellow countryman Amadou Gallo Fall, a chief scout for the Dallas Mavericks who created a basketball academy in Thies that Sene attended called SEEDS, short for Sports for Education and Economic Development in Senegal.

Founded in 2003, SEEDS did not exist when Ndiaye was growing up. If it had, he believes, he might have made the NBA himself.

Ndiaye tries to visit the academy each week or two, helping mentor the couple dozen kids there being groomed for a chance at pro careers. The teenagers sometimes meet NBA coaches and players. A pictorial flier recounts each students physical assets and wingspan for recruiters.

A decade ago, only a handful of foreign scouts visited Senegal each year, Ndiaye said. Today, they come by the dozens.

If you qualify, you are definitely going somewhere, because the connections are there, the routes are done, Ndiaye said. Coaches are calling me all the time, asking, Do you know any interesting kids? Back when we were growing up, it was not that way.

Ahead of a recent practice match on the waxed wood floor of SEEDS only indoor courtwhich looks like an American high school gymtwo dozen lanky teens gathered in a circle and listened to Ndiaye talk about the importance of body language on the court.

Be confident, he told them. Show you have the desire to win.

Asked what they want to do in life, the students answers are prudent: Accountant. Businessman. Scouting agent. Doctor.

Ndiaye says they all dream of the NBA, but the reality is, their chances of making it are small, he said. Those who succeed are those who do more than others, who try more than others, everyday.

Still, most have a good shot at winning scholarships to American universities or playing in European clubs. And even if they dont, the art of basketball can teach a lot more than court skills.

Ndiaye spoke of a 16-year-old who comes to his home on Sundays, a boy abandoned by his father, whose mother has diabetes and cant walk. The boy is a good point guard, but not good enough for SEEDS. Ndiaye buys him shoes, makes sure hes got food and what he needs for school.

We want every kid to learn they dont have to be a failure. They can be successful at whatever they do in life, Ndiaye said. Basketball can teach you that.

Courtesy of Yahoo (http://sports.yahoo.com)

*****************************************************
  SERBIA   


Rakocevic set to miss European Championship ? - by Eurobasket News
Serbian National Team will most likely have to compete in Poland this year without one of its best players. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78), who recently signed with Efes Pilsen, may miss out on EuroBasket 2009 because of injury. Rakocevic sustained it during the Playoff Finals he played in Spain with Tau Ceramica. His team lost to Barcelona 3 games to 1, while Rakocevic has aggravated his old Achilles injury and probably is looking for a summer long rest. Rakocevic looked set to return to Serbian National Team after appearing at World Championships in Japan in 2006 last time. Serbia was without him during the qualification cycle, but he has stated that he is looking forward to leading the team in Poland. Now, it seems that he will have to wait for another chance to play for Serbia. In Poland Serbia has been drawn in tough group which includes Spain, Slovenia and Great Britain.
Igor Rakocevic started his career with Red Star Belgrade. In 2000 he was drafted by Minnesota Timberwolves as 52nd overall pick. After the year in the States, Rakocevic returned to BC Buducnost with whom he won the title in 2001. After a 2nd stint with Red Star, Rakocevic moved to Spain where he signed with Pamesa Valencia in 2004. In Spain, Rakocevic developed into one of ACB best players, also playing for Real Madrid and Tau Vitoria. He had most success with Tau with whom he has won lot of awards including Spanish ACB Supercup in 2006 and 2008, ACB Title in 2008 and Spanish Cup in 2009.

Novica Velickovic in Real Madrid - by Zoran Popovic
Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) former BC Partizan Igokea Beograd player, signed contract with Real Madrid. Velickovic signed two years contract, with possibility to extend for one more season. Yesterday Velickovic passed all medical tests and today will be officially present. Last season Velickovic average scored in Euroleague 10.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.7 steals, in Adriatic league 12.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals and in Serbian Superleague 10.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
Novica Velickovic debut in BC Partizan Igokea Beograd senior team in season 2004-2005 and played next four great seasons for Serbian Champion. In that period Velickovic with BC Partizan Igokea Beograd won 5 Serbian Championships, three times Adriatic league and two times National cup Radivoj Korac. Velickovic was member of Serbia and Montenegro U16, U18, U20 National team and won Bronze medal in Moscow 2005 and Gold medal in Izmir 2006. His debut for senior National team Velickovic had on European Championship in Spain, last year showed great games during the qualifications for European Championship in Poland 2009. Novica Velickovic winner of the 2008-2009 Rising Star Trophy, voted by Euroleague head coaches.


*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


Pezinok rebuild roster - by Eurobasket News
The Slovakian Extraliga vice-champions Pezinok are looking to reshape the roster before the upcoming season. Its become known that Lorenzo Williams (191-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Rice) and Matas Niparavicius are due to leave the team before the new season.
Lorenzo Williams played a key role in Pezinok schemes during the season. A 25-year-old guard was among the best scorers in the league. He averaged 20.8 points, 5.8 assists and 3.2 boards per game. Lorenzo Williams was also a spectacular player winning the Slam Dunk Contest during the 2009 All-Star Game festivities.
Matas Niparavicius (207-C/F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: Weber St.) moved to Pezinok from Pardubice in February 2009. He played 10 games in the Extraliga scoring 9.8 points and pulling down 4.3 rebounds per appearance. In Czech Republic a 27-year-old power forward averaged 4.6 points and 3.3 boards per game.
Meanwhile some of the core players have agreed to extend their relationship with the team. Andrej Lukjanec (203-F/C-69), Branislav Brlit (205-C-85, agency: Promotex), Dusan Snopko (195-G-75), Marek Kozlik (187-F-86), Richard Urland (195-F-84) and Peter Micuda (206-C-72) opted to stay with the team in the next season. Moreover Frantisek Ron will guide the team in the new season. The Czech specialist will replace Milan Cernicky . Frantisek Ron worked with Ostrava for six straight years leading the team into the Czech Cup final in 2007.


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


Elektra inks Kostomaj, target Miljkovic - by Zeljko Zule

Elektra Esotech inked Tadej Kostomaj (186-G-87) ex Zlatorog for the upcoming season and is negotiating with Milos Miljkovic (205-C-84) ex Zlatorog.
Sencur CPK (B-1) signed Gregor Jankovic (192-G-77) ex TCG Mercator, Dejan Buncic (-77) ex Cerknica (B-1) and Dusan Dolinar (204-C-81) ex Cerknica.

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


They Call Him The Korean Magic - by Rick Ross
All-Star Forwards Hyun, Yang Retire

Hyun Joo-Yup (196-C/F-75) of the LG Sakers announced his retirement Wednesday,
just one day after KT Magic Wings player Yang Hee-seung,
Hyun's former teammate at Korea University, announced that he too will be leaving the court.
Hyun, who had been rehabbing his knee after surgery on May 7,
is under contract with the Sakers through next season,
but has said that he now wants to a coach.

The 33-year-old, dubbed the Korean Barkley,
will leave a lasting impression on the Korean Basketball League after a nine-year career.
The 1.95-meter power forward averaged 13.3 points, 5.2 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 397 career games.
Hyun, who recorded seven career triple-doubles,
was known for his playmaking ability.
He ranked second in assists with 7.83 per game in 2004-05,
leading many to call him a point forward.

Hyun was drafted first overall in 1998 by the SK Knights.
He was traded to the Goldbank Clickers in 1999 and then signed with the Sakers in 2005.
Last season, he averaged 6.7 points, 3.3 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 44 games.
The well-mannered player received just five technical fouls in 2005-06, which earned him the Fair Play award.
Yang, meanwhile, reluctantly made the decision to leave the game after he was put on waivers by Busan.
The 34-year-old shooter has been hampered by shoulder and knee injuries over the past two years.

The 1.92-meter fan favorite averaged 10 points per game until the 2006-07 season,
but saw his average drop to 7.8 points in 35 games last season.
Yang felt he could have come back and played another season.
My knee injury was exaggerated too much,Yang said.

I don't have anything to say right now,'' he added disappointedly.
While two former Korea University stars have retired, three still remain
Shin Ki-sung of the MagicWings, Kim Byung-chul of the
Daegu Orions and Lee Kyu-sup of the Samsung Thunders.

Meanwhile, Korea University's archrival Yonsei University still has four star graduates playing in the
KBL _ Lee Sang-min of the Thunders, Seo Jang-hoon of the
ET Land BlackSlamer, Woo ji-won of the Ulsan Mobis and Cho Sang-hyun of the Sakers.

By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter

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


Unicaja's Thomas Kelati close to get Polish citizenship - by Eurobasket News
According to information from Spanish media, Unicaja's guard Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) is set to receive the Polish citizenship. Reason behind this move is that Kelati could stay on at Unicaja as domestic player if he receives it. Since Kelati has previously played in Poland, and is also married to Polish citizen, he is eligible to receive the citizenship. Still previous attempts were not successful so it is yet to be seen if this time Kelati will have more luck.
Thomas Kelati started his career with Washington State in NCAA. After 4 seasons at the collegiate level, Kelati signed his first professional contract in 2005 with Dexia Mons-Hainaut. In 2006 he has won the Belgian cup. Following season, Kelati transferred to Polish Turow Zgorzelec, where he quickly became fan favorite. He helped Turow to reach 2 Polish Cup Semifinals and 2 Playoff Finals, but came up short winning the title. In 2008, Kelati also helped his team to reach ULEB Cup quarterfinals, after averaging 14.8 points and 3.2 rebounds in 15 games. Good games in ULEB Cup did not go unnoticed, and for season 2008-2009 Kelati signed with Unicaja Malaga. With Malaga, Kelati appeared 16 times in Euroleague averaging 11.8 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. In Spanish League Kelati played in 37 games recording 10.3 points and 1.7 rebounds per game.

Granca keeps Sanders, Uriz stays in Bruesa - by Eurobasket News
Kalise Gran Canaria announced signing of contract extension with Melvin Sanders (196-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma St.) for season 09/10. Sanders appeared 32 times in ACB 08/09 averaging 10.3 ppg and 9.2 rpg. In EuroCup he played 8 games adding 14.3 ppg and 2.6 rpg. Sanders joined Granca last summer from Unicaja Malaga. Actually he spent second half of the season in Malaga, after he was waived by Panellinios Athens. In 2007 he helped French Pau-Orthez to win the Pro A championship title averaging 12.2 ppg and 3.4 rpg. His Granca had pretty good last season reaching the Playoff Quarterfinals. Sanders' ex team Unicaja stopped them there with 2-1.
Bruesa GBC extended contract with Ricardo Uriz (189-G-80) for two more years. In means it will be fifth consecutive season for Uriz with the team. Last season he averaged 3.7 ppg and 2 apg in 30 games. Bruesa finished regular season as No.12 with 11-21 record. Before Bruesa, Uriz was a member of Alicante, Valladolid and Los Barrios. As 18-year old played he spent two years with Tau Ceramica.

Bilbao lands Chris Warren from Air Avelino, Zaragoza hires Jose Luis Abos as HC - by Eurobasket News
Iurbentia Bilbao Basket added American / Panamanian player Chris Warren (196-F-81, college: S.Carolina), who spent last season in Italian Air Avelino. Warren demonstrated nice performance in Euroleague registering 16.2 ppg, 5 rpg and 2.7 apg for 10 games. In Serie A he had 14.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 2 apg for 28 appearances. Air Avelino entered to 08/09 season with big expectations, but they ended it with less than average result. Before the Italian team, Chris Warren played two and a half season for Cibona Zagreb. In 2008 he was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Defensive Player of the Year'. A year before he was 'Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 League Forward of the Year'. Warren also has experience from Serbian Reflex, Portuguese Oliveirense Cacarola and Mexican Panteras de Aguascalientes. He graduated at South Carolina University in 2003.
Meanwhile, CAI Zaragoza agreed terms with coach Jose Luis Abos to take over the team. The main goal of Zaragoza next season will be to get back to ACB for 2010/11. Abos spent last 3 years working as a head coach of Drac Inca Mallorca. As a reminder, Zaragoza was relegated from ACB because of unlucky home loss in the last round of regular season. Murcia grabbed 60-59 win thanks to free throw by Taquan Dean at the very end.

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


SAM Basket Massagno inks American Mark Kelley - by Eurobasket News
LNA team SAM Basket Massagno announced signing of American player Mark Kelley (204-F/C-84, college: Cal-Irvine). The 25-year old power forward / center arrived from Swedish team Plannja Basket Lulea, where he averaged 11 ppg and 7.9 rpg in 11 games. Season 07/08 he spent in German TV Langen with pretty good digits. For 29 games he registered 17.1 ppg and 7.6 rpg. He finished the season as the second best rebounder with 1.9 bpg. In 2007 Mark Kelley graduated at the Cal-Irvine University (NCAA1). In his senior year he averaged 9.1 ppg and 5.2 rpg. Meanwhile, Chris Grimm (207-F/C-84, college: Marquette) decided not to extend contract with the club. SAM Basket Massagno finished last season as No. 11 in LNA with 4-17 record. That of course was not enough for the Playoffs. In the next season the team expects much better results.

Echallens BBC hired new head coach for season 09/10. It is Michel Pasche, who used to work with LNB team Pages Jaunes Pully. He also has experience with BBC Cossonay.

*****************************************************
  TOURNAMENT OF THE AMERICAS   


Mexico calls up 22 players for TOA-preparations - by Kristian Santiago

(By FIBA Americas)

ADEMEBA gave a list of 22 players called for the Mexican National Team that will train for the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship to be played in San Juan, Puerto Rico from August 26 to September 6.

The practices begin on June 28 at Centro Nacional de Alto Rendimiento in Mexico City under head coach Arturo Guerrero .

The players called are:

Omar Quintero (183-G-81, college: S.Nazarene),

Enrique Zuniga (193-G-76, college: Grand Canyon),

Pedro Meza (187-G-85, college: Arizona W. CC),

Christopher Hernandez (188-G-83, agency: Octagon, college: Stanford),

Raymond Castillo (196-G/F-82, college: UTPA),

Anthony Pedroza (191-G-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon),

Miguel Ayala (198-F/G-82, college: UTEP),

Victor Mariscal (198-F-72),

Anthony Esparza (196-F, college: Pacific),

Jesus Lopez (205-F-83, college: SW Baptist),

Noe Alonzo (200-F-83, college: Grand Canyon),

Stephen Soriano (201-F-84, college: Mesa St.),

Romel Beck (203-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: UNLV),

Omar Lopez (203-C-80, college: Cal.Baptist),

Hector Hernandez (206-F-85, agency: European Basketball Agency, college: Fresno St.),

Arim Abdul Solares (202-F/C-83), Gustavo Ayon (209-F/C-85, college: San Jose St.),

Lorenzo Mata (205-C-86), Ramses Benitez (210-C-79),

Victor Avila (209-C-77, college: Oklahoma),

Horacio Llamas (212-C-73, agency: Interperformances)

and Adam Parada (213-C-81, agency: Octagon, college: Cal-Irvine).

In the last FIBA Americas Championship (World Qualifier), Mexico finished tenth in the standings and in the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship (Olympic Qualifier) they ended seventh. The Mexican teams wants to qualify for their first FIBA World Championship since 1974.



*****************************************************
  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO   


TT CBC team chosen! - by Albert-Lee Young
Twelve players have been selected by Head coach Terry Layton and Assistant coach, Joseph Lenny Guy, to represent Trinidad & Tobago at this years Caribbean Basketball Championships from 30th June to 4th July in Tortola, British Virgin Island.

The team is a combination of experience and youth with the youngest being nineteen year old Kyle Rowley, 7, who plays with Northwestern University in the NCAA Big 10 Conference.

Five members from the 2007 team have been retained. They are veteran Miguel Williams, Stephen Lewis, Kurt Christian, Wilfred Benjamin and Julius Ashby. The rest of the team are debutants; Kenyatta Alfred, Kern George, Reginald George, Marlon Pompey and Ian Young.

The other members of the contingent are former national player, Mervyn Jackson who will serve as the Trainer; Equipment manager, Wayne Samuel; and Albert Lee Young, Coordinator. Also travelling will be Brian Manning, President of the NBFTT and referee Curt Alexander.

Trinidad & Tobago will be playing in Group A against Jamaica, Barbados and Bahamas. The other, Group B, comprises of Cuba, Antigua, British Virgin Islands and Bermuda. TT first game will be on 30th June against a tough Jamaican team led by a high profile technical staff headed by former NBA coach & player, Sam Vincent.

In the last CBC Tournament, TT finished ninth in the standings without any wins. This year, the team is much more optimistic about their chances and wants to qualify for the 2010 CENTRO Basketball Tournament, then their first FIBA Americas Championships.


The first three teams will qualify for the 2010 CENRTO Basketball Championships.


*****************************************************
  TURKEY   


Ufuk Kacar is going to play for Oyak Renault - by Mustafa Bozkurt
Experienced forward just agreed terms with Oyak Renault...He signed for 2 years contract... Ufuk Kacar also ll be the team captain of Bursa team. Kacar finished the season at Mutlu Aku Selcuk and he averaged 10.3 points 4.2 asists and 2.8 rebounds in 26 minutes. Bursa team also added their roster, Mutlu Demir, Ozgur Biyik and Alpaslan Uruk a few days ago and they finalized the domestic player roster. Oyak's coach Yucel Platin is going to decide 3 new imports now....



*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


New Breed Basketball Association (St. Croix) - by David Edole
New Breed Basketball Association
NBBA 2009 Schedule

Guidance
Ujima
Lakers
Speak the Word
Umoja

Hoyas
Chosen One
Rockers
Legacy
North Star

Game Time 7:15 pm, second game 15 minutes after
All Games will be played at Educational Complex


Friday June 26th
Ujima vs. North Star
Guidance vs. Legacy

Saturday, June 27th
North Star vs. Rockers
Speak the Word vs. Chosen One

Sunday, June 28th
Umoja vs. Lakers
Speak the Word vs. Legacy

Monday, June 29th
Rockers vs. Umoja
North Star vs. Hoyas

Tuesday, June 30th
Legacy vs. Hoyas
Lakers vs. Guidance

Thursday, July 2nd
Lakers vs. Speak the Word
Ujima vs. Umoja

Monday, July 6th
Hoyas vs. Speak the Word
Guidance vs. Ujima

Tuesday, July 7th
Chosen One vs. North Star
Rockers vs. Ujima

Thursday, July 9th
Speak the Word vs. Guidance
Hoyas vs. Lakers

Friday July 10th
Chosen One vs. Legacy
Ujima vs. Lakers

Saturday July 11th
North Star vs. Speak the Word
Guidance vs. Rockers

Monday, July 13th
Chosen One vs. Umoja
Hoyas vs. Ujima

Tuesday, July 14th
Legacy vs. Rockers
Guidance vs. North Star

Thursday, July 16th
Legacy vs. Ujima
Chosen One vs. Lakers

Friday, July 17th
Rockers vs. Ujima
Guidance vs. Umoja

Saturday, July 18th
Hoyas vs. Rockers
Lakers vs. Legacy

Monday, July 20th
Umoja vs. North Star
Speak the Word vs. Ujima

Tuesday, July 21st
Speak the Word vs. Umoja
Guidance vs. Chosen One

Thursday, July 23rd
Legacy vs. North Star
Chosen One vs. Rockers

Friday, July 24th
Legacy vs. Umoja
Lakers vs. Rockers

Saturday, July 25th
Chosen One vs. Ujima
Hoyas vs. Umoja

Monday, July 27th
North Star vs. Lakers
Hoyas vs. Chosen One


Wednesday, July 29th
Hoyas vs. Guidance.


Jam Squad, One Unity win in ABA hoops action - by David Edole
ST. THOMAS - Jam Squad cruised to a 105-72 victory over V.I. Finest in ABA Men's Summer Basketball League action on Tuesday night at the BCB gym.

Akil Lewis (183-G-82, college: Lynn) led the way for Jam Squad with 24 points and five assists, he was followed by St. Clair Warner with 21 points and 14 rebounds, and Steve Gardner (170-G-85, college: J.and Wales (FL)) with 18 points.

V.I. Finest was led by Fitzroy Dunrod with a game-high 31 points, followed by Jamal James and Weston Matthew with 11 points each.

In the scond game, One Unity defeated TWI, 82-64, off 15 points by Shamal Caines, and 14 points each by Khalid Gerard and Jabahri Brown (209-F/C-79, college: Oklahoma).

Brown also added 11 rebounds. TWI was led by Nahshon Jeffers with 19 points, Ramon Castillo with 15 points and Robert Duck with 14 points and six rebounds.


*****************************************************
  WBA   


Standings
WBA Standings
 1. Buford M. 7-1 
 2. Cartersville W. 6-3 
 3. Decatur CK 5-2 
 4. Tupelo 5-3 
 5. Memphis B. 0-7 
 6. Rome Rage 0-8 
Expansion Teams
 1. Macon B. 0-0 
 2. Marietta S. 0-0 
 3. Palm Coast 0-0 
 4. S.Crescent L. 0-0 


Warriors beat Rome for third straight WBA victory - by David Archer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Written by: Joe Myers, PR Director
770-298-1335
josephc.myers@yahoo.com

Cartersville, GA - The Cartersville Warriors continued their late-season surge Wednesday night, beating the Rome Rage, 88-76, in a world Basketball Association contest in Rome.

The Warriors (8-3, 6-3 WBA) have now won four straight games overall and three straight in the WBA going into their regular-season finale against the Buford Majic Sunday. Meanwhile, Romes struggles continued as the Rage fell to 0-7 with the loss.

'I think the guys are playing well right now,' said Cartersville head coach Cory Baldwin. 'We've got our rotation set and everybody really knows their roles on our team. In the games we've won, we've had several different leading scorers and tonight was'nt any different.

Veteran guard Jermaine Spivey led the Warriors with 20 points and eight assists. Andrew Jones pitched in 18, Bobby Brown finished with 17 and big man Darnell Cox put up a double-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks.

Jermaine has been playing a lot of point guard for us lately and hes really doing a good job of getting everyone involved, said Baldwin. (Jones) has been one of our top scorers all season, but (Brown) really gave us a spark tonight when we needed it. He hit three 3-pointers that gave us a lift.

Cartersville led almost the entire way, opening up a 28-point lead in the third quarter before Rome made a run to close the gap. The Rage got to within seven points with four minutes left in the game, but Cartersville took care of its business down the stretch and held off Rome for the win.

Shan Finley led Rome with 25 points, while Latece Williams turned in a nice performance with 21. Mike Dean was held to a season low 14 on the night. Nathan Charles had 10.

'One of the biggest reasons we won tonight was our defense,' said Baldwin. 'We held Rome under 80 points again and did a good job on the defensive end of the floor.'

Cartersville now closes out its regular season Sunday against the WBA-leading Buford Majic. Tipoff for the game at J.H. Morgan Gymnasium is set for 4 p.m. and after the Warriors beat Buford, 95-86, in Buford on June 19, Baldwin knows Buford will be looking for revenge.

We know Bufords going to come ready to play, said Baldwin. We want to play well, hopefully end the regular season on a high note and carry some momentum into the playoffs.




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

Women News

*****************************************************
  BELGIUM - Women  


Sara Bas moves to Brno - by Eurobasket News
Sara Bas (196-C-87, agency: LBM Management) has agreed on terms of contract with Valosun Brno. The 22-year-old Belgian centre will have her first experience abroad. She played for Runkster for three years before moving Point Chaud last season. There Sara Bas averaged 11.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in the regular season. In playoffs she scored 10 points and grabbed 5.5 boards per appearance. Bas also was the member of U18 and U20 Belgian National teams. In 2008 she joined the Senior National team.


*****************************************************
  CAMEROON - Women  


Cameroon reach 2009 Afrobasket - by Eurobasket News
Cameroon National Team have reached 2009 Afrobasket. They held off DR Congo in two-game series to qualify for the main event of the continent.
The teams clashed in the qualifying series of the Zone IV. The teams met twice in Yaounde. The first game went in favor of the hosts as they celebrated a 56:43 victory.
DR Congo had their backs against the wall in the second encounter and tried to stay aggressive. They trailed by just 4 points at the main break 19:23 but could not threaten Cameroon in the second half. The hosts coasted to a 58:41 victory at the end and booked the spot at the 2009 Afrobasket. Ndjonkou topscored with 21 points for Cameroon. Muganza responded with 10 points in defeat.
The 21st Africa Nations Championship for women will be held from the 4th trough 13th of September on Madagascar. Cameroon joined seven teams that had already qualified for the tournament. These are Madagascar, Mali, South Africa, Rwanda, Mozambique, Senegal and Angola. There will be twelve teams participating at the tournament.


*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Sara Bas moves to Brno - by Eurobasket News
Sara Bas (196-C-87, agency: LBM Management) has agreed on terms of contract with Valosun Brno. The 22-year-old Belgian centre will have her first experience abroad. She played for Runkster for three years before moving Point Chaud last season. There Sara Bas averaged 11.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in the regular season. In playoffs she scored 10 points and grabbed 5.5 boards per appearance. Bas also was the member of U18 and U20 Belgian National teams. In 2008 she joined the Senior National team.


*****************************************************
  D.R. CONGO - Women  


Cameroon reach 2009 Afrobasket - by Eurobasket News
Cameroon National Team have reached 2009 Afrobasket. They held off DR Congo in two-game series to qualify for the main event of the continent.
The teams clashed in the qualifying series of the Zone IV. The teams met twice in Yaounde. The first game went in favor of the hosts as they celebrated a 56:43 victory.
DR Congo had their backs against the wall in the second encounter and tried to stay aggressive. They trailed by just 4 points at the main break 19:23 but could not threaten Cameroon in the second half. The hosts coasted to a 58:41 victory at the end and booked the spot at the 2009 Afrobasket. Ndjonkou topscored with 21 points for Cameroon. Muganza responded with 10 points in defeat.
The 21st Africa Nations Championship for women will be held from the 4th trough 13th of September on Madagascar. Cameroon joined seven teams that had already qualified for the tournament. These are Madagascar, Mali, South Africa, Rwanda, Mozambique, Senegal and Angola. There will be twelve teams participating at the tournament.


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Standings Div.A (Women)
Standings
Group E (Liepaja)
1. Spain5-0
2. Slovakia3-2
3. Latvia3-2
4. Greece2-3
5. Czech Repub.1-4
6. Poland1-4
Group F (Valmiera)
1. France5-0
2. Russia4-1
3. Belarus2-3
4. Italy2-3
5. Turkey2-3
6. Lithuania0-5


*****************************************************
  FINLAND - Women  


SM-SARJA: Catz signed with Miikka Sopanen - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Catz (Lappeenranta) has found a new Head Coach. Team Catz and Miikka Sopanen , 35, have signed a 1-year-contract (2009-2010). Sopanen has not
been coaching on women's side earlier. Last season Sopanen was coaching in Kotka, but KTP fired him during the season. Sopanen is now replacing Tommi
Koskinen, who cut his contract with Catz because of crisis of confidence. Koskinen was Catz Head Coach for four seasons (2005-09) winning twice Finnish
Cup. Catz is hunting the first Finnish Championship then with Sopanen and assistant coach Mika Haakana.

*****************************************************
  GERMANY - Women  


Royals ink Brittany Wilkins - by Moritz Korff
The reigning German champ and cup-winner Saarlouis Royals has made a deal with Brittany Wilkins (191-F/C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Iowa St.) regarding the 2009-2010 season. The 26-year-old Forward/Center previously played in the WNBA and also has made some experiences in overseas basketball. Wilkins had stints in Switzerland, Australia, Sweden and Turkey. During 2008-09 she played 11 games for Botasspor Adana from Turkey and averaged 4.9 points, 5.3 rebounds per contest.

Leipzig: Kollo arrives - Sterner leaves - by Moritz Korff
Rita Kollo (183-G/F-86) has inked a one-year contract with the BBV Leipzig Eagles and will strengthen the DBBL outfit on the 2 and 3 spot. The 23-year-old from Budapest was a member of the Hungarian National Team in 2008. She spent the past years in the USA, playing NCAA basketball for Oklahoma State and the University of Oregon Oregon. In 2008-09 however, Kollo didn't appear in a single game for the Ducks.
Meanwhile Caroline Sterner (175-G/F-83) is leaving Leipzig. According to the Eagles' website she will join the SV Halle Lions for the upcoming season.

*****************************************************
  GREECE - Women  


A1 Womens Stats Leaders
A1 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Tierney, Liosia 21.8
2 Dimitrakou, Meg. 21.4
3 Solverson, Apol. 20.4
4 Koch, Liosia 16.6
5 Kennedy, Olymp. 16.5
Rebounds Per Game
1 Tierney, Liosia 12.3
2 Cracklin, Olymp. 11.9
3 Davis, Raven. 11.1
4 Kerr, Apol. 10.3
5 Dimitrakou, Meg. 8.8
Assists Per Game
1 Ploubi, Liosia 5.6
2 Gouzini, Athinai. 5.1
3 Kostaki, Panth. 4.6
4 Derevjanik, Apol. 4.0
5 Spatharou, Panath. 3.7
Steals Per Game
1 Mouli, Siemens 3.0
2 Smith, Apollon 2.8
3 Koch, Liosia 2.6
Blocks Per Game
1 Miller, Faliro 1.4
2 Davis, Ravenna 1.2
3 Skiadop., Siemens 1.1
2FGP
1 Davis, Athinai. 67%
2 Miller, Faliro 64%
3 Solverson, Apol. 59%
3FGP
1 Thorn, Panath. 52%
2 Tomakaki, Apol. 45%
3 Wilson, Panionios 44%
Free Throws
1 Smith, Apol. 81.0%
2 Solverson, Apol. 79.0%
3 Dimitrak., Meg. 77.0%


*****************************************************
  ITALY - Women  


A1 market update - by Carlo Grilli
Here below the update for the 14 top Italian teams:

Taranto: Rebekkah Brunson (191-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) should return; Flavia Prado and Monica Bello were not confirmed; at their place the Italian Champions aquired Sara Giauro (190-C-79) from Napoli and Angela Gianolla (171-G-80) from Priolo; another big newcomer is Jami Montagnino (173-G-85, college: Tulane) from Ribera.

Venezia: New coach (Eugenio Dalmasson ) and new post players (Laura Harper (193-F/C-86, college: Maryland) and Elena Paparazzo (193-C-73, agency: Players Group)). Farewell to Vanessa Hayden and Essence Carson; Gunta Basko (181-F-80, college: Siena) will renforce the backcourt.

Schio: big impact under the glass with the newcomer Bernadette Ngoysa and Marissa Coleman (185-G/F-87, college: Maryland).

Faenza: Geraldine Robert (184-F-80) from Villeneuve dAsq will take the Milka Bjelica's place; Italian International Beatrice Sciacca (175-G-83) will join the team after 4 years spent in Priolo.

Parma: Ines Ajanovic (196-C-80) and Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, college: Cal-Irvine) are the foreigner newcomer, Elena Bestagno (180-G-91) and Alessandra Formica (189-F/C-93) ore the Italian ones for new coach Stefano Michelini .

Sesto San Giovanni: Penicheiro and Tillis are gone away, and they have been replaced by Nuria Martinez Prat (176-G-84) from Schio, Bernice Mosby (186-F-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Baylor) and Debora Danzi (192-C/F-75).

Priolo: no official arrival yet for the Sicilian team.

Como: new foreign coach (Dragomir Bukvic ), Susanna Stabile (178-G-80) for the backcourt.

Napoli: market in stand-by.

Umbertide: many mouvements: Chelsea Newton, Benedetta Bagnara (178-G-87, agency: LBM Management), Chiara Consolini (182-F-88), Aisha Mohammed (191-C-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Virginia) and Mina Maksimovic (190-F/C-83) will join the team.

Livorno: Marjorie Carpreaux (165-G-87, agency: LBM Management), Mara Buzzanca (172-G-76) and Malgorzata Babicka (185-F/C-85, agency: Promotex) will come in. Gaither comes out.

Pozzuoli: Confirmed Goryanova and Dixon, the other two foreigner players will be Laurence Van Malderen (193-C-81, agency: LBM Management) and Mercedez Walker (191-C-85).

Cavezzo: market in stand-by

Pontedera: market in stand-by


Italian U20 team register back-to-back wins over Israel - by Eurobasket News
Italian U20 National team continued to prepare for the European championship that is slated to start on July 9 in Gdynia, Poland. Recently Italy played two friendly games against Israeli counterparts in Taranto. Both encounters went in favor of the hosts.
The first game was rather a one-way traffic as Italy dominated from start to finish. They posted a 47:15 lead at halftime. Israel never recovered in the second half as Italy cruised to a 90:57 victory at the end. Giulia Gatti (172-G-89) and Martina Crippa scored 11 points apiece to pace Italy. Martina Bestagno (189-F/C-90) added 10 points for the winners.
The next day the teams met again. Israel looked ready to take a revenge as they seemed much more aggressive in the first half. But the hosts easily matched the effort and cleared off to a 49:32 advantage at the main break. Italy kept their opponents at bay in the second half finalizing a comfortable 90:70 victory at the end. Martina Crippa delivered 15 points to pace the charge. Clelia Corsi (193-C-89) had 12 points in the victory.


*****************************************************
  SPAIN - Women  


LFB2 Standings - by Eurobasket
LF2 Standings
Group A
 1. Burgos 23-7 
 2. Real Canoe 23-7 
 3. Cajarural 22-8 
 4. Ferrol 22-8 
 5. Extremadura 21-9 
 6. Pio XII 21-9 
 7. Alcobendas 20-10 
 8. Bembibre 18-12 
 9. Comervia 13-17 
 10. Adba 11-19 
 11. Caceres 11-19 
 12. CREF Hola 9-21 
 13. Ensino 8-22 
 14. Ourense 8-22 
 15. C.B Conquero 6-24 
 16. Aros 4-26 
Group B
 1. Girona 26-2 
 2. Navarra 25-3 
 3. Viladecans 21-7 
 4. Sant Adria 20-8 
 5. Cajacanarias 18-10 
 6. Biurrarena 16-12 
 7. Casablanca 16-12 
 8. Valls Vane 13-15 
 9. Alvargomez 12-16 
 10. Tenerife 10-18 
 11. Irlandesas 8-20 
 12. Segle XXI 8-20 
 13. Ibaizabal 6-22 
 14. Lima-Horta 6-22 
 15. Jovent 5-23 


*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND - Women  


Riva Basket Ceresio returns head coach Piergiorgio Manfre - by Eurobasket News
Riva Basket Ceresio decided to return its former head coach Piergiorgio Manfre. After not so brilliant last season, the team made decision to get back to previous system with Manfre on the bench. Riva was No.6 in LNA 08/09 regular season with 9-12 record. In the Playoff Quarterfinals Sierre smashed them 3-0.
Piergiorgio Manfre spent last season a head coach of Italian A1 team TermoCarispe La Spezia. In 2008 he led Riva Basket to championship title in Switzerland. In 2007 Manfre also was a HC of Riva and they reached LNA Semifinals. In Swiss National Cup they reached the same stage. Last season Manfre's Spezia was the last ranked team in A2 - Group South. They had poor 6-20 score.

In the meantime Brunnen Basket decided not to continue cooperation with its head coach Milenko Tomic. The coach took over Brunnen in 2005 leading it to Swiss Cup Semifinals in 2006. Last season they ended as No.9 in LNB. Season 07/08 they finished on the fifth place in LNA.

*****************************************************
  WBCBL - Women  


Stealth Look to Extend Home Winning Streak to Three Games - by Willie McCray
Toronto, Canada

After spending the last two weeks on the road, the Stealth will be back home this Saturday to host the Detroit Dolphins in what looks to be a very hotly contested game.

While the Stealth narrowly lost both road games, Toronto welcomes back the Dolphins to Ryerson's Kerr Hall Gym in what is fast turning into a rivalry between the two cross border teams. On the road trip, the Stealth battled the Dolphins on their home floor June 20 falling 81-56. Kim Lee led the way with 11 points followed by Nikki Schutz with 10.

The Stealth (2-3) currently have a record of 1-2 against the Dolphins with every game played having been soaked in a very heated atmosphere. In the first game of the season, the Dolphins blew out the Stealth at Kerr Hall but in Detroit's return to Toronto June 6th, Toronto would come out victorious winning a close game 79-74. Kim Lee had led the Stealth in the victory posting 18 points and 7 rebounds.

This game is looking to be a battle of titanic proportions this weekend and the gym should be loud for the tip off. The Dolphins will be looking to improve on their division leading record while the Stealth will be looking to extend their home winning streak to three straight, two straight against Detroit .

Come be a part of the raucous crowd and help support the Stealth to a win. The game is set for a 7:00 p.m. start this Saturday, June 27, 2009 at Ryerson University's K err Hall Gym with tickets available at the door or by reservation.

For more information on the Stealth or to reserve tickets please contact:

Matt Slan
Slan Sports Management
info@slansportsmanagement.com
416.219.4946


*****************************************************
  WNBA - Women  


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


Elbow sprain sidelines Sun rookie center Chante Black - by Eurobasket News
Connecticut Sun rookie center Chante Black (6'5''-C-85, college: Duke) suffered a moderate sprain of her left elbow during Sunday's victory over San Antonio at Mohegan Sun Arena. She is not expected to play in Connecticut's next game, on Saturday against Atlanta. Her condition will be evaluated following that game by team physician Ammar Anbari. Black was injured in the third quarter of a 71-58 Connecticut victory when she tried to brace herself while falling. She was on the way to her first career double-double, with 11 points and eight rebounds, when she was hurt.

Meanwhile, Washington's Alana Beard (5'11''-G/F-82, college: Duke) and Seattle's Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) were named WNBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week. Katie Smith became the first player in WNBA history to record 5,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 900 assists and 300 steals in her career against the Fever on June 21. Against the Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm starters Sue Bird, Swin Cash and Lauren Jackson each scored 20 or more points. The three combined for 68 of the team's 93 points. The Atlanta Dream notched their first-ever victory against the Washington Mystics with the second-highest point total (93) in team history on June 19, 2009. Chamique Holdsclaw recorded her first double-double of the season against the Washington Mystics, the team that drafted her No. 1 overall in 1999. The Connecticut Sun set a franchise record for assists with 30 against the Sky June 19. Over the weekend, Ruth Riley and Tammy Sutton-Brown became the fifth and sixth players in league history to block 400 career shots. Today's Quotes RICK MAHORN on his first game as head coach: 'It's mixed emotions. Bill has a great legacy here and it's some big shoes to fill but I think if your team gets out there and competes like the way we know we can and plays Shock basketball, I'll be OK sitting in that chair.' DetroitShock.com, June 19, 2009 JEN GILLOM on how Seimone Augustus is doing following her season-ending knee injury: 'She is in better spirits than she was (on Thursday). She was more talkative this time. You couldn't get a word out of her before because she was so upset. I think she's kind of accepted it a little bit and is starting to think about the future. She said she wants to be with this team and wants to support this team and she's going to be there at every practice, which shows a lot of character for her. We're going to need her.'

Sky and Monarchs weekly update - by Eurobasket News
The Sky looked for a fourth straight win in the season and their second consecutive victory over the Connecticut Sun Friday night, but instead had their worst loss this season, 91-61. The loss marked the first of a three game road series for the Sky. The Sky were led by Kristi Toliver (5'7''-G, college: Maryland) with 14 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, making 4 out of 5 from behind the arc.

The Sky traveled to Washington to take on the Mystics Saturday night, looking to rebound from the 30 point loss to Connecticut, but fell short in the fourth quarter losing the game by 9 points, 81-72.

SKY TRAVEL TO ATLANTA TO FACE THE DREAM

The Sky travels to the Atlanta to face the Dream after defeating them at home in their season opener 81-73. Chicago leads all-time against Atlanta 4-1. Tuesday night's game in Atlanta is the last and final stop for the Sky, ending their three game road trip.

HOMEWARD BOUND: SKY RETURN HOME AFTER 3 GAMES ON THE ROAD

The Sky (3-3) will host the Washington Mystics (4-1) Saturday at 7p.m.at the UIC Pavilion. Saturday's game will be the second time the team meet this season, after the Sky lost to the Mystics 81-72 in Washington. The Sky is 4-7 all-time against the Mystics, who are currently in first place in the Eastern Conference.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sites/times are subject to change. Please call (312) 994-5984 to confirm schedule. All practices are open to media for the final half hour.

- Monday 6/22: In ATL

- Tuesday 6/23: Sky vs. Atlanta Dream, at the Philips Arena, 11am CDT, Live on WNBA Live Access at www.chicagosky.net

- Wednesday 6/24: Practice at Attack Athletics, 10am to 1pm

- Wednesday 6/24: Bank of America Food Drive, 3pm - 5pm (address below)

- Thursday 6/25:Practice at Attack Athletics, 10am to 1pm

- Friday 6/26:Practice at Attack Athletics, 10am to 1pm

- Friday 6/26: Pitney Bowes Reading Timeout, 2pm Toman CPL Branch

- Saturday 6/27: Sky vs. Washington Mystics, at the UIC Pavilion, 7pm CDT, Live on WNBA Live Access at www.chicagosky.net

- Sunday 6/28: OFF

BANK OF AMERICA FOOD DRIVE

Candice Dupree, Shyra Ely, KB Sharp, Dominique Canty, Armintie Price, Sylvia Fowles and Head Coach and General Manager Steven Key will bag and distribute food to over 150 families in the Chicago area on Wednesday, June 24. The team will join forces with Bank of America and the Food Depository's Mobile Pantry, which brings food to communities that have a high concentration of poverty and relatively low levels of Food Depository food assistance. The food pantry mobile unit and Chicago Sky will be at 6401 S. Sangamon Street Chicago, IL 60621 from 3pm to 5pm.

The Sky invites fans to donate canned goods to Will Feed Community Organization's Food Drive, at the June 30th game against Sacramento Monarchs at 7pm CDT. Every participant who donates 5 canned goods will receive a ticket voucher good for a game during the 2009 regular season.

PITNEY BOWES READING TIMEOUT

Chicago Sky forward Brooke Wyckoff, Chicago Public Library and Pitney Bowes are tipping off the 2009 Fast Break to Reading Program this Friday, June 26 with a Reading Timeout at the Toman Branch located at 2708 S. Pulaski Road. The event will begin at 2pm and each child in attendance will receive a ticket to attend a Chicago Sky game.

MONARCHS NEWS & NOTES

Time For a Repeat?

Sacramento finished the 2003 season with a record of 19-15 and finished the 2004 season with a record of 18-6, followed by win- ning the WNBA Championship in 2005. More recently, the Monarchs ended the 2007 season with a record of 19-15 and the 2008 season with a record of 18-16; if Sacramento follows this pattern, this year could be a repeat of its title season.

Monarchs Home and Away

The Monarchs all-time home record is 134-62, while their all-time away record is 79-121.

Bench Play

In 2009, the Sacramento bench has outscored its opponent's bench in five of six games. The Monarchs are 1-4 when they outscore op- ponents and 0-1 when their opponents outscore them.

First to Score

In 2009, the Monarchs are 1-2 when they scored first and 0-3 when their opponent scores first.

MONARCHS 2009 TRANSACTIONS

Jan. 29: Signed guard/forward Hamchtou Maga-Ba; re-signed Chelsea Newton, Ticha Penicheiro, DeMya Walker...March 20: Acquired center/forward Barbara Farris from Phoenix in exchange for guard A'Quonesia Franklin and forward Kim Smith...Apr. 9: Selected center Courtney Paris (7th overall), guard Whitney Boddie (20th over- all) and guard Morgan Warburton (33rd overall) in the 2009 WNBA Draft...May 25: Waived center/forward Barbara Farris...June 4: Waived guard Charel Allen, guard Whitney Boddie and guard Morgan Warburton...June 5: Waived guard Miao LiJie.

COurtesy of the Chicago Sky and Sacramento Monarchs

Last games (3) - Wins for Sky, Lynx and Silver Stars - by Eurobasket News
Chicago S. - Atlanta D. 99-98
The Chicago Sky grabbed 99-98 thriller win in Atlanta last night improving to 4-3 record in Eastern Conference. Jia Perkins (5'8''-G-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Texas Tech) top-scored for the winners with 22, while Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) added 20 points and 10 rebounds. On the other side, the hosts got 26 points and 8 assists from Angel McCoughtry. Her team fell to 3-4.

New York L. - Minnesota L. 57-69
Candice Wiggins (5'11''-G-87, college: Stanford) was in a game mood last night, what was enough for the Lynx to grab the 5th win of the season (5-3). Wiggins spent 28 minutes on the floor draining 25 points, with 4 of 6 from behind the arc. Roneeka Hodges (5'11''-G-82, college: Florida St.) added 10 pts. In Minnesota Lynx (4-4), Chameka Chrison collected 25 pts and 6 rebs (6 triples).

Phoenix M. - S.Antonio SS 87-91
The Silver Stars made it mostly owing to Belinda Snell (5'11''-F-81), who scored 21 points for 23 minutes on the floor. Rebecca Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.) returned from the European Championships in style collecting 19 pts and 5 boards, while Ruth Riley added 16 pts and 5 rebs. Cappie Pondexter and Diana Taurasi combined 48 points in defeat.

Candace Parker says she'll return to action within six weeks - by Bruno Baltazar
Sparks forward Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) said today she would return from her maternity leave in up to six weeks. She also said she planned on practicing within two weeks.
'We're going to play it by ear,' Parker said. 'Practice, see how my wind is, things like that. Obviously I'm not going to be able to come back and play 30 minutes. Hopefully I can come back and contribute a little bit.'
would return to the Sparks' lineup July 29, when they play at Chicago. The Sparks, however, play only one home game in July, against the Phoenix Mercury on July 5, making it likely that the WNBA's most valuable player and rookie of the year last season would make her debut on the road.

She said this past week has been the first she's practiced with the team present, albeit in a limited capacity. Parker spent Tuesday shooting jump shots with Coach Michael Cooper and assistant coach Marianne Stanley in separate sessions for about a total of 30 minutes -- the maximum allotted time Parker says her doctor has allowed her to exercise.

On Monday, Parker met with Cooper and General Manager Penny Toler to update them on her status.

'I told them that I feel good and I feel like I'm pretty much a few pounds heavier than my playing weight,' said Parker, who played last year at 175 pounds. 'But I pretty much got back down to where I was, give or take five or seven pounds. That will burn off in the first week in practice.'

Toler would not discuss their conversation, saying, 'What we talked about is private, not for the newspapers.' Cooper wouldn't share details other than his assessment about her shooting session.

'She looks good,' Cooper said. 'She's doing something right. That's it.'

In a conference call with reporters late last month, Cooper revealed that he would gradually phase Parker into the lineup when she returned.

'It'll be a transition,' he said. 'We'll be into rotations and combinations by that point so it'll be a slow progress for her. Our offense has changed a little bit from last year. It's going to take her some time. As I mentioned, she's done a great job keeping herself in shape physically, but mentally will be the bigger issue for her climbing back into it.'

On May 13, Parker delivered her first child, a girl named Lailaa. Parker, who is married to Shelden Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves, said she feels 'better than I thought I would,' after giving birth. Within two weeks, Parker said her doctor cleared her to exercise, including shooting and cardiovascular workouts.

'I'm getting my timing back and I feel comfortable spot-up wise,' Parker said. 'That's all I've been able to do for the last nine months. In terms of off the dribble, that's where I'd struggle more. '

Hayden misses practice

Center Vanessa Hayden missed today's practice because of what Cooper termed 'personal business.' He said Hayden would be at practice Wednesday. Hayden started in the Sparks' 67-47 victory over Sacramento Sunday, after Lisa Leslie suffered a sprained right knee against Phoenix Friday. Hayden and forward Tina Thompson led the team with 12 points.

Cortesy of LA Times

Silver Stars guard Crossley out 3-4 weeks - by Eurobasket News
San Antonio guard Shanna Crossley-Zolman (5'10''-G-83, college: Tennessee) will have arthroscopic surgery Wednesday morning to repair the torn meniscus in her left knee.

She is expected to miss three to four weeks.

Crossley scored 12 points off the bench in Friday night's loss at New York, then missed Sunday's game at Connecticut.

She has appeared in two games this season, averaging 6.0 points per game. Crossley missed the 2008 season with a torn ACL in her left knee.

She appeared in every Silver Stars game during the 2006 and 2007 seasons, averaging 7.9 points per game.

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

Fans can listen to all Silver Stars games live on Ticket 760 throughout the season.

Courtesy of The San Antionio SIlver Stars